SHIRLEY KIMBERLIN Everything I list turns to SOLD! 805-886-0228 skimberlin@aol.com
This week’s listings on the back page
Loud and proud
CVN FILE PHOTO
Battalion chief Jim Rampton will take the helm of the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District as it reconsiders its future.
Rampton hired as interim fire chief
Battalion Chief Jim Rampton will lead the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District in coming months as the fire board plots a course for the district’s future. The decision to hire Rampton as the interim fire chief, effective Aug. 1, was made at a special meeting on June 11 after five candidates were considered for the job. While Rampton holds the top position, the fire board plans to complete a standards of coverage study. The comprehensive analysis of the district should guide the board’s next moves, said Board President Chris Johnson. Two major questions facing the district are how to fund a new station to replace Summerland’s small, aging one and whether to consolidate with another agency to better serve residents.
CHIEF continued on page 6
ANTONY MARCHIANDO
Fans of Alexa Benitez let their grad know the magnitude of their love and support at the Carpinteria High School graduation ceremony on June 12. Benitez and 138 of her classmates crossed the stage that evening at Carpinteria Valley Memorial Stadium to officially end their high school career and launch their adult lives. For more photos of the commencement, see pages 14 and 15.
Mixed-use development springs up at Santa Claus Lane A new development is underway in the Santa Claus Lane business district. The dilapidated building that once housed Salt Boutique has been demolished, and three mixed-use buildings are now being construction in its place on the west end of the lane. The three new buildings will house four commercial units of around 1,000 square feet each and three residential units ranging from 1,100 to 1,500 square feet. Attached garages, covered porches, balconies and onsite parking are all included in plans for the site. The developer behind the project is Santa Claus Lane LLC. Froscher & Lewis Inc., the company responsible for design and construction of the project, is owned by married couple Valerie Froscher and Kirk Lewis. Froscher works as the architect and Lewis is the general contractor. Froscher designed the new cottage-style development and is happy to see that the building is finally getting started. The project began permitting in 2005 but was delayed by the recession. “People at the county really worked hard to help get this approved,” said Froscher. “There’s a feeling that it will make a nice gateway to the Santa Claus commercial district.” Construction is expected to be finished near spring 2016. ––Scott Buffon
SCOTT BUFFON
Three new mixed-use buildings are in the works on the west end of Santa Claus Lane.