Coastal View News • March 7, 2024

Time flies

From left, cousins Albert Patterson, Imre Patterson, James Patterson, Oliver Patterson and Ella Hurt explore Carpinteria’s Fourth Beach on Feb. 29, taking advantage of Leap Day to spend more time at the beach. Longer Carpinteria days are around the corner with the arrival of daylight saving time on Sunday, March 10, so set a reminder to set your clocks forward one hour and enjoy more time in that Carpinteria sun (or rain!).

BRIEFLY

COMPILED BY EVELYN SPENCE | COURTESY PHOTOS

Election results: Lee takes

lead in District 1 Supervisor race

LEE:

Continued from page 5

bara Police Chief Barney Melekian and retired Santa Barbara fire chief Pat McElroy. What has been your reaction to this support?

Ceramic octopus stolen from Chrisman California Islands Center

A large ceramic octopus sculpture –commissioned by the Santa Cruz Island Foundation – was stolen from the soonto-be-open Chrisman California Islands Center in Carpinteria, spokesperson Marla Daily told CVN.

“Thieves climbed the four-foot steelwire fence to access the Courtyard Gallery. It is an extraordinary piece,” Daily said, adding that the 1,500-pound granite octopus also in the Octopus’s Garden was not disturbed.

It is believed the piece – which is valued at $250 – was stolen around Feb. 23, according to the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office Commander’s Recap.

The Octopus’s Garden is sponsored by Ringo Starr and his wife, Barbara Bach, Daily said. The sculpture was commissioned from Ojai artist Taylor Riggs for the center, which is scheduled to open this year at 4994 Carpinteria Ave.

Cottage welcomes first Leap Year baby

Semi-official results from the March 5, 2024 election show Carpinteria City Councilmember Roy Lee in the lead for the District 1 seat on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, with incumbent Das Williams trailing not too far behind. As of publication, Lee leads with 52.05% (7,495 votes) of the vote, compared to Williams’ 47.63% (6,858 votes); both are Carpinteria residents.

I’m grateful. I’m grateful and appreciative for the support I’ve been receiving. In addition to Joyce, Barney and Pat, I’ve also received support from Sheila Lodge, former mayor of Santa Barbara, Kate Ford, former Santa Barbara Unified School District board member, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Alejandra Gutierrez, and so many others.

All voting precincts are reporting as of Wednesday morning, but any ballots postmarked by Election Day must still be counted as they arrive in the coming days.

District 1 saw a relatively low turnout, with only 27.10% of voters – or 15,232 out of the 56,220 registered voters in the area – taking to the polls. The seat represents Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito and large parts of the city of Santa Barbara on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

But these people, we connected because they came into Uncle Chen before and years past, and I got to know them. You learn two things when campaigning: you learn that the people who you think will support you, won’t, and people you never met, will support you and become lifelong friends.

In a text message to CVN, Lee said he is “deeply humbled by the trust and support” from the community.

[Editor’s parcel intriguing

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first 2024 Leap Year Baby on Feb. 29 at 2:19 a.m.: Ezra Kai Avila. Ezra – born to Veronica Ortega and Miguel Angel Avila of Goleta – arrived at six pounds, seven ounces and 19.5 inches long. Leap Day, Feb. 29, only occurs every four years; babies that are born on this day are known as “leaplings,” Cottage spokesperson Cristina Cortez said.

GranVida plans for St. Patrick’s Day celebration

What are your next steps if you don’t win the election for District 1 supervisor?

As of press time, semi-official results from the March 5, 2024, election show Carpinteria City Councilmember Roy Lee in the lead for the District 1 seat on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

I still have over two years on the city council, and I (will) plan to serve it completely, I’m not going anywhere. Ask me again in a couple of years, but I will continue to serve my community regardless.

“While there are still ballots to be counted, we are confident that we will pull through. This victory is not about me, it’s about us and our shared vision for community-minded local government. I pledge to serve with integrity, openness and unwavering dedication to the needs of all our residents,” he wrote.

Lee’s current term on the Carpinteria City Council doesn’t end until 2026; he told CVN that – pending the certification of Tuesday’s results – he would step down from his council seat in December.

Williams said that he believes low voter turnout “undoubtedly hurt” his campaign, and that moving forward, he feels he needs to find a different approach to tackling controversial issues, such as affordable housing.

“Whether I win or lose, I want to learn from that,” he told CVN Wednesday morning. “One thing I don’t regret – that hurt us – is talking about the need for relatively affordable housing. Protecting a community involves protecting its buildings, but it also involves protecting its people. I do think there’s a balance to be had. In the wake of out-of-control rents and middle and working-class people being priced out of this community, we don’t have a balance. We’re not protecting our people enough.”

The full results are available online at countyofsb.org/3294/Election-Results.

Federal government suspends free Covid-19 testing program Friday

The federal government will suspend its free Covid-19 testing program on Friday, March 8; residents who want to receive free, at-home Covid-19 tests should order them online at special.usps.com/testkits before then. Each order includes four free rapid antigen Covid-19 tests. Shipping through USPS is also free.

Preteen Vaccine Week: March 4–8

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What’s new at the harbor seal rookery?

Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is recognizing March 4–8 as preteen vaccine week, encouraging all parents to get their preteens vaccinated with the recommended vaccines.

According to spokesperson Ryyn Schumacher, recommended shots for preteens in the county include Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), HPV (human papillomavirus), flu, COVID-19, varicella and meningococcal vaccines.

This report covers Feb. 12 – 18, 2024

“We can take care of each other in our county by making sure we properly get vaccinated. Parents and guardians protect the health and wellbeing of your preteen by ensuring they receive the recommended vaccines. The Tdap, HPV, and meningococcal vaccines are so important for staying healthy through adolescence and preventing from serious diseases in the future,” Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer Dr. Henning Ansorg said in a press release.

7

Incoming seventh grade students are required to show proof that they received the whopping couch shot and two doses of the chickenpox vaccines before starting school, Schumacher said, per the school immunization law. See more online at sbcphd.org/iz.

CVN’s Seal Watch weekly report, written by Seal Watch volunteers, covers activities at the Harbor Seal Rookery. The group can be reached at carpsealwatch@gmail. com or at (805) 364-3194. The rookery is located immediately east of Casitas Pier, between the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and the Carpinteria State Beach.

Due to the early February storm, Seal Watch data for Sunday, Feb. 3 was not available.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES

Carpinteria’s GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care – located at 5464 Carpinteria Ave. – is planning a St. Patrick’s Day celebration for Friday, March 15, 3:30–5 p.m., Executive Director Eric Terrill told CVN.

Harbor seals face tough survival problems. Their biology requires they rest on land about half the time, yet ashore they are relatively defenseless. Therefore, they are highly vigilant and reactive to potential threats.

The band Whole Hog will provide live entertainment, and the center will serve corn beef sliders, soft baked pretzels, veggie platters, Irish beer, wine and soft drinks. RSVP at (805) 566-0017.

Federal law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, prohibits “harassment” – actions that disrupt normal behavior patterns. The federal guidelines state that repeated interruptions can be harmful to the seals’ health or cause abandonment, and that people are too close if animals start to stare, fidget or flee.

Carpinteria Woman’s Club meeting: March 13

The Carpinteria Woman’s Club’s next meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 13 at 7 p.m., with author Bee Bloeser scheduled to speak as part of the Women Making Change March programming.

In Carpinteria, the seals are somewhat acclimated to people on the pier and bluff above, but typically the seals react to people on the beach long before they are close. Please stay out of the beach sanctuary area all year; if you do not, you are contributing to loss of habitat and survival capacity for the seals.

Bloeser – the author of “Vaccines & Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War” – will discuss her time in West Africa, the Middle East and Native American nations, where she supported her husband’s public health work and met women who were closed off geographically, socially and emotionally from the outside world, spokesperson Marybeth Carty told CVN.

Adventurers Lohuis, Graham to speak about travels at Night Lizard

VISITORS

Interested parties are welcome and are invited to bring a dish or bottle to share with the club. See more online at carpinteriawomansclub.com, or by reaching out to info@carpinteriawomansclub.com or (805) 566-8953.

Local adventurers Holly Lohuis and Chuck Graham will speak about their travels through the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage area and the Channel Islands National Park at Santa Barbara’s Night Lizard Brewing Company on Wednesday, March 13 at 6 p.m. The Night Lizard is located at 607 State St.

Graham – a Coastal View News columnist who details his travels in the “Wilderness” column – most recently published with CVN his story on the north elephant seal bulls (CVN Vol. 30, No. 23).

The count at the overlook was 1,331. Volunteers spoke with people from Canada, China, Germany, Panama, Spain, India, Scotland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Illinois, Utah, Oregon, Wisconsin, Florida, Washington, Colorado, Iowa, North Carolina, Maine, Texas and Michigan. A hiking group and people from the Arroyo Hondo Preserve requested a visit with docents.

DISTURBANCES

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Security footage shows the theft of a large ceramic octopus sculpture from the soon-to-be-open Chrisman California Islands Center in Carpinteria.

A ceramic octopus sculpture, valued at $250, was stolen from the Chrisman California Islands Center in Carpinteria in late February.

Roy Lee

Ezra Kai Avila

CHUCK GRAHAM FILE PHOTO

Two north elephant seal bulls clash, photographed by Chuck Graham.

Local businesses launch petition in support of Carpinteria’s live music

As city issues fresh entertainment licenses, businesses have concerns with conditions

BY EVELYN SPENCE

Four Carpinteria businesses – Island Brewing Company (IBC), Corktree Cellars, Sunburst Wine Bar and brewLAB –have banded together to express concerns over live entertainment regulations that they say would make it difficult to host live music in the city, launching a petition that has since garnered over 1,000 signatures.

The petition, launched in the last few weeks, will tentatively be presented to the Carpinteria City Council at the end of this month.

Public complaints about live music largely began in late 2023, centered around Carpinteria’s IBC, located on Sixth Street near the city’s beach neighborhood. Neighbors of the brewery started speaking during public comment at Carpinteria City Council meetings, complaining repeatedly about what they called excessively loud noise.

The city of Carpinteria issued a written warning to IBC in December 2023, after four people called the police on Dec. 15 to complain about noise. IBC co-owner Paul Wright later apologized to the council and the public for the Dec. 15 noise, stating a band performing on the property wasn’t willing to turn the music down.

Carpinteria’s City Manager Michael Ramirez told CVN that during Covid-19, the city’s temporary outdoor Covid-19 permit program allowed local businesses to take traditionally indoor activities –such as live music performances – and move them outdoors.

That program expired on Dec. 31, 2023, and the city has begun issuing entertainment licenses to local businesses that carry different regulations than the permit program had previously allowed. As of Tuesday, IBC, Corktree Cellars, Apiary Beverage Co. and brewLAB have been issued licenses.

“What the city decided to do was, along with issuing its entertainment licenses… was set some special conditions,” Ramirez explained.

Those conditions currently limit live music to a cumulative maximum of two hours on weekdays – Monday through Thursday – and a cumulative maximum of six hours on weekends, Friday through Sunday, for a total of eight hours a week. Sets must be shut down by 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and generally must be held indoors. Music also cannot be heard from more than 750 feet from the property.

“With the venues, (we’re) trying to find a happy medium,” Ramirez said, noting that places like IBC have willingly worked with concerned members of the public; for example, the business has started to close its garage doors to help mitigate the loud music.

“Most regulations like these don’t become as politically charged. Most people don’t care about the special conditions that we put on someone renting a park.”

The current regulations can be viewed in full on the city of Carpinteria’s website at bit.ly/CarpinteriaEntertainmentLicense. Businesses that violate these terms can be issued up to three citations in a license year before the city’s Community Development Director Nick Bobroff is allowed to suspend the license.

Bobroff told CVN that city staff will provide an update to the council about the live music and entertainment ordinances in the near future.

These regulations can be updated and refined over time, Bobroff said in an email, so the city “can find a reasonable balance that allows live entertainment to continue while also giving code com-

“Most regulations like these don’t become as politically charged. Most people don’t care about the special conditions that we put on someone renting a park.”

––City Manager Michael Ramirez

pliance and law enforcement staff more objective standards for evaluating and addressing nuisance complaints related to live entertainment.”

But the petition creators have concerns about the current license conditions.

Sunburst owner Ryan Moore, Corktree owner Andre Jackson and IBC representative Mark Matthews spoke with CVN about the petition, sharing concerns about the live music limitations; brewLAB co-owner Pete Goldammer declined to comment.

“Almost all of this came down by way of complaints from neighbors in the beach neighborhood,” Moore told CVN. “This one particular neighbor made so many complaints, upwards of 15 phone calls to the Sheriff’s Office a night.”

“(Live music) is a big part of our businesses, especially breweries and whatnot, to have some sort of a draw (like music),” he added. “I would really like to see outdoor entertainment prevail in some capacity.”

Matthews said the petitioners are looking to bring the issue – and the petition’s signatures – to the March 25 Carpinteria City Council meeting.

“Live music in Carpinteria is near and dear to the people who live here,” he told CVN. “It wasn’t too long ago that The Palms music went to 1 a.m. That’s the kind of town it was. We had three stoplights. Now everywhere you look there’s story poles everywhere.”

He said that petitioners want to be able to have live music when available on the weekends and the weekdays, possibly as late as 10 p.m. He expressed concern about possible limitations – which he said could kick in this summer – that wouldn’t allow music gigs to be held outdoors.

“People come to Carpinteria and they want to hang out (…) If they don’t come

here for live music, they will go other places. If we don’t have live music, people will go elsewhere,” he added.

Matthews said that IBC has since moved its live music inside “to be good neighbors,” but, “there’s going to be some sunset and some summer days coming up.”

“(This situation) has been a massive distraction… We just want to be good neighbors. This is the first time in 20 years we got a citation. We’ll just see how this all goes.”

Jackson, owner of Corktree Cellars –another Carpinteria business located on Linden Avenue – told CVN that music has always been a part of the Carpinteria culture.

“We’re trying to get back to the joy that Carpinteria shares,” she told CVN. “The (petition) response has been overwhelming. People just love that we can have our music, have our gathering places… If we don’t have music, people will travel elsewhere for it. It brings revenue to our economy, allows us to do business.”

She added that her kids grew up going to IBC and Corktree Cellars, and that she was “surprised” and “blindsided” by the regulations.

“If the regulations were to stick as proposed now, it would be pretty devastating,” she added.

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KARLSSON Island Brewing Company – a brewery located on Sixth Street – has launched a petition in support of live entertainment in Carpinteria, along with three other local businesses.

SCHOOL BOARD

Trustees discuss mid-year progress report, declining English testing scores

BY JUN STARKEY

The Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees received a midyear progress report for the 2023-24 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) during its Tuesday, Feb. 27 meeting. Superintendent Diana Rigby – who presented the report to the trustees – told the board that districtwide, students’ English test scores have dipped, while students’ mathematics scores rose slightly.

“I want to find the good in here and highlight that, not to take away the fact that our math and English rates are awful,” Jaime Diamond, board president, said during the meeting.

Rigby’s update included information collected in June of 2022 and 2023 from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and the STAR Reading and Mathematics assessments; that information is used to compare progress over the past school year and examine the district’s progress in meeting the 2023-24 LCAP goals.

Rigby went over the five goals listed in the 2023-24 LCAP, which include increasing student learning with high-quality standards; having students actively engaging in learning; having all students graduate from high school, college and career ready; maintaining updated facilities for all students and staff; and improving math scores for Carpinteria Middle School (CMS) students with disabilities.

The first LCAP goal centers on increasing student learning. According to CAASPP data from the 2022-23 school year, 40% of students at CUSD met or exceeded standards in English Language Arts (ELA), which falls below the state standard of 47%. Thirty-six percent of students met or exceeded standards in mathematics, which goes just over the benchmark of 35%.

Students’ English scores also dropped compared between the 2021-22 school year and the 2022-23 school year. Among fifth graders, 38% met or exceeded state English Language Arts standards in 2022-23, down from 43% in 2021-22; and among 11 th graders, during that same period, scores dropped from 51% to 39%.

For eighth grade students, however – including economically disadvantaged

“I would predict that in another two or three years you’re gonna see those students who were able to go through kindergarten through fifth at school uninterrupted, we’re gonna start seeing improvements in that achievement.”

– Trustee Andy Sheaffer

and students with disabilities – there was an overall improvement in test scores from the previous year.

To increase student achievement at individual schools, Rigby said principals will work with grade-level instructors to change the English Language Arts instruction.

Mathematics scores, however, have mostly gone up. For fifth graders, scores increased from 22% to 25% between 2022 and 2023; eighth graders’ scores stayed the same, at 39%; and 11th graders saw an improvement of 24% to 27%.

The district hopes to raise the percentage of students who meet or exceed standards in ELA to 60% and mathematics to 50% in 2023-24, according to the report. The district also wants to reclassify 50% of more of its English learners by sixth grade; bring the long-term English learners down to under 10%; and have 70% of all sixth through 12th grade students earn a 3.0 GPA or higher.

The district’s second LCAP goal in the 2023-24 plan tackles increasing student engagement and promoting a positive school culture. For this goal, the district uses data from the California Healthy Kids Survey – which is administered to seventh, ninth and 11th graders – to assess school climate and students’ mental wellbeing.

There was an increase from 2022 to

COURTESY GRAPHIC

Recent scores presented to the Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Trustees show a decline in English test scores; 40% of students met or exceeded expectations according to the 2022-2023 CAASPP scores, falling short of the state benchmark of 47%.

2023 in students reporting school connectedness and academic motivation, with more than 90% of respondents saying they had high expectations for themselves.

There were also overall increases in students reporting that schools are safe, parent participation in school events and average daily attendance from August to December 2023. There were also decreases in chronic absenteeism, which went from 25.6% in 2022 to 13.5% in 2023, and a decrease in suspensions and expulsions.

The district’s third LCAP goal focuses on student graduation rates; the goal is to have 100% of students graduate from high school in 2023-24, and have at least 60% be college and career ready.

CUSD’s graduation rate dropped slightly in the 2022-23 school year to 93.9%, compared to 96.6% in the 21-2022 school year. Twenty-eight percent of CUSD students earned a 3 or higher on at least two advanced placement exams; 55% of district students were enrolled in a Career Technical Education course; 59% of CUSD students met their A-G requirements; and 12.9% of students earned the State Seal of Biliteracy.

The district’s 2023-24 goals include having 60% of graduates meet A-G requirements; 30% of students score a 3 or higher; 60% or more students enroll in AP/Honors; and 20% of students earning the State Seal Of Biliteracy.

The district also wants a 0% dropout rate at its middle and high schools. In 2022-23, the district reported a 1.8% dropout rate at CHS, and a 0% dropout rate at CMS.

The last two goals – LCAP goals four and five – focus on maintaining updated facilities for all students and staff; and

improving math scores for CMS students with disabilities.

The district saw a decline last year in CMS math scores; 2022-23 data showed that only 7.4% of students with disabilities met or exceeded state standards, down from 17.1% in 2021-22.

Board member Andy Sheaffer said it was disappointing to see scores in English drop, and asked Rigby if further professional development would be helpful for district teachers. Rigby responded that, at the elementary level, the district has offered programs to teachers on new methods for improving students’ literacy skills.

Diamond noted that – regarding state testing like CAASPP – there is a significant achievement gap for disadvantaged students who have less access to school supplies and resources. “There are huge disparities, and that has to go along with what kids have access to outside of school,” she said.

Sheaffer also told board members that some students are joining the district again after the Covid-19 quarantine who have never experienced school before the pandemic, or only had two or three years of public school before being quarantined.

“I would predict that in another two or three years you’re gonna see those students who were able to go through kindergarten through fifth at school uninterrupted, we’re gonna start seeing improvements in that achievement,” Sheaffer said. “The negative impacts of Covid-19 and the lockdown and shutting schools, are far greater than anyone could’ve imagined.”

The full report is available online at bit. ly/2023-24CUSDLCAP.

Obituary

Michele Van Wingerden 08/09/1951 – 02/24/2024

Michele Marie Van Wingerden was born on Aug. 9, 1951, to Thomas and Jenne Smith in La Jolla, Calif. She grew up as the fourth oldest of ten children. Her father was a pharmacist at Mills Pharmacy in Carpinteria and she spent her early teen years working at Mills looking after customers and stocking the shelves. Her mom and dad taught her a strong work ethic, which carried her throughout her life.

She met her husband Harry Van Wingerden in 1967 when his family moved from the Netherlands to Carpinteria, Calif., to continue the family agriculture business growing flowers. Michele met Harry the day after he set foot in Carpinteria and the beginning of a grand and beautiful love story was born; it carried on for almost 54 years. They were married June 20, 1970, and went on to raise five children together.

Michele was a proud and devoted mother to her son Erik and daughters Kristi, Kami, Katie and Kyla. She raised her children in Carpinteria, close to family and friends. While her children were in school Michele was active in Mt. Carmel School’s Parent Guild and worked as a bookkeeper in the office at Mt. Carmel so she could be closer to her children. She was quick to volunteer her time for school field trips and classroom activities; she carpooled to various sports tournaments and always opened her home to friends and family. She hosted many pool parties at her Carpinteria home and offered up her pool for other children in the Carpinteria community to enjoy. She may have officially been a mother to five, but she served as a mother to many.

Michele embraced her personal and professional life with passion and generously shared her compassion with everyone she encountered. She became the owner of Padaro Floral, a retail off-shoot of the family flower-growing business in

1995. Michele could also be found in the fall at the Pumpkin Patch next to Padaro Floral, where she welcomed local elementary students and their teachers for tours.

A woman of deep faith and devotion, she was part of the local catholic community and active in both St. Joseph and Mt. Carmel parishes through Bible studies, fundraising, and teaching catechism classes. Michele was involved with many causes including Santa Barbara Children’s Home Society, NAMI Santa Barbara and HELP of Carpinteria, and happily supported numerous non-profit organizations at their annual auctions. She will be profoundly missed, but created an amazing legacy of warmth, kindness and a life well lived.

Michele Marie Van Wingerden – wife, mother and Mema – passed away peacefully after a courageous battle against cancer on Feb. 24, 2024 at the age of 72. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers the last days of her life.

Michele is survived by her husband of 54 years, Harry VanWingerden; her eldest son, Erik VanWingerden (Dianna); and her daughters Kristi Hayes (Shane), Kami Izzard (Jeff), Katie Beyer (Aaron) and Kyla Rightmer (Brett). She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren: Ashlynn, Connor, Brennen, Tucker, Skya, Henry, Kinsley, Kira, Arwyn, Blake and Theo. She is survived by her brothers Paul (Lynn,) Dion (Beth) and Blaise; sisters Teresa (Don), Duana, Carrie (Stanley), Lynelle (Fred) and brother-in-law Larry Chavez; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and father Thomas and Jenne Smith, as well as her brother Storm, sister Shannon Chavez and brother-in-law Marty Dickman.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, Santa Barbara Cancer Care, and Cottage Hospital physicians and Dr. David Birken. Also, a special thanks to Assisted Home Health and Hospice nurses Denise, Natalie, Andrea and Karin. Everyone was so thoughtful, caring and dedicated to providing the best care possible.

Please join Michele’s family for a celebration of her life with a funeral service on March 12 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Carpinteria, located at 1500 Linden Ave. A graveside service will follow. A luncheon reception will be held at Lions Park in Carpinteria – 6197 Casitas Pass Road – that same day, and a rosary will be held the evening of March 11 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any cancer foundation or non-profit of your choosing.

LETTERS

Council works tirelessly for Carpinteria

Usually, I write to Carpinteria City Council members to ask for something or possibly complain about something. This letter instead is one of appreciation. Our city council members work countless hours on behalf of our beloved community.

I especially thank former Mayor Wade Nomura for his dedication as mayor and now councilmember, and for his recently inspiring autobiographical book called “Creating Destiny.” Wade wrote about his life as an athlete and entrepreneur becoming an outstanding leader. His inspiring novel is available for purchase at Uncle Chen Restaurant, run by councilmember Roy Lee.

I applaud Councilmember Lee for stepping forward to support our community by running for Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. Roy is a wonderful listener and speaks up for our best interests. I appreciate also current Mayor Al Clark who I saw early morning recently working for Seal Watch. Al cares deeply for our unique and inspiring seal colony, where once again we are blessed with the possibility to see the new baby seals arrive.

Vice Mayor Natalia Alarcon is also a wonderful supporter of the harbor seals as is councilmember Monica Solórzano, who I believe serves on the Harbor Seal

advisory committee. Hopefully the council will move forward together with full year-round and additional support for our Harbor Seal Colony and the Carpinteria Bluffs which provide healing energy for all of us.

Valerie Bentz

Carpinteria

Community efforts for Prop. 19

Thank you to Carolyn Edwards for getting awareness raised for the Prop. 19 Ballot initiative. I missed the initial call, however, sign me up for the next round. I sent in a dozen signatures to the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association, and will join the community effort when we have the next opportunity. This will be our only chance to have generations to come be able to stay here in Carpinteria, and afford to do so.

Joe Franken Carpinteria

ATTENTION!

Our Administration Office Has Temporarily Moved To:

111O Eugenia Place

Weathering the storm requires some help from you

Carpinteria, CA 93O13

BY CRAIG MURRAY, GENERAL MANAGER CARPINTERIA SANITARY DISTRICT

Raindrops keep falling on Carpinteria, and the sewer collection, pumping and treatment systems that serve the community have been put to the test over the past couple months with sharply increased flow rates. On Feb. 19 the Carpinteria Sanitary District’s wastewater treatment facility processed a record amount of water – 3.52 million gallons in a single day, over three times the amount we normally treat.

Obviously, the rain is good for our local water supply, but it can be a real problem for wastewater agencies when too much comes down in a short period of time. Sewer collection systems – the network of buried pipes that transports wastewater from homes and businesses to the treatment plant – are not designed

to handle stormwater.

Our Mailing Address Remains The Same:

53OO Sixth Street Carpinteria, CA 93O13

Please Call Us With Any Questions

8O5-684-7214

It is a common misconception that public storm drains combine with sewer collection pipes: they don’t! When we see excessive flows during and following rainfall events in the sewer system, we attribute it to infiltration and inflow, or I & I in industry speak. Infiltration is when shallow groundwater and subsurface rainwater enter the system through cracks or defects in buried pipes. Inflow, which poses a much bigger challenge for operators, is when stormwater directly enters the sanitary sewer system.

KARLSSON

What’s new at the harbor seal rookery?

This report covers Feb. 26 – March 3, 2024

High Adult Count 90

High Pup Count

CVN’s Seal Watch weekly report, written by Seal Watch volunteers, covers activities at the Harbor Seal Rookery. The group can be reached at carpsealwatch@ gmail.com or at (805) 364-3194. The rookery is located immediately east of Casitas Pier, between Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Carpinteria State Beach.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES

Harbor seal predators predictably vary along the West Coast from Alaska to California. Polar bears and even walruses take harbor seals in the far north, while down the Alaska and British Columbia Coast orcas appear to be the principal predator, with Steller sea lions also noted. Approaching California, in addition to orcas, great whites and sometimes other sharks take seals. On land, bears, wolves, coyotes and bobcats will eat seals, particularly pups. Rarely “rogue” elephant seals have been documented killing harbor seals in Northern California.

Indigenous people harvested seals for thousands of years, and some are permitted to continue traditional hunting. Seal Watchers have occasionally speculated that the fact harbor seals tend to flee when kayakers and standup paddlers approach sooner than they do from vessels may be a genetic memory of paddling hunters.

VISITORS

Despite some rain, 1,040 visits were recorded, including people from Mexico, Germany, New Zealand, China, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Canada, New York, Colorado, Ohio, Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, Maryland, Missouri, Illinois, Washington, Georgia, Massachusetts and Alaska.

DISTURBANCES

A motorized hang glider scared four or five seals into the ocean.

Please consider honoring the Marine Mammal Protection Act and not walking the seal sanctuary beach all year. Do not bring dogs, bicycles or loud voices to view the seals. Harbor seals, when disturbed, may flee and become separated from their pups. Volunteers ask that dogs always remain outside the rope area.

Carpinteria Seal Watchers do some monitoring of our local seals year-round; we would like to increase visitor services and data collection year-round, but more volunteers are always needed. Contact Seal Watch at carpsealwatch@gmail.com or at (805) 364-3194 if you’d like to help!

On Feb. 19 the Carpinteria Sanitary District’s wastewater treatment facility processed a record amount of water – 3.52 million gallons in a single day, over three times the amount we normally treat.

Fortunately, so far we have been able to manage the spiking flows caused by I & I without serious impacts. But when the hydraulic capacity of a sewer system is exceeded due to stormwater inflow, it can lead to sewer spills and overflows that threaten public health and the environment. Spills that enter waterways can result in beach closures, fines and other ratepayer impacts. Even when we avoid spills, the excessive flows caused by I&I increase costs for pumping, treatment and staff labor. We provide award-winning service, but like all agencies, we are not immune to I & I.

Common causes of sewer infiltration and inflow

We know the common causes of I & I. Street flooding can allow inflow through vents in cast-iron manhole covers. When soils are saturated, stormwater can infiltrate the sewer system through cracks in underground manholes, sewer mains and sewer laterals. These issues arise as infrastructure ages. We work hard to maintain and rehabilitate our network of underground collection pipes. In Carpinteria, we have over 45 miles of underground pipes. Sewer laterals add about that same amount of buried pipe to the system.

Unfortunately, inadvertent and sometimes illicit actions can be major contributors to I & I. Roof drains and yard drains should never be connected to the sanitary sewer system. District ordinances strictly prohibit this, but we have found many stormwater drain connections over the years, both intentional and accidental. Missing or broken cleanout caps can also allow large volumes of surface water to enter the sewer system. Another culprit is defective sewer laterals. A lateral is the privately owned section of buried pipe between your home and the sewer main in the street. Cracks and other defects in sewer laterals can be a big source of infiltration, and wastewater agencies across California are encouraging or requiring their customers to repair defects or replace laterals entirely.

Preparation and prevention techniques to reduce I & I

Carpinteria Sanitary District always takes preventative measures ahead of

storm events, and we work throughout the year to maintain and rehabilitate the collection system. But when our daily flow triples due to rainfall-related I & I, we know we still have work to do addressing the sources.

In low-lying areas where we know manholes tend to get inundated – like Padaro Lane – we have historically put corks in the pick holes to minimize inflow. Now we are planning to install new watertight manhole lids in these areas to prevent inflow completely. We are doing focused CCTV inspection of sewer mains immediately following rain events to locate defects allowing infiltration and identify connections with higher-than-expected flow rates. We will also strategically perform smoke testing in the near future to target problem areas with tests that use harmless, colored smoke pumped into sewer mains and laterals to reveal spots where the system isn’t watertight.

For residential and commercial customers, please call Carpinteria Sanitary District at (805) 684-7214 if you believe your sewer lateral is vulnerable to infiltration or is performing sub-optimally. Depending on the signs and symptoms, we can check or refer a plumbing specialist to assist with your private lateral and cleanout. If you are aware of any unauthorized drain connections or open cleanouts that allow stormwater to enter the system, we will gladly work with you to remedy that situation. As a smaller agency, we have been able to be proactive, helping our customers dial in their laterals so they perform as they should and don’t add stormwater stress to the system. Carpinteria Sanitary District is fi rst and foremost an agency providing environmental solutions. We handle and treat wastewater to protect local water supplies and the environment. We welcome the rain and groundwater recharge, while working diligently to prevent spills caused by I & I. We all can work harder to get educated and take appropriate action to reduce Infi ltration and Infl ow and protect our wastewater system.

An engineer by trade, Craig Murray is the general manager of the Carpinteria Sanitary District. He can be reached at craigm@ carpsan.com.

Amendments bring Carpinteria’s ADU ordinance up to date with recent changes in state law

Planning Commission reviews updated code; amendments now in city council’s hands

BY RYAN P. CRUZ

During its Monday, March 4 meeting, the Carpinteria Planning Commission discussed and approved amendments to the city’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) ordinance, bringing Carpinteria’s municipal code up to date with recent changes in state law.

These amendments – which include height and solar energy requirements – will now go to the Carpinteria City Council for approval at a later meeting.

Megan Musolf, the city’s new assistant planner, provided a breakdown on Monday for the commission on the ADU and JADU regulations and the proposed amendments to height and affordability requirements.

The city of Carpinteria’s ADU ordinance dates back to August 2022, when the planning commission approved a draft and recommended the city council adopt the program. In January 2023, city council officially approved the ordinance, which included two pre-approved plans for residents to choose from to allow for a quick trip through the review process. Since its adoption, at least 25 ADU and five JADU applications have been submitted in Carpinteria, staff said.

But new state laws passed in 2022 and 2023 regarding ADUs went into effect, prompting a few recommended updates from Carpinteria’s Long-Range Planning Division.

These “laws of interest,” Musolf explained, include two state bills and three assembly bills that increase the height restrictions for ADUs; prohibit limits on front-facing setbacks; and require local jurisdictions to allow pre-approved plans prior to 2025.

While the city was already ahead of the curve with pre-approved plans, the commission supported the recommended updates regarding requirements for solar energy and maximum heights for ADUs.

Under the new language of the ordinance, ADUs can be built at the same

The city of Carpinteria has pre-approved ADU plans on file for residents who want to get a head start on building an ADU on their property and save money on design plans.

height as primary dwelling – as high as 30 feet in some cases – and up to 25 feet if the property is within a half-mile of the Amtrak station or if the ADU is attached to the primary dwelling. If the ADU is proposed for a lot that already has multi-family multi-story housing, it can be up to 18 feet tall.

All five members of the commission supported the changes regarding height requirements and solar energy, though Commissioners John Moyer and Jane Benefield pointed out that the laws seemed to be written for big-city problems and not intended for smaller places like Carpinteria.

“It’s designed for cities, and in small towns, it’s gonna make it really hard,” Moyer said.

The commission chose not to move forward with other recommendations that would have incentivized affordable ADUs and allowed property owners to potentially subdivide and sell their ADU separately from the primary dwelling as a condominium.

The affordability incentives would have provided a streamlined “fast-track” process and reduced processing fees for applicants that voluntarily deed-restricted their ADUs for low-income renters.

We are so grateful for the guidance that Stefanie has provided us while updating our trust. Our existing trust was over 2O years old and would not have accomplished our wishes. Montecito Law Group’s professionalism, along with Stefanie’s layman terms, helped us navigate re-designing our trust to handle life in the future.

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While the city cannot require that ADUs be affordable, Community Development Director Nick Bobroff explained that incentives could encourage the building of more affordable units while also meeting goals outlined in the city of Carpinteria’s Housing Element.

Commissioner David Allen said that the incentives – particularly the potential fee reductions – were more of a “budgetary consideration” that should be decided by the Carpinteria City Council. The rest of the commission agreed that the matter should be discussed more in-depth at a later date, though Commissioner Benefield wanted to make it clear that any affordability requirements should

be targeted towards those who need it the most.

“When you say affordable, it has to be low-income – not moderate,” Benefield said.

The commission did not support the idea of “separate conveyance,” which allows property owners to sell ADUs as condominiums. Bobroff described the process as “overly complicated”; it was based on a state law intended to create a pathway to homeownership for lower-income families.

The only other change came from a recommendation by the California Housing Defense Fund (CHDF), a nonprofit that advocates for cities to help solve the state’s housing shortage by complying with all applicable state laws. The CHDF submitted a letter of public comment pointing out that the city should also update language regarding ADUs in commercial spaces.

In response, the city’s legal staff recommended that the ordinance make it clear that the city would not consider any applications that would convert commercial floor space to ADUs.

In a unanimous vote, the commission moved forward with a recommendation that the city council implement the amendments to the ADU code reflecting California’s ADU and JADU law. If approved on first hearing by the council, the draft would go to the California Coastal Commission before returning to the council for a second reading and final approval.

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559 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, SUITE J MONTECITO, CA 93108

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559 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, SUITE J MONTECITO, CA 93108

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COURTESY GRAPHIC

CLUB SCENE

COMPILED BY JUN STARKEY | COURTESY PHOTOS

Morning Rotary Club opens grant applications for 2024

The Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning has opened 2024 grant applications for Carpinteria-centered nonprofits, the club told CVN, with an application deadline of April 22.

The total funding available is $15,000, and individual grants are expected to range from $500 to $1,000, according to Carie Smith, club president. Any 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves Carpinteria can apply online by going to carpmorningrotary. org.

Organizations chosen for the grants will be announced at the club’s annual grants award event on Wednesday, May 15. Those with questions about the grants program can contact Smith at (661) 331-3834.

CVN

ON THE ROAD

CVN visits friends in Palm Springs

CVN visits D.C. for Presidents Day

More than 40 eighth graders from Carpinteria Middle School visited Washington D.C. over President’s Day weekend, led by CMS teacher Christina Peña-Eckert, stopping briefly for a group photo with their copy of CVN.

During the trip, students visited Capitol Hill and met with Congressman Salud Carbajal, according to CMS parent Sheri Hultman. Students also saw the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, toured Mount Vernon, the Arlington National Cemetery and watched the changing of the guard and visited Ford’s Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was shot.

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!

Lions Club of Carpinteria

Carpinteria Valley Museum of History.

Lions donate more than $19,000 to local nonprofits

The Lions Club of Carpinteria recently wrapped up another year of donating to local nonprofit organizations, club treasurer Clyde Freeman told CVN; this past year the club donated more than $19,000 to 22 local groups.

Donations included $1,000 for HELP of Carpinteria and $500 for the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. “Thanks to the fantastic support from our community of the various club fundraisers, the (Lions have) been able to increase the amount of community donations over the years,” Freeman told CVN.

The funds given to HELP will help defray some of the rising transportation costs, according to Judy Goodbody, executive director of HELP of Carpinteria. HELP – a volunteer-based organization – offers rides around Carpinteria or to medical appointments in Santa Barbara.

Noon Rotary hears from Foresters head coach Bill Pintard

The Rotary Club of Carpinteria Noon recently hosted Bill Pintard, who spoke about his time as the head coach of the Santa Barbara Foresters baseball team and his mission with Hugs for Cubs, a cancer survivor support program.

Along with coaching and managing the Santa Barbara Foresters, Pintard was also a scout for the New York Yankees. Pintard’s program, Hugs for Cubs, was founded by his late son Eric Pintard, who passed away from cancer. “We remember Eric and try to pass on his spirit and courage and attitude to anyone who needs our help,” Pintard told club members.

Lion treasurer earns award for dedication to service

Lions Club of Carpinteria treasurer Clyde Freeman recently received a Melvin Jones Fellow award from the Lions Club for his many years as a club officer and other civic duties, club member Doug Treloar told CVN.

The Melvin Jones Fellow award is named after the founder of the International Lions Club and is considered one of the highest honors that a Lions member can receive. After receiving his award, Freeman told club members: “When you love your community and enjoy helping others, you realize that the time you are spending is making an investment in the future.”

Rotary Club of Carpinteria Noon President Karen Graf, left, and member Mike Stoker, right, recently heard from guest speaker Bill Pintard, the head coach of the Santa Barbara Foresters Baseball Team.

treasurer Clyde Freeman, left, presents a check for $500 to Jayme Yahr, executive director and curator of the

Lions Club of Carpinteria member Doug Treolar, left, presents a check for $1,000 to Judy Goodbody, executive director of HELP of Carpinteria.

Lions Club of Carpinteria treasurer Clyde Freeman, left, receives the Melvin Jones Fellow award for his service from David Hayman, Lions president.

From left, Carpinterians Dell and Twila Goodrick recently took their annual visit to the Palm Springs area to visit friends, stopping for a moment to capture a photo with their copy of CVN. During their trip, the pair took a covered wagon ride up the San Andreas Fault on the Coachella National Preserve Oasis.

Santa Barbara Real Estate update: February 2024

THE QUARTERLY REPORT

JON-RYAN SCHLOBOHM

The year 2024 is off and running. Though we don’t experience extreme weather like other parts of the country, we do have some seasonality. It takes a little time for buyers to return after the holidays. We could try to extrapolate trends, but with just 150 sales through February, it is probably good to wait till we complete the first quarter to see if the direction of the market is staying the course.

Looking specifically at Carpinteria, the first two months of 2024 saw only 11 sales. Ten of the sales were condos and one was a home located at Rincon. Condo sales in Carpinteria typically represent 40-50% of the market, so that is a noticeable change. We have really lacked an inventory of our traditional neighborhood more entry-level (this is hard to write with our prices so high) single-family homes. Right now, there are just two homes in this category available which are smaller, under 1,300 sq ft, and have been on the market for at least a few months.

What we would like to share this month is a phenomenon that still surprises the real estate agent community. Some buyers are willing to pay a surprising price for a new, done, trendy and beautiful home. We have seen many beautiful high-quality remodels, or well-done new construction, selling quickly and at record prices.

In the last couple months, a number of homes hit the market at prices that made agents’ heads turn, and then went quickly under contract and in some cases with multiple offers.

Here are two examples from the last few weeks: 1250 Bel Air Dr. sold in April of 2023 for just a little over $2 million. The buyers completed an outstanding remodel and addition, after that the home received multiple offers and is now pending with a list price of $4,395,000. And there is another at 1018 Belmonte Dr., which sold in December 2022 for just under $1.85 million and closed in February for $4.075 million with no addition – just a beautiful remodel.

And those are not lone examples. We are seeing some impressive sales on the

In Carpinteria, 7427 Shepard Mesa Road is on the market; the threebedroom, three-bathroom, 0.51-acre property is listed for $4,250,000.

Mesa, San Roque and Montecito. Also in February, in Montecito Oaks a stunning property sold for $8.47 million in a neighborhood that has not witnessed that number before.

All those sale prices seem surprising, but being so entrenched, we find that we need to remind ourselves of a couple things. First, it is easy to lose track of time and realize how much has changed over the last five years. Second – and probably more importantly – as you consider the rise in construction costs and lengthening permitting time, buying something done has a lot of appeal.

To wrap up, we would be amiss to not quickly highlight two important indicators in our market: inventory and interest rates.

Our inventory continues to remain tight, and we are staying under 200 active properties between Carpinteria to Goleta. On Feb. 20, we had 179 active listings.

Late in 2023, we experienced an initial drop in interest rates after the Fed announced that they expected to cut rates three times in 2024. Surprisingly, we have seen rates tick up by about a .5% in the short term. This was most likely due to some unexpected positive economic news. Overall, most anticipate rates will still come down this year!

We love to talk about the market and all things real estate, so feel free to reach out if you need anything. And we are always grateful for your recommendations.

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.

January – February 2024

Looking specifically at Carpinteria, the first two months of 2024 saw only 11 sales. Ten of the sales were condos and one was a home located at Rincon. Condo sales in Carpinteria typically represent 40-50% of the market, so that is a noticeable change. COURTESY

COURTESY PHOTO

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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 teachers who aren’t immoral. “Way to go!”

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 Sean and Dayna for being wonderful neighbors and helping the reader through another frazzled mom situation.

A reader sends a halo to the 93013 Fund, Uncle Chen Restaurant and Marybeth Carty for the surprise delivery of a delicious dinner complete with a fortune cookie, candy bar and painted rock. “Wonderful kindness and quite a thrill!”

A reader sends a halo to the 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 wonderful neighbors in the Cameo neighborhood who helped them find their escape-artist dog, including Merv, Christina, Kelly and Adam. “Last Thursday, I was especially grateful to Steven, who told me he saw Cisco turn right on Casitas Pass, moving fast, and I’d better get my car. As I was hurrying past Merv’s house, I told him I was getting my car to go after Cisco. When I turned onto Casitas Pass, I spotted Merv standing behind his car with Cisco safely in his arms! We’re so thankful to live where neighbors look out for each other – and their mischievous pets!”

A reader sends a halo to the staff of Jack’s Bistro for staying open during Covid-19. “Always a smile no matter how busy. A great way to start the day.”

A reader sends a halo to the Daykas for always being there to help with anything and never complaining. “Many thanks to the best neighbors ever. We love you all dearly.”

A reader sends a halo to the owner of Lantern Tree Books who had the book the reader wanted and suggested another based on the reader’s original request. “Great to have a local bookstore.”

A reader sends a halo to Mayor Wade Nomura for the city’s beautiful flower wreath at the Carpinteria Cemetery for the Memorial Day program.

A reader sends a halo to 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 Carpinteria Family School. “As a newer member to the community, the opportunity for family engagement, multi-grade classrooms and incredible teachers have made our transition so smooth. Thank you, Carp Family School!”

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 trainer Warren for “putting his clients first!”

A reader sends a halo to Lance Lawhon at the Carpinteria Sanitation District for helping Kim’s Market.

A reader sends a halo to the 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 Aida Thau, city management analyst, for “her diligence and follow-through on securing potential off-leash play spaces for our dogs.”

A reader sends a halo to the very nice lady at Taco Bell who gave the reader a gift card. “Thank you!”

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 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 Ryan Moore for bringing dirt back to Carpinteria.

A reader send a pitchfork to a local politician for his contribution to the community. “I am reminded of it every time I am at Santa Claus exit on the 101. Where is the promised ‘$25 million per year in tax revenues?’”

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.”

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 pitchfork to a local eatery for blocking off their parking lot after closing time so downtown patrons cannot park there to enjoy other nearby restaurants.

A reader sends a pitchfork to whoever who decided it was a good idea to put a new traffic light on Palm Avenue next to the middle school. “It has caused so much traffic already, why couldn’t they have just put a light-up crosswalk like the one next to Tyler’s Donuts?”

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 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 pitchfork to the new traffic light on Carpinteria Avenue. “Hopefully city officials see what a huge traffic jam it is causing, backing up all the way past the Linden intersection. Hopefully they come up with a solution quickly and before summer.”

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 pitchfork to the employer in town who waited until payday to tell employees that their paychecks wouldn’t be provided until a week later. “They said it was because of Leap Year?”

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 pitchfork to the city of Carpinteria for “raising the Jr. Lifeguard program to $625 plus a 4% credit card surcharge. How is any parent who has more than one kid able to pay this? Let alone there is no scholarship for families who aren’t able to even pay for this.”

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 pitchfork to the city of Carpinteria for “not repaving the road along Via Real on the corner of Santa Monica and Cravens lane.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the lifeguards braiding hair while swimmers are in the pool. “Not professional!”

Submit Halos & Pitchforks online at coastalview.com. All submissions are subject to editing.

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 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 Superintendent Rigby and the Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Trustees for “being truly committed to the safety and well-being of students, employees and their families. We are so blessed to have such outstanding leadership. So many good families behind you, Diana!”

A reader sends a halo to Diana, a caregiver at Carpinteria Senior Lodge for nearly three years.

A reader sends a halo to Island Brewing Company for turning the music down. “It’s much more enjoyable to be at the playground, field, campground (and) boardwalk now that the music is at a more reasonable level.”

A reader sends a halo to Tom Sweeney for going out on Elm Avenue by the beach to clean up plastic bottles, bags, dirty gloves and masks.

A reader sends a halo to 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 Osiris and Malakai for their generous time and help with the reader’s garden. “I so appreciated your thoughtfulness, you’re both very kind and blessed. Thank you.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the new parking zones. “All the “no parking/two hour” signs just made people park in my neighborhood. Seventh and the neighboring streets are a packed parking lot.”

A reader sends a halo to Bill and Rosana Swing for spending their Saturday taking photos for Junior Warriors Football. “We appreciate all you do for our families, players and program. You rock!”

A reader sends a halo to the Santa Barbara Hives shop, down by the State Park. “Best croissants in town! Thank you for your friendly service.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to those who lied on their FAFSA and took scholarships away from kids who need it.

A reader sends a halo to the FFA for a fantastic tri-tip fundraiser.

A reader sends a halo to DJ Hecktic for coming out early Saturday morning to support the Junior Warriors. “It made the kids so happy to hear you say their names—you’re a local celebrity to them!”

Submit Halos & Pitchforks online at coastalview.com. All submissions are subject to editing.

A reader sends a halo to Diana Rigby, Superintendent of schools, and Debra Herrick, director of Boys & Girls Club, for removing the toxic Euphorbia fire sticks from the pots and landscape.

A reader sends a halo to Warren for moving himself and 22 trainees to another gym in protest.

suspended. The man was cited, and his vehicle was released to a licensed driver.

2:37 a.m. / Public Intoxication / Bailard Avenue

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.

Friday, May 22

7:41 a.m. / Theft / 5500 block Calle Arena

he found a small baggie containing a white powdery substance underneath the driver’s seat of his recently purchased vehicle. The man stated he purchased the vehicle three weeks ago but didn’t find the small baggie until he’d removed the driver’s seat to fix the reclining mechanism. The incident was documented, and the baggie was booked into Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office property for destruction.

Saturday, May 23

5:49 a.m. / Domestic Violence / 4100 block Via Real

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.

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.

10:36 a.m. / Hit and Run / Cameo and Casitas Pass roads

2:07 p.m. / Found Drugs / 6000 block Jacaranda Way

A man was contacted after reporting

Deputies responded to a report a of a black sedan crashing into a parked water truck. While en route, it was also reported the male subject driving the sedan fled the scene on foot. Upon arrival, deputies observed the sedan abandoned in the middle Cameo Road with major damage to the front right passenger wheel

A reader sends a pitchfork to the Linden planters. “All the mushrooms growing there indicate too much water. Nice weed farm.”

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?”

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 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.”

THE BOOK NOOK

Friends of the Carpinteria Library recommendation

“Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson

In 1962 the extraordinary “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson turned the world upside down. Its title refers to the result of an incident in 1958 when aerial spraying of DDT in her friend’s garden caused the death of many birds and this created silence, the lack of song.

Carson, a brilliant and curious scientist, immersed herself in study and research. She said pesticide is the wrong term – these substances should be called biocides because they kill all life. Her book sold like hotcakes and won a gazillion awards. It opened America’s eyes to the jeopardy we were putting our environment into, and this helped bring about the environmental movement. In 1970 the Environmental Protection Agency was formed, and DDT was finally banned in 1972.

“Silent Spring” is still heart-wrenching reading. Carson’s rigorous science alarms us to the hazards of pollution and toxicity that still threaten animals, plants and people as well as all the ecosystems of our wonderous earth. She promotes regulation, study and alternative methods and her book is an irrefutable collection of anecdotes, testimony and scientific research. We are in this together. Our human fate is the same as that of the ant or mosquito – eventually, the poison reaches us all. It is this unity that is Rachel Carson’s message to us: together we must clean up our planet!

––Susan Anderson, Friends of the Carpinteria Library

Carpinteria Community Library recommendation

“Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s” by John Elder Robison

“Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s” is an engaging and informative read. This memoir was published in 2008 and written by the brother of Augusten Burroughs of “Running with Scissors” fame. John Elder Robison was not diagnosed with Asperger’s until he turned forty, after a life of being different, having “odd” habits and not fitting in.

His humanity shines through his painful descriptions of not being able to be like “normal” kids. People were confusing, but machines were not. Highly intelligent but frustrated by school expectations, he left high school before graduating, learned all kinds of circuitry and electronics at the local college, spent some formative time with a very famous band building pyrotechnic light shows. He then went on to develop toys, rebuild Porsches and build his own successful business. Being diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum changed his life, helped explain his thinking and behavior, and completely altered how he felt about himself. The story is dark and difficult at times, funny and inspiring, touching and revealing and very compelling. I think it may change how you see some of the people in your life.

Available in print and digital formats from the public library.

––Jody Thomas, Carpinteria Community Library

CVN Reads…

“Carry On” by Rainbow Rowell

CVN Managing Editor Evelyn Spence is re-reading “Carry On” by Rainbow Rowell. The young adult novel follows Simon Snow and the Chosen One trope – with a few twists and turns.

(Published October 2015; 528 pages)

Going to the polls

COMPILED BY JUN STARKEY | COURTESY PHOTOS

“Back to Blue” by Crescent LoMonaco

Crescent LoMonaco is winner of People’s Choice Ballot

The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center has announced Crescent LoMonaco as the winner of the People’s Choice Ballot from the Rincon Expressions exhibit, for her piece “Back to Blue.”

LoMonaco told the arts center, “I recently read that the ocean, over time, has become more green. How strange it is to think that our ocean could someday be completely green! This piece is hoping that we all work together to keep our oceans blue.”

The center’s new exhibit, “One World,” opens March 7. See more online at carpinteriaartscenter.org.

Winners of stroke awareness coloring contest chosen at arts center

The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center announced the winners of its coloring contest to raise awareness for strokes: Isis Nunez, Savannah Martinez, Katie Hernandez and Blanca Martin.

Nunez took home the award for the under-16 Spanish category; Martinez the under-16 English category; Hernandez the 17–21 years old category; and Martin the 21+ category. The contest’s prize was $1,000.

The contest – “SPOT STROKES/ACT FAST!/ACTUAR RÁPIDO!”– was created to raise awareness for the increased risk of strokes among Hispanic men. It was open to all ages, and carried out through a collaboration with the arts center and the Carpinteria Children’s Project.

“With a 29% increase in strokes expected over the next 10 years for Hispanic men this initiative brings our community together in support of a crucial cause,” Carpinteria resident and spokesperson Ron Seigel told CVN.

The event was also sponsored by Napa Consultants International, which collaborated with the Alcazar Theatre in February for an event discussing caregiver fatigue. Napa Consultants International was created by Seigel, Sean Entin and Sam W. Morris.

Library begins monthly lecture series on environment

The Carpinteria Community Library is launching a monthly series called “Wild Things,” an all-ages event where a guest provides a free lecture on the environment or natural history. The series will be held on the first Thursday of the month starting March 7, 6 p.m. at 5141 Carpinteria Ave.

This upcoming lecture will feature Carpinteria State Park interpreter Christina Furio, who will be discussing sharks. Her presentation is titled “‘Sharks Can Smell Blood From a Mile Away!’ and Other Shark Misconceptions Debunked.”

See more online at carpinterialibrary.org.

LEFT: Savannah Martinez’s piece won the under-16 English portion of the stroke awareness coloring contest at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center. RIGHT: Blanca Martin’s piece won in the 21+ category.

KARLSSON

At left, Kika Hutchings stands outside of the Carpinteria Sanitary District to vote in the March 5, 2024 Primary Election in Carpinteria; at right, Sheralyn and Mark Rock make their way to the polls. See more on the results on page 2.

CALENDAR

Thursday, March 7

Meeting: Downtown T Business Advisory Board Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. 8:30 a.m. bit.ly/ CarpinteriaCityMeetings

Senior Center Activities: Senior Lecture Series Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 9:30–10:45 a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Senior Center Activities: Zumba Gold Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 11 a.m.–noon. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Bilingual Postpartum Support Group El Carro Park, 5300 El Carro Lane. 1 p.m. rmaldonado@carpchildren.org, (805) 566-1613

Senior Center Activities: Book Club Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 2–3:30 p.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Carpinteria Creative Arts Eighth St. and Linden Ave. 2:30–6 p.m. Handmade pottery, beach art, cards, jewelry and sewn articles. (805) 698-4536

Carpinteria Farmers Market 800 block of Linden Ave. Thursdays, 3–6:30 p.m.

“Wild Things” Lecture Series Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 6–7 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Friday, March 8

Friday Fun Day Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10–11:30 a.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Senior Center Activities: Games and Gab Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 1–2:30 p.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Film: “Paddington” The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380

Saturday, March 9

Meeting: Carpinteria Beautiful Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. 9 a.m.

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.

Live Music: Michael Peters Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 5–8 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com, (805) 745-8272

Film: “The Ugly Duckling” + Q&A The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7 p.m. Speakers: Torren Martyn, Simon Jones. Tickets: $12. thealcazar. org, (805) 684-6380

Sunday, March 10

Live Music: The Youngsters Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 2–5 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com, (805) 745-8272

Monday, March 11

Preschool Story Time Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10–10:30 a.m. For preschool-aged children. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Senior Center Activities: Music

Mondays Sing Along Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 10:30 a.m.–noon. agewell@carpinteriaca. gov, (805) 881-1279

Monday Mahjong All levels of play. 1 p.m. (805) 729-1310

Mind Games Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 2–3 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Meeting: Carpinteria City Council Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria

Ave. 5:30 p.m. bit.ly/CarpinteriaCityMeetings

Tuesday, March 12

Senior Center Activities: Arts and Crafts Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. 9–11 a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Carpinteria Writers Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10 a.m.–noon. (202) 9970429

Senior Center Activities: Mind Body Balance Exercise Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 11 a.m.–noon. agewell@carpinteriaca. gov, (805) 881-1279

Junior Spanish Conversation Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 12:30–1 p.m. For tweens and teens. carpinterialibrary. org, (805) 684-4314

Spanish Conversation Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 1–2 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Tai Chi Practice Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 2–3 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Bridge Club Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 1–4 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Wednesday, March 13

Meeting: Morning Rotary Carpinteria Woman’s Club, 1059 Vallecito Road. Doors open 6:45 a.m.; meeting 7–8 a.m. Speaker: Jeff Rail. Breakfast and coffee available.

Senior Center Activities: Walking Group Meet at Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 9 a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Baby Meet Up Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 9–9:45 a.m. Children under two. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Knitting Group Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 1–3 p.m. Free. (805) 886-4382

Senior Center Activities: Mindful-

ness Meditation Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 2:30–3:30 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Meeting: Carpinteria Woman’s Club Carpinteria Woman’s Club, 1059 Vallecito Road. 7 p.m. Speaker: Bee Bloeser. info@carpinteriawomansclub. com, (805) 566-8953

ONGOING

Senior Nutrition Program Carpinteria Veterans Hall, 951 Walnut Ave. Monday–Friday, 12:15 p.m. Free for seniors ages 60+. (805) 925-9554, meals@centralcoastseniors.org

Old Tek, plus New Tek, equals You Tek?

LET’S TALK TEK

MICHAEL AVERY

Inspiration for this month’s column came from a recent project I was invited to look at over lunch one Friday at Teddy’s last year. Friday lunch at Teddy’s has become a regular weekly event for Hal Price and me for almost three years and we have invited many of our local friends to join us to talk about community activities. We love getting the latest on Carpinteria comings and goings, and we get to brainstorm and support a wide variety of projects, initiatives and just plain cool ideas.

This Friday we met with Mike Carmel, who wanted input on upgrades they were planning for Carpinteria Community Church. They wanted to upgrade the audio and video systems for the church, and I was referred to Mike because of this column and what a mutual friend knew of my experience.

You are probably wondering what this all has to do with Tek. It all started with me looking at what was being proposed, looking at the space and looking at what their needs were. I reviewed the Tek that they had – new Tek that was available and other used Tek that was available locally. Fortunately, the Alcazar Theatre had a bunch of old Tek that they wanted to dispose of, so I started the planning process and determined the best approach, with the best performance and the best price.

The system I designed saved Carpinteria Community Church over $20,000 and the performance was so good that following the final calibration and setup, we heard words like, “Amazing,” “I cannot believe it,” and “I have been wanting this for 30 years.”

I put together a stellar team to take my design and make it a reality. James Budow of Utopia Technology, Michael Donahue of DSR and Jose Jimenez of PDG all played a role in creating a system that will serve the Carpinteria Community Church for many years.

So back to the topic of this month’s column: Old Tek plus New Tek equals You Tek. So often the decision is made to replace everything – throwing the baby out with the bath water, as my late mother would so often say. Rather than taking this approach, you can save yourself some money and blend together your older technology and accomplish some minor upgrades, then add some new technology. With this, you get a system that provides you with just the right balance of usability, price and performance. It is all about You Tek.

The first step in the process is to review your current technology assets. You wanted to ask yourself: are the operations and applications the ones I intend to continue using, or is it time for a change? Using New Tek, versus replacing or upgrading Old Tek, can be determined by addressing the signs.

Here are five signs that indicate you may be overdue for a technology update or replacement.

Slow performance. If your systems

are lagging, taking an eternity to load, or causing frustrating delays in tasks, it’s a clear sign that your technology needs a boost. Slow performance hampers productivity and usability.

Frequent crashes. Do your systems and applications crash more often than you’d like to admit? Frequent crashes are not only disruptive but can also result in data loss and costly downtime. If your technology is becoming unreliable, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

Inability to support new applications. If your current technology struggles to run new applications or software updates, it can hinder your ability to function efficiently and adapt to changing demands.

Security concerns. Cybersecurity threats are evolving daily, and outdated technology becomes an easy target for hackers. If your current systems lack the latest security features or updates, you’re putting your operations at risk. A technology upgrade can help fortify your defenses.

The cost of maintenance and downtime. Are you constantly shelling out funds for repairs, maintenance and support? The cost of keeping outdated technology running can quickly surpass the cost of investing in new, reliable systems or targeted upgrades.

The bottom line is that it is not about Old Tek or New Tek – it is all about You Tek and you. Explore what is going to work best for you and your technology needs.

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) 6843414. I love talking Tek. May the force be with you and may you find Tek that is truly You.

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.

Read more columns by Michael Avery at

ROBIN KARLSSON

New stoplight at Palm, Carpinteria avenues activated

The city of Carpinteria activated a new stoplight at Palm and Carpinteria avenues last week; it was put in to help ease the heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic from travelers leaving and entering Carpinteria Middle School, the city said when the project began late last year.

Berm comes down

The destruction of Carpinteria’s winter berm has begun, after the berm’s fourmonth stint on Carpinteria’s beach. The berm is put up annually – paid for by the city of Carpinteria and Sandyland homeowners – to help protect properties along the coast.

(805) 364-3194.

MICHAEL AVERY

The author recently spent time at the Carpinteria Community Church, designing a new audio and video system for the church.

Linda Hurley – a Seal Watch volunteer of five years – keeps a close eye on Carpinteria’s Seal Rookery on Monday, March 4. Seal Watch volunteers observe and protect Carpinteria’s Seal Rookery, particularly during pupping season; learn more by reaching out to the group at carpsealwatch@gmail.com or at

PHOTOS

CCP to host annual “All in for Carp Kids” breakfast

The Carpinteria Children’s Project (CCP) will host its annual All in for Carp Kids breakfast on Thursday, March 14, 7:30–9 a.m., 5201 Eighth St.; this year’s guest speaker will be Marlene Hughes, a certified Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) facilitator.

During this year’s breakfast event, Hughes will discuss how to facilitate positive childhood experiences, which drives healthy development, and lessen the effects of adverse childhood experiences.

The event will also teach guests about how CCP is helping its students “form strong relationships and meaningful connections, cultivate positive self-image and self-worth, experience a sense of belonging and build skills to cope with stress in healthy ways,” according to CCP.

See more online at carpchildren.org.

–Jun Starkey

CVN

The role of nutrition in mental health

Focusing on foods that support brain function, mood regulation

WELLNESS WARRIOR

LEAH HARDING

These days, people are finally starting to talk openly about mental health, which is exciting! And guess what? What we eat doesn’t just fill our stomachs – it fuels our brains, influences our emotions and can actually help your brain work better and even keep your spirits lifted.

This isn’t about avoiding a sugar crash or getting enough calories to power through the day; it’s about making deliberate choices that nourish not just our bodies but also our minds.

The gut-brain connection

The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” because of its enormous number of nerve cells – the most in the body outside the brain – which pass more information to and from the brain than any other bodily system. This network plays a crucial role in our mental health, from a reciprocal relationship where both the brain impacts the gut; the gut significantly influences our mood and mental state.

The gut is responsible for producing around 95% of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate our mood, among other things. Essentially, a healthy and balanced gut contributes to a more balanced mood and overall sense of well-being. Anyone who suffers from high amounts of gas, SIBO or IBS can attest to how gut issues can influence mood.

Maintaining proper gut health revolves mainly around diet. It should be no surprise that foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, are particularly beneficial. So, when you opt for that apple or a serving of wholegrain pasta, you’re not just nourishing your body, you’re also supporting your

brain in a very direct way.

Nutrients for brain health

I’m sure you’ve heard of superfoods before, but did you know that some of them are specifically for your brain?

Omega-3 fatty acids are at the top of the list. They are found in fatty fish like salmon and trout, as well as in walnuts and flaxseeds. These fats are vital for maintaining brain cell health and have been linked to lower levels of depression.

Antioxidants are another group of brain-boosting nutrients. They help fight oxidative stress and inflammation that can damage brain cells. Foods rich in antioxidants include berries, nuts and dark chocolate.

Leafy greens like spinach and kale are also brain-healthy choices. Loaded with folate (an essential B vitamin), they’ve been linked to a lower risk of depression.

Vitamins like B12, D and E play significant roles as well. Vitamin B12, found in meat, fish and dairy products, is crucial for producing brain chemicals that affect mood. Low levels of B12 can lead to fatigue and depression. Vitamin D, which we can synthesize from our California sun or get from foods like eggs, fatty fish and fortified dairy, has been linked to improving mood and cognitive function. Vitamin E, abundant in seeds, nuts, and leafy green vegetables, helps protect the brain against aging.

The connection between our plates and our mental well-being is more than just food for thought. It’s a way to support our mental health, one bite at a time.

Wholesale,

well-being: beyond nutrition

While nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting brain health, it’s essential to recognize that overall well-being encompasses more than just what we eat. Let’s explore some additional factors: stress management, sleep quality, physical activity, social connection and cognitive stimulation.

Chronic stress can negatively impact both physical and mental health, including cognitive function. Incorporating stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can complement a brain-healthy diet.

CANVA

Incorporating nutrients into your diet doesn’t have to be a chore or involve drastic dietary overhauls; it’s about making mindful choices that not only satisfy your hunger but also support your mental and emotional well-being.

Incorporating these nutrients into your diet doesn’t have to be a chore or involve drastic dietary overhauls. It’s about making mindful choices that not only satisfy your hunger but also support your mental and emotional well-being. A small handful of walnuts here, a piece of salmon there, and maybe even a tiny piece of dark chocolate can make a world of difference in how you feel, both physically and mentally.

Read more columns by Leah Harding at

Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, mood regulation and overall well-being. Poor sleep can impair memory, concentration and decision-making abilities. Establishing healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, can support brain health.

Regular exercise not only benefits cardiovascular health but also enhances cognitive function and mood. Engaging in activities that elevate heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain can promote neuroplasticity (the ability for the

brain to change and grow) and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Human connection is critical for mental health and emotional well-being. Maintaining strong social ties and fostering supportive relationships provide a sense of belonging and purpose, which are essential aspects of overall wellness.

Keeping the mind active and engaged is essential for brain health. Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles or learning new skills can help maintain cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline.

While nutrition forms a critical foundation for brain health, incorporating these holistic approaches to well-being can further enhance cognitive function, mood regulation and overall quality of life.

So, there you have it. The connection between our plates and our mental wellbeing is more than just food for thought. It’s a way to support our mental health, one bite at a time.

Making mindful choices about what we eat can lead to a happier, more balanced mind. It’s not about overhauling your diet overnight or following strict food rules – it’s about feeling better with small changes. Try adding brain-boosting food to your next meal, or take a walk with a friend, to support your mental well-being.

Leah Harding is a nutrition coach and mobile personal trainer. She specializes in helping people see food as an ally to reach their goals, both in and out of the gym. She previously worked out of Rincon Fitness and owned CrossFit Carpinteria/Foxwing Fitness. Contact her at leah@foxwingfitness. com with questions or with ideas for future wellness articles.

Do you have a photo from Carpinteria’s past? Contact news@coastalview.com to share it with other readers!

KARLSSON FILE PHOTO

Students from Ms. Ana and Ms. Gabbie’s class sing “Buenos Dias” and “La Casita” during the March 2023 “All in for Carp Kids” breakfast.

Thursday, March 14

Library preschooler story time, 10:30 a.m., Carpinteria library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave., 684-4314

Rotary Club of Carpinteria meeting, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., lions Park Community Building, 6197 Casitas Pass road, non-members rSVP to 566-1906

Bingo, 1 p.m., Veterans Building, 941 Walnut Ave.

Farmers Market and Arts & Crafts Fair, 3-6:30 p.m., linden Ave. downtown, Craft fair: 684-2770

Free Stress Relief Veteran’s Acupuncture Clinic, 6-7 p.m. drop in, 4690 Carpinteria Ave. Ste. A, 684-5012

Karaoke, 8 p.m., Carpinteria & linden Pub, 4954 Carpinteria linden Ave.

Dusty Jugz Country Night, 9 p.m., the Palms, 701 linden Ave., 684-3811

Friday, March 15

CVCC Lunch & Learn, noon-1 p.m., Curious Cup, 929 linden Ave., 684-5479 x10.

The Peace Vigil, 5-6 p.m., corner of linden & Carpinteria Ave.

Music in our Schools Month Concert, 7:30 p.m., CHS cafeteria, 4810 foothill road, 684-4701

Back Track, 9 p.m., the Palms, 701 linden Ave., 684-3811

Saturday, March 16

Carpinteria Salt Marsh docent led tours, 10 a.m., free walks start from the park sign, 684-8077

Magicarp Pokemon League, 11 a.m., Curious Cup, 929 linden Ave., (619) 972-3467

Energy Balancing, 2-4 p.m., Curious Cup, 929 linden Ave., free “The Quiet Man,” 8 p.m., Plaza Playhouse theater, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., $5

The Groovie Line, 9 p.m., the Palms, 701 linden Ave., 684-3811

Monday, March 18

Women of Inspiration, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Girls inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 foothill road, $70, 684-6364

Basic Bridge, 1 p.m., Sandpiper Mobile Village clubhouse, 3950 Via real, 684-5921 Mah Jongg, 1 p.m., Sandpiper Mobile Village clubhouse, 3950 Via real, 729-1310 Bingo, 1 p.m., Veterans Building, 941 Walnut Ave.

Celebrate Recovery (Hurts, Hangups, Addictions), 6 p.m., first Baptist Church, 5026 foothill rd., 684-3353

CVCC’s Cuba Trip Meeting, 6-8 p.m., Carpinteria library Multi-Purpose room, 5141 Carpinteria Ave., 684-5479 x10

A Community Toolbox: How to Serve the Depressed Person with Understanding, 7-8:30 p.m., Carpinteria Woman’s Club, 1059 Vallecito road, 684-2509

Tuesday, March 19

Coffee with Cops, 9-11 a.m., Crushcakes, 4945 Carpinteria Ave., 684-5405 x437

Carpinteria Writers’ Group, 10 a.m.-noon, Carpinteria library multipurpose room, 5141 Carpinteria Ave., 684-7838

Sandpiper Duplicate Bridge Club, 1 p.m., Sandpiper Mobile Village Clubhouse, 3950 Via real, 684-5522

Battle of the Books club, 3:30 p.m., Curious Cup, 929 linden Ave., 220-6608

Beginner Meditation Workshop, 6:30 p.m., Curious Cup back meeting room, 929 linden Ave., 705-4703

Al-Anon Meeting, 7-8 p.m., faith lutheran Church, 1335 Vallecito Place, 331-4817

ESL Class, 7 p.m., first Baptist Church, 5026 foothill road, free, 684-3353

Wednesday, March 20

Morning Rotary meeting with Cyndi Macias, The Gym Next Door, 7-8 a.m., Woman’s Club, 1059 Vallecito rd., $10

Meditation, 10:30-noon, Carpinteria Woman’s club, 1059 Vallecito rd., 847-208-6520

Knitting Group, 1-4 p.m., Veterans Memorial Hall, 941 Walnut Ave., free, 684-8077

Fighting Back Parent Program, 5:30-7 p.m., Canalino School, 1480 Carpinteria Ave., 963-1433 x125 or x132

Kiwanis Club Meeting, 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Hall, 941 Walnut Ave., 368-5644

Coastal View Book Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Carpinteria Branch library, 684-4428 8 Ball Tournament, 7:30 p.m., Carpinteria & linden Pub, 4954 Carpinteria linden Ave.

ONGOING

Lani Garfield photography show, island Brewing Co., 5049 6th St., 745-8272

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 Imagination & Inspiration show, Curious Cup, 929 linden Ave., 220-6608

hindsight

Sunday, Feb. 25

2145 hrs / Incident / Via Real

Unknown suspect(s) took the rear license plate off the victim’s vehicle.

Monday, Feb. 26

1006 hrs / Warrant / 5700 block Carpinteria Avenue

A subject was arrested for two outstanding warrants, and booked at Santa Barbara Main Jail.

1214 hrs / Incident / 4800 block Foothill Road

A former student was seen on surveillance camera trespassing at a local school. The subject drove his vehicle onto campus and did donuts on the grass near the softball field. The reckless driving caused less than $400 to the property. The suspect was contacted and admitted to the violations; a complaint report was sent to the district attorney’s office.

another vehicle traveling his direction. Driver one veered the oncoming vehicle left onto the eastern curb, causing the vehicle to collide with a fixed light pole. Driver one sustained no injuries, and was transported by family due to a non-related medical issue.

1907 hrs / Incident / Carpinteria State Beach

CArPiNtEriA

On your marks, get set, GO!

Deputies were dispatched to Carpinteria State Beach to assist California State Parks. Upon arrival, an officer had arrested a suspect. The suspect attempted to head-butt an officer while being taken to a patrol car. State Parks transported the subject to the Santa Barbara County Jail, where he was booked.

CArPiNteriA VAlley MuSeuM of HiStory

Friday, March 1

As evidenced above, the russell Cup track meet grew from humble beginnings. Pictured here, the 1915 meet marked the third anniversary of the prep school contest for runners, jumpers and throwers. this weekend, russell Cup turns 103. Hundreds of athletes from schools up and down the state will descend on Carpinteria High school to take part in the oldest high school meet in California.

0849 hrs / Theft / 4900 block Carpinteria Avenue

As the nation gears up for March Madness (starting March 19), CVN thought it would be appropriate to stoke the fire of excitement with an image of Carpinteria’s version of highly competitive basketball. Sports rivals Carpinteria and Bishop Diego high schools vie for a piece of the ball at this Feb. 7, 1978 game.

Wednesday, Feb. 28

0811 hrs / Incident / 5000 block Carpinteria Avenue

A vehicle stolen from Santa Barbara was located in the 5000 block of Carpinteria Avenue. The vehicle was unoccupied and locked. The responding officer requested the vehicle be towed.

He said, she said

Bring on the funny!

1747 hrs / DUI / 5300 block El Carro Lane

photo by Monday, March 25.

Multiple callers reported a DUI driver, seen in the area of Carpinteria and Palm avenues, driving recklessly at high speeds and throwing glass alcohol bottles out the window. The vehicle was located at El Carro Park and a traffic stop was initiated. The driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

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.

0017 hrs / Incident / 1100 block Concha Loma Drive

A garden sculpture was believed to have been stolen on Feb. 23. An unknown suspect was seen on security footage jumping over the fence and stealing a sculpture from the garden area. No suspects have been identified. The octopus sculpture was valued at $250.

1157 hrs / Theft / 4200 block Via Real

He said, she said Bring on the funny!

A subject stole approximately $17 worth of food from a local gas station. He was located nearby and cited, and the items were returned.

1207 hrs / Theft / 800 block Linden Avenue

A parent of a juvenile requested law enforcement after her daughter and other female juveniles had been at the beach and met a 27-year-old unknown male who allegedly provided them with alcohol. Deputies attempted to contact the male at his residence on Concha Loma Drive but were unable to locate. Deputies returned later and interviewed several males on scene. The investigation is ongoing.

The manager of a local store called to report a male stealing two cases of beer from the store. It was also reported that this was the second time in less than 30 mins. Deputies located the male fleeing to his nearby residence. The subject was uncooperative and became assaultive towards deputies. The subject was arrested, transported and booked into Santa Barbara Main Jail.

Saturday, March 2

Send us your best caption for this photo by Monday, April 25.

1701 hrs / Traffic / 1100 block Casitas Pass Road

comments brief and don’t expect CVN to print any inappropriate lan guage 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.

Thursday, Feb. 29

A hit-and-run occurred at the above location. The suspect vehicle fled the scene prior to deputies’ arrival. Deputies searched the surrounding area but were unsuccessful in finding the suspect vehicle.

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.

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.

0710 hrs / Collision / 1100 block Casitas Pass Road

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.

Civic

Thursday, March 14

Deputies responded to a traffic accident involving a vehicle and a pole. Driver one was driving the wrong way on Casitas Pass Road when he encountered

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

City of Carpinteria Architectural Review Board meeting, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., 684-5405

us a picture, too. Favorite snacks,

. Anapamu St., m. 17,

meeting, 9 a.m., Board of Supervisors Conference meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council

riday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Car-

MArty

The

The

1. You may observe the live stream of the Montecito 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

2. If you wish to provide public comment, the following methods are available:

• Distribution to the Montecito Planning Commission - Submit your comment via email prior to 12:00 p.m. on the Tuesday 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 pro-

•

When:

of any advertisement, nor the quality of the goods and services advertised. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all claims made in any advertisements, and to use good judgment and reasonable care, particularly when dealing with the persons unknown to you who ask for money in advance of delivery of the goods or services advertised.

circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for the hearing on the petition.

Dated 2/16/2024 by Colleen K. Sterne, Judge of the Superior Court.

FILED BY the Superior Court of California County of Santa Barbara on 2/16/2024.

Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer by Vega, Jessica, Deputy Clerk.

Publish: Feb. 29, March 7,14, 21, 2024

SUMMONS (Family Law)

CASE NUMBER 24FL00112

NOTICE TO RESPONDENT:

PETROLINO LINO PARRA

You have been sued.

NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED:

You are served as an individual.

Petitioner’s name is: MILBURGA DE JESUS CATALAN

You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120 or FL-123) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter or phone call will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, antacting your local county bar association.

NOTICE: The restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. These orders are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from

1. removing the minor child or children of the parties, if any, from the state without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court;

2. cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, pr changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or any other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor child or children;

3. transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate,

4.

You

notify each other of any pro-

extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community property, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

SUPERIOR COURT

1100 ANACAPA STREET

SANTA BARBARA, CA 93121-1107

ANACAPA

The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney are:

MILBURGA DE JESUS

Legals continued from page 18

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT. The following Entity(ies) is/are doing business as GLAREA at 1318 CARPTINERIA, CA 93103. Full name of registrant(s): CRISARES DESIGNS LLC at SAME ADDRESS AS ABOVE. This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY This statement was filed with the County on 02/26/2024. The registrant began transacting business on Feb, 01, 2019. Signed: ARELHY ARROYO ALVAREZ, MANAGING MEMBER In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (see section 1441 Et Seq., Business and Professions code). I hereby certify this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL) FBN2024-0000480. Publish: Feb. 29, March 7,14, 21, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT. The following Entity(ies) is/are doing business as (1) GREEN KEEPER (2) COMPOST FRIENDS at 4886 FRANCES ST, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93111. Full name of registrant(s): NOBLE LOCAL, LLC at SAME ADDRESS AS ABOVE This business is conducted by a LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY This statement was filed with the County on 02/15/2024. The registrant began transacting business on Feb. 01, 2024. Signed: ALFREDO DE LEON, III, MEMBER, In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (see section 1441 Et Seq., Business and Professions code). I hereby certify this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL) FBN2024-0000410. Publish: March 7,14, 21, 28, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT. The following Entity(ies) is/are doing business as ZACK’S CRAFTROOM at 5415 CAMEO RD, CARPINTERIA, CA, 93013. Full name of registrant(s):ZACK’S CRAFTROOM LLC at SAME ADDRESS AS ABOVE. This business is conducted by a LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY This statement was filed with the County on 02/02/2024. The registrant began transacting business on Jan. 10, 2024. Signed: ZECHARIAH BROWN, CEO. In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (see section 1441 Et Seq., Business and Professions code). I hereby certify this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL) FBN2024-0000275. Publish: March 7,14, 21, 28, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT. The following Entity(ies) is/are doing business as GIOVANNI’S PIZZA OF CARPINTERIA at 5205 CARPINTERIA AVENUE, CARPINTERIA, CA, 93013. Full name of registrant(s): NOORMAND AND SONS INC at SAME ADDRESS AS ABOVE. This business is conducted by a CORPORATION This statement was filed with the County on 02/09/2024. The registrant began transacting business on Feb 07, 2024. Signed: MCLEOD INDIANA NOORMAND, CFO. In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (see section 1441 Et Seq., Business and Professions code). I hereby certify this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL) FBN2024-0000358. Publish: March 7,14, 21, 28, 2024

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STUDIO OF MUSIC is currently teaching in-person lessons. Call now to arrange a time. CALL 805-453-3481

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT. The following Entity(ies) is/are doing business as LOS LLANOS RESTAURANT at 35 PARKER WAY, 6, SANTA BARBARA, CA, 93101. Full name of registrant(s): GABRIEL ROMAN, at SAME ADDRESS AS ABOVE. This business is conducted by an Individual. This statement was filed with the County on 02/028/2024. The registrant began transacting business on N/A. Signed: GABRIEL ROMAN, OWNER . In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (see section 1441 Et Seq., Business and Professions code). I hereby certify this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL) FBN2024-0000518. Publish: March 7,14, 21, 28, 2024

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Hail to the Whales & Island Fox Tails FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT. The following Entity(ies) is/are doing business as (1) THE FLAG FACTORY (2) INTERSTATE POLE INDUSTRIES (3) MAIN STREET BANNER U.S.A. (4) THE HOLLY WORKSHOP, INC. at 525 MAPLE AVE, CARPINTERIA, CA 93013. Full name of registrant(s): WONDERFUL THINGS, INC at SAME ADDRESS AS ABOVE. This business is conducted by a Corporation. This statement was filed with the County on 02/08/2024. The registrant began transacting business on Mar 5, 2019. Signed: MONICA ROMERO, CFO. In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (see section 1441 Et Seq., Business and Professions code). I hereby certify this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL) FBN2024-0000336. Publish: Feb. 22, 29, March 7,14, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT. The following Entity(ies) is/are doing business as FLEXIBILITY ARCHIVE at 525 MAPLE AVE, CARPINTERIA, CA 93013. Full name of registrant(s): WONDERFUL THINGS, INC at SAME ADDRESS AS ABOVE. This business is conducted by a Corporation. This statement was filed with the County on 02/08/2024. The registrant began transacting business on Mar 5, 2019. Signed: MONICA ROMERO, CFO. In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (see section 1441 Et Seq., Business and Professions code). I hereby certify this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL) FBN2024-0000441. Publish: Feb. 29, March 7,14, 21, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT. The following Entity(ies) is/are doing business as ARREDIAMO SUMMERLAND at 102 PIERPONT AVE, SUMMERLAND, CA 93067. Full name of registrant(s): ARREDIAMO SANTA FE INC at PO BOX 382, SUMMERLAND CA, 93067 This business is conducted by a Corporation. This statement was filed with the County on 02/23/2024. The registrant began transacting business on Feb. 23, 2024. Signed: MUHTEREM YILDIRIM. In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (see section 1441 Et Seq., Business and Professions code). I hereby certify this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL) FBN2024-0000463. Publish: Feb. 29, March 7,14, 21, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT. The following Entity(ies) is/are doing business as FLEXIBILITY ARCHIVE at 315 MEIGS RD STE A-216, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93109. Full name of registrant(s): TGOF LLC at SAME ADDRESS AS ABOVE. This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY This statement was filed with the County on 02/21/2024. The registrant began transacting business on Feb, 01, 2024. Signed: LUTHER B COWDEN, MANAGER. In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (see section 1441 Et Seq., Business and Professions code). I hereby certify this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL) FBN2024-0000441. Publish: Feb. 29, March 7,14, 21, 2024

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THROWBACK

Rincon Legend John “Ike” Eichert gets a film

BY VINCE BURNS

As last month’s article about Rincon Point during the surf film heyday wrapped (CVN Vol. 30, No. 20), Zachary Eichert made contact in connection with his own film project. If that surname sounds familiar, you’re on the right track; Zach’s labor of love is a 20-minute film about his uncle John “Ike” Eichert, a Rincon icon of the first order.

We got a look at a rough cut of “24 Cota” and spoke to Zach about the project. But first, a bit about the star.

John Eichert (b. 1941) is a Santa Barbara original who attended Montecito High School and was a classmate of George Greenough, Andy Neuman and other legends in the making. He earned the “Ike” nickname, of course, to match that of then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Ike was bitten by the surf bug. Like so many of the early generation of shapers – one thinks of Renny Yater, Bob Simmons and other polymaths – Eichert had the inquisitive spirit of a hands-on tinkerer and experimenter. Soon he was a fiberglasser for Yater. At the tender age of 20, he opened his own board shop, at 24 Cota St. in Santa Barbara. The place quickly became a hangout for the surf-minded and those interested in new techniques in fiberglass, design and hydrodynamics. Dropping by the shop – especially on Fridays – brought one in contact with a who’s who of 1960s Santa Barbara surferati. (Now) Australian shaper Mike Davis (b. 1947) remembered wandering into the shop during junior high:

“I was instantly intrigued by the wood shavings on John Eichert’s big forearms and intoxicated by the smell of catalyzed resin that his younger brother Dave was… applying to the bottom of a balsa board he was laminating … Out the back George Greenough was grinding away on some fiberglass thing he was working on, and I was so in awe of what I was seeing, I could’ve just died on the spot. It was the most incredible assembly of guys just having fun and doing something that, at the time, seemed as close to alchemy as I could’ve imagined. It was like the most incredible club house ever … These guys actually loved doing what they were doing and loved being where they were and who they were doing it with. It was like the center of a universe inhabited by the friendliest most fun-loving bunch of guys in the world.”

Davis’s description is a love letter to a vanished moment and to the hallowed ground – shouldn’t there be a plaque at 24 Cota St.? – in board design. This was surfing’s golden era, after all. Longboards still ruled, but innovation was everywhere, pointing the way to change. One of Ike’s own unique contributions to design was the v-slot fin. He took a v-shaped chunk out of the standard fin, which added both stability and turn-improving flex. The fin could be removeable too – a huge advantage for anyone taking their board (and its fragilely protruding fin) into the world beyond.

As Davis saw it: “This is where the evolution of the modern surfboard began – right there in John Eichert’s little ‘Skunk-works’ factory on 24 Cota St. And while none of us wanted to be a belly or kneeboarder, George’s (Greenough) concepts and theories made sense and taught us all a new language and design philosophy.”

“24 Cota” does a tremendous job of documenting in interviews the excited

“Ike” Eichert, seen in a film still from

intensity prevailing in the shop. Another Rincon legend, Marc Andreini, puts it particularly cogently in the film, connecting the innovation with a lowkey cool that is at home with Rincon’s understated black wetsuits and white surfboards. The laid-back atmosphere was happening outside the gravity pull of Los Angeles and Malibu, marinated in the perfect waves at Rincon and Hollister Ranch: “The guys that were legends were the guys who were avoiding the limelight. They just made really good equipment and rode really good waves away from everybody else... And when you ride really good waves, you just dispense with all the fluff… you just want (the surfboards) to work, right? (Eichert is) one of the purists, which is full Santa Barbara style.” (It’s probably no surprise that the music playing in the background at 24 Cota St. was more likely to be Dave Brubeck cool jazz than the current crowd’s Beach Boys.)

Cota” by Zach

uncle’s shop has been a fun ride, digging into his family’s history while sharpening his filmmaking chops. Zach learned to surf while on a teaching sojourn in the British Virgin Islands. Chaperoning a field trip to a surfing competition, he stumbled across an article on his uncle that got him thinking about the old days, and “24 Cota” is the happy result.

Zach is planning to enter the film in this year’s Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival, now scheduled for June 7 and 8. Inclusion criteria for the festival – now in its fourth year – are simple: films

For Zach Eichert, the project about his

about surfing, skateboarding or the ocean qualify. We wish Zach the best luck with “Cota Street.”

If you have a long-ago Rincon surf story, get in touch at vinceburns805@gmail.com. Vince and Stephen Bates have written “the” history of Rincon Point, available locally and online at amazon.com/dp/1467108707. The Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival website: santabarbarasurffilmfestival.com. Mike Davis’s memories of 24 Cota Street come from his self-published book, Of Wax and Sand and Peter Pan (2019).

RICHARD VINCENT

David, left, and John Eichert at the 24 Cota St. surfboard shop, ca. 1962.

John

“24

Eichert.

CHRISTOPHER BROUGHTON

The poster for “24 Cota” by Zach Eichert.

High-flying Warriors pick up first win of season

Carpinteria boys volleyball defeats Cabrillo in a thrilling home match

BY RYAN P. CRUZ PHOTOS BY ROSANA SWING

After suffering a few tough losses to start the season, Carpinteria boys volleyball earned its first win of the year in a 3-0 sweep over Cabrillo High School on Thursday, Feb. 29.

The Warriors had a slow start to the year, dropping the season opener on the road to Ventura on Feb. 22. The Warriors picked up one set win, but the Cougars took the home court advantage for the rest of the match and defeated Carpinteria in four sets, 3-1.

On Feb. 27, Carpinteria hit the road again to face the Rio Mesa Spartans in Oxnard. Heading into the match, Rio Mesa had won two straight to start the season at 2-0, with both wins coming in 3-0 sweeps over Moorpark and Fillmore.

The high-powered Spartans squad proved too much for Carpinteria, and Rio Mesa came away with another 3-0 sweep, handing the Warriors their second loss in a row.

The next night on Feb. 28, Carpinteria hosted Santa Ynez for the first home match of the year at Carpinteria High School. Both teams came into the match with matching 0-2 records, but it was the visiting Pirates who earned their first win of the year in a 3-0 sweep over the Warriors.

Less than 24 hours later – in what was the Warriors’ third match in three days – Carpinteria hosted the Cabrillo (Lompoc) Conquistadores. In this match, the high-flying Warriors squad finally broke through into the win column, with Carpinteria securing its first victory of the year in a decisive 3-0 sweep in front of the home fans.

The Warriors overcame slow starts in each set to pull out the win, with Carpinteria claiming the first set, 25-22, before taking the second by a score of 25-19. In the third and final set, the Warriors held

Carpinteria’s Javier Reyes gets vertical to earn a point for the Warriors. on to seal the match in a 25-19 final score.

Coach Favian Muralles said that Warriors hitters Javier Reyes and Cole Rowbottom played a “pivotal role in maintaining the Warriors’ competitive edge throughout the game,” with both providing well-timed kills to help Carpinteria earn its first win of the season.

With the win, Carpinteria now has a 1-3 overall record and will look to get a good start to the Citrus Coast League schedule this week with back-to-back conference matches. The team met up with Fillmore on March 6, and is on the road again on March 7 for a match with Nordhoff.

The Warriors’ front line of Juan Quintero and Mario Mares stuff a Santa Ynez shot.

Andres

SPORT SHORTS

BY RYAN P. CRUZ

Carpinteria track wins dual meet

Carpinteria track and field hosted a dual meet against Nordhoff on Feb. 29; both the Warriors boys and girls came out on top, and several athletes set new personal records.

In the first dual meet and Citrus Coast League meet of the season, Carpinteria’s girls won with a score of 106-30 while the boys’ squad prevailed by a margin of 73-62.

Senior captain Audrey Kramer set two new personal records with wins in both the 1600 and 3200 meters. Junior Camila Martinez won both the long and triple jumps, while junior Melanie Avalos also won two events with first place in both the shot put and discus. Other double winners were Vivian Huskins, who won the 200 and participated in the Warriors’ winning 4x100 relay team, and Mika Mullikin, who won the 300 hurdles and was part of the winning 4x400 relay team.

On the boys’ side, senior Wes Chung was a triple winner in his first meet of the year, winning the high jump and both the 110- and 300-meter hurdles. Junior Joel De Lira won the 800 and 1,600 meters, while sophomore Nathan Holmstrom won the 3,200 meters and junior Nathan Carillo took first in the pole vault.

“It was a promising league opener,” said Carpinteria coach Van Latham. “We had many strong performances and quite a few personal records, especially for an early season meet.”

Cate Rams roundup

Cate school is in the thick of spring sports, with a jam-packed week of action in boys tennis, boys volleyball, swimming and lacrosse.

Boys tennis is on a two-match win streak after victories over St. Bonaventure and Bishop Diego. The Rams defeated St. Bonaventure 14-4 on Feb. 22 before grabbing a second league win over Bishop Diego on Feb. 29.

Against Bishop Diego, Rams senior Felipe Blanco won all three singles matches, while doubles duos of Alex Gallegos with Kaden Greene and Elias Lieser with Graham Clinger also went undefeated. Cate is now 2-2 overall and 2-0 in league play this season.

Cate boys volleyball has won three in a row after picking up three-set sweeps over Foothill Tech, Dunn and St. Bonaventure. In the Rams’ 3-0 win over St. Bonaventure on Feb. 29, senior Ben Richmond led Cate with a team-high 18 kills for the night.

“The team really came together on the court tonight and it was a well-played, well-deserved win,” said Cate coach KC Collins.

Cate baseball picked up its first win of the year with a lopsided 11-1 win over Newbury Park Adventist on Feb. 28, then the Rams picked up a second straight win with a 7-5 win over Nordhoff the next day on Feb. 29.

At left, freshman Elio Taha has made a mark on the tennis court this season. At right, Lucas Martin did not drop a game in a 3-0 doubles sweep against Nordhoff.

Warriors tennis grabs first win of season

BY RYAN P. CRUZ

After getting off to an 0-3 start to the season, Carpinteria boys tennis grabbed its first win of the year in an 11-7 victory over defending league champion Nordhoff on Tuesday, March 5.

The Warriors had a tough three-game stretch to start the 2024 season, but Carpinteria broke into the win column in what coach Charles Bryant said was the best match of the season so far.

“The boys were really up for this match and it showed,” Bryant said. “We played with a lot of fire and a resolve to not drop any games which helped today and will help in future matches. All of our league matches are going to be battles and will be tightly contested.”

Brothers Nolan and Lucas Martin were unstoppable in doubles play, winning all three sets without dropping a single game.

“They both are playing well together and have that inherent quality that brothers share, which makes them a tough duo,” Bryant said.

The duo of sophomore Edwin Hernandez and freshman Elio Taha also went 3-0, while the new duo Servando Campuzano and John Morrison finished at 2-1. Singles star Max Stone swept all three of his sets in the win over Nordhoff.

Carpinteria is now 1-3 overall, and 1-1 in league play heading into this week’s matchup against Hueneme on March 7.

The win over Newbury Park served as a breakout game for Cate junior Quinn Pullen, who started the game on the mound and pitched all six innings, only allowing one hit while striking out 14 batters. As a hitter, Pullen had two hits, including a triple and three RBIs for the Rams.

“We did a ton of good things today and it felt good to get in the win column,” said Cate coach David Soto. “Our young team continues to improve and I’m very proud of their effort today.”

On the lacrosse field, the Cate girls fell to 1-1 on the year with a 7-6 loss to Saugus on Feb. 27. In the loss, sophomore Maia Holmes contributed three goals and two assists; junior Sophia Ospina scored two goals and one assist; senior Riley Pan had one goal; and junior Jeeyou Jung tallied eight saves in the net.

Boys lacrosse opened up the season with back-to-back wins over Santa Barbara and Viewpoint to move to 2-0 overall on the season. Against Santa Barbara, Cate scored early and often and overpowered the Dons by a score of 15-2. Two days later, Cate kept up the aggression on offense in a decisive 11-5 win over Viewpoint.

Rams sports will return after Cate’s spring break on the week of March 18.

Warriors swimmers dominate Raider Relays

Carpinteria brought an army of swimmers – with 18 boys and 14 girls – to the eight-team Raider Relays at a rainy Hueneme High School on Friday, March 1, where the Warriors swimmers dominated in almost every possible category on the day.

Carpinteria earned its third consecutive all-around team trophy at the event, and for the second year the Warriors persevered through the weather and took the top spot at the Raider Relays. After a long day of races, Carpinteria girls varsity won seven of eight events (with one disqualification); boys varsity swept all eight events; junior varsity boys won all five events; and junior varsity girls won three of four races with one disqualification.

“The team showed great enthusiasm and team support despite the weather,” said coach Jon Otsuki.

JOSH PETERSON

Sophomore Lauren Hubbs fires off a shot for Cate girls lacrosse.

ROSANA SWING PHOTOS

COURTESY PHOTO

Warriors swimmers celebrate a wet and rainy win at the Raider Relays.

CRUZ ON SPORTS

RYAN P. CRUZ

Thanks, coach

In the world of sports, the position of coach is an almost holy calling. A coach is a mentor, a leader, a friend and someone responsible for both the success of a group and for the development of each player in their care. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, as far as sports are concerned, a good coach is everything.

But as big-money influence bleeds into the sports industry, the position of coach has risen to rock-star status. In college football – now a billion-dollar industry – the running price for a top-ofthe-line coach is well over $10 million a year. And since big-time universities and professional sports organizations treat the position of coach like CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, the pressures of winning often come with heavy prices.

If coaches don’t win, they are fired

– even if it costs an institution millions of dollars. This was the case last November when Texas A&M’s head football coach Jimbo Fisher was paid a whopping $77 million when he was fired before the end of his contract; it was the largest buyout in college football history.

Just two months later, legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick – who is considered to be one of the greatest professional sports coaches of all time with six Super Bowl wins as a head coach of the New England Patriots, and two more as a defensive coordinator for the New York Giants – was let go after serving up the worst season in his career with a 4-13 record in 2023. At the time, Belichick was the highest-paid coach in American sports, bringing in a salary of $25 million per year.

These cases are rare, though. Coaches bringing in millions of dollars a year get a lot of attention and are showered with awards, but in the wide world of sports there are thousands upon thousands of coaches among all levels – from Little League to high school – putting in countless hours, unpaid and unthanked, helping shape young minds and doing it all for the love of the game.

I’m talking about the high school teacher who spends his afternoons coaching junior varsity basketball, driving hours to a game and returning to grade papers later that night. Or the volunteer Little League coach, who is often just a team dad with some extra time and the patience of a saint. Honestly, have you ever tried to organize a practice for tento 12-year-olds? When I helped my uncle coach my cousin’s youth baseball team it became one of the most terrifying – but rewarding – summers of my life.

•Sat.-Sun. 6:30am-3pm

Carpinteria Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-2pm •Sat.-Sun. 6:30am-3pm Bagelnet.com for Restaurant menu

On a local level, the job of coach is still sacred. It’s one of the reasons I love sports so much. Besides being a fun and healthy outlet for children, organized sports can be a space for them to understand how to deal with adversity, learn how to lose and challenge themselves to improve in a safe and gratifying way. The lessons you learn on the Little League field or in the pool or on the basketball court will stay with you for the rest of your life, and you often don’t realize until much later that it was that unpaid coach there guiding you

Carpinteria Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-2pm •Sat.-Sun. 6:30am-3pm Bagelnet.com for Restaurant menu

coaches that helped coach the fifth through sixth grade boys basketball All Stars to a recent tournament victory; or Jeff Spach and Brett Labistour, who volunteered their time to lead the “Carp United” 14-and-under girls soccer squad to the AYSO Western States Championships.

All of these coaches help keep the culture of sports alive, and although they aren’t exactly winning Super Bowls or bringing in billions of dollars, I would argue that they are far more important because they help mold young athletes into good people, often inspiring the next generation of coaches after that.

I still remember my youth basketball coaches at the Eastside Boys & Girls Club in Santa Barbara, Mwei Banks and Benji Robles, who helped me find my love for sports and who are still going on strong teaching the next generation of hoopers. One of my old teammates from those days, Manny Murillo, is now coaching high school girls basketball himself, keeping the tradition of the student becoming

Without them, the stars of tomorrow would never flourish. So, thank you to all the overlooked and unacknowledged coaches across the world – a long overdue and well-deserved thank you, coach

These are the coaches that hold a community together. Here in Carpinteria, it’s Jason Himeon and Rosendo Aispuro, the

Carpinteria Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-2pm •Sat.-Sun. 6:30am-3pm Bagelnet.com for Restaurant menu

Carpinteria Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-2pm •Sat.-Sun. 6:30am-3pm Bagelnet.com for Restaurant menu

Carpinteria

Carpinteria Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-2pm •Sat.-Sun. 6:30am-3pm Carpinteria Mon.-Fri.

Ryan P. Cruz is the sports editor for Coastal View News. This is the latest installment of a monthly column where he explores local sports, sports history, and what’s in store for the future of Carpinteria sports. Have an idea, tip, or sports story? Email him at sports@ coastalview.com.

Traffic

from 6 p.m. on March 9 and 10 a.m. on March 10 while this takes place.

Regarding ongoing closures along the highway, one lane from Carpinteria Avenue to Hermosillo Road will be closed Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Sunday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The northbound on-ramp at San Ysidro Road will continue to be closed until early 2025, and the southbound off-ramp will be closed until the summer of this year.

On the southbound side of Highway 101, one lane from Cabrillo Boulevard to Carpinteria Avenue – as well as the onramp at Posilipo Road, the off-ramp at South Padaro and Santa Claus lanes and the on- and off-ramps at North Padaro Lane – will be closed Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., and Sunday from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Caltrans construction crews will also work on both North and South Jameson lanes. Beginning March 3 until March 16, flaggers will direct traffic on North Jameson Lane between Sheffield Drive and San Ysidro Road from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. as needed, to allow crews to remove vegetation and prepare for construction.

On South Jameson Lane, flaggers will direct traffic between San Ysidro Road and Eucalyptus Lane and Danielson Road. This takes place during the week of March 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the week of March 10, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

––Jun Starkey

COURTESY PHOTO

At the South Padaro Lane Undercrossing, crew members construct safety barriers and retaining walls under the bridge.

Just Married!

Mike Scott &

NOTES ON THE DAY ...

IS THERE A MOMENT FROM YOUR WEDDING THAT STANDS OUT?

Our first look was one of the best parts of the day. We weren’t sure whether we were going to do a first look or not and, in the end, it was the best decision! It was a special moment for just the two of us and gave us time to be together and share our excitement and happiness with each other.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUES?

We knew we wanted to be outside and living near the beach seemed like an easy decision to have our ceremony on the beach. Everyone was seated facing the ocean, and it was absolutely beautiful. The reception was at my parent’s house. We wanted it to be really intimate since we had such a small group, so we set up tables and had a catered reception in their backyard.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON WHAT CAKE AND FOOD YOU WERE GOING TO SERVE? DID YOUR GUESTS ENJOY YOUR CHOICES?

Our cake and food we wanted to be delicious and things everyone would enjoy. We didn’t want anything too fussy, and we needed kid-friendly options as well as foods for the adults. Catering was a great choice because we could pick and choose exactly what we wanted served.

DID YOU INCORPORATE YOUR OWN PERSONALITIES INTO THE WEDDING DAY? IF SO, HOW?

There were a few things that made it very personal. We wrote our own vows, my son walked my down the aisle and my sister officiated our ceremony.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART FOR YOU IN PLANNING A WEDDING? WERE THERE ANY HICCUPS? IF SO, WHAT WERE THEY, AND HOW COULD THEY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED?

The most difficult part of the day was the music not working correctly and after our ceremony people didn’t really know what to do so it was silent.

HOW DID YOU SET A BUDGET?

We thought about how much money we really wanted to spend on one day and if we’d rather spend that on the day, or a honeymoon, and budgeted from there.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?

It’s only one day. It’s not about the dress, the location, the food, the flowers or anything else other than the two of you. Remember what the day is all about.

THE MAGIC MAKERS ...

Wedding planner/coordinator: PacWest Blooms

Cake/dessert: Lilac Patisserie

Photographer: We Are Matt and Jess

Ceremony & reception venue: Third Beach, Carpinteria

Caterer: Nicky Daley at Heat Culinary

Dress shop: Reformation

Flowers: PacWest Blooms

Officiant: Bride’s sister

Decorative furniture/rentals: PacWest Blooms

Honeymoon: Hawaii

The beautiful sanctuary of Carpinteria Community Church, adorned with stained glass windows and intimate lighting, is the perfect place for family and friends to gather on your big day. The rose garden creates a colorful backdrop for wedding photos. Stay & celebrate in the Parish Hall for your reception, with a seating capacity of 105 people (champagne, beer and wine acceptable). High beam ceilings, french doors, hardwood floor, and adjacent patio sets the stage for lasting memories.

The beautiful sanctuary of Carpinteria Community Church, adorned with stained glass windows and intimate lighting, is the perfect place for family and friends to gather on your big day. The rose garden creates a colorful backdrop for wedding photos. Stay and celebrate in the Parish Hall for your reception, with a seating capacity of 105 people indoors, an additional 50 on the patio available (champagne, beer and wine acceptable). High beam ceilings, french doors, hardwood floor, and adjacent patio sets the stage for lasting memories. Newly added sound system, carpeting and LED video wall keep this classic venue state of the art.

Tempting your

Delight your guests with delicious hand made French chocolate favors.

Choose from our 36 different flavors or custom made just for you !

What a fabulous way to say “Thank you for sharing our special occasion”! Lets talk!

Alyssa Matthew&Kliewer

NOTES ON THE DAY ...

IS THERE A MOMENT FROM YOUR WEDDING THAT STANDS OUT?

During our reception, we held a traditional Chinese/Vietnamese tea ceremony to honor Alyssa’s father’s side of the family. For this ceremony, we were dressed in Ao Dais and served tea to all of our grandparents, grandaunts/uncles, parents, aunts/uncles and older siblings. It was a nice way for Matt’s side of the family to learn about Alyssa’s family’s culture.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUES?

We wanted to get married at a church, and we picked Santa Barbara Community Church because it was a very special place for Matt’s family. Matt’s parents also got married there!

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON WHAT CAKE AND FOOD YOU WERE GOING TO SERVE? DID YOUR GUESTS ENJOY YOUR CHOICES?

Alyssa wanted Chinese food to be served at our wedding, and so we decided to go with the best in town – Uncle Chen Restaurant in Carpinteria. They were so nice to work with and they helped us craft a menu that would feed all of our guests. The orange chicken was a hit!

For the cake, we knew that we wanted to go with cupcakes so that it would be easier to serve, and we also wanted a small cake for us to cut. Alyssa’s talented little sister made us a small vegan Star Wars-themed cake – complete with a mini–Millennium Falcon and X-Wing Starfighters. Then, Alyssa’s family friend, Diana Salzer, gifted us with cupcakes for our wedding.

DID YOU INCORPORATE YOUR OWN PERSONALITIES INTO THE WEDDING DAY? IF SO, HOW?

We had a Star Wars-themed wedding reception because we’re both huge fans and it gave both sides of our family something fun to bond over. Alyssa’s dad also made a rare public appearance as Darth Vader!

HOW DID YOU SET A BUDGET?

We created a very detailed Excel spreadsheet and compared pricing between vendors before selecting our vendors and adding the estimated costs for the essential things – venue, food, rentals, photographer/videographer. We looked at the costs for elective items, like a photo booth, and we decided to prioritize what we actually needed.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?

In addition to/in place of traditional invitations, consider creating a website to make the event details more accessible to your wedding guests. There’s only so much information that you can print on a card, and so the website helped us communicate the details with our guests. We looked into all of the most popular wedding websites, but in the end, we chose to use WithJoy.com

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MENTION?

Since Alyssa works at Westerlay Orchids, it was inevitable that we were going to have orchids at our wedding. We placed orchids at each table instead of cut flower arrangements, and then we placed one special chair at each table for a lucky winner to bring home an orchid! It was so special because the orchids lasted months after our wedding and they still remind our guests about our special day!

For the bouquets, Alyssa also had to have Dahlias in her bouquets because they remind her of Carpinteria. She picked her favorite flowers at Maximum Flowers and then the PacWest Blooms team took care of the rest.

THE MAGIC MAKERS ...

Wedding planner/coordinator: PacWest Blooms

Cake/dessert: Salzer’s Pies and Pastries and Alyssa’s little sister

Photographer/videographer: Gold Coast Weddings

Invitations, signage designer: Alyssa, the bride

Ceremony & reception venue: Santa Barbara Community Church

Caterer: Uncle Chen Restaurant in Carpinteria

Dress shop: David’s Bridal, Confete, Etsy

Tux: Stych Inc.

Flowers: PacWest Blooms, Westerlay Orchids, Maximum Flowers

Music: DJ Jose Rabelo, AMS Events

Officiant: Nick Tortorici

Decorative furniture/rentals: Bright Rentals

Honeymoon: Catalina Island and Yosemite

Rehearsal dinner location: Padaro Beach Grill

Wedding rings: George Thompson Diamond Company

Other: Fruit table, created and gifted by the bride’s mom’s family

Carp

creates one-of-a-kind events for life’s most special celebrations.

Full-service event catering, from large scale weddings and parties to intimate dinners in your home. Our

your tastes with one goal in mind, to provide your guests with food they’ll be amazed by.

Natalie Durtche

&

Christian Baker

JUNE 10, 2023

NOTES ON THE DAY ... TELL US ABOUT YOURSELVES.

There are many ways two individuals may come together to find their one true love. In Christian and Natalie’s case, their love story began with some family-crafted matchmaking.

It was the end of 2020 when Natalie’s uncle and aunt, Brian and Tina, had their first taste of wine at Rincon Mountain Winery. They fell in love with not just the wine, but the one serving it as well. It was then that the trail of love began. Rob and Michelle Durtche, Natalie’s parents, joined as guests at a wine event at the top of Rincon Mountain. Just as much as they fell in love with the view of their beloved Carpinteria, they too were very fond of Christian.

When Michelle asked Christian’s sister, Jill, if he was single, her answer came with three points of criteria: she had to love Disney, love German Shepherds and be preferably Mexican. For those who know the Durtche family, you will understand why jaws dropped when hearing this answer.

It was March 21 when Natalie joined her family for a tasting at the winery, completely unaware of the behind-the-scenes matchmaking. While many dread the thought of a family setup, Natalie and Christian are forever grateful for it.

They went on their first date a few days later and have been inseparable ever since. Fast forward to the 28th of December in 2022, Christian got down on one knee and asked Natalie to spend the rest of their lives together. Natalie is a fifth generation Carpinterian. Her and Christian are expecting their first child in May 2024 – a baby girl.

IS THERE A MOMENT FROM YOUR WEDDING THAT STANDS OUT?

The whole thing. How do you pick from such a magical day?

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUES?

We chose Mt. Carmel because I went to school and taught there. We chose El Paseo because it’s very beautiful inside and super convenient for wedding receptions.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON WHAT CAKE AND FOOD YOU WERE GOING TO SERVE? DID YOUR GUESTS ENJOY YOUR CHOICES?

The chef from El Paseo told us about the bakery right down the street called Alessia Bakery. It was fantastic!

DID YOU INCORPORATE YOUR OWN PERSONALITIES INTO THE WEDDING DAY? IF SO, HOW?

We picked a family DJ that knows the music we like and made our own playlist for dinner. Suzie Schneider from PacWest Blooms made the most beautiful arrangements with the flowers we picked.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART FOR YOU IN PLANNING A WEDDING? WERE THERE ANY HICCUPS? IF SO, WHAT WERE THEY, AND HOW COULD THEY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED?

Thankfully, with the help of Suzie, the whole day went smoothly. We were able to just show up and enjoy the day.

HOW DID YOU SET A BUDGET?

We kept our budget at a reasonable amount by having it at a restaurant that provided everything we needed, except flowers, a planner and music.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?

The best advice I would give is that it is so important to have a planner. We felt as if we were guests at our own wedding. Suzie took care of everything.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION?

Our wedding day was the most beautiful, magical day, surrounded by the people we love the most. I wish we could do it all over again.

THE MAGIC MAKERS ...

Wedding planner/coordinator: Suzie Schneider, PacWest Blooms

Cake/dessert: Alessia Bakery, Santa Barbara

Photographer: Ryan Morris

Videographer: Danny Carrera

Invitations, signage designer: The bride’s mom, Michelle Durtche

Ceremony & reception venue:

Our Lady of Mt. Car mel Church and El Paseo Restaurant

Caterer: El Paseo Restaurant

Makeup: Emily Durtche

Hair: Gabriella Salazar at Amari Salon

Dress shop: Ana Maria Bridal Santa Barbara

Tux: Men’s Wearhouse

Flowers: PacWest Blooms

Music: DJ John Olivares

Officiant: Father Martini

Altar: Church

Honeymoon: Delayed, due to baby on the way!

Rehearsal dinner location: Rincon Mountain Winery

Wedding rings: Jewelry Couture

Other:

Rockstar Trolley, for transportation from church to reception

JJ Koski &

NOTES ON THE DAY ...

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELVES.

JJ: I grew up in South Reno, Nev. and spent a lot of my youth up at Lake Tahoe in all the seasons and loved to ski. I left Reno in my early 20s and made my way to the Central Coast and lived in Arroyo Grande for a few years before making my way to Santa Barbara. There I made a fantastic group of friends and quickly fell in love with everything here. As I explored the area, I fell even more in love with Carpinteria, finding myself spending days off in town and surfing Rincon, often.

I had an opportunity to move to Carpinteria and I jumped on it. As I became a resident in town I began to make more friends, some of them mutual friends with Miranda. We got introduced to each other while I was home for the holidays. We were talking on FaceTime one day and I asked her when I could take her on a date. She said tomorrow! (At the time I was eight hours away.) I drove eight hours from Reno to Carpinteria the very next morning, arriving back in Carp just 15 minutes before I was supposed to meet her at Delgado’s for dinner. We spent every single day after that first date with each other in a relationship. Inseparable. Now she is my wife!

Miranda: I have been lucky enough to call Carpinteria home for the past 30 years! I’ve spent the last 10 years working in Hospitality and Tech Sales. JJ and I look forward to growing our family in Carp – I am lucky that most all of my relatives still live here. We love spending our weekends riding our bikes around town, walking our dog Bruce on the beach and listening to live music at local breweries!

IS THERE A MOMENT FROM YOUR WEDDING THAT STANDS OUT?

JJ: The minute that I saw my wife for the first time start walking down the aisle is a feeling I’ll never forget. Having both of our families together was per-

fect. The whole day was perfect. Having my best friend be our officiant was awesome.

Miranda: I don’t think there was just one moment. The magic of the whole day was unforgettable. Looking back, I think we were surrounded by so much love from our families and friends we were really able to fully be present and enjoy all of the special moments. Having a first look with my dad was really special and great way to kick off the ceremony.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VENUES?

Bodega has been a special part of our relationship. We went there on our third date and both of us said how great of a place it would make for a wedding. Little did we know two years later we would be standing under the trees saying, “I do.” We both really wanted an intimate venue that felt comfortable. There was also a guest house on the property where we got to stay all weekend, and that’s where I got ready with my girls the morning of. We had a lot of people coming from out of town that stayed at Airbnbs or the Alamo Motel down the street and our venue was walkable to everyone.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON WHAT CAKE AND FOOD YOU WERE GOING TO SERVE?

We knew we wanted to do something different and non-traditional, so instead of a cake cutting, we did a champagne tower and toast to our guests. My aunt Pam made homemade shortbread cookies for a sweet treat that were passed out after dinner. The day after our wedding we had brunch with our families and my other aunt Gogi made a delicious cake from scratch, and we had an intimate cake cutting for the photo op.

DID YOU INCORPORATE YOUR OWN PERSONALITIES INTO THE WEDDING DAY?

Definitely! We both have a love for nature/being outdoors, so I think our venue showcased that. We had personalized rustic touches but also incorporated sentimental decor pieces from our grandparents while keeping the theme minimal.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART FOR YOU IN PLANNING A WEDDING? WERE THERE ANY HICCUPS?

Miranda: Honestly nothing was too difficult thankfully! Start planning early and have a vision. We created Pinterest boards to help us with inspiration.

JJ: Wedding planning is easy… when your wife does all of it! She was really good at including me in the process and we made decisions as a team, but all credit goes to her for planning a wonderful day.

HOW DID YOU SET A BUDGET?

We built our budget around what was most important to us: food, music, location. We were able to curate exactly what we wanted within budget by creating a lot of the decor, bud vases/flowers and signage ourselves. Our venue included tables and chairs, so we didn’t have to spend a lot on rentals.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?

Miranda: I think the main thing is to stay true to who you are as a couple and have your day reflect that – don’t get caught up in other people’s opinions. We really wanted a fun, relaxed day filled with love and laughter and looking back, I think we achieved just that!

JJ: Find a photographer who you vibe with and who makes you feel comfortable! Let go and enjoy being in the moment!

THE MAGIC MAKERS ...

Wedding planner/coordinator: Miranda Duffield and Brian Schneider

Cake/dessert: Lemon custard and raspberry shortbread cookies made by the bride’s aunt

Photographer: Cambria Shelley

Invitations, signage designer: Designed on Etsy and printed signage from Rockwell Printing in Carpinteria

Ceremony & reception venue: Bodega Los Alamos

Caterer: Lucca Woodfired Pizza Truck

Hair: Gabbi Salazar

Makeup: Rose Jones

Dress shop: Moondance Bridal Boutique

Tux: The Wharf

Flowers: Roses and greenery from Trader Joe’s; bride’s bouquet done by Brian at PacWest Blooms

Music: DJ Marco Alvaro

Officiant: Micheal Morrison

Altar: Designed by bride

Honeymoon: Spain and Portugal

Rehearsal dinner location: Eagle Creek Ranch

Wedding rings: Jared Jewelers

Suzie Chris S &chneider

NOTES ON THE DAY ... TELL US ABOUT YOURSELVES

WEDDING MARCH 20, 1993

VOW RENEWAL MARCH 20, 2023

Chris and I have lived in Carpinteria all our lives and have three adult children: David, Brian and Elena. We own a wedding and event business in Carpinteria and support our community through volunteering and coaching. I am active in Carpinteria Women for Agriculture and the Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning.

IS THERE A MOMENT FROM YOUR DAY THAT STANDS OUT?

A moment I will not forget is that as I was walking towards Chris, I felt my body start to run. I could not get to him fast enough. It was as if the 30 years that had passed and all the moments and emotions of those years pulled me towards him in a single moment.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VENUES?

Chris and I spent hours during the summer at the beach when we were younger. At the sand, standing at the end of Linden, is one of my favorite locations.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON WHAT CAKE AND FOOD YOU WERE GOING TO SERVE? DID YOUR GUESTS ENJOY YOUR CHOICES?

Events By Rincon was our number one choice to have our reception. As a floral designer, I have designed at the Gardens and I couldn’t think of a more fitting venue to have it at. I wanted to treat myself and my family to Rincon’s impeccable service and food, especially their dessert menu. That may have been the hardest part of planning the renewal – selecting from so many great and delicious menu options!

DID YOU INCORPORATE YOUR OWN PERSONALITIES INTO THE DAY? IF SO, HOW?

Family is everything to us. Having only our immediate family with an intimate reception was important. It was also important to me to have my original bridesmaids there and they were able to make it! We remember looking out at our family and our hearts were so full, especially seeing our three children stand near us. We had family members fly in from Montana and that meant the world to us!

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART FOR YOU IN PLANNING?

WERE THERE ANY HICCUPS? IF SO, WHAT WERE THEY, AND HOW COULD THEY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED?

Nothing was difficult, but it was so cold and windy. Props to my entire family and friends for sticking out the wind. It started to rain the moment the ceremony was over. We did have a plan B in place, but thankfully the rain waited.

HOW DID YOU SET A BUDGET?

Well... let’s say I saved for a while. I didn’t want to have to compromise on my venue choice.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING THEIR DAY?

For us, it was a vow renewal, so whatever the event – and this is advice I give my own clients – stay true to yourself. It’s the first big decision many couples make and it’s important to discuss budget and what you do not want to compromise on. Additionally, hire professionals and allow your family to enjoy themselves the day of.

THE MAGIC MAKERS ... Wedding planner/coordinator: Self, Suzie Schneider

Cake/dessert: Events By Rincon

Photographer: Mark Ruiz

Videographer: Family

Ceremony & reception venue: Rincon Beach Club

Caterer: Events By Rincon

Hair: Christie Colson

Makeup: Kylie Barber

Dress shop: Lulus

Flowers: Brian Schneider / PacWest Blooms

Music: Xenia Flores

Officiant: Gerald “G” Torres

Honeymoon: Maui