For much of my life, I have been battling against noise. The most notorious episode was my crusade against what are still called “Leaf-blowers.” For several months, I was the leader of a local campaign to get enough signatures on a petition to have a ban on those outrageously noisy machines, which are more accurately […]
Lea másMy story starts when I was born at Santa Barbara’s St. Francis Hospital in 1922. I spent my childhood on the Campbell Ranch which is now part of UCSB’s Education campus and was the site for Devereaux School. In fact, I sprained my ankle jumping down from a loft of the Red Barn on the […]
Lea másWarm Mediterranean breezes carry the promise of relaxed elegance as they dance across sun-drenched skin, mingling with the scent of blooming bougainvillea and lavender. Imagine stepping onto a pristine white-sand beach, the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Côte d’Azur lapping at your feet. Elegant French locals stroll by with effortless style, their laughter a soundtrack […]
Lea másA few years ago, I started noticing that people, specifically those under the age of 35, were frequently and erroneously using the word “perfect.” I shared this with friends who later cursed me because they, too, started noticing the same phenomenon. And trust me, once you notice, there is no going back. The genie will […]
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New York Times columnist David Brooks, citing rising mental health issues, social distrust, and loneliness, examined the moral decline in America and suggested that Christian colleges can contribute to the “re-moralization” of American life. He delivered the keynote talk, “How Christian Colleges Can Fix What Ails America,” at the 11th annual LEAD Where Your Stand […]
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Westmont alumnus Adrian McIntyre (‘25), who led all NCAA Division II scorers averaging 27.9 points-per-game, is the PacWest Conference Male Athlete of the Year. McIntyre, who became Westmont’s first PacWest Player of the Year in men’s basketball, now becomes Westmont’s first all-encompassing Athlete of the Year in the entire conference. He set program records for […]
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Crane Country Day School’s graduation – “Go Coyotes!” – ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 11. It was also the 25th anniversary of Joel Weiss as Head of Crane Country Day School. In covering the graduation ceremony annually, I meet up with the school photographer to do the traditional pre-ceremony formal photograph of the graduates […]
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Montecito Scout Troop 33’s Life Scout Leo Brownstein, a high school senior, is doing a community project as one of the many steps required towards his earning the prestigious Eagle Scout status. According to the Boy Scouts of America, Long Beach Council, “Nationally, 6.49% of all Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout rank, and since […]
Lea másJoanne Cooper Holderman passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, at the age of 89 in Santa Barbara, California, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving children, Caroline Calvin and William Holderman. Born on July 1, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Joanne was the first of three daughters of Margaret and Dr. John […]
Lea másStolen Check / 1470 East Valley Road — Monday, June 2, at 10:14 hours Victim placed a card with a check for $200.00 in the Montecito Post Office mailbox. Victim learned the card wasn’t delivered to her sister, instead someone altered the check, and it was cashed for $2,000.00. Family Disturbance / 1700 block Jelinda […]
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Since his election in 2007, Sheriff Bill Brown has been the chief law enforcement officer for Santa Barbara County. While “Santa Barbara County” may suggest to some the varied and gorgeous environs associated with the “Santa Barbara” brand – sandy beaches, the rolling hills of wine country, wildflowers, a puzzling Danish village with windmills – […]
Lea másMarianna Victoria Mashek is a Santa Barbara native, a Santa Barbara High School Don, and studied Studio Art at UCSB. She later studied Arts Administration at Antioch University, worked for the Santa Barbara Arts Council and Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, and Santa Barbara City College. If you detect a theme you’re not mistaken – […]
Lea másWe are back from a road trip from Kentucky to Boston, immersing us in American history. The idea of a “Deep State” goes back to the 1950s in what Eisenhower called the “Military Industrial Complex.” But the actual term “Deep State” didn’t gain much traction until Trump’s first term. Trump uses it to refer to […]
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To the Ritz-Carlton Bacara for a pre-opening bash for its new oceanside eatery Marisella, which replaces Angel Oak. Chef and partner Danny Grant of Chicago’s Maple Hospitality Group calls the establishment, which opens this week, one that “creates dining experiences.” The company also has restaurants in Miami, Florida, and Dallas, Texas. Grant says his menu […]
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Lee Stanton’s Upper Village antiques emporium, Private Stash, a tiara’s toss from Maison K, was jamming with bibliophiles for the launch of a new Rizzoli 256-page coffee table tome Santa Barbara: At Home in Paradise by L.A. author Douglas Woods with lavish photographs from Matt Walla. Woods, who has written myriad works including The California […]
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As the season nears its end, social gadabout Rebecca Brand hosted one of her last dinner party art classes at the Middle Road estate of Jim Melillo, the site of the first Santa Barbara Polo Club. The colorful bashes held every month, accompanied by delicious gourmet-style food, attract an eclectic crowd with guests at the […]
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The Montecito Club clubhouse was socially gridlocked when retiring Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta Billeci revealed UCSB Arts & Lectures’ forthcoming 65th season featuring more than 50 events, including seven evenings of newly commissioned works representing its contribution to the national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Highlights include legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma performing three new […]
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Casa Dorinda hosted its 28th annual scholarship awards ceremony in a packed auditorium when funds for scholarships for staff members and their families were handed out. Brian McCague, president and CEO, welcomed guests with remarks from scholarship committee chair Janet DeBard and Melinda Cabrera, president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Gina […]
Lea másPrince Harry has shown his expertise speaking German when he was asked to give a speech at the nation’s first ever Veterans Day. The Riven Rock resident was asked by the country’s defense minister to speak at the inaugural event. He began and ended his speech in German. Two years ago Harry, when he was […]
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