Santa Barbara Independent Real Estate 5/30/24

Kitchen Cabinet Color Considerations

So, you’ve decided it’s time to give your kitchen a refresh, but perhaps a full makeover isn’t in the budget. A kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home, so it’s also one of the places where any updates you make can add the most value to a property. One way to update your kitchen without spending a fortune is to paint the cabinets.

After deciding to update, the next natural question revolves around what color scheme to select. Picking a color that you want to look at every day is important. If you’re planning to sell the home within a few years, selecting a neutral cabinet color that will appeal to buyers should also be taken into consideration. On the other hand, if you’re in your forever home and love color, then the kitchen is a great place to make a bold statement!

One note before we begin: Painting your kitchen cabinets is a big project, and one I would leave to the profes-

Whether you do it yourself or go with the pros, here are my tips for choosing the best color for your space as well as some of my favorite colors for kitchen cabinets:

Existing Finishes

When selecting a color, you should first determine what materials or surfaces are staying the same. If you’re keeping the same floors and countertops, then obviously selecting a cabinet color that works with these materials is important. In general, I recommend having some contrast between cabinets, floors, countertops, and backsplash, so if the floors are staying the same and they are darker, opting for a lighter kitchen cabinet color would be ideal. If both floors and countertops are staying the same,

what colors do you see in these materials? Try selecting a color for your cabinets that “marries” these surfaces and makes them look related to each other.

Size and Lighting

Another element to consider is how much natural light your kitchen receives as well as how much artificial light you have. A lighter color for your cabinets is going to help the space feel larger, so if your kitchen is small or poorly lit, I’d recommend keeping your cabinets on the lighter side. Larger, well-lit kitchens can take darker colors, especially if you want to create a dramatic look.

Many paint companies now sell large peeland-stick versions of their paint colors, so you can try a few colors and look at them throughout the day. As the light shifts in your space, paint colors will change in appearance, as lighting has a big impact on how colors appear in a room.

Multiple Colors

For smaller kitchens, I recommend painting the cabinets all the same color, as this will help your space to feel larger. When the eye sees one color, it makes a room larger. On the other hand, two-toned cabinets (where one color is on the lower cabinets and one color is on the upper cabinets), cuts your kitchen in half, visually. If you like adding a secondary color, try painting the kitchen island cabinets in one color and the rest of the cabinets in another color.

My favorite timeless colors for kitchen cabinets:

• Peppercorn by Sherwin-Williams

• Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore

• Shiitake by Sherwin-Williams

• Fawn Brindle by Sherwin-Williams

• Midnight Oil by Benjamin Moore

• Baby Fawn by Benjamin Moore

• Grays Harbor by Sherwin-Williams

• White Dove by Benjamin Moore

And don’t forget to update your hardware to show off your freshly-painted cabinets! I’d love to see your kitchen updates. Tag me on social media @vacayrentaldesign

• Creamy White by Benjamin Moore

THE STYLE SPECIALIST

Christine S. Cowles is the owner

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F o r a P r i v a t e S h o w i n g , C o n t a c t S e l l e r ' s R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s : 1 2 6 3 L A S P A L M A S D R . | $ 5 , 3 4 5 , 0 0 0 O p e n S u n d a y 1 - 4 p m

Coast and Valley Properties

8 0 5 6 8 9 1 3 0 0

www monicalenches com

monica@monicalenches com

DRE: 01081461

Coast and Valley Properties

8 0 5 7 2 9 2 0 0 4 www bobruccione com

bob@bobruccione com

DRE: 00544022 B O B R U C C I O N E

805.296.0662 david@villagesite.com DRE 01813897

805.565.8879

805.252.2773

DRE 01397913

Timmerman

Grubb Campbell Group

Susan Beckmann DRE: 1185206

500 Rancho Alisal I Solvang, California 93463

38D I 3.5 BA I 3,375 +/- SQ.FT OFFERED AT $2,325,000

There is no place like the Alisal Ranch with its incredible views of old oaks and gorgeous mountains. Less than 2 miles to town, drug stores and Cottage hospital. This home has been beautifully remodeled and has a less than one-year-old pool. The pool has umbrella holders on the wide first step for lounging on those beautiful sunny days. Also a new electric pool cover. The interior of the house is filled with sunlight and gorgeous vaulted ceilings. High-end wood flooring throughout. Top-of-the-line appliances in the kitchen. A separate walk-in pantry, dual heat and cooling. Open floor plan concept. The Alisal Ranch is a leasehold property with 63 homes on 10 thousand acres and leases vary from property to property. This property has a current lease of $27,500 and is set to re-adjust in late 2028. The end date for the lease is Dec. 2098 Call for more info. on the leasehold.

259 VEREDA LEYENDA

UNIQUE CANYON LOCATION WITH PRIVACY AND STYLE

OPEN SUNDAY 2-5PM

IMPECCABLY UPGRADED AND MAINTAINED

4 BEDS / 2 BATHS / 1.1 ACRES - CREEKSIDE SETTING! OFFERED AT $2,975,000

Escape to the country lifestyle awaiting you at 259 Vereda Leyenda in Rancho Embarcadero, Santa Barbara’s little known neighborhood gem! You can enjoy quiet rural living only 3 miles from Goleta’s Marketplace and Costco; only 1.5 miles from Ellwood Elementary School; three miles to Dos Pueblos High School. Families move here and tend to stay; peaceful neighborhood, All 1-acre parcels. The soothing sound of a babbling brook. Relax outdoors with your book or laptop alongside the creek in the private back yard. Nicely landscaped property with five avocado trees. This home has been impeccably upgraded and maintained, offering a host of amenities. Inside, you will find tile flooring in the entryway, kitchen, and laundry area, while the oversized dining area opens onto a large deck overlooking Tecolote Creek. The kitchen, centrally located, boasts cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, a work station, stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop, a built-in oven and microwave. Outside, a majestic Sycamore tree provides shade in the summer, complete with a swing for children of all ages to enjoy. This single-level home features three bedrooms and two baths in the north wing, with a separate fourth bedroom in the south wing offering a private entry. The primary bedroom’s private bathroom includes granite countertops, double sinks, and a mirrored makeup station. The primary bedroom also offers two wardrobe closets, one of which is cedar-lined. A paver stone driveway leads to a two-car garage and the front entry, completing this charming retreat. It is in pristine, move-in condition.

at $3,995,000

Discover an exquisite 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence nestled in a serene cul-de-sac on over half an acre, offering breathtaking panoramic city and mountain views. Every detail of this architectural gem is crafted for contemporary living. Upon entering, the living room welcomes you with an abundance of natural light streaming through expansive windows, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The heart of this home is the spacious den adjoining the updated kitchen, featuring sleek countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, and stunning backyard views. A versatile bedroom and full bathroom on the main level offers flexible use whether as a serene guest room or a convenient primary suite. For those who work remotely or seek a dedicated space for productivity, the home offers a versatile office with exterior access from the main home. The primary bedroom upstairs boasts a spacious layout, stunning mountain views, a generous walk-in closet and spa like bathroom. The upper level also includes two guest bedrooms and a well-appointed guest bath. This stunning sanctuary features breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and cityscape beyond. The private fenced area, adorned with citrus trees, provides a tranquil oasis for quiet contemplation or enjoying nature’s ambiance. The expansive yard also offers endless customization possibilities, from an orchard or pool to an ADU. With its thoughtful design, modern amenities, and serene surroundings, this home is a harmonious blend of comfort, style, and functionality – a true haven for those seeking the ultimate retreat in Santa Barbara.

OPEN HOUSES

Goleta

380 San Ricardo Dr, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 11-1, $969,000, Village Properties, Pam Shalhoob / Nicole Powers 805-895-9190 / 925-548-1305, DRE#02053975 / #02185632

178 El Sueno Road, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,369,000, Village Properties, Elena Abel / Lynette Naour 415-259-8098 / 805705-6539, DRE#02199747 / #01035763

6178 Malva Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $1,395,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Daulton Wolf 805-757-6797, DRE#02202805

530 Dalton Way, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $1,565,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Lyndsey Jones 805-680-2856, DRE#02125898

169 Sanderling Lane, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Ty Whelehan 805-471-0993, DRE#01372928

4657 Gerona Way, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, TBD, Village Properties, Cimme Eordanidis 805-7228480, DRE#01745878

San Roque

3279 Foothill Road, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,695,000, Village Properties, Spencer Cole 805689-6673, DRE#02115510

3512 Madrona Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $2,150,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lauren Dulcich 805-365-0560, DRE#02073213

The Mesa

1710 Cliff Drive, 3BD, 1BA, Sat 2:30-4:30, $1,699,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Sue Irwin 805-705-6973, DRE#02008932

Saturday 6/1 & Sunday 6/2

Hope Ranch

1263 Las Palmas Drive, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 1-4, $5,345,000, Coast and Valley Properties, Bob Ruccione 805-729-2004, DRE#00544022

The Riviera

821 & 823 E Pedregosa St, 7BD, 6BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $3,995,000, Village Properties, Scott Tisdale / Julie Barnes 805-722-8582 / 805-895-9498, DRE#01729503 / #01107109

1568 Franceschi Road, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 2-4, $5,595,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Nicole Dever 805-570-5226, DRE#02110739

Santa Barbara

1720 Chapala Street Unit 5, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $3800/ mo, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Ruhge 805895-5862, DRE#01965484

4012 Invierno Drive B, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $1,149,500, Foundation Real Estate Group, Bob Croisdale 805-452-7543, DRE#00575014

820 West Victoria Street Unit D, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 12-4, $1,150,000, Epstein Partners / Keller Williams, Steve Epstein 805-689-9339, DRE#00994429

428 Via Rosa Unit A, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805708-2323, DRE#02061444

575 Lorraine Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 11:30-1:30, $1,299,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sue Irwin 805-7056973, DRE#01413354

288 Calle Esperanza, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,450,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, David Pringle 805-350-2140, DRE#02068477

690 Lorraine Avenue, 4BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $1,850,000, Village Properties, Michelle Glaus 805-452-0446, DRE#01921235

837 Veronica Springs, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 1-3, $1,995,000, Village Properties, Pat Saraca / Erin Timmerman 805-886-7426 / 805-689-9970, DRE#01080801 / #02012810

533 Conejo, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,097,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Robert Kemp 805-259-6318, DRE#01246412

1761 Calle Poniente, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $2,149,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ali Evans 805-980-8007, DRE#01846603

116 W Los Olivos Street, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $2,275,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sue Irwin 805-7056973, DRE#02008932

1483 Camino Rio Verde, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $2,395,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Michelle Madril 805453-0927, DRE#01961707

3956 Foothill Road, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-4, $3,395,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Jasper Rhodes 805-708-8136, DRE#02220808

5200 E Camino Cielo, 5BD, 6BA, Sun 1-4, $3,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Ruhge 805895-5862, DRE#01965484

1401 La Cima Road, 5BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $3,778,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker 805-451-1721, DRE#00494253

Montecito

1220 Coast Village Rd #303, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $1,549,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lyndsey Jones 805680-2856, DRE#02125898

380 Sheffield Dr, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4:30, $3,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bruce Fisher 805-570-1679, DRE#00879404

1545 Ramona Lane, 5BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $7,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Patrice Serrani 805-637-5112, DRE#01764713

615 Hot Springs Road, 6BD, 6.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $12,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Cambern 805-722-2352, DRE#02158714

Carpinteria

3375 Foothill Road #634, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $1,099,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sharon Jordano 805280-2055, DRE#02195847

Santa Ynez Valley

330 West Highway 246 #92, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $499,000, Epstein Partners / Keller Williams, Mark Heitmann 805-448-8500, DRE#01007490

2620 Janin Way, 5BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $1,975,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bill Coker / Laura Drammer 805-689-7415 / 805-448-7500, DRE#00825468 / #01209580

1729 Cottonwood Lane, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 11-1, $2,600,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Rachel Mosti / Laura Drammer 414-687-0740 / 805448-7500, DRE#02225999 / #01209580

Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/ OPENHOUSESUBMISSIONS

openhouses@independent.com with questions

Just minutes to the Santa Barbara Coast and its desirable amenities, including the Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort and Spa, where many residents have a membership, and the gorgeous Sandpiper Golf Course overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This expansive, almost 4,000 Sq. Ft. home with a 3 car garage is positioned on a beautiful 1.2-acre lot near the canyon entrance The layout of the home is ideal for flexible living, featuring a downstairs one bedroom apartment with a separate entrance. The property boasts sought-after amenities such as fireplaces in both the living room and upstairs bedroom, walk-in closet in one of the upstairs bedrooms, a wet bar in the family room, and a formal dining room adjacent to the kitchen and living room. The three oversized upstairs bedrooms offer access to a balcony with a stairway leading down to the picturesque and private outdoor setting, bordered by Tecolote Creek. The flat, usable lot accommodated a horse corral but offers a blank canvas for the new owner to add their own pool or create their dream family compound.

Project Manager Bibi Taylor: In Praise of Parental Guidance and the Great Outdoors

Planetwide, you’ll likely find nobody better suited than Bibi Taylor to harmonize the seemingly disparate worlds of wild-river fly-fishing and high-end construction management. She’s got both in her blood.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Taylor’s simultaneous exposure to the construction industry and fly-fishing came early as her artist parents launched a house-paint-

ing business primarily so they could suspend operations each summer to take family trips to the trout rivers of Montana.

Those childhood experiences in nature and getting dragged to job sites at a young age would inform how she performed in the modern-day work world.

“Fly-fishing requires focus on everything around you at the moment,” Taylor says. “Same with managing construction projects things are always changing, requiring attention to detail and creative problem solving.”

After her parents split, Taylor’s mom took over the painting business. “Being a single mom, she had to make it work,” Taylor remembers. “She had a project in Santa Barbara” painting a 1917 Reginald Johnson villa owned by music and film icon Burl Ives “and ended up staying.” Over the years, Taylor says, her mom got more into specialty finishing to create a niche for herself.

After graduating from UC Santa Cruz in 1990, Taylor moved to Santa Barbara to work with her mom. During summers, she worked with her dad, a licensed outfitter, as a fishing guide in Montana and Wyoming. It’s a lifelong craft she still practices today with her own kid and his friends.

by Keith Hamm

In 2002, Taylor upped her career game with a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University. Right away, she landed a job in corporate finance. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good fit, she said. “I hated it.”

Her first taste of construction project management was at Lazy Acres on the Mesa as the high-end grocery store grew its appeal, she remembers. “I got my foot in the door as a project coordinator alongside one of the owners, who became a mentor.” For several years after, she worked as an independent contractor on large residential projects, finding her own niche.

While rewarding, the constant hustle was also challenging. Wrapping up a large project in 2019, she decided to search for something more steady. She joined Giffin & Crane as a project manager later that year.

Now, as a senior project manager, she looks forward to opportunities to provide guidance to others breaking into the industry. Taylor still draws inspiration from her contractor mom, now retired, who taught her the ropes, and enjoys paying it forward.

“I love this industry,” she says. “Being a part of a team that creates something long-lasting for others to enjoy is challenging and so rewarding.”

Giffin & Crane has been building custom homes in Santa Barbara since 1986.

Immigrant Legal Defense Center Is Savior for Unaccompanied Minors

On May 8 at Brass Bear Uptown, the Immigrant Legal Defense Center (ILDC) celebrated six years of representing immigrants. With four attorneys and a limited budget, ILDC can serve only a small fraction of those in the tri-counties facing deportation, forcing the nonprofit to decide who on its waitlist is the most vulnerable. Most clients are youth and women, with 40 percent of cases being unaccompanied children who sought protection at the border.

In an interview, Executive Director Julissa Peña explained that ILDC prioritizes these children because most of them are fleeing high rates of violent crime, gang recruitment, and severe economic insecurity. What’s more, when they come to the U.S., most end up in extremely low-income situations where there’s gang violence and recruitment. If they miss a court hearing, they are most likely deported in absentia.

When unaccompanied minors arrive at the border, they are taken into custody and can then be released to sponsors, who are often family members. In the six months ending March 2024, 93 unaccompanied minors were released to sponsors in S.B. County and 95 in Ventura County.

Application can be made for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), which provides relief from deportation if there is a finding of abuse, abandonment, or neglect and other conditions are met. In the best case, SIJS status is granted in family court, and the removal proceeding before the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service is then terminated.

Even when this occurs, the child often has to wait another five or six years before he or she can apply for legal permanent residence (green card) because of a quota system backlog. During this waiting period, case management and counseling are critical, Peña explained, because if a youth gets in any serious legal trouble, their green card is in jeopardy.

Funding from the state and other sources has enabled ILDC to now offer more formalized case management

and, this year, to introduce counseling services. These youth have experienced intense trauma, according to Peña, because of what they endured back home, on their journey to the U.S., and in the post-migration experience. “We want to make sure we do all we can to ensure these kids are okay and receive the help they need.”

Demand for SIJS representation has grown both because of an increase in unaccompanied immigrant children here and because of a recent DACA court ruling foreclosing that path. There are many youths who entered without inspection years ago, grew up here, and are fluent English speakers, but cannot afford college and are not permitted to work. SIJS status is available to these youth who are under 21 and meet certain requirements. They are roughly 35 percent of ILDC’s cases.

ILDC currently represents 230 clients, about 80 in South S.B. County and an equal number in North S.B. County. The majority of youth ILDC represents are from Central America; the rest are from Mexico.

When asked what motivates her to work so hard, Peña stated that anger and heartbreak have played a huge role. “The immigration system makes it ridiculously difficult for immigrants to exercise their due process rights when they cannot afford an attorney and are not appointed government counsel. It is mind-boggling to see that this country expects children and immigrants to represent themselves, despite the existing language barriers and difficulty in navigating such a complex immigration system.”

Peña is not deterred. “I am always in awe of our immigrant community’s strength and ability to believe in a better tomorrow. Every day, they teach me to be a better human. I also have an incredible team that does not cease to inspire me.”

Peña heaps praise on ILDC’s case manager Bianca Morales, who helps clients navigate complex systems to attain healthcare, housing, and other basic services. She is

“a constant presence in their lives,” and when clients open up with information useful for their legal case, Morales seeks permission to share the info with staff attorneys. Morales works with ILDC’s new therapist, Maria Ornelas Ruvalcaba, serving 30 clients, half of whom get therapy. The need for therapy, however, is universal among the children, Ornelas shared, because of the several stressors they face. Triage is done through assessing each child’s overall situation. Unaccompanied youth are prioritized, because being placed with a family member with whom they have little or no connection creates a lot of distress, Ornelas related, on top of the grieving of their home country and family.

From her own experience as a young immigrant, Ornelas knows the importance of cultural representation in therapy and finds her job incredibly rewarding. “I find myself working hard to come in with cultural humility and an openness to learn from my clients so that they can feel safe enough to allow me to help them. At the end of the day, I remind myself that it is an honor to hold space for a vulnerable population, and I feel very blessed to be able to be a part of their journey.”

While ILDC has received some multi-year grants from the state and other sources that help with its current caseload, community support is needed to expand its services. ILDC stopped doing intake because of the length of its waitlist, which currently stands at more than 120.

SOCIETY MATTERS Text and photos by Gail Arnold

Staff Attorney Crystal Canela, Executive Director Julissa Peña, and Board Chair Victoria Greene

Staff Attorney Maria Salguero, Case Manager Bianca Morales, and Staff Attorney Susana Cruz

Boardmembers Richard Solomon (also Founder), Mary Anne Weiss, and Jared Dixon

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES

DATE ADDRESS

CARPINTERIA COLDIRON LINDA EA

CHESTER JOHN EA

GOLETA TRUXILLO ELIZAABETH EA

GREIG AURABEL-MOON EA

BURBANK DOUGLAS EA

HOFFMAN THOMAS EA

480ARBOL LLC

VIJELAS LLC

GROSS MARINA

HURVITZ KIMBERLY

JOHNSON CHRISTINE EA NIGRO DANIEL EU

WIERDA JANE

NIGRO DANIEL EU

ALDK GOLETA LLC

WAHLBERG FAMILY TRUST

SEKBAN EMERSON

GHG SB GOLETA LLC

SLONAKER JOHN MIRA EILEEN EA

OTEY CHRISTOPER EA

GUADALUPE

BEAN REBECCA EU

KUMAGUTIERREZ MARLENE D&D INVESTMENTS

MENDOZA VIRGINIA

LOMPOC MARTINEZ ARTHUR EA

ETHRIDGE DYANNE EA

KURTZMAN HOWARD EA

BRAXTON INVESTMENT LLC

SANTOS ENRIQUE

$2,000,000 5/20/24 1127 VALLECITO RD

$2,425,000 5/22/24 480 ARBOL VERDE ST

$929,000 5/20/24 5075 RHOADS AVE A

$900,000 5/23/24 5018 OAK RIDGE RD

$2,150,000 5/21/24 1026 SANDPIPER LN

$1,500,000 5/24/24 532 DENTRO DR

$800,000 5/21/24 17 N SAN MARCOS RD A

$962,000 5/23/24 5062 CALLE REAL B

$19,925,000 5/20/24 5665 HOLLISTER AVE

$800,000 5/23/24 7039 MARYMOUNT WAY

$1,900,000 5/24/24 649 SANTA MARGUERITA DR

$350,000 5/20/24 4853 HERNANDEZ DR

$450,000 5/23/24 5156 BLUE HERON LN

WARD VICTORIA EA PREMIER GLOBAL INVESTMENTS $2,725,000 5/24/24

BLACKMORE CASSANDRIA EU

JAMES EA

BALDWIN JEFFREY EA

PETER

JESSE

SUTHERLAND ROBERT EA CHAVEZ LUIS EA

DOLAN LAWRENCE EA DIAZ-CAMARENA CESAR

RODRIGUEZ MICHAEL

STEWART DAVID EA

ANGELINA

CRAIG EU

JUAREZ MARIO EA PEREZ ERNESTO $525,000 5/24/24

PASEO TRANQUILLO

W ESSEX CT

W DAMASK CT

ROSEWOOD DR CANALES EDDIE EA

The Keeney House

6 BD | 5.5 BA | $3,995,000

1833SantaBarbaraStreet.com

With its charming craftsman-style architecture and an array of highend amenities, this property is a true Santa Barbara gem.

Open House: Saturday from 2-4 pm

Luxury Hideaway Condo 4 BD | 3.5 BA | $1,999,900

50SanderlingLane.com

A remarkable ±3,097 sq.ft. home with upscale amenities and an open floor plan, offering coastal living at its finest.

Schedule a private showing.

Luxury Estancia Condo 2 BD | 2 BA | $1,950,000 3718StateStreet315.com

Experience luxury living in this exquisite penthouse with 10-ft ceilings, stunning mountain views, and private stucco-enclosed balconies.

Schedule a private showing.

Serene Santa Barbara Condo 3 BD | 2.5 BA | $1,150,000

820WVictoriaStD.com

Discover coastal living in this charming condo in central Santa Barbara, featuring a private patio, low association fees, and updated appliances.

Open Houses: Sat 1-3 pm & Sun 12-4 pm

REAL ESTATE SCOOP

RIDING THE UPS & DOWNS OF A LIFE & DEATH DIAGNOSIS

Thomas Johansen has been living a drama of life & death since 2012 when he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. He spent the ensuing years riding the ups & downs of the realities of this disease, including being told he needed a new heart.

This week, Thomas will experience a different kind of ride. He will be the first heart transplant patient to undertake the challenge of the AIDS/LifeCycle Bike Ride from June 2 - June 8. According to his doctors at UCLA, Thomas will be the first person who has undergone a heart transplant to do this 545 mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Thomas says he is riding “To inspire others that we can’t let challenges restrict us, but rather to view them as speed bumps, and an invitation to do more.”

The ride was founded in 1994 to support the HIV and AIDS-related services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Since then, riders and donors have raised more than $300 million for people living with HIV and AIDS.

For Thomas, his heart transplant was just one part of his tumultuous journey. After receiving his new heart in 2017, the following five years of recuperation also entailed highs and lows. He was healthy enough in 2022 that he was on a ten-mile

hike with his nephews in Yosemite when received a phone call from his medical team at UCLA informing him that his body was rejecting the heart. That’s when Thomas decided to sign up for the AIDS/LifeCycle Ride, both as a way to support the cause, and as a challenge to help motivate him to keep moving forward with his healing journey.

He wasn’t able to join the ride as planned in 2023, but this year he is set to do so. In addition, Thomas is riding in memory of his father, who passed away just this week. When I asked Thomas how our readers can help support his efforts, he said that while he has almost reached double his personal goal of fundraising, “I don’t need the donations per se but the AIDS Foundation sure does.” Thomas plans to post on instagram during the ride, and give us a report of his experience afterwards.

TheAIDS/LifeCycle Ride route is scheduled to stop by Leadbetter Beach on Friday, June 7th for lunch. The public is welcome to show their support. Follow Thomas on instagram at thomasjohansenhomes. To donate, visit https://giving. aidslifecycle.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive. participant&participantID=41298

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VILLAGE PROPERTIES LAUNCHES COMMERCIAL DIVISION

The Santa Barbara area’s largest independent real estate company, Village Properties, has established a new division to provide dedicated advice and representation to clients with commercial properties.

The new Village Properties Commercial Group will work closely with clients seeking to purchase or sell multi-family dwellings, boutique commercial and retail properties, mixed-use buildings, and agricultural or buildable land.

Backed by a team of seasoned agents with longstanding experience in the commercial real estate field, the new division allows Village Properties to offer clients a more holistic and specialized support. This includes connecting clients with additional services available through the agency including new construction and land development advisory, marketing and sales services; representation for trusts, estates and probates; and assistance with ventures involving ranches, equestrian properties and wineries.

The Commercial Group expands on Village Properties’ bread-and-butter business of personal residences, second homes, and residential investments. Since its founding almost three decades ago, the agency has become the top-producing independently owned real estate company in the Santa Barbara area. It has a network

of more than 180 agents and affiliations with distinguished global brokerage companies including Forbes Global Properties.

Commercial division clients will have the opportunity to leverage Village Properties’ extensive network as well as the company’s marketing and creative edge, said owner Renee Grubb. They will benefit from the firm’s vast experience in marketing properties regionally, domestically and even internationally across a variety of mediums including print, digital and social platforms, she added.

“We are very excited to offer this new, dedicated commercial service to our clients,” Grubb said. “While we have worked with commercial property owners for many years, this new division will enable these clients to receive the most tailored and comprehensive support from our specialized agents to achieve their commercial real estate goals.”

local markets. The firm represents a special connection between the people and places within the Santa Barbara region through highly trained and cultivated agents, and a focused mission on serving the community now and into the future.

Founded in 1996, Village Properties has developed an outstanding reputation built on dedication to clients and mastering the complexities and nuances of the

For more information about Village Properties Commercial Group visit villagesite.com/commercial or call 805.681.8800.

REALTORS®: Share your industry info in “REAL ESTATE SCOOP.” Email sarah@independent.com for details.

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-Jared