on the successful representation of the buyer at 150 Santa Elena Ln, Sold for $5,850,000.
CHARLIE BOGUE
805.837.4213
charliebogue@bhhscal.com DRE 01803038
on the successful representation of the buyer at 1018 Belmonte Dr, Sold for $4,150,000.
JOSH RAMIREZ
805.455.9066
JoshRamirez@bhhscal.com DRE 01734132
JOHN GOUGH
on the successful representation of the seller at 320 E Victoria St, Sold for $3,100,000.
JOHN GOUGH
805.455.1420
johncbgough@gmail.com DRE 00372699
on the successful representation of the seller & buyer at 1343 Cliff Dr, Sold for $2,428,806.
KALIA RORK
805.689.0614
Kalia@LiveInSB.com www.LiveInSB.com DRE 01313668
on the successful representation of the seller at 1730 Anacapa St, Sold for $4,400,000.
KEN SWITZER
805.680.4622
KSwitzer@bhhscal.com
www.RealEstateSB.com DRE 01245644
on the successful representation of the buyer & seller at 1833 Santa Barbara St,
Randy@RandyGlick.com
Carmen@GlickRealEstateAssociates.com www.RandyGlick.com DRE 00950129 | 01953155
on the successful representation of the buyer at 320 E Victoria St, Sold for $3,100,000.
MARISA GARBER
858.337.8727
MarisaGarber@bhhscal.com DRE 02153765
on the successful representation of the seller & buyer at 532 State St, Sold for $2,080,000.
MITCH STARK
805.689.2429
MStark@bhhscal.com DRE 01196532
CHARLIE BOGUE
JOSH RAMIREZ
MARISA GARBER
MITCH STARK
KALIA RORK
Santa Barbara and the New Deal
In the depths of the Great Depression of the 1930s, Santa Barbara was a small town of about 30,000 residents. Although economic conditions at the time were not as dire as in many parts of the country, newspaper publisher Thomas M. Storke used his personal connections and political savvy to obtain some $20 million in federal investments. He shrugged off the massive rewards for his lobbying efforts, noting, “I reasoned this way: The funds having been appropriated, would have been spent somewhere, so why not go after Santa Barbara’s share?” Santa Barbara invested perhaps more than their fair share of federal dollars in a variety of ways.
Individuals who feared the wolf was at the door had the opportunity to work thanks to a variety of New Deal investments during these tough economic times. Infrastructure projects of the Works Projects Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps employed laborers, while the Federal Writers’ and Arts Projects employed writers, actors, artists, and musicians.
Infrastructure
The list of New Deal– and WPAfunded buildings is long and varied. It includes the Santa Barbara Bowl; the rebuilding of the Sheffield Reservoir, which was destroyed during the 1925 earthquake; upgrades to Laguna Park Ball Park (designed by architect Winsor Soule and sadly demolished in 1970 to make way for a parking lot); Los Baños Pool and Bathhouse; the Armory on Canon Perdido and the Naval Reserve Armory that now houses the Maritime Museum; and the striking hybrid Art-Deco/Spanish Colonial Revival downtown Post Office designed by architect Reginald Johnson with its bas-relief artwork funded by the Treasury Department. A bit farther from town, the Civilian Conservation Corps built Los Prietos Boys Camp in the Los Padres National Forest, and restored and rebuilt La Purisima Mission in Lompoc.
Literature
One of the primary tasks of the Federal Writers’ Project was to create a series of guidebooks to great places in the nation that comprised the American Guide series. These books were intended to define and describe the land, people, and culture of America. Santa Barbara was among the handful of cities awarded a contract, resulting in the book Santa Barbara: A Guide to the Channel City and its Environs Published in 1941, it presents “a well-rounded picture of Santa Barbara,” a volume they hoped would be “authentic in the minds of the pioneers and their descendants, from the pages of which schoolchildren may learn, and which visitors may use as a guide in passing through.”
Art
It might be dated, but if our schoolchildren had the opportunity to use this book as an introduction to Santa Barbara today, they would surely gain a greater understanding of its cultural and natural history, geography and the spirit of this place.
Some lucky students do have the opportunity to learn from New Deal–era artifacts without even opening a book. At Santa Barbara High School, two huge murals are displayed at the entrance of the main building. Created by artist Campbell Grant, they depict the founding of North and South America. The murals have been restored by the Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association. Grant went on to become an expert in Chumash rock art and taught at Cate School.
The sports-themed mural in the library of Santa Barbara Junior High School was created by regional artist Douglass Parshall in 1934 as an homage to the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. The artwork was restored in 2011 by the Pearl Chase Society. Parshall, son of noted artist DeWitt Parshall, supervised the local Federal Art Project and went on to become a prolific and highly regarded artist.
On an individual level, the WPA fulfilled the promise of its first administrator, Harry Hopkins, who declared, “Give a man a dole, and you save his body and destroy his spirit. Give him a job, and you save both body and spirit.”
In its lasting contributions to communities across the country including Santa Barbara the New Deal’s WPA has left a legacy of triumph over tough times.
Cheri Rae is a longtime neighborhood advocate and the author of A String of Pearls: Pearl Chase of Santa Barbara. She is a boardmember of the Pearl Chase Society and the longtime editor of the society’s newsletter The Capital, where this article first appeared. Email Cheri at
OUR SANTA BARBARA by Cheri Rae
Workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps making red tiles in the traditional way for the restoration of La Purísima Mission
Large mural by Campbell Grant at Santa Barbara High School. Grant later said that while the work was “a godsend” for the income it provided, he was not a fan of the work itself, referring to the murals as “amazingly bad, but ... still there,” in a 1965 interview.
Inspired by the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, the Douglass Parshall WPA mural in the library at Santa Barbara Junior High School
22 Units in the Heart of Santa Barbara. This is an incredible investment opportunity, ideally situated to take advantage of the city’s robust rental market. This property features a mix of 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments and cozy studios. A convenient common laundry facility adds to the property’s appeal for tenants. Recent upgrades too numerous to mention. Ample off-street parking. Priced to deliver a cap rate of over 5 percent, this investment offers both strong cash flow and potential for long-term appreciation. With its prime location near Cottage Hospital and the entire medical district, residents will enjoy easy access to Santa Barbara’s dining, shopping, and entertainment, making this property a standout addition to any investor’s portfolio. OFFERED AT $7,395,000 | 427WISLAYSTREET.COM | SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SHOWING
THE BEATING HEART OF SANTA BARBARA
A Special Open House Weekend Event,
Luxury Living in Santa Barbara
4660 Via Huerto
6bd/7.5Ba Offered at $15,900,000
DeAnn Rochelle DRE 01765260 | 805-451-7488
Open Houses: Sat & Sun 1-4pm (BY APPT ONLY)
50 Sanderling Lane
4Bd/4Ba Offered at $1,999,900
Steve Epstein/Epstein Partners DRE 00994429 | 805-689-9339
Open Houses: Sun 1-3pm
2775 E Valley Road
4Bd/4Ba Offered at $5,650,000
Kendrick Guehr/Epstein Partners DRE 01964065 | 805-448-4185
Open Houses: Sun 1-3pm
6551 Calle Koral
2Bd/3Ba Offered at $1,289,000
Mary Layman DRE 01206344 805-448-3890
Open Houses: Sat & Sun 2-4pm
4Bd/5Ba Offered at $5,795,000
Charles Brewer/Epstein Partners DRE 01477889 | 805-450-5623
Open Houses: Sat & Sun 2-4pm
1104 Castillo Street
2Bd/1Ba Offered at $1,200,000
Jedd Hewitt/Epstein Partners DRE 02118814 | 805-850-9277
Open Houses: Sat 2:30-5pm
5385 Traci Drive
2Bd/2Ba Offered at $999,000
Mary Layman DRE 01206344 | 805-448-3890
Open House: Sat 11-3pm & Sun 2-5pm
62 Touran Lane
3Bd/2Ba Offered at $1,195,000
Janice Laney DRE 01794041 | 805-705-6474
Open House: Sat & Sun 1-4pm
212 Santa Barbara St #B
2Bd/2.5Ba Offered at $1,795,000
Kendrick Guehr/Epstein Partners DRE 01964065 | 805-448-4185
Open House: Sat & Sun 1-3pm
105 W De La Guerra St #Q
2Bd/2.5Ba Offered at $1,995,000
Kendrick Guehr/Epstein Partners DRE 01964065 | 805-448-4185
Open House: Sat 1-3pm
215 South H Street, Lompoc
4Bd/4Ba Offered at $849,900
Autie Bayaban DRE 02196482 | 805-699-6515
Open House: Sat 11-2pm & Sun 12:30-3:30pm
OPEN HOUSES
Goleta
5076 Calle Real, #A, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat 11-4 & Sun 1-4, TBD, Village Properties, Jill Agonias / Sara Beth Cutter 805895-9902 / 808-990-6200, DRE#02150975 / #01490414
69 North San Marcos Road #B, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sun 1-4, TBD, Village Properties, Brian King 805-452-0471, DRE#01868186
410 Camino Del Remedio Unit F, BD, 1BA, Sun 2-4, $499,000, Village Properties, Marcos Lazaro 805-637-9121, DRE#01770439
311 Pacific Oaks Rd, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 12-2, $795,000, Village Properties, Pam Shalhoob 805895-9190, DRE#02053975
6083 Suellen Court, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 2:30-4:30, $899,000, Village Properties, David Magid 805-451-0402, DRE#01964710
391 Cannon Green Dr #F, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,220,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lyndsey Jones & Erin Beck 805-680-2856 / 805708-0446, DRE#02125898 / #01488548
616 San Ricardo, 3BD, 2BA, Fri 10-1, Sat 11-4 & Sun 10-1, $1,395,000, Village Properties, Lourinka van Tonder / Nicole Powers / Jill Agonias 805-2805865 / 925-548-1305 / 805895-9902, DRE#02211987 / #02185632 / #02150975
30 Sonoma Avenue, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 12-3, $1,395,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Darren Levene 646-309-0213, DRE#02093259
145 Walnut Lane, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 2-4, $1,599,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Ferenc Hodosy 805-452-7516, DRE#01012341
7 Baker Lane, 5BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $2,495,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Chris Palme 805-448-3066, DRE#00989478
San Roque
280 N La Cumbre Rd, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Felipe Saffie 8077052431, DRE#01434616
The Mesa
1078 Miramonte Drive #3, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $1,195,000, Village Properties, Curtis Swan II 805-607-9709, DRE#02049218
Saturday 9/14 & Sunday 9/15
1710 Cliff Dr, 3BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $1,595,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sue Irwin / Whitney Armentrout 805705-6973 / 805-705-6741, DRE#02008932 / #01941559
1600 Shoreline Drive, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $4,195,000, Richardson Real Estate Services, Mike Richardson 805-451-0599, DRE#00635254
Hope Ranch
4663-4661 Vista Buena Rd, 0BD, 0BA, Sun 1-3, $2,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Annette Vait 805886-1926, DRE#02044281
Mission Canyon
987 Cheltenham Road, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 2-5, $2,400,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Jason Siemens 805-455-1165, DRE#01886104
The Riviera
601 E Micheltorena #97, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 2-5, $1,649,000, Pacific Crest Realty, Staci Caplan 805-886-3970, DRE#01450103
1568 Franceschi Road, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 2-4, $5,300,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Nicole Dever 805-570-5226, DRE#02110739
Santa Barbara
218 Santa Barbara St Unit B, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sun 2-4, $1,599,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Alisa Pepper & Bill Urbany 805-570-5680, DRE#01347807 / #00717028
778 Dos Hermanos Road, 3BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sat 10-1, $1,750,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Christian Webb 805-570-0102, DRE#02125765
1530 Marquard Terrace, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $1,929,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sunnie Maxwell 805252-9524, DRE#01463861
116 W Los Olivos St, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kit Peterson / Ty Whelehan 805-689-5535 / 805471-0993, DRE#02008932
3179 Lucinda Lane, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $2,150,000, Village Properties, Spencer Cole 805689-6673, DRE#02115510
1310 Olive Street, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $2,185,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Leanna Georges 805-746-9006, DRE#02174031
1080 Diamond Crest Court, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $2,350,000, Sun Coast Real Estate, Matt Vaughan 805-689-9351, DRE#00767743
517 De La Vista Ave, 2BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $2,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Mia Teetsel / Katinka Goertz 805-202-9118 / 805708-9616, DRE#01256862 / #01871645
425 Fellowship Road, 3BD, 3BA & 2PBA, Sat 12-2, $2,495,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Lisa Franklin 805-403-6393, DRE#02179188 751 Skyview Drive, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 2-4, $3,185,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brisaly Balderas / Alexis Falk 805335-4726 / 805-895-3439, DRE#02128318 / #02218913
614 Corte Bella, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 1-3, $3,275,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Rachel Brown 805-570-7160, DRE#01950975
21 West Los Olivos, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 2-5, $3,398,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker 805-687-2436, DRE#00494253
1230 Northridge Road, 6BD, 4.5BA, Sun 1-4, $4,525,000, Sun Coast Real Estate, Chris Agnoli 805-895-0313, DRE#01132005
20 Alston Pl, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $6,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Cambern 805-722-2352, DRE#02158714
Upper East
307 Mellifont Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 12-2, $1,395,000, Village Properties, David Magid 805-451-0402, DRE#01964710 2444 Santa Barbara St, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,800,000, Village Properties, Scott Tisdale / David Marchetti 805-722-8582 / 805-637-4160, DRE#01729503 / #02007487
Montecito
1369 Danielson Rd Unit A, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $2,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Shane Smith 925818-9794, DRE#02072272
202 E Mountain Dr, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $3,295,000, Engel & Voelkers Santa Barbara, Ed Fuller 805 570-6988, DRE#00661695
380 Sheffield Drive, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $3,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-708-2323, DRE#02061444
588 Paso Robles Dr, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sat 1-3, $3,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Patrice Serrani 805637-5112, DRE#01764713
627 Romero Canyon Rd, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sun 1-3, $3,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Brittany Arntz 805680-5946, DRE#02055307
1480 Monte Vista Rd, 5BD, 5BA, Sat 12-2 & Sun 1-4, $4,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sharon Jordano / Joe Stubbins 805-280-2055 / 805-729-0778, DRE#02195847 / #01002182
1122 Camino Viejo, 3BD, 4BA, Sun 1-4, $5,095,000, Village Properties, Shawn Poindexter 805-826-1762, DRE#02222632 1369 Danielson Rd, 6BD, 6BA, Sat 1-3, $5,500,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Shane Smith 925-818-9794, DRE#02072272
2775 Sycamore Canyon Road, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4, $5,995,000, Village Properties, Katie Mohun 805-705-5144, DRE#02047418
CONGRATULATIONS
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is pleased to congratulate Patrice Serrani on the successful representation of the seller at 15 Chase Drive. Listed for $2,665,000.
PATRICE SERRANI REALTOR®
805-637-5112
Patrice@PatriceSerrani.com PatriceSerrani.com DRE 01764713
OPEN HOUSES
145 Olive Mill Ln, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $6,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ryan Monroe 805-637-1234, DRE#02239856
90 Butterfly Lane, 3BD, 3BA & 2PBA, Sun 2-4, $6,950,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Michelle Eskandari 805-6378061, DRE#01861525
Summerland
2448 Banner Avenue #2, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 2-4, $1,195,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Taryn Martin 805-636-6442, DRE#01995581
2568 Banner Ave, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Elias Cesena 805-640-5904, DRE#00968247
2490 Whitney Avenue, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,750,000, Village Properties, John Henderson 805-689-1066, DRE#00780607
Saturday 9/14 & Sunday 9/15
Carpinteria
5750 Via Real Space 249, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 11-1, $499,000, Village Properties, Marcos Lazaro 805637-9121, DRE#01770439
4856 Sawyer Ave, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $1,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Annette Vait 805-886-1926, DRE#02044281
5610 Calle Pacific, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-4 & Sun 11-4, $2,250,000, Village Properties, Lynn Z. Gates / Emily Durtche 805-705-4942 / 805-895-9503, DRE#01391451 / #02207531
176 Ocean View, 4BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $3,795,000, Village Properties, Thomas Johansen 805-886-1857, DRE#14401533
3211 Beach Club Rd, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $5,500,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, JJ Gobbell 805-4035785, DRE#02063124
Santa Ynez Valley
330 Matthew Way Unit 104, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 11-1, $675,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kelly Mahan Herrick 805-208-1451, DRE#01974836
2087 Village Ln, 2BD, 3BA, Sat 11-1, $679,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Suzy Ealand 805-698-9902, DRE#01766178
2111 Village Ln, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sun 12-3, $690,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Colby Barrick / Joe Ramos 805245-5766 / 805-680-6849, DRE#02082097 / #02040488
26 Chamiso Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $849,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kelly Mahan Herrick 805-208-1451, DRE#01974836
435 Farmland Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $970,000, Village Properties, Patty Armor 805350-4038, DRE#01320210
2480 Grand Ave, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-2, $2,300,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammy Pinoli / Laura Drammer 805452-9725 / 805-448-7500, DRE#02074002 / #01209580 Ojai
1273 S Rice Rd Unit 5, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 1-4, $315,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Christa Berban 805207-5352, DRE#02110245
Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/ OPENHOUSESUBMISSIONS
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NEWLY LISTED: 387 ORTEGA RIDGE ROAD
This enchanting 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom French Normandy-style estate in Montecito blends timeless elegance with breathtaking natural beauty. Set on a 1-acre property, it offers sweeping mountain views of Montecito Valley and Birnam Wood Golf Course, a gourmet kitchen with high-beamed ceilings, and four European fireplaces. The spacious interior features old-growth hardwood and Saltillo tile floors, ideal for both entertaining and cozy living. Outside, a sparkling pool, spa, and mature landscaping create a private paradise, while direct access to local trails adds to the home’s allure. A separate studio apartment with a private entrance provides flexibility for guests or additional living quarters. This is a rare opportunity to experience luxury living in one of Montecito’s most prestigious locations.. OFFERED AT $5,795,000 | 387ORTEGARIDGEROAD.COM | OPEN HOUSE SAT 9/14 & SUN 9/15 2-4 PM
AT $849,000
Discover the perfect blend of convenience and comfort in this ideally located Westside condo. Just steps from local shops, restaurants, and moments from downtown, the beach, and SBCC, this home offers unparalleled access to all Santa Barbara has to offer. Inside, enjoy the fresh ambiance with new paint and carpet in the bedrooms and on the stairs.The vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms enhance the sense of space, while two outdoor patios and an upstairs balcony with mountain views provide inviting spots to relax. The property includes a covered carport with storage lockers and a second designated off-street parking space.
SCAN
Situated near the vibrant heart of Linden Avenue, this 2 bedroom, 2 bath home places you at the center of Carpinteria’s seaside charm. Close to local favorites, from charming cafés and artisan shops to breweries and beachside bistros. With the golden sands just a short stroll away, this condo
just a home—it’s your gateway to the ultimate coastal lifestyle.
East Mesa | 2,600+ sq. ft. Residence | 1/4 Mile to Beach
#00635254 + #01902531 privacy on this fabulous Montecito estate. Resting at the property is a charming Craftsman style home circa 1912. Today, it modern amenities, and still charm. Located in MUS. Rare ocean front estate on the Mesa! This spectacular 4bed/4.5bath ultra-luxury property
East Mesa | Panoramic Ocean Views | 2021 Remodel
~5,100+ sq. ft. of living space resting on over 1/2 acre of prime California coastline. Enjoy unparalleled ocean views from every corner of this contemporary home. Must see in person! 1/2 acre ocean front lot! This is a once in a life time opportunity to purchase a vacant piece of ocean front property located in one of Santa Barbara’s most desirable neighborhoods. Build your dream home to the exact specifications that you desire. Panoramic ocean views! The Richardson Team
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com 805.963.1704
www.sbrealtor.com DRE Lic. #00635254 + #01902531
NEWLY LISTED: 212 SANTA BARBARA STREET “B”
This updated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom luxury townhome offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and coastal charm, located just two blocks from the beach and adjacent to the vibrant Funk Zone. The 1,696-square-foot home features a Spanish-style façade, a tranquil Provençal-style courtyard, and interiors with Andalusian and Spanish influences, including Venetian plaster walls, Saltillo tile floors, and quartz counters. The upper-level primary suite includes a walk-in closet, dual vanity, and a spacious patio with mountain and Riviera views. A chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a small balcony for barbecuing add to the home’s appeal. Ideally situated near Santa Barbara’s best wineries, boutiques, and restaurants, Villa Del Mar combines modern luxury with unbeatable location.
OFFERED AT $1,795,000 | 212SANTABARBARASTUNITB.COM | OPEN HOUSE SAT 9/14 & SUN 9/15 FROM 1-3 PM
KENDRICK GUEHR
Partner | Realtor | DRE #1964065 805.448.4185
Google, Amazon, and AppFolio Execs Discuss Staffing
in S.B.
At the 2024 TechTopia Summit hosted on August 29 by the S.B. South Coast Chamber of Commerce, guests got a fascinating tour of four of UCSB’s high-tech centers, followed by an insightful panel discussion with tech executives on the challenges and benefits of Santa Barbara as a business location. Also, the chamber explained its multifaceted internship initiative followed by an industry panel on the benefits of internships.
The tour, in which more than 200 guests participated through rotating small groups, visited UCSB’s AlloSphere, CA NanoSystems Institute, UCSB Nanofabrication Facility, and UCSB NSF Quantum Foundry, with presentations from key staff at each.
Afterwards, guests returned to the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta for the remainder of the program. In a panel on Santa Barbara as a business site, AppFolio VP of Product Operations Cat Allday shared that UCSB has been a great recruitment source for its business, including through internships, to attract talented people who want to live here. As a result, AppFolio boasts long tenure for its employees, which is unusual in the software industry, with 25 percent of staff having been there for at least five years. She credits the longevity in part to S.B. being such a great place to live and a good entrepreneurial community.
Amazon Santa Barbara Director of Artificial General Intelligence: Information Kevin Davis echoed Allday’s remarks regarding retention, with team members sticking around in S.B., unlike in Seattle and other offices, where people leave after just a year or two when people have just figured out what they are doing. Amazon S.B. has staff who have been with it for many years, including a decent percentage of the team that was acquired here.
Amazon arrived in S.B. in 2017 with the acquisition of Graphiq Inc., which had developed technology that Amazon sought for Alexa. In fact, most of Alexa’s current technology came out of the S.B. office. Davis remarked that tech jobs, with their long hours, are difficult, but the great quality of life that S.B. offers balances that out.
Google Scalable Hardware Lead, Quantum AI Jeremy Hilton explained that in these early days of quantum com-
puting, it has had to search globally for the specialized research and technical staff it needs, but attracting them to S.B. has been straightforward. Now that Google has gotten through some key research stages and is transitioning to larger systems, it needs staff for more conventional roles. In this phase, it sees a lot of talent in the community with which to build the expertise it needs to grow its effort here.
Google Quantum AI originated here with the acquisition of a UCSB research group. It is developing quantum computers that will revolutionize a lot of key areas with their superior computational capability. According to Hilton, one of the most serious and successful efforts in quantum computing in the world is happening right here.
Hilton believes that the natural beauty of the area is incredibly helpful for innovation. Some of his company’s best ideas, Hilton related, have come out of physicists hiking together or otherwise engaging in nature in S.B.
When asked about the biggest barrier to its business here, Amazon’s Davis pointed to marketing Santa Barbara to prospective hires, especially those with a partner because of both the high cost of housing and a misperception about the opportunities here for employment of their partners. It may take longer to find talent, he quickly added, but it’s worth it, because those people Amazon does hire tend to stick around. Management has to point out to potential hires, he explained, that although you pay more and can’t
get eight bedrooms, you can be outside in the winter and it’s otherwise awesome to live here.
Google’s Hilton echoed these sentiments, noting that Google encounters reticence from potential hires currently residing in big tech centers for whom quantum is not their domain and who are unsure about Santa Barbara, especially with the high cost of housing. He also noted that as Google starts scaling up, it will be hiring more entry level staff, whom it will be training, so it wants people who have already made the decision to be and stay in S.B.
AppFolio’s Allday shared that it hires a lot of very young people, some of whom they lose when they want to settle down because of the limited size of the dating pool here. She also remarked on conference constraints. For the past 11 years, AppFolio has hosted an annual customer conference at the Hilton (previously Fess Parker), topping out at 800 guests, but it has grown too large this year, so the company had to hold the event in San Diego.
Chamber President and CEO Kristen Miller explained that the chamber has been working with tech and manufacturing businesses to streamline and demystify the process of offering internships and has been connecting more high school and college students with these opportunities. The chamber’s website offers lots of resources. A panel from Curvature and PseudolithIC leader, mentor, and interns shared the multitude of benefits internships offer.
SOCIETY MATTERS Text and photos by Gail Arnold
Moderator Chamber immediate past board chair (and LinkedIn Head of Nonprofit Enterprise Sales & Strategy) Joey Zumaya, Appfolio VP of Product Operations Cat Allday, Google Scalable Hardware Lead, Quantum AI Jeremy Hilton, and Amazon Director, Artificial General Intelligence: Information, Amazon Santa Barbara Kevin Davis
S.B. South Coast Chamber of Commerce team: Director of Communications Mary Lynn Harms-Romo, President and CEO Kristen Miller, and Board Chair (and S.B. Gift Baskets owner) Anne Pazier
PseudolithIC Co-Founder and CTO Florian Herrault, PseudolithIC Process Engineer and mentor Bennett Coy, and PseudolithIC intern Angel Farias Hidalgo
Curvature GM, Global Hardware Division Sachi Thompson, Curvature Technical Manager and mentor Justin Hallstrom, and Curvature intern Caleb Lee
This home sits on nearly 20 private acres overlooking a community avocado orchard, with two large sunny patios perfect for outdoor gatherings. Inside, soaring cathedral ceilings with wood beam accents create a spacious feel, and the living room features a wood-burning fireplace + large windows facing avocado trees. The kitchen is equipped with high-end stainless steel appliances and a built-in desk for a home office. The primary bedroom on the first floor offers an ensuite bath, custom Brazil Rosewood shelving, and sliding doors to the back patio. Two additional bedrooms upstairs, a shared bathroom, ample storage, & two covered carport spaces. Home has been lovingly maintained by the original owners for over 40 years.
FIRST OPEN SUNDAY 2-5PM
IMMACULATE 3 BED / 2.5 BATH BELLA RIVIERA CONDO
OCEAN VIEW FRONT PORCH, PRIVATE PATIO, GARAGE + CARPORT, JUST MOMENTS TO DOWNTOWN!
Welcome to this stylish Craftsman style Bella Riviera condo - with builder and seller upgrades, this is the turnkey property you have been looking for! Enjoy a wonderful floorplan with entertaining areas downstairs: a spacious front porch with ocean and city views, an inviting living room, upgraded kitchen, powder room, and a private patio. Upstairs are three spacious bedrooms including the primary suite with 2 closets; enjoy A/C, 9’ ceilings, and peaks of the ocean! This coveted Lower Riviera location is just moments to restaurants, theaters, parks and beaches. Truly a must-see Santa Barbara lifestyle property!
OFFERED AT $1,649,000
1710 CLIFF DRIVE | OFFERED AT $1,595,000 3 BEDROOM |
Bright and beautiful East Mesa home with extensive upgrades just completed this summer! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath, single story home affords ocean views from the living room and front bedroom, a large galley style kitchen, and separate breakfast nook/utility room. The backyard, a tropical oasis crowned by gorgeous palm trees, offers plenty of space for outdoor entertaining, an ADU or play areas. This gem is located just a few blocks to the beach, Shoreline Park and Washington Elementary, and only a block away from the Mesa’s thriving hub of shops and restaurants. Recent upgrades include: new roof and rain gutters, electric garage door, tankless water heater, stainless-steel kitchen appliances, electrical upgrades, light fixtures, interior and exterior paint, closet doors, refreshed bathroom, lush backyard lawn with sprinkler system, and more! Start enjoying the coveted Mesa lifestyle today!
Mike Dickman, Corner Tap, Brittany Lough, Alyson Spann, Michelle Glaus, Tim Walsh, Sheela and Mark Hunt, Louis and Susan Manzo, Gregg Leach, Marcia Ribeiro, Sara Beth Cutter, Ruth Ann Bowe, Jena Harris, Patty Armor, Alyssa Jones, Rick Wilson - Cross Country Mortgage, Bob Curtis, Nicole Wesley, David Magid, David McIntire, Lenz Pest Control, Edward Perkins, Erin Timmerman, Judith Eisenhauer, Emily Kellenberger & Associates, Drainmasters, QTX Mobile Accessories, Weiser Agency, Thomas Dabney & Darcie McKnight
NEWLY LISTED: 105 W. DE LA GUERRA STREET “Q”
Reside at Paseo Chapala and experience the best of downtown Santa Barbara living in this newly renovated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo, offering 1,819 square feet of luxury and comfort. Built in 2007, the home features wide-plank wood floors, a double-sided fireplace, a chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a private patio for al fresco dining. Both bedrooms offer walk-in closets and en-suite baths, with the primary suite boasting a cozy fireplace, dual vanity, soaking tub, and balcony with neighborhood views. A private two-car garage with direct access, central A/C, and a nearby elevator enhance the convenience and ease of living. With a walk score of 97 and bike score of 99, this sophisticated condo provides urban convenience just a mile from the beach and close to local hiking trails.
OFFERED AT $1,995,000 | 105WDELAGUERRASTQ.COM | OPEN HOUSE SAT 9/14 FROM 1-3 PM
KENDRICK GUEHR
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES
SELLER BUYER
CARPINTERIA DENSMORE RICHARD EA O'BOYLE MARK EA
DORIS LAZARUS EA COSTELLO DEBRA EA
GOLETA CAMPARETTI PAOLO EU TRAN KATHY EA
GREENE SKYLAR EA
CAMPAGNARI CLAUDIO EU
TARBUSH ALICE EA ORTIZ ANTONIO
SCOTT PROPERTY ASSOCIATES 5381 EKWILL LLC
GRIMMES SUSANNE EA CASILLAS DOLORES EU
YUKSEL SEVGI EU REGENTS OF UC
STRICKLAND SEAN EU LEE SEUNG
JOHNSON ANDREW HOMES ETC LLC
DATE ADDRESS
$663,500 8/30/24 5930 BIRCH ST 4
$974,000 8/30/24 4946 SAWYER AVE
$1,285,000 8/30/24 5043 RHOADS AVE A
$2,060,000 8/29/24 777 CAMBRIDGE DR
$1,075,000 8/27/24 5605 ARMITOS AVE
$6,750,000 8/29/24 5381 EKWILL
$1,791,000 8/30/24 435 PACIFIC OAKS RD
$683,000 8/29/24 951 W CAMPUS LN
$1,630,000 8/28/24 6220 COVINGTON WAY
$825,000 8/26/24 7636 HOLLISTER AVE 259 MONTECITO RUSSELL DAVID EA PROVENCE BRETT EU
HEMRY JEANETTE EA CARTY THOMAS EU
$1,270,000 8/30/24 1930 JAMESON LN A
$4,000,000 8/27/24 179 SANTA ISABEL LN
FINEFROCK BRAD EA ARGUE JULIE EA $5,850,000 8/26/24 150 SANTA ELENA LN OUR BEST YEARS LLC SIEGEL ROBERT EA
$2,625,000 8/30/24 1315 PLAZA DE PACIFICA
TEAZIS WANDA EA
HOLBORN LLC $4,400,000 8/30/24 843 KNAPP DR MARDER REBECCA EA KEITH GARVIN EA
$2,555,000 8/27/24 15 CHASE DR
FESSENDEN JUDITH EA GAFFEY KATHLEEN EA $4,062,000 8/27/24 181 CORONADA CIR
HUDNUT STEWART MCBROOM-PORT A LLC
$6,288,000 8/28/24 1046 CIMA LINDA LN SANTA BARBARA LOBDELL GAIL EA MONTE VIS PROPERTIES $1,320,000 8/26/24 723 E MASON ST POWER JUSTIN EU RUIZ JEAN EU
NICKI EA
PATRICIA EU
CHAPPELL JOHN EU WENAL KEITH EU
GROSS HOWARD EA
KRUSE WENDLE EA
KASIS ROBERT LEAR JULIE EU
RAJBANSHI RANJAN
LEVINE BRENT EA
KELLIHER DONALD EA THRIVE PROPERTY MGMT
TEVIS PAULA EA
PAGEL CAROL EA
JG COOPER REAL ESTATE MGMT
NUNEZ DAVID EU
BOSTWICK MONA
MAXWELL & BEVERLY SANDERS
KLEIN JENNIFER EA
BABAI DANIEL EA
YANG XIAO
FIER PHILIP EA
BLACKWELL PAULA EA AMERICAN RIVIERA HOMES LLC
MOJICA ELLEN EAA
WILLIAMS PAUL EU
GRAZIANO JOSPEH EA
JOHNSON ANDREW EA
LOFTUS PATRICK EU
GORDON JOYCE EU
8/27/24 2525 STATE ST 20
$1,050,000 8/26/24 1924 BATH ST UNIT B
$3,995,000 8/26/24 1833 SANTA BARBARA ST
$1,975,000 8/30/24 45 RUBIO RD
$1,315,000 8/29/24 1309 CASTILLO ST
$1,725,000 8/30/24 414 W VICTORIA ST A
$1,250,000 8/30/24 1305 STATE ST
$2,429,000 8/26/24 1343 CLIFF DR
$1,350,000 8/30/24 2626 CALLE REAL
$1,645,000 8/30/24 2975 CALLE NOGUERA
$1,875,000 8/30/24 3070 LUCINDA LN
$2,450,000 8/30/24 1062 CAMINO DEL RETIRO
$1,325,000 8/26/24 4633 GERONA WAY
$1,865,000 8/30/24 4534 AUHAY DR B
$5,950,000 8/29/24 4312 VIA GLORIETA
Desalination Inspired by the Ocean and Powered by the Sun
Desalination has held out hope for many coastal communities facing water scarcity. But the promise has not materialized because of cost and a lack of reliable electricity. Even the prospect of solar-powered plants has not succeeded due to cost, problems with salt concentrations, and technological setbacks.
A recent joint research project between MIT and a Chinese university seems to have solved these perplexing issues. The breakthrough is a solar-powered passive design that stacks layers of thin evaporatorcondenser panels driven entirely by sunlight. The sun evaporates the briny water into water vapor, which then condenses into pure, drinkable water. The salt is left behind and continues to circulate with the briny supply water and eventually out of the device (often at night). Keeping it in solution and moving prevents it from accumulating and clogging the system.
The MIT model uses an array of 10 stages, each with an evaporator and condenser. The sun powers the process in each
layer but is augmented by transferring the condensate heat from one layer to the stage above. When water vapor condenses on a surface, it releases energy as heat. The salty water remaining after evaporation has a higher salt concentration. This heavier (i.e., denser) liquid wants to flow downward. By tilting the stacked ensemble a few degrees, this downward flow carries the high salinity water out of the device. The sun and gravity power the entire process. No electricity is used except perhaps for bringing ocean water into the device.
by Dennis Allen
The sloped device allows the solar heated water to circulate in gently swirling eddies, like the large “thermohaline” circulations in the ocean. This phenomenon drives the movement of ocean water around the world based on differences of sea temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline).
The MIT system’s multiple levels greatly
improve efficiency. With 10 stages, it achieved 385 percent in converting energy of sunlight into energy of water evaporation. More layers could further enhance efficiency but would also add to cost and bulk. A one-meter square array (11 square feet) produces oneand-a-half gallons of drinkable water per hour. The scientists figured the cost for this demonstration stack at about $100, a version big enough to serve an average family’s potable water needs.
The MIT device has a higher water-production rate and higher salt-rejection rate
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES
than any other such scheme. Even when using water with a salinity double that of the ocean, it was able to produce water at a rate and price cheaper than tap water. It seems like a godsend for portable equipment needed in natural disaster relief. The innovators believe it could also easily generate steam for sterilizing medical instruments without a power source.
Dennis Allen is chair of Allen Construction, an employeeowned company committed to building and operating sustainably. He is also former chair of the Dean’s Council at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UCSB and a former boardmember of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
EDWARD EU SILBAUGH SARAH EA
RODRIGUEZ KEILA
MCLAIN ALLENE EA
COOLEY WILLIAM EU
HORNSTEIN BETTE EA
TORRES MICHAEL EA
FERRO GAETANO EA
MARTIN JAMES
D&D INVESTMENTS
ZAMBRANO ROMMEL
4033 CLUB HOUSE RD
8/27/24 3991 RIGEL AVE
DIAZ JOHNNY EU $520,000 8/30/24 3627 VIA ORILLA
LIZARRAGA JAMET EA
STAYTON NICHOLAS EA
PAVLOV CHRIS EU
$800,000 8/28/24 3131 MANLEY DR
$933,000 8/30/24 2885 AVENA ST
$1,170,000 8/27/24 531 WILLOW LN
TELLO ESPRANZA $869,500 8/30/24 1513 GOLDSMITH CT
MARTINEZ-AMORES JOSE EU $665,000 8/30/24 2510 S SANTA ROSA ST
