Vista de Santa Barbara
6180 Via Real, Carpinteria, CA 93013 (805) 684-2313 / (805) 566-9205 Fax
Email: vistasantabarbara@bandcmhc.com
Onsite Managers: Diane & Luciano Vannucci Property Management Company: Bessire & Casenhiser, Inc.
430 South San Dimas Ave.
San Dimas, CA 91773
Michael Milan (909) 594-0501
Michael@bessire-casenhiser.com
Anton Blvd., Suite 890, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Phone: (949) 515-5100 / Fax: (949) 515-5101
August 2025
Vista de Santa Barbara
Normally, VSB folks are pretty good about promptly returning their Annual Income Certs, but you’ve gotten off to a slower start this year.
As I’m typing this (on July 9) about 65% of you have returned your Certs, for which we thank you. Of course, that means that 35% of you haven’t. I’m hoping this is just an oversight, because I’m sure you know how important this is.
You’ve seen all the projects paid for by your Income Certs, but we also need your Cert for VSB to comply with the City’s requirements, maintain its non-profit status, and continue to provide all the protections that entails.
If you haven’t already, please drop your Cert off at the Office as soon as you can.
Here’s a Fun Fact
Eight U.S. Presidents are confirmed to have been lefthanded, including recent leaders like Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush. Interestingly, from 1981 to 2009, five out of six Presidents were left-handed! .
Something I had to share: 5 homes for which we have the information sold during the past 12 months, at an average price of…wait for it…$506,400! That’s up from $315K last year and $100K more than the runner-up in the Millennium world.
Interestingly, all 5 homes sold between January and May. We hope this makes you feel even better about the VSB lifestyle.
• The Budget for Fiscal 2025/26 is final, and includes all the things I bragged about last month about $535K worth. $400K of that is a placeholder for Street Lights, but that’s been in the Budget for a couple years.
Other highlights: Kitchen Remodel (we hope that has started by the
time you’re reading this), Greenbelt planning & design, Driveways, a Lot Line Survey…this assumes, of course, that we get your Income Certs.
• Diane tells me that a Pool Umbrella was damaged by high winds. Perhaps, as you leave the Pool, you can lower any umbrellas you opened. Do you think that would help?
• Recent resident complaint: cats loose in the Park instead of being inside or on a leash, as required by the Park Rules (Rule 12j). We know cats are hard to control, but we ask you to keep tabs on your tabby, and to refrain from feeding strays.
I speak from experience on that last item. I fed a stray once. Now he’s got a key to my house and judges my cooking.
Try to control your cat…and please return your Income Certs!
George Turk
We hope you are all having a wonderful summer. We are so fortunate not to have to deal with the extreme heat that so many other parts of the country are dealing with. Please remember that if your home is too warm that I keep the air on and the clubhouse cool. Bring your favorite book, game or puzzle and come spend the hot hours of the day here. If you would like, bring your laptop. We have Wi-Fi in the clubhouse, and I will be happy to give you the password. Don’t forget that we have an exercise class being held every Thursday morning at 10:00AM. We usually have 7-9 residents attend. Again, the air conditioner is on so you can get in some exercise without the heat. Come join !
A reminder that you need to pick up after your dog. Rule #12 n. Pets are permitted to be walked on leash in the Park only on the park’s streets and greenbelt sidewalks. All excrement must be picked up, wrapped in a suitable material and placed in the trash immediately. There are four pet waste stations and bags are provided at each one. Please be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet!
Sincerely,
Luciano and Diane Vannucci
On-site Managers
Greetings VDSB Neighbors!
I want to talk about something important. The annual general meeting of the Association of Homeowners is rapidly approaching. It’s the time when we elect new Board members. Last year, we had to reduce the Board from nine to seven members for lack of candidates. This year we have a couple people, including yours truly, who are cycling out and need replacements. We desperately need new blood with new ideas.
Let me review the things we do for the residents of our park:
• We act as your representative with the park owner and managers. Our relationship with them has been excellent and they have always been open to our input and concerns. We can make a difference.
• Each year, we send a list of improvement projects to Millennium for funding.
• We advocate for repairs and improvements to landscaping, clubhouse facilities, and other items such as signage.
• We coordinate with management on execution of appropriate projects, like the street lights, to ensure they are compatible with the park environment and desires.
• We spearhead park initiatives, such as Firewise, and coordinate with SPARC and other agencies to provide services and information to residents.
• We work with Millennium and management on park Rules and Regulations.
• We organize and hold social events like holiday and bingo parties.
• We prepare and distribute the Resident Directory.
These activities do require some financial support. Millennium Housing helps with a monthly contribution. We ask residents to make a modest annual donation of $60.
Please help ensure the AOH can continue these important activities!
Robin Brandin, President Space #42
(805) 318-1977
robinbrandin@cox.net
July 1, 2025, 6:30 pm, Clubhouse
Attended:
Robin Brandin Bruce Conroy Dennis Engler
Absent:
Judy Cooper Ashford Rob Hudson Linda Ide Winston Sullivan
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:40 pm.
Robin Brandin provided a draft of the interim addendum to the Resident Directory. Three new residents provided information. Six units are vacant and one is in escrow. The addendum will be distributed this month and a full revised directory will be prepared when more new residents move in.
Robin reported that the uneven areas along the walkways have (mostly) been ground down. The clubhouse floor is scheduled to be steam cleaned. Bids are also being obtained to address the gopher issue in the greenbelt.
A resident noted that the light and fan in one of the clubhouse bathrooms never go off. Another resident commented on the poor acoustics in the clubhouse in general which needs remedying with noise-absorbing paint or wall and/or ceiling tiles.
A resident referred to the Firewise recommendation to remove wood chips and flammable groundcover and asked whether new units in the park are prohibited from using them.
A resident asked about the status of mailbox replacements. Robin noted a few new boxes have been installed recently.
A resident asked about the rationale behind the different lot sizes used to determine rental rates. Bruce Conroy reviewed the history but was unable to explain the rationale. A park-wide lot boundary survey is planned, after which we may revisit the issue in select cases.
As there was not a quorum of Board members, no official business could be completed. Bruce asked whether we had received a copy of the budget information for this fiscal year from Millennium. Robin responded in the negative.
Dennis Engler noted that the annual general meeting of the AOH is coming up and preparations need to be started, including recruiting potential Board members, coordinating a date
with George Turk and Michael Milan, and organizing refreshments.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Brandin, Board President
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.
Board of Directors Meeting: Tuesday, August 5th, at 6:30PM in the Clubhouse. Any resident with an item they would like to have on the agenda, please contact a board member a week prior to the meeting.
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
June and July and the Jacarandas are in full bloom!
Jacaranda trees are not native to California. They originally from the tropical and sub-tropic regions of Argentina and Brazil. They were introduced to southern California in the late 19th century.
1. Broad-Spectrum
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect your skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which cause premature aging of the skin, and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburn and skin cancer.
2. Ingredients
There are two types of sunscreens mineral and chemical. Each filters UV rays differently. Mineral sunscreens, made of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and create a barrier of protection by deflecting the sun’s UV rays. Since they don’t absorb into the skin, they can look and feel a little filmy. Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that penetrate the skin and use various FDA-approved sun-filtering compounds that absorb UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the surface of the skin.
3. Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Look for a product with an SPF of 30 or higher. The numeric rating refers to how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn. Anything over 50 isn’t necessary.
4. Water Resistance
The FDA has banned manufacturers from claiming a sunscreen is waterproof, but make sure your choice is water-resistant. Products that are water-resistant from sweat and swimming will remain effective for up to 80 minutes. This means you need to reapply every two hours if you’re sweating, swimming, or have prolonged sun exposure.
5. Types
Sunscreens come in many forms: lotions, sticks, gels, and sprays. In general, lathering on a lotion provides the most thorough and trustworthy coverage. Aerosols blow into the air when applying them, which can leave spotty coverage. Sticks and gels can get messy and even melt in extreme heat.
A Cooling Center provides a place for you and your family to go to cool down during hot summer days.
If you need to cool off, most cities offer cooling centers where you can beat the heat. These cooling centers are in City facilities where you can enjoy recreation programming or a good book while you cool off. Cooling centers are open and available during regular hours of operation unless otherwise noted. You can call 2-1-1 from your phone or go online at www.211.org to find a list of cooling center locations and hours of operation in your area.
Summer months bring fun, sun, and heat! Sometimes, the heat can become dangerous, especially for children, pets, people who work outside, and people with certain health conditions. Staying safe in high heat is important. Follow these simple tips to stay cool:
• Drink plenty of cool water! Stay hydrated.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing that will keep you cool. Wear sunscreen and a hat for protection.
• Check on neighbors who might be vulnerable to the heat, especially those without air conditioning.
• Never leave children or pets in a car - not even for one minute. Temperatures inside a car can quickly skyrocket to deadly levels.
• If you work or play outside, take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool off in the shade.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention.
1. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to whip cream until stiff peaks occur, be careful not to over whip. The cream will be done when you pull the beaters out and the cream stands at attention.
2. In another large bowl, whisk the vanilla and salt into the sweetened condensed milk. Gently fold in the whipped cream with a spatula, slowly incorporating the two mixtures together so it stays light and aerated.
3. If making individual flavors, scoop the cream mixture into smaller bowls and gently fold in your desired mix-ins, or if making just one flavor, mix the ingredients directly into the full batch of cream mixture.
4. Transfer the mixture to an insulated tub, paper containers or a loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
5. Freeze 4– 6 hours.
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 can chilled sweetened condensed milk
1 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of fine sea salt
Mix ins
• Peppered Strawberry Bean: Vanilla bean, frozen strawberries, black pepper, white chocolate chips
• Key Lime Pie: White chocolate chips, graham cracker pieces, lime juice, lime zest
• Minty Mini-Chocolate Chip: Fresh minced mint leaves, peppermint extract, green food coloring, mini chocolate chips
• The Islander: Toasted coconut with pineapple chunks, macadamia nuts and salted caramel
• German Chocolate Cake: Cocoa powder, chocolate cake pieces, toasted coconut & pecans, caramel drizzle
• Gimme Some More S’mores: Mini marshmallows/toasted marshmallow, graham cracker crumbles, chocolate chunks
• The Kitchen Sink: M&M’s, toasted peanuts, popcorn, pretzels and salted caramel
• Elvis Thrust: Peanut butter, bananas, honey (Tip: Mix the peanut butter with a little cream so it stays creamy instead of turning rock hard when it freezes.)
• Lumberjack: Waffle cone, crumbled bacon, maple syrup
• Cookie Monster: Chocolate chip cookie dough bits, Oreo pieces, chocolate chip cookie pieces
BASTILLE CATACOMBS
CHAMBORD
CASTLE
DDAY BEACHES
EIFFEL TOWER
LASCAUX CAVES
LES INVALIDS
LOUVRE
NIMES ARENA
NOTRE DAME
OMAHA BEACH
PONT DU GARD
SACRE COEUR
SAINT MALO
SAINTE CHAPELLE
VERSAILLES
Across
1.“What ___ is new?”
5.Any doctrine
8. Greek earth goddess: Var.
9.On the ocean
10.Jobs
11.Responded in court
12.Con man
14.Souvenir
20.Wise one
21.Eagle’s nest
23.Early video game
24.Flower holder
25.“A Chorus Line” number
26.Greek god of love
Down
1.Breakfast fare
2.Secular
3.Sound of relief
4.Facilitate
5.Part of an archipelago
6.Soothsayer
7.“Spy vs. Spy” magazine
9.Likely
13.“___ we there yet?”
14.Atomic particle
15.Sea eagle
16.Coffee holder
17.Church section
18.Eye drop
19.About
20. U.S. document publisher
22.“I agree”
The headline is a clue to the answer in the diagonal.
How to solve sudoku puzzles
No math is required to solve a sudoku. You only need logic and patience.
Simply make sure that each 3x3 square region has only one instance of the numbers 1-9. Similarly, each number can only
appear once in a column or row in the larger grid. The difficulty on this puzzle is easy.
1. Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs were cops on what TV series? a-Miami Vice, b-Hill Street Blues, c-NYPD Blue, d-The Streets of San Francisco.
2.Who defeated Sonny Liston in 1964 to become the world heavyweight boxing champion? a-George Foreman, b-Muhammad Ali, c-Ingemar Johanssen, d-Rocky Graziano.
3. What TV show's theme song includes the lyrics "Sunny day, chasing the clouds away, on my way to where the air is sweet?" a-The Jeffersons, b-Good Times, c-Sesame Street, d-The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
4.Singer Sonny Bono served as the mayor of what California city? a-Oakland, b-Beverly Hills, c-Palm Springs, d-Pasadena.
5.Sonny Jurgensen played most of his NFL career as a quarterback for what team? a-Dallas Cowboys, b-San Francisco 49ers, c-St. Louis Cardinals, d-Washington Redskins.
6.In TV commercials, Sonny the bird is "cuckoo" about what breakfast cereal? a-Cocoa Puffs, b-Froot Loops, c-Corn Flakes, d-Honeycomb.
7.What mystery writer's creations included a fashion-conscious private eye named Sunny Randall? a-John D. MacDonald, b-Janet Evanovich, c-Robert B.Parker, d-Martin Cruz Smith.
8.What singer won a 1997 Grammy for Record of the Year for "Sunny Came Home"? a-Alison Krauss, b-Alanis Morissette, c-Shawn Colvin, d-Paula Cole.
9.What TV series was set in fictional Sunnydale, California? a-Gilmore Girls, b-Buffy the Vampire Slayer, c-One Tree Hill, d-Gossip Girl.
10. Which songwriter earned a total of 37 cents in royalties from his first published effort, "Marie From Sunny Italy"? a-Cole Porter, b-Irving Berlin, c-Woody Guthrie, d-Pete Seeger.
A salary is the drug they give you to forget your dreams.
Kevin O'Leary
I would visualize things coming to me. It would just make me feel better. Visualization works if you work hard. That's the thing. You can't just visualize and go eat a sandwich."
Jim Carrey
When we forget to use visualization and imagination, it is like not using our minds.
Jose Silva
You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
Mahatma Gandhi
The start is what stops most people. Don Shula
I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. Most people in this business gave up and went on to other things. If you simply didn't give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you.
Harrison Ford
Want of foresight, unwillingness to act when action would be simple and effective, lack of clear thinking, confusion of counsel until the emergency comes, until self-preservation strikes its jarring gong, these are the features which constitute the endless repetition of history.
Winston Churchill
The difference between try and triumph is a little "umph."
Author Unknown
The pessimist worries about the wind; the optimist thinks it will change; the realist adjusts the sails.
William Arthur Ward
Progress equals happiness.
Tony Robbins
A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.
Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. "Careful," he said, "CAREFUL! Put in some more butter!
Oh my gosh! You're cooking too many at once. Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter.
Oh my gosh! They're going to STICK! Careful. I said CAREFUL!
You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt!"
The wife stared at him. "What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"
The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving!"
Airman Jones was assigned to the induction center to sell recruits GI insurance benefits.
Captain Smith noticed that Jones had a 100% record for insurance sales. It had never happened before.
The Captain then sat in the room and listened to Jones's sales pitch. Jones explained the basics of the insurance.
"If you have GI Insurance and get killed in battle, the government has to pay $200,000 to your beneficiaries. If you don't have GI insurance, and get killed in battle, the government only has to pay $6,000. Now, who do you think they send into battle first?"
Answers to 'Sunny Side Up'
1-a, Miami Vice
2-b, Muhammad Ali
3-c, Sesame Street
4-c, Palm Springs
5-d, Washington Redskins
6-a, Cocoa Puffs
7-c, Robert B. Parker
8-c, Shawn Colvin
9-b, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
10-b, Irving Berlin