‘Thorns, Lust and Glory’ The doomed queen, Anne Boleyn, is given another look in Estelle Paranque’s Thorns, Lust and Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn. This is an excellent biography which goes into great detail on Boleyn’s early years spent at the French court, and the lasting influence that made her a worthy prize/wife for […]
Lea másIt’s no hidden secret that Hollywood’s elite have a long history of escaping the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles for the secluded coastal charm offered up in Santa Barbara County. But only a small handful can claim true roots in the celebrity friendly oasis — actor, Josh Brolin is one of them. From his […]
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When Amada Cruz took over as Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s new Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Director and CEO about 13 months ago, she had a clear idea of how she viewed the museum’s evolving role in the community. “I see a lot of value in the arts beyond the aesthetic,” she said in these […]
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PP has a 20” plaster casting of a Dromedary (Arabian) camel ‘after’ (reproduced from) a sculpture by Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875), the great bronze artist/animalier of the mid-19th century. Sculpture of this period, in which Barye was a leading figure, had a story to tell; and it was a monumental story. This is the period of […]
Lea másLast week, my daughter and I both had tests to study for, so I suggested we go downtown to the library, a place that holds many fond memories for us both. Years ago, they had an incredible program where young children could sit with therapy dogs and their companions and read together. It was transformative […]
Lea másGreetings neighbors and visitors to Montecito. Sending a hearty wish for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving and holiday season ahead for us all. The holidays are a busy time in Montecito like anywhere else; shopping, dining, gathering with family and friends… and all the recent work on the freeway and various streets around town is […]
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Summer camp can be an educational experience, but not necessarily as the organizers intended. My first time was in 1943 at Camp Airy in Thurmont, Maryland. (It is still in operation today.) I was nine years old. World War II was still on. I went together with my best friend, Nathan Mensh, whose family lived […]
Lea másThe Mate Gallery co-owners Matt Albiani and Ron Brand have confirmed with me on Monday, November 25, L.L. Bean will be sold for the first time in a California retail store at their Mate Gallery in the Montecito Country Mart! In the store will be L.L. Bean’s Boat and Tote open top tote bag, classic […]
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The cutest dual pop-up ever to hit Coast Village Road was held at Poppy Marchéon Friday, November 22. The independent shop owners for the dual pop-up were owner of Bunny Shapiro Beads Bunny Shapiro and Courtney Ormond of laCalifornienne. Shapiro and Ormond have been Instagram friends and met in person at the pop-up. The combination […]
Lea másFriday late afternoon, I deliberately stopped by the Montecito Country Mart to find out the grand opening of Sunspel for you. The store was assembled and finishing touches on the clothing were being done. I spoke with Sunspel Manager Perle Overney, who shared that the grand opening will be Saturday, December 7, from 12-6 pm. […]
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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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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 […]
Lea másNow that the dust has settled we need to talk about what president-elect Trump should do to better our lives. I’m not talking about making America great again because America is already great, but it could be better. I am not a Trump fan and wish we’d had better candidates from both parties but we […]
Lea másThe Ojai Playhouse reopened on November 22 after shutting down 10 years ago. Historically, it is one of California’s oldest single-screen theaters, hosting 200 seats in 5,500 square feet. Located on the main drag in Ojai, this 1914 building has been renovated and updated. The renovations and design are by Architect Bob Kupiec of Kupiec […]
Lea másNot sure what to gift this season? How about making a few of your own? Check out the craft classes coming up at Explore Ecology! There is a Furoshiki workshop on December 4 led by Emily Adams. There is a candle making workshop with Claire Giroux on December 14. Giving up on the holiday spirit? […]
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Violinist Ari Streisfeld has garnered critical acclaim worldwide for his performances of diverse repertoire after originally establishing himself as one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary classical music. He’s also the co-founder of the world-renowned JACK Quartet, the fearless foursome that quickly became one of the experimental engines of new music after forming at Eastman […]
Lea másIt’s a tradition, or a cliché, that Jewish families head out to Chinese restaurants for dinner on Christmas Day (at least mine always did). So maybe it’s appropriate to think of I Married a Golem!, a new theatrical work by Kalinka founder Fred Nadis, in terms of ordering off a family dinner menu. As in […]
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Does Santa Barbara really need another performance of The Nutcracker? What with the long-running productions from Festival Ballet (December 14-15 at the Arlington) and State Street Ballet (December 21-22 at the Granada) – both of which feature large casts, special guest stars and a live orchestra – plus myriad one-offs from several smaller dance schools […]
Lea másLivingston Taylor is just two years younger than his famous rock star brother James, and two years behind him in launching his solo singer-songwriter career. Both have written truly memorable songs, including early efforts about growing up in North Carolina, although both returned to their native Boston area early in adulthood and still maintain homes […]
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“There’s a new security blanket in town.” Given the stakes, it’s just possible that a more dramatic opening is called for. But this operation – Post Alarm Systems – does summon the image of a protective force field being gently draped over Montecito and environs. Through their 68 years of providing innovative security solutions in […]
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