Santa Ynez Valley Star January A 2019 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

January 1-14, 2019

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

Theaterfest volunteer turning 100 years young "The most important thing is, I work hard and keep going," Ruth Seeley says By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

itting with Ruth Seeley as she skillfully uses her smart phone, it’s hard to believe that she will be 100 years old on

Jan. 10. Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1919, Seeley entered the world at the end of World War I. It was also the beginning of Prohibition and the year women first gained the right to vote. The League of Nations was formed, and Congress approved Daylight-Saving Time. It also saw the invention of the first pop-up toaster and the first rotary dial telephone. She has adapted with aplomb to all those changes and many more. Seeley began volunteering as a Red Coat usher at Solvang Theaterfest when she was 80 years old, in 1999. “I pass out the programs at the entrance,” she said. “I love to talk to the people when they come in, and I’ve gotten to know many theater patrons over the years. It’s been a nice experience working with all the people at Theaterfest and seeing all the plays. I hope to be back there this summer. “I love the theater and I see all the plays for free because I work there. Over the past 20 years I’ve seen many great theatrical performances. My favorite from last season was “Mamma Mia’,” she added. “Sometimes I see the play many times, but it’s still great. I love theater and watching all the wonderful actors perform. I just have to remember to go up and down the stairs very carefully.” Seeley came to live in Ballard with her daughter, Linda Preston, in 1990. She had been living in Santa Barbara since 1963. “My husband Leo and I moved to Santa Bar-

1919

bara in 1963. We bought a nursing home from my mother and my aunt. We came for a visit from Minnesota and they talked us into buying it,” Seeley said. “They said ‘Why don’t you just pack up and move here to California?’ and so we did. We operated the Santa Barbara Sanitarium and Rest Home for 25 years. It had an excellent reputation because it was one of the only nursing homes that was family owned and operated. The building is now the Braille Institute in Santa Barbara.” “I had invited my mother to come and live with me after my father died in 1984,” Preston said, “but being very independent, she decided to live on her own. One day she called to say that all of her friends had died and asked if the invitation to come and live with me was still open.” At the time Preston owned a store in Solvang called the Country Boutique, so her mother came to work with her at the store, and also did some sewing for Pearls of Provence. “I learned how to sew when I was 7 years old,” she said while stroking her little rescue dog, Chimi, who sat quietly on her lap while her other dog, Tika, slept at her feet. “I don’t do much sewing now, as my hands have a little arthritis. He’s getting older too, just like me,” she said, looking at Chimi. She has four children, Jay, who is 75; David, 70; Linda, 65; and Karen, 60. She also has eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She and her husband were married for almost 50 years. “I like to say I lived with Leo for two years before we got married,” Seeley said impishly. “My mother took in boarders and Leo was one of them. I wasn’t supposed to be dating the boarders, so Leo and I just stayed home together. He helped me do the dishes, and my chores. He helped me pack the lunches for the boarders, and he would stand and watch me starch and iron the shirts for the boarders. We talked and got to know each other and fell in love and got married. We used to love to dance. My husband and I would go to the auditorium in Grand Rapids

where a new band was playing every month. I love big band music and we would dance our feet off. This was in 1938.” “He was such a good man and was absolutely good to me all his life,” Seeley said. “I’ve had the best, so I was never interested in dating after he passed away.” “Leo was always doing good things for people,” she continued. “He started the Optimist Club in our area and was an advocate for the rights of children with mental health issues. “Our second son, David, contracted spinal meningitis when he was 10 weeks old. The doctors told us we may as well put him in a home and forget about him. My husband flatly refused, saying, “Absolutely not – he’s our son and we’re keeping him. Then our third child, Linda, was born with a congenital heart defect and had to be operated on when she was 5. Our first son Jay was born two years before my husband was discharged from the Army in WWII. He never saw his first son until he was over 2 years old. I just thank the good Lord for giving me such a good husband. He was always there for us, day and night, without fail,” she said. “Leo organized teachers to start a school for the mentally handicapped and worked at mainstreaming

www.santaynezvalleystar.com Photos by Daniel Dreifuss Ruth Seeley has been a"Red Coat" volunteer for Solvang Theaterfest for 20 years, welcoming theater patrons, taking tickets at the door and passing out programs.

Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1919, Ruth Seeley entered the world at the end of World War I. It was also the beginning of Prohibition and the year women first gained the right to vote. The League of Nations was formed, and Congress approved Daylight-Saving Time.

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County changes rules for debris burning Staff Report

Photo by Mike Eliason, SB County Fire Department A Santa Barbara County firefighter shields his face from the intense heat as he walks by the pile. The popular event includes fire safety tips and demonstrations of the dangers of keeping a dry Christmas tree in your home.

Christmas tree burn set for Jan. 4 Staff Report

he annual Christmas Tree Burn in Solvang will close the 2018 Julefest celebration and open the new year from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, in the field at Mission Santa Ines. The event, coordinated by the Solvang Parks and Recreation Department and supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, is billed as one of the largest fire safety demonstrations and community holiday gatherings on the Central Coast. There will be free, live entertainment as well

anta Barbara County has new rules for burning debris piles, including a coming ban on all debris burning in Santa Ynez Valley townships. Burning permits issued by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department fall into three categories: agricultural, hazard reduction, and residential backyard. Permitted pile burns are different from prescribed burns, which involve standing vegetation. The changes, which apply to all areas served by the county Fire Department, include: n Revised ignition times: 10 a.m. for all categories in the Santa Ynez Valley and for all residential burns countywide, and 7 a.m. for agricultural and hazard reduction outside of the Santa Ynez Valley n Implementing No-Burn Township Areas where no permit burning will be allowed, based on county urban limit lines in areas were residential parcels of three acres or less are clustered. Recreation fires will still be allowed. The Santa Ynez Valley township area will have a grace period of about a year for previous permit

holders, with the change effective when the county Fire Department transitions to a winter preparedness level in winter 2019-20. n Allowing separate “burn day” determinations for four Santa Barbara County burn zones n Limiting pile sizes for residential back yard and hazard-reduction burns to 6 feet in diameter and 4 feet high. n Launching a burn-permit information map showing active burn permits and township areas, with address-search capability All types of burning are allowed only on permitted burn days as determined by the California Air Resources Board, county Fire Department, and Air Pollution Control District. Burn days are determined by the time of year and the weather. Every day, the county Fire Department announces on a recorded phone line at 805-6868177 whether burning is allowed for those with permits. The burn day designation is now also available at www.sbcfire.com/permit-burning/. The county also encourages chipping and other alternatives to burning. Find more information at www.sbcfire.com/chipping. For more information about the new rules, visit www.sbcfire.com/permit-burning/ or www. ourair.org/permit-burning.

as refreshments for purchase. Solvang officials have promised to announce as quickly as possible if rain is expected to delay or cancel this year’s event. In 2016, the event was canceled because of rain, so the trees were chipped up for mulch. All area residents are invited to bring their tree (with stands and ornaments removed) to the big burn pile until 5 p.m. Jan. 4. For more details, call Solvang Parks & Rec at 805-688-PLAY or visit www.solvangusa. com/events/annual-christmas-tree-burn/. Mission Santa Ines is at 1760 Mission Drive in Solvang.

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Buellton, Solvang libraries to join Goleta system By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

ranch libraries in Solvang and Buellton could turn a page to become part of the Goleta Library system in 2019, a change welcomed by the two small cities. City councils in Buellton and Solvang voted recently for the Goleta Library to take over management of the two Santa Ynez Valley facilities, a role that had been handled by the Santa Barbara Public Library System. Specifically, the two cities will ask Santa Barbara County to move their facilities into Zone 4, managed by Goleta, instead of Santa Barbara’s Zone 1. Solvang Councilwoman Joan Jamieson said at a recent meeting that the switch would benefit both cities. “There’s been no transparency whatsoever” from the Santa Barbara system, she said. The Goleta Library staff appeared to be more willing to work with the Santa Ynez Valley cities, Jamieson added. “I think they will give our library a little more freedom,” Jamieson said minutes before ending her term on the council as new members were sworn in at the December meeting. “We haven’t had freedom to select the books we want. We haven’t had freedom for our librarian to come and make reports, so this could be a breath of fresh air, and I hope the rest of the council agrees with me.” Solvang resident Shirley Stacy, who serves on the county’s library advisory committee, spoke out in favor of the change. “The zone change for the library will make a tremendous improvement in what we’re able to do,” she said. “I think the primary thing is increased communication. It wouldn’t be hard to increase it because there hardly was any before. I think that will make a huge difference.” She said it remained important for the City Council to continue supporting the Solvang Library. The transition also would affect the Los Olivos and Santa Ynez libraries, both of which are associated with Solvang but are run by volunteers with very limited hours and resources and no

Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo Under a new plan, both the Buellton and Solvang libraries would be managed by the Goleta Library, not Santa Barbara's

technology. Buellton City Council members approved the switch for the branch library that once fell under Lompoc’s management before falling under the Santa Barbara library’s umbrella. Costs of the management switch for the two cities will be slightly less or about the same, according to draft budgets, and operating hours likely would remain unchanged. Before choosing to link up with Goleta, Solvang and Buellton officials explored whether to go with the Goleta or Santa Maria library systems when making the move from the Santa Barbara-managed zone. Supporting the new partnership, a county study analyzing library services had recommended that Solvang and Buellton join Goleta in Zone 4. Goleta also fell under the Santa Barbara library zone until 2017, when Goleta pursued independent management of its library. That transition is expected to bring cost savings, greater transparency and control in budgeting for the library’s needs. The transition took effect July 1. On April 3, the Board of Supervisors approved a motion that Goleta work with Buellton and Solvang to incorporate their libraries into Zone 4

within one year. Staff members for the two smaller libraries would be offered jobs with the Goleta system. The proposal calls for the switch to take effect July 1, 2019, to give the libraries time to implement the assorted changes, such as adding new barcodes to books. “The addition of Buellton and Solvang under Goleta management could also represent an opportunity for Goleta to serve as a stronger community and regional partner in the provision of library services,” Goleta city staff said in a recent report to the Goleta council. The change might give Goleta “a greater voice and presence in the discussion of library-related issues that affect the entire county,” along with the Black Gold Cooperative Service, staff added. After the Goleta City Council formally approves the transfer, the county Board of Supervisors will need to revise the library zone boundaries to reflect the switch. That step is crucial because the county provides per capita funding to libraries based on the populations of those zones. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

o VOLUNTEER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the students when they graduated. He fought to eliminate the use of the word ‘retarded’ and instead used the term ‘mentally handicapped’,” she continued. “All of this seems like such a long time ago,” she said wistfully. For her 99th birthday, Seeley was given a cruise through the Panama Canal. She had taken this cruise previously "Leo was such a good man and was absolutely with her husband on good to me all his life," Ruth Seeley said. "I've had the best, so I was never interested in the original dating after he passed away." Love Boat and wanted to relive that experience. Unfortunately, she fell and broke her leg and spent her birthday in surgery. “I told her that if she got better, I’d take her on another cruise. We just returned from a 28-day cruise to French Polynesia, where we visited many islands and had a fantastic time,” said Preston. “It was the first time we crossed the International Date Line and the equator. Everyone partied, including ‘grandma,’ as they called her.” “I was crowned ‘Miss Emerald Princess’ and was given a tiara and a sash. Everyone on board was so nice to me. I had a wonderful time,” Seeley said. Her next planned cruise is to Alaska. She believes she knows the reasons for her longevity. “I do water aerobics two or three times a week and I think that’s what keeps me going. Getting up and doing something and exercising is the best thing to do to keep you young. I never smoked or drank alcohol. I eat proper foods, which I think is important, and I eat very little salt or sugar. “The most important thing is, I work hard and keep going,” she said. There will be a party to celebrate her 100th birthday from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Theaterfest. In lieu of any presents, Seeley would prefer donations to the Solvang Festival Theatre at www.solvangfestivaltheater.org. “I don’t know whether I deserve all this fuss. People are so nice to me,” Seeley said. “Turning 100 seems normal to me – it’s just another birthday.”

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Candlelight procession to mark anniversary of debris flow Community groups coordinating Jan. 9 remembrance ceremony at Manning Park with walk to All Saints By-the-Sea Episcopal Church By Brooke Holland Noozhawk Staff Writer

ontecito’s deadly flash flooding and debris flows in January 2018 left deep scars that will take years, if not decades, to heal. To mark the one-year anniversary of the destruction, a collaboration of community organizations is planning an observance to remember what — and who — was lost, and to celebrate how far the recovery has come. Organized by the Debris Flow and Thomas Fire Anniversary Planning Committee, the ceremony will begin with a short program at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at Lower Manning Park, 449 San Ysidro Road. From there, a candlelit remembrance walk will proceed down San Ysidro Road to All Saints By-the-Sea Episcopal Church at 83 Eucalyptus Lane. The one-mile walk is estimated to take between 15 and 25 minutes. Shuttles will be available to transport participants to and from

File Photo The Montecito flash flooding and debris flows in January 2018 left 23 people dead and hundreds of houses destroyed or damaged. The community's recovery process will continue for years, but organizers hope an anniversary observance will help with the healing.

Lower Manning Park and other designated sites in Montecito starting at 5:30 p.m. Flameless candles will be handed out before the event and available at the park prior to the walk.

The remembrance gathering will conclude with a bell ceremony at All Saints Church. Soup will be served at the church afterward. The event is expected to finish at around 8:30 p.m.

“The goal of the ‘Raising the Light’ event is to create a space for the community, which will allow recognition of the anniversary date of the Jan. 9 debris flows and allow an opportunity for emotional healing and recovery,” said Suzanne Grimmesey, chief of quality care and strategy at the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavior Wellness. “It is an opportunity for people to give themselves credit for the challenges which they have faced — to recognize and appreciate the courage, stamina, endurance and resourcefulness that survivors, loved ones and the community showed during the recovery process.” Grimmesey added that the ceremony is “a time for people to look around, pause and appreciate the many who have shown support during this difficult time, and look forward to a renewed sense of hope and purpose.” The disaster killed 23 people and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes just weeks after the Thomas Fire burned most of the vegetation off the mountains above Montecito. The flash flooding and debris flows were attributed to the wildfire. Noozhawk Staff Writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com.

Los Padres forest eases seasonal fire restrictions Staff Report

now and rain across Los Padres National Forest have allowed the U.S. Forest Service to reduce fire restrictions from “extreme” to “high.” Under “high” fire restrictions, campfires and charcoal barbecues are allowed, but only within designated campgrounds. Dispersed campfires are not permitted anywhere in Los Padres National Forest under the current fire restrictions. Violators are subject to a fine of $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a group, as well as imprisonment for six months. A California Campfire Permit is required for visitors using portable stoves and lanterns outside of designated campgrounds. These cooking and heating devices must be equipped with a shut-off valve and run

on pressurized gas, liquid fuel or propane. California Campfire Permits are available for free download from the national forest website, www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf. California Campfire Permits as well as a list of Campfire Use Sites is available at all National Forest offices. The following prohibitions remain in effect until mid-January: n Operating an internal combustion engine except on a National Forest System road or trail or in designated campfire use sites. n Recreational target shooting. n Welding or operating any torch with an open flame. Visitors with a valid Forest Products Removal Permit for fuel wood are exempt from the prohibition on operating an internal combustion engine when gathering fuelwood as specified on the permit. For more information, call the Santa Barbara Ranger District at 805967-3481.

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Growth in consumer spending predicted in 2019 By Kenneth Harwood

Economist, Solvang Chamber of Commerce

olvang’s economy should continue to grow in 2019, with real spending by residents and visitors paralleling that of the United States. Real spending is the current or nominal rate of spending less the rate of inflation. The rate of growth in real spending by consumers in 2019 is expected to be higher than in 2017 or 2018. Favorable effects of lower prices for gasoline, and slowly rising interest rates, should help to balance possible negative effects of barriers to international trade, and a slowing world economy. We enter 2019 with strong economic confidence among consumers in the U.S., and spending by consumers accounts for nearly 70 percent of economic activity in Ken Harwood/contributed this country. Here are the expected changes in rates of real spending by all consumers in the country. Estimates of consumer spending are by The Conference Board, a nonprofS. Federal Reserve Board. 2019, while median price is to rise 3.1 it membership and economic research California Association of Realtors percent to $593,450. organization, as of November 2018. Often expects the number of single-family homes Visitors to Solvang and the Santa Ynez the forecasts by The Conference Board are closer to actuality than forecasts by the U. resold in the state to fall 3.3 percent in Valley are expected to pay 3 percent more

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for hotel rooms in 2019 than in 2018. CBRE Hotels also forecasts occupancy rate to be 73.8 percent in 2019, up from 72.0 percent in 2018. Economic activity in the wine industry of the U. S. should continue to improve in 2019, bolstered by strong economic confidence of consumers. Premium red blends are popular among wine club members who receive direct shipments from wineries. The most usual price for such a bottle in October 2018 was $175, according to Wines and Vines metrics. Please see The Conference Board’s website for the economic forecast, and for a metric of consumer confidence. See the website of California Association of Realtors for the housing market outlook. Go to the website of Visit Santa Barbara for the 2019 travel outlook. Wine industry analytics are on the website of Wines and Vines. Kenneth Harwood is the economist for the Solvang Chamber of Commerce.

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SYV Destination Guide debuts for 2019 Staff Report

isit the Santa Ynez Valley has unveiled its new visitors guide, which has been distributed throughout the valley and beyond. Visit SYV Board President Linda Johansen and President-CEO Shelby Sim provided the first look at the 2019 SYV Destination Guide on Dec. 11. The annual magazine will reach more than half a million readers with a print run of 95,000 copies. The magazine targets four distinct markets including domestic and international travelers, and Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach Photos contributed residents. Visit SYV President/CEO Shelby Sim poses with Board President Linda Johansen. Copies of the annual marketing tool for the truly gives the reader a great expression of consumer travel region can be found shows; and are what the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer in in more than 30 Santa featured in UK and beauty, food, drink and activities,” Sim said. Ynez Valley hotels Denmark internaThe magazine has special sections and in visitors and tional sales offices for Solvang, Buellton, Los Olivos, Los welcome centers and on 35 cruise around California Alamos, Ballard and Santa Ynez. Editorial ships sailing into and Arizona. Santa Barbara. features range from outdoor adventures to They are also diThe SYV Desnightlife, wellness, event planning, luxury rect-mailed to more tination Guide is a experiences, food and wine country. than 18,000 homes; resource for things to The 2019 SYV Destination Guide will are included in mailings do, see, eat and drink reach more than half a million readers. from VisitSYV and the Solin the valley throughout the For more information, contact Anna Ferguson-Sparks of Stiletto Marketing at 1-877-327vang Convention and Visitors year. 2656 or info@stilettomarketing.com. “We are very proud of our 2019 Guide. It Bureau; are distributed at trade shows and

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Subscriptions Now Available Why go looking for a copy of the Santa Valley Star When you can haVe one deliVered directly to you?

We will save you the time and effort it takes to go out and pick up a copy of the Star. Now you can sit back and let us come to you. Delivery service of our free publication is $48 per year. Your subscription will begin with the first issue after payment is received and continue for one year there after. To subscribe, email amberly@santaynezvalleystar.com, go online to www.santaynezvalleystar.com, or fill out Local singer the form below and mail to PO Box 1594, Solvang, CA 93463: showcases talentspells beyondsuccess Shotgun years BehindTheLens for her NAME: _____________________________________________________________ local woman March 7 - 20, 2017 • Vol. 2, No. 3

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ore than 100 people turned out for a recent community meeting organized by a group opposed to the “Camp 4” property in Santa Ynez becoming part of the Chumash reservation. Members of the Santa Ynez Valley Coalition, which was created to defeat legislation that would take the rural land “into trust” for the tribe, focused on land use and preserving the valley’s rural character. At the meeting on April 27 at the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Hall, coalition members recounted the history of land-use master plans called the Valley Blueprint and the Valley Plan and said they would release more information in the coming weeks, organizers said. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians announced in January that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) had placed the tribe’s 1,390 acres known as “Camp 4” into federal trust. “Camp 4 is officially part of our reservation so we can begin the process of building homes on the property for tribal members and their families and revitalizing our tribal community,” Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn said in a prepared statement that was part of that announcement. The tribe bought the Camp 4 property in 2010 from late actor, vintner and hotelier Fess Parker, and they soon began the process of placing the land into federal trust, which makes it part of the tribe’s sovereign nation. Those efforts have been loudly opposed

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news@santaynezvalleystar.com

“Your voice is the instrument and I felt like we were in the 1930s,” by Raiza Giorgi Remak said. news@santaynezvalleystar.com Elizabeth, 12, a seventh-grader at Solvang Elementary School, ultimately didn’t win the competition but she definitely left an impression on the hundreds of people who came to see the performances. Nolan shley Carroll does everything she Montgomery can keep her concentration betweenof Dos Pueblos High School was crowned the winner. “Being and on stage was mind blowing and I had such a great time. rounds by wearing dark glasses is about bringing a smile to people’s faces, and that’s what I listening to music as she pushesPerforming through each strive for when I perform,” Elizabeth said. trap-shooting match. She’s no stranger to the stage as she has performed in the valley for His career includes images of naturalHer disasprocess is definitely working, because Story by Raiza Giorgi various the national anthem at Fourth of July and porters, Super Bowls and Hollywood’s the biggest 22-year-old from Solvang won her functions-singing first Photos by George Rose traying Poppins in last year’s production with the Arts Outreach celebrities. World Cup gold medal in Acapulco onMary March Summer Theater. Rose started his professional journey 19. more This popular eorge Rose loves to post pictures of the than 40 years ago when he was in college, “I keep my pre-shooting routine going and event along with Teen Dance Star are now in their seventh to season of crowning hardworking students, and creator and executive Santa Ynez Valley landscape, especially studying art history. He fell into photography I’ve met with sports psychologists help me Photo contributed producer Lambert, a former valley resident, talks about his efforts. along Armour Ranch Road where new while he was a copy messenger for the withProgmy mental focus and staying calm.Joe It can Solvang native Ashley Carroll father, Charlie “I am to really and humbled bycredits their her hard work andCarroll, what’swith instilling in her the love of shooting clays and a blacktop paving contrasts starkly with the epic ress Bulletin, a small newspaper in Pomona. be hard when you have people talking you impressed sense of responsibility and safety around firearms. really amazing landscape of meadows and mountains beyond it. “I used to hang out with the sportsbetween editors,matches, and I really try to pick a is they set their goals to get into the show, or into the top 10 and they keep pursuing their dreams,” Lambert However, his stunning landscapes are just and they helped me with my interestsong in phoand focus on it,” Carroll said. or participating in league events.said. My friends Union High School Carroll has been attending Star drew all around Santa “retirement photos” for Rose, who made an tography. I would make the plates on plastic, Carroll has been trap shooting This sinceyear’s she Teenwould wantcontestants me to go tofrom a party with them andBarbara the University of Colorado and working on at the Arlington Theatre. The finalists award-winning career in photojournalism that which would get transferred onto thewas printing in second grade. It was anCounty activityperforming that I their knewhearts if I didout I wouldn’t get enough rest or her general education. She believes this will weredid Jillian GarnettgetofinSan Marcos School (12th Grade), Elizabeth spanned from the days of spending hours with equipment, and back then it was theshe cuspand of her father, Charlie Carroll, togethtrouble andHigh not be allowed to shoot,” be a big year for her shooting. She moved to of SolvangCarroll Schoolsaid. (7th Grade), James McKernan of BishopColorado Springs to be close to the Olympic film in the darkroom to the more immediate the turning point of technology,” Rose said.is now the coach for thePadfield er. He Santa Ynez High School (12th Trujillo of Dos Pueblos High gratification of making and manipulating digital In the late 1970s and early 1980s Valley Rose Sportsman Association’sDiego Scholastic Trap Grade), shootingNicole has also allowed her to Training Center, which is also the headquarPhoto Daniel Dreifuss (11th Grade), Daniel Geiger of Pioneer Valley High School images. spent six years as a staff photographer forTarget the byProgram, Clay in whichSchool hundreds participate in a sport and travel all around the (11th ters for USA Shooting. She placed second Seventh-grader Padfield of Solvangtwice wowedfor theacrowd with her rendition of “Summertime” by Georgeprimarily Gershwin. The judges were stunned to HeElizabeth has been nominated Pulitzer Los Angeles Times, focused in the of kids from all around the Central Coast world for competitions. TEEN Recently went toON PAGE for the learn her age and said her vocal talents were astounding. STAR she CONTINUED 11 2016 Olympic team trials and is still Prize. entertainment industry. He has photographed participate. Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic east of deciding if she wants to go for the next Olym“Photojournalism is such an admirable profes- figures from Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa“He and wouldn’t let me shoot until I could Turkey. pic tryouts. sion because it can really capture the story for Eva Gabor to Meryl Streep, Sidney hold Poitier, the gun up on my own for a good “It was a beautiful country and one of the “A highlight for me was meeting Kim the reader. I was really lucky to have my career amount of time. We would set up boxes in the cleanest places I’ve been to. The streets were Rhode, who has been an inspiration to women GEORGE ROSE CONTINUEDliving ON PAGE 20 and I would practice for hours in the heyday of print journalism,” Rose said. room impeccable and the people were beyond hos- in shooting. After talking to her it became until I was ready,” Carroll said. pitable,” she said. really clear to me that I can achieve this as She she believes that more kids should take Carroll also won bronze in the HH Sheikha well,” Carroll said. lessons and learn their way around a gun. Fatia Bint Mubarak Women’s International Rhode became the first athlete to win an “Guns actually kept me out of trouble, beShooting Championship in the United Arab individual medal during six consecutive sumcause every Friday night and most weekends Emirates on April 13. SHOOTING CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 my dad and I were at the trap range practicing Since graduating from Santa Ynez Valley

George Rose loves taking photos of Santa Ynez Valley landscapes like this Happy Canyon rainbow shot.

ry Tim

by Raiza Giorgi

TELEPHONE:_______________________EMAIL:____________________________

ary Eve

FIRST-GRA

SYV coalition says Camp 4 impacts larger than they seem

Ashley Carroll travels news@santaynezvalleystar.com een Star Santa Barbara judge Catherine Remak thought there the world to compete was a typo next to Elizabeth Padfield’s name because her maturity and depth of range were astounding during the competition in trap shooting on Feb. 25 at the Arlington Theatre.

Sunrise Armour Ranch Road photo by George Rose, photo graphic by Aimée Reinhart Avery

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January 1-14, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9 NEW FRONTIERS NATURAL MARKETPLACE

year NEW you

NEW Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo Solvang's former mayor, Jim Richardson, left, talks to Rick Haydon, Santa Maria's retired city manager, who was hired to lead the Solvang staff once Brad Vidro retires.

NEW

Solvang hires interim city manager Rick Haydon, retired from Santa Maria, will fill in until Brad Vidro's replacement is hired

By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

retired Santa Maria city manager, Rick Haydon, has been hired to lead the city of Solvang staff on an interim basis. The City Council voted 4-0 in mid-December to hire Haydon temporarily because City Manager Brad Vidro was scheduled to retire Dec. 28. The panel’s fifth seat is vacant due to Councilman Ryan Toussaint’s election to mayor. While Solvang has started recruiting for the city manager’s job, it was not expected to be filled when Vidro left. The search for a perma-

nent replacement will continue. Haydon assisted the Solvang City Council in April of this year with a goal-setting workshop process. Due to public retirement system regulations, Haydon cannot work more than 960 hours per fiscal year, and must be paid $85.61 per hour. “It is anticipated that the interim position would work well under the 960 hour cap, as a new city manager should be hired soon,” Vidro said in a staff report. At the end of 2017, Haydon retired from the city of Santa Maria where he initially worked as assistant city manager for 12 years before being promoted to city manager in late 2011. Vidro worked for Solvang for 13 years, first as public works director before being named city manager.

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10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 1-14, 2019

Event to teach horse owners about disaster preparation Emergency planning n Have your horse or other large animal microchipped or put an ID tag on a collar or halter. In a pinch, spraypaint your animal with its name and your phone number. n Keep halters and lead ropes ready for horses with tags with the horse's name, your name and phone number. n Keep medical records in a watertight bag, stored with other important papers. n Make sure your trailer has good tires and floorings. If you don't have one, consider making advance arrangements with a reliable person. n Know the locations of evacuation sites and refuge areas. n Communicate your plans with neighbors and friends in case you are not able to evacuate your horse yourself. n Evacuate sooner than later n Have at least 72 hours of water and hay available, and buckets.

Photo contributed The second Equine Emergency Preparedness Expo on Saturday, Jan. 19, will help horse owners prepare before disaster strikes.

File photo Summer Fanning, a volunteer with the Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, spends time with a horse that was evacuated during the Thomas Fire a year ago.

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

any people keep a stash of emergency supplies and create plans of what to do in case a disaster drives them from their homes. In rural places like the Santa Ynez Valley, where horses and cattle can outnumber people, two local women have started an event to show owners of horses and other large animals what to do emergencies. “People don’t think about this stuff until it’s too late, unfortunately. Luckily we have amazing organizations that will help us, but it’s always better to be prepared yourself,” said Dawn Perrine, coordinator for the Equine Emergency Preparedness Expo. Perrine and Julie Monser have coordinated with a number of organizations and agencies to hold the second annual Equine Emergency

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Preparedness Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center. They will also be hosting a contest this year for people to come and talk about the plans they have made over the last year using the information from last year’s event. “We invite people to come and talk out their plans and bring their ‘go bags’ so we can help them make sure they are fully prepared,” Perrine said. Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, local veterinarians, and others will provide information, resources and training throughout the event to teach those attending how to prepare themselves, their horses, their homes, and their facilities for any emergency. “Last year we had a speaker talk about evacuating horses and we learned that he had been trapped at his facility in the Hill Fire, but he had the forethought of when he was building to fortify it in case that ever happened. He will be speaking about his experience at this event,” Perrine said. Perrine said the event will include topics such as how to handle a fire extinguisher, how to locate utilities, fire safety, basic first aid, home and work safety tips, urban search and rescue, basic triage and more. Event organizers said they are grateful to the Santa Ynez Valley Riders and the Santa Ynez Equestrian Center for their sponsorship and donation of facilities for the day. “We are so thankful for all the people that came to last year’s event and participated. It’s so important that we know this information,” Perrine added. The Equestrian Center is at 195 N. Refugio Road in Santa Ynez, south of Highway 246. For more information, visit the Equine Emergency Preparedness Expo group on Facebook or call Julie Monser at 805-264-3422 or Dawn Perrine at 805-245-6727.

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January 1-14, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

Los Alamos creates Christmas gift drive "When You Wish Upon a Star" helps families in need By Pamela Dozois

Contributing Writer

he annual Los Alamos Christmas tree lighting event took on greater dimensions this year with the addition of a Christmas giving program, “When You Wish Upon a Star.” In spring of 2018, a committee of Shirley Williams, Gloria Diffenderfer, Suzanne Tosti and Laura Beax asked the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club to start a Christmas program for Los Alamos families in need. The board members voted and initially donated $1,000. “I’ve been wanting to do this project for a few years now. My vision was to have a Unity Shoppe-type Christmas event where people in need had the opportunity to acquire gifts for their families for Christmas,” said Williams, a Men’s Club board member. “We started early

and planned on helping an estimated 15 needy families. We took nominations from the local school and people who knew people that needed help, and the list rapidly grew to 33 families, including seniors. We went back to the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club with our list of families and they generously gifted us with another $1,000,” she added. Kathy Christoferson, vice president of the Los Alamos Senior Center, then got involved. “We wanted to have the Senior Center available for the ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’ Christmas program and the Men’s Club open for a community event. We also thought it would be a good

Photo by Michael Nicola Pictured in the front row are Mary Caldera, left, and Sheryl Woods. In the back row, from left, are Shirley Williams, Gloria Diffenderfer, Kathy Christoferson, Suzanne Tosti, Carole Bloom and Dee Rock.

place for kids on the nominated families list to play while their parents were picking up Christmas gifts at the Senior Center,” said Williams. Each of the nominated families was asked to fill out a “wish list” of what they wanted for their families. There were no names, just a number at the top of each list. The parents were then given that number so they could pick up their gifts at the Senior Center on the day of the party. The Ladies of Los Alamos (LOLA), members of the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club and other volunteers each adopted a family, becoming their Secret Santa. “We met the first week of October to pull things together,” said Williams. “This community is truly

unbelievable. The Secret Santas bought nearly everything that was on each of the wish lists. We also had a toy drive at the same time. Then Los Alamos residents started sending monetary donation to help with the event, which allowed us to give gift certificates to each of the families to shop for food at Walmart for their Christmas dinner. It was truly amazing to see the overwhelming generosity of our little community. “The day of the event was more than I ever expected,” she added. “It all worked out perfectly. We were all on the same page. We all wanted everyone in our community to have a happy, bountiful Christmas, and none of it could have been accomplished without the help of the community.” The Men’s Club was beautifully decorat-

o LOS ALAMOS CONTINUED TO PAGE 17

Photo by Michael Nicola The Senior Center was festively decorated with an array of gifts under the Christmas tree.

1 6 9 3 M i s s i o n D r, C 1 0 1 , S o l v a n g • 8 0 5 6 8 6 0 7 0 5 • i n k l i n g s . b i z

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 1-14, 2019

January events at Santa Ynez Valley libraries All events are free to the public. Many programs are funded by the Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley and Buellton Friends of the Library. All local libraries will be closed on Monday, Jan. 21, for Martin Luther King Day. Visit SBPLibrary.org for more information.

Special Events: Thurs., Jan. 3: 10:30 -11:20 a.m. "TED & Conversation"

Watch one or two short talks from the famous TED Talks series together, and share thoughts afterward. Participants choose the topic. Monthly on first Thursdays. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Fri., Jan 4: 3:00-5:00 p.m. "ReadAloud: The Box of Delights"

A play-reading group for adults, teens and children 9 and up. Not a performance- everyone participates. January’s playscript is adapted by Piers Torday from the children’s classic by John Masefield. All are welcome, please sign up online at SBPLibrary.org. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Sat., Jan. 5: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. "Coding Club"

Come learn about code, and what you can create! All ages welcome. Meets twice monthly, once at Buellton and once at Solvang. Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115

Tues., Jan. 8: 6:00-7:30 p.m. "B.Y.O. (Bring Your Own) Book Club"

A book club with no obligations, just great conversation. Meet up with Solvang library staff at the Wandering Dog to share what you’ve been reading with other library readers, hear about their recent favorites! This month the focus is on memoirs of any kind. Sign up online at SBPLibrary.org. Wandering Dog Wine Bar, 1539 Mission Drive, Solvang

Sat., Jan. 12: 10:30-11:30 a.m. "Beginning Crochet with Tatiana" (1st of 2 classes)

Learn basic crochet with textile artist Tatiana! First week, learn basic stitches, second week, learn to make a little stuffed Owl! All persons over 8 are welcome. (8 year olds are welcome with an accompanying adult.) All materials supplied, please register at SBPLibrary.org to reserve a spot. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Sat., Jan. 12: 3:00-4:30 p.m. "Investors' Roundtable"

Helping individual investors since 1995, the Investors’ Roundtable welcomes both novice and veteran investors to informal presentations and discussions. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Sat., Jan 12: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. "Airplanes & Rockets"

A Makers program for Children ages 7-12 years old. Join us as we build incredibly fun fly crafts out of ordinary materials! Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805688-3115

Fri., Jan 18: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. "Buellton Bookworms Book Club"

Join our monthly discussions! Copies of the book can be checked out from the service desk. Meets monthly on third Fridays. Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115

Sat., Jan. 19: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. "Beginning Crochet with Tatiana" (2nd of 2 classes)

Sat., Jan. 19: 4:00-5:00 p.m. "Coding Club"

Come learn about code, and what you can create! All ages welcome. Meets twice monthly, once at Buellton and once at Solvang. 805-688-4214

Sat., Jan. 26: 1:00 p.m. "Saturday Movie"

Free matinee on the 4th Saturday of each month. Call us to find out what is showing! Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Sat., Jan 26: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. "Beach Art"

A Makers program for all ages. Join us as we create amazing pieces of art out of driftwood, rocks, and shells! Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115

RECURRING PROGRAMS Every Mon., 11 a.m., "Preschool Storytime"

Bringing your preschooler to storytime will help get them ready to read! Stay for a craft or play session afterward and make a new friend. Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115

Every Tue., 10:30 a.m., "Preschool Storytime"

Bringing your preschooler to storytime will help get them ready to read! Stay for a craft or play session afterward and make a new friend. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Every Tue., 5:30-6:30 p.m., "One-on-One Tutoring: E and Audiobooks on your Mobile Device"

Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Buellton Library Saturday Dec. 15, 4-5 p.m., at Solvang Library. Drop in for a free 20 minute session with volunteer Bethany C., and start accessing the library’s free online materials. Bring your device (E-reader, tablet, laptop, or smartphone).

Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115

Every Wed. 10:30 a.m., "Wiggly Storytime"

Short stories, songs, rhymes, and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Be ready to participate with your child, and spend some time being silly together. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805688-4214.

Every Other Wed. starting Jan. 16, 3:30-4:30 p.m., "Reading with Dogs"

Our Tail Waggin’ Tutors help young readers practice reading skills by reading aloud to the kindest, least judgmental listeners around. Drop in for a 10-15 minute individual session with a “tutor.” Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115

Every Thurs., 3:30-4:30 p.m., "Reading with Dogs"

Our Tail Waggin’ Tutors help young readers practice reading skills by reading aloud to the kindest, least judgmental listeners around. Drop in for a 10-15 minute individual session with a “tutor.” Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214, 1745

LIBRARY HOURS BUELLTON:

140 W. Highway 246, 805-688-3115, BuelltonLibrary@santabarbaraCA.gov Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 11 am- 7 pm Friday & Saturday 12 noon –5:30 pm

LOS OLIVOS:

Historic Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave. Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

SOLVANG:

1745 Mission Drive 805-688-4214, SolvangLibrary@santabarbaraCA.gov Tuesday & Friday 10 am-5 pm Wednesday & Thursday 10 am-7 pm Saturday 10 am-4 pm

SANTA YNEZ:

3598 Sagunto Saturday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Local nurse wins national honor for innovation of diabetic retinal eye exams for patients enrolled in Medicaid. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among adults from 20 to 74 years old in the United States. Thompson received her nursing degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, N.Y. She is accredited through NAHQ as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).

Staff Report

Registered Nurse Sheila Thompson of Solvang has received the Luc R. Pelletier Healthcare Quality Award from the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The honor recognizes a NAHQ member who develops a performance improvement program or initiative that directly affects the quality of healthcare for a defined group of patients and improves organizational performance. NAHQ is the leading organization for healthcare quality management professionals, comprising more than 7,500 active members worldwide. Since 2008, this award has been presented annually to a single healthcare quality management professional during the yearly NAHQ conference. At the recent conference in Minneapolis, the award was presented to Thompson, an 18-year employee of CenCal Health, the local public agency that provides compre-

Photos contributed Sheila Thompson

hensive health coverage to nearly 180,000 residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Thompson and her team initiated a Performance Improvement Project by collaborating with providers at a local federally qualified health center to increase the rate

Nature Center sets talk on bees and beekeeping

Solvang approves rules for marijuana dispensary

People who want to operate a medical cannabis dispensary in Solvang can apply from Jan. 21 through Feb. 22 on the city’s website, www.cityofsolvang.com. The Solvang City Council approved in December the application and selection process. Only one such dispensary will be allowed.

The Neal Taylor Nature Center’s “Food for Thought” series will host beekeeper and master gardener Jim Rice from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6. Rice is the co-founder of the Lompoc Valley Beekeepers Association. His presentation will cover the origin of the honey bee, beehive social structure, how to become a beekeeper, and a discussion on challenges in modern beekeeping. Comb honey will be available for tasting. Admission to the lecture is free after paying a $10 per vehicle admission to Lake Cachuma County Park. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, the nature center offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children.

Questions should be directed to Lisa Martin at 805-688-5575.

For more information, visit www.clnaturecenter.org.

January 1-14, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

SDRI gets $100,000 for new diabetes program "Farming For Life" prescribes free vegetables in exchange for health data Staff Report

ansum Diabetes Research Institute has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Hearst Foundation to help launch Farming For Life, the institute’s comprehensive food-as-therapy program that prescribes locally grown organic vegetables to low-income people with diabetes. The Hearst Foundation grant brings the institute (SDRI) a big step closer to meeting a requirement of a $400,000 grant awarded earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, paying half of Farming For Life’s programming costs and requiring matching funds to be raised locally. “This grant money from the Hearst Foundation is a huge contribution to that matched funding and is critical for us,” said Mary Kujan, Farming For Life project coordinator. “The Hearst Foundation is pleased to be supporting a cutting-edge program, like Farming For Life, which has local implications for Santa Barbara but also the potential of replication in other communities to address the heavy burdens of chronic disease and food insecurity,” the Hearst Foundation said. Farming For Life unites health care, social services and agriculture. Beginning in January, and over the next several years, residents of Santa Barbara County living with type 2 diabetes will be invited to participate in the innovative program. Organic vegetables grown at Fairview

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Gardens, John Givens Farm, and other local farms will be provided free in return for health data. Farming For Life participants will present their produce prescriptions at the Fresh Food Pharmacy at Unity Shoppe of Santa Barbara. Participants then select a week’s worth of vegetables — enough to feed their entire family. At recruitment and over the course of programming, measurements will be taken to determine changes in diabetes control, food security and overall health. SDRI is working to expand the scope of Farming For Life with additional vegetable distribution locations in the future. SDRI’s Farming For Life pilot study demonstrated dramatic results: “From a clinical standpoint, we saw an impressive decrease in both blood pressure and waist circumference, both which are measurements highly indicative of risk for cardiovascular disease,” Kujan said. “We also noticed changes in food security with the majority of the participants reporting an overall improvement,” she said. “Based on this, we are very confident that Farming For Life can absolutely improve the health of those with type 2 diabetes.” The full-scale, three-month phase of Farming For Life begins in January. SDRI is looking to approve 100 adult participants who have or are at high risk for type 2 diabetes and are not currently being treated with insulin. Potential program participants may contact Kujan at 805-682-7640, ext. 243, or email mkujan@sansum.org. Foundations, corporations and individuals interested in helping SDRI with matching funds to launch Farming for Life can contact Sheba Laser Lux, SDRI grants director, at 805-452-3159 or slux@ sansum.org. Learn more about SDRI at www.sansum.org.

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14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 1-14, 2019

New Year’s may be the oldest of human holidays

By John Copeland

ould you believe January was not always the first month of the year? Even celebrating New Year’s on January 1 is a relatively new phenomenon. And yet, celebrating the start of the new year is perhaps the oldest holiday of all. New Year’s is among the oldest and persistent of human celebrations. Cuneiform clay tablets discovered in Iraq reveal that, more than 4,000 years ago, Babylonians were celebrating New Year’s. However, the Babylonian new year began with the first visible crescent moon after the spring equinox. Several other ancient cultures celebrated their new year at other times, on dates tied to the seasons. The Egyptians, Phoenicians and Persians began their new year with the fall equinox, and the Greeks celebrated it on the winter solstice. India and Iran celebrate their New Year in March. Ancient Hebrews celebrated New Year’s in the fall at Rosh Hashanah, and Jews worldwide still observe this tradition. Ancient Celts and other northern European cultures celebrated their new year beginning at dusk on October 31. These varied dates for New Year’s begs the question: How did January become the first

month on our calendar and the beginning of our new year? As a day, January 1 has no astronomical or agricultural significance for beginning the year. However, if you choose, we can blame the Romans. In fact, the month of January did not even exist until around 700 BCE, when the second king of Rome, Numa Pontilius, added January and February to the Roman calendar. January is associated with the god Janus, who was the one Roman god with no Greek counterpart. In prayers, his name was evoked even before that of Jupiter. According to some, he was the custodian of the universe but, to the Romans, he was the god

of beginnings and endings, presiding over every entrance and departure. Because every door and passageway looks in two directions, Janus is always depicted as two-faced. One face looked back into the past, the other peered forward to the future. In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar reformed the Roman calendar, introducing a new, solar-based calendar that was a vast improvement on the ancient Roman calendar, which had become wildly inaccurate over the years. The Julian calendar decreed that in the Roman Empire, the new year would begin with January 1. After Rome’s decline and Christianity’s spread through Europe, the church considered New Year’s celebrations as pagan. In 567 CE the Council of Tours abolished January 1 as the beginning of the year. Throughout Medieval Christian Europe, the New Year was celebrated on a variety of dates: Dec. 25, the birth of Jesus; March 1; March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation; and Easter. There was no uniform calendar. Then, during the late 1500s, at the urging of Pope Gregory XII, Aloysius Lilus came up with a modification to the Julian calendar to make it more accurate. Named the Gregorian calendar, it is the one most of the world follows today. The Gregorian calendar reform restored January 1 as New Year’s Day. Although most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted among Protestant countries. The British, for example, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire, including the American colonies, still celebrated the new year in March. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, January is a logical time for a new beginning. On the December solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, we experience the shortest day of the year. By the beginning of January, our days are lengthening again. This return of longer hours of

daylight had a profound effect on cultures that were tied to agricultural cycles. It even exerts an emotional effect on people living in cities today. I think the ancient Romans were on to something with Janus as the god of new beginnings, gates and doors, the first hour of the day, the first day of the month, and the first month of the year. Janus is a good symbol for starting the New Year, both looking forward to the coming year and back in contemplation to the past year. And that makes me think about New Year’s resolutions. Do you make them? It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The Romans also had a similar tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. A common resolution in ancient Rome was to ask forgiveness from enemies of the past year. Early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting on mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year. Whether or not our ancestors took their resolutions seriously and always achieved what they resolved to do is unknown. Today, when we make resolutions, we’re tapping into that ancient and powerful human longing for a fresh start. And then there is putting the past year to rest. Any regrets about the past year? To help focus on the future, write down your regrets on a scrap of paper and toss it into the fire. Janus, the two-faced god of the New Year, would approve!

WEV supports local businesses at bilingual event By Regina Ruiz

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omen’s Economic Ventures held its first bilingual Small Business Celebration recently at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, bringing together local business professionals to honor WEV client business achievements and featuring a Shop Local Market with some 40 vendors. The Small Business Celebration took the same inclusive approach WEV takes to business support services by providing Spanish interpretation during the ceremony and ensuring Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs’ achievements were celebrated. The vibrancy and vitality of the local and national economies rely upon Spanish-speaking Latino entrepreneurs who contribute immensely to the small-business community. In bringing together the diverse local business community, WEV not only included English and Spanish speakers, but joined forces with local organizations to foster connections among business leaders. The organizations supporting WEV in this effort were NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) Santa Barbara, NAWBO Ventura County, Association of Women in Communications, The W Source, Ventura County Professional Women’s Network, Latina Professional Alliance, and Spirit of Entrepreneurship. In addition, the event recognized WEV clients

for launching, reaching five years, or celebrating a 10-year anniversary in their business in 2018. Persevering through adversity, more than 200 WEV client entrepreneurs built thriving businesses that reached these milestones this year. WEV also inducted two client businesses into its Million Dollar Club at the event; Scratch Kitchen in Lompoc and Santa Barbara Axxess. Owners Ana Caudillo and Augusto Caudillo of Scratch Kitchen, and Karim Kaderali of Santa Barbara Axxess joined 12 other Million Dollar Club members who have surpassed the milestone of annual revenues of $1 million or more. Only 2 percent of women-owned businesses and 4 percent of male-owned businesses in the United States reach this milestone. At the heart of the Small Business Celebration was a call to support local businesses at the Shop Local Market and beyond. Marsha Bailey, WEV founder/CEO, stressed the impact of shopping local. “When you support a local business, you’re helping to pay for a child’s piano lessons, a student’s tuition, a family’s first home,” she said. “So before you head over to the local big-box store or log on to Amazon, think about whether you can buy what you need from a locally owned business.” WEV serves all of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties from offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Santa Maria. For more about WEV, visit www.wevonline.org.

January 1-14, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

‘Hopefully, we can give their families peace’

Valley native helps recover remains of service members still missing in foreign wars By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

pencer Angel was disheartened after digging for days without any sign of human remains in the hot, humid weather of Laos. But every morning as the U.S. Navy Seabee prepared for work, there were the pictures of the missing soldiers from a plane crash in the Vietnam War. “I kept thinking about what they must have gone through, and that was enough for me to keep going — and hopefully we would find anything that could give their families peace,” Angel said. The Santa Ynez Valley native graduated from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in 2008 and then graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in history. After that, he enlisted as a heavy equipment operator in the Seabees, which is the construction force of the Navy. They support the military by building airfields and bases and help with humanitarian efforts such as installing water lines, building roads and bridges. Angel has gone all around the world, serving in Thailand, Japan and Guam, among other places. He was recently home on leave and spoke at a local Bible study group about his experience with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), and his efforts to help recover the remains of those missing. When American personnel remain captive, missing, or otherwise unaccounted for at the conclusion of hostilities, the Department of

Photo by Cpl. John Tran As part of a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency mission in Laos in January 2017, recovery teams searched for the remains of two missing U.S. Air Force pilots who crashed during the Vietnam War. Photos cannot be released of Spencer Angel's work in Laos because the mission is continuing, but this photo shows a similar mission in the same area.

Photo by Cpl. John Tran Human remains that have been recovered are returned to the United States and examined for possible identification.

Defense is responsible for determining their fate and, where possible, recovering them alive or recovering and identifying their remains. Researchers examine the nation’s archives to find any last known unresolved cases and follow up on leads to talk to witnesses and

survey areas that might contain evidence. Recovery teams are then deployed with forensic anthropologists and digging crews in hopes of recovering clues. Angel’s mission in Laos was the recovery of any pieces of a plane crash involving three sol-

Photo contributed As a heavy equipment operator in the U.S. Navy Seabees, Sana Ynez Valley native Spencer Angel helps with military and humanitarian efforts around the world.

diers. Their bomber was shot down over Laos after a successful run. “Particularly in Laos, the soil is so toxic to skeletal remains they are eaten away, so we are looking for fragments of clothing or other materials that might have bone residue or other DNA,” Angel said. “I’ve visited places that I never imagined I would go, and it is definitely an eye-opening experience,” he said. Angel and his team were helicoptered to the crash site and lived in tents for months as they worked to find any remains. That investigation is continuing — the items that were recovered have been sent to a laboratory for DNA analysis, which takes months. “I feel very honored to have been a part of that mission, and if I am asked to go with the DPAA again, I won’t hesitate,” Angel said. More than 83,000 Americans remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, according to the DPAA.

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16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 1-14, 2019

Elderly gibbon dies before going on view at SB Zoo Staff Report

ikko, a 35-year-old white-handed gibbon who had arrived at the Santa Barbara Zoo from the Oakland Zoo less than a month earlier, died Dec. 16 from a previously unknown medical condition. Dr. Julie Barnes, the zoo’s director of animal care and health, said that surgery or treatment would not have been effective even if his condition had been diagnosed within the prior weeks. “This would have proved fatal, regardless,” she said. “We are so sad to have lost him so soon after his arrival, as he had already won everyone’s hearts.” Nikko was to be a companion to the Santa Barbara Zoo’s elderly female gibbon Jasmine and her “adopted daughter” Jari, who is 4 years old. Both Jasmine and Nikko had lost their mates of several decades, so they were matched by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Gibbons are social creatures and it was believed that this new “blended family” would benefit all three apes. Nikko arrived in Santa Barbara on Nov. 27 and was in quarantine and had begun

introductions to Jasmine and Jari. On Dec. 10, keepers observed a decrease in appetite, but Nikko otherwise continued to exhibit normal behaviors. Over the next few days, staff became increasingly concerned as he continued to eat less. “Taking into consideration all the changes in his life, we didn’t want to rush into anesthesia, which would be necessary in order to examine him,” Barnes said. When he was found very weak in his holding area, he was transferred to the Animal Clinic. “His blood and urine tests showed acute liver and renal failure,” Barnes said. “The radiographs and ultrasounds were inconclusive and it was proving difficult to get a diagnosis. … We arranged to have him seen by veterinary internal medicine specialists about 15 minutes away, where he could have a more advanced ultrasound examination.” Nikko died en route. A necropsy was performed at the zoo where a mass in the upper abdomen was detected, along with abnormalities of both kidneys and the liver. Cancer is suspected, pending further tests.

Photo By Steve Gotz Nikko was to be a companion to the Santa Barbara Zoo's elderly female gibbon Jasmine and her "adopted daughter" Jari.

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January 1-14, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

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Photo by Betsy Mooney Youth from 8 to 16 years old are invited to experience birdwatching firsthand on Jan. 26

‘Bird Count 4 Kids’ scheduled Jan. 26 Staff Report

anta Barbara Audubon Society will hold its annual Winter Bird Count 4 Kids from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 26 at Lake Los Carneros Park, 304 N. Los Carneros Road in Goleta. Through the support of the city of Goleta, Audubon is able to offer this free introduction to the fun of birdwatching for young people, ages 8 to 16. All budding birdwatchers must be accompanied by a responsible adult. A sign-in table will be near the Stow House parking lot. The first 75 kids to sign in that day will receive a free T-shirt. The eEvent will be held rain or shine.

After sign-in and orientation at “Binocular Boot Camp,” participants will be guided around the lake by an experienced naturalist, recording the bird species they observe on their souvenir bird checklists. Everyone is encouraged to bring binoculars, but thanks to the UCSB Associated Students Coastal Fund, Audubon is able to loan some to the youthful participants. Free snacks will be provided by Trader Joe’s, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Smart & Final. Call 805-964-1468 for more information, or go to the Santa Barbara Audubon Society’s website at SantaBarbaraAudubon.org.

ed, thanks to the efforts of many volunteers. Tables were filled with Christmas cookies donated by Decadence Bakery in Buellton along with goodies made by local residents. There was a Hot Cocoa Bar, and little gift bags with candy and little trinkets were handed out to each child. There was also a photo booth to commemorate the day. Santa’s Helper, Louie Magdaleno, helped with the festivities. The event was open to all the children of the community and their parents. With the children busy at play at the Men’s Club, parents were able to sneak out to the Senior Center and pick up the gifts. Upon entering, each family signed in under their individual number and received a gift certificate. They then received all the gifts on their Secret Santa wish list and could then visit the tables brimming with toys and clothing, donated by the community, picking out one gift for each child. The gifts were then brought to the wrapping station where volunteers wrapped each gift. “They were told to tell their children that these gifts were from them, not the Senior Center,” said Christoferson. “It was wonderful to see the absolute joy and wonder on the faces of the parents when they saw all the presents under the beautifully decorated Christmas tree at the Senior Center,” said Christoferson. “They couldn’t stop thanking us. It was a wonderful experience. Bringing joy to people is the greatest gift.” “It was heartwarming to see how many

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of the families, after secretly taking home all the gifts, returned to help with the activities at the Men’s Club and stayed to help with the clean-up afterwards,” said Williams. “Not only did we help them, but they then helped us.” Later in the evening numerous Valley residents and visitors joined in the Christmas tree lighting event. Santa arrived and Joe Dana, principal of Olga Reed School, officiated over the tree lighting. The Olga Reed School and Orcutt Academy Choir sang traditional Christmas carols ushering in the season. The Vineyard Voices, an a cappella harmony quartet consisting of Anne and Rich Gamble, Robb Manchester and Allison Reitz, entertained guests singing Christmas carols at various local restaurants. “The ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’ event was brand new this year and we have already been contacted by foundations offering matching grants for next year,” said Williams. “There’s a lot of love in this community,” she added. “What I like most is that everyone contributes for the right reason – love of neighbor … It was a blessing to those in need in our little town and to the town itself. … A special thank you goes to both Kathy Christoferson and Sheryl Wood, president of the Senior Center, and to all those who made this event a huge success. “In the end, we couldn’t have done any of this without the support and generosity of the community. People were so generous. It was just incredible.”

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18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 1-14, 2019

Direct Relief tops 2018 charity ratings and recommendations Staff Report

n a time of increasing natural disasters and growing income inequality, Direct Relief’s performance in delivering medicine and other healthcare resources to disaster victims and underserved communities worldwide has put it at the top of many lists of most-recommended charities. According to Forbes, Direct Relief ranks as the seventh largest U.S. charity in 2018, scoring 100 percent in fundraising efficiency (percent of private donations remaining after fundraising expenses) and 99 percent for its charitable commitment (charitable services as a percent of total expenses). Direct Relief also earned a four-star rating for 2018 from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, the eighth consecutive time that Direct Relief has earned this top distinction. Of the more than 8,000 charities rated by Charity Navigator, Direct Relief is one of only 66 to receive a perfect 100 score. These charities have earned perfect scores in Charity Navigator’s evaluation of Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency. Charity Navigator also included Direct Relief in its 2018 lists of 10 of the Best Charities Everyone’s Heard Of, the 10 Best

Photo Contributed Direct Relief staff deliver medical aid to the Seminole Springs Mobile Home Park on Nov. 26 in Agoura Hills, where the Woolsey Fire had just ripped through..

Humanitarian Relief Organizations, and 10 Highly Rated Charities Relying on Private Contributions. Others recognizing Direct Relief in 2018

include the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at University of Pennsylvania (2019 High Impact Giving Guide), Wallet Hub (2018’s Best Charities for Holiday Giving),

Okta (2018 Oktane Award Finalist) and TheStreet (30 Charities That Won’t Waste Your Money). The ratings came in a year defined by humanitarian crises and natural disasters of unprecedented scale, and Direct Relief has responded more expansively than ever in its 70-year history — delivering $923 million in humanitarian assistance to locally run healthcare providers in 101 countries, including $212 million in aid to communities in 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Examples of Direct Relief’s work in 2018 include: n Disaster response: Within the first two weeks after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas in September, leading to at least 47 deaths, Direct Relief had delivered more than 14,000 pounds of medicine and medical supplies. n Over Thanksgiving week, Direct Relief staff rushed deliveries to California’s Butte County, where local shelters housing thousands of people displaced by the Camp Fire were hit by outbreaks of highly contagious norovirus. n Puerto Rico: Direct Relief was the first

o VOLUNTEER CONTINUED TO PAGE 19

Public can participate in global art project Staff Report

hat started as an experiment on an abandoned New Orleans house has grown into a global movement on more than 4,000 walls across 71 countries in 35 different languages. In January, the artistic movement makes its way to Hancock College. Artist Candy Chang’s installation “Before I Die” will run in the Ann Foxworthy Gallery from Jan. 14 through Feb. 8. The art project invites people of all ages to reflect on the things they want to do before they die, and then add their thoughts to the gallery walls. “This project is about bringing communities together and allowing us to find our common ground,” said gallery director Laura-Susan Thomas. “In an age where everything changes so quickly, 24-hour news cycles and a social climate that sometimes divides us rather than bringing us together, this interactive piece allows us to look at the big picture and think about what is truly important or what we want to have done in our lifetime, whether it be a big or small act.” A key part of the project’s mission is to remove the stigma of discussing death and help inject conversations about mortality into a visual landscape that is preoccupied with instant gratification, youth and distraction. “This installation is truly a living, breathing project, and the success of it is

Photo Contributed From Jan. 14 to Feb. 8, Hancock College will host "Before I Die," a global art movement where participants can express things they would like to accomplish before they die on the walls of the gallery.

dependent on the individuals who participate,” said Thomas. “We hope both our Hancock community and members of all ages from our Santa Maria and Central Coast communities come play and see other’s responses - perhaps speak with someone new and leave the gallery feeling more connected on a deeper level.” During the exhibition, the gallery will host two official events. Community Art Night will take place from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 17, and Community Art Afternoon will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. the following Thursday, Jan. 24. Attendees will learn about the artist, Candy Chang, view images of other walls around the world, and read what others have written. For more information, contact gallery director Laura-Susan Thomas at laura. thomas@hancockcollege.edu or call 1-805-922-6966, ext. 3465.

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January 1-14, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

Chumash raise $25,000 for Toys for Tots

o VOLUNTEER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Staff Report

he puppet mastery of Las Vegas headliner Terry Fator helped fill the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom as the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians raised $25,000 at its annual Toys for Tots benefit concert. The funds go toward the Central Coast Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots campaign, which serves families in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties through partnerships with local agencies, such as Unity Shoppe, People Helping People, the Salvation Army, Community Action Commission, Tribal TANF Program and the Boys & Girls Club. “This was our 15th Toys for Tots benefit concert, and we’re proud of the funds these shows have raised for children in need,” said Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn. “This campaign not only supports our community partners, which do such great work throughout the county, but it also makes the holiday season a little brighter for a child who wants a

Photos contributed Tribal administrator Veronica Sandoval, left, presents a $25,000 check to 1st Sgt. Soledad Kennedy, Toys for Tots coordinator, and Vice Commander Dan Cadena.

toy for Christmas.” “We have been partnering with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians since December 2004, and for the past 15 years, the tribe has been a crucial component of the Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots campaign,” said 1st Sgt. Soledad Kennedy, the Ma-

rine Corps League 1340 Toys for Tots Coordinator. “If not for the generosity and support of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, many children would have to do without.” To find out more about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and its giving programs, visit www.santaynezchumash.org.

Diabetes prevention program sees results Katie Haq

for Sansum Clinic

articipants in a Channel Islands YMCA program with the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute are making effective progress toward reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Trained lifestyle coaches facilitate group sessions in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) at the YMCAs in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. The year-long program focuses on exercise, healthy eating, stress management and problem solving. Three different sessions of the program are running concurrently, two at the Santa Barbara Family YMCA in English and Spanish, and one at the Stuart C. Gildred YMCA in English. Program participants, who have either prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes, are seeing excellent results. At the six-month mark, one group’s total weight loss is more than 72 pounds, an average weight loss of nine pounds per participant. Participants have a goal of 150 min-

Photos contributed Diabetes Prevention Program participant Kris Geaque believes the program has been life changing for her.

utes of moderate physical activity each week and losing 5 to 7 percent of their starting weight, which research shows will significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. “It is estimated that over 84 million Americans have prediabetes,” said Program Coordinator and Lifestyle Coach

Alicia Michelson. “Nine out of 10 don’t know they have it, and without doing anything it’s estimated that 15 to 30 percent of those people will go on to develop full-blown type 2 diabetes. That’s why action is so important, because you can reverse prediabetes and go back into a normal glycemic range.”

organization to bring medicine into Puerto Rico when the commercial supply chain completely broke down after Hurricane Maria made landfall in September 2017. More than a year later, Direct Relief has provided $70.2 million in medical aid, invested $12 million in initiatives to bolster health services and local infrastructure, and installed 791 kilowatts of solar energy and 2 megawatts of battery backup at 14 health centers and remote communities on the island. n Opioid epidemic: Direct Relief last year began shipping the life-saving drug naloxone, which can revive people who have overdosed on opioid medications, to health partners around the country. n Humanitarian crises: While responding to fast-onset disasters, Direct Relief continued aiding local healthcare providers in parts of the world enduring “slow-burn” humanitarian disasters from Syria, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Bangladesh.

Diabetes Prevention Program participant Kris Geaque with the Stuart C. Gildred Y in Santa Ynez shared her happiness at the half-way mark: “This program is going to be a significant life changer for me! The instructor is fabulous. The tools from the program have taken me to the next level. My blood pressure has dropped, my atrial fibrillation has been under control and I have lost 10 pounds. Yeah!” In addition to hosting the program, the Santa Barbara Family Y and Stuart C. Gildred Y in Santa Ynez offer each DPP participant a free month-long membership. “We are confident with the results so far and we are exploring opportunities to expand and enhance the program to serve more individuals,” said Nicki Marmelzat, Health and Wellness Director for the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez. The Area Agency on Aging funded SDRI’s Diabetes Prevention Program, which is offered free to local residents. A new session of the Diabetes Prevention Program will start in January 2019 at the Santa Barbara Family YMCA. For more information or to join a future DPP session, contact Program Coordinator Alicia Michelson at 805-682-7640, ext. 221, or amichelson@sansum.org.

20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 1-14, 2019

Donut-Time becomes God’s Country Provisions New owners promise to keep recipes, flavor the same By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.comt

hen Loren Ollenburger thinks of his favorite memories, he recalls doughnuts after church services or at special family outings. “I haven’t met a person yet who has had a bad memory where doughnuts are concerned,” Ollenburger said with a laugh. He and his wife Sarah and family friends Craig and Tracy Minus are the proud new owners of God’s Country Provisions, previously known as Donut-Time in Buellton. The two couples officially took ownership Dec. 1 from Greg and Cecilia Fariss. Then they spent a month training with Greg Fariss and renovating the shop. They will reopen mid-January. “The community has been amazing since finding out we were taking over, and we are really excited to start this new chapter with our great friends. Craig was literally the first person I met here, and it’s a great friendship,” Ollenburger said.

Photo by Raiza Giorgi The new owners of God's Country Provisions, formerly Donut-Time, spent a month training with previous owner Greg Fariss to keep the taste the same for loyal customers.

The Ollenburgers moved from Orange County into their house in the Santa Ynez Valley two years ago but couldn’t unpack anything immediately because they were expected to attend Opening Day of the baseball season. “Loren told me they had just moved, but I didn’t realize it was literal until lat-

er,” Minus laughed. As the two couples got to know one another they decided they wanted to start a business but didn’t know what kind until they saw the doughnut shop was for sale. “We know how special this place is and want to continue that as we start the God’s Country Provision brand. This step is just

the beginning,” Minus said. Minus works as a real estate developer in Santa Barbara and his wife does design. Combined with Ollenburger’s wife’s skills in social media and marketing, they decided to take the leap and start. The question they have been asked multiple times is, will they keep the recipe the same? Ollenburger left a corporate career to start this new venture and will be creating the doughnuts according to Fariss’ recipes. “I think I trained him right. They are all great people and we are happy to leave the business in their hands,” Fariss said. He and his wife will be joining their daughter in Montana, and they aren’t exactly sure where the future will take them. “All I know is I have a grandbaby coming in March and I plan to be there for every moment,” Fariss said as they were getting ready to leave after Christmas. The new owners hope the community will like the shop’s new ambiance. “We want to have more regular hours and stay open later into the morning. We might have some ‘doughnut of the month’ specials and a few more options, but the recipe is the same,” Ollenburger said. For more information, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Local Daily Dinner Specials

Photo by Vida Gustafson With a pre-made crust, this pie can be in the oven in 10 minutes.

Pecan pie is quick and delicious By Vida Gustafson Contributing Writer

Pecan Nut Pie is hands-down my favorite pie, any time of year, but I’ve always avoided making it myself because I never keep corn syrup in the house. I knew people had to have been making pecan pie before corn syrup came around, and I’ve finally found a delicious recipe that works really well without it! I you’re using a pre-made pie crust, this recipe will take less than 10 minutes to put in the oven.

Ingredients 2 eggs 1 c brown sugar ¼ c granulated white sugar ½ c butter ( melted) 1 ½ tbsp flour 1 tbsp milk 1 tsp vanilla Pinch of salt 1 ½ c pecans (chopped and whole) 1 premade pie crust

3 course meal: salad/entree/dessert Mon: Slow Roasted Brisket $12 (veggies, mashed potatoes + gravy salad & dessert) Tues: St. Louis Rib Night $16 (vegies, potatoes + gravy, salad & dessert) *Go large for full rack $21 Wed: Chicken Dinner- roasted or BBQ style $15 (veggies, potatoes, salad & dessert Thurs: Burger Night $11 (fries, salad & dessert) *No substitutions *1st come 1st served Breakfast served Sat/Sun/Holidays *Good until gone

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 AM- 8 PM Fri 11 AM- 9 PM Sat 7:30 AM- 9 PM

Buy one Entree get one Free Valid Jan 1st- Jan 14th *Must present coupon Not valid with local daily dinner special Free entree equal or lesser value

January 1-14, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

Dunn building new ‘leadership center’ on campus Staff Report

I Photo contributed From left, Dr. Susan Salcido, Dr. Jin Sook Lee, Steve Ortiz, Jamie Persoon, Dr. Carlos Pagan and David Bautista are shown at the United for Literacy Education Forum

Literacy forum emphasizes power of bilingual education Staff Report

ocal education experts discussed how effective bilingual instruction plans help raise grades and reduce drop-out rates during a recent forum presented by United Way of Santa Barbara County. The United for Literacy Education Forum at the Santa Barbara County Education Office Auditorium, centered on how effective, bilingual instruction plans enable students to use reading, writing, listening and speaking for a wide range of purposes. Panelists discussed best practices, measurable outcomes, local opportunities and challenges. Panelist Dr. Jin Sook Lee, professor in the Department of Education at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UCSB, noted that research supports how dual and multi-language education produces great cognitive, psychological and academic benefits. This includes greater attention spans, increased aptitude to make executive decisions and more. Recent research demonstrates that such aptitude leads to health benefits that can significantly delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and

other dementia–related illnesses. Bilingual instruction also fosters faster and more efficient English language acquisition, along with stronger professional and educational aspirations. Panelist Dr. Carlos Pagán, Director of Literacy and Language Support with the Santa Barbara County Education Office, detailed the bilingual education resources in Santa Barbara County. Currently, bilingual education is offered at Adelante Charter School in Santa Barbara, as well as five school districts: Carpinteria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Solvang, and Santa Maria-Bonita. “These benefits are staggering and emphasize the importance strong, multilingual education plans play in the future of our students,” said Steve Ortiz, president and CEO of United Way of Santa Barbara County. “We’re thankful to everyone who participated in this year’s United for Literacy Education Forum and for their ongoing work.” Panelists also included David Bautista, executive director and principal of Adelante Charter School, and Jamie Persoon, principal of Canalino Elementary School.

n December, Allen Construction began work on a new 6,121 square foot leadership center at Dunn School in Los Olivos. Once completed, the Cindy Bronfman Leadership Center will be a multi-purpose facility that serves as the hub of whole-student education and leadership at Dunn School. The new center will feature flexible spaces for modern teaching and learning, an Innovation Lab for student collaboration, and a new college counseling center. It also will include the Earwig Café, a student-run snack bar that teaches business and entrepreneurship; a large Alumni Hall for allschool meetings and presentations; a student loft for quiet study and retreat; a balcony with a view of the Santa Ynez Mountains; and shaded outdoor spaces for reflection and relaxation. The building

is designed on a “first principles” approach by taking full advantage of natural phenomena to achieve energy efficiency. The building will have three large wind chimneys to capture and funnel hot air out. Floors will be exposed concrete, which will help cool the building naturally during warmer months, and large bay doors can be opened to allow breezes to cool the building even further. “We are excited to be part of this great project for Dunn School,” said Eric Johnson, Regional Director for Allen Construction. “The building’s design falls in line with our philosophy of green building and sustainability.” The facility is expected to be completed by late 2019. For updates on the project, visit dunnschool.org.

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California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization • Estate Planning & Review • Conservatorship & Incapacity Matters • Trusts • Business Law: Corporations, Partnerships, LLCs • Probate Law • Second Opinion & Updates

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www.LanaClarkLaw.com 1607 Mission Drive, Ste. 107 • Solvang

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Open to the public

22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 1-14, 2019

WFC boxing returning to casino Jan. 11 Staff Report

fter selling out its debut appearance at the Chumash Casino Resort in July, World Fighting Championships returns with its WFC 98 boxing event at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, in the Samala Showroom. Tickets are $35, $55, $75 and $95. Professional boxers slated for the main card include area talent such as Angel Flores (Santa Ynez), John Leo Dato (Santa Maria), Manuel Romero (Santa Maria), Evander Reyes (Santa Maria), Rudy Ochoa (Oxnard) and Chris Beal (Oxnard). WFC 98 will also showcase undefeated middleweight prospect Meiirim Nursultanov (9-0) and undefeated super welterweight Madiyar Ashkeyev (10-0), both of Kazakhstan. The pair train at the Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, which has been

made famous by manager Egis Klimas and his stable of fighters, including current WBO and WBA lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko. Amateur bouts will feature a host of up-and-coming fighters such as Adrian Alvarado, Andrew Martinez, Heyner Diaz, Sergio Cox Jr., Emilio Balderas, Angelo Collier, Daniel Rubio, Keinneth Tagalicud, Javier Iniguez, Nicko Agapay, Adrian Gonzalez and Silas Basset. Amateur matches are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with the professional bouts following at 7 p.m. The card is subject to change. For more information on WFC events, visit worldfightingchampionships.com. Tickets are available at the casino or www. chumashcasino.com

Rob Thomas announces special concert at Chumash Casino Resort Staff Report

ultiple Grammy winner Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty has announced plans for a special performance to benefit Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a nonprofit organization he founded his wife, Marisol, at 8 p.m. Friday, March 29, at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom. Tickets for the show are $99, $119, $129, $139 & $149. The Sidewalk Angels Foundation is a New York-based nonprofit organization that is the primary supporter and sponsor of a number of no-kill animal shelters and animal rescues. The foundation also supports a myriad of other causes, from childhood health and wellness to the fight against homelessness. It will be Thomas’ first performance at the casino. He promises a “more up-close and personal setting” as he plays a career-spanning set. For 20 years, Thomas has been the front man and primary composer for Matchbox Twenty, leading the band to multiplatinum success over the course of four albums and a string of No. 1 hits that include “Push,” “3AM,” “Bent,” “If You’re Gone,” and “Unwell.” His first two solo albums, 2005’s platinum-certified No. 1 album “…Something to Be” and 2009’s “Cradlesong,” generated the

hit singles “Lonely No More,” “This is How A Heart Breaks,” “Her Diamonds” and “Someday.” “…Something to Be” was the first album by a male artist from a rock or pop group to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 since the chart debuted. With “Cradlesong,” he made history once again as the only male artist with multiple No. 1 hits at Adult Top 40, tying Pink with most No. 1s by a solo artist in the chart’s history. Throughout his career, Thomas has collaborated with artists including Mick Jagger, Willie Nelson and Carlos Santana. In 2004, he was the first honoree of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s prestigious Hal David Starlight Award, created to recognize a composer in the early years of his or her career who has already made a lasting impact. In 2017, Thomas and Matchbox Twenty toured to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first album, the diamond award-winning “Yourself or Someone Like You.” Thomas recently completed his fourth solo album which is slated for release in the spring of 2019. For more information on the Sidewalk Angels Foundation, visit www.sidewalkangelsfoundation.com. Tickets are available at the casino or www. chumashcasino.com.

The Doctor Can See You NOW NEW Urgent Care Hours – NOW serving patients from 8:00 am-7:00 pm every day of the week.

We are staffed by a full medical team, with board-certified physicians during all hours of operation. Services are available without an appointment and during extended evening and weekend hours for conditions that need prompt attention, but are not life threatening.

aThe flu & other acute illnesses aCuts requiring stitches aSprains & strains aAsthma attacks aOther urgent concerns Same Day Appointments Call your PCP’s office to see if there is a same-day appointment before you visit the Urgent Care department. Download the Sansum Clinic Urgent Care “Wait Time” App on Apple iTunes. On the App Store, search Sansum Urgent Care. Pesetas Urgent Care in Santa Barbara • 215 Pesetas Lane • (805) 563-6110

RESTAURANT WEEKS 3 COURSES $20.19

January 1-14, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

where world-class comedians mix with animal experts and monkey around, and everyone ends up happy as clams.Â All ages welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m.; trouble begins at 7:30 p.m. Buy tickets online at www.sbzoo.org.

To submit an event for publication, email the information to news@santaynezvalley star.com. To see more information online, go to www.santaynezvalleystar.com.

January 13

January 1 NEW YEAR'S DAY

January 2

Trivia Night - 6 - 9 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing. Log onto www.figmtnbrew.com for more.

January 3

drummers, and a meal. Free. Sam Kulchin - 2 - 5 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Los Olivos. Log onto www.figmtnbrew.com for more.

January 7

Youth Swim Lessons and Seal Swim Team begin Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. Visit www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred.

January 9

Coffee with a Cop - 8:30 -10:30 a.m. at Coffee House by Chomp in Solvang - Have a conversation with the new Chumash Community Resource Deputy Michael Guynn and long-time Solvang Community Resource Deputy Charlie Uhrig Eyes in the Sky - Live Birds of Prey - 2 - 4 p.m. at the SB Museum of Natural History. Santa Barbara Audubo's key wildlife education program features seven birds of prey that were rescued and rehabilitated but, due to permanent disabilities, can no longer survive in the wild. For more information, visit www. eyesinthesky.org.

January 11

WFC 98 Live Boxing - 6 p.m. at the Chumash Casino Resort - Get your adrenaline pumping as you witness each blow-by-blow in the high-energy sport. Tickets range from $35 - $95; log onto www.chumashcasino.com for more info.

January 12

Mug Club Field Trip: Kings NHL Game - All day TheÂ fifth NHL field trip to cheer on the Los Angeles Kings as they take on the Pittsburg Penguins at the Staples Center. Log onto www.figmtnbrew.com for details. Oddly Straight - 3 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Los Olivos. Log onto www.figmtnbrew.com for details. Christmas Tree Burn - Christmas Tree Burn - 5 - 7 p.m. at Mission Santa Ines - All area residents are invited to bring their tree (with stands and ornaments removed) to the big burn pile until 5 p.m. Jan. 4. For more details, call Solvang Parks & Rec at 805-688-PLAY or visit www. solvangusa.com/events/annual-christmas-tree-burn/.

January 5

Concert Quintet - 7 - 9 p.m. at St. Mark's in-the-Valley Episcopal Church - The Los Angeles Reed Quintet will play, followed by a reception to meet the artists and enjoy refreshments. For tickets and more info 805-6887423 or the St. Mark's office at 805-688-4454 or visit www.smitv.org or www.smitv.org/syv-concert-series. html

Youth basketball begins- Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; www.ciymca. org/stuartgildred. YMCA Open House - 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. Join during the event and the entire month is complimentary; www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred. Chef's Touch BBQ - 12 - 4 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Los Olivos with Kenny Taylor live music from 3 - 6 p.m. Log onto www.figmtnbrew.com for more.

January 6

The Boar's Head Festival -4 p.m., St. Mark's-inthe-Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos. Celebrate The Feast of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) with a pageant, bagpipers and

IMPROVology at the SB Zoo - 7 - 9 p.m. IMPROVology is a live, family-friendly mashup of science and comedy. It's "Whose Line is it Anyway?" meets a"TED Talk,"

Knit and Crochet - 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Matt Sayles - 3 - 6 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Los Olivos. Log onto www.figmtnbrew.com for details.

Healing Hearts Grief Support Group- 2-4 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road. Free. To R.S.V.P. call 805-693-0244.

January 15

Solvang Farmers Market - 2:30-6:30 p.m., First Street between Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

Joint Pain Seminar - 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Santa Ynez Valley Marriott - Dr. Christopher Birch, an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Cottage Center for Orthopedics, will be on hand to answer questions. Learn how to keep your joints healthy. Get informed on everything from pain relief to hip or knee joint replacement. Register by calling 1-855-NO-PAIN or visit www.cottagehealth.org/ orthomtd.

Crafternoons - 3:45-5:45 p.m. Arts Outreach, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. Suite 9, Los Olivos. $10/child; 805-688-9533.

Continuing Events

Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; poker, 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-1086.

U-Pick Berries - 9 a.m. daily for the season. Summerset Farm and Dale's Nursery, on the corner of Edison and Baseline off Hwy-154; 805-245-0989.

Every Monday

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley - 12-2 p.m., Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center offers a support group for brain injury survivors and caregivers; www.jodihouse.org.

Senior T'ai Chi, 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Creative Coloring, 1 p.m. every other Monday; Senior Issues, 1 p.m. every other Monday; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805- 688-1086.

Pilates - 10 a.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-1086.

Divorce Care Recovery Seminar and Support Group 6:30-8:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy Library, 891 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; Louise Kolbert at 805-688-5171.

January 4

Yoga, 9:15 a.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.: Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-1086.

Every Tuesday

Knitting, 9 a.m.; computer class, 9:30 a.m.; bridge and poker, 1 p.m.; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-1086. 2-Step Lessons -6:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. - Industry Night and Karaoke Party. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.themavsaloon.com.

Every Wednesday

SYV We Support the Troops - 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Volunteer to pack care packages on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. 805-245-4951.

Every Thursday Chair Exercises - 10 a.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Every Friday Bingo - 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Every Saturday Cachuma Lake Nature Walk - 10-11:30 a.m.; 805-6884515 or www.sbparks.org. Junior Rangers Program - 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154. Children 3 and up; under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult. $3/ person. Nature Center admission is free. Visit www. clnaturecenter.org.

Coming up

Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com, www.buelltonrec.com or www.visitsyv.com to see a full schedule of programs and events that range from adult and youth sports to teen dances, field trips, excursions and more.

24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 1-14, 2019

$2,995,000 | 3169 Montecielo Dr, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3½BA Brett Ellingsberg | 805.729.4334 Lic # 01029715

$1,980,000 | 4001 Long Valley Rd, Santa Ynez | 3BD/2BA+GH

Claire Hanssen / Brett Ellingsberg | 805.680.0929 Lic # 00887277 / 01029715

$1,389,000 | 4102 Casey Ave, Santa Ynez | 3BD/2BA; 5±acs

Carole Colone | 805.708.2580 Lic # 01223216

Lic # 00887277 / 01223216

Lic # 01209580

$1,075,000 | 648 Ivy Ln, Solvang | 4BD/3BA Deanna Harwood | 805.325.1452 Lic # 00999839

$1,062,000 | 1224 Sawleaf Ln, Solvang | 3BD/3½BA Deanna Harwood | 805.325.1452 Lic # 00999839

$969,000 | 3050 Samantha Dr, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3BA Suzy Ealand / Ken Sideris | 805.698.9902 / 455.3159 Lic # 01766178 / 00603730

$949,000 | 2905 Bramadero Rd, Los Olivos | 9± acs Nina Stormo | 805.729.4754 Lic # 01341678

$765,000 | 3578/3580 Pine St, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3BA Sharon Currie | 805.448.2727 Lic # 01357602

$759,000 | 670 Shaw St, Los Alamos | 3BD/3BA+ Studio Suzy Ealand / Ken Sideris | 805.698.9902 / 455.3159 Lic # 01766178 / 00603730

$679,000 | 1358 Cheyenne Ln, Santa Ynez | 3BD/2BA Carole Colone | 805.708.2580 Lic # 01223216

$549,000 | 3876 Celestial Wy, Lompoc | 4BD/3½BA David & Marlene Macbeth | 805.689.2738 Lic # 01132872 / 00689627

$529,000 | 541 Fairchild Ln, Los Alamos | 3BD/2BA Laura Drammer | 805.448.7500 Lic # 01209580

$529,000 | 1021 Ladan Dr, Solvang | 7±acs Claire Hanssen | 805.680.0929 Lic # 00887277

$450,000 | 305 Gonzales Dr, Los Alamos | 2BD/2BA Nina Stormo | 805.729.4754 Lic # 01341678

MONTECITO | SANTA BARBARA | LOS OLIVOS

Do you know your home’s value? visit bhhscalifornia.com

©2018 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Info. is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Sellers will entertain and respond to all offers within this range. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.