The Journey to 2000 Degrees
By Beatrice Tolan   |   March 11, 2025

My friend Joan Curran and I were walking up State Street on a Tuesday afternoon when she called out, “Hey Nathan!” Sitting cross-legged on the curb was a casually clad guy with softly curled blonde hair and an array of beaded jewelry. As I squatted down to the pavement to behold his work, I immediately […]

Mr. Shiang Goes to Washington
By Scott Craig   |   February 18, 2025

A class in international politics during his first semester at Westmont inspired David Shiang to consider a career in public service. Now a senior, he serves as student body president following a prestigious summer internship at the White House.  The son of Taiwanese immigrants, David grew up in Los Angeles and chose Westmont largely because […]

 

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Wendy Eley Jackson – MFA, Filmmaker & Westmont College Faculty
By Joanne A Calitri   |   February 11, 2025

My annual Black History Month is launched for 2025 with Wendy Eley Jackson MFA; a filmmaker, TV Director/Producer, and college faculty. She is the Founder and Executive Producer of Auburn Avenue Films with 30 plus years of television broadcasting and film experience in the industry. Jackson’s TV/Film work spans SONY Pictures TV, Turner Broadcasting, and […]

January Wellness Month Home Detox with Karen Bloom
By Joanne A Calitri   |   January 14, 2025

As we continue with our January Wellness features, this week it’s all about detoxing your home environment, the products we use, and other external influences. No point in working on our healthy bodies with great food and exercise if there are external factors interfering with it. With that, I interviewed Karen Bloom, who created her […]

How Agave Spirits Are Made on Maui at Waikulu Distillery
By Beatrice Tolan   |   January 7, 2025

“It was a happy accident,” Oliver Welch recalls. It was June of 2022, his first summer out of college on the gloomy east coast; he’s on Maui to surf, dive, throw pottery, and hopefully find a farming gig to support the whole thing before going home to Santa Barbara. “I’m at dinner with my dad’s […]

In Pursuit of Costume Design with Bridget Mitchell
By Beatrice Tolan   |   December 3, 2024

Bridget Mitchell is a Montecito native living in Los Angeles pursuing a creative career in costume design. From backstage show repairs for recognizable characters to behind-the-scenes Hulu sets to cruise ship performances at sea, there have been diverse adventures in her craft. Mitchell’s achievements speak for themselves in her over decade-long pursuit towards her craft. […]

Chamlee’s Factory Racing Wins First at Baja 1000
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 3, 2024

Truck racing superstar Dan Chamlee, founder of The Factory Racing, Inc.has officially won the Class 7 Title at the 2024 Baja 1000 race on November 15-16. This is the 9th Baja 1000 win for Factory Racing, Inc.  On Dan’s team this year were his wife Laurie as Crew Chief. Riding in the truck with him […]

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  • UCSB’s Dr. Joel Rothman and Vistas Lifelong Learning 
    By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 3, 2024

    Vistas Lifelong Learning organization held its annual Margerum Distinguished Speaker Program featuring Dr. Joel Rothman, at the Music Academy, Montecito, on Thursday, November 21. The event co-chairs were Leslie White and Jill Breedon.  The program, entitled “Extending Healthy Lifespan: Promises and Societal Challenges of Longevity Science,” was sold out at standing room only. Rothman has […]

    In Conversation with Ritz-Carlton Bacara GM Bradley Cance
    By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 5, 2024

    Since his appointment in June, Bradley Cance, General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, has been busily connecting with our town and redesigning signature luxury experiences at the resort; a project that includes the appointment of a new Executive Chef, Rebecca Tillman. Clearly one of the elites in hospitality management, Cance comes to us most affably […]

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    The Front Lines of Hurricane Helene: A Healthcare Worker’s Story
    By Beatrice Tolan   |   November 5, 2024

    “They’re still recovering bodies. It’s the third deadliest hurricane behind Katrina and Camille,” said Yvette Vega, a Carpinteria-native and healthcare professional living in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It’s a small community here, so if you don’t know someone directly, you know someone who does.” Vega was fortunate enough to miss Hurricane Helene’s full force. “We didn’t […]

    Sophie Morgan: Paralympics 1st Disabled Correspondent Will Lead Your Next Highway Adventure
    By Beatrice Tolan   |   October 29, 2024

    After being paralyzed from the waist down at just 18 years old, British TV presenter, writer, and artist Sophie Morgan has become a beacon for disability advocacy. A jack of all trades, she has reported for the Paralympics for three years, released her debut book Driving Forwards, and most recently co-founded W.E. Rides, a movement […]

    The Nuances of Environmentalism from Marine Scientist Francesca Nash
    By Beatrice Tolan   |   October 15, 2024

    Get up and out of your bunk at 4 am. Make coffee and a bagel… it’s burnt. Equip your waders, boots, headlamp, backpack, and lots of surveying equipment. Wade in the river and hike the woods for 12 hours, being cautious not to run into the man who lives in the shack made of bones. […]

    Penny Bianchi At Large – and in The Riv
    By Jeff Wing   |   October 1, 2024

    Legendary Decorator, beloved villager, and Charlie Munger muse Penny Bianchi is herself a striking figure – a living, breathing design element in her own right. The indescribable Bianchi casually radiates charm, wit, joy – and the fauvist Je ne sais quoi one experiences when falling into a painting by Chagall. To madly understate it, there […]

    Women in Communication: Turning Passion into Career
    By Jamie Knee   |   October 1, 2024

    As a Santa Barbara wine expert, I’ve learned that the finest vintages are best enjoyed with inspiring company—and that’s exactly what I found with the Association for Women in Communications, Santa Barbara. Serving on the board has been an absolute delight, immersing me in a vibrant community of brilliant women who are as passionate about […]

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