‘A celebration of the opportunity libraries provide for internet access, learning, and knowledge’

Library

Continued from Page A1 celebration of my leadership and the changes I have implemented. I had about an hour before speeches where I got to see a lot of my favorite patrons I haven’t seen for a while. I was thrilled they made the effort to come. There were lots of hugs; it was pretty emotional for me. I’ve had fifteen years of knowing these people. It was very emotional,”

Ms. Gray told the News-Press.

“It was a wonderful celebration on so many levels the achievement of Allison and her tenure steadying the ship of that treasure of a library. It was also a celebration of children and the way libraries reinforce that. They are important in society and literacy is important to the community. It was a celebration of the opportunity libraries provide for internet access, learning, and knowledge to those who might not otherwise be able to access them. It is important not to take libraries for granted because they are vital to democracy, open the world and provide knowledge and truth to people … I was honored to be part of the celebration to thank the staff, Allison, and the many volunteers of the Goleta Valley Library,” email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Second District Supervisor Laura Capps told the NewsPress.

“The mayor, on behalf of the city council, read a proclamation and a representative from Assemblyman Hart’s office presented a proclamation from the legislature honoring the library. Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann also gave a certificate of recognition - one for me, and one for the library. I also received a tile in appreciation of my work from the city of Goleta,” said Ms. Gray. “People told me they loved the staff and felt it was a friendly place to come and it felt very hometown. The library has sophisticated services but is intimate and welcoming. There was also a lot of talk about appreciation for the services we provided during covid.

“I think the city was probably impressed by the number of people who made an effort to come on a Saturday afternoon. It was hard in a lot of ways and made me sad that I won’t be working with the staff and patrons anymore. The library offers the traditional things that people still want, including physical materials, programs, and a place where they can bring their kids. I hope my successor understands the importance of blending the past with the future,” said Ms. Gray.

Ms. Gray’s successor has not yet been named.

WAGNER, William Loren Sr.

14 August 1926 - 11 February 2023

An amazing soul has ascended to heaven to join his wife of over 73 years, Margie, and their two sons who preceded his passing, Bill Jr. and Eric.

William “Bill” Wagner Sr. was born in Los Angeles in 1926 and grew up in North and West Hollywood during the great depression. Times were extremely challenging, and Bill began working at a young age to help support his family. He and his brother, Gaylord, sold newspapers which began his passion for sales, developing relationships, negotiations and deal making. He was a persistent entrepreneur even from a young age. His work experience also included operating a large laundry steam press in his teens and would become his job when he joined the Navy in World War sale with him. Bill took his advice and thrived in his new line of work. He was Rookie in the mid 1950s, Bill and his young family moved to Sacramento where he started his own very successful real estate and construction business, Wagner Real Estate. A little over ten years later in the late 1960s, Bill would develop a relationship with Sambo’s Restaurants, in which he sold them numerous lots to build restaurants. This relationship would lead him to his next business venture.

2. While stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station, Bill met his lifelong love, Margie Cassavechia, dancing at the USO Hospitality House in Oakland in November 1944. Bill and Margie married on June 3, 1945 about 3 months before the end of the war. and dry-cleaning facility he named Wagner Laundry. It quickly became apparent to him that this line of work was causing him health problems. So, he closed this business and started a new business as a dairy products supplier. It was a successful venture in which he owned his own delivery truck and started several delivery routes in new neighborhoods around the Bay Area. A little over two years later Bill would get his real estate license which would shape the rest of his professional career.

Sambo’s offered Bill the job of Executive Vice President in charge of Development with the company at their national headquarters in Santa Barbara in 1970. Even though it would require him to move his family again, it was an opportunity too good to let pass. During the next ten years Bill would oversee the building of nearly 1,000 Sambo’s Restaurants nationwide.

After leaving Sambo’s in the early 1980s Bill would become a commercial real developer. His projects continue to be a blessing to a vast number of individuals and families. This also allowed time for him and Margie to travel the world for many years which they both enjoyed. They loved living in Santa Barbara where they were extremely involved members of their church and community. Bill sang in the Constance Street First Presbyterian Church choir for over four decades. He and Margie were also very a passion for playing golf. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Bill was always smiling, telling jokes and had a huge heart, which touched many people in his lifetime. He will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his daughter-in-law Carol, grandchildren Bill III (Wendy), Kim (Kevin), Haley, Casey (Leah), Max (Kristen), eleven great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren.

A memorial Funeral Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 21 East Constance Street at 1:00 PM on March 18, 2023. A reception will follow at La Cumbre Country Club from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

All are welcome to attend.

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