ETC Encore
By Richard Mineards   |   July 2, 2024

Drama fans were out in force when the Ensemble Theatre Company hosted its annual Curtain Up! gala, kicking off with a Legends of Santa Barbara concert at the New Vic featuring iconic songs from a number of our Eden by the Beach’s legendary artists including Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Katy Perry, Brian Wilson, and Mike […]

Changes of the Seasons
By Richard Mineards   |   July 2, 2024

Having settled his four-year battle with the Toronto-based Four Seasons hotel group, Beanie Baby billionaire Ty Warner is planning to turn 50 of the 368 rooms at his iconic I. M. Pei-designed Manhattan hostelry into up to 50 apartments, according to the New York Post. “The units would cater to full-time residents who will be […]

 

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Ty Warner’s Manhattan Hotel to Open
By Richard Mineards   |   June 25, 2024

After an epic four-year battle between Beanie Baby billionaire Ty Warner and the Toronto-based Four Seasons Hotel group, his 926-foot tall I. M. Pei-designed Manhattan hostelry is reopening in September. The iconic East 57th 383-room property, once known as the most expensive hotel in New York City, has been shuttered since the start of the […]

A Remarkable Evening
By Richard Mineards   |   June 25, 2024

LifeChronicles 8th annual Remarkable Life Awards at Graholm, the Montecito estate of Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin honoring dynamic duo Harry and Judi Weisbart was a smashing success – literally! As last year’s honorees Rinaldo and Lalla Brutoco prepared to present the crystal award to Harry, 88, and Judi, 73, it fell and smashed to […]

A Fully ‘Stached Bash
By Richard Mineards   |   June 25, 2024

Ubiquitous KEYT-TV reporter John Palminteri, who has worked for the TV Hill ABC affiliate since 1988, celebrated this 67th birthday with a socially gridlocked bash with 70 friends at the events locale The Bungalow, owned by John Savage on De La Vina Street. Hosted by Tara Zanecki, Crystal Iverson, Adam McKaig, Rick Oshay and Teresa […]

Down to Business
By Richard Mineards   |   June 25, 2024

For the second consecutive year, the South Coast Business & Technology Awards ceremony at the Hilton grossed record proceeds on behalf of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Eight standout organizations and individuals were honored during the 500-guest event, which grossed $313,450 with net proceeds benefitting the foundation and recognized innovation, leadership, and success in […]

Takács Mosh
By Richard Mineards   |   June 25, 2024

The ever-entertaining Takács Quartet was in superb form at the sold out Lobero as they performed in the first week of the Music Academy of the West’s 77th Summer Festival. The Fab Four – violinists Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes, cellist András Fejér, and Grammy-winning violist Richard O’Neill, formerly with Camerata Pacifica – are currently […]

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  • Cruising Tunes
    By Richard Mineards   |   June 25, 2024

    Supporters of the Santa Barbara Symphony have been making a splash with a Cruise for a Cause on the River Danube from Vienna to Budapest. Montecito Bank & Trust, which has sponsored the trip, is donating a portion of the proceeds to the symphony. More than 64 MClub and symphony Crescendo members were onboard the […]

    Estate Visit
    By Richard Mineards   |   June 18, 2024

    Montecito designer, developer, and author Xorin Balbes used his latest project in our rarefied enclave to raise monies for the local charity, United Way. 80 guests descended on Monte Arroyo, a most impressive Hot Springs Road estate, built in 1910. Xorin and his floral curator husband Truman Davies live a tiara’s toss or two down […]

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    Lending a Helping Hand
    By Richard Mineards   |   June 18, 2024

    Former TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has generously been playing mortgage lender to family members to get them on the property ladder. The 66-year-old serial real estate flipper, with her former actress wife Portia de Rossi, has been dishing out home loans to relatives wanting to get a property, according to the London Daily […]

    Toasting a Good Cause
    By Richard Mineards   |   June 11, 2024

    Social gridlock reigned when PATH Santa Barbara, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, hosted its third annual Toast to Home fundraiser at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum with 150 guests raising around $60,000. The ubiquitous Geoff Green – former head of the City College Foundation – hosted the affair, with PATH CEO Jennifer Hark Dietz […]

    Outstanding ‘Alice’
    By Richard Mineards   |   June 11, 2024

    Ensemble Theatre Company’s final show of its 45th season at the New Vic, the world premiere of Alice, Formerly of Wonderland, based on a true story of the romance between the girl featured in the Lewis Carrol books and Prince Leopold, the youngest son of Queen Victoria, is a real corker! Switching scenes from Oxford […]

    New Developments at SBS
    By Richard Mineards   |   June 11, 2024

    There have been moves afoot at the Santa Barbara Symphony with a new head of development and marketing and three new board members. Paul Bradford brings 30 years of sales and marketing experience to his new role, as he aims to boost sales and donations through patron growth and engagement Previously he served in key […]

    Welcome A-Board
    By Richard Mineards   |   June 11, 2024

    Four new members have joined the board of directors of Santa Barbara Zoo. Mitch Avila, Sarah Berkus Gower, Bob Looney, and Robyn Parker are the Fab Four who work together to serve and support the 30-acre menagerie’s mission and dedication – to preservation, conservation and enhancement of the natural world and its myriad treasures through […]

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