February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
www.santaynezvalleystar.com
Every Issue Complimentary Every Time
County Transit Getting ‘Charged Up’: All-Electic Bus Unveiled at Buellton Ceremony Local officials praise new vehicle, the latest in the Clean Air Express fleet By Mike Chaldu
news@santaynezvalleystar.com
C
ity, county and state officials seemed to be “charged up” Jan. 28 in Buellton, and they hope passengers who take the Clean Air Express to Santa Barbara and back will be also, after a new electric-powered bus was unveiled at a press conference. The new 45-foot battery-electric commuter vehicle was shown off in front of the Buellton Visitors Center as the newest in the Clean Air Express fleet, which picks up passengers from as far north as Santa Maria and takes them to their employment locations to South Santa Barbara County and back. “We are ‘charged up’ this morning, aren’t we?“ said Marjie Kirn, executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Association of
Photos courtesy SBCAG The new all-electric Clean Air Express bus can go 220 miles on a single charge, more than enough to make a round-trip between Santa Maria and Santa Barbara.
State Senator Monique Limon and Congressman Salud Carbajal cut the ribbon for the new all-electric Clean Air Express bus during the ceremony in Buellton.
Governments (SBCAG) in kicking off the event. She went on to describe the new vehicle as “a zero-emissions, battery powered all-electric intercity bus.” SBCAG partnered with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to purchase the $850,000 bus, made possible through a $500,000 grant from the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. A few elected officials had the chance to speak about the new bus, including Das Williams, SBCAG chair and Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor, who said the new bus and the Clean Air Express has many advantages for the county. “You can save money, save time, save productivity using this fleet,” he said. “It’s no secret transportation is the largest contributor to climate change in California. (This is) a switch to a cleaner, quieter, more productive option, and it’s a switch in the right direction.” Salud Carbajal, 24th District representative who represents Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, also pointed out how this new bus helps out more than just the environment. “Since leaving county government, it has been a goal of mine to ensure that we conCHARGED UP CONTINUED TO PAGE 23
o
El Rancho Market Skip the line! Our deli is offering swipeby curbside pickup. Get the app www.swipe.by - Easy mobile/no fees ordering
2886 Mission Drive • Solvang • 805-688-4300 • Open Daily 6am - 10pm • www.californiafreshmarket.com
2 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Sheriff’s Office Congratulates New Employees, Custody Promotees Staff Report
T
he Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, Jan. 31, welcomed three new employees and congratulated five custody employees on their promotions. In an outdoor ceremony at the Sheriff’s Office Training Bureau attended by family, friends and colleagues, Sheriff Bill Brown introduced the newest Sheriff’s Office team members: Utility Worker Raquel Esparza, Park Ranger Gesa Figueroa and Accountant III Rosario Reyes-Garcia. During the welcoming, Brown shared that “sheriff” stands for service, honor, ethics, respect, integrity, fairness and faithfulness. “Live up to those values and you will have an exciting, enjoyable and rewarding career,” he said. Brown then congratulated five Custody Branch staff members who were being promoted. “The caliber and quality of our people is such that the competition for promotion is always very tough,” he said. “Those who emerge successfully from this rigorous process are to
be congratulated, and that is what today is all about.” David Bouslaugh Jr., David Harman and Matthew Sheffield were each promoted to Custody Sergeant. Christopher Gillespie was promoted to Custody Lieutenant and Shawn Lammer was promoted to Custody Commander. Sheriff Brown shared Lee Iacocca’s 9 C’s of Leadership from his book “Where Have all the Leaders Gone” and encouraged the promotees to have the strength of character and courage to do the right thing. The promotees reaffirmed their oath of office in their new leadership roles and were presented with a certificate of appointment. A special guest, Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub, was in attendance to represent Gilles-
Mike Chaldu
REPORTERS Pamela Dozois
Copy Editor
Contributing Writer
news@santaynezvalleystar.com
news@santaynezvalleystar.com
ADVERTISING STAFF Amberly Lahr
PRODUCTION STAFF Ebers Garcia
ads@santaynezvalleystar.com
design@santaynezvalleystar.com
Design & Pagination
The SY Valley Star is proud to be a member of:
Two patients airlifted to SB hospital in critical condition after Hwy. 154 crash By Janene Scully
John Gillespie, who lives out of state and regretted not being able to travel to the ceremony. and families experiencing homelessness.
CONTACT US: www.santaynezvalleystar.com Santa Ynez Valley Star LLC P.O. Box 1594 , Solvang, CA 93464
805-466-2383
Director of Advertising
Major Injuries Reported in Head-On Collision Near Los Olivos
pie’s father, retired Ventura County Sheriff
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
NEWS STAFF
Santa Barbara County Fire photo Two people were airlifted to a Santa Barbara hospital in critical condition Feb. 2 after a head-on crash on Highway 154 near Los Olivos.
©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
Noozhawk North County Editor
T
wo critically injured drivers were airlifted to the hospital in Santa Barbara on Feb. 2 after a head-on collision near Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. The victims were trapped in the wreckage and required major extrication after the crash on Highway 154 west of Foxen Canyon Road, said fire Capt. Daniel Bertucelli. At approximately 6:30 p.m., personnel from the county Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol and American Medical Response were dispatched to the two-vehicle crash. A 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by David Romero, 27, of Lompoc was westbound on Highway 154 “at a suspected high rate of speed” when it drifted into the opposing lane, according to the CHP. The Grand Prix slammed into a 2019 Honda Civic driven by Joseph S. Person, 36, of Santa
Barbara, the CHP said. Both vehicles sustained major damage, with one reportedly ending up in a ditch. Both Romero and Person suffered major injuries, Bertucelli said, but details on their conditions were not available. A CalStar medical helicopter and a Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit helicopter were dispatched to transport the patients to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, with both aircraft landing on the roadway. The incident blocked both lanes of Highway 154 in the area for more than an hour Wednesday night. Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies also responded to the scene to assist. The circumstances of the collision were being investigated by the CHP, which said it was unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact the CHP’s Buellton office at 805.688.5551. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3
SpaceX Rocket Carrying Secret Payload Soars from Vandenberg Space Force Base Falcon 9 lifts off into sunny skies, affording great views for crowds watching on the ground By Janene Scully
Noozhawk North County Editor
I
n the first launch of 2022 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off Wednesday with a top-secret payload, and then stole the show with its first-stage booster loudly returning to the Central Coast. Launch of the two-stage Space Exploration Technologies booster occurred at 12:27 p.m. from Space Launch Complex-4 on South Base into unusually clear blue skies. The primary purpose of the mission involved carrying a hefty-sized payload, dubbed NROL-87, for the National Reconnaissance Office, the nation’s spy satellite agency. This was the first flight of the first-stage booster sporting a shiny white coat of paint for the firm that recycles key compo-
nents for reuse. It likely won’t be the last, as the first stage returned to Vandenberg, safely touching down just west of where it launched. It will be used for a future NRO mission, officials said. Eight minutes after liftoff, onlookers craned their necks to look upward to be rewarded with a view of the planned booster’s return. Sonic booms sounded around the Central Coast as the vehicle returned to Vandenberg, a rare sight and sound since recent missions saw the booster’s first stage instead land on a drone ship in ocean. The launch and landing attracted spectators to various viewing spots around the Lompoc Valley, including in Vandenberg Village, as well as other areas of the county. At a Vandenberg Village location, onlookers gathered with cameras, smartphones and binoculars pointed upward while one woman declared “beau-
tiful” as the 230-foot-tall rocket rose away from Vandenberg. Interest in this mission was high despite the mid-week, middle-of-the-workday departure. Forty-five minutes before liftoff, vehicles were parked at Timber Lane, and several onlookers armed with chairs and lunch crossed Highway 1 to take up spots in the chaparral on base property. Others parked along Highway 1 at Azalea Lane where the military’s Hawk’s Nest viewing spot sometimes hosts visitors, but remained closed Wednesday due to COVID-19 protocols. On the South Coast, launch watchers flocked to Farren Road west of Goleta to catch a glimpse of the 230 feet tall rocket’s flight. Details about the clandestine cargo’s arrival in space and health were not released. NRO, a 60-year-old agency that only admitted its existence 30 years ago, remains Janene Scully/Noozhawk photo Spectators in Vandenberg Village watch the Falcon 9 rocket lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Feb. 2 to place a National Reconnaissance Office payload in space.
tight-lipped beyond calling the mission a success in a post-launch press release. “The NRO’s the best in the world at developing really exquisite intelligence collection capabilities and I just love being able to enhance that,” Col. Chad Davis, NRO’s director of the Office of Space Launch, told media earlier this week in a teleconference. While launch is his favorite part of the job, Davis said it’s frustrating not to be able to fully communicate the kind of capability the new spacecraft will provide. He said he has three goals for his office, including delivering satellites to provide capabilities that ultimately can save lives. “It’s our U.S. and allied forces in the field that are using these kind of capabilities on a daily basis,” Davis said. “Support the fight on the ground, as it were. Bring them home safe and then deliver our national policy makers the most detailed information that’s possible so they can make smart decisions.” NRO has more than six launches planned for this year on three continents with 12 payloads, Davis added, avoiding specifics while saying launch dates remain fluid. This was the first Falcon rocket launch from Vandenberg under the government’s National Security Space Launch contract, a new name for the one known as the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle SPACE X CONTINUED TO PAGE 22
o
ff 25% no-sale o one nwith ad item
25% off bracelets
WE TREAT YOUR PROPERTIES AS OUR OWN!
OFFICE (805) 686-9120 FA X (805) 686-5402 BRE #01777954
A Store Full of Enchantment, Whimsy, Delight & Sparkle!
1607 Mission Dr. # 109/110, Solvang, CA 93463 • (805) 697-7869 • Fairyandfrog@aol.com
1 7 5 M C M U R R AY R D . S T E E . B U E L LT O N , C A 9 3 4 2 7 R P L M A N A G E M E N T. C O M
4 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries to Remain Black/Gold partners Library officials outline changes to service after Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo departures Staff Report
T
he Goleta and Santa Ynez Libraries have informed patrons that they will remain a part of the Black/Gold Cooperative Library system, despite the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo library systems deciding to leaving the system starting July 1. However, the libraries want to inform patrons about changes to service now after the departure of the Santa Barbara and SLO systems. Their catalogs will become separate, and materials will no longer be shipped outside of those two library systems to the Black Gold member libraries. We know how our library users enjoy access to a myriad of resources and should
rest assured that they still can expect the high level of service that they are accustomed to receiving. Here is what library patrons need to know about changes to service in the Black/Gold system: n Patrons can no longer place holds on items or renew items owned by the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo libraries. n Patrons should return any items they have borrowed from the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo libraries by their due date.
SMOG CHECKS PASS OR DON’T PAY
Old & New Vehicles DRIVE-UPS WELCOME
OIL CHANGES ASK FOR DETAILS
SMOG CHECK
Pass or Don’t Pay!
805 - 937 - 5340
100 E. Clark Ave. Orcutt, CA 93455
n Patrons should make Goleta their pickup location for holds that are received from any non-Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo libraries. They can no longer be picked up at Santa Barbara. Santa Ynez Valley library patrons can continue to pick up their items at either Buellton or Solvang. n After June 30, patrons will no longer be able to return Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo items to any of the Goleta branches. Anything checked out from Santa Barbara must be returned to that location.
Meanwhile, Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley library officials are working behind the scenes to transition the circulation system to an open-source software called Koha, provided by the same company that hosts the library’s new user-friendly online catalog, which debuted last fall. That change will take place on Monday, April 25, with more details to follow before then. The Santa Ynez and Goleta libraries has also announed it will have an increased book budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 to enrich and expand its collection for patrons’ use. Library officials invite users to suggest titles they would like to see added to the library and encourage then to use the “Suggest a Purchase” form on our website to make a request. Questions can be directed to goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org.
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5
Planning and Development Showing Lack of Candor on Project
L
os Alamos is a small town that relies on the county for governance. But, we have been suffering under its bureaucracy and its unwillingness to admit obvious shortcomings of a development plan. And, the county disbanded our planning advisory committee that might have reviewed this poorly conceived development project. Over 200 residents have signed a petition requesting that Planning & Development take community safety into account and re-evaluate the plan. This unwise development scheme has reached another stage now. And there is a new legal wrinkle.
First, a brief recap: A developer wants 12 dwellings on his 1 1/2 acre lot … six without garages. After opting not to do a study, P&D advanced patently low estimates of additional traffic. It ignores the effects of a one-lane bottleneck and of illegal parking obstructing emergency vehicles on the fire lane. At December’s Planning Commission hearing, two of the five commissioners had conflicts of interest: The chairman himself admitted having bought a home from the developer, and another having multiple business dealings with the developer, Mr. Ruffino. Neither commissioner recused. Prior to the
hearing, four had spoken with the developer, and the majority had met with Ruffino and his agent on at least two or three occasions. However, only two had accepted an invitation to hear our viewpoint and concerns. Also remarkable and confounding is P&D’s lack of candor with regard to the developer’s right of access to a private road that the county requires us homeowners to maintain. The county document that is claimed to give access to the developer only applies to half the road. This is a setup for unauthorized use of all of the road and a flashpoint for future conflict. And there are still costly liability
concerns the county transportation engineer dismisses regarding accident or injury at the one-lane bottleneck. So what’s new? The Board of Supervisors will hear this case, and new legal findings, in March. We hope they will take a fresh look and apply their wisdom. For the sake of safety and the preservation of a neighborhood, access to the project needs to be reconfigured. A small town simply asks to be respected. Seth Steiner Los Alamos
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.
10 WAYS TO REDUCE ENERGY AND SAVE MONEY
Nojoqui
4
6
Horse Ranch
Full Service Equine Boarding & Training Facility complete with irrigated grass pastures, fully enclosed show barns, 2 arenas, and a round pen.
Nojoqui
Horse Ranch 805
325-1941
3000 Alisal Rd • Gaviota, CA 93117
www.nojoquiranch.com Amber Giorgi Mallea Owner/Trainer
We have miles of the most beautiful private riding trails overlooking the Santa Ynez Alley and Pacific Ocean. 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
Ask about the $2,400 REBATE on an EV charger for 3C Energy customers. SEE ALL TEN AT SOLARPONICS.COM • (805) 922-3774 • CSLB# 391670 • SINCE 1975
6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Nothing compares. CAMBRIA
SANTA YNEZ
Retreat at Moonstone Beach Pepper Oaks Farm
LOS ALAMOS
SAN MARCOS PASS
Foxen Creek Ranch
Unique and Irreplaceable
5BD | 6BA/3PBA | $40,000,000
169+/- ACRES | $17,000,000
4BD | 3BA/1PBA | $9,900,000
3BD | 2BA/1PBA | PRICE UPON REQUEST
RetreatAtMoonstoneBeach.com
PepperOaksFarmSantaYnez.com
FoxenCreekRanch.com
EnchantingSantaBarbaraOasis.com
D U S T Y B A K E R G R O U P 805.220.4210
B R A D Y G R O U P 805.331.3053
P A T T Y M U R P H Y 805.680.8571
J A N F I N L E Y 805.698.7549
BUELLTON
NEW CUYAMA
NEW LISTING | OJAI
SANTA MARIA
Santa Rita AVA
38+/- Acre Ranchette
Downtown Ojai Haven
Upgraded Home
200+/- ACRES | $2,495,000
4BD | 4BA | $1,330,000
4BD | 2BA | $1,100,000
4BD | 2BA/1PBA | $585,000
200PrimeAcres.com
2001AlisoPark.com
1120DelPrado.com
1658Chianti.com
J J L A M B E R T 805.350.0924 R O B E R T H E C K E S 805.637.0047
F R A N K A B A T E M A R C O 805.450.7477
R O S A L I E Z A B I L L A 805.455.3183
L A U R E N D A N I E L S 559.301.1620
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY BROKERAGE | 2900 NOJOQUI AVE, LOS OLIVOS | 805.688.4200
© 2022 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity. DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: Eric Lavey: 1511292 | Micah Brady: 1219166 | Patty Murphy: 766586 | Jan Finley: 1351826 | JJ Lambert: 1875597 | Frank Abatemarco: 1320375 | Rosalie Zabilla: 1493361 | Lauren Daniels: 2015901
SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7
Los Olivos Couple Launches Coffee Shop Organically Laura Newman and Jim Tauber opened Lefty's Coffee Company last month By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
A
new coffee shop recently opened in Los Olivos called Lefty’s Coffee Co., which is named after the owners’ little Corgi. It is a totally organic establishment dedicated to the principles of sustainability and inclusion. Their focus is on the idea of local, organic and smallscale. “About 20 years ago my husband and I happened upon a hippy-style restaurant in rural Wyoming that was so charming and comfortable and had great coffee and granola. We immediately fell in love with the idea of someday opening a warm and inviting coffee shop of our own,” said Laura Newman, co-owner of Lefty’s along with her husband Jim Tauber. The couple moved to Los Olivos from Los Angeles 10 years ago and purchased a working farm called “Honeybear” (named after their Australian Shepherd), where they grow grapes, stone fruit and jojoba. “We love to take walks around Los Olivos and one day we really wanted a great cup of organic coffee,” Newman said. “That’s when our dream of opening a coffee shop took root.” Getting the business off the ground did have its challenges, according to Newman. “It is very difficult to develop in Los Olivos because of the septic situation,” she said. “Consequently, when the opportunity presented itself, to purchase a little house on San Marcos Street and convert it into a coffee shop, we jumped on it.” The couple closed escrow at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. They had to do a Change of Use from residential to commercial. Having previous experience in real estate, they knew it was going to be challenging for them on many levels. Newman said it took a year and a half just to get
Photos contributed The owners of Lefty's, Jim Tauber and Laura Newman, were inspired to open the coffee shop after visiting a "hippie-style" restaurant in Wyoming 20 years ago.
Lefty's Coffee Company is the newest coffee shop in Los Olivos, located on San Marcos Street in Los Olivos. It opened on Jan. 3
through all the red tape and then they had to put in a new commercial septic system. Lefty’s opened for business on Jan. 3. “Once we decided to do it, we wanted to do it correctly. All of our staff are paid living wages with 100 percent health benefits, sick pay, paid vacations, and even profit sharing,” said Tauber. “We wanted to create a complete environment that supports everybody — equality across the board. We wanted to create a place where the community could drop in for a great cup of coffee and organic baked goods, sit in our garden and stay all day, if they want to.” “We are working with people who share our values, like fair trade, organic sourcing, and green practices,” stated Newman. “Our other intention is for sustainability. All our tea, coffee and food, even our cleaning supplies are organic.” “It’s not only a way of living, it’s a way of thinking,” Tauber said. “It’s having respect for the planet and those who live on it. It starts where you live.” Sandra Adu-Zelli, of Gipsy Hill Bakery in Santa Barbara, is the baker for Lefty’s. She locally sources her organic ingredients and specializes in vegan and gluten free baked goods. Dennis Medina and Carrie Nelson of Coastal Coffee Collective roasts all of Lefty’s coffee beans on their farm in Santa Barbara. “We had a local craftswoman, Creo Bettencourt, build all the furniture in Lefty’s,” Newman said. “She also built a bike depot for the cycling community, complete with compressor and tools. Our sign doubles as a bike rack.” And Newman gives full credit to her employees. “Our manager, Cynthia Sixto and our barista, Katie Carrera are invaluable,” she said. “We are so lucky to have them. My mother, who is 80, works here with us, and she loves it.” Due to turn 71 this year, Tauber says this is his fourth career. He is a lawyer who worked in Hollywood as a movie producer. Then he and his wife became a couple’s LEFTY'S CONTINUED TO PAGE 23
o
8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Masai Giraffe Calf Born Raymie is the 11th Masai giraffe born at the Zoo since 2012 Staff Report
T
he Santa Barbara Zoo has announced that the Masai giraffe Adia gave birth to a male calf named Raymie at 1:55 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19, and the two are now bonding behind the scenes in the giraffe barn. The calf’s legs were first observed around 11 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, and Adia was in active labor for about 3 hours. The calf was standing 45 minutes after it was born, is nursing, and appears strong and healthy. Raymie is Adia’s second calf and according to Dr. Julie Barnes, the zoo’s vice president of animal care and health, she is once again showing excellent maternal behavior. At his first medical exam on Thursday, Jan. 20, he weighed 71.4 kg and measured approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall. “We are thrilled to share the news of this birth and welcome another Masai giraffe to our herd,” Barnes said. “Each giraffe born at the zoo is very important to this population and conservation of this species, so we’re especially proud of the critical work done at the Santa Barbara Zoo with our incredible animal care team. While we’ve seen many giraffe births here at the Santa Barbara Zoo, it’s always exciting to see another calf born and stand
for the first time.” Masai giraffes are listed as endangered due to the significant decline of this species in the wild in recent decades, according to the zoo. The number of Masai giraffes under human care in the U.S. is relatively small, and the Species Survival Plan manages the population to ensure that it is healthy and genetically diverse so that the population thrives. The zoo’s animal care team will determine when Adia and Raymie are ready to leave the giraffe barn. Until that time, they will remain together to bond behind the scenes. The public is encouraged to tune into the zoo’s social media channels (Facebook,
at the SB zoo Instagram, and Twitter) for photos and updates. This is the second baby for mother Adia (age 7) and the 10th for the father, Michael (15). Their first calf together, Twiga, was born in March 2020, just after the zoo closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael is the most genetically important male Masai giraffe in North America, as he is only related to his offspring. He was brought to the zoo from Canada in December 2011 and has since sired 10 calves. Eight of the calves have moved to other accredited zoos as part of a cooperative breeding program among accredited members of the Association Photo contributed Raymie is the newest Masai giraffe at the Santa Barbara Zoo, born to Adia and Michael on Jan. 19 at the zoo.
of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Two of Michael’s sons have had offspring, so he is now a grandpa. Adia arrived in 2017 from the Cleveland Zoo. The Santa Barbara Zoo’s Masai giraffe herd now numbers five with the addition of Raymie to the group that includes Michael, Adia, Audrey and Twiga. The zoo’s other adult female giraffe Audrey is also pregnant and expected to give birth in July. The giraffes at the zoo are among more than 120 Masai giraffes that live at 28 North American zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Raymie is sponsored by the McGraw family, and Adia sponsored in memory of Polly Blackburn. The public can also help the zoo support the herd by becoming a Foster Feeder sponsor of the giraffe herd. A donation of $50+ helps with the cost of feeding the growing giraffe family. New giraffe Foster Feeders will receive a digital certificate with a baby photo of the calf, a Masai giraffe fact sheet, and recognition on the zoo’s Foster Feeder board. For information or to become a Foster Feeder, go to https://sbzoo.pivvit. com/masai-giraffe. For more information about the zoo, visit www.sbzoo.org.
Promote Your Businessor Service with the SantaYnezValley Star! Place a Premium Ad at a Value Price! Contact Amberly Lahr at the Star Today for Special 2021 Rates!
ads@santaynezvalleystar.com • (805) 697-2494
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9
GENEALOGY TIPS
Before Starting Family Research, Gain the ‘How-To’ Knowledge
By Shelia Benedict Contributing Writer
I
n all the writing I have done for the Star, and other publications, there has been mention of a wide variety of books and databases needed for genealogical research. There has been lists of those books and online sources for research in this country and other countries as well. Many who know me are aware of my travels to Ireland and England to do research for my family and others. It is probable that some or many of you have done the same thing. Our Santa Ynez Valley has many ethnicities. However, no one can be well versed in everything, as genealogical research is vast and anyone who is of the opinion they can solve every problem without having a working knowledge of those places is wrong. If someone comes to me to do research in parts of the world where I know very little, I will not take the work. For example, I was contacted to do research in Poland for a couple and that is something I know absolutely nothing about, and it was best to find a qualified researcher either in Poland or here who has the expertise to assist them.
It is no different if someone is working on their own family history and has limited or no knowledge of what might be available in locales from where their ancestors came. They have the same two choices: one, take courses to learn about those places or two, hire someone with the knowledge of that particular part of this or other countries. Genealogical societies are constantly offering webinars on just about every topic needed by a researcher. First is to learn HOW to do research and that means taking classes in methodology. There are fundamental concepts all genealogists must follow: a person must be prepared to
Financial Solutions for a Brighter Tomorrow • Financial Planning • Legacy Planning • College Funding Call today for your no-obligation consultation. Bruce Porter, CFP®
1050 Edison Street, Suite A P.O. Box 1240 • Santa Ynez, CA 93460
805-697-7741 syvwealth.com bruce@syvwealth.com
Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, 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 Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. companies are separate entities. Bruce Porter CA Insurance License #0D57191.
do reasonably exhaustive searches and completely cite every source used in those searches. Every piece of information located needs to be analyzed and compared to each other. There will be conflicts between the information within the evidence located and those conflicts need to be resolved. To complete the process, everything has to be written up and supported to show proof of the conclusions and that includes negative findings as well. There are several webinars called “write as you go” which are certainly worth the time to learn about and if someone is a member
of a genealogical society, most of the time those and all others are normally free to members and relatively inexpensive for non-members. It is my opinion, and there are many who agree with me, that genealogical research should be treated as a science. With that mindset, the fundamental concepts listed above are very easy to understand. Finally, for this month, I would like to extend to our readers the opportunity to send me questions that I will answer in the column. Obviously, I cannot take questions about a particular family but I can take those that ask how to research that family. If it is out of my expertise, I will be happy to extend a referral. Happy ancestor hunting to all of you. 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. All words are her own and may not be reproduced without permission. Email benedictresearchservices@gmail.com.
10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
BE PREPARED
TO HAVE THE DIFFICULT CONVERSATION Before you allow your underage children to attend a party where you think alcohol may be available, take the opportunity to inform them of how alcohol and other substances—such as marijuana—can affect their bodies and minds.
Photo contributed From left, Family History Center Director Tom Johnson, and specialists Kay Schmitter and Dean Klitgaard are ready to help anyone research their family history at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Solvang.
2 HOURS
NEARLY
19%
OF UNDERAGE YOUTH
Research shows that within 2 hours of drinking, 18.5 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 also used marijuana in 2020.*
Learn how you can keep underage youth informed about the consequences of substance misuse at
underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.
Family History Center Available to Anyone to Search Their Roots
Genealogy research can be done at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Solvang Staff Report
H
Source: Health: Detailed tables. tt
Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and 2
ave you ever wondered what your great great grandparents looked like? Or if any of your ancestors were involved in interesting key events in history? Or how your family came to live where they lived and do what they did? All of these things and more can be found when searching for your family history, and there is a place in Solvang where you can start that search. The Family History Center is located at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2627 Janin Way, in Solvang. It is open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. At the center, there are family history specialists available at no charge to help people get started or continue to search for their relatives. Appointments can also be arranged where a specialists can come to their homes. Those who open an account with Family Search are connected with millions of
Shown here is a family history fan chart, a record of one's genealogy that can be printed at no charge at the Family History Center.
records that have been gathered from all over the world. According to those who run the center, there have been instances where someone has opened an account with Family Search, submitted the names of their family members and connected with someone else’s family line, with the family history going back hundreds and even thousands of years. Those who come to the Family History Center will get free access to Ancestry. com and any documents or photographs found can be printed at no charge. For appointments or information, call Tom Johnson, Family History Center director, at 805-688-8673.
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11
FASHION CHATTER
Customers Can Save Big in February as Spring Fashions Due to Arrive By Sue Manning
Contributing Writer
E
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% off 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 letting the brightness display the merchandise well, and making 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 don’t know what to choose, purchase one of our gift certificates. They come in all sizes! Fashions are fun and exciting this season. We are receiving some of our early spring styles as I write this column. We have just gotten 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 pant but also have capris, ankle and three-quarter length pants.
Once you tried 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 three-quarter length sleeves and come in tunic length and regular length. A new fabric has been introduced called Mineral Wash, which is a very comfortable fabric and well-liked by our customers. 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 Wednesday thru Sunday 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. We are also looking for part time help, call for an appointment at Elna’s at 805-688-4525,
Gem Faire Returning to Santa Barbara Feb. 18-20
Earl Warren Showgrounds will again host ‘premier’ jewelry and bead event Staff Report
T
he Gem Faire, billed as “America’s Premier Jewelry & Bead Show” will return to the Earl Warren Showgrounds Feb. 18-20. The venue is located at 3400 Calle Real in Santa Barbara, and hours will be 12 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20. The $7 admission is valid for the entire weekend.
Those coming to the show can explore the unique and amazing variety of merchandise that fits every budget. Shoppers will find the largest selection of fine jewelry, crystals, gems, beads, minerals, fashion accessories and much more. Customers can also take advantage of buying direct from the importers and wholesalers, and can find loose gemstones, raw minerals, millions of bead strands, finished jewelry, supplies and tools all under one roof. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring-sizing service is also available while shopping. For more information, visit gemfaire.com or contact Gem Faire, Inc. at 503-252-8300 or email: info@gemfaire.com.
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 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Wildling Museum to Honor Ansel Adams on 120th Birthday
Staff Report
The
T
he Wildling Museum of Art and Nature will present a special virtual program in honor of Ansel Adams on what would have been the iconic photographer’s 120th birthday. The public is invited to tune in to “Ansel Adams: The Man Behind the Camera” on Sunday, Feb. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom for an insightful presentation by photographer Alan Ross, Ansel Adams’ friend and former assistant. The two photographers are currently featured in the Wildling Museum’s exhibition “Sharing the Light: Ansel Adams & Alan Ross,” on view through March 20. Adams (1902-1984) is among the most notable photographers of the 20th century. He rose to prominence as a landscape photographer of the American West and is best known for his iconic black and white images of Yosemite National Park. Ross is best known for his tonally exquisite black-and-white photographs of the American West. He worked side-by-side with Ansel Adams as his photographic assistant, and was personally selected by Adams to print his Yosemite Special Edition negatives, a role he has maintained since 1975. While Ansel Adams’ striking images and exacting technique have been well documented over the years, what is less shared is a view of the man behind the camera. This presentation will reveal more about who Ansel Adams was as a person, how he worked, what motivated him to expose film to light, and his magical and
Photo by Michael Reidlinger, courtesy Alan Ross Alan Ross, left, is shown with Ansel Adams at Point Lobos, California, during a "Friends of Photography" workshop in July 1977. Ross will conduct a virtual presentation on the life and work of Adams.
sometimes irreverent sense of humor. Ross said he will paint a picture of the legendary artist as only someone who worked sideby-side with him can. Using his own personal photographs of Adams working in the field, in the darkroom and at home, personal notes and letters from master to apprentice, anecdotes, and recollections from his nearly six years as Adams’ full-time photographic assistant, Ross will share
suggested donation for this virtual event is $5. To register and learn more, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org/news/2022-ansel-adams-presentation. Please email info@wildlingmuseum.org or call 805-686-8315 with any questions. The Wildling Museum’s ongoing Zoom programming is sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust.
CA$H ON THE SPOT CLASSIC CARSWe Com!e RV’S • CARS to you SUV • TRUCKS
We are moving to a brand new office!
April 2022
Licensed & Bonded
Location: 680 Alamo Pintado Rd Suite 201.Solvang.
www.OquistDental.com 805-688-8400
his experiences of the artist, mentor, and friend “It’s always exciting for me to share a little bit of the Ansel I knew and worked with… the man behind the lens, the educator, activist, comedian, mentor and friend,” Ross said. “I have no doubt that if he was still here with us, a grand party would be in the works to celebrate his 120th trip around the sun. In his absence, I’ll enjoy celebrating him by sharing my stories and memories.”
Photo by George Rose, courtesy Alan Ross Alan Ross shows a photo taken by Ansel Adams from his collection. Ross' virtual presentation "Ansel Adams: The Man Behind the Camera" will take place Feb. 20 via Zoom in partnership with the Wildling Museum.
Melinda R. Oquist, D.D.S.
702-210-7725
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13
PCPA brings Shakespeare’s A ‘ s You Like It’ to the Marian stage Drama turned romantic comedy to run at Hancock theater starting Feb. 17 Staff Report
A
ll the world’s a stage in one of William Shakespeare’s most musical of masterpieces as PCPA’s production of “As You Like It” comes to the Marian Theatre from Feb. 17 through March 6. In a comedic love story for the ages, Rosalind and her cousin Celia take fate into their own hands when the dangers of an oppressive court and a controlling queen become too much to bear. In disguise, they escape to the forest of Arden, where they unexpectedly encounter a band of likewise banished forest dwellers, including Orlando, Rosalind’s newly discovered heart-match. The classic play is inspiringly envisioned for today’s audiences, where foolish lovers and lovely fools seek freedom in the forest and discover lively romance and lasting redemption. “‘As You Like It’ starts as a drama and turns into a romantic comedy,” Director Emily Trask said. “And in many ways, it’s about the power of make-believe — it’s
Photo courtesy PCPA Jennie Greenberry (right) plays Rosalind and Christen Celaya plays Celia in the PCPA production of the William Shakespeare play "As You Like It." The production will play at Marian Theater from Feb. 17 to March 6.
whimsical, surprising, enigmatic, full of transformation and subtle magic. At times ‘As You Like It’ is deep, moving, and even melancholy and at other times it’s an absolutely silly romp – kind of like life. It defies definition but promises to be true – just like it’s heroine Rosalind, Shakespeare’s largest female role, masterfully played by PCPA Resident Artist Jennie Greenberry. “Among the many things that makes ‘As
You Like It’ distinctive is that it is Shakespeare’s most musical — he wrote more songs for ‘As You Like It’ than any other of his other plays (and we’ve even added a few to ours). As Shakespeare’s writing has an inherent music of its own, the convergence of the two were the natural way into this production for me.” Trask is excited for the chance to direct the production.
“Every time I encounter ‘As You Like It’ I somehow fall even more in love with it. And although I’ve seen many incarnations of As You Like It and have even been in a few of them, this is my first opportunity to direct it,” she said. “I am very grateful to PCPA and Artistic Director Mark Booher for the trust and the chance to explore this incredible play on a whole new level and bring it to life for PCPA audiences.” The cast of characters features Jennie Greenberry as Rosalind, Christen Celaya as Celia, Yusef Seevers as Orlando, Kitty Balay as Queen Frederique, Mark Booher as Jaques, George Walker as Touchstone, Polly Firestone Walker as Queen L’ainee (also the assistant director), Michael Tremblay as Adam/Corin and Michael Wilkins as Guard/Forester3 (also the musical director). For tickets, please call the Marian Theatre box office at 805-922-8313 or visit www.pcpa.org Tickets range from $33.50 to $50, and the pricing is based on day and time, and may increase upon demand. Patrons are required to wear a mask at all times, the latest COVID-19 guidelines will be posted on the web site as performance dates near.
Missed an issue? Lost your copy? Want to read on your tablet? Download your issue today!
https://issuu.com/santaynezvalleystar/docs
14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Michael Tantleff Joins CADA Board of Directors Retired financial adviser has experience helping at-risk youth Staff Report
T
he Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) has announced that long-time Santa Barbara resident Michael Tantleff has joined its Board of Directors. Mr. Tantleff retired in 2016 from a distinguished 40-year career in financial services, most recently as senior vice president of investments for Wells Fargo. He began his career as an investment adviser at Paine Webber in Santa Barbara. “We are very pleased to welcome such a seasoned financial services professional to our board,” said Dr. Scott Whiteley, CADA’s executive director. “We continue to strive to round out the expertise providing critical oversight to our agency. Michael brings new experience and perspective that will be very valuable to us as we continue
to chart our course on behalf of the many clients who depend on our services.” “As a fatherless boy myself, and having lost a brother to a drug overdose, I have a particular affinity to the mission of CADA” Tantleff said. Born in Brooklyn, Tantleff earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management in 1975 from the State University of New York at Binghamton, New York’s top-ranked public university. Following his retirement, he became dedicated to helping at-
risk youth improve their lives and be the role model he wished he had growing up. He began as a mentor for Family Service Agency’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program before it merged with CADA’s Mentor ProPhoto contributed Michael Tantleff
gram in 2018. Tantleff also served on the Santa Barbara Film Festival Board for 15 years and was a volunteer with the Organic Soup Kitchen. He and his wife Christina share four children and four granddaughters and enjoy yoga, hiking, rowing, biking and travel. Since 1949, CADA has delivered programs and services focused on educating, preventing, and treating substance abuse and co-occurring conditions affecting youth, adults, and families in Santa Barbara County. The agency works in close partnership with local schools, law enforcement, health care organizations, businesses, other nonprofits, and the media. CADA services are available to anyone impacted by alcohol, drugs, and/or mental health concerns, without regard to gender, gender preference, age, race, ethnicity, or national origin. For more information, visit www. cadasb.org.
Food waste recycling is happening here and now! Organic material like food waste creates harmful levels of methane when it’s buried in the landfill.That’s why a new state law requires us to recycle organics. If you live on the South Coast of Santa Barbara County or the Santa Ynez Valley and can’t compost at home, we have you covered! We are pulling organics out of the trash at the County’s ReSource Center and turning them into compost and green energy. Residents should keep food scraps and organic waste in the trash to be sorted out.
Learn more at lessismore.org/organics Brought to you by the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15
You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy ZEMER First-ever Jewish Music Festival to be held this month in Santa Barbara Staff Report
Z
EMER: A Santa Barbara Jewish Music Festival,” a week devoted to the wide range of Jewish music and music inspired by Jewish composers, will be held Feb. 22-27 at Congregation B’nai B’rith, 1000 San Antonio Creek Road, in Santa Barbara. All concerts will be free and held in-person outdoors, as well as via Zoom unless otherwise noted. Proof of vaccinations for anyone age 5 and older and masks are required for all in-person events. See http://cbbsb.org/music-festival for details. The idea has long been a project planned by its co-curators, Cantor Mark Childs and Mashey Bernstein, who are also underwriting the event. “We wanted to showcase and give voice to the various aspects of Jewish
music, beyond the norm, and also offer the community an opportunity to hear music they may not be familiar with or have not previously heard,” Bernstein and Childs said. The week will include rediscovered works, world premieres, solo performances, ensembles and choral works, as well as movies and a lecture. The music ranges from classical composers like Gershwin and Copeland, to lesser-known figures like the Russian Jewish Lera Auerbachand, Holocaust victim Erwin Schuloff, as well as cantorial gems, Yiddish songs and Hassidic melodies. Festival Schedule: All events will be at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. n Tuesday, Feb. 22: Concert of Yiddish Songs of Resilience. Lorin Sklamberg (of the Klezmatics), singer Sasha Lurje and violinist Craig Judelman in a concert of Yiddish song, focusing on those composed during the Holocaust. n Wednesday, Feb. 23: Film “Overture to Glory” (via Zoom only). A milestone
of Yiddish cinema. Tragically torn between the world of opera and of the synagogue, a young cantor finally finds redemption. Stars Moshe Oysher, the most famous cantor/actor in the Yiddish world. Childs and Bernstein will introduce the film and conduct a Q&A after the movie. n Thursday, Feb. 24: Concert featuring cellist Simone Vitucci and pianist Adam McDonald. A recital of Jewish music played on an original instrument made by cello maker Brian Lisus of Ojai. An award-winning short film on the making of the cello, “A Tree of Life,” will be screened. n Friday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m.: A Choral Erev Shabbat Service. Cantor Childs and the Shir Chadash Choir will lead a service featuring brand new musical commissions from CBB and many great liturgical choral works. Followed by an Oneg Shabbat. n Saturday, Feb. 26: Havdalah & Solo Piano. Havdalah service followed by a
solo piano concert with guest artist Adam Kent, and a concert of music by Mendelssohn, Milhaud, Bloch, Gershwin and Copeland, and featuring Improvisations on Hassidic Melodies by Paul Schoenfield. n Sunday, Feb. 27, 9:30 a.m.: Lecture. Breakfast and lecture presentation on the diversity and trends in Jewish music by UCLA professor of ethnomusicology Mark Kligman, director of Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience. n Sunday, Feb. 27: Concert featuring the Patrick Posey Saxophone Trio with music by Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Weill, Holocaust victim Erwin Schuloff, and a world premiere of a recently discovered piece by German Jewish composer Edvard Moritz. For more information, visit cbbsb.org or contact Bernstein at 805-895-0682.
Solvang School Now enrolling new students in grades TK-8 for Fall 2022
Kindergarten is open to students turning 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2017 Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is open to students born between Sept 2, 2017-Feb 2, 2018 Solvang School offers the following specialized programs:
Call today:
(805)688-4810 solvangschool.org
• Project Lead the Way STEM Education • All are Scholars Academy (Grades 4 & 5) • Comprehensive Arts Program including music and art • Dual Language Immersion (Spanish) for K enrollment.
16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
The Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA Launches 2022 Fundraising Campaign nity. As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors, even as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.” This year, the Stuart C. Gildred YMCA hopes to raise $185,000. Funds raised will support childcare, summer camps, sports, swim lessons and more for its community. Last year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors made it possible for community children to have a place safe from COVID-19 to learn and build confidence after school; for families to reconnect and grow together; and provide access to education and training to reach their full potential.
Staff Report
T
he Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez is launching its annual fundraising campaign to ensure that everyone in the organization has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Every day, the Gildred Family YMCA works diligently to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, such as obesity, cost of living, food insecurity and at-risk youth housing. As the pandemic continues, the Y has become a vital source of support for many in the community. “The Stuart C. Gildred YMCA has always been an important place for our community in the Valley.” Executive Director Thomas Speidel said. “From essential childcare, safe camps for kids, or supporting cancer survivors, the Y has always found ways to give back to our commu-
Photo contributed The Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez has set a goal of $185,000 for its recently launched fundraising campaign.
To learn more about how you can support the YMCA’s cause, please contact the Gildred Family YMCA at 805-686-2037 or visit ciymca. org/stuart-c-gildred-family-ymca for more information.
Planning an event? Ready to hire more employees? Let the Santa Ynez Valley Star help promote your business needs and services!
Helping Clients Thrive!
Serving Your Legal Needs Tim Buynak has the background and knowledge, legal and practical, he is known for creative solutions! He is backed by a network of similarly experienced attorneys, accountants, realtors, and alingned professionals, with whom he has worked for over 40 years.
PRACTICE AREAS: Business, Corporate, Venture Real Estate, Ranching, Water Estate Planning Trust Administration Tax (Property, Income, Estate)
(805) 688-8090 433 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93463 tbuynak@buynaklaw.com | www.buynaklay.com
We offer competitive rates and include social media posts and graphic design! Contact Amberly at ads@santaynezvalleystar.com to get started.
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17
Alma Rosa Winery Offering Walks With Your Wine Hiking tour and tasting experiences available at Sta. Rita Hills vineyard
Attente Hike
Staff Report
D
ebra Eagle, general manager of Alma Rosa Winery, a leading wine producer from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA, is introducing two new hiking tour and tasting experiences for visitors to the winery’s historic El Jabali Estate, available for booking now by appointment. “Our estate spans 628 acres in beautiful northern Santa Barbara County, with only 38 acres planted to vine,” Eagle said. “From rugged mountain terrain to winding paths that lead to glorious, unparalleled views of the Sta. Rita Hills, an invigorating and strenuous jaunt through our vineyards is a perfect complement to a private tasting at our Ranch House. Owners Bob and Barb Zorich and I are health enthusiasts, and we love sharing the ranch with guests who share our passion for physical activity and, of course, great wine.” In addition to regular Ranch House private experiences, these new tastings each showcase a different side of the property and vary in duration and intensity:
Photo courtesy of Alma Rosa Winery Patrons of Alma Rosa Winery can walk through the vineyards with two hiking tour and tasting experiences available by appointment.
Caracol Hike
The Caracol Hike is an approximately one-mile round trip and features a steep climb up to the winery’s iconic Caracol vineyard block, which was planted by winery founder Richard Sanford. Guests will be greeted with a splash of wine and will
continue their tasting experience while enjoying a stunning view of the valley at the top of the Caracol. The tasting concludes at the historic Ranch House, where a cheese plate will complement the additional wine offerings. Total time: 2 hours, offered at 10 a.m., $75 per person.
The Attente Hike begins at Alma Rosa’s historic Ranch House and takes visitors through Pinot Noir vineyards, open grasslands and oak woods up to the highest elevation vineyard, which is planted to Grenache and Syrah. A rare and breathtaking view of the Sta. Rita Hills and the southern mountain range rewards visitors at the top. The hike is just over 2 miles and starts with a taste of wine at the Ranch House, another in the Attente block, and finishes back at the Ranch House with a cheese plate accompanying three additional wine offerings. Total time: 3 hours, offered at 9:30 a.m., $95 per person. Both experiences require sturdy walking shoes; sunglasses, hats and dressing in layers is strongly recommended. A 48hour notice is required for the two hiking experiences, interested parties may email Channing Jones at channing@almarosawinery.com to make reservations. For more information about Alma Rosa Winery, please visit www.almarosawinery.com.
Residential • Commerical • Industrial
He
What clients are saying: "Deanna Harwood is one of the most likable, energetic, and hard-working realtors in the Santa Ynez Valley. She's lovely to work with."
Lic. #738011
a ti
ng • A /C • Sheet Meta
n l•I
805-688-0321 • www.jrbarto.com Celebrating 30 years in business
c.
If you or someone you know have questions about buying or selling real estate in the Santa Ynez Valley, please call, text or email me, I'd love to help.
Cell/ Text: (805) 325-1452 Harwood.Deanna@gmail.com www.DeannaHarwood.com DRE#00999839 • CalBRE#01317331
2933 San Marcos Ave., #102/PO Box 778 Los Olivos, CA 93441
a
ti •I n g • A/C • Sheet Metal
n
18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
NOW PR OVIDING
/ TALK RADIO NEWS o n 10 6 . 3 F M t o t h e
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19
Sunomono: ‘Vinegared’ Recipe Goes Well With Fish and Chicken
By Vida Gustafson
n ½ tsp salt
Contributing Writer
n ½ red onion, thinly sliced
S
unomono literally means “vinegared things.” Whenever we go out for sushi, I order the Sunomono on the menu, whether it’s wakame (seaweed) or cucumber or even both combined, it’s the perfect foil for rich dishes. This sweetly vinegared crisp vegetable side dish shines next to any protein, but especially with fried or grilled fish and chicken. I have developed my own recipe, combining the thinly sliced onion from the fresh tomato and onion pickle that my mom used to make every week with my favorite cucumber sunomono.
n 1 english cucumber/ 5 smaller pickling
cucumbers n 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Method Mix the vinegar, sugar, sesame oil and salt in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Using a mandoline, if you have one handy, slice the cucumber(s) to 1/8 inch thickness and the onion in as thin slices as you can manage. Toss with the
Ingredients
n ¼ C unseasoned rice wine vinegar n 2 tbsp granulated sugar n 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
dressing and sesame seeds. Let the salad Photo by Vida Gustafson Sunomono, whether made with seaweed, cucumber or both, can be the perfect foil for rich dishes.
Memory
In loving
Glen Martin Jacobsen (1957 - 2022)
Glen Martin Jacobsen, pillar of the Santa Ynez Valley community, passed peacefully with Michele by his side at their Solvang home January 12th, 2022. His valiant and stoic battle against the debilitating effects of Multiple Systems Atrophy was an amazing testament to his great strength and character.
mature in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
as owner and operator of KJ Concrete. Glen loved to cook and was often found sharing his skills as a master at the oak pit, known to friend and family for his quick wit and easy smile.
Living a life dedicated to service, Glen was Past President of the Solvang Lodge of the Danish Brotherhood of America, Past Chief of the Vikings of Solvang, and Board member of the Santa Ynez Born June 25th, 1957 to Knud and Elisabeth Valley Youth Recreation. Additionally, for nearly Jacobsen of Solvang, Glen is survived by his half a century he actively participated in the daughters Lauren (Ethan) Smith, Lexi (Sean) Ratliff, and Laina Jacobsen; father Knud; sisters planning and execution of Solvang's annual Danish Days celebration. He and Michele were honored as Esther Jacobsen (Mark) Bates, Mary (Robert) 2018 Danish Days Grand Marshals. Glen was Place; nieces, nephews and cousins. Glen was named Volunteer of the Year by the Solvang predeceased by his mother in 2013. Chamber of Commerce in 2016 for his community Glen led a life driven by his love for family and friends, his pride of Solvang's heritage, patriotism service. of his country, and his insatiable desire to embrace adventure and the incredible wonders of A community celebration of life will be held on June 25, 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family life. His most proud role was husband to his beloved and devoted wife and caregiver Michele encourages donations to Glen's dearest organizations: Viking Charities of Solvang, Santa Ynez and father to his cherished daughters. Most Valley Youth Recreation Organization, Solvang recently, Glen rejoiced in the birth of his first Lodge of the Danish Brotherhood of America, grandchild Colette Smith. Solvang Danish Days Foundation or Bethania Throughout our valley stand many permanent Lutheran Church. testaments to Glen in the form of concrete structures which he built during his many years
20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
SYV Charter School Celebrates Chinese New Year Year of the Tiger ushered in by Cal Poly team's Lion Dance Staff Report
T
he Year of the Tiger pounced into life at Santa Ynez Valley Charter School on Feb. 1 as students, staff and parents celebrated Chinese New Year at the school. Chief among the festivities was a special performance of the Lion Dance by the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team, which travels and performs throughout California. The performance is a tradition said to bring good luck and fortune. Students also enjoyed a Zoom conversation with California State Controller Betty Yee, who shared her own experiences and stories about New Year’s traditions with kindergarten and seventh graders. Students from several grade levels enjoyed art classes with Itoko Maeno, a teaching artist with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art for over 20 years, with specialties in painting, printmaking and ceramics. She has illustrated many book titles, including My Way Sally, awarded the Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Picture Book, and Minou, nominated for
Photos Contributed Santa Ynez Valley Charter School students carry a dragon banner Feb. 1 during the Chinese New Year celebration at the school.
Students interact with one of the "lions" during the Cal Poly Lion Dance team's performance Feb. 1 at the Santa Ynez Valley Charter School's Chinese New Year celebration.
Members of the Cal Poly Lion Dance team perform the Lion Dance for Santa Ynez Valley Charter School students on the Chinese New Year.
the Caldecott Honor. According to SYV Charter officials, the celebration of Chinese New Year is a means to learn the traditions and culture of another country or people, fitting within the school’s goals of exploration and perspective.
Hancock Partners With SM Transit to Offer Students Free Bus Passes
Bulldog Go! program for spring semester made possible by air quality grant Staff Report
A
llan Hancock College is again partnering with Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) to offer free student bus passes to all currently enrolled students this spring. The Bulldog Go! program provides
Hancock students enrolled in spring classes a pass to ride SMRT fixed routes for free. The program is just one of many support services available to Hancock students through the college’s new Basic Needs Office. “Accessible and affordable transportation is a significant barrier for many college students,” said Hancock Superintendent/ President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “This partnership with SMRT removes that barrier and allow our students to thrive on and off-campus.” The free rides are made possible through
the college’s partnership with SMRT’s Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). Funding for Bulldog Go! comes from an air quality grant that provides public transit support for projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve mobility while ensuring access to higher education opportunities for the community. SMRT transportation provides friendly drivers and a safe environment with comfortable seating, real-time bus information and free Wi-Fi service to make the ride even better. Bikes and skateboards on the buses are
also welcome. Students can access Bulldog Go! via SMRTpay app. The app is currently available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Using the app, Hancock students can login using their student email and use their Bulldog Go! pass. To learn more about the Bulldog Go! program, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/basicneeds/transportation. To learn more about SMRT and the SMRTpay app, visit the City of Santa Maria’s SMRT website.
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21
Hancock College Foundation Elects Two New Board Members Larry Lahr of Buellton and Santa Maria City Council member Gloria Soto to serve three-year terms Staff Report
T
he Allan Hancock College Foundation Board of Directors added two new members to its ranks as the organization continues its mission to support the college and its students in northern Santa Barbara County. The Hancock Foundation Board unanimously elected Gloria Soto of Santa Maria and Larry Lahr of Buellton to serve threeyear terms. Soto is the executive director of Future Leaders of America (FLA), one of the largest Latinx youth-serving organizations in California. Elected to the Santa Maria City Council in 2018, Soto is only the sixth woman ever elected to hold a seat on that council. Soto earned her associate degree at Hancock and completed her bachelor’s degree at Chapman University.
Contributed photos
Gloria Soto
Larry Lahr
Lahr is president of Rincon Corp., a full-service agricultural real estate company founded in 1991. He served more than 26 years on the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees, serving as president of the board in 2000 and 2001, and vice president in 1999. Lahr attended Hancock before
earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural management at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Previously a longtime resident of Santa Maria, Lahr now resides in Buellton. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Lahr and Councilmember Soto to our Board of Directors,” said Hancock Executive Director of
College Advancement Jon Hooten. “They are both dedicated public servants who are deeply committed to their communities. We are particularly proud that they are both Hancock alumni and are thrilled that they are choosing to give back to the college through their work as foundation board members.” The Allan Hancock College Foundation Board of Directors includes nearly 30 community members from the Santa Maria, Lompoc and Santa Ynez valleys. The Foundation contributes over $1 million annually to the college, including over $500,000 in student scholarships. The foundation also has raised over $5.5 million toward the fund supporting the Hancock Promise, which provides area high school graduates with the opportunity to receive their first year free of tuition and fees at Allan Hancock College. For more information about the Hancock Promise, and to make a gift, visit www. hancockcollege.edu/promise. For more information about the Allan Hancock College Foundation, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/ foundation.
22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Staff Report
Bennett Redell Named to Fall 2021 Dean's List at University of Utah
B
ennett Redell of Solvang was named to the University of Utah’s Fall 2021 Dean’s List. Redell’s major is listed as Pre-Business B.A. Redell was among more than 9,600 students named to the Fall 2021 Dean’s List at Utah. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher in at least 12 graded credit hours during any one term. The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah. Known for its proximity to seven world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes of campus, the universi-
ty encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty, and business leaders.
Sydney Vogel Named to Fall 2021 Dean's List at Muhlenberg College
Sydney Vogel of Santa Ynez for has been named to the Muhlenberg College Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester. Muhlenberg College students and Muhlenberg College School of Continuing Studies students with a term GPA of 3.50 or higher were recognized for this academic achievement. Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a private liberal arts college in Allentown, Pennsylvania, offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. With an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students, Muhlenberg College
Scholarship Foundation of SB Announces Application Total After over 2,700 applied, foundation will announce awardees in May Staff Report
A
The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has received 2,749 applications for financial aid in the 2022-23 academic year. The applications are currently under review, and awardees will be announced in May. Last year the Scholarship Foundation awarded more than $8 million to 2,247 students throughout Santa Barbara County. “While the pandemic has unleashed a host of disruptive social forces, the power and value of postsecondary education remain undiminished,” said Scholarship Foundation president and CEO Barbara Robertson. “We look forward to providing students and families countywide with
critical financial aid for college once again this year.” The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara provides scholarships to Santa Barbara County students pursuing undergraduate, graduate or vocational studies. For more information, call 805-687-6065 or visit www.sbscholarship.org. The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara is the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships, having cumulatively awarded more than $137 million to over 55,000 county students since its founding in 1962. A nonprofit organization, the Scholarship Foundation also provides free financial aid advising services. For additional information, visit www. sbscholarship.org.
is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences; selected preprofessional programs, including accounting, business, education and public health; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master’s degrees. Muhlenberg is a member of the Centennial Conference, competing in 22 varsity sports and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Peter Firestone Named to Fall 2021 Dean's List at Lehigh University
Lehigh University Dean’s List status, awarded to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses,
has been granted to Peter Firestone of Solvang in the Fall 2021 semester. For more than 150 years, Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. The institution is among the nation’s most selective, highly ranked private research universities. Lehigh’s five colleges — College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Health, and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science — provides opportunities to over 7,000 students to discover and grow in an academically rigorous environment along with a supportive, engaged campus community.
o SPACE X CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Photos courtesy Janene Scully/Noozhawk Spectators in Vandenberg Village watch the Falcon 9 rocket lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Feb. 2 to place a National Reconnaissance Office payload in space.
program. “The Western Range has a storied history of success alongside the National Reconnaissance Office. I’m proud of the team’s dedication and focus in conducting safe launch and range operations to ensure this vital national security program succeeded,” said Col. Rob Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander at Vandenberg. “We are proud to achieve another first together with the NRO and SpaceX, and demonstrate once again how
our strong and lasting partnerships lead to mission success.” Wednesday’s liftoff was the fourth Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg since September. It’s also one of three planned this week for SpaceX with the others two taking off from Florida. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.
February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23
tinue improving our public transit system in addition to reducing our carbon footprint,” the former Santa Barbara County supervisor said. Carbajal also said the debut of the bus could be just the start for zero-emission vehicles. “Think about all the American school buses that are now going to transition to electric,” he said. The remarks were followed by a ribbon cutting, with Carbajal and 19th District State Senator Monique Limon doing the honors. According to SBCAG, the new bus can travel up to 220 miles on a single charge, more than necessary for the longest Clean Air Express round trip, between Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, of 150 miles. Through a partnership with Central Coast Community Energy, the bus will be charged at SBCAG’s Transit Facility in Goleta. Buellton Mayor Holly Sierra, whose city hosted the bus’ unveiling has a stop on the fleet’s route along Highway 101, welcome the introduction of the electric vehicle. “We’ve been working on getting this bus for over a year, a year and a half, now, and there were delays due to COVID, and it’s really just nice to have it now,” she said. “I hope more of these buses switch to electric, and it was really nice they did (the debut) here in Buellton.” Sierra pointed out that Buellton itself
psychotherapist team, but recently retired from that profession. Newman has been a licensed general contractor for 25 years, so she says “building this coffee shop was familiar territory” for her. Elizabeth Hall, who is the head of public relations and marketing for Lefty’s, was Newman’s roommate in 1985 in San Francisco. They both had moved to the Valley but hadn’t run into each other. It wasn’t until after Newman’s mother dropped into a store where Hall was working that the two reconnected and the rest is history. “What is so amazing is we got back from the public exactly what we had dreamed of, which was ‘thank you for this community space and a good cup of coffee,’” Newman said. “Walking back into the garden and
o CHARGED UP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Photos courtesy SBCAG Congressman Salud Carbal, right, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Das Williams, State Senator Monique Limon, partially hidden, and Buellton Mayor Holly Sierra check out the battery of the new Clean Air Express electric bus.
The new all-electric Clean Air Express bus seats up to 53 people. The Clean Air Express route serves more than 7,000 passengers each month.
o LEFTY'S CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
Photo contributed Owner's Laura Newman and Jim Tauber bought a house on San Marcos Street in Los Olivos and converted it into Lefty's Coffee Company.
has done some clean-energy projects of its own. “We got solar shields up where the old City Council chamber is, and at the post office we have solar panels in front and back of the building and on Industrial Way,” she said. “And we put solar lighting on Central Avenue, one of the older neighborhoods that never had lighting put before then.” Meanwhile, Solvang Mayor Pro Tem Mark Infante attended as a representative of his town. Infante mentioned that Solvang isn’t included in the Clean Air Express route, but he wanted assure that he was in favor of this project and ones like it. “I’ve been talking to 3CE (Central Coast Community Energy), Caltrans and the people from the busing place, and we have the Santa Ynez Valley Transit buses and we would like to make those electric, too,” Infante said. “I’ve been talking to them about grants, and we already have a project in place to put in charging stations where we store the buses. “So anyway, we think (the new bus) is terrific and we want to do more in this area,” Infante continued. “With Solvang being the smallest community around here, it doesn’t get to do everything it wants for the area, but with Santa Ynez Valley Transit we have an opportunity to get moving.” For more information on the Clean Air Express, go to cleanairexpress.com.
seeing my neighbors, and having people say ‘We’ll meet you at Lefty’s’ was very exciting for us. This is our dream come true and we’d like to share it with everybody.” There is also a library at Lefty’s where people can pay what they want for a book and 100 percent of the money goes to charity. The coffee shop is also wheelchair accessible. Lefty’s is opening up a space for private events of 40-50 people and they also want to host “Coffee Cuppings” which is like a wine tasting except with coffee. For event bookings, email elonghall@gmail.com. Lefty’s is at 2896 San Marcos St., Los Olivos. For more information, call 786-208-8001, visit them on Instagram at @leftyscoffeeco or place orders on the web at leftyscoffeeco.com.
24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 15, 2022 - February 28, 2022
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR TODAY
© 2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.
at bhhscalifornia.com
3737 BASELINE AVE, SANTA YNEZ 4BD/3BA • $17,000,000 Claire Hanssen, 805.680.0929 LIC# 00887277
119 HOLLISTER RANCH RD, GAVIOTA Built in 2021; 3BD/2BA + barn • $8,500,000 Laura Drammer / Cole Robbins, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580 / 199501434
122 HOLLISTER RANCH, GOLETA NORTH ±105 acres; 1/3 interest • $4,750,000 Ken Switzer, 805.680.4622 LIC# 01245644
2450 ALAMO PINTADO RD, LOS OLIVOS 3BD/3BA • $2,500,000 Carole Colone, 805.708.2580 LIC# 01223216
1234 ALAMO PINTADO RD, SANTA YNEZ 4BD/3½BA;±7.28 acres;ADU • $2,495,000 Joe Ramos, 805.680.6849 LIC# 02040488
851 ADOBE CREEK RD, SOLVANG 5BD/2½BA; ±2.69 acres; pool; arena • $2,380,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580
2555 PARK STREET, LOS OLIVOS 4BD/2½BA • $2,195,000 Marlene Macbeth, 805.689.2738 LIC# 00689627
3279 GLENGARY RD, SANTA YNEZ 4BD/3BA+1.03±AC • $1,875,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580
1675 KRONEN WY, SOLVANG 3BD+office/2½BA;±2.61acs • $1,799,999 L. Drammer / C. Godeck-Pinoli, 805.452.9725 LIC# 01209580 / 02074002
95 ST JOSEPH ST, LOS ALAMOS 3BD/2½BA; ±4 acres • $1,599,000 Ealand & Sideris Group, 805.698.9902 LIC# 01766178 / 00603730
RICE RANCH AREA, SANTA MARIA ±146 Acre Rice Ranch area • $1,500,000 Kerry Mormann & Associates, 805.682.3242 LIC# 00598625
636 LILLEBAKKE CT, SOLVANG 3BD/3BA • $1,385,000 Karin Aitken, 805.252.1205 LIC# 00882496
2770 CANADA ESTE RD, SANTA YNEZ ±20 acres • $1,250,000 Claire Hanssen, 805.680.0929 LIC# 00887277
3185 BECK ROAD, LOMPOC 4BD/2½BA • $899,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580
5824 THYME PL, SANTA MARIA 3BD/3BA • $859,000 Ealand & Sideris Group, 805.698.9902 LIC# 01766178 / 00603730
HIGHWAY 41, MORRO BAY ±13.9 acres • $225,000 Jody Neal, 805.252.9267 LIC# 01995725
@BHHSCALIFORNIA