Citizen Ganna: How Lotusland’s founder helped inspire one of the greatest films of all time
By Pauline O'Connor   |   May 20, 2021

Released 80 years ago this September, director Orson Welles’s debut film Citizen Kane has been inspiring countless arguments, articles, books, documentaries, parodies, and homages ever since. Playing a significant part in the film’s enduring mystique is the widespread belief that its two main characters, bombastic newspaper mogul Charles Foster Kane and his much-younger mistress, alcoholic […]

Dear Montecito: Kristen Trent
By Stella Haffner   |   April 29, 2021

It strikes me that our country has many euphemisms for bigotry. We can’t pull our eyes away from the screen – our media and its love affair with the transgressions of people my own age. I see others who are ready to excuse their “acting out,” reassuring the rest of us that they will “grow […]

 

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Dear Montecito: Rowan Dowdall
By Stella Haffner   |   April 22, 2021

For the second week in a row, this column is hosting a letter from another talented young musician. Rowan Dowdall is a Connecticut-to-Santa Barbara transplant attending the Visual Arts & Design Academy at Santa Barbara High School. Between teaching himself to play the guitar and taking supplemental classes at City College, Rowan spends his downtime […]

Holly Malmsten: Energy Healer
By Dalina Michaels   |   April 22, 2021

According to a Bloomberg report in September, 2020, Americans spend $1,200 a year on average on prescription drugs. Per person, per year. That’s more than anyone else in the world.  And that’s crazy, according to Montecito mom and energy healer Holly Malmsten. “Not only are Americans getting sicker, weaker, experiencing more anxiety and depression than […]

A Life in Focus
By Katherine Stewart   |   April 22, 2021

From photojournalist in Tennessee to two tours as Second Lady to a new start in Montecito, Tipper Gore has had a remarkable journey To spend time with Tipper Gore – even by phone, as I did, thanks to COVID-19 safety restrictions – is to marvel at the vivid tapestry of her life. As the nation’s Second Lady […]

Allie MacPhail: Montecito Mama and Influencer
By Dalina Michaels   |   April 15, 2021

Allie MacPhail is a jack-of-all-trades sort of person. A mom of four kids, three dogs, chickens, cats, and a husband. This is not to mention that she is a talented photographer, an influencer, and now a store owner of an adorable new children’s store – not in Montecito, but in Martha’s Vineyard.  So how does […]

Dear Montecito: Dawson Fuss
By Stella Haffner   |   April 15, 2021

For many, quarantine has meant an opportunity to indulge their creative side. I’ve been treated to pieces of art and writing from friends and family, but it’s always nice to be reminded of the ways in which our community has grown artistically. Although, while I must admit that most of us are just dabbling in […]

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  • Cate Head of School Ben Williams
    By Sigrid Toye   |   April 15, 2021

    What more can I possibly say about the nationally and internationally lauded Cate School located in the hills above Carpinteria overlooking the ocean? So much has already been written about this excellent 9th through 12th grade co-educational college preparatory school that offers a rigorous academic yet broad-based curriculum and an all-embracing student life. Cate’s diverse […]

    Animal Planet
    By Zach Rosen   |   April 2, 2021

    Kristina McKean’s passion project is saving one elephant at a time in the United States and abroad Kristina McKean has funneled her lifetime passion for helping animals into a full-time profession by creating The Elephant Project. McKean had always felt drawn to animals and their related causes but it wasn’t until her honeymoon to Thailand with her […]

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    Pure Gold
    By Nick Schou   |   April 2, 2021

    ARA 24K Collection is part of a family tradition that goes all the way back to ancient Turkey La Hoya If it wasn’t for a simple spelling misunderstanding, Cuneyt (pronounced “June eight”) Akdolu, owner of ARA 24K Collection on Coast Village Road, might never have arrived in Montecito. It was early 2004, and Akdolu, who at […]

    Capturing the Bronze: Sculptor Susan Read Cronin Brings Whimsy to Montecito
    By Zach Rosen   |   April 1, 2021

    Whether it is painting, sculpting, or writing, the creative arts offer an opportunity to express oneself.  For Susan Read Cronin, or Susie as she prefers to be called, her extensive body of whimsical bronze sculptures have led to a lifetime of play. She was born on the north shore of Long Island, and her parents […]

    Dear Montecito: Corinne Yungling
    By Stella Haffner   |   April 1, 2021

    Welcome to the second half of our Olders-Youngers, Dear Montecito double-feature! Last week we heard from volleyball star and my former Older, Anika Wilson, and this week we’re hearing from my former Younger and current student at Lake Travis High School, Corinne Yungling. I am especially happy to share Corinne’s letter with you not only […]

    Dear Montecito: Anika Wilson
    By Stella Haffner   |   March 25, 2021

    I was in Ms. Balch’s first grade class when Anika Wilson was my Older. Anyone who attended MUS remembers the Olders-Youngers system. This program paired up students from different years, introducing younger students to a new upperclassman friend every year and eventually becoming a mentor to the next generation. I loved this program and remember […]

    Senior Portrait: Trish Davis
    By Zach Rosen   |   March 25, 2021

    History is always in the making. Our actions today become the history of tomorrow. As Chair of the Montecito Association’s History Committee, and through her 50 or so years of community involvement, Trish Davis is helping preserve the history of the area while also helping contribute to it. Trish originally grew up in the San […]

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