Local News Updates
Executive Director of Explore Ecology Lindsay Johnson announced the retirement of Melissa Brooks as Development Director of Explore Ecology. Incoming for the position is Morgan Coffey.
Coffey majored in cultural anthropology at UCSB and interned as a Waves on Wheels Marine Biology Educator for the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. She volunteers as a naturalist for the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary, leading hikes on the islands and providing interpretation aboard whale watch and dive vessels along the coast. In twenty years as a conservation professional, her collaborations include restoring wildlife habitats, creating environmental education programs, and establishing nature preserves throughout Santa Barbara County. When she’s not building partnerships that further the mission of Explore Ecology, you’ll likely find her swimming just beyond the surf zone at El Cap or Butterfly Beach.
It’s Beatlemania at Marjorie Luke Theatre! Peter Bie and Dennis Mitchell co-host “60 Years of Beatlemania” at the Marjorie Luke Theatre on February 9. The event includes a screening of the timeless Ed Sullivan February 9, 1964, show, a presentation by Bob Eubanks, an hour-long live music performance of Beatles songs by BFD [Bob, Fin and Dave] and photos of the Beatles.
Eubanks, an L.A. radio icon, former host of TV’s The Newlywed Game and longtime concert promoter, was solely responsible for bringing the Beatles to Southern California. Mitchell said in a press release that, “Bob is the only living person to have produced a Beatles concert in all three years that they toured America. His role in being the promoter for the Hollywood Bowl shows in ‘64 and ‘65 and the ‘66 Dodger Stadium concert comes with some revealing and seldom heard stories that make 60 Years of Beatlemania! all the more special.” Mitchell, who owns and programs Carpinteria Valley Radio, is host of the long-running internationally syndicated radio show Breakfast with The Beatles.
The Wildling Museum is now renamed the California Nature Art Museum. Founded in 2000, and celebrating its 24th anniversary, Executive Director, Stacey Otte-Demangate ensures it will continue its mission to inspire stewardship of nature through art and education. “The new name better reflects who we are and what we do. The exhibits and educational programs we offer reinforce that, allowing our community and visitors to experience the beauty of art, and the nature all around us which inspires it. While not being preachy, our exhibition and education choices will certainly reflect the need for conservation of wilderness and open spaces here in the Golden State.” The first floor of the museum is renamed The Wildling Gallery.
Incoming Board President for Cal-NAM, Kevin Walthers, shares: “We love the legacy of the Wildling name but understand the need to be more recognizable to visitors. The exhibits curated by our incredible staff are truly amazing, and we are confident the new name will ensure that more people see the California Nature Art Museum as an important must-see destination. So come visit, take a class, attend an event. We look forward to welcoming you soon.”
