It is said that Santa Barbara is home to more nonprofits per capita than any other county in the country. After writing about them for 30 years, I believe it. All the executive directors met at Chomp on the Rocks restaurant to celebrate the beginning of their fiscal year and chat about their business. Being […]
“Such a nice party. I can’t believe it. Such a nice party, I hate to leave it.” — T.S. Eliot, The Cocktail Party In trying to find an adjective to complement a recent birthday party I went to, I found the world “éclat.” It means a “dazzling display.” Perfect! Linda Rosso’s table for 19 of […]
Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! I didn’t see any bears, but I saw two human-sized bears running around the big lawn at the Montecito Club. It was time for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) to have a fundraiser and those ladies had been busy putting together this lovely family event. I entered the […]
The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) knows how to produce an unforgettable Fourth of July. This year it was held at the Santa Barbara Cemetery in Montecito, with dozens of American flags lining the roadway leading to the hilltop. Co-founded with wife, Hazel, Lt. John Blankenship (U.S. Navy, ret.) welcomed the crowd and the Vandenberg […]
Fiesta Ranchera in Goleta is back in a smaller way. Instead of 1,000 attendees, there were not more than 100, but that didn’t stop the celebrants. They were just happy to see friends and neighbors without masks — some for the first time in a year. Stow House was the background for the fête, and […]
It was so inspiring to see La Casa de Maria and the property coming to life because it was one of the most damaged from the 2018 debris flow. It borders San Ysidro Ranch and there were nine buildings destroyed — all the dorms and retreat center facilities. They were servicing 12,000 folks a year […]
“Welcome home!” exclaimed Lobero Associates President Mindy Denson as the group gathered for the first time since the pandemic. We were sitting under the new sail ceiling in the courtyard — a gift from the Associates to the Lobero Theatre. The sun and shade danced above us while a nice breeze flowed throughout. It’s a […]
For the first time in its history, Casa del Herrero has a sculpture exhibition placed throughout the estate’s historic gardens called “Symbiotic — Seven Contemporary Sculptors at Historic Casa del Herrero.” It began July 7 and will be on display until November 24, 2021. The Casa’s original builders (only the family members ever lived in […]
“To be killed in war is not the worst. To be lost in war is not the worst. To be forgotten is the worst.” – Pierre Claeyssens The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is all about remembering our men and women who have done so much for all of us. Navy lieutenant (retired) John Blankenship, […]
I wish I had thought of that title, but Leslie A. Westbrook did in an article she wrote about Carpinteria. It deserves a rerun because their Art Center in the middle of downtown (855 Linden Avenue) is a happening place and one that everyone can enjoy. They just welcomed in a new executive director, Linda […]
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) staff likes to tell you, “You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.” And so, they did. When they couldn’t have their fundraiser for two years in a row, they pivoted and came up with a different event. This was due to the legendary world-famous surfer […]
“So much history. So little time.” That is Neal Graffy’s mantra. He recently profiled five of Santa Barbara’s most generous patrons: C. K. G. Billings and his estate Asombrosa, George Owen Knapp and Arcady, Frederick Forrest Peabody and Solana, David Gray and Graholm, and William H. Cowles and his Eucalyptus Hill. His audience was happy […]
“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy wine and that’s kind of the same thing.” So says Bryan and Lisa Babcock, the owners of a winery in the Valley not far from Lompoc and nine miles past Buellton just off Highway 246. Bryan’s parents, Mona and Walter Babcock, purchased the 120-acre property and planted […]
“La Primavera” means springtime and came from the annual season when hides and tallow trade ships arrived to do business in Santa Barbara — a big industry for many decades. The rancheros would join together for the cattle round-up and get together for a meal and a party with dancing and entertainment during those old […]
The Santa Barbara Polo Club is celebrating 110 years, one of the oldest clubs in the United States. It was the location for a Kentucky Derby party hosted by Deb Richards, John Hillis, and Juli Kordic. Energy abounded (and so did mint juleps and big hats) since it was the first time for many to […]
Each year Reina del Mar Parlor No. 126, Native Daughters of the Golden West selects one of its members to be Saint Barbara for Old Spanish Days. This year the surprise winner was Patricia Orena, as she will portray the city’s patron saint. The ceremony took place on the steps of the Santa Barbara Mission […]
As I was heading up to the Paseo Nuevo parking lot roof to go to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), I saw two artists painting a gigantic mural on the wall outside. Turns out it was due to be finished the following day in honor of Earth Day. Check it out the next time […]
Breast Cancer Resource Center’s (BCRC) main word is “Thrive.” “From the core of oneself, a Thriver taps deeply into innate courage so as to reshape and redefine life’s undesirable circumstances and emerge vibrantly anew.” To thrive is like a plant; to grow vigorously. Every year, BCRC gives a fashion show and luncheon with the models, […]
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria recently held its annual Women of Inspiration luncheon via Zoom. The luncheon is always inspirational to those of us who attend. Who doesn’t like to hear success stories? This year the keynote speaker was health guru and motivational coach Jenny Schatzle. She is the creator of Bond Fitness (formerly the Jenny […]
Friendship Center has been there for its seniors and their families for many years. There are two facilities, one in Montecito across the street from the Episcopal church (All Saints-by-the-Sea) and another in Goleta. They provide day care for elder and dependent adults. Before the pandemic, their centers were a home away from home. Members […]
Who doesn’t like an inspirational story? Climb is a documentary of courage and determination that begins with Neil Myers, who lives in Santa Barbara. It had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. It also won the best documentary in the Sweden Film Awards and has been selected for the Columbia Film […]
No, it’s not something you eat. We actually have a Santa Barbara School of Squash (SBSOS) helping our youth here in town and in various places around the world. Their mission is “To Help in Life Through Squash and Education.” Squash was founded in England in the 1880s and is a racquet sport played by […]
Instead of a ballroom like usual, VNA Health held their annual health and safety PHorum at the West Wind Drive-in Theatre watching a movie. It was a special documentary produced by Emmy Award winning actress Jane Seymour about guitarist Glen Campbell and his battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Executive Director Lynda Tanner says, “It is important […]
Those things that go “bump” in the night! They could be caused by five dinosaurs that now reside at the Museum of Natural History, permanently, along with some babies. After the summer of 2019 when the electronic dinosaurs visited and were then shipped onto the next place, the kids have been asking for them. One […]
There’s something new at 1331 State Street: the Thomas Reynolds Gallery near the Arlington Theatre! The Gallery was founded in 1994 in San Francisco in the Pacific Heights neighborhood and was known for contemporary California art and artists. I met with Thomas Reynolds the other day and he said, “I am also an editor-publisher and […]
Sadly, we’ll miss the Mad Hatter Luncheon again this year, but the group will make up for it with an online auction April 1 to April 15. That will be on their website: transitionhouse.com. To tease you a little bit, there will be an original 1913 Rose O’Neill Kewpie Doll up for bids. There’s also […]
One of the things that fascinated me when we first moved to Santa Barbara in the mid-‘70s was the polo field just south of town. We soon became social members even though we lived in town and spent many a Sunday watching and learning about polo and its ponies. Yes, they are called ponies. We […]
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) Women’s Board held their annual luncheon to honor new members at the Santa Barbara Club. In addition, special attention was paid to Barbara Wallace as the longest member ever—50 years of service. The newest members, as introduced by vice president Julie Blair, are Marna Coday, Colette Cosentino, Paula […]
With Valentine’s Day coming up, what did Jose Lobero (born Giuseppe in Genoa, Italy) love? He loved opera and in 1873 he built a theater to house that love. It began as an old wooden schoolhouse and became the largest adobe structure in California for its time, housing the only opera house south of San […]
This was the 55th annual meeting for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) held in the Presidio Chapel. Board president Terease Chin called the meeting to order and said, “Let us have a moment of silence for the devastation we have all just been through.” As we all know, it’s hard to even […]
Did you ever wonder about the Plaza del Sol or the Rotunda at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, formerly Fess Parker’s Resort? Was it originally for bullfights because it’s patterned after the bullring in Sevilla, Spain. Why was it built there anyway? The arches are reminiscent of the façade of the Old Mission. The […]
One of these days the Santa Barbara Courthouse will be open to the public once again. Meantime there is an interesting story about the sixth Theo Van Cina painting that hangs on the ground floor near the lawyer’s entrance titled “Fiesta at the Courthouse,” circa 1930s. There are five others on the second floor: “Cabrillo […]
Yes, it’s time to think about that 97 year-old-fun fest, Old Spanish Days (OSD). To start the Fiesta year off La Presidenta 2021 was just announced, Stephanie Petlow. She has lived here for many years and served on the OSD board for 20 years. Her leadership team is primer Alex Castellanos, vice presidente; David Bolton, […]
There is a wonderful art exhibit of 55 naval paintings at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum awaiting your visit as soon as lockdown is over and executive director Greg Gorga can unlock the doors. The exhibit was scheduled to open December 3, 2020 until May 30, 2021. It’s sponsored by George H. & Olive J. Griffiths […]
In case you’ve never heard of a ShelterBox, it’s a big green box filled with lifesaving items for families the world over who have lost their homes due to a disaster. The ShelterBox headquarters are right here in Santa Barbara. They recently had a virtual fundraiser, livestreamed, and raised more than $250,000. Since 2000, ShelterBox […]
Instead of getting all decked out in long gowns and tuxes for the Military Ball, we donned our best drive-in attire to pay tribute to veterans and have a night at the West Wind Drive-In. “Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is proud to be able to have a Veterans Day event for Santa Barbara since […]
What many alcoholics need in Santa Barbara is a new house, on a new street, in a new city, for a newfound recovery.” – Elmo Little Elmo was one of the leaders in establishing a rehab place in Santa Barbara. It is called New House and is 64 years old. The idea that alcoholism is […]
The first time I ever heard of tapas was when my Navy pilot husband, Cork, our two young children Kim and Dane, and I moved to Spain in 1969. The kids went to school on the Rota Navy Base but we lived on the economy. When Friday night came we didn’t go to McDonald’s (there […]
Christmas at the Casa: From Our Casa to Yours” will be a new experience this year. Usually Casa del Herrero is decorated with all the traditional trees and twinkling lights and is one of my favorite holiday events. This year it will be an amazing online Christmas boutique silent auction that opened November 1 and […]
When Pearl Chase was attending the founding meeting of Santa Barbara Beautiful (SBB) in 1965 she offered this quote from Abraham Lincoln, “I like to see a man proud of the place he lives.” And so Santa Barbara Beautiful was born. Arriving at the Music Academy of the West for the annual awards, I was […]