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DEC. 24-31, 2025 VOL. 40 NO. 2040

PEACE ON EARTH

Meet the S.B. Polymath with 17 College Degrees, and Counting

Longest Night Memorial Honors Lives Lost

Holiday Storm Comes to Town

Foodbank’s Erik Talkin Goes Punk for New Book

by Izadora Hamm

by Nick Welsh

by Ella Heydenfeldt

by Leslie Dinaberg

In Memoriam: Alexander Oakes Wood by John Wood and Louisa Wood

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“[Michael V. Drake] has used his decades of experience to advocate for better access to higher education for all Californians and has always fought for academic excellence.” – Governor Gavin Newsom

One of The New York Times’ 10 Best Books of 2024

UC President Emeritus

An Evening with

Miranda July

Dr. Michael V. Drake

Tue, Jan 20 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall “By tangling explicitly with reality across mediums, July pushes autofiction to new limits.” The Guardian (U.K.)

In Conversation with Dr. Susannah Scott Thu, Jan 22 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall

“In Compagnie Hervé KOUBI’s Sol Invictus, the dancers’ extraordinary moves are integrated into a poetic vision.” The New York Times

A Next Generation Jazz Legacy California Premiere Dazzling Hip Hop Choreography From France

Compagnie Hervé KOUBI Sol Invictus

Sun, Jan 25 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre

Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane

Miles Davis and John Coltrane Centennial Tue, Jan 27 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre

(805) 893-3535 | www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 | www.GranadaSB.org INDEPENDENT.COM DECEMBER 24, 2025 THE INDEPENDENT

WHAT DOES A DONATION TO COMMUNIFY MEAN? When 1 in 5 children and 1 in 6 adults in Santa Barbara County are currently living in poverty,* your donation to CommUnify means improving the lives of our children, youth, families and seniors. It means a hand up, not a hand out. It means a happier, healthier community. Will you help?

Empowering people. Transforming lives.

805.964.8857 Ext.3 CommUnifySB.org/donate * Public Policy Institute of California report, “Understanding Poverty in California,” July 2025

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DECEMBER 24, 2025 INDEPENDENT.COM

Print subscriptions are available, paid in advance, for $120 per year. Send subscription requests with name and address to subscriptions@independent.com. The contents of the Independent are copyrighted 2025 by the Santa Barbara Independent, Inc. No part may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. A stamped, self-addressed envelope must accompany all submissions expected to be returned. The Independent is available on the internet at independent.com. Press run of the Independent is 25,000 copies. Audited certification of circulation is available on request. The Independent is a legal adjudicated newspaper — court decree no. 157386. ISSN 2834-3174 (Print) ISSN 2834-3204 (Online) Contact information: 1715 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 PHONE (805) 965-5205; FAX (805) 965-5518 EMAIL news@independent.com, letters@independent.com, advertising@independent.com Staff email addresses can be found at independent.com/about-us

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE INDY STAFF

TABLE of CONTENTS

Volume 40 #2040, Dec. 24-31, 2025

MACDUFF EVERTON

COVER STORY

PEACE ON EARTH Seventeen College Degrees, and Still Learning by Izadora Hamm

NEWS..................................................... 7

COURTESY PHOTOS

Editor in Chief Marianne Partridge Publisher Brandi Rivera Executive Editor Nick Welsh Senior Editor Tyler Hayden Senior Writer Matt Kettmann Associate Editor Jackson Friedman Opinions Editor Jean Yamamura Arts, Culture, and Community Editor Leslie Dinaberg Calendar Editor Terry Ortega Calendar Assistant Isabella Venegas News Reporters Ryan P. Cruz, Callie Fausey, Ella Heydenfeldt Senior Arts Writer Josef Woodard Mickey Flacks Fund Fellow Christina McDermott Copy Chief Tessa Reeg Copy Editor Nathan Vived Sports Editor Victor Bryant Web Content Manager Don Brubaker Social Media Coordinator Maya Johnson Food Writer George Yatchisin Travel Writers Macduff Everton, Mary Heebner Art Director Xavier Pereyra Associate Production Manager Bianca Castro Graphic Designers Leah Brewer, Diego Melgoza Columnists Dennis Allen, Gail Arnold, Sara Caputo, Christine S. Cowles, Laura Gransberry, Betsy J. Green, Shannon Kelley, Austin Lampson, Melinda Palacio, Cheri Rae, Hugh Ranson, Amy Ramos, Starshine Roshell Contributors Ingrid Bostrom, Rob Brezsny, Cynthia Carbone Ward, Ben Ciccati, Cheryl Crabtree, John Dickson, Roger Durling, Camille Garcia, Chuck Graham, Keith Hamm, Rebecca Horrigan, Gareth Kelly, Kevin McKiernan, Zoë Schiffer, David Starkey, Ethan Stewart, Brian Tanguay, Tom Tomorrow, Kevin Tran, Jatila Van der Veen, Isabelle Walker, Maggie Yates, John Zant Director of Advertising Sarah Sinclair Marketing and Promotions Administrator Richelle Boyd Advertising Representatives Suzanne Cloutier, Bryce Eller, Ariana Hugo, Tonea Songer, Scott Maio Digital Marketing Specialist Graham Brown Business Operations and Accounting Manager Erin Lynch Office Manager/Legal Advertising Tanya Spears Guiliacci Distribution Gregory Hall Interns Alice Dehghanzadeh, Nataschia Hadley, Izadora Hamm, Emily Vesper Columnist Emeritus Barney Brantingham Photography Editor Emeritus Paul Wellman Founding Staff Emeriti George Delmerico, Richard Evans, Camille Cimini Fruin, Laszlo Hodosy, Scott Kaufman Honorary Consigliere Gary J. Hill Indy Kids Bella and Max Brown; Elijah Lee, Amaya Nicole, and William Gene Bryant; Henry and John Poett Campbell; Emilia Imojean Friedman; Rowan Gould; Finley James Hayden; Ivy Danielle Ireland; Madeline Rose and Mason Carrington Kettmann

OPINIONS..........................................12 Angry Poodle Barbecue . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

OBITUARIES.................................... 14 In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

THE WEEK........................................23 ARTS LIFE .........................................27 LIVING ..................................................31 FOOD & DRINK............................ 34 Restaurant Guy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

ASTROLOGY ...................................37 CLASSIFIEDS................................. 38 ON THE COVER: Old Mission Santa Barbara. Photo by Macduff Everton. Design by Xavier Pereyra.

Clockwise from top, Team Indy gathers for the Book of Santa Barbara shoot, and staff members Brandi Rivera, Leslie Dinaberg, and Don Brubaker share some of their family holiday traditions.

It’s never easy to get the Indy staff all together in one spot, especially if taking a photo is involved. But earlier this year, Macduff Everton got us together for a shot in the second Book of Santa Barbara, pulling us from the office and putting a smile on our faces for the photo. The Indy staff wishes you and yours a most joyous and happy holiday season. You can head to independent.com/abouttheindy to read about our staff’s favorite holiday traditions and hobbies.

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WINTER

AT THE

SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART ON VIEW THROUGH JANUARY 25, 2026

This exhibition is organized by the Dallas Museum of Art

Vincent Van Gogh, Sheaves of Wheat Painted in the final weeks of his life in the summer of 1890, Vincent van Gogh’s Sheaves of Wheat is a part of a rare late series and an embodiment of the artist’s strong emotional and spiritual connection to the rural landscape. The painting transforms a humble agricultural subject into a symbol of labor, renewal, and life’s cycles. What sets this work apart is its restraint: the composition is tightly cropped, the space compressed, bringing the viewer faceto-face with bound sheaves that verge on abstraction. Here, Van Gogh’s late style turns inward, meditating on structure and order; how energy and chaos can be gathered, tied, and held. Its power lies not in expansiveness, but in concentrated and deliberate intensity. This work is now on view at SBMA as part of The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the PURCHASE TICKETS Dallas Museum of Art.

WHAT’S ON AT SBMA

Piece by Piece: Collage & Assemblage at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

By Achilles’ Tomb: Elliott Hundley and Antiquity

Mario Giacomelli: La Gente, La Terra

Through March 22, 2026

Through June 1, 2026

Through February 15, 2026

For more exhibitions and events, visit www.sbma.net. 1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA Tuesday–Sunday 11 am–5 pm • 1st Thursdays 11 am–8 pm

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DECEMBER 24, 2025

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TOP LEFT: Vincent Van Gogh, Sheaves of Wheat (detail), July 1890. Oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art, The Wendy and Emery Reves Collection. BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT: Suchitra Mattai, the intrepid garden, 2023. Vintage saris, fabric, vintage objects made of salt, cast objects made of salt, porcelain objects, vintage shelves. SBMA, anonymous gift. © Suchitra Mattai. • Elliott Hundley, tearing flesh from the bone (detail), 2011. Wood, metal, plastic, rope, found upholstery coils, goat hooves, metal leafing, pine cones, lobster legs, feathers, and epoxy. SBMA, Gift of L. L. W. W. • Mario Giacomelli, lo non ho mani che mi accarezzino il volto (I have no hands that caress my face) from the series Pretini from the portfolio “La Gente,” 1961–1963, printed 1981. Gelatin silver print. SBMA, Gift of Arthur and Yolanda Steinman.

DEC. 18-24, 2025

NEWS of the WEEK

by RYAN P. CRUZ, CALLIE FAUSEY, JACKSON FRIEDMAN, TYLER HAYDEN, ELLA HEYDENFELDT, CHRISTINA McDERMOTT, NICK WELSH, and JEAN YAMAMURA

HOMELESSNESS

NEWS BRIEFS

Longest Night Remembers 69 Deaths

ANIMALS

Powerful Holiday Storm Bears Down on County

ith a major winter storm set to arrive during peak holiday travel, forecasters are warning that Santa Barbara County faces heightened risk of flood and debris flow.. After a significant storm soaked the region last month, creeks still contain the storm’s remnants, and soils are saturated. These conditions increase the likelihood of flooding as well as infrastructure and vegetation movement as another powerful system moves in. “We’re starting tomorrow evening with heavier rain impacting the area,” said Kristan Lund, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Los Angeles, on Monday. “The main story is that it’s going to be pretty dangerous conditions. It’s going to be a lot of rain—very heavy rainfall—especially if any convection forms, which could include thunderstorms.” A Flood Watch and High Wind Watch went into effect for Santa Barbara County on Tuesday and were scheduled to last through 10 p.m. Wednesday—though forecasters say

that window will likely be extended. “That means there could be flash flooding anywhere,” Lund said. “This could impact roads. We could see road closures. Streams could flood. Even some houses may have water coming in.” While the storm is not expected to approach the scale of the 2018 Montecito debris flow, there is still risk of debris movement, particularly around recent burns scars and in canyons and steep terrain. On Monday evening, the Sheriff 's Office issued an evacuation warning for properties associated with the Lake Fire burn scar, a warning that the sheriff said may be upgraded to an evacuation order or a shelter in place order. “We could see rockfalls, land movement in any canyon—not just around burn scars,” Lund said. The storm is forecast to persist through Christmas Day, with multiple pulses of heavy rain and gusty winds. According to the National Weather Service, rainfall totals

could reach 4–8 inches along the coast and valleys, with 6–12 inches in the foothills and mountains over the course of the storm. “That’s a lot of rain in about four days,” Lund said. Peak rainfall rates could exceed half an inch per hour, and gusts may reach 40 miles per hour into Wednesday. “Power outages are possible, especially with the wet soils and potential downed trees,” Lund said. “This is going to be a pretty dangerous situation, especially on those low-lying and hazardous roads. It’s holiday travel, and people might not know the area very well. Really be cautious. Make sure your phone’s charged. Make sure you’re getting alerts.” The storm is expected to gradually taper off Friday, though scattered showers may linger into the weekend. Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts at ReadySBC.org, monitor forecasts from the National Weather Service, and avoid rivers, creeks, beach bluffs, and flooded roadways. —Ella Heydenfeldt

For the latest news and longer versions of many of these stories, visit independent.com/news.

Firefighters may have the classic reputation for rescuing cats from trees. But on Sunday morning in Orcutt, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department saved a much wilder creature: a live great horned owl lodged in the grille of a car. The unusual call came from a homeowner on the 1000 block of Amethyst Drive, who noticed the bird trapped inside the front of their vehicle. The exact moment the owl became wedged is unknown, but it may have happened the previous day. Firefighters responded around 9:30 a.m. and worked alongside County Animal Control to carefully extract the injured female bird, which was placed gently into a box and kept calm and secure to be transported to the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network.

EDUCATION Teachers from all over South County have posted on Nextdoor and Donors Choose asking the public to help fund special classroom upgrades and basic supplies such as paintbrushes. Aimee Kielborn, a 5th-grade teacher at Washington Elementary, said she usually pays for these items out of pocket. “The last thing I want to do is ask my [students’] families for the money,” she said. “It’s the holidays, and I don’t want to take away from that.” She said her last project on Donors Choose for modeling clay and new paintbrushes was fully funded and she’s now working to raise a little more than $200 for a waterwise garden for her students, amid multiple other teachers’ campaigns from schools including Hollister Elementary and Peabody Charter School. See Santa Barbara’s teacher profiles on DonorsChoose.org.

HOUSING E M I LY V E S P E R

CONT’D ON PAGE 8

PUBLIC SAFETY

INGRID BOSTROM

by Nick Welsh nder the gathering sky of the longest night of the year, about 75 people gathered beneath the archway of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse to call out the names of 69 homeless people who died in Santa Barbara in the past year. One of the names called out was that of Timothy John Largent, a 31-year-old from Bakersfield who apparently succumbed to an overdose of fentanyl. Longtime homeless and mental health advocate Wayne Martin Mellinger dedicated his poem “I Saw the Best Souls of My City”—a clear riff on Allen Ginsberg’s beat classic “Howl”—to Largent’s death. According to Mellinger, Largent “just wanted one night when his skull About 75 people gathered beneath the archway of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for the Longest Night Memorial on Sunday, wasn’t screaming … one night of rest December 21, 2025. without terror scratching the inside of his skull.” Instead, said Mellinger, Largent eighth and last candle of his Hanukkah lamp, mostly, he said, people should just reach out found death at the bottom of Mission Creek, marking the eighth night of Hanukkah. “This to people on the streets. is what we do this time of year,” Child said. “It’s so easy to show someone you care,” where his heart stopped beating. This year’s incantation of the names marks “We show light.” he said. “You can just say, ‘Hi. How are you the 13th time such a ceremony—about as Also blessing the event was a Tibetan Bud- doing?’ Or better yet, “‘Hi, I’m Bob.’ ” ecumenical and multidenominational as dhist, a Muslim Imam, and a couple of ChrisThe number 69 is derived from the best any held within city limits—has been held. tian ministers. There was much talk of love, recollections of those in the trenches of “Thirteen years is long enough,” Mellinger dignity, compassion, redemption, dignity, homeless services and people they work stated before launching into a partial recita- and more love. with; it is not an official statistic. During the tion of his 18-minute poem. People should Father Bob Fox urged those in atten- ceremony, for example, about four additional not be criminalized for merely existing, he dance to donate to organizations helping the names were shouted out. For years, the said. homeless, to educate themselves on what’s County of Santa Barbara tracked homeless Cantor Mark Childs said when he went happening at the City Council and Board deaths, but in recent years, that function has home later that night, he would light the of Supervisors and agitate accordingly. But reportedly been discontinued, so reliably

S COT T S A F E C H U C K / S A N TA B A R B A R A CO U N T Y F I R E

Dozens Gather at Courthouse for 13th Annual Ceremony

S.B. County’s Housing Authority hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Heritage Ridge, a 104-unit affordable housing development in Goleta, on 12/19. It was a milestone occasion for a project that has been in development for more than a decade. “Welcome to the biggest affordable housing project in the city of Goleta’s history,” Goleta City Councilmember James Kyriaco announced to cheers and applause. Heritage Ridge, located east of Los Carneros Road and north of Camino Vista, will host 41 units for low-income seniors, 63 units for low-income households, 57 units for homeless or formerly homeless households, and five units for veterans. An additional 228 market-rate units will also be constructed. Heritage Ridge will also feature a two-acre public park designed with input from members of the Barbareño Band of Chumash Indians. CONT’D ON PAGE 9

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little barber shop near the corner of Mission and State Street is lighting up the holiday season with its oldfashioned storefront displays, something that the shop owner, Henry Franco, has been doing for 30 years straight. Franco opened up Members Only Barber Shop (known simply as MOBS) back in 1995 with a focus on giving a classic shaving experience that’s hard to find nowadays. His annual Christmas displays come from that same love for the traditions of the past, when storefronts would be transformed into pieces of a winter wonderland. He creates a new design each year, utilizing the entire shore- Henry Franco, who specializes in the old-fashioned classic barber front and interior, from the floor services, celebrated his shop’s 30th anniversary on Mission Street to the roof. One year, his display this year. featured a polar bear in pajamas; for this year’s design, he said he anniversary, and it gives his customers wanted to get “back to the essentials” with something extra to enjoy while coming a Santa Claus theme. in for a trim. “Christmas is not what it used to be,” It’s also for a good cause. This year, Franco said. “I just want to bring back Franco partners with Toys for Tots to take some of that joy. I enjoy the smiles it donations for children in need. Any cusbrings people, and I love to watch all the tomer who donates a new, unwrapped toy will get 50 percent off a service through people stopping by to take pictures.” Franco’s barber shop was a perennial the month of December. frontrunner for the former Downtown “I love to do this for people,” Franco Organization’s annual decorating contest. said in front of his shop showing off this He proudly displays the awards from past year’s display. designs in his shop, next to paintings of —Ryan P. Cruz old displays gifted to him by local artists. He said he’s happy to keep up the tra- For more info, including holiday shop hours, dition after celebrating the shop’s 30th visit membersonlybarbershop.com.

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documented numbers are not available. Mellinger said he has been told that service will be reinstated. Either way, such determinations are not always easy. People who’ve been a homeless a long time sometimes die shortly upon securing housing. It is apparently an epidemiological phenomenon. But tracking down such numbers is challenging. Sunday’s ceremony comes at a time when the rules surrounding federal funding for homeless services—about $5 million a year to Santa Barbara County and its care providers—is very much up in the air. Grant deadlines get changed at the last minute. But one thing’s for certain; the status quo is dead, and there will be far less funding available for people needing permanent housing. In downtown Santa Barbara, the PATH homeless shelter on Cacique Street — a perennial disappointment to operators, guests, and neighbors alike — has just been purchased by the City of Santa Barbara and an interim new care provider has been selected. That purchase, however, is just the beginning of a far more expansive — if still ill-defined — plan to create a more inte-

CONT’D FROM P.7 grated homeless housing and treatment hub in its stead. Things are moving. City Hall’s efforts to find a new operator for the homeless day center located on lower Chapala Street appear to have been stymied by lack of interest by anyone other than the existing operator, S.B. ACT. It also appears that the differences that center’s management had with its immediate neighbors have been resolved. Visitors are now welcome by referral only; this has reduced the number of visitors by more than half, now down to about 35. In addition, the center’s warm meal program was abandoned and replaced with brown bag lunches, and the needle exchange program was eliminated altogether. In the meantime, the Father Virgil Cordano Day Center—located near Hollister Avenue and Highway 154 — is handling about 100 people a day. The current center, located near a gun shop, a liquor store, a smoke shop, and a massage parlor, is not big enough to meet the demand, and the center’s operator, St. Vincent’s, is embarking upon a $10 million fundraising campaign to build a new day center plus 66 units of new housing on a nearby property. n

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NEWS of the WEEK CONT’D

Feds Green-Light Sable Pipeline Restart

G L E N N B A LT Z

ENERGY

hree days before Christmas, the federal agency responsible for pipeline safety, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), issued Sable Offshore a notably brief letter granting the company authorization to restart Sable’s two offshore pipelines that have been at the heart of the prolonged and bitter regulatory battle putting the Houston-based oil company with a myriad of state oversight agencies. At issue has been the safety Exxon/Sable’s Santa Ynez Unit includes platforms Harmony, Hondo, and and reliability of repairs the Heritage. Restarting the unit would add to the largest source of pollution company made without per- in Santa Barbara County. mits of a badly corroded pipeline that sprung a major leak four miles of pipeline that traverse Gaviota in May 2015 along the Gaviota Coast. That State Park. Mostly, she is reaching out to leak effectively shut down all oil production other government agencies to encourage along the coast. them to defend their rights in court. The Monday’s action by PHMSA comes on most obvious of these would be Attorney the heels of last Wednesday’s decision by General Bonta’s office, which according to the same federal agency to take regulatory off-the-record sources, has been contacted authority for restarting the pipeline away and expressed an eager interest in taking from the state agency — the Office of the the case. State Fire Marshal — that since 2016 had Among the county supervisors, howbeen vested with safety oversight authority ever, it’s not clear what their legal options over the pipeline. In so doing, PHMSA had are, and it appears doubtful that the superacted in response to a request from Sable visors have the votes needed to wage a Offshore, which owns and has repaired daunting court fight. the corroded pipelines, to give the federal Among the bigger investors that have agency the last word on pipeline safety. been bird-dogging Sable with a jaundiced As of Tuesday morning, no officials with eye, there’s skepticism that the PHMSA the County of Santa Barbara or the State of approval really is the green light it might California appeared to know whether Sable appear. Such news, they claim, should normally trigger a major jump in Sable’s has already recommenced production. Linda Krop, lead attorney with the Envi- stock values. Right now, Sable is selling for ronmental Defense Center contended the little more than $10 a share, up from $8 the restart approval is illegal on its face because day before. But with news seemingly this it flies in the face of the consent decree man- dramatic, they have expressed surprise date that the Fire Marshal must make for it’s not much more. The investors, they any restart approval. She added that Sable have suggested, must know something. —Nick Welsh still has to secure new easement rights on

BRIEFS COMMUNITY Before sunrise on December 11, 15-year-old Santa Barbara High School student Axel Wright paddled a prone board 22 miles from Santa Cruz Island to Ventura Harbor, raising nearly $8,000 for DignityMoves, a nonprofit supporting unhoused residents. “I was seeing the islands and I’d be like, ‘Man, that’d be really cool to paddle,’ ” Wright said. “Then, I always saw a lot of homeless people when I was downtown. I just really thought that I could do something to help.” His GoFundMe campaign remains active: gofundme.com/f/paddling-for-santa-barbara. Santa Barbara Volleyball Club announced plans for a dedicated youth sports facility and indoor gym, which is slated to be built on property leased from the County of Santa Barbara on Hollister Avenue. The new gym is in the planning stages, following the approval of the lease by the County Board of Supervisors last week. The project is intended to tackle a shortage of indoor space

CONT’D FROM P.7 for youth sports and allow the Santa Barbara Volleyball and similar organizations to keep expanding access for youth sports activities. The new facility will be primarily funded through grants and private donations. See santabarbaravolleyballclub.com. Lou Cannon, one of the great silverbacks of American journalism and a longtime resident of Summerland, died last week at age 92 of a stroke while in hospice care. Nationally, Cannon is perhaps best known for the five books he wrote on Ronald Reagan — from Reagan’s days as governor of California to his two terms in the White House. During his more than 45-year career as a journalist, he spent 26 years as White House correspondent for the Washington Post. In 2007, Cannon wrote a commentary in the Los Angeles Times and the Santa Barbara Independent, lending his professional credibility and gravitas to the News-Press journalists resigning en masse to protest against owner Wendy P. McCaw’s newsroom intrusions. CONT’D ON PAGE 11

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DEC. 18-24, 2025

HOUSING

Goleta Takes First Step to Save Senior Mobile Home Park

ucked down toward the end of Pine and Rutherford Street in Old Town Goleta, neat rows of mobile homes form a quiet community. University Mobile Home Park operates as a mobile home park for seniors, offering lots and trailers for modest rent. Now, with new management, rent is slated to increase and the park may lose its senior designation. Last week, Goleta’s City Council weighed in, ultimately voting to direct staff to draw up a senior housing overlay ordinance, which would preserve the ages 55+ status of the park. On October 30, said Senior Housing Analyst Lucy Graham, park residents received a set of rule changes—including opening the park to all ages—and a rent increase. The changes came from Harmony Community Inc, the park’s new management. Harmony Community proposed increasing the rent by 59 percent for the land the mobile home parks sit on. Harmony said that it was increasing rent due to the need to cover the rising cost of insurance, utilities, property taxes, and maintenance. University Mobile Home Park’s residents negotiated with Harmony for a staggered increase for a total of $150 per month over five years. But whether the park will open to all-ages

or remain for seniors remains unresolved between the two parties. Councilmember James Kyriaco represents the district that includes University Mobile Home Park. At the City Council’s December 16 meeting, he made the motion for the staff to start drawing up the senior housing overlay. Kyriaco said low-income seniors are a growing group of the homeless population and that he thought they should preserve existing housing stock. Four of five of Goleta’s councilmembers voted for staff to create an ordinance. The dissenting vote came from Councilmember Stuart Kasdin. He said he was not sure why, specifically, the senior housing that the mobile home park provides needed to be preserved with urgency as low-income families were also in high need of affordable housing. Harmony Communities Inc. has a history of engagement in lawsuits over mobile home parks. Santa Barbara County is currently in court with Harmony over its emergency senior mobile home park ordinance, which it implemented after Harmony took over management for Del Cielo Mobile Estates in Orcutt. —Christina McDermott

BUSINESS

Showdown over Harbor Restaurant

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sizable showdown is brewing over the fate of the much-revamped Harbor Restaurant — the mothership of all restaurants to open their doors to customers on Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf since 1941. Two weeks ago, John Thyne III, one of the restaurant’s new owners—not to mention a major buyer and seller of real estate and an up-to-his-elbows attorney in town—sued City Hall, claiming that the terms of the lease are unconscionably onerous and egregiously impossible for anyone hoping to make a go of it. Two years into his ownership, Thyne claims that the fine print of the lease, which was negotiated and agreed to by a prior owner, is adjusted upward every year and never goes down despite declining market realities. He has sought and failed to renegotiate those terms with City Hall. Talks have occurred but no changes got made, so Thyne is hoping a judge will intervene and help reform the lease. For good measure, he added highly creative arguments into his filing papers. For example, he blames City Hall for letting the Funk Zone explode commercially unimpeded, failing to solve the homeless problem, and allowing a proliferation of problems that have undermined the commercial viability of anyone trying to do business on the waterfront. While such arguments are certainly colorful, they are not the core of his case. The core is that Thyne—one of three partners in the Harbor—is now charged 20 percent of his restaurant proceeds in rent, which if not “unconscionable” is certainly unsustainable. For large behemoths such as the Harbor,

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John Thyne III and Olesya Thyne at the renovated Harbor Restaurant

the waterfront is an especially difficult place to stay financially afloat. Only the most skilled, experienced, and deep-pocketed of such large operators survive. City Administrator Kelly McAdoo termed Thyne’s lawsuit “meritless,” stating she and other high-ranking city officials negotiated with Thyne in good faith. She noted that the Harbor, which underwent a major makeover under Thyne’s assumption of control, is now $650,000 in arrears in his rent. Thyne confirmed that he has been served with an eviction notice. He said it’s his intention to petition Judge Colleen Sterne to have the two cases combined; at that point, he said, he hopes both sides can come to terms. In the meantime, he said, the Harbor is doing much brisker business, selling the best seafood in town, and on its way to creating a scene that draws locals as well as —Nick Welsh visitors.

COURTS & CRIME

NEWS of the WEEK CONT’D

Melodee Buzzard’s Body Recovered, Mother Arrested

aw enforcement has recovered the body of Melodee Buzzard, the missing 9-year-old Vandenberg Village girl, and arrested Melodee’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard. Ahead of a press conference on December 23, KEYT News reported that Melodee’s paternal grandmother, Lilly Denes, shared this news with the station. Santa Barbara County Sheriff ’s Office began investigating Melodee’s disappearance on October 14, after an employee of Lompoc Unified School District reported that Melodee had not been attending school. Melodee and her mother, Buzzard, visited Mission Valley Independent Study School in August to register Melodee, according to the school district. The school district said that Melodee was later referred to her local school, most likely nearby Buena Vista Elementary. Mission Valley said the school does this when a family fails to pick up assignments. It is unclear

the exact timeline for reporting Melodee’s long absence to law enforcement. Law enforcement, later joined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, determined that Buzzard had rented a car and left with Melodee on October 7. Santa Barbara County Sheriff ’s office said in press releases that Buzzard drove to the Nebraska area and then back, with Melodee’s last sighting near the Utah–Colorado border on October 9. Buzzard switched license plates and wore wigs on the trip. Melodee is also seen wearing a wig in surveillance footage from the rental car business on October 7. Reporting from ABC News says that Melodee’s body was recovered in the Utah area in early December, and that she was likely dead before the missing person investigation began. After receiving DNA results from Melodee’s body, law enforcement arrested Buzzard on Tuesday. —Christina McDermott

BRIEFS PUBLIC SAFETY A 69-year-old man was rescued early 12/20 from beneath Cold Spring Bridge after his car rolled into a ditch off Highway 154 and he descended nearly 200 feet through steep terrain, sustaining moderate injuries. Emergency crews used a rope rescue system to lower the man down to Cold Springs Road, where he was transported by ground ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with what county fire officials described as minor to moderate injuries. According to Officer Gutierrez of the California Highway Patrol, the man had been driving a blue Honda that “rolled backwards down the hill into the ditch. They got out and then rolled down the ditch then called fire to transfer to hospital.”The incident remains under investigation. A Santa Barbara neighborhood was briefly evacuated 12/17 after a homeowner discovered what were later confirmed to be inert World War II–era explosives. According to a statement from the Santa Barbara Police Department, officers responded to the 1500 block of Veronica Place around 5:30 p.m., after the property owner, while working in the attic, came across two suspicious objects believed to have been inside the residence “for decades.” SBPD requested assistance from the County Bomb Squad. After the devices were confirmed to be military ordnance, the Vandenberg Space Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was also called in and “took possession of the two objects,” police said. By approximately 8 p.m., the road was reopened and evacuated residents were cleared to return to their homes. A man was killed 12/17 after his vehicle plunged approximately 300 feet down a steep embankment off Figueroa Mountain Road near Santa Ynez, according to officials with the California Highway Patrol and County Fire. The crash was reported around 4:40 p.m., when the San Luis Obispo Communications Center received an iPhone crash notification in the remote area northeast of the Figueroa campground. Responding officers from the CHP Buellton Area located an overturned Jeep Gladiator off the side of the road. The driver, who was the vehicle’s sole occupant, was trapped inside. Officers and a California State Parks ranger extricated the man and initiated CPR, but he was pronounced

CONT’D FROM P.9 dead at scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the CHP Buellton Area office at (805) 691-6160. A single-vehicle rollover crash blocked part of Bath Street on 12/17 after a Honda CRV clipped a parked delivery van, flipping over and landing on its roof. The collision happened at approximately 7:25 p.m. on the 1200 block of Bath Street, just north of Anapamu Street. According to Santa Barbara Police Department spokesperson Sergeant Bryan Kerr, the incident involved “a single vehicle into a parked, unoccupied vehicle” and no other people were involved. “The sole occupant was uninjured and declined medical treatment,” Kerr said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and there was no indication of DUI, Kerr confirmed.

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COURTS & CRIME A driver was arrested for DUI on 12/18 after crashing into four unoccupied parked vehicles, including a classic Chevrolet Corvair, on the 1400 block of San Miguel Avenue in Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood, according to Santa Barbara Police. “When officers arrived, they contacted the driver of the vehicle, who was exhibiting symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol,” said Sergeant Bryan Kerr, a spokesperson with the Santa Barbara Police Department. The driver was arrested at the scene following a DUI investigation and booked in county jail. Nearly 18 months after the hit-and-run death of 39-year-old Juan Lopez, the driver who fled the scene has been sentenced to two years in state prison. Brock Alexander Hoffman, 57, was sentenced on 12/16 after pleading no contest last month to one felony count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death or serious permanent injury. The fatal collision occurred on June 29, 2024, near the intersection of Cliff Drive and Loma Alta. Lopez was crossing the street when Hoffman struck him and left the scene without calling 9-1-1. Lopez died on impact, according to testimony from law enforcement. Hoffman turned himself in to the police five days after the crash and was later charged in September 2024. He remained out of custody until his sentencing, when he was remanded and taken into custody to begin serving his term. n

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ANGRY POODLE BARBECUE

Put Another Yule Dog on the Fire I’M DREAMING OF A WET CHRISTMAS: The last time

I went to Mass on Christmas, I was good and drunk. It was Midnight Mass at the Old Mission and the year was 1989. With me at the time was my brother Josh; he was drunk too. He had just gotten his PhD in philosophy. To celebrate, we’d just gone to the movie Road House, where the main character, played to perfection by the pulchritudinous Patrick Swayze, was a badass bar-house bouncer with a philosophy degree. Somewhere along the way, alcohol was bound to get involved. I’m not sure we learned anything about the birth of the baby Jesus. But we were reminded how delicious repressed laughter can be. Except for us, it wasn’t repressed at all. There is another word for it. Obnoxious. And we were especially so. Either way, the Mission was packed. I seem to remember there being an overflow room. I seem to also remember being struck by a woman in tight, shiny, black leather pants. The air itself seemed to sweat. At some point, the priest got around to his sermon; he took the opportunity to inveigh against what he called “Christmas Catholics.” My brother and I doubled over. We were weeping. Couldn’t this guy read a room? Everyone there was a Christmas Catholic. The angrier he got, the funnier we found it. Yes, he was right. But just because something is true is hardly reason enough to say it. Back then, I still had a bone to pick with the church. Nine years of Catholic school might do that. Somewhere along the way, I became fixated on the idea of religion as an instrument of social control. Today, I might ask my younger self, “And that’s a bad thing because …?” I guess the answer will always depend upon who is being

controlled, at what expense, and for whose benefit. Back then, we had a Polish Pope for whom the dictatorship of the proletariat had been the ideological fig leaf

for his country’s imperial subjugation by what our country’s 40th president, Ronald Reagan — and also a former parttime Santa Barbara resident — termed “The Evil Empire.” Those, no doubt, were more innocent times. Today, by contrast, President Number 45 and 47 is all but giving the reincarnation of that Evil Empire a blank check. But I digress. Little surprise that the Pope back then was so hostile to anything smacking of “Liberation Theology” in Central America, where the United States was happily funding every tin-horn dictator and death-squad comandante fluent in the bloody rhetoric of anti-communism.

Even so and even then, things weren’t quite that simple. I, of all people, should have appreciated that. When I worked as a tenant union organizer in a previous incarnation — at which I was utterly abysmal, by the way — the Catholic Church paid my salary. In fact, the Catholic Church was at that time — and probably still today — one of the largest single donors to nonprofit organizations in the country

engaged in grassroots social-justice organizing. It runs an outfit called the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, which is funded by all the money collected in American Catholic churches on one Sunday of the year. This year, I think it gave away close to $12 million. Not a lot these days, admittedly, but still not nothing either. This inconvenient fact has conveniently escaped the notice of all those right-tilting people who have turned their hatred for George Soros — and all the social-justice crusaders trying to get the poor a seat at the table — into a drinking game.

I know no one needs a political disquisition right now. But did you know that St. Nicholas of Myra — the third-century Turkish guy after whom Santa Claus was named — was a rich guy who secretly gave away his money to the poor? We are told he snuck into the homes of three girls facing lives of prostitution and dropped off the gold needed for dowries so they could get married instead. And perhaps most grisly, St. Nicholas saved three young boys whose bodies had been chopped up by evil innkeepers and stashed away in their respective salt cellars to be served to unsuspected travelers for supper. Somehow — miraculously, you might say — St. Nicholas brought them back to life. If you ever wondered why Christmas is celebrated December 25, you should. To the extent there’s any evidence, Jesus was likely born sometime in March, April, or May . There’s no evidence to suggest December 25. Typically, in December in that part of the world, it was too cold for the shepherds to have been out in the fields, like the Bible says they were. The idea of Christmas falling on December 25 wouldn’t surface until hundreds of years after Jesus’s death. One theory holds that the early Christians strategically fused the birth of Christ’s celebration onto a popular pagan festival known as Saturnalia

that happened to fall on that same day. Smart branding. During Saturnalia, Romans dispensed of their togas and wore brightly colored clothes instead. They draped green boughs everywhere, gave each other gifts. Oh, and the other things? During Saturnalia, slaves would no longer serve their masters; their masters would serve the slaves. Everyone was equal, excepting women, of course. Maybe I’ll hit this year’s Midnight Mass. This time, I’ll —Nick Welsh try not to be so obnoxious.

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Letters

Planned Chaos

n a rare moment of clarity, U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy stepped in to stop HUD’s latest assault on the American people — a last‑minute attempt to rewrite the rules for $4 billion in federal homelessness funding. The scheme, rolled out in the dead of winter, would have pulled the rug out from under housing providers nationwide. The likely result? More people back on the streets, followed by finger‑pointing and press releases. Revolution‑ ary stuff. HUD marketed this “Big Ugly Plan” as a move toward “efficiency.” In practice, it mirrored the worst instincts of bad governance: announcing sweeping changes with almost no notice, yanking them just hours before a court hearing, and confessing that the new version still wasn’t ready. As Judge McEl‑ roy noted, the chaos didn’t feel accidental. It felt intentional. For decades, the evidence has been clear — per‑ manent housing works. It keeps families stable, reduces ER visits, and saves money compared to endlessly cycling people through shelters, jails, and hospitals. So, naturally, HUD decided it had to go. The agency’s vision? Transitional programs that require work or treatment, rooted in the old myth that homelessness is a moral failure, not an economic one. Even better, the proposal included a built‑in loy‑ alty test. Communities could be denied funding if they refused to mirror the political agenda of the man in the big blue suit and red tie — on immigra‑ tion, DEI, or transgender rights. Local housing pro‑ viders were left scrambling to “reclassify” projects overnight. HUD officials insisted they were merely fol‑ lowing presidential “directives.” Judge McElroy gently reminded them that Congress — not the president — writes the law. The injunction may be temporary, but for more than 170,000 people — families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities — it means stability for now. Still, this wasn’t a bureaucratic blunder. What is clear is this president doesn’t care about the needs of the people or judges’ orders. —Greg Ortiz, Commissioner, S.B. County Housing Authority

Bunker Fuel

s a former resident of Santa Barbara and retired Merchant Mariner, I’d like to comment on Mike Stoker’s November 25 op‑ed “History Is Unfortunately About to Repeat Itself,” concerning the opposition to reopening Sable Oil’s pipeline.

I worked on oil tankers. Their engines burn “bun‑ ker fuel” for power and locomotion. Bunker fuel is the utter end of the oil refining process. It is a viscous, horribly toxic goo, thick enough to walk upon until it is heated enough to liquefy and then burn in a ship’s engines. Bunker fuel contains, among other contaminants, more than 5,000 times the sulphur that is in gasoline. A single tanker burning bunker fuel produces pol‑ lution equivalent to 50 million automobiles. That is how awful the stuff is. So, do you want the same as 150 million autos per day (three tankers) traversing the Santa Bar‑ bara Channel and stopping to load up a cargo from an offshore storage and treatment facility? Or does a pipeline sound more reasonable? Think of what those ocean breezes could be carrying. —Stephen C. Dubinsky, Santa Fe, NM

Were You Married in Santa Barbara County in 2025? We Want to Hear from You! Share stories of your wedding with the Santa Barbara Independent — from how you got together and who proposed, all the way to your big day. Tell us what were your choices for venue, colors, clothes, ceremony, and reception? What worked out, what didn’t, and any and all unexpected events–happy or otherwise. We are planning the 2026 Santa Barbara Independent Wedding Guide, which will be published in Early 2026. We are looking to celebrate the weddings that have happened in Santa Barbara County. Send us your story and share your wedding photos to weddings@independent.com. Be sure to let us know how to contact you.

Christmas Prayer from Palestine (Sung to the tune of “Away in a Manger”) Far ’way in an old tent a baby is born, The little boy, Omar, one cold Christmas morn. Dark eyes from above him peer down where he lay, The little boy Omar asleep on some hay. His parents so frightened for their baby boy. They prayed for his coming. He brings them such joy. Their hearts are both warmed by the peace on his face. A peace for their people, the whole human race. Be near us dear Omar. We ask you to stay close by us, to bless us, whenever we pray. “Save all the dear children with your tender care, and keep them from danger,” is our Christmas Prayer. —Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria

For the Record ¶ The caption to last week’s news story “Jewish Lead‑ ers Respond to Hanukkah Shooting” should have said the rabbi pictured was Levi Loschak and that the event took place on Sunday, December 14. We also correct, in the Chadillac Green story, the name of his partner in the George Floyd mural. It was Griffin Lounsbury. n

Santa Barbara

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obituaries

To submit obituaries for publication, please call (805) 965-5205 or email obits@independent.com

many memories with all of her grandchildren. Last but not least she leaves behind her beloved budgies Clyde (aka Dad) and Bluebell. She will be truly missed. Honoring Evey’s wishes, her family will be privately scattering her ashes.

Evelyn Boyle 1949-2025

Rhodelle Richards

12/20/1948-12/17/2024 Evelyn Boyle (Evey) passed peacefully in her sleep on Nov 20, 2025. She was born in 1949 and raised in Weymouth, Mass., and lived in Goleta and Santa Barbara from 1976 until just last year. A bookkeeper by profession, she worked for several local companies, eventually starting her own—Computer Accounting, which she ran until she retired in the 2010’s. She liked helping non-profits because she said it was her way to give back. She would joke about being a ‘bean counter,’ saying, “other people make the beans and I just count them.” Living “the good life” in Goleta for most of the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s, she enjoyed days at Sands beach, jogging, golfing (most of all) and any other activities she could give a try. She played the guitar beautifully, and She remained a diehard Boston fan even after moving, and rooted for the Pats, Sox, Bruins and Celtics. She also was a pretty darned good fantasy football player. Her love of travel took her all over the US, Ireland, Italy, cruising (in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico) and on many, many trips to Disneyland with her Grandchildren who she loved dearly. Most anyone that met her, including her clients, became her friends. Her family, friends, and neighbors considered her their favorite ‘hippie’ and She was one of those people that everyone loved as soon as they met her. Her Spirit was one-of-akind. Her positivity, good humor, lovely smile, and her deep-rooted kindness are how we who loved her will always remember her. She is predeceased by her husband, Ed Boyle and their son, Greg. She is survived by her son, Sean and his Wife Heidi Boyle; sister Carol Mulkern; and her brother Jack and his Wife Helen Webber. She leaves having made 14

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It has been one year since my beloved sister, Rhodelle, left this world. Her presence continues to surround us in the most tender ways, and her legacy of love, caring, and generosity lives on. She gave freely to her family and to every person lucky enough to know her. The hole in my heart has not closed. She was more than a sister—she was a confidant, a best friend, and a consistent source of wisdom and comfort. I miss her so very much, but even in my grief, I am comforted knowing she is in heaven with our mom and dad. Today, as we honor Rhodelle, we celebrate not just her life, but the profound love she spread. She is never far from our hearts.

John W Morrisset

02/04/1949-11/25/2025

John Wendell Morrisset, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away at his home in Valencia, CA on November 25, 2025 at age 76. Christine, his wife of 54 years, and his daughter Jennifer were there at his side. Both of John’s children, their spouses, and all his grandchildren were able to visit him many times before his passing. John, the oldest of three siblings, was born February 4,1949 in Pensacola, Florida to Marine Officer Marion Wendell Morrisset and

DECEMBER 24, 2025

his loving wife Jeanne. After living the first 8 years of his life in New Jersey where he especially loved accompanying his maternal grandfather to Yankee baseball games, John’s family moved to California. In 1967 he graduated from Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach where he managed to letter in track, basketball, baseball, and football. A superb athlete, his talent served him well in all areas of his life. In the fall, he became a student at USC on a Navy ROTC Scholarship. While there, he was not only an honor student but played for the USC Baseball Team under the tutelage of the world-renowned baseball coach Rod Dedeaux. They were the NCAA champions 3 out of the 4 years John played on the team. While at USC, John met the love of his life, Christine, and they were married before they graduated. Upon graduation, John was commissioned as a Supply Corp Ensign in the US Navy. Being sent to Western Australia for 2 ½ years was the most exciting tour that John had with Christine by his side. After seven honorable years of service to our country, John decided to separate as a lieutenant from the Navy while on his last tour at Alameda in the Bay Area. Wanting to put his Finance/Investment degree from USC to work, he went to Golden Gate University and got a master’s degree in Advanced Taxation followed by passing the CPA exam on his first try. He worked for Touche Ross in San Francisco until 1982 when he and Christine decided they wanted to move south to beautiful Santa Barbara to be closer to family and raise their children. In Santa Barbara he became a partner in the CPA firm Damitz, Brooks, Nightingale, Turner, and Morrisset and had a wonderful career there for 35 years. He also taught an Advanced Taxation Class at UCSB for 8 years. A man of integrity, determination, and quiet strength, John was, above all, a devoted and caring family man who dearly loved his son Matt and daughter Jennifer. Santa Barbara was a wonderful place to raise them, see them get married and happily welcome 7 grandkids to the family, all of whom made him so proud. John was caught by the traveling bug and traveled extensively all over the world with

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his family and friends. Tennis and golf were his sports of choice as an adult where he built many lasting friendships along the way. He was on several boards in Santa Barbara gladly giving his time and talent. A man of God, he served as Council President at Trinity Lutheran Church for a year and headed up their Finance Committee for several years. He is survived by his wife Christine, his sister Cindy Daggett (Dann), his son Matthew Morrisset (Katie), his daughter Jennifer Luna (Keith), and seven grandchildren--Tobias (Sage), Jackson, Chase, Parker, Piper, Rose, and Brooke. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Wendell and Jeanne Morrisset and his brother Richard Morrisset. A funeral service will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park located at 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA on January 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. It will be followed by a graveside service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm and will end with a Memorial Reception with dinner from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. All are welcome. An RSVP to Christine Morrisset at (805) 895-3875 would be appreciated for those who would like to attend the reception dinner. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Tunnel to Towers can be made in memory of John.

Charles W. Cappel

02/18/1944-11/27/2025

It is with deep sadness that we note the passing of Charles W. Cappel, who died peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, in Santa Ynez, California. He was 81 years old. Born on February 18, 1944, in Palm Springs, California, Charles was the son of Samuel CharlesCappel of Victoria, Texas, and Alleen Francis Cappel of San Antonio, Texas. Charles is survived by his son, Carter Pauley Cappel of Carpinteria, and his brother, Edward H. Cappel of Houston, Texas. Charles was a dedicated student and athlete attending Loyola High School in Los

Angeles graduating in 1962. It was there where he played football, baseball and was elected student body president. He went on to attend and graduate from The University of Notre Dame in 1966 where he was also the disc jockey for the school radio station. Due to his interest in the practice of law, he attended and graduated from the University of Texas Law School in 1969. It was while attending law school that he married Patricia Pauley of Los Angeles, his girlfriend of many years. After graduating from Law School, they moved to Los Angeles where Charles began the practice of Admiralty Law with the firm of Lillick McHose. He left the law firm after 15 years because of a medical disability and elected to become president of a small family oil company. It was during this time that he was invited to become a member of the Rancheros Visitadores, a men’s horseback riding group dedicated to commemorating the rich history of horsemanship and ranching in the region. This is where Charles formed lasting friendships over a 50-year period. Charles, better known as Charlie, headed up the non-profit Los Adobes Foundation for many years and was also the captain of his Rancheros camp known as the 4Q. His friends knew him as a person who was a staunch conservative and an avid sportsman. Charlie was thought of by his close friends as one of the happiest people they had ever met. He had an incredibly infectious laugh where you could not help but laugh with him. He was a voracious reader and student of history. Charlie would go off on a subject that nobody else knew anything about and he would mesmerize the room! He was highly intelligent, and he loved his Patsy, who passed away 11 years ago, as he did his son Carter, his many Rancheros friends, and of course his dog Chilli. In that the annual Rancheros ride raises money for the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara it is fitting that should anyone wish to contribute to honor Charlie’s passing that this would be an excellent choice. Their address is 601 W. Junipero Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Many will certainly miss him especially his son Carter and his brother Ed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, time and place to be determined. Continued on page 16

In Memoriam

Alexander Oakes Wood 2009–2025

JOHN ROBERT WOOD

A Son of Goleta BY J O H N W O O D A N D

LOUISA WOOD

lex rose early most days to enjoy the

quiet, pre-dawn stillness and watch the sunrise. He’d put on a beanie and wrap himself in a comfortable blanket, and he’d tuck into the best chair he could find. There was always an extra spot beside him—Alex made sure of it—for one of his brothers, should they also rise early. A thoughtful observer of all things. That was Alex. Not just sunrises. Not just woodshop projects or physics problems, or discussions about life and purpose—but of all those things, too. More than that, Alex was an observer of people, of pets. He listened way more than he spoke. He paid attention, closely. He connected with others of all ages and backgrounds. And after Alex had listened for a good long while, when he had absorbed enough to feel confident he had something worthy to offer, Alex would contribute. It almost always was positive, some appreciation of goodness or wisdom, some useful skill or knowledge, a silver lining buried in a painful development. When Alex spoke, the people who knew him listened. His words carried weight. This peaceful contentedness was remarkable considering the loud drumbeat of his family life. Alex was the second of four boys, all born within five years of each other, and the household was not quiet. It wasn’t an environment that lent itself to measured introspection. And, of course, Alex joined the fray often. He led the fray often. Throughout his life, Alex pushed his own limits, with a smile. The coast and mountains were his preferred places to be—from Goleta to Jalama, up to Gaviota Peak, and back to Red Rock and Little Pine Mountain. Off grid, immersed in natural beauty. Alexander Oakes Wood was born May 25, 2009, in New Hampshire. At three weeks, he was driven across the country to make Goleta his home. He spent nearly 16 years there, graduating from Orfalea preschool, Kellogg Elementary, and Goleta Valley Junior High. Alex died May 18, 2025, while traveling through the backcountry mountains that he loved so much. Also killed in the Highway 1 collision were fellow Santa Barbara County lifeguards Jake Curtis, 18, and Michael Ochsner, 17. Dr. Hafez Nasr and Saghar Golpayegani were severely injured. At the time of his death, Alex was finishing his sophomore year at Dos Pueblos High. He was a straight-A student with National Honors, a woodshop aide, water polo goalie, and proud member of the swim team, recently earning first place in a pair of Channel League Championship swim events. Alex was the heart of his family—warm, mischievous, and steady, moving through the world with a wisdom beyond his years. He filled the house with humor and tenderness, anchoring his family with a calm strength that felt older than his age. In those last months, the Wood home often was filled with laughter from Michael Ochsner, the best friend of Alex’s oldest brother, Owen, and an important part of Alex’s world. Their laughter echoed through the house—a bond built on joy, trust, and deep friendship. During lifeguard training, Michael and Jake had joined Alex in forming a new kind of brotherhood—three boys walking into something they believed in.

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Alex Wood, 15, riding the ridges of Gaviota that he loved so much, with Point Conception in the background

Alex was a force of nature—a surfer, swimmer, hard-charging skateboarder and snowboarder, mountain biker, backpacker, river rafter, trail runner, and burgeoning rock climber. He was just beginning to realize how much he was capable of. He loved music and played it constantly—Stick Figure, Nirvana, Mac Miller, Modest Mouse—songs that felt like sunlight to him. He’d choose the perfect playlist for skating, cooking, or simply lying on the floor, lost in sound. He also was a master of mischief. Alex once placed Pop-Its under his mother’s toilet seat. When they exploded beneath her, the cat shot out of the room and Alex’s laughter could be heard down the hall. “I set that up hours ago. I was just waiting,” he said later, still laughing. But beneath the humor was a deeply warm and kind young man. His familiar, “What’s up, big guy?” greeting, his patient listening, and his calm steadiness made people feel safe around him. He already was a protector, a guardian and a giver of peace. Even as a child, he noticed everything and everyone—offering a gentle strength and quiet love that seemed older than his years. Alex was preceded in death by his grandmother, Beth Oakes Wood, a founding mother of Goleta cityhood. He is survived by grandparents David and Deedy Jensen, and Rob and Colleen Wood; his parents; and three adoring brothers: Owen, Henry, and Miles. Each of them connected with Alex deeply. “We don’t have to wonder who Alex would have become,” said Rob Wood, Alex’s grandfather. “Because we knew it. We all saw it. Alex’s character had formed. He was a grounded and wise young man.”

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The Wood family asks that any generosity in Alex’s honor please be directed to the American Red Cross, the Gaviota Coast Conservancy, and Hospice of Santa Barbara. INDEPENDENT.COM DECEMBER 24, 2025 THE INDEPENDENT

obituaries Donald "Doc" Joseph Flanigan 12/31/1938-11/16/2025

It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved “Doc,” Donald Joseph Flanigan, MD. With profound gratitude we hold in our hearts a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, colleague, and physician. Don passed following complications from heart valve surgery on November 16, 2025. We grieve with all who loved him and whose lives were touched by his gentle and generous heart. Don was born on December 31, 1938, in Philadelphia, PA, along with his identical twin, Richard John Flanigan, MD. Born to Edward and Regina Flanigan, Don was the fourth child in a hardworking, devoted Philadelphia family. The twins were lovingly guided and inspired by their older siblings, Ted (Father Edward MM ), Maureen (Sister Regina, IHM), and Eleanor, who exemplified faithfulness to family. Don attended Saint Joseph’s University, graduating in 1960, and went on to pursue graduate studies in chemistry at Villanova University. He then attended Hahnemann Medical School in Philadelphia, PA. He completed his internship and residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, respectively. Don’s growing curiosity and interest in diagnostics led him to the University of Colorado, where he completed specialty training in radiology. He ultimately settled in Santa Barbara, CA, where he opened his private medical practice, Diagnostic Medical Imaging. For close to 40 years, Don served thousands of patients and established lifelong relationships with cherished employees and esteemed colleagues. Don joined the United States Navy (1969–1972), where he graduated from the School of Aerospace Medicine. Don was assigned as a flight surgeon to the Blue Angels in Pensacola, FL. It was within this aircrew that Don was playfully referred to as “Doc Flanigan,” a nickname that remained 16

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To submit obituaries for publication, please call (805) 965-5205 or email obits@independent.com with him and reflected both his easy nature and his love of camaraderie. Serving with this team was one of Don’s greatest honors, and he took enormous pride in serving his country in this mission of excellence with the nation’s premier aviators. An avid competitor he was especially devoted to rowing, cycling, and golf. In his early life, Don was a member of Saint Joseph’s University’s inaugural varsity rowing team in 1959. Don won the 1960 national championship with Vesper Boat Club in an eight oared shell and captured another US title in 1962 in a pair with his twin brother, Richard. He represented the United States at the 1962 World Championships in Lucerne, Switzerland, and the 1963 Pan American Games in São Paulo, Brazil. In an illustrious rowing career, he represented the United States rowing team as a three-time national champion, captured the winning title of 46 World Masters championships, won 21 United States Masters championships, and was inducted into Saint Joseph’s University’s Hall of Fame in 2004. In 1989, he initiated a cycling event known as the Monday Night Time Trial (MNTT) which just finished its 36th year. In cycling, a time trial is a race against the clock where cyclists ride solo over a set distance, starting at intervals, to achieve the fastest time. Additional in 2006, 2007 & 2008 he competed in the Race Across America (RAAM), a rigorous, transcontinental, non stop 3000 mile bike race with several of his team mates being a part of the WLPA cycling group. In 2007 they broke the finishing record with 7 days and 7 hours and maintained that record for 15 years. But perhaps for Don, he treasured his WLPA cycling group and its Saturday breakfast and ride the most, where he formed deep friendships and enjoyed countless miles of riding, coffee and conversation for more than 35 years. Beyond the bike, his contributions to the greater Santa Barbara community were exemplary and his spirit of service, humility and athleticism touched so many lives. Don was also a long time member of La Cumbre Club, where he enjoyed many tournaments, celebrated 8 holes in one. and after retirement joined Los Campaneros, a group of very accomplished golfers who met every other Thursday to play golf and socialize.

DECEMBER 24, 2025

Dr. Don “Doc” Flanigan was truly one of a kind as he brought humor, warmth, and sincerity to every moment. He was deeply proud of his family and taught by example, offering guidance, encouragement, and steadfast love. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Dianne Flanigan, whom he loved and adored with every breath. He is also survived by his loving children: Jennifer Flanigan and her wife, Leah, Melissa Flanigan, Casey Flanigan and his wife, Ashley, Nicole Paterson and her husband, Guthrie. and Shaw Talley. He is additionally survived by his grandchildren, Seamus Flanigan, Lila and Phoebe Paterson, Murphy and Mack Flanigan, and Sierra and Skyler Flanigan. He is survived by his twin brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Barbara Flanigan, his sisters, Sister Maureen Flanigan and Eleanor Flanigan and he is held in loving memory by many nieces, nephews, and the entire Flanigan clan including his former wife, Barbara Flanigan. Don was preceded in death by his brother, Father Edward Flanigan Services for Don will be held February 21st, 2026 at All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara, CA. at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow at La Cumbre Country Club from 2-5. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Joseph’s University Philadelphia, PA, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Santa Barbara Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, in Don’s honor.

William Neil Holmes 02/06/1927-12/03/2025

William “Neil" Holmes, 98, passed away peacefully in Santa Barbara on December 3, 2025. Born June 2, 1927 in New Mills, Derbyshire (England), to William and Minnie Holmes, Neil was a witty intellectual and a devoted family man, who exuded a quiet elegance that captivated everyone around him. After a frugal wartime childhood in the English Midlands, Neil served in the British Army’s Royal Welsh Fusiliers from 1946 to 1948 in the post-

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war occupation of Germany. On return to civilian life, he dedicated himself to higher education with passion, culminating in PhD and DSc degrees in Biological Science from the University of Liverpool, setting the stage for an illustrious academic journey. In 1953, Neil embarked on a visiting scholar program at Harvard University, where he met the beautiful Betty May Brown, who would become his soulmate. They promptly tied the knot in Wakefield, Massachusetts — starting a partnership spanning more than seven decades. Soon after their 1955 nuptials, Neil brought his new bride back to England, where he continued his studies at Liverpool while Betty took a post at the William Cohen Library. In short order, their first child, Susan, was born. In 1957, Neil accepted a fellowship at the University of Glasgow, soon followed by a faculty appointment to the University of British Columbia (Canada). During their seven years in Vancouver, the young family welcomed two more children, Pamela and David. In what turned out to be a remarkable stroke of good fortune, Neil was recruited to the faculty at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1964. There, they welcomed their final child, Daniel, and Santa Barbara became their beloved permanent home. For the ensuing half-century, Neil and Betty lived a charmed life in an era that may have been the heyday of the academic professional. Neil maintained very tight friendships with his colleagues, in particular a set of three from his graduate years, who also became distinguished professors in biological sciences. This enabled the Holmes family to enjoy extensive travel and sabbaticals to universities in London, Hong Kong, and Australia. Outside the university, Neil kept busy with ongoing home improvements to accommodate the growing family, while also nourishing them via his extensive citrus orchard. His other passions included the restoration of classic MercedesBenzes and collecting Persian rugs, Asian art, and vintage silver. He satisfied his sweet tooth (and corrupted others) with British treats: Eccles cakes, Bakewell tarts, and sticky toffee pudding. Always a teacher at heart, Neil was known in his family for his impromptu “lectures”

on a wide range of subjects — often delivered around the dinner table. His perfect memory for names, dates, and anecdotes astounded all and persisted until the end. He was a master of humorous impressions, being facile with a multitude of English accents. Neil was known for his impeccable style, always in neatly pressed trousers and dress shirt, polished shoes, and his signature Flat Cap. To the family's knowledge, no one save Betty ever saw his knees. Neil Holmes will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, generosity, and enduring love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched as a professor, scholar, mentor, husband, father, and lifelong learner. He is sadly predeceased by his eldest daughter, Susan, but survived by his loving wife Betty; children, Pamela (Jon) Shields, David, and Daniel (Sandra); and grandchildren, Simone, Audrey, Elian, Andrew, Justin, and Christine.

Virginia B Vanocur 03/01/1937-12/13/2025

Virginia Backus Vanocur died peacefully at Serenity House in Santa Barbara, Ca on December 13th, 2025. Born in Santa Barbara, Ca to Standish Backus, Jr and Barbara Babcock Backus, she attended the Ethel Walker School and Vassar College. In 1960, she married James T. Wood, III of Pasadena, Ca and had one daughter, Daphne W. Hicks. After divorcing, in 1975 she married Sander Vanocur of Washington DC and lived in Washington, DC and Santa Barbara, Ca. In addition to her daughter, she is survived by her grandchildren, Standish H. Ryan, Henry V. Hicks and her stepson, Christopher Vanocur. She was known for her love of all animals and her exquisite eye for color, and design in all things, her style, taste, intelligence and elegance. Her family and friends will remember her humor, sharp wit, beauty, joie de vivre and huge generosity. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the care of animals or cancer research.

obituaries Marilyn Specht Thomas 05/02/1950-12/12/2025

Marilyn Specht Thomas was born in Duluth, Minnesota on May 2, 1950, the second of three children to Mervin and Helvi Specht. She attended the College of St. Scholastica, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1974. After college, Marilyn moved to Santa Barbara, California with her future husband, James (Jim) Thomas. There, she began a forty-year career in nursing at Cottage Hospital. Drawn to the profession by a deep sense of selflessness and kindness, Marilyn found nursing to be a calling that allowed her to care for and touch the lives of countless patients, families, and colleagues. Jim and Marilyn were married in 1979 and raised two daughters, Lauren, born in 1981, and Chloe, born in 1986. During their daughters’ school years, Marilyn was an active volunteer at Marymount School, always present and engaged in their education and community. In 2014, following her separation, Marilyn returned to Duluth and spent the remainder of her life there. She deeply loved Duluth and Lake Superior brought her great joy. She could often be seen standing on her balcony overlooking the lake, accompanied by her beloved mannequin, waving to passengers on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. This small but unmistakably Marilyn gesture brought smiles to many. Marilyn had a love of kitsch, an appreciation for nature, and a quiet creative side expressed through poetry. She had a distinctive sense of style, rarely seen without one of her many hats. She was also a devoted lover of dogs and cherished her three Boston Terriers. Marilyn loved to communicate through handwritten notes and cards. She kept a card rack in her home and rarely let an occasion pass without sending a thoughtful message to her beloved friends and family. She will be remembered for her kindness, her humor, her thoughtfulness, and the many ways she showed care for others

To submit obituaries for publication, please call (805) 965-5205 or email obits@independent.com throughout her life Marilyn passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, surrounded by family, after a battle with esophageal cancer. Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Lauren Thomas and Chloe Thomas; her son-in-law, Drew Behnke; and her grandson, Roan Behnke. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Mercy Ships or the ASPCA, two organizations important to Marilyn.

Esther Padilla

04/06/1937-12/06/2025

Esther Padilla passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025. She was born on April 6, 1937, to Secundino and Epifania Vega of Carpinteria. Esther was raised in Carpinteria, where she attended Aliso and Carpinteria Elementary, later moving on to Carpinteria High School during her freshman year. Before her sophomore year, her family moved to Santa Barbara, where she attended Santa Barbara High School and graduated in 1956. It was during her high school years that Esther met Joe Padilla, who became the love of her life. After graduating, they were married and shared 63 loving years. Joe worked relentlessly to provide for his family, allowing Esther to devote herself fully to raising their children, Joseph Padilla, Ronald Padilla, and Daniel Padilla. She was a Nana to her four grandchildren, Brionna, Justin, Daniel, and Vanessa. She embraced this role with pride, strength, and unconditional love. Esther grew up in a close-knit family filled with love, alongside three sisters and two brothers, a foundation that shaped her deep commitment to family throughout her life. She was a loving mother who dedicated her life to caring for her three children and her husband, always putting their needs before her own, along with her four grandchildren. Esther’s heart extended to her household. She was known as a devoted mother who welcomed neighborhood children as if they were her own. Her energy and laughter were something she

was deeply remembered for. She was actively involved in the PTA at Hope School and became a proud “band and cheerleading mom,” ensuring she was present and supportive in every way possible. Esther was also deeply involved in YFL football, attending games and cheering on not only her own children, but all the kids who played. In her later years she became an avid runner and participated in many marathons throughout the county. Esther is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe Padilla; parents Secundino and Epifania Vega; and brothers John and Alberto. She is survived by her three children Joe, Ron(Natasha), and Dan; grandchildren Brionna, Justin, Daniel, and Vanessa; sisters Lydia Delgadillo, Eva Flores, and Helen(Joe) Martinez. In honoring Esther's wishes, a private cemetery service will be held at a later date.

Edward "Alex" Valencia 10/27/1940-12/13/2025

We are saddened to announce the passing of Edward Valencia following a sudden and brief battle with cancer. Edward was known by most as “Alex,” named after his uncle. Alex was born to Frank Vincent Valencia and Mary Aguirre in Ventura, CA. He was raised primarily in Santa Barbara where he attended local schools. Alex married Rosalie Rosales in 1961 and had three children who were his pride and joy. In his younger years he worked a variety of jobs as a custodian, warehouse manager, stock clerk, and delivery man until the age of 34 when he completed the police academy at Allan Hancock College. He then began work immediately for the Santa Maria Police Department and later also worked for Santa Barbara Sheriff ’s Department, Klamath Falls Police Department and also the City of Arroyo Grande until his retirement. He then became the founding Director of the Chumash Casino Security Department. Alex was very involved in Chumash Tribal politics, serving on the tribe’s Business Com-

mittee and also served several terms as Tribal Chairman. Alex was instrumental in campaigning throughout the State to secure the tribe’s gaming rights. He signed the original compact between tribe and the State of California with then governor Gray Davis. Alex also served on the tribe’s Gaming Committee and remained an active voice within the community until the last years of his life. Alex’s favorite pastimes included fishing, motorcycles, spending time with family, collectables, word search puzzles, and watching sports, especially the Denver Broncos. He always expressed that his three children were his greatest achievement. He was also extremely proud of his 4 grandchildren and his 2 great-grandchildren. Alex was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Manuel Dominguez and Robert Dominguez, and his sisters Barbara Holguin and Carmelita Cordero. He is survived by his brothers Richard Valencia and David Dominguez, his 3 children Lisa, Dawn (Pamela) and Mark Valencia, his grandchildren Jackson, Karissa, and Bianca (Henry) Valencia and Joshua Serrano as well as his two great grandchildren Harriet and Eleanor Valencia-Hickson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and tribal relatives and his beloved companion dog, Mollie. Services were held on Thursday, December 18th at Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard. Alex had a personality larger than life and left a deep impression on everyone who knew him. He was loved by many and he will be greatly missed.

Daniel Edward White 10/28/1962-12/13/2025

life. He attended several elementary schools in Goleta, middle school at Goleta Valley Junior High School, and high school at both Bishop High School and Dos Pueblos High School. After high school, Danny proudly joined the United States Army and completed his service with an honorable discharge. Following his military service, he worked in construction throughout his adult life—a career well suited to his love of working outdoors and staying active. Danny was a true local who could most often be found at “Haskulls “Beach or Goleta Beach, spending time with the close friends he cherished and considered family. He had a deep love for animals of all kinds, and his most recent companion was a bearded dragon named Rocky. Even in his final days, Danny’s concern was making sure Rocky would be well cared for. Relaxing with friends, following NASCAR, surfing, dirt bike riding, and water skiing were among Danny’s favorite pastimes. In his youth, he was highly athletic and always in motion. He was also a gifted artist who loved putting pencil to paper. Danny will be remembered for his high energy, great sense of humor, and unwavering willingness to help friends and family whenever he could. He was preceded in death by his father, John D. White, and his wife, Amy White. Danny is survived by his mother, Jeanne White; his sisters, Theresa “Teri” Bull (Guy Bull) and Katrina “Trina” White-Wilson (Kent Wilson); and his nephews, Christopher Bull, Nicholas Bull (Kathryn), and Garrett Bull. An evening of remembrance will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Goleta (location to be announced). A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, including a paddle-out at “Haskulls” Beach followed by a celebration at Timbers Roadhouse in Goleta. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Daniel “Danny” Edward White, a longtime resident of Goleta, California, passed away at the age of 63 from systemic complications in Santa Barbara, California. Danny was born on October 28, 1962, in Hollywood, California, to John D. White and Jeanne A. White. In 1968, the family moved to Goleta, where Danny spent the majority of his INDEPENDENT.COM DECEMBER 24, 2025 THE INDEPENDENT

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SEVENTEEN COLLEGE DEGREES, AND STILL LEARNING From Music to Astronomy to Tai Chi, David Salvia Is Fascinated by It All

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BY IZADORA HAMM

Salvia developed his own method of solving a Rubik’s Cube. His personal record is 9.3 seconds.

As one of his many talents, David Salvia plays a mean 12-string guitar.

n June 1, 1967, the East Village was alive with chaos and color. Hippies swarmed St. Marks Place, white carnations tucked in their hair, waiting for Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead to take the stage for their first East Coast concert. Before the Dead swept the crowd, an unknown folk group took the stage. Fresh out of the Navy and nursing an irrefutable lust for life, 20-year-old David Salvia performed his song “Nowhere” on a 12-string guitar, shoulder to shoulder with Rick Beers, a friend he had just met. “Someone told us that Garcia wanted the two folk singers who perform in the park to open for his band,” Salvia said recently. “We’d only met a couple days before.” Now decades later, the 78-year-old Salvia, a student at Santa Barbara City College, has no shortage of stories. With 17 college degrees and half a dozen professional certificates, and a life full of accomplishments outside academia, he insists there’s still more to learn. “My mother used to call me relentless,” Salvia said. “I prefer the term persistent. People tell you that you slow down when you’re older, but not necessarily.” From astronomy and engineering to math, English, history, and philosophy, with highest honors in both humanities and sciences, he’s done it all. “Memories are waveforms, holographic, and they are certainly not limited,” he said. “I’m still trying to figure out the universe. Does that really ever end?” With a unique ability to recall memories from decades ago — specific dates, times, places, even the tiniest details — he says having that acute recall is simple: “It’s just a matter of paying attention to the moment.” From developing his own Rubik’s Cube solving method, to memorizing all 108 movements of the traditional Yang-style long-form tai chi, he remembers moments of life with extraordinary clarity. But what seems to matter most are his relationships.

MEDITATION IN MOTION It was at the old Isla Vista coffee shop, Borsodi’s, that Salvia met Berri Bottomley, his lifelong companion. “We met on December 17, 1974, and stargazed at Devereux Bluffs,” he said. Together, they’ve explored astronomy, music, and the intricate, fascinating patterns of life. Bottomley calls him a renaissance man. “He is a writer, artist, minstrel, inquisitive intellect, and he does not shy away from hard work,” she said. That attentiveness and curiosity stretch way back. In 1947, Salvia recalled using his neighbors’ tricycle, stretching and reaching for the pedals. As the neighbors’ children grew, their father rebuilt that tricycle into a bicycle. Suddenly, something that once seemed fixed and stagnant had changed. While Salvia’s list of hobbies is long, that memory was the spark that ignited his passion, and the very foundation of all that he loves: engineering. “I’m a musician because I love engineering and physics,” he said. “I have degrees in engineering and physics because I love music. It’s all the same.” It was in the Navy, stationed in San Diego, that 17-year-old Salvia bought his first guitar. “We’d sneak over to Tijuana to watch bands cover Beatles songs, then come back and practice the chords,” he said. At the base’s Anti-Submarine Warfare School for sonar technicians, his curiosity and aptitude for complex systems shone. During every quiz, Salvia had his pencil down before the teacher had even finished writing the equations. Some competed with him, others admired him. Either way, his 1965 Navy class set a record for the highest average in history. Still, he claims he learned the most from his peers, not the other way around. “I was in the Navy for two years, eight months, 8 days, 10 hours, and 25 minutes,” he said. Shortly after, he returned to New York, met Beers, and began his musical tour. The pair traveled across the U.S. and Canada, performing, writing, and later recording a demo with Liberty Records. Their deep friendship was tragically cut short when Beers died in a freak accident on December

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“I don’t like to assume. I learn from others. Learn it just for the sake of knowing it. Learn it even if it isn’t conventionally useful. Be curious. Don’t just survive, learn to thrive,” Salvia said.

OMNIVOROUS CURIOSITY

David Salvia and Berri Bottomly have been close pals since 1974.

26, 1969, leaving Salvia to continue on his own. Not long after, his life took another sudden turn. “At any given moment, I’d lose my train of thought, and it was like that for an extremely long time,” Salvia said, referring to a period he prefers not to dwell on. Over time, with movement, music, friendships, and eventually Bottomley’s steady presence, he found his way back. Patience became his anchor, eventually leading him to master tai chi. “I was looking for a set of exercises that would exercise every muscle and joint in the body,” he recalled. Salvia first encountered tai chi in 1969 during an experimental school program in Rochdale, Canada, and vividly remembers a Yang-style long-form demonstration by a visiting master. He didn’t get the chance to study seriously until 1973, when he memorized the entire long form — 108 postures and about 81 distinct movements. Each movement included what he describes as an infinitesimal pause, a moment of meditation embedded in motion. Fifty years later, Salvia still wakes up daily at 4:30 a.m. to practice and meets every Friday morning with his 73-yearold student. “It engages the transverse abdominal muscles,” Salvia said, pointing to the dantian, about four inches below the belly button. “This is where your balance comes from.” The dantian acts as a reservoir for qi, or life force, he explained, and is the body’s point of balance. “I’ve learned in meditation to never throw the first punch, to be articulate and thoughtful. But I’ve defended myself with it a handful of times,” he said.

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS It wasn’t until 2006 that Salvia decided to return to school. Still working on his memory, he enrolled at SBCC to pursue his passions, especially astronomy. “I’m embarrassed to say that it wasn’t until I was 35 that I asked the question, ‘Where is the center of the universe?’ ” Salvia said. His fascination with the cosmos began as a teenager when Salvia once walked from Carson City to Lake Tahoe along Kings Canyon Road, spending long nights under an open sky. “I don’t know who could see a sky like that and not become interested in astronomy,” he said.

For Berri Bottomley, no single memory fully captures Salvia, but him serenading her mother with the Beatles’ “When I’m 64” on her 64th birthday exhibits his endless attentiveness to everything, and everyone he cares for. “In my mind, we’re a natural pairing,” Bottomley said. “Something that just is. There seems to be some deep, unshakable bond. Our relationship has been a journey as our lives and circumstances have changed, as we have matured and aged, and as the world has changed around us.” On a park bench, Salvia played the intricate picking pattern of Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird,” interrupted by a passing airplane, he Salvia was shocked to find that SBCC did not offer an quietly predicted how far away it was and how long the astronomy degree and drafted a proposal that originally con- sound would take to reach the ground. stituted 42 credits. Unfortunately, it sat dormant for years, “Scientists and artists are all portraying aspects they find caught in administrative hurdles, until 2014, when City Col- interesting in the universe,” he said, pulling a guitar pick out lege professor Dr. Sean Kelly came on board. of his wallet that he has had since 1967. “Math is a language, The two quickly connected. “Sean is infectious,” Salvia physics is how we understand, and engineering is what we said. “We bonded over our love for the universe and every- make of it.” The hum of a chord, the craftsmanship of a guitar, the thing in between.” Kelly explained that the program was really tailored for physics of sound and relativity — isn’t it all the same? The Salvia. After trimming the credits and working out the kinks, world sings, Salvia listens, composes, and the memory loss the program was approved in 2015. he suffered in the 1970s only strengthened his resilience. Salvia not only became SBCC’s first student to graduate “Be willing to change direction. It doesn’t matter which way or how, just move,” he said. with an astronomy associate of science degree, but he is also “Most of what we call old age is the reason the program exists atrophy. I wish people would understand how capable they at all. “The more we learn, the are.” more connected things seem, For Salvia, the question of and the more beautiful the genetics or merit, nurture or universe becomes,” Kelly said. nature is a paramount one. “David is unlike anyone I’ve The answer? It can only ever ever met, and I learn from him be both. “What we were exposed to every day.” during our formative years In between astronomy club meetings and early mornaffected us a great deal, but we ing stargazes, he taught Kelly also have incredible potential how to successfully navifor growth,” he said. As the world evolves and gate the Rubik’s Cube using Salvia ages with it, he keeps a method he developed in his body a vessel for his ambithe 1980s — dubbed Salvia Method. “I solved it in an hour tious mind — walking, learning, reading, writing, playing the first time, then 15 minutes, guitar, teaching, and mentorthen five,” he recalled. Dr. Sean Kelly and David Salvia His personal best is 9.3 ing, all fueled by his insatiable seconds, and with the help of curiosity. computer science tutor James “Think about what you can Howard, he founded SBCC’s Rubik’s Cube Club. do with your right hand. Then think about what you can do “He’s always pushing himself in new directions and places with your left. It’s a lot, right?” he asked. “But what about he hasn’t been an expert before, gaining expertise along the both? That’s a synergy much larger than this world. The way,” Kelly said, noting that his friendship with Salvia has whole is greater than its parts. The universe is simple. It just looks difficult.” inspired him to consider going back to school himself. I asked him why he continues to learn. By most measures, Even after all he has accomplished, Salvia stops short of he has already lived a full life. “Why not?” he said, insisting calling his life well lived. “I have so much left to learn,” he that no matter how much he has accomplished, there is said. “Do more, be more, learn more than you ever thought always more to explore. n you would need to. Be relentless.”

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FARMERS MARKET SCHEDULE

FISHERMAN’S MARKET

SATURDAY Rain or shine, meet local fishermen on the Harbor’s commercial pier, and buy fresh fish (filleted or whole), live crab, abalone, sea urchins, and more. 117 Harbor Wy., 6-11am. Call (805) 259-7476.

cfsb.info/sat

Jacob & The Good Vibes

12/27-12/28:

Vibes, 2-5pm. Sun.: Tikibomb, 1-4pm. 116 Lakeview Dr., Cachuma Lake. Free. Call (805) 350-8351. hookdbarandgrill.com/music-on-the-water

12/27-12/28: Lost Chord Guitars Sat.: Austin Beede Jazz Quartet. $15. Sun.: George Quirin. $15. 1576 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang. 8pm. Ages 21+. Call (805) 331-4363. lostchordguitars.com

COURTESY

FRIDAY 12/26

coldspringtavern.com

Evening with Mezcal Martini, 8:30pm. $15-$18. Ages 21+. Sat.: ME Sabor presents Armando Vasquez & Orquesta Guayao, 10pm. $18-$25. Ages 21+. Tue.: Line Dance Night with DJ Rick, 7pm. $15. Ages 18+. 1221 State St. Call (805) 9627776. sohosb.com

$55.62. 500 Anacapa St. Ages 21+. Call (805) 564-2410. eoslounge.com

12/28: Longoria Wines Live music. 3-5pm. 732 State St. Free. Email info@ longoriawine.com.

longoriawines.com/events

12/29: The Red Piano Church on Monday: Shawn Jones, 7:30pm. 519 State St. $5. Call (805) 358-1439.

theredpiano.com

mspecialbrewco.com

sbzoo.org/events-calendar

Russell. 5995 Stagecoach Rd. 1:30-4:30pm. Free. Call (805) 967-0066.

12/27-12/28: Eos Lounge Sat.: Curly, 9pm. Free. Sun.: RL Grime, 5pm.

Call (805) 308-0050.

Christmas Day at the Zoo Get out and spend some holiday time with your animal friends at the Zoo! Reservations are required. GA: 9:30am-2:30pm: members: 9:30am-3pm. S.B. Zoo, 500 Niños Dr. Children: $18; adults: $28. Call (805) 962-5339.

12/27-12/29: Cold Spring Tavern Sat.: Cadillac Angels. Sun.: Teresa

12/26-12/27, 12/30: SOhO Restaurant & Music Club Fri.: An

12/26: M.Special Brewing Co. (S.B.) Fri.: Equipo Elite. Sat.: DJ: Tantrictwin. 634 State St. 8-10pm. Free.

12/25:

Hooked Bar and Grill Sat.: Jacob & The Good

12/26-12/27: Maverick Saloon Fri.: The Molly Ringwald Project. Sat.:

SATURDAY 12/27 12/27: Mindful Movement with Orangetheory Fitness Bring a mat, water, and a towel to participate in a HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) class outdoors and experience the energizing combination of strength and cardio. 10-11am. Upper Terrace (top of tile stairs, next to Center Stage), Paseo Nuevo. Free. Email paseonuevo@prismplaces.com.

Flannel 101. 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. 9pm-midnight. Call (805) 686-4785. Ages 21+. mavericksaloon.com/event-

calendar

SUNDAY 12/28

COURTESY

WEDNESDAY 12/24

tinyurl.com/Orangetheory-Movement

MONDAY 12/29 12/29: S.B. County Courthouse Docent Tours Take a one-hour docent-

12/26:

An Evening with Mezcal Martini! Come early for a

dance lesson and then show off your moves to the Latin Jazz, cumbia, and cha-cha sounds and infectious grooves of Mezcal Martini. Lesson: 8pm; show: 8:30pm. SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St. $15-$18. Ages 21+. Call (805) 962-7776. sohosb.com

guided tour that begins in the Mural Room and goes through the building and gardens with highlights of the history of this National & State Historic Landmark with a focus on artisans, architects, and community leaders. 10:30am and 2pm. S.B. County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. (805) 962-6464.

sbcourthouse.org

PLEASE CONTACT THE VENUE TO CONFIRM HOURS AND EVENT CANCELLATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS.

12/28-12/30:

Kerfuffle Theatre Presents WHODUNIT? Take in this parody

play that is a cross between Agatha Christie and Clue, the board game. Try to figure out a murder mystery … or is it a murder? The play shows through December 31. 7-9:30pm. S.B. Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden St. $25. Ages 13+. Email kerfuffletheatre@gmail.com. tinyurl.com/Kerfuffle-Dec18

Volunteer Opportunity

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TUESDAY 12/30 12/30: S.B. Event Horizon Presents Year-End Line-Dance Party Say goodbye to 2025 at the pre-NYE dance party with DJ Rick Dominguez. Come early for a dance lesson. There will be drink specials and a photobooth. Doors: 7pm; lessons: 9pm followed by line dancing. SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St. $15. Call (805) 962-7776. Ages 18+. sohosb.com

COURTESY

Holiday Happenings

Happy New Year 2026!

12/24:

Photos with Santa at La Cumbre Plaza Make a reservation to take your photo with Santa in a winter wonderland! Photo packages are available for purchase. 9am-6pm. La Cumbre Plaza (next to Massage Envy), 121 S. Hope Ave.

shoplacumbre.com/SantaPhotos

12/24: Ice in Paradise Winter Wonderland 2025 Take to the ice for skating with skate rentals and a hot chocolate included. 9am-2pm. Ice in Paradise, 6985 Santa Felicia Dr., Goleta. $25. Call (805) 879-1550.

iceinparadise.org

12/24: Letters to Santa Send a last-minute letter to Santa! Noon-6pm. Peppermint Parlor, Paseo Nuevo, 651 Paseo Nuevo. Free. Call (805) 963-7147. COURTESY

tinyurl.com/SantaLetter-Dec24

Ball Drop at Midnight! • $50 Admission

12/24: Gift Wrapping at Paseo Nuevo Area boy scouts from Boy Scout Troop 4 will offer donationbased gift-wrapping services. Noon-4pm. Peppermint Parlor, Paseo Nuevo, 651 Paseo Nuevo. Call (805) 963-7147.

Longboard’s deck opens at 9pm or, join us for dinner + ball drop:

First Course:

tinyurl.com/Troop44-wrapping

Lobster Potato Croquette

12/24: Finch & Fork Christmas Day Buffet

Conundrum White Blend, CA 2023

Join for a curated dining experience that will feature a raw bar, carving stations, classic sides, soups, salads, and decadent desserts. Noon-7pm. 31 W. Carrillo St. GA: $120; children ages 12 and under: $55. Call (805) 879-9100.

Second Course:

Pan Seared Seabass

Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA 2024

finchandforkrestaurant.com/events

Third Course:

12/24-12/25: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner at the Set Guests can enjoy a coastal-

Stuffed Puffed Pastry

inspired holiday dinner with entrées such as roasted prime rib, crispy chili salmon, and more with sides and dessert. Reservations recommended. 3-10pm. The Set, Hilton S.B. Beachfront Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Prices vary. tinyurl.com/TheSet-Christmas

Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, CA 2021

Fourth Course:

Butter Lettuce Salad

12/26-12/30: ZooLights Reservations are

12/24-12/29: Dusk Bar Winter Solstice Pop-Up Cel-

required. ZooLights will show through January 11, 2026. 4:30-8:30pm. S.B. Zoo, 500 Niños Dr. $22-$34. Call (805) 962-5339. sbzoo.org/zoolights

Mer Soleil Silver “unoaked” Chardonnay, CA 2023

Fifth Course:

ebrate the longest nights enjoying seasonal cocktails with ingredients such as apple, cinnamon, and persimmon in both cold and warm cocktails for purchase. 3-11pm. 524 State St. Free. tinyurl.com/Dusk-Bar-Holiday

Coq au Vin

COURTESY

Sea Sun Pinot Noir, CA 2023

Sixth Course:

Ribeye Cap Roulade

Bonanza Cabernet, Napa Valley, CA Lot 1, NV

Dessert:

Passion Fruit & Chocolate Tart

12/27:

Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas Join Jim Brickman with special guest

John Trones for an unforgettable concert experience filled with heartwarming stories and timeless holiday classics, including Brickman’s biggest hits, such as “The Gift,” “Love of my Life,” “Destiny,” “Valentine,” and more. 8pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. $47-$72. Call (805) 963-0761. lobero.org

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EMAIL: ARTS@INDEPENDENT.COM

PICO SUPREME A&L’S FAVORITE INTERVIEWER PLAYS TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET’S NEMESIS IN MARTY SUPREME

L I F E A24 PHOTOS

PAGE 27

Pico Iyer (bottom row, center) stars as the head of the International Table Tennis Association in the new film Marty Supreme.

irector Josh Safdie has always been known for mixing professional actors with newbies in his films, and his latest is no exception. One of the most unforgettable aspects of Marty Supreme—the feverish ode to ping-pong and perseverance—is the famous faces we notice who are not from established thespians. There’s Kevin O’Leary from Shark Tank, fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, and magician Penn Jillette, among many others. But my jaw was on the floor when I saw the film and recognized renowned writer, travel essayist, and UCSB Art & Lectures’ master conversationalist Pico Iyer. He plays the head of the International Table Tennis Association—and Timothée Chalamet’s nemesis. He has this stately demeanor in the role that becomes intimidating. He’s simply terrific. When I reached out to him after I had just seen the movie, I was shocked to find out he hadn’t seen it yet, and that he didn’t know how big his role ended up being. How did you get cast? As you know, the Safdies are known for imaginative and unorthodox casting, and I think Josh had seen a TED Talk I delivered on ping-pong as a way of understanding life. So, I might have been more of a natural fit for a ping-pong movie than if the film were featuring sumo wrestling or karate. We met for a long lunch in New York City, and I told Josh that I’d never acted before, and he might be better off casting my much more spirited (and photogenic) wife. At the end of the lunch, he said, “You seem to be a good listener, and that’s what acting is really about.” It is such a pivotal role. You’re a nemesis to Marty Supreme. Were you given the entire script? Did you understand the arc of the role? Here, you have a big advantage over me since you’ve seen the film, and I haven’t seen a second of it, not even any rushes. And I was given only the few scenes in which my character had a part. So, I don’t actually have a sense of the larger arc at all—and hadn’t even known ’til now that mine was a pivotal role! Were you familiar with all the tournament and championship rules? I was, to the point where I almost wish I’d been given a chance to play in a scene or two! I actually learned (from a Chinese master) in Santa Barbara’s Rec Center on Carrillo Street when I was a little boy, and in those days used to compete in tournaments against Glenn Cowan, who made the historic “ping-

pong diplomacy” trip to China in 1971 that initiated a historic détente. Then I retired for 30 years, but now I play fairly furious games three times a week with my neighbors here in Japan. What was your preparation like? I really didn’t have much of a chance to prepare or rehearse, though I spent a long time learning my lines (alone at home). Our Marty didn’t want to meet me out of character, so the first time we met was on-set, shouting at one another in front of the cameras. And Timothée Chalamet is so gifted at improvising, and offering different lines with each take, that I had to learn to do the same, and throw out all the lines I’d learned to fling out insults and ripostes made up on the spot. After the final “Cut!” he did race across the stage and throw his arms around me, making me realize that I was now the envy of millions of women (and, no doubt, men) across the globe. What was working with Safdie like? I instantly liked Josh, and having seen his work with the NBA star Kevin Garnett in Uncut Gems, I knew he could get remarkable things out of non-actors. And what impressed me as much as anything was how hard he—and everybody else on-set—worked. Even as I was standing out in the Tokyo cold for 10 hours on a winter day, in thin clothing, feeling sorry for myself, he and his entire crew (including our star) were working for 16 hours straight, dressed more flimsily than I was, and never even taking bathroom breaks or stopping for lunch or snacks. At one point, after a day that had begun for me at noon (and much earlier for everyone else), I said to Josh, at around 4 a.m., “Your films are so full of nervous energy and unsettledness and you seem so calm—even in the midst of chaos.” He smiled—quite calmly—and said he felt like a quarterback who has to get off a throw before being felled by three 300pound linemen.

I assume it was shot in Japan, where you live? I was actually involved in several days of shooting around New York City and in Japan. So, I was indeed lucky that the set followed me, as it were, to my adopted home, and I got to experience two very different ways of taking care of actors and managing shoots. Any stories about the shoot you’d like to share? As you know, I’m a huge lifelong fan of film; I go to the Telluride Festival every year and was lucky enough to be Guest Director there in 2019. And I knew that playing a small part in this film would allow me to see movies in a different light and from a different angle, as it were. So, for me, part of the delight of this project was getting to be in the company of giants: not just our director and star, but the elegant and legendary director of photography Darius Khondji, and the genius set designer Jack Fisk, who has been helping to fashion the films I’ve loved for decades from Terrence Malick (not to mention Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon). I got to talk through much of one night with Géza Röhrig, star of Son of Saul and the Jesus in Malick’s next film, The Way of the Wind. And our film’s casting director, the costume designer, the producer, and co-screenwriter were all an absolute delight to hang out with. I now watch films with much more admiration, aware of how much goes into every tiny detail. Has this opened up the chance to participate in other film projects? I’m not sure anyone would ever wish to cast me again—unless Marty Supreme inspires a flurry of spin-offs and directors find themselves in desperate need of an aging, hairless Indian who can hardly move. —Roger Durling See Pico Iyer in Marty Supreme, opening in theaters on December 25. Iyer’s next appearance in the UCSB Arts & Lectures “Speaking with Pico” series is in conversation with Terry Tempest Williams on May 13, 2026. See bit.ly/48LaPhH.

M O R E A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T > > > INDEPENDENT.COM DECEMBER 24, 2025 THE INDEPENDENT

ABSTRACTION OF MANY COLORS AND CODES

COURTESY

CHANNING PEAKE GALLERY CELEBRATES ABSTRACTION AND SANTA BARBARA’S ART HISTORY WITH FORM AND FRAME

“Untitled” by Farshid Asssassi

S Wed 12/24 6:00 pm

CHRISTMAS EVE CLOSED The Largest Consignment Shop...

Thurs 12/25 5:00 pm

MERRY CHRISTMAS CLOSED Fri 12/26 8:30 pm

AN EVENING WITH

MEZCAL MARTINI! LATIN JAZZ

Sat 12/27 9:00 pm

ME SABOR PRESENTS:

ARMANDO VASQUEZ & ORQUESTA GUAYAO SALSA NIGHT

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Tue 12/30 7:00 pm

LINE DANCE NIGHT WITH DJ RICK

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ome of Santa Barbara’s long-established art spaces can be found in unexpected places, creating the friendliest sort of site-function disconnect. Most of us don’t go to the Santa Barbara Tennis Club to see art (present company excepted), but there in the lobby hangs the long-standing series of shows curated by artist Susan Tibbles. In a perhaps more dramatic example, the governmental and civic business-as-usual atmosphere of the hulking County Administration Building on Anacapa Street also has long presented art exhibitions on its lobby floor, in an art space named for significant Santa Barbara figure Channing Peake. Degrees of local art history-making are, in fact, embedded in the current Channing Peake Gallery show, Form and Frame: Abstraction, Community and the Language of Art—which even includes a festive piece by Peake, the namesake artist himself. This selection of art showcases holdings in a collection owned by the proverbial “you and me,” a growing collection owned by the city and fortified by generous gifts from, among others, the considerable collection of the late Santa Barbara–based architect Barry Berkus. Curated by the county’s Tom Pazderka and UCSB MFA graduate Lyra Purugganan, Form and Frame also manages to serve up a cross-sectional view of contemporary artists who have had an imprint on the local scene — and beyond, over the past half-century. Hanging next to the sparkly and confetti-speckled abstract piece by Peake, fittingly named “Cosmic Pathway,” Mary Heebner does her aesthetic house blend of mythology, fluid abstract washes and palpable exotic paper, with “Indio Sketches: Daphne.”

1221 STATE STREET • 962-7776

DECEMBER 24, 2025

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Across the room, Harry Reese, known for his book art and paper-making skill, fixes his painterly gaze on the muted, earthen abstract acrylic and graphite “_Lyric 2.” Tibbles herself provides the tiniest jewel in the bunch, with her pint-sized assemblage “Trinket,” a non sequitur–ial work made of mink, velvet, and lace, embodying her keen knack for massaging the irrational art of assemblage. Next to her piece, Marie Schoeff shows art large and small, with “Wrap and Gowned,” variations on the concept of forms doubling as ambiguous energy or natural forces. Photography weighs into the curatorial picture nicely, with Farshid Assassi’s alluring color image of modernist architecture, transformed into a study in geometric elegance. In other geometric news, one long gallery wall announces its starker formality—mixed with vivid color and lean line—and centered around the looming large painting by the late David Trowbridge, who taught at UCSB College of Creative Studies in the 1980s. Trowbridge’s minimalist but hardly retiring style states its case boldly here, in three bright colors but also a rigorous reductivist attitude. Flanking this eye-grabbing painting are more demure geometric notions by Margaret Hiroko Eejima. In sharp contrast, the same wall also shows Margaret Dunlap’s more freewheeling and invitingly scattershot approach to abstraction in her kinetic 1975 painting. Some of the art here may stretch the definition of abstraction, without breaking it. Common objects become fodder less as depiction of said objects in the purer sense, but in deconstructed forms in, say, the precision-drawn “portraits” of Eejima’s ladder studies or Nicole Strasburg’s small, droll encaustic-on-board images of, well, “Chair Facing Right (and left).” (Strasburg’s winking pieces, created in 2022, are a departure from her typical land- and seascape art.) Twisted—and bent—“objectness” is a central feature of the token sculpture in the show, Colin Gray’s witty and windswept chair sculpture, “Also Available in Green” (1985). It appears to be a loopy, surreal vision on visual impact, but is actually sittable (were that option available). The abstracting impulse takes on a detached perspective with these works. If there is a short thematic story to be drawn from this collection-dipping enterprise, is that in art from here or “out there,” it may be that abstraction has been and continues to be a world subject to change, reinvention and subdivision. A chair is not always a chair, and an abstraction is not always an intellectual riddle. —Josef Woodard Form and Frame: Abstraction, Community, and the Language of Art is on view at the Channing Peake Gallery (105 E. Anapamu St.) and is open to the public Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

EMAIL: ARTS@INDEPENDENT.COM

EMPATHY IS PUNK

DEC 25 - JAN 1

FOODBANK CEO’S NEW BOOK PRIVATE SCHOOL PUNK BRINGS HIS EARLY LIFE INFLUENCES TO THE FOREFRONT

INDIEWIRE

and kind of experienced that punk era … so, big kids and little kids.” Though he claims he can’t draw, Talkin did the book’s more than 150 illustrations himself, “punk rock style,” and helped write the music, of which he said, “It’s the ultimate punk rock in that I can’t play a single instrument, so I’m living up to it there. I worked with a very talented producer called Connor Daniel, and I came to him with my words and my primitive musical ideas, and then we found a vocalist in England who sounded like the lead singer of the band would be. So, our hero is the bass player in the band, but the lead singer is a British guy, so we had him do the vocals. And, yeah, it all came together. I still can’t play an instrument, but we made an album.” And the theatrical-style audio book was nominated for a SOVAS (Society of Voice Arts and Sciences) Award, which Talkin described as the “spokenword audio version of the Oscars.” As to whether we’ll ever see the fictional band play live, “My big fantasy, Leslie, is to have a show, like a rock show at a London club with the kind of singer and the band and stuff, and sing the songs and stuff, so that,” said Talkin. “That would be cool, and I would be a happy audience member down the front of that.” —Leslie Dinaberg

MARTY SUPREME Starring Timothée Chalamet

Five-time Critics Choice Award Nominee including Best Picture Three-time Golden Globe Award Nominee including Best Picture National Board of Review's Top Films of 2025

Private School Punk is now available at Chaucer’s Books and online, with the audiobook available on Audible. For more information, see privateschoolpunk.com. COURTESY PHOTOS

he pulsing rhythm of punk rock blasts through Erik Talkin’s new novel, Private School Punk. Set in a British boy’s school not unlike the one the Foodbank CEO attended in his youth, Private School Punk is the story of a gifted 17-year-old classical cellist who gets in touch with his rowdy side when he meets Johnny Rotten and is inspired to start his own punk band. The fun premise gets an even more energetic spark, as Talkin’s book comes off the page as a full-on multimedia experience, punctuated by more than 150 punk-style illustrations, a full cast audiobook with 28 voice actors from 10 different countries, and even its own soundtrack album featuring 14 original songs by the fictitious band in the story and others. Putting all this together would be an accomplishment for any writer, but particularly for one with such a demanding day job running a nonprofit that provides food and nutrition education for one in three people in Santa Barbara County. The son of an American in the Air Force, Talkin grew up in London in the late ’70s, when the whole punk explosion was happening. “I found it very inspirational even so many, many years later when I finally put pen to paper and really was able to tell a story of that time and what it meant to people,” he said. “I think it has a lot of relevance now for the challenges that people are facing. A little rebellion, a little art, and a little community can really help young people, you know, navigate what can seem to be very negative times. So, yeah, so it feels like the right time for this book to come out.” As for the complicated multimedia approach to the project, Talkin, who did our Zoom interview from his car between events and meetings, laughed, “Yeah, I can’t help myself. … One thing leads to another and kind of inspires another. It was quite interesting because I started work on the book a number of years ago, and there were various drafts around. Then, when I did the audiobook version and worked with the actors and stuff, it informed the books. I went back and did various rewrites in the book, and then also working on the music and coming up with songs, I was able to integrate those songs into the audiobook so that the band is actually writing those songs and coming up with them during the story.” It’s a quick-moving, entertaining story that’s technically a young adult book but really has what he described as two big audiences: the young adults, age 13 to 17, and then “people who were alive in the ’70s

“EXHILARATING EPIC”

Thurs: 1:00pm 4:15pm 7:30pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am 1:45pm 6:00pm Sun - Thurs: 11:00am 2:15pm 5:30pm 8:45pm

4K RESTORATION Fri & Sat: 9:00pm

Eric Talkin

SBIFF’S FILM CENTER TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS

SBIFFTHEATRES.COM INDEPENDENT.COM DECEMBER 24, 2025 THE INDEPENDENT

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BEST feature best lead performance - joel edgerton

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national board of review best adapted screenplay Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar

GO L D EN G LO B E

aw a r d n o m i n at i o n s best actor best song joel edgerton “train dreams” drama

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winner one of the best films of the year

“THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR.” “The grand sweep of our lives, ‘Train Dreams’ suggests, is the sort of thing we can only begin to understand when we’re reaching life’s end, and even then we may only grasp it dimly. Like the boots nailed to the tree, human life is fleeting in the face of the earth’s long life span, the forests that were there before we existed and will still be there long after we’re gone.

IT’S ALL KNIT TOGETHER. YOU JUST CAN’T SEE IT UNLESS YOU GET UP HIGH ENOUGH TO LOOK.”

SCAN TO HEAR THE SWEEPING TRAIN DREAMS AUDIO JOURNEY

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P. 31 Mountain Biking Makes Adolescence Easier to Bear

dolescence can be brutal. Jose Caballero, a veteran teacher at Santa Barbara High School, knows that well. But when he watches kids cheering for one another as they book it down mountain trails, those awkward years seem a little easier to bear. Caballero is the manager of the Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Club (SBMTB), a youth cycling program run by the nonprofit parent-organization Echelon Santa Barbara. Founded three years ago, the club was created for kids ages 7-18 to get outside and learn a skill that they can Cyclists in the Santa Barbara Mountain Biking Club range in age from 7 to 18. nurture as they get older. They meet several times a week, petitive activity, but it’s got this our area without being ocean-facing,” he said. pedaling through the mountains really amazing culture of supor training at the little-known, longIt started with just a few families and half a dozen kids by Callie Fausey portiveness. I see it all the time. It’s but has doubled in size every year since. It’s run by volunneglected BMX track at Elings Park—one so wholesome.” the club is actively working to bring back to teer parents who “really care,” Barker said, and who spend The club was something president Tim almost every minute of their free time supporting the club. life. Barker stirred up with his family when his son’s As he put it, it’s not a “drop off sport.” They want parents to Mountain biking can be a little treacherous, admitted Caballero, but what he primarily sees is kids out in the wild, cross-country team was in its off-season and they needed engage. “It’s a community,” he said. something to fill the void—a kind of sentiment he’s prooff of their phones, celebrating each other. The program has grown organically, now involving six He recounted the time one of the riders fell and hurt moted through the club, embracing kids as multifaceted teams, around 100 riders, and 20 coaches, and hosting up to himself. “All these young men can be boisterous and jocular. beings that can carry skills over across sports. It’s all about 12 events weekly, including rides and workouts and travelThey’re all used to talking smack with each other,” he started. inclusivity, camaraderie, and sportsmanship, he said. ing to competitions. Participants range from beginners to Ray McPhee, a 17-year-old rider on the lead team, took advanced riders, with some riding up to four days a week. But as soon as that kid got hurt, he said with his voice catching, “Everybody came over and threw their bikes down the sport a step further in October and completed a “double No one makes money, either, Caballero added. The club and were supporting him. And they were being so mature Everest” challenge: riding up and down Old San Marcos tries to keep prices as low as they can, seeing as it’s an expenand caring. I was like, ‘I want my kids to be around these Road enough times to equate to two ascents from sea level sive sport already. But once a family buys a bike and safety to the summit of Mount Everest. other kids all the time.’ gear, “it’s probably the cheapest club dues in town”—to be He barely slept over the two days he did the chal- on the recreation team is a flat $300 for five months—and “Junior high for me was like a gauntlet of bullying and embarrassment. Working at the high school, I see a lot of lenge—something fewer than 100 people in the world have they offer scholarships, Barker said. kids that are just kind of alone sometimes, and I know how completed, let alone a teenager—cycling 58,000 feet of “I kind of have a chip on my shoulder about living in this that feels,” Caballero added. “Mountain biking is a com- elevation gain and close to 300 miles. really wealthy town and feeling like I’m poor all the time,” It took 48 laps, but he only did seven of those alone. Other Caballero said. “I really want to attack the assumption that kids from the club and fellow cyclists in town were almost only rich people can mountain bike.” constantly by his side. In a way, it was a team effort, he said. Watching your kid do something dangerous can be The hardest parts were the night laps, but he always had nerve-wracking, he acknowledges. Every time Caballero’s someone to ride with. One kid from the club rode with him boy books it down a mountain or around the Elings BMX from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. for the last stretch. track, he holds his breath. Most parents hold their breath “He rode all through the night just to ride with me, which as they watch their kids descend; they don’t want them to was incredible. All I wanted to do was fall asleep,” he said. “I get hurt. needed that support to help me finish—it really helped my But every time, Caballero lets it go. And his son, and the mental game, to not go completely insane.” other kids in the club, are better for it. Caballero’s son, Toby, Now, his sights are set on the Tour Divide—a famously has seen gains in his physical abilities, he said, but it’s helped challenging ride—that stretches 2,800-miles from Banff, his mental health, too. Riding gives him a chance to let off Alberta, to the Mexican border. In the meantime, he’ll be steam. training with SBMTB. “You can forget about anything else going on—like if Barker mused, “Our community spends millions of dol- you have a test or homework—it’s helpful for stress,” said lars on playground structures for kids up until 10, but what Toby, a 15-year-old student at SBHS. “Biking builds a whole do we have for kids who age out of that?” Santa Barabra is a community.” very ocean-oriented culture, he added, “but we have mountains, too!” He wants to see the younger generations at those Registration for the 2026 season is now open. Learn more about SBMTB at While the club has a few girl members, Manager Jose Caballero said they would like more female riders to get involved. higher elevations—“it’s such a beautiful way to experience sbmtb.com.

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Kids Let Off Steam and Find Support Through the Santa Barbara Mountain Biking Club

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Since joining Pierre Lafond in 1981, Bruce McGuire helped guide Santa Barbara Winery and Lafond Winery through generations of excellence. Long before Santa Barbara became synonymous with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, he elevated these varietals to international recognition, quietly distinguishing a standard that would define the region. His extraordinary craftsmanship and generosity shaped not only our wines, but countless winemakers along the way. As Bruce enters retirement, we thank him for his dedication, loyalty, and lasting impact on our wines, our businesses, and the Santa Barbara wine community.

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Free Acupuncture for Cancer Patients Matt Pesendian Offers Complimentary Sessions for Ridley-Tree Cancer Center

have needles sticking out of my scalp, ears, legs, and hands. My feet are warm under a heat lamp. My body is supported by one of the most comfortable massage tables I have ever lain on. It’s my first acupuncture session ever, and I am, to my surprise, incredibly relaxed. When my acupuncturist, Matt Pesendian of Channel Acupuncture, leaves the room, I almost immediately fall asleep. What is incredible about Pesendian, a 55-year-old Santa Barbara native, is that he uses the skills he’s honed over 20 years to not only treat aver- Matt Pesendian launched his age stressed-out Joes like me, acupuncture-oncology program with the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center but those who truly need it. in 2014. Since 2014, Pesendian has run an acupuncture-oncology program in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Cancer Foundation and Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. He offers eight free acupuncture sessions to cancer patients, supported by the Cancer Foundation and local community donors. Since launching the program, he’s cared for approximately 100 patients a year. He keeps up with those patients, too—genuinely interested in their well-being both physically and mentally. It was Nick Fields, whose journey with brain cancer made the cover of the Independent in July 2024, who reached out to me about Pesendian. He has had some “ups and downs” since that story was published, including a recurrence and second brain surgery this year, he said. One of those “ups” in his fight with cancer—his “most impactful supporter”—has been Pesendian. Through free acupuncture sessions and qigong classes—which is a low-impact, gentle movement series focusing on participant’s “electromagnetic energy” with similar benefits to yoga and meditation—Pesendian aims to relieve some of the worst symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment, including nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, stress, and digestive issues. “Most importantly, I feel the greatest benefit is that it calms the nervous system, moving the body out of fight-or-flight and promoting emotional balance,” Pesendian said. “I see firsthand, over and over, that when the body is guided out of fight-or-flight, the immune system functions more effectively, helping patients navigate treatment and recovery.” When Fields went into those first free sessions, he was aching for that kind of relief. And sure, it eased his nausea, lessened some of his daily pain, and even helped deter the seizures he was having as a result of his brain surgery. But, he said, “What I didn’t expect was to come out of those sessions with a new friend, a new perspective on what it means to be a patient, what it means to be alive in a body, and a motivation to start turning my cancer into an opportunity to change my life.” To learn more, visit mattpesendian.com.

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Pacific Pickle Works Birt Births hs Fawning over Fauna COURTESY

t’s been a quarter-century since

FOOD & DRINK

Bradley Bennett started pickling vegetables as a hobby to give out as holiday treats, and more than a decade since his Pacific Pickle Works (PPW) started kicking out countless jars from a warehouse on Santa Barbara’s Eastside. His creatively named pickled veggies — from tradition-touching cucumbers like Mother’s Puckers to spicy green beans like Jalabeaños and palate-pleasers like Asparagusto!s — became immediate hometown heroes, as did his drink mixers, especially the Bloody Mary elixir. After early debuts at Some of the offerings from People’s Provisions C’est Cheese and Tri-County Produce, PPW’s tart treats took over the shelves of Whole Foods and the sauces use less sugar than big brands other high-end grocers as well as restau- while offering more mouthfeel. The rants and bars around the West Coast. ketchup employs real tomatoes, the mustard gets kick from “flecky” mustard seeds, and the relish relies on spinachbased coloring for its green hue, rather than the artificial dyes that so many top brands use. Sales in regions such as the Pacific Northwest and Northern California are increasing, but Bennett worries that his first and most loyal fans have BY MATT KETTMANN no idea that People’s is part of PPW. “As we’ve started to bring it around to Despite such distribution and critical accounts here, we realized that no one sees praise, success in the consumer packaged it as a Santa Barbara brand,” he explained. goods industry doesn’t come so easily. “It’s A major force of Provisions is the pria tough business to make any money in,” vate label part of the company, which said Bennett, who admits that his desire to produces pickles for other brands and stay in Santa Barbara doesn’t help. Being restaurants from Australia to San Diego. in our relative backwater makes it hard to “Forty percent of our business is manuwork with bigger supply and shipping com- facturing for other brands,” said Bennett. panies, yet the costs of real estate and living “We do some products that we don’t even are higher. make for ourselves.” PPW, meanwhile, continues to push “It’s a very hands-on business with very low margins,” he said. “I’m not just gonna the briny envelope, releasing new flavors build a facility in Arizona and staff it with- regularly, such as the excellent Kimchi out being there. It would be hard for me to Meets Pickle, Pickles Under the Ginfluence, and Stokra (yep, okra). That means do that.” So, in 2023, Bennett launched a new line their small space down on Union Avenue of more affordably priced pickles and condi- by the MarBorg waste processing center is ments called The People’s Provisions, which pumping out pickles all the time. A recent is made with natural ingredients though order involved receiving 10 palettes of not officially organic (hence cheaper). The cucumbers and then pumping out 20,000 brand features four flavors of pickles (gar- pounds of pickles in a matter of three days. “People can’t believe we’re doing all of lic dill, spicy garlic, bread and butter, and sweet and spicy), a pickled carrot-onion that here, especially when you look at the mix, and three condiments — ketchup, size of our facility — it’s super tiny,” said mustard, and relish — with a McDonald’s- Bennett. “We just have every little inch optimized to crank out what we can.” inspired secret sauce still in development. The pickles are a bit more familiar in name and style than the PPW creations, and See peoplesprov.com and pacificpickleworks.com.

BRADLEY BENNETT ADDS AFFORDABLE BRAND TO EASTSIDE PICKLING EMPIRE

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DECEMBER 24, 2025

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people checked their phones. Instead, we talked to strangers. We shared plates with new friends. We clinked glasses with a vivacious team that graciously kept wine glasses full. It was an evening that marked a new beginning. An evening to celebrate the magic of what lies ahead for El Encanto.

SHARING PLATES, AND MAGIC, OVER DINNER AS EL ENCANTO’S CULINARY SERIES RETURNS BY MEAGHAN CLARK TIERNAN

The evening set out to re-create Bruma Wine Resort’s Valle de Guadalupe restaurant Fauna. Long wooden tables were strategically placed inside the dining room at an angle, with bright green magnolia leaves serving as name cards written in golden ink. We began with cocktail hour and ended with glasses of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs (for those who opted for the alcoholic wine pairing)—a bright cuvée from chardonnay grapes that delivered such subtle hints of effervescence to almost seem invisible. Charred vegetables were the star of the menu created by Chef David Castro Hussong. Staying committed to Fauna’s mission to deliver sustainable and fresh ingredients, the team sourced seasonal specialties from local purveyor Ojai Roots. The surprise flavor bomb of the evening was the second course, where a blackened head of romaine lettuce was placed upon our table aside fresh flour tortillas, guacamole, beans, and salsa roja. The grilled lettuce taco was a testimony to Chef Hussong’s dedication to simple, brilliant ingredients; its deeply roasted crunchiness, combined with the creaminess of the beans and kick of the red sauce, made for a stellar start. There was also a plate composed entirely of thick, meaty carrots, which were almost unrecognizable on a pristine white platter, their skins charred to a deepened black and sliced vertically — perfect for sharing or placing between a homemade tortilla alongside bone marrow. Guests were invited to compare local wines for each of the three courses against Mexican selections, curated from Wero Cham of Vinos Boutique. An Ojai riesling sat next to a Valle

de San Vicente orange wine with the grilled octopus and scallops for a tribute to both where we are and where we come from. The finale of the evening was from Chef Hussong’s partner in life and in Fauna, Pastry Chef Maribel Aldaco Silva. The towering dacquoise featured the unexpected combination of macadamia, rich chocolate cream, and black sesame. The sculpture packed a powerful punch for the final dish in an otherwise flavor-packed evening, as to be expected from one of Latin America’s 50 Best Pastry Chefs in 2023. From the heightened chatter in the room as General Manager Gary Obligacion cheered to an evening full of “magic,” this culinary celebration is much needed in Santa Barbara. “It takes so many people in order to just have a good time — they come together to do their thing, but when it happens, we create magic,” he said. This was the second iteration of El Encanto’s Culinary Series, the inaugural event which kicked off in October and featured food from Monterrey, Mexico’s Rodrigo Rivera-Rio of Koli. The series sets the tone for new owners Justin and Tyler Mateen, in partnership with the Cayton family’s Culver Capital. Obligacion, who got his start in the 80’s at Berkeley’s Chez Panisse and helped the Alinea Group toward a World’s 50 Best Restaurants title, is joined by Chef Joel Viehland as executive chef. “El Encanto needs to have more occasions like this,” Obligacion added. And they will. He teased out upcoming events in the New Year, including a dinner in January hosted by Chef Byron Gomez of Bruto. Be on the lookout for additional events at elencanto.com. n

COLIN MCCARTHY

People’s Provisions F I

or nearly three hours, very few

Kitchen prep for the El Encanto Culinary Series Part II collaboration with Fauna

grub

Late-Night S.B.

MORE BITES AFTER DARK BY ELLA HEYDENFELDT

CLOSING THOUGHTS (AGAIN) The late-night food scene in Santa Barbara is still small, but it’s growing, joyfully, jubilantly, jovially. We are not quite into the wee hours of the morning, but we are starting to wrap up around the time Cinderella turns into a pumpkin, so to that I say — progress! We’ll keep updating this list as we find more spots that believe in feeding the hungry masses post–10 p.m. Until then, send us your tips, your pizza haunts, and your fried pickles. Long live the midnight snacks. And long live the n people ordering steak at midnight.

Roy Restaurant’s handmade cheese ravioli—a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—served in tomato marinara and finished with fresh basil and more parmesan

eader Eric let me know that Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is coming to 7000 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, the current home of Kyle’s Kitchen, which is moving across Hollister Avenue next year to a space next to Target. Raising Cane’s is a U.S.-based fast-food chain that has built its business around a narrow menu focused almost entirely on chicken finger meals. Founded in Louisiana in 1996 by Todd Graves, the company has largely avoided the menu expansion strategies common among national chains. The menu consists of marinated, hand-battered chicken fingers prepared to order, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, lemonade, iced tea, and a proprietary dipping sauce. The company refers to this structure as its “One Love” menu, reflecting an emphasis on consistency rather than variety. The brand’s name comes from Graves’s yellow Labrador retriever, Cane, which became part of the company’s identity. In addition to its restaurant operations, Raising Cane’s participates in local community initiatives, including support for education programs and animal-related causes. Many of these efforts are organized at the regional or local level rather than through centralized national campaigns. As it continues to expand, Raising Cane’s remains an example of a fast-food chain that has chosen operational focus over menu breadth, relying on repetition and standardization rather than frequent product changes. Visit raisingcanes.com. WHAT’S OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY? Years ago, I published a list of restaurants open on Christmas Day, and it turned out to be a much more difficult task than my annual Thanksgiving column, so I haven’t written one since. In the process I discovered a “rule of thumb” about how to find a restaurant guaranteed to be open on Christmas Day: restaurants at hotels/resorts as well as most eateries serving Chinese cuisine.

FOOD & DRINK

One of the most enthusiastic responses to the first article came from Erin Khod, owner of Santa Barbara Pizza House. “As someone who’s spent plenty of nights searching for a good bite after hours, I couldn’t agree more,” she wrote. “We’re open until 1:30 a.m. on weekends (and later if it’s busy)!” That’s the kind of commitment we need. Some places aren’t new, but they’ve been doing late-night right for years. Harry’s Plaza Café — tucked into Loreto Plaza like a boozy time capsule — runs until 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and ’til midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Tee-Off is another one that often flies under the radar. Their tagline is “Old-School Steakhouse & Bar,” and they mean it. Friday and Saturday? They’re open until 11 p.m. Expect dark booths and food that sticks to your ribs. Georges Bitar, who co-owns Milk & Honey alongside his wife, Nichole Bitar, has intentionally expanded the spot’s hours to better serve the late-night crowd. The tapas joint now stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with a reverse happy hour that runs from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. “We used to close at 11,” Bitar said. “But we started seeing a crowd forming around that time, so we extended. It’s fun, affordable, and there aren’t a lot of late-night options in that part of town.” The vibe? Loungy yet playful; kudos to the cartoons being projected onto the wall above the dark bar. With a $10 late-night happy hour menu featuring crowd favorites such as pollo con crema tacos and sweet potato fries, “We pack it in,” he added. “Lots of young people, lots of energy.” As for those craving a sweet treat, rejoice! Haas’s Fine Ice Cream in Five Points is doing the Lord’s work. Haas stays open until 11 p.m. on weeknights and has been experimenting with midnight closings on weekends. “It’s working really well,” said Far Rahimian, the managing owner. “We’re one of the few still open, and people find us through Google, DoorDash, and even just driving by. The locals are loving it.” Haas also has a partnership with McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream. Meaning? You can still get your McConnell’s, just an hour later, and from Haas. Now, we have to do our part to keep the latenight spots buzzing. Four of us from the Indy (shoutout to Richelle, Maya, and Callie) recently hit a few of the best-known after-dark spots: Dom’s Taverna, Milk & Honey, Roy, and the Pickle Room. We ordered a Basque glizzy, oysters, bacon-wrapped dates, ravioli, fried pickles — the works. When asked about Roy restaurant’s late-night go-tos,

our bartender stated proudly, “People order steak at midnight!” Sounds like my kind of people.

MAYA JOHN SON PHOT OS

s promised in Part One, this is me hollering “Late-Night Bites!” from the rooftops. So, it’s past 10 p.m. again. Santa Barbara’s early-bird reputation is going strong. Craving steak, oysters, ice cream? Not ready to go home and tuck in for the night? Fear not; there is a second wave of late-night spots that have you covered. Below, you may find a few more entries to the ongoing list of where to eat after it’s past Santa Barbara’s bedtime.

Raising Cane’s Coming to Goleta

WINGSTOP OPENS ON THE MESA: Last September, longtime reader

Foodie Dan (since the 1990s!) and I broke the news that Wingstop is coming to the Mesa at 1964 Cliff Drive, and reader Primetime tells me that they have opened. The exact spot is immediately to the right of Mesa Café & Bar. This is Wingstop’s fourth South Coast location. The popular eatery first opened locally near La Cumbre Plaza in 2021, then added a location on Pardall Road in Isla Vista, and finally on Fairview Avenue next to Panda Express.

Panko-crusted kosher dill pickles with house-made chorizo aioli at The Pickle Room

Brussels sprouts at Milk & Honey, tossed in lemon-garlic-parsley butter and finished with Himalayan salt and cracked black pepper.

GHIRARDELLI OPENS DOWNTOWN: After breaking the news last

March that Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is coming to 509 State Street, I can report that they opened last week and are officially named “Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop.” Ghirardelli is an American confectioner, wholly owned by Swiss confectioner Lindt & Sprüngli. The company was founded by and is named after Italian chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was incorporated in 1852, and is the third-oldest chocolate company in the US, after Baker’s Chocolate and Whitman’s. The dessert destination is open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Call (805) 562-6162. CHASE REOPENING JANUARY 19: The Chase restaurant at 1012 State Street closed temporarily in 2024 from a fire when it experienced extensive smoke damage. Reader Steve M. heard directly from the owners that an opening date is now set for January 19, 2026. John Dickson’s reporting can be found every day online at SantaBarbara.com. Send tips to info@SantaBarbara.com.

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WEEK OF DECEMBER 24

(Mar. 21-Apr. 19): In the Brazilian rainforest, Cecropia trees and Azteca ants have a special relationship. The trees’ hollow branches serve as nesting spaces for the ants and offer them sugar-rich food. In return, the ants aggressively defend the trees from herbivores and predators, protecting them from damage. This mutualism benefits both species. The trees get protection that enhances their growth, while the ants gain shelter and nutrition. In the coming months, Aries, I invite you to seek symbiosis that’s equally vigorous. Enjoy the fun challenge of reducing your solo struggles as you rouse collaborations that boost your power and everyone else’s. The goal is intelligent alliance, not compromise. Be resourceful as you trade a bit too much independence for just the right amount of interdependence.

TAURUS

(Apr. 20-May 20): When potters center clay on a wheel, they typically use one hand inside the vessel to apply steady, controlled force. The other hand remains fluid, guiding and stabilizing the outer rim of the spinning clay. This balanced use of pressure—one hand firm and bracing, the other adapting minutely to the shifting clay—helps bring the lump into perfect symmetry. I propose you make this a prime metaphor in the coming months, Taurus: control meeting surrender. You will be crafting a new balance between security and surprise. Too much rigidity, and the form cracks; too much flow, and it collapses. Practice the middle art.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): Poet Audre Lorde spoke of how caring for herself was the exact opposite of being selfish. It was the foundation of her ability to serve and inspire other people. My Aunt Sophie used to say, “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” Educator Stephen Covey advised, “Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” Poet Vironika Tugaleva writes, “Learning to love yourself is essential and life-changing.” Everything I just said should be your keynotes in the coming months, Gemini. Boost your self-care to sublime levels.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): A remarkable species of jellyfish can circumvent the aging and death process that affects all other animals. Turritopsis dohrnii converts its mature, specialized cells back into stem cells, essentially recycling its own body into youth. The process may repeat indefinitely, making the animal theoretically immortal. In the coming months, Cancerian, your emotional wisdom will also show amazing regenerative power. Challenging and intriguing situations will be opportunities for you to initiate stunning acts of renewal. Like the jellyfish, you won’t merely manage change but will use it as a catalyst for vigorous growth. Have you ever before been blessed by such wildly rejuvenative powers of metamorphosis? I don’t think so.

LEO

According to ancient Egyptian myth, the sun god Ra rode a celestial boat across the sky by day. Each night, he plunged into the underworld to wrangle with chaos so he could rebirth light in time for the dawn. That’s your mythic assignment for the coming months, Leo: not to be nonstop luminous, but to renew and nurture your radiance in the dark. Your courage will lie in feeling and learning from your doubts without identifying with them. Your magnetism and wisdom will deepen as you descend. You won’t be less golden for passing through shadow.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In medieval monasteries, scribes added whimsical drawings called drolleries into the margins of sacred manuscripts. These marginalia included scenes such as frogs playing harps, nuns chasing rabbits, and fantastical creatures engaged in playful or absurd activities. How should we interpret these seemingly prankish additions? I recommend you experiment with drolleries of your own, Virgo. Inject improvisation into duty. Add ornament to order. The coming months will reward your

serious play. You’ll accomplish more by enjoying the work than by obsessing on perfecting it. A touch of friskiness may even improve efficiency. So, when you edit, doodle; when you analyze, wink.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Italy’s Orto Botanico di Padova is the world’s oldest botanical garden still in its original location. Since its inception 480 years ago, it has been a center for botanical research, education, and conservation. Its layout is striking, a square-inscribed in a circle, symbolizing harmonious order. In the coming months, Libra, you will be wise to associate yourself intimately with a similar wonder: an enduring source of beauty and revelation that you can both serve and benefit from.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Astronaut Chris Hadfield has spent 166 days orbiting the Earth in the International Space Station. In the microgravity of outer space, he says, motion is very smooth; objects and people float. He marvels at how everything is always moving, and yet the pace itself is tranquil and unhurried. I foresee you enjoying a lot of this kind of grace in the coming months, Scorpio: momentum without mania; constant fluidic movement that’s never hectic or rushed. What a great privilege! I expect you will rack up many flowing accomplishments.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In Kyoto’s famous moss gardens, caretakers practice artful arrangement rather than total removal of shed foliage. They use delicate tools to gather trees’ cast-off leaves and arrange them on the moss to create visual harmony rather than bare tidiness. This approach reflects the Japanese aesthetic principles of embracing imperfection. Supposed “flaws” become part of the beauty of the garden. I propose that you regularly adopt a metaphorically comparable approach in the coming months, Sagittarius. Integrate rather than edit. Be creative with what’s changing form. Treat so-called messes and unexpected plot twists not as blemishes but as rich textures that feel meaningful and inspiring.

Make a tax deductible contribution at sbcan.org/journalism_fund

Mickey Flacks was a dogged advocate for affordable housing, among other progressive causes, so the Santa Barbara Independent launched the Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund soon after she died in 2020 to keep her work alive.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A newly planted orchard spends its first year growing roots, not fruit. Underground and unseen, the real work happens. I surmise that’s like what you will be doing in the coming months, Capricorn: mostly invisible stabilization and preparation. If anyone asks you what you’re producing, smile inscrutably and say, “Depth.” Be committed to the quiet, hidden work rather than any showy song and dance. As my rough and rugged spirit guide Esther likes to say, “You don’t got to prove nothin’ to nobody!” The nourishment you will be storing up will sustain later abundance.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Engineers may engage in “stress testing.” They evaluate a system’s hardiness and reliability by subjecting it to pressure or force. I suspect that life will bring you a benevolent version of this trial in the coming months, Aquarius. That’s a good thing! It’s not meant to break you, but to prove how much resilience you have developed. Situations that might have formerly cracked your confidence will affirm and reveal your upgraded endurance. Take note of your composure and congratulate yourself for it. You will have every right to exult in the vivid evidence of how much you’ve grown.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Piscean author Anaïs Nin wrote, “Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don’t know how to replenish its source.” Apply her counsel dynamically during the coming months, dear Pisces. Be the great replenisher. Make yourself into a fountain of beauty as you share lavishly. Nurture tenderness and adoration with unexpected flowers, gorgeous music in the midst of the routine, and affection expressed through artful thoughtfulness. Be brilliant and persistent in ensuring that love thrives. Your elegant generosity and fond attention should enrich everything you touch.

Christina McDermott

Thanks to her fellowship, our reporter Christina McDermott spends many of her waking hours trying to unravel Santa Barbara’s forbiddingly complex and expensive housing landscape.

McDermott’s quest is only possible due to the generosity of our readers who have supported the Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund. Christina is on the job. We want to keep it that way. Please give generously.

Read Christina’s Work below independent.com/mickeyflacksfellow

ARIES

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LEGALS LEGAL NOTICES ADMINISTER OF ESTATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER Non‑Domiciliary ESTATE OF: CAROL S. FUNK (also known as Carol Schwartz Funk) No.: 25PR00605 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: CAROL S. FUNK (also known as CAROL SCHWARTZ FUNK) A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: BRIAN FUNK in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): BRIAN FUNK be appointed as per‑ sonal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the dece‑ dent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests author‑ ity to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the per‑ sonal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or con‑ sented to the proposed action.) The Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the peti‑ tion and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/26/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ANACAPA DIVISION IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contin‑ gent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal represen‑ tative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under sec‑ tion 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person inter‑ ested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inven‑ tory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as pro‑ vided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 12/02/2025 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Dana F. Longo of Fauver Large Archbald & Spary LLP; 820 State Street, 4th Floor Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑966‑7000 Published: Dec 11, 18, 24 2025.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: STUART J. BIRDT CASE NO. 25PR00607 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of STUART J. BIRDT. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by AMIR ROSENTHAL in the Superior Court of California, County of SANTA BARBARA. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that AMIR ROSENTHAL be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/26/26 at 9:00AM in Dept. SB 5 located at Street Address: 1100 ANACAPA ST., Mailing Address: P.O. Box 21107, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and

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appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner GAMBLE T. PARKS ‑ SBN 230413 FENNEMORE LLP 1006 SANTA BARBARA STREET SANTA BARBARA CA 93101 Telephone (805) 420‑6010 12/11, 12/18, 12/24/25 CNS‑3992793# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MICHAEL J. CARRAGHER CASE NO. 25PR00535 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MICHAEL J. CARRAGHER. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SARAH M. CARRAGHER in the Superior Court of California, County of SANTA BARBARA. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SARAH M. CARRAGHER be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 01/08/26 at 9:00AM in Dept. SB 5 located at 1100 ANACAPA STREET; MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 21107, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93121‑1107 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in

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section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner SCOTT D. FISHER, ESQ. ‑ SBN 128454 SCOTT D. FISHER, A PROF. LAW CORP. 9454 WILSHIRE BLVD., PENTHOUSE SUITE BEVERLY HILLS CA 90212 Telephone (323) 944‑0011 12/11, 12/18, 12/24/25 CNS‑3990918# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DONNA MARIE MARK, also known as, DONNA M. MARK and DONNA MARK No.: 25PR00588 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: DONNA MARIE MARK, also known as DONNA M. MARK and DONNA MARK A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: ROBERT MARK in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): ROBERT MARK be appointed as per‑ sonal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests author‑ ity to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the per‑ sonal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or con‑ sented to the proposed action.) The Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the peti‑ tion and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/19/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ANACAPA DIVISION IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contin‑ gent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal represen‑ tative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days

from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under sec‑ tion 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person inter‑ ested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inven‑ tory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as pro‑ vided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 11/13/2025 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Jeffrey B. Soderborg; 1900 State Street Suite M Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑687‑6660 Published: Dec 11, 18, 24 2025. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARY ROBERTSON No.: 25PR00603 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: MARY ROBERTSON, aka. MARY FOX or MAUREEN ROBERTSON A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: CARA DASCENZO in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): CARA DASCENZO be appointed as per‑ sonal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the dece‑ dent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests author‑ ity to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the per‑ sonal representative will be required

to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or con‑ sented to the proposed action.) The Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the peti‑ tion and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/26/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept:SB‑5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ANACAPA IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contin‑ gent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal represen‑ tative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under sec‑ tion 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 12/01/2025 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Julianna M. Malis; Santa Barbara Estate Planning 14 W. Valerio Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑946‑1550

Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. AMENDED NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MURIEL E. BODE No.: 25PR00296 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: MURIEL E. BODE A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: MATTHEW BODE in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): MATTHEW BODE be appointed as per‑ sonal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the dece‑ dent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests author‑ ity to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the per‑ sonal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or con‑ sented to the proposed action.) The Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the peti‑ tion and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 01/22/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street PO BOX 21107 Santa Barbara, CA 93121‑1107 ANACAPA IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contin‑ gent creditor of the decedent, you

Continued on p. 40

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3:56 am 5.0

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Mon 29

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Tue 30

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Wed 31

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Across

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LEGALS (CONT.) must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal represen‑ tative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under sec‑ tion 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is avail‑ able from the court clerk. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 10/8/2025 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Marla A. Pleyte, 3721 Highland Court, Lafayette, CA 94549 831‑331‑8864. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: RICHARD YEE No.: 25PR00626 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: RICHARD YEE A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: MARY YEE in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): MARK WASTSON be appointed as per‑ sonal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the dece‑ dent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests author‑ ity to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the per‑ sonal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or con‑ sented to the proposed action.) The Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the peti‑ tion and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 03/12/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ANACAPA DIVISION IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contin‑ gent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal represen‑ tative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under sec‑ tion 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 12/17/2025 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: J.A.A. Purves; 1215 De

La Vina Street, Ste K Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑965‑0085 Published: Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 8, 2026. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF MARGARET LOUISE ROFF Case No. 25PR00621 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of MARGARET LOUISE ROFF A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Luisa Bertha Lowe in the Superior Court of California, County of SANTA BARBARA. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Luisa Bertha Lowe be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held on March 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM in Dept. No. SB5 located at 1100 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: TROY WERNER ESQ SBN 265907 GRACE LIM‑AYRES ESQ SBN 321004 THE WERNER LAW FIRM 27433 TOURNEY RD STE 200 SANTA CLARITA CA 91355 CN123047 ROFF Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 8, 2026

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SMILE AND SNAP BOOTH: 4995 Pebble Hill Ln, Santa Barbara, CA 93111;Christian A Ramirez (same address). This busi‑ ness is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious busi‑ ness name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: CHRISTIAN A RAMIREZ/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 01, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2025‑0002705. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SBACOUSTIC: 2685 Memory Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Kevin L Gillies (same address) Michael Holland 107 Via Del Cielo Santa Barbara, CA 93109 This business is conducted by A Copartners Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: KEVIN GILLIES/ CO‑FOUNDER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 26, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E66. FBN Number: 2025‑0002693. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COVE ECO GEAR: 4063 Via Zorro, Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Scalable Business Hub Inc. (same address) This business is con‑ ducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 11, 2025. Filed by: ALEXANDRA LOOS/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 26, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002677. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LEON SUMMIT AGENCY: 525 San Ysidro Road, Suite D‑245, Santa Barbara, CA 93108; Femme D’Affaires International LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 01, 2025. Filed by: ZAINAB ABDULLAH/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 26, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002697. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2025‑0002619 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: EXECUTIVE PRO CLEANING, 605 CASTILLO ST, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 County of SANTA BARBARA GEOVANNY HIPOLITO, 605 CASTILLO ST, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 13, 2025. S/ GEOVANNY HIPOLITO, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 11/14/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/24/25 CNS‑3988933# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s)

DECEMBER 24, 2025

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is/are doing business as: PROHEALTH LONGEVITY: 1025 Cindy Lane, Carpinteria, CA 93013; Prohealth (same address) This business is con‑ ducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Apr 04, 2019. Filed by: ROBERT BRUNSMAN/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 25, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E63. FBN Number: 2025‑0002684. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUNNY HOUSE STUDIO: 1810 Chapala Apt 4, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Ellen L Stayner (same address) This busi‑ ness is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious busi‑ ness name or names listed above on Jun 02, 2025. Filed by: ELLEN LEE STAYNER/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 26, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002698. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: VIGNA LAW GROUP: 8939 S. Speulveda Blvd, Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90045; Greg Vigna, M.D., J.D., A Professional Law Cororation 951 N. Patterson Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93111. This busi‑ ness is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Apr 02, 2013. Filed by: GREG VIGNA/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 04, 2025. This state‑ ment expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2025‑0002727. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KELLER WILLIAMS PISMO BEACH, KELLER WILLIAMS SAN LUIS OBISPO, KELLER WILLIAMS OJAI, KELLER WILLIAMS VENTURA, KELLER WILLIAMS OXNARD, KELLER WILLIAMS NORTH COUNTY, KELLER WILLIAMS CAMARILLO, KELLER WILLIAMS SOUTH COUNTY, KELLER WILLIAMS SANTA BARBARA, KELLER WILLIAMS SANTA YNEZ, KW SANTA YNEZ: 1511 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; SB Wealth Inc (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the ficti‑ tious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: NICHOLAS RESENDEZ/SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 25, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002688. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN 2025‑0002535 The following person(s) is doing business as: SERENA GARDEN VILLAS, 1316 S. BROADWAY SANTA MARIA, CA 93454, County of SANTA BARBARA. 1314 S BROADWAY LLC, 20720 VENTURA BLVD SUITE 300 WOODLANDS HILLS, CA 91364; CA This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on NOT APPLICABLE /s/ STEVE HEIMLER, MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 11/03/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/24/25 CNS‑3989261#

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2025‑0002618 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PERSONAL CERAMICS, 836 ANACAPA ST #20009, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93102 County of SANTA BARBARA DEAR HARLEM WORLD,, LLC, 836 ANACAPA ST #20009, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93102 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. DEAR HARLEM WORLD,, LLC S/ RANDALL L PERSON JR, MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 11/14/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/25 CNS‑3984172# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2025‑0002627 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: TOYOTA OF SANTA BARBARA PRE OWNED CENTER, 425 S KELLOGG AVE, GOLETA, CA 93117 County of SANTA BARBARA VAG TSBCA, LLC, 14747 N NORTHSIGHT BLVD SUITE 111‑ 431, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260 This business is conducted by a limited liability company The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/06/2025. TOYOTA OF SANTA BARBARA PRE OWNED CENTER S/ JENNIFER A BONGRATZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 11/14/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/25 CNS‑3990251# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: YOU ONLY BETTER THERAPY: 533 E. Micheltorena St., #103 Santa Barbara, CA 93103; You‑Only Better, Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant com‑ menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 12, 2025. Filed by: YVONNE O. SANDBLOOM with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 21, 2025. This state‑ ment expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002672. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GENERATION FARADAY: 118 E. Ortega St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Merakai LLC (same address) This business is conduct‑ ed by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious busi‑ ness name or names listed above on Nov 11, 2014. Filed by: RYAN JUDY/ CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 21, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002682. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PLAN B BILLIARDS: 1418 Burton Mesa Blvd Lompoc, CA 93436; Maxwell Joy Merriment, LLC 740 N H Street #258 Lompoc, CA 93436 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above

on Oct 21, 2025. Filed by: LORIEL JOY HOLMES/MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 21, 2025. This state‑ ment expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E55. FBN Number: 2025‑0002408. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AMADOR CONSULTING & COACHING: 1332 Santa Barbara Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Santa Barbara Matchmaking 25 S. Salinas Street Santa Barbara, CA 93103 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Comapny Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 10, 2020. Filed by: LISA DARSONVAL/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 13, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002610. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CRITICAL FRONTIER: 1445 East Mountain Drive Montecito, CA 93108; Yield Capital Partners, LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Comapny Registrant com‑ menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: JON YLVISAKER/MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 21, 2025. This state‑ ment expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E66. FBN Number: 2025‑0002669. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TOWER ROOFING INC: 5276 Hollister Avenue, 407, Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Tower Roofing In. (same address) This busi‑ ness is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 6, 1991. Filed by: CHAD MCCLINTOCK/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 26, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002695. Published: Dec 4, 11, 18, 24 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KAMUNITY PROPERTIES LLC: 3760 State Street Suite 100, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Kamunity Properties LLC P.O. Box 30270 Santa Barbara, CA 93130. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant com‑ menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 23, 2022. Filed by: SHEILA BROTHERTON/MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 21, 2025. This state‑ ment expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002671. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2025‑0002628 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: REDEYE CANNABIS, 311 NORTH F ST, LOMPOC, CA 93436 County of SANTA BARBARA GOLDEN STATE REMEDIES, 311 NORTH F ST, LOMPOC, CA 93436 This business is conducted by a Corporation The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not applicable. GOLDEN STATE REMEDIES, S/ SEVAK OVSEPYAN, CEO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara

County on 11/14/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 12/11, 12/18, 12/24/25 12/31/25 CNS‑3990440# SANTA BARBARA FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FEUSIER ORTHODONTICS, WRIGHT & FEUSIER ORTHODONTICS: 111 W Micheltorena St, Ste 100, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Wright & Feusier Dental Group, Inc. (same address) This business is con‑ ducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 2017. Filed by: JOHN R FEUSIER/ PRESIDENT/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 06, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E4. FBN Number: 2025‑0002566. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SHELBY SWANSON THERAPY: 629 State St, Suite 201, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Shelby A Swanson PO Box Buellton, CA 93427. This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 10, 2025. Filed by: SHELBY SWANSON/LMFT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 04, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002739. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: APEX CLUB: 27 W. Anapamu., 262, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Hybrid Health Solutions LLC (same address). This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 01, 2025. Filed by: LUCAS MILLER/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 04, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002581. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EMBODYING THE GODDESS: 791 Park Lane W, Santa Barbara, CA 93108; Cynthia M Abulafia (same address). This busi‑ ness is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious busi‑ ness name or names listed above on Dec 01, 2025. Filed by: CYNTHIA ABULAFIA/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 01, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2025‑0002706. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MY WAY HOME: 2231 Sturgis Road, Suite A, Oxnard, CA 93030; Ventura County Community Development Corporation (same address). This business is con‑ ducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: BERTHA GARCIA/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 05, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002558. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CORRIGAN & COMPANY: 138 Powers Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Ventura County Protective Financial And Insurance Services, Inc. (same address). This business is conducted by A

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LEGALS (CONT.) Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 1993. Filed by: KRISTINA THOMAS/SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 05, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E66. FBN Number: 2025‑0002740. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WARMSTONE ADVISORS: 351 Paseo Nuevo Floor 2, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Warmstone, Inc. (same address). This busi ness is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 20, 2025. Filed by: MICHAEL WARM/ OFFICER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 03, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002723. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2025‑0002556 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ADAPTHEALTH, 5782 THORNWOOD DR., GOLETA, CA 93117 County of SANTA BARBARA VERIO HEALTHCARE, INC., 555 EAST NORTH LANE, STE 5075, CONSHOHOCKEN, PENNSY 19428; CA This business is conducted by a Corporation The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable. S/ JASON CLEMENS, CFO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 11/05/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/25, 12/31/25 CNS‑3993109# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COASTAL CASH ACCESS: 1543 Live Oak Ln, Santa Barbara, CA 93105;Vera A Bernard 1280 Franciscan Ct Unit 4 Santa Barbara, CA 93013 . This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the ficti tious business name or names listed above on Nov 04, 2025. Filed by: VERA BERNARD with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 12, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002599. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KELLER WILLIAMS CENTRAL COAST: 1511 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; SB Wealth Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the ficti tious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: NICHOLAS RESENDEZ/SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 02, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002716. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KIMCHI KOREAN BBQ: 3132 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Kimchi BBQ 3132 Inc. 1221 Lydon St Apt 9 South Pasadena, CA 91030 )This busi ness is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 25, 2025. Filed by: JUSTIN PARK/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 08,

2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002755. Published: Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FLYING SHADE, FLYING SHADE EVENT RENTALS & DECOR, BRANCHES MOBILE GALLERY, BONEFEATHER DESIGN, WESTCOAST BAMBOO, BONEFEATHER FESTIVAL, PEV‑DMV: 117 State Street, 1035 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Bonefeather Llc 7015 Marketplace Dr #1018 Goleta, CA 93117 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 07, 2025. Filed by: LUKE HOLDEN/ OWNER MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 18, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002644. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2025‑0002660 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ONE PLANT GOLETA, 290 STORKE RD. STE G, GOLETA, CA 93117 County of SANTA BARBARA THREE HABITAT CONSULTING STORKE LLC, 290 STORKE RD STE G, GOLETA, CA 93117 This business is conducted by a limited liability company The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 05/28/2021. THREE HABITAT CONSULTING STORKE LLC, S/ RYAN BISHARA, VP OF OPERATIONS This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 11/20/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 12/18, 12/24/25, 12/31/25. 1/8/26 CNS‑3993624# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CP BUILDERS: 209 W. Alamar Ave Ste A. Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Center Point Development Group, Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 16, 2025. Filed by: MICHAEL O’FLYNN/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 15, 2025. This state ment expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002832. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ARISPER CONSTRUCTION: 7060 Madera Dr Goleta, CA 93117; Alvaro E Aristondo Perdomo (same address) This busi ness is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious busi ness name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: ALVARO ARISTONDO PERDOMO/SR with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 09, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E81. FBN Number: 2025‑0002762. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GEODOR: 6970 Scripps Crescent St Goleta, CA 93117; Geodor (same address)This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 2025. Filed by:

GEORGE K. PAPAZACHARIOUDAKIS/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 10, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2025‑0002775. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as:CALIFORNIA COUNSELING CLINICS: 1819 Cliff Dr. Suite F Santa Barbara, CA 93109; ARC Psychological Services Inc. (same address)This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 09, 2020. Filed by: ALEXANDRA ROBINSON/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 26, 2025. This state ment expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E66. FBN Number: 2025‑0002702. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SANTA BARBARA POOL SERVICE: 2965 Stagecoach Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Parker H Woodward (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 01, 2025. Filed by: PARKER WOODWARD/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 04, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E66. FBN Number: 2025‑0002730. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as:THE SHORTCAKE BOOKSHOP: 707 N 1st Unit B Lompoc, CA 93436; Jaquelin J Perez (same address)This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: JAQUELIN PEREZ with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 25, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002691. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2025‑0002628 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: REDEYE CANNABIS, 311 NORTH F ST, LOMPOC, CA 93436 County of SANTA BARBARA GOLDEN STATE REMEDIES, 311 NORTH F ST, LOMPOC, CA 93436 This business is conducted by a Corporation The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable. GOLDEN STATE REMEDIES, S/ SEVAK OVSEPYAN, CEO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 11/14/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 12/18, 12/24/25, 12/31/25. 1/08/26 CNS‑3993669# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUSAN HOOD, REAPATTERNING ROOM: 7015 Marketplace Dr, #1002 Goleta, CA 93117; Susan H Estillore (same address)This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: SUSAN ESTILLORE with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 10, 2025. This state ment expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County

Clerk (SEAL) by E35. FBN Number: 2025‑0002772. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as:CRESTWOOD SANTA BARBARA MOBILE RESPONSE TEAM AND ACCES LINE SERVICES: 303 S. C Street Lompoc, CA 93436; Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc. 520 Capitol Mall Ste 800 Sacramento, CA 95814 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 15, 2024. Filed by: GEORGE C. LYTAL/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 08, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002754. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TRUE CORE PLUMBING: 1501 E Oak Ave Lompoc, CA 93436; Cristian A Lopez Salgado PO Box 1385 Lompoc, CA 93438 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 20, 2025. Filed by: CRISTIAN A LOPEZ SALGADO/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 04, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E35. FBN Number: 2025‑0002733. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KIDS RUN SB: 1222 De La Guerra Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Becky S Aaronson PO Box 3362 Santa Barbara, CA 93130 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the ficti tious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: BECKY S AARONSON with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 12, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002819. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SOLERA & CO, SOLERA AND COMPANY: 512 Laguna Street, Ste A Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Fino SB Llc (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 01, 2025. Filed by: CHARLIE SCHAFFER/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 11, 2025. This state ment expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002793. Published: Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SANTA BARBARA LITERARY JOURNAL: 444 Los Feliz Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Noleta Press LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 08, 2025. Filed by: MARY ANNE KNIGHT/ MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 26, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002694. Published: Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 15 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: VAQUEROS DE LOS OLAS: 10 State Street. Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Grit Line LLC (same

address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: KIM ROBINSON/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 16, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E66. FBN Number: 2025‑0002847. Published: Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 15 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SMART GMP SOLUTIONS: 6336 Lindmar Dr. 102 Goleta, CA 93117; Smart CBD Solutions, LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: DIANA STARR LANGLEY/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 10, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002787. Published: Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 15 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SB FIVE‑STAR PET CARE: 27 W Anapamu Street, Suite 478 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Sylvie Raphael Dream LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 31, 2025. Filed by: RAPHAEL MANETTI/MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 15, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2025‑0002824. Published: Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 15 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PEPPERIDGE FARM SANTA BARBARA: 4588 Nueces Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Fernando Zermevo (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 01, 2006. Filed by: FERNANDO ZERMENO/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 12, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2025‑0002801. Published: Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 15 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SB FIVE‑STAR PET CARE: 211 West Highway 246, Suite 101 Buelton, CA 93427; JM SFV Partners, LLC 7220 Windsor Dr. C/O Acuna Group Allentown, PA 18106; Neciosup Group, Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership Registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: DANIEL ACUNA/MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 16, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2025‑0002835. Published: Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 15 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 805MIXOLOGY: 4326 Calle Real Spc 119 Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Miguel A Avalos Torres (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 08, 2025. Filed by: MIGUEL A AVALOS TORRES/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 16, 2025. This state ment expires five years from the date

it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2025‑0002849. Published: Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 08, 15 2026.

facility in order to complete the trans action. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes pos session of the personal property.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KW SLO, KELLER WILLIAMS SLO, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY SLO, K W SAN LUIS OBISPO, KELLER WILLIAMS SAN LUIS OBISPO, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY SAN LUIS OBISPO, KELLER WILLIAMS WEST VENTURA COUNTY, KELLER WILLIAMS PACIFIC ESTATES, KELLER WILLIAMS LONG BEACH, KELLER WILLIAMS CERRITOS, KELLER WILLIAMS LA MIRADA : 1511 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; SB Wealth Inc (same address) This busi ness is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious busi ness name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: NICHOLAS RESENDEZ/ SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Nov 16, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2025‑0002841. Published: Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 8, 15 2026.

EXTRA SPACE STORAGE, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 6640 Discovery Drive, Goleta, CA 93117. 01/06/2026 at 3:30 PM

LIEN SALE EXTRA SPACE STORAGE, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 10 S. Kellogg, Goleta, CA 93117. January 6, 2026, at 3:30pm. James Fuller Scott Falter Victoria Hernandez Corina Huerta The auction will be listed and adver tised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced

Gavin Grayson Linda Brandt Amaya Barnes Krystal Perez The auction will be listed and adver tised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above refer enced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the win ning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

NAME CHANGE IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: LISA ELLEN HARRIS NUMBER: 25CV07204 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: LISA ELLEN HARRIS A petition has been filed by the above named Petitioner(s) in Santa Barbara Superior Court for decree changing name (s) as follows: PRESENT NAME: LISA ELLEN HARRIS PROPOSED NAME: OLIVIA LISA HARRIS THE COURT ORDERS that all per sons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hear ing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons

Ordinance 5271 An Ordinance Amending an Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara Establishing Fees for Planning and Development Department Services. Passed, approved and adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California, on this 16th day of December 2025, by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:

Supervisors Lee, Capps, Hartmann and Lavagnino Supervisor Nelson None None

MONA MIYASATO CLERK OF THE BOARD By: Sheila de la Guerra – Deputy Clerk NOTE: A complete copy of Ordinance No. 5271 is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and is available for public inspection and copying in that office in accordance with the California Public Records Act, Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1. Ordinance 5272 An Ordinance Adopting a Schedule of Transportation Impact Mitigation Fees for the Orcutt and Goleta Planning Areas. Passed, approved and adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California, on this 16th day of December 2025, by the following vote: Ayes: Supervisors Lee, Capps, Hartmann, Nelson and Lavagnino Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None MONA MIYASATO CLERK OF THE BOARD By: Sheila de la Guerra – Deputy Clerk NOTE: A complete copy of Ordinance No. 5272 is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and is available for public inspection and copying in that office in accordance with the California Public Records Act, Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1.

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LEGALS (CONT.) for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the peti‑ tion should not be granted. If no writ‑ ten objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hear‑ ing. Notice of Hearing January 26, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 5, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, ANACAPA DIVISION A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated 12/02/2025, JUDGE Colleen K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Dec 11, 18, 24, 31 2025. IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: RITA CLERIHEW BRIND’AMOUR NUMBER: 25CV06174 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: RITA CLERIHEW BRIND’ARMOUR A petition has been filed by the above named Petitioner(s) in Santa Barbara Superior Court for decree changing name (s) as follows: PRESENT NAME: RITA CLERIHEW BRIND’AMOUR PROPOSED NAME: RITA CLERIHEW KIRKPATRICK THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indi‑ cated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the mat‑ ter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be grant‑ ed. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing January 30, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 4, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, SANTA BARBARA A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four suc‑ cessive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated 12/03/2025, JUDGE Donna D. Geck of

the Superior Court. Published 11, 18, 24, 31 2025.

Dec

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: MAYELLEN ALAIMO BANISTER NUMBER: 25CV07251 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: MAYELLEN ALAIMO BANISTER A petition has been filed by the above named Petitioner(s) in Santa Barbara Superior Court for decree changing name (s) as follows: PRESENT NAME: MAYELLEN ALAIMO BANISTER PROPOSED NAME: MAYELLEN ALAIMO GRAHAM THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indi‑ cated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the mat‑ ter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be grant‑ ed. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing February 4, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 3, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, ANACAPA DIVISION A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four suc‑ cessive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated 12/13/2025, JUDGE Thomas P. Anderle of the Superior Court. Published Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 8, 15 2026. IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: SHARON KRYSTAL MCCAULEY NUMBER: 25CV07255 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: SHARON KRYSTAL MCCAULEY A petition has been filed by the above named Petitioner(s) in Santa Barbara Superior Court for decree changing name (s) as follows: PRESENT NAME: SHARON KRYSTAL MCCAULEY PROPOSED NAME: S KRYSTAL MCCAULEY THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indi‑

cated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the mat‑ ter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be grant‑ ed. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing February 2, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 5, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, ANACAPA A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four suc‑ cessive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated 12/15/2025, JUDGE Colleen k. sterne of the Superior Court. Published Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 8, 15 2026. IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: NATHAN DAVID BROWN CASE NUMBER: 25CV07090 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: NATHAN DAVID BROWN A petition has been filed by the above named Petitioner(s) in Santa Barbara Superior Court for decree changing name (s) as follows: PRESENT NAME: NATHAN DAVID BROWN PROPOSED NAME: NATHAN ZOLA DEWOLF THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indi‑ cated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person object‑ ing to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objec‑ tion at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing February 6, 2025, 10:00 am, DEPT: 4, SANTA BARBARA SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street., Santa Barbara, CA 93121, ANACAPA DIVISION A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Independent, a news‑

URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 25-13U AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GOLETA, CALIFORNIA, AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GOLETA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 17.41.030 OF THE GOLETA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA On December 16, 2025, at the Goleta City Hall, 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, California, the City Council of the City of Goleta (“City”) conducted the second reading and adopted Ordinance 25-13U that replaces the City’s existing ADU and JADU regulations (Section 17.41.030 of the GMC) with a new set of citywide ADU and JADU standards that will fully comply with the changes in State laws (Assembly Bills 462 and 1154 and Senate Bills 9 and 543). Changes to the City’s ADU and JADU regulations relate to: ADU and JADU Sizes, Quantity of Building Permit Only ADUs, ADU Permitting Process, ADU Processing in the Coastal Zone, Fire Sprinklers, JADU Owner-Occupancy, Disaster-Affected Areas, and Impact Fees. Additional revisions include minor alignments with State ADU law and clarifying clauses and subsection titles, where appropriate. The City Council of the City of Goleta passed and adopted Ordinance No. 25-13U at a regular meeting held on the 16th day of December, 2025, by the following roll call vote: AYES:

MAYOR PEROTTE, MAYOR PRO TEMPORE KASDIN, COUNCILMEMBERS KYRIACO, REYES-MARTÍN AND SMITH

NOES:

NONE

ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE The Urgency Ordinance is effective immediately. Any interested person may obtain a copy of the proposed urgency ordinance at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, California 93117 or by calling City Hall at (805) 961-7505. Deborah Lopez City Clerk Publish: 42

Santa Barbara Independent, December 24, 2025

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DECEMBER 24, 2025

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paper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated DECEMBER 12, 2025, JUDGE Donna D. Geck of the Superior Court. Published Dec 24, 31 2025. Jan 8, 15 2026.

PUBLIC NOTICES UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF DELAWARE In re: API GP VENTURE PARTNERS, LLC., et al., Debtors. Chapter 11 Case No. 25‑11640 (KBO) (Jointly Administered) NOTICE OF BAR DATES FOR FILING PROOFS OF CLAIM, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE AND REJECTION DAMAGES CLAIMS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THE FOLLOWING: Deadlines for Filing Claims. On December 19, 2025, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”) entered an order [Docket No. 160] (the “Bar Date Order”) establishing certain dates by which parties holding claims against the Debtors must file proofs of claim (“Proofs of Claim”) in the chapter 11 cases of the following debtors and debtors in possession (collectively, the “Debtors”): DEBTOR, CASE NO.: API GP Venture Partners, LLC, 25‑11640; Ashland Pacific Integrated USCB Holdings, LLC, 25‑11641; API UCSB Holding I, LLC, 25‑11642; API 6590 Holdings, LLC, 25‑11643, as follows: General Bar Date. Except as otherwise provided in the Bar Date Order, any entity (excluding any Governmental Unit) asserting a claim against one or more of the Debtors, including any claim arising under Bankruptcy Code section 503(b)(9), must file a complet‑ ed and executed Proof of Claim so that it is received by the Bankruptcy Court on or before 5:00 p.m. (ET) on January 24, 2026. Administrative Bar Date. Except as otherwise provided in the Bar Date Order, any entity asserting a claim against one or more of the Debtors arising under Bankruptcy Code sec‑ tions 503(a) (other than claims under Bankruptcy Code 503(b)(9)) and incurred on or before the date of ser‑ vice of this Bar Date Notice must file a request for payment of an administra‑ tive expense claim so that it is received by the Bankruptcy Court on or before 5:00 p.m. (ET) on January 24, 2026. Governmental Bar Date. All Governmental Units asserting claims against one or more of the Debtors must file a completed and executed proof of Claim so that it is received by the Bankruptcy Court on or before March 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (ET). Amended Schedules Bar Date. Except where the Debtors have listed a Claim in their Schedules as disputed, contin‑ gent, or unliquidated, if, on or after the date on which the Debtors serve the Bar Date Notice, the Debtors amend or supplement their Schedules to (a) change the amount, nature, classifica‑ tion, or characterization of a claim, or (b) add a new claim to the Schedules, the affected claimant must file a completed and executed Proof of Claim, or amend any previously‑filed Proof of Claim in respect of the amend‑ ed scheduled claim, so that it is received by the Bankruptcy Court on or before the later of (i) the other‑ wise applicable Bar Date or (ii) 5:00 p.m. (ET) on the date that is 30 days after the Debtors serve notice on the affected claimant of such amendment or supplement to the Schedules. Rejection Damages Bar Date. Except as otherwise set forth in any order authorizing rejection of an executory contract or unexpired lease, any entity asserting a claim against one or more of the Debtors relating to the Debtors’ rejection of any contract or lease must file a completed and executed Proof

of Claim so that it is received by the Bankruptcy Court on or before the later of (a) the General Bar Date or (b) 5:00 p.m. (ET) on the date that is 30 days after the later of (i) the date of service of the Court order authorizing such rejection or (ii) the effective date of such rejection. ANY PERSON OR ENTITY WHO FAILS TO FILE A PROOF OF CLAIM, INCLUDING ANY REQUEST FOR PAYMENT UNDER SECTIONS 503(A) AND 503(B)(9) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE ON OR BEFORE THE APPLICABLE BAR DATE SHALL NOT BE TREATED AS A CREDITOR WITH RESPECT TO SUCH CLAIM FOR THE PURPOSES OF VOTING AND DISTRIBUTION. Filing a Proof of Claim. Except as oth‑ erwise provided in the Bar Date Order, each Proof of Claim must be filed, including supporting documentation, so as to be actually received by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on or before the applicable Bar Date: either (1) by First Class U.S. Mail, overnight U.S. Mail or other hand delivery to the Clerk of the United States Bankruptcy Court, 824 Market Street, 3 rd Floor, Wilmington, DE 1980, or (2) by filing electronically through the Court’s CM/ECF system (for registered users). Contents of Proofs of Claim. Each Proof of Claim must: (i) be written in English; (ii) include a claim amount denominated in United States dollars;‑ (iii) conform substantially with the Official Form 410b provided by the Debtors or otherwise obtained; and (iv) be signed by the claimant or by an authorized agent or legal repre‑ sentative of the claimant. Identification of the Debtor Entity. Each Proof of Claim must clearly iden‑ tify the Debtor against which a claim is asserted, including the individual Debtor’s case number. A Proof of Claim filed under the joint administration case number (25‑11640 (KBO)) or oth‑ erwise without identifying a specific Debtor, will be deemed to be filed only against API GP Venture Partners, LLC. Claim Against Multiple Debtor Entities. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, each Proof of Claim must state a claim against only one Debtor and clearly indicate the Debtor against which the claim is asserted. To the extent more than one Debtor is listed on the Proof of Claim, such claim will be deemed to be filed only against API GP Venture Partners, LLC. Supporting Documentation. Each Proof of Claim must include support‑ ing documentation in accordance with Bankruptcy Rules 3001(c) and (d). If, however, such docu‑ mentation is voluminous, upon prior written consent of Debtors’ counsel, such Proof of Claim may include a summary of such documentation or an explanation as to why such documen‑ tation is not available, provided that any creditor that received such written consent shall be required to transmit such writ‑ ings to Debtors’ counsel upon request no later than ten days from the date of such request. Receipt of Service (Mailed Claims). Claimants wishing to receive acknowl‑ edgment that their Proofs of Claim were received by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court must submit (i) a copy of the completed Proof of Claim Form (in addition to the original Proof of Claim Form sent to the Clerk) and (ii) a self‑addressed, stamped envelope. Additional Information. If you have any questions regarding the claims process or wish to obtain a copy of the Bar Date Notice, a Proof of Claim Form, or related documents you may do so by calling Jeffrey Carbino at (302) 485‑0604. Dated: December 24, 2025 PIERSON FERDINAND LLP /s/ Mette H. Kurth Mette H. Kurth (DE Bar No. 6491) 3411 Silverside Road Baynard Building, Suite 104‑13 Wilmington, DE 19810

Email: mette.kurth@pierferd.com Telephone: (302) 907‑9262 Counsel for Debtors and Debtors in Possession NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE To satisfy the owner’s storage lien, PS Retail Sales, LLC will sell at public lien sale on January 2, 2026, the personal property in the below‑listed units. The public sale of these items will begin at 08:00 AM and continue until all units are sold. The lien sale is to be held at the online auction website, www.storagetreasures.com, where indicated. For online lien sales, bids will be accepted until 2 hours after the time of the sale specified. PUBLIC STORAGE # 25714, 7246 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117, (805) 324‑6770 Sale to be held at www.storagetreasures.com. 1317A ‑ Witt, Deborah; 3309 ‑ Rodriguez, Nancy; 5112 ‑ Hammond, Avery; 5324 ‑ schwan, Mary; 6201 ‑ Gant, Demetrius; A183 ‑ Curiel, Dean; A224 ‑ Acosta, Salvador; A267 ‑ Trujillo, Roberto; A359 ‑ Fleming, Devern; A395 ‑ Rojas, Kelly; A460 ‑ Dixon, Timothy; A6‑A ‑ Abbott, Brooke PUBLIC STORAGE # 75078, 7246 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117, (805) 961‑8198 Sale to be held at www.storagetreasures.com. 086 ‑ Latimore, Jaden; 094 ‑ Angeles, Gabriel; 190 ‑ Marquez, Brenda; 269 ‑ Alturki, Abdullah; 272 ‑ Henkel, Taylor PUBLIC STORAGE # 75079, 5425 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111, (805) 284‑9002 Sale to be held at www.storagetreasures. com. 019 ‑ Hometown Equity Group LLC Escobar, Daniel; 041 ‑ Venzor, Jessica; 227 ‑ Nurulla, Nurzhan; 232 ‑ Badone Assili, Genevieve; 319 ‑ Burian, Susan Public sale terms, rules, and regulations will be made available prior to the sale. All sales are subject to cancellation. We reserve the right to refuse any bid. Payment must be in cash or credit card‑no checks. Buyers must secure the units with their own personal locks. To claim tax‑ exempt status, original RESALE certificates for each space purchased is required. By PS Retail Sales, LLC, 701 Western Avenue, Glendale, CA 91201. (818) 244‑8080. 12/24/25 CNS3996607# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

SUMMONS SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Shonda R. Williams, as Trustee of 518 & 518 1/2 W. Arrellaga Street Trust, Humberto G. Gomez, as Trustee of 518 & 518 1/2 W. Arrellaga Street Trust, Edwin Rodriguez, as Trustee of 518 & 518 1/2 W. Arrellaga Street Trust, Jorge Chacon, as Trustee of 518 & 518 1/2 W. Arrellaga Street Trust, Ruben Ramirez, an individual, Rosa Torres Ramirez, an individual, and DOES 150 inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Juan M. Montanez, an individual NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not pro‑ tect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self‑Help Center(www.courtinfo.ca.gov/self‑ help), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may call an attorney referral ser‑ vice. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal ser‑ vices from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these non‑ profit groups at the California Legal Services Website (www.lawhelpcalifor‑ nia.org), the California Courts Online Self‑Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settle‑ ment or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. !ADVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta cit‑ ación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en el forma‑ to legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es reco‑ mendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un pro‑ grama de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos gru‑ pos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el cole‑ gio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 o más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, California 93121‑1107 CASE NO: (Número del Caso): 25CV04305 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección, y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandan‑ te que no tiene abogado es): Arbat, A Law Corporation, P. O. Box 1444 , Glendora, CA 91740; T (213) 279‑2979; F; (213) 785‑2979; E: main@arbatlaw. com DATE (Fecha): 07/10/2025. by (Secretario) /s/ Naylea Calderon, Deputy (Adjunto) Published: Dec 11, 18, 24 2025. SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: MICHAEL GANN AVISO AL DEMANDANDO: PETITIONER’S NAME IS: CASSIE GANN DEMANDANTE: CASE NUMBER: (NUMERO DEL CASO) 25FL01667 You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL‑120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your mar‑ riage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your chil‑ dren. You may be ordered to pay sup‑ port and attorney fees and costs. For

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legal advice, contact a lawyer imme‑ diately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self‑Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association. NOTICE‑RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. These orders are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement offi‑ cer who has received or seen a copy of them. FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. Tiene 30 dias calendario despues de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL‑120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo. Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afec‑ ten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, honorarios y costos legales. Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abo‑ gado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado. AVISO‑LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PÁGINA 2: valen para ambos cón‑ yuges o pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte de otras órdenes. Cualquier autoridad de la ley que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas órdenes puede hacerlas acabar en cualquier lugar de California. EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de present‑ ación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte. 1.The name and address of the court are (El nombre y direccion de la corte son): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF MERCED 1159 G Street , Los Banos, CA 93635. The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attor‑ ney, are: Scott Jordan (Bar# 88455) 303 I Street Los Banos, CA 93635; (209)‑826‑5024 (El nombre, dirección y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son): Dated September 05 , 2025. Clerk, by (Secretario, por) Veronica Leon, Deputy Clerk (Asistente) Published Dec 18, 24, 31 2025. Jan 8 2026. SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): QUOTE ONLY NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): QUOTE ONLY YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): QUOTE ONLY NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self‑Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the

court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self‑Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/self‑ help), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): QUOTE ONLY The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): QUOTE ONLY DATE (Fecha): QUOTE ONLY QUOTE ONLY, Clerk (Secretario), by QUOTE ONLY, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served 12/24/25, 12/31, 1/8, 1/15/26 CNS‑3994072# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

TRUSTEE NOTICE NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No.: 2025‑2207 Loan No.: 219 CARILLO/ARK PROP YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 05/17/2023. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: 219 W CARRILLO LLC Duly Appointed Trustee: ZTS Foreclosure Services, LLC Recorded 5/26/2023 as Instrument No. 2023‑0015036 in book , page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Santa Barbara County, California, Date of Sale: 1/7/2026 at 1:00 PM Place of Sale: At the main entrance to the County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA. Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $2,128,748.58 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 219 W CARRILLO STREET SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 A.P.N.: 039‑311‑003 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any

liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 760‑758‑7622 or visit this Internet Website WWW. ZENITHTRUSTEE.COM, using the file number assigned to this case 2025‑2207. Information about post‑

ponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immedi‑ ately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can pur‑ chase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eli‑ gible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of pur‑ chase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call, 760‑758‑7622 or visit this internet website WWW.ZENITHTRUSTEE.COM, using the file number assigned to this case 2025‑2207 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer”or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attor‑ ney or appropriate real estate profes‑ sional immediately for advice regard‑ ing this potential right to purchase. ALL BIDDERS MUST HAVE CERTIFIED FUNDS PAYABLE TO ZTS FORECLOSURE SERVICES, LLC, IN ORDER TO BID AT THE SALE. Date: 11/21/2025 ZTS Foreclosure Services, LLC A CA Limited Liability Company 217 Civic Center Drive # 2 Vista, California 92084 Sale Line: 760‑758‑7622 Dana A. Fazio, Trustee Officer NPP0482046 To: SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT 12/18/2025, 12/24/2025, 01/08/2026

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