Santa Ynez Valley Star February B 2020 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

February 18 - March 3, 2020

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

Local basketball coach inspired by Kobe Bryant’s work ethic Andrew Warwick brings the Mamba mentality to how he coaches

One of Andrew Warwick’s prized possessions is an autographed photo of Kobe Bryant from when he was in Bryant’s basketball summer camp at UCSB.

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

he first Los Angeles Lakers game Andrew Warwick witnessed was one of the most historic. Most basketball fans, and just about all of Kobe Bryant’s fans, know of the game that took place on Jan. 22, 2006, when Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. That game is considered one of the greatest performances in the NBA history, alongside Wilt Chamberlain’s league-record 100-point game back in 1962. “I fell in love with Kobe, as I think so many people did. They saw his work ethic and mentality to strive for greatness, which inspired so many people,” Warwick said. Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people who died Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash, which was reported just before 10 a.m. in the area of Las Virgenes Road and Willow Glen Street in Calabasas, less than a mile south of Highway 101. Warwick is now the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School’s junior varsity boys basketball coach, having just graduated in 2015. He came back after one year and coached the frosh/sophomore team and has coached JV the past three years. “I am a full-time student at UCSB finishing my Master’s in history with a teaching credential. I work full time at the Chumash Casino as a valet and I coach,” Warwick said. “I want to help inspire kids as I was inspired by Kobe and my coaches.” While growing up, Warwick said joining the basketball team at the high school

Photos by Daniel Dreifuss SYHS JV Boys Basketball coach Andrew Warwick, standing third from right, has taken Kobe Bryant’s advice and the Mamba mentality and applied it to how he coaches his players.

helped shape who he was a person. It wasn’t just the coaching on the court, but life lessons off the court that enabled him to make good choices. “I begged and pleaded with my mom to send me to Kobe’s basketball camp at UCSB for a summer and it was the best time of my life. I got to meet him twice and one of the greatest moments of my life was standing next to him for the group picture. Since I was the shortest kid, I got to be right next to him,” Warwick said, laughing. For eight years, Bryant held his Kobe Academy basketball camp during the summer at UCSB where young players from around the world came to learn.

Warwick has taken Bryant’s advice and the Mamba mentality and applied it to how he coaches his players. He expects them to be great as he is leading by example and telling them that they must give 100 percent to whatever they do in life. Even if they don’t continue basketball, whatever road or path they take should have 100 percent effort and drive. Warwick recalled the morning MUSEUM CONTINUED TO PAGE 28

2 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

PG&E adds cameras, weather stations to its wildfire network Staff Report

s part of its Community Wildfire Safety Program, Pacific Gas and Electric Company has installed more than 600 weather stations and 130 high-definition cameras across its service area, company officials said. The stations’ observations are available to state and local agencies as well as the public, through online sources such as PG&E’s website, the National Weather Service and MesoWest. PG&E will continue to expand these networks in high fire-threat areas to enhance weather forecasting and modeling and improve the company’s ability to predict and respond to extreme wildfire danger, they added. “The station observations allow our meteorologists to analyze critical fire weather elements like extreme wind, temperature and low humidity,” said Ashley Helmetag, a PG&E senior meteorologist. “The stations and cameras are a part of our real-time situation-

al awareness tools that assist us as we make decisions on Public Safety Power Shutoffs to protect our communities.” This data is also critical information for PG&E’s analysts in the Wildfire Safety Operations Center, the “hub” from where the company monitors threats across its service territory and coordinates with first responders and public safety officials to respond to emerging threats, officials said. The HD cameras are part of the ALERTWildfire Camera Network, a tool built by UC San Diego, the University of Nevada and the University of Oregon. The high-definition, pan-tilt-zoom cameras have near-infrared capabilities that allow firefighters, first responders and companies such as PG&E to confirm and monitor wildfires. All of this information and more can be found at PG&E’s new weather webpage at www.pge.com/weather. For information about fire conditions in California, go to CAL FIRE’s website, www. fire.ca.gov.

Photo contributed Local publicist, travel author, volunteer and community advocate Laura Kath died Feb. 5 after a long battle with cancer.

Laura Kath remembered for her skill and spirit

Local publicist and volunteer dies after long fight against cancer By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

NEWS STAFF

REPORTERS

Raiza Giorgi

Pamela Dozois

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com

Publisher & Editor

Dave Bemis Copy Editor

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

Reporter

PRODUCTION STAFF Ebers Garcia

805-350-8786

Design & Pagination

design@santaynezvalleystar.com

Amberly Lahr ADVERTISING STAFF Jen Trupiano Director of Advertising

ads@santaynezvalleystar.com

Production

production@santaynezvalleystar.com The SY Valley Star is proud to be a member of:

©2018 Santa Ynez Valley Star LLC No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or distributed without the authorization of the publisher. Digital copies available at: issuu.com/santaynezvalleystar

ith her bright red hair and beaming smile, Laura Kath has been a public figure in the Santa Ynez Valley for the past three decades. Along with her many talents for public relations and promotions, she volunteered her energy and voice to thousands of spectators as emcee at many parades and other public events — she spent more than a dozen years as the emcee for Danish Days, Julefest, Los Alamos Old Days, and many more. She died on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the age of 59 after a long battle with cancer. “I have been going through photos the past few days and remembering all the things we accomplished together. She did so much for Solvang and the valley, and was widely loved and respected. Above all else she was my friend, and I am going to miss her,” said Tracy Farhad, former executive director of the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau. Kath worked as the public relations director for the Solvang CVB for 12 years. Farhad said Kath was the reason Solvang ended up on so many Top 10 lists, and she helped put Solvang on the map. “She went to all the trade shows and was instrumental in our efforts to get more tourism opportunities, hosting media and corporate groups coming here,” Farhad said. Kath started her career in local tourism as the first director of sales for the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce in 1985, then VP of sales and marketing for Vintage Hotels in Santa Barbara. Her background also included hospi-

tality management positions in Palm Springs, Kansas City and Louisville. Originally from Michigan, Kath graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 1982 with a business administration degree in hotel-restaurant management and tourism marketing. She started Mariah Marketing in 1989, when Farhad worked for the Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau (now known as Visit Santa Barbara). “Laura Kath has been a positive presence in Santa Barbara’s tourism industry for decades, and she will be deeply missed. Laura was beloved for her enthusiasm, respected for her expertise and greatly appreciated for her talents and generosity of spirit. I’m grateful I had the chance to know her and collaborate with her over the years on countless projects and community initiatives. She truly was a hospitality hero for Santa Barbara County,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president and CEO of Visit Santa Barbara. Kath was the public relations representative for several other local businesses and groups, including Circle V Ranch Camp, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Santa Ynez Inn, Sports Fantasy Tours and Events, Los Olivos Cafe and Wine Merchant, and more. “Laura has consistently produced high-quality publicity on every major and many minor events at St. Mark’s, dramatically affecting the success of everything from Cellar and Summer Classics, to concerts, Animal Blessings, Christmas and Easter services, and on, and on. Working with more than 50 media outlets who rely on information from Laura, always clear and accurate, she has told St. Mark’s story across Santa Barbara County and the region. St. LAURA KATH CONTINUED TO PAGE 28

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3

Coronavirus: What you need to know By Dr. Dan Brennan Your Hometown Doc

oronavirus. You might have heard about it recently. It is making global headlines and many people are asking why. I’d like to offer you some back history on coronavirus and what we currently know about the new little strain that is making big news. What is Coronavirus? To start, this family of viruses is not new and it has absolutely nothing to do with a popular cerveza that goes well with a lime. Coronavirus is one of many viruses known to cause the “common cold.” Other common cold viruses include rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, adenovirus and metapneumovirus. Coronavirus can infect humans and animals. In humans, coronavirus can sometimes lead to infection of the lungs, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. The CDC reports that lung infections are more common in people with chronic heart and lung diseases (such as asthma), people with weakened immune systems, infants and older adults. What are symptoms of the common cold? Most people who catch a cold will experience mild symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat and sometimes fever, headache and body aches. Most people recover within about 7 to 10 days. However, some at higher risk (asthma, weakened immune systems, younger/ elderly) may experience a more complicated course that includes infection of the lungs, sinuses and ears. Cold viruses generally hit hardest in the winter and spring seasons, but (as every parent of a preschooler knows) some viruses are around all year long. How are cold viruses spread?

Cold viruses can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, sending thousands of infectious viral particles through the air and eventually settling in a healthy person’s nose or mouth. Viruses can also be spread by contact with someone’s respiratory secretions (aka snot) from a doorknob, shaking hands with a person with a cold, handling used tissues and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose. What precautions can you take to minimize your risk or catching or spreading a cold virus? Wash your hands often with soap and water and wash them for a full 20 seconds! A quick rinse may get a virus wet, but it may not actually wash the virus off your hands. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available (but this should not be your first choice). Sanitizer is readily available and easy to carry with you in your pocket, purse or backpack during cold and flu season. Avoid putting your hands in your mouth, rubbing your eyes and picking your nose (eww!). These mucus membranes are the most susceptible areas for allowing viruses to enter your body. One reason why young children pick up so many colds is directly related to just how often they put their fingers in their mouth, nose and eyes. Stay away from people who are sick. This sounds like a no-brainer, but just because you are feeling a little better doesn’t mean that you can’t still pass a cold virus along to a classmate or co-worker. Going back to work or sending your child to school while they still have a lot of coughing, sneezing and nasal secretions will continue to spread virus. Cover your coughs and sneezes. When a person has cold symptoms and coughs or sneezes, they forcefully fill the air with thousands of viral particles. By covering

your cough and sneeze, you can minimize how many airborne viruses are dispersed into your surroundings. Don’t forget to wash after covering up or blowing your nose, too – otherwise you’ll likely track virus on your doorknobs, remote controls, keyboards and touch screen devices. Be mindful of disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Keep sanitizing wipes handy to wipe down commonly touched surfaces. Many travelers will take sanitizing wipes with them to wipe down hotel items such as remote controls. So what’s the deal with the new Coronavirus? On its website, the CDC reports that it is carefully monitoring an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that was first detected in Wuhan, China, several weeks ago. Initial reporting linked spread of this virus from infected animals to humans, and in recent weeks there has been evidence of human-to-0human transmission. Symptoms range from mild cold symptoms to lung infections to even death (in a small percentage of cases). At this time, the CDC is unsure of just how contagious this new coronavirus may be, but there are now reports of confirmed cases on multiple continents, and health agencies are doing what they can to contain the spread of this disease. Are there cases in the United States? Unfortunately, the answer to this is yes. The first reported case in the U.S. was announced on Jan. 21. As of the time of that this column was being written, there were five confirmed cases being followed in the U.S., with two of those in Southern California. So far, each of the U.S. cases involved people who are believed to have been exposed in Wuhan, China. There have been no

reported cases of human-to human spread in the U.S., but experts are preparing for the possibility of more cases being identified over time. The CDC acknowledges that this is an emerging and evolving situation, but the good news is that they are working closely with public health agencies and health care responders. What can/should you do now? First, do not panic. Although this is new (and is constantly in the news), it is extremely unlikely that you will come into contact with this strain of coronavirus if you have not traveled. You are likely, however, to come into contact with many other viruses that are currently circulating in our community (including Influenza A and B). My best advice is to focus on preventing what we currently know is around us. We know that there is influenza in the community and we know that the flu vaccine can help prevent the flu, so go get your flu vaccine (it’s not too late). Stay up to date on your other routine vaccines as well. Eat well. Exercise. Get good rest. Try to reduce stress and do what you can to boost your immune system. Practice good universal health hygiene. Review the common sense steps discussed above to minimize the spread of cold viruses, including hand washing, covering your cough and sneeze, sanitizing and staying home when you are sick. Back to the limes. Limes contain vitamin C, and a buddy of mine likes to remind me that vitamin C has medicinal powers, like preventing scurvy. So, next time, don’t forget the lime. Dr. Dan Brennan is a board certified Pediatrician at Sansum Clinic who wishes you a happy and healthy 2020. Please contact Dr. Dan at 805-563-6211 or visit www.sbpediatrics.com.

4 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

Event planning firm hired for Solvang tourism, marketing services

By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

n out-of-town event planning company will spearhead Solvang’s marketing and tourism services through June 30 for $300,000, and city officials have confirmed that the annual mid-March Taste of Solvang will not occur. The City Council voted unanimously Jan. 2 7 to hire for-profit IDK Events, which is based in San Francisco and planned Solvang’s 2019 Julefest celebration. “We think we’re going to help and bring exciting local events to Solvang, create some really strong processes around those events that I think will be good for everybody — businesses, residents and tourists obviously,” said Scott Shuemake, from IDK Events. Solvang has scrambled to fulfill marketing and tourism activities long handled by the Solvang Conference and Visitor’s Bureau since deciding against funding the independent nonprofit organization. Although the city stopped funding SCVB months ago, the council has lacked an apparent replacement plan, causing the cancellation of Taste of Solvang, which would have marked its 28th edition in 2020. Shuemake said his firm didn’t have enough time for Taste of Solvang, previously planned by the SCVB, to occur this year. “I think at this stage it will be really tough

to pull something off at that scale,” Shuemake said, adding that he spoke with local hotel operators to ensure already reserved rooms aren’t lost or “there’s no pain felt from that. “But we want to bring something a little bit bigger and different to market in April under maybe the moniker Taste of Solvang,” he said. Late last year, IDK Events was selected from a field of bidders to organize Julefest, with the contract including an option to continue to provide “event services” for a monthly retainer of $15,000. The city did not solicit proposals for firms to provide tourism and marketing services for Solvang and instead moved toward offering IDK a new contract. The council recently directed staff to develop requests for proposals for marketing and tourism services before June 30 and to solicit bids for the future. IDK also included the option for the city to renew its latest contract for $600,000 for the 2020-21 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Shuemake has said his firm believes marketing is best accomplished through experiences, adding IDK is not a destination-marketing organization, but said the Visit Santa Ynez Valley does those tasks. “What we want to do is create experiences and market those experiences,” Shuemake said. The new contract calls for IDK to create a 13-member community-based steering

committee to define “experiential marketing goals” for all facets of the community. However, the non-binding steering committee will be tasked with reviewing applications for all events proposed for the city, including some longstanding ones spearheaded by other nonprofit groups. Shuemake said IDK will work with city staff to introduce new standards regarding recycling, cleanliness, fire and health standards and crowd management, while reviewing the permit fee structure. Some $50,000 will be doled out to nonprofit groups planning local events such as the Fourth of July celebration and Danish Days “to make sure there’s no uncertainty around their continuing,” Shuemake said. In the future, they plan to establish requirements ensuring events bring bed tax or sales tax increases, promote Danish culture or otherwise benefit locals, he added. The firm, which has handled planning for events such as the San Francisco Pride Parade, the Union Street Fair, and Formula-E events, will redesign the SolvangUSA.com website, with unveiling expected in the first 90 days. The agreement also calls for IDK to provide digital marketing activities to support tourism. “We are super excited about some of the content that we already have in the pipeline, and are quite sure that six months from now,

we’ll be able to show that we can ensure we’re bringing the quote ‘right tourist to Solvang,’ and making sure everybody is benefiting from those tourists,” Shuemake said. Shuemake said IDK would provide operations and logistic support, noting the firm has a warehouse with equipment for assorted events. “I think this provides a pretty strong baseline to get us through the end of this fiscal year, and will give us some momentum into the next fiscal year, and gives folks a good feeling that we’re not going to the next year the way we went into 2020,” Shuemake said. Mayor Ryan Toussaint said IDK would serve as a resource for those planning other events in the city. “Whether it’s Danish Days happening or whatever, they could all work with IDK. We can work through the steering committee to vet it through the community and come up with the best possible situations, best possible events,” Toussaint said. “I think all that’s great.” Visit SYV spends $1 million marketing the broader valley, Toussaint said. “We’re the heart of the valley. Let’s give Visit SYV some experiences that they can market here,” the mayor added. — Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk. com.

DO YOU EVER FEEL SHOULDER PAIN? OUR EXPERTS CAN HELP.

JOIN US AT OUR FREE SEMINAR ON SHOULDER PAIN Matthew Pifer, MD, an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Cottage Center for Orthopedics will be on hand to answer your questions. Learn how to keep your shoulders healthy. Get informed on everything from pain relief to fixing shoulders non-operatively, and addressing osteoarthritis with total shoulder arthroplasty.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 5:30 PM Hotel Corque 400 Alisal Rd. Solvang, CA 93463 Refreshments served

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5

Hartmann best for Los Alamos, district

lease join me in voting for Joan Hartmann in the upcoming election for the 3rd District Supervisor. I have known Joan for several years and have found her to be a caring, compassionate, intelligent woman, willing to listen to all sides of an issue. Joan has reached out to residents here in Los Alamos to hear our concerns and offer creative solutions. Her involvement in our community, through monthly public meetings and attendance and support of our community events shows that she is a woman of service and integrity, who truly wants the best for Los Alamos and all the communities she serves. She has established a clear track record

of supporting local business and creating an environment to encourage business development. Joan has represented the 3rd District with distinction, often taking on projects and completing tasks behind the scenes without any fanfare or notoriety.I know she will continue to serve the with the same passion and dedication that has been a hallmark of her professional life. It’s vital that we vote our values, so I’ll be voting to re-elect Joan Hartmann. She’s been an effective advocate for us all. Carole Bloom, Los Alamos

Re-elect ‘Wonder Woman’ Hartmann for 3rd

think 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann is one of our local Wonder Women. The vast district includes the urban centers of Goleta, Isla Vista and Guadalupe, the Gaviota Coast, our bountiful agricultural lands, Vandenberg Air Force Base and the Santa Ynez Valley. It is the largest and most challenging district due to its sheer size, great diversity of constituencies and enterprises. Joan Hartmann’s performance in office represents everything a public servant should be. She is knowledgeable, responsive and committed to meeting not only her constituents’ needs, but also the needs of residents and local businesses countywide. Given her core belief that we succeed when we work together, it’s no surprise

that she gets along well with all her supervisor colleagues as well as the rank and file county employees. Joan demonstrates her commitment to responsiveness and openness by being available -- in addition to holding office hours in three offices, she holds monthly pop-up office hours throughout her district. Having served as 3rd District Supervisor for eight years, I know that it is hard work. Joan’s success in meeting our challenges head-on is due to her high level of energy, intelligence and integrity. I am proud to support her and strongly urge you to reelect Joan Hartmann for Supervisor this March 3rd. Gail Marshall, Carpinteria

‘Country rube’ pans Porter mailer

andidate Bruce Porter must think 3rd District residents are a bunch of “country rubes.” Why else would he send out a slick malicious “big city” mailer portraying Supervisor Joan Hartmann as misleading voters with false promises while she crosses her fingers behind her back? Considering Porter’s lack of credibility recently exposed in the press, perhaps it is not surprising that he would attack Hartmann’s credibility. Despite denials, Porter was clearly involved in a scheme to disenfranchise 3rd District voters through the misnamed “Rock the Vote SB” that was designed to reduce local voter turnout. Porter obviously has plenty of special interest money to burn by commissioning his disinformation campaign, but his message is blatantly at odds with reality. We all know that Joan Hartmann is one of the most hard-work-

ing, civil, competent and candid supervisors to serve Santa Barbara County. Porter attempts to add insult to injury and distortion by including an unflattering doctored portrait of Hartmann in his mailer. It is true that Porter is running against three female candidates, but does he expect to win by cornering the votes of misogynistic males? Would he attack a male opponent the same way? This is hardly the type of leadership Santa Barbara County needs. I may be a “country rube” but Porter’s smear campaign insults both my intelligence and my values. Knowledgeable 3rd District residents will vote for Joan Hartmann, who is honestly mindful of the concerns of county residents. Lansing Duncan Solvang

Hartmann’s policies hurt education

or the last 10 years I have been actively involved in reviewing and granting scholarships for high school students in the Santa Ynez Valley. A good education is one of the most vital elements of a thriving community. We have been fortunate, until recently, that there has been community and county support for superior education. In just three short years, Joan Hartmann’s votes and policies have cut millions of dollars of revenue that should have gone to schools in the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding areas. That number will grow every year until Hartmann is voted out of office and replaced by Bruce Porter. Supervisor Hartmann concocted a plan that effectively diverts money away from local schools and into the county general fund. In 2017 Hartmann chose to negotiate the terms of the Camp 4 agreement in secret, and the results have devastated local schools. The agreement included $178,000 to be paid to Santa Barbara County for 10 years, in lieu of paying property taxes. Normally, about half of the property tax goes to local schools (where the Camp 4 children will attend), so $89,000 should have been designated for Santa Ynez Elementary School and Santa Ynez Valley High School every single year. But instead, the agreement called for every penny to be sent to the county general fund and none (or nearly none) of it will reach local schools. But it gets worse. New construction planned for Camp 4 would normally add additional dollars to local schools through developer’s fees, as 143 new homes will undoubtedly generate more students. At current rates, 143 new homes would have added about $1.2 million to local schools. The new homes would ordinarily also generate higher property tax rates as new homes were built on raw land, but there is no provision in the Hartmann agreement to take that into account. At approximately $1 million per home for 143 homes, that’s another $143 million every single year in lost revenues, not even accounting for allowable increased under Prop. 13. But Hartmann chose not to include any of this in

her agreement and none of the money will be used in the classroom. Elsewhere, Hartmann’s policies on the Santa Ynez Unit in Las Flores Canyon have already resulted in losses of over $2 million to Santa Ynez High School and increased class size in Buellton schools. A study done by UCSB calculates losses to Santa Ynez High School of about $494,000 every single year -- which is the equivalent of six teachers. The UCSB study calculated losses to Goleta schools at $2.2 million per year and County Fire at $1.2 million per year. The same policies have nearly bankrupted Vista Del Mar School District on the Gaviota Coast, in existence for 93 years. Some Gaviota students are already being bused to school in Buellton. Interestingly, Supervisor Hartmann never bothered to pick up the phone to talk to elected school board members or school district superintendents to discuss the impact of her actions or ways to mitigate them. I guess it wasn’t a good photo op. I am supporting Bruce Porter for 3rd District County Supervisor because he fully understands the issues, supports improved local schools, can dialogue with educational leaders and has the financial acumen to solve these financial issues. Bruce was a member and president of the Santa Ynez High School District and understands the impact of county funding on the futures of our children, the leaders of tomorrow. As an engineer, he has deep experience with roads, highways, parks and utilities. He has built a business and created jobs for local residents. He has served and supported numerous nonprofits to serve our community’s most needy families. He is not beholden to any political party or special interest group. Bruce Porter is the best choice for 3rd District Supervisor. Richard Nagler Solvang

Bella Mia Calligraphy Charlene R. Rodriguez

Envelope Addressing * Place Cards* Gift Tags* Event Signage Email: Bellamiacalligraphy@gmail.com Ph: 805-889-8520 * Instagram: @bellamiacalligraphy

6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

Porter claims against Hartmann misleading

orter claims against Hartmann misleading I recently received a mailer exhorting me to “vote against Joan Hartmann.” I wasn’t advised who I was supposed to vote for. However, in tiny letters I found the source: “Paid for by Porter for Supervisor.” Perhaps Bruce Porter was reluctant to ask people to vote for him because of his misleading statements. Porter’s mailer claims that Joan broke a promise about the Vista Del Mar School, causing its financial difficulties. He footnotes his claim, but his source cites as causes a combination of the Refugio Oil Spill and state changes in education funding, issues over which Joan has no control. Then, without any authority, he contends that the negotiations over Camp 4 diverted tax money from education to the general fund. Sorry, wrong there too. Next, Porter contends that Joan broke some promise about cannabis. Again, Porter’s

citation doesn’t support his statement, and instead states that the county benefitted by an extra $1.2 million in revenue from cannabis operations. He wrongly contends that Joan allowed cannabis into the county without restrictions; Joan has in fact fought diligently to regulate the industry. Third, Porter asserts that Joan broke a promise about infrastructure, resulting in unsafe parks, bridges and roads. Yet again, Porter cites a document that doesn’t support his contention, the County Road Maintenance Plan. In fact, Joan has consistently voted to fund deferred maintenance of county infrastructure. If you value honesty and integrity in government over lies and innuendo, please join me in voting to re-elect Joan Hartmann.

upervisor Joan Hartmann has earned the continued support of the people of Vandenberg Village. The Vandenberg Village Park & Playground effort has made significant strides since she came into office; she was able to take an idea from her constituents, get the right people together, and bring this project to fruition. Eight years ago, the Vandenberg Village Association, which has long advocated for a tot lot, created the V. V. Park & Playground Coalition (VVP&PC) to advance the project. When Supervisor Hartmann was elected, things really took off: the VVP&PC discussed the idea at one of her first community office hours. Joan put the group in touch with the county Community Services Department, and over the course of two years, hosted several more meetings. The result was that the tot-lot design grew to be a large 1.5 acre park/playground that

France Komoroske Santa Ynez

If Karen Jones wins, we all win

support Karen Jones for Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor. She is ready to take on the significant issues that impact our community and the broad issues facing the county. Everyone should have received their Voter Guide and ballot by mail. Santa Barbara County charges candidates $2,166 to publish a Statement of Qualifications in the Voter Guide. This is on top of the candidate filing fee in excess of $1,300.00. This is a local election; it’s a shame that it is so expensive to enter the race. Karen opts to use social media, her website, interviews, neighborhood and campus walks to get her message out. She will engage and answer any questions you may have. Karen Jones is fearless, result oriented, and “always open to hearing other people’s ideas and never afraid to expose the fallacies in arguments.” Karen Jones is not a board sitter. She challenges the status quo. Being the only woman ever elected to serve on the Santa Ynez Valley

Thank You, Supervisor Hartmann

Community Services District Board, she has made great strides in getting projects moving forward. It is particularly fascinating that she was selected by colleagues to serve as president of the board for a second consecutive term. Karen Jones was elected and serves on the Santa Ynez Valley Airport Authority, representing the users/non-users of the airport. The SYV Airport Authority is responsible for safety, securing FAA grants, county leases and hangar construction, to name a few. Karen Jones will never turn a blind eye to waste, fraud or abuse of public resources. Karen Jones stands for trust, moral obligation, truth and common sense. To learn more go to: www.VoteKarenJones.com Please Vote for Karen Jones for Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor, on March 3. If she wins, we all win. Michelle de Werd Los Olivos

accommodated all ages. The masterplan has been fine-tuned and is ready for action. The recently passed Proposition 68 makes available grants for new parks and open spaces. The VVP&PC, with significant guidance from Joan’s office, submitted a grant. As the project is now essentially ‘shovel ready,’ there is great optimism that the Village Tot Lot will receive funding. Hartmann gets things done because she works for her constituents every day. Her background in law and in public advocacy makes her a seasoned and talented decision-maker. She spends the necessary time to research the issues and she always shows great civility. Please join me in re-electing Joan Hartmann 3rd District Supervisor. Marell Brooks Vandenberg Village

Hartmann serves our senior citizens

s a daughter who took care of aging parents until their passing, I saw firsthand how dedicated Joan Hartmann is to our senior citizens. Joan worked closely with the staff of the Solvang Senior Center to secure a long-term lease so the center could stay in its present location. She is currently doing the same for the Buellton Senior Center, which is located on a County Fire Department site. Talk of moving the center to a different location proved very unpopular with seniors and Buellton residents, who want the center to stay in its present convenient, central location. Joan helped negotiate a long-term lease for the current center. She even arranged for the fire department to provide electricity during a power outage, so it can serve as a warming center and food distribution site in an emergency. In addition, Joan currently chairs the Adult

and Aging Network that is developing a Master Plan for Seniors in response to Gov. Newsom’s initiative. This will determine future policies and procedures for Santa Barbara County seniors for year to come. In addition to supporting seniors, Joan also chairs the K.I.D.s Policy Network and is the alternate for the County’s First Five Children and Families Commission. She also has promoted policies to ensure the libraries in the county can continue to offer hours, services and programs to all citizens. I strongly urge you to support Joan Hartmann on March 3. She truly is dedicated to providing critical services to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Judith Dale Buellton

Letters to the editor should be no more than 300 words in length. Send letters to: Raiza Giorgi, PO Box 1594, Solvang, CA 93464 or email to: news@santaynezvalleystar.com Please include your name and address and phone number.

Residential • Commerical • Industrial

Supervisor Joan Hartmann puts public safety first. He

Lic. #738011

a ti

ng • A l•I a t e /C • Sheet M

805-688-0321 • www.jrbarto.com Celebrating 30 years in business

Endorsed by Firefighters and Deputy Sheriff’s Associations RE-ELECT SUPERVISOR

Return your Vote-by-Mail Ballot or vote Election Day March 3 Paid for by Joan Hartmann for Supervisor 2020, ID # 1381196

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7

For those who seek an exceptional life JSVINEYARD.COM

FOXENCREEKRANCH.COM

1430COUNTFLEET.COM

1000+/- Acres Santa Rita Hills Quail H Ranch

Foxen Creek Ranch

Travelers’ Farm, Santa Ynez

LOMPOC | $26,500,000

LOS ALAMOS | 4BD/3BA/1HBA | $9,900,000

SANTA YNEZ | 4BD/5BA/1HBA | $8,900,000

Mike Testa 805.680.4532

1162ALISOSROAD.COM

SANTA YNEZ | 4BD/4BA/2HBA | $16,500,000

Brady Group 805.331.3053

Patty Murphy 805.680.8571

Brady Group 805.331.3053

5999FOXENCANYONROAD.COM

7300HAPPYCYN.COM

1920WESTERLYRD.COM

3235CALLEBONITA.COM

Foxen Canyon Classic

Iconic Santa Ynez Ranch

Happy Canyon Ranch

Big Sky Country

SANTA YNEZ | 2BD/2BA/1HBA | $7,999,000

SANTA YNEZ | 3BD/4BA/2HBA | $6,995,000

SANTA YNEZ | 5BD/9BA/1HBA | $5,995,000

SANTA YNEZ | 5BD/3BA/1HBA | $2,850,000

Patty Murphy 805.680.8571

NEW LISTING | 1470MEADOWVALEROAD.COM

NEW LISTING | 241VALHALLADRIVE.COM

2058ADOBECANYONROAD.COM

BRINKERHOFFAVENUELAND.COM

Big Sky Views

Gracious Village Collection Home Build In Ballard

000 Brinkerhoff Avenue

SANTA YNEZ | 3BD/3BA/0HBA | $1,495,000

SOLVANG | 3BD/3BA | $1,399,000

SOLVANG | 3BD/2BA | $995,000

SANTA YNEZ | $800,000

Brady Group 805.331.3053

Barbara Bierig 805.688.1101

Patty Murphy 805.680.8571

Brady Group 805.331.3053

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY BROKERAGE | 2900 NOJOQUI AVENUE | LOS OLIVOS, CA 93441 | SIR.COM © Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity. DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: Mike Testa: 1934044 | Mike Brady: 825140 | Micah Brady: 1219166 | Jennifer Nation: 1217818 | Patty Murphy: 766586 | Barbara Bierig: 01748760

8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

A government watchdog challenges a career politician Candidate Statement By Andy Caldwell

identified as a traditional Democrat for the first half of my life because then and now, I wanted the little guy to have a fighting chance. I grew up relatively poor as a result of my dad having passed away when I was 9 years old. My mom, an immigrant, did what she could to provide a decent life for us; however, I started working when I was 9 years old to help out. Nevertheless, I am not complaining as I consider myself fortunate to have been raised by parents who were members of the greatest generation. As I got older, I realized, as did Ronald Reagan, that the Democratic Party had drifted far to the left, leaving me behind for the following reasons. First, I was raised to believe that one’s quality of life begins with a work ethic and a good job, rather than false assurances having to do with government handouts. Second, I believe it is unethical and unrealistic to believe that other people, even the rich, owe me anything. Third, I learned you can’t multiply wealth by way of division. This coming election, therefore, does not present a choice between a Republican and a Democrat to represent the Central Coast in

Photo contributed Candidate Andy Caldwell

Congress. Rather, this election will determine whether or not America continues down a path towards socialism -- that is, a takeover of our entire economy by the federal government. It is a stark choice indeed. You name it: Medicare for all, banning private insurance, the Green New Deal, free college for everyone, a free universal basic

income (even if you don’t want to work), a 70-90% tax rate, open borders, the list goes on and on. All of these programs championed by Congressional Democrats, including Salud Carbajal, present an existential threat to liberty and all this country has to offer hard-working people who deserve to keep what they have earned. If you think waste, fraud and abuse are

rampant in Washington, D.C., now, can you even imagine what will happen if we let government take over the rest of our economy? Most importantly, I am a man of my word. What I say to you here in the district, will be the same thing I say in Washington, D.C. The same cannot be said of Salud Carbajal, who claims to be a bi-partisan moderate who works across the aisle, but he has done nothing to serve as a check against the most extreme factions within his party. In fact, he has enthusiastically embraced its most extreme proposals, while peddling a whole different story back home. I believe both parties can do a better job in Washington, D.C., and I intend to point them in the right direction. With your support, I intend to help America return to its roots of freedom, liberty and limited government. We are to be a nation of free people served by citizen representatives rather than by a professional political class that seeks to control every aspect of our lives. For more information visit www.andycaldwell2020.com Andy Caldwell Candidate for Congress

Working to represent Central Coast values Candidate Statement By Salud Carbajal

’m Salud Carbajal and, throughout my life and career, I’ve worked to represent our Central Coast values in all that I do. As your member of Congress since 2017, it is my honor to fight for the priorities of our community here at home, and in Washington, D.C. As a husband, father and Marine Corps veteran, I believe in the value of service and hard work. I attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, while maintaining two jobs. I became the first in my family to graduate from a university, and my wife Gina and I raised our own family here. I know the difficult balance of providing for children, caring for parents as they grow older and working to pay the bills because I have lived it. That’s why, in Congress, I’m committed to making sure everyone has opportunities — not just to get by, but to thrive. In the House of Representatives, I’ve brought Republicans and Democrats together on issues that matter to the Central Coast, like creating jobs, supporting agriculture, defending our environment and improving healthcare. My Farm Workforce Modernization Act helps ensure the long-term viability of our agriculture industry, and it passed through the House with bipartisan support. We also negotiated and signed into law the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement,

Photo contributed Salud Carbajal

securing some of the strongest labor protections our nation has seen, while stimulating economic growth and protecting American jobs. I’ve fought to lower prescription drug costs,

and brought forward bills to ban offshore oil drilling, protect our forests, support veterans, increase public safety and more. At the same time, I took action to help those devastated by fires

and mudslides, and to make our communities more resilient against climate change and better prepared for future disasters. Our community is my number one priority and — through town halls, sidewalk office hours, constituent meetings, emails and more — I have had the chance to speak with so many of you and help you tackle the challenges that we face together. Just last year, we held over 30 community events across the Central Coast and my team brought over $753,000 back to our community members through our casework program. This is the work that matters most to me, and it is what motivates me to serve in Congress. I often talk about Central Coast values as the principles that guide the work I do. When you boil it down, I think our values are this: We stand together and stand up for one another; we work hard to create opportunity, support our families and protect our environment; and we are passionate, dedicated and optimistic about the future. It is a privilege to serve as your representative, and I will keep working hard every day to ensure that the voice of the Central Coast is heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress. I would be honored to have your support. For more information, please visit SaludCarbajal.com. Thank you.

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

3 vying to represent SB County in state Senate

Top two vote-getters will advance to general election in November By Brooke Holland Noozhawk Staff Writer

egistered voters will decide on a new representative for the state’s 19th Senate District in the primary election March 3. The district covers all of Santa Barbara County and a portion of Ventura County. It’s currently represented by Democrat Hannah-Beth Jackson, who cannot run again due to term limits. A field of three candidates appears on the primary election ballot: California Assemblywoman Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara; Santa Maria resident Gary Michaels, a Republican and telecommunications consultant; and Santa Barbara resident Anastasia Stone, a maternal health professional with “no party preference.” The top two vote-getters in the March 3 primary move onto the general election in November. Monique Limón Limón is a second-term assemblywoman representing the 37th State Assembly District, which covers the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County’s South Coast and most of Ventura County. She currently chairs the California Assembly Banking and Finance Committee and chairs the Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector. Limón’s colleagues elected her to serve as vice chairwoman of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. “For me, the reason that I decided to run for this seat is because I believe I can be the most effective and put my experience to use in the state Senate,” Limón said. “It’s a fairly large district, and given my experiences, it best positions me to be the most effective on behalf of the constituents in the 19th Senate District.” Limón served six years as a Santa Barbara Unified School District school board member before being elected to the Assembly. For more than 14 years, Limón served as an educator, including assistant director of UC Santa Barbara’s McNair Scholars Program. The UC Berkeley and Columbia University graduate was the student program adviser for the California Student Opportunity and Access Program at Santa Barbara City College, director of diversity recruitment and retention with UCSB’s Graduate Division, and a member of other university groups and nonprofit organizations.

Photo contributed The 19th District State Senate candidates on March’s ballot are, from left, Monique Limón, Gary Michaels and Anastasia Stone.

Limón was raised in Santa Barbara County and resides in Goleta. She supports increasing educational opportunities, boosting the local economy through job creation, expanding quality health care, dedicating resources to disaster recovery, and environmental and coastline protections. “Some of what has come out of this year is political courage,” she told Noozhawk. “I understand that there are big votes, and I take them with the interest of my district in mind. “Even if they are difficult votes,” she continued. “Even if it means sticking my neck out, I try to work with groups and people in the district to come to a solution … I take my time in terms of thinking about how I do things and I make sure I have different voices included.” Limón added, “I have a number of bills that have been signed by the governor, and all but one of them had bipartisan support.” Click here for more information about Limón’s campaign. Gary Michaels Michaels, a Santa Maria resident, serves on the Santa Maria-Bonita School District Measure T construction bond oversight committee and his homeowner association board. He works in the data and telecommunication industry and is the managing partner of Summa Solutions, LLC and Summa E-rate Solutions. “Because I have been in the private sector, I understand what is involved, what work is, and with work, people are providing a service and paid on the completion

Largest Inventory of Native Plants in Tri-Counties NEW HOURS: Open Tues-Sat 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Monday by Appointment

805-688-9692 880 Chalk Hill Road, Solvang, CA 93463

www.manzanitanursery.com • manzanitanursery@earthlink.net

of the quality of it,” Michaels said, later adding, “I’m more than able to identify and empathize with circumstances because I’m in the similar situation.” His positions include adopting policies for higher wages; affordable housing for first-time homebuyers; attracting energy and environmental technology startups; and incentive plans for technology companies to locate in cities like Santa Barbara. “For the 15 years that I have been in this area, I have been watching the Democratic Party in Santa Barbara doing the bidding of the party, and fulfilling their decades-long personal agenda items,” said Michaels, a Republican. “I feel this is unfortunately at the expense of the voters in my community. “There are hundreds of forgotten cities and communities like Santa Maria throughout the state,” he continued. “I wish to help these cities and communities obtain an improved quality of life, affordability, and safety and prosperity.” Other priorities listed on Michaels’ campaign website include support for law enforcement personnel; helping homeless residents; assisting low-performing schools; and “making California’s forgotten cities and communities more attractive to job investment.” “Some of my thinking is consistent with the Republican platform in this state and nationally,” Michaels said. “I would begin with the support for the American family and prioritize the families — the foundation of our democracy.” Michaels has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from New England College and an academic certificate in

accounting from UCLA, according to his website. Click here for more information about Michaels’ campaign. Anastasia Stone Stone said some of her top priorities as a state senator would be health care, education, resources for foster care and adoption, and maternal health, a field she has worked in for 10 years. “When we focus on those things,” Stone said, “they prevent a lot of other problems from happening.” The Santa Barbara resident teaches doula services and effective advocacy at Go Midwife, and previously worked as a midwife’s assistant. She has also worked as a preschool teacher and served on the board at St. Andrew’s Preschool of Santa Barbara. “Because I’ve been on the ground level,” Stone said, “I see how things play out in real life, and it gives me a unique perspective coming into the legislature — it’s not just a law — how is it going to look when implemented in real life?” Stone said she won’t take money for her campaign from special interest groups or large corporations. Stone served as a chapter leader and regional coordinator for the International Caesarean Awareness Network, a nonprofit working to improve maternal-child health by reducing preventable caesarean through education, supporting caesarean recovery, and advocating for vaginal birth after caesarean. Stone is a former foster parent and she worked with Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara counties on creating cultural change in foster care and adoption. She worked on recruitment and family home retention, and resources for children in the foster care system. “In foster care and adoption, and in maternal health, I’m working with big bureaucratic systems,” Stone said. “A lot of times, there is a divide between people and they are coming from different places and with different experiences — and my position in both maternal health and in foster care and adoption dealt with building bridges, and connecting people and helping heal the divide that can happen.” Stone spent her collegiate career at Long Beach State in the fields of early childhood education and family studies, according to her campaign website. Click here for more information about Stone’s campaign. Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com.

10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

SYV Essential Oils celebrates first anniversary By Pamela Dozois

n advocate of healthy lifestyles and exercise, Cathi Russell opened up a little shop, SYV Essential Oils, on 1st Street in Solvang. In November, she celebrated her store’s first anniversary. Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants, often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine which helps to support health and well-being. “I exercise every day and my main interest is in Yoga,” Russell said. “I have been doing Yoga for about 9 years now. At one of my Yoga classes my instructor, Lynette Kufeldt, introduced me to some essential oils she uses on her students. She placed a couple of drops on my palms before the class began and it had such a wonderful effect on me during the class. My day melted away and my brain was present in the now at Yoga, not thinking about anything else that was going on in my day. At the end of the session we do the Savasana (corpse pose) and she placed another drop on my forehead which helped to facilitate a meditative state. “I was so impressed by the results, I inquired about the brand called doTERRA. After researching the product extensively,

I discovered there was a vast array of curative oils for almost every healthful requirement in life. Each oil is unique so finding natural solutions for a specific health concern is easy. I became a doTERRA essential oils advocate,” explained Russell. “doTERRA means ‘gift of the earth.’ “My husband has suffered from an epidural disorder for many years and after using doTERRA products, his skin issues have been eliminated,” she said. “He can now wear his short-sleeved shirts again.” Russell and her husband Dave Salgado are a real estate team at Santa Ynez Valley Real Estate Company in Solvang. After having used the oils for a couple of years, she thought about opening a store in order to share the product with the community. Through her contacts in the real estate industry, Russell became aware of a building that was for lease and after looking at the

quently rented to a client of mine to open up an art studio. I asked about sharing the space and she jumped at the idea. “With her help we refurbished the large glass-face display cabinet in a vibrant purple color, displayed all the tiny bottles of oil inside it, and opened up the store a year ago his November,” said Russell. “We share the space, each running our own business while supporting each other in the process.” Russell recently returned from a convention in Salt Lake City where doTERRA presented the new products for the year as well as the science and education behind them. She continues to educate herself in doTERRA’s vast product line and is in the process of becoming a certified aromatherapist. “I chose doTERRA because the company’s number one priority is purity,” she Photo contributed

Cathi Russell behind the counter of her shop, SYV Essential Oils in Solvang.

space, and being impressed by it and the “incredible” lighting, she thought it would make a perfect office/classroom to teach people about the product. “I loved the location, but it was just too much to take on myself,” she said. “So I passed on the space, which was subse-

said. “Each oil batch is tested 54 times, not only by them, but by third party laboratories, before it goes into the bottle as a Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oil. I am recommending this product to my family, friends, and customers, so I want only the best for them.

“The other reason I love this product line is because of its ‘co-impact sourcing’ which means the company sources their oils from over 30 countries, stressing sustainability, quality assurance in the growing, harvesting and distilling of the oil, and fair wages for the exclusive network of growers and harvesters of the plants,” explained Russell. “The company eliminated the middle-man concept and deals directly with the farmers who get paid in some cases immediately upon weighing the harvest.” “They’ve also formed the ‘Healing Hands Foundation’ which partners with humanitarian organizations ‘to extend the collective reach impact,’ Russell said. “The company also helps make fundraising and product donations efforts and ‘supports community development projects improving overall health and well-being,’ in the undeveloped communities where the farmers live.” The shop is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays or by appointment. “I try to do 2 classes a month, each with different themes,” Russell said. “They all involve essential oil 101 as well as various topics such as respiratory support, immunity, sleep, and stress to mention a few.” ESSENTIAL OILS CONTINUED TO PAGE 29

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

FASHION CHATTER

Bargains available ahead of spring arrivals By Sue Manning

Photo contributed The main tradition associated with the Fastelavn holiday was the placing of a black cat in a barrel and beating the barrel with fastelavnsris until it broke apart, releasing the cat. This was done to ward off evil.

Fastelavn continues Danish tradition in Solvang Staff Report

ne of the Santa Ynez Valley’s most family-friendly events will return for the third year in a row when the Fastelavn Festival will commence at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang. “It’s amazing people are still telling me they don’t know about this festival and we hope that it just gets bigger and better with each year,” said Bethania Pastor Chris Brown. The history behind this Danish tradition originates from a Northern European carnival that meant ‘goodbye meat,’ which people began fasting for Lent. Children would dress up in costumes and historically were known to put a real black cat in a barrel and beat the barrel until it broke and the cat ‘ran out of town’ carrying

evil spirits with it. “There will most definitely not be a live cat in our barrel; we use a stuffed black cat, as that part of the celebration was very cruel,” Brown said. Whomever breaks the barrel open will be crowned King or Queen of the cats. There will be a Danish hot dog dinner with all the fixings, and beer and wine as well as a costume contest and raffle prizes. “This event is for the whole family and we just want people to come out and have a great time and continue a fun tradition,” Brown said. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children 3-10 years and those under 3 are free. Tickets can be purchased by calling the church office at 805-688-4637 or email bethanialutheranch@gmail.com.

When you think of real estate,

think of me.

"Deanna is the best Realtor I have ever worked with. I’ve been buying and selling many houses in the western US and Deanna is hands down the Best! Deanna is a very wise business woman and is an expert in real estate. She is always professional and honest. Her attention to details is amazing. I would highly recommend Deanna." Sincerely, Bill & Jody

Cell/ Text: (805) 325-1452 Harwood.Deanna@gmail.com www.DeannaHarwood.com 2933 San Marcos Ave., #102/PO Box 778 Los Olivos, CA 93441 DRE#00999839 • CalBRE#01317331

lna’s Dress Shop wishes everyone a happy February and invites you to check out the fantastic sale going on right now. Our clearance sale for the month of February has savings of 50%-55% and 60% of regular prices. We must make room for our spring arrivals and we are contemplating how to best display them. Our tall ceilings and front windows allow light to come in. The brightness allows the merchandise to display well, and it makes shopping at Elna’s Dress Shop a delight. Hurry in and take advantage of the special savings on the well-known brands we feature. If you are going to step out, we have the perfect outfit for your next outing that will be wearable through spring and summer. If you don’t know what to choose, purchase one of our gift certificates. They come in all sizes. We personally wrap them up discretely so when it is unwrapped, it is a total surprise! Fashions are fun and exciting this season. We are receiving some of our early spring styles as I write this column. Just arriving are new styles of Slim-Sation pants that fit so well. We always carry the basic colors -- black, navy, grey, brown,

tan, dark denim, black denim and white -- in the long plant but also have capris, boyfriend style with a cuff, ankle and ¾ length pants. Once you try them on you will want more than one pair. Another winner is our brand Jess & Jane. These tops are designed for the average lady with ¾ length sleeves and come in tunic length and regular length. A new fabric has been introduced called Mineral Wash. It is a very comfortable fabric and our customers really like it. Wardrobe building is a free service at Elna’s Dress Shop. Stop by and let any of our qualified staff assist in helping you. Thanks for your patronage. We value the friendships we have made over the years. Elna’s Dress Shop is located at 1673 Copenhagen Drive in the heart of Solvang. We look forward to seeing you soon. We are open daily from 9:30 am until 5 p.m. If you are local, please let us know so you can receive a 10% on regular priced merchandise. And when Solvang celebrates the Third Wednesday of each month, a 20% discount is available on regular priced merchandise. Specials do not apply to Danish costumes.

Allan Hancock College Community Education

Grow your SKills

Classes begin Jan. 21.

¡Clases bilingües disponibles!

www.hancockcollege.edu/communityed

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

Photo contributed Hidden Wings is starting a new fitness boot camp for adults with special needs.

Solvang nonprofit launches new Working Through Fitness program Staff Report

olvang nonprofit Hidden Wings has launched a new fitness boot camp for adults with special needs. The group will be hosting an info session for parents and students about the new sports program from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, at its facility in Solvang. Over the last 10 years, Hidden Wings has implemented an intense workout program every Saturday morning, run by local athlete and coach Robb Kennedy. The success of that program — involving kayaking, hiking, and more — helped catalyze the new Working Through Fitness program. Beginning in February, the fitness classes will be held Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. James Poggione, 32, a defensive line coach at Santa Barbara City College who’s leading the new program, said the hope is that these young adults will build teamwork skills and find

full-time employment where that collaboration is critical. “The individuals involved will grow as a team to learn team-based employment strategies,” Poggione said. “The key to this program is to provide companionship, fellowship and individual growth. The emphasis will be different kinds of sports, agility, cardio and well as strength and resistance training.” Poggione said the program is a good warm up for anyone who will be involved in Special Olympics, which has begun again in the Santa Ynez Valley after 30 years. The sports include basketball, bocce, golf, soccer, and swimming. All adults with special needs who are partnered with the Tri County Regional Center are invited to the attend the fitness program for free. Otherwise, each session is $30. For more information, contact James Poggione at 805-350-2976 or Hidden Wings President James Billington at 805-705-3918.

Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts Probate, Contracts, Business Real Estate,Trust Administration aaronbsmithlaw@gmail.com 805-739-5500

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

Workshop series helps families understand dementia Staff Report

n the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? To address these issues, the Alzheimer’s Association in partnership with the Santa Maria Recreation & Parks department will provide free three-part educational workshop. Part 1 of the Living with Alzheimer’s series will take place Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave in Santa Maria. Call 1-800-272-3900 to register in advance. Seating is limited. Topics to be discussed during the workshops include: Part 1 (Feb. 18) -- understanding the disease, symptoms, communication and intimacy Part 2 (March 17) -- approaches to treatment, health care team, family and friends Part 3 (April 21) -- care planning, financial and legal matters, safety issues and driving Participants in the workshops will hear practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage, and hear from those directly affected and learn what they can do to cope with the changes that come with an

early-stage diagnosis. More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. In 2016, caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias provided an estimated 18.2 billion hours of unpaid assistance, a contribution to the nation valued at $230.1 billion. The care provided to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is wide-ranging and, in some instances, all-encompassing. Caregivers for people with dementia tend to provide more extensive assistance and experience more difficulty than caregivers of individuals without dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is the premier source of information and support for the five million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. Through its national network of chapters, it offers a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families and caregivers and represents their interests on Alzheimer’s-related issues before federal, state and local government and with health and long term care providers. To find out about other dates and locations for classes in your area, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 805-636-6432.

Photo contributed Agador

Pet of the Month - Agador Staff Report

his is Agador, he is a Doberman Pinscher who is about 2 years old. He was rescued from a sanctuary in Bakersfield alongside 26 other dogs. The owner of the sanctuary had passed away and had over 170 dogs who needed rescue. Sarah, the trainer at Valley Dog Training and our kennel manager, Emily, has been working with him and helping him become more social. He has been excelling since then. Agador was taken to the park to see how he did out of the shelter, he was relaxed, enjoyed all the park smells and even met a family

with young kids. He can be a little shy when it comes to meeting new dogs, being in a household as a single dog or with mellow dog would be best for him. We have cat tested him and he is curious but will respect their space. He will need a little bit of patience, but he is worth the work! With such a docile demeanor and look that you’ll die for, Agador will make the perfect family addition. We are located at Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, our address is 111 Commerce Drive. Feel free to give us a call at 805-688-8224 with any questions or come in and meet him. We are open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shine up your savings. 805-688-8400

www.droquist.com

CD Rates 1.0 to 2.35%

Melinda R. Oquist, D.D.S.

Financial Solutions for a Brighter Tomorrow • Financial Planning • Legacy Planning • College Funding

Charitable Gift Annuity Rates 4.7 to 9.5%

YOU BENEFIT. PATIENTS BENEFIT. THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY BENEFITS. A Cottage Health charitable gift annuity provides you a guaranteed income for the rest of your life. Consider trading in your low-interest CD or appreciated stock for a charitable gift annuity supporting Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.

Call today for your noobligation consultation.

For details on this program and to obtain a complimentary, no-obligation proposal, please contact Carla Long, Director of Planned Giving for Cottage Health, 805.879.8987/805.879.8982 (clong@sbch.org);

Bruce Porter, CFP®

or June Martin, SYVCH Foundation Administrator,

1050 Edison Street, Suite A P.O. Box 1240 • Santa Ynez, CA 93460

805-697-7741 syvwealth.com bruce@syvwealth.com

805.691.9509 (j2martin@sbch.org). CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY SAMPLE RATES (EFFECTIVE MAY 30, 2019): Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cooper Financial Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Advisory Firm. SYV Wealth Advisors, Cooper Financial Group, and the Securities America companies are separate entities. Bruce Porter CA Insurance License #0D57191.

$10,000 gift with one income beneficiary

AGE: 60 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 65 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 70 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 75 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 80 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 85 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 90+ PAYOUT RATE:

4.7% 5.1% 5.6% 6.2% 7.3% 8.3% 9.5%

14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

GENEALOGY TIPS

It’s important to look at all your sources

There are three elements: 1) Sources can be people, records, books, websites (add databases); 2) Information is in the sources and you need to discern if it is primary (firsthand knowledge), secondary (secondhand/hearsay), or perhaps undetermined (needs further study); and, 3) Evidence comes from the information located in the sources and is evaluated as direct (relevant information), indirect (information does not directly answer the question). Negative evidence: an absence of it that should exist but does not, and negative findings: no evidence located. It is important not to confuse Negative Evidence with Negative Findings. All of it is your body of work and needs to be analyzed, correlated, and proven. Suggested reading: Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, 3rd edition-revised. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2017; and, Jones, Thomas W., Mastering Genealogical Proof. National Genealogical Society Special Topics Series, Arlington, Virginia, 2013; and for an excellent guide to genealogical resources online, check out https://www.cyndislist.com! More on Internet resources next month.

By Sheila Benedict

ast month’s column listed many repositories in Santa Barbara County and I hoped some would read the column and contact me with additional information about their collections. Here is one response with great information: “…the City of Santa Maria Public Library offers the database, Ancestry.com, for use at its five libraries in Cuyama, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, Orcutt, and Santa Maria. The main library in Santa Maria houses a special collection of genealogy materials through a joint use cooperative agreement with the Santa Maria Valley Genealogical Society. Patrons can get help from the Santa Maria Valley Genealogical Society in using the Library’s special collection by appointment. Call the Santa Maria Public Library, 805-925-0994 Reference Desk.” [signed] Mary Housel, City Librarian/County Library Director for Zone 3, President, Santa Maria Public Library Foundation, Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Housel’s information leads into how important it is to look at everything. Some years ago, when teaching beginning genealogy at Allan Hancock College through its Adult Education Program, one of the first questions I asked was how many sources of information do you need before considering what you have is accurate, factual evidence so there is no need to look for more? The answers ranged from two to five. Question: what if you have three sources, i.e.

a document, a book reference, and an online database and all three agree. In the middle of your research, you discover two or more other documents and/or an oral history (with verifiable source citations) and they have different information. Do you discount them as not worth pursuing

further? Do you think that maybe you need to look further to find evidence to either validate or dismiss one theory or another? The answer lies with the latter of course. Never discount anything you find, especially in this era of ongoing digitization of sources, some of which have not been accessible to this point.

Sheila Benedict is a professional forensic and family genealogist. She is the author of Research in California, which she wrote in 2015 for the National Genealogical Societies Research in the States Series and writes articles in a variety of genealogical society newsletters and magazines.

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

December 2016 • Volume 1, Number 11

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

Novem ber

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

21 - Dec

ember

TEEN STAR

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

4, 201 7

Every Issu

SOLVANG

May 16 - June 5, 2017 • Vol. 2, No. 8

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

by Raiza Giorgi

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP: _____________________________________________________

Local photojournalist has a A prolific, award-winning career

CREDIT CARD NO.: ___________________________________________________ EXPIRATION: _____________________________________________CCV________ SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________________

www.s

antayn

DERS

ezvalle ystar.c

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

E l Ran T

he Hea rt

Young st they a udents tell w re than h kful fo at r

Staff Repo rt

s Thanksgi first-grad ving approach ers from ed, Mrs. School Ms. Hekhuis’ classes Wright and shar at thankful ed with the Star wha Solvang for t they are I am than this year. kful for… my brot my dad. her, my little sister, my mom, and

my frien ds

my fami me food ly because my — Allie and wate mom and r my siste dad rs are nice give to me. I am than — Hen kful for ry my class room my siste — Xan rs der

my fami — Mig ly and my uel baby brot her. my dad my fami — Bria for help ly beca na nice to ing me use they them. are nice to me. I am my class room — Jose fine

ch of th o Ma

rket

2886 M o CAMP 4 CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 e ission Drive • Santa Yn ez Solvan g • 805- Valley elranc homar 688 43 ket.com 00 2886 Mission Drive • Solvang • 805-688-4300 o

El Rancho Market The Heart of the Santa Ynez Valley elranchomarket.com

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 Performing is about bringing a smile to people’s faces, and that’s what I listening to music as she pushes 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 cusp of her father, Charlie Carroll, and 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

e Com pliment

SCHOOL

o THANKFUL

— Jose — Coli n — Jaxs on D ON PAGE 28

CONTINUE

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Open Streets Festival planned for Buellton in October HEAL granted permit to put on event Staff Report

he Santa Ynez Valley Healthy Eating Active Living Coalition (SYV HEAL) announced that it has been granted a permit by the City of Buellton to conduct an Open Streets Festival on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held on Avenue of Flags which will be, for the most part, closed to traffic for the day. On an Open Street, people traffic replaces car traffic, and streets become places where people of all ages, abilities and background can come out, and find ways to improve their health. Community members gather, socialize, walk, run, bike, skate, dance or participate in other activities on selected local streets temporarily closed to motorized traffic. It is free and offers the community the opportunity to experience their city streets in a whole new way. It is anticipated that this will be an annual fall event in different/ rotating locations within the Santa Ynez Valley. Over the past few years, there have been a number of successful Open Streets events held in Santa Barbara County in Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. According to SYV HEAL members, the event, intended to be family friendly, will occupy three median strips and roadway on Avenue of Flags in Buellton. The City of Buellton has agreed to secure the area from and reroute traffic as necessary and furnish the SYV HEAL team with logistical support. Security will be supplied by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and private security engaged by SYV HEAL. Buellton Mayor Holly Sierra said that the city enthusiastically embraced the idea of Open Streets and hosting

the first one in the valley. Dean Palius of People Helping People and Tommy Spiedel of the Gildred Family YMCA, Co-Conveners of the local SYV HEAL coalition, said that they expect to obtain the participation of a wide range of businesses and organizations promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles, recreation and sports, foods and cooking, art, music, dance, and diverse cultures appealing to all ages, from young children to seniors, and abilities. Live music and other entertainment are will also be provided all day. The SYV HEAL Coalition is currently operating under the non-profit umbrella of People Helping People which is providing administrative and fiscal support and oversight to the Coalition and Open Streets. Other members of the Coalition include the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Bike Coalition, SYV Wellness Collective, City of Buellton, Solvang Chamber of Commerce, City of Solvang, SYV Cottage Hospital, Veggie Rescue, Marina Musante, County of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). With its City of Buellton permit in hand, Open Streets promoters are actively soliciting additional sponsors at levels from $15,000 to just $500. For more information or a list of sponsor opportunities, contact Dean Palius at dean@ syvphp.org or (805) 686-0295 x108. Palius said that “Open Streets is expected to be a well-attended event with many vendors, booths, entertainers, activities, and food. With so many moving parts, our Coalition has decided to hire a professional event coordinator. The request for proposals for event coordinators is available from the coalition at https://syvhealcoalition.com/.

New program offers help for victims of violent crime Staff Report

ocal nonprofit Freedom to Choose Project and the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office — Victim Assistance Program are hosting Healing Ourselves, an innovative support group for individuals who have been a victim of a violent crime in cases already prosecuted and closed. The free eight-week pilot program begins from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 25, at the First United Methodist Church, 35 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. It will provide a safe space for people to share their experiences, learn from each other, and gain tools and techniques to continue their healing process. The group will be co-facilitated by Bonnie

Paul, co-founder of the Freedom to Choose Project and Arlene Stepputat, founding board member of the organization. The program is nondenominational. Free childcare will be available for ages 2-12. The group size is limited, and pre-registration is required. This initiative will bring together the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program and the Freedom to Choose Project’s decades of combined experience attending to victim’s needs and working with individuals who have found inner strength. For more, call 805-323-6156. To register, email register@freedometochooseproject.org.

MOBILE FESTIVALS • PARTIES CORPORATE EVENTS • PRIVATE EVENTS WWW.FLYINIRONS.COM

16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

Polish artist finds her niche in the SY Valley By Pamela Dozois

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

he Santa Ynez Valley seems to exude an irresistible charm that attracts people from far and wide. Halina Wyluda-Kazmierczak is one of those people. She is the owner of Art First Studio in Solvang. Halina, which she prefers to be called because her last name is so difficult to pronounce, is initially from Torun, Poland. She attended the Nicolaus Copernicus University and studied fine art, specializing in art education. “My interest has always been in art. I seem to have been born artistic. As a very young child I was always drawing and winning awards, so attending art school was a natural for me,” she said. Halina met her husband, Jaroslaw Kazmierczak, in Gdansk, Poland, and married him after graduating from university. The couple immediately immigrated to Toronto, Canada, where they lived for 25 years. “I ran an art school in Toronto called ‘Impression School of Art’ for 10 years, teaching art to young students, so when we moved to the valley I decided to open a little art gallery, ‘Art First Studio,’ in Solvang in November 2018,” she said. Halina’s art hangs in the front section of the gallery. In the rear she teaches art classes to preschoolers through adults. She also holds many workshops for tourists, for a whole family or in mother-daughter or father-son classes. Classes range from 1 hour for children and 2 hours for adults. The workshops run for 2 ½ hours. Store hours vary depending on class schedules. She also sells a line of paint called Mineral Paint Fusion, which she uses to refurbish old furniture. “You can come with your friends or family members and have fun and be creative,” she said.

Photos by Pamela Dozois Halina Wyluda-Kazmierczak, in her studio in Solvang, displays some of her art on the walls along with some of the furniture she has refurbished.

This chest is one of many pieces that has been refurbished by Halina Wyluda-Kazmierczak.

805 PETS by

Monighetti’s

COMING SOON www.805PETS.com GET IT LOCAL ONLINE AND DELIVERED 545 Avenue of Flags • Buellton, CA 93427 • 805.688.1242 • Fax 805.688.8383

“It was difficult to adjust to living in Toronto at first, coming from Poland. My English was very poor and I was self-conscious about it. My focus at that time was to have a family, which proved to be very difficult. It took us 10 years before it happened,” she said. “We tried everything under the sun to get pregnant, even going as far as visiting shamans in Ontario and to the Philippines. I was desperate, but nothing worked,” said Halina. “I had to let my dream of having a family go, so I decided to return to school to acquire my post graduate degree in multimedia design, which was a new field at the time. “No sooner did I start the program that I discovered I was pregnant. My baby was born on the day I graduated. I received not only my degree but I got the best gift I could ever dream of, a daughter we named Kalina. Then three years later I had another girl, Amelia, which came as a big surprise, considering I thought my first child was a miracle baby and I was told that in all likelihood I would not be able to have another child.” After Amelia started kindergarten, Halina was able to start teaching art, at first in her basement. Then she opened her own studio in Port Credit, on the outskirts of Toronto, and enjoyed her studio for almost 10 years. “I had 100 students there and we had a huge annual art show featuring the work of all my students,” Halina explained. “We chose one picture from each student and displayed them in the biggest gallery in Ontario, called Harbour Gallery in Clarkson. The event was always a huge success.” “My husband’s career with Microsoft then took us to Los Gatos, California, in 2015 where we lived for three years until moving to the valley,” she said. “We were living in Silicon Valley and my daughter was starting school at UCSB. One day we came to visit Solvang and I fell completely POLISH ARTIST CONTINUED TO PAGE 28

Parks&Rec SOLVANG

REC N’ ROLL!

Roller Skate or Roller Blade Fun! Music & Refreshments @ Solvang Vets Hall Friday, February 28, All Ages 5:30-6:30: Families w/kids 10-under GR EA T 6:30-8: Open all ages N! FU $6 w/skates, $10/rentals Co-sponsor w/Buellton Rec

www.cityofsolvang.com

688-PLAY

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

Servicing patients in the Santa Ynez valley for the past 8 years Photo contributed Touch-A-Truck raises money for Bethania Lutheran Church’s preschool and after-school programs.

Offering diagnostic hearing tests and hearing aid sales/programming/maintenance. We work with all top hearing aid manufacturers

5th annual Touch-ATruck returns March 7 to Bethania Church Staff Report

he fifth annual SYV Touch-A-Truck fundraiser, which gives kids the opportunity to learn first-hand about big trucks and other vehicles, will return to the Bethania Lutheran Church parking lot on Saturday, March 7. The benefit raises money for the church’s preschool and after-school programs and allows kids and adults to climb onto vehicles and even honk some horns. “We are really excited to bring this fun event back, and we are adding in the SYV Cottage Hospital’s Bicycle Safety Booth this year,” said Robyn Moon, event chair. Last year’s event included booths and vehicles including construction, farming, recreation and local safety officials such as the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol, which had officers talking about the importance of seatbelts and other safety information. Organizers again expect more than 35 vehicles that kids and adults can explore, including trucks, bulldozers, SWAT vehicles and tractors. The owners of the vehicles volunteer at the event throughout the day.

There will also be activities such as face painting, bounce houses, a petting zoo and an arts and craft booth. Food concessions will be provided by Tower Pizza of Solvang and Kona Ice of Santa Barbara. Touch-A-Truck began because of an involved parent who came up with the idea. Lisa Petersen Kekuewa’s son, Koyie, 10, and daughter, Kyla, 5, both benefitted from the preschool’s programs. “We started this event as a way for the school to have a fundraiser that kids want to go to,” Kekuewa said. “It has really grown. Last year we had over 1,000 people show up.” This event is certainly not a car show. Climbing on vehicles, sitting in the driver’s seat and honking the horn are all encouraged. Kids can also expect to learn about how the different vehicles work, making the event educational if people want to know more about the rigs. The event has raised about $8,000 each year, but Kekuewa hopes to raise more than $10,000 this year. Funds from previous events helped build a new playground at the preschool.

he Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society will hold its sixth annual “Spay-Ghetti” Dinner at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott on Saturday, March 7. All proceeds will help fund the low-fee spay and neuter clinic at the humane society, which has been open since the early 1980s. The local humane society receives no government funding, and has continued to operate only because of private donors and foundations. In addition to care and adoption of animals, the group offers low-cost spay and neuter services, routine dental cleanings, vaccines, microchips and dog boarding.

Your Solvang Audiology Team

Melissa Alexander, Au.D CCC-A

Vanessa Hertler

www.AlexanderAudiology.com 1607 Mission Dr #201 Solvang CA 93463 phone 805-322-4522

Tickets are $5 each or $20 for the family of 5 or more. The event will take place rain or shine.

‘Spay-Ghetti Dinner’ returns to support SYV Humane Society Staff Report

Complimentary hearing screening and otoscopic exam.

The Spay-Ghetti Dinner begins at 5 p.m. at 555 McMurray Road in Buellton. Tickets are $60 and include local wines, an Italian dinner, live and silent auction, music and more. Tickets are available at the shelter at 111 Commerce Drive in Buellton or by calling 805-688-8224. Community members who can’t attend are encouraged to participate by making a donation. The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society always appreciates donations of towels, blankets, pet supplies, gift cards and monetary support. For more information on the humane society or to make a donation, log onto www. syvhumane.org.

Nojoqui Nojoqui

Horse Ranch 805

325-1941

3000 Alisal Rd • Gaviota, CA 93117

www.nojoquiranch.com Amber Giorgi Mallea Owner/Trainer

Horse Ranch

• Full Service Equine Boarding & Training Facility complete with irrigated grass pastures, fully enclosed show barns, 2 arenas, and a round pen. • We have miles of the most beautiful private riding trails overlooking the Santa Ynez • We specialize in Colt Starting, Reining, we have a mechanical cow, and offer Lessons (Beginner to Advanced) and Trail Rides. • Full Service Boarding rates start at $450/month.

Open Tuesday—Sunday, closed Mondays

18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

Patch Adams to prescribe ‘Laughter as Medicine’ at breakfast event Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation honors ‘Little Heroes’ each year Staff Report

atch Adams, the notable physician, clown and social activist who became a household name after a 1998 film starring Robin Williams, Photo contributed will be the Patch Adams keynote speaker of this year’s “Little Heroes Breakfast” for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF). The breakfast is one of the foundation’s signature events, named for the “little heroes” facing childhood cancer that the group supports. This year the breakfast will be held at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27. TBCF is the only local nonprofit solely focused on providing financial, educational and emotional support to families living in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis

JODI WILLIAMS 805-680-8737 CalDRE #0130563

Obispo counties who have a child with cancer. “Dr. Adams’ message of ‘laughter as medicine’ resonates deeply with us here. We try so hard to bring a little bit of light to our families whenever and in whatever way we can, not just during the holidays,” said Gisselle Madrigal, TBCF’s Family Resource Specialist. “We offer monthly support groups and during those groups we talk, we cry and, believe it or not, we laugh. It’s so important that we remember to focus on what’s possible and to keep hope alive.”

ROBIN FLYNN 805-448-1167 CalDRE #01951942

Available Now! $845,000

3620 MONTEBELLO STREET. SANTA YNEZ CA 3 BED • 3 BATH • 2,220 Sq Ft JODI WILLIAMS | MLS #19001239

The 2020 event co-chairs are Heather Ayer, Matt Fish and Brittany Dobson. Ayer, who is a childhood cancer survivor and whose family were recipients of TBCF services, said, “As a childhood cancer survivor I know first-hand how devastating a cancer diagnosis can be, and how important it is to keep a family together through this unimaginable experience. This event means so much to me because it is truly focused on bringing our community together to honor and applaud the little heroes among us.” Anyone interested in attending the Little

Heroes Breakfast or learning more about Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation can call Development & Communications Director Kirsten Stuart at 805-308-9943 or RSVP at www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org under the Events tab. Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation provides services to families who have a child diagnosed with cancer up to age 18 and continue until they reach 21 years old. In 2019 TBCF served 851 individuals through its multiple programs and provided direct financial assistance to 48 families, a 25 percent increase from 2018. Seven families were given additional financial assistance when their child relapsed, and another seven families were supported financially through TBCF’s funeral fund.

SPECIAL

$49 MONTHLY SERVICE General Pest Service Only. Gophers & Rodents Not Included. One Year Term Minimum. Offer Expires March 15, 2020.

FREE Gopher & Rodent ESTIMATES

$4,895,000

3983 ROBLAR AVE. SANTA YNEZ CA 4 BED • 6 BATH • 4,072 Sq Ft JODI WILLIAMS | MLS #19002317

805-688-7855

www.oconnorpest.com Look for the ANT on the Door

NECK OR BACK PAIN? OUR EXPERTS CAN HELP.

JOIN US AT OUR FREE SEMINAR ON SPINAL PAIN Amy Wickman, MD, an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon affiliated with Cottage Center for Orthopedics will be on hand to answer your questions. Come and learn about spinal stenosis: the hidden back and neck pain. Get tips on everything from maintaining a healthy spine to achieving pain relief and treatment options when the pain won’t go away.

JUST LISTED

Same Day Service M-F

ECO SMART PRODUCTS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2020 5:30 - 7 P.M. The Historic Santa Maria Inn 801 S. Broadway Santa Maria CA Refreshments served

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

Home of the Week

Photo contributed Shown, from left, are Friendship House staff members Tammy Westwood (executive director), Araceli Baron (executive assistant), Teresa Flores (medication and records coordinator), and Jeri Hawk (resident care coordinator). Several staff members of Friendship House have become certified and trained in the CARES dementia technique.

Staff Report

he Friendship House Board of Directors is proud to announce several staff have become certified and trained in the CARES dementia technique and are now certified dementia specialists. The CARES Dementia Specialist (CDS) credentialing process includes completing six CARES online training modules, passing the 100-question exam and submitting documentation for approval. All certified dementia specialists can be found on an International CDS Registry. The CARES training is a unique approach to care that can be used in any situation, with any person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and at any level of decline. The training provides realistic tools and approaches to use, a “toolbox” that provides the confidence to problem solve when working with someone who has dementia. “Day in and day out, care partners face difficult challenges with dementia care. Unfortunately, most organizations lack a core team of dementia specialists to help guide other care partners through these challenges,”

Friendship House Executive Director Tammy Westwood said. “This is why we implemented the CARES program. By going through the program you truly become a specialist in not only how to care for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, but also how to relate to someone living with the disease. “This relational shift in how to approach someone with Alzheimer’s is critical for the person’s care. Families can feel comforted and reassured that their loved ones are being cared for by knowledgeable and certified care partners.” Friendship House is a nonprofit Assisted Living Home specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. They also provide respite to family caregivers in our community by offering a full time Life Enrichment Day Care Program for dependent seniors and an overnight respite room. For additional information on Friendship House, please visit www.solvangfriendshiphouse.com.

Move-In

Ready

Includes: Upgraded finishes, A/C, solar, stainless steel kitchen appliances, fridge, washer/dryer, window coverings AND $5,000 for closing costs and/or rate buy down* 251 Deming Way Plan 8 – Unit 26 4 Bedrooms + 3 Bathrooms 1,902 Sqft Private fenced rear patio 2 car attached garage

$599,000 VISIT OUR SALES CENTER TO LEARN MORE. Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 11am-5pm or by appointment. *$5,000 incentive is for buyers using our preferred lender; Cornerstone Home Lending

Gift Cards le Availab

Please enjoy 20% off one item

A Store Full of Enchantment, Whimsy, Delight & Sparkle!

1607 Mission Dr. # 109/110, Solvang, CA 93463 • (805) 697-7869 • Fairyandfrog@aol.com

547 OAKVILLE DR, BUELLTON, CA 93427 805.693.4100 VINEYARDVILLAGEHOMES.COM

CPDG, Inc. CalBRE# 01870128

Friendship House staff members earn dementia training certification

20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

Granada to stage ‘Peter and SUNDAY, MARCH 15TH the Wolf’ benefit on Feb. 23 at FLYING FLAGS RV RESORT • 12 - 4:30 pm Event by 4 resident companies aimed at kids, adults Staff Report

he Granada Theatre, in partnership with four of its resident arts organizations, will present a benefit performance of “Peter and the Wolf,“ Sergei Prokofiev’s enchanting musical tale of adventure and bravery, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. “In addition to serving as a benefit for the Granada Theatre, this event is intended to showcase this wonderful facility’s partnerships with select area arts presenters as the city’s premier venue for cultural programming,” said Granada Theatre Executive Chairman Palmer Jackson. “We are so pleased to have the support of several of our resident companies, including CAMA (the Community Arts Music Association, the Santa Barbara Symphony, Opera Santa Barbara, and State Street Ballet, for this unique programmatic offering.” The performance will feature the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, under the baton of Maestro Nir Kabaretti, with narration by renowned theatre scholar Simon Williams, who will also direct. Brief programs featuring Santa Barbara Youth Opera singers and Gustafson Dance Students from State Street Ballet will open the event. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $100 for VIP access, with proceeds benefiting the Granada Theatre. Children ages 17 and under will be admitted free with a ticket. “Peter and the Wolf” has delighted generations of listeners since its world premiere in May 1936. Prokofiev’s musical narrative about a boy and his animal friends is notable for its distinctive instrumentation – each character is represented by a particular instrument and musical theme. Though generally considered a children’s tale – the work was commissioned by

the Central Children’s Theatre in Moscow – it was composed during Stalin’s Great Purge, and it barely survived Soviet censorship before finding an unlikely champion in Walt Disney, who produced an animated version in 1946. It has been a family favorite ever since. “We are excited to participate in this special collaborative event,” said Kabaretti, who serves as music and artistic director of the Santa Barbara Symphony. “’Peter and the Wolf’ has inspired so many young people to get involved with classical music. The music and story are just as relevant today as they were when it was written. It’s especially appropriate that we are featuring the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony for this event.” A program of the Santa Barbara Symphony, the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony consists of musicians ages 12 to 18 from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Santa Barbara Youth Opera is a program of Opera Santa Barbara. “We value our relationship with the Granada Theatre and didn’t hesitate in the slightest when presented with this opportunity,” said CAMA Executive Director Mark Trueblood. “The Granada Theatre is a cultural jewel in the heart of Santa Barbara, and it’s incumbent upon all of us to support this magnificent facility.” Pre-concert activities on Feb. 23 will include a demonstration of orchestral instruments used in “Peter and the Wolf,” a children’s activity area in the downstairs lobby, a photo booth with animal imagery, and a reception for sponsors and VIP guests. Tours of the Granada Theatre will be offered after the performance. A post-concert reception in the Granada Theatre Founders Room for sponsors and VIP guests will include notable local philanthropists donning attire corresponding to the characters in “Peter and the Wolf.”

30+ Wineries & Craft Beer 25+ Chili & Salsa Cooks Live Music by the Dusty Jugs & Vineyard Byrds

Tickets: BuelltonWineandChiliFestival.com BUS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE • SANTA MARIA, LOMPOC, GOLETA, SANTA BARBARA

Sponsorships are available starting at $250. Complete sponsorship information is available at www.GranadaSB.org/peter-wolf-sponsorship.

Los Alamos Theater Group announces new play, new home Staff Report

fter its groundbreaking 2019 season, the Los Alamos Theatre Group has announced that its next original production will be “Trash, A Musical About a Very Untidy Death,” to be produced in April at its new permanent home in The Depot Mall and Bar in the heart of Los Alamos. “The outpouring of enthusiasm and support from the Los Alamos community has been amazing. We’re thrilled that our partners at The Depot Mall and Bar have enabled us to have a permanent theater in Los Alamos so we can continue to present new original works for our audience,” said writer-director Jeffrey Bloom. “We appreciate Ana and Dan Thompson’s (owners of The Depot Mall and Bar) support in providing us with a beautiful home.” A wholly volunteer group, the Los Alamos Theatre Group (LATG) donates all the money from ticket sales to local nonprofit organi-

zations. To date, that amount is more than $12,000. The group’s first 2020 production will open with a cast of 14 local actors. Part murder mystery, part courtroom drama, and large part comedy and music, “Trash” will be LATG’s most ambitious project. With 10 original songs, music is composed by Connie Rhode and Lee Stanchfield. The group has presented three original productions in less than two years. Carole and Jeffrey Bloom, the husband and wife writer/ producer/director team who started the group, moved to Los Alamos from Hollywood eight years ago. Jeffrey Bloom, who writes and directs the plays, is also a photographer who has produced a book of portraits of local residents, entitled “Characters.” Ticket information for “Trash” will be available soon. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Carole@losalamos-theatregroup.com.

Monday - Thursday

Open 4PM

Friday & Saturday

Open 3PM

Sundays

Open Noon

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

NOW PR OVIDING

NEWS / TALK RADIO o n 10 6 . 3 F M t o t h e SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

La Botte Bistro helps senior center raise funds for roof By Pamela Dozois

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

he Los Alamos Valley Senior Center held an Italian Dinner fundraiser on Jan., 21, which raised more than $1,000 toward a new roof for the center. The event was a gift to the Senior Center by Francesca Agate, a Los Alamos resident and owner of La Botte Bistro in Buellton. She provided dinner for more than 60 people consisting of lasagna, salad and bread, free of charge to the senior center. The wine was provided by Casa Dumetz of Los Alamos and members of the senior center, who also donated a variety of desserts. The main room was lavishly decorated with burgundy tablecloths, candles reflecting off mirrors, and flowers donated by Trader Joe’s in Santa Maria. The room was filled to capacity with both members of the community and members of the senior center along with five members of the Los Alamos Fire Department. Sandee Adams, Los Alamos Valley Senior Center board member and co-chair of the dinner, gave a short speech thanking Agate for her generosity. “Francesca provided so much food, guests were able to go back for second and third helpings,” said Devyn Marseilles, who volunteered

to help serve the food. “The food was absolutely delicious! What a treat for all who attended.” “Many people asked if we put on these beautiful dinners often throughout the year, and suggestions were made we should have them once a month,” said Adams. “Sadly, not all restaurant owners are as generous as Francesca, but we do hold monthly potluck dinners, which members are invited to attend.” Dinners were also hand-delivered to several people who could not attend the event, and a generous portion was given to firefighters to take back to the Los Alamos fire station. “The dinner was so delicious, we even had seconds,” said one

of the firemen who attended the dinner. “We were so pleased to be able to interact with the community in a non-emergency situation,” said another. Many of those who attended took the opportunity after dinner to relax in the beautiful setting and chat with friends. “A special thanks goes out to Erin Matheson and Venessa Stephens, who graciously stayed behind to do all the dishes, and to others who helped clean up after the event,” said Adams. “The whole event was done with such class,

from the decorations and table settings all the way to the food, which was absolutely delicious – an authentic Italian dinner. The food and the people all blended together perfectly for a wonderful evening,” said Sharon Johnson. “It was a very enjoyable evening with delicious food and good company,” said Kathy Traller. “We had a great time and I wish we could do this more often.” “The senior center was so inviting and beautifully decorated, and the food was so good, authentic and plentiful. I will definitely be recommending La Botte Bistro to all of our friends,” said Marla Gravitt. “Everything went off without a hitch and the food was delightful and plentiful,” said Adams. “Thank you, Francesca and La Botte Bistro, for your generosity and to all those who attended the dinner and contributed to our roof fund. It was a really special night.”

Photo by Pamela Dozois Francesca Agate of Los Alamos, left, provided dinner for more than 60 people. Devyn Marseilles of Los Alamos volunteered to help serve the food.

Solvang Restaurant Home of Arne’sFamous Aebleskiver Early Bird Specials

No Substitutions, Mon-Fri until 9am

$ 75

A: Cornbeef Hash, One Egg, One Piece of Toast B: Cheese Omelet, Hash Browns & Toast C: Two French Toast, Bacon or Sausage & One Egg D: One Danish Pancake, Bacon or Sausage & One Egg E: Chorizo & Eggs, Hash Browns & Tortilla Specials Include Coffee or Tea

1672 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang (805) 688-4645

Dine In • Take Out • Delivery

805-688-6070 3521 Numancia St., Santa Ynez Open 7 Days a Week @sypizzashack

Pirate Passes Accepted Here Tuesday Nights Limited delivery area - subject to minimum order.

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

Parker family celebrating 20th year of Epiphany label Staff Report

piphany, a local Rhone-focused winemaking label, is celebrating 2020 as its 20th anniversary with anniversary-specific releases such as Grenache Rosé in magnum, events at its tasting room in Los Olivos, and expanded efforts in wholesale markets across Southern California. “It’s a happy milestone for us, to get to celebrate not just 20 years of focus on the Rhone varietals that make Epiphany’s wines best-in-class, but the quality of grapes from our family estate that make our emphasis on single-vineyard wines possible,” said Eli Parker, co-owner of the Fess Parker Family Portfolio and Epiphany’s founder and former head winemaker. “Just having celebrated the 30th anniversary of Fess Parker Winery last year, we’re reflecting on how far we’ve come as a winemaking family in Santa Barbara County and really cherishing this year as Epiphany’s big year,” said Ashley Parker Snider, co-owner of the Fess Parker Family Portfolio. “Epiphany has always been rooted in the thrill of discovery – whether

you’re trying Counoise for the first time or experiencing Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre in a whole new way.” “Whether you first experienced Epiphany wines at our tasting room in downtown Los Olivos or on premise at fine dining restaurants around Southern California, we hear over and over from customers that they’ve been hooked – by the fun of the brand and the quality of the wines,” said Tim Snider, president of Fess Parker’s wine business and chief marketing officer of the Fess Parker Family Portfolio. “We’re marking this 20th anniversary in deep appreciation of our incredible winemaking team, the customers and club members who have sustained the program over the last two decades, and in celebration of the next round of folks who are about to discover Epiphany for themselves,” he said.

Photo contributed Veggie Rescue Executive Director Amy Derryberry, left, receives the donation from Food Services Department coordinator Harold Litwiler.

SM-Bonita schools’ donation supports Veggie Rescue Staff Report

eggie Rescue, based in the Santa Ynez Valley, received $705 from the Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s Food Service Department during the school’s holiday potluck on Dec. 18. For the last 10 years, during the holiday season, Santa Maria-Bonita has held Reindeer Games, an inter-department challenge to raise money for local charities. This year more than $10,000 was raised to support nonprofits including Veggie Rescue, Santa Maria Humane Society and Shoes for Kids. The charities are chosen by each department, and staff members choose the activities to raise money. “Our department held three lunch events, where we sold lunches to staff, and we held a silent auction,” said food services coordinator Harold Litwiler. “I was shocked by how much the team raised

& Coffee Shop Proudly Serving You Since 1960

Bring a friend for a

FREE LUNCH

PRIMARY ELECTION MARCH 3

Forgot to Register? There’s Still Time! Avoid Long Lines! Register & Vote Before Election Day!

Need more information? sbcvote.com • 1 (800) SBC-VOTE

Find out more through www.VeggieRescue. org or through Facebook and Instagram.

DANISH MILL BAKERY INC.

To learn more about Epiphany wines, visit https://www.epiphanywineco.com/.

VOTE!

to support our work. It was a real holiday gift to have been presented with this big check,” said Veggie Rescue’s Executive Director Amy Derryberry. Veggie Rescue was founded in 2011 with the mission to improve the nutrition and quality of life of fellow community members who are struggling with food insecurity by providing them with healthy, local produce and prepared food, and to work with farmers to reduce food waste at the beginning of the food cycle. This is done by collecting excess produce and prepared food from farms, farmers markets and businesses, then delivering this food directly to organizations feeding people throughout Santa Barbara County. Veggie Rescue has collected and distributed about a million pounds of food since it began.

Buy one lunch entrée and the regular price and receive 2nd entrée of equal or lesser value for free with this ad. Not valid with any other offers

BREADS, COOKIES & DANISH SPECIALTIES

1682 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang • 805-688-5805

Los Olivos Authors Tour 241 Facebook Fans Strong!

Outdoor patio show showcasing authors & artists at Corner House Café 2902 San Marcos Avenue, Los Olivos CA 93441. Most Saturdays weather permitting.

Feb 22 Photographer: Joseph Castle (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) Author: Faith Deeter (1:00 - 3:00 pm) Author: Donna Peabody (11:00 am - 1:30 pm) Author: Peg Ivy (11:00 am - 1:30 pm)

Contact: losolivosauthorstour@yahoo.com

Feb 29 Artist: Irina Malkmus Ceramic Artists: Elsie & Brit Wordal Author: Marla Leavitt Author: Peg Ivy Author: R Gamble Lawson Author: Allen Koehn

(10:00 am - 4:00 pm) (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) (11:00 am - 1:30 pm) (11:00 am - 1:30 pm) (11:00 am - 1:30 pm) (12:00 pm – 2:00 pm)

24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

Hollister Ranch homeowners file suit over access law

Assemblymember Monique Limon’s AB 1680 at heart of lawsuit amid constitutional challenge By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

he Hollister Ranch Owners Association has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the “unconstitutional and overreaching provisions” of a new California law aimed at ending a battle about public access to what the plaintiffs claim are private beaches in Santa Barbara County. The lawsuit, filed Thursday by the Pacific Legal Foundation on behalf of the HROA, names as defendants Attorney General Xavier Becerra, the California Coastal Commission’s John Ainsworth, the State Lands Commission’s Sam Schuchat, and Lisa Mangat from the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Hollister Ranch homeowners want the federal court to step in and stop Assembly Bill 1680, authored by Assemblywoman Monique Limon, which spelled out deadlines and more to open access to the Hollister Ranch beaches. In a letter advising state officials about the legal action, Monte Ward, HROA president, said the “unconstitutional and overreaching provisions” of AB 1680 “threaten to derail honest efforts to plan for expanded public access to

Photo contributed The Hollister Ranch Owners Association has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the “unconstitutional and overreaching provisions” of a new California law aimed at ending a battle about public access.

Hollister Ranch. “This is not an action we wanted to take. Indeed, we have been encouraged by the unprecedented effort you and other state leaders have made to take a fresh look at the facts on the ground and, through collaboration and cooperation, develop a new access plan that pre-

serves a wilderness coastline rich in biodiversity and cultural resources, while protecting the ranch’s privacy and traditions,” Ward said in the Jan. 16 letter. “We remain committed to working together to develop a mutually acceptable access plan.” Limon said she introduced AB 1680 “to lay

the groundwork for developing meaningful, safe, equitable, and environmentally sustainable public access to the coast at Hollister Ranch” involving all stakeholders working together to create a contemporary plan. “Regrettably, I am not surprised by the lawsuit regarding AB 1680,” Limon said. “Access to the public beaches in this area have been litigated for almost four decades, and it was time for someone accountable to the constituents of this area to bring stakeholders to the table to find a solution. “I am confident the state will succeed in defending the right of all people to access and enjoy California beaches.” The dispute — most recently fought at administrative, legislative and legal levels — centers on 8½ miles of coastline at Hollister Ranch, a 14,400-acre residential subdivision west of Gaviota State Park. The ranch is an operating cattle ranch divided into 136 lots of 100-plus acres each, with homes and accessory structures developed on about three-quarters of these lots. “The provision in AB 1680 authorizing access to ranch common areas for search purposes violates the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on unwarranted searches, and the Fifth Amendment’s prohibition on uncompensated takings of private property,” the civil complaint said. “The statute’s ban on ‘actions’ that ‘impede,’ ‘delay,’ or ‘obstruct’ the implementation of HOLLISTER RANCH CONTINUED TO PAGE 29

EconAlliance puts focus on ‘Growing Possibilities’ for ag industry

By Laurie Jervis

Noozhawk Contributing Writer

ounty, state and federal officials gathered Feb. 8 to showcase Santa Barbara County’s reputation as an agricultural leader and to address issues facing the industry. The program, “Growing Possibilities,” was organized and sponsored by the EconAlliance, a nonprofit organization that targets industry, innovation and the workforce in northern Santa Barbara County. The event was held at the Santa Maria Fairpark. Allan Hancock College was the event’s premier sponsor, and Kevin Walthers, the college’s superintendent/president, moderated a panel with representatives from the agriculture, growing/shipping, viticulture and cannabis industries. The panel, titled “Land Use, Water, Housing and Labor,” included Claire Wineman, president of the Grower-Shipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties; Larry Ferini, president of Rancho Laguna Farms; Jeff Newton, president/CEO of Coastal Vineyard Care

Associates; and John De Friel, CEO of Central Coast Agriculture. When Walthers asked the panelists to outline future goals, their responses ranged from improved ergonomics for employees to more use of biodegradable plastics in packaging and incorporating climate-change challenges into daily farming practices. “Our weather is very dynamic these days; we have big curves” from cold to warm, Ferini said. Of the cannabis industry, De Friel noted the challenge of “exiting an illegal market and moving to a legal one.” Santa Barbara County and California in general are suffering from a glut of wine grapes because of reduced consumer demand coupled with an increase in planted acreage, Newton said. All four panelists voiced concern about the county’s lack of affordable housing for their employees. “If you could change one government rule, what would it be?” Walthers asked the participants. “Direct to consumer wine sales (tasting rooms) are vital to the wine industry, and

San Luis Obispo County tops ours on food, wine and lodging,” Newton replied. “Santa Barbara County is a tough place to do business.” Ferini said, “The new water/agriculture order is very draconian and insensitive to agriculture.” Wineman added, “Our county’s regulations make it difficult to compete with other states and to business.” De Friel said: “The amount of time spent dealing with politics and policies, and the turnaround time required with planning permits.” On the flip side, the panelists agreed that watching young employees “grow with a company” and developing “long-term relationships” with staff makes up for long hours and regulations. “It’s the people, busting their butts to pick strawberries” for consumers to enjoy, and “watching people succeed” in their employment, Ferini said. “We are here for one another’s success.” Also featured at the forum were Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and Stephen Censky, deputy secretary of the U.S.

Department of Agriculture. Joe Halsell, president of the EconAlliance board of directors, and George Adam, the organization’s ag team lead, welcomed the 200-plus attendees and introduced speaker Cathy Fisher, Santa Barbara County’s agricultural commissioner. It was Fisher who shared local agricultural trivia: If one lined up all of the strawberries grown in Santa Barbara County, they would circle the world 15 times. Quoting data from the 2018 Crop Report, she noted that Santa Barbara County’s gross agricultural production was valued at $1.5 billion. Strawberries topped the list, followed by wine grapes, nursery products, cut flowers and broccoli, she said. But despite its high grosses, 2018 also posed challenges. She noted that year was also an “extreme weather year” because of the Thomas Fire, which affected growth of orchids, flowers and citrus, and the subsequent debris flow, which closed Highway 101, severely limiting crop transport and tourism. In addition, “we had freezes in both February and GROWING CONTINUED TO PAGE 29

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 25

SYHS students to stage musical ‘The Last Five Year Staff Report

The Santa Ynez High School Theatre Group will present the musical “The Last Five Years,” which it is calling an “appetizer” six weeks before its mainstage spring production, Bertolt Brecht’s “Fear and Misery of the Third Reich.” The musical project scheduled for March 5-7 was initiated by junior Jake Gildred and is largely a student-directed and student-generated effort. Featuring Jake and junior Hailey Johnson in the two main roles, it is co-directed by seniors Kiara Costarelli and Lauren Thorburn, with choreography by junior Jessica Brown and musical direction by professional musician Kathryn Imani, who also directs a live chamber ensemble. “The Last Five Years” is a musical written by Jason Robert Brown. The story explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress. The show uses a form of storytelling in which Cathy’s story is told in reverse chronological order (beginning the show at the end of the marriage), and Jamie’s is told in chronological order (starting just after the couple have first met). The char-

Photo contributed The Santa Ynez High School Theatre Group will present the student-directed musical “The Last Five Years” from March 5 - 7.

Valley Clinic of Oriental Medicine Marcy McFee, M.A., L.Ac.

Acupuncture Herbal Medicine Nutrition

We offer gentle, effective treatment for most health conditions including pain, digestive disorders, insomnia, anxiety and depression, allergy and many more… Come visit our clinic for a free thirty minute consultation and ﬁnd out what acupuncture can do for you! “My acupuncturist, Marcy McFee, has assisted me in creating the best health I’ve had in years - she’s my go-to for health maintenance”

2028 Village Lane, Suite 203 Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 688-9674 www.valclinic.com

acters do not directly interact except for a wedding song in the middle as their timelines intersect. The musical style draws on a number of musical genres, including pop, jazz, classical, klezmer, Latin, rock, and folk. The production won the 2002 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics, as well as receiving Drama Desk nominations for Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Actress, Outstanding Orchestrations, and Outstanding Set Design. “The Last Five Years” will be performed just three times, at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 5 - 7, in the SYVUHS Little Theatre. General admission tickets are $5. This show may not be suitable for younger children as it contains mature themes. For more information, call 805688-6487, ext. 2361.

There's always something to see or do in the SYV. Go to VisitSYV.com/events for a full list of activities, and get inspired by upcoming events below. NatureTrack Film Festival

Evolution of Zaca Mesa Wine

Wine & Chili Fest

February 22

Sample from over 30

March 20 - 22

Enjoy a unique, educational

wineries and craft

The only nature-focused

March 15

cellar tasting & learn all

breweries plus a chili/salsa

film festival between San

about the beauty of aging

cookoff at the Flying Flags

Francisco and Los Angeles

wine

RV Resort

returns to Los Olivos

26 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

Suspended Los Olivos School superintendent resigns Staff Report

icky Dudek, the newly hired superintendent-principal of Los Olivos Elementary School, resigned effective Jan. 31, according to a message sent by the school board to parents and staff. Dudek had been placed on paid administrative leave Nov. 12 while the district’s school board investigated complaints it had received from the school’s entire staff at a heated board meeting. During the public portion of a closed session in November for Dudek’s performance evaluation, teachers, staff and parents spoke to the board, alleging Dudek has shown unprofessional and erratic behavior and lack of leadership. Several teachers referred to a staff meeting on Halloween where Dudek allegedly berated teachers in front of their colleagues and scolded them with a list of offenses. “There is no repairing this relationship, which presents glaring concerns for safety if she will not communicate,” teacher Amy Willis

told the board. Staff member Cathy Garley said at that meeting staff members didn’t need to be torn down to be built up; they needed to be respected, and an administrator needs to be respectful at all times. Garley said she also saw Dudek vaping in her office even though no one is allowed to vape on school grounds. The chief administrator should be a role model for the kids, she said. “She is not delivering on promises, and I have already heard that longstanding teachers tell me they will leave if she stays,” Garley added. According to the board announcement, Dr. Pamela Able will continue as interim superintendent and Willis will continue to be teacher in charge while the board finds a permanent superintendent-principal. “The board appreciates the tremendous efforts of the teachers and staff to keep Los Olivos running smoothly during this time of transition,” wrote Ness Hamaoui, a school board member.

Zoo’s improv show combines science, comedy Staff Report

MPROVology, a “science meets comedy” series, will begin this year with a Valentine’s Day edition at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Lobero Theatre. The Santa Barbara Zoo’s take on the hit show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” will have three shows at the Lobero in 2020, and tickets are on sale now. The show invites people to consider such topics as the dating dilemmas of amphibians and birds. Condor coupling is just the bird version of Bachelor in Paradise, a zoo spokesman says, and who knew frogs liked to hump in the hills? In this season’s opening show, scientists and comedians do a deep dive to uncover the lusty underbelly of truly “wild” love, using stories from the field as fuel for side-splitting skits, songs, and silliness created on the spot. Since 2015, this sold-out series has sold out. The format remains unchanged: two leading animal experts are interviewed live on stage, followed by comedy skits, songs, and silliness created on-the-spot by members of L.A.’s Impro Theatre. There’s live music accompaniment, audience participation, and friendly competition between the two teams scored by local celebrities. The 90-minute show is performed without intermission. The two animal experts for this show include Dr. Katy Delaney from the National Park Service, who will discuss the importance of frog sex in the Santa Monica Mountains, and Joe Burnett from Ventana Wildlife Society, who will talk about the drama of California condor love lives. The host of the show is Impro Theatre’s artistic director Dan O’Conner, who is joined for this show by company members Micheal McShane, Stephen Kearin, Jo McGinley, Kelly Bashar, and Brian Michael Jones. Musical

Photo contributed The Santa Barbara Zoo’s annual comedy and science series, IMPROVology, begins this year with a Valentine’s Day theme.

accompaniment is provided by Santa Barbara pianist Konrad Kono along with Dr. Michael Schindlinger on bass. Tickets are $30, and $25 for zoo members. VIP tickets are available for $70, which includes premier seating and pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Buy tickets at the Lobero Theatre Box Office, at lobero.org, or at 805-963-0761. Based in Los Angeles, Impro Theatre is a critically acclaimed theatre company that performs completely improvised, full-length plays in the theme of history’s most acclaimed writers. Fully unscripted shows include those based on Shakespeare, Stephen Sondheim, and Jane Austen, as well as film genres “The Western” and “Film Noir.” For more information about the company and the training it offers, visit www. improtheatre.com.

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 27

Theaterfest receives $50,000 donation from Vikings of Solvang vang Theaterfest was explained by outgoing Chief Dave Bemis: “The Vikings’ mission is to help qualified individuals and organizations with their medically related needs, and we are proud to help improve access at the theater for disabled people as part of the theater’s reconstruction.” The $50,000 commitment was celebrated in a ceremony at Solvang Festival Theater on Jan. 13. In attendance were several Vikings who also serve on the Solvang Theaterfest Board: Chris Nielsen, Bill Bernstein, David Wyatt, and Jean-Paul Demeure. Other Viking members there were Bemis, incoming Chief Richard Kline, Bob Raleigh and Norm Anderson. Anderson utilizes a walker, making the new ramp particularly meaningful for him. Additional Solvang Theaterfest Board members on hand were Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, Kathryn Wrench, Lois Brown, Denise de Bellefeuille and Dr. Bob Baehner. They were joined by Solvang Theaterfest Executive Director Mary Ann Norbom.

Staff Report

he Vikings of Solvang have pledged a five-year donation of $50,000 to Solvang Theaterfest. The contribution is designated for Theaterfest’s campaign, IMAGINE! Building the Future – The $4.7 Million Capital Campaign for Solvang Festival Theater. The $50,000 is earmarked for the rebuilding of the theater’s wheelchair ramp during major reconstruction of the venue, anticipated to start in 2021. Solvang Theaterfest is the 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation that owns, maintains, and operates Solvang Festival Theater. The 46-year-old outdoor theater presents plays and musicals from PCPA in the summer, plus Theaterfest-produced concerts and events from April through December. Several times a year, it is utilized by regional nonprofit organizations, such as Friendship House, to stage their own benefit events. Vikings of Solvang, established in 1974, is a philanthropic and social men’s organization, highly regarded in the community for its volunteerism, annual Christmas party for hundreds of developmentally disabled students, blood drives, and more. The decision to make the grant to Sol-

Photo contributed The Vikings of Solvang have pledged a $50,000 donation to Solvang Theaterfest to rebuild the theater’s wheelchair ramp. Shown on the existing wheelchair ramp are, from left, Viking Norm Anderson, Theaterfest board member Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, and Vikings Chris Nielsen, Dave Bemis and Richard Kline.

For more information about Solvang Theaterfest and Solvang Festival Theater, call Executive Director Mary Ann Norbom at 805-686-1789.

28 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

o MAMBA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Photo by Daniel Dreifuss “If only for one day, one game, people took a moment to idolize him. Sure he was a great player, but he was equally an amazing person,” said SYHS JV Boys Basketball coach Andrew Warwick, referring to Kobe Bryant.

of Jan. 26, when he was informed of the tragic news involving Bryant. “I woke up late Sunday morning to a bunch of text messages, voicemails and links to the TMZ site,” he said. “I didn’t want to believe it. I watched when they confirmed it was Kobe and the eight other passengers and I lost it.” Warwick couldn’t get his emotions together, but he knew he needed to do something to ensure Bryant would be remembered. “If only for one day, one game, people took a moment to idolize him,” he said. “Sure he was a great player, but he was equally an amazing person. Kobe along with all those on board the helicopter, were taken too soon.” This whole week he asked his players to wear their Laker and/or Bryant jerseys to show solidarity. At their home game on Wednesday evening they paid special tribute to Bryant during half-time. The loss of lives from the crash has been felt around the world, and there is another Santa Ynez Valley connection that has locals feeling grief. The daughterin-law and granddaughter of Santa Ynez Valley natives Randy and Cathy Chester were listed as two of the nine people killed in the helicopter that morning. Sarah Chester and her daughter, Payton, were listed in news reports and confirmed by the Chester family. Randy and Cathy Chester both graduated from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and kept in contact with many valley residents who reached out to the Star to notice the connection in the tragedy and said they were devastated for the

Chester family. “Payton and Sarah were the lights of our family. Payton had a smile and a personality that would light any room, and a passion for the game of basketball. She found joy on any court and loved all her teammates and coaches,” Cathy Chester wrote on her social media page. The victims had been en route to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, where Bryant coached his daughter, Gianna, and other teammates, including Payton. In an Instagram post by Bryant’s wife Vanessa, she expressed her pain and love for her husband and daughter. “There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon,” Vanessa wrote. “I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way.” Vanessa went on to say that she wants to help support the families of those lost along with her own. Those that wish to donate are encouraged to visit www.mambasportsfoundation.org or www.mambaonthree.org. The Star expresses condolences to the Chester, Bryant, Altobelli and Zobayan families and loved ones and all those affected by the crash.

Missed an issue? Lost your copy? Want to read on your tablet or smartphone?

o POLISH ARTIST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Photo by Pamela Dozois Halina Wyluda-Kazmierczak displays the paints she uses to “up-cycle” old furniture, including the piece that contains the paints.

in love with the town and told my husband that I wanted to move here. He was surprised at first but it took only a year to find a house in Santa Ynez and we absolutely love it. We made the move in the summer of 2018. “My husband presently works for Google specializing in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, which is an exploding industry in Santa Barbara at the moment,” she added. Although newcomers to the valley, Halina and her family have settled in nicely. The past year she taught art at the Solvang Elementary Afterschool Program and had many students. By the end of the school year she taught four

classes a week. Her classes became very popular and continue to be again this year. Kalina is in her third year at UCSB and Amelia is a senior at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. Halina also refurbishes or “up-cycles” used furniture, does custom painting of furniture, and also does portrait painting. Art First Studio is at 444 First St. in Solvang. For more information, visit artfirststudio. com, email halina@artfirststudio.com, or call 669-232-7051. To view Halina’s art, visit www.halina.biz.

o LAURA KATH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Mark’s would not be what it is today without her committed effort and expertise,” said the Rev. Randall Day, pastor of St. Mark’s. Since 1983, Kath also served as a volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation; she was diagnosed with arthritis as a child. In 1998, the foundation honored her with the Mary G. Kendall Award for Outstanding Service and in 2005 as a Community Hero. She was a past president of the Santa Barbara Branch and served on its board of directors. She also originated a self-help group for youth and was a Camp Esperanza counselor for kids with arthritis from 1989-94. “She was a longtime board member and marketing/PR chair for the Arthritis Foundation Central Coast, which is where I met her, and she was one of the most talented professional PR women around. Not a kinder, more loving person in this business. Her work promoting Arthritis Foundation and Solvang was simply outstanding. I am

so sad and will miss her so much,” said Bonnie Carroll, local travel and lifestyle publisher and journalist. Kath was also a writer, having authored and co-authored several books including travel guides for “Elvis Presley’s Graceland: The Official Guidebook” and “San Ysidro Ranch: A Century of Legendary Hospitality.” She also was the editor for many years of the Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Guide. On the website of her business, Mariah Marketing, Kath ended her biographical information with this remark: “As the lyrics from the Lerner & Lowe song say, ‘Like the wind they call Mariah, (Laura) blows the stars around and sends the clouds a-flying,’ with her positive energy and joyful celebration of life.” A memorial for Kath has been set for Saturday, Feb. 29, at St. Mark’s, with the time and other details to be announced.

WE TREAT YOUR PROPERTIES AS OUR OWN!

OFFICE FA X

(805) 686-9120 (805) 686-5402 BRE #01777954

Download your issue today!

https://issuu.com/santaynezvalleystar/docs

1 7 5 M C M U R R AY R D. S T E E . B U E L LTO N, C A 9 3 4 2 7 R P L M A N AG E M E N T. C O M

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 29

o HOLLISTER RANCH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 public access on the ranch is unconstitutionally vague and overbroad, and violates the due-process clause and First Amendment of the United States Constitution.” In the lawsuit, the homeowners want the federal judge to deem that AB 1680 includes an unconstitutional search and violates the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution by giving access to state officials. They also want a declaration that the law’s provision penalizing action delaying implementation of a public access program as void for vagueness under the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process clause and the First Amendment. Additionally, they claim the law granting access to state officials to the ranch’s common areas would add up to an unconstitutional taking of ranch property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. Homeowners want a preliminary injunction, and ultimately a permanent one, to stop the state agencies from enforcing AB 1680. “There is a right way and wrong way to deal with access issues,” said David Breemer, a senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, which is representing, pro bono, the Hollister Ranch Owners’ Association and its 133 members. “Requiring property owners to submit to searches of property without notice or limits, and threatening them with fines for speaking out or acting in other lawful ways to defend their private property is the wrong

way. If California uses these overreaching means at Hollister Ranch in pursuit of its access goals, no one’s property is safe.” A civil complaint represents one side of the issue and the defendants are expected to file a response in the coming weeks. Efforts have been launched to update the Hollister Ranch Public Access Program, adopted by the California Coastal Commission in the early 1980s but never implemented. A Coastal Commission official declared last month that they had made “significant strides forward” toward public access. In the letter to the leaders of the state agencies, Hollister Ranch’s Ward said they believe they can work together to develop “a landmark access plan.” “Our vision for Hollister Ranch is to create a place for path-breaking scientific research, where the community will experience firsthand the miracle of biodiversity on a natural coast, our next generations will learn and share knowledge, and a sustainable cattle ranch spanning many generations will continue to flourish,” Ward said. “We believe you share this vision and urge you to look beyond narrow political interests to help make it a reality.” Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

o GROWING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 December 2018, and heat waves in March and July.” Among the county’s emerging crops are coffee beans, finger (caviar) limes, agave and, offshore, “our access to 127 species of fish and crustaceans, which represent an additional $13 million in production,” Fisher said, adding that registered bee hives represent an additional $635,328 in growth. Again citing 2018 figures, Canada was “by far” the leader in exports from Santa Barbara County, with 4,282 “phytos” (a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country), followed by Japan with 699 and Mexico with 466, Fisher said. Furthermore, “Santa Barbara County was one of the first counties to get strawberries into China.” Ross outlined the state’s ongoing issues with labor, water and climate change, and Censky focused on the strength of trade with the United States, Canada and Mexico. While sustainable agriculture is the goal, he said, it must be viable for producers and address both social and environ-

mental factors. “Agriculture needs to be science based, but (also) welcome new technologies,” he said. Both the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau, which is celebrating 100 years of service, and various representatives from the many families with 80-plus years of cattle production were honored during the forum. Addressing the “Art & Science of Food Safety” was Scott Horsfall, CEO of California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement. The organization was formed in 2007 on the heels of the September 2006 E. coli outbreak during which 200 people fell ill and four died. Subsequent E. coli outbreaks in 2018 and 2019 were traced to irrigation water in California and Arizona, but never to individual farms, Horsfall noted. Go to www.econalliance.org for more information about the EconAlliance. Laurie Jervis tweets at @lauriejervis and can be reached via winecountrywriter@gmail.com.

o ESSENTIAL OILS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Russell and her husband have lived in the valley since 1992 having arrived here seven months pregnant with her first child. Russell has two grown daughters and a married stepdaughter with two girls of her own. Russell has been very active in the community. Over the years she has been very involved in her children’s schools, volunteering in the class and on the local schools’ PTA boards as well as a number of years as a 15th District PTA board member. She acquired her real estate license 10 years ago after her children went off to college. She is currently

a director on the board of the Santa Ynez Association of Realtors and has spent three years on the Multiple Listing Committee. “It’s great fun and I love what I do. It allows me to meet many different people and to help them with natural solutions for their life’s needs. It’s very rewarding,” Russell said. SYV Essential Oils is at 444 1st Street, Solvang. For more information call (805) 245-0172, email cathi@syv-oils.com or visit www.syv-oils.com

HANDYMAN LICENSED & INSURED $70 PER HOUR • 805-478-1306 License #406657

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW DENTIST? SCHEDULE TODAY! (805) 688-9999 678 Alamo Pintado Rd., Solvang johnsonfamilydental.com

Full-Service Dental Care!

805-688-9999 Solvang Office 678 Alamo Pintado Rd

805-623-4228

NEW Santa Maria Office 745 E. Betteravia Rd

100

OFF

FREE

NEW

PATIENT SPECIAL

FREE DIGITAL X-RAYS

Any Dental Treatment EXAM Voted BEST DentistFREE 5 years in a row!

FREE SECOND OPINION Valid government issued photo ID and checking account required to get financing on approved credit. 2. $100 off dental services when you purchase dental services with combined ARV (actual retail value) of $300 or more. Valid for new patients and once per person. Offer is not redeemable for cash or credit. Valid on non covered services only.

FREE Exam retail price $124 (ADA Code 150). Digital X-rays retail price $186 (ADA Code 210). New cash patients only. There may be future costs based on diagnosis.

ALL Offers are subject to change, cannot be combined and treatment must be rendered by 6/30/20. See office for complete details. Valid on non-covered services only. Johnson Family Dental complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. ©2020 Steven G. Johnson Dental Corporation, Steven G. Johnson, DDS. All rights reserved.

30 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

Staff Report

Tierra Cali, Which One’s Pink? to perform at Chumash Casino

ierra Cali, the group of brothers who have lit up the Regional Mexican charts over the past decade, will bring its North American tour to the Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, at the Chumash Casino Resort. The following evening the popular Pink Floyd tribute band Which One’s Pink? will take the stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29. Tierra Cali will be joined by Latin Grammy-nominated Los Canarios de Michoacán for

the special performance. The Plancarte Farfán brothers – Humberto, Jose Cruz, Rafa, Arcadio, Efrain and Armando – started Tierra Cali in 2000, debuting in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. Following the success of its 2015 release “#Hashtag y Lo Mas Trending,” the group continues to tour throughout North America while working on new material. Which One’s Pink? have performed throughout the southwestern U.S. since 1997, captivating audiences with remarkably accurate versions of Pink Floyd’s extensive catalogue, including complete performances of classic albums such as “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “The Wall.” The tribute band formed when musician-turned-lawyer Larry Isenberg began collaborating with fellow Los Angeles-area musicians who shared a common passion for the music of Pink Floyd. Which Tierra Cali One’s Pink?

Photo contributed The popular Pink Floyd tribute band Which One’s Pink? returns to the Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29.

take their name from a famous line in the Pink Floyd song “Have a Cigar,” which was featured on the 1975 release “Wish You Were Here.” Pink Floyd was a progressive English rock band that achieved critical acclaim and commercial success in the 1970s. The band began to fragment shortly thereafter with David

Gilmour leaving the group in 1985, but Pink Floyd continued to record and tour until 1994. Located on Highway 246 in Santa Ynez, the Chumash Casino Resort is an age 21-and-older venue. Tickets for all events are available at The CLUB at Chumash or online at www.chumashcasino.com.

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital

Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital is currently in need of a per diem (day shift) Speech Language Pathologist. You will interpret, organize, apply and, as necessary, modify medically prescribed evaluations and treatments for neonatal through geriatric inpatient populations. To qualify, you must be ASHA/CCC certified and comfortable working with patients of diverse cultural backgrounds, ages, developmental issues, physical/functional impairments and other differing characteristics. California SLP license required.

For immediate consideration, send your resume to Elena Tapia at etapia@sbch.org or apply online at www.cottagehealth.org.

Thrift Store Eclectic Collection of Previously Owned Treasures & Goods All Volunteer Local Thrift Store Supporting Worthy Local Causes If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.

Santa Ynez Valley Opportunity Shop 3630 Sagunto Street • Santa Ynez • 688-8005 Across the street from The Vineyard House

Tuesday through Sunday • 10am-4pm

Contact Jen Trupiano 805-680-9979

February 18 - March 3, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 31

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

February 18

activities. Talks will be all day Saturday, and a panel discussion Sunday. Visit www.bethanialutheran.net/ education for details.

tickets.

February 22

Leap Day!

SYHS School Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room. Visit www.syvuhsd.org for agendas and minutes.

February 29 Valley Clean Team - 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. at upper Foxen Canyon Road, meet at entrance to Fess Parker Winery. Supplies are provided and all are welcome. Contact Bill Connell at wconnell@ connellandersen.com.

each month. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. 805-245-4951. Art Class, 9 a.m.; Book Club, 10 a.m. (call first); Bingo, 1 p.m.: Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. Wiggly Storytime - 10:30 a.m. - Solvang Library - Short stories, songs, rhymes and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Knit and Crochet - 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571. Healing Hearts 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. Solvang Farmers Market - 2:30-6:30 p.m., First Street between Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

Build with Legos - 1 - 4 p.m. at Buellton Library Make a creation with provided Legos. Cirque Eloize - 8 p.m. at the Granada Theatre - A combination of acrobatics, theater, dance and live music, Montreal’s Cirque Éloize channels Art Deco-era Hollywood glamour. Visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb. edu for details.

February 19

Resilient Fathers - 6 - 8 p.m. at Child Care Resource Center, 124 W. Carmen Ln Ste. C in Santa Maria - Cultivating child, family and community well-being. RSVP to Auggie Morales, Family Service Specialist at 805-925-7071.

February 20 Mental Health Wellness Fair - 1 - 4 p.m. at Root 246. The A.H.O. Youth Council will create a space where people feel they can learn more about their own mental health through participation of self-care stations. Contact Mackenzie at m.greeley@sythc.org for more details.

February 21

February 23

Brighton Beach Memoir - 1 - 3:30 p.m. at Marian Theatre in Santa Maria. The heart-warming and witty memoir from Neil Simon, Brighton Beach Memoirs is the first of Simon’s autobiographical trilogy of plays (with Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound). This award-winning comedy is best enjoyed by children 12 and older. Please be advised there is some sexual innuendo. Tickets can be found at www.pcpa.org.

February 22 - 23

The Liturgists - 7 - 9 p.m. at Bethania Lutheran Church. Meet speakers Michael Gungor, Hillary McBride and William Matthews at a reception before the weekend

March 1

February 26

Fastelaven - 5 - 8 p.m. at Bethania Lutheran Church - Danish Hot Dogs, “Break open the Barrel” competition, costume contest for kids, desserts, silent auction, crowning our Cat Royalty and Grand Dance. Tickets are $5 for kids and $8 for adults.

Music with Miss Diane - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Solvang Library.

Continuing Events Every Monday

Buellton State of the City Address - 8:30 a.m. at the SYV Marriott. Scott Wolfe, City Manager will be taking us through Buellton’s progress, finances, projects and more. Call the Buellton Chamber at 805-688-7829 for tickets.

Tales from the Tavern - 7 - 10 p.m. at the Maverick Saloon - Michelle Malone – a badass slide guitar player and raucous singer who alternates between soulful ballads and rowdy blasters. Visit www.talesfromthetavern. com for details.

February 27

SYV Cottage Hospital Nutrition Class - 11 a.m. - Noon - at the Cottage Admin Building 2050 Viborg Rd. Join Nutritionist Stacey Bailey as she gives free nutrition and diabetes education classes. Call 805-694-2351 for more details. Hospice Learn and Lunch - 12 - 1 p.m. at 2050 Alameda Padre Serra Santa Barbara. Each session will feature a leader from a different religious tradition to address death and dying. This session will feature Art Cisneros, a Chumash elder and Firekeeper. Bring your lunch and join this free session. Call 805-563-8820 to RSVP.

Teen Driver Car Care - 11 a.m. - Noon - at Buellton Garage, 320 Central Ave., Buellton - Teens will learn how to check oil and other fluids, inspect tires and check pressure, jump start a vehicle and familiar with warning lights and gauges, discuss headlights and importance of emergency supply kit. Free to attend, register by calling 805-688-3444 or email info@buelltongarage.com.

SYV MOPS - 9:30 a.m. at the SYV Presbyterian Church in Ballard. This Mothers of Preschoolers group focuses on young mothers from pregnancy - Kindergarten. Meet and connect with local moms. Visit www.syvmops. com for details.

February 28 SYV Cottage Hospital Nutrition Class - 11 a.m. - Noon - at the Cottage Admin Building 2050 Viborg Rd. Join Nutritionist Stacey Bailey as she gives free nutrition and diabetes education classes. Call 805-694-2351 for more details. Rec ’n Roll - 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Solvang Veteran’s Hall - Roller Skate or roller blade to your heart’s content. At 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. is for families with kids 10 years and younger; 6:30 - 8:30 for all ages. $6 with skates or $10 for skate rentals. Visit www.cityofsolvang.com for

Yoga, 9 a.m.; Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Arts and Crafts every third Monday; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805688-3793. Preschool Storytime - 11 a.m. - Buellton Library - Bring your preschooler to story time to help get them ready to read! 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.

Every Tuesday

Computer class, 9 a.m., Knitting, 9:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 11 a.m.; bridge and poker, 12:45 p.m.; Mah Jongg 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805688-3793. Toddler Tuesdays at the MOXI - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.moxi.org. Preschool Story Time - 10:30 a.m. at Solvang Library. Two-Step Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. - Industry Night and Karaoke Party. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.themavsaloon.com. Pickle Ball - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome.

Every Wednesday

SYV We Support the Troops – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Volunteer to pack care packages on the 4th Wednesday of

Crafternoons – 3:45-5:45 p.m. Arts Outreach, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. Suite 9, Los Olivos. $10/child; 805-688-9533. Lindy Hop Lessons - 7:10 p.m. for Beginner, low impact and 8 p.m. for Intermediate level. Classes are taught by Hannah Rasby at the Solvang Vets Hall. Cost is $5 per class.

Every Thursday

Sideways Inn Local’s Night Specials 5 p.m.- 8 p.m., 114 East Highway 246, Buellton; 805-691-8088. Chair Exercises - 10 a.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571. Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, Noon; Basic Cartooning, 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. Reading with Dogs - 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. at Solvang Library - Tail Waggin Tutors help young readers practice reading skills. Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley - Noon-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. Pickle Ball - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome.

Every Friday

Nutrition Classes - 11 a.m. - SYV Cottage Hospital Conference Room - Instruction Stacey Bailey is a dietician and offers weekly courses in various topics. For more information call 805-694-2351. Bring your lunch and talk nutrition. Tai Chi, 9:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.; Pilates – 10:15 a.m.; Ukulele 11:15 a.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. 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.; 805688-4515 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.

32 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 18 - March 3, 2020

$5,900,000 | 3777 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez | 4BD, 4+(2)½BA 9.77±acs Laura Drammer | 805.448.7500

Lic # 01209580

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

$2,475,000 | 2075 Still Meadow Rd, Solvang | 5±acs Carole Colone | 805.708.2580 Lic # 01223216

$1,795,000 | 705 Mesa Dr, Solvang | 4BD/4BA Laura Drammer | 805.448.7500 Lic # 01209580

$1,174,995 | 1135 Edison St, Santa Ynez | 3BD/3BA Glynnis Mullenary | 805.705.5206 Lic # 01748187

$999,000 | 777 Bobcat Springs Rd, Buellton | 4BD/2BA Bob Jennings | 805.570.0792 Lic # 01387186

$995,000 | 465 Bell St, Los Alamos | Commercial Brett Ellingsberg | 805.729.4334 Lic # 01029715

$895,000 | 2770 Canada Este Rd, Santa Ynez | 20.03±acs Claire Hanssen | 805.680.0929 Lic # 00887277

$799,000 | 591 Poppyfield Pl, Goleta | 3BD/3BA David & Marlene Macbeth | 805.689.2738 Lic # 01132872 / 00689627

$795,000 | 3155 Long Canyon Rd, Santa Ynez | 13.79± acs

Claire Hanssen | 805.680.0929 Lic # 00887277

$735,000 | 370 Price Ranch Rd, Los Alamos | 3BD/2BA Cammy Godeck-Pinoli | 805.452.9725 Lic # 02074002 / 01209580

$723,000 | 653 Hillside Dr, Solvang | 3BD/3BA Brenda E Cloud | 805.901.1156 Lic # 01772551

$615,000 | 327 5th St, Solvang | 2BD/1½BA Laura Drammer | 805.448.7500 Lic # 01209580

$565,000 | 2415 Cebada Canyon Rd, Lompoc | 20± acs Brad Berch | 805.680.9415 Lic # 01244576

$405,000 | 644 Floral Dr, Solvang | 2BD/1½BA Karin Aitken | 805.252.1205 Lic # 00882496

$399,000 | 19 Paseo del Rio, Solvang | 3BD/2BA Karin Aitken | 805.252.1205 Lic # 00882496

MONTECITO | SANTA BARBARA | LOS OLIVOS

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

©2020 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