The Vista Voice
Millennium Memo
You did it again! 100% of you returned your Annual Income Certifications. Stand up and take a bow, you deserve it. OK, you can sit down now.
Because of your quick work, we’ll be able to do all the improvements I bragged about a couple months ago. Thanks so much for your cooperation. Now, for the next bit of exciting news
Devin’s Back!
Devin Fernandez, VSB’s SPARC Rep, was set to return from her Maternity Leave on Sept. 15. No one is happier about that than Ally Sage & Stacee Kazmierski, who have been covering VSB during Devin’s leave.
Devin’s first official act at VSB will be her appearance at two events, both on Oct. 8: a return visit by Master Gardeners, and a Warm Kit Distribution. You’ll take part in a “planting activity,” get your warm kit, then have a
Did You Know?
Secretary of State, William Seward negotiated the U.S. purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million (less than 2cents per acre) in a deal nicknamed Seward’s Folly. The formal transfer took place on October 18, 1867.
lunch. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
Now that Devin is back, let’s see what new programs she finds. If you have any ideas for her, send her an email at dfernandez@sparc-ca.org
More News
• The latest big expenditure: a $40K Kitchen Remodel, which should have started by now. In fact, I’m hoping to see lots of progress in time for the Oct. 4 Annual Meeting.
Millennium Memo Cont...
Our other project: trying to deal with VSB’s gophers. Maybe we should watch Caddyshack again to see how Bill Murray dealt with the little guys.
• No Kudos this month, but we do have an Unkudo: to those residents who insist on using the Recycling Dumpster for regular trash. Really, people?
• Two bicycles were stolen from a resident recently, which, sadly, is another warning not to leave things unsecured, doors unlocked or windows open when you aren’t home. A sign of the times?
Welcome back Devin and we’ll see you at the Annual Meeting!
George Turk
Manager’s Corner
Happy Halloween!
The holiday season has arrived and that means get togethers with friends and family. We have a great clubhouse that you can reserve for private parties and by the time you receive this the new kitchen should be completed.
We have a new dumpster for recycling. Before you put anything into the dumpster, please look at the labeling on the outside to ensure that what you are adding is actually recyclable. The dumpster has a lock and will be open 8:00AM to 9:00PM, the same as the clubhouse and pool.
Rooftop gardens, I know this is not anyone’s favorite job but the weeds on top of roofs need attention. Please look up the next time you go outside if you have weeds growing on your roof, please have your gardener remove them. If necessary, hire someone to go up and clean your gutters.
SPARC is hosting two activities at the clubhouse this month and although it is too late to sign up for these activities there will be others. Everyone always enjoys SPARC activities. Watch for upcoming activities advertised in the Vista Voice or read the notices I leave on your mailbox clip and then come sign up.
Thank you all for being the great residents that you are. This is a large part of what makes Vista De Santa Barbara such a great place to call home.
Luciano and Diane Vannucci
On-site Managers
Vista de Santa Barbara Board News
Greetings VDSB Neighbors!
Did you know?
In 2013, when Millennium Housing acquired Vista De Santa Barbara, they executed an agreement with the Homeowners Association, the purpose of which was “to set forth the respective rights and responsibilities of the HOA and Millennium with respect to the operation of the Park, in order to ensure that to the fullest extent reasonably practicable, the Park is operated as a resident-owned Park.” In order for us to meet our part of the bargain, we must have a functioning Board of Directors. It’s time to step up if we want to influence our future.
The annual general meeting and election of Board members will be on October 4 at 1:00 pm at the clubhouse. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend. George Turk, Millennium Housing President, and Michael Milan, our Regional Property Manager, will be joining us to meet you and hear your inputs.
It's been an unsettling year. Turnover has been unusually high, with an unprecedented number of units on the market and several houses being pulled out and replaced. This is changing the look of the park as newer, and typically larger, homes are brought in. Change is not always easy to accept, but this is still the most spacious and attractive mobile home park in the area. We can keep the character that is uniquely Vista De Santa Barbara by ensuring new units follow the guidelines established by Millennium with AOH and resident input.
This is my last Board News article. It has been my honor to represent our community as the Board President. It’s not always been easy, and we didn’t always get what we wanted, but that goes with the territory when negotiating among diverse interests and priorities. I try to keep my eye on the big picture and advocate for the park as a community.
See you on October 4th. Please, please take this opportunity to make a modest $60 annual donation to the VDSB Association of Homeowners so we can continue to have these meetings in the future.
Robin Brandin, President
Space #42 (805) 318-1977 robinbrandin@cox.net
October
ANNOUNCEMENTS
VDSB Emergency Contact Email List: Our onsite park managers have created an emergency contact email list to be used to notify park residents of immediate, unscheduled park emergencies such as shutting off the water or gas parkwide. This emergency action would be necessary to avoid damage or destruction to the park or resident owned property. If you would like your email address added to the notification list, please contact Diane, our onsite park manager. This list is not to be confused with the Resident Directory for park residents.
Advanced Health Care Directive Assistance: Anyone needing assistance in completing a My-Care Advance Healthcare Directive may call Shirley Strickler at 661-204-0657 and she will gladly help.
EVENTS
VDSB Association of Homeowners Annual General Meeting: Saturday, October 4th at 1:00PM at the Clubhouse. All residents are welcom and encourage to attend to meet Millennium and B&C representatives and elect new officers to the Association Board of Directors.
Parkwide Yard Sale: Saturday, October 11 from 8:00am to 12:00pm. To participate, sign up at the Clubhouse by October 4th; $5 deposit fee per household.
ACTIVITIES
Water Aerobics for Beginners Group: Water Aerobics is available on warm days. Text or call Judy at 805-729-2056 for details.
Exercise Class: Weekly exercise classes are fun! The Gym Next Door will be providing the instructor.
Where: VDSB Clubhouse
When: Every Thursday from 10:00am to 11:00am
Class Limit: Class is limited to 15 participants.
Card Games: Interested in joining some card game get-togethers? To learn new games and enjoy playing with VSB neighbors, contact Suzy Kelsey (#12) at suzykmamama8@gmail.com
Vista de Santa Barbara Association of Homeowners (AOH)
Board of Directors Meeting
September 2, 2025, 6:30 pm, Clubhouse
Attended: Robin Brandin, Bruce Conroy, Judy Ashford, Rob Hudson, Linda Ide, Winston Sullivan
Absent: Dennis Engler
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm.
Minutes of August 5th meeting: The board approved the minutes as written.
Treasurer Report: Linda Ide presented the following Treasurer Report for August 2025:
Beginning Balance: $1,978.65
Additions: $372.00
Expenses: $256.73
Ending Balance: $2,093.92
A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the Treasurer Report
Resident Input
A resident expressed concern about the lack of oversight in the placement, size and appearance of new units installed in the park. More management involvement is needed from plan to execution. She also felt there is no consideration of the impacts on neighbors from construction noise, dust and altered drainage patterns. The resident indicated she sent a complaint to management and ownership and got no response. She also described some recent problems with water seepage.
Robin Brandin reiterated concerns about drainage around the park and the need to have a civil engineer examine the property before there is a major problem.
A resident agreed there needs to be more hands-on oversight by management during demolition and installation. He noted that one demolition illegally exposed resident to airborne fiberglass particles. Another resident raised concerns about exposure to other hazardous materials, such as mold and asbestos. Someone needs to be present to watch when new units are delivered to make sure they are being installed in compliance with regulations, guidelines, and approved plans.
Bruce Conroy noted that he had made a request to Michael Milan to allow the AOH to see the plans for new units before they are approved, which was denied.
A resident said he had shown a copy of the park’s Firewise certification to his insurance agent who indicated that having the certification could save some residents money on their homeowners insurance.
A resident expressed concern that maintenance of landscaping has been slipping, especially removal of
weeds. He felt rules were not being enforced and the park is looking “seedy.” Another person noted that a resident has to have two infractions to be cited, and then there is no follow up.
A resident announced plans to hold a park-wide yard sale on October 11, 8am-12pm.
A resident expressed concern that the most important health and infrastructure needs of the park are not being addressed.
New Business
Annual General Meeting and Election: Robin expressed concern over the lack of candidates for the upcoming Board election. She passed around a flier she proposes to distribute reminding residents of the October 4 meeting and asking them to consider serving on the Board, as well as making the annual donation of $60 to the AOH.
Winston Sullivan reviewed Carpinteria Valley Water District rules that impose certain limitations on irrigation and include a prohibition on watering common areas.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm
The next monthly meeting is scheduled for November 4.
Respectfully Submitted,
Judy Kay Ashford, Secretary
Crowded Branches
Photographs courtesy of Dennis Engler
Pictured are Kate Furlong, Charles Harris, and Gustavo Agredano, our FSC Team!
Also, a great spread provided by the VDSB Disaster Preparedness Team!
Fire Safe Council Workshop
July 25, 2025
Submitted by Christi Hudson
Marsha Ehlers, Anna Akot, and Claudia Kirby learn to use a fire extinguisher with Gustavo, our instructor.
Below, Paul D’Arcy demonstrates his technique on the gas meter with our instructor, Kate.
What’s the difference between a Santa Ana Wind and a Diablo Wind?
Mainly geographic location. Santa Ana winds are specific to Southern California, while Diablo winds are specific to Northern California, particularly the East Bay near Mount Diablo where they get their name. Santa Ana winds are named after the Santa Ana Canyon and Mountains in Southern California.
Anyone who lives in California can attest to the uncertainty, destruction and scariness of “wildfire season.”
Watch Duty is operated by real people not machines or crowdsourcing. The people operating Watch Duty are retired wildland firefighters, dispatchers, first responders and reporters. These people collaborate in real-time, gather information from official sources, and radio communication to distill just the facts. If an incident Watch Duty is monitoring has a threat to life or property, they notify the public via the Watch Duty app.
Here’s the nitty gritty of how that works:
• A 911 dispatch center receives a call about a vegetation fire.
• Watch Duty’s automated monitoring system hears that 911 dispatch and alerts the Watch Duty team.
• All available Watch Duty reporters in that region begin monitoring their radio scanners, wildfire cameras, satellites, and other public sources such as official announcements from law enforcement and fire services.
• The team vets all available information and awaits for on-seen personnel to give an official report on conditions.
If the Watch Duty team perceives a threat to life or property, they will notify the affected public via the Watch Duty app. Watch Duty reporters follow a strict code of conduct when notifying the public.
Reporters will continually monitor the incident and update the public along the way until it is extinguished or no longer a threat to life or property.
• Watch Duty is FREE no account required and Watch Duty does not collect personal data.
Tasty
Tidbits
Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Streusel:
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Cake:
1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (such as Libby’s)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
2. Combine brown sugar, flour and pumpkin spice in a medium bowl. Cut in 4 tablespoons cold butter using a fork or pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set streusel aside.
3. Beat cake mix and 4 tablespoons softened butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add pumpkin puree and cinnamon; mix until well blended, about 3 minutes. Stir in pecans.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle streusel topping over batter.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Cool cake before serving for about 5 minutes.