House & Home: April 08, 2023

A premiere neighborhood in the Mountain View School District set amongst the Santa Barbara foothills! This spectacular 4 bedroo m, 3.5 bath Mediterranean home sits on an approximately 3/4 acre lot with stunning ocean, island, and mountain views. Upon entering, you are greeted with a dramatic arched entryway that seamlessly transitions to the light/bright living room with dual-sided fireplace, lofty vaulted ceilings and two sets of French doors leading to the outdoor entertaining space. The formal dining room features a wet bar/sink with built-in banquet and ample storage. The kitchen is equipped with a large center island with gas range, Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator, and a breakfast area with ocean/island views.

The generously sized primary suite has beautiful southwest facing ocean and island views, two walk-in closets, and French doors leading to the garden. The primary bath offers a dual sink vanity, jetted ocean view soaking tub and separate shower. Two of the additional hall bedrooms also have exterior access to the private backyard, while the fourth bedroom enjoys access out to the front area garden and works well as a home office. In addition, there is a generously sized laundry room, powder room, large storage/utility room and 3-car garage. Outside, a spiral staircase leads to a rooftop 360-degree view deck, offering stunning panoramic views from UCSB to Carpinteria on a clear day. Set upon a flat useable lot with a sparkling pool, lush lawn, roses, f ruit trees, all framed with mountain views- this home is perfect for indoor outdoor living. Don't miss out on the rare opportunity to make this special offering you r dream home!

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

Hybrid Meetings vs. In-Person Meetings: Pros and Cons

The COVID-19 pandemic has for­everchanged the way we wor­k and inter­act with one another­. One of the most significant changes has been the r­ise of vir­tual meetings, which have become a mainstay in the business wor­ld and with our­ local Santa Bar­bar­a r­eal estate br­oker­ages and our­ Santa Bar­bar­a Association committees and boar­d of dir­ector­s. As the wor­ld begins to r­eopen, many businesses ar­e consider­ing hybr­id meetings combining in-per­son and vir­tual attendees. Check out some of the pr­os and cons of Hybr­id meetings.

Pros of Hybrid Meetings

1. Flexibility

Hybr­id meetings offer­ gr­eater­ flexibility than in-per­son meetings. Attendees can choose to par­ticipate in per­son or­ r­emotely, depending on their­ location, schedule, and pr­efer­ence. This flexibility can make it easierto schedule and coor­dinate meetings, especially for­ businesses with r­emote or­ distr­ibuted teams, making ever­ yone ver­ y efficient.

2. Cost Savings

Hybr­id meetings can also be mor­e costeffective than in-per­son meetings. Businesses can save on tr­avel expenses and meeting r­oom r­entals by allowing some attendees to par­ticipate r­emotely.

3. Increased Accessibility

Hybr­id meetings can incr­ease accessibility for­ individuals with disabilities or­ otherlimitations. Remote attendees can par­ticipate in the meeting fr­om anywher­e with an inter­net connection, making it easier­ for­ individuals who may have difficulty tr­aveling or­ attending in-per­son meetings.

Cons of Hybrid Meetings

1. Technical Difficulties

One of the main dr­awbacks of hybr­id meetings is the potential for­ technical difficulties. Remote attendees may exper­ience connectivity issues or­ difficulty hear­ing orseeing the meeting. This can lead to delays, confusion, and fr­ustr­ation for­ in-per­son and r­emote attendees.

2. Decreased Engagement

Hybr­id meetings can also lead to decr­eased engagement among attendees. Remote attendees may feel disconnected ordisengaged fr­om the meeting, decr­easing par­ticipation and contr­ibution. Additionally, in-per­son attendees may become distr­acted or­ disengaged ver­ y easily.

3. Difficulty Building Relationships

Hybr­id meetings can make it mor­e difficult to build r­elationships among attendees. In-per­son meetings allow attendees to connect and inter­act on a mor­e per­sonal level, which can help build tr­ust and r­appor­t. Remote attendees may feel isolated or­ excluded fr­om these inter­actions, leading to difficulty

President Imposes Additional Discipline; Can President Scream?

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

building r­elationships with in-per­son attendees.

Pros of In-Person Meetings

1. Personal Interaction

One of the main benefits of in-per­son meetings is the oppor­tunity for­ per­sonal inter­action. In-per­son meetings allow attendees to connect on a mor­e per­sonal level, build r­elationships, and develop tr­ust.

2. Higher Engagement

In-per­son meetings can also lead to higher­ levels of engagement among attendees. Attendees ar­e mor­e likely to par­ticipate and contr­ibute when physically pr­esent, leading to mor­e pr­oductive and effective meetings.

3. Better Communication

In-per­son meetings can also facilitate better­ communication among attendees. Nonver­bal cues and body language ar­e easierto inter­pr­et in per­son, which can help avoid misunder­standings and impr­ove communication.

Cons of In-Person Meetings

1. Cost and Logistics

In-per­son meetings can be costly and time-consuming to or­ganize. Businesses may need to r­ent meeting spaces, pr­ovide tr­avel and accommodations for­ attendees, and coor­dinate schedules. Additionally, in-per­son meetings may be less flexible than hybr­id meetings, making them har­d to coor­dinate.

2. Limited Accessibility

In-per­son meetings may also be less accessible for­ individuals with disabilities orother­ limitations. Attendees may need to tr­avel to a specific location, which can be difficult for­ individuals with mobility issues or­ other­ disabilities. Additionally, in-per­son meetings may be less accessible for­ r­emote ordistr­ibuted teams.

3. Environmental Impact

In-per­son meetings can have a significant envir­onmental impact, par­ticular­ly if attendees need to tr­avel long distances.

While I feel that we should not just for­get about amazing technology, which allows vir­tual meetings fr­om anywher­e in the wor­ld and is super­ efficient. I do feel that in-per­son meetings, at least once a month or­ mor­e, should still happen if possible, as the ener­gy, connection, and collabor­ation ar­e so much mor­e power­ful in per­son. REALTORS® ar­e using this vir­tual technology to better­ assist their­ clients with vir­tual walkthr­oughs, video tour­s, and FaceTime videos thr­ough pr­oper­ties. These ar­e a fantastic way to assist buyer­s and seller­s connect and highlight pr­oper­ties efficiently and with clients not local.

Embr­ace new technology, but always r­emember­ that a human in-per­son connection is ver­ y impactful.

Dear Kelly:

I had a hearing regarding a rules violation. I thought it was unfair and asked for an internal dispute resolution (“IDR”) meeting. My punishment from the board was a suspension of privileges. At the IDR, the President (the one that pursued the violation against me) showed up with the member I asked for, to conduct the IDR. The president then added to the board’s discipline by adding a fine, ordering me not to attend board meetings, and said all this would also apply to my wife! Is this Legal? I feel that I was tried twice — Once by the board and then by the president.

Dear B.G.:

– B.G.

If the President was the complaining party, then the president should not have participated in the disciplinary hearing or the IDR meeting due to the president’s personal conflict of interest on the matter. As to the additional disciplinary measures, the president has no individual authority. Per Civil Code Section 5855, only the board can impose discipline after written notice and a hearing. Also, many HOAs are erroneously suspending member voting rights as a disciplinary measure, but that is not allowed pursuant to Civil Code Section 5105(g)(1). Sorry B.G., but your board may need to remind the president that the board runs things, not the president.

Dear Mr. Richardson:

– Best, Kelly.

I spoke for my time in open forum inquiring about the status of some incomplete projects. The president screamed at me, calling me a liar and saying I was spreading misinformation to homeowners. Is this proper conduct for a president in Open Forum to scream at a homeowner?

– D.S.

Dear D.S.:

Open forum is the time for the board to listen, not argue or respond. The president’s response indicates a misunderstanding of the function of open forum. Yelling in a board meeting should never be acceptable behavior, no matter how strongly someone might disagree. Remember, you’re all neighbors, and you have to live together in peace. How is that possible when if the HOA allows such behavior? Meeting conduct rules would help your HOA, and such conduct rules should apply to all attendees — including the president. HOA leaders need to model a high level of civility, and it sounds like this is not occurring in your association.

– Best to you and your association, Kelly.

Hi Kelly, Is it true that a homeowner is accused of a violation cannot sue the HOA? My HOA is accusing me of something that I didn’t do, and they want to fine me. I need to take them to court if necessary. I will not be fined for something that I did not do. Is there a court remedy?

– Thanks, C.C., Redwood City.

Dear C.C.:

You can sue your HOA for declaratory relief if you disagree with a disciplinary decision. However, before you take such a drastic step, consider if it’s truly worth it. Pursuant to Civil Code Section 5975, the prevailing party in a dispute over enforcement of the governing documents is to be awarded their reasonable attorney fees. This could be a very expensive gamble. Consider the overall picture and decide whether the expense of your own attorney and the risk of an expensive adverse outcome, is worth it.

– Sincerely, Kelly.

Appealing to the senses

By Cathy Hobbs

Homes have a scent — only sometimes intentionally. Depending on the situation, they can attract or repel. Appealing to the senses, specifically a sense of smell, can be easily achieved, especially for those looking to do so naturally.

SENSES Continued on page 6

Photos courtesy Handout/TNS

Elements such as florals and a candle add color and scent.

Continued from page 5

Looking for ways to infuse scents into your home? Here are some top Design Recipes tips.

1. Consider herbs.

From sage to lavender, many herbs can provide an appealing scent.

2. Look for pure natural oils.

Pure scents without added chemicals are the most powerful.

3. Head to the health food store.

Typically these specialty stores haves aisles full of natural, enticing scents.

4. Open a window.

A home needs to be aired out on a regular basis.

5. Add greenery.

Plants and trees are not only attractive, they can also help to improve the air quality and oxygen levels in a home.

6. Go organic.

Chemically enhanced plug-ins and fresheners seldom emit a natural scent.

7. Consider fruits.

Fresh lemons and limes can help infuse a crisp, citrus scent.

8. Purchase a diffuser.

These popular items for the home can help spread fragrance throughout your space.

9. Burn a soy candle.

Natural candles provide scents in a nontoxic way.

10. Deep clean.

Using a natural solution such as baking soda, lemons and borax can help clean your home with a fresh scent.

A fragrant flower is displayed beside a bed.

A tray of fragrant items such as greenery and a candle is displayed on a tray in a primary bedroom.

A large tree is placed near a living room window

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and The Hudson Valley. Visit her website at cathyhobbs.com. ©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Assess the situation

Drywall damage? Here’s how to fix it

By Hunter Boyce

From scuffs to scrapes to gaping holes, drywall damage happens.

It’s an unfortunately unavoidable part of homeownership. But drywall repair doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s how to easily fix your damaged drywall, according to the experts.

The first step of drywall repair, according to HGTV, is to assess the damage. If the drywall damage is limited to a few small nail holes, the damage can likely be remedied with some spackle (also called mud), a putty knife and a sanding block. If the damage is more sizable, then the repair process is going to be a little more complex. For larger holes, the repair will require mesh tape to strengthen the spackle’s bond to the wall. This strategy can be applied for long cracks and coin-sized holes.

Patching drywall

If the damage is larger than a coin-sized hole, the repair may require a patch of drywall as well. For these more complex repairs, the first step is to assess what kind of drywall your home has. Drywall comes in different levels of thickness, generally 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8-inch. Cut out a healthy piece of drywall from the damaged spot to assess what size drywall you will need to purchase for your repairs.

Once you have identified the size of your drywall, the

next step is to find your studs. Use a stud finder to locate the nearest studs to the drywall damage and mark their locations with a pencil. When you are done, your pencil markings should frame the drywall damage.

“Use a drywall saw to cut along the lines you just drew until you reach the wall studs,” Home Depot advised. “When you reach a stud, measure and mark 3/4 of an inch farther in, which will be the center of the stud. Score these lines with a utility knife. The edge of the patch should be directly over the stud so both the existing drywall and patch have support. Continue cutting along the lines carefully with the utility knife, making several passes with each cut slightly deeper than the previous cut. Remove the damaged piece of drywall.”

Once the damaged drywall has been removed, it’s time to install the support. Cut a 1-by-3-inch piece of lumber and screw it with drywall screws vertically behind the wall opening you created. Make sure the screw heads sink a little below the surface of the drywall.

Use your damaged piece of drywall to trace and ultimately cut out a great fitting replacement piece from

the healthy drywall you purchased previously. Once the newly cut piece of drywall has been placed inside the open patch area of the wall, secure it to the wall with drywall screws — but ensure the screws are at least an inch from the edges of the new piece of drywall to avoid cracking.

Sealing the patch

Once the new piece of drywall has been secured in place, run strips of fiberglass drywall mesh tape around the edges of the patch. Spread spackle across the patch and tape until you have created a smooth, flat surface. Let the compound dry for as long as required by the manufacturer. This process must then be repeated with a second coat of spackle.

Once dried, wipe the patched area with a tack cloth and sanding cloth before painting over the repair.

©2023 Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

If the damage is larger than a coin-sized hole, the repair may require a patch of drywall. Photo courtesy Brett Hondow/Dreamstime/TNS

Santa BarB ara County SaleS

This is a partial list of all recorded residential sales in Santa Barbara County from March 24 thru March 28, 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.

HOmeS

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

EaST SidE - LOwER

1210 Cacique Street #16

2/1

12-2 $349,000

Embrace a casual coastal California lifestyle from this charming 2-bed | 1-bath home in an all ages mobile park on the Eastside!

Zia Group | eXp Realty of California, Inc. Tom Cruz 805-979-6517 # 02034766

EaST SidE - LOwER

1210 Cacique Street #16

2/1

2-4 $349,000

Embrace a casual coastal California lifestyle from this charming 2-bed | 1-bath home in an all ages mobile park on the Eastside!

Zia Group | eXp Realty of California, Inc. Kathleen Rogers 805-284-3900 # 02044953

MESa

1919 El Camino De La Luz

Unbelievable ocean and island views. Charming single-level home. Ample opportunity to improve and expand. Sought after cul-de-sac street on the Mesa. Walk to the beach, Mesa Shopping Center, Lazy Acres, and more.

OuT Of aRE a

6726 Breakers Way

VENTURA, CALIFORNIA: Seaside Diamond in the Rough on the sand in Mussel Shoals. Built in 1979, the 2,616 sq ft rustic beachfront home offers unobstructed ocean view decks and a private backyard.

Open HOmeS

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

EaST SidE - LOwER

EaST SidE - LOwER

Continued from page 10

Santa BarB ara County SaleS

Real Estate Q&A:

What can we do about sellers swapping lights or washer/dryer for lower-cost versions?

By Gary M. Singer

Question: We are buying a new home and did our walk-through before the closing. Not only was the fancy chandelier changed for a simple ceiling light, but the high-end washer and dryer had been replaced with well-used basic models. We are distraught. What can we do? – Jo

Answer:

When people agree to buy and sell a property, they must sign a written agreement. The contract must have the specific terms of the deal, such as timing, price, contingencies, and what is and is not included with the home.

Buying property includes the land, the structures built on it, and the appliances and fixtures permanently attached to the structures. This includes things like doors, pool filters, light fixtures, stoves and garage openers.

Standard real estate contracts include a pre-printed section listing what is included. Most of these lists include kitchen appliances, lights, window treatments, and other fixtures. The contracts also have space to add or exclude specified items.

Your first step is to review your purchase contract to ensure the washer, dryer, and chandelier are included. Chandeliers often have sentimental value and are a fixture I often see expressly excluded.

If your contract lists these items as included, even, for example, if it lists “appliances” that would include the washer and dryer, it means that the exact item in the home when you sign the contract must be there at closing. It can not be replaced unless it breaks during the contract term, and then it needs to be replaced with something similar.

If the contract lists, for example, the stove, it must be the same stove that was there or a similar replacement, not a lesser model. Similarly, if the dishwasher worked when you signed the contract, it must also work on closing day.

After reviewing your contract, you might need to delay closing while the appliances and chandelier are returned or a monetary credit is negotiated.

In my law practice, the problems I see usually involve laundry machines, chandeliers and automated pool cleaners, so make sure you address these items when buying or selling if these items are important to you.

Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He practices real estate, business litigation and contract law from his office in Sunrise, Fla. He is the chairman of the Real Estate Section of the Broward County Bar Association and is a co-host of the weekly radio show Legal News and Review. He frequently consults on general real estate matters and trends in Florida with various companies across the nation. Follow him on Twitter @GarySingerLaw.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

calibrachoa makes its debut this spring. Here it is showing out in late afternoon sun with Lemon Coral sedum.

Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade garners classic city award

By Norman Winter

One of my favorite green business operations I follow on Facebook is Rivers Greenhouse and Garden in Brandon, Mississippi. They have a wholesale greenhouse operation and a retail garden center a couple of miles away. They are the most picturesque destination out in the country if you ever find yourself near Jackson, Mississippi.

They recently posted a photo of a few flats of Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade calibrachoa. Their Facebook audience started showing a lot of interest for a plant that is new, making its debut this year. This should serve as notice to you: When you see it buy it, buy a bunch for your friends, as this will be one hot commodity.

Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade

Photos courtesy Norman Winter/TNS

This Eastern Tiger Swallowtail found Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade to be perfect for an 85-degree day in March. Superbells Grape Punch calibrachoa is the companion.

PINK LEMONADE

Continued from page 13

Amusingly, around that same time, one of mine that I planted as part of my trials last year really started showing out. Yes, I know I got lucky on a bunch of stuff returning this year, but a lot of that was due to the labor of moving all of my containers to the garage for five days during the December arctic blast.

But back to my event that sequenced with Rivers Greenhouse and Garden promotion.

My Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade was blooming like a beautiful bouquet, if you will, with Superbells Grape Punch calibrachoa. Since I planted those last summer, I had forgotten I even made that partnership. So there they are, blooming in an incredibly magical lighting, making me look like a genius, when an Eastern tiger swallowtail decided the lemonade was on the meal plan.

I wondered how this could be, while asking myself, “Can you capture that with the camera, Norman?” The funny thing is that the butterfly gave me opportunities time and again. He would feed, soar in the trees and go back to the same spot. I have every plant a swallowtail could want from the standpoint of nectar in March, but on this day the Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade reigned champion.

It reigned champion at my house by last summer too, and not only in my trials, but also in the University of Georgia Trials in Athens. It was a Classic City Award Winner. UGA’s Dr. John Ruter describes the Classic City winners this way:

“We take pride in the Trials at the University of Georgia. We don’t trial for the sake of trialing or to make us look good or to give us something to do — we trial in the steadfast belief that someone, breeders, growers, retailers and consumers will pay attention,” he says. “Quality is not limited to fertility standards and spacing; quality is also what consumers, from landscapers to buyers, see when they have a little money to spend.

“So, in the steadfast belief that what we do does make a difference, here are the Classic City Award Winners, the very best plants in the trial gardens, based on year-round performance, and/ or eye-catching beauty. Of the over 2,000 plants in the garden, being a Classic City Award winner is equivalent to the Oscar or Tony rolled up as one.”

That says it all — and Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade calibrachoa, with its dynamic changing coloration, is deserving of the trophy. The blooms, which open lemon yellow and transition to vibrant pink with both colors being continuously present, is almost beyond description. Blooming all season — in my case returning from last year and now feeding swallowtails in March — is nothing short of incredible.

Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade, like other calibrachoas, do best in containers. As I have suggested time and again, they can be partnered with Supertunias petunias and Superbena verbenas. Because I planted all mine last year, they have been the biggest calibrachoas I have ever had in February and March. The freeze a couple of weeks ago that took out all azalea and loropetalum blooms in my area hurt neither them, nor the Superbenas or Supertunias.

Because they have been in such a lush state of growth and bloom for over eight weeks, the heat of summer is sure to tire them out despite my careful water and fertilization. I will need to cut back, maybe stick in a fresh plant or two, like you do. Even the new ones will need trimming to carry through fall.

Superbells calibrachoas like Prism Pink Lemonade are champions for the garden. Buy them when you see them.

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

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade calibrachoa blooms open lemon yellow and age to a vibrant pink, always showcasing the dual coloration.

The Superbells Prism Pink Lemonade is grown in planters with a lot of other flowers along a rock wall at The Garden Guy’s house.

Yard Sale Tips

Yard Sale Tips 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.

• Kitchen appliances.

• Clothing: Kids and adult.

What Should You Not Sell?

• Items missing safety parts.

• unused prescription drugs or medications.

• Personal hygiene items.

• 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.

• Keep a list of where you posted your signs. It will be helpful when it’s time 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