Category Archives: Human Interest
James Rolfe: The Humanitarian Dentist
{Edited version published in Santa Barbara Magazine – Feb. 2007}James Rolfe is a maverick in the world of dentistry. In 2003 the 67-year old answered the call of his conscience, traveling to Afghanistan to offer his services. He reflects, “I … Continue reading
Who are the SB Music Phreaks?
{Edited Version Published in The Santa Barbara Independent – 12/8/05} It’s a beautiful spring day in Las Vegas. A few hundred people are gathered around the pool at the Wild West Hotel watching the UCSB-bred Animal Liberation Orchestra play an … Continue reading
“Houston. We’ve had a Problem.”
{Edited Version Published in the Santa Barbara News-Press on 4/18/10} Looking back on the 40th anniversary of Apollo 13 and the man behind the mission Forty years ago yesterday, at 10:07 a.m., the Apollo 13 spacecraft splashed down in the … Continue reading
My Brother the Rabbi
{Edited Version Published in The Santa Barbara Independent on February 16, 2006} Holy energy was thick in the air as a procession of rabbis cast the seven sacred blessings upon the glowing couple. A sea of black hats nodded back … Continue reading
Goleta Man Celebrates 105th Birthday – ‘He’s going to bury us all.’
{Edited Version Published in Santa Barbara News-Press on 7/29/09} When Leonard Cruess walked out of Sizzler after his 105th birthday party on Tuesday, the restaurant’s manager, Mike Howells said, “See you next year.” “Oh, I won’t be back,” Mr. Cruess … Continue reading
Kindergartner Finds Calling with Karate – A special family bond inspired interest in martial arts
{Edited Version Published in the Santa Barbara News-Press on 8/28/09} Annie Lynn Brown may look like an innocent five-year-old but she’s not someone you’d want to mess with. The three-foot blonde has been a star pupil with South Coast Karate … Continue reading
Doctors Without Walls Nurture the Homeless – Volunteers converge to administer street medicine
{Edited Version Published in the Santa Barbara News-Press on 10/24/09} During a time when health care is one of the most controversial issues in America, a team of local volunteers have created their own system to help those in need. … Continue reading
Local Violin Maker Reaches Career Zenith – Crafting customized quartet for Westmont was two year project
{Edited Version Published in Santa Barbara News-Press on 10/26/09} James Wimmer was in the midst of the most important project of his career and he wasn’t about to let a pair of raging wildfires get in the way. The master … Continue reading