turn a new page
With activism, the environment, history, social change,
self‑help, and a bit of whimsy, this season of renewal in
bookstores and lecture halls is filled with a plethora of exciting
lectures and events. Whether your interest is understanding nearby
nature, finding inner happiness, or seeking political justice, pack
your notepad, budget for buying new books, and become educated,
galvanized, and inspired.
The Lure of Fishing in the Santa Barbara
Channel Captain David Bacon runs a six pack charter boat
when he’s not telling tales. His public talk at the Maritime Museum
will involve sea yarns from the captain’s chair covering the joy of
fishing, tackling everything from gear to ocean politics. Thu.,
Mar. 23, 7pm; Munger Theater, S.B. Maritime Museum; 962 8404.
Adventures of a Hollywood Secretary Hollywood
author and documentarian Cari Beauchamp resurrects an epochal
Hollywood era as seen from the letters of 1920s Hollywood secretary
Valeria Belletti, who worked for Samuel Goldwyn and Cecil B.
DeMille. Sun., Mar. 26, 3pm; Chaucer’s Books; 682 6787.
“Reflections on a Wedding Cake” Speaking of
Stories has taken a unique twist down a storytelling road in this
installment of its popular series. It commissioned tales by
contemporary writers — which all include a wedding cake in the
middle of the road. The evening’s readers will include popular
actors Annabeth Gish and Christopher Lloyd. Mon., Mar. 27, 7:30pm;
Lobero Theatre; 963 0761 or speakingofstories.com.
An Evening with Al Franken The Legal Aid
Foundation of Santa Barbara presents humorous political commentator
Al Franken. Whether you agree or disagree with his point of view,
Franken never fails to deliver insight into modern politics, be it
truth or lies, with jokes. Fri., Mar. 31, 6:30pm; Fess Parker
DoubleTree Resort; 963 6754 x103.
Holy Land Whose Land? The Middle East is filled
with one of the most tragic international clashes of the modern
era. For those without a background in religious studies or a
historical encyclopedia at their fingertips, Dorothy Drummond makes
the roots of Middle Eastern conflict understandable by explaining
the story behind the struggle. Sat., Apr. 1, 2pm; Borders, downtown
Santa Barbara; 899 3668.
Intoxicating Agent We may know Joyce Dudley as
one of our county’s deputy district attorneys, but she is also an
accomplished novelist. Her second book combines arson, murder,
conflict, and love for an arresting tale of justice pursued. Tue.,
Apr. 4, 7pm; Chaucer’s Books; 682 6787.
The Resurgence of Anti Semitism in Europe In
his native France, Bernard Henri Levy is known simply as “BHL,”
where he is one of today’s most well known and prolific
philosophers and intellectuals. Superstar, maverick, libertine,
journalist, filmmaker, and activist, Levy has investigated a
variety of social topics including racism, fascism, the death of
Daniel Pearl, and war. Mon., Apr. 10, 8pm; UCSB’s Campbell Hall;
893 3535.
Seabirds of the Channel Islands and Santa
Barbara We see them daily, admiring them in flight or
cursing a seagull snatching a bite of our picnic lunch. The
seabirds of our richly diverse area have a fascinating life and
history, particularly since thousands nest annually on the
protected Channel Islands. Josh Adams’s talk will stimulate
appreciation of our feathered friends. Tue., Apr. 11, 7pm; Chase
Palm Park.
Mind Change: World Change Dr. Jean Houston
takes “Think Globally, Act Locally,” to a new level: consciousness.
In this talk, the noted author explores how expansions in
consciousness offer unique solutions to current world issues. Mon.,
Apr. 17, 7:30pm; Lobero Theatre; 687 0812.
Surfing’s Greatest Misadventures Misadventures
can be as epic as true adventures when riding waves. Anyone from
pro surfers to enthusiasts to journalists contributed gripping true
stories to this collection. Big wave surfer and female watercraft
driver Shawn Alladio and surfer and biologist Jeff Phillips will be
on hand to recount their tales. Want to submit your story for
consideration in Book Two? Check out thesurfbook.com. Wed., Apr.
26, 7pm; Borders, downtown Santa Barbara; 899 3668.
Ecological Activism and Community Renewal The
current administration and state of the environment makes the
present a crucial time for action. Feel stymied? This panel of
fierce environmental activists — Vandana Shiva, Resurgence magazine
editor Satish Kumar, and deep ecologist and Rainforest Action
Network founder John Seed — promises to inspire. Thu., Apr. 27,
7:30pm; Thornton Auditorium, SBCC’s Wake Center; 687 0812.
Sustainable Development, Democracy, and Peace
There are few better to speak on this subject than Wangari Maathai,
the first African woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. This honor
was bestowed on her in 2004 in recognition of her efforts to
mobilize the women of Africa in planting more than 30 million
trees. Fri., Apr. 28, 7pm; UCSB’s Campbell Hall; 893 3535.
The Biology of Belief Cellular biologist Dr.
Bruce Lipton elucidated how environment and perception, and indeed
our very thoughts, affect our cellular structure and even our
genetics in his newly released best selling book, The Biology of
Belief. Mon., May 1, 7:30pm; Lobero Theatre; 687 0812.
The Kurds: A People in Search of Their Homeland
Even with our attempts at rectifying human rights abuses and making
right the wrongs of generations, tragically there are still people
displaced and disenfranchised. War correspondent, photojournalist,
and Santa Barbara resident Kevin McKiernan’s documentary and new
book illustrates the difficulties of the Kurds, today’s largest
stateless ethnic group. Tue., May 9, 8pm; UCSB’s Campbell Hall; 893
3535.
Happiness, with Matthieu Ricard and Pico Iyer
We have an amazing potential for happiness wired into our very
nature. Buddhist monk, author, and former molecular geneticist
Matthieu Ricard will discuss how we can use our minds to achieve
this potential with the acclaimed author Pico Iyer. Sat., May 13,
3pm; Victoria Hall Theater; 893 3535.
Becoming a Blessing Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen has
made it her life work to return heart and soul to medicine. Through
her practice as a physician, teaching of young doctors, and books
including Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal, her life as both
patient and physician explores how we can make an impact. Mon., May
15, 7:30pm; Lobero Theatre; 687 0812.