Chalk it up to CCP

The Silent Harbor – Creek sneaks aboard Pony’s reputed death ship by starlight and finds still more mystery in Chapter 10 of Last Light, P.5

Water & Fire – MWD strengthens fire readiness with robust supply, upgraded hydrants, and close coordination with local fire agencies, P.22

Wrong Turn Magic – A missed turn leads to sweeping reservoir views, farmstead cheeses, and memorable stops across Sonoma and Marin, P.28

Easter, Elevated

Easter unfolds in full bloom at San Ysidro Ranch, where luxury meets playful springtime tradition, plus more eggadjacent fun around Montecito, page 12 Casting Forward

A powerhouse Lobero panel including Tom Skerritt explores how A River Runs Through It reshaped fly fishing, culture, and conservation, page 20

Easter CHampaGNe BrUNCH

April 5, 2026

Begin Your Easter with a Basket of House Made Bakery Items and choice of Champagne, Mimosa, Ty Bellini or Fresh Juice

FirST

Spring Asparagus Salad

Belgian White Asparagus, Iberico Ham, Organic Egg Croquette, Salad of Frisée and Radicchio, Aged Manchego

S eet Pea Ravioli

English Peas, SYR Garden Mint, Beurre Blanc, Parmesan Emulsion

Grilled California Quail

Coco Vert Beans, Morel Mushrooms, Warm Pancetta Vinaigrette

Maine Blue Crab

Citrus Vinaigrette, Avocado, Cucumber, Seagrass

ENtree

Maine Lobster Benendi t Potato Rosti, Avocado, Arugula, Hollandaise Sauce

Crispy Braised Lamb Shoulder

Heirloom Cauliflower, Crispy Garbanzo, Couscous, Harissa Yogurt, Moroccan Spice, Cilantro, Pickled Onion, Preserved Lemon

Chilean Seabass

Mussels, Gnocchi, Asparagus, Saffron Cream, Crispy Shallot Bread Crumbs

Sna e River arms Gold Label Striploin

Baby Beets, Tuscan ale, Leek Puree, Morel Mushroom Jus

Dessert

Dessert Buffet

En oy a decadent buffet of Easter themed pastries and sweet treats

until 3/31 We proudly honor Mr. & Mrs. Nick Weber for their outstanding contributions and enduring impact on the community. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to service truly embody the spirit of Notre Dame. Here’s to 100 years of tradition and the remarkable individuals who shape our story.

Tickets

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The Water Column – MWD does some spring cleaning – replacing hydrants, improving defensible spaces and collaborating with Montecito Fire

Your Westmont – Museum guests journey through history, baseball returns from Hawaii, and track hosts events

Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A reader’s vase tells of innovative potters, industrial espionage, and records lost in the tumult of the early 20th century

Travel Buzz – An unexpected turn on Leslie’s road trip leads to scenic views and plenty of cheese in part two of her northern California sojourn

Sheriff’s Blotter

Curator’s Choice – A manatee skull and its “marching molars”

News Bytes – A Picasso for 100 euros, Monte’s now open, an anniversary celebration for the Inclusive Arts Clubhouse, and more tidbits

Calendar of Events – Parading painted elephants, pinhole snaps, a java jolt symposium, and much more this week

On Entertainment – It’s fast cars, loud accordions and a touch of “Winter” at the Symphony’s upcoming Bella Italia, and Booker T. Jones jams back into town

Sporting Life – Flys, rods, and Tom Skerritt all convene at the Lobero as A River Runs Through

Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales

Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles

Montecito Reads

Every now and then, a story comes along that refuses to stay put. It lingers on your nightstand. It sneaks into conversation. For us, Last Light in Paradise is one of those stories, and we’re delighted to let it loose, one chapter at a time, in the pages of the Montecito Journal. Well, at least the first ten chapters for the time being – then you can purchase the book at one of our local beloved bookstores (Chaucer’s, Tecolote, and Godmothers) or from the QR code below.

This book marks a first for us… Last Light in Paradise is the inaugural book published by MJ Media Group. Yes, we’re dipping a toe – perhaps a barefoot run – into the world of book publishing, guided entirely by our belief in a novel that is as cinematic as it is soulful, as local as it is timeless.

Set against the luminous backdrop of 1930s Santa Barbara, this is a tale of love and loss, mystery and reckoning, populated by unforgettable characters and infused with the kind of atmosphere that feels both dreamlike and deeply true. We invite you to settle in, turn the page, and join us at the edge of paradise… just as the light begins to change.

Last Light in Paradise

by Michael C. Armour

Chapter 10: Part 1

At the airport, a man said the plane was probably a 1929 Curtiss Robin with a fancy paint job on the nose. It had put in from L.A. the day before and left earlier today. Nobody knew its ownership, but an L.A. base probably meant Hollywood. Creek didn’t think they’d be returning, with a punctured wing.

It was nearly eight-thirty, and the sun was just setting. He headed for the harbor.

He found the harbor master in the Neptune Club, drinking with fishermen. After showing his star, Creek learned that the boat was still strung to a salvage crane on the patrol barge at the main launch. The man said to come back in the a.m., and Creek could look at it all he wished.

Creek took his big flashlight and walked through the maze of docks and slips until he found the barge. The boat was a “one-lung” inboard twenty-five-footer. It was in bad shape. Creek examined the wounded hull, the shattered bow, the spliced stanchions, and the tangled mast. A mast nearly thirty feet could have produced a harsh fall, but this one did not. None of it was authentic. The destruction looked about as natural as any sledgehammer and crowbar could make it. He took the wire he had found at the crime site and tried to match it to any rigging on the boat. Not a single strand came close. He scoured the boat by flashlight to see what might have caused the rectangles of bruise found on Pony’s body, but nothing matched. Even the gunwales were too short and too narrow. Finally, he turned to the transom, to the place where something had gouged out of its planking the name and number of the boat, making its origins untraceable.

It was possible that Pony had been in this boat, had climbed the makeshift ladder to free something high on the mast, and had fallen. The mast looked to be thirty feet tall, and a hard drop from near that height might slice a head loose.

But, there was no blood.

He heard voices in the distance. Someone hollered, so he cut his light and slid into the darkness. They came a few minutes later, beaming their

Montecito Reads Page 344

KELLY CAMPBELL Director of Membership Sales

805.455.2587 MONTECITOCLUB1918.COM

Beings and Doings

Attack of the Effable

by Jeff Wing

Scanning from East to West in the U.S. you get a sort of shorthand recapitulation of the country’s spiritual evolution, from Calvinist Plymouth Rock Pilgrims to California Governor Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown whose girlfriend, rock warbler magnifique Linda

“Wait!

I can explain!” – Eye of God/Helix Galaxy (public domain)

Ronstadt, was known to roller skate around the swinging gubernatorial manse. We seemed to shed or modify certain doctrinaire beliefs as we headed west. Possibly the Donner Pass incident had a dampening effect on Faith in Things Unseen. Just a theory.

Long before the church-going, buckle-crazed pilgrims, humans would tilt their little heads and puzzle nourishingly at the wheeling seasons, the depthless blue dome of midday, Tik Tok influencer income. Wonder suffused daily life. Then came the Age of Enlightenment, also known as The Reductionist Downer. The Answer People burst in clapping their hands like schoolmarms and began hollering explanations. Newton, Kant, Rousseau, Voltaire, Locke, laissez-faire liturgist Adam Smith, Hume; these overwrought smarty-pants knew it all, and they waved their remonstrative forefingers in our faces and scolded us for our centuries of childish attraction to the ineffable. Suddenly the self-impressed world was all about the Effable, excuse me. By the time Bohr and Schrödinger “figured out” the atom, the puzzling began anew. Something about cats?

Know-it-Alls Bring the Party Down

Emboldened by the idea that a whole Age of Man would soon be named after their blabbermouth exploits, these Reason-crazed thugs began lustily dismantling supernature itself, turning a flower (for example) into a numbingly explicable machine with a pistil, a stamen, a peduncle, and a bunch of other utterly practical, obscene-sounding parts. Okay, guys, we get it! For about 150 years a steady and pressurized diet of Science, Logic, and Rational SelfCongratulation was pumped into the upturned yap of western civilization like boiled corn through a foie gras duck fun-

“You’re gonna take your Enlightenment and your gonna like it, see?”

nel. Scientific rigor became hip, religion became the fat, slow-moving target of the leering New Science Class, and lots of serious-looking guys in frankly pitiable wigs began the excited but joyless business of slapping away humankind’s distracted thousand-yard stare. From this distance we can now say this has not been completely helpful. The Age of Enlightenment was never more ruinous than when it infected the Star Wars franchise in the bet-hedging Phantom Menace episode, wherein the previously mystical Force, once reverently described by Obi-Wan as a kind of unifying field of positive energy, is awkwardly reimagined as a side-effect of swarming amoeboid midi-chlorians in the Jedi plumbing. I guess Lucas lost his nerve. Industrial Light and Magic? Try Industrial Light and Age of Reason Fraidy-Cats. Hey, science downers. Go talk in the garage or something!

Complainants

Please Take a Number

But what’s to complain? These rationalists are on our side, right? We all want to get to the bottom of All This, right? Yeah, but the swagger. Something happened back there during the Age of Reason. Empiricism adopted a

Children’s Creative Project Student Support Through Chalk & Art

by Steven Libowitz

The I Madonnari Street Painting Festival, much-beloved mainstay of Memorial Day weekend for many decades, is more than two months away. But for Children’s Creative Project – the longstanding local nonprofit that has produced the festival since its founding – it’s already time to gear up and get ready. I Madonnari, inspired by the romantic Italian festival in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy, came to Santa Barbara in 1987 at the urging of Children’s Creative Project founder Kathy Koury, and was the first of its kind in the western hemisphere. Now, some 40,000 people turn up to drop by the festival that turns the blacktop in front of the historic Santa Barbara Mission into a canvas for dozens of spectacular if ephemeral works of art using nothing but colored sticks of chalk. I Madonnari is plenty popular, but it’s a good bet that a decidedly small percentage of the folks that frequent the festival have any idea that it’s the Children’s Creative Project’s primary fundraiser of the year, much less exactly what it is that CCP does.

Changing that dynamic has been among several public awareness goals of Kai Tepper-Jahnke, who succeeded local legend Kathy Koury a few years ago as executive director of the Santa Barbara County Office of Education’s nonprofit program. Tepper-Jahnke, who previously served as Outreach Program manager for the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation and executive director for The Arts Fund prior to that, is now shepherding CCP as it continues its work to support individual schools and school districts throughout the county in arts education programming.

CCP strives to create programs that meet each school or district’s specific needs and budgets with visual and performing arts workshops conducted by resident artists, and multicultural performances presented by professional touring artists. Through innovative programs and immersive experiences, the organization works to empower children to discover the boundless possibilities of their imagination, fostering the growth and development of young minds through the truly transformative power of the arts. And it’s all done in close collaboration with the

individual school or district to ensure that the programs have maximum benefit, far from a one-size-fits-all approach. If that’s new to you, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

“I was born and raised here,” said Tepper-Jahnke. “I grew up going to the festival. I grew up benefiting from Children’s Creative Project programs as a kid because I went to public schools. And it wasn’t until I collaborated with Kathy in my capacity at the Bowl that I started to understand the breadth of what Children’s Creative Project does, which is truly incredible.”

Happy National Doctors’ Day

Some of the relevant numbers include reaching 70,000-80,000 children annually during school hours and after school in more than 80 schools in Santa Barbara County; since their inception, providing nearly 97,570 hours of art instruction to students, and staging more than 63,525 unique school assembly experiences. That sort of reach and approach is why back in 1999, Children’s Creative Project was among fewer than a 100 nationwide model arts education programs recognized by First Lady Hillary Rodham

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Letters to the Editor

Free the B’s

We are sad to learn that the wonderful Miss B’s in Summerland is unable to open. I have been walking by the location at the corner of Lilly and Olive, and chatting with the owner, Sara , for over a year. She explained her vision for a young child’s club and art venue, and I’ve watched it come to fruition in the sweetest, most attractive form imaginable. She had an open house in December and the interior exceeded the exterior in charm. We all expected to soon enjoy the sounds of kids having a good time. Unfortunately, as Sara explained when we met recently there is conflict with the property owner, plus county zoning requirements of which she was unaware. She says she’s still fighting and, hopefully, will win for the all the little kids who would so enjoy Miss B’s lovely space. And also for us residents who see this venue as a terrific addition to Summerland.

Cheryl Niccoli, Summerland

Confused and Dazed, Confessions of a Pawed Operator

He awoke to the sounds of the freeway; he wasn’t used to hearing this. Once he was a highland bear and now a lowland bear. He was happy he found a new den; however, it would take a while for him to adjust to it. And he was still arranging his space, which came furnished. A bonus and a detriment at the same time, the furnishings were appropriately fitted but the art on the walls wasn’t his and he needed to set up his stereo, sans speakers, because he lived in a crowd-

ed compound and there were HOA rules and times he needed to abide by; not a huge issue, he could still listen and dance, just not like he could on The Hill.

Dance!!

But not now, there was still much to get done, and he’d better do it, he thought, memories of the move still fresh on his brain. His pastime of working in his audio laboratory was finished, he’d never touch a scope probe, oscilloscope, or distortion analyzer again. No space for that. Besides, in a frantic, manic state, he had given all his test gear away. How in the world would he make ends meet now? With aching bones and sweaty fur, he pulled his life’s possession from storage. It was costing money to keep it there and his goal was to have the two closet sized rooms empty before the end of two months. Heartbroken, tired, and trying hard to see the light, he carried on.

His neighbors were as curious about him as he was of them, they weren’t like Connie Cougar and her cubs, though. No – these were close neighbors who didn’t know Carlos or fully trust him. Every time he’d left his den to do laundry – his den was furnished but lacked a washer and dryer – they would come out to throw trash away or recycle. He knew this was normal, but he felt like an outsider, adding pain to pain. His need for problem solving – the kind electronics provided – was making him edgy, his paws and brain were devoid of thought-provoking puzzles. The TV answered that concern. How the heck was he not able to get a signal to his headphones? Slowly and methodically, he went about the process just as he

Letters Page 334

Local News

Lompoc Fire Chief Set to Be New Montecito Fire Chief

by Joanne A Calitri

After the official announcement of Montecito Fire Chief Neel’s retirement, a due diligence search commenced to fill his boots.

The Montecito Fire Protection District Board made a conditional offer to Lompoc Fire Chief Brian Fallon a few weeks ago, and paperwork is being reviewed as we go to press. Of note, SBC First District Supervisor Roy Lee shared with me at a charity event last weekend that he met the new Montecito Fire Chief, thus likely a done deal.

Fallon will start as the new Fire Chief for the Montecito Fire Protection District on April 1. He is being mentored by Neels as he assumes the role. Fallon’s more than 20 years of fire service as a California native include the City of Lompoc Fire Chief since 2022-2026, preceded by his roles as City of Victorville Fire Chief, and 16 years with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department. He is a certified paramedic; holds a Chief Officer Certification from the California State Fire Marshal; and holds a B.S. in Fire Science Administration from Waldorf University.

YOUR LETTERS MATTER!

The Montecito Journal thrives on community input… Have thoughts on a local issue? Comments on one of our articles? Contact us at letters@montecitojournal.net

Montecito Tide Guide

Executive Editor/CEO | Gwyn Lurie gwyn@montecitojournal.net

President/COO | Timothy Lennon Buckley tim@montecitojournal.net

Managing Editor | Zach Rosen zach@montecitojournal.net

MoJo Contributing Editor | Christopher Matteo Connor

Art/Production Director | Trent Watanabe

Graphic Design/Layout | Stevie Acuña

Administrative Assistant | Jessica Shafran VP, Sales & Marketing | Leanne Wood leanne@montecitojournal.net

Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Joe DeMello

Features | Jeff Wing

Proofreading | Helen Buckley

Contributors | Scott Craig Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Houghton Hyatt

Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz

Gossip | Richard Mineards

History | Hattie Beresford

Humor | Ernie Witham

Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri

Health/Wellness | Ann Brode, Deann Zampelli

Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook

Food & Wine | Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie, Jamie Knee

Published by:

Montecito Journal Media Group, LLC

Montecito Journal is compiled, compounded, calibrated, cogitated over, and coughed up every Wednesday by an exacting agglomeration of excitable (and often exemplary) expert edifiers at 1206 Coast

How to reach us: (805) 565-1860; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108;

Our Town

Annual Easter and Passover Calendar

by Joanne A Calitri

Happy Spring to our MJ readers! Here is the latest event listing for Passover, Easter, the Easter Bunny, egg hunts and more!

Hop on Over to SYR

San Ysidro Ranch is bringing storybook charm to Easter Sunday on April 5, with a festive celebration that blends refined dining with playful springtime magic. Guests can indulge in an elegant three-course brunch from 10 am to 2 pm, featuring seasonal highlights like sweet pea ravioli, Maine blue crab, and decadent lobster Benedict, alongside a lavish dessert station.

But beyond the table, SYR will hatch into an Easter wonderland. Think oversized bunny ears perched on garden archways, hand-crafted chocolate eggs tucked throughout the property, and vibrant floral displays at every turn. Families can roam the blooming grounds for egg hunts, meet animals

at a charming petting zoo, and enjoy pony rides – adding a sense of delight for guests of all ages.

With its signature mix of luxury and lighthearted fun, San Ysidro Ranch offers a picture-perfect way to celebrate the holiday in Montecito.

411: Call (805) 565-1720 for brunch reservations, or book your stay on our website so your Easter Brunch is complimentary. Visit www. sanysidroranch.com

Easter Bunny and Egg Hunts at MCM

Visit Montecito Country Mart on April 4 from 11 am to 2 pm for photos with the Easter Bunny, chicks, and a find the Golden Egg contest. Free all ages.

The Hunt Is on at Rosewood

The Rosewood Miramar’s Great Easter Egg Hunt, games, and brunch will be on the Great Lawn Easter Sunday. There are two separate hunts for the lil’ peeps to score their eggs: 12

pm for children ages 6 and under, 12:45 pm for children 7 and over. The second hunt starts at 2 pm for children ages 6 and under, and 2:45 pm for those 7 and over. An Easter Brunch at both Caruso’s and The Revere Room will be from 11 am to 3 pm. Easter Dinner will take place at both locations from 6 to 9 pm. There’s also a festive Spring Dinner at AMA Sushi with seatings at 5:30 pm or 8 pm. Reservations are required for all events and dining.

411: www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/miramarbeach-montecito

Religious Services

- Chabad of Montecito Community Passover Seder on Wednesday, April 1, Wednesday. Hors d’oeuvres will be at 7 pm and Seder at 7:30 pm.

411: Register and pay at www.jewishmontecito.org

- All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church Holy Week Services: Palm Sunday, March 29: 8 am & 10 am

Maundy: Thursday, April 2, 7 pm

Our Town Page 304

The Society Edit

CADA’s 15th Annual Mentor Appreciation Lunch

by Joanne A Calitri

The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) held its 15th Annual Gratitude Luncheon on Thursday, March 12, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event serves to thank those who contribute funds and volunteer their time in the CADA mentorship program, while also supporting fundraising efforts following the program and luncheon.

Upon arrival, I met CADA Mentor Program Director Lisa Gosdschan at the check-in desk. Despite a misplaced RSVP, she graciously and efficiently arranged seating. With a smile, she said, “This is a Gratitude Luncheon, and we are thankful that you are here to report on it.”

From there, I connected with one of our town’s most admired community leaders, Janet Garufis, president and CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust, attending with her team: Roland Barrio, Ambia Clark, and Dana Mancini. As always, Garufis

was gracious, and her continued support of local charities deserves its own round of gratitude (#BigLove to you, Janet!). Also present was the renowned Anne Smith Towbes, founder of the CADA Mentor Program luncheon.

Circling the room, it was easy to spot longtime supporters of CADA, without whom the organization could not operate, including Patty and Bob Bryant; this year’s top sponsor, Melody Taft; and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, whose generosity to Santa Barbara County charities is unmatched. Representing the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians was Chris Stevenson from the Behavioral Health Department at the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic and leader of the Circle of Hope program, along with his team.

Also in attendance were Demetrio Espinosa, Tanya Rastelli, Katie Cioth, Eve Kaufman, and Bella Lyons of Brophy Bros.; Stanley Baratta, senior development director of the Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center; Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County Superintendent

of Schools; First District SBC Supervisor Roy Lee; Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rouse; Santa Barbara City Council members Oscar Gutierrez and Eric Friedman; Noel Hubbard for Representative Salud Carbajal; a representative for Senator Monique Limón; and Ethan Bertrand for Assemblymember Gregg Hart

Opening remarks were delivered by Garufis and Bob Fuladi, CADA’s executive director, who thanked attendees, sponsors, and the CADA board and staff. Gosdschan also spoke, offering an overview of the Mentor Program.

Society Edit Page 324

The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) invites you to join us at the 2026 Amethyst Ball: Luminaria: Illuminating the Path Towards Hope and Recovery, on Saturday, April 11 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

This signature event celebrates hope, healing, and community while raising crucial funds for CADA’s prevention, education, and treatment programs for individuals, youth and families a ected by substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Guests will enjoy gourmet dining, fine wine pairings, inspiring stories of recovery, exclusive live and silent auctions, and a headline performance by the legendary American Vinyl All Star Band. Limited tickets and sponsorships are available - reserve your seat for this special event and help illuminate the path to recovery: https://cadaamethystball.org/

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DanEncell@aol.com DRE #00976141

Tuesday, April 7th - 4:00 PM

Join us for a valuable Real Estate Question & Answer Forum designed especially for potential Sellers. This is your opportunity to gain insights, expert advice, and answers to your real estate-related questions in a comfortable setting. Whether you’re curious about current market trends, pricing your property, staging tips, or navigating the selling process, Dan Encell is here to provide clarity and guidance

RSVP TODAY TO SECURE YOUR SPOT BY CALLING (805) 879-8034. Dan is also available for individual consultations.

‘‘MY GOAL IS TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST MONEY FOR YOUR HOME!’’ DAN ENCELL

Montecito Health Coach

Rumor Has It…

The Ancient

Art of Gossip

by Deann Zampelli

Last week I overheard a teenage girl talking with some friends. No, not talking. Gossiping. It was full of vitriol and intimate details about other teens and adults as well. She was spewing information left and right. Information that could ruin lives. It was disturbing and mean and made even more so by the fact that I had known her since she was quite small. I was shocked and saddened to hear how purposeless it was. For about a minute I was tempted to let on that I was just on the other side of the wall from her but ultimately decided against embarrassing her in front of others.

But it did get me thinking. Why do we gossip? A teenager might feel powerful during a stage of life that can often feel anything but, to lord this information over their peers; to be the holder of such “knowledge” and feel that they had the power to make or break

lives by sharing it. Gossip can also make the sharer feel more in control of a social situation that normally triggers anxiety.

But teenagers aren’t the only culprits of this age-old practice.

According to Scientific American (September 6, 2024), “It’s estimated that more than 90% of people in workplaces in the U.S. and Western Europe indulge in such banter – defined as talking about someone not present.”

Sociologists have studied the practice of gossip for years. It is a way for us to make sense of our social dynamics, to find out how we are perceived by others, and to determine the social hierarchy of our circle. Most of this is done unconsciously, but the key seems to be in asking what the intention behind the sharing of information might be. Is it to educate? Is it to get advice from a trusted advisor? Or is it just malicious?

With the advent of social media, much of our screen life is gossip. Truly, isn’t that what we are all doing, watching others, and talking about them?

But before you get your gavel out, there might be some benefits to being around these busybodies. According to researchers at the University of Maryland and Stanford, “Gossiping – defined as the exchange of personal information about absent third parties – can provide a ‘social benefit,’ according to the researchers. Their study revealed that gossip is good at disseminating information about people’s reputations, which can help recipients of these tips connect with cooperative people while avoiding selfish ones.

“When people are interested in knowing if someone is a good person to interact with, if they can get information from gossiping – assuming the information is honest – that can be a very useful thing to have,” said study co-author Dana Nau, a retired professor in UMD’s Department of Computer Science and Institute for Systems Research. Previous research had showed that the average person spends at least an hour a day talking about others, giving merit to the research topic.

Gossip itself involves a three-point social triangle, the gossiper, the receiver, and the target. Two of these points are complicit as the gossiper needs an audience, right? The victim is the only unwilling participant in this network. So, what are you to do if someone starts gossiping and you would rather not participate? Because trust me, even if you are an unwilling receiver, once you hear the shared 411, you are inherently complicit. Your name will be shared as being part of the dialogue, “Well, I was talking to so and so about it, and she didn’t seem surprised.” And that’s how it starts. Now you are a part of the story. I learned this the hard way, but as I have gotten older, I no longer have a problem drawing the line or shutting down a conversation that seems to be going in a toxic direction. I simply ask if there is a reason I need to know this. Is this important information for me to be aware of? Does it affect

my safety or the safety of someone I care about? Are they needing my advice because I am close to the situation? If the answer is no, I just share that I long ago stopped being the Keeper of Secrets and respectfully ask that they not tell me anything further. If they don’t get it or are offended, then the chances are pretty high that they aren’t someone I am interested in remaining close to anyway. Also worth reminding yourself; if a friend is talking about someone else this way, they could just as easily be talking about you.

Just for fun, ask yourself how much time you personally spend in a day talking about others. Then, when you find yourself doing it, ask yourself why. Is there a purpose to it? Are you sharing a funny story with your partner or are you just being mean? We all do it. Inadvertently talking smack. It happens. We are human. But check in with yourself to see how you physically feel after doing so. Most people do not feel physically well or happy after saying or doing something that is unkind. You know how you feel better when you smile or do something altruistic? Well, the flip side of that coin is just as true.

In an age where everyone seems so concerned about decluttering, detoxifying, not drinking, eating clean, isn’t it time we tried an emotional detox? And gossiping seems like a great place to start.

In the meantime, remember what Mom used to say. If you can’t say anything nice…

Health and humor in the MJ National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach trained at Duke Integrative Medicine, Deann Zampelli owns Montecito Coaching & Nutrition. She also has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been a resident of Montecito since 2006.

at www.mypasb.org or scan the QR codescholarships are available mypasb@gmail.com 805-683-1326

janis joplin

On Entertainment Symphony’s ‘Bella Italia’ a Bounty for Accordionist

by Steven Libowitz

Santa Barbara Symphony Music and Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti channels his Italian heritage in this weekend’s pair of concerts at the Granada entitled Bella Italia. The program boasts a four-century journey through Italian masterworks, bookended by the “Winter” movement from one of the defining Baroque concertos in Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons opening the concert, and in the second half by Puccini’s “Capriccio sinfonico” and Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome.” The modern work comes in the middle in the North American premiere of Cristian Carrara’s “Rosso Corsa” accordion concerto, co-commissioned by the Symphony.

Guest artist Hanzhi Wang – the first accordionist ever admitted to Young Concert Artists – serves as the soloist for the entire first half, including the “Winter” movement and Cristian Carrara’s “Red Ferrari” concerto, stepping up to the Granada after previous appearances in town at Hahn Hall, the Lobero Theatre, and, just last January, at Campbell Hall as part of quartet led by violinist Nicola Benedetti, where Italian music was also a significant part of the program.

That’s no surprise, as the accordionist shares a strong affinity for Italy, too.

The China born-and-educated Wang first fell in love with the instrument as a sixyear-old when she overheard it on the soundtrack of the movie Cinema Paradiso that was playing on TV in her family home.

“I heard the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard in my life,” Wang recalled in our interview six years ago. “It’s like it was telling a story, someone talking very kindly and warmly, and it just touched me.”

That sound, and the music of Italy, still connects deep inside, Wang said over the phone last week.

“That initial inspiration is still in my memory. I get to play all kinds of music now, but I still appreciate that moment when I heard the beautiful Italian music.”

In another connection to the new concerto, Wang’s current exqusite accordion was made in Italy.

“I know I somehow have this connection with Italian culture,” she said. “It just made me feel like it’s some kind of destiny for me to play the concerto.”

Not to mention that the toy squeeze box her parents got her back when she was six just happened to be red, a version of the same hue that inspired Carrara to write “Rosso Corsa,” which translates as ‘Red Racer.’ Red is also, of course, the famed color of the Ferrari – from its limited run of Testarossas to much of its F1 racing line.

“He was inspired by the beauty of the car and the artistry of the handcraft that goes into making them,” Wang said. “The accordion is what he thought of as the instrument that could best represent the whole idea of diversity and versatility of the concerto. We have a lot of techniques that people usually don’t know about, ways of making all kinds of beautiful sounds.”

Wang had only begun to work on the piece when we spoke, but said that the concerto’s three movements represent different emotions and tempos, which are both challenging and fun to play.

“The first movement is titled ‘Speed,’ which phrases the accordion starts and the

Entertainment Page 374

U.S. Premiere of New David Lang Commission Danish String Quartet and Danish National Girls’ Choir

Charlotte Rowan, Conductor

Fri, Apr 10 / 7 PM / Granada Theatre

“Hull is as good a songwriter as a mandolin player, and could give Bill Monroe a run for his money on the latter.” Isthmus

Seven-time International Bluegrass Music Association

Mandolin Player of the Year Sierra Hull

Thu, Apr 16 / 8 PM UCSB Campbell Hall

“One of the finest piano players to emerge in decades.”

All About Jazz

Celebrating Two Jazz Giants Emmet Cohen Quintet

Miles and Coltrane at 100 Sun, Apr 12 / 7 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall

“Lush movement, infectious music, and magnetic dancers.”

The New York Times

MacArthur Award-winning Choreographer

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Kyle Abraham, Artistic Director

Tue, May 12 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre

WINTER CLEARANCE

Sporting Life A River Runs Through the Lobero for Santa Barbara Flyfishers’ Event

by Steven Libowitz

Before 1992, fly fishing was merely a niche hobby, a specialized method of catching just a few species of fish – a practice requiring a specific type of rod and tackle, hand-tying the lightweight artificial “fly” on the hook, and often the donning of hip-high wading boots for standing almost motionless in a river for long periods of time.

But then the movie A River Runs Through It came out. Directed by Robert Redford, gorgeously shot mostly in Montana (the film won the Oscar for best cinematography) and starring veteran character actor Tom Skerritt and a still under-30 Brad Pitt, River ran through America’s imagination, changing not only the activity into a verified sport, but also sparking conservation awareness for threatened rivers, streams and other waterways.

Almost 35 years later, A River Runs Through It – which was based on Rev. Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical story collection published in 1976 – had a massive impact, with the fly fishing industry growing by more than half two years in a row, and still increasing in numbers to this day. It also sparked the formation of Santa Barbara Flyfishers, the association that has produced two one-day Fly Fishing Film Festivals at the Lobero.

This year, however, the Flyfishers decided to switch gears and present a screening of the movie that started it all at its fundraising event on March 31. Much as the sport and the film continue to flow through the hearts and minds of anglers, artists, conservationists and (perhaps surprisingly) spiritual seekers, who see fly fishing not only as sport but meditative practice, the conversation will be flowing in full force at the Lobero on Saturday.

That’s because the screening will be preceded by a powerhouse panel led by Skerritt and his wife Julie Tokashiki Skerritt became an avid fly fisherman and river advocate, working with both Redford via film and other media, and the panel discussion will delve into conservation efforts, including the “Reflections of the River” project. Also sharing the stage are John Maclean, Norman Maclean’s son and an author and journalist in his own right; Eric Ladd, chairman, Outlaw Partners and board member of American Rivers; Kayeloni Scott, the executive director of the Columbia Snake River Campaign; and Chris Wood, president & CEO of Trout Unlimited.

This panel will ponder and pontificate on the film’s continuing impact on conservation, tourism, industry and land use, and on the overall role of art and cinema on the future of our rivers at a time when they need our protection more than ever.

The Water Column Improving Resilience Across the District

by Laura Camp

Fire protection is a top priority for Montecito Water District (MWD) as part of its commitment to supplying water to meet this community’s needs every day. MWD remains ready and prepared to provide water for fighting fires across Montecito and Summerland and is focused on ongoing projects to improve resilience.

and Cachuma lakes. The water supply outlook is excellent.

Infrastructure is in Service, Operational, and Continuously Monitored

- Water Supply is Abundant and Reservoirs are Full: MWD’s robust and diversified water portfolio ensures water supplies are readily accessible in local storage, rain or shine. Regional and district reservoirs can hold more than 20 million gallons. Additionally, real-time production capability from combined water sources is as much as 15 million gallons daily. As a point of reference, peak summer demand on a hot day is about six million gallons for the entire district. In an emergency, MWD has the capacity to produce and supply more than five times this demand.

- Record-setting Rainfall: More than 25 inches of rainfall since the start of October 2025 has replenished summer use, filling and spilling both Jameson

Gardens... ardens...

District assets include extensive pipeline systems, reservoirs, pumps, emergency generators, and 880 public fire hydrants district-wide that are maintained regularly in collaboration with Montecito and CarpinteriaSummerland Fire Departments. Comprehensive modeling and field testing ensure that the water system complies with fire flow requirements. Backup power generators are in place, maintained, and regularly exercised at important infrastructure locations, e.g. pump stations, treatment plants, and MWD headquarters. These generators are designed to activate automatically upon power failure, averting water service interruptions.

- Building Hardening & Defensible Space Improvements: Eight critical MWD facilities including the office, multiple pump stations, and reservoirs were freshly evaluated in coordination with Montecito Fire Department to

assess our infrastructure’s resiliency to wildfire impacts. Extensive structure hardening work was completed over the past year including replacing a roof, repairing roof flashing, installing wire mesh vents and gutter screens, and clearing gutters. Efforts to improve our facilities’ defensible space included trimming trees, and removing leaf litter, vegetation and tree limbs within 10 feet of building perimeters for enhanced fire protection.

- Hydrant Additions, Replacements, and Maintenance: With input from

Water Column Page 364

LEGACY THE BEGINS

Where California’s Santa Ynez Mountains meet the golden shores of Carpinteria Beach is a coastal legacy with no equal. A one-of-a-kind way of life where the illustrious history of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is your new backyard. Welcome to The Santa Barbara Polo Residences, a private collection for only forty families.

Your Westmont

In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams

by Scott Craig

Members and supporters of the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art experienced California’s Owens Valley and the Sierra Nevada on a unique trip Feb. 27-28 with stops at Manzanar National Historic Site, the Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center and nearby ancient petroglyphs.

The group followed in the footsteps of Ansel Adams, visiting locations important to him, including Lone Pine and Manzanar, where he photographed Japanese Americans incarcerated there

and the community they formed within the desolate landscape.

The museum’s current exhibition, Beyond the Wilderness: Ansel Adams in 1940s Los Angeles, is on view through March 28.

Alumnus Paul Mori (‘77), a descendant of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II, shared stories about his family, which brought Manzanar to life, a place now vacant, quiet and serene.

“Touring the site of recreated barracks, the guard gates, cemetery and the excavation of the largest Japanese garden was fascinating for everyone,” Mori said.

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“By telling family stories, I helped make history come alive. It became a real experience for folks.”

“Manzanar has been significantly affected by this administration’s cuts in funding and desire to conceal parts of American history that are less than admirable,” said Chris Rupp, interim director of the Ridley-Tree Museum. “Experiencing Manzanar and having the opportunity to understand what happened there and why is the best way to prevent future reoccurrences of mistakes like this.”

At the cultural center in Bishop, the group learned about the original inhabitants of the land, as well as the history and culture of the Paiute and Shoshone people. “There are parallels between the injustice of the Japanese Americans who were forced to live on the land and the native Paiute-Shoshone people, who had land taken from them,” Rupp said.

The Paiute-Shoshone in the Owens Valley gradually lost their ancestral lands through a combination of broken promises, coercive water deals and federal actions that prioritized Los Angeles’s growth over indigenous sovereignty. “My message to the group was that the tribe has a rich and vibrant culture with much to be admired and respected,” Rupp said.

Because petroglyph sites are generally considered culturally sacred spaces, Rupp asked the group to respect the place, not to touch the carvings, and not share the locations so they can be preserved and admired by future generations. He explained the differences between pictographs and petroglyphs, how researchers determine the age of these carvings, and some of what we know about the representations depicted and their purpose.

“Chris has made relationships with the Native Americans and is passionate about the petroglyphs,” Mori said. “He is incredibly knowledgeable and everyone quickly learned that this was a oncein-a-lifetime journey to these sacred sites with an exceptional guide.”

To learn more about future exciting events, join the museum mailing list or consider becoming a museum member.

Rico Leads Baseball in Hitting, Pitching

Westmont baseball returns from a soggy trip to Hawaii, where they won all three games against Chaminade, to play

Hawaii Hilo in back-to-back doubleheaders March 25-26, beginning at 11 am on Carr Field. The Warriors, ranked No. 23 by the 2026 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Poll, have been led by Visalia junior Joey Rico, who leads the Warriors in batting average (.388) and as a starting pitcher with an ERA of 2.40.

Heavy rains on Oahu over the last week prevented the playing of five of the eight games the Warriors had scheduled. They wrapped up with road trip playing two games at Les Murakami Stadium on the campus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Track Hosts Combined Events

Westmont hosts the Klein/Nwaba Combined Events consisting of the men’s decathlon and the women’s heptathlon on March 26-27. The college then hosts the Westmont Classic on Saturday, March 28, at Thorrington Field.

Jim Klein, who coached the Warriors from 1960-77, established an impressive tradition of excellence, coaching numerous All-Americans, several national champions and two Olympians.

Olympian Barbara NwabaFitzSimons , a former Westmont track and field coach, represented the United States at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, placing 12th in the heptathlon. She is a three-time U.S. champion, twice in the heptathlon and once in the indoor pentathlon.

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Elizabeth’s Appraisals Faust and Allegory Vases

by Elizabeth Stewart

bought a little 1919 chalet on Lake Arrowhead that had been vacant for years this winter, and I am studying its architecture and, more broadly, decorative art of the period. Coincidence? Synergy? Everything I look at trickles back to this period, like DD’s vase, from the first quarter of the 20th century. This 30-year period in the history of design is so fruitful because styles were butting heads and, in some cases, blending. DD’s vase is a blend of:

- Arts and Crafts Art Pottery

- Viennese Secessionist design

- German Jugendstil

- Exoticism, nature, sexual motifs

- Art Nouveau

- Mission Craftsman designs in the U.S.

Under the more inclusive umbrella of Art Pottery, this era was distinct in the freedom of flowing line, the unique colored glazes, the naturalistic form, unique scale and sizes, the focus on animals, the female form, marine life, and flora.

Very close to where my grandfather Herbert was born, near Dresden, there’s an area abundant with kaolin-rich soil (the Turn Teplitz region) so productive in the late 19th, early 20th centuries and known for porcelain and innovative designs. One of the makers of DD’s vase, Alfred Stellmacher, developed a unique composition for his “slip,” ivory porcelain, resistant to high temperatures.

Here’s how DD’s vase is labeled: “Turn Teplitz Bohemia, R st. K Made in Austria.” R st. K is the sign for Riessner, Stellmacher, Kessel, a partnership in Teplitz that called its wares “Amphora.” The company was known for “allegory” vases, vases that referenced a story: in this case a Faustian image of Gretchen, the maiden despoiled by Faust.

Jamie Knee, Petite

Each of the three founding partners – Riessner, Stellmacher, and Kessel –brought a different approach to the pottery business, and so successful was their distinctive porcelain that they won a Gold medal at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. Stellmacher broke from the firm in 1905 and formed his own company in the kaolin-rich region, which was teeming with other porcelain factories at the time. Stellmacher quit in 1912, taking with him the finest designer of the era in this style, the artist Paul Dachsel. The factory that remained was thus called Reissner and Kessel Amphora works. When Kessel departed, he company became Amphora-Werke Reissner. And still the quality of design was the best in the Art Porcelain world.

Through those tumultuous years when the competition was high, Amphora was considered the finest amongst connoisseurs and remains highly regarded to this day. Amphora created a unique Lizard Vase, the sinewy beastie crawling up the length of the piece, the glazes handmade. Unique organic references were a feature of both Art Nouveau and Austria German Secessionist-Jugendstil designs. And each vase that was lovingly created lead to a more innovative vase.

For example, a competitor not far away in the early 20th century was Zsolnay in Pécs, Hungary, that sent spies to infiltrate the Amphora factory and collect

specimens of the vases.

Even though there was intense competition in a small geographical area, we don’t know many of the artists’ names who designed, cast, or painted the vases. If you remember what was going on in the world, anonymity of the artists is not surprising as the era saw WWI, communism, the flu epidemic, and the impenetrable kiln fires.

The artisanal climate of the turn of the last century is interesting to me as a buyer of a 1919 cottage. Why did this era produce some of the world’s finest design innovations? Why is this period’s art pottery considered very valuable? To give you an idea, Philip Chasen Antiques in East Norwich, England has a similar vase to DD’s, a female bust in medieval garb, a central theme of Art Nouveau. That bust bears the same attribution mark, is 11x5”, and is offered for $6,600. Another dealer, Morgan Strickland of Hannay Lane, London, has a similar allegory vase bearing a serene face somewhat in the style of Alphonse Mucha. That piece is offered at $4,500.

The answer to the values achieved for Amphora is the quality of the artistry – which incidentally improved over the period 1890-1920 because of competition amongst artists. During this time, Amphora gathered artists trained at the Imperial Technical School for Ceramics and Associated Applied Arts (1885-1917), where the students went through years of study, were asked to create works from live models (such as a live lizard), and delved into studies on the nature of clay and chemical composition of the glazes. Not a piece was “passed” by the professors unless they thought it worthy. If a design was deemed good enough to go into production, it was given a number, as we see on DD’s vase, and entered into the décor books. Those books were lost in WWII.

The value of DD’s vase is $3,500.

Elizabeth Stewart, PhD is a veteran appraiser of fine art, furniture, glass, and other collectibles, and a cert. member of the AAA and an accr. member of the ASA. Please send any objects to be appraised to Elizabethappraisals@ gmail.com

WENDY GRAGG

Travel Buzz Road Trippin’ Up North: Part 2 –Sonoma to Marin

by

There is nothing better than a happy accident – not a car accident, but a missed turn-off that reveals an eye-popping, jaw-dropping view which is what happened on my backroads drive from Petaluma, in Sonoma County to Lagunitas, in Marin County. After whizzing past The Marin Cheese Company, without enough time to pull over (next time!), and then missing my turn-off towards Lagunitas, I came upon the Nicasio Reservoir, full and stunning, from the winter rains. I pulled over for a photo opp, apologized to two lovebirds enjoying the view for invading their space. I wanted to capture the moment with a picture, which is, as they say, worth a thousand words. However, I must admit, my photo of the gobsmacking views barely does the location justice.

I then briefly backtracked to Nicasio Valley Road and headed east. I pulled over at Nicasio Valley Cheese Company where I tasted and purchased a cache of their 100% organic, award-wining farmstead cow milk cheeses, including Foggy Morning, San Geronimo, Tomino, Nicasio Reserve and their excellent, stinky, taleggio-style “Nicasio Square” from the Lafranchi Ranch. I am now a dedicated 21st century fan of this ranch, which has been in operation since 1919. I also grabbed a dozen farm eggs; and perhaps the world’s most expensive potato chips ($18! My guilty snack for the long drive home). Almost a month later I am still living off – and sharing with friends – their fantastic cheeses. You can also stay at the farm. The family house, advertised on Airbnb as “Gma’s Ranch House: Nostalgic Charm, Surreal Views” sleeps

SHERIFF’S BLOTTER

Threats / 1700 block Cravens Lane

Sunday, March 08, at 15:47 hours

Deputies spoke with victim’s boyfriend who mentioned her former boyfriend has been harassing and making death threat to victim, her family, and himself. There is an active investigation with Riverside County Sheriff’s Office regarding the same incident. This report is for documentation purposes only, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is taking the lead for the investigation.

Trespassing / Railroad Track

Monday, March 09, at 09:00 hours

Two subjects were contacted on the railroad property near Butterfly Lane. They were cited and advised they would be arrested if they did not depart the railroad property.

Theft / 1700 block South Jameson

Monday, March 09, at 14:55 hours

Deputies spoke with a store manager who mentioned the store was scammed out of approximately $124,000.00.

Fentanyl/Meth / 101 at Summerland NB Off-ramp

Saturday, March 14, at 01:35 hours

Deputies conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for suspicion of DUI. The driver was found to be on active county probation with full Search Condition. Inside the vehicle, deputies located 1 kilogram of fentanyl and 5 grams of methamphetamine. Driver was arrested for being in violation of VC 23152(f) [Drug DUI], H&S 11351 [Intent to Sell], H&S 11352 [Transport for Sale], H&S 11364 [Drug paraphernalia Possession], and H&S 11377 [Possession of Meth].

Good Friday: April 3, 12 pm & 7 pm

Easter Vigil, April 4, 7 pm

Easter Sunday, April 5, 9 am and egg hunt at 11 am

411: https://allsaintsbythesea.org

- El Montecito Presbyterian Church Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday, March 29, 10 am

Maudy Thursday, April 2, 5:30 pm

Good Friday, April 3, 12:30 pm

Easter Sunday, April 5, 10 am 411: https://elmopres.org/

- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday, March 29, 10 am

Holy Thursday, April 2, 7:30 pm

Good Friday, April 3, 3 pm, Liturgy of the Word; 6 pm, Stations of the Cross Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil Mass, April 4, 7:30 pm

Easter Sunday, April 5, 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am and 12:30 pm 411: www.mtcarmelsb.com

- Montecito Covenant Church

Easter Sunday Service: 10 am open to the public 411: (805) 969-0373; office@mcchurch.org

Camp , and Assistant Scoutmaster Telford Work. In conjunction with Santa Barbara’s American Legion Post 49 DTSB, they held an official Eagle Court of Honor Awards Ceremony on Sunday, March 1, for four scouts who did the work and made it to Eagle Scout:

Leo Brownstein, senior at SB High School; William Covington, freshman at Westmont College; and two seniors at San Marcos High School, Dylan Seawards and Noah SlotnickLastrico. An Eagle Court of Honor is a special ceremony held to recognize and honor Scouts who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Camp said, “I’m incredibly proud of the hard work each of these Eagle Scouts put into their projects. Scouting is such a unique program for youth development. It gives our young people a chance to learn and develop communication, leadership, coaching, and teamwork, usually while exploring our backcountry on incredible trips. Each of these Scouts used every one of these skills as they worked on their projects for the benefit of many different organizations in our community.”

MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Montecito Sanitary District shall conduct a public hearing at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at its Board Room located at 1042 Monte Cristo Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 as well as via Zoom Meetings; meeting ID 861 1897 5917, to consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 26 of the governing board of the Montecito Sanitary District increasing the compensation of Directors of the Board pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 6489.

The public may attend and comment by calling 1-669-900-6833 and entering Meeting ID 861 1897 5917 or by visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86118975917

Copies of the text of the proposed ordinance are on file with the clerk of the District Board and are available for public inspection at the Districts’ offices. See https://www.montsan.org/

Montecito Journal, March 26, 2026

Scouting Troop 33 Montecito Awards Four Scouts at Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony

Scout Troop 33 Montecito has a rare ranking among scouting factions across the U.S. in its percentage of scouts who rise through the ranks and become an Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in scouting. Scout Troop 33 has mentored and awarded 81 scouts in their troop to Eagle Scout. To place that in proper perspective, in the U.S., 6 to 7% of all scouts achieve the Scouting America’s highest rank.

The leaders of Scout Troop 33 Montecito are Scoutmaster Nathan

In their own words, the new Eagle Court of Honor Scouts share their journey with our readers:

Leo Brownstein: “I began Scouting in 4th grade and joined Troop 33 in 2019. What I have appreciated most are the mentors I’ve found through Scouting. My Eagle Project was for American Legion Post 49 and involved community events on proper U.S. Flag Retirement and Etiquette. I am honored that my project has been selected as the Service Project of the Year for the Los Padres Council. When I reflect on it, I realize how much I learned about creating and working as part of a team. With support from so many unexpected sources, I learned a lot about what it

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ten. Seems to me that Grandma’s vintage house could be a great place for a family reunion or best friend’s getaway, where your only neighbors are the cows responsible for Nicasio Valley Cheese Company’s great products… plus there’s a pool.

Next stop, Lagunitas, for the restoration of a valuable lithographic photo by the top photo conservationist in the country. At Gawain Weaver Art Conservation, I toured Gaiwan’s bustling facility where, among other projects, two women in an icy, temperature-controlled room were tasked with restoring our California State Library photo archives.

Time for lunch, and my friend Thea met me at a cozy setting, Giaco’s Valley Roadhouse. They were “out” of the toasted Sardinian fregola bowl that

we wanted to order, instead a tummy-warming chicken gnocchi soup with sourdough bread fit the bill. Thea then led me to a lovely, favorite easy hiking spot through the fairy circle in Roy’s Forest (highly recommended) recently redone with easy-to-stroll wooden plank walkways. You can still spot where “fairy circles” have been known to gather and cocoon in the womb of the great redwoods.

I was an invited guest at Thea and her beau’s lovely mid-century home where our dinner was pick-up/take out from the super popular Lou’s Takeaway (phone: (415) 226-7994) with daily changing lunch and dinner offerings. You must phone in your order within a designated small window of time (two busy signals later, our dedicated dialer Carl got through!) to place your order. We shared fresh crab of the season, pork shoulder and a spicy chili chicken that came with rice and salad. You can get the “picture” from “Lou’s” Instagram.

My drive home from Fairfax, in Marin County, back to Santa Barbara took eight hours due to a traffic jam. With just two brief stops: first in Gonzales (perhaps you’ve seen the global water tower sign from the 101) where I enjoyed a quick tostada at Linda’s – and the wrong ice cream from the Santa Fe Mercado and Carniceria – before discovering a swell ice cream parlor with a disco-swirl design floor called Del Valle Paleteria y Neveria, specializing in nieve (sorbet style ice cream) and paletas (popsicles). I sampled, ‘natch, and this is now on my California road trip hit list and should be on yours too, especially if you are traveling with kiddos.

Last, but not least, my Paso Robles “must stop” is always Tin City if you want to sit down for a meal – and to pick up fresh pasta and alfredo sauce to bring home from Etto Pastificio, a small market full of imported foods and fresh pasta next door to Etto Pasta Bar. All the organic semolina pasta is made fresh in Tin City in the impressive facilities.

On that note, I will say “sayonara” for now, and will transport my next missive, dear readers, from Japan!

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Clinton in a report called “Gaining the Arts Advantage: Lessons from School Districts that Value Arts Education.”

But CCP’s obstacles include some sobering statistics that show that arts funding is lower today than it was 25 years ago, that California ranks 35th in per-capita arts funding, and that demand far exceeds the available resources, even though research shows that students who receive robust education in the arts are far more likely to stay in school and to graduate from college.

Which is why Tepper-Jahnke and the board have come up with a new campaign called 40/50/60 to sustain and expand arts education across Santa Barbara County. The figures are not just a decorative sequence, but speak to a meaningful triptych. This year marks both I Madonnari’s 40th festival, and the 50th anniversary of CCP achieving nonprofit status and becoming a Santa Barbara County Education Office program. The goal this year is to raise $60,000. 40/50/60 – handily memorable.

“We decided to launch this campaign to elevate opportunities for more philanthropic giving and to boost fundraising throughout the year, not alone for businesses and major sponsors’ support of the festival,” she said. “This year school funding is in a very vulnerable state, and arts and culture funding has historically also been challenging.”

So CCP is looking to raise an additional $60,000 to meet that demand for arts education, Tepper-Jahnke said.

“It’s crazy, but statewide something like 89% of public schools are not meeting the requirements as stated by the California Department of Education for arts education. The mandate is that every student in every grade is supposed to get visual arts, dance, theater, music and new media arts. We are so far behind on that across California.”

CCP is also working to strengthen the connection between I Madonnari and those art programs. These include strong partnerships that encourage school organizations to get involved in the festival, banding together to buy a square on the pavement, and creation of 16-20 student leadership teams. These student teams learn important skills in the period before the festival, effectively becoming trained community art emissaries through instruction in event production, general arts advocacy, and civic engagement –skills the students then implement over the course of the three-day event.

“We’re really trying to integrate some of our programming with the schools into I Madonnari in new and interesting ways,” Tepper-Jahnke said.

The fundraising focus at the moment, of course, is tied directly to the street painting festival. Children’s Creative Project is in the process of securing over-

all sponsors, as well as groups and individuals who sponsor dedicated “squares” that an artist then uses to create a marvelous piece of chalk art over the Memorial Day weekend event.

Tepper-Jahnke gave shout-outs to returning “Maestro” hero sponsors Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley, as well as to the ongoing investment and significant support from The Berry Man, Inc. She also highlighted the Looker Foundation, Hutton Parker Foundation, Schiele Foundation, and Williams Corbett Foundation.

“Each of these organizations has made a huge difference this year in allowing the team and I to keep growing and deepening our support for students through arts education,” she said. “But we’re still seeking major festival sponsors and business support to purchase squares.”

Prices range from $300 for a 4’ x 6’ square, up to $1,200 for a massive 12’ x 12’ space boasting 144 square feet. Sponsors’ names are always stenciled in white chalk at the top of the squares, providing the sponsors name-exposure to the 40,000 annual visitors, as well as tons of goodwill. Sponsors can arrange their own street painter, or confer with CCP to be matched with a volunteer artist.

I Madonnari has such a strong and compelling history as the first of its kind in the U.S., that some 30 “legacy” artists return to the festival every year to volunteer their time in acknowledgement that, as professional artists who travel internationally to street painting festivals around the world, they began their careers in front of the Mission.

So perhaps visitors to this year’s I Madonnari over May 23-25 might not only marvel at the magnificent works of art on the ground, but also get in on the ground floor of supporting CCP.

“All the proceeds from the festival goes back into arts programs for schools,” Tepper-Jahnke said. “It has a terrific full circle aspect.”

Visit https://ccp.sbceo.org

Curator’s Choice

This skull may look strangely smooth in front. This animal only has molars, with no teeth in the front of their jaws. It’s the skull of a manatee, whose prehensile lips make possible the gentle nibbling of seagrass. Their teeth emerge at the back of the jaw, slowly advance, and fall out, to be replaced with more teeth emerging at the back, conveyor-belt-style. This skull is among over 44,000 specimens curated by the Department of Vertebrate Zoology at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Elephants also have “marching molars,” and so did the pygmy mammoths of the Channel Islands. You can see many mammoth teeth on display in the Earth Science exhibits at the Museum. Their marching molars look a bit different from those of their cousins, the manatees, but their shared way of growing reflects their shared ancestry – descending from a common ancestor in northern Africa nearly 60 million years ago.

Society Edit (Continued from 14)

The luncheon keynote speaker was Rod Lathim, introduced by Towbes as “a Santa Barbara native whose life and work reflect the power of creativity and human connection. Rod is an author and playwright, a theater, concert, and documentary film director and producer, and a visual artist known for his neon sculptures.” Lathim spoke about his work in the arts, his volunteer efforts, and the transformative impact of mentorship, noting: “Supporting and nurturing human beings – this organization does it really well. I see you, honor you, and thank you for all you have done for this community. I believe at our core we all have a divine child waiting to play and make our mark on the world, to be seen and to tell our story. Light and love.”

He was followed by Mentor of the Year awardee Joseph M. Lanza, retired from McGowan Guntermann (now Prosperity Partners). His introduction included a video performance featuring Lanza and his mentee, Liandro, who have participated in the CADA Mentorship Program together for four

and a half years. They share activities such as singing, attending car shows, fishing, and spending time together. It was humorously noted that Lanza offers dating advice – though Liandro could not confirm its success. Lanza remarked, “There are others who deserve this award more than I do. It’s great to get an award for having fun,” and credited Gosdschan for her leadership in the mentor program.

takes to be a leader. Next year I will be heading to college in Washington state.”

William Covington: “I joined Troop 33 in January 2019, initially drawn in by friends in the troop as well as backpacking trips. I loved the time with other scouts, adventuring in the outdoors, gaining new skills through hands-on experience, and learning to work together as a group. Some of my favorite trips were to Death Valley, the Sierra trip, and Joshua Tree. My Eagle Project involved installing terraced steps onto a section of the Paul Willis Trail (Westmont College), making it safer for the many people who regularly enjoy hiking it. I currently attend Westmont College where I run for the cross country and track teams.”

Dylan Seawards: “I started as a Cub Scout in Pack 11 at age 5. I stuck with it because of my friends and the Pinewood Derby! In Troop 33, completing my first Sierra ‘50-miler’ as a chubby 13-year-old taught me nothing is impossible. This helped me later sail my tiny boat in 30-knot winds, climb treacherous rocks,

bike down steep mountains, and construct a giant kiosk for the Ennisbrook Trail for the Montecito Trail Foundation as my Eagle Project. Scouts ignited a spark for adventure that will always stick with me.”

Noah Slotnick-Lastrico: “My journey to Eagle started as a Bobcat in Pack 11, all the way back when I was six. I fell in love with the outdoors, which led to one of the most rewarding and adventurous experiences of my life, completing a (literally) breathtaking five-day-trek through the Sierra Nevada. Scouting has taught me to not be afraid to get my hands dirty to make a difference. This led me to create a natural cob mosaic bench as my Eagle Project for my old school, Washington Elementary. Next year, I plan to study biology to pursue a career as a physician, to serve others in the meaningful way that Scouting has taught me to do.”

#MontecitoProud !

411: Interested in Scouting for boys and girls? Call Scoutmaster Camp: 808-450-2785

would with an amplifier and – voila – he solved the problem. His ears twitched.

He danced a bit, shuffling on the faux wood floor of plastic, being careful not to scratch the finish with his paws, which felt very good, then moved on to his next project. Being an older bear, he busts moves a bit slower these days. He decided to take a walk; exercise would do him good. So, he walked down the street that bordered the freeway. He stood at the corner watching the cars zip by and could not wrap his furry head around the number of people driving. Where were they going, what were they doing?

Then a car zoomed by him on the frontage road, frightening him. Fairly running back to the compound and new den, breathing hard, he made dinner when he got there. Safety, that’s what matters he thought. Nothing would bother him here once he got settled, that was for sure. He was starting to develop routines. Where to put his cell charger and laptop, sunglasses and knit caps, it was joy, really, to pull out his prized caps, hats and shirts. It would still take time, he thought, but he’d get comfortable.

So, he celebrated, putting on the Moody Blues tune, “Dear Diary,” and sang softly:

Dear Diary, what a day it’s been…. -Michael Edwards AKA Carlos the Bear

Heaven on Paper

Ok, at least 8/10 Ha’s for Jeff Wing’s piece...

Truth-telling comedy supreme. It’s all a cross-generational zeitgeist spectrum, for sure.

Hoping all “Joy-Babe” era readers will share this one with their respective late-alphabet generations, for Wing’s amusing perspective.

There’s gotta be a stand-up comedy venue in heaven waiting for all totally hip over-40 “elders” like us for when we do croak.

Oh, wait... there’s one already... Wing’s column.

It would be kinda fun to see a “response piece” from a Gen-X-Y-Z reader. But be kind, young whippersnappers.

That way, we “pre-dead people” could see ourselves as Gen X, Y, and Z sees us, only in reverse, from the future.

My age: I’d say it’s somewhere between “too old to have anyone’s baby” and “cremation.” Close enough.

P.S. Robot’s picture still looks timeless.

– LeeAnn Morgan

lights across the row of yachts and shadows. He heard them whispering, heard someone belch. He smelled their cigarette smoke and then saw the flick of light arc into the water. They moved away down the dock. Creek waited, found his truck, and left the harbor. He drove to the only place where he thought a murderer might be.

Creek passed the Biltmore and pulled into the shadows of a Monterey cypress. Across the street, the lights of the hotel were discreet, hidden among spiky yuccas and Morton Bay figs. In the bay across from the hotel, Diamond’s yacht was lit along the riggings with globe lamps, making its presence a glamorous, outsized spectacle. Here was the heart of the movie hurricane. Creek would wait and watch.

In this fifth year of the Depression, nothing lifted the plight and hopes of the average man and woman more than a movie. Creek knew that, at the root of its psyche, the human race had a need for beautiful gods. A forty-foot silver screen, a golden blonde with doe eyes, and a rakish pirate with gleaming teeth just fit that bill.

America worshiped its movie stars. The equation was simple: own the star, and you own the masses. Own the masses, and you own the politicians. Own the politicians, and you own the top of the food chain.

Creek believed that something Pony had done or said had disturbed the equation, and it had cost him his life.

A Rolls pulled up. A woman who looked like Moony – blonde, young, and vivacious – stepped out and stood waiting for her escort. She turned, and Creek saw her look right at him, as if through the shadows into his eyes. She turned back to the car as movie star Tom Horn and a lean Rasmussen stepped out. The three of them linked arms and began walking down toward the launch. She looked back once, and Creek felt certain she was remembering his truck. He watched them motor across to the Silver Screen and climb aboard as a party of hundreds drew toward them. Creek wondered if Moony had won the part and if her boy Billy had any idea of the company she kept.

Creek suddenly felt tired and blue. It had been a complex day. Bad and good and dangerous and romantic, and it caught him suddenly,

WESTMONT WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Friday, April 24, 2026

12-1:30 p.m.

Featured Speaker

ANJA MANUEL

Former diplomat, author, and advisor on foreign policy

Recipient of the 2026

Lady Leslie Ridley Tree Spirit of Santa Barbara The Mosher Foundation's

whispering: Close your eyes. Sleep. Don’t think about the tycoon with the fast-scanning eyes or the movie star in his black tuxedo with the white fawn that Creek knew to be Moony caught in his arms.

Don’t think about the boys you shot, the dead body on the beach, or the fact that you have not seen your father’s house nor visited your mother’s grave since returning from Europe.

Creek didn’t realize he had fallen asleep until he heard himself snort. He woke to the chill of a predawn fog. He became aware of a fishing trawler gurgling quietly a hundred yards from the big yacht. A flat boat motored toward it, then rafted beside it. Creek watched as men hoisted a piece of machinery to a large hook, and the object was lifted up and over the rails of the trawler. Creek had seen the machine someplace, but he couldn’t place it. Probably engine parts. Finished, the trawler moved off and vanished quietly into the fog.

Creek thought about that transaction. About the odd hour, the dark time, the risk in transfer, and the speed of the switch. He knew Diamond had something to do with this exchange. Diamond probably required inspection or finances. Creek knew he had just watched the delivery of a piece of equipment that was clandestine, and he had a strong feeling it had nothing to do with movies. His instinct made it feel like something to do with deep water.

The yacht was quiet. The Rolls had left. He started the cold engine, pulled out, and headed up the coast. The road was already busy, probably with early risers from Carpinteria or Ventura, maybe Mexicans or Chinese gardeners headed for the big estates in Montecito, or farmers bringing produce to the groceries and restaurants. He passed his turnoff and drove till he hit the big road called Refugio. He took it up the mountain. When he came to the firebreak at 2,000 feet, he turned south and drove along the dirt to the monolithic boulder. He parked, got out, and stretched. He had been sitting now for a full night and morning. He took the trail that led downward toward the deep river gorge. It ended at a giant sycamore tree that grew out of the cliff, its branches fanning over the riverbed that had boulders as big as houses. In winter, when the water came, the noise from the gorge was deafening. Now, as he stood by the slab of level rock beneath the tree, the water below was a thin string, barely visible.

Yvette Birch Giller, President & CEO Sue Birch, Trustee Tickets ON SALE!

He sat with his back to the tree, took his hat off, and thought about his two mothers. Both had been put to rest below the flat stone slab; one dressed, according to his father, in the finest fur and dancing gown she – his lively first wife – had ever worn; the second in the finest bead- and shell-covered buckskin dress any woman north of Sonora would ever see. The air now was dry and warm, and Creek loved the riverbed’s smell of pine and cottonwood.

“Hey,” Creek said. “I’m gonna sleep by both of you. I’d like to tell Pop you sent me a dream. Any one will do right now. Can’t make out what everybody’s doing or saying. Don’t want to turn mean. Don’t want to be foolish. So, if you can, would you talk to me a while? I know you’re happy. I can feel it. Sorry I don’t get up here enough. You know how much I miss you.”

He looked a last time at the rising sun as it bled through the trees. Then, he closed his eyes and went to sleep and fell directly into the dream.

Tune in next week for Chapter Ten: Part 2 of Last Light in Paradise.

Michael C. Armour is author and original artist of bestselling Smithsonian children’s books Orca Song and Puma Range, and has been an award-winning writer/director for CBS documentaries, and many print and TV commercials for Honda and other companies. He comes from three generations of ranching, has been a horseman and motorcyclist most of his life, and has worked for years with released inmates under the direction of the Santa Barbara Superior Court and the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

Scan the QR code to purchase the full book online, or pick one up at your local bookstore: Tecolote in Montecito, Godmothers in Summerland, or Chaucer’s in Santa Barbara.

know-it-all smirk. The very idea of an unknowable Creator-Thing brought on rationalist giggling, so much so that even when the Creator-Thing could be shown to maybe be inanimate and unconscious but mechanically willful, the peeps got their Newtonian panties in a humanist bunch. Eye-rolling condescension increasingly colored the conversation.

Daydreaming was thrown out with the bathwater and mocked in televised debates. Wonder fell out of fashion, more or less for all time. It was a big bummer, especially if you were a kid who some decades before had productively spent most of his school day staring out the 3rd grade window at that one tree dancing in the breeze.

These questing Academic types took a perfectly Spellbinding Search for Meaning and turned it into a Quantifiable Search for Meaning. If you’re working with gray flannel, your suit is going to be a drag, however masterful the stitchwork. Once waterboarding was legally defined as torture, some wanted the debate to include mortarboarding; the pedagogical pursuit of an Answer that is taken in like a particularly expensive communion wafer.

Molecule-to-Manwich

Full disclosure; I Believe, more or less. How’s that for a bold confession? It is worth remembering that in the full flush of his Origin of Species triumph Darwin angrily waved away the deeper question about the origin of actual life, calling the very inquiry “rubbish.” He may have been concerned with book sales, but I speculate. Had he known about the today’s fealty to abiogenesis – the spill-and-spell madness of legible proteins assembling from free-floating amino acids in primordial gumbo –he would’ve been even more incensed. Was there a Maker? Maybe, and that’s final! But I’m both galled and amused by the condescension that typifies the Evolution Team’s demeanor in a discussion comparing the two world views.

They are both faith-based, but only one of the teams knows this.

The scientific case for All This having been flung out of literal Nothing (“ex nihilo” is the term drawled with difficulty by gin-soaked rationalists in the wee hours) is as sublimely fabulist as a giant bearded ghost in a terrycloth robe.

You don’t have to be a religious person to believe in miracles; you have to be a mathematician. If All This is an explosive accident, the math stacks up spectacularly against our most secular intuitions. The phenomenon has been called the Fine-Tuned Universe and comes with its own army of detractors and debaters; the usual clanging parade. The mathematical likelihood of Everything – from hydrogen to granite to ham sandwiches to Audrey Hepburn singing Moon River (*sigh!*) – having burst from a cosmic explosion has been calculated as that of a tornado sweeping through a junkyard and accidentally assembling a commercial jet. As living things, each of us is a philosophically implausible supernova. At the very very least.

Cosmological Wankel Rotary Engine

Our race’s post Age of Enlightenment aversion to supernature and the Unknown has us clinging to a militant

common sense that leaves little room for this sort of mathematical magic OR a Supreme Being, a So-So Being, or even a non-sentient machine whose cosmological Wankel Rotary Engine only means to let the gears guide our omniverse to a necessary and possibly anti-climactic Cosmic Self-Regard.

Let the Rationalist gang chortle their way through as many televised debates as they want. It looks to me like the Theists and Rationalists aren’t all that far apart, really – two sides of a loaded coin tossed with finger crossed (not as hard as it sounds). It’s mostly nomenclature and ego. C’mon, Dawkins and Chopra. Can’t we just get along? Something is clearly happening Out There, and In Here. Wonder and Faith inform both arguments and we don’t know it. Or as the faux First Lady of California once memorably sang:

“You and I travel to the beat of a different drum…you can’t see the forest for the trees…”

Jeff Wing is a journalist, raconteur, autodidact, and polysyllable enthusiast. He has been writing about Montecito and environs since before some people were born. He can be reached at jeff@ montecitojournal.net

“ You will remember this novel–its hero and characters and scenes–for a long time. A big-hearted story of desperation and courage, crime and redemption, love and loss–it is as entertaining as it is moving.

Montecito Fire Department, four new hydrants were added at critical MWD facilities including Terminal Pump Station, Romero Pump Station, Picay Hydropower Facility, and East Valley Pump Station. Golden Gate Avenue in Summerland also gained a new hydrant. Across the district, three aging hydrants were replaced and five more are scheduled for replacement in March 2026. Functional maintenance on all hydrants is conducted by MWD staff over a three-year cycle. Hydrant maps, flow test results, and maintenance records are all shared with Montecito Fire Department.

- Montecito Water District and Montecito Fire Department jointly complete the Public Protection Classification survey and are rated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) every five years. In 2023, Montecito Fire Department improved to a 2/2X rating. When rating an agency, the ISO considers needed fire flows, emergency communications, water supply, location of fire hydrants, department staffing levels, training, location of fire stations, community risk reduction, outreach and fire prevention efforts. ISO ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 being the highest score an agency can earn. This latest rating makes Montecito Fire one of just over 1,900 fire departments in the United States, and one in 173 in California, to achieve a 2/2x rating.

Staff & Partnerships

A dedicated team of certified and trained professionals carefully monitors the water system and current

conditions, including weather events, taking precautions as needed. For example, when forecasts indicate increased fire risk, reservoir levels are adjusted to increase local water storage and availability. Staff are prepared to respond quickly, at all times of day, and have equipment and resources to make timely repairs if needed.

- MWD staff are assigned to Montecito Fire Department Incident Command Post (ICP) during incidents for enhanced communication and coordination.

- Montecito Water District communicates regularly with Montecito Fire Department, CarpinteriaSummerland Fire Department, and additional regional partners for the safety of this community.

- Updated Modeling for Wildfire Scenarios and System Hydraulics for Residential Structure Fires: MWD engineering staff and consultants completed updated modeling of wildfire scenarios in coordination with Montecito Fire Department and analyzed fire flows at all hydrants across the district to ensure adequate fire flow per residential structure fire flow rates.

Community-Wide Resilience

Through planning and actions, MWD constantly improves its practices using lessons learned from local and regional fire history. Above are specific examples of how special collaboration over the past year between Montecito Water District and our neighboring fire departments accelerated improvements with a focus on community protection and improving fire resiliency. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to do some spring cleaning of your own?

While we make every effort to provide robust, resilient, and redundant water service, it is important to note that public water systems may not be sufficient under all conditions. Urban systems are built to supply water for fighting fires in residential areas of limited scale and may become stressed in large-scale, fast-moving wildfire scenarios. Community safety is a collective effort – please stay alert and take every precaution to stay safe.

“They’re all coming to honor Tom, who is 92 years old,” said John Grace, a board member of Santa Barbara Flyfishers who has produced the annual events. “It’s going to be way deeper than just another event, or a screening of a movie that you can stream (no pun intended) any time you want. The panelists are all really excited to be here.”

Grace was a fly fisher back in Connecticut even before the movie came out, but he’s followed firsthand the film’s impact.

“There was such a surge in popularity, which led to economic growth, including a new magazine and a media boom,” he said. “It created a considerable cultural shift, including a new form of meditative escape that goes beyond the sport. You’ve got to be one with the fish to be successful. It also created a huge uptick in awareness of the environment. And it also changed the demographic of the sport, bringing in youth and women who were taken by the beauty and serenity of fishing on a river. Women are the fastest growing segment of the sport, particularly here.”

For the past several years the festival events have burnished the Santa Barbara Flyfishers’ public profile, drawing attention to the association’s ongoing offerings. These include free instruction in technique, both on dry land at an area park and on the shores of Rincon, where fly fishers cast for fish found in the shallow waters. There are also fundamental classes offered twice a year in the spring and the fall.

“The club’s going crazy, almost out of control,” Grace said. “It’s because we’re teaching new people who want to learn. I’ve been shocked at how many people have an interest in fly fishing, almost a passion, but didn’t know we existed. Now, they’re coming out of the woodwork.”

As to why the movie remains popular, Grace had some ideas to share.

“The panel is going to be answering that, and I can’t wait to hear what they’ll say. But I believe it’s because it unlocked things in people’s brains, the beauty of the spectacular photography of fly casting itself, which was magical, changing how we saw streams and rivers. And also because it opens a conversation about conservation.”

Grace can go on and on about fly fishing, one of his life’s great passions, and part of the reason he and his wife moved to Montecito in 2019. While proximity to the grandchildren in SoCal might have been a bigger reason, fishing in Western waters was a huge draw, too.

“Fly fishing is a whole different thing out here,” he said. “Joining Santa Barbara Flyfishers was the first thing I did when we got here.

“There are lots of local spots to practice the sport without heading to Montana or even the Sierras for major mountain streams. The Santa Ynez River is just right over the hill (on the 154) where you can fish most of the year. It’s pretty remote back there and it’s wonderful. Avid fishermen like me love to go after Corbina, which come up from Peru most of the year. They’re really hard to catch because the fish only in the last two inches of surf when a wave comes in before they surf back out. They’re hard to find, which makes the challenge so great.”

On March 31, however, fly fishing central in Santa Barbara will be at the Lobero, a bit like a modification of the most important line from the movie: “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”

All proceeds from “An Evening with Tom Skerritt and Friends to Discuss the Movie that Changed Fly Fishing: A River Runs Through It” will directly support Santa Barbara Flyfishers’ conservation initiatives, youth education programs, and their generational commitment to “Save Santa Barbara Steelhead.”

Visit www.Lobero.org or https://sbflyfishers.org.

Steven Libowitz has covered a plethora of topics for the Journal since 1997, and now leads our extensive arts and entertainment coverage

orchestra then chases or repeats,” she said. “Things speed up or slow down. It’s very fun to play.”

The second movement has echoes of the Vivaldi “Winter” movement, Wang said, adding that she believes Carrara borrowed from the famous work and added variations. Wang is very familiar with the piece as she has arranged the violin solo portions of the work for accordion, and will be the soloist when the Santa Barbara Symphony performs it in the March 28-29 concerts.

The closing movement, called “Dream,” has a nuanced array of feelings that move in various directions, as a car might as it explores and threads the Italian cities and countryside.

“There are movie music similarities,” she said. “I think it’s very entertaining for the audience. But I’m not sure what motivated the composers. I have a lot of questions, too, and I’m glad he’s coming over from Italy so I can ask him.”

The accordionist plans to stick around for the second half of the concert and enjoy the trip through Italy over the centuries represented by the pieces being played.

“I’m really excited for the program,” she said. “It’s like a dialogue from 300 years ago, a series of connections or conversation through hundreds of years.”

But it’s not the same as playing Italian music on the accordion, evoking memories from years ago back home in China, and connecting physically with both the instrument and the score. “We are hugging the accordion close to our hearts. It feels like a part of my body, a big part of who I am,” she told me six years ago.

“That’s still true now.”

Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season

The Santa Barbara Symphony has announced the details of its upcoming 74th season, which runs October 2026 through May 2027. It can be said that the eightmonth series will perhaps place more focus on beloved orchestral masterworks, but not at the expense of its devotion to colorful surprises: guest artists, a cinema-centric concert, and community collaboration.

Some program highlights in the area of regular repertoire include Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun,” Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique,” Holst’s The Planets, Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2,” Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 5,” Brahms’ “Symphony No. 3,” and, the most iconic of them all, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. But there are plenty of left turns along the way, including Boito’s “Mefistofele – Prologue in Heaven” and “Casta Diva: Homage to Maria Callas” (in music, dialogue and projected images) featuring the Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus and soloists; de Falla’s “The Three-Cornered Hat, Suite No. 2,” with a flamenco dancer; a second Valentine’s Weekend salute to cinema scores; new NASAbased projections for The Planets; and the subscription season-closing performance of Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, the ballet with music by Richard Rodgers and choreography by George Balanchine in a collaboration with State Street Ballet as part of that ensemble’s season finale.

that has yet to officially open, has its own world traveling weekend in celebration of the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Bella Italia concerts. Co-founder and keyboardist Brian Mann will be armed with his accordion – in recognition of Hanzhi Wang soloing next door – on Thursday & Friday evenings, March 26-27, playing Gypsy jazz with The Django Cats and Brazilian jazz with our own celebrated Teka on guitar and vocals. He’ll play a variety of keys at classic jazz night on Saturday, March 28, in a closing set with local phenom Colin Richardson on sax and vocals, following the Miles Julian Quartet. Doors open at 6 pm with music from 7-10 pm (6-11 pm Saturday). The Grand serves wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages plus light bites for purchase. Visit www.thegrandonstate.com.

Throw the Book-er at ‘em

Booker T. Jones was just 17 years old and still a high school student in 1962 when he was noodling on a Hammond B-3 organ during a studio break at Stax Records. In the course of that noodling he came up with a figure that almost accidentally turned into one of the most influential instrumentals in American rock history. “Green Onions” to this day is one of the most recognizable songs in the pop music canon, even though at the time Jones was just as comfortable on the saxophone. The recording was one of the early hits for the Stax house band in Memphis known as Booker T. and the M.G.’s, featuring guitarist Steve Cropper, bassist Lewie Steinberg (later succeeded by Donald “Duck” Dunn) and drummer Al Jackson Jr., reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The group, which scored with another instrumental called “Time is Tight,” also backed Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Eddie Floyd and many other Stax recording artists, creating a sound still avidly pursued by musicians to this day. If that’s all Jones ever did, he would deserve his place in rock and roll history, and career accolades that include being enshrined in the Hall of Fame back in 1992, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 27 years later.

But Jones journeyed beyond Memphis. He branched out into the study of classical music (including a stint at Juilliard), dove into producing, working with artists ranging from Willie Nelson and Rita Coolidge to Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Drive-By Truckers. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer, and arranger, Jones also continued to perform in sessions and concerts with other rock and soul legends, and on his own. It’s in that latter format that the indefatigable Booker T. Jones returns to the Lobero. He last performed at our hometown jewel box a few years ago with Montecito jazz saxist (and fellow Memphis-raised musical icon) Charles Lloyd. That 2018 concert lives on as the critically acclaimed 8: Kindred Spirits (Live From the Lobero) album. Now 81, Jones appears on Saturday, March 28. It might be a good idea to check it out – time is tight.

A special performance of Mahler’s “Resurrection” is the Symphony’s season finale and not part of the series, as is the annual New Year’s Eve pops concert.

Season subscriptions are on sale now, with packages starting as low as $190 for a full seven-series package, which if purchased before May 16 includes complimentary tickets to Mahler’s “Resurrection.”

Single tickets will go on sale August 1. Call (805) 898-9386 or visit TheSymphony.org.

Grand Gesture to Granada’s Symphony Weekend

The Grand on State, the gorgeous new piano lounge next door to the Granada

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Bids open at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026 for:

SANTA CLAUS LANE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT - PHASE 2 FROM PADARO LANE TO 1400' SOUTH OF PADARO LANEN IN THE 1ST SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT

COUNTY PROJECT No. 720864

General project work description: Road Improvements, reinforced concrete retaining walls, timber and plastic lumber boardwalk, driven concrete piles, rock slope protection, pedestrian railroad at-grade crossing, landscape and irrigation

The Plans, Specifications, and Bid Book are available at https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

The Contractor must have either a Class A license or any combination of the following Class C licenses which constitutes a ma jority of the work: C-8, C-12, C-13, C-31, C-50, C-51

Submit sealed bids to the web address below. Bids will be opened and available at the web address below immediately following the submittal deadline.

PlanetBids

https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

Complete the project work within 220 Workings Days

The estimated cost of the project is $ 9,590,000. The available Project Budget for base bid and additive bid items is $10,500,000.

An optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for this project on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the southeast corner of the Santa Claus Ln and Padaro Ln intersection. This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of PCC Section 4104, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in this chapter, unless currently registe red and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code (LAB) Section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 7029.1 or by PCC Section 10164 or 20103.5 provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to LAB Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.

Prevailing wages are required on this Contract. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Obtain the wage rates at the DIR website https://www.dir.ca.gov/

Inquiries or questions based on alleged patent ambiguity of the plans, specifications, or estimate must be submitted as a bidder inquiry by 2:00 PM on 04/09/2026. Submittals after this date will not be addressed. Questions pertaining to this Project prior to Award of the Contract must be submitted via PlanetBids Q&A.

Bidders (Plan Holders of Record) will be notified by electronic mail if addendums are issued. The addendums, if issued, will only be available on the County’s PlanetBids website, https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara this project was authorized to be advertised on 06/04/2019

Christopher Sneddon Director of Public Works

ORDER FOR PUBLICATION OF SUMMONS OR CITATION:  CASE No. 25CV06248. Notice to Defendant:  DAVID R. GAMPERL, an Individual; VINCI I LLC, an Illinois Limited Liability Company; and DOES 1-10, Inclusive: You are being sued by Plaintiff:  ANDREW WOODWARD.  You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons is served on you to file a written response at the Superior Court of California, Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default. If you lose, the court can order that your wages, money, or property be taken to pay this claim. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. Name and address of the court: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara,  1100

Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107. Filed January 22, 2026 by Terri Chavez, Deputy Clerk. Published March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE GIVING LIST, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. MONTECITO JOURNAL MEDIA GROUP, LLC, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 16, 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. 2026-0000658. Published March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 25CV07616. To all interested parties: Petitioner BENJAMIN PARKER filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name to BENJAMIN VALENTIN PARKER. 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. Filed February 24, 2026 by Terri Chavez. Hearing date: April 17, 2026 at 10 am in Dept. 4, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published March 12, 19, 26, and April 2, 2026

AMENDED PLANTIFF’S CLAIM AND ORDER TO GO TO SMALL CLAIMS: CASE No. 25CV06178. Notice to Defendant:  John Coons: You are being sued by Plaintiff:  Danielle Loveall in the amount of $12,500.00.  You and the plaintiff must go to court on April 6, 2026 at 9 am in Department 3 of the Superior Court of California, Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. If you do not go to court, you may lose the case. If you lose, the court can order that your wages, money, or property be taken to pay this claim. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need

Montecito Journal March 19 and March 26, 2026

to prove your case. Name and address of the court: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara,  1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107. Filed March 6, 2026 by Sarah Sisto, Deputy Clerk. Published March 12, 19, 26, and April 2, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as:

ANCORA OSTERIA, 1483 EAST VALLEY ROAD, SUITE 20, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93108. EAST VALLEY FOUR INC, PO BOX 5841, MONTECITO, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 26, 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. Jo-

seph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000501. Published March 12, 19, 26, and April 2, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PARTERRE; PARTERRE COFFEE, 220 W GUTIERREZ ST, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101. TERRACOTTA COFFEE LLC, 2108 N ST #14035, SACRAMENTO, CA 95816. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 3, 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. 2026-0000518. Published March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026

News Bytes

1 Picasso, 100 Euros

by Joanne A Calitri

Aglobal fundraising initiative is offering a rare opportunity to win an original Pablo Picasso painting while supporting critical Alzheimer’s research. The campaign, “1 Picasso for 100 Euros,” will raffle off Tête de femme (1941), a portrait of Dora Maar valued at more than $1 million. Organized by French philanthropist Péri Cochin, the initiative has already sold half of its 120,000 tickets worldwide ahead of the live drawing on April 14 at Christie’s in Paris. “Alzheimer’s is something that touches so many people. If we can raise meaningful support for research and at the same time give someone the chance to win a Picasso, that’s pretty incredible,” said Cochin to the MJ

The artwork reflects Picasso’s iconic Cubist period, with similar works commanding tens of millions at auction. Proceeds from the raffle will directly fund Alzheimer’s research, a cause impacting more than 35 million people globally.

First launched in 2013, the campaign has already produced included a U.S. winner who received a Picasso valued at over $1 million. Will you be the next one?

411: https://1picasso100euros.com

Monte’s Now Open!

Monte’s is officially open on Coast Village Road! This is Endwell Hospitality’s first California restaurant. Designed as a neighborhood gathering place, Monte’s brings a refined yet approachable dining experience centered on hyper-seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine drawn from the Central Coast.

Led by Executive Chef Daniel Kim, whose background includes Michelin-starred kitchens, the menu balances comfort and creativity with dishes like prawn toast, coal-roasted cabbage, wagyu sirloin, and a signature smash burger. Kim’s approach emphasizes bold flavors and thoughtful simplicity, allowing peak-season ingredients to shine.

The beverage program, overseen by Wine Director Suzanne DeStio, mirrors the kitchen’s philosophy with a curated selection of small producers, seasonal cocktails, and wines designed to complement the menu. A forthcoming happy hour will further position Monte’s as an everyday gathering spot.

With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and focus on quality and seasonality, Monte’s aims to become a staple of Montecito’s evolving dining scene.

WEV Celebrates 35 Years of Impact

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) marked International Women’s Day and its 35th anniversary with a celebratory gathering on March 5 at the Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo, bringing together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and supporters. The event highlighted WEV’s mission to empower women through entrepreneurship, financial education, and access to capital.

CEO Nicki Parr emphasized the broader impact of investing in women, noting that financial empowerment strengthens families and communities. Guests heard from Delphine Pruitt of U.S. Bank and WEV client Alina Sharafutdinova, who shared how the organization helped grow her business.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Trailblazer Award to Celina Zacarias, recognized for her leadership and service in Ventura County. Since 1991, WEV has supported more than 10,000 individuals and helped thousands of businesses launch or expand, continuing to drive economic opportunity across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

GFF Inclusive Arts Clubhouse Anniversary

The Grace Fisher Foundation is marking a major milestone with a community celebration honoring three years of its Inclusive Arts Clubhouse and ten years of free, inclusive arts programming in Santa Barbara. The anniversary event will take place on April 12 from 1-3 pm at the Clubhouse in La Cumbre Plaza, inviting guests of all ages to experience the vibrant, accessible space firsthand.

The afternoon will feature live music, a performance by the Sing Sign & Dance Troupe, hands-on art activities, light bites, and a festive atmosphere designed to reflect the Foundation’s mission of creativity and inclusion. Attendees can tour the Clubhouse, meet founder Grace Fisher and her team, and learn more about programs that empower individuals of all abilities through music, visual arts, and performance.

Founded by Fisher, an artist and advocate, the organization continues to expand opportunities for connection, expression, and belonging throughout the community.

Former Hostage to Speak at UCSB

Omer Shem Tov survived the terror attack of October 7, 2023. Kidnapped from the Nova music festival, he spent 505 days in captivity in Gaza before being released in a hostage deal. He will speak about his experiences on April 13 at UCSB. Registration required.

411: www.omerinsb.com

Olive Crest to “Hope Shines” Fundraiser

Olive Crest will host its upcoming Hope Shines fundraiser on Sunday, April 26, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez, bringing the community together to support its Hope Refuge Campus. The program is dedicated to serving local girls who have been victims of sex trafficking – Hope Refuge providing safety, healing, and long-term support.

The afternoon will feature a powerful presentation from Guest Speaker Shantel Ortiz-Cesario, a survivor and advocate who will share her personal story and offer insight into the realities of trafficking and recovery. Guests will also enjoy lunch, desserts, and beverages while learning more about the program’s impact and the ongoing need for community involvement.

Proceeds from the event will directly support Hope Refuge Campus and its specialized services, reinforcing Olive Crest’s broader mission to strengthen families and transform the lives of children in crisis.

411: www.olivecrest.org/hope-shines-2026

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Events

- Chumash Earth Day, Saturday, April 18: The theme for this year’s event is “Life Grows Where Water Flows,” a free community celebration.

411: https://syceo.org/earthday

- Santa Ynez Chumash Museum & Cultural Center 1st Anniversary, Friday, May 15, featuring the brand-new guided audio tour and the unveiling of a new temporary exhibit. The evening will be complete with a special lecture by the artist, and an inside look at the creation of this extraordinary new exhibit. Tickets required.

411: www.sychumashmuseum.org

Juneteenth SB Call for Contributors

April 15 deadline for artists, vendors, volunteers to apply for the 2026 “Love for The People” Juneteenth Celebration takes place on Friday, June 19, at Plaza Del Mar in Santa Barbara.

411: https://juneteenthsb.org

SB Cottage Health’s First Chief Innovation Officer

SB Cottage Health has appointed Ryan Kelly , PhD, as its first chief innovation officer, a newly established role designed to advance innovation across the health system and strengthen strategic partnerships. Kelly is a healthcare and medtech innovation executive with more than 20 years of experience building platforms, teams, and partnerships at the intersection of technology, life sciences, and healthcare delivery.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar of Events

by Steven Libowitz

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Rob Reiner’s Reel Estate – Billy Crystal offered a heartfelt tribute to the wildly popular actor-director – who was murdered along with his wife last December – at this year’s Oscar ceremony. Now SBIFF pays its respects to Reiner via weeklong screenings of seven of Reiner’s most memorable movies in repertory. The iconic films show the director’s dedication to versatility across genres, including comedy (This Is Spinal Tap), comic-romance (The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, The American President), and suspense/drama (Stand by Me, Misery, A Few Good Men). Each film receives several screenings over the course of the two-week retrospective, thanks to having five screens available at SBIFF’s new McHurley Film Center.

WHEN: Through April 2

WHERE: 916 State St.

COST: varies

INFO: https://sbifftheatres.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 27-SUNDAY, APRIL 19

Going ‘Club’-ing in Ojai – The Cemetery Club was not a big hit on Broadway, lasting less than two months back in 1990. The 1993 movie, which starred big-name character actresses Olympia Dukakis, Ellen Burstyn, and Diane Ladd as three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husbands’ graves, likewise

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Elephants on Parade – While Disney only had pink pachyderms in that famous psychedelic sequence from 1941’s Dumbo film, Santa Barbara’s Summer Solstice organization’s Little Elephant Parade features an entire herd of 60 whimsically painted, albeit small elephants created by local artists, a special event that ends a week of activities today. The invited artists – sponsored by a local business, organization, or community supporter – transformed miniature elephant sculptures into one-of-akind hand-painted works of art. All 80 have been on display at Son y Sabor since last weekend, and will today “parade” up State Street to Community Environmental Council’s Hub for a Trunk Show and auction at a final party for the painted pachyderms. The critters will be auctioned off, with 20% going to elephant conservation and Elephant Parade® international, 10% for the artists, and the remaining funds supporting the Solstice Celebration and workshop. The event will also feature the announcement of the winner of the Solstice 2026 Poster Art Contest, inspired by this year’s parade theme of “Wave,” after a final chance to view the more than two dozen original submissions by local artists of the design that will also appear on tee shirts over the June Solstice weekend. Visitors can also enjoy libations and listen to the guitar stylings of Magic Jordan and beats by longtime Solstice DJ Darla Bea, now the organization’s newest board member.

WHEN: 5-8 pm

WHERE: Son y Sabor, 1219 State St.

COST: $20 donation (Refunded for auction winners) INFO: www.solsticeparade.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Sounds in Santa Ynez – Country or alt-rock? Your choice, and a chance to actualize your preference via a pair of bands that have been plying their respective trades for decades. Your deliberation will also include the “venue variable” – deep inside the Chumash Casino, or outdoors under the stars in Solvang? The Band Perry, the innovative country ensemble fronted by siblings Kimberly Reid and Neil Perry, who play the Chumash tonight, are best known for their mega-country hits “If I Die Young” and “Better Dig Two,” the former of which fell just outside the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 back in 2010. After veering into pop for several years, the Band Perry returned to contemporary country music in 2025, and began adding to their accolades with a Grammy Award, three Country Music Association Awards, and sales of almost 15 million copies across singles and albums. Over at the Festival Theater, fans can rock out of doors to Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the early 1990s scene in Portland, OR, and whose lineup still boasts founding vocalist and guitarist Art Alexakis as frontman 37 years later. Four of the band’s 11 studio releases have been certified Gold or Platinum, while a dozen of their singles have reached Billboard’s Top 40 Hit including “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You a New Life,” “Wonderful,” and “Everything To Everyone.” Expect to hear them all under the stars in Solvang.

The Band Perry WHEN: 8 pm

WHERE: Chumash Casino, 3400 E. Hwy. 246, Santa Ynez COST: $40-$70

INFO: (800) CHUMASH (248-6274) or www.chumashcasino.com.

Everclear

WHEN: 7 pm

WHERE: Solvang Festival Theater’s garden, 420 2nd Street, Solvang

COST: $124.27-$134.58

INFO: (805) 686-1789 or https://solvangtheaterfest.org

didn’t break box office records. But over the years, the play has become a regular on the regional community theater repertoire, and now Ojai ACT is presenting the piece that finds the ladies’ tradition threatened by Sam, a widower (played by the great Danny Aiello in the movie) also at the graveyard, getting chummy with Ida, the sweet tempered one who is ready to begin a new life. Can the widows’ friendships and values survive the forces of change? The Ojai ACT production of The Cemetery Club, directed by Sindy McKay, offers audiences the pleasure of watching three vibrant women navigate friendship, grief, and second chances with honesty and wit.

WHEN: Weekends today-April 19

WHERE: Ojai Arts Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai

COST: $20-$25 (All Saturday evening shows are “Pay What You Can” at the door)

INFO: (805) 640-8797 or www.ojaiact.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

Justin Time – It’s unlikely that even in his wildest dreams did Justin Hayward imagine the massive success or enduring popularity achieved by The Moody

‘Pinhole Noir’ – The Spring Exhibition at the Architectural Foundation Art Gallery exhibits a series of recent photographs by Lindsay Skutch, whose striking black-and-white images of familiar sites and sights in Southern California are taken with pinhole cameras, the historic form of camera obscura, a box with a small opening that allows light to pass through a tiny aperture and project an inverted image. The technique has been used since the 16th century by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci. Skutch – who attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, leading to a 38-year career in Los Angeles and New York producing global commercials with directors that included Sydney Pollack, Alfonso Cuarón, and Kathryn Bigelow –compares that highly structured world to pinhole photographs, which have a large reliance on chance. “You have no idea if the negative will turn out or what the image is truly going to look like,” says Skutch, who prints all her photographs from images captured by cameras she makes and negatives she processes. “There is no viewfinder and no way of knowing if the tin can is even pointing at what you want it to.”

WHEN: Opening reception 2-4 today, exhibit open Saturday afternoons through May 30

WHERE: Architectural Foundation Art Gallery, 229 E. Victoria St.

COST: free

INFO: (805) 965-6307 or https://afsb.org

Blues, the British band he joined two years after its founding (replacing MB’s Denny Laine, who would go on to join Paul and Linda McCartney in Wings).

Hayward served as Moody Blues’ lead guitarist, singer, and most prolific songwriter, propelling the band to a new sound and level of success, and has continued to tour on his own following the band’s final dissolution eight years ago. Hayward is backed by a crackerjack ensemble of musicians able to interpret his work in various acoustic settings, evergreen songs that include the classic hits he originally penned and sang: “Nights in White Satin,” “Question,” “New Horizons,” “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere,” “Tuesday Afternoon,” “Story In Your Eyes,” “The Voice,” and “Your Wildest Dreams.” If his last appearance at the Lobero a few years ago is any indication, Hayward, now 79, is still in fine voice and spirits, making his shows both a delightful trip down memory lane and a vibrant modern experience.

WHEN: 7:30 pm

WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

COST: $79.75-$149.75

INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.org

Three Classical Stars Close CAMA – Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the largest performing arts organization in the Southwest, concludes CAMA’s International Series at the Granada in a glorious concert featuring three major classical music talents. Grammy Award-winning Italian conductor Fabio Luisi , now in his sixth season as the DSO’s Music Director following impressive appointments around the world, will apply his “commanding presence” to a pair of important pieces of the symphony repertoire. Schumann’s “Piano Concerto” is a work of passionate lyricism and dramatic intensity and will feature renowned pianist and frequent Santa Barbara visitor Hélène Grimaud as soloist. Post-intermission, Mahler’s “Symphony No. 4,” which journeys from earthly concerns to celestial visions, boasts soprano Sofia Fomina soloing in the final movement of the massive and majestic work, providing a powerful and uplifting conclusion to CAMA’s 107th season.

WHEN: 7:30 pm

WHERE: Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street

COST: $45-$195

INFO: (805) 899-2222 or www.granadasb.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Coffee Culture Fest – Java jubilation joins the local festival frenzy with an inaugural all-day celebration that blends coffee culture, arts, science and community connection. Visitors can sip tastings from local and regional roasters, explore the wares at numerous maker booths, engage (perhaps over a cup of joe) with nonprofit organizations, participate in interactive art, take part in hands-on workshops and experience expert panels, and watch live music on the coffeehouse-style singer-songwriter stage. The festival takes place across the Santa Barbara Junior High campus and the Marjorie Luke Theatre on Santa Barbara’s Eastside, with most activities taking place on the main lawn in front of the school. The public festival lawn is free and open to everyone, while access to coffee tastings and premium programming requires festival passes. Expect specialty roasters, unique blends, coffee-inspired treats from local roasters and restaurants, especially at the Latte Art Throwdown, a fast-paced, bracket-style competition where baristas compete in front of a live audience, pouring their best designs under pressure. Judges compare the cups with criteria including Symmetry & Balance; Contrast & Clarity; Pattern Complexity & Difficulty; Milk Texture & Integration; and Overall Visual Impact, aka the “wow” factor.

WHEN: 9 am-3 pm

WHERE: SB Junior High campus, 721 East Cota St.

COST: Free-$30 ($60 VIP pass)

INFO: www.coffeeculturefest.com/

NOTE TO READERS

This entertainment calendar is a subjective sampling of arts and entertainment events taking place in the Santa Barbara area for the next seven days or so. It is by no means comprehensive. Please also see my feature stories elsewhere in this issue for more events. In order to be considered for inclusion in this calendar, please submit information – including hi-res photos –by 12 noon Wednesday eight days prior to publication date. Email: slibowitz@yahoo.com.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING (805) 565-1860

ESTATE/SENIOR SERVICES

Your Trusted Choice For Estate Sales, Liquidation & Downsizing

Moving Miss Daisy’s providing comprehensive services through Moving Miss Daisy since 2015. Expert packing, unpacking, relocating to ensure your new home is beautifully set up and ready to enjoy. Miss Daisy’s is the largest consignment store in the Tri-Counties - nearly 20K sq.ft.- always offering an unmatched selection of items. We also host online Auctions.

Glenn Novack, Owner 805-770-7715 www.missdaisy.org info@movingmissdaisy.com

THE CLEARING HOUSE

Recognized as the area’s Premier Estate Liquidators - Experts in the Santa Barbara Market! We are Skilled Professionals with Years of Experience in Downsizing and Estate Sales. Personalized service. Insured. Call for a complimentary consultation. Elaine (805)708-6113 Christa (805)450-8382

Email: theclearinghouseSB@cox.net Website: www.theclearinghouseSB.com

TRESOR

We Buy, Sell and Broker Important Estate Jewelry. Located in the upper village of Montecito. Graduate Gemologists with 30 years of experience. We do free evaluations and private consultation. 1470 East Valley Rd Suite V. 805-969-0888

TILE SETTING

Local tile setter of 35 years is now doing small jobs only. Services include grout cleaning and repair, caulking, sealing, replacing damaged tiles and basic plumbing needs. Call Doug Watts at 805-729-3211 for a free estimate.

PHYSICAL TRAINING & THERAPY

Stillwell Fitness of Santa Barbara In Home Personal Training Sessions for 65+ Help with: Strength, Flexibility, Balance Motivation, and Consistency

John Stillwell, CPT, Specialist in Senior Fitness 805-705-2014 StillwellFitness.com

GOT OSTEOPOROSIS? WE CAN HELP

At OsteoStrong our proven non-drug protocol takes just ten minutes once a week to improve your bone density and aid in more energy, strength, balance and agility. Please call for a complimentary session! Call Now (805) 453-6086

ELECTRICIAN

Montecito Electric Repairs and Inspections

Licensed C10485353 805-969-1575

LANDSCAPE

Casa L. M.

Landscape hedges installed. Ficus to flowering. Disease resistant. Great privacy.

Certified rootstock roses and fruit trees.

Licensed & insured. Call (805) 963-6909

WATERLILIES and LOTUS since 1992

WATERGARDEN CARE

SBWGC

INTUITIVE CONSULTANT

Helping others gain beneficial insight, clarity, and guidance for over 25 years. Confidential and Professional: In-person, Zoom, Phone (310) 463-5089

PET/ HOUSE SITTING

Do you need to get away for a weekend, week or more? I will house sit and take care of your pets, plants & mail. I have refs if needed. Call me or text me. Christine (805) 452-2385

CARPET CLEANING

Carpet Cleaning Since 1978 (805) 963-5304 Rafael Mendez Cell: 689-8397 or 963-3117

PIANO LESSONS

Openings now available for Children & Adults. Piano Lessons in our Studio or your Home. Call or Text Kary Kramer (805) 453-3481

CONSTRUCTION

General Building Design & Construction Contractor William J. Dalziel Lic. B311003 – 1 (805) 698-4318 billjdalziel@gmail.com

RENTAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Local, Reliable Property Management. We care for your rentals. FoothillPM.com 805-698-4769

PET CARE & HOUSE SITTING

Friendly, reliable pet lover offering pet sitting, dog walking, & house-sitting services. I’ll treat your pets and home with care while you’re away. Flexible schedule and reasonable rates. References available. Call or text: (312) 315-5035

$10 MINIMUM TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

It’s simple. Charge is $3 per line, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $10 per issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email Classified Ad to frontdesk@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860. All ads must be finalized by Friday at 2pm the week prior to printing. We accept Visa/MasterCard/Amex (3% surcharge)

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

MACC CONSTRUCTION

Building dreams

Lic 949275

805 895 2852

Construct1.mac@gmail.com

We specialize in ADU construction Kitchen and bathroom remodeling Decks

COASTAL

Antique rosewood table and chairs; other fine furniture & paintings at good prices! Call (805) 733-1030

Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary Menagerie 2430 Lillie Avenue Summerland, CA 93067 (805) 969-1944

Donate to the Parrot Pantry!

you have a special talent or skill? Do you need community service hours? The flock at SB Bird Sanctuary could always use some extra love and socialization. Call us and let’s talk about how you can help. (805) 969-1944

K-9 PALS need volunteers to be foster parents for our dogs while they are waiting for their forever homes. For more information info@k-9pals.org or 805-570-0415

ByPeteMuller&FrankLongo

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