Obituaries

California, docking in the Santa Barbara Harbor, which became their home for the next few years.

In 1971, Dean and Mabel divorced. Dean moved to northern California and Mabel lived aboard the Charity in Santa Barbara, working at the main branch of Bank of America. In 1972, she met Dave O’Rork, and they married in 1973. Dave’s seasonal income tax preparation business was a perfect addition to Mabel’s expertise, and she became a tax preparer. They purchased Best Income Tax Service, with its small office conveniently located behind the Bank of America. Mabel and Dave lived aboard the Charity for several years, eventually selling the boat and purchasing a larger and more comfortable sailboat, the Amabel. They traveled the California coastal waters and lived aboard until they retired.

After retiring, Dave and Mabel sold the tax business and the Amabel, and purchased a mobile home located in Vista de Santa Barbara Mobile Home Park in Carpinteria, California. They both loved to travel so they began traveling all over the country – which included a trip to Alaska – in their recreational vehicles.

Mabel loved people. She never said an unkind word about anyone. She was generous, loving, thoughtful and kind. She was a beautiful person-inside and out. Anyone who was privileged to have known her loved her dearly.

She was predeceased by her parents; all of her seven siblings; her son Gary; both Dean and Dave; two grandchildren, Shannon and Kelly Brown; one step-grandchild, Colin; two stepchildren, Mike O’Rork and Patty Higgins; and many friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Valerie Stephens Brown (Kent), Vicki Stephens (David Lishan), Lisa Stephens (John Dodson); daughter-in-law Brooke Stephens; two stepchildren, Danny O’Rork and Kathy Melonas; and seven grandchildren, Zack Vogel, Maya Vogel Kim, Selena Hofmann Kelley, Renae Hofmann, Ryan Brown, Devin Brown and Casey Brown. She is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren: Aric and Kyle Vogel, Rhowan Kim, Victoria, Kaela and Connor Kelley, Lilikoi, Genevieve and William Brown, Madelyn and Mason Hofmann-Orantes and Bryce and Arianna Macke. Nieces and nephews who still survive her and remember her well number at least eleven. She is also survived by her grandnieces and grandnephews.

She will be missed far more than she could ever have imagined, but she will lovingly live on in memories, hearts and lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who knew her. A celebration of Mabel’s life is planned for the near future. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Mission Terrace Convalescent Hospital, SBVNA/ Hospice of Santa Barbara and the Neptune Society for their dedication and care for Mabel during her last few years of life.

at the age of 101. He was in the U.S. Army as part of the 4th Fighter Group from 1943 to 1945, where he met his wife, Vera. Bill and Vera moved to Carpinteria in the ‘40s and were married for over 70 years. They raised their two son, Keith and Kenneth, in Carpinteria.

Bill worked for the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire District and in construction. He was also involved with the Carpinteria Sanitary District and served as a leader for the Boy Scouts for 35 years.

After retirement, Bill and Vera moved to Oregon to be closer to family.

Steven Michael Petree, 65, of Newbury Park, CA, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 23, 2023, with his sisters by his side.

Steve graduated from Taft High in Woodland Hills in 1975, and immediately enlisted in the Air Force, where he learned his trade as a radio technician. He worked for JPL for several years and was most proud of his involvement on the Mars Rover team. His family loved the JPL open houses every year, and Steve loved showing them around.

Steve most recently enjoyed his work at Essex Electronics Inc. located in Carpinteria, for the last 10 years, and liked to spend his lunch hours at Rincon State Beach nearly every day.

Steve loved mountain biking in the Point Mugu Mountains, until he crashed his bike in the mid 90s – at which time, he stuck to quiet streets. He was a sci-fi enthusiast and even dabbled at art by creating beautiful sketch work. His favorite saying of all time was, “Where’s the duct tape?” His quiet sense of humor will be missed.

Steve, is there duct tape in heaven?

Steven is preceded in death by his mother Barbara Sanborn Pendleton and father Dennis Petree. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him. He is survived by his sisters, Debra Payne (Kim) and Carrie Wanek, including brother-in-law Gene Wanek; nieces Anna Walley (Kyle), Erynn Wanek and Emily Wanek; and two grandnieces Scarlett and Natalie Walley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html.

Cremations arrangements were made by Coast Cities Cremation, and the family expects to hold a celebration of life on July 17 at Rincon State Beach. Contact Carrie for further details at jellybowlgirl805@ gmail.com.

Bruce Thomas 12/19/1960 – 03/30/2023

It is with great sadness we announce the premature passing on March 30, 2023, at age 62, of Bruce Thomas as a result of an aggressive metastatic cancer. That sadness is far outweighed by the joy he brought his family and friends during his lifetime. His cheerful personality, wit, sense of humor and generosity of spirit were legendary to all.

Bruce moved to Carpinteria in 1978. It is there he established lifelong friendships with so many. Later, Bruce moved to San Diego and developed a successful business, Thomas Industrial Water, Inc. He operated the business until the day he died. In the early 2000s, Bruce bought more than two acres of undeveloped land in Borrego Springs, and in 2005, he oversaw the construction of his “dream” home. He was rightly proud of this home with backyard swimming pool and jacuzzi, and the majestic views of the surrounding mountains and desert. And the doors were always open for family and friends.

He was Uncle Bruce to the children of his sister, Janet Minehan and brother-inlaw Tom Minehan: Jennifer, Seth, Taylor, Krista, Matt, Molly, Patrick, Thomas and Toby; as well as the children of his brother Lee Thomas and sister-in-law Joann Thomas: Andrea, Colin and Christopher. And he was the favorite uncle to all.

With loving care Bruce’s sister, Janet, and niece, Jennifer, arranged his transfer from Scripps Hospital in San Diego to Hospice Care in Borrego Springs where he bravely met the challenge of his impending death in the comfort of his home he so loved and to be reunited with his beloved dogs, Spot and Chelsea. A private celebration of life has been scheduled. Rest in Peace Bruce.

Santa Claus Lane:

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The project adjusted to the majority of the comments, though some were compromised due to state and county regulations regarding coastal access and lighting.

Chris Gilliland, chair of the board, asked the applicants to consider swapping a species of plant proposed for the area, claiming the proposed Arbutus trees are susceptible to salt burns and beetles – not suitable for an area so close to the ocean. He also suggested adding triangle planters to the parking lot to allow for additional trees. County planning staff said vegetation placed in the area will also serve as a method of flood control, with no gutter or stormwater runoff in the area, so any proposed species would also have to meet those criteria.

“To me, there needs to be more resolution on what type of plant is chosen,” Gilliland said.

The board ultimately granted preliminary approval, suggesting applicants consider planting additional trees to provide canopy and reconsider the plant material in the parking lot planters with the longevity of the species in mind.

Carpinteria Community Church

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR POSITION OPEN!

William Gier 01/28/1922 – 03/03/2023

William Gier, a former Carpinteria resident, passed away on March 3, 2023

Bill is survived by his son Kenneth, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He will be buried in Carpinteria Cemetery next to his wife Vera.

The Carpinteria Community Church (CCC) Operations Director is responsible for ensuring administrative and project support for CCC and the Pastor. This is an important role that will help bring continuity and care to CCC and its mission. This is an onsite, part-time role that requires professional experience.

Consider helping those impacted by tornado

I intended to write a follow up to our methamphetamine problem within our community, but something extraordinary happened to our neighborhood. A tornado blasted through our park.

Although we were spared any damage, many of my neighbors weren’t so lucky. The damage caused by this supposedly weak tornado was incredible. You see pictures of the damage done in the CVN. It is unbelievable the destructive force of the tornadoes in the Midwest but this is what our future will be unless we completely stop our dependence on fossil fuels throughout our planet.

I want to thank our Montecito and Carpinteria Summerland Fire Protection District for their very quick response to our emergency. It was so reassuring knowing that professional help was here, and that the situation was in capable hands. I also want to thank the Habitat for Humanity for their tremendous cleanup effort.

Replacing all the damage done is going to be a very long and expensive process. A typical cost for replacing a roof and carport can run over $25,000. A GoFundMe effort is being run by our Homeowner’s Association to help those that are under-insured or are financially unable to absorb the costs of replacements. The Bank Of Montecito has also opened a Tornado Relief Fund Account. Please be generous and understanding. These people are your friends and neighbors. The next tornado could happen in your neighborhood. Climate scientists have been warning us for years that this would happen to a warming planet. Future storms will be stronger and longer. Although I believe this is the first verified tornado in Carpinteria, you can be certain that this will not be the last and they will be more destructive.

Bob Franco Carpinteria

We need more from our local leaders

Dear city planners and the Planning Commission: If one member of your team was not prepared to discuss all the huge issues related to Red Tail, is it really an ac- ceptable response to green light a project?

Another one says she is not up to speed on what is involved, another cries she hasn’t been told this was going on. Why are we rubber stamping the RHNA plan if this is the case? Could we step up and show some leadership skills? If you think the state and the corporations are invested in “negotiating” with us, think again!

Here’s what we need from the city planners: Lawyer up! We need you to consult with the same kind of legal eagles the folks like Surfliner and Red Tail are using. If our planning commission really represents the local community’s holistic interests and not just the interests of their special “constituents,” they need to do more than share their feelings and green light proposals that give away our freedom to live in the Carpinteria we all know and love.

Rubber stamping is not an effective approach to solving problems with our critical water, power and essential services (transport, police, fire). Otherwise say goodbye little seaside town, hello densely overbuilt bedroom community.

Cynthia Naughton Carpinteria

Be wary of Artificial Intelligence

The recent Tek Talk column (CVN Vol. 29, No. 28) gives a very rosy, unsophisticated description of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its future in our lives.

I take exception to this at best overly positive approach to a subject for which we have yet to fully realize not only benefits, but also the potential adverse impacts on our society and everyday lives. Every day we hear warnings of “don’t leave… to an unknown and potentially harmful algorithm.”

We see so many commentaries on the negative uses of AI, that can now replicate speech and images indistinguishable from a real person speaking, to the point that soon we won’t know what real information is, and what is AI algorithm-created misinformation.

Only recently have we realized the failings of facial recognition/video everything to solve societal problems. What is truly meant by the ubiquitous phrase “personalize user experience?” Whatever happened to simple personal choice?

In so many mass shootings, the perpetrator’s social media history is linked to hateful speech and subterfuge to access weapons for avenging perceived wrongs, all facilitated by AI algorithms that point to just the right stream of hatred and access to weapons. It mentions 24/7 “service” provided by technology; what service?

How often do we spend endless minutes listening to recorded responses having nothing to do with a question or concern, only to hang up in disgust?

Nary a thought is given, nor a sentence written, as to expense and time spent by individuals and corporations to deter, avoid, and often repair, damage done to our lives by AI.

Perhaps a future column should be how to recognize and avoid fraud and misinformation (less “directed” content) by commercial and criminal users of AI who have mastered the age-old art of fleecing those seeking to use technology to improve their lives.

David A. Rosso Carpinteria

Fried Chicken &Waffles, with Hominy Grits

Buttermilk battered chicken breast on grits with two waffles. Served with Vermont Maple Syrup.

Bison Burger

Organic ground bison burger with pepperjack cheese. Served with sweet potato fries. Lettuce, tomato, and pickles on side.

Fried Chicken Burger

Buttermilk battered chicken breast on bun, with dill pickle chips, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, and house made special sauce. Served with onion rings, french fries, or sweet potato fries.

Taylor’s

Lunchspecials

& figs, chopped green apple, buttermilk battered chicken breast. Served with honey mustard dressing.

Spinach Salad

Organic baby spinach, tossed with chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and goat cheese. Served with house made balsamic vinaigrette.