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Woman Accused of Conning Elderly Scientist by Tyler Hayden

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IN MEMORIAM: Lou Cannon by Jerry Roberts

City Council Passes Temporary Rent Freeze by Ryan P. Cruz

Santa Barbara

HERE TODAY

Five Days of Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. by Terry Ortega JAN. 15-22, 2026 VOL.40 • NO. 2043

GONE TOMORRArrOestW: What Happens After an ICE Arrest

by Ryan P. Cruz

THE INDEPENDENT

JANUARY 15, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY 15, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

THE INDEPENDENT

JANUARY 15, 2026

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

TABLE of CONTENTS

Volume 40 #2043, Jan. 15-22, 2026

MAYA CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF MEDIA

COVER STORY Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

INGRID BOSTROM

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 Assistant Editor Tiana Molony 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

What Happens After an ICE Arrest by Ryan P. Cruz

NEWS ..................................................... 7 OPINIONS ......................................... 14 Angry Poodle Barbecue . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

OBITUARIES.....................................17 In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

THE WEEK........................................27 ARTS LIFE ..........................................31 LIVING .................................................35 FOOD & DRINK .............................37

Maya Johnson

Restaurant Guy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

ASTROLOGY ..................................40 CLASSIFIEDS .................................. 41 ON THE COVER: Photos by Ingrid Bostrom and DHS.gov. Design by Xavier Pereyra.

If you’re not yet following us on social media (@sbindependent on all platforms), you’re missing out on the amazing work our Social Media Manager Maya Johnson has been doing. She runs a tight ship, turning out timely posts and getting our staff to be part of reels (a rather impossible task). Head to independent.com/ abouttheindy to meet the brain behind our social media as Maya celebrates one year at the Indy.

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INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY 15, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

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JANUARY 15, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

JAN. 8-15, 2026

NEWS of the WEEK

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

CITY

Temporary Rent Freeze Passes

NEWS BRIEFS

Council Will Adopt Moratorium on Rent Increases While City Drafts Permanent Rent Cap

Rail service through the Gaviota area has been restored, according to Union Pacific Railroad, ending a suspension that began 1/6 after storm damage compromised the tracks near Arroyo Quemada and injured a worker whose excavator fell into an eroded section of rail bed while clearing debris along the tracks. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner returned to its normal schedule 1/13, with southbound Train No. 774 departing San Luis Obispo at 6:11 a.m. — the first Surfliner to pass through the corridor since the shutdown. The Coast Starlight, which had been canceled between Los Angeles and Emeryville during the closure, was also scheduled to resume service.

TRANSPORTATION

INGRID BOSTROM

by Ryan. P. Cruz he Santa Barbara City Council passed a temporary rent freeze in a 4-3 vote on Tuesday, putting a halt on rent increases for up to a year while the City Council works toward drafting a more permanent rent stabilization ordinance to be considered later in 2026. The rent increase moratorium will be officially adopted next week and would be effective 30 days later. The council failed to get the fifth vote needed to qualify for an urgency ordinance, which would have taken effect immediately after approval. In December 2025, the City Council directed staff to draft a temporary rent increase moratorium that would serve to freeze rents at their current rates while city planning staff iron out the details of a permanent rent cap over the next year. On Tuesday, the council returned to vote on the rent freeze in a jam-packed council chambers filled with city residents and property owners who showed up to weigh in on the polarizing topic. While the council avoided wading into the details of the long-term rent cap, there were dozens of landlords, Realtors, and real estate professionals who criticized any

COMMUNITY Santa Barbara County was named one of the most generous communities in the country in GoFundMe’s newly released 2025 Year in Help report. According to GoFundMe, S.B. County ranked No. 10 nationwide for generosity last year, marking the first time the county has appeared on the platform’s top-10 list. More than 34,000 county residents donated through GoFundMe in 2025 — roughly one in 13 people living in the county contributed to a fundraiser. January 10, 2025, emerged as the county’s most generous day of the year, with more than 1,150 residents making donations. The surge coincided with the most generous day globally on GoFundMe, driven in large part by widespread giving in response to the L.A. wildfires.

City Hall was packed with residents and property owners who showed up to speak about a proposed rent freeze in S.B.

further regulation on rental properties. Some described themselves as “momand-pop” landlords who worried they would be swept up in the larger effort to reel in rent prices driven up by corporate interests. Others said they considered the rent cap as interfering with the market and infringing

on private property. One property owner likened a rent freeze to an “attack on landlords” that could end in legal challenges against the city. Another said that councilmembers did not understand the current challenges with managing property, from insurance prices that have CONT’D ON PAGE 11

ANIMALS

POLITICS

Thousands Protest Fatal ICE Shooting, Trump Admin INGRID BOSTROM

ore than 2,000 people lined the sidewalks of upper State Street on Saturday in the latest local protest against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration. Hosted by Indivisible Santa Barbara, Saturday’s event was part of a nationwide weekend of action against ICE, with more than 1,000 protests held across the country. The Santa Barbara protest saw exceptional turnout, with participants galvanized by the January 7 murder of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. “Her last words were like, ‘I’m not mad at you.’ And he just shot her,” said Lukas Schwirner, a Santa Barbara resident. “Our administration allows those kinds of people into positions of power and supports them, without any input from us, from the people.” The protest was planned to occupy the stretch of State Street between Hope Avenue and Hitchcock Way, but the crowd was so numerous that it spread onto adjacent blocks. Passing drivers honked their horns in support as demonstrators held up signs condemning ICE, Trump, and the recent

Only two butterflies were recorded in the Goleta’s official count across all Ellwood Mesa overwintering sites for January. This season, the highest count for Ellwood was a mere 20 in October, which is when monarch butterflies migrate from their breeding grounds to cluster in groves of trees along California’s coast to wait out the winter. Recent storms and prolonged higher temperatures likely compounded the effects of the usual suspects contributing to the butterflies’ decline for years, such as loss of milkweed habitat, pesticide use, and logging and development. The next of the two remaining counts is set for 1/30. The city will then share the data with scientists to inform ongoing research and monarch conservation efforts.

POLITICS

Protesters line the sidewalk on upper State Street on January 10.

military raid on Venezuela. Sydney Burgoyne, a local high school student, said she was inspired to protest against ICE after “seeing how it’s affecting my classmates and how last year, they had to stay inside and couldn’t go to school because they were afraid that them or their parents or their grandparents were going to be deported.” Representatives from Indivisible Santa Barbara hope the momentum continues.

They will continue to host protests every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the upper State Street location, said community liaison Myra Paige, and plan to hold a “No Kings” rally sometime this spring. —Emily Vesper

Read the full story and see all of Ingrid Bostrom’s photos of this Saturday’s protest, as well as Wednesday’s vigil at the courthouse, at independent.com/news.

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

S.B. City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Kristen Sneddon received the official endorsement from the S.B. County Democratic Party after the Democratic Central Committee held interviews with all three Democratic candidates at the county headquarters in Buellton last week. Sneddon was chosen in a unanimous decision by the committee, who also considered Councilmember Eric Friedman and former S.B. Unified School Boardmember Wendy Sims-Moten. The committee said its decision was guided by an effort to avoid a split vote in this November’s election, as in 2021 when the two registered Democratic candidates lost out to current mayor Randy Rowse, who is running for reelection as a decline-to-state moderate candidate. CONT’D ON PAGE 11

INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY 15, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

JAN. 8-15, 2026

COUNTY

Supes Pass Deltopia Festival Ban

anta Barbara County’s supervisors unanimously approved a 72-hour festival ban for the first weekend of UCSB’s spring quarter, known as Deltopia weekend. The ordinance would effectively cancel the annual unsanctioned street party but would permit a sanctioned event through a government organization, like the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD). At Tuesday’s meeting, Isla Vista Foot Patrol Lieutenant Joe Schmidt told the Board of Supervisors that Deltopia was a danger to the community. Schmidt, alongside EMS Agency Director Vince Pierucci and County Fire Division Chief Patrick Byde, presented data on past Deltopias to illustrate its risks and drain on resources. Pierucci said that on March 8, 2025, the county’s emergency medical services received two medical calls (Pierucci said this was an average Saturday). On the Saturday of Deltopia 2025, he said they received 60 times that. Meanwhile, Schmidt said that since 2023, Deltopia has cost County Fire and the Sheriff ’s Office more than $465,000 in overtime costs. Several students attended the supervisors’ meeting, held in downtown Santa Barbara. None who spoke supported the ordinance, and many brought up that they did not think the ordinance would effectively stop the partying, or make it safer but push students to party underground. “Deltopia began as Floatopia, an unsanctioned beach festival. An ordinance ended it.

And what was the result? Students created Deltopia,” EJ Raad, the external vice president for UCSB’s Associated Students, said. Raad said that student organizers have fought to reduce the safety concerns and fiscal cost of Deltopia, including with a student-run community safety group handing out Narcan, which reverses opioid overdoses, and attempts to hire ENTs from Ventura to service the event. He said the associated students have also pledged a financial commitment of $140,000 to the event. Myah Mashhadialireza, IVCSD’s community programs and engagement director, said she has researched and collected feedback from the community on Deltopia and ran the alternative event that the community services district puts on for the past three years. She said the county should actively work with the community to solve the problem. “Currently, we have a community without the proper infrastructure needed for the influx of people that we see,” she said. “The proper infrastructure needed is an organized event, an allocation of resources and entertainment.” Supervisor Laura Capps said Isla Vista and the county need to move toward a sanctioned event, because of safety. This is the first reading of the amended ordinance. The supervisors will vote on its second and final reading on its administrative agenda on January 27. —Christina McDermott

POLITICS

VP Harris Swears In Monique Limón

THE INDEPENDENT

JANUARY 15, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

MARIAN SHAPIRO

n the auditorium of her former junior high school, surrounded by family, students, and state leaders, Senator Monique Limón was sworn in Friday afternoon as the next president pro tempore of the California State Senate—becoming the first mother and first Latina to hold the post — with the oath administered by former Vice President Kamala Harris. The ceremony, held at Santa Bar- Vice President Kamala Harris and Monique Limón celebrate at bara Junior High School’s Marjorie Friday’s swearing-in ceremony at Marjorie Luke Theatre. Luke Theatre, was both formally ceremonious yet intimate and perShe is a leader among so many people who sonal—a local counterpart to the swearing- deserve to be seen and heard.” in earlier that week in the Senate chambers Limón, 46, spoke with a mix of gratitude, at the state Capitol in Sacramento. The pro- passion, and fierceness. She thanked her gram opened with young folklórico dancers family repeatedly, calling them the people before giving way to Harris and a recurring who “keep me humble,” and spoke of the theme centered on Limón’s roots in the city dual weight of pride and responsibility that where she grew up and began her public comes with being the first. “What it takes to life—from her start in Santa Barbara pub- be the first in this country—being the first lic schools to being elected a school board is important,” Limón said. “Ensuring we are member in 2010, a state assemblymember not the last is even more so.” in 2016, and a state senator in 2020. She described the moment as “an honor “I had to be here,” surprise speaker Har- of a lifetime” and emphasized that her leadris said, drawing applause from the packed ership would be shaped by the community auditorium. “I’ve always been so admiring that raised her. “Decades ago, I stood on of your leadership. … As a native Califor- this stage as a student in this school,” she nian, the pride that I have knowing that we said. “And today, I stand with you here as the have this kind of leadership in our system, new leader of the California State Senate.” showing who we are and who we can be. —Ella Heydenfeldt

COURTS & CRIME

NEWS of the WEEK CONT’D

‘A Perfect Mark’

Woman Accused of Conning Elderly S.B. Scientist CO U R T E S Y

by Tyler Hayden or many years, Jane Doe lived an accomplished yet solitary life. A brilliant research scientist, she received a medal in 1969 for helping put a man on the moon and in 1974 moved to Santa Barbara to pursue a career in defense technology. She held senior positions that required high-level government clearances, most recently at Applied Research Associates in Goleta, and worked long hours, even into her eighties. “We never knew exactly what she did, but we knew she was a workaholic,” said Doe’s sister, Gayle Aruta. The other focus of Doe’s life was serving on the board of the homeowner association that manages her condominium complex off Modoc Road. She was an active member for two decades and took pride in making the small community a pleasant place to live. So, when Doe suffered a perforated bowel in 2022 that required a long stay in Cottage Hospital’s ICU, a fellow boardmember — 61-year-old Russian national Inna Vladimirovna Cook, who also shared Doe’s love of cats and houseplants — offered to help her get back on her feet. Eighteen months later, on February 5, 2024, Santa Barbara authorities raided the home that Doe and Cook shared and discovered Doe, hungry and thirsty, lying under a deflated air mattress. “They found her alone essentially starving, eating only oranges and tomatoes, which are both high in potassium, which damaged her kidneys,” court documents state. Officials soon discovered Doe had recently signed possession of her condo, cars, cash, and investments—assets worth more than $3 million—over to Cook. Police arrested Cook and prosecutors charged her with eight felony counts of elder abuse, theft, and money laundering. At a court hearing later this month, she will likely face additional charges and enhancements. Cook, currently out on bail, has pleaded not guilty and could not be reached for comment. Her attorney declined to discuss the case. Cook has also been hit with a civil lawsuit filed by Doe’s family that seeks substantial damages. As a victim, Doe asked that her identity remain private. From the moment they met, Aruta had a bad feeling about Cook. “I realized within seconds of meeting her that there is something wrong with this woman,” Aruta said of their first encounter after Doe was discharged from the hospital and was settling back home. “I did not like her,” she said. “But my sister said she was a friend, so I gave it grace.” Aruta accused Cook of “worming” her way into Doe’s mind when she was sick and weak, slowly but surely cutting her off from the few people in her life and taking control of her finances. Doe, 84 years old, was always a shy and submissive person, Aruta said, and her convalescence made her even more vulnerable. “She was a sitting duck,” Aruta said. “A perfect mark.” The “brainwashing” process was grad-

Inna Vladimirovna Cook, (left), and Jane Doe in November 2022

ual, Aruta alleged, but the warning signs started early. It began with Doe canceling plans more than once with Aruta, who then started receiving odd emails from Doe that she suspected were written by Cook. Aruta, who lives in San Diego, became so worried that she called for a wellness check on her sister, but when the police knocked on her door, Doe said she was fine. After that, Aruta received an angry email, supposedly written by Doe, telling Aruta to stay out of her life. “My sister is especially nonconfrontational, and that email was very confrontational,” Aruta said. Over the next few months, Aruta and Doe’s neighbors called in six more welfare checks, but each time authorities responded they couldn’t find sufficient reason to act. “The police need probable cause to break down a door—a body, an injury, a call for help—and social workers can’t enter a home without the police,” Aruta explained. “That’s why this took so long. Cook was so good at walking that line of evading probable cause.” Aruta wondered though, if seven calls for a single individual, especially if that person is ill and elderly, should prompt more aggressive action. “The synergy of all those calls should be met with a heightened response,” she said. Then, Doe disappeared. Aruta drove north and found her condo empty. She filed a missing person report, put up flyers, and inquired at the coroner’s office, but learned nothing. It was only when Cook was arrested for DUI after crashing into a tree on Las Positas Road that detectives discovered she had moved Doe to another property that she had purchased with Doe’s money, and which was dead-bolted from the inside. That’s where they found Doe “drugged, malnourished, and suffering other health issues,” the lawsuit states. Just 48 hours after being rescued, “my sister said it was like her mind had been cleared of a fog,” Aruta said. “She knows what that woman did to her,” calling Cook a “predator” and “a lying liar who loves to lie.” This Christmas, Doe sent a letter to an investigator that thanked him for saving her life. She now lives in an assisted living facility at a location Aruta would rather keep confidential because the family is still scared of Cook, who also owns property in Naples, Florida. “We don’t know how far her tentacles reach,” Aruta said. CONT’D ON PAGE 11

INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY 15, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

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JANUARY 15, 2026

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NEWS of the WEEK CONT’D

JAN. 8-15, 2026

RENT FREEZE

‘A PERFECT MARK’

CONT’D FROM P.7 INGRID BOSTROM

more than doubled to skyrocketing costs for repairs, maintenance, plumbing, and roofing. Brian Johnson of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors said a rent moratorium could adversely impact small housing providers that don’t maximize rent each year. “A rent increase moratorium ignores a basic reality: Freezing rent does not freeze expenses,” Johnson said. “Property taxes don’t Mayor Randy Rowse has repeatedly voiced his opposition against a rent stop. Insurance doesn’t stop. increase moratorium or a citywide rent cap: “It’s a model that hasn’t worked Utilities don’t stop. Neither anywhere else — why do we think we’re that special?” do repairs, payroll, or the cost of simply keeping buildings safe and develop that ordinance,” she said. inhabitable.” Harmon said she weighed the risks of There were nearly twice as many tenants impacts on both tenants and landlords. “I who spoke in favor of the rent freeze. These do recognize that this is difficult for some included housing advocates, healthcare folks in this room,” she said. “I think the workers, tech employees, academics, and difficulties associated with not doing this community organizers who asked the coun- would have profound and long-lasting cil to pass the moratorium to prevent more impacts on the fabric of our community.” Councilmembers Mike Jordan and locals from being priced out. “The most compelling reason we need Wendy Santamaria have not often agreed on to do this is to stabilize the population in the issue, but on Tuesday, both expressed a Santa Barbara that is most vulnerable to shared willingness to work together to tailor being displaced to homelessness,” said com- the ordinances to fit Santa Barbara’s needs. munity organizer and renter Ian Baucke. “I would just ask that we do the best job “I can understand the concerns, and I can we can on the nuts and bolts and the details,” understand that there are tradeoffs, but at Councilmember Jordan said. the end of the day, what’s most important “I’m all in,” Councilmember Santamaria is protecting the stability of Santa Barbara.” said. “Let’s work together. Let’s work with Some tenants described difficulties find- everybody in this room and everybody who ing affordable housing in the current market, couldn’t make it. Because at the end of the where people with full-time jobs sometimes day, this is happening, and it’s just a matter have to resort to sleeping in their cars. Oth- of how.” ers pushed back on tenant protections being The temporary rent freeze does not apply portrayed as radically progressive ideas. to any units built in the past 30 years; sinFaith Ellington-Baker, operations man- gle-family dwelling units and most condos; ager at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, transient occupancies such as hotels and spoke in support of the moratorium. She motels; institutional or government houssaid she grew up in Santa Barbara but can ing; or units subject to affordability covenants. The moratorium will last through no longer afford to live here. “I don’t think it’s a radical idea that December 31, 2026. somebody born and raised here with gainSince the rent moratorium did not receive ful employment should be able to live in the five votes necessary to implement an their hometown,” Baker said. “We have to emergency ordinance, it will be treated as do something. Something needs to change. a regular ordinance and will take effect 30 The people of Santa Barbara are what make days after adoption. According to the ordiSanta Barbara so special, and people are nance, rent increases put in place between being displaced.” December 16, 2025, and the effective date Councilmember Kristen Sneddon, who will be counted against future rent increases is also running for mayor, has been among for those same units. the most vocal supporters of both a rent staCouncilmembers Jordan and Eric Friedbilization program and a temporary rent man and Mayor Randy Rowse voted against freeze. She emphasized the importance of the temporary rent freeze. implementing the moratorium to give the Councilmember Friedman said his vote city some breathing room with long-term wasn’t motivated by politics or his candidacy planning. for mayor but instead by data and concerns “If we want to do it right — if we want to about housing supply. “The construction of take that pause and not have the rents keep new housing is not only creating new units; going up for tenants — then we need to have it’s providing jobs,” he said. “This has an impact on the building trades, and that is a moratorium,” Sneddon said. Councilmember Meagan Harmon something that is important to me.” wanted to make sure that Tuesday’s discusMayor Rowse has consistently spoken sion focused on the temporary rent freeze against a rent cap and rent freeze. “I think instead of the larger questions about rent that we are going on emotion, and we are stabilization. “What we’re doing is truly going on anecdotes,” Rowse said. “We don’t about ensuring that the state of play as it have data. We don’t have facts. We don’t have currently exists can continue in place as we financial models.” n

Doe’s family has since recovered most of her assets, except for $150,000 in cash that Cook allegedly spent on gold, lingerie, and large Amazon orders. She also accrued more than $600,000 in tax penalties and interest from the sudden liquidation of Doe’s stock holdings. “We want justice, which means incarceration and restitution,” Aruta said. Officials have put a lis pendens on Doe’s Calle de los Amigos home, which prevents her from selling it. The silver lining to the otherwise awful

CONT’D FROM P.9 experience is that Doe, once isolated in her work, is now meeting new people, making friends, and reconnecting with family. A couple of men have also shown interest. “She’s safe now,” Aruta said. “She has new stories to tell, and that’s healthy.” The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian Cota, who specializes in white-collar and elder abuse crimes, and who frequently secures stiff prison sentences for offenders. The next hearing is January 26 in Santa Barbara Superior Court. n

BRIEFS

CONT’D FROM P.7

POLITICS

days within an incident occurring to proclaim a local emergency and seek disaster assistance.

Supervisor Laura Capps — perhaps the most outspokenly liberal member of the board — vacated her seat as board chair for the past year on 1/13 and made way for Supervisor Bob Nelson, the most outspokenly conservative member of the board. For Nelson, it will be his second time as chair. As chair, Nelson said he will introduce an ordinance to streamline the county’s regulatory process, look into launching a pilot project in his North County district to generate affordable for-sale housing, start a countywide initiative with Supervisor Roy Lee to take advantage of the rare economic opportunities offered by the 2028 Olympics taking place in L.A., and establish sister city relations with the Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan.

HEALTH In the latest win for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., federal health officials rolled back the number of vaccines recommended for children last week, reducing the immunization schedule from 17 shots to 11. Vaccines no longer recommended for all children include hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, and meningococcal disease. But vaccine mandates remain under the authority of the states, not the federal government. In a statement, the County of Santa Barbara Health Department said, “The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and County Health stand by science and are committed to ensuring access to safe, effective vaccines. The county will continue to follow evidence-based recommendations set forth by the California Department of Public Health and the West Coast Health Alliance.” It added that the CDPH bases its vaccine recommendations on guidelines from “trusted medical professional organizations,” including the American Academy of Pediatrics.

PUBLIC SAFETY The County of Santa Barbara proclaimed a local emergency in response to the December 2025 and January 2026 storms, the county announced on 1/9. In the days following these significant storms, county departments and local government agencies continue to assess and document damages, the county said. Emergency protective actions taken in response to the storms, along with damage to government facilities and assets, are currently estimated at $7.6 million. Between 12/23 and 1/4, the storms brought a cumulative total of more than 22 inches of rain, according to the county. Under the California Emergency Services Act, the county has 10

Arroyo Hondo Preserve on the Gaviota Coast has been temporarily closed due to extensive storm damage. According to the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, heavy rainfall caused flooding, landslides, and damage to trails, access roads, parking areas, and other infrastructure within the 910-acre preserve, prompting the closure for public safety reasons. The organization expects Arroyo Hondo Preserve to remain closed for at least several months while damage assessments continue and recovery plans are finalized. A 50-year-old Santa Barbara woman died 1/10 after suffering a medical emergency while driving on De La Vina Street, according to the Santa Barbara Police Department. Police said officers were dispatched at 5:54 p.m. to the 2000 block of De La Vina Street after receiving a report that a motorist had collapsed outside her vehicle. The woman had pulled over before exiting the car. Despite first responders’ lifesaving efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office later identified the woman as Alison Priya Strieker. No further details were immediately available. The AT&T outage that impacted users’ ability to call 9-1-1 in Santa Barbara was resolved on 1/8, according to the Santa Barbara Police Department. The wireless disruption began early 1/6, temporarily preventing some AT&T customers from reaching emergency services and prompting officials to issue alternate instructions for contacting help. Residents were advised to use landlines, text 9-1-1, or call from devices using other carriers. AT&T later said the issue was caused by physical damage to fiber-optic cables belonging to another telecommunications provider. Service for other cellular providers was not affected during the incident.

COURTS & CRIME Ricki Newton, 24, was sentenced to two years in state prison after pleading guilty in November to one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter, the DA’s Office announced 1/8. The charge stems from an 8/13/23 collision on the southbound side of Highway 101 near the Olive Mill Road exit, where Newton was driving at approximately 113 miles per hour and attempting to race a friend, according to prosecutors. Newton lost control while trying to pass another vehicle, colliding with a Mercury Mountaineer and forcing it over an embankment. The Mountaineer’s passenger, Louis Hernandez Jr., 77, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. n

INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY 15, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

THE INDEPENDENT

JANUARY 15, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

NEWS of the WEEK CONT’D

JAN. 8-15, 2026

POLITICS

New Year, New California Laws

Multiple New State Laws Take Effect This Year

by Callie Fausey rom officially parting with plastic bags to increases in minimum wage, a number of new laws are going into effect this year in California, with many beginning on January 1. With the new year underway, here is what to expect for 2026.

EDUCATION

Assembly Bill 727 requires that all public middle and high school students’ school ID cards include the number to the Trevor Project, a 24/7 suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth. In the same vein, under Senate Bill 760, all public and charter schools will also be expected to provide at least one accessible all-gender restroom during school hours starting July 1. At the college level, SB 1454 establishes a direct pipeline for eligible high school students—with at least a 2.5 GPA and completed A-G coursework—to be automatically admitted to participating California State University campuses, starting with 2026 enrollment.

IMMIGRATION

School campuses are also the target of some new immigration laws. That includes AB 419, which requires schools to post information about students’ and families’ rights when it comes to immigration enforcement, reiterating that all children have a right to a free public education. In case of emergency separations, AB 495 established the “Family Preparedness Act,” making it easier for parents to name caregivers and set up joint guardianship through the courts should a parent be detained or arrested. It also protects families’ privacy — including restrictions on childcare facilities sharing immigration-related information. In health care, SB 81 will protect patient privacy by designating documented status and place of birth as protected information, and restricting federal agents’ access to hospitals without a warrant. In the workplace, starting in February, SB 294 will require California employers to give workers a written notice of their rights, including during immigration or law enforcement encounters, and lets employees name someone to contact should they be detained or arrested at work.

HEALTH

California is capping insulin costs. Under SB 40, large state-related health insurers must limit insulin copays to

no more than $35 for a 20-day supply, making it more affordable for Californians who need it. For families with young children, diapers and wipes will now be available through the state emergency food bank program thanks to AB 798. SB 729 requires large employer insurance plans to cover infertility treatment, such as IVF, and expands access for same-sex couples and single parents. AB 42, the Safe and Secure Health Data Act, strengthens privacy protections for people seeking reproductive or gender-affirming medical care. That includes preventing healthcare providers in the state from reporting prescriptions including testosterone and mifepristone to the state’s drug monitoring program. SB 27 will expand the state’s CARE Court program to include people with bipolar disorder and psychotic traits and eases the process to connect people in the justice system to mental health care.

HOUSING

To protect renters, AB 628 requires landlords to provide a working stove and refrigerator in all apartments. These utilities will be treated as basic necessities instead of optional amenities, but tenants can use their own appliances if agreed to in writing. SB 610 places the responsibility on landlords to clean up mold, smoke, ash, or water damage in rental units after disasters, and return unused rent or deposits if a tenancy ends. It also grants residents in mobile homes buyback rights and longer notice periods if parks are damaged or sold. Social security recipients are also receiving extra protections through a new law that guards them against being evicted if their benefits were interrupted through no fault of their own.

ANIMALS

AB 867 bans cat-declawing statewide, only allowing medically-necessary procedures performed by a licensed veterinarian. AB 478 requires shelters to hold rescued pets for at least 30 days after an emergency before putting them up for adoption or transferring them out. Additionally, two new bills are aimed at addressing the national veterinarian shortage, expanding the role of registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants.

LABOR

California’s minimum wage is increasing from $16.50 to $16.90 per hour in January for all industries, catching up to previously implemented higher wages for fast food workers and other jobs. AB 250 opens a window stretching from January 1, 2026, to December 21, 2027, lifting the statute of limitations for adult survivors of workplace sexual assaults, allowing survivors to file claims regardless of when the incident occurred. Additionally, SB 642, coming from Santa Barbara County’s own state senator Monique Limón, expands the state’s equal pay laws by broadening key definitions, clarifying categories of unlawful pay practices, and extending the statute of limitations to three years.

TECHNOLOGY & AI

As artificial intelligence continues to expand and build upon itself, new state laws will attempt to rein it in to protect the public. AB 489 prevents AI chatbots from posing as licensed professionals such as doctors or nurses. SB 243 requires chatbots to include disclaimers that they

are not real people when used by minors and mandates safety protocols to prevent bots from encouraging self-harm. SB 524 requires law enforcement agencies to disclose if and when AI technologies are used to draft police reports. It also bans AI vendors from using or sharing law enforcement data and requires agencies to keep records of how AI was used. AB 578 requires food delivery apps including DoorDash and Uber Eats to provide full refunds in cases of undelivered or incorrect orders—previously, the platforms would only offer partial refunds or delivery credits without transparent criteria. AB 656 requires social media companies to offer a simple delete button that lets users remove their accounts and personal data, and bans design tricks that make it harder to delete accounts. Starting in August, SB 942, the California AI Transparency Act, will require large AI platforms to offer a free tool for detecting AI-generated images, video, or audio and to label such content with visible and embedded disclosures.

ENVIRONMENT

Grocery stores around Santa Barbara have already said goodbye to plastic bags in preparation for Senate Bill 1053, which went into effect on January 1. SB 1053 targets the loophole in California’s original plastic bag ban that allowed stores to provide thicker plastic bags under the guise that they were “reusable.”

CONSUMER PROTECTION

AB 1299 makes parking enforcement more flexible by letting agencies reduce or waive fines for people facing hardship—such as homelessness or low income—and by expanding payment plan options. Starting July 1, the “No More Loud Commercials” law will require streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu to keep ad volume consistent with the volume of the programs being watched. Starting October 1, SB 766 will strengthen consumer protections for car buyers by requiring clear pricing, banning junk fees, and granting used car purchasers a three-day right to return.

FOOD & LABELING

AB 1830 requires some manufacturers of corn tortillas and corn masa products to add folic acid to their products to prevent birth defects, particularly in higher-risk communities. Beginning July 1, AB 660 will ban the sale in California of any food intended for human consumption—other than eggs and infant formula—unless it is labeled with either the quality-date terms “best if used by” or “best if frozen by,” or the safety-date terms “use by” or “use or freeze by.” It also prohibits consumer-facing “sell by” dates, which often leads to confusion and unnecessary food waste. Also starting July 1, SB 68 will require chain restaurants in California to clearly list major food allergens for each menu item.

PUBLIC SAFETY & FIREARMS

SB 805 will require California officers who are off duty or in plainclothes to clearly display identification while carrying out enforcement duties. The identification must include the agency name and either the officer’s name or badge number. The bill also broadens the offense of impersonating a peace officer and authorizes officers to request identification from individuals who claim to be law enforcement. In response to recent immigration enforcement tactics, SB 627 prohibits federal and local law enforcement officers from wearing face masks while conducting official duties. California’s “Glock Ban,” AB 1127, will go into effect on July 1, stopping gun dealers from selling certain pistols that can be turned into fully automatic weapons. SB 704, starting July 1, will require all standalone gun barrels to be sold in person from a licensed firearms vendor with background checks and transaction records. n

INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY 15, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

Opinions

ANGRY POODLE BARBECUE

No False Dogs Before Me

BEWARE OF CORNERED RATS: There

comes a time when we all need an island. We’re in the throes of such a time now. The particular island I’ve conjured usually involves a glass of rye whiskey on ice — just enough to sear the lining of my lungs — and maybe an hour watching reruns of that ancient TV show Law & Order, famously created by longtime Santa Barbara resident Dick Wolf. Nobody gets killed onscreen. No cars explode. There are no chase scenes, not even heaving sex scenes. Mostly, people just yammer at each other. Every now and again, Wolf throws in a “Ba-Bong!” — the show’s sonic signature. Mostly, it’s populated by a revolving cast of cops and prosecutors, all struggling with themselves to figure out the right thing. They struggle a lot with each other over the same thing, as well. Spoiler alert: They don’t always figure it out. They don’t necessarily do it, either. Like real life. Also like real life, the endings come fast and abrupt. “Ba-Bong!” Law & Order! What a quaintly necessary antidote to the personality disorders now commandeering center stage of planet Earth.

I only just stumbled onto it even though the show premiered back in 1990. Last night, I did the math. Renee Nicole Good wouldn’t be born for another year when the show’s first episode aired. She wouldn’t have her three kids

14 THE INDEPENDENT

until much later. She wouldn’t write her awardwinning poem, “On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs,” until five years ago. Now — at least for the next 15 seconds — the world will know her name. She’s the white lady in Minneapolis who was shot three times in the head by an ICE agent named Jonathan Ross seconds after Good told him, “That’s fine, dude, I’m not mad at you.” You can hear those three shots on all the videos. Right after, you can also hear someone say, “Fucking bitch.”

We don’t know for certain who said that. Some nights, one glass isn’t enough. Tuesday evening, Santa Barbara’s reigning top cop — District Attorney John Savrnoch — stepped out from the sidelines to engage the moment, releasing a statement mourning the needless loss of life. “It is my fear that the militarized and quota-based immigration enforcement actions will heighten fear, anger, and resentment to the

point it will lead to more violence,” he wrote. As a lawyer, Savrnoch took issue with Vice President JD Vance’s instant assertion that the shooter enjoyed absolute immunity. He called these statements “a specious claim.” (Read Savrnoch’s full letter at independent.com/ turbulent-times.) Savrnoch also took issue with the many demonstrable falsehoods issued by Donald Trump and members of his inner circle imme-

diately blaming Good for getting herself shot well before any investigation had taken place.

JANUARY 15, 2026 INDEPENDENT.COM

No, for the record, she did not touch Ross with her car, let alone hit him, as Trump insisted, despite video evidence to the contrary. Nor was she a “domestic terrorist,” nor a “paid professional agitator.” Nor was she even “disrespectful” with Ross, as Trump has more recently alleged as an explanation of the killing. Drawing on his experience as a professional prosecutor for 34 years, Savrnoch wrote, “Shooting scenes are chaotic, and it’s irresponsible for government officials to comment and make judgements before all the facts are known.” Savrnoch called it “dis-

turbing” that Trump did so. Mostly, Savrnoch was calling on people to not blow up the world the next time they hit the streets to protest. In closing, Savrnoch still had hope that Americans will reject “hate, violence, and vindictiveness.” Savrnoch isn’t alone. Six very high-ranking senior federal prosecutors in Minneapolis — including the one leading the charge against the massive, multibillion-dollar fraud perpetrated against various safety net programs in Minnesota mostly by people of Somali origin — have just quit their jobs. They quit because they’d been ordered by higher-ranking officials within the Justice

Department to focus their investigative energies on finding dirt on Good’s spouse, Becca, who happened to be with Good when

she was shot. (She was the one who famously explained, “We came with whistles; they

came with guns.”) These career prosecutors quit because the same Justice Department for which they worked refused to share

information about the case with the state agency charged with investigating any and

all law enforcement shootings. Law & Order. “Ba-Bong!”

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara

weighed in, too. He had no issue with the laws ICE was trying to enforce, only with the way they went about it. It’s inflammatory. Incendiary. A provocation. And that’s the whole point. Right now, Minneapolis has 2,000 federal ICE agents roaming its streets waging intermittent guerilla warfare with city residents, citizens and non-citizens alike. O’Hara has 600 officers. O’Hara’s cops find themselves forced to clean up ICE’s mess. “This was predictable and preventable,” said O’Hara in a recent interview. “I had been saying it for weeks. I literally said it at a press conference the day before.” It’s not like Trump didn’t warn us. Remember him saying, “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any votes, okay? It’s, like, incredible.”

Trump’s right: It is incredible. But this time, he’s also got it wrong. He’s going to lose a lot of votes. But he’s going to lose a lot more than that. No wonder he’s so desperate. I’ve cornered more than a few rats in my time. They can really leap. Trump’s leaping. I think that’s what John Savrnoch’s trying to say. Watch out for leaping rats. —Nick Welsh “Ba-Bong!”

OPINIONS CONT’D “FEEL SAFER YET - ICE” BY CHRISTOPHER WEYANT, THE BOSTON GLOBE, MA

Letters

Stand Together

uture Leaders of America condemns the actions taken by ICE and the ongoing loss of life resulting from violence carried out with impunity. Extreme violence by ICE is not rare; it has become normalized. We refuse to accept this as our future. In the aftermath of Renee Good’s killing, the administration and right-wing politicians have attempted to push a false narrative, labeling her a “domestic terrorist” and claiming she attempted to harm ICE agents. We know this is not true because video evidence exists. Our own communities have repeatedly suffered loss and trauma at the hands of ICE. These crimes continue to be framed as “necessary” and are routinely shielded from accountability. Now, more than ever, our communities must stand together and take action.

•

You have the First Amendment right to observe and record ICE activity, as long as you do not impede or obstruct operations.

•

Receive training to get “ICE out of the 805” through @the805undocufund

•

Support established rapid response efforts by connecting with @the805undocufund

•

See something, say something. Upload videos/reports of illegal ICE activity through the California Attorney General’s portal: oag.ca.gov/reportmisconduct.

We are committed to protecting our communities and the future of our youth. We will not be scared into silence. We continue to stand strong alongside our immigrant community. We encourage community members to get trained, stay informed, and support one another. Where ICE melts, flowers grow. —Gloria Soto, Executive Director, Future Leaders of America

Vanishing Coastline

ecent storms in southern Santa Barbara County have delivered some of the highest rainfall in years. As debris basins refill with coarse gravel and rock, we face a clear question: Where should that material go? The answer is simple. It belongs on the coast, where it once arrived naturally before debris basins intercepted it. Carpinteria’s beaches depend not just on wave energy but on the type of sediment they receive. Historically, major storms delivered fresh, angu-

lar cobble from the mountains — material that interlocks, resists movement, and forms a durable upper-beach armor. For more than five decades, however, basins such as the Santa Monica Basin have trapped this younger sediment, which is then hauled to upland disposal sites. What remains on the beach is older, rounded cobble repeatedly tumbled by waves. This matters. Rounded cobble rolls easily under storm surge and is quickly swept away. Without a renewed supply of angular material to stabilize the shoreline, the remaining cobble becomes increasingly mobile and scarce, leaving sand alone to face winter storms — an erosion pattern now seen year after year. Restoring coarse sediment supplies also strengthens coastal ecology. Kelp forests depend on rocky sea beds for holdfasts; when cobble returns, kelp rebounds, supporting fish nurseries, invertebrates, marine mammals, and the biodiversity that defines our nearshore waters. There are financial benefits as well. Placing sediment on the nearest beach reduces hauling costs, extends basin capacity, and lowers long-term flood-control expenses, while a more resilient shoreline reduces emergency repair needs. Debris basins protect our communities, but with thoughtful management, they can do so without severing the natural sediment supply our beaches depend on. —Matt Roberts, Carpinteria

May the Circle Remain

have lived in Santa Barbara since 1997. I arrived just after a spirit of community fun and togetherness — I am thinking specifically of the Solstice parade and gathering places like Baudelaire’s Coffee Shop — was turning into tourist attractions or disappearing entirely. There are so few places of free community engagement left here, and more’s the pity. I am 86 years old and recently, for the first time, enjoyed the delightful Drum Circle gathering in Chase Palm Park. I understand that burdensome fees will be imposed on them, and that this fourdecade-old tradition will be forced to cease. That would be a pity as well, and a loss for me personally and for the City of Santa Barbara as a whole. We should all see our way clear to making sure —Delia Moon, S.B. the Circle remains. The Independent welcomes letters of less than 250 words that include a daytime phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Send to: Letters, S.B. Independent, 1715 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101; or fax: 965-5518; or email: letters@independent.com. Unabridged versions and more letters appear at independent.com/opinions. INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY 15, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

In Memoriam

Lou Cannon 1933-2025

Legendary Journalist, Biographer of Ronald Reagan

In Santa Barbara, the Cannons had a wide circle of friends, many of whom rallied as the ald Reagan, and a caring, civic-minded, and couple faced health challenges in recent years. consequential citizen of Santa Barbara, died In interviews, they offered personal on December 12 at Serenity House. glimpses of a friendly, engaging, and civicminded man, genuinely interested in other He was 92. people, who enjoyed good conversation and A legendary journalist, Cannon earned a national reputation for uncommonly rigorous, thoughtful, a good meal, favoring plain and filling fare and fair-minded reporting. In addition to his eight at local establishments such as Clementine’s books, including five on Reagan, he was a prolific Steak House, the Nugget Bar and Grill, and daily newspaperman and wrote the first draft of histhe Summerland Beach Café. tory in countless articles about politics and public “As legendary as Lou Cannon was, what policy. stands out most to me was how consistently kind and gracious he was,” SuperviIn Santa Barbara, where he lived for more than a quarter-century after retiring from the daily news sor Laura Capps told Josh Molina for a grind, he was a colleague, confidant, and mentor to News-Press.com obit. “He always asked about many working in local media and politics. He also others. He paid attention.” was a kind and generous friend to those he came Ann Louise Bardach, author of multiple to know as he relished the delights of his adopted books about Fidel Castro, bonded with Lou hometown, from the Music Academy to the Harbor over the travails of biography and welcomed him as a congenial dinner party guest. She Fish Market and tai chi classes in the Alice Keck Park laughed at the memory of Lou hustling over Memorial Garden. “He was just ‘Lou,’ ” recalled retired tech execuwhenever her plum tree bore fruit. tive Gordon Morrell, who met him in a group that “He came to every party,” she said. “And assembles weekly at the garden to practice the 108 he’d come over every year and pick several choreographed moves of tai chi. “A few of us would hundred plums. We made plum jam — Lou loved jams and marmalade, but he’d say, gather around him after class to discuss politics, but most people didn’t know this was a man of some ‘They’re not sweet enough.’ ” import.” Her husband, the actor Robert Lesser, connected with Lou over classical music. Said Carl Cannon, Lou’s oldest son, a prominent Washington journalist: “When he settled in Santa “Lou loved the Music Academy — espeBarbara, that was his home. He loved Summercially the master classes and teaching semiland — that was his town.” nars,” Lesser remembered. Realtor Marco Farrell met Lou through his father, who sold the Cannons their house. The Lou Cannon celebrated his 90th birthday at the Summerland Cafe with friends in 2023. families became close, and Marco became Lou Cannon grew up in Nevada and began working a reliable Mr. Fix-It. Among other informal low-wage jobs at small newspapers, after service in the U.S. objective reporting whose assessments of Reagan tended duties, he would drop off shepherd’s pie or another hometoward the negative,” the Times obituary said. made dinner from his mother. Last month, before learning Army, in the 1950s. He landed on the copy desk at the San Jose Mercury News, Ken Khachigian, a veteran California and Reagan strate- that Lou had suffered a stroke, his third, she worried because then worked his way up at the paper to become Sacramento gist — whose political career began in the 1960s as UCSB’s he hadn’t called the day after delivery of her latest pea soup. bureau chief in 1965, just in time to cover the unlikely rise of Associated Students president — recalled, “If I had some“He always called to say ‘thanks,’ and she became conRonald Reagan. Chronicling Reagan’s first term as Califor- thing to say, I put it out there and knew that Lou would tell cerned when he didn’t,” Farrell remembered. “Lou was nia’s governor, Cannon began to master the complexities of it straight without putting a twist on it, or shading it with his humble, soft-spoken, and always thinking of others.” UCSB professor Laurie Harris recalled Lou, in tradegovernment while cultivating deep news sources he mined own point of view. “It was clearly the same when it came to his books on mark tattered ball cap or blue beret, stopping with her at for decades. Hired by The Washington Post in 1972, Cannon served Reagan,” Khachigian said in an interview. “He belonged to Albertson’s, for his standing order of rye bread, or at the as chief White House correspondent during the two terms an era of [reporters] who didn’t … tilt the notebook going fish market, for Hope Ranch mussels, Scottish salmon, and when President Reagan became the nation’s most transfor- in, but just wanted to tell a story, find a great lede, and bust tartar sauce, to cook at home. “Lou went out of his way to get to know the people around mational leader since FDR. the balls of the competition.” “His greatest service,” Cannon wrote later, “was in restorCannon penned perhaps the drollest line ever written him,” she said. “He engaged with people who worked at the ing the respect of Americans for themselves and their own about Reagan, who took great pleasure in vacations and bakery or the market, noticed them, knew their names. “He thought of himself as a local,” Harris added, “and government after the traumas of Vietnam and Watergate, naps: “He may have been the one president in the history the frustration of the Iran hostage crisis and a succession of of the republic who saw his election as a chance to get some Summerland as his hometown.” rest.” seemingly failed presidencies.” His five books about Reagan include the best-selling Carl Cannon said that his father, who left the Post in President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime in 1991, and Gover- 1998, chose to retire here after savoring Santa Barbara while Lou followed local politics closely. Irate about the closednor Reagan: His Rise to Power in 2003. covering Reagan’s trips to his Rancho del Cielo. Since Cannon’s death, major news organizations have “He was with Reagan a lot at the ranch,” Carl said. “After door machinations behind the controversial county canpraised his huge talents for biography, history, and political Reagan’s presidency, he came back to California, and so did nabis law, he reached out to Laura Capps in 2020, when she challenged the incumbent supervisor who pushed it reporting. my dad.” “In a crowded publishing niche,” said The New York through. Times, “Mr. Cannon was widely regarded as a foremost “He was horrified at how that ordinance got rammed authority on the president. He had extraordinary access, through,” Bardach recalled. “He thought long and hard traveled with Reagan, interviewed him some 100 times and Lou is survived by his wife, Mary; by three children from about it, and then said, ‘I am leaving political neutrality admired and respected him. a previous marriage: Carl, Judy, and Jack; seven grandchil- behind on this one.’ ” “Yet his … books on the president were never adoring. dren; and seven great-grandchildren. Another son, David, Capps recalled first meeting Cannon in 1994, when he Indeed, reviewers generally found them to be models of preceded him in death. interviewed her father, the late Walter Capps, who was runLAURIE HARRIS

BY J E R R Y R O B E R T S ou Cannon, the eminent biographer of Ron-

Authoritative Biographer

A Man Who Mattered

Mr. Santa Barbara

THE INDEPENDENT

JANUARY 15, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

COURTESY RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

Lou Cannon interviewing President Reagan for The Washington Post in 1988

wrong with today’s journalistic elite,” she wrote. When her paper wouldn’t print his response, he turned to the Independent and the Los Angeles Times, which published his commentary on the matter: “I am not beholden to any party, government, sect, faction, corporation, union,” he wrote in part, “nor to anyone, like yourself, who believes that your wealth entitles you to harass, smear, and intimidate honest people.” Lou’s actions in that painful chapter of local history drew national media attention, elevating a small-town business tussle into a high-stakes industry showdown. With great moral clarity, he used his personal stature to explain the heart of the matter: the importance of ethical journalism produced in the public interest, not squandered on special interest agendas. No one knew it at the time, but it would prove a prescient struggle — one that, sadly, metastasized nationally in decades since. Lou Cannon didn’t have to put himself on the line in that long-ago fight — he had a nice, quiet life writing books in Summerland. He lent his reputation, his integrity, and his moral authority to it, however, because he knew it was the right thing to do — for journalism, for justice, and for Santa Barbara. n RIP, old friend. PAUL WELLMAN

ning for Congress for the first time — “My dad was a little starstruck” — and later knew him slightly through her mother, Lois, who succeeded her husband in the House of Representatives. But she was amazed when he offered to help her campaign for supervisor. “I was incredibly flattered that my little race would rise to the importance of someone who had covered the White House,” Capps said. “He was such a great figure — ethical, sage, soft-spoken — but never offered advice without being asked. Lou didn’t need to cram his expertise down your throat.” Lou entered another local fray: the 2006 struggle at the old Santa Barbara News-Press newspaper, where billionaire owner Wendy McCaw waged journalistic, economic, and legal warfare against her own staff (me included) and those who supported them. “Lou had the courage to stand up to a billionaire bully when other members of the Santa Barbara establishment were running for cover,” recalled Melinda Burns, who led the staff union effort. “It was an unforgettable declaration of solidarity.” In his send-off for Lou, Independent columnist Nick Welsh recounted Cannon’s pugnacious written exchanges with McCaw. McCaw set things off with an ad hominem attack in her paper after he expressed strong public support for the workers — “Mr. Cannon exemplifies what is

Lou Cannon stood with the S.B. News-Press staff in 2006.

obituaries Oswaldo D. Lopez 1952-2025

With great sorrow, we announce that Oswaldo D. López passed away peacefully at home on Christmas evening 2025 at the age of 73. We owe special gratitude to UCLA Health Cancer Care medical staff and Dr. Greenwald for attempting to prolong his life. A proud and life-long Santa Barbaran, Oswaldo was charismatic, unforgettable, and exuded positivity, adinfinitum. As son, brother, husband, uncle, colleague, mentor, and friend, he remained deeply connected to the community, culture, and family that shaped his life. Oswaldo departed with his wife and partner of 30 years, Angela Carroll, at his side, knowing how deeply loved he was. He is survived by his mother, Carmen V. López, and 2 siblings, Cynthia Castaneda (López) and Paul López. He is further survived by his siblings’ spouses, and Angela’s 3 siblings, Valerie Carroll, Gilbert Carroll, and Cathleen Cohen (Carroll), and their spouses. He is preceded in death by his much-adored father Ventura (Benny) López, and Clyde and Christine Carroll. Oswaldo’s 22 nieces and nephews will cherish his attitude, each forever claiming they are Oswaldo’s favorite. Reciprocally, Oswaldo populated beliefs that he was the “Favorite Uncle” and the “Favorite Son-In-Law.” Known affectionately as “Os,” he was raised on Dos Pueblos Ranch until the age of 9, then graduated Santa Barbara High School, and with the strong encouragement of his parents, went on to earn a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. “Cal,” he said, changed his life. Because of the depth of experience UC Berkeley afforded him, he gave back in spades as an Alumnus, helping the next generation with scholarships and learning opportunities. He grew up grounded in strong family values, respect, and faith - principles passed down through generations and evident in the way he lived his strong life. Professionally, Oswaldo’s contributions were diverse, ranging from affordable housing to high rise offices early in his career, specializing in hotel development in recent years. His dedication and expertise in the hospitality industry left a lasting mark on the projects he helped bring to life in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Hawaii, Latin America and the Caribbean. Os was an avid golfer who enjoyed exploring new courses and participating in fundraising tournaments. He was a loyal fan of the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, and the Los Angeles Lakers, often humoring family and friends with sports trivia. He also fascinated the family by showing off dancing skills from his era, a favorite being “Tighten Up” by Archie Bell & The Drells. Oswaldo lived fully, guided by faith, family, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. He will be remembered for his strength, generosity of spirit, and the love he shared with those closest to him. Though he has

been called home, his presence will remain in the prayers, memories, and hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by God’s grace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, please honor Oswaldo with a donation to the UCLA Cancer Center in Santa Barbara or the American Diabetes Association. Viewing: Tue. 1/20/25 5-8 pm @ WelchRyce-Haider, 15 E. Sola St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Service: Wed. 1/21/25 10 am @ Our Lady of Sorrows, 21 E. Sola St., Santa Barbara,CA 93101 Burial: Wed. 1/21/25 following the Service @ Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93110

MaryLou A. Ramos

MaryLou was born at Travis Air Force Base, California, and grew up in Winters, California. She made Santa Barbara her home, dedicating 42 years to UC Santa Barbara in educational development, a career that reflected her commitment to learning and helping others thrive. Her greatest passion was golf, and she was an integral part of Santa Barbara’s golf community. MaryLou played with the EWGA on the first Sunday of every month, every Wednesday with the women’s group, and on Saturdays at the Alisal course. She competed in numerous tournaments throughout California, building lasting friendships along the way. For 24 wonderful years, MaryLou shared a life with her beloved partner, Karen Haskell. Together they embraced adventure, traveling in their Winnebago Travato to see solar eclipses, visit family, and explore the country with their dogs by their side. She loved planning new excursions and experiencing the world alongside Karen. At home, Mary Lou and Karen created a joyful little farm filled with life and love. She delighted in gardening, growing tomatoes and peppers in raised beds. Their home was shared with ducks, chickens, a potbelly pig, two dogs, a cat, and a fish pond with turtles. MaryLou was kind, positive, and generous, with a wonderful sense of humor. She loved cooking for friends and family and sharing her culinary creations with anyone who visited. MaryLou had a lifelong curiosity about the universe, often gazing at the stars through her telescope and binoculars, always exploring and learning. MaryLou is survived by her beloved partner, Karen Haskell; her mother, Isabel Ramos; her brother, Michael Ramos; her sister, Carmina, and brother-in-law, Steve Caselli; nephew Evan; along with many cousins and extended family members in Winters, California. She was preceded in death by her father, Baldomero A. Ramos. Being with MaryLou was a gift to all who knew her. She leaves behind a life filled with love, adventure, laughter, and deep community. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered. Continued on page 18

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obituaries Esther M. Woodruff 04/02/1924-12/26/2025

Esther Mae Woodruff, 101, a Tucson, AZ resident, and long-time resident of Santa Barbara, CA, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 26, 2025. She is survived by her 3 children, Michael J. Woodruff of Tucson, AZ, Kathleen M. Roemer of Salem, OR, and Patrick D. Woodruff of Yucaipa, CA, 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 8 nieces and 3 nephews. Born April 20, 1924, in Pasadena, CA, to Noble Ernest Gresham and Nancy Elizabeth Spruce, she was the 13th of 14 children. Graduating from Alhambra HS in 1941 and Cal State University Los Angeles in 1959, she taught at Harding and McKinley elementary schools in Santa Barbara. She attended Santa Barbara Community Church, Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande and Holy Redeemer Anglican Church in Tucson. She will be laid to rest beside her husband of 60 years, Marvin J. Woodruff, at National Memorial Cemetery in Riverside, CA.

Lois Coffin Ensberg 11/28/1928-12/28/2025

To know her was to love her. Lois was born and raised as Lois Marion Coffin in Bangor, Maine where she had a wonderful childhood as the youngest of 5 - 3 sisters and an oldest brother. She was a Mainer through and through. She attended the University of Maine. Her mother Grace was a teacher and the first woman valedictorian from the University of Maine. Her Father Harold was a decorated Colonel in the Army and an Electrical Engineer. Lois was married twice – to military pilots. Her first husband was lost in Korea after less than a year of marriage. She met, fell in love with, and married Stanford Ensberg in Springfield Massachusetts – he was stationed at Westover AFB. They moved to Vacaville California with their daughter Cassandra (Cassie) where Stan was stationed at Travis AFB as a pilot for the Berlin Airlift. When preg18

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To submit obituaries for publication, please call (805) 965-5205 or email obits@independent.com nant with Amanda and Stan was away on a mission, she suffered a severe brain hemorrhage and given little hope for recovery. She beat the odds, Amanda was born, adorable and healthy, and pictures a year later show a vibrant mother with her 2 little girls. The family went from California to Montgomery, Alabama, to Great Falls, Montana where Bruce, child #3, was born healthy and happy. The family of 5 plus a dog and a parakeet then moved to Saint Albert, north of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, then to Pease AFB, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, then to Fargo North Dakota where Lois completed her degree from NDSU. Next to Okinawa during the Vietnam War, followed by Fayetteville, North Carolina, and finally retiring to Toronto, South Dakota, where Stan was born and raised, to be farmers with angus cattle and fields of crops. They lived in the ancestral home (built by the great grandfather who had immigrated from Norway in the 1800’s). It was there that Lois rode her 3 wheeled bike all over town with a basket for her little poodle Rocky and she mowed the big lawn every week. Stan and Lois had many friends wherever they went and enjoyed life to the fullest with many trips to Maine for family vacations with Lois’s side of the family. Stan passed at 68 years old when out tending the fields he loved. Lois eventually made the move to Minneapolis to be near her daughter Amanda and family and relatives in the area. In 2014, job changes opened the opportunity for Amanda, her husband, and Lois to move to California to be near their daughter in LA and Amanda’s sister and family in Santa Barbara. Lois loved living at the Villa Santa Barbara and was delighted with all the events especially Fiesta and Solstice Parades, Kids Draw Architecture, Architectural Foundation shows and lectures, Santa Barbara Beautiful holiday party, and coming to city council with Cass to help advocate for an accessible kneeling bus on State Street. Up until 2023, Lois continued annual trips to Maine to visit her sister, family, and friends with help from her “entourage”. She had a zest for life, greeting everyone with a smile and a big “hello!”, and never turned down a cup of coffee or sitting in the sun and bird watching. She "flew off " peacefully with her faughter and son in law at her side. She is survived by her sister Olive Hart, her children and their spouses Cassandra Ensberg (Tom Jacobs), Amanda (Gordon) Engstrom, and Bruce (Patty) Ensberg, 4 accomplished grandchildren Jasper Jacobs & Aubrey Swetek, Linnea Engstrom, Whitney Engstrom (Dan Huebbe), and Danielle Ensberg, 7 great grandchildren Nash, Rye, and Flint Terrell, Wren & Tate Jacobs, Thea & Hilde Huebbe and

JANUARY 15, 2026

nieces and nephews from both sides of the families. Any donations in remembrance of Lois are encouraged to be sent to local Food Banks, the Ojai Raptor Center, or the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara Kids Draw Architecture Program. With gratitude and love to all The Lois Stanford Ensberg Family

Frank Derrick

10/13/1941-01/02/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Larry Derrick, who died peacefully on January 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Frank was born on October 13, 1941, in Santa Barbara, California. Frank is survived by his beloved wife Virgilina; his three sons, Kenneth, Mark, and Kevin; and his daughter, Monica, as well as his four grandchildren, Kevin Jr., Becket, Avalon, and Roark. He also adopted two children during a previous marriage, Jeanette and Jim. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose; his father, Lester; and his sister, Doris. Frank grew up in Santa Barbara and attended La Cumbre Junior High and Santa Barbara High School. After high school, he went to work with his father in the roofing industry, where he developed a strong work ethic rooted in discipline, responsibility and pride in honest labor. As a young man, Frank founded Santa Barbara Roofing, building a reputation for reliability and quality workmanship. In the 1990s, he started Derrick’s Home Center and during this period, he found his faith and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In later years, he returned to roofing and also founded Above All Storage. Frank was known as a hardworking and generous man who quietly helped others without seeking recognition. Loyalty mattered deeply to him, and he maintained lifelong friendships with Dave, Pancho, and Ed. Frank was deeply involved in the Santa Barbara (Turnpike)

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congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where he found spiritual community and purpose. His faith sustained him through his later years and gave him peace in his final days. Frank Derrick will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and a man whose faith became a guiding force in his life. His legacy of integrity, generosity, perseverance, and trust in Jehovah lives on through his family and all those whose lives he touched. Services will be held at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 715 North Turnpike Road, on February 1, 2026, at 2:00. A reception will follow at the Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave.

Rose Martha Jaffe

03/18/1929-12/20/2025

Rose Martha Jaffe passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on December 20th, 2025, accompanied by her loving friends. She was born to Sofie and Morris Wolkenstein on March 18th, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York. She and Norman met in an Adult Ed class when she was only 18 and they married soon after. Norman and Rose moved from New York to Los Angeles, California for his work as a graphic artist with Kodak, and later moved to Santa Barbara in 1977. Happily married for 70 years, Rose and Norman travelled the world, served their local community, and loved each other deeply until his passing on August 13th, 2016. Their passion to serve humanity manifested in various ways, including offering educational scholarships, feeding the homeless, and in Rose’s work as a UCSB teacher of English as a Second Language for 40 years. Many of her students became lifelong friends around the world and remained in contact with until her death. Rose’s generous and lighthearted spirit was apparent when she would treat her best friends to her favorite Chinese restaurant and joyfully recant cherished moments from that day’s show at Ensemble Theater or the Opera. From dynamically managing travel plans, to cooking magnificent meals for a house filled with her students or friends, she always found a balance between work and play, while making sure that everyone around her felt appreciated and honored. Rose’s excellent memory, witty humor, and astute nature were her trademarks. During their, almost, five

decades in Santa Barbara, Norm and Rose were extremely active in the community and were generous supporters of Santa Barbara City College, VNA-Health, Ensemble Theater, the Los Angeles Opera, and the Jewish Federation. Rose utilized services from the Braille Institute, as well as borrowed equipment from the VNA Loan Closet as her vision and mobility declined. She participated for 20 years in a book club, and loved to attend activities of the Italian-American Club. She was always on the go, and liked to say she had the mind of a 30-year- old trapped in a 90+ year old body! While Norman and Rose did not have any biological children, they left a legacy that will empower future generations to come. Before Rose passed away, she founded Rose Shelter, an official 501(c)(3), with a mission to educate, feed, and shelter those in need through the compassion of Jesus. Rose’s bold faith inspired the establishment of this non-profit because she wanted to put God’s love on display in the most meaningful way possible. Rose was a non-practicing Jew and did not subscribe to any religious beliefs until the final chapter of her life, where she came to believe in Jesus Christ. She called him JC for short. Rose Shelter is currently focused on three projects: 1.) to publish Norman Jaffe’s book, Journey to Freedom, a work that shares his triumphant escape from an Auschwitz concentration camp; 2.) to support an orphanage in Uganda; and 3.) to build an elderly care facility in Pakistan. The foundation hopes to create many more projects that align with supporting those in need to ensure that the kindhearted love that Norman and Rose Jaffe embodied will live on forever. To get involved or learn more about the foundation, please visit www.RoseShelter.org A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 16th, 2026 at the Santa Barbara Cemetery Chapel at 2pm. 901 Channel Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93108: Please RSVP by the 13th via email at NormanRoseShelter@ gmail.com or by phone at (707) 836-3380. Additionally, feel free to send any questions you have or memories you would like to share. We give thanks for the love that Rose carried, and celebrate that she is now reunited with the love of her life, Norman, together forever.

obituaries Deborah Duke

05/11/1952-01/03/2026

To submit obituaries for publication, please call (805) 965-5205 or email obits@independent.com Anna, Lauren, Jacob, and Logan. She also leaves behind nieces Christine, Colleen, Allison, and Cheryl, and nephews Daniel, Kelly, and Brandon. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at PanCan, Ridley Tree Cancer Center, Cottage Hospital, and VNA Hospice for their compassionate care.

Rosanna D. Miranda 11/29/1957-01/04/2026 Deborah “Debbie” Jean Duke, a devoted educator, beloved wife, and cherished mother, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, following a courageous three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 73. Early Life and Education Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 11, 1952, Debbie moved to Solvang, California, in 1962 with her mother and siblings. A proud product of the Santa Ynez Valley, she attended local schools before pursuing higher education at Long Beach State and Cal Poly. In an inspiring display of determination, Debbie earned her degree in Education through the UCSB night program while working fulltime and raising her eldest son, Justin. Before transitioning to her true calling in the classroom, she built a diverse professional background at Jostens, Cottage Hospital, Raytheon, and First Interstate Bank’s trust department. A Legacy of Learning Debbie’s career in the Santa Barbara and Goleta school districts spanned many years, where she was known for her dedication to her students. As a GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) teacher, she brought learning to life through specialized programs in aviation, architecture, and debate. Her influence extended to her peers as well, serving as a mentor to future educators at UCSB. Faith, Family, and Song Debbie’s life was defined by her deep faith and her love for her family. She shared a beautiful life with her husband, Dorian ("Dori"), continuing to raise Justin together as well as welcoming their two sons, Chris and Aaron. Together, they enjoyed traveling, golfing, and cheering on Michigan sports—a loyalty she adopted out of love for Dori. A lifelong lover of music, Debbie found great joy and community singing with the Santa Barbara Women’s Treble Clef Chorus. She was a woman who "checked every box," finding fulfillment in her church, her profession, and above all, her roles as a mother and grandmother. Family and Remembrance Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Mark; and her sister, Linda (Mike). She is survived by her devoted husband, Dorian; her sons, Justin (Angie), Christopher (Franci), and Aaron; and her beloved grandchildren,

Rosanna Miranda was called home to Papa on January 4, 2026. She died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her immediate family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend to all. She was born in Lompoc on November 29, 1957, and was raised on the Santa Ynez Chumash Reservation. She was a respected tribal elder who was politically engaged in her tribal community her entire life. She was a community organizer who, in the late 70’s, led a small coalition that secured the funding to build the foundations of both the tribe’s cultural monitoring and education programs. Rosanna was a jack of all trades who was fiercely committed to supporting her family. Among her many jobs, she worked for State parks and worked at Refugio and El Capitán beaches. She worked as a baker in Colorado, at the tribe’s first Bingo operation, and as an administrative assistant within the Chumash Enterprises. She worked for Bernie Taupin as a housekeeper, and she worked as a taxi driver in the Santa Ynez Valley. Rosanna walked within her faith throughout her life, and she never stopped sharing the gospel. She was highly active in her church, and she especially enjoyed ministering within native communities. Rosanna loved to travel and visited cities and national parks throughout the United States. Her international adventures included visits to Canada, Israel, Spain, Fiji, India, Haiti, and Italy. She was well known within her family for her love of bright colors, and she was an artist who could paint, draw, and create beautiful beadwork. She was well known for making homemade gifts for her children and grandkids. She was an amateur musician who enjoyed both playing the guitar and singing gospel music. She loved to play computer and video games and was highly competitive. It also brought her joy to play chair volleyball with the tribal elders. Her hobbies included garden-

ing, tending her chickens, making jewelry, trying new recipes, walking on the beach, and she was on a first-name basis with Amazon.com. She was never afraid to speak up in any situation, and she always told her truth. She was highly invested in her immediate and extended family and was engaged in their everyday lives and concerns. She was well known for her giant heart and everyone who knew her knew that she would give you the shirt off her back. She was preceded in death by her parents Margaret and Joseph Miranda, her brothers Peter, Frankie, Cyril (Lips), Billy, Anthony, and Joseph (Nut). She is survived by her sisters Clara Miranda and Cindy Martinez; her five daughters, Inez, Monica, Helen, Micki, and Rose; her six grandkids, LaNiecia, Ethan, Summer, Soleil, Hateya, and Tyee, and one great grandson Sebastian. She also had numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. A service was held on Saturday, January 10th at Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard. Followed by a reception at the Tribal Hall in Santa Ynez. Loper Funeral Chapel Directors

David Richard Johnson 04/22/1950-11/25/2025

David Richard Johnson, formerly of Goleta, passed away Nov. 25, 2025, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, at the age of 75. Born to Frank and Florence (Turner) Johnson in Helena, Montana, David grew up to become a cornerstone of both his family and his community. In December 1953, David’s parents moved the family to Santa Barbara. David attended San Marcos High School, and excelled in track and cross-country, eventually graduating in 1968. He continued his education at Santa Barbara Community College, UC Santa Barbara, and the University of Missoula, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. David’s professional life was marked by successful sales careers in insurance, the printing industry, and pharmaceuticals. Following his retirement in 2008, his preference for a cooler climate led him to settle in Cottage Grove, Oregon. As a proud veteran’s ally, David served as president of his local Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 3473, and as supreme president of the Military Order of the Cootie Auxiliary. David’s dedication to service extended to his time with the Goleta Rotary Club and significant

involvement with the Elks Lodge. Outside his professional life, David dedicated himself to an array of interests. He was an avid reader of history and mystery books. His love of sports was reflected through golfing, refereeing high school football, umpiring baseball from youth leagues through high school, and serving as president of the Dos Pueblos Little League. David’s creativity shone through in his talent for making jewelry and woodworking. He also found joy in cooking, especially preparing soups for his local church. Moreover, his love for travel and the outdoors was reflected in his numerous cruises, exotic excursions, extensive crosscountry drives, and regular fishing and camping trips. David is lovingly remembered by his partner of 15 years Wanda K. Mosegard; sons Michael (Maily) Johnson of Goleta, Matthew Johnson of Santa Barbara, and Christopher (Tamarin) Johnson of Goleta; sister Linda Weston of Santa Maria; brother John Johnson of Destin, Florida; four adoring granddaughters Jaden, Jordyn, Bella and Magnolia; as well as his former spouse Gail Johnson-Plowman. David will be remembered not only as a committed member of his community, but also as a cherished partner, father, grandfather and friend. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 at Santa Barbara Elks Lodge, 150 N. Kellogg Ave., Goleta. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor David, to consider a donation to their local Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary

Elizabeth Reifel

07/18/1937-12/20/2025

Elizabeth Viola Reifel peacefully passed away on December 20 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. Elizabeth was born in Ontario, California, on July 18, 1937, to Peter and Sena Miller. As the daughter of two Danish immigrants, Elizabeth's upbringing instilled a lifelong belief in the unique promise of an inclusive American dream. In 1956, she married Stanley Winton Reifel, with whom she raised two children, Lisa Reifel and Stanley Reifel Jr. In 1958, the family relocated to Carpinteria, CA, where Stanley Sr. operated his furniture design business, eventually working as an installation designer at UCSB and opening the Fairtree Gallery in New York City. While Stanley Jr. and Lisa were in school,

and her husband worked, Elizabeth ran the household. She brought an artful eye to these duties—sewing beautiful dresses for Lisa, perfecting culinary delights, and tending to her garden. Elizabeth began her life in retail in 1975 at Raku in downtown Santa Barbara. Inspired by her close childhood friend, Barbara Cheatley (of Barbara Cheatley Antiques), Elizabeth and Lisa opened the very first Lewis & Clark storefront on Elizabeth’s 44th birthday. Initially located in Victoria Court, the shop gained an immediate following, moving directly onto State Street in 1983 in a space owned by the Santa Barbara Art Museum. It was in this location that the first “loose-brick” floor was laid by Elizabeth and Lisa themselves. The mother-daughter duo opened a second Lewis & Clark on Coast Village Road in 1988, alongside collaborator and friend Michelle Doetch. In 1998, the downtown shop moved to its current home in Santa Barbara’s iconic La Arcada Plaza. Lewis & Clark flourished in this new location, surrounded by other small stores, restaurants, and art galleries, in a historic arcade lovingly restored by the visionary Hugh Petersen. Elizabeth’s creative vision, celebration of folk art, extensive knowledge of antiques, and entrepreneurial spirit have been central to Lewis & Clark’s 44 years in business. From the store’s beloved brick floor to its French faience bunnies to her many hand-drawn signs, Elizabeth’s aesthetic genius continues to inspire and delight thousands of visitors every year. Elizabeth’s loved ones are incredibly proud that her unique perspective and love of Santa Barbara persist in her familyrun shop’s continued success. In addition to her store, Elizabeth was also a passionate gardener. She poured immense energy into designing her garden alongside her dear friend and gardener Terry Wilby. She was also a dedicated member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where she found friendship and spiritual solace among a community of believers devoted to progressive ideals. Her beautiful home was always shared with at least one or two much-loved feline companions. The joys of pet ownership mattered greatly to her and brought true happiness to her daily routines. Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Lisa Reifel, her three granddaughters, Maggie Clarke, Meriwether Clarke, and Zoe Reifel, as well as a wide extended family, including Rick Cornelius, Ralph Flores, David Rockey, Anne Stewart, the beloved Lewis & Clark staff, and many others. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to Showers for Blessings, United Farmworkers, or ASAP Cats—all organizations whose missions Elizabeth passionately believed in. Continued on page 20

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obituaries Pamela Jean Loughrin 09/11/1956-10/31/2025

Pamela Loughrin was a cherished daughter, devoted family member, and gentle soul whose kindness and creativity touched everyone who knew her. Born on September 11, 1956, to Dr. Therion (Ted) and Judith Loughrin, Pamela grew up with a deep appreciation for the people and simple joys that brought meaning to her life. She graduated from San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara in 1974, and spent her life in the Santa Barbara County area. Pamela had a lifelong love of art and found beauty in color, imagination, and self-expression. She especially adored her cats, whose companionship brought her great comfort and happiness through the years. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, offering warmth, affection, and a quiet, loving presence that will be deeply missed. Pamela’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and gentleness of spirit. She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved parents, Therion and Judith, and her sister, Cynthia. Her family takes comfort in knowing they are together again. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her, and she will be forever remembered for her creativity, her tender heart, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Diane Hopmans/ Hampson

01/18/1957-08/16/2025

Diane Hopmans (Hampson), 68, passed away unexpectedly on August 16, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California. She was born on January 18, 1957, in New York, where she grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. Diane’s life was defined by her generous and caring spirit. She had a natural gift for nurturing others— people and animals alike—and carried that compassion into her life’s work. Guided by this calling, she earned a degree in nursing and dedicated her career to bringing comfort, dignity, and reassurance to those facing difficult health challenges. 20

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To submit obituaries for publication, please call (805) 965-5205 or email obits@independent.com She deepened this innate sensitivity through her long pursuit of meditation, which brought her greater patience, clarity, and a remarkable intuition for what others needed in difficult moments. Later in life, Diane embraced a new passion for art. She attended many seminars through SBCC’s School of Extended Learning, where she made numerous friends and found a vibrant creative community. She was prolific in her artistic growth, exploring her craft with enthusiasm and joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of warmth, empathy, and quiet strength will continue to live on in the many lives she touched. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. For more information, please contact Wendy Rockwood at 805-207-9243.

ming Club and the Santa Barbara Theatre Organ Society, and was an active member of the Santa Barbara Ski Club and the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit. He also served several terms on the board of the Isla Vista Recreation and Park District. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Lucy (Millicent) Murdock and his brother Gary Murdock. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Murdock; his daughter, Marline Murdock; his grandsons, Jacob Mowatt and Casey Mowatt; and his sister, Bonnie Johnson. A celebration of life will be planned in the spring of 2026.

Maureen Mcmullen Groves 07/16/1957-10/30/2025

Rosemary P Hester (née Lynch)

Bruce K. Murdock

03/05/1930-01/02/2026

07/18/1941-12/18/2025

Bruce K. Murdock passed away at home in Isla Vista, CA at the age of 84 on December 18, 2025. Bruce was born in Oakland, California, in 1941 to Clayton Murdock and Lucy Millar. He was the eldest of three children. He was raised in the bay area and earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, with honors, from the University of California, Berkeley. A brilliant engineer with an insatiable curiosity, Bruce devoted his life to learning, problem-solving, and teaching others. His passion for electrical engineering was expressed through a distinguished career at General Motors / Delco Electronics, his consulting work through Channel City Development Company, and his service on the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science faculty at the UCSB. There, he taught upperdivision and graduate courses in network analysis and synthesis. Bruce was the author of Handbook of Electronic Design and Analysis Procedures Using Programmable Calculators, contributed numerous technical articles, and held two circuit design patents. His work spanned a wide range of projects, including contributions to the steering system of the Lunar Rover and involvement in several top-secret projects. Throughout his life, he found great joy in sharing his knowledge and helping others learn. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bruce was deeply engaged in his community and wide-ranging interests from rocketry, computers, music, biking, skiing to local politics. He served as president of the Personal Program-

JANUARY 15, 2026

dent in the care and affection. She gave it to her beloved companions, Maxwell Murphy, and Maggie. Marina survived by her husband of 47 years her son Court knee and her daughter-in-law Crissy, her brother William McMullen her nephew is Jared and Ryan McMullen and her sister-in-law Debbie Darrel. She will be also profoundly missed by her many friends, former patients of those who live she touched with her kindness and strength. A celebration of life will be held in the near future to be determined later. All religious friends for a patient in those who knew and loved her will be welcome to attend an honor, truly remarkable woman. Maureen will be forever remembered as a devoted, mother, loving wife, loyal friend, a resilient spirit, and a beautiful soul.

On October 30 Maureen Groves left the bounds of earth, a life to be reunited with her beloved mother, grandmother and grandfather. She passed surrounded by love and leaving a legacy of strength, compassionate, deep devotion to her family and friends. Marine was born July 16, 1957 at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital to Donnie heard McMullen and Michael McMullen. She spent her childhood years in Hillsboro, Oregon and Hemet California experiences that helped her shape her lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. Maureen graduated from Patrick Henry high school and San Diego in 1975 and went to attend the University of California Santa Barbara where she majored in premed following her studies and graduation marine began a fulfilling career with Santa Barbara medical foundation clinic as a physical therapist. Throughout her life, she touched the countless lives with her care and empathy and dedication. Throughout her adult life, marine face, significant health challenges, including type one diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart disease. She met these battles with remarkable courage and grace among her greatest blessings would be becoming a mother to her cherished child Court grows who was the true love of her life she shared a deep and enduring partnership with her husband, Mark to whom she was married to for 45 years. Maureen found joy in the outdoors and embrace venture. She loved camping, windsurfing, water, skiing, and snow skiing. She also delighted in life, simple pleasures that led to a lifelong Fondus or anything, Disney, including Mickey Mouse, which was a reflection of her warm spirit and playful heart. Her deep love for analyze, was evi-

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Rosemary was born on March 5, 1930, in Santa Barbara, California, daughter of Arcadia Gutierrez and John Lynch, granddaughter of Alfredo Gutierrez and Clorinda Fidela Foxen, of the Foxen family whose lineage traces to Benjamin William Foxen, among Santa Barbara’s earliest settlers. Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and Spanish heritage, she remained, at heart and in spirit, a Santa Barbaran her entire life. She grew up there, built her life there, and belonged to the fabric of the town itself—a link to an older Santa Barbara, a simpler time quietly fading. She was known in Santa Barbara for her daily routines, café stops, and regular walks to Our Lady of Sorrows, her childhood church. A devoted walker well into her nineties, she was a familiar presence in town. Rosemary valued friendship, conversation, independence, and the simple pleasure of belonging to a community. She maintained deep and lasting friendships across decades, staying closely connected not only to her friends but also to their children—relationships she valued deeply and carried with her throughout her life. She was, in the best old-fashioned sense of the word, a lady—gracious and dignified. She graduated from Santa Barbara Catholic High School, known locally as Dolores, where she was the salutatorian of her graduating class, and later pursued French studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She studied Italian, French, and German over the course of her life, but it was her lifelong devotion to the English language—its precision and nuance

that most defined her intellect and voice. An avid football fan, Rosemary cheered and jumped to her feet at every Notre Dame and San Francisco 49ers score, her enthusiasm unmistakable. She once aspired to be a sports journalist, drawn to the excitement of football and the stories behind the game. She worked for the Santa Barbara News-Press, Sentry Insurance, and Santa Barbara County Health Services, where she spent the latter part of her career. Forever curious about the world, she became a worldwide traveler after retirement, often journeying alone with an adventurous spirit well into her 80s. In early 2022, Rosemary relocated to Corralitos, California, to live with her daughter Nicole and her husband, Patrick. In October 2023, she made her final, brave move to Ecuador. Her life came full circle as she returned to her Spanish roots and mother tongue. The night before her death, she requested a good cup of coffee with real cream, thoughtfully preparing for a journey she imagined would take her back to Santa Barbara. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 2, 2026, in Ayampe, Ecuador. Rosemary is survived by her brother, Jack Lynch, and his wife, Mary, of San Francisco, and their son, Geoffrey Lynch; and her four daughters: Andrea Giovannoni of Turin, Italy; Kim Brigham and her husband, Tim, of Arroyo Grande; Stephanie Barrett and her husband, Robert, of Vienna, Austria; and Nicole Bitter and her husband, Patrick, of Corralitos. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren spanning five generations, all of whom she loved very deeply. During her final years in Ecuador, Rosemary’s granddaughter, Jenica Brigham, and her husband, Cesar, lovingly cared for her, ensuring her comfort and filling her days with farm-to-table food, fellowship, and animals in the beautiful home they designed and built for her. She was also tenderly supported by her devoted caregivers, Neicy and Juanita. Rosemary is dearly missed by her loved ones, including her beloved turtle, Ollie. A graveside service will be held on March 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to La Cosecha de los Sueños, an Ecuadorian orphanage she supported and cared deeply about: https://lacosechadelossuenos. kindful.com/

obituaries Lillian Adele Carson 03/12/1933-11/12/2025

Lillian Carson, born Lillian Adele Gershenson, had a remarkable life and death. She died at home, at age ninety-two, and in the hours before narrated some of this obituary to her three children and son-in-law who surrounded her until the peaceful end. She grew up on the lot of Universal Pictures where her Father, Joseph Gershenson, was a film producer, orchestra leader and headed the music department. Her Mother, Helen Tucker-Gershenson, was an actress. Lillian was the first female student body president at North Hollywood High. She was chosen by Temple Beth Hillel of San Fernando Valley, to represent the new Jewish community as the Purim Queen Esther, but declined. Then when pushed further, relented! Her B.A, M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from U.C.L.A. are all in the field of Social Work. In 1970 she established a thriving private practice while consulting to the Santa Monica Child Development Centers and other child-centric social services. Invited by Anna Freud to study for a year at Hampstead Clinic, she presented and participated in a seminar on “The Study and Use of the Diagnostic Profile.” Later she chaired the Santa Barbara Girls Incorporated and served on the National Board. She participated in Betty Friedan’s Think Tank and was a founding member of Dr. Diana Meehan’s Institute for the Study of Women and Men at U.S.C. Her book The Essential Grandparent: A Guide to Making a Difference won a Parent’s Choice Award and The Essential Grandparent’s Guide to Divorce: Making a Difference in the Family won a Bronze award for best self-help book. She travelled the country on book and speaking tours including stints on CNN and other notable outlets. In her words, she had three, “wonderful husbands.” Her first marriage was to Don Gevirtz with whom she had three children. The second was to Ralph Carson who she said she “hopes to see soon.” Her last was for twenty-nine years to Samuel Hurst IV. She cared most about relationships and connection. Throughout her life she made courageous choices and guided clients, friends, and her children to live according to what gave their lives meaning and not what was socially acceptable or expected. She is survived by her three children, Carrie Gevirtz-Wicks and husband Craig Wicks, Steve Gevirtz,

To submit obituaries for publication, please call (805) 965-5205 or email obits@independent.com Susan Gevirtz, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In her last hours Lillian said, “I have tremendous gratitude for the beautiful life I have lived and for my beautiful children and grandchildren. I am surrounded by love.” Lillian did not want a Shiva or a memorial. If you’re moved to donate in her honor she requested it be sent to Visiting Nurses (Hospice) Santa Barbara https://vna.health/ways-to-give/ memorial-and-honor-gifts/ Or https://join.compassionandchoices.org/a/donate-today?

Jan Eric Kaestner

10/18/1952-11/17/2025

Jan Eric Kaestner passed away at home on the evening of November 17, 2025 after a four-month battle with leukemia, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 18, 1952, in Madison, Wisconsin, to his devoted parents, Noel Frank and Mary Ann Kaestner. When Jan was just two years old, his family moved to Salem, Oregon, where his father accepted a professorship at Willamette University. Jan grew up there alongside his two younger brothers and went to college at the University of Oregon, earning his Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1982. Jan’s life took a romantic turn in the spring of 1985, when he met his future wife, Maria, on the island of Crete while they were both traveling abroad. Their shared sense of adventure bonded them instantly. They married in the Netherlands in 1987 and soon settled in Santa Barbara, California, where they began building a life together. In 1992, they welcomed their first child, beginning what would become a family of five. Driven by intellectual curiosity, Jan earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1994. He practiced law for more than three decades, specializing in personal injury and construction defect litigation. He was respected for his sharp mind, steady judgment, and unwavering commitment to his clients. Beyond his legal career, Jan was a gifted and hands-on builder. A skilled contractor, he designed and built two beautiful homes in Santa Barbara for his family—projects that reflected both his craftsmanship and his deep care for those he loved. In 2022, Jan and Maria retired to Nevada City, California. Jan approached life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and humor. He loved the outdoors—hiking, beach volleyball, golf, and gold mining were

among his favorite pursuits. He had a talent for collecting both jokes and friends wherever he went, and his warmth and wit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He also found joy in photography, coin collecting, poker, and passionately cheering on his beloved Oregon Ducks. His fascination with Gold Rush–era history inspired many family road trips along the historic Highway 49, exploring small towns that shaped California’s early identity and creating cherished memories along the way. Jan is survived by his loving wife, Maria, and his three daughters: Lydia Rao and her husband Joe, Katya Kaestner, and Sonya Kaestner. A celebration of Jan’s life will be held on Thursday, February 19, between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the Cabrillo Bath House, 1118 E. Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, California. All who knew and loved Jan are warmly invited to join in remembering and celebrating a life well lived. Please RSVP to janksb52@gmail. com

idea. She made friends easily, and drew many into her orbit for social gatherings and shared adventures. Besides being an avid golfer, she enjoyed ocean fishing, sailing and competitive card games. Her wit and humor were unparalleled, and she was always ready for a road trip, whether cross country or local. Liz is survived by her sister, Mary Gale, Clinton, TN; her nephew, Jeff Gale, Carrington, ND; and her nieces, Janna Thomson, Clinton, TN, and Jody Howe, San Francisco, CA. A celebration of life service will be held in August. For details, please email wjgale@psmail.net. Memorial donations may be made to United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County or the Volunteers for InterValley Animals (VIVA).

Ralph Thomas 1939-2026

Elizabeth "Liz" Boltz 08/10/1944-12/28/2025

Elizabeth “Liz” Boltz passed away on December 28 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Liz was born on August 10, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas, to William (“Bill”) and Helen Boltz. She grew up in Topeka alongside her older sister, Mary. After graduating from Highland Park High School, Liz attended Washburn University, where she earned a degree in sociology in 1968 while also working in community social welfare programs. Following the completion of her degree, Liz moved to California and began her long career as a child welfare social worker for Santa Barbara County. Her creativity and ability to “think outside the box” were hallmarks of her service. Liz lived in Summerland for nearly 30 years before moving to Lompoc and later to Vandenberg Village. Wherever she lived, Liz quickly put down roots and became an active member of the community. With exceptional vision and leadership, she stepped forward to guide organizations and plan events. She served as board president of the Village Country Club, held numerous roles with the Mission Club Women’s Golf Association, and was an active member of Soroptimist International of Lompoc. Liz was infinitely curious, adventurous and always had a better

Ralph Thomas, an acclaimed filmmaker and journalist, passed away last week at Cottage Hospital surrounded by family. He was 86. An extraordinary man, Ralph had lived an extraordinary life. Born in the Brazilian Amazon to fundamentalist Baptist missionaries, Ralph was the eldest of three sons. He was educated at his parents’ Bible School in the Amazon until he was 13 when his family moved to rural Alberta, the Bible Belt of Canada. There he attended another fundamentalist school, the Prairie Bible Institute. His religious upbringing was harsh and punitive – with movies, television, novels and dancing strictly forbidden. The isolation of his childhood deeply influenced his adult life – instilling within him a determination to expose the dangers of religious fundamentalism. In the mid-1950s, his family moved to Toronto, where Ralph finished high school and enrolled at the University of Toronto. The city exposed him to new worlds of literature, music, theatre and politics, all of which became his lifelong passions. He left the university in 1962 to become a journalist for the Toronto Star, writing “The PopRock Scene” and eventually becoming a political reporter. That same year, he married his first wife, Dorothy Mikos, a colleague at the Star, who went on to serve two terms on the Toronto City Council. Together, they had a son, Nye. Ralph left print media for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, where he became a trailblazing documentarian and current affairs producer. In 1975, he produced the acclaimed docudrama series, For the Record, writing and directing numerous episodes of the series. For

the Record was a signal moment in Canadian broadcasting, bringing uncompromising, hard-hitting stories to Canadian television. The show became an incubator for a generation of young writers, actors and directors committed to telling difficult, off-beat and challenging Canadian stories. In 1977 the Canadian Film Awards (precursor to the Genie Awards) bestowed an Award of Distinction on Ralph for “increasing the stature of film drama on television in Canada. In 1973, having moved into television dramas, Ralph met Vivienne Leebosh, a documentary filmmaker from Montreal. The couple quickly married – becoming a blended family with Vivienne’s two sons, Derek and Jon. For the rest of their lives, they were creative partners as well as parents to three sons. Together they made Ralph’s first feature film, Ticket to Heaven, co-written and directed by Ralph and produced by Vivienne. The film – a riveting drama about cults and fundamentalism-was a popular and critical success in Canada and internationally.Nominated for 14 Genie Awards (the Canadian “Oscars”), the film won four, including for Best Movie of 1981. The film won the Grand Prize at the Taormina Film Festival with jury chair, Marguerite Duras, the acclaimed French writer, writing that “Ticket to Heaven exposes the core of modern Nazism.” Two years later, Ralph directed the ground breaking Terry Fox Story for HBO. It would be the first movie ever made for the US cable television market, and went on to win the Canadian Genie Award for Best Movie of the Year in 1983 and the ACE Cable Award for Best Directing. In the 1980s, Ralph and Vivienne moved to Los Angeles, where Ralph continued his career in Hollywood - writing and directing television and films for HBO, CBS, and others until the late 1990s. Ten years later, they moved to Montecito, where Ralph and Vivienne quickly became a social hub for a community of filmmakers, writers, and activists, forging numerous deep and enduring friendships. For many years, Ralph mentored students in screenwriting as part of the SB Film Festival programs. Ralph died peacefully with his family at his side on January 4 th from complications of heart disease. He was 86. He will be remembered for his integrity, intelligence, breadth of knowledge, and his singular commitment to his craft. He leaves behind a body of articles and films that endure, a family he loved, and a reminder that cinema must be predicated upon ethics as well as entertainment. Most of all, Ralph will be remembered for his love of Vivienne, his partner for more than 50 years. Ralph is survived by his wife Vivienne, son Nye, stepsons Jon and Derek, brothers Paul and Ivor, and grandchildren Mei, Eli and Nate.

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COVER STORY

HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW: UC Santa Barbara Grad and Healthcare Worker

Shares Experience of Detention and Deportation

by Ryan P. Cruz t was supposed to be just another boring

Tuesday. When Jupiter Lara Castillo woke up on the morning of September 16, 2025, he didn’t expect his life to be turned upside down just a few hours later. When he got dressed in his usual work scrubs and got into the car he had just recently bought, he didn’t expect that he would be stripped of both and would not return home that night. Sure, he had seen the videos on social media and read news headlines about masked ICE agents arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants across the country. Here on the Central Coast, more than 1,200 people have been arrested by federal immigration enforcement this year, including at least 150 in Santa Barbara County during the final week of 2025. Castillo, a healthcare worker, UC Santa Barbara graduate, and DACA recipient whose legal status had been secure for nearly two decades, hoped that he would be safe from facing the same treatment, especially since he had been in the country since he was 7 years old, and he had always renewed his paperwork. But still, he said he had a nagging fear that—because of the way he looked, and because he was born in another country—he might be seen as a target for deportation. Those fears came true later that morning, when Castillo made a quick stop to turn in some work registration papers at the Department of Social Services building on Calle Real outside Goleta. It was the beginning of a long, chaotic, and emotionally draining journey over the next several weeks, as Castillo was shackled, thrown into unmarked vehicles, and driven from detention center to detention center as he tried to fight his case to stay in the country. Eventually, he was deported to Mexico, a country he hadn’t known since he was a child, and far away from his partner, his brothers, his parents, and the life he had built here in Santa Barbara. Now in Mexico City, Castillo offered to share the details of his harrowing experience, from being picked up by masked agents to being stuck in freezing basement holding cells to being driven out to the infamous Adelanto Detention Center in the California desert. He said he hopes his story can help put a face to the hundreds who have been arrested and deported in Santa Barbara County over the past year, many of whom are workers, family members, and community members who have been cast as criminal aliens by federal authorities.

A DREAM DEFERRED Jupiter Lara Castillo didn’t have much say in his crossing over into the U.S. as a child. He arrived with his parents when he was 7 years old, and every major step in his life since then happened here in California. He received protected status under the

PHOTO CREDITS FROM TOP TO BOT TOM: DHS.GOV; COURTESY; INGRID BOSTROM

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JANUARY 15, 2026

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Jupiter Castillo worked as a caretaker for the elderly for three years before he was arrested by ICE in September 2025.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, an initiative created in 2012 to ensure children who were brought into the country would be protected from deportation and could apply for legal work permits. DACA recipients, known also as “Dreamers,” are considered as holding a temporary lawful presence in the country. As long as they meet the criteria during each renewal period, DACA recipients have been allowed to remain in the U.S. and have not been typically targeted for deportation. But the Trump administration and federal officials have been challenging that protected status recently, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has upped the rhetoric against Dreamers. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin recently told NBC News that the agency now believes DACA “does not confer any form of legal status in this country,” and she said DACA recipients could be detained and deported. Making things more difficult for Dreamers, the agency in charge of DACA renewals—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—has added hurdles to the process, creating new requirements and asking those seeking to renew their status to submit applications five months in advance or risk delays. These delays can lead to the loss of protected status and work authorization. In some cases, DACA recipients facing delays have been encouraged to “self-deport” and leave the country voluntarily.

For much of his childhood, Castillo didn’t even consider the implications of his status as a DACA recipient. He grew up in a home in Whittier with his parents and two younger brothers, who were both born in the U.S. and are citizens. He says that his experience was similar to most California kids. He played youth soccer, hung out with friends, and went to school. His friends didn’t consider him as an immigrant, and he was always treated like an American. When he graduated high school in 2017, he applied to UC Santa Barbara, a campus and a town that attracted him due to the sunshine, beaches, and community. He changed his major from accounting to sociology after he enrolled in a few classes that exposed him to the social injustices of the world. “I wanted to help people,” he said. Castillo graduated with a bachelor’s in sociology in 2021, and shortly after, he began working in the healthcare industry. For the past three years, he worked two jobs, spending days doing home aid care for the elderly through Love and Care—an organization providing in-home care in Santa Barbara—and then working the night shift helping homeless people at Good Samaritan Shelter. It was a busy schedule, and it was tough to make ends meet in an expensive place like Santa Barbara (especially with taxes taking up to a third of his two incomes). But Castillo enjoyed his life here, spending days off going on trips with family and friends, hitting the Wildcat for a drink, hanging out at the beach, or taking a hike on one of the many trails in the region. He says he felt like part of the local community. He renewed his DACA status each year, made all his proper appointments, and didn’t have anything on his record other than a speeding ticket or a minor traffic violation. He had plans for the future, with his partner and his career. He had a lease on an apartment and payments on a new car that he would be paying off for the next few years. It all seemed to be going smoothly until September 16.

TAKEN IN PLAIN SIGHT “I went to turn in my home-aid care registration,” Castillo says, remembering the day he was arrested by federal immigration enforcement. He spoke to the Independent in a series of e-mails and interviews via Zoom and FaceTime from his grandparents’ home outside Mexico City. Castillo says that as soon as he came back outside to his car around 11 a.m., he noticed a group of federal agents walking around the parking lot. “At first, I thought maybe it was the police,” he said. “But as soon as I walked up to my car to unlock it, I just felt somebody right behind me.” He says the four agents, dressed in masks and bulletproof vests and driving unmarked vehicles, did not identify themselves. He saw that two of the agents wore vests marked with “HSI,” and the others wore black vests marked “Police.” When Castillo pressed them to ask who they were, they told him they were with Homeland Security and he was not free to leave. Castillo said he pleaded with the agents, and asked if they had a judicial or administrative warrant for his arrest. He attempted to show them his California driver’s license and employment authorization documents, but they did not accept either. “I told them I had active DACA status, but they didn’t care,” he said. Within minutes, the agents placed handcuffs on both his wrists and ankles and shoved him into the back of an unmarked blue SUV. As the vehicle hit the freeway south to transport Castillo to the regional ICE facility in Camarillo, he heard the voice of a superior officer speaking through the crackled static of the radio. “Good job, guys,” the voice on the radio told the agents.

COURTESY PHOTOS

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN ICE ARREST

Castillo celebrates his graduation from UCSB with his parents and his younger brothers in 2021.

“This was an easy one,” replied one of the agents in the car. That comment — and the way the agents appeared to be so cavalier about what was a life-changing moment for him—made Castillo well up with emotion in the back seat. “It was like they were congratulating themselves on the catch of the day. They told me, ‘We didn’t even come here for you,’ ” Castillo said. “I was angry for most of the ride.” Castillo sat in the back seat thinking about what had just happened. It was over so quickly, he wasn’t even able to lock his car or grab his keys. He felt like he was racially profiled, and said it was even more disappointing to hear the agents speaking with accents revealing they were also Latino. “Just knowing it was your own people doing this…,” Castillo said. He wasn’t allowed to use his phone to inform his family about his arrest until he arrived at the ICE facility on Cortez Circle in Camarillo. There, the agents allowed him to send a quick message to his family, and to tell his boss he wouldn’t be coming in that day, or any day soon. He took a photo of the handcuffs on his wrists and feet, and sent it to his loved ones with a message letting them know what had happened. In an emotional interview with a Mexican news station on October 4, Castillo’s mother Melina recalled receiving the photo of her son in shackles, along with a short message saying, “Don’t be scared, Mom, but I’ve been picked up by ICE. I’m sorry.”

THE ‘FRIDGE’ Castillo arrived at the Camarillo ICE facility around midday, less than an hour after he was arrested. He was there for only about two hours, in a holding tank alongside a group of eight men and one woman, all farmworkers picked up from the Oxnard fields that same morning. All the detainees were jammed into a van and transported to the central ICE processing facility at the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles. The giant concrete and glass building at 300 North Los Angeles Street is home to a basement fortress of holding cells with narrow cement benches that are notoriously cold during the fall and winter months. “They call it the fridge, because it’s freezing in there,” Castillo said.

He was held in a holding cell with about 15 other detainees, in one of at least five cells stuffed with people who were awaiting transfer to the much larger GEO Adelanto Detention Center later that night. Each person was given a bag lunch with a bologna sandwich, a mini carton of milk, cookies, a bag of chips, and a Capri Sun. That evening, Castillo was finally able to make a short phone call to his partner, and to his parents. He said it was surreal to hear their voices, and he tried to hide his emotions to not make them worry more. “Those three minutes on the phone were just to calm them down, let them know I was okay, and that I wasn’t being beaten or mistreated,” he said. “I was trying to keep myself together, to stay strong for them.”

INTO THE DESERT At midnight, Castillo was handcuffed again and loaded into an unmarked van with blacked-out windows. Leaving the downtown Los Angeles facility was much different than arriving. There was now a group of protesters outside the building, yelling at the transport vans as they attempted to leave the gate. The van driver sped past the protesters, hit the highway, and headed for the desert. The drive to Adelanto was colder than the holding cells that he just left. Castillo said the driver was pushing 90 miles an hour trying to make it to the desert facility quickly, while the detainees were huddled in the back, hands shackled and shivering all the way. “We were freezing cold,” he said. “They didn’t give us blankets or anything.” Riding in the unmarked van contracted to transport prisoners to a privately owned detention facility made Castillo wonder just how much money companies were investing and making to incarcerate and detain immigrants. Adelanto Detention Center is one of four in California owned by the GEO Group, a billion-dollar contractor that houses the bulk of ICE detainees in the country. The Adelanto facility holds nearly 2,000 detainees at any time and is estimated to generate up to $85 million a year through government contracts.

CONTINUED >>>

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COVER STORY COURTESY PHOTOS

“They aren’t criminals,” he said. “It was all workers — farmworkers, construction workers, or service workers.” Castillo described the dorm units, which each hold about 70 bunk beds. The restrooms are just a series of stalls without doors, with shower heads sitting behind thin curtains that offer little privacy. In the recreation area, detainees can watch TV without sound, read books, or play card games. During his stay at Adelanto, Castillo said he spent much of his free time speaking with his fel fellow detainees, learning their stories and trying to make the best of their shared situation. “All we had to do to kill time was talk,” he said.

was extremely impersonal. “You can’t even see the judge’s face; you just hear the audio,” he said. “They can see you, but you can’t see them.” Officially, Castillo was being held for “entering illegally without documents.” He and his attorney presented their arguments to the judge. “I told them I still had active DACA status, that I completed my bachelor’s degree, and that I work to help my community in the Santa Barbara area,” he said. According to Castillo, the judge was apologetic after hearing about his case. The judge told Castillo that he believed he was a Good Samaritan, but that current federal immigration policy made it difficult to allow any exceptions. With no more options, Castillo signed the self-deportation papers. The terms of the agreement also state that he cannot attempt to reenter the U.S. for at least another two years. The morning after the court appearance, Castillo was The day after his arrival at Adelanto, Castillo’s loaded into another van, this time with about a dozen others family contacted a lawyer in an attempt to address who were being deported to Mexico that same morning. It his immigration case. Castillo hoped his DACA was the last ride he took in the U.S., and the end of a long status would protect him, or that he would at least journey through the American immigration system. He arrived at the Mexican Immigration Center in Tijuana be granted bail to fight his case from home. But he soon learned he had very few options to leave later that day, where he was processed and taken to a nearby government shelter. He stayed there for three days before the facility. Castillo could not apply for asylum, because he he was able to get a plane ticket back to his grandparents’ had lived in the U.S. for 20 years, making it difficult hometown outside Mexico City. to prove his life would be endangered by being deported to For the past several months, Castillo has been adjusting Mexico. His active DACA status to life in Mexico. He says it helps meant that the federal governthat he can speak Spanish, but it’s ment could not forcefully deport been difficult to process being in him, but he soon learned that an entirely different culture and the government would be able to way of life. hold him until his next renewal “Yeah, I was born here in date, and he would be deported Mexico, but all I’ve known is my then. life in America,” he said. So, he could stay in detenHe’s looking at it as a fresh start, but he still has trouble comtion through February, when his DACA status ended, and be ing to terms with his experience deported then. Or, he could sign of being treated like a criminal. “It’s all about politics,” he said. his own self-deportation papers, agree to leave the country, and Castillo is aware that he is just one of many that have been not enter again for at least two years. targeted for deportation, and Castillo spent the next three he says that the recent focus on weeks weighing his options and immigration has a widespread speaking with his family and his impact on Latinos in the U.S. attorney. He didn’t want to give Legal representatives that up, but he no longer felt that he have been working closely with had a viable way to return back deportation and immigration to Santa Barbara. cases say that aggressive enforce“For all my life, people have ment and dehumanizing rhetoric has changed the way immigrants considered me an American,” Castillo said. “It was depressing. are viewed in the country. “They are seen as criminals I kept hoping it was all a dream, Castillo lived an average California life, spending that maybe I’d wake up and it even though they are not,” said time with friends and going on adventures. would be over. It was just a hor horJordan Rabani-Jenkins, staff attorney with the Immigrant Legal Defense Center. “It’s so rible nightmare.” He didn’t know how long he actually had before he would hard for our clients not to internalize this feeling when [the be deported. Nothing was guaranteed, and he did not want government] keeps saying they’re going after criminals, but to make his family continue to spend thousands of dollars they’re also making every legal process more difficult.” Castillo’s family and friends created a GoFundMe (gofund in a losing battle. When he saw another detainee who was also a DACA recipient suddenly deported after being told .me/43a734674) to help pay for legal expenses accrued durthey would have a month to consider their options, Castillo ing his detention. He’s optimistic that he will return to California again legally, even if he won’t have the chance in the decided he would agree to self-deport. next few years. “I’m hoping my story will promote awareness and serve as one example out of hundreds, of the ongoing injustices that On October 9, Jupiter Lara Castillo was taken to a ICE continues to torment our immigrant community within small room at Adelanto Detention Center along with Santa Barbara County and throughout the nation,” Castillo n three other detainees. In this impromptu court court- said. room, the four men sat across from a table with a laptop, where the judge and attorneys would appear via Zoom. The whole experience, Castillo says,

NOWHERE TO GO

After a tiring journey, from being arrested to spending weeks at Adelanto Detentino Center, Castillo boarded a flight from Tijuana to stay with family in Mexico City.

“It’s just a reminder of how much money the government is willing to invest into getting us immigrants out of the country,” Castillo said. At Adelanto, Castillo went through a full intake process. He was stripped, searched, fingerprinted, and given a series of physical health checks. Then he went to another holding cell, where he was held for the rest of the night until he was placed in a dorm the next morning. Detainees at Adelanto are housed and clothed based on their level of risk. Those with blue jumpsuits are considered low risk, with minor citations or no criminal history at all. Orange jumpsuits are given to those with minor criminal offenses, while those with felonies or serious criminal records are clad in red. What Castillo saw inside Adelanto is consistent with statistics collected by Trac Immigration, which found that, of the more than 65,000 people currently held in immigration detention nationwide, more than 73.5 percent have no prior criminal conviction. Castillo said that most of his fellow detainees wore blue jumpsuits, with a handful wearwearing orange and even fewer classified in the high-risk red jumpsuits.

END OF THE ROAD

INGRID BOSTROM

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JANUARY 15, 2026

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INDEPENDENT CALENDAR

Jan.

15-21

the

TERRY ORTEGA

FARMERS MARKET SCHEDULE THURSDAY

Carpinteria: 800 block of Linden Ave., 2:30-6:30pm

FRIDAY

1/15-1/16, 1/18:

¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Mariachi

Reyna de Los Angeles America’s first all-female mariachi ensemble will bring their sensitivity, warmth, spirit, and perspective to S.B. ¡Que Vivan Las Mujeres! Thu.: 7pm. Carpinteria Veterans Memorial Bldg., 941 Walnut Ave., Carpinteria; Fri.: 7pm. Isla Vista Elementary, 6875 El Colegio Rd., Goleta; Sun: 6pm. The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St. Free. Call (805) 893-3535 or email info@artsandlectures.ucsb.edu. tinyurl.com/Viva-Mariachi-Reyna 1/15: Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series: Tom Modugno: The History of Coal Oil Point Area historian and GoletaHistory.com creator Tom Modugno will use his historic photos, maps, and research and talk about the deeper story of Coal Oil Point, from its Chumash roots as P’ok’oy and the Rancho Dos Pueblos era to today’s beloved surf break and nature reserve. SBMM members are invited to a pre-lecture reception from 6:15 to 6:45pm. 7-8:30pm. S.B. Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Wy., Ste. 190. Free-$20. Email reservations@sbmm.org.

SUNDAY

Goleta: Camino Real Marketplace, 10am-2pm

TUESDAY

Montecito: 1100 and 1200 blocks of Coast Village Rd., 8-11:15am

Old Town S.B.: 500-600 blocks of State St., 3-6:30pm

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

Downtown S.B.: Corner of State and Carillo sts., 8am-1pm

Solvang: Copenhagen Dr. and 1st St., 2:30-6:00pm

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

1/16-1/18: Laguna Blanca’s Theatre Department Presents Laughing Stock This heartfelt and hilarious backstage farce follows the earnest but overextended New England summer stock company from outlandish auditions to ego-driven rehearsals to opening nights that go disastrously off the rails. Fri.-Sat.: 7-9pm; Sun.: 2-4pm. Spaulding Theatre, Laguna Blanca School, 4125 Paloma Dr. $12-$15. Call (805) 687-2461.

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1/16: Eric Hutchinson with Anya Marina: The Repeating Myself Tour This concert will have the perfect mix of pop hits such as, “Okay, It’s Alright with Me,”“Tell the World,” and “A Little More,” with songs from the first new album in four years, Repeating Myself, drawing inspiration the new generation of pop performers. 9pm. SOhO Restaurant & Music Lounge, 1221 State St. $30-$35. Ages 21+. Call (805) 962-7776.

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1/16-1/17: HappySad Theatre Company Presents: The Effect This play follows two volunteers in a clinical drug trial for an antidepressant who fall in love then question if their feelings are genuine or a side effect of the medication. The story explores themes of love, sanity, and the pharmaceutical industry through the relationship between the patients and the two supervising doctors. Recommended for ages 15+. 7pm. Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo. $15-$25. Call (805) 963-8198.

centerstagetheater.org

1/16: Godmothers Gather: Lorissa Rinehart & Jane Lynch Historian Lorissa Rinehart, who will be in conversation with actor Jane Lynch, will take the stage to present Winning the Earthquake: How Jeannette Rankin Defied All Odds to Become the First Woman in Congress, the first major biography of the groundbreaking suffragist. 6-7pm. Godmothers, 2280 Lillie Ave., Summerland. $30-$53. Email info@godmothers.com.

godmothers.com/events

Eric Hutchinson

1/15, 1/17, 1/21: Eos Lounge Thu.: IV’iza Island, 9pm. Free. Sat.: ChaseWest, 2pm. $30.90. Wed.: The Little Bar, Vinyl Night, 8pm. Free. 500 Anacapa St. Ages 21+. Call (805) 564-2410.

eoslounge.com

1/15, 1/17: M.Special Brewing Co. (Goleta) Thu.: Conner Cherland, 4pm. Sat.: Junkyard Jazz, 6pm. 6860 Cortona Dr., Ste. C. Free. Call

Res1/16-1/19: SOhO taurant

& Music Club Fri.: Eric Hutchinson

with Anya Marina, 9pm. $30-$35. Ages 21+. Sat.: Whatever Forever Goes ’90s Again! 8pm. $18-$20. Ages 21+. Sun.: An Evening with Doctor Wu, 7:30pm. $28-$32. Mon.: LSD & The Search for God, 8pm. $25-$30. 1221 State St. Call (805) 962-7776. sohosb.com

(805) 968-6500.

1/17-1/18: Cold Spring Tavern Sat.: Will Stephens Band. Sun.: Tom

1/16: Carr Winery Fri.: King Bee

Ball and Kenny Sultan. 5995 Stagecoach Rd. 1:30-4:30pm. Free. Call (805) 9670066.

Band, 7pm. 414 N. Salsipuedes St., Santa Barbara. Free. Call (805) 965-7985. Ages 21+.

1/17: Hook'd Bar and Grill

mspecialbrewco.com

carrwinery.com/events

1/16: Lost Chord Guitars Marcus

sbmm.org/santa-barbara-event

FRIDAY 1/16

Shows on Tap

Eaton, 8pm. $25. 1576 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang. Ages 21+. Call (805) 331-4363.

1/16-1/17: Art Exhibit: Portraits. by Stephanie Baker, 1990-Present See this joyous exhibit of black-and-white portrait photography selected from thousands of portraits taken since 1990 by S.B. photographer Stephanie Baker, some chronicling children through adulthood and her “Jumping” photos that are an extension of her playful spirit. 5-8pm. Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden St. Free. Email hello@ sbcaw.org.

tinyurl.com/Stephanie-Baker

SATURDAY 1/17 1/17-1/18: The S.B. Symphony Beethoven Piano Concerto Marathon Nir Kabaretti and The Symphony will present all five of Beethoven’s Concertos in two programs in a single weekend. Pieces include First Piano Concerto, composed at age 25, and the grand “Emperor” Concerto written in the war-torn Vienna of 1809. Each piece will be performed by a virtuoso medalist from a prestigious international piano competition. Sat.: 7:30pm; Sun.: 3pm. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. $45-$198. Email info@thesymphony.org.

thesymphony.org

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

lostchordguitars.com

1/16-17, 1/20: M.Special Brewing Co. (S.B.) Fri.: Birchwood, 8pm. Sat.: The Groove Collective, 8pm. Tue.: mckenna elliott, 4pm. 634 State St. Free. Call (805) 308-0050. mspecialbrewco.com 1/16-1/19: Maverick Saloon Fri.: Mercantile Sessions, 8:30pm. Sat.: The Caverns, 8:30pm. Sun.: THE MAD CADDIES, 7pm. Mon.: Knights of Rock Show, 7pm. 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Call (805) 686-4785. Ages 21+.

mavericksaloon.com/eventcalendar

coldspringtavern.com

Colonel Angus, 2-5pm. 116 Lakeview Dr., Cachuma Lake. Free. Call (805) 350-8351.

hookdbarandgrill.com/music-onthe-water 1/17: S.B. Blues Society Fri.: Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, 7pm. $10-$45. 100 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara. Call (805) 668-6884.

sbblues.org

1/18: Longoria Wines Live music, 3-5pm. 732 State St. Free. Email info@ longoriawine.com.

longoriawines.com/events

1/19: The Red Piano Church on Monday: Johnny Morgan & the Gypsy Jokers, 7:30pm. 519 State St. $5. Call (805) 358-1439.

theredpiano.com

COURTESY

THURSDAY 1/15

COURTESY

As always, find the complete listings online at independent.com/events. Submit virtual and in-person events at independent.com/eventsubmit.

1/17:

S.B. Blues Society Presents: Tommy Castro and The Painkillers Seasoned blues and rock guitarist Tommy Castro, whose 17th album, Close to the Bone, was released in February 2025, will showcase his songwriting skills and perform his authentic and traditional blues sound with his band the Painkillers. 7-10pm. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $10-$45. Email info@sbblues.org.

sbblues.org

Volunteer Opportunity

Fundraiser

Civil Discourse

Protest

INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY 15, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

COURTESY

the

1/18:

Opening Reception: Tiffany Chung: indelible traces This is the first comprehensive museum survey of a Vietnamese American artist. Tiffany Chung (MFA, UCSB ’00), best known for her intricately drawn and embroidered maps, will show more than 70 artworks that unravel and reweave the entwined relationships between nature and human societies. The exhibition will show through April 26. 5:30-7:30pm. Art, Design, & Architecture Museum, UCSB. Free. Email events@museum.ucsb.edu. tinyurl.com/Tiffany-Chung-Jan17

TUESDAY 1/20 COURTESY

SUNDAY 1/18 1/18: Sunday Supper with the Women Winemakers & Culinarians The Women Winemakers & Culinarians Foundation (WW&CF), with the mission of empowering and supporting female winemakers and culinarians, invite you to enjoy a multi-course, deliciously wine-paired, plant-based feast of comfort foods from two chefs (Brooke Stockwell, Anna Vocino) and three winemakers with net proceeds going toward the WW&CF. 3-6pm. The Barn, 2625 Santa Barbara Ave., Los Olivos. $125. Email karen@seagrapewinecompany.com.

tinyurl.com/WW-CF-Jan18

1/18: Soundbath with Christine Join gifted sound creator Christine for a nourishing sound bath in a space for deep rest, release, and recalibration. 4-5:30pm. Flow Yoga & Wellness, 4441 Hollister Ave. $45. Email connect@sbflowyoga.com.

COURTESY

sbflowyoga.com/events

1/18:

Winter Tea Ceremony with Yuna Lee: Honoring Our Roots, Welcom-

ing New Light This ceremony is inspired by Darye,

the Korean tea ritual rooted in sincerity, presence, and giving reverence for those who came before us, is a way of remembering lineage as well as a gesture of respect toward our ancestors and the lives that made ours possible. There will be three to five rounds of tea, each accompanied by a brief meditation and journaling prompt. 3-4:15pm. S.B. Yoga Center, 32 E. Micheltorena St. $55-$65. Call (805) 965-6045.

1/20:

Interactive Conversation: Zack Kass, The Next RenAIssance Join

S.B. native and former Head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI, Zack Kass, for a discussion about his new book: The Next RenAIssance, which draws on 16 years at the frontier of artificial intelligence, his work during the launch of ChatGPT, and the implications of AI in a dynamic conversation with multiple industry leaders and an interactive audience Q&A. 7-8:30pm. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. $28-$63. Call (805) 899-2222.

ticketing.granadasb.org/events

sbyc.com/upcoming-schedule

MONDAY 1/19 1/19: Connect & Stretch with Luca Cupery Relax and engage major muscle groups in the legs, arms, and torso using a combination of yoga asana, fluid movements, potential shaking/ bouncing, stretching, and more with music played during class. 5:15-6:30pm. Yoga Soup, 28 Parker Wy. $27. Call (805) 965-8811.

tinyurl.com/Stretch-Connect

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WEDNESDAY 1/21 1/21: Yoga for Osteoporosis This slow-paced, accessible, and supportive strengthening class is designed to help build bone health, improve balance, and increase confidence in movement through safe, weight-bearing postures and mindful alignment that is protective of the spine and joints. Classes every Wednesday. 4:45pm. Flow Yoga & Wellness, 4441 Hollister Ave. $25. Call (805) 459-7033.

independent.com/events/yoga-for-osteoporosis

jan.

15-21

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

2026 CELEBRATION MLKSB Presents 19th Annual Holiday Celebration for Martin Luther King Jr.

This year’s theme: “We need leaders, not in love with money but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity, but in love with humanity” —Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Buffalo, NY, 1958.

Chaucer’s Book Talk & Signing: Wren T. Brown Actor, director,

COURTESY

1/19:

and author Wren T. Brown will talk about and sign copies of his 2025 book, The Family Business: Four Generations of One Black Family’s Artistic Odyssey, a detailed lineage of Black artistic excellence in the Young and Brown families, from vaudeville to Hollywood with personal narratives, photographs, and illustrations. Chaucer’s will donate 10 percent of all sales (5:30-7:30pm) to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of S.B. 6pm. Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. Free. Call (805) 682-6787.

chaucersbooks.com/events

THURSDAY 1/15

SUNDAY 1/18

1/15: UCSB’s The Eternal Flame: Walk with Us Silent March In honor of the protestors in 1968

1/18: Worship Service Consider attending a faith service honoring Dr. King. For a list of locations, visit mlksb.org/support/faith-organizations. Email info@mlksb.org. tinyurl.com/2026-MLK

who demanded more programs, services, and faculty for African American students, you are invited to meet at Buchanan Hall lawn near the UCSB Library for a silent walk and more. Noon-1pm. UCSB. Free. Email info@mlksb.org. mlksb.org

FRIDAY 1/16 1/16: Congregation B’nai B’rith Attend this service that will feature student poetry award readings from representatives ages 6-12. 6pm. B’nai B’rith Congregation, 1000 San Antonio Creek Rd. Free. Call (805) 964-7869.

tinyurl.com/2026-MLK

SATURDAY 1/17 1/17: Trinity Episcopal Church Ring Shout

MONDAY 1/19 1/19: MLKSB Federal Holiday Events Join at 9am at De la Guerra Plaza (8 E. De la Guerra St.) for an opening prayer from Mia Lopez, Leader of the Family of Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation, followed by a speech from Connie Anderson, student essay and poetry readings, and a performance by World Dance for Humanity. The Unity March up State Street will begin at 10am to the Arlington Theatre (1317 State St.) to be greeted by music from David Gorsope Productions, and then a 90-minute program will begin at 11am and will feature keynote speaker Leah Weber King (widow of Dexter Scott King and daughter-inlaw of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King), performances, and joy. 9am-12:30pm. Free. Email info@mlksb.org.

Join for a powerful, historic African American spiritual dance. 11am. 1500 State St. Free. Call (805) 965-7419.

tinyurl.com/2026-MLK

1/17: Film Screening: MLK/FBI See a screen-

1/19: Eighth Annual News Channel 3, 11, and 12 MLK Day of Service Vitalant Blood Drive In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s commit-

facebook.com/trinitysb.org

ing of 2021’s documentary MLK/FBI, which is based on the newest declassified files that explores the U.S. government’s surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King Jr. and is directed by Sam Pollard. 3:30-6:30pm. CEC’s Environmental Hub, 1219 State St. Free. Call (805) 963-0583.

tinyurl.com/2026-MLK

ment to social justice, equality, and service, Vitalant will host a blood drive. Go to the website to make your appointment and use the code JANBONUS2026-V to receive a $10 gift card. S.B. Elks Lodge, 150 N. Kellogg Ave., Goleta. Free. Call (877) 25-VITAL.

vitalant.org/mlk

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SOUND AND VISION MERGE IN SBIFF’S SBI FF’S 10-10-10 10-10-10 STUDENT-FILMMAKER-DRIVEN 10-10-10 PROGRAM INCLUDES A FILM COMPOSER ELEMENT STARTING IN 2026

COURTESY PHOTOS

Diego Ratto

“We also agreed that, despite the importance of film to the city of Santa Barbara, there are currently no local colleges or universities offering a film, music, or music for media program,” he adds. “Many students studying music and composition would really benefit from this, and it could definitely attract even more students to the city.” Heeding the core procedural concept of 10-10-10, a handful of student composers will be paired with filmmakers and bound by the strict production timeline. In Hollywood, arthouse, and indie cinema, film composers frequently confront cruel deadlines, often entering the process at the very end and having to deliver on an accelerated schedule. “A lot of the time,” Ratto confirms, “composers do come in at the very end of the process and need to work extremely fast. But other times, when composers are fortunate enough to be involved earlier, there’s more

PAGE 3 1

HAPPY/SAD THEATRE DEBUTS WITH THE EFFECT LEELA CYD

he Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), which will present its 42nd edition around the city February 4-14, has always been largely focused on cinematic interests and content from Hollywood and points global. Among its local sidebars, one of the most Santa Barbara–centric—and also deadline-driven—projects has been its 10-10-10 program, through which 10 selected young student filmmakers are commissioned to create 10-minute shorts, all within the 10 days of the festival. As of 2026, the 10-10-10 program has gained a new and logical dimension with the addition of a Film Composer Program. The musical addition to the time-sensitive program came about through SBIFF head Roger Durling’s collaboration with project organizer Diego Ratto, a PhD candidate at UCSB, who explains that after discussing the pilot program, “we immediately felt this was fundamental, because music is such an important part of filmmaking.”

L I F E

Group photo at the Film Music Workshop at the SBIFF Education Center

room to explore and experiment, which often leads to more interesting results. With this program, I wanted to lean more toward the artistic side by pairing composers and filmmakers as early as possible.” Despite early collaboration, Ratto says composers still have just 15 days to complete, record, and mix their scores, “so they definitely need to work quickly.” He sees the program as a hybrid. “It includes realworld industry constraints, but within an educational context where the main goal is learning, building relationships with young filmmakers, and ideally growing together and continuing to collaborate in the future.” In terms of musical style and instrumental toolboxes, it’s an open proposition, subject to each creator’s instincts. He explains, “It really depends on the nature, genre, and style of each film. There are no rules.” Scores can use live instruments, electronic sounds, or a combination of both, with the main aim being to support and enhance the film’s story. “There are no limitations on what composers can do,” Ratto notes. “The goal is always to help tell the story of the film, with the music in service of the narrative—I think there will be a lot of interesting and very different scores, which is really exciting.” Ratto himself, an Italian who studied jazz guitar, electronic music, and composition in Stockholm and elsewhere, came to Santa Barbara for the UCSB PhD program and has found himself more fascinated by film and media composing as a practice and career path. “Over the years,” he says, “I’ve worked extensively with experimental music, leading to performances at several international festivals. But film music has always been there.” He grew up with Ennio Morricone’s music and Italian “old-good-cinema.” As he puts

it, “moving to Santa Barbara and L.A. was definitely a way to connect more deeply with filmmakers and work as a film composer. My ambition is simply to work on good films, build strong creative and personal relationships with filmmakers, and create art for people.” Ratto notes that this is especially relevant right now. “We need art more than ever—we need good movies that bring people together, build community, and keep something as meaningful as true cinema alive.” When asked for a short list of his favorite film composers in the current cinema, he replies, laughing, “Well, apart from Morricone, of course? Among contemporary composers, I absolutely love [Radiohead bandmember] Jonny Greenwood. He has such a unique voice; apparently being in one of the greatest bands in history wasn’t enough. I’m also a big fan of Ludwig Göransson, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and Tom Holkenborg. I love synths and electronic music. I’ve also really enjoyed recent work by Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist), Jerskin Fendrix (Poor Things), Mica Levi (Under the Skin).” Although 2026’s Film Composer Program is in test mode, with Ratto working closely with SBIFF Education Director Claire Waterhouse, he envisions future potential beyond the festival proper. As Ratto suggests, “I hope this program plants seeds for the development of formal Film Music programs at local colleges and universities in Santa Barbara. There’s clearly a lot of interest in music for media—film, video games, and beyond—and I hope this initiative helps raise awareness and opens the door to collaboration with other institutions in the community.” —Josef Woodard

The Effect comes to Center Stage Theater January 16-17. Growing up in Santa Barbara, Robert Rodarte was passionate about theater and acting. As an adult, now back in Santa Barbara after studying acting in New York City, Rodarte wants to create the kind of theater that he most enjoys consuming. In line with that aspiration, Rodarte has founded a new contemporary theater company called HappySad Theatre. Their debut production, Lucy Prebble’s The Effect, will run at Center Stage Theater January 16-17. The play follows two psychiatric patients in a clinical trial for a new antidepressant, and their experiences with the drug, the doctors, and each other. Are they truly in love? Or are their feelings merely a side effect of the new treatment? The Effect captures the style of show HappySad wants to produce—contemporary theatrical work about issues relatable to a young demographic. “I’ve kept my ear to the ground on what’s going on in Chicago, N.Y.C., and London,” says Rodarte, “on what type of work is being done, and now I’m translating it back here.” Rodarte notes that with several colleges and universities in the area, Santa Barbara has a youth culture looking for a performance experience more in line with their understanding of and way of interfacing with the world. “Theater has a tendency to get stuck in escapism,” says Rodarte. “I want to watch [plays about] people that I can relate to, people going through things that myself or people I know are going through. The kind of theater experience I enjoy is one where you walk out and felt like your mind or your position was changed.” Robert Rodarte directs and also stars in The Effect, along with HappySad cofounder Riley Rodarte, and local performers Gioia Marchese and Joseph Bottoms. —Maggie Yates See The Effect January 16-17 at Center Stage Theater (751 Paseo Nuevo). See more information at happysad theatre.org and centerstagetheater.org.

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COMEDIANS ROB SCHNEIDER AND JANEANE GAROFALO ARE BOTH COMING TO THE LOBERO COUTESY PHOTOS

A WEEKEND OF COMEDY ON THE WAY JANUARY 22-23

Rob Schneider

xpect lots of laughs at the Lobero next week when two different comedy shows hit the stage. First up, on Thursday, January 22, is Rob Schneider. The actor, comedian, screenwriter, and director rose to prominence as part of the cast of Saturday Night Live from 1990-1994, where he was also nominated for three writing Emmys. His film career soon took off, and he starred in comedies including Big Daddy, The Hot Chick, Grown Ups and Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, as well as supporting roles in a series of films including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Surf Ninjas, Demolition Man, The Beverly Hillbillies, Judge Dredd, Down Periscope, The Waterboy, and 50 First Dates, among many others. The Santa Barbara show, titled Rescue Husband, is part of Schneider’s worldwide standup tour and somewhat based on his own family life as the father to his 7- and 3-year-old girls, Miranda and Madeline, with his wife Patricia. Schneider is also the father of singer-songwriter Elle King. Then on Friday, January 23, actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo hits the Lobero stage for an evening of comedy. A cast member of Saturday Night Live (in 1994-1995, just after Schneider departed), Garofalo was also part of the Emmy Award–winning

Ben Stiller Show and played the role of Paula, the acerbic talent booker, on The Larry Sanders Show, for which she received an Emmy nomination. Some of her other television work includes two specials for HBO, 24, Mad About You, and the final season of The West Wing, where she played Democratic campaign strategist Louise Thornton. Garofalo’s films include The Truth About Cats & Dogs, Wet Hot American Summer, Ratatouille, Steal This Movie, Reality Bites, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Mystery Men, The Ten, and The Cable Guy. She also co-authored the best-seller Feel This Book with Ben Stiller. An outspoken activist, spoken-word performer, and stand-up comedy entertainer known and respected around the world, Garofalo was instrumental in the successful launching of the first liberal radio network, Air America Radio, where she hosted her own talk show, The Majority Report. A lightning rod for controversy, her unflinching honesty and opinions have inspired laughs, as well as striking a chord with the left, right, and everyone in between. —Leslie Dinaberg For more information and tickets, see lobero.org.

Janeane Garofalo

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P. 35 Sports

Lethal Behind the Arc, Gauchos Are Big West Contenders COURTESY PHOTOS

we’ve really been able to ride their coattails a little bit.” The reality of modern-day college basketball is that the transfer portal is an essential aspect of roster building, and a couple of key portal additions in Maddie Naro, a transfer from Santa Clara, and Zoe Shaw, a transfer from St. Bonaventure, has accelerated the program rebuilding under Jimenez. “We went out and got Maddie Naro and we got Zoe Shaw, two guards that shot a high percentage at their previous schools,” Jimenez said. “We built it around that and worked really hard at it. I don’t think we realized that we would have this much success this early.” Another high point when it comes to the Gauchos’ shooting is the return of senior Jessica Grant, who has emerged as one of the top three-point shooters in all of college basketball. Grant is currently shooting 50 percent from three-point range, which is the secondhighest percentage in all of NCAA Division 1. Sophomore forward Olivia Bradley Junior forward Zoe Borter Grant came into UCSB after a prolific high school career from behind the arc where she captured the ear two of the Renee Jimenez coaching era has of her staff ’s reflection in the offseason. “We dove into the San Diego County record for three-pointers in a season exceeded all expectations as the UC Santa Bar- data and the numbers, and we were like, ‘We need to shoot and the California record for three-pointers in a career, bara women’s basketball team has rolled to a 12-2 more threes. We have a group that can shoot it and want to and led the entire country in three-pointers made during her senior season with 162. record and solidified itself as a contender in the Big West recruit kids that can shoot it.’ ” UCSB is battling at the top of the Big West standings The ability of starting bigs Zoe Borter and Olivia BradConference. The Gauchos have built a formidable identity based ley to stretch the defense makes the Gauchos an extremely with UC Irvine and UC San Diego, both of whom are tough cover, and what they each lack in size they more unbeaten in conference play. The Gauchos suffered a 62-61 on versatility, elite shooting, and grit that has paid loss to Cal State Fullerton on New Year’s Day and currently than make up for in skill and determination. dividends in close games. In their most recent “Teams have a really hard time guard- sit in third place with a 4-1 record in Big West Conference victory over UC Davis on January 8, the ing bigger players on the perimeter play. Gauchos were without key contribuUp next for the Gauchos is a matchup with Cal State like Borter and Bradley,” Jimenez tors Maddie Naro and Skylar Burke said. “That just presents such a Bakersfield on Thursday, January 15, at the Thunderdome. due to injury, but they grinded n mismatch challenge, and they Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. out a 55-47 win that saddled the can score with their backs to the Aggies with their first Big West basket.” conference loss. At 6'1", Bradley often has to “I feel like the close games we battle against huge post players had early in the non-conference such as UCLA All-American really set us up for a game like Lauren Betts, who stands at 6'7", tonight where you have to find but she never backs down. The No. different ways to win, find different by Victor Bryant 4–ranked Bruins handed the Gauchos ways to score, and get other players to their lone lopsided defeat of the season step up,” said Jimenez, who captured her thus far, an 80-57 setback at Pauley Pavilion on 300th coaching victory with the win. “On a night when you are not shooting well, you have to be able November 6. In a matchup against Grand Canyon on November 15, to defend.” A bad shooting night was an understatement as the two the visiting Antelopes struggled to match up with Bradley best three-point shooting teams in the Big West confer- and Borter on the perimeter, and their 6'4" starting center ence combined for seven for 50 from three-point range. Holly Griffiths only played seven minutes in a 72-70 UCSB With their three-for-22 effort against the Aggies notwith- victory. “That shows you the versatility and the issues they presstanding, the Gauchos are lethal from behind the arc, and ent for a true big on the other team,” said Jimenez of the it has been a key to their success. Coach Renee Jimenez “What we decided is that we have to space the floor, Grand Canyon win. “They’ve presented such a nightmare and we have to shoot a lot of three-pointers,” said Jimenez matchup for other team’s post players and forwards that

UCSB Women’s Basketball Standing Tall with Grit, Versatility, and Elite Shooting

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Fine Dining

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LITTLE LIT TLE MOUNTAIN

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BRINGS A HOMEY SOPHISTICATION

TO MONTECITO

lthough Little Mountain, the buzzy new restaurant

first restaurant in New York moved to Santa Barbara a few years ago and met Graham Duncan. He was ideating a restaurant to bring to the community, and he reached out to them asking if they knew any chefs that might be a good fit. A few years later, it all came together.” While the ambiance oozes a homey feel, the food is definitely a more sophisticated menu than what I’d find in my mom’s kitchen. Moya specializes in seasonal and inventive vegetable-forward cooking. Born in Chile, his love of produce was primed as a kid picking and preserving various fruits on his family’s property. When he was 6, they moved to Long Island, and his fascination with the world of restaurants and meticulous ingredient sourcing heated up in his family’s pizzeria. His career reflects a world tour of culinary inspiration, working in vibrant kitchens from Astrid y Gastón in Lima, to Nahm in Bangkok, to Le Comptoir and L’Arpège in Paris. by Rebecca Horrigan When he returned home to New York, armed with an appreciation for regional cuisine, and an This feeling, of course, is created intentionally. Hospi- understanding of biodynamics and permaculture, he tality pros Eva and Bryan Schreier, who own two exclu- was eager to shape the menus at Hemlock and Racines. sive resorts in Punta Mita and Colorado, partnered with He then became the Culinary Director of the BrooklynGraham Duncan, co-owner of East Rock Capital, to based Oberon Group. Few places are as bountiful in the create a dining experience that feels polished, but not fresh produce department as S.B., so when the opportuso shiny that the glint hurts your eyes. Interior Designer nity to lead the kitchen at Little Mountain arose, Moya Andrew Cosbie was enlisted to ensure this vibe. With couldn’t say no. one step inside the cozy lamplit dining room, it’s clear “After spending many years navigating New York and he understood the job. So much so that after our evening the dining scene there, I decided that it might be time enjoying the rustic space, styled with salvaged redwood to search for a different place to lay roots. I’ve always beams, a glowing corner bar, and a variety of still life art chased ingredients, and California being so lush with by Allison Russell, reflecting the location’s natural beauty, materia prima, it seemed like the right choice for a new we had a seriously hard time leaving our snug leather beginning. The founding team being so involved and booth. The restaurant’s origin story echoes the authentic passionate is what sealed it for me,” Moya said. harmony Little Mountain exudes. We tasted this excitement in all of the dishes, startExecutive Chef Diego Moya explained the magic that ing with the zippy hiramasa and manzano pepper with set things in motion. “Some lovely regulars of mine at my pineapple guava aguachile. My friend and I found ourselves bartering over the last few morsels of the straight-from-thesea yellowtail bathed in a bright and citrus-y sauce. Moya’s menu pays respect to all things local, including the artisans who do things best. And if we’re talking homey comfort, there is certainly no better way to start your dinner than with fresh and S.B.-based Oat Bakery seeded sourdough and the house-cultured butter with flaky sea salt. Moya’s cooking reflects a true desire to revel in all things fresh from the farm. This urge is something you can taste in every bite and is reflected in the Grilled pork loin with coal roasted apple beautiful badger flame beets with habanada pepper and walnut. in Montecito’s Upper Village, is in a shopping center, walking up to the tall, woodsy villa-esque building on a winter night felt like entering a friend’s house (a friend with impeccable taste and gourmet cooking skills, but that’s actually not hard to come by in Montecito). The bright smiles of the maître d’—who welcomed us with ease and care, as if we were family visiting for the weekend—and the fireplace that seemed to beckon us closer with every glowing crackle, added to the embrace of an entrance. For an elegant and hyped restaurant, the place exudes genuine warmth.

Executive Chef Diego Moya

Another highlight included the tender wild salmon topped with embered greens and nestled over a savory pistachio gremolata. It can be surprisingly hard to get a great salmon dish out for dinner in S.B., and Moya’s delicate yet thoughtful preparation let the fish and his artistic embellishments shine in simpatico. “If we can showcase the ingredients that are here, with grace, I think we will have done what we set out to do,” Moya explained. This entree was a delicious example of that philosophy. The professional yet heartfelt service also made every bite of food taste even better. I would be absolutely remiss to not mention the spectacular wine list created under the wise guidance of esteemed wine aficionado and winemaker of Trippers and Askers Wine, Hayden Felice. The restaurant’s selections reflect a regional and international perspective, offering something for every palate. Felice was personable and generous with helping me find the perfect glass. My dining partner enjoyed their cocktails, especially the crisp negroni, and we both oohed and aahed over the Babcock Ultra-Late Harvest viognier. This sweet but not too sweet sipper paired with a dessert is the ultimate high note to close out a dreamy meal: a sourdough ice cream blanketed in a marshmallow-fluff-like “toast crema.” We savored every cloud-like bite of this creamy concoction. For a chef who has harnessed a wealth of experience and exudes creativity with every flick of the wrist, his goal for Little Mountain remains simple: “I hope mostly that people have beautiful meals with friends and family.” As my friend and I left the restaurant with smiles on our faces and walked into the cool night, hugging, laughing, and reminiscing about our incredible experience, I can say that although it’s only been open a few months, Moya has accomplished his goal.

FOOD & DRINK

Executive Chef Diego Moya Makes Santa Barbara Ingredients the Star

Little Mountain, 516 San Ysidro Road, Montecito. Open WednesdaySunday, 5-9 p.m. See littlemountainsb.com.

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Celebrations

R i n g i n g in the New Year in

FOOD & DRINK

COURTESY

Festive Style

The year 2025 was rough, but 2026 was definitely looking up! And we still had a four-course meal at the Stonehouse to look forward to. We made our way through more twinkly lights into the 19th-century citrus packing house, now tastefully transformed into a Michelin Guide notable restaurant, with holiday decorations, festive fireplaces, and the same warm hospitality found everywhere at San Ysidro Ranch. While I’ve dined at the Stonehouse for special occasions several times over the years, previously I’ve always been outdoors on the beautiful ocean-view terrace. So this was my first time seated inside this magical, history-filled space, where legend has it that John Huston also fortified himself as he finished writing the screenplay for The African Queen. Sinclair Lewis and Somerset Maugham also reportedly used the ranch as secluded writing havens. We, however, threw our literary ambitions to the wind for the night as we enjoyed Prestige Champagne followed Cocktails at the Speakeasy by a Wagyu steak tartare on toast amusebouche. We chose the lobster ravioli for our first course, followed by a fabulous t was a rainy New Year’s Eve when my husband crudo of scallop and tuna with puffed quiand I pulled into the valet circle at San Ysidro noa providing a clever textural touch, and more Ranch in our late model Honda, where we wine, of course. were immediately greeted with umbrellas and Everything was delightful, but the main course smiles welcoming us with the same timeless grace we selected—a Japanese Miyazaki A5 Striploin, and hospitality that was no doubt shared with paired with Caparzo Sangiovese Brunello di MonWinston Churchill, John and Jackie Kennedy, and talcino “Riserva” 2007—was exceptionally mouthLaurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh way back when. watering and oh-so memorable as it melted in my mouth. And the big red wine with its notes of sweet cherries and smoky tobacco was a perfect match for the meat. We opted for a bit more bubbly (why not, it was a holiday) with our desserts, as we sampled both the decadent chocolate pistachio mille-feuille and by Leslie Dinaberg the slightly lighter SYR Meyer lemon meringue parfait, which was a nice nod to the property’s Entering through an arbor decorated by a good lemon-growing roots. number of the property’s more than 60,000 twinAfter our delightful dinner, we made our way kling lights for the holiday season, our evening to the Speakeasy, which was adorned with more began with a small nod to contemporary culture than 6,000 ornaments hanging from the ceiling in the form of a festive photo booth, staffed by two for the holidays, complete with a Dean Martin– social-media-savvy staffers who encouraged us to style lounge singer and pianist accompanist who explore the Ranch’s winter wonderland of lights, kept the timeless vibe going ’til the “Indiana New trees, and decorations (and more photo ops) dur- Year’s” countdown at 9 p.m. PT. Shortly afterward, an influx of revelers made their way into the ing a slight break in the rain. A walk through the tastefully adorned gardens Speakeasy, bringing a more youthful and festive led us to the Hacienda, home to the Caviar Lounge aura with them as we toasted the New Year a few featuring a Cigarette Girl–style (male) server gen- more times throughout this truly magical night. erously stocked with blinis, caviar, and crème While the next New Year’s celebration is a year fraîche, alongside a fabulous, full-sized Perrier- away, you can still get a taste of the magic at San Jouët Champagne bar constructed completely Ysidro Ranch’s new weekly series at the Speakfrom ice — with (literal) ice buckets of bubbly easy, Spin After Dark. Taking place on Wedneseagerly waiting to be poured. day nights from 7 to 10 p.m., the Prohibition As we had our fill of champagne and cav- era–inspired space transforms into a lively soirée iar— provided with the impeccable service that’s with bold cocktails, a live deejay, and plenty of earned the Ranch such international renown—a room to dance (or whisper sweet nothings) late guitarist pleasantly strummed holiday tunes by a into the night. roaring fire, and I would have been perfectly conSee sanysidroranch.com. tent to call it a night.

San Ysidro Ranch Celebration Is First Class All the Way

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JANUARY 15, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

Anchor Rose Closes at the Harbor

nchor Rose has closed at the Santa Barbara Harbor, and the

city has placed the restaurant space at 113 Harbor Way on the market for a new tenant. The closure follows several months of uncertainty after the restaurant’s lease was set to expire at the end of 2025. Although management had previously indicated the business would continue operating, the restaurant has now vacated the property, and the City’s Waterfront Department is seeking proposals from restaurant operators interested in taking over the space. THE CRYSTAL BALL KNOWS ALL: After intense concentration and

a wave of my hand over the crystal ball, my eatery oracle has revealed a list of food and drink locations appearing in your future: • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

near Target) The Chase, 1012 State St. (reopening January 19, after a fire) Chick-fil-A, 4765 Calle Real, Santa Barbara (formerly IHOP) Clam Bar, 119 Harbor Wy., Ste. B The Coop, 5905 Sandspit Rd., Goleta (next to The Ellwood) Drover’s Doughnuts, 5745 Calle Real, Goleta (formerly Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf) Everytable, 1001 State St. (formerly Saks Fifth Avenue) Giovanni’s Pizza, 6831 Hollister Ave., Ste. B, Goleta (formerly Lucky Dragon) The Goleta Spot, 521 Firestone Rd. (formerly The Elephant Bar) The Grand on State, 1218 State St. (formerly Namaste Indian Bistro) Jalisco Grill, 209 W. Carrillo St. (inside Mel’s) Kyle’s Kitchen, 6831 Hollister Ave., Goleta (near Target) Lily’s Donuts & Pops, 504 State St. (formerly Cold Stone Creamery) Lily’s Donuts & Pops, 38 W. Victoria St. (inside Santa Barbara Public Market) Mendocino Farms, 3851 State St. (formerly Panera Bread) Nobu, 1260 Channel Dr. (inside the Biltmore) The Palms, 701 Linden Ave., Carpinteria (reopening with new ownership, new concept, possibly Korean BBQ) Pasta Santina, 4185 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria (pasta wholesaler) Pickles & Swiss, Goleta Pizza & Pasta Bar, downtown Raising Cane’s, 7000 Hollister Ave. (currently Kyle’s Kitchen, which is moving near Target) Rincon Hill Market, 721 Linden Ave., Carpinteria (formerly Oaxaca Fresh) Rudy’s, 1001 Casitas Pass Rd. (reopening after a fire) Rusty’s Pizza, 3731 State St. (reopening after renovation) Sandbar, 514 State St. (reopening after renovation) Sweetgreen, 5820 Calle Real, Goleta (currently Carl’s Jr.) Torito Prime Taqueria, Isla Vista Tydes, 1281 Channel Dr. (new concept coming to Coral Casino) Yetz’s Bagels, 250 Storke Rd., Ste. G, Goleta (formerly the left side of Lucky Coin Laundry) Unnamed BBQ, 6521 Pardall Rd., Isla Vista (formerly Kinko’s) Unnamed Indian, Isla Vista Unnamed Italian, 1483 E. Valley Rd., Montecito (brought to you by S.Y. Kitchen in the former home of Via Vai) Unnamed, 3305 State St. (new concept by Renaud’s next door to Renaud’s)

FOOD & DRINK

• • • • •

Bogavante, 50 Los Patos Wy. (formerly Stella Mare’s) Brass Bird Coffee, 3102 State St. (formerly Yanni’s Greek Deli) Cajun Kitchen Café, 6831 Hollister Ave., Goleta (reopening

John Dickson’s reporting can be found every day online at SantaBarbara.com. Send tips to info@SantaBarbara.com. INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY 15, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY by Rob Breszny WEEK OF JANUARY 15

ARIES

(Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Japanese Zen master Hakuin (1686-1769) painted with astonishing vigor well into his eighties. When asked his secret, he said he treated each brushstroke as if it were his first. He approached the ink and paper with a beginner’s inspired innocence. I propose that you adopt a version of Hakuin’s practice. Dive into your familiar routines with virgin eyes. Allow your expertise to be influenced by surprise. As for the mastery you have earned, may I suggest you use it as a launching pad for enthusiastic amateurism? Being skilled is wonderful. Being skilled and willing to experiment like a newcomer? That’s the high art of perpetual combustion, an Aries specialty.

TAURUS

(Apr. 20-May 20): In 1971, NASA’s Apollo 15 mission delivered a new asset to the moon: the Lunar Roving Vehicle. This battery-powered “moon buggy” enabled astronauts to explore farther from their landing site than ever before. They gathered a record haul of rock and soil samples and a deeper understanding of the lunar surface. I think you Bulls would be wise to get your own equivalent of that moon buggy. The apt metaphor here is enhancing your ability to extend your reach and explore beyond the familiar. In the coming weeks, I hope you will seek access to tools, allies, and freedoms that expand your range. Use them to push into new territory and scout around for intriguing valuables.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): Are you ready to unveil the half-hidden, half-beautiful truths you have been keeping tucked away? I think you are. You might shake, sweat, and second-guess yourself right up until the moment the pivotal moment arrives. But then, I predict, you will zone in on how best to carry out your sublime assignment. The perilous blessings or radiant burdens you’ve been hoarding like secret treasures will finally spill out of you in just the right ways.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): A hermit crab finds a new shell not because the old one was bad, but because the creature grew. A similar urge stirs in you now: an instinct to relocate your sensitivity and tenderness into roomier housing. You don’t have to abandon your favorite people or situations. Just ripen and update your containers so your emotional intelligence can flourish even more. Maybe revise your work rhythms. Dream up new bedtime stories. Be braver in declaring your needs. Your ongoing transformations could be a bit bumpy, but mostly healing and cherished. Give them the spaciousness they require.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): Poet Jack Gilbert wrote, “We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure but not delight.” Here’s what I think he meant: Pleasure is easy to access, available in many transactions. But delight requires courage. We must be undefended enough to be astonished and elated. Here’s the potential glitch for you Leos: You sometimes feel inclined to perform your joy; you make your happiness into entertainment for others to be inspired by. But true delight is riskier and more real. It comes when you forget to curate yourself because you’re too enchanted to remember you’re being watched. Your next assignment: Conjure up three moments of private delight that no one but you will see.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Many of you are renowned for your precision, but that’s just half the story. The more complete truth is that when you are most robust, you’re a connoisseur of refinement. Your careful edits can transmute muddles into medicines. Your subtle fixes may catalyze major corrections. Here’s my bold declaration: You are now at the height of your Virgo powers. I hope you wield them with utter flair and finesse. Make everything you touch better than it was before you touched it.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Some astrologers work without ever glancing at the night sky. Their bond with the planets lives

mostly through abstract ideas. To balance that approach, Daniel Giamario developed a more hands-on approach to astrology. In his retreats, students trek into wild country, far from city lights, and spend the dark hours watching the dance of the heavenly bodies. He teaches that cosmic energies can be sensed through our beautiful bodies as much as they can be understood by our fine minds. In the weeks ahead, I invite you to infuse all your explorations with that spirit. Learn through direct encounters, not just through concepts and recycled reports.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): English is my first language. I love how its wild, hybrid, restless qualities enable me to express myself. I never grow weary of exploring its limits and discovering new ways to use it with flair and care. But I am also very grateful that my horoscopes are translated into Italian, French, Japanese, and Spanish. I am supremely blessed to have editors who turn my idiosyncratic prose into language that non-English speakers can enjoy. It’s one of the great gifts that life has given me. In the coming months, Scorpio, I will be wishing and expecting a similar bonus for you: help and support in expanding your ability to reach further in your self-expression.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your intrepid spirit is most likely to find exciting adventures if it’s exquisitely prepared. While I love your daring spontaneity and experimental expansiveness, I hope that in the coming weeks, you will work hard to support them with good planning and rigorous foresight. Be imaginative and disciplined, wild and calculating, irrepressible and solidly responsible. If you heed my advice, you could break your previous records for making marvelous discoveries in the frontiers. PS: Treat wonder like a muscle. Flex it daily—with gratitude.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sandcastles are good reminders of how temporary everything is. We build them on the damp edge of the shore after the tide recedes, and then they crumble when the sea rolls back a few hours later. Let’s make the sandcastle your power symbol for the months ahead. In doing so, I don’t mean to imply that your certainties will be demolished. Rather, it’s my way of urging you to enjoy and capitalize on the ever-changing nature of all things. In fact, I believe that knack should be one of your specialties in the coming months. As the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh told us, we should be grateful for impermanence, because it keeps every possibility alive.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): During World War II, the United States faced a natural rubber shortage and funded research into synthetic substitutes. The effort was partly successful, but there were also failed experiments. Among these was a substance that later became a popular toy named Silly Putty. It sold millions of units and made its marketer wealthy. I suspect a metaphorically similar breakthrough is looming for you, Aquarius: an unplanned discovery that holds unforeseen value. You may soon have your own “Silly Putty moment”—an invention, idea, or situation that is technically a detour from your original goal but still delivers a gift. So, keep your curiosity loose and your judgment soft. Don’t dismiss the byproducts of your efforts. Some diversions may reveal themselves to be the magic you didn’t realize you needed.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-Mar. 20): I suggest you try an “as-if ” exercise, Pisces. Here’s what I propose: Enjoy a five-day period visualizing what your life would be like if you stopped saving yourself for a mythical future—including both the positive and negative aspects. Instead, envision yourself spending the coming months doing exactly what you yearn to do most, gleefully and intensely pursuing your sweetest dreams and prime mission. During this sabbatical, you will refrain from invoking excuses about why you can’t follow your bliss. You will assume that you are attuned with the heart of creation. You will act as if you are a joy specialist who adores your life.

Homework:What’s an underdeveloped side of you that would be fun to develop? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. 40

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PROFESSIONAL

CONFERENCE DINING ASSOCIATE

CAMPUS DINING Plans, organizes and manages dining and catering content for assigned, moderately complex summer conference programs on campus and at University‑owned apartments. The Conference Dining Associate interacts with a diverse clientele, including University professors and commercial program directors, to assess and determine how a program’s dining and catering needs can be met by our services and facilities, or other on and off‑campus resources. Serves as a planning consultant to event organizers to ensure that all dining and catering details have been considered, working with the client’s needs and budget parameters, developing a comprehensive services package that includes vendor contracts. Determines

scope of project, timelines and unit requirements to fulfill service agreements. Reqs: Two to three years of experience and strong knowledge in event planning and management in the hospitality sector. Exceptional customer service skills with ability to cultivate professional business partnerships. Proficiency with Microsoft applications and general database management. Ability to learn specialized software systems quickly. Working knowledge of Google Workspace. Notes: Work hours/days may vary during the summer season. Overtime may be required from May‑August to meet the operational needs of the department. Satisfactory criminal history background check. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $28.88 ‑ $32.07/hr. Posting Hourly Range: $28.88 ‑$36.46/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu Job #83389

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT, ENGINEERING & THE SCIENCES

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT The Development Assistant serves as the primary initial contact for six Directors of Development in the Engineering and the Sciences Development Office and provides essential administrative and financial support that is critical to the successful operation of a complex fundraising program. This position would be assigned to at least three Directors but up to six. Assists the Directors with all aspects of analysis, planning and implementation strategies for the College of Engineering and the Division of Science, to support the research mission by securing support from private donors. This responsibility requires strong analytical skills as well as the ability to act professionally, independently, and exercise discretion and sound judgment. Also provides administrative support, which includes handling confidential, high profile, and time sensitive matters involving senior UC Santa Barbara administrators, faculty, staff, collaborating institutions and the donor community. Reqs: HS Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience; excellent computer skills including proficiency in Word, Excel, Google Suite and demonstrated ability to quickly learn various software programs; ability to work individually and as part of a team; excellent customer service skills are required, as is the ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion; exceptional verbal and interpersonal skills that foster positive relationships with diverse populations; strong organizational skills and unfailing attention to detail and accuracy combined with the ability to work under tight and shifting deadlines. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check; may be called upon to work occasional evenings and weekends at various

SERVICE

campus‑wide events. Hiring/Budgeted Salary Range: $29.35 ‑ $30.73/hr. Full Salary Range: $29.35 ‑ $42.06/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu Job #83550

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN SPECIALIST

PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean, the Instructional Design Specialist collaborates with subject matter experts, instructors, and Program Managers to design and develop high‑quality courses, workshops, and programs across multiple formats, with a focus on accessibility, andragogy, and UCSB academic policies. They manage all aspects of course development within the Canvas LMS—from initial planning to final delivery—ensuring alignment with institutional standards, ADA compliance, and curriculum committee approvals. The Incumbent also provides training and ongoing support to PaCE instructors and staff to ensure effective course planning, delivery, and alignment with learning outcomes. They develop and maintain training materials, contribute to instructional documentation, and help implement consistent standards and branding for online courses. Additionally, they stay current with emerging trends and tools in online education, support the adoption of new technologies, and assist in onboarding and training both new and current instructors and staff. Further, they coordinate course and instructor evaluations across PaCE programs to support continuous quality improvement. They ensure courses meet PaCE standards for presentation, branding, and instructional best practices and work with program staff to prepare courses in advance of launch. In collaboration with Associate Deans and program teams, they address areas for improvement, support instructor development, and contribute to ongoing discussions on instructional quality. Finally, the Instructional Design Specialist collaborates with Web, Program Teams, and Program Support to ensure course and program descriptions are accurate, up‑to‑date, and stylistically consistent. They regularly review and revise web content and related materials to maintain a clear and cohesive voice across all platforms, supporting effective communication with prospective students and stakeholders. Reqs: Bachelor’s Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training; 1‑3 yrs Experience maintaining a professional relationship with learners, instructors/ faculty, and vendors and other staff; Working knowledge of instructional design principles and learning strategies, including needs analysis, backwards design, learning outcomes and assessment design, and instructional approaches, including lecture, discussion, activities, projects, etc.; Working knowledge of major Learning Management Systems (LMS), their principles and

limitations; Working knowledge of video production, as applicable its use in current instructional design; Working knowledge of adult learning theories and education methodologies; Working knowledge of e‑learning strategies, including but not limited to courses (e.g., processes and technologies, etc.), and ability to lead effective online and in‑person classroom experiences; Demonstrated analytical skills to conduct analysis of course effectiveness and develop recommendations, demonstrating organizational and problem‑solving skills; Proficiency in planning, resourcing, and monitoring effective design life cycles of training and other learning and performance solutions to support Professional and Continuing Education programs; Proficiency in analytical, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, collaboration, and negotiation skills; Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently, both synchronously and asynchronously; Demonstrated project management skills and the ability to establish a production calendar; Punctual, conscientious about completing tasks, and demonstrated a sense of responsibility. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted Salary Range: $31.47 ‑ $37/hr. Full Salary Range: $31.47 ‑ $55.12/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job #83216

LABORER (CUSTODIAL)

follow oral and written instructions in English. May be required to wear an UCSB‑provided uniform. Required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies and procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. Satisfactory criminal history background check. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Hiring/ Budgeted Hourly Range: $25.26/hr. Full Salary Range: $23.35 to $32.66/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu Job #83629

LEAD BUILDING MAINTENANCE WORKER

CENTRAL STORES Schedules work requests, leads job duties, and reviews finished work orders to ensure the crew is following the workflows established with the computerized maintenance management software WebTMA. Job duties include but are not limited to office and lab relocations, furniture installations, modular systems furniture modifications, heavy equipment receiving and delivery that requires special handling, setup/ takedown of rental furniture and equipment for large and small public events, pickup and the donation, re‑sale, or disposal of inventorial and surplus property, as well as several related tasks at all University‑owned properties. Consults with campus

departments and the Manager to provide details on labor, material, and equipment resources required for job estimates. Responsible for coordinating and leading job requests and all administrative and operational workflows in the absence of the Manager. Reqs: Use of basic tools, moving equipment including pallet jacks and motorized forklift; warehouse management; staff management including student staff; and project and special events management. Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations. Advanced mechanical aptitude. Ability to effectively prioritize tasks; may also prioritize work for lower level incumbents. Ability to adapt to changing priorities. Solid interpersonal skills to enable effective interactions with faculty, staff, and students. Proficient in Google suite applications. Basic proficiency with database software and work order management systems. Demonstrated skills in interpersonal communications; ability to instruct and mentor lower level staff, provide input on hiring, performance and disciplinary decisions. Provides outstanding customer service, exercising good judgement, displays excellent interpersonal skills and is professional in every respect. Notes: Able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs. Occasional weekends may be required. Required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies and procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. Budgeted Hourly Range: $33.81 to $37.35/hour. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job #83543

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HOME SERVICES HOME BREAK‑INS take less than 60 SECONDS. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets NOW for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 1‑833‑881‑2713 NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? New, energy efficient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today: 1‑833‑890‑1293 PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for a quote, service or an inspection today! 1‑833‑406‑6971 WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. We do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! For a FREE ESTIMATE, call 24/7: 1‑833‑880‑7762 WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1‑833‑712‑3809. Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (Cal‑SCAN)

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Performs a variety of custodial tasks and other related duties. Handles all heavy lifting and moving tasks, the moving of all furniture out of classrooms, offices, labs, and the replacement of all furniture. Required to perform custodial duties in zone, and campus‑wide as necessary. Reqs: Ability to perform heavy manual tasks and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to perform a variety of unskilled manual tasks; and perform other related duties as required. Notes: Visual acuity: Eyesight correction to 20‑20. Depth perception: Average depth perception. Hearing: Ability to effectively hear and comprehend oral communication. Sense of smell: Ability to distinguish smells of various chemicals used in the cleaning process and to detect odors emanating from potentially hazardous conditions. Problem solving skills: Ability to understand and apply University and Department policies and procedures to specific situations. Ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems. Working under pressure: Will assist emergency clean‑up projects, maintain closet inventory of equipment and supplies, and maintain work assignment to department standards. Ability to accomplish work within deadlines; may handle more than one project at a time. Working with others: Needs to be able to work effectively in a team environment and needs to receive and follow instruction from supervisors. Ability to read, write and

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LEGALS LEGAL NOTICES ADMINISTER OF ESTATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JACQUELINE A. TOCCI No.: 25PR00565 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: JACQUELINE A. TOCCI A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): JUDY M. PAULINO 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: 01/29/2026 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 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. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 10/31/2025 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: John A. Berryhill;Miller & Berryhill LLP; P.O. Box 5691, Santa Barbara, CA 93150; 805‑969‑4451 Published: Jan 8, 15, 22 2026.

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: 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 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. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 12/23/2025 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Denise Pritchard; Schinner & Shain, LLP ; 96 Jessie Street, San Francisco, CA 94105; 415‑369‑9050. Published: Jan 8, 15, 22 2026.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: NICHOLAS BROWN No.: 25PR00642 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: NICHOLAS BROWN A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: GABRIELLE TAYLOR in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): GABRIELLE TAYLOR 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

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ANDREW TODD SHUPE No.: 26PR00001 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: ANDREW TODD SHUPE A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: DEAN LIPSITZ in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): DEAN LIPSITZ 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 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 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. Darrel

JANUARY 15, 2026

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E. Parker, Executive Officer 1/7/2025 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Seth P. Shapiro, Esq.; 300 E. Esplanade Drive, Suie 850, Oxnard, CA 93036; 805‑981‑8555. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29 2026. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: THOMAS WAYNE TOURVILLE No.: 25PR00539 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: THOMAS WAYNE TOURVILLE, THOMAS W. TOURVILLE A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: JOHN EDWARD TOURVILLE in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): JOHN EDWARD TOURVILLE 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: 02/05/2026 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 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. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 12/18/2025 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Mark B. Stephen; 1230 Coast Village Cir, Ste K, Santa Barbara, CA 93108; 805‑963‑0434. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 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 business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business 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:

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2025‑0002841. Published: 2025. Jan 8, 15 2026.

Dec 24, 31

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 commenced 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: 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 commenced 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: 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: 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: MARYANNE 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: 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 commenced 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: 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 statement 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.

business as: TRUBOND: 17 Conejo Road Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Fludity Group 1187 Coast Village Road Suite I, PMB#276 Santa Barbara, CA 93108 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: AUTUMN SHELTON/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 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: 2025‑0002886. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DOG GYM: 5142 Hollister Avenue #607 Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Mads Cantu, LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 23, 2025. Filed by: MADELINE CANTU/OWNER 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 E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002831. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALIGN REHABILITATION CENTER SPEECH, SWALLOW & COGNITION: 20 Walnut Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Chasity D Roberts (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 15, 2025. Filed by: CHASITY ROBERTS with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 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: 2025‑0002884. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2025‑0002788 The following person(s) is doing business as: Central Coast Picklers, 671 Daniel Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93454, County of Santa Barbara. Bradley Luton, 671 Daniel Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93454 This business is conducted by An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable /s/ Bradley Luton, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 12/10/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 12/31/25. 1/8, 1/15, 1/22/26 CNS‑3992769# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PAPE KENWORTH PACELEASE: 1322 White CT. Santa Maria, CA 93458; Pape Trucks, Inc 355 Goodpasture Island Road Eugene, OR 97401 This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 01, 2007. Filed by: LANCE JORGENSEN/ CFO/VP OF FINANCE 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 E71. FBN Number: 2025‑0002731. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MONTECITO SPIRITS COMPANY: 411 E Montecito Street 2 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Charron Favreau S.P.C. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: KURT CHARRON/CEO 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 E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002768. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CHEERS LIQUOR: 7320 Hollister Ave, #2 Goleta, CA 93117; Fadel & Abir Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 12, 1997. Filed by: FADEL MAIDA/OFFICER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 17, 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: 2025‑0002864. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PEMBERLEY ESTATE COFFEE & TEA: 449 Cannon Green Drive Apt D Goleta, CA 93117; William E Cunningham (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 22, 2025. Filed by: WILLIAM E CUNNINGHAM/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 22, 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 E49. FBN Number: 2025‑0002905. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BIG SNORER: 3325 Manzana St Santa Ynez, CA 93460; Jackson P Elliott (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 13, 2025. Filed by: JACKSON PAUL ELLIOTT/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 17, 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: 2025‑0002870. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SANTA YNEZ VALLEY CONCERT SERIES: 1111 Chapala St Ste 200 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Santa Barbara Foundation (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: JACKIE CARERRA/PRESIDENT & CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 19, 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: 2025‑0002896. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DEVEREUX CALIFORNIA: 6980 Falberg Way Goleta, CA 93117; The Devereux Foundation 444 Devereux Drive Villanova, PA 19083 This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 21, 1945. Filed by: EVAN M. BARKER. ESQ./ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 17, 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: 2025‑0002867. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KMT Island Sunrise: 126 South H St. Lompoc, CA 93436; P&D Bartley Enterprise LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company commenced to transact business

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Tide Guide Day

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Thu 15

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6:52 am 5.5

2:31 pm -0.6

9:20 pm 3.3

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1:03 am 2.7

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3:02 pm -0.8

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Mon 19

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Tue 20

3:37 am 2.1

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4:22 am 2.0

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LEGALS (CONT.) under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: DOLORES BARTLEY/MEMBER 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 E24. FBN Number: 2025‑0002747. Published: Dec 31 2025. Jan 08, 15, 22 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE SNIFF AND SNACK SHACK: 1300 E. Airport Ave. Lompoc, CA 93436; Dustin D Forrest (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 21, 2025. Filed by: DUSTIN D FORREST/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 29, 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: 2025‑0002940. Published: Jan 08, 15, 22, 29 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CONEJO VALLEY AIR: 2550 Azurite Circle. Newbury Park, CA 91320; Conejo Services, LLC, CONEJO VALLEY APPLIANCE REPAIR, CONEJO VALLEY APPLIANCE, CONEJO VALLEY SOLAR, SOLAR SOLUTIONS, CONEJO VALLEY MECHANICAL, CONEJO VALLEY HEATING, CONEJO VALLEY REFRIGERATION, CONEJO VALLEY HEATING AND AIR, CONEJO VALLEY AIR CONDITIONONING AND HEATING, CONEJO WATER HEATERS, CONEJO TANKLESS, CONEJO VALLEY WATER HEATERS, CONEJO HEATING, CONEJO VALLEY TANKLESS, CONEJO VALLEY HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING AND ROOTER, CVHA PLUMBING AND ROOTER, CONEJO VALLEY SOLAR SOLUTIONS, CONEJO VALLEY PLUMBING AND ROOTER, CONEJO VALLEY INSUATION, CVHA PLUMBING, LOCAL ROOFS.COM, LOCAL. ROOFS, CONEJO VALLEY HOME SERVICES, CONEJO SERVICES, CONEJO SERVICES HEATING &

AIR, PLUMBING & ROOTER AND ELECTRICAL, CONEJO SERVICES HEATING & AIR, CONEJO SERVICES HEATING & AIR, CONEJO SERVICES ELECTRICAL & GENERATORS, CONEJO SERVICES INSULATION, CONEJO VALLEY HEATION & AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING & ROOTER AND GENERATOR, CONEJO VALLEY GENERATORS, CONEJO SERVICES PLUMBING AND ROOTER, CONEJO SERVICES PLUMBING AND ROOTER, CONEJO HEATING, AIR, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL, CONEJO VALLEY AIR WINDOWS, CONEJO ELECTRICAL AND SOLAR, CONEJO VALLEY ELECTRICAL, CONEJO VALLEY ROOFING AND SOLAR (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: GARY SOLTANI/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 23, 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: 2025‑0002914. Published: Jan 08, 15, 22, 29 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MEGHAN BIEDERMAN INTERIORS: 306 W De La Guerra St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Meghan Biederman (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 21, 2025. Filed by: MEGHAN BIEDERMAN/ INDIVIDUAL 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: 2025‑0002674. Published: Jan 08, 15, 22, 29 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DLIKESCOACHING: 5142 Hollister Ave, #4011 Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Demelza Shaefer (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CONEJO SERVICES ROOFS, CONEJO SERVICES ROOFS AND GARAGE DOORS, CONEJO SERVICES ROOFS, POOLS AND GARAGE DOORS: 2550 Azurite Circle Newbury Park, CA 91320; Local Roofs LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: GARY SOLTANI/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 7, 2026. 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: 2026‑0000033. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LITTLE MOMENTS CALENDARS: 4358 Modoc Road, F. Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Tara C Rengifo (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 18, 2025. Filed by: TARA RENGIFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 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 E24. FBN Number: 2025‑0002877. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DIOJI K‑9 RESORT & ATHLETIC CLUB: 7340 Hollister Avenue. Santa Barbara, CA 93117; Dioji, Inc. 315 Meigs Road Suite A #651 Santa Barbara, CA

93109 This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Sep 1, 2014. Filed by: BRYCE WENDEL/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 5, 2026. 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: 2026‑0000009. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SHENNIE SMITH AND ASSCOIATES THERAPY GROUP: 30 W Mission St. Suite 4. Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Shenandoah Smith, Marriage And Family Therapist, Inc. This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 19, 2024. Filed by: SHENANDOAH SMITH/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 23, 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: 2026‑0002921. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUNSET HOME HEALTH SERVICE: 321 Arboleda Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Jacklyn C Stevens (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: JACKLYN CATALINA STEVENS/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 1, 2026. 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 E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000007. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CONEJO SERVICES ROOFS, CONEJO

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business name or names listed above on Dec 17, 2025. Filed by: DEMELZA SHAEFER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Dec 22, 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: 2025‑0002902. Published: Jan 08, 15, 22, 29 2026.

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BOYATT CARDIOLOGY: 101 W. Arrellaga Street, Suite 5 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Jason E. Boyatt, M.D., INC 4085 Lago Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93110 This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: JASON E. BOYATT/SECRETARY 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 E30. FBN Number: 2025‑0002833. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CLEAR INTERIORS, CLEAR ENGINEERING, CLEAR DESIGN: 525 garden Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Clear Architecture Corp. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 6, 2026. Filed by: LESLIE THOMPSON/OFFICE COORDINATOR with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 9, 2026. 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: 2026‑0000067. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BLANCO SMILE STUDIO: 1292 Coast Village Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93108; Cadavid And Feusier Dental Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Apr 1, 2025. Filed by: DANIELA CADAVID/ VICE PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 9, 2026. 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: 2026‑0000059. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KM WALKER DESIGN: 2963 Valencia Dr Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Kristen M Walker (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 1, 2026. Filed by: KRISTEN WALKER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 9, 2026. 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: 2026‑0000069. Published: Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026.

NAME CHANGE 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

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the hearing 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 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 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 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 successive 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: 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 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 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 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, 2026, 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 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 DECEMBER 12, 2025, JUDGE Donna D. Geck 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 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 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 petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of

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LEGALS (CONT.) 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 successive 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: MEGANN ELSIE DROST NUMBER: 25CV07481 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: MEGANN ELSIE DROST 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: MEGANN ELSIE DROST PROPOSED NAME: MEGANN ELSIE THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing 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 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 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 13, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 4, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, SANTA BARBARA‑ 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 successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated 12/15/2025, JUDGE Donna D. Geck of the Superior Court. Published Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 2026. AMENDED IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: MISA MIELE MANDIGO KELLY NUMBER: 25CV05015 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: MISA MIELE MANDIGO KELLY 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: MISA MIELE MANDIGO KELLY PROPOSED NAME: LOLANI PUU KOLENC THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing 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 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 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 9, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: SB 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 12/29/2025, JUDGE Thomas P. Anderle of the Superior Court. Published Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 2026. IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE

FOR CHANGE OF NAME: WILLIAM NASH BLANKENSHIP NUMBER: 25CV07919 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: WILLIAM NASH BLANKENSHIP 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: WILLIAM NASH BLANKENSHIP PROPOSED NAME: WILLIAM NASH KONIG THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing 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 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 petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing March 4, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 3, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 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 01/09/2026, JUDGE Thomas P. Anderle of the Superior Court. Published Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: NATALIE SARAH GAIKWAD NUMBER: 25CV07869 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: NATALIE SARAH GAIKWAD 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: NATALIE SARAH GAIKWAD PROPOSED NAME: NATALIE SARAH JOSHI RAVADE THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing 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 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 petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing March 2, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 5, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 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 01/08/2026, JUDGE Colleen K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Jan 15, 22, 29. Feb 5 2026.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) will hold a public hearing for a proposed significant amendment and substantial deviation/modification to its HUD approved Annual Plan. The public hearing will occur on Wednesday March 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. HACSB is proposing revisions to its Section 8 Administrative Plan. Proposed amendments will be posted on the Housing Authority’s website at www. hacsb.org. Interested parties may also request a copy by calling the Housing Authority’s main office at 805‑965‑1071. Should you wish to comment on the proposed changes please submit comments in writing 808 Laguna St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101, or via email to Perla Vega at pvega@hacsb.org, by Feb. 27, 2026. Public comment will also be accepted on March 4th during the regularly scheduled Housing Authority Commission meeting. SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING* DATE OF HEARING: JANUARY 28, 2026 PLACE: ENGINEERING BUILDING, ROOM 17 PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING ROOM 123 E. ANAPAMU STREET SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Design Review Board Hybrid Public Hearing – In Person and via Zoom Goleta City Hall – Council Chambers 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B Goleta, CA 93117 Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. ATTENTION: The meeting will be held in person and via the Zoom platform. The public may also view the meeting on Goleta Channel 19 and/or online at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/goletameetings. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Design Review Board (DRB) of the City of Goleta will conduct a public hearing for the projects listed below, with the date, time, and location of the DRB public hearing set forth above. The agenda for the hearing, including how to participate virtually in the hearing via a Zoom link, will also be posted on the City website at least 72 hours before the hearing (www.cityofgoleta.org).

For Preliminary Review: Shelby Residential Subdivision and Development Plan 7400 Cathedral Oaks Road (APN 077-530-019) Case Nos. 05-154-DRB/DP Sandpiper Golf Course Renovation Project 7925 Hollister Avenue (APN 079-210-059) Case Nos. 22-0001-CDPH, 22-0009-DP-CUP, 22-0032-DRB PUBLIC COMMENT: Interested people are encouraged to provide public comments during the public hearing in person or virtually through the Zoom webinar, by following the instructions listed on the Design Review Board meeting agenda. Written comments may be submitted prior to the hearing by emailing the Planning and Environmental Review Department at PERmeetings@cityofgoleta.gov. Written comments will be distributed to the Design Review Board and published on the City’s Meeting and Agenda page. FOR PROJECT INFORMATION: For further information on the project, contact Mary Chang, at (805) 961-7567 or mchang@cityofgoleta.gov. For inquiries in Spanish, please contact Marcos Martinez at (805) 562-5500 or mmartinez@cityofgoleta.gov. Staff reports and documents will be posted approximately 72 hours before the hearing on the City’s website at www.cityofgoleta.org. In accordance with Gov. Code Section 65103.5, only non-copyrighted plans or plans that the designer has given permission have been published on the City’s website. The full set of plans is available for review at the Planning Counter during counter hours or by contacting the staff member listed for the item 805961-7543. Note: If you challenge the nature of the above action in court, you may be limited to only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City on or before the date of the hearing (Government Code Section 65009(b)(2)). Note: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in the hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 961-7505 or cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the hearing will enable City staff to make reasonable arrangements. Publish: Santa Barbara Independent 1/15/25

The County Planning Commission provides in‑person participation as well as virtual participation until further notice. The following methods of participation are available to the public.

containing important information about joining the webinar. When: January 28, 2026 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Topic: County Planning Commission 01/28/2026 https://santabarbaracounty. zoomgov.com/webinar/register/ WN_LESUMGlPTbSFBfPvcegy9g

1. You may observe the live stream of the County Planning Commission meetings on (1) Local Cable Channel 20, (2) online at: https://www.countyofsb.org/1333/ CSBTV‑Livestream; or (3) YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/ CSBTV20

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

2. If you wish to provide public com‑ ment, the following methods are available:

Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

• Distribution to the County Planning Commission ‑ Submit your comment via email prior to 12:00 p.m. on the Monday prior to the Commission hearing. Please submit your comment to the Recording Secretary at dvillalo@ countyofsb.org. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately. • Attend the Meeting In‑Person: Individuals are allowed to attend and provide comments at the County Planning Commission meeting in‑person. • Attend the Meeting by Zoom Webinar ‑ Individuals wishing to provide public comment during the County Planning Commission meeting can do so via Zoom webinar by clicking the below link to register in advance. Register in advance for this meeting: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email

US: +1 213 338 8477 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 720 928 9299 or +1 971 247 1195 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 602 753 0140 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 470 250 9358 or +1 646 518 9805 or +1 651 372 8299 or +1 786 635 1003 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 267 831 0333 or +1 301 715 8592 or 877 853 5257 (Toll Free) or 888 475 4499 (Toll Free) or 833 548 0276 (Toll Free) or 833 548 0282 (Toll Free)

OR PARTICIPATE VIA TELEPHONE:

Webinar ID: 160 112 8783 The Commission’s rules on hearings and public comment, unless otherwise directed by the Chair, remain applicable to each of the participation methods listed above. The Planning Commission hearing begins at 9:00 a.m. The order of items listed on the agenda is

subject to change by the Planning Commission. Anyone interested in this matter is invited to appear and speak in support or in opposition to the projects. Written comments are also welcome. All letters should be addressed to the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, 123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, California, 93101. Letters should be filed with the secretary of the Planning Commission no later than 12:00 P.M. on the Monday before the Planning Commission hearing. The decision to accept late materials will be at the discretion of the Planning Commission. Maps and/or staff analysis of the proposals may be reviewed at https://www.countyofsb.org/1625/ County‑Planning‑Commission a week before the hearing or by appointment by calling (805) 568‑2000. If you challenge the project(s) 23APL‑00037, 21LUP‑00000‑00197, 23APL‑00038, 21LUP‑00000‑00209, 25APL‑00000‑00004, 25APL‑00005, 25APL‑00006, 16CDH‑00000‑00016, 23CDH‑00014, 17CUP‑00000‑00047, or 18CDH‑00000‑00029 in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence to the Planning Commission prior to the public hearing. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need a disability‑related modification or accommodation or are exempt from applicable Health Officer Orders, including auxiliary aids or services such as sound enhancement

NOTICE TO BIDDERS BIDS OPEN AT 2:00 PM ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026 FOR: HABITAT MITIGATION LANDSCAPE PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE FLORADALE AVE BRIDGE NO. 51C-0370 OVER SANTA YNEZ RIVER NEAR THE CITY OF LOMPOC IN THE 3RD SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT COUNTY PROJECT NO. 862437, FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. BRLSZD-5951 (178) General project work description: Environmental Mitigation planting, irrigation system installation, invasive species removal, plant establishment work requiring a Certified Landscape Contractor. The Plans, Specifications, and Bid Book are available at https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874. The Contractor must have either a Class A license or any combination of the following Class C licenses which constitutes a majority of the work: C-27 LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR There is no DBE goal for the project. For the Federal Training Program, the number of trainees or apprentices is 0. Submit sealed bids to the web address below. Bids will be opened and available at the web address below immediately following the submittal deadline. PlanetBids https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874 Complete the project work excluding plant establishment work within the first 20 working days. Complete the project including plant establishment work within 1,266 working days. The estimated cost of the project is $ 514,000 A optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for this project on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Floradale Ave Bridge, Southeast corner of bridge, near the City of Lompoc. This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of PCC Section 4104, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in this chapter, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code (LAB) Section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 7029.1 or by PCC Section 10164 or 20103.5 provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to LAB Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded. Prevailing wages are required on this Contract. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Obtain the wage rates at the DIR website https://www.dir.ca.gov/. The federal minimum wage rates for this Contract as determined by the United States Secretary of Labor are available at https://www.wdol.gov/. Copies are also available at the office of the Department of Public Works – Engineering Division, 123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. If the minimum wage rates as determined by the United States Secretary of Labor differs from the general prevailing wage rates determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations for similar classifications of labor, the Contractor and subcontractors must not pay less than the higher wage rate. The Department does not accept lower State wage rates not specifically included in the federal minimum wage determinations. This includes helper, or other classifications based on hours of experience, or any other classification not appearing in the federal wage determinations. Where federal wage determinations do not contain the State wage rate determination otherwise available for use by the County Project No. 862437 22 December 2025 6 of 50 Contractor and subcontractors, the Contractor and subcontractors must not pay less than the federal minimum wage rate that most closely approximates the duties of the employees in question. Inquiries or questions based on alleged patent ambiguity of the plans, specifications, or estimate must be submitted as a bidder inquiry by 2:00 PM on 02/06/2026. Submittals after this date will not be addressed. Questions pertaining to this Project prior to Award of the Contract must be submitted via PlanetBids Q&A tab. Bidders (Plan Holders of Record) will be notified by electronic mail if addendums are issued. The addendums, if issued, will only be available on the County’s PlanetBids website, https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874 By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara this project was authorized to be advertised on 12/18/2018. Christopher Sneddon Director of Public Works

INDEPENDENT.COM INDEPENDENT.COM JANUARY JANUARY 15, 15, 2026 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

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LEGALS (CONT.) equipment or an American Sign Language interpreter, to partici pate in this hearing, please contact Hearing Support Staff at 8055682000. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the hearing will enable the Hearing Support Staff to make reasonable arrangements. If you have any questions or if you are participating in the hearing telephonically or electronically and need a disabilityrelated modification or accommodation or have any issues attempting to access the hearing telephonically or electronically, please contact Hearing Support Staff at 8055682000. * This is a partial listing of the items to be heard at the Planning Commission Hearing of January 28, 2026. Previously noticed Case Nos. 23APL00037/21LUP0000000197 (Peterson Appeal – Laurel Springs Retreat, LLC New Residence Lot 11) and 23APL00038/21L UP000000000000209 (Peterson Appeal – Laurel Springs Retreat, LLC New Residence Lot 10) were continued to this hearing from the hearing of December 3, 2025. See previous notice for full descriptions of these items. If you have any questions, call Planning and Development at (805) 5682000. 25APL‑00004 25APL‑00005 25APL‑00006 16CDH‑00000‑00016 23CDH‑00000‑00014 Environmental Defense Center/ Surfrider/ 17CUP‑00000‑00047 Gaviota Coast Conservancy Appeals of DMF 18CDH‑00000‑00029 Fund Seaside Residence and Habitat Restoration Gaviota Addendum to SCH # 2005011049 Nicole Lieu, Supervising Planner (805) 8848068 Henry Wakamiya, Planner (805) 5683017 Hearing on the request of the Environmental Defense Center/ Surfrider Foundation (EDC) and the Gaviota Coast Conservancy (GCC) to consider the following: • Case No. 25APL‑00004, an appeal by EDC of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve Case Nos. 16CDHOOOOO00016, 17CUPOOOOO00047, and 18CDHOOOOO00029 fo r construction of a new 6,100 square foot singlefamily dwelling with an attached 400 square foot Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit and 1,000 square foot garage, a detached 800 square foot Accessory Dwelling Unit and a detached 2,000 square foot barn, pool, spa, and wastewater treatment system, in compliance

with Section 35182 (Appeals) of the Article II Coastal Zoning Ordinance; • Case No. 25APL‑00005, an appeal by EDC of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve Case No. 23CDH00014 for restoration of 0.49 acres of native grassland and 0.14 acres of wetland habitat, in compliance with Section 35182 (Appeals) of the Article II Coastal Zoning Ordinance; and • Case No. 25APL‑00006, an appeal by GCC of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve Case Nos. 16CDHOOOOO00016, 17CUPOOOOO00047, and 18CDHOOOOO00029 fo r construction of a new 6,100 square foot singlefamily dwelling with an attached 400 square foot Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit and 1,000 square foot garage, a detached 800 square foot Accessory Dwelling Unit and a detached 2,000 square foot barn, pool, spa, and wastewater treatment system, in compliance with Section 35182 (Appeals) of the Article II Coastal Zoning Ordinance. The application involves APN’s 079160021, 079160038, 079160045, 079160046, zoned AGII100, located in the Gaviota Coast Plan area, Third Supervisorial District. SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION RECORDING SECRETARY (568‑2000)

SUMMONS 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 SelfHelp 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 SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), 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

ORDINANCE NO. 26-XX

AN 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 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17 (CASE NO. 25-0005-ORD) On January 20, 2026, at 5:30 P.M., at the Goleta City Hall, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta, California, the City Council of the City of Goleta (“City”) will consider the second reading and possible adoption of a proposed Ordinance that would amend Title 17 (Zoning) of the Goleta Municipal Code related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). 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. If adopted, the Ordinance will be effective 31 days from the date of adoption. Any interested person may obtain a copy of the proposed ordinance at the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov or by calling City Hall at (805) 961-7505. Deborah S. Lopez City Clerk

Publish: 46

Santa Barbara Independent, January 15, 2026

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JANUARY 15, 2026

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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 T.S. No. 138873‑CA APN: 023‑060‑005 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 4/23/2003. 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 On 1/28/2026 at 10:00 AM, CLEAR RECON CORP, as duly appointed trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 5/1/2003 as Instrument No. 20030055201 of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Santa Barbara County, State of CALIFORNIA executed by: RENEE L. MALLOY, A SINGLE PERSON WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 1100 ANACAPA STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State described as: BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE WEST LINE OF SANTA BARBARA MISSION LANDS WITH THE CENTERLINE OF TUNNEL ROAD, FROM WHICH A STONE MONUMENT #7 OF THE MISSION LANDS BEARS NORTH 0°09’30” WEST 18.26 FEET; THENCE ALONG SAID WEST LINE OF THE MISSION LANDS, SOUTH 0°09’30” EAST 215.97 FEET TO A 3/4” SURVEY PIPE; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES NORTH 89°50’30” EAST 159.07 FEET TO A POINT ON THE CENTER LINE OF TUNNEL ROAD FROM WHICH A 3/4” SURVEY PIPE SET ON THE WESTERLY LINE THEREOF BEARS SOUTH 89° 50’30” WEST 20.01 FEET: THENCE ALONG THE CENTER LINE OF SAID TUNNEL ROAD THE FOLLOWING COURSES AND DISTANCES; NORTH 1°53’00” WEST 28.34 FEET TO AN ANGLE POINT THEREIN; THENCE NORTH 34°01’ WEST (AT 137.99 FEET TO THE MOST SOUTHERLY CORNER OF THE 3.407 ACRE TRACT OF LAND SHOWN ON THE MAP OF A PORTION OF THE MISSION LANDS FILED IN BOOK 26 AT PAGE 20 OF RECORD OF SURVEYS, RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY) 182.10 FEET; AND NORTH 57°28’ WEST 67.44 FEET,

MORE OR LESS, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1085 TUNNEL ROAD, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be held, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, condition, or encumbrances, including fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to pay the remaining principal sums of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $192,819.59 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. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned or its predecessor caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. 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 (855) 3133319 or visit this Internet website www.clearreconcorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 138873CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: Effective January 1, 2021, 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 purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible 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 purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (855) 3133319, or visit this internet website www.clearreconcorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 138873CA 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 attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice

regarding this potential right to purchase. FOR SALES INFORMATION: (855) 3133319 CLEAR RECON CORP 3333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 225 San Diego, California 92108. Published: Dec 31, 2025. Jan 8, 15 2026. LOAN NO.: EWL6860 Papadaki & Polizzi TS no. 202511434 APN: 067082005 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE UNDER DEED OF TRUST YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 3/15/2023, 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. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on 1/28/2026, at 1:00 PM of said day, At the main entrance to the County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Ashwood TD Services LLC, a California Limited Liability Company, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to the power of sale conferred in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Hariklia Papadaki, an unmarried woman, and Paul Polizzi, a married man as his sole and separate property, as joint tenants recorded on 3/28/2023 in Book n/a of Official Records of SANTA BARBARA County, at page n/a, Recorder’s Instrument No. 20230008662, by reason of a breach or default in payment or performance of the obligations secured thereby, including that breach or default, Notice of which was recorded 9/8/2025 as Recorder’s Instrument No. 20250027408, in Book n/a, at page n/a, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, lawful money of the United States, evidenced by a Cashier’s Check drawn on a state or national bank, or the equivalent thereof drawn on any other financial institution specified in section 5102 of the California Financial Code, authorized to do business in the State of California, ALL PAYABLE AT THE TIME OF SALE, all right, title and interest held by it as Trustee, in that real property situated in said County and State, described as follows: Lot 23, Tract 10086, per Map, Book 54, Pages 28, 29 and 30 of Maps. The street address or other common designation of the real property hereinabove described is purported

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LEGALS (CONT.) to be: 869 Via Campobello, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. The undersigned disclaims all liability for any incorrectness in said street address or other common designation. Said sale will be made without warranty, express or implied regarding title, possession, or other encumbrances, to satisfy the unpaid obligations secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest and other sums as provided therein; plus advances, if any, thereunder and interest thereon; and plus fees, charges, and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of said obligations at the time of initial publication of this Notice is $301,296.01. In the event that the deed of trust described in this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is secured by real property containing from one to four single‑family residences, the following notices are provided pursuant to the provisions of Civil Code section 2924f: 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’s 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 916‑939‑0772 or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2025‑11434. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not be immediately 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 purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible 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 purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 916‑939‑0772, or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2025‑11434 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, by remitting the funds and affidavit or declaration described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, 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 attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Dated: December 31, 2025 Ashwood TD Services LLC, a California Limited Liability Company Christopher Loria, Trustee's Sale Officer 231 E. Alessandro Blvd., Ste. 6A‑693, Riverside, CA 92508 Tel.: (951) 215‑0069 Fax: (805) 323‑9054 Trustee’s Sale Information: (916) 939‑0772 or www.nationwideposting.com NPP0483157 To: SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT 01/08/2026, 01/15/2026, 01/22/2026 TRUSTEE SALE No. 184994 Title No. 250357316 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 01/05/2005. 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. On 02/11/2026 at 10:00 AM, PRIME RECON LLC, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 01/14/2005, as Instrument No. 2005‑0003819, in book xx, page xx, of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of SANTA BARBARA County, State of California, executed by OSCAR HERNANDEZ AND ZAHIDA CARRERA, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY

WITH RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States), AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 1100 ANACAPA STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101. All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State, described as: FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE ABOVE DEED OF TRUST. APN 017‑222‑ 007 The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 126 SOUTH CANADA STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said 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 said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $1,026,833.17 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. The beneficiary under

said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused a Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. Dated: 12/27/2025 Prime Recon LLC By: Jorge Rios‑ Jimenez, Authorized Signer Prime Recon LLC 27368 Via Industria, Ste 201 Temecula, CA 92590 (888) 725‑4142 Prime Recon LLC may be attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained may be used for that purpose. FOR TRUSTEE’S SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: (844) 901‑0998 OR VIEW OUR WEBSITE: https://salesinformation.prime‑ recon.com 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

Notice of Southern California Edison Company’s (SCE) Rate Increase Request SCE’s Application for Authorization to Recover Incremental Costs Related to Wildfire Mitigation and Catastrophic Events to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) A. 25-12-002 What is Being Requested? SCE is requesting an increase in revenue of $47.707 million or 0.3% to recover its costs for wildfire mitigation expenses incurred in 2024. The request also includes the recovery of costs related to restoration efforts for certain catastrophic events in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021. TOTAL RATE INCREASE REQUESTED Customer Class $ Increase % Increase Residential $0.08 0.2% Lighting – Small & Medium Power $0.15 0.5% Large Power $0.05 0.2% Agricultural and Pumping $0.06 0.2% Street and Area Lighting $0.07 0.2% Standby $0.01 0.1%

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 (844) 901‑0998 for information regarding the trustee's sale or visit this internet website ‑ https://salesinformation.prime‑ recon.com ‑ for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case: TS#184994. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately 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 purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible 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 purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (844) 901‑0998 for information regarding the trustee’s sale, or visit this internet website https://salesinformation.prime‑ recon.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case

Para más información sobre esta reunión pública, y cómo este cambio impactará su factura, llame al 1-800-342-4545 NOTICE OF PUBLIC FORUM (PUBLIC PARTICIPATION HEARING) APPLICATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY REQUESTING APPROVAL OF BRANCH Para más información sobre esta reunión OFFICE CLOSURES (A.25-05-001) pública, ycómoeste cambioimpactará HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE? sufactura,llameal1-800-342-4545 Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®) the California NOTICEand OF PUBLIC FORUM Public Utilities (PUBLIC Commission (CPUC)HEARING) would like to PARTICIPATION hear from you. You are invited to participate in APPLICATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA a Public Participation Hearing (PPH) GAS COMPANY REQUESTING APPROVAL OF to receive comments from the public about BRANCH OFFICE CLOSURES SoCalGas’s proposal to close(A.25-05-001) its remaining 43 branch offices. HOWare CAN I PARTICIPATE? These PPHs part of the formal CPUC Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®that ) andthewill Californiabe proceeding (A.25-05-001) Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) wouldliketohear fromrecord you. You transcribed and placed into the formal areinvitedtoparticipateinaPublicParticipation Hearing(PPH) so the CPUC can make an informed decision toreceivecomments from thepublic aboutSoCalGas’s proposalto about SoCalGas’s request. At these hearings, close its remaining 43 branch offices. you can make comments or raise concerns ThesePPHsarepartoftheformalCPUCproceeding(A.25-05-001) to the CPUC’s Administrative Law Judge that will be transcribed and placed into the formal record so the overseeing this proceeding. CPUCcanmakeaninformeddecisionaboutSoCalGas’srequest.At WHERE AND WHEN WILL THE these hearings, you can make comments or raisePPHS concernsBE to the HELD? CPUC’s Administrative Law Judge overseeing this proceeding. A total of six PPHs will be held, with four in person heldWILL remotely. A quorum WHEREand ANDtwo WHEN THE PPHS BE HELD?of Atotal of six PPHs willbeheld, with four inbut person two held commissioners may attend, noanddecisions remotely. A quorumor of commissioners attend,PPHs. but no decisions will be made voted on atmaythese will be made or voted on at these PPHs. DATE & TIME

DETAILS

January 26, 2026 Glendale City Council Chambers 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm 613 E. Broadway; 2nd Floor (IN-PERSONPPHONLY) Glendale CA, 91206 February 2, 2026 Santa Ana Council Chambers 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm 22 Civic Center Plaza (IN-PERSONPPHONLY) Santa Ana, CA 92701 February 6, 2026 2:00pm&6:00pm (REMOTE PPHONLY)

How Would This Impact the Average Residential Customer? If the request is approved, the average residential customer using 500kWh per month would see a rate increase of approximately $0.41 per month and an increase of approximately $0.26 per month for residential CARE customers. The actual impact will vary based on usage, baseline territory, and other factors. Additional Information An administrative law judge will hold hearings, consider evidence, testimony, and public comments before drafting a proposed decision on this application. CPUC Commissioners will then vote on a final decision at a public meeting. You can read more about the utility’s request and make public comment by visiting apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2512002. For questions about participating in CPUC matters, you can contact the Public Advisor’s Office at Public.Advisor@cpuc.ca.gov, 1-866-849-8390, or 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102. Please reference [A.25-12-002] in any communication with the CPUC. Questions About the Request For questions about this application, please contact SCE at (800) 655‐4555, or via email at case.admin@sce.com. The mailing address: Case Administration Southern California Edison Company A.25‐12‐002 – WMCE Application P.O. Box 800 Rosemead, CA 91770 CNSB # 3994846

Phone Number 800-857-1917 Passcode: 1673482# Dial *1 (star one) if you wish to comment Webcast: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc/

Please note: If you need a language interpreter, (Continued inside) or other specialized accommodations, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office using the contact information at the end of this notice at least five business days before the PPH you expect to attend. The in-person PPH locations are ADA accessible. For in-person PPHs, if you wish to make a public comment, please sign up at the Public Advisor’s Office table. The webcast for the remote PPHs will have English and Spanish captions available. Your participation by providing your thoughts on SoCalGas’s request can help the CPUC make an informed decision. WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NOTICE? On May 2, 2025, SoCalGas filed its Branch Offices Closure Proposal Application with the CPUC to close its remaining 43 branch offices. SoCalGas’s branch offices provide customers the ability to pay their bills inperson, inquire about their accounts, and complete other service transactions. SoCalGas’s branch offices have become an increasingly under- utilized service channel. Technological advancements and evolving customer preferences towards

TS#184994 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 attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NPP0482987 To: SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT 01/08/2026, 01/15/2026, 01/22/2026

conducting transactions over the internet and telephone have enabled customers to access reasonably comparable customer service through alternative self-service channels and have reduced customers reliance on inperson branch office interactions. Further, reasonably comparable alternatives for inperson bill payments are available through Authorized Payment Locations (APLs), with 394 locations in SoCalGas’s service territory compared to the remaining 43 branch offices. The APLs have similar payment processing capabilities, thereby reducing the need for branch offices. SoCalGas’s closure proposal supports customer affordability through expected annual savings, consistent with the CPUC’s decision approving other Investor-Owned Utilities’ (IOUs) closure of remaining branch offices. CONTACT CPUC Parties to the proceeding are currently reviewing the application, including the Public Advocates Office. The Public Advocates Office is an independent consumer advocate within the CPUC that represents customers to obtain the lowest possible rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service levels. For more information, please call 1-415-7031584, email PublicAdvocatesOffice@cpuc. ca.gov, or visit PublicAdvocates.cpuc.ca.gov. Written public comments may also be provided at any time during the proceeding in the “Public Comments” tab of the Docket Card for A.25-05-001, available at: apps. cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2505001. For additional information, updates on the hearings, and an information sheet about the proceeding, please visit cpuc.ca.gov/pph. If you have questions about CPUC processes or need special accommodations, you may contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at: Email: Public.Advisor@cpuc.ca.gov Phone: 1-866-849-8390 (toll-free) or 1-415703-2074 Mail: CPUC Public Advisor’s Office 505 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 Please reference SoCalGas’s Branch Closure Application (A.25-05-001) in any communications you have with the CPUC regarding this matter. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? Contact SoCalGas If you have questions about SoCalGas’s request or application, please contact SoCalGas at: Phone: 1-877-238-0092 Email: KHuliganga@socalgas.com Mail: Kristine Huliganga Regulatory Case Manager for SoCalGas 555 W. 5th Street GT14D6 Los Angeles, CA 90013

CNSB # 3986486

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