Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Elegant
Affordable
Family of Flyers
Monte ito
Miscellany
by Richard Mineards
Richard covered the Royal Family for Britains Daily Mirror and Daily Mail before moving to New York
to write for Rupert Murdochs newly launched Star magazine in 1978; Richard later wrote for New York
magazines Intelligencer. He continues to make regular appearances on CBS, ABC, and CNN, and
moved to Montecito five years ago.
Al Reichel with his son Rick and granddaughter
Julie, all pilots
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 7
a purpose, lose it. As such, the semi-
colon became my best friend, with
parentheses not far behind!
Two of the more amusing chapters
are Low Life, explaining how to
do Montecito on under $150 a day,
and High Life, on a daily budget in
excess of $4,500.
Ive also done a chapter on
Nightlife, adds Robert. It was tough,
but a little humor goes a long way!
Shanes Style Society
Local entrepreneur Shane Baum,
owner of Eye Society in the Upper
Village, is expanding his empire.
Shane, who splits his time between
his homes in Montecito and Newport
Beach, is launching a clothing line,
Leisure Society, to complement his
optical emporium which opened 18
months ago next month.
Initially the product range, includ-
ing polo shirts, cashmere sweaters
and the like, will be sold in around
seventy-five country clubs and well
go from there, says Shane, a six
handicap golfer and regular at the
Montecito Country Club.
A former designer for Marc Jacobs
and Louis Vuitton, Shane has been
working on his new collection, which
also includes glasses, for three years.
When I was creating this collection
I wanted to use the best combination
of materials to interpret the designs
with intrinsic value and quality in a
fashion I had not seen before in the
market... The factories were pushed to
the limit to make it work at the high-
est quality, resulting in unique designs
for discerning customers who truly
appreciate the details.
Shane also sells his optical designs
at Bergdorf Goodman, with prices
between $550 and up to $50,000 for
custom designs.
I trust Sir Elton John has his num-
ber...
New Digs for ETC
After 33 years at the rustic+Alhecama,
the popular Ensemble Theatre
Company is ready for its close-up at
the New Vic, the renovated Victoria
Community Hall, just a tiaras toss or
two from the Granada.
In just over a year, $8.1 million
has been raised towards the $10.5
million needed for the renovation of
Dream. Design. Build. Live.
PO Box 41459 Santa Barbara, California 93140
dwb@elocho.com | Phone.805.965.9555 | Fax.805.965.9566 | www.elocho.com
studios
BECKER
s
w
e
a
t
!
ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL AND GMT-MASTER II ARE TRADEMARKS.
OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER
MISCELLAnY Page 184
Local writer Robert Eringer publishes Montecito
travel book
Shane Baum launches new collection, Leisure
Society
the 80-year-old building, which will
transform it into a modern, intimate
300-seat theater.
Groundbreaking will take place
next month, executive artistic director
Jonathan Fox told me at a mid-cam-
paign bash at the stately Montecito
manse of Alice Willfong, along with
Lni F Bland and Derek Westen.
Its all systems go! gushed
Jonathan, clearly delighted with the
rapid progress, including a $1.5 mil-
lion gift from board member Dana
White and $500,000 from Peter and
Ellen Johnson.
With the Santa Barbara-based
architectural firm PMSM, we are close
to completion of the final designs
for the project and we have received
unanimous approval from the Historic
Landmarks Committee for necessary
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 8 The Voice of the Village
Notre Dame School
33 e. micheltoreNa Street, SaNta BarBara
805. 965. 1033 notredamesb. org
Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Licensed Preschool for children from
age 2-1/2 years
Classes in P.E., music, art, drama, and
Spanish
Technology lab and recently
refurbished library
Intramural after-school athletics
Before and after-school care
Downtown location close to a wealth
of educational opportunities
Longer school year of 190 days
Small class size averaging 18 children
per class
a Fully-accredited catholic School open to all
Providing students with the highest standards of excellence
in academic, physical, social and spiritual development.
eNroll
toDay!
Spaces still
available
If you have something you think Montecito should know about, or wish to respond to something
you read in the Journal, we want to hear from you. Please send all such correspondence to:
Montecito Journal, Letters to the Editor, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite D, Montecito, CA.
93108. You can also FAX such mail to: (805) 969-6654, or E-mail to jim@montecitojournal.net
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
An Opportunity To Excel
I
would like to take this opportunity
to thank Montecito Journal for
introducing the Santa Barbara
Design House & Gardens to the public
Montecitos Design Showcase, MJ #
18/19).
This project has already benefited
the community and will continue to
do so, not only by helping the Junior
League of Santa Barbara, but it has also
created other opportunities that per-
haps are less obvious. The SB Design
House & Gardens has given myself
as an instructor at Brooks Institute the
opportunity to give my students an
incredible experience that would be
hard to offer them otherwise.
They have had the opportunity to
document how a rat invested house
and orchard can be developed with
a great amount of care into a beauti-
fully landscaped gardens and home.
This fantastic architectural example
has afforded our architectural pho-
tography students great photographic
opportunities, both still and video,
and has allowed them to see first hand
the quality and attention that not only
Pennco Properties has demonstrated
but that the Franzes have been com-
mitted to from day one.
Joanie Franz has reached out to
us and given us the opportunity to
not only document this project but to
further give recognition to the Brooks
team that is participating by allow-
ing their photography to be exhib-
ited in the home during September.
Our video students have been able
to capture a full documentary on the
building and finishing of this wonder-
ful property and receive their well
deserved recognition by showing their
video, also during the Design House
and Gardens opening. It is great when
our students get to operate in real
world settings such as this.
I hope the community understands
the value that this type of generosity
and commitment brings to Montecito
and Santa Barbara and do everything
to support these efforts by all partici-
pating.
Russ McConnell
Faculty, Brooks Institute
Santa Barbara
We need This Help!
We would like to congratulate the
Montecito Journal on its thorough arti-
cle about the future Santa Barbara
Design House & Gardens scheduled
to open in September of this year
(Montecitos Design Showcase, MJ
# 18/19). Joanie and Dennis Franz,
along with their builder, Phillip
Pennestri of Pennco Properties had
the vision to take a longtime eye-
sore of the community, occupying a
prominent 1 acres and renovate it
into a beautiful home, gardens, and
property that all of Montecito can be
proud of. It is with great pride that
each of us, along with our team of
hard workers, have labored to bring
this project to fruition. The transfor-
mation has been a collaborative effort,
and we are ready for the public to visit
and witness what can happen when
many forces join together to make a
difference. We are excited to help sup-
port a community charity with this
project. As mentioned in the article,
ticket sales for the tours will benefit
the Junior League of Santa Barbara
and their efforts to stop illiteracy,
from which children throughout the
community will benefit. Our children
need this help! Montecito and Santa
Barbara needs this help! Our local
economy needs this help!
We hope that every person in our
community helps support these efforts
by spreading the word and participat-
ing in any way that they can to make
this a huge success!
Signed,
Mike Poteet, Valley Crest Trees; J.
Michael Cicileo, Cicileo Landscape;
Werner Theiss, Werner Wallcovering;
Richard Baron, Baron Bros. Nursery;
Jeff Ruppert, Ruppert Construction,
Inc.; Lino Della Ripa, Stone West Inc.;
Ken Hall, Goleta Building Materials;
Dave Purling, Purling Painting
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Publisher Timothy Lennon Buckley
Editor Kelly Mahan Design/Production Trent Watanabe
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Christine Merrick Moral Support & Proofreading Helen Buckley Arts/Entertainment/Calendar/Music
Steven Libowitz Books Shelly Lowenkopf Business Flora Kontilis Columns Ward Connerly, Erin Graffy,
Scott Craig Food/Wine Judy Willis, Lilly Tam Cronin Gossip Thedim Fiste, Richard Mineards History
Hattie Beresford Humor Jim Alexander, Ernie Witham, Grace Rachow Photography/Our Town Joanne
A. Calitri Society Lynda Millner Travel Jerry Dunn Sportsman Dr. John Burk Trail Talk Lynn P. Kirst
Medical Advice Dr. Gary Bradley, Dr. Anthony Allina Legal Advice Robert Ornstein
Published by Montecito Journal Inc., James Buckley, President
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Montecito Journal is compiled, compounded, calibrated, cogitated over, and coughed up every Wednesday
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FAX: (805) 969-6654; Letters to Editor: Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite D, Montecito,
CA 93108; E-MAIL: news@montecitojournal.net
The best little paper in America
(Covering the best little community anywhere!)
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 9 I figure the faster I pedal, the faster I can retire Lance Armstrong
FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION
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LETTERS Page 284
and Refinishing, Inc.; Jim Gaskin,
Tri County Pools; Robert Adams,
Earthknower Landscape Design; Brent
Bilco, Reflections Window Cleaners;
Byron Beck, Solid Rock Construction;
Jaime Dietenhofer, Garage Envy;
Matt Riley, Riley Electric, Inc.; Mark
Armstrong, California Doors and
Hardware, Inc.; Kevin Wahlberg,
Budget Blinds; Chris Johnson, Fine
Wood Interiors, Inc.
no Hearing Yet
Excellent coverage of the issues
regarding the US 101 project in your lat-
est edition (Highway To Heaven? MJ
# 18/19). I have a question, however,
as to where the information came from
that the SB City Planning Commission
allegedly prefers Option F, since we
have not yet had a hearing on the DEIR.
Regards,
Santa Barbara Planning
Commissioner
Addison Thompson
Santa Barbara
(Editors note: I am delighted to hear
that the Commissioners alleged prefer-
ence for Option F which dumps all beach-
bound traffic into local neighborhoods
is not necessarily true, and that your
minds are still open to F-Modified, which
includes both a new exit to East Cabrillo
Blvd and keeping the Hermosillo exit open
for locals. B.H.)
Enough Already!
Over the past five months or so, my
co-workers and I have become sick
and tired of watching a construction
crew build, destroy, build, destroy, and
re-build the sidewalks at the corner of
San Ysidro and East Valley Road. The
noise caused by this project has truly
been a major nuisance, but the abject
and utter waste of tax dollars is what
concerns me the most. The head of the
construction crew looks exactly like
the lead singer of the rock band, ZZ
Top (with an incredibly long, white,
flowing beard). It has truly been dis-
gusting to watch this foreman and his
crew build new handicap accessible
sidewalks, then tear them out, re-build
them, tear them out again, and re-
build them yet again (especially since
these workers have spent much of
their time standing around doing
nothing). As a local tax accountant,
I estimate this project has cost taxpay-
ers in the vicinity of $250,000 or more.
During the 20 years my office has
been located at the corner of San
Ysidro and East Valley Road, I have
yet to ever witness a person in a
wheelchair attempt to use the cross-
walks at this very steep, and danger-
ous corner. I would love to know who
authorized this project, so I could let
TWO POUND
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17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 10 The Voice of the Village
Howard Open House
Get your passport to explore the fun and
fascinating world of kindergarten at The
Howard School. All incoming kindergarten
and pre-kindergarten families are welcome.
Passports, projects, and snacks will be
provided.
When: 8 to 10 am
Where: 5315 Foothill Road, Carpinteria
Info and RSVP: 745-8448
or www.thehowardschool.org
Antiques & Vintage Sale
To beneft CALM, the Earl Warren
Showgrounds will host an antiques and
vintage show and sale, featuring 80 quality
antiques, vintage and decorative arts
dealers
When: May 18, 19, and 20; 11 am to 6
pm Friday and Saturday, Sunday from
11 am to 5 pm
Where: 3400 Calle Real
Cost: $6 admission at the door ($5 with ad
from the MJ ), $5 senior, children 12 and
under free
Info: 898-9715
or www.calmantiqueshows.com
SATURDAY MAY 19
MTF Hike
Montecito Trails Foundation 3.5-mile,
1,000-foot altitude-gain hike up San Ysidro
trail to Edison Catway then west to Girard
Trail, down to McMenemy trail, east to
San Ysidro trail and return. Bring food and
water for this advanced hike.
When: 8:20 for check-in and release forms
Where: San Ysidro trailhead on East
Mountain Drive, west of Park Lane
Info: 568-0833
Cancer Prevention Fair
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics
THURSDAY MAY 17
Artiste and Sunstone Winery
Food and Wine Safari presents an evening
of wine, food and art. Enjoy a fve-course
reverse paired wine dinner, meet the
winemakers from Sunstone Winery, learn
about their limited edition art-inspired
wines, and meet internationally acclaimed
artist James Paul Brown.
When: 6 pm
Where: Tydes Restaurant at the Coral
Casino, 1260 Channel Drive
Cost: $85 per person
Info and RSVP: 698-3426
or enjoy@foodandwinesafari.com
FRIDAY MAY 18
Lecture & Dinner
Russell Pearce, author of the
controversial Arizona immigration law
currently before the U.S. Supreme Court,
will speak to Santa Barbara Republican
Women, Federated, at their dinner meeting
at Montecito Country Club.
The Border and Immigration: The
Administration vs. Arizona will be
discussed by the former state senator
who recently defended Senate Bill 1070
during a hearing before a U.S. Senate
Committee.
U.S. federal law requires all aliens over
the age of 14 who remain in the United
States for longer than 30 days to register
with the U.S. government and to have
registration documents in their possession
at all times. The Arizona Act additionally
makes it a state misdemeanor crime for an
alien to be in Arizona without carrying the
required documents, requires that state law
enforcement offcers attempt to determine
an individuals immigration status during
a lawful stop, detention or arrest when
there is reasonable suspicion that the
individual is an illegal immigrant, bars state
or local offcials or agencies from restricting
enforcement of federal immigration laws,
and cracks down on those sheltering, hiring
and transporting illegal aliens.
When: 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: 920 Summit Drive
Cost: $30 prepaid or $35 at the door
Reservations: 699-6756
(If you have a Montecito event, or an event that concerns Montecito,
please e-mail kelly@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860)
FRIDAY MAY 18
Erin Graffy Speaks
The Santa Barbara Republican Club invites all
to its luncheon meeting with MJs own Erin
Graffy. She will share her unique and always
entertaining perspective on the state of The
Race to date. Erin will cover it all the city,
county, state and nation, no person or part of the
country will be spared!
When: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Goleta Holiday Inn, 5650 Calle Real
Cost: $23 per person
Info and RSVP: Barbara, 684-3858
THURSDAY MAY 17
Diving the
Montebello
Bob Schwemmer
will present a lecture
titled, Diving the
Montebello, showing
historical research
he has uncovered
on the Union Oil
Company tanker S
S Montebello, which
was torpedoed
by a Japanese submarine in 1941. Richard Quincy, the last known living
crewmember aboard the Montebello when it sank, will be in attendance.
When: 7 pm (members are invited to a wine and cheese reception to meet the
speaker from 6:15 to 7 pm)
Where: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Munger Theater, 113 Harbor Way
Cost: Free for members, $5 for non-members
Info and Tickets: 962-8404, x115
or www.sbmm.org
This Week
Montecito
in and around
Montecito Tide Chart
Day Low Hgt High Hgt Low Hgt High Hgt Low Hgt
Thurs, May 17
2:46 AM 0.3 8:55 AM 3.6 02:04 PM 1.6 08:24 PM 5.4
Fri, May 18
3:20 AM -0.1 9:36 AM 3.6 02:33 PM 1.8 08:50 PM 5.5
Sat, May 19
3:52 AM -0.3 10:14 AM 3.6 03:01 PM 1.9 09:17 PM 5.6
Sun, May 20
4:23 AM -0.4 10:50 AM 3.5 03:30 PM 2.1 09:45 PM 5.7
Mon, May 21
4:56 AM -0.5 11:27 AM 3.5 03:59 PM 2.2 010:15 PM 5.6
Tues, May 22
5:30 AM -0.5 12:07 PM 3.4 04:30 PM 2.4 010:46 PM 5.5
Wed, May 23
6:06 AM -0.4 12:50 PM 3.3 05:04 PM 2.5 011:20 PM 5.3
Thurs, May 24
6:45 AM -0.3 01:39 PM 3.3 05:44 PM 2.7 011:57 PM 5.1
Fri, May 25
7:27 AM -0.1 02:33 PM 3.3 06:38 PM 2.8
(SBNC), Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
and Cottage Health System will host a
Cancer Prevention Fair to provide free and
low-cost cancer screenings for community
members who are uninsured or under-
insured. Attendees who qualify will be
eligible for free cancer screenings, including
skin cancer screenings (for ages 20+),
visual oral cancer screening (for ages
30+), clinical breast exams (for ages 40+),
and colon cancer at-home screening kits
(for ages 50-75). Future appointments for
colonoscopies and womens exams will be
made for those who qualify. Health educators
will also be on hand to provide cancer
prevention information on topics including
mammograms, the HPV vaccine, hereditary
cancer risk and smoking cessation.
When: 9 am to 12 noon
Where: 915 N. Milpas Street
Info: 617-7856
MONDAY MAY 21
MBAR Meeting
Montecito Board of Architectural Review
seeks to ensure that new projects are
harmonious with the unique physical
characteristics and character of Montecito
When: 2 pm
Where: Country Engineering Building,
Planning Commission Hearing Room,
123 E. Anapamu
WEDNESDAY MAY 23
Montecito Planning Commission
Meeting
MPC ensures that applicants adhere to
certain ordinances and policies and that
issues raised by interested parties are
addressed
When: 9 am
Where: Country Engineering Building,
Planning Commission Hearing Room,
123 E. Anapamu
THURSDAY MAY 24
Public Workshop
Members of the public are invited to take
part in a workshop on the update of the
Santa Barbara County Integrated Regional
Water Management (IRWM) Plan.
Santa Barbara County IRWM Plan was
frst drafted in 2007 and is required to
be updated in order to qualify for future
state grant funding. The existing plan has
facilitated the award of over $28 million
dollars to the Region to either wholly or
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 11 I look a hundred and weigh 110; you wont love me when you see the wreck England has made me Wallis Simpson
FRIDAY MAY 25
Prelude to Summer
Bach Concert
As a special Prelude to
Summer, West Coast
Chamber Orchestra
will perform an uplifting
All Bach Concert at
Trinity Episcopal. The
concert includes Johann
Sebastian Bachs rarely-
heard Lutheran Mass
No. 2 in A Major and
familiar cantata Jesu,
Joy of Mans Desiring -
featuring the Santa Barbara Chamber Singers, under the baton of Guest Conductor,
Dr. Michael Shasberger, Professor of Music and Worship at Westmont College.
Also on the program are some of composer Bachs most jubilant 18th century hits:
Oboe & Violin Concerto with Soloists Tamsen Beseke, Violin, and Kathy Bell
Russo, Oboe; Air on G-String; Arioso, and Fifth Brandenburg Concerto with
Frank Basile, Harpsichord.
Concertmaster Tamsen Beseke will play a violin crafted in 1780 by Stradivari
disciple Giovanni Guadagnini. Music Director Christopher Story VI will
conduct. Limited seating.
When: 8 pm
Where: 1500 State Street
Cost: $20-$25
Tickets: 963-4408
Info: cstory6@gmail.com
FRIDAY MAY 25
Memorial Day Ceremonies
Santa Barbara: 9 am at Santa
Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive;
11 am at Veterans Memorial Building,
112 W. Cabrillo Blvd
Goleta: 9 am at Goleta Cemetery,
44 S. San Antonio Road
Carpinteria: 10 am Carpinteria
Cemetery, 1501 Cravens Lane
partially fund 21 water supply, water
conservation, reclaimed water, wastewater
treatment, food control, and ecosystem
restoration projects.
When: 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Where: Board of Supervisors Hearing
Room, 105 E. Anapamu, 4th Floor
Info: Matt Naftaly, 568-3542
SAVE THE DATE
Chief Kevin Wallaces Retirement
Fire Chief Kevin Wallaces last day on
duty will be May 31, after serving as a
frefghter for over 30 years. Tri-tip and
chicken barbeque with salad, beans, and
garlic bread will be available. RSVP no
later than June 1.
When: Saturday, June 9 from 12 to 4 pm
Where: Lower Manning Park
Cost: $15 per person
Info and RSVP: Geri, 969-2537 or
gventura@montecitofre.com
ONGOING
MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS
Art Classes
Beginning and advanced, all ages and by
appt, just call
Where: Portico Gallery,
1235 Coast Village Road
Info: 695-8850
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Adventuresome Aging
Where: 89 Eucalyptus Lane
Info: 969-0859; ask for Susan
WEDNESDAYS THRU SATURDAYS
Live Entertainment at Cava
Where: Cava, 1212 Coast Village Road
When: 7 pm to 10 pm
Info: 969-8500
MONDAYS
Story Time at the Library
When: 10:30 to 11 am
Where: Montecito Library,
1469 East Valley Road
Info: 969-5063
Connections Early Memory Loss
Program
Where: Friendship Center,
89 Eucalyptus Lane
Info: Susan Forkush, 969-0859 x15
TUESDAYS
Boy Scout Troop 33 Meeting
Open to all boys ages 11-17; visitors
welcome
When: 7:15 pm
Where: Scout House, Upper Manning
Park, 449 San Ysidro Road
WEDNESDAYS
Story Time
Stories read to little ones at Montecito toy
store, Toy Crazy. All books are discounted
10% for purchase during story time
mornings.
When: 11 am to 11:30 am
Where: 1026 Coast Village Road
(in Vons shopping center)
Info: 565-7696
THURSDAYS
Casual Italian Conversation at the
Montecito Library
Practice your Italian conversation amongst
a variety of skill levels while learning about
Italian culture. Fun for all, and informative,
too!
When: 1 pm to 2 pm
Where: 1469 East Valley Road
Info: 969-5063
Pick-up Basketball Games
He shoots; he scores! The Montecito
Family YMCA is offering pick-up basketball
on Thursdays at 5:30 pm. Join coach
Donny for warm-up, drills and then
scrimmages. Adults welcome too.
When: 5:30 pm
Where: Montecito Family YMCA,
591 Santa Rosa Lane
Info: 969-3288
FRIDAYS
Farmers Market
When: 8 am to 11:15 am
Where: South side of Coast Village Road
SUNDAYS
Vintage & Exotic Car Day
Motorists and car lovers from as far away
as Los Angeles and as close as East Valley
Road park in front of Richies Barber
Shop at the bottom of Middle Road on
Coast Village Road going west to show
off and discuss their prized possessions,
automotive trends and other subjects.
Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Corvettes
prevail, but there are plenty other autos to
admire.
When: 8 am to 10 am (or so)
Where: 1187 Coast Village Road
Info: sbcarscoffee@gmail.com MJ
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 12 The Voice of the Village
80 Quality Antiques, Vintage and Decorative Arts Dealers
At the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, CA
to beneft CALM (calm4kids.org)
May 18, 19 & 20, 2012
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. www.calmantiqueshows.com
$6 Admission at the door ($5 Adults, 1 or more, with this ad)
$5 Senior (62+) / Child (Under 12 Free) (One time purchase applies to all 3 days)
FREE Parking Info 805-898-9715
Follow us on Facebook
Montanos Glass Repair Crystal & China Repair
Antiques & Vintage
Show and Sale
Celebrating 20 Year
Added attraction! Mens Garden Club
of Santa Barbara Annual Plant Sale
Fine Jewelry and Collectibles
Estate Jewelry Show
MAY 16 - 18, 2012
10:30 AM TO 5:PM
1470 East Valley Road, Studio V
Montecito, California 93108
805.969.0888
18k Art Nouvean Pendant with Diamonds and Pearls
Montecito Association
Village Beat
by Kelly Mahan
A
t this months Montecito
Association Board meeting,
the board was briefed
on a working letter that is being
composed as a response to the Draft
Environmental Impact Report (DEIR)
on Caltrans HOV project, slated to
widen the 101 from Montecito to
Ventura County. The letter, which will
be further discussed at next months
Land Use Committee meeting, will
formally state the Associations
position: that the DEIR is inadequate.
The MA board has pointed out
flaws in the DEIR, including that it
does not comply with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and that there is not a wide enough
range of alternatives being looked
at for the configurations of both the
Cabrillo/Hot Springs and Sheffield
Drive interchanges. There is also
not enough information on current
and future traffic operations, noise
impacts, visual impacts, and construc-
tion impacts, according to executive
director Victoria Greene. The Board
plans to ask Caltrans to correct the
The Sheriffs
Station in
Carpinteria will
be closed due
to budget cuts
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 13 What other people may find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive Arnold Palmer
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DEIRs inadequacies and re-circulate
the document. The comment period,
which had originally been extended
from May 25 to July 6, has now been
extended again until July 9, according
to project spokesperson Gregg Hart.
In a surprise move, the Board
unanimously voted to send a letter
to Montecito Planning Commission
and Santa Barbara City Planning
Commission strongly opposing any
alternative within the project that
results in Hermosillo Road becom-
ing the primary northbound off-ramp
before Salinas Street. At the urging of
several Hermosillo-area residents in
the audience, the Board decided to
take the position, but qualified it by
saying they have yet to take a formal
position on any alternatives. Since
holding their town hall-style meeting
on May 1, the Board has maintained
they are avoiding getting behind any
one alternative, because they feel that
Caltrans has not properly looked at all
the possible alternatives.
The idea to formally take that posi-
tion originated when the Hermosillo-
area residents in the audience read a
letter that had already been sent to act-
ing Caltrans director Rachel Falsetti,
listing a number of alternatives to the
ones already outlined in the DEIR. MA
President Dick Nordlund explained
that the letter was sent as a summary
to what had been discussed with Ms
Falsetti when she met with members
of the board earlier this month; a group
drove Falsetti around Montecito to
show her the ins and outs of our com-
munity. You dont see what we see
on a daily basis, said Martha Siegel,
speaking on behalf of the residents.
We feel like we are not being heard,
she said before the motion was put on
the table. After the vote, the residents
applauded and thanked the Board for
taking a position.
Caruso to Receive TOT Rebate
During Nordlunds summary of a
meeting held with Supervisor Salud
Carbajal, he announced the Board
of Supervisors are likely to adopt an
ordinance later this month that will
give luxury hotel developers a rebate
on Transient Occupancy Tax. The ordi-
nance was suggested to the Board by
Miramar owner Rick Caruso, who
promised that if it was approved,
he would demolish the dilapidated
buildings on the site immediately.
Rick Lemmo, speaking on Carusos
behalf, told the MA board that the
buildings will likely come down by
the end of the year.
Sheriffs Substation to Close
Sergeant David Brookshire
announced that on Monday, May 14,
the Carpinteria City Council voted 4-1
to eliminate two staff positions at the
Carpinteria Sheriffs Station, causing
the substation to be closed to the pub-
lic. The station, which was opened
in 1992, will be deputy-staffed, and a
walk-up window where residents can
file paperwork or reports will no longer
be available. Starting June 25, residents
who need non-emergent help can go to
the main station at 4434 Calle Real off
El Sueno Road in Santa Barbara.
Teachers Retiring
Montecito Union School Chief
Academic Officer Nick Bruski report-
ed to the MA board that seven teach-
ers from the school are being honored
this week for their retirements.
The retirees include Marilyn
Bachman (25 years at MUS), Lynn
Cummings (23 years), Sue Hillway
(27 years), Pam McLendon (40 years),
Liz Peterson (20 years), Jane Warner
(29 years) and Dave Williams (38
years). The group boasts 202 years in
total at MUS.
High Fire Season
New Montecito Fire Chief Chip
Hickman reports the County will offi-
cially be on High Fire Season alert
beginning on May 25. The tanker base
in Santa Maria was opened for fire sea-
son on Tuesday, after being downgrad-
ed in 2009 as a call when needed base
for financial reasons. Hickman cred-
ited retiring Chief Kevin Wallace and
Montecito resident Brett Matthews for
their hard work in having the base
restored to seasonal full service status.
Having the base open is a great tool
for us, and will help us immensely dur-
ing fires, Hickman said.
The next Montecito Association Board
meeting is Tuesday, June 12, at 4 pm.
Temporary Post Office
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lar book and gift emporium which
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 14 The Voice of the Village
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The Run For The Roses
I
t was Derby Day at the Coral Casino
as the Transition House Auxiliary
presented their 15
th
annual Mad
Hatter luncheon. Instead of a crazy
rabbit running around though, there
was a sedate horse that walked
on two feet and was named Long
Shot. There was also a giant stuffed
toy horse that was auctioned off for
someones grandsons birthday.
The Kentucky Derby is often called
The most exciting two minutes in
sports. It is the longest continuously
running sporting event in the United
States and because of the red rose win-
ners wreath that is draped over the
horse, the red rose became the official
flower of the Churchill Downs event
in Louisville in 1904.
As guests arrived in their splen-
diferous chapeaux, mint juleps were
handed out, of course. Kentucky
Bluegrass band Peter Feldmann and
The Very Lonesome Boys played old
time favorites. Besides the silent and
live auctions, Entera and James Malia
were busy drawing caricatures of vari-
ous ladies. Entera can do one in four
minutes. Waiters were in jeans and
jockey hats and the tables were cen-
tered with red roses and champagne
in silver ice buckets.
Beverly Zaleski
and Transition
House Board
President Pat St.
Clair with the
horse Long Shot
in the middle at
the Coral Casino
Transition House
Chairman Missy
Sheldon and Mad
Hatter co-chairs
Diane White and
Kathryn Dinkin
enjoying them-
selves at Derby
Day, presented
by the Transition
House Auxiliary
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Judges Lana Marm, Sharron
Pognant and Patty Kelley were check-
ing out the hats to choose the best in
three categories. Winner for most beau-
tiful was Beverley Zaleski, most out-
rageous Kerrie Kilpatrick Weinberg
and funniest Priscilla Small.
Auxiliary president Pat St. Clair
and luncheon chair Missy Sheldon
welcomed guests. Missys co-chairs
were Kathryn Dinkin and Diane
White. The ever popular Andrew
Firestone led the auction with his
unending energy.
Executive director Kathleen
Baushke reminded us in her program
message that the funds from this lun-
cheon will help approximately 250
homeless children who move into
their shelter space each year. Over
half of all the homeless are children.
Transition House also has a new facil-
ity opening soon so they can help even
more people.
The Derby always begins with the
singing of Stephen Fosters My Old
Kentucky Home. Part of it says,
Weep no more, my lady, Oh weep
no more today! We will sing one song
for the old Kentucky home, for the
old Kentucky home far away. And
Theyre Off for another year.
A Bygone Era
Guests of Domestic Violence
Solutions (DVS) were invited to step
back in time and celebrate Springtime
in a Bygone Era. The setting took
one back to the 1920s when George
Washington Smith was building his
now-famous architecture and where
Debora and Stuart Fuss live. Their
gardens were the perfect setting for
the alfresco late afternoon.
Sponsors were invited early for
a special floorshow and skit with a
Dancing with the Stars plot. The danc-
ers were all from David Alvarezs
Santa Barbara Dance Center where
anyone can learn to be as graceful
as they were and wear those glitzy
glam dresses. Skit emcee Nancy
Nufer and judges Cherilyn Milton
(Betty Soup), Katie Thatcher (Gloria
Swansong) and Laezer Schlomkowitz
(Douglas Furbanks) kept us laughing.
According to the program, the judges
were known for their prickly, per-
snickety unpredictability regarding
hoofers. Dancers were Patti Connors,
Kum Su Kim and Alison Allan led
by David.
Guests could stroll, sip and sup with
passed nibbles and a table laden with
cheese of all kinds. There was time
to peruse the silent auction but the
co-chairs Suzy Cawthon and Barbi
Zimmerman were happy that they and
their committee had already raised
$100,000 before the doors opened.
Executive director Richard Kravetz,
associate executive director Marsha
Marcoe and founder of the spring
event Lisa Goldmuntz were all meet-
ing and greeting. Lisa told us, The
spring event has raised about one
million dollars since it began thirteen
years ago.
The first DVS shelter opened in
Santa Barbara in 1977, Lompoc in
Mad Hatter
winners: most
outrageous
Kerrie Kilpatrick
Weinberg; most
beautiful
Beverly Zaleski;
and funniest
Priscilla Small
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 16 The Voice of the Village
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1978 and Santa Maria in 1987. They
have been open ever since. Because
the 30- to 45-day stay typically isnt
enough for the women to establish
their own independent households,
the first transitional shelter for bat-
tered women and their children
opened in 1993. There is a 14-unit
apartment building where they can
stay for 18 months of affordable
housing, counseling, advocacy and
other support.
DVS also works to end the intergen-
erational cycle of domestic violence. If
youd like to donate to their long wish
list, call 963-4458. The 24-hour crisis
line is (805) 964-5245.
The Heart
Of The Matter
The American Heart Association
(AHA) gave its 14
th
annual fundraiser
at the Coral Casino where Palmer
Jackson, Jr. and John Simpson were
holding court with their music dur-
ing cocktail and canap time. The
outdoor bars were trs elegant with
white chiffon curtains blowing in the
sea breeze and graced with lit chande-
liers. Inside, all the walls were covered
in chiffon as well.
After dinner Palmer substituted
as auctioneer when the scheduled
person couldnt make it. He joked,
I got my degree from the Larry
Crandell Institute. Two of the most
unusual live auction items were
All Day Shadowing Dr. Joseph
Aragon that included a live sur-
gery observation. Dr. Aragon is also
the Board President of the AHA. The
other was a Los Angeles Marathon
VIP Experience, including train-
ing and training gear. Palmer and
Wayne Siemens were the Honorary
Committee.
Executive Director Lisa Dosch told
SEEn (Continued from page 15)
Hosts
Deborah
and Stuart
Fuss on
either side
of Domestic
Violence
event co-
chair Suzy
Cawthon
Enjoying the
DVS event
are Jayne
Menkemeller,
Debra Wyatt,
and commit-
tee member
Lauren Katz
with hus-
band, Steve
Rob Egenolf
and wife
director
Judy with
donors Cindy
and Steve
Lyons at the
Springtime
in a Bygone
Era event
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 17
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Ward Connerly is a former Regent of the University of California and
President of the American Civil Rights Coalition.
The Fairness Issue
A
s he prosecutes his proclaimed
defense of Americas middle
class in his campaign for
reelection, President Barack Obama
often invokes the theme of fairness.
Everyone deserves a fair shot, he
says, in which everyone plays by the
same rules. It isnt fair, he argues,
for Warren Buffett to pay only 15%
in federal income taxes while his
secretary pays 30%. Buffett and other
millionaires and billionaires should
be required to pay their fair share.
The principle of fairness is a power-
ful one in American culture. Do unto
others as you would have them do
unto you! Obviously, the president
realizes this fact. Unfortunately, the
president has been less than consistent
in distributing his passion for fairness
to other public policy areas, especially
to the issue of affirmative action pref-
erences in college admissions.
Frank Ricci is a firefighter for the
City of New Haven Connecticut. He
is white. Ricci and nineteen other
firefighters eighteen white and one
Hispanic had passed the test for
promotions to management, but City
officials invalidated the results of the
test because none of the black fire-
fighters who passed the examination
had scored high enough to receive
consideration for promotion. Ricci and
his colleagues filed a lawsuit alleging
that it was unfair for the City to take
such action, especially after Ricci had
studied extensively for the exam and
paid for special coaching to overcome
dyslexia. The Justice Department of
the Obama administration supported
the action of the City. On June 29,
2009, the Supreme Court of the United
States ruled 5-4 in favor of Ricci and
his colleagues.
As a high school senior, in 2008,
Abigail Fisher applied for admis-
sion to the University of Texas at
Austin. Fisher, who is white, was
denied admission because she was
not in the top 10% of her high school
class which would have granted her
automatic admission nor was she
accepted under the universitys race-
conscious diversity considerations.
Fisher believes her rejection was
unfair and, apparently, so did the
U.S. Supreme Court, which will hear
the case this fall. The Obama admin-
istration has supported the University
of Texas in the lower courts.
Diversity Guidelines
The Obama administration has also
issued Diversity Guidelines that
essentially advise colleges and uni-
versities on how to select students
based on race to achieve diver-
sity. Many Americans consider such
practices to be unfair.
It is also noteworthy that the presi-
dent signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection
Act, which establishes the Office of
Minority and Women Inclusion in the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
This office is regarded by many as an
agency that will promote inclusion
of minorities and women to the exclu-
sion of white males. If so, it will hardly
deal in fairness.
Failure of the Obama Justice
Department to prosecute the Black
Panthers for threatening voters in a
Philadelphia polling place or to take
action against the Black Panthers for
offering a bounty for the capture of
George Zimmerman are also inci-
dences of unfairness.
The pattern that can be clearly por-
trayed is that when it comes to race,
the Obama administration applies
the principle of fairness in a radically
different manner than it suggests
with respect to the issue of taxation.
The same rules for everybody and
fair play for all are conspicuously
missing.
It is ironic that a man who was
reputed to be the first post-racial
president in American history has
presided over one of the most race-
conscious administrations in modern
times. This has occurred because Mr.
Obama has been able to inoculate
himself from this fact by leaving issues
that directly relate to race to agencies
within his administration, especially
the Departments of Education and
Justice, rather than addressing them
himself. In addition, the high profile of
other matters, such as ObamaCare
and the federal deficit, has completely
overshadowed lesser profile issues
such as race.
Fairness is a foundational prin-
ciple of our nation. That is why it
has been invoked not only by the
president but by the presumptive
Republican nominee for president
as well. It is important, however,
that the American electorate not be
seduced into believing that the prin-
ciple is being observed when it is
not, especially with regard to a sensi-
tive issue such as race. MJ
It is ironic that a man who was reputed to be the first post-
racial president in American history has presided over one of
the most race-conscious administrations in modern times
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 34 The Voice of the Village
Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College
Your Westmont
College Celebrates the Life of Dr. Alex Moore
by Scott Craig
Photos of Kirsten and Alex Moore by Brad Elliott
F
amily and friends celebrated
the life of Dr. Alex Moore at a
memorial service May 15 at Santa
Barbara Community Church in Santa
Barbara. Moore, an assistant professor
of kinesiology at Westmont, died May 9
from complications following surgery
for Crohns disease at Cedars-Sinai
Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 31.
His wife, Kirsten, survives him;
the couple met at Westmont in 2005
when she became the colleges head
womens basketball coach. They got
married in 2008, and their first child is
due in July.
Alex was a bright light he had a
winsome humility, President Gayle
D. Beebe says. He played a unique
and distinct role in our kinesiology
department and was one reason why
the major is so highly regarded.
Moore, a Wheaton College alumnus,
was an adjunct instructor at Westmont
for both the kinesiology and biology
departments from 2004-06. He taught
a wide range of classes, including
anatomy, tennis, physiology, biochem-
istry lab and Fit for Life, a freshman
wellness class.
Moore then accepted a fellowship
to study at the University of Missouri,
which has one of the best microcircu-
latory programs in the country. He left
Westmont not knowing if a job would
be open when he returned. While in
Missouri, he earned his doctorate in
biomedical sciences.
He returned to Westmont in fall 2010
as a sabbatical replacement in the biol-
ogy department, teaching physiology,
genetics and cell biology. He began
the tenure-track position in fall 2011
in the kinesiology department, teach-
ing physiology, biomechanics and a
research course. His research special-
ized in microcirculation, focusing on
hair-sized arteries and the regulation
of blood flow to tissue.
His love for knowledge, athletics
and, most of all, his personal faith
gave him an exceptional ability to
contribute, says Glenn Town, chair
of the kinesiology department. He
was a bridge builder, seeking to bring
people and projects together without
pushing his own agenda. His engag-
ing personality made it a delight for
faculty and students to interact with
him daily. Alex loved teaching and
being a mentor. He had a gift for mak-
ing complicated concepts understand-
able. Alex had a passion for bring-
ing students into his line of research.
He welcomed that responsibility and
couldnt wait to get started. He was at
the threshold of providing our depart-
ment what we need in our next step:
hands-on research. He was highly
respected in micro-vascular research,
already being asked to contribute to
the field at a young age.
I shared with Alex a love for cycling
and had the privilege of serving as his
cross country coach when he was an
undergraduate student at Wheaton.
For two consecutive years, Alex was
team captain and voted by his team-
mates Most Respected.
A fund has been established to sup-
port Kirsten and their child. Checks
can be mailed to: Kirsten Moore
Benefit, Attn: Brennan de Raad, 2927
De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA
93105.
Juried Art Show to Lift
Off at Museum
Montecitos only juried art exhibi-
tion moves to the Westmont Ridley-
Tree Museum of Art after a one-year
hiatus, featuring the works of 58 dif-
ferent artists from May 17 to June 30.
LIFT 2012 celebrates the lift off of
the colleges new museum space with
a varied collection of paintings, sculp-
tures, textiles, ceramics and printmak-
ing. The exhibition opens with a free
public reception on Thursday, May 17
from 4 to 6 pm.
Howard Fox, curator emeritus of
Contemporary Art at the Los Angeles
County Museum of Art, juried this
years show, selecting 68 works from
more than 500 submitted pieces.
Though many fine artists live
in Santa Barbara, Judy L. Larson,
director of the Westmont Ridley-
Tree Museum of Art, says there
are few opportunities for them to
exhibit art.
Westmont continues a tradi-
tion begun by Tony Askew, John
Carlander and James Dow in orga-
nizing a juried art exhibition for our
local artists that dates back more than
twenty years, Larson says. Every
time we think the idea has run its
course we hear loud and clear from
local residents how much they antici-
pate this exhibition each year.
All works in the exhibition will be
for sale with proceeds benefiting the
museum. Cash awards, determined
by Fox, will be given to the artists at
the opening reception.
This is an important opportunity
for artists to show their work in a
wonderful contemporary space, says
Chris Rupp, museum collection man-
ager. It also represents whats hap-
pening in our arts community.
Viewing
Features Saturn,
Five of Its Moons
The ringed planet Saturn is expect-
ed to dazzle stargazers at a free pub-
lic viewing with the powerful Keck
Telescope Friday, May 18. The event,
which begins about 8 pm, lasts sev-
eral hours. The observatory opens
its doors to the public every third
Friday of the month in conjunction
with the Santa Barbara Astronomical
Unit, whose members bring their own
telescopes to Westmont for the public
to gaze through. In case of inclement
or overcast weather, please call the
Telescope Viewing Hotline at (805)
565-6272 and check the Westmont
website to see if the viewing has been
canceled.
If the seeing is good, we should
be able to see the large gap between
Saturns A and B rings the Cassini
Division, says Thomas Whittemore,
Westmont physics instructor. We
should also be able to see five of
Saturns moons bracketing the planet:
Titan, Dione and Enceladus along
with Tethys and Rhea.
Globular clusters are beginning to
be more visible as we approach sum-
mer. Among the ones well target will
be M3 in Canes Venatici, Whittemore
says. M3 was discovered by Charles
Messier in 1764 and is probably one of
the most studied globular clusters. It
contains an unusual number of vari-
able stars and lies about 35,000 light-
years from Earth.
The Keck Telescope, a 24-inch reflec-
tor, will also aim to several galaxies
overhead, including the Leo I group of
galaxies: M95, M96 and M105.
The Leo Triplet lies some thir-
ty-eight million light-years away,
Whittemore explains. Although
M95 and M96 are face-on spiral gal-
axies, M105 is an elliptical galaxy,
believed to contain a super-massive
black hole.
The Keck Telescope is housed in
the observatory between Russell Carr
Field and the track and field-soccer
complex. Free parking is available
near the baseball field. MJ
Alex embraces Kirsten following the seasons first
victory on October 29, 2011
A new exhibition showcases the work of 58 art-
ists, including Siu Zimmerman
Kirsten and Alex
on February
21 after the
Warriors
claimed the
GSAC champi-
onship
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 35 Know your opponents weaknesses, and exploit them Quintus
What is the most important thing you can do
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Develop their manners and social skills.
Projecting confidence Dining etiquette Texting, email & internet safety
Proper handshakes and making eye contact Using courteous words
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Ongoing classes beginning in June at the Montecito Meeting Hall.
Mention this ad to receive a 10% discount!
For more information and to enroll:
www.goodnessgraces.net
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hi st
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PR
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NTS ITS THIRT
EE
NTH ANNU
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o
n
:
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nday, m
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y 20, 2012
11a.m. to 4p.m. by advance reservation
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TICKET PRICE:
$55 PER PERSON
FOR RESERVATIONS AND
INFORMATION CALL
(805)
961-3938
OR BOOK ONLINE AT
www.PearlChaseSociety.org
FEATURI NG SANTA BARBARA S
BUNGA L OW HAV E N
N E I G H B O R H O O D
pearl
chase
society
g r
a
c i o u s l y s p o n s
o
r e d b y
Shelly Lowenkopf blogs at
www.lowenkopf.com. He is
a visiting professor in the
College of Creative Studies,
UCSB. A revised edition
of The Fiction Writers
Handbook is scheduled for
August 2012.
BOOK TALK
by Shelly Lowenkopf
Elements of the Elementary
W
hat two book reviewers,
arguably among the top tier
of American reviewers, have
in common is that each is a regular
columnist for the Washington Post;
each has published books about the
joys of reading and reviewing. In yet
another metric, both critics, Jonathan
Yardley and Michael Dirda, have
been reviewed in these pages.
The particular joy of Michael Dirda
writing about his introduction to and
lifelong fascination with the works
of one of the most remarkable and
important writers in the English lan-
guage, makes On Conan Doyle, or The
Whole Art of Storytelling from Princeton
University Press too tempting to pass
up.
Like Dirdas experience of discov-
ering Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-
1930), a good many of us discovered
him through his creation of Sherlock
Holmes and John Watson, M.D. I
see, Holmes observed to Watson at
the time of the perfunctory handshake
at their first meeting, that you have
been to Afghanistan.
Watsons response, his stunned
amazement, began a leitmotif that
was transformative. Holmess
Elementary, my dear Watson,
became iconic. The pairing of Holmes
and Watson not only affected detec-
tive fiction, where we had such flat-
tering imitation as Nero Wolfe and
Archie Goodwin, it also inspired such
buddy teams in comedy as Laurel and
Hardy, Burns and Allen, Abbott and
Costello, and Rowan and Martin.
While virtually anything Conan
Doyle produced is likely to be absorb-
ing, Dirda has written, four or five
of his works of the grotesque and
supernatural are astonishingly origi-
nal, providing far more than just care-
ful plotting, a mesmerizing narrator,
or a shocker ending. Is there a more
physical ghost in the literature than
the antagonist in The Bully of Brocas
Court (1921) or a more stomach-churn-
ing psychic chiller than The Leather
Funnel?
Because Doyle has written ever
so much material beyond the taken-
for-granted marvel of the Sherlock
Holmes cases, we need, and in this
case have, a handbook walking us
through the vast range of material.
An acknowledged master of crime
fiction, Doyle was also a master of
the supernatural story, wrote compel-
ling adventure and historical fiction,
and more than once tried his hand at
science fiction. In addition, he was a
compelling memoirist, held strong,
eclectic political and moral views,
pushed for medical research, and con-
sidered some of his best work to be
in his approach to the supernatural, a
long time belief of his of which he was
unashamed.
On Conan Doyle is nothing less than
a masterpiece of compression, a pref-
ace, twelve chapters, an intriguing
appendix, and biographical notes.
Michael Dirda is not so much review-
ing here as recounting his own boy-
hood pleasures at discovering the
Sherlock Holmes stories and then, his
appetite whetted for more adventure,
being drawn into the G. K. Chesterton
Father Brown mysteries, the romances
of H. Rider Haggard, and the mis-
chievous and sardonic works of
Lord Dunsany. While I revere all of
Dunsany, his Jorkens stories possess
something of the same compulsive
readability as the Sherlock Holmes
adventures.
In the chapter, Steel True, Blade
Straight, Dirda makes an observation
he is at some pains to demonstrate.
From his earliest schooldays Arthur
Conan Doyle possessed an almost pre-
ternatural gift for storytelling. He once
recalled his talent as a youthful tale
spinner in his essay, Juvenalia. On
a wet half-holiday, he would stand
on a desk, with classmates squatting
on the floor all around him, and talk
myself hoarse over the misfortune of
my heroes sometimes pausing at the
very height of the action until he was
bribed to continue with pastries or
apples.
Dirda is given to speculate that
because thrilling narrative came so
easy to him, Doyle never quite valued
the Sherlock Holmes stories, let alone
the ghostly tales that so added to his
reputation. He was convinced his best
works were his medieval historical
novels, a history of World War I, and
his writings about spiritualism, where
he was more given to the tenden-
tiousness of explaining things to his
readers at the expense of entertaining
them.
There are no spoilers in this useful,
energetic guide, in particular for the
Sherlock Holmes stories, only the pure
boyish pleasure of a noted reviewer,
bringing Doyles adventurous romps
back to our willing attention. MJ
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 36 The Voice of the Village
Rancheros Ride for the Cure
Story and photos by Lynn P. Kirst
TRAIL TALK
A museum and
travel professional,
community volun-
teer, and lifelong
equestrienne,
Lynn Kirst is a
fourth-generation Californian who grew up
in Montecito; she can often be found riding
or hiking the local trails
T
hey may have a reputation as a
hard-drinking group, but when
the Rancheros Visitadores ride
for the cure, it doesnt mean they are
going on the wagon. At least not this
year.
Held the first week of May, the 82nd
annual trek of the local but world-
famous mens horseback riding group
was unique in that its theme, Riding
for the Cure, referred to its fundrais-
ing efforts for breast cancer research.
On Saturday, May 5, the streets of
Solvang turned a river of pink, as
approximately 700 horsemen wearing
pink shirts rode through town to their
traditional blessing at Mission Santa
Ins. The pink shirts were symbolic
of the effort made by the visiting
ranchers to team up with Wrangler
and the Tough Enough to Wear Pink
Foundation (TETWP), raising over
$65,000 for the Cancer Center of Santa
Barbara.
Were not really a fundraising
group, said Steve Beneto, referring
to the Rancheros Visitadores (RV).
But Ive always been campaigning
for a cure for breast cancer, so last year
I had pink chinks [short chaps] made
for the RV ride, and they were a big hit
as I rode through Solvang.
Mr. Beneto, who hails from
Sacramento, watched his mother die
from breast cancer. But she was not his
only family member diagnosed with
the dreaded disease.
My wife, Darlene, got breast cancer
when she was only thirty-five years
old, said Mr. Beneto in a recent tele-
phone conversation. She was busy
with our four young children, one of
whom had severe autism. But Darlene
is now seventy-three; shes one of the
lucky ones who survived.
TETWP was founded in 2004, the
brainchild of Terry Wheatley, a breast
cancer survivor and wife of a pro-
fessional rodeo cowboy. She teamed
up with Karl Stressman, who at the
time was director of special events
for Wrangler Western Wear. To date,
TETWP has raised over twelve million
dollars for breast cancer research, and
Wrangler is the title sponsor. What is
unique about the TETWP campaign
is that monies raised stay in the local
communities, making this a truly
grassroots effort. While rodeos are
the most common fundraisers, other
Western-themed events such as the
RV trek can also qualify.
Last years positive reaction to Steve
Benetos pink chinks prompted him to
approach RV president Roger Schrimp
with the idea for this years Ride
for the Cure. With a sure, go for
it response, Beneto suddenly had his
hands full coordinating the campaign.
We give away a favor every year,
said Mr. Beneto. Each RV ride has a
unique memento such as a tile or
a keychain, for example. Our favor
this year is the pink shirt. We bought
eleven hundred shirts from Wrangler,
and they gave us back seven dol-
lars for each, so that provided $7,700
toward our gift for the Cancer Center
of Santa Barbara. But weve raised sig-
nificantly more just from RV members
sending in additional contributions,
ranging from a few dollars to several
thousand.
But unlike the one-size-fits-all con-
venience of mementos like key chains
or tiles, shirts presented a bigger chal-
lenge, as not all RV members come in
one size. So it was up to Mr. Beneto
to coordinate hundreds of shirt sizes
for the individual members. When it
was suggested that he might deserve
a medal for his efforts, Mr. Benetos
response was typically straightfor-
ward:
I spent all winter on this project,
but I dont want a medal. I just want a
cure for breast cancer.
The hundreds of Rancheros formed
a sea of pink as they assembled on the
grassy field adjacent to Mission Santa
Ins. In his flowing brown robes, padre
Gerald Barron blessed the riders and
horses for a safe week of fun and fel-
lowship on the trail. Popular cowboy
singer-songwriter Dave Stamey gave
a performance of his Vaquero Song,
which has become a classic anthem
to the California cowboy. Then came
the check presentation to the Cancer
Center of Santa Barbara, when Steve
Beneto had the honor of telling the
assembled crowd about RV generos-
ity.
Although the check is made out
for $40,000, proclaimed Beneto,
We raised another $16,000 in camp
just last night. So we will actually be
giving the Cancer Center of Santa
Barbara at least $56,000 for breast can-
cer research.
But a conversation with Mr. Beneto
after the week-long RV ride was over
revealed even more good news. Our
total is now up to $65,000, he said.
I had a lot of guys that were really
touched by what we did who came
forward with more contributions. I
didnt even have to hustle for it, either.
The guys just came up to me!
The $65,000 contribution to the
Cancer Center of Santa Barbara is
a one-size-fits-all success for RV
members, who proved that when
they enthusiastically cry out, Ride,
Rancheros, ride! they are indeed
tough enough to wear pink. MJ
Kim Oviatt holding the American flag, and Doug Philipponi behind him, led the Rancheros Visitadores
color guard at the head of the parade into downtown Solvang along Alisal Road. All members of the
mens riding group wore pink shirts to support their fundraising campaign for breast cancer research.
Anthony Borgatello (far left on his horse Rhett) shares a joke with Jerry Allen driving Molly (the horse
pulling the surrey), accompanied by Brian Schwabecher in the front seat and Kris Kallman in the back
seat, while Tom Le Pley rides behind on his black-and-white paint horse.
Bob Fox from Sacramento carried the Riding
for the Cure theme flag for the Rancheros
Visitadores 82nd annual trek. The group raised
$65,000 for the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara.
One of the ladies cheering the passing Rancheros
showed her sense of humor by turning one of
her husbands old RV nametags into a unique
pendant
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 37
A high stakes poker tournament
benefiting the school kicked off the
festivities and Cranes designated
Gaming Commissioner, Jon Samuels,
took top prize. Gambling tables and
the Boutique Rouge featuring silent auc-
tion items were displayed throughout
the evening. An online auction with
over 150 items added to the success,
as did a wine raffle valued at over
$3,500. Crane dad John McGovern
served as auctioneer, and started the
evening with tickets to the American
Idol finale and the kindergarten class
art project that was so popular it
sold four times. Bidding wars contin-
ued for resort getaways, Wimbledon
tickets, Fox Studios tour, New York
Fashion Week and the hottest ticket of
the night Madonna in Vegas.
Weiss paid tribute to past gala chairs
over his 12-year tenure at the school,
thanking Browne and Stegall who
served as this years les belles et
charmantes.
Key committee members includ-
ed Suzanne Garrett and Nancy
OConnor (live auction), Angela
and Ryan Siemens (sponsorship),
Kelly Simmons (party book), Emily
Jones and Jen Markham (silent auc-
tion), Dinah and Ricardo Calderon
(raffle), Amanda Masters Klentner
(dcor), Elisabeth Fowler (class art
projects), Cheryl Trosky (volunteer
coordinator) and a special thanks to
Cindy Racco and the Four Seasons.
Top sponsors included Ella and Scott
Brittingham, Gay and Tony Browne,
Randi and Terry Cunningham, Leslie
and Robert Zemeckis, Janet and Gil
Friesen, Lisa and George Hagerman,
Debbie and John Mackall, Betsey
and John Moller, Elizabeth and Lee
Gabler, and Jen and Skip Abed. And
finally, a great deal of gratitude to
Cranes development team, Debbie
Williams, Rhoda Lauten, Molly
Greene and Katy Berry.
Crane Country Day School is a K-8
coeducational, independent school
focusing on experiential learning. For
more information, visit www.crane
school.org. MJ
T
he odds of orchestrating a
successful fundraising gala
were stacked in Crane Country
Day Schools favor on Saturday, May
5, when the fullest moon of the year
illuminated the Casino Royale-
themed event. The majesty of Monte
Carlo washed ashore Americas
Riviera at the elegant Coral Casino.
It was an auspicious night with the
moon shining in our favor, said Gay
Browne, co-chair of the gala. The
event exceeded our expectations,
agreed co-chair Daryl Stegall, who
attributed the financial success of the
evening to the generous support of
sponsors and the ability to keep costs
low.
A full house of 260 Crane parents,
alumni parents and supporters tried
their luck at poker, craps, roulette and
blackjack, as well as the live auction,
raising funds to benefit the K-8 inde-
pendent school. The gaming tables
added an element of entertainment,
so there was something for everyone
to do, stated Browne. We wanted
to go more Monaco than Chumash,
laughed Stegall, and the result was
decidedly more stylish and subdued
than in previous years.
In addition to the Super Moon, one
of the brightest moments of the eve-
ning came from a group of people
who werent even there. A video fea-
turing ten Crane graduates, who are
currently high school seniors, spoke to
the value of a Crane education. I am
who I am today because Crane made
me comfortable in my own skin, said
Erin Griffin, who heads to Colby
College in the fall. Berkeley-bound
Ben Sutton stated, Crane put me
ahead academically in science, math
and Spanish. Thanh Liem Huynh-
Tran, who hopes to pursue pre-med
at Stanford, credited Crane for devel-
oping his passion for life sciences
and a strong work ethic. Annie Weis,
who will attend the University of
Pennsylvania stated, Crane taught
me that learning and going to school
is about a lot more than whats in
the classroom, while Kate Pincus
claims it was the hands-on learn-
ing that established a phenomenal
foundation of love and passion for
learning, which she hopes to find at
Sarah Lawrence in the Fall. Other stu-
dents portrayed in the video includ-
ed, Nicole Feshbach, Cyrus Caretto,
Allie Lafitte, and Jacob Winnikoff.
The video served as a preamble to
the schools paddle raise to support
teacher enrichment.
You can never be too rich or too thin Wallis Simpson
C O L L E C T I O N
ST.CROIX
EST. 1972
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Mara Abboud Ad_Mara Abboud Ad 5/14/12 12:46 PM Page 1
Cranes Head
of School Joel
Weiss, sur-
rounded by
Gay Browne
(left) and Daryl
Stegall (right),
co-chairs of the
schools Casino
Royale fun-
draising gala,
held earlier this
month
Dinah and Ricardo Calderon, who organized
Cranes wine raffle, amassing 120 bottles of wine
valued at over $3,500 that lucky sponsorship
chairs Angele and Ryan Siemens won at the event
Crane Casino Royale
co-chair Daryl
Stegall flanked by
cigarette girls selling
raffle tickets and
party book items to
raise money for the
K-8 independent
school
Live auction co-chairs Nancy OConnor and
Suzanne Garrett collected nearly a dozen live auc-
tion items for the Crane event
Montecito Diary
By Ann Pieramici
Photos by Teresa Pietsch
Cranes Casino Royale
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 38 The Voice of the Village
Benoits Bayou Blues
On Entertainment
by Steven Libowitz
Steven Libowitz has
reported on the arts and
entertainment for more
than 30 years; he has
contributed to Montecito
Journal for over ten
years.
T
ab Benoit owns the record for
the best-attended concert in
the history of the Santa Barbara
Blues Society, and its easy to see why.
The guitarist-singer-songwriter pulls
every note and every word straight
out of the bayou, culled from centuries
of musical and cultural traditions in
his native Louisiana. Already a legend
for his commitment to authenticity,
Benoits take on the world resonated
deeper after Hurricane Katrina hit
New Orleans and environs back in
2005, a disaster that was preceded
by his own environmental advocacy
through music.
The Louisiana legend returns to
town to play once again for the SBBS,
in a special Sunday night concert at
Warren Hall. He discussed his musi-
cal roots and outlook for the future
over the telephone from Nashville
the morning after he won three
awards (out of four nominations) at
the Blues Music Awards, including
Contemporary Male Artist and B.B.
King Entertainer of the Year.
Q. I read that you actually wanted to
be a drummer and only took up guitar
because thats what was needed.
A. I still want to be a drummer! The
thing is, there are a lot of drummers
in Louisiana, more per capita than
any other state. But there werent a
lot of guitar players to go around. I
just fit into that bag. So I do guitar-
based blues stuff. Singing and leading
a band, thats how you know youre
a guitar player. The guitar is a more
personal thing you can write, and
play cool songs. But I still love beat-
ing around the skins. On a lot of my
shows I go back there and do my
thing.
Aside from that, you never even wanted
to be a professional musician in the first
place, right?
Where I grew up, there werent a
lot of musicians who played for a liv-
ing, but everybody played. Its not an
unusual talent. It was normal. But it
wasnt normal to make a living at it.
I had to really give in to it to be able
to do it, when I saw that I could reach
people, help them. People just kept
asking me to play more and more and
throw more money at me, so I had to
give in. Once I realized that my night
job was outdoing my day job, instead
of getting in the way of it, I had to
switch. If I kept on, Id have had less
money and less fun I still love to
play for myself at home and thats
fine. But out there its for the people.
Which probably explains why youre
that rare Delta bluesman who really still
plays actual Delta blues.
Yeah, its the music I grew up with
and the environment I grew up in.
I spent a lot of time playing in the
woods in the swamp. Its a living
thing. You hear the sounds, see the life
all around you. I try to put a lot of that
stuff into the music the sounds and
the feelings I get from being out there,
I put them in my songs. Its still where
I go to write. And when I go out and
play in the swamp, it always sounds
good. Its tree-verb.
When you write, do the songs come eas-
ily or are they a lot of work? Do you tackle
specific subjects or is it just what comes
up? Is it the nature that inspires you?
I do it all in the swamp. I go out to
my camp, or take a boat ride and sit in
the trees for a while Its never really
a conscious effort to do something
a certain way or put a message in a
song. Its more like this is how I feel
now and let me get that down. People
who write hits always say those are
the ones they wrote in five minutes,
cause it came naturally. So for me if
it takes more than ten minutes, I just
pass it off and move on and wait for
the quick ones. Those are always the
ones I can play over and over and not
get tired of.
Katrina which you presaged in your
Voices of the Wetlands project, which was
originally recorded before the storm also
destroyed a lot of the land around you.
How has that affected your music?
I lost my place to write. We had four
major hurricanes in two years. I build
another camp and it got wiped out
too. Since I didnt have anywhere to
go to write, I spent that time occupied
with the message of saving the wet-
lands. I went to Congress and worked
with the Governor lots of things
besides singing about it in my music.
Katrina opened the door to saying
what needed to be said, and I felt I had
to use that time wisely.
Do you think youll be getting back to
making more new music now, after the
four-year hiatus following an album a
year?
I dont know whats next. I just go
with whatever feels right at the time.
Whatever door looks like the right one
to walk through, thats where Ill go.
Putting out a record every year wasnt
a conscious choice; it just felt right at
the time. And this feels right now.
Tab Benoit performs at 7pm Sunday,
May 20 at Warren Hall. Call 722-8155 or
visit www.SBBlues.org.
Air it out:
La Petite Chouettes
Lovely aerial dance
Man has always wanted to fly to
soar through the sky, venture nearer
to heaven and be above it all.
But youve got to think that the
Wright Brothers and even Icarus not
to mention United Airlines had it a
little easier staying aloft than the six
female aerialists who comprise the
current version of Santa Barbaras La
Petite Chouette dance company, and
make aerial dance seem almost effort-
less.
You have to put in a lot of blood,
sweat and tears and I mean literally
to get into this dance, said com-
pany founder-choreographer Ninette
Paloma, who named the company
(Little Owl in French) because it was
her rhyming nickname in childhood,
but also as a symbol that echoes the
quiet strength of that lovely bird.
Chicago-native Paloma began in
competitive gymnastics as a child, but
found it too competitive. There was
so much pressure and stress, I com-
pletely burned out, she recalled. She
found her way back at age 17, though,
when she wandered into a circus audi-
tion for gymnastic acrobatics, and felt
an immediate kinship. Soon, Paloma
was training regularly at the top-notch
Actors Gymnasium in her hometown,
and later with two of Cirque du Soleils
innovative aerialists. It felt like the
artistic home shed always craved, con-
nection instead of competition.
Aerial art is an old-world fam-
ily tradition in which you work very
closely with each other in the com-
pany, she said. You trust them with
your safety and literally with your life,
so you become really close.
Paloma created La Petite Chouette
out of her initial work with the Lobero
Circus Camp six years ago, the compa-
ny growing out of what was originally
a tiny studio that has now become a
full-time facility training 150 students
ages six to 66 year-round. I had all
these passionate students who were
absorbing the aerial training, so I took
the most dedicated and brought them
beyond skill-building and technique-
training into the architecture of aerial
dance.
Paloma described her approach as
aerial dance-deconstructed with a
focus on floor-to-air movements that
distinguishes LPC from other aerial
companies and are particularly chal-
lenging because it requires strength,
agility, grace and dance technique.
Theres a lot of training before you
even think about the choreography,
she said.
LPC had its first major public per-
formance at the Lobero last year, and
on Tuesday, the company is bringing
its new evening-length work, Indah,
to the same venue. The word means
lovely in Indonesian, and is meant
to reflect the performance companys
current all-female configuration.
Were embracing our feminin-
ity and exposing and illuminating
all of the archetypes of what it is
to be female, Paloma explained.
Sometimes its contradictory, and
other times ironic, or laughable, or
playful, or even incredibly painful.
To touch on each aspect, Indah is
separated into three distinct phrases
that delve into the topics of love, loss
and resurgence, Paloma said, each
also separated structurally by appa-
ratus: Love is in metal (performed on
trio Static Trapeze, Aerial Frame, and
duo Lyra); loss is fabric (Silk Dance,
Aerial Sling, and Trio Fabrics); and
resurgence is rope (horizontal rope,
cloud swing, and trio Corde Lisse).
Its a very ambitious program, but
Im so pleased that we took it on,
Paloma said. The kind of work that
Award-winning Louisiana legend Tab Benoit brings
his guitar-based blues to Warren Hall on Sunday,
May 20 as part of the Santa Barbara Blues Society
Aerial dance company La Petite Chouette pres-
ents Indah at the Lobero on May 22, a show
featuring three distinct phases love, loss, and
resurgence
17 24 May 2012 MONTECITO JOURNAL 39 Some guys are admired for coming to play, as the saying goes; I prefer those who come to kill Leo Durocher
EnTERTAInMEnT Page 434
came out of it is very vulnerable and
visually alive and captivating.
Paloma is sure audiences will feel
the same way.
Its wonderful and magical to see
artists who have so much control and
trust in their bodies And being able
to fly even for an instant appeals
to all of us.
La Petite Chouette performs Indah at
7 pm on Tuesday, May 22 at the Lobero
Theater. Tickets cost $26 reserved. Call
963-0761 or visit www.lobero.com.
Festival Season
Its always warm in Santa Barbara,
so you have to look to the calendar
to determine when the outdoor wine-
and-food tasting event season begins.
Its just so happens that two of the
early entries, taking place this week,
also happen to be two of the best. Taste
of the Nation, which marks its fifth
event on Sunday, decidedly boasts the
more humanitarian cause, as a large
share of funds from the local hosting
of Share Our Strengths nationwide
efforts to end childhood hunger by
2015 go to support Foodbank of Santa
Barbara.
The event expanded this year with
a Chefs Taste Dinner back in April,
but its Sundays shindig back at the
Montecito Country Club that draws
the big crowds. The premier culinary
fundraising event features fare from
some of the finest eateries and cater-
ers in the area, including many who
dont participate in any of the myriad
other tasting ftes. Among the provid-
ers are the recently-opened Arlington
Tavern located at 21 West Victoria,
the Succulent Caf and Trading
Company in Solvang, Bella Vista at
the Four Seasons Biltmore, CaDario
Ristorante, Louies, Organic Soup
Kitchen, and Luna Olivo. Ampelos
Cellars, Beckmen Vineyards, Blair
Fox Cellars, Dierberg and Star Lane
Vineyard, and Dragonette Cellars are
some of the highlights among the
wineries who will be pouring on site.
In addition to the food and bever-
age, the event will feature both live
and silent auctions, with more than
100 items up for bid, plus a special
lounge and tent for VIP ticket holders
boasting feature tray-passed morsels,
signature cocktails, a cigar bar from
Santa Barbara Cigars & Tobacco, and
exclusive VIP gift bags. Music will
be provided by the Montecito Jazz
Project. It all takes place from 3 to 6
pm Sunday, May 20 and tickets cost
$65 general, $95 VIP. Visit http://
ce.strength.org/events/taste-nation-
santa-barbara for details.