Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

Rick Oshay’s Hanukkah Party invite was a delightful surprise and turned out to be one of the most delicious experiences I’ve enjoyed in my city by the sea. Chef Michael Amador and Lisa, owners of Uncorked Wine Tasting and Kitchen at 432 E. Haley Street in Santa Barbara, along with their staff out did themselves. The special evening began with Latkes with applesauce, sour cream, and chives that everyone loved. The delicious traditional potato dish was savored by guests while sharing introductions over fine local wines.

As plates filled with all the special Hanukkah favorites began to fill all the tables the Hanukkah candles were lit and everyone shared their gratitude for being included with host Rick Oshay for such a meaningful and delicious opportunity to share this holiday with him.

The melt-in-your-mouth brisket, with vegetables, bread and couscous paired with amazing Uncorked wines was perfect, and the love and warmth shared by guests was so appreciated. Host Rick traveled to tables checking to see everyone was happy and making sure they had all they wanted. The fresh baked Challah bread was freshly baked and although jelly donuts ordered were not delivered guests were licking their lips after the divine apple pie sweet ending.

It was an incredibly special night for me, as I have always loved Jewish food, and I hope to be privileged to do it again! Thanks to wonderful Chef Michael Amador for preparing such an outstanding traditional meal for all, and his wife Lisa for being so gracious to all. Huge kudos to Rick Oshay on hosting a truely memorable Hanukkah dinner for his many friends in Santa Barbara. For information visit: www.uncorkedsb.com.

Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister City Committee Hold Traditional Celebration

Las Posadas is an Advent celebration revolving around the concept of hospitality. It originated in Spain and is still very popular today. The word Posada means "shelter, "lodging," or "Inn". The Posadas re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s Journey from Nazareth of Bethlehem and their search for lodging along the way. These celebrations last for nine days, representing the months of Mary's pregnancy.

The people of Mexico participate whole heartedly in Las Posadas. While these celebrations provide opportunities for religious worship, they also provide an occasion for cultural and social exchanges. Some of the major celebrations include Passion Week, Día de los Muertos and Christmas festivities incuding the Posadas.

Prepared and presented with compliance to current panemic restrictions, In December members of the Sana Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister City Committee held their 2021 Las Posadas event at Cesar’s Restaurant on Milpas Street in Santa Barbara, where a traditional dinner was served, 2022 board officers were elected, festive music was provided by Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana with dancing, and religious songs were sung in celebration of Las Posadas.

THE MISSION of Santa Barbara Puerto Vallarta Sister City is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation — one individual, one community at a time.

Committee PURPOSE is to Provide a means for promoting and maintaining a program of international sister city friendship and people-to-people exchange between Santa Barbara, California and Puerto Vallarta, México and the residents of these two respective cities.

SB-PV SISTER City Program is a direct cultural and social exchange between Santa Barbara, California, USA and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. Our committee was established in 1972 through the efforts of local city officials and interested citizens. The founders were Richard Hidalgo City Councilmember, Barry Cappello City Attorney, Frank Arguelles, Howard Goldman, Antonio Molina and Gregorio Romallo.

Member of Sister Cities International. Puerto Vallarta was chosen because of comparable features and population, commerce, tourism, etc. But the main grass-roots strength of the Sister City movement rests on the people-to-people programs, and the direct contact activity of the individual Sister Cities. These range through cultural (art and music), athletic, student, professional, industrial and commercial exchanges of every form all arranged directly by those engaged in the individual programs. The group was established in 1973. The current President Gil Garcia and his wife Marti have been described as a driving force in raising charitable funds, with the support of Rotary International, and they have worked with board members in coordinating the longstanding support of the Santa Barbara Physical Rehabilitation Clinic of Puerto Vallarta, Families of Children with Cancer, and more.

According to David Bolton, 2021 First VP of Old Spanish Days Fiesta “Gil and Marti are integral parts of the strong and successful relationship between sister cities Santa Barbara and Puerto Vallarta. For many, many years, their dedication and commitment has benefited so many important causes in PV. The sister cities relationship has truly benefited from Gil and Marti’s tireless efforts. Bravo!“