CARPINTERIA MAGAZINE
summer2015
Spell miracle...
C-O-T-T-A-G-E Cottage.
One pOund, fOurteen Ounces. So tiny, so in need of the extraordinary doctors, nurses, and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Born prematurely, the McGing triplets—Finn, Mae, and Avelinn—received constant care in the neonatal intensive care unit for almost four months before they were ready to go home.
To see photos of the McGing triplets’ NICU story, visit cottagechildrenshospital.org
“The NICU team fought for our family as if it were their own,” said parents Amber and Brian McGing. “And look at our kiddos now…miracles. How do you thank someone for saving all three of your children’s lives?” Cottage Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive pediatric services and multiple specialties including diabetes, gastroenterology, and oncology. We are proud members of the Children’s Miracle Network.
THE NEW
GolETa VallEy CoTTaGE HospiTal opENiNG THis sUMMER
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Helping you protect what matters most.
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gary goldberg Realtor | Broker | Attorney
SPECIALIZING IN REAL ESTATE SALES,
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND VACATION RENTALS
gary goldberg, Owner & Broker 1086 Coast Village Road Santa Barbara, California 93108
805.455.8910 | BRE #: 01172139 www.garygoldberg.net Email: gary@coastalrealty.com
Whether you’re buying, selling or vacationing in the Carpinteria or Santa Barbara area, Gary Goldberg will provide you with in-depth assistance for all your real estate needs. Locally owned and operated, Gary’s brokerage, Coastal Properties, has been assisting sellers, buyers and vacationers for 22 years. His team of experienced and knowledgeable agents specialize in all aspects of real estate, including residential, commercial, land development, property management, long and short term leasing, and vacation rentals. We invite you to stop in to our office and experience the friendly, professional and confidential service Coastal Properties provides.
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Absolutely Fresh Because It’s Still Alive!
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Living Butter Lettuce Living 3 In 1 Lettuce
Living Upland Cress Living Red Butter Lettuce
To learn more visit LiveGourmet.com Sustainably grown in state-of-the-art greenhouses right here in Carpinteria.
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Safety and Environmental Protection are always Venoco’s Top Priorities VENOCO, INC.
We are proud to be a part of the Carpinteria Community!
Oil companies have operated in the Carpinteria area for decades and have brought jobs, revenue and many other economic benefits to the community. Venoco was founded in Carpinteria more than 20 years ago, and has owned and operated facilities in this community for 16 years. Venoco is a conscientious environmental steward and has contributed greatly to the economic vitality of Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County and California. In 2014, more than $6.7 million in property taxes were paid to the County of Santa Barbara. California received more than $26 million in royalties from Venoco operations alone. These royalties help pay for transportation, education and other state-supported local programs. The company has won numerous awards for safety excellence, superior maintenance practices and strict environmental protections. We value our strong reputation as a responsible operator and are proud to be a contributing member of the Carpinteria community.
PHOTO: Michael Grant Edwards
6267 Carpinteria Avenue • Carpinteria, CA 93013 • (805) 745-2100 • www.venocoinc.com 6 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn SUMMER2015 7
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Fine Body Products, Candles, Robes, Loungewear, Jewelry and Purses Unique Gifts From Over Twenty Countries
910 A Linden Avenue Downtown Carpinteria
featuring: Kai, Crabtree & Evelyn, Votivo, Pre De Provence and much more
Mon - Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-4
All 100% non-smoking studio suites, 400 to 430 sq. ft. Free wireless hi-speed internet, fitness room and plenty of free parking Outdoor heated pool & whirlpool spa
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Complimentary “Express Start” hot breakfast served daily Complete interior renovation completed April, 2014
5606 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, CA 93013 • www.carpinteriaexpress.com • RESERVATIONS 805-566-9499
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We are Carpinteria Real Estate
We saved you a seat...
Pristine beaches. Year-round sunshine. Enviable lifestyles. This is Carpinteria. Established as one of the top Real Estate Teams providing unparalleled service to Buyers and Sellers. Nobody understands this exceptional market more than your local agents at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Properties.
Kat Perello Hitchcock 805-705-4485
Jake Ralston 805-455-9600
KatPerello@gmail.com www.KatHitchcock.com
JakeRalston@gmail.com www.JakeRalston.com
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BRE #01785418 SUMMER2015 SUMMER2015 9
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CARP features
Summer2015
32 HOL IDAY ON THE HIL L
Bates Ranch House is one of the oldest and newest getaway spots around. The 1928 family home is now a vacation retreat and special events venue. And, what a view!
38 C ASTRO HOUSE VACAY
Downtown and upstairs. It’s about as urban as the town gets. Amid shops and restaurants, the Castro House gives visitors a choice location to enjoy all that Carpinteria offers.
44 TAKE A WALK ON THE STYLE SIDE
Out of a nondescript Via Real building comes a fashion line with an international following. Meet the company Joah Brown and the three people who created it and keep it moving.
60 Q & A: DAV ID GRIGG S
Usually the one behind the scenes documenting the stories of others, David Griggs shares his story and how he came to be the town historian.
66 AND W E B EC AME A C I T Y
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Happy Anniversary, Carpinteria! Those 50 years sure went by fast. Part of the team that made cityhood a reality, Carmen and Guy Robitaille tell what is was like in the early days.
71 IN- SPA- RATIONAL
Candles, serums, balms, and soaps. Perfect ingredients for creating your own made-in-Carpinteria spa.
84 C HEERS L IKE A DUCK, S T UD I ES LIKE A DUCK, MUST BE A CHAMP
Small town girl makes good. That’s Shelby Dunlap! The Carpinteria High School and University of Oregon cheerleader plans to retire her pom-poms and begin her post-college career.
90 FAMILY B USINESS
He owns a pizza parlor. Her shop’s known for luscious cupcakes. The brother-sister duo of Shawn and Shannon Noormand carry on the legacy of their restaurateur family.
95 SUMMER PICNIC
Pack your hamper! These recipes are about enjoying the season’s harvest, and the dishes are meant to be eaten outdoors.
98 AB C : AL L AB OUT B EE R IN C ARPINTERIA
52
Make room World’s Safest Beach and Mr. Avocado, there’s a new toast of the town in Carpinteria – beer! Learn the fundamentals from a certified Cicerone® (think beer Sommelier).
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Farm to Table • Chef’s Seasonal Specials Sustainable Meats & Seafood Extensive Wine List
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MAG departments
32 44
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FROM THE PUB L ISHER
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CHATTERB OX
52
L A V IDA: THE SHOP D O G AROUND THE C ORN ER
70
ANTIQUES & C OL L E C T I BL ES
80
PHOTO ALBUM: THE F STOPS HERE
94
C AMPERS GUIDE
105
SUMMER READ: “SPOUSE TRAP”
108
REAL ESTATE REV IEW
114
C ONTRIB UTORS
116
FINAL FRAME
ON T H E COVE R
MEANWHILE BACK AT THE RANCH Brian Hopkins captures the living area of vacation getaway Bates Ranch House. Situated high above the Rincon, the breaking surf is visible from the room’s windows. 12 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE! Trust a Lifelong Local and Real Estate Insider Specializing in Helping Visitors Find their Dream Home. Yolanda Van Wingerden
CAL BRE: 01908887
805-570-4965 Yolanda@YolandaSB.com www.YolandaSB.com
FRESH LOCAL CUISINE ... BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND BEYOND!
Best Bagels Since 1996 • Beautiful Salads • Gourmet Sandwiches Grand Parties • Hors D’oeuvres • Social & Corporate Catering 5050 Carpinteria Ave • To Go 805.566.1558 • Catering 805.319.0155 Bistro Dining 6:30am-3pm Weekends 7:00am-3pm
bagelnet.com SUMMER2015 13
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HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, CARPINTERIA … YOU’VE NEVER LOOKED BETTER! Welcome to the 18th edition of Carpinteria Magazine! We’re excited to bring you another issue chock-full of jewels in Carpinteria’s crown. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the gems inside. A private residence since its construction in 1928, the historic Bates Ranch House is now open for business as a vacation retreat and event venue. Carpinteria Magazine editor Amy Orozco and photographer Brian Hopkins take us inside the beautifully restored California classic that will leave you wanting to make a reservation and redo your home in its timeless style. It’s worthy of our cover shot. VITE We take a walk of the style side with Joah Brown, a clothing design company garnering an international following. Writer Lea Boyd and photographer Madeleine Vite spend an afternoon with the entrepreneurial trio who has sewn the essence of Carpinteria into apparel and put the town on the fashion world map. Writer Peter Dugré has followed Carpinteria High School alumna turned University of Oregon cheerleader Shelby Dunlap’s athletic career since her record-setting days at Memorial Stadium. On-the-field cheer photos and portraits on the beach at home give us a front row seat to our hometown girl-makes-good story. Carpinteria celebrates its Golden Jubilee on Sept. 28, 2015, and what’s a 50th anniversary without some backstory? That’s why our Q&A feature highlights David Griggs, the town historian. Meet the man usually behind the scenes introducing us to the people of Carpinteria’s past and present. Our restaurant feature has a twist, spotlighting two very different downtown eateries with a family tie. Writer Megan Waldrep profiles Giovanni’s Pizza owner Shawn Noormand and Crushcakes owner Shannon Noormand, a brother and sister with recipes for success in their genes. Amateur photographer Branon Eusebio has over 9,000 followers on Instagram. See the way people all over the world are looking at Carpinteria in our Photo Album spread. I’m betting you’ll never look at Padaro Beach and Jelly Bowl the same way again. In other features, photographer Joel Conroy takes us inside local businesses to meet the dogs that help run the shows. Cookbook author Pascale Beale dishes up recipes for a summer picnic, and Zachary Rosen tells us what’s on tap to wash it down with in his survey of the local brewery scene. Craft beer, friendly dogs, and picnics at the beach; it doesn’t get any better! Carpinteria Magazine comes out twice a year and lands in thousands of homes, hotel rooms, and vacation rentals. It is available free of charge at hundreds of businesses in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Please patronize our advertisers and local merchants that make this project possible, and watch for our next issue in November 2015.
Michael VanStry, Publisher RMG Ventures, LLC Michael VanStry, President Gary L. Dobbins, Vice President
CARPINTERIA MAGAZINE SUMMER2015 EDITOR Amy Marie Orozco PRODUCTION & DESIGN Kristyn Whittenton WRITERS Pascale Beale Lea Boyd Fran Davis Kim Drain Peter Dugré Cynthia Hamilton Alonzo Orozco Amy Marie Orozco Emily Parker Zachary Rosen Megan Waldrep PHOTOGRAPHERS Joel Conroy Peter Dugré Branon Eusebio Brian Hopkins Robin Karlsson Madeleine Vite CONTRIBUTORS Carpinteria Valley Museum of History Hailey Pratt Bill Swing PRODUCTION SUPPORT Darrell Baasch Rockwell Printing SALES Dan Terry dan@coastalview.com (805) 684-4428 ON THE WEB CarpinteriaMagazine.com All articles, photographs and artwork appearing in this publication are the copyrighted intellectual property of RMG Ventures, LLC. RMG Ventures, LLC aggressively protects its intellectual property rights. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. ©2015 RMG Ventures, LLC.
4856 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, California 93013 Tel: (805) 684-4428 Email: info@carpinteriamagazine.com
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where shelter and nature converge
3823 Santa Claus Lane • Carpinteria • 805-684-0300 • porchsb.com SUMMER2015 15
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Catering. Counter. Classes. Carpinteria, CA
FURNITURE - LIGHTING - MILLWORK
Keeping Carpinteria Local & Organic. Many thanks to these talented local businesses for helping us grow our own. www.TheFoodLiaison.com 1033 Casitas Pass Road Carpinteria, CA (805) 200-3030 16 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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DeborAh Murphy
Broker/Property Manager/Notary Sales • property Management • Vacation rentals
DRE #00580025
www.murphykingrealestate.com 805.689.9696 or 805.684.4101 • 5441 Carpinteria Ave. Carpinteria, CA 93013
Family Owned & Operated
Old Fashioned Flavor for over 63 Years Downtown at 5205 Carpinteria Ave. • 684–3602
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First Natural Refrigerant Store in the Nation. Practicing Environmental Sustainability.
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“Experience the
Artful Life!”
quilting • Knitting needleworK • arts and gifts
A whimsical store with everything you’ll need for quilting, knitting, needlework, inspired gifts and more… Hours: M-s • 10 to 5 sun. • 11 to 4
919 Maple avenue • Carpinteria, Ca 93013 • 805.566.1250 • roxannequilts.CoM
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When you become a member of the Carpinteria Arts Center, inspirational things happen. Your membership will enable the Arts Center to present exhibitions of today’s artists, design innovative art classes for people of all ages, and create cultural and educational programs that bring the community together to explore the arts.
Become
inspired. Join the Arts Center today!
Go to our website, carpinteriaartscenter.com and click on the membership button to get started. Gallery Hours: Thursday - Monday, 10am - 4pm 855 Linden Avenue Downtown Carpinteria 805.684.7789
#carpinteriaarts
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If you stay... you will visit again & again!
We offer the finest weekly and monthly condominium rentals just steps away from the “world’s safest beach” in the charming seaside town of Carpinteria.
4980 Sandyland Road, Carpinteria, CA 93013 805.684.3682 • sunsetshorescarp.com
Enjoy resort style living in a completely furnished two bedroom, one bedroom or a cozy studio space with year round heated pool, whirlpool spa, barbeque areas, Wi-Fi, laundry and gated parking.
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th 9 2 ANNUAL
m o c . t s e f o v a www. rd & 5th
d, 3 n 2 R E B O T C O
Goodwill and guacamole create a
2015
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS!
The California Avocado Festival provides a beach city venue where service groups, nonprofit organizations and the community come together in beautiful
DOWNTOWN CARPINTERIA
to raise funds for their good works.
It has grown into one of the LARGEST FREE FESTIVALS in California. AvoFest proudly boasts three days of fabulous food, a premier lineup of music, environmentally friendly practices and a great family experience.
EPICUREAN DELIGHTS • ENTERTAINMENT • EDUCATION • CONTESTS
THREE DAYS OF PE AC E , LOVE & GUAC A MOLE !
•
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Rob Godfrey’s Travel 1090 Luxury River Cruises Escorted Tours Air & Rail Tickets Vacation Packages Hotel & Car Reservations Travel Insurance Independent Travel
(805) 448-0161 Rob@travelten90.com www.travelten90.com
Daily Web Specials Agent Service CST 2051478-40
The Palms Tradition since 1905
Hungry Locals & Travelers Enjoy Family-Style Good Times
“Famous Charbroil Grill” Original Salad Bar • Filet • 16 oz. T-Bone • Ribeye Steaks Teriyaki Chicken • Beef Kabobs • Norwegian Salmon Halibut • Alaskan King Crab • Rack of Lamb
Cocktails • Happy Hour • Live Bands • Dancing Linden Avenue at 7th St., Downtown Carpinteria • 805.684.3811 SUMMER2015 23
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Chatter Box Sandwich, Bait, & Car Wash Clean your car, eat a sandwich, and stock up on fish bait, all at the same one-stop shop. Danny’s Deli, Bait, Tackle and Car Wash always has been a Carpinteria favorite, but the recently added car-detailing service gives locals one more great reason to frequent the shop on the corner of Carpinteria Avenue and Elm Lane. Ever wonder how this eclectic Carpinteria favorite came to be? When Danny Kellogg’s father closed Kellogg’s Men’s Wear in La Cumbre Plaza in Santa Barbara, the younger Kellogg needed to find another job. He found a three bay self-serve car wash at 4890 Carpinteria Ave. in 1984. “After the first year, my landlord wanted to increase the rent, so I had to think of an idea to put another business on the property,” Kellogg recalls. Since he had experience working in the Santa Barbara restaurant business, Kellogg added a deli. “I love to cook,” he says. “I’m good at it, too. I do all the cooking at home.” Kellogg poured his passion for cooking into the deli, creating his “world-famous” tri-tip sandwich recipe by combining tri-tip meat, salsa, and barbecue sauce. Danny’s tri-tip is more than just a local favorite—even visitors from the Midwest know to order it. When one Carpinteria local moved to a different state, he continued to order Danny’s tri-tip sandwiches. Ingredients are packed separately and sent in a box overnight. “He needs his fix,” Kellogg says, chuckling. Next came the bait and tackle shop. When Pole Bender, a small bait and tackle shop a few doors down from Danny’s, went out of business, Kellogg bought the remaining inventory. “I’ve been a fisherman all my life, both sport and commercial,” he says. “It gives me an opportunity to talk about fishing, which I love to talk about. Plus, it’s a nice service for the community of fishermen here.” When Kellogg’s son, Will, joined him in the business almost three years ago, they added a new full-service car wash and detailing center. “We offer full detailing,
carpet cleaning, waxing, buffing … everything, we do everything,” Kellogg says. The father and son hoped the expanded car wash services would increase traffic to the deli and to the bait and tackle shop. It has worked, Kellogg says. “Will is young and has a lot to learn in business, but he’s a very hard worker,” Kellogg shares. “He always shows up to work on time or early every day, and he works hard. He’s starting the same way I started out.” With Will on board, does Kellogg have plans to add another shop? “You never know,” he says. “The harder and harder it is to make a business, the harder you have to work to increase profits, so you never know.” – Emily ParkEr
° ° °
Mural, Mural, On the Wall It isn’t much to look at now. Ice plant drapes the pale blue sky, the school on the hill is flaking away and the
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locomotive is a shadow of its former self. But the mural was a thing of beauty when it was dedicated on a warm spring day in 1983. For more than three decades the painting on the tall concrete retaining wall by the post office has provided passers-by with a glimpse of the quirky town of Summerland’s historic past. The mural owes much of its uniqueness to its creative beginnings. Sponsored by the Summerland Citizens Association, the project was taken on by the entire community. Every weekend over a period of several months,
Keep it local.
PETER DUGRÉ
residents of Summerland were invited to stop by the post office parking lot to “paint the town.” Children slathered the shrubbery green; taller folks reached up to lay strokes on the church steeple and the grammar school. Others stepped in to straighten lines or cover poor color choices. Measuring 130 feet long and more than 12 feet tall, the mural was an ambitious undertaking for the small village. Old newspaper photos show clusters of people kneeling or reaching high with their brushes. David Yager, then First District Supervisor, is pictured applying white to the walls of an early-day restaurant. Resident Harold Okino climbed a ladder to paint the reproduction of his own Victorian house. Local architect Jerry White created the mural’s layout, working with print artist John Clark, who supplied many of the authentic historical details, including the locomotive and costumed characters. White takes credit for the scaling, gridding and blow-up, but credits Clark, who has lived in Summerland more than 50 years, for providing “most of the artistic stuff.” He was “the man behind the screen” says White, referring to the wiz in the “Wizard of Oz.” All the buildings portrayed were taken from photos
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C hatter Box of old Summerland. Prominent in the center is the Spiritualist Hall, constructed by Summerland’s Spiritualist founders to hold séances and meetings. A horse-drawn buckboard displays the 1889 date of the town’s founding. The big white Victorian house, still owned by the Okino family, had been built by early resident Fred Lambert for Galen Clark after his retirement as the first Guardian of Yosemite. Bungalows dot the representation of Summerland’s bluffs, their petite size reflecting the history of the town’s layout in small tent lots for visiting Spiritualists. Piers studded with oil wells crowd the beach in a depiction of the town’s early oil boom and site of the first offshore drilling in the western hemisphere. A wooden plaque affixed at the mural’s dedication in 1983 has been removed for preservation. Although the Summerland Citizens Association would like to restore the mural to its former glory, a change in the property’s ownership has placed the prospect in permanent limbo. Just as Summerland’s first settlers believed in ghostly communication with the spirit world, the mural itself is now a ghost of its former self, the representation of a vanished time and place, itself eroding with time. – Fran Davis
° ° °
The Cake Lady The lights flick on in the wee hours of the morning on the corner of Linden Avenue and 9 th Street. The sloshing of fresh batter rolls around the bowl as Joe Cardenas, baker and co-owner of Reynaldo’s Bakery and Mexican Food, prepares for the day. As the morning quickly develops, neighbors from the upstairs apartments revel in the sweet aroma of the cakes and donuts as they begin to bake. Shortly, many migrate downstairs to learn from Diane Cardenas, co-owner and wife of Joe, what delicious treats are in store. Celebrating 35 years in business, this scene has played out nearly every day since Reynaldo’s opened its doors in 1980. “He (Joe) was born in it, he’s a fourth-generation baker, and Reynaldo (their son whose name appears on the store front) is fifth generation,” says Diane. However, it’s Diane who has played a vital role in creating a variety of cakes for generations of Carpinterians in what has become a true art form. Tasked with drawing up, making the icing, and de-
signing the decorations, Diane has created cakes to mark just about any occasion, anything from a standing giraffe made of triangles for a school teacher to a cake depicting a GI (gastrointestinal) colonoscopy. “It’s mostly when anybody comes in and says ‘can you do this?’” to which Cardenas usually replies, “You got it.”
Twenty years ago, she was asked whether she could make Irish soda bread. Diane took on the challenge, and to this day it is one of the bakery’s more popular items, made annually in March only. “I always try and aim to please,” assures the longtime baker, who many refer to as the “Cake Lady.” In the past, Diane has made a cake shaped like a guitar, one celebrating Mardi Gras, and a huge cake for the City of Carpinteria, complete with the city emblem that spanned three sheets long. Her work is so specialized that a photo album of cakes she had made over the years went missing for five years before it was returned. The two most popular flavors are the white cake with fresh strawberries and the tres leches cake often baked for weddings. “We do a rainbow cake; it’s all the different colors when you cut it. It’s really cool,” Cardenas explains of one recent, innovative trend in cake design. Graduation is often a busy time at the bakery. Back in the early days, it was not uncommon, when there weren’t many bakeries or grocery stores around town, for the bakery to churn out over 100 cakes in a three-day time frame. The Cardenas family rarely indulges in their specialty product, eating cake only about six times a year in honor of birthdays. But, there will continue to be many opportunities to
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indulge when the lights flick on every morning at 4:30, ready to roll out the next tasty treat.
A trip to Italy without the jet lag…
– ALoNzo oRozCo
° ° °
Summer Sale at Beach Store Just as sure as the fog camps out on the coast each June, so appears another local sign of summer: the Carpinteria Beach Store. Anchored at the foot of Linden Avenue, the Beach Store pops up just in time to provide visitors with all the sundry items needed for a fun day at the shore. Carpinteria is an oasis for travelers escaping the heat and congestion of the Southland, and the Beach Store is a sight for sore eyes for those who arrive unprepared for a day of fun and sun. The seasonal concession first opened in 1991 as a way to generate extra funds for the city’s recreation programs. Matt Roberts, parks and recreation director, came up with the idea when he noticed other beach towns along
EVELYN CERVANTES
the coast setting up businesses on the sand. The parks and recreation department oversees the store, which provides a few summer jobs for local kids. “We were looking for ways to raise extra money for programs such as Junior Lifeguards and pool activities,” Roberts explains. “Our core mission is to provide convenience and comfort to the beachgoer. We aren’t competing with other shops downtown.” As befitting a small community, the little Beach Store is low-key and family friendly. The products are squeaky clean, and the merchandise is practical and fun, with nothing too cheesy. Inventory
Delighting Customers Since 2007 2013 Certificate of Excellence Winner from Trip Advisor
Weekdays: Lunch 11am–3pm; Dinner 5–9pm Weekends: Lunch 12–3pm; Dinner 5–9:30pm Closed Tuesday Business Meeting Family Parties and Catering
666 Linden Ave., Downtown Carpinteria 805 684-0720 • www.giannfrancos.com Follow us on Facebook at Giannfranco’s Trattoria SUMMER2015 27
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C hatter Box
or marking any occasion. There’s even a walk-in storefront where campers can pick up banners or flags to display proudly, possibly representing a theme for the weekend’s Carpinteria getaway.
includes hats, swim trunks, beach toys, towels, and souvenirs. And for when the fog burns off, there is plenty of the top-selling product: sunscreen! For day-trippers not content to simply lounge, the Beach Store also offers equipment rental. Boogie boards, inflatable tubes, umbrellas, and Ping Pong paddles are all available for kids of all ages. The store even provides, free of charge, a knobby-tired beach access chair for those needing assistance getting through the sand. Feeling hungry? Just a few steps away from the Beach Store sits another bright spot on Linden, Penelope’s Sno Ball Mobile. Serving up shave ice, hot dogs, snacks, and root beer floats, Penny Gilbert’s yellow trailer also caters to the seasonal crowd. “This is our fourth year at the beach, and it’s been fun to see the same families returning on vacation every year,” Gilbert says. “Of course it’s great to see our Carp families, too.” This summer should be no different. Not only does Carpinteria provide the perfect beach getaway, it brings all the fun, too! – Kim DrAin
° ° °
Long May They Wave One of the city’s longest running industries lies just blocks away from the beach, and it has nothing to do with avocados, flowers, or oil. According to company president David Yothers, The Flag Factory moved into its 5095 6 th Street address around 1968, making it one of the oldest residents in that block of buildings. Employing anywhere from 11 to 15 employees throughout the year, the small conglomerate has been cranking out flags of all types and sizes ever since founder Carl Adelhardt opened its doors roughly a half-century ago. Yothers, along with wife and co-owner Sharon, acquired the company in 2001. Currently its subdivisions include Main Street Banner U.S.A., Interstate Pole Industries (IPI), and The Holly Workshop, which all share the adjacent space on the corner at 525 Maple Ave. Aside from the occasional screeching of aluminum being sliced and the flickering flash of sparks flying onto the shop floor, few would imagine the magnitude of production going on there. Banners, poles, decorative wreaths, window lettering and awnings, and just about anything under the sun are produced to aid businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits in celebrating, promoting,
Alonzo orozco
Next to the retaiI outlet is a second warehouse where shelved, bright, colorful rolls of fabric are stacked to the ceiling. Inside the IPI warehouse, lay rows of long, cardboard-like spools where some of the pole inventory is placed. An aluminum extruder produces the shafts, and the warehouse takes over from there, putting in all the accessories to create the flagpoles. “We do seek out and bid contracts for flagpole projects, a lot of them end up being for fire departments, schools, government agencies, and so on,” says Sharon. But the most popular item may be the “stars and stripes,” the American flag, which is actually made off site. The company also sells international flags, as well as flags for companies such as Harley Davidson. The biggest flag ever produced was made for British Petroleum and measured 50 feet by 80 feet. Main Street Banner U.S.A. also keeps busy beautifying cities such as Camarillo, Ventura and Goleta with special occasion models donning their streets. When the season slows down, the focus turns to the Holly Workshop whose festive garlands can be seen annually during the holiday season on Milpas and State Streets in Santa Barbara. “We were attracted to it [the industry] because of its diversity,” explains Sharon. And for that reason the business still thrives to this day. ◆ – Alonzo orozco
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cup curious Bookstore Books • LocaL art & authors • storytime JournaLs • ecLectic gifts & toys cards • kLutz & art suppLies Our space might be small but we are mighty! We support local authors & artists and would love to find the book you will love! There is always something fun happening at Curious Cup Bookstore! 3817 1/2 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria 93013
805.881.3230
curiouscup.com
Jewelry • Accessories • Apparel • Gifts 3823 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, CA 93013 • 805.684.5800 • hummingbirdcarpinteria.com
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One day is not enough!
World’s Safest Beach & Tide Pools • Hiking & Biking Trails • Harbor Seal Rookery America’s Largest Cymbidium Orchid Farm • First Class Restaurants & Casual Beach Dining Unique Owner-Run Shops • Award Winning Craft Beer & Wine Tasting Farmers Market & Artisan Fair • Historical Museum • Family Style Hospitality First Fridays • Hand-made Sweets • And So Much More!
Photos by David Powdrell
www.carpinteriachamber.org
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CA
Y
Explore Carpinteria!
R
TERIA VA N I L P
LE
A quaint California beach town with breathtaking ocean & mountain views...
CHAMBER of Commerce
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Holiday Hill
O N T H E
S T ORY BY A M Y OROZ CO PH OT OS BY BRI A N H OPK INS
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Drive up Bates Road, pull into the Bates Ranch House driveway, and the occasional necessity of clichés becomes crystal clear. This hilltop beauty leaves one at a loss for words. A view of the Pacific that goes for miles and miles. A sweeping vista of the mountains and sea. Jaw-dropping scenery. Manicured gardens. Rolling lawn. California classic. Quaint. Historic. Of architectural significance. They all fit. They all apply. The story of the Bates Ranch House begins in 1882 when Dr. Charles Bell Bates bought 1,200 acres of a Spanish land grant, which included Rincon Point. His son, Robert W., and French daughter-in-law, Juliette, built their home on the land in 1928. Today, Robert W. and Juliette’s granddaughters own the house. Robbie Hutto and her three sisters grew up in the Bay Area but celebrated holidays and passed long summer days at their grandparents’ home every year. Determined to keep the home in the family, the four pooled resources and turned Bates Ranch House into a vacation rental and special events venue in 2010. The transformation from private residence to rental celebrated the bones and beauty of the home’s architecture and design. Constructed of handmade adobe bricks, the single story, over 5,000-square-foot home has 16 exterior doors and is perched on more than three acres.
OPPOSITE PAGE, the catbird seat of Carpinteria. The Bates Ranch House offers commanding views of the coastline and the Channel Islands. TOP, the wide and welcoming entrance to the rambling ranch style home. ABOVE, watching “The View.” Unplugged. SUMMER2015 33
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OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE, one of the five bright and airy bedrooms. Juliette Bates’ French influences on the home is evident in the curved wall hallway, where phone space is carved out of the wall. The living area passes into the dining area, and views of the breaking surf are visible from both rooms. TOP, the view from the inner courtyard on the backside of the house is of the Los Padres National Forest. ABOVE, a 1938 oil painting of Rincon Point by noted artist and family member Richard Meryman hangs in the house.
Though Bates Ranch House, as its name indicates, would be slotted under “domestic ranch architectural style” with its long, single-story footprint, the exterior shutters and curved interior hallway wall are two examples of Juliette’s French influence on the home’s design. The rehab into rental successfully balanced modern upgrades, such as Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen, with architectural and design integrity. Molly Hutto, daughter of Robbie, granddaughter of R.W. and Juliette, and owner of Botanik, a Summerland boutique for garden, home and design, took charge of the interior and garden designs. Uncluttered and unfettered, sea breezes and sunlight mostly fill the bright, white, airy rooms. Colorful accents such as pillows, rugs, and artwork add pops of color to the interior ’s neutral palette. Some of the home’s original elements are the tile throughout the house, the Bates Ranch House sign adorning a hallway, and the dining room light fixture. Guests enjoy expansive views of the breaking surf from the living and dining areas. Each of the five bedrooms has its own bath, as they did when first built. (The fifth bedroom, now the master bedroom, was added in 1980.) Two separate structures from the home have history lessons to tell. During World War II, the United States Army took advantage of the property’s stellar views and built army barracks near the home in order to monitor the coast for possible invading Japanese ships. The building still stands and serves as a separate residence. The second structure is the studio, now called the SUMMER2015 35
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“studio garage.” Noted American painter and family member Richard Meryman visited Bates Ranch House and spent his time painting in the studio. In what was Robert W. and Juliette’s daughter ’s room hangs his 1938 oil painting of Rincon Point. In the back of the Bates Ranch House, where the mountain views are just as impressive as the front coastal views, a fireplace and barbecue provide a gathering spot. Brick pathways, cherubs, fountains, flowerbeds, and tile work dot the outdoors living area. Rooftop, the same weather vane indicates whether the wind is coming from the mountains or the sea. A traditional Japanese garden sits away from the house. Robbie believes its “seed” is a Japanese lantern garden piece given to her grandparents by the neighboring Ota family as one of the ways to say thank you for keeping their farm going while they were interned during World War II. The same moss Juliette planted all those years ago continues to grow alongside the rock path laid at the same time. Other statuary, a bridge, a bamboo water feature, and other traditional Japanese garden elements have been added creating a separate environment for reflection and solitude. Exit the garden, return to Bates Ranch House, and ponder further on the occasional necessity of clichés … Panoramic views. Lovingly restored home. Vacation memories to last a lifetime … They all fit. They all apply. ◆ (805) 395-1262, BatesRanchHouse@gmail.com 36 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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OPPOSITE PAGE TOP AND BOTTOM, the light fixture in the dining room is original to the house as is the wall cutout with shutters in a hallway. TOP, twilight and golden light at the Bates Ranch House. ABOVE, the front yard rolls into Rincon Point. RIGHT, family history and mementos are found all over the property. SUMMER2015 37
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Castro House Vacay Story b y Am y o roz co • Ph ot oS by b ri An h o Pk i nS The clock was ticking loudly when Jill Castro and daughter Jess Rae Willis remodeled the upstairs of the 112-year-old family home into a vacation rental. The first guests were booked to arrive in two months and scheduled to stay two-and-a-half months. Long used as offices, the downtown 900-square foot space had a dark, let’s-put-a-wall-here, string-an-extension-cord-there feel. Like an HGTV episode, the marathon rehab session finished in the nick of time. With general contractor Jake McIntyre, construction work was done at night so as not to disturb the downstairs business tenants. Willis served as designer and painter, and Castro, whose foot was broken during the makeover process, played the part of financier. Incremental changes–brightening up with paint, reconfiguring rooms, and allowing windows to do their job–yielded big results. Bolder changes–crafting a full kitchen and creating a shower from a closet to add to the
bathroom–branded the Wow! factor. Willis’ and McIntyre’s bold and beautiful artwork decorating the walls solidified the home away from home’s one-of-a-kind status. “We maintained the integrity of the house,” said Castro, whose late husband, Gary Castro, was born and raised there. Originally located at the corner of Maple and Carpinteria avenues, where the 76 station now stands, the multi-generational home was built in 1902 by a local banker. In 1947, it moved to its present Maple Avenue location across the street from the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History, which provided historic photos as a guide to recreate the original hydrangea-centric landscaping. The reason visitors come to Carpinteria also was kept intact. Beach blankets, towels, and umbrellas come with ABOVE, big and comfy is the Castro House furniture’s motif. The living area is perfect for lounging or planning a day of activities.
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP, the cloud-like bed is reason enough for a vacation. Updated bathroom features include double sinks. Prefer some reading time? Your chair awaits. SUMMER2015 39
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the rental, along with wetsuits, coolers, and standup paddleboards. Out-of-towners aren’t flocking only to the beach, according to Willis, who, as the face of The Castro House, always meets and greets the guests as does a welcome gift basket with wine, a book on area wildflowers, bottled water, local publications, and brochures on Carpinteria businesses and activities. Along with its postcard worthy view of the mountains and plenty of charm to spare, there’s been a great response to being in the center of town with the restaurants, breweries, coffee places, bike rentals, and large variety of independently owned shops. On the last Saturday of the month, there is a flea market at the museum and the downstairs clothing store, Twice as Nice, holds its dollar sale. Plus, once the downstairs businesses close at 5 p.m., the entire building is theirs. “There’s a real feeling of ‘I’m on vacation,’” Willis notes. The airy kitchen is filled with complete sets of cooking utensils and cookware, and a barbecue is available to wheel out onto the deck. Most guests, though, prefer to go out for meals. The one-bedroom, one-bath apartment sleeps six comfortably. Check out time can be flexible, and, another rarity in the vacation rental business, pets are allowed. ◆ (805) 696-3650, casadecastro1902@gmail.com
TOP, take the stairs to the vacation rental on top. The Castro House provides a temporary nest for visitors eager to experience downtown’s eating, drinking, and shopping opportunities. ABOVE, a sunny kitchen provides all the necessary tools and utensils for home cooking. Most guests, however, appear to prefer eating out.
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Rainbow Bridge Ranch Palm Growers Carpinteria, California
August 29 & 30, 2015 10am - 5pm Tickets: $5 / day
$15 Saturday Preview 9am - 10am
700 Linden Ave.
Downtown Carpinteria In Partnership with the Carpinteria Arts Center
Sea Glass, Music, Food & Fun!
carpinteriaseaglassfestival.com
Over 20 Varieties of Climatized Coastal Grown Palm Trees, Tropicals, Bananas, Plumerias & More at Wholesale Prices
WE DELIVER Open to Public by Appointment Bruce Montgomery at (805) 684-7976
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Carpinteria comes alive on the First Friday of each month! Expect a delicious weekend of shopping, dining, art and entertainment.
January 1 & 2 June 5 Sounds of Summer February 5 July 3 Surf ’s Up/ America the Beautiful March 4 August 7 Art & Art-niture April 1 September 4 Chalk the Walk/ May 6 Celebrate Education June 3 October 2,3,4 California Avocado Festival July 1 November 6 Fall Harvest December 4 Light Up the Season
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2015
2016
Snow Much To Do Where the Heart Is Think Green Spring Fling Carpinteria in Bloom Sounds of Summer Surf ’s Up/ America the Beautiful
carpinteria.ca.us • carpinteriachamber.org
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Finding the right mortgage doesn’t have to be complicated. At On Q Financial, Inc.
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A local Carpinteria mortgage lender with over a decade in the industry, Austin's goal is to make your mortgage process as streamlined and smooth as possible.
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Contact your local mortgage consultant Austin Lampson for a free mortgage check-up!
AUSTIN LAMPSON Senior Mortgage Consultant 1332 Anacapa Street, Suite 110 Santa Barbara, California austin.lampson@onqfinancial.com www.austinlampson.com P 805.335.8200 C 805.450.4548 NMLS # 517060, CA DBO #517060
On Q Financial, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #5645. California RMLA #4131336
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Take a walk on the sTyle side Story by L e a boyd • Ph ot oS by M a de Le i n e Vi t e Aside from the address, all evidence of the clothing company Joah Brown pointed to a large-scale operation somewhere edgy and trendy—somewhere not Carpinteria. I noted Instagram’s daily feeds to over 30,000 followers of models draped in fashion forward tops, and joahbrown.com’s clean and contemporary style and extensive inventory. But there was the address again, 4180 Via Real, Carpinteria. I went, not sure what to expect. What I discovered were three young people in a rabbit warren office space
ABOVE, cousins Sydney Brown Wagner, left, and Joah Brown keep their work in the highly competitive fashion industry fun. OPPOSITE PAGE, two heads are better than one. Sydney, top, and Joah started their clothing company after relocating from the East Coast.
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THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE, Look Book shots. Betcha recognize some of these locations. Clothing photo shoots are in Carpinteria – at the beach, in alleyways, and at Barnard Ranch.
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in a nondescript building next to Motel 6. One was the woman Joah Brown, familiar looking because in addition to designing the eponymous company’s clothing, the size zero beauty also models it. Then there was Sydney Brown Wagner, her cousin, whose bright smile comes easily and whose get-it-done work ethic keeps the whole operation ticking. The last member of the team and the first to shake my hand was Brian Vaccarino, the public interface, director of sales, the spreader of the Joah Brown gospel, and also the long term boyfriend of Joah. That’s it. The trio of owners, whose clothing can be found in over 150 stores around the country and internationally, operates on a combination of determination and talent. None has a background in fashion; through trial and error, they pick up necessary skills along the way. Their gifts are distinct, as if yin and yang added a third, perfectly balanced element. “Anything, you name it, the three of us have done it,” says Joah. “We work eight days a week.” The highly competitive clothing market has fallen head over heels for Joah Brown, whose entire staff can meet—and often does meet—comfortably at a Crushcakes two-top. The small-but-mighty team has carved its own fashion niche based on the tenets of versatility and affordability. They executed a concept that made sense to them, designing and selling clothing that they wanted in their own closets. As Joah says, each design is both chic and casual (“If we get dressed up, we put on a pair of jeans.”) and priced for accessibility (“Growing up, we couldn’t afford $100 T-shirts.”). A top can be thrown on with yoga pants to walk
the dog in the morning, and the same top paired with a leather jacket for a night out. Prices for all styles range from $30 to $75, which puts them easily within reach of the target market, 18- to 35-year-olds. Soft fabric that stretches and drapes—either modal spandex or a rayon spandex—makes the brand comfortable and flattering for most sizes. Clients tell Brian they feel like they’re wearing butter. Joah Brown designs are conceived in the Carpinteria office. Fabric is made and cut in Los Angeles, and the ABOVE, from left, Joah, Sydney, Brian Vacarrino, and Henry the dog often hold business meetings at an outside cafe table on Carpinteria Avenue. OPPOSITE PAGE, Sydney, left, Joah, and Henry the dog stroll Linden Avenue. SUMMER2015 47
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sewing is done in Mexico. Then the clothing comes to Carpinteria, where it is packaged and shipped. Perhaps more surprising than the small team behind Joah Brown is the company’s rapid rise. Just a few years ago, Joah decided to hand sew turban-style headbands in her Los Angeles apartment and sell them online. Their popularity grew quickly, and soon Sydney stepped in with marketing and web savvy to meet existing demand and ignite new demand. “We said to ourselves, ‘we have to go into clothing.’ The headbands were just a trend,” Joah recalls. Joah grew up in Pittsburgh, where her creativity never found the right soil to take root. She and school didn’t get along very well. She graduated, waited loads of tables, and continued to feel the weight of the “play it safe” East Coast mentality. Brian and Joah discovered each other and a mutual yearning for the Left Coast while living in North Carolina. “We wanted something different, and California was calling us,” Joah says. Serendipity led Sydney in the same direction. She’d grown up in Delaware, then earned a degree in psychol-
ogy from Penn State before winding up in Los Angeles, where her cousin Joah was newly residing. And though most fashion success stories end in Los Angeles, this one does not. The brand Joah Brown started catching on, but the big, sprawling city had not caught on with the trio. In 2013, the three picked up and moved to little Carpinteria, where Joah had spent a year living with her aunt and uncle in 2006. Now Carpinteria is home. They shot their “look book” at a friend’s avocado ranch, the local beach, and throughout downtown. They bring Henry the dog to their Via Real office every day. Aside from work trips to pick up clothing orders in L.A., they rarely leave the zip code. Find Joah Brown clothing in Carpinteria at A Frame Surf or Rowan, both located on Santa Claus Lane. ◆
ABOVE, with the exception of manufacturing of goods, all operations for the Joah Brown company are done in Carpinteria. This includes sales, marketing, branding, fulfillment, social media, and everything else a clothing company needs to get done. From left are Joah, Henry the dog, Brian, and Sydney.
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Mark king
The rollerskating real Estate agent
women’s clothing • artisan jewelry • handbags accessories • local art • Hudson Jeans 805•685•8811 BB Dakota • Hanky Panky • Angie • Tulle 5100 CARPINTERIA AVE Capri Blue Candles • Tees by Tina OPEN AT 6 AM DAILY
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…simply fine wines at great prices!
Wines from “A” to “Z” (Albariño to Zinfandel)
Breakfast Burritos Homemade Tamales Quesadillas Enchiladas & More
Full Specialty Breads & Pastries
Bakery Cakes for all Occasions
Linden Ave. @ 9th St. • Downtown Carpinteria • (805) 684-4981
NEW ARRIVALS EVERY DAY Stop in and take advantage of our tremendous selection! 4193-1 Carpinteria Ave.
684-7440 M-F 10-6pm Sat 10-5pm
PREPARE YOUR YARD FOR A DRY SUMMER! WATERING TIPS
For more information visit cvwd.com
Landscape irrigation accounts for approximately 50% of household water use. Reduce use by: • Decreasing lawn watering NOW! • Installing drought tolerant or native shurbs and trees. • Converting sprinkler to drip irrigation in plant beds. • Mulching plant beds to keep soil moist and minimize evaporation. • Capturing the cold water before you shower to water plants. • Fixing leaking or broken landscape irrigation fixtures asap.
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LA VIDA
AROUND THE CORNER PH OT OS BY JOE L CON ROY S T ORY BY A M Y OROZ CO Canis carpinterius, commonly known as “shop dogs,” refers to the friendly, typically furry, quadrupeds employed at various businesses, with the notable exception of eateries, in the Carpinteria Valley. Common behaviors include extreme enthusiasm toward approaching humans and the ability to freeze in their tracks upon hearing the word “treat.” The contribution of Canis carpinterius to the economic vitality of the area cannot be overstated. Carpinteria Magazine salutes these unsung heroes and offers the following sampling of Canis carpinterius.
LADYBUG SINGS THE BLUES
Ladybug is the greeter and mascot at Gigi’s Vintage Blues. The 5-year-old French bulldog has her own Facebook page. “People come to see her. She also plays with the boyfriends, dads, and kids when moms shop,” reports Gigi Rothstein, Vintage Blues owner.
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Keepin’ an eye on Things
Most likely, Shorty Moore, “Shorty” for short, will be the one to welcome you to his shop Eye of the Day. The Broken coat Jack Russell terrier is 3-and-a-half years old. He’s been coming to the office since he was 8 weeks old,” says Suzi Freitas, co-owner.
Bulldog 2
There’s a two-fer at the Blue Orchid Boutique. Tank, the 4-year-old English bulldog on the left, and Kolby Queso, the French bulldog on the right, have a good following on Instagram and Facebook. “They are very gentle and social,” notes business CEO Rachel Nunez. “It’s like Romper Room in here.”
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Pretty Penny
Penny the Pomeranian is at the helm of Island Outfitters. The 13-year-old has worked at the clothier since it opened eight years ago. “The kids really love her,� owners Sal and Anne Lucido agree.
Good ArchitecturAl Bones
No delivery of blueprints or material samples arrive at Dylan Chappell Architects without a sniff test by Zoe. The 3-year-old goldendoodle allows faster access upon receipt of a treat.
Wired in the dnA
Rufus has designs on the customers at DnA. The 5-year-old, wire haired dachshund-Lhasa apso mix is the official greeter and sometime babysitter at the home interior design and art space.
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Ze Dog, Ze Dog
Mollie, a miniature French bulldog, used to be the official turtle wrangler at ZeBird Design, but now her title is official greeter. Little known fact: the 11-year-old had a supporting role in the local film “Go Go Fever.” Her screen name was Creme Brulee.
ChoColate Kiss
Though only 2 years old, Odin is quite serious about his greeting duties at Griplock Systems. “He’s an English lab, chocolate in color,” notes supervisor and owner Sara Fox. “And, he takes ‘bone breaks.’” SUMMER2015 55
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Silky Smooth, Cotton Soft
Dora Lo helps out with sales and marketing at the Carpinteria Cotton Co. The 7-ish-year-old golden retriever hales from Taiwan and has “been coming to work since we adopted her two years ago,” reports her human, Janet Boyle.
A RoyAl BReed
Though her breed is King Charles Cavalier, Khloe is the Queen Bee at Gold Coast Fabrics. “She’s the greeter, alarm, security ...” confirms Tracey Kormushoff, store owner and Khloe minion. ◆
Peter Dugré
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“Go ahead ask me what I like!” nutritious foods, yummy treats, colorful collars, handsome leashes, playful toys (yes!).
PLAYA
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Let’s try a feel good, warm refreshing
self served bath by YOU in the wonderful Ark tub
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Provisions for all Pets CasItas Plaza • 805.684.1731 1090 CasItas Pass Road Mon-FRI 10-7 • sat 10-5 • sun 12-5
Big or Small We Ship it All! High speed internet access, email, scan & print Private mail box rentals
In the Albertsons Shopping Plaza 1072 Casitas Pass Rd., Carpinteria, CA 93013
805-566-9921 SUMMER2015 57
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RODS & ROSES Carpinteria’s Premiere Car Show
Saturday, June 27th 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
www.RodsAndRoses.com
Independence Parade!
Following the car show is Carpinteria’s annual Indepenence Parade. Mark you calendar, bring the family and join the fun. Parade begins at 5pm on Linden Ave.
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PROTECT YOUR HOME & PROPERTY Fire Sprinklers/Extinguishers Fire Suppression Systems Fire Pumps, Hoses, Nozzles Kitchen Hood Systems Wildland Property Assessment Protection Gels, Foams, Paints “Your Fire Protection Connection since 1978”
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question & answer
David Griggs
Carpinteria Valley Museum of History IntervIe w by L e a boyd • Ph ot os by M a de L e In e v Ite
David Griggs realized shortly after transferring to UCSB in 1977 that he would never move back to Orange County. What he couldn’t have known at that point was that his college transcript full of anthropology and environmental studies courses would circuitously lead him to a career that has made his name synonymous with Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. The life-long collector, who lives in the Goleta area but spends more waking hours between the four walls of the museum, is a lover of things. His home crawls with collections—beach combing treasures, epiphytes, orchids and begonias, human and natural artifacts from hundreds of hours hiking the desert, and books stacked on books stacked on books. The environment shapes the path of mankind, and Griggs views local history through that particular lens. Drawn by the valley’s ideal mix of climate, soil and water availability, the agriculturalists, from early walnut farmers to contemporary flower growers, are key characters in Carpinteria’s story, Griggs emphasizes. Yet when it comes to the museum environment, Griggs is clearly the dominant shaper. The exhibits are practically his flesh and blood, and the files and files of photos and texts are sacred documents. His mission at the museum aligns with his personal beliefs. “Through education comes appreciation. Through appreciation comes preservation. I feel that education is the building block for everything,” he says.
OPPOSITE PAGE, David Griggs, curator of the Carpinteria Valley Musuem of History, is known as the town’s official historian. RIGHT, in addition to their beauty, the museum grounds serve as a community spot, hosting a monthly flea market and volunteer functions. SUMMER2015 61
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a step to come into the museum environment and work on exhibits, certainly in the education programs, dealing with school groups.” And I thought it would be interesting. Mostly I thought it would force me to upgrade my resume. I submitted my resume along with 42 other hopefuls, and all those resumes remain on file. Twice in my tenure here I’ve gotten them out and leafed through them. And for some I’ve thought, “No wonder they didn’t call you back.” I mean, there were PhDs with resumes in blue ink on spiral bound notebook paper spelling Carpinteria incorrectly. But there were truly qualified folks too. I’d taken a resume class, so I had mine on nice paper. And I’d read two books on Carpinteria history before I was interviewed so that I was somewhat versed in local history. I had one of the first interviews with the search committee, and I was instantly in the top five. And then I was scheduled to interview with the top two and they said, “Ah, hell, we want you.” And I was 29.
So you were young and relatively inexperienced, and you were handed the reins of a museum that had just undergone an expansion that doubled its size. Did the job meet your expectations?
People love to predict what kids will be when they grow up based on their childhood affinities. Were there any indicators that you would be a history museum curator? I just love stuff. When I was a kid, other kids in the neighborhood would want to come and take a tour of my yard, with all my ponds and animals, and my bedroom, which they called the museum. So I think it was in my DNA to end up in a place like this because I always collected.
After college you worked on Santa Cruz Island as a naturalist and a camp manager. How did you end up as a museum curator after the camp closed?
I just opened up the classifieds in the Santa Barbara News-Press and there was this little tiny, unassuming ad for a curator at the Carpinteria Historical Museum. And I thought, “Well, I’m an educator. It wouldn’t be that big
I was in seventh heaven. I thought, “Oh, man, I get to collect.” But the scary thing was I wasn’t just hired as a curator, I was hired as the CEO and the chief administrator, chief fundraiser, volunteer coordinator and the facilities manager. When I started, the museum had basically been closed for two and a half years so there were no volunteers anymore; the docent core had just kind of withered. The first thing I had to do was get that core back and do volunteer training for the museum. Another really scary thing was they’d spent all the money on the expansion. When I came here, there was no money in the bank. There was barely enough to pay me my first month’s salary and pay the bills for the museum. There was actually one month’s operating income with zero reserves. There was $2,000 in the bank. That was it; they had spent everything.
Yet you didn’t run for the hills?
It was really, really challenging, but that’s where youth and ignorance came into play. I didn’t know any better, and I don’t accept failure very well, so I just said, “Okay, I can do this,” and did. We started an endowment program, and I started socking money away. Anytime someone joined at a $500 life membership level, I’d stick it in the bank. Basically, we rely on our monthly fundraising, our membership and memorial donations and some grant writing, and now we have an endowment that went from zero to just under a million dollars. We are going to have a party when we hit that mark.
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The City of Carpinteria is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In your opinion did cityhood end up changing much for the average Joe in Carpinteria?
I think no matter what I answer I’m going to anger half the people of Carpinteria because it really was a very divisive issue. It pitted neighbor against neighbor, husband against wife, pew against pew in the churches. You were either for it or against it, and there were very compelling reasons on both sides. Through the benefit of hindsight, I think it was a good thing. When you have people that you’re paying and you’ve put into power, you have people who are really paying attention to the potholes, the parks, the neighborhoods and the development issues. I think the city has done a really, really good job with preserving and recognizing our small town charm, our long history with agriculture, and our commitment to agriculture by not annexing and moving city boundaries endlessly. The city has not become the machine that so many cities end up becoming with an ever growing and expanding bureaucracy that OKs a project just because it’s going to bring in more to the city coffers.
In the nearly 30 years that you’ve been at the helm of the museum, you have watched a lot of local events unfold. Which of these has most strongly influenced the course of Carpinteria history?
The reiteration of keeping the urban line in check. There have been major community groups that have formed and have accomplished their mission to preserve places like the Carpinteria Bluffs and the Carpinteria Salt Marsh and reopen Franklin Trail. There are so many feathers in Carpinteria’s cap for accomplishing such big things, things that communities with populations 10 times Carpinteria’s can’t. The people in this town roll up their sleeves and they get serious and they say, this is what we want and this is how we’re going to do it, and they don’t take no for an answer. OPPOSITE PAGE, the white glove treatment. Museum standard preservation is required for all artifacts and documents. BELOW, Griggs inspects a document telling a story of Carpinteria’s past.
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So really, what I’ve witnessed is just the progression of what incorporation started, and that’s self-determination. That’s the biggest gift that incorporation gave to Carpinteria is self-determination. It took a lot of the county oversight out and put it in the hands of the people who live here, not in Santa Maria, not in Goleta, not in Santa Barbara.
What are some of the major history-makers you see coming down the pipeline?
The Highway 101 expansion is a big one, and it’s already changing how people perceive the valley when they enter it. But the freeway was always controversial, and it was always necessary as the population of the state expanded. When it came in, it divided the town. It literally cut Vallecito Road in two and took kids that were best friends and put a freeway between them. So the freeway is, I think, an imposing force that we don’t have a lot of say over or power over that unfortunately shapes Carpinteria the wrong way.
You’re 58 now. Any plans to retire?
There’s so much on my to-do list for this place. The board is happy to hear that my mortgage won’t be paid off until I’m 66-and-a-half, so we’re safe, at least un-
til then. And then I’ll probably totter around and be curator emeritus and just haunt the museum and drive my successor crazy. And there are things that I really want to accomplish before I leave. I want to redo the Chumash room. We were given a very generous bequest by Ruth Rock’s family after her passing. Ruth and Jack Rock had amassed a very large private collection of Chumash material artifacts, and fortunately had kept records on a good number of them so their provenance was not lost, and those were donated to the museum’s collection. They also donated $40,000 to help kick start a renovation of the Chumash exhibits. Before I leave, I’d love to see that project happen.
It’s really difficult to imagine the museum without you. Do you get that a lot from people?
I’ve been here over 29 of the museum’s 46 years of existence, so well over 50 percent of the entire existence of the museum. When people say, “You’re the museum,” I kind of have to say, “Yah, kind of.” Long ago it transcended being a job or even a career; it’s my life. ◆
ABOVE, Griggs on exhibit. Agriculture is a main character in Carpinteria’s development, maintains Griggs.
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And We Became a
City Carmen Robitaille clearly remembers the night of Sept. 21, 1965. The last ballots were being cast in the controversial election to incorporate Carpinteria, and her husband, Guy, was among the 20 candidates for a seat on the five-member council that would govern the brand new city. Carmen waited anxiously as results from Santa Barbara County Elections Office trickled in precinct by precinct. She waited and hoped that Guy would lose. “We had planned a trip to Panama on a banana boat for October,” says Carmen. “The election got closer and closer and I thought, well, there goes our trip. It was a sigh of relief when he didn’t make it.” Guy landed in the sixth position, missing a city council seat by just seven votes, and Carmen got her banana boat trip. The Robitailles,
S T ORY BY L E A BO YD PH OT OS BY M A D ELEINE V ITE
sitting in the same room of their Concha Loma home where they awaited election results nearly 50 years ago, share a chuckle about the historic battle over incorporation. In 1965, Carmen and the rest of the Junior Carpinteria Woman’s Club members helped to gather signatures to put the issue of incorporation before voters. At the time, Carmen, 28, and Guy, 32, were somewhat new to town. They had moved from the San Fernando Valley in 1959, joining a wave of transplants to the little town with new subdivisions sprouting up on all sides. Incorporation, the Robitailles recall, was a cause embraced mainly by the newcomers. People who had moved from bigger cities began advocating to keep tax dollars local and Carmen and Guy Robitaille at their Concha Loma home. The married couple was very active in Carpinteria’s 1965 pro-cityhood campaign.
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place decisions in the hands of residents rather than county officials. Law enforcement and public works would best be accomplished by a city, they argued. “People thought we were like the stepchild to the county,” Carmen says. “The county didn’t pay any attention to us.” Russell Doop led the Citizens for Incorporation. Guy described Doop as courteous and calm. “He always wore a coat and tie,” Guy says. “He was a dapper little guy, quiet as a mouse.” On the other side were Carpinterians who argued that another layer of government would bring about change for the worse. “The people against it were mostly the people who’d been here a long time, the ranchers, some of the businessmen, mostly old families,” recalls Carmen. “And they feared a total change in their way of life. They feared that they were going to take over and just ruin the whole city, and they were really afraid that there would be an increase in taxes. So they fought pretty hard against incorporation.” One of the loudest voices against incorporation was local plumber Ernie Wullbrandt. “He voted against incorporation, but he was one of the five that won seats on the council,” says Carmen. “He had a whole bunch of people with him because he was going to represent them if worse came to worst.” Wullbrandt, who later became a
good friend of the Robitailles, served on the council for 28 years and came around to view incorporation as a positive for Carpinteria. He passed away in 1993. Ultimately, in September of 1965, 895 Carpinterians voted for cityhood and 635 cast votes against. The original council was made up of Margaret Mills, Robert “Olly” Olivas, Dr. James Gray, Allan Coates Jr. and Wullbrandt. Coates, who was a Carpinteria High School government teacher and basketball coach, became the city’s first mayor. Years later, Carmen became involved in city government. She served on the Planning Commission for nine years and then held a council seat from 1985 to 1990. Guy dedicated himself to planning each of the anniversaries celebrated by the city, including a black tie gala to mark 20 years of cityhood. Now the couple is satisfied to sit back and reminisce on days gone by and leave the planning of the 50 th anniversary to the generation of Carpinteria movers and shakers that followed them. ◆ In addition to their civic activities, the Robitailles are memorabilia collectors. A copy of the Sept. 23, 1965 Carpinteria Herald, with notes, is a cityhood souvenir. Guy’s name tag from the former sister-city organization shows his international side. A badge commemorates the silver anniversary of Carpinteria.
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In-SPA-rational B y P e t e r DugrÊ • Ph ot os by Joe l Con roy
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assionate local makers of bath and body products will help you to feel spa fresh. Carpinteria Magazine has tracked down craftspeople, in the 93013, who create products in their own homes all intended to soothe, heal or build a relaxing ambience. Face serum by Nancy Otto packs the same restorative properties as topof-the-line lotions but at a fraction of the price. Jennifer Marcello mixes balms, salves, and more. An herbal balm concocted by herbalist and massage therapist Hilary McCurry warms sore muscles from within. Ron Carter pours each of his scented candles by hand in a process he likens to laboratory works. Margaret Landreau makes skin-nourishing soaps into works of art. Read on to learn more about the people and their products.
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Nancy’s Naturals Look in the mirror and feel the difference. Face serum made in Carpinteria by esthetician Nancy Otto strikes a balance of moisture and antioxidants that delivers a healthful glow. A specialist in facials, Otto used her knowledge and experience in skin care products to develop her own, more affordable serum that cuts out some of the fillers and additives often inserted to extend the shelf life of mass produced serums. Otto has spent 20 years in the skin care industry and has always been an arts and craftsperson, so it was only natural for her to create and add her own flare to a skincare product. “I just started mixing different formulas and trying them on myself to feel and see the difference in my skin, and was very pleased with the results, so I decided to share with my clients,” she says. The skin serum is available at her salon, Casitas Skin Sanctuary, 901 Linden Ave., tucked in the same building as the Gym Next Door. She has three products: antiaging, rejuvenating, and flawless eye serums. Each is a blend of essential oils, all carefully rendered at her home. Recipes for each of the products vary depending on its purpose. Vitamin C is an active antioxidant in the anti-aging serum, hyalurnic acid, a super moisturizer, stars in the rejuvenator and vitamin K alleviates eye circles in the flawless eye serum. The serums start as separately sourced oils, extracts and powders that are rendered into creams of the optimal consistency for application. Otto sells her serums in the $22 range, a steal compared to similar products that retail for $90. She said her passion can be summed up in her business motto, “The most important thing you wear is your skin.” (805) 455-7546
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BodyBeeWell Jennifer Marcello believes that whatever goes into the body or is applied to the skin should input healthful qualities. All her BodyBeeWell line of balms, salves, creams, tonics, and more adhere to the core principle that the body needs to be fed organic, herbal products of the earth. Her education in such matters came from a Pacific Northwest Native American tribe, for which she interned while attending University of Washington in Seattle. Her master tonic, a blend of apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger, and cayenne pepper, among other ingredients— steeped and strained—is intended as a daily immune booster. “Since I started using my master tonic, I haven’t been sick,” Marcello says. While her goal is to make a business around supplying herbal remedies to people who can’t normally afford them or are not accustomed to using them, her main thrust as a start up has been beauty products. Popular lotions and balms that have sold at her BodyBeeWell etsy shop are sun block balms, lip balms, and lavender and rosehip face cream. She makes all of her products at home on stovetops and counter tops, melting and stirring and perfecting consistency and aroma. “It is a creative process, and I very much consider it an extension of cooking, and also like an experiment; it’s an organic process and there are a lot of moving parts,” she says. She enjoys custom making products to fit customer preferences for special orders. Look for the BodyBeeWell line of balms, salves, essential oils, and lotions at local shops. Bodybeewell@gmail.com
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HilsBalm Salve Hilary McCurry will make an herbal believer out of you. HilsBalm, a hand-formulated salve made in her Carpinteria home from the finest, freshest ingredients, penetrates the skin and alleviates nagging aches and pains. There’s beauty in its simplicity. A certified herbalist and licensed massage therapist, McCurry began perfecting her warming salve in 1995 while at the Center for Botanical Studies in Boulder, Colo. Ingredients include arnica, St. John’s Wort, Escoba, virgin olive oil, and a mix of wintergreen, sage, clove, cinnamon, and rosemary essential oils that contribute to healing sensations without the menthol-heavy smell of more prevalent topicals. “It really sinks into your skin. It’s healing and relieving. I rub it on my feet before I go to bed all the time,” says McCurry, who spends a lot of time upright as a massage therapist. She swears by the product for myriad uses. “If you get hit by a softball in the quad and think, ‘Oh my god I’m going to have a big old bruise,’ it works,” she says. HilsBalm can be found at Pacific Health Foods on Linden Avenue in Carpinteria or in Santa Barbara at Skin Deep along with massage schools. Her herbs are shipped next day air from Colorado and Montana, and she renders them through an intensive process in gallon batches. “It’s a huge painstaking process, and I’m the stupid person who goes through all the trouble of doing it. It’s potent,” she says. Currently, McCurry is looking to expand her product line and workspace, so look for lip balm, sunscreen, bug repellant and other herbal concoctions from McCurry under the label SisterBrother Botanicals in the future. info@hilsbalm.com
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Ron Carter Concepts Craftsman Ron Carter learned over decades in retail that candles are hot items. More recently he’s learned the value of his “hand-poured in Carpinteria” concept, a localized artisanal twist that keeps customers coming back for his unique, small batch creations. When he made the jump from corporate retail for companies like Anthropologie, he utilized the knowledge of home decor trends but shed the high volume side of the industry. With an emphasis on high quality and customer satisfaction, he supplies the candles poured in Carpinteria to Porch on Santa Claus Lane, DNA on Carpinteria Avenue in downtown Carpinteria, and Blue Door in Santa Barbara. He’s so specialized that each store carries a different scent tailored to clients’ tastes. Porch gets rosewater and white cedar. Blue Door carries more masculine scents like cherry tobacco and bourbon tobacco, products that have flown off the shelf. “The perception of tobacco was that it had a musty smell; it’s actually a little sweet,” Carter says. He compares the process of making candles at home to a science project with burners, glue guns, candlewicks strewn about his kitchen and studio. “If I’m doing 50 candles, that’s an all-nighter,” he says. Carter sources organic, all natural oils, waxes, and scents whenever possible to remain true to the spirit of local, clean production. Also true to small batch production, sometimes there are glitches. The wax doesn’t adhere to the glass cup or the hole for the wick closes, all curveballs part and parcel to the home factory. He also makes pillows and coasters among other things under the product line Ron Carter Concepts. “Quality and keeping it local and the product fresh are important to me,” Carter says. roncarterconcepts.bigcartel.com
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L’eau Creations Show your skin you care with a locally made soap by Margaret Landreau. The engineer of her own secret technique for creating patterned bars loaded with essential and perfume oils has been at it for 15 years. All of the bars sold under the label L’eau Creations contain avocado oil. “I really love what it does for my skin,” she says. Landreau is a founder of the Carpinteria Creative Arts Craft Fair during Thursday Farmers Markets on Linden Avenue and 8 th Street, and along with her jewelry, her soaps are available there. She said while she considers her bars an art on their own for the appealing look, that’s secondary to the formulation of vitamins and oils meant to replenish while they cleanse. Her kitchen is her workspace and the distinctive look of the bars, “a flower burst pattern,” are the signature style that sets her product apart. “You’d recognize it if you see it again,” she says. A combination of temperature, technique and timing—a process Landreau finetuned over pots and pans for over a decade—generates the characteristics of the bars Landreau also has created an array of herbal bath products: bath salts, body and massage oils, and a solid lotion bar. Like many peers in the cottage industry business, Landreau has studied resources spanning classes to Internet blogs and face-to-face education from suppliers. “Of course, practice, practice, practice is the best teacher,” she says. She has become something of a soap connoisseur, sampling products and gleaning her preferences from other small batch producers. Landreau’s soaps are also available at Gold Coast Fabrics, SB Sunday Art Walk, Thursday Carpinteria Creative Arts and the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History Marketplace. Bars are $4 or $6 depending on size. landreau6@yahoo.com ◆
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Discover Carpinteria’s Rich & Colorful Past at the
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Exhibits Hours: Tues.-Sat. 1-4 p.m. carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org 78 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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The F Stops Here PHOTOS BY BRANON E US E BI O Branon Eusebio calls himself an amateur photographer. Not surprising for a Westmont College student majoring in neuroscience. What is surprising for his amateur status is the number of accolades: 9,000+ Instagram followers, the prize-winning photos in campus contests, and a photo essay in a glossy magazine. (He didn’t solicit us; Carpinteria Magazine tracked him down.) He describes his general style as surreal. “I think it’s really cool to distort reality with my long exposure techniques,” he explains. The long exposure is an average of two minutes. The photography bug bit Eusebio in his junior year of high school when he started taking pictures with his iPhone. The Nikon D3100 birthday gift in 2013 got him to take his craft more seriously, and he started to follow other photographers on social media. Along with his camera, which he used for all the pictures in this essay, he depends on three tools to create his style. They are a shutter release remote, a tri-pod, and a neutral density filter. Guess it’s time for him to set his lens to professional status. — AMY OROZCO
ABOVE, Padaro Beach looks more like a lunar surface than a popular family play area. RIGHT, Branon Eusebio names Jelly Bowl as his favorite spot to shoot pictures in Carpinteria. His all-time favorite photography place is La Jolla, Calif. He is drawn to the water. 80 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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PHOTO ALBUM
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ABOVE, with his camera, Eusenio sets out to distort what the eye thinks it knows, e.g., this atypical Carpinteria sunset portrait. RIGHT, a long exposure time creates the swirling, amidthe-clouds effect of this tidepool shot. 82 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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BELOW, a long shot. The Casitas Pier identifies the location as Carpinteria in this moon surface-like landscape.
RIGHT MIDDLE, the photography technique gives the rough and rocky surface a soft and smooth feel. RIGHT, the pier pilings appear rooted in dry ice. â—† Follow Eusebio @photosbyanasian SUMMER2015 83
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DuCk Studies Like a Cheers Like a
Must Be a
DuCk
Champ
By Pe t e r Dugré Photos B y M a De l e i n e Vi t e a n D ha i l e y Prat t
The clock read 3 a.m. on Jan. 1 when Shelby Dunlap got her first wake up call of 2015 in a Los Angeles hotel room. Rise and shine. Time to shine. The Oregon Ducks cheerleading squad, on which Dunlap had spent four years flipping, flying and firing up the crowd, would soon add their emerald green flare to the Rose Parade, before bringing it on at a tailgate party and on to the big game, where the Ducks would slay defending National Champion Florida State to advance to the NCAA National Championship. They’d leave the hotel at 5 a.m. and return in the evening, according to the strict itinerary dictated by coaches. A schedule without wiggle room is as familiar to Dunlap as the back of her pompom. The soon-to-be Oregon grad – she’ll leave with a Bachelor of Science in journalism: advertising with a multimedia minor – has achieved more in a young life than many could imagine—traveling with the cheer squad, an award winning academic career, studying abroad in London, and now the pinnacle of a cheering career that took root on Carpinteria High School football sidelines. LEFT, Shelby Dunlap at home in Carpinteria enjoying one of her favorite places: the beach. RIGHT, Dunlap’s extreme athleticism and keen sense of competitiveness are two of the skills she used to make the cheerleading team at the University of Oregon. 84 84CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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The Rose Bowl and National Championship game that would follow—where Oregon fell to Ohio State on Jan. 12 in Dallas—marked milestones. “I thought, ‘OK, I have to soak it all in; I have to take advantage of this. I’m about to be done,’” says Dunlap, a winsome California blonde who in her business-casual attire appears more young professional than sideline sweetheart, over a coffee at Lucky Llama last winter. The whole big-stage college football performance, a national pageant of warring teams and fan bases, is steeped in tradition and cheerleaders are fixtures of the school spirit and fight songs, decorating the scene like school colors on alumni sweaters. Dunlap says the Rose Bowl proved to be a friendly venue for the West Coast Ducks, where fans who would usually follow USC or UCLA sided with Oregon over Florida, a trend that became noticeable as the Parade of Roses marched through Pasadena streets. She had done the parade her freshman year, but this year was different. The support and connection to the roadside audience “was shocking, but heart warming,” she says. Dallas was different. The home of the Cowboys, AT&T Stadium, has all the bells and whistles a modern sports arena can offer. “Walking into the stadium when it was full of people was surreal. I didn’t prepare myself for
the sheer scale of it,” says Dunlap. But the crowd leaned toward eventual winner Ohio State. “We were pretty outnumbered with fans so that was a bit difficult from a cheerleading standpoint.” Dunlap overcame tragedy before even getting her freshman student ID at Carpinteria High School. Her father, Rick, died suddenly of a heart attack at the football field and track that would launch her cheerleading career. At 13-years-old, she witnessed it. He was working out at Carpinteria Valley Memorial Stadium and collapsed, suddenly gone of a massive heart attack. “A lot of the motivation behind what I do and why I take on so much comes from him and my mom [Sherry Dunlap],” says Dunlap. She has difficulty putting it in words, but he’s there, living in the same place as her ample supply of ambition. “I understand how short life can be and knowing this—and knowing how amazing he was—hopefully translates into how I live my life,” she says. Deciding to attend CHS, site of an unfathomably haunting memory, demanded great consideration. The shadow was lifted from the campus by the support group she had already developed. Notably, cheerleading coach Julie Rubio-Shamblin made the choice for Dunlap, who had considered attending Santa Barbara High School, to stick
Hailey pratt
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Bill Swing
OPPOSITE PAGE, don’t let the makeup and skimpy outfits fool you, cheerleading requires strength and 100 percent commitment to the sport. Dunlap is at the top left of the pyramid. THIS PAGE, TOP, Dunlap credits her parents, Rick and Sherry Dunlap, for a lot of her motivation and accomplishments. Bill Swing
LEFT AND ABOVE, Dunlap holds Carpinteria High School records in the 100m and 300m hurdles. SUMMER2015 87
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to her hometown high school much easier. The foundation built as a cheerleader, track star and super-student at CHS led to Dunlap’s acceptance at University of Oregon in Eugene, home of Nike and dubbed Track Town USA where the cheerleading squad has a reputation for excellence. For all its makeup and skirts, cheerleading is hardly a girlie endeavor. Nobody is tenured onto the 14-person stunt squad. Seniority means little at cutthroat tryouts. Each year, each girl must try out. “It’s common not to remake it,” she says. One season there were no seniors on the squad. “It’s a heart-breaking process. People get cut off the team—it happens.” Not to Dunlap. For all the dedication to cheerleading, says Dunlap, she’s ready to hang up her pom poms. She never had been one to agonize while seated at the vanity, so that 3 a.m.
wake up call to get made up for a day of rah-rah smiles in the spot light is something she’ll forever cherish but will gladly retire. “I love it, but it’s more tasking than people realize,” says Dunlap. Her career choice will likely be on the management side of handling clients for an advertising agency. At the Oregon student-run marketing agency, she has been on the client-management side of the operation overseeing accounts like Pizza Hut, landing national ad spots and assuring that marketing materials met the company’s needs, a little like a cheerleader communicating between the fans and the team. A network of Duck alumni from the same program might prove valuable in landing that first job, perhaps in New York, says Dunlap. As college and an array of experiences give way to out-of-academia life, Dunlap has undoubtedly developed perspective. The view from the top of the standing pyramid—one of Dunlap’s position—watching the Duck mascot crowd surf the student body, while cheering on the team on the grandest of college stages has fed an open-minded world view. On what comes next, she says, “It’s time to go out and be young. You only live once.” ◆
TOP, Dunlap is considering a career in advertising after graduating from the University of Oregon. LEFT, Dunlap and her sister, Chelsea, also a Carpinteria High School alumna.
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Celebrated wok master Lee Tsai Wang brings forth the exotic flavors of Szechuan and Mandarin cuisine in his signature recipes. Innovative vegetarian specialties and favorite traditional dishes highlight fresh finds from the local Farmers’ and Fishermans’ Markets. No MSG.
TAKE OUT & DELIVERY 566-3334
Weekday Lunch Buffet • Dinner Buffet Friday & Saturday Open Monday - Saturday at 11:00 a.m. • Sundays at 4:00 p.m. 1025 Casitas Pass Road in Shepard Place Shops SUMMER2015 89
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Sto ry by Megan Wald r ep pho to S by J o el Co nr o y
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For restaurant owners and siblings Shawn and Shannon Noormand, all roads lead to Carpinteria. The San Fernando Valley-raised duo migrated to the Santa Barbara area at a young age, when their father, Albert Noormand, moved the family to Santa Barbara to expand an existing pizza restaurant with a friend. Success was quick with Giovanni’s, and franchises soon followed, and a presence from Carpinteria to Goleta remains to this day. Though several locations have been sold, Albert is the sole owner of the Montecito location while the Carpinteria restaurant remains in Shawn’s hands. The Carpinteria location moved through the family, first to an uncle and grandma, then down to Shawn. “I was 25 at the time, on the verge of deciding what I wanted to do with my life and this happened,” Shawn reflects. “Eighteen years have passed and I’m still here.” Even now, Shawn rolls all the pizza dough by hand every morning, six days a week, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “My ideal is to do this as long as I can. My dad will turn 72 this year and he still goes into work five days a week,” Shawn says proudly. “If I can do that, I’ll keep going.” The traditional tastes and atmosphere of Giovanni’s continue to bring generations of patrons every year.
OPPOSITE, brother and sister, Shawn and Shannon Noormand are two of Carpinteria’s better known tastemakers. Shawn is the man behind Giovanni’s Pizza, and Shannon is the creator of Crushcakes. ABOVE AND RIGHT, six days a week Shawn rolls out dough and prepares pizza for delivery and “for here” at Giovanni’s. SUMMER2015 91
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“I’ve seen families come in with babies and now those babies are adults. It’s cool to see the kids grow up and continue to come back and have such good memories of coming here.” His sister, Shannon Noormand, has another culinary perspective. The one-time owner of the former Bitterman’s Deli in downtown Santa Barbara (at 21, she opened the establishment and sold it at 28) as well as several other restaurants, Shannon’s more progressive view started to develop while on a yoga retreat in 2007, when the entire Crushcakes vision came to light. Even the name is spurred from an enlightened look at cuisine. “I always felt so passionate about food like it was my first love,” Shannon expresses. “Like I have a crush on food.” And the love runs deep. For example, the strawberry cupcake uses muddled strawberries, the lemon cupcake uses fresh lemons, and all ingredients are natural, organic, and purchased from local sources. The launching point of her business was cupcakes and cakes, and the menu of scratchmade mains continues to expand with an innovative look at classic favorites. “I want this to be a happy place where patrons can take some peace and solace away from their work and stressful life with some home-cooked food just for them.” Seven years later and three locations spread along the South Coast, the Carpinteria location just celebrated its four-year anniversary and continues to evolve and grow. With family roots in the restaurant business dating back over 20 years, the laid back vibe of Carpinteria has proven to be exactly where Shawn and Shannon need to be. One family member leaning towards innovation, the other towards tradition, the Noormands provide the town with two very different views of cuisine. Though the menus may vary, the brother and sister share a similar desire that links them together – to give customers a casual, family friendly environment with food that warms the heart. ◆
OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP LEFT, Shannon’s got a crush on ... the food business, cupcakes in particular. Crushcakes daily cupcake offerings include red velvet, peace cake (with vanilla bean), and chocolate chocolate. Open for breakfast and lunch, Crushcakes offers a convivial, casual atmosphere. RIGHT, sibling revelry. Shannon’s and Shawn’s restaurants are the venue for many of Carpinteria’s parties and celebrations. SUMMER2015 93
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C OA S T
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SUMMER
Picnic
|
FROM PASCALE BE A L E
Picnics hold a special place in my heart. I grew up in England and in France. I only mention this because these two countries have grand traditions when it comes to picnics and my family was no exception to the rule, on either side of the Channel. Close to 200 years of perfecting the art of eating outdoors had led to writers waxing lyrical about its merits (Dickens, Trollop, Chekov, Jane Austen’s exceedingly proper affair in “Emma,” and D. H. Lawrence’s rather more exotic and sultry versions in “Women in Love” to name a few) and painters lauding its merits – Manet’s “Le Dejeuner Sur L’Herbe” is probably the most famous. Half the fun of a good picnic is getting there – be it the beach, a remote spot in the backcountry or even sitting under a tree in the garden. Once I’ve found that idyllic place, I like to create a focal point for the picnic. A principal dish around which all the others are based. Quiches are wonderful for picnics, practical in that they can be easily transported, and still delicious when served at the ambient temperature with various salads, bread and cheese laid out alongside. People love sharing a sense of adventure when it comes to picnics, particularly if everyone contributes to the meal – think plein-air potluck.
PHOTO BY: MIKE VERBOIS – M27 EDITIONS
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couscous and apricot salad 2 cups couscous Olive oil 1 red onion – peeled and thinly sliced 1/3 cup dried cranberries or cherries 6 apricots – cut into 8 pieces 1 tablespoon chives – chopped 1/4 cup pistachios – chopped 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar Zest of 1 lemon Bring 2 cups salted water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add in the couscous, cover, remove from the heat and let sit for 10 minutes before removing the lid and stirring the couscous with a fork. Whilst the couscous is cooking, pour a little olive oil into a medium-sized skillet placed over medium heat. Add in the red onion and dried cranberries and sauté until soft and translucent – about 4 minutes. Stir in the chives, pistachios and lemon zest and cook for 1 minute more. Set aside. Combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and a pinch of salt in the bottom of a medium sized salad bowl (or container which has a lid that you can transport easily for the picnic). Add the red onion mixture to the vinaigrette and toss to combine. Add in the cooked couscous and the chopped apricots. Carefully toss the salad so that the apricots do not get squished. If you’re going to eat this more than 2 hours after you have made it, keep the apricots apart and add them to the salad just before eating. Serves 8 people
little herb tomatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large bunch cilantro – leaves removed Juice and zest of 1 lemon 8-10 mint leaves Salt Pepper 1 ½ lbs small tomatoes Place all the ingredients except the tomatoes into a blender or food processor and puree until you have a liquid herb paste. Place all the tomatoes into a small bowl or container that is easily transportable and pour the herb mixture over the top. Toss well to combine. Note: If you are serving this more than 2 hours after making it, keep the herb vinaigrette in a separate container and combine the two when you get to the picnic. Serves 8 people as an accompaniment
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SUMMER QUICHE For the short crust pastry 9oz unbleached all-purpose flour - sifted 5 oz slightly softened butter – cut up into small pieces. 1 large egg 1 tablespoon olive oil Zest of one lemon Pinch of salt Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 9-inch pan with a removable bottom. You can use a square or round tin for this. Set aside. To make the dough place all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Use repeated pulses until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs and then use longer pulses until the dough has formed a ball.
For the vegetables and eggs: Olive oil 3 medium yellow onions – cut in half and then thinly sliced 4 zucchini or summer squash – cut into quarters lengthwise and then small cubes 8 oz spinach 1 tablespoon butter 4 oz mushrooms – thinly sliced 8 eggs 4 oz grated cheese – manchego, Gruyere or variety of cheeses 1 tablespoon tarragon leaves - chopped 2 tablespoons crème fraiche Salt and pepper
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Wrap up the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. You can make the dough ahead of time and leave in the fridge. You will need to remove from the fridge approximately 20 minutes before using it. On a lightly floured board, roll out the pastry dough in an even manner to the size of the mold. Line the mold with the dough. Trim the edges of the dough with a sharp knife. Cover the dough with parchment paper or foil and then place pie weights (or dried beans) on top. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the dough is a pale golden brown colour. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes. To serve, cut the quiche into equal parts and serve with the salads.
In the same frying pan add a touch more olive oil and cook the spinach over high heat. As soon as it has wilted, remove the spinach from the pan and set aside in a spare bowl. Return the pan to the heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and, once melted, add in the mushrooms. Sauté until lightly browned. Set aside. Combine the eggs, grated cheese, crème fraiche, tarragon, pinch of salt and some pepper in a medium bowl and whisk well together. Set aside. Once the quiche base has cooked for 10 minutes and cooled slightly place all the zucchini and onions over the bottom of the quiche. Place the spinach over the zucchini and then place all the mushrooms over the spinach. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and bake in the center of the oven for a further 20 minutes. The quiche can be made a few hours ahead of time. Do not refrigerate before serving. Serves 8 people ◆
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour a little olive oil and then add the chopped onions. Cook until soft and lightly browned. About 10 minutes. Pour a little olive oil into a second large frying pan or heavy skillet and sauté the chopped zucchini over medium heat. Cook until lightly browned – approx. 5 –7 minutes. Once cooked add these to the onion mixture.
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ABC:
All about Beer in Carpinteria St ory by Za ch a ry roS en P h ot oS by bri a n h oP kinS Editor’s note: Say “Carpinteria” and, in the past, most likely the populace would have thought “World’s Safest Beach” and/ or “the Avocado Festival.” Say “Cicerone®” and most likely the populace would not know what you are talking about. A Cicerone is to beer what a sommelier is to wine. And Carpinteria Magazine needed such a highly credentialed expert to write about the burgeoning beer-brewing scene around town. That’s why we asked Certified Cicerone® Zachary Rosen to write this beer primer. (We asked Brian Hopkins to take the pictures not just because his last name has “hop,” a very important beer word, in it, but because we like him, and his pictures, and he likes beer.) Soon, say “Carpinteria” and most likely “beer” will be the first of three things that pops into everyone’s mind.
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A fever for the Island flavor
As the area’s oldest brewery, the acclaimed Island Brewing Company put Carpinteria on the map for beer trekkers around the nation. The idyllic location makes this brewery an easy stopping point for tourists or locals to grab a few rounds before spending the day at the beach. Whether it’s the light Island Blonde, the spicy Paradise Pale Ale or malty Jubilee Ale, Island Brewing Company’s flagship beers are the ideal addition to the warm, west coast vibes of this brewery. However, some of the beers better suit the breezy, beach nights. Island Brewing Company brews a range of strong ales like their Starry Night Stout, a hearty Exportstyle stout with flavors of espresso beans, treacle and a hint of red grapes. King Tide, a double IPA, tastes of caramel malts with a dense, fruity aroma and a lasting pine resin-like bitterness. Big Island is a barleywine with a rich, malty taste and bourbon and charred wood tones. You’ll want to try some of Island Brewing’s experimental barrel-aged beers where they put strong ales and even a saison in oak barrels to impart new and interesting flavors. And, from a sparkling golden Belgian IPA to an Irish Red IPA, Island Brewing Company’s Variance IPA Series explores the versatility of hops. Each release brings a new twist on the IPA style. Guests can stop by the brewery for a sample or pick up a bottle to bring the flavors of Carpinteria with them.
Island Brewing Company 5049 6th St.
(at the railroad tracks near Linden Avenue)
(805) 745-8272 islandbrewingcompany.com
The granddaddy of them all. Leading off Carpinteria’s beer scene with a grand slam, Island Brewing continues to impress its fans with new pours and wide ranging flavors. 100 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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brewLAB 4191 Carpinteria Ave., #8 (517) 319-5665
Experiment in the lab
Micro-mini brewing. brewLab’s lineup of beers changes frequently. Before heading to the tasting room, call to confirm they’re open. Capricious hours.
Since opening last year, brewLAB has become known for its well-crafted ales featuring innovative flavors. This nano-brewery produces small batches of unique styles like a tart berliner weisse or spiced gruit ale. The brewers are most fond of the dry, effervescent Belgian-style saisons and have fun exploring this refreshing beer style. Vibrance is soothing with a floral perfume in the nose and banana undertones. Resilience is brighter and fruitier with a honey malt flavor and notes of pears and other pit fruits. On The Farm has a stronger yeast flavor with accents of white grape and green apples. Llama Saison is a unique spin on this classic style. It is brewed with cold-pressed coffee from the local Lucky Llama Coffee House to give it a kiss of roastiness that contrasts with the other flavors. In addition to saisons, brewLAB likes to focus on the hoppy American-style ales as well. Yellow Belly is a balanced pale ale with a grassy, resinous hop character and a gentle sweet apple note. Their Monarch IPA is fruitier with flavors of pears, citrus, pineapple, and other tropical fruits dripping with a spicy, wet-grass hop aroma. Bravo Brown is a more substantial beer with a roasted, toffeelike maltiness. This beer is not cloyingly sweet, though. Much like the other brews, Bravo Brown is crisp with a bitter finish that does not linger or distract from the other flavors. The small batches that brewLAB produces makes this cozy spot the perfect place for locals to get together on a weekend afternoon while tasting what’s new on tap.
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Rincon Brewery 5065 Carpinteria Ave. (805) 684-6044 rinconbrewery.com
A little food with your brew
Beer pairings. Rincon Brewery’s food menu offers many opportunities to mix and match beers with your meal.
Rincon Brewery is Carpinteria’s only brewpub and offers a comfy spot to meet friends for dinner or just grab a pint while watching the game and enjoying some bar bites. This small brewpub produces a wide range of styles from the La Reina Lager, an easy drinking amber lager that has a toasted bread accent and spicy noble hops on the nose, to the toasty Rivermouth Stout, which is served on nitrogen for a smooth mouthfeel and a creamy head. Rincon Brewery also brews a range of Belgian-style beers such as the Bates Blonde, a light session ale with a soft body and a Belgian yeast character of sweet apples and bread dough. The 684 Saison is a refreshing farmhouse-style beer with aromas of pit fruits, banana, and a hint of bubble gum. For something a little stronger, the 9.0 percent ABV Belgian-style strong dark ale, Bombora, has flavors of raisin and toffee with a kirsch-like warmth in the finish. Of course Rincon Brewery has plenty of hoppy options including the fruit-forward Indicator IPA with flavors of papaya, mango, and grapefruit or the 17@17 IPA which focuses more on the piney, floral hop characters. The Warrior Pride Red Ale or Mac Brown both have a stronger malt presence that makes them a good accompaniment with one of Rincon Brewery’s enticing dishes. Try either beer with their flagship sandwich, the RB Burger, which comes fully loaded with a fried egg, bacon, and avocado topped off with fried jalapenos and shoestring onions. Whichever of the many offerings you choose, Rincon Brewing is a perfect place to grab a pint and a bite to eat with friends while soaking in the sun. ◆
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SURF ‘N’ SUDS beer festival 2 Locations in 2015! Ventura & Carpinteria VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE • SATURDAY, JUNE 13TH
FUN!
EL TO PHOTO: DANI RRES
SURFBOARD SHAPERS
elsems
50+ BREWERIES
PHOTO: PATRICK MUNIZ
LIFE-SIZE BEERPONG
PHOTO: JOEL CONROY
PHOTO: PATRICK MUNIZ
Carpinteria State Beach: Saturday, August 15th
emily bo
SURFBOARD SHAPERS • LIVE MUSIC
The Beer Festival with a Surf Twist! $50 General Admission • $65 VIP EARLY ENTRY
Tickets @ surfbeerfest.com (SOLD OUT THE LAST 2 YEARS!)
PRESENTED BY
Benefiting the California Avocado Festival Youth Scholarship Fund R
R
Shrackle Box The Shredders Tackle Box By WATERTIGHT Inc.
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#surfnsuds • Follow us on Facebook: @surfnsudsbeerfest
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AN EXCERPT
Spouse Trap BY CYN T H I A H A M I LT ON
“Spouse Trap” is the first novel in the Madeline Dawkins series penned by Summerland resident Cynthia Hamilton. “Spouse Trap” opens with Madeline Ridley having all she’d ever dreamed of: a handsome, successful husband, a place at the top of Santa Barbara society, every luxury money could buy. In all respects, her world was perfect … until she awoke in the early morning hours in a strange hotel room, alone, unclothed, with a splitting headache and no clue how she got there. Madeline Ridley opened her eyes with a start. Her mouth was dry and an unpleasant taste lingered on her tongue. Her head felt heavy and it ached as she moved. Reflexively, she flung out an arm, seeking the reassuring comfort of her husband’s body. Instead, she encountered the cool starchiness of unfamiliar bed linens. Where am I? She sat bolt upright, her heart and head throbbing in unison. Either she had been in the throes of a disorienting dream, or she really was in a strange room. Not knowing where she was terrified her. The only illumination came from the meager predawn seeping through the French doors at the far end of the room. Her left hand groped the side table for the lamp switch. The light temporarily blinded her, making her wince. She looked around, quickly searching for any object that would ground her to her life. She was not in either of her bedrooms, or any of the guest rooms. She sat tentatively on the edge of the bed, breathing hard. By the furnishings and the layout she figured she was in a hotel room. But where? Grabbing the phone, she recognized the familiar logo of The Edgecliff Hotel across the top. The Edgecliff; right. Steven and I were here for the fundraiser, she thought. Okay. This recollection made her feel less shaky, but it didn’t explain how she’d ended up in this room. Did we drink too much and decide to get a room? She glanced at the other side of the bed. The sheets were flung back, indicating it had been occupied at some point. “Steven?” she called out. “Steven?” As she got up from the bed, she caught sight of the dress she’d worn to the ball. She reached for it and the bra and panties she had been wearing only hours earlier fell to the floor. She stooped to retrieve them, discovering the dainty lace articles were in tatters. “Steven!” she cried out, trembling as she wove her way to the bathroom on unsteady feet. “Steven?” She flipped
on the light switch, and squinting through the glare, found the room empty. She backed out into the hallway, checking the closets for clues of her predicament. Why am I in a room at The Edgecliff? she asked of her reflection in the hall mirror. All she saw was tousled hair, smudged lipstick and bloodshot eyes. Her hand traveled down the side of her neck to her clavicle, where three bright red scratches stretched toward her left breast. She turned away from the mirror, panting as she forced herself to recall how she had gotten there. And whose nails had made those marks on her. Images of last evening began filtering across her mind’s eye. She recalled stepping out of the Maserati at the hotel
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entrance and walking with Steven to the main ballroom. He had been in a foul mood; she clearly remembered that. She could hear the harsh tone in his voice, could see the anger in his eyes as he laid into her. What was he mad about? Madeline shook her head. She couldn’t figure it out. But she did recollect walking fast to catch up with him as he stormed off toward the lobby—him turning around, calling her a filthy whore under his breath. She remembered the sting of tears in her eyes and the feeling of disbelief as she watched him drive off, leaving her there on the curb. With shaking hands, Madeline struggled into the red lace Valentino gown. She recalled the dark-haired man coming toward her…two glasses of champagne in his hands. His consoling words…Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get home… Madeline’s throat closed, making it impossible to breathe. Her eyes teared up, but the cries couldn’t escape. This did not happen! This did not happen! she thought, though it was obvious she had been in a hotel room with someone, and the odds were it wasn’t her husband. She sank into a chair as she pleaded with herself to remember how she had gotten to this room. Panic set in. Her hands flew to her earlobes; she went limp with relief when she felt the teardrop diamond earrings still in place. But where were her diamond watch and bracelet? And her wedding ring? She frantically looked around and spotted her handbag, itself a pricy investment. She opened it hastily and found her jewelry, along with her cell phone and credit cards. She had not been robbed, at least. But what happened? Who had been here with her? As she looked for cash in her tiny bag, she discovered the key to the beach house. She had put it in at the last minute, just in case she and Steven drank too much and didn’t want to drive back up the hill. She clutched the key tightly in her hand; it was her salvation. She found her shoes and carried them in one hand and hiked up her gown with the other. With the first tinges of daybreak coloring the sky, she crept out the French doors and followed the pathway. She crossed out of The Edgecliff grounds and headed down the steps to the sand. In less than ten minutes, she had made it to the beach house without seeing a soul.
One
“That was quite the haul,” Madeline said into the phone distractedly, as she scanned through her emails. “That’s putting it mildly! It’s the largest amount we’ve ever raised. Twice as much as last year ’s event,” Carla Dickens reported with effervescent glee, clearly enjoying their triumph over the previous co-chairs’ fundraising efforts. Madeline had not heard these last bulletins at all; her mind had been completely distracted by the sight of 106 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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Steven’s car pulling up out front. It was only 10:30. He must have forgotten something. Since the fundraiser fiasco on Saturday night, and the uneasy détente that had ensued since their phone conversation Sunday morning, she and Steven had been polite and reserved around each other, outwardly civil, but still tentative with one another. After thoroughly showering at the beach house Sunday morning, Madeline had racked her brain for clues to the previous night’s unraveling. The most she could come up with was that Steven’s dark mood had further blackened when she danced with the dark-haired stranger. Beyond Steven leaving her standing on the sidewalk like a fool and taking the glass of champagne from the mystery man, she couldn’t remember a thing. On the assumption that jealousy had sparked Steven’s bizarre behavior, Madeline bridged the divide and called him. To cover for the missing hours of her memory, she told him she had walked to the beach house when the ball was over, as she’d been too upset to stay in the same house with him. Only the fear of facing what had happened in that hotel room allowed her to keep her cool. “I know we should be basking in our success right now, but I’ve had a couple ideas that could make next year ’s event even more successful,” Carla was saying as Steven walked through their bedroom headed straight for Madeline’s sitting room. “Carla…I’ve got to call you back,” she said, scarcely hearing Carla’s response as she ended the call. “Hi…” Madeline said cautiously as Steven approached. Her hesitant smile vanished when Steven took several 8 x 10 glossy photographs from a manila envelope and splayed them across her desk. Steven’s face was rigid with rage, his eyes filled with contempt. “What…?” Madeline’s heart began to pound as her eyes focused on the subject matter in the accusatory photos. “You filthy, disgusting slut!” Steven spat, picking up the photos and shoving them at his wife. She stared at the amber-lit images of herself naked, in the tangled embrace of who she suspected was the stranger from the fundraiser. Photo after photo graphically depicted the two of them engaged in the act of sex. Madeline’s hand shot to her mouth as a weak groan escaped. Her nightmare was far from over. “Where did you get these?” Madeline sputtered, as she rose awkwardly from her seat, trying to distance herself from the pornographic images. “That’s your response? I show you pictures of you having sex with another man, and you want to know where I got them?” Steven yelled at her. “The fact that I now know what a cheap, disgusting whore you are doesn’t worry you. No, you’re only concerned about where this trash came from.” Madeline’s face became a pale mask of trepidation as Steven ranted at her. She tried to speak, but no words came out. Her inability to answer for her crimes further
infuriated him. He stood there, sheaf of damaging photos in his hand as he fumed, his face contorted with loathing. “Who else have you slept with?” Steven demanded, taking a menacing step towards her. “How many times have you cheated on me, Madeline? Did you think you could get away with having an affair in a town this small? Or have you, and I’m just the last to know?” “I’ve never cheated on you,” Madeline said, her voice quavering. Steven barked out a harsh laugh that made his features more menacing. Suddenly, the wrath in his eyes was replaced by despair, and his voice broke when he spoke. “It was the only thing I ever asked of you, the only thing you promised—swore—you’d never do…” Steven held his hand over his face to hide his pain. “Steven…I swear I didn’t do anything—” Madeline said, taking a step closer to him. “How can you say that?” he said, throwing the photos at her. “How can you stand there and lie to me like that? Just like you lied to me Sunday morning—telling me you stayed at the beach house. You didn’t, did you? Obviously not.” Steven turned away, his anger causing him to wander indecisively. Even though she was being accused of infidelity, Madeline couldn’t stand to see Steven so anguished. She moved toward him, but his anger flared and froze her to the spot. “Stay away from me! I hate the sight of you.” Tears landed with loud plops on the photographs as Madeline bent down to gather them up. The drops left streaks on the glossy paper as she wiped them away. “Do you have any idea how potentially damaging this could be for me?” Steven railed, as loss took a backseat to bitterness. “My credibility would be shot if this filth fell into the wrong hands. Think of the scandal this could cause.” Madeline held the photos against her chest as Steven began to pace. “Twelve years I’ve been faithful to you. Twelve years! I’ve given you everything you’ve ever wanted. I’ve treated you like a fucking princess! You would’ve been nothing without me. Look at you! Look at your life! And this is how you repay me?” A truck from a local nursery pulled up on the drive. Voices could be heard as the gardener conferred with the driver. “I’m leaving for Dallas tomorrow. I want all your things out of here when I get back on Saturday,” Steven said, cutting off Madeline’s attempts to persuade him of her innocence. “I’ll have Hughes take your things to the beach house. You can stay there until the divorce is final. Or shack up with your new boyfriend, I don’t care which,” he said contemptuously. “Steven—please don’t go! I swear I don’t know what happened…” Madeline sank back into her chair, completely devastated, as she watched her distraught husband walk out of the room. Moments later, she heard his car start, the low purring diminishing as he headed down the drive. She burst into tears as her heart broke in half. ◆ SUMMER2015 107
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REAL ESTATE REV I EW
Seascape Realty Buying or selling a home with us is like a walk on the beach!
SOLD! PRIVATE fAMILy BEACH COMPOUND. This gated beachfront compound consists of a main home and 3 bungalows, joined by a Spanish style courtyard. The 2 bedroom main house has a great room with open rafter ceilings, full kitchen, wood burning fireplace and an oceanfront patio. Adjacent cottages have full kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Offered at $15,600,000. Please call Betsy Ortiz at 805-886-1313
VINTAGE HOME WITH CHARACTER…This charming 3 bedroom, one bath home has been tastefully and thoughtfully remodeled. Featuring: Natural pine vaulted ceiling and lovely fireplace in the living room, kitchen with 8’x 4.5’ Rainforest granite island, bathroom has corrugated metal wainscoting and beautiful Italian tile. The outdoor eating area sits on a flagstone patio. OffERED AT $629,000 Please call Shirley Kimberlin at 805-886-0228
SOLD!
OCTOBER AVOS COASTAL RANCH... A lovely combination of residential estate and working ranch, this Carpinteria foothills 10.86 acre ocean and mountain view property features a luxurious private guest house, spacious office, rustic two-story wood barn with employee studio apartment, and a spectacular hilltop building site ready for a custom home. Offered at $3,295,000 Please call Lynn Z. Gates at 805-705-4942
GORGEOUS VISTA DE SANTA BARBARA MOBILE HOME ... 2010 Silvercrest 3 bedroom, 2 bath, Brazilian granite counter tops, cherrywood cabinets, upgraded carpet, recessed lighting, crown molding and more. Wonderful mountain views, Trex decking and 10x12 shed with built-in shelves and electricity. Offered at $274,900. Please call Nancy Branigan at (805) 886-7593
SOLD! BEAUTIfUL BEACH fRONT HOME…situated on .51 acres, half of which the home sits on. The 2nd lot is used for privacy, but is a buildable lot if a second home was needed. The 3500 sq. ft home has 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths and a wonderful office that overlooks the beach. There is an elevator, lovely large kitchen and much more! Offered at $11,795,000. Please call Jackie Williams at (805) 680-5066
Explore Our BEACHSIDE VACATION RENTALS SeascapeVacation.com
4915-C Carpinteria Ave. Carpinteria • 805.684.4161 108 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE.com
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SOLD!
8+ Acre Montecito Vacant Lot Listed for $895,000
1312 Montecito Place, Santa Barbara
2+ Acre Carpinteria Vacant Lot Listed for $339,000
2121 Las Varas Canyon Road, 10 Acres Listed for $1,495,000
Yolanda Van Wingerden 805-570-4965 Yolanda@YolandaSB.com www.YolandaSB.com
BRE: 01908887
1125 Calle lagunitas $829,000 Original Model Of Carpinteria’s newest neighborhood, absolutely stunning!
1577 MeadOw CirCle $815,000 Carpinteria’s Most Private neighborhood. Beautifully re-modeled
5307 willOw PlaCe $1,495,000 striking european Craftsman Just Blocks From the Beach and the Heart of Carpinteria
1546 san Miguel avenue $1,392,000 Classic Cape Cod Built in the 1920’s with Jaw-dropping Ocean views On santa Barbara’s Coveted Mesa.
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REAL ESTATE REV I EW
LUXURY REAL ESTATE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VACATION RENTALS gary goldberg
Whether you’re buying, selling or vacationing in the Carpinteria or Santa Barbara area, I provide in-depth assistance for all your real estate needs.
Realtor | Broker | Attorney (805) 455-8910 | BRE: 01172139 1086 Coast Village Road Santa Barbara, California 93108
www.garygoldberg.net gary@coastalrealty.com SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
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LEASED
SOLD
SOLD
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Looking to vacation in Carpinteria?
This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, beach front cottage sits right on the sand in beautiful Carpinteria. This home is approximately 75 years old and has all the charm and character of a rustic, California beach house. This cozy cottage is a comfortable place for your vacation. You can sit on the front porch and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the ocean.
This fantastic 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo is roomy and has a private hot tub. Great for a large family and just a short two block walk to the beach.
This charming 2 bedroom, 1 1/4 bath vacation property is located one block back from Carpinteria’s Worlds Safest Beach. This craftsman style condo has hardwood floors, fireplace and vaulted ceilings.
The Beachcomber is located right across the street from Carpinteria Beach, where you can swim or just relax. At night you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets. The downstairs apartments with patios are available for weekly rentals.
805.684.4101 5441 Carpinteria Ave. Carpinteria, CA 93013
www.murphykingrealestate.com
1771 Ocean Oaks Drive $1,350,000
Wonderful location on just over 1/2 acre with peaks of the ocean. Spacious home with Three bedroom with two baths, Large detached work shop, Work out room. Raised garden beds with garden shed.
CAROLYN WOOD-FRIEDMAN Realtor Associate BRE# 1080272
899 Concha Loma Drive ~ $995,000
Spacious design offering three bedrooms with three full baths beautifully appointed with granite counters, cherry wood cabinetry, oversized garage, solar electric system & Large corner lot.
5581 Canalino Drive ~ $1,350,000
Wow! Amazing remodel and recently featured on the Carpinteria Home and Garden tour this home offers three bedrooms and three baths. Super finishes include Granite counters, Slate floors, high skylighted ceilings, lovely patio with fire pit, water wise garden and too many other great features to mention here!
Cell: (805) 886-3838 carolynwood@cox.net www.Sothebys.com www.santabarbara-realtor.com 1482 East Valley Road • Montecito, CA 93108
Successfully Serving Carpinteria Real Estate for 25 years SUMMER2015 111
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REAL ESTATE REV I EW
3710 AMALFI • SAntA BArBArA, CA VeRy desIRAble sANtA bARbARA duplex in excellent “Hidden Valley” neighborhood. 2/2, single story front unit with a 3/2.5 two story home behind both with fireplaces and paver tile floors on the ground level. Private yard, patios and pool. Single car garage plus additional uncovered parking for each unit. Great rental value of $5,200/month ($2,100 in front and $2,900-$3,100 for the larger unit). Easy to rent and low maintenance. We can provide all your property management for trouble free ownership. Great value at $1,045,000.
sOld!
Happy Endings New Beginnings
David & Denise Erickson are on their way to their new home in Oregon. Best wishes to them. Aram and Melissa Freeman are arriving in Carpinteria to enjoy their new home and become part of this wonderful community, and look forward to raising their soon to be born daughter here. Happy endings and new beginnings to both families from Mark King and MurphyKing Real Estate. “Whether it’s for a sale of your property for your own Happy Ending OR it’s for the purchase of a property for your own “New Beginning”… call me…then, let’s GO sHOppING!”
MARK KING
marksking@mac.com
5441 Carpinteria Avenue Carpinteria, CA 93013-1422 DeborAh Murphy 805.684.4101 Broker/Property Manager/Notary
“The Local Company” Sales • property Management • Vacation rentals
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DRE
www.murphykingrealestate.com 805.689.9696 or 805.684.4101 • 5441 Carpinteria Ave. Carpinteria, CA 93013
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4700 SANDYLAND ROAD #59 Offered at $949,000
Ocean view, end unit, 2 bedroom beach condo! Fully furnished & turn-key for vacation rentals!
4917 EL CARRO LANE Offered at $1,099,000
Stunning newer 3 bedroom/2 bath single level home close to downtown & the beach!
236 TORO CANYON ROAD Offered at $2,395,000
Refined 4 bedroom country home with guest apartment on gated .46 acre where Montecito meets Carpinteria.
POCKET LISTING Offered at $3,000,000
Unprecedented opportunity to own a 3 bedroom/ 3 bath home + guest house only 2 blocks to the beach. Call for more information. Jake Ralston
805-455-9600 JakeRalston@gmail.com www.JakeRalston.com BRE #01785418
121 WEST DE LA GUERRA #7 Offered at $1,550,000
Award Winning luxury 1 bedroom/2 bath plus loft town home in the heart of Downtown.
Kat Hitchcock
805-705-4485 KatPerello@gmail.com www.KatHitchcock.com
BRE#01932289
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pascale beale writer
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lea boyd
3
joel conroy
photographer
4
fran davis writer
5
kim drain
YOU’RE A DOG. WHAT KIND?
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD READ?
CONTACT
Get-feet-wet first
Driving down Linden in the mid-80’s on a California road trip
Golden Doodle
Arthur Ransome Swallows and Amazons Series
pb@ pascaleskitchen. com
Window, the view is worth half the ticket price
Burrrr, ease in.
A mixture of sand and water and oak trees
Lab. I’m pretty much always ready to play
Window
Dive in
Swimming out to the docks at Carpinteria Beach in the Summer
Pitbull
“The Hungry Hungry Caterpillar”
digitaldesignsb. com
Gotta see where I’m going
Toes first, one at a time
Camping at the state beach while pregnant
Jack Russell terrier definitely
“Wizard of Oz”
francespettey davis.com
Tippy-toe in
First New Year’s Day here, it was 85 degrees and wonderful living in So Cal
Corgi; they have short legs, too
Archie comic books
kimba565@ hotmail.com
Take the plunge
Avofest circa 2006, saw the beach neighborhood. “I want to live here.” And it all fell into place in 2009.
I’m a tail-wagging mutt
“Twits” by Roald Dahl…anything by Roald Dahl
Hit a softball between second and third base
“Cafeteria Lady From the Black Lagoon”
Send a text to (951)-816-0469
Family holiday in the South of France
Window. I like to see where I’m going!
Camping in Baja
Maui, Maui, Maui
Yosemite
Aisle
Washington state and Maine
Window but am the lowest man on the totem pole in my family
writer
6
peter dugré writer
7
branon eusebio
photographer
cynthia 8 hamilton photographer
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brian hopkins
photographer
Going on a mission to China this summer, so that will probably be the best!
9
EARLIEST CARPINTERIA MEMORY
WINDOW OR AISLE?
Ten-day Greek wedding sailing from island to island in the Aegean
8
GET-FEET-WETFIRST TYPE OR JUST DIVE IN?
BEST SUMMER VACATION?
writer
5
4
A beautiful day I’m definitely half I side with the wolf and half Window for sure! obligatory front flip at Santa Claus Beach when I first Alaskan husky into the pool moved here
Two months in Europe with my future husband, back in 1981
Aisle
Family camping trips Vancouver B.C.
Window
I loved everything I read, and I lea@ read everything coastalview.com I could get my hands on.
A combo
I’ve lived here so long now, I can’t really remember my first Carp experience
A mutt. For sure. But a very good-natured, devoted mutt
“The White Deer” by James Thurber
ch@cynthia hamiltonbooks .com
Dive in!
Watching this hot shebear play volleyball
Marnie
“Tiki Tikki Tembo”
brianhopkins@ outlook.com
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CONTRIBUTORS 11
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robin karlsson alonzo orozco writer
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amy orozco
BEST SUMMER VACATION?
WINDOW OR AISLE?
GET-FEET-WETFIRST TYPE OR JUST DIVE IN?
EARLIEST CARPINTERIA MEMORY
YOU’RE A DOG. WHAT KIND?
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD READ?
CONTACT
Europe 1981
Window
Cannonball!
Camping (1993) when my kids were 3 & 7 and eating at The Spot
Like Shorty on page 53
“The Sneetches” by Dr. Seuss
photography@ robinanne.com
Rosarito Beach in the 70s
Aisle
Get Feet Wet First
A gathering after a funeral in the condos at Via Real and Bailard
Airedale
“Giant Steps” by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
boscomen@ yahoo.com
Peru
Window
Dive in
Family vacations 1970s
Collie
“Harriet the Spy” by Louise Fitzhugh
amymarie@ amymarie orozco.com
Visiting grandparents in Wyoming ... horses, picnics, hikes, grandma’s cooking
Window
Definitely get my feet wet first .. I’ll get in, just give me some time.
Walking along Linden Ave. toward the ocean
Newfoundland
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
emyloupark@ gmail.com
Studying classical archaeology in Greece
Always the aisle
Dive in and learn to swim
Burgers at Carp State Beach. Who knows when...
The best kind: mutt.
“Mattimeo” in the Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
ZEnki40@ gmail.com
A soft and friendly one
“The Biskitts in Double Trouble” a Little Golden Book
meganwaldrep. com
editor/writer
13
emily parker writer
14
zachary rosen writer
On the red-eye, window
Take the plunge
writer
June 2007 - when I lived in NYC and decided to stay in Augusta, GA for a month
Road trip, fall 2012. Driving down Linden Ave, I realized my new home.
madeleine vite
Photo shoot in Beijing, China.
Aisle
Just dive in
Assisting on photographing a poster for the Avocado Festival
Boxer-Hank
“Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans
photos@ madphoto.com
Honeymoon traveling all over Italy
Aisle, the less I see the better
Dip a toe and jump
Coming to visit Aunt Grace… such a long drive from Ventura!
A large dog, I wouldn’t want anyone putting clothes on me.
I was too busy playing outside to read
kris@coastalview. com
megan 15 waldrep
16
17
16
photographer
11
13
12
photographer
kristyn whittenton 17 designer
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Final Frame
H e l l o, s a i l or Tens of thousands of little sailors washed ashore in Carpinteria this April, coating the sand in their indigo vessels and transparent sails. Velella velella—also called sea raft, by-the-wind sailor, purple sail, little sail or simply Velella—live on the open sea throughout the world’s warm and temperate waters. Without any means of moving on their own power, they survive at the mercy of the wind and are commonly stranded on shores around the world. Velellas’ small stinging tentacles, which they use to kill planktonic prey, are harmless to human skin. A good hand wash is recommended, however, before touching one’s mouth or eyes after coming in contact with a Velella. ◆ P Ho t o b y rob i n Karlsson
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A family owned nurser y in Carpinteria since 1978 Phalaenopsis Cymbidiums Tillandsias Succulents Foliage Plants Decorative moss Curly willow Arrangements Pots, Baskets, Tins
inspiration grown locally OPEN TO THE PUBLIC M o n d a y- Fr i d a y 8 - 5 • S a t u r d a y 1 0 - 5 W i n t e r H o u r s : M o n d a y- Fr i d a y 8 - 4 : 3 0 • S a t u r d a y 1 0 - 3 3 5 0 4 V i a Re a l • C a r p i n t e r i a • C A 9 3 0 1 3 Fr o m t h e 1 0 1 Fr e e w a y N. o r S. - E x i t a t S a n t a C l a u s La n e
w e s t e r l a y o r c h i d s. c o m • 8 0 5 . 6 8 4 . 5 4 1 1
beautiful orchids all year long