47 minute read
Our Town
Noah Dentzel (left) and Brian Hahn (right), founders of Nomad Goods Joanne is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@yahoo.com Nomad Goods Switches Gears to PPE Production O ur town’s local premium consumer goods brand Nomad Goods, Inc., founded by Noah Dentzel and Brian Hahn, took on the COVID-19 urgent need of single use masks for frontline workers on March 18, and have ramped production to over a million masks per week with shipping in two to three days worldwide, utilizing their iPhone case factory as a dedicated cleanroom for production of masks.
Noah discussed with me in our interview that this is a rapid response to a rapidly moving virus, and while there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the changing environment of COVID-19, his company’s mission remains the same: to get the most masks to frontline responders, and people in need, as quickly and efficiently as possible, “We are talking about our overnight, net-new production, meaning that these masks would not otherwise have existed, which puts more supply out there and hopefully drives the price down. If we are truly able to help, let’s give it all we’ve got and bring true value to the table.”
Here’s our interview:
Q. Asian people have been using disposable three-layer face masks, PPE masks, for years in their native countries. Was this the prompt from your suppliers in Hong Kong there to switch gears to produce and distribute masks?
A. In many Asian countries, it is indeed much more culturally commonplace to wear PPEs, in a way that still feels a bit out of place in Western countries. Recent success in some Asian countries like China and South Korea showed that PPEs were an effective tool in the fight against COVID-19. As such, and given our close relations with our Chinese suppliers and their own recent experience in battling COVID-19 through strict quarantine and PPE measures, there was an immediate connection that we could harness their manufacturing abilities to help fulfill some of the need for masks on our own shores. This is an unprecedented move for Nomad, but these are unprecedented times. We recognize there are uncertainties and that we will encounter challenges given the quick pace necessary for the best chance to make a meaningful impact. We’re driven by the call to serve, and not by profit, and we will take every measure possible to streamline the delivery of highly needed medical equipment at the lowest cost and fastest way possible while determining allocation based on medical need. We will be donating any profit to help fight against COVID-19.
CDC finally announced the requirement/suggested use of masks for everyone in the U.S., when did your company start this production, and where were the first masks distributed?
We began discussing the idea on the night of March 18, and we were in production a couple of days later and shipping within one week. We went from concept to shipping in under six days. Compare that to a typical product cycle of closer to six months. If we were gonna make an impact, we needed to move fast. Although the initial PPE masks are not N95 respirators, medical professionals around the world have found these effective in reducing transmission. Our goal is to provide masks to those who need them most at the lowest cost possible. We are distributing supplies on critical needs basis, according to the following priority system: Priority 1: Medical professionals, Priority 2: First responders, and Priority 3: Essential businesses and personnel who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19.
These are one-time use masks?
They are intended as one-time use masks. However, there has been such a shortage of masks in the U.S. that many people, even doctors, have been reusing one-time use masks, because they’ve found that that’s better than nothing. This has influenced our sense
of urgency to make and ship masks, fast. Ours are disposable three-layer facemasks (also called isolation masks or medical procedure masks). Particulate filter is tested at >98% bacterial filtration efficiency, meeting FDA testing standards. Polypropylene non-woven fabric, melt-blown filter, nose strip.
What organizations are you donating the profit of the masks to?
Right now, we’re using any profits to reinvest in making additional masks to donate masks to frontline responders in need. The demand has been enormous and we’re doing everything we can to get the most masks to the most people as quickly as possible. There is no specific list as that also is evolving. If you know of a group in need, please reach out to us at medical@nomadgoods.com.
What is your weekly production yield and what is the limit of masks per order?
We’ve been ramping up production steadily since we began this, and our production numbers have grown from fifty thousand to already a couple million masks, and that happened fast. While we’re used to ramping production for things like an iPhone case launch, we’ve never quite seen such a huge surge in demand, which really highlights how intense the need for more masks is.
What countries are you shipping the supplies to right now?
We started off with the U.S., but we’re expanding to countries around the world that need supplies. This is certainly a global fight, and it will take a global effort of collaboration if we’re gonna have success at beating this and holding it back. We live in a connected world and we’ll have more success by collaborating.
Are you still able to ship in two to three days large quantities?
Yep. One of the areas where our team and setup is particularly strong is in international shipping and logistics. We have a warehouse in Hong Kong, and of course our home warehouse here in Santa Barbara, and we’ve shipped pretty much from everywhere to everywhere and can do it quickly, inexpensively, and effectively.
Do you forecast that the priorities in shipping will change and if yes, to where/ who?
We do expect to expand more internationally as well as to areas outside of the major current epicenters like New York, Louisiana, and Washington state. COVID-19 is moving fast and we want to make sure that people in its path have the supplies they need so they can help prevent transmission and flatten the curve so our medical infrastructure is not overwhelmed.
How long does the general public have to wait to be able to order the masks?
We expect to open orders to the general public in the coming days, however, at the time of this interview, we are still shipping primarily to frontline responders.
Are you working with Direct Relief here in SB or other like organizations to distribute the masks?
Not at this moment, but the scope of our program and the partners that help us fulfill our mission of efficiently getting masks to people in need is expanding on a daily basis and we are open to any collaborations that help us help others.
Do you have a plan to distribute the masks for the local SB community? Will you prioritize school kids, elders first?
We’re actively working on this and we have already arranged for several hundred thousand masks for the Santa Barbara community.
Are you branching out to other needed supplies, like gloves, gowns...?
We are looking into a handful of other medical products which are currently in short supply and we may pursue them if we see that we can get production running quickly and cost-effectively. Just three weeks ago we wouldn’t have thought we’d be making masks, so I can only imagine where we’ll be with these initiatives three weeks from now. •MJ
DUE DATE & TIME: APRIL 23, 2020 UNTIL 3:00P.M.
SANTA BARBARA AIRPORT REGENERATIVE AIR SWEEPER
The scope of work is to provide one Regenerative Air Sweeper in compliance with Advisory Circular 150_5210_24 and these contract provisions.
Bidders must be registered on the city of Santa Barbara’s PlanetBids portal in order to receive addendum notifications and to submit a bid. Go to PlanetBids for bid results and awards. It is the responsibility of the bidder to submit their bid with sufficient time to be received by PlanetBids prior to the bid opening date and time. The receiving deadline is absolute. Allow time for technical difficulties, uploading, and unexpected delays. Late or incomplete Bid will not be accepted.
If further information is needed, contact Caroline Ortega, Senior Buyer at (805) 564-5351 or email: COrtega@santabarbaraca.gov
The City of Santa Barbara is now conducting bid and proposal solicitations online through the PlanetBids System™. Vendors can register for the commodities that they are interested in bidding on using NIGP commodity codes at http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/business/bids/purchasing.asp. The initial bidders’ list for all solicitations will be developed from registered vendors.
Bids must be submitted on forms supplied by the City of Santa Barbara and in accordance with the specifications, terms and conditions contained therein. Bid packages containing all forms, specifications, terms and conditions may be obtained electronically via PlanetBids.
The City of Santa Barbara affirmatively assures that minority and disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age (over 40), ancestry, color, mental or physical disability, sex, gender identity and expression, marital status, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), national origin, race, religious belief, or sexual orientation in consideration of award.
Federally Funded Project. The majority of this project is funded under the federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Contractor will be required to comply with specific federal contract provisions as listed herein and contained the Bid Documents.
(1) Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity
1. The Offeror’s or Bidder’s attention is called to the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal EmploymentOpportunity Construction Contract Specifications” set forth herein.
2. The goals and timetables for minority and female participation, expressed in percentage terms for the Contractor’s aggregate workforce in each trade on all construction work in the covered area, are as follows:
F I C T I T I O U S BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Kirk’s Plumbing, 2718 Verde Vista Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Kirk Peters, 2718 Verde Vista Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93105. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 5, 2020. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 2020- 0000723. Published April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020.
MONTECITO JOURNAL32 “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers Goals for minorityparticipation for each trade: 19.7% Goals for female participation in each trade: 6.9% These goals are applicable to all of the Contractor’s construction work (whether or not it is Federal or federally assisted) performed in the covered area. If the Contractor performs construction work in a geographical area located outside of the covered area, it shall apply the goals established for such geographical area where the work is actually performed. With regard to this second area, the Contractor also is subject to the goals for both its federally involved and non-federally involved construction. The Contractor’s compliance with the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR Part 60-4 shall be based on its implementation of the Equal Opportunity Clause, specific affirmative action obligations required by the specifications set forth in 41 CFR 60-4.3(a) and its efforts to meet the goals. The hours of minority and female employment and training must be substantially uniform throughout the length of the contract, and in each trade, and the Contractor shall make a good faith effort to employ minorities and women evenly on each of its projects. The transfer of minority or female employees or trainees from Contractor to Contractor or from project to project for the sole purpose of meeting the Contractor’s goals shall be a violation of the contract, the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR Part 60-4. Compliance with the goals will be measured against the total work hours performed. 3. The Contractor shall provide written notification to the Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) within 10 working days of award of any construction subcontract in excess of $10,000 at any tier for construction work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The notification shall list the name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor; employer identification number of the subcontractor; estimated dollar amount of the subcontract; estimated starting and completion dates of the subcontract; and the geographical area in which the subcontract is to be performed. 4. As used in this notice and in the contract resulting from this solicitation, the “covered area” is the City of Santa Barbara, California. (2) Civil Rights –Title VI Assurances The City of Santa Barbara, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders or offerors that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, [select disadvantaged business enterprises or airport concession disadvantaged business enterprises] will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. (3) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) A DBE goal of 2% has been established for this contract. The Owner’s award of this contract is conditioned upon Bidder or Offeror satisfying the good faith effort requirements of 49 CFR §26.53. The successful Bidder or Offeror must provide written confirmation of participation from each of the DBE firms the Bidder or Offeror lists in its commitment within five days after bid opening. 1) The names and addresses of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms that will participate in the contract; 2) A description of the work that each DBE firm will perform; 3) The dollar amount of the participation of each DBE firm listed under (1) 4) Written statement from Bidder or Offeror that attests their commitment to use the DBE firm(s) listed under (1) to meet the Owner’s project goal; and 5) If Bidder or Offeror cannot meet the advertised project DBE goal, evidence of good faith efforts undertaken by the Bidder or Offeror as described in appendix A to 49 CFR part 26. (4) Federal Provisions The following provisions are incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as if given in full text: 1) Buy American Preference (Reference: 49 USC § 50101) 2) Trade Restriction Certification (Reference: 49 USC § 50104; 49 CFR part 30) 3) Davis Bacon Act (Reference: 2 CFR § 200, Appendix II(D); 29 CFR Part 5) 4) Debarment and Suspension (Reference: 2 CFR part 180 (Subpart C); 2 CFR part 1200; and DOT Order 4200.5) 5) Lobbying and Influencing Federal Employees (Reference: 31 USC § 1352 –Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment; 2 CFR part 200, Appendix II(J); and 49 CFR part 20, Appendix A) 6) Procurement of Recovered Materials (Reference: 2 CFR § 200.322; 40 CFR part 247; and Solid Waste Disposal Act) 7) Government-wide Requirements for Drug-free Workplace (Reference: 28 CFR 83.635) 8) Certification ofNonsegregated Facilities (41 CFR Part 60-1.8) 9) Veteran’s Preference (49 USC Section 47112(c)) 10) Distracted Driving (Texting when Driving) (Executive Order 13513/ DOT Order 3902.10) (See Federal Provisions of the Contract Bid Documents for further details.) Successful Bidder/Contractor will be required to insert applicable federal contract provisions in all subcontracts and shall be responsible for compliance by subcontractor(s). _______________________________ Published: April 1, 2020 & April 8, 2020 William Hornung, C.P.M. Montecito Journal General Services Manager F I C T I T I O U S BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Stretchlab Montecito, 1046 Coast Village Road, Suite E, Montecito, CA 93108. Next Gen Wellness, LLC, 3913 La Colina Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 27, 2020. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL), filed by Maria F. Sanchez. FBN No. 2020-0000645. Published March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2020. F I C T I T I O U S BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Urban-Equestrian, 813 E Anapamu St. Apt 2C, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Joel A Chauran, 813 E Anapamu St. Apt 2C, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 5, 2020. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL), filed by Maria F. Sanchez. FBN No. 2020-0000719. Published March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020.
F I C T I T I O U S BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HOMES805 INC Trust Account, 1187 Coast Village Road #187, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. HOMES805 INC, 1187 Coast Village Road #187, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 12, 2020. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL), filed by Maria F. Sanchez. FBN No. 2020-0000791. Published March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020.
F I C T I T I O U S BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Blue.Studio Landscape Architecture, 1203 Diane Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Guillermo Gonzalez, 1203 Diane Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Crista Lee Sanders, 301 Oliver Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 19, 2020. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 2020-0000546. Published March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2020.
ENTERTAINMENT (Continued from page 21) with scheduled times where you can watch it all at once.”
Glen Phillips, Lois Mahalia, Alastair Greene, Tina Schlieske, Tariqh Akoni, Cougar Estrada, Spencer Barnitz, Brad Nack, Zach Madden, and the S.B. Piano Boys are among the acts booked for the fest. The full schedule, with some surprise guests, will be posted online before the event.
“It’s a global crisis, but there’s something very powerful and important about feeling a sense of community and getting through it together,” Capps said, adding that if the idea proves successful, the acts might extend deeper into other areas through organic connections. The same goes for the audience.
“We’re not sure who will show up to watch, but as with all of our events, it’s a real mixing of the audiences, because we’re just setting the table and see who comes,” Capps said. “We all need a little break from the stress and there’s nothing better than music to bring us together.” For more information, visit cappsproject.org/united-by-art.
Digital Arts Festival Dives into Dance and Drama
Center Stage Theater (CST), the Black-Box venue that makes itself available to the community through largely low-cost rentals, is also stepping up its game in perhaps an even bigger way by offering a new streaming service every night through the end of the month. The segments will run each night at 7 pm, also starting with an interview followed by a performance piece that could range from a video of a show from the past, excerpts of a recent shelter-in-place performance, pictures of visual arts, or the streaming of a short film. The interviews will cover the artist’s typical creative process and/or how they are coping and creating in the new socially-distant reality, perhaps including the evolution of a specific work.
The idea was to both provide an outlet for artists of all types and introduce CST’s audiences to the artists, explained Teri Ball, the theater’s executive director.
PUBLIC NOTICE City of Santa Barbara
Fiscal Year 2021 Recommended Operating and Capital Budget
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara has scheduled Public Hearings to consider the Recommended Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2021. The Council will review departmental budgets, as well as proposed adjustments to fees and charges. All hearings will be held in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. The dates and times are as follows:
Wednesday, May 6, 2020, 1:00 p.m. - Budget consideration of City Administrator’s Office and Mayor & Council; Information Technology, Human Resources, Sustainability & Resilience Departments, and General Fund / Measure C Capital; Monday, May 11, 2020, 2:00 p.m. –Budget consideration of Parks & Recreation Department (including Creeks and Golf Funds); Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 1:00 p.m. - Budget consideration of Finance Department, General Government, City Attorney’s Office; and Waterfront Department; Monday, May 18, 2020, 2:00 p.m. - Budget consideration of Library Department, Airport Department, and Community Development Department* and Successor Agency; Wednesday, May 20, 2020, 2:30 p.m. - Budget consideration of Fire and Police Departments; Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 9:00 a.m. - Budget consideration of Public Works Department*; Monday, June 8, 2020, 6:00 p.m. - City Council deliberations; Tuesday June, 9, 2020, 2:00 p.m. -Public hearing on proposed increases to any Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste rates (see separate mailed notice and instructions for filing protests); and Tuesday, June 16, 2020, 2:00 p.m. - Budget adoption.
Additional hearings may be added as needed. All public hearing dates and times are subject to change. Any changes will be posted on the City of Santa Barbara webpage located at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
Members of the public are invited to attend, and interested persons desiring to be heard shall be given an opportunity to address the City Council during the public hearings at the above-referenced dates and times. Written comments are welcome and should be addressed to the City Council via the City Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990. All hearings will be held in conjunction with special meetings of the City Council dedicated to the public review of the budget.
A schedule of public hearing meeting topics, which is subject to change on short notice, will be available beginning on April 21, 2020, on the City’s website at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
The City Council is scheduled to adopt the Recommended Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2021, on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, during the 2:00 p.m. regular City Council session.
Copies of the Recommended Budget will be available for public review on April 21, 2020, at the reference desks of the Central and Eastside Libraries, in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, and on the City’s website at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov. For more information, contact the Finance Department at 564-5334.
Copies of fee resolutions with proposed changes will be available for public review on April 21, 2020, in the Finance Department at City Hall and atwww.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Budget. Click on Proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Mid-Cycle Budget.
*At least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, and again five days later, but no later than April 21, 2020, data, which was relied upon to support the changes to the fees and charges proposed in the fee resolution for the departments marked by an asterisk above, will be available to the publicat the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA.
Agendas and Staff Reports for City Council meetings are available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall and at the Central Library. These documents are also accessible online at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP.
Meetings of the Council are broadcast live and rebroadcast on City TV Channel 18 (broadcast schedule is available at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTV. These meetings can also be viewed over the Internet at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Council/Videos.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to gain access to, comment at, or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's Office at 564-5305 or inquire at the City Clerk's Office on the day of the meeting. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements in most cases.
(SEAL)
/s/ Paul Casey City Clerk April 2, 2020
“Artists need to create, but they also need to have a place to show what they’re doing, and to connect with an audience,” she said. “But lots of people were already doing these performances. We thought it would be interesting to put the emphasis on the artist themselves. Audiences always wonder about how a dance performance or a theatrical show gets put together – how the idea turns into the final piece. These crazy times we’re living in is giving us a chance to let people into what goes on behind the scenes in the process more than usual.”
The concept was changing even at the last minute as the first segment was being put together last Monday, with the original idea of just a performance turning into the interview preview that was to have been conducted by CST board members. But technology alone got in the way, and a single voice made more sense. Especially when that voice was a well-known one in the community, Ball said.
So former longtime local radio news/feature personality Jim Sirianni – it took all of an hour to go from an initial email to a complete agreement on Monday afternoon, Ball said – will be handling all the interviews and moderating the programs.
“The interviews are taking on a larger element than we had first thought because it’s become about sharing in the artistic process, letting the audience into what and how the artist is doing what they do and how that process is being affected,” she said.
The Digital Arts Festival launched April 6 with Ali Rybczyk, a contemporary painter and creative freelancer who served as videographer for the latest film from longtime Santa Barbara-based dance filmmaker and choreographer (and CST friend) Robin Bisio.
For the most part, CST is largely letting the artists come to them rather than reaching out, extending an invitation to creators in the community to submit new stories, poems, monologues, dances, songs, short plays, multimedia extravaganzas, and more as well as revitalize things that they’ve already produced. The theater is also still collecting submissions for its popular Personal Stories productions although, of course, performances of the personal, first-person true stories won’t be able to take place in person until after the COVID-19 situation ebbs.
Slated for appearances this week are choreographers L. Taylor Ashton-Biel – who is offering video footage from a collaboration with a senior dance major from Kent State University’s BFA in its performance program that was canceled due to COVID-19 – on Thursday, April 9, and Karyn Laver of the Goletabased dance studio The Dance Network on Friday, April 10. Nita June from DogStar Theater – whose new production Electric Baby was slated to open at CST during the week that it closed – is due on Saturday, April 11, followed by Matt Tavianini and Michael Andrews from BoxTales on Sunday, April 12. On Monday, April 13, Ninette Paloma from Santa Barbara Dance Center for Aerial Dance will introduce “The Body/Antibody Project” that came about when the studio responded to school closures by inviting its dancers to choreograph 90-second pieces that reflected their emotional state during this surreal time. Samuel Simon, the playwright and performer of The Actual Dance, which was inspired by his wife’s experience with breast cancer, is booked for Tuesday, April 14, followed the next night by Shannon Noel and Stacie Burrows of MommyTonk – the musical-comedy duo that finds humor in everyday life from parenting to Target trips to stay at home orders.
The series takes a slight twist next Thursday, April 16, as Juliet Rohde-Brown, the current Chair of the Depth Psychology: Integrative Therapy and Healing
ENTERTAINMENT (Continued from page 33) Practices specialization program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, offers songs that emerged out of her meditations and dreams that have been sung for meditative purposes at the community gatherings for Mindful Heart’s Solidarity and Compassion project. She added photographs and created videos to go along with the songs.
The streaming segments and the schedule can be accessed on the theater’s new blog page, https://centerstagetheatersbdotblog.wordpress. com, which is where you can also find a form to submit a suggestion.
New ‘Music That Matters’ Marks K-LITE’s Morning Show
Michael McDonald is an upcoming guest on K-LITE 101.7’s new feature, “Music That Matters Now!”
MONTECITO JOURNAL34
K-LITE 101.7’s morning show team of Gary and Catherine quickly came to confront the COVID19 crisis with a new feature called “Music That Matters Now!” The segment, which airs every weekday morning at 8:45 am on the popular Santa Barbara station, also combines talking with a local musician about their ideas about the role music plays during these unprecedented times and brief performances. The musicians choose two songs they consider to be appropriate and inspiring – one of their own and a favorite from another musician or band.
The concept was created during an on-air interview with local singer-songwriter Bridget Benenate, who co-composed American Idolwinner Kelly Clarkson’s smash hit “Breakaway,” which stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for 20 consecutive weeks. After K-Lite debuted Benenate’s coronavirus contemplating song “Better Days,” the morning show team decided to expand the feature.
Gary and Catherine, who have been on the air together for nearly 28 years, have been offering “Music That Matters Now!” ever since, starting on Monday, March 30, with Grammy-winning producer/ singer-songwriter Alan Parsons, who had to cut short his overseas tour due to the pandemic and has been separated from his children and grandchildren. Among the musicians who have already appeared or are scheduled are Jim Messina, Michael McDonald, Jim Brickman, Leslie Lembo, John Kay of Steppenwolf, David Pack of Ambrosia, Justin Fox of Dishwalla, and “Music that Matters!”- inspirer Benenate herself. The special segment, and the radio station itself, is available over the air at 101.7 FM, or online at www.klite.com or by downloading the KLITE app. •MJ
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The City of Santa Barbara (“City”) will accept electronic bids for its State Street Corridor Brick Sidewalk Repair Project (“Project”), by or before April 23, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. through its PlanetBids portal. Bidders must be registered on the City of Santa Barbara’s PlanetBids™ portal in order to submit a Bid Proposal and to receive addendum notifications. Each bidder is responsible for making certain that their Bid Proposal is actually submitted/uploaded with sufficient time to be received by PlanetBids prior to the bid opening date and time. Large files may take more time to be submitted/uploaded to PlanetBids so plan accordingly. The receiving time at on PlanetBids’ server will be the governing time for acceptability of bids. Telegraphic, telephonic, electronic, and facsimile bids will not be accepted.
If any Addendum issued by the City is not acknowledged online by the Bidder, the PlanetBids System will prevent the Bidder from submitting a Bid Proposal. Bidders are responsible for obtaining all addenda from the City’s PlanetBids portal.
Bid results and awards will be available on PlanetBids.
Project Information.
2.1 Location and Description. The Project is located on both sides of State Street, between Gutierrez Street and Victoria Street in Santa Barbara, CA, and is described as follows: Smooth out undulations and replace damaged bricks in the sidewalks.
2.2 Time for Completion. The Project must be completed within 40 consecutive working days from the start date set forth in the Notice to Proceed. City anticipates that the Work will begin on or aboutApril 2020, but the anticipated start date is provided solely for convenience and is neither certain nor binding. All work must be completed by June 26, 2020.
2.3 Estimate. The estimate for this Project is $125,000.00
2.4 Bidders’ Conference. A NON-MANDATORY bidders’ conference will be held on April 16, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., at the following location: 800 block of State St. and Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA for the purpose of acquainting all prospective bidders with the Contract Documents and the Worksite. No relief will be granted to contractors for any conditions or restrictions that would have been discovered if they had attended the pre-bid meeting.
License and Registration Requirements.
3.1 License. This Project requires a valid California contractor’s license forthe following classification(s): “A” General Engineering Contractor, C-8 Concrete Contractor, or C-29 Masonry Contractor
3.2 DIR Registration. City may not accept a Bid Proposal from or enter into the Contract with a bidder, without proof that the bidder is registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code § 1725.5, subject to limited legal exceptions
Contract Documents. The plans, specifications, bid forms and contract documents for the Project, and any addenda thereto (“Contract Documents”) may be downloaded from City’s website at: https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=29959 Bid Security. The Bid Proposal must be accompanied by bid security of ten percent of the maximum bid amount, in the form of a cashier’s or certified check made payable to City, or a bid bond executed by a surety licensed to do business in the State of California on the Bid Bond form included with the Contract Documents. The bid security must guarantee that within ten days after Cityissues the Notice of Award, the successful bidder will execute the Contract and submit the payment and performance bonds, insurance certificates and endorsements, and any other submittals required by the Contract Documents and as specified in the Notice of Award.
Prevailing Wage Requirements.
6.1 General. Pursuant to California Labor Code § 1720 et seq., this Project is subject to the prevailing wage requirements applicable to the locality in which the Work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to perform the Work, including employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, apprenticeship and similar purposes.
6.2 Rates. The prevailing rates are on file with City and available online at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR. Each Contractor and Subcontractor must pay no less than the specified rates to all workers employed to work on the Project. The schedule of per diem wages is based upon a working day of eight hours. The rate for holiday and overtime work must be at least time and one-half.
6.3 Compliance. The Contract will be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR, underLabor Code § 1771.4.
Performance and Payment Bonds. The successful bidder will be required to provide separate performance and payment bonds for 100% of the Contract Price regardless of contract dollar amount, as further specified in the Contract Documents.
Substitution of Securities. Substitution of appropriate securities in lieu of retention amounts from progress payments is permitted under Public Contract Code § 22300.
Subcontractor List. Each subcontractor must be registered with the DIR to perform work on public projects. Each bidder must submit a complete SubcontractorList WITH ITS Bid Proposal through the PlanetBids portal. Failure to do will result in rejection of your bid. The Subcontractors List shall include the name, location of the place of business, California contractor license number, and percentage of the Work to be performed (based on the Base Bid) for each Subcontractor that will perform work or service or fabricate or install work for the prime contractor in excess of onehalf of 1% of the bid price.
Instructions to Bidders. All bidders should carefully review the Instructions to Bidders before submitting a Bid Proposal.
Retention Percentage. The percentage of retention that will be withheld from progress payments is five (5) percent.
By: _______________________________________
William Hornung CPM, General Services Manager Date: ________________
Barbara County as early as April 26, predicting 57 deaths in Santa Barbara County by August 4. As of press time, there have been two deaths in the county from the virus; the second was a South County resident above the age of 60, with underlying health conditions. The county’s “surge capacity” at local hospitals is 699, which is anticipated to increase. With a 50% compliance with social distancing measures, modeling shows the county will be well within current capacity of hospital beds.
Dr. Do-Reynoso reported to the Board of Supervisors that social distancing measures may be necessary through the summer, and potentially through November. “It’s a conversation that needs to happen in a variety of contexts and settings, so that we as a community can land on a solution that is doable,” she said. Several board members voiced concern over the potential for extending the shelter-athome order. “The economic impacts of this are getting overwhelmed by the health impacts. I’ll tell you, if we go until November 1, there are people that are going to be injured and not by sickness. I don’t think we’re balancing the needs of those people trying to make a living very well. There is a tremendous amount of pain right now,” said Fourth District Supervisor Peter Adam. “The damage is going to be really deep if we try and go until November. We should start those discussions sooner rather than later. At some point people are going to stop cooperating,” he said. “It is a fact that economic collapse and poverty also kills people. There is an outstanding question on how long you could close most businesses. The question is how long you can do it without hurting more people,” said First District Supervisor Das Williams.
The Supervisors also noted that social distancing has helped slow the spread of disease in Santa Barbara County, according to models. “These numbers are encouraging, as long as folks continue doing what they need to do,” said Chair Gregg Hart regarding the number of cases in Santa Barbara County. “People are making a difference with their social distancing,” said Supervisor Williams.
For the latest info on COVID-19, visit www.publichealthsbc.org/dashboard/.
Kim Phillips Hayes of Maison K has taken her shop online, with 20% discounts on all items and free local delivery or pickup
kelly@montecitojournal.net.
Two local clothing retailers, Maison K and Glamour House, are taking their products online, seeking online sales until their brick and mortar stores can reopen. “We are all in this together, and we are still here,” said Maison K general manager Nicole Green, who told us she and owner Kimberly Phillips Hayes have used the downtime to work on their website, and have added many of their offerings to the website for purchase. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the business received a significant amount of spring and summer merchandise; everything in the store is now discounted 20%. Shoppers can see what’s available both online (www.mai sonkstyle.com) and via social media channels (@maisonkstyle); local delivery or pickup is available.
Ann Picciuto, owner of Glamour House in the upper village, is also offering a variety of her leisurewear, nightgowns, and robes online at www. shopglamourhouse.com. “Here you can view Glamour House nightgowns, pajamas, robes, and sale items and purchase them online. We will do our best to promptly address your needs and deliver your orders. Some products may be out of stock and require special order and/or are made to order so please do not hesitate to call us with your questions and to
Ann Picciuto of Glamour House in the upper village is also offering items online, in an effort to pivot her business while her brick and mortar shop is closed
place you order,” Picciuto said.
The Rosewood Miramar Resort is also pivoting their offerings; the resort has been closed since March 23. The resort has been operating a mobile food truck that was at first offering free breakfast to first responders and essential workers; now that’s transitioned to Miramar To Go, which is offering an array of comfort foods including burgers, fried chicken, shrimp tacos, and more, available for pickup or delivery via Grubhub. From April 10 to April 13, from 12 noon to 7 pm, the Resort will also offer Easter To Go, a special service allowing local residents to enjoy an Easter Basket full of their favorite dishes from the comfort of their own homes.
Available for parties of two, four, and six, each basket offers a threecourse meal consisting of primi pasquali, two carvings complete with condiments, two sides and two desserts, with options for each course. Menu highlights include Classic Lasagna Bolognese, Roasted Longfin Yellowtail and Spring Lamb with sides ranging from Artichoke Confit “Alla Romana” to Roasted Royal Trumpets Mushrooms. For younger diners, the menu features approachable dishes like Organic Chicken Strips and Salmon, Peas & Carrots. In addition to the core dishes, each basket comes with complimentary chocolate eggs, fresh baked sourdough and salumi e formaggi, with a selection of artisan California cheeses, dried fruits, fra
The 93108 Fund, which was started after the 1/9 debris flow, has been re-energized, offering grants
mani soppressata and more. For more information, www.rosewoodhotels. com/en/miramar-beach-montecito.
The 93108 Fund, which was created to support hourly workers in Montecito following the 1/9 debris flow, has been restarted. In 2018, the Fund raised $400,000 that was distributed through cash grants to those in Montecito unable to work, including bartenders, shopkeepers, waiters, waitresses, hospitality employees, etc. Local foundation, the Kirby Jones Foundation, has offered a $15,000 matching grant to any funds raised by the 93108 Fund. For more information on how to donate or how to benefit, visit www.93108fund.org.
In Carpinteria, KopSun LLC is joining with other businesses, organizations, and individuals to ease the disruptions caused by the COVID crisis. They have launched a Gratitude Box, featuring items curated from local Carpinteria businesses. The box of local, feel good gifts is $45 which includes shipping. KopSun is collecting all items, wrapping and delivering free of charge. Included in the box is hand soap by Michel Design Works from Susan Willis; handcrafted soy candle by Trisha Taylor, sponsored by Foothill Ranch Company; chocolates from Chocolats du CaliBressan; Phaelonopsis orchid from Westerlay Orchids; a hand-painted rock from Carp Rocks; a washable fabric face mask by Ranell Hansen; and a hand-crafted, laser cut box designed by Coastland. •MJ
Montecito Tide Guide
Montecito Businesses Pivot
Locally, many Montecito businesses are having to pivot in order to stay in business during the shelter-at-home order. Each week we’ll be featuring one or more businesses and explain what they are doing to stay in front of their customers. If you would like to be featured, send me an email at
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the forward march of technology?
I have heard the argument that online voting would lead to voter fraud. And let me assure you, I am not a fan of election fraud or interference or voter suppression of any kind, even if it tilts the scale in my direction. I’m not a fan when Democrats do it to Republicans (Mayor Daley delivering Illinois for JFK), or when they do it to each other (Deborah Wasserman-Schultz to Bernie Sanders in 2016) or when Republicans do it to Democrats (Mark Harris in North Carolina last year), or when the U.S. abets voter fraud in other countries (our 1970 overthrow of the democratically elected Salvador Allende in Chile – and countless other foreign elections the U.S. has been “involved” with).
Put national politics aside for a moment, if you can, and think about this in terms of local politics. If, heaven forbid, this need for social distancing and quarantine continues into the fall and if we, as citizens, are not allowed to all vote by mail, then what happens? This pandemic has already prompted many states to delay their primary elections. This disruption of the political process is spurring on a widespread call for a state-by-state vote-by-mail system to be put in place by November. And presumably, vote-by-mail is just a logical precursor to on-line voting. Unfortunately, however, our nation is made up of a confusing patchwork of different rules for different states, which allows for decisions to be made not based on fairness, and the importance of every vote counting, but on political gamesmanship that puts a thumb on the scales of justice for political advantage.
How does this serve our democracy? And how does this serve the American people? Wasn’t our fight for Independence a fight for recognition and representation?
There are few things more central to our republic than our right to vote. But for our country to have a proverbial civil/political war over whether or not we should do everything in our power to make sure that every person’s vote is counted, at a time when we are being told that the most patriotic thing we can do is stay home, is quixotic to me.
Here’s an interesting nuance of voting law I’ll bet you didn’t know. Texas Administrative Code Rule 81.35 was signed into law by George W. Bush when he was governor. It’s the law that allows astronauts to vote from space and even vote early.
Here’s how that law comes into practice before Election Day: before the misEDITORIAL (Continued from page 5)
MONTECITO JOURNAL’S
THOM STEINBECK CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST #2
Laughing M atters sion, an astronaut identifies which elections he or she will be in orbit for. Then, before Election Day, an encrypted electronic ballot is up linked to the astronauts by Mission Control. Using a set of unique credentials sent to each astronaut via email, astronauts can access their ballots, cast their votes, and downlink them back down to Earth directly to the County Clerk’s Office.
The first person to vote in such manner was the astronaut David Wolf, who was aboard the Russian built Mir space station at the time, and listed his domicile as “low orbit, Earth.” So, in a sense, Wolf was even voting from Russian territory.
If local residents cannot leave their homes to vote, and cannot vote by mail, then they cannot vote. The Founding Fathers wanted to guarantee us life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It was not an either/or situation which, in the face of the coronavirus, seems to be the conundrum Wisconsin voters are facing.
Fortunately, thanks to actual rocket scientists (and your federal tax dollars that funded them) and some forward thinking and patriotic legislation by George W. Bush, we have in fact figured out how to circumvent extreme voting challenges such as Space and there is no reason such systems could not be adapted here on Earth – a place where we do almost everything online these days from pray to date. Do we want a world where only elites get the essentials? – where celebs and NBA stars get coronavirus tests, and for an astronaut on a Russian space station somehow we can figure out a way to make his vote count but not ours. Which America are we going to be? Remember this when you go to the polls. If you can go to the polls. •MJ
Someone told me that some people went to the home of a married couple because they hadn’t been able to reach the husband. The wife said he’s in the backyard. They came back in and said they couldn’t find him and she replied, “Dig deeper.”
We are almost two weeks into self-isolation and it’s really upsetting me to witness my husband standing at the living room window gazing aimlessly into space, with tears running down his cheeks. It breaks my heart to see him like this, and I’ve thought very hard of how I can cheer him up...
I’ve even considered letting him come inside. But rules are rules.
Single man with Purell and Lysol seeking single woman with toilet paper for some good, clean fun.
Send us your best joke, we’ll decide if it’s funny. We can only print what we can print, so don’t blame us. Please send “jokes” to letters@ montecitojournal.net
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For this story use the opening prompt: “I could not believe those words came out of my mouth.” and continue from there. Send your story by Sunday, April 11to: letters@montecitojournal.net. We will publish the winning story and award the winning writer with a $125 gift certificate to a local restaurant of our choice for take-out food.
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Why is the PPP so Chaotic?
Let’s drill down into the facts of the PPP roll out in order to understand how and why a program that is absolutely necessary can pose such an enormous problem for bankers. The intent of the program is laudable and clear – to keep people working and to keep small business going. No one wants them to fail. The Treasury Department announced that businesses could start submitting applications last Friday, April 3.
“Did Treasury check with the banks to see if they would be ready?” Jeff asks. “No, of course not.” Hence the tsunami. Everyone in the banking system was hit with customers’ urgent needs without time to prepare. BANKER (Continued from page 17)
That said there are essentially five concerns with the program itself.
LANGUAGE. The first issue is that the government sent money to banks without the language the banks needed to lend that money. That may sound trivial, but it is not. Banks are highly regulated businesses that have to take their lead from the Treasury Department and the FDIC. If the language doesn’t specifically enable the banks to make the loans, they could lose their license when they are evaluated for review.
“Banks had significant concerns,” Jeff remarks, “as the program rolled out, the Treasury and SBA had still not filled in the blanks on how it was all to work.”
DUE DILIGENCE. Banks cannot lend money to people they do not know. This is not allowed in banking systems.
“American Riviera and banks across the country have been scrambling to create loan procedures and an efficient automated platform to accept loan applications with all the supporting documents,” Jeff explains. It’s a massive undertaking under normal circumstances.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. The funding is limited and delivered in the order for which it is applied. If business do not move instantly, the money will run out. Every small business has to try to get into their bank as soon as possible. Furthermore, with the social distancing and shelter at home restrictions, customers can’t walk into their bank, talk to a banker, look him
that hurts the banks, the businesses, and the community. It will also lead to the $349 billion running out very quickly, meaning small businesses in need might not get any.
“What is sad is that certain affluent business owners with significant personal wealth can qualify for the program,” Jeff remarked. “This has added a free-for-all aspect.”
OVERSUBSCRIBED AND UNDERFUNDED LEADS TO DANGEROUS DELAYS. Every indication from bankers, especially community bankers like American Riviera, is that there simply aren’t enough funds to go around. Furthermore, it’s not a stagnant situation. The economy is in free fall. Once a business goes off the rails employees and employers have to make emergency life decisions for themselves, their businesses, their families. Employees are equally in jeopardy, if not more so. How long can they hold on, not working, without help? but apparently, it’s not enough.”
If anyone can help small businesses in Santa Barbara navigate this situation it’s Jeff DeVine at American Riviera Bank. He’s good at translating bank-speak to people. In this regard he has a social function as well as a fiduciary function. American Riviera also has a team that backs him up. But make no mistake, his job at the moment is a tough one.
“I have been so inspired by the team at the bank that have been willing to do whatever it takes to get this done,” he remarked.
The effects of the virus continue to replicate itself throughout our medical system, economy, culture, and more, maxing out systems in ways that are far reaching and paradigm shifting for ages to come. Seeking information and support locally has become the most powerful antidote to the chaos swirling around us. •MJ
Becky Johnson, friendly local banker at American Riviera, social distancing with a smile
or her in the eye and ask questions to get reassurance. Pandemonium has ensued.
“We had to make a decision on Wednesday, as many banks did around the country,” Jeff remarks, “that we could only handle requests from existing loan and deposit customers.”
The fourth issue is a doozy.
THE SPIRIT AND INTENT OF THE DEAL. The head of the Treasury Department, Steve Mnuchin, spoke publicly to the nation shortly after the PPP was released and said, “I encourage all small businesses that have 500 or fewer people. Please contact your lenders. You will get the money; you’ll get it the same day.” Mnuchin’s statement was rife with concerns and unrealistic expectations that placed still more burdens on the banks.
The spirit and intent of the program is to help small businesses in need retain employees and not close down altogether – those businesses are supposed to be businesses such as gyms, restaurants, nail salons, stores, dog walkers, and the like, all of which fit the 500 and under criteria. But also fitting that criteria are hedge fund owners, lobbyists, money managers, law firms, and more, all with tax consultants and lawyers ready to pounce on an opportunity like this. As for same day – who is kidding who?
The spirit and intent of the loan is to help businesses based on need. Not on simple employee numbers. The possibility for abuse is so extremely high, that it seems almost deliberate. If a banker lends the money to a hedge fund instead of a small local business,
Community Bankers are Pillars of Strength
The American Riviera CEO feels strongly that the government has to dedicate the funds to make the program work.
“When the government created this program, the idea was this is for all of the businesses hardest hit. They need to make sure that there’s enough dollars here for everyone that applies and qualifies. 349 billion is a lot of dollars,
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