Author spotlight: Joanne A Calitri

Joanne A Calitri MPA is a professional international photographer & journalist, and News Correspondent for the Montecito Journal Media Group LLC since 2002. Email: artraks@yahoo.com

‘Grounded’ An Environmental Exhibition & Fundraiser at Lotusland
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 23, 2024

Lotusland is holding its annual fundraising duo of an art exhibition and gala. Good news art lovers, the exhibition and art works for sale are online through July 20. If you are attending the sold out Lotusland Celebrates: The Way of the Lotus gala this Saturday, you can select and purchase artwork along the garden […]

Emily Joubert Home & Garden Opens in Montecito!
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 23, 2024

The boutique store Emily Joubert has now opened in Montecito is located at the Montecito Country Mart. Owner Judy Cottingham-Sieber and her husband Mike Sieber held a private opening for friends on Thursday, July 11, and a public opening July 12. Their first stores are in San Francisco and Woodside, CA. I attended the private […]

Official Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening of Drybar Montecito 
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 23, 2024

The official ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of Drybar Montecito at 1046 Coast Village Road, Suite J, was held on Wednesday, July 10.  Marking the day official for owner Erin Moone Lazzaro was the special recognition and plaque by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications Mary Lynn Harms-Romo and […]

J. McLaughlin and KMJ Collaboration
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 16, 2024

The Coast Village Road women’s designer shop, J. McLaughlin, has collaborated with local designer Kate McHale Jensen, owner of KMJ, for a Limited-Edition Selection of Women’s shirts and tops, sold exclusively at the Montecito store in a limited quantity. The launch was held on Tuesday, July 2, at the store with store manager Diana Romero, […]

27th Annual Rods & Roses Auto Show
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 16, 2024

The 27th Annual Rods & Roses Auto Show was held on Saturday, July 6, in Carpinteria, on Linden Avenue and its side streets. There were 210 autos – from classics to exotics and somewhat beyond – showing and competing for trophies and awards. Many auto owners had the original car registration, dealer paperwork, car history, […]

Upcoming State of Black California Event
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 16, 2024

Two important groups working to support Black based organizations in the State of California at the business, community and legislative levels will be presenting with our local Black leaders on Saturday, July 13, 9:30 am to 1 pm at Santa Barbara City College BC Forum Building. The event titled, “State of Black California,” is a […]

Village 4th Event Draws Over 2,000 Attendees
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 16, 2024

Photos by Joanne A. Calitri The gray skies cleared for the Village 4th parade celebrating Independence Day and drawing crowd estimates of over 2,000 people, plus dogs of all sizes wearing patriotic adornments.  Officially the 38 entrants were: Boy Scout Troup 33, the CHP, the Montecito Association, the Montecito Community Foundation, SBC 1st District Supervisor […]

Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree’s Art Collection at the SBMA
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 9, 2024

The artworks from the collection of Paul and Leslie Ridley-Tree will be honorably on view in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s McCormick Gallery, July 7 through November 3. The exhibition is titled A Legacy of Giving: The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection. During installation week, I interviewed the exhibit’s curator, James Glisson, […]

Amy Alzina Awarded Superintendent of the Year
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 9, 2024

The energy and face of Amy Alzina EdD, Cold Spring Elementary School District (CSESD) Superintendent/Principal, is well noted in our town. For the past seven years, she has led the school and increased growth levels in education, STEAM, and community interface. She and her team have maintained this through multiple environmental disasters and lockdowns, without […]

Media Arts and Tech 25th Annual Grad Show
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 9, 2024

UCSB’s Media Arts and Technology Program (MAT) 25th Annual End of Year Show titled soft AI+ M: Realities Altered Realities Emerging, was a dual treat with students showing at UCSB and SBCAST. I attended the SBCAST show on June 6. The poster for the show quipped, “No AI was harmed in the generation of this […]

Second Annual Casa del Herrero Docent Graduation
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 2, 2024

Casa del Herrero held its 2nd Annual Docent Graduation on Friday, June 21, at the estate. The new docents are responsible for leading the classic 90-minute tours of the Casa, volunteer at events where they provide modified tours that cater to the focus of the event, and answer any questions visitors have about the property.  […]

Dragon Q Energy & California NanoSystems Institute at UCSB
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 2, 2024

At UCSB, the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) is a Technology Incubator Lab in Elings Hall. The Incubator has 1,500 square feet with wet bench lab space and office space available for lease by local tech start-ups. Its location near the CNSI Shared Experimental Facilities, the Materials Characterization Facilities, as well as conference rooms and meeting […]

Hillside’s 20th Annual Emerald Soirée
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 25, 2024

Hillside Santa Barbara held its 20th Annual Emerald Soirée on Friday, June 7, at the Santa Barbara Club’s outside garden area. The organization has been helping those community members with special needs for 80 years. The funds raised at the event support the quality of life for the 59 residents at Hillside. The event started […]

18th Annual CommUnify Champion Awards Fundraiser
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 25, 2024

The 18th Annual CommUnify Champion Awards fundraiser was held on Friday,June 7, at the Craft House at Corque in Solvang. The CommUnify 2024 honorees are Geoff Green, The Vikings of Solvang,and Hardy Diagnostics for their dedicated work on behalf of the people of Santa Barbara County.  Program commenced with welcome remarks by Chief Executive Officer […]

 Our Town’s 22nd Annual Graduation Issue Part 3
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 25, 2024

Crane Country Day School Graduation The Crane Country Day School 2024 Eight Grade Graduation – “Go Coyotes!” – was held on Wednesday, June 12, at 10:30 am. The walkway to the graduation setting on the sports lawn showcased pencil drawing portraits of the graduates on easels. Parents and families sat at round tables with formal […]

Homeowners’ Insurance on the Mind and Agenda
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 18, 2024

The Montecito Association (MA) held its monthly board meeting on June 11 in person at the Montecito Community Hall. The agenda was Homeowners Insurance Availability and Solutions. The presenters were Kelly Weiser from The Weiser Agency and Grace Neumann, Managing Director of HUB International. In lieu of a formal presentation, MA Executive Director Houghton Hyatt, […]

EDC’s Annual Green & Blue: A Coastal Celebration Honors Hillary Hauser
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 18, 2024

The Environmental Defense Center held its annual event titled, Green & Blue: A Coastal Celebration, on Sunday, June 9, in the lush green gardens at Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta. The 500 attendees of supporters, friends, families, fans, and politicians from the tri-county region and beyond came together to celebrate the organization’s […]

Our Town’s 22nd Annual Graduation Part 1
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 18, 2024

Cold Spring School Graduation The Cold Spring School Sixth Grade 2024 Graduation – “Go Dolphins!”– was held on Thursday, June 6, at 8:30 am in the school’s auditorium. Students processioned to the stage and sang, “Time of Your Life” by Green Day, accompanied by Music Specialist Sara DiSalvo, on piano.  CSS Superintendent and Principal Amy […]

 Our Town’s 22nd Annual Graduation Issue Part 2
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 11, 2024

Cate School The Cate School’s 110th graduation – “Go Rams!” – was held on Sunday May 26,  at 10 am, outside at the school campus. The ceremony began with the graduates’ processional from the field to their grandstand seating area to “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the Cate School Orchestra.  Newly appointed Head of School, […]

Carpinteria ARB Reviews Project Plans for The Palms on Linden
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 11, 2024

It was all love and laughter with a unanimous – yet unofficial – ‘yes’ vote from the Carpinteria Architectural Review Board on Thursday, May 30, as it reviewed the project plans for the renovations and reopening of the beloved “Palms” restaurant and music venue, 701 Linden Avenue. The historic venue, in more ways than its […]

June’s Land Use Meeting
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 11, 2024

The Montecito Association held its Land Use monthly meeting on June 4, led by new Land Use Chair, Dorinne Lee Johnson, who is taking on the position for the second time since 2007. Kirsten Ayars, Ayars & Associates Principal on the 101 Highway project, presented the plan for Montecito through Summer 2025. This same presentation […]

The Grape Jazz Club and Derek Frank Band
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 11, 2024

Your Society Invites reporter is giving some love to a cool and friendly live jazz club, The Grape in Ventura. I interviewed the owners and stayed for the Derek Frank Band performance on Saturday, May 25.  This locals’ hang has the look of a throwback LA-NYC jazz club interior and the chops to showcase ear-candy […]

Annual Butterfly Experience at the SB Museum of Natural History
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 4, 2024

Nature lovers unite, it is time for the annual live butterfly expo at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, on now through September 2. The exhibit is held at the Sprague Butterfly Pavilion at the museum daily (except Tuesdays) from 10 am to 5 pm. There will be over 24 species and over 1,000 […]

National Trails Day Slated for June 1
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 4, 2024

The American Hiking Society has announced June 1 as National Trails Day. This is an annual event on the first Saturday of June. The mission is to “Leave it Better than you found it,” by volunteering to maintain, clean up, and advocate for public lands and trails. Everyone is invited to discover events and organizations […]

Our Town’s 22nd Annual Graduation Issue 1 of 3
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 4, 2024

Our town’s eight schools are holding their graduations from May 24 through June 14th this year. The Montecito Journal wishes much success and offers congratulations to the class of 2024, the heads of school, superintendents, principals, faculty, staff, and parents! The Montecito YMCA Preschool The YMCA Preschool 2024 Graduation was held on Friday, May 24, […]

Mental Health Awareness in May
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 28, 2024

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness month. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers authoritative information about mental disorders, a range of related topics, the latest mental health research, and resources online.  The history of May for mental health dates to 1949, when the United States Congress designated May as Mental Health […]

Art à la Carte with the SBMA
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 28, 2024

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art Women’s Board held its second fundraising “Art à la carte” soirée at the University Club.  The SBMA Mercedes Eichholz Director and CEO Amada Cruz, along with the SBMA Women’s Board President Isabel Wendt, welcomed the guests as they arrived at the reception on the outside patio and lawn area. […]

Laude for Abstract: Camerata Pacifica’s Season Finale Concert
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 28, 2024

Camerata Pacifica’s season closer was a blending of Phillip Glass’s repetitive structures in composition with classical artist Frank Zappa’s use of sampling music as background topped by key instruments in a composition. A few works had audible hints of a Lydian diminished scale combined with an auxiliary blues diminished mode in a contemporary classical resolve […]

18th Annual Wilderness Spirit Awards
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 28, 2024

The California Nature Art Museum, formerly known as the Wildling Museum, held its 18th Annual Wilderness Spirit Awards Brunch at the Buellton Marriott’s Grand Ballroom, Sunday, May 19. For the first time in its history, a new category was added, “The Sustainability Award,” and awarded to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.  The Wilderness Spirit […]

Community Speaks on Rosewood Expansion at Board Meeting
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 21, 2024

The Montecito Association (MA) held its monthly board meeting on May 14 in person at the Cold Spring School auditorium to accommodate the expected large turnout of residents regarding the slated presentations by All Saints-by-the-Sea Parish and School, and the Neighbors of the Miramar. Indeed, the auditorium was at capacity with the MA board on […]

Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara 20th Anniversary Grantee Celebration
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 21, 2024

For its capstone annual event, The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara (WFSB) held its 20th year anniversary “Celebration of Grants” at the Lobero Theatre on Tuesday, May 7.  The WFSB provides grants for the much-needed services and organizations that support all citizens in our town. With its strict guidelines of qualifications and series of interviews […]

VNA Health’s 23rd Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 21, 2024

The VNA Health’s 23rd Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon Fundraiser took place Friday, May 10 at the Santa Barbara Hilton Ballroom. The event celebrated Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree as their Remembered Mother and Leslie Person Ryan as their Honored Mother. The sold-out event opened with a champagne reception, and silent auction tables in the ballroom. Raffle tickets […]

Annual Firewood Chipping and Vegetation Removal for Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 21, 2024

The Montecito Fire Protection District has five final chipping dates now through July: May 28: Arcady, Knapp, Cowles, Cottage, El Rancho, Sky View, Lanai Rd June 10: Sierra Vista, Nicholas, Ridge View, Canyon View, Sycamore Vista, Ranchito Vista, Calle Elegante, Calle Hermosa, Crest View June 24: East Mountain (100-1600 blocks), Irvine, Brooktree, Upper Hot Springs […]

Youth & Family Services YMCA Annual Reaching for the Stars
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 14, 2024

The Youth and Family Services YMCA’s Reaching for the Stars Annual Fundraiser was held on Thursday, May 2, at the Santa Barbara Women’s Club.  The sold-out event commenced on the patio with flamenco music by guitarist Chris Judd, libations, and hors d’oeuvres. Guests included District Attorney of Santa Barbara County (June 2022) John Savrnoch who […]

San Ysidro Road Roundabout Ribbon Cutting
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 14, 2024

The $18.3 million construction projects for the roundabouts at San Ysidro Road and Olive Mill Road received their own special celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony, speeches, Recognition Certificates from elected officials, and press on Thursday, May 2. The celebration was set up on the upper sidewalk area around the northbound entrance ramp (now closed) […]

Vote Kenzie Caldwell for the Cover of Muscle and Fitness Hers Magazine!
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 14, 2024

Give it up community for Kenzie Caldwell, who is competing to be the 2024 cover model of Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine.Caldwell can win the competition via your vote – see 411 links. Voting ends May 16. Everyone can vote once a day to help her get to the finish line of the top 20 […]

Transition House’s 25th Annual Mad Hatter Fundraiser
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 7, 2024

Transition House (TH) held its Silver Anniversary Mad Hatter Luncheon fundraiser at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara on Tuesday, April 23. The theme was “Come Celebrate our Silver Anniversary.” Guests arrived showcasing a variety of silver threaded designer pieces, from hats, scarves, dresses, rhinestone tops, right down to the basic silver lurex card’y. Hats took on their […]

Laguna Blanca Lower School Citizenship Breakfast 
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 7, 2024

The Laguna Blanca Lower School fourth grade students annually hold a Citizenship Breakfast on the school’s Montecito campus to acknowledge their choices of good community citizens in our town. At the breakfast celebration, each student introduces and briefly talks about the citizen they chose. Their speeches honor their citizen and present that person’s qualities to […]

Explore Ecology Annual Environmental Steward Awards 2024
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 7, 2024

Congratulations to the Explore Ecology (EE) Annual Environmental Steward 2024 Award winners, officially celebrated on Sunday, April 28, at the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival onstage in the Kids Corner. Each year, the EE group invites the public to submit their nominations for these important award categories of local schools and clubs. The EE team […]

Carpinteria Environmental News
By Joanne A Calitri   |   May 7, 2024

The Carpinteria Bluffs call for volunteers for its Bluffs Restoration on Saturday, May 4 and May 18, from 9 am to 12 pm. The cleanup is in collaboration with CivicSpark and the City of Carpinteria. Work to be done includes planting native species, weeding, and general cleanup. Tools and snacks provided. Volunteers meet at the […]