House & Home: February 25, 2023

Exceptional and rare opportunity in Montecito! Prime location just a short jaunt to the Lower Village's world-class shops and dining. This charming 1930s home is situated on a deep 8,700+ sq. ft. lot offering tremendous versatility and upside potential. The 2 bedroom main house is outfitted with original wood flooring and generous living spaces. A flexible separate dwelling with plans and permits for an ADU conversion provides a my riad of possibilities for thi s incredible property. Within the highly coveted Montecito Union School District and just a mile from Butterfly Beach, The Biltmore, and The Rosewood Miramar Resort, this home provides access to all the best of Montecito!

All rights are reserved on material produced by the News-Press, including stories, photos, graphics, maps and advertising. News-Press material is the property of Ampersand Publishing, LLC. Reproduction or nonpersonal usage for any purpose without written permission of the News-Press is expressly prohibited. Other material, including news service stories, comics, syndicated features and columns may be protected by separate copyrights and trademarks. Their presentation by the News-Press is with permission limited to one-time publication and does

permit other use without written release by the original rights holder.

HOAs Still Refusing to Meet in Person

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

Hi Kelly:

It seems our HOA is hiding behind an over-used Covid excuse to hold their meetings virtually. Is there currently a requirement for these meetings to be exclusively virtual? Has such a past law been repealed or expired so that we are back to in-person?

Mr. Richardson,

– Thanks, J.H.

Until COVID-19, our monthly HOA board meetings were held near the community. Since early 2020, the board meetings have been held via Zoom only. When I inquired about in-person meetings resuming, I was told that it was not something being considered by the board. Based on one of your prior articles, it appears virtual only meetings are illegal since the emergency conditions have passed. Am I correct?

Dear J.H. and R.R.:

HOAs can meet purely virtually if a declared emergency renders it “unsafe or impossible” to meet. I am not aware of any jurisdiction in California which (in 2021, 2022, or presently) has banned indoor meetings (ask anybody who attends church, movies, restaurants, or indoor sporting events!). You can check www. covid19.ca.gov to confirm.

HOAs must comply with the Open Meeting Act and hold either hybrid or in-person open board meetings.

– Best regards, Kelly

– R.R.

In 2020, a number of counties banned meetings indoors of more than five unrelated persons. So, HOAs had to choose between violating the health orders or the Open Meeting Act. During those months, most HOAs chose to obey the health orders and began to have purely virtual meetings. Most if not all of those bans on indoor meetings ended in 2020, so it became no longer illegal to have inperson HOA board meetings. However, many HOAs continued to meet in violation of the Open Meeting Act by meeting completely virtually and not having a physical location where someone could attend in person with an HOA designee also present.

In 2021, Senate Bill 391 was passed and became law in September 2021, and many (including lawyers) have used the statute as a justification to continue with purely virtual meetings. Unfortunately the new statute, Civil Code 5450, is being widely misapplied, since it says that

Kelly:

Our HOA meetings have been 100% virtual since March 2020. You wrote that an in-person option was required with “at least one director or HOA designee present.” Our board has no interest in holding in-person meetings, and designated the management company’s office, 12 miles away, as the location for in-person meetings despite our clubhouse being within a 5-minute walking distance to all homeowners. Are there any guidelines or qualification requirements concerning the individual they designate as the “HOA designee” for the in-person location?

Dear D.D.:

– Thank you.D.D

Civil Code 4090(b) allows for virtual participation in HOA board meetings but requires that the board announce a physical location at which at least one director or someone else the board designates will be present, for persons who do not wish to call in or log in to the meeting. There is no further guidance in the statute about who can be designated, so it could be a director or anyone else the board designates. However, having the physical location 12 miles away instead of the on-site clubhouse might seem disrespectful to members who prefer personally attending.

– Sincerely, Kelly

By Todd Shea President of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®

Realtor-Funded Housing Affordability Fund

We are all so blessed to live in California, especially here in the jewel that is Santa Barbara. Homeownership here and across California is a huge accomplishment and helps create security and creates generational wealth. As REALTORS®, we work diligently for our clients to accomplish this dream. I am even more proud of the many ways our REALTOR® community gives back. I wanted to promote this, bring awareness to a fantastic REALTOR®funded grant, and remind all local REALTORS® to continue donating.

REALTORS® are passionate about home ownership and backed that passion by contributing, some for decades now, to HAF, Housing Affordability Fund. (Real Estate is full of acronyms!) The purpose is to help first-time homebuyers from members of underserved communities bridge the affordability gap by providing them with up to $10,000 in closing cost assistance. Developed by CAR, The California Association of REALTORS®, in 2002 and spearheaded by local Santa Barbara REALTOR®, Toby Bradley.

Toby became a realtor in 1979 and served as President of our local Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® in 1992, and then went on to become the second female Treasurer for the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) in 2000 and 2001.When she served as CAR President in 2003, her mission was to create cultural diversity and inclusivity within the organization. She passed away in November of 2020, leaving a legacy still helping California residents today.

Across California, housing costs have prevented many working families from achieving the dream of homeownership. The unaffordable housing market is a result of a long-term shortfall in the development of housing

units in California. HAF raises and distributes funds in partnership with local associations and other groups to promote housing and homeownership.

C.A.R.’s HAF program is their first-ever statewide Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program for underserved communities.

•Recipient must be a First-Time Homebuyer. “First-Time Homebuyer” means an individual (and all co-buyers on the property purchase contract, if any) who has had no ownership interest in any real property in any location during the last three (3) years.

•Recipient must be a member of an Underserved Community. “Underserved Community” includes: (*“Underserved Community” includes: (i) people of color; (ii) persons with disabilities (physical or mental), particularly persons living in housing with one or more qualities of an institutional setting, persons leaving institutions, or persons at-risk of institutionalization; and (iii) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons.) an gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons.)

These homeownership gaps aren’t new, and, for many groups, they’re getting wider. Experts suggest that lack of generational wealth is (can be) to blame, often leaving members of underserved communities with fewer funds to cover the closing costs and down payment for a home. This money from HAF is a grant and therefore does not have to be paid back.

Visit the link below to learn more and apply.

If you are a REALTOR®, you can donate here and continue to carry on Toby’s legacy. If you have already donated, THANK YOU!

https://www.car.org/difference/haf

Todd Shea Specializing

Buyer & Seller Representation

Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers andPartnerof Richardson Ober DeNichilo LLP, a law firm known for community association advice. Submit

TAKE A TOUR TODAY at bhhscalifornia.com

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.

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

from top to bottom Photos courtesy Handout/TNS

Brass, brass and more brass hardware.

Knurled hardware handles are part of the current hardware trend. Hardware in various finishes.

A classic sideboard featuring brass handle hardware.

Design Recipes: What’s hot in hardware

Have a cabinet, dresser or console that needs a quick refresh? Looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom and want to know what the latest and hottest trends in hardware are?

Some clear trends are emerging from national companies and local artisans. Here are our top 10:

1.Quality

No longer is the rush toward cheap and poorly made hardware. Manufacturers are opting for highquality pieces that provide longevity and value for customers.

2. Modern lines

Design-forward brands are opting for modern and minimal, as opposed to fussy and ornate selections.

3. Color and classic

While classic finishes still dominate, for those who may want a pop of color, brands are bringing in colorful options.

4. Two tone

While solid finishes in common elements such as chrome, nickel and brass hardware remain popular, many brands are also offering two-tone (two-finish) options.

5. Matte black

Black is in. Black has become a popular finish in hardware in a design category traditionally dominated by chrome, nickel and brass.

6. Weight

Heavy and high quality is more the norm in today’s popular hardware, as opposed to thin or lightweight options.

7. Styles in a series

Want the same look in your cabinets repeated in your door? Many brands are offering hardware in a variety of options.

8.Commercial-style hardware for residential use

These days, large, heavy handles or industrial-style hardware are easily translated to residential use.

9.Cabinet manufacturers offering their own hardware

While this trend isn’t new, more and more cabinet manufacturers are including the option of their own hardware to ensure design consistency.

10. Style and substance

Design hardware is used more often than ever as a finishing touch or an essential aesthetic.

©2022

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Awardwinning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.

Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The GOLD STANDARD for Real Estate in the Santa Ynez Valley

This 5.14 acre property is located in the highly desirable community of Meadowlark Ranch and boasts the best Santa Ynez Valley has to offer. The small community strikes a great balance of privacy and rural surroundings while being only minutes away from downtown Santa Ynez. Off Hwy 246, the stunning entry road passes Gainey Vineyard, large agricultural grasslands, grazing cattle and ancient Valley Oaks to the secluded enclave of 5-acre properties. Through the private gates, a Pepper Tree lined driveway leads to a circle drive and the stately entryway of the Mediterranean-style main home. The prominent estate is characterized by flat, usable acreage with a gentle downslope offering panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Inviting and well-appointed, the two story home includes 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, and 3 bonus rooms. The wood finishes and 6 fireplaces create warm and inviting spaces throughout the home.

Agent | Ranch & Lifestyle Division

Top Half of 1% Chairmans Circle Diamond

805-680-6849

joer@coastalranch.com CoastalRanch.com

DRE 02040488

© 2023 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.

Joe Ramos

345 Meadowlark Rd | Santa Ynez | Offered at $3,595,000

5.14 Acres | 4 Bed 4 Bath + Guesthouse & Pool

1 Zaca Station Rd, Los Olivos - For Sale

1460 Calzada Ave, Santa Ynez - Just Sold Big Bend Ranch, Jalama - Pending

#1 Real Estate Team in the Santa Ynez Valley

How can I stay warm without turning up the thermostat?

By Paul F. P. Pogue

Staying warm in winter can be quite a trick sometimes, especially with energy prices causing your heating system to consume a larger monthly bill this time. Here are 10 things you can do to increase efficiency, stay warm and not work your HVAC as hard this winter.

1. Changethefilters

Changing filters is the first piece of advice for a reason. The more your system works, the more debris gets in there. And the more gunk the filters pick up, the harder the system has to keep working. Especially during a harsh winter, check filters regularly and replace them as needed.

2.letthesunworkforyou

When possible, keep your curtains and blinds open during the daytime. Extra sunlight can warm your home without needing more work from your furnace. As a bonus, sunlight is associated with mood and energy boosts, which can come in handy during a long winter.

3.addradiantfloors

This is a costly option but well worth it for its effectiveness. Radiant floors generate heat through the floor itself, giving a comfortable landing zone for your feet in the mornings. Because they involve no moving

parts and heat naturally rises, radiant floors are an efficient way to add heat. On average, a radiant floor costs between $1,700 and $6,000.

4.usespaCeheaters

Small space heaters range from $35 to $300 in cost. They make an ideal method to add more heat into a room without significantly bumping up energy usage. Since they’re portable, you can move them to the rooms where you need them most by day and night.

Any device that generates heat can be hazardous, so take care when using space heaters. Don’t use a power strip, but instead plug them into the wall directly. Put at least 3 feet between them and anything flammable. Buy a unit with an automatic shut-off feature so it can immediately shut down if knocked over.

5.don’tskiptheClassiCs

Some of the oldest methods to warm yourself are the cheapest. Wearing layers, heavier clothes like sweaters,

heating pads and heated blankets can make a big difference in comfort without touching the thermostat. Add some rugs or carpets to the house, which are warmer than hardwood, and add extra insulation to the floor.

Similarly, cook warm meals often in the oven and stove. The meals will keep you warmer, and the stove and oven generate extra heat.

6.Makesureyourhouseisn’t workingagainstyou

Look around your home and check for factors that might keep it cold. Are all your radiators and heating vents free of external obstruction? Even partially blocked vents make a big difference in efficiency. Look at your windows and doors for anywhere air is escaping, and seal it up with caulk or weatherstripping.

©2023 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Photo courtesy Dreamstime/TNS

Want to lower your energy bills?

Cram at least 48 items into your dishwasher

There is obviously more to the story.

While none of the panelists used terms like “market manipulation” or “price gouging,” one representative from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power insinuated that market forces played a big role.

“It was the markets that were selling to these large buyers and other electric generators, us included, that took this news (of the unusually cold weather) and increased the prices because all of a sudden there was more demand for it,“ said Marlon Santa Cruz, manager of fuel and purchased power at LADWP.

“There’s just interesting things going on in the market,” he continued.

“Why is it that the day after Senator (Steven) Bradford sent a letter to the CPUC calling for an investigation prices were slashed in half from the $20 mark to the $10 mark? And as news (broke) about Gov. Newsom’s letter ... now we stabilize at $5 as of yesterday.”

Running full loads in the dishwasher is an energy-saving tip offered by SoCalGas, but it won’t do much to reduce any bills. It’ll save up to $10 per year, according to the utility.

By Stephanie Finucane

February 13, 2023

Talk about adding insult to injury.

After blindsiding me with a bill for $462.51, SoCalGas followed up a week later with this advice: “Top recommended tip for you: Run full dishwasher loads.” (In case you’re wondering what constitutes a “full load,” it’s 10-12 place settings or 48-50 items.)

According to the letter, filling up my dishwasher — and then letting the dishes “air dry” — would save me up to $10 a year in energy costs. That works out to less than $1 a month. Big whoop.

To be fair, there were other tips as well: Lower the thermostat by 5 to 8 degrees, “health permitting,” and install weatherstripping on doors and windows.

SoCalGas also informed me that I’m using much more natural gas than my neighbors — 56% more, to be exact, which it rated as “fair.” That was kind. I probably deserve a grade of “poor” and, yes, I really should look into that weatherstripping.

But there’s another subtle message conveyed by that letter: It’s primarily my fault that my bill is so high — and it will continue to be my fault in the event of future spikes.

Because weatherstripping. And dishwasher.

Was there market manipulation?

The massive increase in my bill — along with everyone else’s — was not due to the fact that I used more energy in the January billing period. In fact, I used less. Rather, it was because the price per therm — the measurement used to determine consumption — skyrocketed, especially in the West.

California utilities like PG&E and SoCalGas offered semi-plausible excuses and stressed that they don’t profit from the increase in rates. They repeated their explanations at a Tuesday meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission, called for the express purpose of figuring out what was going on with the natural gas market. By and large, the session was a rehashing of what we already knew.

There was lots of talk about pipelines being out of commission and stockpiles being lower than usual, but the main culprit was the super cold weather that caused us to crank up our thermostats.

Newsom’s letter asked the federal Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate whether “market manipulation, anticompetitive behavior, or other anomalous activities” were to blame for higher natural gas prices in the Western United States. Good for him.

One of the commission’s chief goals is “to ensure just and reasonable rates, terms and conditions.” It has the authority to impose fines for rules violations; in 2021-22 the agency’s enforcement division reached settlements totaling $55 million, including $23 million in penalties and $32 million in reimbursements, according to its annual report. It’s time to put natural gas producers who jacked up our rates under the microscope.

What more can be done?

While Tuesday’s CPUC hearing focused more on the immediate situation than on long-term fixes, panelist Fred Heutte, senior policy analyst with the Seattle-based NW Energy, made several meaningful suggestions, including:

• Enhanced consumer protection, including bill payment assistance

• Reforming fuel cost adjustments

• Expanding gas market transparency

• Windfall profits recapture

Communication was also a biggie.

“A very high priority for us in the Northwest Energy Coalition is to provide customer information during these kinds of events to avoid the kind of total price shock we’re seeing,” Heutte said.

Are you listening, California utilities?

The ultimate answer, though, was this: “The root cause is not markets, though they have problems, but rather, over-dependence on gas,” Heutte said — a conclusion repeated by other panelists.

They’re not wrong, which is why solar panels and electric appliances are looking better and better — though the price tags are prohibitive for many Californians.

For now, our best recourse is to insist that public officials hold utilities and energy suppliers accountable, and to push for policies that will fast-track the transition to renewable energy.

In the meantime, weatherstripping.

Also, it probably wouldn’t hurt to shove a few more plates into the dishwasher.

Photo courtesy Dreamstime/TNS

©2023 Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Santa BarBara County SaleS

This is a partial list of all recorded residential sales in Santa Barbara County from February 6 thru February 10, 2023. While these recordings are public record, the News-Press receives this information from an outside source. This list does not represent all sales that occurred over this time period. Consult your REALTOR® for further information regarding home sales in your area of interest.

To view this weekend’s Open Home Guide and all other Real Estate for sale or rent go to: newspress.com – click on Special Editions, House & Home

567 Bolinas Way 105

1-4

Enjoy a rare 2-story end unit in the coveted Winslowe Community.

To view this weekend’s Open Home Guide and all other Real Estate for sale or rent go to: newspress.com – click on Special Editions, House & Home

Goleta North

635 Avenida Pequena

4/2.5

1-4 $1,495,000

Tranquil 4 bedroom 2.5 home with beautiful upgrades throughout. Ground floor bedroom. Private & peaceful patio!!

Coldwell Banker Realty

Jeani Hansen Burke 805-451-1429# 0149695

Goleta south

567 Bolinas Way 105

4/3

12-3 $1,250,000

Enjoy a rare 2-story end unit in the coveted Winslowe Community.

Zia Group | eXp Realty California Jon Gilkeson 805-335-4749# 01898328

Mesa

4/4.5

2-4 $4,995,000

3202 Braemar Dr Resort Living! Updated modern-Mediterranean home near Hendry’s Beach. Entertainer’s yard with outdoor kitchen, expansive lawns, pool, spa!

Sun Coast Real Estate Mike Agnoli 805-722-0154# 02193883

West side

825 W Sola

2/2

1-4 $1,150,000

Opportunity is knocking for a westside property in R2 Zone with a generous sized lot. The small home is currently 876 SF 2/1 with a garage and added bathroom and bonus area. This home sits on an over 7,400 sf lot.

Etherton Real Estate Powered by eXp Anastasia Carroll209-872-1688# 02118134

Life’s a beach with Proven Winners’ Recipe of the Year Acapulco Sun

By Norman Winter

above: Bermuda Skies is a recipe that will put spring into your step as it features Supertunia Bermuda Beach petunia, Superbells Yellow Chiffon calibrachoa and Laguna Sky Blue lobelia.

right: The award-winning Supertunia Bermuda Beach petunia is partnered here with Supertunia Royal Velvet making a dazzling contrast. Photos courtesy Norman Winter/TNS

The Garden Guy always gets a smile when I present a beautiful mixed container on my Facebook page and the first response is, “Can those flowers hang in partnership with my Bubblegum?”

By that they mean, will their Supertunia Vista Bubblegum, the winner of 323 awards, cover up all the flowers I am presenting? The answer is most likely yes, and it’s time to head to the beach, or more precisely, Supertunia Bermuda Beach.

This doesn’t mean you should stop growing Supertunia Vista Bubblegum, which will bloom all summer while leaping over tall buildings (just kidding). It does mean that if you want to grow the Proven Winners Recipe of the Year, Acapulco Sun; the dazzling Bermuda Skies; or the delectable Cherryade, you need to know and grow Supertunia Bermuda Beach.

James, my color design guru son, recently discovered Supertunia Bermuda Beach and told me about this great new variety. I kind of chuckled as I told him this award-winner came out when he was in high school. The salmon coral color of the blooms fits the “Bermuda” name perfectly. Notice its name does not have the word “Vista” in it, telling you right away it is easier to work in smaller designer containers. James used Bermuda Beach with Supertunia Mini Vista Violet Star, which was a beautiful partnership.

Supertunia Bermuda Beach, called “The Best Petunia. Period.” at its debut, reaches 12 inches tall with a potential spread of 30 inches. It doesn’t need deadheading, but at some point, usually around Aug. 1 for us, it will need cutting back. Regular feeding needs to be part of the regimen. We are partial to using a dilute water-soluble mix every other week.

Acapulco Sun, one of the Recipe of the Year winners, is the ultimate for those of you who love salmon, coral and peach. It features Superbells Coralina calibrachoa, Superbena Peachy Keen verbena and of course, Supertunia Bermuda Beach. It is perfect for baskets and small to midsize containers.

As I was looking at Supertunia Bermuda Beach recipes, I also fell in love with one called Cherryade. The partners are Superbells Pomegranate Punch calibrachoa and the dark purple Sweet Caroline Raven sweet potato. This is, simply put, drop-dead gorgeous.

The recipe called Bermuda Skies is magical and a feast for the eyes. It is light and like the first breath of spring. It features Superbells Yellow Chiffon calibrachoa, which is a soft yellow. The “sky” in the name no doubt comes from Laguna Sky Blue lobelia. Southerners may say lobelia disappears with the heat. That is perhaps more so when growing as a monoculture, but in a mixed container with other plants, you will have that touch of blue scattered throughout much longer than you anticipate. The Laguna series is new and introduces heat tolerance to a most-loved plant.

We are all ready for spring; we are all ready for our Bubblegum, as the throngs of gardeners would say. But The Garden Guy urges you to head back to the beach, Supertunia Bermuda Beach, for designs of salmon coral color like Acapulco Sun.

Norman Winter, horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.”

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Supertunia Bermuda Beach petunia creates a wonderful partnership in this small container as it is combined with Supertunia, Mini Vista Violet Star.

Acapulco Sun is one of three Proven Winners Recipe of the Year. It features Supertunia Bermuda Beach petunia, Superbells Coralina calibrachoa and Superbena Peachy Keen verbena.

Yard Sale Tips

BEFORE YOUR SALE

Prepare to start early. Collectors and antique dealers like to show up early in the morning.

Obtain a permit if required

Clean up your space. People like clean and neat places.

Gather lots of shopping bags. Gathering Items

Test any electrical items to make sure they work. Collect your items and sort it by type. (clothing, toys, tools, etc.)

Take time to clean or repair your items.

Wash all the clothes so they smell fresh.

WHAT SELLS BEST?

Tools: Guys love it all, any kind.

Baby items of all kinds, especially clothing.

What Should You Not Sell?

Unused prescription drugs or medications.

Halogen floor lamps.

Old baby cribs or playpens, incomplete child safety seats.

ADVERTISING

Tell your friends, family or coworkers about your sale. Word travels. Place a classified ad in the Santa Barbara NEWS-PRESS!! Remember to check the publication’s deadline.

In your ad, give lots of details. Include the address, day(s), time of your sale. List major items such as “Lots of kids clothes.”

SIGNS

Check your local ordinances. List your address and sale date on all signs. Post your signs at main intersections, street corners and at the end of your driveway.

Use same colors and writing on your signs as people recognize them at a glance. to take them down.

The consumer Protection Agency offers a complete list of dangerous items to avoid selling at yard sales. Visit www.cpec.gov