14 Apr 2026
The Bizarrely Porous Chinese Alligator Skull
These are the dragonesque jaws of a Chinese Alligator. What’s that bumpy, strikingly porous texture on the bone? Since this texture is a feature that has convergently evolved time and again – especially in snappy swamp things – its potential benefit is an area of ongoing research. Blood vessels would have passed through many of […]
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Montecito Rocks Joplin
A soul-shaking, microphone-smashing tribute brings Janis Joplin’s legend to life onstage – family, friends, and hometown heroes in full-throttle rock-and-roll mode. Santa Barbara turned the volume up for opening night at the New Vic Theatre, where Ensemble Theatre Company unleashed a full-throttle celebration of Janis Joplin – equal parts grit, glamour, and glorious sound. After […]
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Buns and Bubbles
Santa Barbara Yacht Club shone with sun-soaked sophistication and sparkling spirits, staging a springtime soirée that was stylish yet relaxed, silly yet serene. Guests arrived in casual, cheerful ensembles – breezy pastel dresses, Hawaiian shirts, and lightly adorned hats – perfectly suited to the sunlit scene. Bright linens draped the tables, tulips tumbled temptingly in […]
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Coastal Hideaways: Melissa Pierson Is at Home in Hospitality
Thirty years ago, before Airbnb listings and algorithm-driven bookings, Melissa Pierson unlocked the door to a different way of thinking about hospitality. A home, prepared with care and an eye for detail, could shape how someone experienced a place. What began with a single seaside rental grew into Coastal Hideaways, a lasting presence in Santa […]
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Meet Dean Noble
On Dean Noble’s very first day as the new executive director of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM), it was my completely coincidental good fortune to be perched on the Museum’s patio with a cup of Java from Dart Coffee and in possession of pad, pencil, and laptop. Any plans I may have had remain […]
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Early Bacchanalian Bachelor Tours
PP sends me a large drinking vessel collected in the early 20th century: a 19th century Grand Tour object. Classical bronze works of art were collected by wealthy young men on their lively and loose bachelor tours of Europe. These decorative objects were brought back as trophies, along with the usual portrait painted of that […]
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Meet the Doctor: A New Series from Sutter Health
Healthcare is personal – and so are the people behind it. In this new feature, we introduce some of Sutter Health’s 270 Central Coast physicians and clinicians through brief, candid Q&As. Hear what inspires them, how they approach care, and what they value most about serving this community. We hope these conversations offer a glimpse […]
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A Milestone Celebration for the School & Alumni
Notre Dame School will mark its 100th anniversary this spring, celebrating a century of Catholic education in Santa Barbara with a commemorative Mass and evening gala. The milestone reflects both the longevity of the Micheltorena Street campus, and its continued role in serving local families across generations. Set for May 29, the centennial event is […]
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Talk Explores Changes, Opportunities With AI
Photos by Brad Elliott A Westmont Downtown Lecture will explore AI’s real-world implications on Thursday, April 23, at 5:30 pm at Westmont Downtown | Keith Center, 29 W. Anapamu St. The talk, “AI and Our Shared Future: Opportunities, Challenges and What’s at Stake,” features Mike Ryu, Westmont assistant professor of mathematics and computer science, and […]
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Art Grads ‘Reencounter’ the Self
From April 9 to May 9 in the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum, fourteen graduating art majors will present their capstone projects in an exhibition that reencounters their cultural identity, family history & patterns, and art historical traditions. There will be a free, public opening reception for Reencounter on Thursday, April 9, from 4-6 pm in the […]
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Choirs Showcase Global Sounds
As the academic year draws to a close, the Westmont music department is set to showcase a global repertoire in a series of final concerts and recitals. The season’s highlights include two major choral performances that celebrate Latin American traditions and serve as a formal send-off for the college’s upcoming international tour. The choral program […]
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La Piazza: It’s in there!
Jacopo Giacopuzzi’s first visit to Santa Barbara was just shy of 13 years ago. That was when the native of Verona, Italy, studied at the Music Academy of the West as a 2013 solo piano fellow with the legendary Jerome Lowenthal. He basically never left. As soon as he concluded his Masters in piano performance […]
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Cornucopia of Classical Concerts
We’re stretching things to suggest Camerata Pacifica is a community organization. Though it was founded and is still based here, most of the principal players live elsewhere. But tried and true Santa Barbara-via-Ireland import Adrian Spence is still the mastermind, as evidenced by pianist Gilles Vonsattel’s presence at Hahn Hall on April 10 for a […]
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Assassins: A Shot to the Heart of the Matter
Out of the Box was just a young theatre company in residence at Center Stage in April 2011 when Founder-artistic Director Samantha Eve made Stephen Sondheim’s offbeat musical Assassins its third production ever. Now, OOB and Eve are closing out the 15th season with a revival of the show, the first repeat production in Out […]
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Sunstone Wine Lounge Update
Sunstone Wine Lounge, now open at 1294 Coast Village Road, offers locals the opportunity to enjoy the winery’s experience without the drive to its Santa Ynez estate. The lounge is open to both the public and wine club members seven days a week, with both walk-ins and reservations welcome. The space features Sunstone’s classic wines, […]
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Arnie’s Rooftop Bar in Linden Square
I first reported on Arnie’s Rooftop Bar in November 2025 in our News Bytes section, when early buzz began circulating that restaurateur Arnie Sturham had acquired the space and was developing the concept. Sturham, who moved to the area three years ago, holds a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Washington State University. Originally […]
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Technology Grant for Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation donated more than $93,000 to 13 area schools through its Technology in Schools Program for the ‘25-‘26 school year. The funds support classroom technology needs for both students and faculty. Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (OLMCS) was awarded $5,000 to implement a one-to-one device program for […]
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Author Shira Kupperman Boehler to Speak in B’nai B’rith and Other News Bytes
Shira Kupperman Boehler went on a 6-mile run the morning before doctors told her they suspected she had lung cancer. She didn’t believe them. So begins her saga on Today.com, and Shira Kupperman Boehler continues to avidly spread the word. Santa Barbara will host an intimate and thought-provoking literary event on Sunday, April 19, as […]
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Kind Mind
In a day and age where children not only have an exponentially expanded array of electronic methods of distraction compared to less than a generation ago, but are also confronted by a country and world in conflict and torn by divisiveness, the need for mindfulness and meditative practices has never been greater. That was the […]
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SBEF Celebrates 40 Years
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) will mark a major milestone with its 40th Celebration: Strong Roots Supporting Bright Futures on April 23, bringing together community leaders, educators, and supporters to honor four decades of investment in public education. The evening will feature a hosted reception, plated dinner, live music by SBUSD students and alumni, […]
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