Issuu

JOURNAL

10 – 17 SEPT 2026 | VOL 32 ISS 37 www.montecitojournal.net

Voice of theV illage

SERVING MONTECITO AND SOUTHERN SANTA BARBARA

Before the Rains – A strong El Niño forecast. Nine agencies talk creek readiness. All are welcome Sept. 14, P.5

Swoosh and Savor – Los Gatos boutique Viva O Sol opens on Coast Village Road with 40 designer labels, P.16

The Giving List

CEC hands its Green Gala to the farmers and ranchers, with Elizabeth Poett cooking, page 37

Rally Cry – Fifty exotic cars sprint 225 miles to San Luis Obispo for local kids, P.42

A sanctuary for kids coping with the uncertainties of a cancer diagnosis, a gala honoring the families, a life-renewing foundation at 24, Story starts on page 12 Head of the Class

Thirty-four years teaching, nearly twelve on the fire board. Montecito Fire signed a helmet for Peter van Duinwyk and brought it to his door, page 18

TEDDY BEAR AS SALVATION

Stop. Sit. Smile.

Coast Village Road crowns a Top Dog on Saturday. Best in show wins a $750 portrait and a spot in this paper, page 14

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Montecito JOURNAL

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 18 Hot Topics – Montecito Fire thanks Peter van 37 The Giving List – The Comunity Duinwyk as he departs the board after nearly 12 Environmental Council turns its Green Gala

Association Agenda – Nine agencies and your 5 neighbors talk creek readiness at Montecito Union before a strong El Niño winter

6 soil-covered case against the Vegetable

Beings and Doings – Jeff Wing builds an airtight,

years of service

Your Westmont – An exhibition on the 22 intelligence of touch, and a new Christian college theater network

24 $96 million State Street plan the city cannot Montecito Moments – Birnam Wood closes the 8 polo season in black tie, and Grassini Gives Back afford

An Independent Mind – City Council approves

nears $1 million

etters – Readers remember Pedro Rivera, and L one offers Jeff Wing a pinch of sea salt 93108 Sheriff ’s Blotter – Gloves and a crowbar in Summerland, a CHP PIT maneuver on Via Real Montecito Tide Guide

12 race turn out to be after the same thing

Gala Fever – A teddy bear and a 225-mile road

On Entertainment – A pianist builds a better 28 audience, Camus meets Beethoven, and Roger McGuinn sings like a Byrd

Robert’s Big Questions – A $40 trillion debt, 32 and the difference between borrowing that invests and borrowing that does not

33 Cayce readings revisited, and Snatam Kaur returns On Spirituality – La Casa de Maria reopens, the

14 car show and a photo booth crowning the road’s 34 born before astonished visitors, the zoo’s first in Coast Village Roundup – An art walk, a Sunday

Around Town – A white-handed gibbon is

Top Dog

more than 20 years

16 opens on Coast Village Road, and the Country 36 never met a dog without a treat, and Geonine 4

The Society Edit – A Los Gatos boutique

In Passing – Randolph “Randy” Barnard, who

Mart revels in cornhole

Scott-Moriarty’s charmed adventure

Montecito JOURNAL

“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” – Ferdinand Foch

into a farmers market, with Elizabeth Poett cooking

Our Town – The Gay and Lesbian Business 38 Association hands Kai Ingraham a second straight scholarship

Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A French circus 39 poster links Art Nouveau advertising to the storytelling behind Star Wars

Far Flung Travel – Kayaking Iceland’s 40 Hornstrandir leads to coffee with Asta, 85, and her polar bear story

Calendar of Events – Romeo and Juliet 48 decamp to Elings Park, SB Sea Glass and

Ocean Arts Festival, and 150,000 books land at Earl Warren

Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified 50 ads, from caregivers and contractors to rentals and estate sales

ini Meta Crossword Puzzles 51 MLocal Business Directory – Smart business

owners place cards here so readers know where to look when they need them

10 – 17 September 2026

Association Agenda Winter Preparation by Houghton Hyatt

ith winter approaching and forecasters now under an El Niño advisory for the season ahead, the Montecito Association, with First District Supervisor Roy Lee, is bringing residents, public agencies and elected officials together for a community-wide discussion about the condition of Montecito’s creeks, flood-control infrastructure and preparations for the months ahead. The Montecito Creek & Winter Preparedness Community Meeting will be held Monday, September 14, from 4:30 to 6 pm at Montecito Union School. The meeting grew out of concerns raised by residents along San Leandro Creek about sediment buildup, obstructed underpasses, eroding creek banks and whether existing infrastructure is prepared to handle a significant storm. Particular attention has been focused on the Highway 101 underpass and the San Leandro Lane bridge, which also carries important utility infrastructure. But the concerns are not limited to one creek. The September 14 meeting has been expanded to look at creeks throughout Montecito and, importantly, to bring the many agencies with overlapping responsibilities into the same room before the winter season begins. Representatives are expected from the offices of First District Supervisor Roy Lee, State Senator Monique Limón and Congressman Salud Carbajal, along with the Montecito Association, Montecito Fire Protection District, Santa Barbara County Sheriff ’s Office, Caltrans, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, County Office of Emergency Management, County Public Works and County Flood Control. The goal is not only to discuss individual trouble spots, but also to give residents a clearer understanding of who is responsible for what, what work is already planned and how the various agencies coordinate when issues cross jurisdictions.

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County Flood Control will provide an overview of current creek conditions and its Annual Maintenance Program, along with an update on the Montecito Master Plan and the projects and priorities intended to improve long-term flood protection. The meeting will also include an El Niño status update, a discussion of joint agency coordination, community preparedness information and publicly accessible resources residents can use before and during severe weather. Following the presentations, residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and participate in breakout groups, providing a chance for more focused conversations about specific areas and concerns. The presentation portion of the meeting will be recorded, and a link will be shared with the community afterward for those unable to attend.

REASONS TO PLAY SANDPIPER SANTA BARBARA "It doesn’t get any better than a great course right on the ocean!" - Juan G

Know the Importance of Preparation For Montecito, preparing for winter is more than a seasonal exercise. Our community understands how quickly heavy rainfall, debris and overwhelmed infrastructure can become a serious public-safety concern. That makes the work that happens before the first major storm especially important, from identifying vulnerabilities and maintaining waterways to understanding agency responsibilities, improving communication and making sure residents know where to turn when they see a problem. It is also why resident involvement matters. The people who live alongside our creeks often see changing conditions first – accumulating sediment, erosion, vegetation, blocked drainage areas or other potential concerns. Bringing those observations to the agencies responsible for maintaining our waterways can help create a fuller picture of conditions throughout the community. The September 14 meeting is a chance to do exactly that, putting residents and decision-makers in the same room to ask questions, understand what is being done and identify what still needs attention. Montecito Creek & Winter Preparedness Community Meeting Monday, September 14 | 4:30-6 pm | Montecito Union School All members of the community are welcome to attend.

10 – 17 September 2026

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Montecito JOURNAL

Beings and Doings

Soiled: The Vegetable as Nemesis by Jeff Wing

Radish

roll the thing around. Yuck! The turnip may be a holdover from the earliest days of “agriculture” when we felt obliged to eat whatever popped up out the dirt. We’ve largely transcended this foolishness. Let’s celebrate our triumph with SPAM and an Otter Pop.

Here is a root vegetable that tastes like a root. Not good. Sometimes the radish provider will hand a bunch of these things to you and the hairy little secondary roots are still attached. They are like cobwebs, but fibrous and alien. And this goes in the mouth? Another favorite of horse teeth.

Beets “Mother Earth provides and we are blessed to receive her bounty as nourishment. But watch out! That which grows from soil tastes like soil.” – Starfire Dickinson

he above quote is wholly invented, but Starfire Dickinson is a real person. In other words Starfire Dickinson is also completely made up. But you’ll agree the opening sentiment is familiar. The main problem as I see it is that vegetables taste like soil. There is a lot of sympathetic vegetable talk, sometimes even in the pages of this otherwise sensible publication. But we all know that Shakespearean revulsion of eating a vege-

Montecito JOURNAL

The turnip is as delectable as it looks, particularly viewed through busy horse lips. (public domain)

table. “No more spinach, mom. My gorge rises at it!” Culinary fabulists write with great aplomb on the glory of the vegetable. It is all a terrible ruse, as any of the area’s master chefs will confirm. What follows is a needed dose of remedial honesty.

Turnips Horses eat turnips with abandon. Big scary horse teeth seek the dirt-covered turnip as repulsive horse lips grasp and

Beets are one of those unnerving veggies that has a queasy sweetness to it. The deep red ochre color doesn’t help, either. It’s like looking into the very center of your most repulsive organ. There are not a lot of things humans agree on these days, so it is heartening to know that a steaming plate of beet discs in the middle of the table is enough to make our collective flesh crawl.

Brussels Sprouts It’s like a pea grown in Chernobyl. Radiant with the stuff that makes the pea so frightening, you pop the travel

Beings & Doings Page 464 464

Artichoke There is an old joke whose laborious payoff is “Arty chokes three for a dollar.” As awful as that punchline is, the “vegetable” itself is awfuler. The cursed artichoke says all that need be said about the human race’s determination to make use of every terrible thing made available to us by a frankly mischievous Mother Nature. “Let’s see if they’ll eat THIS thing.” The artichoke is beautiful to look at. Then you get down to business and you have to scrape this idiot thistle with your incisors to get anything off it at all.

No amount of mayo can rescue this loser, and if you’re missing your front teeth your screwed. (public domain)

10 – 17 September 2026

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Montecito JOURNAL

Montecito Moments Black Tie Brilliance by Lisa Duncan

“I

t’s your club, not theirs, not anybody else’s, not the billionaire next door. It’s our club,” Henry Walker told the tuxedoed crowd at Birnam Wood Golf Club, setting the tone for the blacktie Pacific Coast Open Ball, celebrating the patrons who make Santa Barbara’s highgoal polo season possible. The room was dressed nearly as smartly as its guests: black linens, white calla lilies, candlelight and sparkling chandeliers, with the towering Pacific Coast Open silver trophy presiding over the festivities. Honored were this season’s patrons and teams: Lee Evans Lee of Mrs. Momma Bear, Sy Zahedi of Zahedi Chogan, Justin Klentner of Klentner Ranch, Brian Boyd of La Karina and Ivan Weiss of Delta Defence, along with new patrons Kyle Ashton and Carter Thicke. Walker also looked back to the men who secured the club’s future – his father, Ken Walker, Ambassador Glen Holden and Dr. Norman Ringer. “They never made one dime of profit,” Walker reminded the room, crediting their vision

Black tie, bright night: Victoria and Wesley Ru, Pat Nesbitt and Luis Escobar at the Pacific Coast Open Ball (courtesy photo)

Mindy Denson, Charlie Walker and Melania Jones (©PhotosByPriscilla)

with creating the club which generations of families now call their own. Curtis Skene then presented the Robert Skene MVP Award, named for his father, legendary 10-goaler “Hurricane Bob” Skene, to Nachi

Moments Page 444 444

Nigel Gallimore, Sandy Herron and Dr. Madison Richardson enjoying the black-tie ball (courtesy photo)

BALANCE IS EVERYTHING

I welcome the opportunity to learn about your unique goals and needs. Together we can create a strategy designed to help guide you along the path toward financial well-being. Call to schedule a consultation today.

Jorge Morales is a registered representative with, and securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Montecito Bank & Trust and MB&T Advisors are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using MB&T Advisors, and may also be employees of Montecito Bank & Trust. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Montecito Bank & Trust or MB&T Advisors. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

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10 – 17 September 2026

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10 – 17 September 2026

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Montecito JOURNAL

Letters to the Editor

M SHERIFF’S BLOTTER

Always Happy, Always Talking About His Family Editor’s note: The following letter remembers Pedro Rivera, the longtime Santa Barbara and Montecito bartender who was struck and killed by a car on Coast Village Road on August 2.

y family (Cheri, Garret and Sierra) enjoyed talking with Pedro at the restaurant, Teddy’s by the Sea, every other week for the past two years! Pedro always came over to talk with us, always happy, always talking of his love for his family and so much love for his granddaughter, who he had just visited the month before his passing to Heaven! Pedro will be greatly missed. God bless Pedro, and bless his surviving family! With love, Cheri Garlinger

Pedro always came over to talk with us, always happy, always talking of his love for his family.

Theft / Hollister Street and Lillie Avenue, Summerland Monday, August 24, 2026, 3:26 am Two subjects were reported looking into vehicles and “casing” the area. The subjects were located and, after an investigation and a consent search of their vehicle, deputies located gloves and a crowbar. They were arrested and booked at Santa Barbara Jail. DUI and Fleeing / 2200 block East Valley Road, Montecito Monday, August 24, 2026, 10:34 pm A deputy attempted to initiate a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle driving with one headlight. While the deputy was driving behind the vehicle, it departed from its lane of travel multiple times and veered into both oncoming traffic lanes and the shoulder. After the emergency lights were activated, the vehicle did not yield and disregarded at least three stop signs at speeds of approximately 35 mph on Via Real in the vicinity of Summerland. The vehicle briefly veered toward a pedestrian on the sidewalk. CHP responded and ultimately performed a PIT maneuver on the vehicle. The driver was arrested for CVC 2800.2(a) and CVC 23152(a). Because the PIT was performed by CHP, CHP took the arrest. Neighbor Dispute / El Rancho Road, Montecito Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 2:18 pm Deputies responded to a dispute over property lines and fences. The reporting party said his neighbor had encroached on his property and that the two are currently in a civil battle over property lines. That day the neighbor was seen on security footage walking on the reporting party’s driveway. The neighbor was contacted and given a verbal warning to stay off the reporting party’s property.

nother GOL – Guffaw Out Loud – for Jeff Wing’s piece on hydration last week. Consider: Putting a half teaspoon of a good sea salt like Maldon into a 24 oz. tankard will go a long way in your “water journey.” Not Morton’s, a chemical factory-salt which has none of the key minerals that we need. Water before your morning Joe is best – we all wake up in hydro-deficit. The coffee doesn’t actually “count,” as it’s also a diuretic. Your brain and kidneys will thank you. Salt-less water leaches the much-needed minerals from our cells, and our gazillions of intracellular mitochondria need those to do their constant little energy-dance. Bottoms up! LeeAnn Morgan CEO, Buzzkill Café

YOUR LETTERS MATTER!

JOURNAL

A Pinch of Salt for the Water Column

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, Thomas Mock 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

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 Day

Low

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Thurs, Sept 10 3:44 AM -0.4 10:01 AM Fri, Sept 11 4:15 AM 0.0 10:30 AM Sat, Sept 12 4:44 AM 0.5 10:59 AM Sun, Sept 13 5:11 AM 1.1 11:27 AM Mon, Sept 14 12:02 AM Tues, Sept 15 12:56 AM Wed, Sept 16 2:07 AM Thurs, Sept 17 01:50 PM Fri, Sept 18 03:13 PM

5.1 5.3 5.5 5.5 4.3 3.8 3.3 4.8 4.6

03:43 PM 04:28 PM 05:13 PM 05:59 PM 5:34 AM 5:55 AM 6:08 AM 10:36 PM 11:59 PM

10 Montecito JOURNAL

Hgt

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1.1 09:46 PM 6.0 0.8 10:31 PM 5.5 0.7 11:15 PM 4.9 0.7 1.7 11:56 AM 5.5 06:48 PM 0.8 2.2 12:26 PM 5.3 07:46 PM 1.0 2.7 01:01 PM 5.1 09:01 PM 1.2 1.2 1.0

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats

newspaper

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

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Montecito JOURNAL

Gala Fever

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and Rally4Kids Put Local Children and Families at the Center of Two Fall Traditions by Journal Staff

t the unlikely intersection of cuddly toys and deafening internal combustion, two of Santa Barbara’s most established philanthropic high points come back into focus this September and October. One invokes the silent, grounding comfort of a teddy bear, the other a piston-pumping, windshield-fouling 225-mile road race. What on Earth can these gatherings have in common? Local kids and their loving families.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Golden Moment

The committee behind the annual Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) fundraiser gathered recently, and not in a “huddle room,” “strategy suite” or other windowless iteration of the business meeting blandscape.

The committee convened at TBCF’s Pediatric Cancer Support Center. Just a few steps away from Cottage Hospital, the locale was brokered by Gene McKnight and Sheela Hunt with Village Properties. The Center is a sanctuary, a brick-and-mortar expression of TBCF’s embrace of families navigating childhood cancer. For all that a hospital is a place of concentrated healing, the hospital environment itself can be a stark and clinical setting for kids and their families. The Pediatric Cancer Support Center provides these families a warm-blooded, empathetic haven for relaxing, recharging, finding resources and connecting with fellow travelers in the fraught journey that is childhood cancer. The idea came directly from the families served by Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. According to the organization, roughly 40 percent of its families, approximately 80 to 100, receive treatment at Cottage Children’s Medical Center each year. When TBCF began

planning a permanent home, the families it consulted emphasized the importance of having a tranquil respite close to the hospital. A home away from home during a bewildering time, shelter from an indescribably strange storm, the Pediatric Cancer Support Center will accommodate more than 500 family visits annually. The Center is just the latest chapter in Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s story, a saga that began in 2002. When founder Nikki Katz heard about the crushing financial and emotional pressures facing a single mother whose young son had been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, Katz had to act. In the intervening years, what began as a reflexive grassroots response has grown into a tri-county organization providing financial, educational and emotional support to families in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. The Golden Gala – TBCF’s signature

Golden Gala Co-chairs Angel Speier and Susannah Rao, wearing the gold ribbon of childhood cancer awareness

Gala Page 424 424

YOU GO ABOVE AND BEYOND SO DO WE. You always go above and beyond for your kids. We do the same. With physicians, social workers and child specialists, we pride ourselves in a whole patient approach. At Cottage Children’s Medical Center, we’ve been going further for families for decades.

cottagehealth.org/childrens

12 Montecito JOURNAL

10 – 17 September 2026

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Montecito JOURNAL

Coast Village Roundup Is Your Pup CVR’s Next Top Dog?

shapes, while supplies last. Can’t make it to the photo booth? Snap a photo of your pup anywhere along Coast Village Road, scan the QR code and upload your entry. Come early, bring your best-dressed pooch and explore Coast Village Road, where dog-friendly merchants will be welcoming pups with treats, smiles and plenty of tail-wagging fun. Brought to you by the Coast Village Association and the Montecito Journal.

Beyond the Canvas Art Walk | Thursday, 4-7 pm Visual art, photography, culinary arts and fine art will all be on display from Olive Mill Road to Middle Road. Be sure to stop by: • Nurture Cottage for The Art of Table Setting with Apples to Zucchini. • Caldwell Snyder’s artist reception featuring Bobbie Burgers. • A Homer Montecito meet and greet with Colette Cosentino and Peter Horjus, with a live painting experience. • A European antiques and art pop-up at Hermosillo, to meet artist Kjirsten Fouts and antique curator Dina Litt, offering sips and nibbles.

The Art of Table Setting at Nurture Cottage Because setting the table is about creating an intentional space to gather, enjoy a shared meal and connect with one another, join Apples to Zucchini on Thursday for the Art of Table Setting. While strolling the Art Walk, find them at Nurture Cottage, where they will be sharing culinary trivia and a little inspiration around the art of setting the table. Apples to Zucchini is Santa Barbara’s only nonprofit cooking school, with a mission to bring people together over shared meals.

by Beth Sullivan

Exotic and Vintage Car Day | Sunday, 10 am-2 pm

oast Village Week is here. From September 10 through 17, the boutiques, restaurants, and galleries along Coast Village Road are running promotions, receptions and events all week long. The biggest question of the weekend, though, is whether your dog is about to become famous.

Top Dog Days Photo Booth | Saturday, Noon to 3 pm

Distinctive automobiles add another layer of style and nostalgia to Coast Village Road. Walk the road to chat with owners and get a close-up view of a McLaren MSO X and a Ferrari 812, plus a range of fast cars from Porsche, Mercedes and Fiat. Visit CoastVillageRoad.com and follow along on Instagram @Coast.Village.Road and Facebook @CoastVillageRoad.

Grab your four-legged friend and make a splash at the Top Dog Days Photo Booth on Coast Village Road. Every pup photographed will be entered for a chance to be featured in the Montecito Journal and to win a custom sketch of your pup by artist Peter Horjus, valued at $750. Stop. Sit. Smile. Enter! Visit the photo booth in front of Renaud’s to get your pup’s picture, then scan the QR code to enter. While you’re there, don’t miss the Bougie BARKery SB pop-up, featuring humangrade dog treats made right here in Santa Barbara. Your pup can sample fresh pupcakes and Banana Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Apple treats in a variety of playful

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Tony Miller REALTOR® 805.705.4007 Tonymillersb@gmail.com DRE #01979251 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been veriﬁed. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

14 Montecito JOURNAL

“A spark neglected makes a mighty fire.” – Robert Herrick

10 – 17 September 2026

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10 – 17 September 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

The Society Edit

The Society Edit’s Style, Swoosh, and a September to be Savored by Joanne A Calitri, MPA

ello Loves! September starts directing our attention to the upcoming holiday season. Indeed yes, summer feels long over, kiddos are back in school, and the stores are adding sections of holiday decor and gift ideas weekly. If it’s fashion you crave, Montecito is now the second home to Viva O Sol, an on-trend fashion boutique for men and women. The brand’s flagship is in the affluent Santa Clara County town of Los Gatos (Silicon Valley) and, like all quality ‘tings, has found its way to Montecito, located at 1101 Coast Village Road, Suite A. Opening this week, the shop is chuffed to be here with clothing and accessories to create your best outfits. Merchandise buyers bring in collections from more than 40 designer brands, like Veronica Beard, Pistola, FRAME, L’Agence and Au Noir. Viva O Sol was founded by Claudia Diniz, who was born and raised in Brazil. Follow their social, https://www.instagram.com/vivaosolshop.

SBMA Rebrands Its Gilded Gala And as every loyal Society femme knows, planning ahead is relevant, especially for attending grand galas and balls. I’m here to advise that the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has rebranded its annual Gilded Gala as the SBMA Art Gala. The third edition of the gala will take place Saturday, February 20, 2027, at the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito. To attend, table sponsorships are the only tickets that grant

Society Edit Page 204 204

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Montecito JOURNAL

Hot Topics by Montecito Fire

Counterintelligence to Community Service: A ‘Thank-You’ to Director Peter van Duinwyk by Christina Atchison

“S

ervice above self ” is at the core of what it means to be a firefighter. At Montecito Fire, we look to our elected Board of Directors as representatives of the community to decide policy issues and set priorities for the Fire District. Our most recent Board President, Peter van Duinwyk, has set an example of service that any firefighter would strive to emulate. Van Duinwyk’s life has been defined by service. He served enthusiastically on our board for nearly 12 years until a recent lymphoma diagnosis forced him to resign and finally put caring for himself at the top of his priority list. His innate sense of duty began on Long Island, New York, where he was his parents’ firstborn child, the eldest of three boys and a girl. His father worked as an airline mechanic. “In 1946, he got a great post-WWII job as a mechanic for United Airlines in Los Angeles,” van Duinwyk said. “I was seven

years old. It was Halloween night and I can still picture all the jack-o’-lanterns out the car window as we drove one-way to the airport to get on a flight to California.” The van Duinwyk family settled in Canoga Park and later Reseda, in a bygone version of Los Angeles that is nearly impossible to imagine today. “It was very rural. There were horse shows every weekend down the road from our property on a vacant corner lot,” he recalled. “It was a lot of fun for us as kids.” Shortly before graduating high school, Peter’s academic counselor called him into the office and informed him that the paperwork he had filled out some weeks prior was an application for the University of California, Santa Barbara. He had been accepted. “I didn’t know where Santa Barbara was. I thought it was south of Los Angeles.” He moved north to the most picturesque place he had ever experienced and began studying chemistry at UCSB before quickly pivoting to history. He earned his degree in history and a minor in biology – a strategic choice that he

hoped would land him a teaching job down the road since science teachers were in high demand. He also enrolled in ROTC. “My parents expected me to serve. Timing-wise, it was very lucky. I didn’t get sent to Vietnam like a lot of my friends and I got some wonderful training.” His time at UCSB also brought him the good fortune of meeting his bride, Susanne. “I saw this bewitching blonde and I asked her to the football game. She was a freshman, I was a junior. It was her second day on campus. We still talk about it to this day.” They married in 1961 at All Saints-bythe-Sea and prioritized her graduating in 1963 before he proceeded with his military service. He was headed to Infantry Basic Training in Georgia the night President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, November 22, 1963. “We were driving to the fort and our Volkswagen didn’t have a radio. We noticed all these cars pulled off the side of the road. I finally stopped at a restaurant and learned the news.” After completing basic training, Peter and Susanne moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended a 16-week program at the United States Army Intelligence School and says he received some of the best education, particularly

The commemorative firefighter’s helmet presented to Peter van Duinwyk at his home, signed by every member of the Montecito Fire Department

in constitutional law and history. His first assignment brought him back to the Golden State as Chief of the Special Investigation Section at the Presidio of San Francisco. “I was a lieutenant and fortunate to be in a very nice spot at 23 years old.” His job was to investigate individuals seeking security clearances and verify their eligibility, including concerns related to their loyalty to the United States. “We turned up three or four people who were questionable. I like to think

Hot Topics Page 304 304

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18 Montecito JOURNAL

10 – 17 September 2026

2026 2027

Presenting the world’s finest classical artists since 1919

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COMMUNITY ARTS MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF SANTA BARBARA 10 – 17 September 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Society Edit (Continued from 16 16)) entrance to this elegant and most extravagant event. The museum’s Malibu marketing guru, Cynthia Wornham of Wornham Communications, contacted me directly to let my dear readers know there are but a few sponsorships left! Each year the gala has a theme and invites attendees to look fabulous while supporting SBMA art exhibitions and programs. The theme for 2027 is Black Tie with a Splash of Color. Such a great rationale for those extra pairs of Saint Laurent couture heels, that gown we just had to buy, and lest we forget the Montecito Chanel store at the Rosewood Miramar for matching cocktail accessories. Ticketing: https://galasbma.net/#details

Spring 2027 Turns Your Heels Into Art While on topic, Spring 2027 is asking you to rebrand your current closet as the #cleangirl aesthetic is moving out, making space for wearable Art Deco designs, right down to sculptural heeled couture shoes. According to Vogue magazine, “[shoe] Heel stems are being sculpted into miniature works of art, including gilded representations of butterflies, pearl-filled pods, and stacked resin. Store arrivals indicate a massive 131% increase in heavy hardware and rhinestone embellishments on sandals.” Imagine, getting ready for the SBMA Art Gala just became a work of art in itself.

Marfa Stance Pops Up at the Country Mart Cruising your socials or shopping at the Montecito Country Mart (MCM), you’ve likely heard about the pop-up store Marfa Stance, next to Alma Fonda Fina. Their team held a full-on private grand opening for the peeps at C Magazine last week. Yes, that full-on seated dinner takeover of the MCM sidewalk you were redirected around on your way to Bettina. Now that the store is planning its public opening through Sunday, maybe the #FOMO is over, so to speak. For the opening they are having a “Cornhole Toss Tournament.” Yes really, in Montecito.

Inside the Modular Garment

based on a reversible “modular garment” that one customizes at will over the lifetime of owning it. Add sleeves or pockets and take them off as you wish. This is not the sleek look of Victoria Beckham couture. Here, the product is more, shall we say, thick, quilted outdoorsy outerwear for men and women. Yes, it does include real leather, shearling, wool and cashmere. The ready-to-wear line adds skirts, trousers, sweaters, tops and bags. Marfa Stance is by British designer Georgia Dant, as influenced by the minimalist design aesthetic of Donald Judd in Marfa, Texas.

Field and Fort Opens The Larder Your Field and Fort experience south of Montecito has opened, and it is called The Larder. It is located on Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria, in the former Food Liaison space. Historically, before home refrigerators, a larder was a cool room or large cupboard used to store food, provisions, and wine in a home. The team is still organizing itself, and there is no social media as yet, but on the Field and Fort Instagram the owners write, “We are thrilled to announce that we are expanding with a Carpinteria location! The Larder will feature some of our Field favorites along with an expanded menu of grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and all of our essential pantry items. We are honored to be taking over the space that was home to the Food Liaison for the past 13 years. While we are sad to see them go, we are committed to continuing to bring delicious, healthy, and farm fresh food to the area!” And peeps on social are raving about finding the same delicious pastries and café drinks, along with a lunch menu and take out.

High Holidays With Chabad of Montecito And now, commencing the last quarter of 2026, is the holiday season. September brings the Jewish High Holidays, organized by Chabad of Montecito. Rosh Hashanah, September 12-13, with services, Shofar blowing and Kiddush; Yom Kippur Eve September 20, with a 7 pm Kol Nidre; and Yom Kippur September 21, with morning services and buffet breakfast; Sukkot lunch and dinner, September 25-26.

Registration required online: https://www.jewishmontecito.org

Marfa Stance had a similar pop-up store at this time last year at the Marin Country Mart, and now pays this courtesy to Montecito. Basically, products are

Till next week loves! Xx JAC

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Your Westmont

‘Haptic Knowing’ Explores Intelligence of Touch Art faculty Chris Rupp, Lisa DeBoer and Meagan Stirling, left to right, wearing handcrafted paper attachments made for the opening

by Scott Craig (photos by Brad Elliott)

“Rather than beginning with a predetermined outcome, the exhibition highlights how knowledge accumulates through the intimate act of making, where the hand learns to recognize resistance, fragility, weight, and texture in a sustained conversation between maker and medium,” said interim Museum Director Chris Rupp. “In an era increasingly mediated by screens

JONATHAN TOLINS

DIRECTED BY

JAMIE TORCELLINI

STARRING

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OCTOBER 7-25

C E L L A R JEFF LORCH PHOTOGRAPHY

“McDonald ... is MAGNETIC, CHARISMATIC and UPROARIOUSLY FUNNY.”

he Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art presents “Haptic Knowing,” a new exhibition showcasing five artists whose work explores touch not merely as a physical action, but as a form of inquiry and a way of thinking, learning and understanding the world. The exhibition runs through November 7. Derived from the Greek word haptesthai, meaning to touch, haptic knowing refers to the intuitive, nonverbal intelligence that develops through direct, physical engagement with materials. Nearly 200 people attended the opening reception September 3, where students, faculty, and staff gathered while wearing and displaying creative, handcrafted haptic paper attachments in celebration of the theme. Featuring the work of Andrea Bersaglieri, Lea Feinstein, Janet Neuwalder, Carol Shaw-Sutton and Eliot Spaulding, the exhibition showcases years of sustained experimentation, repetition and attention. Each artist has developed a distinctive visual language shaped by the reciprocal exchange between hand, material, and process.

Westmont Page 264 264

Longtime arts writer Josef Woodard at ‘Haptic Knowing’

Nearly 200 art lovers attended the opening

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22 Montecito JOURNAL

“There is no smoke without fire.” – Miguel de Cervantes

10 – 17 September 2026

A&L’s 2026-2027 Season Kicks Off September 25 Scott Galloway Notes on Being a Man In Conversation with Sam Fragoso Fri, Sep 25 / 7:30 PM / Arlington Theatre

José González

See Akram Khan Company in its Final International Tour

Akram Khan Company

Against the Dying of the Light Tour

Thikra: Night of Remembering By Akram Khan and Manal AlDowayan

Sat, Sep 26 / 7:30 PM Campbell Hall

Tue, Oct 6 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre

Punch Brothers Wed, Oct 7 / 7:30 PM Campbell Hall “No band has expanded the reach of American roots and bluegrass quite like Punch Brothers have.” Songlines

Lang Lang, piano

Visit our website to view the full 2026-2027 lineup 10 – 17 September 2026

Bernadette Peters

Fri, Oct 9 / 7 PM Granada Theatre

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Program includes Mozart, Beethoven, Albéniz, Granados and Liszt

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

Montecito JOURNAL

An Independent Mind City Converts State Street to $96 Million Playground by Jeffrey Harding

t a September 1 Santa Barbara City Council meeting, in a 6-1 vote, the Council approved the State Street Master Plan, which converts a once-thriving main street to a playground. I was surprised since the City has no money for this $96 million project. The Master Plan, a 495-page report including appendices, was drafted by the third consultant the City had hired over the past 10 years. The total cost of the three consultants was $853,250. The report is typical of these kinds of things in that it was padded with a lot of graphics and boilerplate. It integrated recommendations of the State Street Advisory Committee, an entity whose members are chosen by the City Council. Of its 15 members, consisting of urban planners, architects, nonprofit heads and Council Members Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan and Kristen

Sneddon, there was only one State Street property owner.

It’s going to cost more, and it’s going to take longer. The idea that this report is an objective analysis of State Street’s problems and solutions is wrong. It is not a “what should we do” but rather “here’s how to do what the City Council wants,” which means the consultant’s report is a foregone conclusion. The master plan study gave the Council members exactly what they wanted and skipped doing a careful analysis of the reasons for the economic decline of a formerly thriving commercial corridor. In essence, they will convert State Street to a mall and playground. They ignore the reality of State Street as the gateway to Santa Barbara, and

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The State Street project will be done in three phases and will take up to 10 years to complete. Phase 2 (years 4-6; 400-900 blocks) starts the construction with a new stormwater system (tearing up the street), repaving the street and curbs, expanding the sidewalks, installing retractable bollards for traffic control, etc., etc. Cost: $30 to $50 million. Phase 3 (years 7-10; 1000 to 1300 blocks): same construction, landscaping, plus, plus, plus. Cost: $20 to $30 million. Council Member Eric Friedman said at the hearing, “I can almost guarantee you it’s not going to cost $100 million and be done in six years. It’s going to cost more, and it’s going to take longer.” He is right. Projects like this one have a history of cost and time overruns. One need only look to our freeway as proof. This plan is a good example of how the planning process is done in Santa Barbara. “Public input” is cover for our council members, who need to showcase the appearance of vocal community endorsement – a politicized planning effort to placate their supporters. This plan is a candy store for special interests who think they are better planners than the people financially impacted by their sweet dreams; the businesses and property owners who were largely ignored. Nothing in this report addresses the real problems of State Street, and the plan comes at a huge cost we cannot afford.

they fail to address the causes of the street’s decline. The idea of reviving State Street as a playground ignores the experience of other cities with street malls, which have largely failed. Santa Monica’s once-touted Third Street Promenade is an exemplar of a failed street mall concept. I have been following this issue since 2017 when Noozhawk kicked off its “Reimagine State Street” series. My database comprises 156 pages of planning history plus scores of files of data. I have written six articles on State Street over the years, all of which were ignored by the City. Much of what is proposed as “solutions” appears to be solutions in search of problems. The problems affecting State Street haven’t changed much over the years, COVID aside. The closing of the street, the continued lack of retail vitality, bureaucratic barriers and revolving door vacancies haven’t gone away. None of the Master Plan’s efforts will solve these problems, problems that were created by the City. The report estimates the cost of the project at $96 million. This exorbitant cost was never mentioned before. One questions whether the cost-benefit of a $96 million redesign of State Street is worth it. The City doesn’t have the money, which is why I don’t think this plan will happen. City Council Member Wendy Santamaria acknowledged that the City can’t afford it but was confident that the City will finance the project from generous state and federal grants. The Master Plan spells out potential sources of funding for most of the project: federal and state grants, City bonds and local taxes. One questions these assumptions since we know that the state has serious financial issues. Ditto the feds, with rising debt-financed deficits ($2.1 trillion this fiscal year and growing).

Jeffrey Harding is a real estate investor and long-time resident of Montecito. He previously published a popular financial blog, The Daily Capitalist. He is a retired SBCC adjunct professor.

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Montecito JOURNAL

Westmont (Continued from 22 22))

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the conference by acknowledging the power of storytelling that each of the Christian artists passes on to students and audiences in their classrooms and theaters. “What an opportunity you have to shape the way people think, to open up their awareness to see things from another perspective, to tap into the superpower of empathy to humanize people instead of dehumanizing,” she said. “You will go places and do great things because this group came together. We are stronger together than apart.” The group worked on and approved the founding charter with the mission of guiding and equipping Christian theater faculty to “grow spiritually, artistically and vocationally – creating spaces to teach better, lead stronger and dream bigger, together.” “I am here because I love the theater community, and I don’t have a lot of Christian theater colleagues nearby that face the same challenges or concerns,” Dietrich said. “It’s great to see other artists and to be able to interact and share each other’s burdens. We, as theater people, understand collaboration. What we can accomplish together is so much greater than any individual contribution.”

and virtual experiences, this exhibition invites viewers to slow down, recognize the intelligence of touch, and imagine the gestures, decisions and accumulated experience embodied in each work.” The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm. It is closed Sundays and college holidays. For more information, visit www.westmont.edu/museum or call (805) 565-6162.

Colleges Launch Christian Theater Network Driven by the belief that collective collaboration far outweighs individual effort, nearly 20 theater professionals from across the country gathered at Westmont College on August 13–14 to launch the Association of Christian Theatre Schools (ACTS). Funded by a grant from the Lilly Network, the new initiative helps faith-based drama faculty grow spiritually, artistically and vocationally together. The organization stems from a vision that first struck Kris Dietrich, director of theater at Asbury University. Through God’s providence, Dietrich connected with Jonathan Hicks, chair of the Westmont theater department, during a Southern California conference. Together, they recognized an unmet, vital need for a dedicated network to support Christian theater educators nationwide. Inspired by the deep peer support of organizations such as the former Christians in Theatre Arts, ACTS creates a space where theater artists share burdens, exchange insights and find long-term professional encouragement. Westmont Provost Kim Denu began

Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College

Kris Dietrich, director of theatre at Asbury University, addresses colleagues at the launch of the Association of Christian Theatre Schools at Westmont

Provost Kim Denu speaks at the conference opening

26 Montecito JOURNAL

“Time is the fire in which we burn.” – Delmore Schwartz

10 – 17 September 2026

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Montecito JOURNAL

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28 Montecito JOURNAL

On Entertainment

“We wanted to explore different sounds and repertoire to provide a fresh approach with each event,” Artese explained. Artese collaborates with the guest artist to devise the repertoire, which aims to both be in flow as well as challenge listeners with things they may not have heard before. Friday’s event features Robert deMaine, the principal cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, with a program of works by Bach, Chopin, Fauré and Arvo Pärt. Clarinetist Nancy Mathison, co-founder and principal clarinet of the Santa Barbara Chamber Players, joins Artese on October 23. November 13 brings Savannah Jo Lack -- who transitioned from orchestral violin to film scoring, chamber music and electronic experimentation -- before the series closes on December 11 with violist Kate Vincent, a member of the Los Angeles Opera company. Several factors went into the choice for Artese to present the Music & Meditation events in a one-hour format – a five-minute welcome and introduction, a 15-minute meditation, a 35-minute performance, and five minutes of closing reflections – held once a month on Fridays at 2 pm. “Nowadays, nobody seems to have time for something longer,” he said. “Which is also why they’re in the afternoon, to accommodate both older people who may not want to drive at night as well as people who are working, so they can fit in into a reasonable break.” The concept seems to be working, Artese said. “With the intention and attention energy, the time goes by in a second. People come up to me afterward and tell me it felt like they just closed their eyes and it was over.” For those with a looser schedule, there’s also a reception with the artists on the patio outside Weinman Hall after each performance for people to ask questions or offer feedback, and to connect with each other. “You can have a cup of tea and exchange ideas,” Artese said. “Jessica always asks that you try to meet every time with a different person that you don’t already know. It’s generated a real community.” The pianist, who first came to Santa Barbara as an exchange student at UCSB and soon made the area his part-time home, was able to develop the series now that he’s living in town for nine months of the year, while still spending summers teaching at Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Artese is also working toward expanding the Music & Meditation concept to other concert situations around town. “We need a more attentive audience for all of the cultural offerings here, which are incredible for the size of the area,” he said.

Music and Meditation to Move the Audience by Steven Libowitz

lassical and jazz pianist Antonio Artese had a straightforward reason for creating the Music & Meditation Santa Barbara series last December. The Italian-born musician is looking for a better breed of audience. “We need to develop a more mindful listening approach to music,” he said. “It’s been on my mind for many, many years, seeing how the people who come to concerts behave.” Artese explained that as a musician, he brings a level of listening carefully to what is being performed whenever he’s in the audience. “But sometimes you’re surrounded by people who are not as attentive as you are. They’re shuffling the programs, checking their phones, looking around the room, and sometimes they’re even compelled to say something to the neighbors. Now at some venues, you can even bring your drinks with the clinking ice cubes that are to your seat. … What the hell is going on here?” The issue, he said, is that it takes 20 minutes minimum to settle into a listening mode so that you are really concentrating to be able to actually pay attention to the music. The solution was to actually build the adjustment period into the beginning of the performance. That idea was sparked by his own experiences at Qi Gong classes taught by Carpinteria-based Jessica Kolbe. “The first part of her routine is really listening to be aware of the environment and your body and then you focus on your breath,” he said. “It’s about increasing the capacity of being relaxed fully and attentively, but also with a quiet mind as a prelude to the gentle movements and balance. I started applying a little bit of these breathing techniques before I started playing a concert. Something suddenly clicked for me. I thought, this may be a way of getting people into the kind of mode of deep, attentive listening that will benefit everyone, both the audience and the performer.” Thus was born the Music & Meditation Santa Barbara series, which introduces a performance by Artese and a guest musician with a 15-minute meditation led by Kolbe. Where to stage the event was a no-brainer for Artese, as the pianist has maintained a studio at the Music Academy of the West for several years, where he can take advantage of the facility’s all-Steinway instruments

Pianist Antonio Artese, whose Music & Meditation Santa Barbara series opens its second season September 11 at the Music Academy of the West (photo by Giacomo Checcucci)

and practice and experiment without having to worry about being interrupted or bothering neighbors. After a successful pilot last December at the Academy’s Weinman Hall, the sessions returned for a full four-event series in the winter-spring. The second season of monthly events launches this Friday, September 11. “It’s really a beautiful opportunity for both the audience and the musicians, who of course have to be in deep listening mode to play chamber music with each other,” Artese said. “When people actually are in the mode of deep listening, the emotions can get connected to the music and then the music is lifted by the audience.” The concept is to bring the audience up to the level of presence and attentive listening as the musicians already have. “When you’re on the same wavelength, then you can have that exchange of energy and intention,” Artese said. “It’s a kind of incredible channel that transmits from one spot to another and people are clearing up their minds, entering receiving mode and letting the music in. Sometimes the connection and the emotions are so strong, you see people crying in the audience.” Also paramount is finding like-minded musical partners to join him in the performance portion. “It’s important that they appreciate this kind of programming and that they’re aligned with what we are doing in approaching the music making with our audience,” Artese said. As with the first series, the fall season has a different instrument featured at each concert, and also alternates between Santa Barbara-based musicians and those from outside the immediate area.

“The fire which enlightens is the same fire which consumes.” – Henri-Frédéric Amiel

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Hot Topics (Continued from 18 18))

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service extended well beyond the Fire District through his involvement with several other boards in Montecito.” Recently retired Montecito Fire Chief David Neels echoed similar sentiments from his time working with Peter between 2023 and 2026. “Peter demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving the Montecito community and the department,” Neels said. “I especially appreciated his knowledge of government form and structure, and as a mentor, he shared invaluable lessons in governance with me that I will carry forward.” Peter urges the Montecito Fire board members and all elected representatives to always allow for constitutional free speech and discussion. “Listen to each other. No one is ever completely correct. There is so much wisdom sitting around that table and there is always another perspective worth hearing.” The firefighters and staff of the Montecito Fire Department recently paid a visit to Peter’s home. While there, Fire Chief Brian Fallon presented him with a commemorative firefighter’s helmet, signed by every member of our organization. “It has been an incredible honor to serve alongside Director van Duinwyk. Although my time with the Fire District has been relatively short, the impact of his leadership, wisdom, and genuine kindness has left a lasting impression on me,” Chief Fallon said. “Some people leave an impression simply by the position they hold, but others leave an impression because of the person they are. Director van Duinwyk is one of those people.” Thank you, Director van Duinwyk, for a lifetime of service and a lasting impact on the Montecito Fire Department.

we caught some bad guys. But for the most part, we would investigate these things and they would turn out to mostly just be foolish kids.” After 14 months in that position, the van Duinwyks returned to Santa Barbara where he began a 34-year career in education. “My first teaching job was at La Colina Junior High teaching science. Then I was recommended to teach social studies at the newly opened Dos Pueblos High School.” His next teaching position was at Santa Barbara High School where he spent the bulk of his career teaching government and history. He served as assistant principal for the last five years of his time with the Dons before retiring in 2003. His retirement years have been anything but idle. He served on the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury, the Montecito Association Board, the Montecito Union School District Board and, for nearly 12 years, the Montecito Fire Protection District Board. “It’s my obligation as a citizen,” he said. “We all have something to say.” During his time with the Fire Board, he says he was most proud of the District’s strategic work to secure a $7.5 million loan when interest rates were historically low during the pandemic. “We had a situation like all government agencies in California – this pension obligation issue,” he said. “We took out a loan when rates were 1.75 percent and we are now on track to have that loan paid off in a year and a half.” He credits Montecito Fire’s finance and administrative manager, Araceli Nahas, for her instrumental role in ensuring a fiscally sound future for the fire department and its employees. Former Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Taylor worked closely with Peter during a period of significant emergency incidents, including the Thomas Fire, 1/9 Debris Flow and COVID-19 pandemic. “Peter served as board president during my tenure as Fire Chief, and I had tremendous respect for him as both a Board leader and a dedicated community servant,” Taylor said. “He was exceptionally thorough, consistently placed the District’s best interests first, and treated everyone with fairness and respect. His

“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” – Rumi

Christina Atchison is the Montecito Fire Public Information Officer

10 – 17 September 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Robert’s Big Questions

Crises and Modern Monetary Theory by Robert Bernstein

The US spends more on health care per person than any country, yet has relatively poor outcomes. The AMA deliberately creates a shortage of doctors to maximize doctor income. The for-profit insurance industry prioritizes profit over health. The FDA is Big Pharma’s tool to reduce innovative drug competition. Socialized health care and drug development would be more efficient and effective. And then there is that climate crisis. Investing in sustainable energy and transportation is orders of magnitude cheaper than having the entire state of Florida go underwater. And would there be a war with Iran without demand for their oil? As for that $40 trillion debt, economic growth could be a solution, but it would take a lot. For perspective, over the course of the last 2,000 years, global economic growth was around 0.01 percent. The Industrial Revolution brought us growth rates of 1 to 2 percent, a more than hundredfold increase in the rate of growth. Some artificial intelligence optimists think that AI could give us another such massive growth rate, up to 100 percent per year. Again, one has to look at actual physical resources to see if this is possible. Even if AI tells us how to build new energy sources or innovative new housing, someone still has to build them and someone has to extract the raw materials. If AI is paired with innovative robotics, revolutionary levels of growth are possible. High growth rates do allow large debts to be absorbed. But is that what we want? As I wrote in 2021, it is good to run up some debt if it is an investment in future returns. But, as I wrote in 2023, it is terrible to run a debt if its only purpose is for the Republicans to scream that there is no money left to invest in Democratic programs. We need an educated electorate and strong nonpartisan government agencies that can honestly evaluate whether our debts are truly investments in our future.

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rises have become partisan, notably the debt and the climate crisis. The US national debt just hit $40 trillion. Does that mean we are bankrupt? No. But it means something is wrong and needs fixing. Republicans ring debt alarm bells when Democrats are in control. But now they are silent. See my 2023 article “Two Santas” about this. Republicans falsely claim that the climate crisis was supposed to have killed us all by now. No one ever said that. But record fires, floods and heat deaths signal what will come if we don’t fix the problem. Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) challenges conventional economic theories about deficit spending. In broadest terms, MMT says it is OK for government to run at a deficit if that deficit is being used to invest in the future. See my 2021 article “Debt or Investment?” The devil in the details is about human and material resources. During COVID, Trump and Biden both issued “stimulus checks” to get people to spend money. It increased the debt and it ultimately caused inflation. But it was the correct thing to do to avoid massive unemployment and housing evictions. Stimulus money worked because it put people to work who otherwise would have been idle. Biden continued this with his massive Inflation Reduction Act, which was really investment in sustainable energy and transportation, with his infrastructure bill, and with his CHIPS Act investing in the domestic semiconductor industry. These all would have brought enormous returns on investment, except that Trump keeps lawlessly blocking these programs. In contrast, Trump’s deficit spending is all about tax cuts for billionaires. There is no return at all on that spending. It is pure public debt and private subsidy. Right now unemployment is low, so how does MMT apply? First, apply the “law of holes”: if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. Meaning, reverse the billionaire tax cuts to reduce the debt bleeding. Next, consider reallocating resources. Full employment doesn’t necessarily mean useful work is happening. The Ukraine and Iran wars revealed that much of the trillions in military spending was on outdated weapons and pork barrel projects. MMT would say to reallocate that spending toward drones and counter-drone technology, for example.

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” – Plutarch

Robert Bernstein holds degrees from Physics departments of MIT and UCSB. His passion to understand the Big Questions of life, the universe and to be a good citizen of the planet. Visit facebook. com/questionbig

10 – 17 September 2026

On Spirituality

Scott, chairman of the A.R.E. Board of Trustees and another alumna of the A.R.E. Clinic.

La Casa Emerges from the Rubble by Steven Libowitz

a Casa de Maria, the long-beloved retreat center on El Bosque Road in Montecito near San Ysidro Ranch, has been basically shuttered since the property was severely damaged by the January 2018 Debris Flow. But now comes word that La Casa is reopening to a limited number of events while continuing to undergo renovations. Among the first to return is Radhule Weininger, the Santa Barbara psychotherapist and longtime meditation teacher who co-created the Mindful Heart Program (MHP) even before the pandemic. Weininger and other MHP teachers will convene at the retreat center on one Sunday every month beginning in October to provide insights on the theme of “Healing Spiritual Homesickness.” The retreats will include talks, guided meditations and discussion, while one Sunday each quarter will feature an interfaith/ inter-spiritual gathering. Deep Resilience Planning is also underway for MHP Co-founder Michael Kearney, M.D., to teach a five-week series on Thursday evenings in October that will introduce a Celtic framework for understanding the human psyche, the causes of burnout, and a step-by-step path to deep resilience. But Weininger is actually leading a half-day retreat at La Casa de Maria even before October arrives, teaming up with frequent presentation partner David Richo, the longtime and muchloved former Adult Ed instructor, for “Inner Peace in a Troubling World” on September 27. The premise is that our world is not stable enough to give us security, nor reliable enough for us to trust. But we do not have to be discouraged by our predicament. In a version of the famed Serenity Prayer, the leaders will discuss how we can say “yes” to the serenity that comes with radical acceptance of reality, as well as the courage to make changes, however small, and the wisdom to know the difference. The retreat is designed to offer insights and spiritual practices to help us get there.

medicine who endeavors to make the mind-body-spirit connection part of our approach to health care, Kwako completed one of the first medical residencies at the A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment) Clinic, with Drs. Bill and Gladys McGarey, studying the application of the Edgar Cayce readings to health care. He subsequently joined neurosurgeon and noted researcher C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D., in the first comprehensive outpatient chronic pain treatment program, and then teamed with Evarts Loomis, M.D., at Meadowlark Retreat Center, which became a well-known holistic retreat program. A founding member and former board member of the American Holistic Medical Association, an ordained minister of the International Church of Religious Science and Healing (now the Centers for Spiritual Living), and the author of Mobilizing Your Healing Energy, Kwako has been working in private family practice in Santa Barbara since 1990 and has served as an instructor for Santa Barbara City College’s School of Extended Learning (aka Adult Ed) program for 35 years, offering seminars on the holistic approach to disease and healthy living. In his Light of Healing presentation at 10 am on Saturday, September 12, at his office at 3015 State Street, Suite B, Kwako will address such questions as how common Cayce concepts apply in today’s medical treatment plans for fatigue, sleep, pain, memory and aging issues. He’ll share what Cayce readings and other sources hold on potential causes and treatments of chronic conditions, delve into other insights about the mind-body-spirit connection over the last 80 years, and discuss the role that dream study might play in building health. The talk will include a Q&A session coordinated by Joy

Also on Saturday, Montecito-based Ragan Thomson brings her Divine I Am Journey experience to Yoga Soup for a donation-based gathering at 6:30 pm. The event poses the query, “What would it feel like to leave an evening of spiritual practice feeling lighter, clearer, and more deeply connected to yourself?” The gathering, devoted to purification, awakening and soul remembrance, serves as an opportunity to clear old patterns and release accumulated energy in order to return to your life feeling more peaceful, present, and connected to your higher self and your own inner knowing. “Because the deeper purpose of spiritual practice isn’t simply what happens while our eyes are closed,” Thomson said. “It’s how we live when we open them again.” The event also offers an introduction to some of the spiritual work that will continue at Thomson’s Divine Alignment: Harmonize the Sacred Masculine & Feminine Within workshop, slated for November 7 at Unity of

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A Quarter-Century of Chanting with Snatam Snatam Kaur, the veteran Sikh devotional music singer, songwriter and kirtan leader who also works as a peace activist, is headed back to Santa Barbara for the first time in almost a decade. Snatam, as she is known, has been nominated for a Grammy Award for one of her myriad albums, but is even more cherished for her live events, which include long periods of chanting in the call-and-response style. “By Thy Grace: 25 Years of Mantra” has its second date of the fall tour at Santa Barbara Junior High School’s Marjorie Luke Theatre on Sunday, September 27, when the singer and harmonium player will be joined by her current ensemble of Ram Dass Khalsa, Bruno Justi and Sukhmani Rayat in what she calls an act of gratitude, “a bow to the grace of the mantras, and to the healing we’ve experienced together while chanting them.”

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Around Town Little Miracle by Lisa Duncan

“T

here are only two ways to live your life: one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle,” goes the line attributed to Albert Einstein. At the Santa Barbara Zoo, one tiny gibbon baby is making a convincing case for the latter. The pairing of white-handed gibbons Chanee and Mel was science. What happened next felt a little like a miracle. The two were brought together in 2025 at the zoo through the Gibbon Species Survival Plan, which coordinates pairings to support healthy populations. But compatibility on paper is only the beginning. Their introduction was slow. “They hear each other first,” explained Liz Cunningham, zoological manager at

the Santa Barbara Zoo. Then came smells, sight, and finally contact through mesh. “Good vocalizations,” Liz recalled. “They were curious, very curious.” And when the door finally opened? “They were right with each other. They actually started breeding right away.” The chemistry and attraction lasted. “These two get along really, really well,” Liz said. “There’s a lot of social grooming between the both of them. She grooms him, he grooms her. Not all gibbon pairs are so reciprocal.” Keepers watched them relax together, napping on their favorite bridge and even “playing footsies.” Then Chanee began eating more and developing a rounder belly. Keepers suspected pregnancy, but hormone testing had not officially confirmed it. Mel, nearly 26, had never been a father. “We created a very detailed birth

The white-handed gibbon pair on the platform in their habitat, where keepers watched them groom each other, nap together and play footsies (photo by Will Huebner)

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Chanee cradles her newborn, born in front of visitors on the afternoon of Saturday, August 29, the first white-handed gibbon born at the Santa Barbara Zoo in more than 20 years (photo by Will Huebner)

experience,” Karina said. “It was so sweet, and the kids were so excited. We were crying, hugging strangers, everyone around was crying, it was incredible.” The kids ran to alert the keepers. “They had no idea,” Karina said. “Every single zookeeper came over, and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh!’” The keepers and veterinarian had been heading over to check on Chanee for the evening. Even Mel seemed to know something extraordinary had happened. “He swung over so happily,” Karina said. “I’ve never seen him so excited.” “He became very protective.” The zoo had gone more than 20 years without a gibbon birth. For now, the baby is nursing and clinging tightly to Chanee while Mel stays close. “We want the mom and the baby to bond naturally, without unnecessary intervention from us, unless we absolutely have to, and they are doing absolutely great,” Liz said. “She’s a great mom.” Science made the introduction. Chanee and Mel supplied the chemistry. Nature chose the surprise timing. And after more than two decades, the Santa Barbara Zoo got its little miracle.

plan,” Liz said. Anticipation grew. But Chanee had other plans. “All of a sudden, it happened quickly, and everything went smoothly,” Liz recalled. “We said, ‘Okay, I guess we’ve skipped a few important pages in the birth plan and we’re on page four now!’” she laughed. Visitors were there to witness it, late on the afternoon of Saturday, August 29. Karina was visiting with her children when they noticed something strange. “She was just rolling around on the bridge,” Karina recalled. “They see the gibbon all the time, so they noticed something was off.” Her children refused to leave for the leopard exhibit. “Mom, you gotta come see this. The gibbon is doing some really weird stuff.” Then came the discovery. “Mommy, there’s a baby! That’s an umbilical cord!” Karina looked closer. “I still couldn’t believe that there was an umbilical cord,” she said. “I still couldn’t believe the kids.” The baby was wet, tiny and floppy, its blonde fur standing out against Chanee’s dark coat. “It was definitely the most magical

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10 – 17 September 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ROSE CAFE SALSA OF SANTA BARBARA, 834 W Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. MANUEL V BAJARAS & DEBORAH D BAJARAS, 315 Meigs Rd STE A263, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on July 30, 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.

2026-0001968. Published September 10, 17, 24, and Oct. 1, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EXTREME GROUT CLEAN; GROUT WIZARD SANTA BARBARA, 834 W Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. MANUEL V BAJARAS & DEBORAH D BAJARAS, 315 Meigs Rd STE A263, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on July 30, 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. 2026-0001969. Published September 10, 17, 24, and Oct. 1, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALLEN WEALTH MANAGEMENT, 649 Verde Mar Drive, Unit C, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. C.D. Allen Wealth Management LLC, 649 Verde Mar Drive Unit C, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on August 11, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of

the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 20260002030. Published August 20, 27, and September 3, 10, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 26CV03921 To all interested parties: Petitioner Le’Von RaeAnne Martin filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name to RaeAnne Martin. 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 August 13, 2026 by Narzralli Baksh. Hearing date: October 9, 2026 at 10 am in Dept. 4, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published August 27, September 3, 10, 17, 2026

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THUIS ORGANIC DESIGNS, 3908 Foothill RD, Carpinteria, CA 93013. MAXIMUM NURSERY, INC, 3908 Foothill Road, Carpinteria, CA, 93013. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on August 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. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0002167. Published September 10, 17, 24, and Oct. 1, 2026

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS Bids open at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, 2026 for: CLARK AVE PARKING AND HARDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE 4TH SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT COUNTY PROJECT No. 862435 General project work description: Parking and Hardscape Improvements 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 majority of the work: A, C-8, C-12, C-31, C-50 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 70 Workings Days. The estimated cost of the project is $ 2,020,000 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 registered 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 09/18/2026. 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 tab. 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

Christopher Sneddon Director of Public Works

10 – 17 September 2026

Published September 3 & 10, 2026 // Montecito Journal

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

IN PASSING Randolph “Randy” Barnard: February 6, 1943 – July 27, 2026

Geonine Scott-Moriarty: August 17, 2026

andolph “Randy” Barnard died peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, at his home in Summerland at the age of 83. He was born to his parents, Jack and Conchita Barnard, on February 6, 1943, in Santa Monica. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret “Muffy” Barnard; his daughter, Mary Whitney; his son, Tyler Whitney; and his granddaughters, Brooke and Morgan Whitney. Randy spent much of his time between his home in Summerland and his beloved avocado property, Barnard Ranch, in Carpinteria. At 6-foot-4, he had an iconic look about him: tan skin, a perfectly groomed beard, a boyish grin and, some would say, a fair claim to Randolph “Randy” Barnard, the Summerland being the sexiest man alive. More than resident and Carpinteria avocado rancher who his looks, Randy was a true stand-up died July 27 at the age of 83 guy. He was kind and honest, and he put everyone around him at ease with his easygoing humor and playful spirit. Randy was a simple man who loved what he loved. A foodie, he especially enjoyed Mexican food, best paired with a Coke at family dinners at Delgado’s or during family taco night. He loved being involved in his children’s lives, including coaching league baseball for both of them. He also had a fondness for the movies, cars and music of the 1950s, including his favorite artist, Frank Sinatra. Watching sports was one of his favorite pastimes. A lifelong Dodgers fan, he could often be found listening to the game with the familiar sound of Vin Scully’s voice. He loved a little healthy competition, whether it was a tennis match, Thursday night poker or a weekend trip to Las Vegas with family and close friends. More than anything, family and friendship meant the world to Randy, and he cherished reconnecting with old friends at high school reunions. An accomplished rancher and dedicated family man, his greatest devotion was to the love of his life, Muffy, and her happiness. Anyone who witnessed their relationship knew it was a love for the ages. He also had a special place in his heart for dogs, always carrying treats in his pocket in case one crossed his path. His family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with all the dogs he loved so dearly over his life: Bo, Mugs, Moose, Sunny and Lucy, to name a few. Randy was truly a one-of-a-kind man who meant so much to so many. He spent his final days surrounded by friends and family, enjoying the sunshine and his favorite meals, listening to his favorite music and reminiscing about a lifetime of memories with the people he loved. He will forever be missed. In Randy’s memory and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Santa Barbara Humane.

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eonine Scott-Moriarty died on August 17, 2026, at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica due to complications from surgery. She was born in Hollywood to her parents, George and Nellie Mooney. She had two siblings, both of whom died before her. She attended Hollywood High School. She leaves behind her daughter, Nadine Bartlett, and her husband, Kerry Moriarty. Geonine and Kerry were married for 26 years and lived in Montecito. Geonine lived a glamorous and adventurous life. Shortly after graduating from high school she started her modeling career, which included television commercials Geonine Scott-Moriarty, the model turned Montecito and magazine advertisements. This philanthropist whose estate hosted decades of fundwork allowed her to meet many raising galas, passed on August 17, 2026 celebrities and business titans related to the entertainment industry, and she traveled the world as a result of these associations. She lived her early adult life in Beverly Hills and enjoyed friendships with luminaries such as Jimmy Stewart, until she and her previous husband moved to a grand estate in Montecito in the early 1970s. Upon arriving in Montecito, she quickly became active in several local charities, including a stint as president of Girls Inc. Geonine was renowned for the fundraising galas held at her estate, where she was instrumental in significant fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital over the years, her favorite cause. She and Kerry were invited to tour the hospital in Memphis as special guests of Marlo Thomas. A lover of animals, she also worked with actress Bo Derek on various animal protection causes, and the two became lifelong friends. Geonine was a notable figure in the Montecito social scene and was renowned for her parties at her Montecito estate. She became a go-to contact in bringing people together to share in fundraising causes for the community. She was also active in national politics, which was a passion of hers. She was a big fan and close friend of Rush Limbaugh and consulted with him on various political matters. Kerry and Geonine met fortuitously at a St. Patrick’s Day party and hit it off instantly. Kerry considered it the luck of the Irish when they met and their life together began. Kerry always claimed she was one of the most beautiful women in the world. A former Notre Dame football player, Kerry introduced her to the world of sports. Although she was obliged to root for Notre Dame, she typically rooted for the teams with the best uniforms or the cities she favored. Geonine had an inquisitive mind and a loving heart for everyone she met. She found everyone interesting and always saw the positive in them. She loved beautiful surroundings, interesting people and close friends and family. She adored her husband and fully supported him in all his ventures. She will be forever in our hearts, and we will continue to tell her stories.

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLICATION If you have a legal notice that needs publishing, we can help! We publish Fictitious Business Name Statements, Court Summons, and Name Change Petitions. Email your submission to legals@montecitojournal.net by 2:00 PM Monday for publication in that week’s issue. For rates or publication requirements, please contact us at the same email address.

“Absence is to love what wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, it inflames the great.” – Roger de Bussy-Rabutin

10 – 17 September 2026

The Giving List

CEC’s Green Gala Cultivates Climate Solutions Across the Central Coast by Steven Libowitz

10 – 17 September 2026

in an assortment of cuts plus local wildcaught fish, and a curated selection of Coyote’s pantry staples and local wine.

climate-smart or regenerative ag practices that they implement, but also get a taste of the food or drinks they make. “It’s a great opportunity to learn more about what all of these amazing people in our community are doing to make our agricultural lands more resilient against climate impacts,” Hershfelt said. For example, Ventura Spirits will be onsite to offer tastings and talk about the variety of their offerings, including La Paloma, its distilled agave spirit, with Doug Richardson, the farmer who Hershfelt said is leading the charge in our region on regenerative practices for agave, sharing how they work with Ventura Spirits to create an end product that is sustainable. Similarly, Twenty-Four Blackbirds’ Mike Orlando will be on hand to offer samples of his delectable delights and share his journey into growing California’s first cacao and vanilla farm, while Gonzales Siemens Family Farm’s multi-generational farmers Nathanael Gonzales-Siemens and Rebekka Siemens will help visitors learn how regenerative practices are shaping the farm’s almond and grain production. Guests can also peruse the silent auction, which will have some of the typical fundraiser items on a central table, but more appropriately will be augmented by one-of-a-kind items from each of the Climate Smart Ag participants at their individual booths connected to their work. Some examples include: • Cuyama Lamb’s handwoven blanket using Cuyama Lamb wool, woven by maestro Porfirio Gutiérrez. • TW Hollister & Co.’s basket of agricultural products grown and made at Hollister Ranch from a compilation of owners, including aperitifs, jam, honey, flowers and produce, plus floral-making classes and other gift certificates. • Coyote’s Market basket full of locally raised, regenerative, grass-finished beef

We can’t do it all. It takes everybody to make a difference. Meanwhile, CEC’s Climate Smart Ag will be at a table sharing about their work in the space, which includes providing technical assistance and funding support for farmers and ranchers to help them implement these practices. “We basically guide them from start to finish and help them get access to resources so that they can implement these practices on their land,” Hershfelt explained. “Most of the folks in the market that are highlighted have worked with us on that process. We’re showcasing the folks that we do work with, but also folks that are just doing it on their own.” The bigger picture, she said, is that the more farmers and ranchers and land stewards who can transition their land to climate smart or regenerative practices, the more prepared we will be as a

community for climate impacts. “We can’t do it all. It takes everybody to make a difference,” she said. All that takes place before the main event, which boasts a sit-down program featuring a seasonal, climate-smart dinner created in collaboration with celebrity Chef Elizabeth Poett of Rancho San Julian and The Ranch Table, who also serves as the keynote speaker. “She’s a seventh-generation rancher whose family has stewarded a huge chunk of land in the Lompoc Valley for decades,” Hershfelt said. “The menu will reflect recipes from her cookbook, and we’re sourcing every single ingredient on the menu locally, including the proteins and the dairy – all of it.” Poett’s talk will center on the importance of community and how all of us play a role in raising the climate resiliency of the region, showcasing how it takes a village to make sure that their land is stewarded properly. Proceeds from the Green Gala support the Community Environmental Council’s work advancing clean energy, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and environmental justice throughout California’s Central Coast. Visit https://cecsb.org/green-gala.

HELP THEM START THE SCHOOL YEAR

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he Community Environmental Council’s annual Green Gala is giving the first word of the event’s name extra emphasis for this year’s event. The 2026 fundraiser, slated for Saturday, September 19 at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, carries the theme of “Rooted in Hope,” which springs from the concept that hope has roots, and many important things often begin beneath the surface. Long before a seed becomes a harvest, healthy soil is quietly doing the work that makes life possible. It nourishes plants, supports biodiversity and sustains entire ecosystems. We rarely see it, but everything depends on it. Communities work the same way. Meaningful climate action grows through relationships, shared purpose, and people working together – farmers and ranchers, scientists and entrepreneurs, volunteers and advocates, donors and partners. Each plays a role in creating a healthier, more resilient future. Pretty much all of those aspects will be represented at the Green Gala. Rather than just wandering through a social hour sipping random beverages and munching on hors d’oeuvres before the sit-down dinner and program (as at a typical benefit event), this year’s Green Gala attendees will begin the evening exploring the Green Gala Market, a new add-on featuring local farmers, ranchers and food and beverage artisans, including winemakers, who are implementing regenerative practices and helping create a more resilient Central Coast. “This event is going to be so immersive and so different from any of our previous galas,” explained Katie Hershfelt, senior communications consultant and Green Gala lead with CEC. “We’re shaking things up to make the event more fun, more engaging, and even more educational as we shine a light on Climate Smart Agriculture. The idea is to give people that opportunity to see it in action up close and personal before they sit down for the program and get ready to raise their paddle to support us, so they’ll know firsthand what it is they’re supporting.” As guests arrive on site, they can get a drink at the bar featuring farm-to-bar cocktails, and regenerative wine and beer as well as soft drinks. They can engage with the farmers, ranchers, food artisans, chefs and others to talk about the

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• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Our Town

GLBA Annual Scholarship Awards by Joanne A Calitri, MPA

he long-established Gay and Lesbian Business Association (GLBA) presented its annual scholarship award at the Pacific Pride Foundation’s 51st anniversary event for the second year in a row, Saturday, August 22, at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara. The GLBA scholarship chair is John Chufar, a third-generation Realtor and a past president of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors. He is a recipient of the Realtor of the Year Award and, in 2019, the Howard Gates Award. The scholarship committee members are Mike Brock, Robert Johns, Chris Curry, Carlos Ojeda, Robert Wieger, Doug Van Pelt and Jonathan Alburger, and GLBA Co-founder Terry Leftgoff. Since 1983, the GLBA has awarded more than $177,000 in scholarships to students pursuing educational opportunities in Santa Barbara County. The funding for the scholarships comes from its members and their endowments, namely the Gary Michael Mosel Scholarship Endowment, the Stephen Logan

Memorial Scholarship Endowment, the Claude Raffin Scholarship Fund in memory of Jon Gathercole, the Carl Joseph Adelhardt Memorial Scholarship Endowment and the Robert L. Johns Vocational Scholarship Endowment. The GLBA statement on its commitment to providing scholarships is, “GLBA’s scholarships provide vital financial support while offering encouragement, recognition and community to the LGBTQ+ students facing personal, financial or social challenges. Through this program, the GLBA reaffirms a simple message. You are valued, your achievements matter, and we believe in your future.” Chufar said, “The GLBA is proud to announce the selection of Kai Ingraham as the scholarship winner of $12,000 for the second consecutive year. We congratulate Kai on this outstanding achievement and are honored to support their continued educational journey and future success. Kai just completed their first year in Santa Clara University’s counseling psychology graduate program with an LGBTQ+ emphasis, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. In addition, they have

Scholarship winner Kai Ingraham, fourth from left, holding the check, with GLBA scholarship committee members Chris Curry, Robert Johns, John Chufar, Doug Van Pelt and Mike Brock at the Pacific Pride Festival at Chase Palm Park (courtesy photo from Chufar)

will help me continue my education and pursue my goals. Thank you for investing in my future and for making this opportunity possible. I sincerely appreciate your generosity and support.” Kai added, “I am where I’m meant to be. On my first day of class, my professor told us that there are some jobs you do, and some jobs you become. I am becoming a therapist, one who will be able to help other queer people like I’ve been helped, and I feel so lucky for that opportunity.”

been privileged to be part of a research team with SCU’s Department of Public Health, examining the experiences of transgender and gender diverse folks in higher education. Findings of the research will be published later this year. Next year, with continued research, the team hopes to work with Santa Clara’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, serving the mental health needs of the Bay Area queer community.” Upon receiving their scholarship award, Kai shared, “I am truly grateful to the GLBA organization for awarding me this scholarship. Your generous support

411: https://glbasb.com https://pacificpridefoundation.org

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38 Montecito JOURNAL

10 – 17 September 2026

Elizabeth’s Appraisals Narrative Art by Elizabeth Stewart

he term “Narrative Art” has been very much on my mind with the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. The museum’s mission is “to explore how narrative art shapes our world, expresses beliefs, communicates values, expands imagination, and invites conversation.” The galleries are organized around themes such as Comics, Children’s Stories, Fantasy, History, and Community, naturally including material from the Star Wars and Indiana Jones universes. This week FF sends me a French advertising poster with the narrative theme of enjoyment at the circus. In the signed Émile Finot work, well-dressed 1930s crowds enjoy a carnival (buy your tickets!). Finot is the Art Nouveau lithographer who became wildly popular with his first advertising poster, Eureka Les Troubadours, in 1905. George Lucas built an empire by understanding the same visual storytelling principles that Finot, Mucha, ToulouseLautrec, and other poster artists pioneered 170 years ago. Advertising posters, which entered the design world in the mid-19th century, were a means of mass communication using art, history, and design, and aimed at popular culture and consumption for promotion of a product or event, or even propaganda. I am fascinated to see if the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will include great advertising posters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the iconic propaganda posters of the two World Wars. These works occupy a pivotal place in the history of narrative art. Like the imagery of Star Wars, they were created to persuade, inspire, and sell. The medium has changed, but the

underlying principle has not: a powerful image coupled with a compelling story sells a point of view, a product, a myth… George Lucas understands better than anyone the extraordinary power of visual storytelling. The Star Wars films have generated more than $10 billion at the worldwide box office to date, while the broader franchise – including toys, books, home entertainment, games, and licensing – has exceeded $46 billion in estimated revenue. Those remarkable figures illustrate a simple truth: images that tell compelling stories create emotional connections that people remember, collect, and purchase. Long before movie franchises, artists such as Jules Chéret, Henri de ToulouseLautrec, and Alphonse Mucha designed lithographic posters to promote theaters, and to sell bicycles, travel, and consumer products. Their posters were advertisements, certainly, but they were also visual stories, allowing viewers purchased entrée into that glamorous world. George Lucas has created a museum devoted to narrative art because narrative imagery is among the most powerful forces in culture. The same principles that helped make Star Wars a $46 billion franchise also made the 19th century advertising poster one of the great artistic inventions of modern life. In many respects, the 19th century advertising poster and the 21st century movie franchise are close cousins. Both rely on memorable imagery, recognizable characters, and carefully constructed visual narratives that invite viewers to participate in the stories they tell. FF’s poster sold the circus, or the newly invented bicycle, War Bonds, or champagne. Star Wars likewise sells a mythology. George Lucas has simply elevated the advertising poster into a global narrative universe, now memorialized in a museum.

Finot’s poster promoting the 1930s French circus

The narrative history of storytelling in images goes back to human origins. Narrative art shows a moment in time, a sequence of events evoking the past, present, and future. An artist who creates narratively relies on the mono-scene (a frozen moment), or on a sequential scene told over a series of panels, such as in a Marvel comic book or the storyboarding of a movie. As is the vocabulary of the early advertising poster, the vocabulary of narrative work consists of characters, settings that determine time and place, and cultural symbols (viewers are acquainted with these symbols as part of the storytelling). A narrative visual language in art remains one of the most enduring forms of communication, from the three-panel screen behind an altar, to the Japanese scroll, to the modern comic book, to the movie poster. Western art was primarily narrative until the 20th century, through religious images and images from myth and history. Middle class collectors in the 19th century loved paintings of everyday people; these are termed “genre” paintings. This is the period

of the birth of the advertising poster. Narrative art flourishes wherever images communicate ideas, evoke emotion, and tell stories – whether on the streets of Paris in 1895 or in a galaxy far, far away. The intent of the work of art is the heart of the vexing art vs commerce question. Because art “sells” something, does it cease to be art? FF’s circus poster, ca. 1930 France, memorializes a time when entertainment, a village circus in this case, created its own special, simpler universe. It is worth $500 to collectors of vintage advertising posters.

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

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Closeup of Art Nouveau lithographer Émile Finot’s signature

10 – 17 September 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Far Flung Travel

The Hornstrandir Experience

That’s not a polar bear… that’s an Arctic fox.

Asta offering Chuck’s second cup of coffee and tales of polar bears

by Chuck Graham

s we paddled across the frigid but silky-smooth fjord of Höfðaströnd in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, the far northwest fringe of Iceland, our Icelandic guide, Oli, said with a wry smile, “I think the woman in the red cabin would like for us to stop for a visit over a cup of coffee.” Oli said he wasn’t sure she would invite us in for a visit, but he had a hunch that she might. It turned out that Oli and the elderly woman knew each other, coming from the same fishing village of about 200 people. This village, Súðavík, is just a few minutes’ drive east of Isafjordur, the main hub for exploring the wilds of Hornstrandir. Oli also said Ásthildur Gunnarsdóttir, or Asta, was 85 years old and lives alone in her cabin from May until the last boat leaves the area in September. She has

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been going there with her family since 1974. He also said she reported a polar bear encounter at her cabin in 2024, the first person to report that wayward apex polar predator that summer and the first on Icelandic soil since 2016. To say I was intrigued was an understatement. Ever since my first trip to Iceland in June 2016, I had wanted to return specifically to visit Hornstrandir. There’s so much to explore in Iceland, and I simply ran out of time to experience Hornstrandir. It took a decade to return, but that first encounter in Iceland was also where I (don’t laugh) used my first cell phone and drank my very first cup of coffee. So, it was kind of ironic that my second cup of coffee ever was also consumed in Iceland, but while enjoying the stories given by blue-eyed Asta. After several knocks at her weathered front door, she initially greeted us with a wide smile and curious looks. Oli, myself, and my two friends, Craig and Charlie, were clad head to toe in colorful orange and red drysuits, the Icelandic waters a brisk 40 degrees. We followed her through her rustic, humble home. The rooms were small but filled with old family pictures. There was a lot of history in her cabin. One of the rooms was Asta’s great uncle’s room, and it had been mostly untouched for decades. There was a portrait of him on the wall. A tea kettle emboldened with Icelandic character was already warming on the stove. We all sat in her breakfast nook, as Asta opened a brand-new box of doughnuts. She didn’t speak English, so Oli translated for us. Asta sat at the head of her table like a strong matriarch should. She had one bobby pin in her wavy, silvery hair and wore a classic Icelandic wool sweater that I was envious of. “I wasn’t afraid,” said Asta, referring to her astonishing polar visitor and the entire dialogue translated by Oli. “At first I thought it was a whooper swan.”

That made sense to me. That species of swan is Iceland’s largest bird, and we saw and heard them frequently during our six-day kayaking trip. “That flash of white fooled me,” she continued. “I saw the white behind my clothes drying on the clothesline, but when the bear started ripping at my laundry blowing in the wind, I could see the bear clearly.” I listened intently as Asta gazed out her kitchen window. As I finished off my second doughnut, I couldn’t stand my cup of coffee anymore and drowned it with hot chocolate mix. Asta caught me and laughed. Oli explained to her it was only my second cup of coffee ever. Asta said after she knew it was a polar bear in her front yard, she calmly grabbed some food and coffee and headed upstairs; no small feat for an 85-year-old lady with her hands full, clambering up a narrow staircase. We followed her up the stairs, where she had terrific views of the fjord’s depth and patches of lingering snowfields surrounding it. She showed us where the bear curled up and took a nap. It was right where we landed our four sea kayaks. “I tried calling 112 (Iceland’s version of 911) but service was poor,” said Asta. “I got ahold of my daughter on Starlink. Everyone thought I was crazy.”

of miles. including lengthy swims for which polar bears are known, swimming for several days straight in search of food. The bear Asta encountered likely arrived along Hornstrandir’s northern fringe, coming off the water and then traveling overland to the south, before swimming across the fjord to Asta’s shoreline cabin. It was a small bear, maybe 400 pounds. Polar bears are not native to Iceland. Most, if not all, polar bears that are known to reach Iceland are shot and killed, a controversial process considering a warming climate and less sea ice resulting in polar bears going far and wide in search of food. Polar bears are protected under Icelandic law and are considered marine mammals. However, if a bear is deemed a threat to people or livestock, then it can be killed. There also isn’t enough prey in Iceland to sustain a polar bear population, especially mothers attempting to rear their young. After the bear was shot by police, a necropsy followed, revealing an emaciated animal with only a piece of paper in its stomach. It’s a grim outcome for one of the faces of climate change and rapidly melting sea ice.

Paddle On After our enjoyable two-hour visit with Asta, it was something to ponder as we paddled into our next breathtaking fjord beneath sheer cliffs. There were too many cascading waterfalls to count as squadrons of kittiwakes, Arctic terns, northern fulmars, and black guillemots swooped overhead. We still had several days of paddling before reaching Ísafjörður. Our chances of spotting a polar bear were slim to none. However, I gladly settled for several thousand photogenic Atlantic puffins and a close encounter with wily Arctic foxes, Iceland’s largest land predator.

Polar Dilemma Reports of polar bear sightings are rare in Iceland. The last report was in 2016, and there are about 600 recorded sightings since the ninth century, but the far north of Iceland is extremely remote, and it is very likely other bears have made the journey without notice. That would involve floating across on ice floes from Greenland for hundreds

Chuck Graham is a freelance writer and photographer based in Carpinteria, where he also leads kayak tours and backpacking trips in Channel Islands National Park Atlantic puffin or breakfast cereal iconoclast?

“One can enjoy a wood fire worthily only when he warms his thoughts by it as well as his hands and feet.” – Odell Shepard

10 – 17 September 2026

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10 – 17 September 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Gala (Continued from 12 12))

This event is about much more than beautiful cars. Over the past decade, Rally4Kids has become one of the more distinctive entries on Santa Barbara’s philanthropic calendar, combining serious automotive enthusiasm with an equally serious purpose. Previous rallies have brought together Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Jaguars, McLarens, Porsches, and Aston Martins, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single weekend for the Clubs. This year, 50 sports, luxury, and exotic cars will set out from downtown Carpinteria on a roughly 225mile route to San Luis Obispo, with organizers pointedly avoiding Highway 101. Carpinteria is an almost classically picturesque starting line, and launching the rally there also serves to showcase the Boys & Girls Club located in this picturesque beach town. The rally itself has already reached its 50-car capacity, although a wait list and sponsorship opportunities remain available. The event has long since earned a reputation not only for its extraordinary collection of automobiles and its scenic route, but for bringing together

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42 Montecito JOURNAL

A Porsche 356 carrying its Rally4Kids number from a previous run, one of the 50 sports, luxury, and exotic cars that will make the 225-mile drive to San Luis Obispo

automotive enthusiasts and philanthropists who share a common commitment to investing in the next generation. “This event is about much more than beautiful cars,” Rally Chairman Ray Link said. “It’s about creating opportunities for young people while celebrating the unique communities that make California such an incredible place to explore.” United Boys & Girls Clubs’ locations collectively serve more than 2,500 local children and teens, providing afterschool programming, meals, transportation, academic support and safe places for kids to spend their time. The weekend taps the brakes Saturday night at the Great Meadow, where Rally4Kids’ “Grand Tour” Gala will sufficiently decelerate to take guests on a culinary trip around the world. The cars from Friday’s rally will be displayed against the open-air backdrop overlooking the harbor and channel, with music, a live auction and performances planned

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annual celebration and fundraiser – has grown right along with the organization, and this year’s gala, Saturday, September 19, at Tuscan Hills Estate in Goleta, will recognize several whose contributions are closely tied to the new Center. The 2026 Heart of Gold Award will go to the Rogers Family for their longtime support of TBCF and a transformational gift central to renovating the Pediatric Cancer Support Center. The St. Francis Foundation will receive the Humanitarian Award for its longstanding partnership with TBCF and for making its former offices available to the organization, which helped make the Center possible. The Pay It Forward Award will be presented to the Moradel Tabora Family, who, following their son’s completion of cancer treatment, have continued supporting TBCF through lemonade stands and other service projects. The family’s regular use of the new Center and firsthand feedback have helped inform its renovation and design. This year’s Golden Gala Committee is co-chaired by Angel Speier and Susannah Rao, joined by Makenzy Berglund, Angela Cosentino, Taylor Fuller, Jamie Hansen, Kachina Heil, Sheela Hunt, Kerry Kelly, Terre Lapman, Gary Lapman, Debbie Neer, Stacey Deaton Polo, Nora Scheinberg, Gabrielle Semerjian, Lisa Solana, Lacy Taylor, Jill t’Sas and Brigitte Welty. Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s autumn tradition reflects the quiet warmth of a supportive community. Another major Santa Barbara fundraiser arrives a few weeks later, this one with an approach we may accurately describe as “pedal to the metal.”

throughout the evening. United Boys & Girls Clubs members participating in the Notes for Notes music program will perform, while Andrew Firestone will take the microphone for the live auction and paddle raise. Gala tickets are available separately, so a Ferrari, Porsche or Aston Martin is not required for admission. The beautiful machinery may capture the collective attention, but Rally4Kids has always been about what happens when the motor cuts out. Over the past decade, the event has raised millions of dollars for that work. In Santa Barbara, philanthropy has never been a matter of simply writing a check. In this uniquely generous town, philanthropy can mean a calming, familiar sanctuary for kids in the throes of uncanny clinical strangeness, and it can mean 50 rockets on wheels in a roaring 225-mile road race. Either way, the finish line is the same: showing up for local kids.

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10 – 17 September 2026

Entertainment (Continued from 28 28)) “And we need those who are curious and interested in exploring more, especially the younger generations, those of college age. That’s very true of opera and classical music in general. Now that we have this umbrella, including fiscal sponsorship from the Santa Barbara Foundation, we’d love to bring it to UCSB or City College, and devote a parallel program to the schools. We’ve had some talks with the Symphony about a joint program that might benefit everyone, because the format is really remarkable and powerful.” For more information and tickets visit https://musicandmeditationsb.com.

‘Beethoven’s Tango’ and ‘Stranger’ things Last year, the Santa Barbara dance organizations Selah Dance Collective and Nomad Tango collaborated on a program called Malena: Between Two Worlds, which brought together champion Boston-based Argentine tango dancers Fernanda Ghi and Silvio Grand with Selah’s contemporary dancers. This weekend, they return to the Lobero with an even more ambitious double bill dubbed Beethoven’s Tango in reference to the post-intermission piece that joins Selah’s distinctly different The Stranger, each creatively exploring questions of identity, alienation and how we encounter one another. Unlike last year’s show, there’s no integration between the companies’ performers on stage, which might make the theme seem even stronger. Selah’s founder and artistic director Meredith Ventura eschews a literal adaptation of Albert Camus’ novel The Stranger in favor of using it as a point of departure to ask questions about how societies construct and constrict outsiders. “Camus’ character was inspired by someone he met who was potentially on the autistic spectrum, given the way that he interacts with other people socially,” she explained. “The translation I found has a Hemingway-esque style, with very short sentences and the very dry, very off-putting character. There are several ways I interpret that in the piece.” Among Ventura’s methodologies is transforming about half of the dancers into stagehands à la Kabuki theater, dressed in the same color as the backdrop, including gloves and face coverings. When they move props and even the other dancers, it seems like they’re floating in midair, an uncanny and disconcerting effect. It carries the character’s lack of typical human emotion into the physical realm, as does the inclusion of aerial acts soaring above the stage with their apparatus covered in black so as not to be seen. In another section, the black-clad dancers remove the gloves so that it just seems like only their disembodied hands are moving through space, representing the people who are sitting in judgment of the stranger. “I wanted to abstract the idea of off-puttingness into dance and movement,” Ventura said. Ventura also contrasts “free and wild movement” with a section depicting a 17th century court dance to “play with the idea of formality as a way to give structure and depict the character getting caught up in a kind of machine feeling.” Similarly, Ventura set The Stranger against the precision of remastered music by J.S. Bach, having the piece collide with the mathematical musical structures with humor, theatrical absurdity, grotesque imagery and unpredictable physicality, all part of imbuing the character’s world with depictions of “the inability to care.” Passion is more the order of the day post-intermission, when Ghi and Grand team up again to perform Beethoven’s Tango, which was created through more than two decades of artistic collaboration between Ghi and pianist, composer and anthropologist Alfredo Minetti. The piece imagines the famed composer’s conflicting inner worlds of agony and creativity as he dealt with his increasing deafness, still determined to create new work. The work explores the artist’s struggle through three imagined forces shaping his world, including the Muse, the Angel, and the Duende. The drama of Beethoven’s despair and drive is set against a score of Minetti’s bandoneon music performed by Latin Grammy Best Tango album nominee, Richard Scofano. The evening begins with the premiere of John Behring’s Paradoxical Ballerinas, a short film that grew from the Hollywood director’s photographs of Selah and (Ventura’s newer company and school) Novus dancers occupying unlikely spaces, from a cemetery to the desert to Park Avenue and elsewhere, echoing the show’s theme of bodies pushed beyond their expectSelah Dance Collective dancers in The Stranger, Meredith ed boundaries. Ventura’s response to the Camus novel, which shares the Lobero The single performance bill with Beethoven’s Tango (photo by Meredith Ventura) 10 – 17 September 2026

takes place Friday, September 11, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $50, $32 for students, and $75 for VIP seating, which includes access to a post-performance reception with the artists. Visit www.lobero.org.

Sold Out Show of the Week: Roger That! Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn is the folk-rock pioneer with the Byrds (and the lesser-known successor McGuinn, Clark & Hillman). McGuinn has enjoyed a lengthy solo career, and is the latest pop music legend to grace the downtown theater with a career-spanning retrospective that goes beyond the music. Just a couple of weeks after the Who’s Roger Daltrey dished at the venue, “Songs and Stories with Roger McGuinn,” slated for Saturday, September 12, will touch on McGuinn’s six-decade legacy, which includes such memorable moments as introducing his jangly 12-string Rickenbacker guitar into the 1960s folk music ecosystem, and explaining the craft behind his songs. The intimate evening will likely feature “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” “Eight Miles High” and “Chestnut Mare,” but will also go beyond the hits to visit solo favorites and traditionals that reveal the musical crossroads that helped shape his singular sound.

SBIFF to be Blunt in December

The next edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival doesn’t take place until February 3-13, but the 19th annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film returns to the Ritz-Carlton Bacara on December 10, with Golden Globe and SAG winner and Academy Award Steven Libowitz has covered nominee Emily Blunt receiving the a plethora of topics for the prestigious honor. The black-tie event Journal since 1997, and now -- which features a gourmet dinner and leads our extensive arts and a star-studded program -- is named after entertainment coverage screen legend Kirk Douglas, who spent much of the last years of his life in Montecito. The event benefits SBIFF’s year round educational programs. Visit www.sbiff.org.

Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 2026 Santa Barbara County

September 19 9 AM to 12 PM Let's Clean Up Our Coast! Sign up for your favorite beach, creek, or park!

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ExploreEcology.org/ccd Montecito JOURNAL

Moments (Continued from 8) Viana. Pipe Vercellino received the season’s Best String honor. Among the dashing black-tie brigade were Chuck and Margarita Lande, Lee Evans Lee and Royer Culp, Pat

and Ursula Nesbitt, Chris and Mindy Denson, Wes Ru and Victoria Firestone Ru, Jennifer and Bob McMurtry, Danielle Travis, Gail Kvistad, Jeep Holden and Nancy Schaak, Janet Ray, Dana Hansen, Cory and Rhys Williams, Madison Richardson, Luis and Georgette Escobar, Nico and Lucas Escobar, Patrick Uretz, Monica Finley, Melania Jones and David Sigman. After filet, shrimp and asparagus, the evening ended where it began – with gratitude for the patrons, players and families who keep Santa Barbara polo galloping forward. Black tie, big silver and plenty of horsepower.

Pouring it Forward A family affair: Nathan, Peggy, Tom and Charmaine Rogers (courtesy photo)

“This town is amazing,” said Grassini Family Vineyards CEO Katie Grassini, looking around a tasting room filled with supporters raising their glasses for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

Julia George, Katie Grassini, Peggy Rogers, Charmaine Rogers and Brittany Wazny, left to right, at the Grassini Family Vineyards tasting room (courtesy photo)

The gathering at Grassini’s El Paseo tasting room brought together TBCF Director Brittany Wazny, Development Director Julia George, events director Kirsten Stuart and friends of the organization during September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Also raising a glass were Charmaine and Tom Rogers of Montecito, dedicated supporters of the foundation, who will be honored with the Heart of Gold Award at TBCF’s Golden Gala on September 19. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Grassini Gives Back, the family winery’s charitable program, one that began rather modestly. Katie’s parents, Larry and Sharon Grassini, are Montecito residents and longtime community supporters, and passed that on to their daughters. “We were down at the other end of El Paseo in this tiny little space. Nobody knew who we were, it was 14 years ago,” Katie recalled. Her sister suggested, “Why don’t we do something? We have this beautiful, gorgeous tasting room. Let’s do something, give back to the community.” Their first effort raised barely more than $1,000 for a local nonprofit. “We thought, ‘this is amazing,’” Grassini said. What began as a one-day event steadily grew. “Now it’s all year long.” Today, Grassini Gives Back has raised more than $965,000 for local nonprofits and is poised to cross the $1 million mark. For 2026, the winery set a $50,000 goal for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation – and Grassini said they are already close. “People are motivated to help,” she said. “Now you can feel good about it too, while you’re enjoying your wine.” TBCF provides financial, emotional and educational support to families facing pediatric cancer throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. “They’re doing so much for this part

Grassini Gives Back with Tory Milazzo, Katie Grassini and Brittany Wazny (courtesy photo)

of the community that is already going through so much,” she said. “They’re phenomenal.” During September’s Golden Thursdays, 50 percent of wine-by-theglass sales and $10 from every bottle sold benefit TBCF. A golden ribbon, a generous pour – and a million-dollar milestone within reach.

Sightings Gwyneth Paltrow stirred up a little summer controversy in the Hamptons over a reported dinner for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, but over the weekend she skipped down to Del Mar to celebrate the grand opening of Goop Kitchen’s first-ever dine-in restaurant, a chic 92-seat flagship at One Paseo… Julia Louis-Dreyfus offered a peek behind the curtain at Seinfeld this weekend, while hanging out with Benny Blanco, Lil Dicky (Dave Burd) and Kristin Batalucco on their Friends Keep Secrets podcast. Julia revealed there was “tons” of friction on Seinfeld. “It’s hard to do anything really well,” she explained. “You’re going to butt heads.” Though she remembered the set often felt like friends just hanging out… Meanwhile, Orlando Bloom made a splashy arrival at the Venice Film Festival by water taxi, premiering Werner Herzog’s Bucking Fastard with Kate Mara, Rooney Mara and Domhnall Gleeson before receiving the Filming Italy International Award at the Hotel Excelsior, with fellow honoree Irina Shayk. Bloom had already been enjoying his Italian summer at Andrea Bocelli’s exclusive Alpemare Beach Club in Forte dei Marmi, known as “the Hamptons” of Italy… And Montecito’s own Kendall Jenner made her Venice bow in a bit of fashion kismet, stepping out for the premiere of Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine in an archival Giorgio Armani column gown from the 1995 collection, the year she was born, glittering with gold floral beading and a crystal-studded scoop neckline… From Richard and Friends to all of you…Pip! Pip!

Gearing up for the Golden Gala: Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation supporters at the Grassini tasting room (courtesy photo)

44 Montecito JOURNAL

“You have to burn to be fragrant.” – Rumi

10 – 17 September 2026

“

The book has some of the very best dialogue I have ever read (think Raymond Chandler), and author Michael C. Armour paints a gorgeous story with the prose as sweeping as the Santa Barbara vistas. I hope he returns with another. – Leslie Zemeckis

Award-winning documentarian, best-selling author, actor and co-founder of the Santa Barbara Literary Festival.

”

Now available at Chaucer’s Books, Tecolote Book Shop and Godmothers

10 – 17 September 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Beings & Doings (Continued from 6)

Peace Prize Luncheon

Butternut squash: the inedible gourd that sounds like a wrestling move (public domain)

have gills. THEY HAVE GILLS. And what are they anyway? Plant? Animal? YES. Eat hearty.

brochure-inspired “Brussels sprout” into your mouth and it’s a mish-mash of lawn clipping, forest floor, and some unidentifiable, pungent other flavor it’s best not to dwell on. Worst of all? Look closely at these things and you see that they are clenched leaves. Get it away from me.

For more information and RSVP:

Veggie Fever Whether it’s the weather, the movie stars and swimming pools, the placard-pumping activist army, or that patchouli-scented species of spirituality typified by drum circles, hula hoops and chiffon, we Californians are eccentric, and variably life-loving. We’ll gently rescue a kitchen spider and free him in the garden then retire for a lunch of bone broth. Our enlightened nature is not yet fully formed. Nor will it be as long as we pretend the Vegetable is meant to be eaten. The day our hotshot scientists figure out how to infuse gravy with the Stuff of Life is the day they start earning their keep around here. I won’t hold my breath.

Butternut Squash www.

mont

ecito

journ

al.net /subs c

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Butter. Nut. Squash. Two nouns and a violent verb, like that makes any sense. These things look like the sci-fi movie set decorator’s prop pods found lying around the crashed spaceship on Planet X. Pass the butternut squash. Just not to me.

Eggplant Also inexplicably called the aubergine (?!), this unreasonably purple monstrosity is all show and no Go. Spongy, bitter, and mushy; eggplant is the gag-reflex trifecta. Impossible to eat and too big and unwieldy to throw with any accuracy.

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

Mushrooms SCAN ME!

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46 Montecito JOURNAL

Wake up to a good cup of news!

Not satisfied to be frightened by them as they sprout like pale hellish invaders from the compost-carpeted forest floor, we want to bring these fungi right onto the dinner table. “No, don’t put your feet up there, Billy. We’ve reserved this space for fungus.” These beige freaks

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“I’d rather burn brightly for half as long than be a dim lingering light.” – Roland Gift

10 – 17 September 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

FALL | 2026

ALSO: THE LAMBORGHINI URUS: EXPENSIVE FOR A CAR, BUT NOT BAD IF YOU ALSO LIVE IN IT. MORE: BRUTALIST SANDCASTLES! | FARM-TO-TABLE? MEET FARM ON TABLE!

Now THAT’S a reflecting pool!

DESIGN | ARCHITECTURE | WIT

>>>

MORE THAN A LITTLE INSIDE

FALL 2026 ISSUE! ON STANDS SOON!

MONTECITO JOURNAL PRESENTS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Calendar of Events

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

by Steven Libowitz THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Paradise’s ‘Box’ – Out of the Box Theatre Company is celebrating its “Super Sweet Sixteen” season with a special fundraising event this evening at Paradise Springs Winery, featuring music from DJ Darla Bea and a slice of birthday cake for all, plus an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming season. The company that has been bringing contemporary musicals to the Santa Barbara stage since 2010 will revisit the popular Tony-winning Dear Evan Hansen November 6-15 – auditions are slated for this weekend, September 12-13 – followed by its premiere production of the early 2000s off-Broadway sensation Bat Boy the Musical April 2-11, both at OOB’s longtime home of Center Stage Theater. The organization is fundraising to help pay the artists, rent the venue and license shows; ever more challenging endeavors in the current economy amid the general drying up of funds for the arts. WHEN: 5-6:30 pm WHERE: Paradise Springs Winery, 210 State St. COST: free INFO: info@outoftheboxtheatre.org THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Planned Parenthood Book Sale – The massive annual extended sale of used books and other media has been around since right around when the late, lamented Earthling Bookstore first opened its doors on the way to ruling the local book world back in the mid-1970s. But unlike that popular source of the THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 ‘Naked’ Love – Although Romeo and Juliet shared some of the steamiest (implied) teenage love scenes in theatrical history, the actors will keep their clothes on when the UCSB student cast comes back together to perform William Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed teenage lovers in this year’s Naked Shakes production. The company’s name comes from its choice to employ minimalist staging and costumes in favor of focusing on the language and the energetically raw and vibrant renditions of Shakespeare’s plays. Romeo and Juliet – the Bard’s story of family rivalry, fierce devotion, and the fickle hand of fate (and hate) that has been adapted for centuries in every possible medium – debuted at the beginning of the month on the UCSB campus, and this weekend migrates to Elings Park’s Godric Grove. Irwin Appel, who founded Naked Shakes 20 years ago, directs. Bring your own cushion or rent one ($10) from the park, lest your butt go as numb as the feuding families when they discover what their anger hath wrought. WHEN: 5 pm Thursday and Friday, 3 pm Saturday WHERE: Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Rd. COST: $25 adults, $15 children and seniors (free for children 3 and under) INFO: (805) 569-5611 or http://elingspark.org

48 Montecito JOURNAL

Jensen’s Lives! – Jensen Music would seem to have been dead and buried when longtime owner Chris Jensen retired and closed the business in September 2025 after 52 years. Now, a year later, the shop is back, if only to offer some of what made the place so special for half a century. The site now hosts a revamped instructional studio and repair shop under the name Jensen Music Lessons, but Jensen’s retail sales component is not returning. Still, at least one of the longtime instructors has stuck around in the person of Mike Shiflett, the classic rock and British Invasion specialist whose younger brother, Chris, is the famed Foo Fighters guitarist. Longtime local music instructor Tompeet Frederiksen is the new owner, and he and all the other teachers who proselytize/teach instruments including guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, violin and mandolin will be on site today for the official grand reopening, when visitors can tour the lesson rooms and repair shop, talk things over, and enjoy refreshments and, of course, live music. WHEN: 12 noon-2 pm WHERE: Jensen Music, 2830 De la Vina St., Suite G COST: free INFO: (805) 687-4027 or www.jensenmusiclessons.com printed word and cultural exchange, the book sale has survived the incursion of the behemoths Borders and Barnes & Noble, which eventually gave way to Amazon (remember when pretty much all they sold was books?) and later to digital. More than half a century in, the sale somehow is more popular than ever, which of course has a lot to do with the fact that every dollar raised over its 11-day span stays local, helping provide women and families throughout our community with education and affordable, vital health care services, wellness exams, cancer screenings, reproductive care, testing and more. These days visitors can pursue more than 150,000 gently used books, plus thousands of CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, puzzles, games and other surprises, all offered at prices that represent a tiny percentage of what they once sold for. Most books, which are sorted into more than 50 categories – including such interesting sections as mystery and history, banned books to cookbooks, and science to sci-fi – are priced at $2-$5, with other media generally going for less. Plus, the tables are continuously restocked throughout the sale, so there’s always a reason to stop back in, including on closing day, when everything is half off. Word! WHEN: September 10-20 WHERE: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real COST: free ($30 opening night) INFO: (805) 722-7870 or https://booksale.ppcentralcoast.org SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Bike De-Lights – All are invited to be part of a little moving magic on the Santa Barbara waterfront by participating in the inclusive, illuminated and colorful community ride that starts at the Santa Barbara Skate Park. Participants decorate their bikes (or trikes), don a costume for added fun, and head down to the beachfront as the sun starts to go down. Expect a fun mix of music, art, friends new and old, and community spirit as the assembled

“Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.” – Seneca

10 – 17 September 2026

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Cummings and Goings – The Grand on State has deservedly garnered a lot of buzz for booking big jazz artists as well as serving as a new regular gig spot for many of our community jazz greats since the classy club and restaurant opened in the spring next door to the Granada. But the 30-year-old all-genre music club and restaurant across the street known as SOhO still deserves a little love for its longtime commitment to offering jazz in town during good times and bad, with monthly dates from the Santa Barbara Jazz Society as a minimum. It’s under those auspices that singer Sandy Cummings, whose career began in 1969 at the Orchid Bowl in Goleta, is back at the joint fronting a quartet with longtime colleague Woody DeMarco on piano, Richard Weller on drums and Rob Moreno on bass. WHEN: 1-4 pm WHERE: SOhO, 1221 State St., upstairs in Victoria Court COST: $10-$25 INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Sea Glass Festival – It was back in August 2015 that local sea glass-loving merchants, artists, collectors and community members from across Santa Barbara County joined together and organized the first-ever Carpinteria Sea Glass Festival to celebrate both the tiny coastal community and all things sea glass. But the event soon outgrew its roots and has been held annually in the heart of Santa Barbara at the Showgrounds, where activities abound all weekend long. Handmade ocean-themed art and authentic sea glass jewelry created by dozens of talented artists are on display. Speakers provide engaging learning opportunities and experts conduct hands-on workshops in coastal crushed glass art, coastal macramé, wire-wrapped sea glass pendants and mermaid tiaras. Merchants offer wares that include everything from raw sea glass to polished products. Interactive booths on the community lawn include Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary/NOAA, UCSB’s Research Experience & Education Facility (the REEF) and the festival’s new nonprofit, the California Coastal Arts & Ocean Alliance. The festival is the only one of its kind in Southern California, and one of only three on the entire West Coast, so enthusiastic attendees come from across town, around the state, and beyond. WHEN: 10 am-5 pm Saturday, 10 am-4 pm Sunday WHERE: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real COST: $7 per day, $12 for the weekend, free under 12 ($15 early bird ticket allows 9 am entry) INFO: (805) 687-0766, www.earlwarren.com or www.santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com

group rides off into the sunset and lights up the night. All bikes and all ages are welcome. This has been a sporadic event in recent times, but will now become a monthly tradition, with future rides on the first Saturday of every month. It’s like a cross between the Summer Solstice Parade and a bike ride; a joyful, participatory public art-and-community experience where you even get a little exercise along the way. WHEN: Gather at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm rollout WHERE: Santa Barbara Skate Park, corner of Cabrillo Blvd. and State St. COST: free INFO: www.facebook.com/BikeDeLights

Heavenly Harmonies and Memorable Melodies from the ’60s – I just recently watched the excellent documentary about the history and career of the Zombies (“Time of the Season,” “She’s Not There”), which is apropos of this item only because four of the five original members still survive and most of them perform, including memorable local concerts over the last several years. But for a while there when the band had broken up, they were being impersonated by groups in America, the doc explained. Which leads us to The Papas and Mamas, who invert the name of the classic ’60s band that formed four years after the Zombies, and which boasts a single survivor in Michelle Phillips, who actually sang a few songs with Jakob Dylan and others at the Lobero Theatre after a 2019 SBIFF premiere of the Laurel Canyon doc Echo in the Canyon. So I hope it’s not just hyperbole when they say The Papas and Mamas are an authentic tribute to the original band in both sight and sound, dressing in costume and with a full band to deliver faithful recreations of “California Dreamin’,” “Monday, Monday,” “Creeque Alley” and “Dedicated to the One I Love.” Let’s just leave it at Go [if] You Wanna Go... WHEN: 6 pm WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. COST: $59-$79 INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.org

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. 10 – 17 September 2026

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Montecito JOURNAL

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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. 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

EXPERT ADU GUIDANCE

Expedite ADU Process FREE CONSULTATION SB & Montecito Michael Humphrey (805) 570-3333 PERSONAL ASST., HOUSE MGMT., & MORE… Personal Assistant / House Management / Housekeeping / Companion. Trilingual – English, Spanish, French. Live In / Live Out References & Resume Available

HEALTH & ASSISTANCE Middle-aged retired MD specialized in Wellness & Prevention, available for live-in or on-property personal & medical assistance. Exchange for private accommodation & stipend. Excellent local references. Please inquire by initial text to 805-268-7876.

Nathalie Ruiz Ruinat18@gmail.com (310) 770-6666 LOCAL CONTRACTOR

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Local Montecito building Contractor accepting jobs big or small Low rates & free estimates Jim: (209) 471-7577

Acupuncture and Massage for pain management and comfort care, digestion, and sleep specialist for in-home or in-office. Experience with paraplegic and palliative care, special needs. Licensed primary care provider for 14 years.

COASTAL HOME & PET CARE Exceptional Care for Your Home & Pets

Kristen Swegles LAc., MTCM, CMP Kristenswegles@gmail.com 831-359-7779

Trusted, mature and highly responsible home & pet care serving Montecito and Santa Barbara.

ART LESSONS

Whether you’re traveling, need an extra hand at home, or simply want someone dependable to care for the details, your home and beloved pets are treated with exceptional attention and respect.

Mentorship in painting and drawing, practice and theory. Small group, individual guidance. All levels accepted. 805-886-6513 www.valorifussell.com

Home & Pet Care • House Sitting • Home Organization • Property Oversight Highly organized • Reliable • Discreet • Trustworthy Exceptional local references available

REVERSE MORTGAGE SERVICES Reverse Mortgage Questions? Talk to an Expert! All Inquiries Strictly Confidential

Coastal Home & Pet Care CoastalHomeandPetCare.com Monika 805.689.8078

PIANO LESSONS Openings now available for Children & Adults. Piano Lessons in our Studio or your Home. Call or Text Kary Kramer (805) 453-3481 Pet Care & House Sitting Professional, dependable pet lover available for pet sitting, dog walking & house sitting. Flexible schedule, great rates & references available. Call or text: (312) 315-5035 MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING Michael Bolton, MD. Harvard-Trained Board Certified Psychiatrist. Specializing in Adult ADHD. BecomeYourAuthenticSelf.Com. Insurance accepted.

GAYLE NAGY – NMLS 251258 805.448.9224 gnagy@gemcorp.com Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act. 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 258 Westlake Village, CA 91362 NMLS 2427

HANDYMAN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Handyman serv. Goleta to Montecito Reasonable rates No material markup Call to discuss your needed repairs Many years serving the area 805-680-8025

“Words are only painted fire; a look is the fire itself.” – Mark Twain

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.

10 – 17 September 2026

Last Week’s Solution:

By Pete Muller & Frank Longo For each of the first five mini crosswords, one of the entries also serves as part of a five-word meta clue. The answer to the meta is a word or phrase (six letters or longer) hidden within the sixth mini crossword. The hidden meta answer starts in one of the squares and snakes through the grid vertically and horizontally from there (no diagonals!) without revisiting any squares. PUZZLE #1 1

R T E R E H A B A R E S O C A S E Y E N E

W H O H A N G R E N E E V E N U E S L A P S

P A W E F I L E A R S O N C O M E T H M O S

C A V E M O D E L A R L E S Y E A R S I S

T R E E C O N A N M O T T O F R A U S E T S

S P A K E T E R N S A C T U P L A I T Y K N E E S

THESE

HANG

FROM

CAVE

ROOFS

STALACTITES

PUZZLE #2

PUZZLE #3 3

4 5

Across 1 Bad thing to have pulled out from under you 4 Feature of the 2026 films "Send Help" and "They Will Kill You" 5 Post-storm detritus (usually not the human kind, thankfully!) 6 Lead-in to niece or nephew 7 How hermits like to be left

Down 1 2024 Broadway title role for Kit Connor 2 Keith with four Grammys 3 Beau ___ (noble act) 4 "Kiss a ___" (2009 hit for 2-Down) 5 Airport skewered in the 2020 "SNL" skit "Airport Sushi"

Across 1 What might precede a life? 4 Adrenaline product 5 Chess opener 6 "Barbie" narrator Mirren 7 Wild ones may be sown

Down 1 Deliberation determination 2 ___ Park (town near the hotel that inspired "The Shining") 3 "___ She Found Me" (film directed by 6-Across Hunt) 4 "Barbie" actress Perlman 5 "The Song Is Over" farewell tour group of 2025, with "the"

Across 1 Served as 4 "He ___ loosed the fateful lightning ..." ("The Battle Hymn of the Republic" lyric) 5 Nova preceder 6 Like some layers and limits 7 Opening for a 3-Down

PUZZLE #5

PUZZLE #4 1

8 9

Across 1 Instrument featured in the concerto "Raga-Mala" 6 Its panhandle is the setting of Netflix's "Train Dreams" 7 "Hollyoaks" actress Atkinson, Merna, Bissix, or Craven 8 Having a handle attached? 9 Like successful scammers

Down 1 See 5-Down 2 Like the best-case scenario 3 Baldwin who is the first openly gay person ever elected to the U.S. Senate 4 Wistful exclamation 5 With 1-Down, drivers might be pulled over for ignoring them

Across 1 With 4-Down, red herring in a Mini-Meta crossword week's first puzzles, e.g. 6 Baker who's a singer 7 Cover for a hip-hop star? 8 Mimic a mad mutt 9 Her intercession may be sought in a Fr. prayer

Down 1 Use without care, say 2 Where the series "Doctor Odyssey" and "Nautilus" are set 3 Pool hall predator 4 It's divided into 3,600 even parts 5 Odenkirk who starred in the 2025 film "Normal"

META PUZZLE 5

4 6

Down 1 Labubu dolls and barrel jeans, e.g., in the 2020s 2 Limerick attribution, often: Abbr. 3 Turkish bread? 4 See 1-Across 5 ___ Fang Karate (dojo on "Cobra Kai")

Across 1 Iconic Stevie Nicks hairstyle in the 1970s 5 Be deeply affected by a passing event? 7 Number from a long time ago 8 Black who wears a black hat 9 Dennings of "Thor" films

Down 1 Splatter-catching garment 2 "Yo!" 3 Get no credit for, in a way 4 What you might do while bearing it? 6 Cause of an interruption of service?

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY Residential & Business Professional telephone & gate Phone opener Systems service 805-217-8457

CorporateTelecom@Rocketmail.com opener

*Nortel/Norstar, Panasonic & all others *Telephone, line & gate connections *Installation, troubleshooting & repair *Licensed & Insured with 25+ years experience

Professional telephone & gate opener service

WARRIOR TAXI CO. LAX • Airport Runs Special Events

Santa Barbara Estate Management

Joe Boudre (805) 319-5364

www.santabarbaraestate.management City of Santa Barbara Business License # 984709

Medicare

Health OR Insurance Options “We make sure it works out for you”

Jordan Futch

urs of th Ho e

24 7

y da

7 Da

(805) 896-0443 (805) 680-8088

24 Hr. Service

www.warriortaxi.com Santa Barbara Top Personal Taxi Service s

Mini Meta

t of th e w

Andrea Dominic RPh Sherry Saffarnia, PharmD Thomas Johnsonbough RPh. 1498 East Valley Road Montecito, CA 93108

Phone: 805-969-2284 Fax: 805-565-3174

Compounding Pharmacy & Boutique

MACC CONSTRUCTION Building Dreams

License # 0773817

WE SPECIALIZE IN ADU CONSTRUCTION, KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELING, DECKS

Bilingual Staff

(805) 895-2852

(805) 683-3636 3412 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105

CONSTRUCT1.MAC@GMAIL.COM | LIC 949275

ANDSCAPE

Nuh Kimbwala

REATORS

Certified Travel Associate-CTA

Montecito, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (805) 617-6683 EDUARDO@LANDSCAPE-CREATORS.COM IRRIGATION INSTALLS

HARDSCAPE INSTALLS

PLANTING INSTALLS

LIGHTING INSTALLS

LICENSED LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: #1129976

10 – 17 September 2026

LAWN CARE SERVICE

Santa Barbara Branch 3712 State ST, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 805-898-2808 Direct kimbwala.nuh@ace.aaa.com www.nuhluxurytravel.com @nuhluxurytravel

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

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Office Globally

©2026 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Santa Barbara office; award based on 2025 production of 1,361 offices in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network.

813 ROMERO CANYON RD, MONTECITO 5BD/7BA • $24,500,000 Josiah Hamilton / Brittany Arntz 805.284.8835 / LIC# 01415235 / 02055307

1130 GARDEN LN, MONTECITO 5BD/5+(2)½BA • $17,500,000 Dan Encell 805.565.4896 / LIC# 00976141 1381 E A S T VA L L E Y R O A D. CO M

468 CROCKER SPERRY DR, MONTECITO 3BD/3+(2)½BA • $11,825,000 Bartron Real Estate Group / Beth Goodman 805.563.4054 / 805.455.1909 LIC# 01005021 / 00966870

1381 EAST VALLEY RD, MONTECITO 7BD/5+(2)½BA • $11,500,000 Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group 805.565.4014 / LIC# 01426886

8 5 0 R O C K B R I D G E R O A D. CO M

610 OLIVE RD, MONTECITO 5BD/4BA • $10,875,000 Cristal Clarke 805.886.9378 / LIC# 00968247

663 LILAC DR, MONTECITO 5BD/6+(3)½BA • $10,500,000 Cristal Clarke 805.886.9378 / LIC# 00968247

135 P O M A R . CO M

850 ROCKBRIDGE RD, MONTECITO 5BD/3+(2)½BA • $8,995,000 Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group 805.565.4014 / LIC# 01426886

2000 SANDY PL, MONTECITO 3BD/3½BA • $8,750,000 Dan Encell 805.565.4896 / LIC# 00976141

135 POMAR LN, MONTECITO 3BD/2½BA • $6,060,000 Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group 805.565.4014 / LIC# 01426886

1080 LADERA LN, MONTECITO 4BD/4BA • $4,500,000 Garrett McCaw / Jeff M Oien 805.252.2335 / 805.895.2944 LIC# 01457796 / 00852118

526 SAN YSIDRO RD#A, MONTECITO 3BD/2BA • $3,950,000 Cristal Clarke 805.886.9378 / LIC# 00968247

546 ARBOL VERDE ST, CARPINTERIA 3BD/2BA • $2,195,000 Jessica Stovall & Lindsey Densmore 805.698.9416 / 310.991.6439 LIC# 01887272 / 02162929

4024 GREEN HERON SPRING RD, CARP 3BD/2½BA • $1,550,000 Joe Parker 805.886.5735 / LIC# 01314939

4975 SANDYLAND RD#302, CARP 2BD/1BA • $1,499,000 Annette Vait 805.886.1926 / LIC# 02044281

S A N TA B A R B A R A • M O N T E C I TO • G O L E TA • V E N T U R A • O J A I • L O S O L I V O S • PA S O R O B L E S • W E S T L A K E V I L L A G E