Santa Barbara Independent 7/23/26 by SB Independent

AC T IVE AGING

2026 EDITION 2026 EDITION by Indy Staff by Indy Staff

Dog Drowning Prompts Police Investigation,

Dog Drowning Prompts Police Investigation, Community Outcry by

Stearns

Stearns Wharf Murder Retrial Wraps Up by Elaine Sanders

San

Students

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Sustainable Heart

Sustainable Heart ~ Transformational Life Counseling ~

~ Transformational Life Counseling ~

Sustainable Heart ~ Transformational Life Counseling ~

Relationships • Occupation and Career • Meditation

Relationships

Grief and Loss

Relationships

Grief and Loss

Relationships • Occupation and Career • Meditation

Grief and Loss

• Occupation and Career • Meditation

• Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

Spiritual Issues

• Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

Spiritual Issues Communication Meditation Anxiety Conflict Occupation and Career Major Life Transitions

• Communication

• Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict

• Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

• Conflict

Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict

Dream Work ~ Transformational Life Counseling ~

Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict

Michael H Kreitsek, MA

Transpersonal Counseling Psychology

Michael H Kreitsek, MA

Transpersonal Counseling Psychology

www.sustainableheart.com

Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective 805 698-0286

Counseling with Wisdom and Compassion 805 698-0286

Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective 805 698-0286

Counseling with Wisdom and Compassion 805 698-0286

Mindful Support for Uncertain Times 805-698-0286

Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective 805 698-0286

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández

Niladri Kumaar

Clarice & Sérgio Assad

Matt Kettmann News Editor Jackson Friedman Opinions Editor Jean Yamamura Arts and Culture Editor Leslie Dinaberg

Calendar Editor Terry Ortega Calendar Assistant Isabella Venegas News Reporters Ryan P. Cruz, Callie Fausey, Elaine Sanders

Senior Arts Writer Josef Woodard Mickey Flacks Fund Fellow Christina McDermott

Photographer Ingrid Bostrom Assistant Editor Tiana Molony

Copy Chief Tessa Reeg Copy Editor Nathan Vived Sports Editor Victor Bryant

Web Content Manager Don Brubaker Social Media Manager Maya Johnson

Food Writer George Yatchisin Travel Writers Macduff Everton, Mary Heebner

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Columnists Dennis Allen, Gail Arnold, Sara Caputo, Christine S. Cowles, Laura Gransberry, Betsy J. Green, Austin Lampson, Melinda Palacio, Cheri Rae, Hugh Ranson, Amy Ramos, Lorissa Rinehart, Starshine Roshell

Contributors Rob Brezsny, Jim Buckley, Cynthia Carbone Ward, Ben Ciccati, Cheryl Crabtree, John Dickson, Roger Durling, Chuck Graham, Keith Hamm, Rebecca Horrigan, Gareth Kelly, Kevin McKiernan, Carl Perry, David Starkey, Ethan Stewart, Brian Tanguay, Tom Tomorrow, Jatila Van der Veen, Isabelle Walker, Maggie Yates, John Zant

Director of Advertising Sarah Sinclair Marketing and Events Manager Richelle Boyd

Advertising Representatives Suzanne Cloutier, Bryce Eller, Ariana Hugo, Tonea Songer, Scott Maio

Digital Marketing Specialist Graham Brown Business Operations and Accounting Manager Erin Lynch

Office Manager/Legal Advertising Tanya Spears Guiliacci Distribution Gregory Hall

Interns Ella Bailey, Natalie MacFarlane, Anya Rose McCue, Danielle Verlardi

Columnist Emeritus Barney Brantingham Photography Editor Emeritus Paul Wellman

Founding Staff Emeriti George Delmerico, Richard Evans, Camille Cimini Fruin, Laszlo Hodosy, Scott Kaufman Honorary Consigliere Gary J. Hill

IndyKids Bella and Max Brown; Elijah Lee, Amaya Nicole, and William Gene Bryant; Henry and John Poett Campbell; Emilia Imojean Friedman; Rowan Gould; Finley James Hayden; Ivy Danielle Ireland; Madeline Rose and Mason Carrington Kettmann

Print subscriptions are available, paid in advance, for $120 per year. Send subscription requests with name and address to subscriptions@independent.com. The contents of the Independent are copyrighted 2026 by the Santa Barbara Independent, Inc. No part may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. A stamped, self-addressed envelope must accompany all submissions expected to be returned. The Independent is available on the internet at independent.com. Press run of the Independent is 25,000 copies. Audited certification of circulation is available on request. The Independent is a legal adjudicated newspaper court decree no. 157386. ISSN 2834-3174 (Print) ISSN 2834-3204 (Online)

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This week, we heard from our editor of Active Aging, Tiana Molony, who is recently back from a trip to Castle Combe in England. She’ll be getting married there later this year and has been pushing through with wedding arrangements amid her regular assignments and stories. It didn’t hold her back from jumping right into this week’s sizable issue, however. “I think a highlight is getting to write about a person who changes me for the better. For this issue, that happened twice: with centenarian Henry Mealy and 84-year-old hiker Al Sladek. Both were incredibly inspirational. When putting an issue together, it’s usually a mix of me researching story ideas and people pitching them. With that said, here’s the perfect opportunity to put it out there that I’m always open to new story ideas,” Molony said. Head to independent .com/about-the-indy to read Tiana’s full interview and learn more about her wedding planning and future stories.

Henry Mealy. Photo by Ingrid Bostrom Design by Xavier Pereyra.

COURTESY

Tiana Molony

NEWS of the WEEK

by RYAN P. CRUZ, CALLIE FAUSEY, JACKSON FRIEDMAN, TYLER HAYDEN, CHRISTINA McDERMOTT,

Stearns Wharf Murder Retrial Results in Guilty Verdict

On Wednesday, a Santa Barbara jury unanimously convicted Jiram TenorioRamon, 26, of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Camarillo man Robert Dion Gutierrez, 52, on Stearns Wharf. Gutierrez and his family were visiting Santa Barbara on the couple’s 20th wedding anniversary on December 9, 2022, when gunfire erupted on the pier and Gutierrez was fatally shot from behind.

In July, Ramon, represented by George Steele, appeared in court for his second trial after his first trial left a hung jury (11 to one) following about two weeks of deliberations and ended in mistrial in 2025. In Ramon’s retrial, the new jury found him guilty in less than a day of deliberations following two days of closing arguments, which concluded Tuesday.

A string of evidence was presented by prosecutor Tate McCallister: a statement from Ramon admitting that he had been fighting for the Westside gang, a photo of him with Westside gang members, a photo on Eastside gang turf with a gun, messages about purchasing a gun that matches the murder weapon, and messages saying he wanted go to the Goleta Projects Gang turf and “do some work.” McCallister claimed that this evidence all from before the shooting occurred, and before he was a member implies that Ramon was looking to prove himself to the gang.

On the night of the shooting, Ramon and three friends, one a Westside gang member, had been up at Painted Cave drinking and smoking weed and decided to head down to

COURTS & CRIME

Stearns Wharf. When they were leaving the wharf, they crossed paths with a group of nine teenagers, two of which were members of a gang in Ventura.

“Fuck it. Let’s get ’em,” Ramon reportedly said based on testimony.

The car pulled over just past the entrance of Stearns Wharf, Ramon and one friend jumped out, Ramon with his gun in his pocket. Video and audio evidence presented at trial shows Ramon leave the car, and move across the entrance of the wharf. Two of the Ventura teens approach the pier’s kiosk, shooting four rounds, and immediately retreat. His friend bolts, and Ramon continues walking, drawing his gun, and stops at the foliage near the pier.

POLITICS

According to the location of shell casings and video, Ramon aimed the gun using fluorescent sights to target and fatally shoot Gutierrez. The teenagers by that time had run to the opposite side of the wharf.

Steele asserts that Ramon had fired the gun in self-defense that with four bullets fired at him, he was justified in returning fire. McCallister countered, saying that Ramon was looking to prove himself for the Westside Gang.

According to testimony, after the shooting, Ramon went to his friend’s home and admitted to shooting someone, and continued to brag about it. An Instagram video Ramon posted 10 days after shows him performing an original rap with lyrics referencing that night on the wharf, asking himself if the killing was worth it. His answer: “and now you got your name up … you’re a G.”

Dog Drowning Prompts Investigation,

In court, Ramon’s slicked-back hair covered his Brutero neck tattoo. Another gang tattoo, “Anybody Killa,” covers his hand. Hidden by his suit jacket, a “Westside” tattoo streaks across his chest, signifying that Ramon is now officially a member of the Westside gang, a distinction he received after the killing on Stearns Wharf. Ramon also has two moniker tattoos. One on his neck, “Major League Hitter,” signifying that he has gone up to bat for the gang before. The second on his forearm, “Major League Shooter,” reportedly denotes that the wearer has shot and killed a man. Ramon got his chest tattoo and two monikers after the killing of Gutierrez.

McCallister presented photos from inside Ramon’s jail cell. The word “Murder” was written on his cup, in his books, on paperwork, carved into his table, and literally written on the wall of his cell next to a picture of Jesus.

As of press time Wednesday, Ramon’s sentencing hearing had yet to be scheduled.

Community Outcry

Bruce, One-Year-Old English Bulldog, Found at Bottom of One of Camp Canine’s Pools

by Tyler Hayden

ASanta Barbara dog daycare has suspended part of its operations after a one-year-old English bulldog drowned in one of the facility’s pools, prompting a police investigation and an outpouring of grief and anger from pet owners.

Bruce, owned by Chris and Ashley Merz, died while attending Camp Canine, a longtime daycare and boarding center on East Montecito Street.

Santa Barbara police responded to the business at about 4:45 p.m. on Thursday. Detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigative Unit and Animal Control Team are now investigating.

In a statement posted Saturday on social media, Camp Canine General Manager Jayne

Sigman apologized to the Merz family and admitted the facility had failed them.

“A family entrusted us with a cherished member of their family, and they are now living with an unimaginable loss because we failed in our responsibility to keep their

dog safe,” Sigman wrote. “We are profoundly sorry.”

Daycare services have been temporarily suspended, but overnight boarding operations continue for dogs already at the center, said Sigman, who has since retained an attorney and declined requests for further comment.

According to public statements from the Merz family, Bruce had attended Camp Canine for approximately six months and regularly participated in its daycare and training programs.

The family was not notified of his death until his regular afternoon pick-up time, they said, receiving the dog’s body in a plastic storage container.

That moment was captured in a now-viral

Hundreds gathered along Cabrillo Boulevard near Stearns Wharf Saturday morning to celebrate the legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis during Indivisible Santa Barbara’s “Good Trouble Lives On” rally, where organizers said the focus extended beyond protest and toward building a lasting movement. From July 17-19, communities nationwide gathered for demonstrations inspired by Lewis’s call to make “good trouble.” Colorful signs carried witty messages about President Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, ICE, and the war in Gaza. Volunteers in bright-yellow safety vests directed traffic and eagerly waved at passing drivers, who responded with a steady chorus of supportive honks.

SABLE

This week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a second lawsuit against the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), charging that the agency had illegally waived federal pipeline safety rules mandating that Sable Offshore meet certain corrosion control thresholds for pipeline repair and remediation. On 6/25, PHMSA issued Sable a special permit to pump oil through pipelines that, under a prior owner, were so beset by corrosion that they sprang a major leak in May 2015, befouling Refugio Beach and much of the coast. In that June special permit, PHMSA waived requirements that a longstanding federal corrosion repair standard be met. The agency now says that standard is no longer warranted. Last week, PHMSA also submitted language into the federal register to expunge the rule altogether for all pipeline operators, arguing that new technologies and safety requirements have rendered the regulation in question excessive and unnecessary.

By shutting down Platform Heritage eight miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, oil company Sable Offshore would release 17 tons of emissions into the atmosphere compared to the 0.04 tons of excess emissions that currently puts them over the total permitted by the county’s Air Pollution Control District (APCD). That’s what Sable representatives argued on 7/17 during a rehearing on the pollution waiver called a variance that the APCD granted to Sable in June to allow for excess emissions due to “unplanned flaring” at Platform Heritage. Despite opposition from environmental groups, the full hearing board reapproved the variance.

ELAINE SANDERS, NICK WELSH, and JEAN YAMAMURA

Bruce with his owners, Chris and Ashley Merz

—Elaine Sanders

Jiram Tenorio-Ramon in court

S.B.’s Rent Cap Explained

What’s Included, Who’s Covered, and What’s Still Up for Debate

by Ryan P. Cruz

As the Santa Barbara City Council prepares for another showdown about rent stabilization on July 28, the Santa Barbara Independent provides a look back at the planning process and what the current version of the ordinance could look like if approved and put into place by January 2027.

Who’s Behind the Rent Stabilization Ordinance?

While it’s true that Councilmembers Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Sneddon have led the charge for the current rent stabilization draft with support from fellow councilmembers Meagan Harmon and Oscar Gutierrez the actual work of putting together the ordinance happened over nearly two years, with lengthy public meetings and input from housing attorneys, policy experts, tenant rights advocates, property owner groups, and consultants who specialize in California rent stabilization legislation. Santamaria, elected in November 2024 after running on rent stabilization, got the ball rolling with a two-person memo filed by her and councilmember Sneddon back in fall 2025. The memo described rent stabilization as a “critical need” and included a draft ordinance of what S.B.’s policy could look like.

The memo sparked early debate about the inclusiveness of the planning process, with Harmon, a longtime supporter of rent stabilization, questioning whether the rush to approve a rent cap could be perceived as a lack of public transparency. Despite the rocky start, Harmon remained in the fourperson majority, as the council voted 4-3 in October 2025 to move forward with a work plan with a more deliberate, communitycentered process to ensure the policy was tailor-made for S.B.

and Los Gatos (70 percent of CPI), and Palm Springs (75 percent CPI).

What Units Are In/Out?

Depending on the council’s final direction, S.B.’s rent stabilization program could cover anywhere between 10,000 and 15,000 units citywide. As currently drafted, the ordinance would allow only the exemptions as dictated by state law.

Put simply, the rent cap would apply to any retail unit built before February 1995, with explicit exemptions for single-family homes, condominiums and townhomes, owner-occupied duplexes, motels/hotels, institutional housing such as dorm rooms or medical facilities, government-owned housing, or deed-restricted housing.

Generally, city staff and housing advocates have been in support of aligning S.B.’s exemptions with state law, as any additional exemptions could lead to a more administratively burdensome and costly program that may be vulnerable to legal challenges.

Keeping Track

Housing advocates, city staff, and supporters of the citywide rent cap say that a comprehensive rental registry is the backbone of an effective rent stabilization program.

The Right Number

Several key details of the proposed rent stabilization ordinance survived from the early draft, including the rent increase limit of 60 percent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 3 percent, whichever is lower. This figure was determined with the input of legal experts and based on the rent caps used in cities seeking similar protections from rent increase. There are nearly 30 California jurisdictions that tie rent increase limits to CPI, with a majority of those areas using less than 100 percent of CPI as a guideline.

The figure has also been favored due to its legal defensibility, a factor that has become increasingly important as the city continues to prepare for potential legal battles from property owners that oppose any rental increase limits. The cap of 60 percent of CPI or 3 percent was effective in cities such as Antioch, Oakland, and Richmond. Other

Currently, the city is proposing a rental registry that would require all landlords of covered units to register with the new program administrator by January 1, 2027. The registration would require each unit address, bedroom and bathroom count, contact info, date of ownership, current rent, information about the last rental increase, and tenant move-in date.

Property owners have pushed back against the registry, calling it an overreach and citing privacy concerns. Housing advocates argue that the city already collects information on properties and gross net incomes, and the rental registry would allow for more detailed data on individual unit rates over time.

Statewide, rental registries have allowed government agencies to get a better understanding of how rent stabilization works over time. Cities such as Alameda and Mountain View have used the information to publish regular reports on their respective rent stabilization policies.

cities that use a similar figure include Bell Gardens (50 percent of CPI), Berkeley (65 percent of CPI), Alameda

DOG DROWNING

Tiktok video that shows Chris Merz crying out in distress on a phone call. “Oh my god, they killed my dog!” he screams. “What do I do! I don’t even know what to do! Do I call the cops?”

The family also claims that Camp Canine did not call for emergency veterinary care when Bruce’s body was discovered or transport him to a clinic. Rigor mortis had reportedly set in by the time he was pulled from the pool. English bulldogs are well known as poor swimmers.

The business has since been bombarded by negative online reviews, many of which called for greater oversight of dog daycare facilities.

According to employee comments on the job site Glassdoor, the business has long struggled with “severe” understaffing.

Employees said the center handles roughly 100 dogs per day with only about five employees on shift, making it difficult to safely supervise the animals, quickly break up fights, or respond to medical emergencies. The industry standard, they note, is typically one staff member to every 10 to 15 dogs, depending on their size and temperament.

In their critiques, the employees also cite lack of support from management,

BRIEFS

CITY

Devon Wardlow, a five-year member of the city’s Planning Commission and supporter of rent stabilization and the closing off of State Street to traffic, has thrown her hat into the ring for the city’s District 4 in the 11/3 general election. District 4 is currently represented by Kristen Sneddon, who’s termed out and running for mayor. Also running for the District 4 seat is Jason Dominguez, a private attorney and former councilmember representing the eastside’s District 1; Monte Wilson, a retired businessperson whose wife runs the Painted Cabernet on State Street; and Genevieve Taft-Vazquez, an S.B. local who serves on the Neighborhood Advisory Council and reportedly works for the Human Rights branch of Coca-Cola.

COMMUNITY

Fiesta is coming to Montecito. The inaugural Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Montecito will be held 7/30 with festive music, dance, and a fashion show on Coast Village Road beginning at 4:30 p.m., OSD announced on 7/21. The official stage will be set up in the parklet at Coast Village and Middle Roads on the ocean side of the street. Prior to the stage performances, a Fiesta poster signing will be held at Sunstone Wine Lounge with El Presidente 2026 Colin Hayward and poster artist Pedro De La Cruz. All events on Coast Village Road are free to the public.

PUBLIC SAFETY

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on 7/16, Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna, 23, died after the heavy machinery he was operating rolled down an embankment on Vandenberg Space Force Base. Eneluna was

CONT’D FROM P.7

inattention to maintenance (such as an ongoing rat problem), and a tendency to allow aggressive dogs into the programs “because their owners are friends with the business owners.”

On the positive side, staff members highlight the joy of interacting with the animals and the ability to bring their own pets to work.

Sigman said in her social media post that Camp Canine is conducting a comprehensive review of its safety procedures and emergency response protocols.

“We are implementing immediate operational changes and working to strengthen every aspect of our care to help ensure a tragedy like this never happens again,” she said.

“Nothing can undo this heartbreaking loss, and no words can ease the pain it has caused,” Sigman said. “We can, however, ensure that this tragedy leads to meaningful and lasting change.”

A GoFundMe has been created to help the Merzes with Bruce’s cremation and burial. “Support will also help with legal counsel, so they can better understand their rights and seek answers,” it states.

See gofundme.com/f/help-my-sister-aftertragic-loss-at-camp-canine.

CONT’D FROM P.7

a member of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight, a team which ensures maintenance and safety of the base’s launch, testing, and range operations. His official cause of death has not yet been declared by the S.B. County Coroner’s Office, and the incident is being investigated by a Safety Investigation Board on base. According to a press release from Vandenberg, “Eneluna served with professionalism, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his teammates and the mission. During his assignment at Vandenberg, he earned the respect and admiration of those around him through his positive attitude, tireless work ethic, and willingness to help others.”

It’s the “ankle biter” time of year, and an aggressive and harmful one was trapped in Carpinteria on 7/14. The Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during the daytime, as well as dawn and dusk, generally in the vicinity of the feet and ankles, carrying the potential for Dengue, which can cause serious conditions. Another invasive, daytime ankle-biter, the Aedes notoscriptus , was trapped on Santa Barbara’s Westside in March and on the Mesa in June and, in its native Australia, can carry canine heartworm. The Mosquito and Vector Management District says that “residents can help ‘fight the bite’ by eliminating the sources of water where they lay their eggs and develop, as well as contacting the district if they suspect they are being bitten by these mosquitoes” by calling (805) 969-5050 or visiting mvmdistrict.org.

POLITICS

Congressmember Salud Carbajal voted in favor of an amendment to a House spending bill for the

AT SBMA

WHAT’S ON AT SBMA

Remixed: Entwined Histories and New Forms Through August 30

For Your Reference: Mungo Thomson Through October 25

Perceptual Shifts: Photographs from the Collection Through September 20

UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Beyond Conversation: Dialogues in Music through Art with the Music Academy of the West July 24, July 30, and August 4, 2026 12 pm

Parallel Stories

Entwined Histories: A Conversation with Carmen Giménez and Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Cristina Rivera Garza Sunday, August 16, 2026 2 – 3 pm

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

UCSB Police Hit with $3.3M Verdict

Multiple Officers Ostracized, Punished for Whistleblower Complaints

by Tyler Hayden

Asmorgasbord of lawsuits filed against the UCSB Police Department by current and former officers has finally been resolved, with a Santa Barbara jury last week awarding three of those officers a combined $3.3 million in damages.

The jury found the department had unlawfully retaliated against the trio after they reported a chronic pattern of workplace misconduct, including allegations of nepotism and favoritism, misuse of university resources, interference with investigations, and accusations of sexual harassment.

Their three cases along with three others that resulted in no monetary awards were filed between 2018 and 2021 and consolidated into a single lawsuit against the Regents of the University of California, which oversees all UCSB operations. A spokesperson for the Regents did not respond to requests for comment.

Plaintiff attorney Jamie Keeton said, “We hope this verdict serves as a reminder to all employers that retaliation against whistleblowers is unlawful, and that those who come forward in good faith deserve protection, not reprisal.”

Jonathan Reyes, who is no longer with the department, was awarded $1.8 million. In 2017, Reyes was working as a field training officer when he objected to one of his trainees being promoted to full duty.

Reyes told his supervisor the trainee had not successfully completed the state’s required POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) program, had received failing evaluations, and even been recommended for termination.

Despite Reyes’s objections, the trainee who allegedly had a personal connection to one of the department’s higher-ups was deployed unsupervised into the field.

Reyes was so troubled that he reported his concerns to a regional California POST coordinator, insisting the decision created a public safety risk. Soon after, Reyes received an unusually negative performance evaluation from his superiors and was later passed over for two separate promotions.

Reyes filed an internal grievance challenging his performance review, which was overturned, but he successfully argued in his civil trial that the department’s actions had already harmed his career and constituted illegal retaliation for his whistleblower complaint.

Tiffany Little, currently the department’s Emergency Communications Sergeant, was awarded $1.3 million, and her husband, former officer Michael Little, received $200,000. Their joint lawsuit

focused on reported misconduct by former Sergeant Ryan Smith, who is now an assistant chief in the law enforcement division of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

The Littles claimed Smith had engaged in an intimate relationship with a subordinate officer and covered up a car crash she caused, which damaged university property, and then intervened when supervisors attempted to discipline her. That same officer later sued the department for sexual harassment in a case that settled out of court in 2024.

Smith also spent excessive amounts of time in freshman residence halls while on duty, the Littles said in their legal filings, alleging he routinely turned off his radio and failed to respond to calls for service or requests for backup for hours at a time.

The couple further claimed Smith inappropriately activated his cruiser’s lights and sirens to bypass traffic (including to arrive on time for a breakfast event), used university vehicles and fuel cards for personal trips, committed time-card fraud, and was responsible for a possible hit-andrun while on duty.

Although Smith was briefly placed on leave, the complaint says the university failed to properly investigate his apparent transgressions. Smith resigned in 2017.

When Tiffany Little later cooperated with an attorney investigating another UCSB officer accused of sexual assault, she was told by department brass that she “talked too much.”

The retaliation the Littles endured included workplace ostracism, removal from overtime assignments, limited scheduling options, and denial of professional opportunities, the jury found.

Smith had filed his own lawsuit in 2019 that claimed misconduct by Michael Little and retaliation by the department. The jury, however, dismissed Smith’s accusations and awarded him no damages.

The incidents and circumstances described in all six lawsuits took place when the UCSB Police Department, which currently employs 45 sworn officers with an operating budget of $10 million, was led by Chief Dustin Olson.

Many of the complaints referenced Olson and his “inner circle” of supervisors namely Gregory Smorodinsky, Robert Romero, and David Millard as contributing to the period of tension and upheaval.

Smorodinsky remains with the department. Romero and Millard have since moved on. Olson is now the public safety director for the Colorado School of Mines. None of them responded to requests for comment. n

RENT CAP

S.B.’s rental registry will include a fee for each unit, which would vary depending on how many units are required to register. Some cities require all rental units to register and pay an annual fee, while others require only those that are covered by the rent stabilization to register. If S.B. requires all rental units to register, the cost would be cheaper across the board. If the city only requires covered units, the cost is estimated to be about $140 a unit annually, to be split between tenants and landlords (tenants would pay an average of $7 a month).

Petitions

The current proposal allows for a petition process for both tenants and landlords seeking a rental adjustment. Property owners who believe the rent cap does not allow for a fair return, for instance, will be able to make their case through the public petition.

After the program administrator reviews all documents, an independent hearing officer would decide on petitions on a case-by-case basis. If the petitioner wants to appeal the decision, the case would then go before a newly instituted rental board, which, as currently envisioned, would have both tenants and property owners on it, with a slight tenant majority to reflect the city’s 60-percent renter population.

BRIEFS

State Department that would have stripped $3.3 billion in offensive military assistance to Israel to protest the wholesale violence visited upon Gaza and Lebanon by Israeli armed forces at the direction of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The amendment was defeated in a 314-to-104 vote. Carbajal, a moderate liberal who has traveled to the Middle East twice on trips sponsored by pro-Israel political action committees, has been under increasing political pressure to take tougher steps to impose meaningful consequences on the Netanyahu government.

COURTS & CRIME

An S.B. man was arrested 7/15 after allegedly attacking an acquaintance with a knife in downtown. Just before 8 a.m., emergency personnel responded to reports of a man with a hand laceration in front of City Fire Station 1 and found that the man’s injuries were severe enough for him to be transported to Cottage Hospital. The alleged attack occurred near the intersection Chapala and Carrillo streets, and the victim accused his acquaintance, David Anthony Crone, of cutting him with a knife. SBPD officers located Crone near Red Sand Market on Anapamu Street and took him into custody. Crone was booked into County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and is being held without bail.

ENERGY

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved more than $74 million for extending

Loose Ends

The draft public comment period is officially over, and now city staff is seeking final direction from councilmembers to remain on track in the next several months to meet its January 2027 deadline.

There had been pressure from both sides, with property owners threatening legal challenges and asking for the city to take more time, while tenants and housing advocates have continued to report illegal rent increases while waiting for the permanent rent cap to reach the finish line.

Property ownership groups have repeatedly warned that a citywide rent cap could force local landlords to sell their properties to large corporations. The Santa Barbara Rental Property Association has vowed to continue to fight the rental stabilization ordinance as an “unconstitutional taking” of property. (Its lawsuit challenging the city’s temporary rent freeze was recently dismissed, though it’s considering filing an amended complaint.)

Members of Santa Barbara Tenants Union and the Legal Aid Foundation are ringing the alarm about the need to update the city’s “just cause” eviction ordinance to align with the rental stabilization ordinance and close any potential loopholes that would displace vulnerable tenants.

The council’s decision at the July 28 hearing will set the stage for the final checkpoints in the long road to rent stabilization, though the hearing is likely to draw another round of passionate debate. n

CONT’D FROM P.9

broadband access throughout rural parts of California. One of the largest awards went to Surfnet Communications, which received up to $33.2 million to build two fiber-optic broadband projects across the Central Coast, including $9.19 million for the Santa Barbara Fiber Project, which will install 44.7 miles of fiber-optic cable to bring fiber-to-the-home network service to 366 unserved locations in the Santa Ynez and Los Olivos region. Construction is expected to be completed within 18 months after permits are approved.

ANIMALS

One of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s two-week-old red panda cubs was found deceased on 7/21 in the nest box, next to its mother, Ruby, during a routine check, the S.B. Zoo shared in a press release. The cause of death is not known yet, and a necropsy will be performed. Red panda cubs are very fragile, with an infant mortality rate of approximately 40 percent, according to the Zoo. Born on 7/2, the cubs were the first litter for first-time mother Ruby. On 7/20, the Zoo shared that the cub’s sibling required intervention after a routine examination determined it was not nursing adequately and required supportive care and bottle feeding. The surviving cub continues to receive around-theclock care from the Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams in a temperature-controlled incubator, receiving supplemental fluids, antibiotics, along with a gradual transition to formula bottlefeeding, the Zoo stated. n

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Author Talk & Signing

Dr. Anthony Goodman Great Saves & Terrible Losses

Join Chaucer’s Books as we host a conversation with Dr. Anthony Goodman around his book Great Saves and Terrible Losses: The Journeys of a Surgeon

This riveting memoir follows Dr. Goodman through a career that took him around the world, through his retirement from the practice of surgery and into his second career as a professor and author.

He also reveals his approach to coping with his mild Alzheimer’s diagnosis, as not only a patient but also as a well-educated MD with a steep curve learning about the everchanging nature of this disease, its impact as well as pathology, and options for management.

FILM. GALA. FINALE.

Tar-mageddon

Unusual Amount of Oil, Tar Reported on Beaches Across South Coast

“We definitely share the concerns of the community members who have reported to us, and we’ve definitely passed those along to all the appropriate agencies,” Johnston said.

Sanders Caden McQueen was heading down Santa Barbara’s Milpas Street for a morning stroll on East Beach last Thursday, the stench of petroleum caught his attention. “The smell was intense,” he said.

As he approached the shoreline, he saw clumps of crude oil washing up onto shore from the breaking waves, some as big as tennis balls. McQueen noticed two swimmers rinsing off in the showers next to Cabrillo Pavilion, and “the water running away from the washing station was blackish brown. It was really quite appalling.”

Carrie Giesy noticed a similar phenomenon the day prior at Santa Claus Beach in Carpinteria, writing in to the Independent’s tip line that “a huge oil slick rolled in and completely covered the shoreline with giant globs of tar.”

The City of Carpinteria issued a beach alert that Thursday acknowledging that there is a more-than-usual amount of tar and oil on the city’s beaches, attributed it to natural seeps, and said that a beach remediation response will not be initiated.

“We advise beach users to practice caution and avoid areas where oil and tar are prevalent,” the alert reads.

A report from about 10 a.m. Thursday, submitted to California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), from a surfer at Shoreline Park said that they had to get out of the water because their body and surfboard were covered “head to toe” in oil, and that “hundreds of oil slicks spreading 50ft x 100 ft and 50ft x 200ft” can be seen from the shore to a mile off the coast.

Heal the Ocean Executive Director Karina Johnston says that they had been receiving multiple reports both Wednesday and Thursday and that their field advisor Harry Rabin had been visiting beaches across the county to assess the situation.

Rabin said that he and his team have been looking for a potential source of the black tar, and he “think[s] it came from Coal Oil Point” near Isla Vista.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Kelsey Underwood said that her agency is working alongside the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Office of Spill Prevention to assess the tar on the beaches, and that CDFW teams took samples of oil off of Carpinteria State Beach Thursday morning to verify where the tar is coming from.

Eric Laughlin from CDFW’s Office of Spill Prevention said that the samples have been sent off to a petroleum chemistry lab in Sacramento where they “will be analyzed and compared against known samples of oil to determine if a source match can be made.”

The Independent received reports of oil impacting beaches in Carpinteria, Montecito, and Santa Barbara, and according to Johnston, “it does seem to extend farther up the coast farther north but we’re not sure exactly the magnitude or extent of it at the moment.”

Just last Thursday, private citizens had reported tar on the sands of Shoreline Park, Miramar Beach, Summerland Beach, Padaro Beach, Hammond’s Beach, and Carpinteria Beach, according to records from CalOES.

As of now, there are no plans to remove the tar from the beaches. “There is no method of funding for natural seep clean-up,” said Petty Officer Underwood. According to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund created in the 1990 and collects money from barrel taxes and other pollution funds there has to be a responsible party in order for money to be accessed and used for beach clean-up.

However, Chief Warrant Officer Paul Ricketson later said that in rare instances, the fund can be used to clean up natural seepage. But if it is used too frequently, the nationwide fund would soon be depleted. n

Elaine

Tar on East Beach just after 9 a.m. on 7/16.

Boats Beached on Butterfly

Abandoned Vessels Pose Persistent Problem to County

by Callie Fausey

Like manmade whale carcasses, abandoned boats frequently get beached. Dubbed “derelict” by those who hate to deal with them, two such vessels broke anchor and wrecked on the shores of Montecito last week.

To prevent these boats from shedding toxic fluids and materials into the environment, nonprofit Heal the Ocean (HTO) teamed up with MarBorg to haul them away. Heal the Ocean foots the bill, paying anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 for cleanup, depending on the boat’s size. Fortunately, the two last week were on the smaller side.

Abandoned boats pose a persistent and notoriously challenging problem for the county. Jurisdiction, enforcement, and responsibility are all slippery when it comes to the water and the sand when the boats wreck onshore. But someone’s got to deal with them.

“All the crap from these boats gets into the ocean,” said Harry Rabin, field advisor for HTO. “It’s a public safety concern and an environmental issue.”

The first boat beached on Butterfly the weekend before last. Marborg cleaned it up by Monday morning, July 13, only for HTO to receive another report of a second stranded sailboat, named Riches to Rags, bobbing along the surf line by Tuesday evening. It was cleaned up by dawn on Friday. Each time, crews broke up the boat and hauled it away.

Beached boats are not unusual, but two in one week is excessive. Rabin suggested that the double-whammy last week may be linked to the fuss around Fool’s Anchorage, an area just east of Stearns Wharf where boaters have historically anchored for free in the summer. With the city’s plans to replace the rent-free waters with fee-based moorings evicted boaters were told on June 1 that they’d have to relocate by June 15 some boaters just floated down the coast.

Thanks to delays in installing the new moorings, some returned. But others already moseyed into county waters. “Those who cannot pay the new mooring fees just kick the can,” Rabin said. “Problems are pushed down the coastline.”

The county does not have as much control over abandoned boats as the City of Santa Barbara, which has established protocols for watercraft abatement and even a boat task force for its more-manageable waterfront. When derelict boats drift into the county’s larger jurisdiction, they evolve into a bigger headache for a government agency with fewer avenues for relief.

Owners are given the chance to salvage the vessel, and if they do not, it is tagged for removal which falls on HTO and MarBorg. Usually, they are removed. Tracking down the owner can be quite difficult.

At the core of the problem are boat dealers who buy boats for a penny and resell them for a dime, so to speak, often to unhoused people looking to put a roof over their heads without a lick of knowledge on boat maintenance or the resources to maintain them. The boats wind up neglected and drift ashore. Rabin alleged that they have recently cleaned up seven boats all connected to the same seller.

“There’s a lot of boats out there that are ticking time bombs there’s one out there we’ve been watching for a while. It’s huge. It’s covered in bird poop. We’re gonna have to call the health department for that one,” Rabin said. “It begs the question: What is the definition of seaworthy?”

Under California law, a vessel must be seaworthy i.e., structurally and operationally sound enough to not pose hazards to navigation, the environment, or the public to be moored or operated in state waters, and those that are not can be subject to removal, impoundment, or disposal.

The issue has long been on the county’s radar, but it is the furthest thing from cut and dry. Supervisor Roy Lee’s office confirmed that the Board of Supervisors will be putting a discussion on the docket for the fall, once the board is back from recess in mid-August. County staff may then be directed to come back to the board with options to address the problem. But, again, it is tricky to navigate when jurisdiction is blurry, enforcement is challenging, and some people call these boats home. Removing the roof from over their head just trades one problem for another.

To help pay for the cleanups, the County Sheriff’s Office can lean on the state’s Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) grant, which reimburses public agencies for costs associated with removing and disposing of derelict marine vessels. Rabin said HTO bankrolled the recent cleanups in hopes the Sheriff’s Office will soon secure more funding. n

HARRY RABIN

Two abandoned boats, including sailboat Riches to Rags, shown here, ran aground on Butterfly Beach last week.

Opinions

Dog Doubles Down on Dumb

FORE! “That’s the dumbest idea you ever had,” I was told. And more than once: “And that’s saying a lot.”

At issue was a Molotov cocktail of an idea I tossed out a couple weeks back suggesting the Municipal Golf Course on Las Positas Road 108 acres of city-owned free-andclear land could and should be converted into capital-“A” affordable housing. Most people were nicer about it, recounting how they learned to golf thanks to the grizzled-yetforbearing mentors they encountered on the public course which then cost only 50 cents to play. Others warned of the slippery slope that inevitably ensues whenever a camel’s nose like this is allowed under the tent. What’s next, they demanded: the city’s lawn bowling sites? Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens?

It was the domino theory all over again.

To all of you, I say, “I hear you. And I feel you.” But sometimes, you just got to double down on dumb. This time is one of them.

Here’s my Plan B, which I stole from a wellknown real estate appraiser whom I encountered while getting my ears bent in one of the many inner sanctums of Harry’s Plaza Café. “Cut the baby in half,” he said. Use only half the Muni course for housing and leave the rest for a nine-hole course. Most municipal courses, my ear bender told me, are nine-hole courses. (I have not confirmed.) After cutting the 108-acre property in half, setting aside 54 acres for the golf course and 12 for a new city

wastewater treatment plant the designated site for when rising sea levels necessitate its move this would still leave 42 acres of cityowned land.

Depending on how you do the math, that’s eight to 12 city blocks’ worth of “free” land onto which roughly 1,100 to 1,800 units of capital-“A” affordable housing could conceivably be built.

According to the smartest back-of-theenvelope spit-baller I know, the per-unit land cost for most housing development ranges from $120,000 to $300,000. If such upfront development costs were removed from the equation as well as the typical back-of-thebook rates of return expected by any savvy developer that saving would bend the needle of affordability in a meaningful direction and way.

My ear-bending appraiser at Harry’s had other things to say. The location of Muni is uniquely situated for such a scheme, he said. The freeway on-ramp is just spitting distance from the site. So, too, is Adams Elementary School, which seems to be winning new awards every time you blink. As for groceries, Gelson’s and Trader Joe’s are just down the street and around the corner.

What about Earl Warren Showgrounds? many readers asked. Good question. Earl Warren is owned by the State of California, which is very adamant about telling cities like Santa Barbara what to do about housing and

homelessness while steadfastly refusing to open up its grossly underutilized state parking lots think the DMV to the ridiculously effective Safe Parking Program, which manages various sites where people who live in cars can sleep in peace and get back inside.

Based on the most recent stats, the number of people sleeping their cars here has increased 48 percent in the last couple years And roughly half these car-dwellers hold down full-time jobs. But the $2,000 a month they reportedly bring home is not nearly enough for that home to include a traditional roof or four walls

Right now, the County of S.B. is spending $32 million a year mostly from the state and the feds on various homeless programs; a whole lot of good is getting done. The overall numbers are dropping; so, too, are the digits tabulating the chronically homeless and the numbers for homeless kids and families with kids. But the numbers for people 55 and older jumped by 7 percent, as have the numbers for kids between the ages of 18 and 24.

What we need most is capital-“A” affordable housing maybe like they build in Europe not market-rate housing. I don’t believe in the Tooth Fairy, and I don’t believe in trickle-down economics. Despite the heroic restraint displayed by many mom-and-pop landlords out there, Santa Barbara housing prices have been granted blanket immunity from the laws of supply and demand

Remember the city’s experimental “affordable by design” AUD rental housing program? City Hall bribed developers to build rental units with special density bonuses. And a whole lot of small rental units got built. Last I looked, it was about 700. But on average, their rents were 20 percent higher than the market rate.

Just saying.

Last detail. When I got home from Harry’s, someone had emailed me a history of the Muni Golf Course before it was the Muni Golf Course. During World War II, it was the site of a sprawling military hospital complex with 1,000 temporary buildings and 500 permanent ones often referred to as Hoff Heights. It’s where a lot of wounded servicemembers were sent to recuperate. Many understandably didn’t leave when they got better. After the war, ownership of the land transferred from the Department of Defense to the Federal Public Housing Authority and then on June 14, 1946 to the County of Santa Barbara’s Housing Authority. Then mysteriously, 10 years later in 1956, it was transferred again, this time to the City of Santa Barbara. The golf course quickly ensued.

How this was engineered I don’t pretend to have found out. My mind races with the possibilities. Most, no doubt, are unfairly salacious. But then again, maybe not.

For the record, I got no beef with golfers. Muni provides a lot of people much-needed respite and solace at a time when both are in criminally short supply. I’m merely thinking aloud here. Can this baby be cut in half and still survive? I don’t know. But is it really so dumb to want to find out?

— Nick Welsh

Frequent ICE Killings

Over the course of my career as a journalist, I’ve reported from countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Iraq, where death squads operated in the shadows, often with state support or acquiescence. It was always a relief to come home to the United States.

Today, with Trump’s ICE taking on a role that echoes those dark experiences, I’m troubled by the fear that we are moving in a direction that once seemed unimaginable.

—Kevin McKiernan, S.B.

Conflict

Ican’t help but reflect on the conflicted relationship the Independent and its readers have with animals.

A month ago, the Independent was celebrating sentient creatures for all the reasons a compassionate, aware human would. Prior to that issue, the Independent and its readers were celebrating eating sentient beings (Burger Week) while erasing the mind-numbing cruelty and horror those animals endure to end up on a plate.

The Independent will soon be celebrating county fairs and the agitation inflicted on animals with the purpose of putting them in fight-or-flight mode, getting them to run, jump, and leap for human amusement. In that future edition, the Independent will also normalize the training of children to regard mutual love between humans and animals as an impediment against raising and then killing that animal for money.

How is it possible for decent people to hold two very contradictory thoughts in their minds: Participate in the mind-numbing industrial cruelty, exploitation, and ultimate consumption of animals (not to mention directly enabling animal agribusiness, which is the singular force driving global climate change), and simultaneously love and adore those very same animals?

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” Mahatma Gandhi once said. Maybe a fundamental shift toward peace and empathy can occur when we can courageously confront this hypocrisy within ourselves. —Martin Schaefer, Lompoc

Tar Balls

The article about the high levels of tar on beaches accurately attributed the source to offshore “natural seeps,” with the most likely culprit

the seeps near Coal Oil Point. These are the world’s largest marine seeps, and the gases are one of the largest contributors to air pollution in the county. Over the course of a few days, the seeps burp out an amount of oil equivalent to the 2015 Refugio oil spill.

Though no public funds exist to address pollution from natural seeps, there is a very simple solution that would not cost taxpayers a dime produce the oil and gas underneath Coal Oil Point. Production from the South Ellwood field beneath the point substantially reduced seepage rates until production was halted in 2015 due to the pipeline leak.

The physics is straightforward: Producing oil and gas lowers reservoir pressure. Lower pressure reduces the force pushing hydrocarbons upward and reduces the volume available to seep.

California picked its poison. It decided that oil production was more dangerous to the environment than natural seeps, even though all the scientific evidence suggested otherwise.

Someday, we will all be driving EVs, and oil won’t be nearly as valuable. However, the seeps will still be there. If California gets its way, we will never produce the oil beneath South Ellwood, even though we have the drilling technology to access it from onshore. If the current policies continue, future generations of county residents will continue to have dirty air from natural seeps, and tar balls will continue to foul Santa Barbara’s beaches.

—Mike Stoker, former S.B. County supervisor; Profs James W. Rector and Joseph Silvi, UC Berkeley; Prof. Michael Mische, USC

Keep Goleta Country?

Some of my dear friends’ life investments and future are endangered by what is planned for Fairview Farms. If the “deciders” truly care about environment sustainability, they would oppose the imminent noise pollution about to be inflicted upon the residents.

Outdoor events involving music, large gatherings, and amplification are a homeowner’s nightmare. They want a peaceful sanctuary for rest and relaxation that is the very definition of home. The idea of opening the airspace this way violates that very right and should be unequivocally unacceptable.

—Elizabeth

Wolfson, S.B. 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, 223 E. De la Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101; or fax: 965-5518; or email: letters@independent.com. Unabridged versions and more letters appear at independent.com/opinions

Dick Dunlap 1939–2026

Legendary Musician, Artist, Conceptman

BY JOSEF WOODARD

Dick Dunlap was not an open book kind of guy. He had an air of mystique and soft-spoken introspection about him, liberally mixed with a wry wit and easy sociability with a wide range of people. But once you peeked into the multi-chaptered book of who he was, one rich in music, art, and everevolving ideas, he was a fascinating read you never wanted to end.

Dick’s book was finally closed on the afternoon of June 2, when he passed on to the next phase, the next gig, after 86 laps around the sun. So ended a five-year struggle with the Big C, in the comfort of his longtime compound and laboratory on Anacapa Street and then the familial company of his late-discovered nephew Glen (that’s a whole ’nother story).

By the end, a jazz playlist had been gently humming in Dick’s room for days. The view from his final bed perch allowed for a direct vantage over the balcony to a family of trees in the large wild backyard, past the historic carriage house turned studio/idea incubator where Dick conspired with his various muses for decades. From his bed, Dick’s attention would naturally drift over to specific bird action in the Dunlap arboretum.

He briefly got lost in the bird reverie on the afternoon that Tom Lackner and I paid a visit, two days before his departure. We spoke about our great love and admiration for Dick’s music, which we were blessed to be a part of in the “hopelessly eclectic” band Headless Household, along with Goletan-in-Seattle Chris Symer. That passionate oddball project lasted 36 years and birthed nine albums, all of which would have been unimaginable without Dick’s audacious fluidity and cryptic charm at the keys.

This spot on Anacapa is the house and compound the legendary House of Dunlap where his long-standing and long loved pianist wife, Arlene, who herself passed in 2024, taught generations of students. If an incoming student wasn’t up for or geared for Arlene’s serious classical pedagogy, they would sometimes be sent downstairs to study in Dick’s fun zone. But his gift was in mixing fun

with serious business, as a teacher. His prize protege was the now prominent jazz pianist Benny Lackner, an ECM recording artist who dedicated his song “Anacapa” to his beloved friend and teacher of old.

Seattle born and bred, Dick was one of those nowrooted Santa Barbarans who came to land here through the passageway of UC Santa Barbara. His unconventional spin on art and music and teaching made him a ripe candidate to teach at UCSB’s College of Creative Studies in the early ’70s, where his colleagues included the recently belated composer Daniel Lentz.

The structure of academic life didn’t suit Dick’s free spirit, and he soon found himself pursuing such specialized art artistic terrains as sound art including FisherPrice push toys and rubber bands in his palette which took him to Europe and landed him in the pages of Life magazine.

The aesthetics of Dick Dunlap cannot be easily described or categorized, a mark of his unique voice and being. He excelled in jazz mode but was always venturing outward and seeking new areas of self-expression in music. For an example, proceed to his 18-minute piano improvisation Intersphere (hear at tinyurl.com/DDintersphere), recorded at his major Santa Barbara Museum of Art installation in 1981. Wandering allusions to jazz and new music come together in a brilliant spontaneous suite. In a way, that alternately grounded and searching suite encapsulates his essence as an artist.

On the recent afternoon Tom Lackner and I visited, two days before his passing, we brought along recordings by an ambient side project with the three of us called Cachuma, recorded years ago and which we plan to release, partly in honor of Dick. With that unassuming music doing its murmur dance in the background, we expressed our massive appreciation for his inspiration and quirkiness.

Very softly, he quipped, with pithy profundity, “I’m an accident willing to happen.”

Insight from the Master’s mouth.

The book is closed. And never closed.

Twilight in the House of Dunlap

BY TOM LACKNER

The first thing that comes to mind when I remember my friend and collaborator Dick Dunlap are the photographs of him either with our band Headless Household or of him alone. They show a certain inscrutability that was unaffected yet open to the possibility of one entering into his art.

I have known only a few artists who truly are conduits of artistic expression. Everything Dick envisioned became art, whether in his paintings or multimedia installations, or, most importantly for many of us, his music. He was a master not only of technique but of patience and the art of silence. Often in performance or in the studio I would wonder and perhaps get frustrated at his understatement but on listening back, he was perfect for the moment.

He was a much-respected jazz pianist in his hometown of Seattle who came to Santa Barbara to teach painting at UCSB. But he continued to play music, and it was here that I landed in his orbit, playing intuitive, free music and then the slightly more structured left-of-center music of Headless Household.

He and his wife, Arlene, were both beloved piano teachers. Although her field was more the classics and contemporary music, they were a formidable eclectic pair. When she passed away, Dick’s health declined, as is the wont of many long marriages. Before he died, Dick, Joe, and Dick’s nephew Glen compiled some of Dick’s music into an album, Arlene Rising, which was impetus for him to keep involved in music. Hopefully, there will be more of his music compiled from his recordings.

I visited Dick two days before he died. He was calm and not afraid to enter Eternity, as he called Death. As I held his arm, he pointed to a group of crows perched on a dead eucalyptus.

There is a beautiful Haiku about passage: on a withered branch sits a crow autumn nightfall

—Basho

Dick Dunlap playing at the Museum of Art’s “Summer Nocturne” show in 2018

Springtime for Donald in Washington

ABY DAVID OBST

ccording to the L.A. Times, William Shirer, Alan Bullock, and countless other Nazi historians, Adolf Hitler was one of the wealthiest men in Europe. Donald Trump’s net worth this year will finally surpass that of Hitler’s. More than six billion versus the Führer’s paltry five billion.

One doesn’t think of Hitler as a billionaire, but he achieved his great riches in a very similar fashion to our commander in chief: Once elected to office, he never again paid income taxes. He made a fortune from his best-selling book, Mein Kampf, which virtually every German citizen had to buy at full retail price. He received royalties for every postage stamp and poster bearing his face and had access to a tremendous personal “slush fund” that the monied elite of Germany and Austria were more than willing to share with him. If he wanted something, be it a castle or a top-of-the-line Mercedes, it became his. Like Trump, he viewed the wealth of his country as his personal piggy bank.

When Hitler was first elected, he swore to the German people he would leave office with nothing. He repeatedly vowed that he was only working for the people’s sake. He lied.

One of Hitler’s greatest joys, like Trump’s, was using the power and money of his rule to build wonderful toys for himself and his friends.

For example, Hitler not only had a ballroom, but he also had an entire castle built to his personal specifications by Albert Speer. Built as an outpost for the Imperial Chancellery, Berchtesgaden became one of Hitler’s favorite places to hang out, so, in no time, it also became the “in” spot for his sycophants to toady up to him.

Like Trump, Hitler also had a lavish suite of hotel rooms. The Prinzregentenplatz, commissioned by Martin Bormann and paid for by the Nazi Party, was full of the art that Hitler plundered from throughout his conquests.

Hitler one-upped Trump by having his face put

on every postage stamp and poster printed in Germany. For this, he demanded a hefty royalty that paid him tens of millions.

What I’m sure Trump admired about this is that as soon as Hitler had power, he was given, like Trump, a total income tax exemption. No one in his government was allowed to see his earnings. Soon, most of Hitler’s loyal followers were also given these exemptions. Since so much of Germany’s newfound wealth was from the plunder of the rest of Europe, this, at first, didn’t really hurt the Nazi economy. It would eventually prove disastrous.

Finally, like Hitler, Trump has now put together a variety of political slush funds. In fact, these funds pay to Trump staggering amounts of money. None of it is taxed or subject to any kind of regulatory oversight.

From the time he became chancellor until his death in 1945, Hitler received some $3 billion in corporate slush fund payments. This was a classic win-win situation. The arms industry paid Hitler, and he then bought massive amounts of planes, tanks, battleships, etc. for the war. Profit margins for both parties were impressive. To Hitler, there were few distinctions between his own money and the state’s. It was all mixed together.

Hitler loved to show off his expensive Teutonic furniture and expansive red marble fireplace mantel. He built a projection booth for evening screening. It’s said Hitler loved the Mickey Mouse movies.

Before the war, the media gave Hitler a pass on his wealth. He was portrayed as a man of the people. American editors ran his propaganda as sentimental images of just a man with cute dogs and children. Life magazine published a 1937 feature on Hitler, depicting him on its cover cozying up to his dogs with the caption “Where Hitler Dreams.”

This month, Donald Trump has finally surpassed Hitler in wealth accumulation. Let’s hope he doesn’t equal or top Hitler in other catastrophic categories.

The Family Support Center offers a variety of free evening workshops and an Open Computer Lab.

4-6 Week Offerings Include: Mindful Parenting Financial Literacy Employment Skills ESL Basic Computer Skills Open Computer Lab

“TRUMP HAS BEEN

obituaries

Randy Mantooth“Randolph”

09/19/1945-07/09/2026

Randy “Randolph” Mantooth, beloved actor, lifelong advocate for firefighters, paramedics, ER doctors, nurses, EMS, and the iconic star of NBC’s television series Emergency!, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, in Ventura, California surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Sacramento, California, on September 19, 1945, Randy was the eldest of four children born to Sadie and Donald Mantooth. His father, of Seminole and Cherokee heritage, was a pipeline worker, a profession that carried the family across the country before eventually settling in Santa Barbara. Those early experiences shaped Randy’s curiosity about the world, his love of history, and lifelong passion for storytelling.

It was at Santa Barbara High School and Santa Barbara City College, that Randy discovered his love of acting, setting him on a path that would define his life’s work. He earned a scholarship to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where his performance in Philadelphia, Here I Come! earned him the prestigious Charles Jehlinger Award, one of the Academy’s highest acting honors. That performance caught the attention of Universal Studios, launching a remarkable career that would span more than five decades and introducing him professionally as “Randolph” Mantooth.

In 1972, Randy was cast as Firefighter-Paramedic Johnny Gage on NBC’s Emergency!, the role that would forever define his legacy. He was quoted asking, “What the heck is a Paramedic?” when offered the part. Randy, alongside costar Kevin Tighe, who quickly became his best friend, helped introduce America to the emerging profession of paramedicine, at a time when there were only a handful of paramedic programs in the entire country. Working alongside technical advisor Jim Page, for

whom Randy's character was named, Emergency! brought the daily realities and quiet heroism of EMS into homes across the country.

For millions of viewers, Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto came to represent the courage, compassion, and commitment of those who choose a life of service. Countless paramedics, firefighters, nurses, and physicians have said it was the show, Emergency! that first pointed them toward their careers.

Though his portrayal of Johnny Gage made him internationally recognized, Randy’s greatest pride came from the firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and emergency professionals whose lives and careers were influenced by his work. He traveled tirelessly across the country sharing his message through countless speaking engagements, conferences, and firehouse visits, using his voice to advocate for first responders. To those who thanked him for playing Johnny Gage, Randy had a standard reply, "You are the real heroes. I am just the face."

His dedication to EMS and fire service was recognized with some of the profession’s highest honors, including the James O. Page Award of Excellence from the IAFC, the Ralph J. Richey Award from the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, and the Presidential Citation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. In 2012, Randy and Kevin were named Honorary Fire Chiefs by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Randy was a Lifetime Member of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, a Lifetime Member of Advocates for EMS, a spokesperson for the IAFF, IAFC, and Masimo. He remained one of the most recognizable faces of a profession he did not practice, yet spent the rest of his life honoring.

Following Emergency!, Randy continued to build an accomplished career in television, film, and theater, appearing on ABC’s Loving, The City, One Life to Live, General Hospital, and CBS’s As The World Turns, with film credits including Bold Native, He Was a Quiet Man, and Agent Red. He returned to the stage, in Lanford Wilson’s Rain Dance at The Signature Theatre in New York, alongside James Van Der Beek, and later became an Associate Artist at Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose

Theatre, appearing in Superior Donuts, and The Morning After Grace.

While Randy’s career brought him worldwide recognition, those closest to him remember his rare ability to make everyone feel like an old friend. He was a natural storyteller who could hold a room with his comedic timing and legendary embellishments. He was a prankster both on and off the set. He was an avid reader, a curious traveler, Land Rover enthusiast, a true animal lover, and had a remarkable green thumb. While he cherished his many horses, chickens, and even a bobcat, his greatest joy came from his beloved dogs, Dodger and Buck.

Randy was immensely proud of his sister Tonya, CEO of the San Diego International Film Festival, and deeply admired her lifelong dedication to filmmaking and the arts. The two shared a love of music and a creative bond all their own. He was equally proud of his brother Don, a devoted husband, father, and gifted photographer. Randy and Don shared a love of sports, history, and an infectious sense of humor, along with a Thanksgiving tradition of Trivial Pursuit with Tonya’s children Stephanie and Alex.

On August 10, 2002, Randy married meeting planner Kristen in an unforgettable ceremony filled with love, laughter, games, and even prizes. Friends and family gathered at the Santa Barbara Zoo to celebrate. True to form, the couple lip-synched their first dance, a moment that set the tone for the evening. Their years together were rooted in friendship, endless laughter, and a lasting partnership.

After courageously overcoming both throat and pancreatic cancer, Randy lived for years as a proud survivor. His health declined unexpectedly following pneumonia and passed away peacefully on July 9th surrounded by the love of his family, dear friends, and caregivers.

Survivors include his wife and partner, Kristen Connors; his sister Tonya Mantooth, and her children Stephanie and Alex Inscoe; his brother Don Mantooth and wife Susan; niece Nikki Cosgrove; nephew Jonathan DeHoyos; niece Debbie Hill; along with their spouses and children. Predeceased by sister, Nancy DeHoyos Mantooth.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, caregivers, hospice professionals, and dear friends who cared for Randy with extraordinary compassion and kindness. Your love and support will never be forgotten.

KMG-365, Squad 51 – out.

In accordance with Randy’s wishes, a private interment will take place in Santa Barbara. No funeral services will be held.

A celebration of Randy’s life will take place later this year. (*check back here for more details or on the Museum’s website)

Cards can be mailed to: Los Angeles County Fire Museum

Attention: Kristen Connors or The Mantooth Family 9834 Flora Vista Street Bellflower, CA 90706

(*Written by Kristen Connors)

Photo Credit: @ esmith_images)

Melvin Kennedy 08/22/1940-06/16/2026

The world lost a beautiful soul in Mel Kennedy. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was also an integral part of his wife’s family, the Matsumotos, and good friend and colleague to so many throughout his life.

Mel was a born engineer, at an early age breaking apart the head of his three sisters’ only doll to discover how its blinking eyes worked. After attending Chaffee Junior College, he transferred to UC Berkeley where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. Mel was quickly recruited by Mattel Toys where he spent fourteen years designing various projects including many for the Hot Wheels brand.

Along with a fellow Mattelite, Mel eventually struck out on his own. They moved to New York City, where he met Susan Matsumoto, future wife, business partner and love of his life. Initial successful inventions were the Baseball Kid for Ohio Art and the Happy Days Game for Parker Bros., followed by a run of

Spider-Man toys for Toy Biz, and Skip-It! an international best seller to this day. Over a career that granted him many patents, Mel alongside various partners, also invented Conair’s Quick Braid, Quick Wrap and Color Pro Accent; international hit toys Doodle Doug and Doodle Daisy; Hasbro's Easy Bake Oven Frosting Pen; Baby Brezza Baby Food Maker by Betesh Group; and many others. Over the years, Mel and Susan called the Hamptons and Florida their home before finally settling in Santa Barbara, their favorite place of all. They loved to travel, chalking up ninety-one countries on their list of destinations with the target of reaching one hundred.

In his lifetime Mel collected classic fifties convertibles, sailed Hobie cats, owned racehorses, flew an Ultralight right to the bottom of Shinnecock Bay, fished in the High Sierra with Kennedys and Matsumotos, enjoyed plays, lectures, dance performances, and concerts, especially through UCSB’s Arts & Lecture Series. He loved good food and wine and was addicted to sudoku, impossible and hard levels only, please. Even in these last months, Mel’s mind was always active, engaged by talks on YouTube and TED, and articles read to him from the New York Times.

Mel is survived by his wife Susan; son David and daughter Diana (Karen) from his first marriage to Carmen Guevara; grandchildren Jason (Marissa), Alec (Kaitlin), and Nicole; and great-grandchildren Ava, Lexie, Sadie Mae, and Asher. His greatest regret at his passing was not being able to watch his great-grandchildren grow up. Also surviving him are sisters Janice (Dean) and Margaret (Lance); as well as Matsumoto siblings Stephen, Ken (Joy), Mark (Janice) and Robert; plus numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Stan and Dorothy (Gerdes) Kennedy and his sister Patricia Bray.

If you are so moved, donations may be made in Mel’s name to World Central Kitchen. The world and the suffering of its citizens were always a concern for him. Or UCSB Arts & Lectures, a highlight of living in Santa Barbara, exposing us to worldclass minds, dance, and music

obituaries

Sally

Stewart 09/07/1938-07/03/2026

Sally Stewart of Santa Barbara passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at the age of 87. She lived a full and meaningful life marked by curiosity, resilience, generosity, humor, and a deep commitment to the people and communities she loved.

Born on September 7, 1938, Sally built a life filled with adventure and connection. She traveled the world and embraced many different roles throughout her life, including teacher’s assistant, secretary, entrepreneur, administrator, and educator. She was someone who loved being involved, helping others, and knowing she had something to offer.

Sally loved Santa Barbara deeply and made it her home for many years. She cherished her friendships, including her tennis group and her women’s group, which brought her connection and joy for decades. She volunteered generously, including with Hospice of Santa Barbara and the Transition House Auxiliary, always finding ways to support others and her community.

She was known for her wonderful sense of humor, her laughter, and her smile. She had the ability to find moments of joy even during life’s most difficult times. Her resilience carried her through many challenges, including the loss of her daughter Linda Stewart in 2002.

In her later years, Sally was especially proud to remain independent and living in her own home until near the very end of her life. She continued to stay engaged with friends, walk daily, enjoy nature, care for beloved dogs, and appreciate the beauty of Santa Barbara that she loved so much.

Sally is survived by her daughter, Karen Stewart; her sister, Nancy Harahan of Flintridge; and her brother, Charles Morris III of Spokane, WA. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Stewart, in 2002.

Donations may be made in Sally’s name to organizations

that reflected her values and passions:

Hospice of Santa Barbara https://wl.donorperfect. net/weblink/weblink. aspx?id=10&name=E9727

Doctors Without Borders https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Transition House https://www.transitionhouse.com

Sally will be remembered for her generous spirit, her laughter, her beautiful smile, and the many lives she touched through her kindness and care.

Carol Lee Ashamalla

10/25/1938-07/16/2026

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Carol Lee Ashamalla. Carol passed away peacefully at her home in Santa Barbara on July 16, 2026, surrounded by her family, after a courageous 11-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Carol was born in Lima, Ohio on October 25, 1938, the oldest of three, born to Earl and Doris Watt. Her sister, Linda Hartoon, and brother, Robert Watt, preceded her in death.

A natural beauty inside and out, Carol graduated from St. Gerard's High School in 1957 where she was crowned homecoming queen. She went on to Mt. St. Joseph's College in Cincinnati, where she earned her AA degree. In 1960, she married her first husband, Martin O'Brien, but tragically, he passed away just two years later after a short battle with cancer.

Carol found herself at a crossroads: join the Peace Corps, or go back to school. She chose school, heading to Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, where she earned her BA in Sociology with a minor in Psychology.

It was at Marquette that she met Mounir R. Ashamalla, DDS, known to everyone as "Ash." She was in undergrad and he was in Dental school and new to this country from Cairo, Egypt. They fell in love, and married in 1965 in a small ceremony in Los Angeles, attended only by her parents

and a few siblings, officiated by Carol's uncle, Fr. Joseph Watt. Our Dad liked to describe her as “5’ 2” and beautiful eyes of blue”…So began the sweet story of the “immigrant and the widow.”

Carol and Ash wasted no time, they packed up and drove from Milwaukee to San Francisco in Carol's beloved 1964 VW Bug, which she'd bought brand new for $1,200. That ruby-red bug is still in the family today. In San Francisco, Carol worked as a social worker for the county and they welcomed their first child, Nicole in 1966. The young family lived in a small apartment while Ash finished Oral Surgery school at UCSF, and then made their way to Santa Barbara, where he opened his practice and they truly put down roots.

The next 25 years was all about raising three kids, and spending time with friends and family- Carpools, activities, travel and helping her kids find their way in the world. Along the way, Carol found time to volunteer with organizations like CALM and The Assistance League, and she served on the board of the Friendship Center for several years.

Carol and Ash loved to travel, and they had a wonderful circle of friends to explore the world with. Trips to the Middle East, Switzerland, and Australia were among her favorites, and she never missed a chance to send a postcard home. Closer to home, family trips to China Peak, Lake Tahoe, and Lake Nacimiento hold a special place in the family's hearts.

Carol also had a beautiful group of women friends she loved, she was a good friend to everyone, and she knew how lucky she was to have such wonderful friends.

A devoted and lifelong Catholic, her faith was the foundation of her life. Carol was sweet, kind and loved animals. For the past 55 years there has always been a dog or 2 in her home. Even at the end of her illness when she could no longer speak, she remained sweet and loving. With a nod and a faint smile, we always knew she loved us.

Carol was enthusiastic about her health and wellness, whether it was Jazzercise in the 80’s, Step class in the 90’s or Curves in the ‘00’s, she loved to stay active.

In her later years, Carol carried an envelope of her grandkids' photos in her purse

everywhere she went. She was always eager to show friends recent photos when asked… and maybe even when not asked! In either case she lit up when speaking of her grandkids, as being a Grandma, was a source of great joy to her.

Carol is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. Mounir Ashamalla, and their three children: Nicole Bates (Steve), David Ashamalla (Shannon), and Greg Ashamalla (Lauren).

She also leaves behind six precious grandchildren, Owen Bates; Shaelyn and Stella Ashamalla; and Lola, Julian, and Sonny Ashamalla.

The family is deeply grateful to Assisted Hospice of Santa Barbara and Carol’s devoted caregivers, whose compassionate care allowed her to stay at home for the last 4 years of her life with dignity and grace.

A mass will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1300 East Valley Road on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 11:30 am with a graveside blessing under a shady tree at Santa Barbara Cemetery in Montecito immediately following.

In honor of Carol, please hug your family tight and remind them how much you love them.

John Wiley 09/27/1960-07/10/2026

After being diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, John Wiley passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

John was born on September 27, 1960 in Santa Barbara, CA to Jim and Carol Wiley. He attended Adams Elementary School, La Cumbre Junior High School, and San Marcos High School.

John spent most of his career as an electrician, working in high-end residential and commercial properties before concluding his career at UC Santa Barbara. Throughout his career, he found deep fulfillment in mentoring the next generation of electricians.

John met his loving wife of 41 years, Stephanie, the summer of 1978. The two were married on June 1, 1985 and built

a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting commitment to each other. Stephanie and John raised two children together, Jason and Brianna, who were John’s greatest sense of pride. As a family, they traveled the country supporting Jason and Brianna’s BMX racing pursuits. What began as weeknights at Elings Park grew into years of adventures, friendships, and memories. Through long drives to the middle of nowhere and weekends in the dirt, John created memories his family will carry with them forever.

John was the most incredible father to Jason and Brianna and considered them his pride and joy, but becoming Grandpa was his greatest honor. Whether he was teaching Weston (4yrs) car parts, shagging baseballs for Colton (2yrs), or snuggling with Hudson (4mo), John cherished every moment he spent with his grandsons. He loved watching them learn and grow and never missed an opportunity to make them laugh. He especially loved sharing his passion for his Meyers Manx Dune Buggy, Los Angeles sports teams, and Friday family dinners. Although their time with him was far too brief, the love he gave each of them will remain a part of who they are for the rest of their lives.

John had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. Whether you had known him for years or had just met him, he greeted you with a warm hug, a genuine interest in your life, and a kindness that immediately put people at ease. His home was always open, his conversations were sincere, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was truly “a friend of the friendless,” offering friendship freely and making lasting connections wherever he went.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Stephanie, his son, Jason (Olivia), his daughter, Brianna (Rachel), and his three grandsons, Weston, Colton, and Hudson.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Carol Wiley and Jim Wiley.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 1:00pm at Kiwanis Meadows (Tuckers Grove). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation for the John Wiley Memorial Scholarship.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that John’s love will remain with us always. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Days That Feel Like Your Own

Mornings unfold at your pace. Afternoons bring conversation, movement or quiet moments in the garden. At Vista Del Monte, each day reﬂects how you choose to live. With engaging programs, welcoming spaces and time to enjoy what matters most, life here feels both relaxed and full, shaped by your interests, your rhythm and your sense of possibility.

AC T IVE

AGING

2026 Edition

A Celebration

the

Many

of

Ways to Live Well Through Every Stage of Life

If there’s one thing I learned while putting together this year’s Active Aging issue, it’s that, as overused and cliché as the phrase may be, age really is just a number. Think you’re too old to tackle a hike? At 84, Al Sladek is still leading weekly treks through Santa Barbara’s trails. Wondering if your best years are behind you? Competitive swimmer Jim West continues to race against athletes decades younger than himself. Think yoga isn’t for beginners later in life? The Santa Barbara Yoga Center’s Yoga for Healthy Aging program proves you can start at any age. And if you ever need a reminder that passion doesn’t have an expiration date, look no further than centenarian Henry Mealy, whose enthusiasm for tennis is just as remarkable as the longevity that has carried him to his 100th year. The people featured in these pages remind us that aging isn’t about slowing down it’s about continuing to grow, connect, challenge yourself, and find joy in whatever comes next.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to staying active at every stage of life.

—Tiana Molony

The Man, the Myth, the Tennis Centenarian

On a gray Friday morning at the Kellogg Tennis Courts in Goleta, nine players gathered for their weekly match. Balloons spelling “100” bobbed from a chain-link fence, and a chocolate cake waited on a nearby bench. Its icing read: Happy Birthday, Henry, Our Tennis Centenarian.

The courts were empty. No one played. Instead, they lingered along the fence, their eyes fixed on the opening where they expected their 10th player, Henry Mealy, to appear.

He wore black sweatpants and a red long-sleeved shirt.

Atop his head sat a navy hat, given to him, he said, by some “envious pickleball players.” Someone pointed out his shoes: his new, white, scuff-free birthday shoes.

He moved like a wise turtle, the kind that learned to conserve its energy without surrendering its independence. Despite his age, he didn’t strike me as someone whose main purpose upon entering a room is to find the nearest chair.

Henry Mealy Has Advice for Reaching 100: Never Underestimate the Power of Good Company

As they waited, the players traded stories about Henry. They marveled at his seemingly endless stamina and laughed about his quirks, especially his relentless trash talk.

“That’s why he’s still around,” one player mused. “He’s got such a potty mouth.”

Todd Smith recalled their first meeting five years earlier. Even then, he was impressed by Henry’s agility and remembers thinking, “not bad for a 94-year-old guy.”

Someone mentioned, rather matter-of-factly, that Henry still drove. Before I could ask another question, another described the bumper sticker on his SUV: “No nukes. Save the women and children.” I took it as evidence that Henry was not afraid to tell you exactly how he felt.

To this group, he was more than a teammate more than a friend. He was an inspiration.

And, on this day, he was 99 years old. Tomorrow, June 27, he would turn 100.

Henry arrived.

“Wow, I made it,” he exclaimed, as if, going to bed the night before, he wasn’t entirely sure if he’d see today.

He thanked his friends for showing up, for the cake, for the balloons. Players tossed back their thank-yous with words of encouragement:

“You put that ball away,” one of them shouted.

“You inspire us all,” someone behind me chimed. Everyone gathered underneath the gold balloons for a group photo. Someone placed a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “Are you smiling, Henry?” they asked. “I think I am,” he laughed, revealing his missing teeth.

Henry stood at the center, clutching a giant tennis ball, which was covered with notes from another birthday party he had attended earlier that week.

“Henry,” one note signed by Jane read, “Playing tennis with you is my favorite way to start the week.”

The group teetered between whether cake or tennis should take precedence and ultimately settled on cake. They wondered aloud if they should sing “Happy Birthday,” but Henry exclaimed that we “didn’t need to do that”; he’d “heard that before 100 times.”

Henry pleaded with us to pause the chitchat so he could play some tennis.

He strode onto the court, swinging his racquet back and forth, slicing through the air with the same effortlessness as Michael Phelps flapping his arms like a bird, preparing to enter Olympic waters.

One of the other players wondered aloud whether they should warm up more, to which Henry said they didn’t need to. A voice behind me yelled, “Henry was born ready!”

On the court, he moves like a gazelle, light on his feet, hitting the ball back at his opponents with a seasonedness, as

if the movements came as naturally to him as breathing. He missed a few; he’s only human, after all, and at this, he playfully instructed Independent photographer Ingrid Bostrom not to “take a picture of that.”

Then it was his turn to serve, and a hush blanketed the court. Henry floated the ball high and slammed it down.

“Now,” he smirked, “how’d that look?”

At this, I leaned into the woman in the crimson-blue jacket standing next to me. She arrived with Henry, and I inquired about their relationship. Her name is Rebecca Stansberry, and she is Henry’s neighbor. She told me that Henry lived alone, but she cleaned his house, did his laundry, and checked in on him whenever she could.

The score was 15-love.

She said Henry introduced her to the Friday tennis group about three years ago and informed me that Henry does not just play tennis once, but three times a week. I asked her what I already knew: whether the community Henry has was probably the secret ingredient in his longevity, more so than the tennis.

“He told me yesterday,” she said. “We were having a conversation about how it’s the community that keeps him happy and moving forward.”

Watching Henry play, I couldn’t help but think of the centenarians in the Blue Zones, the five regions of the world where researchers have identified people living exceptionally long, healthy lives, often reaching age 100 at unusually high rates. These are Okinawa, Sardinia, Nicoya Peninsula, Icaria, and Loma Linda. In short, people in the Blue Zones reportedly lead slow, healthy lifestyles surrounded by good company. That last one took precedence.

I lost track of the score, but the other doubles team won. Everyone took a break to eat some cake. Henry finally sat down, and we all eagerly gathered around him, waiting for him to speak as one does when a baby prepares to say its first words. Someone I don’t remember who started the conversation by asking if he could recall the time he went to Indian Wells to watch the then-teenaged Williams sisters play.

Tiana Molony | Photos by Ingrid Bostrom

Henry Mealy and his friends (from left): Anita, Philip, Tom, Pat, Deb, Henry, Todd, Francisco, Joe, and Rebecca

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Henry peered at the sky as if the memory was stored somewhere in the fog.

“They had pearls on their hair,” he said, smiling. “They were dropping on the court.”

I took this moment, while he was occupied with cake, to try, in a few minutes, to have him relay the last 100 years of his life. Here is what I found out:

Henry was born on June 27, 1926, in Baltimore, Maryland. During World War II, he served mostly in the Merchant Marine and then in the Navy toward the end of the war. He held a commission in the Navy but spent most of his service hauling troops and supplies to Europe to places such as Cherbourg, Le Havre, and Plymouth along the English Channel as part of large convoys.

“Queen Mary was the head of our convoy,” he said.

This made him think of his wife, Mary. She passed away 10 years ago, in her nineties. He described her as a “wonderful, blessed person who took good care of me.”

In 1950, after the war, he attended Johns Hopkins University, where he played on the tennis team.

“I played a little better than I do now,” he joked, in between bites of cake.

After college, he stayed in Baltimore before briefly moving to Frederick, Maryland, and, in 1961, to Santa Barbara. His brother served in the Air Force at the time, and “he talked me and my family of four into coming out in my Oldsmobile 98, with four kids and a dog.”

In Santa Barbara, he spent decades working as an accountant for the Santa Barbara School District and retired at 62.

“I had enough of it,” he said bluntly. His old staff was holding a party for him the following day. He remembered intentionally hiring pretty women to work in his office.

“You forget one important thing about Henry: He flirts with all the pretty girls,” a woman behind me chimed in.

Henry agreed: “I get a lot more attention from the pretty girls now that I’m 100 than when I was younger.”

Everyone laughed.

Of all the joy that came with making it to the big 100, it was not lost on me, Henry, or any of the other players that the achievement simultaneously carried grief. The truth was, Henry had outlived three of his four children.

“It’s nice to be alive and to live so long,” he said, “but when you live that long, you have a lot of friends that don’t live that long, including your children.”

But classic Henry, he returned to optimism: “There were sad times, but they were outlived by the good times.”

He credited the group surrounding him as being responsible, in part, for the life he had lived, which was “more like a 100-year-old vacation enjoyed by the people here,” he said, gesturing to the crowd around him. “Annita, who organizes everything for me; Rebecca, who takes care of me. Good Todd; he’s always

ACTIVE AGING

looking after me I wish he’d arrange for me to win a little bit.”

I asked him to impart some wisdom to us. To grant us the secret formula to a long, healthy life. But I knew, deep down, there wasn’t one.

“I didn’t do anything special to live so long,” he revealed, “except,” he added, “I did play tennis…. You’re never going to live to be 100 unless you play tennis.”

Aside from tennis, he found community at Trinity Episcopal Church, where he had been active for 60 years. He also found pleasure in music and fishing.

After about 10 minutes, Henry asked me if those were all my questions. I got the sense he wanted to return to the court. Although I could have talked to him for hours, I let him go but not before someone shared that Henry had a low heart rate, around 60 beats per minute.

This sparked a memory of a conversation I’d had the day before about how most mammals have a lifetime range of 1-1.5 billion heartbeats. How those heartbeats are spent is up to nature, yes, but also, to some extent, us.

I remembered something Henry had said earlier: “I lived a slow life,” he said. “I drove with low lights; I traveled with low lights, and because of that I was able to slow down and never hurry, and was able to slow go slow enough to enjoy all the people and all the surroundings around me; I always enjoyed that’s why life is a vacation.”

I lingered a while longer, watching Henry play. He tried, with all his might, to coax me onto the court, but I insisted I was wearing the wrong shoes. Had I agreed, I’m sure he would have beaten me with ease. Before I left, I thanked him for his time and told him I might see him again the following Friday if I had a few more questions.

“I’ll probably be in your obituary,” he joked.

I left the courts, climbed into my car and, before putting it in drive, pulled up Google and searched for tennis lessons. n

AUGUST IS MAKE-A-WILL MONTH

Many adults don't have a will or haven't updated their estate plans.

At the Museum, we're committed to being a resource for our community—not just through our programs and collections, but through tools that help people plan for the future.

This August, we're encouraging everyone to create or update their estate plan with our free online will-making resource.

Mark your calendar for our free in-person Estate Planning Essentials Workshop on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2:00–4:00 PM at the Museum.

The Museum’s Planned Giving Advisory Council offers an ongoing Lunch & Learn Webinar series of free public webinars on estate planning. Find details at sbnature.org/calendar and join us for Preparing to Age in Place on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at noon.

To learn more, visit the Museum’s website or contact Andrea McFarling at amcfarling@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 ext. 179 to register.

Henry makes a powerful serve.

DEMENTIA CARE DEMENTIA CARE CONFERENCE

In Conversation with Michael Fryd, Author of Eva’s Secret and My Mother’s War

The 90-Year-Old Award-Winning Author, Scientist, and Holocaust Survivor Speaks About His Creative Inspirations and Life

by Ella Bailey

Creativity grows in Carpinteria with upstanding authors to show for it. Michael Fryd is not only an award-winning creative writer and participant in the Carpinteria Writers’ Group, but also a Holocaust survivor, educational speaker, and awardwinning scientist. At 90 years old, Fryd speaks at schools about the Holocaust and the importance of not “othering” minorities. Although Fryd was a DuPont Fellow for 35 years and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, he started publishing his writing at age 75, showing it’s never too late to pursue your creative dreams.

Fryd is from Pennsylvania and spent the majority of his career working for DuPont, and worked 10 years at the University of Pennsylvania before he retired. He is in DuPont’s Hall of Fame of inventions, “along with the people who discovered nylon and Teflon and Kaplan and all these other good things, and I received the Lavoisier Medal for technical excellence,” Fryd said. Fryd also received a PhD in organic chemistry from NYU. This multitalented individual wanted to be a writer since he was 5 or 6 years old in the midst of World War II. “My family was hiding in a root cellar from the Nazis

during the Holocaust. There was absolutely nothing to do there, so my parents taught me how to read, and occasionally my mother would smuggle in a book. The books really broke the walls of the cellar. They allowed me to wonder in the magical world that they represented. And so, I thought it would be just wonderful to become a writer,” he said.

Fryd waited until he fully retired at 75 years old to actualize his lifelong dream of writing because he finally had the freedom and space to pursue that creative outlet.

The Carpinteria Writers’ Group was an encouraging space that helped him begin writing about his life in a creative way.

“That really gave me the courage to try to get something published. We’ve been going for 20 years to Carpinteria to get away from the northern cold during the winter. And after a few years there, I kept seeing in the Coastal View that the Carpinteria Authors met on Tuesday mornings. I said, ‘Well, these people are writers. I’m just somebody who has delusions of grandeur.’ But I gathered the courage, and I went to the first meeting, and they were so welcoming and an enormous resource. They’re the ones who made me believe that maybe I could write.”

COURTESY

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☑ GOAL: Play some friendly soccer (or fútbol) with friends again.

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Eva’s Secret, Fryd’s most recent novel, was published on March 10. He said that he took creative inspiration from his own life and family for both this novel and his memoir, My Mother’s War: A Holocaust Survivor’s Tribute to an Extraordinary Woman. “We survived the war because my mother was just a very unique person who was very cunning, brave, and resourceful. She believed that the truth was a plastic medium that you could shape into whatever you needed it to be,” he said. The novel, Eva’s Secret, features a reflection on a mother’s story from the Holocaust from a son’s perspective.

The novel examines a set of the mother’s diaries written in Yiddish after she passes. “It goes through her having struggled to get an education in spite of being forbidden, and how when she’s exposed to books, she suddenly realizes there’s a much larger world out there than people are even aware of, and this becomes a larger, driving force,” Fryd said.

Fryd’s memoir describes their family’s escape from a ghetto in Poland to France when he was a baby, and then immigrating to America in his young adulthood. “It covers our first 10 years in the United States, having to get acclimated to a new culture, a third language. When you

switch cultures, it can be very difficult,” Fryd said.

“I didn’t give talks about the Holocaust until my memoir came out, and the people from the Holocaust Museum (in Pennsylvania) got a hold of me and said, ‘There’s less and less Holocaust survivors; you should talk.’ So, I give around 40 to 50 talks a year to schools,” Fryd said. “I don’t want to talk just about the Holocaust. I want to generalize it as what happens when people define somebody as the other, because once you define them as the other, it allows you to do all sorts of cruel things to them.”

“Hate is more destructive to the person who is the hater than it is to the person they hate,” Fryd said. He emphasized the importance of showing up and educating your local community. “I’ve done it in the past when I was very involved in the Civil Rights Movement, and I feel an obligation to do it now. Small acts of kindness really are important. It’s hard to change the world, but it is easy to give small acts of kindness in your surroundings.”

Fryd’s books can be purchased on Amazon and at bookstores that can order them. Learn more about Fryd and his writing endeavors at michaelfryd .wixsite.com/writer.

Author Michael Fryd

The Fountain of Youth? It Might Be on the Yoga Mat

Santa Barbara Yoga Center’s Three-Month Course Explores How Yoga Can Support the Body and Mind Through Every Stage of Life

There comes a time in everyone’s life when one is forced to reckon with the body’s inevitable decline. One finds oneself, say, reaching for the grab bar in a public restroom’s accessible stall or letting out a small, involuntary groan upon rising from the couch, wondering when that, too, became routine.

But why wait until then? Why wait for the body to make the decision for you? Why not take control while you still can?

This idea of taking control of becoming a more active steward of one’s own body was the driving force behind Santa Barbara Yoga Center’s new Yoga for Healthy Aging course, a three-month program designed to strengthen both body and mind.

Each week, participants choose up to three of the program’s nine classes. Sessions focus on areas such as osteoporosis, brain health, arthritis, strength, and flexibility “all the things that, as we age, we start to become more concerned about,” said Sarah Tuttle, the Yoga Center’s director.

Why three months? Well, “somebody

told us it takes three months to change a habit,” said Tuttle. After the program ends, it’s up to each participant whether they would like to continue practicing.

When discussing yoga’s benefits, Tuttle cited the World Health Organization (WHO), which has recognized yoga as a valuable tool for healthy aging. WHO pointed to multiple studies showing that participants who practiced yoga regularly reported improvements in both their mental and physical well-being.

Tuttle said that although participants may not regain the agility of their younger years, the classes can leave them feeling more energized, more mobile, and in less pain.

The mind benefits just as much as if not more than the body, said Tuttle. Yoga helps people practice “mindfulness in action,” the idea that one does not need to sit in silence for 10 minutes a day, unmoving, to quiet the mind. Tuttle puts it this way: “You might be in a challenging pose, but by being mindful in that pose, you’re learning to meditate in action.”

People often arrive at yoga with one specific concern, said Tuttle

Tiana Molony | Photos by Jill De Pol

Yoga for Healthy Aging Attendees in Virabhadrasana II

SPEAKER

Joel Rothman, Ph.D.

DATE Saturday November 14

TIME 1 - 3 p.m.

LOCATION

SBCC BC Forum West Campus 721 Cliff Dr., SB

REWIRING THE HUMAN AGING CLOCK

Extending Healthy Lifespan: The Promises and Societal Challenges of Longevity Science

Join Professor Joel Rothman, Founding Director of the UCSB Center for Aging and Longevity Science, for an engaging discussion on groundbreaking advances in the science of aging and emerging technologies that may slow or even reverse age-related decline. The presentation will explore innovations such as gene therapies, cellular reprogramming, AI-driven drug discovery, and anti-aging vaccines, while also examining the ethical, social, and financial questions surrounding longer and healthier lives.

Audience discussion and Q&A will be included throughout Light refreshments will be served before the discussion. This is a FREE event—please RSVP using the QR code or go to: sbcc.edu/older-adults

arthritis, poor sleep, or anxiety, for example and discover that the practice quietly addresses much more than their original complaint. A student may show up for joint pain and leave weeks later saying: “I’m sleeping so much better. My memory feels sharper. I’m calmer around my kids.”

Modern life keeps many of us locked in the sympathetic nervous system, said Tuttle the “fight, flight, or freeze” mode that keeps us on edge, overwhelmed, or anxious. Yoga, practiced mindfully, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, the branch responsible for calming the body and mind.

Most classes in the Yoga for Healthy Aging program are livestreamed for those who prefer to practice from the comfort of their homes. However, Tuttle notes that there is a clear benefit to being around fellow yogis and being part of a community.

There is no age requirement for the program. While Tuttle, who started practicing yoga 40 years ago, recommends beginning a regular yoga practice as early as possible to help prevent some of the physical challenges that often arise with age, she emphasizes that it is never too late to begin.

As she says, “It’s doable; it’s accessible; it’s not out of reach at all.”

September 25, 2026

Yoga for Healthy Aging is a three-month program at $149 per month. For more information, see sbyc.com.

Yoga for Healthy Aging attendees in Utkatasana

IIn Jim West’s Wake

met Jim West because I lost a swimming race. One Thursday evening last summer, West and I hauled ourselves to our feet in East Beach’s sandy shallows, wading to shore for the last dash of that Thursday’s Reef and Run 1,000meter ocean swim. The finish line was just up the beach, as it is every Thursday for the summer race series.

Polite and admittedly disoriented, I chose to jog behind West, whom I did not know, rather than sprint to cut him off. The race had dozens of people. What did one place matter?

West won that race.

Former Ocean Lifeguard Has Spent More than 50 Years Swimming Santa Barbara’s Waters

by Christina McDermott

He was 70 to my 28 (and I’d assumed my youth would give me an edge). While I was new to ocean swimming, I had logged more than two decades of training in pools. As the summer passed, West repeatedly bested me in the 1,000-meter. This June, Reef and Run rolled around again, and at the season opener, who comes out on top in my one-sided rivalry? Guess.

At that point, I knew I needed to formally meet Mr. West and I introduced myself on the beach the following race day. While he sat with a friend and his dog, Cody, we talked a little about swimming, and I asked him for an interview. A couple of weeks (and swims) later, we had a chance to catch up away from the water.

I start with the age-old swimming question: How’d you start? West grew up swimming, from lessons to Boy Scouts to casual surfing, but his aquatic life changed, he said, on his third day of high school. After a required swim in gym class, the school’s water polo coach saw him and asked him to try out. He took to water polo, and with that came swimming.

“It opened up a lot of opportunities for me, as far as friends, self-esteem, you know, physical conditioning, and it was just a lot of fun,” he said.

West would go on to play water polo at Long Beach City College and, later, on UCSB’s team.

But time outside of the pool did not necessarily mean time away from the water. West’s community college years were the start of a career as an ocean lifeguard one that would carry him to Refugio, El Capitán, and Gaviota State beaches for decades. After earning his degree in geography, West said polo tournaments morphed into lifeguard competitions, beach runs, and ocean swims.

“That’s where I found my niche, if you will,” he said.

Lifeguard competitions are tests of strength, speed, and endurance rooted in lifesaving skills and practices. West competed in beach races and ocean swims (not to mention running and swimming in combination), paddleboard competitions, and dory competitions.

West’s life would take him to Australia, where he traveled and joined the Byron Bay water polo team, and later to Japan, where he spent more than three years teaching English and swimming off the coast of Fukuoka. Still, throughout his life, he returned to Santa Barbara’s shores, lifeguarding, competing in competitions, and, of course, swimming.

“It’s the one constant in my life,” West said. “Since 1972 to this day, it’s always been associated with aquatics, specifically lifeguarding and lifeguard competitions and ocean swim[ming].”

For years, West organized a local lifeguard competition the Grunion Run at El Capitán State Beach for El Capitán, Refugio, and Gaviota’s seasonal guards. West started the event to honor two longtime lifeguards and friends Mike Jensen and Rob Gibson who lost their lives to cancer. It goes on until this day, though West said he has passed the organizational responsibilities on to a current guard.

West still competes in lifeguard competitions and ocean swims. His decades of experience as a guard and swimmer come with wisdom about the ocean, its currents, and its wildlife. West explains to me how to keep track of where you are while swimming in open water, how to use currents to your advantage in a rescue, and why to avoid kelp beds. He tells me how he paces his race.

As with most activities, people make a difference. West said he’s built a community of like-minded athletes over the years. Even as the number of athletes in his age group lessens, he told me, his fellow swimmers motivate one another. He said he calls up far-flung friends (and former lifeguards) to catch up and talk about ocean swims. At the Reef and Run each week, he chats with other competitors on East Beach, including fellow seniors Matt Vaughn and Jim Cherry, who regularly race the 1,000-meter and the mile (and longer) with him.

As he’s grown older, West said his focus has shifted. His strokes are longer, he said, and he’s more tactical in how he swims. But the appreciation for the ocean and for the community it brings remains.

“In swimming, when you start getting up in the older ages, there are no losers,” West said. “But you’re also competing against Mother Nature, the environment, and time it’s a feeling that keeps you healthy.”

West at El Refugio in 1986

Jim West hitting the beach after his swim

Jim West and his dog Cody at the National Lifeguard Championships in 2025

BalanceStrong Stay

Created by Dr. Andrew Caredio, PT, DPT,

Some People Get Older, Some People Get Elder

Ido this thing with my hands. I don’t know exactly when it started, but it happens naturally now, usually one-on-one, usually when I’ve been talking to someone long enough to know they’re ready to hear it. I slow down. I look at them. I raise my right hand slightly, palm open, and I say: “Some people get older.” Then I bring my left hand up, level with the right, and I say: “And some people get elder.” Then I stop. I let it sit there between us. And I’m an elder.

I’ve Spent My Life Chasing What’s on the Next Page. Now I Understand that Curiosity Is the Engine of Becoming an Elder

by Mark Sylvester

What happens next is the thing I’ve been thinking about for weeks now. Their eyes don’t move. They hold, right on mine, and I can see something happening behind them, a small recalibration, a quiet sorting. They’ve never heard it put exactly that way. Neither had I, until I found myself saying it. I’m still figuring out what that means. I get tired. But I’m not tired. If you understand the

difference, then you understand everything I’m trying to say.

Sixty Leaders and a Question I Couldn’t Shake

Last week, I helped lead a workshop in Santa Barbara. Coastal Intelligence, the AI think tank I cofounded with Jim Sterne and Mike Wald, ran its first public workshop. Sixty organizational leaders in the morning. Five afternoon classes on everything from AI-accelerated goal mapping to grant writing to brand voice. Mike taught. I moved through the room, chimed in, listened. I was the oldest person there by a meaningful margin, Jim close behind me.

I was comfortable in that role in a way I haven’t always been. There’s something that happens when you stop trying to be the smartest person in the room and start being the most useful one. People came to find me between sessions, and they wanted to talk about what came next for them, not about AI at all: their lives, their organizations, their sense of purpose. After one of those conversations, walking back across the room, I realized I’d just done the hand thing again. And I started wondering, is this true? Or is this just a Mark thing?

The People Who Defaulted Into Stopping

Here’s what I mean by that question. I genuinely worry about imposing a framework on people who’ve made a different choice. Not everyone who is 65 or 70 wants to be an elder. Some people have worked hard for decades and have earned the right to sit quietly on a porch somewhere and let the world spin without them. That’s not a failure. That might be exactly what they want.

But I’ve started to notice something in conversations, a particular quality in certain people that I can only describe as low-grade grief. They say “I used to” a lot. They talk about their work in the past tense, as if a door

Mark Sylvester

closed behind them that they didn’t realize was closing. They’re not at peace. They’ve just stopped. The world told them it was time to stop, and they believed it. That’s the person I’m talking about when I do the hand thing. I’m not talking about the person who chose a quiet chapter. I’m talking about the person who defaulted into one. Because here’s what nobody tells you: after 50, 60 years of living, you have something that cannot be replicated, compressed, or downloaded. You have judgment, not opinions. The ability to recognize a pattern because you’ve lived through 17 versions of it. The capacity to see what matters because you’ve watched the things that don’t matter fall away. That’s not nothing. That is, in fact, everything.

A Swap Meet, $10, and 27 Volumes

I need to tell you about a swap meet and a 1925 World Book Encyclopedia. I was somewhere between 10 and 12. My mother paid something like $10 for 27 volumes, one for every letter of the alphabet, plus an extra. She handed them to me like she was handing me a gift she wasn’t quite sure about. I took them like I’d been waiting for them my whole life. I didn’t read it as a school project, and nobody asked me to. I read it because every page led to the next one, and I couldn’t stop wanting to know what was on the next page.

There was an illustration I still see clearly when I close my eyes: a cutaway drawing of the construction of the New York City subway system, side profile, cross-section, all the layers of the earth and the infrastructure carved through it, with little figures of workers scattered in for scale. I had never been to New York. I had no particular

reason to care about subway construction. But I stared at that illustration for a long time, and something in me said: “More of this, please.”

I didn’t have a word for it then. Now I do: curiosity. Not interest, not enthusiasm, but the specific hunger to understand how things work, why they are the way they are, what’s on the next page. That hunger is the reason I dove into technology when technology was new. It’s the reason podcasting caught my attention when it was barely a word. And it’s why I’m here now, at this particular moment in history, completely consumed by artificial intelligence, not as a tool but as a phenomenon, as something that is changing what it means to think.

I get tired. But I’m not tired. If you understand the difference, then you understand everything I’m trying to say.

Curiosity Is the Engine

Here’s what I’ve come to believe about curiosity: it is the engine of elder. You can get older without it. Millions of people do. The calendar turns, the body changes, the career winds down, and somewhere in there, the questions stop not all at once. It happens gradually, like a radio losing signal. You stop asking “I wonder” and start saying “I suppose.” You stop leaning forward and start settling back.

But if you hold onto the curiosity, if you keep asking what’s on the next page, something different happens. You accumulate. Every year adds a layer of context. Every mistake adds a data point, and the hard things you lived through become stories you can pass to someone younger, standing at the start of their own hard thing. That’s what an elder is, not a mentor. There’s an important difference. A mentor teaches you the specific moves an

elder talks about what matters. A mentor says, “Here’s how you write a grant proposal.” An elder says, “Here’s how you decide which battles to fight.” The elder operates at the level of values and judgment, not tactics and skills. Tactics change. Judgment doesn’t.

The Simple Secrets

I’ll tell you something I say now, when I’m with someone young enough to need to hear it. I once read something I’ve never been able to shake, and I say it slowly, because I want them to have time to take it in. There are very simple secrets to life: have someone to love; have something to do; have something to look forward to. I look at them when I say it. I don’t rush past it. Those three things have held up for me across every decade, through every version of my life. They don’t require money, status, or success. They require intention, and showing up, and a kind of curiosity about what comes next that never quite runs dry.

That’s the elder’s job. Not to have all the answers, but to hold the right questions. Not to tell people what to do, but to point at what matters. It’s to take 60 years of lived experience and distill it down to the things that are true across all the specific details that are different for everyone.

If someone repeats those three things 10 years from now, at a dinner table, to a child, in passing, because they heard them from me, then I will have caused a small ripple in the universe. That’s enough. That’s more than enough.

Mark Sylvester is a co-founder of Coastal Intelligence, an AI think tank and consultancy based in Santa Barbara, and the creator of IdeasOut™, his platform for thought leaders. A version of this article was originally published on Sylvester’s Substack, Through Another Lens.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance 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, numbness, 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

· 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

nerves much like a plant’s roots grow when watered.

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.

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

Still Leading the Way

“What I love about this group is this is my Friday chitchat,” said 70-year-old Kate Eden as we, along with two dozen other hikers, wound our way up Inspiration Point on the morning of July 10.

Beads of sweat trickled down my face as the summer sun beat down. Despite being the youngest hiker there, I struggled to keep pace with the rest of the group, many of whom were well into their fifties, sixties, and seventies.

For More than 50 Years, Al Sladek Has Brought People Together, One Friday Hike at a Time

by Tiana Molony

During the pandemic, when many regulars were retired, Sladek added daytime hikes alongside the evening ones. He now describes the group as a social community where older adults can stay active, connect with others, and not be left behind on the trail.

Sladek led hikes for more than 50 years through the Sierra Club. However, recent changes within the organization made it more difficult for volunteers to do so, prompting some to step away, said Robert Bernstein, who also used to lead hikes with the Sierra Club.

Eden was one of more than 20 regulars who had gathered for a hike led by local legend and 2018 Independent Local Hero Al Sladek, the longtime hiking leader who founded the group in 1974. The day after our hike, he turned 84.

Sladek’s love of hiking began during his school days in the Bay Area, where he explored the hills around San Francisco and Berkeley. After moving to Santa Barbara for work in the early 1970s, he found a small but dedicated hiking community and decided to begin leading his own weekly outings.

Not long after, he volunteered to start a Friday hike, even though people told him it would never work because Friday was “date night.” The first week, only four people came; the second week, about 15; and from there, it grew into a regular social tradition with parties, beach days, and potlucks.

“Initially, when I started, hikers were in their twenties and thirties,” Sladek explained. “As time went on, they became thirties and forties, and now they’re primarily sixties and seventies, but we still have some younger people and some older people.”

Over the years, the group has explored many of Santa Barbara’s trails, including Inspiration Point, Rattlesnake Canyon, Cold Spring Trail, Parma Park, and the San Marcos Foothills Preserve. But for many of the hikers, the miles are only part of the reason they return.

Today, Sladek runs things alongside Bernstein through the Humanist Society of Santa Barbara. Bernstein, who has hiked with Sladek for 42 years, remains amazed by his longtime hiking partner, especially by his refusal to use hiking poles.

“We all want to be like Al,” he said.

These days, the morning hikes typically draw about two dozen people, while the evening outings are smaller, often attracting four or five participants who work during the day.

Sladek is candid about the physical changes that come with age. Steep trails like Rattlesnake don’t challenge his endurance as much as his balance and footing.

“I enjoy it and I hope to do it for a few more years,” he said. “I’m still able to get up the hill and down we’ll just see what happens over time.”

Before the hike, I met the group at the Santa Barbara Mission. After organizing into carpools and signing the guestbook, we set off for Inspiration Point.

I spent most of the way up chatting with Eden. She told me she’s a beekeeper and gardener and works out most days of the week, guided by a simple philosophy: “If you want to age well, you have to stay active.”

But staying active is only part of what keeps her returning every Friday.

Eden discovered the group several years ago. After her husband passed away in November, the weekly hikes became even more meaningful.

“You know, as we age, lots of loss. Friends die, friends move away, and it’s really nice to just chit-chat with people,”

she said.

Jeff Becker, who has been hiking with the group since 1995, said that, like many of the regulars, the friendships are just as important as the exercise.

“It’s nice to connect,” he said.

As we climbed, the group naturally fanned out, but Sladek stopped several times to let everyone catch up.

I remembered something he had told me over the phone the day before: “I don’t want somebody by themselves at the end.”

Two miles and nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain later, we reached Inspiration Point. Before anyone began the descent, Sladek unpacked one final tradition.

He passed around tiny cups and poured sparkling water what he calls “hiker’s champagne.” Hummus, crackers, and fresh-baked lemon bars were shared as hikers caught their breath and looked out over the Santa Barbara coastline. It was hard not to feel inspired by the group, but especially by Sladek, who, I remembered, as we rested at the top, would do it all over again later that evening.

Al Sladek leads hikes every Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. and Friday evening at 6:15 p.m. For more information, visit meetup.com/sierraclub-santabarbara.

All the way to the top

On the way to Inspiration Point

TIANA MOLONY

7/23: A to Z Kitchen

Heirloom Beans

Cooking Class Learn how to select, soak, cook, and season a variety of unique heirloom beans while preparing then enjoying a rustic heirloom bean stew, a summer bean salad, and a creamy bean dip. 6-8:30pm. A to Z Kitchen (First Presbyterian Church), 21 E. Constance Ave. $125. Email info@ atozcookingschool.org. atozcookingschool.org tinyurl.com/Heirloom-Beans

THURSDAY 7/23

7/23: Spotlight S.B. Speaker Series Panel Discussion: California’s Problems, Santa Barbara’s Choices Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen will moderate this panel about how to solve the existential issues facing CA/S.B. today, including affordability, poverty, homelessness, housing, water supply, education, and healthcare. Cocktails: 6pm; discussion: 7pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. $39-$81. Call (805) 963-0761. lobero.org

7/23: S.B. Historical Museum Fiesta History Celebration Dress in festive Fiesta attire to celebrate the debut of the exhibitions Project Fiesta! Arte de los Mantónes, showcasing shawls, and Finding Saint Barbara, exploring the city’s patron saint. There will be tequila and cocktails; tacos; performances by the 2026 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Mariachi Sin Fronteras, and Elements Band; and dancing. 6:30-9pm. S.B. Historical Museum, 136 E. De la Guerra St. $55-$65. Call (805) 966-1601. sbhistorical.org/events

7/23-7/25: SBCC Theatre Group Presents Anything Goes This shipboard farce follows a love-sick stowaway who faces a host of obstacles on the race to romance alongside a crew of tap-dancing sailors, chorus girls, millionaires, a preacher, and public enemy number 13 featuring songs by Cole Porter, such as “I Get a Kick Out of You,”“You’re the Top,” and the title song. 7:30pm. Garvin Theatre, 721 Cliff Dr. $10-$34. Call (805) 965-5935. theatregroupsbcc.com/current-season

FRIDAY 7/24

7/24: Music Academy Summer Festival 2026 Opera of the Summer: Elizabeth Cree: A Victorian Gothic Thriller Based on the Gothic thriller novel The Trial of Elizabeth Cree by Peter Ackroyd and set in Victorian London, this 90-minute opera combines the factual with the fictive and the historical with the imaginary to find out who poisoned John Cree and if there is a serial killer on the loose. Fri.: 7:30pm; Sun.: 2pm. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. $10-$125. Call (805) 899-2222. ticketing.granadasb.org/events

7/24: Yoga Soup Social: Karaoke + Elixirs Night Join for singing, dancing, cheering, and stepping out of that comfortable zone with a cash bar offering potent zeroproof elixirs. 7-9pm. Yoga Soup, 28 Parker Wy. $10. Call (805) 965-8811. tinyurl.com/Karoake-Elixir

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

FARMERS MARKET SCHEDULE

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

SATURDAY 7/25

7/25: Hillside Second

Annual Disability Independence Day Festival This family-friendly event will have carnival games, raffle prizes, food and drink, face painting, a petting zoo, a deejay, and more. Tickets will be available to purchase for games, activities, food and beverages, with proceeds going toward this residential facility for people with developmental disabilities. 11:30am-3pm. Hillside House, 1235 Veronica Springs Rd. Free. Call (805) 687-0788 x109. hillsidesb.org

7/23: Concerts in the Park at Chase Palm Park Spencer the Gardener, 6-7:30pm. 236 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Free. Call (805) 564-5418. sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov

7/23, 7/25-7/26, 7/28: SOhO Restaurant & Music Club Thu.: SBVA Singer Showcase, 7pm. $10. Sat.: Monophonics with The Bombillas, 9pm. $28. Ages 21+. Sun.: M.O.B. Jazz Quintet, 7pm. $15. Tue: An Evening with The Black Market Trust, 7pm. $15-20. 1221 State St. Call (805) 962-7776. sohosb.com

7/24, 7/26: Carhartt Family Wines Live Music Fri.: Lenny Curly Blues Band, 5pm. Sun.: Alan Satchwell, 2pm. 2939 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Free Call (805) 693-5100. carharttfamilywines.com/ events-calendar

7/24: Eos Lounge Family Sessions V. 500 Anacapa St., 9pm. Ages 21+. Call (805) 564-2410. eoslounge.com

7/24-7/25: M.Special Brewing Co. (Goleta) Fri.: Cadillac Angels. Sat.: Larry Williams & The Groove. 6860 Cortona Dr., Ste. C, Goleta. 7-9pm. Free. Call (805) 968-6500. mspecialbrewco.com

7/24-7/25: M.Special Brewing Co. (S.B.) Fri.: Golf Sucks. Sat.: Strange Hotels. 634 State St. 8-10pm. Free. Call (805) 308-0050. mspecialbrewco.com

7/24-7/25: Maverick Saloon Fri.: Robert Heft. Sat.: Jimi Nelson. 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. 8:30-11:30pm. Call (805) 686-4785. Ages 21+. mavericksaloon.com/ event-calendar

7/24-7/25: Rooftop Bistro & Bar Fri.: Joe Delia. Sat.: Summerland Quartet, 4-8pm. 6878 Hollister Ave., Goleta. 4-8pm. Free. Call (805) 562-5996. rooftopgoleta.com/ upcoming-events

7/23, 7/25: The Grand on State Thu.: Schnack ‘n Bari Quartet, 7-9:30pm. Sat.: Colin Richardson, 7:30-10:30pm. 1218 State St. $35. Email thegrandonstate@ gmail.com. thegrandonstate.com/events

7/25-7/26: Cold Spring Tavern

Sat.: JC & DOC KAY. Sun.: S.B. County Line. 5995 Stagecoach Rd. 1:30-4:30pm. Free. Call (805) 967-0066. coldspringtavern.com

7/25-7/26: Hook’d Bar and Grill Sat.: Out of the Blue, 4pm. Sun.: Traveling Hurtados, 1pm. 116 Lakeview Dr., Cachuma Lake. Free. Call (805) 350-8351. hookdbarandgrill.com/ music-on-the-water

7/25: Music Academy Summer Festival Orchestra Family Concert The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Interactive instrument exploration station: 10am; concert: 11am. $10-$50; Jennifer Koh: Bach & Beyond, 7:30pm. $10-$125. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call (805) 963-0761. lobero.org

7/26: Longoria Wines Live music, 3-5pm. 732 State St. Free. Email info@ longoriawine.com longoriawines.com/events

7/26: Solvang Festival Theater Dave Stamey, 3-5pm. 420 2nd Street, Solvang. $35. Call (805) 686-1789x 0. solvangtheaterfest.org/ show-listing

7/26: Whiskey Richards The Only Ocean, ZAMPKAMP, Nero Verge, 9pm. 435 State St. Ages 21+. $5. Call (818) 4518206. tinyurl.com/Whiskey-Live

7/27: The Red Piano Church on Monday: Delta by the Beach, 7:30pm. 519 State St. $5. Call (805) 358-1439. theredpiano.com

7/29: S.B. Zoo: Live Music Wednesdays False Puppet, 4:306:30pm. 500 Niños Dr. Free-$39.95; parking $11. Call (805) 686-1789. sbzoo.org/events-calendar

TERRY ORTEGA

Schnack ‘n Bari Quartet

7/24: Family Movie Night at Eastside Library: Hoppers Enjoy popcorn and watch 2026’s Hoppers (rated PG) about an animalloving college student who communicates with a robotic beaver to save their habitat. Get a mini printed Hoppers character while supplies last. 3-5pm. MLK Jr. Rm., Eastside Library, 1102 E. Montecito St. Free. Call (805) 963-3727. tinyurl.com/Hoppers-Jul24

7/23: Goleta Valley Library Film Club: The Last Starfighter See this 1984 adventure (rated PG) that follows teenager Alex Rogan, who is recruited by an alien defense force to fight in an interstellar war after mastering a mysterious arcade game. 1pm. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Free. Call (805) 688-4214. tinyurl.com/The-Last-Starfighter

7/23: French Wave Film Festival Take a cinematic trip to France and watch French films through today. Visit the website for the schedule. Various times. SBIFF’s Film Ctr., 916 State St. Individual movies: $8-$12.50; passes: $150 and $400. Call (805) 963-0023 or email help@sbiff.org sbifftheatres.com/wave/

7/24: The 17th Annual Asian American Film Series (AAFS): A Night of Shorts See the three shorts Loving Bing, Ten Times Better, and Our Faces Will Always Be Japanese followed by a Q&A with filmmakers and an outdoor reception. 6pm. The Alhecama Theatre, 215A E. Canon Perdido St. $5 suggested donation. Call (805) 965-0093. sbthp.org/aafs

7/24: Summer Movie Magic at Alcazar Theatre: La La Land See this 2016 movie (rated PG-13) about Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone), who are united by their shared passion for pursuing their dreams. 7pm. The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria. $7-$10. Call (805) 684-6380. thealcazar.org/theatre

7/24: Ojai Film Society Summer Screening Series: Best in Show This 2000 “mockumentary” (rated PG-13) follows eager (and peculiar) contestants from across America who take part in the famous Mayflower Dog Show. 7:30pm. Libby Bowl, 210 S. Signal St., Ojai. Free. Email info@ojaifilmsociety.org ojaifilmsociety.org

7/29: Metro Summer Kids Movies at Camino Real Cinemas: Wild Robot See this 2024 movie (rated PG) about a conscious and feeling robot stranded on an uninhabited island who was raised by an orphaned gosling and tries to fit in with the local wildlife. 10am. Camino Real Cinemas, 7040 Marketplace Dr., Goleta. $2. Call (805) 9684140. metrotheatres.com/metro-summer-kids-movies

SATURDAY 7/25

7/25: The Man, the Myth, the Legend “Pop's” Birthday Party Meets Chistmas in July Join to celebrate Christmas in July for Walt “Pop” Stallings, cobbler extraordinaire, for his 86th birthday party. There will be the telling of tales, Bill Boetticher and his bagpipe, snacks, Christmas stuff, photo ops, T-shirts for sale, and a chance to visit with the iconic Jedlicka’s horse “Bondo,” who is now stabled inside the store. Noon-4pm. Pop’s One-Stop Repair Shop, 2603 De la Vina St. Free. Call (805) 843-7483. tinyurl.com/Pop-Xmas-Bday

7/25: Pilates at Paseo: Mighty Pilates All levels are invited to this monthly Mat Sculpt Pilates community class for a full-body workout led by a rotating lineup of Mighty Pilates instructors. Bring your own mat. 9am-10:30am. Upper Arts Terrace, Paseo Nuevo, 651 Paseo Nuevo. Free. Email santabarbaramanager@mightypilates.com tinyurl.com/Paseo-Pilates

7/25-7/26: Livia Zirkel Presents: Out from Under the Bed! Artist Livia Zirkel will show a varied exhibition of her drawings, paintings, collages, and monotypes from the last 30 years with a reception on Saturday at 4pm. 1-7pm. S.B. Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden St. Free. Email liviazee@hotmail.com. sbcaw.org/upcoming

7/25: The 12th Annual Multicultural Dance Show: Colors of Love This celebration of women’s empowerment, love, cultural diversity, and unity will feature dances and songs in genres of Latin, samba, belly dance, Argentine tango, flamenco, and more. 7:30pm. Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo. Free-$40. Call (805) 963-0408. centerstagetheater.org

7/25: Monophonics, The Bombillas San Francisco–based psychedelic rockers the Monophonics will play their signature blend of heavy funk and soul with a late ’60s, early ’70s vibe. L.A.based instrumental band The Bombillas will open the show with their blend of African and Middle Eastern global funk and West Coast desert psychedelic. 9pm. SOhO Restaurant & Music Lounge, 1221 State St. $28. Ages 21+ Call (805) 962-7776. sohosb.com

TUESDAY 7/28

MONDAY 7/27

7/27: Music Academy Summer Festival Orchestra: Solo Piano Spotlight No. 3 Get to know the technical and musical brilliance of two piano fellows as they perform cherished sonata works. 7:30pm. Hahn Hall, Music Academy, 1070 Fairway Rd. $10-$50. Call (805) 969-8787. musicacademy.org/calendar

SUNDAY 7/26

7/26: Comedy Is a Drag at Wildcat Join for a night of traditional drag performances, lip sync and dance routines, and professional stand-up comedy sets with a full-bar and mocktails. Bring your tip money! 7:30-9pm. Wildcat Lounge, 15 W. Ortega St. $10-$30. Ages 21+. Email bearcavecomedy@gmail.com tinyurl.com/Comedy-Drag-Jul26

7/26: Brut Nature Release Party: Wine, Art, & Music

Enjoy an afternoon of sparkling wine from the Babcock Vault (for purchase), a live painting session with label artist Lou Schad, music from Sage City (2-5pm), a gourmet lunch, and more! 11am-5:30pm. Babcock Winery and Estates, 5175 CA-246, Lompoc. Lunch: $29. Call (805) 736-1455. babcockwinery.com/events/

WEDNESDAY 7/29

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY Cole Porter

ORIGINAL BOOK BY P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton AND Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse NEW BOOK BY

7/29:

Chaucer’s Book Talk and Signing: Dr. Anthony Goodman S.B. resident and author Dr. Anthony Goodman will talk about and sign copies of his 2026 book, Great Saves and Terrible Losses: The Journeys of a Surgeon, a riveting memoir that follows Dr. Goodman through a career that took him around the world, through his retirement from the practice of surgery and into his second career as a professor and author while coping with a mild Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 6pm. Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. Free. Call (805) 682-6787. chaucersbooks.com/events

7/28: An Evening with The Black Market Trust Take in a night of American, traditional, pop/ vocal, and jazz from this L.A. band that combines the sounds of legendary crooners with the fire and energy of guitarist Django Reinhardt. 7pm. SOhO Restaurant & Music Lounge, 1221 State St. $15$20. Call (805) 9627776. sohosb.com

Los Baños del Mar

Recreation swim hours: Mon.-Fri.: 2:15-3:45pm. 401 Shoreline Dr.

Oak Park Wading Pool

Children ages 7 and younger. Open daily, noon-5pm. 502 W. Alamar Ave.

Ortega Park Swimming Pool

Children ages 13 and younger and their caregivers. Recreational swim: Mon-Fri.: 12:30-2:30pm and Sat.: noon-5pm. 604 E. Ortega St. tinyurl.com/Summer-Pools

Various levels, dates, and times through Aug. 14. Low-cost group swim lessons ($60-$65) will be offered at Los Baños del Mar and Ortega Park Pool throughout the summer for children ages six months–12 years. Register online. tinyurl.com/Swim-Lessons-2026

Clases de natación en Los Baños del Mar y el Parque Ortega Diferentes niveles, fechas y horarios hasta el 14 de agosto. Durante todo el verano se impartirán clases de natación en grupo a precios reducidos (entre 60 y 65 dólares) en Los Baños del Mar y en la piscina del Parque Ortega para niños de entre seis meses y 12 años. Inscríbete en línea. tinyurl.com/Swim-Lessons-2026

Los Baños del Mar: Horario de natación recreativa, de lunes a viernes: 2:15-3:45pm.

The Oak Park Wading Pool: Niños menores de siete años. Abierta todos los días, de 12-5pm. 502 W. Alamar Ave.

Ortega Park Swimming Pool: Natación recreativa: de lunes a viernes: de 12:30-2:30pm y los sábados: de 12-5pm. 604 E. Ortega St. tinyurl.com/Summer-Pools

LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY 2026

Children and teens ages 0-18 can eat a free, nutritious meal (first-come, first-served) Monday through Friday, June 15-August 14, noon-1pm and stay for special events. Faulkner Gallery, S.B. Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. Call (805) 962-7653 or email info@sbplibrary.libanswers.com. tinyurl.com/Library-Meals-2026

ALMUERZO EN LA BIBLIOTECA

Los niños y adolescentes de 0 a 18 años pueden comer una comida nutritiva gratis (por orden de llegada) de lunes a viernes, del 15 de junio al 14 de agosto, del mediodía a la 1 p.m. y quedarse para eventos especiales. Faulkner Gallery, Biblioteca Central de S.B., 40 E Anapamu St. Llame al (805) 962-7653 o envíe un correo electrónico a info@sbplibrary. libanswers.com tinyurl.com/Library-Meals-2026

BUELLTON, GOLETA, CARPINTERIA, AND LOMPOC 2026 SUMMER MEAL SITES

Visit the website for locations. Visita la página web para ver las ubicaciones. No application is necessary, and all children and teenagers under 18 can enjoy one free breakfast and lunch per day. Meals must be eaten on-site. Text “Food” or “Comida” to 304-304. No es necesario presentar ninguna solicitud, y todos los niños y adolescentes menores de 18 años pueden disfrutar de un desayuno y un almuerzo gratis al día. Las comidas deben consumirse en el local. Envía un mensaje de texto con la palabra “Food” o “Comida” al 304-304. tinyurl.com/2026-Summer-Meal-Sites

S.B. UNIFIED SUMMER MEALS 2026

We will be serving free meals to kids 18 years and younger. Meals must be eaten on site. Call Matt Dittman at (805) 963-4338 x6387

Serviremos comidas gratuitas a niños y jóvenes de hasta 18 años. Las comidas deben consumirse en el local. Llame a Matt Dittman al (805) 963-4338, ext. 6387.

Cleveland Elementary (June 22-July 31) 123 Alameda Padre Serra. Breakfast: 8-9am; lunch: noon-1pm.

Franklin Elementary (June15Aug. 7) 1111 E. Mason St. Breakfast: 8-9am: lunch: 11:30-1:30pm.

Harding Elementary (June 22-July 31) 1625 Robbins St. Breakfast: 8-9am: lunch: 11:30am12:30pm.

Monroe Elementary (June 22-July 31) 431 Flora Vista Dr. Breakfast: 8-8:30am: lunch: noon-1pm.

La Cuesta Continuation High School (LCHS) (June 15-July 2) 710 Santa Barbara St. Breakfast: 8:15-8:30am; lunch: 11:30am-noon.

La Cumbre Jr. High (June 22-July 17) 2255 Modoc Rd.

Breakfast: 8-8:30am; lunch: 12:30-1pm.

San Marcos High School (June 15-July 17) 4750 Hollister Ave. Breakfast: 8-8:30am; lunch: 11:30am12:30pm.

S.B. High School (June 15-July 2)

700 E. Anapamu St. Breakfast: 8-8:30am; lunch: 11:30am12:30pm.

Oak Park (June 15-Aug. 7) 638 W. Junipero St. Lunch: 11:30am-1:30pm.

Ortega Park (June 15-Aug. 7) 604 E. Ortega St. Lunch: 1-2pm.

UNITED BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF S.B. COUNTY (SFSP)

Free meals will be available to all children ages 18 and younger without eligibility documentation at participating throughout the summer. Breakfast is served from 8:30 am-9:30 am and lunch will be served from 12:30 pm-1:30 pm. Call (805) 681-1315. Durante todo el verano, se ofrecerán comidas gratuitas a todos los niños menores de 18 años sin necesidad de presentar documentación que acredite su derecho a ellas en los centros participantes. El desayuno se sirve de 8:30 a 9:30 de la mañana y el almuerzo, de 12:30 a 1:30 de la tarde. Llame al (805) 681-1315.

Buellton Club (July 13-31) 595 2nd St., Buellton, CA., 93427

Lompoc Boys & Girls Club (June 8-July 31) 1025 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, CA. 93436

Westside Boys & Girls Club (June 15-Aug. 7) 602 W. Anapamu, Santa Barbara, CA. 93101

Goleta Boys & Girls Club (June 8-Aug. 7) 5701 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA. 93117

Carpinteria Boys & Girls Club (June 15-Aug. 7) 4849 Foothill Rd., Carpinteria, CA. 93013

“Inarguably

the finest jazz venue in town.

“

–Joe Woodard, Santa Barbara Independent

LOBERO THEATRE BRUBECK CIRCLE

The Brubeck Circle is a tiered annual membership supporting extraordinary jazz, blues, and roots performances on the Lobero stage.

Membership in the Circle also helps sustain local youth music education programs cultivating the next generation of jazz musicians and audiences alike.

Annual memberships begin with a tax-deductible gift of $150, with an increasing array of benefits available at higher giving levels, including early discounted ticket access, invitations to pre-show gatherings, and exclusive members-only events.

AJ Lee & Blue Summit Oct 9

Julian Lage Quartet Oct 22

feat. John Medeski, Jorge Roeder, Kenny Wollesen

Charles Lloyd Quartet Nov 12

feat. Bill Frisell, Larry Grenadier, Kweku Sumbry

Rachael & Vilray Nov 20 with special guest Taylor Ashton

Tina Schlieske & Friends Dec 12

A Holiday Get Together

José James Feb 10 (on-sale TBA)

Sings Sinatra

Derek Douget Band Mar 20 (on-sale TBA)

Eliane Elias Mar 23 (on-sale TBA)

Jobim Centennial Celebration

ARTISTS PEDRO DE LA CRUZ AND OLIVIA JOFFREY TOGETHER AT ART & SOUL GALLERY

COSAS DE LA VIDA IS A TIMELY REFLECTION ON THE THINGS OF LIFE

by Leslie Dinaberg

Pedro De La Cruz and Olivia Joffrey, two artists with distinct visual languages of their own, come together at Art & Soul gallery to explore what it means to move through contemporary life while carrying the weight, and the many wonders, of culture, memory, responsibility, identity, and the human connection.

De La Cruz and Joffrey’s exhibit, Cosas de la Vida, on view July 24-August 30, came together in part because of the trusted friendship and mutual respect of the two artists, who are part of a close-knit artist group called the Rough Drafters that came together to support each other in the middle of the pandemic and still meet regularly.

Summarizing the concept for the show, the title of which roughly translates to “the things of life,” Joffrey said, “There’s just a lot in the ether right now. And so, Pedro and I are trying to talk about what’s on our minds in our special way, in our unique ways, and in our distinct ways.”

For Joffrey, a successful illustrator and copywriter whose work straddles the worlds of commercial and fine art, the Cosas de la Vida art takes the form of a series of burros, each carrying oversized forms accompanied by handwritten observations, and serving as a poignant metaphor for the emotional and psychological loads we all bear.

Humor meets social commentary and quiet reflection in this thought-provoking collection of pieces, capturing the tension between personal responsibility and the collective anxieties of modern life.

Joffrey describes the work as an effort to document the history of your outrage.

“Basically, they change every week. So, you could create a sort of stop-motion animation of your own emotional state, based on the news cycle and your reaction to it, and what’s going on in your family, or what’s going on in Santa Barbara. What building are you protesting the development of? What is in bloom at the farmers’ market?”

“[The art] helps me cope, but I think there’s a higher calling. I can call it that because there’s a responsibility to what you’re putting out and putting yourself out there,” said De La Cruz, whose richly colored paintings draw inspiration from heritage, family, labor, landscape, and

community, transforming familiar scenes into joyful expressions of resilience and belonging.

“The word that I chose for this year is ‘optimism,’ ” said De La Cruz. “So, I want to put out, I guess, just a ton of optimism, and that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Just focus on the light. … a reminder of [how] there’ll be a good outcome after whatever you may be going through and whatever’s going on.”

As the artist selected to create the 2026 Old Spanish Days Fiesta poster, De La Cruz has solidified his place as one of the most recognizable artistic voices in town, creating imagery that celebrates the city’s cultural traditions and enduring spirit. In 2025, he was selected as the cover artist for the Lobero Theatre’s BACKSTAGE magazine, where he created a vibrant interpretation of the historic theatre that celebrates performance, creativity, and the importance of community.

“His artwork imagined the Lobero alive with music, color, and people an expression of the same joy, connection, and cultural pride that defines his paintings in Cosas de la Vida,” says gallerist Kim McIntyre.

This kind of community recognition has an additional significance for this show, as a portion of the proceeds from each exhibition is donated to a charitable organization that reflects the current exhibition or the passions of the featured artist. “It’s our way of honoring the deeper connections between creativity, community, and compassion,” explained McIntyre. “For Cosas de la Vida: The Things of Life, we are honored to support the Lobero Theatre Foundation, an organization that has been at the heart of Santa Barbara’s cultural life for more than 150 years.”

“The mestizo (mixed ancestry), that is what makes it so magical here,” said Joffrey. “We’re not one thing. We’re not Mexico. We’re not just America. We’re like our own Santa Barbara culture.”

Cosas de la Vida, featuring the work of Pedro De La Cruz and Olivia Joffrey, is on view July 24-August 30 at Art & Soul Gallery (1323 State St.). See artandsoulsb.com. The opening reception is July 24 from 5-8 p.m., with special guests Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana from 5-6 p.m.

by Tiana Molony

Southern California reggae-rock band Slightly Stoopid has been added to the lineup for this year’s ONE805LIVE!, the annual benefit concert supporting Santa Barbara County’s first responders.

The band will perform during the two-day event, scheduled for September 25-26 at Kevin Costner’s oceanside Carpinteria property. Costner will again serve as host of the fundraiser, which provides emergency grants, equipment funding, and mental wellness resources for local firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders.

Slightly Stoopid joins a lineup that includes Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, George Thorogood, The Fray, The Four Tops, Alan Parsons, and Kevin Costner & Modern West.

Formed in Ocean Beach, San Diego, in 1995 by childhood friends Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald, Slightly Stoopid has built a career around its fusion of reggae, rock, blues, funk, hip-hop, and punk influences. The seven-member band has released 13 albums, performed at festivals including Coachella and Lollapalooza, and developed a dedicated audience through decades of touring.

In a press release, ONE805 CEO Kirsten Cavendish Weston-Smith said the addition of Slightly Stoopid strengthens what is expected to be the organization’s biggest concert lineup yet.

The fundraiser has grown into a signature Santa Barbara County charity event, bringing nationally known performers to a coastal setting while raising money for the people who serve the community.

Cavendish Weston-Smith called the event “an extraordinary weekend of music, purpose and community a once-in-a-lifetime lineup in a once-ina-lifetime setting.”

Slightly Stoopid at the Bowl (July 25, 2014)

Pedro De La Cruz and Olivia Joffrey

CASSON DEMMON

Olivia Joffrey’s Burros of Burden works in progress

COLOR ON CAMPUS

SAN MARCOS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CREATE MURAL WITH ARTIST MICHAEL MATHESON

by Anya McCue

San Marcos High School students recently completed painting a 50-foot mural alongside acclaimed artist Michael Matheson. The project’s goal was to create an image that spread both color and an uplifting message, bringing optimism to students and passersby alike.

The initiative was proposed to the Royal Pride Foundation by 2026 graduates Charlotte Smythe, Mia Richmond, and Malia Hetrick, and it quickly became an opportunity for other students to get involved. The Royal Pride Foundation asked SM alumnus and foundation board member Michael Matheson to return for his third mural on campus and to mentor the elective Royal Time class, where students contributed to the mural and learned about the creative process.

“The kids got an experience that you don’t usually get in high school,” Matheson said. “They got to really interact with this largeformat mural, and they got to learn techniques that you usually don’t get to interact with until college.” His process began with sketching the image out on Procreate and then projecting it onto the wall for the students to see. From there, he involved the students in the color palette decisions, design choices, and painting.

“We talked about collecting images and what’s important and not important,” Matheson noted. “We really tried building something that was broad enough that everyone on campus could associate with it, so it wasn’t just this one read.”

Part of the process was simply walking around campus with the students to gather inspiration. Students often made decisions about what to add to the mural. “It was awesome because it gave them ownership of the project,” mused Matheson. “They were making decisions for themselves around art.”

Matheson also noted that most of the students working on the project had artistic aspirations. He offered the students help in building portfolios or pursuing future work on additional murals, acting as a mentor beyond the class elective timeframe.

The students all displayed a passionate

interest in the program, even trekking to campus on a hot summer day to add some final touches. “I felt like I was able to be a part of something,” said rising senior Mia Hernandez. “I wanted to help with the mural as much as I could, because I felt like I could leave a part of myself here.”

Some students, including Aung Zaw, had already worked on the previous two murals and were encouraged to continue. Other students, such as Robert Barboza, saw the offerings on Royal Time and joined. “Honestly, I just wanted to try something new,” said Barboza. Another student, Ximena Gutierrez Carachure, explained that she was a volunteer, gaining hours toward her graduation community service requirement.

When asked what they learned, most of the students commented on teamwork. “I learned that teamwork is important, not to rush, take your time on it, and it’s okay to make mistakes,” reflected Carachure.

For Hernandez, the mural also created a sense of community. “Everybody comes together, even if I don’t know them or not,” she said. “We all have in common that we like art and that we want to do this.”

The project wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of the Royal Pride Foundation, which holds fundraisers in the fall and spring; the next is on April 10, 2027. Community partners such as Deckers, along with the generosity of several SMHS beach volleyball families, were also a big help in creating this project.

“It is a community thing, because the Royals community are the ones giving to the foundation,” said Karen Callanan, executive director of the Royal Pride Foundation. “And then we are using the funds in the best way we know.”

Callanan and her board work closely with Principal Dare Holdren and listen to the school community to determine how best to allocate the funds.

“We, the Royal Pride Foundation, try to continue to support where it’s needed, and art on campus is another need for students in our school,” said Callanan. “We are really happy to be part of it.” n

NEW GALLERY MARKS FRESH START FOR RUTH ELLEN HOAG

AFTER LEAVING THE FUNK ZONE, VETERAN ARTIST FINDS A NEW HOME DOWNTOWN

by Anya McCue

Ruth Ellen Hoag has been an artist in town for more than 30 years, advocating for Santa Barbara as an ultimate arts destination by creating vast amounts of her own artwork, regularly teaching classes for 25 years, and founding Santa Barbara Studio Artists in 2001. When Hoag’s studio in the Funk Zone doubled in rent during COVID and forced her to leave, it wasn’t until recently that she found a new studio space. REH Gallery, where she displays her figurative and abstract paintings from the last few years, officially opened this month at 12 West Anapamu Street.

Despite Hoag’s longevity as an acrylic and watercolor artist, she began her career as a professional French horn player in her home state, New York, where she graduated from the Manhattan School of Music. For more than 30 years, Hoag continued to play music professionally until her themepark designer husband, Richard Hoag, was called to work for a year in Japan. “I couldn’t take my horn with me to Japan,” said Hoag. “There wasn’t much point, and when I came back, I totally lost my lip…. But when I was in Japan, that’s when I started painting and doing brushwork in Japanese calligraphy.”

From then on, painting became Hoag’s foremost passion. Her transition from music to painting wasn’t as extreme as one might expect because of the shared language between the two art forms. “In music, you talk about the color of the sound,” said Hoag. “There’s that feeling, the tone. There’s musical repetition and painting repetition. Just about every vocabulary used in music, you can use it in art.” Even so, Hoag never listens to music while she paints because she can get “absorbed” in it. In fact, Hoag explained jovially that she took a wrong turn the other day while listening to the radio.

After transitioning from music to painting, Hoag spent years taking art classes up to four days a week, including adult education courses, classes at SBCC, and annual workshops with her late mentor, Skip Lawrence. Her preferred style and mediums have shifted over the years through this learning process. At first, Hoag was dedicated to watercolor as a medium until she was commissioned to do a mural in the Funk Zone, where she became intrigued by acrylic.

Slowly, Hoag focused her interest on figures and abstract art. “Most of my work, you

can see there’s people,” Hoag said. “You can identify things, but if you took the people out, then you wouldn’t have that reference. Everything else around it is pretty much non-objective. It’s not a place that you can identify.” Her focus on figures within an abstract space stems from a personal interest in human relationships rather than in landscape painting.

Much of Hoag’s inspiration is drawn from her travels, where she carries around a sketchbook that she paints from later. However, older women have been a big inspiration for her recently. “There’s always men, always old men, you hear about. But women 80 and 90 years old are doing new work,” said Hoag. “Not even retrospectives, but having new work, having big galleries. It’s liberating.”

After her studio’s closure in the Funk Zone, Hoag struggled to create consistently. She recently learned that the only way to find inspiration is to just keep painting.

“Picasso said inspiration exists, but it must find you working. So, I’m just gonna paint. I’m just gonna paint until I get the inspiration right. It goes along with what you’re doing with your hand, you know,” she said.

You can find Hoag in her gallery from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where you will see her most recent artwork and in-gallery studio. Hoag will continue her tradition of hosting in-studio art classes on Mondays and likely on Tuesdays as well, with the occasional pop-up on Saturdays.

REH Contemporary Studio & Gallery is at 12 West Anapamu Street. For more information, visit ruthellenhoag.com or follow her on Instagram @ruthellenhoag.

San Marcos High School students paint a 50-foot mural with artist Michael Matheson.

Ruth Ellen Hoag

Family Time series

3 events | Save 20%

Duck Pond Sun, Oct 18 / 4 PM / Granada Theatre

Musical Accompaniment by the Santa Barbara Symphony

A Live Screening of the Film OCEAN Narrated by David Attenborough Wed, Dec 9 / 7 PM / Granada Theatre

Manual

Cinema

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster Sun, Apr 25 / 2 PM / Campbell Hall

PHOTO UNFINISH

JACQUELINE WOODS’S HOW FOREVER WORKS EXHIBITION ALTERS AND IMBUES NEW MEANING ON ARCHIVAL ‘FOUND’ PHOTOGRAPHS

by Josef Woodard

Photography, in the traditional sense, takes a holiday at the Architectural Foundation Gallery this summer. Jacqueline Woods has pushed the medium to divergent and conceptual places through her crafty use of archival and often random “found” photographs, negative imagery, treated or tattered paper, and other means of alteration and rerouted meanings.

Woods’s show goes by the intriguing title How Forever Works, which poetically touches on the elements of borrowed nostalgia, memory channeling, and ancestral emotionality implied in these photos once invested with personal resonance. Although she has also worked with traditional photography, Woods’s fascination with this body of work has taken her to national and international exhibition contexts, including the AIPAD Photography Fair in Manhattan and as a contributing artist to the Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio) show ReWritten: Photographers Reshaping the Narrative Narratives, or teasing scents thereof, ripple throughout the Architectural Foundation space, but always with a cryptic sense of mystery and unfinished business.

In “Primordial Man,” four slightly shifted variations on the image of a man in ultrasoft focus his materiality rendered as a fleeting impression evoke invented archeological imagery.

There is nary a “straight” shot in the space, unless we count the pointedly deconstructed and, by the way, decapitated portraits of “The Weight of Legacy” and “Traditional Hierarchy.” Here, patriarchy gets some comeuppance in the form of men in business dress, symbols of societal empowerment, with heads and faces crudely torn off the aged prints.

Bodies appear in varying states of abstraction or flotation, both tactics that strip away the feeling of grounding in conventional figure or portrait photography. Faceless and featureless women from bygone eras appear in silhouette in “Standing Woman (Silhouette No. 1)” and in a doppelgängerlike positive/negative face-off in “Profile of a Standing Woman.” It’s as if the two halves of the image present polar opposites of the subject’s identity.

Swimming femme fatales are sent adrift in some dark enigmatic space in “The View from Here” and in a photo collage aptly titled “Between This World and the Next.” Meanwhile, “State of Mind” finds a woman diver in mid-body arc amid a murky visual domain that resembles the tube of an ocean wave.

It could be said that Woods’s art in this show explores dualities in different ways.

History herself is as murky as the available light in “Exquisite Allegory” squinting is recommended for beholders in the gallery. A faint impression of pyramids is detectable on ultra-close scrutiny, buried in a dark void: such is the nature of visions of deep antiquity.

Speaking of suggested narratives, one corner of the exhibition is devoted to Woods’s series “Untold Stories,” shown at the Duncan Miller Gallery in Los Angeles. In these pieces, the artist fastidiously rolls up fragments of “found” prints and gathers them into groupings, and every grouping tells a story (doesn’t it?). “Bets Are Off” banks on a casino reference, consisting mostly of numbers and a dandy betting man with a neat tie and gambler’s grin. “It’s Complicated” returns to Woods’s theme of courting between zones and identity ambiguity: Two women appear here, but one’s face is viewed through a cut-out window of another print, evoking secret lives and motives.

In all, Woods draws us into her expressive netherworld with How Forever Works, performing innovative operations on “found” photos, which have been gently abused and artfully repurposed. Essentially, through her efforts and creative rethinking, cast-off imagery has found new meaning, worthy of an art-worldly embrace.

For more information, see afsb.org.

Thursday, August 13

“It’s Complicated” by Jacqueline Woods

Record Number of Ships Slow for Whales

Most Lines Now Participating in Voluntary Program

by Natalie McFarlane

The recent death of a pregnant fin whale struck by a cruise ship in Seward, Alaska, has renewed attention on efforts to protect whales in California, where the Santa Barbara Channel serves as one of the world’s busiest whale migration corridors.

and from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Outdoors

The Santa Barbara Channel is the centerpiece of California’s Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) program, a voluntary initiative that asks commercial vessels weighing more than 300 tons to slow to 10 knots or less while traveling along the California coast. The effort, now in its 2026 season, has attracted a record number of participating shipping lines.

The channel, designated the nation’s second Whale Heritage Area, is often described as a “whale superhighway” because of its abundant and predictable populations of blue whales, humpbacks, fin whales, and other cetaceans. Roughly 2,500 large commercial vessels pass through the channel each year en route to

‘Library on the Fly’ Launches at Airport Abundance of Butts on Beach

The Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) and the Santa Barbara Public Library have partnered to launch “Library on the Fly,” a free library for passengers making their way through the terminal. The program will operate similarly to other community book exchanges, encouraging travelers to take a book if they need one or donate a title they have finished. The Public Library will supplement the co-branded book cart with a variety of its own options.

The cart can be found on the second floor of the terminal, post-security, just past Gate 2. No library card is

by Indy Staff

required. Travelers can also sign up for a digital library card for full access to the Public Library’s digital cata-

According to BWBS, slowing ships has made a measurable difference. A 2024 report found that reduced vessel speeds cut the risk of fatal whale strikes by 50 percent, while nearly 85 percent of ships transiting the Santa Barbara Channel complied with the voluntary program.

Slower speeds give crews more time to spot whales and allow whales a better chance to avoid approaching vessels. They also lessen the force of any collision and reduce fuel consumption, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and smog-forming pollutants.

Santa Barbara’s Environmental Defense Center, which has partnered with BWBS since 2014, estimates that about 80 whales are killed by ship strikes along the West Coast each year, though many collisions go unnoticed until ships reach port or injured whales wash ashore. n

logue, including free e-books and audiobooks.

“This collaboration is a great example of how two local organizations can partner together to amplify their services,” said Airport Director Chris Hastert. “SBA prides itself on providing a travel experience that is unique from other airports, and this library is another small way we can further enhance our passengers’ journey.” n

Cigarette Waste Continues to Be Most Common Trash Collected

by Izadora Hamm

Santa Barbara’s beaches continue to reflect a nationwide litter problem, with cigarette butts remaining the most common item collected during local beach cleanups, according to the Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 Beach Cleanup Report.

The issue was on full display during a June cleanup at East Beach, where volunteers collected 132 pounds of trash in just a few hours. Along with plastic fragments, foam, straws, and food wrappers, cigarette butts were the most frequently recovered item.

“Thirty people came out and picked up over 130 pounds of trash,” said Bill Hickman, Surfrider’s regional manager for California’s Central Coast. “At beach cleanups, you may average two to three pounds per person if you’re lucky, so that was a pretty big haul.”

The local findings mirror Surfrider’s national data. Across 1,058 beach cleanups in 2025, more than 34,000 volunteers removed 338,383 pounds of debris, including 196,283 cigarette butts. Smoking-related waste — including filters, packaging, lighters, vapes, and nicotine pouches — accounted for roughly one-quarter of all litter collected on U.S. beaches.

One of the largest hauls came from a single cleanup at Ormond Beach in Oxnard, where 2,060 pounds of trash was collected in just one day. Hickman said that amount isn’t uncommon for areas with heavy industrial activity.

Hickman said Santa Barbara’s city beaches, particularly East Beach and Leadbetter Beach, experience the most litter because of their popularity, while more remote stretches such as the Gaviota Coast remain relatively pristine. Surfrider’s Santa Barbara chapter hosts beach cleanups every other month at East Beach, with the next volunteer event scheduled for August. n

A humpback whale in the Santa Barbara Channel

Transportation

Humans Asked to Fact-Check AI Bike Routes

For Aaron Bonfilio, the director of multimodal programs for the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), teaching his kids how to safely get across town on their bikes “has been a real eye-opener.”

The current printed bike map distributed by SBCAG was last updated in 2013, and was created by compiling routes from different projects over the years.

Now, Bonfilio and his coworkers have been working on the organization’s newest draft of their map, which was made with the help of artificial intelligence and incorporates “road-comfort” ratings.

County

Residents Encouraged to Comment on Draft Map’s ‘Road-Comfort’ Ratings

by Elaine Sanders

“There are plenty of people who, if they were only informed, may get out there and decide to ride,” he said.

In collaboration with SBCAG, researchers from UCSB and Simon Fraser University in British Columbia have developed an AI model that generated a color-coded map of all of the county’s roadways.

From now until August 14, SBCAG is asking residents to check out that draft map, zoom into their neighborhoods, and leave their comments noting where the AI model may have gotten something wrong.

“The map is only as good as the information behind it,” said SBCAG Transportation Planner Peter Williamson. “The people who know our streets and neighborhoods best are the people who live, work, and ride here.”

The final version will be released by summer of 2027, and if it’s successful, the open-source AI modeling system could be used as a template for a guide that spans the state.

The map is already capable of being applied to some fitness apps, such as Strava, and there have been conversations within SBCAG on how to integrate its comfort-level layer into navigational systems such as Google Maps. The

“The map is only as good as the information behind it,” said SBCAG Transportation Planner Peter Williamson. “The people who know our streets and neighborhoods best are the people who live, work, and ride here.”

price tag for the project is just less than $550,000, the majority being paid with a $480,000 Caltrans grant.

The model is programmed to source its information from an advisory committee combined with Google Street View, OpenStreetMap data, and images to identify bike lanes, paths, trails, or lack thereof.

It is specifically designed to rank rider comfort based on the amount and speed of vehicle traffic near the cycling infrastructure, though the model does not yet incorporate elevation changes or crash reports.

The question Bonfilio asks is: “Can somebody between the ages of 8 and 80 ride on this route with high comfort, medium comfort, or low comfort?”

For example, take State Street. The AI model categorizes the stretch between Anapamu down to Haley as “high comfort” because the road is closed to vehicle traffic and is designated as a bike path.

But the block below, between Haley and Gutierrez, is

where the street opens to traffic with only a non-buffered bike lane, so the model marked it as “low comfort.”

When you continue under the 101 freeway, the bike lane has bollards that put distance between cyclists and vehicles, and the model bumps its rating back up to “high comfort.”

Some commenters have already made the suggestion to move the underpass down to medium comfort, with one person pointing out that the buffer is made of plastic bollards that can be knocked down by vehicles, and they consider the lane “not physically protected.”

These are the kind of comments that the planners at SBCAG want: a human-based fact checking that makes sure that streets are labeled based on real-world feel.

“The cool thing about using AI,” said Bonfilio, is that “if we decide in the future that we want to modify the model to incorporate elevation [or other data], we can change that and rerun it across the entire network.”

The second component of this project is to create what SBCAG calls a “regional wayfinding plan.” Translated, this means researchers and SBCAG will develop a color and/or iconographic system of road signs that display the comfort level of the street much like the difficulty postings on ski slopes which cities across the county can choose to adopt.

“We want to make biking easy for people who are not already doing it,” said Bonfilio. “Having a map that lets people know what may be comfortable to them helps remove that mystique, that barrier, that question of whether or not something is going to be unsafe or difficult for them to do.”

Quantum Computing Startup Gets $54 Million

Based on UC Santa Barbara professor John Martinis’s Nobel Prize–winning work in physics, Santa Barbara–based startup Qolab Inc. is developing new quantum technologies, making them more scalable and increasing the capabilities of quantum computing while reducing the cost.

On July 2, Qolab announced that it raised $54.2 million in Series B financing and commitments led by UC Investments to support this work.

The company was co-founded by Martinis, who won a Nobel Prize in 2025 for paving the way in superconducting quantum computing. He won the award alongside UCSB professor Michel H. Devoret.

Admittedly, quantum computing is hard to dumb down. It is a type of computing based on quantum mechanics, which exploits quantum phenomena (things that happen on a quantum scale), to perform certain calculations significantly faster than normal computers. A regular computer solves problems using bits that are either zeros and ones. But quantum computing uses qubits, which can almost be a zero and a one at the same time increasing efficiency. If a regular bit is like a coin on a table, meaning it can either be heads or tails, a qubit is more like a coin spinning in the air, almost allowing both probabilities to exist at the same time (not exactly, but this is a close-enough picture). It can be used for designing new medicines and materials, or breaking encryptions.

ning to translate into technologies capable of addressing real-world challenges,” Martinis said in a statement. “This investment enables Qolab to accelerate development of scalable quantum systems while deepening our collaborations across the University of California ecosystem and the broader scientific community.”

The announcement of the company’s newly secured financing was made during the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, where Martinis joined fellow Nobel Laureates, leading scientists and emerging researchers from around the world, according to a press release from QoLab.

“The gathering provides a fitting backdrop for Qolab’s next phase of growth at the intersection of breakthrough semiconductor manufacturing and quantum innovation,” the press release states.

It noted that the investment by UC Investments deepens Qolab’s ties to the UC’s research ecosystem. For example, the company collaborates with researchers from UCSB to “explore next-generation quantum algorithms using Qolab technologies.”

Fine Arts Writing/Reporting:

LOOKING IN AT THE LIFE AND WORK OF HANK PITCHER by Roger Durling

Health Reporting: SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT HEALTH REPORTING SERIES by Nick Welsh

Homelessness Reporting: SYLVIA BARNARD WITH HER TINY HOMES AND MAGICAL KITCHEN SAVES LIVES by Nick Welsh

Illustration:

REIGN OF ADMINSTRATIVE (T)ERROR by Xavier Pereyra and Ben Ciccati

In-Depth Reporting:

REIGN OF ADMINSTRATIVE (T)ERROR by Ryan Cruz, Callie Fausey, Tyler Hayden, Margaux Lovely, Christina McDermott, and Nick Welsh

Photojournalism:

SANTA BARBARA PHOTOGRAPHY by Ingrid Bostrom

Social Justice/Civic Engagement: SMOKE AND MIRRORS: FALLOUT FROM FEDERAL RAIDS AT GLASS HOUSE FARMS by Ryan Cruz, Tyler Hayden, and Nick Welsh

Writing: AN AMERICAN DREAM FULFILLED by Ryan Cruz

Public Service Journalism:

SABLE OFFSHORE OIL COVERAGE by Nick Welsh, Margaux Lovely, Tyler Hayden, Ryan Cruz, and Christina McDermott

This is what QoLab is doing. Martinis, Qolab’s chief technology officer, started the work that led to his Nobel Prize back in 1985.

As previously reported by the Independent’s Ella Heydenfeldt, after joining UCSB in 2004, Martinis led the university’s Google Quantum AI partnership, where his lab built a 53-qubit processor that achieved “quantum supremacy” solving a problem no conventional computer could handle. Qolab is advancing the same technology.

“Quantum computing is entering a new era, where decades of scientific research are begin-

Qolab said the Series B financing will build on its existing momentum, advancing its superconducting quantum computing platform and expanding partnerships across the globe.

“Solving the most difficult challenges in quantum computing requires deep collaboration with the semiconductor industry to effectively scale manufacturing,” said Alan Ho, cofounder and CEO of Qolab, in a statement. “The support of UC Investments, together with our existing financial and semiconductor investors, strengthens our ability to deliver scalable quantum technologies that can transform computing.” n

John Martinis

FOOD& DRINK

Ashkahn Brings Bright

Vibes to Wine Country

Ashkahn Shahparnia was doing quite well as an artist in Los Angeles about 15 years ago, running his own studio, designing album covers, and producing a line of greeting cards that were distributed nationwide. Then in 2016, he met Melissah Bridge, a former model from Arroyo Grande who introduced Shahparnia to Santa Barbara wine country.

by Matt Kettmann

“I didn’t know, being a kid from the big city, all of the magical things that could exist outside of it,” said Shahparnia, who was raised in Redondo Beach. “This was one of them.”

They fell in love and eventually got married, but not before he told her that he was going to change careers and become a winemaker. “She thought I was crazy,” he confirmed.

A decade later, Ash, as he’s known to most, just opened the most colorful tasting room that Los Olivos has ever seen, where he pours a slim selection of natural wines and sells that same line of greeting cards. It may be the first stationery store/tasting room anywhere, and is also the first

tasting room in that Santa Ynez Valley town selling strictly zero-zero wines, which mean that nothing is added (such as yeast or sulfur) or removed (via filtration or fining) during the winemaking process.

The brightly decorated yet carefully crafted Ashkahn Wines are shining examples of how the natty wine movement is maturing, retaining the fun-loving energy that first attracted so many younger wine drinkers to the style while embracing clean, considered winemaking over the often funky ferments that defined early iterations of the trend. And his own background a city kid who’s half-Persian, quarter-Filipino, quarter-Japanese reflects the increasing diversity of the wine industry itself, where it’s not just upperclass white dudes running the show anymore.

THE PROCESS OF PATIENCE

Shahparnia’s first step on this path was working part of a harvest at Bien Nacido Vineyard in 2018, and then a full harvest at Presqu’ile in 2019, driving back and forth constantly from L.A. “Which was insane I got my ass kicked,” he laughed. “But I came out the other side a changed person and decided that this is the next chapter.”

The first vintage of his own wine was a half-ton of 2020 chardonnay from Stolpman Vineyard, which yielded 30 cases. “Ernst Storm was my wine angel,” said Shahparnia, explaining that the South African vintner helped him process the wine. So did family and friends, most memorably during bottling day when everything went awry. “We were fumbling around,” he said. “But the wine tasted great.”

He made that first wine with no additives at all, relying

on ambient yeast, not filtering or fining, and, against all advice, not even adding sulfur essentially, a true zero-zero wine. And he’s done the same ever since, on every wine, from carbonic gamays and red/white grape field blends to skin-contact clairettes and sauv blancs to otherwise traditionally made chards and pinots.

“I’m a fan of letting the wine become itself and evolve, but with a meticulous hand in the cellar,” said Shahparnia, who was drawn to these techniques for their transparency, not their trendiness. “It wasn’t because of the fashion. I just really loved trying to make wine in its purest form.”

That hasn’t been easy, and past bottlings didn’t all wind up perfect. “But we learn from that,” he said. “It’s just been a journey embracing patience, taking steps back, and not rushing the process. That makes all the difference.” He’s even started using some neutral oak in the aging process, understanding that “the wines need to breathe a little bit to truly come into their own.”

This process is what keeps him so pumped. “You start with these dogmatic ideas and realize that other options could be better,” he said. “That’s the fun in winemaking. Every year, you get closer to the truth of it all.”

BRIGHT PINK ENERGY

After getting a few vintages under his belt (now made at the Story of Soil facility in Buellton) and managing other tasting rooms including Stolpman’s Fresh Garage, which he helped design Shahparnia was ready for his own space. He stumbled upon the tiny slot that was previously home to Slouch Hat, Margerum, and Knife & Barrel, and signed the lease. His mother-in-law built the bar and he splashed his electric spirit complete with neon sign all over the place, installing shelves for his stationery and booze bags as well as a snail mail-station in the back to send out hand-written letters.

There are just four wines on the tasting menu, but business has been steady ever since opening last month. “That minimal strategy has been successful,” said Shahparnia, as people wind up buying a glass or bottle to stick around. “This energy is so new to town.”

When you visit, you’ll almost certainly find Ash himself behind the bar, and maybe Melissah, who is now a photographer, and their daughter, Ivy, too. “I love hosting people that’s why I got into winemaking,” he said.

“The wine is great, but the best part is sharing that with your friends and family and club members and collectors, just welcoming them in.”

Changing people’s minds about natural wine can be quite a thrill. “The wine labels look playful, so sometimes people think that the contents reflect the personality of the label, which is not always true,” he explained. “People react in a fairly impressed way when they open the wine and realize that they’re drinking something serious and thoughtful, not just natty juice. That makes me so happy.”

Ashkahn Wines, 2446 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. B, Los Olivos; ashkahnwines.com

Melissah is the one who introduced Ash Shahparnia to wine.

MATTKETTMANN

Plan Ahead for Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley

Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley quickly became one of the hottest tickets in town upon its launch in 2019. The extended weekend series of dinners, tastings, and activities which goes down this year October 1 to 4 shines a bright light on the culinary and agricultural bounty of the broader region, and many of its events sell out way in advance.

That’s especially true of the dinners,

Saturday’s dinner returns to Second Street in Solvang, preceded by an extensive wine tasting event in the garden of the Festival Theater. New to this evening is an afterparty on the stage of the theater, complete with a deejay, light show, and drinks by Rock12 Distillery, as well as behindthe-scenes tours of the facility. Enthused Sim, “How cool will it be to party on the actual open-air theater stage?”

Is Txiki the Drink of the Summer?

Mby Matt Kettmann

which broke the mold by taking over entire streets of Los Alamos and Los Olivos with long tables. Those thoroughfare takeovers evolved in recent years, with Thursday night’s Los Alamos kickoff dinner moving into the garden of the recently reopened 1880 Union Hotel. Like always, each course of these communal dinners will be prepared by a separate restaurant. And like last year, there’s a pre-dinner wine tasting at The Maker’s Son and an after-party at the adjacent 1880 Speakeasy.

The biggest change in the format is on Friday night, in which the towns of Los Olivos and Santa Ynez are joining forces to host their dinner at the Santa Ynez Ranch, the former home of Bridlewood Winery.

“To keep things fresh and exciting, we’ve combined our Los Olivos and Santa Ynez dinners,” said Shelby Sim, CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, which produces the annual event. “We’ve also moved to a legendary and exclusive location not open to the public any longer.”

That evening will showcase the cuisine of Bar Le Côte, Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café, Hitching Post 2, Lucky Penny, and Willows. In addition to many familiar wineries, there will also be pours of the nonalcoholic Glasrose beverages made by the ranch’s owners.

And it’s not all dinners. Friday morning can be spent riding horses with Vino Vaqueros at Demetria Estate or touring three farms with Heritage Farmland & Flavors. Saturday offers rides on both horses and hay wagons as well as “cowboy breakfast” at Alisal Ranch; ziplining with Highline Adventures; a vineyard tour with Keith Saarloos of Saarloos & Sons (“he kills it,” promised Sim); and the annual “Franc & Blanc” tasting of the Santa Ynez Valley’s top cab francs and chenin and sauv blancs.

After five years of the event, Sim learned that the finale of a Sunday night dinner was a tough sell. Instead, Taste of the S.Y.V. will conclude with a Sunday brunch in the Buellhouse at Zaca Creek Tavern.

“This is a historical, beautiful, and rarely seen Buellton location,” said Sim. “The Tavern will have several food stations, custom drinks, lively music, and wines from the Sta. Rita Hills. It’s a perfect and delicious way to end the weekend.”

For details and tickets, see TasteSYV.com.

ost everyone who visits Basque country on the northern coast of Spain develops a wine-crush on txakoli, the crisp, slightly effervescent white wine poured like water in pintxo bars from San Sebastian to Pamplona. The wine pronounced “cha-ko-lee” and also known, somewhat erroneously, as txakolina is about as refreshing as a beverage can be, and the ideal partner to the region’s salty, savory, and fried dishes, whether that be briny oysters, garlicky shrimp, or crunchy potatoes.

whose forward-thinking C-suite first challenged Russell’s team to come up with a white wine that could be made from grapes picked earlier in the season with lower sugars. This move happened a bit before the mainstream lower-alc movement kicked off, and was prompted by the Napa fires of 2020, which damaged so much of that vintage. Like most of the wine world, they’re wondering what sort of wines can be made if harvest has to be hurried before the weather turns, as is happening more frequently due to climate change.

“We’ve been making this wine for six years,” said Russell, explaining that earlier experiments involved using a SodaStream to inject the bubbles. (They professionalized that process for this inaugural release, of course.)

FOOD & DRINK

Despite (or perhaps because of?) its popularity there, it’s historically been hard to find a good bottle of txakoli in the United States. (That’s also likely because it can lose its zip in shipping.) And while our vintners make great strides with new versions of zesty whites each vintage, there’s nothing quite like that lightly fizzy, fully fun sip made in California, at least on a broad scale.

Into this conundrum comes Cambria Winery’s ode to txakoli: Txiki, a faintly sparkling, lower-alcohol, acid-driven explosion on the palate.

“At this point, I’m just calling this fun in a glass,” explained winemaker Jill Russell as we shared citrusy sips in Cambria’s Los Olivos tasting room, which is shared with Brewer-Clifton.

Cambria and Brewer-Clifton are both owned by Jackson Family Wines,

Since hondarrabi zuri the grape variety that makes txakoli is not grown in California (or is it anyone?), Russell made Txiki out of chardonnay, which Cambria grows in abundance around the Santa Maria Valley estate. But Txiki, which is pronounced “cheeky,” really doesn’t taste anything like chardonnay, and, at 10.5 percent, it’s lighter than most any white wine out there.

With wildfires and heat spikes plaguing wine countries across the planet, the viticultural promise of Txiki interesting wine made on a nimble schedule couldn’t come at a more critical time. That it appeases the lower alcohol trend is but a bonus. And for the rest of us who’re just looking for something good to drink on a sunny day at the pool or playa? Txiki is your sip of summer.

Try Txiki at the Cambria Winery tasting room (2367 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos) or see cambriawines.com.

Cambria Winery’s New Txakolina-Inspired Release Is Full of Fizzy Fun

by Matt Kettmann

Scenes from previous Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley events.

Wines are always plentiful at Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley events.

Goleta Cajé Coffee Roasters to Open in August

In March 2025, reader Eric first shared with our community that Cajé Coffee Roasters is coming to 5340 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, which is part of the Patterson Center, home to South Coast Deli, Domino’s Pizza, and Choi’s Oriental Market. Reader S.B. Taste recently told me that con struction appears to be in the final stages, so I stopped by and spoke with owner Ryan Patronyk. I learned that Cajé, which has locations downtown, in Isla Vista, and in Ventura, hopes to open its first Goleta spot this August, just across Hollister from Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and next to Herbay Pharmacy.

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY by

Rob Breszny

WEEK OF JULY 23

ARIES

One of the more interesting things I learned while touring Cajé Coffee Roasters’ new Goleta outlet had nothing to do with espresso machines or coffee drinks it’s the race for great coffee. Patronyk explained that finding great coffee is a race against other roasters. Importers regularly send green coffee bean samples from around the world, which Cajé roasts in small batches before tasting in a process known as “cupping.” If a coffee stands out, Patronyk has to move quickly. “We’ll call them and they’ll say, ‘Sold that four hours ago,’ ” he said. Many coffees are available only once each year, and green beans remain at their best for only about six months, making it impossible to simply buy a year’s supply. Patronyk said sourcing exceptional coffee is “the hardest part” of running a coffee roastery.

Cajé Coffee Roasters are famous for creative, handcrafted drinks. One of their most popular specialty drinks is “the Yemen,” which is a hot coconut milk mocha made with pure cacao, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. The drink is served with a flaming roasted marshmallow on the side. I once tried the Burnout, a hot breve latte with bourbon pecan syrup, candied ginger, and a ginger salt rim. Visit caje.coffee

BOMBAY OPENS DOWNTOWN: Here is an update from reader Jonathan L.: “Howdy. You probably heard about the new Indian restaurant named Bombay opening in the former Bibi Ji at 734 State Street. I popped in and confirmed it’s run by the Apna folks who are a half block away. Right now, only open for breakfast and lunch. Planning to expand to dinner in the future. I didn’t ask if that means the Apna location closes.”

PRESSED JUICERY CLOSES: Reader Cat let me know that Pressed at 651 Paseo Nuevo has closed their doors permanently. The juicery used to be located at 506 State Street and moved to Paseo Nuevo in 2014. Another location opened at 1024 Coast Village Road in 2013, and I am hearing that it closed as well. You can still buy their products locally at Sprouts, Target, Costco, and online at pressed.com

FIESTA PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Santa Barbara American Legion took over the Fiesta pancake breakfast from the Kiwanis Club, Vice Commander Fred Cota told me, and the annual event is now at the Santa Barbara Veterans’ Memorial Building, 112 West Cabrillo Boulevard. They will serve both Saturday and Sunday during Fiesta, from 8 a.m. to noon. As always, it’s still only a $15 donation for all the pancakes you can eat and coffee you can drink as well as some chef’s specials of eggs and other surprises that the cooks come up with. Active-duty personnel eat for free.

(Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Authentic love songs are rare. Much of contemporary music leans toward infatuation, sex, heartbreak, and fury, while few artists seem interested in singing unabashedly about unique expressions of tenderness and enduring devotion. In the months ahead, Aries, your inner life will be gloriously out of step with that trend. Your heart is poised to wake up in sometimes surprising ways. Even if you’re not a trained vocalist, you may feel regular urges to express your passion and adoration in song. If I could give you a gift, it might be a curated playlist packed with the most radiant love songs of the last 60 years, so you’d have a soundtrack worthy of the lush emotions that I suspect will bloom in you.

TAURUS

(Apr. 20-May 20): Nobel Prize–winning Taurus physicist Richard Feynman kept a notebook titled “Things I Don’t Know About.” When he came across a question he couldn’t answer, he added it to the collection. I recommend a similar discipline for you now, Taurus, but with a twist. Keep a log of “Beautiful Mysteries I Don’t Really Need to Solve.” Rejoice that not every paradox and puzzle needs resolution. Savor the fun fact that some riddles enrich your life precisely because they remain open-ended. Hooray for not knowing! My theory is that some of your finest qualities will flourish in the presence of productive uncertainty.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): In the early days of radio broadcasting, engineers sometimes spoke of “tuning the receiver.” Even when a station was transmitting clearly, a listener might hear static until their radio dial was adjusted to exactly the right frequency. The message was present and clear; the challenge was homing in on it. There’s a similar phenomenon going on in your life, Gemini. Useful information, fun inspiration, and interesting possibilities may be circulating in your vicinity. But you will need to adjust your attention so you can actually receive it. To bring the signals into focus, listen differently. Or pose alternate questions. Or pay attention to sources you don’t usually notice.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): Neuroscientists have found that remembering the past and imagining the future rely on many of the same brain networks. That overlap helps explain why vivid visualization may influence our emotions and behavior. When we repeatedly simulate alarming scenarios about what could conceivably happen, our brains treat them much like memories. This makes us prone to spotting “threats” in places that may be relatively safe. The good news is that the coming months will be an excellent time to retrain this habit, Cancerian. More than ever, your imagination can be a precision instrument you use to recalibrate yourself away from fear and toward possibility. Fantasize about wonderful possibilities with the same intensity that in the past you have dwelled on scary speculations.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): Oak trees produce far more acorns than could ever grow into trees. Squirrels bury thousands and forget many of them, preparing the way for the next generation of forest. The trees succeed through strategic overproduction. I invite you to adopt their method, Leo. In the coming weeks, overproduce. Make more than you can track. Release more than you can manage. You don’t need to be perfect, just abundant. PS: This expansive capacity is yours to explore with delight and confidence, I guarantee it.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the 19th century, Virgo naturalist Alexander von Humboldt helped launch the modern science of ecology. While exploring South America, he came to a revolutionary conclusion that’s obvious to us now: Nature isn’t a collection of separate objects but an intricate web of relationships. Mountains shape the weather. The plants and pollinators rely on each other. Underground mycelial networks perform many services for the trees. I propose

that you channel your inner Humboldt, Virgo. Shift your focus away from isolated problems and instead observe the larger systems. Solutions may be elusive when you’re bound to a narrow view but strikingly clear when you perceive the wider pattern. If you’d like to take bold action, rely on the spacious perspective.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The coming months will be a favorable time to triple your devotion to the art of rowdy fun. I urge you to attend more revels and celebrations than usual, and always be ready to energize social functions with infusions of festive wit and gleeful conviviality. You will also have extra power to inject buoyant amusements into your intimate liaisons. Therefore, dear Libra, I designate you to be the Party Maestro of the Zodiac. I hope you will carry out your role with maximum exuberance, ingenuity, and joy.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): What if I told you that your most personal and potent dream can come true but only through months of persistence, disciplined sacrifice, and stretches of bewildering but fascinating uncertainty? Would you reorder your priorities to chase it with every ounce of creativity you have? Or would you set it aside in favor of a safer and easier possibility? Between now and the end of October, I predict the moment will arrive to choose one path or the other.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): On some occasions, you just don’t have the power to act with impeccable integrity and do the totally right thing. Doing the partially right thing may, however, be a useful and compassionate option. I bet this will soon be helpful advice for you. Blunt truth: There are moments when the “perfect” ethical, emotional, or practical choice simply isn’t available. The timing is off, resources are thin, or someone else’s limits block the ideal outcome. In those situations, waiting around for the flawless solution is a kind of paralysis that keeps you stuck in guilt or indecision. Instead, you can aim for the best available good.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In botany and gardening, there is a practice called “companion planting.” Certain plants thrive when grown near each other because they share nutrients, repel or distract pests, or improve soil and microclimate. Here’s an example: Indigenous peoples of the Americas planted the “Three Sisters” together: Corn gave beans a living trellis, beans added nitrogen to the soil, and squash shaded the ground to hold moisture and deter weeds. This principle may be useful for you to contemplate now, Capricorn. The people, tools, and influences you place near one another will influence your productivity and well-being. By blending complementary energies, your efforts will flourish without strain.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Author Alain de Botton observed that “the person we marry is always far more remarkable, frightening, and complex than we quite realized when we first declared our love.” Rather than feeling alarmed by this revelation, I invite you to find it thrilling as you apply it to your best allies. The fact that they contain mysteries you haven’t yet plumbed means the relationships aren’t likely to grow stale. There are undiscovered depths in those you may think you know completely. My advice: Approach even your most familiar intimacies as ongoing discoveries.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Do you ever fear or distrust your own desires? Are you suspicious of achieving “too much” success? Do you ever feel starved for hope, but belittle yourself for wanting it? Do you go emotionally blank in the face of possibilities that should thrill you? If so, the coming weeks could bring healing and a breakthrough. You will have a chance to perform a rare kind of exorcism not of garish demons or foolish ghosts, but of the quiet defeatism and lack of faith that dull your brilliance. Seize this moment, dear Pisces! Purge the automatic doubts that the world has trained you to mistake for wisdom.

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT

COMPUTER/TECH

SUPPLY CHAIN Data Analyst‑Global w/ Deckers Outdoor Corp. 100% remote reporting to: Goleta, CA.

$95,493‑$139,900/yr. Salary range reflects min & max target for new hire salaries for role in Goleta, CA location. Individual pay determined by location & add’l factors, including job related skills, exp & relevant ed or training. To apply: www.deckers.com/careers (21057). EOE

ENGINEERING

HARDWARE ENGINEER (REQ# 1525279); Goleta, CA; Google LLC; Identify hardware flaws, analyze key risks or trade‑offs, and implement corrective solutions. The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $201,300 ‑ $231,000 + 15% Bonus Target + equity + benefits determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Learn more about benefits at Google at careers.google. com/benefits. Apply online at https: //goo.gle/3QsLNz5

Lead System Engineer w/ Deckers Outdoor Corporation. 100% remote reporting to: Goleta, CA. Pay $187,678/ yr. Salary reflects min/max target for new hire salaries for role in Goleta, CA location. Individual pay determined by location & add’l factors, including job related skills, exp & relevant ed or training. To apply: www.deckers.com/ careers (20938). EOE

MANAGEMENT

MANAGER, SOFTWARE Lifecycle sought by Karl Storz Imaging, Inc. in Goleta, CA. Lead, manage & hire for sw lifecycle functions. MS+3. Hybrid work schedule. $204,027‑$205,789.46/ yr. Apply to: taoperations@karlstorz. com (Reference Job Code: TC0803).

responsible supervisory experience; ability to effectively supervise assigned professional, technical and supervisory personnel; Solid interpersonal skills, service orientation, ability to multitask effectively in varied, high volume environments, judgement and decision‑making, reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, and effective verbal and written communication skills; Knowledge of university policies and procedures; Demonstrated ability to develop and control operational budgets for multi‑functional programs. Demonstrated ability to analyze requirements for staffing, vehicles, and equipment, etc.; 4‑6 yrs of management and supervision in fleet and auto tech shop management. Financial reporting and analysis skills. 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. Hiring/Budgeted Salary or Hourly Range: $90,000 to $125,000/year. 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 # 86769

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT, ENGINEERING & SCIENCES

UCSB DEVELOPMENT

TRAN (TRANSPORTATION SERVICES)

Under the general direction of TPS Director, manages all business functions of Transportation Services. The department has nine FTE, an operating budget of approximately $2.5M, a campus fleet of approximately 400 vehicles, a fleet service garage and fleet fueling operations. Responsibilities include personnel supervision, financial and budget administration, vehicle accident claims, facilities and materiel management. Under the general direction of the TPS Director, provides system and database analysis and support to Transportation and Parking Services. Includes involvement in planning, design and implementation of databases and applications paying particular attention to how they relate to complex desktop and online legacy applications and databases. Reqs: Bachelor’s Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/ training; 4‑6 yrs Management and supervision in fleet and auto tech shop management. Financial reporting and analysis skills; Progressively

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

shifting deadlines. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check; may be called upon to work occasional evenings and weekends at various campus‑wide events. Hiring/Budgeted Salary Range: $29.35/hr to $30.73/hr. 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 $29.35 to $42.06/hour.

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 # 87124.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONAL ALIGNMENT

FARM (FINANCE & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT)

The Director of Operational Alignment serves as a strategic leader advancing campus‑wide organizational transformation, operational modernization, and administrative effectiveness in support of the university’s academic, research, and public service mission.

The Director leads initiatives related to financial sustainability, process simplification, operational alignment, and institutional scalability through integrated administrative models and standardized practices. The position’s initial focus will be supporting operational alignment and process streamlining associated with the university’s Financial Management Modernization (FMM) initiative. Responsibilities include assessing and redesigning administrative and business processes affected by FMM; coordinating cross‑functional alignment efforts; supporting organizational readiness and adoption; identifying opportunities for standardization and simplification; and establishing sustainable structures that maximize the project’s long‑term value. Working across academic and administrative units, the Director evaluates organizational structures, business operations, and service delivery models to improve efficiency, coordination, and institutional effectiveness. The position also leads efforts to reduce administrative complexity, strengthen resource stewardship, optimize workforce alignment, and enhance institutional resilience. The Director partners with university leadership, faculty governance, finance, human resources, research administration, information technology, and operational units to design and implement sustainable future‑state operating models. Using data analytics, financial modeling, process improvement methods, organizational assessment tools, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, the Director develops recommendations that advance modernization while preserving service quality and mission alignment. The Director also helps establish governance frameworks to monitor operational effectiveness, evaluate outcomes, address emerging institutional needs,

and support continuous improvement across administrative and operational functions. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business administration, public administration, higher education administration, organizational leadership, finance, or a related field. 7‑9 yrs experience in Progressively responsible professional experience in organizational effectiveness, operational strategy, administration, business operations, finance, institutional planning, or related leadership functions. Note: Satisfactory criminal history background check. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $168,000 to $190,000/year. 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 $132,600 to $259,800/ yr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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. Application review begins 7/28/26. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 87463

EMF CASH MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

(CONTROLLER)/BUSINESS & FINANCIAL SERVICES

Is responsible for extramural funds related accounts receivable collection and the monthly close of PGM. The EMF Cash Management Accountant is responsible for managing professional relationships with other EMF Accountants, departments, PIs, and partners, and personal workload to ensure office service levels are achieved, by using basic professional concepts to adhere to university and office policies and procedures and resolving routine problems of a repetitive nature. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training with 21 credit hours in accounting. 1‑3 yrs Performing accounting analyst, professional accounting, accounting systems or auditing duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to a General Accountant, including AR/ AP experience, fund accounting knowledge, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 1‑3 yrs Computer proficiency is required. Word processing, spreadsheet, and computerized accounting system experience are essential to this position. Notes: Occasional overtime and limited vacation during fiscal year end. Satisfactory criminal history background check. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employee sponsorship. Hiring/Budgeted Salary or Hourly Range: $29.74 to $35.92/hour. Full Salary Range: $29.74 to $51.29/ hour. 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. Application review begins 7/24/26

Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 87401

FLEET SERVICES SUPERVISOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Supervises Transportation Services operations including oversight of all garage activity, vehicle acquisition from request to funding to entering vehicle in fleet, inventory, insurance issues repair and maintenance of all Transportation pool and assigned vehicles. Ensure compliance by garage staff on all safety issues. Provides roadside assistance as needed. Accurately documents all work performed. Completes repair orders promptly. Must be able to work as a member of a team and share in the responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure work environment. Provide advisory support on fleet electricity and vehicles upgrade strategic plan. Reqs: Associate’s Degree or an equivalent combination of experience/training. 1‑3 yrs Experience in fleet maintenance and repair; 1‑3 yrs Automotive mechanical experience; Working knowledge of university policies and procedures; Working knowledge of repair, maintenance and storage of fleet vehicles. Ability to perform industry‑standard diagnostic and troubleshooting testing; Ability to operate personal computers, office software, computerized vehicle maintenance programs, and other specialized diagnostic devices and power tools.

Knowledge of all applicable codes, rules and regulations related to maintenance and repair of fleet; Ability to perform basic mathematical and budget operations; Interpersonal skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, ability to multi‑task effectively in a high volume environment, organizational skills and effective verbal and written communication skills. 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. Hiring/Budgeted Salary or Hourly Range: $73,800 ‑ $131,200/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 # 87071.

GROUNDSKEEPER

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

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; Hiring/Budgeted Range: $21.09 ‑ $25.70 hourly. 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 # 86930.

HR COMPLIANCE & PROJECT POLICY LEAD

HUMAN RESOURCES Coordinates, oversees, and tracks project activities to ensure successful implementation of HR initiatives focused on the staff employment misconduct disclosure and personnel file review processes. Conducts analytical studies of moderate scope and complexity to address a variety of policy, research, and procedural issues. Analyzes problems, gathers data, evaluates alternatives, and makes sound recommendations. Partners with department leadership to Continued on p. 62

Under the general supervision of the Grounds Superintendent or Sr. Lead Groundskeeper, the GROUNDSKEEPER maintains grounds and landscape duties around eight residence halls, four dining commons, and five residential apartment complexes. May be assigned other duties (including those in other areas) to accomplish the operational needs of the department. May be required to work schedules other than Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm, to meet the operational needs of the department. May be required to perform other duties as assigned to meet the operational needs of the department. Complies with department safety and illness programs as implemented by supervisor and/or co‑workers. Interacts as a team member with sensitivity towards a multi‑cultural work environment. Professional Expectation/Attitude Standard/ Customer Service Promotes customer service programs in the Grounds unit to residents/clients. Assists with the development and maintenance of a work environment that is conducive to meeting the mission of the organization. Completes job duties in a manner that demonstrates support for Housing and Residential Services. Initiates communication directly with co‑workers and/or supervisors to improve and clarify working relationships, identify problems and concerns, and seek resolution to work‑related conflicts. Participates in staff training and development workshops, retreats, and meetings as determined by supervisor. Reqs: 1‑3 yrs Grounds/Maintenance experience.

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EMPLOYMENT (CONT.)

identify and manage issues and risks to ensure centralized misconduct vetting compliance goals are achieved and UC internal candidates’ personnel files reviewed. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Human Resources or a related field or a combination of education and experience. 1‑3 yrs of experience coordinating programs or projects. Working knowledge and capability to use project management tools, Google platform and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to effectively work with project stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and reporting skills. Note: Satisfactory criminal history background check. M‑F, 8am‑5pm. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $30.32/hr to $33.52/hr. Full Hourly Range: $30.32/hr to $52.25/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 # 87484

The Office of Strategic Asset Management (SAM) at UC Santa Barbara provides leadership and a broad range of professional services to support vital campus development initiatives, including physical planning, environmental assessment, and long‑range development for all campus projects. SAM manages a diverse real estate portfolio that includes agricultural, institutional, research, residential, and commercial assets, which are administered in direct support of the University’s educational mission. Its core functions encompass the development and management of on‑campus and off‑campus leasing programs, the administration of complex contracts, and the oversight of faculty and staff housing communities. Furthermore, SAM facilitates third‑party development partnerships, oversees the due diligence process for acquisitions, and manages specialized licensing programs, including telecommunications and retail. Within this strategic framework, the Real Estate Leasing Officer is a vital member of the Office of Strategic Asset Management. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role is responsible for the professional administration of leases, day‑to‑day management, and operational oversight of properties and contracts owned or acquired by the University. The Officer ensures that all real estate operations and transactions incorporate facilities management requirements and cost accounting principles while remaining in strict compliance with University of California (UC) policies and campus regulations, directly in support of the University’s educational mission. Reqs: Must have Real Estate License in the State of California. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 4‑6 yrs experience in professional experience in related areas/fields. Notes: UCSB Campus Security Authority under Clery Act. Satisfactory criminal history background check Hiring/Budgeted Salary Range $100,000 to $120,000/ year. 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. Application review begins 7/13/26. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 87038

SERVICE DESK LEAD

CTLR – Business & Financial Services

Under the general direction of the Associate Controller, the Help Desk Lead provides operational leadership and day‑to‑day support for the Business and Financial Services (BFS) and Finance and Resource Management (FARM) service delivery model. The position serves as the primary coordinator for ServiceNow ticket intake, triage, customer support, knowledge management, and service improvement initiatives. The Service Desk Lead is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate, and customer‑focused responses to service requests while supporting the development of consistent business processes, service standards, and self‑service resources. Working closely with BFS and FARM subject matter experts, the position coordinates ticket assignments, monitors service levels, develops knowledge base content, and identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency and the customer experience. The position serves as a key resource for the implementation and ongoing enhancement of the BFS ServiceNow portal, helping establish a unified service delivery model across BFS and FARM. The Service Desk Lead develops templates, standard responses, knowledge articles, training materials, and reporting tools that improve service quality, increase self‑service adoption, and reduce resolution times. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training; 1‑3 yrs Demonstrated experience in ticket management, triage, and workflow administration within the ServiceNow platform; 1‑3 yrs Strong background in customer support, with a proven ability to manage escalations and maintain high service standards; 1‑3 yrs Proven experience creating, maintaining, and publishing knowledge base articles, user guides, and standard operating procedures; 1‑3 yrs Ability to analyze ticket data, service metrics, and aging reports to generate operational dashboards and identify trends; 1‑3 yrs Demonstrated track record of identifying operational inefficiencies and recommending process improvements to enhance the customer experience; 1‑3 yrs Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with subject matter experts and cross‑functional teams to coordinate ticket resolutions.Notes: This position is a career appointment, ending after 18 months of employment; Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employee sponsorship; Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted Range: $71,600 to $85,545/yr. The full salary range for this position is $71,600 to $127,400/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. Application review begins 7/31/26 Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 87594.

SR. COOK

CAMPUS DINING

Serves as a working supervisor performing skilled culinary duties and overseeing a kitchen area serving up to 1,500 meals per shift. Ensures that high standards of food quality, service, sanitation and safety are met according to Dining Services, University and Federal guidelines. Trains full time and student cooks in new culinary techniques, food and sanitation guidelines. Maintains efficient food preparation methods. Serves as a backup in the absence of the Department Head Reqs: High School

WELL BEING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Diploma or Equivalent combination of education and experience; 1‑3 yrs Knowledge of and experience with advanced culinary techniques, including but not inclusive of sautéing, grilling, frying, steaming, preparing sauces and stocks. This includes experience working with commercial kitchen equipment and preparing large quantities 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 and work standing for up to 8 hours per day; Work hours/ days may vary. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $25.00/hr ‑ $25.73/hr. Full Hourly Range: $25.00/hr ‑ $26.79/hr.

UNDERGRADUATE

ADVISOR COMPUTER SCIENCE

Under the supervision of the Student Affairs Manager (SAM), and as part of the Undergraduate Advising team, supports all aspects of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) undergraduate program. Serves as one of the initial sources of information and advises major students, prospective major students, and non‑major students regarding general Major and department requirements. Monitors every aspect of progress towards degree and counsels students as appropriate. Initiates, maintains, and evaluates students’ academic records, processes petitions, checks prerequisites, and performs other administrative tasks. Ensures grades are reported for undergraduate students and updates the General Engineering Academic Requirements (GEAR) and other publications. Requires knowledge of policy and procedures for the College of Engineering (CoE), College of Letters and Science (L&S), and the College of Creative Studies (CCS). Serves as one of the departmental liaisons with the Office of the Registrar on matters of departmental courses, grades, and undergraduate records. Works within a team environment within the Student Affairs area and department, and assists with the ongoing workload.

Reqs: Bachelor’s Degree required in related area and/or equivalent experience/training; 1‑3 yrs experience working in diverse college‑level academic advising setting; Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and the ability to professionally interact with students, staff, and faculty; Ability to multi‑task and prioritize tasks in conjunction with multiple deadlines and frequent interruptions; Ability to work with a diverse group of students, faculty and staff and other campus offices on a variety of tasks; Strong problem‑solving skills; Ability to be accurate and thorough with careful attention to details; Ability to use various programs (Excel, Word, Google) to complete required tasks.

Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted Salary Range: $27.06 to $31.74/hr. 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 $27.06 to $45.76/hour. 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. Application Review begins 8/3/26. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 87600

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ADMINISTER OF ESTATE

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NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JENNA NOELLE SCHAAL‑O’CONNOR No.: 26PR00308

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: JENNA NOELLE SCHAAL‑O’CONNOR

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.

Dept. SB 5 located at 1100 ANACAPA STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101

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THE PETITION requests that (name): WILLIAM SCHAAL 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: 07/30/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept:SB5 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. Angela Braun, Executive Officer 06/25/2026 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Julianna M. Malis; Santa Barbara Estate Law; 14 W. Valerio Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑946‑1550

Published: July 9, 16, 23 2026.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: TERESA IDA COLLINSWORTH aka TERRI COLLINSWORTH No.: 26PR00315

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 8/06/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street, P.O. Box 21107 Santa Barbara, CA 93121.

ANACAPA DIVISION

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. Angela Braun, Executive Officer 07/01/2026 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Scott G. Soulages of Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP, 427 E. Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑963‑9721 Published: Jul 9, 16, 23 2026.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF: ALEXNDER READ CRONIN AKA A. READ CRONIN CASE NO. 26PR00345

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ALEXNDER READ CRONIN

AKA A. READ CRONIN.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SUSAN R. CRONIN AND EDWARD WRIGHT CRONIN, JR. in the Superior Court of California, County of SANTA BARBARA.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SUSAN R. CRONIN AND EDWARD WRIGHT CRONIN, JR. 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.

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.

GAMBLE T. PARKS ‑ SBN 230431 FENNEMORE LLP 1006 SANTA BARBARA STREET SANTA BARBARA CA 93101 Telephone (805) 420‑6010 7/23, 7/30, 8/6/26 CNS‑4061985# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

FBN ABANDONMENT

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME The following Fictitious Business Name is being abandoned: ASH AND EMBER REMEDIES: 5464 Hanna Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93111 The original statement for use of this Fictitious Business Name was filed 01/20/2026 in the County of Santa Barbara. Original File no. FBN 2026‑0000133. The persons or entities abandoning use of this name are as follows: Mackenzie L Herrick (same address) The business was conducted by an A Individual. Registrant commenced to tranact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A Signed by: MACKENZIE HERRICK/OWNER/CEO Filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 07/10/26, FBN 2026‑0001762 E73. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in the Office of the County Clerk, Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: TERESA IDA COLLINSWORTH, aka TERRI COLLINSWORTH A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: MOIRA COLLINSWORTH in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): MOIRA COLLINSWORTH 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

(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: 08/27/26 at 9:00AM in

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE WILD REFUGE: 4025 Via Diego, Unit C Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Tracy J Niro (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed

MARKETPLACE

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LOST & FOUND

FOUND MONEY

A sum of money has been found and turned over to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Any person claiming ownership, contact the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s at 805‑681‑5355, Monday through Friday between the hours of 08:00 am and 04:00 pm.

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crosswordpuzzle

“Miscues” — yes, I do.

ByMattJones

Across

1. Renaissance setting in America

7. Shakshouka ingredient

10. Batteries for some remotecontrolled vehicles

13. Chant after a soccer score

14. Vientiane language

15. Slick, as a speaker

17. “The Joys of Yiddish” author Leo

18. Be better at evasion than

20. “The vest and jacket are itchy and don’t fit”?

22. “The Facts of Life” mentor Garrett

23. Sashimi topper

24. Non-dairy milk source

25. McKellen of the “X-Men” movies

26. More than -y

27. “Euphoria” network

30. Controversy when a Boston Marathon cheater becomes a TV host?

36. Former Chinese leader Zhou ___

37. NBA Hall of Famer Gasol

38. Dwight Eisenhower’s wife

39. Invitee who makes the party suddenly make sense?

42. Texting format initials

43. Fish that goes with chips

44. “Live ___” (Taco Bell slogan)

45. ___ Tomé and Príncipe

46. Spam generator

47. Tom kha kai cuisine

51. Where to change direction in your LeSabre?

56. Build up

57. “Steamboat ___” (Mickey Mouse cartoon in public domain)

58. “The Bridges at ___-Ri” (1954 movie)

59. “Golly!”

60. Burning

61. Late Pink Floyd member Barrett

62. “77 Sunset Strip” actor Byrnes

63. Approvals

Down

1. Seattle Slew, for one

2. How some things are read

3. Pine tree secretion

4. Led Zeppelin’s “Whole ___ Love”

5. Monthly util.

6. Festival of Lights symbol

7. Skip formal nuptials

8. Asterix’s home

9. “Can I bug you?”

10. Painful ordeal

11. Discount grocery chain headquartered in Germany

12. Word with hex or high

16. Ask for table scraps

19. Grade school projects

One-legged camera support

TV series about hiding edibles?

Words spoken before a spell

Computer-to-TV cable

“Mission: Impossible” actress Barbara

Fashion designer Cassini

Rules partner, briefly

“E Pluribus ___”

Spots in the Loire

___ in “zebra”

Song subject with the question “What is it good for?”

Granny

Filmed material

Corrode

Boston fish specialty

Holstein, e.g.

Bridge collections

Polynesian dances

“One-Punch Man” genre

Cannes concepts

Kinda gross

LEGALS (CONT.)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s)

is/are doing business as: MIRROR

FINISH YACHT CARE: 7407 San Carpino Dr Goleta, CA 93117; Ryan James Wong (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: RYAN

WONG/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 4. FBN Number: 2026‑0001650. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SPLENDOR

HAIR STUDIO: 130 S Hope Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Gloria Herrera 220 Ladera St Apt 114 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 12, 2026. Filed by: GLORIA HERRERA/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 15, 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 76. FBN Number: 2026‑0001569. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MOUNT

OLYMPUS HOLDINGS: 5662 Calle Real #214, Goleta, CA 93117; Jay L Hartman (same address) Lynda J Hartman (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 Sep 30, 2021. Filed by: JAY L HARTMAN/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 15, 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001562. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FUEL SAVIN: 2140 Sweeney Rd Lompoc, CA 93436; Robert Savin (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 22, 2026. Filed by: ROBERT SAVIN/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001659. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LUXE

ROCKLINE: 1929 Alamo Pintado Rd Solvang, CA 93463; Allison Van Wingerden (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 05, 2020. Filed by: ALLISON VAN WINGERDEN/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001446. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CYANOKAI: 142 San Clemente St Santa Barbara, CA 93109; Kaira T Wallace (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 20, 2026. Filed by: KAIRA WALLACE/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 08, 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001489. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SOUND STOPS FIRE: 4446 White Pine Ln Santa Ynez, CA 93460; Ember Shield 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 28, 2025. Filed by: ROBERT C DUNCAN/MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 E4. FBN Number: 2026‑0001631. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE 805 TRANSPORTER: 21 Lorinda Pl Santa Barbara, CA 93101; David A Soto Romero (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: DAVID SOTO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001538. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CONSTELLATION BARBERSHOP: 3875 Constellation Rd, Suite A & B Lompoc, CA 93436; Timothy W Carey 226 Galaxy Way Lompoc, CA 93436;

Ordinance No. 5297

Joan M Carey (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 Jun 01, 2026. Filed by: TIMOTHY W CAREY/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 15, 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 E71. FBN Number: 2026‑0001574. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STORKE FUEL DEPOT, STORKE FUEL DEPOT AND CAR WASH, THE POINT MARKET AT STORKE FUEL DEPOT, STORKE CAR WASH: 370 Storke Rd Goleta, CA 93117; Price Properties LLC PO Box 61106 Santa Barbara, CA 93160 This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: JOHN PRICE/MANAGER OF THE GENERAL PARTNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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: 2026‑0001495. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: G.R. MOBILE DETAILING: 1838 San Andres St #2 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Gabriel Lupe Rodriguez (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 14, 2026. Filed by: GABERIAL RODRIGUEZ/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 E30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001582. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN 2026‑0001392

The following person(s) is doing business as:

J. R. SIMPLOT COMPANY, 312 GUADALUPE ST, GUADALUPE, CA 93434, County of SANTA BARBARA.

J. R. SIMPLOT COMPANY, LLC, 1099 W. FRONT STREET, BOISE, IDAHO, 83702

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 12, 2026 /s/ JAMES B.ALDERMAN, SECRETARY

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 05/26/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk

An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 3150, the Flood Control Benefit Assessment Ordinance, Relating to Benefit Assessments for Flood Control Services.

Passed, approved and adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California, on this 14th day of July 2026, by the following vote: Ayes: Supervisors Lee, Capps, Hartmann, Nelson and Lavagnino Noes: None

Absent: None Abstain: None

MONA MIYASATO CLERK OF THE BOARD

By: Sheila de la Guerra – Deputy Clerk

NOTE: A complete copy of Ordinance No. 5297 is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and is available for public inspection and copying in that office in accordance with the California Public Records Act, Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1.

7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23/26

CNS‑4055140#

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN2026‑0001510

The following person(s) is doing business as:

Bodegas Krontiras USA, 1129 State Street Suite 25, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, County of Santa Barbara.

Wine 4 Winners LLC, 1041 Mill Street Suite #104, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; California

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable /s/ Christopher Andrew Dillon, Managing Member

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 06/10/2026.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23/26

CNS‑4054703#

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN FBN2026‑0001525

The following person(s) is doing business as:

NCTI‑ RIVERSIDE 240 EAST HIGHWAY 246, SUITE 100 BUELLTON CA 93427 , County of SANTA BARBARA.

AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE WEST 4400 HWY 121 SUITE 700 LEWISVILLE TX 75056; CALIFORNIA

This business is conducted by A Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 14, 2021 /s/ THOMAS COOK, SECRETARY

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 06/11/2026.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23/26

CNS‑4053086#

SANTA BARBARA

INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SANTA BARBARA AUTO EXCHANGE: 480 Vereda Del Ciervo Goleta, CA 93117; Santa Barbara Nissan 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: DOUGLAS CONNOR/MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 E4. FBN Number: 2026‑0001652. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JET LAG 3D PRINTS: 4318 Modoc Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Eduardo S Buenviaje (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 07, 2026. Filed by: EDUARDO

BUENVIAJE with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001548. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DALGENES

FLOORING INTERIORS INC: 3845 State St. Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Dalgenes Flooring Interiors 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 Jun 17,

2026. Filed by: WADE SPROWL/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 76. FBN Number: 2026‑0001588. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DALGENES FLOORING INC: 3845 State St. Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Dalgenes Flooring Interiors 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 Jun 23, 2026. Filed by: WADE SPROWL/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 76. FBN Number: 2026‑0001588. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JOFFREY AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS: 523 Chapala Ste C 1 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Mir Joffrey, M.D. 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 Jun 23, 2026. Filed by: MIR JOFFREY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001661. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HAHKA KITCHENS: 72 Santa Felicia Dr Goleta, CA 93117; Hahka Builders (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 5, 2002. Filed by: RANDY HAHKA/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 22, 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001616. Published: July 2, 9, 16, 23 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CALIFORNIA WROUGHT IRON & WELDING: 809 Jennings Ave Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Roberto R Diosdado (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: ROBERTO R. DIOSDADO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 61. FBN Number: 2026‑0001676. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN 2026‑0001511

The following person(s) is doing business as: OBUILT, 100 EASY ST BUELLTON, CA 93427, County of SANTA BARBARA. JOSEF OFSTEAD, 100 EASY ST BUELLTON, CA 93427

This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on FEB 05, 2026 /s/ JOSEF OFSTEAD, OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 06/10/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30/26 CNS‑4057426#

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CEIBA

SIGNATURE LANDSCAPING: 7 W. Figueroa Street 3rd Floor Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Juan C Cisneros (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: JUAN C CISNEROS with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001586. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OUR DREAMGIRL: 3455 State Street, 3 Floor Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Alyssa Lorrayne Dominguez (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: ALYSSA DOMINGUEZ/ INDIVIDUAL with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 22, 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001621.

Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HOUSE OF SOMERBELLA, YACUBELLI, BUSHVELD BRANDY, BUSHVELD: 1661 Mission Dr Solvang, CA 93463; Yacubelli LLC 606 Alamo Pintado Rd Ste 3163 Solvang, CA 93463 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 25, 2026. Filed by: JACO VIENINGS/ MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 29, 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001689.

Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SB MICROSOLDER: 16 West Calle Laureles Suite B Santa Barbara, CA 93105; David Arias (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 1, 2026. Filed by: DAVID ARIAS with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on JuL 01, 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001703. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HG PC TECHS: 1207 E Gutierrez St Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Dennis J Guajardo (same address) Hans G Tigranny (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 N/A. Filed by: DENNIS J GUAJARDO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 30, 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001699. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JASPER HARLEY VINTAGE: 2875 Exeter Place Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Susan M Basham (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced

to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: SUSAN M BASHAM with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on JuL 01, 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001704. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CAL COAST HARDSCAPE, CAL COAST HARDSCAPE PRODUCTS: 30S La Patera Lane Unit 10 Goleta, CA 93117; Aqua‑Flo Supply, 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 Apr 23, 2026. Filed by: CURTIS STEVENS/ CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 30, 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001700. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CASA SAN RICARDO: 631 San Richard Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Casa St. James Inc. 7386 Calle Real 36 Goleta, CA 93117 This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on May 27, 2026. Filed by: ASEL TELMAN/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001515. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SB COAST DIGITAL: 1207 E Gutierrez St Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Dennis J Guajardo (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 02, 2026. Filed by: DENNIS J GUAJARDO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on JuL 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001712. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FEATHER & FIRE: 180 Avenue of the Flags Buellton, CA 93427; GF Buellton Group, LLC 2082 Michelson Drive, 4th Fl. Irvine, CA 92612 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 16, 2026. Filed by: JD CARBONE/VICE PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on JuL 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001714. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FLYING FLAGS RV RESORT & CAMPGROUND: 180 Avenue of the Flags Buellton, CA 93427; FPA Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground 2082 Michelson Drive, 4th Fl. Irvine, CA 92612 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 24, 2004. Filed by: JD CARBONE/VICE PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on JuL 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

LEGALS (CONT.)

73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001713.

Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CHANNEL

ISLANDS MARINE: 2513 Bath St Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Tedd M White (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 01, 2026. Filed by: TEDD WHITE/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001469. Published: July 9, 16, 23, 30 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as:

BESSER GARAGE DOORS, HAMON OVERHEAD GARAGE DOOR: 2301 Skyway Drive Santa Maria, CA 93455; Safe N Secure Garage Door Specialists LLC 301 E Stevens Ave Santa Ana, CA 92707 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 1, 2026. Filed by: BYRON BURLAND/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 63. FBN Number: 2026‑0001746. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN 2026‑0001662

The following person(s) is doing business as:

VERONICA BEARD 1269 COAST

VILLAGE., MONTECITO, CA 93108, County of SANTA BARBARA.

PIPES & SHAW, LLC

26 WEST 17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10011; NY

This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILTY COMPANY.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on JUNE 1, 2026 PIPES & SHAW, LLC /s/ PETE FRAZZITTA, VICE PRESIDENT

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 06/25/2026.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6/26

CNS‑4056843# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OSITO PAINTING:620 Del Monte Ave, #B Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Victor Jimenez Clemente (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: VICTOR JIMENEZ CLEMENTE with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 49. FBN Number: 2026‑0001535. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SLATE CATERING, SLATE CATERING CO.: 4845 Glenn Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Alexandria D Chandler (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 9, 2026. Filed by: ALEXANDRA CHANDLER/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 81. FBN Number: 2026‑0001580.

Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SERENE SCIENCE TUTORING: 606 Alamo Pintado Road, Suite 3‑116 Solvang, CA 93463; Lindsey B Wilson (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 30, 2026. Filed by: LINDSEY WILSON with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 2, 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001715. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GET DOLLED UP: 281 S. Magnolia St Suite 208 Goleta, CA 93117; Griselda

E Garcia‑Medina (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 06, 2026. Filed by: GRISELDA E. GARCIA‑MEDINA with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 81. FBN Number: 2026‑0001724. Published: July 16, 23, 30 , Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. FBN 2026‑0001701

The following person(s) is doing business as:

WESTERN GROWERS INSURANCE SERVICES., 40 EAST ALAMAR AVENUE. SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 93105, County of SANTA BARBARA. HUB INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES INC.,

3801 UNIVERSITY AVENUE 400. RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501; CALIFORNIA

This business is conducted by A CORPORATION.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on JUN 8, 2026 HUB INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES INC.

/s/ JOHN M. ALBRIGHT, VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 07/01/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6/26

CNS‑4059038# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COBUILDPROS: 2107 Monterey St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Cobuildpros Technologies LLC

Para más información sobre esta reunión pública, llame al (SCG) 1-800-342-4545

Share Your Thoughts at a Public Participation Hearing

Regarding Order Instituting Rulemaking to Consider New Approaches to Disconnections and Reconnections to Improve Energy Access and Contain Costs (R.18-07-005)

August 6, 2026 – 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. (remote only)

Webcast: adminmonitor.com/ca/gov

Phone Number: 1-800- 857-1917

Passcode: 1673482#

Please note: If you wish to make a public comment, you must participate by phone using the information above. Once you’ve entered the passcode press *1 and record your name when promoted A quorum of commissioners may attend but no decisions will be made at this hearing.

What is This About?

The purpose of Rulemaking (R.18-07-005) is to find ways to reduce the disconnection rates of electric and gas services for California customers. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is exploring additional ways to reduce disconnections and seeking public input on programs, policies, or other approaches that could further lower disconnection rates and reduce impacts on customers.

Why Attend?

These hearings are your opportunity to share your thoughts on customer assistance programs, ways to help customers understand and timely pay their bills, and any experiences you may have had with disconnections for nonpayment with an administrative law judge overseeing the proceeding. Your comments could help the CPUC produce a more robust decision and shape future customer programs.

Additional Information

You can read more about the rulemaking and make public comments by visiting apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/ R1807005 To read and download a fact sheet about this rulemaking visit cpuc.ca.gov/pph.

If you need language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, please contact the Public Advisor’s Office at least five days in ad vance of the hearing. 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 R.18-07-005 in any communication with the CPUC.

Questions About Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and the Rulemaking

For questions about SoCalGas’ part in this rulemaking proceeding, please contact SoCalGas at 1800-427-2200

SoCalGas: Pamela Wu

555 W Fifth Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

ML 14D6

Email: Pamela Wu at Pwu@socalgas.com

(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 Jul 1, 2026. Filed by: BRANDON BOWIE/MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001746. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GG MOBILE CAR WASH AND DETAIL, SBD MOBILE CAR WASH AND DETAIL: 1620 Chino St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; David R Silva (same address) Bryan David T Silva (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 N/A. Filed by: DAVID SILVA/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on JuL 07, 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001733. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AQUA DOC POOL SERVICE, INC: 5060 San Julio Ave Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Aqua Doc Pool Service, Inc. PO Box 6597 Santa Barbara, CA 93160 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: GLORIA FOUNTAIN/SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 4. FBN Number: 2026‑0001654. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EVER LATCH: 2600 De La Vina St. Suite A/B Santa Barbara, CA 93105; The Nail Nook Santa Barbara LLC 205 San Napoli Dr. Goleta, CA 93117 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on May 08, 2026. Filed by: MIRAYA RAMIREZ/OWNER/ MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 01, 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001429. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

Share Your Thoughts at a Public Participation Hearing

Regarding Order Instituting Rulemaking to Consider New Approaches to Disconnections and Reconnections to Improve Energy Access and Contain Costs (R.18-07-005)

August 6, 2026 – 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. (remote only)

Webcast: adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc

Phone Number: 1-800-857-1917

Passcode: 1673482#

Please note: If you wish to make a public comment, you must participate by phone using the information above. Once you’ve entered the passcode press *1 and record your name when prompted. A quorum of commissioners may attend but no decisions will be made at this hearing. What is This About?

The purpose of Rulemaking (R.18-07-005) is to find ways to reduce the disconnection rates of electric and gas services for California customers. The California Public Utilities Comm ission (CPUC) is exploring additional ways to reduce disconnections and seeking public input on programs, policies, or other approaches that could further lower disconnection rates and reduce impacts on customers. Why Attend?

These hearings are your opportunity to share your thoughts on customer assistance programs, ways to help customers understand and timely pay their bills, and any experiences you may have had with disconnections for nonpayment. These hearings are part of a proceeding being overseen by an administrative law judge. Your comments could help the CPUC produce a more robust decision and shape future customer programs.

Additional Information

You can read more about the rulemaking and make public comments by visiting apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/R1807005. To read and download a fact sheet about this rulemaking visit https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PPH

If you need language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, please contact the Public Advisor’s Office at least five days in advance of the hearing. 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 refer to R.18-07-005 in any communication with the CPUC.

Questions About Southern California Edison Company (SCE) and the Rulemaking

For questions about SCE’s part in this rulemaking proceeding, please contact Case Administrator

Email: case.admin@sce.com

Phone: 626-302-0449

Mail: Southern California Edison Company

Attn: Case Administrator re: R. 18-07-005

P.O. Box 800 Rosemead, CA 91770

Comparta sus opiniones en una audiencia de participación pública

Respecto a la resolución que inicia un proceso normativo para analizar enfoques alternativos en materia de desconexiones y reconexiones del servicio a fin de mejorar el acceso a la energía y controlar los costos (R.1807-005)

6 de agosto de 2026 – 2 p.m. y 6 p.m. (solo a distancia)

Transmisión por Internet: adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc

Número de teléfono: 1-800-857-1917

Código de acceso: 1673482#

Atención: si desea hacer un comentario público, debe participar por teléfono usando la información anterior. Una vez que haya ingresado el código de acceso, pulse *1 y grabe su nombre cuando se lo solicite. Una mayoría de los miembros de la comisión podría asistir a esta audiencia aunque no se tomarán decisiones durante la misma

¿De qué se trata?

La finalidad del Proceso normativo (R.18-07-005) es encontrar formas de reducir las tasas de desconexión del servicio eléctrico y de gas para los usuarios de California. La Comisión de Servicios Públicos de California (CPUC) está analizando métodos adicionales para limitar las desconexiones y solicita la opinión del público sobre programas, políticas u otros enfoques que podrían reducir aún más las tasas de desconexión y reducir el impacto en los usuarios.

¿Por qué asistir?

Estas audiencias le brindan la oportunidad de compartir sus opiniones sobre los programas de asistencia al cliente, cómo ayudar a los usuarios a entender y pagar sus facturas a tiempo, y cualquier experiencia que haya tenido con la desconexión del servicio por falta de pago. Estas audiencias forman parte de un proceso supervisado por un juez administrativo. Sus comentarios podrían ayudar a la CPUC a adoptar una decisión más sólida y a mejorar los futuros programas para los usuarios.

Información adicional

Puede obtener más información sobre este proceso normativo y presentar comentarios públicos en apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/R1807005. Para leer y descargar una hoja de datos sobre este proceso normativo, visite https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PPH

Si necesita interpretación de idiomas u otros servicios razonables, comuníquese con la Oficina del Consejero Público al menos cinco días antes de la audiencia. Para preguntas sobre cómo participar en asuntos de la CPUC, puede comunicarse con la Oficina del Consejero Público en Public.Advisor@cpuc.ca.gov, 1-866-849-8390, o 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102. En todas sus comunicaciones con la CPUC relativas a este tema, asegúrese de indicar que se tratan de R.18-07-005

Preguntas sobre Southern California Edison Company (SCE) y el proceso normativo

Si tiene preguntas sobre la participación de SCE en este proceso normativo, comuníquese con el administrador del caso

Correo electrónico: case.admin@sce.com

teléfono: 626-302-0449

Correo: Southern California Edison Company

Attn: Case Administrator re: R.18-07-005

P.O. Box 800 Rosemead, CA 91770

LEGALS (CONT.)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

The following person(s) is/are doing business

as: ARCHISCAPE MANAGEMENT:

5205 Calle Morelia Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Craig D Richter (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on May 1, 2026. Filed by: CRAIG RICHTER/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on JuL 07, 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 78. FBN Number: 2026‑0001731. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KELLER

WILLIAMS LUXURY CENTRAL COAST, KW LUXURY CENTRAL COAST, KW CENTRAL COAST, KELLER WILLIAMS LUXURY CENTRAL COAST, KELLER WILLIAMS CENTRAL COAST LUXURY, KW CENTRAL COAST LUXURY: 1511 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; SB Wealth Inc. (same address)This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 11, 2026. Filed by: NICHOLAS

RESENDEZ/SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATIONwith the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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: 2026‑0001536. Published: Jul 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ELITE MARKETING SOLUTIONS, FLIP THE SWITCH MARKETING, FLIP THE SWITCH MARKETING & CONSULTING SERVICES, THE HONEST VACATION COMPANY, THE HONEST VACATION COMPANY MARKETING SERVICES, DJL CONSULTING SERVICES: 421 N. Alisos #A Santa Barbara, CA 93103; David J Lemmons (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 24, 2026. Filed by: DAVID J. LEMMONS/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001752. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STEAM LAB: 2451 Las Canoas Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Andrew J Holland (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on May 1,

2026. Filed by: ANDREW HOLLAND/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on JuL 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 81. FBN Number: 2026‑0001727. Published: July 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TANO WOODWORKS: 130 N Calle Cesar Chavez #4 Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Tano Wood Studio 1322 E Yanonali St Santa Barbara, CA 93103 This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 16, 2026. Filed by: GONZALO DI MARCO/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 63. FBN Number: 2026‑0001856. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SMART RACK: 2234 De La Vina St Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Baker Haddad (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 01, 2026. Filed by: BAKER HADDAD/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 14, 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 28. FBN Number: 2026‑0001789. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SIMPLEJOY STUDIO: 5038 Birchwood Road Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Zankhana Bhatt (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: ZANKHANA BHATT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 81. FBN Number: 2026‑0001766. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PARKFORD COUNSELING GROUP: 26 West Mission Suitte 6 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Anne A Parkford (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 08, 2026. Filed by: BAKER HADDAD/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul

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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001758. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as:

BLUEPOLARISMEDIA: 180 Holly Ave Apt 9 Carpinteria, CA 93013; Gill E Fredriksson Lainer (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 04, 2026. Filed by: GILL E. FREDRIKSSON LAINER/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 14, 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 24. FBN Number: 2026‑0001788. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SWEETALY

GELATO: 401 Paseo Nuevo Santa Barbara, CA 93011; Oceano 805 LLC 651 Paseo Nuevo 401 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 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:

FRANCESCO AMENDOLA/MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001776. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ANTOJITOS MI REGION COSTENA: 1516 San Andreas Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Arely Perez Lopez 107 S Juanita Ave Oxnard, CA 93030 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 14, 2026. Filed by: ARELY PEREZ LOPEZ with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 14, 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 81. FBN Number: 2026‑0001787. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: INSPIRE

TUTORING: 357 Mathilda Dr, Apt 7 Santa Barbara, CA 93117; Laura Brower (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: LAURA BROWER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 81. FBN Number: 2026‑0001721. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ANNA KREATIVE STUDIO: 1620 Laguna St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Anna Clarke (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 06, 2021. Filed by: ANNA CLARKE with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 14, 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 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0001791. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN 2026‑0001742

The following person(s) is doing business as:

KEYLINE WORKS, 3199

LANCASTER DR SANTA MARIA, CA 93455, County of SANTA BARBARA. BRANCE SHARP, 3199 LANCASTER DR SANTA MARIA, CA 93455

This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on JUN 12, 2026 /s/ BRANCE SHARP, OWNER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 07/09/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13/26

CNS‑4062201#

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HAMMERHEAD CONSTRUCTION: 6070 Ashley Place Goleta, CA 93117; Brandon Montano Construction 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 Apr 26, 2022. Filed by: BRANDON MONTANO/OWNER, CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 14, 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 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0001794. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: C,J HANDYMAN SERVICES: 1924 Robbins St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Cesar Hosue Ramirez Valdez (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 20, 2026. Filed by: CESAR JOSUE RAMIREZ

listed above on JAN 07, 2026 /s/ ALYSSA KELSCH

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 07/09/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13/26

CNS‑4062456# SANTA BARBARA

INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MUJERES MAKERS MARKET LLC: 1217 Laguna St Unit B Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Mujers Makers Market (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 18, 2021. Filed by: LEAH ORTEGA/MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001822. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PEASANTS FEAST: 487 Atterdag Solvang, CA 93440; Cherney Hospitality Inc. PO Box 1053 Los Alamos, CA 93440

This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 19, 2019. Filed by: SARAH CHERNEY/CFO/GENERAL MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001636.

Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PEASANTS DELI: 487 Atterdag Solvang, CA 93440; Cherney Hospitality Inc. PO Box 1053 Los Alamos, CA 93440

This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 17, 2021. Filed by: SARAH CHERNEY/CFO/GENERAL MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001637. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR GENERAL SERVICES FOR MUNICIPAL

STREET SWEEPING PROJECT

The City of Goleta Public Works Department invites you to submit a proposal to become eligible for General Services for the Municipal Street Sweeping Project

Proposals shall meet the requirements and descriptions outlined in the RFP available through the City of Goleta’s PlanetBids Vendor Portal. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 p.m., August 20, 2026, through the City of Goleta’s PlanetBids Vendor Portal.

Firms interested in submitting a Proposal should go to https://www.cityofgoleta.org/work/city-bid-opportunities and click on “Request for Proposals for General Services for the Municipal Street Sweeping Project”

Please submit any questions regarding this Request for Proposals through the City of Goleta’s PlanetBids Vendor Portal Online Q&A no later than 3:00 p.m. on August 11, 2026.

Published: Santa Barbara Independent July 23, 2026 & July 30, 2026

VALDEZ/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jun 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 73. FBN Number: 2026‑0001648. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN2026‑0001745

The following person(s) is doing

business as:

FAITHFULLY FRAMED

PHOTOGRAPHY, 508 N PALISADE DR SANTA MARIA, CA 93454, County of SANTA BARBARA.

ALYSSA KELSCH, 508 N PALISADE DR SANTA MARIA, CA 93454

This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CHILDREN OF THE DIRT APPAREL: 3085 Country Road Santa Ynez, CA 93460; Savana A Guglielmo (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 16, 2026. Filed by: SAVANA GUGLIELMO/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001853. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WINDWARD: 1825 State Street, 102 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Windward (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: KEN DICKSON/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001852. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WINDWARD BUILDING DESIGN: 1825 State Street, 102 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Windward Building Design (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: KEN DICKSON/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001851. Published: July 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

SANTA BARBARA MTD

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES

The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD), a public transit operator, is accepting bids for daily janitorial services at its three facilities: Terminal 1 (Administrative Offices & Bus Maintenance Facility) at 550 Olive Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Transit Center (Downtown Passenger Hub) at1020 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; and Terminal 2 (Satellite Dispatch & Bus Maintenance Facility) at 5353 Overpass Road, Goleta, CA 93111. Invitation for Bids (IFB) packages will be available to interested parties starting Monday, July 20, 2026. Prospective bidders may obtain the IFB package by contacting purchasing@sbmtd.gov or by visiting MTD’s website at https:// sbmtd. gov/about/doing‑business/. A mandatory pre‑bid meeting and job walk will be held on July 29, 2026, starting promptly at 9:00 AM at the Terminal 1 Administrative Office (550 Olive Street, Santa Barbara). The job walk will begin on schedule and continue with a guided visit to each of the three project sites. (Note: Bidders must provide their own transportation between sites.) Sealed bids must be received at 550 Olive Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, no later than August 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after that time will be rejected and returned unopened to the bidder. All contract terms and conditions are contained or referenced in the IFB package.

LIEN SALE

EXTRA SPACE STORAGE, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below: Vinh Tran

At the location indicated: 6640 Discovery Drive, Goleta, CA 93117. 08/04/2026 at 3:30 PM The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property NAME CHANGE

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CHRISTOPHER

J KEEBLER CASE NUMBER: 26CV01471

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: CHRISTOPHER J KEEBLER 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: JOSIAH JOSEPH MORENO LOZANO

PROPOSED NAME: JAY MATTHEW KEEBLER

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 August 26, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 3, SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street. Santa Barbara, CA 93101, CIVIL 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 July 07, 2026, JUDGE Thomas P. Anderle of the Superior Court. Published Jul 16, 23, 30. Aug 6 2026.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: JENNIFER

LORRAINE STEEN CASE NUMBER: 26CV04183 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: 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: JENNIFER

LORRAINE STEEN PROPOSED NAME: JENNIFER

LORRAINE ZAINE 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 September 14, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 5, SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street. Santa Barbara, CA 93101, CIVIL 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 July 13, 2026, JUDGE Colleen K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Jul 23, 30. Aug 6, 13 2026. IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: ALONSO ADONAY PARTIDA RANGEL CASE NUMBER: 26CV04114 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: ALONSO ADONAY PARTIDA RANGEL 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: ALONSO ADONAY PARTIDA RANGEL

PROPOSED NAME: ALONSO ADONAY ARRIAGE RANGEL 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 September 02, 2026,

$1,080,000 6/25/26 5632

$800,000 6/23/26 3361

$920,000 6/30/26 18

$820,000 6/30/26 1260 ONSTOTT RD

$1,150,000 6/24/26 289 ST ANDREWS WAY

$615,000 6/26/26 577 VENUS AVE

VENUS AVE

$595,000

$781,500

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES

$1,000,000 6/26/26 833 CIENEGUITAS RD SANTA MARIA $1,150,000 6/24/26 1172 RICE RANCH RD

$2,845,000 6/30/26 4548 CAMINO MOLINERO

$4,000,000 6/26/26 4594 CAMINO MOLINERO

$1,720,000 6/23/26 270 LEE DR

$1,700,000 6/30/26 3855 FOOTHILL RD

$1,645,000 6/29/26 2732 MIRADERO DR A

$1,125,000 6/29/26 2636 CALLE REAL

$955,000 6/24/26 718 COOK AVE

$1,160,000 6/30/26 2047 MOUNTAIN AVE

$2,075,000 6/26/26 2129 RED ROSE WAY

$1,800,000 6/24/26 2128 RED ROSE WAY

$1,119,000 6/24/26 1545 W VALERIO ST

$414,000 6/24/26 1310 SAN ANDRES ST 1

$843,000 6/25/26 620 W CARRILLO ST D

$2,100,000 6/26/26 1327 DE LA VINA ST

$1,850,000 6/26/26 1424 DE LA VINA ST

$1,100,000 6/30/26 633 ORTEGA ST UNIT D

$746,000 6/30/26 864 HIGHLAND DR 6

$2,520,000 6/23/26 650 JUANITA AVE

$3,020,000 6/30/26 312 E CANON PERDIDO ST

$1,010,000 6/30/26 329 SANTA BARBARA ST

$1,170,000 6/26/26 725 E HALEY ST

$1,000,000 6/30/26 714 SPRING ST

$1,587,500 6/25/26 323 E ARRELLAGA ST

$2,120,500 6/26/26 2212 STATE ST

$4,800,000 6/26/26 220 W PUEBLO ST

OCEAN VIEW AVE

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Planning your next chapter? We’d Be Honored To Help.

edVerifi by Rate My Agent - Five Star

SUZANNE GRIMMESEY

Kelly Knight helped with the sale of my family home following my Mom’s passing. Her compassion, experience, support and top-notch service was truly unbelievable. She made the process of the sale feel like a partnership, but in truth, it never could have happened without her. She is experienced, skilled, has superior communication skills and is a true asset to our community.

Kelly Knight Is Th e Top Level Of Excellence.

Selling a longtime family home is about far more than real estate. Whether you’re rightsizing, settling a trust or estate, or helping a loved one through life’s next chapter, Knight Real Estate Group provides experienced guidance, thoughtful planning, and concierge-level service from preparation through closing.

Every Home Has a Story. Every Transition Deserves Trusted Guidance.

Enjoy style secrets, garden gossip, industry insights, and more in your inbox each Sunday.

Sarah Sinclair brings you the inside scoop on real estate in The Home Page. Come along as she takes a peek behind the doors of grand estates, tiny houses, and everything in between.

The Home Page

Austin Lampson is a licensed mortgage professional and branch manager of Origin Point Mortgage. She has spent the last quarter-century helping her clients balance math and emotion to achieve their financial goals. Reach Austin at (805) 869-7100, austin@austin lampson.com, or visit austinlampson.com.

PS: Compounding can work for everything in your life, from habits to your mental state. Working out day after day builds muscle and stamina. Speak kindly to -your self more often and you will more easily shut down negative thoughts. By building on yesterday’s actions, your growth can catapult you past your wildest dreams. Try it! I believe in you.

future than any old adage can align.

dictate how large an avalanche occurs. By balancing math and emotion, we can be empowered to leverage toward a greater

The snowball effect works the same way no matter the asset, yet the asset itself can

cer

invested in a house sooner because you took on that $700 higher monthly -pay ment or waited until you got another $100K to get a different down payment level? I cannot answer this for you, and I am -cer tainly not telling anyone to over-leverage themselves (ugh, please don’t!). What I am reminding you is that money compounds.

Now, what would you rather have done:

Assuming that appreciation happens every year, in 10 years, your property would be worth more than $1.628M. -Consider ing prices have increased by more than 6 percent on -aver age in the past 10 years, this is conservative for our local market.

Back to housing, we all know that home values rise and fall based on their previous level. A 5 percent change on a -mil lion-dollar property is $50,000.

Interest Calculator on Investor.gov. I like it because it is pure data no pop-up ads, not owned by some company trying to sell you something. It is a great tool to showcase the power of saving. It can also outline how

tor can be found through the Compound

My favorite compound interest -calcula

Your answer to this will determine if you should wait to, or simply, put more money down on your home purchase. If the extra funds toward your down payment are sitting in equity, it doesn’t mean that your property becomes more valuable. The market will dictate what -some one will pay for your home (its value), not how much equity you have accumulated. Perhaps you have other goals (say, putting kids through -col lege) than simply purchasing a house. Could your funds not be compounding outside your home’s value instead? If you put that $100K in an average -trea sury bond, which yields at least around 3 percent, then in 10 years you would have close to $135K even if you didn’t put an additional cent toward savings.

long your savings will last when you start to decumulate, a k a retire, yet the market still continues on.

Effect

$100K to your down payment? In other words, can you save and accumulate funds more rapidly than it would cost to borrow that difference?

$100K in real estate costs around $700 per month, what is better for your budget, a $700 per month higher payment or adding

Let’s tackle the funds question first. If

In the housing market, there’s two factors we should take into account when -ana lyzing how to take action. The first is: How effectively can we grow our funds? The -sec ond: How drastically will prices change?

a miserly concept; it’s simply one of -com pounding: The snowball effect relates to the fact that what you are doing is not only earning interest on the money you put aside each month, but also on the accumulated interest from the previous month. That math builds and builds, growing in size like a -snow ball amassing fresh powder as it races down the hill.

20, you’ll have more money than you need by the time you retire. This isn’t

e’ve all heard the old adage that if you save $1 a day starting when you are

DRE 02020854

Kristin@GoodlandAssociates.com

805.345.8279

- Paula

Amy and Kristin are superb agents. They handled each and every issue that arose from the sale of a family property with sensitivity and a high level of professionalism. These women are terrific.

DRE 01735358

Amy@GoodlandAssociates.com

805.708.3221

SRES®️ (Seniors Real Estate Specialist)

AMY ABBOTT

- Stew

Amy and Kristin were wonderful. They were helpful at every stage of the process, and it was absolutely clear that their prime motive was to protect our interests. They are also kind and compassionate individuals.

It’s no surprise that many of our clients come from referrals and are happy to share their experiences. We would be honored to help make your next move a smooth and positive one.

We understand that moving is about much more than selling a home. We help coordinate every step of the process, including assistance with estate sales, donations, disposal of unwanted items, preparing your home for the market, and creating a clear, easy-to-follow timeline so you always know what comes next. Our approach is patient, organized, and centered around your needs. We listen, communicate clearly, and adapt to your timeline—not ours—while working to achieve the best possible outcome with the least amount of stress.

Patio, and restoration and expansion of various gardens.

The remainder of the funds have been allocated to other water system components, restoration of the Pavilion and

It is the first major project to be funded by the Lotusland Forever campaign, which raised an impressive $30 million.

Thanks to its efficient and sustainable horticultural practices, Lotusland has been able to meet its irrigation needs with its well water, in the absence of drought. -How ever, aging infrastructure (100+ years) and climate change prodded the nonprofit to invest in the new system. The project, according to Anderson, is about creating a -sustain able future for the living collections.

tems, and a 200,000-gallon underground reservoir were constructed.

In other news, Lotusland is now completing a new water system that will capture and reuse rainwater that otherwise would be lost. Cisterns, bio-filtration and irrigation -sys

This signature fundraiser, with the least expensive ticket option at $4,000 for a pair, raises necessary operating funds for the nonprofit, whose conditional use permit limits it to 20,000 visitors annually. With this constraint, ticket sales cover only 13 percent of operating costs. Members got early access to tickets and the limited number released to the public sold out almost immediately, showing strong community support.

The Botanical Splendor theme celebrated Walska’s -leg acy, and in an interview, Anderson highlighted the femaleled nature of the event. “Lotusland was created through the vision and courage of an extraordinary woman, Ganna Walska, and it is inspiring to celebrate that legacy -along side Wendy Schmidt and Martha Stewart, two trailblazing women who shape our world through their talents and protect our environment as stewards and supporters.”

Guests also enjoyed the premiere of Rooted in Vision, a short film on Lotusland narrated by Lynch that featured recently discovered clips of Walska speaking on woman’s equality. Jim Nye led an auction and paddle raise.

Stewart noted that one-third of the garden’s living -col lections are threatened in their native habitat, making their care all the more important. She greatly applauded -Lotus land’s sustainable and pesticide-free practices. She pointed to some commonalities between -Lotus land founder Ganna Walska and herself, including their Polish heritage, “She was beautiful - I hope to follow,” and the habit, when Walska saw a prized specimen, of asking where the owner bought it or at least to pet it. “I do that all the time, and people actually don’t mind. They really don’t lessun they’re really crabby jerks.”

art remarked that the gardens are now twice as beautiful as they were then. She praised CEO Rebecca Anderson, gardeners Paul Mills and Tyler Diehl, and the rest of the team, thanking them for the continued commitment to horticultural excellence.

work today in regenerative agriculture, healthy food -sys tems, and healthy soils around the world. Stewart reflected on her last visit to Lotusland, in 2012, when her magazine Living made Lotusland the cover story. Calling Lotusland “this extraordinary place,” -Stew

Schmidt, wife of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, lauded Stewart as an inspiration for their philanthropic

earth and that Stewart has made caring for plants, gardens, and our relationship with them fashionable, desirable, and practical. Quoting Stewart, Schmidt stated that more than a spouse or a pet, “having a garden is the secret to a happy life.”

Schmidt emphasized how plants are the key to all life on

Wendy Schmidt introduced special guest Martha Stewart.

Actor Jane Lynch emceed the program, and Trustee

In line with the Botanical Splendor theme, the reception tent on the Great Lawn featured rich botanical textiles, lush foliage, and decorative elements inspired by the -gar den. Guests relaxed in comfy lounge furniture in the tent and on the lawn. Dining was under a separate open-air tent, with olive-green upholstered chairs and elegantly appointed tables.

For those who got a tad warm, staff were on hand at every turn, handing out parasols, cool towels, and spiced watermelon bites. A Rori’s Creamery stand proffered Lotusland Lemongrass and Thai Lime ice cream.

Upon arrival, the florally chic-attired guests were greeted with cocktails, mocktails, and refreshing hors d’oeuvres along a curated garden stroll. On a tiny island in the famed Japanese Garden, artist Andrea Brook played her custom-designed harp, with 26 strings extending more than 60 feet from the island to the shore. Equally -mesmer izing was the Lotus Garden, with the lotuses in full bloom, and the Aloe Garden, with the blue Abalone Pond -glisten ing in the afternoon sun.

n July 18, 500 supporters of Lotusland enjoyed a -fan tasy-like experience at the world-renowned, -breath takingly beautiful garden, while raising a net $1.5 million to sustain the nonprofit’s operations.

OLotusland’s ‘Botanical Splendor’ Fundraiser Delights 500 Guests

Gail Arnold

Board President Mari Mitchel, Event Co-Chair Jeanne Anderson, Special Guest

Martha Stewart, Trustee Wendy Schmidt, and Event Co-Chair Julie Morley.

Trustee Susie Read Cronin, CEO Rebecca Anderson, and Honorary

Councilmember Chana Jackson

Screenwriter Jennifer Cheyne and Actor/Event Emcee Jane Lynch

Supporters Kumsu Kim, Young Sohn, and Maria Schmidt

Top 1% of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network

Probate & Trust Certified

SRES® (Senior Real Estate Specialist)

REALTOR®

JeffOien@bhhscal.com

JEFF OIEN 805.895.2944

Whether you're planning ahead, helping a parent, or settling an estate, put 43 years of Santa Barbara real estate experience to work for you.

Jeff coordinates every step of preparing a property for sale—from estate sales and consignment to clean-outs, hazardous material disposal, staging, and repairs.

Peace of mind in all areas, big and small.

Jeff has helped clients relocate to Santa Barbara's premier senior communities, including: Vista del Monte Valle Verde Maravilla Samarkand Wood Glen Hall Casa Dorinda He holds the Probate & Trust Certification from the California Association of REALTORS® and has spent decades partnering with attorneys, fiduciaries, trustees, and conservators on probate, trust, estate, and conservatorship sales.

No matter the situation, he’s done it before.

For more than 43 years, Jeff Oien has served Santa Barbara and Goleta homeowners with integrity, compassion, and expertise—closing over 1,700 real estate transactions and building a trusted reputation for guiding seniors and their families through life's most important decisions.

It’s not just a transaction - it’s a relationship built on trust.

When it's time to right-size, downsize, or help a loved one transition to the next chapter of life, experience matters.

Email: openhouses@independent.com with questions $25 PER LISTING OR FREE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVERTISERS

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

Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Candice Signa 805-6807300, DRE#01226917 Ojai 1114 Mercer Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $1,490,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sandy Lipowski 805-403-3844, DRE#01355215 Ventura 799 Saratoga Ave, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 11-2, $1,025,000, Village Properties, Jena Harris 805-331-3683, DRE#01930435

Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Jamie Sim 805-689-5799, DRE#01234347 970 College Canyon Rd, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sun 1-4, $3,350,000, Berkshire

1749 Calzada Avenue, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 11:30-1:30, $2,803,000, Sotheby’s

Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lindsey Haeberle 805951-9139, DRE#02199986

& Sun 2-4, $2,195,000, Berkshire

2485 Park St, 3BD, 1.5BA, Sat 12-2

DRE#01308141

HomeServices California Properties, Yolanda Wingerden 805-570-4965,

1544 Viking Way, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway

International Realty, Scottt Loos 310702-9930, DRE#02236075

2BA, Sat 11-1, $1,795,000, Sotheby’s

1485 Alamo Pintado Road, 2BD,

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

12-2, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway

827 Kolding Ave, 4BD, 3BA, Sun

HomeServices California Properties, Rhoda Johnson 805-705-8707, DRE#01070384

2-4, $1,759,000, Berkshire Hathaway

1129 Highland Rd, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sun

HomeServices California Properties, Angie Marrufo 805-863-6866, DRE#02231894

1-4, $1,565,000, Berkshire Hathaway

585 Windmill Ct, 4BD, 3BA, Sat

International Realty, Brenda Cloud 805-901-1156, DRE#01772551

3617 Manzana Street, 6BD, 4BA, Sat 12-2, $1,495,000, Sotheby’s

Lynn Golden 805-570-5888, DRE#01259260

702 Hillside Drive, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 11-1, $1,090,000, Village Properties,

Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bill Coker 805-689-7415, DRE#00825468

590 Pine St, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $949,000, Berkshire

Properties, Kelly Mahan Herrick 805208-1451, DRE#01974836

Hathaway HomeServices California

71 Six Flags Cir, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 12-2, $925,000, Berkshire

Properties, Kelly Mahan Herrick 805208-1451, DRE#01974836

Hathaway HomeServices California

540 Sertoma Way, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 2:30-4:30, $885,000, Berkshire

International Realty, Micah Brady 805-331-3053, DRE#01219166 1450 W Hwy 246, 8BD, 6.5BA, Sun 2-4, $2,995,000, Berkshire

397 Savanna Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 11-1, $850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Daulton Wolf 805-757-6797, DRE#02202805

Properties, Candice Signa 805-6807300, DRE#01226917

Hathaway HomeServices California

335 Matthew Way #106, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $785,000, Berkshire

Santa Ynez Valley

Properties, Pam Shalhoob 805-8959190, DRE#02053975

3211 Padaro Lane, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 11:30-2, $7,950,000, Village

546 Arbol Verde St, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 11-2, $2,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lindsey Densmore / Jessica Stovall 331-991-6439 / 805-698-9416, DRE#02162929 / #01887272

3375 Foothill Road #921, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun By Appt, $1,750,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman 805-689-3355, DRE#02093312

3375 Foothill Road #424, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun By Appt, $1,325,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman 805-689-3355, DRE#02093312

4700 Sandyland Road #54, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,125,000, Village Properties, Brian King 805-452-0471, DRE#01868186

4700 Sandyland Rd #54, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,125,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Brian King 805-452-0471, DRE#01868186

1265 Franciscan Ct #6, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $899,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Felipe Castaneda 805636-4410, DRE#02103365

549 Hot Springs Road, 7BD, 6BA & 1PBA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $10,995,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Diane Randall 805-705-5252, DRE#01419188 Carpinteria

Saturday 7/25 & Sunday 7/26

HomeServices California Properties, Joe Stubbins 805-729-0778, DRE#01002182

315 Calle Elegante, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $4,550,000, Berkshire Hathaway

Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets / Stefan Stojanovski 805-708-2323 / 805570-0640, DRE#02061444 / #02112629

175 Hermosillo Rd, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,795,000, Berkshire

2915 Hidden Valley Lane, 4BD, 5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $3,750,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Frank Ramirez 805-336-2077, DRE#20273742

Properties, Sarita Vasquez / Natasha Kucherenko 805-729-1115 / 805626-8459, DRE#02232751 / #02312066

746 Westmont Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,825,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California

12-3 & Sun 1-4, $2,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lori Quinlan / Ken Switzer 805-881-8929 / 805-6804622, DRE#02325651 / #01245644 Montecito

512 E Arrellaga St, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat

Upper East

450 El Cielito Rd, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sun 1-4, $4,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Steve Breihan 314-753-1899, DRE#02244138

1460 Twinridge Road, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 1-3, $3,795,000, eXp Realty/Zia Group, William Franco 805-4500820, DRE#02020491

4055 Naranjo Drive, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 2-4, $3,750,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Tyler Mearce 805-450-3336, DRE#01969409

5048 Via Lara, 5BD, 3BA, Sat 12-3, $3,500,000, Douglas Elliman, Adam Mckaig 805-452-6884, DRE#00123751

1225 Bel Air Drive, 5BD, Sat 2-5, $3,395,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sherry Lawson 805-2524400, DRE#01019856

Park from this 2bed/1.5bath end-unit condominium.

Enjoy panoramic views overlooking Honda Valley

Positioned in one of the most desirable locations within the Santa Barbara Highlands development, this soughtafter Coronado model offers a combination of privacy, natural beauty, and a floor plan that feels more like a cottage than a condo. You are welcomed by soaring cathedral ceilings with exposed beams and an expansive great room that combines the living room, dining area, kitchen, and spacious south-facing balcony. Large sliding glass doors fill the home with natural light while framing incredible views of the canyon, mature trees, and a lush greenbelt beyond. With no neighbors behind you, the setting is peaceful and private. The home has been refreshed with new interior paint, new carpets and new bathroom vanities. Offered at $895,000 Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com 805.963.1704 www.sbrealtor.com

805-680-7701 / 805-350-6533, DRE#01726170 / #01513946

2.5BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $3,150,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Karina Matic / Katie Walsh

1024 Diamond Crest Ct, 3BD,

805-7087824, DRE#01321838

1352 Manitou Road, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,495,000, Richardson Real Estate Services, Michelle Taylor 805-598-5075, DRE#02219891 1743 San Marcos Pass (Hwy 154), 4BD, 3BA, Sun 12-3, $2,795,000, Radius Group, Don Katich

DRE#01440068

343 E Mission St, 3BD, 3BA, Sun13, $2,395,000, Village Properties, Kim Crawford 805-886-8132,

805-451-1721, DRE#00494253

936 North Nopal Street, 4BD, 5BA, Sun 2-4, $2,198,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker

DRE#02061444

5260 Kaiser Ave, 5BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $2,174,900, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-708-2323,

DRE#02348530

6 East Constance Avenue, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $2,100,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Kelly Vormelker 805-857-1114,

11 Romaine Dr, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 12-3, $1,985,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Gabe Grandcolas 805-450-4723, DRE#02136492

2420 Modoc, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,950,000, Village Properties, Thomas Johansen 8050886-1857, DRE#01401533

DRE#02325651

4825 Rim Rd, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sun 12-3, $1,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lori Quinlan 805-881-8929,

DRE#01382575

101 Oceano Ave #20, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $1,875,000, Spectrum Realty, Andrew Sillers 805-681-6268,

5376 Berkeley Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,529,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Gabe Grandcolas 805450-4723, DRE#02136492

4 San Marcos Trout Club, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-3, $1,495,000, Douglas Elliman of California, Inc, Adam Mckaig 805-452-6884, DRE#01237501

5082 Rhoads Avenue Unit C, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 12-2, $1,375,000, Village Properties, David Magid 805451-0402, DRE#01964710

1121 San Andres St #D, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,199,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Annette Vait 805-8861926, DRE#02044281

340 Old Mill Road #152, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $645,000, Village Properties, Justin Corrado 805-4519969, DRE#01356799

3435 Richland Drive #17, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 1-3, $615,000, Village Properties, Angelina Speier 805-316-4336, DRE#02037359

Santa Barbara

2-4, $5,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kathy Strand spieler 805-895-6326, DRE#00851281

1620 Grand Ave, 5BD, 4.5BA, Sat

1510 Franceschi Rd, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,990,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Fox Monfort 805-4506528, DRE#02278443

805-252-2271, DRE#01152828

HomeServices California Properties, Beverly Herrera

1322 E Cota St, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $2,680,000, Berkshire Hathaway

Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sunnie Maxwell 805-2529524, DRE#01463861

401 Loma Media Rd, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4:30, $2,675,000, Berkshire

333 Conejo Road, 3BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-4, $2,650,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Jaime DuPont 415-846-0306, DRE#01409349

825 Paseo Alicante, 2BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $1,695,000, Douglas Elliman, Melissa Borders 805-453-0842, DRE#01909480

The Riviera

805-895-5881, DRE#01201456

1-3:30, $2,900,000, Compass, Colleen Beall

2688 Dorking Pl, 3BD, 2BA, Sat

729 Mission Park Drive, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 2-4, $2,495,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Summer Smith / Robert Heckes 805-284-6840 / 805-6370047, DRE#02180602 / #01723319

2669 Montrose Pl, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $2,374,900, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Maddison Scanlan 805-350-2294, DRE#02176065

Mission Canyon

1102 Plaza Del Monte, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $3,195,000, Village Properties, Spencer Cole 805-6896673, DRE#02115510

535 Arroyo Ave, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 1-4, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lyndsey Jones 805-680-2856, DRE#02125898

The Mesa 977 Miramonte Apt #1, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sun 1-3, $895,000, Richardson Real Estate Services, Kyle Richardson 805-680-3131, DRE#01902531

2-4, $1,185,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Michelle Madril 805-453-0927, DRE#01961707

2645 State St #2, 3BD, 2BA, Sun

San Roque

12-2 & Sun 1-4, $2,295,000, Village Properties, Vince Caballero / Marilyn Moore 213-219-2490 / 805-6890507, DRE#02234441 / #01255085

5670 Via Salerno, 3BD, 3BA, Sat

6535 Camino Venturoso, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 1-4, $1,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Amy Abbott / Kristin Hall 805-708-3221 / 805-3458279, DRE#01735358 / #02020854

HomeServices California Properties, Deborah Samuel 805-570-6680, DRE#02119798

1-4, $1,825,000, Berkshire Hathaway

430 Pepperdine Ct, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,695,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Jessica Lovett Christopher 805-637-5849, DRE#01489086

640 Mayrum St., 4BD, 2BA, Sat 10-4 & Sun 1-4, $1,450,000, Village Properties, Cimme Eordanidis / Vickie Craig 805-722-8480 / 805-708-2468, DRE#01745878 / #01440386

HomeServices California Properties, Gabriela Huson 805-280-1805, DRE#02228333

515 Mills Way, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $1,425,000, Berkshire Hathaway

775 Avenida Pequena, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $1,395,000, Village Properties, David M. Kim 805-2960662, DRE#01813897

573 Sweet Rain Pl, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $1,250,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kristen Maggitti 805-8958387, DRE#02195648

541 Sweet Rain Pl, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,219,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Madhu Khemani 805-252-0625, DRE#01387945

945 Ward Drive #130, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $799,000, Village Properties, Elizabeth Slifirski 201-230-9428, DRE#02082960

945 Ward Drive #130, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $799,000, Village Properties, Elizabeth Slifirski 201230-9428, DRE#02082960

405 Ellwood Beach Dr #B, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $735,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Anthony Bordin 805-4538528, DRE#00974047

7368 Hollister, Spc 27, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-2, $510,000, Douglas Elliman, Melissa Borders 805-453-0842, DRE#01909480

Goleta

6123 Craigmont Dr, 4BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Chase Enright 805-7084057, DRE#01800599 6270 Muirfield Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sun

DRE #01209580

LauraDrammer.com

805.448.7500

Laura@LauraDrammer.com

Laura Drammer

Presented by

Valley living meets endless possibility at this approximately 5± acre Ballard School District property with two residences, beautiful mountain views, and room to roam. The spacious main house with 5-bedrooms + office and 4-bathrooms, features vaulted ceilings, red oak floors, and seamless indoor-outdoor living with a pool and spa, while the separate 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom guest house offers exceptional flexibility. The property is well suited for animals with pastures, a corral, and shelters, and just minutes from Ballard, Los Olivos, Solvang, and world-class wineries, this is Santa Ynez Valley living at its finest.

1631FREDENSBORG. com | $2,795,000

SANTA BARBARA

Ranked among the nation’s Top

The estate encompasses an approximately 7,838± square-foot main residence, a detached guest studio and pool retreat, and an exceptional collection of amenities: a dramatic pool and spa, exercise room, bocce court, wine cellar, private equestrian corral, and beautifully cultivated grounds with olive trees, mature fruit trees, and raised garden beds.

With park-like surroundings, exceptional privacy, and an atmosphere of quiet sophistication, 4451 Via Alegre presents a rare opportunity to acquire a property of lasting cancesigniﬁ in one of California’s most prestigious coastal enclaves.

4451 Via Alegre is one of Hope Ranch’s truly distinguished legacy properties. Positioned behind decorative wrought-iron gates on a remarkably private, level 2.5 acre parcel, the estate enjoys breathtaking 180-degree mountain views and expansive mature grounds that unfold from front to rear - possessing a sense of scale, beauty, and permanence rarely encountered today.

We hope this information is helpful. Real estate is a longterm investment and is most often the single biggest -com ponent of an individual’s future net worth.

Market-wide condos have shown a decrease of 3.2 percent in the median price since year-end 2025. The number of sales, however, has increased by almost 8 percent year-to-date from one year ago. This market segment provides entry-level pricing for many first-time buyers; however, we are seeing many luxury condos sell at a steady pace.

Condos

The median price for Montecito, according to the MLS data, for the first half of 2026 was $5,750,000, which is down 7.14 percent from the end of 2025. Months of inventory for June 2026 is a strong 4.5 as compared to 7.9 MOI one year ago.

Montecito and the Luxury Market

$2,302,500 for year-end 2025. However, sales continue at a steady pace with a current 1.9 months of inventory and a 11.7 percent increase in number of sales as compared to the first half of 2025.

$2,042,500 at the mid-year point of 2026, down from

The median price for the general Santa Barbara area was

Not unexpectedly, Goleta currently has only 1.3 months of inventory.

For buyers seeking a home in the $1-1.6 million range, the Goleta market is competitive with many properties -sell ing within the first few weeks, or some within days. With a smaller percentage of higher-end properties, the Goleta market attracts entry-level buyers, as well as investors.

Goleta

Let’s take a closer look at how various neighborhoods performed.

A lot has been reported nationally about increasing -inven tory. However, for the ever supply-challenged Santa Barbara South Coast, we rarely have enough choices to show buyers across all market segments. As you will see from the chart, as of the end of June 2026, there were only 286 available properties for sale in the MLS. One year ago, there were 348 properties available for sale. To put this data into perspective, more than 10 years ago, inventory levels were typically in the 400-450 range.

Inventory Levels

we have 2.5 months of -inven tory. Statistically, this means that, at the current pace of sales, assuming no new -list ings, it would take only two and a half months for Santa Barbara to be sold out! From a practical standpoint, -how ever, as the South Coast market comprises several micromarkets, geographically, as well as by price range, and each sub-market performs differently.

As you will see from the chart, including luxury price ranges,

As a general rule of thumb, a market with less than three months of inventory is indicative of an active sellers’ market.

Months of inventory (MOI) is a market index which -illus trates market momentum. MOI, often referred to as market velocity, shows the current pace of sales by dividing the number of active listings by the number of properties in escrow but not yet closed. This statistic is particularly useful in quantifying, in real time, buyer desire levels and general confidence with investing in real estate.

Months of Inventory

2026, for houses and PUDs, was $2,147,500, a decrease of 7.96 percent from the end of 2025. (A “PUD” is a unit within a planned unit development and is governed by a -homeown ers’ association.)

The median price for the South Coast at the end of June

The median price is one of the most commonly used data points of the real estate market. The fluctuation in the median is not an indication of the rise or fall of the value of a specific home, but more an indication of the increase or decrease in value of the market in general. The median can be skewed high or low, however, if there is a sharp increase or decrease in either high-end sales or in entry-level housing.

Median Price

Let’s Review the Chart 2026 MLS Market Activity

Buyers can feel a little sense of relief that they may have more negotiating power and are “buying at 2022 prices.” We are also seeing fewer multiple offers, and many homes are taking longer to sell, forcing sellers to reduce the price.

Sellers can now be assured that there will be a motivated and qualified buyer ready to promptly purchase their home, assuming the home has been carefully prepared for sale and is market priced. Time and money spent on completing needed repairs, improving curb appeal, landscaping, and maybe staging, is important.

Given this era of stabilized prices, traditional statistical indices such as months of inventory, number of sales, and inventory levels -con tinue to show that the Santa Barbara South Coast remains in a sellers’ market. The good news is that this market dynamic provides opportunities for buyers and sellers.

local real estate values, evening the playing field somewhat for buyers. The 2026 year-to-date median saw a notable drop from a year ago; however, the surge in the median for 2025 now appears to have been somewhat of an -anom aly and market pricing for 2026 has adjusted down to an established active and more balanced market.

The last five years have seen a stabilization or plateauing of

How Can Prices Be “Down” in a Sellers’ Market?

2026 MLS Market Activity

Santa Barbara South Coast

Santa Barbara

by Jackie Walters,

Village Properties

As we close out the first half of 2026, we’re honored to retain our spot as the #1 team in the Santa Barbara MLS for total units sold across all brokerages. In an ever-evolving market, we remain committed to thoughtfully positioning our listings, uncovering opportunities for our buyers, and delivering exceptional results for our clients—representing 27 sellers and 26 buyers so far this year. Thank you to our incredible clients, community, and team for your continued trust and support. It is a privilege to represent you, and we look forward to serving the Montecito and Santa Barbara communities throughout the second half of the year.

2026 Year-to-date | 53 Transactions | $123M+ Sales Volume