28 Jan 2025
Future Smiles
Health insurance companies and even Medi-Cal still think of orthodontics as a non-essential, even esoteric expense, even for kids – one that they’re not willing to cover. But brace yourself for the truth: getting braces is by no means simply a cosmetic procedure. For kids who have misaligned teeth – including crooked teeth, gaps between […]
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Jails, Jails, and More Jails: Should We Spend Another $160M?
It’s been just two years since we opened our $120M, 376-bed North Branch Jail – and in March the Board will be asked to spend another $160M to add two new jail “pods” to the mix. Frankly, the complexity of the issue far exceeds my 300-word limit but given the cost, we need to “slow […]
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A 50-Year-Old’s Heart Attack and How He Saved his Own Life
My beloved 50-year-old nephew, Dan, had no idea he was having a heart attack, and didn’t recognize the symptoms – but eventually did several very crucial things which ultimately saved his life. He was so wise to write down what happened while lying in the hospital, when things were still fresh in his mind. I’m […]
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Clark’s Oyster Bar Is Fresh
Upon sliding into one of the booths at Clark’s Oyster Bar, I disclosed to co-owner and chef Larry McGuire that I’d never had oysters before. It’s not that I haven’t wanted to try them; I’ve just never gotten around to it. This also seemed like the perfect time to admit to him that I don’t […]
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Researchers Win Prize to Examine Homelessness
A Westmont student and professor have won the Hatfield Prize, which will allow them to conduct research this semester through interviewing churches, nonprofits and government agencies who are preventing and addressing homelessness in Santa Barbara. Kate Robinson, a sophomore political science major, has received $5,000 and Katherine Bryant, assistant professor of political science, has received […]
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Honoring a Legendary Team
Legendary Westmont men’s basketball coach Chet Kammerer and assistant Randy Pfund will be part of an alumni event to celebrate Westmont’s 1983-84 team on Saturday, Jan. 25. The team, which finished the season with a 31-4 record and reached the semifinals of the NAIA National Tournament, was unbeaten in 14 games inside Murchison Gym. The […]
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Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl
The Boys and Girls Club Thrift Store in Ventura was an unlikely place to find a Kundalini yoga ‘sound bath’ practitioner’s quartz crystal singing bowl, but JE writes me that her “FIND” is a whopping 12” diameter 10” tall delicate blue bowl. She thought it was expensive at $75 (with rubber mallet); shoppers can find […]
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Ain’t Gonna Study War No More
When I was in my teens and still living in England, both that country and the U.S. still had what was called a “Draft.” It applied only to men within a certain age range. But there were stiff legal penalties for failing to register. You might be exempted for medical reasons, but for healthy young […]
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The Golden Age
I watched the entire inauguration ceremony, and this article is written on that day. You would have to be dead to not appreciate the ceremony and its symbolism. Yes, it was mostly a Trump lovefest, but it was more than that. It was another peaceful transition of power of our Republic. No riots or coups […]
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Supervisors Lead the Way on Cannabis Odor Abatement Plan
Following the legalization of recreational cannabis in California in 2016 and the subsequent implementation of licensing regulations in 2018, the Carpinteria Valley witnessed a surge in cannabis cultivation operations. With this growth came an onslaught of resident complaints regarding the pungent odor emanating from these facilities. Since 2019, 3,900 complaints have been filed about the […]
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Welcoming 1925
No popping champagne corks announced the arrival of the new year in 1925. Prohibition still ruled the land. Nevertheless, Santa Barbarans could look back with pride to 1924 along with enthusiasm and hope toward 1925. The Morning Press headline blared, “Santa Barbara Greets the New Year with Noise and Church Services.” The dance floors were […]
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Carpinteria-Summerland Firefighters and the L.A. Fire Donation Efforts
The Santa Barbara South Coast Firefighter Foundation – in conjunction with the Carpinteria-Summerland Firefighters and the Carpinteria Firefighters Local 3368 – set up a donation drop-off at the house next to the Carpinteria fire station on Walnut Street. Heading the drive from the SBSCFF is its founder Gail Kvistad of “Living Local,” who has served […]
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Montecito Country Mart Shops Aid L.A. Fire Evacuees and First Responders
Huge shoutouts to The Montecito Country Mart shops and restaurants for their immediate, dedicated, and generous aid for the evacuees and first responders to the L.A. Fires in toto. MCM owner James S. Rosenfield shares, “Our hearts go out to L.A. and everyone impacted by the devastating fires. Please know that we send our love […]
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Jumpstart January Wellness Month with the Montecito YMCA
For this week’s wellness feature, I dove into the pool of health offerings at the Montecito YMCA with its Executive Director Ryan Power. He said, “This is a great time to join the Montecito YMCA. We are currently running a membership promotion, if you sign up by January 31st the joining fee is $0. Your […]
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Teen Stars Shine On
Teen Star Santa Barbara started as a small event meant to employ the American Idol model to highlight the vocal talents of local students in the wake of arts budget cuts in the schools, but it quickly outgrew its original home at San Marcos High’s auditorium. A few years at the Granada turned into an […]
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SBIFF Fires up
After briefly considering canceling the milestone 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in the wake of the Los Angeles fires, SBIFF did postpone announcement of the full lineup and schedule for a few days. But the slate is now complete for the fest, which runs February 4-15, its longest iteration yet, showcasing a total […]
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Pound for Poundstone: Stand-Ups Take a Stand
Whether for confronting, coping or merely cackling, topical comedy abounds this week, including three shows within five days at the Lobero. Paula Poundstone sets the pace as perhaps the most politely political of the trio. The veteran stand-up from Boston – now better known for her regular appearances on the NPR news-quiz show Wait Wait…Don’t […]
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Pop Picks of the Week
Get your classic rock on with a pair of tribute concerts playing the music of two of the biggest bands in the land back in the 1970s at two different venues this week. Queen Nation, which promotes itself as one of the most accurate re-creations of a Queen concert in the United States circa 1975-85, […]
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Emergency Readiness with ReadySBC Alerts
The Los Angeles area fires are a reminder to be prepared for any emergency situation. Start by registering for the Santa Barbara Countywide ReadySBC Alerts. The system is managed by Santa Barbara County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in partnership with local cities. ReadySBC Alerts provide timely and accurate information during emergencies. OEM’s robust emergency […]
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Stanton D. Anderson: 1941 – 01/12/2025
Stanton D. Anderson, age 84, passed away on Sunday, January 12, at his home in Santa Barbara. Stan was a proud graduate of Westmont College (Class of 1962), where he was a star basketball player, setting scoring records and earning the distinction of Small College All-American. He went on to earn his law degree from […]
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