Gail Arnold writes our Society Matters column in the real estate section and online. She began her career as an international trade attorney in Washington, D.C., and later worked in the wine industry in Sonoma. “This was a step in the right direction,” she said, “but working as a society columnist is as good as it gets.” Gail has been very active in the nonprofit sector, serving on the research committee of the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara and as the volunteer grant writer for a couple of health-care nonprofits. Given her strong background in the nonprofit world and her enthusiasm for attending events, she brings depth and passion to her columns.