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One of our newest staff members has some big news to share! Straight from the shores of New York, Elaine Sanders has been selected for the 13th annual New York Portfolio Review. Sanders was one of 160 lucky applicants who was accepted; in years past, the pool of applicants has been between 2,500-3,500 photographers from across the world. Sanders started as an intern last June, and after her final semester at Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, she joined our staff as a full-time reporter and photojournalist. Head to independent.com/about-the-indy to learn more about Sanders’s photojournalism and to read the full interview.
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Elaine and her fellow photojournalism classmates at graduation in December 2025. From left to right: David DeTurris, Edward Grattan, Elaine Sanders, Tyler Paz, and Adrian O’Farrill.
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NEWS of the WEEK NEWS BR IEFS
Thousands March in Third No Kings Protest
Crowds grew in Alameda Park at Santa Barbara’s No Kings protest on Saturday. By 12:30 p.m., thousands of people, many clutching homemade signs with slogans such as “Stop Trump to Save Democracy,” congregated in a wide semicircle around the park’s stage listening to speakers. But by 1:30, the speeches were over, and the crowd began pouring out onto Anacapa Street, peacefully marching the seven blocks to De la Guerra Plaza.
Myra Paige, one of the protest’s organizers, addressed the Alameda Park crowd. “We all have the same message,” she said. “Say it with me. No ICE, no war, and no kings.”
The crowd repeated her words and then roared.
This No Kings protest is the third in Santa Barbara. More than 3,000 communities across the United States held protests on Saturday, including in Carpinteria, Solvang, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. Though the unifying theme of the events nationwide was against President Trump, each demonstration focused on issues of regional importance.
The major message expressed at Santa Barbara’s protest? Sustained action: against ICE activities, the resuming of offshore oil drilling, and the high cost of housing, food, and gas.
Cesar Vasquez, an 18-year-old 805 Immigrant Rapid Response organizer from Santa Maria, told the crowd: “We will only win this movement if we understand that we must live in discomfort, we must boycott, we must
Blue Skies for Sable?
Oil Company Announces First Sale of Oil, Restart of Second Offshore Platform in Santa Barbara Channel
Sstrike, we must patrol, we must give up the funds, give up the view, give up the day off, and live within the struggle for resistance.”
COMMUNITY
Elings Park (pictured) launched a “Swing for the Million” fundraiser after an anonymous philanthropist promised to donate $1 million toward upgrades to the Castagnola Softball Complex if the community can raise $200,000 by May 1. Park officials hope the fundraiser will cover the entire $1.2 million cost for extensive renovations of the three softball fields, including a total rehaul of the playing surfaces and more efficient irrigation systems. If the park meets the mark, renovations are expected to be finished by the end of October 2026.
POLITICS
by Nick Welsh
able Offshore CEO James Flores can be excused for crowing. Few people let alone the skeptical choir of Wall Street investors ever expected Flores and his combative, take-no-prisoners approach to regulatory oversight agencies would ever have made it this far. But thanks to a massive last-minute intervention by President Donald Trump, Sable Offshore defied the doubters and began production from Platform Harmony, one of the company’s three offshore platforms, at a clip of 22,000 barrels a day.
That was two weeks ago. Already, Flores is issuing press releases announcing Sable would begin tapping a second offshore platform Heritage at a rate of 30,000 barrels a day, starting Sunday, March 29. And he’s not stopping there. Sometime in the second quar-
ter of this year, Flores known for the hyper-optimism of some of his projections also stated Sable will begin tapping the third platform, Hondo, at a rate of 10,000 barrels a day.
With oil now fetching $119 a barrel on the global market due to the war on Iran, Sable has ample incentive to make hay while the sun shines. In the world of oil, 62,000 barrels a day qualifies as a lot of hay even if it’s still not enough to put a dent in the price of gas, now more than $5 a gallon in California and more than $4 a gallon nationwide, the highest in three years.
In a company press release, Flores hit more than enough America First notes to acknowledge Trump’s pivotal role in his current success without mentioning the president ever by name.
After the speeches came the march. The crowd swelled as protestors began walking down Anacapa Street around 1:30 p.m. The numbers of people seemed to triple with groups chanting and singing songs as they progressed to De la Guerra Plaza. Organizers estimated around 12,000 attended the march in Santa Barbara but said they planned to review drone footage for a more accurate head count.
—Christina
McDermott
Read the full story and see more of Ingrid Bostrom’s photos at independent.com/thousands-march-in-third-nokings-protest.
announced on Sunday, March 29, that it was
“We are providing American oil from American soil through an American pipeline to an American refinery for American consumers and the United States military,” Flores stated.
Last week, Sable cinched a deal to have its oil refined at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery. In a press release on Sunday, Sable announced that oil sales from its Santa Ynez Unit had officially begun. Even the professional doubters monitoring Sable stock have softened their skepticism.
“Sentiment has shifted from ‘extreme skepticism’ to ‘cautious optimism,’ ” wrote a writer
The California State Senate unanimously approved a bill on 3/26 to institute Farmworkers Day as a new statewide holiday. Farmworkers Day will be now celebrated on 3/31 each year and will replace César Chávez Day, as state leaders work to change the focus of the annual holiday in light of recent accusations of sexual abuse against Chávez. During the hearing, State Senate Leader Monique Limón (center) introduced the bill and said that state lawmakers would be working to ensure that the entire farmworker community would be celebrated for contributions to the state’s cultural and economic history.
PUBLIC SAFETY
A midday rollover crash on Shoreline Drive just south of La Marina Drive briefly shut down traffic 3/25 as police and fire crews responded to the collision, which left two vehicles damaged but resulted in no serious injuries. When officers arrived, they found an overturned Toyota SUV resting on its roof in the roadway after it had collided with an Audi sedan traveling in the opposite direction. Police said the SUV’s driver and two juvenile passengers “were able to climb out of the vehicle and were uninjured as a result of the collision.” The driver of the Audi and her infant passenger also escaped injury, authorities said. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
CRUZ, CALLIE FAUSEY, JACKSON FRIEDMAN, TYLER HAYDEN, ELLA HEYDENFELDT, CHRISTINA McDERMOTT, ELAINE SANDERS, NICK WELSH, and JEAN YAMAMURA
No Kings protest in Santa Barbara on March 28
Sable Offshore
restarting Platform Heritage (above) two weeks after beginning production at Platform Harmony.
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ICE Crashes Vehicle Near Jail
An ICE agent crashed an unmarked vehicle into an embankment near the entrance of the county jail on Friday morning, prompting a large response from community defense groups and local public agencies as the damaged vehicle leaked fluids into a nearby drain and blocked half of the roadway for nearly two hours.
Volunteers from SBResiste were among the first to document the incident, which began when a convoy of four ICE vehicles was seen near the jail around 7:30 a.m. Friday. Community organizer Chelsea Lancaster said the ICE agents were seen attempting to pursue a man who had just been released from the jail.
In a press release, Sheriff’s spokesperson Raquel Zick said that a man who said he was with ICE told the Sheriff’s Office that the agents were attempting to apprehend an individual who “fled on foot and jumped a fence along the east side of the jail perimeter” that morning. Sheriff’s deputies located the man hiding between storage containers nearby. The man was injured and transported to the hospital with “non-lifethreatening injuries.” Zick said he was cited for trespassing.
Witnesses said the convoy of ICE vehicles left the area after the man injured his leg before returning at around 8:20 a.m., when witnesses described an unmarked gray Ford Escape driving fast and attempting to make a quick turn into the entrance of the jail. Volunteers said the Ford Escape skid-
A two-vehicle crash on northbound Highway 101 south of Mariposa Reina Drive in Gaviota on 3/29 left one man seriously injured and sent two others to the hospital, according to County Fire. According to California Highway Patrol Officer Michael Muñoz, the crash began around 7:30 p.m. when a sedan crashed on its own, sustaining major damage. Moments later, a second vehicle collided with it. Fire officials said one man “required extrication” from the sedan and was transported to Cottage Hospital with major injuries. Two additional patients were transported with minor injuries. The second vehicle sustained minor damage, and no additional injuries were reported. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
COURTS & CRIME
A county jail inmate is recovering at Cottage Hospital after he was stabbed approximately 30 times by multiple assailants in a gang-related attack. Citing the ongoing investigation, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Raquel Zick said only that detectives are “investigating an assault where an inmate was seriously injured but is expected to survive.”The identities of the victim and alleged suspects have not been released. The attack took place 3/22 in a unit of the jail reserved for verified gang members. According to sources, one of the assailants was convicted in January of first-degree murder and is expected to be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Both offenders in that case are members of the Carpas street gang, which
ded, crashed into the dirt embankment, and got stuck in the dirt. Multiple agents manually pulled the disabled vehicle back into the street, where it began to leak fluid into a nearby drain, according to witnesses. Workers with the Public Works Department poured absorbent materials on the spill to prevent any more fluid from entering the drain.
About 10 local law enforcement officers were on hand, along with an ambulance, fire truck, and several California Highway Patrol and sheriff’s cruisers. About a dozen legal observers documented the scene, which died down after the disabled vehicle was loaded onto a Smitty’s Towing truck around 10:30 a.m.
“Deputies were requested to assist with keeping the peace while ICE arranged to have their disabled vehicle towed,” Zick said in her statement. “Deputies provided traffic control to assist the tow truck with accessing the vehicle and clearing the roadway. The vehicle was towed without further incident.” —Ryan P.Cruz & Christina McDermott
claims the City of Carpinteria as its territory and regularly feuds with its Santa Barbara rivals.
Ryan A. Hill, 50, of Montecito, was arrested 3/27 after allegedly crashing into two vehicles stopped at a red light at Cota and State streets and fleeing the scene on foot before being placed under citizen’s arrest by a bystander, according to Santa Barbara police. One person was transported to Cottage Hospital with minor injuries, while another reported pain at the scene. Hill was booked into county jail on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and hit-and-run causing injury, with a bail set at $100,000.
Police were dispatched around noon on 3/28 to the 100 block of North Salinas Street for a reported disturbance between a man and a woman. The man had left the scene before officers arrived but returned shortly after, driving recklessly and threatening officers, according to police. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, prompting a brief pursuit that was ultimately terminated “in the interest of public safety,” the department said. California Highway Patrol officers later located the suspect in the downtown area and attempted a stop, but the driver again failed to yield. The pursuit continued through city streets and onto northbound Highway 101. It ended when the vehicle crashed at the La Cumbre Road exit where the driver was taken into custody without further incident. Requests for the suspect’s identity and charges were not returned before deadline. n
An ICE agent (left) and a California Highway Patrol Officer (right) stand in front of a crashed ICE vehicle that witnesses say jumped the curb and ran into the embankment on Friday.
BRIEFS CONT’D FROM P.7
Felonious or Careless?
Councilmember Resists Calls to Resign as Criminal Case Proceeds
Dby Tyler Hayden
id Lompoc City Councilmember Steve Bridge risk his political career and personal reputation to steal a little less than $10,000 in public funds? Or were the strange payments made through one of his businesses simply the result of sloppy paperwork?
These are the questions a Santa Barbara County jury will decide if Bridge goes to trial on the 10 felony counts of theft and fraud that the District Attorney’s Office has charged him with. A judge will rule this week if there is enough evidence against Bridge for the case to move beyond its preliminary hearing stage, where prosecutors present a summary of their arguments.
Meanwhile, Bridge remains an active member of the Lompoc City Council, voting on matters such as sewer code enforcement and a sales tax increase. Members of the public and one of Bridge’s colleagues, Councilmember Jeremy Ball, have demanded that he resign, but he has refused to do so and maintains his innocence. “Right now, it feels like the people of Lompoc are being asked to just live with something that clearly is not right,” Ball stated in an open letter this week, “and that wears on people.”
“I have not committed any crime,” Bridge declared at a recent meeting. “I believe in the American justice system, and I’m confident that through the court process, I will be found not guilty.” At another recent meeting, several members of the Lompoc High School debate team called on him to step down. Shortly thereafter, Councilmember Dirk Starbuck made light of Bridge’s criminal charges, referring to himself as Juror No. 1.
The case against Bridge hinges on lighting, plumbing, and other construction work ostensibly carried out by two of his sons at three separate locations the International Order of Odd Fellows, Certain Sparks Music, and one of Bridge’s personal properties on San Miguelito Road. Bridge and his defense team maintain the work was done informally but lawfully.
Prosecutors, however, allege Bridge illegally obtained approximately $10,000 in city rebate funds through forged documents, the unauthorized use of an expired contractor’s license, and fraudulent rebate submissions tied to several of his business entities. Investigators say the documents were submitted between February 2024 and June 2025, and it appeared Bridge tried to launder the money through one of his companies.
During the multi-day preliminary hearing, Bridge’s sons Brandon Bridge, a member of the Lompoc Planning Commission and co-owner of Certain Sparks Music, and Scott Turner, an unlicensed
contractor were called to testify. In a highly unusual move, both were appointed attorneys and granted limited immunity amid questioning from prosecutors that raised their own potential legal issues.
Brandon Bridge spent much of his time on the witness stand evading questions and verbally sparring with prosecutor Brian Cota. He frequently paused the proceedings to pour and drink water, and at one point became so unresponsive that it prompted Cota to ask him, “Are you on something right now?” Brandon maintained he was not under the influence.
Brandon confirmed that he had drafted a legal challenge to the subpoenas seeking records from Certain Sparks Music and the International Order of Odd Fellows, calling the orders “very broad.” This raised concerns whether he had unlawfully represented himself as an attorney and obstructed law enforcement.
Scott Turner found himself in legal hot water when he admitted on the stand that he had been paid by his father for the construction work, which he said included digging up approximately 100 feet of leaky pipe, at the same time he was trying to obtain disability benefits. Cota also asked Turner if the rebate payments were made to his father’s company, and not him directly, so he could avoid court-ordered wage garnishment over missed child support payments.
In his open letter, Councilmember Ball said he had asked city staff to present options for formal action against Bridge, including possible censure or reassignment of Bridge’s committee responsibilities. “In other words, I asked that we at least have a public conversation about how to protect the integrity of the institution while this situation unfolds,” he said.
The preliminary hearing will continue Thursday, April 2, in the Santa Maria division of Santa Barbara Superior Court. n
HADULTS Passport Fair, hosted by Rep Salud Carbajal Saturday, April 4 | 9:00am-3:00pm | Central Library, Faulkner Gallery | Walk-in availability will be limited
ALL AGES La Piazza: A Celebration of Italian Culture Friday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12 | varying times, visit sbplibrary.org for details | Central Library, Library Plaza & Faulkner Gallery
TEENS Teen Job & Volunteer Fair Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 4:00pm-6:00pm | Central Library, Michael Towbes Library Plaza
ADULTS Montecito Poetry Club Thursday, April 16 | 10:00am-11:30am | Montecito Library | April Poet: Danusha Laméris
CHILDREN & Families Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Saturday, April 18 | 10:00am-2:00pm | Central Library, Michael Towbes Library Plaza
ALL AGES Open Mic Night & Art Gallery Friday, April 24 | 6:00pm-7:30pm | Central Library, Faulkner Gallery
This year, Santa Barbara Public Library, invites the community to celebrate Libraries, Library Workers, and the communities we serve through a series of events and initiatives that uplift everyone From the stacks to the streets we’re proud to spread library joy wherever we go Learn more at sbplibrary.org
Lompoc City Councilmember Steve Bridge
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Chumash Sound Off on Sable
On Friday morning, dozens of people gathered near the dolphin statue on Stearns Wharf to protest Sable Offshore and support Chumash matriarchs in their fight against oil drilling. Chumash songs were sung, and Aztec dancers graced the lawn in dance that also served as prayer.
Friday’s protest came nearly two weeks after oil from the Santa Barbara Channel started flowing once again through pipelines owned and operated by Sable Offshore following an order to resume pumping from the Trump administration, which invoked the Defense Production Act.
“They’re continuing to pump our oil, they’re continuing to destroy our land and our water, and at what cost for us?” said Dr. Maura Sullivan, a Chumash linguist and member of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation. She put on this event because she had grown frustrated by the lack of attention paid to Chumash voices, particularly on the subject of oil extraction on historic Chumash land and waters.
Indigenous-inclusive events, saying that she is planning to host more around the area to continue these conversations and spaces for exchange.
Amber Bassett Pagaling, a Chumash artist and poet, sang an original song and recited her poem on the transition out of empire titled “Peerless,” which captivated the crowd.
Drilling of oil “affects our villages and your homes,” said Mia Lopez, tribal representative of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation. “It affects our people, our way of life and yours. It affects our children and your children. It affects your ocean, your ability to enjoy this beautiful beach. We have to find ways to come together to fight against this oil.”
Sullivan stressed the need for more
who goes by the cryptic byline “Fintera” for the online investor zine Financial Content
In that same article, Fintera described Sable as “patient zero for a massive jurisdictional conflict” between the Trump White House and the State of California, whose Attorney General Rob Bonta just sued both Sable and the federal government. Bonta charged that Trump broke the law by how he invoked the Defense Production Act to order Sable to resume production at an oil facility shut down since the oil pipeline rupture of 2015 that spilled 142,000 gallons of crude oil along the Gaviota Coast and into the ocean.
Even so, Flores and Sable are not out of the woods. Aside from the two lawsuits filed by the Attorney General, this Wednesday, Sable was scheduled to be arraigned in Santa Barbara Superior Court on 21 criminal charges for violating state and federal environmental law. Five of those are felony charges. All have to do with unpermitted repair work Sable did in fall 2024 to corroded pipelines that crossed four creeks that feed into the ocean Asphaltum, Nojoqui, Arroyo Quemado, and Cañada de la Gallina creeks. The complaint filed against Sable last fall asserts the company crews diverted, obstructed, or otherwise impeded the flow of these creeks and knowingly discharging dredged material excavated materials into their channels, again without securing let alone applying for —the necessary permits.
“Things may begin to shift, and pulleys may snap, but know this: Not even thunder can stifle a silent remembrance of the lineages of the earth, to render the law of love as the providence of our belonging,” Pagaling said. “And if you hold my hand, I will hold your hand. And if you hold my gaze, I will hold your gaze. The ancestors have never forgotten the sound of our voices, if even in the numbness of adaptation, we’ve forgotten our own.”
—Elaine Sanders
As of this writing, it’s uncertain whether the arraignment will proceed as scheduled and the extent if any Trump’s invocation of the Defense Production Act to greenlight Sable might derail the indictment completely. Calls and emails to the District Attorney’s Office were not returned on Tuesday, which was a holiday. Nor were emails to Sable’s public relations firm.
Coming up soon, April 17, is a court hearing in Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Donna Geck’s chambers whether the injunction barring Sable from restarting production should be lifted.
After that comes a major showdown in federal court over whether the State Fire Marshal or the federal pipeline safety agency the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) had the last word over whether Sable should be allowed to restart. Under a federal court decree arrived at in 2020, the Fire Marshal was given the first and last word over restart. When the Fire Marshal informed Sable it hadn’t repaired the corroded pipe to the safety specifications the Fire Marshal had demanded, Sable accused the Fire Marshal of changing the rules late in the game and asked PHMSA to take jurisdictional authority away from the Fire Marshal. PHMSA complied and issued Sable an emergency permit to restart the pipeline right before Christmas. Stay tuned. n
Friday’s anti-Sable protest near Stearns Wharf featured Chumash songs and Aztec dancers.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Waterfront’s Future in Works
City Outlining Short-Term Fixes, Long-Term Goals
by Ryan P. Cruz
Santa Barbara city officials are looking toward the future of the waterfront, developing a 30-year plan considering both quick fixes and long-term enhancements to mitigate the impacts from sea-level rise, erosion, and flood hazards over the next few decades and beyond.
The city’s Harbor Commission had a chance to weigh in on the 30-year Waterfront Front Adaptation Plan during its March 19 meeting, where city staff outlined the process that will hopefully lead to a completed draft plan ready for City Council approval in spring 2027. It’s a two-and-a-halfyear effort that the city is halfway through at this point, according to Senior Climate Adaptation Analyst Timmy Bolton, who gave the presentation during the recent commission hearing.
City staff gathered public input in 2024 and spent most of 2025 developing a list of options to be presented through the gauntlet of city review boards and stakeholder groups this year for more input. This will help city planners whittle down a draft with priority projects covering the entire three-mile area from Leadbetter Beach near Shoreline Drive down Cabrillo Boulevard through the harbor, West Beach, and East Beach.
Bolton said the Santa Barbara waterfront is a “cornerstone of the local economy,” with an estimated $100 million in recreational value and at least $30 million in local benefits from the local fishing industry. But the area is also “especially vulnerable to flooding, storms, and erosion,” he said, with more than five feet worth of erosion at East Beach over the past 20 years and $3 million in damages from storms in the rain-heavy seasons of 2023. Just last year, a king tide brought water spilling up past the sand at East Beach and into the nearby bike lanes.
The city’s adaptation plan will focus on the West Beach as the premier sandy beach location, while mitigating sea-level rise and flood impacts in the more hazard-prone areas of Leadbetter and East Beach. West Beach is expected to remain wide and sandy well beyond 30 years, and the city will look to enhance facilities with new restrooms, showers, a café, and beach concessions.
Short-term goals, such as restriping parking lots and installing temporary flood prevention infrastructure, could be done relatively quickly and could be covered using the city’s existing budget. But larger projects, or “core measures,” as Bolton described them, would require the use of grants or other outside funding efforts.
Some of the proposed measures include
raised bicycle and pedestrian paths that could also protect against flood hazards; new parking lots; or the installation of headlands, groins, or offshore reefs to protect vulnerable areas.
Commissioner Suzanne Cohen said she was concerned about the potential price tag for the projects being proposed as part of the adaptation plan. “This is a big project, and as we all know, our city right now is looking at a budget deficit of several million dollars,” Cohen said. “Do we have any idea of what the costs are going to be to put this type of project into work?”
Commissioner Spenser Jaimes wanted to make sure the city considered the input from Indigenous groups and the Chumash community in the long-range planning effort. He urged city staff to look into “nature-based” solutions such as kelp forests or rocky reef restoration which could provide a natural defense and return the coastline to a more organic look.
Commissioner Jaimes also asked if the city would have to look into payouts for property owners whose businesses or homes are in danger of sea-level rise or flood damage.
“If the indigenous people of this land, if Chumash people were properly consulted and taken seriously, maybe we wouldn’t have a lot of housing and commercial spaces constantly being flooded,” Commissioner Jaimes said.
He urged the city to look further into the future than 30 years, and suggested that the plan follow the Indigenous principle of looking ahead for seven generations of sustainability.
The Harbor Commission did not take action, and the Waterfront Adaptation Plan will continue thorough public review with several hearings scheduled with city review boards over the three months. n
The City of Santa Barbara’s 30-year Waterfront Adaptation Plan covers the entire three-mile area from Leadbetter Beach near Shoreline Drive down Cabrillo Boulevard through the harbor, West Beach, and East Beach.
COURTESY
S.B. Students Exposed to ‘Tablet Trauma’
Parents and School District Working Toward Stronger Security Measures for Classroom Devices
by Callie Fausey
Two weeks ago, inside a local elementary school classroom, a 10-year-old girl witnessed something no child should encounter in the middle of a school day. On a school-issued iPad, she watched another student play a game called Granny an indie horror title filled with morbid imagery and jump scares. In the game, a decaying, corpse-like grandmother stalks the player through dim hallways, beating them with a bloody baseball bat if they fail to elude her.
For a young child, it’s nightmare fuel.
In the days that followed, the girl whose identity is being withheld struggled to sleep. Her parents described nights spent comforting their sobbing daughter, traumatized by what she had seen “at school, during school hours, on a school iPad.” It’s not just what she saw that alarmed them. It’s that it was even accessible in the first place.
In a letter to the superintendent of the Santa Barbara Unified School District, the girl’s father emphasized that he did not blame her teacher or the school. Instead, he framed it as a systemic issue.
“Neither you nor anyone else knows what our children are doing with district property in our schools during school hours,” he wrote. “Are they playing horror games? Gambling? Communicating with anonymous adults? Watching porn? We don’t know, and neither do you.”
What happened to his daughter has become so common that it’s earned a name: “tablet trauma.” Even when schools put up firewalls and filters, students find ways to circumvent them. All they have to do is consult social media or ChatGPT, which can explain in surprisingly simple terms how to bypass security measures placed on their devices.
The incident reflects a broader transformation in American education: the rapid rise of educational technology, or “EdTech.” Pixels have steadily infiltrated classrooms, but screen use skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Districts are now dealing with the hangover: Digital devices are as ubiquitous in classrooms as textbooks once were.
Nationwide, nearly 90 percent of students are issued a Chromebook or iPad. Typing has increasingly replaced handwriting, with screens becoming central to everything from daily assignments to exams.
Supporters of EdTech argue that these tools enhance learning by making it more interactive, efficient, and creative. But critics say the pendulum has swung too far, and too fast.
If a classroom is a garden, excessive screen use is not a fertilizer, they argue. It’s an herbicide. Some likened it to giving kids a new, untested drug, and treating them as guinea pigs without considering the potential side-effects.
A growing body of research suggests that screens are harmful to young children. Prolonged screen use has been linked to anxiety and depression, shortened attention spans, and delays in social and emotional development. Some global studies have shown that when technology use in the classroom goes up, test scores go down. Learning on a device often involves less “friction” fewer moments of struggle that can be essential for comprehension and retention.
This movement against EdTech is playing out on a local stage as parents push to rewire the Santa Barbara Unified School District, citing their children’s own struggles. Autumn McFarland, a parent with a master’s in edu-
cational psychology, noticed changes in her 13-year-old daughter’s behavior about 10 weeks into the school year. She’s a bright kid, McFarland says she’s in sports, she babysits, and she plays the violin. But last fall, she started to show signs of fatigue, irritability, and anxiety.
addictive. The platforms are compared to cigarettes and slot machines designed for the same kind of dopamine reward system, with harmful consequences, such as anxiety and depression.
“Technology is both a tool and a weapon,” McFarland told the school board last Tuesday. “Distributing weaponized tools to children without proper safeguards is not a neutral act.”
‘We have guardrails on all our devices, but the school iPad, we have no ability to put guardrails on.’
—Autumn McFarland, parent
As a 7th-grader, her daughter was issued an individual iPad as part of the district’s 1:1 device assignments.
“When we found out our daughter was going to do everything on an iPad, we were shocked,” McFarland said.
While technology use begins as early as kindergarten in the district, students are not assigned their own device until 3rd grade. From 7th to 12th grade, they are expected to take the devices home for homework and projects.
But McFarland’s daughter wasn’t only using her schoolissued iPad to do her homework. When McFarland and her husband reviewed their daughter’s screen history through district-provided access, they discovered she had been sneaking the iPad upstairs at night and watching YouTube Shorts short-form video content similar to that found on Instagram and TikTok. She would scroll for hours, often staying awake until midnight or later. Even her teacher observed a shift in her behavior: sleep deprivation, mood changes, and anxiety.
Once her parents intervened, her condition improved. But it left them deeply unsettled about how easily this school-issued device could be used for harm.
Tech companies Meta and YouTube were just found negligent in a court of law for fostering mental distress in young users, as a result of designing their platforms to be
McFarland and her husband had no choice but to bring this “drug” into their home, she said. There is no “opt-out” option for the school iPads. At home, the McFarlands maintain strict limits on screen use. But the introduction of a school-issued iPad complicated those boundaries.
“We have guardrails on all our devices,” she said, “but the school iPad, we have no ability to put guardrails on.”
Her concerns mirror those of other parents in the district. For students with attention-related challenges, such as ADHD, focusing on schoolwork is significantly more difficult on a device. One parent described it as a “constant battle” to keep her son on task.
“I tried very hard to find a school that didn’t rely so heavily on iPads it was nearly impossible,” she said. “This isn’t about blaming teachers or resisting progress. It’s about recognizing that not all students can thrive in a system that depends so heavily on the devices that are designed to distract.”
Another parent, Kathryn Birch, noted that while her daughter performs well academically, her most frequent use of her school-issued iPad has been for streaming content. Concerned about her younger son’s ability to succeed in a screen-heavy environment, she decided to enroll him in a private middle school, with less reliance on technology a growing trend among families.
Birch has also been active in efforts to limit smartphone use among kids, promoting a pledge for parents to wait until at least 8th grade before giving children smartphones.
Many schools have already taken steps to limit smartphone use during the day, implementing “off and away” policies and even using signal-blocking pouches to enforce the rule. But it’s contradictory, parents point out: If smartphones are distracting, how are school-issued devices any different?
Screenshots showing a personal Apple account signed onto a school iPad (left) and the Granny horror game running on a school iPad (right), included in IT consultant and parent Simon Bentley's report on school-issued devices
“You don’t want our cell phones at school,” Birch said, “and we don’t want your devices at home.”
Students themselves are also beginning to weigh in on the conversation. According to a survey by the district’s student advisory council, high schoolers acknowledge that technology can be useful especially for writing-heavy courses and visual projects but also find it highly distracting. Some voiced a preference for paper-based assignments in certain subjects.
Among all the concerns surrounding EdTech too many to deep-dive into here security issues are the first fires to put out. The district currently employs multiple safeguards, including content filters, firewalls and device monitoring. But parents say they don’t always work.
Simon Bentley, a parent and IT consultant, conducted his own assessment of the district’s systems, revealing multiple vulnerabilities. Students have been able to bypass filters, download unauthorized apps, shop online, access AI tools, and engage in email chains between students laced with bullying. In one instance, Bentley was able to log out of a school-issue iPad account and log into his own Apple account without resistance.
“This stuff is easy to work around and kids are smart,” Bentley said. “It doesn’t take a certified hacker to do it.”
In response, the district is taking action. It started with a tech-use committee that transformed into the “Balanced Learning and Technology Task Force,” which involves parents and is working to address security issues and broader concerns around screen use. Planned changes after the last task force meeting on March 17 include stronger protections, removal of web browsers such as Safari, blocking of gaming and entertainment sites, and more structured, purpose-driven use of technology in the classroom, including
eliminating screens as a “reward” or for unstructured “free time.”
The district also plans to reconfigure all elementary school iPads over spring break, implementing device-level safeguards that are harder for students to bypass. Rob Cooper, director of Educational Technology Services, said the goal is to have students return from spring break with devices that are “safer than ever.” At the district, they have a $6.4 million Educational Technology Services budget and 21-person strong IT team, which will be all-hands-on-deck.
“We’re making it a priority because it is. It’s a national trend,” Cooper said. “This is not unique to Santa Barbara there has been a rise in the popularity of students getting around content filters but we also recognize that we have to keep up with it.”
Parents have made their position clear: They are not anti-tech. They just want learning to be safe, effective, and transparent.
In addition to the district’s immediate actions, parents are also pushing to limit screen exposure. They want device-free lunch periods, a full audit of classroom tech, and higher security including blocking YouTube and keeping iPads at school or locking them down at a certain time so they become unusable after hours.
In Birch’s words, they are looking for “intentional tech” or tech that serves, not leads. The district claims that goal is shared.
“We’re really focusing on that tech with intent in our school district,” Cooper said.
When asked whether he could see a day where their schools returned to primarily analog learning, Cooper said, “It’s difficult to know what education will look like in five to 10 years from now … who’s to say?”
The next task force meeting around tech use in district schools is scheduled for April 20. n
Mary Bridget Davies Photo: Jason Niedle
Parent Autumn McFarland told the school board on Tuesday, March 24, that “Technology is both a tool and a weapon.”
Students Surprised with $50K
S.B., Carpinteria High Seniors Named ‘Edison Scholars’
by Callie Fausey
Santa Barbara High School senior Shelby Reyes did not expect to cry during her third-period math class on Friday. She took her seat beneath a whiteboard crowded with equations, puzzled by the presence of her principal and other unfamiliar adults. Then she saw her mom clutching a bouquet of flowers with tears streaming down her cheeks followed by an oversized, $50,000 check with her name on it.
The tears came instantly.
Reyes had just been named one of 30 “Edison Scholars,” a distinction awarded each year to students across Southern California Edison’s (SCE) service area who plan to pursue careers in STEM. Since 2006, Edison International has given out 30 scholarships annually, each worth $50,000, to help students attend college.
It was a carefully orchestrated surprise. Edison representatives, school staff, and friends filled the classroom for the announcement. Her mom had kept it a secret, only telling her to “dress nice” for what she described as a work event.
“I’m fascinated by cities and structures, and I want to improve cities,” Reyes said through tears afterward. “I just want to make a change in the world.”
She wants to be a civil engineer, she said, and hopes to attend UC Berkeley.
Reyes began as a multilingual student in an English as a Second Language program and gradually found her footing through hard work and mentorship. A local mentorship program in Santa Barbara helped spark her interest in city planning, particularly the challenge of balancing people and nature.
Inspired in part by her grandfather’s birthplace in Guatemala, she seeks to design infrastructure in less-developed regions that respects local culture, resources, and the natural environment.
Reyes’s mom, Jessica Urrea, said watching her daughter achieve this milestone was overwhelming.
“She’s my pride and joy; she’s my best friend,” she said. “I always knew she was smart and could be whatever she wanted even
County Projects Get $4.3M
After a year in which none of his requested community projects received federal funding, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal last week announced a slate of infrastructure and public service investments across Santa Barbara County many arriving roughly a budget cycle later than anticipated.
Congress typically funds federal programs through annual appropriations bills. When negotiations stall, however, lawmakers often turn to continuing resolutions stopgap budgets that keep agencies operating while delaying decisions on new spending priorities. Last year’s reliance on a full-year resolution effectively froze Community Project Funding requests, pushing many 2025 local infrastructure proposals into the current budget cycle.
ties. Among the most visible investments is $1.5 million for the Cabrillo Boulevard interchange component of the broader Highway 101 widening effort, a decades-long transportation upgrade that is reshaping the southern entrance to Santa Barbara.
The Eastside Library will receive $850,000 toward interior upgrades and outdoor renovations aimed at expanding programming capacity and to strengthen the branch’s role as a gathering space during emergencies and extreme weather.
coming from ESL. There are no words to describe what I’m feeling right now.”
About an hour earlier, a similar scene unfolded in Carpinteria.
David Esquivel Belmonte, a senior at Carpinteria High School, was surprised in his school’s library with the same $50,000 scholarship. Like Reyes, he also plans to pursue civil engineering, but for a different reason: to encourage people to detach from the screens that have become ingrained in their daily lives. He seeks to create engaging community spaces to inspire face-to-face connections.
“Thank you to my friends, my AVID class, and everyone for supporting me,” Belmonte told a crowd of his classmates and teachers. “I’m sure my parents are proud.”
For both students, the scholarships are more than financial support. They’re a vote of confidence in their ambitions.
“I think for us, it’s really investing in the future,” said Karla Sayles, SCE’s vice president of Local Public Affairs. “We really do believe in the importance and value of STEM education. By investing in STEM, and folks like Shelby, that really does allow us to know they’re going to have an impact on our communities, including here in Santa Barbara.”
Santa Barbara has a track record of producing Edison Scholars, she said. Since launching the program, Edison International has awarded more than $22 million in scholarships to 850 students.
The requirements include maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher, demonstrating need for financial assistance, planning to attend college and major in STEM, and living in SCE’s service area. The top 50 finalists are required to submit a short video explaining how they plan to make a difference in their communities with a STEM education.
Many of the “innovative thinkers” who receive these scholarships continue to stay in touch with SCE, sometimes even pursuing internships or careers with the company, Sayles noted.
“At a time when affordability is top of mind, being able to invest in young people and help make their dreams possible that’s huge,” Sayles said. “It’s really special.” n
“Because none of the 15 requests we submitted in FY25 received funding, our office approached the applicants and asked if they would like us to consider resubmitting the projects for FY26,” said Eduardo Carrizosa, Carbajal’s communications director.
The projects include transportation upgrades, library improvements, emergency response expansions, and renovations to criminal justice and animal services facili-
POLITICS
Elsewhere in the county, the Lompoc Animal Shelter received $850,000 for longplanned facility improvements intended to modernize kennels and expand animal welfare services. In Carpinteria, an $850,000 federal allocation will help advance plans for a community center one that local officials have argued is overdue in a city that remains the only incorporated municipality in Santa Barbara County without a dedicated public programming facility.
The District Attorney’s Office also received funding to relocate and upgrade its Sexual Assault Response Team examination site, a project aimed at improving conditions for survivors navigating the forensic and investigative process. —EllaHeydenfeldt
Ibram X. Kendi Coming to UCSB
Renowned author Ibram X. Kendi will be coming to UCSB’s Campbell Hall on April 7 for an Arts & Lectures talk where he will discuss the rise of the “great replacement theory” and how racist ideologies have fueled the current wave of authoritarianism in the U.S.
Kendi, one of the foremost writers on race and the youngest-ever winner of the National Book Award for Nonfiction, tackles the ideology of great replacement theory in his latest release, Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age. The book dives deep into the origins of the idea, tracing its path from French novelist Renaud Camus to current day America, where right-wing politicians and billionaires have continued to convince the masses that people of color are scapegoats for the country’s biggest problems.
In an interview with the Independent leading up to the event, Kendi spoke about researching and writing Chain of Ideas and about his understanding of how the great replacement theory rose to prominence in our current political age.
“Part of the reason why I wrote this book is because ‘great replacement’ is a dominant theory that is being concealed,” Kendi said. “They are not announcing it to the public. So, to me, the first step is allowing people to recognize it.”
Kendi describes how the theory evolved into its current form and uses hard data to debunk the narratives that drove its popularity both in Europe and here in the U.S. The theory thrives on the “zero-sum” idea that people of color (or any marginalized group) are inherently worse for a society and need
to be removed to improve the overall value of the greater group.
Nowadays, the idea has been weaponized, Kendi says, to target a wide range of groups beyond just people of color. It’s been used to ostracize immigrants, political groups, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Kendi says the idea has caught a firm hold in America because it offers a simpler explanation for complicated issues and reaffirms racist, homophobic, and xenophobic ideas that are already prevalent in the country. He says it’s also supported by major financiers that spread the narrative across major media outlets that are increasingly right-leaning. “It’s so pervasive; it’s so widespread,” Kendi said. “It really shows how it went from the margins to the dominant force.”
Kendi will be speaking at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, at UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Tickets are $30 for general admission and free for UCSB students. Books will be available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Chaucer’s Books. —RyanP.Cruz
Ibram X. Kendi
High school seniors Shelby Reyes and David Esquivel Belmonte were presented with oversized checks at separate surprise ceremonies on Friday.
APR. 18 11:30 AM TO 3 PM
Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta, CA
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Scan the QR Code or go to sbindytickets.com
Backyard Brunch is a fundraiser to support The Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund. Read articles supported by the Flacks Fund at independent.com/mickeyflacks
LIMIT FUNDING TO JUST ONE HOUSING UNIT AT SANTA
BARBARA COUNTY’S NORTH BRANCH JAIL
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is considering approval of over $460 million (including long-term financing and staffing) to expand the North Branch Jail by 1 1⁄2 Housing Units (384 beds). We call on the Board to limit the addition to just one housing unit (256 beds)
The Board’s current plan would more than double the capacity of the Santa Maria jail and lock the County into decades of financing and higher operational costs. Our County is facing $23 million in cuts to social and safety-net programs next fiscal year and a $66 million deficit over the next 5 years.
Our jails hold many non-violent residents (including those with mental health or substance use disorders) who do not need to be in jail to protect public safety. Our jails are not designed as treatment facilities. Expanding jail capacity instead of community rehabilitation services will not improve public safety.
Scan QR code to sign this petition:
• Save approximately $147 million in construction, financing and operational costs.
• Enable closure of most of the outdated South County Main Jail.
• Enable funding to be redirected toward Board accepted jail population reduction measures, such as mental health counseling, addiction treatment, and other essential services.
• Choose crime prevention over incarceration to make Santa Barbara a safer place to live.
We respectfully but firmly call on our County Supervisors for their votes in support of a fiscally smarter, more affordable and humane choice. Build just one housing unit (256 beds) and defer or cancel other jail expansion.
ENDORSED BY:
The Stinky City
I
would like to commend county supervisors Lee, Capps, Nelson, and Hartmann for standing up to the cannabis industry by voting “no” to the growers requesting extensions to delay the installation of carbon filtration scrubbers in their greenhouses.
For far too long, the community of Carpinteria has had to endure the noxious, skunk-like odors emanating from the cannabis greenhouses. Carpinteria has become known as the stinky city, and the cannabis growers have ignored their neighbors’ pleas to stop polluting the air with their malodors.
Supervisor Lee’s “no” vote to all carbon-filter odor-control installation extension requests sent a clear message to the cannabis growers that “enough is enough” and deadlines must be taken seriously. Finally, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Carpinteria residents. —Jill Stassinos, Carpinteria
Take Note, Dems
Everyone needs to present a photo ID to buy beer, to board a plane, and to do many things in America. Why do we not need a photo ID to vote? Isn’t requiring a voter ID the best way to prevent election fraud? Then, too, isn’t the SAVE America Act the best way to secure fair elections?
Get real Democrats. Anyone who does not support voter ID is either stupid, partisan, or just wants to cheat.
As a nation, we are better than that.
—Diana Thorn, Carpinteria
Observe the Blue Zone
Recently, I began spending half of the year in Santa Barbara. I continue to be amazed at the pleasant weather, architecture, vegetation, and excellent medical care. Not only is the city appealing and professional, but it is full of kind, thoughtful people. I encounter friendly greetings and offers to help if I am struggling with packages. I say to friends around the country, “This place feels like Paradise.”
However, I have recently learned that you are not perfect. I had to cancel my appointment with a podiatrist. The handicapped parking space near enough for me to endure the walk from my car to the State Street office was filled with commercial vehicles. No other parking space was near enough.
is no publicly available evidence in BOEM’s own records that Sable has posted a spill-response bond or any other financial guarantee. If such a bond exists, where is it documented and in what amount? If production restarts using aging, corroded infrastructure, the risk of a serious accident remains. Even a brand-new or fully repaired pipeline can fail. Without a cleanup bond, past experience shows that spills leave the public paying most of the costs.
—Stan Laband, S.B.
The Draft
Iam worried that once again progressive voices seem willing to do the work of fascist ideologues. This time, it is to raise an alarm that MAGA is maneuvering to reinstate the draft as though that would make MAGA war more likely.
In truth, leftists should support a new draft as it would bring back some better sampling of U.S. values into the military. It would undermine the recruitment of uber militarists who now join for all the wrong reasons. It would alleviate the exploitation of the poor and marginally served who are now the chief fodder fed into the war machine. And, it would force the elite policy makers to at least face the possibility that their children might be brought into physical danger if we continue to inflict U.S. military weight recklessly around the world.
Better the left expend their efforts to make military service an equitable risk than allow the privileged to continue to buy their way out.
—Glen Mowrer, S.B.
For the Record
“
2026 Symposium
Living Well Wi
Parkinson ’ s Disease ”
Saturday, April 11, 2026
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Register Early: $45 per person - $50 after March 20 Elks Lodge - 150 N. Kellogg Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Register at www.mypasb.org or scan the QR code Scholarships are available mypasb@gmail.com - 805-683-1326
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Housing Investment Partnership (HOME) Programs Public Hearing and 30-day Public Comment Period for Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Action Plan
As a recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City must submit a Consolidated Plan (CP) every 5 years. The CP identifies the City’s housing and community development needs and details its 5-year strategy and goals to address those needs using CDBG and HOME funds. The City must also submit an Annual Action Plan (AAP), which specifies the activities that will be undertaken to meet CP goals. The CP and AAP generally are due to HUD by no later than May 15, 2026, unless HUD issues an extension. The City is in the process of preparing its 2026 AAP. The AAP details the planned expenditures of approximately $2.53 million in CDBG and HOME funds for eligible activities such as housing, public services, capital improvements, economic development, and administration.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on the Draft AAP for Program Year 2026 will be held during the April 14, 2026, City Council meeting starting at 2 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 735 Anacapa St. The City encourages and welcomes public participation during this time. The agenda will be available on the City Council meetings page at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov the Thursday prior.
It pains me, Santa Barbara. I hereby cancel your Paradise Card.
$pill Re$pon$e?
—Joan Rupp,
S.B.
The Defense Production Act order recently issued by the federal government does not replace the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) financial assurance requirements, yet there
¶ The photos at our story last week of the Santa Barbaran attacked in the West Bank were courtesy photos, mistakenly attributed to Elaine Sanders. We correct a few things in last week’s Angry Poodle column about redeveloping the old phone company building by Chapala and Canon Perdido streets: The lead contamination is at the building’s adjoining property; it was not trapeze parks but trampoline parks that developer Jason Jewell and his father had developed; Kenny Slaught and Greg Reitz, whose names we spell correctly here, are developing the third story with Jewell; Reitz is developing the lower two stories plus another five stories of mini-storage in the parking lot. And, some State Fest proceeds go to Restorative Justice Education Center, which is housed at La Casa de la Raza, not to La Casa.
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
The City of Santa Barbara’s Draft AAP for Program Year 2026 will also be available for a 30-day public review period from April 15, 2026, through May 17, 2026. Written comments will be accepted during this period by email at HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. The Draft AAP can be found at the City’s Human Services/CDBG program website at www.santabarbaraca.gov/humanservices
Copies of the Draft AAP will also be available at the following locations: Public Library Main Branch, 40 East Anapamu Street; and the City Clerk’s office, 735 Anacapa Street. For more information, contact the Housing and Homeless Services Division, at (805) 564-5461 or e-mail to: HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
**As of the date of this notice, HUD has not published the actual 2026 allocation amounts. The draft Action Plan includes a contingency plan for adjusting project awards if allocations are higher or lower than expected and another public review period will be noticed.**
“DUMB
BOMB” BY CHRISTOPHER WEYANT,
Indira Subramanian, MD Movement Disorder Neurology, UCLA
Claire McLean PT, DPT, NCS Rogue Physical Therapy and Wellness Center
Our Neighbors Are Dying on Our Streets
A Fraction of Billionaires’ Wealth Could End Homelessness Tomorrow
BY WAYNE MARTIN MELLINGER
On the longest night of the year, December 21, 2025, about 75 people gathered beneath the archway of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse to call out the names of 69 neighbors who had died homeless in our county during the past year. One name was Timothy John Largent, a 31-yearold man from Bakersfield who died of a fentanyl overdose at the bottom of Mission Creek. He just wanted, as I said that night, one night when his skull wasn’t screaming. One night of rest without terror. Instead, he found death at the bottom of the creek.
Sixty-nine names. And that number is almost certainly an undercount. The county’s systematic tracking of homeless deaths has lapsed in recent years. The dead go unnamed in the public record. They simply vanish.
This is a moral emergency hiding in plain sight in one of the wealthiest communities on Earth.
According to a report presented to the Board of Supervisors in June 2023, 143 homeless people died here during 2019-2020. This was nearly double the 85 who died in 2017-2018. Unhoused people in our county die at more than five times the rate of housed residents. The average age of death for a homeless person here is 54. For housed residents, it is 76.
As Supervisor Laura Capps said, “It is literally a matter of life and death.” She was right. A preventable mass death event is unfolding beneath our magnificent mountains and beside our gleaming ocean.
The county has roughly 3,000 unhoused residents. Building permanent supportive housing in California costs between $400,000 and $600,000 per unit; housing these residents would require an estimated $500 million-$750 million.
Housing alone is not the entire answer, either. People also need mental health care, addiction treatment, and sustained support. But housing is the indispensable foundation. You cannot stabilize someone’s life if they are sleeping in a creek bed.
That sum sounds enormous until you look at who lives among us.
At least 10 billionaires with a combined wealth exceeding $160 billion had homes in our area in 2023, according to the Montecito Journal. The fortune of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison is now more than $175 billion. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt: $16.2 billion. Raising $750 million would require less than a half-percent of local billionaires’ combined wealth.
This is not sacrifice. It is a rounding error.
The Kogevinas real estate analysis identified an additional 82 centimillionaires individuals worth at least $100 million and more than 12,000 millionaires in the Santa Barbara–Montecito corridor, all within a short drive of homeless encampments.
Santa Barbara has raised funds like this before. When The Granada Theatre needed restoration, this community raised $60 million through a coordinated capital campaign. Major donors stepped forward. Community members contributed. In 2008, the Granada reopened as a world-class performing arts center.
As Sara Miller McCune said during the campaign, “They don’t know Santa Barbara.”
We raised $60 million to restore a theater. We can
raise $750 million to restore human lives. Call it the Santa Barbara Home Fund. Launch it with a $100 million anchor gift and build from there. Public funding alone has proven insufficient. Philanthropic leadership is now essential.
The billionaires of Montecito are known to give generously to worthy causes. But Timothy Largent did not need a future endowment. He needed a door that locked. A bed. Stability. He needed what we already know how to provide.
The very wealthy own multiple homes on multiple continents. They fly private to properties in Malibu, Lake Como, and Hawai‘i. Yet their neighbors sleep under the Milpas Street underpass.
The moral logic is not complicated. If extraordinary wealth exists alongside preventable death, the question is not whether solutions are financially possible. They are. The question is whether we will act.
The standard deflection is that this wealth is not liquid. This is true. It is also irrelevant. Appreciated stock can be donated directly to a charitable foundation. Gifts can be structured over time. None of this requires sacrifice. It requires only moral seriousness.
This is not an indictment. It is an invitation.
Santa Barbara has never lacked generosity. It has lacked urgency. We need a philanthropic campaign commensurate with the scale of the crisis one that recognizes housing not as charity, but as essential infrastructure. Research is unambiguous: Housing reduces emergency room visits, incarceration, and public expenditures. It saves lives and saves money.
In the coming months, our community’s leaders and philanthropists will decide where their resources go. Some will fund buildings. Some will endow institutions. Those things matter. But none of them will matter to the person who dies tonight under the Cabrillo Boulevard bridge for want of a roof and someone who knew their name.
Sara Miller McCune was right: They don’t know Santa Barbara. Let’s show them.
House our neighbors.
Not in our wills.
Now.
Wayne Martin Mellinger, PhD, is a scholar, substance abuse counselor, and longtime homeless advocate.
The scene in Pershing Park where a homeless man died in 2014
SIs Social Media Addictive?
Jury Finds Meta and Google Knowingly Harmed Kids
Barbara teen Lola Leachman admits she’s addicted to social media.
“I can’t stop,” says the 16-year-old, who spends several hours a day on TikTok and Instagram. “I know I have a problem and I should try to limit myself … to get off my phone and do something else.
“But sometimes I just really don’t want to.”
by STARSHINE ROSHELL
Lola’s not unusual. The average American teen spends four to five hours per day on social media.
“I definitely think ‘addictive’ is a fair term,” says Johnny Yasko, 16, who has a 900-day Snapchat streak with one friend and says he’s put off doing homework to scroll (and scroll and scroll) Instagram. “There’s short-form content where you tell yourself you’re only gonna watch a couple but the one you were gonna end on isn’t something you like, so you keep going….”
The jury in a landmark verdict last week thought “addictive” was an exceptionally fair term. They found Meta (which owns Instagram and Facebook) and Google (which owns YouTube) not only designed their platforms to be addictive but knew they could harm the mental health of kids.
Snapchat and TikTok were also named in the lawsuit but settled before the trial.
The damages are just $6 million a pittance to trilliondollar tech giants. Meta and Google will appeal and likely win in the end because our legal system favors parties with near-unlimited resources.
But this ruling is the first time social-media companies have been held accountable for deliberately exploiting the developing brains of minors. For 30 years (!), these apps have been protected by a federal law that considers them not publishers but tools that cannot be held responsible for content that their users post.
So, the lawyers in this case went after these platforms as tools: They showed that their very architecture features such as infinite scroll, beauty filters, constant notifications, “Like” buttons, and disappearing stories was designed to hook users. And the impact on those users can be serious.
‘This ruling is the first time social-media companies have been held accountable for deliberately exploiting the developing brains of minors.’
The plaintiff is a young woman who claims she suffered depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, and social withdrawal as a result of her addiction to YouTube and Instagram, starting when she was 6 and 11, respectively.
Critics of the verdict say it’s a slippery slope from blaming apps for depression to, say, suing Pepperidge Farm for causing obesity with their damned delicious Milanos. And it’s a fair point; when adults become obsessed with beauty filters, spend our days tallying Likes, and fail to put our phones down, well, shame on us. But kids are a different story.
Thousands of cases await trial from parents claiming their children’s lives spiraled after prolonged social-media use. And it’s worth remembering the playbook that ultimately brought down Big Tobacco: Proof of addiction by design, evidence of company-wide deception, and a history of targeting children without warning of the potential harms.
Aforementioned TikTok junkie Lola Leachman says she has to actively work to avoid letting self-doubt creep in when she’s scrolling her feeds.
“Sometimes, I see video after video of ‘Here’s my two-hour ab routine!’ or ‘Here’s my low-calorie, high-protein recipe!’ And I just think, Why is everybody so freakishly skinny right now?! What’s happening??” she says. “If there’s a 10-year-old girl on TikTok and every video she sees is a 20-year-old who you can see their ribcage, she’s gonna go, I don’t look like that. Should I look like that?? That’s not something a child should have to deal with.”
Still, Lola thinks the responsibility for helping kids navigate social media should fall to parents not tech companies or our government. When she first got a phone, her own parents added a password-protected tool that shut off social media after a specified number of minutes.
Alas, that verdict was quickly overturned:
“I figured out the password,” Lola said, “and turned it off.”
La P rimavera! A FIESTA TRADITION...
Please join El Presidente 2026 Colin Hayward, and the entire Fiesta family, for an unforgettable evening kicking off the Fiesta season.
As we welcome spring, there’s no better time to celebrate than at Old Spanish Days La Primavera on May 2 at the historic El Paseo Restaurant. The evening will feature authentic cuisine, mariachi music, and live flamenco dancing.
The traditional highlight will be the first performances of our newly-crowned Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta.
This year’s official Fiesta poster, created by renowned local artist Pedro De La Cruz, will headline a collection of exceptional fundraising auction items.
This special event supports all of the free public events during Fiesta 2026—making it a night of celebration with a meaningful purpose.
Tickets are $150 for General Admission, $800 for Booth for 4 People and $1,750 for VIP Table for 8 People. All are available via TicketSauce at the link below and include a special opportunity to support our youth dance programs and other beloved Fiesta traditions.
Scan for tickets!
Viva la Fiesta!
MAY 2, 2026 at 5:30 PM TICKETS $150 • sbfiesta.org
Join Us for Cocktails, Dinner, Auctions and Dancing at the Historic El Paseo!
anta
U.S. Premiere of New David Lang Commission
Danish String Quartet and Danish National Girls’ Choir
Charlotte Rowan, Conductor
Fri, Apr 10 / 7 PM / Granada Theatre
“One of the finest piano players to emerge in decades.”
“They could be grounded in their tone or mystical. They allowed time to stand still, and they could assume the pose of excitingly aggressive rockers. They did it all.” – Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times on DSQ
This rare collaboration features a stirring program that weaves Nordic folk songs with shimmering contemporary works by David Lang, Caroline Shaw, Anna Thorvaldsdottir and more.
Celebrating Two Jazz Giants Emmet Cohen Quintet
Miles and Coltrane at 100 Sun, Apr 12 / 7 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall
“Hull is as good a songwriter as a mandolin player, and could give Bill Monroe a run for his money on the latter.” Isthmus
Seven-time International Bluegrass Music Association Mandolin Player of the Year
Sierra Hull
Thu, Apr 16 / 8 PM UCSB Campbell Hall
Jeanette Vieira 01/16/1934-01/13/2026
Jeanette “Joy” Vieira beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully on January 13th, 2026. Just 3 days shy of her 92nd birthday. She was born in Santa Barbara on 1-16-34 where she lived with her family, the Alexanders until she was 14. Around 1947 her parents bought a walnut orchard on Highway 246 near Lompoc where they she lived until she married George Vieira, the man she would be married to for 51 years. She moved just a few miles down the road to his family’s farm and not long after they purchased the property across the road where they made a home for their soon to be growing family. There they would raise three daughters, Diane, Loraine, and Noreen.
Over the years they would make hundred’s of families happy at Christmas time selling them Christmas trees from the Vieira Tree Farm. Later in life they would begin to grow pumpkins bringing smiles to dozens of busloads of children who came to learn about life on a farm and who could pick out their very own pumpkin to take home for Halloween.
In 2002 soon after the death of her husband George, Joy would move to a small house on the South Side of Lompoc. There she enjoyed walking all over town, making friends, and spreading smiles among everyone she met along her way.
In 2018 she would return to live at the farm on HWY 246 under the care of her family. There she enjoyed short walks among the old Christmas trees and the many birds that now nested there. Her new favorite pastime became watching old movies from her favorite comfy chair. Her favorite holiday was Easter when the whole family would get together for
BBQs at Nojoqui Falls Park. Her family would like to extend special thanks to Villa Care Homes of Santa Maria and their caring staff for their wonderful home like environment that made the last few years of her life comfortable and well cared for until her peaceful passing through the light at the end of the tunnel to the beauty of Heaven she always talked about.
She will be deeply missed by her remaining daughters and son-in-laws, Diane and Chuck Ramsey, Noreen and John LaPointe, her grandchildren Alec, Travis, Angelina, and Todd, and her great grandchildren, Claire, Rowan, Gabbi, Sarah, and Calab.
Please come join Joy’s family as they celebrate her life at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery on May 8th at 10:30am followed by a gathering on the farm.
There will also be a potluck BBQ on May 9th at Nojoqui Falls Park from 11am to Sunset at picnic site C.
Grace Toki Tamura
Grace Toki Tamura was born in Morro Bay on August 4, 1928, to Kichizi and Yaye (Kiyomura) Hayashida, both originally from the Kumamoto-ken region of southeastern Japan. Grace was the sixth of seven siblings: George, Benjamin, Louie, Henry, Jane, and youngest sister, Mary.
In 1941, Grace and her family faced the difficult transition to the Tulare Assembly Center, followed by four years at the internment camp in Gila, Arizona. During this time, her brothers Louie and Henry left the camp to enlist in the Army and served in the renowned 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Grace spent her freshman and sophomore years at Gila High School.
After the family was released from the camp, they moved to Santa Barbara, where Grace attended Santa Barbara
High School and graduated in 1947. In her senior year, although her family relocated north to Monterey, Grace made the courageous decision to stay in Santa Barbara to finish her education. She lived with the Gilchrist Family, caring for their children while the parents ran a jewelry store.
While at camp, Grace met Nobuo (Nob) Tamura at one of the dances. Their paths crossed again in Santa Barbara, and they eventually married at the Buddhist Church. Together, they raised their children—Jeff, Chris, and Lynda—and continued to call Santa Barbara home. Grace dedicated herself to the Buddhist Church of Santa Barbara, volunteering and participating in many programs, including the Obon festivals.
Grace was also a wonderful cook, and she delighted in hosting all family holiday dinners. After her children grew up, she worked for many years at the school district, assisting in the cafeteria, where her kindness and hard work shone through.
Her family grew as Jeff married Laurie, and they had two sons, Jason and Matthew. Grandson Matthew married Abby, and Grace was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Ty and Violet. Chris continues to live in Santa Barbara, while Lynda resides in San Diego. Grace’s husband Nob passed away in August 2007.
Grace’s life was a beautiful testament to resilience, generosity, and love for her family and community. Her strength and kindness left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her legacy continues to inspire us every day. Now, she can take those long drives, go shopping, and spend time with everyone she missed. Mom, we love and miss you a trillion times over.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Serenity House. Their kind, loving, and compassionate care brought a smile to our mother's face every day, and their dedication to all their patients is truly exemplary. We are forever thankful for the warmth and comfort they provided to Grace.
In honor of Grace Tamura’s memory, please consider making a donation to Serenity House at 930 Miramonte Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 92109. Your generosity will help continue the wonderful care that meant so much to our family.
Dean Ross Puccinelli 01/27/1948-03/12/2026
Dean Ross Puccinelli, born January 27, 1948, passed away due to complications following surgery on March 12, 2026.
Dean grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was raised by his parents, Aladino and Marie Puccinelli. He shared his early life with his sisters, Diane and Debbie, forming strong family bonds that remained important throughout his life.
He attended Sonoma State University, earning degrees in Psychology and Fine Arts—an education that reflected both his thoughtful nature and creative spirit. In 1987, Dean moved to Santa Barbara, and in 1992 he made his home in Santa Ynez, where he built a life centered around family, friendship, and community.
Dean found his greatest joy in spending time with his boys, especially during weekends camping and fishing together at Lake Cachuma— moments that created lasting memories and deep connections. He was also a devoted friend of Bill and Bob for 38 years, where he found fellowship, strength, and purpose. Through this community, Dean formed many meaningful friendships, offering support to others while also lifting himself and those around him.
He is survived by his wife, Gail, and his two sons, Justin (Allyson) and Jordan, all of the Santa Ynez Valley, his Sister Debbie Egan (Jeff) of Redwood City and his mother in law Esther Snow of Summerland Dean will be remembered
for his kindness, resilience, and the impact he had on so many lives. He leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and service to others, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held May 24th 3:00 at Santa Ynez Park
David Corbett
06/26/1937-03/23/2026
David Corbett, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, returned to his Heavenly Father on March 23, 2026. He was born in 1937, the oldest child of DeWayne and Phyllis Corbett and was raised in South Gate, CA with his 3 brothers – Ron, Steve & Russ. David went on a mission for the LDS church in Argentina and Chile becoming fluent in Spanish. He returned and graduated from Brigham Young University, and there met his beautiful wife Kathy. They moved to Goleta in 1969, where they raised their five children – Michelle, Mark, Kevin, Kimberly, and Jennifer. He was a teacher, teaching math and Spanish at Goleta Valley Junior High for many years. David was a kind, gentle, and loving father. He was a very fun grandpa and loved playing with and supporting his nine grandchildren – Samantha, Jaron, Shane, Hayden, Joshua, Taylor, Kendall, Nicole, and Kaylin. David was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served faithfully for many years. In their later years David and Kathy served in the Los Angeles Temple which was a joy to them. They were married for 60 years on earth and are together for eternity. He is now at peace and having a wonderful reunion with his wife, granddaughter, parents, and brother. David’s memorial service will be held at the LDS chapel in Goleta (478 Cambridge Dr.) on Tuesday, April 7th, at 10am.
Continued on page 22
obituaries
Susan Marie Murphy 10/02/1958-03/16/2026
Susan Marie Murphy, who spent most of her life in Goleta, passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2026, at the age of 67.
Born on October 2, 1958, Sue was the daughter of Gilbert and Kathleen Murphy. She moved to Santa Barbara County at age 12 and made her life in the community she knew so well.
Sue spent much of her working life helping people get where they needed to go safely and confidently. She worked as a Goleta Union school bus driver, served with Easy Lift as an operations manager and driver trainer, and taught First-Aid and CPR certification classes. She maintained her Class B license for many years, training drivers for the City of Santa Barbara and occasionally driving the blood donation bus. Even later in life, while driving for Uber, she was still doing what came naturally to her: welcoming visitors, offering guidance, and sharing the best of Santa Barbara. Over the years, she also worked in a variety of other roles, including as a bookkeeper at UCSB and other local businesses.
Her care for others extended far beyond her work. Throughout her son’s journey in Scouting, from Cub Scouts through Eagle Scout, Sue served in leadership roles and gave countless hours to helping young people and their families. She was also an active part of the Santa Barbara Seashells Association, where she helped run events and kept watch from the safety boat, always ready to help young sailors who needed a hand. Beyond Scouting and sailing, Sue— never one to leave an authority position vacant—also gave her time as Sam’s earliest coach for youth basketball and referee for soccer.
She will be remembered for the good she did, the families and young people she supported, and the many quiet ways she showed up for her community. She now rests with her parents and her brother, Kenny in the afterlife.
Sue is survived by her son, Samuel Verhasselt (Karen Toro); her partner, Kathy Murray; her sisters, Sheila Davies (Steve) and Sally Gilmour (Chris), and her nieces, Kathleen and Molly.
A viewing will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. atWelch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels 450 Ward Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. atSt. Raphael Catholic Church 5444 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
A burial will follow at approximately 11:30 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery 199 North Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Larry Ross Clark
05/07/1949-02/28/2026
Larry Clark passed away at the age of 76. Larry is survived by his wife, Debi, and his sister, Nancy, and Debi’s entire Plumb/Turner family, and his Labrador, Remy.
Larry was a true Santa Barbara local. He was born at Cottage Hospital on May 7, 1949, to Harry & Pat Clark. He was so tiny at birth that his father said he looked like a bag of bones and wondered if the hospital bill of $500 was an overcharge. He inherited his father’s sense of adventure and his mother’s quirky sense of humor. Larry attended Monroe and Harding for grade school, La Cumbre Middle School, and graduated from Santa Barbara High School. He attended Santa Barbara City College and Pasadena City College for his introduction to architecture. He graduated in 1974 from Cal
Poly San Luis Obispo School of Architecture.
Larry loved the ocean whether it was swimming, surfing, snorkeling or walking on the beach. He was a member of the Hope Ranch Surf Club and surfed the Channel Islands, Hawaii, France, and all the local Santa Barbara spots. Debi said he surfed like Perry Como; smooth and effortless. His favorite time of day was walking Rincon beach with one of his beloved Labradors.
Larry was a unique architect. He never wanted to work in a formal office. He got up every day, put on his flip flops, sat at his desk, and thought through every project. He consistently paid attention to clients, ensuring their ideas were brought to life as they envisioned. He never learned CAD drafting because he said that when he put the lead down on paper, he could feel the building design in his hands. He was always taking pictures of all his adventures and then filling sketchbooks with paintings.
Larry loved to travel. Debi and he went for a 6-week trip to Europe for their first great adventure. Their travels took them to the East Coast, the San Juan Islands, Northern California, the UP of Michigan, Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, Tahiti and Hawaii. Spain held a special spot in his heart as he loved Spanish architecture. In the last few years, there have been amazing snorkeling trips to Raja Ampat, Palau, and the Solomon Islands.
Larry will be missed but never forgotten. Always the last one on the plane, the boat, the car but the first one you could always depend on. As he always said, I have been playing on house money for years…he lived every day to the fullest. Donations can be made to the Carpinteria Children’s Project or the Girls Club of Carpinteria. A private celebration of his life will be held in late April.
Stuart Brandt 03/08/1942-02/17/2026
In thinking about Stuart Brandt and the magnitude of is wide life experiences and adventures, it seems quite a task to attempt to reduce it into a few paragraphs. He was one of those intrepids who ventured where few dare to go.
He was born in Santa Monica in 1942 and was raised in Canoga Park in southern California where there were still farms and fields, horses and cows in the back garden, dirt roads and citrus groves in the San Fernando Valley. He was the second of three children, the only son, born to Clayton and Kathryn Brandt. Raised in an artistic, classical musical and religiously open environment, it was a rich environment encouraging a lifelong curiosity and exploration of all three major influences.
As a youngster Stu was taught and learned to play violin, trombone, piano and later in life he added flute, drums and some other very unusual sound instruments. He loved to sing and after settling in Santa Barbara he took lessons with various teachers. Stuart eventually spent years singing in various local choirs and traveled abroad several times. His fine bass voice was in demand and those years of choral singing gave him much joy.
Artistically, Stuart began painting exceptionally well from a young age. He studied art in New York City and was guided by several notable artists to hone his technique and style developing his skills as a fine portrait painter. Several of his works were featured in films such as "Hook, "Bram Stoker's "Dracula"and "Blaze." His-landscapes, murals and decorative art, fine furniture finishes and beautiful walls
in local homes and businesses created jewel like environments. He also helped restore the Granada Theater, Marjorie Luke Theater and tower of Santa Barbara Junior High, Lotus Land wall, the Summerland mural, the Unitarian Universalist church and Montecito Country Club.
In the early 80's, Stuart and his partner opened one of the first coffee houses in Santa Barbara called "The impresario" by the Arlington Theater. It was a comfortable gathering place which showcased poetry readings, music of all sorts and even a flamenco dancer during Fiesta on a very small stage. When they closed, they put their coffee machine on a cart and moved to the Lobero Theater where for years it served coffee and treats.
Many of Stuart's photographs taken over a period of 60 plus years revealed the dynamic energy Stu expressed in all that he participated in. It was clear that from journals that spiritual adventures were the most passionate part of his sojourn. His lifelong quests and forays centered around the Vedantic, nondualist and universal teachings of saints and sages wherever they might be found-whether in India, Peru, North and South America, Europe, or Asia. No discipline or demand ever turned him back from his desire to know the unity of Life.
Stuart was honest and passionate, able to apologize when out of line and to give praise when due. His compassion and love for all life forms was at the core of his being. His physical presence will sorely be missed.
Stuart was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Kathryn Brandt, and his sister Gloria. Stuart is survived by his two sisters, Gretchen Christman Johnson of England and Jodie Brandt, numerous nephews and nieces, and his husband Bruce Daniels.
A Celebration of Stuart's Life will take place on June 21, 2026, at 2 pm at the Unitarian Church, 1535 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
obituaries
Andrea N. Huber
11/22/1946-02/26/2026
Andrea Huber, 79, of Waconia, MN died at home on February 26, 2026. She was born in Brockton, MA in Brockton, MA and grew up in Duxbury MA. She lived in numerous places in her life including New England, Santa Barbara, California, and Minnesota. Andrea was preceded in death by Frank and Marjorie Ness (parents) and Charles Huber (husband), and is survived by her sister Pamela Crowley, her children Melissa and Brian, daughter-inlaw Kristin, and grandson Benny. Further details about Andrea and information on a Celebration of Life may be found at www. johnsonfh.com/obituary/ andrea-huber in Waconia, MN.
Dale Byers
06/30/1939-03/25/2026
Dale Leon Byers, a lifelong Santa Barbara resident, passed away on March 25, 2026, at the age of 86. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Dale graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1957. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. In 1962, he married Ethel Mae, his beloved wife of more than 60 years, who preceded him in death in 2024. Dale spent over four decades with General Telephone and Electric, earning
respect for his dedication and strong work ethic. A skilled craftsman, Dale enjoyed woodworking and building radio-controlled planes and boats. He loved the outdoors and spent many years fishing, sailing, and surfing along the Santa Barbara coast. His early involvement in Boy Scouts and lifelong connection to the water shaped his love of teaching and sharing those passions with his family and community. Dale will be remembered for his gentle spirit, kindness, and steady presence. Dale is survived by his children, Rikki Byers, Dan Byers and Andrea Staples, and his grandchildren, Shane, Devon, and Dylan Byers. Celebration of Life will be held at Tuckers Grove on April 19th from noon to 3pm.
https://everloved.com/ life-of/dale-byers/ Cristina Elita Smith 08/07/1955-01/09/2026
Our remarkable sister Cris passed away peacefully after a two year battle with esophageal cancer. Kathleen, Greg and Libby were with her for her last day.
Cris was born in Los Angeles to parents Adelaide and Gordon Smith. She leaves behind her older sister Sharon, younger sister Kathleen and older brother Greg and his wife, Libby. Cris was enraptured with nature and spent some early years after college in the Forest Service, She worked in the Sierras, the Trinity Alps and in Montana.
She traveled many times to Hawaii and loved snorkeling with turtles and ever-present parrotfish. Cris also flew up to remote parts of Alaska to view brown bears, moose and elk. She also rafted through
the Grand Canyon.
Over the past fifteen years she’s been a yearround, almost daily, ocean swimmer, joined by her brother. Cris always said it was the best part of the day.
Cris loved the poetry of Gary Snyder and Mary Oliver. She read widely and deeply in philosophy and literature.
For the past twenty-four years she was involved with the recovery community both professionally at Cottage Rehab as well with Alcoholics Anonymous. Please consider a donation to an animal shelter or Bethal house in Cris’s memory.
We deeply miss Cris every day
Karlene Goff, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on February 13, 2026, after a brief illness. She was born in Warren, Ohio, and moved to Santa Barbara, California, in the early 1970s. There, she raised her son, Richard, before settling in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley 18 years ago, where she built a vibrant and fulfilling life.
Karlene had a remarkable gift for forming meaningful connections and quickly became cherished by a wide circle of friends. She was often at the heart of many activities, from Mah Jongg and card games to bocce ball. Known for her exceptional planning and organizational skills, she coordinated weekly Mah Jongg gatherings at the Solvang Senior Center, organized various game events, and generously volunteered her time delivering meals for Meals on
Wheels.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 2:00 PM at 1487 Aarhus Drive. All who knew and loved Karlene are warmly invited to join in honoring her life, sharing memories, laughter, and stories that reflect the joy she brought to others.
John Howard Self 05/18/1942– 03/24/2026
John passed peacefully at home March 24, 2026 after a long struggle with pancreatic insufficiency. John dictated this biography to me for his daughter and grandchildren. There will be a memorial at a later date. I want to thank everyone for their love and support at this sad time.
Michael Self
I, John Howard Self, was born May 18, 1942 in Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, to Howard “Bud” Self and Evangeline “Jean” DaysSelf. Dad, was of Northern European descent, left high school early to become a cowboy, breaking polo ponies for the Jackson Ranch in Montecito. Mom’s parents were Azorean Portuguese immigrants; she spoke several languages and graduated college in language arts and secretarial skills.
I was raised on a lemon orchard in Goleta, attended Goleta Union School, and was dubbed “wrong bus John”. After school I just hopped on the closest bus, what could go wrong? We moved to town and I attended Harding Elementary School and still have many friends from that experience. I was 12 at La Cumbra Junior High. when my sister, Barbara Jean, 18, succumbed to Leukemia. I graduated from
Santa Barbara High, “GO DONS”, and with my uncle’s encouragement joined the Navy Reserves in my Junior year. I went active in January ’61 and was deployed on a Landing Ship Tank (LST) “Large Slow Target”. I was Marksman in Boot camp and Honor Man during my military service. My time was spent in Hawaii and San Diego. This was before the Viet Nam war was very active.
After my two years of active duty I took SBCC classes to become an electrician. I thoroughly enjoyed my career of 33 years. I founded John Self Electric in 1974.
My Father loved horses. I loved horse power and was an enthusiastic member of the Los Viajeros Rally-Slalom Team, which is where I met and married Carole Morag McDonald. We had no children but many memorable adventures, this union lasted 20 years.
In 1984 I married my dear beloved Michael Kathleen Markopulos-Oglesby. We golfed, did target shooting, backpacked, scuba dove, fished, skied, collected antique cars and took many a trip in our small travel trailer.
I dearly regret leaving my adopted daughter, Cynthia Markopulos-Harris and granddaughters, Chandler Nolan-Rojas (Hector), Dr. Hana Nolan (Jake). Nancy and Keith Newquist-Nolan, who adopted us many decades ago to share in the love and memories of their children. Love is the tie that binds us.
I have been blessed with fantastic parents, family and friends and am ever grateful for a very wonderful life.
Karlene Kay Goff 08/26/1949– 02/13/2026
orty years ago, Thursdays in Santa Barbara started looking a bit different.
The first issue of the Santa Barbara Independent hit newsstands on November 26, 1986, and we haven’t missed a week since. More than 2,000 editions later, the Independent’s cover stories are still the highlight of many readers’ Thursday mornings, when they discover which topic we felt was the most important of the week.
Much is different today, of course. We’re no longer beholden to black-and-white ink or reels of film. Email servers replaced fax machines long ago, and no longer does someone have to physically drive the week’s layout to the printer in a Wednesday-night rush. In fact, since we launched Independent.com in 2007, readers haven’t even needed to grab a copy of the paper to know what’s happening in Santa Barbara.
But much, proudly, remains the same. Our editor-inchief is still the paper’s cofounder Marianne Partridge, and our Executive Editor Nick Welsh still pounds away at his keyboard, turning out articles on every subject, plus the Angry Poodle. Even Tanya Spears Guiliacci still rules over our front desk, ever since she graduated from Santa Barbara High more than 30 years ago. Many other staffers have been with the paper for more than a decade, and quite a few including our reliable roster of contributors have logged more than a quarter-century of service.
Public Library Hosting Exhibit to Celebrate Our Anniversary Year
Altogether, the Independent functions as Santa Barbara’s memory bank, the community’s collective conscience, and the region’s most experienced eyes and ears. We are forever on the lookout for stories you need to know.
To celebrate our 40th anniversary we couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this year than by gathering some of our favorite, most impactful, or otherwise intriguing covers from throughout the years. We’ll be showcasing more than 50 of them throughout April and May at the Faulkner Gallery inside the Santa Barbara Public Library.
The show, which is called Covering 40 Years, begins with an opening party during the 1st Thursday art walk on Thursday, April 2, 5-7 p.m. It’s a visual, even visceral testament to the collective efforts of photographers, illustrators, designers, and reporters who worked together to compose the images, headlines, and articles that earned the top attention for each issue.
For this week’s issue, we have selected a fraction of those covers and asked people who were involved in creating those stories to share their remembrances of how each came to be. We hope that these will stir your own memories of yesteryear, and remind you how integral local journalism is to living an engaging, informed life in Santa Barbara.
We’re excited to be celebrating our 40th anniversary, and we can’t help but believe that the best is yet to come. The Santa Barbara Independent is truly stronger than ever before, so you can bet on more covers coming your way, every single Thursday, and every day online at Independent.com —Matt Kettmann
Covering 40Years @ Faulkner Gallery
The Santa Barbara Independent’s Covering 40 Years exhibit of newspaper covers from 1986 to the present day is being hosted by the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Faulkner Gallery (40 E. Anapamu St.; [805] 963-1026; library .santabarbaraca.gov). The exhibit is open during the library’s normal hours, and there’s an opening party on Thursday, April 2, 5-7 p.m., during 1st Thursday. Current and former staff members will be in attendance.
The First Issue: November 26, 1986: Local Heroes
George Delmerico designed the first issue, working with the combined staff of two rival papers (the News & Review and The Weekly) that had just merged into becoming the Independent. Executive Editor Audrey Berman suggested “The Local Heroes of Santa Barbara” as the cover, hoping the topic would distract the staff from constantly snarling at one another. It worked when everyone agreed on who the true Santa Barbara heroes were.
The issue had to be designed from scratch: writing and editing all the stories, creating the logo, developing the photographs, selling and designing the advertisements, and pasting up the articles word by word. All this was being done by a team that barely knew one another and didn’t think they liked what they did know.
We worked at two different locations across town, where two young women typeset the articles on a machine at one building and rushed the copy to the other building on mopeds. There it was pasted up on flats to be driven by car to the printer in Los Angeles.
Deciding on the first cover was probably the toughest decision we had to make that week, and it came down to the last minute. The image was supposed to suggest a birthday candle and a rocket. As far as we all were concerned, it did neither, but we didn’t have time to change it, so off it went to the printer.
In some ways, this first issue remains my favorite. Two news teams from rival newspapers that only just discovered that they’d merged were forced to get over their mutual disdain in a big fat hurry, work together, and put out our first Local Heroes issue. That’s the issue where we get to shine a light on people who make Santa Barbara not just another beautiful place but a spectacular community.
—Nick Welsh, Executive Editor (1986-present)
Help Us Celebrate Our 40th Anniversary
This is just the first big feature we are doing about the Santa Barbara Independent’s 40th anniversary. We are planning a series of stories by both staffers and readers about what the newspaper has meant to them over the decades. If you have your own Indy story to tell, please let us know by emailing birthday@ independent.com.
Endless Bummer: March 17, 1994
We had been doing more and more color on the covers back then, even though it was expensive. It might have been the writer Andrew Rice himself inside the hazmat suit. I think I got the suit from my firefighter landlord. Whoever was inside was very hot. The plastic viewing area was fogged up.
I was trying to balance the daylight with a flash and dealing with the reflection of the face covering. I used a color gel over the flash. My equipment was pretty rudimental low budget to no budget back then.
Of course, it was actual film slide film, as we needed a positive to send to the printer. This was before the Indy invested in a scanner.
Getting the cover photo each week was an honor, but it also became the norm. Seeing my first cover lying in a gutter on the street humbled me. It snapped me out of thinking I was “all that.”
The real thrill was having what felt like a license to snoop, a backstage, all-access pass to the world. I got to move through the circles of the famous, the wealthy, the artistic, the brilliant, the downtrodden, the homeless, the desperate, the working class, the hopeful, and the hopeless. I was among them but not part of them. —Christopher Gardner, staff photographer (1986-1995)
June 23, 1994: Batter Up!
This article was the first pitch in what has become a 32-year-long relationship. After writing this cover story and winning a 1994 California Newspaper Publishers Association sportswriting award I began volunteering for the Foresters and have since enjoyed being part of 10 National Championships. I have watched 70 Foresters reach the majors, made lifelong friends such as Bill Pintard and many others, and been able to experience so much joy (and occasional heartache) while keeping baseball a part of my life in ways I had only dreamed of.
But it also kicked off (pardon the football pun) a relationship between the ballclub and the city that came to love it as much as I have. It started at the Independent, and like a baseball game, according to George Carlin, “We don’t know when it’s going to end!” —Jim Buckley, sportswriter (1994-present)
Archives at the Library
Bound volumes of the Santa Barbara Independent from 1986 until present are available in the reference section at Central Library. Digital Access of issues from 1976 (News & Review 1976-1986) through 2001 is available inside the library through newspapers .com. Got questions? Call (805) 962-7653 or email askalibrarian@ santabarbaraca.gov.
September 13, 2001: 9/11 Flag at Half-Mast
That day was a scramble. I had been all over trying to cover different things, but with that day’s tragedy happening back east and not directly here, any meaningful photos were scarce. As I was headed back to our offices, I did notice the flag in front of City Hall at half-mast and decided to grab a quick shot because I didn’t have anything that was cover-worthy. I had recently purchased an early digital camera Canon PowerShot G1, I believe, with a whopping 3.2 megapixels! and took a few shots with that to cover my bases in case we needed a cover.
This shot is a good example of me trying to make something out of nothing. I didn’t really love the shot. We needed something at the last minute, and visually, it was working on a certain graphic level. I was surprised by how many people approached me after to say how poignant it was and how much they liked the photograph.
My dad had it framed, and it hung in their hallway until they moved out. I would have never imagined that what I considered a throwaway shot at the time to have the effect that it did.
Fun fact: I think that may have been the first digital shot we used at the paper.
—Matt Straka, photo editor
(1999-2001)
2026 GRAD SLAM
Cutting-edge research in 3 minutes
Final Round
Watch graduate students make the pitch for the best research talk onstage at Campbell Hall.
Thursday, April 9 4:30 pm
The winner of the Final Round will represent UCSB as our Champion at the UC-wide competition.
Attend in-person or watch the livestream and vote for the People’s Choice Award! All community members are invited.
Thank You to our Sponsors
cover story
Save Ellwood Mesa:
May 29, 2003
Writing a 4,000-word cover story for the Independent is a marvelous adventure of researching, interviewing people, writing, then going through the editing process. Tossed into the crucible are text, photographs, and graphic design the result hits the streets on Thursday mornings. It was always an honor to help produce that small miracle.
—Cathy Murillo, news reporter (1998-2005); later, Mayor of Santa Barbara
“Yes!”
April
26,
2007: Have You No Shame, Mrs. McCaw?
January 13, 2005: Massive Floods
The crumpling of the News-Press was agonizing. The community lost its daily paper. So many lost their jobs. And it was demoralizing watching our publisher flagrantly dismiss the journalistic ethics that dedicated reporters and editors revere like a religion.
So, I cried when I saw this Indy cover. It was the press doing what it’s supposed to: speak truth to power. And it was proof right there in newsprint that integrity was alive and well in our town, and our trade.
—Starshine Roshell, columnist (2007-present)
UCSBigger: September 10, 2010
Tamara Weaver, the art director before me, asked me to draw an octopus in blue and gold stretching out over UCSB and taking up a lot of space. I said, “How about a hippo dancing on everything and breaking some stuff?” I thought the hippo was a funnier animal.
“Just draw a stinkin’ octopus,” she said.
“Like it just sat next to you on a flight and orders a drink, hogs the armrest, and snores?” I replied.
I heard someone call it “an irresponsible cartoon,’” which is not the first time I have heard that. —Ben Ciccati, illustrator/designer (2006-present)
This was the storm that caused the cliffs above La Conchita to slide, crashing into more than 30 homes and killing 10 people.
I drove down to find the highway closed and covered in debris. I tried to walk, but the mud was like more foam, so my foot sunk right in. Then I hitched a ride with the KEYT news truck, and made it on scene as the disaster’s impact became known, with residents running around asking about missing people.
More than 20 years later, that mud is still on my boots. Little did I know it would just be the first of many weather-related catastrophes that I’d be covering in the years to come.
—Matt Kettmann, Senior Writer (1999-present)
January 20, 2011: No More ‘Mrs. Nice Guy’
For several years in a row, Washingtonian, a D.C. journal, named me the “Nicest Member of Congress.” This cover was the Independent’s response.
The story listed some of my accomplishments signaling that I was no pushover. It meant a lot to me!
Now, as you celebrate 40 years, I have the opportunity to say “Thank you, Indy!” You always keep your finger on the pulse of the community! You are appreciated!
—Lois Capps, U.S. Congressmember (1998-2017)
I had that cover framed for my mom, and we hung it in the house we shared together in D.C. It meant a lot and still does! And will for her grandkids long after she’s gone, I imagine.
—Laura Capps, County Supervisor (2022-present)
March 19, 2020:
COVID
July 13, 2017: Whittier Fire
Getting a photo on the cover is always the best and not as easy to come by for the staff photographer as one might think.
A weekly’s cover story is often focused on upcoming events rather than what developed the week before. Seasonal guides, events such as Solstice, Fiesta, Bowl shows, and visiting dignitaries meant that images were frequently pulled from file or more likely, media kits. Also, illustrators were regularly and rightly enlisted for cover art to convey the subject.
So, when one of my photos made the cover, there was always a sense of pride and accomplishment. Whether the image itself was strong or made great by the art directors’ touches, come Thursday, seeing people reading the paper always gave a sense of belonging to something big. Then I only had to contain myself from not-so-nonchalantly slipping it into conversation that my photo was on the cover.
Work changed so much with the onset of the pandemic! In just a couple of days, and in the middle of production, we moved our entire operation, which was quite analog at the time, from being in an office together to producing the paper from home. Systems had to be redeveloped.
I’m proud to say that the issue of March 12, 2020, went out on time, but that couldn’t have been done without the amazing production team we had at that time. Big cheers to Ava Talehakimi and Ricky Barajas! It was a huge effort, but we all banded together to make it happen. I remember visiting the office a few months after, and it was apocalyptic papers just hangin’ off the walls, empty desks, etc.
For the first few weeks of the pandemic, the cover concepts were developed sort of out of response to the collective experience. I just wanted people to see our experience reflected on the cover of the free paper each week. Together but apart.
—Caitlin Fitch, designer/Creative Director (2013-2022)
—Paul Wellman, staff photographer (2001-2020) June 1,
After 15-plus years, it’s still a thrill to be on the cover. It’s validation of your hard work, a stamp of pride, and, for more controversial topics, a badge of courage that affirms you stand behind the reporting you did without fear or favor.
—Tyler Hayden, Senior Editor (2009-present)
Reporting from Montecito on the morning of the disaster was a heady mix of breaking news, intermittent communication channels, and stunned disbelief. First responders searching through waist-deep mud and rock. Thousands of survivors in active evacuation. An undercurrent of mounting grief. Eight years on, the memories remain vivid.
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 | 3:00 PM THE GRANADA THEATRE
Nir Kabaretti, Alexi, Kenney, conductor violin
IVES | Three Places in New England BARBER | Violin Concerto
JENNIFER HIGDON | Blue Cathedral
GERSHWIN | An American in Paris
July 29, 2022: Sex and Violence and the Supremes
After Roe v. Wade was overturned, an emotionally charged protest unfolded. The woman captured Daisy was screaming and striking her sign against the ground, a powerful reflection of the collective anger and urgency among attendees.
—Ingrid Bostrom, photographer (2017-present)
April 4, 2024:
Smell the Roses
My process always starts with reading the cover story to get an understanding of what the exact subject matter is. I’ll then take a look at photos. I’m looking for vertically oriented photos, but it can always depend on what photo could be the most clear while on newsstands. Then I gather any visual elements that can be extracted into either a color palette or design pattern/texture.
Once I have a sense of a color or a pattern, I’ll start looking at fonts that feel appropriate with the main coverlines the writer has decided on. If it’s something like a news story, fonts are usually bold and heavy. While a cover that’s focused on the arts, will usually have either a funky or modern typeface.
I make a couple variations of the composition to see what works best. One thing I always do is to take a few steps back from the screen and make sure spacing and any other details are ironed out. Come Thursday morning, 25,000 copies are distributed around Santa Barbara for the community to pick up. We make sure to keep an eye on pickup rates, and depending how well the paper is being grabbed off of newsstands is how I can make sure I’m doing my job correctly!
—Xavier Pereyra, Art Director (2022-present)
July 17, 2025: Smoke and Mirrors
What stands out most to me about this cover is that my identity and that of the protesters is more visible in the reflection of the agent’s glasses than in the subject itself. This contrast emphasizes how those being observed are, in some ways, more clearly defined than the one in power. The agent’s concealed identity, paired with the presence of deadly weapons, evokes a sense of both anonymity and force, reinforcing themes of aggression and cowardice in ongoing federal actions.
—Ingrid Bostrom, photographer (2017-present)
That photo did an amazing job of showing the intimidating nature of these masked agents from a face-to-face POV. That cover carried the emotional weight of what was happening in our community and the fear of the unknown of what ICE agents were capable of.
—Xavier Pereyra, Art Director (2022-present)
February 5, 2026: SBIFF
As someone who grew up in Santa Barbara dreaming of being a journalist and reading the Independent not to mention working for many of its mostly long-gone competitors I have to say I still get a little thrill when I walk by the news racks and see my name on the cover.
—Leslie Dinaberg, Arts and Culture Editor (2022-present)
Struggling with Nerve Pain? Relief May Be Possible!
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating bal- ance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which will cause the nerves to begin to slowly degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow. As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not receive the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numb- ness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms.
There is a facility right here in Santa Barbara that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects. (see the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article)
In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined:
· What’s the underlying cause?
· How Much Nerve Damage Has Been Sustained
· How much treatment will your condition require
The treatment that is provided at First Step Regenerative has three main goals:
1. Increase blood flow
2. Stimulate small fiber nerves 3. Decrease brain-based pain
The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.
We can objectively measure the severity of deficit in both small and large nerve fibers prior to start of care. NP Charles Sciutto Lac at First Step Regenerative, will do a neuropathy severity consultation to review peripheral neuropathy history, symptoms and discuss plan of treatment. This consultation will be free of charge and will help determine if our therapy protocol may be a good fit for your needs. First Step Regenerative will be offering this neuropathy severity consultation free of charge from now until April 30th, 2026.
YOU’RE INVITED
Figure 1: Notice the very small blood vessels surrounding each nerve.
Figure 2: When these very small blood vessels become diseased they begin to shrivel up and the nerves begin to degenerate.
Figure 3: The blood vessels will grow back around the nerves much like a plant’s roots grow when watered.
THURSDAY 4/2
4/2-4/8:
I NDEPENDENT C ALENDAR
4/2: The Santa Barbara Independent Exhibit Opening: Covering 40 Years Explore 40 years of Santa Barbara history through select covers of the Santa Barbara Independent These images capture iconic moments telling S.B.’s story and how it has evolved over the last four decades. The exhibit shows through May 31. 5-7pm. Faulkner Gallery, S.B. Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. Free. Call (805) 764-5385 or email promotions@ independent.com. tinyurl.com/ Indy-40
4/2: Organic Soup Kitchen (OSK) Souper Bloom Soup Social Celebrate 17 years of nourishing S.B, while raising critical funds for low-income seniors and community members battling cancer and chronic illness. Enjoy soups, bites, area wines, and craft beers with live music and raffle. 4pm. OSK, 126 E. Haley St. $45. contact@organicsoup kitchen.org. tinyurl.com/Soup-Social
4/2-4/5, 4/8: Ensemble Theatre Company Presents: A Night with Janis Joplin Mary Bridget Davies, Tony Award nominee for her lead role in the Broadway production of this show, will reprise her critically acclaimed role as rock legend Janis Joplin in this music-driven and immersive experience that will include songs such as “Piece of My Heart,”“Me and Bobby McGee,” and more. The play previews on April 2-3 and runs through April 26. Thu. and Wed.: 7:30pm; Fri-Sat.: 8pm; Sun.: 2pm. The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St. Thursday: Pay-What-You-Can, $5+; $25-$119. Call (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org
4/2-4/4, 4/8: Rubicon Theatre Presents Somebody to Love This funny, heartfelt new jukebox musical follows four friends who meet freshman year of college and vow to change the world, and to be there for each other, featuring songs “Call Me,”“Some Kind of Wonderful,”“Feel Like Making Love,”“Taking It to the Street,” as well as the title song. Thu.-Fri.: 7pm, Sat. and Wed.: 2pm, 7pm, Sun.: 2pm. Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. $30-$155. Call (805) 667-2900. rubicontheatre.org/shows-events
THURSDAY
Carpinteria: 800 block of Linden Ave., 2:30-6:30pm
FRIDAY
Montecito: 1100 and 1200 blocks of Coast Village Rd., 8-11:15am
SATURDAY
Downtown S.B.: Corner of State and Carillo sts., 8am-1pm
Apr. 2-8 Shows on Tap Shows on Tap
SUNDAY
Goleta: Camino Real Marketplace, 10am-2pm
TUESDAY
Old Town S.B.: 500-600 blocks of State St., 3-6:30pm
WEDNESDAY
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
FRIDAY 4/3
4/3: Snow & Wood at Roy Take in the R&B, blues, and jazz songs from S.B.’s new duo, singer Lynette Snow from Spencer the Gardener and guitar/background singer Joe Woodard of Lucinda Lane. 7-9pm. Roy, 7 W. Carrillo St. Free. Call (805) 966-5636. householdink.com/snowandwood
4/3: Lele Aloha Presents Lahaina: Voices of Change
Hear the powerful stories of Lahaina community leaders, cultural practitioners, and residents as they share journeys of healing, recovery, and renewal after the devastating 2023 wildfires followed by a panel discussion. Proceeds will benefit ongoing recovery efforts. 7:30-9:30pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. $45-$250. Email info@ lelealoha.org lobero.org/events/lahaina
4/3: New York Philharmonic String Quartet, Night 2 Music Academy alum and pianist Han Chen alongside the New York Philharmonic String Quartet will perform a collaborative program that highlights the intimacy and intricacy of chamber music at its finest. 7:30pm. Music Academy, 1070 Fairway Rd. Ages 7-17: free; GA: $65-$80. Email ticketoffice@musicacademy.org
BY TERRY ORTEGA
4/4-4/5: Hook’d Bar and Grill Sat.:
4/2, 4/4, 4/8: Eos Lounge
Thu.: Danny Avila, Ellie Meyer, AJ Alfino, 9pm. $18.54. Sat.: State Fest Presents False Puppet and TVLI, 7pm. $18.54. Wed.: S.B. Bowl After-Party, 8pm. Free. 500 Anacapa St. Ages 21+. Call (805) 564-2410. eoslounge.com
4/2-4/4, 4/6-4/8: SOhO Restaurant & Music Club Thu.: An Evening with Kyle Schuesler, 8:30pm. $15-20. Ages 18+. Fri.: Dawn Patrol: The Music of Radiohead, 8:30pm. $1015. Ages 21+. Sat.: Cornerstone with Humblesouljah and True Zion, 9pm. $15-20. Ages 21+. Mon.: SBCC Monday Madness Jazz Orchestra, 7pm. $15. Tue.: Youthclusive Cabaret: Youth Performing Arts Fundraiser, 7pm. $15-20. Wed.: Marshall Crenshaw with James Mastro, 7:15pm. $35-42. Ages 21+. 1221 State St. Call (805) 962-7776. sohosb.com
4/3, 4/5: Carhartt Family Wines Fri.: Live music, 5pm. Sun.: Live music, 2pm. 2939 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Free. Call (805) 693-5100. carharttfamilywines.com/ events-calendar
4/5: Longoria Wines Live music. 3-5pm. 732 State St. Free. Email info@ longoriawine.com longoriawines.com/events
4/6: The Red Piano Church on Monday: Teresa Russell and Tom Buenger, 7:30pm. 519 State St. $5. Call (805) 358-1439. theredpiano.com
SATURDAY 4/4
4/4:
the Sun Set" by Debbie Green
4/4: Lompoc Easter Egg Hunt 2026 Bring your basket to collect chocolate eggs and meet the Easter Bunny. Hunts will happen every 15 minutes, divided by age group for kids ages 12 and under. 10am-noon. River Park, E. Hwy. 246 and Sweeney Rd., Lompoc. Free. Call (805) 875-8100. tinyurl.com/Lompoc-Easter2026
4/4: Third Annual Rabbit Run: 10K, 5K, Kids’ One-Mile This flat and fast course will be along a dedicated run/bike path, that runs along the Maria Ygnacio Creek and the Obern Trail Bike Paths, which are paved with no vehicle traffic. There will be water stations and, after the race, plenty of nutrition, awards, and Peter Rabbit handing out Easter eggs. Packet pickup: 7-9am; 10K: 9am; 5K: 9:05am; kids’ mile Family Fun Run: 10am. 865 Gwyne Ave. $22.20-$59.30. Email timingevolution@gmail.com tinyurl.com/2026-RabbitRun
4/4: Easter at the Mart See baby chicks, find a golden egg and win a prize, and meet the Easter Bunny! 11am-2pm. Montecito Country Mart, 1016 Coast Village Rd., Montecito. Free montecitocountrymart.com/events
4/2: S.B. Rescue Mission Annual Easter Feast Community members in need are invited for community, connection, and a traditional ham dinner with trimmings and dessert prepared by men in the Mission’s 12-month Residential Treatment Program and served by volunteers. 2-4pm. S.B. Rescue Mission, 535 E. Yanonali St. Free. Call (805) 966-1316 or email rescuemissionnews@sbrm.org. tinyurl.com/SBRM-Easter
4/5: Finch & Fork Spring Brunch Buffet Enjoy a spring brunch buffet with an assortment of salads, appetizers, seafood raw bar, delightful desserts, and a selection of entrees. 10:30-4pm. Kimpton Canary and Finch & Fork, 31 W. Carrillo St. Children ages 12 and under: $45; GA: $92. Email info@finchandfork restaurant.com finchandforkrestaurant.com/events
4/5: Easter Brunch at Roblar Winery Join for a brunch crafted by the executive chef alongside all your favorite Roblar wines, bubbles, and mimosas! 10am-4pm. Roblar Winery & Vineyards, 3010 Roblar Ave., Santa Ynez. Children ages 6-12: $40; GA: $70-$80. Email info@roblarwinery.com roblarwinery.com/events
4/5: Easter Sunday at San Ysidro Ranch This festive brunch will feature a three-course menu and dessert buffet with morning and afternoon egg hunts, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 10am-2pm. Stonehouse Restaurant, San Ysidro Ranch, 900 San Ysidro Ln., Montecito. Nonguest: child: $150; adult: $425. Call (805) 565-1720 or email dining@sanysidroranch.com tinyurl.com/Easter-SanYsidro
4/4: S.B. Golf Club and S.B. Parks & Rec Present Annual Egg Hunt Extravaganza Bring the family for exciting activities with the S.B. Police Command Ctr., a firetruck, bounce house, face painting, music, Snag Golf (beginner-friendly golfing system designed for all ages), and egg hunts for different age groups. RSVP required. 2-4pm. S.B. Golf Club, 3500 McCaw Ave. Free. Call (805) 687-7087. tinyurl.com/SB-Golf-EggHunt
4/5: Brass Bear Easter Brunch Enjoy a buffet with a ham carving station, lox, bagels, quiche and egg casserole, crêpes, French toast, and more with activities for the kids. 10am-3pm. Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro, 3302 McCaw Ave. Ages 12 and under: $20; GA: $55. Call info@brassbearbrewing.com. brassbearbrewing.com/events
4/5: Bacara Easter Brunch Enjoy a brunch buffet that will feature made-to-order omelets, lunch offerings, desserts, with an egg hunt, face painting, a balloon artist, games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 10:30 am-2:30pm. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, S.B., 8301 Hollister Ave. Ages 4-12: $92.52; GA: $231.78 (includes 20 percent service fee). Call (805) 968-0100. tinyurl.com/Bacara-Easter
4/5: Easter at Sunstone Winery Bring the entire family for a bunny petting zoo, Easter egg hunt (bring your basket), a bounce house, food truck with food for purchase, and live music from the Just Dave Band (noon-4pm). 11am-4pm. Sunstone Winery, 125 Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez. Call (805) 688-9463. sunstonewinery.com/events
4/5: Easter Brunch at the Set Enjoy chefcurated, coastal-inspired brunch favorites, cocktails, live music, and an Easter egg hunt. 11:30am-2pm. Hilton S.B. Beachfront Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Prices vary. (805) 884-8418. tinyurl.com/Easter-TheSet
4/4: The Great Egg Hunt There will be two hunt sessions, one at 10:30am and one at 1:30pm that each offer two age-appropriate areas: Baby Bunnies (ages 0-5) and Jackrabbits (ages 6+). There will be a deejay with additional paid activities such as train rides, bounce houses, family-friendly activities and games, and food vendors. Pre-registration is required. 9;30am-3pm. Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas R. . Call (805) 569-5611 or email elingspark.org. elingspark.org/events
4/4: Community Propagation Workshops
Learn family-friendly, simple propagation techniques as you are guided through processing cuttings and sowing native seeds, then take your plant home with you and use your new skills to grow more native plants. 10:30am-noon. S.B. Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Rd. Free with admission: free-$25. Email registrations@sbbotanicgarden.org sbbotanicgarden.org/calendar
4/4: State Fest This one-night, multi-venue nightlife festival will give locals a way to experience a musical festival structured like a bar crawl with several participating venues and bands such as False Puppet, Whatever Forever, Jayden Secor, and more. 5pmmidnight. Downtown S.B. $55-$105. Ages 21+. Call (714) 466-0978 or email mj@useumi.com independent.com/events/state-fest
4/4: Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips The pioneering British folk-rock musician and acoustic and electric guitar virtuoso Richard Thompson will bring his distinctive sound to S.B. along with his wife, singer/songwriter Zara Phillips. 7:30-9pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. GA: $55-$65; VIP: $115. Call (805) 963-0761. lobero.org
4/4: Celebrating Danny Meza: A Day of Unity Through Love Chicano Culture S.B. invites you to join for a celebration of muralist, illustrator, and tattoo artist Danny Meza, who passed away one year ago. There will be a carne asada potluck at the beach during the day with a tribute at the Tully at night with music by El Karaoke and food specials from Revolver Pizza. Potluck: 11am-4pm. Leadbetter Beach, 801 Shoreline Dr.; The Tully Tribute: 8pm. The Tully, 1431 San Andres St. Free. Ages 21+. tinyurl.com/DannyMeza-Celebration
SUNDAY 4/5
4/5: Monthly Healing Journey: Breathwork & Sound Experience a 90-minute somatic practice for grounding, clarity, and inner ease through breathwork and sound healing, journaling, intention setting, and optional sharing. 4-5:30pm. Flow Yoga & Wellness S.B., 4441 Hollister Ave. $40. Email connect@ sbflowyoga.com. tinyurl.com/Breathwork-Sound
MONDAY
4/6
4/6: SBCC Monday Madness Jazz Orchestra Join for a new and classic big band repertoire featuring vocalist Sophie Holt along with musical director Andrew Martinez on tenor sax and more saxes, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. 7pm. SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St. $15. Call (805) 962-7776. tinyurl.com/SBCC-Jazz
TUESDAY 4/7
4/7: BSA Troop 26 Eagle Scout Court of Honor This ceremony will recognize Jack Grube (#138) and Caio Pereira (#137), who have earned their merit badges to attain the highest achievement or rank in the Scouting program of Scouting America. 7pm. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church S.B., 3942 La Colina Rd. Free. Email heymj@me.com. tinyurl.com/EagleScout-Honor
4/7: UCSB Arts & Lectures Presents Ibram X. Kendi Historian, one of the world’s leading scholars of racism and antiracism, and author Ibram X. Kendi will talk about his newly published book, Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age, an unsettling but indispensable global history of how great replacement theory brought humanity into this authoritarian age and how we can free ourselves from it. Pre-signed books will be available. 7:30pm. Campbell Hall, UCSB. UCSB Students: free; GA: $30. Call (805) 893-3535. artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
WEDNESDAY
4/8
4/8: Día del Niño / Día de los Libros, Day of Children and Books Invitamos a personas de todas las edades a celebrar las maravillosas capacidades que cada niño aporta al mundo con el libro ¡Sé audaz, sé valiente! de Naibe Reynoso. Explora de cerca diferentes países a través de la realidad virtual y descubre sus culturas y maravillas, seguido de una edición especial del Club de Creadores. All ages are invited to celebrate the wonderful abilities every child brings to the world, featuring the book ¡Sé audaz, sé valiente! / Be Bold! Be Brave! by Naibe Reynoso. Explore different countries up close through virtual reality and learn about their cultures and wonders followed by a special edition of Creator’s Club. 1-3pm. MLK Jr. Rm/, Eastside Library. 1102 E. Montecito St. Call (805) 963-3727 or email emcfadden@santabarbaraca.gov tinyurl.com/Dia-de-Ninos
4/8: The True Story of Fremont, Foxen, and the San Marcos Pass Neal Graffy will talk about how in 1846, “The Pathfinder” Lt. Col. John C. Frémont and his recently assembled California Battalion were going to liberate S.B. and then L.A. from the forces of General José María Flores and claim California for the United States. According to legend, Benjamin Foxen warned Frémont of a trap at Gaviota Pass and then led Frémont and the battalion safely over the “San Marcos Pass.” 11am and 5:30pm. S.B. Historical Museum, 136 E. De la Guerra St. $10-$20. Call (805) 966-1601. sbhistorical.org/events
2026 CAMPS June 10 - August 21 Ages 4-17 Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
JENNIE GRUBE
Michael-James Hey, Scoutmaster (left) and Jack Grube
David Byrne, Carlos Santana, James Taylor, and Bob Dylan.
I could stop right there and the upcoming Santa Barbara Bowl season would be pretty impressive, but as a recent chat with the venue’s programming maestro Moss Jacobs revealed, those legendary big-name superstars are really just scratching the surface of the eclectic season of shows he’s got in store for us.
In developing the programming for Santa Barbara, which he’s been doing for more than three decades, Jacobs says his dominating impact or influence is the variety. “My attempts to make sure there’s a wide range of music being presented, and within the context of that, there would be certain things that, if I can go chase or get if it fits into that pattern. … It’s always a balancing act. December, January, February and March are this ongoing balancing act.”
This year’s season kicks off on April 7-8 with two shows from Disclosure, one of dance music’s most successful production teams. An English electronic music duo of brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence, they are known for their pop-oriented synthesis of multiple styles, including house, garage, dubstep, and bass, along with well-timed vocal collaborations. They’ll be playing Coachella the weekend after their Santa Barbara stop, which gives you some idea of the level of appeal this group has.
Another Coachella connection is David Byrne, who brings his Who Is the Sky Tour to Santa Barbara on April 14, the Tuesday between his two appearances at the festival in the desert. A Variety review of the former Talking Heads front man’s tour called it, “Essential…. In his oddly understated way, David Byrne is one of the most electrifying musicians of the last 50 years.”
“David Byrne is like a phenomenal event, and I’m super excited for that show,” says Jacobs.
Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, whose sparkling melodies and danceable grooves yielded four multi-platinum hits on his debut album Nine Track Mind pays us a visit on April 25. Then, on May 6, we get an evening with the legendary James Taylor, which, as Jacobs puts it, “is obviously such a cool show” that it hardly needs an introduction. Taylor’s warm baritone and distinctive guitar playing have been moving audiences for more than 50 years. As I wrote in my review in 2025, “Truly it’s almost impossible to be sad at a James Taylor concert. He hits the sweet spot every time.” I look forward to singing along once again.
Comedic New Zealanders Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement bring their Flight of the Conchords to the Bowl the next night, May 7, followed by indie rock band Lord Huron on June 2. The ever-broadening musical palette of The Black Keys comes to the Bowl on June 13. They’ll be followed on June 17 by what is certainly one of the biggest coups of the season Bob Dylan with special guests Lucinda Williams and her band, The John Doe Folk Trio. Not only is Dylan a legend, but Jacobs is particularly excited about the special guests. “I love John Doe and I love Bob Dylan. I would have never come up with it, but it’s a brilliant move. What a perfect match-up of similar personalities,
but from a completely different end of the spectrum.”
More shows are coming in June, Jacobs assures me, but currently up next is an evening of comedy on July 17 with Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. The multi-platinum Southern California favorites Young the Giant return on July 18, with special guests Cold War Kids and Kennyhoopla. The following night is Rainbow Kitten Surprise, an indie alt-rock band that was mesmerizing on stage at last year’s Ohana Festival.
Comedian Trevor Noah is up next, with two nights of insightful laughs on August 1-2. “Comedy does well in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara loves comedy,” says Jacobs. While in the old days, comedians didn’t like to play outdoors, “George Lopez kind of broke the mold, and his agent, who was kind of adventurous in putting George in this community a number of times, proved that that the Bowl is perfect for comedy. … Now, I try to have a couple of comedy acts every year. It’s just nice to have a little bit of a different thing.”
Roots musician Sierra Ferrell who captivated Campbell Hall in 2024 and has only gone on to greater acclaim will be here on August 6. She’ll be followed by the return of Tedeschi Trucks Band (who were here in 2024) on August 13. Also just added that week is the double bill of two eclectic bands, 311 (a fusion of rock, reggae, funk, and rap) and Dirty Heads (who mix hip-hop, reggae, and rock) on August 16.
Train (of “Hey Soul Sister” and “Meet Virgina” fame) celebrates 25 years of their multi-platinum 2001 album Drops of Jupiter on August 22 with special guests Barenaked Ladies and Matt Nathanson.
September is jam-packed with great shows. I have it on good authority that as we go to press, it will be revealed that Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds (formerly Sturgill Simpson) are bringing their new Mutiny After Midnight tunes to the Bowl on September 9. Despite being released only in physical formats (vinyl, CDs, and cassettes) the album was number three on the Billboard 200 when it was released in March.
Then we’ve got two nights of Santana on September 12 and 13, which Jacobs was quick to point out as a season highlight. “Getting Carlos to come back after 18 years. That’s pretty phenomenal. And that he personally was as interested as we were in reuniting.”
JOYFUL NOISE MAKES ITS WAY TO THE SANTA BARBARA BOWL
ALABAMA SHAKES, JACK JOHNSON, SANTANA, DISCLOSURE, BOB DYLAN, BRANDI CARLILE, AND DAVID BYRNE ARE AMONG THE HEADLINERS FOR THE 2026 SEASON
He continued, “Carlos once described the Bowl as his temple. And so always in my pursuit of him for, like, the last 18 years was, ‘You’ve got to come back to the temple, man.’ ”
Just a few days later, on September 18, another iconic group hits the stage Earth, Wind & Fire. More than just a band, Earth, Wind & Fire are a music institution and generations of fans have enjoyed their blend of jazz and R&B since they first rose to fame in the 1970s.
Adding some youth to the September mix (on the 19th) is 16-year-old Freya Skye, who first came to fame at age 13, representing the U.K. in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. This past year she’s amassed more than 1.5 billion streams of her music and garnered millions of new social media followers around the world. Her latest release, “silent treatment,” has amassed more than 40 million streams, securing a Top 20 position at U.S. Pop Radio and earning her recognition as iHeart Radio’s “On the Verge” artist. Her debut EP, stardust, arrived in February, just ahead of her sold-out, headlining Stars Align tour coming our way this fall.
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile’s star continues to rise, and she’s now an 11-time Grammy Award winner as well as being named one of Time’s Women of the Year in 2026. She brings The Human Tour to the Bowl on September 20.
Lighting up the stage on September 25 is Alabama Shakes, whose legacy continues to grow, as do the talents of vocalist/ guitarist Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, and bassist Zac Cockrell, who reunited in the studio and released a new single, “Another Life,” last year.
Santa Barbara favorite Jack Johnson gifts us with two shows, October 3-4, as part of his SURFILMUSIC TOUR, with special guest G. Love, celebrating his love of surfing, filmmaking, and writing many of the songs that shaped his career.
Just announced last week is the return of Jungle, on October 9. Their live performances are a dance party in and of themselves; they definitely bring the fun wherever they go.
Jacobs says there are several more shows still to be announced, so keep an eye out at sbbowl.com for additions.
—Leslie Dinaberg
Santana
Jungle Young the Giant Rainbow Kitten Suprise
Alabama Shakes
David Byrne
RECORDING DREAMS IN OLD TOWN GOLETA
MUSICIANS WALLACE AND ZARATE OFFER A SPACE WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS GUIDANCE FOR SANTA BARBARA ARTISTS
Zach Wallace and Ruben Zarate had long wanted to open a brick-and-mortar space. But what exactly it would house, they weren’t sure.
Both musicians and members of Santa Barbara’s Dante Elephante, which Zarate started in 2010, the pair were always looking for ways to contribute to the city’s robust music scene beyond the band.
On tour, between shows, they constantly talked about ideas opening a record store, a guitar shop, or something else connected to music. Zarate was always browsing Craigslist for possible commercial spaces.
Then Santa Barbara music producer Tom Flowers informed them about a spot in Old Town Goleta, which was next to his own studio he’s had for several years.
Flowers told them there was “something about this building.” The ceilings are acoustic panels like those used in the ’60s and ’70s to absorb sound, which means the rooms naturally sound good for recording.
It was perfect.
In February, Wallace and Zarate officially opened Day Off Recording Co., a passiondriven, community-focused boutique recording studio that helps artists move beyond home recording to professionally finish and release songs in a supportive, lowpressure environment.
Wallace contributed recording gear and synthesizers he had been collecting since he was a kid, which formed a big part of the studio’s initial setup. Their approach emphasizes songcraft and production detail layers, synths, overdubs, vocals rather than capturing a super-loud band in a single room.
With more than a decade in the industry, they can step in and help musicians work through creative blocks. “I think one thing that we see from a lot of clients is that they hit a wall,” says Zarate. And when a project calls
for someone else’s expertise, they’re quick to call in a local Santa Barbara musician who fits the bill.
When Zarate started Dante Elephante when he was 20 years old at UCSB, his early bandmates came largely through Craigslist. Though the lineup has changed over the years, Dante Elephante remains a cornerstone of the Santa Barbara music scene. Having built his own band from the ground up, Zarate knows the early struggles firsthand.
Now, he and Wallace hope to guide young bands in Isla Vista through the same formative stages he once navigated.
“We can guide them in a direction that points them to people they could talk to if they wanted to join a record label, or if they wanted to do it independently,” Wallace says. “We can teach them how to release music independently. So, it’s not just about the writing and the recording it’s like, ‘Okay, where do you go from there?’ ”
Beyond music recording, they’re also hoping to offer voiceovers, podcasts, and live-session-style performance videos in the space. Zarate and Wallace hope, through the studio, to make Goleta’s music scene “bigger and better.”
They both have day jobs, too. Wallace is a music teacher, teaching bands, songwriting, and music theory at a Santa Barbara middle school and high school, and Zarate is a driver for the Mental Wellness Center. Day Off Recording stemmed strictly from their love of music.
APRIL IS FOR POETRY
CHAUCER’S BOOKS CELEBRATES NATIONAL POETRY MONTH WITH AN INTIMATE EVENING OF READINGS FROM VOICES EXPLORING IDENTITY, MEMORY, AND SURVIVAL
It’s fitting that April is Poetry Month. Out of all the available months, April just exudes poetry. I mean, what is more poetic than blooming flowers, chirping birds, and buzzing bees?
The greats seem to agree. Take Mary Oliver’s “Spring” or William Wordsworth’s “Lines Written in Early Spring.”
In celebration of National Poetry Month, Chaucer’s Books will host an evening of powerful, place-rooted storytelling on Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m., featuring a lineup of distinct poetic voices from across the region. With Somewhere, a Playground, Rich Ferguson brings urgent, lyrical reflections on grief and resilience, while Kathleen Florence, through Prayers with a Side of Cash, offers a multimedia-infused exploration of identity and movement across America.
Also featured is Stephanie Barbé Hammer, who brings a sense of movement and discovery with work drawn from City Slicker: encounters with the outside, tracing moments of wonder across both urban and natural landscapes. Santa Barbara’s own Poet Laureate (2023-2025) Melinda Palacio rounds out the evening with evocative work How Fire Is a Story, Waiting, that balances heartbreak and humor through themes of family, memory, and survival.
I spoke with Palacio, who writes the biweekly column Poetry Connection for Independent.com, about the upcoming event.
with living in the inner city with limited resources, and everyone crammed into a small house. Sometimes I didn’t appreciate the jokes, but learning to let the words fall off my shoulder added to my inner strength and understanding of the power of words.
What does it mean to you to read at Chaucer’s Books, especially during Poetry Month? I don’t like to imagine a Santa Barbara without bookstores. I am happy that Chaucer’s Books continues to provide that important anchor between the writer, the reader, and the community. I know poets are supposed to be excited about all that happens during National Poetry Month. However, for me, poetry happens every month of the year. I appreciate that Chaucer’s Books makes space for poetry events throughout the year.
What can audiences expect from your reading that they might not get just from reading your work on the page? They can hear my quirky voice and also get a sense of how I hear the poems in my head. I always learn something new about a poem when I read it out loud. It’s how the form was meant to be experienced before we had our own books.
As Wallace puts it, “We both have fulltime jobs. We don’t make our money from this. This is a passion project.” —Tiana
Molony
For more information, check out Day Off Recording on Instagram @dayoffrecordingco. For bookings, contact Day Off at dayoffrecordingco@gmail.com. Website coming soon.
The poems in How Fire Is a Story, Waiting balance heartbreak with humor how intentional is that interplay when you’re writing? I grew up in a large household with my grandparents, my eight uncles, and my mother’s sister. Laughter and humor, however heartbreaking the situation, always went hand in hand. In some ways, laughter was a way to cope
There’s a sense of honoring the women who came before you. How does poetry function as a form of preservation or legacy for you? I feel lucky to have been raised by two strong women, my mother and grandmother. I write to honor them. I don’t have a particular intent or agenda when I write, but I am touched when I visit classrooms, and students thank me for writing poems that they can see themselves in. —TM
Chaucer’s Books Poetry Event is on Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m., at 3321 State Street. For more information, see chaucersbooks.com.
Zach Wallace and Ruben Zarate are ready to welcome artists at Day Off Recording Co.
From left: Rich Ferguson, Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Kathleen Florence, and Melinda Palacio
A FEAST OF WORDS CELEBRATING FOOD AND DRINK
LITERARY MORSELS FROM MORE THAN 100 SANTA BARBARA–AREA POETS
This April sees the publication of A Feast for Santa Barbara: Poets Celebrate Food & Drink (Gunpowder Press), an anthology containing literary morsels from more than 100 Santa Barbara–area poets, celebrating the diverse farming, dining, cooking, and drinking in our community. The anthology is edited by George Yatchisin, who is Santa Barbara’s 11th Poet Laureate, the author of Feast Days and The First Night We Thought the World Would End, and is retired from a long career at UCSB.
Every Santa Barbara Poet Laureate typically takes on one or two big projects during their two-year tenure. Can you tell me about why you decided that A Feast for Santa Barbara: Poets Celebrate Food & Drink was going to be one of yours? As I particularly hope readers of the Indy would know, I’ve been writing about food and drink for a long time. What they might not know is that in addition to hundreds of column inches of journalism, I have been writing poems about the topic for decades, too. After all, my chapbook back in 2016 was titled Feast Days (yep, the titles are intentionally close), and included poems about everything from ortolan to uni, celeriac to John Downey. Food and drink are such a perfect intersection of joy, culture, history, science, love, myth, mystery, memory. All the good things to write about.
I admire the fact that you wanted to reach out to the broader community to get their poetic input. I really wanted to celebrate Santa Barbara’s food world with a more encompassing book than I could ever write on my own. Fortunately, Gunpowder Press was open to doing it as part of their Shoreline Voices series that has put out collections centered on places like the Botanic Garden and Lotusland. Now, A Feast for Santa Barbara gets to wrap its poetic arms around a much wider cross-section of the county, from strawberry fields to Grandma’s kitchen, from Brophy Bros. to the Hitching Post. And a lot of wine gets drunk along the way.
There are a lot of contributors in the book! It looks like you tried to include both well-known local poets as well as relative newcomers. Definitely. As Poet Laureate, my job is to grow the brand. So, sure, all nine living SBPLs are in the book, but so are 6th graders and 95-year-olds and many people having their first poem published in a book. I can’t wait for all the readings and celebrations to bring this wonderfully artistic and diverse group of 117 writers together.
Having read through so many submissions on the topic, what commonalities did you find about how poets responded? Were you surprised by anything in particular? I certainly cannot blame anyone, as I am obsessed,
too, but people really love avocados. The Farmers’ Market is such a draw, it gets its own section of the book (alongside Libations, Location, Labor, Ritual, and Ingredients). As one would hope with a topic that tends to bring people together to break bread and to create community, there’s a lot of tenderness, often leavened with humor. But the poems are very much of this perilous time our country is in, too, so I’m glad many writers were willing to attest to that. Turns out poets aren’t big fans of ICE.
What would you say to potential readers of the book who aren’t necessarily great fans of poetry? To be glib, I’d say this: Do you like to eat or drink? Then you’ll have no problem getting into this book! To be dangerously grand, I’ll turn to lines from the foreword for the book, written by Krista Harris, founding publisher of Edible Santa Barbara: “You read, you pause to think, and you savor. You step into someone else’s world, their memory, their senses. Their poem might give you permission to dream of the past or sigh with longing or admit your hunger for connection.”
So, food and drink direct us back out to the larger world in which we live? Aren’t those all things we desperately need right now? Time to pause and think, to feel empathy. We ache for permission to dream, for connection. A Feast for Santa Barbara is a recipe for all these things.
—David Starkey
Books are currently available for preorder at gunpowder press.com/product/a-feast-for-santa-barbara.
Community
Stage Set for Soltopia
LNew Isla Vista Festival Replaces Deltopia after County Crackdown
by Christina McDermott
ive music, free food, and (hopefully) sunshine: Isla Vista’s center will transform into a music and community festival on Saturday, April 4.
I.V. residents can grab free tacos and dance or relax as local bands play rock, punk, folk, and indie music and deejays spin sets. Near Embarcadero Hall, attendees can peruse an art and thrift market. And for 21+ attendees, there’s a Beer Garden (and a beer die tournament) in Anisq’oyo Park.
The festival is called Soltopia, and it’s the Isla Vista Community Services District’s response to the cancellation of Deltopia, the massive, unsanctioned block party that attracts tens of thousands of partygoers annually.
Myah Mashhadialireza, the community services district’s programs and engagement director and the head organizer for the event, said that she gave the creative vision over to students and other I.V. community members. The result? Seven different sections, each with a different flavor.
The Live Music
Roadhouse: The Big Stage on Madrid
Artist Lineup: Katy Plane, Medea’s Children, Uncle, Dislocated, Mantis Finger, Loc Dawgs
It’s SoCal counterculture for Soltopia’s biggest stage, said section organizer Maycie Cooper. She says to expect punk, rock, pop, and ska. “I knew we needed somewhere that was loud,” she said.
“I recognized that we were going to make a very wholesome, safe environment for most of the students in all the other areas, [and] I kind of wanted a spot where it could be a little bit rambunctious,” Cooper said. “So that’s basically what Roadhouse is.”
ChillaVista: Surfer Vibes and Beer Garden
Artist Lineup: Winter Friends, Birchwood, Eternal Wave, Big Hungry, Dawn Patrol, Orangepit!
The ChillaVista zone will span Anisq’oyo Park. In one section, people can sit in the grass on blankets or cushions and listen to bands. “It’s a very kind of surfy, laid-back vibe,” said organizer Jonas Hoffman.
The other section will contain a Beer Garden for 21+ attendees. Hoffman said local brewery M. Special donated the beer, and proceeds will go to STESA (Standing Together to End Sexual Assault). The Zeta Psi fraternity will also host a beer die tournament, and the Surfrider Club and Excursion Club will have booths nearby.
Tides and Tunes: Acoustic, Folk, and Country
Artist Lineup: Junkyard, Monkfish, Georgia, Emergency Contact, Velvet Binx, Standby
Stylized as “a place to cool down,” Tides and Tunes, located
just outside the Isla Vista Coop, will feature bands playing folk and country music. Listeners can grab catered sandwiches from the coop, enjoy popsicles, and relax.
“It’s gonna be [a] chiller, hangout vibe, as opposed to the Roadhouse stage, which is gonna be punkier, heavier,” said organizer Devlin Ott.
Deejay Spots
2016 After Dark
Deejays: Bjarkirz, DJ Suze, DJ Dani Folks can grab a taco and dance to mid-2010 hits in this area. Section organizer Mariah said to expect high energy and neon lights.
Cantina del Sol
Deejays: Lang, DJ RiKO, Bird, HANGMAN
Located outside of Dublin’s Bar on Pardall, Cantina del Sol’s section will include disco balls and set lists that feature reggaeton, hip-hop, hyperpop, and trap music.
Sandpit
Deejays: Rajanno, Squig, Nick Delfino B2B Luna, Nikko, ILUVWUMAN, Lucuma
Section organizer Will Davis said this area will bring “classic open-air dayge vibes, with lush greenery and flora lining the street.” A special guest Nikko will play at 3 p.m.
Market
Coastal Commons
Art and thrifted clothes vendors will dot People’s Park for Coastal Commons. “Throughout my zone, we’re going to have thrift vendors, so different clothing, henna artists, and keepsakes that both students and small businesses will be selling,” said organizer Phoebe Tunnell. There will also be an art section and a flower-bouquet-making station.
Deltopia History
In years past, students and visitors would celebrate Deltopia on the first weekend of the spring quarter. Tens of thousands of people flooded Del Playa Drive in an hours-long day party that, in recent years, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said has generated dozens of medical calls and citations, and overloaded emergency services.
This year, Santa Barbara’s Board of Supervisors passed a 72-hour noise ban over Deltopia weekend, effectively canceling the event. The exception to the rule is the Soltopia festival area.
Soltopia organizer Myah Mashhadialireza said some students had reservations about hosting an alternative event. “They didn’t want to support something the police are okay with,” she said. “If you look at the history of party culture in Isla Vista, it is a direct approach to resistance.”
Mashhadialireza noted that Deltopia was created in 2010 because the county had shut down Isla Vista beaches to end the massive beach party of Floatopia.
Mashhadialireza said she’s working to show that just because a festival is organized and features safety measures doesn’t mean it’s not a form of resistance against perceived overreach.
“It’s to change and control the narrative for yourself, rather than have external news sources and places around the nation telling you that you’re a crazy party community,” she said.
Chillavista section organizer Hoffman said he is excited to platform local bans in a way that’s more accessible to the public.
“What I experienced last year at Deltopia was a lack of accessibility for a lot of people, because parties would often be closed off,” he said. “Now we’re bringing in very large local bands like Birchwood, who a lot of people in our community like listening to.”
Logistics
Soltopia will run from noon. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. The festival is open to everyone, but I.V. residents and UCSB students who live on-campus can register for a wristband that grants them free food throughout the day. Four medical stations, four safety tents, and several drinking water stations will be placed throughout the grounds. Two Santa Barbara County Sheriff tables with deputies will be stationed on Pardall and Seville. The Isla Vista Community Services District has employed private security officers as well. n
A map of the Soltopia festival scheduled for April 4, from 12 - 6 p.m.
My Life In Support of a Larger Idea
I’ve been on a quest lately to talk to people who are actively and constructively contributing to community. I want to honor the folks who are diving in head-first, saying yes, staying engaged and doing their best, trying to make a difference. It’s the antidote to the despair that lurks. Recently, a friend who understood my mission led me to actor and educator Jeff McKinnon, and I’m still feeling fortified by the free-wheeling conversation we had.
A Conversation with Jeff McKinnon
by Cynthia Carbone Ward
Jeff became a teacher at Santa Ynez Valley High after 15 years as a professional actor in regional theater. He taught high school theater and English for 25 years and directed more than 75 theater productions, tours, and workshops, mostly at Santa Ynez High School. His advanced theater classes participated in performance and workshop programs at more than 30 Santa Barbara County schools, and he twice took his high school theater group to perform at the International Fringe Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Shortly after his retirement two years ago, the local nonprofit Artist Advocacy Foundation created the McKinnon Theatre Group Scholarship to celebrate and support students who intend to pursue higher-level theater training and have demonstrated a commitment to social justice. Now, he is co-producing a scholarship fundraising benefit that will feature alumni who have gone on to become professional musicians, actors, dancers, and visual artists. Stay tuned.
But Jeff admits to feeling a little lost since retiring. “There’s a lot of reflection going on in my life right now,” he muses, “and I can see how easily I could become isolated, but this is not a good time to be introverted. For me, community is a place where I can contribute, and it’s about supporting a larger idea that is beneficial to all.”
The purpose, however, is more than just entertainment, at least in Jeff’s view. “Yes, it should entertain,” he explains, “but it should primarily make people think and act. The power of performance is impossible to imagine to its full extent. Not just how it can raise hope, but how it can inspire, and prompt action.”
in Edinburgh, Scotland, at the International Fringe Theatre Festival. “The point is, for a short time, we created a community on campus that was a shelter for white and Latino kids to find common ground in a common project, and it happened under the roof of the high school’s Little Theatre. For two years, we had a tribe, a little family. As it turns out, many of those students went on to become teachers and artists. That’s what theater can do.”
And that’s what Jeff is still doing. He (and his equally impressive wife, Carey, unfailingly apply their knowledge and skills to events and programs that benefit the community. “Service is my religion; the theater is my church,” Jeff says, and retirement has not changed that.
Perhaps his credo reflects the progressive mission of the Catholicism of his childhood. Feed the poor, look after those less fortunate. “That was the Jesus that I grew up with,” he says. “Many of us from my generation left the church as practitioners. I never liked being told what to do, or how to believe. But I understood the task let’s try to take care of each other.”
Theater has proven to be a substantial path to achieving this. “I have my parents to thank for never preventing me from doing a school play,” he reflects. “Hats off to my dad for letting me abandon sports and pursue high school theater, because it sent me off in a direction that has put me here today. I’ve seen that this is a mission that keeps following me around. I can’t think of a better way to have lived.”
Jeff has turned his theater expertise into a considerable force for good. He changed lives throughout his career, helping students to discover their strengths and their voices, providing opportunities to become confident collaborators in shared purpose. He is particularly proud of a two-year production project called The Circuit based on a novella by Francisco Jiménez, that mixed Latino and white kids, involved more than 60 students, toured by bus for more than 70 performances in Santa Barbara County schools, and culminated in a performance
The scholarship fundraiser is coming up in April, but new ideas are brewing, and who knows what hearts will be touched and minds stimulated? In these difficult and alienating times, it has become clear to me that local action is what will save us, rippling outward in a thousand ways, and community is the key, and each of us must figure out how we can contribute.
“We need to not simply overcome our differences, but accept our differences,” Jeff says, “understanding that we live for one another, because if we live only for ourselves, we become removed from the common good, and that should be everyone’s priority.”
Why not gather in the circle outside the realm of “fear-thinking” and make hope happen? Why not live for one another? This is why people like Jeff McKinnon inspire me. n
Jeff McKinnon
Six Stellar Spellers
On March 24, six students spelled their way to the podium at the Santa Barbara County Spelling Bee. The winners were among a total of 69 students participating in the annual competition, which invites the top spellers from local elementary and junior high schools to put their language skills to the test.
Kellogg Elementary School 6th-grader Reiko Cabrera took first place in the elementary division by correctly spelling “etiquette.”
“When I won first place, I was actually really surprised and it felt like a dream,” said Cabrera. “I was just really excited and happy.”
by Emily Vesper
In the junior high division, La Colina Junior High School 8thgrader Dino Vicente claimed first place with “subtrahend.” “This was my first county spelling bee, and I felt very excited when I realized I was in first place. I will definitely be back next year,” said Vicente.
Second place in the elementary division went to Montecito Union School 6th-grader Oliver Conway, on the word “fricassee”; third went to Providence School 6th-grader Eniana Ymeri, with “cellophane.”
Among the junior high schoolers, Carpinteria Middle School 7thgrader Isaac Cumes placed second with “cataclysm,” and Our Lady of Mount Carmel 8th-grader Sonora Landa placed third with “antithesis.”
The first- and second-place winners from each division will progress to the California State Spelling Bee, to be held in Manteca on April 25.
“Competing in a countywide Spelling Bee takes courage, and highlights the students’ preparation and commitment to learning and growing,” said County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido.
“We are proud of each and every student speller, and thank the many educators, families, and volunteers for contributing to this event.”
Junior High Division Winners (from left): Sonora Landa (third), Dino Vicente (first), and Isaac Cumes (second)
For being so old, the Dutch Garden is often the newest thing that a curious diner or drinker can find in Santa Barbara.
That happened to me, twice actually: first, when I visited around the time of my UCSB graduation in the late 1990s, quite surprised to find something like the beer gardens I’d visited while backpacking through Europe; and then again, around a decade later, when a friend introduced me to Klokke Roeland, the sneaky strong Belgian ale that flows exclusively at the Dutch.
I’ve since returned the favor to numerous residents and visitors, and they’re unanimous in their excitement that such a storied place exists, serving classic German plates such as schnitzel and sausage alongside house favorites such as pastrami with grilled onions and the Strammer Max, a grilled ham and Swiss served open-face with two eggs. The beer list of real European beers also never fails to enthuse.
Since opening in 1945 “Dutch” being more acceptable than “German” at the end of World War II the Garden has only seen a handful of ownership changes. But there have been three in just the past six years. The first was the end of tenure for longtime proprietor Ken Luetjen, who took over in 1985 and ran it until 2020. (We gave him a Foodie Award back in 2017.)
The second was when Matt English and Charlie Fredericks vowed to keep the Dutch alive upon Luetjen’s 2020 retirement. Their relaunch took two years, but when it finally reopened in November 2022, the consensus was congratulatory. The patio was expanded, the facilities were spruced up, but the staff and menu even the menus themselves stayed proudly consistent, albeit with some attention to fresher, locally sourced ingredients.
When the English–Fredericks arrangement soured more than a year ago, the third and current formula emerged. Through a friend of a friend, English enlisted the partnership and guidance of restaurant guru Kelly Brown, founder of The Natural Café.
I was reminded of that on a recent evening while dining on the patio with Brown and our wives, as English popped in and out of the kitchen. I went for the Klokke as the big, crunchy yet soft pretzel emerged, as did crudites with whipped farmer’s cheese. My wife gave the French rosé a try, reminding me that their wine list is another hidden gem, specifically for Austro-German bottles as well as the Santa Barbara interpretations of riesling, and grüner veltliner crafted by Graham Tatomer.
For our mains, Kelly opted for a big, house-made bratwurst, served with charred cream cabbage. His wife went for the pastrami sandwich, the lunchtime hit that her husband pushed to have available at dinner. “Sometimes people want a Reuben at dinner,” he told me of his moves to democratize the dinner menu. “It’s not about us. It’s about the guest.”
I went for the traditional jägerschnitzel a dish I first tried there, probably 15 years ago its crunchy veal core slaked in a rich, mushroomy “hunter” sauce that went equally well with the potato dumplings. My wife, who doesn’t eat meat, still got her schnitzel fix, courtesy of celery root, then heaped on the specially sourced sauerkraut. We also shared samples of the red cabbage with lingonberry, but were too full to try the gurkensalat (celery and fennel in cracked seed vinaigrette and Icelandic yogurt) and käsepätzle, a German-style mac ’n’ cheese.
BY MATT KETTMANN
“He is an absolute animal in food service,” said English. “Few have achieved what he has. I have the vision and vibes. Kelly is dollars and cents. He keeps the ship sailing straight.”
With his kids slowly taking the Natural Café reins, Brown was nearing retirement when this opportunity arose. “I’ve never bought an operating restaurant before,” he said. “Every restaurant I ever opened was my concept, my menu, my buildout, my idea. This was challenging for me. But I don’t want to change anything except the systems.”
And one of the top things they want you to know is that the Dutch Garden long considered more of a sunny-day lunch experience serves a mighty fine dinner.
“I’m leaning in,” said Brown of maintaining all of these authentic dishes while tightening the margins. “I know what the strength of the business is.”
Beyond the food, the Dutch Garden’s staff is a comforting presence. “We’ve got a very dedicated team. There are four hardcore servers who have been there a long time,” said Brown, as familiar faces served our table. “At the end of the day, they’re the point of contact. So much of the experience is that person in front of you doing the work. It’s called the service industry for a reason.”
Despite being the de facto face of the modern Dutch Garden, English bristles at such attention. “It’s about the Dutch Garden,” he said. “I’m just a steward of it.”
English worked in kitchens long ago before exploring the legalized cannabis business for more than a decade. But he never stopped coming to the restaurant, where he’s
been dining since childhood, and he became quite close to Luetjen.
“I showed up one day to give Ken support and buy a growler, and he told me he was closing,” said English, who put the wheels in motion, enlisting his former chefmentor Charlie Fredericks, who’s taught culinary at SBCC for years. “Ken shook my hand and blessed me with this place, right at the beginning of COVID,” said English.
He felt a duty to ensure the Dutch Garden continued, even though it took two years of permitting and renovations to open. “It’s the oldest continually operating restaurant in Santa Barbara,” claimed English. “It’s just layered and layered over time, multiple generations of owners building upon something and carrying it forward. You can’t just throw out something that has that much character.”
For the most part, Fredericks didn’t mess with the menu, merely improving sourcing and adding specials and seasonal changes, such as chanterelles in the cold months and tomato dishes when it’s warm. Though Fredericks left the restaurant around the time that Brown invested that deal closed, to Brown’s amusement, on April 1, 2025 English and his team are maintaining a similar culinary strategy, with some streamlining by Brown.
They’re also adding more events to utilize the patio, both open-to-the-public affairs such as Oktoberfest, January’s movie-night collab with Revolver Pizza, and a Sunday whole-pig roast in March (with music by Velvet Binx) as well as hosting private events for others. They’re giving happy hour more attention too.
“We’re here for everybody,” said English. “Whether you have a refined palate and want some adventurous food, or you want a kids’ grilled cheese and are looking for a simple, humble, enjoyable place to be. We try to create an environment where people want to stay and hang out.”
That’s what continues to make the Dutch Garden one of Santa Barbara’s oldest secrets, hiding in plain sight. “It’s cool to be part of something that’s bigger than you,” said English. “It was here before us and it will be here after us if we do our job right.”
The Dutch Garden, 4203 State St.; (805) 453-4556; dutchgardenrestaurant.com
Santa BarBara’S Beloved German reStaurant
Some of the classic menu items from The Dutch Garden
There’s long been a reliable corner store culture in Santa Barbara, where small markets like Presidio, La Bamba, Guadalajara, Riviera, and many others sell booze, snacks, household goods, and even, in some cases, prepared foods. But a new wave of contemporary mini-marts started to rise with the opening of The Eddy in the Presidio neighborhood three years ago, and now one
Emma West Roldan Now Selling Prepared Foods, Picnic Supplies, Paper Towels, & Much More
BY MATT KETTMANN
of the city’s restaurant veterans is putting her own stamp on the scene.
This past December, Emma West Roldan former cofounder of the lauded Julienne Restaurant, which closed in 2016, and founding partner/chef of Satellite S.B., which serves vegetarian cuisine and natural wines took the next step on her culinary journey by opening Bodega Flower Girl near the corner of State and West Gutierrez streets. The name comes from her original idea of becoming a florist before she decided to do something more.
“I love flowers and I do sell them,” she said. “But I think my comfort zone is food.”
The coolers at Bodega Flower Girl are full of her mostly vegetarian and vegan creations, which she makes daily in the adjacent kitchen she shares with Chocolate Maya. On a recent afternoon, there was roasted cauliflower with herby aioli; “green” beans (gigante beans doused in pesto-like sauce), the Fruit, Nuts, &
Seeds sandwich (her take on the PB&J); the BCR (brown rice, black beans, cheddar cheese burrito); and the Bodega Salad and Bodega Box (each full of all sorts of farmers market produce).
For smaller bites, there were olives, pickles, and celery root soup, and for dessert, a slice of yuzu orange cake or a four-pack of cookie dough. Take it to go, or sit at one of the half-dozen seats inside and watch the passersby.
“I’m trying not to compete with other things going on,” said West Roldan, which is one reason why she didn’t want to open a proper restaurant. “You can throw a quarter and hit a restaurant here. But where can you do grab and go? You can get a meal here in under five minutes. A lot of people are stoked on that.”
That’s just a fraction of her bodega, which was inspired both by Japanese markets “they’re corner stores are next level,” she said and the boliches of Chile, where her parents live half of the year. (Her mom is Chilean and went to UCSB.) “They kinda have everything,” she said of those South American bodegas.
“Everything” at Flower Girl includes produce and pantry items, cookbooks and vegetable seeds, craft candy and incense packs, paper towels and handknit napkins, Hot Wheels and cat clocks. “We have fancy rice and regular rice, fancy pasta and regular pasta,” she said. “The thought is to be a grocery store for the neighborhood.”
West Roldan is quickly growing her wine rack too, with plans to host tastings in the small space at some point. She’s started to host events and is now selling her own merch. But it’s not a T-shirt, hat, or tote bag they’re Bodega Flower Girl socks.
And that may be the most exciting part of Bodega Flower Girl. It’s a complete project-inprocess, full of quirky surprises and devoid of some expected template to lead the way. The shelves will continue to fill with interesting packaged and prepared treats, the gatherings will grow organically, and this new Santa Barbara bodega culture will continue to blossom.
There’s pretty much only one guiding light. Said West Roldan, “The intention is to have things for my two favorite places in my house: the kitchen and the dining room.”
Bodega Flower Girl is throwing a grand opening party on April 18. The shop is located at 15 W. Gutierrez St. Call (805) 722-6555 or see bodegaflowergirl.com.
Chocolate Maya’s New Mama
In possibly the most fluid change of ownership for any Santa Barbara business in recent years, Chocolate Maya is now owned by Willow Sprout, who started working at the chocolatier and bonbon boutique more than 15 years ago.
“That’s why all the customers know me,” said Sprout last month, as she hustled in the kitchen to prepare for the Valentine’s Day rush. “Now I just have to do all the paperwork, too. It just added more to my job description.”
The Santa Barbara–born, East Coast–raised Sprout was back in town as a City College student when she was hired by Maya Schoop-Rutten, a restaurateur originally from Switzerland who opened the shop near the corner of State and Gutierrez in 2007. The most critical part of Sprout’s tenure happened about a decade ago, when Schoop-Rutten began teaching her how to make the nearly dozens of truffles that are Chocolate Maya’s primary product.
“Chocolate-making is one of those things that are really passed down in the old-school way of apprenticeship,” said Sprout. “She taught me everything she knows.”
After 15 Years on the Job, Willow Sprout Takes Over the Beloved Chocolatier
BY MATT KETTMANN
Schoop-Rutten mentioned that she was ready to retire a few years ago, and then was very ready this past year. Despite Sprout’s skillset, it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that she’d take over, and Schoop-Rutten entertained outside offers. But they all wanted the founder to stay on for a period of time, and she didn’t want that. So, Sprout, who is also pregnant with her first child, stepped up to the plate, taking over last September.
“Willow helped Chocolate Maya move forward in a very genuine way,” said Schoop-Rutten, who can only recall her calling in sick once. “I have been very lucky to have her on my side all these years. It made total sense to pass it around to her instead of some stranger.”
The shop also came with the lease on the entire unit, which includes the commercial kitchen originally built for a crêperie as well as the corner space,
which was the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery for 41 years. The gallery’s owner was also ready to retire, so Sprout reached out to her friend Emma West Roldan, who was looking to open her own place. That became Bodega Flower Girl, and Roldan shares the kitchen to make her store’s to-go salads, sandwiches, and spreads.
“People sometimes forget about this area,” said Sprout of their community of independently owned businesses such as S.B. Roasting Company, Yoga Soup, D’Angelo’s, and Backyard Bowls. “But the people who do come here come here frequently.”
Sprout’s only significant changes to Chocolate Maya were new coats of brighter paints and plans to increase the number of events she serves, especially during the slower summer months. There are plenty of ethically sourced chocolate bars for sale as well as sipping chocolate, but the customizable chocolate boxes which range from one piece ($5.50) to 35 ($138) remain the top sellers.
“That’s our bread and butter,” explained Sprout, who usually has about four dozen flavors to choose from, including quite a few vegan options that are just as amazing as the full dairy versions. “It is a fun experience, guiding people to build the perfect box.”
With a baby on the way, Sprout is ready to take on this next stage of her life and career, and is very happy to have taken over from her mentor, offering, “I think it’s kind of a lovely story.”
Chocolate Maya, 15 W. Gutierrez St.; (805) 9655956; chocolatemaya.com
Emma West Roldan, proprietor of Bodega Flower Girl
Willow Sprout shows off some of the beautiful treats at Chocolate Maya.
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Caffeinated
The Inaugural Coffee Culture Fest Is a Buzzy Success
The happy buzz of friends and neighbors greeting each other met the irresistible aroma of java at the inaugural Coffee Culture Fest held at the Marjorie Luke Theatre on March 28.
With an assortment of booths and bands and coffee and communityrelated activities to choose from, one of the highlights of the day was the Latte Art Throwdown. Baristas battled for bragging rights, as well as a $500 cash prize. Competition was fierce, and judges June Habib (Welcome Coffee Co.), Aide Flores (Dune Coffee Roasters), and Marianne Partridge (Santa Barbara Independent) were not easy critics.
& DRINK
FOOD
Robert Bertha now a sound engineer at LinkedIn, who worked for Dune Coffee for seven years was crowned the reigning king of latte art for his espresso creation, about which he joked, “It’s the best thing I’ve ever poured.”
The competition was done in a headto-head bracket-style fashion, sort of a mash-up of March Madness and Chopped. Robert ultimately beat out baristas Tegan (Welcome Coffee Co.), Sierra (Zaca Coffee), Luca (a roaster), Gunnar (a home barista who formerly worked at French Press), Emily (Goodland Waffles & Melts), Iais (Deltina Coffee Roasters in Oceano), Matthew (Goodland Waffles & Melts), and Camila (Dune Coffee).
Barista Bragging Rights Go to
Robert Bertha
BY LESLIE DINABERG
Robert emerged victorious in the end, in a very close head-to-head final duo with Camila. As a judge, Partridge said, “This is very tough competition. … So, there was a lot of consultation among ourselves. And I think in the end, they’re really both equal in many, many different ways. But in the end, based on the idea that this is this one is a complicated design with a very clear heart at the top.” Summing up the festival as a whole, which was quite busy despite taking place at the same time as the very well-attended No Kings march that day, organizer Elly Iverson said, “This is the start of something really beautiful here in Santa Barbara. The feedback from our inaugural event was overwhelmingly positive, and I am thrilled with the way our community showed up and supported each other the buzz was real! I’m looking forward to growing this into an annual event with all of our partners.”
Stay updated on future events by following @coffeeculturefest on Instagram and visiting coffeeculturefest.com.
The judging criteria included: symmetry and balance (Is the design centered and well-proportioned?); contrast and clarity (strong contrast between crema and milk with clear lines); definition and line quality (clean edges, no wobbles, no blurring); complexity and difficulty (more advanced patterns score higher when executed cleanly); milk texture and integration (proper microfoam with a glossy, bubble-free texture); and overall visual impact (the “wow” factor).
The Latte Throwdown champion Robert Bertha
COFFEE CULTURE FEST
Silvergreens Opening Downtown
It was first reported here in October 2025 that Silvergreens was planning a return to the South Coast with a new downtown State Street location. Reader Steve H. gave me an address: 1001 State Street, the current home of Amazon and the former home of Saks Fifth Avenue, JC Penney, Wells Fargo Bank, and Crocker Bank. In 2020, I reported that Everytable was going to take the spot, and the company did extensive modifications before pulling the plug and the venture.
“Silvergreens has partnered with Amazon to bring healthy and flavorful meals to their team as well as the whole community,” says owner Jay Ferro, who also runs the popular Kyle’s Kitchen restaurants. “We’ve reinvented Silvergreens for today’s consumer, using a hybrid grab-and-go plus dine-in model. Silvergreens Café will also be partnering with Renaud’s for their exceptional pastries, and Handlebar Coffee, a beloved local coffee roaster.”
Silvergreens will offer a variety of menu items, including the Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich, El Capitan salad, sesame ginger noodle salad, and Thai peanut chicken wrap. In addition to a selection of salads, sandwiches, and wraps, Silvergreens will offer breakfast sandwiches, soups, protein boxes, and more. All the food is made fresh daily and pre-packaged. Silvergreens plans to open by the end of April. Visit silvergreens.com
BRASS BIRD COFFEE & KITCHEN OPENS UPTOWN: Reader Roy let me know that Brass Bird Coffee at 4835 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria has opened a second location named Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen at 3102 State Street, the former long-time home of Yanni’s Greek Deli. Construction began on the property two years ago in April 2024 and the original plan was to name the business Teddy’s on State. I spoke with management and was told that the food
menu is very similar to that in Carpinteria with a few new items added, and that the same coffee roaster is used. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Hours are 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and in the future they plan to stay open later. Call (805) 576-8424 or visit brassbird coffee.com.
CHAD’S CAFÉ UPDATE: This just in from Chad’s Café at 216 West Cabrillo Boulevard: “Hi John, you may have heard in the news that the Sambo’s/ Chad’s property is for sale. I wanted you to know that I do have an extra 22 years on the lease. Even though the property is for sale, I will keep running the business for the foreseeable future, or at least for 22 years. —Chad Stevens.”
GET IN LINE: Kin Bakeshop opened at 199 South Turnpike Road, Suite 103, in May 2023. To say that it is popular is an understatement. Nearly three years later, there is still a line out the door. I am in the area nearly every Saturday or Sunday, and there is always a crowd early morning to afternoon, nonstop. “Will & Tommy started Kin Bakeshop in response to the pandemic with the goal of bringing our community together through donuts,” says their website (kinbake .com). “All our donuts are made with care and from scratch, and made to be enjoyed in the presence of kin. Our humble po-pup has transitioned into a storefront, all thanks to your support! We appreciate your patience as we figure things out!”
RUMOR MILL: A rumor has landed on my desk that Arch Rock Fish restaurant might be making a comeback, though not necessarily on Anacapa Street, where it opened in 2010, was acquired in 2014, and then closed in 2015. As always, this rumor might be completely false or a brilliant forecast of future events. Your call.
FOOD
&
DRINK
JOHN DICKSON
GREEN SCENE: Freshly built interior at Silvergreens’ new downtown State Street location, designed around a hybrid grab-and-go and dine-in model ahead of its planned April opening.
ICE OUT OF SB PROTECT
ARIES
(Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Now is an excellent time to decide your favorite color is amaranth (a vivid red-violet), or sinopia (earthy red-orange), or viridian (cool bluegreen, darker than jade). You might also conclude that your favorite aroma is agarwood (deep, smoky, resinsoaked wood), or heliotrope (cherry-almond vanilla), or petrichor (wet soil after a rain). I’m trying to tell you, Aries, that you’re primed to deeply enhance your detailed delight in smells, colors, tastes, feelings, physical sensations, types of wind, tones of voice, qualities of light and everything else. Indulge in sensory and sensual pleasures!
TAURUS
(Apr. 20-May 20): My Taurus friend Elena keeps a “gratitude garden” in her backyard. When she feels grateful for a specific joy in her life, she writes it on biodegradable paper and buries it among her flowers, herbs, and vegetables. “I feed the earth with appreciation,” she says. “Returning the gift.” She feels this practice ensures that her garden and her life flourish. Her devoted attention to recognizing blessings attracts even more blessings. Her cultivated appreciation for beauty and abundance leads her to discover more beauty and abundance. Elena’s approach is pure Taurean genius. I invite you to create your own rituals for expressing your thankful love. Not just paying dutiful homage in your thoughts, but giving your appreciation weight, texture, and presence in the actual world.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20): Many of us periodically slip into the daydream that everything would finally feel right if only our lives were somehow different. If we’re single, maybe we imagine we ought to be partnered; if we’re partnered, we wish our beloved would change, or we secretly wonder about someone else entirely. That’s the snag. The blessing is this: In the days ahead, you’re likely to discover a surprising ease with your life exactly as it is, and feel a genuine, grounded peace. Congratulations in advance!
CANCER
(June 21-July 22): A cautious voice in your head murmurs: “Proceed carefully. Don’t be overly impressed with your own beauty. Stick with dependable methods. Live up to expectations and avoid explorations into the unknown.” Your bold genius interrupts: “Tell that fussy, boring voice to shut up. The truth is that you have earned the right to be an inquisitive wanderer, an ingenious lover, a fanciful storyteller, and a laughing experimenter.”
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22): In medieval European gardens, there was a tradition of creating “pleasure labyrinths.” They were walking meditations that spiraled inward to a center, then back out again. There were no decisions and no wrong turns, just the relaxing, meditative journey itself. I think you need and deserve a metaphorical pleasure labyrinth right now, Leo. You’ve been treating every choice as a high-stakes dilemma and every path as potentially problematic. But what if the current phase isn’t about making the perfect decision? Maybe it’s about trusting that the path you’re on will take you where you need to go, even if it meanders. By cosmic decree, you are excused from second-guessing every turn.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your eye for imperfection is a gift until it becomes the lens through which you see everything. The critical faculty that drives you to refine and enhance may also shunt you into a dead end of never being good enough, where impossible standards immobilize you. In the coming weeks, dear Virgo, I beg you to use your vaunted discernment primarily in the service of growth and pleasure rather than constraint. Be excited by buoyant analysis that empowers constructive change. Homework: For every flaw you identify, identify two things that are working well. You won’t ignore what needs attention, but instead will compensate for the excessive criticism that sometimes grips your inner critic.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You Libras shouldn’t expend excessive effort trying to force the external world to be more tranquil. That’s a mostly futile task that distracts from your more essential work. The secret to your happiness is to cultivate serenity within. How do you do that? One reliable way to shed tension is to continually place yourself in the presence of beauty. Nothing makes you relax better than being surrounded by elegance, grace, and loveliness. Now is a good time to recommit yourself to this key practice.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In computer science, there’s a concept called “graceful degradation.” When a system encounters an error, it doesn’t crash completely. It loses some functionality but keeps running with what remains. According to my reading of the astrological omens, Scorpio, you’d be wise to acknowledge a graceful degradation like that. Something isn’t working as you had hoped and planned. A relationship? Project? Adventure? In classic Scorpio fashion, you’re tempted to burn it all down. But I encourage you to practice graceful degradation instead. Keep what still works and release only what’s actually broken. Not everything has to be all-or-nothing. You can lose some functionality and still run. You can be partially out of whack and still be valuable. PS: The awkwardness is temporary.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): At your best and brightest, you are a hunter though not the kind who stalks prey with weapons and trophies in mind. Your hunt is noble: the fervent pursuit of adventures that nourish your curiosity and the brave forays you make into unfamiliar territories where intriguing new truths shimmer. And now, as the world drifts deeper into chaos, you are called to respond with even more exploratory audacity. I invite you to further refine your hunter’s craft. Lift it up to an even higher, more luminous form of seeking.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn meditation teacher Wes Nisker guided his students to relax the relentless mental static that muddled their awareness. But he also understood that excessive striving can sabotage the peace we’re seeking. I invoke his influence now to help you release some of the jittery goal-obsession you’ve been gripped by. Nisker and I offer you permission to temporarily suspend the potentially exhausting drive to constantly be better and more accomplished. Instead, just for now, simply be your authentic self. Loosen your high-strung grip on selfimprovement and allow yourself the radical luxury of purposelessness.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Here’s a danger you Aquarians are sometimes prey to: spending so much energy fixing the big picture that you neglect what’s up close and personal. You may get so involved in rearranging systems that immediate concerns get less than your best attention. I hope you won’t do that in the coming weeks. Your aptitude for overarching objectivity is a gift because it enables you to recognize patterns others can’t detect. But it may also divert you from the messy, intricate intimacy that gritty transformation requires. Your assignment: Eagerly attend to the details, which I bet will be more interesting than you imagine.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-Mar. 20): In horticulture, “hardening off” is the process of gradually exposing seedlings started indoors to outdoor conditions before transplanting them. Too much exposure too fast will shock them; no exposure at all will leave them unprepared. Let’s invoke this as a useful metaphor for you. I believe you are being hardened off, Pisces. Life is making small, increasing demands on your tender self. Though this may sometimes feel uncomfortable, I assure you that it’s preparation, not cruelty. You’re being readied for a shift from protected space to open ground. My advice is twofold: (1) Don’t retreat back into the ultrasafe greenhouse. (2) Don’t let yourself be thrown into full exposure all at once.
SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT
CLASSIFIEDS
EMPLOYMENT
ADMIN/CLERICAL
PART‑TIME. Female seeking woman assistant for my home office. One morning per week to start. Judy@ judithcarr.us
PROFESSIONAL
DIRECTOR OF HRIS AND UCPATH ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGER
HUMAN RESOURCES
Provides strategic HR technology leadership and operational oversight for the campus’s HCM software. The Director leads the HRIS team, prioritizing both the functional and technical solutions that support continuous improvements for several platforms, including UC Path and ServiceNow. In this capacity, the position applies advanced organizational development concepts to identify and resolve complex issues that are diverse in scope while leading workforce administration, data analytics, and strategic initiatives for campus staff. This includes leading the assessment of UC Path‑related organizational challenges and developing solutions that enhance performance across central offices, including Academic Personnel, Budget, Business & Financial Services (BFS), and HR. The Director represents the campus in a number of system‑wide efforts, while coordinating escalated case management and operational alignment with the UCPath Center. Furthermore, the role manages the integrity of staff appointment data and Position Management within UC Path, overseeing many aspects of the lifecycle of staff employees. The position directs data analytics and reporting by leading the development of high‑level dashboards to provide actionable insights while ensuring strict adherence to data privacy regulations and internal controls. As a supervisor of a team of analysts, the Director oversees cross‑functional training programs and communication and formulates strategies with a high degree of autonomy. The work requires frequent problem‑solving and the evaluation of variable factors to manage projects of campus‑wide scope with significant organizational impact. Reqs: A bachelor’s degree in HR, Information Systems, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required, along with 7 to 9 years of HRIS experience in a large‑scale, multi‑entity environment and 4 to 6 years of leadership experience. The successful candidate will have expert knowledge of PeopleSoft; proficiency in data querying and visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI; and strong knowledge of HR processes, payroll, HRIS, data governance, compliance requirements, and applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The role also requires advanced knowledge of organizational development, effectiveness, and project management principles, including experience leading large‑scale initiatives. The candidate must be able to assess campus and business needs related to process improvement, organizational structure, and organizational effectiveness, particularly in the UCPath environment, and translate senior leadership vision
into actionable work plans aligned with operational priorities and culture change. Strong communication, collaboration, stakeholder management, facilitation, coaching, consulting, and relationship‑building skills are essential, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical audiences and build trust and credibility across all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate strong analytical, problem‑ solving, critical thinking, and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare project documentation, policies, procedures, presentations, and status reports, as well as a commitment to fairness, respect, inclusiveness, empathy, integrity, ethical conduct, and diversity and inclusion. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $119,400 to $155,796/yr. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $119,400 to $230,800/ year. Notes: Work schedule may require occasional evening and weekend work. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship currently or in the future. Satisfactory criminal history background check. 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 #85157
EMF TEAM SUPERVISOR
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
This position serves as an EMF Service Team Lead responsible for directly managing an EMF Service Team of professionals that oversees a balanced award portfolio. The EMF Service Team Lead is responsible for ensuring the team as well as their individual position provides customer‑oriented, value‑added post‑award management services to UCSB Principal Investigators (PIs), Research Finance Analysts (RFAs), and university partners through: set‑up, invoicing, and fiscal management of individual grants and contracts awarded by Federal, State, other government, and private sponsors for the support of the UC Santa Barbara campus research enterprise. The Service Team Lead is responsible for analyzing and resolving problems, interpreting policies (e.g., fiscal management, HR, post award management) and demonstrates expert post award management knowledge. The Service Team Lead is responsible for managing professional relationships with customers, partners and sponsors, and personal and team workload to ensure the office service levels are achieved. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree in related area and /or equivalent combination of education and work experience; 7‑9 yrs. Professional experience in accounting, auditing, or other related field. Hiring/Budgeted Salary or Hourly Range: $88,000 to $110,000/yr. Full Salary Range: $88,000 to $161,600/yr. The
of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Open Until Filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 84802.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANT DEAN STUDENTS RESIDENTS
Primary staff member supporting HDAE affiliated student council finances and payroll. Manages accounting for student council groups (SACC, GSAC, Tenants Union) using QuickBooks accounting software. Enters disbursements, produces budget/ expense reports and maintains charts of accounts. Manages check writing and disbursement activities with account Trustees. Prepares disbursement for authorized signature and remits payment to vendors. Conducts training workshops for residents on SACC, GSAC and Tenants Union financial policies and procedures. Hires and processes stipend payments for student government positions utilizing UCPath while adhering to rates and guidelines established in each group’s bylaws. Assists council members with purchasing needs while adhering to University purchasing guidelines. Supports department by serving as a back up to the HR and Financial Analysts, as well as Administrative Services Coordinators. Reqs: High School Diploma or equivalent experience; 1‑3 yrs. General Office Administration; Financial analysis skills; Good Verbal and written communication skills and ability to multi‑task; Bachelor’s Degree; 1‑3 yrs. Experience working in college/university housing; 1‑3 yrs. Experience with managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Notes: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship; UCSB Campus Security Authority under Clery Act; Direct access to, or responsibility for, cash and cash equivalents or University property disbursements or receipts; Direct access to, and/or responsibility for, protected, personal, or other sensitive data; Satisfactory criminal history background check; UCSB is a Tobacco‑Free environment. Hiring/ Budgeted Hourly Range: $29.35 to $36.02/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Open Until Filled. Apply online at https://jobs. ucsb.edu, Job # 85224.
GENERAL ACCOUNTING MANAGER
BUSINESS & FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Manager of General Accounting is responsible for the management of the accounting procedures, systems, and human resources required for the production of accurate, and comprehensive statements of operations and net position of the University of California at Santa Barbara. The University of California, Santa Barbara is an enterprise with expenditures in excess of $1 Billion annually and assets totaling $2 Billion. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree in related area and or equivalent experience/training; 7‑9 yrs. progressively responsible professional accounting experience supporting complex, large‑scale organizations with significant assets and annual expenditures; 7‑9 yrs. demonstrated expertise managing general accounting operations, including production of accurate and comprehensive statements of operations and net position in accordance with GAAP; 7‑9 yrs. proven experience leading and developing professional accounting staff, including responsibility for accounting procedures, systems, internal controls, and workflow management; 7‑9 yrs. Experience ensuring the integrity, reliability, and audit readiness of financial data used by senior leadership, governing bodies, and external stakeholders; 7‑9 yrs. Demonstrated experience leading fiscal and monthly close processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant financial results; 4‑6 yrs. Experience coordinating plant accounting activities with facilities, capital programs, and project management stakeholders; 4‑6 yrs. Experience working with enterprise financial systems and leading process improvements in large and complex organizations Notes: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employee sponsorship; Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted
Salary Range: $119,400 to $175,100/yr. Full Salary Range: $119,400 to $230,800/ yr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Open until filled. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 85034.
MANAGER, EXTRAMURAL FUNDS
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the campus extramural funds financial management program within Business & Financial Services (BFS). The position is responsible for managing the central accounting and post‑award financial administration functions related to contracts and grants funded by federal agencies, state and local governments, private sponsors, foundations, and other external funding sources, as well as donor gifts. The Extramural Funds Accounting unit (EMF) supports more than 1,600 active funds representing approximately one‑quarter
of the University’s operating funds and serves as the campus authority for financial administration of sponsored research awards. The Manager leads a team responsible for award setup, sponsor billing and collections, financial compliance monitoring, financial reporting, and financial closeout activities while ensuring compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policy. This position also plays a key leadership role in enterprise financial initiatives, including the implementation and ongoing optimization of Oracle Financials Cloud, serving as a functional leader and subject matter expert for campus financial systems and sponsored project accounting processes.
The Manager collaborates extensively with campus leadership, principal investigators, research administrators, the Office of Research, and other campus partners to ensure effective stewardship of extramural funds and the delivery
of high‑quality financial services to the campus research enterprise. The Manager of Extramural Funds Accounting oversees a critical financial function that supports the University’s research mission and ensures the integrity of extramural fund financial administration.
The position exercises significant responsibility for establishing operational strategies, managing financial and human resources, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing financial systems and process improvements that impact campus‑wide financial operations. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. 7‑9 yrs. Progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience. 7‑9 yrs. Demonstrated experience managing financial operations in complex organizations. Notes: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in
Continued on p. 52
NOW HIRING
DELIVERY DRIVER
The Santa Barbara Independent is is looking for a temporary, part-time driver to deliver Thursday mornings as needed. This is a flexible position that may lead to a permanent position. Must have a truck or van, valid license, proof of insurance, able to lift 30+ lbs repeatedly, have clean driving record and be self motivated. Starting hourly rate $25.
Please no phone calls. Email reason for interest and resume to hr@independent.com. EOE F/M/D/V.
EMPLOYMENT (CONT.)
LEGALS
SR. BAKER
CAMPUS DINING
Responsible for the daily Production of all bakery items that are delivered to various Retail units for customer sale. Trains and supervises all bakery staff and must be knowledgeable in all areas of bakery production. Ensures that high standards of food quality, service, sanitation and safety are met according to Dining Services. Reqs: High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of progressively more responsible baking experience in a high‑volume cooking environment. Knowledge and experience with basic and advanced cooking/baking techniques. Supervisory skills and leadership to coordinate, train, oversee and review the work of others in English. Ability to read and write English for the purpose of preparing food from recipe guidelines and producing reports. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations to ensure proper food handling. Or Equivalent combination of education and experience. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand for up to 8 hours per day. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $25/hr ‑$26.27/hr. Posting Hourly Range: $25/hr. ‑ $27.31/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 # 84753
SUPERINTENDENT OF HVAC SERVICES
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Under the general direction of the Associate Director of Building Maintenance, the Superintendent of the HVAC Services for UCSB is responsible for management of HVAC work in 168 buildings (4.1 million square footage). Provides a broad range of technical expertise with supervision of HVAC mechanics. Duties include, but are not limited to, HVAC estimating, small project management, establishing work priorities, adjusting work procedures and schedules daily, inspections, site inventory management, monitoring staff workloads and work tickets, purchasing supplies, and communications with partners/ clients. Reqs: HS Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree in relevant area or equivalent combination of training and experience; 5‑7 yrs. HVAC Experience; Certification in a specialty skilled trade; Performs other duties as assigned; Complies with all policies and standards; Complies with all principles of community at the University of California, Santa Barbara. UCSB is a diverse community of individuals having many perspectives and identities. We come from a multitude of backgrounds and experiences, with distinct needs and goals. We recognize that to create an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community, we must understand and value both our individual differences and our common ground. The UCSB Principles of Community embodies this commitment, and reflects the ideals we seek to uphold; 3‑6 yrs. Supervisory experience in skilled trades. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check; 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. Hiring/ Budgeted Salary Range: $120,000 to $137,000/yr. Full Salary Range: $88,000 to $161,600/yr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 84995.
SUPERINTENDENT OF PLUMBING SERVICES
DESIGN FACILITIES & SAFETY SERVICES
Under the general direction of the Associate Director of Building Maintenance, the Superintendent of the Plumbing Services for UCSB is responsible for management of plumbing work in 168 buildings (4.1 million square footage). Provides a broad range of technical expertise with supervision of Plumbers. Duties include, but are not limited to, plumbing estimating, small project management, establishing work priorities, adjusting work procedures and schedules daily, inspections, site inventory management, monitoring staff workloads and work tickets, purchasing supplies, and communications with partners/ clients. Reqs: High School Diploma; Bachelor’s Degree In relevant area or equivalent combination of training and experience; Solid knowledge and skills in the skilled trade supervised; Solid supervisory skills to include organization, scheduling, assigning work, and ensuring quality standards are met; Solid financial skills to accurately project costs of potential jobs and to consistently complete work within established budgetary and time constraints; Skills to actively promote and maintain safety standards; Solid skills to effectively select and evaluate staff, and to appropriately handle disciplinary issues; Certification in a specialty skilled trade required; Preferred 4‑6 yrs. Supervisory experience in skilled trades. Notes: 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; Master key access to University‑owned residence and/or other facilities; Direct responsibility for the care, safety and security of humans or animals; or the safety and security of personal or University property; Responsibility for operating commercial vehicles, machinery or toxic systems that could cause accidental death, injury or health problems; UCSB is a Tobacco‑Free environment. Hiring/Budgeted Salary Range: $120,000 to $137,000/yr. Full Salary Range: $88,000 to 161,600/yr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Open Until Filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 85191.
LEGAL NOTICES
ADMINISTER OF ESTATE
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: WOLFGANG CURT
HALLAUER : 26 PR 00106
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: WOLFGANG CURT HALLAUER
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: KAI DE STRAKOSCH HALLAUER in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.
THE PETITION requests that (name): KAI DE STRAKOSCH HALLAUER 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: 04/30/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street PO Box 21107 Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ANACAPA DIVISION (South County)
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 3/03/2026 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Kai de Strakosch Hallauer, 609 Calle Rinconada, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑350‑4270 Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER
ESTATE OF: ROSEMARY BERTKA, Deceased : 26PR00091
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: ROSEMARY BERTKA, Deceased
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: JEFFREY P. REYNA in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.
THE PETITION requests that (name): JEFFREY P. REYNA 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: 04/23/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street PO Box 21107 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 3/09/2026 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Lori A. Lewis, Esq.; Mullen & Henzell, L.L.P.; 112 E. Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑966‑1501
Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER
ESTATE OF:
NADYA EMILIE PENOFF
CASE NO. 26PR00105
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of NADYA EMILIE PENOFF.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JEFF PEDERSON in the Superior Court of California, County of SANTA BARBARA.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JEFF PEDERSON 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: 04/30/26 at 9:00AM in Dept. SB5 located at 1100 ANACAPA ST., P.O. BOX 21107, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93121
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner
ANNA VALIENTE GOMEZ ‑ SBN 246661
OHANA LEGACIES, CORP. 2146 BONITA AVENUE LA VERNE CA 91750
Telephone (909) 593‑1388 BSC 228147 3/19, 3/26, 4/2/26 CNS‑4020050# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JEANNE ANN MCKAY No.: 26PR00089
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: JEANNE ANN MCKAY
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: ALAN DOUGLAS MCKAY in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.
THE PETITION requests that (name): ALAN DOUGLAS MCKAY 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: 4/23/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Anacapa Division.
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a 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 3/13/2026 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Howard M. Simon and Peggy Chen‑Rader; 25 East Anapamu Street, Second Floor Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑963‑9500
Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2 2026. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JOAN MARSHALL : 26PR00125
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: JOAN MARSHALL
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: MARIAN MARSHALL in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara (Anacapa Division)
THE PETITION requests that (name): MARIAN MARSHALL 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: 05/14/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street PO Box 21107 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 3/12/2026 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Jeffrey B. Soderborg, Esq., 317 E. Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑963‑8612 Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DARYL ARTHUR HENRY : 25PR00571
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: CAROLYN MCDONELL and MICHAEL GRACE in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): CAROLYN MCDONELL and MICHAEL GRACE 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: 05/07/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street PO Box 21107 Santa Barbara, CA 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 3/12/2026 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Erik D. Black, Esq; Black & Black, 1114 State St, Ste 272, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑957‑1922 Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2 2026. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: GERARDO MARTINEZ No.: 25PR00619
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: GERARDO MARTINEZ A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: JOSEFINA RODRIGUEZ MARTINEZ in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): JOSEFINA RODRIGUEZ 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
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: DARYL ARTHUR HENRY
LEGALS (CONT.)
in this court as follows: 5/07/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Anacapa 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 2/26/2026 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Josefina Rodriguez Martinez; 30 Plumas Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117; 805‑280‑93117
Published: Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER
ESTATE OF: KANDARP G. OZA No.: 26PR00136
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: KANDARP G. OZA
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: IVA K. OZA in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): IVA K. OZA 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: 5/21/2026 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. Probate
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 3/23/2026 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Iva K. Oza; 210 Crownhill Court, Ventura, CA 93003; 561‑504‑3709 Published: Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: ERIN FEINBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY, INC., COAST PHOTOGRAPHY: 1302 Chino Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Erin Feinblatt Photography, 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 Mar 2, 2010. Filed by: ERIN FEINBLATT/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 03, 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 E35. FBN Number: 2026‑0000544. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: KALYPSO: 2670
Montrose Pl Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Kelsey K Bushman (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 23, 2026. Filed by: KELSEY BUSHMAN/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 06, 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: 2026‑0000551. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ROSE ELECTRONICS OF SANTA BARBARA: 88 Willow Springs St, Unit 101 Goleta, CA 93117; Kevin A Rose (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 3, 2026. Filed by: KEVIN A ROSE/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 03, 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 E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000519. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SILK ROAD TRANSPORTATION, SILK ROAD TRANSPORTATION & WINE TOURS, SILK ROAD: 4604 Appaloosa Trail Orcutt, CA 93455; Silk Road Holdings, 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 Jan 01, 2025. Filed by: UMUT OZKAN/ PREIDENT/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 27, 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 E63. FBN Number: 2026‑0000388. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT
File No. FBN2026‑0000492
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:
LA AZTECA BAKERY ‑ SANTA MARIA, 722 EAST MAIN ST #111, SANTA MARIA, CA 93454 County of SANTA BARBARA
CULIACAN'S INC., 722 EAST MAIN ST #111, SANTA MARIA, CA 93454 State of Incorporation:
CA
This business is conducted by a Corporation
The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/12/2026.
S/ HECTOR ACOSTA, CEO
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 02/25/2026.
Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2/26
CNS‑4017755#
SANTA BARBARA
INDEPENDENT
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT
File No. FBN2026‑0000444
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:
NEW LIGHT VINTAGE, 614 W. ISLAY STREET. UNIT B, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 County of SANTA BARBARA
MAJIME PRODUCTIONS LLC, 614 W. ISLAY STREET. UNIT B, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101, CALIFORNIA
This business is conducted by a limited liability company
The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A.
/S/ AMY URATSU, MANAGING
MEMBER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 02/18/2026.
Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2/26
CNS‑4017709#
SANTA BARBARA
INDEPENDENT
crosswordpuzzle
ByMattJones
“The Other Way” makes more sense how you read it.
Across
1. First, second, or reverse
5. Castle barriers
10. Muesli bits
14. European capital city formerly known as Christiania
15. “Star Wars” android ___ Detoo
16. Burr/Hamilton showdown
17. Singer who complements the lead
19. Dame ___ Everage (Barry Humphries alter ego)
20. “The Road Not ___” (Robert Frost poem)
21. “Walk-___ welcome”
23. Charged particle
24. “Affirmative”
25. Pre-employment screening
30. ___ Taco (discontinued Good Humor-Breyers ice cream snack)
31. Blue Jays’ prov.
32. Apollo 13 gp.
35. ___ bait (Oxford’s Word of the Year 2025, referring to dubious online engagement tactics)
37. “Schitt’s Creek” star Catherine
40. Available again, like a hot item
43. All confused
44. Coffee-brewing choice
45. Wine bottle sediment
46. Chewed stimulant familiar to Scrabble players
47. Right now
49. 1980s movie starring Michael J. Fox
53. Fedora, e.g.
56. Ovine opinion
57. Snub-nosed dog
58. Mesoamerican
staple crop
60. Actress Miranda
62. “I Want It That Way” group
66. Santos of “Superstore”
67. British racetrack locale
68. Projection room spool
69. Buccaneer’s refrain
70. Absolut competitor, informally
71. “Free Willy” creature
Down
1. “I ___ run!”
2. Written test format
3. Comparable
4. Dramatic part
5. Hawaiian ___ salad (noodlebased side dish)
6. Gold, in Guatemala 7. 4-wheel drive transport 8. Debate subject
“Don’t share any information” contract, for short 33. Farm animal? 34. Pacific Northwest cryptozoology subject
Worshipper of Quetzalcoatl
Inventor Nikola
Prefix for nautical
Tic-tac-toe win
Bear, also in Guatemala
NBA center Manute who was 7’7”
“Didn’t need to hear that!”
LEGALS (CONT.)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT
The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SKUNK BEAR
LASERWORKS & SIGNS, SKUNK
BEAR TACTICAL: 900 McMurray Rd, Ste 2 Buellton, CA 93427; SKUNK BEAR ARMS LLC 5142 Hollister Ave #534 Santa Barbara, CA 93111
This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 30, 2020. Filed by: PASI PUENTES/ MANAGING DIRECTOR with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 03, 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: 2026‑0000517. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CALICLAY, CALICLAY BASALT SURFACES: 336 Sheffield Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93108; Novacourt Usa 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 Jan 01, 2016. Filed by: STEPHEN BRILLHART/MANAGING PARTNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 02, 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 E49. FBN Number: 2026‑0000515. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s)
is/are doing business as: PRECISION WELDING: 5790 Thornwood Drive, Suite B Goleta, CA 93117; Santa Barbara Structural Steel 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 Sep 19, 2025. Filed by: TAYLOR GILKESON/ PRESIDENT/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 12, 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 E66. FBN Number: 2026‑0000411. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE WILLOWS MHC, THE WILLOWS MHP, THE WILLOWS, THE WILLOWS MOBILE HOME PARK, THE WILLOWS MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY, THE WILLOWS MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY, HOMETOWN THE WILLOWS: 1317 N. V Street Lompoc, CA 93436; The Willows MHC, LLC. 110 N. Wacker Drive Suite 4500 Chicago, IL
60606 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 09, 2026. Filed by: GREGORY R. LYNCH/SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 09, 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: 2026‑0000507. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EXPERTWITNESSPA: 5662 Calle Real, #120 Goleta, CA 93117; Expert Witness Professionals 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: LAMONT HUNTER/MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 4, 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 E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000524. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SEA BOLT
FABRICATIONS: 132 Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109; Graham M Martin 16 E. Padre St. #11 Santa Barbara, CA 93105 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 04, 2026. Filed by: GRAHAM MARTIN‑SETARO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 4, 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 E49. FBN Number: 2026‑0000532. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HEMMAHS & ASSOCIATES: 1900 N San Marcos Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Hemmah Works Inc PO Box 235 Goleta, CA 93116 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: CODY HEMMAH/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 27, 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: 2026‑0000209. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CHRISTUS
VICTOR LLC, VALINOR, VALINOR
SPORTS CENTER: 1964 Las Canoas Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Christus Victor LLC 6737 Steele Oak Ln Carmichael CA 95608 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 02, 2026. Filed by: CHARLES RUTSCH/MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 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 E4. FBN Number: 2026‑0000360. Published: Mar 12, 19, 26. Apr 2 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FREESTONE PEACH: 5940 Encina Road, Unit 4, Goleta, CA 93117; Lily R Ferrari (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 4, 2026. Filed by: LILY FERRARI/ OWNER(PREVIOUS OWNER ROBER A FRATRICK HAS PASSED AWAY I) with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 12, 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: 2026‑0000625. Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: FARMACY UPPER
STATE: 4235 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Island Drift LLC PO Box 61106 Santa Barbara, CA 93160 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: BENJAMIN CONDRON/ OFFICER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 26, 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: 2026‑0000500. Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SWEETHAWK FALCONRY LLC: 495 Reed Ct. Goleta, CA 93117; Sweethawk Falconry 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 Feb 28, 2026. Filed by: VICKI GARDNER/MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 10, 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: 2026‑0000578.
Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TUNE IN PSYCHOTHERAPHY: 27 E Victoria St Ste K Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Tune In Psychotherapy, A Professional Marriage and Family Therapy Corporation (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: TAYLOR SCHREIBER/ OWNER & CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 11, 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 E28. FBN Number: 2026‑0000598. Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ISAAC ORNAMENTAL METAL: 709 E Mason St Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Isaac Anguiano (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 2020. Filed by: ISAAC ANGUIANO/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 10, 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 E35. FBN Number: 2026‑0000584.
Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: PACIFIC PICKLE WORKS: 718 Union Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Pacific Pickle Works Inc. PO Box 20295 Santa Barbara, CA 93120 This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 20, 2010. Filed by: BRADLEY BENNETT/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 11, 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 E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000402. Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000575.
Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: CYAN DESIGN LA: 5852 Marstone Lane Goleta, CA 93117; Cyan Design Studio, 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 Mar 16, 2026. Filed by: CYA NELSON DREW/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 16, 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 E63. FBN Number: 2026‑0000646. Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MISSION ROOFING: 130 N. Calle Cesar Chavez, Suite 2 Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Santa Barbara Mission Roofing 1515 Monarch Drive Santa Ynez, CA 93460 This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on May 15, 1996. Filed by: SUZANNE USHER/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 13, 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: 2026‑0000632. Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RESOA: 331 West Yanonali Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Joseph W Cox (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 23, 2026. Filed by: JOSEPH W COX/FOUNDER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 10, 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: 2026‑0000577. Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. FBN2026‑0000615
CNS‑4023273#
SANTA BARBARA
INDEPENDENT
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DANNY’S BARBERSHOP: 3337 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Francisco J Garcia Jr (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 2026. Filed by: FRANCISCO JAVIER GARCIA JR/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 16, 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 E61. FBN Number: 2026‑0000647. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ISHI MAURY: 3737 Portofino Way, #A Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Maria L Maury‑Smith (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 12, 2026. Filed by: MARIA L. MAURY SMITH with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 12, 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 E49. FBN Number: 2026‑0000603. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STOP THE MIND: 2709 Foothill Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Mindy Rosenblatt (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 06, 2026. Filed by: MINDY ROSENBLATT/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 16, 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 E35. FBN Number: 2026‑0000662. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BLISS AND WISDOM BOUTIQUE 888: 135 N J St. Lompoc, CA 93436; Adriana C Reyes (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Apr 14, 2023. Filed by: ADRIANA C. REYES with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 06, 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 E55. FBN Number: 2026‑0000549. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STUDIO BIBB: 5693 West Camino Cielo Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Olivia M Bibb (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 27, 2026. Filed by: OLIVIA BIBB with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 06, 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: 2026‑0000557. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: HEALTHBRIDGE INTERPRETING: 3805 Cassini Cir Unit 3 Lompoc, CA 93436; Mildred A Lazarit (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: MILDRED A. LAZARIT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 11, 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 E49. FBN Number: 2026‑0000599. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MENARD USA: 3025 Venture Rd. Placerville, CA 95667; Farrell Design‑Build Companies, 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: RICHARD HAMERS/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 05, 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: 2026‑0000540. Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SANTA BARBARA JEWELRY APPRAISAL LLC: 1187 Coastvillage Road, 748 Santa Barbara, CA 93108; Santa Barbara Jewelry Appraisal 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 Feb 12, 2026. Filed by: JEREMY NORRIS/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 09, 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: 2026‑0000567. Published: Mar 19, 26. Apr 2, 9 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CMD: 6112
Craigmont Drive CA 93117; Dennis Van Alphen (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 23, 2026. Filed by: DENNIS VAN ALPHEN/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 09, 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)
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE 1660 COPENHAGEN DRIVE THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE, SOLVANG, CA 93463 County of SANTA BARBARA CONCEPT MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL INC., 1660 COPENHAGEN DRIVE THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE, SOLVANG, CA 93463
This business is conducted by a Corporation
The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 05/25/2015. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 03/12/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16/26
CNS‑4023432# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT
File No. FBN2026‑0000541
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ZACA LAKE 8000 FOXEN CANYON ROAD, LOS OLIVOS, CA 93441 County of SANTA BARBARA
ZACA PARTNERS LLC, 21515 HAWTHORNE BLVD SUITE 950, TORRANCE, CA 90503
This business is conducted by a limited liability company
The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/27/2019. ZACA LAKE S/ DAMIR PEVEC, MANAGER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 03/05/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16/26
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WORLDVIZ VR: 813 Reddick St Santa Barbara, CA 93103; WORLDVIZ (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 06, 2018. Filed by: PETER SCHLUEER/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 06, 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 E35. FBN Number: 2026‑0000543. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: RAVEN CUSTOM CRAFTS: 135 N J St Lompoc, CA 93436; Misael Reyes PO Box 3546 Lompoc, CA 93438 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 2026. Filed by: MISAEL REYES/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 06, 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 E55. FBN Number: 2026‑0000550. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PAWS & PRESENCE DOG TRAINING: 825 Bath St, Apt A Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Kelley De Pompa (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: KELLEY DE POMPA/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 16, 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 E81. FBN Number: 2026‑0000648. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BARATO BARGAIN STORE: 508 N Milpas St. Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Andrew Lee(same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 01, 1994. Filed by: ANDREW LEE with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 13, 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 E81. FBN Number: 2026‑0000637. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: LUMEN RIVER: 2126 East Valley Rd Montecito, CA 93108; Future Return Holdings(same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 16, 2026. Filed by: ANDREW LEE with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 19, 2026. This statement expires five years from the
LEGALS (CONT.)
CA 93117; Michelle D Wheelus (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 12, 2026. Filed by: MICHELLE
WHEELUS with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 19, 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: 2026‑0000741. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: RENAE CONNER
GOLETA & SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE AGENT: 4715 Avalon Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93110; The conner Corporation (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 2026. Filed by: RENAE CONNER/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 27, 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: 2026‑0000503. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MOUNTAIN VIEW PRODUCTIONS: 1156 N. Fairview
Goleta, CA 93117; Dana B Driskel (same address) Patricia A Devlin‑Driskel (same address) This business is conducted by A Married Couple Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 07, 2026. Filed by: DANA DRISKEL/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 17, 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 E35. FBN Number:
2026‑0000675. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: RENAISSANCE
ANTIQUES OF SOLVANG: 496 First Street Solvang, CA 93463; Renco, 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 Nov 09, 1998. Filed by: JULIE PALLADINO/SECRETARY/ TREASURER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 20, 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: 2026‑0000753. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EMS BODY ATELIER: 924 Anacapa Street G4 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Ems Santa Barbara 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 Apr 03, 2025. Filed by: ANDREW MASER/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 20, 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: 2026‑0000767. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ROCKY MOUNTAIN RECREATION COMPANY: 2275 Highway 154 Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Adveno LLC 6720 W. 121st St. Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66209 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 19, 2021. Filed by: FRANK PIKUS/OFFICER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 20, 2026.
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: FRAME: 901 De La Vina St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Elaine M Esbeck (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 21, 1997. Filed by: ELAINE ESBECK/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 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 E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000536. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ASSOCIATED
HAND SURGEONS: 2323 De La Vina Street 201 Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Michael J. Behrman, MD Inc. (same address) Robert Ruth, MD Inc. (same address) Adam W. Rives, MD Inc. (same address) Alex Doermann, MD Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A General Partnership Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 01, 1999. Filed by: GEORGE ARAKELIAN/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 20, 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: 2026‑0000756. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: RENAISSANCE ANTIQUES OF SOLVANG: 496 First Street Solvang, CA 93463; Cindy Ramos 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 Feb 24, 2026. Filed by: CYNTHIA RAMOS/LLC MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 06, 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 E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000555. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: LAWSON AND FISHER CHIROPRACTIC: 25 E. Arrellaga Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Fisher & Lawson 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 Sep
28, 2011. Filed by: KEVIN FISHER/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 19, 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: 2026‑0000742. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TOWN’N COUNTRY REALTY AND INVESTMENT COMPANY: 5669 Calle Real Goleta, CA 93111‑2318; Bryan T Davis (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 25, 2026. Filed by: BRYAN DAVIS/ BROKER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 06, 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 E4. FBN Number: 2026‑0000559. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WILDLIFE PRODUCTIONS: 1900 N San Marcos Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93117; Hemmah Works 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: CODY HEMMAH/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 19, 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 E35. FBN Number: 2026‑0000661. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MRS. PERFECT’S CLEANERS: 4676 Tajo Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Llaneli Martinez‑Carrillo (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 25, 2023. Filed by: LLANELI
MARTINEZ‑CARRILLO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 06, 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 E49. FBN Number: 2026‑0000560. Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: RAW GARDEN, CALIFORNIA LOVE: 240 E. Hwy 246 #210 Buellton, CA 93427; Central Coast Agriculture, Inc. 85 W. Highway 246 #233 Buellton, CA 93427 This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 31, 2016. Filed by: MISTY MACIAS/AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 23, 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: 2026‑0000780. Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HAPPY PETS DOG TRAINING AND CARE: 5455 8th St., 54 Carpinteria, CA 93013; Gia C Chavez (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 19, 2026. Filed by:
GIA CHAVEZ/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 24, 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: 2026‑0000787. Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: CAPITAL PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP, CAPITAL PACIFIC HOMES: 209 W. Alamar Ave, Ste A Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Center Point Development Group, Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 26, 2009. Filed by: MICHAEL O’FLYNN/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 06, 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: 2026‑0000556. Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: LEXUS OF SANTA BARBARA: 350 Hitchcock Way Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Gl Lox, LLC 111 E. Broadway, Suite 900 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names
All Booked
listed above on Dec 15, 2020. Filed by: JOHN K. GARFF/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 09, 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: 2026‑0000571. Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CAPITAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: 1411 Pacific Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93109; Christopher Gregoire (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: CHRIS GREGOIRE/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 16, 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 E35. FBN Number: 2026‑0000652. Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: DIRTY FOLK: 208 Price Ranch Rd Los Alamos, CA 93440; Lauren Schad (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 07, 2026. Filed by: LAUREN SCHAD/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 25, 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 E78. FBN Number: 2026‑0000487. Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUNRISE MASSAGE & SKINCARE: 300 Mellifont Ave Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Tawnya S Love (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: TAWNYA LOVE with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 19, 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: 2026‑0000723. Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FRIENDS OF EARL WARREN SHOWGROUNDS: 980 Tornoe Road Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Earl Warren Showgrounds Foundation (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: KEVIN SNOW/TREASURER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 27, 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 E49. FBN Number: 2026‑0000828.
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
Hybrid Public Hearing – In Person and via Zoom April 21, 2026, at 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC REVIEW & COMMENT PERIOD
DRAFT 2026-2027 ACTION PLAN AND
SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO 2025-2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN
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 www. cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider formal adoption of the 2026-2027 Action Plan and Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. The date, time, and location of the City Council public hearing are set forth below. The agenda for the hearing will also be posted on the City website (www.cityofgoleta.org).
HEARING DATE/TIME: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 5:30 P.M.
LOCATION: Goleta City Hall, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta, CA, 93117 and Teleconference Meeting; this meeting will be held in person and via Zoom (with detailed instructions for participation included on the posted agenda)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City has prepared the draft 2026-2027 Action Plan and Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to guide the investment of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds. As required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Action Plan identifies the specific projects and activities that will be implemented during the upcoming program year with CDBG funds to address the priority needs and goals established in the Consolidated Plan. For the 20262027 program year, the City anticipates receiving $320,925 in CDBG funds. These funding estimates are based on anticipated federal allocations and are subject to change based on congressional appropriations and HUD formula adjustments.
Copies of the draft 2026-2027 Action Plan and Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan will be available for public review and comment from April 3, 2026, to May 4, 2026. During this period, the draft plans will be available at the following locations: Online: www.cityofgoleta.org/grants
City Hall: 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, CA 93117
Community Center: 5679 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117
Environmental Review: For purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act, approval of the draft 2026-2027 Action Plan and Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan is categorically exempt from environmental review. Prior to commitment or release of funds for each of the proposed projects, HUD requires that the environmental impact of all activities set forth in the Action Plan be assessed and documented according to applicable program regulations. An appropriate environmental review will be prepared for each approved activity prior to entering into an agreement with any entity to receive CDBG funds.
BUSINESS NAME
PUBLIC COMMENT: Interested persons 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 City Council meeting agenda. Written comments may be submitted e-mailing the City Clerk at CityClerkgroup@ cityofgoleta.gov. Written comments submitted before the public hearing will be distributed to Council and published on the City’s Meeting and Agenda page.
FOR PROJECT INFORMATION: For further information on the project, contact the CDBG Program Grants Manager, at (805) 690-5126 or CityGrants@cityofgoleta. gov. For inquiries in Spanish, please contact Marcos Martinez at (805) 5625500 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
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 end date of the public comment period (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) 9617505 or cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the hearing will enable City staff to make reasonable arrangements.
Publish Date: Santa Barbara Independent, April 2, 2026
LEGALS (CONT.)
Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s)
is/are doing business as: KEY
CONNECTIONS: 1511 Chapala St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Emilie A Foster (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on March 10, 2026. Filed by: EMILIE FOSTER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 17, 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: 2026‑0000700. Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WOLFF WALKER LAW: 1334 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Wolff Walker Law (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on March 16, 2018. Filed by: KYLE WALKER/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Mar 20, 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: 2026‑0000754. Published: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
NAME CHANGE
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: WILLIAM M. YOUNG CASE NUMBER: 26CV01235 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: WILLIAM M. YOUNG 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: BRYCE OLIVER YOUNG BURT PROPOSED NAME: BRYCE OLIVER YOUNG 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 May 1, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 4, SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street. Santa Barbara, CA 93101, ANACAPA
ORDINANCE NO. 7
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 February 25, 2026, JUDGE Donna D. Geck of the Superior Court. Published Mar 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF
NAME: REBECA MERCADO BENAVIDEZ and ALBERTANO ESQUIVEL NOVA
CASE NUMBER: 25CV06842
PERSONS:
TO ALL INTERESTED
PETITIONER: REBECA MERCADO
BENAVIDEZ AND ALBERTANO
ESQUIVEL NOVA 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: AYLIN ESQUIVEL
MERCADO
PROPOSED NAME: AYLIN ESQUIVEL
MERCADO
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
ORDINANCE OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE CACHUMA OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE BOARD AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6
SETTING THE COMPENSATION FOR DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 20200 THROUGH 20207 OF THE WATER CODE
housing and community development needs, goals and priorities, and funding allocations for the 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program year RECITALS
A. Sections 20200 through 20207 of the Water Code of the State of California provides for a method by which members (Directors) of the Governing Board may be compensated for their work and services in carrying out their duties as Directors and in carrying out the business of the Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board.
B. The Governing Board, by adoption of Ordinance No. 6 on March 31, 2025, elected to set the compensation of its Directors pursuant to Water Code Sections 20200 through 20207.
C. The Governing Board has, by adoption of this Ordinance, elected to amend Ordinance No. 6.
D. Notice of a Public Hearing as a part of the Governing Board’s regular meeting held on March 23, 2026 was published pursuant to Section 6066 of the Government Code and Section 20207 of the Water Code.
E. Proof of Publication of said Notice in the Santa Barbara Independent on March 5, 2026 and March 12, 2026 has been filed with the records of the regular meeting held on March 23, 2026.
F. The Public Hearing on the adoption of this Ordinance was held on March 23, 2026 prior to the adoption of this Ordinance as required by Section 20203 of the Water Code.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Board of the Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board, Paragraph 1 is amended to read as follows:
1. As provided in Water Code Section 20201, the compensation of each member of the Governing Board (or that member’s alternate) shall be the sum of $225.75 for each day of attendance at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, or for each day’s service rendered as a member of the Board by request of the Board. The compensation set by this Ordinance shall be for no more than a total of ten (10) days in any calendar month.
2. As provided in Water Code Section 30507, each Director shall be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in the performance of any duty required or authorized by the Governing Board, in addition to the compensation provided for in Section 1 above.
3. This Ordinance repeals any prior action of this Board providing for any automatic increases in the compensation of the Board, as of the effective date of this Ordinance.
4. This Ordinance shall be effective sixty (60) days following its adoption.
5. This Ordinance shall be published one time within ten (10) days following its adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Governing Board of the Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board on this 23rd day of March, 2026 by the following vote:
AYES: Hanson, O’Connor, Sneddon
NAYS:
ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Hayman
K. Sneddon, President, Cachuma Operation & Maintenance Board
ATTEST: I, Janet L. Gingras, Secretary of the Cachuma Operation & Maintenance Board DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 7, adopted on the 23rd day of March, 2026, by the Board of Directors and that the same has not been amended or repealed.
J.L. Gingras, Secy/Gen. Mgr. 3/23/2026
Cachuma Operation & Maintenance Board
Published April 2, 2026
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 April 27, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 5, SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street. Santa Barbara, CA 93101, ANACAPA 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 March 5, 2026, JUDGE Colleen K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CAROL FRANCINE PAUL CASE NUMBER: 26CV01419 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
PETITIONER: CAROL FRANCINE PAUL 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: CAROL FRANCINE PAUL
PROPOSED NAME: CAROLE FRANCINE PAUL 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 May 11, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 5, SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street. Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 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 March 19, 2026, JUDGE Colleen K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: KRISTEN K. HARBERS CASE NUMBER: 26CV01573 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
PETITIONER: KRISTEN K. HARBERS 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: KRISTEN K. HARBERS
PROPOSED NAME: KRISTEN K. KINSELLA
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 May 11, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 5 SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street. Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 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 March 23, 2026, JUDGE Colleen K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: EVGENIYA ZAKHARNEVA, ADHAM MALATY CASE NUMBER: 26CV01491
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
PETITIONER: EVGENIYA ZAKHARNEVA, ADHAM MALATY 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: LEONARDO PEARCE ADHAM MALATY
PROPOSED NAME: LEONARDO PEARCE ADHAM MALATY
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 May 11, 2026, 10:00 am,
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, April 14, 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.gov/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.gov).
For Conceptual/Preliminary/Final Review: Kyle’s Kitchen New Patio & California Environmental Quality Act 6831 Hollister Avenue (APN 073-100-038)
Case No. 26-0011-DRB/26-0003-DP
For Final Review:
Chabad New Synagogue Building & Site Improvements 6045 Stow Canyon Road (APN 077-170-044)
Case No. 26-0005-DRB/26-0010-ZC
Hangar 5 Building and Site Improvements 115 Castillian Drive (APN 073-150-025) Case No. 23-0031-DRB/22-0003-DP
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.citygoleta.gov
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 805-9617543.
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 4/2/26
DEPT: 5, SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street. Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 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 March 23, 2026, JUDGE Colleen K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF MICHAEL R RUSSO, DECEASED In re the matter of: Michael R. Russo Revocable Trust
Dated September 25, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the creditors and contingent creditors of the above‑named decedent, that all persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims to the undersigned, James Frederick Tabacchi, as successor trustee of the trust dated September 25, 2024 wherein the decedent was the settlor, 814 Olive Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101, within the later of four months after April 2, 2026 (the date of the first publication of notice to creditors) or, if notice is mailed or personally delivered to you, 60 days after the date this notice is mailed or personally delivered to you. A claim form may be obtained from any superior court clerk or you may also access the form on the Internet at www.courts.ca.gov/forms. For your protection, you are encouraged to file your claim by certified mail, with return receipt requested.
James Frederick Tabacchi, Successor Trustee
814 Olive Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Published: Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ALICE H. SANDOVAL, DECEASED
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA
In re the matter of: Alice H. Sandoval Revocable Trust Dated March 13, 2024
CASE NO. 26PR00139
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the creditors and contingent creditors of the above‑named decedent, that all persons having claims against the decedent are required to file them with the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, located at 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101, and whose mailing address is P.O. Box 21107, Santa Barbara, California 93121‑1107, and deliver pursuant to Section 1215 of the California Probate Code a copy to Elizabeth M. Rodriguez, as trustee of the trust dated March 13, 2024 wherein the decedent was the settlor, c/o Jeffrey Daugherty, Esq., Laborde & Daugherty, 924 Anacapa Street, Suite 1‑T, Santa Barbara, California 93101, within the later of four months after March 26, 2026 (the date of the first publication of notice to creditors) or, if notice is mailed or personally delivered to you, 60 days after the date this notice is mailed or personally delivered to you. A claim form may be obtained from the court clerk. For your protection, you are encouraged to file your claim by certified mail, with return receipt requested.
Jeffrey Daugherty, Esq. Attorney for Elizabeth M. Rodriguez, Trustee Laborde & Daugherty 924 Anacapa Street, Suite 1‑T Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Published: Mar 26. Apr 2, 9, 16 2026.
LEGALS (CONT.)
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE – The business records of the following customers of ACCESS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (or any affiliates of ACCESS) located at 5950 Condor Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021 have been abandoned: LAW OFFICES OF EDELBERG & ESPINA. All records will be shredded 16 days after publication of this notice. Anyone claiming to have an interest in the records should contact Access Information Protected in writing at the following address: 4 First Avenue, Peabody, MA 01960, Attn: Legal Department, Tel. No. (888) 869‑2767 (Client Support); email: Collections@ accesscorp.com.
Santa Barbara MTD
RFP for Financial Audit Services
The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD), a public transit operator, is requesting proposals from qualified certified public accounting firms to perform professional auditing services for a three‑year period beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, with the option of extending the contract for one additional two‑year period. These audits are to be performed in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America; the standards set forth for financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; and audit requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Request for Proposals (RFP) packages are available to interested parties starting on March 30, 2026. Detailed information about the RFP will be available on MTD’s website at https:// sbmtd.gov/about/doing‑business/. Proposals will be accepted by MTD via email only to purchasing@sbmtd.gov until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM (PDT). Any offers received after that time will be rejected. All contract terms are contained in or referenced in the RFP package.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO DESIGNATE AN AREA
AGENCY ON AGING (AAA) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the California Department of Aging (CDA) intends to designate an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the Planning and Service Area (PSA) described below, pursuant to 22 CCR § 7206.
1. GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES: This designation is for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties/PSA 17.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE AAA: Under federal and state law (Older Americans Act and Mello‑Granlund Older Californians Act), the designated AAA shall:
•Serve as the principal advocate and planning body for older adults and caregivers.
•Develop and administer a multi‑year Area Plan on Aging with annual updates.
•Coordinate community‑based services (e.g., nutrition, legal, and caregiver support).
•Manage federal/state funds and monitor service provider compliance.
3. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) AVAILABILITY: Interested public entities or private non‑profit entities may obtain a detailed RFP package and application instructions online at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/event/4170/ SLO2627‑17
4. IMPORTANT PROCUREMENT DATES:
The RFP submission deadline is April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The anticipated award date is May 27, 2026, and the Agreement start date is October 1, 2026. More detailed information about the RFP schedule is available at the link above.
TRUSTEE NOTICE
T.S. No.: 2025‑00787 APN: 015‑ 271‑007 Property Address: 448 Scenic Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 3/28/2024. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier's check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit
union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: Roger Thorne Thomsen, Trustee of The Roger Thorne Thomsen dated 12/8/2003 Duly Appointed Trustee: Sokolof Remtulla Recorded 4/22/2024 as Instrument No. 2024‑0011845 in book ‑‑, page ‑‑ of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Santa Barbara County, California, Date of Sale: 4/22/2026 at 1:00 PM Place of Sale: At the main entrance to the county courthouse, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA. Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $444,940.61 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 448 Scenic Dr Santa Barbara, CA 93103 A.P.N.: 015‑271‑007 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. No Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale shall be issued or authorized for recording unless and until the foreclosure trustee has received all required federal reporting certifications or verified that the transferee qualifies for an applicable exemption. NOTICE TO
SANTA BARBARA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC NOTICE
The following list of disbursements are unclaimed by the listed payees and held by the Santa Barbara Unified School District. If you have a claim against these funds, please contact the Internal Auditor, phone (805) 963-4338 x 6235. Proper proof of claim and current identification must be provided before funds will be released. A claim form will need to be submitted by the date below. All checks listed are held in the general fund.
Funds not claimed by May 10th, 2026 become the property of Santa Barbara Unified School District. This notice and its contents are in accordance with California Government Code Section 50050.
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 (916) 939‑0772 or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com using the file number assigned to this case 2025‑00787. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may
Esté es un anuncio de que sus tarifas pueden cambiar. Para más detalles en español llame al 1-800-342-4545.
NOTICE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY RATE INCREASE REQUEST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY’S (SOCALGAS) ENERGY EFFICIENCY APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (CPUC) A.26-03-018
WHAT IS BEING REQUESTED?
SoCalGas is requesting an increase in revenue of $8.2 million from 2028-2031 for the Public Purpose Program Surcharge (PPPS) to continue funding energy efficiency programs through its four-year program portfolio.
PROPOSED RATE INCREASE BY CUSTOMER CLASS
For the program portfolio SoCalGas is requesting funding approval of $150 million in 2028, $150 million in 2029, $150 million in 2030, and $150 million in 2031, totaling $600 million. A reduction of $16 million when compared to the most recent authorized program portfolio. The program portfolio contains detailed program strategies, annual budgets, totaling to a fouryear revenue, cost-effectiveness, and implementation plans (or links to them) for all programs that are currently operating or planned to operate during that time. The exception being thirdparty programs where the contract has not been awarded yet. The application also includes the funding request of the Regional Energy Networks (RENs) for their program portfolios that operate within SoCalGas’s service territory totaling $103.4 million for the four years. An increase of $40.7 million when compared to the most recent authorized program portfolio. This will result in an increase in gas rates phased in over the four years, starting January 1, 2028.
(Continued inside)
PROPOSED RATE INCREASE BY CUSTOMER CLASS
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 TENANTS: 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 2025‑00787 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. Please make cashier’s checks payable to Sokolof Remtulla LLP Date: 3/18/2026 Sokolof
HOW WOULD
THIS IMPACT THE
AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER?
If the request is approved, the average residential customer using 35 therms per month would see a bill increase of approximately $0.03. This reflects the peak-year increase in 2031. The actual impact will vary according to usage levels, baseline territory, and other factors.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You can read more about the utility’s request and make public comment by visiting apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2603018. 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.26-03-018 in any communication with the CPUC.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE REQUEST
For questions about this application, please contact SoCalGas at Email: PWu@socalgas.com
HOW WOULD THIS IMPACT THE AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER?
Mail: Pamela Wu
Regulatory Case Manager for SoCalGas 555 West Fifth Street – GT14D6, Los Angeles, CA 90013
If the request is approved, the average residential customer using 35 therms per month would see a bill increase of approximately $0.03. This reflects the peak-year increase in 2031. The actual impact will vary according to usage levels, baseline territory, and other factors.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You can read more about the utility’s request and make public comment by visiting apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2603018. For questions about participating in
