Rain or shine, Carpinteria’s Casa Don Roge at 4912 Carpinteria Ave. is open for business; pictured, on Wednesday, Quintero Virgilio holds an umbrella, keeping the breads dry as Gabby Jimenez transports them. After a very brief break, Carpinteria and the rest of Santa Barbara County is set to experience another round of rain starting Thursday, with the National Weather Service predicting another 0.5-1.0 inches, with 1.0-2.0 inches in the mountains and foothills, through Friday night. Stay updated online at weather.gov/losangeles.
BRIEFLY
and its
Callender is next Wild Things Series speaker
Carpinteria John Callender is set to speak about sea level rise at the Carpinteria Library on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m., as part of the library’s Wild Things Series.
Librarian Jody Thomas said Callender will discuss what residents can expect in Carpinteria as the ocean volume increases and the sea level encroaches on the coast.
Callender — a software engineer for Archer Education — recently served on the Carpinteria Planning Commission and the city’s General Plan Update Advisory Committee, where he was involved in the development of the city of Carpinteria’s response to sea-level rise risks.
The library is located at 5141 Carpinteria Ave. For more information, visit carpinterialibrary.org.
Lohuis, Graham set to speak at CWC meeting
At the next meeting of the Carpinteria Woman’s Club (CWC) set for Wednesday, Feb. 12, marine biologist and conservationist Holly Lohuis and photojournalist Chuck Graham will present “Hail to the Whales and Island Fauna Tales,” the story of their journeys through the natural world.
“Through stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, Graham and Lohuis shed light on the majestic marine life of Southern California, particularly focusing on the awe-inspiring whales, while also delving into the remarkable tales of resilience and conservation efforts surrounding the Channel Islands wildlife,” CWC representative Marybeth Carty shared in a press release. “Their collaborative effort promises an informative, educational, and uplifting experience that celebrates the beauty of our planet’s diverse ecosystems and inspires a deeper appreciation for the importance of environmental stewardship right here in the Santa Barbara community.”
Lohuis is a passionate advocate for conservation with over 30 years of experience, per a press release from CWC. She spent over 25 years working for the Santa Barbara-based marine conservation organization Ocean Futures Society, and is a nationalist for the Island Packs, a marine educator of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and co-chair of the museum’s annual Girls In Ocean Science Conference. She is also co-director of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.
Graham has led kayak tours over Channel Island National Park for over 20 years. He has been published in several publications — including Backpacker, Men’s Journal, National Geographic, BBC Wildlife Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal, High Country News, Outdoor California and Natural History — and currently writes the “Unpredictable Wilderness” column for CVN. He is also the author of “Carrizo Plain: Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands” and “Paddling into a Natural Balance, Stories of Kayaking and Conservation around Channel Islands National Park.”
The CWC is located at 1059 Vallecito Road. The meeting is scheduled for 7–8:30 p.m. Graham will host a book signing, and Lohuis will raffle off tickets from Island Packers to visit the Channel Islands National Park.
Cox joins Edward Jones financial services branch
The Edward Jones financial services branch at 1145 Eugenia Place has welcomed a new branch administrator: Carpinterian Beth Cox.
She joins advisor Aaron Crocker, who said Cox is responsible for the daily operation of the branch.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with her as we strive to make a difference in the lives of our clients,” Crocker said. “I’m impressed not only with Beth’s office skills and efficiency but also with her knowledge of the community. I know she will be a terrific asset to our team as we strive to provide our clients unparalleled personal service.”
The branch can be reached at (805) 566-1828.
BRIEFLY continued on page 12
From left, Chuck Graham and Holly Lohuis will speak at the Feb. 12 Carpinteria Woman’s Club meeting.
On Thursday, John Callender will discuss sea-level rise
impacts on the city of Carpinteria; above, the city’s berm can be seen behind the bulldozers on the beach.
Carpinterian Beth Cox, at right, has joined the Edward Jones financial services branch at 1145 Eugenia Place. She joins long-time advisor Aaron Crocker, at left.
FOREIGN FILM
The Alcazar is excited to launch our Foreign Films Series on the second Wednesday of the month. “THE TASTE OF THINGS” is a poignant celebration of love and culinary artistry in France. Free croissants for first 100 to buy tickets.
ENJOY JAZZ, ROCK, CHAMBER MUSIC, DANCE, THEATRE, AN ACAPELLA GROUP AND MORE – presented by the incredibly talented Cate School students. All proceeds support student performances at the Alcazar (limited tickets available).
AUDITIONS
COMEDY
After dinner this Valentine’s Day, join us for an evening packed with classic tunes and love songs featuring the incredible THE TRAVELING HURTADOS.
GET READY FOR A NIGHT OF NONSTOP LAUGHS with three hilarious comedians plus a guest appearance by An Embarrassment of Pandas. PG-13 and family friendly.
The Alcazar Theatre is a 501(c)3 and welcomes your support. Donations are gratefully received by mail or by scanning the QR code
Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. To Schedule an audition, contact: Roland Rotz at DocRotz@gmail.com
FEB. 27
Be a part of one of CARPINTERIA’S BEST VARIETY SHOWS , that raises funds for Carpinteria public school music programs. Please contact docrotz@gmail.com to schedule an audition.
ON THE COUCH WITH BRYAN MOOTZ AND DENNIS MITCHELL. Be entertained by Bryan and Dennis, as they lead discussions with some of our local gems and performing artists. Fun, laughter, audience participation, lucky door prizes and more. YOU CAN HELP!
CYCLING WITHOUT AGE is a film about the power of feeling the wind in your hair, no matter where you are on life’s journey. Followed by Panel discussion.
Sponsored GranVida Senior Living
ALCAZAR FUNDRAISER! Doublewide Kings play a tribute to The Rolling Stones. This will be a sensational show and raise funds to help the Alcazar as they head towards 100 years.
CITY BEAT
Island Brewing Company noise falls within “normally acceptable” ranges, per city staff
BY EVELYN SPENCE AND LIV KLEIN
Carpinteria city staff told the Carpinteria City Council on Monday that despite the 78 noise complaints that have been filed against Island Brewing Company (IBC) since last April, the volume of the live music coming from IBC does not pose a health, safety or nuisance threat to the area.
The sound coming from the brewery which has a valid entertainment license and regularly hosts live music on Fridays and Saturdays between 6–9 p.m., and on Sundays between 2–5 p.m. — falls within “normally acceptable” range for industrial industries, and hits the upper limit of what is “normally acceptable” for parks/ recreation areas, staff said.
“Normally acceptable” is defined in the city of Carpinteria’s General Plan. IBC is located at 5049 Sixth St., near Linden Field and across the railroad tracks from the city of Carpinteria’s beach neighborhood.
“Generally, the sound levels for live entertainment at Island Brewing are falling within acceptable noise levels for surrounding land uses and do not pose an imminent health, safety or nuisance threat,” Community Development Director Nick Bobroff told the council on Monday.
The city issued a written warning to IBC in December 2023, after the Sheriff’s Office received written complaints of alleged violations of IBC’s entertainment license, which at the time stated that noise was not to extend beyond 750 feet of a licensed establishment.
In response to a petition presented to the council by four Carpinteria businesses in support of outdoor live music in March 2024, the council elected to permanently allow outdoor music for businesses with valid entertainment licenses, and did away with decibel limits.
Seven businesses in Carpinteria currently hold entertainment licenses: Apiary Beverage Company, brewLAB, Corktree Cellars, Giovanni’s Pizza, IBC, Rincon Brewery and Sunburst Wine Bar.
Beginning July 2024, Carpinteria city staff began monitoring the sound levels at IBC with a handheld digital sound meter. After monitoring sessions on July 26, Aug. 17, Sept. 6 and Oct. 19 — all between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., while different genres of music played at IBC — staff found that though live music is audible in the residential areas, it does not violate city noise policies.
Sixty-two of the noise complaints submitted against IBC are from two households in the beach neighborhood, while the remaining 16 were anonymous. Members of those two households — Marilyn Jenkins, and Eileen and Stephen Marcussen — both spoke during public comment on Monday.
Jenkins told the council that the music’s loudness is a disruption to her and her neighbors’ quality of life.
“The noise disrupts sleep, interferes with a person’s ability to work from home, negatively affects our mental health and invades the peace and quiet we deserve in our own homes,” she said.
The Marcussens said they simply want IBC to move their live music back indoors, as it was before Covid-19 hit and the city allowed outdoor music under a temporary permit program.
IBC owners Paul and Cheryl Wright on Monday told the council that the live music has provided joyful entertainment to the community, and that they have followed all the entertainment licensing regulations. Other commenters, including Corktree owner Andre Jackson, agreed live music is a benefit to both Carpinteria residents and businesses.
While staff did say the council could consider imposing volume standards — given the sound levels do sometimes approach the upper limits of what is “normally acceptable” — councilmembers voted to receive and file the staff report without making any immediate changes to city ordinances, closing out a five-anda-half hour meeting.
Council opts in to Wine Improvement District
The Carpinteria City Council on Monday opted into the Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District, which establishes 1% assessment on gross sales at wine-tasting facilities. The assessment helps the Santa Barbara Vintners Association fund promotion and engagement efforts for local wine-tasting facilities.
Santa Barbara Vintners Association CEO Allison Laslett told the council that there is only one winery within city of Carpinteria limits: the Rincon Mountain Winery Tasting Room. The tasting room supports the tax, Laslett told the council, with the hope that being included in the Santa Barbra Wine Region map will help with visitation.
––Evelyn Spence
COURTESY GRAPHIC
City Code Compliance staff took noise samples from IBC — marked on the map by the yellow star — between July and October 2024.
BY LIV KLEIN AND EVELYN SPENCE
The Carpinteria City Council was hesitant on Monday to approve a three-year closure of the harbor seal rookery beach to the public, as recommended by the city’s Harbor Seal Advisory Committee.
“Right now, with our financial constraints, it makes it really difficult to make any commitment because what we want to do is to do it well, and right now, without the financial resources, we can’t do it well,” Mayor Natalia Alarcon told members of the public during the council’s Feb. 3 meeting.
The council was originally set to discuss the closure during the council’s regular Jan. 27 meeting, but due to an internet outage at city hall, several items were moved to a special city meeting on Feb. 3.
Each year, the harbor seal rookery beach is closed to the public Dec. 1 through May 31, to protect the harbor seals during pupping season.
In a survey done by Seal Watch — a local group that keeps an eye on the seals and tracks the number of human visitors and average numbers of adult seals and their pups — 41.9% of respondents favored closing the rookery to the public all year, while 23.3% favored extending the current beach closure by two months, and 34.9% of respondents said they don’t support extending the current closure.
But the Harbor Seal Advisory Committee believes a step beyond is needed to protect what Seal Watch has called a declining harbor seal colony. The committee voted 5-2 in December to recommend the council close the harbor seal rookery beach for three years, to reduce the negative impacts of human disturbances. The committee also recommended hiring a park ranger, installing a livestreaming camera, launching an outreach program and looking into other local partners.
However, the final decision to close the beach lies with the California Coastal Commission, city staff said — a state agency whose priority is to protect public access to beaches along the California coast.
City staff reached out to the city of San Diego to discuss the city’s closure of their Point La Jolla to protect the city’s seal lion haul out, and what the Coastal Commission required to approve that closure. The takeaway: a realistic budget — that includes the cost of physical barriers and signage, as well as two full-time employees responsible for collecting data and warning away visitors — and more research is needed before the Coastal Commission will entertain a closure.
Members of the public, however, were strongly in favor of closing the beach for three years.
Carpinteria Valley Association (CVA) President Mike Wondolowski said during public comment that the CVA supports the extension of the beach closure. “Extending the beach closure to a year-round closure would be the most effective thing the city can do to reduce adverse impacts on the seal population,” Wondolowski said.
Additional Carpinteria residents during public comment said they recognize the city’s financial constraints but insisted that should not be a deciding factor in pursuing the beach closure. A number of public participants during Monday night’s meeting suggested private fundraising ideas and solutions to counteract the project’s financial constraints.
“Let’s create a public-private partnership and working fundraising committee
ROOKERY
continued on page 6
KARLSSON
The final decision to close the harbor seal rookery beach access lies with the California Coastal Commission, a state agency whose priority is to protect public access to beaches along the California coast.
CITY BEAT
Council shakes up city boards, committees
BY LIV KLEIN
Carpinteria community members proved their enthusiasm for their city, once again, with a large turn-out on Monday of both returning members and new faces looking for an opportunity to serve on their local boards and committees.
The Carpinteria City Council made appointments to several city advisory boards and committees on Monday based on a ranked voting system, including: the Library Advisory Commission, Planning Commission, Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board, Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Board, Architectural Review Board, Tree Advisory Board, Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board, Integrated Pest Management Committee, Environmental Review Committee, Community Development Block Grant Committee, Santa Barbara Mosquito and Vector Management District and County Library Advisory Committee.
Applications for the local boards closed Jan. 17, 2024.
Planning Commission
For the Planning Commission, the council chose Jane Benefield, a planner who has been on the commission for nearly two decades; David Allen, a returning commissioner with a background in land-use law; John Moyer, an architect who has lived in the city for 70 years; Alexandra VanAntwerp, who has over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, business management and community engagement; and Glenn LaFevers, who has served as Planning Commission chair since 2024.
Commissioner and journalist Katherine Salant, who has served on the Planning Commission since 2023, was not chosen to serve again.
Other applicants included Patrick O’Connor and Daniel Ojeda Ross.
Architectural Review Board
The new Architectural Review Board includes returning members Patrick O’Connor, who has served on the board since 2022; Amy Blakemore, a licensed architect who has practiced in Carpinteria for the past 16 years and has served on the board for four years; Richard Johnson, a licensed architect who has been on the board for 17 years; and Richard Little, who has served since 2023 after a previous member’s resignation.
Lisa Woolf has also been appointed as a new candidate to the board. Woolf has a degree from Cal Berkeley in architecture and additional education in construction
management. She also served four years on the Fresno Planning Commission.
Library Advisory Commission
The city’s Library Advisory Commission is now composed of Glynn Birdwell, the previous term’s commission chair with an extensive background working in public libraries; Danielle Manriquez-Osborn, a lifelong Carpinterian who has been on the board for two years; and Aja Forner, a one-year member of the board.
New faces also include Fred Shaw, a current member of the Friends of the Carpinteria Library who also served as an advocate during the early stages of Carpinteria’s municipal library; and Katrina Barraz, a local library enthusiast who said she is excited to spread the library’s mission.
High schooler Hazel Dugré was also chosen as the commission’s youth representative.
O ther applicants included James Smart, Sarah Grewe, Gabriela Severt, Thomas Schmitz and Klayton Bryan.
Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board (COSMAB)
The new COSMAB includes returning members Patrick Crooks, current president of Citizens of the Carpinteria Bluffs; Jonathan Lewis, who is going on his fifth year on the board; David Allen, a returning board member; and Ted Rhodes, the former head of the Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs.
Newbies to the board include Evan Hobson, a current UC Santa Barbara staff researcher with over 10 years of experience in environmental conservation and habitat restoration; Scout Vernon, a CalPoly graduate with a large background in native plants; and James McElvain.
Other applicants included Michael Wilding and Kimberly Cory.
Tree Advisory Board
For the new Tree Advisory Board, the council elected returning board member Patrick Crooks, an environmental consultant and certified arborist; returning board member Diane Ledbetter; returning member Dale Olivas, who has 30 years of experience with trees; returning board member Susan Mailheau, who has been on the board for two years; and new-to-the-team Susan Everett, a retired Carpinterian with a passion for trees and urban forests.
Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Board
For the Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Board all returning applicants were appointed, including Kathleen Mattes, who has been on the board for nine months; Danel Trevor, who has served on the board for the past year; and Bob Franco. Bart Dickens and Kathy Quigley were also chosen to serve on the board.
Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board
On the new Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board is Kristina Calkins, the current director of the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center who has two years of active experience on the board; Andre Jackson, a business owner and returning board member; and returning board member Mary Beth Radley.
At-large appointees include Lorraine McIntire, the former president of the Carpinteria Rotary Club; and Michelle Carlen, owner and founder of a boutique business consulting and professional coaching firm, alignment advising, with an extensive background in tourism. Other new at-large members that did not present during Monday’s meeting include Kathy Quigley, Bubby Vernon and Thomas Schmitz.
Integrated Pest Management Committee
The new Integrated Pest Management
ROOKERY:
continued from page 5
Committee will consist of only two members: Patrick Crooks, serving as the committee’s Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board Representative, and Will Carleton serving as the committee’s public member.
Environmental Review Committee
The new Environmental Review Committee currently only consists of Jenny Slaughter as the public member representative.
Community Development Block Grant Committee
On the new Community Development Block Grant Committee are returning members Glenn LaFevers, serving as the Planning Commission representative, and Jessica Petrillo, serving as the public member representative.
Santa Barbara Mosquito and Vector Management District
For the new Santa Barbara Mosquito and Vector Management District, Joe Franken will serve as the Carpinteria representative and returning district member.
County Library Advisory
Glynn Birdwell is the new County Library Advisory appointment. Applicants that did not get appointed this round will be kept in mind for future vacancies, city staff said.
to make this happen,” Patricia French, a local Carpinteria resident and Seal Watch volunteer, suggested.
Another resident and Seal Watch volunteer, Randall Moon, seconded this idea.
“I don’t think people should hold finances against the harbor seals,” Moon said. “If people would join me in matching funds, I’ll be the first in line to write a check.” City staff and the council believe a consultant will be crucial in determining what it would take for Carpinteria to qualify for a three-year beach closure. On Monday, the council directed staff to consider an accurate cost analysis of working with a consultant and encouraged the public to form private groups aimed towards fundraising for the project.
“I’m encouraging you, as a number of groups, to come together, see what it’s going to take and bring that package to us as a city so we can make a decision,” Councilmember Wade Nomura told the public in Monday night’s meeting. “Most likely it will happen if you provide the funding.”
Vice Mayor Mónica Solórzano said it would be helpful to see advocacy groups come together to help financially support the closure.
“Where the city can be most successful is when we have these passionate advocacy groups who come forward and put their skin in the game,” she said.
KARLSSON
Fine-tuning odor controls for cannabis greenhouses
County Planning Commission tentatively endorses Supes proposal
BY MELINDA BURNS
Working on a fast track, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission last week tentatively endorsed the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors proposal that would require the installation of state-of-the-art odor control technology inside every cannabis greenhouse in the Carpinteria Valley.
Under the proposal, which will return to the commission for a vote on Feb. 19, valley growers would have 12 months to install carbon filters known as “scrubbers” — or an equivalent technology — that can eliminate most of the smell of cannabis before it escapes through the greenhouse roof vents. At the same time, growers would be required to shut down the perfumed “misting” systems that they’re currently using to neutralize the smell of cannabis after it escapes into the outside air.
Carpinterians have filed 3,900 odor complaints to the county since the cannabis ordinance was approved in 2018, county records show. But it has been impossible to determine which cluster of greenhouses is to blame.
“I think they’re demanding no odor at the property line,” said Commissioner Roy Reed, who represents Orcutt and Los Alamos. “…It’s become abundantly clear that multi-technology carbon scrubbers are going to be a definite requirement. The misting systems need to go away. They struck me as somebody needing to take a shower covering it up by using cologne… We really need to listen to the neighbors and the city of Carpinteria and pursue these more aggressive goals.”
To date, records show, the county has approved zoning permits for 27 cannabis greenhouse operations in the valley, covering 138 acres just outside the city limits of Carpinteria, a beach town of about 13,000 people. Cannabis is currently under cultivation at 20 operations on 120 acres. Of the 20 active cannabis “grows,” seven are equipped with scrubbers.
“We’re looking at you to protect us,” said Paul Roberts, who lives on La Mirada Drive, a hot spot for the pungent smell of cannabis in the foothills of the valley. “I had to close our windows two weeks ago at 4 in the morning, and we live more than a mile from any growers… There’s a large, invisible community that is vigorously concerned about this pollution issue.”
Property line testing
Last Wednesday, the commission also expressed support for a county Planning & Development proposal to require testing for the smell of cannabis along the property lines of greenhouse operations. Certified inspectors would sniff the air through Nasal Rangers, handheld gadgets that fit over the nose and look like household hair dryers. The testing would be triggered by three complaints from residents within 60 days or five complaints within 24 hours.
The odor threshold for compliance is still to be defined. Some members of Concerned Carpinterians and the Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis — two citizens’ groups in the valley that have advocated for tighter regulation of the industry — contend that there should be “zero” smell at the greenhouse property lines. Noting that some greenhouse operations share the same property lines, they favor testing at the roof vents, before the smell can be dispersed on the wind, making it harder to pinpoint the source. Planning & Development is proposing a threshold at which the smell of cannabis would be “noticeable” at the property line.
Jill Stassinos, a 30-year resident of
Carpinteria, told the commission that the county should revoke the business licenses of growers who fail to install scrubbers in a timely fashion. “Without enforcement and consequences, nothing will change, and the cannabis growers will continue to drag their feet,” she said.
In addition, the city of Carpinteria is asking the county to replace its complaint-based system with a “proactive enforcement approach,” implementing regular odor monitoring of every greenhouse operation at different hours, including early morning and late evening, when the smell is most prevalent.
Planning & Development is proposing to implement quarterly inspections of carbon filters or equivalent technology in the first year after their installation; and to conduct one inspection per year afterwards, retaining the right to inspect the odor control equipment, unannounced, at any time. The growers would be required to install “run-time” meters on their odor-control equipment, showing that it was operating around the clock.
“Those quarterly inspections during the first year really give us an opportunity to dial in compliance with each operator individually,” Planning & Development Deputy Director Errin Briggs told the board. “…It allows us to really get in tune with each operation and understand what it is that they’re doing.”
Finally, as proposed, growers could apply for extensions on the 12-month deadline for scrubber installation if they faced delays because of power upgrades or equipment supply chain problems. Here, too, the citizens’ groups favor more stringent rules — no extensions should be allowed, they say, stating growers have had seven years to get the smell under control.
The odor control proposal is on track to come before the Board of Supervisors in March as a package of amendments to the county’s cannabis ordinance and zoning code. It would then need state Coastal Commission approval, a process that could take months.
The “smell snorkel”
Jared Ficker, a spokesman for CARP Growers — a group that encompasses roughly three-fourths of the valley’s cannabis operations — reminded the commission last Wednesday that its members had pioneered the state-of-theart scrubber technology that has proven effective in removing much of the smell inside greenhouses. In late 2022, independent testing of a model developed for the valley by the Envinity Group, an air purification engineering firm based in the Netherlands, showed that it could remove 84 percent of the smell of cannabis,
on average, inside a cannabis greenhouse.
Ficker said CARP Growers supports carbon scrubbers and a phase-out of the misting systems that operators “spent a lot of money chasing” early on. But many growers have experienced “great delays” in trying to revise their odor control plans and process basic building and electrical permits for scrubbers, Ficker said. Some power upgrades have been “pending for multiple years,” he said.
“First and foremost, let’s get the equipment installed,” Ficker said.
At Wednesday’s hearing, the commissioners also heard some skepticism as to whether Nasal Rangers were the best technology for testing at the greenhouse property lines. Kapono Curry, an agent for cannabis growers, said he was certified to use the technology — he called it a “smell snorkel” — and had found that different users can have different sensitivities to the smell of cannabis.
Moreover, Curry told the commission, “an individual operator’s sensitivity goes
up or down on a daily basis.” It takes about 40 samples to get a reliable, unbiased recording, he said, and each sample takes about 10 minutes to complete. The temperature, wind direction and time of day must be recorded, too.
Last April, in a report to the Board of Supervisors on hundreds of odor samples taken with Nasal Rangers at the property lines of cannabis greenhouses in the valley, Planning & Development stated that “the use of a Nasal Ranger in the field has limitations.” According to the manufacturer, the ideal use of the technology is in a lab setting, the report said.
Last Wednesday, noting that the Nasal Ranger is “not perfect,” Commissioner John Parke, who represents the Santa Ynez Valley, said he wanted to ensure that property line testing would occur in response to nighttime complaints. Greenhouse operators periodically open their rooftop vents wide to let out hot air that can damage their plants. These “burping” events can occur very early in the morning, sending the smell of cannabis into sleeping neighborhoods.
“We have to have the ability to react on a real-time basis,” Parke said.
Parke also asked Planning & Development to explain on Feb. 19 why Nasal Rangers should be employed rather than gas chromatography, a technology that can separate out the different chemical compounds that make up an odor plume of cannabis. Gas chromatography has been used privately in the valley on numerous occasions to help settle lawsuits, aid growers in applying for permits and monitor the smell of cannabis at harvest time. It can track how far the odor from cannabis greenhouses is traveling, and under what concentrations and wind conditions.
Melinda Burns is an investigative journalist with 40 years of experience covering immigration, water, science and the environment. As a community service, she offers her reports to multiple publications in Santa Barbara County, at the same time, for free.
SPENCE FILE PHOTO
Under the current county proposal, local cannabis grows would be required to install carbon scrubbers — pictured — which largely eliminate the smell of cannabis before it leaves a greenhouse.
COURTESY PHOTO
The county is proposing to use Nasal Rangers to test for the smell of cannabis along the property lines of cannabis greenhouses in the Carpinteria Valley.
Obituaries
Edward “Bud” Girard 02/28/1930 — 01/21/2025
Edward “Bud” Girard was a notable presence in his adopted hometown of Carpinteria. He and his wife of 60 years, Faith, could often be seen at Esau’s or Hugo’s, chatting with the locals. They frequently invited their Girard family members to walk the Carp Bluffs or hike a trail with them, usually with a pack of dogs in tow.
Bud sought ways to serve his community well into his 90s. A long-time scout, he supported the local Boy Scout troop, served as a Deacon at St. Joseph Catholic Church, was an enthusiastic town greeter, and regularly volunteered at the Carpinteria Historical Museum.
In his 70s, Bud, in collaboration with the Montecito Trails Foundation, helped raise funds for and design a trail that connected McMenemy and Cold Springs, aptly named the Girard Trail.
While in his 80s, he co-chaired the Franklin Trail Land Trust with Jane Murry. Together, they raised $575,000 to rebuild the trail, secure fencing around Carpinteria High School, and construct the bridge spanning the existing creek bed.
Even into his 90s, Bud could be seen trudging along the Bluffs, trekking Franklin, or scooting around town daily with his group of human and canine companions.
Bud’s dedication to service will live on in his five children, Valerie, Jeff, Mia, Daniel and Bradley, along with their spouses, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Bud will be held at St. Joseph Church on Feb. 15 at 1:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. Since Bud was a huge pie enthusiast, pie will be served in the St. Joe’s Parish Hall afterward. Want to contribute? Bring your favorite pie! Who can guess his favorite type?
Planning to attend the reception? Email us here: budmannotes@icloud. com, so we have enough pie.
Raymond Alfred Jimenez 08/27/1933 — 01/28/2025
Raymond Alfred Jimenez, a lifelong Carpinterian, passed away at home on Jan. 28, 2025 at the age of 91.
Born Aug. 27, 1933 to Raymond and Nellie Jimenez, he grew up in Carpinteria attending local schools.
He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Gonzales, in 1956. Together they had a son, Larry. Both his wife and son preceded him in death.
Raymond enlisted in the United States Marine Corp., serving his country from July 1955 — July 1961 and received the Good Conduct Medal upon discharge.
He served his community as a field superintendent with the Carpinteria Valley Water District for 34 years, retiring in 1998.
Upon retiring, being a man of many talents and interests, he was very active and enjoyed restoring and showing vintage vehicles, long distance biking, and traveling. As a sports fan, he enjoyed watching professional games, was a big Rams fan and a true-blue Dodger fan. He also enjoyed walks on the beach and visiting Indian casinos.
A man with a big heart and a big smile, he most enjoyed being with people, whether it was spending time with family getting together for good food and margaritas, on a group bus trip to Vegas or meeting his buddies downtown for coffee each morning.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; brothers William, Ernest and Frederick Jimenez; and sisters Dorothy Dominguez and Rae Jimenez. He is survived by sisters Mary Ellen Rios, Ramona Cruz, Marjorie Luera, Tillie Donnelly and Nellie Galvez; daughter-in-law Denise Jimenez; brother-in-law Joseph Galvez; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Carpinteria Cemetery, 1501 Cravens Lane, Carpinteria, on Friday, Feb. 14 at noon. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.
June Haley (Pinkham) Fitch 06/12/1958 — 01/22/2025
June Haley (Pinkham) Fitch, 66, died at the Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Jan. 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer and went to be with Jesus.
June was born in Santa Barbara, California, and spent her childhood in Carpinteria, California, loving the beach and the farm life with her parents and siblings. This is where she first found her love of animals, which would turn out to be a lifelong love that she carried with her until her dying day. She actively participated in 4-H and FFA, where she showed sheep and crop judged. She would take her love of animals and go on to major in agricultural business in college at California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, where she was on the livestock judging team.
June put her whole heart into everything she did, and her love story is a testament to that. While on the livestock judging team, she met the love of her life, her husband Jerry, and they were married shortly after her graduation. They celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in 2024. After spending time at Colorado State University (CSU), the couple made their way to Stillwater. Jerry accepted a job as an animal science professor at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and he has served faithfully there for 37 years.
Both June and Jerry came from farming and ranching backgrounds and knew they wanted to instill the values they held dear to their babies. Her son, Brian, has his own chicken business and is a
Special Olympian. He shares June’s love for knowing people and making them feel welcome. He has never met a stranger, much like his mom. Her daughter, Laurie, got her love for people from her momma, and she is working to become a mental health counselor and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to people in need. Laurie loved her momma very much and wishes that anyone reading this would remember her mom’s love for people and that, in honor of June, you would choose to bless someone today just because you can.
June had what can only be described as a servant’s heart, and her passions all began out of a desire to help and walk alongside her loved ones. A lifelong advocate for Payne County 4-H, June Fitch’s passion for bettering the lives of young people began when her kids first started in Payne County 4-H, more than two decades ago. Not only did June make an immeasurable impact on the kids and families of the Payne County 4-H, but she equally loved her time serving Special Olympics in many ways-both at the local and regional level. Her past roles included Chairman of the Stillwater Polar Plunge and Stillwater Special Olympics Booster Club. She most recently served as director of Cowboy Country Special Olympics for Oklahoma Special Olympics.
If that wasn’t enough to fill her days, she also loved serving as an advisor for the Omega Sigma Chapter of the Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) sorority at OSU. Next to her family, she enjoyed being surrounded by her close knit “Bunco Babes,” her Bunco group of which she was a member for over 20 years. It was a rare occasion for June to miss her monthly Bunco gatherings, where she and her friends ate, talked, laughed, and occasionally played a round of Bunco!
June is survived by her husband of forty-four years, Jerry Fitch, their son Brian Fitch, and daughter Laurie Fitch. June is also survived by her mother, Gayle Pinkham, and siblings Anne Smull and Jim Pinkham.
She is preceded in death by her infant son William “Will” Fitch, her father Milton (Milt) Pinkham, her husband’s father William “Bill” Fitch, and her husband’s mother Frances Trout.
. For the record...
February 22nd
In CVN Vol. 31, No. 20, “Tackle local myths and misinformation at history museum,” the ticket cost for attending the Talk & Talkback Speaker Series for nonmembers is $10.
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St. Jude
Oh Holy St. Jude, apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in Miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful special patron in time of need, to you do I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to whom God has given such great powers, to come to my assistance. Help me in my present urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys, three Glorias. This Novena must be said for 9 consecutive days. This Novena has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised to St. Jude.
Open Boarders
A Sanctuary City
Does a man who loves his family open the doors to his home 24/7, for years and expect only the fresh air to come inside and not the wind
might not the bats feel as welcome as the butterflies the song birds as welcome as the the chipmunk
the sheep and the wolves the reptiles and the rabbits
the burglar and the thief a lost child, a predator beast
At the end of the day a man who loves his family makes sure the doors are shut and locked, the windows secured the cooking fires off
Bet God dearly Loves a man who loves his family
––Jack Hurley
HELP volunteers Anne Goulart, Lorien Rennie, Mary Lemke
Service
LETTERS
“My eyes are on our prize — our soul, and the continued ability to connect, study, relate, and steward with it. It is my belief that we will ultimately live our dreams. This land shall serve as an extension of our nature preserve through a mission shared with the community through the Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs.”
— Patrick Crooks
Protecting our sacred land for the future
Just one year ago we heard from a group of investors (Carp Bluff, LLC) who were seeking approval to permit the construction of a resort on sacred, open, undeveloped land adjacent to our Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. That project seems dead — for now.
Over the last two months, there was a rush by a new LLC, at the same location, to utilize Senate Bill 330 Builder’s Remedy (bypassing local zoning laws). This LLC was looking to permit 191 units (152 market rate and 39 moderate income — zero affordable) with 605,000 square feet of construction. The rush was to beat the clock.
Up until Jan. 29, our city housing element was out of compliance, which provided property owners with the right to utilize Builder’s Remedy. The best local news I have heard this year came Jan. 30 as the California Department of Housing and Community Development found our housing element to be in substantial compliance, seemingly removing the Builder’s Remedy opportunity. One Builder’s Remedy snuck in. Time will tell how that plays.
My eyes are on our prize — our soul, and the continued ability to connect, study, relate, and steward with it. It is my belief that we will ultimately live our dreams. This land shall serve as an extension of our nature preserve through a mission shared with the community through the Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs. Our own Community Development Department led by Nick Bobroff deserves high praise in their efforts to bring our housing element into compliance.
A sense of urgency was communicated by the public, Planning Commission and City Council at many public meetings. We adhered to mandates from the state to provide adequate opportunity for construction of affordable housing within our city limits. I see compromise achieved in our local government. The law of the land.
Patrick Crooks Carpinteria
Gratitude for Golden Heart Rocks
An anonymous gift lay alongside the boardwalk at sunset on Thursday. A line of golden hearts edged the path, charming rocks of various dimensions all painted a soft lustrous gold. Heart after heart, some lumpy and bumpy, some smooth and serene. All radiating heart energy, strength and softness, kindness and care, compassion and life force. Such a lovely thing. Thank you, whoever you are.
Susan Anderson Carpinteria
A good neighbor is tolerant
Being a good neighbor means more than just friendly gestures; it involves tolerating (within reason) others’ lifestyles, livelihoods, hobbies, schedules and traditions. For example, a neighbor’s son practicing violin may interrupt my TV time, but his joy is memorable. An avocado orchard running fans overnight for frost protection might disturb my sleep, but losing the crop would be worse. Weekly landscaping noise prompting dogs to bark is necessary for community upkeep even though it annoys me. My point? Those complaining about IBC’s limited weekend music should find other activities away from their home at those times. If they’re not home to hear it, it won’t bother them. Problem solved.
Lorraine McIntire Carpinteria
The way forward to protect our harbor seals
The long-awaited City Council meeting arrived in which the recommendations from the Harbor Seal Advisory Committee were delivered to City Council.
A long and impressive list of people walked up to the podium when their names were called. Some were local naturalists. Some were experts at other Harbor Seal rookeries. Some were in the field of science. Some were heads of our City Boards. Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, Chumash elder, spoke via Zoom. All were passionate about the harbor seals.
Wade Nomura moved to receive and file the Final (Harbor Seal) Ad Hoc Advisory Committee (HSAC) recommendations and to direct staff to seek an estimate for the costs for a consultant to assist the city with a potential coastal permit, along with full annual closure for three years. Seconded by Monica Solorzano. The council voted unanimously to approve. Council also informally requested that a seal advocacy group be formed to partner with the city (similar to what skate park group did). This group could raise funds which could go to one-time costs, such as to pay for the environmental consultant, but not for full-time staff positions. There would be further discussion between the city and this newly formed group.
What now? There is a new seal advocacy group already in place, with 501c3 status!
If you are interested in participating in any of many ways, please contact Randy Moon or Susan Mailheau. (rtm. biz.2020@gmail.com & susan.mailheau@ gmail.com )
Together, we can turn roadblocks into pathways!
Also, Dr. Susan Mailheau is presenting educational talks about our harbor seals, at Carp Kitchen, in the back patio. Next is Tuesday, March 4, about diving. Watch the Coastal View for more details.
Kate Stewart Carpinteria
Coastal View News welcomes your le ers
Le ers must include your name, address and phone number. Le ers are subject to editing. Le ers over 300 words will be edited in length. Submit online at coastalview.com
CUSD special education department struggles with rising costs, loss of staff
BY JUN STARKEY
There are severe challenges facing the Carpinteria Unified School District’s (CUSD) special education department, the district’s Special Education Director Carolyn Haines told the CUSD Board of Trustees last week, including a shortage of staff members and increased costs.
“I’m not sure if you’re aware, but special education has never been fully funded,” Haines told the board. “It is a federal mandate, and is considered an unfunded mandate. We were promised a lot more money and we’ve never seen anywhere close to what it would cost to run the programs that are required. That’s just the reality we live in.”
Later in the board’s Jan. 28 meeting, board President Jaime Diamond and Superintendent Diana Rigby explained that although CUSD is a basic-aid district, special education is funded federally based on county enrollment.
“So, what’s curious in our business is that our enrollments are increasing for (special education) and our costs are increasing, but our revenue is decreasing,” Rigby said.
There are 350 students with IEPs enrolled throughout the district, including two in the Success in Education of Adult Learning Skills (SEALS) program, a secondary special education program that helps students learn about independent living and work-life skills.
As of Jan. 28, the staff for the special education program includes 18 teachers, one part-time teacher, 55 instructional assistants, 11 behavior technicians, five speech therapists, five school psychologists, one adaptive physical education teacher, one occupational therapist and one behavioral analyst.
Certificated and classified staff meet monthly with Haines to discuss how to best work with students or talk about ongoing trends. Staff also meet with instructional assistants weekly to discuss “case-specific learning and strategies that
are most beneficial to the staff working with students,” Haines said.
There are 13 disability categories under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act that students must fall under to qualify for services. The district’s special education population represents 11 of the 13 categories, Haines said, excluding traumatic brain injury or deaf/blindness.
The other categories include specific learning disabilities (which about 35% of special education students at CUSD fall under), speech or language impairment, other health impairment, autism, intellectual disability, emotional disability, developmental delay, multiple disabilities, hearing impairment, orthopedic impairment and visual impairment.
Two categories that are rising locally and nationally include the autism spectrum disorder (14% of CUSD special education students) and emotional disabilities (5.7% of CUSD special education students).
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Special education services are provided in the classroom, but also include adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, specialized deaf/hard of hearing instruction, consultations for students with visual impairments with a vision support specialist, counseling and behavioral support.
The district’s special education department is facing several challenges, Haines said. These include increases in students with disabilities — which she said went from 14% to 18% over the past five years — as well as a significant decrease in special education teachers and increases in the cost of running the program.
A high priority for the department is attracting staff and supporting them to discourage the high turnover rate. Some educators have turned to working for agencies, which often pay educators more than if the educator were to enter into a contract directly with the district.
“… Special education has never been fully funded (…) It is a federal mandate, and is considered an unfunded mandate. We were promised a lot more money and we’ve never seen anywhere close to what it would cost to run the programs that are required. That’s just the reality we live in.”
— Carolyn Haines, CUSD Special Education Director
Diamond addressed the increase in students enrolled within the special education department, stating that advancements in science have helped identify students with disabilities at more successful rates than before. She also said there is a history of stigma surrounding children with disabilities.
“I grew up in the ‘children are to be seen and not heard,’ era and that extended to whatever needs kids had,” Diamond said. “We want to work with the kids as early as possible to give them the greatest chance at a really amazing life.”
Commenters ask board to end impasse with teacher’s union
During the public comment portion of the Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Trustees’ Jan. 28 meeting, a few commenters pleaded with the board to end the impasse with the teacher’s union, Carpinteria Association of United School Employees (CAUSE), and continue negotiations.
CAUSE declared an impasse in June 2024, per emails from CAUSE, stating then the district “was not taking employees’ contract proposals seriously.” The district and CAUSE have been working through a mediator since then.
John Fowler, a teacher from Carpinteria Middle School (CMS), began by thanking the board for appointing Jamie Persoon as principal of Carpinteria Middle School in July this year.
“Her keen observational skills and willingness to listen and to recognize the needs of students has been a refreshingly promising reset,” Fowler said.
He said CAUSE President Jay Hotchner “took a lot of heat” for attempting to address the issues that Persoon tackled, such as cellphone usage and dress code.
Hotchner was dismissed from the district in November 2022 after two notices
of unprofessional conduct. The California Commission on Professional Competence ordered that he be reinstated, a decision the district is fighting.
“For the sake of the CUSD community, I urge you to end this impasse and engage with CAUSE leadership in addressing the urgent issues before us,” Fowler said. Local Rachel Haymon asked the board to offer more substantial raises to CUSD teachers and questioned the decision to offer larger raises to CUSD administrators, stating they spend less time around students.
“I don’t know if you understand the impact of your message that you’re sending when you only say 2% to these teachers, you are devaluing the kids in our district,” Haymon said. “You’re devaluing our whole community, our future leaders.” Haymon urged the board to meet with district professionals and consider why administrators are offered larger raises than teachers. “I work in another district. I want to work here so bad, but you can’t afford me, and I can’t afford to work in this district and stay in this city,” she told the board.
––Jun Starkey
Carolyn Haines told the CUSD Board of Trustees on Jan. 28 that the district’s special education department is facing severe challenges, including a shortage of staff members and increased costs.
District hopes to correct $1.6 million deficit
Superintendent Diana Rigby, who presented the proposed 2025-26 budget to the district’s Board of Trustees during the trustees’ Jan. 28 meeting, said the district is aiming to correct a deficit of about $1.6 million in the next fiscal year.
Some factors impacting the budget, Rigby said, include declining enrollment, increased special education costs and decreased property tax projections.
Proposed reductions for the 2025-26 budget include decreasing the number of programs offered outside of the classroom, unless they are funded federally, by the state or through grants. This would include programs with AHA!, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, Care Solace, Project Lead
the Way or Alice Wissing.
Field trips would be funded by grants, Rigby said, instead of out of the district’s unrestricted budget.
Other reductions included decreasing the district’s participation in conferences by about $20,000, and reducing the district’s legal fees by about $200,000.
During 2023-24, the district spent about $1.3 million on legal fees, and $1.1 million during 2024-25.
The proposed budget included reductions regarding classified and certificated staff, though Rigby said the district is confident that it would not need to lay any employees off. Instead, employees would either retire or resign, and the
Some factors impacting the budget include declining enrollment, increased special education costs and decreased property tax projections.
district would not refill the position. Ten instructional aides and four full-time employees fall under this category.
The budget also proposed discontinuing the elementary school GATE program
next year, as it is not funded by the state, Rigby said. The full-time teacher within that program would continue teaching with the district.
––Jun Starkey
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Carpinteria Community Association sets theme for April gala
The 66th annual Carpinteria Community Awards Banquet is set for Saturday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m., and organizers have announced this year’s theme: the ART of Community.
Organizer Karen Graf told Coastal View News the theme appreciates the various art forms in Carpinteria.
Awards presented during the banquet include merit certificates from service clubs and nonprofits, Junior Carpinterian of the Year scholarships, recognition of Outstanding Educators, the Community Business Award and Carpinterian of the Year.
Rincon Beach Catering will provide dinner. The banquet will take place at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road. Learn more online at carpca.org.
Police called for fight at Carpinteria High School
Police were called to Carpinteria High School on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. for a report of more than 20 juveniles fighting on the field, according to a report from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Per the report: “Once the fight was broken up, all the juveniles scattered from the scene. Deputies contacted approximately six juveniles leaving Carpinteria High School. Once additional deputies arrived on scene, three of the juveniles took off.”
The parents of the remaining three juveniles were contacted, and they picked up their children from the scene. Additional information was not immediately available.
with morning warm-ups.
Junior Lifeguards program tryouts now open
Tryouts are now open for the city of Carpinteria’s popular Junior Lifeguards program, and any new Junior Guards — or former mini Junior Guards looking to move up in the general Junior Guards program — must sign up for a try out to enroll in the summer program.
Tryouts are scheduled for Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Feb. 22 and March 1, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Carpinteria Community Pool, 5305 Carpinteria Ave. Sign up for a tryout time online at bit.ly/JrGuardsTryouts.
For Groups A-C, kids must swim 100 yards in under two minutes and 20 seconds, hold a 1-minute tread and complete a 10-yard underwater swim.
For Mini Guards, kids must complete a 50-yard swim in under one minute and 40 seconds, hold a one-minute tread, and complete a 10-yard underwater swim.
To participate, kids must be at least seven years old by June 16, 2025, and 17 or younger before Aug. 1, 2025.
Candidate Site 10, 5320 Carpinteria Ave., was rezoned by the council for residential/mixed-use back in December.
City of Carpinteria’s Housing Element certified
The city of Carpinteria’s 2023-2031 Housing Element is now in compliance with state law, following a California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) decision on Jan. 30.
The state of California ruled in March 2024 that the city’s housing element did not have enough sites to meet Carpinteria’s needs. The city submitted a revised housing element — its sixth cycle — back on Dec. 12, 2024, after the Carpinteria City Council unanimously approved a new mixed-use zoning designation, objective design standards for that zone, and the rezoning of eight parcels for residential/mixed-use.
Those eight parcels include: 5320 Carpinteria Ave., 5437 Carpinteria Ave., 4602 et al Carpinteria Ave., the site at Holly and Carpinteria avenues, 1145 et al Eugenia Place, 1101 and 1135 Eugenia Place, 1065 et al Eugenia Place, and 1001 Mark, Cindy and Via Real.
The city of Carpinteria’s rezones are split into Phase One and Phase Two. The aforementioned eight sites were chosen for Phase One because they are the most likely to provide low-income housing, city staff told the council during a late November meeting.
The council will discuss rezoning 12 sites for Phase Two sometime in 2025.
With the Jan. 30 HCD approval, the city is no longer vulnerable to builder’s remedy projects, which cannot be rejected if they meet objective standards and have at least 20% affordable units.
The full HCD letter can be found online at carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/community-development/planning/housing-element-update.
Howard School to host fifth annual jump-athon Feb. 7
Howard School will host its Fifth Annual Jump-A-Thon on Friday, Feb. 7, 1:15–3 p.m. The school hopes to raise $25,000 for school operating costs and improvements, including new gym equipment and a new playground structure.
The event will also commemorate the fifth anniversary of The Howard School moving to its campus to St. Joseph Church.
“All students participate in this non-competitive event to get them up and moving, while also raising funds and winning prizes donated by many local businesses,” Howard parent Leah Harding told CVN. “Kids are brought out in groups to jump, move, and/or complete an obstacle course, built by yours truly.”
Spectators are invited to show up and cheer the students on, and those interested can make tax-deductible donations at givebutter.com/howardjump2025. The Howard School is located at 5050 El Carro Lane.
Trash pickup schedule unaffected by President’s Day holiday
E.J. Harrison & Sons will pick up trash in Carpinteria per its usual schedule during the week of the Presidents Day holiday, Feb. 16–22.
Residents can put out three carts on the curb each week, for organics, trash and recyclables. Learn more online at ejharrison.com.
Managing Editor Evelyn Spence
Assistant Editor Jun Starkey
Sports Editor Ryan P. Cruz
Photographer Robin Karlsson
Advertising Manager Karina Villarreal
Publishers Gary L. Dobbins, Michael VanStry
Providing local news and information for the Carpinteria Valley
Coastal View News is locally owned and operated by RMG Ventures, LLC, 4180 Via Real Suite F, Carpinteria, CA 93013, and is published every Thursday. Coastal View News has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County, Case No. 210046. Coastal View News assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.
KARLSSON FILE PHOTO
Past Carpinterians of the Year gather during the April 2024 Carpinteria Community Awards Banquet.
KARLSSON FILE PHOTO
The 2024 Junior Guards cohort kicks off their summer
Carpinteria
Keeping smiles on kids’ faces
Eight years in, John Parsons’ baseball trips to Cuba are going strong
BY EVELYN SPENCE
At the beginning of each year since 2018, Carpinterian John Parsons prepares to board a flight to Cuba.
But, unlike others on the plane, Parsons isn’t taking a vacation or going to visit family. Alongside the usual collection of clothes, toiletries and knick-knacks, he packs more than 100 baseball gloves to hand out to kids there — for free.
P arsons, who came to Carpinteria from Pennsylvania over 40 years ago, told Coastal View News that it was during a 2018 trip to Cuba that he had the idea to hand out gloves and balls and spark kids’ love of sports.
“I’m a photographer (...) I decided to go to Cuba to photograph the buildings and the capitol and stuff like that, just walk through the town and check out the cars, but before I was leaving, someone mentioned to me that I should bring gifts for the children,” Parsons said. “At the time, I was watching the Little League World Series, and I came up with the idea of bringing gloves and balls for the kids.”
That first year, Parsons brought and gave out 30 gloves in Havana, Cuba.
During the most recent trip in January 2025, Parsons, alongside fellow volunteers Drew Ponce, Dave Chamness and Keith Smith, handed out roughly 130 gloves — a far cry from the original 30.
“Once I started handing out gloves for the first time, I knew I was on to something,” Parsons said. “I got back and shared my excitement and stories with friends and family, and I decided to do another trip the following year, which was a success, but I got a lot more gloves that time.”
Parsons now operates each year through the official 501c3, Gloves for Cuba, connecting with others and sharing his story through glovesforcuba.com. The team of volunteers has traveled to several different areas of Cuba at this point, including but not limited to, Vinales, Playa Larga, Santa Clara and Trinidad.
Volunteers fundraise throughout each year to purchase the gear, through Facebook, the website and word of mouth. They pay for their own airfare, Airbnbs and food, while the donations are used to cover the cost of the gloves; Parsons said a few of his friends also began putting together care packages with toothbrushes, scrunches, hair ties and more to give out to local girls in addition to the gloves.
Ponce, who works with five charities in the area, joined the Gloves for Cuba team last year, after reconnecting with Parsons via Facebook two years ago and seeing posts about Gloves for Cuba.
“I’ve been playing baseball or softball my entire life, and helping charity, so this was a win-win,” Ponce said.
On ce they land, Gloves for Cuba volunteers often look for sports fields to give out the gloves to local kids, with the parents’ permission. Sometimes, they simply walk the streets and see if any kids and their parents are interested in taking them, Ponce explained.
“The big thing that we’ve found was, we have to say the Spanish word, regalo, which is gift, so the parents understand what we’re doing,” Ponce said.
This past trip, for the first time, the team also handed out colorful wrist -
bands recognizing myositis — a group of inflammatory diseases that causes severe muscle fatigue and weakness in honor of Ponce’s close friend Vance
“V-Rob” Robinson. Robinson, who was diagnosed with myositis, started in 2017 throwing pitches up and down California at all different colleges for the Myositis Awareness Campaign.
Gloves for Cuba threw out a pitch on the most recent trip in Robinson’s honor, Ponce and Parsons said.
Next year, Parsons and his team plan to travel to Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa.
“We’re gonna see what we can do to put some smiles on kids’ faces,” he said.
One year, while attending the Little League World Series — which he now does every year — Parsons reconnected
with a boy from the Cuba team, who spotted Parsons watching in the stands and started yelling and waving.
“I almost lost it. That was incredible, to see him playing.”
COURTESY PHOTOS
John Parsons, left, on the 2025 Gloves for Cuba trip in Playa Larga, Cuba.
Drew Ponce gives out myositis awareness wristbands.
Every year, Carpinterian John Parsons and his team pack suitcase after suitcase full of baseball gloves, to give out to kids for free in the country of Cuba.
At back from left, Gloves for Cuba volunteers with local kids from their January 2025 trip.
What’s new at the harbor seal rookery?
This report covers Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, 2025
CVN’s Seal Watch weekly report, written by Seal Watch volunteers, covers activities at the Harbor Seal Rookery. The group can be reached at carpsealwatch@ gmail.com or at (805) 364-3194. The rookery is located immediately east of Casitas Pier, between Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Carpinteria State Beach. There is no vehicle access from Dump Road.
NATURAL HISTORY NOTES
The lone pup reported last week did not survive. Pups born in January are often underweight and often premies. Seal Watchers were hopeful it would survive as it was nursing for several days. Typically, most births occur during February and March.
VISITORS
The count was 1,186. Volunteers recorded people from Scotland, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Canada, Chile, South Korea, Sweden (returning to see seals), Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Vermont, Iowa, Colorado, Michigan, Idaho, Maryland, Washington, South Carolina, Utah, Minnesota, Texas, New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Indiana, North Carolina, Montana, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, New Mexico, Georgia and Oregon.
DISTURBANCES
A SpaceX launch and paddle boarders caused two major disturbances. The seals were also bothered twice by helicopters, by a visitor stepping over the rope, and by a pier worker.
MORE INFORMATION
Please consider honoring the Marine Mammal Protection Act by not walking the sanctuary beach all year. Do not bring dogs, bicycles, or loud voices to view the seals. Harbor seals, when disturbed, may flee and become separated from their pups. Volunteers asked that dogs always remain outside the rope area.
Carpinteria Seal Watch volunteers monitor our local seal rookery. More volunteers are always needed. Contact Seal Watch at carpsealwatch@gmail.com or call (805) 364-3194 if you’d like to help!
Meet Tobina the quick learner
Meet Tobina, a stunning and affectionate German Shepard who loves outdoor adventures, treats, and playing fetch. This 67-pound sweetheart is calm in the car and thrives on bonding with her human, Santa Barbara County Animal Services said.
SBCAS staff added: “Tobina is a quick learner, loves treats, full of kisses, and is just waiting to become someone’s devoted companion. Whether you’re ready to adopt, foster, or simply share her story, you can make a difference! Help us find Tobina the loving forever home she deserves and give this beautiful girl her happy ever-after!”
Inter ested in fostering or adopting Tobina? She’s at SBCAS’ Goleta location, 5473 Overpass Road. The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Learn more about Tobina online at bit.ly/TobinaTheLearner.
Teenage filmmaker’s documentary featured in international film festival
BY JUN STARKEY
Eighteen-year-old Carpinterian Sheena Rock will have her latest film “Titans” — a documentary that delves into the debate on the removal of the oil rigs off the coast of Santa Barbara County — featured in the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) on Feb. 15.
Rock’s film is part of the Youth CineMedia portion of the festival, which includes seven other films. Youth CineMedia is a documentary filmmaking class overseen by Osiris Castañeda, a film and television production instructor at Santa Barbara City College.
The documentary, filmed entirely on Rock’s iPhone, includes interviews with people knowledgeable about the rigs, including a paramedic, who explained the role a medical professional would play on an oil rig; a rig crew member; Dr. Milton Love, a research biologist at the Marine Science Institute at UC Santa Barbara; and Ryan Davis, creator of Project First Light, an organization dedicated to improving public safety and resolving global warming.
Rock said many things inspired her to make “Titans,” including her longstanding love for nature and an impactful tour in high school. After her marine biology class was given a tour of the rigs, she felt overwhelmed in the presence of the massive, industrial beings, she told CVN.
“I felt this sympathy for them,” she said. “I was amazed by their greatness.”
Her film is broken into three portions, named after Titans from Greek mythology: Oceanus, the largest titan; Iapetus, the titan of death; and Rhea, the titan of life. Rock said the name of the film was inspired by her first encounter with the rigs, and her awe at the size and scale of the structures.
Though the rigs are widely considered an eyesore or a reminder of disaster, their presence still serves a purpose. The oldest still-standing rig was built in 1966, and these structures have become homes for many crustaceans and invertebrates.
“(The oil rigs) have become this flourishing artificial reef,” Rock said. “It wasn’t planned for, it just happened. And if you were to remove those structures, it would also damage the sea floor and cause more seepage.”
As a lifelong creative, “Titans” is only one of Rock’s latest artistic ventures. She recently published a book, “Descension,” in August 2023. While she was in high school, her film “Turning the Tide” was featured in the 10-10-10 portion of the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. She also created a music video while attending Santa Barbara High School’s Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD) Academy. The video, “BioBond,” earned her a creative excellence award at her high school.
“I write, direct, and produce all my own stuff, and I’ve been writing and telling stories ever since I could pick up a pen,” Rock said. “If I couldn’t spell or write out what I wanted to convey, I would draw it.”
Rock’s film will be shown alongside other Youth CineMedia films on Feb. 15, 11 a.m., at the SBIFF Film Center, 916 State St., Santa Barbara. Following the screening, her film will be posted to her YouTube channel at youtube.com/@ croixdoesfilm.
Her book, “Descension,” is also available for purchase at descensionnovels. weebly.com.
KARLSSON
COURTESY PHOTOS
“Titans” by Sheena Rock will be shown at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Feb. 15.
“Titans” delves into the debate on the removal of the oil rigs off the coast of Santa Barbara County.
Sheena Rock
Car • PET • teria
Thursday, Feb. 6
English Language Conversation Group / Grupo de Conversación en Inglés Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 8:30–10 a.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
One-on-One Tech Help Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10 a.m. – noon. carpinterialibrary. org, (805) 684-4314
Dungeons & Dragons Club for Tweens Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 3–4:45 p.m. Every Thursday. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
SBCC Nutrition Class Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 3:15–5 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Live Music: Hibiscus Moon Thario’s Kitchen, 3807 Santa Claus Lane. 5–8 p.m. (805) 684-2209
Wild Things Lecture Series: “Sea Level Rise in Carpinteria” Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 6–7 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Live Music: Felipe Castaneda Corktree Cellars, 910 Linden Ave. 6–9 p.m. corktreecellars.com, (805) 684-1400
Friday, Feb. 7
AgeWell Senior Program: Pickleball Free Play Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road. 8–10 a.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Salt Marsh Nature Park Docent Tours Meet at the entrance across from the corner of Sandyland and Ash Avenue. 10 a.m. – noon. Free. (805) 886-4382
Valentine’s Day Crafts Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. carpinterialibrary. org, (805) 684-4314
Lou Grant Parent Child Workshop
Valentine’s Day Workshop Lou Grant Parent Child Workshop, 5400 Sixth St. 10 a.m. – noon. Crafts and homemade treats.
Live Music: Ray Jarique Corktree Cellars, 910 Linden Ave. 6–9 p.m. corktreecellars.com, (805) 684-1400
Sunday, Feb. 9
Super Bowl Party Corktree Cellars, 910 Linden Ave. 2:30–8:30 p.m. corktreecellars.com, (805) 684-1400
Monday, Feb. 10
Preschool Story Time Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10–11 a.m. Geared toward ages two to five. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
AgeWell Senior Program: Line Dancing Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 10:30–11:30 a.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Monday Mahjong All levels of play. 1 p.m. (805) 729-1310
AgeWell Senior Program: Mind Games Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 2–3 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Meeting: City Council Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. 5:30 p.m. bit. ly/CarpinteriaCityMeetings
Clases de Computación Intermedia Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. Mondays, 6–7 p.m. Focuses: Google Chrome, Google Docs, Google Sheets. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Tuesday, Feb. 11
AgeWell Senior Program: Walking Club Meet at Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 9 a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 8811279
AgeWell Senior Program: Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) Veterans Hall Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 10:30 a.m. – noon. Available exclusively in Spanish. aagewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
AgeWell Senior Program: Mind Body Balance Exercise Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 11 a.m. – noon. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Senior Arts & Crafts Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m. Free. info@carpinteriaartscenter.org, (805) 684-7789
Carpinteria Writers Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10 a.m. – noon. (202) 997-0429
Chair Yoga The Gym Next Door, 4915 Carpinteria Ave., Suite A. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – noon. $15. (805) 684-2595
Bridge Group Veterans Hall meeting room, 941 Walnut Ave. 1–4 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 8811279
Spanish Conversation Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 2–3 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Carpinteria Songwriters Circle Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 4–5:30 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Meeting: Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Trustees Carpinteria City Hall, 5773 Carpinteria Ave. 5:30 p.m. cusd.net
Carpinteria Improv Classes The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7–9 p.m. Tuesdays, weekly. $10 at the door. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380
Wednesday, Feb. 12
AgeWell Senior Program: Pickleball Free Play Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road. 8–10 a.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
AgeWell Senior Program: Veterans Morning Meet Up Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 8:30–9:30 a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Babies Are The Best Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 9–10 a.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
CALENDAR
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ARTCETRA
COMPILED BY JUN STARKEY | COURTESY PHOTOS
Alcazar launches foreign film night nights
The Alcazar Theatre will host its first foreign film night, sponsored by Jesus and Terry Gonzales, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6:30–9 p.m., featuring the French film “The Taste of Things.” One hundred croissants will be given out to the first 100 guests to buy tickets, provided by the Santa Barbara Hives.
The film follows a cook called Eugenie (Juliette Binoche) who has spent two decades mastering gourmet dishes under Dodin (Benoît Magimel). A romance develops between the pair, but Eugenie greatly values her autonomy and resists the relationship. The story follows the two as Dodin embarks on a culinary journey to win Eugenie over.
Jesus Gonzeles, the president of the Oxnard Film Society, said the film is widely known throughout France for Binoche’s performance, often simply referring to the film at “La Binoche.”
The idea for a foreign film night in Carpinteria arose after Gonzales invited The Alcazar Theatre’s Executive Director Debbie Nomura to the Oxnard foreign film night, which featured “The Taste of Things.” Gonzales said his group has been hosting the night twice a month for the last 17 years. Nomura saw the film and was inspired to bring the same magic to Carpinteria, Gonzales said.
This will be the first of a series of foreign films at The Alcazar, which will be shown on the second Wednesday of each month. The Feb. 12 event will include croissants and door prizes, and Zooker’s Restaurant will also serve French cuisine in celebration.
The next film planned is the Brazilian film “I’m Still Here,” scheduled for March 12. The Alcazar Theatre is located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave. Learn more online at thealcazar.org.
Ann Shepphird, author of “The Italy Affair,” will sign books at Tecolote Books in Santa Barbara on Feb. 15.
Local writer signing books, meeting fans in Santa Barbara
Part-time Carpinterian and author Ann Shepphird will meet her readers and sign copies of her latest book “The Italy Affair,” on Saturday, Feb. 15, 3 p.m., at Tecolote Books in Santa Barbara.
Shepphird’s latest book is the second in her “University Chronicles” series. The story follows UC Berkeley professor Maggie McGrew, who embarks on an alumni association tour of Northern Italy. The trip eventually becomes “a journey of romance, art, Aperol spritzes, and intrigue — blending romantic suspense with the charm of an Italian getaway,” according to the press release for the event.
Shepphird, who also spent more than 20 years as a travel journalist, lives part-time in Carpinteria and enjoys using the city as a writing retreat. She also authored the “Destination Murder Mystery” series, published by 4 Horseman Publications.
The event, which will also include Italian beverages, will take place at Tecolote Books, located at 1470 E Valley Rd #52, Santa Barbara, on Feb. 15.
Alcazar to host screening, discussion of “Cycling Without
Age”
The Alcazar Theatre will host a free screening and panel discussion of the film “Cycling Without Age,” sponsored by GranVida Senior Living, on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.
“Cycling Without Age” follows John Seigel-Boettner, the filmmaker and a retired teacher, and a group of volunteers as they use pedal-powered rickshaws to give rides to those who have lost the ability to pedal themselves. The film was shot along bike paths throughout Santa Barbara County and created with support from MOVE Santa Barbara County and Cotopaxi.
Following the screening, Seigel-Boettner and a few other local leaders will host the discussion panel. The doors at the Alcazar open at 6 p.m., and the film will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Alcazar Theatre is located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave. Learn more online at thealcazar.org.
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Science for Teens 11–13 Years Old Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 11 a.m. carpinterialibrary. org, (805) 684-4314
Knitting Group Carpinteria Library Community Room, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 1–3 p.m. Free. (805) 886-4382
Foreign Film Series: “The Taste of Things” The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. Doors open 6 p.m.; show starts 6:30 p.m. Tickets: general $15, seniors/students $12. Free croissants for the first 100 people who buy tickets. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380 Meeting: Carpinteria Woman’s Club Carpinteria Woman’s Club, 1059 Vallecito Road. 7–8:30 p.m. Speakers: Holly Lohuis and Chuck Graham. Book signing and raffle from Island Packers to visit the CINP.
ONGOING
Senior Nutrition Program Carpinteria Veterans Hall, 941 Walnut Ave. Monday–Friday, 12:15 p.m. No cost for seniors ages 60+. (805) 925-9554, meals@ centralcoastseniors.org
The Alcazar Theatre will screen “The Taste of Things” on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
“The Italy Affair” by Ann Shepphird
The Alcazar Theatre will host a free screening and panel discussion of the film “Cycling Without Age” on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
THE BOOK NOOK
COMMANDER’S RECAP
Carpinteria Community Library recommends
Sunday, May 17
was nothing more than another vulnerable child, exposed to the same abuses as the other boys.
But amid the darkness, Spencer also offers glimpses of resilience. He shares the complex emotions of growing up in an environment where fear and loneliness were constants, but moments of camaraderie and defiance among the boys shone through. These fleeting moments of human connection — the small acts of kindness between classmates, the shared bonds of survival — bring depth and humanity to his story.
Deputies responded to a call about a firearm and contacted a man who reportedly had an unregistered Kimber 1911 firearm in his possession. The firearm was taken from the man and secured into the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office property department for safekeeping.
11:44 a.m. / Misdemeanor Hit and Run / 6500 block Rincon Road
“A Very Private School” by Charles Spencer
Deputies responded to a misdemeanor hit and run call, but the male subject fled the scene traveling southbound on Rincon Road. The man continued southbound on the northbound off-ramp of Highway 101 at Rincon Road. Deputies checked the area and were unable to locate the subject.
For something completely different, Charles Spencer’s memoir, “A Very Private School,” is a brutally honest and deeply moving account of his childhood at Maidwell Hall, a prestigious British boarding school. Known primarily for his connection to the royal family as the younger brother of Princess Diana, Spencer reveals a side of his life that is far more personal, raw and painful than many might expect. In this unflinching recollection, he delves into the psychological and emotional scars left by an institution that, for all its vaunted traditions, cultivated an atmosphere of cruelty, neglect and terror.
Deputies responded to narcotic activity and contacted a woman who had two outstanding warrants: one out of Hermosa Beach but was non-extraditable, and the other out of Santa Barbara. The woman was arrested for the outstanding warrant out of Santa Barbara County.
3 p.m. / 015F / Linden Avenue and Malibu Drive
A black purse was found at Linden and Malibu, then booked for safe keeping. The owner was not contacted.
Sunday, May 17
8 p.m. / Trespassing / 3200 block Via Real
Spencer was just eight years old when he was sent away to Maidwell Hall, an elite boarding school nestled in the rolling English countryside. What should have been a formative experience filled with academic learning and childhood friendships turned into a nightmare. Under the watch of the sadistic headmaster Alec “Jack” Porch, the school was a breeding ground for systemic abuse. Spencer writes with heartbreaking clarity about the daily violence he and his fellow students faced — not just in the form of physical punishment but also emotional and sexual abuse hidden beneath the guise of discipline and spiritual guidance.
A caller who is renting a home on the Polo Field reported that several people forced their way into her rental home and started yelling and insulting her family. Deputies arrived and contacted six people, who admitted entering the home after they were directed to come look at the damaged caused by the caller. The caller showed cell phone video of the suspects entering the home without permission and were heard and seen yelling at the caller and her family. The husband-suspect fled across the Polo Field and did not return to the scene. A complaint will be forwarded to the DA’s office for review.
5 p.m. / Open Beer Violation / Linden Avenue and 9th Street
He paints a picture of a broad societal failure, where children were abandoned by their families to an institution that claimed to teach character but instead crippled the spirits of its young charges. Spencer’s narrative offers an unsettling look at how these elite institutions, built on a culture of entitlement and discipline, perpetuate cycles of harm, sometimes at the expense of human decency. According to the latest data, there are around 2,500 private schools in Britain today, educating approximately 600,000 students, which represents around 5.9% of the total school population in the United Kingdom.
A man was cited and released for possession of an open container.
What makes “A Very Private School” particularly moving is the way Spencer weaves his personal reflections with the larger social commentary about class, power and privilege. As the brother of Diana, and a member of the British aristocracy, Spencer had his share of wealth and status. And yet, at Maidwell Hall, he
A caller reported that his girlfriend’s 27-year-old son had a bad dream and ran out of the house naked and was last seen running towards Summerland. Deputies responded and located a man walking nude on North Jameson near Sheffield. The man claimed he smoked marijuana with friends and wanted to go to the hospital to detox. His mother drove him to the hospital.
Monday, May 18
10:41 a.m. / Tossed Mail / Via Real and Carpinteria Creek Mail was found scattered off a county access road by a Caltrans site. The mail
was recovered and booked into Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office property.
6:15 p.m. / Theft / 3200 block Via Real
A caller reported that she believes her laptop and credit cards were stolen by a female neighbor who lives at the Polo Field apartments. Follow up by deputies.
Tuesday, May 19
His writing is often unvarnished, candid, and painful, but it’s that honesty that makes “A Very Private School” compelling reading. Spencer does not seek to cast blame without understanding, but rather, he explores the roots of institutionalized harm and the generational effects that continue to haunt those who lived through it. Spencer’s memoir is a powerful, often gut-wrenching reminder that true healing can only begin when we have the courage to face our past and tell our stories, no matter how painful they may be.
— Jody Thomas, Carpinteria Community Library librarian
Friends of the Library Bookstore recommends
Deputies received complaints about an abandoned vehicle parked near Sandpiper Liquor. The vehicle was tagged and marked on Thursday, May 14. The vehicle was checked and was not moved. The vehicle was towed.
Wednesday, May 20
A reader sends a halo to Burlene for making the Carpinteria Lumberyard Nursery area a joy to visit. “Her outgoing personality (Southern style), friendly conversation and plant knowledge make it a pleasure to visit and shop.”
A reader sends a halo to the generous person for paying for the reader’s gas when she forgot her ATM card at the gas station. “I’m sorry I chose the most expensive oil, I’d love to reimburse you, and thank you. I’m deeply moved by your generosity.”
A reader sends a halo to the two applicants for the student position on the Library Advisory Commission. “It’s wonderful we have local teens who are engaged and interested in their community and their library. I only wish there were enough seats for both these young Carpinterians to serve.”
A reader sends a halo to Sean and Dayna for being wonderful neighbors and helping the reader through another frazzled mom situation.
A reader sends a halo to the 93013 Fund, Uncle Chen Restaurant and Marybeth Carty for the surprise delivery of a delicious dinner complete with a fortune cookie, candy bar and painted rock. “Wonderful kindness and quite a thrill!”
A reader sends a halo to the Carpinteria Community Church for providing a great meal for the homeless, and a thanks to Fon Ha, Brass Bird and Carol Nichols for helping out.
A reader sends a halo to the anonymous person who left a $100 donation in the HELP of Carpinteria office mail slot this past week. “Thank you for your kindness.”
A reader sends a halo to the birthday girl with special wishes.
A reader sends a halo to the staff of Jack’s Bistro for staying open during Covid-19. “Always a smile no matter how busy. A great way to start the day.”
A reader sends a halo to the Daykas for always being there to help with anything and never complaining. “Many thanks to the best neighbors ever. We love you all dearly.”
A reader sends a halo to Mayor Wade Nomura for the city’s beautiful flower wreath at the Carpinteria Cemetery for the Memorial Day program.
A reader sends a halo to Mischa and her husband for finding the reader’s Nokona Softball Glove, then, through some detective work, located the reader, drove to their house and returned it. “It is folks like you that truly make Carpinteria a wonderful place to live. I can’t thank you guys enough.”
A reader sends a halo to Tami and John at Robitaille’s for their constant smiles and over-the-top customer service. “The wedding favors were loved by all and brought a bit of Carpinteria to the Seattle wedding!”
A reader sends a halo to those who acknowledge people with disabilities. “When you encounter a person in a wheelchair or walking with a walker, please smile and say hello to that person.”
A reader sends a halo to Lance Lawhon at the Carpinteria Sanitation District for helping Kim’s Market.
A reader sends a halo to the wonderful Carpinteria citizen who found the reader’s wallet in the Albertsons parking lot where they had dropped it and turned it into the store. “Many thanks!”
A reader sends a halo to the Carpinteria Beautiful lady picking up trash in a neighborhood near the beach. “Thank you! We need all the help we can get keeping trash picked up in the neighborhoods on the beach-side of the tracks.”
A man drove into a parking lot not wearing his seatbelt. A traffic stop was initiated, and he admitted to being in possession of a meth pipe. During a search of the vehicle, his meth pipe was located, but also a baggie with 3.7 grams of meth. The subject was cited for the violations.
10:12 p.m. / Weapon and Dope Violations / Hales Lane and Via Real
“Love and Protest” by Nancy Klann-Moren
With the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War being observed, I was interested in reading this novel. Klann-Moren gives us two parallel stories of the initial anti-war protests and the Black Lives Matter protests. Both movements are seen through the eyes and experiences of two girls coming into young womanhood amid the turmoil in their own personal lives and in society.
A woman and man were contacted as their vehicle was getting dropped off by a tow truck. The woman is on active probation and a search of her property showed she had meth, a meth pipe and a container of pepper spray. She is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning pepper spray. A baggie of meth was found in the center console and since no one wanted to claim it, the man was given ownership since it was his vehicle.
3:38 a.m. / Dope Violations / 4100 block Via Real
The structure of the book moves between the girls with a diary found by the modern girl, Harper, written by Libby chronicling the events of the Vietnam era as she lives them. While the book does use actual people and events in the text, this is not a history of either time, but more a coming-of-age novel. The real people portrayed in the book do not give a sense of the dynamics of those individuals. My personal reaction was one of missing the rage and sorrows of people in both these tales.
I did find the changes from one story to the other occasionally difficult to track. I think that the book would benefit in using the characters and plot in a film or series. A visual medium would give tone and image to convey both unfolding stories of the growth of these two young women as well as a fuller exposition of the effects of both movements.
A woman and man were in a vehicle with a stolen license plate, reported to Santa Barbara Police Department. A traffic stop was initiated, and it was determined the vehicle was not stolen, but was rented a few weeks ago by the woman. She thought the “PERM” on the Arizona license plate meant it was only a “permit” for the vehicle and not an actual license plate. So, to avoid getting pulled over, they placed a stolen plate on the car, she said. After a search of nearby motel rooms associated with the subjects, they, and the woman’s sister, were cited for possession of stolen property, meth and paraphernalia. Further investigation will be done for the fraudulently obtained EBT cards.
— Nixie Page, Friends of the Library Bookstore patron
Thursday, May 21
8:47 a.m. / Driving with False Registration / Carpinteria and Palm avenues
A man was driving with a false registration tab. He was cited for the violation and allowed to park the vehicle at his mechanic shop located nearby.
10:06 p.m. / Suspended License /
A man was stopped for not displaying license plates on his truck. A records check showed his driver’s license was
A a halo to the locals who “regularly keep the boardwalk dune area free of debris, fast food cartons, dog waste and the blight of decorative rocks. A bane of all coastal communities. Keeping things pristine and natural is greatly appreciated by all who visit this special area of the coast.”
A reader sends a halo to Kassandra Quintero at The Spot. “When the roof-top flag was twisted and lodged in the rain gutter, Quintero jumped into action and climbed up to the roof and untangled it so that it could wave freely. Way to show patriotism!”
A reader sends a halo to Carpinterians who put out boxes in front of their homes full of surplus oranges, avocados, etc. from their trees. “Thank you for sharing your abundance.”
A reader sends a halo to Emma and Justin. “It was a wonderful wedding, great food, spectacular location and great people! It was moving and wonderful.”
A reader sends a halo to Tina Lee, the high school water polo fairy godmother. “From team dinners to excellent photography and senior gifts of framed collages, Tina is the secret sauce that just makes everything that much better.”
A reader sends a halo to Nikki at HEAT Culinary. “I went to my first class this weekend with my sister, who has been to four so far. I had the best time! Someone get this girl a TV show, she should be on the Food Network already.”
A reader sends a halo to all the beach community residents. “Thank you for parking in front of your home with your permit.”
A reader sends a halo to the Carpinteria Varsity girls water polo team for demonstrating grit, perseverance and togetherness this season. “Good luck in the playoffs.”
A reader sends a halo to Diana, a caregiver at Carpinteria Senior Lodge for nearly three years.
A reader sends a halo to the CUSD board of education “for being so transparent and serving the community’s interests to a T. You are hardworking volunteers, educators and parents and deserve gratitude for always putting our students first.”
A reader sends a halo to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the local vet for working diligently to save the Rincon Beach bear. “It’s a terrible shame to lose one of these magnificent creatures; however, I wouldn’t want it to suffer to a miserable death.”
A reader sends a halo to Tom Sweeney for going out on Elm Avenue by the beach to clean up plastic bottles, bags, dirty gloves and masks.
A reader sends a halo to Eric, who volunteers and runs the Age Well pickleball at Girls. Inc. on Wednesday and Friday mornings, “for his patience, kind nature, constant encouragement, and oh-so-helpful pickleball pointers!”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the new parking zones. “All the “no parking/two hour” signs just made people park in my neighborhood. Seventh and the neighboring streets are a packed parking lot.”
A reader sends a halo to Bill and Rosana Swing for spending their Saturday taking photos for Junior Warriors Football. “We appreciate all you do for our families, players and program. You rock!”
morning the speeders
A reader sends a halo to Nataly at the Smart and Final cash register for being sweet and engaging as the reader checked out. “She made my good morning even better and ensures loyalty in this customer!”
A reader sends a pitchfork to those who lied on their FAFSA and took scholarships away from kids who need it.
A reader sends a halo to DJ Hecktic for coming out early Saturday morning to support the Junior Warriors. “It made the kids so happy to hear you say their names—you’re a local celebrity to them!”
Submit Halos & Pitchforks online at coastalview.com. All submissions are subject to editing.
A reader sends a halo to Diana Rigby, Superintendent of schools, and Debra Herrick, director of Boys & Girls Club, for removing the toxic Euphorbia fire sticks from the pots and landscape.
suspended. The man was cited, and his vehicle was released to a licensed driver.
A reader sends a halo to James Anderson, assistant principal at CMS, for escorting the reader’s son out of campus towards the Carpinteria Avenue traffic lights to be picked up by the child’s mom on the other side of the street. “Although CMS was given permission to allow our son to cross the street on his own for a doctor’s appointment, Mr. Anderson took it upon himself to ‘still’ keep an eye on him. Thank you.”
2:37 a.m. / Public Intoxication / Bailard Avenue
A reader sends a halo to Tina Lee and Uncle Chen Restaurant for donating to Canalino and Family School classrooms in celebration of the Lunar New Year. “The students loved the delicious noodles, fortune cookies, and using the chopsticks!”
Two men were contacted in a parked truck and both were extremely intoxicated with open containers of alcohol observed in the vehicle. One man was not being the most cooperative, but once he was convinced to exit the vehicle, a pat down search of his person was conducted. Deputies located a collapsible baton in the man’s front waistband. He was cited and both were released to a sober friend.
he found a small baggie containing a white powdery substance underneath the driver’s seat of his recently purchased vehicle. The man stated he purchased the vehicle three weeks ago but didn’t find the small baggie until he’d removed the driver’s seat to fix the reclining mechanism. The incident was documented, and the baggie was booked into Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office property for destruction.
A reader sends a halo to the Carpinteria Community Church, the Women’s Association and this wonderful, caring community for lifting the reader’s family up while their dad was sick and surrounding their family with love after his passing. “It has been a beautiful tribute and testament that Carpinteria is an amazing place!”
5:49 a.m. / Domestic Violence / 4100 block Via Real
A reader sends a halo to Mrs. Soto at Canalino School for the deep knowledge and welcoming personality she brings to the new Learning Center/Library. “The library is now filled with many wonderful books in English and Spanish for all the students to enjoy. If they haven’t developed a love for reading yet, Mrs. Soto can help with that. Thank you, Mrs. Soto!”
Friday, May 22
7:41 a.m. / Theft / 5500 block Calle Arena
A reader sends a pitchfork to a local board for “significantly reducing the amount of public speaking opportunities at the meetings.”
Deputies responded to a motel on Via Real for a report of a domestic violence incident. Upon arrival, a deputy contacted a man and woman in the parking lot. After contacting both subjects, there were visible injuries on both parties. Due to conflicting statements regarding their mutual altercation and obvious injuries, both parties were arrested for corporal injury on a spouse.
A reader sends a pitchfork to the woman who yells at children who are safely riding through town. “They have to go onto the sidewalk at the traffic light to push the cross-walk button. Also, no California statute specifically allows or prohibits riding a bicycle on the sidewalk. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21206, local governments have the right to make their own traffic ordinances, including those that govern bicycles.”
10:36 a.m. / Hit and Run / Cameo and Casitas Pass roads
A reader sends a pitchfork to the woman who let her dog roam free in a store. “We are so lucky to be able to bring our dogs to town with us. However, someone let her dog roam a store, with his leash trailing behind. As the pup came to say hello, a woman tripped over the little guy and fell. Please watch your dogs when in public places.”
Deputies responded after a woman reported her residence was burglarized the prior night. The woman stated a cartoon of almond milk and tools were taken from her garage. She told the reporting deputy that the tools belonged to her daughter’s boyfriend. The deputy attempted to contact the man via telephone multiple times with no response. The woman stated her garage door was unlocked during the night and is in the process of getting a new lock. She did not have any suspect information at the time. The incident was documented, and patrol will follow-up for further details of the stolen items.
2:07 p.m. / Found Drugs / 6000 block Jacaranda Way
A man was contacted after reporting
Deputies responded to a report a of a black sedan crashing into a parked water truck. While en route, it was also reported the male subject driving the sedan fled the scene on foot. Upon arrival, deputies observed the sedan abandoned in the middle Cameo Road with major damage to the front right passenger wheel
A reader sends a pitchfork to the grey Dodge SUV who hit the reader’s car at the intersection of Santa Ynez and Via Real last week, then fled the scene without providing any info.
Submit Halos & Pitchforks online at coastalview.com. Submissions subject to editing.
High-performing students at Carpinteria Middle School honored
At Carpinteria Middle School, the sixth, seventh and eighth grade honor roll for the first semester of the 2024-25 school year is out. The Honor Roll is split into the Principal’s Honor Roll (students who received a 4.0 GPA), the High Honor Roll (3.5-3.99 GPA) and the Honor Roll (3.0-3.49 GPA).
“We congratulate all our students for their academic success!” CMS Principal Jamie Persoon told CVN.
8th grade
Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0)
Yoselyn Aguirre Pascual
Ayden Alvarado
Stacey Alvarez Garcia
Ashley Avila
Autumn Beall
Anisleidy Bernal
Amaya Cascante Kuryliw
Caroline Cooney
Oswaldo Espinoza Rojas
Jose Garnica Arroyo
Khloe Gonzalez
Adelaide Griffiths
Faye Holmes
Yoselyn Lara
Fiona Lewis
Amaya Mendoza
Stasie Miranda Lara
Lyra Moore
Sarai Mora Soto
Alanni Navarro
Allyson Padilla
Naima Palacio
Diego Pantaleon Martinez
Melani Raya Gamez
Areli Reyes Antonio
Penelope Rowe
Fernanda Valdez Montejano
Adalynn Wright
High Honor Roll (3.5-3.99)
Kaylee Camacho
Griselda Cervantes
Mia Diosdado
Genesis Garcia
Christian Hernandez Ortiz
Balencia Lawrence
Julian Lira
Estevan Ortiz Cardova
Gabriel Segura Oliva
Eileen Solorzano-Bateson
Brickston Trumble
Emily Acevedo
Brittany Alvarez Garcia
Angel Arroyo
Atlanta Bartholic
Leonardo Dominguez
Ivan Gutierrez Sotero
Arturo Martinez Sotero
Jefferson Morillo Martinez
Iliana Perez Neri
Brittony Pier
Ava Pittman
Jeffrey Sanchez Alanis
Jehnson Dominguez
Rio Espinoza
Kathy Flores Serrano
Kenzington Gardner
Andrew Gonzales
Maddox Keet
Josmar Labra Estrada
Airany Magana
Lilith Nunez
Xavi Ornelas
Violet Perez
Honor Roll (3.0-3.49)
Alfredo Hernandez Perez
Emily Loera Zamora
Erika Pantaleon
Luz Patino Casique
Isabella Rodriguez
Emilino Jimenez
Yuridia Alpizar-Flores
Jesus Andrade
Ismari Bernal Miranda
Blayden Bryant
Alan Calixto
Michael Chamlee
Jacob Lopez
Jimena Morales Najera
Belissia Pinedo
Maria Ramirez
Brayden Real
Natalie Avalos
Alexis Betancourt
Aleeya Cardenas
Giovanni Delgado
Stephanie Lopez Lopez
Diego Ortega
Hunter Stovall
Andrew Vega
Elizabeth Venancio Pantaleon
Jocelyn Zamarripa
Kyle Taff
7th grade
Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0)
Everest Akens
Nib Alemu-Dixon
Andres Andrade
Kira Beyer
Mark Donahue
Osden Dugre
Aracely Espinosa
Olivia Fox
Diamond Fredrick Gonzalez
Woodlyn Granaroli
James Melton
Scarlett Milne
Patrick Montero
Dylan Montesinos
Mia Montoya
James Morrison
Lily Munro
Robert Nimmons
Noah Oliver
Santiago Padilla
Kayle Ramirez Flores
Isaiah Richter
Scarlett Schultz
Marco Tellez Flores
Leandro Torres
Sophia Vega
Ian Yamaoka
Cassandra Zamora
Isaac Zick
High Honor Roll (3.5-3.99)
Camila Alvarez Villarreal
Kellan Carrasco
Janysha Ceja Jaimes
Eric Estrada
Champ Hernandez
Karina Martinez
Miguel Perez
Arlet Quintero Martinez
Jovanni Quintero Morales
Walker Scott
Kaylie Serrano Dominguez
Gemma Sotelo
Oakley Souder
Naomi Suarez Romero
Maria Tate
Arianny Uribe
Holyn Vega
Jazleen Aleman Mora
Maria Arellano Alcala
Ian Arismendi
Joanna Bell
Franchesca Champlin
Mason Cota
James Flores
Pedro Juarez Sanchez
Emerson MacGregor
Rosalba Martinez
Mason Medina
Arlo Nemetz
Zane Rodriguez
Alexa Sandoval
Jessica Sandoval Villasenor
Ana Toledo-Cruz
Trux Trumble
Lylas Valikonis
Angel Vega
Alyn Avila Martinez
Janelle Bernal
Kassandra Carrillo
Alexander Cooper
Sebastian Flores
Vivianne Julian Ocampo
Sofia Martinez
Sofia Rodriguez-Ramirez
Sebastian Rosas
Andrea Segura Solis
Edwin Serrano Avelino
Orion Smith
Kevin Solis Cruz
Ivan Soriano Alonzo
Paloma Trejo
Elias Vega Alarcon
Honor Roll (3.0-3.49)
Arturo Aguirre Pascual
Emilio Castillo
Ever Francisco
Lizbeth Gallegos Gallardo
Anthony Jimenez
Yureimy Manriquez-Chavez
Lesly Mendiola Mercado
Sophie Nava Lopez
Jose Perez Torres
Marlen Quintero Martinez
Valerie Rodriguez
Benjamin Tobin
Linus Underraga
Maya Ambriz
Shaelee Glance
Joshua Lara Verduzco
Phoenix Leef
Dulce Pantaleon Martinez
Itzel Pizano
Alexander Reyes
Owen Thompson
Lillian Till
Ethan Andrade
Sophia Carreno Romero
Jesse Cavada
Annabella Frausto
Aaden Gutierrez
Adriel Herrera
Kevin Loera Zamora
Destiny Marquez
Ayden Martinez
Junius Fedders
6th
grade
Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0)
Melissa Aispuro
Juan Alcocer Mora
Abril Alvarado Razo
Nicole Andrade Bartolo
Eva Arroyo-Salinas
Lucas Christensen
Harper Clark
Cynthia Corona
Isaac Cumes
Alejandra Dominguez
Aubrey Edmonson
Abner Freund
Hannah George
Kendall Glasgow
Mia Gonzalez
Tennyson Grewe
Jayden Hardeman
Anton Herrera
Lea Hines
Grayson Hoffman
Daphne James
Jackson Jimenez
Aubreigh Killen
Ellison Lee
Briana Martinez
Jaeyoung Nancarrow
Gabriela Ortiz Morales
Renee Overgaag
Matthias Perea Gonzalez
Tallulah Rowe
Zach Sandu
Frida Santana
Kevin Serrano Dominguez
Charley Stahl
Franklin Stewart
Petra Taylor
High Honor Roll (3.5-3.99)
Madilena Adam
Denise Barbere
Marin Bass
Gabriel Beltran Campuzano
Luke Brown
Paulina Campuzano
Aaron Flores
Brianna Gonzalez
Cecily Hernandez
Evelyn Ibarra Alcantar
Hayden Lewis
Andrea Mejia Bernabe
Joseph Ortega
Bruno Pasqualin
Samuel Pitterle
Kalynn Ramirez Martinez
Arleen Villafana
Ailene Wheatley
Elaynna Zermeno
Sarah Abdulhai
Montserrat Campuzano
Scott Chamlee
Evalyn Cruz
Daniel Gonzalez
Sebastian Gonzalez Mendoza
Leonardo Jimenez
Kataleya Minnis
Ashley Sanchez
Genessis Sandoval
Ethan Scouras
Emilio Zamarripa
Nico Ayala
Karyme Dominguez
Calian Duvall
Autumn Foster
Khloe Garcia Gonzalez
Ayden Handall
Adelynn Juarez
Andy Juarez
Vanessa Julian
Malachi Lawler
Danna Muralles
Emiliano Ortega
Rhett Rowbottom
Aiyah Sandoval-Valdes
Ma. Isabel Tenorio Rendon
Sofia Vazquez-Munoz
Honor Roll (3.0-3.49)
Mateo Almanza Arreguin
Liam Anderson
Jiyah Blackmore Rojo
Haven Forner
Render Gonzalez
Jesus Hernandez-Meza
Sahily Lagunas Labra
Sofia Martinez
Mia Palacio
Amelia Pitterle
Jose Reyes Marquez
Gabrielle Santizo
Emily Strunk
Nico Aispuro
Aaron Angeles
Zeidy Bernal Mendiola
Noel Cardona
Lorenzo Cervantes
Mia Cervantes
Nicole Cruz Cervantes
Fernando Gutierrez
Jacob Hernandez
Samuel Montes
Buildable lot on golf course on the 12th hole of the Mission Club Golf Course in Lompoc, .47 acre. Sight plans, lot & house plans included. Price reduction NOW $325,000 Owner will carry financing, for qualified buyer.
Amazing Opportunity on the edge of the estuary! This large lot with commercial planned development, residential zoning and utilities at property is ready for your vision. A 2nd story would bring stunning sunset and estuary views. Call Debbie today @ 805-689-9696 for more information. $1,650,000
Sweet 1 bd / 1 bath, loft condo at Sandpiper, just 1/2 block to the beach. 220 Elm Ave. #10, in Carpinteria $739,000
LONG TERM RENTALS
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Real Estate Sales•Rental Housing•Property Management Vacation Rentals•Notary Services
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2 bd. /1 bath at desirable Beachwalk complex. Light, bright and airy corner unit with balcony and garage. $779,000 Contact Leah Wagner @ 805-901-6096 Do you have a photo from Carpinteria’s past? Contact news@coastalview.com to share it with other readers!
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COURTESY PHOTO
Sharing the facts
Carpinteria’s Susan Mailheau, at right, kicked off another round of her Seal Talk Series at Carp Kitchen on Jan. 25, inviting community members to learn about the Carpinteria harbor seals and the seal rookery. Mailheau said her talks aim to enhance the public’s enjoyment of the seals. “The talk covered one of the interesting adaptations of harbor seals — a lesser-known adaptation that allows for pups to be born in the spring together in spite of the fact that their gestation is shorter than the 12 months between pupping seasons,” Mailheau told CVN. New topics are presented at Carp Kitchen on the first Tuesday of each month and repeated on the last Saturday. For more information on the talks, reach out to Mailheau at susan.mailheau@gmail.com.
A photographer’s dream
Photographer Glenn Dubock captured the rocket launch passing in front of the moon just before dawn on Jan. 24. He shared: “This was the most visually spectacular launch I have ever seen. The pre-dawn air on Wednesday, Jan. 24 was a photographer’s dream — cold, clear and not a breath of a breeze. I knew the moon would be hanging low in the southern sky and be directly in the path of the rocket when viewed from Tarpits Beach. Just after 6 a.m., with the first light of dawn peaking over the mountains, all my calculations and a healthy dose of luck helped get the image I was hoping for.”
A love of crafts
Every Tuesday, 9–11 a.m.,, local seniors gather at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center for the Senior Arts & Crafts, and this week, the group honed in on a Valentine’s Day theme ahead of the Feb. 14 holiday. The arts center is located at 865 Linden Ave. Arts & Crafts attendance is free.
KARLSSON
LEFT: Richelle Briasco shows off a handcrafted card. RIGHT: Monica Sherlock decorates her glass with “love” and Valentine’s Day colors, with Jilla Woolsey at right.
Minimization of fire impact: landscape ideas
CARPINTERIA GARDENING
WADE NOMURA
I have had the unfortunate experience of having to deal with landscaping after the Painted, Thomas and Mountain fires and I wanted to share what I witnessed in evaluating these devastating fires.
The best pr otection for properties is the lack of what fuels a fire being in close proximity to homes and structures. Most wildfires spread by burning ambers pushed by winds coming in contact with fuel such as dry leaves, trees, shrubs, ground cover or flammable structures. You need to reduce any fuel as much as possible by cleaning your gutters and ensuring dead leaves are removed. You also need to take care what plants you choose and your garden design, as some plant varieties burn more easily than others.
A fire safety design includes lots of hardscape and not many plants.
You need to reduce any fuel as much as possible by cleaning your gutters and ensuring dead leaves are removed. You also need to take care what plants you choose and your garden design, as some plant varieties burn more easily than others.
There are also some fire community plants that need fire or heat to germinate and should also be avoided such as manzanita and some pines where the heat “pops” the pinecones to release the seeds. I suggest you also consider increasing your hardscape surfaces and gravel. The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District recommends having zero plantings within five feet of homes and structures, lean plantings within 30 feet, reduced plant obstructions within 100 feet and defensible areas 100-200 feet.
A good example of this is a golf course
Extremely flammable species include conifers (pines and junipers) and plants that gather dry leaves, twigs and debris in their undergrowth. I recommend minimizing or eliminating these types of plants in your garden, especially those close to your house or under the eaves.
where I witnessed the fire literally travel through. It only scorched the lawn, but it started up again on the other side of the golf course nearly 400 feet away.
Unfortunately, in any event, luck plays a major role in structure fires and what houses will be spared while neighborhoods burn down, but it gives you much better odds if you were to follow these precautions.
You can find more information at the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection
District or city of Carpinteria, where there is a brochure named “READY! SET! GO! Your Personal Wildfire Action Plan.”
Wade Nomura is an award-winning landscape designer and President of Nomura/ Yamasaki Landscapes Inc, where he brings to life unique gardens specifically designed for the individual client. Wade started in the industry 46 years ago after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Ornamental Horticulture with honors.
NOMURA
CARPINTERIA-SUMMERLAND FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District recommends having zero plantings within five feet of homes and structures, no lean plantings within 30 feet, reduced plant obstructions within 100 feet and defensible areas 100-200 feet.
ON THE ROAD
CVN floats through Rose Parade in Pasadena
Carpinteria City Councilmember Wade Nomura, in yellow at front, packed his copy of CVN for his trip to Pasadena, California for the annual Rose Parade, snapping a photo in front of the Rotary International float; to Nomura’s left is Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick. The Rotary float was called “One The Road with Rotary,” Nomura told CVN. Nomura was a Rotary Float Coordinator for the parade, and the float ended up winning the volunteer trophy for “most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade,” Nomura said.
CVN enjoys ice treats in Hawaii
From left, Karen Kyhn and Stan Fix of Vista de Santa Barbara Mobile Home Park packed their copy of CVN for a trip to the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The pair enjoyed “some yummy Shave Ice with organic syrup and topped with bananas, coconut and honey,” Fix told CVN.
GOING ON THE ROAD?
CLUB SCENE
Diana Ornelas named United Boys & Girls Club director of the year
The United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County has announced Carpinteria Unit Club Director Diana Ornelas as the 2024 Director of the Year.
“Diana is the epitome of being a United Boys & Girls Clubs team member,” said CEO Michael Baker in a press release. “She works tirelessly on behalf of all our clubs from Carpinteria to Lompoc and everywhere in between.”
Director of the Year is a peer-nominated award that honors a staff member who “demonstrates exceptional commitment to youth, dedication to the organization, support for fellow staff and active involvement in the community,” according to a press release from the organization.
Ornelas has been part of the Boys & Girls Club since 1991, beginning under the leadership of Rich Medel. She contributed to various Boys & Girls Club organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Ventura, before returning to Carpinteria in 2021. In her current role, Ornelas works to inspire, mentor, and make a lasting impact on club members, including her own granddaughters, who attend the club.
Ornelas is also a leader in the broader Boys & Girls Club community, serving as a tier two trainer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and an active member of BGCA Latinos Unidos Movement Resource Group (MRG). Recently, she was also selected as the West Coast representative for BGCA’s GRO (Generations Reaching Opportunities) MRG, where she helps cultivate the next generation of Boys & Girls Club leaders.
“Diana is a team player when it comes to collaborating with other clubs and is always someone her peers can call for advice, questions, or just ideas,” said a fellow UBGC Director in the press release. ”She is also a hardworking individual who puts in extra time — all for the benefit of our members.”
Lions Club donates to County Food Bank
The Lions Club of Carpinteria recently donated $3,700 to the Santa Barbara County Food Bank from the club’s Basket of Cheer project, where members pass a hat around for donations during the month of December.
Greg Mora, the fundraising coordinator for the food bank, told club members that by donating to the food bank, each dollar becomes worth five dollars in benefits for those in need.
Mora spoke to the Lions during the club’s most recent meeting, and told members that last year, the Food Bank served over 215,000 clients throughout the county.
“It is important that people have a full belly and they are able to do this through their FEED program,” said club member Doug Treloar. “The first ‘E’ is for food education, where they teach about food preparation and nutrition; the second ‘E’ is for food empowerment, by means of Cal-Fresh and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) programs; and ‘D’ is for Disaster resilience, or the need to be prepared for any disaster.
More also told members that the Food
tributor and will be moving into a new larger warehouse in Goleta on March 1.
Diana Ornelas, center, was named the 2024 director of the year by the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County; at left is Christie Rojo, and at right is Boys & Girls Club CEO Michael Baker.
Bank functions like a wholesale food dis-
Greg Mora, fundraising coordinator for the Santa Barbara County Food Bank, recently spoke to members of the Lions Club of Carpinteria.
WELLNESS WARRIOR
LEAH HARDING
Natural flavoring: it’s on so many ingredient lists that you might not even notice it anymore. But what does it mean? Does it truly come from nature, or is it just a marketing ploy? And perhaps most importantly, should you be concerned about what’s in it?
A reader recently wrote in wondering if “natural flavoring” was just a fancy way of hiding MSG. Let’s dig in to uncover the truth about this mysterious ingredient.
What is natural flavoring?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines “natural flavoring” as any flavoring substance derived from a natural source, such as plants, meat, seafood or dairy. These can include essential oils, extracts, or proteins that contribute to the flavor of a food or beverage.
The main point is that the source must be natural. However, the process of deriving the flavoring often involves a fair amount of chemistry. Flavor compounds are pulled from natural sources using different methods — some as simple as pressing oils, others involving heat or fermentation to extract the key flavors and concentrate their essence.
Take vanilla, for example. When you see natural vanilla flavor on a label, it might not be from a vanilla bean at all. Instead, it could come from vanillin, a compound that gives vanilla its signature taste. While vanillin occurs naturally in vanilla beans, it can also be extracted from things like wood pulp or clove oil. Technically natural, but maybe not what you expected.
While natural flavoring is derived from natural sources, its composition is rarely as straightforward as it sounds. It’s a blend of natural extracts, solvents and preservatives designed to make food taste good and stay shelf stable. However, manufacturers are not required to disclose the exact ingredients that make up their proprietary flavoring mixes.
This lack of transparency has led to confusion, especially among those with dietary restrictions, allergies or ethical concerns. For example, some natural flavorings may contain hidden allergens like dairy, soy, or nuts, even when they’re not obvious from the main ingredients. Someone with a severe nut allergy might unknowingly consume a product that
All about natural flavoring
COURTESY GRAPHIC
The source must be natural. However, the process of deriving the flavoring often involves a fair amount of chemistry. Flavor compounds are pulled from natural sources using different methods — some as simple as pressing oils, others involving heat or fermentation to extract the key flavors and concentrate their essence.
includes natural almond flavoring.
Because companies don’t have to disclose every component, it’s always worth reaching out to the manufacturer for clarification.
Does natural flavoring include MSG?
Here’s the big question: does natural flavoring hide monosodium glutamate (MSG)? The short answer is no, but the full explanation is a bit more nuanced. MSG is a flavor enhancer that must be explicitly listed on ingredient labels if it’s added to a product. It cannot be hidden under terms like “natural flavoring.” However, some natural flavorings may include glutamate compounds, which occur naturally in foods like tomatoes, cheese and mushrooms. These naturally occurring glutamates can contribute to the umami flavor we associate with MSG but are not the same thing.
The debate over MSG has been ongoing for decades. While some people report sensitivity to it, the majority of scientific studies have found MSG to be safe for consumption. That said, if you’re concerned, or it makes you feel unwell, avoid it by checking labels carefully or contacting companies for more information on their ingredients.
So, should you be concerned about natural flavoring? The answer depends on your personal health, ethics and food preferences.
Natural flavoring may not be as “natural” as it sounds, but it’s also not as sinister as some might think. It’s a complex blend of compounds derived from natural sources, designed to enhance taste. While it doesn’t include MSG, it can contain naturally occurring glutamates that mimic its umami flavor.
The lack of transparency is a valid concern, especially for those with specific
dietary preferences, needs, or allergies. As always, being an informed consumer is your best defense. Check labels, ask questions and choose products that align with your health and values.
If you have more questions about specific nutrition topics, send them in! Your concerns might just inspire my next article.
So, should you be concerned about natural flavoring? The answer depends on your personal health, ethics and food preferences. Natural flavoring may not be as “natural” as it sounds, but it’s also not as sinister as some might think.
Leah Harding is a nutrition coach and personal trainer dedicated to helping clients understand how food fuels their lives and supports their wellness goals. With a focus on data-driven, personalized nutrition strategies, Leah empowers her clients to make informed choices that enhance their health and well-being. She previously owned CrossFit Carpinteria/Foxwing Fitness until 2018. For inquiries or suggestions for future wellness articles, contact Leah at leah@foxwingfitness.com.
Saturday, Jan. 25
1446 hrs / Narcotics / 3100 block Serena Avenue
Deputies responded to the above address for a subject inside the reporting party’s garage. Once in the area the subject was located. The subject displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs, and in possession of a “crack pipe.” The reporting party did not desire prosecution for the trespass, so the subject was arrested for law violations.
Sunday, Jan. 26
1111 hrs / Missing Adult Found / Franciscan Court
After a night out, an adult, later reported as missing, called his sister using a stranger’s phone and asked to be picked up on Franciscan Court. Within 10 minutes, his sister arrived but could not locate her brother. The missing person’s cell phone was unable to be pinged because it wasn’t charged. At approximately 1259 hours, multiple reporting parties called 911 regarding an individual laying facedown, near the roadway, not moving near the 3400 block of Via Real. Upon arrival, deputies found the individual, and confirmed he was the missing subject. The family responded and took the subject home.
2033 hrs / Speeding / Carpinteria Avenue and Linden Avenue
A vehicle was observed traveling at a high rate of speed east on Carpinteria Avenue near Linden Avenue. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver immediately became confrontational and began yelling at deputies while hanging out the driver’s window. Additional deputies responded, and before they could give the driver instructions, the driver exited the vehicle and began to quickly walk towards deputies yelling “Just shoot me.” The subject was arrested, and while being searched, she kicked a deputy in the leg and stated she was in a cartel, and she was going to kill deputies. The subject was booked into Santa Barbara Main Jail.
0150 hrs / Collision / Carpinteria Avenue and Bailard Avenue
Deputies discovered the stop sign on the corner of Bailard Avenue and Carpinteria Avenue was damaged, and particles of a vehicle and debris from the bushes were scattered along the intersection. After further investigation deputies discovered that a traffic collision occurred in the area. Deputies did not locate any vehicles in the area, witnesses or anybody that was involved. Upon further investigation deputies found parts to the vehicle, the parts indicated the vehicle involved was possibly a 2010 blue Audi. Signs at the scene indicated that an unknown tow truck came to the scene and towed the vehicle. Phone calls were made to known tow truck companies and hospitals yielding negative results. During an unrelated traffi c stop the above vehicle sped by deputies. The footage was reviewed, and deputies observed a blue Audi that had a roof rack similar to the one found at the scene of the collision. The responding officer came back to an address out of the city of Ventura. The Ventura Police Department was notified and they conducted an ATC at the residence.
Monday, Jan 27
0825 hrs / Theft / 900 block Linden Avenue
Deputies responded to a local store for a transient who stole a shopping cart. Deputies located a male who admitted to taking the shopping cart and provided a false name and date of birth to deputies on scene. He was taken to jail without further incident.
Deputies responded to a coffee store for a suspect who barricaded themself
request Attack ad, maybe
Obi, e.g. Keats, for one
Reports from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
COMMANDER’S RECAP
COASTAL
three juveniles had their parents contacted and ultimately picked up the juveniles from the scene.
2236 hrs / Incident / Holly Avenue
BUREAU OPERATIONS • JAN 25 – FEB 1
in the bathroom. Upon arrival, deputies located the suspect sitting at the bus stop next to the coffee shop. A records check of the suspect revealed she had active felony warrants. The suspect was taken to jail without further incident.
Deputies responded to the lobby for a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was stolen during the night between Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, 2024, on the Highway 150 off-ramp of Highway 101.
1440 hrs / Public Intoxication / 300 block Linden Avenue
Deputies responded to the park near the intersection of Linden Avenue and Dorrance Street to assist the fire department with two intoxicated individuals. Upon arrival, the suspects denied needing medical services but could not locate their residence or provide a plan of how they were going to get there safely. Both individuals had the odor of alcoholic beverages, could not maintain their balance, slurred heavily and could not care for their own safety, so they were both arrested and transported to jail without incident.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
2146 hrs / Incident / Ninth Street
Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. Deputies will follow up as the suspect wasn’t located on their arrival.
Deputies conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a subject who was riding a bike at night. The subject displayed signs and symptoms of someone under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject went through a drug evaluation where he was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested for the violation.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
1605 hrs / Theft / 1000 block Casitas Pass Road
An unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s vehicle from the parking lot of an apartment building. The vehicle was unlocked and the key was inside the vehicle along with the victim’s wallet and credit cards. The cards were used at multiple locations throughout Santa Barbara. The victim was able to track his wallet via air tag and the car’s last known location was in Ventura. The Ventura Police Department and California Highway Patrol were BOL’d. The investigation is ongoing.
0125 hrs / DUI / Reynolds Avenue and Seventh Street
The suspect was seen driving eastbound on Via Real approaching the intersection with San Ynez Avenue. The vehicle had window tint and lighting violation, and a traffic stop was conducted at the intersection of Reynolds Avenue and Seventh Street. Upon contacting the driver, deputies noticed indicators of alcohol intoxication and open containers of alcoholic beverages. The subject conducted SFSTs and refused to consent to a PAS. The subject was arrested for DUI, and voluntarily provided a blood sample and was booked into Santa Barbara Main Jail.
Kind of line Allocate, with "out" Newt or hellbender
The victim called to report that her boyfriend had verbally threatened to kill her utilizing a gun. Upon further investigation, it was determined that he was also in violation of false imprisonment. Deputies located the suspect and ultimately arrested him for the violations. An Emergency Protective Order was sought and approved. The suspect was transported to Santa Barbara Main Jail without further incident.
2336 hrs / Assault / 3400 to 3600 block Via Real
Basalt source 32 Lingering sensation 4 Seafarer's right 42 Axis of ___ 52 Autumn drink
38 Close to closed 5 Limited
The parent of a middle school student called to report that her daughter had been in an altercation at school in a third period science lab. The principal had been contacted, who investigated with the teacher and a dozen other students, none of which were able to corroborate anything other than there was a tug-ofwar over a laser, and the student smacked the victim’s hand. Guardians on both sides were contacted, and a report was written for documentation.
Bogus
Library preschooler story time, 10:30 a.m., Carpinteria library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave., 684-4314
"Not only that..." 39 All skin and 6 Calendar page
Deputies responded to a report of a fight between two males. Once on scene, deputies determined the victim was battered and bitten by the other subject. The suspect also vandalized an RV, breaking the rear window and damaging the rear corner of the RV. Deputies checked the area and were unable to locate the suspect.
Rotary Club of Carpinteria meeting, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., lions Park Community Building, 6197 Casitas Pass road, non-members rSVP to 566-1906
Make a mess of 56 "What's gotten bones 7 Pull the plug on 47 Mouth part___ you?"
2336 hrs / Prowling / Maple Avenue and Sixth Street
Bingo, 1 p.m., Veterans Building, 941 Walnut Ave.
Saturday, Feb. 1
40 Put in place 8 Census data 48 Oust from the 57 Nostradamus, 41 Nonsense 9 Band
Farmers Market and Arts & Crafts Fair, 3-6:30 p.m., linden Ave. downtown,
fair: 684-2770
0030 hrs / Narcotics / Carpinteria Avenue and Holly Avenue
Free Stress Relief Veteran’s Acupuncture Clinic, 6-7 p.m. drop in, 4690 Carpinteria Ave. Ste. A, 684-5012
Deputies responded to suspicious circumstances regarding a prowler in the area of Maple Avenue and Sixth Street. The victim signed a citizen’s arrest form and the suspect was arrested and booked.
Dusty Jugz Country Night, 9 p.m., the Palms, 701 linden Ave., 684-3811
A vehicle was stopped due to the driver swerving over the center line. During the investigation, the driver consented to a search of the vehicle and the passenger was found in possession of meth and a used meth pipe.
Music in our Schools Month Concert, 7:30 p.m., CHS cafeteria, 4810 foothill road, 684-4701
Back Track, 9 p.m., the Palms, 701 linden Ave., 684-3811
At about 1100 hours, a person came to the station and dropped two postcards that were delivered via mail. The cards contained disturbing/concerning messages.
Saturday, March 16
1900 hrs / Incident / 4800 block Foothill Road
Carpinteria Salt Marsh docent led tours, 10 a.m., free walks start from the park sign, 684-8077
Energy Balancing, 2-4 p.m., Curious Cup, 929 linden Ave., free “The Quiet Man,” 8 p.m., Plaza Playhouse theater, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., $5 The Groovie Line, 9 p.m., the Palms, 701 linden Ave., 684-3811
Monday, March 18
The principal called to report approximately 20 juveniles were fighting at the stadium. Once the fight was broken up, all the juveniles scattered from the scene. Deputies contacted approximately six juveniles leaving the school. Once additional deputies arrived on scene, three of the juveniles took off and the remaining
While patrolling the area of the Ninth Street parking lot, a deputy observed a vehicle playing loud music with its windows down, leaving the bar. The vehicle’s license plate was not visible and did not have a functioning light. In addition, the passenger brake light was not functional. During a traffic stop, the deputy observed an opened tall can of beer in the cup holder. There was a strong odor emitting from the driver’s breath. The driver performed poorly during SFTs and was subsequently arrested for DUI. He was arrested and transported to the Santa Barbara County Jail.
Women of Inspiration, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Girls inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 foothill road, $70, 684-6364
Basic Bridge, 1 p.m., Sandpiper Mobile Village clubhouse, 3950 Via real, 684-5921
Mah Jongg, 1 p.m., Sandpiper Mobile Village clubhouse, 3950 Via real, 729-1310
Michael Fisher Fish art show, Corktree Cellars, 910 linden Ave., 684-1400
Liz Brady art show, Porch, 3823 Santa Claus lane, 684-0300
Arturo Tello art show, friends of the library used Bookstore, 5103 Carpinteria Ave., 566-0033
THROWBACK
The Palisades fire, Rincon, and “Big Wednesday”
BY VINCE BURNS
Not long ago we wrote about the affinities between Malibu and Rincon Point. Alas, Malibu lost a significant portion of its surfing culture and community in the Palisades fire last month, with much of Pacific Palisades itself burned (ca. 5,500 homes lost).
Making the tragedy all the more poignant for the 805, several Malibu legends who suffered in last month’s inferno had strong links back to Rincon. And beyond individual losses, the incineration of so much history — much of it dating to California surfing’s late 1950s and early 1960s golden age — is beyond tragic.
For starters, none other than Gidget herself (Kathy Kohner Zuckerman in real life) lost her Palisades home in the inferno.
“At my age, imagine it: the house is gone, the neighborhood is gone, the community is gone,” is how Kathy summed up the tragedy for the Los Angeles Times “But the diamond in the rough is that the Duke’s family and the surfing community have all rallied around. I am so appreciative.” Kohner was an occasional Rincon visitor in the early days, recalling for us a half-remembered pilgrimage with (who else?) Miki Dora. (Duke’s of course is the longtime PCH restaurant where Kohner often works weekends as an “Ambassador of Aloha” and hostess. Duke’s barely survived the fire but remains indefinitely closed.)
One approach to understanding the Palisades/Malibu surf culture and its early connections with Rincon Point is via “Big Wednesday” (1978) — in this article, referred to in shorthand as BW — the ultimate surfers-coming-of-age flick. The plot takes anti-heroes Matt Johnson, Jack Barlow and Leroy the Masochist from young party-crazed surf bums to terrified recipients of Vietnam-era draft papers and then to late 20-somethings who relive their teen triumphs on one last epic big Wednesday in Spring 1974.
The film originally flopped in theaters — let’s just say that neither actors Jan-Michael Vincent nor Gary Busey were in danger of winning Oscars for their performances — but made an epic and well-deserved comeback in the VHS, DVD, and (now) streaming eras as hordes came to appreciate its celebration of surfing’s longboard era and the bittersweet poignancy of lost youth.
Like “American Graffiti” (1973), another coming-of-age 1970s film brimming with nostalgia for the early 1960s, BW tells the story of surfing’s glory days, from a vantage point when those days were already gone. We know the golden age is over at film’s end when Matt Johnson gives away his big-wave longboard to his young protégé and when we learn that Jack’s girlfriend has married someone else during Barlow’s tours in Vietnam. The friends’ innocence is over, and the golden moment has passed.
Real-life links between Rincon Point and BW are numerous. Most importantly, Carp’s own Denny Aaberg (b. 1947) cowrote the screenplay. Denny’s idea — to document his own family and friends’ slice of the Malibu moment — began with a Westmont College creative writing class-inspired short story called “No Pants Mance,” which appeared first (1973) in an obscure Australian surfing magazine called Tracks and subsequently in Surfer. Well received, the short story convinced Aaberg and fellow Malibu
surfer John Milius, whose filmmaking chops are legion (“Apocalypse Now,” “Conan the Barbarian,” “Dirty Harry” and many more), to build the story out into a full screenplay about their Malibu and Palisades crew’s adventures from the early 1960s until that final Wednesday. We won’t spoil “No Pants Mance” for you, it’s available online with just a little googling (wonderfully, Tracks itself still exists!).
If you’re wondering who Mance was, we’ll let you in on a secret: the fictional name belonged to the real-life Lance Carson (b. 1943), a first-order surf legend from Pacific Palisades whose larger-thanlife surfing (and antics) made him the protagonist of “Mance” and BW’s Matt Johnson. Naturally, Lance Carson was no stranger to Rincon in winter. In fact, one of the most iconic photographs from California’s golden age of surfing is a 1963 Ron Stoner shot of Carson standing on the nose of his board in the most wonderfully nonchalant pose in the history of surfing. Carson never left the Malibu area, continuing to shape longboards for his brand up until this year’s disaster.
Although Carson’s apartment building
Real-life links between Rincon Point and BW are numerous. Most importantly, Carp’s own Denny Aaberg (b. 1947) co-wrote the screenplay. Denny’s idea — to document his own family and friends’ slice of the Malibu moment — began with a Westmont College creative writing class-inspired short story called “No Pants Mance.”
miraculously survived the flames, it lacks utilities and smoke, and other damage are severe. For the moment, Carson gets by with help from his many friends and admirers, a living legend adrift after the inferno.
We caught up with Denny Aaberg last week to get his own memories of the Palisades surf scene and were rewarded with a heartfelt recollection of a now-vanished time and place: “We were able to be in the right place at the right time. Those were carefree and fun times in a bitchin’ surf spot. My brothers and I lived in a ‘party’ house in Palisades. We were on top of the world… I was the youngest, so I got to observe it all, I was just 14 at the time. I documented it in the book and the movie, but that world doesn’t exist anymore.”
We are all fortunate that Denny captured Malibu’s golden age via “Mance” and “Big Wednesday.” If you want to immerse yourself in early 1960s Palisades/Malibu through Denny Aaberg’s and John Milius’ eyes, we recommend giving BW a watch or re-watch. Or, if you’re a book person, dip into Denny and John Milius’s recent “deluxe anniversary edition” of “Big Wednesday” (2021) which includes a novelization of the story along with a narrator’s introductions to chapters, a portion of the original screenplay, an afterword by Denny about the “grand adventure” of creating BW with Milius, a glossary of surf terms, Milius’ original pitch letter for the script, a short history of Malibu surfing by Don James, and thoughts on the film by surfer Peter Townsend, photographer Tatsuo Takei, and a short piece by Roger McGrath on
surfing’s golden era — all of these a delight for surf historians and BW fans alike. Another link between BW and Rincon Point is Rincon’s uber innovator and surfer George Greenough who served as a cameraman for the film and handled most of the from-the-water shots. And the Aabergs (Denny and older brother Kemp) weren’t the only Palisaders to make it to the 805. We hope to tell the story of other Malibu transplants in a future story.
Finally, author Peter Maguire, a former Palisades resident himself, has written a poignant post-fire “Ode to the Palisades” for his blog. As it happens, Maguire’s grandparents lived at Rincon for a time. Peter is also the author of “Thai Stick: Surfers, Scammers, and the Untold Story of the Marijuana Trade” (2013) which has local relevance and several other books. Maguire’s own nonprofit has helped Carson and other Palisades surf legends. There are also GoFundMe pages online for Carson and the others. We wish a speedy recovery to all those from down south who have suffered in this terrible disaster.
The Aaberg/Milius deluxe edition of “Big Wednesday” is available locally and via Amazon at amazon.com/dp/1644280965/. Peter Maguire’s Palisades stories can be found at petermaguire.substack.com/p/ode-to-the-palisades, a postscript has links to GoFundMes for Carson and others. If you have vintage Rincon stories and photographs, get in touch with Vince at vinceburns805@gmail.com. Vince and Stephen Bates have written “the” history of Rincon Point, available locally and online at amazon.com/dp/1467108707.
RON STONER, COURTESY SHACC
Ron Stoner snapped this photo in December 1966 at Rincon of, from left, John Peck, Miki Dora and Denny Aaberg. Aaberg’s board is a Lance Carson Model.
The deluxe anniversary edition of “Big Wednesday” released in 2021.
FEBRUARY 6, 2025
water polo seniors and coaches, from left: Kurt Souza, Jon Otsuki, Allison Banks, Giulia Piccoletti, Kim Ocampo, Caden Lemere, Mandi deWitte and Amneryz Ramirez.
Carpinteria closes out season in Division 3 playoffs
Warriors finish as league champs, but suffer a first-round playoff loss
BY RYAN P. CRUZ
The Carpinteria girls water polo team’s impressive 2024-2025 season came to an early end in the first round of the CIF Division 3 playoffs, where the Warriors suffered a defeat on the road against the Muir Mustangs, 11-6.
After being forced to shut down the school due to the nearby Eaton Fire, the Muir Mustangs had just returned to in-person classes. With so much havoc in the area — and many team members, family, and friends personally affected — the Muir water polo team had a little extra motivation heading into the playoff game.
“This is all they have, they come to practice to get their minds off the tough life stuff and just have fun,” Carpinteria coach Jon Otsuki said of the Muir team. “Going through such a difficult situation together brings out the best in kids — camaraderie, perseverance and grit.”
The teams played under a smoky-gray sky in Pasadena, with both teams starting out slow and getting a feel for the playoff competition. After the first quarter the schools were tied 1-1, and at halftime the score was locked at 2-2.
But the tide shifted when Carpinteria began to struggle with unforced turnovers — the Warriors had 20 giveaways the entire game — and the Mustangs capitalized on the opportunities to build their lead.
“I’m not sure if the girls were too anxious, but we played like the game was going 100 miles an hour,” Otsuki said. “I kept telling them to be patient but we couldn’t slow things down and settle down.”
Muir outscored Carpinteria 5-0 in the third quarter, and the Mustangs scored another four goals in the fourth quarter as the Warriors offense tried to muster up a late comeback.
“We got caught playing over aggressive defense and they exploited it,” Otsuki said. “We just did not play good team defense.”
But the five-goal run by Muir in the third quarter would prove to be the difference in the game. Despite a strong effort by Carpinteria in the final stretch, the Mustangs held on to advance to the
Warriors senior Allison Banks has been part of Carpinteria’s latest streak of league championships.
next round with a final score of 11-6.
“I am proud of this group of girls,” Otsuki said. “We are a very young team and inexperience in big games showed today… they will return next year bigger, stronger and faster.”
The future is bright for the Warriors next year, as the team will return with many of the team’s leading scorers, including sophomore Hazel Dugré and freshman Holliday Smith — who each scored a pair of goals in the loss against Muir — and freshman goalie Gwen Postma, who finished the playoff game with eight blocked shots.
The Warriors will wave a bittersweet goodbye to four seniors: captain Giulia Piccoletti, Allison Banks, Kim Ocampo, and Caden Lemere. Piccoletti, who has been a big part of Carpinteria’s latest streak of Citrus Coast League championships, scored a goal in her final game.
“All four seniors participated every
school year, we will dearly miss their leadership, dedication and competitiveness,” Otsuki said.
Carpinteria finished the season 19-8
overall, and 8-0 in the Citrus Coast League. Muir will advance to face Long Beach Poly in the second round of the CIF playoffs.
TINA LEE
Carpinteria
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TINA LEE
Carpinteria senior captain Giulia Piccoletti scored a goal in the playoff loss against Muir.
TINA LEE
Senior Kim Ocampo enjoyed one last game in the pool for the Warriors.
SHORT STOPS
BY RYAN P. CRUZ
Warriors girls soccer slides into playoffs
Carpinteria girls soccer didn’t win its last two games, but the Warriors did enough during the regular season to earn second place in the Citrus Coast League and clinch a spot in the CIF playoffs next week.
The Warriors were hunting for a league title, but on Jan. 31 Carpinteria suffered a loss to Santa Paula, 2-1, dropping the Warriors off the top spot into second place in the league standings.
In the loss, Santa Paula took a two-goal lead before Carpinteria senior Charlotte Stoops scored the Warriors’ first and final goal of the night in the 78th minute.
“Having to play from behind the whole match was a test of character, and although we battled back to get on the board many players found it very difficult to get into any game rhythm tonight,” said Carpinteria coach Freddy Martinez. “But this was a playoff atmosphere match and now hopefully the girls will be able to look back on this match when things get tough in playoffs and know that we can rise to the occasion.”
In the Warriors’ final game of the regular season, the Hueneme Vikings put up a fight and kept Carpinteria from scoring through the entire game. After a full 80 minutes plus overtime, the teams were still tied at 0-0.
Despite the tie, Carpinteria (8-4-4 overall, 7-2-2 league) will have a chance to continue its season in the CIF playoffs. The Warriors will find out their first-round opponent when brackets are released this weekend.
“This was not exactly how I wanted to finish the regular season, but stepping back and seeing how, in such a short time, our program has come up the ranks from finishing below mid-table to now a top two finish — I can’t praise them enough,” said coach Martinez. “We now must look forward to the playoffs and see if we can’t keep this fun season going a few more games.”
Carpinteria boys soccer just misses playoffs
Carpinteria boys soccer had a tough three-game stretch to end the regular season, with two losses and a tie against league leader Santa Paula, leaving the Warriors just outside of the CIF playoff picture.
The Warriors were defeated on the road at Channel Islands on Jan. 29, where the Raiders won by a score of 2-0.
On Jan. 31, Carpinteria kept its playoff hopes alive with a 0-0 tie against the Citrus Coast League’s top-ranked team, the Santa Paula Cardinals. Santa Paula has not lost a league game this entire season.
On Feb. 4, Carpinteria needed a win over Hueneme on Senior Night in order to make the playoffs. The Warriors found some offensive rhythm with a pair of goals, but Hueneme’s offense put up four goals and took the win, 4-2.
With the loss, Carpinteria finished the season with an overall record of 5-8-2, and a league record of 4-6-1.
ROSANA SWING
Michelle Cornejo speeds past a defender.
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Celebrating Senior Night with their supporters, from left: Averi Alexander, Makenna Tobin, Charlotte Stoops, Karolina Casas and Natalie Gonzalez.
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Carpinteria goalie Drew Filippini turned in a shutout against league leader Santa Paula.
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Boys basketball seniors and their families, from left: Carlo Suarez, Aiden Alcaraz, Sawyer Kelly, Jason Cariveau, Luke Fancher, Hector Bernal, Jacob Otsuki and Sebastian Reed.
Warriors boys basketball wins last two games
Carpinteria boys basketball finished the final stretch of the regular season with back-toback wins after suffering a loss to Channel Islands on Senior
The Warriors celebrated the team’s six outgoing seniors in the final home game of the regular season against Channel Island on Jan. 29. Coming into the game, the Raiders were in first place in the Citrus Coast League.
FOOD
Carpinteria, the third-place team in the league, put up a strong fight, but Channel Islands was able to pull away seniors,” said Carpinteria coach Karl Fredrickson. “It was nice to applaud their years of hard work and commitment. It’s bittersweet to see these chapters come to a close but I’m proud of each of our boys. They’ve had a tremendous impact on this program and our community.”
On Feb. 4, the Warriors hit the road to face Hueneme in the final game of the regular season.
The Warriors’ defense took over in this game, holding the Vikings to just three points in the first quarter and only 11 points in the first half. By the end of the game, Carpinteria held on for a 68-55 win.
The Warriors had a balanced scoring attack in this win, with juniors Sam Medel and Edwin Hernandez leading the way with 16 points and 12 points, respectively.
“A good finish to a great season,” coach Fredrickson said. “The boys have worked really hard this year and tonight’s victory was a nice capstone to a job well done. We’re playoff-bound so there’s more ahead, but I’m filled with love and pride for our boys tonight.”
Carpinteria (12-11 overall, 8-3 league) will find out its first-round matchup when CIF playoff brackets are released this weekend.
Carpinteria girls basketball ends on high note
Warriors girls basketball finished the regular season on a high note, turning in a dominant 54-12 win over Hueneme to claim third place in the Citrus Coast League and secure a spot in the CIF playoffs.
The Warriors just suffered a 40-point loss to first-place Santa Paula on Jan. 30, so Carpinteria was eager to get a positive outcome in the final game of the regular season at home against Hueneme on Feb. 3.
It was Senior Night for Carpinteria, with the Warriors celebrating the team’s three outgoing seniors Penny Wrought, Maritza Alpizar and Lizbeth Lopez.
The game started out with Carpinteria dominating the first quarter 21-0. By halftime, Carpinteria was up by 30 points, and by the end of regulation the Warriors took the win by a 42-point margin, 54-12.
Carpinteria coach Henry Gonzales said it was a “good team victory,” with three Warriors scoring more than 10 points. Jamaica Cook finished with 19 points and eight rebounds, Charlotte Cooney added 13 points and six assists, and Leona McClellan contributed 10 points and four steals.
The Warriors (10-9 overall, 6-5 league) will earn a spot in the CIF playoffs.
On Jan. 31, the Warriors got back in the win column with a 73-68 win on the road
In this game, the Reed brothers — senior Sebastian and sophomore Chris — teamed up with 48 combined points. Sebastian, who started the game quickly with 13 points in the first quarter, led the team with 29 total points, while Chris finished with 19
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Senior Carlo Suarez floats a shot over the
AROUND TOWN
Proper disposal
Manny Gonzalez carries a microwave dropped off during the City of Carpinteria’s Antifreeze, Batteries, Oil and Paint (ABOP) Collection on Saturday, Jan. 25. During the second and fourth Saturday of the month, community members are invited to drop off waste that wouldn’t necessarily make it into your average trash bin; the city also accepts up to three small household devices, including television and handheld devices, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, fluorescent light tubes (limit six) and mercury thermostats, free of charge to locals.
Cutting the ribbon
Canalino Elementary School students and staff celebrated in late January with the official opening of the new Canalino Library and Learning Center. Librarian Julie
SALE PENDING
Baths in Villa Pinos, a pleasant neighborhood on Catlin Circle. A large patio opening off the dining area is great for outdoor dining. Two car garage. Catlin Circle is across the street from Memorial Park and just a short distance to downtown Carpinteria. OFFERED AT $799,000.
Please call Shirley Kimberlin at 805-886-0228
OFFERED AT $1,600,000. Please call Shirley Kimberlin at 805-886-0228
GEORGE BRADSHAW
Soto cut the ribbon with fourth graders Ainsley Bradshaw and Sophina Guerrero.
