At center, Jesus Gutierrez leads his daughters, Geraldine and Aranza, across the crosswalk after their first day of school at Canalino Elementary School on Thursday, Aug. 22. Just over 1,900 Carpinteria Unified School District students, including Geraldine and Aranza, went back to school for the 2024-25 school year in Carpinteria last week, clean backpacks and sharpened pencils at the ready. See more back-to-school photos on pages 14 and 15 of this week’s print.
KARLSSON
‘80s alumni weekend planning committee is planning an all ‘80s reunion for the first weekend of October.
All ‘80s reunion coming to Carpinteria
Members of the Carpinteria High School class of 1984 are hosting an All ‘80s Alumni Weekend reunion Oct. 3–6, during the weekend of the California Avocado Festival.
The reunion will kick off at Island Brewing Company on Thursday, Oct. 3 with a welcome event, committee member Kim Fly told CVN. Other events throughout the weekend include an ‘80s speakeasy, yoga in the park, locals night at Avofest, checking out other alumni bands, and more.
To participate or for more information, reach out to Fly at (805) 689-3090 or Leah Wagner at (805) 901-6096.
Spanish classes resume Sept. 5
Advanced beginner Spanish classes at the Carpinteria Woman’s Club will resume on Sept. 5, led by Nadia Lyhitchenko. The $8 a week classes are held each Thursday, 3–4:30 p.m.
Students, who are asked to bring paper and a pencil, will work on reading, speaking, listening and writing in Spanish. Class participants should already know how to use basic verb conjugations in the present and past tenses and noun/adjective gender agreements.
The Carpinteria Woman’s Club is located at 1059 Vallecito Road; classes are held on the back lawn. Class fees are donated back to the Woman’s Club.
Last Museum Marketplace of the year: Aug. 31
The last Museum Marketplace of 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 31, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Carpinteria Valley Historical Society and History Museum’s 956 Maple Ave. campus.
This month’s featured vendor is Suz-Anne Evans and Terrilyn Giamoni’s Creative Mermaid Designs. Their booth will sell handmade croc charms and other custom items on Saturday, per a press release from the museum.
“(The museum) is a great cause to support and I enjoy having the business/personal connections I have made because of it,” Evans said.
Live music and food for purchase will be available at the free-to-enter marketplace. Learn more by calling (805) 684-3112, emailing info@carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org, or visiting carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org.
Next month, the museum has three public events on the books: a new volunteer and docent drop-in on Sept. 10, 11 a.m. – noon, and Sept. 26, 11 a.m. – noon; and a talk and talk back, “Moment of Truth: Sorting Fact from Fiction in the Misinformation Age” on Sept. 30, 5–6 p.m.
Voter registration booth now open at Farmer’s Market
A voter registration booth will be open at the Carpinteria Farmers Market each Thursday for the next month, 3–6 p.m. The market takes place in downtown Carpinteria, the 800 block of Linden, on Thursdays.
According to volunteer Amrita Salm, Thursday volunteers can help residents register to vote and assist already registered voters with any address, name or party changes.
The
The Creative Mermaid Design booth, run by Suz-Anne Evans and Terrilyn Giamoni, will sell charms at Saturday’s museum marketplace.
City deems Surfliner
BY EVELYN SPENCE
Nearly two years after Measure T – a ballot measure that would have stopped the Surfliner Inn proposal in its tracks – failed by 83 votes, plans for the Surfliner Inn will soon be back in the hands of city review boards.
The city of Carpinteria determined the project’s application complete earlier this month, and the city’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) is tentatively scheduled to hear the full proposal at its Sept. 26 meeting.
The Surfl iner Inn proposal fi rst appeared in the public eye in 2020, brought by four Santa Barbara County families, including local developers Witt Hollis and Jeff Theimer.
The project was fiercely opposed at the time by what later became the Yes On T group, which gathered enough signatures to put Measure T – a measure that would rezone the proposed spot of the Surfliner Inn so no construction could occur – on the 2022 ballot. It failed.
The current project proposal includes a two-story 36-room hotel at 499 Linden Ave. with 46 reconfigured parking spaces on what is currently City Parking Lot #3, also known as the Amtrak Parking Lot. As part of an agreement signed with the city,
for a
on Sept. 26.
the Surfliner Inn developers would also construct a new, 93-space public parking lot with public restrooms at a currently vacant city-owned lot across the train tracks, to replace the parking spots that would be lost by hotel development. The project also includes a cafe/restau-
GoFundMe opened for
neighborhood cat injured in reported dog attack
A friend of the Zeyssig family, whose Carpinteria cat Riffy was reportedly injured in a dog attack earlier this month, has started a GoFundMe to help the family pay for the cat’s vet bills.
Kimberly Zuleger wrote in the GoFundMe that Riffy was attacked by a pitbull on Aug. 14 near Third Street in Carpinteria while the family was celebrating their daughter’s ninth birthday. The pitbull, who was on a leash, reportedly bit the cat; the dog was then pulled away by its owner. The family has filed a report, according to Zuleger.
down payment, and the space rent is under Carp’s rent control ordinance.
Riffy suffered a fractured tibia and other injuries, and surgery will cost the family between $6,000 and $7,000, Zuleger said in the GoFundMe.
Riffy, a local Carpinteria cat, was reportedly attacked by a pitbull near Third Street earlier this month.
“We are so grateful and in awe of the outpouring of support and care we’ve received since Riffy’s attack,” the family wrote on the GoFundMe page. “It’s truly been the silver lining in all of this to see how many people know and care for Riffy and are rooting for his recovery.”
As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe has received nearly $4,000 of its $7,000 goal.
–
Evelyn Spence
STYLISH HOME IN RANCHO GRANADA
rant, rooftop lounge, bar, event space, pool, space, visitors center, manager’s unit and bicycle storage.
Story poles will be put on the site at least two weeks before the ARB hearing date. ARB members will review the architectural designs for the project at the
upcoming September meeting and offer their input. The full plans are available online at bit.ly/CarpinteriaSurflinerInn. Plans are also available in-person at Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave.
COURTESY GRAPHIC
The proposal
two-story, 36-room hotel at 499 Linden Ave. will tentatively be heard by the city’s Architectural Review Board
COURTESY PHOTO
La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation considers funding consultant for community center
BY ATMIKA IYER
The Carpinteria City Council on Monday directed staff to work with La Centra-Sumerlin – a foundation that supports organizations and programs in Santa Barbara County with funding – which is considering funding a consultant to examine all potential locations, costs and plans for a community center.
City staff told the council during the council’s Aug. 26 meeting that despite receiving federal grant funding of $850,000, the city is better financially served using its grant funding to establish a community center somewhere other than the proposed former Rite Aid property, as discussed at previous council meetings.
The city – which is operating at a deficit – is short of the $5 million needed to purchase the former Rite Aid property at 801 Linden Ave.
Despite the setback, City Manager Michael Ramirez said he received an outpour of support from Carpinteria community members in favor of a community center, including that potential offer from the La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation. A consultant would bring back a project plan for the council to review.
“(With the consultant), the city could explore some public, private partnerships. These things could assist with the ongoing costs,” Ramirez said.
During public comment, Carpinteria Valley Association President Mike Won-
No location secured for possible community center
dolowski offered his support of a consultant but spoke with caution, highlighting projects the city had to drop due to its operational deficit.
“If the city chooses to move forward with buying, creating, establishing a community center, that decision needs to be part of a comprehensive analysis of all the city’s priorities and desires and how it fits in with all the other things that we’re choosing not to do,” Wondolowski said.
“If a c onsultant can investigate the possibilities of moving forward in some way with no city expense, that could be very interesting, but (a project plan) must address all related expenses – not just acquisition, but renovations and operations. Our biggest concern… is that the city overspends,” he continued.
Other community members voiced the need for a community center and said the city must find other sources of revenue.
Public commenter Josephine Murphy suggested turning to community funding specifically for operational costs, pointing to the advantages of a centralized location for senior services and childcare.
“There are so many opportunities to coordinate with the federal government programs like the Internal Revenue Service, (which offers) income tax preparation services for people,” Murphy said. “...I think it’s a good investment for our community.”
Commenter Susan Bredhoff – referencing a prior speaker – pointed to the energy
“Unless we have some documented facts, some research done, we won’t have a direction to go (...) We won’t know if we have the funds, we don’t know if we have the money, we don’t know if it’s going to cost us more than we could afford…”
–Councilmember
Wade Nomura
Carpinteria has brought to funding other community locations.
“I thought all the things that (a previous speaker) has talked about that we have are things that Carpinteria has invested in, and I am sure that when they made that investment, there wasn’t enough money,” Bredhoff said. “It came together to happen because there was an energy and a need. So we do have Skate Park, and we do have a dog run, and we do have the art center and we do have the pool and the library. We have all these things because the community decided it was important.”
Councilmember Wade Nomura spoke in favor of hiring a consultant and of finding funding from other local foundations and organizations.
“Unless we have some documented facts, some research done, we won’t
have a direction to go,” Nomura said. “We won’t know if we have the funds, we don’t know if we have the money, we don’t know if it’s going to cost us more than we could afford… At this point in time, I see our option is (to use) a consultant.”
Councilmemb er Mónica Solórzano said that she understands the community’s wishes for a community center, though it may not be possible at the former Rite Aid building. Mayor Al Clark emphasized that the consultant funding would have to largely come from a third party given the city’s finances.
Councilmember Roy Lee put forward a motion for staff to work with the foundation to hire a consultant and return with a project plan for the community center. Solórzano seconded.
Carpinteria Avenue bridge replacement to begin spring 2025
Construction for the Carpinteria Avenue bridge replacement will now begin in the spring of 2025, SB Road’s Kirsten Ayars told the city council during its Monday, Aug. 26 meeting. It will cost $10–15 million.
During the meeting, councilmembers unanimously authorized the Public Works director to advertise a notice inviting bids for clearing and grubbing of trees and plants prior to construction.
The new three-span bridge will bring to the area wider sidewalks, a new bus stop off the road and wider bike lanes. The upcoming construction will require the city to clear 38 existing trees. Several trees that were originally supposed to be cleared for the project were already removed as a result of the Thomas Fire and subsequent debris flow.
As part of the project, the city will plant 370 trees and introduce educational art about the local creek habitat. The trees include Coast Live Oaks, Arroyo Willows, Red Willows, Sycamores and more. The city will also remove non-native species in the creek.
The Highway Bridge Program reimburses 88.53% of the costs for this project through federal-aid grants. The city is left with the remaining 11.47%, which it plans to pay through a mix of Measure A, Measure X and Development Impact Fees, staff said on Monday.
––Atmika
Iyer
Council approves new signage for seal rookery
The Carpinteria City Council unanimously approved two new signs for the east and west ends of the harbor seal rookery in an effort to better preserve the sanctuary.
One sign lets visitors know not to enter the sanctuary area during the annual beach closure; the other is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, letting visitors know what number to call to report violations of the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The latter sign will be a temporary addition as the city creates a new sign that outlines Carpinteria’s stricter marine wildlife regulations.
COURTESY PHOTO
The Carpinteria Avenue Bridge Replacement Project will bring wider sidewalks, a new bus stop off the road and wider bike lanes to the area.
Formal apology due to former police chief
I would like to commend Jeanie Sandrini on her letter to the editor (CVN Vol. 30, No. 49) regarding the treatment of Lt. Butch Arnoldi. I have known Butch for over 50 years, he has always shown the greatest respect for his job and for the safety of the people he has sworn to protect. When I was with Carpinteria P.D. for 25 years and also with the Sheriff’s Dept., we never had any complaints about how we handled the Fourth of July or New Years.
It seems our city council is lacking common sense. To catch someone setting off fireworks, you almost have to be standing right next to that person to light it. Then you have the problem of manpower. How do you expect three deputies to protect 14,000 people?
When you have our so-called mayor making a stupid statement about, “Maybe next time they should say someone has a gun.” Do you know how many deputies would respond to a “someone has a gun” call? All the deputies would respond because of officer safety. Now where would the 14,000 people be if the mayor makes a stupid call like that to get special attention?
All Carpinterians are special. You were elected to support, not bad mouth law enforcement and its supervisors. They have a hard enough job as is.
Secondly, you got rid of the school resources deputy. You saved money there, probably enough to hire another deputy. If the school district needs a school resources officer, let them pay for it. You should be supporting law enforcement, not berating them. I think Butch deserves an in-person apology from the council. Remember blue and tan lives matter.
Zave Saragosa Carpinteria
Alarcon committed to Carpinteria
I want to express my strong support for Councilwoman Natalia Alarcon as she seeks re-election. Her ongoing efforts to improve our community, especially our Latino community, have been evident. Over the last four years, she has been involved in several community activities and events that allow her to keep a pulse on what is needed. She is present, welcoming and approachable.
As a resident of Carpinteria, I have witnessed firsthand her commitment to addressing housing insecurity, improving public safety and fostering economic growth.
I particularly appreciate her focus on informing our community about various available resources and services. Her work in this area is critical to ensuring
LETTERS
“It
seems our city council is lacking common sense. To catch someone setting off fireworks, you almost have to be standing right next to that person to light it ... How do you expect three deputies to protect 14,000 people?”
– Zave Saragosa
those volunteers and donors of time and/ or money who have made (past tense) South County exceptional – are forced to relocate or die. The good weather and spectacular topography is costing too much.
Help defeat SBCC’s bond Measure P. If you’re willing to help: vote No on Measure P.
Denice Spangler Adams Santa Barbara Flying with one wing
My friend Kara always says it takes two wings for a bird to fly properly, a left wing and a right wing. If a bird only has one wing it can only fly in one direction. It cannot adapt, speed up, slow down or change course.
that all residents have the opportunity to thrive, and it is clear that she is genuinely invested in the well-being of all.
Councilwoman Natalia has my full support for the next four years. I am confident that her vision and determination will continue to bring about positive changes, and I am eager to see the progress ahead.
Thank you, Councilwoman Natalia Alarcon, for your tireless work and for being a strong voice for our community.
Teresa Alvarez Carpinteria
Gonzalez-Smith for District 2
I am writing in support of my wife Adriana Gonzalez-Smith for Carpinteria City Council District 2.
I retired this summer from active-duty service as a Commander in the United States Navy. Adriana insisted that we stay here in Carpinteria after my retirement because she legitimately believes this city is the best place to live in the world.
Her Gonzalez family has significantly populated Carpinteria for five generations, and she couldn’t imagine not spending the rest of her life around them. She’s a wonderful mother, pianist, leader, listener, friend and military spouse.
I just spent the past four years mostly not at home, working on a vital program for the Department of Defense. In that time, Adriana, worked, finished a degree, is close to finishing another degree, did full parent duties, and took care of our home essentially as a solo parent.
I thought it was time for her to get a much-needed break after my military retirement. But she’s concerned with decisions that have been made in Carpinteria and the transparency for those decisions to the residents.
Carpinterians couldn’t ask for a more dedicated city council member that has the community’s best interest. Voting for Adriana is voting for Carpinteria!
Bob Smith Carpinteria
Measure P heavy cost to taxpayers
Santa Barbara City College wants more of our money – only about $200 million – via a Measure P bond request that homeowners and property taxpayers will pay off in 2060.
Defeating SBCC’s Measure P is up to you and me. SBCC has up to $500,000 of donor dollars to gain passage; opponents have $0.
Sadly, homeowners and taxpayers are not organized; there’s no local paid watchdog for SBCC, our school districts or for each city council. Until those thousands of individuals and businesses invested in South County, and subsiding the other 40%, agree to pay watchdogs to be informed, as Andy Caldwell does for the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, guess what? The monied democrats, the progressives, the radicals will continue to have 100% control of South County, SBCC and our wallets. Too many of the ‘bricks and mortar’ –
Case in point. It takes a huge effort and expense for a company to uproot and move its organization and its people. When this occurs, the state loses all the revenue from that company and its employees, not to mention disrupting the local business environment. In the last twenty years, 352 companies big and small have left California.
Do you know what else has happened for the past twenty years? We have been flying with only one left wing. Even today Democrats hold a veto-proof majority in both houses. The assembly has 62 Democrats and 17 Republicans and the State Senate has 32 Democrats and eight Republicans. The state cannot make course corrections with the people who are in office now.
Unless we change our current representatives, nothing can improve because they only have one wing. We will continue to live out of balance, deeper in debt, lose more companies and lose more people.
Carolyn Edwards Carpinteria
Coastal View News welcomes your letters Letters must include your name, address and phone number. Letters are subject to editing. Letters over 300 words will be edited in length. Submit online at coastalview.com
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day In honor and memory of those who have died by suicide, survivors, and those affected by suicide and to increase awareness and sensitivity about suicide and suicide prevention. Program includes speakers, candles, refreshments. Bilingual therapists and Spanish translation will be available. 6:00-7:00 pm Annual Candlelight Vigil
Obituaries
Suzan Diane (Clarke) Kern
07/22/1948 – 08/07/2024
Suzan Diane Kern, née Clarke, 76, of Santa Barbara and Riverside, California, passed away on Aug. 7, 2024, in Riverside, California.
Suzan was born in Glendale, California to Pierce Forman Clarke and Doris Eleanor Clarke, née Murdy, on July 22, 1948. She went to high school at Granada Hills High School and graduated in 1966. She went on to attend art classes at San Fernando Valley State College, now California State University – Northridge. Suzan participated in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship while in college. During her mid-college years, she married Mark Kern and had her children. (Later, she was divorced.)
Suzan is survived by her two children,
Joseph Marcelo Vazquez
01/16/1938 – 08/19/2024
Joseph Marcelo Vazquez graced this world with his presence beginning on Jan. 16, 1938 in Mexico City. He left us just as quickly on Aug. 19, 2024.
He immigrated into the United States with his parents and two sisters in 1946. Joe went to Dolores School, where he met Alice Saragosa. He was not one of Alice’s favorite people! After Dolores School, he went to Santa Barbara Catholic High, and then transferred to Santa Barbara High School. He enrolled in the Air Force in January 1956 and his longest duty station was in Japan as a protocol officer. He enjoyed practicing his Japanese with his patrons on his mail route! Joe became a United States citizen prior to leaving the Air Force.
During his formative years after arriving from Mexico, he would hustle/fight for a corner to sell newspapers on the street after school as well as shine shoes. He also was a caddy at the Valley Club, where he had the pleasure of meeting Al Geiberger.
On his return from the service in 1960, he worked temporarily for Car Color Craft Auto Body owned by the Sanchez Brothers, until he was called by the U.S. Postal Service. He was with the Post Office until his retirement in 1991.
He once again met Alice Saragosa in 1962 and they were married in May 1963. After their marriage, Joe became active in civic affairs, first with the incorporation of Carpinteria and then working to elect the first city council. He went on to join the American G.I. Forum, where he rose to a state position.
He couldn’t stay still, so he joined the Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities and spent many years visiting Puerto Vallarta and other places in Mexico, making many wonderful friends who were like a second family.
daughter Betsy Berry of northern Virginia and son Ole Kern of Rohnert Park, California; her brother Stephen; her sisters Beverly and Julia and their families; and five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pierce and Doris, and her brother Christopher.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, 5425 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara California, 93111.
The family also wishes to extend their gratitude to Vista Pacifica Convalescent Home in Riverside and to the congregation and members of Turnpike Church of Christ in Santa Barbara for their many kindnesses and continuing cheerful encouragement to Suzan, in particular during recent years when her mobility decreased.
She was well loved and recognized for her Christian faith. May her memory be eternal and may she rest with the blessed!
Family and friends are invited to funeral services to be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Pavilion of the Carpinteria Cemetery District, 1501 Cravens Lane, in Carpinteria. Interment will then follow in Carpinteria Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Ventura.
Along with this, he at one point also belonged to the Optimist Club and Carpinteria Beautiful. In 1993, he was honored as Carpinterian of the Year for his work removing graffiti in our city.
He loved motorcycles and old cars. On many a Sunday he would take the family to motorcycle races or Studebaker meets. He also had a Datsun Fairlady which he used to take his kids to Rincon Beach or Red Rock. How they loved that little red car!
Joe loved fishing! He at one time had a boat that he would take out to the islands. He eventually sold that vessel, but on a trip to Baja California, he found Loreto. He loved it to the point that he bought a piece of property there, formed a fishing camp (really rustic), and he and friends would go down once a year and fish. His most loyal fisherman partner was Richard Olivas. What a pair!
I’m sure many will remember Joe’s little white truck. Every day, he would “cruise” Carpinteria. He so loved this town!
Joe leaves an emptiness in the heart of his wife of 61 years, Alice. He was immensely proud of his children, Andie Brown, Juan Carlos Vazquez, Dolores Mecham (Alex) and Sylvia Baugh (Jason); grandchildren Jackson Damron (Caitlyn), Maxwell Damron, Joseph D. Vazquez, Daniel Vazquez (Piper), Ben Vazquez, Cooper Mecham, Ruby Mecham, Kelsey Hayes (Josh), Courtney Falkenborg (Will) and Harrison Baugh; and great-grandchildren Nora and Jay Damron, Elliott Joy, Sawyer, Caleb and Oliver Hayes, and William (Billy) and Felix Falkenborg.
He is also survived by his siblings Silvia Yolanda Avila (Raul), Juan Ruben Vazquez (Lydia), Francisco “Frankie” Vazquez and Martha Christensen (Jim), and an enormous number of cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Eucario and Maria (Cuca) Vazquez; his sister Neyla Jimenez and her husband, Danny; and his niece, Deanna Vazquez.
A funeral mass will be held for Joe on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Chapel on Seventh Street in Carpinteria, followed by interment at Carpinteria Cemetery. A reception will follow.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Vitalant Blood Services.
He had a great ride!
The Carpinteria Unified School District has projected a slight increase in enrollment, specifically at Carpinteria Middle School.
Increased student enrollment at CMS, Summerland Elementary
CVN
SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK
DIANA RIGBY CUSD SUPERINTENDENT
Editor’s Note: A copy of the Superintendent’s Report is run in print as a service for parents, students and community members who cannot attend Carpinteria Unified School District’s Board of Trustees meetings. This report was read aloud during the school board’s August 27 meeting.
The Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) has projected an increase in enrollment by about 26 students compared to the previous school year, with most of the growth at Carpinteria Middle School (CMS) and Summerland Elementary School.
The district has also projected decreases in enrollment at Canalino Elementary School, Carpinteria Family School and Carpinteria Family School. In total, the district projects 1,937 students have enrolled for the 2024-25 school year, compared to 1,911 students enrolled during the 2023-24 school year.
Appreciation
I’d like to recognize the CUSD employees, students and families for a smooth opening of the 2024-25 school year last Thursday. We were ready to greet 1,937 students!
Welcome back!
Carpinteria High School (CHS) held a ninth grade student orientation with the Warrior Crew on Tuesday, Aug. 20, and CMS held its grade six student orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Both elementary schools held Meet and Greet with Popsicles on Wednesday afternoon.
Measure U
The Canalino Learning Center project continued with the waterproofing of the building foundation. Soil export, backfill and compaction were completed at the foundation perimeter.
The modular building is scheduled to be delivered, aligned and set the week of August 26. Welding and exterior flashing will follow the building’s placement as will project site work. The Aliso TK/ Kindergarten Classroom Building project remains in the construction-documents phase of services and the local permitting process.
Diana Rigby is the superintendent of Carpinteria Unified School District. For more information about CUSD, log on to cusd.net, or contact Diana at drigby@cusd.net or (805) 684-4511x222.
Carpinteria
Local pastor reflects on first six months in Carpinteria
BY EVELYN SPENCE
It took Carpinteria Valley Baptist Church Pastor Charles Newton and his family some time to adjust to the move to Carpinteria, but roughly six months later, the family of five has settled into the area and Newton has already begun improving church service attendance.
“Coming here into Carpinteria, where Carpinteria is community based and so friendly, that was definitely able to help with that transition – seeing a community that actually takes part and actually cares about one another,” Newton told CVN last week.
Newton arrived with his family – his wife Melissa and the couple’s three children, six-year-old Cayden, five-year-old Logan and three-year-old Callie – in Carpinteria in February of this year.
Newton began his first official day as a pastor with the Carpinteria Valley Baptist Church on March 3.
In the short time since, attendance has risen, Newton said. When he first joined the church, roughly 15 people were attending church services on a regular basis. That number has risen to 40.
“We looked at (this move) as an opportunity to build the church, reach new people and encourage the community,” he said.
Newton was born and raised in Hephzibah, Georgia and became involved in the church in his late teens after he was invited to visit a local church. “(I) started questioning, started looking into various religions, trying to decide what I want to believe. I settled on Christianity,” he said, citing a local pastor there as a heavily influential figure in his life.
Newton went on to study at Andersonville Theological Seminary. He has a doctoral degree in Christian counseling and psychology, and majored in PTSD and trauma and minored in family counseling. He met his wife, Melissa, in college, and after graduating, the two traveled to several African countries – including Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan – for missionary work. Newton later founded the nonprofit organization Run International.
The move back to the United States took a bit of time for the family, especially the Newton kids. His three kids experienced a “little bit of a culture shock” coming back to the United States, Newton said, but they’ve largely adjusted to Carpinteria. The family now enjoys
and an addictions ministry down the road.
“I think it’s important for us to be able to let people know we’re here, we care, we’re here to help… as a church, we’re supposed to display compassion and love for everybody in the city.”
––Pastor Newton
hiking on the bluffs and exploring the area together.
“(The move) was challenging for us because we grew to love the people there, had close friends and people we worked with and cared about there. To leave was very challenging,” he said.
Over the past six months, Newton has primarily worked to expand the church’s programs and renovate an older building on church grounds.
With that foundation laid out, the church will launch a nursery ministry (for
newborns to children up to four years of age) and a children’s ministry (for children between the ages of five and 12) on Sept. 8, with plans for youth ministry for teenagers
CVN
“We want to actually be involved with the community, doing outreach projects, being present in the community. Some churches do that, some churches don’t. I think it’s important for us to be able to let people know we’re here, we care, we’re here to help… as a church, we’re supposed to display compassion and love for everybody in the city,” he said.
Carpinteria Valley Baptist Church is located at 800 Maple Ave. Services are held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.; a smaller connection group is scheduled for that same day at 9:30 a.m. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
SCHOOL NOTES
Toddler spots open at CCP
Increased landscape rebate amounts available to replace water thirsty lawns with native or low-water drought-tolerant plants.
Contact CVWD at conservation@cvwd.net or 805-684-2816 ext 116 before starting your project for rebate eligibility.
The Carpinteria Children’s Project, 5201 Eight St., still has openings available for its toddler program for the 2024-25 school year.
The dual language childcare program – for children between 18 and 30 months old – includes early childhood and extracurricular education. Those interested in enrolling may reach out to CCP at (805) 566-1600, or email info@carpchildren.org.
CCP leaders speak at national childhood development conference
Leaders from the Carpinteria Children’s Project (CCP) recently attended the Zero to Three LEARN Conference in Long Beach, where CCP Executive Director Teresa Alvarez spoke about how positive experiences impact children.
Alvarez and Jessica Ramirez, director of family services for CCP, delivered a presentation at the national early childhood development conference, entitled “Embracing the Bright Side: A Journey into the Power of Positive Childhood Experiences.”
The talk focused on positive childhood experiences (PCEs) and how they can effectively counteract adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The presentation also highlighted the organization’s approach to using PCEs as a way to build resilience and support families.
“Our presentation was a chance to spotlight the positive impact of our work and connect with others dedicated to early childhood development,” Alvarez said in a press release. “We’re committed to creating supportive spaces where every child and family can thrive, and it was an honor to share our journey with such an engaged audience.”
For more information about CCP, visit carpchildren.org or contact Ari Rodriguez at arodriguez@carpchildren.org.
COURTESY PHOTO
Pastor Charles Newton and the rest of the Newton family – his wife, Melissa, and the couple’s three children, six-year-old Cayden, five-year-old Logan and three-year-old Callie – moved to Carpinteria earlier this year.
THE LAY OF THE LAND
MIKE WONDOLOWSKI
It was after 11 p.m., and we were awaiting the imminent moonset so we would have completely dark skies for viewing the Perseid meteor shower. We had driven ten hours a few days earlier to reach our desert campsite in northern Nevada’s Sage Valley to view the Perseids without light pollution obscuring the view. We endured near-100-degree daytime temperatures in anticipation of the big event.
As the moon finally set, we were surprised to see a lingering glow along the horizon. But there were no city lights in that direction. In fact, there was pretty much nothing but sage brush, some wild burros and a whole lot of desert. Our annoyance grew – those lights should not have been there! They were going to mess up our dark sky for viewing the meteor shower.
As we watched, the glow actually got a little brighter. Then we saw some vertical “pillars” of light that slowly grew taller. After a moment, my wife Diane and I looked at each other, and at the same time we both exclaimed, “Auroras!”
I scrambled to grab my camera to shoot some hand-held photos. The camera can “see” the colors better than our eyes, and so shows them a little brighter than we can see them. It confirmed that we were indeed seeing the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights!
Periodic cheers arose from other groups camping at this sky-watching event as the slowly changing multi-colored light display continued. It was mesmerizing to the point that we barely noticed the occasional bright streak of light of a meteor flying overhead. We could not believe how lucky we
We make our own luck
were to be in that place, at that time, looking in the right direction, and understanding that there “should not have been” lights where we saw them.
After half an hour or so, the light show dimmed to a faint hint of color along the northern horizon. Then we finally turned our attention back to watching the meteor shower… while still excitedly discussing the auroras.
Looking back on this experience, I still cannot believe how lucky we were. But then again, it was not really pure random luck. If we had been anywhere with light pollution, even just 25 miles to the south in Lovelock, Nevada, the artificial lights would have overwhelmed the subtle natural light of the aurora, completely hiding it. We had chosen to seek out a dark sky location, despite the long drive, desert temperatures and sand-filled winds. We had put ourselves in a position where it took only a little luck for us to have this experience.
I believe this is what people mean when they say. “You make your own luck.” With a lot of effort, we can put ourselves in a position where just a little luck will result in good things happening.
Observers might remark, “Wow, you are so lucky!” While luck is involved, others often do not know how much work we also put in.
Let’s consider examples closer to home. We are incredibly lucky that we have the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve for our enjoyment. The foundation of that “luck” was an unprecedented community-wide effort decades ago to prevent inappropriate development on the Bluffs and ultimately to raise the funds to buy that property for public enjoyment.
We are lucky that Carpinteria is still a low-key small beach town. Is it that way solely due to some cosmic roll of the dice?
Of course not. Generations of residents have worked hard to maintain the character of this town, and that work continues every day. Are we lucky? Absolutely! But we make our own luck.
If there is a specific local issue you care about, it probably will take a little luck to get things to go your way, but you have a much better chance if you do the work to study up on the issue and provide your
We are lucky that Carpinteria is still a lowkey small beach town. Is it that way solely due to some cosmic roll of the dice? Of course not. Generations of residents have worked hard to maintain the character of this town, and that work continues every day.
input to the City Council at the right time.
There is a story about a man who prayed to God. He falls to his knees, shuts his eyes, opens his heart and with his hands in the air, he prays to God every single day for 50 years. Each time, he says the same prayer: “Please God, let me win the lottery.” Lo and behold, an angel goes to God one day and laments, saying, “My Lord, this man has prayed to you for the past 50 years, why don’t you let him win the lottery?”
The Lord answered, “I would love to, but he has never bought a lottery ticket.”
Indeed, we make our own luck.
Mike Wondolowski is president of the Carpinteria Valley Association (www.facebook.com/ carpinteriavalleyassociation), a local organization dedicated to maintaining the small beach town nature of our community. In over 30 years of involvement in planning issues, he has witnessed visionary successes, as well as decisions that were later widely regretted. When not stuck indoors, he can often be found enjoying Carpinteria’s treasures including kayaking and snorkeling along the coast, running or hiking on the bluffs or the Franklin Trail, or “vacationing” as a tent camper at the State Beach.
Canalino modular learning center comes together
A crane moved part of the Canalino Modular Learning Center into place on Tuesday. The 60’ x 40’ permanent modular learning center – with construction led by general contractor McGillivray Construction – is scheduled for competition in November of this year, according to the project page.
WONDOLOWSKI
An unexpected Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and the Big Dipper over Sage Valley in northern Nevada on Aug. 11, 2024.
Coastal
Family School’s infant program welcomes kids as young as three months
The
infant program, run through the Family Baptist Church, launched one year ago
BY JUN STARKEY
Coastal Family School – the preschool run through the Family Baptist Church of Carpinteria at 5026 Foothill Road – now has an infant program, open for children as young as three months up to two years old.
The program launched about a year ago, according to Coastal Family School’s Director Brittney Grimshaw, who has been with the school since 2021. There are currently eight children enrolled in the infant program; the program has a capacity for 10.
“We are excited to provide the Carpinteria community with new space for its youngest community members to thrive,” Grimshaw told CVN this week. “An environment where they can feel secure, connected and confident.”
Though the school is mainly made up of Carpinteria kids, some of the children enrolled in the infant program are from neighboring communities, including Santa Barbara, Goleta and Ventura. Grimshaw said this is due to a dire need of childcare throughout California. “Our goal is to help fill that need,” Grimshaw said.
The program takes up a small portion of the Coastal Family School campus, with a classroom and an outdoor play-
ing area separated by baby gates. Each infant’s home schedule, such as napping and feeding times, is emulated by teachers to the best of their ability, creating minimal disruption in the children’s schedules.
The program currently has two teachers, Yaritza Hernandez and Erika Garcia, as well as a teacher’s assistant. Grimshaw said the school’s ratio of students to teachers is typically 6 to 1, allowing teachers to provide care and attention to smaller groups.
“We believe that children who are grounded in positive and responsive relationships feel free to explore and learn, developing curiosity, resilience and confidence which are all essential building blocks to growth,” Grimshaw said.
Tuition for Coastal Family School varies depending on the number of days students attend, and whether they stay for a full day, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or half a day, from 8 a.m. to noon. Families also have the option to pay annually or in payments of 10.
Schedule options include two days per week (Tuesdays and Thursday), three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and a full week (Monday –Friday).
For more information, visit Coastal Family School’s website at coastalfamilyschool.com/general-1.
Whiting
COURTESY PHOTOS
Teacher Erika Garcia and a child play with an interactive toy at the Coastal Family School’s infant program.
Coastal Family School infant teacher Yaritza Hernandez reads to a child from the school’s infant program.
Teacher Tina Medel shows children how to make sandcastles in the playground of the Coastal Family School.
Halos& Pitchforks
Santa Via believes her stolen by Polo deputies.
Vehicle / about Sandtagged and vehicle
The 1100 lot not was possearch located, meth. violations. contacted as off by a probashowed container felon pepper in the wanted ownership 4100 vehicle reported to Department. A was stolen, by the on the only a actual pulled the car, motel they, cited for meth and investigation will obtained Palm regisviolation at his License / displayrecords was
A reader sends a halo to Ryan Moore for bringing dirt back to Carpinteria.
A reader sends a halo to everyone who supported the Playa Del Sur 4-H this year. “The members are looking forward to another successful year.”
had stop lights, this paints a picture. There are numerous memories; so many strike the chords if you were lucky enough to grow here. For example, BM says why his grandparents left Mexico (Pancho Villa was forcing young males into his army). My grandparents moved here for the same reason. Would love to hear more.”
A reader sends a halo to Valerie, the new volunteer at the Friends of the Library Bookstore, for cleaning and reorganizing the self-help section.
A reader sends a halo to Monica Sherlock for always thinking of others and how to brighten their day, “especially (by) bringing flowers, and artistic creations on a regular basis to neighbors and friends.”
A reader sends a halo to Desiree, the new masseuse at The Gym Next Door. “She could have coasted through it, but she worked really hard to relieve my back pain. I never experienced such a great massage.”
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 Goodwill store managers Esperanza and Trent and employees Violet, Jason, Danny and Claudia. “Not only (will) Esperanza and Trent give you great customer service, but they teach their employees how to give great customer service. You are all an asset to Goodwill. Thank you.”
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 Darrell Johnston of Handyman Services. “He has always helped me and other senior citizens by creatively coming up with solutions for our little projects that need to get done around the apartment, and at a very fair price. Kudos to you, Darrell!”
A reader sends a halo to whoever left a sign telling people to pick up their dog-waste bags and stop leaving them on Casitas Pass Road.
A reader sends a halo to Kevin and Murphy’s Vinyl Shack for being so kind. “You have some super fun stickers.”
A reader sends a halo to the team at Risdon’s 76. “Starting at the top and all the way through, you feel like you’re in the fictional town of Mayberry, which is what we love about Carpinteria. Full service at the gas pump if needed. Where does that happen anymore? Kudos to Dean in the Auto Center.”
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 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 pitchfork to whoever has been leaving bags of dog waste on the ground along Casitas Pass Road. “Yes, it’s frustrating that the trash cans are gone, but is that really your best way of handling the situation?”
A reader sends a halo to Deputy Dickey and his colleagues for their swift response and peaceful resolution to an incident on the bluffs. “Their professionalism and willingness to engage in difficult conversations ensured the safety of all involved. Thank you!”
A reader sends a halo to Larry-Oke Nimmer for entertaining karaoke at Giovanni’s on Wednesday evenings. “Such a great family event. Please don’t go!”
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 pitchfork to the person who hit the reader’s pickup in front of the reader’s house and didn’t stop. “Shame on you, and I hope you have karma insurance.”
A reader sends a halo to Franny for being a great friend and saving the reader on her “shoeless in Santa Barbara” day.
A reader sends a halo to the CVN reader who “showed us how easy it is to ‘Request a Trader Joe’s in my city’ by Googling it. Thank you for that.”
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 George and Brecia for hosting a great Vallecito Road neighborhood end of summer get together and barbeque. “Very fun!”
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 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 the Carpinteria Fire Department. “They saved my finger from being stuck on my dishwasher rake. They said it was a first but saved my finger in an unusual circumstance. I wish I had a video. A big thank you!”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the bicycle events on Foothill Road. “Purposely hosting huge rides that take up the whole road is irresponsible. There are countless bike lanes that were put in with our tax dollars to avoid this problem.”
A reader sends a halo to Dr. Persoon, Mr. Anderson, Coach Ramos, Mr. Pavia, Ms. Gala and the CMS staff for making the reader’s first week of sixth grade great.
A reader sends a pitchfork to the woman who let her dog bite a local cat, Riffy, on Third Street. “The woman walked away. The vet bills are expected to be $7,000.”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the lifeguards braiding hair while swimmers are in the pool. “Not professional!”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the employees of the newer businesses on the Carpinteria Bluffs. “Learn to share the bike/walking path with locals… There will be four to five of you walking together and not a single one will scoot over just a tad to let a local pass through?”
A reader sends a halo to Joe Lovett and the CHS class of 1967. “Kudos, kudos, kudos to ‘Chapters of our lives.’ If you want to reminisce about what it was like before Carp
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 all the beach community residents. “Thank you for parking in front of your home with your permit.”
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 , a caregiver at Carpinteria Senior Lodge for nearly three years.
A reader sends a pitchfork to the Linden planters. “All the mushrooms growing there indicate too much water. Nice weed farm.”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the person who moved her husband’s memorial rock. “My heart was broken when I couldn’t find my husband’s memorial rock placed within the cactuses along the side of the street on Linden. I am grateful Carpinteria has such a place. I finally found his memorial rock up the street; someone had removed it to replace it with their cute little rocks each painted with a letter of Carpinteria. My husband passed away a year and half ago. It’s obvious you don’t understand grieving. Thanks for the memory.”
A reader sends a pitchfork to a restaurant owner for parking his vehicle in the spots right out front of his establishment. “Shouldn’t he leave those parking spots available for his paying customers?”
Tom Sweeney by the beach to clean up plastic bottles, bags, dirty gloves and masks.
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 Bill and Rosana Swing photos for Junior Warriors Football. “We appreciate all you do for our families, players and program. You rock!”
DOWNTOWN OPPORTUNITY
A reader sends a pitchfork to the people who approve new building styles in Carpinteria. “As a store owner, there is an overwhelming amount of people who tell me they come to Carpinteria for the small quaint beach town vibe, and comment they hope it doesn’t continue to get ruined.”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the City of Carpinteria for letting the bluffs turn into an ever-increasing dirt parking lot. “That is not what the bluffs were purchased for. Post No Parking signs immediately!”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the guy in a banana costume who “flipped me and my friends off… after we complimented him.”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the new parking zones ing/two hour” signs just made people park in my neighborhood. Seventh and the neighboring streets are a packed parking lot.”
A reader sends a pitchfork to those who lied 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!”
SALE PENDING
Wonderful downtown Carpinteria location by 8th and Linden, 2 duplexes on 1 lot. Front units are large 2 BR/ 1 bath and back units are spacious (1) 3/2 and (1) 2/1.5 both with 2 car garages. Price Reduction, Now $2,950,000 Call Debbie 805-689-9696
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 rick, 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.
2:37 a.m. / Public Intoxication / Bailard Avenue
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 $350,000
A reader sends a pitchfork to the sheriff’s deputy using his radar gun the other morning in front of city hall. “Why don’t you go by one of the schools and catch all the speeders there in morning, and keep our children safe while walking to school.”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the family who planted a tree on Franklin Trail. “If you hike the water to the tree... hike the empty plastic water jug out. Don’t litter our trail.”
Submit Halos & Pitchforks online at coastalview.com. Submissions are subject to editing.
Submit Halos and Pitchforks online at coastalview.com All submissions are subject to editing.
LONG TERM RENTALS
Villa Del Mar 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available 9/1 $3450 monthly
Furnished 2 bd /2 full bath at Singing Springs Water and trash included. Available October 1st $3600 monthly
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.
LUXURY TOWNHOME in the desirable beachside area of Carpinteria. Completely remodeled and beautifully furnished 3 bd/3 bath, Tri-Level home with loft/office area. Complete with Tesla and EV charging stations. Available after 10/1/24 for 30 days or more. Call for pricing
7:41 a.m. / Theft / 5500 block Calle Arena
Downtown Charmer. Stylish 3 bd./2 full bath house in downtown Carpinteria, available now!
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.
Saturday, May 23
5:49 a.m. / Domestic Violence / 4100 block Via Real
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.
Penny Lane Cottage.2 bd./1 bath house with washer & dryer and yard, in downtown beach corridor. Must stay for 30 days or more. $4200 monthly. Available after 9/5/24.
Realtor
Carolyn Friedman, Realtor
Heidi & Jim Michener, Vacation Hosts 805-684-4101
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.
10:36 a.m. / Hit and Run / Cameo and Casitas Pass roads
murphykingrealestate.com
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
Questions or Concerns? QuestionsorConcerns?
2:07 p.m. / Found Drugs / 6000 block Jacaranda Way
Proud Sponsor of the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria
A man was contacted after reporting
Carpinterian becomes commissioned officer with Marine Corps
BY EVELYN SPENCE
Carpinteria’s own Anders Johnson –son of Carpinteria Community Church’s pastor Jarrett Johnson and his wife, Heidi – is now a second lieutenant with United States Marine Corps after taking an oath during a ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Carpinteria Woman’s Club.
Anders told CVN that this is the beginning of his career as an officer in the Marine Corps. “It’s a lot of responsibility,” he said. “You have to manage a lot of things all at once, which is why there is so much training.”
He credited his parents for their roles in helping make the ceremony a success. “It was a great experience. It felt amazing to get the bars pinned on… (it) was very meaningful to myself and the other ma-
rine there to say, ‘Yeah, I’m in for the next eight to ten years.’ (...) I’m ready to take on this responsibility that is bestowed upon not many people.”
Anders has lived in Carpinteria with his parents and older sister since he was in third grade. He has been involved with the Carpinteria boy scouts, cub scouts and Junior Lifeguards programs; he also played water polo and baseball at Carpinteria High School. “I would spend every free moment I could during the summertimes at the beach, surfing or just enjoying the sand and shine,” he said.
He told CVN that he will report for the next portion of his training in March and plans to attend flight school as well. In the meantime, he is headed up to Oregon to help fight wildfires.
The latest news in Carpinteria real estate
Over the last few months, it has been difficult to comment on the market. It has been in flux, so we have taken some time to observe and understand these changes before weighing in.
The year 2024 is a season of change with different market dynamics at play: high interest rates, uncertain economy and politics, and changes in the mechanics of the real estate transaction. Much has been happening in the real estate space – some predictable, and others not.
Overall, the word that we have heard and repeated by many local Santa Barbara Realtors is quieter. We are not saying quiet, but quieter than how it felt in 2023. We have felt it and used the word ourselves. What is strange is that compared to 2023, we are seeing slightly more sales. Sales are up by 9% for the first seven months of 2024, compared to the same time frame in 2023.
So, what is going on? In 2023, we had
record low inventory, with many homes still selling quickly, though it was a record low sales year. Sure, some buyers started to get priced out due to values and higher interest rates, but we still had many buyers compared to the limited inventory.
In 2024, the balance is shifting. On Jan. 9, 2024, we had 174 available homes and condos between Carpinteria and Goleta.
Over the first five months, inventory slowly grew to 219 properties on June 4 – a decent improvement.
Since then, it has continued to climb.
On Aug. 20, our inventory rose to 294 properties – up 69% compared to the beginning of the year.
Some of that rise in inventory can always be due to overpriced properties, but other homes appear to be priced appropriately and still are sitting. This simply speaks to less demand in our market.
Here is one set of statistics for single-family homes that reflects what is occurring in our market. Let’s look at all sold homes for the first seven months of 2024, comparing their original list price to their sales price.
Homes sales below $2.2M sold on average for 98.4% of the original list price.
Homes sales above $2.2M sold on average for 95.7% of the original list price.
Homes sales above $4M sold on average for 94.3% of the original list price.
Homes sales above $8M sold on average for 92.7% of the original list price.
In 2024, sales prices for single-family homes have remained strong when homes are listed below the median sales price ($2.2 million), but negotiations have been more prevalent for more expensive homes.
The 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home at 1407 Linden Ave. in Carpinteria recently sold for $1.4 million.
In Carpinteria, quieter also applies. So far this year, there have been only 60 sales: 23 homes and 37 condos in Carpinteria. This is similar to our slow sales of 2023, but it is about two-thirds of our normal sales volume.
The most significant sale was the property at 2781 Padaro Lane, which sold for a remarkable $96,000,000 – one and a half years after it was purchased for $69,947,000.
Homes located on the ocean side of the freeway under $2.5 million are our most robust market segment. We’ve had six sales, with four selling well over the asking price and two selling before they even hit the market.
Similar to the greater Santa Barbara area, our inventory is increasing. There are 14 available properties above $4 million, but notably, there are six single-family homes available for under $2 million.
As we said in the beginning, markets vary and change, this could be the case
for a relatively short time frame or linger for a while. Hopefully, when the Federal Reserve begins to lower rates – which people are betting happens in September – our sales activity will increase. Not to be missed: quieter does not mean homes are not selling. A few of our recent sales were very competitive, receiving multiple offers. Sales are occurring, but being smart and strategic is more important than ever.
As always, we are grateful for your business and it is a great honor to receive your recommendation.
Jon-Ryan Schlobohm is a licensed realtor and broker associate with Schlobohm real estate team at Compass. He and his business partner Sarah Aresco Smith specialize in residential real estate in the Santa Barbara area, but Carpinteria is their hometown. To learn more, visit schlobohmteam.com. Jon-Ryan can be reached at (805) 450-3307 or jr@ jon-ryan.com.
Anders Johnson takes the oath to defend the United States.
Family and friends gather at the Carpinteria Woman’s Club for Anders Johnson’s commissioning ceremony.
PHOTOS
Thursday, Aug. 29
Veterans Morning Meet Up Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 8:30–10 a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Live Music: No Biggee Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 6–9 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com, (805) 7458272
First Annual Hanne Pedersen Playwright Competition The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Tickets:
CVN
CALENDAR
general $25, student/seniors $20. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380
Saturday, Aug. 31
Museum Marketplace Carpinteria Valley Historical Society and History Museum, 956 Maple Ave. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (805) 6843112, info@carpinteriahistoricalmuseum. org, carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org
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
Corktree Two Year Anniversary Party Corktree Cellars, 910 Linden Ave. 2–10 p.m. corktreecellars.com, (805) 684-1400
Live Music: Bob Bishop Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 6–9 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com, (805) 745-8272
First Annual Hanne Pedersen Playwright Competition The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Tickets: general $25, student/seniors $20. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380
Sunday, Sept. 1
First Annual Hanne Pedersen Playwright Competition The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 3 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Tickets: general $25, student/seniors $20. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380
Live Music: Morganfield Burnett Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 6–9 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com, (805) 745-8272
Open Mic Nite with Brandon Kinalele Corktree Cellars, 910 Linden Ave. 6–9 p.m. corktreecellars.com, (805) 684-1400
Monday, Sept. 2
Holiday: Labor Day
Tuesday, Sept. 3
AgeWell Senior Program: Walking
Club Meet at Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 9 a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 8811279
Senior Arts & Crafts Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – noon. Free. info@ carpinteriaartscenter.org, (805) 684-7789
Carpinteria Writers Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10 a.m. – noon. (202) 997-0429
AgeWell Senior Program: Mind Balance Body Exercise Class Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 11 a.m. – noon. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Spanish Conversation Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 1–2 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Bridge Group Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 1–4 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 8811279
Carpinteria Songwriters Circle Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 4–5:30 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Carpinteria Improv Classes The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7–9 p.m. Tuesdays, weekly. Cost: $10 at the door. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Meeting: Morning Rotary Carpinteria Woman’s Club, 1059 Vallecito Rd. 6:45–8 a.m. Speaker: Santa Barbara Hives
AgeWell Senior Program: Pickleball Free Play Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road. 8–10 a.m. Registration required. 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
Knitting Group Carpinteria Library Community Room, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 1–3 p.m. Free. (805) 886-4382
Senior Nutrition Program Carpinteria Veterans Hall, 951 Walnut Ave. Monday–Friday, 12:15 p.m. No cost for seniors ages 60+. (805) 925-9554, meals@ centralcoastseniors.org
Trash, Recycling and Yard/Organics Waste Pick Up DELAY Due to the Labor Day Holiday
Due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 2, trash, recycling and yard/organics waste will be collected one day later than usual, on Friday, Sept. 6 in the City of Carpinteria. Thank you and Happy Holiday E. J. Harrison & Sons 805-647-1414
To order services & pay bills online go to www.ejharrison.com
Connect with us! @ejharrisoninc
Growing along Foothill Road Ojai
Plant Works offers design, installation
BOSSES BY BOSTROM
INGRID BOSTROM
This past July, I stumbled upon a lavish plant and pot sale with blow out bargains, ice cold beverages, snacks and the friendliest service. Over that weekend and three visits to the sale, I transformed my indoor and outdoor spaces with new pots and greenery.
I was eager to share this discovery of Ojai Plant Works, founded in Ojai and now stationed in Carpinteria at 4998 Foothill Road. Owner Steve Laffie met with CVN to discuss what planted the seed for his business – and what keeps it growing.
CVN: Please describe the services you offer.
Steve Laffie: We offer interior plant design, installation and service for homes and businesses. This includes making a visit to the location and doing a detailed walkthrough, noting various placements throughout the space and then creating
a visual estimate with plant and pottery selections that harmonize with the lighting, aesthetic and interior design.
We then source all of the materials, install them and begin providing ongoing weekly or biweekly service visits to keep everything thriving.
How did your passion for plants sprout up and grow into this business?
I grew up exploring the coast and forests of New England and working in the yard and garden with my parents. I attended UC Santa Barbara and earned a degree in Environmental Studies focusing on island biogeography and habitat restoration.
After years of working at inside sales positions, I abandoned the cubicle and joined forces with my friend to bring my passion and people skills to his budding plant design business. In 2019, he moved his family to the Big Island and I took over the business.
Over the past five years, I have found amazing employees, and we have grown our service client base to about 100 happily greenified homes and businesses.
What other businesses share the greenhouse space?
The greenhouse space at 4998 Foothill is an amazing little collective of small plant businesses. We share the space with Ambriz Kingdom of Plants, a collector and grower of unique orchids, succulents and exotic plants; Manny’s Plants, who specializes in house plants and succulents; Montecito Dog, which offers dog training, boarding and grooming; and Emma Rose Floral, cut floral subscription services and event rentals.
How can customers schedule an appointment?
For interior plant design & service, clients can connect with us by phone call, our Instagram @ojaiplantworks or our website: ojaiplantworks.com. We then schedule an appointment for a walkthrough.
Customers can also come shop at the greenhouse by appointment by emailing info@ojaiplantworks.com or messaging us on Instagram or Facebook.
We just had our first ever three day plant sale at the end of July and it was a huge success. We got to share our space with our friends and community and sent many happy plant friends home with awesome plants and pots. We hope
to open up the space for consistent hours and more plant sale events soon.
When you aren’t tending to your business, how do you like to spend your time? Growing and running this business has definitely kept me busy. In my down time, I love hiking, paddling and playing guitar in my band Big Cabbage. My wife and I can often be found at Rincon Beach romping in the surf with our pup Java, and we are expecting our first little plant guy to the family in November!
Ingrid Bostrom is a photographer, drawn to open space and stories told in each new face. Send ideas of impactful Carpinterian bosses to ingrid@ingridbostromphotography.com.
Ojai Plant Works owner Steve Laffie
Back to school!
PHOTOS BY ROBIN KARLSSON
From left, Valentina and Jenasis Ramirez walk through the front gate at Canalino Elementary.
Juaquin Vasquez grabs a free breakfast on the first day of kindergarten.
Luca gives a goodbye hug to mom Andrea Lionello. From left, Canalino’s new principal, Luis Quintero, Annie and Sallie Green.
Miss LoriLee’s class celebrates the first day of school at Carpinteria Family School.
From left, Joseph Zannon, Annie Greene and Canalino teacher Sonia Aguila.
Jaclyn Kucharski smiles with her boys Levi
From left, third grader Hudson, second grader Judah, Ezra and their dad David Pennington.
Carpinteria kids started school last Thursday with bright smiles on their faces, equipped with the new school gear and ready to take on the 2024-25 school year.
Abril Alvarado gets off the bus at Carpinteria Middle School.
Mrs. Hatton gives instructions to Maddox Keet and Blayden Bryant.
Henry Green begins his first day of fourth grade.
Quintero, chats with second graders
From left, Hannah George and Aubrey Edmondson
Levi and Caleb.
Gonzales and Mark Donahue chat before school begins.
Vanessa Julian and Ruby Mosqueda enter Carpinteria Middle School.
From left: Kendall Glasgow, Bryce Glasgow, Lea Hines, Alandra
CLUB SCENE
Journalists educate Morning Rotary on media literacy
Two journalists – former Coastal View News editor Amy Orozco and news director for UC Santa Barbara’s radio station Lisa Osborn – spoke to the Rotary Club on Carpinteria Morning about discerning fact from fiction on Aug. 21.
“Now that election season is here, everyone is deluged with news and posts online,” club member Eric von Schrader said. “It can be hard to tell what’s true and what’s not.” Orozco and Osborn shared approaches that club members can use to be critical of information found online. One method included SIFT, which stands for Stop, Investigate the source, Find the coverage and Trace it back to the source. Orozco and Osborn
also offer media literacy training – Moment of Truth Training – to the community, alongside Santa Barbara journalist Starshine Roshell.
“With the decline of traditional news media where reporters checked facts and determined the credibility of sources, the burden is on all readers to evaluate information before we share it,” von Schrader said.
For those interested in learning more about media literacy, visit momentoftruthtraining.org.
Eureka! students meet with congressman, senator on D.C. trip
Ten girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Eureka! program recently spent five days in Washington D.C.
Some of the trip’s activities included meetings with Congressman Salud Carbajal and Senator Alex Padilla, a tour of the Capitol Building and visits to the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. The students also visited several museums and significant sites, including George Washington University, Georgetown University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Those interested in learning about Girls Inc. of Carpinteria and its programs can visit girlsinc-carp.org.
Girls Inc. annual gala moved to February 2025
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Evening in Bloom fundraiser will not be held in September this year, staff told CVN this week.
Instead, the annual fundraising event will be moved to Feb. 22, 2025. Evening in Bloom has been held annually in September since 2013.
“This new date marks the beginning of a refreshed and revitalized event season for Girls Inc., aimed at deepening community connections and celebrating incredible girls and women,” the organization wrote in a press release.
“The memories and successes from An Evening in Bloom have been invaluable. As we embark on this new chapter with a February gala, our commitment to celebrating the incredible girls we serve and deepening our community impact will be at the heart of everything we do,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “We are excited to build on our past achievements while looking forward to new ways to inspire and engage our supporters at the 2025 gala.”
For more information, visit girlsinc-carp.org.
Scandinavian foundation hosts picnic, plans for scholarship event
The American Scandinavian Foundation of Santa Barbara held its annual picnic in Montecito on Sunday, Aug. 25, where members discussed the upcoming scholarship function.
The scholarship event will be held at Santa Barbara City College on Saturday, Sept. 14, and two recipients of the scholarship will speak at the event.
Those interested in learning more may contact club member Ellen Zissler at (612) 209-2357 or club member Bonnie Yonker Hammett at (805) 220-6085.
From left: Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning President Mary Layman, KCSB News Director Lisa Osborn and former Coastal View News editor Amy Marie Orozco.
Eureka! students and staff visiting D.C. included, front row from left, Dulce Perez, Kenya Rodriguez, Emily Salinas, Jamie Collins, Kemberli Ocampo, Delilah Santizo, Valeria Zamora, and back row from left, Evelyn Calkins, Addison Hardy, Evelin Delgado, Caden Lemere and Karina Morales.
From left: American Scandinavian Foundation of Santa Barbara board members Ellen Zissler, Greta Liedke, Peter Haslund, Cheryl Wright, Brooke Fischer and Bonnie Yonker Hammett.
ARTCETRA
COMPILED BY JUN STARKEY | COURTESY PHOTOS
Alcazar to present four plays over two weekends
The Alcazar Ensemble will present the grant debut of the Hanne Pedersen Playwright Competition, with four one-act plays to be performed over two weekends, Aug. 31 to Sept. 1, and Sept. 6 to Sept. 8.
The competition is dedicated to its namesake Pedersen, one of the co-founders of the Carpinteria Community Theatre who passed away after battling cancer.
“Hanne was a prominent figure in the theater world, making a lasting impact through her diverse contributions. She held various roles, including board president, actress, set designer, writer, director, and educator, leaving an indelible mark on the community,” the Alcazar wrote in a press release.
“As a co-founder of the Carpinteria Community Theatre, Inc., she played a crucial role in managing the Alcazar Theatre. Her multifaceted involvement and unwavering dedication made her a beloved figure in the community and a dear friend to all Carpinterians.”
The competition will showcase 4 one-act plays written by playwrights from Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties: “This House is Legacy” by Sophie Goldstein, “Extended Family” by Leslie Vitanza AnnRenee, “Happy Merry” by Michael P. Adams and “October Surprise” by Robert Weibezahl.
“This House is Legacy” by Goldstein and directed by Leslie Vitanza follows “a world where a neighborhood no longer exists but has never been destroyed,” according to the press release from the Alcazar. After a mother dies, her children go through her things and share memories.
“Extended Family” by AnnRenee is a “comedic exploration of modern-day relationships and what being part of a family means,” according to a press release. “Happy Merry” by Adams, directed by Tom Mueller, follows a married couple who are asked to pick up the husband’s sister while on their way to a Christmas celebration.
“October Surprise,” written by Weibezahl and directed by Asa Olsson, follows two sorority sisters who meet and confront each other after more than 20 years, with one now running for congress and the other on a more traditional path.
Show dates include Aug. 30, Aug. 31, Sept. 6 and Sept. 7 at 7 p.m., and Sept. 1 and Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. Doors will open 30 minutes before the show begins. Tickets are available online at alcazar.org or at the box office, at $25 for general admission and $20 for seniors and students.
Two local artists tie for people’s choice award
The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center has announced that two pieces have tied for the people’s choice ballot for the Carpinteria Dreaming exhibit: Summer Langille’s “Heron on the Bluff” and Richard Six’s “Carpe Veranda S-News.”
“I always think of Carpinteria when I see Great Blue Herons,” Langille said of her piece in a press release. “I see them on the bluffs, in the salt marshes and flying over the beaches. This piece was inspired by those beautiful birds.”
Regarding his piece, Six said: “I love the partial abstraction and composition of this piece. His chair is dissolving into its surroundings. What will he do also as he dreams deeper?”
Arts and Craft Faire: Sept. 7
The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave., will host its monthly Arts and Craft Faire on Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., featuring artist of the month Rich Kenny.
Kenny is a watercolor artist, creating mostly landscapes and cityscapes that reflect his travels. Kenny will be joined by 22 local artists presenting works in a wide variety of mediums, such as glass, wood, fiber arts and more.
As always, The Ukulele Jammers will play music in the morning for attendees, and the Americana Cats will take over in the afternoon.
Those interested in participating in future fairs can apply online at the arts center website at carpinteriaartscenter.org/marketplace. All entries must be handmade by the selling artist.
“Carpe Veranda S-News” by Richard Six
“Heron on the Bluff” by Summer Langille
Rich Kenny is the featured artist of the month for the arts center ’s Arts and Craft Faire; Kenny creates landscapes with watercolors.
Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle
Essential technology for a seamless journey
MICHAEL AVERY
If you have read any of my previous columns, you know that I write from my own personal experiences and my perspective on how technology influences and impacts our daily lives.
This month is no exception and was driven by something very personal: the loss of my father. As I reflected on my dad, family and replayed in my mind so many memories of growing up, there was a common element that was very pronounced: family road trips, traveling to near and far places. Many of these journeys involved nature and camping, consistent with living and growing up in the Pacific Northwest.
Later, after my four brothers and I had all left home, the folks were snowbirds and got into the nomadic RV lifestyle. This inspired me recently to purchase an RV and explore a new nomadic lifestyle. I made the decision to become what is now called a digital nomad. Given I am the Tek guy, I immediately started researching how today’s technology fits and can effectively support a digital nomadic lifestyle.
In an era where work and travel can seamlessly blend into one another, the digital nomad lifestyle is more accessible than ever. As more professionals and entrepreneurs choose to trade their cubicles for the freedom of remote work, technology becomes the linchpin that enables this dynamic way of life.
Here’s a deep dive into the essential tech tools I discovered that digital nomads need to stay productive, connected and secure while exploring the world.
Portable power solutions. Devices must stay charged no matter where they are. Portable power banks with high capacities and compact solar chargers can be lifesavers in regions where power sources are inconsistent. Look for power banks with multiple USB ports and fastcharging capabilities to keep laptops, phones and other gadgets ready for action.
High performance laptops. Your laptop is your primary tool for work, so choosing the right one is crucial. Opt for a lightweight, durable model with a long battery life. Models like the MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13 are popular among nomads for their portability and performance. Ensure it has sufficient processing power, storage and RAM to handle your workload efficiently.
Noise canceling headphones. Whether you’re working from a bustling café or a co-working space, noise canceling headphones are indispensable. They help you stay focused and reduce distractions, which is crucial for maintaining productivity. Look for models with comfortable ear cushions and long battery life to enhance your work experience.
Ergonomic accessories. Working from various locations can take a toll on your body if you’re not mindful of ergonomics. Investing in portable, ergonomic accessories – such as portable laptop stands and compact keyboards and mice – can make a significant difference.
Portable laptop stands can help you maintain a proper posture by raising your laptop screen to eye level, while compact keyboards and mice are often more comfortable than using your laptop’s built-in keyboard and trackpad, especially for
SURECALLBOOSTERS.CA
In an era where work and travel can seamlessly blend into one another, the digital nomad lifestyle is more accessible than ever using tools such as Wi-Fi hotspots, travel friendly laptops, portable monitors and more.
long typing sessions.
Cloud storage and collaboration Tools. Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive are essential for accessing files from anywhere and ensuring that your data is backed up. Collaboration tools such as Slack, Zoom and Trello facilitate communication and project management with teams across the globe, keeping everyone on the same page despite geographical distances.
Travel adapters and converters. ferent countries have different plug types and voltages, so having a universal travel adapter is crucial for keeping your devices charged. If you’re traveling to a region with a different voltage standard, a power converter will be necessary to prevent damage to your electronics.
Backup and security solutions. security is paramount when you’re on
potential breaches.
Language translation apps. Navigating new countries and communicating with locals can be challenging. Language translation apps like Google Translate can help bridge language gaps, making daily interactions smoother and enhancing your overall travel experience.
Stable internet access is non-negotiable for remote work. Digital nomads often rely on a combination of solutions to stay connected.
Portable Wi-Fi routers. These devices can create a secure network using local SIM cards, providing reliable internet in areas where public Wi-Fi might be unstable or insecure.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. A VPN is essential for accessing company resources securely and protecting your data from potential cyber threats on public networks.
Local SIM cards. Buying a SIM card from your destination country can provide affordable and reliable data access, often with better speeds than roaming. Starlink. Starlink Roam offers speeds between 5 and 50 Mbps, less than the Starlink Residential plan, with speeds between 25 and 100 Mbps. This looks to be the most robust and reliable of the plans for connecting remotely.
Portable Wi-Fi hotspots. For regions with unreliable internet, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can provide a backup connection. Some models offer global coverage with multiple network options, ensuring you have internet access even in remote areas. The digital nomad lifestyle is an exciting blend of work and exploration, but it relies heavily on having the right technology to stay productive and connected. By investing in these essential tech tools, digital nomads can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, no matter where their adventures take them. As technology continues to evolve, staying updated with the latest tools and solutions will help you maintain a seamless balance between work and travel, embracing the freedom of the digital nomad life to its fullest.
Thank you for taking time to read my column and if you have a question about technology or would like to suggest a topic for a future column, please reach out to me at michael@michaeltalkstek.com or just give me a call at (805) 684-3414. I love talking Tek. May the force be with you, and I encourage you to explore more, being a full-blown digital nomad may not fit but the Tek can be beneficial for a trip to visit relatives or just grabbing coffee at your local coffee shop.
the move. Regularly backing up your work on an external hard drive or a cloud service can safeguard against data loss. Additionally, keeping your devices secure with strong passwords and encryption helps protect sensitive information from
Michael Avery brings decades of experience to his projects and his clients. He has served as an owner, partner, principal and employee of some of the most progressive companies in the electronic systems market sector. Additionally, he has provided professional consulting services to a multitude of leading companies in the industry, including Panasonic Technologies, CEDIA, AMX, Microsoft, GE Industrial, CompUSA and Paradise Theater.
Happy retirement, Daniel!
At right, SOAP owner Daniel Case gives a tearful goodbye speech to attendees at his retirement party on Saturday, Aug. 24; above, party attendees and SOAP employees cheer. Carpinteria’s Corktree Cellars hosted the party for Case, the designer and artist who ran SOAP for 25 years. Case told CVN last month that he is closing down the business to retire, and the Carpinteria community has been “wonderful and loyal” in his time here.
Just married
Lauren Graf and Will Peña of Seattle, Washington were married at Lions Park in Carpinteria on Saturday, Aug. 24. Their wedding party was composed of friends from their time at California Lutheran University, and they will honeymoon in September in Catalina Island.
Graf’s parents are Karen and Lin Graf of Carpinteria; Peña’s are Anne and Gil Peña of Santa Maria.
Graf graduated from Villanova Preparatory School in 2017 and Cal Lutheran in 2021. She works for the Ventura County Community Foundation. Peña graduated from Saint Joseph’s High School in 2017 and Cal Lutheran in 2021; he works at the Bellevue Youth Theatre as their technical director.
They met on the first day of college orientation on Aug. 27, 2017. Their first date was on Feb. 14, 2018, and the couple said that they have been inseparable for the past seven years.
Graf – Peña
KARLSSON PHOTOS
ON THE ROAD
CVN tastes victory in Orlando
From left, Carpinterians Amy and Al Orozco traveled to Orlando, Florida to visit their relocated neighbors Karen Elston and Peter Lake. The foursome enjoyed spending time in local pubs to escape the high temperatures and humidity, Amy told CVN. One night, the group participated in Beef O’Brady’s Trivia Night and won a first-place trophy, seen in the center of the table, by “coming from behind with a 15-point sweep on the last question,” Amy said. During their trip, the Orozcos also made time for a visit to the Kennedy Space Center and a bird and gator tour on an airboat.
CVN sees landmarks in Paris
In July, Eli LoMonaco visited Paris, France, home of the 2024 Summer Olympics. LoMonaco stopped to take a photo with his copy of CVN in front of the Eiffel Tower.
GOING ON THE ROAD?
Snap a photo with your Coastal View News in hand and email it to news@coastalview.com. Tell us about your trip!
While responding to a call for service, deputies observed a car drive on the sidewalk and onto the front lawn of Carpinteria Middle School. While speaking to the driver, deputies observed an odor of an alcoholic beverage along with observations of red watery eyes. After FSTs were conducted, the driver submitted to a breath test (0.10/0.10 % BAC). The vehicle was towed and the driver was arrested.
Monday, Aug. 19
1624 hrs / Warrant / Carpinteria Creek
A subject was contacted and arrested for his four outstanding misdemeanor warrants.
Uninvolved reporting parties observed a male and female physically fighting on Carpinteria Avenue. Deputies arrived and contacted the female who was crying on the sidewalk. The male half arrived on foot shortly after. Female stated she was a dancer and the male was a customer and they had been in an altercation. Male stated they were in a dating relationship and found out he was cheating on her tonight. Female did not request prosecution. Both were released from the scene.
2253 hrs / Incident / Linden Avenue and Malibu Drive
Deputies responded to a possible suicidal subject on Meadow Circle. The reporting party received a call from the subject’s ex-boyfriend and called law enforcement. Upon contacting the subject, who was not suicidal but believed their ex may be “swatting” them. Deputies searched the area and ultimately located the ex-boyfriend who was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and concentrated psilocybin.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
1127 hrs / Incident / 400 block Linden Avenue
Deputies responded to a welfare call and located a subject sleeping in the parking lot of the Amtrak station. Deputies found a pint bottle of vodka near where the subject was sleeping. They displayed signs and symptoms of someone under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, and the subject was arrested and transported to Santa Barbara County Jail where he was booked.
1742 hrs / Incident / 4400 block Via Real
Deputies responded to a local convenience store parking lot on Via Real for an 85-year-old male that was scammed by two males who did not fix the dents in his car as promised. The suspects then coerced the elderly victim to give them $650 in cash for the work they did not complete. The suspects left before deputies arrived.
Thursday, Aug. 22
0655 hrs / Incident / Carpinteria Avenue and Dump Road
A subject was contacted and suspected to be under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject consented to an
11550 exam at the station. The subject was transported to the Carpinteria station. After tests it was determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance, and they were cited for the violation and released from the station.
Friday, Aug. 23
1626 hrs / Theft / 3600 block Via Real
The security guard at a local gas station reported a grand theft that occurred at 0130 hours and 0430 hours, which involved four separate suspects and three different vehicles. The reporting party stated that $20,000 worth of diesel was stolen.
Saturday, Aug. 24
0648 hrs / Incident / Pear Street
Deputies assisted a parole officer in a parole search where a subject was located. The subject was in violation of their parole, and was transported to the Santa Barbara County Jail.
1659 hrs / Collision / Seventh Street and Carpinteria Avenue
A 51-year-old male was riding his electric scooter with his five-year-old daughter northbound on Seventh Street. Daughter was wearing a helmet and male was not. As the male rode the scooter through the intersection of Carpinteria Avenue, he swerved from the right shoulder and sideswiped a northbound vehicle. This threw both of them from the scooter onto the pavement. The daughter had a complaint of pain to her arm and male struck the back of his head on the pavement. An off-duty deputy witnessed the incident and assisted the daughter while medics worked on the male who was in and out of consciousness. Both were transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
The reporting party was riding by 4400 Carpinteria Avenue and observed a subject vandalizing the fence at Sea Breeze Mobile Home Park with gold spray paint. The reporting party observed a second male hanging on a sign pole and attempting to pull it down. The reporting party also heard a third male’s voice but did not see him.
2352 hrs / DUI / 1300 block Dahlia Court
A subject was driving his friend’s vehicle when he was stopped. An unopened case of alcoholic beverages was seen in the back seat and the driver had signs of alcohol intoxication. After FSTs, the driver was arrested for DUI (PAS: 0.08% BAC) and submitted to a breath test (0.07% BAC and 0.07% BAC). The driver was arrested for the violations.
0049 hrs / Incident / Calle Pacific
Deputies responded to an investigation at Arbol Verde and Concha Loma Drive. Dispatch advised an Uber driver was assaulted and robbed by his fare of two males and two females. The main suspect was eventually taken into custody and arrested, and another suspect later exited a residence, extremely intoxicated and refused to follow instructions or return inside the residence. She was arrested, and all three subjects were transported and booked at Santa Barbara County Jail.
Public Notices
TWO PART-TIME IHSS OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Two days or four days per week, 3 hours per day. Caregiver position for Carpinteria patient. Morning or evening shift available. 805-453-2916
CITY OF CARPINTERIA
5775 CARPINTERIA AVENUE CARPINTERIA, CA 93013
(805)684-5405/www.carpinteriaca.gov
PUBLIC NOTICE
The California Coastal Commission will consider certifying City of Carpinteria Local Coastal Program Amendment No. LCP-4-CPN-24-0031-1
(Accessory Dwelling Units) for Public Hearing and Commission Action at the Friday, September 13, 2024 Commission Meeting to be held virtually and in person. A hearing agenda, live stream link, and instructions for submitting public comment can be found at https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/ agenda/#/2024/9
Public Hearing Date and Location Friday, September 13, 2024
Hearing agenda, link to live stream, and instructions for submitting public comment: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/ agenda/#/2024/9
Commission Hearing Begins at 9:00 a.m.
(Individual Items Are Not Set For A Certain Time) ITEM F13.5a
DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBMITTAL: Accessory Dwelling Unit Amendment.
The City of Carpinteria is requesting to amend the Implementation Plan portion of its certified LCP to modify existing standards and to add new standards relating to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs).
HEARING PROCEDURES:
on the adequacy and completeness of 24NGD-00004. You may comment by submitting written or oral comments to the project planner identified below prior to the close of public comment on September 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
PROJECT DETAILS: The project will allow for the in-kind replacement of a 2,356-foot segment of an existing 16-inch high-pressure natural gas transmission pipeline (Line 247) which runs through El Capitan Creek. The project will include three phases: (1) Jack and bore 176-feet of replacement pipeline under the creek; (2) Install a temporary bypass line located on the eastern side of the line, running approximately 56 linear feet along the existing line. Install 80-feet of replacement pipeline between the western tie-in and the bore entry hold, and 2,100-feet of replacement line between the receiving pit and the eastern tie-in; and (3) Connect the replacement line to the existing line at the eastern tie-in. Hydrotest the replacement line and allow for continued operation of the Line 247.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FINDINGS: P&D has prepared a Draft Negative Declaration (ND) (24NGD-00004) pursuant to Section 15073 of the State Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the County of Santa Barbara Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA. P&D’s issuance of a ND affirms our opinion that any significant adverse impacts associated with the proposed project may be reduced to a less than significant level with the adoption of mitigation measures and that the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The ND prepared for the project identifies and discusses potential impacts, mitigation measures, residual impacts and monitoring requirements for identified subject areas. Significant but mitigable effects on the environment are anticipated in the following areas: Aesthetics, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geologic Processes, Noise, Recreation, and Water Resources. If the project description changes, P&D will require a reevaluation to consider the changes. This reevaluation will be subject to all regular fees and conditions. If you challenge this environmental document in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues raised by you or others in written correspondence or in hearings on the proposed project.
DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY: If a copy of the draft ND is not attached, the draft ND may be obtained and all documents incorporated by reference in the ND may be reviewed at P&D offices located at 123 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara and on the P&D website under Active Projects. Draft documents are also available for review at the Planning Counter and the Santa Barbara Library.
HOW TO COMMENT: Please provide comments to the project planner, Katie Nall, at nallk@countyofsb.org or 805-8848050, prior to the
These items have been scheduled for a public hearing and vote. People wishing to testify on either matter may appear at the hearing and/or may present their concerns in writing to the Commission before the hearing date.
ALLOTTED TIME FOR TESTIMONY: Oral testimony may be limited to 2 minutes for each speaker depending on the number of persons wishing to be heard.
WRITTEN MATERIALS: Written materials must be submitted to the Commission staff no later than three working days before the hearing (staff will then distribute your materials to the Commission).
The staff reports may be viewed on the Coastal Commission’s website under the September Hearing Agenda at www. coastal.ca.gov.
To submit written materials or for additional information contact: California Coastal Commission, South Central Coast Area, 89 South California Street, Suite 200, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 585-1800.
Publish: August 29, 2024
Autos Wanted Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
Health & Fitness
VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-4455928 Hablamos Español
Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-5261060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258 Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-477-9045
Home Services Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091
Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code! Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833-606-6777 Miscellaneous
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to re-ceive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call
1-855-948-6176 today to sched-ule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protec-tion. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Fi-nancing available. 1-855-417-1306
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare
Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971 DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234 Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Call 1-844-501-3208
or in need of emotional support, please know that there is FREE help available! The numbers below provide 24/7 FREE services to
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call Ameri-Glide today! 1-833-399-3595 Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-844-591-7951
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936
Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather sup-ply the readers with manuals and directories. and other materials designed to help their clients es-tablish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card num-bers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.
County of Santa Barbara County Planning Commission
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Cannabis Odor Ordinance Amendments Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Planning Commission Hearing Room 123 E. Anapamu Street, Room 17, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Hearing begins at 9:00 A.M.
On September 11 2024, the County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing and consider making a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors regarding proposed ordinance amendments to Article II, the Coastal Zoning Ordinance (CZO). The amendments will establish a cannabis odor threshold and revise existing development standards for odor abatement and Odor Abatement Plan procedures. The County Planning Commission will consider the following in order to recommend that the Board of Supervisors adopt the proposed amendments:
A resolution recommending that the Board of Supervisors approve Case No. 24ORD‐00012, an ordinance amending Division 7 General Regulations, and Division 11, Permit Procedures, of Article II, the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, of Chapter 35, Zoning, of the Santa Barbara County Code.
The County Planning Commission hearing begins at 9:00 A.M. The order of items listed on the agenda is subject to change by the County Planning Commission. The staff analysis of the proposal may be viewed at the Planning and Development Department website, located at https://www.countyofsb.org/1625/County‐Planning‐Commission prior to the hearing. For further information about the project, please contact the planner, Corina Venegas‐Martin, at cvenegas@countyofsb.org.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The following methods of participation are available to the public.
You may observe the live stream of the County Planning Commission meetings on (1) Local Cable Channel 20, (2) online at: https://www.countyofsb.org/1333/CSBTV‐Livestream; or (3) YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/CSBTV20
If you wish to provide public comment, the following methods are available:
Distribution to the County Planning Commission ‐ Submit your comment via email prior to 12:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the Commission hearing. Please submit your comment to the Recording Secretary at dvillalo@countyofsb.org. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately.
Attend the Meeting In‐Person: Individuals are allowed to attend and provide comments at the County Planning Commission meeting in‐person.
Attend the Meeting by Zoom Webinar ‐ Individuals wishing to provide public comment during the County Planning Commission meeting can do so via Zoom webinar by clicking the below link to register in advance. Register in advance for this meeting: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing important information about joining the webinar.
When: September 11, 2024 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Topic: County Planning Commission 09/11/2024
Register in advance for this webinar: https://countyofsb.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pz4_z2AGQcS_iIvRwoON9w
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
OR PARTICIPATE VIA TELEPHONE:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
Webinar ID: 857 7137 5829
The County Planning Commission’s rules on hearings and public comment, unless otherwise directed by the Chair, remain applicable to each of the participation methods listed above.
Attendance and participation by the public is invited and encouraged. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Hearing Support Staff (805) 568‐2000. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the Hearing Support Staff to make reasonable arrangements.
If you challenge the project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence to the Planning Commission prior to the public hearing.
Margie E.
THROWBACK
Thursday, March 14
Library preschooler story time, 10:30 a.m., Carpinteria Ave., 684-4314
Rotary Club of Carpinteria meeting Building, 6197 Casitas Pass road, non-members rSVP to 566-1906 Bingo, 1 p.m., Veterans Building, 941 Walnut Ave. Farmers Market and Arts & Crafts Fair fair: 684-2770
Buyer’s market
Free Stress Relief Veteran’s Acupuncture Clinic, Ave. Ste. A, 684-5012
hindsight
Karaoke, 8 p.m., Carpinteria & linden Pub, 4954 Carpinteria l Dusty Jugz Country Night, 9 p.m., the Palms, 701 l
Carpinteria real estate in 1916 may not have been the bustling business it is today, but a stop by the offices of Miller and McLean would inform a buyer of all the opportunities on the market in the one-horse town.
The Peace Vigil, 5-6 p.m., corner of linden & Carpinteria Ave. Music in our Schools Month Concert 684-4701
To learn more about real estate in Carpinteria today turn to page 11.
Back Track, 9 p.m., the Palms, 701 l
Saturday, March 16
Carpinteria Salt Marsh docent led tours sign, 684-8077
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
“SPACE” exhibit, 855 At the Arts Gallery, 855 linden Ave., 684-7789 Carpinteria Plein Air Painters art show, lucky llama, 5100 Carpinteria Ave., 684-8811
show, Curious Cup, 929 linden Ave., 220-6608
she said Bring on the funny!
remodel.
added
second story and improved the entire structure. The original walls remained, however, and the house still sits on blocks instead of a foundation.
Send us your best caption for this photo by Monday, March 25.
Coastal View News is ready to get a little silly with Carpinteria history, and we’d like readers to join us by coming up with clever captions for photos from the past. At the end of each month we’ll publish our favorite caption submissions from readers.
Get creative, get goofy, but keep comments brief and don’t expect CVN to print any inappropriate language or innuendo. All submissions will be edited for grammar, punctuation, length and content. Please send captions to news@coastalview. com. Caption writers selected for publication will receive the following grand prizes: bragging rights, name in lights (well, black ink) and a free copy of Coastal View News from any rack in Carpinteria Valley.
To learn more about Carpinteria’s unique and interesting past, visit the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History, open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at 956 Maple Ave.
Civic
Thursday, March 14
City of Carpinteria Architectural Review Board meeting, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., 684-5405
caption for this photo by Monday, October 26. Coastal View News is ready to get a little silly with Carpinteria history, and we’d like readers to join us by coming up with clever captions for photos from the past. At the end of each month we’ll publish our favorite caption submissions from readers. Get creative, get goofy, but keep comments brief and don’t expect CVN to print any inappropriate language or innuendo. All submissions will be edited for grammar, punctuation, length and content. Please send captions to news@coastalview. com. Caption writers selected for publication will receive the following grand prizes: bragging rights, name in lights (well, black ink) and a free copy of Coastal View News from any rack in Carpinteria Valley.
Friday, March 15
To learn more about Carpinteria’s unique and interesting past, visit the Carpinteria Valley Museum of
SB S. County Architectural Board of Review meeting, 9 a.m., 123 e. Anapamu St., rm. 17, Santa Barbara Monday, March 18
open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at 956 Maple Ave.
START: a new way of expressing yourself through DRAWING
SB County Zoning Administrator meeting, 9:30 a.m., 123 e. Anapamu St., rm. 17, Santa Barbara, 568-2000 Tuesday, March 19
EXPLORE: secret public art in Santa Barbara
LEARN: to make holiday earrings for yourself or friends
PAINT: with luscious watercolors
SB County Board of Supervisors meeting, 9 a.m., Board of Supervisors Conference rm., 105 e. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 568-2000 Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District Board meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., 684-5405
Ongoing
EXPLORE: the interaction between art, architecture & furniture
County Supervisor Salud Carbajal drop in office hours, friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Carpinteria Children’s Project at Main, 5201 8th St. rm. 101, 568-2186
Go to CarpinteriaArtsCenter.org click programs or visit the gallery, at 855 Linden Ave.
CArPiNtEriA VALLEy MusEuM of History
CARPINTERIA VALLEY MUSEUM OF HISTORY
AUGUST 29, 2024
Goalie Sebastian Reed was a wall during the Fall Classic, averaging over 12 saves a game for the Warriors.
Warriors water polo dives into new season
BY RYAN P. CRUZ
Carpinteria takes second place at Thousand Oaks Fall Classic
PHOTOS BY ROSANA SWING
Carpinteria’s boys water polo team has some high expectations this season, and after a season-opening loss against Rio Mesa on Aug. 20, the Warriors got back on track with three wins over a busy weekend to take second place at the Thousand Oaks Fall Classic tournament on Aug. 23-24.
The Fall Classic started on the first day with a Carpinteria win over Cleveland, 18-7, followed by a second win over Malibu, 15-5.
In the third matchup of the tournament, on day two against Newbury Park, the Warriors made it three wins in a row with another decisive victory, 12-8, over the Panthers.
With a dominant showing through the first three matches of the Fall Classic, the Warriors earned a spot in the tournament championship against the as-of-yet undefeated Knights from Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks.
The championship between Carpinteria and Notre Dame was a back-and-forth battle that ultimately came down to the wire, with the Knights holding onto a narrow one-goal lead into the final seconds. At the end of regulation, the Warriors had a chance for a game-tying goal, but the shot bounced off the crossbar, giving Notre Dame the first-place finish.
“We had a phenomenal weekend,” said Carpinteria coach Karl Fredrickson. “I couldn’t be more proud of our guys for their relentless pursuit of excellent water polo in each game.“
Throughout the weekend, Warriors goalkeeper Sebastian Reed – who was the team’s starter in the net last year – proved to be a one-man wall. Multiple times, he stopped one-on-nobody attempts and strung together consecutive point-blank saves. He averaged more than 12 saves per match, and in the tournament final he put together a defiant 18-save performance.
Senior Jacob Otsuki helped Reed on the defensive end with some strong interior defending, while junior Sky Korling did
his part on the back line with a team-leading 12 steals over the weekend.
On offense, Carpinteria’s leading scorer, Junior Jake Ehlers, finished with 20 goals in total after turning in eight-goal and seven-goal games against Malibu and Newbury Park, respectively.
Senior Aiden Alcaraz was a threat shooting from outside (just as he is during the basketball season), finishing five for five in the Warriors win over Malibu, then leading the way with three goals in the championship final against Notre Dame.
“Our team challenges for the weekend were to take care of the ball, play together, and play fast,” Fredrickson said. “We did just that – some exciting stuff for us to build on in the coming weeks.”
The Warriors will hit the road to face Righetti on Thursday, Aug. 29.
ON DECK
Thursday, Aug. 29
Carpinteria Boys Water Polo Righetti, 3 p.m.
Carpinteria Girls Golf coy (Qualifier), 3 p.m.
Carpinteria Girls Tennis Laguna Blanca, 3:30 p.m.
*Carpinteria Girls Volleyball vs Santa Paula, 6:30 p.m.
Carpinteria Football Hollywood High, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31
Carpinteria Cross Country at Gaucho Invitational (UCSB), 8 a.m.
*Denotes Home Game at at Satiat at
Senior Aidan Alcaraz led Carpinteria with three goals in the tournament championship.
Junior Jake Ehlers was the team’s top scorer with 20 goals in four games over the weekend.
SHORT STOPS
BY RYAN P. CRUZ
Carpinteria’s Sasha Porinsh, pictured, teamed up with Allison Banks to help Carpinteria claim a season-opening win over Viewpoint.
Carpinteria tennis opens season with win
The Warriors girls tennis squad took to the court for the first time this season, earning a non-league victory at home over Viewpoint, 12-6. Carpinteria cruised through the match with a balanced effort and six out of nine wins in both doubles and singles play.
“I was pleased with how we played,” said Carpinteria coach Charles Bryant. “The girls have been working hard these past few weeks and with the exception of some first match nerves, they played quite well.”
In singles, Carpinteria sophomore Izzy Scott led the way with her first sweep of the season.
“She did a great job controlling the points against all three players and their different styles,” Bryant said.
Warriors singles players Valeria Zamora and Aubrey Alcaraz teamed up for three more wins; Zamora won two and Alcaraz won one set.
The doubles duo of Charlotte Cooney and Keyla Manriquez proved to be a good team, sweeping all three sets and only dropping three games on the day.
“Charlotte’s athleticism really shines as she reads the game so well,” Bryant said. “Keyla is very steady both at the baseline and at the net so the two of them together really put a lot of pressure on the other teams.”
The other two doubles duos – Sasha Porinsh with Allison Banks and Mina Handall with Emily Banks – picked up the last three wins for the Warriors.
“Overall, it was a great first match for us,” Bryant said. “Jitters and nerves were apparent, but for the most part, the girls played well.”
Carpinteria (1-0) will host Villanova this week before hitting the road to face Laguna Blanca.
Warriors volleyball drops match to Laguna Blanca
Carpinteria girls volleyball has had a rough start to the season, dropping the first three matches of the year. On Aug. 22, the Warriors had their latest challenge, falling in a hard-fought 1-3 loss on the road to Laguna Blanca.
“Despite the loss, I’m proud of how the team played together and supported each
other throughout the game,” said Carpinteria coach Favian Muralles. “The girls showed great determination and resilience, sticking together and encouraging one another at every point. While we didn’t get the result we wanted, the team’s unity and effort were evident, and we’ll take those positives forward as we prepare for our next match.”
After starting with some struggles in the early non-league matches, the Warriors will look to get a clean start to Citrus Coast League Action on Aug. 29 at home against Santa Paula.
CHS grad earns All American honors at SBCC
Former Carpinteria Warriors water polo and swim team captain Erin Otsuki earned the prestigious All American honors following a successful season in the pool for Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) last year.
And she didn’t just earn one All American nod. In an impressive display of her skills, after just taking to the sport of swimming four years ago, Otsuki earned All American honors in eight different events: the 100 and 200 freestyle, 100 and 200 backstroke, 200 and 400 freestyle relays, and the 200 and 400 medley relays.
“Receiving the title ‘All American’ in my favorite events was special and unexpected considering our team culture,” Otsuki told CVN. “Our coach teaches us to focus on the process and not the result, and how to perform well as a team in a commonly individualized sport.”
Erin’s father Jon Otsuki said it was “truly an amazing recognition for Erin” and for the SBCC Vaqueros, who claimed the 3C2A State Championship last year after entering the final meet ranked third overall.
“SBCC ended up capturing the title by a large margin,” her father said. “Erin and the SBCC aquatics programs had an amazing year, but being individually recognized as an eight-time All-American in swimming was never on our radar and was icing on the cake.”
Sharon Otsuki, left, and Karen Schultz competed at the U.S. Masters Nationals Aug. 21-25.
Locals compete at U.S. Masters Nationals swim meet
Two local swimmers competed at the U.S. Masters Nationals during a four-day swim meet at Mission Viejo, with the pair cleaning up in the competition and claiming 10 medals in six individual and four relay races.
Sharon Otsuki and Karen Schultz, who both train under coach Vic Anderson at Carpinteria Community Pool, represented the Santa Barbara Masters Team against nearly 1,300 swimmers from across the country at the meet held at the Marguerite Aquatic Center from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25. Otsuki and Schultz turned in medal-winning performances, and the pair helped their team earn fifth place out of more than 200 teams nationwide.
Schultz showcased her versatility and endurance by placing in five individual events, with her standout performance being a second-place finish in the grueling 1500-meter freestyle. Otsuki made a significant impact of her own, placing in five individual events including a fourth-place finish in the 200-meter breaststroke.
“The event was a celebration of swimming talent and community spirit, with swimmers of all ages and backgrounds coming together to compete and support one another,” coach Anderson said. “The success of the Santa Barbara Masters Team highlights the dedication and hard work of its members, as well as the vibrant swimming culture in the Santa Barbara area.”
ROSANA SWING
COURTESY PHOTO
COURTESY PHOTO
Erin Otsuki, far left, with her relay teammates and SBCC coach Chuckie Roth.
Continued from page 26
Roundup: Cate Rams
Cate girls volleyball got off to a hot start during early season matches, claiming a 3-0 win over Hueneme on Aug. 16 and a 3-0 sweep over Fillmore in the Rams’ Friday night home opener on Aug. 23.
In the home match against Fillmore, the Rams started out strong with a dominant 25-9 win in the first game. In the second, however, the Flashes bounced back with a close 28-26 win to even the match score at 1-1.
The Rams broke the match wide open in the third game, taking the lead early and maintaining it through a 25-9 win. And in the fourth and final game, Cate sealed the deal with a 25-16 win to take the match victory 3-1.
“The team served well and tallied up several aces throughout the match,” said Cate coach Jordon Dyer. “Overall good team effort where everyone contributed.”
Cate girls volleyball will be back on the hardwood to face Bishop Diego in Santa Barbara on Sept. 12.
