What drives someone to spend a life in medicine? In this Q&A series, a group of leading local physicians share the moments that set them on their path, the breakthroughs shaping their fields, and the realities behind the work. Their answers are candid, occasionally surprising, and grounded in experience. Together, they offer a clear-eyed look […]

Rick Caruso is singing the praises of the wine team at his namesake Montecito restaurant. And for good reason. “This award is a testament to the entire team at Caruso’s, whose passion, expertise, and dedication have created one of the world’s truly exceptional wine and dining programs,” the developer and owner of Rosewood Miramar Beach […]

There are evenings in Montecito that seem beautifully composed before the first glass is poured. Last week at San Ysidro Ranch was one of them, as guests gathered for a celebration of Champagne, caviar blinis, summer cocktails, flamenco, and hidden glamour in honor of The Speakeasy being named to Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Hotel Star […]

HH has a large jewel box that encompasses three cultural styles across ten centuries, yet it is neither rare nor particularly pricey. It is a vintage handmade inlaid box that draws from the traditions of Moroccan, Syrian, and Spanish woodworking artisans. How is this possible, and why can’t this appraiser locate its exact origin? The […]

As a board-certified health coach, I often find myself bridging the gap between clinical health data and sustainable behavior modifications. During this past year, it has been evident that we need these bridges more than ever. With an onslaught of information available at our fingertips 24/7, the amount of “health tips” we are being offered […]

For many people, vision loss arrives gradually. A favorite novel becomes difficult to read. Faces across a room lose their clarity. Street signs resolve later than they once did. The television gets larger, the lighting brighter, and the magnifying glasses stronger. Eventually, many people assume they have reached the blurry end of the road. Dr. […]

What drives someone to spend a life in medicine? In this Q&A series, a group of leading local physicians share the moments that set them on their path, the breakthroughs shaping their fields, and the realities behind the work. Their answers are candid, occasionally surprising, and grounded in experience. Together they offer a clear-eyed look […]

RR inherited a chair with a four-post back. She was told by her grandmother that it was Amish, and she asked me if this was indeed its origin. Perhaps the form has some Shaker or Amish elements, but for the most part it falls into the category of Americana legacy furniture – what my mother called […]

Let’s face it: in Santa Barbara, dogs aren’t just pets – they’re part of the pack. They join us on morning beach walks, accompany us to café patios, hike our favorite trails, and somehow manage to become the unofficial mayors of every neighborhood they visit. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Pup Culture, Montecito Journal’s […]

On Saturday afternoon the patio at La Lieff Tasting Room was alive with puppy energy. What some participants have called the happiest happy hour in town was actually a heartwarming adoption event featuring Aussie Mix puppies and hosted by Aussie Rescue Networking Group (rescuenetworkinggroup.com), a local rescue known for turning puppy love into forever families. […]