The Alcazar Theatre celebrated 97 years with a two-day, jam-packed celebration last weekend. Community members — including, pictured from left, Mark Hunt, Nancy Bradbury, Luci Rogers, Berlyn Cota, Lee Mandell, Connie Geston, Kathy White and Barbara Menne — were invited to a 1940s-themed red carpet mixer and showing of “Casablanca” on Friday, May 2, while Sgt. Pepper’s Beatles Tribute Band brought down the house with a night of rock and roll on Saturday, May 3. See more photos of the celebration online at coastalview.com.
COMPILED BY EVELYN SPENCE
Volunteer opportunities available at museum
The Carpinteria Valley Museum of History invites community members to its Volunteer Discovery Days on May 15–16, 10–11 a.m., to learn about volunteering. Volunteers are needed to work the front desk, give tours, garden, assist with administrative tasks and help with events.
“The History Museum is in need of positive, dedicated volunteers to help us stay open and free to the public five afternoons per week,” said Jayme Yahr, the museum’s director. “If you have two-plus hours per month to volunteer your time, please consider stopping by Discovery Days to find out more about the museum.”
The museum is located at 956 Maple Ave. Learn more by calling (805) 684-3112, emailing info@carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org, or visiting carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org.
County animal shelter offers waived adoption fees through May 15
During the “One Hundred Happy Tails” adoption event, open now through May 15, Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) is waiving adoption fees at its Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc locations. The fees are covered through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
All pets will be or are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Licensing fees may apply.
“There’s no better time to open your heart and home to a new best friend,” said Animal Services Director Sarah Aguilar. “Through the Empty the Shelters campaign and the generosity of BISSELL Pet Foundation, we’re making it easier than ever for families to adopt. Every adoption during this event helps us save more lives and create one hundred new happy stories.”
Learn more online at sbcanimalservices.org.
Speakers to tackle genealogy at upcoming CWC meeting
Marie Sue Parsons, Yolanda Perez and Mary Jacob will be the featured speakers at the upcoming Carpinteria Woman’s Club (CWC) meeting, set for Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. The three will talk about how they built their family trees and dug into their past using the Santa Barbara Genealogical Society’s resources.
“A key resource is the Sahyun Genealogy Library, home to over 16,000 genealogy books, computer workstations with free access to top genealogy websites like Ancestry. com, and scanners for preserving family photos, slides, and home movies,” the club’s Marybeth Carty told Coastal View News. “Whether you’re just getting started or deep into your family history research, this is a great opportunity to learn and connect!”
Attendees are invited to bring a guest and a dish or beverage to share. The Carpinteria Woman’s Club is located at 1059 Vallecito Road. Learn more online at carpinteriawomansclub.com.
Emergency preparedness training returns May 13
The Carpinteria Emergency Response Team (CERT) kicks off its eight-week training program on May 13. The free trainings — which focus on skills needed in disaster scenarios, which as first aid, fire safety, and search and rescue — will be held every Tuesday, 6–8:45 p.m., at Veterans Hall in Carpinteria.
The program is open to all adult residents. Participants must attend all eight sessions. Veterans Hall is located at 941 Walnut Ave. Learn more online at carpinteriaca. gov/cert.
COURTESY PHOTO
Volunteer Sandy Crowe runs the fruit press during Family Day in November 2024.
CITY BEAT Planning Commission approves plan to decommission Chevron oil facilities
BY RYAN P. CRUZ
On Monday, the Carpinteria Planning Commission unanimously approved a plan for the decommissioning and removal of the Chevron oil and gas processing facilities near the Carpinteria Bluffs. The approval of the development plan and coastal development permit marks a major checkpoint for the project, which has been in the city pipeline since October 2021.
Luis Perez, a senior project manager and consultant with MRS Environmental, presented the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project at Monday’s hearing. The EIR was the finalized version of an earlier draft submitted by Chevron in November 2023, and the culmination of a “long and exhaustive process” that looked at all the potential environmental issues, Perez said.
The Carpinteria oil and gas facility, originally built in the 1950s to handle offshore production from the Summerland oil field, has been inactive since 2017. It is one of five facilities that Chevron is decommissioning along the central coast. The facility, with its offices, pipelines from offshore platforms and processing plants, once processed over 20,000 barrels of crude oil and up to 20 million cubic square feet of natural gas a day.
The current project includes the removal of all equipment, pipelines and structures — including all concrete foundations and asphalt — and the remediation of any impacted soil underneath. Chevron will handle the recycling and disposal of all materials removed from the site, along with any restoration needed afterward.
Some structures would remain, such as the sales gas company facilities along the peninsula area, and some of the legacy idle wells that are managed by the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM). The gas pipeline from platform Habitat, which is not owned by Chevron, will remain untouched, as would the abandoned platforms Hazel and Heidi.
Perez outlined the findings of the EIR, which considered all potential impacts of the decommissioning project. The obvious major risk, though “very unlikely,” he said, would be the risk of an oil spill or accidental discharge of petroleum into the ocean.
The EIR included mitigation measures and contingency plans for all scenarios,
The Carpinteria oil and gas facility, originally built in the 1950s to handle offshore production from the Summerland oil field, has been inactive since 2017. Under the current project plan, all equipment, pipelines and structures will be removed, and the impacted soil underneath will be remediated. change,” he added.
from preservation of cultural resources to programs for handling contaminated soil. The plan would also allow the city an environmental compliance monitor to ensure that all precautions were being taken once work begins.
Providing local news and information for the Carpinteria Valley
Managing Editor Evelyn Spence
Assistant Editor Jun Starkey
Sports Editor Ryan P. Cruz
Photographer Robin Karlsson
Advertising Manager Karina Villarreal
Publishers Gary L. Dobbins, Michael VanStry
Coastal View News is locally owned and operated by RMG Ventures, LLC, 4180 Via Real Suite F, Carpinteria, CA 93013, and is published every Thursday. Coastal View News has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County, Case No. 210046. Coastal View News assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.
Walid Masri, director of Chevron’s West Coast Decommissioning Program, said he was excited to reach this “important milestone for the project.” He addressed questions over future plans for the site, saying there was no foreseeable change in ownership following the removal of facilities. “But things can
During public comment, several locals voiced their concerns over potential impacts to the harbor seal rookery, which sits near the facilities. Some were concerned that the EIR didn’t properly consider the seals, and others worried that the habitat would be disturbed by the work.
Perez said there were a number of marine biologists who looked into potential impacts, and noted the project plan includes a requirement for coordination with Carpinteria Seal Watch, a local vol-
unteer group that keeps an eye on the rookery and advocates for the protection of the seals. The group would be notified and consulted prior to any of the work starting.
Commissioner Jane Benefield acknowledged the public’s concerns for the seal rookery, though she said it seemed to be more of a “political issue than a land use issue,” and she supported the approval of the decommissioning plan. “At this point in time, I think this is a good plan,” she said.
Vice Chair John Moyer said Chevron had a “big stake” in making sure the cleanup is handled the right way in order to set the tone for the site going into the future.
“It’s a huge project, and it’s gotta have a little pain in it,” Moyer said. “There’s no way around that. But ultimately, I think it’s a huge benefit for all of the people that are gonna grow up in this town.”
The commission certified the EIR and approved the plan in a 4-0 vote, with only minor changes to the conditions of approval. The two added conditions the city will be involved in monitoring of all project activities within 1,000 feet of the harbor seal rookery and require Chevron to submit all regulatory permits and approvals to the city before the start of any work.
COURTESY GRAPHIC
COURTESY PHOTOS
The Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning dedicated a peace pole at Carpinteria Middle School (CMS) last Wednesday, April 30 — a project envisioned by former club President Carie Smith two years ago. The pole displays the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, Spanish, Chumash, Japanese and Braille.
With the installation, it joins more than 250,000 peace poles around the world.
The ceremony was attended by 50 community members, including members of both Rotary clubs, as well as local officials, International Rotary members, CMS Principal Jamie Persoon and Vice Principal James Anderson. Rotary District 5240 Peacebuilder Committee Co-Chair Art Fisher emceed, and Chumash Elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie offered the peace pole a Chumash blessing.
“Sarah Block and Brandon Battle of the CMS PeaceBuilder Club shared what peace is to their students and got the audience to think about what peace is for, between and among them. I was asked to share a few words, so I highlighted Rotarians as peace builders and what we did and would continue to do to build peace,” Smith told Coastal View News.
Fisher added: “A Peace Pole is an affirmation of peace, intended to inspire unity among people of all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds.”
A Rotary bid for peace
Do you love meeting new people, sharing local tips, and showing off the best of Carpinteria? Then join us and be the friendly face of Carpinteria this summer!
HOSTs are friendly volunteers stationed at the Visitors Center every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, helping guide tourists, visitors, and residents to the top spots and hidden gems in our beautiful city!
Wednesday, May 14 from 5:30-7pm Wednesday, June 4 from 5:30-7pm Wednesday, June 25 from 5:30-7pm Wednesday, July 30 from 5:30-7pm
Roughly 50 community members attended last Wednesday’s peace pole dedication at Carpinteria Middle School.
Pictured, members of the AHA! PeaceBuilders club and their advisor, with Superintendent Diana Rigby, second from the left, and Councilmember Wade Nomura, at far right.
plaque was installed near the peace pole, noting those involved and the month of installation.
An alphabet of love: local’s book celebrates rescue dogs, phonetic learning
BY FAITH MARTIN
For Carpinteria local Laurie Bryant, what began as a heartfelt tribute to a beloved family dog turned into a labor of love that brought together literacy, compassion and community. Her book, “Reading with Rescued Dogs,” released in December 2024, is an illustrated alphabet book featuring 26 rescue dogs, each representing a letter of the alphabet and a second chance at life.
A retired special education teacher with deep roots in Carpinteria, Bryant spent 34 years teaching, including 27 years at Aliso Elementary School. Her experience in the classroom sparked a keen awareness of the lack of age-appropriate learning materials for older, special needs students still developing foundational literacy skills. That, paired with the loss of her family’s dog, Muffin, inspired the idea.
What truly makes “Reading with Rescued Dogs” special is the collaborative spirit behind it. Bryant worked closely with her late uncle Bruce Bryant, a former television title sequence designer (whose credits include “Cheers” and “Family Ties”) to bring the book to life. He contributed original alphabet artwork and helped design the layout.
The creative partnership was also a poignant reconnection. “Working on the book really brought us back together,” Bryant said. “He lost his dog Sam, and creating this helped him process that grief.”
“I was originally just trying to make a little photo memorial,” Bryant told Coastal View News. “But then I thought, as a teacher, I always wished I had something age-appropriate for older kids working on alphabet skills. Most books were either board books or too babyish.”
So, she set out to create something new: an alphabet book that not only taught phonetic learning but also celebrated the unique stories of rescued dogs. From Muffin to Anarchy to Boo, each page features a real dog with a real story.
Many of the dogs hail from Carpinteria, while others were sourced through social media outreach, veterinary clinics and the help of Bryant’s extended network. Each of their stories are outlined in the back of the book — their origin story and the journey that led them to their new homes.
Bryant received word that her uncle passed away the same day the book had gone to print. Still, she finds comfort knowing he was able to see the finished work before his death. “He was the one who suggested we include his dog Sam on the back cover. It was his way of saying goodbye.”
The heart of “Reading with Rescued Dogs,” Bryant said, is in the stories. “Every dog featured is real, and every little write-up includes a true anecdote about that dog. Their stories are funny, touching, and sometimes heartbreaking.”
Designed as a versatile learning tool, the book includes letter recognition activities and visual aids, making it a fit for both preschool classrooms and English language learners of any age. “My hope is that older students learning to read can feel proud to use this book,” she said. “It’s age-appropriate, engaging, and full of personality.”
Bryant has already received enthusiastic feedback from educators and dog lovers alike. A former teaching assistant, now a middle school teacher, shared that her students love it and use it regularly. Bryant’s neighbors have also become her biggest supporters. “Their dog Hubie is his had
the H in the book. They bought several copies,” she said.
And yes, Muffin — the dog who inspired it all — is the star of the M page. Found wandering near the Carpinteria High School late one night, Muffin quickly became a member of the Bryant family for over 15 years. “She had a shoestring tied to her collar, no tags. We put up signs and called shelters, but no one ever claimed her. She was meant to be with us.”
Bryant hopes the book encourages more people to consider adoption, especially those with their hearts set on a particular breed. “There are purebred dogs in the book that were rescued. You can find almost any kind of dog through rescue groups if you’re patient,” she said. “And maybe this book helps people see that adoption doesn’t mean compromise — it means saving a life.”
Though she’s not actively marketing the book, Bryant has a few future ideas, including a companion title, “Reading with Rescued Cats.”
“It’s trickier without my uncle,” she said. “But I’d love to finish that project and continue this series. There’s definitely a need for learning tools like this that are
“My hope is that older students learning to read can feel proud to use this book. It’s age-appropriate, engaging, and full of personality.”
–– author Laurie Bryant
both educational and emotionally rich.”
The book, self-published and distributed in small batches, is currently available at Traveling Pants children’s consignment store and Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) Carpinteria Veterinary Hospital. Bryant isn’t in it for the profits; each book sale includes a $5 donation to a dog rescue group, with the first round of donations going to the Vancouver Humane Society, in honor of her uncle’s hometown.
At its core, “Reading with Rescued Dogs” is a testament to second chances — for animals, for learners, and even for family bonds.
“It started as a little memorial and became something so much bigger,” Bryant said. “That’s the beauty of it.”
COURTESY PHOTOS
Author Laurie Bryant, with Muffin – the inspiration behind“Reading with Rescued Dogs” – at Laurie’s daughter’s tennis match.
English Language Conversation Group / Grupo de Conversación en Inglés Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 8:30–10 a.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Dementia Caregivers Support Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10:30 a.m. – noon. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Food Bank Senior Food Distribution Veterans Hall courtyard, 941 Walnut Ave. 1–2 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Carpinteria Creative Arts Eighth Street and Linden Avenue. 2:30–6 p.m. Handmade pottery, beach art, cards, jewelry and sewn articles. (805) 698-4536
Dungeons & Dragons Club for Tweens Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 3–4:45 p.m. Every Thursday. Full. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Live Music: Van Alley Twins Corktree Cellars, 910 Linden Ave. 6–9 p.m. corktreecellars.com, (805) 684-1400
Friday, May 9
AgeWell Senior Program: Pickleball Freeplay Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road. 8–10 a.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Friday Fun Day Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10–11:30 a.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
ABOP Disposal Program Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Accepted: antifreeze, batteries, used motor oil, paint, oil filters, cooking fat, oil
CALENDAR
and grease, mercury thermostats, small household electronics, company fluorescent lightbulbs. Limit five gallons liquid per visit; limit three electronics per visit. Meeting: Carpinteria Beautiful Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. 9 a.m. All welcome
Salt Marsh Nature Park Docent Tours Meet at the entrance across from the corner of Sandyland and Ash Avenue. 10 a.m. – noon. Free. (805) 886-4382
CycleMAYnia: Carp Family Ride El Carro Park North Field, 5300 El Carro Lane. Foothill Road Entrance. 11 a.m. –1 p.m. RSVP required: cyclemaynia.org/ event/carpride, sustainability@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 755-4431
Palm Loft Gallery Exhibit: Michael Harvan Palm Loft Gallery, 410 Palm Ave. Loft A-1. 4–6 p.m. Posthumous exhibit and sale of paintings; celebrate his artwork, meet his family. (805) 729-6029
Art Reception: Palate to Palette Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. 4–6 p.m. carpinteriaartscenter.org
Live Music: Will Stephens Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 6–9 p.m.
Live Music: The Phyizz Corktree Cellars, 910 Linden Ave. 6:30–9:30 p.m. corktreecellars.com, (805) 684-1400
Sunday, May 11
Live Music: Tom Collins Trio Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 2–5 p.m.
Live Music: Felipe Casteñeda & Adam Huffman Corktree Cellars, 910 Linden Ave. 5:30–8:30 p.m. corktreecellars.com, (805) 684-1400
Monday, May 12
AgeWell Senior Program: Tai Chi Together Veterans Hall, 941 Walnut Ave. 9:30–10:30 a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca. gov, (805) 881-1279
Film: “Touch” The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 6–9 p.m.; show starts 6:30 p.m. Tickets: general admission, $15; students/seniors, $12. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380
Meeting: Carpinteria Woman’s Club Carpinteria Woman’s Club, 1059 Vallecito Road. 7 p.m. Talk: How to Trace Your Genealogy. Speakers: Marie Sue Parsons, Yolanda Perez, Mary Jacob
ONGOING
Senior Nutrition Program Carpinteria Veterans Hall, 941 Walnut Ave. Monday–Friday, 12:15 p.m. No cost for seniors ages 60+. (805) 925-9554, meals@ centralcoastseniors.org
What do you love the most about your mother?
Mother’s Day is right around the corner (don’t forget to pick up flowers before May 11!) so Coastal View News photographer Robin Karlsson stopped by Canalino Elementary School’s afterschool program on Tuesday to ask Carpinteria’s kids: What do you love the most about your mother?
Adrian Moreno My mother loves the kitchen.
Bo Rochlitzer I love that she is the best cook.
Bryn Dwyer She always comes back.
Leo Home My mom snuggles with me.
Christian Diegos We go to Raising Cane’s for dinner.
Sebastian Hernandez Kisses and hugs, she’s the best.
Christian Crocker My mom takes me to the movie theater.
Rilian Kent I love my mommy.
Yuri Soriano My mother is a hard worker.
Quentin Burkey I love when my mom kisses me.
Sophia Galindo She cares about me with all her heart.
Harvey Forrest Moore We make crafts together
Leah Dominguez My mom makes vegatables for dinner because she knows I love them.
Mauricio Lomeli We went to Universal Studios.
Enzo Cruz My mother has beautiful fingernails.
Isabella Vanancio I love when my mother hugs me.
Milo Sonderleiter My mom makes the best cheesecake.
Joaquin Vazquez-Campuzano My mother is beautiful and I love her a lot.
Alexa Estrada-Jimenez
I love her so much, and she cooks really good food.
THE BOOK NOOK
Carpinteria Library recommends...
“The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead Colson Whitehead’s “The Nickel Boys,” the 2020 Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner, is a haunting and masterfully crafted novel that dives deeply into the brutal realities of racism and systemic abuse in Jim Crow-era America. Based on the real-life Dozier School for Boys, the story follows Elwood Curtis, an idealistic African American teen inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose dreams are violently derailed when he is unjustly sent to the Nickel Academy — a reform school that is anything but reformative.
Whitehead’s prose is both restrained and powerful, capturing the emotional weight of trauma without veering into sensationalism. The novel’s moral clarity is embodied in the contrast between Elwood’s unwavering belief in justice and his friend Turner’s cynical pragmatism. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the novel and challenges readers to grapple with the question: Is it better to believe in change or survive by any means?
The devastating twist near the end reframes the entire narrative, turning memory into reckoning and silence into testimony. “The Nickel Boys” is a chilling reminder of the atrocities hidden behind institutional walls, and a poignant call to confront the past with honesty. Whitehead cements his place as one of America’s most essential literary voices.
The movie, based on the book, will be shown at the Library on Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. The event is free, and popcorn will be served. Books are available at the library in all formats.
— Jody Thomas, Carpinteria Community Library
Friends of the Carpinteria Library recommend...
“A Billion Butterflies A Life In Climate and Chaos Theory” by Dr. Jagadish Shukla What an amazing book, combining the memoir of a visionary scientist with the emergence of the science of climatology. From a very humble beginning in a rural village in India, Dr. Shukla takes us on the
remarkable journey of his life. Interwoven with his life is the growth of scientific knowledge to enable long-range forecasts as well as the discovery of remarkable interactions affecting our weather. This book is written so non-scientists can enjoy the discoveries in climate science.
Dr. Shukla, as a young boy, recognized the impact that monsoons had on his village and the survival of his community. He wanted to find a way to help. His family encouraged him to study. Through his father’s efforts, Shukla was able to attend high school and on to college. His zeal to succeed never overshadowed his desire to help his community. He began working in the Indian government’s meteorological bureau, which provides some funny side notes in his memoir.
Following opportunities and always keeping up with weather research, he was able to grow his scientific education. His attendance at a global scientific conference led him to a fellowship in the United States, and Shukla was in on the ground floor of climate research. His description of the early days of computer use made me laugh. His work in collaboration with a team of worldwide climatologists yielded a Nobel Prize.
The work of climate scientists has given people around the globe access to far better short- and long-range weather predictions, which allow people to plan and adjust to potential disasters — floods, droughts, or blizzards. Dr. Shukla reached his youthful goal.
When Dr. Shukla retired, he returned to India to find a college with the goal of giving more rural young people the opportunities he received. His determination to help his community continues.
Dr. Shukla’s life, the individual story alone, is worthy of a book. The wealth of background and information about the blossoming of climatology is equally remarkable. I recommend this book as a memoir and as an inside look at the way science works.
— Susan Williams, Friends of the Carpinteria Library
CVN Reads…
“Always Coming Home” by Ursula K. Le Guin
Local author explores lifetime of struggles with mental health
Santa Barbara author Dale Zurawski — one of a dozen authors featured at the April 27 Carpinteria Festival of Books — released her first book “Bipolar, A Gift of Thorns,” in January 2023, which chronicles her lifelong mental health struggles stemming from undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
Zurawski spoke with Coastal View News about her book for Mental Health Awareness Month, recognized annually in May.
View News, before she sought the help of a psychiatrist and was eventually diagnosed.
“We need to talk about (mental health) the way we talk about physical health,” she said. Before she wrote the book, Zurawski said she was embarrassed to talk about her experiences dealing with bipolar disorder.
CVN Assistant Editor Jun Starkey is reading “Always Coming Home” by Ursula K. Le Guin, a pseudo-textbook and pseudo-anthropologist record. The book follows the life of the Kesh people, who roam the land long after the collapse of modern society. (Published 1985; 523 pages)
“It’s really a book about starting a conversation about mental health,” Zurawski told Coastal View News. “This is not a story about growing up, this is a story about my first manic episode.”
The book begins with Zurawski’s childhood. She lived in New Mexico with her four siblings, mother and abusive father, who died when Zurawski was seven. The story follows her through adolescence and well into adulthood, when she was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 50 years old.
“For me, it was difficult to overcome the stigma associated with having a mental illness. Twenty years ago, when I was first diagnosed with (bipolar disorder), it took me a few months to tell my husband,” she said. “It took eight years to write the story because of the shame I felt. After the book was published, each time I mentioned the title, it got easier to admit I was bipolar. Now, I am not embarrassed.”
PIZZA DEAL
$2 OFF ANY PIZZA ANY SIZE WITH THIS
SLICE • SALAD • SODA for
684-8288
“The Trial” by Franz Kafka CVN Sports Editor Ryan P. Cruz is reading “The Trial” by Franz Kafka, which was published posthumously. The German novel follows Josef K., a bank officer who is arrested and prosecuted for an unknown crime. (Published 1925; 255 pages)
“The sun and her flowers” by Rupi Kaur
Zurawski was raised mainly by her four older siblings, who stepped up after their father passed away. Zurawski has been journaling her entire life, so she was able to pull from these to provide insight into her earlier years.
Despite her delayed diagnosis, Zurawski’s bipolar disorder presented itself throughout her life, from using drugs to engaging in promiscuous sex. This behavior resulted in Zurawski feeling guilty for many years, she told Coastal
The response to “Bipolar, A Gift of Thorns” has been “overwhelmingly positive,” Zurawski said. Her story has compelled many to share their own stories of living with bipolar disorder with her, she said.
“May being Mental Health Month reminds me that it is the time to have conversations about mental illness so we can decrease the stigma,” she said. “I hope (talking) about ‘Bipolar, A Gift of Thorns’ will help people speak openly about mental health problems with their families and friends.”
Zurawski’s book “Bipolar, A Gift of Thorns” is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble Booksellers. — Jun Starkey FREE PIZZA DELIVERY CORNER OF CARPINTERIA & LINDEN
CVN Managing Editor Evelyn Spence is reading “the sun and her flowers,” a poetry collection by Rupi Kaur. In Kaur’s second poetry collection, the chapters follow the lifecycle of the flower, with chapters Wilting, Falling, Rooting, Rising and Blooming. (Published 2017; 256 pages)
KARLSSON
Dale Zurawski, pictured at the April 27 Carpinteria Festival of Books.
Asparagus and Gruyere Quiche
CVN
CHEF RANDY
RANDY GRAHAM
This creamy, salty, cheesy quiche is topped with fresh, tender asparagus and baked in a hearty crust. I like to make this fresh asparagus and Gruyere quiche for brunch or supper. It is also perfect for occasions like Mother’s Day or Easter. Makes 6 servings.
Crust Ingredients:
1½ cups whole wheat flour
1½ cups white flour
1 cup wheat germ
1½ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup plus 4 tablespoons butter
10–12 tablespoons cold water
Filling Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1 leek (white and light green parts only — halved and thinly sliced)
Stir together flour, wheat germ and salt. Cut butter into these dry ingredients (a pastry cutter makes this easy). When the dough is the consistency of rolled oats, sprinkle with enough water to hold the dough together. Form into a ball, cover and refrigerate for about an hour while you prepare the filling.
Filling Directions:
Use only the white and green parts of the leek. Cut it in half and slice it thinly. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and slice the tender parts thinly on the diagonal.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add leek and asparagus, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender — about seven or eight minutes. Set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Set aside.
Baking Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
Roll out the dough and lay it carefully in the baking pan, creating a 1½-inch high crust up the sides of the pan. Sprinkle
Gruyère on the bottom of the crust and top with an asparagus/leek mixture. Pour egg mixture on top. Bake until the center of the quiche is set — about 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for ten minutes before serving.
Randy Graham is a noted chef and writer and has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for over 38 years. Chef Randy has written and published a
series of seven cookbooks with original recipes developed over the period 1975 through 2020. He writes for the Ojai Quarterly, the Ojai Discover Monthly, and the California 101 Travelers Guide. His vegetarian recipes are published in newspapers throughout Central California under the header, Chef Randy. He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog Cooper. Robin and Cooper are not vegetarians.
The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke
THROWBACK THURSDAY
Sunday, April 27
1017 hrs / Theft / 850 block Linden Avenue
Deputies were dispatched to a local store for a theft. The suspect was gone upon arrival. Security camera footage and a citizen’s arrest form were obtained. Later the same day, deputies were dispatched to a disturbance at a local convenience store. Upon locating the suspect, he was identified as the original shoplifting suspect. The suspect was arrested and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail.
alcohol, and not making sense. Security said the subject was asking for a ride somewhere. They called deputies because the subject was sitting in a vehicle, and they were afraid the subject would drive off. Deputies arrived and discovered the subject had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and booked into jail.
Wednesday, April 30
0935 hrs / Incident / 6100 block Carpinteria Ave
He said, she said
2150 hrs / Public Intoxication / Linden Avenue and Nipomo Drive
A subject was contacted as he was stumbling down a sidewalk almost falling into bushes. The subject was unable to formulate any type of coherent sentence, and was placed under arrest.
History doesn’t have to be boring. Readers sent in their funniest captions for the photo above, and we selected our favorites (in no particular order). Enjoy.
“Don’t laugh, when these babies get pollinated. This thing’ll go 80 miles per flower.” ––Anonymous
Happy 4th of July!
Monday, April 28
2145 hrs / Incident / Holly Avenue and Carpinteria Avenue
The Rose Parade during hard times. ––Robert Miller
An unknown suspect called the victim and informed her that her bank account had been “hacked” and that she would need to withdraw $20,000 immediately to “keep it safe.” The victim followed the unknown suspects’ instructions, withdrew the cash and gave it to two unknown male subjects who met her in the parking lot of the above-mentioned address. After the victim provided the male suspects with the cash, she tried contacting the unknown suspect for further instructions and has been unable to reach the suspect. The victim then spoke with her husband, who helped her realize she had been scammed.
“This is absolutely humiliating. This is no way to treat a former Kentucky Derby winner. I sure hope my friend Citation doesn’t see me.” ––Marty Panizzon
“After the wedding, we are off to Mardi Gras, the Solstice and Fiesta parades. Viva! Ole! Leisser le bons temps rouler! Life is fine.” ––P. Porter
4265 hrs / Hit and Run / 4100 block Carpinteria Avenue
Independence Day parades full of friends and neighbors are nothing new in Carpinteria. In fact, Keith Stein recently connected Coastal View News with Johnny Brown who shared the gem of a photo above that depicts a mid-1960s Fourth of July parade. We’ve got horses and flags still today, but we no longer have Tony’s Pizza (originally located where Sly’s is today) or Felix Market (today’s Giannfranco’s Trattoria) in the 600 block of Linden Avenue. Bob Brown took the photo above, which includes, from left, Mac Brown riding Cookie, Johnny Brown riding Serg, Tony Brown riding Hogie and Mary Louise Brown (now Sanchez) riding Little Star. According to Johnny, the highlight of that day was when Clyde Rowan rode Rocky into the Hitchin’ Rail.
Attack vehicle in the War of the Roses. ––Anonymous
The world’s first Chia-buggy. ––Anonymous
A vehicle was observed traveling westbound Carpinteria Avenue approaching Holly Avenue with expired registration, and a traffic stop was conducted. The deputy asked the driver if he had a firearm in the vehicle. The driver advised he had one in his bag. A loaded, unsecured FN was recovered from a satchel on the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. Two children were also inside of the vehicle. The driver was arrested.
To learn more about Carpinteria’s unique and interesting past, visit the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History, open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at 956 Maple Ave.
“Jack, I too am perplexed. This is pretty frilly for Marty. With four spoke wheels, I would have thought playing cards and clothespins to be more his style.” ––Ward Small
2333 hrs / Parole Violation / 4400 block Via Real
“Jack and Ward were brought to tears after learning that their float was rejected by the New Year’s Rose Parade committee.” ––M. Payback
“No! No! No! Marty, your horse drawn carriage is out for the parade down Linden Avenue on Saturday. Those horse pies and puddles in the street would be too difficult for the marching bands and walkers to step around.” ––Jack Bevilockway
“Something tells me we should have taken the Conestoga today.” ––Anonymous
A subject was observed in front of the store, smoking a cigarette, who was known to be on active parole. He was contacted and uncooperative, and was detained in handcuffs pending further investigation. He refused access to his cell phone, which is a term of his parole, so his parole officer authorized a detainer. The subject was arrested and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail.
Bottle chucking incident
Tuesday, April 29
Deputies were dispatched to a hit-andrun involving a white flatbed semi-truck with green stripes and a load of cargo strapped to the bed. The truck had been parked in the 4200 block of Carpinteria Avenue. One of the reporting parties heard a loud bang and saw the driver of the flatbed truck, along with the driver of a possibly white box truck parked behind it, exit their vehicles and walk around briefly. Both drivers then re-entered their vehicles and left the scene, heading eastbound on Carpinteria Avenue. Shortly afterward, it was discovered that the driver of the flatbed truck had caused damage to the irrigation main. City workers responded and shut off the water flow. At this time, the suspect/driver has not been identified.
“Dear, I thought you said we would be going in style first class? This looks like coach! No, Jethro, you can’t ride shot gun this time!” ––JB
and he arrested him for public intoxication and transported him to Santa Barbara County Jail.
“I’m getting sick of waiting for the Rose Parade to start. Five more minutes and I’m outta here.” ––Steve Urbanovich
0727 hrs / Incident / 4200 block Via Real
Other reports
Friday, May 2
1812 hrs / Theft / Carpinteria Creek Bike Path
“If we get pulled over, be cool. They’ll probably just ask to see a copy of your seed packet and grower’s permit.” ––Anonymous
Deputies responded to a man making threats to a woman. After the deputies’ investigation concluded, the man was arrested and booked in Santa Barbara County Jail without further incident.
Vandalism: Carpinteria Avenue. Stolen bicycle: Camino Trillado Vehicle break in (gym bag, clothes, blank checks, wetsuit): 8th Street
“At least this cart’s owned by the Flowers family; I feel sorry for my horse-friends who’re working for the Thorns.” ––Anonymous
The reporting party called saying there was a subject who came in, smelling of
On June 13 at approximately 9:30 p.m. a deputy was dispatched to Birch Street on a report of a woman yelling in front of a residence and throwing a bottle at the front window. The man and woman who called law enforcement said that they were watching TV when they heard a woman yelling out front. They closed the curtains and a bottle came through the screen and shattered the window. The couple looked out the window to see who threw the bottle, but they only saw a white pick-up driving away with who they thought was a solitary woman driving. Deputies were unable to locate the pick-up.
Come on, let’s go
On June 16 at approximately 4 p.m. a deputy responded to a call from a coffee shop in a shopping center on Casitas Pass Road about an intoxicated man causing a disturbance. Employees stated that the man was yelling inside the shop and kicked the front door. When a deputy arrived, he saw a man who matched the description an employee had given sitting at a table on the front patio with another man. As the deputy approached, he reported that he heard the man say “F--- you.
A victim called to report an unknown suspect approached him on a bike, punched and kicked him and took his green iPhone 11 from his bag. The victim described the suspect as an unknown age male wearing a black hat and black pants. The victim tracked his missing phone to 1000 Concha Loma Drive. Deputies walked the area but were unable to find the phone or the suspect.
Local Thrift Stores with a Global Impact Call for a FREE donation pickup (805) 619-0649 BUY USED ...
Contact news@coastalview.com to share it with other readers!
cARPINTERIA VALLEy MuSEuM oF HISToRy
BOB BROWN PHOTO
THROWBACK
African veldt to Carpinteria Valley
BY STEPHEN BATES
When an ostrich craze gripped Southern California in the late 19th century, Carpinteria joined in.
At the time, ostrich feathers adorned women’s hats, capes, mantles, collars, boas, muffs, skirts and hairpins. Only the wealthy could afford them — which was part of the appeal. Top-quality feathers sold for as much as $16 apiece (equivalent to more than $500 today), and Vogue declared that nobody would even notice a hat unless it had at least five plumes.
Feathers were imported from the veldt of South Africa. In the 1880s, entrepreneurs — for some reason, most were young English expatriates — wondered whether parts of California might support ostrich farming. Londoner Edwin Cawston, age about 20, imported 42 ostriches from South Africa around 1886 and established what became the most successful farm in California, initially in Norwalk and then in South Pasadena.
Another émigré from London, Claude Arthur Monypenny Lillingston, heard about ostrich farming. According to Carpinteria historian Georgia Stockton, Lillingston had come to the United States in his early 20s in 1885, bought 160 acres in the Carpinteria Valley from Richard Pardee, and named it Glen Rosa Ranch. (Part of it is now Cate School.) In addition to raising his own crops on the land, Lillingston taught other well-born English youths how to farm.
Perhaps through this informal school, Lillingston got to know another English expat, Harold Burder Perry, who was about 19. In 1888, Lillingston and Perry bought four ostriches from Cawston and became partners in Santa Barbara County’s first ostrich farm. Later, they added more birds.
Most people had never seen ostrich -
The
Two photos trace the rise and fall of the ostrich feather in American culture. At left is actress and opera singer Lillian Russell in the 1890s, when feathers on women’s fashion epitomized refinement and sophistication. Many ostrich farms operated in California during that decade, including one in Carpinteria. By the 1930s, ostrich feathers were associated not with opera singers but with bawdy fan dancers such as Sally Rand (right), and the market for feathers had gone bust.
During the California ostrich craze of the late 19th century, Claude Lillingston and Harold Perry of Carpinteria bought four birds, with more added later. This undated photo shows two of them. The operation lasted only a few years.
es, so they became a local attraction. Lillingston and Perry displayed them at the Santa Barbara County Fair, charging 25 cents for a viewing. Newspapers reported on the first egg and the first plucking of feathers. Families from the area picnicked at the Glen Rosa Ranch and inspected newborn chicks. According to Stockton, children from the Treloar and Phelps families would wait at the fence until the ostriches moved away, then reach into the pen to collect small feathers to decorate their dolls’ outfits.
In 1890, amateur archeologist Stephen Bowers described the picturesque approach to the ranch: “The road winds through a forest of live oaks from the branches of which hang long gray mosses; then comes a hillside covered with ferns and vines, when an opening in the dell reveals a residence around which the young ostriches feed with chickens and other poultry. Ascending a trail to a mesa some 200 feet above the valley... the ‘bird of the desert’ is seen. The first to greet the visitor is an African giant over nine feet high, who with dark outstretched wings and hissing sound warns you not to come near.”
Hissing was the least of it. According to newspaper and magazine articles, many neophyte ostrich farmers found the birds difficult to manage. Their kicks were fierce enough to break bones, and their stupidity was legendary. One farmer saw an ostrich twist its neck part way around a fence rail and panic, unable to figure out how to extricate itself. A farmer in Pomona pointed out another irritating habit: “No matter how much we feed them, they will persist in devouring their own excrement.”
Perry sold his interest in Glen Rosa and bought a bigger operation in Santa Monica, a full-fledged tourist destination with 29 ostriches plus emus, monkeys, a bear and a gift shop. Unfortunately, the bear bit off a girl’s thumb (her parents sued for $10,000 but settled for $200), and an especially valuable ostrich escaped, hurled itself into the sea, and drowned. Unable to make a go of it, Perry sold the Santa Monica property in 1892 and returned to England.
Meanwhile, Carpinteria’s ostrich population reached 14 in 1892, according to Californian Illustrated Magazine, but like his former partner, Lillingston gave up soon after. He sold the flock to Edwin Cawston, who had supplied Glen Rosa’s starter birds in 1888.
local
1890. Stephen Bowers described arriving at the ranch and encountering an ostrich “over nine feet high, who with dark outstretched wings and hissing sound warns you not to come near.”
Unlike Lillingston and Perry, Cawston got rich from ostriches. Part of his genius lay in knowing when to get out. In 1911, he sold the Cawston Ostrich Farm for $1.25 million ($37 million today) and moved back to England. Ostrich fashions were already on the decline. By the 1930s, the plumes — the embodiment of elegance in the Gilded Age — survived mainly as feathered fans on burlesque stages, their once-lucrative market a thing of the past. In 1934, the Cawston Ostrich Farm was sold at auction to cover back taxes of $432.
After his ostrich experiment, Lillingston resumed conventional farming in Carpinteria, raising beans, apricots and other crops. He died in Cottage Hospital in 1925 and is buried in Santa Barbara Cemetery. His modest role in ostrich history may be largely forgotten, but his name lives on in Lillingston Canyon Road, on the way to Cate School.
Stephen Bates is coauthor (with Vince Burns) of a pictorial history of Rincon Point, which is available at the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History and elsewhere.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
CARPINTERIA VALLEY MUSEUM OF HISTORY
SANTA BARBARA MORNING PRESS
Carpinteria ostrich farm promoted itself as a
attraction in
CARPINTERIA VALLEY MUSEUM OF HISTORY
This 1910 photo shows the home of Claude Lillingston and family, near what’s now Cate School. Two decades earlier, Lillingston and his partner had operated an ostrich farm on the property. The house was lost to wildfire in 1917.
MAY 8, 2025
Rowbottom played a big role in both of Carpinteria’s wins in the CIF Playoffs.
Carpinteria sweeps its way into quarterfinals
Warriors volleyball picks up back-to-back homecourt wins in the CIF Division 8 Playoffs
BY RYAN P. CRUZ
Carpinteria boys volleyball has reached the CIF Division 8 Quarterfinals after the Warriors pulled off backto-back three-set sweeps in their first two playoff matches, with both wins coming in front of friends and family at Carpinteria’s home gym.
The Warriors took advantage of the hometown crowd when they hosted the Los Amigos Lobos from Fountain Valley in the First Round of the CIF Playoffs on April 30. Both teams battled in three close sets, with Carpinteria holding the slight edge late in each of the sets.
Carpinteria won the first set 25-20, then narrowly claimed the second set 2624. The Warriors drew from the crowd’s energy and put away the match with a 25-21 win in the third set to advance to the second round.
Jesus Campuzano was a consistent force in the first round win, racking together four kills, 15 digs and a block. Cole Rowbottom put together a solid night with five kills, seven digs and two blocks, and Alan Maya kept the pace for the Warriors offense with six kills, 15 digs, two blocks and four aces.
“We are honored to host Round 2 of CIF — a rare opportunity to host two rounds in a row, but the coin flip was in our favor,” said Carpinteria head coach Favian Muralles.
On May 3, the Warriors hosted the Montclair Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs. In this match, much like the first round, the Warriors were able to play hard through back-and-forth battles to claim all three sets (25-20, 2518, 25-22).
“While the sweep may seem dominant, each set had its challenges,” coach Muralles said. “At times we were down by as much as six points, but the boys showed heart and resilience, fighting back every time to secure the victory.”
Alariuziel Rodriguez was a major factor in Carpinteria’s win, with a teamhigh 20 digs to go along with his nine kills and five service aces. At one point, Rodriguez went on a nine-point serving run to ignite the Warriors’ offense and the home crowd.
Jesus Reyes went on a five-point serving run of his own and added 12 assists,
while Maya contributed five kills and 18 assists. Kevin Bernal had another fivepoint serving run for the Warriors to go with his 15 digs, while Jesus Campuzano added eight kills, and Rafael Montes had four.
With the win, the Warriors earned a spot in the CIF Division 8 Quarterfinals on the road against Desert Christian of Lancaster, the top-seeded team in the tournament. Desert Christian reached the quarterfinals with a win 3-1 over Santa Rosa Academy in the first round and a 3-0 sweep over A.B. Miller of Fontana in the second round.
“(Desert Christian) is one of the most northern teams in our bracket, and the boys are excited to hit the road and showcase their talent in a new setting,” coach Muralles said ahead of the quarterfinals match. “We are both coming off 3-0 wins, setting the stage for what should be an intense and competitive matchup.”
Rafael Montes drops the ball over the net in the second round win over Montclair.
Cole
ROSANA SWING PHOTOS
Alariuziel Rodriguez had six kills, three aces and 16 digs in Carpinteria’s playoff win over Los Amigos.
The Warriors won two playoff games and earned a spot in the CIF Division 8 Quarterfinals.
SHORT STOPS
BY RYAN P. CRUZ
Warriors baseball season ends short of playoffs
Carpinteria baseball nearly made a late-season push — winning three of its last four games — but the team finished fifth in league play and fell just short of making the CIF postseason.
The Warriors had an uphill battle in the final stretch of the season; they needed to win all four of their last games to earn a chance to make the CIF playoffs.
On April 30, the Warriors got off on the right foot, winning in a low-scoring battle against the visiting Nordhoff Rangers.
Nordhoff scored first, taking a 1-0 lead in the third inning before the Warriors answered back with two runs in the fifth inning to take a 2-1 lead. In the sixth, Carpinteria scored one more insurance run to take a two run lead. Nordhoff scored one more, but Carpinteria survived and took the win, 3-2.
Calderwood Field.
Junior pitcher Gabe Martinez was the difference for the Warriors, striking out eight batters and going all seven innings to earn the win.
“This was quite the pitchers’ duel,” said Carpinteria coach Pat Cooney. “Martinez and catcher Micah Smith really set the tone for the game and we relied on their leadership. They put us in a position to win on defense and also delivered on offense.”
On May 2, the team met up for a rematch in Ojai at Nordhoff’s home field. In another pitching duel, it was Carpinteria senior Aiden Alcaraz who held on to give the Warriors the edge, with Alcaraz pitching eight innings and only allowing one run to earn the win.
The Warriors took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, which held nearly the whole game, until Nordhoff answered with a game-tying run in the seventh inning to force the game into an extra inning. In the eighth, the Warriors exploded for four runs to continue building momentum with their second win in a row, 5-1.
“Good pitching was the name of the game,” coach Cooney said. “We’re definitely playing our best at the end of the season. It’s great to see our players succeed in the key moments in the game.”
The next day, Carpinteria kept the momentum going with an 8-0 shutout over Villanova, in what was also Senior Day for the Warriors’ six seniors, Alcaraz, Sebastian Cervantes, Adrian Perez, Isaiah Carrillo, EJ Martinez and Kevin Ramirez.
Carpinteria used a trio of pitchers in the dominant win over the Wildcats, with junior Sam Medel turning in three no-hit innings before handing over pitching duties to freshman Jonah Hernandez, who kept the shutout going for two more innings. Junior Charlotte Cooney came in to pitch the final two innings and maintained the shutout to give the Warriors their third win in a row.
“The baseball game was good but the most important aspect of the day was acknowledging the efforts of the seniors from both teams,” coach Cooney said. “The Wildcats honored five seniors while we have six in the class of 2025. Behind each of the seniors is a family and school that cares deeply about each of them. The day belongs to them.”
After the three-game win streak, the Warriors’ season ended on a low note, with a 3-0 loss against Thacher in the final game of the year. In another low-scoring battle, it was the Thacher Toads who came out on top following a three-run rally in the third inning which proved to be enough for the win.
The loss marked the end of the line for the 2025 Warriors, while Thacher will continue its season in the CIF Playoffs.
“The 2025 Warriors have a great deal to be proud of,” coach Cooney said. “They became a good team on the field and learned to serve off the field. We are proud of the senior class and see great promise in the underclassmen. The effort has been more than worthwhile.”
Carpinteria girls track earns league title
Carpinteria girls track and girls field earned another league title after the Warriors had a strong showing at the Citrus Coast League Championships, held at Carpinteria Valley Memorial Stadium on May 1.
The Warriors were the host team, and the girls finished on top of the overall team scores with 142 combined points. Fillmore’s girls team came in second with a combined score of 106. The win at the league championships, and the Warriors girls team’s undefeated record in dual meets this season, made Carpinteria the outright Citrus Coast League champion.
Carpinteria senior Melanie Avalos continued a stellar season in the throwing events, winning both the shot put and discus with new personal records in both. In the discus, she broke the league record and cemented herself at #4 on Carpinteria’s All-Time list with a toss of 121 feet, and her performance at the meet earned her the title of Outstanding Field Athlete.
Senior Averi Alexander had similar success in the jumping events, winning both the long jump and the triple jump — events that she also won at last year’s league championship.
Sophomore Izzy Scott — who also won three races in the league swim championships earlier the same day — took home multiple wins on the track. She took first place in the 300-meter hurdles and joined the winning 4x400 relay team along with Kaydance Gardner, Giarys Gomez and Halleh Gahan.
Several of Carpinteria’s girls athletes will compete at the CIF Prelims, scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at Carpinteria High School.
Carpinteria’s boys team finished in sixth place, while Channel Islands claimed the boys league championship with 118 points.
Senior Nathan Carrillo earned an individual league championship with a win in the boys pole vault. He also qualified for the CIF prelims in the 300-meter hurdles.
Sophomore Chris Reed won two races at the Citrus Coast League Championships.
Warriors swim teams defend league titles
Carpinteria’s boys and girls swim programs have defended their league titles, as both teams claimed wins at the Citrus Coast League Championships held at Carpinteria Community Pool on May 1.
The Warriors swimmers set numerous personal records on the day, and Carpinteria won all of the relay races. The boys have now won five consecutive league titles, while the girls have now won two in a row.
“There were so many stand out performances today it’s difficult to single one out and that’s the satisfaction for a fantastic team effort,” said Carpinteria coach Jon Otsuki.
Carpinteria’s Madison Lee, Lucia Smith and Mina Handall took first, second and third place in the girls 200-yard individual medley. Not to be outdone, teammates Jake Ehlers, Jacob Otsuki and Massimo Bonilla-Zakosek did the same, snagging first through third place in the boys 100-yard freestyle.
Sophomore Chris Reed won both the boys 200-yard individual medley and the 500-yard freestyle, while Otsuki, Ehlers, Sky Korling and Stefano Piccoletti each added individual wins at the championships.
On the girls side, sophomore Izzy Scott won both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle
COURTESY PHOTO
From left, Carpinteria baseball seniors Sebastian Cervantes, Adrian Perez, Isaiah Carrillo, EJ Martinez, Kevin Ramirez and Aiden Alcaraz celebrate Senior Day on May 3.
CARLOS ALVARADO
Senior Isaiah Carrillo takes a swing during one of his final home games at John
ROSANA SWING
Izzy Scott and Halleh Gahan helped the Warriors girls win the 4x400 relay.
COURTESY
COURTESY
From left, Carpinteria’s Lucia Smith, Mina Handall and Madison Lee took the top three spots in the 200-yard individual medley.
races, while senior Giulia Piccoletti finished her last home swim by breaking her own school record in the 100-yard breaststroke.
“Everyone contributed today in and out of the pool,” coach Otsuki said. “The team spirit was outstanding and across the board we probably came close to 75% of our swims resulting in personal best times.”
Several Warriors swimmers earned CIF consideration times, and those in the top 36 in each event will earn a chance to compete at the CIF Prelims at Mt. San Antonio College this weekend.
Carpinteria grad sprints into CCCA history
Former Carpinteria High School track star Vincent Rinaldi (class of 2021) had a career highlight moment running for Chico State in 2025 California Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s (CCAA) Track & Field Championship on May 3, winning in a dramatic come-frombehind sprint in the fi nal leg of the 4x400 relay to give Chico State just enough to win the championship over three-time defending state champion Cal Poly Pomona.
By the time Rinaldi took the baton on the anchor leg, the fate of the team’s championship was on the line: Cal Poly Pomona’s Camden Patterson and Rinaldi were battling for first place, and the winner of the last 400 meters would give their team this year’s state title.
As the runners came around the final turn, Rinaldi was a few paces behind when, in the final 80 meters, the former Carpinteria sprinter turned on the afterburners, overtaking Patterson and crossing the finish line first, sending the crowd into a frenzy at Cal State Stanislaus’s Warrior Stadium in Turlock, California.
Rinaldi’s win gave Chico State the team title with 234.5 points, while Pomona finished with 233 — the closest finish at the CCAA Championships in over 25 years.
TRENTON HERNANDEZ/CHICO STATE Carpinteria class of 2021 grad Vincent Rinaldi came from behind to help Chico State claim the 4x400 relay and win the CCCA Championship on May 3.
Cate Rams Roundup
Cate baseball team’s nine-game win streak was finally snapped with a high-scoring 12-10 loss to Thacher on May 1.
Cate senior Quinn Pullen started the game on the mound, and pitched well through five innings, while also finishing with multiple hits as a batter. Pullen, senior Peter Lehman, and sophomore Alex Ke all had multiple hits, though the Rams suffered a tight loss to end the regular season with an overall record of 11-4 and league record of 7-1.
“We did some good things against a very good Thacher squad,” said Cate coach David Soto. “In the end, they made a few more plays than we did.”
Cate baseball finished as Frontier League champions and will find out their first playoff opponent when brackets are released on May 12.
Rams boys tennis seniors Nate Newlove and Harry Su won their third consecutive individual doubles title at the Tri-Valley League Championships on May 1, defeating the team of Dylan Files and Gregory Davis from Foothill Tech in three sets (2-6, 6-4, 6-1).
In the singles final, Cate freshman Bruce Li suffered a loss to Dunn’s Jakub Klima in two sets (6-1, 6-2).
Cate girls lacrosse reached the quarterfinals of the CIF Playoffs, with the Rams winning four straight games, including the final three games of the regular season and their first playoff game against Beckman Arnold on May 1.
But the Rams had a tough matchup against Trabuco Hills in the quarterfinals, suffering a 14-7 loss to put an end to Cate’s season, just short of the CIF Semifinals.
Cate finished the year with an 8-5 overall record and a 7-3 record in league play.
Over in the pool, Cate’s boys and girls teams both won Tri-Valley League titles. The boys beat Villanova Prep 382-209, and the girls took a slight edge over Foothill Tech, 298-287.
At the league championships, Cate junior Jen Won broke school records in the 200-yard individual race and the 100-yard butterfly (breaking her own record from 2023). In the girls 200 freestyle relay, Won set two records in one, setting the record for an individual split and helping the team set the new all-time relay time. She also helped the girls 400-freestyle team set a new school record — a total of five school records in one day.
Boys Tennis in CIF Round 2 (Location TBD), 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10
*Carpinteria Track & Field hosts CIF Prelims, 11 a.m.
Volleyball in CIF Semifinals (Location TBD), 6 p.m.
*Denotes Home Game Friday, May 9 Carpinteria Swim at CIF Finals (Mt. SAC), 3 p.m.
COURTESY
Cate girls lacrosse celebrates its outgoing class on Senior Day.
