Coastal View News • March 23, 2023

Large trees were uprooted and fell during the mid-March storm, including one on the bluffs at the Tar Pits Park in Carpinteria and another at Linden Field, where it partially blocked the Tomol Park Interpretive Play Area. The storm also damaged 26 residences at the Sandpiper Mobile Home Park, where a wind event caused damage to carports and awnings. See more about the storm on page 5.

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Carpinteria man arrested for child molestation

Additional victims sought in criminal investigation

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Carpinteria resident Luis Antonio Ibarra Delgadillo – also known as Anthony Ibarra – was arrested earlier this month and charged with engaging with sexual acts with a child under 10, going back to 2015. He is being held without bail at the Santa Barbara Main Jail.

Ibarra Delgadillo, 37, was taken into custody after an extensive confidential criminal investigation on March 9, according to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office representative Raquel Zick.

According to Zick, Ibarra Delgadillo is an unemployed business owner.

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Zick said detectives believe that there are additional survivors of sexual assault who have not yet been identified. Anyone with information should contact Detective Swank at (805) 681-4150 or submit an anonymous tip at sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip.

ATTORNEY

STEFANIE HERRINGTON ATTORNEY

STEFANIE HERRINGTON ATTORNEY

Survivors of sexual assault can seek confidential services through Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA). STESA can be reached at a confidential 24-hour hotline at (805) 564-3696.

559 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, SUITE J

559 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, SUITE J MONTECITO, CA 93108

559 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, SUITE J

559 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, SUITE J MONTECITO, CA 93108 (805) 293-6363

MONTECITO, CA 93108

MONTECITO, CA 93108

(805) 293-6363

stefanie@montecitolawgroup.com

(805) 293-6363

stefanie@montecitolawgroup.com

MONTECITOLAWGROUP.COM

(805) 293-6363

stefanie@montecitolawgroup.com

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LUNCHSPECIALS

507 Linden Ave. • Carpinteria 7:30am-2pm Closed Wednesday To-Go Orders Also!

Fried Chicken &Waffles, with Hominy Grits

Buttermilk battered chicken breast on grits with two waffles.

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Buttermilk battered chicken breast on bun, with dill pickle chips, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, and house made special sauce. Served with onion rings, french fries, or sweet potato fries.

Avocado, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, pepperjack cheese, red onions, on gluten free bread.

Local spring mix, tossed with dried cranberries & figs, chopped green apple, buttermilk battered chicken breast. Served with honey mustard dressing.

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Covid-19 numbers as of March 16

County reports slight decrease in confirmed cases

The Santa Barbara County Health Department reported a slight decrease in the weekly average of PCR-confirmed Covid-19 cases, with a 18.2% dip. Cases are often underreported in Santa Barbara County because of the rise in at-home, rapid testing. Covid-19 community levels remain low in Santa Barbara County, and no new deaths were reported last week. Everyone six months and older should receive an updated, bivalent booster; learn more at vaccines.gov.

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Creamy Goat Cheese

Fresh Oat & Almond Milk

Free Range Hormone and Antibiotics Free Eggs

Fried Chicken &Waffles, with Hominy Grits

Buttermilk battered chicken breast on grits with two waffles. Served with Vermont Maple Syrup.

Organic baby spinach, tossed with chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and goat cheese. Served with house made balsamic vinaigrette.

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Bison Burger

Full Fat Buttermilk Pancakes & Biscuits

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Avocado, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, pepperjack cheese, red onions, on gluten free bread. Served with coleslaw or fruit.

Local spring mix, tossed with dried cranberries & figs, chopped green apple, buttermilk battered chicken breast. Served with honey mustard dressing.

Organic baby spinach, tossed with chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and goat cheese. Served with house made balsamic vinaigrette.

Preliminary results from this year’s Point in Time County show a decrease in individuals experiencing homelessness.

Preliminary POT Count results show decrease in homeless individuals

Preliminary results from Santa Barbara County’s Point in Time Count – a volunteer-led effort that counts the number of homeless individuals living in the county – show a decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness compared to last year.

Volunteers counted 1,887 people this year during the Jan. 25 count, compared to 1,962 in 2022. Of those surveyed, more than 77% reported becoming homeless while already living in Santa Barbara County.

In Carpinteria, volunteers counted 23 persons experiencing homelessness, compared to 136 in Goleta, 787 in Santa Barbara, 88 in Isla Vista and 72 in unincorporated areas of the South County.

In North County, volunteers reported 233 people in Lompoc, 20 in Buellton, SolBRIEFLY continued on page 3

COURTESY COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA

vang and the Santa Ynez Valley, 472 in Santa Maria, eight in Guadalupe and 47 in Unincorporated North County.

Kelsey Buttitta, public information office for the County of Santa Barbara, attributed the decreased numbers, in part, to the Emergency Housing Voucher program. Through the program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gave the county 272 long-term rental subsidy vouchers to the city of Santa Barbara and county housing authorities.

“The Emergency Housing Voucher Program is helping families enter housing and end their homelessness. This program has been instrumental in the County of Santa Barbara’s efforts to house vulnerable and chronically homeless residents across our communities. Largely as a result of prevention and housing efforts like vouchers, the 2023 Point in Time Count has shown a decrease in homelessness in the county,” Continuum of Care Chairperson Sylvia Barnard said in a press release last week.

Alarcon promoted to CommUnify’s director of youth, family services

Carpinteria City Councilmember Natalia

Alarcon is CommUnify’s new director of Family and Youth Services, the nonprofit organization announced Tuesday. CommUnify Works with local agencies to provide family and support services, including through the HeadStart program.

As director, Alarcon will oversee five local programs, helping at-risk families throughout the county, including the South Coast Youth Safety Partnership, Cal-SOAP, Familias Seguras/Secure Families, the Adolescent Family Life Program and Los Compadres. She will also supervise 31 full- and part-time staff.

Alarcon is a Marriage & Family Therapist, with over 10 years of experience in administration, operation and program development under her belt.

Natalia Alarcon

“CommUnify recognized Natalia’s talent and commitment to our mission, and we are so excited that she will be joining our leadership team,” said Patricia Keelean, Chief Executive Officer. “Her particular skill set and compassion for the residents in our community along with her deep understanding of the needs of the people we serve will help us fulfil our mission of helping families to become financially secure and self-sufficient.”

In a press release from CommUnify, Alarcon said she is honored to join the organization’s leadership team. “As a parent raising children in our community, I am personally familiar with the challenges families face in Santa Barbara County,” she said. Alarcon lives in Carpinteria with her husband Eric Vega and their three children.

Sunrise ceremony set for March 26

The Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs will hold its annual Sunrise Ceremony on Sunday, March 26 at 7 a.m. at the Mishopshno Meadow on the Carpinteria Bluffs. Attendees should arrive by 6:45 a.m.

“The organization also encourages participants to practice reasonable social distancing at the event, with the pandemic receding but still with us,” the group said in a press release.

The event is held in partnership with Chumash descendant Julie Tumamait-Stenslie; it has been held yearly since 1999, to observe spring. Members of the Chumash community and the general public are invited to the gathering. Participants can bring a song, story or poem.

The Mishopshno Meadow is located just north of the Anne and Al Drasdo Memorial Grove of Eucalyptus Trees at the Carpinteria Bluffs, southwest of the Nature Preserve main entrance. The bluffs can be accessed through the Bailard Avenue exit, off of Highway 101. Visitors can park at the preserve’s entrance at the end of Bailard Avenue; a parking lot is also available at the edge of the Viola Playing Fields.

See BRIEFLY continued on page 8

For the record...

As noted in the sports section, CVN Vol. 29, No. 26, while Carpinteria junior Carter Cox was the boys golf team’s top scorer last week, the golfer in the photo was the team’s second-best scorer in the match, up and coming freshman Taylor Lenci.

In the City Beat, CVN Vol. 29, No. 26, new planning commissioner Katherine Salant’s column, “Housewatch,” ran in The Washington Post for over 20 years.

The Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs group holds a sunrise ceremony every year, including in 2022, pictured.

COURTESY OF COMMUNIFY

Planning Commission approves latest Housing Element draft

BY RYAN P. CRUZ

Carpinteria’s Planning Commission took a look Monday at the city’s upcoming Draft Housing Element, with changes addressing comments given in a letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) following a 90-day state review of the document. The board unanimously accepted the draft, sending it to city council with the recommendation it be approved with all the new revisions.

It’s been a long planning process, and planning consultant John Douglas was back before the commission for the fourth time on Monday – this time around, the discussions surrounded the 13-page letter sent to the city requesting that the draft include much more detail regarding the Affirmatively Further Fair Housing goal and a more thorough inventory of potential sites for future housing.

The nature and extent of HCD’s comments on this cycle are far more extensive than previous cycles and “far more challenging than any prior update,” according to the staff report presented to the commission.

In the last cycle, from 2015 to 2023, the county of Santa Barbara had a housing quota of 11,000 units; Carpinteria’s portion was 163. In this cycle, from 2023-2031, the state upped the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the county to over 24,000, and the city’s quota has jumped over five times to 901.

Several commissioners asked why the jump was so high for Carpinteria. Planners explained the state’s position is that there is an extreme need for housing.

The RHNA process is considered “one of the most controversial things in the planning world,” Douglas said, but that the numbers were “typical” of what is being seen across the state. ”The takeaway from these dramatic increases in numbers is that the state legislature has declared there is a housing crisis in California and more housing needs to be produced.”

Planning Commission Chair Jane Benefield called the state’s response a “boilerplate letter,” and many of the comments were almost exactly the same as other California cities of a similar size.

She commended staff for their thorough additions to the document, which now details plans and programs for affirmatively furthering fair housing and includes hundreds of pages worth of appendices and additions checking off every box in the state’s letter.

“I don’t know what more they could ask of us,” Benefield said.

The “sites inventory summary” is expanded now to include vacant sites, underutilized sites and 21 “candidate” sites that may be part of the city’s future plans to meet a growing need for housing – specifically affordable housing – in the city.

The city identified 12 underutilized

sites could account for a potential 238 units, including two motels on Via Real, several residential and commercial properties along Carpinteria Avenue and Tee Time Golf Range, which could account for 41 units through an affordable housing project to be run through People’s Self Help Housing.

The Tee Time Golf Range Property is privately owned; plans for a 99-room hospitality and farm experience on the Tee Time Golf Range will appear before the city’s boards in the future.

Vacant sites provide much fewer units, with each site only able to hold one to three units for a total of 18 potential units.

But, even with those sites, the city would be short of the state’s quota by over 420 units.

To account for the expected shortfall, the city could expand its residential overlay to allow developers the option of increasing the density up to 20-25 units per acre on certain “candidate sites.”

This wouldn’t change the base zoning regulations or eliminate existing uses, Douglas said, but it could create a lot

more options, with over 2,200 potential units on 21 candidate sites, including agricultural, industrial research facilities, storage lots and commercial parcels. For these projects, the city could also revise standards to accommodate three stories and require a certain number of affordable units as a tradeoff for developers who choose to use the option to increase density.

All of the candidate sites, Community Developer Director Steve Goggia explained, were based on property owner interest, preliminary restraints or environmental concerns, parcel size and access to infrastructure like water and power.

Another way to meet the affordable housing requirements would be to encourage residents to build the city’s soonto-be-approved ADU models, which include two options for prefabricated units in a “California ranch” and “coastal cottage” style.

The plans for the city’s ADU program are nearly finished, and Goggia said he expects the two off-the-shelf options through the city will be available in May.

During public comment, the developer for a highly contested 173-unit housing project right outside city limits on Bailard Avenue spoke, opening up a brief backand-forth between the project applicant,

Brent Little, and the commissioners.

Little, who represents Red Tail, the company working on the project along with the Santa Barbara County Housing Authority, said that the Bailard project would meet a need for housing in the area, and that the city was originally working with the development team on a “memorandum of understanding” before the deal went sour.

At a recent public hearing, Carpinteria residents and city councilmember Wade Nomura voiced their disappointment with the whole situation, in which the city seemed to be left on the outside on a project that would need to use city utilities and public goods.

Planning Commissioner David Allen said he was not prepared to discuss all the issues with that specific project, but that “it’s a big, huge issue for the city.”

Chair Benefield expressed her own frustration, saying she keeps hearing that the city was involved, but that the planning commissioners were never given an opportunity for input.

“I never got any input as a commissioner, as a citizen – as anything,” she said. “I didn’t even know this was going on.”

Little said he hoped that the development team and the city could come back to the table and find a middle ground to make the project work to help meet the state’s housing numbers.

The commission unanimously directed staff to submit the Draft Housing Element as presented, with the recommendation that city council approve the draft with the revisions.

The commission’s newest member, former journalist Katherine Salant, who was recently appointed by the city council, abstained from the vote, stating she felt like she didn’t yet know enough about

“…the state legislature has declared there is a housing crisis in California and more housing needs to be produced.”

– planning consultant John Douglas

The Planning Commission looked at the Candidate Opportunity Sites Map from the upcoming Draft Housing Element at a special Planning Commission meeting held Monday.

Sandpiper residences damaged by storm, trees fall across Carpinteria

Twenty-six residences at Sandpiper Mobile Home Park were damaged in a wind event Tuesday night, as Carpinteria continues to see fallen trees and other incidents related to the mid-March storm.

According to the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District, firefighters responded to the mobile home park around 6 p.m. Tuesday and found multiple carports and awnings damaged by the wind. As of Tuesday evening, 26 homes were damaged; that number may increase following additional inspections, Fire Marshal Michael LoMonaco said. No injuries were reported.

“Upon arrival, Firefighters found residents helping one another,” LoMonaco said.

A video of the event, posted by report-

No injuries reported

er John Palminteri and courtesy of Kyle Kane, showed several objects flying in the area in a swirling pattern. Several residents described the wind event as a “tornado.”

A large tree also fell near Linden Field and the Tomol Park on Tuesday morning, partly blocking the park. According to Parks and Recreation Director Matt Roberts, the tree hit a sign, and no one was hurt. A crew was dispatched Tuesday to help clean up the area.

“When the grand is saturated from rain, trees become highly vulnerable to wind,” the city of Carpinteria said on its social media accounts Tuesday. “Please be aware of this potential danger and try to staff off of the roads as much as possible during today’s storm.”

––Evelyn Spence

KARLSSON PHOTOS

Approximately 28 Sandpiper Mobile Home Park residences were damaged in a wind event Tuesday night.

Firefighters assess the damage from a wind event Tuesday night at Sandpiper Mobile Home Park.

A tree fell on Linden Field Tuesday morning, near the Tomol Park Interpretative Play Area.

A tree uprooted near on the bluffs near the Carpinteria Tar Pits.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BETH COX

private investigator soon after he retired from the police department, starting his own business, De Fazio Investigations, in the late 90s.

Fred loved muscle cars, rock and roll and traveling. He enjoyed annual family vacations exploring Yosemite, Mexico and Costa Rica. In his later years he loved the yearly road trips, couples’ trips and, especially, the birthday adventures with his grandchildren.

CUSD reports decline in student population

SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK

Fred

Anthony De Fazio 03/02/1948 – 02/18/2023

Fred Anthony De Fazio, 74, of Ventura, California passed away on Feb. 18, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones in his home.

Fred was born in Los Angeles, California to Paul and Elena (Barrese) De Fazio on March 2, 1948. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and was the historian of the family.

He graduated from James Monroe High School in North Hills (Sepulveda), California in 1965. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Northridge.

Fred was a hard worker. He often worked three jobs at a time. He was a police officer for the Ventura Police Department for seven years. He became a

Fred is survived by his wife, Shirley, daughters Amy Holmstrom and Danielle McCleery, brothers Tom (Connie), Jim (Mary) and John (Francene), grandchildren Emma, Nathan, Sean, Travis and Lea and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Fred is preceded in death by his mother and father.

Fred was a wonderful husband of 51 years, a grandfather, son, brother, uncle and loyal friend. He had a great sense of humor and was dedicated to his family, showing loving concern for all to the end.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Ojai or the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Assisted Home Health and Hospice and Partners in Care Home Care, Inc., for the kind, compassionate and loving care they gave to Fred in his final days. His caregivers Rodney and Irma were angels from heaven.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 757 E. Main St., Ventura.

Repairing Exxon pipeline better option for county

Regarding the letter in dissent of the Exxon pipeline (CVN Vol. 29, No. 25)

I would offer the following: No spill is a good thing but simple benefit versus environmental risk would question the conclusion.

First, the alternative is to bring the same volume of imported oil into Los Angeles by Oil Tanker. Oil tankers from foreign nations significantly increase the carbon footprint from beginning to end.

Second, mother nature is very remarkable. She heals and adjusts. Most

residents know of the well documented natural seeps at Coal Oil Point adjacent to UC Santa Barbara. Those seeps had leaked into the Santa Barbara Channel 4,200 gallons of oil and 2,000 mcf of natural gas per day for 20,000 years or more. At the time Arco capped the seeps with domes that amounted to 30% of the county’s hydrocarbon emissions.

I think if you look at the bigger picture, certainly by today’s view, the pipeline is your wisest choice and should have been done before the abandonment of Platform Holly. Again, no spill is good but there is a bigger picture.

Jim Clifford Carpinteria

DIANA RIGBY CUSD SUPERINTENDENT

The Carpinteria Unified School District has seen an overall decline in enrollment since 2013, with the student population decreasing by about 200 over the past 10 years.

The total enrollment across the district for 2022 was 2,005 students; in 2013, the district had 2,235 students. The student population remained above 2,100 students from 2014 to 2019, but dropped to 2,084 in 2020.

Appreciation

I would like to recognize the district’s leadership team – Maureen Fitzgerald, Diana Zapata, Monica Thomas, Mari Hornback, Aaron LaPlante, Gerardo Cornejo, Lisa O’Shea, Jamie Persoon, Brett Weiberg, Robert Sheerger, Ricardo Cota, Kirsten Neumann and Jeremiah Sobenes – for their outstanding leadership and tireless work in supporting teachers, staff, students and their families this year.

Congratulations

Emiliano Jimenez, a Carpinteria Middle School sixth grader, won the countywide Spelling Bee. Congratulations Emiliano!

Teachers of the Year

On April 1, the Carpinteria Community Awards Gala will honor two Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) teachers: Jennifer Foster, a CMS Math teacher, and Matt McPherson, an Aliso Special Education teacher. Congratulations!

March 2023 National Social Work Month

The National Association of Social Workers celebrates March 2023 as the National Social Work Month with the theme: “Social Work Breaks Barriers. Social workers are people dedicated to seeking complete equality and social justice.”

CUSD partners with the Family Service Agency to provide school social workers at Canalino Elementary School,

The total enrollment across the district for 2022 was 2,005 students; in 2013, the district had 2,235 students.

Carpinteria Family School and Aliso Elementary School, who support students and families, and we are grateful for Cindy Garcia and Lisbeth Pacheco.

Elementary Parent Conferences

Parent conferences were held from March 6 to March 11 during minimum days. Working with our families to support student learning is a professional expectation and standard for all CUSD teachers. Effective teachers develop strong partnerships with families to ensure student engagement and support. These Spring parent conferences provide the opportunity for parents to learn more about their student’s progress in achieving grade level standards by June in preparation for the next grade level. Teachers provide many strategies for parents to help their students at home. Good nutrition, sleeping habits, limited screen time and nightly reading for 30 minutes are also reinforced.

TK/K Enrollment for 23-24

Transitional kindergarten registration is available for students who will be five years old between Sept. 2 and April 2, 2024. Students who are five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2023 are eligible to register for Kindergarten. On March 1, parents were able to access the Aeries Online Enrollment website from cusd. net, to complete the registration process. Canalino and Aliso Elementary schools will be conducting school tours on March 21, April 18 and May 23. The deadline to submit DLI or Carpinteria Family School interest form is April 21, 2023. Please contact Aliso, Canalino or Summerland Elementary schools for more information.

Diana Rigby is the current superintendent of Carpinteria Unified School District. For more information about CUSD, log on to cusd.net, or contact Diana at drigby@cusd.net or (805) 684-4511x222.

School board approves field trips for students and supplemental payroll for staff

BY JUN STARKEY

The Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Trustees approved several field trips and a supplemental payroll for classified staff for March 2023 during its Wednesday, March 15 meeting, which was originally canceled on Tuesday due to an intense storm passing through Santa Barbara County.

The meeting was pushed to Wednesday to review and approve items that could not be put off until the board’s next meeting, scheduled for April 11. These included several field trips for Carpin-

teria High School (CHS) students, and a supplemental payroll for the month of March for classified district staff, which came out to $4,400.

Another time-sensitive item was the second interim report, due March 15, which the board reviewed and approved. The interim report is a financial and budgetary report submitted to the state to verify that the district will meet its financial obligations for the current and two subsequent years.

The status of the interim report was positive, meaning the district “has and can continue to meet its financial obli-

gations, based upon current projections, within the current and two subsequent years.”

During public comment, some staff members thanked the board for the recent tentative agreement reached with the Carpinteria Association of Unified School Employees (CAUSE), which included an 8% retroactive raise for all certificated staff employed by the district as of July 1, 2022.

“I typically stand up here and air all my grievances…” said CHS art teacher Sarah Rochlitzer. “But today I really just want to thank the board for their action in

moving the bargaining process forward in a positive way, towards what we consider to be a good and fair agreement for all our certificated members.”

The board also approved three donations, including $500 for the CHS Associated Student Board Baseball Club in memory of Daryl Brown, from Brad and Carla Stein and Robert and Jacqueline Laskoff; an anonymous donation of $100 to the Baseball Club in memory of Daryl Brown; and a donation of a used drum set, keyboard and violin for the Carpinteria Middle School music department, from the Rotary Club of Carpinteria.

County projects $10.5 million shortfall in cannabis tax revenue

Carryover funds from previous years will take up the slack, officials say

BY MELINDA BURNS

The ongoing downward trend in tax revenues from the cannabis industry in Santa Barbara stands out as the dark spot in an otherwise bright financial picture, county officials said last week.

While revenue from property taxes and hotel bed taxes is estimated to exceed county projections by $17 million and $2.2 million, respectively, for fiscal year 202223, covering last July through next June, cannabis tax revenue could fall short of projections by $10.5 million, according to a second quarter budget update that was presented to the county Board of Supervisors last Tuesday.

Cannabis tax revenues for 2022-23 are projected to be $5.8 million, Brittany Heaton, principal cannabis analyst for the County Executive Office, told the board. That’s just over a third of the $16.3 million that was budgeted last June for what the county calls its “cannabis program,” which includes public services such as libraries that cannabis tax revenues are earmarked for.

“This revenue update is a wakeup call for changes,” said Supervisor Laura Capps, who represents the Goleta Valley. “…We should take a look at how to do things better.”

Supervisor Das Williams, whose district includes 34 greenhouse cannabis operations in the Carpinteria Valley, pushed back, saying that cannabis policy was not on Tuesday’s agenda.

“If revenue bounces back, will you support the program?” he asked Capps.

County officials told the board they would use carryover cannabis tax revenues from previous years to cover much of the $9.7 million that was budgeted in the cannabis program for county libraries, long-range planning, parks, roads and other services in 2022-23. For the 202324 fiscal year, Heaton said the county is projecting $7 million in cannabis tax revenues.

“We do expect to see an increase next year, but not at the same rate we were seeing in the earlier years of the program,” she said.

The board voted 4-1 to accept the CEO’s budget update, with Capps opposed.

In a press release on Tuesday, leaders of the Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis, a countywide group that for years has lobbied for stronger regulation of the industry, took aim at what they called the “paltry tax revenue” from commercial cannabis.

“I wish I could say I’m shocked,” stated coalition President Blair Pence, who owns a vineyard west of Buellton. “The cannabis ordinance was poorly created and has been problematic since its inception. Anyone who lives or works next to a pot ‘grow’ knows there are drawbacks: odor, terpenes that flair up allergies, traffic and safety concerns.”

Santa Barbara County is No. 1 in California for active cannabis cultivation licenses issued by the state, with 1,614, or 22% of the total, state reports show. The large number of licenses reflects the sheer size of the industry here: 1,575 acres of outdoor “grows,” primarily in the North County, and 158 acres of greenhouse cannabis in the Carpinteria Valley.

Humboldt County is second in the state for active cannabis cultivation licenses, with 1,454, or 20% of the statewide total.

An ongoing glut of cannabis on the market in California has caused prices for wholesale cannabis “flower” to plummet in recent years. By some estimates, California growers are producing three

times as much marijuana as can be consumed here. In 2021, the average price for wholesale cannabis flower was $1,200 per pound: it is $500 per pound today. The illegal market is believed to account for at least two-thirds of statewide sales.

“We produce product that is part of the glut,” Heaton said, noting that the ban on shipping cannabis across state lines is the biggest obstacle to higher prices and higher tax revenues. In addition, she said, tax revenues in Santa Barbara County are lower this year because a dozen tax-paying North County growers recently quit operating, having run out of money or failed to meet the county’s permitting and licensing deadlines.

Compounding the problem is the self-reporting tax system for cannabis in Santa Barbara County. Many California counties use a tax formula based on the square footage of cannabis under cultivation; that system was recommended for use by the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury in 2020. Instead, growers here are assessed a four-percent tax on their gross earnings – and it’s been hard to collect.

In the second quarter of 2022-23, of 71 cannabis operators in the county, only 40 reported their gross earnings for the second quarter, Heaton told the board. Fifteen reported zero earnings, and 12 did not file a report. Previous budget updates have painted a similar picture; those “missing” growers could be scofflaws, or they could be simply fallowing their land.

Capps, who was elected to the board in November and is its newest member, asked, “Do we have a sense of how much revenue we’re missing out on? (…) This

system is very opaque, and it seems there is leniency.”

Heaton promised to report back with a rough estimate of uncollected taxes, adding that it was presently “maybe half” of what’s owed. She said the county had not revoked the business license of any grower for non-payment of taxes, but that an enforcement case against one grower was pending.

At its peak in fiscal year 2021-22, the county’s cannabis tax revenues totaled $15.7 million. Halfway through this fiscal year, only $3.5 million has been collected to date. (Heaton said that $1.4 million of that amount came in after the Jan. 31 filing deadline for the second quarter and was not included in county projections for the fiscal year).

Lionel Neff, a coalition board member and Carpinteria Valley resident, called for improvements to the county’s 2018 cannabis ordinance.

“This clearly isn’t working,” he said in a statement to the press. “The county told us one thing and delivered something else. That something else is a money pit that creates a nuisance across the county. No one can argue with a straight face that it isn’t time for this to change.”

According to the CEO’s budget update, it is costing $5 million yearly for the county District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, County Counsel’s office and Treasurer-Tax Collector and other departments such as the County Fire Department and Environmental Health Services to ensure compliance with county regulations and enforce the law against black market growers and dealers. Increasingly, officials said, illegal

cultivation is moving indoors to garages and warehouses where it’s harder to detect, except by neighbors who report suspicious comings and goings at strange hours.

An additional $2.1 million for permitting and licensing by county planners and the CEO’s office is paid for with cannabis industry fees. In all, according to the budget update, 30 full-time county positions in nine county departments are assigned to cannabis, 18 of them paid for by the growers and 12 paid for out of cannabis tax revenues.

“This is occupying a lot of people’s time at the expense of other issues that impact more people in the county,” Capps said.

Supervisor Steve Lavagnino of Santa Maria, a chief architect of the county’s cannabis ordinance with Williams, objected to Capps’ critiques. He said that cannabis revenues had brought in $43 million since 2019, or slightly more than bed taxes.

“We’re taking campaign issues and trying to bring them to the board and start changing policy,” Lavagnino said. “… To tell people that these 30 people are wasting their time on cannabis when they could be doing something else is misleading.”

But on Tuesday, like Capps, Supervisors Joan Hartmann and Bob Nelson also wanted to discuss changing cannabis policy. Hartmann and Nelson represent the wine country west of Buellton, where cannabis growers have clashed with vintners and residents over the pervasive smell of pot at harvest time.

Hartmann took aim at the county’s complaint-driven response to the stench of pot in urban neighborhoods, which requires residents to fill out a form every time they detect a bothersome smell. Many have given up reporting because it is almost impossible for the county to identify who’s at fault among so many cannabis operations. Hartmann said she was interested in establishing “a more proactive compliance effort” by the county that the industry would pay for.

Nelson said he wanted to reform the tax system for cannabis by putting it on the ballot, a measure that would have to wait until at least November 2024.

“A more transparent tax scheme would be a benefit to everybody involved,” Nelson said.

Melinda Burns is an investigative journalist with 40 years of experience covering immigration, water, science and the environment. As a community service, she offers her report to multiple publications in Santa Barbara County, at the same time, for free.

COURTESY MELINDA BURNS

Industrial-scale cannabis is grown in greenhouses in the Carpinteria Valley, including in the west end of the valley.

DEBRA HERRICK FILE PHOTO

Workers at a Glass House Farms cannabis operation sort the cannabis plants.

BRIEFLY

Continued from page 3

Museum Marketplace scheduled for March 25

The next museum Marketplace, run by the Carpinteria Valley Historical Society and History Museum, is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Residents can browse handcrafted gifts, toys, antiques, plants, clothing, jewelry and more; the museum’s booth, Granny’s Attic, offers items starting at 25 cents. Admission is free. Snacks, such as hot dogs, cold beverages and snacks, are available for purchase.

The next Museum Marketplace is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, at 956 Maple Ave.

The museum is located at 956 Maple Ave. in downtown Carpinteria. Learn more at carpinteriahistoriclamuseum.org or by calling (805) 684-3112.

Changes coming to masking, vaccine requirements

Several Covid-19 policy changes will take effect on April 3, Santa Barbara County announced last week, following California’s decision to end the Covid-19 state of emergency.

Beginning April 3, residents no longer have to wear masks in indoor, high-risk and healthcare settings, including long-term care, health care and correctional facilities. Masks are no longer required at homeless, warming and cooling and emergency centers.

Individuals working in health care also no longer have to be vaccinated against

Covid-19, including those working in direct care, correctional facilities, adult care and detention centers.

The county also announced changes to the Covid-19 isolation guidelines. As of March 13, individuals who test positive for Covid-19 can end their isolation period after five days if they show improving symptoms, don’t have a fever, and feel “well.”

See the full updated guidelines at publichealthsbc.org.

City Clean-up: March 25

Carpinteria Beautiful and the city of Carpinteria will hold a communitywide cleanup on Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Any interested volunteers can meet at Parking Lot #1, also known as the Amtrak station. They will be assigned a litter pick-up location then.

Library to hold modified spring break events

The Carpinteria Community Library will hold modified spring break events while Carpinteria schools let out for the week, according to librarian Jody Thomas.

The events include:

Monday, March 27, 10-11 a.m.: Early Literacy Story Time with playtime after

Wednesday, March 29, 10 a.m. – noon: Paper crafts and button making, with a family showing of “Encanto” at 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 30, 10 a.m. – noon: Board games and puzzles, with chess club at 3 p.m.

Friday, March 31, 10 a.m. – noon: STEM open play with Kapla blocks, MagnaTiles All events are free. See more at carpinterialibrary.org. The Carpinteria Community Library is located at 5141 Carpinteria Ave.

Avoid beaches, waterways following rain

Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health issued a rain advisory on Tuesday, warning residents to avoid creeks, oceans and other waterways for at least three days following a rain event. Encountering untreated storm water can cause illnesses and symptoms such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea.

“Unlike the municipal sewer system, water carried by a storm drain system is not treated,” the county said Tuesday. “Beachgoers should also avoid areas near the outfall from drainpipes and creeks that enter the ocean following a rain event as storm water runoff may carry high levels of bacteria and pollutants.”

Shellfish harvesters should also wait at least 10 days after a “significant rain event” to harvest, due to possible impacts from herbicide, pesticide and motor oil grease in the ocean.

Highway 101 southbound lanes to open April 1

Traffic along Highway 101 will be shifted onto the new southbound lanes in the area between North Padaro, South Padaro and Santa Claus lanes on the night of April 1. Caltrans construction crews will begin preparing for the shift next week.

For closures along Highway 101, on the northbound side of the highway, one lane from Santa Monica Road to Sheffield Drive, as well as the off-and-on-ramps at South Padaro and Santa Claus Lane and North Padaro Lane, will be closed Monday through Thursday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Sunday, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The northbound off-ramp at Olive Mill Road will be closed for up to seven months, and the on-ramp at San Ysidro Road will be closed until early 2025.

On the southbound side, one lane from Sheffield Drive to Carpinteria Avenue, as well as the on- and off-ramps at South Padaro and Santa Claus Lane and North Padaro Lane, will be closed Monday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., and Sunday from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The southern on-ramp at North Padaro Lane and off-ramp at South Padaro and Santa Claus lanes will also be closed Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Construction on the Olive Mill and the San Ysidro roundabout will continue, with work scheduled between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Currently crews are working on drainage improvements, roadway base and paving for the Olive

Mill Roundabout, and removing old pavement, clearing and grub vegetation and beginning grading for a new retaining wall for the San Ysidro Roundabout.

––Jun Starkey

The southbound off-ramp at North Padaro Lane recently re-opened.

Construction crews continue work on retaining walls, slope paving, chain link fencing and lighting near Summerland.

PHOTO COURTESY AMY MARIE OROZCO

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Real Estate: March 2023 Update

THE QUARTERLY REPORT

2023 is off, running and wet! We have been checking the rain totals all too often. Enough about rain – we are ready for some sun, and hopefully this is the last storm. Now, here is the latest Santa Barbara real estate market news.

The main headline remains: sales volume continues to stay low Comparing it to our more historically “normal” years, our sales volume is down around 35% year-to-date, continuing the trend that we experienced in the second half of 2022.

There are a number of reasons for the notable decrease in sales.

First, the number of active listings continues to stay remarkably low. On March 14, between Carpinteria to Goleta, we only had 129 homes and condos for sale at all price points. For perspective, our inventory historically would drop to around 250 at the end of a calendar year. When this would happen, we consider that low inventory, and traditionally, it would bounce back up quickly.

Second, interest rates have increased so much, affecting both buyers and sell-

31

ers. For buyers it is simply costing them much more to buy a home. For sellers, it is a little bit like a pair of handcuffs. Many sellers are locked into a low interest rate thankfully, but giving up that loan and rate for something twice as expensive has cooled the idea of selling for many.

But not to be missed, even with interest rates doubling, home ownership is still very appealing, and we have more buyers in the market than sellers. As realtors, we are all networking in our search for homes for our clients.

A few days ago, we received an email from a fellow agent with a list of 20 different homes she is looking for. This is an extreme, but there are many buyers in the market looking for homes.

Over the last couple months, there have been a couple surprising facts.

With interest rates rising and sales volume dropping we expected more of our transactions to be cash purchases proportionally, but at a quick glance at sales show that it continues to follow more or less our historic norms. The balance of cash and financed purchases is normal; cash sales are not proportionally higher.

What has stood out to Sarah and me is our Carpinteria Homes continue to fetch, still setting some record-high sale prices. A few of the notable sales were:

4923 Sandyland Rd. sold for $8,100,000. This free-standing beachfront home is beautiful and sold quickly.

3656 Foothill Rd. sold for $3,810,000 with multiple offers. This 1.8-acre 1920s property in more original condition offered an ocean view, pool and tennis court. 604 Holly Ave. sold for $2,000,000. This duplex offered two nice units just a few blocks from the beach.

1475 Camellia Cir. sold for $1,580,000. This home located in our traditional neighborhoods was sold in June of ‘22 for $1,125,000 and remodeled. And lastly, 6380 Lagunitas Ct. sold off the market for $1,875,000. Built-in 2013 with nice upgrades, this is the highest sale in Lagunitas to date.

The Choral Society is excited to bring this international a cappella sensation to Santa Barbara, co-sponsored by Music Academy.

MAR 2023 HAHN

The second surprise has been the sale prices some homes are garnering. We have seen a handful of properties with ambitious list prices going under contract quickly. In addition, we are still hearing about multiple offers and some properties getting bid up. Overall, prices seem to be stabilizing.

Similar

to our greater Santa Barbara

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.

YTD • Jan - Feb 2023

• Total Sales: 142 in ‘23 vs 236 in ‘22 | DOWN 40%

• Total Home Sales: 101 in ‘23 vs 168 in ‘22 | DOWN 40%

• Total Condo Sales: 41 in ‘23 vs 68 in ‘22 | DOWN 39%

• Median Home Price: $1,95,000 in ‘23 vs $2,207,000 in ‘22 | DOWN 12%

• Median Condo Price: $925,000 in ‘23 vs $875,000 in ‘22 | UP 6%

• Sales Above $5M: 17 in ‘23 vs 23 in ‘22 | DOWN 23%

February 2023

• Total Sales: 73 in ‘23 vs 129 in ‘22 | DOWN 43%

• Pending Sales: 88 in ‘23 vs 132 in ‘21 | DOWN 33%

• Total Off-Market Sales: 9 Sales | 12%

• Total Cash Sales: 24 Sales | 33%

This property offered two units just a few blocks from the beach at 604 Holly Ave. It recently sold for $2,000,000.

Built in 2013 with nice upgrades, this home is the highest sale in the Lagunitas neighborhood to date, selling off the market at $1,875,000.

The Stats

area, Carpinteria has experienced fewer sales in the first two and a half months of 2023. Through the middle of March, only 18 sales occurred, with 11 single-family homes and seven condos.

Locals rehearse for “One Upon a Grapevine” including, from left, Philip Moreno as the Woodman, Lindsay Maxoutopoulis as Cinderella, Stephanie Soicher as the Stepmother, Emma Jane Huerta as the Stepsister and Cora Daniels as the Stepsister.

Alcazar to hold Spring Break Theatre

The Alcazar Ensemble will hold a three-day spring break performance titled “Once Upon a Grapevine” to entertain local kids during the school break. The performances will run from March 28 to March 30, 4–4:30 p.m.

“Once Upon a Grapevine” will include performances of “fractured” fairy tales –fairy tales with a twist – written by Thomas Hischak and directed by Asa Olsson. The show is recommended for school aged children and families.

The show will run from Tuesday, March 28 until March 30, from 4–4:30 p.m., with tickets $3 per person. The Alcazar Theatre is located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave.

Mixed media, wood art on display at IBC

Local artist Carolyn Friedman recently had her mixed media artworks put on display at Island Brewing Company (IBC) in an exhibit alongside Neil Friedman. The works will be on display at IBC until May 14.

Carolyn is known for her unique style of abstract art, which combines Japanese Washi techniques; Neil is known for his wood art, utilizing a particular type of wood found only found on the coast of Oregon. The works may be viewed at Island Brewing Company at 5049 Sixth St.

The Carpinteria Lions Club & the Masonic Lodge are teaming up with Vitalant to host a

BLOOD DRIVE

Masonic Lodge 5421 Carpinteria Avenue

Saturday, March 25th • 9am–2pm

Advanced appointments are encouraged. Schedule yours today at www.donors.vitalant.org

using the Blood Drive Code: K1009

You may also schedule by phone at 805-542-8500

Donors should bring a photo I.D., eat well and drink plenty of water prior to donating blood.

ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS? PLEASE CALL 877-258-4825

An unnamed mixed media piece by artist Carolyn Friedman is now on display at the Island Brewing Company.

Celebrating books, Cat in the Hat and dancing at Veterans Hall

PHOTOS BY ROBIN KARLSSON

The Carpinteria Veterans Hall filled with local children eager to get their hands on free books, literacy activities and crafts last Saturday for the annual Children’s/ Book Day event, hosted by the Friends of the Carpinteria Library and Artesania Para La Familia.

Families were greeted by Cat in the Hat as they walked in to a hall filled with youth mariachi music and dancers for this annual, free event, Suzanne Requejo, program director for Aresania Para La Familia, told CVN. Local authors Leanne Roth, Janet Lucy and Hal Price also showed off and autographed their own books. Requejo said the event is sponsored by the La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation, the Ann Jackson Family Foundations and the Montecito Bank & Trust.

ABOVE, Brisa Martinez, 15, performed during last Saturday’s Children’s/Book Day.

BELOW, Itzayana Hernandez, pictured in a green dress, performs before singing alongside other members of her group.

Sienna Naughter, 4, holds her Eli Bear, the main character from author Hal Price’s books.

LEFT, Cindy Carillo represented Montecito Bank & Trust on Saturday. The bank was one of the celebration’s sponsors.

RIGHT, From left: Brisa Martinez, 15, Eileen San Juan, 12, and Eduardo Cumplido, 13.

LEFT, Nitzanit Hernandez and Isaac Padilla

ABOVE, Back row, from left: Eileen San Juan, 12, Jayden Dueñes, 13, Itzayana Hernandez, 9, Jason Martinez, 12; front row, from left: Yaretzi Hernandez, 13, Nitzanit Hernandez, 16, Isaac Padilla, 20, and Brisa Martinez, 15.

RIGHT, Jack Niederpruem, center, played Cat in the Hat, entertaining with Isla and Sienna Naughter.

From left: Ava Rose and Lorenzo Martinez

First day of Senior Programming includes bingo and fall prevention class

PHOTOS BY ROBIN KARLSSON

Although rescheduled from last week due to a similarly large storm, the first day of Senior Programming at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on Tuesday had a good turnout, according to City Assistant Manager Michael Ramirez. Carpinteria residents attended a bingo game – won by Stephanie Gurland – and a fall prevention neuroplasticity class led by Cyndi Macias, owner of the Gym Next Door. Ramirez told the city council last month that Girls Inc. Director Jamie Collins offered up the area for local seniors to hold classes and socialize, while the city works on more permanent programming. Future programming includes Mind Games at the Carpinteria Community Library, an Intro to Arts class at the Carpinteria Arts Center and Zumba and Garden Club activities led by Girls Inc.

“The large turnout reflected the high level of interest Carpinterians expressed for senior programming in the City’s 2022 Community Needs Survey. Above all, the survey underscored the critical need for socializing opportunities for the senior community,” Ramirez said.

Active Adult & Senior Services programming will be available at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Rd., every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon. See this month’s events are carpinteriaca. gov/seniors.

Nola Furguson

Seniors attended Tuesday’s first day of programming at Girls Inc., including from left, Joe Epley, Roberta Lehtinen, Scott Barash, Ann, Delfina Ramirez, Michael Ramirez, Theresa Simber, Nola Ferguson, Cyndi Macias, Jamie Collins, Stephanie Gurland, Sue Bass, Luci Rogers, Jilla Wolsey and Kristina Calkins.

From left, Stephanie Gurland, Aja Forner, Luci Rogers, Terri Simber and Sue Bass enjoy bingo,

CLUB SCENE

Girls Inc. announces

“Women of Inspiration” honorees

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced the 2023 honorees for the upcoming Women of Inspiration event: Jane Benefield, chair of the Carpinteria Planning Commission, and Jena Jenkins, programs specialist at the Carpinteria Library.

Rotary talent show to benefit CUSD music program

The 14th annual Carpinteria Talent Showcase, put on by the Rotary Club of Carpinteria as a fundraiser for Carpinteria Unified School District’s music program, will take place Saturday, April 15 at the Alcazar Theatre.

Local journalist John Palminteri will return as the event’s Master of Ceremonies, and all donations from the event will support music education in Carpinteria. The group plans to use proceeds to provide instruments, uniforms, scholarships, supplies and private lessons.

The Alcazar Theatre is located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave.

“Each year, Women of Inspiration recognizes women who are leading the way while also serving as an inspiration for others – Jane and Jena are shining examples of this,” Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Jamie Collins said in a press release.

“We are excited to honor them at this year’s event, and we encourage everyone to come out and join us in celebrating all the incredible work they have done for our community,” she added.

Benefield has served on the Carpinteria Planning Commission for almost two decades. Prior to moving to Carpinteria, she spent her career working in the planning department in the city of Los Angeles. Jenkins is the current vice president of the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District Board of Directors, and co-created the Gather for Good project, which organizes community volunteer events.

The Women of Inspiration half-day event will be held on Monday, April 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus, 5315 Foothill Rd. Tickets are $200 and all proceeds will go towards supporting Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s programs.

Morning Rotary welcomes new member

The Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning recently inducted newest member Suzie Schneider, of PacWest Blooms and Dirt Botanicals, brought in by member Teresa Alvarez.

City manager speaks to Lions about local housing crisis

Current Carpinteria City Manager Dave Durflinger spoke to the Carpinteria Lions Club about the current housing crisis, and what the city needs to do to provide additional housing units.

Durflinger has worked for the city for 24 years, serving as city manager for the last 21 years. Durflinger told the Lions that major causes of homelessness are affordability, availability and development regulations. He also said Carpinteria is a small organization that “runs efficiently and effectively because of a loyal and committed staff.”

CVN tags along for Cuba trip

Carpinterian John Parsons, founder of the non-profit “Gloves for Cuba,” took a group trip to Cuba in January to bring baseball gloves to the area. Parsons formed the non-profit in 2016. From left, tour guide Noel, Keith Smith, Danny Reyes, Hector Hurtado, Parsons and Dave Chamness pose for a photo at Playa Larga.

Suzie Schneider, second from the right, was welcomed as the Morning Club of Carpinteria’s newest member by, from left, Rebecca Griffin, Teresa Alvarez and Debbie Murphy.

The Rotary Club of Carpinteria is finalizing details for the upcoming talent showcase. Front row, from left: John Welty and Paul Wright; back row from left: Lin Graf, John Palminteri, Alec Hardy, Tom Collins, Karen Graf, Whitt Hollis, Bonnie Hammett, Mike Stoker, Marianne Rauch, Jon Everett and Barry Enticknap.

Carpinteria City Manager Dave Durflinger, right, spoke to the Lions Club of Carpinteria recently, welcomed by Carpinteria Lions Club Vice President David Hayman, left.

Jane Benefield Jena Jenkins

Sunday, March 12

0205 hrs / Incident / Tomol Street

The reporting party interrupted a catalytic converter theft as the suspects were going under a truck. No damage or theft occurred, but the incident was documented.

0312 hrs / Incident / Hwy 101

A vehicle was originally observed going through the red left turn arrow at Santa Monica Road and Via Real and continued at a high rate of speed into Summerland. The driver then exited at North Padaro Lane and entered Highway 101 again. A stop was initiated, and the driver failed to yield; pursuit started north on Highway 101, exiting Garden and entering south again. Pursuit went into Carpinteria surface streets and the driver then turned onto Elm Avenue from Dorrance Way, a dead-end street. The driver fled on foot but was taken

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COMMANDER’S RECAP

into custody moments later. Records check showed the truck was stolen out of Ventura and the female driver had two felony warrants out of Ventura County.

Tuesday, March 14

0027 hrs / Incident / Ninth Street at Holly Avenue

A traffic enforcement stop was conducted on a vehicle for a moving violation. During the investigation, the driver displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail.

Wednesday, March 15 1107 hrs / Incident / East Valley Road

When a man learned he was not invited to dinner with his brother and mother to celebrate her birthday, he became angry and vandalized his brother’s vehicle with a metal pole, causing $3,000 dollars in damage. The man fled prior

Read

to deputies’ arrival and no prosecution was desired.

and Dorrance Way for driving without lights on after darkness. The driver was contacted, and a records check revealed that she was listed as missing out of Santa Barbara. The driver stated she was perfectly fine and moved between Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. She was removed as a missing person.

Saturday, March 18

2256 hrs / Incident / 1700 block South Jameson Lane

Thursday, March 14

2131 hrs / Incident / 5500 block Carpinteria Avenue

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

Hotel security reported a man was intoxicated and causing a disturbance. Security arranged an Uber for the man and his wife; however, the man refused to leave. He displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol, and he could not care for himself. He was arrested and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail.

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.

A traffic enforcement stop was made on a vehicle. The driver had an active $2,500 misdemeanor warrant for her arrest. The driver was issued a citation and released from the scene without incident.

0056 hrs / Incident / Carpinteria Avenue and Linden Avenue

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

Thursday, March 16 0121 hrs / Incident / Linden Avenue

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

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

Deputies located a missing person.

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

Friday, March 17

Friday, March 15

2244 hrs / Incident / Lillie Avenue

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.

Deputies responded to a report of a DUI driver. A traffic enforcement stop was conducted on the vehicle matching the description given by the reporting party. During the investigation, the driver and single occupant displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. SFSTs were conducted and the occupant was arrested.

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

0317 hrs / Narcotics / North Hwy 101 at Santa Monica Road

Saturday, March 16

Deputies responded to Lillie Avenue for a report of a restraining order violation. While on scene deputies learned the emergency protective order had expired and the new temporary restraining order had not been served. They verbally served the restrained party and gave her a copy of the restraining order. The proof of service was documented.

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

2259 hrs / Incident / Linden Avenue and Dorrance Way

A traffic enforcement stop was conducted on a vehicle at Linden Avenue

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

A traffic enforcement stop was conducted on a vehicle for equipment violations. During the investigation, the driver admitted to being a convicted felon and in possession of pepper spray. He was also found in possession of a used methamphetamine pipe and over an ounce of fentanyl. The man was cited and released without incident.

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

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

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

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

Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

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,

Synchronized foraging

CVN

UNPREDICTABLE WILDERNESS

They appeared as if they had a well-designed plan. Strolling across the footbridge on Oso Flaco Lake in San Luis Obispo County, I was mesmerized by the cooperative herding attempted by several American white pelicans.

Roughly a couple times each year, my girlfriend Holly Lohuis and I make a pitstop at the freshwater lake tucked within the coastal sand dunes that stretch from Pismo Beach south to the Guadalupe – Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Over the years, it has proven to be a fantastic birding locale, and the unique vantage point from the footbridge delivers ample opportunities to observe avian behavior. It’s not a bad place to bring a camera too.

Although we scanned the glassy waters for signs of waterfowl, waders, raptors and songbirds, we didn’t need any optics to locate five plump American white pelicans cruising the lake fortified by tall, dense stands of bulrushes. They swam across the lake in a tight group side by side. They were foraging for fish and working as one.

Snowbirds

After breeding, nesting and rearing their young in places as far away as the southern regions of Canada, and lower 48 states such as Montana and Idaho, they migrate further south for the winter.

Many American white pelicans winter along the California coast, but they don’t spend any time in the ocean. They don’t

An American white pelican jumps on the back of another trying to steal its catch.

dive in the water while soaring above like their cousin, the smaller California brown pelican. Instead, they winter in freshwater lakes, bays and estuaries, resting on the surface of the water while plunging their long yellow bills to secure a meal.

Besides Oso Flaco Lake, over the years I’ve seen and photographed them while kayaking Elkhorn Slough in Monterey, Morro Bay and out in the desert at the Salton Sea in Southeastern California. The Salton Sea is the Golden State’s largest lake. It attracts about 80 percent of the entire population of American white pelicans.

Large, chunky birds, American white pelicans can possess up to a nine-foot wingspan and are a beautiful species to marvel at. Their creamy white feathers and yellowish orange beaks standout amongst the array of biomes they frequent for all seasons.

Cooperative Herding

While we strolled across the footbridge, five American white pelicans came together to work as one, foraging for fish in the tranquil waters of Oso Flaco Lake, Spanish for “Skinny Bear.” Across the lake, they swam in a tight, yet

elegant unit. It almost looked balletic in fashion. Either side by side in a line or a semicircle, they glided across the water herding baitfish. When they came across a concentrated school of fish, they simultaneously plunged their long beaks into the water to feed.

After scouring the lake north of the footbridge, the band of five American white pelicans came across prey a bit larger than tiny baitfish. As the squadron of pelicans skimmed along and plunged their beaks into the water, one of the birds in the middle of the group rose out of the shimmering water with one fish only, but it was easily large enough to fill the entire pouch of an American white pelican.

I’m not sure what type of fish it was, but it was golden and speckled in color. The American white pelican acted as if it had just won the lottery, and a couple of the other pelicans immediately wanted its catch. So much for working together on the lake. Two of the fringe pelicans attacked their own kind attempting to wrestle the fish away with their scissor-like bills.

At one point, one of the pelicans jumped on the back of the pelican in

possession of the prize, pushing and holding it underwater while thrashing in a fury of white feathers. However, while maintaining possession of the fish, that pelican turned the tables on its attackers and again rose above the water, beak agape, revealing the fish resting in its pouch like a big hammock.

As it kept the thieves at bay, the pelican possessing the fish reared its head back, pointed its beak skyward and swallowed the fish whole in one mighty gulp. The only thing the other pelicans could do was watch. It took several moments for the pelican to choke down its catch.

Perhaps it was fatigued after fending off the other birds. Once it finished swallowing that fish, the satiated pelican returned to the four other American white pelicans. They banded together again as if nothing had happened and continued working together on those cobalt blue waters.

Adventure and travel writer Chuck Graham lives in Carpinteria and contributes his writing and photography to publications far and wide. For more wildlife photos, visit chuckgrahamphoto.com or follow Graham on Instagram at @chuckgrahamphoto.

CHUCK GRAHAM

The author spots a synchronized herding of American white pelicans in Oso Flaco Lake.

The author crosses a footbridge over Oso Flaco Lake in San Luis Obispo County.

Glassy Oso Flaco Lake

Burning down the pier

The Cerca del Mar clubhouse, forever linked to Carpinteria history as the community social hall that was demolished in the early 1970s, nearly 40 years after financial ruin forced the closure of the once-popular beachfront gathering spot. Its pier also met a premature end when it was burned down.

According to reports from the former Carpinteria Herald, on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 1966, workers under a private contract with the state began destruction efforts on the dilapidated pier. First salvaging useable timbers, workers then attempted unsuccessfully to burn the pier down but only produced billows of thick smoke. The Herald reported that the men were finally able to get the pier to burn, and by the following morning, about a third of the structure was gone. Efforts to deconstruct the pier continued for a few days.

The pier became one of the last elements of the Cerca del Mar clubhouse to die off. After shutting down in the 1930s, the once modern and palatial hall was later used as a rehabilitation home for World War II soldiers, and then as office space before its demise.

Smoke rises into the Carpinteria skies as workers in February 1966 burn down the Cerca del Mar pier.

“Water Warriors” continue to dominate in pool

Carpinteria sweeps Santa Paula; captain Erin Otsuki named Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Carpinteria’s swim team is already in mid-season form, with both the boys and girls sweeping Santa Paula in every varsity event in last week’s meet, and senior standout Erin Otsuki being honored by the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table as Carpinteria’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

The Warriors hosted the Santa Paula Cardinals at Carpinteria Community Pool, and it was all Carpinteria as the boys took the team competition 137-16 and the girls took the team victory 112-47. Several Warriors earned CIF postseason consideration times, and at least eight Carpinteria swimmers came away as double-winners in the meet.

On the boys’ side, junior Jackson Melton took wins in the 100 butterfly and breaststroke, earning CIF Division 3 postseason consideration times in both races.

Eli Sheaffer took two individual wins in the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle events, while sophomore Jacob Otsuki was a double-winner with firstplace finishes in the 100 and 200 freestyle races.

Junior Matthew Endow set a personal best with a CIF-consideration time in the 100 backstroke, and it was all Warriors in

BY RYAN P. CRUZ • PHOTOS BY ROSANA SWING

the short-distance sprint, with Asher Smith narrowly beating teammates Jacob Taff and Chase Glasgow.

The girls team had five doublewinners in the meet, with several personal records, CIF-confederation performances and at least two automatic CIF-qualifying finishes.

Malaya Morente dominated the short-distance sprints with wins in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events; Lilli Nemetz took home two wins and set two new personal records in the 200 and 500 freestyle, both CIF-consideration times; and sophomore Guilia Piccoletti was a double-winner, with two CIF-consideration times in the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke events.

But senior Erin Otsuki might have had the best week of all the Warriors. The star swimmer earned automatic CIF Division 3 qualifying times in both the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke races and was named by the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table as Carpinteria’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Otsuki received the award during this week’s press luncheon, where she

was celebrated for her outstanding work both in the pool and in the classroom, with a 3.93 GPA.

Despite getting a late start to her high school sports career – she was homeschooled until last year and spent most of her life “100 percent invested in dance,” according to her father, Carpinteria head coach Jon Otsuki – the standout senior has become a force in the pool for both the water polo and swim teams.

Over the past two years, Otsuki has held down the defensive end of the pool as the goalie for Carpinteria girls water polo’s back-to-back league championships. After finishing her first-ever water polo season as a junior, she was named the team’s most improved player and team captain for her senior season.

She’s also the captain of the swim team, where last year she went undefeated in all her individual races, set an All-Time school record in the 200-medley relay, competed at the CIF swim finals and was named the team MVP.

“Just for her to be nominated was an honor,” coach Otsuki said about Erin’s achievement. “She has accomplished so

much in nearly three years of competitive swimming.”

Carpinteria is undefeated this season and will host the Malibu Sharks for a dual meet this week.

Senior Justin Main glides through the pool with ease.

Sophomore Giulia Piccoletti earned CIF-consideration times in both her races versus Santa Paula.

Junior Matthew Endow swam a personal best in the 100-meter breaststroke.

Senior Erin Otsuki was named SBART’s Carpinteria ScholarAthlete of the Year due to her hard work and success in the pool and in the classroom.

SHORT STOPS

BY RYAN P. CRUZ • PHOTOS BY ROSANA SWING

Carpinteria boys volleyball grabs first win

The Warriors gave firstyear boys volleyball coach Favian Muralles his first win of the season with a three-set sweep over Fillmore in front of the home crowd at Carpinteria Gymnasium.

Carpinteria had a slow start to the season, dropping its first six matches of the year, with five three-set losses and just one win out of 18 total sets played.

The Warriors flipped that script against Fillmore, winning all three sets to take the victory for their first overall win and first league win of the season.

Carpinteria is now 1-6 overall, and 1-2 in the Citrus Coast League heading into this week’s matchup with Channel Islands.

Angel Zamora serves during Carpinteria’s first win of the season over Fillmore.

Warriors baseball rolls over Villanova, Channel Islands

In the past week, Carpinteria baseball notched two more victories with a road win over Villanova and a come-from-behind win at home against Channel Islands to advance to 5-2 overall on the season.

After more than a week off the field due to inclement weather, the Warriors were eager to get back to action for a Saturday game at Villanova, scoring four runs in the first inning, and three more over the next three innings to take a 7-0 lead into the fifth.

In the sixth inning, the Warriors added one more insurance run for an 8-0 lead, and despite a late game three-run rally by Villanova, Carpinteria was able to finish with the 8-3 victory.

Several Warriors pitchers contributed in the victory, with junior righthander Shane Goodmanson starting off the game, and relievers Beto Martinez and Erich Goebel turning in scoreless innings in the fifth and sixth innings.

Goebel added two runs, two doubles and two RBIs on offense, and catcher Diego Nieves matched that performance with two hits of his own for two RBIs and two scored runs.

“It was great to finally get a chance to play,” said Carpinteria coach Pat Cooney. “The starters got their ‘sea legs’ under them and every player on the roster made it into the game. It was nice to come away with a win, but the chance to develop our team defense, tune our pitching and work on small-ball execution was the real value in playing.”

Carpinteria followed that win with a makeup game against the Channel Islands Raiders, who made the trip to John Calderwood Field for the first time in more than ten years.

Channel Islands looked to be in control for most of the game, building up a 2-0 lead through the first five innings, but the Warriors came alive in the sixth with a four-run rally to take the lead and hold on for a final score of 4-2.

Goodmanson earned his third win of the year, pitching a complete game with only 79 pitches needed to go the distance.

“Shane and catcher Diego Nieves are really reliable,” Cooney said. “Shane throws multiple pitches for strikes and he completely trusts his catcher to call a good game. They limited the damage and kept the game close enough for us to come from behind.”

Judah Torres started off the sixth-inning rally with a single, igniting the Carpinteria offense, which tied the game, and ultimately took the lead with a single to center field from designated hitter Joaquin Ramirez to score the final two winning runs.

“It’s fitting that Judah led off the big inning as he is possibly our most positive competitor,” Cooney said. “People like him throughout the roster kept the belief that the team would succeed in the end.”

Carpinteria is now 5-2 overall, and 4-2 in the Citrus Coast League heading into a home-and-away series next week against Fillmore.

Carpinteria track & field splits Santa Paula meet

to 1-1 in league play with a 91-34 loss in the same meet.

Carpinteria earned the team win due to a dominant performance in the field events, with 31 out of a possible 36 points in the field.

Ainslee Alexander led the way with wins in the long jump, triple jump and shot put, while adding a win in the 100-meter hurdles in just the second hurdle race of her career.

Sophomore Melanie Avalos won her first varsity competition and set a personal record with a distance of 80’8’’ in the discus, while Emily Ehlers took the final event victory for the girls team with a time of 13.96 in the 100-meter sprint.

On the boys side, Hugo Alvarado claimed the sole individual win for the Warriors with a season-best time of 5:05.23 in the 1600-meter race.

This Friday at 3:30 p.m., Carpinteria will host the “Jr. Russell Cup” for local elementary and middle school students to compete in a fun and friendly meet. This is the second time Carpinteria High School will host the youth meet, after taking a few years off since hosting the inaugural event in 2019.

Warriors tennis drops back-to-back matches

Carpinteria boys tennis hit a tough stretch last week with back-to-back losses against Nordhoff and Villanova.

Nordhoff, who returned with every player from last year’s CIF runner-up squad, controlled much of the match against the Warriors for the 13-5 win.

Carpinteria’s Max Stone was the silver lining to the loss, as the Warriors’ top player remained undefeated on the season with another three-set sweep.

“Max is very smart and has a complete game to match whatever anyone can throw at him,” said Carpinteria coach Charles Bryant. “He responds well to any situation and can turn a tight match into a lopsided score in a hurry.”

Against Villanova, Stone was perfect again, finishing 3-0 in singles without dropping a single game.

But Villanova was able to play a balanced game for the rest of the match, and eventually took the win 11-7.

Carpinteria is now 4-3 overall, and 2-1 in the Citrus Coast League, with two important league matches this week against Channel Islands and Malibu.

Cate’s basketball star earns All-CIF First Team honors

Cate’s star senior Babacar Pouye was a dominant on the court for the Rams all season, helping lead the team to a deep playoff run after returning from a mid-season ankle injury. Now, the basketball standout is earning greater recognition as a member of the All-CIF First Team.

Pouye finished the year averaging 20.3 points, 14.7 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.5 assists per game, and was voted among Southern California coaches as one of the best in the region.

Cate basketball coach Andrew Gil said that this was “no small feat,” and noted that he doesn’t recall a Cate basketball player ever earning All-CIF honors.

Thursday, March 23

Carpinteria Boys Golf CCL Match (River Ridge), 1:30 p.m.

*Carpinteria Boys Tennis vs Malibu, 3:30 p.m.

Carpinteria Track & Field at Malibu, 3:30 p.m.

Carpinteria Softball at Hueneme, 3:30 p.m.

Friday, March 24

*Carpinteria Baseball vs Fillmore, 3:30 p.m.

*Carpinteria Track & Field hosts “Jr. Russell Cup” 3:30 p.m.

*Carpinteria Swimming vs Cate, 4 p.m. *Denotes Home Game

The Warriors girls track and field team pulled out a close 65-62 team victory at Santa Paula to remain undefeated in the Citrus Coast League, while the boys dropped

SNAPSHOTS

Willow Zeyssig explores the giant puddles on Linden Field on Tuesday afternoon, during a brief pause in the rain.

COURTESY DEBRA HERRICK

The Howard School recently held its annual science fair, with two siblings, Ian and Ben Terry, both taking home first place prizes, prompting students to cheer “Terrys take the cake!”

Ian’s project was titled “Melting Ice,” and his brother Ben’s was titled “Electrolytes.” Other prize earning projects included fourth-grader Rachel Ransom’s “How High,” Gia Sharma’s “Storm Runoff,” and Mattox Van Leeuwen’s “Magnetic Coils.”

COURTESY TANYA TAYLOR

Jim Taylor brought an umbrella along with him during a trip to the hot tub on a rainy Carpinteria day, in a photo taken by Tanya Taylor.

BEAUTIFUL SENIOR COMMUNITY...A lovely home featuring two bedrooms, two baths plus an enclosed porch that is perfect for a home office, den, and more. Milgard dual-pane windows and vaulted ceilings throughout. Engineered wood flooring in the living and dining room. Low maintenance garden area. Park amenities include: Pool, Spa/Hot Tub, Clubhouse, Game Room, RV/Boat Storage, Guest Parking and OnSite Management. Easy access to walking trails, the ocean and downtown.

OFFERED AT $450,000

Please call Shirley Kimberlin at 805-886-0228

ENJOY THE BEACH LIFESTYLE... Delightful condo located just steps across the street from the “WORLD’S SAFEST BEACH” and NATURE PARK PRESERVE. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, private deck with estuary and mountain views. Amenities include two swimming pools, spa, laundry room and gated parking. A perfect unit to enjoy full-time, or as a vacation retreat that can be rented weekly or monthly. Great on-site management.

OFFERED AT $1,150,000

Please call Shirley Kimberlin at 805-886-0228

Hanging in the rain

KARLSSON

Poking around

From left, Howard School science fair winners Ben and Ian Terry, Gia Sharma, Mattox Van Leeuwen and Rachel Ransom celebrate their wins with school headmaster Joel Reed.

The Terrys take the cake