Saintly Soirée

By Lisa Duncan

Montecito does adore a milestone, and few were marked with more pomp, pageantry, and panache than the recent anniversary fête hosted by Reina del Mar Parlor No. 126 of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, celebrating both the 125th anniversary of the parlor’s founding and the 100th anniversary of its first “Saint Barbara” portrayal. Not bad for a society founded before sliced bread.

More than 60 members and guests gathered at The Leta Hotel, where heritage, history, and a healthy helping of fizz flowed freely. The afternoon also featured an official visit from NDGW Grand President Heidi Altamirano Dillon, who journeyed from Northern California for the festivities, co-hosted with Tierra de Oro Parlor No. 304.

Naturally, the gathering paid tribute to the women who have kept the tradition twinkling through the decades. Past presidents of Reina del Mar and former “Saint Barbaras” were fêted with affectionate fanfare, while Grand President Dillon presented membership honors to four devoted dames – one for a gobsmacking 50 years of service and three for 25 years of loyalty. Frankly, that’s more commitment than most marriages manage.

Special recognition was also bestowed upon Mary Louise Days, longtime member, historian of the Order, and former Grand Officer, whose devotion to preserving California’s colorful past has made her something of a local legend in lace.

Founded on April 20, 1901, Reina del Mar Parlor has long championed patriotic programs, early California history, traditional dance, and social affairs including its annual Pre-Fiesta Tea. Since 1926, the group has selected one member each year to portray Santa Barbara’s patron saint during Old Spanish Days Fiesta – a cherished tradition this year carried forth by Julie Herrera Foley, the 2026 “Saint Barbara.”

A century of saints, 125 years of sisterhood, and by all accounts, the fiesta flame is flickering fabulously.

Sightings

Goop Eats – Gwyneth Paltrow in NYC this month to launch the first East Coast location of her proper good cafe, Goop Kitchen. This one’s in Midtown West Manhattan, and a little birdie told us this will be the first of several kitchens to open across the city in 2026…

Shearing Chanel – Julia Louis-Dreyfus also making headlines in NYC at Jazz at Lincoln Center, for the warm and wooly premiere of her latest film, the animated adventure, The Sheep Detectives…

Sham Shenanigans – Cameron Diaz looking smashing in a sophisticated red carpet return at Lincoln Square Theatre NYC. Her slinky semi-sheer black ensemble, designed by the luxury brand FFORME, was paired with her signature bold red lip, and smoking hot ruby red pointed toe stilettos from the Paris label Jude… 

Muddy Modern – Kimberly Williams-Paisley, the lovely lass of superstar country lad, Brad Paisley, was spotted on ABC’s GMA3 having a good old chinwag about her current leading role as Cammie Raleigh in 9-1-1 Nashville, with new episodes just dropped… 

From Richard and friends to all of you… 

Pip! Pip!