New Book by Bower

Former actress Meghan Markle “came from nothing” and “trampled on others to get to the top” like a politician or a tycoon, her acid-penned biographer has revealed. “Victims” of the Duchess of Sussex, 40, are telling all in a new book by British investigative journalist Tom Bower, 75, he claims. Bower, speaking to GB News, says the book will contain “extraordinary information” about Markle, who lives in Riven Rock with husband Prince Harry, and their two children, Archie, 3, and Lilibet, 11 months. 

The book is now completed and is due for publication later this year. “I’ve found out things which are really quite extraordinary about her,” says Bower. “And I think the public perception of her will be confirmed or outraged, or in any case, it’ll be a great surprise.”

The author, who has also written books on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Virgin tycoon Richard Branson, former Harrods department store owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, and, four years ago Rebel Prince on Prince Charles, adds: “It has turned out to be a very, very hard slog because people were pretty reluctant to speak and her lawyers had done very well to keep people silent, but I got through enough.” Stay tuned…

A Dual Riviera Marriage

As if getting married in our Eden by the Beach wasn’t enough, reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian, 42, and Blink-182 rocker Travis Barker, 46, reprised their simple Santa Barbara Courthouse nuptials at the historic Castello Brown on the Italian Riviera. The tony twosome, who got engaged during a romantic beachside proposal at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito last October, chose the stunning international fishing village of Portofino to tie the knot again at the weekend. As well as mother Kris, Kourtney’s sisters, Khloe and Kim Kardashian, and Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Kris’ partner Corey Gamble, and her three children were in attendance.

Trio Riffs with SBS

Composer George Gershwin, who died in 1937, was front and center when Santa Barbara Symphony under maestro Nir Kabaretti ended its Granada season on a high note. The Marcus Roberts Trio’s “Riffing on Gershwin” showcased a new partnership with the orchestra, playing the composer’s piano “Concerto in F” arranged by Roberts.

Early 20th century composer Florence Price, recognized as the first woman African American symphonic composer, was also featured in the entertaining program with her highly acclaimed “Symphony No. 1,” originally premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933, inspired by Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” “Both highlight American themes and genres, and mark important milestones in American music history,” Nir explained…

Meg’s Latest Project

Actress Meg Ryan has acquired a Montecito property in need of attention.

Last summer Ryan, 60, paid $9.5 million for the pad after selling another estate in our rarefied enclave – a 4,268 square foot modern farmhouse dating to the 1990s, acquired by the three-time Golden Globe nominee for $5 million in early 2020. She renovated it and sold it late last year for $13.3 million. Her latest project, a 2.04-acre estate, cost $9.5 million. There are three-bedroom suites and an in-law apartment over the garage included in the 7,000 square footage.

Ellen Abroad

Now that her 19-year-old Burbank-based TV talk show is over, Ellen DeGeneres is off to the African nation of Rwanda where she set up the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. She’s taking 20 friends and colleagues along with her on an all-expenses paid trip where she’ll visit the campus for the first time. DeGeneres is planning another film show for Netflix after her 2018 special Relatable was a hit. The Ellen DeGeneres Show will continue to live on digitally, run by Ellen Digital Ventures, with games and all her social events.

New on Netflix

The Sussexi, Harry and Meghan, are filming a docu-series Kardashian style, including interview shots at their $14 million Riven Rock mansion, as part of their $100 million deal with Netflix. It is not known if the tony twosome’s children, Archie, 3, and 11-month-old Lillibet are featured. “I think it fair to say Netflix is getting its pound of flesh,” a Hollywood insider, with knowledge of the project told the New York Post’s Page Six. Stay tuned…

New Neighbors

Actress Cameron Diaz is Montecito’s latest celebrity resident. Diaz, 49, and her musician husband Benji Madden, 43, has just snapped up a six-bedroom, ten-bathroom estate on 1.77 acres for $12.7 million. The 10,000-square-foot home was built in 2000.

Recently Sold

Former TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, 64, and wife Portia de Rossi have just sold their contemporary four-bedroom, five-bath home in Beverly Hills, which they purchased for $8.5 million last summer. The Hidden Valley estate with a 3,477-square-foot home on a 0.42 acre lot went for $8.757 million.

Scholar Scholarships

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has awarded college scholarships totaling more than $1.7 million to 2,139 Santa Barbara County students for the 2022-23 academic year. Of the $7,700,497 awarded this year, $3,882,088 will help support students in North County communities, and $3,711,309 will go towards students in the South County. Overall – for both graduate and undergraduate students – awards averaged $3,600. Scholarships can be used for college, graduate, and vocational studies, including law and medical schools.

Sightings

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis and family enjoying daughter Ruby’s private wedding reception in the Cucina Room at Olio e Limone… Tesla tycoon Elon Musk at the Rosewood Miramar… Comic legend Carol Burnett and musician husband Brian Miller noshing at the Plow & Angel.

Pip! Pip! Be safe, wear a mask when required, and get vaccinated.