Skip to main content

Santa Barbara Independent 9/10/26

Page 1

Jack Johnson’s Garden Wisdom by Matt Kettmann

FREE

Santa Barbara

Trafficked

Sept. 10-17 10-17, -17, -17 17, 2026

VOL. 40 NO. 2077

in S.B.

by Callie Fausey

PLUS Planned Parenthood Book Sale in Full Swing by Jim Buckley

In Memoriam: Gloria Steinem by Hannah-Beth Jackson

Chelsea Handler Is Coming to Town by Meaghan Clark Tiernan

Isaiah Veal Takes Over San Marcos Football at Age 26 by Jim Buckley


KEEP YOUR CloTHES ON. .

.

PATRON is TakiNG OVer THE SpeaKEASY

SEPT 24 speciaLty Drinks Live PerFORmaNces ReservatiONS reQUiReD

805-504-1968

Sustainable Sustainable Heart Heart Sustainable Heart Sustainable Heart ~ Transformational Life ~ Transformational Life Counseling Counseling ~ ~

JENSEN MUSIC LESSONS Music Lessons Repairs • Rentals

Transformational Life Life Counseling ~~~~Transformational Life Counseling Counseling~~~~ Transformational Transformational Life Counseling Relationships • Occupation and Career • Meditation Relationships Relationships ••• Occupation Occupation and and Career Career ••• Meditation Meditation Relationships Occupation and Career Relationships • Occupation and Career • Meditation Meditation Relationships Occupation and Career Grief and Loss • Major Life Transitions ••Meditation Anxiety Grief and Loss •• Major Life Transitions Grief and Loss Major Life Transitions •• Anxiety Anxiety Grief and Loss • Major Life Transitions Anxiety Major Life Transitions Anxiety Grief and Loss Grief and Loss • Major Life Transitions • Anxiety Spiritual Issues •• Communication •• Conflict Spiritual Issues Communication Conflict Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict Spiritual IssuesIssues • Communication Dream Work Conflict Spiritual • Conflict Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict

Guitar - Ukulele - Bass Violin - Mandolin - Piano Banjo - Voice - Cowbell

Communication

Michael H Kreitsek, MA

2

Michael Kreitsek, MA Michael H HCounseling Kreitsek, MA Transpersonal Psychology Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Transpersonal Counseling Counseling Psychology Transpersonal Psychology www.sustainableheart.com Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective Counselingwith FromWisdom a Buddhist Counseling and Compassion Counseling Wisdom and Perspective Compassion Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective Mindful with Support for Uncertain Times Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective 805 698-0286 805 698-0286 805 698-0286 805 698-0286 805-698-0286 805 698-0286

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

14TH ANNUAL

One Wild and Precious Life Sunday, Sep. 27 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Keynote Speaker CHERYL STRAYED Tickets:

jensenmusiclessons.com

ALL BY APPOINTMENT Call or Text: 805-687-4027 2830 De La Vina Street, Suite G Santa barbara, CA

INDEPENDENT.COM

hospiceofsb.org/heroes


A&L’s 2026-2027 Season Kicks Off September 25 Scott Galloway Notes on Being a Man In Conversation with Sam Fragoso Fri, Sep 25 / 7:30 PM / Arlington Theatre

José González

See Akram Khan Company in its Final International Tour

Akram Khan Company

Against the Dying of the Light Tour

Thikra: Night of Remembering By Akram Khan and Manal AlDowayan

Sat, Sep 26 / 7:30 PM Campbell Hall

Tue, Oct 6 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre

Punch Brothers Wed, Oct 7 / 7:30 PM Campbell Hall “No band has expanded the reach of American roots and bluegrass quite like Punch Brothers have.” Songlines

Lang Lang, piano

Visit our website to view the full 2026-2027 lineup

Bernadette Peters

Fri, Oct 9 / 7 PM Granada Theatre

Thu, Oct 15 / 7:30 PM Granada Theatre

Program includes Mozart, Beethoven, Albéniz, Granados and Liszt

“Peters is more than talented: As an actress, singer, comedienne and all-around warming presence, she has no peer in the musical theater.” The New York Times

(805) 893-3535 | www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 | www.GranadaSB.org Arlington event tickets can also be purchased from INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

3


2026 2027 international series

Presenting the world’s finest classical artists since 1919

108TH CONCERT SEASON

AT THE GRANADA THEATRE

SEASON SPONSOR: SAGE PUBLISHING

Virtuosi

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2026, 7:30 PM

ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2027, 7:30 PM

MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA

Thomas Søndergård, Music Director | Augustin Hadelich, violin SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2027, 7:30 PM

ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS

Isata Kanneh-Mason

Conrad Tao, piano

SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2027, 7:30 PM

SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY © John Davis

Sir Donald Runnicles, conductor | Francesco Piemontesi, piano FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2027, 7:30 PM

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC Paavo Järvi, conductor | Vilde Frang, violin

masterseries AT THE LOBERO THEATRE SEASON SPONSOR: ESPERIA FOUNDATION

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2026, 7:30 PM

JUILLIARD STRING QUARTET SIMONE DINNERSTEIN, piano MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2026, 7:30 PM

HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD, piano

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2027, 7:30 PM

Hélène Grimaud © Mat Hennek

NIKOLAI LUGANSKY, piano FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2027, 7:30 PM

JAMES EHNES, violin ORION WEISS, piano

SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

TICKETS START AT $20.

International Series Tickets — The Granada Theatre: Single tickets: (805) 899-2222 • granadasb.org Masterseries Tickets — The Lobero Theatre: Single tickets: (805) 963-0761 • lobero.org

SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS STILL ON SALE! Call (805) 966-4324 or visit www.camasb.org

COMMUNITY ARTS MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF SANTA BARBARA 4

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM


Print subscriptions are available, paid in advance, for $120 per year. Send subscription requests with name and address to subscriptions@independent.com. The contents of the Independent are copyrighted 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) Contact information: 223 E. De la Guerra St., Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 PHONE (805) 965-5205; FAX (805) 965-5518 EMAIL news@independent.com, letters@independent.com, advertising@independent.com Staff email addresses can be found at independent.com/about-us

TABLE of CONTENTS

Volume 40 #2077, Sept. 10-17, 2026

COVER STORY

21

Matt and Jack Run It Back COURTESY

Editor in Chief Marianne Partridge Publisher Brandi Rivera Executive Editor Nick Welsh Senior Editor Tyler Hayden Senior Writer Matt Kettmann News Editor Jackson Friedman Opinions Editor Jean Yamamura Arts and Culture Editor Leslie Dinaberg Calendar Editor Terry Ortega Calendar Assistant Olivia Ison 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 Editors Evan Ragland, 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 Art Director Xavier Pereyra Associate Production Manager Bianca Castro Graphic Designers Leah Brewer, Diego Melgoza, Haley Snyder Columnists Dennis Allen, Gail Arnold, Sara Caputo, Christine S. Cowles, Laura Gransberry, Betsy J. Green, Emily Kellow, 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, 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 Indy Kids Bella and Max Brown; Elijah Lee, Amaya Nicole, and William Gene Bryant; Henry and John Poett Campbell; Emilia Imojean Friedman; Rowan Gould; Finley James Hayden; Ivy Danielle Ireland; Madeline Rose and Mason Carrington Kettmann

Trafficked in S.B. by Callie Fausey

MUSIC FEATURE

26

Jack Johnson’s Garden Wisdom by Matt Kettmann

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

OBITUARIES.................................... 18 In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

THE WEEK........................................29 ARTS LIFE .........................................33 LIVING .................................................37 FOOD & DRINK............................. 41 Restaurant Guy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

ASTROLOGY ..................................44 CLASSIFIEDS................................. 45

Matt Kettmann (left) and Jack Johnson This week is probably the 10th time that our Senior Writer Matt Kettmann has written a story about fellow UC Santa Barbara graduate Jack Johnson (see page 26). Matt first covered Jack when his debut album came out in 2001, and then wrote a cover story about his fast rise to fame in 2003, for which he tagged along to one of the early Coachella concerts. That’s where this photo was taken as the two hung out backstage with Jack’s band and G. Love while the Blue Man Group rode bicycles in circles outside the trailer. And no, Matt actually had no clue that Jack was giving him bunny ears and wouldn’t find out until the film roll was developed a week later. At least Matt’s spot on the side stage that day was in front of Woody Harrelson!

ON THE COVER: Illustration by Ben Ciccati. Design by Xavier Pereyra.

INSTAGRAM | @SBINDEPENDENT • FACEBOOK | SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT • NEWSLETTER | INDEPENDENT.COM/NEWSLETTERS • SUBSCRIBE | INDEPENDENT.COM/SUBSCRIBE

SEPTEMBER 12 & 13 Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday 10am – 4pm Earl Warren Showgrounds 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara

Buy your tickets online or at the door!

bit.ly/sbsgoaf

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

5


M U S I C

A C A D E M Y

O F

T H E

W E S T

Celebrated Alumni – Extraordinary Evenings

2026-27 CONCERT SERIES

OCT

NOV

08

10

RICHARD O’NEILL

TRADITION TRANSFORMED:

NICHOLAS CANELLAKIS | MICHAEL STEPHEN BROWN

HUMOR & HARMONY:

RACHMANINOFF, BRITTEN & BAIK

THE CANELLAKIS-BROWN DUO

RICHARD O’NEILL viola | AUGUST BAIK piano

NICHOLAS CANELLAKIS cello MICHAEL STEPHEN BROWN piano

JAN

ANNIE WU

JULIE ALBERS

14

FEB

12

CHASING THE SUN:

MAPLE QUARTET & THE ALBERS SISTERS

MAPLE QUARTET Emerging Artists String Quartet REBECCA ALBERS viola | JULIE ALBERS cello

NOT TOO SWEET:

A STORYTELLING SHOW BY ANNIE WU ANNIE WU flute | MARKUS KAITILA piano

M U SI CACA D E MY.ORG / MA RIPOSA PER FO R MAN CES 7:30 PM in HAHN HALL • PRE-CONCERT WI NE R ECEPTI ONS 6

T h e M a r i p osa Co n ce r t S e r i es i n i t i a t i ve i s g e n e ro u s l y s u p p o r te d by Ka n d y B u d g o r ; L u r i a / B u d g o r F a m i l y F o u n d a ti o n THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM


SEPT. 3 - 10, 2026

NEWS of the WEEK

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

COURTS & CRIME

NEWS BRIEFS

S.B. Unified Sues Social Media Companies for Harming Students by Callie Fausey he Santa Barbara Unified School District is joining a national lawsuit with more than 1,500 other school districts against social media giants Meta, Alphabet, TikTok, and Snapchat, saying that they harm children’s mental health. Students and parents in the district say these sites perpetuate cyberbullying, addiction, depression, anxiety, thoughts of selfharm, and disordered eating among young users. The lawsuit, filed in Federal District Court in San Francisco by the Frantz Law Group, alleges that social media companies are “knowingly causing emotional harm to children” by deliberately designing their platforms to be addictive and marketing them to minors. Because of excessive social media use, the country’s youth mental health crisis has sharply increased, the lawsuit claims. The district says these effects are showing up in classrooms, hurting students’ attendance, academic performance, and overall well-being. At La Cumbre Junior High, the anecdotal evidence is hard to ignore. Reports of suicidal ideation and related mental health referrals have increased significantly. Over the past decade, it has spiked from two to three referrals per year to two to three per week, said Principal Bradley Brock. Counselors at the school estimate that 70 to 80 percent of those reports were related to social media use. For example, students report sleep deprivation from scrolling through videos late at night, and falling victim to content that is exploitative, addictive, and promotes poor self-esteem and products to “fix” their appearances. The district cited a report from the U.S. Surgeon General, which found that children and adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. When asked about the impact of social media on their body image, 46 percent of those aged 13-17 said social media makes them feel worse. The school board’s student boardmember, Victoria Martinez Penaranda, said she’s witnessed firsthand the effects that social media has had on her peers: poor self-image, shopping addiction, and disordered eating, to name a few. “When they go and open their phones, and open TikTok for example, they see just

T

CO U R T E S Y C A L L I E FAU S E Y

School District Seeks Monetary Damages, Claims Meta, Alphabet, TikTok, and Snapchat Were Designed to Be Addictive

COUNTY

Kelly Hubbard (pictured), director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), resigned her position on 9/3, a county spokesperson confirmed. Hubbard led the department since 2019, after former director Rob Lewin retired. The timing of Hubbard’s departure was noteworthy. The Santa Barbara County Grand Jury published a report in June stating the OEM was understaffed and underbudgeted, and it offered several suggestions for improvement. The Board of Supervisors disagreed, voting 5-0 against the recommendations. “The county is not neglecting emergency preparedness, but we will continue to evaluate,” county Fire Chief Garrett Huff told the board.

EDUCATION Pictured from left: La Cumbre Principal Bradley Brock, Superintendent Hilda Maldonado, General Counsel Joanna Powell, and Student Boardmember Victoria Martinez Penaranda spoke about the impact of social media on youth mental health at a press conference on September 3.

a plethora of really disturbing content,” she said. “It’s really wild and creepy and scary.” She and the district acknowledged parents are at a disadvantage. “It’s quite literally parents versus trilliondollar companies that have thousands of workers and an algorithm fighting for their child’s attention,” she said. “Students don’t just have role models in real life anymore — now it’s influencers that are trying to buy your kids’ attention.” Through the lawsuit, which the district joined on August 26, the district is seeking monetary damages to cover increased expenditures for mental health services — including wellness centers such as La Cumbre’s “Hidden Haven” — counseling, staff time, and safety protocols, according to Joanna Powell, the district’s general counsel. The suit also demands changes to platform operations, including enhanced parental controls, compliance with children’s online privacy laws, and emergency response coordination, to help reduce future harm. Powell said the district is not paying outside counsel; instead, they will take a percentage of the settlement. A specific sum in monetary damages is yet to be calculated. The suit comes on the heels of another landmark settlement, led by 47 states, in which Meta agreed to pay $17.1 billion in penalties for violating child privacy and consumer protection laws. Some new protections emerged from that settlement, including limits on nighttime and school day notifications and hiding “like”

counts on posts by teens, which can lead to unhealthy social comparison, Powell said. “We talk all the time about the harm that tech is causing our kids, and it just feels really empowering to go on the offensive there,” Powell said. She noted that Goleta and Carpinteria school districts are involved, as well. “It feels like we’re fighting alongside friends.” While the district has implemented many technological safeguards at its schools — including an “off and away” policy for cell phones, restrictions on school iPad use, and a recent ban on YouTube — Superintendent Hilda Maldonado said the battle sometimes feels Sisyphean. “We’re fighting, pushing that rock, and it just gets pushed back on us over and over again,” she said. “There’s tech companies that are working so much faster than we are, that are developing this addictive content, that are harming our children, and we need to hold them accountable.” She said that the district felt a “fundamental commitment” to students “to protect and support them,” but “social media companies have repeatedly demonstrated that they prioritize profits and competition over people and connection.” She called the recent rise in referrals and mental health support “likely only the tip of the iceberg.” Students who are struggling might not seek help. “We’re deeply concerned about the longterm effects this will have on their futures, and the time for us to change our course is now,” she said. n

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

After implementing its universal literacy screener last year, the S.B. Unified School District’s reading scores have increased. Elementary schools in the district saw scores increase by 23 percent, 26 percent, and 12 percent for kindergarteners, 1st graders, and 2nd graders, respectively. The screener, used for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade, assesses students several times a year on factors such as comprehension and fluency. It’s prescriptive, the district said, to identify areas of improvement for students. This year, the district is beginning to implement it for 3rd through 6th graders on an as-needed basis.

COURTS & CRIME Deputies arrested Jason Tucker, 47, on 9/4 after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and attempted to set her on fire near a homeless encampment along Highway 101 in Montecito the night before, according to the Sheriff’s Office. During an argument, Tucker allegedly swung a large wooden stake at the victim’s head while threatening her. When the victim fled the encampment and called 9-1-1, Tucker allegedly followed her, threatened to kill her, and poured Tiki torch lighter fluid on her. After an unsuccessful search that night, deputies returned to the encampment early 9/4 and located and arrested Tucker, who was booked at the Main Jail for multiple felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon, assault with caustic chemicals or flammable substances, criminal threats, and intimidating or attempting to prevent a victim or witness from reporting a crime. He is being held on $100,000 bail. The victim received medical attention at the scene. The preliminary hearing for Ashlee Buzzard — the woman accused of murdering her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, last October—has been vacated after Buzzard’s mental capacity has been called into question. A mental competency hearing, where the court will determine if Buzzard is mentally competent to stand through proceedings, is slated for 10/5, nearly one year after law enforcement began searching for Melodee. n

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

7


SEPT. 3 - 10, 2026

HOUSING

Patterson Point Opens to Ex-Homeless

P

WEEKEND SPECIALS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH

50% OFF

WHEN YOU BUY TWO OR MORE

atterson Point started moving people into its studio apartments in April, said Andres Diaz, who manages the facility and got a thankful shoutout from one of the building’s new tenants, all of whom were formerly homeless, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. Three of the residents spoke to the small crowd of elected officials and on-site staffers, talking about the Three of the formerly homeless residents at Patterson difficulty of making such a big transition Point joined a small crowd of elected officials and on-site to being indoors and how the supportive staffers for Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. programs at Patterson help save lives. “Today is definitely a celebration” of the residents to appointments or errands growth and change, said one resident. He such as grocery shopping. recalled how hard it had been to find a job Polanskey’s group was the lead agency as he worried about the big backpack he’d among the many that it took to bring the carried with all his belongings and the dif- $23.7 million project to completion. Among ficulty of staying clean. Another young man them were Red Stone and Monarch equity was simply grateful to see what had been companies, which negotiated $11 million in unimaginable, that so many people cared state and federal tax credits, $6.7 million in enough to put his new community together. loans from the California Department of Located to the right of the Patterson Ave- Housing and Community Development, nue off-ramp along northbound 101, Pat- $2.4 million from the Banc of California, and terson Point contains 23 studio apartments $2.6 million from Santa Barbara County and on a half-acre of land. It only took two days Housing Authority itself. Toni Navarro, who leads the county’s to assemble the modular components, said John Polanskey of the Housing Authority of Behavioral Wellness, spoke of how important Santa Barbara County, which include com- the stability of a home was for mental health. munity and laundry rooms, and a manager’s “Housing is healthcare,” she said. It was both apartment. Diaz explained that although treatment and prevention, she said, and that there was a parking lot, only a couple of ten- without housing, people need more care. —Jean Yamamura ants had cars. There were services that took

COURTS & CRIME

Man Jailed for Exploiting Workers

FLOWER

A

NOT AVAILABLE AT UPPER STATE

ALL SEPTEMBER LONG

VAPES

50% OFF WHEN YOU BUY TWO OR MORE

N! NOW OPE UPPER STATE 4235 STATE STREET (805) 395-4264

SANTA BARBARA 128 W MISSION STREET (805) 880-1207

FOLLOW US @FARMACY.CA | FARMACYSHOP.COM

8

THE INDEPENDENT

ISLA VISTA

6555 PARDALL ROAD (805) 454-8473

SANTA YNEZ

3576 MADERA STREET (805) 693-4685

C10-0000293 | C10-0001190 | C10-0001124 | C10-0001716

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

Santa Maria man who illegally charged Mexican farmworkers thousands of dollars for temporary work visas and then paid them less than promised has been sentenced to a year in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay $165,000 in restitution. It will be the second time Jorge Vasquez, 65, is locked up for exploiting workers enrolled in the federal H-2A visa program. Six years ago, he spent 12 months behind bars in a separate case involving similar crimes, and court records show Vasquez was still on supervised release from that conviction when the new offenses occurred. Vasquez’s latest arrest came during a large federal law enforcement operation east of Santa Maria in November 2025 that drew dozens of agents and sparked a confrontation with immigration-rights protesters near Telephone Road and Cambridge Way. Witnesses reported seeing roughly 60 federal agents and dozens of vehicles at the scene, while protesters gathered to demand information and see warrants. Agents deployed flash-bang devices and tear gas during the fracas. Federal officials later disclosed the operation was tied to their investigation into Vasquez, who was taken into custody along with four other individuals. Prosecutors said Vasquez used two agricultural businesses he controlled—Cuyama Valley Farms LLC and JJB Farm LLC—to recruit workers from Mexico through the

H-2A visa program. The program allows agricultural employers to temporarily hire foreign workers when there is not enough domestic labor available. Participating employers and labor contractors are prohibited from charging workers for government approvals, equipment, transportation, or housing. But according to officials, Vasquez and his co-conspirators charged many of the 162 workers they recruited between $8,000 and $15,000 for their visas. They also deducted from their weekly paychecks $450 for rent and $10 a day for transportation, leaving them with as little as $200 per week. The visa applications stated JJB Farm employees would be paid $19.50 an hour, and Cuyama Valley Farms workers would receive $19.97 an hour. Prosecutors said neither representation was true. JJB Farm employees were instead paid about $16.50 an hour while Cuyama Valley Farms workers received $16 an hour. Vasquez would also reportedly threaten any worker who wanted to leave their job, telling them he knew people who could make their family’s “heads roll.” Vasquez’s wife, Gabriella Lopez, was arrested alongside him last November and has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges. Her case remains pending in federal court. —Tyler Hayden

J E A N YA M A M U R A

PREMIUM CANNABIS PRODUCTS AWARD-WINNING CANNABIS SHOPS


ELECTION 2026

NEWS of the WEEK CONT’D

Three-Way for District 5

Limited-time offer

S.B. City Council Candidates Battle for Eric Friedman’s Seat

Earn up to

CO U R T E S Y P H OTO S

4.20APY %

1

with a Term Savings Certificate

Visit a branch, call 1-877-465-3361 or scan to learn more

Santa Barbara City Council District 5 candidates (from left) Cevin Cathell, Ian Baucke, and James Zurlinden by Ryan P. Cruz ith current Santa Barbara City Council District 5 representative Eric Friedman making a run for mayor, three candidates have joined the race to fill his soon-to-be-vacant seat on the council. This week — ahead of the Santa Barbara Independent’s District 5 candidate forum on September 17 — we take a look at all three candidates looking to win over voters in one of Santa Barbara’s most unique districts, which covers the neighborhoods surrounding upper State Street, Las Positas, La Cumbre, and San Roque.

W

IAN BAUCKE

In a city where Democrat Party–endorsed candidates tend to get a bump at the polls, local political rising star Ian Baucke has emerged as the front-runner early in the race, earning the official endorsements of both the state and county Democrats, among a long list of other groups and elected officials putting their support behind the 27-year-old candidate. Baucke began his political career early, studying at George Washington University and working his way up to his current positions as district representative for State Senator Monique Limón and chair of the city’s Transportation and Circulation Committee. He’s a regular at public hearings, where he’s advocated for housing affordability, supported rent stabilization, and spoken up alongside Strong Towns Santa Barbara for a people-centered State Street. His work with local elected officials and nonprofits gave him a leg up with endorsements and financial support. In the first half of the year, Baucke earned nearly $7,000 in campaign donations, which after spending was closer to $4,500. Since then, he has claimed another $2,000 in donations and leads the field of candidates. In addition to the Democratic Party endorsements, Baucke is backed by the Sierra Club, Santa Barbara Tenants Union, Local 620 SEIU, CAUSE Action Fund, Democratic Socialists of Santa Barbara, the California Working Families Party, and a number of elected officials, including Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte and S.B. City Councilmember Wendy Santamaria.

Baucke hopes to use his experience to “cut red tape for homeowners and small businesses, expand affordable housing, protect our environment, and make our streets safer.” “Santa Barbara is my home — I was born at Cottage Hospital and graduated from San Marcos,” Baucke said. “I’m running for City Council because the Santa Barbara I grew up in is slipping out of reach for too many of us. We need local leaders who understand this community and have the experience to deliver results.”

Insured by NCUA The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 08/14/2026. 4.20% APY is for a 13-month term with a balance of $100,000 or more. There is no minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. The minimum opening deposit for the 13-month certificate is $100,000. The APY is based on an assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces earnings and there may be penalties for early withdrawal. Call 1-877-GOLDEN 1 (1-877-465-3361) for current rates. We reserve the right to change or discontinue this program at any time. Rates and term are subject to change without notice. 081426-SBAR 1

JAMES ZURLINDEN

Former chef James Zurlinden, who now makes his career in finance, is hoping he can serve as a fresh voice on the council, representing voters who “feel like they don’t have a voice in the decisions shaping our community.” Zurlinden says he never thought he’d be interested in running for office, until his career in the culinary arts and finance gave him a new insight into the challenges facing small businesses and residents in the city. Zurlinden supports cutting bureaucratic red tape for businesses and reopening parts of State Street. He has also spoken in favor of rent stabilization as a policy that could help struggling families. He said he hopes to serve as a “practical” leader, and that voters deserve councilmembers who treat tax dollars like they are “coming out of their own pocket.” “I love being a part of this community,” Zurlinden said. “But living here comes with challenges. I’ve spent sleepless nights doing the math on rent, groceries, and everything else that it takes to live in the city that you love. It’s not just a talking point to me. I’ve lived it, just like many in our community. “That’s why I’m focused on real solutions for housing affordability, supporting the small businesses that keep our neighborhoods alive, and holding City Hall accountable,” he continued. “Too often, decisions get made without considering their impact on working families and local business owners.” Zurlinden has not claimed any endorsements. So far, his campaign received one donation of $500 (from himself), which after expenses is down to about $113. CONT’D ON PAGE 13

Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 S A N TA B A RB A R A COUNTY

September 19 9am-12pm Lompoc & Santa Ynez Jalama Beach Santa Ynez River Surf Beach

LET’S CLEAN UP OUR COAST!

Carpinteria & Summerland Santa Barbara & Montecito Carpinteria Salt Marsh Preserve Alameda Park Gaviota Coast Carpinteria State Beach El Capitan State Beach Arroyo Burro (Hendry’s) Beach Jelly Bowl Beach Bohnett Park Refugio State Beach Lookout Park Butterfly Beach East Beach - Chase Palm Park Loon Point Goleta East Beach - Volleyball Courts Rincon County Beach (Bates) Campus Point Santa Claus Lane Hammond’s Beach Devereux Beach Tar Pits Park Leadbetter Beach Devereux Point Ellwood Beach & Bluffs Miramar Beach Sign Up Oak Park Goleta Beach Here! Sandspit/Harbor Haskell’s Beach Shoreline Park Isla Vista Streets West Beach Lake Los Carneros Phelps Creek (NCOS)

ExploreEcology.org/ccd ExploreEcology.org/ccd

@ExploreEcology @SBCoast @ExploreEcology @ExploreEcologySB @ExploreEcology @SBCoast INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

9


GIVE YOURSELF MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO

2026 2027

SEASON

- MIX YOUR DAYS (SAT OR SUN) - CHOOSE 3 TO 7 CONCERTS - CREATE A SEASON THAT FITS YOUR LIFE

CREATE YOUR OWN SUBCRIPTION!

L to R.: Cann, Guthrie, Meyers, Salgado, Garibay, Tampakopoulos, Song, Kabaretti

Jan 23 & 24, 2027

Oct 24 & 25, 2026

Feb 13 & 14, 2027

Nov 14 & 15, 2026

ADD-ON

OPENING WEEKEND

ADD-ON

JOINT SEASON FINALE AN HOMAGE TO

HEAVENLY OPERA IN MUSIC & DIALOGUE

Apr 24 & 25, 2027

SLAUGHTER ON TENTH AVENUE

Brahms & Balanchine May 22 & 23, 2027

Mar 20 & 21, 2027

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

ENJOY 20% OFF SUBSCRIPTION ADD-ONS

805.898.9386 | Subscribe.TheSymphony.org

2026/27 SEASON SPONSORS SEASON SPONSOR

10

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

GRAND VENUE SPONSOR

All concerts held at The Granada Theatre. Program, artists, venues and dates are subject to change.

JOIN US FOR A FREE 2026/27 SEASON KICKOFF CELEBRATION! SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM - LOBERO THEATRE

CORPORATE SPONSOR

RSVP for a chance to WIN a pair of tickets to any regular season concert


SEPT. 3 - 10, 2026

HOUSING

NEWS of the WEEK

Rob Fredericks Retiring by Christina McDermott

R

ob Fredericks, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s executive director and CEO, sometimes dons a black T-shirt that says, “Everyone Deserves a Home.” It’s a mantra Fredericks has championed during his past decade leading the organization. But after 10 years at the helm and another 21 working for the Housing Authority, Fredericks has announced he plans to retire at the end of 2027. That gives Fredericks and the Housing Authority plenty of time to find a new CEO. It’s no small task for an organization working to build and preserve affordable units in one of the country’s most expensive housing markets In a September 3 press release, Fredericks said serving the city’s Housing Authority has been the honor of his professional life. “This work has never just been a job to me. It has been a calling. I believe Rob Fredericks sports his signature “Everyone Deserves a deeply that housing is the foundation Home”T-shirt at a Housing Authority groundbreaking. for dignity, stability, opportunity, and hope,” he said in the press release. The Housing Authority’s next CEO has Fredericks started working at the Housing Authority in December 1995 and held their work cut out for them. Fredericks said several roles, from housing inspector to that, compared to when he first started at the director of administrative services, before Housing Authority, developing new affordtaking the top job in 2016 after his predeces- able housing is more complicated, requirsor, Rob Pearson, retired. Fredericks’s tenure ing multiple layers of financing and longer as CEO began as prices in Santa Barbara approval process timelines. Coupled with climbed and the federal government under this, he said the Housing Authority must the first Trump administration aimed to cut also comply with an expanding set of state, funding to the Department of Housing and federal, and local requirements — all while need grows. Urban Development (HUD) by $6 billion. Fredericks led the Housing Authority Land is scarce and expensive, Fredericks through the COVID-19 pandemic, which said, and construction costs and financing halted construction, and through 2021 and costs remain high. Then there’s the federal 2022, when materials, construction, and government’s changes to funding for rental labor costs jumped through the roof, mean- assistance. The Department of Housing and ing building was more expensive than ever Urban Development funds Section 8 lowincome housing vouchers, as well as other before. Still, Fredericks oversaw the Housing housing vouchers. This year, the Trump Authority’s expansion. Under Fredericks’s administration announced it would push leadership, the Housing Authority built five for a nearly $11 billion cut to HUD. It’s outside of the Housing Authority’s affordable housing projects for a total of 207 new units. It currently has three more afford- control, Fredericks said, but cuts affect peoable housing projects (a total of 143 afford- ple here in Santa Barbara. able units) under construction. Three other Still, Fredericks isn’t going anywhere yet. projects in the redevelopment process (but “There is still a great deal of work ahead not yet at the construction stage) will offer between now and the end of 2027,” he said in 410 affordable homes. the Housing Authority’s September 3 press In the past decade, the Housing Author- release. “We have important projects in the ity also bought existing housing to add to pipeline, residents and participants dependits stock. In the past decade, it acquired 10 ing on us, resources to fight for, and a comproperties to either preserve or create more munity that urgently needs more affordable affordable housing. Across those 10 proper- housing.” ties, that came out to 143 more affordable Fredericks said his first priority is to make homes. sure the organization remains strong and When asked what accomplishments he keeps its forward momentum. takes the most pride in, Fredericks said it’s “That means thoughtful, successful planseeing the impact housing people can make. ning, supporting the Commission through “At El Carrillo, residents who had previ- the Executive Director/CEO recruitment ously experienced homelessness have told process, and ensuring our leadership team me that providing them with a home literally and staff are prepared for a seamless transisaved their lives,” he said. tion,” he said. n

INGRID BOSTROM

Head of City’s Housing Authority to Step Down at End of 2027

Join us for a celebration of our creeks, watersheds, and ocean!

CREEK WEEK 2026

September 19-26 Event details at SBCreekWeek.com

@SBCreekWeek

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

11


12   THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026  INDEPENDENT.COM


SEPT. 3 - 10, 2026

ENVIRONMENT

NEWS of the WEEK ELAINE SANDERS

RIP Torrey Pines?

M

any of Santa Rosa Island’s iconic Torrey pine trees are predicted to perish due to the large wildfire that torched the island this spring, the Channel Islands National Park service announced on September 1. Initial assessments from Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists indicate that 60 to 80 percent of the trees may die, despite earlier hopes that the trees could survive the burn. The Santa Rosa Island Fire — which ignited after a man reportedly crashed his sailboat into the island on May 15 — burned 18,379 acres, or almost two-fifths of the island, before firefighters contained it on June 4. It stands as the largest wildfire ever recorded in Channel Islands history. The island’s grove of rare Torrey pine trees burned over. As news of the fire spread across the globe, questions around the critically endangered trees’ well-being had conservationists everywhere biting their nails. The island grove is one of only two naturally occurring Torrey pine populations in the world, and the only location for the island subspecies. Due to the trees’ rarity and the island’s limited fire history, it was initially unclear whether the trees would be able to recover or if they were burned beyond hope. The BAER report confirmed that the fire severely impacted the grove. Now, erosion control crews are working to stabilize burned slopes while another is “preparing for the forest’s future,” according to the park service. Staff and cooperators collected more than 14,000 Torrey pine seeds released from cones after the fire. Viable seeds will be propagated in an island nursery and grown into seedlings to eventually be planted in key

COUNCIL RACE CEVIN CATHELL Former film producer and longtime nonprofit volunteer Cevin Cathell (whose first name is pronounced KEV-in) describes herself as a “pragmatic Democrat” who hopes to help lead the city as a councilmember “grounded in community, not politics.” Cathell, who moved to Santa Barbara 26 years ago, said the skills she’s learned producing films and helping build the Santa Barbara International Film Festival should translate nicely into City Council responsibilities. Cathell has expressed concerns about rent stabilization, and has supported plans to reintroduce cars to State Street. She is running because she cares deeply about the city, and she wants to be part of a council that will “work together to achieve a future we all deserve.” “Like so many neighbors, my husband and I feel firsthand how expensive it’s become just to stay,” Cathell said. “Although my first jobs were on staff at the Texas Legislature, most of my career has

Burn Area Emergency Response team specialists estimate that 60 to 80 percent of Santa Rosa Island’s rare Torrey pine trees may perish due to the wildfire that burned two-fifths of the island in May and June.

locations within the burned grove, with the remaining seeds placed in a seed bank, the service said. Park staff expect to plant approximately 300 to 500 seedlings across a 15-acre restoration area on Santa Rosa Island. But with winter storms approaching, staff must first stabilize burned hillsides that are highly vulnerable to erosion before the fragile topsoil needed for future restoration is washed away. “While many mature trees cannot be saved, biologists say the soil beneath them can,” the service said. The BAER team identified the grove’s protection as one of the island’s highest priorities before the onset of winter. “The potential loss of so many mature Torrey pines is heartbreaking,” said Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley. “But we must resolve ourselves to focus on what we can save, and the next few months are critical. The fire may be over, but we’re now in a race against time. Protecting these slopes before winter storms arrive gives us the best opportunity to restore this extraordinary landscape for future genera—Callie Fausey tions.”

Read the full story at independent.com/ environment.

CONT’D FROM P.9 been as a producer, building coalitions and managing complex projects with multimillion-dollar budgets, delivering results on tight deadlines with no room for error. “In Santa Barbara, I served as Program Director of SBIFF and held leadership roles in two historic women’s organizations, helping each become more vibrant,” she continues. “I’ll bring decades of leadership from the nonprofit and private sectors to the city’s toughest challenges: housing growth that respects our neighborhoods, environmental resilience, support for local businesses, protecting our most vulnerable, and fiscal responsibility.” Cathell claimed no endorsements but received $1,850 in campaign donations through the first half of the year. Since then, she reported an additional contribution of $1,000 from Carpinteria businessman Jeff Giordano.

Join the Santa Barbara Independent for the District 5 candidate forum on Thursday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m. This forum will be held in the banquet room at Harry’s Plaza Café. RSVP and get your free tickets at sbindytickets.com.

Paid Advertisement

WARNING:

Crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products can expose you to chemicals including toluene and benzene, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. These exposures can occur in and around oil fields, refineries, chemical plants, transport and storage operations, such as pipelines, marine terminals, tank trucks, and other facilities and equipment listed here: https://www.wspa.org/proposition-65-notice-information/ The foregoing warning is provided pursuant to Proposition 65. This law requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals “known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.” This list is compiled in accordance with a procedure established by the Proposition, and can be obtained from the California Environmental Protection Agency. Proposition 65 requires that clear and reasonable warnings be given to persons exposed to the listed chemicals in certain situations. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/petroleum or call

1-800-523-3157

09-26

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

13


Opinions SURVIVAL OF THE RICHEST: History, it turns out, does not repeat itself. It stutters.

Mark Twain did not say that. I did. It’s stuttering right now. Over Labor Day. Every Labor Day, my thoughts turn to Jay Gould, one of the most violently predatory robber barons of the late 19th century, who bragged, “I can hire half the working class to kill the other half.” Gould delighted at being the most vilified industrialist of his time. He wasn’t exaggerating. When his railroad workers went on strike — after Gould had cut wages — he’d call out the militia, the national guard, the Texas Rangers, the Pinkertons, and any goon willing to swing a stick for pay. If that wasn’t enough, he starved out his workers’ families and evicted them from their homes. In an effort to consolidate all railroad tracks and telegraph lines—the industrial glue that held the nation together—there was no law Gould wouldn’t break, no bribe he wouldn’t make. Hell, he printed phony stock of a rival and claimed ownership. It worked. Bringing Gould to mind this year is our very own Elon Musk, who, with 80 SpaceX rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base this year—with another 20 ready to go—qualifies as a local presence. Musk famously preaches about the evils of “empathy,” likening it to a form of civilizational suicide, a form of mollycoddling the weak and unfit.

FREE

Virtual Meet the Doctor

ANGRY POODLE BARBECUE

New Leash on Life

Evolutionary biologists will insist just the opposite, noting the human species owes its survival to a random flaring of biochemical electrical impulses that manifest as empathy and compassion. While Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency failed to save anywhere near the $2 trillion it promised, it did slash 271,000 federal jobs —that’s close to the number of soldiers, sailors, and Marines in uniform at the end of World War II. As far as dead bodies go, several studies allege that the cuts that Musk’s department inflicted on international aid programs resulted in 750,000 deaths, mostly through diarrhea, malnutrition, and HIV. Musk almost makes Jay Gould look like small potatoes. For my Labor Day celebration, I’d visited a friend up north and came back with COVID. I quarantined myself at home and took medications that cost me $752. Yes, $752 and yes, that’s with insurance. Without insurance, the young woman behind the counter informed me, the price would have been $1,800. To be fair, she exhibited signs of empathy and compassion. Naturally, I called Marina Owen, head of CenCal, which administers Medi-Cal insurance. Under Trump’s Big Bloated Budget from last year, Owen reminded me, 50,000 people in her service area are expected to be pushed off their insurance. Labor Day, as a holiday, was officially recognized in 1894 by President Grover

Cleveland, who was freaking out over all the labor unrest erupting in response to how

robber barons like Jay Gould were treating them. What had Cleveland really worried was that union agitators would claim May Day, then a day that socialists and anarchists celebrated, as their day. Sound familiar? So, Labor Day was part gesture, part salve, and part distraction. A few points worth noting: I was born during what economists call the Great Convergence, which lasted from 1955 to 1979. When I was a kid, 35 percent of all workers belonged to unions and the average CEO made 20 times more than the average worker. When I moved to Santa Barbara in 1983, it was the beginning of the Great Divergence. Then, only 20 percent of American workers were unionized and the average CEO made 44 times more than the average worker. Since then, the top CEO has come to make 281 times as much as the average worker. The average CEO saw his or her wages increase by 1,100 percent. The average worker experienced a 26 percent rise in income. Oh, and today, less than 10 percent of the American workforce belongs to a union. People bemoan the loss of the middle class. Where did it go? Look at the union membership numbers. And even they are inflated, the vast bulk belonging to government unions. Back when the French government tried

to extend the age of retirement from 62 to 64 — for purposes of collecting retirement benefits — millions of pissed-off French people took to the streets. Garbage workers stopped picking up trash, oil workers stopped producing oil, and everything came to a screeching halt. My wife was forever getting outraged at how we never got outraged enough. I would forever respond with what I thought was a French Gallic shrug. It never made things better. Her question haunts us all. Under Trump’s Big Bloated Budget Bill, programs for underprivileged people are getting cut by $1.4 trillion. Under that same budget, the top one percent is reaping tax breaks worth $1 trillion. You do the math. An interesting coincidence. According to Howard Rosenthal, one of the smartest political thinkers no one has ever heard of, the more polarized we’ve become economically, the more polarized we’ve gotten politically. Between 1955 and 2004 — the Great Convergence to the Great Divergence—the number of centrists serving in Congress dropped from 33 percent to 8 percent. In the Senate, the numbers went from 39 senators to only nine. What happened? According to Rosenthal, Democrats went to where the money was. At the time, that was Big Tech. According to Mark Twain, history doesn’t repeat; it rhymes. Maybe we’re both right. —Nick Welsh

Weight Loss Medications: What Works Thursday, October 8, 2026 4 - 5 p.m. Understanding obesity is key to improving long-term health and reducing the risk of chronic disease.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Daniel Crossman, MD Cottage Primary Care – Goleta

Join us for a free virtual Meet the Doctor to learn: • The impacts of obesity • Why weight loss can be difficult • Weight loss strategies • New and emerging medications

Ask your questions in a confidential setting. Register at: cottagehealth.org/primaryMTD

14

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

If you are interested in making an appointment at Cottage Primary Care – Goleta, please call 805-681-6424.


OPINIONS CONT’D “WHO PAYS FOR BUIDLING TRUMP ’S BALLROOM” BY MICHAEL DE ADDER, CAGLECARTOONS.COM

Letters

ALOHA FOUNDATION REPAIR

“Solid Work. Easy Aloha.”

(805) 252 7020 INFO@ALOHAFOUNDATIONREPAIR.COM Foundation Repair & Replacement Seismic Retrofitting Concrete Repair SCAN ME Post & Pier Replacement Structural Correction Foundation Drainage Waterproofing House Leveling LIC # 1106363

earn to to LLearn

True Rent Costs?

S

anta Barbara County renters and rental property owners: We need your help. The City and County Housing Authorities are asking community members to complete a short rental market survey. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, uses Fair Market Rents to determine how much rental assistance a household can receive. Current limits are lower than many local rents, making it difficult for people with assistance to find a home. Your responses will help us ask HUD to reevaluate those limits using actual rents from our community. Who should respond? Renters and rental property owners or managers throughout Santa Barbara County. The survey takes about 10 minutes and asks what you pay in rent or what you charge. Please complete it by November 29, 2026, using the QR code or this link: ucsb.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_cOzflLp0UQP8VKK. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 Visa gift cards. Winners will be contacted by phone or email. Your privacy is protected. Responses are confidential and will be used only for research. You may stop at any time. To withdraw a completed response later, email efp-admin@ucsb.edu. Your participation will help us make the case for rental assistance that reflects the real cost of housing in Santa Barbara County. Thank you for helping. —Rob Fredericks, CEO, Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, and Bob Havlicek, Exec. Dir., Housing Authority of the County of S.B.

An Unwanted Plan

T

he fight over State Street has dragged on long enough. Despite national trends suggesting retail is dying, city-funded high price studies continue. Staff draws up grand plans. The City Council nods along. Meanwhile, residents and shop owners are left arguing with each other over what to do. You pushed Measure A through without any transparency. Voters were misled then, and now you want to shove another massive downtown plan on us. Where is the real governance? Our emergency reserves are already drained.

We do not want this, and we cannot afford it. City Administrator Kelly McAdoo was hired to fix our roads, balance the budget, and run basic services. She was not hired for advancing special interests behind closed doors. City Council, stop dividing this town. Put State Street on the ballot. Let the voters decide. —Joann Olejnik, S.B.

Correction, Please

I

’d like to correct the piece by George Thurlow last week about the history of the Independent, back to its beginnings as the News & Review. He wrote: “Karen Stabiner, author of at least 10 nonfiction works covering women’s issues, cooking, and fashion, and a regular contributor to the largest newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times ...” I am the author of 10 works of nonfiction, not “at least 10,” which anyone can find out in a minute at karenstabiner.com. I have written about a wide range of subjects, most recently food and restaurant culture, not cooking, and surely not fashion. If education and healthcare are exclusively “women’s issues,” there we are, but I’ve never thought so. My work currently appears in the Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, and New York Times. And to describe us as a “Maoist collective” really reduces a diverse, complicated, determined group of people to something less. That’s what made the N&R so compelling. —Karen Stabiner, Santa Monica

For the Record ¶ A number of readers have asked about a flyer dropped into last week’s paper. It was a paid advertisement from an author who wrote a book encouraging people to vote. We apologize that the flyer caused confusion, but we always appreciate readers voicing their concerns. 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.

Speak Speak Spanish Spanish with A lonso B enavides , ph . d .

with Alonso Benavides, ph.d.

SEPTEMBER april 6 -28–DECEMBER june 26, 2020 18 Day and Evening Classes EVENING AND and Saturdays

12 sessions $350

WEEKEND CLASSES

One Hour/Week for

Spontaneous communication Details: is more efficient and effective spanishschoolsbca.com than canned dialogue or recorded conversations. Native and Highly Qualified Teachers Maximum 6 students per class.

Two for$980 12 Hours/Week one-hour sessions 12 weeks: $730 SPANISH LANGUAGE Private one-on-one INSITUTE SIGLO 21 $120 hour Santa per Barbara Package of 12 sessions: $1,350

www.sigloxxispanish.com

SIGLO XXI SPANISH LANGUAGE INSITUTE

Our method calls for small groups (6 maximum) 24 sessions $700 Private $365 $90 hr. and conversation as soon as it is possible 12 weeks: CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH

805-252-9512

805-252-9512

Special semester package:

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA PUBLIC NOTICE Notice Needs Assessment Public Hearing for Community CITYofOF SANTA BARBARA Development Block Grant (CDBG) andHearing Housing for Investment Notice of Needs Assessment Public Community Devel Partnership (HOME) Grant (CDBG) and Programs Housing Investment Partnership (HOME) Pr

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the City of Santa Barbara will hold a needs assessment Public Hearing in preparation for development of its 2027-2028 Action Plan. THAT The public andof interested stakeholders NOTICE ISAnnual HEREBY GIVEN the City Santa Barbara will hold a nee are invited to attend. Public Hearing in preparation for development of its 2027-2028 Annual Action Pla In for thestakeholders City to receive annualtoCommunity Development Block andorder interested are invited attend. Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) In order for the receive annual Development Block Grant (CDBG funds from theCity U.S.toDepartment of Community Housing and Urban Development Investment Program fundsbe from the U.S. Department (HUD), an Partnerships Annual Action Plan(HOME) (AAP) must submitted. The AAP of Hous Development (HUD), an Plan (AAP) must submitted. specifies the activities thatAnnual will beAction undertaken to meet thebeCity’s 5-year The AAP Consolidated goals to address housing and community develop- Plan go activities that Plan will be undertaken to meet the City’s 5-year Consolidated ment needs CDBGdevelopment and HOME needs funds.using The purpose of the hearing housing andusing community CDBG and HOME funds. The ishearing to obtain oninput housing and community development needs.needs. is topublic obtaininput public on housing and community development The hearing will be held at the City’s Community Development and HuThe hearing be held at(CDHSC) the City’smeeting Community Development and Human man Serviceswill Committee on Tuesday, September 22, Servic (CDHSC) meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the 2026, at 6 p.m. in the David Gebhard Meeting Room, 630 Garden St. David Geb Room, 630 Garden St.be located on the City of Santa Barbara’s Board and Meeting agendas can Commission page at be www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov, or through City’s Meeting agendas can located on the City of Santa Barbara’sthe Board and Comm Human Services/CDBG program website www.santabarbaraca.gov/ www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov, or through the at City’s Human Services/CDBG progr humanservices. www.santabarbaraca.gov/humanservices. The draft AAP will be prepared in early 2027, and will be available for The draft AAP be prepared in early 2027, and which will be available for publ public review andwill comment, and submitted to HUD, administers comment, to HUD, which the CDBG andunless HOME program the CDBGand andsubmitted HOME programs, by noadministers later than May 15, 2027 HUD issues extension submission than May 15,an 2027 unless to HUD issues anrequirements. extension to submission requirements. For more information, contact the Housing and Homeless Services DiviFor more information, contact the Housing and Homeless Services Division, at (805 sion, at (805) 564-5461 or e-mail to: HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. e-mail to: HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

15


NOV. 8, 2026

6 Years Running

16

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM


In Memoriam

Gloria Steinem 1934-2026

With Love, Appreciation, and Gratitude

W

GAGE SKIDMORE/WIKICOMMONS

BY H A N NA H - B E T H JAC K S O N

e lost two of America’s most iconic women

JAY GODWIN/WIKICOMMONS

during the past weeks. First, Dolly Parton, whose unique blend of femininity, business acumen, and generosity modeled female economic independence when women’s financial autonomy was virtually nonexistent in the world of entertainment. She called out sexism and condescension and built an extraordinary empire, retaining ownership and creative control over her music in a male-dominated industry. And then we lost Gloria Steinem, one of my sheroes. There are no superlatives that adequately describe the influence she had with millions of girls and women through her lifetime of advocacy; organizing; and challenging the patriarchy, a system that has kept women from achieving their dreams, potential, and independence. Hers was the siren call to break a system that has controlled women’s lives since the beginning of time, and she did it with enormous eloquence and elegance. Among Gloria’s many famous quotes — “Don’t think about making women fit into the world; think about making the world fit women,” and “A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle,” and “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off ” — are the words that opened the door for women to consider their possibilities and create community in the fight for equality. She took on institutional misogyny, first with her exposé on what it was truly like to be a Playboy Bunny, and later through helping change the laws on gender discrimination, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and the absence of economic equity and independence. As a recent college graduate in the 1970s, I was invited to a small gathering in Los Angeles where Gloria was the featured speaker. I knew who she was but had never had the opportunity to hear her speak or see her in person. When she entered the room, I was immediately struck

Gloria Steinem at a women’s conference in 1975 at the LBJ Library in Austin, TX

Gloria Steinem in 2016, speaking at the Women Together Arizona Summit

by her presence — her essence. She was strikingly attractive, wearing a black turtleneck and pants outfit, with long flowing hair and large aviator glasses, thus debunking the sexists who tried to reduce feminism to “ugly, man-hating, bra-burning females.” She was not only breathtaking; when she spoke, she was eloquent, articulate, brilliant, and, above all, inspiring. She put into words the frustration and anger I carried for years — of having to be twice as good to get half as far as my male colleagues; to be refused the opportunity to try out for Little League as a child because girls weren’t allowed to play, although I was the best; of being told that I should let the boys win at tennis so they wouldn’t feel bad, even though I was the top-ranked junior in New England; of being told to apply for secretarial positions and being asked how many words a minute I could type (which was one of my driving forces applying for law school and deciding to become a lawyer); to being denied credit without my husband’s signature when I married. As for so many, the list goes on. Gloria’s words struck me like a thunderbolt at that event. She called out patriarchy and the need to challenge it from a position of strength, conviction, self-empowerment, and confidence. But the words that struck me most and have led to my lifetime involvement in the fight for equality and opportunity for women and girls was her account of her experience in India — observing that women had no access to birth control and were burdened with too many mouths to feed. I still remember her exact words, “Women will never achieve equality or freedom unless and until we are able to control our own reproduction.” Simple, clear, and shining a light bulb, one of many she has triggered for millions of others in her explanation of how elimination of the patriarchal system must be achieved so that women will be treated as equals.

Millions of women have been inspired, empowered, encouraged, and motivated by this extraordinary woman, who cofounded Ms. magazine, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Women’s Action Alliance. She spoke and wrote in ways that made us recognize our own power, potential, and dreams — and the right to fulfill them, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other category by which we humans are categorized and treated as “less than.” She often stood with and praised women of color, reminding us that women of color have long been the leaders in this fight. I met Gloria again in 2004 when she visited UC Santa Barbara as part of a national program to “Rock the Vote,” encouraging students to vote. She was married at the time, and her husband, also dressed in all black, joined her. I remember observing what a strikingly impressive couple they were and how well they interacted, with joy, humor, and respect. And there she was again, reaching out to students, imploring them to vote and inspiring them to help reform a political system that keeps reinforcing the very norms that hold women back. We have lost one of our most eloquent voices, but as she often said, her work is not finished and we must carry the torch into the future. She championed ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. I hope we will finish that fight in her name and honor so it will finally be acknowledged as the law of the land. We must continue the fight for equality in all forms as she lived and fought for a world where we are all treated as equal, respected and fulfilled because our shared humanity requires it. Gloria gave her long and extraordinary life to this cause. She reached for the stars, and now that she is among them, we must continue her extraordinary legacy not only by extending that reach, but also by achieving our collective hopes and dreams of makn ing this a more just and equal world for all of us.

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

17


obituaries

To submit obituaries for publication, please call (805) 965-5205 or email obits@independent.com memories of Bonnie and her warm and infectious laughter she shared with us over the years.

Bonita (Bonnie) Lynn Terry 11/27/1956-08/17/2026

Patricia Mary Carter 06/11/1947-05/22/2026

family is thankful for the support of her friends, neighbors, and the care provided by VNA Health during Pat’s final days. She will be remembered for her belief that every creature deserves kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SB Wildlife Care Network.

Rose Ann Lyles Gaeden 11/01/1946-05/27/2026 Bonita (Bonnie) Lynn Terry passed from this world on August 17, 2026, after a brief yet courageous struggle with cancer. She was born in Roanoke, Virginia on November 27, 1956 to Luther and Helen (Pollard) Terry. In the mid-1970s, fascinated with California, Bonnie drove cross-country with a friend to start her life in the Santa Barbara area. She worked for a number of years in the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, where she made many lifelong friends. She also worked at Security Title Insurance, Valle Verde Retirement Community, and MAC Design Associates civil engineering. In 1996, she married her long-time friend, Wayne Gratiot at Sequoia National Park. They enjoyed thirty years of happiness together, each always lighting up at the thought and sight of the other. Their wedding at Sequoia was emblematic of Bonnie’s love of nature. She and Wayne took numerous trips to Yosemite over the years, and she was an avid gardener, constantly tending to her garden of flowers and succulents. Bonnie also nurtured her friends, all of whom describe her as a true and loyal friend. And as good as a friend she was, so many of her friends say that she was an even better human being. Her soft greeting of “hey”, as well as her quiet wisdom, occasional irreverence, and contagious laughter are already greatly missed by her family and circle of friends. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, as well as by her brothers Don and Phil. She is survived by her husband, Wayne Gratiot of Santa Barbara, stepchildren Tracy Gratiot Sewell of Soddy-Daisy, TN, Ryan Gratiot of Gillette, WY, and sister-in-law, Sandi Thompson (John) of Moorpark, CA, as well as numerous family members residing on the East Coast. All of her friends and family will cherish their beautiful 18

THE INDEPENDENT

Patricia Mary Carter passed away peacefully at home in Santa Barbara this May after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Pat was born in Pearl River, NY where her father, Col. Henry Cooper, was stationed in the US Army. One of twelve children, she lived her early life as an “Army Brat” with stops in England, Germany and throughout the US. These early adventures helped shape Pat’s lifelong love of travel. After a year in nursing school in London in 1966, Pat was hired by Trans World Airlines in 1967 as a hostess. She met Nick Carter, a TWA pilot, in 1968, and it was truly love at first sight. Using their free tickets, Pat and Nick explored the world from Africa to Tahiti. They were married in the Bahamas in 1971. Daughter Angela followed soon after in 1973. Son Christopher came later in 1980. Returning to California, Pat began her passion for caring for animals which lasted until the end. From rescuing lost pets to fostering greyhounds, Pat was always taking care of something. She started working with wildlife and songbirds in the 90s, eventually volunteering many hours at SB Wildlife Care Network. She was always willing to get dirty cleaning cages and handfeeding hummingbirds. Pat made many lifelong friends volunteering, and continued traveling the world. She had an innate ability to talk and connect with anyone and everyone. Diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Pat bravely overcame and won this first bout. She continued traveling, volunteering and seeing her four grandchildren – Nate, Charlotte, Noelle and Theo. Unfortunately, the cancer came back. She is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren who miss her dearly. Her

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Rose Ann is survived by her son, James Volker of Santa Barbara, California, grandchildren; Calista Volker, Desmond Volker, and Elsa Volker of California. Her brother-inlaw, Pleun and sister Linda Lyles Nouwen of Douglass, Texas. Sister-in-laws, Deanna Lyles of Alto, Texas and Jan Gaeden of San Mateo California. Nieces; April Lyles Maddox of Rusk, Texas, Mary Ann Harris of Texarkana, Texas and Joey Lyles, nephew of Rusk, Texas. Paternal Aunt, Chloe Evelyn Jimmerson, of Gilbertown, Alabama. Rose Ann left behind many cousins including Joy Barr Rummage of Warner Robins Georgia and Sue Barr Clark of Forkland, Alabama. Rose Ann’s husband, Fred Gaeden was the love of her life. Fred joined Rose Ann on July 27th, 2026. They did everything together and were not long separated by death. She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis Marcel and Velma Faye Lyles, and her brother, Joseph Francis Lyles. Rose Ann was born in Butler, Alabama. She needed little to no encouragement to elevate from a life of poverty and hardships. She pushed through obstacles in her way. She left home at 14 years old and with the help of friends in the small community of Linden, Alabama she got a job at the Littles drug store and lived in a room upstairs while she finished high school. Roseann graduated from Judson College in Marion, Alabama. She had made up her mind; she was going to be a nurse. Roseann graduated nursing school at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and worked serving

INDEPENDENT.COM

others as a RN and ultimately practicing community nursing and county health nursing. She retired from Santa Barbara County. Roseann was a naval nurse and spent 2 years serving in Japan. She was a world traveler and adventurer. She loved hiking, shopping with friends and being with her grandchildren. Rose Ann was a woman of great faith, bravery and love. She will be felt by all of us in spirit when we do the hard thing-the right thing and when the spirit of adventure calls. In her honor may we feel the strength of Rose Ann and do it anyway. Rose Ann gave selflessly to those she loved and expressed her love unconditionally. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Allan Gary Brostrom 12/13/1948-08/03/2026

Allan Gary Brostrom passed away peacefully in Santa Barbara, California, on August 3, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Stillwater, Minnesota, to Robert and Lucille Brostrom, Allan spent his early childhood there before his family moved west. He grew up alongside his brother, Steve, in Menlo Park, California, and graduated from Woodside High School in 1967. He went on to San Jose State University, where he was a proud member of the Theta Chi fraternity, graduating in 1971. Allan began his career in Santa Paula, working in the family jewelry business and earning his credentials from the Gemological Institute of America. He welcomed two children, Elizabeth Erin in 1976 and Grant Anton in 1978. Later, he moved to Hawaii, where he continued working in jewelry and fell in love with the islands, their culture, and their spirit of aloha. That love stayed with him throughout his life and became part of the warmth and hospitality he shared with others. Eventually, Allan settled in Santa Barbara to be closer to his children. There, he met

Daniel Bifano, his partner of more than four decades and husband since 2015. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, friendship, support, and countless happy memories. In 1999, Allan opened Brostrom’s in Montecito, an antique furniture business that brought together his entrepreneurial spirit, eye for design, and love of people. There, he began collecting glass Christmas ornaments, particularly those designed by Christopher Radko and Patricia Breen, and became known for his elaborate Christmas tree displays in both his store and home. He ran the business for two decades before retiring and closing the store in 2018. Allan was a devoted father, but his greatest joy was his four grandchildren, all of whom grew up in Santa Barbara and knew him fondly as “Fun-Pa.” He loved being part of their lives, showing up for milestones, cheering them on, and filling family dinners, which he loved best of all, with laughter and stories. He had a deep love of music, with a record collection spanning nearly every genre. He loved discovering new artists and sharing old favorites, passing that appreciation on to his children and giving them a lifelong love of music. Allan also had a remarkable green thumb, filling his home with plants that flourished under his care. He loved animals, too, and in his later years, his beloved dog Rosie was a constant source of companionship and comfort. Allan will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generous heart, and genuine interest in others. He loved to tell a joke, laugh until he cried, and find joy in everyday moments. Whether through his work, friendships, or stories shared over a meal, he had a way of making people feel welcome. He is survived by his husband, Dan Bifano; his children, Elizabeth and Grant; his grandchildren, Addison (18), Isla (16), and twins Frank and Cate (13); and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lucille, and his brother, Steve Brostrom. His family is deeply grateful for the love and support shown throughout his illness and for the many wonderful memories shared over a life well lived. A celebration of Allan’s life will be held at a later date.


obituaries

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

Dianna (Dani) McNamara

Geonine Scott – Moriarty

Dianna (Dani) McNamara, age 52, of Santa Barbara, went home to be with the Lord on August 24, 2026. Born to Barry and Carol McNamara, Dianna spent her life bringing beauty and care into the world. For many years, Dianna worked as a talented hairdresser, a profession where her warmth and kindness truly shone. Guided by her faith, she found comfort and community in her daily routine, which included visiting the Fr. Virgil Cordano Center every day, where she was a familiar, beloved, and blessed face. Above all else, Dianna was a dedicated mother. Her greatest earthly joy and deepest devotion was loving and caring for her son. She is survived by her cherished son, Johnathan; her mother, Carol; and her sister, Melanie. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Dianna's life will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Santa Barbara. In honor of Dianna’s memory, her family asks that we carry forward her belief that everyone is a child of God, and that we extend agape love to all. The family of Dianna McNamara wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels and Our Lady of Sorrows Church for their kindness, guidance, and compassionate care during this difficult time. Your support has been a source of great comfort to our family. Dear Staff and Volunteers at the Fr. Virgil Cordano Center, On behalf of the family of Dianna McNamara, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone at the center. Dianna looked forward to visiting you every day, and your facility provided her with far more than just a safe place to go—you gave her a true sense of belonging, warmth, and community.

Geonine Scott-Moriarty passed away on August 17, 2026 at Saint John's Hospital in Los Angeles due to complications from surgery. She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Nadine Barlett, her husband, Kerry Moriarty, her granddaughter Zohn Mandel and a several Mooney cousins in Colorado. Geonine was born in Oakland California to George and Nellie Mooney. She had 2 siblings, Frank and Nadine Mooney who both passed previously. Geonine attended Los Angeles High School where she met and married her beau, Donald E. Bartlett and had their daughter Nadine. Shortly after graduating from High School Geonine started her modeling career, which included television roles and magazine advertisements. This work allowed her to meet many celebrities and business luminaries related to the entertainment industry, including her second husband M.B. Scott. The couple made their home in Beverly Hills until moving to their expansive estate in Montecito in the early 1980's. Upon arriving in Montecito she quickly became active in several local charities, including a stint as president of Girls Inc. Geonine was renowned for her grand fundraising galas held at her East Valley Road estate. She dedicated significant fundraising efforts for St. Jude Childrens Hospital over the years - her favorite cause. A lover of animals, Geonine also worked with actress Bo Derek in various animal protection causes while becoming lifelong friends. During this time, Geonine also became active in national politics, which was a passion of hers. She was a big fan of radio host Rush Limbaugh and the two became close friends after she hosted a fundraiser for him. Years after her marriage to Scott, Kerry and Geonine met fortuitously in Montecito at a St. Patrick's Day party and hit it off instantly. Kerry considered it the "luck of the Irish" and their life together began.

1941-2026

Kerry always claimed she was one of the most beautiful women in the world. A former Notre Dame football player, Kerry introduced her to the world of sports. Although she was obliged to root for Notre Dame, she typically rooted for teams with the best uniforms. Geonine lived a glamorous and adventurous life. She had an inquisitive mind and loving heart. She found everyone interesting and always saw the positive in them. She loved beautiful surroundings, interesting people and close friends and family. She had a special place in her heart for her dear friends Michael and Angie Ferraro. She adored her husband Kerry and fully supported him in all his ventures. She will be forever in our hearts and her stories we shall continue to tell. A Celebration of Life for friends and family is planned for the near future. Notices will be sent once the place and date are established. Please return your contact information to the following; ksmenterprise1@aol.com

Christopher Hogarth Miller 02/01/1958-03/24/2026

Chris transitioned at the end of March to set sail on his greatest adventure yet. A true Renaissance man, Chris had a life filled with rich and widely diverse experiences. He graduated from the New England Culinary Institute and worked as a chef, a licensed sea captain, a photographer, and a carpenter. He was a beloved man who regaled us with his colorful stories and clever sense of humor. From his roots in Ohio and Maine to his sailing voyages in the Caribbean and his chosen home of Santa Barbara, he drew people in with his talents, charm, wit, and love of life. He joins his father Gerard,

and his two younger brothers, Andrew and Peter, on the other side of the veil. Chris is survived by his mother, Nan Miller; his sister, Natalie (Tim) Miller; his brother, Gerry (Kathy) Miller; his brother Bruce (Teri) Olsen; and his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, along with a wide circle of friends whose lives were forever changed by his presence. A celebration of Chris’s life will be held at Manning Park, 449 San Ysidro Road, Area 2, in Montecito, California, on Saturday, September 12, from 2–5 PM. In his honor, we are planning a potluck BBQ. Please join us to share food and stories with family and friends. The Miller family has created an email address, chmillermemories@gmail.com, where photos and memories of Chris can be shared with his mother, Nan.

Patrick McNulty

04/11/1944-08/01/2026

Patrick McNulty passed away in the early hours of August 1st, 2026, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, after a brief hospitalization brought on by complications during surgery. He was 82 years old. Patrick McNulty was born in Evanston, Illinois to Marguerite Cleary and James McNulty in 1944. He was raised by his mother and her parents in a loving extended family. His father was a Navy pilot in the Second World War who never had the fortune to meet his only child. His mother’s headstrong intelligence showed through him throughout his life. After attending the public New Trier High School (for which the family priest had assured his mother that he would go to hell), he attended Holy Cross College in Massachusetts for his undergraduate studies in biology. There he determined that the Jesuits had no more answers to the Big Questions of Life than he did, as he had always suspected. Post graduation he worked for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on research vessels, collecting data on seafloor spreading along the midAtlantic ridge. This afforded him the opportunity to visit

many ports-of-call on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Patrick found his way to Santa Barbara in 1971, where he began a PhD program in population biology under Dr. William Murdoch at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). He ultimately finished with a master’s degree when life as a research scientist lost its appeal, as he found that what he enjoyed and was good at was computer programming. In 1976 he began a long career at UCSB - first in the Computer Center helping students trouble-shoot their programs, and then in the Registrar’s Office where he helped to create the University’s first online class registration system. At UCSB he met and fell in love with Elizabeth (Betsy) Collins, after overcoming her negative first impression of him as an arrogant old guy. They married in 1979 and tortured his mother for six long years before having the first of their two sons, Devin, then Brennan three years later. Patrick was a kind and generous person who raised his wife and sons to care about other people, think about our actions, and understand how to give and receive love. Patrick was a man of many hobbies and an inveterate data collector. He was a dedicated birder known to utter a soft “Far Out” to those within ear shot when he saw a particularly rare or unexpected bird. He rooted and suffered for his many sports teams, especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs, but also nearly all the men’s and women’s teams at UCSB. He enjoyed giving vocal encouragement to referees at the Thunderdome during basketball games. He sang in choirs from a young age and was a member of the Santa Barbara Choral Society for many years. He was also known to frequent the bars around town looking for a pool game. Patrick was a wanderer with an eye for untapped patches of dandelions to feed his pet tortoises and a reluctant, but devoted dog lover. A lifelong disciple of the philosophy that “life is not about the shot you choose to take, but where you leave the ball afterward”. Can’t believe you’re gone, Patrick, but we will all keep up the good work in your memory. He is survived by his wife Betsy, his sons Devin and Brennan, their wives Jennifer Thaler and Alison Quinn, and two grandchildren Felix and Olive McNulty-Thaler. A memorial service will be held on October 24, 2026 at 2 pm at the Loma Palona Center on the UCSB campus.

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

19


WE LC OME TO

T HE S O U N D T R A C K OF F REEDOM

SOLD OUT SANTA BARBARA CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5

CANDIDATE FORUMS BANDA LOS RECODITOS SEPTEMBER 18 / $55+

RON WHITE OCTOBER 2 / $69+

Harry’s Plaza Cafe

Thursday, September 17, 5:30pm

MODERATED BY

RYAN P. CRUZ

HEAR FROM CANDIDATES:

LOS FARMERZ OCTOBER 9 / $105+

Ian Baucke

James Zurlinden

JUMPING JACK FLASH OCTOBER 16 / $25

ANYTHING FOR SALINA’S NOVEMBER 6 / $20+

Cevin Cathell This forum will be livestreamed to our YouTube channel and recorded for those who can’t attend in person.

GLADYS KNIGHT NOVEMBER 13 / $80+

FIND THE FULL DETAILS ON ALL OF OUR UPCOMING CANDIDATE FORUMS AT

sbindytickets.com Santa Barbara

1986

Management reserves the right to change or cancel promotions and events at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.522.4700. ©2026 Chumash Casino Resort.

20

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

4O YEARS

2026


cover story

‘It’s Our Kids’

S.B. Organizations Work to Support Sex Trafficking Survivors and Protect Vulnerable Youth by Callie Fausey

teen. Drawn to downtown Santa Barbara, Azariah gathers with other homeless youth among the shops and tourists. There, her friends first introduce her to men who trade sex acts for food, shelter, and other basic needs. Her high school experience goes downhill. Instead of going to class, Azariah is working in motels. She is a victim of sex trafficking, even if she does not realize it yet. She will not realize it until years later. But after she does, she works with local organizations to improve the lives of survivors and the services available to vulnerable youth.

Believe It or Not Although it is not as visible as other crimes that occur on State Street, trafficking does happen locally. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation identified Santa Barbara as a hub for human trafficking, noting its role as a corridor between major cities along Highway 101 and its bustling tourism industry. The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office has the numbers to back that up. Between 2017 and 2024, they identified 261 survivors, 40 percent of whom were county residents. Many were between the ages of 12 and 17, although children as young as 11 have been targeted and groomed by traffickers. Most identified victims are female, but boys can be trafficked, too. But those numbers only offer a snapshot of a much larger problem. To paint a picture, the DA’s Office says there are 27,000 ads online for purchasing trafficking victims in Santa Barbara County. It is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the United States, with one of the youngest average ages of entry for its victims: 12. “It’s our kids,” said Tiffany Carty, supervisor of the VictimWitness Assistance Program at the DA’s Office, during a Sex Trafficking Awareness Forum at All Saints-by-the-Sea EpisEpis copal Church on July 19. “It’s our community’s kids that this is happening to.”

Azariah’s Story Azariah grew up in Ventura. But abuse and abandonment at home led her to start running away at 12 years old. Her story captures the realities of modern-day sex-trafficking. Contrary to the common myth, trafficking in America does not typically look like masked men kidnapping young girls off the street. It often looks like what happened to Azariah: grooming and manipulation by men who prey on vulnerability. Any child can become a victim, but homeless youth, children in foster care, and LGBTQ youth are particularly vulnerable. For Azariah, it was before social media and smartphones as

2017-2024

261 survivors

40%

25 %

Santa Barbara County residents

younger than 17 Fewer than one percent of victims are ever identified

we know them today. State Street was a gatherThe result is a distorted view of what ing place for kids her age; it was there that other is happening, she explained, which can kids introduced her to trading sex for services. keep victims from recognizing the abuse. At 14 years old, she met a man on MySpace “He’s not the bad guy—she’s the bad who promised to love her and take care of all guy,” Cook said. “She doesn’t see herself of her needs. She thought she had found “Mr. as a victim.” That can make intervention particuRight.” “Mr. Right” could not have been more larly difficult and highlights why surwrong. But he played by the book: He groomed vivors may resist help from people like Azariah, gained her trust, and gradually Cook, whom they see as “separating them pushed her to do things she was uncomfortfrom the love of their life.” “Mentors like Alia know how to talk able with, such as “having sex with a friend” to to them and identify the ‘game’ that has help pay his bills. happened to them,” Cook said. This common strategy used by pimps helps Azariah, now 35, got out in her twenexplain how trafficking often begins, said Sally Cook, executive director of the Olive Crest ties after finding resources on her own. Hope Refuge Campus, a treatment program She realized she had been able to leave Alia Azariah, a sex trafficking survivor, on a secluded mountain west of Goleta dedibecause she had heard about another now works with a national nonprofit girl who had escaped. She knew it was cated to helping girls who are survivors of sex to identify and support other survivors. possible. trafficking. Disguising themselves as the perfect partner Today, she is the director of Collective or a source of support—usually usually by love-bombing, giving gifts, Impact and survivor leader for the national Safe House Project, and fulfilling needs—predators predators build a victim’s trust. Then an organization dedicated to identifying victims of sex traffickthey flip the switch and exploit that relationship. ing and meeting their needs. She works with other survivors Girls can become deeply dependent on their trafficker, whose stories are not so different from hers, and she says they whom they usually view as a boyfriend, Cook explained. That often just want someone to say they have been there. “That’s my ‘why’: My presence could actually make a dependency makes them vulnerable. “It’s a very seductive process,” she said. “She’s going to chase difference,” she said. “I want to make the time between a girl getting trafficked and getting out shorter.” the relationship.” COURTESY

I

t is the early 2000s, and Alia Azariah is a runaway

Statistics by Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force

continued →

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

21


IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION For all current and alternative methods of public participation and comment for the meeting of September 22, 2026, please refer to page two of the posted Agenda. The following alternative methods of participation are available to the public: 1.

2.

You may observe the live stream of the Board of Supervisors meetings in the following ways:  Local Cable Channel 20,  Online at: http://www.countyofsb.org/ceo/csbtv/livestream.sbc>; or  YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/CSBTV20>. If you wish to comment on this item, the following methods are available:  Distribution to the Board of Supervisors - Submit email comments by email prior to 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to the Board meeting. Please submit your comment to the Clerk of the Board at: sbcob@countyofsb.org. Your comment will be distributed to the Board and posted online. Whether the comment is formally part of the record depends on the agenda item it is submitted for and its length and time of submittal as set out in Board Resolution 91-333 (Land Use).

If you challenge the project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in correspondence to the Clerk of the Board prior to the public hearing. G.C. Section 65009, 6066, and 6062a. Attendance and participation by the public is invited and encouraged. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this hearing, please contact the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by 4:00 p.m. on Friday before the Board meeting at (805) 568-2240.

22   THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026  INDEPENDENT.COM

S

TE

The Board of Supervisors hearing begins at 9:00 A.M in the Board Chamber on the 4th floor of 105 E. Anapamu St. The order of items listed on the agenda is subject to change by the Clerk of the Board. Please see the posted agenda and staff report available on the Thursday prior to the meeting at https://santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx# under the hearing date. For further information about the project, please contact Jeff Wilson, Assistant Director, at jewilson@countyofsb.org .

UR

On September 22, 2026 the Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing in order to consider adopting an extension to the interim urgency ordinance to implement a moratorium on the establishment, expansion, or the relocation of firearm and ammunition retail sales uses. The extension to the interim urgency ordinance would apply county-wide and would be effective for 10 months and 15 days from its adoption. The extension to the interim ordinance amendment is not subject to the requirements of CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3) as it has no potential for causing a significant impact on the environment.

CO

Hearing begins at 9:00 A.M.

Many young victims of sex trafficking, also known as the commercial sexual exploitation of children, or CSEC, fall through the cracks. Nationwide, fewer than one percent of victims are ever even formally identified. The problem is not only under-recognized; it is also grossly underresourced. Across the United States, an estimated 325,000 children are caught up in the crime. Yet Cook said there are only 511 beds nationwide for trafficking survivors that address the complex needs creY ated by their trauma. Hope Refuge accounts for 16 of those beds. Because resources are so scarce, many survivors never receive the services they need. Problems go unaddressed, harmful behaviors persist, and some end up homeless or remain in the life, where the life expectancy is approximately seven Sally Cook, executive director of the years. Olive Crest Hope Refuge Campus Santa Barbara County has several services, including group homes, rape crisis programs, and survivorinformed treatment through Dignity Health. But many were not designed to interrupt exploitation, Azariah said. And even available services can be difficult to access. “There’s a really large gap between the people with resources and those without,” she said. “People with the most resources are often those most separate from the problem.” It can also be difficult for people to believe trafficking is happening in Santa Barbara. “Not everyone is willing to confront it,” she said. SY It is difficult to tackle a problem when it is difficult to even grasp. Noah’s Anchorage, a Channel Islands YMCA homeless prevention center for youth ages 12 to 17, has served the community for more than 50 years. The program offers emergency shelter, drop-in services, counseling, basic needs, supplies, and Amy Tovias, executive director of youth and hygiene items. It is a low-barrier family services for the Channel Islands YMCA program available around the clock, said Amy Tovias, executive director of youth and family services. “Youth have been coming to us experiencing exploitation before we probably even realized it,” Tovias said. What they lacked was a way to identify exploitation early so that survivors could be connected with help sooner. Typically, survivors are not identified and connected with a social worker until an incident occurs: they are arrested, become victims of a crime, or otherwise enter the system. By then, they may already have experienced significant hardships, Tovias said. Even after entering the system, they could continue to be exploited in exchange for food, money, or other needs. “Kids have to be on probation to access resources, but we don’t want them to be on probation,” Azariah said. “We have fewer resources compared to neighboring counties like Ventura,” where the breadth of resources is more expansive, including a 24/7 response hotline, and comprehensive services are delivered in one place through the county’s Family Justice Center. She also mentioned San Luis Obispo, which has a formal CSEC Collaborative Response Team, with 24/7 response to reports involving trafficked children. So, while Santa Barbara is solid and improving, with some great specialized resources, “there’s definitely room to grow,” Azariah said. Adding to the everyday difficulties, however, is the tendency for victims to avoid social workers or deny that anything is happening because they do not understand that they are being exploited. They may try to protect the person exploiting them. But until child welfare identifies a young person as a CSEC victim, few services are specifically available to them. And when they are identified, it can be difficult to track cases between different providers in a disjointed system, Tovias said. TE

September 22, 2026 Board of Supervisors Hearing Room County Administration Building, Fourth Floor 105 East Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

A System Full of Gaps

UR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Extension of the Firearm Retail Sales Interim Urgency Ordinance

cover story

CO

County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors


RED FLAGS . Victims may show sudden changes of dress and behavior. . Victims may suddenly have possessions that they usually can't afford. . Victims may have unusually long work hours.

. Victims may have untreated medical problems such as cuts, bruises, burns, or broken bones. . Victims may miss school frequently, or make frequent trips.

. Victims may have new relationships with boyfriends or girlfriends who are noticeably older.

. Victims may be unable to speak independently. Other people may insist on answering questions for them, or even translating for them.

. Victims may have difficulty making eye contact, especially with men.

. Victims may be frightened of authorities and may be reluctant about receiving help.

“That’s what we’ve come against,” Tovias said. “By the time service providers were in the picture, so many things were missed: The child has been on their own for a long time, and it becomes difficult to intervene and get them out of that life.” She posed an important question: Why wait? Why wait until a child is prosecuted for a sex crime, becomes a victim of rape, or is cited for delinquency at school when earlier intervention is possible? Six years ago, Noah’s Anchorage decided it needed to focus on early identification. The program created a screening process for every child who comes through its doors, looking for early signs of exploitation. On average, one child per week is identified as moderate or high risk of exploitation. To begin addressing this, Noah’s Anchorage and other service providers recognized the need to piece together the patchwork of people already serving survivors.

ment and community organizations that encounter trafficking victims. “We all come together at the same table, and we discuss the cases we’re seeing,” Carty said. Often, the same victims have interacted with multiple organizations. Each provider knows one piece of the story, but no one knows the whole picture, Carty said. The task force aims to help keep those providers connected so they can then work on building relationships with survivors. “Quite frankly, we don’t rescue them,” Carty said. “What we do is we empower them to make the choice to leave, and then we support them on that journey.” The DA’s Office also works to prosecute traffickers. Between 2017 and 2024, the office investigated 294 cases and identified 102 potential traffickers, out of which 59 were criminally charged and 39 pleaded guilty. But those numbers are only a sliver of the full picture. Carty noted that despite recent efforts by California lawmakers to increase consequences for buyers, legislation that would have made purchasing a child for a sex For Carty, who meets survivors through her role at the act a felony did not pass. DA’s Office, the first step is not to teach the girl C O U R T E S Y “By definition, a child cannot consent to a commercial sex act,” Carty said. “But also, when that she is a sex trafficking survivor. “Hopethey’re being groomed, that’s also not a fully we’ll get there,” she said, “but not choice, right?” my job.” However, another effort is underInstead, she begins to establish a relationship by assessing the girl’s way, she said. “We’re building needs. Does she have housing? momentum.” Food? Does she need a bus pass home? Do her parents know where she is? What that often looks like is Carty buying the child McDonald’s nuggets and fries, then sitting down to have a conversation with them. Confrontation, she said, is counterproductive. Branching off the DA’s Human TraffickJill Sharkey, a professor of school Trust takes time. ing Task Force, the county contracted psychology at UC Santa Barbara “So now this individual will start to with nonprofit Kingdom Causes whose research has focused on trust me, and we can continue to have Inc.—which connects organizations youth who have experienced ongoing conversations about needs, that tackle complex social probtrauma, has participated in the and I become sort of a mentor to the lems—in 2023 to form the Strategic county's human trafficking task force and the development of the individual,” Carty said. Alliance to Fight Exploitation (SAFE). strategic plan. From there, she continued, “there’s They brought leaders in the anti-trafgonna come a day when she’s ready.” ficking world together to develop and implement a three-year strategic plan addressing human Eventually, Carty gets “the text,” usually some variation of: “Can I come into your office and talk to trafficking, building on the task force’s goals to identify, you?” investigate, and prosecute sex trafficking, while address“The next thing you know, they’re in my office sob- ing survivors’ needs. SAFE became a vehicle for fundbing, telling me their whole life story, and they’re finally ing organizations working to address trafficking and educate the public. ready,” she said. Jill Sharkey, a professor of school psychology at UC The DA’s Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2013, has improved connections between law enforce- Santa Barbara whose research has focused on youth who

Relationships First

Working Toward Solutions

continued →

LOCAL

HEROES WANTED

NOMINATE NOW

Please nominate a person who makes our community a better place to live and whose good works and deeds may otherwise go unsung.

SUBMIT AT:

independent.com/local-hero

OR SCAN:

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

September 25, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

23


cover story

Opening Night

Thurs. 9/10

4 - 7 pm • $30

BOOK SALE SEPTEMBER 10 - 20, 2026

FREE Admission Fri. 9/11 - Sun. 9/13 10 am - 7 pm

Earl Warren Exhibit Hall, Santa Barbara

150,000 + Books

Mon. 9/14

Noon - 7 pm

Tues. 9/15 - Fri. 9/18 Noon - 6 pm

Sat. 9/19

Great Prices! Plus Vinyl, CDs, DVDs, Games, Puzzles, & More!

10 am - 6 pm

Sun. 9/20

10 am - 6 pm 50% OFF

For more info, to buy opening night tickets, and sponsorships, scan the QR or visit booksale.ppcentralcoast.org or call 805.722.4690.

THIS WEEK IN ATHLETICS

MEN’S SOCCER

VS T H U R S | S E P T 1 7 | 7 P M | H A R D E R STA D I U M @ G O G AU C H O S @ U C S B AT H L E T I C S U C S B G AU C H O S .C O M M T I C K E T S 24

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

have experienced trauma, has participated in exploiters are quick and savvy. the human trafficking task force and the devel“It takes two seconds to send a kid money, opment of the strategic plan. ask for a picture, or reach out on social media,” Her work has taken her inside the county’s Tovias said. “It is very easy to access them now.” juvenile justice centers, where she realized that Perpetrators can offer money, necessities, “almost every girl in juvenile hall was being cell phones, and transportation at a rate that trafficked.” parents and service providers can’t keep up Professor Sharkey works closely with her with, she added. colleague Lisa Conn-Akoni, a marriage and Funding is another barrier. Much of it family therapist who founded the Resilience comes from fundraising. Service gaps are only Interventions for Sexual Exploitation (RISE) growing due to budget cuts, particularly at the program in Santa Maria, which served girls federal level. Sharkey acknowledged this as out of juvenile hall and their communities well, saying she still “can’t believe” the county where they could receive wraparound care. is in a place where a majority of the money But grant funding eventually ran out, and the to serve its “most vulnerable kids” must be program was sunsetted as COVID-19 cases privately raised. rose in 2020. Noah’s Anchorage initially received only Sharkey, who served as the evaluator for enough funding to hire Zerrenner part-time. RISE, said they wanted to see a level of ser- But the organization quickly realized that vices like those they had with RISE return to wasn’t enough and raised funds to make her the county. One main goal of the task force role full-time. is to give people the tools and resources to “This work is so intensive that we needed know what to do when they suspect traffick- full-time staff,” Tovias said. ing—mainly, not to intervene, but to refer the case to someone who can help. They have conducted dozens of trainings all over the county with schools, social services, and nonprofits, she said, but the need is so vast that it’s almost impossible to fill. She said that she and Conn Azariah sees early intervention as one of the are trying to create online content to make it most important pieces of the puzzle. The young people Azariah was around on more accessible. “It can be anyone’s 12-year-old who can be State Street were the ones who pointed her targeted by a trafficker,” Sharkey emphasized. to exploitation as a way to get her needs met. “People don’t want to believe it’s happening Because youth recruit other youth, intervenhere, so we are looking to make people aware tion could counteract the recruiters. Azariah of the issue.” emphasized that solutions do not always have Since SAFE’s inception, the task force has to be trafficking-specific. Instead, they can raised $500,000 and distributed $200,000 address the issues that, at the heart, make a for survivor needs, case management, and child vulnerable to exploitation in the first countywide education. It updated training place. for first responders; assessed assets, gaps, C O U R T E S Y So, when could someone have stepped and roles among agencies combating in? It could have been an organizatrafficking; and expanded outtion providing rental assistance reach and engagement efforts. for a victim’s mother. Or a Noah’s Anchorage initially school counselor noticing received $12,000 in flexible the red flags and initiating a funding for survivor needs, conversation. alongside Good SamariAzariah has been working with KCI and the tan Shelter, a countywide homeless shelter with a safe Human Trafficking Task house in North County Force to address what happens between a child’s first dedicated to adult human trafficking survivors. experience of grooming and Additional funding from the escalation into exploitation. SAFE allowed Noah’s to hire a The task force’s partnership with Sabrina Ross, CSEC case manager in January. the North County Rape Crisis and associate director of the North County Before then, Noah’s staff were Child Protection Center (NCRCRape Crisis and Child serving CSEC youth within their CPC), for example, focuses on Protection Center regular staffing model, but that reaching students and educators was hard to juggle alongside everydirectly. thing else they did each day. For context, the DA’s Office says that Enter their new case manager, Addi Zer- it has not observed a significant difference in renner. She acts as the single point person to trafficking cases between North and South ensure youth receive well-rounded care with- County. However, Elsa Granados, executive out forcing them to navigate a patchwork of director of South County’s Standing Together services or the criminal justice system on their to End Sexual Assault (STESA) said that, anecown. Zerrenner is the only such case manager dotally, they do not see as many survivors as their North County counterparts. She sugin the county. “It is slowly and surely taking off to where gested that may be due to fewer educational it needs to be,” Tovias said. “If you compare resources available in South County. She noted us six years ago to now, we’ve made strides to that when they do educational campaigns, better the countywide system to address this.” more survivors come forward. But it is an enormous challenge, and “We need more education about sex

Intervention as Prevention


C ALLIE FAUSEY

If you have a loved one with a mental health disorder YOU need this free course

A group of Westmont students who brainstormed how to address CSEC in Santa Barbara County as part of Kingdom Causes Inc.'s fellowship program

A Refuge to Rebuild Hope Existing programs can also expand to fill some of the gaps. Olive Crest’s Hope Refuge Campus serves 10 counties in California, caring for as many as 32 girls a year. Its leadership is part of the Human Trafficking Task Force, and is one of the few programs in the county that works directly with girls who have experienced trafficking, focusing on helping them to change their behaviors through schooling, therapy, and mentorship. Since opening in 2020, the program has helped dozens of girls reestablish control over their lives and find safety, love, and a renewed sense of hope,

according to survivor testimonies. “This place gave me an opportunity to grow, to learn, to believe in myself,” says one survivor in a 2022 video testimonial. “I would never let anyone treat me the way they treated me before, when I was manipulated and exploited. It’s been a long journey, but it’s been a good journey.” California is currently funding Olive Crest’s work as part of a three-year pilot designed to determine the most effective approaches to wraparound care for young trafficking survivors. Once the program is more established, Cook said, it could potentially help address broader county needs, including transitional housing, prevention, and a rapid-response team. “It is a complex issue that needs a flexible response, and programs that can adapt, change, and move,” Cook said. “But government is not very flexible.”

FAMILY-TO-FAMILY education program Free classes in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria!

Join This FREE Course! Santa Barbara: On 8 Wednesdays, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Starts on September 23rd Santa Maria: On 8 Thursdays, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Starts on September 24th

On October 10, SAFE will be holding its third annual Freedom to Flourish Gala, and tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. More information can be found at safesbc.max.gives/about-us.

NAMI is the largest mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for those affected by mental health disorders.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY:

Calling the Family Advocate: 805-325-5580 Visiting namisantabarbara.org, or Scanning the QR code

Awareness as Action Community members can also play a role, especially those who work with children. Law enforcement and nonprofits emphasize the same call to action: pay attention. Learn the signs of grooming and exploitation. Build relationships with young people. Ask questions. Maintain a consistent and positive presence in a child’s life. Talk openly about online safety and healthy relationships. The NCRCCPC’s Sabrina Ross said parents, caregivers, educators, coaches, and other community members can help by taking concerns seriously, avoiding victim-blaming, and reporting suspected exploitation to law enforcement or appropriate child protection agencies. Most importantly, she said, people need to understand that exploitation can happen in any community, and children need to know there are trusted adults and resources to help them. At the All Saints forum, Carty told the audience, “You all have a gift. And you all have a way to be in relationship with someone, and that’s how you’re going to help. Okay? It’s not some big, massive thing. It’s just a relationship.” The turnout at the forum was impressive, noted Cook, one of the featured speakers. Roughly 75 people filled the pews. “A lot of people are here today who chose not to look the other way,” she said. “And it is not easy to look at this issue.”

Family-to-Family is a FREE 8-session education program for family members of adults living with a mental health disorder—to help them understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own wellbeing.

President’s Award: Barbara Burger Heritage Oak Award for Lifetime Achievement: Marc Appleton AIA Jacaranda Award for Outstanding Community Service: Joe Campanelli

Painting by Karin Shelton

trafficking in South County and then maybe we’d see more survivors walk through the doors,” she said. Sabrina Ross, associate director of the NCRCCPC, said the organization provides trauma-informed services to survivors while also working to prevent exploitation before it happens. Its prevention program teaches students throughout North County about personal safety, online safety, healthy boundaries, grooming behaviors, and how to seek help for themselves or a friend. “We believe education is one of the most effective tools for prevention, and that strong community partnerships are essential to protecting youth,” Ross said. With the county’s three-year strategic plan coming to an end in September this year, KCI is shifting focus to the service gaps and opportunities for prevention and intervention against sexual exploitation in the City of Santa Barbara. In coordination with several city-based partners, the group is now laying the groundwork for a city-specific three-year action plan to meet the needs they identified over the past three years. KCI launched the Santa Barbara Youth Resiliance Initiative, including a fellowship with students at Westmont, to build a more connected system of care, the nonprofit said. Sharkey said she and Conn will be “thought partners” with KCI on city-specific solutions and are focused on building an online training program for wider distribution across the county, to let people know trafficking is a problem and how they can prevent it. She said she just needs the time and money to develop it. In the meantime, she said SAFE has “taken off” and will be the main mechanism for deciding how to address trafficking in the county and for providing funding to organizations that address those issues.

Multi-Family Residence: Covenant Living at the Samarkand 2550 Treasure Drive Commercial Sign: The Brass Bear Brewery Uptown 3302 McCaw Avenue

Come Celebrate Santa Barbara’s Beauty with Us Santa Barbara Beautiful 61st Annual Awards Celebration

Sunday, Sept. 27th, 2026 | 3:00pm Cabrillo Pavilion,1111 E. Cabrillo Blvd. For information visit SBbeautiful.org

Celebrating 61 years of beautification

Historic Revitalization (Residence): 2024 Garden Street Public Open Space: 1200 Block of State Street Art In Public Places: Franklin School Mural 1111 East Mason Street Business in Art Award: ArtLabbé Santa Barbara presented by The City of Santa Barbara Arts Advisory Committee

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

25


26

TAHNEI ROY

Our Pirate Looks

at 50 UCSB Grad Jack Johnson on Gardening, Touring, and Staying Positive in Troubled Times

PHOTOS COURTESY SURFILMUSIC.COM

ture Music Feature Music Feature Music Feature Music Feature Music Feature

Music Feature Music Feature Music Feature Music Feature Mu

Jack poses with a guitar, surfboard, and music recording equipment.

by Matt Kettmann

I

f it weren’t for a small garden outside of a

one-bedroom apartment on Trigo Road in Isla Vista, Jack Johnson as we know him may never have taken root. During his senior year at UCSB, the Hawaiian-born film studies major moved in with his girlfriend Kim, whom he’d marry a couple years later. Their apartment overlooked an empty lot on the corner of Camino Pescadero, and that’s where they tended to zucchini and huge sunflowers next to a fountain that Jack built from an old bike tire and spray can caps. “We planted a garden and saw things grow,” Jack told me over the phone during a tour stop near Houston last month. “We got that feeling together, that there’s something in this.” It wasn’t long after those early squash harvests that Jack’s rocket ship to global stardom as a big-wave surfing singer-songwriter took off, with Kim steadily in the cockpit, charting their career trajectory behind the scenes. Since 2000, he’s recorded nearly a dozen albums that sold more than 25 million copies, performed more than 250 songs that have streamed at least 10 billion times, played hundreds of concerts in every corner of the world, and become the soundtrack to trendy restaurants and big-box department stores alike. But that spirit of putting seeds in the ground and watching them grow remains core to Jack and Kim’s missions beyond the music. In addition to building environmental education foundations for both Hawai‘i (Kōkua Hawai‘i, founded 2003) and everywhere else (Johnson Ohana, founded 2008)—which have contributed more than $40 million of album and tour proceeds to countless charities—the Johnsons took over eight acres of land on the North Shore of Oahu in 2019 to develop the Kōkua Learning Farm.

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Now an extensive operation including row crops, a fruit orchard, beehives, a compost program, a canoe plant garden, and a wetland for Hawaiian natives, the farm and its three storefronts around Hale‘iwa host community work days, school field trips, and workshops all year long. It’s quite close to Jack and Kim’s heart, a place where they connect with their own family and the greater community while getting their hands dirty. Kim spoke of both that original I.V. garden and the Oahu one during her commencement speech at UCSB this past June, when their oldest kid graduated as a Gaucho. After correcting the record about one of Jack’s most famous lyrics—they were actually eating lunch at the Ortega Dining Commons, not DLG, but the latter rhymed better with “sat next to me”—Kim explained, “We had no idea that little garden on Trigo would lead to planting several more in our life.” They’ve explored many across the planet since, along the way promoting places such as Fairview Gardens in Goleta, creating farm-to-school programs in Hawai‘i, and using them at home to teach their own children the value of hard work and real food. “Is it the garden that grows the community, or the community that grows the garden?” asked Kim before a crowd of hundreds. “I think it is both.” Their community is generational now. “It’s one of my favorite things to see the yellow school bus come up and drop off the kids,” said Jack, who may be most proud of clearing invasive species from one corner of the property and bringing back endemic plants. “We have a few native insects and a couple of native birds that have returned. It’s really important for kids to see positive change.”

INDEPENDENT.COM

Sowing Optimism The same could be said for the rest of us adults right now. We’re enduring an era of global turmoil, with unnecessary wars, governments intent on breaking down rather than building up, and an earth so angry at our destructive ways that we’re burning and drowning every day. Jack, meanwhile, remains this beacon of optimism, his beaming smile and cheery singalongs bringing warm sunshine to these cold, shady times. The New York Times proclaimed as much last month, suggesting (without too much snark) that people should ingest his “hopecore” to enjoy their own “Jack Johnson summer.” “I can read articles and get angry or depressed — I feel all that stuff,” said Jack, who then, as an example, sang me a couple lines from “All at Once” over the phone: “All at once, the world can overwhelm me / There’s almost nothing that you could tell me / that could ease my mind.” “That’s how I can feel at 2 in the morning when I am thinking about it all,” he explained. Instead, he focuses on the good, like the farm and the nonprofit volunteers he meets on tour. “It definitely makes me feel at least some sense of optimism, meeting people every night doing important work in their communities,” said Jack. “That helps me draw a circle around it. Sometimes, you have to do that. You can’t expect everything to go toward positive change. So, we are psyched when we get to see it in my life and in this work.”


JEFF HORNBAKER

usic Feature Music Feature On the Road Again

Jack at 17 years old surfing the world-famous Pipeline in 1992

COURTESY

Jack Johnson is in the midst of his first major tour since 2022, which is a multi-pronged affair. There are about 60 concerts, two of which come to the Santa Barbara Bowl on October 3 and 4; there are screenings of the SURFILMUSIC documentary about his life, which plays in Santa Barbara at the Metro 4 on September 16; and there’s a new double-album of unreleased rarities and the film score by Hermanos Gutiérrez. He’s faced similarly grueling schedules before, but it’s the first time he’s done so past the half-century mark. But this 51-year-old was sounding quite energized when we talked during his August swing through the South, that day preparing for his eighth sold-out amphitheater show in 10 days. “Uncle is doing alright here on the road,” he laughed, explaining that the band does spend more time asking how each other slept these days. Surfing keeps him fit, but the late nights meeting up with old friends around the country, the sleeping in, and the breakfast buffets do tend to add some road pounds. The band tries to stay active most days, whether that’s pickleballing in the parking lot, kicking around a soccer ball, or playing a round of disc golf. “You have to go for it, because it’s really easy to go from AC to AC, especially here in the South,” he said. “It’s no joke. The show is almost a workout. It’s like a sauna up there on stage every night.” They eat healthy —their concert rider mandates that venues serve food sourced from nearby farms—and they’ve integrated such meals with fans and regional chefs into a “farm-to-stage” program. Instead of just giving away tickets to the ninth caller, they ask people to send in pics of themselves hanging out at farmers markets or otherwise supporting local food systems. The winners get to dine with Jack and the band as well as the chefs, farmers, and nonprofit workers the show is supporting that night. “There are a lot of similarities between a restaurant and a live show,” said Jack, who appreciates how critical restaurants are to spreading this farmer-first gospel. “They are a gathering place, and chefs can have a big voice to call attention to what they want to show in their food.”

Collaboration’s the Key Jack and Kim in their senior year by their sunflower and zucchini garden on Trigo Road

Jack at the Jolly Tiger inside Restaurant Roy on Carrillo Street

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

COURTESY

Jack was in Nashville when word got out that Dolly Parton died, and he quickly worked “9 to 5” into his next shows. “She’s so badass. You think she’s just a musician, but she was also such a personality. She had so much swagger,” he said. “Then you find out about all the work she did to build community.” He sees her as a role model, just like Willie Nelson, who both taught him the value of collaboration. “Our band plays together every night, and we always have fun,” said Jack, who’s been open to playing with anyone since his career began. “But when you invite a new feeling onstage, that’s when we get something new. That’s what music is all about: collaboration.” The year’s tours are strong evidence of that, as Jack’s been playing together with Hermanos Gutierrez, Lake Street Dive, and G. Love, but also a bunch of lucky and talented young performers at each stop. That’s just one reason he’s having more fun at 51 than he did in his early twenties. “I don’t try to bring some false humility to it—I’ve been doing this a long time, and the whole thing has gotten more fun for us,” he said. “The crappy part about the nerves has gone away. You still get excited about going on stage, but I don’t feel like I’m gonna pass or wonder if I can do it. You can’t be that nervous every night. It’s not sustainable, but for a couple of years, I felt a bit like that. It was almost too exciting.” It remains surreal, though. “I still trip out when I look out and see an amphitheater filled all the way to the lawn,” he said. “I have the moment every night where I’m like, ‘This is weird. I can’t believe this is happening.’ We feel so lucky n to keep doing it.”

27


BRAVE

NEW WORK

BRAVE NEW WORK 2.0

Environmental Edition New & Emerging Technologies in the Hands of Artists

> OCTOBER 1. 6. 7. 8. 2026 < Three Day Symposium at 410 State Street The second annual symposium and public art exhibition exploring cutting-edge innovations shaping the future. Join global leaders and visionaries for a week of insights and discussions in art, science, and technology. Experience breathtaking art installations and concerts, all on the spectacular Santa Barbara seaside.

Sponsorships Available. Full Details at bravenewworksb.org Three Day & Single Day Passes Available

GET TICKETS NOW 28

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM


SEPT. 10-16

the

BY TERRY ORTEGA

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

Shows on Tap

COURTESY

FARMERS MARKET SCHEDULE THURSDAY

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

FRIDAY

The 52nd Mary Jane McCord Planned 9/10-9/15: Parenthood Annual Book Sale The annual book sale will feature an opening night first look, a Friday night afterhours event with crafts, a deejay, a mocktail, and shopping access of more than 150,000 books, puzzles, games, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and more in benefit of Planned Parenthood California Central Coast. The sale runs through September 20. Thu. (Opening Night): 4-7pm: $30; Fri. (After-Hours Event): 7:30-9:30pm. $30; Book Sale: Fri-Sun.: 10am-7pm; Mon.: noon-7pm, Tue-Wed.: noon-6pm. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Free. Call (805) 722-4690.

SUNDAY

Goleta: Camino Real Marketplace, 10am-2pm

TUESDAY

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

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

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

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

The Stow House Concert , 2pm. 304 N. Los Carneros 9/13: Road, Goleta. Free. Emailprimetimebandsb@gmail.com. primetimebandsb@gmail.com ptband.org primetimebandsb@gmail.com. 9/10-9/12: The Grand on State Thu.: The Gypsy Cats, 7pm. $35. Fri.:

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

Shawn Thies & her Band, 7:30pm. $37-$45. Sat.: Colin Richardson & The Grand Band, 8pm. $35. 1218 State St. Email thegrandonstate@gmail.com.

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.

9/10: September 11 Remembrance Join to pay tribute to the lives lost and to recognize the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, military members, and all who answered the call. Walk or drive the route, then participate in a moment of silence and hear guest speakers. 8-10am. Memorial: 6380 Hollister Ave.; parade: Robin Hill Rd., Goleta. Free. Email sashley-cook@rtx.com. independent.com/events/911-remembrance

9/10: Educational Salon Series: What Is Andalusian Architecture? with Stephen Olson Stephen Olson, founder of Olson Architects in S.B., will talk and show slides and COURTESY

a movie about Andalusian architecture, where water, stone, plaster, and color shape spaces meant to be felt as much as seen. 1-3pm. Casa del Herrero, 1387 E. Valley Rd., Montecito. Members: free; non-members: $85. Call (805) 565-5653 x101 or email natalie@casadelherrero.org.

tinyurl.com/Andalusian-Architecture

Selah dancers in 'The Stranger'

9/10-9/12: Elings Park and UCSB’s Naked Shakes Present Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet Under the Oaks This unforgettable production will bring Shakespeare’s

9/11:

Selah Dance Collective and Nomad Tango Present The Stranger and Beethoven’s Tango Enjoy new con-

most iconic love story to life in a beautiful outdoor setting with the company’s signature energy, authenticity, and powerful performances. Thu.-Fri.: 5pm; Sat.: 3pm. Godric Grove, Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Rd. Free-$25. Call (805) 569-5611 or email jbart@elingspark.org.

tinyurl.com/Romeo-Juliet-Elings

9/10: Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center Second Thursday at the Museum: Gary Robinson Award-winning author and filmmaker Gary Robinson will sign copies of and discuss his Thunder Child Prophecy series, a trilogy where the central character, Billy Buckhorn, is called upon to battle evil Underworld forces intent on invading and ruling the Middle World. Enjoy free admission to the museum. 5-8pm. Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, 3500 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. Free. Call (805) 686-7500. COURTESY

sychumashmuseum.org/event

at 9/10: Convivencias Tablao Museo

Inspired by the spirit of Convivencia—the Spanish ideal of coexistence and community—artistic director María Bermúdez will bring together 13 extraordinary artists (dancers, guitarists, and singers) from Spain and the United States for an unforgettable evening under the stars. 6:30-9pm. S.B. Historical Museum, 136 E. De la Guerra St. Student: $30; GA: $55. Call (805) 966-1601.

sbhistorical.org/events

temporary dance work The Stranger by Meredith Ventura, which explores the experience of alienation through the lens of social othering, as well as Beethoven’s Tango, a celebrated international collaboration by renowned tango artist Fernanda Ghi and composer Alfredo Minetti. 7:30-9:30pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. GA: $32-$50; VIP: $75. Call (805) 963-0761.

lobero.org

FRIDAY 9/11 9/11-9/13: Second Annual Kenny Loggins Pickleball in the Danger Zone Tournament Benefitting Unity Shoppe Watch players of all skill levels par-

María Bermúdez

ticipate in this community competition while raising funds for the Unity Shoppe. There will be live music and vendors. Visit the website for the full schedule. Various times. Municipal Tennis-Pickleball Courts, 1414 Park Pl. Spectators: free. Email info@unityshoppe.org.

tinyurl.com/2026-Pickleball

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

mavericksaloon.com/event-calendar

9/10 & 9/13: SOhO Restaurant & Music Club Thu.: We The Beat Presents: JMSN, 8pm. $32.51-$37.91. Ages 18+. Sat.: Santa Barbara Jazz Society Presents: Jazz du Jour with Sandy Cummings, 1pm. $20$25. 1221 State St. Call (805) 962-7776.

9/12-9/13: Cold Spring Tavern Sat.: Kelly’s Lot, 1:30-4:30pm. Sun.: Tom

sohosb.com

cfsb.info/sat

9/11-9/12: Maverick Saloon Fri.:

Rebel Heart Sat.: Bad Habit. 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. 8:30-11:30pm. Free. Call (805) 686-4785. Ages 21+.

9/11-9/12: Rooftop Bistro & Bar Fri.: Teresa Russel Sat.: Tony Ybarra. 6878 Hollister Ave., Goleta. 4-8pm. Free. Call (805) 562-5996. rooftopgoleta.com/ upcoming-events

thegrandonstate.com/events

FISHERMAN’S MARKET

booksale.ppcentralcoast.org

COURTESY

THURSDAY 9/10

9/10: Validation Ale Thu.: Addis Collective The Gypsy Cats, 6:30pm. 102 E. Yanonali St. Free. Call (805) 500-3111.

validationale.com

Ball and Kenny Sultan, 1:30-4:30pm. 5995 Stagecoach Rd. Free. Call (805) 967-0066.

coldspringtavern.com

9/12-9/13: Lobero Theatre Sat.:

9/11, 9/13: Carhartt Family Wines Fri.: Out of the Blue, 5pm. Sun.: Ian

Songs and Stories with Roger McGuinn, 7:30pm. $57-107. Sun.: The Papas and Mamas, 6pm. $59-79. 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Email boxoffice@lobero.org. lobero.org

Cochren, 2pm. 2939 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Free. Call (805) 693-5100.

9/12-9/13: S.B. Bowl An Evening with

carharttfamilywines.com/ events-calendar

Santana. $67.50- 157.50. 1122 N. Milpas St. 7:30pm. Call (805) 962-7411. sbbowl.com

9/11-9/12: M.Special Brewing Co. (S.B.) Fri.: Riot Dog Sat.: The Channels. 634 State St. 8-10pm. Free. Call (805) 308-0050. mspecialbrewco.com

9/14: The Red Piano Church on Monday: RJ Mischo, 7:30pm. 519 State St. $5. Call (805) 358-1439. theredpiano.com

FIRE AWARENESS Pub: Fire – History, Science, and Practice Area 9/14: Science ecologist and coordinator for the S.B. County Prescribed Burn

Association Monica Matthews, M.S., will talk about the history and ecology of fire in California and the way in which fire practitioners employ fire as a tool and an ally to build ecological resilience and continue to shape the landscapes and the built environments. 6:30-8pm. Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 18 E. Ortega St. Free. Email kperry@sbnature2.org. sbnature.org/calendar

9/12: Firescaping for Landscape Maintenance Professional The S.B. County Fire Safe Council, in partnership with the S.B. Botanic Garden invites landscape professionals to this half-day workshop with a focus on maintaining gardens in high fire risk areas. Gain practical tools for communicating fire-resilient decision-making to clients, with an emphasis on effective plant maintenance techniques. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, and bring water. 9:30am-12:30pm. Library, S.B. Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Rd. $15. Email registrations@sbbotanicgarden.org. sbbotanicgarden.org/calendar

Volunteer Opportunity

Fundraiser

Civil Discourse

Protest

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

29


THE

SATURDAY 9/12 COURTESY

PBS Kids Character Buddy the 9/13: Meet Dinosaur Budson “Buddy” Rexander is an

orphaned young Tyrannosaurus rex who was separated from his own kind and is the main protagonist of the PBS Kids animated TV series Dinosaur Train. Meet, hang with, or ask Buddy a question! 10:30am-1pm. Times to meet Buddy: 10:30am, 11am, 12:30pm. SB Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol. Free-$20. Call: (805) 682-4711 x117.

­

­

Harvest Party at the Stow House Join 9/12: SAMsARA Wine Co. for this annual celebra-

tion with S.B. Paella, live music, kids’ activities, a merch market, hayrides, and more. Discounted tickets for SAMsARA wine members. 1-4pm. Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Rd., Goleta. Children ages 2-12: $20: GA: $75. Call (805) 845-8001 or email info@samsarawine.com.

samsarawine.com/event

9/12: Jensen Music Lessons Grand Reopening Join for the

grand reopening of Jensen Music’s learning center with live music and refreshments. Meet the teachers and tour the lesson rooms. Noon-2pm. Jensen Music Lessons, 2830 De la Vina St., Ste. G. Free. Call (805) 687-4027 or email jensenmusiclessons@gmail.com.

jensenmusiclessons.com/grand-reopening

9/12-9/13: Hula Anyone Presents Walt Keale & Chris

Lau Enjoy an afternoon of authentic Hawaiian music by Grammy Metro • ­ Camino

nominated musician Walt Keale and hula performances by Hula Anyone. Bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic. Sat.: 4pm, S.B.; Sun.: 2pm. Montecito, location given on confirmation. $55. Call: (805) 451-0589 or email aloha@hulaanyone.com.

hulaanyone.com

9/12: Poetry in the Bowl: An Afternoon with Crystal AC Salas & Catherine Abbey Hodges S.B. Poet Laureate George Yatchisin will introduce two celebrated poets published by Gunpowder Press: Crystal AC Salas, and Catherine Abbey Hodges, accompanied by Rob Hodges on cello. 3:30-4:30pm. Coggeshall Bowl, S.B. Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol. Free-$20. Call (805) 682-4711. sbnature.org/calendar

9/12-9/13: The 11th Annual Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival Beachcombers, ocean art enthusiasts, and

Thu 9/10 8:00 PM

WE THE BEAT PRESENTS

JMSN

WITH SAMY SHARIF

The Largest Consignment Shop...

Fri 9/11 7:00 PM

SOHO SOIRÉE NIGHT MARKET

environmental guardians are invited to see handcrafted work from 50+ artists, participate in workshops such as Sea Glass Wire Wrap Pendants, participate in a treasure contest (bring your best piece of sea glass), and hear from featured speakers. Visit the website for the full schedule. 9am-5pm. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. $7. Email press@santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com.

santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com

Sat 9/12 8:15 PM

FUNK IT UP WITH AREA 51!

SUNDAY 9/13

Sun 9/13 1:00 PM

9/13: The Papas and Mamas: A Tribute to the Mamas & the Papas Enjoy an authentic Mamas & Papas tribute in both sight and

SB JAZZ SOCIETY:

JAZZ DU JOUR WITH SANDY CUMMINGS 6:30 PM

...in the Tri-Counties

JAM NIGHT HOSTED BY

LEELA CYD

JASON & THE LIBERATION

sound with vintage harmonies, iconic looks, a live band, and hits such as “California Dreamin’,”“Monday, Monday,”“Creeque Alley,” and more. 6pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. $59-$79. Call (805) 963-0761. lobero.org

Mon 9/14 5:15 PM

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WATCH PARTY Fri 9/18 6:45 PM

YESTERDAY A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

3845 State St. La Cumbre Plaza

FOR OUR FULL LINEUP, PLEASE VISIT

SOHOSB.COM

1221 STATE STREET • 962-7776 30

THE INDEPENDENT

805-770-7715 missdaisy.org

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

MONDAY 9/14 9/14: Meditation Salon: A Practice Community for Meditation with Sarah McLean Experienced meditators can sit with others for a special kind of support, inspiration, and connection to reflect on a contemplative theme followed by a 25-minute silent meditation, and then a relaxed conversation with fellow practitioners and kindred spirits. 4:30pm. Flow Yoga & Wellness, 4441 Hollister Ave. Suggested donation: $10-$20. Email connect@sbflowyoga.com.

tinyurl.com/Salon-Meditation

TUESDAY 9/15 9/15: KITP Public Lecture: Artificial Intelligence and the Age of Emergence Roger Melko, a theoretical physicist at the University of Waterloo and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, who earned his PhD from UCSB, will describe how we are already using AI to understand and control complex quantum systems, including quantum computers, and how AI/quantum hybrids open entirely new frontiers in complexity and intelligence for physicists to explore. 6-7pm. Kohn Hall, UCSB. Free. Email: friends@kitp.ucsb.edu.

kitp.ucsb.edu/activities/rmelko26

9/15: TradeTalk Club’s Lunch for S.B. Building Community: Groundbreaking This monthly lunch is a celebration of the entire building community coming together (trades, GCs, architects, interior designers) to get everyone used to the TradeTalk speed networking format and question deck with the trades on one side and the referrers who hire them on the other. Noon-1:30pm. Validation Ale, 102 E. Yanonali St. $75. Email friends@kitp.ucsb.edu.

luma.com/eshox9b0

WEDNESDAY 9/16 9/16: Interactive Workshop: Between Worlds: Art, Altered States & the Practice of Becoming Jacqueline López, visual artist, educator, and founder of Shamanist Art, will facilitate this experiential session where you will meet community members; connect with visiting speakers; engage in conversations about psychedelics, wellness, creativity, and conscious culture; and share visionary insight, symbolic language, and embodied practice that can be woven into everyday life. 5-9pm. LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez St. Members: free; GA: $25. Call (805) 637-7828.

district216.com/events

s Books Talk and Signing: 9/15: Chaucer’ Ellen O’Connell Whittet Teacher in

the Writing Program and College of Creative Studies at UCSB, Ellen O’Connell Whittet will talk about and sign copies of her new book, Book of Hours, which follows an unnamed woman’s journey from mystical childhood experiences to fertility struggles and motherhood to examine spiritual doubt, bodily autonomy, and expectations of women. The Rev. Sarah Thomas, Associate Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, will be joining. 6pm. Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. Free. Call (805) 682-6787. chaucersbooks.com/

events/calendar

CO UR TE SY

COURTESY

sbnature.org/calendar


sept.

10-16 COURTESY

Raíces y Sueños/ Sueños / Roots and Dreams

Myriam Gurba, “Few but Crazy” & Lowriders 9/12: (Writers and Riders)/Myriam Gurba, Pocas pero locas & Lowriders (escritores y conductores) Start the

For Members (with Buddy the Dino)

afternoon by admiring a display of lowrider cars from Nite Life Car Club of S.B. and meet their proud owners. At 3:30pm, join in the Faulkner Gallery for a reading by Myriam Gurba, activist and acclaimed writer of 2023’s Creep: Accusations and Confessions, an examination of the systems that shape our communities while uplifting stories that reflect resilience, complexity, and pride. Empieza la tarde admirando una exposición de coches lowrider del Nite Life Car Club de S.B. y conoce a sus orgullosos propietarios. A las 15:30 h, acércate a la Galería Faulkner para asistir a una lectura a cargo de Myriam Gurba, activista y aclamada escritora de Creep: Accusations and Confessions (2023), una obra que analiza los sistemas que dan forma a nuestras comunidades al tiempo que destaca historias que reflejan resiliencia, complejidad y orgullo. Noon-5pm. Michael Towbes Library Plaza, S.B. Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. Free. Call (805) 962-7653 or email info@sbplibrary.libanswers.com. tinyurl.com/WritersRidersSep12

9/10: From Raíces to Runways: Library on the Go at S.B. Airport!/De Raíces a las pasarelas Learn information about library programs, services, and resources available to the community. Biblioteca itinerante en el aeropuerto de Santa Bárbara! Infórmate sobre los programas, servicios y recursos de la biblioteca disponibles para la comunidad.10am-2pm. S.B. Airport, 500 James Fowler Rd., Goleta. Free. Call (805) 963-3727. tinyurl.com/Library-Airport

9/13: Raíces y Sueños: Bilingual Storytime at S.B. Museum of Art/Raíces y sueños: Hora del cuento bilingüe en el Museo de Arte de S.B. Join for a morning of bilingual storytime and art, designed to support a child’s early literacy development through action rhymes, movement, and short stories in both English and Spanish. Children will build language, social, and motor skills, while caregivers connect and build community. Únete a una sesión bilingüe de cuentos y manualidades, diseñada para fomentar el desarrollo de la alfabetización temprana de los niños a través de rimas con gestos, movimiento y cuentos cortos tanto en inglés como en español. Los niños desarrollarán habilidades lingüísticas, sociales y motoras, mientras que los cuidadores establecerán vínculos y crearán un sentido de comunidad. 11-11:45am. S.B. Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Free. Call (805) 962-7653. tinyurl.com/Bilingual-Story

9/15: Raíces y Sueños: Sabores Saludables: Celebrando la Herencia Latina/ Healthy Flavors: Celebrating Latin Heritage Through Nutritious Cooking Aprende técnicas sencillas para incorporar más ingredientes de origen vegetal a tus comidas diarias a través de una demostración de cocina en directo. Esta clase se impartirá en español. Es necesario registrarse. Learn simple techniques for incorporating more plant-based ingredients into your daily meals through a live cooking demonstration. This class will be in Spanish. Registration is required. 5:30pm-7pm. MLK Rm., Eastside Library, 1102 E. Montecito St. Free. Call (805) 9627653 or email info@sbplibrary.libanswers.com. tinyurl.com/saludables-Sabores

9/16: Creator’s Club: Roots and Dreams Edition/Club de Creadores: Edición Raíces y Sueños Join every Wednesday through October 14 at the Eastside Library for weekly

A Walk

in the

Park

COUR TESY

activities inspired by Latin American culture and history. Make a Birds Story bag featuring colorful, handcrafted bird designs inspired by Guatemala’s rich cultural traditions, craftsmanship, and folklore. Ven todos los miércoles, hasta el 14 de octubre, a la Biblioteca Eastside para participar en actividades semanales inspiradas en la cultura y la historia de América Latina. Crea una bolsa «Birds Story» con coloridos diseños de pájaros hechos a mano, inspirados en las ricas tradiciones culturales, la artesanía y el folklore de Guatemala. 2-3pm. Eastside Library, 1102 E. Montecito St.

Sunday, Sep. 13, 9:00–10:00 AM At the Museum | Prehistoric Forest Members are invited to attend our annual Member Appreciation Breakfast and meet PBS Kids character Buddy the Dinosaur! Sip coffee or juice and enjoy donuts while relaxing with the dinosaurs in Prehistoric Forest along Mission Creek. All ages are welcome.

Members attend free with RSVP. Purchase a ticket for your non-member guest: $15 adults, $13 children.

For more information, contact membership@sbnature2.org. Not a Member yet? Join us today.

Beginning

ESCAPE TO

TAI CHI

Conservation Week 9/12: Latino Community Walk with Latino Outdoors Enjoy a community-

centered, bilingual (Spanish) walk with Garden leader Eric Cárdenas to explore amazing plants, animals, and insects that call the local environment home. Bring water, sun protection, and wear comfortable walking shoes. 9am-12pm. Top Parking Lot, Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Rd. Free. Call (805) 682-4726.

Rooms from

$239

sbbotanicgarden.org/calendar

9/12: White Buffalo Land Trust Fall Field Day at Jalama Canyon Ranch Enjoy a walking tour of the ranch’s pastures, vineyard, and native oak woodlands and learn about the regenerative principles and innovative ways we are increasing biodiversity, building soil, supporting a healthier water cycle, and improving climate stability across 1,000 acres. After the walk, taste delicious products from our food brand Figure Ate. Proceeds will support continued work in regenerative agriculture. 10am-1pm. Jalama Canyon Ranch Center for Regenerative Agriculture, 3635 Jalama Rd, Lompoc. Suggested donation: $25. Email programs@whitebuffalolandtrust.org. tinyurl.com/Jalama-Walk

New Classes TaiChiToni.net

Suites from

$289

ENJOY AN OVERNIGHT STAY WITH:

Two dinner entrees • A bottle of house wine

Rate Access Code: SANTABARBARA Sunday-Thursday • Sept 7-Nov 25, 2026 Not valid with other promotions • Subject to availability • Not available for groups • Must mention this coupon when booking & present at check-in • Taxes not included 800-966-6490 • 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria, CA 93428 INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

31


Fri: 2:45pm / Sat: 5:05pm Sun, Tues, Thurs: 2:45pm 7:35pm Mon, Wed: 5:05pm

2044 ALAMEDA PADRE SERRA

916 STATE ST

“PURE BLOCKBUSTER ADRENALINE” THE NEW YORKER

Fri: 2:40pm / Sat: 5:20pm / Sun: 7:40pm Mon: 2:40pm / Tues: 5:20pm Wed: 7:40pm / Thurs: 2:40pm

Fri: 2:50pm / Sat: 5:15pm / Sun: 7:30pm Mon: 2:50pm / Tues: 5:15pm Wed: 7:30pm / Thurs: 2:50pm

Fri: 5:15pm / Sat: 7:30pm / Sun: 2:25pm Mon: 5:15pm / Tues: 7:30pm Wed: 2:25pm / Thurs: 5:15pm Fri - Sun: 1:00pm 4:15pm 7:30pm Mon: No Showings Tues - Thurs: 1:00pm 4:15pm 7:30pm

Fri: 5:20pm / Sat: 7:40pm / Sun: 2:40pm Mon: 5:20pm / Tues: 7:40pm Wed: 2:40pm / Thurs: 5:20pm

Fri: 5:05pm / Sat: 2:45pm Sun, Tues, Thurs: 5:05pm Mon, Wed: 2:45pm 7:35pm SIGN UP TO RECEIVE DISCOUNTS ON TICKETS AND CONCESSIONS

SEPT 11 - 17

Daily: 2:30pm 5:10pm 7:50pm

Fri: 7:40pm / Sat: 2:40pm / Sun: 5:20pm Mon: 7:40pm / Tues: 2:40pm Wed: 5:20pm / Thurs: 7:40pm

Fri: 7:30pm / Sat: 2:25pm / Sun: 4:40pm Mon: 7:30pm / Tues: 2:25pm Wed: 4:40pm / Thurs: 7:30pm

Daily 2:20pm 5:00pm 7:45pm

Two Nights Only! Fri & Sat: 9:00pm

THE NAOMI AND BEN BOLLAG GALLERY at SBIFF’s FILM CENTER CURRENT EXHIBIT: THE VISUAL LEGACY OF BARBARA BOROS OPEN DAILY 2PM-8PM

WEEKDAY MATINEE PRICING & BARGAIN TUESDAYS

PRE-REGISTER FOR FREE TO WIN $ AND FARM DAY MERCH

GOT QUESTIONS? FARM DAY HAS ANSWERS.

SBIFFTHEATRES.COM

ON the Beat On the Beat spotlights all-things music and music-adjacent newsletter/column by music and arts journalist-critic Josef Woodard

8TH ANNUAL SBC FARM DAY PRESENTED BY SEEAG

Sign up at independent.com/support

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM P 19 LOCATIONS EX MA IL PLO A R T RE THE 100% FREE 32

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM


EMAIL: ARTS@INDEPENDENT.COM

HERE COMES THE BOOK SALE! THE PLANNED PARENTHOOD SALE OF BOOKS (AND MORE) KICKS OFF SEPTEMBER 10

T

by Jim Buckley | Photos by Ingrid Bostrom

hat thump-thump-thump sound you’ve been hearing all week was made by more than 4,500 bankers’ boxes full of books landing on the floor at the Earl Warren Showgrounds Exhibit Hall. After nearly a year of collecting, sorting, grading, cleaning, and pricing books, the energetic volunteers of Planned Parenthood Book Sale have it open for business starting from Thursday, September 10 to Sunday, September 20 (see the box for the full schedule). This is the 52nd annual sale, named for former leader Mary Jane McCord, and more than 150,000 books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl, puzzles, and games will be spread on tables in the hall, priced to move. Last year’s sale set records for books sold and money raised, and organizers are primed to do it again. “Here at the Book Sale,” says 2026 co-chair JoJo Snyder, “you’re going to find like-minded individuals who love to read … and a lot of bargains on books. The prices are phenomenal. They’re really low. And it’s so much fun and such a joy to see somebody find a book they were looking for, to see their eyes light up.” Volunteer Tristan Heather, a Dos Pueblos High senior, adds, “Hey, I mean, 10 books for under 25 dollars—you can’t beat that.” The sale became more vital than ever in the past year-plus, thanks to the federal government slashing funding in 202526 for Planned Parenthood by disallowing it from accepting Medi-Cal. (Snyder actually calls her service at the Book Sale a form of “active protest” to this sort of thing.) “Even though we are now able to bill for Medi-Cal, our fundraising efforts are still incredibly important,” said Lind-

say Soleimani, vice president of philanthropy. “We fundraise year-round, and last year, we had to increase that—the book sale was a part of that increase in fundraising.” Those funds go to help serve more than 30,000 patients on the Central Coast who need a wide variety of reproductivehealth-related services. Volunteer Anna Fenscik speaks from experience, “I have been going to Planned Parenthood forever. When I didn’t have any money for anything else, when I didn’t have any doctors, they treated me.” Along with the funds, the book sale is a big awareness raiser. “It promotes literacy and it really provides a resource for teachers,” adds Soleimani. “And the fact that it’s benefiting Planned Parenthood and gets that into people’s minds and homes makes it even better.” Volunteers collect books for the sale year-round. With most books priced at less than five dollars, the sale literally has something for everyone, from antiquarian rarities to Captain Underpants; from the latest best-selling novels to esoteric philosophy; from gardening, cooking, and design to animals, science, and art; from vampire-lover romantasy to

THE BASICS

THE PEOPLE

Except for opening night, September 10, every day at the Book Sale is FREE to enter. Full schedule at booksale.ppcentralcoast.org.

More than 200 volunteers work all year long at a warehouse in Goleta to collect donated books (and more), sort and categorize them, and price and prep them for the sale. “It’s like a treasure hunt every time we show up to sort books,” several of them said. They come from a wide swath of life, but are united in their love of reading, Planned Parenthood, and community. Co-chair Amy Zak-Urban says that she started volunteering “for the books,” but as she got more involved, “I found that the people are so willing. These volunteers step up. You ask that something needs to be done, you blink, and it’s done.” Here are some thoughts from some of these book-loving folks:

• • • • •

Thu., Sept. 10: 4-7 p.m. ($30 entry) Fri.-Sun., Sept. 11-13: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon., Sept. 14: Noon-7 p.m. Tue.-Fri., Sept. 15-18: Noon-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Sept. 19-20*: 10 a.m-6 p.m.

*This whole day (Sun, 9/20) is 50 percent off!

There’s something for everyone at the Planned Parenthood Book Sale.

Secret Bonus: On Sunday, September 20, at 5 p.m., by showing the proper IDs, local teachers and nonprofit employees can come and take as many free books as they can lug away.

Anna Fencsik: “It’s awesome. I love to talk to people and find out where they come from, what their interests are, show them books, and just see their faces when they find the books that they were looking for. This whole book sale organization is just so well planned and organized. I mean, after the many years I’ve been here, I still can’t get over that— how well we work together.”

L I F E PAGE 33

Funds raised from the Planned Parenthood Book Sale support more than 30,000 patients on the Central Coast.

devilish locked-room mysteries. More than 50 categories of books—fiction, nonfiction, and more—are laid out at the exhibit hall. Volunteers restock tables daily, so return visitors are sure to find gems that they missed the first time through. Bring big bags and leave time to browse. You never know what you might find.

Note: Donations of books, etc., will be accepted again starting October 1 at the Planned Parenthood Book Sale warehouse (5726 Thornwood Dr., Goleta).

Donald Polk: “I was looking for something to do in retirement. I’ve been a longtime supporter of Planned Parenthood, too. I tried a couple of other things that didn’t quite resonate. They just seemed too much like work! And then I found the book sale, and it’s been a great experience.” Barbara Barr: Barbara’s first day of volunteering was actually at the 2025 Book Sale, not at the warehouse. “I fell in love with it right away. As a former elementary school teacher, helping a child find a book that they like was like a dream. At the book sale, people are sometimes just looking for one specific book. And we might have it, but also they come in and say, ‘You know, my kid really liked Treasure Island or Hatchet or something,’ so there’s the fun of connecting them with other books that their kids might like too.” Jim Antenore: “The camaraderie of the volunteers, that’s number one. And number two, the community is so receptive to this and so appreciative of it. People come from really far away [to shop at the sale], and this is one of their most favorite things to do all year. And of course, it’s a great fundraiser for Planned Parenthood.”

Baby’s First Tattoo and Other Surprising Book Titles A clipboard hangs on a wall in the Goleta warehouse where donated books are sorted by Planned Parenthood Book Sale volunteers. When these “rough sorters” find a book title worth remembering, they jot it down. Here are some of the most memorable from recent sorts: • • • •

• • • •

• •

Extrasensory Healers in Bulgaria Butter My Butt and Call Me a Biscuit If You Give a Pig the White House How to Fossilize Your Hamster and Other Amazing Experiments for the Armchair Scientist Metaphors Be with You God’s Doodle: The Life & Times of the Penis Empty Brain, Happy Brain: How Thinking Is Overrated Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? And Other Questions About Dead Bodies Correct Mispronunciations of Some South Carolina Names The History of Farting

M O R E A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T > > > INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

33


DIRECTED BY

STARRING

JAMIE TORCELLINI

BRIAN McDONALD

MARK VELASQUEZ

BY

JONATHAN TOLINS

OCTOBER 7-25

&

C E L L A R “IMMENSELY ENGAGING! A well-crafted piece of entertainment. CONSISTENTLY WITTY!”

Alexander Pimentel, Christen Celaya, and Marilet Martinez in La Comedia of Errors JEFF LORCH PHOTOGRAPHY

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

PCPA’S NEW SEASON KICKS OFF WITH LA COMEDIA OF ERRORS SHOWS ALSO INCLUDE THE WIZARD OF OZ, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, AND MORE

etcsb.org 805.965.5400 SBC ANIMAL CARE FOUNDATION AND ANIMAL ANGELS THE MCHURLEYS PRESENT

Tails of H Hope

FOR THE ANIMALS OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY WITH CELEBRITY EMCEES JOHN CORBETT ("SEX & THE CITY") AND BO DEREK ("10") SPECIAL GUEST SHORTY ROSSI ("PITBOSS"ON ANIMAL PLANET)

Sunday, September 20, 2026 2:00PM TO 5:00PM

Rancho La Patera Stow House

Wine, Beer & Hors d’oeuvres Adoptable Shelter Dogs Silent Auction The Bubble Guy Tarot Card Readings.... and MORE! PRESENTING ANIMAL ANGELS:

The McHurley Family

TOP DOG: Greta Hansen Lee Heller ler D Diane iane H Heller elller Chris Wrather Betty & Ron Ziegler Kim Lowell BOSS CAT: 0 PProctor M TO 5:00PM Jean Silva & Phil Seymour 2 : 0 Lyn Paula Kislak

Rancho La Patera St S Stow tow to ow H Hou Ho House ous use se

EXTRAORDINARY EQUINE: Richard & Marilyn Mazess 3 0 Anthony 4 N L OKar S CARNEROS RD, Betty Marilyn Makepeace G Skatoff OLETA, CA Maggie & Gary Bradley Beau & Alan

SPONSORSHIPS, TICKETS AND FULL SPONSOR LIST: www.sbcanimalcare.org/tailsofhope tailsofhope4sbcas@gmail.com 34

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

L

by Leslie Dinaberg a Comedia of Errors, a bilingual adapta-

tion of the bard, kicks off PCPA’s season 63 with a zany English/Spanish comedy for all ages. Based on The Comedy of Errors, William Shakespeare’s most famous farce, the show runs September 10-27 at the Severson Theatre in Santa Maria on the campus of Allan Hancock College. Set in a contemporary U.S.–Mexico border town, the story captures a community-driven whirlwind of telenovela-style mistaken identities, physical slapstick, and vibrant music. The season features an energetic mix of Shakespeare, family favorites, contemporary drama, and large-scale musicals, including The Wizard of Oz, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 72 Miles to Go, Les Misérables, Mean Girls, and Murder on the Orient Express, in addition to La Comedia of Errors. Follow the yellow brick road to The Wizard of Oz, November 5 to December 20 at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria. Presented in a collaboration with 2 Ring Circus, this beloved classic and its heartfelt score and cherished characters are brought to new heights with aerial stunts and acrobatics for the whole family to enjoy. The new year brings another Shakespeare production, the romantic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to the Marian Theatre February 11-28, 2027. That’s followed by 72 Miles to Go by Hilary Bettis, at the Severson Theatre February 25 to March 14. An acclaimed family drama that spans a decade and the 72 miles between

Tucson, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico, the play follows a family as they come of age, fall in love, fight in wars and fight for each other—against the backdrop of deportation, DACA, and changing immigration laws. The iconic musical Les Misérables is up next, at the Marian Theatre April 22 to May 9, and again at the Solvang Festival Theater June 10 to July 3. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the French Revolution, Les Misérables follows Jean Valjean’s quest for redemption in a world filled with injustice, love, and sacrifice, with music and a story that has moved the world for generations. Tina Fey’s musical version of Mean Girls is July 14 to August 8 at Solvang Festival Theater. As ruthless as it is hilarious, this examination of the teenage girl world features homeschooled Cady going straight from the wilds of Africa into the wild and vicious world of suburban high school. Packed with sharp humor and a high-energy score, this show is, like, totally “fetch.” Another classic, Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, is on stage July 29 to August 7, 2027, at the Marian Theatre, then onto Solvang Festival Theater August 13-29, 2027. The twists and turns of Christie’s famous novel follow a glamorous journey aboard the opulent Orient Express, which soon turns deadly as everyone’s a suspect and detective Hercule Poirot sets out to find the killer. To purchase show tickets, visit pcpa.org or call the box office at (805) 922-8313.


EMAIL: ARTS@INDEPENDENT.COM JOHN RUSSO

THE CELEBRITY OF

SEPTEMBER 12 & 13

Earl Warren Showgrounds 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara

CHELSEA HANDLER W

Chelsea Handler

by Meaghan Clark Tiernan

hen I told friends and family I’d had the chance to chat with Chelsea Handler, everyone was thrilled. Everyone, it seems, knows Chelsea Handler. And it’d be hard not to—the comedian and host who has been on the stage for nearly 25 years is everywhere. The author of seven New York Times best-selling books is filming her next special while touring (her High and Mighty Tour visits Santa Barbara September 18), plus, she’s expanded her podcast into the Dear Chelsea Network. The world knows Chelsea Handler. And she’s using that “celebrity”—however you define that term—for more than just fancy cars, international travel, and homes around the world. Well, to be fair, she’s definitely used her fame and success to get some of those things, too—after all, we spoke over the phone while she was relaxing at her home in Mallorca, Spain—but she also uses that fame for good. “I am very interested in spreading joy,” she said. It’s what gave Samantha Bearman, the Santa Barbara comedian and owner of Bear Cave Productions, the confidence to start a campaign to join Handler on stage when she returns to the Arlington Theatre this year. After posting around 10 videos on TikTok pitching herself, which Bearman self-depreciatingly admits “generated nothing other than me continuing to make them,” she shared one on Instagram, and Handler reached out directly. She was immediately given a spot onstage. “She’s always been such a strong force in the comedy industry,” Bearman said. “She’s used her position as a wealthy, white woman in entertainment to move the dial as much as she can. She holds every man in comedy, and other women too, accountable for what they say and do. And she makes no apologies for her life.” More than that, the friend (don’t try to call her a saint, unless she says we’re “changing the definition”) is extremely loyal to her people and her fans. It’s not lost on Handler how lucky she is. So she’s using her platform to spread joy however she can, whether it’s offering up singles looking for love on Instagram, bringing along family (however dysfunctional) to

exotic destinations, or sharing the stage with ambitious, local comedians. “I quite enjoy the life that I have. I feel a real sense of responsibility to provide a good time,” she said, echoing something similar she said toshe said to Indy Arts and Culture Editor Leslie Dinaberg in 2024,the last time she was in Santa Barbara. “I think with the backdrop of everything we’re experiencing in this world right now, and all of the unknowns, every person should figure out what they’re doing to double down on positivity, kindness and goodness,” says Handler. Handler knows all too well that a little drop of kindness can go a long way. It’s a huge reason she started Dear Chelsea, a podcast with iHeartPodcasts. The advice podcast pairs real-life questions with celebrity guests. Handler regularly tries to solve everything, from solving wedding drama to date-night suggestions for new parents along with a celebrity guest weekly. Using a mix of Dear Abby wisdom (Handler admits that her father required front-to-back newspaper reading as a child, and the old woman’s advice column was her favorite) along with a stint in therapy where she was determined to get it done so she could “get on to the next phase of my life.” With the success of her own real-life Dear Abby– style advice column, Handler is expanding her network into additional outlets for others. You’re the Problem with Yamaneika Saunders, under Dear Chelsea Network, debuted in July. “She’s actually the problem,” Handler laughs when speaking about her friend, “but I was so sick of listening to her on tour that I was like, ‘We need to get you your own podcast.’ She’s crazy, funny, and just unhinged.” Saunders will be opening for Handler when she returns to Santa Barbara in September. Where will she end up next? Who knows. She tends to go with her gut, just like it seems she’s always been doing. Her instincts seem to lead her the right way. Chelsea Handler: The High and Mighty Tour is happening on Friday, September 18, 8 p.m., at the Arlington Theatre (1317 State St.). See bit.ly/3SmUfAU.

bit.ly/sbsgoaf JORGE LOSADA

THE COMEDIAN RETURNS SEPTEMBER 18 FOR HER HIGH AND MIGHTY TOUR

Leslie Dinaberg’s award-winning On Culture offers a snapshot view of the best of local culture and fun happenings in the worlds of music, theater, visual art, film, dance, books, lectures, and more.

Sign up at independent.com /support INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

35


SAT. & SUN. UN. SEPTEMBER BER 26 & 277 10 AM TO 6 PM

Get your all-inclusive activity wristband at LemonFestival.com PRESENTED BY

GIRSH PARK FREE ADMISSION

Please, no pets at the Festival

Scan here for full details

Lemon Pie, Bars, Lemonade • Live Music • Kids Rides & Activities • Pie Eating Contests Craft Lemon Beer • Safety Street • Arts & Crafts • The Goleta Fall Classic Car Show… and more!

MAIN SQUEEZE SPONSORS

LEMON SLICE SPONSORS

NEW HOUSE

Santa Barbara Men’s Sober Living Since 1955

10 th Annual

Heart of New House Luncheon Saturday, September 19, 2026 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

This year’s honorees: TOM AND MONICA CURRY Heart of New House Award

LEMON ZEST SPONSORS American Medical Response | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | Chevron | Cumulus Radio Station | Edhat Golden 1 Credit Union | Goleta Sanitary District | Goleta Water District | Goodland Wine Shop | LUX Dermatology Majestic Asset Management | NNSS-Special Technologies Lab | Noozhawk | Santa Barbara City College Santa Barbara Independent | Santa Barbara MTD | Tammy Dobrotin State Farm | Teledyne FLIR | The Berry Man The Ritz-Carlton Bacara | UCSB Department of Recreation | Woodstock’s Pizza | Village Properties | 92.9 KJEE

EVENT SUPPORTERS Anna’s Bakery | Big Hammer Lures | Branches Mobile Gallery | Bright Event Rentals | CalPrivate Bank Camino Real Marketplace | Culligan Water | Foundation for Girsh Park | Foundation Press | Granite Construction JANO Printing & Mailworks | Lure Digital | M.Special Brewing Co. | Por La Mar Nursery | Raising Cane’s Santa Barbara Cider Co. | Sunstone Winery | Team Solutions | Tri-Valley Trophies & Specialties | WE R FILMS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE

STAY CONNECTED @sbindependent on all platforms

#sbindy 36

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

JOSEPH GARCIA

Hero of New House Award

New House is dedicated to providing a clean, sober, and healthy environment that allows men with alcohol and other drug problems to begin their journey of recovery and reclaim their dignity, self-esteem, and sense of purpose. Proceeds from this event directly fund scholarships, ensuring that no person seeking to change their life is turned away due to lack of funds.

Visit sbnewhouse.org for tickets and more information


P. 37 Nature

COURTESY SANTA BARBARA ZOO

Endangered Gibbon Gives Birth

by Callie Fausey

ATHLETES of the

WEEK

G

uests at the Santa Barbara Zoo witnessed quite the spectacle this week: the birth of an endangered white-handed gibbon smack dab in the middle of the gibbons’ habitat. The newborn ape arrived at approxiChanee (left) holds her infant next to father Mel (right) mately 4:45 p.m. on August 29 and is the the zoo’s vice president of Animal Care & Health. first for Chanee and Mel; 19-year-old Chanee has had three babies with other partners, “Mom and baby are both doing well, and our team will be watching closely for bonding as Chanee but 24-year-old Mel is a first-time father. The zoo’s animal care team had been “eagerly cares for the baby in the habitat.” Gibbons typically live in small family groups anticipating” the birth. “Gibbons don’t show many outward signs of pregnancy, but we suspected Cha- consisting of two parents and their offspring. Young nee was expecting and had been supporting her gibbons remain with their family for several years with prenatal vitamins, so the timing of this birth as they develop the skills needed for an indepenn was a wonderful surprise,” said Dr. Julie Barnes, dent life.

BY VICTOR BRYANT

E

Bella Bazylewicz San Marcos Flag Football

Events

COURTESY

A Marine Science Michelangelo Angelique Allen Merges Ocean Art and Octopus Neuroscience by Peter Dugre

Bella Bazylewicz led San Marcos High School to a 4-2 record this week against top competition. In a 34-0 win against Channel Islands, she scored one receiving touchdown and one punt return touchdown. She racked up six catches, 103 yards, and one touchdown in a 13-6 loss to Santa Barbara. Bazylewicz helped the Royals bounce back with six catches, 127 yards, and a touchdown in a 15-13 win over Bonita.

Jaden Yanez

A

ngelique Allen, a doctoral student in the Institute of Neuroscience at University of Oregon, is as comfortable in a lab coat as she is creatively penning stories. In her studies, she’s adding to our understanding of how octopuses perceive the world around them. If this seems like a heady subject, it is. In part, that’s why Allen has also worked to create easier access points to the cutting-edge science she advances. She and her colleagues created “Dreams of a Scientist,” both as a children’s book and for a community of scientists whose mission it is to make science easier to reach through storytelling and art. Allen brings her science-for-the-people mission to Santa Barbara this September 12 and 13 during the Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival at Earl Warren Showgrounds. She says it’s a perfect

ach week, the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table recognizes student-athletes whose standout performances helped lift their teams and showcase the region’s sporting talent.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Zoo Welcomes First Offspring of Chanee and Mel

Laguna Blanca Football

Angelique Allen

fit. The audience of ocean lovers and artists will hear Allen’s latest discoveries in the field of octopus neuroscience and how her creative side hustle challenges the pigeonholed perspective that we operate strictly as right- or left-brained, scientist or artist.

Visit Independent.com for a Q&A with Allen on mixing art and science, and visit santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com for full festival details.

Jaden Yanez led Laguna Blanca to a 48-14 victory over Cuyama Valley with five catches, 185 yards receiving, and five touchdowns. He also added three two-point conversions.

The Santa Barbara Athletic Hall of Fame event takes place Monday, September 14, at 5 p.m. in Hatch Hall at Direct Relief in Goleta. Tickets can be purchased at sbroundtable.org. INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

37


SUPPORT THE MICKEY FLACKS JOURNALISM FUND FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE TODAY

presents

Make a tax deductible contribution at

Youth & Family Public Performance Series

sbcan.org/journalism_fund

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

Leyendas de Duende Magical Tales of Latin America

Sat, Sep 12, 2026 @ 2pm Boys & Girls Clubs of SB County-Carpinteria Unit 4849 Foothill Rd

B’rer Rabbit & Other Trickster Tales

Sat, Jan 23, 2027 @ 2pm

Girl’s Inc of Greater SB County-Goleta Valley Ctr 4973 Hollister Ave

FREE ADMISSION!

SB Downtown Public Library Faulkner Gallery | 40 E Anapamu St

Sun, May 16, 2027 @ 2pm The Alcazar Theatre 4916 Carpinteria Ave

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

NO TICKETS REQUIRED JUST SHOW UP!

info@boxtales.org

Stay up to date on everything the SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT is doing beyond our pages. Sign up for our weekly

EXTRA! NEWSLETTER Independent.com/support

38

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Christina McDermott

INDEPENDENT.COM

Read Christina’s Work below independent.com/mickeyflacksfellow

y

Sat, Apr 10, 2027 @ 2pm

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


SPORTS

GARY KIM

The Kid Gets a Chance

A

“We’ve been fortunate that Isaiah, s the San Marcos Royals varsity team practices football on a steamy August evening, among other former players, showed in you look around the field, trying to spot the his time with us that he understood the head coach. You know, the older dude with a clipboard impact that being on a team has,” says or a sheet of plays, whistle around the neck, probably Crawford. “He had and has that perspeclooking like the least athletic guy out there. Traditional tive, and while competitive, he tries to meet the kids where they are at. He is a coach stuff, ya know? And then the Royals head coach makes himself big-picture guy who is energized by what known, ball cap on backward, Pulp Fiction T-shirt on, he does and brings positivity to coaching. sprinting ahead of his team, shouting “Let’s go! Let’s see And that is very cool.” As an assistant coach at Bishop, “I just some energy!” and seeming to dare his players to keep up as the hip-hop music he has deejayed via his phone ended up falling in love with it,” says Veal, “and falling in love with seeing kids grow echoes off the stands. At 26, Isaiah Veal is probably the youngest head foot- and being able to be a mentor. But also, ball coach seen around these parts in decades. It’s a job someone who’s in their corner. I guess I that normally goes to football men with long résumés wanted to teach them the lessons that I and serious reputations. But the Royals feel like they had to learn the hard way.” Though only four or five years older have a diamond in the rough in the local lad turned than his players, Veal was able to quickly team boss. Veal grew up in Goleta, the son of Michelle and find a way to connect his former and curEric, as part of a sports-loving crew of five children. rent lives. “I matured very quickly in those “Goleta-born and raised,” he says, though noting that he years after college,” he laughs. A sterling went against the company line by skipping nearby Dos reputation from his time at the school Pueblos High and going to Bishop Diego High School. went a long way to helping his new role Veal was a football rat from the start, beginning with work out. His younger brother was also a the Youth Football League (“Go Bantam Bears!”). The student there at the time. After three seasons with the Cardinals, decision to attend Bishop, in fact, was connected to his YFL roots, as many of his teammates were headed there the opportunity to try for the San Marcos job came up, and Veal passed all the tests, as well. The Bishop years were successful for Veal on and off even at an age when most coaches are still the field. Under veteran head coach Tom Crawford, the working up the ladder. “There’s something so special about high school football,” says Veal. “It’s just so authentic Veal arrived on campus in the spring and pure.” Cardinals had one of their best stretches ever. Veal, a wide receiver and defensive back (eight interceptions and began to put together his team and his coaching staff, which was all new and almost success. The biggest thing I think I’ve been able to do in his final season!), was part of a senior class all younger than he was. They created a with these guys is really flip their brain into saying, that ended up winning the school’s summer workout schedule that he ‘Dude, we’re expecting to win football games. We’re first state championship in 2017. admits was so tough that many expecting to be winners.’ Having that expectation really Their 41-6 victory in the CIF players decided not to return pushes the guys at practice and knowing this is the stan3AA division made them for the team in the fall. “It’s dard we have as a team.” the first school from the The Royals were crushed by a much mightier Dana hard, but only the strong county to hold up a state survive in this game,” he said, Hills team 56-10 in the season opener on August 21. trophy. Their 15 wins were a classic old-school attitude They lost a 22-21 squeaker to Del Sol in a game that Veal also a local record. Veal had said offered a lot of lessons learned. They must have from a young dude. a touchdown catch in the state by Jim Buckley One of his models on taking over learned something already; the Royals swamped Chantitle rout, but it was not the first the Royals was Crawford. Veal credits his nel Islands 35-0 for Veal’s first head-coaching victory on thing he mentioned when asked about former coach’s confidence, attention to detail, and stoic September 4. his best Bishop memories. “One of the main reasons I coach,” adds Veal, “is “All the time we spent together,” he says, “that’s what demeanor. “I try to have that be a big part of my coachI remember. Especially our senior year. The bus rides, ing points,” says the young coach. “You can’t always do because football changed my life and has given me hotel trips, team meals. There’s something so special everything, but what we can do is control what we can opportunities that I could only dream of —a college degree, this incredible job, a loving family, new experiabout high school football. It’s just so authentic and control, every single play, and that’s our job.” His Royals charges are all still just a little bit younger ences. I want to be able to pay that forward and give pure. You get to college, and things are much more than him, and Veal has to walk a fine line between being these kids the same things.” transactional.” Veal doesn’t spend all this time at the Turnpike Road For Veal, high school football success was the road to an older brother and an authority figure. “It’s a question of finding that middle ground,” he campus. He also works as the director of operations at college, as a scholarship was going to have to be in the cards. After losing a promised ride to UC Davis, Veal says. “I want the kids to be comfortable with me and the busy Page Youth Center. And he’s also planning his pivoted to College of Idaho, an NAIA school that had communicate. I want them to realize that I’m young and December wedding to Laura Henderson. A young man just restarted its football program in 2014. He was influ- want to have a great time, in terms of a fun atmosphere in a big hurry, he has big hopes of having to find space enced there by former NFL QB Mike Moroski, Idaho’s at practice. But they also have to understand that there on his fingers for a championship ring along with the head coach. Veal earned three All-Conference selections is a time and a place for that and a time to be serious gold one. Youthful success as a coach is not unprecedented. and was named a Scholar-Athlete by the college. After a and work.” San Marcos has a lot of work to do. The Royals have Curly Lambeau was 23 when he took over the Green Bay senior-year knee injury finally ended his playing days, Veal, with his degree in business administration in hand, not won a playoff game in more than 20 years. They have Packers and won six NFL titles. Sean McVay took over one winning record since 2004. Veal says he’s trying to the Rams when he was just 30, and L.A. has been to a came home eager to keep football in his life. pair of Super Bowls. Royals fans are hoping Veal can join His first call was to Crawford, who welcomed his change all that. n “We have a young team that hasn’t really had much those “youngsters” and bring home a title. former player to the staff.

Isaiah Veal Takes Over San Marcos Football at the Age of 26

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

39


YOU’RE INVITED!

A Celebration of the

BEST OF S A N TA B A R B A R A ®

5:30 - 9:00 PM

Thursday,

October 22 Santa Barbara Historical Museum

40

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

2026

Get Your Tickets Now at sbindytickets.com $55 Early Bird Price Ends September 30 21+ Event


FOOD&DRINK

p.41

T

he Mullet—Santa Barbara’s new vinyl bar in the

Funk Zonk behind Lama Dog Tap Room—takes its name from the controversial hairdo of hockey players, hicks, and hipsters, whose greatest tagline is “business in the front, party in the back.” Whether you love the style, hate it, or just plain tolerate it, the mullet lends itself to great imagery—perfect for logos, stickers, and drink coasters—and, it turns out, quite a cocktail menu.

ES BOTTBLARRELS & T KET TMANN T BY MA

RICKY BIGGS PHOTOS

The Mullet’s Magic Mix of Character Cocktails, Vinyl Vibes, and Business Smarts

Lama Dog Founder Pete Burnham’s New Funk Zone Bar Is Bright and Already Booming

FOOD & DRINK

“I’m not a particular fan of gimmicks, believe it or not,” said The Mullet’s mastermind Peter Burnham, who opened the adjacent Lama Dog in 2016 and its uptown sister in 2024. “But I couldn’t help naming drinks after the most obscure people with fantastic mullets.” Each The Mullet’s team includes (from left) Gustavo “Goose” Bello, owner Pete Burnham, Rick Bobadilla, Caitlyn Norton, Brandon Hedekin, and Jesus Munoz mulletteer then inspired the cocktails themselves via a special ingredient or two. mixologists Jesus Munoz and Gustavo “Goose” Bello ago, and the tech company Honey briefly took the room. There’s the Valtteri Bottas, a refreshing sparkling and manager Brandon Hedekin—which includes plenty (Historically, said Burnham, the whole building was once grapefruit concoction known as a “Finnish Long Drink” of more common drinks, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic a tune-up shop for Oscar Mayer’s fleet of Weinermobiles.) (or lonkero) named after Finland’s top race car driver. options. Of course, being a proper bar, you can also just As happens in a steadily startling number of developThere’s La Flamma Blanca, a margarita-ish nod to the order whatever you want. ments these days, the city’s permitting process for The show Eastbound & Down when disgraced Unlike many of the other Mullet took far longer than expected, ramping up Burnpitcher Kenny Powers (so it’s actually the vinyl bars that have popped up ham’s costs and frustration in fabulous ways. But The Mulactor Danny McBride’s mullet) flees to play around the country over the past let finally opened its doors in the back of Lama Dog on ball in Mexico. few years, this is not a “listening” August 20, and the crowds have been amassing ever since. experience. This is a party—the “I’m sure some of it is luck,” said Burnham. “But we There’s a Van Damm (rum and mint with a Belgian lambic float), a Ziggy Stardust music is intentionally loud, danc- got a ton of Instagram buzz, and it’s been so long in the (vodka, mango, and pineapple with “magic ing is encouraged, and the space is making that everyone was anticipating it.” dust”), and, though not on the menu yet, the well lit and cheery rather than dark When I visited on its first Saturday afternoon, the Rain Epler, an Estonian politician whose fanand moody. place was nearly full by 3 p.m., with a wide range of clientastic mullet is honored with Estonian vodka. “What is music for other than tele. All (adult) ages were mingling, the deejay was spin(Look up his mullet now.) Others reflect having a good time with friends?’ ning, there was dancing, and the epic people-watching famous people during their own mullet eras, explained Burnham, whose friend fun was broken up by glances at a large TV screen looping Ally Hendrickson is lining up the videos of skateboard tricks and Formula 1. Though he such as Paul McCartney in Wings (starring deejays. “This is just a bright, almost took my offer for a ride uptown that afternoon, Earl Grey tea–infused gin) and Bill Murray in 1979 (bourbon from his hometown of happy place for friends to get Burnham got stuck there past midnight, enlisting friends Chicago). together.” to help wash glasses because business was so booming. That’s just the start of the menu—overseen The Mullet’s more mundane There are lots of ideas for the future: connecting a by veteran mixologists Jesus Munoz and Gusorigin story is tied to 2023 state law night’s musical theme to who’s playing at the Santa Bartavo “Goose” Bello and manager Brandon that blocked municipalities from bara Bowl; serving as an afterparty to Bowl shows; even Hedekin— which includes plenty of more mandating extra parking spaces getting Bowl performers to come spin records after their common drinks, wine, beer, and nonalco- Music curator Ally Hendrickson (right) for new developments if they are sets. There may be Goonies or F1 races airing silently on holic options. Of course, being a proper bar, talks to guest Alex Ayres at The Mullet. located near public transit centers, the big screen, plus plenty of private gatherings for nonlike the train station. With Lama profits or companies who want to rent the space. you can also just order whatever you want. There’s a Van Damm (rum and mint with a Belgian Dog’s parking allocation already tapped out—and no new For such a humble, laid-back dude, Burnham is turnlambic float), a Ziggy Stardust (vodka, mango, and pine- parking even possible in the crowded Funk Zone—the ing out to be quite the savvy entrepreneur, achieving apple with “magic dust”), and, though not on the menu law meant that Burnham could open a second business instant success with Lama Dog, then Lama Dog Uptown yet, the Rain Epler, an Estonian politician whose fantastic in the same location. (known by most as Lama Sama for the Sama Sama food mullet is honored with Estonian vodka. (Look up his So he took over the lease for the rear of the building, service there), and now The Mullet. He’s down to party, mullet now.) Others reflect famous people during their which was designed as a gallery space for artists when but really does keep his business up front. own mullet eras, such as Paul McCartney in Wings (star- The Waterline shared-space development opened in “I’m happy,” he said. “There’s a good chance this will ring Earl Grey tea–infused gin) and Bill Murray in 1979 2016. While most of the building’s tenants remain as envi- be my last, but you never know.” sioned—The Nook serves food, Topa Topa does beer, (bourbon from his hometown of Chicago). That’s just the start of the menu—overseen by veteran Fox Wine Co. does wine, etc.—the artists left a while The Mullet, 116 Santa Barbara St.; @themulletsb

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

41


The Scoop on Sweetaly

INGRID BOSTROM

Tre ats

On State Street, Sweetaly is serving up authentic Italian gelato.

WEEK!

ING!

IT’S COM

O T I R BUR

FOOD & DRINK

T

SEPTEMBER

24-30

READERS: GET READY TO DIG IN! FOR THE STAY TUNED NEXT WEEK NTS PARTICIPATING RESTAURA Santa Barbara

1986

42

THE INDEPENDENT

4O YEARS

2026

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

he best gelato I’ve ever had was from a gelateria in Rome. The second best was at Sweetaly, a new gelato spot on State Street. After talking with owner Francesco Amendola a few weeks ago, I wasn’t all that surprised by the gelato’s quality. After all, he told me he “learned it from the best gelato chefs in Italy.”

Santa Barbara came onto their radar around 2022 when their daughter, Sophie, started school at SBCC. Amendola visited her and thought Santa Barbara was the most beautiful town he’d ever seen in the United States, “by far.” Growing up in the family business, watching her parents make gelato, learning the craft and absorbing the standards that defined their shops, Sophie started floating around the idea of opening a shop in Santa Barbara. When a gelateria at 401 Paseo Nuevo closed its doors last year, Amendola knew it was a sign. Plus, the location was perfect — it was already equipped for gelato. They officially opened up shop on August 1, and Amendola said public reception has been incredible. “The Santa Barbara community has been really warm and welcoming — we couldn’t be happier than this, honestly.” In the dozen-plus years he’s been making gelato, Amendola has never strayed from his commitment to making a truly authentic product. “To me, the most important thing is to bring a little bit of our culture [to] the United States,” he said. “…We never cut corners because of that.” Unlike many large chains that produce frozen desserts in central factories and ship them out, Sweetaly’s gelato is made on-site, in small batches, daily. Its base uses just five ingredients, and toppings come from Italy: pistachios from Sicily; hazelnuts from Northern Italy; almonds from Apulia, a region in Southern Italy. Nothing is premixed or rushed. Everything is authentic. Amendola credits Sophie with the idea to open a spot in Santa Barbara. She is planning to take over the Santa Barbara location soon, though she’s currently in Italy awaiting visa approval. In the meantime, Amendola is serving up authentic Italian gelato in Santa Barbara, one scoop at a time. The best part? Santa Barbara’s Italian community is already becoming regulars. “It tells us we’re doing something good,” Amendola laughed. “If the Italians approve.”

Sweetaly Gelato Brings Its Family-Run Approach and Italian Roots to State Street by Tiana Molony Amendola grew up in Southern Italy, in Calabria. Though both from Italy, he and his wife, Lisa, met in the early ’90s in the States while in college in Utah. After graduating, they moved back to Italy, where they ran an organic supermarket for seven years. During that time, they developed an appreciation for organic, high-quality food. One day, over scoops of gelato, they wondered if they should open a shop of their own. They wouldn’t open one in Italy. No. The market was too saturated and the product was already perfected. They decided they would bring authentic gelato to America, where their previous experience with the product had been, for lack of a better word, underwhelming. Amendola knew that if he was going to do this, he was going to do it right. Nothing would be cheapened. Everything would be authentic, as if you’d stumbled into a shop in Italy. As he said, “You can’t just open a gelato shop and improvise.” To learn the craft, he attended school in Italy, studying at two of the country’s premier gelato schools: Università dei Sapori in Perugia and the Gelato University in Bologna. There, he learned mathematical and chemical formulas to formulate a base that stays consistently creamy and balanced. Then, in 2014, he and his family moved to the U.S., where they opened their first Sweetaly location in Utah, then a second, building a loyal following over the next dozen years.

Sweetaly Gelato is located at 401 Paseo Nuevo and is open noon-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-9 p.m. on Sunday. See sweetaly.com.


City Educates Restaurants on New Plastics Law

WE LC OME TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF FREEDOM

L

BIBI JI INDIAN RESTAURANT CLOSES: Bibi Ji, a wine bar, bottle shop, and

all-day Indian restaurant, opened in February 2016 at 734 State Street (the former home of Relais de Paris and Ruby’s Café & Spirits Lounge), then moved to 1213 State Street (formerly McDonald’s) in June 2024. Matt Kettmann at the Santa Barbara Independent posted an in-depth story on September 2, 2026, indicating that the business has now closed. “The lack of local traffic downtown is insurmountable,” Kettmann quotes co-owner Charlotte Medina. “Santa Barbara runs on tourism, but that can’t sustain all these businesses. There’s no workforce downtown. There are no residents downtown. That makes it very hard to survive any economic hiccups. People just don’t spend as much downtown—they go to Montecito.” DROVER’S DOUGHNUTS CLOSES: Drover’s Doughnuts, based in Buellton

with an additional location in Solvang, opened a third store last January at 5745 Calle Real in Goleta, taking over the former Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf space. Readers G. and Sarah B. let me know that there is a new sign on the door that reads: “Drover’s Doughnuts. Sale of the business is pending. Closed until further notice.”

TICKETS ARE GOING FAST

FOOD & DRINK

ast month, while attending the Santa Barbara Independent’s’s 40th anniversary celebration, I ran into City of Santa Barbara Environmental Specialist Hillary Allen, who told me about a new city law that is changing the types of disposable foodware restaurants and other businesses can use. The municipal code, approved in March, bans plastic to-go ware and requires businesses to move toward compostable paper- and fiber-based alternatives. Allen cautions that products marketed as “compostable plastic” are also prohibited if they look and feel like plastic because they don’t break down in Santa Barbara’s local composting system. The law also requires washable, reusable items for on-site dining, although some exemptions apply. The requirements are already fully phased in and could be enforced now, but Allen says the city is deliberately taking an educational approach first. A small city team is going door-to-door to every restaurant to explain the changes and help businesses make the transition. “We don’t think it’s fair to immediately send out code enforcement,” Allen told me. “We know that businesses often don’t know about new requirements.” The city can visit restaurants for consultations, help to identify appropriate replacement products, and provide staff training in English or Spanish. Businesses can even send the city photos of products to find out whether they comply. Allen says restaurants will also be given time to use up supplies they have already purchased. “We really want to hold their hand and help them get into compliance,” she said. Allen says the city will probably make three visits to each restaurant before turning to code enforcement. “My guess is that it will be another year before we even begin doing that,” she said. “We want them to trust the city,” Allen said. “We want them to know that we’re a partner.”

RON WHITE OCTOBER 2 T I C K E T S S T A R T AT $ 6 9 BUY YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY’RE GONE

WELLA’S CLOSES TEMPORARILY: Reader Cyndie Y. noticed a sign at Wel-

la’s Soul Food and Barbeque, which had a grand opening on August 16, 2026, at 318 Milpas Street, indicating that it is closed until further notice for facility maintenance. Additionally, the eatery posted the following message online: “We didn’t expect our next post to be this one. Shortly after such a beautiful Grand Opening, Wella unexpectedly experienced a health concern that has required her to be hospitalized. We’re looking forward to updating you all and welcoming you back through our doors as soon as we can. For now, Wella’s Soul Food and Barbeque will be temporarily closed. Please keep her and our family in your prayers. Rooted in Soul.” John Dickson’s reporting can be found every day online at SantaBarbara.com. Send tips to info@SantaBarbara.com.

Management reserves the right to change or cancel promotions and events at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.522.4700. ©2026 Chumash Casino Resort.

INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

43


ICE OUT OF SB PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY If you see ICE in your area, call the

RAPID RESPONSE HOTLINE

(805)870-8855 OR TEXT “ALERT” AND RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS WHEN ICE IS NEARBY follow SBRESISTE on instagram

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY by Rob Breszny WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10

ARIES

(Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, but they can maintain top tempo for only about 20-30 seconds before overheating. When they’re hunting, they usually get just one speedy dash to catch their prey. They must spend far more time stalking and positioning than running. The velocity is sensational, but their patient and prolonged strategy is even more essential. In the coming weeks, Aries, I urge you to be like the cheetah as you pursue want you need and want.

TAURUS

(Apr. 20-May 20): The dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov said that true mastery means performing with complete intensity while making the movement appear effortless. Behind the grace lies years of disciplined practice. Is there an aptitude or practice you cultivate that fits this description, Taurus? I hope you’re ready to showcase it, flaunt it, and use it to your maximum benefit. It’s time to capitalize bountifully on skills at which you excel. Your welldeserved rewards are more likely to arrive than usual.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): “Dear Oracle: I have contracted a severe case of too-many-tabs-open. My brain has 19 windows running at once, and it’s hard for me to determine which thoughts are the truly important ones. Everything seems equally urgent and equally trifling. Any tips on how I can better figure out what actually matters the most? —Overstimulated Gemini.” Dear Overstimulated: The secret to fixing this dilemma is to consult your body. Focus your attention on your gut and ask it to send you sweet clues about which yearnings it resonates with most. Check in with your feet and seek their wise counsel about which direction they want to lead you. Pat yourself lovingly on the butt a few times and request its loving guidance about what will make you feel most grounded.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I just finished a delicate peace mission to the contested inner landscape where your nightmares have been causing a big ruckus. In response to my diplomacy, they have agreed to drop their weapons and release their captives. In exchange, they are asking you to sit with them for a while as they rant and sob, and maybe offer them a few kisses and affectionate embraces. Drawing on my long years of coaxing unruly spirits back into semi-sanity, I conclude that a key reason they turned so dramatic and extreme was that they have been starving for your attention. I am very sure that with just a little effort, you can tame their reckless restlessness.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’re poised at a threshold between what’s comfortably familiar and excitingly possible. A certain reliable part of your life has served you well for a long time but is now ripe for evolution. The paradox is that letting go of a serviceable asset can feel more difficult than shedding what’s obviously harmful. So, here’s the riddle I hope you will meditate on: What good old thing could you relinquish so as to attract and make room for a great new thing in your life?

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci filled his notebooks with sketches of machines that would not become practical until centuries later. Examples are the parachute, a helicopterlike “aerial screw,” and an armored tank. Many of his designs were simply too advanced for the materials and engineering of his era. I suspect you may experience comparable moments of visionary thinking in the coming weeks and months, Sagittarius. To some people and even to yourself, your ideas might seem overly ambitious or ahead of their time. But please don’t dismiss them. Write down your inklings and let them cavort around in your imagination.

CAPRICORN

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): For some people, laughter is like a spiritual practice. A lot of them are Leos, Aquarians, and Sagittarians. They crack up more often and for longer stretches than most, and they tend to howl at ironies everyone else takes too seriously. I bring this to your attention, dear Cancerian, because you’re in a time when you could and should laugh often in wild, liberating ways. I invite you to explore the weirder areas of your sense of humor and work earnestly to expand what you find funny. PS: There’s credible evidence that laughter can reduce stress physiology, ease anxiety, lift mood, strengthen social connection, and even raise pain tolerance.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sofya Kovalevskaya was born under the sign of Capricorn in 1850. Early in her life, she displayed mathematical brilliance. She longed to develop her talent, but women weren’t allowed to attend college in her native Russia. So, she devised a workaround: a marriage of convenience with a man who helped her leave the country and gain the freedom to study in Germany. There she eventually became the first woman to earn a doctorate. Inspired by her example, I encourage you to consider creative strategies for obstacles that seem immovable. What indirect routes might lead you to your goals better than frontal assaults? Be willing to zigzag toward your destination.

LEO

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Most of us have been cursed. The sources of the bad mojo have rarely been evil sorcerers who cast literal spells. Rather, they were harsh pronouncements about our worth or our future, spoken by people we loved or trusted. For example, when I was 20, my astrology teacher dropped an alarming verdict on me: “You will never be seen and appreciated for who you truly are.” That ugly decree became a jinx I spent years struggling with before I finally banished it. Do you carry a comparable hex, Aquarius? Maybe mommy or daddy proclaimed you would never amount to anything. Maybe an ex declared that you would never again find real love. Whatever it might have been, here’s the good news: You now have the power to at least partially dissolve that old scourge and glide into the future less burdened by it.

(July 23-Aug. 22): The astronomer Johannes Kepler spent years trying to prove that planetary orbits were perfect circles because he believed the universe should behave that way. Once he abandoned his cherished assumption, he discovered the truth: The planets travel in ellipses. That revision transformed astronomy forever. With this in mind, Leo, I will ask you: Is there an elegant belief you have outgrown? A theory that was once fun and interesting but now limits your vision? The coming weeks will favor corrections. Changing your mind will show you that reality is even more interesting than you previously understood.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Master chefs say that diners first taste food with their eyes. The visual presentation is key to the whole experience. But the beauty must arise from craftsmanship rather than empty decoration. I believe you Virgos are in a phase when this is an important metaphor. Your outer style and inner substance are ready to become better collaborators. Some suggestions: Wear clothes that influence you to feel vividly alive. Relax your face and posture. Beautify your workspace. Polish your presentations. And please make sure the dazzling appearances reflect equally nourishing contents.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Ravens often cache shiny objects and interesting novelties that seem to possess no immediate practical value. I recommend you channel your inner raven in the coming weeks, Pisces. Assemble an array of quirky treasures and raw materials without immediately deciding whether or why they might be useful. Like what? Like fun ideas, memorable quotations, odd facts, provocative images, curious fragments, and fascinating stories. In ways you can’t imagine yet, your playful cluster will inspire imaginative innovations and delightful breakthroughs.

Homework: What’s the most important thing you’ve never done? tinyurl.com/v9v9v9v9 Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. 44

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM


INDEPENDENT CLASSIFIEDS

|

PHONE 805-965-5205

|

E M A I L A D V E R T I S I N G @ I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

CLASSIFIEDS S A N T A

B A R B A R A

I N D E P E N D E N T

Reaching 68,000 Readers Each Week

EMPLOYMENT HEALTH & FITNESS DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance ‑ NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1‑866‑247‑1964 www.dental50plus.com/ cali #6258 (Cal‑SCAN)

PROFESSIONAL

ASSISTANT CLASSROOM A/V SERVICES MANAGER INSTRUCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Assistant Classroom A/V Services Manager supports the daily operations of Classroom A/V Services (CAVS) under the direction of the Classroom A/V Services Manager. CAVS provides instructional technical support for A/V equipment across approximately 275 campus instructional spaces, and this position directly supervises three full‑time career staff and up to 35 student staff. The Assistant Manager manages office workflows and scheduling, develops comprehensive training materials, and conducts quarterly training sessions for both instructional and event A/V support. In coordination with the CAVS Manager, this position establishes streamlined operational processes and advises on support for the maintenance, repair, and utilization of all classroom A/V and computing resources. Additionally, the Assistant Manager supervises staff providing on‑site and in person assistance, oversees equipment inventory, manages machine imaging for Mac and PC platforms within these instructional spaces, and advises on the associated computer replacement cycle. Reqs: Bachelor’s Degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training; 4+ yrs in related area and/or equivalent experience; 1+ yrs leading, supervising and coordinating the work of others; 2+ yrs supporting hardware & software installation and troubleshooting; 2+ yrs experience using deployment and management tools; 2+ yrs experience in desktop and A/V support in a fast‑paced, helpdesk environment; Evidence of strong interpersonal communications skills; Exhibited proficient technical skills / experience including Mac / PC, web development, on‑line conferencing, multimedia, presentation tools, and emerging technologies; Demonstrated effective skills in managing technical staff; Thorough knowledge of desktop and business / technical support systems, including working knowledge of microcomputer and workstation hardware, operating systems and network hardware and software. Hiring/Budgeted Salary or Hourly Range: $80,000 ‑ $86,000/ yr. Full Salary 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. Application review begins 09/22/2026. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 88706.

COOK

CAMPUS DINING The Cook performs culinary duties such as preparing soups and casseroles, grilling, roasting or barbecuing foods, working a sauté station, and preparing and assembling made‑to‑order entrees serving up to 1,500 meals per shift. Ensures that assigned responsibilities are accomplished and that high standards of food quality, service, sanitation and safety are met at all times. Assists with student training, food production and sanitation. Reqs: High School or Equivalent combination of education and experience; 1‑3 Yrs Culinary experience in a high‑volume culinary environment; 1‑3 Yrs Knowledge of and experience with culinary techniques, including but not inclusive of sauteing, grilling, frying, steaming, preparing sauces and stocks; 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: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.78 ‑ $27.29/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 # 88684.

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ASSOCIATED STUDENTS

Provides comprehensive coordination of financial activities and record keeping practices for the Department of Associated Students as part of the central administrative unit. Supervises the preparation of minutes for Senate, Business and Finance Committee and various Boards and Committees, with particular emphasis on the tracking and routing of financial commitments approved by Student Leadership. In consultation with other administrative and unit staff members and students, designs and implements transactional and recordkeeping processes. Reviews and processes invoices and disbursement obligations for A.S. Admin; A.S. Units; student entities and manages the underlying paperwork to pay vendor bills and student reimbursements. Tracks action items and financial approvals of all A.S. Boards and Committees. Administers philanthropic giving practices. Requirements: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Organized and pays close attention to detail. Ability to solve problems, conduct research and present solutions to management. A team player as well as a leader in situations where required. Knowledge of office automation systems, procedures, and methods. Experience with Financial systems, accounts payable and receivable. Reqs: Associates Degree or Equivalent experience; 1‑3 yrs Computer skills and experience of Microsoft suite

products; 1‑3 yrs Accounts payable or general accounting experience; 1‑3 yrs Adaptability, including implementing frequent changes in regulations, policies and procedures; 1‑3 yrs Billing, accounts payable or accounts receivable experience; 1‑3 yrs Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, edit and proofread materials, organize and multi‑task with frequent interruptions and meet critical deadlines with a high degree of professionalism; 1‑3 yrs Experience in financial management work (i.e. budgeting, accounting, auditing, management analysis, program evaluation, financial reporting of program results), of which (b) at least 1 ( year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (c) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below; 1‑3 yrs Experience with accounts receivable with troubleshooting ability to reconcile account balances, recognize unusual data, and interpret data. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted Range: $29.35/ hr. to $31.38/hr. Full Salary Range: $29.35/hr. to $42.06/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. Application review begins September 9, 2026. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 88469.

FINANCIAL ANALYST POLICE DEPARTMENT

Summary of Job Details: Under the general supervision of the Lieutenant of Administration, the Financial Analyst provides analytical, budget, financial management, and organizational support on a wide range of financial matters for Police & Public Safety. Responsible for daily fiscal and business operations, including general ledger reconciliation, maintaining accuracy of information recorded in accounting systems, researching, analyzing and reconciling financial data, and the purchasing audit. Conducts ad hoc financial analysis and/ or reporting for a wide variety of projects and systems. Must work independently and act with sound judgment and confidentiality, anticipate job requirements, prioritize and coordinate multiple complex tasks with interruptions while able to meet deadlines. Supervises one (1) FTE. Reqs: High School Diploma or equivalent certification; Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training; 1‑3 yrs’ experience in finance or a related field; Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and database software; Ability to act independently with sound judgement and confidentiality; Ability to function effectively as a member of a team; Effective verbal and written communication skills; Attention to detail and ability to multitask in a high‑volume environment. Notes: Applicants are required to complete a background investigation; Mandated reporting requirements of Child Abuse; Mandated reporting requirement of Dependent Adult Abuse; UCSB Campus Security Authority under Clery Act; 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. Full Salary Range: $64,206 to $105,340/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 # 88291.

HR/ASAP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HUMAN RESOURCES

Under the shared supervision of the ASAP Manager and the HR Business and Operations Manager, is responsible for the administrative operations for Academic & Staff Assistance Program (ASAP), including coordination of events, website updates, and managing a complex scheduling system and database. Requires extreme confidentiality, sensitivity, tact and diplomacy. Independently performs a variety of administrative support duties in support of HR business operations. Serves as the HR front desk generalist, utilizing a case management system to triage or answer a wide range of phone and in‑person questions. Prepares and processes various University paperwork necessary to issue payments to vendors and service providers in compliance with University, division and department policies and procedures and audit requirements. Provides a variety of general clerical support, including but not limited to organizing ad hoc committees, setting up HR department meetings and trainings, maintaining the HR department meeting schedule and assigned hosts, coordinating departmental events and event logistics, setting up other meetings and interviews, and responding to information requests. May also provide general administrative assistance to other HR units and/or the AVC of HR. Interacts professionally with all levels of University personnel, utilizing sound judgment, diplomacy and confidentiality

in person, by e‑mail or by Zoom phone. Reqs: High School Diploma; Preferred Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree; Required‑1‑3 yrs Demonstrated understanding of the need to maintain high levels of confidentiality with regard to verbal and written information (e.g., HIPAA requirements); Required‑1‑3 yrs Solid organizational skills and ability to multi‑task with demanding time frames; Required 1‑3 yrs Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and faculty verbally and in writing; Demonstrated understanding of the need to maintain high levels of confidentiality with regard to verbal and written information (e.g., HIPAA requirements); Solid organizational skills and ability to multi‑task with demanding time frames; Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and faculty verbally and in writing. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range:$30.82/hr. to $31.50/hr. Salary or Hourly Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $30.82/hr. to $31.50/hr. Full Salary Range: $30.82 to $44.16/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. Application review begins 9/21/26. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 88692.

LAB ASSISTANT

NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH INSTITUTE Part‑time (50%) position in the laboratory of Associate Professor Maxwell Wilson. The Lab Assistant 1 provides routine operational and administrative support to a research laboratory. Responsibilities focus on maintaining basic laboratory functions, ensuring compliance with safety procedures, and supporting day‑to‑day lab operations. Reqs: High School Diploma (or equivalent); Previous

experience in a laboratory, technical, or operational support role (1 year or less); Ability to follow written protocols and safety procedures; Basic familiarity with laboratory environments and equipment; Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; Ability to work independently on routine tasks; Clear communication skills and ability to coordinate with laboratory staff; Basic computer skills, including email and ordering systems. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $27.04/hr. Full Salary Range: $27.04 ‑ $32.31/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. Application review begins 09/14/2026. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 88516.

procedures and procedures associated with the use of various tools; Ability to work within timelines and juggle multiple projects simultaneously; Ability to communicate both written and verbally; Reliable, organized and able to pay attention to detail and prioritize; Ability to work effectively in a team environment; Ability to work in a socially and culturally diverse environment; Must possess effective computer skills and the ability to prioritize work, and perform a variety of tasks simultaneously under the pressure of deadlines. Notes: Satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check; Maintain a valid CA driver’s license, a clean DMV record and enrollment in the DMV Employer Pull‑Notice Program. Hiring/ Budgeted Salary Range: $36.27 ‑ $37.10/ hr. Full Salary Range: $36.27 to $43.62/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 # 88463.

LAB MECHANICIAN

DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCE Organizes and completes projects involving fabrication of instrumentation for both classroom and research; mechanical repair, light vehicle repair, wood working, and occasional metal working. Minor plumbing and electrical repair. Repairs and maintains instructional supplies and equipment. Coordinates field trips, readying vehicles, equipment and supplies. Occasionally provides staff support on field trips, and may be in the field for up to 10 days. Manages field equipment storeroom. Assures all department facilities meet EH&S requirements. Assists in laboratory remodels. Reqs: High School diploma or GED and four years of metal shop experience and journeyman skill in the operation of all standard machine shop equipment; or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience; Knowledge of and experience with basic hand and power tools; Knowledge of safety gear needed in the application of power tools, hand tools, general construction

NOW HIRING

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

STHL (STUDENT HEALTH) Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the medical assistant provides medical and administrative support to the physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurses, and licensed vocational nurses. The medical assistant will assist, perform or provide limited support for the following: exams, procedures, taking vitals, perform point‑of‑care lab testing, checking in/out patients, filling out necessary paperwork, taking phone/electronic messages and following directives from the clinicians. The medical assistant will also act as a medical chaperone. The medical assistant will perform autoclave and laundry duties, and run errands as needed. Reqs: High School Diploma or equivalent; Knowledge

Continued on p. 46

DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR The Santa Barbara Independent has an opportunity in our Digital Department. This part-time position will publish editorial content on independent.com and support in scheduling other digital formats including newsletters and social media. We are looking for motivated individuals with great attention to detail who are ready to collaborate. Writing skills and experience in Adobe Creative Cloud and/or creating digital visualizations are a plus. We will train the right candidate. This position is based out of our Santa Barbara office and is a hybrid position with weekly in-person meetings required. Starting hourly rate: $18-$20 EOE F/M/D/V. No phone calls, please.

Please send résumé along with cover letter to

hr@independent.com

INDEPENDENT.COM INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 10, 10, 2026 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

45 45


INDEPENDENT CLASSIFIEDS

|

PHONE 805-965-5205

EMPLOYMENT (CONT.) of clinical policies and procedures; Knowledge of medical terminology; Knowledge of electronic medical records and computer skills; Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment; Ability to communicate well with patients, families, co‑workers, physicians, advance care providers, other members of the healthcare team, community resources, as well as the campus community; Ability to organize and prioritize work; Ability to follow oral and written instructions; Ability to reason and make sound judgments; Skilled in identifying problems and recommending solutions; Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co‑workers, management, patients, medical staff, the public, and the campus as a whole; Skilled in accepting constructive criticism and giving suggestions in a professional manner; Act in accordance with the highest possible standards of ethics and integrity and comply with work rules, standards, and procedures; Certification with one of the following agencies: American Association of Medical Assistants (AMA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants (CMAA). Note: Applicants without a proper certification will not be considered. Notes: Student Health requires all clinical staff successfully pass the fingerprint background check and credentialing before the start date. To comply with Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Health Officer Order, this position must provide evidence of annual influenza vaccination, or wear a surgical mask while working in patient care areas during the influenza season. Any HIPAA/FERPA violation may be subject to disciplinary action. This is an 11‑month per year position. Work hours may include Thursday evenings from 10am‑7pm. Student Health is closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day; Credential verification for clinical practitioner; Mandated reporting requirements of Child Abuse; Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $28.32/ hr. to $33.85/hr. Salary or Hourly Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $28.32/hr to $33.85/hr. Full Salary Range: $28.32/hr. to $35.19/ 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 # 88234.

PAYROLL ANALYST

BUSINESS & FINANCIAL SERVICES/ CONTROLLER’S OFFICE Under general supervision, the Payroll Analyst uses critical thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills to research, analyze and develop solutions to a wide range of complex campus payroll and general ledger questions, issues, and concerns. Researches and troubleshoots business processes and system issues and demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining resolution within tight deadlines. Uses critical thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills to administer the campus wide work authorization program and processes required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Reviews and analyzes all documents submitted by employees to support their citizenship status and makes decisions on the acceptability and validity of the documents in accordance with guidelines set forth by USCIS. Timing is essential and the Analyst must work closely with campus departments to track and ensure employees complete work authorization documentation by strict deadlines. Consequences of error or non‑compliance could result in civil fines and/or criminal penalties and/or debarment from government contracts. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training; 1‑3 yrs Experience in a payroll and/or finance area; 1‑3 yrs Experience processing payroll for a small to medium size business; 1‑3 yrs Experience processing and responding to

46

basic inquiries regarding payroll; 1‑3 yrs Considerable initiative, independence, good judgment, and problem‑solving abilities. Notes: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship; Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $28.88 to $34.10/hr. Full Salary Range: $28.88 to $49.76/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. Application review begins 9/17/26. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 88586.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR ‑ VIVA EL ARTE DE SANTA BARBARA (LIMITED) ARTS & LECTURES

The Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara Program Coordinator provides part‑time administrative, logistical, and community engagement support for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara initiative. This position helps ensure the successful planning and implementation of free, high‑quality performances and educational activities that celebrate the richness and diversity of Latine arts and cultures throughout Santa Barbara County. Working collaboratively with Arts & Lectures staff, community partners, artists, and volunteers, the Coordinator serves as an ambassador for the Viva program and supports all aspects of event preparation, artist hospitality, community communications, volunteer coordination, and post‑event documentation. This is a limited appointment position requiring a flexible schedule that includes occasional evenings and weekends during program activities. Reqs: High School Diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Bilingual in English and Spanish; 1‑3 yrs: Demonstrated experience coordinating community programs, events, educational activities, or similar initiatives; Experience working with diverse communities and populations. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check; Required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $30.82/ hr. Full Salary Range: $30.82 ‑ $44.16/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. Application review begins 09/21/2026. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 88650.

UNDERGRADUATE ADVISOR MUSIC

Under direction, the Undergraduate Advisor manages all aspects of the undergraduate program in the Department of Music, exercising independent judgment, high levels of professionalism and strong analytical skills at all times. Manages all matters related to advising and curriculum development for 21 different degree emphases offered through two degree programs: the BA in Music Studies and the BM in musical performance. Is knowledgeable of current university policies and procedures, and interprets regulations from various administrative offices for students, staff and faculty. Serves as key liaison with the College of Letters and Science, Office of Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Counseling

THE INDEPENDENT

|

E M A I L A D V E R T I S I N G @ I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

LEGALS and Career Services, and Orientation Programs. Manages all aspects of student auditions, admissions, and outreach and recruitment activities. The Undergraduate Advisor is expected to be strongly committed to the undergraduate program and the welfare of the students. Reqs: Bachelor’s Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience / training; Ability in problem identification and reasoning; Ability to multi‑task; Interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team; Verbal and Written Communication skills; Skills in service orientation, organization, active listening, and critical thinking. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/ Budgeted Hourly Range: $27.06 ‑ $30.98/ hr. Full Salary Range: $27.06 ‑ $45.76/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 # 88476.

REAL ESTATE HOMES/DUPLEXES FOR SALE

TENNESSEE INCOME PROPERTY

$519,000 MORRISTOWN DUPLEX 711 Panther Creek Court | Morristown, Tennessee $3,345 MONTHLY RENT Approximately $40,140 annual gross rent LOOKING FOR AN OUT‑OF‑STATE RENTAL OR 1031 REPLACEMENT? Established rental property in East Tennessee with immediate income potential. Buyer should consult tax and legal advisers regarding 1031 eligibility. SCAN FOR PHOTOS, DETAILS & FULL LISTING

TENNESSEE RARE investment opportunity in a prime West Morristown location near Knoxville

MONEY TO LOAN RETIRED COUPLE $$$$ for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan.com Call 1‑818‑248‑0000. Broker‑principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans. (Cal‑ SCAN).

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

ADMINISTER OF ESTATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JEANINE G. SWIFT CASE NO. 26PR00386 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of JEANINE G. SWIFT. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SUSAN RACHEL SWIFT ARNALL in the Superior Court of California, County of SANTA BARBARA. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SUSAN RACHEL SWIFT ARNALL be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 09/24/26 at 9:00AM in Dept. SB5 located at 1100 ANACAPA ST., SANTA BARBARA, CA 93121‑1107 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner PHILIP A. ZAMPIELLO, ESQ. SBN 198723 MCGARRIGLE KENNEY & ZAMPIELLO, APC 9600 TOPANGA CANYON BLVD., #200 CHATSWORTH CA 91311

INDEPENDENT.COM

Telephone (818) 998‑3300 8/27, 9/3, 9/10/26 CNS‑4070163# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: HUNG TRAN No.: 16PR00337 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: HUNG TRAN A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: HIEM TRAN in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): HIEM TRAN 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: 10/01/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Anacapa Division. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Angela Braun, Executive Officer 8/20/2026 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Vuong Q. Nguyen, Esq.; 9550 Bolsa Avenue, Unit 224, Westminster, CA 92683; 714‑876‑6786. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: TED DRAKE No.: 26PR00406 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: TED DRAKE A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: The Church of Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION requests that (name): MARK LURIE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in

this court as follows: 10/08/2026 at 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ANACAPA DIVISION IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Angela Braun, Executive Officer 08/20/2026 by Kim Gallegos, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Dennis Kasper 550 South Hope Street, Suite 2400, Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213‑647‑0005 Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: CAROL DEAN VANICE CASE NUMBER: 26PR00404 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: CAROL DEAN VANICE; CAROL D. VANICE A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: RYAN KNIGHT in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that : RYAN KNIGHT be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 10/08/2026 at 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 SOUTH COUNTY PROBATE. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section

1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Angela Braun, Executive Officer 08/20/2026 by Kim Gallegos, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Jesse R. McCabe 2356 Moore Street, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92101; 619‑224‑2848 Published: Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARK STEWART LANGELL CASE NUMBER: 26PR00414 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: MARK STEWART LANGELL aka MARK S. LANGELL aka MARK LANGELL A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: KIM PETERS in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that : KIM PETERS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 10/15/2026 at 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 ANACAPA DIVISION. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Angela Braun, Executive Officer 08/24/2026 by Kim Gallegos, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Jeffrey Daugherty 924 Anacapa Street, Suite 1‑T, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑963‑4567 Published: Sep 3, 10, 17 2026.

FBN ABANDONMENT STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME The following Fictitious Business Name is being abandoned: CAL COAST LOCKSMITHS SERVICES: 272 Orange Ave, Suite 1 Goleta, CA 93117 The original statement for use of this Fictitious Business Name was filed 04/09/2024 in the County of Santa Barbara. Original File no. FBN 2024‑0000914. The persons or entities abandoning use of this name are as follows: Avanelle J Gutow (same address) Schuyler W Covert (same address) The business was conducted by an A General Partnership. Registrant commenced to tranact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A Signed by: AVA COVERT FKA AVANELLE GUTOW/GENERAL PARTNER Filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 08/13/26, FBN 2026‑0002051 E76. 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


INDEPENDENT CLASSIFIEDS

MARKETPLACE ANNOUNCEMENT ALL YOUR entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1‑855‑606‑4520 CONNECT TO the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5G and 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855‑873‑2215 DID YOU KNOW Newspaper‑generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916‑288‑6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com (Cal‑SCAN) END YOUR tax worries today. Let us make

your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Call for a FREE consultation. Call Priority Tax now 1‑855‑601‑3697 (Cal‑SCAN) END YOUR tax worries today. Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Call for a FREE consultation. Call Priority Tax now 1‑ 855‑496‑0514 GET A break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no‑cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2026. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1‑877‑573‑9104 today! (Cal‑SCAN) PREPARE FOR power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5‑Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1‑866‑381‑0627 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

|

PHONE 805-965-5205

STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE! A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call Now for a no‑obligation quote: 1‑877‑856‑0046 STRUGGLING WITH CREDIT CARD DEBT? If you owe $10,000+, we can help you become debt free in 24‑48 months! Make one monthly affordable payment. Get Help Now! Call: 1‑877‑895‑5782 THE DIFFERENCE in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Advertising Services’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution. For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288‑6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com. WESLEY FINANCIAL Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free

|

informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855‑403‑2314 (Cal‑SCAN)

SERVICE

DIRECTORY CAREGIVING SERVICES PRIMARY CARE provider and pain management specialist for in‑home care. I’m mobile or I have an office. Experience with paraplegic and palliative cancer treatment therapy or end of life support. 14 years experience acupuncture massage and patient care. Licensed. Kristen Swegles LAc., MTCM, CMP 805‑729‑5270

E M A I L A D V E R T I S I N G @ I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

Tide Guide Day

High

Thu 10

Sunrise 6:40 Sunset 7:06

Low

High

Low

High

3:45 am -0.4

10:00 am 5.1

3:43 pm 1.1

9:48 pm 6.0

Fri 11

4:16 am 0.0

10:29 am 5.4

4:28 pm 0.8

10:31 pm 5.5

Sat 12

4:44 am 0.5

10:58 am 5.5

5:12 pm 0.7

11:16 pm 5.0

Sun 13

5:10 am 1.1

11:27 am 5.6

5:59 pm 0.7 6:49 pm 0.8

Mon 14

12:04 am 4.3

5:35 am 1.7

11:56 am 5.5

Tue 15

12:58 am 3.8

5:57 am 2.2

12:27 pm 5.3

7:46 pm 5.3

Wed 16

2:09 am 3.3

6:14 am 2.7

1:02 pm 5.1

9:00 pm 1.2

Thu 17

1:50 pm 4.8

10:38 pm 1.2

18

26

3

10

HOME SERVICES HOME BREAK‑INS take less than 60 SECONDS. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets NOW for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 1‑877‑864‑3209 REPAIRING OR replacing appliances and home systems like heating and cooling can be costly. A home warranty plan can help. Start saving and get 30% off any plan today. Workmanship Guarantee included. Terms apply. Call Cinch Home Services 1‑844‑415‑1477

crosswordpuzzle

s tt Jone By Ma

“Congratulations” — there are a few in the grid.

WELL BEING ANNOUNCEMENTS GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1‑877‑318‑7973 WANTED: CASH PAID for large collections of electronics including ham radio equipment, stereo equipment, glass vacuum tubes, test equipment, early computers, and more. Call or text Ethan at 775‑ 386‑2506 (Cal‑SCAN)

WELLNESS AUDIEN HEARING. The world’s first hearing aid with touchscreen controls. No tiny buttons, apps or prescriptions. 45‑day risk free trial. Free shipping. Lifetime support. More than 1.5 million happy customers. Call Audien 1‑833‑689‑4423

Ac r o s s

1. Toughen 7. Band with the 2007 album “Oracular Spectacular” 11. Full-bore, on a musical score 14. For each one 15. Blues guitarist Robert 16. Louis XIV, par exemple 17. Steal a D+, perhaps? 19. Coffee vessel 20. Unflavored 21. Levitate 22. Flier in many Oregon Coast festivals 23. “Choosin’ Texas” singer Langley 24. Three-sided sails 25. Arrive 26. Curtain holder 27. “Civilization” developer Meier 28. Ring newbie, maybe 30. “Have I Got News For You” airer 31. Lost it 32. Symbols representing Saint Petersburg two name changes ago? 36. Cushioning material for floors 37. Oil drilling structure 38. Work on getting a head? 39. Achieve 40. Do some tailoring 43. Gather 44. “By gum!” 46. Island near Molokai 47. Speaker maker

48. Kicked out of competition, for short 49. Put on the appearance of 50. Choice connections 51. Singer Rawls evened out a yard? 53. Peace sign 54. Nearly spill over 55. “Semper Fi” follower 56. Mag figures 57. “West Side Story” gang 58. Declared

D ow n

1. ___Collins Publishers 2. 1960s-’70s space program 3. Coarsely irreverent 4. “Where the Crawdads Sing” author Owens 5. Arthur Laffer’s specialty, for short 6. Novel 7. Periodic fast-food offering with pickles 8. Like some dairy animals 9. Crafted 10. Actor Sheridan of “Ready Player One” 11. Bag lunch item in plastic 12. Like ruby anniversaries and South Dakota 13. Gemstone quality 18. Electrical system 22. Saxophonist with a 1987 instrumental hit

24. Song in an ad 25. Olympic sprinting gold medalist Justin 27. Underwater characters of ‘80s Saturday morning TV 29. Michaelson asked last-minute to sing backup for Paul McCartney on the season finale of “SNL” 30. Clothing line 31. Method 32. Place higher than 33. Smitten 34. Some QB highlights 35. Exit with expletives, maybe? 39. ___ Wilson, aka Deadpool 40. “Yeah, I ___!” 41. One of the “Schitt’s Creek” Levys 42. Spent after a run 45. Antiseptic targets 46. Ben Stiller’s mom Anne 48. Canadian comedian Jon 49. “Animal House” group 51. Great Society monogram 52. Ball club VIPs ©2026 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords. com) For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #1305

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

INDEPENDENT.COM INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 10, 10, 2026 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

47 47


INDEPENDENT CLASSIFIEDS

|

PHONE 805-965-5205

LEGALS (CONT.) (SEAL). Published: Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME The following Fictitious Business Name is being abandoned: SHEAR ARTISTRY: 271 North Fairview Ave,. Ste 102 Goleta, CA 93117 The original statement for use of this Fictitious Business Name was filed 08/08/2025 in the County of Santa Barbara. Original File no. FBN 2025‑0001885. The persons or entities abandoning use of this name are as follows: Avanelle J Gutow (same address) Schuyler W Covert (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 Aug 01, 1999 Signed by: SUSAN CARRERA Filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 08/18/26, FBN 2026‑0002082 E30. 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: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SERENADE BY ELLE: 1071 Veronica Springs Road Santa Barbara, CA 93109; Laurie A Starks (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 31, 2026. Filed by: LAURIE A STARKS with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 31, 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: 2026‑0001972. Published: Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: DIAL LENDING: 224 Anacapa St, 2A Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Dial Lending LLC 1187 Coast Village Road Ste 230 Santa Barbara, CA 93108 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 1, 2026. Filed by: JAMES EVANS/SECERTARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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: 2026‑0002076. Published: Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ONE STOP HANDYMAN: 805 W Sola St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Jesus S Cuevas PO Box 90937 Santa Barbara, CA 93190 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 15, 2021. Filed by: JESUS S CUEVAS/OWNER 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0001780. Published: Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2026‑0001988 The following person(s) is doing business as: AIR‑VOL BLOCK, LLC DBA AIR VOL BLOCK, 2150 DOUGLAS BLVD., SUITE 260 ROSEVILLE, CA 95661 County of PLACER Registrant(s): AIR‑VOL BLOCK, LLC 2150 DOUGLAS BLVD., SUITE 260 ROSEVILLE, CA 95661 State of Inc./Org./Reg: CALIFORNIA This business is conducted by a Limted Liability Compаnу. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on July 01, 2022 AIR‑VOL BLOCK, LLC /S/ JUAN P. ALDRETE, CFO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 08/04/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10/26 CNS‑4067673# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: ROEMERIA BLOOM BAR, ROEMERIA MERCANTILE: 215 East Victoria Street, Apt B Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Whitney H Roemer (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: WHITNEY ROEMER/OWNER with the

County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 6, 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: 2026‑0002010. Published: Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DOCOO 805 DOCUMENT CONSULTING : 2046 Modoc Rd, Apt 22 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Ana L Rios Suaste (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: ANA LILIA RIOS SUASTE/PROPIETARIO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0002033. Published: Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2026‑0001988 The following person(s) is doing business as: AIR‑VOL BLOCK, LLC DBA AIR VOL BLOCK, 2150 DOUGLAS BLVD., SUITE 260 ROSEVILLE, CA 95661 County of PLACER Registrant(s): AIR‑VOL BLOCK, LLC 2150 DOUGLAS BLVD., SUITE 260 ROSEVILLE, CA 95661 State of Inc./Org./Reg: CALIFORNIA This business is conducted by a Limted Liability Compаnу. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on July 01, 2022 AIR‑VOL BLOCK, LLC /S/ JUAN PALDRETE, CFO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 08/04/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10/26 CNS‑4067673# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CAL COAST LOCKSMITHS, CAL COAST LOCKSMITH : 272 Orange Ave Suite #1 Goleta, CA 93117; Cal Coast Locksmith Services LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in the Board of Supervisors’ Hearing Room County Administration Building 105 East Anapamu St. 4th Floor, Santa Barbara The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter, in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Rooms, 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA, and 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria, CA, on an ordinance amending Chapter 23 of the county code to regulate possession of catalytic converters. For current methods of public participation for the meeting of September 22, 2026, please see page two (2) of the posted Agenda. The posted agenda will be available on Thursday prior to the above referenced meeting for a more specific time for this item. However, the order of the agenda may be rearranged, or the item may be continued. Staff reports and the posted agenda are available on the Thursday prior to the meeting at http://santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx under the hearing date or contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240 for alternative options. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by 4:00 PM on Friday before the Board meeting. For information about these services please contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240. If you challenge this project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence to the Board of Supervisors prior to the public hearing. G.C. Section 65009, 6066, and 6062a. Mona Miyasato CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS By: Sheila de la Guerra, Deputy Clerk 48

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

INDEPENDENT.COM

|

E M A I L A D V E R T I S I N G @ I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

PROPERTY TAX-DEFAULT (DELINQUENT) LIST Made pursuant to Sections 3371 & 3372 Revenue and Taxation Code

I, Harry E. Hagen, Santa Barbara County Treasurer-Tax Collector, State of California, certify that:

The real properties listed below were declared to be in tax-default at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2023, by operation of law pursuant to Revenue & Taxation Code Section 3436. The declaration of default was due to nonpayment of the total amount due for the taxes, assessments and other charges levied in the fiscal year 2022-2023 that were a lien on the listed real property.

Tax-defaulted real property may be redeemed by payment of all unpaid taxes and assessments, together with the additional penalties and fees, as prescribed by law, or it may be redeemed under an installment plan of redemption.

The amount to redeem, including all penalties and fees, as of September 2026, is shown opposite the parcel number and next to the name of the assessee. All information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property will be furnished, upon request, by Harry E. Hagen, Treasurer-Tax Collector, at the office locations listed below: Santa Barbara: Santa Maria: Or if Mailed:

Pay on the internet:

County Administration Building 105 E. Anapamu Street, Room 109 Telephone: (805) 568-2920 Betteravia Government Center 511 E. Lakeside Parkway Telephone: (805) 346-8330

P.O. Box 579, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-0579 www.sbtaxes.org

PARCEL NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION The Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), when used to describe property in this list, refers to the assessor’s map book, the map page, the block on the map (if applicable), and the individual parcel on the map page or in the block. The assessor’s maps and further explanation of the parcel numbering system are available in the assessor’s office. Property tax-defaulted on July 1, 2023, for the taxes, assessments, and other charges in the bill year 2022-2023: ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER

ASSESSEE NAME

AMOUNT TO REDEEM


INDEPENDENT CLASSIFIEDS

LEGALS (CONT.)

|

PHONE 805-965-5205

PARCEL NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION

The Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), when used to describe property in this list, refers to the assessor’s map book, the map page, the block on the map (if applicable), and the individual parcel on the map page or in the block. The assessor’s maps and further explanation of the parcel numbering system are available in the assessor’s office.

Property tax-defaulted on July 1, 2023, for the taxes, assessments, and other charges in the bill year 2022-2023: ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER

ASSESSEE NAME

AMOUNT TO REDEEM

|

E M A I L A D V E R T I S I N G @ I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 1, 2026. Filed by: AVANELLE COVERT/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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 76. FBN Number: 2026‑0002052. Published: Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: ELEMENTS EMDR THERAPY AND TRAINING: 629 State Street, #249 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Christina Viani Family Therapy, Inc. 3463 State Street #219 Santa Barbara, CA 93105 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: CHRISTINA VIANI/ SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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: 2026‑0002038. Published: Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SHEAR ARTISTRY: 271 N Fairview Avenue, Suite 102 Goleta, CA 93101; Kendra R Gomez (same address)

This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 13, 2026. Filed by: KENDRA GOMEZ/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002071. Published: Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: POSTAL ANNEX #12003: 85 W Highway 246 Buellton, CA 93427; Captmat Shipping 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 Aug 19, 2026. Filed by: MATHEW CURTO/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 21, 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: 2026‑0002122. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FAIRWAY CONSULTING: 810 East Carrillo Street Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Mark T Philibosian (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant

commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 07, 2026. Filed by: MARK THOMAS PHILIBOSIAN with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0002035. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: BLUE TERRAPIN: 802 Kentia Ave Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Ofer Amir (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 13, 2026. Filed by: OFER AMIR with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002070. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: ELDER FITNESS ADVOCATES: 621 North Y St. Lompoc, CA 93436; Elder Fitness Advocates (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above

Ordinance No. 5302 An Interim Urgency Ordinance of Santa Barbara County, Prohibiting the Establishment, Expansion, or the Relocation of Firearm and Ammunition Retail Sale Uses Pursuant to Government Code Section 65858, within the Unincorporated Areas of Santa Barbara County. Passed, approved and adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California, on this 1st day of September 2026, by the following vote: Ayes:

Supervisors Lee, Capps, Hartmann and Lavagnino

Noes:

Supervisor Nelson

Absent:

None

Abstain:

None

JANA PETERSEN CLERK OF THE BOARD By: Sheila de la Guerra – Deputy Clerk NOTE: A complete copy of Ordinance No. 5302 is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and is available for public inspection and copying in that office in accordance with the California Public Records Act, Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1. Ordinance No. 5299 An Ordinance Amending Section 35-1, the Santa Barbara County Land Use and Development Code, of Chapter 35, Zoning, of the Santa Barbara County Code by Amending Article 35.2, Zones and Allowable Land Uses; Article 35.3, Site Planning and other Project Standards; Article 35.5, Oil and Gas, Wind Renewable Energy and Cogeneration Facilities; Article 35.8, Planning Permit Procedures; Article 35.10, Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots; and Article 35.11, Glossary. 24ORD00028 Ordinance No. 5300 An Ordinance Amending Article II, The Coastal Zoning Ordinance, of Chapter 35, Zoning, of the County Code by Amending Division 1, in General, Division 2, Definitions; Division 4, Zoning Districts; Division 7, General Regulations; Division 8, Services, Utilities and other Related Facilities; Division 10, Nonconforming Structures and Uses; Division 12, Administration; and Division 17, Gaviota Coast Plan (GAV) Overlay, to Establish Updated Regulations, Development Standards, Permitting Procedures, and Definitions for Solar Energy Systems and Facilities. 24ORD-00029 Ordinance No. 5301 An Ordinance Amending Section 35-2, the Santa Barbara County Montecito Land Use and Development Code, of Chapter 35, Zoning, of the County Code by Amending Division 35.2, Montecito Zones and Allowable Land Uses; 35.3, Montecito Site Planning and Other Project Standards; Division 35.4, Montecito Standards for Specific Land Uses; Division 35.7, Montecito Planning Permit Procedures; Division 35.9, Montecito Land Use and Development Code Administration; and Division 35.10, Glossary. 24ORD-00030 Passed, approved and adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California, on this 1st day of September 2026, by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:

I certify, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct. HARRY E. HAGEN, CPA SANTA BARBARA COUNTY TREASURER-TAX COLLECTOR

Executed at Santa Barbara, County of Santa Barbara, California on August 21, 2026. Published in The Santa Barbara Independent on September 3, September 10, & September 17, 2026.

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

JANA PETERSEN CLERK OF THE BOARD By: Sheila de la Guerra – Deputy Clerk NOTE: A complete copy of Ordinance No. 5299 through 5301 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. INDEPENDENT.COM INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 10, 10, 2026 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

49 49


INDEPENDENT CLASSIFIEDS

LEGALS (CONT.) on Jul 08, 2026. Filed by: LESLIE ROBINSON‑STONE/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 19, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002095. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2026‑0002027 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE NAILSPA, 4419 HOLLISTER AVE, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93110 County of SANTA BARBARA YOULING PENG, 4419 HOLLISTER AVE, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93110 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. S/ YOULING PENG This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 08/11/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17/26 CNS‑4065828# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SAN ZEPHYRINO PARTNERS: 1130 Del Sol Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93109; Steven H Campbell (same address) Natasha H Campbell (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: STEVEN H CAMPBELL/PARTNERSHIP with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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: 2026‑0002020. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: ALIGN SPEECH THERAPY: 1027 Chino St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Julia C Tomasulo (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: JULIA C TOMASULO with

the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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: 2026‑0002073. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: GRAN LAVADO: 1511 S Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454; Lou’s Laundry LLC 791 Price Street #679 Prismo Beach, CA 93449 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: LOUIS EISENBERGER/MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 19, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002105. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GUARDIAN MARTIAL ARTS: 1107 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Palaestra Leadership Inc. 1010 Newton Rd. 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 Dec 14, 2024. Filed by: NATHANAEL CHAWKIN/ FOUNDER & CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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: 2026‑0002134. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COTE & CARRY: 1485 East Valley Road, Suite 12 Santa Barbara, CA 93108; MC Swan Inc. PO Box 5154 Santa Barbara, CA 93150 This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 19, 2026. Filed by: M CLARE SWAN/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 21, 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: 2026‑0002125. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: DIPPED: 6720 Calle

|

PHONE 805-965-5205

Koral 208 Goleta, CA 93117; Lucia G Harris (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 17, 2026. Filed by: LUCIA HARRIS with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 19, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0002101. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: BUCKLE UP!: 5314 Orchard Park Ln Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Traci Russell (same address) Natasha Kucherenko (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 Apr 01, 2025. Filed by: TRACI RUSSELL/GENERAL PARTNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002067. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: QUICK QUACK CAR WASH: 1423 S Bradley Santa Maria, CA 93103; Quick Quack Car Wash Holdings, LLC 6020 W Oaks Blvd, Ste 300 Rocklin, CA 95765 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 10, 2026. Filed by: THOMAS HOUDEK/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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: 2026‑0002044. Published: Aug 27. Sep 3, 10, 17 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2026‑0001965 The following person(s) is doing business as: EMCOR SERVICES MESA ENERGY 1120 MARK AVE. CARPINTERIA CA 93013 County of SANTA BARBARA. MESA ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. 301 MERRITT 7, 6TH FLR. 6TH FLOOR NORWALK CT 06851 This business is conducted by A CORPORATION.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

1. Notice is hereby given that the governing board (“Board”) of the Goleta Union School District (“District”) will receive sealed bids for SinglePrime Contractor for the following project, Bid No. 2026-500, Mountain View Elementary School Relocatable Classrooms Project (“Project” or “Contract”): 2. The Projects consist of: all labor, materials, equipment, and coordination necessary to prepare the site for installation and activation of two Ownerfurnished, Owner-installed relocatable classrooms including all site utilities and final connections. 3. To bid on this Project, the Bidders are required to possess one or more of the following State of California contractors’ license(s): A-General Engineering Contractor and/or B-General Building Contractor and be registered as a public works contractor with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to the Labor Code. 4. Contract Documents will be available on or after Tuesday, December 8, 2026, for review, print and download. 5. Sealed bids will be received until 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the District Facilities Office, 401 North Fairview Avenue, Goleta, California 93117. 6. A bid bond by an admitted surety insurer on the form provided by the District a cashier’s check or a certified check, drawn to the order of the Goleta Union School District, in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid price, shall accompany the Bid Form and Proposal, as a guarantee that the Bidder will, within seven (7) calendar days after the date of the Notice of Award, enter into a contract with the District for the performance of the services as stipulated in the bid. 7. A mandatory Pre-bid Conference and Site Visit will be held on Thursday, September 15th, 2026 and September 17th, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Mountain View Elementary School located at 5465 Queen Ann Ln, Santa Barara, CA 93111. Bidders must attend one. 8. The successful Bidder shall be required to furnish a 100% Performance Bond and a 100% Payment Bond if it is awarded the Contract for the Work. 9. Inquiries shall be sent to jmark@kitchell.com.

50

THE INDEPENDENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

|

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/15/2016 MESA ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. /S/ THOMAS HIEBERT, VICE PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 07/30/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17/26 CNS‑4069395# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN 2026‑0002046 The following person(s) is doing business as: LITTLE RANGERS, 901 WELDON RD, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93109, County of SANTA BARBARA. ROOTS &amp; SKY VENTURES LLC, 901 WELDON RD, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93109 State of Inc./Org./Reg: 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 JUL 01, 2026 /s/ TRACY THOMAS, MANAGING MEMBER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 08/12/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24/26 CNS‑4073252# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BOOKS THAT LOVE CHILDREN: 4622 Vista Buena Road Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Books That Love Children (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 07, 2026. Filed by: BRANDI BATES/DIRECTOR with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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: 2026‑0002021. Published: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FIRST CALL REMODEL AND HOME REPAIR: 8415 Morro Rd Atascadero, CA 93422; Central Coast Casualty Restoration, Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: RUTH M SNYDER/ CORPORATE SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 25, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002142. Published: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BUELLTON GARAGE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR: 254 E Highway 246 Buellton, CA 93427; Buellton Garage 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 01, 2015. Filed by: JENNIFER HURNBLAD/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002157. Published: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FIRST CALL PLUMBING: 8415 Morro Rd Atascadero, CA 93422; Central Coast Casualty Restoration, Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 23, 2016. Filed by: RUTH M SNYDER/ CORPORATE SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 25, 2026. This statement expires five years

INDEPENDENT.COM

E M A I L A D V E R T I S I N G @ I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002141. Published: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CALI BOOKKEEPING: 1211 Coast Village Road, Ste 1 Santa Barbara, CA 93108; David Machacek 160 Holly Avenue Apt 9 Carpinteria, CA 93013 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 01, 2026. Filed by: DAVID MACHACEK/ OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 25, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002131. Published: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: TORNOE ROAD ASSOCIATION: 960 Tornoe Road Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Auralee Bunch (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: AURALEE BUNCH/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 25, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0002146. Published: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: TRADEBUILT: 2090 Holly Ln Santa Barbara, CA 93463; Amanda Dwyer (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: AMANDA DWYER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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: 2026‑0001920. Published: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CARE CONNECTION SERVICES: 2155 Ortega Hill Rd, #2 Summerland, CA 93067; Care Connection Services (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 29, 2026. Filed by: ROBBIN BUXTON/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jul 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 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0001963. Published: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: BEACH CITIES BRASS: 278 Ellwood Beach Dr #14 Santa Barbara, CA 93117; James R Labertew (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, 2000. Filed by: JAMES R. LABERTEW/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Sep 04, 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: 2026‑0002235. Published: Sep 10, 17, 24. Oct 1 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OSITA: 1224 Camino Palomera Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Raphael Simon (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 01, 2026. Filed by: RAPHAEL SIMON with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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 71. FBN Number: 2026‑0002068. Published: Sep 10, 17, 24. Oct 1 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s)

is/are doing business as: GOODWIN PROPERTIES: 2000 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Win Good 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 Aug 31, 2026. Filed by: KEVIN GOODWIN/ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 31, 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: 2026‑0002188. Published: Sep 10, 17, 24. Oct 1 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PLUMBIFY PLUMBING SOLUT: 809 La Street, Suite A Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Glenn E Schuster (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 24, 2026. Filed by: GLENN E SCHUSTER/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 27, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by 30. FBN Number: 2026‑0002173. Published: Sep 10, 17, 24. Oct 1 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SB MOBILE NOTARY: 4509A Auhay Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93110; Nels C Henderson (same address) Alexis C Henderson (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 May 21, 2020. Filed by: NELS AND ALEXIS HENDERSON/OWNERS with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 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 81. FBN Number: 2026‑0002163. Published: Sep 10, 17, 24. Oct 1 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: BLUE WATER REVOLUTION: 3463 State Street, #328 Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Michael P. Kenny (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: MICHAEL P KENNY/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Aug 31, 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: 2026‑0002184. Published: Sep 10, 17, 24. Oct 1 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: BRIDGES: 1309 State Street, First Floor Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Bridges Gallery 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 Sep 01, 2026. Filed by: JESSICA BRIDGES/ GALLERY AND MANAGING DIRECTOR with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Sep 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: 2026‑0002226. Published: Sep 10, 17, 24. Oct 1 2026.

NAME CHANGE IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: WOODWYN KOONS & DMITRI SIEGEL CASE NUMBER: 26CV04911 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: WOODWYN KOONS & DMITRI SIEGEL 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: JUDE SEQUOIA SIEGEL PROPOSED NAME: BEE SEQUOIA SIEGEL 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 28, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 5, SANTA BARBARA SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street., Santa Barbara, CA 93121, 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 August 11, 2025, JUDGE Colleen K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Aug 20, 27. Sep 3, 10 2026. IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: ANNIE VU CASE NUMBER: 26CV04675 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: PETITIONER: ANNIE VU 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: ANNIE VU PROPOSED NAME: ANNIE VU CURLEY 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 October 2, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 4, SANTA BARBARA SUPERIOR COURT COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa Street., Santa Barbara, CA 93121, ANACAPA DIVISION A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Independent, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated August 21, 2026, JUDGE Donna D. Geck of the Superior Court. Published Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF (Revocable Trust of Deceased Settlor) SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ANACAPA DIVISION IN RE THE MATTER OF: MARY G. CANO, Case No. 26PR00401 No Hearing Required NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the creditors and claimants of the Deceased Settlor, Mary G. Cano, and The Cano Living Trust dated May 4, 1994, as follows: 1.Trustee Contact Information: The name, address, telephone number and email address of trustee of The Cano Living Trust dated May 4, 1994, is Teresa Cano Carter, P.O. Box 22136, Santa Barbara, CA 93121, (805) 895‑9933, stbtc@hotmail. com. 2.Claims Process: Claims must be filed with the Santa Barbara County Superior Court at P.O. Box 21107, Santa Barbara, CA 93121, and a copy delivered/mailed to the trustee. 3.Claims Deadline: Claims must be filed within the latter of: •Four (4) months from the date of first publication; or •Sixty (60) days from the mailing or personal delivery of this notice. Claim forms are available from the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, located at 1100 Anacapa St, 2nd Floor Santa Barbara, California 93101, and whose mailing address is P.O. Box 21107, Santa Barbara, California 93121‑1107, Erin R. Parks, Attorney for Teresa Cano Carter, Trustee of The Cano Living Trust dated May 4, 1994. Published Sep 3, 10, 17 2026.


INDEPENDENT CLASSIFIEDS

|

PHONE 805-965-5205

|

E M A I L A D V E R T I S I N G @ I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

LEGALS (CONT.) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING In Santa Barbara County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA The hearing begins at 9:00 a.m. On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to consider the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Consistency Amendments. The amendments will achieve consistency with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments adopted Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans for each airport in Santa Barbara County, including: • Revisions to the County Land Use Element, Goleta Community Plan, and Orcutt Community Plan to update language and standards for development near airports and to update County land use maps with the new Airport Safety Zones (Case Nos. 26GPA‑00001 and 26GPA‑00002). • Revisions to the County Land Use and Development Code (Case No. 26ORD‑00004) and Coastal Zoning Ordinance (Case No. 26ORD‑00005) to update zoning requirements for properties and uses nearby airports. • A Rezone to the inland area zoning map (26RZN‑00003) to repeal the existing Airport Approach and Clear Zones and replace them with the Airport Safety Overlay Zone. • A Rezone to the Coastal area zoning maps (26RZN‑00004) to repeal the existing Airport Approach and Clear Zones and replace them with the Airport Safety Overlay District. • Determining that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act For current methods of public participation for the meeting of September 22, 2026, please see page two (2) of the posted Agenda. The posted agenda will be available on Thursday prior to the above referenced meeting for a more specific time for this item. However, the order of the agenda may be rearranged or the item may be continued. Please see the posted agenda and staff reports available on the Thursday prior to the meeting at http://santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar. aspx under the hearing date or contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568‑2240 for alternative options. For additional information, please contact Ben Singer, Planner, at: Email: bsinger@countyofsb.org | Tel: 805‑568‑2025. If you challenge this project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence to the Board of Supervisors prior to the public hearing. Attendance and participation by the public is invited and encouraged. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this hearing, please contact the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by 4:00 p.m. on Friday before the Board meeting at (805) 568‑2240.

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026, AT THE HOUR OF 9AM OF SAID DATE, AT 5390 OVERPASS RD. SUITE E, SANTA BARBARA CA, MAMMOTH MOVING HOLDING CORPORATION DBA MAMMOTH MOVING & STORAGE WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION FOR CASH IN LAWFUL MONEY OF THE UNITES STATES, THE ARTICLES HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED. BELONGING TO OR DEPOSITED WITH, MAMMOTH MOVING & STORAGE, BY THE PERSON(S) HEREINAFTER NAMED TO SATISFY THE LIEN THEREON FOR STORAGE AND HAULING. SAID GOODS ARE BEING HELD ON THE ACCOUNT OF CATHERINE GONZALES, LOT#RLE6120, IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 3,870.00, JEFF MYERS , LOT#RLE6216, IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,356.00, LUIS

LARA, LOT#RLE9567, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,275.00, MARIANNE MADSEN, LOT#RLE6727, IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 22,251.00, MARIE SCHUMACHER, LOT#RLE8181, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,492.50, MARJORIE & LINDA ALDERMAN, LOT#RLE6225, FOR THE AMOUNT OF $1,380.00, TONY ALFINO, LOT#RLE6117, FOR THE AMOUNT OF $26,960.00. SAID GOODS ARE DESCRIBED AS USED HOUSHOLD GOODS INCLUDING ANTIQUES, PIANOS, TV’S, SOFAS, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT, GYM EQUIPMENT, SURFBOARDS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES OF INTEREST. THE AUCTION WILL BE MADE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SATISFYING THE LIEN OF MAMMOTH MOVING & STORAGE, ON SAID PERSONAL PROPERTY TO THE EXTENT OF THE SUM MENTIONED, TOGETHER WITH THE COST OF THE SALE.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara (HASBARCO) invites proposals from qualified individuals or firms to provide Strategic and Housing Navigation Consulting Services. Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to shereeaulman@hasbarco.org and received no later than 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) on September 17, 2026. Proposals received after the specified deadline will not be considered. All proposals will be held in confidence and will not be publicly released until after a contract has been awarded. The Request for Proposals (RFP), including the scope of services, submission requirements, and evaluation criteria, is available on HASBARCO’s website at www.hasbarco.org . Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing to: Sheree Aulman, Construction Contract Coordinator, Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara, Email: shereeaulman@hasbarco. org HASBARCO reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any informalities or irregularities in the proposal process, and award a contract in the manner deemed to be in the best interest of HASBARCO. Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara 815 West Ocean Avenue Lompoc, CA 93436 www.hasbarco.org

SUMMONS 2ND AMENDED Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court Notice to the person being sued: • You are the defendant if your name is listed in on page 2 of this form or on form SC‑100A. The person suing you is the plaintiff, listed in on page 2, • You and the plaintiff must go to court on the trial date listed below. If you do not go to court,‑you may lose the case, If you lose, the court can order that your wages, money, or property be taken to pay this claim. • Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. • Read this form and all pages attached to understand the claim against you and to protect your rights. Aviso al Demandado: Usted es el Demandado si su nombre figura en c de la pagina 2 de este formulario, o en el. formulario SC‑100A, La persona que lo demanda es el Demandante, la que figura en de la pagina 2. Usted y el Demandante tienen clue presentarse en la corte en la fecha del juicio indicada a continua.cion. Si no se presenta, puede perder el caso. Si pierde el caso, la corte podria ordenar que le quiten de su sueldo, dinero u otros bienes para pagar este reciamo. • Lleve testigos, recibos y cualquier otra prueba que necesite para probar su easo • Lea este formulario y todas las pc ginas adjuntas para entender la demanda en su contra y para proteger sus derechos. Order to Go to Court Superior Court of California County of Santa Barbara Angela Braun, Executive Officer 09/21/2026 9:00 AM By: Nikki Punsaian, Deputy Fill In court name and street address: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara Anacapa Division 1100 Anacapa’s Street Santa Barbara, CA 93121‑1107 Court fills in case number when form is filed. Case Number: 26CV00331 Case Name: Rodriguez v. Smith The people in 1 and 2 must attend court: 09/21/2026 9:00 am SB 3 , Angela Braun Date: 4/13/2026 Clerk, by Is/ Nikki

Punsaian, Deputy Instructions for the person suing: You are the plaintiff. The person you are suing is the defendant. Before you fill out this form, read form SC‑100‑INFO, Information for the Plaintiff, to know your rights. You can get form SC‑100‑INFO at any courthouse or county law library, or go to www.ca.gov/ rules‑forms/find‑your‑court‑forms. Fill out pages 2, 3, and 4 of this form. Make copies of all the pages of this form and any attachments—one for each party named in this case and an extra copy for yourself. Take or mail the original and the copies to the court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee. The clerk will write the date of your trial in the box above. Your court may allow electronic filing, Check your local court website for information: www.courts. cagovIfind‑my‑courthon. • You must have someone at least 18—not you or anyone else listed in this case give each defendant a court‑stamped copy of all pages of this form and any pages this form tells you to attach. There are special rules for “serving,” or delivering, this form to public entities, associations, and some buSihesses. See forms •SC404, SC‑104B, and SC‑1040. • Go to court on your trial date listed above. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. Published: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 2026.

TRUSTEE NOTICE NOTICE OF AMENDED PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ALEXANDER READ CRONIN AKA A. READ CRONIN AND 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 ALEXANDER READ CRONIN AKA A. READ CRONIN AND READ CRONIN. AN AMENDED PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by EDWARD WRIGHT CRONIN, JR. in the Superior Court of California, County of SANTA BARBARA. THE AMENDED PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that EDWARD WRIGHT CRONIN, JR. be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE AMENDED PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE AMENDED 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: 09/24/26 at 9:00AM in Dept. SB 5 located at 1100 ANACAPA ST., SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in

section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner GAMBLE T. PARKS ‑ SBN 230431 FENNEMORE LLP 1006 SANTA BARBARA STREET SANTA BARBARA CA 93101 Telephone (805) 420‑6010 9/3, 9/10, 9/17/26 CNS‑4071932# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee Sale No. : 00000010771251 Title Order No.: 260161649 FHA/VA/PMI No.: ATTENTION RECORDER: THE FOLLOWING REFERENCE TO AN ATTACHED SUMMARY APPLIES ONLY TO COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR, NOT TO THIS RECORDED ORIGINAL NOTICE. NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 04/24/2015. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TREDER AND WEISS, LLP, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 05/01/2015 as Instrument No. 2015‑ 0022233 of official records in the office of the County Recorder of SANTA BARBARA County, State of CALIFORNIA. EXECUTED BY: THOMAS A. CLARK AND CHRISTIAN P. MALOSKI‑CLARK, HUSBAND AND WIFE, AS JOINT TENANTS,WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by California Civil Code 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States). DATE OF SALE: 09/23/2026 TIME OF SALE: 1:00 PM PLACE OF SALE: AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 1100 ANACAPA STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101. STREET ADDRESS and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 629 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 93108 APN#: 011‑140‑018 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the

remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $403,471.47. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title

insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 833‑ 561‑0243 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this Internet Web site WWW.SALES.BDFGROUP.C OM for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case 00000010771251. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder” you may beable to

purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 833‑ 561‑0243, or visit this internet websiteWWW.SALES.BDFGROUP.C OM using the file number assigned to this case 00000010771251 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: 833‑561‑0243 WWW.SALES.BDFGROUP.C OM BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TREDER AND WEISS, LLP IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TREDER AND WEISS, LLP as Trustee 3990 E. Concours Street, Suite 350 Ontario, CA 91764 (866) 795‑1852 CA Debt Collection License No. 11709‑99 Dated: 08/18/2026 A‑4884200 09/03/2026, 09/10/2026, 09/17/2026

Notice of Recruitment Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District Hearing Board The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (District) is offering a great opportunity to contribute to local government and air pollution control! The District is recruiting to fill one position on the District Hearing Board. The Hearing Board is a quasi-judicial body that makes determinations on permit appeals, variances from local District rules and regulations, and considers requests for permit revocations and abatement orders. The Hearing Board meets when there are cases to be heard, on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room in either Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. On average, the Hearing Board meets about three times per year for approximately one hour. Members may also be called upon to hear short-term variances as they arise. The Hearing Board is composed of five-members, each with three-year terms: one Attorney, one professional Engineer, one member of the Medical profession (with specialized skills, training, or interests in the fields of environmental medicine, community medicine, or occupational/toxicological medicine), and two public members. The current opening is for the Attorney position; however, based on the size of the Santa Barbara County, if the District is unable to appoint an Attorney to this position, a member of the public can serve in this position. The successful candidate will be subject to the provisions of the Conflict of Interest Code, California Government Code 87100 et seq. and will be required to submit a Conflict of Interest Form 700 annually as required by the California Fair Political Practices Commission. In addition, members are required to complete mandatory bi-annual training pursuant to AB1234 (Ethics), AB827 (Fiscal and Financial training), and AB1661 (Sexual Harassment Prevention Training and Education). For more information or to download an application, visit our website at http://www.ourair.org/apcd/apcd-hearing-board/ or call the District at (805) 979-8282. Applications must be received by Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at Santa Barbara County APCD, 260 N. San Antonio Road, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, Attention: Lore Saldana or email at LAS@sbcapcd.org. Interviews will be conducted by the Hearing Board Nominating Committee of the District Board of Directors in the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Conference Room in Santa Barbara on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

INDEPENDENT.COM INDEPENDENT.COM SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 10, 10, 2026 2026 THE INDEPENDENT

51 51


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Santa Barbara Independent 9/10/26 by SB Independent - Issuu