“Two Spirits,” a documentary film by director Lydia Nibley will celebrate its California premier at the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. This groundbreaking new film has been nominated by the Fund for Santa Barbara for the “Social Justice Award for Documentary Film http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/two-spirits-documentary-has-california-debut-773.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/two-spirits-documentary-has-california-debut-773.aspx Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is pleased to announce Kathryn Bigelow as the Outstanding Director of the Year for the 2010 Silver Anniversary edition. in what has become an annual tradition in featuring a Guest Director, SBIFF will program a retrospective of Bigelow's films. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/outstanding-director-of-the-year-for-2010-722.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/outstanding-director-of-the-year-for-2010-722.aspx Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST The Santa Barbara International Film Festival continues its tradition of honoring the year's standout performers by presenting The 2010 Chopin Virtuosos Award to Carey Mulligan, Saoirse Ronan, Gabourey Sidibe and Michael Stuhlbarg, it was announced today by SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. The Award presentation, sponsored by Chopin Vodka, will take place Sunday, February 7 at the Lobero Theatre at the 25th edition of the festival, which runs February 4-14, 2010. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/virtuoso-awards-announced-713.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/virtuoso-awards-announced-713.aspx Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST The Santa Barbara International Film Festival will honor four-time Academy Award nominee Julianne Moore at the 25th edition of the Festival with the Montecito Award, which runs February 4 -14, 2010, it was announced today by SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. The Tribute will take place Thursday, February 11, at the historic Arlington Theatre. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/julianne-moore-honored-at-sbiff-711.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/julianne-moore-honored-at-sbiff-711.aspx Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST The Santa Barbara International Film Festival will honor Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Stanley Tucci and Christoph Waltz with the Cinema Vanguard Award at the 25th edition of the Fest, which runs February 4-February 14, 2010, it was announced today by SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. The Tribute will take place on Friday, February 12, 2010. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/vanguard-award-honors-four-691.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/vanguard-award-honors-four-691.aspx Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST James Cameron has been selected to receive the Santa Barbara International Film Festival's highest honor, The Lucky Brand™ Modern Master Award, it was announced by SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. The Tribute will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2010,at the historic Arlington Theatre. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/james-cameron-to-recieve-sbiff-modern-master-award-672.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/james-cameron-to-recieve-sbiff-modern-master-award-672.aspx Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST Quentin Tarantino a legendary director received the Kirk Douglas award for excellence in Film Thursday at the Coral Casino, on the waterfront that share Butterfly beach. He brought along a gaggle of actors, and his producer from his latest successful film Inglorious Basterds. In a red-carpet interview Tarantino explained how he keeps us so entranced. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/tarantino-shows-passion-at-awards-ceremony-645.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/tarantino-shows-passion-at-awards-ceremony-645.aspx Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST In recognition of his contributions to the world of film, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is honored to present the fourth annual KIRK DOUGLAS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM to the legendary, Academy Award-winning writer/director/producer/actor Quentin Tarantino. The black-tie Gala dinner, sponsored by Chopin Vodka, will take place at The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara on Thursday, October 22. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/quentin-tarantino-wins-kirk-douglas-award-544.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/quentin-tarantino-wins-kirk-douglas-award-544.aspx Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PST To kick off the upcoming 25th Silver Anniversary, the festival is throwing a Silver Screen Bash Sunday, July 19 from 5pm to 10pm at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort in the Rotunda. The event has attracted early sponsors such as Montecito Bank & Trust, Roblar Winery, Stockholm Krystal Vodka and Rincon Broadcasting. The Festival is scheduled to occur between Feb 4th through Feb 14, 2010. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/santa-barbara-film-festival-fund-raiser-for-25th-anniversary-375.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/santa-barbara-film-festival-fund-raiser-for-25th-anniversary-375.aspx Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 PST Mile High is an emotionally provoking documentary which shows a more personal side to presidential elections. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/mile-high-review-169.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/SBIFF/mile-high-review-169.aspx Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST A movement started in northern California to test State laws by openly bringing guns into Starbucks has caused quite a stir of late. See what local law enforcement has to say about it. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/bringing-a-gun-to-starbucks-787.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/bringing-a-gun-to-starbucks-787.aspx Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PST When our love for someone requires that we kill as an expression of such “love,” then love is only an illusion. Neither is it love when the one who claims to love us requires us to seduce or manipulate someone else. These messages are woven into this tale of terror by Pierre Morel in his film “From Paris With Love.” http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/from-paris-with-love-one-star-disturbing-777.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/from-paris-with-love-one-star-disturbing-777.aspx Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST The devastating effects of the disease of alcohol addiction are well known and yet many choose to risk the disease to indulge in the substance. The reasons why they choose to do so vary from individual to individual. Hal Conklin and Denny Wayman review this movie with values in mind. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/crazy-heart-powerful-755.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/crazy-heart-powerful-755.aspx Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST Pairing the fact that Denzel himself is a Christian and that it is the God of the Bible that has called his character on a spiritual quest is a blending of real life with fantasy. But to say that the quest of Eli is a Christian quest would be a stretch. The film acknowledges that Eli’s bloody trail demonstrates little love for one’s enemies, but that does not keep it from exploring various spiritual and social issues. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/the-book-of-eli-insightful-752.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/the-book-of-eli-insightful-752.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST Detaching ourselves from others is one way to avoid having to carry the weight and responsibilities of life. The difficulty with this solution is that when we avoid any relationship that requires the weight of commitment and the responsibilities of caring for another, we end up isolated and alone. This truth is insightfully presented by Jason Reitman (Juno) as both director and screenwriter in his film “Up in the Air.” http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/up-in-the-air-insightful-740.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/up-in-the-air-insightful-740.aspx Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST “Avatar” is amazing cinema. Melding the latest technology in cinematic animation with live actors, writer and director James Cameron also unites science fiction with mythology in creating a story that captures both our imaginations and our souls. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/avatar-movie-review-3-stars-727.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/avatar-movie-review-3-stars-727.aspx Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST The power of his Christian faith brought Nelson Mandela through thirty years of unjust imprisonment. But his faith didn’t just help him survive, it also helped him become a wise and strategic leader who recognized that forgiveness is his most potent weapon against the atrocities of apartheid. In classic Clint Eastwood style, “Invictus” is a film that not only demonstrates Mandela’s genius but Eastwood’s as well. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/invictus-4-stars-movie-review-712.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/invictus-4-stars-movie-review-712.aspx Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST The multilayered description of Michael Oher’s journey from a life of poverty to that of a professional athlete is quality cinema. Written by Michael Lewis and adapted for the screen by John Lee Hancock, this true story exemplifies how lives can be transformed by love when people put their Christian faith into action. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/the-blind-side-4-stars-inspiring-movie-review-703.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/the-blind-side-4-stars-inspiring-movie-review-703.aspx Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST The damage caused by incest is made all the more painful when the mother knows of the abuse and yet does not protect her daughter. But when the mother blames her daughter for the father’s behavior and cruelly attacks her for years, the emotional, mental and spiritual destruction is revolting. That is the fictional tale created by Sapphire and put on film by director Lee Daniels in “Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire.” http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/precious-3-stars-movie-review-700.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/precious-3-stars-movie-review-700.aspx Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST In less then maybe a few minutes my Aunt Desiree came in a panic looking for me. She saw me sitting there looking pale and sick. She signed the papers to take me home. After she finished signing the papers she lifted me into her arms with tears in her eyes and began to walk to our home. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/when-my-papa-passed-680.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Life/when-my-papa-passed-680.aspx Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST The Santa Barbara Peace Officers Association (SBPOA) announced today their endorsement of Joyce Dudley for Santa Barbara County District Attorney. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/sb-peace-officers-endorse-joyce-dudley-for-da-761.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/sb-peace-officers-endorse-joyce-dudley-for-da-761.aspx Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST Das Williams, Democrat candidate for 35th Assembly announced today that he raised over $300,000 in the campaign fund reporting cycle that finished at the end of the year. Williams must win the primary in November and beat out Susan Jordan, the husband of termed-out Pedro Nava. Das Williams http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/das-williams-announces-fund-raising-results-754.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/das-williams-announces-fund-raising-results-754.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST Stoker raises $100k without even trying for his political campaign. Without much of a challenger, Stoker will get the benefit of being the only serious Republican candidate while the Jordan and Williams both spend their time, money and energy focusing on beating each other up. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/stoker-raises-100k-for-campaign-739.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/stoker-raises-100k-for-campaign-739.aspx Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST Citing example after example of the Coastal Commission acting in an obstructionist manner, Stoker calls for the power to be shifted back to the counties that need to get work done instead of requiring lengthy certification plans that are onerous. Stoker the Republican candidate for 35th Assembly. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/california-coastal-commission-draws-fire-from-stoker-729.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/california-coastal-commission-draws-fire-from-stoker-729.aspx Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST As of 11/12/2009 12:21 PM POST RECOUNT Mayor: Schnieder City Council: House, White, Hotchkiss, Self Measure B: No, Measure C: Yes Measure D: Yes Measure E: Yes http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/post-recount-vote-results-as-of-today-677.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/post-recount-vote-results-as-of-today-677.aspx Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST City Clerk Services Manager, Cyndi Rodriguez, after conducting a manual audit of election results, has determined that a vote counting machine, in some cases, did not properly read a portion of ballots cast. As a result, she has decided to do a complete recount. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/city-clerk-order-vote-recount-671.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/city-clerk-order-vote-recount-671.aspx Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST As of 11/4/2009 1:35:09 AM Mayor: SchniederCity Council: House, White, HotchkissMeasure B: No, Measure C: Yes Measure D: Yes Measure E: Yes http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/election-results-as-of-1142009-13509-am-661.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/election-results-as-of-1142009-13509-am-661.aspx Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST Assembly member Pedro Nava has been selected as the Planning and Conservation League’s (PCL) 2009 Legislator of the Year for his efforts to fight expanded oil drilling off the California Coast and for pursuing an oil severance tax. The award is given every year to a legislator who has made an outstanding contribution to California’s environmental laws and policy–making in the previous session. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/pedro-nava-named-legislator-of-the-year-by-pcl-656.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/pedro-nava-named-legislator-of-the-year-by-pcl-656.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST Op-Ed: Assemblyman Pedro Nava has the same remedy for every problem facing California. Indeed, regardless of the question, Pedro's answer is essentially the same, create a new tax; hike an existing tax; or make a temporary tax wider, deeper, and permanent. Nava's advice for every fiscal ill that we face is to ask all of us to pay more taxes and call him in the morning…at which point he will probably be well on his way to his next political office. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/pedro-navas-oil-tax-remedy-is-bad-medicine-646.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/pedro-navas-oil-tax-remedy-is-bad-medicine-646.aspx Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST Bruce Allen, one of the founders for SOS California, says Pedro Nava's proposed oil tax is "changing the rules after companies make investments in CA energy, business will begin to look at CA like Venezuela" http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/sos-california-nava-changes-rules-after-agreement-617.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Politics/sos-california-nava-changes-rules-after-agreement-617.aspx Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST The Golden West Winds Woodwind Quintet will give a free concert on Saturday, March 13 at 2:00 PM in the Faulkner Gallery of the Santa Barbara Central Library. The Golden West Winds is the resident woodwind quintet of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/air-force-quintet-performance-at-library-free-783.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/air-force-quintet-performance-at-library-free-783.aspx Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PST The Santa Barbara zoo will be holding court for all the young princesses on March 13th from 10am to 2 pm. Zoo members can get in an hour earlier. Snow white, Sleeping Beauty and even Cinderella will appear in person. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/princess-day-at-zoo-promotes-frog-conservation-776.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/princess-day-at-zoo-promotes-frog-conservation-776.aspx Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST Friendship Center, the only non-profit adult day services center on the south coast, invites you to celebrate its Hawaiian-themed Eleventh Annual Festival of Hearts on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from noon to 3pm in the Center’s courtyard at 89 Eucalyptus Lane in Montecito – across the street from All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/friendship-center-fundraiser-766.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/friendship-center-fundraiser-766.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST The Santa Barbara Channels and KCSB-FM present popular journalist Amy Goodman, host of the daily international radio and TV news show Democracy Now!, who will speak about her new book, Breaking the Sound Barrier, on Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 pm at UCSB’s http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/amy-goodman-of-democracy-now-speaks-at-ucsb-683.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/amy-goodman-of-democracy-now-speaks-at-ucsb-683.aspx Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST What: Chocolate and Wine event When: Saturday, November 7th, 7 to 10 pm - VIP event starts an hour early at 6pm, Where: Island View Nursery at 3376 Foothill Road in CarpinteriaCost: The VIP event starts an hour early at 6pm, tickets are $100. Advanced tickets are $65, $75 at the door http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/rape-crisis-center-fundraiser-saturday-663.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/rape-crisis-center-fundraiser-saturday-663.aspx Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST WHAT: TEAM DAWG's 5K and 1/2 marathon FUNdraiser! When: Next Saturday, 11/7. Event starts at 8am at Shoreline Beach (by SBCC). http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/run-like-a-dawg-fundraiser-660.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/run-like-a-dawg-fundraiser-660.aspx Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST Santa Barbara City College’s Scheinfeld Center will host Wayne Rosing, former head of engineering at Google, on Fri., Nov. 20 from 4:30- 6:30 p.m. at the Fé Bland Forum on SBCC’s West Campus. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/former-google-engineering-exec-to-speak-at-sbcc-652.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/former-google-engineering-exec-to-speak-at-sbcc-652.aspx Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST November 1 marks the exciting beginning of Bald Eagle Season at Santa Barbara County’s Cachuma Lake. North America’s stateliest wild birds come to winter in Southern California, and, at Cachuma Lake, they stay through March to feast on trout and waterfowl, socialize, and give a great show if you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time—on the lake during a fabulous Eagle Cruise! http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/eagle-watching-at-lake-cachuma-650.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/eagle-watching-at-lake-cachuma-650.aspx Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST New Noise Santa Barbara is a new music industry event in Santa Barbara. It runs from October 8th, 9th and 10th at three different venues. It includes panels and topics from industry powerhouses including the founder of Pandora, inc. It's being touted as the festival for everyone, and it appears to be living up to the hype. Yesterday we had an opportunity to interview the founder of New Noise, Jeff Theimer. Here is our exclusive interview. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/exclusive-new-noise-santa-barbara-interview-612.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/exclusive-new-noise-santa-barbara-interview-612.aspx Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST This event brings like-minded folks together to hear from a local fisherman, and plan exciting events like a National Fair Fish Day of Action, film screenings, letter to the editor parties, media events, and more. http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/santa-barbara-fair-fish-kickoff-meeting-584.aspx http://www.PlanetSantaBarbara.com/Activities/santa-barbara-fair-fish-kickoff-meeting-584.aspx Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PST