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from Santa Barbara News-Press: September 13, 2020

if one out of every three residents of Santa Barbara County have been tested and that’s a tremendous milestone if you look at it from that perspective,” Dr. Comer said, adding that the county is projecting to add even more testing capacity due to some smaller regional labs coming online sometime in October.

New advancements in testing will also be making its way to the county soon.

Antigen testing, which is less sensitive than current molecular-based testing but still a good alternative, will likely start getting more attention.

Specifically, Dr. Comer talked about the Abbott Binax test, which could produce results in 15 minutes.

“It’ll be deployed in the millions and that’s going to be an extremely important development in increasing the testing,” Dr. Comer said.

For those wanting to get tested, you can go to covid19.ca.gov and navigate the site to see the different places offering the test.

The county also has three state testing sites — in Santa Maria, Buellton and Goleta — which are free and open on weekends. To make an appointment, go to https://lhi.care/ covidtesting. Turn around times for results at these locations are about one to three days, according to Mr. Clay.

In other news, the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday that a custody deputy tested positive for COVID-19.

The deputy, who is currently asymptomatic, was wearing a mask while at work and was sent home as soon as the results were returned.

This brings the total number of Sheriff’s Office employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 40, with 38 having recovered and returned to work. Two are currently recovering at home, authorities said.

email: jmercado@newspress.com

Lakers close out Houston to advance

The Los Angeles Lakers have advanced to their first Western Conference Finals since 2010 following their victory Saturday over the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers defeated Houston 119-96 to take the best-of-seven series, 4-1.

LeBron James scored a teamhigh 29 points and added 11 rebounds and seven assists. All five Laker starters finished in double figures. Markieff Morris, starting in place of Javale McGee, scored 16 points, including knocking down all four of his 3-point attempts. Danny Green scored 14 points, Anthony Davis had 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 10. Kyle Kuzma added 17 points off the bench.

Los Angeles made a franchise record 19 3-pointers in the win.

James Harden scored a gamehigh 30 points for the Rockets.

The Lakers will now await the winner between the Clippers and Denver Nuggets. The Clippers hold a 3-2 advantage in the series. The two teams will be in action at 10 a.m. today on ESPN.

— Mitchell White

Angels rally to defeat Rockies

Jared Walsh ripped a two-out, three-run home run in the 11th inning Saturday evening to lift the Los Angeles Angels to a 5-2 victory over the Rockies at Coors Field.

In the victory, Albert Pujols passed Craig Biggio for fifth on the all-time doubles list. His 669th career two-bagger helped the Angels tie the game in the top of the sixth.

Ty Buttrey picked up the victory, tossing one inning of scoreless relief. Matt Andriese picked up the save.

The Angels will finish their series with the Rockies today. The game is scheduled for 12:10 p.m.

In other action, the Houston Astros scored five runs in the top of the ninth inning to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 7-5, Saturday afternoon at Dodger Stadium

The Astros came out victorious in the World Series rematch and roughed up L.A. closer Kenley Jansen in the process. Jansen did not record an out in the ninth, allowing five hits and five runs (four earned). It was his second blown save of the season.

The Dodgers (32-14) led 5-1 after eight innings. Josh Reddick hit a two-run double to make it a 5-4 game before George Springer’s fielder’s choice tied the game at 5. Alex Bregman followed with a RBI single and Yuli Gurriel added a sacrifice fly.

L.A. took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the second following back-to-back home runs by Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez. A.J. Pollack added a sacrifice fly in the third and Corey Seager’s RBI single in the fifth rounded out the scoring for the Dodgers.

The two teams will wrap-up their series tonight, with first pitch scheduled for 5:08 p.m.

In other MLB news, despite suffering his first loss of the season Friday night, former UCSB right-hander Shane Bieber continues to shine.

Bieber recorded his 100th strikeout of the season Friday against the Twins, completing the feat in just 62 1/3 innings. That marks the fewest innings it has taken any starting pitcher to reach the 100-K mark since 1900, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Entering his start Friday, Bieber led the Majors in strikeouts per nine innings (14.67) and strikeout percentage (42.9%). He has struck out at least eight batters in each of his 10 starts this season, the most to start a season in Cleveland franchise history. It’s also the second most consecutive starts with at least eight strikeouts to start a season since 1901, trailing only Randy Johnson, who did so in 15 straight starts in 2000.

— Mitchell White

NOBBE, Erwin Arnold

Erwin Arnold Nobbe, CPO passed peacefully at 92 years old, August 23, 2020, on his 62nd wedding anniversary. His wife of sixty two years, Hermine Nobbe passed on June 9, 2020. Born in Osnabrueck, Germany on April 5, 1928 Erwin was preceded by his mother, Johanna Nobbe, father, Franz Nobbe, brother Hans Nobbe, sister Magda Schoebel, all of Germany. He is survived by his sisters, Ute, Elke and Pueppi all still of Germany. Erwin is survived by his son Ralph W. Nobbe and his wife Sharadi L. Nobbe, four grandchildren, two step grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

His life was one of challenge, adventure and fortitude. The Nobbe family home and business were destroyed by allied bombing during WWII. His dream of medical school was derailed when he was “drafted” into the German army at age 14. He was captured and became an American prisoner of war in Cherbourg, France. While imprisoned, Erwin became proficient in French and English. He was assigned to the medical barracks with the International Red Cross to assist injured and disabled war veterans. He had found his calling. Following the war, he entered the orthotic and prosthetic field. He quickly excelled and obtained his Meisterbrief in orthotics and prosthetics at the University of Freidrichsburg, Germany. During his internship in Bad Tolz, Germany, he met the love of his life, the late, Hermine Nobbe.

Following their engagement, Erwin accepted a challenging position with the International Red Cross to establish an orthotic/prosthetic facility at the University Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. He became conversant in Turkish and continued with those early friendships to this day. Upon completion of his contract with the University, he returned to Bad Tolz and married Hermine Schmuck on August 23, 1958.

Erwin had decided to emigrate to the United States following his WWII imprisonment. Erwin was offered employment at J.E. Hanger and Co. in Washington, DC. He found that more opportunities presented as a business owner, and he acquired Pava Orthopedic Lab in Santa Barbara. That became Nobbe Orthopedics, Inc. which ultimately grew to three locations. For sixty years, Nobbe Orthopedics, Inc. served the local medical community and the tri-counties earning local, state and national recognition.

Erwin and Hermine were founding members of, and remained active in the German American club, both locally and regionally. Erwin loved travel, chess, riddles, languages, family and maintained a vast network of friends worldwide. Erwin and Hermine were re-united on their 62nd wedding anniversary. They will be missed by all who knew them.

FRYE, Ann Hitchcock

8/18/32-8/29/20

Ann H. “Annie” Frye, age 88, of Santa Barbara passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020 after a brief illness. Born August 18, 1932, in Santa Barbara, Ca. she is predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Anita Hitchcock of Santa Barbara, and her late husband of 48 years, Walter E. Frye of Santa Barbara. Ann and Walter were blessed with 3 sons: Greg of Ventura, California, Russell of Denver, Colorado, and Jonathan of San Diego, California.

Ann grew up in the neighborhood of the Santa Barbara Mission where she attended Roosevelt Elementary school. After graduating from Santa Barbara High School in 1950, Ann worked at the YMCA where she and her husband Walter rst met. They were married in 1956 and settled in Goleta, California where they raised their family. A loving wife and mother, one of Ann’s greatest passions was working with children. She worked as an instructional assistant for the Santa Barbara school district for 34 years, helping elementary school children learn to read and write. She volunteered to work at several charitable organizations in the Santa Barbara area including Los Pequenos, Dos Pueblos Little League, Goleta Boys club, Santa Barbara Junior Golf Association, Santa Barbara Hospice and The Assistance League of Santa Barbara. In total, Ann spent over 60 years of her life volunteering for organizations helping the youth of Santa Barbara.

Perhaps her greatest joy was in raising her 3 boys. Fiercely devoted to her family, she was constantly in attendance at their sporting practices, cheering at games or any school events for all of her children; bringing cakes and desserts with her, a giant heart and even bigger smile. The same practice continued for her grandchildren.

A terric cook who had a variety of hobbies including gardening, bridge, reading and watching her beloved Los Angeles Lakers play basketball, Ann also had a lifelong fondness for dogs. She spent many pleasant days walking the beach with her dog at her side. A Santa Barbara native, she enjoyed giving tours of the Santa Barbara Mission as well as introducing guests to the Santa Barbara area. She could vividly recall such local events as the Japanese bombing of Ellwood beach in Goleta during WWII, watching the wedding of Gloria Vanderbilt at the Santa Barbara Mission, as well as many other historical events during her years in the Santa Barbara area.

Ann leaves behind her sons and their families. Walter Gregory Frye, his wife Lisa and sons Bradley, Garrett and Zachary of Ventura, California, Russell Frye of Denver, Colorado, and Jonathan Frye and his wife Margaret of San Diego, California as well as numerous cousins

A private burial service for family members is planned. A celebration of life service will be held after current coronavirus restrictions are removed. In lieu of owers, donations may be made in her name to The Assistance League of Santa Barbara or to the Goleta Boys Club.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Cypress Place Senior Living facility in Ventura for their extraordinary kindness and caring the last 2 years of Ann’s life as well as Dr. Richard Ponce, family medical practitioner of Santa Barbara.

SCHULTZ, Arthur Warren

January 13, 1922 - August 18, 2020

Arthur Schultz peacefully passed away at his home in Casa Dorinda, Montecito, California.

He was father of Art, Julia and John and brother of Harold and Peter. He is survived by his children, Arthur Warren Schultz, Jr. and Julia Schultz Miller, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was kind, endearing, generous, intelligent, talented person who was always there for his friends and family.

Arthur was born in White Plains, New York. He grew up during the depression and ended up finishing his childhood in Illinois. He graduated from the University of Chicago, though at age 19, his education was interrupted by WW II. He served as a bomber pilot in China with the Flying Tigers which included 22 missions over “The Hump.”

Upon returning from the war, he married Elizabeth Mahan and had three children. He started a mail order business where he first learned about marketing and advertising. Later, he joined Foote, Cone and Belding where he worked for 33 years. He served as Chairman and CEO from 1973 to 1982. He also served on numerous civic and corporate Boards. He was particularly proud to be a Life Trustee of the University of Chicago.

Arthur had a robust 38 year retirement. He developed a deep love and appreciation for Art. He served as Chairman of the Art Institutes of Chicago and Santa Barbara. In 1984, He was named to the Presidential Arts and Humanities Commission and subsequently authored several books on the history and care of Art.

Arthur was an avid golfer and shot his age hundreds of times. He was also a golf historian who accumulated one of the largest golf books collections in the world, which he graciously donated to the University of Chicago.

Arthur relocated to Santa Barbara and married the love of his life Sue Keefe in 1988 and rekindled a long friendship that would last over 75 years. They travelled extensively and played lots of golf together. Their favorite place to play was the Valley Club where they have many deep friendships. When Sue passed in April, 2016, he truly lost his best friend.

One of the crowning achievements of his life occurred at age 88. He co-authored the historically significant and critically acclaimed untold story of Albert Lasker in “The Man Who Sold America.” The book was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

Arthur overcame many challenges and hardships before the age of 25 that shaped his strong character, purpose and joy of life. He was always looking for a new opportunity while caring for those around him. He lived an extraordinary life which he attributed to luck. He was an amazing man who has left most he touched better for knowing him.

CARTER, Robert Wesley

3/26/1922 8/31/2020

Robert Wesley Carter of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2020 at the age of ninety eight. Wesley was born on March 26, 1922 in Los Angeles CA, to his parents Wilson Ellison Carter and Ruth Lee McCallgan.

He graduated from Inglewood High School, class of 1939. After graduation, he served in the Navy during WWII. During the war, much of his service was in a PT boat in the Pacific Theater. While on leave, he married the love of his life, Doris Lee Kemp.

After the war, he worked with his father at Inglewood Book and Stationary. Over the years, he assumed the presidency of the company and expanded the business into one of the largest industrial and retail stationary firms in the region. During this time, he served as governor of the National Office Products Association for the western states. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of People’s Federal Savings and Loan. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Centinela Hospital. He was the founding partner of Buena Ventura Mobile Home Estates.

Golf was his passion. He took great pride in having shot his age more than 100 times and his nine hole’s in one! He spent many wonderful hours on the golf course with his friends and family. In his retirement, he built a cutting horse ranch and business in San Ynez and attended regional and national competitions with great enthusiasm.

Wesley and Doris, were privileged to have been married seventy- seven years. Their loving family included three children: Robert Kemp Carter, Richard Ellison Carter and Carol Lee Carter McWiliams and spouses. “Gronk” had four grandchildren: Heather Syanna Carter Epstein, Robert Sterling Carter, Alice Lousie McWilliams and Corinne Lee McWilliams Couty. Four great-grandchildren, Luella Orion Carter, Robert Owen Carter, Elle Kemp Epstein and Ansel Wesley Epstein.

We will remember him for his strength, integrity and tenacity and his deep love and caring for his family. His family and friends were blessed by his ready and ongoing generosity. He lived each day to the fullest knowing that “You Only Pass This Way Once”.

He was one of the last of our country’s greatest generation. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

For condolences and memories: www.wrhsb.com. Lucille was born in Glendale, California, to parents who had headed west from Arkansas and Tennessee in the early 1900s. Growing up during the Depression in a strong Christian household, Lucille was taught at an early age to always help those in need. This lesson was reinforced in her teens when she started her daily routine serving hot breakfast to anyone who showed up on her front porch that morning. Throughout her life, she demonstrated her love by being the biggest cheerleader, designated second mom, and beloved neighbor to all those that she came in contact with.

Lucille lived a wonderful and full life constantly surrounded by family and friends. She would meet her first husband and former Hoover High classmate, Arthur Gruendyke, while both started working at the Glendale Unified School District in the 1940s. In1976, five years after moving to their home in Santa Barbara, Art lost his life in a tragic automobile accident. Shortly after her husband’s death, Lucille began to work for the SB School District. She worked there for 12 years developing special, lifelong friendships. Lucille helped to guide and encourage people who applied for positions within the district. One applicant she helped said Lucille was the face of the SBSD. In the early ‘80s, Lucille’s life changed by attending a Hoover High School reunion, where she reconnected with fellow classmate John Leemhuis. They were married in 1983—sharing many happy years together traveling and enjoying friends and family.

She is survived by her children Ken (Jackie), Rod (Oliva), and Holly, as well as eight grandchildren—Greg, Kelly, Elin, Solveig, Erika, Garrett, Tabitha and Harlow– and her six energetic great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jay McPherson and his wife Billie. Lucille loved the special relationships that she had with their children – Clark (Karen), Mark (Karen), and Marsha. Children and grandchildren from John Leemhuis were also very important to her: John Jr., Adrienne (Jim), Jessica (Chris), and Kathryn. Our family also wishes to thank the devoted caregivers who loved and helped her these past few years: Wanda Alonzo, Mzia Day, and Fawn Ray Kuba.

No services are planned at this time due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

The family asks that donations be made to the Santa Barbara Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care. 512 E. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103

SOLOMON, Christopher James

Christopher James Solomon, 64, passed away of a heart attack Sept. 2, 2020, in Vista, CA. He was born in New York City February 9, 1957, the first of three children of Theodore and Barbara Louise (Schroeder) Solomon. Christopher was born deaf, and worked all his life to succeed in the hearing world. His parents moved the family to California in 1965, and to Santa Barbara in 1969.

Chris enjoyed camping, fishing and boating with his family. Bowling was another favorite activity; the Solomon family were all avid bowlers, and enjoyed competing with each other. He was a member of several bowling leagues in Vista. Chris attended Dos Pueblos High School from 1971-75, and enjoyed running on the track team. He loved scouting, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a talented photographer and attended Brooks Institute of Photography on a scholarship. He was also an avid reader.

Chris was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and served an LDS mission for the deaf. While attending Brigham Young University, he served as branch president for the deaf ward of Orem, Utah, as well as high counselor. He worked as a technical programmer for several companies. Chris lived in Vista, CA for 20 years, where he was an active church member until his passing.

Chris had two children, David and Rebecca, from his marriage to Terrilyn Biermann. His favorite times were summer visits from his children, spent largely at the beach.

Chris is survived by his son David and daughter Rebecca Jordan (Aaron), his father Theodore, his two sisters, Laura Dilley (Robert), and Katherine Nelson (Paul), as well as four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Barbara.

Interment to be in Goleta Cemetery. Due to the pandemic, there will be a family remembrance for Chris at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

LOCAL FIVE-DAY FORECAST

TODAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Decreasing clouds

INLAND 89 52 COASTAL 73 56

Dimmed sunshine and smoky INLAND 93 53 COASTAL 74 57

Plenty of sunshine

INLAND 95 52 COASTAL 76 58

Sunny and nice

INLAND 95 52 COASTAL 75 58

Pismo Beach 67/52

Shown is today's weather. Temperatures are today's highs and tonight's lows.

Guadalupe 67/54

Vandenberg 64/54 Santa Maria 68/53

Los Alamos 81/52 New Cuyama 96/56

Lompoc Buellton 80/51 Solvang 88/52 66/52 SANTA BARBARA

ALMANAC Good Moderate Unhealthy for SG Unhealthy Very Unhealthy Not Available MARINE FORECAST SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL Ventura 72/58

Santa Barbara through 6 p.m. yesterday Wind west 6-12 knots today. Waves 1-3 feet with a TEMPERATURE south-southwest swell 1-3 feet at 16 seconds. VisHigh/low 71/55 ibility under 2 miles in smoke. Normal high/low 75/56 POINT ARENA TO POINT PINOS Record high 90 in 2015 Wind west-northwest 6-12 knots today. Waves 1-3 Record low 47 in 1985 feet; south-southwest swell 2-4 feet at 15 seconds. PRECIPITATION 24 hours through 6 p.m. yest. 0.00” Month to date (normal) 0.00” (0.10”) Season to date (normal) 11.57” (17.79”) Visibility under 2 miles in smoke. Wind west-northwest 6-12 knots today. Waves 1-3 feet; south-southwest swell 2-4 feet at 15 seconds. Visibility under 2 miles in smoke. POINT CONCEPTION TO MEXICO

LOCAL TEMPS TIDES Today Mon. SANTA BARBARA HARBOR TIDES City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Date Time High Time Low

Cuyama 96/56/pc 97/58/s Sept. 13 8:33 a.m. 4.0’ 1:50 a.m. 0.1’ Goleta 76/57/pc 78/57/s 7:13 p.m. 5.7’ 1:07 p.m. 2.7’ Lompoc 67/52/pc 69/52/s Sept. 14 8:56 a.m. 4.3’ 2:26 a.m. -0.2’ Pismo Beach 67/52/pc 70/52/s 8:01 p.m. 6.1’ 1:53 p.m. 2.2’ Santa Maria 68/53/pc 73/53/s Sept. 15 9:23 a.m. 4.6’ 3:01 a.m. -0.4’ Santa Ynez 89/52/pc 93/53/s 8:47 p.m. 6.3’ 2:38 p.m. 1.7’ Vandenberg 64/54/pc 66/55/s Ventura 72/58/pc 74/59/s LAKE LEVELS STATE CITIES At Lake Cachuma’s maximum level at the point AT BRADBURY DAM, LAKE CACHUMA Bakersfield 83/67/pc 94/67/s at which water starts spilling over the dam holds Barstow 103/68/pc 104/69/s 188,030 acre-feet. An acre-foot is 325,851 gallons, Big Bear 75/39/pc 75/40/s equivalent to the amount of water consumed annuBishop 95/51/pc 94/51/s ally by 10 people in an urban environment. Catalina 79/68/pc 83/72/s Concord 76/56/pc 82/57/s Escondido 87/59/pc 91/61/s Eureka 61/49/pc 65/53/pc Fresno 84/64/pc 93/64/s Los Angeles 85/63/pc 89/65/s Mammoth Lakes 78/40/pc 77/41/s Storage 139,466 acre-ft. Elevation 733.62 ft. Evaporation (past 24 hours) 18.6 acre-ft. Infl ow 0.0 acre-ft. State infl ow 0.0 acre-ft. Storage change from yest. -320 acre-ft. Modesto 76/58/pc 89/59/s Report from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Monterey 67/56/c 68/57/pc Napa 72/51/pc 80/52/s Oakland 67/57/pc 71/59/s Ojai 91/58/pc 94/61/s Oxnard 71/56/pc 72/57/s Palm Springs 106/77/pc 108/81/s Pasadena 90/65/pc 94/69/s Paso Robles 90/50/pc 93/50/s Sacramento 81/54/pc 87/56/s SUN AND MOON Sunrise 6:41 a.m. 6:42 a.m. Sunset 7:08 p.m. 7:07 p.m. Moonrise 2:14 a.m. 3:19 a.m. Moonset 5:01 p.m. 5:46 p.m. Today Mon. New First Full Last San Diego 79/65/pc 80/66/s San Francisco 69/56/pc 71/59/pc San Jose 69/56/pc 76/57/s San Luis Obispo 74/52/pc 76/52/s Sep 17 Sep 23 Oct 1 Oct 9 Santa Monica 75/61/pc 78/62/s Tahoe Valley 81/42/s 81/41/s WORLD CITIES

NATIONAL CITIES City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Today Mon.

Atlanta 87/72/t 88/72/r Beijing 79/66/pc 75/63/sh Boston 73/65/pc 77/51/pc Berlin 75/55/s 82/61/s Chicago 76/60/pc 74/56/s Cairo 96/76/s 94/74/s Dallas 88/68/pc 85/69/pc Cancun 88/79/pc 88/80/t Denver 85/54/s 88/55/s London 75/52/s 82/61/s Houston 89/75/t 92/75/c Mexico City 74/53/t 70/57/t Miami 88/79/t 89/79/pc Montreal 68/52/t 62/43/c Minneapolis 73/55/pc 78/64/s New Delhi 98/80/pc 97/80/pc New York City 77/67/pc 78/54/s Paris 83/59/s 93/65/s Philadelphia 80/69/c 80/56/s Rio de Janeiro 86/73/s 88/72/s Phoenix 105/83/s 105/82/s Rome 89/68/s 87/67/s Portland, Ore. 74/58/pc 75/62/c Sydney 77/54/c 73/55/s St. Louis 79/62/pc 82/62/s Tokyo 87/72/pc 81/73/t Salt Lake City 90/62/s 93/65/s W-weather, s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, Seattle 70/58/pc 73/61/c c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, Washington, D.C. 82/71/c 82/58/pc sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

B1

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

By ANNELISE HANSHAW NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

NatureTrack, a nonprofit that provides field trips to classes, launches its annual film festival digitally Oct. 9-18. The festival showcases films from 21 countries — all with an environmental theme.

Normally the Los Olivos festival plays the selected entries alongside excursions, like bike tours and hikes. Guests get to explore the Santa Ynez Valley and then return to a theater to see international environments.

This year, NatureTrack will present the films online. Founder and director Sue Eisaguirre hopes the digital format will attract more international viewers. Some of the filmmakers have shared the links to family and friends who usually would not be able to attend.

Moviegoers can purchase passes for small blocks of films for $10 or an all-access pass for $100. The 72 films will be available for 10 days, through the festival’s Eventive website.

“It’s disappointing we can’t have it in-person for the excitement of a film festival and what it does for the community,” Ms. Eisaguirre told the News-Press. “But we potentially will have people watching the festival worldwide.”

She planned the festival for March before delaying it to October, in hopes the COVID-19 pandemic would clear.

“We just felt we couldn’t move forward, in the best interest of the community and the attendees,” she said. “It was so hard because the momentum was there, and we felt like it was going to turn the corner and turn a crowd.”

It’s only the third annual NatureTrack Film Festival, and the original date looked promising. The switch up has been expensive.

NatureTrack already prepared and purchased the materials, and it couldn’t use them anymore. The team changed the date on flyers and posters to avoid wasting materials and money.

Ms. Eisaguirre dropped the price of all-access passes for the virtual format. She emailed everyone who had already purchased and offered an additional pass or a refund, if they didn’t want the excess to be donated.

Passes can be transferred to the 2022 festival. She canceled the 2021 event to have enough time to regroup after this year.

The film festival serves as a fundraiser for NatureTrack. The proceeds fund field trips for 1,000 to 1,500 students.

Director Eisaguirre and her team are still providing field trips, though they’ve had to be creative. NatureTrack provides virtual hikes to teachers so students can still experience a piece of nature. And through YMCA, they still take field trips out — with extra precautions.

Prior to COVID-19, it wasn’t very expensive to bus kids to the site. Now, NatureTrack provides charter buses with lots of empty seats so students can stay six feet apart.

Ms. Eisaguirre is optimistic that a virtual film festival can turn enough profit to keep up with last year’s financials.

Directors of two of the festival’s movies talked about their projects with the News-Press.

Director Preston Maag

Preston Maag directed “10 Miles Out” while finishing up his degree in film and media studies at UCSB.

He discovered a love of backpacking after his friend took him to Los Padres National Forest one weekend in February 2019. A feeling lingered after that trip. He knew he was onto something.

In April, he enrolled in GreenScreen, a selective class at UCSB aimed at making nature films. It clicked. He was going to film a documentary about backpacking while following groups through Los Padres.

“When I was able to put things on my back, I found a sense of freedom,” director Maag said. “You’re able to do more and get away from people.”

He hiked with a 40- to 50-pound pack of essentials and camera equipment. Spread across a few weekends, he totaled 60 miles

Life

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2020

Nature in all its glory

Los Olivos lm festival goes virtual during pandemic

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO

Santa Barbara cinematographer Elliot Lowndes stands behind the Panasonic camera he used for “Carrizo Plain — A Sense of Place.” The fi lm will screen during the virtual NatureTrack fi lm festival in October.

COURTESY PHOTOS

At left, director Jeff McLoughlin rode above Carrizo Plain with photographer Bill Dewey. Part of the San Luis Obispo County site was a portion of the small territory Mr. Dewey was allowed to fl y over as he pursued a private pilot’s license. At right, Chris Chapman paints watercolors of the Carrizo Plain in the spring, as the wildfl owers bring color to the landscape.