Last year, honorary awards were bestowed on eventual Oscar winners Jordan Peele, Guillermo del Toro, Allison Janney and Sam Rockwell, among others.
A sprawling ranch in northern California that’s almost twice the size of Manhattan has hit the market for the first time since being created by the late stock market tycoon Dean Witter.
Curated Highlights and Headlines, June 2018
Actor Rob Lowe lists his scenic spot in Montecito for $47 million.
“Actor Rob Lowe and his wife, jewelry designer Sheryl Lowe, have listed their estate in Montecito for $47 million. Set on 3.4 acres of scenic grounds, the property centers on a 10,000-square-foot main house that was designed by architect Don Nulty and built in 2009. Also on the property are guest and pool houses, vegetable gardens and a swimming pool and spa. A tennis court features two observation areas. Mature trees dot the grounds.” Los Angeles Times · By Neal J. Leitereg (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Santa Barbara Film Festival Sets 2019 Dates
“The 34th annual Santa Barbara Film Festival is set to run January 30-February 9 in 2019, organizers said this morning. Official events will be held throughout the city, including the Arlington and Lobero theaters, for the fest that takes place in the heat of movie awards season. Last year, honorary awards were bestowed on eventual Oscar winners Jordan Peele, Guillermo del Toro, Allison Janney and Sam Rockwell, among others. The 2018 fest went on as planned in the face of the horrific Thomas Fire that scorched 280,000 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, making it the largest wildfire in California history. The conditions led to mudslides in Santa Barbara’s neighboring towns of Montecito and Summerland, killing 17.” Deadline · Patrick Hipes REX/Shutterstock
Kayaker paddles with a dozen great white sharks off coast near Santa Cruz
“Nicolle Otman paddles in a kayak as great white sharks circle. Captain and Marine Biologist Giancarlo Thomae took the video and says about 40 young great whites are making the waters off Aptos their home in spring. Thomae has been kayaking with great whites ever since they started showing up in increasing numbers off the coast of Aptos, just south of Santa Cruz, four years ago. He and other experts believe about 40 juvenile great whites are making the area off the pier at Seacliff State Beach their home each spring. In the first year, the sharks were small, at about eight-feet long, and in each following year, they measured larger. This year, they average 10 to 12 feet with some as long as 13.” SF Gate · By Amy Graff, SFGATE Photo taken: June 23, 2018. Media: Giancarlo Thomae/Sanctuary Cruises.
Boomtime: What San Francisco looked like at the end of the Gold Rush
“View down Sacramento street, May 1855: This view is the fifth plate in Fardon’s seven-plate panorama. From the slopes of the Clay Steet Hill (Nob Hill), the view is to the east down Sacramento Street to the bay. At the right is the back of Saint Mary’s Church (which faces California Street at Dupont.) On Sacramento, several signs in Chinese are visible, as is a “family grocery”, two “coffin ware rooms”, and “Vance’s Daguerrean Rooms” (the photographic studio or Robert H. Vance.) Across from Vance’s is the Armory Hall. (This view provides and interesting comparison to a daguerreotype in the Bancroft Library; BANC PIC 1905.16242:104–CASE.) Barely visible at the far left is a sign for the City of Paris store.” SF Gate · By Amy Graff, SFGATE Photo: G.R. Fardon / UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library
Orange County Beach Towns, South Bay and Naples to Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Are you taking from tidepools? In Marine Protected Areas, volunteers track bad behavior at the beach
“Swimmers enjoy Shaw’s Cove, a Marine Protected Area. You can look – just leave it where you found it. Don’t take the fish — or other sea creatures — in Marine Protected Areas. Don’t even slip a shell into your beach bag. People may be watching and documenting your every move, noting whether you’re breaking the law while exploring sensitive ecosystems. In Orange County, they include areas from Bolsa Chica and Crystal Cove, through Laguna Beach, and into Dana Point. In Los Angeles County, they include Point Dume north of Malibu and Point Vicente/Abalone Cove off Palos Verdes. While some areas have restrictions but still allow some fishing, others – such as Laguna Beach and Point Vicente/Abalone Cove – are a “no-take” zone, meaning nothing can be taken out of the ocean, from tide pools or beaches.” By Laylan Connelly | lconnelly@scng.com | Orange County Register File photo by Mark Rightmire
Orange County Beach Towns
Landmark mansion at tip of Newport Beach’s Harbor Island on market at $60 million
“The 14,200-square-foot home boasts over 300 feet of bay frontage, along with views of the turning basin. An imposing, French neoclassic mansion on a half acre at the western tip of Harbor Island is on the market for just under $60 million. Built in 1990, the lavish, 14,200-square-foot home boasts over 300 feet of bay frontage, along with expansive gardens and views of the turning basin. The dock can accommodate a yacht larger than 120 feet, as well as other boats, according to the listing. The updated, three-story home has six bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, formal living and dining rooms, and catering and staff quarters. An elevator, walk-in wine cellar, waterfront tile pool and subterranean parking for eight cars are among the amenities.” Orange County Register By Marilyn Kalfus (Google Earth)
Colors of Carlsbad: The Real-Life Instagram Filter
“While you can find these four colors all over the world, I had the chance to discover them in Carlsbad, California. About an hours drive north of San Diego, the small beach town sometimes gets lost in the Santa Monica’s and Newport’s of the state, but it’s not one to miss. You may know it as where Legoland is found, but there’s plenty more to see than just that. The small city has that coveted beach-town vibe without the touristy feel. Here, everyone feels like a local. For the most colorful view of Carlsbad, visit March through mid-May when The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are in full bloom. The 50-plus acre farmland is home to rows and rows of brightly-colored Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, creating an ombre field of picture-worthy spots at every turn. While you can’t freely traipse through the fields, there’s many “cutouts” that let you get that perfect shot.” arizonafoothillsmagazine.com SUZANNE KOCH Carlsbad State Beach
Old Home (Indian) Beach, Trinidad, CA
“Old Home Beach, also known as Indian Beach, is a narrow beach on Trinidad Bay in the small town of Trinidad. It has been renamed, probably out of political correctness, but some signage still has the old name. This protected beach offers great views of Trinidad Head and the bay with many picturesque rocks sticking up. There are two ways to get to Old Home Beach from the bluff above it. The first is down a trail with stairs behind the Trinidad Lighthouse Memorial at the corner of Trinity and Edwards Streets.The second beach access is down a trail at the end of Parker Street called the Parker Creek Trail (park on grass at top of the hill and walk down Parker St.). The view from the lighthouse memorial is stunning.” californiabeaches.com
Dream Town: Mendocino, California
“This village on California’s northern coast combines big scenery with small-town charms. Winding three and a half hours north of San Francisco, the road to Mendocino may be as magical as the destination itself. Frequently no wider than a country lane, it corkscrews through mountain passes, parallels patches of farmland and vineyards, traverses a cathedral of redwoods, and chases the Navarro River to the sea. And what an arrival it is: tabletop headlands carved below by massive sea caves and topped above with barns, lighthouses, and cliffside inns. Amid the dramatic landscape nestles the downtown, with Victorian homes in Easter-egg colors and Main Street lined with a bookstore, museum, toy shop, chocolatier, B&Bs, and eateries.“ Coastal Living · By Ann Wycoff Photo: Thomas J. Story
Mendocino County
Nearly 27,000-Square-Foot California Ranch Asks $31 Million
“A sprawling ranch in northern California that’s almost twice the size of Manhattan has hit the market for the first time since being created by the late stock market tycoon Dean Witter. Lone Pine Ranch, in both Trinity and Mendocino counties, is asking $31 million. It’s typically difficult to find ranches that have everything, according to Mr. McDavid. “Usually you have to make some sacrifice, like I really want a big herd of elk or I want trout water. It’s very hard to get it all in one place,” he added. But Lone Pine Ranch has an extremely diverse amount of wildlife and land, Mr. McDavid told Mansion Global. There’s viable cattle and timber operations, fishable water, and resident wildlife includes populations of elk, blacktail deer, pig, bear and quail. “You go to some other parts of California and you’re going to find some pretty desolate land, this place is really rich,” Mr. McDavid said. “It’s just a really beautiful landscape.” The Los Angeles Times first reported the listing. Mansion Global · Liz Lucking BILL MCDAVID
San Mateo County
PG&E expects to pay $2.5 billion for North Bay wildfires
“A Northern California utility said Thursday that it expects to pay at least $2.5 billion in connection with deadly wildfires that whipped through wine country last October — some of them ignited by its fallen power lines. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. also warned that its liability could be considerably higher after state fire officials determine the cause of 21 major fires that devastated the region last year. They killed 44 people, destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and wiped out vineyards, marijuana farms and other agricultural operations.” AP Photo Jeff Chiu, File
Steps:
20) Maybe the lists of best places don’t appeal to you. Where can you go to make a fresh, new start? Don’t limit your imagination. Think anywhere — across the globe. Where do you really, really want to live, work and play? Why not live where it’s a vacation all year round?
21) Spend the time to find the best place to live and invest. It will be worth your while. The great thing about living where others spend their vacation is the year round quality-of-life.
30) Review headlines and relevant news as far back as you can find online to surface each community’s unique pulse and identify information necessary to make your decision. Is there a “ticking time bomb” issue you may uncover that eliminates the resort from your bucket list? Search on topix.com.
32) Plan extended seasonal vacations during summer and winter months. Group destination locations together in regional trips to explore what several bucket list towns have to offer in the general vicinity – with only a week or two vacation time to spend, we recommend organizing your itinerary by travel regions.
“You know that a peninsula is worthy of national monument status when even the “new” lighthouse has been safely guiding ships into port for over 125 years. The city’s history can be traced back to this very spot, and today the area is dotted with pristine marinas, dockside dining, and miles of walking and hiking paths that beckon locals and tourists alike who are looking for fun on the waterfront.” By: San Diego Magazine 
“This beach house in Del Mar, in San Diego County, is the stuff of dreams—and magazines. Recently featured on the cover of Dream Homes magazine, the 1982 home was designed by architect Sim Bruce Richards, a Taliesin fellow, and the influences of Frank Lloyd Wright are clear.” By 
“Experts Say We’re not on the Menu. Whale-watchers spot a young white shark off Capistrano Beach last May aboard Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Safari from Dana Point.” By Rita Robinson.
Laguna Beach. Art Ninjas Add Local Color by Stealth.
“Leslie Evarts saw the gray whale in the distance from her Laguna Beach home, grabbed her stand-up paddleboard and rushed out to the water, with hopes of seeing the 30-foot sea creature up close.” By 
“USA’s Alix Klineman, left, and partner April Ross get tangled up during their three-set loss to Canada’s Sarah Pavin and Melissa Humana-Paredes on Friday at the FIVB Huntington Beach Open.” 
“Malibu Lagoon is comprised of 22 acres of wetlands, gardens, and sandy beach, while Malibu “Surfrider” Beach has almost a mile of ocean frontage with 0.7 acres of property, and famous Malibu Pier is a great place for saltwater fishing.” 
“As I learned firsthand this summer, the entire Ventura County Coast, comprising the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Hueneme, on the southern end of California’s central coast, offers many such glorious juxtapositions, embracing surfing, style, Shakespeare, and much more.” By Robert Firpo-Cappiello 
“Experience the romance and mystery of Catalina by night on this narrated adventure into the hills above historic Avalon. Your open air biofuel Hummer will take you east along the waterfront past Lover’s Cove before heading up to Mt. Ada for spectacular views of the twinkling city and harbor lights below.” 
“Along the coast of The American Riviera® lies the town of Montecito, a seaside haven that balances sweeping coastal views and a savory culinary scene. Treat yourself to an extended vacation full of indulgent restaurants, premium wines and coastal bliss.” 
“Our Central Coast beach-side location holds beautiful views with a casual atmosphere. An excellent dining experience is our top priority. Our menu has something for everyone…fresh fish, hand cut steaks, refreshing salads and our specialty appetizers. We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Come and have a drink at our cocktail bar, or dine on our outdoor patio while gazing out across the beautiful San Luis Bay.” 
“En route, you’ll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when it was cut off from the outside world during the winter storm season 2017; bridges were destroyed and roads blocked at both its northern and southern reaches. Thankfully, for locals and visitors alike, the northern section has already reopened, across Pfeiffer Canyon, but the southern connection, at Ragged Point, is still under construction (scheduled to open late 2018 but check with CalTrans for fresh updates). “ Crystal Le 
Santa Cruz: 5 places to catch a good wave.
“The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay was the perfect place for our staycation.
“Come June 27, Lodge at the Presidio will open as San Francisco’s closest hotel to the Golden Gate Bridge. The three-story building was constructed between 1895 and 1897 as military barracks on Infantry Row for the U.S. Army. The exterior has been entirely preserved, and the renovated interior will have historical elements and spectacular views of the bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline.” Miranda Smith 
“It can be hard to wrap your mind around Sonoma County, an area that starts 45 miles north of San Francisco. It’s nearly the size of Delaware and encompasses rolling vineyards, dense redwood forests and, perhaps most surprisingly, a wild and foggy stretch of coast. Many tourists know that this shoreline includes the fishing village of Bodega Bay, where Hitchcock filmed “The Birds,” but the Sonoma Coast has many other draws for travelers.” 
“Hike the trails of the pristine ocean beaches, explore the Redwood forests, or kayak the Gualala River. Dive for the abalone or golf the local Scottish links-style PGA quality golf course.” 
“Surrounded by parks and a natural setting, the small town of Orick offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Humboldt Lagoons State Park offers a marshland habitat of native birds, animals and plants. It is also a prime location for fishing, boating and hiking. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, meanwhile, is most famous as the filming site of the movie Jurassic Park II. In reality, though, this natural area is a haven for preservation of native redwood forest.” 
“With more than a century of history, the Historic Requa Inn offers a quaint bed and breakfast in remote Klamath. Uniquely tucked away within a World Heritage Site, towering redwoods surround the inn, with various state parks, recreation areas and the coast all within a 40-minute drive.” 
San Ysidro Creek cut a path of destruction through the center of Montecito early Tuesday morning when intense rain released a deluge of debris from the Santa Ynez Mountains, which were burned by the Thomas fire. 
Below, in blue, was scrawled “Augie & Karen Johnson,” with a question mark in front of their names. Below and next to it were other names, also with question marks, as people searched for loved ones. One name at the top had been crossed out, with “He is OK” scrawled next to it. 
“But the rain was heavy enough that she woke up at 3 and watched it with her boyfriend, Norm Borgatello. They stepped out the front door to look, her family described later, and a cold sludge of gravel and mud and boulders picked them up. She tried to hold onto the door frame, but the force was overwhelming. He was thrown against a fence and pinned there, buried in mud up to his neck. She was swept away. “Josie!” he called out, over the roaring river. “Josie!”” 
“I came around the house and heard a deep rumbling, an ominous sound I knew was … boulders moving as the mud was rising,” resident Thomas Tighe told CBS SFBayArea. “I saw two other vehicles moving slowly sideways down the middle of the street in a river of mud.” 
“Out here, disasters often prey on hillside castles overlooking the sea. If that seems fair or just, try sweeping three feet of muck out of your child’s closet some time. There is nothing fair about any of this. Heartache is heartache. Precious photos are precious photos. No one owns the exclusive rights to hard luck. We can’t take a hint though. This has been going on for decades, and we rebuild in vulnerable areas, because they bring us nearer to nature and soothe our jangled souls. “It’s worth the risk,” we say. “Ever seen our sunsets?”” 
“For many travelers, Amtrak trains may be the best way to get from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara for the foreseeable future. Caltrans said late Friday that the 101 Freeway would not reopen Monday, as originally thought.” 
“U.S. Highway 101, a major north-south artery that carries 100,000 vehicles through the Central Coast each day, was initially expected to open Monday, but officials said cleaning up one part of the freeway was proving more difficult than imagined. In a section of the road near 
“The Arcata Theatre is a striking combination of Art Deco and Art Moderne architecture. This structure incorporates the geometric Art Deco design with the sweeping curved style of the Art Moderne; a frequent combination in 1930’s theater design. The marquee features neon lighting and is a focal point in the city’s skyline. In the original blue print designs, the neon marquee was nearly twice as tall as it was eventually built. “Best advertising for the town is George Mann’s new sign on the G Street Theater which emblazons to the world at large that south bound tourists are now entering Arcata”” 
“As a final note, the original (and thus far only) homeowners, Linda E Pedroni and Rudolph H Light, were apparently quite active for years in circles working to preserve oak tree populations, the East Ranch even serving as the mailing address for the International Oak Society‘s election committee.” 
“Ronnie Spector, the original bad girl of rock, a 2007 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, headlined Narada Michael Walden’s 21st Holiday Jam on Dec. 16 at the Throckmorton Theater in Mill Valley.” 
After months of dealing with a complicated permit process, the World Surf League has cleared its final hurdle and will stage the Mavericks big-wave surfing contest within a waiting period running from Jan. 3 through Feb. 28. Once known as the Titans of Mavericks, the event off the coast of Half Moon Bay now will be called the Mavericks Challenge. 
“At the north end of Santa Monica Beach, there’s a fenced off 2-acre section that looks a bit unkempt. It’s an experiment in “re-wilding,” or restoring the beach to what it looked like before humans altered it. The pilot project, a partnership of The Bay Foundation and Santa Monica, could also help protect the city from sea level rise.”
A Monday morning flyover of the region’s coast revealed that the high water levels are having a variety of impacts. People who live, work, or play there need to become comfortable with the idea that change is coming along the coast. The King tides offer that insight.
