Words from Former Beefeater

To the Rockwood Woman’s Club to hear former British Beefeater Steve McMenamy talk about his life in the notorious fortress The Tower of London built by William the Conqueror. McMenamy served 23 years in the Royal Armored Corps before becoming a Yeoman of the Guard, founded in 1485 by King Henry VII, in 2010.

They got their name Beefeaters because they were allowed to eat as much beef as they were able to consume from the monarch’s table. “It was a pretty unique existence,” says McMenamy, who now lives in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Ellen and the Apes

Former TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, 64, clearly loves going ape!

The Montecito resident has been spending time in Rwanda, Africa, where her eponymous gorilla compound has been built. The Ellen DeGeneres Compound is a $13 million project for The Ellen Fund in conjunction with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the MASS Design Group.

Ellen visited the area in Volcanoes National Park with her actress wife, Portia de Rossi, who financed the compound as a 60th birthday present for the former Oscars host. “Thanks to the fund, the commitment of the Rwandan government and the efforts of many conservation groups, the mountain gorilla population has gone from 300 in the entire world to over 1,000,” says Ellen proudly.

New Jewelry Line

Montecito actress Gwyneth Paltrow has been branded “out of touch” and “stone-deaf” after launching her very pricey jewelry collection retailing for $500 for a single earring to an $8,000 diamond necklace.

The Oscar winner, 48, released her new limited bling line, entitled G Label, through her company Goop, but many people on the internet were not happy with the high prices.

The Iron Man star received a furious backlash from followers who branded her “shameful and insensitive” for promoting the expensive jewelry “during a time the majority are struggling to afford even the basics.” Ouch…

Stalker Arrested

Ariana Grande’s longtime stalker has been put behind bars again after breaking into the singer’s Montecito home on her 29th birthday, according to TMZ.

Aharon Brown, 23, who has repeatedly violated restraining orders from Grande in the past, was arrested last month after breaking into her house while she was away.

Brown, who is in custody on stalking and burglary charges, was also arrested in September 2021 turning up at Grande’s Los Angeles home with a large hunting knife, allegedly screaming: “I’ll f—ing kill you and her” to Grande and her security team.

Better Call Carol

Montecito comedienne Carol Burnett has signed on for the final episodes of AMC’s Better Call Saul. The 89-year-old actress will portray a character named Marion, with six episodes to go until the season finale airing August 15. She will be joined by Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, who reprise their roles in the sixth and final season.

Sightings

Actor Matthew McConaughey at the Rosewood Miramar… Talk show host Conan O’Brien on his bike at Starbucks in Carpinteria… Oprah’s beau Stedman Graham picking up his Montecito Journal at Pierre Lafond.

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