Reputation Matters
on the successful representation of the seller at 20 Alston Pl, Sold for $6,995,000.
ANDREA CAMBERN
805.722.2352
AndreaCambern@bhhscal.com DRE 02158714
on the successful representation of the seller at 440 Woodley Rd, Sold for $5,900,000.
DAN ENCELL
805.565.4896
DanEncell@aol.com www.DanEncell.com DRE 00976141
CHASE ENRIGHT
on the successful representation of the buyer at 1245 San Antonio Creek, Sold for $3,950,000.
CHASE ENRIGHT
805.708.4057
ChaseEnright@bhhscal.com www.Chase-Enright.com DRE 01800599
EALAND & SIDERIS GROUP / HRISTO HRISTOV
on the successful representation of the seller at 4600 Tims Rd, Sold for $3,900,000.
EALAND & SIDERIS GROUP
805.698.9902
SuzyEaland@bhhscal.com DRE 01766178 / 00603730
HRISTO HRISTOV
805.284.8471 HHristov.bhhscal.com DRE 01978598
on the successful representation of the seller at 1730 Glen Oaks Dr, Sold for $6,800,000.
805.565.4000
Info@HomesInSantaBarbara.com
www.HomesInSantaBarbara.com DRE 01499736 / 01129919
on the successful representation of the buyer & seller at 0 Santos Rd, Sold for $4,200,000.
Laura@LauraDrammer.com www.LauraDrammer.com DRE 01209580
on the successful representation of the seller at 1245 San Antonio Creek, Sold for $3,950,000.
GLICK REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES
805.689.7167 / 805.705.3080
Randy@RandyGlick.com
Carmen@GlickRealEstateAssociates.com
www.RandyGlick.com DRE 00950129 / 01953155
on the successful representation of the seller at 235 Constance Ln, Sold for $3,885,000.
ANGELA MOLONEY
805.451.1553
AMoloney1@aol.com www.AngelaMoloney.com DRE 01221588
DAN ENCELL
ANGELA MOLONEY
A Tile Tale: Ernest Batchelder’s Telling Tiles
When my husband and I began our first househunting experience, we attended an open house at a charming little bungalow on a tiny street on the Lower Riviera. “Little” and “tiny” were the operative words; it was just too small to meet our needs. The Realtor kept trying to convince us that its historic features outweighed our objections. “Look at the fireplace,” she insisted. “It has a Batchelder tile! Wouldn’t you like to live in a house with a Batchelder tile?”
We agreed the unique green bas-relief tile surrounded by darker earth tones was lovely, but at the time, we had no idea what she was talking about. We thought it was strange to promote the sale of a whole house based on less than a square foot of tile with an odd name.
In 1993, we purchased a more fitting bungalow a few blocks away and have lived there ever since. Built in 1912, it has neither a fireplace nor a Batchelder tile, but we love it anyway. Owning a historic house in a historic neighborhood conveys certain responsibilities to preserve, protect, and optimize its care for the next generation. I’ve been lucky enough to live among a caring group of neighbors who, since 2002, have worked together to become stewards of a neighborhood we named Bungalow Haven. We have gained and shared knowledge about myriad aspects of the Arts and Crafts era when our homes were built including Batchelder tiles.
Los Angeles–based artist Ernest Batchelder began his craft in 1910, benefitting from a construction boom in the Arroyo Seco area. His tiles have been prized ever since for their subtle colors and striking nature motifs, geometric shapes influenced by Medieval, Mayan, and Byzantine themes. A description from a widely distributed catalog of his distinctive tiles:
Our material is appropriate for interior and exterior enrichment. It is used for mantels, pavements, fountains, counters, storefronts, in fact, it is suitable for any place where a fired clay product may be properly specified. Our product is hand wrought by processes developed in our own factory. The body is an encaustic, non-vitreous material; the color is a mineral slip fired into the surface at high temperatures in such a way that it becomes an integral part of the
body, presenting a surface texture free from gloss and with the mottled surface characteristic of Batchelder Tiles. It will be found that there are slight variations of shape and size.
It turns out Santa Barbara has a fair share of homes, not just modest bungalows, that include Batchelder tiles. Real estate listings frequently list them as a desirable characteristic of a property. The grand Granholm Estate in Montecito, built for philanthropist David Gray in 1918, features floors fashioned from Batchelder tiles. At the Music Academy of the West, the fireplace surround in the library consists of a collection of beautifully detailed, nature-themed Batchelder tiles.
Early in his career as a tile maker, Batchelder lived in Altadena and fired the tiles in his backyard kiln; his distinctive creations were installed in the fireplaces of numerous nearby homes built a century ago.
When recent wildfires ripped through Eaton Canyon in Altadena, far too many residents were left with little to nothing, their possessions lost, reduced to heartbreak and ash. But some, whose modest homes and historic Craftsman bungalows burned to the ground, began an immediate effort to salvage the treasured tiles that survived the firestorm, even as they were still reeling from the magnitude of their losses.
As good neighbors do, they banded together and quickly organized their efforts to maximize their effectiveness. Sifting through the ruins and carefully removing the prized tiles from chimneys still standing gave meaning to the moment for these survivors of what was once unthinkable. These century-old bits of art hold memories and more: They have become priceless remnants of the lives they once lived, hopeful reminders of the lives that they will rebuild.
Fashioned from earth and intentionally fired in their creation, the tiles withstood a second, unintentional firing that did not break them. And they will forever be a part of home in a very special community.
For more information about the Altadena’s Save the Tiles effort, see savethetiles.org
The Santa Barbara Batchelder
In Santa Barbara, the name George Batchelder is known locally as the developer of the Riviera, the philanthropist who donated the land for the Santa Barbara Bowl, and a visionary who advocated for the Andalusian design of the courthouse. Since it’s an unusual name and the two contemporaries were involved in housing, the question naturally arises if Ernest (1875-1957) and George (1861-1936) were related. While both men left their mark on the art and architecture of this area, and both were born in New Hampshire, it’s unclear whether they were related.
Cheri Rae is a
OUR SANTA BARBARA by Cheri Rae
Detail of the nature themes and subtle coloring, so characteristic of Batchelder tiles
Close-up of Batchelder floor tiles
Sample tiles from Ernest Batchelder's tile catalog
Batchelder tiles in the fireplace surround in the library at the Music Academy of the West
George Batchelder
Ernest Batchelder
THE BEATING HEART OF SANTA BARBARA
OPEN HOUSES Saturday 4/5
Goleta
5518 Armitos Ave #88, 1BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $585,000, Village Properties, Louis Manzo 805-5707274, DRE#00756919
588 Mills Way, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $900,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Reyne Stapelmann 805705-4353, DRE#01347808
345 Kellogg Way Unit 2, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 1-4, $1,099,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets / Brooke Ebner 805-708-2323 / 805453-7071, DRE#00917775
582 Poppyfield Place, 2BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,100,000, Village Properties, David Marchetti 805-6374160, DRE#02007487
562 Poppyfield Place, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,325,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Jermaine Brown 805452-6089, DRE#01347808
7247 Del Norte, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $1,350,000, Your SB Team
Keller Williams Santa Barbara, Nancy Newquist Nolan 805-570-1015, DRE#01459696
6124 Craigmont Drive, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,595,000, Sun Coast Real Estate, Mike Agnoli 805-722-0154, DRE#02193883
San Roque
4141 Via Andorra #A, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,129,000, Spectrum Realty, Andrew Sillers 805-681-6268, DRE#01382575
2965 Calle Noguera, 5BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,890,000, Village Properties, Sheela Hunt / Michael Dickman 805-698-3767 / 805-6893355, DRE#01103376 / #02093312
The Mesa
12 Skyline Circle, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $2,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Team Shotwell 805-698-4511, DRE#02071607
The Riviera
1825 Stanwood Drive, 3BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-4, $2,475,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Joy Bean 805895-1422, DRE#00925828
223 La Vista Grande Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4, $2,995,000, Village Properties, Cimme Eordanidis 805722-8480, DRE#01745878
1260 Ferrelo Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 2-5, $3,550,000, Douglas Elliman of California, William Truner 805-708-3236, DRE#01935111
743 Alturas Del Sol, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 12-2, $3,995,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Renee Marvin 805-698-1590, DRE#02056190
Santa Barbara
1231 Stonecreek Road Unit B, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $829,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Avi Becker 805-944-2653, DRE#01314939
711 W Ortega #7, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $940,000, Village Properties, Charlotte Cross / Elise Kahn 805-570-1660 / 805-338-6641, DRE#02160367 / #02081385
962 Miramonte Unit 2, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $949,500, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ty Whelehan / Peggy Raegan 805-471-0993 / 679-3882001, DRE#00552664
958 Miramonte Drive Unit 1, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $979,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lyndsey Jones 805-680-2856, DRE#00552664
5328 Traci Drive, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $985,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kristin Hall 805-3458279, DRE#01735358
26 W Constance Avenue #8, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 11-4 & Sun 10-1, $1,049,000, Village Properties, Spencer Cole / Lourika van Tonder / Liz Benson / Carly Gribble 805-689-6673 / 805-280-5865 / 805-402-1945 / 805-951-7255, DRE#02115510 / #02211987 / #02252004 / #02233358
810 W. Arrellaga Street, 2BD + Loft, 1BA & 1PBA, Sun 2-4, $1,149,000, Keller Williams, Nancy Newquist-Nolan 805-570-1015, DRE#01459696
4440 Shadow Hills Circle # C, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,200,000, Village Properties, Jim Witmer 805448-3921, DRE#00425344
731 Bath St, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-2, $1,275,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sophia Taylor 805-947-5979, DRE#02156425
2624 State St #1, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $1,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Michelle Madril 805-453-0927, DRE#01961707
327 West Figueroa Street, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $1,388,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker 805-451-1721, DRE#00494253
1788 Calle Poniente, 3BD, 1BA, Sat 2-4, $1,395,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker 805-451-1721, DRE#00494253
315 E Micheltorena, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,479,000, Village Properties, David M. Kim 805-296-0662, DRE#01813897
509 Coronel Place, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-4, $1,500,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Anthony Bordin 805-729-0527, DRE#00974047
1008 E De La Guerra Street, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 12-2, $1,649,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Brittany Arntz 805-680-5946, DRE#02055307
5459 Tree Farm Lane, 2 BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 2:30-4:30, $1,695,000, Compass, Jennifer Berger 805-4515484, DRE#01309178
517 Brinkerhoff Avenue, 6BD, 3BA, Fri 12-7, Sat 10-7 & Sun 10-4, $1,800,000, Village Properties, Johnn Deim / Jill Agonias / Marcy Bazani / Stephanie Ornani / Simone Eurich / Liz Benson / Charlotte Cross 805-679-0692 / 805-8959902 / 805-755-8283 / 805-4557992 / 805-402-1945 / 805-5701660, DRE#02247763 / #02150975 / #02180493 / #02105209 / #02252004 / #02160376
220 Santa Barbara Street Unit D, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat 12-3, $1,975,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Rachael Douglas 805-318-0900, DRE#02024147
523 Santa Barbara Street, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $2,099,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Jenny Easter 805-4556294, DRE#00917775
1227 De La Vina Street Unit C, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $2,275,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Ruhge 805-895-5862, DRE#01965484
1109 Bath Street, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 2-4, $2,295,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Chris Harrington 805-689-7418, DRE#01019556
2335 State St, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 11-1, $2,425,000, Village Properties, Emily McPherson 805-766-6014, DRE#02133962
569 Ricardo Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,425,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Gabriela Huson / Beth Goodman 805-280-1805 / 805-4551909, DRE#01005021
2620 Las Encinas Road, 5BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Dan Crawford 805-8865764, DRE#01923245
514 E Islay Street Units A&B, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 11-4 & Sun 11-5, $2,495,000, Village Properties, Jill Agonias / Carly Gribble / Nicole Wesley / Jackie Walters 805-895-9902 / 805-9517255 / 805-448-6858 / 805-5700558, DRE#02150975 / #02233358 / #02017169 / #00835438
1352 Crestline Drive, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 1-4, $2,595,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brisaly Balderas 805-335-4726, DRE#02128318
4529 1/2 Hollister Ave, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 2-4, $2,675,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Chase Enright 805-708-4057, DRE#01800599
1336 Manitou, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-4, $2,699,000, Village Properties, David M. Kim 805-296-0662, DRE#01813897
1086 Via Los Padres, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-2, $2,975,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Chase Enright 805-7084057, DRE#01800599
316 Argonne Circle, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 1-3, $2,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Annette Vait 805-8861926, DRE#02044281
3816 Sunset Road, 5BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $3,095,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Rebecca Hammel 805661-9007, DRE#01976075
702 E Calle Laureles, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $3,200,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Michael Pinero 310-2134481, DRE#00968247
101 Via Tusa, 4BD, 3BA, Thur 10-1 & Sun 1-3, $3,495,000, Coast & Valley Properties, Monica Lenches 805689-1300, DRE#01081461
2627 Montrose Place, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 12-4, $3,595,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kevin Duley / Carmen Galzerano / Rachel Brown 805-637-7947 / 805-705-3080 / 805-570-7160, DRE#02211232 / #01953155 / #01950975
1235 Mission Ridge Road, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 12-3, $3,599,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Alanna Watson 805-5704020, DRE#01378431
3229 Vista Arroyo, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-4, $4,495,000, Village Properties, Ted Campbell 805-886-1175, DRE#00691712
3770 Foothill Road, 5BD, 4BA, Sun 1-3, $4,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Rachel Brown 805-570-7160, DRE#00950129
450 El Cielito Road, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sun 11-2, $5,395,000, Sotheby’s, Jake Longstreth 805-705-4120, DRE#02090236
917 Paseo Ferrelo, 4BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun By Appt, $6,395,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Mia Teetsel 805-2029118, DRE#01256862
1103 Harbor Hills Drive, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-4, $7,450,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Gloria Easter 805-5700403, DRE#00917775
272 El Cielito Road, 3BD, 5.5BA, Sun 1-3, $8,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erika Burrows 805-8861588, DRE#00968247
Taxing the Wealthy to Help Nature and the Poor
Within the current framework of increasing global tensions, the nations of the world achieved a rare unity in reaching a landmark agreement to fund the conservation of life the Kunming-Montreal agreement. For the first time, a global plan to finance the protection of endangered species and delicate ecosystems was adopted with specifics hammered out during 2024. It was a struggle to achieve consensus because of deep disagreements between wealthy and developing countries on funding. Persistence paid off, however.
by Dennis Allen
Financing has long been a contentious matter in international environmental negotiations, but Brazil was central in presenting a compromise sensitive to perspectives held on all sides. Under the agreement, wealthier nations will contribute $30 billion annually for the preservation of ecosystems in poorer countries. The goal is to reach a
$200 billion annual amount by 2030. The ambitious goal of the agreement is to halt the destruction of nature by 2030 and to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and seas by that date.
Fifty percent of the money will be allocated to indigenous peoples and local communities, recognizing their role as custodians of biodiversity. The deal also strengthens accountability, ensuring that countries follow through on their biodiversity and conservation commitments.
The U.S. is the only country not a part of this agreement, mostly because of the near impossibility in recent decades of garnering the required two-thirds vote in the Senate for any multinational treaty. Biotech companies have opposed the agreement, fearing that they might have to share their intellectual property related to genetics with other countries. For similar reasons, pharmaceutical giants have resisted the treaty.
Another recent agreement that could assist the funding for protecting nature is by the G20 finance ministers and central bankers to levy a wealth tax on the superrich. Their joint statement committed their countries “to engage cooperatively to ensure that ultra-high-net-worth individu-
OPEN HOUSES
Montecito
74 Chase Drive, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sarita Vasquez 805-7291115, DRE#01182792
939 Arcady Road, 5BD, 5BA, Sun 1-4, $5,495,000, Epstein Partners/ Keller Williams, Stan Aslanian 805689-2265, DRE#01866069
595 Freehaven Drive, 5BD, 5BA & 1PBA, Sun 1:30-5, $5,575,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Kathy Henry 805-637-4400, DRE#01403548
150 Cedar Lane, 5BD, 5BA, Sat 12-3, $5,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Charlie Bogue 805-837-4213, DRE#01803038
2760 Sycamore Canyon Road, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3:30, $9,585,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Joe Stubbins 805-729-0778, DRE#01426886
Carpinteria
5750 Via Real Spc 249, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $444,900, Village Properties, Marcos Lazaro 805-6379121, DRE#01770439
als are effectively taxed. Despite the consensus, considerable differences exist over the plan’s practicality and implementation. Key questions are who would monitor the plan and how would the tax be imposed.
Again, Brazil has been at the forefront, this time promoting a wealth tax to address climate change and the reduction of poverty. Currently, billionaires pay 0.3 percent of their wealth in taxes. Brazil’s President is advocating for a minimum of 2 percent.
This would generate between $200 and $250 billion annually. Since the Trump Administration is pushing even greater tax breaks for the wealthy, it is unlikely it will support this effort.
Dennis Allen is chair of Allen Construction, an employeeowned company committed to building and operating sustainably. He is also former chair of the Dean’s Council at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Manage-
at UCSB and a former boardmember of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Saturday 4/5 & Sunday 4/6
1275 Cramer Circle, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,399,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Jason Anderson 805284-5234, DRE#01355461
780 Calle Rey Mar, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 3-5, $1,850,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Jen Stein 805-319-5866, DRE#01786020
5533 Callejon Avenue, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 12-2, $3,195,000, Village Properties, Ryan Kell 805-220-0848, DRE#02224217
Santa Ynez Valley
2056 W Hwy 154 Spc 2, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 11:30-3, $475,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Efren Pulido 805-5984140, DRE#01527179
546 Covelo Lane, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $719,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kelly Mahan Herrick 805-208-1451, DRE#01974836
222 Bainbridge Court, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sun 2-4, $785,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Daulton Wolf 805-7576797, DRE#02202805
165 Karen Place, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $879,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bill Coker 805-689-7415, DRE#0078201
320 5th Street, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $1,430,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Angie Marrufo 805-863-6866, DRE#02231894
2475 Grand Ave, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 11-1, $2,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Daulton Wolf 805-757-6797, DRE#02202805
1301 Cougar Ridge Rd, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sun 12-2, $2,395,000, Village Properties, Lisa Allen 805-705-3460, DRE#01242652
Ventura
258 Dalton Street, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $900,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Monica Gear 805-7469598, DRE#02126541
10901 Creek Rd, 5BD, 5BA, Sun 1-4, $3,790,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Stan Aslanian 805-6892265, DRE#01866069
Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/ OPENHOUSESUBMISSIONS
$25 PER LISTING OR FREE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVERTISERS
Email: openhouses@independent.com with questions
ment
GOING GREEN
NEWLY LISTED: 241 MORETON BAY LANE #3, GOLETA
Nestled along the fairways of Encina Royale, this beautifully updated home offers stunning golf course views in a vibrant 55+ community. Originally a two-bedroom, it has been reimagined as a spacious onebedroom, maximizing natural light and scenery. Thoughtfully upgraded with a stylishly renovated kitchen, remodeled baths, fresh flooring, new windows and doors, and a sleek contemporary paint palette, this home is truly move-in ready. Encina Royale spans 42 acres of resort-style amenities, including a 9-hole golf course, heated pool, clubhouse, gym, library, and more. The HOA covers essential services like landscaping, exterior maintenance, cable, internet, water, and trash, ensuring a low-maintenance, active lifestyle.
Channelkeeper Hosts Blue Water Ball
On March 29, more than 200 supporters of Santa Barbara Channelkeeper gathered at the Cabrillo Pavilion to celebrate and raise funds for this vital nonprofit that protects and restores the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds. Emmy Award–winning underwater filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall gave an illuminating presentation.
At the event and in an interview, Executive Director Ted Morton explained the importance of Channelkeeper’s work — advocacy, education, and monitoring — especially with the challenges posed by the Trump Administration’s rollback of safeguards protecting clean water and healthy habitats, along with the dismantling of agencies, firings, and proposed budget cuts.
Here at home, Morton related, Sable is aggressively moving to restart oil development along the Gaviota Coast, putting the Santa Barbara Channel, its habitats, and dependent businesses at risk of another massive oil spill. Channelkeeper is working alongside the Environmental Defense Center (EDC) and others, providing input and encouraging its supporters to do the same. Among Channelkeeper’s concerns is whether Sable has the financial capacity to address a spill, especially at the start of production. Channelkeeper has also been opposing Sable’s recent work undertaken without obtaining permits from the CA Coastal Commission. This matter is the subject of ongoing litigation.
Another focus has been Santa Barbara’s cruise ship program. When Channelkeeper saw a post-COVID rise in the number of visits, it suggested that the City of Santa
Barbara evaluate how the program fits within the city’s overall environmental protection goals. In the process that ensued, Channelkeeper made recommendations to the city, several of which the council adopted. Among the new provisions are an annual cap on visits and requirements that ships have effective water and air pollution prevention technology. Channelkeeper is presently working with the Waterfront Department on implementation, providing input on technical issues.
Also on Channelkeeper’s radar is the Goleta West Sanitary District following the spill last winter of more than one million gallons of raw sewage and the delayed notification to the county. Channelkeeper continues to monitor the repairing and upgrading of the pipe that burst.
Educational programs too, Morton related, are more important than ever these days. Channelkeeper provides opportunities for youth in grades 3 through 8 to learn about the S.B. Channel, our watersheds, and their connection to them. Programming combines in-classroom lessons with on-the-water experiences, focusing on schools with underresourced families.
Kayaking excursions for the older kids have been really popular, with three-quarters of those participating having never been in a kayak before. The younger kids go out in Channelkeeper’s 31-foot, retrofitted lobster boat on waterquality-testing trips, where they learn about wildlife and the environment. Both types of excursions, according to Morton, give the kids a different perspective on their community and how they fit into it. Kids are our future leaders, Morton related, so Channelkeeper wants them to see how
important the local environment is to them and to their families.
Channelkeeper does monitoring work as well. Since 2002, it has contracted with the City of Goleta to monitor 11 creeks on a monthly basis. Also, it responds to citizens’ concerns about water quality.
Another big service Channelkeeper provides is organizing cleanups along our coast and on the Channel Islands. Its annual lobster trap cleanup, which it does in partnership with the Commercial Fishermen of S.B., will be on April 19. The public is invited to help retrieve and transfer lobster traps buried along the Mesa coast. These derelict traps not only clutter the beaches but also pose risks to wildlife and beachgoers.
Morton took the helm at Channelkeeper in July 2021 after serving in leadership positions with the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Environmental Defense Fund, and other notable organizations. After walking the halls of the nation’s capital, Morton shared, he accepted the Channelkeeper post to work with community groups and be more connected with what he has been protecting during his 25-plusyear career. It has been a terrific privilege, he related, to lead the “scrappy” Channelkeeper organization, with a lean staff of eight and just more than a $1 million annual budget. Other than the Goleta water monitoring and a small cleanup project, Channelkeeper receives no government funding and is reliant on the community to support its valuable work.
For more information, go to sbck.org.
SOCIETY MATTERS Text and photos by Gail Arnold
Development Director Annie Lovell, Science & Program Manager Molly Troup, Education & Community Outreach Director Penny Owens, Executive Director Ted Morton, Program Assistant Veronica Moran, Communications Director Laura Sanchez, and Policy Associate Nate Irwin
Intern Payton Richardson, past board president Tim Robinson, and Talli Robinson
Filmmakers Michele and Howard Hall with Boardmember Mimi deGruy
C alcagno & H amilton Real Estate Group
1383 SCHOOL HOUSE ROAD
SPANISH-CONTEMPORARY BEAUTY IN MONTECITO
Private and gated, this remodeled single-level home blends modern luxury with Spanish charm. Set on a 1-acre lot, the estate features 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 elegant bathrooms, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
PREMIER DOWNTOWN MEDITERRANEAN VILLA
Just 5 blocks from the heart of Santa Barbara, this luxury 3 bed, 2.5 bath residence has been meticulously updated with modern comforts, while retaining timeless allure. The property offers 3 spacious terraces and a 2-car garage.
AT $2,995,000
FULLY RENOVATED RANCH-STYLE HOME
Rebuilt in 2024 from the studs out, nearly every aspect of this 0.20-acre property has been thoughtfully upgraded. The stylish and airy, open-concept home flows to a spacious, fenced yard with large deck and fire pit. 501 NORTHVIEW ROAD
LISTED AT $2,225,000
“Selecting a realtor should be for life - not a single transaction. This is exactly the level of service Mike and Kyle Richardson provide. They treat you as though they intend to work with you and your family for life. They give clients sound advice - not just what you may want to hear about the market, pricing your home or negotiating a purchase. This is how he has operated since I met him in 1997.
Mike and Kyle are my ‘go to’ for so many decisions regarding refinancing, insurance, home improvements. Their office is my yellow pages - when we need a recommendation for a plumber, architect, landscape, contractor...anything. For a decision as important as buying and selling real estate - I highly recommend Mike and Kyle.”
- Lisa R.
“We 100% recommend Kyle and Mike to anyone in need of real estate services. They’re simply the best. My family moved out of state, so the house was left entirely in their capable hands from preparing the house for sale to closing. Their frequent updates and professionalism gave us complete confidence that the house was being handled with care.
Your Mesa Realtors
The advice from Kyle and Mike throughout the process was sensible and valuable. In preparation for sale, we followed their suggestions on flooring, painting, and staging, and we’re so happy that we did. These improvements transformed the house in the best way. They have great taste, and they’re exceptional at what they do. They have a network of contractors and handymen that can address everything a house needs at a good price.”
- Tian H.
Lic. #00635254 + #01902531 privacy on this fabulous Montecito estate. Resting at the property is a charming Craftsman style home circa 1912. Today, it modern amenities, and still charm. Located in MUS. Rare ocean front estate on the Mesa! This spectacular 4bed/4.5bath ultra-luxury property boasts ~5,100+ sq. ft. of living space resting on over 1/2 acre of prime California coastline. Enjoy unparalleled ocean views from every corner of this contemporary home. Must see in person!
SELLING YOUR PERSONAL RESIDENCE, TRUST ASSET, OR INVESTMENT PRO PERTY? Contact Mike and Kyle Richardson at 805-963-1704.
1/2 acre ocean front lot! This is a once in a life time opportunity to purchase a vacant piece of ocean front property located in one of Santa Barbara’s most desirable neighborhoods. Build your dream home to the exact specifications that you desire. Panoramic ocean views! The Richardson Team
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com 805.963.1704
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com 805.963.1704
www.mrrealtors.com
www.sbrealtor.com DRE Lic. #00635254 + #01902531
BY
UPDATE ON CALIFORNIA HOUSING LAWS
As we enter April 2025, it's crucial to be aware of two significant housing-related laws that just came into effect in California. These new regulations aim to enhance tenant rights and clarify landlord responsibilities. Below is a brief overview of each:
1. Assembly Bill 2747 (AB 2747): Positive Rental Payment Reporting
Effective April 1, 2025, landlords of residential properties with more than 15 total units are required to offer tenants the option to have their on-time rent payments reported to at least one nationwide consumer reporting agency. This initiative allows tenants to build their credit profiles through consistent rent payments. Landlords may charge tenants a fee for this service, not exceeding the lesser of $10 per month or the actual cost incurred. Certain exemptions apply, particularly for smaller landlords and specific housing developments. Additionally, if a property owner owns 15 or fewer units but they hold ownership as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), corporation, or a limited liability company (LLC) with at least one corporate member they are required to also follow the new law.
2. Assembly Bill 2801 (AB 2801): Security Deposit and Property Condition Documentation
Starting April 1, 2025, landlords must adhere to stricter documentation requirements concerning security deposits. For tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025, landlords are mandated to take photographs of the rental unit immediately before or at the inception of the tenancy. Additionally, upon tenant move-out, landlords must photograph the unit both before and after any repairs or cleaning for which deductions from the security deposit may be made. These photographs, along with detailed itemized statements, must be provided to tenants to justify any deductions.
These laws underscore California's commitment to fair housing practices and the protection of both tenants and landlords. Given the complexities and potential implications of these regulations, we strongly encourage property owners and tenants to consult with their property managers or legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations.
Furthermore, for those considering investing in real estate, partnering with a professional REALTOR® is invaluable. REALTORS® possess the expertise and up-to-date knowledge to navigate the evolving land-
Summer Knight
scape of California real estate effectively. Stay informed, stay compliant, and let's continue to foster a fair and transparent housing market in our community.
For more information and resources, visit www.sbaor.org.
Summer Knight is a Santa Barbara native and top producing Realtor at Sun Coast Real Estate. Summer has been a member of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors for over 20 years and currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors. Reach Summer at 805-886-1261 or summer.k.knight@gmail.com.
investigate.
If you would like Betsy to trace your home’s history for her column, send her a message through the contact page of her website: betsyjgreen.com.
Open Saturday 12-4 & Sunday 1-4 1-4
Move right in—this turnkey 3B/2BA main home + 1B/1B A ADU in Mission Canyon offers stunning ocean and mountain views! Re cent owner upgrades include a custom kitchen with steel-brushed oak cab inetry, natural stone countertops, Wolf & Miele appliances, a plastered s tove hood, and designer lighting. The open-concept layout features a high-c eiling living room with wood beams and a newly finished slate plaster fireplace. French doors open to a 900 sq. ft. entertaining deck, surrounded by a large fr ont yard and mature hedges for privacy. The primary suite includes an ensuite bath, walk-in closet, and a sliding door to a tranquil outdoor space. Above the two-car garage, the oceanview ADU has in-unit laundry and a private entrance . Additional upgrades: EV charger, BBQ gas line, high-end laundry appliances, water softener, fresh paint, and custom shades. Minutes from the Santa Barbara M ission and Downtown!
