Firemen raise PTSD awareness

and vandalism. Felony charges include vehicle theft and burglary. Additionally, he is being held on two felony warrants from the Richmond Police Department for felon in possession of a firearm (no bail), and felon in possession of firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and carrying a loaded firearm in public (bail $150,000). Throughout this past week, deputies have worked to inventory and match items found in the stolen vehicle to items that were reported stolen to State Parks Police and the Santa Barbara Police Department. At the conclusion of their inventory, they are left with items that are believed to be stolen but not reported. To report a theft from a vehicle on Saturday, Jan. 25, visit the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office website.

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unclechencarpinteria.com 1025 CASITAS PASS RD 805-566-3334 Lunar New Year! January 25, 2020 Uncle c a r p i n t e r i a， c a l i f o r n i a JOhan nilSSOn Firefighters Dean Carey, John Preston and Kenan Marting head south from Carpinteria towards Preston’s next stop, Ventura, on a walk from Palo Alto to San Diego to raise awareness about PTSD and suicide within the veteran and first responder communities. Ventura County joins Carpinteria Groundwater Sustainability Agency

in a unanimous vote on Feb. 4, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Ventura provided the final decision needed to form a new agency in the form of a Joint Powers authority (JPa) called the Carpinteria Groundwater Sustainability agency made up of four local agencies: the Carpinteria Valley Water District, the city of Carpinteria, the Santa Barbara County Water agency and the county of Ventura. The other three agencies all made decisions in January to be a part of the JPA. The purpose of the JPa is to serve as the Groundwater Sustainability agency (GSa) as defined by the Sustainable Groundwater Management act (SGMa) and develop a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Carpinteria Groundwater Basin. a public hearing and the first board meeting of the new agency will be held Friday, Feb. 7, at noon at the Carpinteria Valley Water District offices, 1301 Santa Ynez ave. For more information, contact Bob McDonald at (805) 684-2816 x112.

KarlSSOn CarpinteriaSummerland Fire Engineer Kenan Marting joins Palo Alto Firefighter John Preston on a section of his 500-mile journey. Firefighter walks 500-miles to raise awareness of PTSD and suicide

Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District firefighters joined Palo alto Firefighter John Preston on his 500-mile trek from Palo alto to the USS Midway in San Diego to raise awareness about elevated PTSD and suicide incidents among veterans and first responders. Preston is a veteran who lost his brother, also a veteran, to suicide. Each day, he walks 22 miles with a 22 kg pack and is joined by firefighters from every city he travels through. To learn more, visit 22andyou.net.

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Health coach addresses Rotary

After having six kids and becoming exhausted and overwhelmed, Lisa Roche took a new turn in her life. Researching healthy eating and living, Roche became a “health coach” and recently spoke at a Rotary Club meeting. Some of the advice she shared included: “Eat what you can eat forever, feel good doing it, keep it simple and easy, know that it is not about not eating, extend the nighttime fast and take a break if you need to.” Roche is the founder of “More Life Health Coaching” and can be reached at lisaroche@morelifehealthcoaching.com. Healthy living specialist Lisa Roche (center) receives a Carpinteria Calendar from Rotarians Kim Fly (left) and Carie Smith.

Girls Inc. names new director of

development

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has named Carly Bass as director of development, responsible for developing and implementing a strategic plan to broaden the funding base for the organization, cultivating donors, directing special events and increasing philanthropic support.

“We are delighted to welcome Carly in this new role,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Her extensive experience working with nonprofits in the community will be instrumental as we look to expand our efforts to inspire more girls in the Carpinteria Valley and Ventura County to be strong, smart and bold.”

Bass brings 15 years of experience deCarly Bass is the new director of development for Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. veloping and executing fundraising initiatives for agencies within the Santa Barbara community. Most recently, she served as a database consultant for the United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, working to create and streamline fundraising systems, providing staff training and assisting with special events. Previously, Bass was associate director at Transition House where she planned and coordinated fundraising campaigns, worked to increase the nonprofit’s fundraising capacity, and managed the donor database. She has also held positions with Surgical Eye Expeditions (SEE) International and Noah’s Anchorage.

Bass holds a master’s degree in Organizational Management from Antioch University and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Westmont University. A Carpinteria resident, Bass currently serves as chair of the Book Fair at Canalino Elementary School and is co-creator of a local grassroots program that fulfills needs for students at Canalino, such as backpacks, food or clothing. She previously coordinated and served on several service team visits to Mexico and Haiti.

“I am honored to be a part of the wonderful Girls Inc. community,” said Bass. “I am excited to support Girls Inc. of Carpinteria as it aspires to continue growing and expanding its life-changing programming for the girls of Carpinteria and Ventura County.”

Wade Nomura stands with organic farmers in Puerto Rico.

Nomura travels to Puerto Rico for Rotary

Wade Nomura recently traveled to Puerto Rico for Rotary International to evaluate an eco-agriculture project based on organic farming techniques being implemented throughout the island that focus on sustainable food sources and reforesting areas damaged by Hurricane Maria two years ago.

Prior to Hurricane Maria, 85 percent of Puerto Rico’s food was imported. The farming project focuses on recruiting and training people to grow produce on the island to be more sustainable.

Nomura said the project is “teaching people how to grow their own food organically and educating them on healthy eating—including cooking classes for those that may not be familiar with the foods they are growing.”

Nomura also noted that the project will be implemented by small family farms. Following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, areas of the island were left without power or resources for nearly three months, forcing communities to work together to survive and pool their resources.

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For the one you love,- , shop local

GIFTS

Susan Willis’ Prosecco Rose scented candles Rose scented candles

BY DEBRA HERRICK This Valentine’s Day show your loved ones you care by buying local. Pair Carpinteria’s majestic sunset with a gift or goodie from a local shop or eatery. Carpinteria artisans, cooks and shopkeepers are hard at work preparing for the most romantic day of the year. EAT, SHOP AND BE IN LOVE!

Sumptuously packaged in rose gold and glitter, Susan Willis LTD’s Voluspa Prosecco Rose scented candles and oils will make women of all ages feel like royalty. Susan Willis is located at 4488 Carpinteria Ave.

Nothing says “I love you” like fresh fl owers. Find fl ower designs for every taste at Westerlay Orchids’ showroom at 3504 Via Real.

Orchids from Westerlay OrchidsOrchids from Westerlay Orchids

EATS

Several Linden Avenue restaurants will be serving special plates for Valentine’s Day, including Giannfranco’s Trattoria, Guicho’s Eatery, Siam Elephant and Corktree Cellars Wine Bar & Bistro. Don’t miss Giannfranco’s risotto della notte, Guicho’s fi let mignon, Siam’s red curry and Corktree’s steak frittes.

If treating your sweetheart means bringing the whole family, Casa Don Roge bakery on Carpinteria Avenue has delicious fresh baked sweet breads and warm beverages, along with spacious tables for big parties.

On Casitas Pass Road, the atmosphere is always welcoming at Uncle Chen Chinese Restaurant. Warm and friendly, the family-run eatery serves its customers with love. Lucky food for the Chinese New Year includes Uncle Chen’s orange chicken (family togetherness), ginger fi sh (bountiful harvest) and egg rolls (fortune and prosperity).

ABOVE, Pan dulce from Casa Don Roge

RIGHt, Corktree’s steak frittes

WINE

Elevate a romantic meal or a moment alone after putting the kids to bed with a great bottle of wine. Carpinteria Wine Company, 4193 Carpinteria Ave #1, has an expansive selection of wines for your Valentine’s Day needs. Two recommendations: Alma Rosa’s chardonnay “El Jabali” and Tobin James’ late harvest zinfandel “Liquid Love.”

Uncle Chen owner Tina Lee and her daughter Ellie

Carpinteria Wine Company sells wines from Santa Barbara County wineries like Alma Rosa.

SWEETS

The Food Liaison regulars know that every spoonful of one of their pastries takes like love. Expect TFL’s pastry case to be stocked with an assortment of Valentines-day themed pastries. Order in advance or choose the day-of at TFL’s café counter at 1033 Casitas Pass Road.

Carpinteria is home to two artisanal chocolateries. Robitailles on Linden Avenue downtown and Chocolat du CaliBressan at 4193 Carpinteria Ave. #4. The rich and creamy fl avors of Robitaille’s fudge and chocolate make for gift boxes that will delight Valentines young and old. Chocolat du CaliBressan’s delicately molded truffl es and chocolates are available in tempting fl avors like fresh blackberries, spicy rose ganache, ginger lemon, curry coconut, coffee, cardamom and champagne.

The Food Liaison’s raspberry mousse fl ourless chocolate tarts

Spring Festival alights

BY CHRISTIAN BEAMISH

The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, came to the Alcazar Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 1, with a dancing dragon, Pacifi c island hula and taiko drummers. Celebrations run from Jan. 25 through Jan. 4, and are referred to as the Spring Festival in China. 2020 is the year of the rat in the Chinese zodiac: the creatures represent clever, quick thinking, success and contentment with a quiet and peaceful life. Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China, and has strongly influenced Lunar New Year celebrations such as the Losar of Tibet. China’s neighboring cultures also have New Year celebrations, including the Korean New Year and the T´et of Vietnam. The Spring Festival is also celebrated worldwide in regions and countries with signifi cant Chinese populations, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines and Mauritius, as well as in North America and Europe.

Ojai O’Daiko is a Japanese drum ensemble that embraces the spirit of taiko.

Howard School students animate a dragon—a symbol of Chinese culture, bringing good luck to the community celebrating.

Robitaille’s chocolate dipped Oreos Chocolat du CaliBressan’s “Amour” gift box

From left, in the front row are Sean, Lucy and Christian Kane, who met with the drummers from Ojai O’Daiko after the show.

Hula Anyone, a dance studio in Santa Barbara, is dedicated to the preservation of Hawaiian hula and Tahitian dance traditions. Martin Osborne, right played the Ukulele in between dances.

Start the new year by fostering connections to the abundant wildlife of Carpinteria. On the Rincon Bluffs, the California bush sunflower is just beginning to bloom.

Growing roots:

building connections to the natural world

FIELD NOTES EXPLORING THE VALLEY’S WILD AND CULTIVATED SPACES

ALENA STEEN

The Carpinteria Garden Park is a community garden in the heart of downtown where 104 local households grow their own organic food. Many community garden members are first-time growers learning through personal experience how to successfully tend a garden without relying on chemical inputs. Organic growing requires careful attention to detail and the sensitivity to notice subtle changes in the natural world over time. These practices deeply enrich our lives outside of the garden as well.

Over and over again in my work at the Garden Park, I am fortunate to witness the transformative connections that develop between people, plants, animals and seasonal cycles once we begin to pay attention. Through my work with local school groups and young people, I understand that experiences of the natural world are especially appreciated by youngsters who often have a more intuitive grasp of our interconnectedness than adults. All people deserve opportunities to be transformed by time spent outside in connection with the other-than-human world.

Relationships to the natural world are especially valuable in a modern society where many people are separated from the processes that nourish our bodies and the surrounding environment. Most of us no longer work outside, and technology often captures our personal time. This disconnect is writ large in the current climate crisis, which humans struggle to relate to on an existential level. While it is easy to feel insignificant in the face of global changes, my experiences as a local farmer and community gardener convince me that we can all take actions to support local biodiversity and ecosystem health which have broad and resounding impact. This year, I encourage you to tend connections in service of the wild world, in whatever way best suits your lifestyle. Focus on building relationships which are particular to place, and which recognize the value of beings beyond human experience such as the myriad remarkable plant, animal, insect, and bird species which share this dynamic coastline with us. Attention and participation are the first steps towards a healthier environmental ethic which restores and renews the life-giving systems of this complex, wondrous planet.

Perhaps you can begin by taking walks along the coastal bluffs, salt marsh interpretive trails, foothills and coastline. And take the young people in your life with you! Pay attention to the differences in these wildly diverse landscapes which are just a stone’s throw away from one another. You can use a field guide or online resources (calflora.org for plants, bugguide.net for insects, ebird.org for birds) to learn the names of a few species you see frequently. Beginning to name and recognize the diversity of life which surrounds us is one meaningful way to build relationship.

If you have the space (a sunny patio, front stoop, or yard), consider growing some of your own food as a connection to seasonal cycles and nutrition. This is an affordable option for the freshest and most delicious vegetables you can imagine. Even a small space, or several pots or containers, can grow an astonishing amount of food. If you are unsure how to begin, check the community garden’s class schedule online at carp-garden.com for beginner gardening classes this spring which are free and open to all.

If you aren’t inclined to grow your own food, perhaps you can cultivate habitat for the many plants and animals which live here but are often excluded from urban landscapes. California native plants are incredibly low maintenance, drought tolerant, and gorgeous. Las Pilitas Nursery, a native plant nursery, maintains a wonderful website as a resource for designing showy native plant gardens which are beneficial to pollinators and wildlife: laspilitas.com.

Another meaningful way to focus your resources towards local wellbeing is by supporting the farmers that make Carpinteria Valley such a treasure. Shifting food purchases towards local, and when possible organic, sources provide tangible

benefits for our landscape. Supporting local farmers and farmworkers in their right to a living wage makes farming a tenable occupation, thereby ensuring that farmland is protected and preserved for future generations. Farmland is an essential buffer in the urban-rural interfaces of California’s coastal landscapes. Irrigated farmland provides less fuel for catastrophic wildfires. And farms growing a diversity of crops without the use of chemicals provide important habitat for animals, birds, and insects which suffer catastrophic loss of habitat when farms are developed.

Ease into the year with attention to the natural world. Cultivate awareness by participating in local, seasonal cycles through one of the easily accessible nature walks in Carpinteria, growing a garden, or by supporting a local farmer in doing so. Any of these actions has effects beyond our own wellbeing. These choices connect us to the other-than-human world, which is the first step towards a future that is more ecologically diverse and resilient.

Alena Steen is coordinator of the Carpinteria Garden Park, an organic community garden located at 4855 Fifth St., developed by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Community members rent a plot to grow their own fresh produce. The garden is also a center for public education, with classes on organic gardening, nutrition and sustainability. For a complete schedule or more information, visit carp-garden.com or follow the garden on Instagram @carp_garden.

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