Arts + Culture

Connecting Through the Arts

Adaptive•Inclusive•Creative•Free Article by Meaghan Clark Tiernan | Photography by Provided Art can be transformative.  Perhaps no one knows that better than Grace Fisher, a fourth-generation Santa Barbaran diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis at 17, a disease that paralyzed her from the neck down. When Fisher was introduced to music therapy and adaptive art at Denver’s Craig Rehabilitation Hospital, she vowed to return home and bring something similar to Santa Barbara.  The Grace Fisher...

Finance + Legal Services

Reverse Mortgage 101

Article by Samantha Durbin I first heard about a reverse mortgage when I was a homeowner in Santa Barbara County. But I quickly learned that my husband and I weren't eligible then because neither of us was 55. I stored it away in my memory bank. A reverse mortgage is more than a quick study, though. We spoke with Eric D. Miller, a Reverse Mortgage Advisor at Mutual of Omaha in Santa Barbara, to help us understand the who, why, and when you need to know about reverse mortgages for yourself or a...

Fitness

2025 Camp Guide

Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Tristin Tracy & Provided CARPINTERIA Farm Camp Campers will enjoy learning about animal care, farming, painting, clay-making, crafts, and more. They also incorporate read-aloud stories every day, plus fun group games and activities. Ages 4-12. lanternsglobal.com/all-summer-camps   Surf Happens With a soft, sandy bottom, predictable conditions, a lack of hazards, and plenty of attentive and fully trained instructors, your child will safely...

Finance + Legal Services

Preserve Generational Wealth: A Guide for Families

Simple steps to secure your legacy for future generations Article by Jillian Cardona | Photography by Sarah Block Preserving generational wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about creating a secure future for your family, protecting your values, and fostering connections that span generations.  People often overlook estate planning because they assume it’s only for the wealthy, believe they have time to do it later, or find the process overwhelming and emotionally challenging. My clients...

Fitness

For the Love of Tennis

Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons serves all ages and abilities Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn | Photography by Provided A true community organization, Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons grew out of local parents’ desire to have a place close to home where their children could play tennis tournaments. Since its founding in 1971 by Jerry Beaver, the nonprofit has remained true to its mission to promote and grow the sport of tennis, sharing the game with thousands of community members for more than 50 years. ...

Home + Design

New England Meets Montecito

7,006 square feet. 1.64 acres. 6 bathrooms. 7 fireplaces. 3-level elevator. Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Jim Bartsch, Henry Fechtman, and 805MediaWorks 2820 Torito Road is perched on a knoll-top amid lush coastal landscapes. This Traditional New England estate will transport you to a world of classic architecture. Designed by the late Peter Becker, a visionary Santa Barbara architect whose legacy endures through his successor firm, and built by Eskilson Construction Development...

Home + Design

A Spanish Colonial Gem

454 Meadowbrook Drive Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Virtour Media Tucked away in the exclusive Ennisbrook community in Montecito, this single-story Spanish Colonial gem offers the perfect blend of privacy and elegance amidst lush gardens and breathtaking mountain views.  Recently updated with new dual-zone HVAC, solar panels, and Tesla PowerWalls, the home combines modern efficiency with timeless charm. Its flowing floor plan creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection...

Arts + Culture

5 Ceramists to Know

Everyday objects or works of art? Article by Meaghan Clark Tiernan | Photography by Provided Wilder Pottery  Small batch ceramics made from a greenhouse pottery studio in Ojai. @ thewilderpottery   Nilas Ceramics  Nature-inspired abstract sculpture and glaze combinations from a new designer. @ nilas_ceramics Megan West Ceramics  Iconic sculpted face pots embody a modern take on classic forms. @ megwestceramics Klapp Ceramics  Native Santa Barbara artist sourcing local clay...

Home + Design

Simple Storage Co. Simplifies Your Move

Uprooting doesn’t have to be overwhelming Article and Photography by Paige Lambert Moving presents a unique opportunity to reassess what you need. And when it comes to personal items, it’s sometimes best for someone else to help you sort your valuables. Simple Storage Co. moving services are designed to streamline the transition, ensuring your belongings are neatly arranged and accessible from the start. By organizing your new space with only the essentials, we help you establish a strong...

Arts + Culture

Family Outing

The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show returns Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Ingrid Bostrom and Samantha Durbin The first time I saw an array of orchids up close was at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. I was bewitched by these speckled flowers that looked like aliens. I was in my twenties. Orchids are unique in many ways. They’re in a category themselves, nature’s intricate gifts somewhere between a flower and a plant. Fast-forward twenty years, and I attend the Santa...