Infant was not physically injured in incident

Kidnapping

Continued from Page A1 area of W. Pedregosa and De La Vina Street, where they terminated their pursuit.

The assisting deputies shared information with the Santa Barbara Police Department, who located Ms. Tapia, her vehicle and the 1year-old girl in the 200 block of East Los Olivos Street. Ms. Tapia was taken into custody at approximately 11:18 a.m. without further incident and was booked at the Main Jail in Santa Barbara on suspicion of kidnapping (felony), child endangerment (felony), evading

(felony) and driving under the influence (misdemeanor). The infant was released to Social Services at the scene and was not physically injured. Ms. Tapia was released from custody Tuesday night on $200,000 bail. email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com property while creating a disaster that is beyond the capabilities of State and local government,” the request stated. “California has faced, and continues to face, persistent snowfall as well as heavy precipitation, high winds, and river and urban flooding across the State.”

California has been deluged by the Late Winter Storms since February 21, which prevent flood waters from receding, and hinders damage assessments from being carried out. New rain and snowfall as of March 28, further complicates matters.

It is anticipated that “extended advance planning” would be necessary in anticipation of more flood threats in the Spring as historic snowpack melts. In March two tornadoes touched down. One in Carpinteria and the other in Montebello. Elsewhere, several locations are at risk of flooding as water levels rise in rivers and reservoirs and threaten to breach banks and levees, and high winds result in power outages. There were school closures as well, and road closures due to snow, erosion, and avalanches. Across the state there has been massive loss of personal property and agricultural exports.

Sun-dried tomato chickpea atbread

Brought to the Saturday Santa Barbara farmers’ market each week thanks to Baba Foods Small Batch, this product is made from their annual harvest of garbanzo beans.

Vegan and gluten free, this protein-packed item is ideal for warming up and dipping in your favorite hummus, or used as a great bread substitute. This week I prepared a chickpea flatbread topped with lemon hummus, the Fix of the Week, page B2.

This is a very healthy and simple lunch to prepare. Available in an array of flavors, I really enjoy the sun-dried tomato flavor infused into this product. Price is $8 per 8 ounce package or 2 for $15.

Passionfruit

The first passionfruit of the season has started to emerge, available at the Saturday Santa Barbara, Sunday Camino Real Marketplace, Tuesday Santa Barbara, Wednesday Solvang and Thursday Carpinteria farmers’ markets from several local growers.

Because the season has just started, you may need to let them continue to ripen on the counter until the skin turns purple.

Passionfruit is very aromatic, and inside the thick skin is a yellow seedy pulp that is brimming with tropical flavor. A little sweet and a little tangy, passionfruit is excellent in beverages, smoothies, or as a dessert topper. It also pairs quite well with chicken and pork preparations, as well as fish. I often add a little passionfruit pulp to ceviche.

Price averages $6 per pound. Certified organic is available.

Spring strawberries

The rain has delayed the freshly harvested red ripe strawberry season, but the first delicious fruit of the season is finally starting to emerge.

One of the most highly sought and versatile fruits available at all weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’ markets, strawberries are excellent in a fruit salad, sliced and used to top a spinach salad, rolled into crepes, or used as a topper for pancakes and waffles.

Use strawberries to make homemade preservers, syrups or sauces, or in a filling for a strawberry pie or strawberry shortcake. This season is just beginning so expect to find delicious fruit from now through the summer season.

Price averages $14 per 3-pack.

Sam Edelman is general manager of the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association and host of “Farm to Table,” which airs live 9 a.m. Thursdays on KZSB AM 1290. Sam Edelman photos