Local Artist
CHRIS POTTER paints the landscapes of
SANTA BARBARA
HELPING DISASTER VICTIMS, recovering from trauma, talking to kids www.santabarbarafamilylife.com
February 2018
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2 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
On the Cover... If you roam the coastline anywhere from Montecito to Goleta, there’s a fair chance that you’ve seen a lone painter at work on a landscape painting. If you’ve stopped him to talk, you’re not alone; many people do. The painter, Chris Potter, says he enjoys hearing people’s stories about the place he’s working. His commitment to capturing local landscapes is impressive, especially for a guy who used to be a stock broker. You can read the full story on Page 5.
Contributed An artist's rendering shows the Target store that is planned near the intersection of State Street and La Cumbre Road
Target to open small-format store in SB this year Staff Report
Target plans to open its first store in Santa Barbara in October, a 34,000-square foot, small-format store in the Galleria at the corner of State Street and La Cumbre Road. Target officials say their strategic priorities include reaching new shoppers by expanding small-format stores in dense suburban neighborhoods, urban areas and near college campuses. The retailer is on track to operate 130 small-format stores by the end of 2019, serving new customers in communities and neighborhoods where a traditional-sized Target store may not fit. The company says that shoppers at its existing small-format stores around the country have responded well. “We are thrilled to be joining the Santa Barbara community in 2018 and look forward to providing guests with a convenient shopping experience that is uniquely Target. Our Galleria store will offer residents and visitors the ease and inspiration of a curated assortment of home goods, apparel and more,
Photo Contributed Chris Potter, the artist at that easel, has plenty of strangers interrupt him while he's out painting the South Coast's most scenic views and vistas.
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as well as a pick-up point for online orders,” said Mark Schindele, Target’s senior vice president for properties. Target has signed a lease with Gryphon Capital for the Galleria store, which will offer residents and visitors a quick-trip shopping experience with an assortment that includes groceries; adult beverages; home décor and accessories; beauty products; toys and sporting goods; portable technology items and accessories; clothing and accessories for men, women and children; and a CVS Pharmacy. Target’s order pickup service allows customers to buy online but get secure delivery at a store. Company officials say the Galleria Target store will employ 50 to 70 people. In October, the company announced plans to raise its minimum hourly wage to $11, along with a commitment to increasing it minimum hourly wage to $15 by the end of 2020, as part of a strategy to hire and retain good employees and provide the best possible shopping experience for customers.
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February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 3
Photo contributed
SBMA honored as ‘4-star charity’ for third year The Museum of Art has again received Charity Navigator's top rating.
Staff Report
For the third consecutive year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has been recognized as a “4-star charity,“ the highest rating given by top nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. “Only 18 percent of the charities we evaluate have received at least three consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Santa Barbara Museum of Art outperforms most other charities in America,” wrote Michael Thatcher, Charity Navigator’s president and CEO, in a letter announcing the rating. “We are determined to maintain this same high level of fiscal efficiency and transparency,
especially as we continue to raise funds for the current Imagine More Capital Campaign, which support the ongoing renovation project,” said Museum Director Larry Feinberg. Founded in 2001, Charity Navigator has become the nation’s largest and most-used evaluator of charities. In a quest to help donors, the team of professional analysts has examined tens of thousands of nonprofit financial documents to develop an objective, numbers-based rating system to assess more than 8,000 of America’s charities. For more information, call 805-963-4364 or go to www.sbma.net.
by Daniel Dreifuss Carrying framed pictures, a young man walks away from his house that had been destroyed two days earlier in the massive mudslide in Montecito.
United Way fire fund now includes flood relief I Staff Report
n response to the deaths, injuries and destruction from mud slides after the Thomas Fire, United Way of Santa Barbara County and United Way of Ventura County have re-established their support effort as the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund. The local United Way offices initially established the fund in December, shortly after the start of the Thomas Fire, the largest wildfire in state history. One-hundred percent of the donations to the fund will support those in communities affected by the wildfires and flooding. To date, close to $2.7 million has been raised. “It’s heartbreaking that just weeks after the Thomas Fire devastated the Central Coast, our community is again facing terrible destruction and the tragic loss of family and friends,” said Steve Ortiz, United Way of Santa Barbara County President & CEO, and Eric Harrison, President & CEO, United Way
of Ventura County, in a joint statement. “Our hearts go out to everyone who lost loved ones and their homes during these disasters.” To give to the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund: n Online at www.unitedwaythomasfirefund.org n By texting UWVC to 41444 n By phone or mail in Ventura: Call 805485-6288 or send checks to the United Way office at 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, 93003, with “Thomas Fire Fund” in the memo line. n By phone or email in Santa Barbara: Call 805-965-8591 or send checks to United Way of Santa Barbara County, 320 E. Gutierrez St, Santa Barbara, 93101, with “Thomas Fire Fund” in the memo line.
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4 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
Cathy Murillo sworn in as SB’s 50th mayor Eric Friedman, Kristen Sneddon and Gregg Hart take office; Helene Schneider, Frank Hotchkiss, Bendy White exit
By Joshua Molina Noozhawk
On a day that was darkened by the tragic mudslides and flooding in Montecito, three council members and a new mayor were sworn into office Jan. 9 in Santa Barbara. Kristen Sneddon, the top vote-getter in District 4, acknowledged the mood of the moment in her opening comments. “I know we are in the midst of a devastating natural disaster right now, and my heart is really with the families in need right now, and with gratitude to the first responders and our exemplary city staff and emergency workers,” Sneddon said. “It’s been quite a whirlwind since the election. We have had fires and now flood, and I got to learn very quickly first-hand how amazing our city is.” Sneddon, who attended Santa Barbara High School and raised three children with her husband, thanked her family, including her late father-in-law, former Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon, who she said was very much with her “in spirit.” Sneddon also thanked former mayors Helene Schneider and Sheila Lodge for their support during her City Council run. “I treasure the city,” said Sneddon, an environmental science instructor at Santa Barbara City College. “I take this responsibility very seriously. I am here to serve you with an open door and an open heart.” On the same day, Schneider stepped down because of term limits, and Cathy Murillo, elected in November, took her place as mayor. Schneider served 14 years on the City Council, including the past eight as mayor. She was first elected in 2003 as a feminist progressive, alongside Das Williams and Brian
Joshua Molina / Noozhawk photo Newly sworn into seats on the Santa Barbara City Council are, from left, Gregg Hart, Eric Friedman, Kristen Sneddon and Mayor Cathy Murillo.
Barnwell. Over time she moved to the middle and gained new supporters in the political middle and on the right, who respected her for intellectual acumen and the ability to listen to perspectives other than her own. Schneider thanked her mother, Diane Sadowy, who has watched every one of her daughter’s public meetings over the past 14 years. “Being mayor of Santa Barbara is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Schneider said. “The opportunity to serve in such a spectacular place is something I will treasure forever. Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve you as your mayor.” Murillo also praised Schneider. “You’re a powerful role model for girls and teens, and young women and middle-aged women and older women, and we sure need that sense of empowerment right now,” Murillo said. Murillo thanked the community, city staff, first responders and her family. She spoke with the same sense of hope and optimism that she
carried during her mayoral campaign, saying she stands ready to lead Santa Barbara to an “ever-brighter” future. “I hope we can welcome 2018 with renewed spirits and a sense of optimism,” Murillo said. “I am honored to serve as your mayor. “It is humbling to serve as the first Latina mayor of Santa Barbara,” said Murillo, who delivered part of her speech in Spanish. Harwood “Bendy” White, who has served more than 30 years for the city, as a councilman, planning commissioner, water commissioner and on other city boards, became emotional during his farewell speech. “I have been doing this for half of my lifetime,” he said, pausing to pull out Kleenex from his suit pocket. White thanked a long list of former city employees and public servants, including Don Olson, Brian Barnwell, Bill Mahan, Steve Mack, John Jostes, Grant House, Jim Armstrong and dozens of others.
White then broke into tears: “I want to thank my wife, Kathy, and I want you to stand up, Kathy.” Eric Friedman and Gregg Hart were also sworn into office. It’s Hart’s fourth term on the council, although they were not consecutive. “I am proud to be here to serve you all,” Friedman said. Hart noted that he has lived in Santa Barbara his entire life, and that he was inspired to go into public service by his father, the city’s former library director. “I am extremely proud of Santa Barbara,” Hart said. “I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent our community and the residents of the 6th District. I look forward to working with all of you to help the citizens of Santa Barbara for the next period of time.” Councilman Frank Hotchkiss also said goodbye after eight years of service. “For all the times that you, whoever you are, you came to listen to us, listen to me, I am sure it wasn’t always easy, but I thank you very much for doing it, and I thank you for listening now,” Hotchkiss said. Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com.
Joshua Molina / Noozhawk photo Helene Schneider attended her last meeting as Santa Barbara mayor on Jan. 9.
February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 5
Photos contributed "Sprinkles on Top" is a plein air painting by Chris Potter.
PERFECTION EN PLEIN AIR
Prolific local artist Chris Potter paints the landscapes of Santa Barbara in living color
By Leah Etling Contributing Writer
If you roam the coastline anywhere between Montecito and Goleta, there’s a fair chance that you’ve seen a lone painter at work on a landscape painting, a painting that looks like it’s shaping up to be pretty good. Perhaps you’ve wanted to snap a photo of that painter’s easel with the image of the landscape he’s carefully crafting behind it, creating art in real time. Or perhaps you simply saved the image in your head, another reminder of how beautiful our local landscapes can be. Chris Potter, the artist at that easel, has had plenty of strangers interrupt him while he’s out painting the South Coast’s most scenic views and vistas. Some have even become friends and buyers of his art. Many want to tell him a story about the spot where he’s working that day. “It’s been really cool to get to know how and why people love certain things about Santa Barbara,” said Potter, who grew up in Goleta and attended Dos Pueblos High School and UC Santa Barbara. “They’ll tell me stories about things that aren’t here anymore, and sometimes I even paint those things in. I know so many people now, just because I go to their favorite spots.” Eventually, that painting Potter is working on outdoors will likely hang on a living room wall. Since 2009, he has completed more than 3,000 paintings, most of them with plein air origins. To make a living making art, he approaches his non-traditional work like a regular job. “After college, I became a stock broker. But I made a pact with myself that I would do art every day, no matter what my job was,” he recalled. He spent seven years working in San Diego and Santa Barbara as a broker, using his
Chris Potter's artwork, along with that of local artist Kevin Gleason, will be on display through February in the Pritzlaff Conservation Center Gallery at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road. lunch breaks and other off hours to paint. Potter knew early on that an office-based existence was not his ideal life choice. “When I’m frustrated (now) with painting, I think to myself, where would I be if I was in that brokerage right now? Would I be at the copy machine, or hearing it from some client on the phone?” When he quit the 9-to-5 life, he remembered the lessons of his UCSB years, and he took a leap. Potter had started his undergraduate studies as a computer science major but was encouraged to pursue what he was truly passionate about by his roommate, a surfer and guitar player from Hawaii named Jack Johnson (yes, that Jack Johnson). “He was so incredibly talented, and he really inspired me with the idea that you could do whatever you wanted in life,” Potter recalled. He switched his major to psychology, a subject that fascinated him, and then started taking art studio classes. His paintings were huge and abstract, filled with bright colors and “really nice shapes.” Today, those shapes are the foundation of his landscape paintings. “If you really look at my paintings, underneath the structure, there are really nice shapes. Nothing can be lumpy,” Potter said. “Lumpy” is probably the last word that would come to mind when looking at Potter’s work. Curating the colors, textures, and raw layered landscapes of the South Coast is his innate talent. Whether it’s the reflective waters of Santa Barbara Harbor or the layered terrain off San Marcos Pass, his brush communicates the scene with vigor. “I know people say we don’t have seasons here. It’s not true. You just need to be more sen-
sitive to them,” he wrote in a blog post about one of his paintings. Observations like those carry more weight when the writer spends five days a week immersed in the landscape. Potter’s blog posts on chrispotterart.com are wry and witty, and just short enough to keep the reader wanting more. After giving up his stock-broker career for full-time art, Potter set a strict schedule for himself. Four days a week are spent plein air painting, non-negotiable six-hour stretches of work outdoors. A fifth day is spent on the golf course, for athletic and mental relief. On the weekends, he’s usually with his family — he and his wife, Julie, have two children, ages 8 and 10. His unconventional career, and Julie’s work as a small-business owner delivering organic produce, enables the family to travel. Last summer they spent two months in France, where Potter was able to paint some of the same scenes as post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh, one of his artistic idols. But unlike van Gogh, Potter has the advantage of making art in the era of social media marketing, which enables him to easily and successfully share his work via Facebook and
Instagram. Viral marketing has enabled him to keep in close touch with his audience – and even sell paintings while he’s still on location creating them. It’s an art economy that van Gogh, who was never successful in his lifetime, could never imagine. And even when he was a young artist, Potter thought his existence would be similar. ”I always liked art, but I never wanted to engage in it. Everybody said you’d be a starving artist, or you’d only be famous when you were dead,” he recalled. Sometimes it’s great to be wrong. Potter’s artwork, along with that of local artist Kevin Gleason, will be on display through February in the Pritzlaff Conservation Center Gallery at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road. Potter’s work is also on continuous display at Distinctive Framing, 1333 State St. in Santa Barbara.
You can also find him on Facebook at Chris Potter Art: https://www.facebook.com/Chris-PotterArt-162965277062223; and on Instagram @ chrispotterart: www.instagram.com/chrispotterart.
6 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
It’s a good time to review your revocable living trust By Bradley Hollister Contributing Writer
A
couple’s revocable living trust can be freely amended during their joint lifetimes. Amendments can be used to adapt to changes in law, family circumstances or the couple’s wishes. Once the first spouse passes away, however, a revocable living trust usually becomes wholly or partly irrevocable and cannot be easily fixed or modified. Therefore, it must be reviewed frequently and maintained to ensure it achieves its intended purpose. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted in January 2013. The biggest change brought about by the act was an increase in the individual estate tax exemption amount. While California does not have an estate tax or “death tax,” California residents are subject to federal estate taxes on death for assets above and beyond a threshold amount. This threshold amount is commonly referred to as the individual estate tax exemption amount, or simply the “exemption amount.” In recent years, the exemption amount has been dramatically increased. In 2005, it was $1.5 million and, in 2008, it was $2 million. The current exemption amount, brought about by the act, is $5.49 million for each individual, adjusted annually for inflation. Further, any unused estate tax exemption amount by a deceased spouse is “portable” to the surviving spouse, as long as a timely “portability election” is made. Therefore, a surviving spouse may be able to add his or her deceased spouse’s exemption amount to his or her own exemption amount, giving
him or her an exemption amount of $10.98 million at death. As a result of these changes, estate taxes are no longer a concern for most estates, and the complexity of what is called an AB Trust is no longer necessary to avoid them. Also, an AB Trust may carry negative tax consequences. Prior to 2013, when the estate tax exemption amount was much lower, attorneys wisely advised their clients to execute a certain type of revocable living trust called an “AB Trust.” Your trust may be unnecessarily complicated. Under an AB Trust, when the first spouse passes away, the trust property is divided and the survivor’s assets are allocated to a survivor’s trust (the “A” Trust) and the decedent’s assets are allocated to a decedent’s trust (the “B” Trust). The decedent’s trust is irrevocable, and the survivor’s trust is revocable. Since portability of the deceased spouse’s Exemption Amount was not available, the AB Trust was used to ensure that the couple received “full credit” for the deceased spouse’s exemption amount. Today, the burdens of the AB Trust may no longer be desirable because of the high Exemption Amount and the benefit of portability under the Act. You may now be able to simplify your revocable living trust by removing unnecessary administrative burden. Your estate plan also may have negative tax consequences In California, most community property assets receive a “step up” in tax basis at the death of the first spouse. This means that when a surviving spouse sells an asset, the
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base value used to determine capital gains tax is the value of the asset on the first spouse’s death, not the date the asset was purchased. For example, a husband and wife purchase a home for $500,000, and on the husband’s death the home is valued at $750,000. The wife later sells the home for $1 million. She will pay capital gains tax on $250,000 ($1 million minus $750,000). In comparison, if you have an AB Trust, assets of the first spouse to die (transferred to the decedent’s trust) will not receive this “step up.” You and your spouse may be able to avoid these administrative burdens and negative tax consequences of an AB Trust by amending and restating your revocable living trust and possibly converting it to a “disclaimer trust.” A disclaimer trust gives the surviving spouse the option to disclaim assets of the deceased spouse, in which case they would automatically be transferred to a decedent’s trust, or to keep all assets of the deceased spouse, in which case they would be transferred to a survivor’s trust. In some cases, an AB Trust structure is the best approach. Especially when planning for blended families and when asset protection is desirable. An AB Trust will ensure one’s spouse does not disinherit children from a prior marriage after the parent’s death. There are a number of reasons why an estate plan might benefit from asset protection, a family history of dementia, business interests with a high degree
of liability, or frequent use of caretakers. If an AB Trust structure is desirable, you should consider using another type of irrevocable trust, a qualified terminable interest property (“QTIP”) trust, rather than a bypass trust. A key difference between a QTIP trust and a bypass trust is that the QTIP trust is considered part of the surviving spouse’s estate — even though the surviving spouse has limited rights to the assets held by the QTIP trust. Since the QTIP trust is considered part of the surviving spouse’s estate, assets held by the QTIP trust receive a “step-up” in tax basis to fair market value at the surviving spouse’s death. In conclusion, if your estate plan was prepared before 2013, you should have it reviewed. A simple amendment may help avoid unnecessary administrative burdens and negative tax consequences. Bradley Hollister is an associate at Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell LLP, a Santa Barbara law firm.
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February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 7
events
Manual Cinema The Magic City
Sun, Mar 4 / 3 PM UCSB Campbell Hall $20 / $14 children (12 & under)
Multimedia Theater
“Manual Cinema’s Magic City lets everyone in.” The Chicago Tribune
Photo contributed After flood and mud closed Richie's Barber Shop on Coast Village Road and curtailed business at Jamie Slone Wines, Richie's moved temporarily to the tasting room to give haircuts.
2 local businesses unite to recover from mudslides Staff Report
Fire department and law enforcement personnel as well as many local residents have been getting haircuts from Richie’s Barbershop at a new “pop up” location in the tasting room of Jamie Slone Wines in downtown Santa Barbara. Richie’s Barbershop on Coast Village Road is one of many business that were forced to close and evacuate during cleanup after the Thomas Fire mudslides, and the winetasting room, like many other small businesses, had lost almost all of its visitor traffic due to the Highway 101 closure. Santa Barbara resident Brandon Arlington of CDB group had been wanting to help both of the struggling business. He put the two entrepreneurs together on Saturday night after the mudslides, and by 9:30 a.m. Sunday the first customer was in the barber chair. By the end of the day many more customers enjoyed
some wine and bought bottles to share with family and friends. “We were evacuated and had no place to go until Brandon suggested that Jamie and I meet each other. It was an immediate yes, and we were cutting hair again and back to work. Amazing,” Richie added. “Thanks to people like Brandon Arlington, small local businesses like ours are coming together to help each other. We converted our private reserve room in our tasting room to accommodate Richie and staff,” Slone said. “Richie showed up with three old-fashioned barber chairs and all the extras to cut hair. The customers are really enjoying being a part of us helping each other.” Jamie Slone Wines tasting room is in El Paseo at 23 E. De La Guerra St. To book a haircut appointment, call 805-845-9701 or 805-304-6697.
Networking group for businesswomen opens chapter in SB Staff Report
The W Source, a nationwide networking group for female professionals and service providers, has launched a chapter in Santa Barbara with 20 members, including CPAs, attorneys and risk-management specialists. The goal of The W Source is to help members better serve the needs of their clients while growing their businesses through networking. Members have access to tools and resources that provide them an opportunity to collaborate with other professionals in their area.
Each local group holds monthly meetings as well as one-on-one meetings designed to help members cultivate relationships within their professional networks. “It’s been such a rewarding experience to collaborate with women who are committed, engaged, and are eager to help grow other female-centric businesses,” said Hannah Buschbom, co-founder of The W Source and group leader of the Santa Barbara Chapter. For more information, email The W Source at Info@TheWSource.com.
Projections, shadow puppets, live actors, miniature toy theater and live musical accompaniment bring this modern fantasy to life with whimsy, wit and a world of imagination.
TAO: Drum Heart Thu, Apr 26 / 7 PM (note special time) UCSB Campbell Hall Tickets start at $25 $15 UCSB students
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8 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
Impact of secondary
trauma is real; here’s help The work we do, the news we watch, the stories we hear can affect us profoundly
I
By Alana Walczak For Noozhawk
am tired. It has been an absolutely tragic and a horrible month. Like all of you, I have been glued to the local news and my Facebook feed for weeks now. First, I was obsessively seeking out news of the fire. I worried about the well-being of friends and colleagues, monitored air-quality levels, juggled the physical and emotional needs of two very scared daughters, evacuated or helped others to evacuate, all while trying to continue to do as much work as possible. It was intense. Then, just as firefighters heroically saved our beautiful community, and life was starting to get back to normal with the dawn of a New Year, we’ve been hit with unimaginably devastating mudslides and debris flows. Again, I am glued to Facebook, press briefings and news stories. I’ve emailed and texted and called everyone I can think of who lives in Montecito. I’m hearing the harrowing stories on the news, and also directly from friends and colleagues. And because we are a community of only “one degree of separation,” even though I haven’t been personally impacted, I know way too many people who are. I feel helpless. I’m tearful and heartbroken. I feel overwhelmed. And, of course, my children are equally overwhelmed. They hear and feel my anxiety, sadness and worry. They feel it at school from friends and teachers. They carry it in their little bodies all day, every day. And I’m struggling too. At times, I feel numb and at others, I feel agitated. I find myself distracted and unable to focus. And, although this may seem strange, I’ve felt uncomfortable feeling happy. I notice that I almost feel guilty if I smile or laugh with a colleague. It feels wrong — disrespectful, maybe — to enjoy the clear, blue skies and sunshine we’ve had these past few days. It feels incongruous that when I wake up in downtown Santa Barbara, the sun is shining, there is no traffic, children are back in school, and I’m back at work. My routine is back to normal, my family and immediate circle of friends are secure, and I am not in danger. So, why do I feel so fragile? Because we are all suffering from secondary or vicarious trauma. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network: “Secondary trau-
matic stress is the emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the first-hand trauma experiences of another. Its symptoms mimic those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” At CALM (Child Abuse Listening Mediation), we concern ourselves with secondary trauma every day. Our counselors hear horrible stories, and it is incumbent upon us to think about how they care for themselves so they can continue to do their work. We practice mindfulness and encourage self-care in order to combat the insidious effects of secondary trauma. We must be whole and healthy before we can help others. Right now, everyone in Santa Barbara County is experiencing some form of primary or secondary trauma. It’s an epidemic. Fortunately, there are some things we can do to help mitigate the effects of trauma. I would like to share some valuable suggestions adapted from “Transforming the Pain: A Workbook on Vicarious Traumatization for Helping Professionals who Work with Traumatized Clients.” It is important that we become aware of how the work we do or the news we watch or the stories we hear can impact us in profound ways. Achieving and maintaining a sense of balance and connection in our lives can prevent us from experiencing secondary trauma or can help to mitigate its harmful effects. Here are several ways in which we can reduce the impact of secondary trauma: Awareness n Acknowledge your own history of trauma and be aware it can affect how you respond to new traumas. n Inventory your lifestyle choices and make necessary changes. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you exercising? Are you allowing yourself downtime? n Take care of yourself. Create a self-care list and post it prominently in your home or office. This list may encourage you to be creative, get outside and appreciate the weather, take a weekend get-away, read a book, cook a meal, spend time with friends, or just have fun — however you define it. Balance n Give yourself permission to fully experience emotional reactions. Do not keep your emotions bottled up and don’t judge yourself for the range of feelings you feel. Let them come, and then let them go. n Set realistic goals for yourself. Know your limits, accept them, and honor them. n Seek out a new leisure activity or re-
connect with one you enjoyed in the past. n Recognize negative coping skills and avoid them. Substitute with the more positive coping skills included in your self-care list. Connection n Avoid isolation. Now is the time to talk to and connect with one another. n Listen to feedback from colleagues, friends and family members. Ask a family member or close friend to check in on you. n Remember your spiritual side. A spiritual practice or a faith community can provide calm and connection. n Strengthen support systems. Gather with friends over a potluck dinner. Find a meaningful way to volunteer. Seek out a mentor, or be a mentor to someone else. We are all still coming to terms with what we have experienced over the past five weeks. There has been so much fear, anxiety and stress. And now, we are moving into disbelief, sadness and profound grief. I believe our community will pull through this tragedy and come out stronger and more connected. We are resilient, and I encourage all of us to care for ourselves as we care for one another. Alana Walczak is CEO of the nonprofit CALM (Child Abuse Listening Mediation), a leader in developing programs and services that effectively treat child abuse and promote healing, as well as programs that help prevent abuse through family strengthening and support. This article first appeared on Noozhawk on Jan. 19.
February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 9
FSA offering group, individual recovery help I
Photo contributed Lauren Cantin, 14, was pulled from the wreckage after the mudslide swept away her home. Her father Dave died, and her brother Jack is missing.
To help storm victims, give to verified recipients F Staff Report
irefighters and other first responders are asking people not to bring donations to their Incident Command Post, but to donate to disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross or Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, as well as to any of the several accounts that have been established to help the victims of the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslides. United Way of Santa Barbara County is a lead agency for the region to accept cash donations. Law enforcement officials urge caution for anyone donating financially because con artists often take advantage of an emergency situation by setting up false GoFundMe websites and other types of illegitimate fundraising accounts. United Way of Santa Barbara County and Ventura County have joined forces to directly support people through the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund. To donate online, log onto www.unitedwaythomasfirefund.org; you can also text UWVC to 41444 or call 805-965-8591. Used clothing, bedding and toys are not being accepted, but nonperishable food, new clothing, toiletries and monetary donations are being accepted at these agencies: n American Red Cross: Monetary donations are accepted at www.redcross. org. Text “redcross” to 90999. n Foodbank of Santa Barbara County: Monetary donations, nonperishable foods, and fresh produce accepted at 4554 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, 93110; 1525 State St., Suite 100, Santa Barbara, 93101; 490 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria, 93455. n Salvation Army: Unopened and canned food, and monetary donations, accepted at 423 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, 93101.
n Unity Shoppe: New clothing, shoes, blankets, toiletries and monetary donations accepted at 1401 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, 93101. County officials also urge all residents to register to receive emergency alerts by signing up at www.AwareAndPrepare.org. For ongoing updates, visit www.CountyofSB.org, follow @countyofsb on Twitter and Facebook, or call 211 from the 805 area code or 800-400-1572 outside of 805, or text your zip code to 898-211. Officials at GoFundMe have sent out fundraisers specific to the tragedies, but county officials urge people to confirm what they are donating to. n The Sutthithepa family had an account created to help survivors: www.gofundme. com/pinitsooms-family-recovery-fund n Multiple accounts have been created for the Benitez family, which lost several family members in the mudslides including Marilyn Ramos, 27, Jonathan Benitez, 10, and Kailly Benitez, 3. Faviola Benitez Calderon, 28, is missing. They are www.gofundme. com/The-Benitez-Family, www.gofundme. com/4zuaupc, and www.gofundme.com/benitez-family-mudslide-fund. n Friends have established a fund to help Ralph Barajas after the mudslide killed his longtime partner Peter Fleurat and destroyed their home: https://www.gofundme.com/ rose-cafemontecito-mudslide-loss n Marin Carbrera-Munoz fund was established to help with funeral expenses. https:// www.gofundme.com/services-for-our-brother n The Corey family established a fund for funeral expenses for their daughters Morgan and Sawyer, who both died in the mudslide: https://fundly.com/morgan-sawyer-and-summer-corey-fund The Cantin family lost their father, Dave, and their 17-year-old brother Jack is missing: www.gofundme.com/cantinfamilyfund.
Staff Report
n addition to its regular services, the Family Service Agency (FSA) is providing mental health counseling at a variety of locations and starting a support group in Santa Barbara to help people cope with the tragedies from the Montecito mudslides. “We all process trauma differently,” said Executive Director Lisa Brabo. “Many people in our community are finding themselves, possibly for the first time in their lives, in need of support to cope with grief and loss as well as begin the recovery process. Our staff is working hard to support those affected through a variety of services.” Brabo listed the following services: n In collaboration with school districts and other agencies, FSA is providing counseling in classrooms and at compassion centers for campuses directly affected by the mudslides — Cleveland, Cold Springs and Santa Barbara High School — and has school counselors at campuses throughout the county. The FSA website (FSAcares.org) also has tips to help parents talk to their children
about natural disasters. n FSA is organizing a support group for adults, with counselors on hand to help people address their feelings of grief and loss and coach them through the recovery process. Sessions begin from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at FSA’s Santa Barbara Office at 123 W. Gutierrez St. For more
information, call 805-965-1001. n FSA counselors can work individually with people or families in working through the trauma. Call 805-965-1001 to ask for an appointment. n As the Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Santa Barbara County, FSA has been helping with the evacuations and relocations of residents from long-term care facilities in Montecito. If you need help resolving issues or are concerned about the well-being of a loved one in a residential facility, call the LTCO program at 805-922-1236. n Family Resource Centers help more 3,000 families with basic needs, parenting, and other challenges each year. If the Thomas Fire or mudslides has generated a hardship for your family, call a family advocate at 805-965-1001.
10 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
y r t n u o C f o s e t u n 50 Mi ! r u o H y r e v E c Musi
More Music! Less Talk!
www.krazfm.com
February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 11
Passion for dance extends to teaching By Leah Etling
When she was just 9 years old, Monique Meunier knew she had found the passion she would pursue as her life’s work. It did not matter that she was the daughter of immigrants from Cuba and Ecuador, or that she was growing up in a tough Los Angeles neighborhood. Thanks to early exposure to supportive mentors and a program for disadvantaged kids, she became a ballerina. “They saw something in me and gave me a full scholarship, and from that moment on, I never had to pay for ballet. That is why I was able to become a ballerina,” Meunier said of her childhood ballet teachers, who were Russian-trained. When she was just 7 years old, they had her begin using pointe shoes, which are often not introduced until much later in a ballerina’s progression. “The feeling of being up on pointe — I felt freedom,” she recalled. Those first few steps charted the direction of her life. Fast forward a few decades, and Meunier is now an assistant professor of theater and dance at UC Santa Barbara, where she began teaching this fall. And while she has technically “retired” from her dancing career, she is just as passionate about choreography and teaching as she was about her own performances. At 16, she moved to New York City, where she joined the New York City Ballet company and later became a principal ballerina, the equivalent of a starring role in the ballet world. “I felt ready. Looking back on it, I think, how is that possible? And not just physically and technically ready, but mentally ready,” Meunier recalled. She took a correspondence course to finish her high school diploma. She was an only child, so her parents moved to New York City with her. A successful career as a ballerina requires not just an exceptional level of talent and extreme dedication to hard work, but a certain amount of luck. Meunier had one significant injury early in her career, but she was able to come back after a foot surgery. During 15 years of dancing professionally with the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, she relished the chance to take on both traditional and contemporary roles. Some of her favorites were from the best-known ballet of all – “The Nutcracker.” Her first role as a principal ballerina was the Arabian, and she also enjoyed dancing Dew Drop in the “Waltz of the Flowers” and “The Sugar Plum Fairy.” “In America, “The Nutcracker” is a very important ballet. Almost every ballet school
performs it, and as a student it gives you an opportunity to rehearse and, best of all, perform. ‘The Nutcracker’ also brings ballet to cities and towns that would not normally have a ballet performance. It really educates audiences and students alike,” Meunier said. She met her future husband, Danish ballet dancer Nilas Martins, while they both performed for the New York City Ballet. They have a 5-year-old daughter. While she was living and dancing in New York City, Meunier met an impressive young dancer who has since become a celebrity. Misty Copeland, now 35, is renowned for Some of Monique Meunier’s favorite roles were her athletic dance style, role model in “The Nutcracker,” which she calls “a very status and ethnicity – she is the first important ballet” because its popularity makes it a great educational tool. African American woman to become a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre. she continues to work on “She’s a trailblazer,” Meunier said of diversity and inclusivity,” Copeland. “When I first met her, I just saw Copeland said via email. her talent right away. She is so strong and so “I’ve often talked powerful.” about how important When she accepted her new job at UCSB, the arts have been she immediately knew she wanted to bring to my life and how Copeland to campus to speak. I would not be the Copeland has several books out about the woman I am today art and athleticism of ballet, and was named without the arts. to President Obama’s Council on Fitness, The outreach MoSports and Nutrition. On Dec. 9, she spoke nique is doing speaks to an invited group of students at UCSB’s to my heart because I Hatlen Theatre, an experience that Meunier know how powerful knows will have an impact on the audience. and inspiring it will “I am thrilled to support my longtime be for the kids who are colleague and friend, Monique Meunier, as fortunate enough to be a part
After a career in starring roles such as this one in “Swan Lake,” Monique Meunier now teaches dance at UCSB.
of it. I look forward to the event and only hope that I can offer some wisdom, insight and encouragement through speaking about my own journey.” Meunier’s opportunity to join the Santa Barbara dance community came about after she applied to be an associate professor of ballet at UCSB, a role she began this fall. Within just a few weeks of arriving in Santa Barbara, she began investigating ways to expose local kids to ballet. “Because of my own background, it is really important to me to do outreach myself and help the next generation,” she said. Through a connection to the local nonprofit Children’s Creative Project, she hopes to work with for children who might otherwise never know what ballet is. The precise nature of the program is still developing. Meunier also works as a choreographer for ballet companies across the country, including the Idaho Ballet and Kansas City Ballet. Choreography has become a passion close to what she felt for being on stage. “Finding choreography was incredible, because now I could create for others and it is not about me anymore. It’s a great way to approach dance from the other side,” Meunier said. Her desire to keep creating opportunities for young dancers knows no bounds. This winter, she put on a collaborative performance by her students at the UCSB Art, Design & Architecture Museum that included dance, music and poetry – with a sprinkling of politics. The hot button topic of immigration was the inspiration for the performance. “I hope to bring to the surface the necessity for an intercultural society and need for diversity. As a daughter of immigrants, my work expresses the hopes and strength, love and passion, and fear and uncertainty immigrants face as they strive for a better life,” Meunier said. “I hope that this evening will bring us together and understand that we are all here for a reason and deserve respect, kindness, empathy, and humanity.”
Photos contributed At 16, Monique Meunier and her parents moved to New York City, where she joined the New York City Ballet and later became a principal ballerina.
12 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
Museum of Natural History SB Conservancy publishes is where the Wild Things are ‘Coloring Santa Barbara’ Staff Report
Local art lovers have an opportunity to get wild at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for the next few months. More than 30 rare and beautifully hand-colored lithographs of North American mammals by famous artist and naturalist John James Audubon are on display at the museum’s John and Peggy Maximus Gallery. The special “Wild Things” exhibit will be open until Memorial Day. “We hope all who visit the exhibit come away with an appreciation for the artistry of this great naturalist,” said Maximus Gallery Curator Linda Miller. “These antique prints give us a glimpse into history, help us to understand how the sciences developed, and blend art and science in a captivating and beautiful way.” While John James Audubon received widespread acclaim for his collection on the “Birds of America,” he also produced outstanding work on North American mammals, in a time during the 19th century when information was scarce and much of western America was still poorly known. Mammals had not been well documented or illustrated in one publication until Audubon and his co-author, the Rev. John Bachman,
published the “Imperial Folio of Quadrupeds.” Audubon tried to capture the life and movement of his subjects, using a combination of pencil, chalk, crayon and watercolor. He then hired a printer in Philadelphia to transfer the images from the preparatory watercolors to lithographic stones for printing. Published over three years, from 18451848, the 150 plates filled three volumes. Admission to the gallery is free with paid admission to the museum. The gallery is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Audubon’s prints on display belong to the museum’s extensive collection of more than 3,500 engravings and lithographs, which represent a sampling of European and American natural history illustrations from the 17th to 19th centuries. They were made during an era in which much of the world’s flora and fauna were being described for the first time as European voyages of exploration discovered new lands. Engravings and lithographs of birds, plants, fruits and insects are represented in the museum’s print collection. Subjects include 19th century lithographs of birds and mammals by Audubon, hummingbirds by John Gould, reptile and amphibian engravings from colonial America by Mark Catesby, and 17th century German botanicals by Basil Besler. For more information, call 805-682-4711 or visit www.sbnature.org.
Staff Report
“Coloring Santa Barbara,” a new coloring book that serves the cause of local architectural preservation, features 31 illustrations by area designers and architects depicting an array of landmarks, cityscapes and related imagery. By turns romantic, whimsical, and meditative, the illustrations are accompanied by brief historical notes and are printed on sturdy card stock suitable for colored pencils, felt pens and watercolor. The 12-by-12-inch coloring book retails for $16.95 and is available at Chaucer’s Bookstore and area gift shops. Proceeds benefit the Santa Barbara Conservancy, the book’s publisher. “This fun book serves as yet another reminder that the city we call home is truly a very special place, and that’s the point,” said conservancy board member Steve Hausz, who was instrumental in the book’s design and publication. “We want everyone – Santa Barbara denizens and visitors alike – to be active in appreciating our uniquely beautiful city, and especially its architectural heritage.” The 12 local architects, designers, and landscape architects contributing illustrations to “Coloring Santa Barbara” are Brian Cearnal, Anthony Grumbine, Britt Jewett, Henry Lenny, William Mahan, Tom Meaney, Courtney Jane Miller, Ryan J. Mills, Jaime B. Palencia III, Christine Pierron, Jeff Shelton and Fred Sweeney. Mary Louise Days, a local historian and retired city planning staff member, and Dr. Richard Oglesby, a retired UCSB professor of history, contributed text. Scenes depicted include El Presidio de
Contributed photo A new coloring book depicts a variety of city edifices and scenery.
Santa Barbara, Casa De la Guerra, Fiesta, Summer Solstice, the Santa Barbara Mission, the Granada Building, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, among others. Pages with illustrations are perforated, allowing for the colored works to be displayed in a standard 9-by-12 frame. “Coloring Santa Barbara” is the second book to be published by the Santa Barbara Conservancy in as many years. The organization received the George and Vivian Obern Preservation Stewardship Award for its 2016 book, “Santa Barbara — A Guide to El Pueblo Viejo.” That book explores the city’s extraordinary modern history by way of surveying its distinctive Spanish-inspired architecture.
February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 13
Family Night at the Museum
Photo by Paso Pacifico Once placed in the nest, the decoy egg is indistinguishable from the real turtle eggs.
CNN features local group’s anti-poaching technology Ventura-based Paso Pacifico invents decoy sea turtle eggs with GPS to track criminals Staff Report
Baby sea turtles have plenty of natural predators to deal with on their way to adulthood. Add in the threat of poachers, who destroy more than 90 percent of sea turtle nests on many Central American beaches, and the odds of survival decrease even further. Paso Pacifico, a Ventura-based nonprofit organization, has created an innovative solution to help fight illegal poaching. The group’s latest wildlife conservation project, the InvestEGGator decoy turtle egg, was recently featured on CNN’s “Great Big Story,” a program devoted to sharing inspiring stories of the untold, the overlooked and the flat-out amazing. The team at Great Big Story has visited more than 80 countries to track down incredible stories and create micro-documentaries and short films about their discoveries. The InvestEGGator decoy eggs are created by Paso Pacifico biologist Kim Williams-Guillén and Hollywood prop stylist Lauren Wilde. These artificial turtle eggs have built-in GPS devices and are designed to mirror the look, shape, weight and feel of actual turtle eggs. Williams-Guillén starts the process by creating the shell for the location-tracking eggs. She then sends them off to Wilde, who uses her special-effects expertise to apply the final touches. A combination of paint, glue and sand helps make the decoy eggs virtually identical to the real thing.
Once the InvestEGGators are placed in turtle nests in Central America, unknowing poachers can easily scoop up the decoy eggs among the real ones. Law enforcement can then use the data points from the decoy eggs to identify major transit routes and cripple the illegal egg trade. The InvestEGGator eggs also won the Challenge Prize in early 2016 in USAID’s Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge, receiving $10,000 and technical assistance. Based on progress with that help, Paso Pacifico was just awarded a Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge Acceleration Prize of $100,000. The nonprofit will use the prize money to further develop the technology and get it into the hands of law enforcement and conservation groups working to protect sea turtles from the illegal wildlife trade. Six of the seven existing species of sea turtles are threatened with extinction, and poaching is one of the biggest threats. Adult sea turtles are killed for their meat and shells, and their eggs, considered a delicacy in many regions, are often taken from nests and sold into the illegal wildlife trade. Sea turtle products now comprise the second most frequently trafficked wildlife product smuggled from Latin America to the United States, and eggs make up a quarter of those illegal imports.
After Dark: Underwater Creatures Family Night is an opportunity to view the Maritime Museum
from an entirely different perspective. Our goal for the evening is to present interactive learning activities for the entire family.
Activities include
• Sculpting Sea Creatures with Sondra Weiss, Lost Art of Love Letters • Ocean Rock Art with Holly Lohuis, Ocean Futures Society • Mini octopus, starfish, and sea turtle LEGO® builds • Face Painting by Tea in Tiaras
Wednesday, February 21, 2018 • 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm SBMM Members $15 per family
Non-members $25 per family
Kid-friendly snacks and adult-friendly beverages
Program support provided by
For more information, visit pasopacifico.org.
presents a comedy thriller
COMMUNICATING DOORS written by Alan Ayckbourn directed by Katie Laris
MARCH 2-17, 2018 PREVIEWS FEBRUARY 28 & MARCH 1
GARVIN THEATRE
www.theatregroupsbcc.com
805.965.5935 Sunday 3/4 LIVE CAPTIONING @ 2pm
~
Thank you to our season sponsor:
photo credit Andreina Diaz
Please RSVP in advance at sbmm.org/all-events or call the Museum Store at (805) 456-8747 (this allows us to plan for the correct amount of supplies) For more information Education Department education@sbmm.org or (805) 456-8741
SBMM Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
14 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
Valentine’s Date ideas to help romance blossom W
Staff Report
ith Valentine’s Day fast approaching, many people typically search for activities that will make the celebration special, whether they’re in a long-term relationship or contemplating a first date. Lisa Amador owns Lisa Amador of Santa Barbara Matchmaking offers and operates Santa Barbara this list of ideas to keep a romance going or to help it Matchmaking. blossom. Outdoor and Nature Dates n Stand-Up Paddle Boats: The Sailing Center has built a launch pad from their dock so you can explore Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns Wharf and East Beach. Find their info at www.sbsail.com n Segway Tour: Riding a Segway along the beach or down flower-lined streets might get your relationship rolling. n Duck Boats: Climb aboard Santa Barbara’s amphibious tour vehicle for a 90-minute land and sea adventure. Look at www. out2seesb.com n Camping: Santa Barbara County offers two camping parks at Lake Cachuma and Jalama Beach, and state campgrounds dot the Central Coast as well. n Whale Watching: Santa Barbara is a great spot for whale watching and taking a day trip to the Channel Islands for some awesome hiking trails. Log onto www.islandpackers.com. n Santa Barbara Zoo: The zoo cares for
rare, beautiful and endangered animals including lions, giraffes, penguins, elephants, gorillas, California condors and many more. Log onto www.sbzoo.org. n Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Walk together along a meadow, through a canyon and redwood forest, and along ridge tops that offer sweeping views of the Channel Islands. n Lotusland - The remarkable collections of exotic plants are a personal expression of Madame Ganna Walska’s penchant for the dramatic, the unexpected and the whimsical. Log onto www.lotusland.org. n Sea Center: This building on Stearn’s Wharf inspires a passion for the natural world — and maybe for each other? Admission also pays for a same-day visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Log onto www.sbnature.org. n Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park: The walls of this small cave contain
some of the finest remaining rock art created by Chumash Native Americans. Wine and Dine Dates n Santa Barbara Wine Tour: The drivers at Sammy’s Limos and Tours are experts at making a wine tasting experience the best it can be. Log onto www.sammyslimos.com. n Wine Tasting in the Funk Zone: Artists, winemakers and up-and-coming chefs have taken up shop in aged warehouses and forgotten scuba shops. n Wine and Chocolate Tasting:
Grassini Winery has teamed up with Jessica Foster Confections to create the perfect wine and truffle pairing. Log onto www.grassinifamilyvineyards.com. Romantic Dining Options n Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood Restaurant: Voted as the best steakhouse in Santa Barbara for seven straight years. Go tot www.holdrens.com. n Belmond El Encanto Hotel: Dine in the elegant dining room or delight in a romantic dinner under the stars. n Toma Restaurant and Bar: Santa Barbara’s most romantic waterfront restaurant. n Wine Cask Restaurant: Enjoy shared plates al fresco on the patio lounge or nestle up in front of the fireplace. n Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach: After a stroll on the beach, stop at the Boathouse for exquisite dining and ocean views. For more ideas and information, call Santa Barbara Matchmaking at 805-699-5650 or log onto www.sbmatchmaking.com.
Don’t forget to have fun as a couple
By Cynthia MacDuff Family Service Agency
When was the last time you, as a couple, set time aside for fun? Not family fun where the children pick the activities and parents end up watching a children’s film, but fun without sippy cups and children’s toys. Many couples cannot remember the last time they did something fun just for the two of them and do not realize how important having fun is to their relationship. When people are feeling positive emotions, they are better able to solve problems and feel more confident in their abilities to overcome challenges. Couples who have fun together feel more positive and better prepared for whatever life throws their way. One of the focuses of Family Service Agency’s “Within Our Reach” class is to remind couples of the importance of fun and to help them address some of the reasons that get in the way of fun. One of the biggest reasons that couples forget about having fun is the lack of time.
Between work, household chores, helping children with homework, paying bills, and chauffeuring children, couples often feel like there is no time for anything else. In “Within Our Reach,” participants work together to come up with fun activities that are free or low-cost, and they hold each other accountable for making sure they set time aside for fun. The other barrier to fun is the unintentional, or intentional, contamination of fun. Three ways that people can ruin the fun are guilt tripping a partner, putting down a partner, or bringing up unpleasant topics. For example, while on their way to the movie theater a husband sees a billboard for a debt consolidation program. This reminds him that he and his wife are behind on several of their bills and he starts worrying out loud about how they are going to pay the bills and how they shouldn’t even be spending money on this outing. The class can help identify ways that people ruin fun and how they can stop themselves from doing that in the future. Remembering to make time for fun and
protecting the fun time helps build a foundation for other topics that come later on in the course: enhancing communication skills, identifying personality differences and how to respect and appreciate personality differences, managing personal expectations, and identifying different love styles. The class ends with the opportunity for participants to reflect on the commitment they have for their partners and their families.
For more information about “Within Our Reach” classes, call the Family Service Agency at 805-742-2951
February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 15
Gratitude lightens evacuation fatigue Eggs and the Kiddie
Staff Report
T he
73rd Santa
Peeta is totally devoted to the pups. Otters are born with their eyes closed and are completely dependent on their parents. In the wild, small-clawed otters keep pups in a den where they are safe from predators. Our new parents kept theirs in the nesting box until their eyes opened, they were big enough to learn to swim, and had grown teeth to eat solid food. We figured it would be mid-December when the pups would be ready to come outside. We had no way to know that the Thomas Fire would impact the zoo at that time, and that we would close for several days due to the ash and smoke in the air. We delayed letting the otter family into their outside exhibit until the air quality improved. They debuted on Dec. 21. You may recognize their names as characters in the popular “Hunger Games” books and movies. Peeta was born at the Fort Defiance Zoo in Washington in 2008. Gail was born at the Greensboro Science Center in South Carolina in 2013. These days, the otter family is such fun to watch! They are very active early in the day, so that’s a good time to see them.
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International Orchid Show presents
's Greate d l st or
ORCHIDS ORCHIDS -5
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A full list of winners can be found at www. cntraveler.com/rca.
Does your child have a question about an animal at the Santa Barbara Zoo? Post it on our Facebook page (facebook.com/santabarbarafamilylife) for a chance to get free zoo admission. “I love the otter pups at the zoo, but why did we have to wait to see them?” — Judith, age 9 We were so excited when our pair of Asian small-clawed otters, Gail and Peeta, had their first litter on Oct. 7. We had just done a test that confirmed that Gail was pregnant and knew that she was due any day. They were busy arranging the bedding in a nesting box in their holding area. When we arrived early that Saturday morning, Gail and Peeta didn’t come out to greet us like they usually do. Then we heard squeaks! That’s how we knew the pups were born. We later discovered that there were two female and one male pup. Both Gail and Peeta were very attentive. Gail only arrived in March of last year and it’s been fun to see them bond, and then become parents. She’s a young mom, but she does very well.
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Santa Barbara has been recognized as one of the Top Small Cities in the U.S. in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. Santa Barbara, which first appeared on the list in 2015, welcomes more than 7.2 million total visitors per year. It one of 15 top reader favorites this year. More than 300,000 travelers took part in the 30th annual survey — a record high for participation — voting on 610 cities and 7,320 hotels and resorts, according to Condé Nast Traveler. Several Santa Barbara South Coast hotels won in the survey’s Top 25 Hotels in Southern California category, including The Kimpton Goodland Hotel, Spanish Garden Inn, Belmond El Encanto and Kimpton Canary Hotel. “We’re honored to be named a top destination for travel by Condé Nast Traveler readers
and proud to see so many Santa Barbara South Coast hotels recognized,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, CEO and president of Visit Santa Barbara. “Santa Barbara’s small-town charm and relaxed coastal vibe combined with its sophisticated, well-curated shops and attractions offer visitors and our local community the best in hospitality. Its excellent restaurants, stunning coastal landscape and world-class wine country also have helped create the bucket-list appeal of the destination,” she said. Santa Barbara and all the winners of the 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards are featured in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler and on CNTraveler.com, which together reach 6.1 million readers per month.
Staff Report
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Condé Nast readers rank SB among top small cities
New otter pups make a family of 5 at the zoo
01 8
Carey Bradshaw of Santa Barbara is a working mom just trying to balance it all. She runs Hooter Holster and Creative Butter.
Photo contributed
Two Asian small-clawed otter pups were recently introduced to the Santa Barbara Zoo.
,2
Anyone else out there experiencing “evacuation fatigue?” My goodness, we’ve had fires and floods … what’s next? A plague of locusts? My heart aches for all that has been lost, and I know we are all ready for a break. We live in what was a voluntary evacuation zone. We sandbagged the house the Sunday before the rains but really didn’t know what to expect. No one did. We woke very early on Tuesday to heavy rains and no cell or Internet service. It was like traveling back to 1995. We had no access to news and had no idea how bad the situation really was. Tuesday morning, local friends and neighbors started coming by the house. The news started trickling in and we began to realize how truly fortunate we were. While the past several weeks have been exhausting and overwhelming, there have been some really good moments as well. I am trying to focus on them. I want to share some things I experienced and learned during the mudslides. My husband and I run Creative Butter, a digital marketing and design agency, and all of our work requires Internet access. Last week was a huge loss of income for us. Our clients are all over the world, and many had no idea what was really going on here. With no way to connect with them, we got creative. The local McDonald’s was the only place we could access WiFi. It was spotty but I was able to connect with our clients and let them know we would be back online as soon as possible. Lesson learned: We have awesome clients. Every single one was supportive and understanding. Schools were closed, and we ended up doing a bunch of play dates with friends. Our toddler absolutely loved it. The roads were closed in both
directions, so we just walked and biked around town. We ended up hosting many impromptu play dates, brunches, dinners and game nights. The community rallied together and everyone was so grateful and happy to be safe. We were able to create some joy amidst the sadness. Lesson learned: We live in an amazing community. (We already knew this, but it was a welcome reminder.) Between the fires and the floods our local businesses have been hit hard. In order to try to help them out, I organized some “cash mobs” for local businesses. For example, I put the word out that everyone should plan to meet at a specific restaurant for dinner on the same night. In addition to supporting that small business, we also had a great meal and fun company. Lesson learned: Shop locally Our small businesses need us right now more than ever. We did not get cell or Internet service back until late Friday afternoon. Tuesday through Friday felt a bit like a lost week for us, as we were so disconnected from everything. It was a forced technology break but it was also somewhat freeing. We are always on our computers and phones, and it was nice to not have that option for a few days. Lesson learned: We really like being unplugged and will try to do it more often. Now we begin the cleanup and healing process. We spent time this weekend working at our daughter’s cooperative preschool. The cleanup effort is immense but every family showed up with masks, gloves, shovels and heavy equipment to dig out and clean up the school. Everyone pitched in and the school will reopen this week. Lesson learned: It truly takes a village, and I am proud to be part of this one. I am eternally grateful for this wonderful community.
The W
By Carey Bradshaw
1 1 pm 9 M a rch
Earl Warren Showgrounds ~ Santa Barbara, California General Admission - $14 Seniors, students w/ ID, advance group sales - $12 3-Day Pass - $22 Children 12 & younger with paid adult - FREE @OrchidShow
SBOrchidShow.com #SBOrchidShow
16 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
Sales of special wine support cancer victims
By Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation
There aren’t many silver linings in the world of pediatric cancer. For parents, hearing the words “Your child has cancer” marks the beginning of a horrifying journey filled with anxiety, fear and, in most cases, significant financial insecurity. For the Johnson family, this nightmare became a reality in 2013 when their daughter Emery was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3. They experienced fear for the fate of their child and their unknown future as a family. When a child is battling cancer, it’s common for at least one parent to take a significant amount of time off work in order to be with the child through treatment. This often results in a substantial reduction in income coupled with the sudden financial burden of medical bills. During Emery’s 26 months of treatment, her father Ethan, the wine club manager at Melville Winery, was able to take the time he needed to be with his daughter. Ron and Chad Melville, the owners of Melville Winery, wanted to help but didn’t know how. Shortly after Emery’s diagnosis, the Johnsons learned about Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation
and were able to receive financial and emotional support. The foundation helped pay for the Johnsons’ rent, utilities, car payments and gas as well as offering overall support during Emery’s treatment. When remembering the time during Emery’s treatment, her family wrote, “Teddy Bear was there for our family from day one. They arranged a hotel room for us so we could be close to our daughter in the hospital and they even brought a cake to help celebrate Emery’s dad’s birthday
during her hospital stay.” The Melville team was so inspired by the work of the foundation that they made a mental note to find a way to support the organization in the future. Five years later, Melvilles’ idea is bearing fruit. They have dedicated a half-acre block within their vineyard to honor Emery’s journey back to health and are using the fruit from her section to produce Emery’s Pinot Noir. And they are donating 100 percent of the proceeds from each bottle to the foundation. “Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation stepped up when the Johnsons had their world turned upside down. They helped give them financial and emotional support, so they could really focus on the bigger picture of fighting the disease. Their behind-the-scenes work is incredibly admirable and humbling. We are honored to have the opportunity to pay it forward,” Ron Melville said. Emery is now a happy, healthy 7-year-old and is thriving in the second grade.
Photo contributed Melville Winery is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from Emery’s Pinot Noir to help families with a child battling cancer.
For more information or to buy a bottle of Emery’s Pinot Noir, visit www.melvillewinery. com or TeddyBearCancerFoundation.org, or call 805-962-7466.
PLENTY IS HAPPENING ON BELL STREET
Partners emphasize hometown atmosphere, local food By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
Los Alamos has become known recently for its excellent restaurants, not the least of which is local favorite Plenty on Bell, a culinary gem owned by Jesper Johansson and Alec Roehl. Born and raised in Sweden, Johansson came to the United States on a visitor’s visa and fell in love with the area. Wanting to extend his time here, he enrolled at the Santa Barbara City College School of Culinary Arts. Then he did his internship at Brothers Restaurant when it opened in Solvang. “I said you don’t have to pay me. I just want to learn the business at a restaurant level,” Johansson said. “At school you learn how to cook individual meals, but to really learn your trade, you have to make a variety of dishes over and over again. It’s like anything else, you have to practice to become proficient.” He subsequently met John Morley and Ralph Quackenbush, who had just opened an art gallery in Los Alamos and wanted to establish a small coffee house attached to the art gallery. Johansson partnered with the two and opened Café Quackenbush, a little place where art patrons could have a cup of espresso and some dessert. “We started with an espresso machine and it grew from there, serving breakfast and lunch,” Johansson said. “Ralph sponsored me so I could get my green card and I began living the American Dream. I worked at Café Quackenbush for 16 years.” When Quackenbush closed the art gallery, Johansson began working as the executive chef for Tracey Ryder and Carole Topalian at their new restaurant, Plenty on Bell.
Within the year Ryder asked Johansson and Roehl, who worked at the restaurant, if they would be interested in buying the business. They were. “The reason we make such a good team is I am self-taught in business. I am an autodidact. I love to learn new and interesting things. I immersed myself in learning about business and I think that’s what caught Tracey and Carole’s attention. They thought Jesper and I would make a great team,” Roehl said. Roehl had worked at Café Quackenbush with Johansson and when it closed he went to work at Bell Street Farm, then followed Johansson to Plenty on Bell. “I had always had an interest in food preparation and in nutrition, so partnering with Jesper made a great fit,” Roehl said. Johansson mentored Roehl, teaching him the culinary arts. “Just as Brothers had brought me on board and taught me the intricacies of cooking for a restaurant, I knew that Alec wanted to learn and I wanted to teach him,” said Johansson. “It was a hands-on education,” Roehl added. The combination of Johansson as executive chef and Roehl as business manager and chef turned out to be a propitious match. “I would say I am the business manager and Jesper is the executive chef, but our roles overlap,” said Roehl. “We work very well together.” Plenty on Bell celebrated its one-year anniversary in January. The menu consists of what they call “elevated comfort food.” Johansson emphasizes that they use the very best ingredients they can sour ce locally. Some of their purveyors are Mary’s Chicken, which is
Photo by Jeffrey Bloom Alec Roehl and Jesper Johansson work together in the kitchen at Plenty on Bell.
organic and free range; sourdough bread from Bob’s Well Bread; Bakers Table for their rye and other assorted breads; Pattibakes for cakes; Jeffrey Bloom for assorted cookies, cakes, and scones; Edna’s Bakery for brioche; Green Star Coffee, which is a fair-trade organic coffee; and Zhena’s Gypsy Tea, which is also organic. They source fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets as much as possible. Also available is an assortment of local wines and beer. “We like to support our local suppliers as much as we can,” Johansson said. “Our customers will even bring in fruits and vegetables from their organic gardens and that’s really cool. We also have a small garden in the back of the
restaurant which we also utilize.” “What makes us unique is we have options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan customers,” said Roehl. “Also our ‘specials board’ offers something totally different from our main menu. We offer an assortment of ethnic cuisine. We have a list of patrons who want to be called when we are serving their favorite specials, like Southern fried chicken or goulash, for example.” Plenty on Bell recently celebrated its seventh successful Winemaker Dinner, which is a four-course meal and a four-course wine flight. Throughout the evening winemakers talk about the wine industry. “We set up a long banquet table so guests can feel like they are at a social gathering, chatting with other guests and the winemakers themselves. It’s such a happy, easy-going event, which is very well attended,” Roehl said. Plenty on Bell heard what Los Alamos residents wanted in a hometown restaurant and implemented those changes. “All the changes we’ve made to the restaurant were at the suggestion of local patrons. They wanted a cozy atmosphere where people can enjoy the environment and some comfy food. The changes we made created an at-home feeling, which both locals and visitors seem to enjoy,” said Johansson. Plenty on Bell, at 508 Bell St. in Los Alamos, is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sundays. It re-opens for dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Fridays. Reservations are recommended for dinner. For reservations and more information, call 805-344-3020 or visit www.facebook.com/ plentyonbell.
Grassini family matches donations to ‘Food from the Heart’
lucky we are to be able to run our business in this beautiful and very special place, and we take every opportunity to give back to this community,” said CEO Katie Grassini. “We are very active in charity-related activities throughout the entire year, y but Grassini Gives Back is the only fundraising event we host, so we always try to make it as special as possiStaff Report ble,” she said. With help from the community, Grassini “To see the growth of this event over the Family Vineyards has raised nearly $60,000 past six years has been incredible,” General in the last five years for some deserving local Manager Paul Azdril said. “I think what has charities at its annual Grassini Gives Back made this event such a success is that people charity event. realize their contributions are that much more This year’s benefit was on Dec. 10 at Grass- powerful because of the family’s pledge to ini’s new tasting room in Santa Barbara’s El match the funds we raise. Your donation of Paseo. any size will be doubled. That’s huge.” The event supports Food From The Heart, “Our ability to serve our community is a local nonprofit that prepares and delivers dependent on the generosity of friends, founnutritious meals to those in the Santa Barbara dations, sponsors and individual donors,” said community who are dealing with major Kelly Onnen, president of Food From The illnesses or surgeries, or those in failing health Heart’s board of directors. who cannot take care of themselves. “We are so thankful to Grassini Family The Grassini Family is matching 100 perVineyards for this opportunity to spread the cent of the day’s tasting fees and raffle ticket word about the work we do and to raise much proceeds, as well as donations of any size. needed funds to continue serving our clients,” “My family and I understand how truly Onnen added.
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February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 17
18 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
‘Girl power’ needs encouragement By Susan Salcido
More than 30 years ago, Sally Ride became the first woman astronaut to orbit the earth. She was also the youngest, at age 32. Three years later, Judy Resnik became the second woman in space. She was also a concert pianist, an electrical engineer, and the first Jewish astronaut. Both ardently sought to be known simply as “astronauts,” rather than identified by the subgroups they also represented. Their pride and joy was the work they were able to accomplish. Asked once why she wanted to be an astronaut, Resnik famously replied that if you had to ask, you’d never know. These women were the natural extensions of the brilliant and accomplished women who went before them, including those at NASA, where the story of three trailblazing professionals was immortalized in the recent movie “Hidden Figures.” More recently, Amy McGrath became the first female Marine to fly a combat mission in an F-18 fighter jet. “Girl power” has always been a force. While it is growing at every turn, young girls still need support as they pursue their dreams, especially in fields that have traditionally been the domain
of young men. The Girl Scouts of America recently added a merit badge option that young girls can achieve by earning credits in STEM projects — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. That is wonderful news. Young women should be encouraged to follow whatever paths they choose, wherever their talents lead them. The idea of “Girl Power” was underscored when Sylvia Acevedo, CEO of the Girl Scouts of America, recently came to Santa Barbara’s MOXI – The Wolf Museum of Explora-
The Knox School of Santa Barbara is recruiting children for a new full-day kindergarten program for the 2018-19 school year. Gifted children between birth and 8 years old are among the most underserved populations of gifted children, according to Knox School officials, even though early intervention has a significant effect on their continued development. The Knox School has created a developmentally appropriate program for its youngest students, including hands-on learning and intellectual stimulation that prioritizes their unique characteristics and need for accelerated learning. The school’s kindergarten program draws from best practices within gifted education and is equally inspired by Italy’s Reggio Emilia schools, which believe that children are capable of constructing their own learning and are driven
girls who once seemed highly interested and accomplished in math and science opt to go in different directions. If that is their true preference, we support it. But if other factors impact that decision — if peer pressure or subconscious cues from those in authority, or even subtle messages that they really aren’t suited for these fields — are the cause of their change of heart, then that is an issue we need to address. Contributions to our communities, our country, our economy, and our overall wellbeing by girls of all ages are well documented. It’s important to do all we can to support and nurture the innate talents of all our students, male and female alike. The needs of our communities and our country require contributions from all who are able, not just a portion. Let’s encourage “Girl Power” as part of the solution to the challenges we face. Susan Salcido is the Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools. Photo contributed
Susan Salcido
Knox School has new kindergarten program Staff Report
tion and Innovation. Acevedo credited the Girl Scouts with launching her own career in science. She explained that some of the Girls Scouts’ first badges were based in science and engineering. She herself earned a degree in systems engineering at Stanford and went on to become a scientist at NASA. It has been her goal as CEO to increase the Scouts’ commitment to encouraging members to take part in science and technology fields. The need for these efforts is documented by data that shows young girls in elementary school excel in math and science, often outscoring their male counterparts. But somewhere during junior high or middle school years, the drop-off becomes dramatic, and young
by their interests to understand and know more. Equal weight is placed on a strong academic program to lay a solid foundation for future studies at school and purposeful play in and out of the classroom to enhance not only learning but also affective skills. Kindergarten bridges the play-based early childhood approach with the school’s elementary and middle school gifted education program. Kindergarten students continue with daily exploration through free play and hands-on projects, while exploring mathematics and literacy through direct instruction. As in the other grades, Knox kindergarten students have the opportunity to accelerate through this curriculum as guided by ability and interest. For more information, visit www.KnoxSchoolSB.org or call 222-0107.
Cox Digital Academy offers free online resources to make learning fun Staff Report
Cox Communications has launched the Cox Digital Academy, an expansion of its Connect2Compete (C2C) program. Available to parents, students and educators seeking to improve their digital skills, the Cox Digital Academy will provide free online educational resources and training to increase digital competency in education, jobs, housing, social media and more. The academy provides content, tools and resources from Common Sense, EVERFI and the Public Library Association, covering: n Computer and Internet basics, teaching users how to conduct web searches, create and manage email accounts, and how to navigate search engines. n Educational games and resources for students and teachers, providing homework help, teaching strategies and more. n Job skills, enabling parents to easily navigate job search engines, create resumes and
fill out online applications. n Social media and online safety, giving parents and children the tools to help prevent cyber-bullying, learn about social media basics, and protect social media privacy. n Online financial literacy, such as setting up or managing a checking account online and managing an online budget. Since 2004, Cox Communications has installed 100 technology centers at Boys & Girls Clubs of America clubhouses throughout the country. Valued at $25,000, each technology center includes computers, monitors, laptops, printers and Internet service, enabling the students to complete their school assignments and learn critical digital literacy skills that are important to their future success. Since 2012, more than a quarter-million people have been connected to the Internet via Cox’s Connect2Compete program. For more information or to sign up for Connect2Compete, call 855-222-3252.
February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 19
#805Strong: We will recover from Fires and FLoods
Draw how you’re feel ing today and we’l l post it on our website
Name__________________________ Age_____ ________________________________________ PARENTS SIGNATURE TO POST ONLINE
Become a Docent
at the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation! Training: Fridays, February 16 – April 6 (9:30am – noon) Apply now at: www.sbthp.org/docent-application
If you: -Enjoy working with young people, especially elementary school students
-Have a passion for history -Can commit for at least two 1.5 hour shifts monthly -Want to make a difference If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity to host tours and living history demonstrations, please contact:
Kevin McGarry, Director of Progams: (805) 965-2004 / kevin@sbthp.org Apply now at: www.sbthp.org/docent-application
Please send to:
SBFLM, PO Box 1594, Solvang, CA 93464 ~ or ~ Scan and email to: amberly@santabarbarafamilylife.com
20 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
CEO stepping down from Scholarship Foundation Staff Report
The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara will begin a nationwide search for a new president and CEO after Candace Winkler left the nonprofit organization in January. Photo contributed As presiCandace Winkler dent and CEO, Winkler is credited with instituting a number of organizational and planning reforms. “It has been a tremendous honor to lead the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara during this exciting period of change, and I believe the organization is well-positioned to continue its critically important work,” said Winkler, who began serving as the foundation’s president and CEO in July 2015. “I feel very good about all that we accomplished over the last two and a half years, including modernizing and streamlining our scholarship application, evaluation, and distribution processes, and increasing the organization’s focus on student outcomes,” she added. “We greatly appreciate Candace’s hard work and professionalism as president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara,” said Board Chairman Don Logan. “As a result of her efforts, the organization is on firmer ground to expand educational opportunities for students
throughout Santa Barbara County. We wish her much success in her future endeavors.” Winkler oversaw a restructuring of the foundation’s programs department and led a monthslong effort to draft a new strategic plan. During her eventful tenure the foundation’s investment portfolio grew by more than 10 percent to almost $50 million, and the organization launched a new website, including Spanish-language content, among other initiatives. The foundation has awarded more than $100 million to more than 47,000 county students over its 55-year history. A native of South Carolina, Winkler earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Vanderbilt University and master’s degrees in public administration and social work at Columbia University. Previously she served as president and CEO of the Alaska Community Foundation for five years, and as CEO of Thread, Alaska’s Child Care Resource and Referral Network, for eight years. In 2002, she was named to Alaska’s “Top 40 Under 40” list by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, and two years later she was nationally recognized as an emerging leader in early education by the Children’s Defense Fund. Barbara Robertson, the foundation’s former longtime chief operating officer, will serve as interim president and CEO until a permanent replacement is appointed. Founded in 1962, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara is the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships. The nonprofit organization also provides free financial-aid advising services. For more information, visit www.sbscholarship.org.
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February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 21
SB Orchid Show displays rare beauty from around the world
Premier domestic and international growers will attend March event Staff Report Photo contributed Puppets of every kind will take over Santa Barbara at the first Santa Barbara International PuppetPalooza
PuppetPalooza festival to showcase 30 artists’ work Staff Report
Puppets of every kind will be showcased at the first Santa Barbara International PuppetPalooza from March 1- 4 as 30 puppeteers and artists from around the world showcase an extraordinary range of styles and practices. “PuppetPalooza will showcase outstanding performances of all genres of puppetry,” said Mitchell Kriegman, the founder of the fourday, family-focused festival that he hopes to make an annual event. “With performances that speak to all ages, and offered throughout the entire town, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy, from puppets you’ve seen on television to puppets you didn’t know existed.” From giant puppets and toy puppets to hand puppets, shadow puppets, micro puppets and more, PuppetPalooza will celebrate and share
the art of puppetry with locals and visitors alike, he said. PuppetPalooza kicks off Thursday, March 1, with a line-up of performances and events all weekend through Sunday, March 4. Tickets went on sale Jan. 1. Log onto www.santabarbarafamilylife.com for a complete festival schedule of events, including big announcements coming soon. For more information, visit puppetpaloozasb. com. Sponsors of the event include the Squire Foundation; Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture; the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation; the Santa Barbara Foundation; Anne Towbes; MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation; and ParentClick.
Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriffs Association Proudly Presents
Orchid growers from around the globe will gather to exhibit the pride of their world-class specimens at the 73rd annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show from Friday through Sunday, March 9-11, at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The public is invited to tour and marvel at the melding of knowledge, beauty and prestige in the unmatched collection of rare and alluring orchids from passionate hobbyists and commercial leaders. This year’s show doubles as the semi-annual conference of the American Orchid Society, which assures that the best-of-the-best of orchid horticulturists will attend. The theme for this year’s expo is “Orchids— The World’s Greatest Show.” Among the groups exhibiting will be premier California growers, including Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, CalOrchid, and Huntington Gardens. Throughout the year, these flower and plant experts host visitors to their separate gardens and showrooms, and the Orchid Show joins them to achieve unrivaled variety in a single location. The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days at the showgrounds at Las Positas Road and
Destination Science
Joel Ward with the juggling talents of
Something Ridiculous
Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. La Colina Jr. High Gym 4025 Foothill Road, Santa Barbara
For Tickets & Info, call: Jack Pastel
235-1149
805
$15 at the door. Advance Sale $10.
Save $30/wk Foothill School Santa Barbara
6/18-7/20 Ends 3/31/17
Save $40/wk!
20 Bay Area Locations Ends February 28th
Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
All Ages Welcome!
Highway 101. General admission is $14; seniors, students with ID and advance group sales (minimum 25) are $12; and children 12 and under are free with an adult. Tickets are available in advance at www.SBOrchidShow.com
The fun science day camp for curious kids!
The Magic of
Tickets:
Photo contributed The best of the best in orchid horticulture will contribute to the beauty and wonder of the 73rd Santa Barbara Orchid Show.
destinationscience.org 888-909-2822
22 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 6 TUESDAY
Chris Hillman - Photo contributed
Chris Hillman, a founding member of the Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, and the Desert Rose Band, has released "Bidin' My Time," his first studio album in more than a decade. See him on Feb. 16 at the Lobero Theatre.
Compagnie AccrorapFrench-born Algerian choreographer Kader Attou, with his company Accrorap, is one of the foremost representatives of French hip-hop dance. Cudamani Cudamani is hailed as Bali's most forward-thinking music and dance ensemble. Quartet “In a scene crowded with excellent young ensembles, the Calidore String Quartet can assert itself with pride.” — The New York Times
SB Youth Symphony Each Youth Symphony member is chosen by audition, and no qualifying student is refused entry because of finances. Communicating Doors “A real knockout ... A vastly entertaining blend ... This is a show to see.” The New York Post on Communicating Doors
Whale WatchingDuring the winter, gray whales are common in the Santa Barbara Channel.
Compagnie Accrorap/Kader Attou - 8 p.m. at the Granada Theatre. - Performed by 11 exceptional hip-hop dancers who have honed their unique styles over the years, this aesthetic performance blends street moves, Indian kathak and contemporary dance. Tickets range from $20 - $49. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info. 10
7 WEDNESDAY
Cirque Eloize - 8 p.m. at the Granada Theatre. Performed by 11 exceptional hip-hop dancers who have honed their unique styles over the years, this aesthetic performance blends street moves, Indian kathak and contemporary dance. Tickets range from $20 - $49. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info. 13
9 FRIDAY
Danish String Quartet “These Nordic lads possess warmth, wit, a beautiful tone and technical prowess second to none.” — NPR on the Danish String Quartet Terry Virts Terry Virts, former astronaut and “View from Above” author, talks about photographing rare views of Earth from space.
Mike Birbiglia - 8 p.m. at the Granada Theatre - From the comedy mastermind behind "My Girlfriend's Boyfriend" and "Thank God for Jokes" comes "The New One," a hilarious blend of storytelling and stand-up in Mike Birbiglia's honest, self-deprecating style. Log onto www. artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
11 SUNDAY
Calidore String Quartet - 33 p.m. at UCSB Hahn Hall - The quartet makes its Santa Barbara debut with a sweeping program that includes Mendelssohn, Janacek
and its lauded interpretation of Beethoven. Log onto www. artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
12 MONDAY
Science Pub- White Abalone Captive Breeding Program, 6:30 p.m. at Dargan's Irish Pub 18 E. Ortega. Sea Center Aquarist, Thomas Wilson as he discusses the history and current state of the White Abalone fishery, and the efforts of a group of California institutions to restore these animals to their former population density. Admission is free. Cameron Carpenter - 7 p.m. at the Granada Theatre - A superstar organist with tremendous technical prowess and a flamboyant persona to match, Cameron Carpenter has a rare gift for connecting with his audience. Log onto www. artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
13 TUESDAY
Art Without Limits, Bizarts - 75 - 7:30 p.m. Planning Commission Hearing Room 105 E Anapamu Street, 1st Floor. Henry Rosas: The Art of Successful Social Media Strategy. Suggested donation of $20; register at www.awolsb.org.
16 FRIDAY
Santa Barbara Music Foundation Presents An Evening with Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen with John Jorgenson 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. In light of the devastation of the Thomas Fire in Ventura, which the Hillmans have called home for many years, proceeds from this concert will benefit those affected by this disaster. https://www.lobero. org/events/chris-hillman/ Valentines Dinner Dance Party, 5-9 p.m., Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave. Dinner, dessert, dancing, games for families, hosted by Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County for the entire
Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary
Whale Watching Half Day Whale Watch Trip $38 Day Hike on Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island $59 per Adult Photo by Lotti Keenan
ISLANDPACKERS.com 805-642-1393
Valentines Evening Cruise Feb. 14th Authorized Concessioner for Channel Islands National Park Since 1968
February 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 23
FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS special-needs community. Adults $7; children $5; buy tickets or RSVP at 805-886-4411 or dsasbcvalentinesdance.eventbrite.com.
videos from his quest to capture that perfect shade of blue of a sunrise viewed from outer space. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
17 SATURDAY
27 TUESDAY
Sings Like Hell - presents Jack Shit + Happy Traum & Adam Traum, 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. https://www. lobero.org/events/slh42-jackshit/
21 WEDNESDAY
.lobero.org/events/slh42-jackshit/
Family Night at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum- 4 - 7 p.m. Activities include sculptins sea creatures, ocean rock art, Lego builds of mini octopus, starfish and sea turtles, and face painting. Member cost $15, nonmembers $25. RSVP by calling 805-456-8747. Cudamani- 8 p.m. at UCSB's Campbell Hall - Çudamani is known for their exceptional creativity and superb artistry. Comprised of Bali's most respected musicians and dancers, the ensemble performs as a spiritual offering for temples and the village communities in their native Indonesia. Tickets range from $18 - $40. Log onto www. artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
23 FRIDAY
Danish String Quartet - 7 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Composed of fierce friends who have been playing together since childhood, these darlings of A&L's Chamber Arts series will once again dazzle Santa Barbara with the same irresistible energy that thrills audiences worldwide. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
24 SATURDAY
Banff Mountain Film Festival - 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre - Featuring the world's best films and videos on mountain subjects, the tour awes viewers with thrills and grandeur captured in exotic locations the world over. The show's wide variety of film subjects - from extreme sports to mountain culture and environment - will amaze audiences. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
MARCH
2 FRIDAY
Communicating Doors by the Theatre Group at SBCCA London sex specialist from the future stumbles into a murder plot that sends her, compliments of a unique set of hotel doors, traveling back in time. Runs from March 2 - 17. For show times and tickets log onto www. theatregroupsbcc.com or call 805-965-5935. Lobero LIVE presents - An Evening with David Rawl ings at 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. A wry mixture of acoustic and electric music rich in ageless American vernacular. https://www. lobero.org/events/ evening-david-rawlings/.
3 SATURDAY
MOXI Museum Members-Only Morning and Birthday 8:30 - 10 a.m. - Special activities, fun giveaways and refreshments plus exclusive time to explore all three floors of MOXI. Log onto www.moxi.org to join.
Sings Like Hell presents - Chris Smither Trio + Jackie Venson at 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. For tickets and info log onto https://www.lobero.org/ events/ slh42-chris-smither/.
CAMA's Master Series presents Peter Serkin, Piano 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. Serkin returns for his fifth Master Series appearance with an apollonian program of Mozart and Bach's immortal "Goldberg Variations." https://www.lobero.org/events/cama-peter-serkin-piano/.
slh42-chris-smither/.
25 SUNDAY
Santa Barbara Youth Symphony Winter Concert4 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. The Santa Barbara Youth Symphony is an orchestra of 65-70 young musicians from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Ages 12-18 from regional schools, are challenged with serious pieces from the standard orchestral repertoire. Each Youth Symphony member is chosen by audition and no student is refused entry because of finances. https://www.lobero.org/ events/santa-barbara-youth-symphony-feb-25/
26 MONDAY
Terry Virts - View from Above: An Astronaut Photographs the World 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Join Virts as he shares the stunning photos and
CONTINUING EVENTS SUNDAYS
Sea Stories for Families - Enjoy interactive story readings at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's Sea Center at 211 Stearns Wharf. Program free with admission; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526. Shark Sundays - 3:30 p.m. at the Sea Center, 211 Stearns Wharf. Watch staff feed sharks and rays. Observe shark feeding behaviors, and maybe help throw in a few pieces too; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526. Studio Sunday on the Front Steps - 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art located at 1130 State Street - Log onto www.sbma.net for more info.
TUESDAYS Walk on the Wild Side - 9 a.m. If you are a morning person, love animals, and are age 60+, you'll love Walk on the Wild Side! Join this lively crew and get your exercise on while enjoying the Zoo. Class walks
the grounds for one hour and designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and health. First class is free, sign up at the Zoo's front gate. Class is for 60-years-old and older. Bug Out Tuesdays - 11 a.m. Crawl, fly, swim, or flutter over to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History to learn about the amazing connections invertebrates have to the natural world with rotating activities, art, games, and more. Included in admission. Log onto www.sbnature.org. Octopus Tuesdays - 4 p.m. Watch an octopus consume a meal. Discover camouflage behaviors as you learn more about these intelligent invertebrates at the Sea Center at 211 Stearns Wharf; free with admission; www. sbnature.org or 805-962-2526. Members-only morning at the Moxi - 8:30 to 10 a.m. - MOXI Members enjoy exclusive exploration, play and discovery throughout the museum's 17,000 square feet of exhibits.
THURSDAYS Walk on the Wild Side - 9 a.m. If you are a morning person, love animals, and are age 60+, you'll love Walk on the Wild Side! Join this lively crew and get your exercise on while enjoying the Zoo. Class walks the grounds for one hour and designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and health. First class is free, sign up at the Zoo's front gate. Class is for 60-yearsold and older. Jelly Thursdays - 4 p.m. Experience the beauty of jellies as they gracefully gather their microscopic meals at the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf; free with admission; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526. Spring Adult Ceramics Class - 6-9 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art located at 1130 State Street Log onto www.sbma.net for more info. Free Thursday Evenings at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art - 5-8 p.m. Log onto www.sbma.net for more info.
SATURDAYS Fisherman's Market - 6-11 a.m. A handful of fishermen can be found on the City Pier (opposite Brophy's) every Saturday selling crab, rockfish, ling cod, black cod, halibut, urchin, abalone (sustainably farmed), and other catch of the day items. Science on Site - Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Check www.sbnature.org for times and topics. Portal to the Plant - 1-3 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Members-only morning at the Moxi - 8:30-10 a.m. MOXI Members enjoy exclusive exploration, play and discovery throughout the museum's 17,000 square feet of exhibits.
SUNDAYS Shark Sundays - 3:30 p.m. Watch the Sea Center staff feed sharks and rays. Observe shark feeding behaviors, and if you're lucky, help throw in a few pieces too! Included with admission to the Sea Center. 211 Stearns Wharf. Log onto www.sbnature.org for more info.
SATURDAY & SUNDAYS
Branch Out: Nature Escape Room - Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Until Aug. 19-20. Times vary from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Modeled off the popular escape room movement, games are brought to life where kids are the heroes on a quest to solve an environmental mission before time runs out. Register at www.branchoutgames.com. Call 682-4711 ext. 162 for more info. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Twinkle, Twinkle for Little Stars, 11 a.m.; Cosmic Safari, noon; Kids' Space Adventure, 1 p.m.; What's Up, 2 p.m.; Your Cosmic Quest (en Espanol Los Domingos), 3 p.m. Santa Barbara Zoo - Explorer Fundays activities held in the Explore Store 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with Zoo admission. For the event theme each week log onto www.sbzoo.org
EVERY DAY Lane Farms - Local, homegrown and organic produce - open daily from 9 a.m-6 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Log onto www.lanefarmssb.com for what's in season! Winter Whale Watching with Island Packers- Island Packers Gray Whale Watching departs from both the Channel Island and Ventura Harbors. This 3-3.5 hour cruise takes you to the Southern California waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Fares range from $28 - $38, to book an trip log onto www.islandpackers.com or call 805-642-1693. Base Camp - 10 a.m-5 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Several exhibits include a naturalist field station, build zone, search zone, nature art zone and more. Runs through mid-2018. Log onto www.sbnature.org for more info. IM=X Pilates Workouts - IM=X is a cross-conditioning system that includes Pilates moves but adds strength-training and cardio elements for a more athletically-oriented workout so you can tone up and lose inches quickly. For scheduled classes and times log onto www.imxpilates.com. Wild Things -Audubon's North American Mammals 10 a.m-5 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The artist and naturalist, John James Audubon, famous for his historic work on the Birds of America produced the outstanding work on North American mammals. Log onto www.sbnature.org for more info. Vizikord at the Moxi Museum - Vizikord places your real live body inside the computer-generated world allowing you to use your body as an instrument in a spin on two classic arcade games or to create kaleidoscopic images to a custom beat. Exhibit runs through April 1. The MOXI is located at 125 State St., log onto www.moxi.org for details.
WEEKLY Brain Injury Survivors group - 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at Jodi House located at 625 Chapala St. Invites caregivers and survivors of stroke, aneurysm and traumatic brain injuries on community reintegration. Log onto www.jodihouse.org for more info.
24 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | February 2018
In light of the recent tragic events affecting our entire community, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is offering free admission through February 28—in the belief that the power of art will provide solace, tranquility of mind, healing, and a source of inspiration going forward. EXHIBITIONS OPENING JANUARY 28:
Brought to Light: Revelatory Photographs in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Collection Through April 22, 2018
Crosscurrents: The Painted Portrait in America, Britain, and France, 1750–1850 Through May 27, 2018
Crosscurrents: American and European Portrait Photographs, 1840–1900 Through May 27, 2018 During the month of February visitors can also enjoy free art activities in the Family Resource Center, musical performances, and docent tours. For a schedule of events, visit www.sbma.net. Please enter through the Museum Store or Park entrance (near the Library), as State Street entrance is closed.
Free admission during February is a gift to our community from Clay Tedeschi and the Charles Bloom Foundation.
For more exhibitions and events, visit www.sbma.net. 1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA • Tuesday–Sunday: 11 am–5 pm • Free Thursday Evenings: 5–8 pm