JOURNAL
The Giving List
4 – 11 DEC 2025 | VOL 31 ISS 49 www.montecitojournal.net
Voice of theV illage
SERVING MONTECITO AND SOUTHERN SANTA BARBARA
Her Wild Wisdom – Through Lori Robinson’s stories, we glimpse Jane Goodall’s courage, simplicity, and unwavering mission to save Mother Nature, P.5
Guardian of Montecito – Lawyer, civic leader, and quiet force behind Montecito’s water district, zoning protections, and early planning commission, P.18
These dogs search and rescue in any scenario, page 14
Village Gift Guide – This season, step away from the algorithm and into the village – our holiday guide brings locally-sourced magic to every gift, P.34
The Place to Be
FROM LUCKY’S TO THE HARBOR, BEN KENDALL TRANSFORMS BELOVED LOCAL HAUNTS INTO MOONLIT REVERIES THAT FEEL BOTH FAMILIAR AND DREAMLIKE. JEFF WING STEPS INTO KENDALL’S UNCANNY NOCTURNES… HYPERREAL PORTRAITS OF MONTECITO AND SANTA BARBARA NIGHTS RENDERED WITH STARTLING EMOTIONAL CLARITY (STORY STARTS ON PAGE 6)
Lucy Liu, Reframed
From Ally McBeal to Kill Bill, Liu has shaped culture… but with Rosemead, she reveals to the MJ’s Les Firestein why it’s her most personal onscreen truth yet, page 8
Pickleball Patience
Rain delays, buried debris, and final touches push Manning Park’s new courts to early 2026 as the community awaits – with pickleball paddles poised, page 22
a festive fun afternoon tea ! Storytime and treats for the kids... Champagne for the grown-ups 805.504.1961 december 14th a
san ysidro r nch