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 Kupperman Boehler presents her new memoir, One Scan Saved My Life, at the Congregation B’nai B’rith library. The afternoon gathering, hosted by the Kupperman family and the congregation, will feature a conversation with the author exploring her deeply personal story and its broader implications for public health.

Boehler’s book recounts her unexpected diagnosis of stage I lung cancer at age 44 – despite being a healthy, athletic, lifelong non-smoker – and the life-saving role of early detection. Through her experience, she challenges existing screening guidelines that often exclude nontraditional risk groups, including women and non-smokers.

Blending memoir with advocacy, Boehler’s work calls for a rethinking of how lung cancer is detected and who qualifies for preventative screening. The event invites the community to engage in a meaningful conversation about prevention, policy, and the power of early intervention. Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance.

411: https://tinyurl.com/Kupperman-at-Congregation

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. MJ’s Gwyn Lurie will serve as emcee, with Angel Martinez, former CEO of Deckers, as keynote speaker. Proceeds from the event will support SBEF’s ongoing mission to inspire and invest in student success.

411: https://sbefoundation.org/40th-celebration

“Swing for the Million” Campaign

Elings Park is calling on the community to step up to the plate with its new “Swing for the Million!” campaign, aimed at renovating the Castagnola Softball Complex. A generous donor has pledged $1 million toward the $1.2 million project, contingent on Elings Park raising the remaining $200,000 by May 1.

411: https://tinyurl.com/Elings-Swing-Donate

Wine Cask Dinner and Comedy Series

Santa Barbara’s historic Wine Cask Gold Room is enjoying a lively new twist with the launch of a dinner and stand-up comedy series beginning Saturday, April 11 at Intermezzo Restaurant in El Paseo. The evening pairs a full dining experience with a rotating lineup of professional comedians from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and the Central Coast.

Dinner seating begins at 7 pm, with the show starting at 8 pm, offering guests an intimate, laughter-filled night in one of downtown’s most iconic venues. Tickets are available through OpenTable.

Explore Ecology Environmental Steward Awards April 16

Annual Explore Ecology Environmental Stewardship Awards voted on by locals will be presented April 16 at the Cabrillo Pavillion. Tickets required.

411: https://exploreecology.org

Other Reminders: 

– April 9, Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs / Sortis Holdingspublic meeting, Carpinteria Community Church. Sortis Holdings latest development proposal for 191 luxury homes on the undeveloped Carp bluffs area that was previously denied for development. https://carpinteriabluffs.org/

– April 15, Juneteenth SB Call for Artists, Vendors, Volunteers, Sponsors, deadline. https://juneteenthsb.org/

– April 18, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Earth Day Saturday: The theme is “Life Grows Where Water Flows;” free. https://syceo.org/earthday

– May 15, Santa Ynez Chumash Museum & Cultural Center 1^st Anniversary. www.sychumashmuseum.org