A sign of the times

BY LESLIE WESTBROOK
It seems to be on most people’s lips and it starts with the letter “D”. No, I’m not talking about the Democratic Convention taking place this week in Denver, I’m talking about the economic depression.
Everyone I have spoken with over the last few weeks is concerned about the economy and their income. I’m not just speaking about the poor, working or middle class. Even the wealthy are seeing dips in their savings and those lucky enough to be living off of interest income, or supplementing their social security or pension benefits in this or other manners, are struggling or concerned.

Plenty of businesses have been going out of business lately and have you noticed a lot of sales going on? Even Mingei, the fine Asian fine art shop is holding the gallery’s first sale in over 29 years in business on State Street (on tansu chests). Don’t know how restaurants and saloons are doing, but if you are going out to eat and are looking for savings and are a coupon clipper, I recommend you sign up for Mike Flint’s free weekly newsletter of events, www.tixity.com.
The site features print-out discount coupons that are good for savings on entrees, or free desserts and even percentage discounts off the bill at a number of restaurants, as well as second theater tix for $1 and other entertainment discounts. Restaurants participanting include Aldo’s, Downey’s, Palace Grill, Barcliff & Bar, Café Buenos Aires, Andersen’s Danish Bakery, Blue Agave, Brick’s and Dish.
The only consolation to the economic funk is that many folks seem to be in the same sinking boat. Misery loves company. In the meantime, support local businesses when you can and get those scissors out!

Barack & The Kennedy Factor
The Democratic Convention week is in full swing and “Obama Mama” Nancy Walker Koppelman, who sits on the Obama for America National Finance Committee, is in Denver attending the festivities. However, just before she headed to the mile high city, she let me know that Caroline Kennedy “and friends” will be coming to our town for a fundraiser luncheon for Senator Barack Obama and the DNC Victory Fund on September 25th. Get ready for another paparazzi barrage.

A Bittersweet Adieu
Everyone at The Daily Sound, as well as anyone around town who has had the pleasure of meeting our longtime staff photographer Janelle Holcombe, is sad that Janelle is leaving us and moving to San Diego. Our loss is her fiancé’s gain: Janelle will be marrying her longtime sweetheart in November. Congratulations, sweet Janelle. You will be greatly missed, but we are all very happy for you and wish you married bliss.

Birkey at Soho Tonight!
If you like cool jazz, pop in to Soho tonight to hear former Santa Barbara resident Nate Birkey blow his horn and do a little crooning with his New York trio. You can even get a discount coupon on www.TIXITY.com mentioned above: make dinner reservations and save $2 off the cover charge.

James Bond & The Princes
If you have a hankering to party with English royalty, specifically Prince William and Prince Harry, you need look no further than an opportunity in our own backyard.
The upcoming “Casino Royale” soiree, scheduled for September 20th to raise much-needed funds for Veija Valley Elementary School, includes one heck of an auction item that is guaranteed to shake and stir James Bond fans and royalty groupies alike.
One of the fathers at Vieja Valley School, Kim Hughes, is the nephew of James Bond author Ian Fleming. The entire Fleming family will be attending the London premiere of the new James Bond film “Quantum of Solace” and the winning bidder will join VIP hosts Kim and his wife Tammy to the red carpet premiere in addition to bigwig parties associated with the event.
“They’ll even be able to hobnob with the princes,” promises one excited PTA mother. The proceeds of the party will directly fund the art, music, computer science and physical education classes at the school and the entire community is invited to attend.
Additionally, a number of live and silent auctions items will be available for purchase including a mixology party for 20 at the Hungry Cat restaurant; a Vegas Getaway Package which includes a three-night stay in a suite at the MGM Grand Hotel and two tickets to the Cirque du Soleil show, “Ka!”; one week at a condo in Mammoth; a Jim Hall racing package for four; and a behind-the scenes dinner for ten at the Santa Barbara Zoo. The dance floor will be rocking with tunes from the amazing DJ, Michael Hurley, and there will be gaming tables galore, with the opportunity to win raffle prizes. Guests can also roll the dice and take a chance on the “Diamonds are Forever” raffle, where $20 buys a glass of champagne and a chance to win a diamond ring, donated by Gillio Rare Coins and Fine Jewelry.
The bash will take place at the Greek Orthodox Church and tickets are $75, general and $500 for a special VIP pre-party. For information and tickets, contact Nancy Grinstein at 687-7066.
And no, I haven’t personally met the royals, hob-nobbed with the Queen or traveled with Princess Diana, but I did scoop one royal watcher on this story!

Princess Diana, but I did scoop one royal watcher on this story!
E-mail Leslie at thisandthat@thedailysound.com