Santa Ynez Valley Star February A 2022 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

February 1, 2022 - February 14, 2022

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From hurricanes to humanitarian crisis: Local woman rescuing hundreds from Afghanistan Warrior Angels Rescue, which began as an effort to rescue her own family, has grown exponentially By Pamela Dozois

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n 2017, Valerie Edmondson Bolaños stepped out of her comfort zone and threw herself into the Category 5 winds of Hurricane Maria, which devastated her home island of Puerto Rico, where her Photos contributed family members still lived. Since then, it is Valerie Edmondson Bolanos remarkable what one Solvang woman and her team of volunteers have accomplished. Edmondson Bolaños started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and founded Warrior Angels Rescue in the immediate aftermath of that storm. What began as an effort to rescue her own family grew exponentially. The following year, her team airlifted residents affected by the 1/9 Montecito debris flow, and in 2020 responded to the international border

A passenger is shown being helped off one of the 155-seat evacuation flights, arranged by Valerie Edmondson Bolanos and her Warrior Angels Rescue team, from Puerto Rico to Miami in 2017

shutdowns at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, evacuating Americans stranded in Peru and other countries, such as Ecuador and Ghana. Warrior Angels Rescue is now evacuating

girls, women and their families from the humanitarian crisis that is escalating in Afghanistan after United States forces withdrew, leaving Americans and those who helped the U.S. for more

than 20 years stranded in the midst of a violent takeover. To date, Warrior Angels Rescue has secured safe harbor to evacuate more than 450 people from Afghanistan, mostly women and girls who were at a high risk of danger, and they are about to rescue 300 more. “Sometimes our darkest moments bring out a strength of purpose from within us,” said Edmondson Bolaños. “The eye of Hurricane Maria went straight through Humacao, the town where I was born and sliced right across Puerto Rico exiting through Dorado, the town where my family lives. “I knew I had to get my family off the island after I lost contact with them for 36 hours. When I did finally speak to my cousin, she had no idea of the scale of devastation that Maria had left in its wake. She had no clue that the entire island was completely without power. There was no communication at all. She had to climb to the top of a mountain to make cell phone contact with me. I just knew I had to evacuate them. That’s how it started and it just snowballed from there.” The seeds of her effort were planted when Edmondson Bolaños realized she had a couple of extra seats. “Once I figured out how to charter a plane, a six-seater, which was enough for my four family members, I didn’t want the two vacant seats to go to waste,” she said. “I went on social media askWARRIOR ANGELS CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

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Homeless Point-In-Time Count rescheduled to Feb. 23

County’s Community Services Department. “It is important that we have an accurate count; we can’t do that without the help of volunteers.” The following COVID-19 safety measures have Staff Report been established for the 2022 count: n Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in teams o ensure the health and safety of volunwith people they already interact with (households, teers, staff and people experiencing home- colleagues and friends). lessness, Santa Barbara County has made n Individuals not part of a group will be matched the decision to reschedule the countywide Homeless in teams based on the comfort level indicated at sign Point-in-Time Count to Wednesday, Feb. 23, from up and must provide proof of vaccination. 5:30 to 8:30 a.m. n To avoid a large gathering, groups will be Volunteers who had registered for the original deployed as they arrive at their assigned logistics date of Jan. 26 have been contacted regarding the center. new date, and the county is still seeking several n Appropriate face coverings and hand sanitizer hundred volunteers. are required (volunteers are encouraged to bring The semi-annual count is to tally the number of their own, but supplies will be provided) to keep individuals and families experiencing homelessness teams and those being surveyed safe. on a given day. Santa Barbara County and the Santa Maria/Santa Teams of volunteers will canvass assigned routes Barbara County Continuum of Care (CoC) Program throughout the county and briefly document who is is designed to promote communitywide commitexperiencing homelessness. This information is used ment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide to plan local homeless assistance systems, justify funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and for funding and raise public awareness. Volunteers will state and local governments to quickly rehouse be trained to help count on the survey day. homeless individuals and families while minimizThose who wish to volunteer can sign up at coun- ing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless tyofsb.pointintime.info. individuals, families and communities by homelessness; promote access to and effect utilization of “With everything that has happened over the mainstream programs by homeless individuals and past two years, the Point-in-Time Count is more families; and optimize self-sufficiency among indiimportant than ever,” said Jett Black-Maertz, senior viduals and families experiencing homelessness. housing program specialist for Santa Barbara HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

County still seeking volunteers for count that was originally set for January

NEWS STAFF Raiza Giorgi

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By Raiza Giorgi

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ith the new year comes change, including some major changes at the Santa Ynez Valley Star. At the time this issue goes to print, there will be new owners of the Santa Ynez Valley Star. Nic and Hayley Mattson, of 13 Stars Media are taking over publishing of the Valley’s best source for local news. My time as publisher of the Star has come to an end, and I have complete faith in Nic and Hayley to continue. They are local to the Central Coast, and their vision is the same as mine, which is to bring community together and keep local news in the forefront. Looking back, I think I was a bit crazy to start a newspaper, but the Valley deserved to have a publication that would shine a light on all the wonderful people, businesses and organizations that make up this world-class area. The Star was born and I want to say that these past six years have been an amazing journey for myself and the people who have made my dream come alive, which includes you, the readers. I started the Santa Ynez Valley Star as a monthly publication back in 2016, and with the help of my small Star team and a dozen advertisers, we created a high-quality news publication and grew it into a twice-monthly publication within that first year. We won “Best of the Best” our first year at the California News Publishers Association awards, and countless awards in the years since for writing, photography, breaking news, sports features, advertising campaigns and more. Some of my best memories have been working to cover local news and ensuring the word got out about what was happening in local government, new businesses opening, and of course how to help our fellow neighbors in times of need — especially at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank all the people who have contributed to the Star over the years including Dave Bemis, Aimee Reinhart

Raiza Giorgi

Avery, Shana DeLeon, Victoria Martinez, Amberly Lahr, Ebers Garcia, Jen Trupiano, Mike Chaldu, Pamela Dozois, Daniel Dreifuss, Barry Sigman, John Copeland, Sheila Benedict and Vida Gustafson. I also want to thank each and every advertiser that has put their advertisement in the Star, because without them the Star wouldn’t have been born at all. I am so deeply appreciative and thank every single one of you from the bottom of my heart. Life has pulled my family to another adventure away from the Santa Ynez Valley, and even though I no longer live here we will be back often to visit as our multi-generational family still does. I wish each and every one of you all the best and encourage you to welcome Nic and Hayley Mattson into the community. With love Raiza Giorgi Former Publisher Santa Ynez Valley Star

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Copenhagen Drive to remain closed to vehicles City Council changes mind, intends to explore ideas to enhance outdoor areas By Raiza Giorgi

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fter almost two years of the busiest street in city being closed to traffic, the Solvang City Council decided to change its mind about reopening it Feb. 1 and instead will explore options to enhance the closure. When the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March of 2020, the council at the time relaxed outdoor dining and seating for local restaurants and wine tasting rooms by granting temporary encroachment permits into the street. The decision allowed patrons to be able to socially distance, and eateries and beer and wine establishments were able to survive indoor dining restrictions. The council had previously said they wanted a goal of the road being open by Feb. 1, and staff presented various options to them regarding fully opening to a modified version. With the road being closed it impacts one ADA parking spot, 59 standard parking spaces and four motorcycle spaces. “I have a bias as we benefit from Copenhagen being closed, but I will say that it has been a savior to our business,” said Michael Lewellen, son of the late Royce Lewellen and now a managing partner to the well-known wine label. Longtime bakery owner Bent Olsen said the idea of closing Copenhagen to through traffic was not new and has been talked about since 1980. “Solvang has come a long way and never looked so good. I think you’re on the right track to keep it the way it is and look forward to making it better,” Olsen said. Councilman Mark Infanti brought up concerns of being able to access Parking Lot 2 (located behind the visitor’s center), and if they closed the street for good, who would pay for the improvements. Councilman Robert Clarke said all he has heard from visitors and locals is they would prefer to sit outside especially given the latest variant, and said he felt it was necessary to keep Copenhagen closed “for as long as it’s appropriate and we will see

Photo by George Rose Copenhagen Drive has been closed to vehicle traffic since March 2020 to allow outdoor seating for restaurants and wineries to continue their operations.

Photos contributed Renderings of potentially reopening Copenhagen Drive with private parklets. Photo contributed

where it goes.” Another speaker in favor of keeping the street closed is Rene Kaerskov, owner of several downtown businesses. “In Denmark major shopping areas are closed for pedestrian activity,” Kaerskov said. “I also believe it increases the public appreciation of the Danish architecture. Let’s not forget there are plenty of cities competing with us for tourism. Your own survey says the majority of residents and businesses want to keep it closed.” He also said concerns about costs should be paid for by the business owners, and the city can gain revenue for charging to

use the public space. “No one gets free real estate,” Kaerskov

added. Santa Ynez Valley resident Dennis Beebe said he was in favor of the closure, but to make it prettier as in his opinion the pergolas are ugly, a comment which prompted giggles from the audience. Infanti then asked Olsen to address his area as it is located off Mission Drive, and whether he’s in favor of keeping outdoor dining. “The bumpers we have are not good looking. If we are allowed to keep it this way with outdoor seating, we will definitely do something to make it more attractive,” Olsen agreed. The motion to keep the street closed passed unanimously, and staff will bring the subject back to council when they have more information on costs and traffic impact studies. Reorganization of the council also occurred at this meeting, with Infanti being appointed as Mayor Pro Tem; they also designated council members to various committees. The Solvang City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Council Chambers located at 1644 Oak Street. To view upcoming agendas and minutes visit www.cityofsolvang.com. To watch this meeting as well as other topics discussed on the agenda such as the Grant Funding Policy Update, visit www.youtube. com/watch?v=JD3-pfEv0Ig.

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Los Olivos fighting against state Grange Hall takeover Dispute part of a larger one between national, local organizations Staff Report

he little community building in Los Olivos known to many locals as the Grange Hall has had many uses from agricultural meetings, community events, dance lessons and more. For more than 80 years the Grange Hall has been a center point in not just Los Olivos but the Santa Ynez Valley, and locals are now rallying to save the hall from being taken over by a newly organized State Grange. Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge James F. Rigali granted a Motion of Summary Judgment for the California State Grange against the Los Olivos Community Org., inc. and Hall, in a lawsuit that was filed in April 2020, and will come before the court on Tuesday, Feb. 8. This isn’t just a local story, as grange halls all around the state are in the same situation trying to maintain local control over their community buildings as they have been sued by the California State Grange to take possession of the properties. About 10 years ago, California subordinate granges elected a state grange master who worked to liberalize the organization and make it more appealing to its changing local communities. That caused a rift with the national organization, which revoked the California State Grange charter, leaving its subordinate members in legal

Photo contributed Grange Hall has had many uses from agricultural meetings, community events, dance lessons and more.

limbo. As a result, many of the subordinate granges elected to become independent of the National Grange organization. That is how Los Olivos became the Los Olivos Community Organization, according to John Copeland, secretary of LOCO. “We were tired of paying dues that just went to feed the fight between the state and the national grange. None of it stayed in Los Olivos,” Copeland said. When a fire damaged the building in September 2013, neither the state nor the National Grange helped with rebuilding, Copeland added. “Our members and people in the community rose to the occasion and raised the required funds to cover the gap in what insurance would pay and

the cost of rebuilding,” he said. “Our members remembered that when we decided to become our own organization in 2016.” Copeland explained they formed the new nonprofit, the Los Olivos Community Organization, and transferred title from the SYV Valley Grange to LOCO. The SYV Valley Grange #644 corporation was then dissolved and LOCO received nonprofit status from the IRS and holds the title to the building. Copeland went further to say that the National Grange successfully sued to take the California Grange assets, and now is seeking to bring all the subordinate granges that allied with the more liberal organization, back into line under a newly reorganized State Grange.

“The National Grange can take control of the property ‘for the good of the order,’ Copeland said. “They’re trying to use this blanket bylaw to control us. Some other halls have walked away and some are fighting to keep their control like we are.” LOCO plans to appeal the Motion for a Summary Judgement ruling, which will take some time, Copeland said. However, if is not successful, they will be faced with difficult decisions. “Do we surrender the building that we love and into which we have poured so much time and treasure?” Copeland questioned. “Do we attempt to organize a new subordinate grange, joining the organization simply to retain control of our own property? Do we attempt to buy our own property, if that is even possible?” LOCO estimates the nonprofit needs $65,000 to cover bond fees to keep local control. It has some of that tucked away, but the hope is that its attorney can either reduce or get a waiver at the hearing on Feb. 8, before LOCO members start doing fundraising. “If we don’t come up with the cash for the bond the state grange takes control of the building and can lock us out. We have asked for clarification from the state’s attorney with no reply yet,” Copeland said. “We had great community support when the fire happened, and I think we can rally again to keep our hall.” The Star reached out to the State Grange Communications department to get comment, and no response was given as of yet. We will update if and when we get a reply.

County awarded $10M in funding to address homelessness Homekey funds to help establish housing project in Isla Vista Staff Report

he California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) recently announced that the Santa Barbara County is receiving two funding awards totaling nearly $10 million to address homelessness. The first is Homekey Round 2 funding of $6.9 million awarded to the county in partnership with Good Samaritan Shelter. State HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez commented that today’s awardees “really showcase the essence of Homekey — projects that serve homeless

youth, from a housing project near a major university to a motel conversion with a whole suite of supportive services to get people back on their feet, [sic] housing to give folks a fresh start.” “We are ecstatic to learn that the soon-tobe-named housing project in Isla Vista has been awarded almost $7 million in a Homekey grant,” said Third District County Supervisor Joan Hartmann. “This project demonstrates that, with the right kinds of support, people who have lived unsheltered for years can indeed get stabilized and turn their lives around. It is an incredibly rewarding effort to be part of, requiring the coordinated work of so many different county and community partners. We are tremendously gratified by this stellar result.” Second District County Supervisor Gregg

Hart added, “This grant will help make an immediate difference in the lives of vulnerable community members by providing individuals with a safe place to stay, access to services, and an entry point into permanent housing. We are committed to working with our local cities and community partners to identify additional sites for transitional and permanent supportive housing throughout Santa Barbara County.” Homekey is a California program to purchase and rehabilitate housing, including hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings and other properties, and convert them into permanent, long-term housing for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The county was also awarded funding of $2.734 million from Emergency Solutions Grants Coronavirus (ESG-CV). The county

previously received an ESG-CV award of $7 million in 2021 for use in the Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care service area for emergency sheltering, outreach and rapid re-housing. Emergency Solutions Grant Coronavirus Program was funded as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act. The funds are designated to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Coronavirus among individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness by assisting with housing. For information about the County Housing and Community Development Division of the Community Services Department, go to www. countyofsb.org/housing.

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SpaceX rocket to carry top-secret spacecraft from Vandenberg SFB National Reconnaissance Office reveals mission patch ahead of Feb. 2 liftoff from South Base By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to make a daylight departure from Vandenberg Space Force Base Wednesday, Feb. 2, to place a top-secret National Reconnaissance Office payload into orbit. The Space Exploration Technologies booster’s departure will occur between 8:37 a.m. and 1:38 p.m., according to an NRO post on social media pages. Liftoff of the mission dubbed NROL-87 will occur from Space Launch Complex-4 East on South Base, the area south of Ocean Avenue (Highway 246). That five-hour launch opportunity is ex-

pected to be narrowed down ahead admitted its existence followed by of the liftoff. The actual confirming its role in satellites window for placing the headed to orbit for Vanpayload into space denberg launches. typically remains However, NRO did top secret for release its launch NRO launches. patch, which The misdisplays a wild sion involves mountain goat carrying standing proud an NRO atop a mountain payload into peak remaining orbit, but watchfully alert. officials typ“The NRO ically remain maintains contight-lipped about stant vigilance from the purpose of the above in protecting our spacecraft. nation and its citizens,” This September will the agency said. Photo contributed mark 30 years since “The snow-capped Shown here is the patch created for the launch of a NRO removed its mountain in the Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on shroud of secrebackground repFeb. 2, carrying a top-secret payload for the National cy and at least resents our nation’s Reconnaissance Office.

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unmatched preeminence in space.” A podcast spells out the tradition of the launch patch crafted after a lengthy design process to include features symbolic but not revealing about the mission. It’s not yet clear if SpaceX will attempt to land the spent first-stage booster on a droneship in the ocean southwest of the Central Coast or at Vandenberg’s Landing Zone 4 west of the launch pad. A third option would involve scrapping the segment in the ocean and giving up the chance for it to fly another mission. A Falcon rocket flew as the final launch of 2021 from Vandenberg. Before the Feb. 2 liftoff from Vandenberg, SpaceX has two Falcon 9 launches planned from Florida. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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Santa Barbara Zoo welcomes two cotton-top tamarins IUCN due to deforestation and illegal pet trade. They vocalize using a shrill whistling sound that changes depending on what they are communicating to each other. These monkeys are named for the shock of white hair on the tops of their heads which stands out in contrast to the darker black and brown tones of the hair on the rest of their bodies. Guests can visit the cotton-tops in their new home next to the capybaras on Zoo Train Lane. The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m.; general admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. Parking is $11. The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Staff Report

he Santa Barbara Zoo recently welcomed Stella and Mini, two cotton-top tamarin siblings who arrived at the Santa Barbara Zoo earlier this month from the Central Florida Zoo. Stella is female and 6½ years old, and Mini is male and 5½ years old. Both were born at the Central Florida Zoo and came to Santa Barbara on a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan. Cotton-top tamarins are one of the smallest species of primates and are found in a small area of northern Colombia where there are only about 6,000 individuals left in the wild. These small monkeys (they each weigh about 1 pound) play an important role in rainforest ecology by dispersing digested seeds throughout the forest. They are listed as critically endangered by the

Photo contributed The Santa Barbara Zoo recently welcomed Stella and Mini, two cotton-top tamarin siblings who arrived recently.

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The two energies — ‘original’ and ‘support’ — fuel digestion By Dr. Hyun K. Lee Contributing Writer

o, what’s so special about your digestive system? Everything! Let’s start at the beginning. According to Oriental medicine, when babies are born, they are born with Dr. Lee energy that we term “original energy,” which is inherited from both of its parents. If the parents donated strong energy to their child, it lasts for some time and that person feels as though they always have energy to spare. As time marches on, the child grows into an adult, and sooner or later it begins to notice a bit of a slowing down. This is when the secondary, or “support energy” becomes more valuable. Support energy is obtained through your digestive system and created by the foods you eat. The better the foods, the better energy you have. This support energy “charges” your original energy and keeps you going throughout the years. Using a car as an analogy, your original energy would be the battery and your support energy, the alternator. The battery itself has energy, but only a certain amount, and if it is drained it will no longer function. The alternator then serves as its charging system, generating electricity that is used both to make the car run and feed the battery power. It converts

mechanical energy (food) into alternating current (energy). Ideally, the better foods you eat, the better your “car” will run. If you exist, as most people, mindless to their body’s functions and needs, and feed yourself poorly with diets low in nutrients and rich in chemicals and other man-made ingredients, expect your body to run at far less capacity, with lots of problems, and limited longevity. Like any systematic function, problems can occur. The digestive system frequently sees blockages and a generally weak function. When one has a blockage, the area down the middle of the chest hurts when pressed on firmly. Acupuncture and herbs serve to eliminate the blockage and return the system to its proper state. Those persons who have a generally weak digestive system feel

weak and as though they can’t eat a lot. These people can’t absorb the proper essence from the foods they do eat. Problems like these are treated with acupuncture and herbs by helping support the function. To maintain good digestion, there are some simple things to keep in mind. Eating the proper constitutional foods is key. Give your body the foods it needs to run optimally. Chewing what you eat thoroughly is important, too — each bite 100 times. Thorough chewing is the beginning of the digestive process. It not only breaks down the food, but it also sends messages to your brain and thusly to other organs telling them “Hey, food’s coming! Prepare!” and informing them how much bile, insulin photo by wayhomestudio

and enzymes it needs to output to process and distribute the nutrients of that particular food you’re eating. When we go decades not chewing our foods properly, the organs don’t know the exact amounts they need to produce, so they will over or under produce, eventually making them stressed. Over time, this can lead to problems like diabetes and gallstones. Eating on a daily schedule is also beneficial to easing the stress of your organs. If your body knows when to expect food and always receives it at that expected time, your organs work at a steady, stress-free pace. The last key to good digestion is paying attention. Learn which foods make you feel great, which make you feel sluggish, and in what quantities your body functions best. Your original energy is made to last roughly 100 years. The better you charge that battery over the years, the better and longer it will run. Remember, good digestion and a proper diet is not just key in maintaining good energy, but also important to keeping you free of disease and other medical problems. Being mindful of what your body needs will keep you on the path to health, happiness, and longevity. Dr. Lee’s office is located in the Viborg Medical Center, 2030 Viborg Road, Suite #107, Solvang. The clinic is held every Wednesday only. Dr. Lee also has offices in Los Angeles, and Atascadero. To make an appointment in the Solvang office, call 805-693-5162.

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February 1, 2022 - February 14, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

February has many holidays for being such a short month

By John Copeland Contributing Writer

or being the shortest month of the year, February certainly has a lot of “holidays” in it. It is also the only month of our calendar not named for a God, a Roman Emperor or a number. It was named for the Roman festival, Februa, a month-long event of purification and atonement. As a festival Februa is very old, older than even Rome. It was descended from an old Sabine festival honoring their god, ‘Februs,’ god of the underworld. The Sabines were a pre-Roman tribe that lived in the Apennine Mountains of Italy and were conquered by the Romans. Rome merged Februs with Pluto. No, not Mickey Mouse’s dog; Pluto was the Roman god of the underworld and the dead. Feb. 1 is Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by more than 20% of the world’s population. It is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian

nations. It’s also celebrated in Chinatowns and Asian homes around the world. It’s considered a time to honor deities and ancestors and to be with family. The Lunar New Year usually sparks a rush of travel that the New York Times has called the world’s largest annual human migration, which will probably be lessened this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This year, which is 4720 in China, is the Year of the Tiger. Tiger years are all about going big or going home. This is markedly different from 2021’s Year of the Ox, which was all about steady progress, pragmatism and hard work. According to Chinese astrologists, the Year of the Tiger will usher in a time of intense emotions and big decisions, so hang on to your hats. The next “holiday” is very old. On Feb. 2, while the Romans were festively purifying themselves, other cultures were celebrating a fire goddess and still others, sheep (I know that sounds a little scary). During the Middle Ages, it became the time for blessing church candles, celebrating bears and, later still, groundhog meteorologists. Each of these observances all have Feb. 2 in common. Now, when you stop and think about it, all these events seem random and unrelated, but truth is, they are not! Feb. 2 is a cross quarter day. During the year, our seasons are marked by both quarter days and cross quarter days. They are some of the oldest holidays we still widely recognize around our planet. They are at least as old as New Year’s and

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possibly even older. Quarter days mark the astronomical events of winter solstice, spring or vernal equinox, summer solstice and finally the autumn equinox. Today, we recognize quarter days as the start dates of our four seasons. The cross quarter days are Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day), May 1 (May Day), Aug. 1 (Gule of August) and Oct. 31 (Halloween). Feb. 2 is the first cross quarter day of the year and its deeper meaning speaks to the triumph of spring over winter and birth over death. This was a big day in early cultures as witnessed by the many festivals that are associated with Feb. 2. For ancient Celts, it was the festival of Imbolc, celebrating that ewes are soon to give birth to lambs, a sure sign that spring is not far off. In ancient Gaelic the word “Imbolc” literally means “lamb’s milk.” Feb. 2 is also Brigid’s Day. Brigid, was a fire goddess that was so popular with the common folk, she was embraced by the Catholic Church and canonized as a saint. Brigid represents the light half of the year, and the power that will bring people from the dark season of winter into spring. Feb. 2 is also Candlemas, the day of the Mass of the Candles, when all the candles that would be used in the church during the coming year were blessed. This custom lasted in England until Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans banned the practice. However, the symbol of lighted candles had a strong a hold common folk and was not entirely cast aside. Traces of this festival held on until recently in the British Isles like little lights

that refused to be blown out. That brings us to Groundhog Day. Well, originally, it wasn’t a groundhog. European folk traditions marked Feb. 2 as the date bears emerged from hibernation to inspect the weather and if they returned to their lairs it meant that winter would continue for another 40 days. In colonial days, German immigrants brought their traditions with them. Finding no bears but lots of groundhogs, or woodchucks, they adopted them to fit the lore. It’s one of the early examples of job outsourcing — the bears lost their weather job to a woodchuck. According to legend, if a groundhog sees its shadow on this day, there will be six more weeks of winter. Just in case it slipped your mind, Monday, Feb. 14, is Valentine’s Day, a very popular holiday. According to U.S. florists, 110 million roses, most of them red, will be given to sweethearts across America on that day. We will also exchange about 1 billion — yep, that is a billion with a B — Valentine’s Day cards. Americans will also buy more than 58 million pounds of chocolate and a lot of that will come in 35 million heart shaped boxes. You still have time to pick up a card and order a bouquet of flowers or some tasty chocolates for your sweetheart. And, that, my friends, is what lays in store for us for the first half of February. There is still Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday and President’s Day. It is also Black History Month and Heart Health Month.

10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 1, 2022 - February 14, 2022

Sansum Clinic achieves highest state rating for healthcare experience Medical group only one in SB, SLO counties to get five-star rating from OPA Staff Report

ansum Clinic achieved top ratings in the 2021-2022 edition of the Health Care Quality Report Card released by California’s Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA.) \ The clinic is the only rated medical group within Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to receive an overall “excellent” 5-out-of-5 stars rating for overall patient experience, the highest possible rating in that category, as well as the highest rating in the region, four stars, for quality of medical care, for commercial and Medicare Advantage managed care patients.

Within the patient experience category, Sansum Clinic earned its five stars for effectively communicating with patients, successfully coordinating patient care and having helpful office staff, as well as timely care and service. The organization’s 4-out-of-5-stars rating for quality of medical care was earned for measures which evaluate the appro-

priate use of tests, treatments, procedures and preventative screenings, getting care right for the treatment of children, and the effectiveness in diagnosing and treating health conditions like diabetes and coronary artery disease. The new report card puts Sansum Clinic on par with other large healthcare groups around the state

like UCLA Medical, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter and Cedars-Sinai. “Over the last year, the pandemic forced us to rethink and restructure the ways we provide care,” said Dr. Marjorie Newman, Sansum Clinic medical director. “The results in this report card are a true testament to the dedication of our team and how they were able to prioritize the experience of our patients despite all the challenges of COVID-19.” The OPA’s report cards are an online tool to help Californians make informed decisions when choosing a health plan or healthcare provider. Sansum Clinic’s newest report card is available online at https://reportcard.opa.ca.gov/rc/medicalgrouprating.aspx?county=SANTA_BARBARA. To learn more about Sansum Clinic, visit www. sansumclinic.org.

February 1, 2022 - February 14, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

Photo contributed The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival has pushed the dates for this year's film festival to April 26 through May 1.

Organizers move date for San Luis Obispo International Film Festival The 28th edition of the event will run from April 26 through May 1 Staff Report

he San Luis Obispo International Film Festival has pushed the dates for this event to April 26 to May 1, due to concerns regarding the winter spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The film festival also announced that Mercedes-Benz of San Luis Obispo will be the presenting sponsor for the 28th edition. SLO Film Fest’s organizers have concluded that the combination of stringent protocols (which includes patrons, staff and filmmakers providing proof of vaccination or negative test prior to entry to screenings and events), as well as taking the film festival deeper into spring, will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for attendees. “The surge of the Omicron variant and prevalence of cold and flu season caused us to take this additional step out of utmost concern for our SLO Film Fest filmmakers, staff and film fans,” said festival director Skye McLennan. “We understand that there has been much enthusiasm for us to return to theaters this year, but we also place the highest priority on the safety of our patrons as we put on an incredible in-person film festival that includes more outdoor events as well as a virtual component,” she added. McLennan also hailed the addition of Mercedes-Benz of San Luis Obispo as a presenting

sponsor for this year’s film festival. “Having Mercedes-Benz join forces with us this year is a huge stamp of approval regarding the importance of SLO Film Fest as a cultural leader on the Central Coast and a big reminder of what this event means to our area and community,” she said. “We are thrilled to have it be a part of this year’s highly anticipated return to the movie theaters.” Chris Baughman, CEO of Mercedes-Benz of San Luis Obispo, said his company “is delighted to partner with the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival to bring a cultural institution back in person to the SLO community. We appreciate and share the festival’s enthusiasm for the arts and creating terrific experiences for its patrons.” With a reputation as a destination film festival, SLO Film Fest has been cited as one of the first film festivals to go online in 2020, following the onset of the pandemic in the U.S. MovieMaker Magazine praised the festival — known for its location, parties mixing filmmakers with fans, and melding of surf culture and wine country — for leading the way for other film festivals to pivot to the virtual space. Regarding plans for innovations to this year’s presentation and approach to the film festival, McLennan said, “We have been brainstorming on various ways that we could update and enhance what we do, while highlighting the things people have loved about SLO Film Fest for so long now. “The ideas are exciting and we’re looking forward to bringing the Central Coast film fans and filmmaking community back together again.”

Where is our water going?

Growing marijuana requires a lot of water, regardless of whether it is grown inside or outdoors. In California, where growers have decades of experience cultivating, plants still require about six gallons of water per plant each day. That adds up to almost 300 million gallons of water for each square mile of marijuana grow each growing season.1 That is almost double the amount of water wine grapes use annually, and about the same water consumed by almond orchards – which is recognized as contributing to aggravated water shortages here in California.2

Support common sense cannabis regulation today:

sbcountycoalition.com 1. High Time for Conservation: Adding the Environment to the Debate on Marijuana Liberalization. BioScience 2015; 65 (8): 822-829. doi: 10.1093/biosci/biv083. 2. “Forget Almonds: Look at How Much Water California’s Pot Growers Use.” Washington Post. 26 June 2015.

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 1, 2022 - February 14, 2022

First 5 Santa Barbara County offers grants for those who serve kids 5 and under Staff Report

he First 5 Santa Barbara County Commission for Children and Families (First 5 SBC) is offering grants to nonprofits, schools and institutes of higher learning that serve children birth to five, their families and those who care for them. Currently, three categories for funding are available: Innovation, Capacity Building and Express. “Systems often are the holders of inequities,” said Wendy Sims Moten, executive director of First 5 Santa Barbara County. “We must do more than close gaps and point to disparities. We must look critically at all facets of our organizations as we strive in all of our work to achieve social and race equity, a state in which all children have the same opportunity to reach the potential we know they have.” Innovation grants in the amount of $1,500 each provide opportunity for organizations to reflect on and share their innovative COVID-19 strategies developed over the past

18 months focused on social and racial equity. The commission will also award up to

three Look Ahead Innovation grants ranging from $2,500 to $3,750 to support “think tank” opportunities to investigate equity and social justice issues that may have potential to create a change in practice or an operational procedure within an organization or community.

First 5 SBC set aside $45,000 for Capacity Building grants that are intended to support short-term organizational-wide change efforts. Grants of up to $15,000 are intended to build the leadership or staff capacity of an organization via professional or leadership development activity including

trainings, conferences or certifications. These activities must be in the areas of equity and/ or social justice, and align with the commission’s Strategic Plan and First 5 SBC Social Justice and Racial Equity Statement. Express grants are available for one-time projects or material that help community-based organizations maintain, expand or improve their ability to serve children and families through age 5. Grant applications must align with the indicators outlined in the First 5 SBC strategic plan. Applications may be submitted once a year for up to $10,000. Applications will be accepted on an on-going basis through Feb. 15. For more information or to download an application form, go to the website at first5santabarbaracounty.org.

February 1, 2022 - February 14, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

Lompoc Theatre Project recaps most successful fundraising year Nonprofit looks to get a lot of help from the Lompoc Rotary Club in 2022 By Laurie Jervis

for Lompoc Theatre Project

ell on the way to restoring and reopening Lompoc’s landmark theater, the Lompoc Theatre Project’s board of directors has announced that fundraising efforts in 2021 were the most successful to date, and that 2022 holds even more promise. “The year just past has been our biggest year ever, with more than $125,000 in cash raised, mostly from local donors, plus the donation by Lorraine Cox of the lot adjacent to our property,” said Mark Herrier, LTP executive director. During the summer, Cox, a Lompoc resident, donated her vacant lot on the corner of North H Street and Walnut Avenue in memory of her husband, former Superior Court judge and community activist Terrill F. Cox, who died in 2016. Looking ahead, Herrier said he is “in negotiations with a Santa Barbara-based foundation with the goal of a major donation that would help us to hire a professional fundraiser.” In addition, the Lompoc Rotary Club will make LTP the focus of its fundraising efforts for 2022. “The Rotary Club of Lompoc seeks to invest in the Lompoc community and its future,” said Alan Grant, Rotary president. “We have chosen to make

Photo by Jeremy Ball/Bottle Branding Several swivel chairs used in the former Snack Shop were among the things discovered in a secret room off the rear of the Lompoc Theatre building in 2021.

the Lompoc Theatre Project the major recipient of our fundraising efforts in 2022 because we believe that the renovation of the Calvert Theatre will breathe new life into the heart of the city, and provide a venue for artistic expression for residents and visitors of all ages for generations to come.” The LTP will be the recipient of the annual Lompoc Rotary Wine Tasting to be held Sunday, Feb.

27, at the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building. Among the LTP’s other significant 2021 fundraisers were: n The March telethon, called “The Show Must Go On,” which raised more than $50,000 — LTP’s largest fundraiser to date. n Food Truck Friday, which took place from May to October on the LTP parking lot, with fam-

ilies urged to buy food from a selection of locally based food trucks. n A volunteer with LTP discovered a secret room on the back side of the adjacent “Why?” building — Lompoc’s historical “Land Office” — with a number of historical treasures tucked away inside. Among the rediscovered finds were a 1960s-era Wolf stove, a white Kelvinator Foodarama refrigerator, six floor-mounted swivel chairs, and dishes for serving ice cream sundaes. The equipment had been used in the theater’s Snack Shop, open from 1927 until the early 1970s. n In November, a raffle offering wines sourced from local wineries sold 96 tickets and netted $4,800. n A year-end campaign that began Nov. 20 and encompassed #GivingTuesday, personal donations, the Honky Tonk Christmas by KTNK, the Mi Amore restaurant fundraiser on Dec. 13, and several personal fundraisers via Facebook raised more than $27,000 toward LTP’s goal of $30,000 to pay for lighting for the parking lot. n Some of the monies raised were used to fix damage from rains, and all rental units are now fully occupied, Herrier said. The Lompoc Theater Project is a registered nonprofit for the community effort to restore the historic Lompoc Theater, to reopen as a performing arts and film center, educational and community hub, and focal point of a revitalized downtown Lompoc.

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14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 1, 2022 - February 14, 2022

SDRI celebrates 100 years of life-saving insulin Dr. Sansum established Santa Barbara as the epicenter of diabetes research Staff Report

ansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI) is celebrating 100 years of insulin, one of the most important medical achievements in modern times. Dr. William Sansum, renowned diabetes specialist and SDRI’s founder, was the first U.S. physician to manufacture and administer insulin and saved millions of lives with his work in diabetes research. Sansum’s life’s work was caring for the gravely ill diabetes patients at his Potter Clinic in Santa Barbara and was conducting diabetes research in hopes of finding a cure. Prior to the discovery of insulin, diabetes was a death sentence. In 1922, Dr. Sansum’s breakthrough with insulin became a functional cure for diabetes, and his research was on the front page of newspapers across the country.

Photo contributed Dr. William Sansum, second row, fourth from right, renowned diabetes specialist and Sansum Diabetes Research Institute's founder, is pictured with his first patients.

Once the news spread, patients stampeded into Santa Barbara from all over the world for Sansum’s life-giving insulin. Sansum’s quest to improve the lives of

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people with diabetes inspired SDRI to continue on the same path of excellence that he began 100 years ago. “Dr. Sansum’s work profoundly changed

the landscape for those living with diabetes,” said Ellen Goodstein, executive director at SDRI. “Since then, SDRI has continued to celebrate his legacy through our groundbreaking achievements in diabetes and pregnancy, and the artificial pancreas.” “Dr. Sansum’s clinical and research work in diabetes was absolutely remarkable,” added Dr. Samuel Klein, SDRI’s chief scientific officer. “As Sansum Diabetes Research Institute commemorates 100 years of insulin, we look back and appreciate Dr. Sansum’s legacy and his establishment of SDRI 78 years ago. SDRI continues to make important research contributions that have improved the medical management and health of people with diabetes.” SDRI has many events planned throughout the year to honor and recognize Dr. Sansum’s legacy in diabetes research. SDRI is planning a Gratitude Gala, celebrating 100 years of insulin, on Sept. 10. Visit sansum.org for upcoming events and details.

February 1, 2022 - February 14, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Domestic Violence Solutions appoints new executive director Marilyn Simon-Gersuk has three decades of nonprofit experience Staff Report

omestic Violence Solutions (DVS) for Santa Barbara County has appointed Marilyn Simon-Gersuk as its new executive director. Simon-Gersuk is a seasoned professional with three decades of nonprofit management, fundraising, and operations experience. “I am thrilled to take on the executive leadership position at Domestic Violence Solutions,” said Simon-Gersuk. “The board and staff have built a strong organization focused on delivering the agency’s mission. I am fully committed to building on the strong foundation they have established to meet the needs in our community. “I look forward to actively participating in DVS’s critical and impactful work and expanding community support.” Simon-Gersuk, a native Californian, moved to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles

in 2013 to work for the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, and became an active community member. She most recently served as the associate executive director at the American Friends of the Hebrew University. Before that, she helped found the international myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) research organization Open Medicine Foundation, focusing her efforts on building broad community support and a strong fundraising foundation. As a volunteer, Simon-Gersuk is currently a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with CASA of Santa Barbara County, on the Mesa Shul of Santa Barbara board, and has been a youth soccer referee. “We are delighted to welcome Marilyn Simon-Gersuk as our new executive director,” said Michelle Piotrowski, DVS board president. “She brings professionalism, enthusiasm, deep passion for our cause, and decades of experience in the nonprofit world to our organization. We feel very

lucky to have found her and look forward to seeing DVS grow and thrive under her leadership.” DVS expressed thanks to executive director emeritus Jan Campbell and the work her team has done to strengthen the agency. Under Campbell’s leadership, DVS improved and expanded community relationships, established a job and life skills program, provided permanent and stable housing for survivors, rapidly responded to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, remodeled its emergency shelters and returned the agency to solid financial footing. With Simon-Gersuk’s guidance, DVS will continue to provide safety, shelter and support to domestic violence survivors and their families. For more information, to make a donation or to learn about upcoming events, visit dvsolutions.org. The DVS 24-Hour Crisis and Information Line is 805-964-5245.

Photo contributed Marilyn Simon-Gersuk was recently appointed executive director of Domestic Violence Solutions.

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Santa Barbara International Film Festival names eight Virtuosos Award winners Rising talents to discuss their work, receive awards at festival in March Staff Report

he Santa Barbara International Film Festival has announced the recipients of the Virtuosos Award presented by UGG, an honor created to recognize a select group of talent whose noteworthy performances in film have elevated them into the national cinematic dialogue. Caitriona Balfe (“Belfast”), Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”), Jamie Dornan (“Belfast”), Alana Haim (“Licorice Pizza”), Emilia Jones (“CODA”), Troy Kotsur (“CODA”), Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”) and Saniyya Sidney (“King Richard”) will discuss their work and receive their awards in-person March 5 during the 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The evening will be moderated for the 12th year by Dave Karger, Turner Classic Movies host.

Photo contributed Virtuosos Award recipients, as named by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, are, top row from left, Caitriona Balfe, Ariana DeBose, Jamie Dornan and Alana Haim; and, bottom row from left, Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Simon Rex and Saniyya Sidney.

“This year’s Virtuosos are a phenomenal and international group, who are integral parts of the

season’s most exciting and emotional films,” Karger said. “I’m so excited to gather them on

stage in Santa Barbara in March.” The last two years’ Virtuosos honorees were Riz Ahmed, Maria Bakalova, Kingsley BenAdir, Andra Day, Sidney Flanigan, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Zendaya, Awkwafina, Taron Egerton, Cynthia Erivo, Beanie Feldstein, Aldis Hodge, George MacKay, Florence Pugh and Taylor Russell. The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place in-person March 2-12. Official events, including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including at the Arlington Theatre. This year’s lineup will be announced this month. For more information or to buy passes, visit sbiff.org. SBIFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 36 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the country, attracting 100,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200 films, tributes and panels.

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Solvang’s first business still in operation, though not in the same place By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

ith the upcoming time capsule event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 15, here is a look at the first business in Solvang. Amazingly this business is still in operation today, albeit a little different from its beginning. The first official business in Solvang was the Solvang Store that was opened in 1911 by Sophus Olsen. Even though the name and the location are different, the business is still in operation today, now known as Valley Fresh, and formerly Nielsen’s Market, according to research by the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art. In the records put together by researcher Ann Dittmer with the help of Esther Jacobsen Bates, they collected stories and historical data and photos for their book “The Spirit of Solvang,” which was released in 2020. In the book, they detail the history and the culture over the decades, and how Solvang was transformed from a western town to the well-known old-world Danish architecture it is known for today. The year after he opened the store, Olsen partnered with Marcus Nielsen, and was bought out by the Nielsen family in 1914. The Elverhoj research notes that Olsen did not stay in Solvang long as he moved his family to the San Joaquin Valley that same year. The Nielsen family held onto the grocery store for 107

Photo contributed by Elverhoj Museum of History and Art The first official business in Solvang was the Solvang Store that was opened in 1911 by Sophus Olsen. The business is still in operation today as Valley Fresh, after being known as Nielsen's Market for 107 years.

years, having sold the business in 2019. The transformation of the town came to life with the help of local builder Ferdinand Sorensen. Sorensen was born in 1900 in Dannebrog, Nebraska, and came to Solvang in 1933 with his wife to build and operate a diatomaceous earth processing plant on the Johnson farm. Their family home (below the mission) was called “Möllebakken” (Mill on the Hill), according to the Elverhoj research. After the diatomaceous earth operation failed, Sorensen worked as a carpenter and subsequently became the valley’s plumbing and electrical contractor. After he built his

home in the Danish Provincial architectural style in 1942, tourists began flocking to see it, and local business owners decided to convert their buildings into Danish style. “1947 was the year for the push toward tourism: two important events took place that set the tone for Solvang’s future direction—the completion of Copenhagen Square owned by Ray Paaske, and the model for much of the Danish Provincial style that would be emulated by multiple businesses in town,” said Jacobsen Bates. “The second event was the Saturday Evening Post’s article by Dean Jennings that ran in 1947.”

She said that realistically, it took 60-plus years to transform Solvang’s downtown from its original, practical, western style to the Danish Provincial style people are familiar with today. The Solvang Chamber of Commerce invites the community to help them mark the occasion of celebrating from the first business to the most recently opened with a “time capsule” event. “I hope that when this capsule is opened 50 years from now, people will understand the times we live in and how the chamber is a constant form of support of local business and tourism in Solvang,” said Tracy Beard, executive director of the chamber. Beard invites Solvang chamber members and the community to provide a small token to contribute to the time capsule that will be buried on Feb. 15, in the area between Mortensen’s Bakery and Peasant’s Feast, where Dania Hall, the chamber’s longtime meeting space, was located. Technically, the 100th anniversary of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce was Jan. 16, 2021; however, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed any in-person celebration of the occasion, Beard said. To include a small token with the time capsule contact Beard at tracy@solvangchamber. com or call 805-688-0701. Thank you to the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art for sharing information and historical photos with the community for this article.

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Chumash tribe halting production of Kita Wines Camp 4 Vineyard will not be affected by the decision to close winery and tasting room By Laurie Jervis

Noozhawk Columnist

itá Wines, the label founded by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and led by Chumash native and winemaker Tara Gomez, will sell off remaining case goods, close its Lompoc tasting room and halt production, the tribe announced last week. Gomez, a native of Santa Maria and the daughter of Richard Gomez, a former vice chairman of the tribe, launched Kitá Wines in 2010 with just three tons of grapes. When I last interviewed her in August 2019, Gomez noted that the label had grown to about 2,000 cases annually. In 2021, Gomez earned several honors, among them “Winemaker of the Year” by VinePair, and was named as an advisor to the James Beard Foundation Legacy Network Foundation. Gomez referred my questions about the label’s closure to Mike Traphagen, senior public relations manager for the tribe, who emailed back a statement from Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians: “The tribe, with a focus on diversifying our investment portfolio, has made the business decision to leave the wine industry at this

Contributed photo Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribo are wife-and-wife owners of Camins 2 Dreams, the label they launched in 2017. Gomez is also the winemaker for Kita Wines, which will stop production this year.

time. Tara Gomez successfully produced award-winning wines while telling the story of our tribe to a new audience. We thank Tara for the years of dedication and hard work she poured into Kitá Wines, and we congratulate her on cementing her legacy as a top-flight Native American woman winemaker. Thank

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you to all of you who enjoyed and supported Kitá Wines throughout the years.” Traphagen also shared an email Gomez wrote to Kitá’s club members: “It is with a heavy heart that I send you this email today to announce that the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has made the

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business decision to cease production of Kitá Wines, and we will be closing our facilities in April.” The label’s tasting room and winery is located in the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Center in Lompoc. “When we embarked on this journey in 2010, my mission from the very beginning was to approach these wines the same way I approach life: with a heart full of gratitude and a healthy appetite for adventure,” Gomez wrote. “Every step of the way I have been grateful for the opportunities provided by my tribe, through education and this incredible opportunity to tell the story of our ancestors through wine cultivated from our ancestral lands.” In 2010, the Chumash purchased Camp 4 Vineyard, located on the western edge of Happy Canyon AVA, from the Fess Parker family. The 1,400-acre site, planted to 256 acres of vines, will not be affected by the tribe’s decision to close Kitá, Traphagen said. In 2017, Gomez and her wife, Mireia Taribó, founded their own wine label, Camins 2 Dreams, and that winery and tasting room is also in Lompoc. The two produce syrah, gruner veltliner and rose from vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. Laurie Jervis tweets at @lauriejervis and can be reached via winecountrywriter@gmail. com. The opinions expressed are her own.

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College Corps program will pay $10,000 to Hancock students for volunteer work

fall, will provide participating students with service opportunities in critical issue areas such as climate action, K-12 education and COVID-19 recovery. Students who complete a year of service will receive $10,000, which includes a $7,000 stipend and a $3,000 education award for completing 450 service hours. The 45 campuses participating in the program represent University of California, California State University, community college and private university systems. All were selected as program participants via a competitive grant application process. Other Central Coast colleges participating in the program include Cuesta College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Hancock will provide information to students regarding how to qualify and apply for the program later this spring via the college’s website and student’s myHancock email.

School one of 45 statewide to take part in opportunity available this fall Staff Report

llan Hancock College students will get the chance to earn $10,000 next fall in exchange for completing 450 hours of volunteer service with local nonprofits and government agencies under a new state program. Hancock is one of 45 colleges and universities selected to participate in the new California College Corps, a service-based college opportunity program that seeks to help California college students pay for school, reduce student debt and serve their communities. “We are very excited to take part in this new and promising program,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “The California College Corps will offer Hancock students yet another opportunity to change their odds while they gain valuable experience and make a difference in their community and state.” The College Corps, set to launch this

Contributed photo Allan Hancock College students bag food at the college. Hancock is part of an upcoming program that will let students earn $10,000 for doing volunteer work.

To learn more about the California College Corps program, visit https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/californiansforall-college-corps.

Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation airs launch of STEM scholarship

Staff Report

he Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation is accepting applications for its new scholarship in support of students who intend to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a college-bound high school senior in May 2022. Applicants must be high school seniors who plan to study science, technology, engineering or mathematics in higher

education, and should have an excellent academic record. While not requirements, preference is given to applicants who are graduating from a high school in Santa Barbara County and who hold an active Federal Communications Commission amateur radio license.

The application period is open through April 30. Applications may be completed online at scholarships.sbwireless.org. The scholarship is funded through contributions made to the Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation Scholarship Fund. Tax-deductible donations to the Schol-

arship Fund may be made at the foundation’s website www.sbwireless.org. The Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation and Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club together form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public benefit corporation to promote education for people interested in telecommunications, disseminate information about scientific discoveries and progress in the field of wireless communications, and train communicators for public service and emergency communications.

February 1, 2022 - February 14, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

New steel lighting columns installed at Solvang Festival Theater Staff Report

n Upgrade electrical, lighting, and sound technology n Assure safety for audience, stage crew and staff n Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act n Reduce wind and noise for the audience Solvang Theaterfest launched the Imagine $4.7 Million Capital Campaign to renovate major parts of the theater in 2018. The community has responded generously and brought the theater to over 90 percent of its initial goal. Increased costs of construction, however, have resulted in adjusting the goal to just over $5 million. Completion of this project will bring the theater to today’s standards and ensure quality live entertainment in the Santa Ynez Valley for generations to come.

hile taking advantage of a break in the weather on Dec. 30, 2021, construction crews installed six new steel lighting columns at Solvang Festival Theater, utilizing a 350-ton crane to accomplish a huge milestone in Theaterfest’s $4.7 million rebuilding project. The columns, each weighing 12,000 pounds and rising more than 50 feet above the theater, will provide for safer, structurally sound lighting towers for the theater and for the lighting technicians who operate from the top of the towers during performances. The Theater rebuilding project, which commenced in September and is slated to be completed this July, will accomplish these key elements: n Ensure structural integrity for generations to come

Contributed photo Construction crews installed six new steel lighting columns at Solvang Festival Theater utilizing a 350-ton crane.

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Chumash golf event raises $120K for two nonprofits, schools

Boys & Girls Club, Rape Crisis Center, school technology program to get equal shares Staff Report

fter a one-year hiatus, the Chumash Charity Golf Classic returned in 2021 and raised $120,000 to benefit two pre-selected beneficiaries and help fund the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation’s Technology in Schools Program, which provides grants for high-tech upgrades to local classrooms. The United Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County, the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center and the Technology in Schools program each received $40,000 as a result of the tournament, which was held over a two-day period in September at the Alisal River Course in Solvang. “After canceling our event in 2020, it was great to have an opportunity to come together, enjoy two great days of golf and raise funds for programs that help the vulnerable and underserved youth in our community,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “This year, we held a vote among our workforce to determine one of our event’s beneficiaries. Our employees chose the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protecing if any medical patients needed to get to the mainland, and the response was overwhelming.” Edmondson Bolaños’ sister had just given birth in California, with complications, to a baby girl named Olivia Joy four days before, so she had a soft spot in her heart for a high-risk pregnant woman who was seeking help. She donated the two remaining seats to a very pregnant woman and her young son, while the husband remained behind in Puerto Rico. “Coincidentally, the passenger on the first flight gave birth one month to the day, to the hour, on October 16, safely in Florida, and named her new baby Olivia Jean, the same first name as my niece,” Edmondson Bolaños said. “We call these little miracles ‘godwinks,’ like when your grandfather winks at you from across the dinner table and you know you are loved and he’s there for you. I have experienced so many godwinks in the evacuations we’ve led so far.”

Photo contributed Ann McCarty, executive director of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, accepts a $40,000 donation from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. McCarty, middle-right, is surrounded by the center's staff and employees from Chumash-owned businesses.

tion Center. To include an organization that our workforce respects and supports made this donation even more special.” The center provides direct services, including education and prevention skills, to children and adults to help alleviate the trauma experienced by survivors of sexual assault and child abuse. “This donation lifts us up,” said Ann McCarty, executive director of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center. “This tells us that people have our back, and they understand how important it is to provide services to victims of child abuse, sexual assault and human

trafficking in our county. It also means they want us to continue this work, providing the education and direct services.” The United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County received its $40,000 donation recently during its own fifth annual United Golf Tournament at La Cumbre Country Club in Santa Barbara. “We are extremely grateful to the Santa Ynez Chumash for their continued support of our organization,” said Michael Baker, CEO of the United Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County. “Their incredibly generous investment

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Photo contributed These cabins in Alma Village in Ecuador have been rehabilitated, and used to house Afghanistan evacuees who have been resettled, thanks to the Warrior Angels Rescue program.

will allow us to continue our efforts to reach the youth that need our services the most in all the communities we serve.” The tribe’s Technology in Schools Program gives school administrators and faculty members the opportunity to apply for technology grant dollars to fund specific projects. Grant recipients for the 2021-2022 school year are Los Olivos’ Dunn School, which received $15,000 to refresh its network infrastructure on its upper campus; Santa Ynez Valley Charter School, which received $9,000 to help cover the cost of 25 iPads and iPad covers to be used by its kindergarten through fourth-grade classes; and Santa Maria’s St. Louis de Montfort School, which was granted $15,000 to buy 49 Chromebooks for its Tech for Tikes program (serving transitional kindergarten and kindergarten classes) and its fifth-graders. The deadline to apply for the 2022-2023 school year is April 30, 2022, and all applications must be submitted online at www. santaynezchumash.org. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $25 million to hundreds of groups, organizations and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. To find out more about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and its giving programs, visit www.santaynezchumash.org. Edmondson Bolaños didn’t plan on starting a nonprofit organization, but when she put out some feelers for those two empty seats on the plane, the response was so overwhelming that she knew she needed more planes. There were so many people who desperately needed to get off the island to survive. “My friend, Abby Hollingsworth, started a GoFundMe campaign which raised $100,000 in no time and it took off from there,” she continued. “A couple of weeks later we established ourselves as a nonprofit with the help of a law firm in New York called Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, a well-established and respected law firm which has a nonprofit incubator. “They contacted us and offered to help us get set up, on a pro bono basis. We were immeasurably grateful for their help, because once we were a 501(c)(3), it opened up more funding ANGELS CONTINUED TO PAGE 23

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o ANGELS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 opportunities and possibilities because donations are tax deductible.” Edmondson Bolaños said that from the very beginning, the nonprofit never had to proactively make an effort to fundraise or get media coverage or legal assistance. “At first, we spent our own money to fund the flights, but when people found out what we were doing, they genuinely wanted to help and that’s the way it has been ever since,” she said. “It made me realize that we could get a lot done using 100 percent volunteers. One hundred percent of every donated dollar goes to the actual cost of getting people to safety. I also think that having an all-volunteer team guarantees that the work we are doing is from the heart, and that’s important. That’s the reason our team is unstoppable.” Since August 2021, Edmondson Bolaños and the Warrior Angels Rescue team have been evacuating and resettling girls, women and their families from the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Afghanistan. The messages and videos she is receiving directly from the families on the evacuation lists, she said are “just horrifying.” “Afghanistan is in a state of upheaval. It is chaos by design, for power and control,” she said. “There are different factions, such as Haqqani, ISIS-K, and the Taliban, who are vying for power and that makes it even more dangerous for the people caught in the crossfire.” Edmondson Bolaños explained these groups use evil tactics strategically, to divide and disempower. “Women are stoned, beaten or killed for any perceived infraction by the Taliban. As far as they are concerned, there are only two places for women – in the house, or in the ground,” she said. “Any young girl who has dreams and aspirations is at risk. They are in grave danger in Afghanistan. Girls and women are forced to stay in their homes and serve the extended family and have zero aspirations and can be sold by desperate relatives. “The Taliban want to completely exclude women from their society. ‘Death notices’ are placed on the doors of suspected American supporters, which demand that they report to be killed on a certain day and if they don’t report, then their families will be killed.” The Taliban are also trying to root out those who have worked with the U.S. forces when they were still on the ground. They torture and beat them publicly, while abducting and interrogating those who they think had close ties or worked directly with the U.S. forces, according

Photos contributed Farzana, shown here gazing at the mountains, is one of the evacuees-turned-volunteers for Warrior Angels Rescue, and has been proactively supporting the mothers of young children traveling in the same group.

to Edmondson Bolaños. “The middle class, the educated, and those who can, are leaving their homes behind, hiding out in less conspicuous areas, such as abandoned homes that have been bombed, with no windows, gaping holes and no electricity, while trying to get to the border of Pakistan or Iran,” she said. “They are under direct threat of starvation and death from the cold winter months. There is little to no heat, the economy is shut down along with the monetary system, and food is scarce. “The Taliban have been bombing the power grid and there is sporadic internet access. There are few resources, they’ve had zero income since August, and they are actively being hunted down. We are providing them with coal, wood, oil, tons of blankets and solar chargers for their cell phones, so they can keep in touch with us.” However, the efforts of Edmondson Bolaños and her volunteers still face major hurdles. “We can’t send planes into Kabul to rescue anyone because the Taliban would kill them. We can land at the airport but we can’t get the people out that way,” she said. “They have to make it across the border to other countries such as Pakistan, where they are extensively vetted and administered COVID vaccinations.

“We can then issue papers for them through the Pakistan government guaranteeing that they will only remain in Pakistan for 30 days and then they will be transported to other countries, such as Ecuador, which has been amazing, and Spain or Portugal, countries that will guarantee them a safe harbor for one year while their paperwork and visas are processed.” Warrior Angels Rescue has also gotten assistance from the neighbors to the north. “Canada has been wonderful and has taken in, with permanent asylum, hundreds of our evacuees, resettling them in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,” Edmondson Bolaños said. “We are corresponding with the State Department and trying to cut through all the red tape and bureaucracy that doesn’t lend itself to responding as quickly as possible, as swiftly as they deserve, for those who have a strong case for protection from, and residency in the U.S. And the search to find countries in which to place the Afghan people continue for Edmondson Bolaños and her group. “We are also in touch with countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula, hoping they will resettle some of the evacuees,” she said. “We have completed two missions so far, of high-risk school children and their families. And we are working to evac-

uate more than 1,000 more. It is our mission to successfully relocate all of these people into different countries, so they can heal, start anew and contribute meaningfully to their new home countries.” “The vetting process is essential, to ensure that we are only evacuating families who either supported the U.S. and NATO allies, or hard-working, academically driven girls and women who are being hunted down for daring to have professional aspirations,” Edmondson Bolaños continued. “Warrior Angels Rescue pays for each of the evacuees’ ground and air transportation, guaranteeing that they have safe harbor, a dignified place to stay, Halal food to eat, and all the opportunities to succeed during their stay, even arranging for schooling. Vida School is an education program we started that is bringing them access to a world-class education.” Presently, Warrior Angels Rescue is focused on children and women. But some people who helped the U.S. in Afghanistan are men and they are also being helped. A medical doctor, a Fulbright Scholar who advocated for women’s health, is just one of many who are at risk, according to Edmondson Bolaños. Helping women attain equal standing in any way is very dangerous, Edmondson Bolaños said. “For 20 years these Afghani people have been living normal lives, they are just like you and me,” Edmondson Bolaños said. “Our evacuees are so motivated to learn; they speak five languages; some are on the national basketball team, or Girl Scout leaders, martial arts champions and Olympians, professional athletes, musicians, science fair winners, doctors, lawyers — what is happening is a ‘brain drain’ from this country. “There is an entire generation of girls and women who will be lost if we don’t get them out of Afghanistan.” As with anyone who runs a nonprofit, Edmondson Bolaños is always seeking people willing to donate to the cause. “There is an overwhelming number of people who need help but there is also an overwhelming number of people who want to help and don’t know how,” Edmondson Bolaños said. “Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) can save a life. One hundred percent of the funds raised by Warrior Angels Rescue goes to the rescue efforts, transportation, housing, food and education along with medical and emotional support for one year or more, helping these people to heal from the trauma and loss they have endured and start a new life.” For more information, visit www.warriorangelsrescue.org or call 805-295-8906. To donate visit GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/evacuate-school-girls-to-safety. For larger donations, wire instructions are available upon request.

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