Student athletes

campuses in Goleta and Santa Maria), sbhumane.org.

• Santa Maria Animal Center, countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home. sbc. The center is part of Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society/DAWG in Buellton, syvhumane.org.

• Shadow’s Fund (a pet sanctuary in Lompoc), shadowsfund.org.

• Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals in Lompoc: vivashelter. org.

— Dave Mason

From Here

constant, so I believe that being comfortable with contentment is actually a positive thing. I think we need to learn to enjoy the “I’m doing OK” moments because that’s really where we spend most of the time. And it is certainly better than feeling down. When you take a moment to evaluate how you look at your life, you are being mindful. String enough of those moments together, and you start to give yourself the tools you need to make your life work for you, no matter what. Those who understand that life is a cycle, that nothing is meant to last forever, deal well with their circumstances, regardless of what those circumstances may be. We all know and admire people who have that ability. Sometimes we forget that we have it too.

Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., is an award-winning psychotherapist and humanitarian. He is also a columnist, the author of eight books and a blogger for PsychologyToday. com with more than 28 million readers. He is available for video consults worldwide. Reach him at barton@bartongoldsmith.com or 818-879-9996. He has lived and practiced in Westlake Village for more than two decades. His column appears Saturdays and Mondays in the News-Press.

win scholarships, to join Coast Guard

SOLVANG — Local athletes

Zackery Bennet and Tabitha

Pearigen recently received $2,000 annual scholarships from the Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach and Cloverlane Foundation at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall.

Mr. Bennet and Ms. Pearigen are friends who are graduating this year from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.

As long as they stay in the military, they will receive this scholarship every year. In addition, if they decide to continue school after the military, this scholarship will continue for that as well, according to a news release.

Both of these student athletes have signed with the U.S. Coast Guard for a six-year enlistment. They will be joining as E3’s and going to boot camp together.

There are only six women who have become ASTs — the Coast Guard’s specialized rescue swimmers — and Ms. Pearigen will be the seventh.

Ms. Pearigen and Mr. Bennet both competed on water polo and swim teams. Ms. Pearigen holds one water polo record (most goals in a single season) and six individual swim records (100 Free, 200 Free, 500 Free, 100 Backstroke, 100 Fly, 200 Individual Medley).

Mr. Bennett has served as the captain of the swim team and was a California state lifeguard for two years. And he’s a surfer.

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

Zackery Bennet and Tabitha Pearigen recently received $2,000 annual scholarships. They’re graduating this year from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and are joining the U.S. Coast Guard.

Foundation to host Kids Draw Architecture

SANTA BARBARA — The Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara and AIA Santa Barbara invite kids of all ages to participate in Kids Draw Architecture, a community event where they can sketch a local historical building.

This year’s outdoor sketch session will take place 1 to 3 p.m. April 23 at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara, 123 E. Canon Perdido St.,

Santa Barbara. The sketch session is free and drawing materials will be provided, and local architects and artists will be available for guidance.

If unable to attend, black and white pencil drawings of El Presidio de Santa Bárbara can be submitted by mail until May 26.

Selected drawings will be featured on the 2024 KDA calendar and exhibited at the Architectural Foundation Gallery. The Foundation and AIA are located at the historic Acheson House in Santa Barbara and the gallery is open on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, the entry form and mailing address, go to afsb.org.

— Caleb Beeghly

PPF announces this year’s PROUD Prom

GOLETA — PROUD Prom, put on by Pacific Pride Foundation, is a formal event designed for LGBTQ+ junior high and high school students to come together, express themselves, and celebrate in a safe and inclusive environment.

This year’s PROUD Prom will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. May 13

Calendar

Continued from Page B1 at the Direct Relief warehouse in Goleta.

Lompoc. Tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for all full time students, and free for children 12 and under. To make reservations, call 805-733-1796.

The event is open to all junior high and high school students, including homeschooled youth, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Straight and cisgender allies are also welcome to attend.

Thanks to Direct Relief, the event is free. And due to limited space, early registration is encouraged. Volunteers for PROUD Prom are also welcomed. To register for PROUD Prom or to volunteer, go to pacificpridefoundation.org.

— Caleb Beeghly