Farewell to Zach Mendez

Zach Mendez, Opera Santa Barbara’s Director of Operations and member of the organization’s team since 2018, and a member of the chorus before that, is leaving to dedicate his talents full time to his photography business.

“Zach has been my closest partner, deputy, confidant, and friend for over four years, and every area of our company’s operations have been shaped by his sharp mind, attention to detail, tireless work ethic, dedication to the mission and, above all, his kindness,” says Kostis Protopapas, artistic director.

Los Padres Polo Watch

Prince Harry’s team Los Padres, captained by his good friend Argentina Ralph Lauren Polo model Nacho Figueras, may have lost in the semi-final of the Santa Barbara Polo Club’s 12-goal tournament series, but it’s doubtful it’s the last time we’ll see Queen Elizabeth’s 37-year-old grandson in the saddle…

As the season now enters the high goal category, culminating with the Pacific Coast Open, the biggest tournament on the Left Coast, a friend of the Riven Rock-based Duke of Sussex tells me he is likely to play in “satellite” matches at nearby polo locales. “Harry loves the game and I don’t see him taking a break any time soon.”

A New Summer Cottage

While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have just renewed their lease on 17th century Frogmore Cottage, which underwent a $4 million renovation, Prince William and his wife, Kate, are moving nearby to Adelaide Cottage later this summer.

Built in 1831, the four-bedroom Grade 2 listed residence on the 655-acre royal estate, is just a short walk from the Duke of Cambridge’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, at 1,000-year-old Windsor Castle. William and his family, including children George, 8, Charlotte, 7, and Louis, 4, wanted to be closer to the 96-year-old monarch, given her recent mobility issues. They will also be maintaining their London residence at Kensington Palace.

“They were adamant they didn’t want anything showy as they have no Iive-in staff,” says a friend. “It also doesn’t need expensive renovations or extra security so as not to be a burden on the taxpayer.” The home was built for King William IV’s wife, Queen Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen. It was also a favorite retreat of William IV’s niece, Queen Victoria.

Honoring Michael J. Fox

Montecito actor Michael J. Fox is receiving an honorary Oscar. Michael, 61, is set to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for the work he has done for Parkinson’s disease at the Governors Awards ceremony in Los Angeles in November.

He has never been nominated for an Academy Award during his successful career, which started with the popular TV show Family Ties in the ‘80s. He has received multiple award nominations, including winning five primetime Emmys, four Golden Globes, and a Grammy Award.

The native Canadian also made box office history as Marty McFly in three Back to the Future movies. On 1998 Fox broke the news he was suffering form Parkinson’s disease, seven years after being diagnosed at aged 30…

Sightings

Singer Usher at the Rosewood Miramar… Orlando Bloom filming in Queensland, Australia… Back to the Future actor Christopher Lloyd picking up his New York Times at Pierre Lafond…

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