the buyer at 3191 Padaro Lane, Sold for $33,333,333.33.
THE KOGEVINAS GROUP 805.331.7577
Team@Kogevinas.com MontecitoProperties.com DRE 01209514
on the successful representation of the seller at 2076 China Flat Road, Sold for $10,700,000.
CRISTAL CLARKE
805.886.9378
Cristal@Montecito-Estate.com Montecito-Estate.com DRE 00968247
on the successful representation of the seller at 491 Pimiento Lane, Sold for $9,250,000.
MARSHA KOTLYAR ESTATE GROUP
805.565.4014
Home@MKGroupMontecito.com MontecitoFineEstates.com DRE 01426886
on the successful representation of the seller at 817 Del Oro Drive, Sold for $3,325,000.
ANNIE COX
818.517.9440
AnnieCox@bhhscal.com AnnieCoxHere.com DRE 02093166
on the successful representation of the buyer at 2240 Ortega Ranch Rd, Sold for $9,725,000.
DAN JOHNSON
805.895.5150
DanJohnson@bhhscal.com DRE 00609860
on the successful representation of the seller at 1524 E Valley Road, Sold for $3,500,000.
KEN SWITZER
805.680.4622
KenSwitzer1@yahoo.com DRE 01245644
on the successful representation of the buyer at 176 Toro Canyon Road, Sold for $3,210,000.
805.895.4406
Kelly@KnightRealEstateGroup.com
KnightRealEstateGroup.com DRE 01463617
ANNIE COX
MARSHA KOTLYAR ESTATE GROUP
KEN SWITZER
CRISTAL CLARKE
DAN JOHNSON
Steps for Smooth Sailing: The Renovation Process
Renovating can be incredibly rewarding, but with rising costs and often lengthy permitting processes, it’s important to plan carefully, budget properly, and have realistic expectations about how long a remodel may take to finish. Whether you are updating a classic Spanish Colonial Revival or a midcentury ranch home, here are my top tips to ensure that your project stays on track.
Assemble a Professional Team
Don’t automatically hire the lowest bidder. Depending on the scale of the project, you’ll likely need an architect, designer, and builder who thoroughly understand local and national codes as well as Architectural Board of Review (ABR) guidelines. Ask for recommendations of teams who have successfully collaborated before. When your professionals have a proven, positive track record together, they communicate efficiently and solve problems faster.
Build in Budget Contingencies
Set a Realistic Timeline
Having a realistic timeline from your contractor is crucial in saving headache and frustration later in the process. Ask your team to collaborate and give you an honest timeline, even if it’s not what you want to hear. As a design professional, we want to keep our clients happy throughout the entire project, not just in the beginning. There are always delays. Always. So, plan for it and build this into the timeline from the start.
Plan Your Escape (Temporary Housing)
If your plumbing will be offline or your kitchen gutted, do yourself a favor and move out. Subcontractors work much
faster when they don’t have to work around a family and pets. Because the Santa Barbara rental market is notoriously tight and expensive, factor temporary housing into your budget early, or scale back on luxury finishes to offset the cost.
Finalize Materials Early
If possible, work with a designer to select your finish materials, including tile, flooring, fixtures, cabinets, appliances and lighting. Many materials are custom-made, so you’ll need plenty of time to allow for orders to be filled and shipped. Often, a part or two can be damaged during shipping, so it’s best to plan ahead and allow enough time to get replacement materials.
Value-Engineer the Swappable Stuff
If the budget gets tight, trim costs on elements that are easy to upgrade later. Keep your paint scheme simple, choose mid-range appliances, or delay installing a premium kitchen backsplash. It is incredibly easy to swap a light fixture or tile down the road; it is nearly impossible to fix shoddy underlying plumbing or electrical work.
Dodge the Change-Order Trap
A change order is an amendment to your contract to add or alter the scope of work. Moving a recessed light switch after the drywall is already up will cost you serious money. Minimize these expensive course corrections by finalizing your electrical, lighting, and layout plans during the design phase.
Maintain Your Sanity and Humor
Renovations are inherently stressful, and timelines will shift. When the dust gets overwhelming, take a step back. Take a beach walk and keep your eye on the ultimate prize: a beautifully refreshed home that you will love for decades to come.
I’d love to see your remodeling process! Tag me on social media @saltwood.interiors
Make sure you are prepared for “worst-case scenarios” because, inevitably, they’ll happen. You’ve probably heard it’s a good idea to add a 10 percent to 20 percent contingency to your budget, but you should also add the same amount to your timeline.
Of course, the budget contingency also depends on the scope. If you are practically rebuilding from the ground up, you might be able to get away with 15 percent, or even 10 percent, because there shouldn’t be too many unknowns. (You are redoing everything, after all.) But if your remodel involves working with existing elements, the condition of which won’t be revealed until demo day, you definitely need to have at least 20 percent set aside for unknowns.
Christine S. Cowles is the owner of Saltwood Interiors, an interior design company
THE STYLE SPECIALIST
AWORLD AWAY.
Nestled within 39 acres and surrounded by the natural beauty of Los Padres National Forest, this remarkable creekside hideaway offers a rare opportunity to live immersed in nature without sacrificing convenience.
The property features a thoughtfully designed 3-bed, 2-bath residence with office, a charming guest cottage with ocean views, two natural springs, private well, solar power with Tesla battery backup, and the capability to function independently off-grid.
Winding trails, abundant wildlife, mature oaks, and year-round serenity transform the property into a private nature sanctuary unlike anything else on the South Coast.
A place to disconnect. A place to gather. A place to call home.
1743 San Marcos Pass Rd Offered at $2,795,000
1352 Manitou Road
Now offered at $2,650,000
CUSTOM-BUILT 2,500+ SQ. FT. BEL AIR
This custom-built Santa Barbara home offers a rare combination of privacy, modern construction, and an exceptional indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Built in 1999 and thoughtfully designed with today’s living in mind, the spacious 2,500+ sq. ft. floor plan is a standout in the highly desirable Bel Air Knolls neighborhood. This is one of very few newer homes in this established neighborhood offering contemporary amenities and infrastructure. The heart of the home is an expansive open-concept great room featuring vaulted ceilings,
abundant natural light, a fireplace, and easy access to the private outdoor spaces. The chef’s kitchen is designed for gathering, complete with a large center island, Viking range, pantry, generous cabinetry, and ample workspace. The primary suite occupies its own wing with vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, walk-in closet, spa-inspired bath, and direct access to the backyard. The outdoor area features multiple patios, a pergola, hot tub, and beautifully mature grounds that create a peaceful, treehouse-like setting.
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com 805.963.1704
www.sbrealtor.com
DRE Lic. #00635254 + #01902531
1925 JELINDA DRIVE
MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA
Newly transformed with an extraordinary level of refinement, this Ennisbrook estate presents a sophisticated expression of turnkey Montecito living, offering ocean and mountain views, beautifully curated contemporary interiors, limestone terraces, a sixcar garage, and approximately 2.49± acres within one of Montecito’s most coveted gated communities.
5 BED | 7 BATHS | 8,052 SQFT | OFFERED AT $18,500,000
$1,695,000
Set on the same iconic hillside as El Encanto, this Casa Riviera end unit offers two bedrooms, a first-floor office, and two and a half baths across 1,877 square feet, tucked along one of the community’s most private interior streets. A fireplace anchors the living room and French doors open to a private patio. The remodeled kitchen pairs custom cabinetry and countertops with stainless steel appliances, while a first-floor office with built-in bookcases offers flexible space. Upstairs, the primary suite invites you in with a walk-in closet, dual sinks, and a renovated tub and shower. With newer air conditioning, an attached garage, and a community pool, it all rests moments from the Riviera Theater, the Mission, and the Natural History Museum.
OPEN HOUSES
Goleta
29 Dearborn Pl #16, 1BD, 1BA, Sun 2-4, $599,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Hristo Hristov 805-284-8471, DRE#01978598
945 Ward Drive #130, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-3, $819,000, Village Properties, Elizabeth Slifirski 201230-9428, DRE#02082960
5726 Encina Road, Unit 1, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $845,000, Compass, Michael Woodard 805-564-5078, DRE#00112895
541 Sweet Rain Pl, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,219,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Madhu Khemani 805-252-0625, DRE#01387945
515 Mills Way, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-3, $1,450,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Michael Schlink 309-657-2469, DRE#02241142
5670 Via Salerno, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 11-1 & Sun 12-2, $2,295,000, Village Properties, Vince Caballero 213-2192490, DRE#02234441
5871 Cathedral Oaks, 7BD, 5BA, Sun 1-4, $2,300,000, Village Properties, Cindy Campbell 805570-4959, DRE#00691884 5416 Tree Farm Lane, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $2,495,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Barbara Koutnik 805-689-3015, DRE#00809916 San Roque
2645 State St #2, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,185,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kathy Hughes 805-448-4881, DRE#00521702
The Mesa
535 Arroyo Ave, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 2-4, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kathy Strand Spieler 805-895-6326, DRE#00851281
Saturday 7/4 & Sunday 7/5
2044 Elise Way, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 12-2, $2,450,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Celina Corral 805-4559025, DRE#01979864
503 Miramonte Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 2-4, $2,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Felipe Castaneda 805-895-5862, DRE#02103365
Hope Ranch
700 Via Hierba, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $5,400,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Lizette Pedroza 805-350-6585, DRE#02160420
Mission Canyon
2609 Montrose Pl, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $2,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kristen Maggitti 805-895-8387, DRE#02195648
The Riviera
850 Via Granada, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,695,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Alanna Watson 805-5704020, DRE#02241240
825 Paseo Alicante, 2BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $1,749,000, Douglas Elliman, Melissa Borders 805-453-0842, DRE#01909480
813 Paseo Alicante, 3BD, 4BA, Sun 1-3, $1,995,000, Village Properties, Erin Timmerman 805-689-9970, DRE#02012810
Santa Barbara
340 Old Mill Rd #152, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $645,000, Village Properties, Justin Corrado 805-451-9969, DRE#01356799
218 Santa Barbara Street# B, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,300,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Alisa Pepper & Bill Urbany 805-570-5680, DRE#01347807
775 Avenida Pequena, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,395,000, Village Properties, Liz Benson 805-4021945, DRE#02252004
4 San Marcos Trout Club, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,495,000, Douglas Ellliman, Adam Mckaig 895-4526884, DRE#01237501
125 Bath St Unit B2, 2BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3:30, $1,695,000, Village Properties, William M Reed 805-8963002, DRE#01155355
126 Santa Ana Ave, 7BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 12:30-3:30, $1,900,000, JBR Broker Services, Judy Beth Replogle 805-570-6164, DRE#00812543
6 East Constance Avenue, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $2,100,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Kelly Vormelker 805-857-1114, DRE#02348530
5260 Kaiser Ave, 5BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $2,174,900, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kristen Maggitti 805-895-8387, DRE#02195648
936 North Nopal Street, 4BD, 5BA, Sun 2-4, $2,298,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker 805-451-1721, DRE#00494253
2669 Montrose Pl, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $2,374,900, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Renae Conner 805-284-6344, DRE#02013226
2991 Kenmore Place, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 12-2, $2,399,000, eXp Realty/Zia Group, Sarah Wildwood 805-6988870, DRE#01395101
1352 Manitou Road, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,650,000, Richardson Real Estate Services, Kyle Richardson 805-680-3131, DRE#01902531
1421 Clearview Rd, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 11-2 & Sun 12-3, $2,650,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kathleen LaManna 630-745-1376, DRE#02151627
1743 San Marcos Pass, 3BD + Office & Guest House, 3BA, Sun 12-3, $2,795,000, Radius Group, Don Katich 805-708-7824, DRE#01321838
2422 Fletcher Ave A & B, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 12-2, $2,995,000, Village Properties, David Magid 805-4510402, DRE#01964710
1024 Diamond Crest Ct, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,150,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katherine Walsh / Katinka Goertz 805350-6533 / 805-708-9616, DRE#01513946 / #01871645
1102 Plaza Del Monte, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $3,195,000, Village Properties, Devin Wong 805-4516157, DRE#01976444
905 Laguna Street, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 11-2, $3,685,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Maurie McGuire 805-403-8816, DRE#01061042
1460 Twinridge Road, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 1-3, $3,795,000, eXp Realty/ Zia Group, William Franco 805-4500820, DRE#02020491
4055 Naranjo Drive, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-4, $3,895,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Tyler Mearce 805-450-3336, DRE#01969409
1615 Overlook Lane, 3BD, 4BA, Sun 1-4, $3,950,000, Village Properties, David M. Kim 805-2960662, DRE#01813897
Upper East
512 E Arrellaga St, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-708-2323, DRE#02061444
9 E Quinto St, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 11-1 & Sun 2-4, $3,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ken Switzer / Rachel Brown 805-680-4622 / 805-5707160, DRE#01245644 / #01950975
Montecito
159 Loureyro Rd, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-4, $2,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Cambern 805-722-2352, DRE#02158714
Continued on page 16
REMINISCENT OF AN ITALIAN VILLA
2645 STATE STREET #2 | SANTA BARBARA
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY 1–4PM
This spacious single level downstairs home has been quality and stylishly updated ready for you to move in and enjoy. The original 3 bedroom floorplan of 1652 square feet is now two large bedrooms plus a family room, formal dining room and two beautifully updated bathrooms. The family room, kitchen and primary bedroom all have doors to access the amazing tile patio. The approximately 35 by 10 foot patio is likely the largest in the entire development. One end has a shade awning and the other enjoys the sunshine. The side gate into the patio makes for easy access when you park your car right in front of your home. There are attractive wood floors & newer paint. Upgraded dual pane windows and doors have classy custom wood shutters providing privacy & quiet. Once inside you don’t see or hear State Street. Enjoy your morning coffee in the sunny and spacious eat in kitchen with stainless appliances and a convenient pass thru to the dining room. The laundry closet is in the kitchen with washer & dryer included. Many big closets and extra storage space throughout.
Located in the coveted Peabody School area, this home is minutes from the De La Vina corridor with shopping, coffee shops & a variety of restaurants. Convenient to downtown Santa Barbara and the historic Mission and rose garden. Your friendly dog is welcome. The recently refurbished pool area beckons you to relax & enjoy. One car garage with storage space. The monthly association dues of $1191.47 may seem high until you breakdown what is included: Utilities including all water, gas, electric, trash, recycle. Also exterior maintenance of the buildings and attractive newer landscaping with fruit trees, sparkling pool & adjacent sprawling grass lawn with mountain views. Building and earthquake insurance and property management also included. The convenience of one fee covering all of this is not to be overlooked.
Priced below last three recent sales at $1,185,000
KATHY HUGHES
A BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES
CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES TOP 100 AGENT
805.448.4881
KathyHughes7@cox.net
DRE 00521702
REALTORS:
Highlight your listing on the cover of the Independent!
Our multimedia real estate cover package includes:
• The Cover - your property photo + your name & logo
• Full Page Ad Inside - prime right-hand position
• Web Ad on Independent.com - for one week
• Social Media Post - Instagram and Facebook
• Email Blast - to over 21,000 subscribers. Email ADVERTISING@INDEPENDENT.COM or contact your representative to reserve your date today.
Cost = $750
*One cover per week, first come first served.
OPEN HOUSES
315 Calle Elegante, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $4,550,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Joe Stubbins 805-7290778, DRE#01002182
Summerland
2231 Banner Ave #B, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 11-2 & Sun 1-4, $995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Natasha Kucherenko 805-626-8459, DRE#02312066
2305 Golden Gate Ave, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $2,450,000, Village Properties, Simone Eurich 805-4557992, DRE#02105209
Carpinteria
1220 Franciscan Ct #1, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-3, $750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Reyne Stapelmann 805705-4353, DRE#01347808
Saturday 7/4 & Sunday 7/5
5139 8th Street, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $1,995,000, Village Properties, Aaron L. Gilles 805-895-1877, DRE#01509445
3211 Padaro Lane, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 11-2 & Sun 12-3, $7,950,000, Village Properties, Aaron L. Gilles 805-8951877, DRE#01509445
Santa Ynez Valley
536 Elkton Ln, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 11-1, $699,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kelly Mahan Herrick 805-208-1451, DRE#01974836
335 Matthew Way #106, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sun 2-4, $785,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Candice Signa 805-6807300, DRE#01226917
665 Shaw St, 4BD, 2BA, Sat 11-1, $849,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ava Ji 805-886-2831, DRE#01964940
9 Chamiso Dr, 4BD, 3BA, Sun112, $895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Then Ealand Group 805-698-9902, DRE#01766178
590 Pine St, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-3, $949,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bill Coker 805-689-7415, DRE#00825468
381 5th St, 5BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,235,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bob Jennings 805-570-0792, DRE#01387186
68 Hickory Way, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-2, $1,249,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Joe Ramos 805-6806849, DRE#02040488
2485 Park St, 3BD, 1.5BA, Sat 12-2, $2,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Laura Drammer 805-448-7500, DRE#01209580
Ojai
1114 Mercer Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-2, $1,545,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sandy Lipowski 805-403-3844, DRE#01355215
Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/ OPENHOUSESUBMISSIONS Email: openhouses@independent.com with questions $25 PER LISTING OR FREE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVERTISERS
South Coast Business & Technology Awards Raises Funds for Scholarship Foundation
With more than 600 attendees, 64 corporate sponsors, and significant proceeds for the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, this year’s South Coast Business & Technology Awards (SCBTA) was quite the celebratory, networking, and fundraising event. Held June 23 at the Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, the event honored top local businesses and leaders, as well as UCSB’s Department of Technology Management. Since 2001, the annual event has raised more than $3.5 million for the Scholarship Foundation.
Guests enjoyed an extended reception in the rotunda followed by dinner and the program in the grand ballroom, where they were welcomed by Event Co-Chairs Matt Rowe and Danna McGrew. A subset of a 30-member committee co-chaired by Rowe and McGrew nominated candidates for the awards and the full committee voted. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to ChipAgents Founder and CEO William Wang; Company of the Year Award to Mission Wealth; Excellence in Service to UCSB Department of Technology Management; Executive of the Year to AppFolio President and CEO Shane Trigg; Pioneer Award to Carey Group President Trudi Carey; and Rising Star Awards to Dimer Instruments and to Unwrap.
Wang was recognized as a world-leading expert in artificial intelligence. ChipAgents, which has raised $74 million in investment capital, is an AI-native platform redefining how semiconductors are designed and verified. It recently moved its headquarters to Santa Clara, but its research and development arm remain in Goleta. As a tenured UCSB professor, Wang has published more than 250 articles, with funding from top technology companies, and his work has influenced cutting-edge AI applications.
Mission Wealth Company of the Year was founded in Santa Barbara in 2000 and is now a national investment advisory firm serving individuals, families, foundations, and institutions, managing billions in assets. It still maintains a large presence in Santa Barbara and remains a generous supporter of the Santa Barbara nonprofit community, both through employee involvement and philanthropy,
including supporting this event for more than 25 years.
The Department of Technology Management at UCSB was lauded for playing a crucial role in launching many of the region’s high-tech ventures. Based on the premise that companies need people who both understand technology and business, it teaches how to use technology to create both products and businesses. It offers an undergraduate certificate to more than 2,000 students from more than 50 majors each year and has a masters and a PhD. program. It operates the New Venture Program, which provides handson workshops that culminate in its annual New Venture Competition, the catalyst for more than 70 startups in the region, including Apeel Sciences, Inogen, and Next Energy Technologies.
Executive of the Year Award honoree Shane Trigg joined real estate technology company AppFolio in 2020 and became President and CEO in 2023. Under his leadership last year, AppFolio had impressive 20 percent revenue growth, to $951 million. He led the launch of AppFolio Realm X, an industry-leading solution that embeds generative AI into the platform. Previously, Trigg was senior VP at Salesforce.
Event sponsor Cal State University Channel Islands Interim President Sue Andrzejewski introduced Pioneer Award recipient Trudi Carey as “a successful entrepreneur, architect, and real estate developer who has been a dynamic force in local building design and construction circles for nearly five decades.” Carey is also a general contractor and real estate broker. Andrzejewski called her the “embodiment of self-made success and a true pioneer in an industry that has not always embraced the talents of exceptional women.”
Carey is the president of the Carey Group, a firm providing architectural design, construction development, and property management services to big name clients throughout California and Arizona, including locally UCSB and the Towbes Group. The firm also does in-house development, including Patterson Self Storage. She has served on nonprofit boards, including for the Scholarship Foundation for 22 years.
Star Honoree Dimer Instruments, founded in 2023 by Stephen Minne and Michael Larkin, designs and manufactures instruments for real-time data monitoring and quality assurance during the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. The products help companies develop drugs faster and achieve higher quality standards.
Unwrap has built a customer intelligence platform that leverages AI to analyze feedback across multiple channels, helping companies better understand their customers. Founded by former Amazon Alexa product managers Ryan Millner and Ashwin Singhania, the firm’s clients include DoorDash, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Microsoft, Hoka, Aura, and Perplexity.
All net proceeds go to the Scholarship Foundation, which this year awarded more than $8.4 million to 2,288 students. Roughly equal amounts went to students in the North and South County. The foundation manages more than 500 scholarship funds, for which it charges no administrative fees. Funds are available for undergraduate, graduate, and vocational studies. The foundation also provides free financial aid advising services, which generate significant additional funds for students.
SOCIETY MATTERS Text and photos by Gail Arnold
Rising
Company of the Year Honoree Mission Wealth President and Partner Dannell Stuart, SCB&TA Committee Co-Chair and Event Emcee Matt Rowe, Rising Star Honorees Dimer Instruments Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Michael Larkin and Co-Founder and CEO Stephen Minne, SCB&TA Committee Co-Chair and Event Emcee Danna McGrew, Entrepreneur of the Year Honoree ChipAgents Founder and CEO William Wang, Excellence in Service Honoree UCSB Dept. of Technology Management Entrepreneurship Program Director Dave Adornetto, and Scholarship Foundation Interim President and CEO Tim Dougherty
Event Sponsor CalState University Channel Islands (CSUCI) Interim President Susan Andrzejewski, Pioneer Award Honoree Carey Group President Trudi Carey, and CSUCI Senior Director of Development (and former Santa Barbara mayor) Helene Schneider
Nestled in the desirable Roskilde community, just a short distance from downtown Solvang, this charming farmhouse-style end unit home offers 1,170 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this residence is surrounded by lush greenbelts and mature trees, providing a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Upon entering through the inviting Dutch door, you will discover a delightful kitchen with a peninsula that flows into a spacious dining room and living room. The living area boasts two separate patio doors, each leading to unique outdoor spaces perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The large backyard patio, adjacent to a one-car garage/ carport, ensures easy parking. This home is a beautiful starting point for your journey in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley.
Discover the quintessential Santa Ynez lifestyle in this beautifully designed four-bedroom, three-bathroom home featuring 2,744± sq. ft. of inviting living space on a peaceful, street just moments from local favorites like Santa Ynez Kitchen, Baker’s Table, and the boutiques of downtown.
Inside, you’re welcomed by wide-plank oak floors, crisp white vaulted beam ceilings, and an abundance of natural light that fills the open, airy great room. Outdoors, enjoy your private sanctuary with a designer pool and spa, rock and concrete decking, and a lowmaintenance lawn—ideal for entertaining or relaxing.
This home embodies the relaxed elegance of Santa Ynez living—a rare opportunity to experience country charm with modern comfort.
Dianna has called the Santa Ynez Valley home for over a decade, where she enjoys life on her five-acre property with her family, dogs, and horses.
With a background in tech project management, she brings organization, attention to detail, and a smooth, client-focused approach to every transaction. Her local property management experience also provides a trusted network of professionals to support her clients every step of the way.
Outside of real estate, she fosters off-the-track thoroughbreds and volunteers with Meals on Wheels. She loves the Valley—and knows you will too.
DIANNA ZLAKET | REALTOR ® | 805-390-8382
DiannaZlaket@bhhscal.com | www.DiannaZlaket.com | DRE 01701860
446 STANFORD PLACE
Open Sunday, July 5 1-3 pm
Warm, effortless, and beautifully crafted — this is Santa Barbara at its finest. Step inside this reimagined 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-level home, completely remodeled from top to bottom. No surface has been left untouched — new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, windows, skylights, and doors throughout. Filled with natural light, this spacious 1780 sq. of living space offers an inviting atmosphere for gathering with family and friends. The heart of the home is the beautifully appointed chef’s kitchen featuring premium Thermador appliances, elegant quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, a wine refrigerator, and generous workspace perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.
Enjoy indoor/outdoor living as you step through the expanded bi-folding doors from the living room to the 700 sq ft. flagstone patio. Relax in this fully re-landscaped private yard with garden beds and plenty of space for outdoor entertaining or your own quiet retreat for morning coffee. Ideally located close to parks, shopping, dining, restaurants and easy freeway access, this exceptional home offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the coveted Santa Barbara lifestyle in a truly turnkey property. This is a rare find in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Kellogg Elementary School District.
BY JENNIFER BERGER,
21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING ACT: LOCAL IMPACTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Housing affordability is not a new conversation in Santa Barbara. We talk about it constantly. We talk about the need for housing for people who work here, housing for young families, housing for seniors, housing for teachers, housing for public safety workers, and housing for the next generation of Santa Barbara residents.
The harder part has always been moving from conversation to production.
That is why the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is worth paying attention to. If signed by the President, the bill could create new federal incentives for communities that take meaningful steps to increase their housing supply. In simple terms, the federal government may be preparing to reward cities that actually allow more homes to be built.
One of the most interesting pieces of the bill is an Innovation Fund that would provide competitive grants to cities and local governments that can show measurable improvement in housing supply. Those grants could range from $250,000 to $10 million. That’s real money for a city where every conversation about infrastructure, planning, permitting, staffing, and housing policy eventually comes back to cost.
This isn’t automatic funding. A city can’t just say “We support housing” and receive money. The bill is for those willing to make real changes. That could include streamlining permits, allowing more housing by right, reducing unnecessary parking requirements, expanding ADU opportunities, updating zoning standards, and removing barriers that make housing harder and more expensive to build.
That distinction matters. Currently, our city is more focused on policies that will discourage new housing like the egregious rent control measures that certain city council members seem to love so much. Those efforts will do nothing to increase the supply of housing or reduce the cost of housing.
We care about more housing choices. More homes of all shapes and sizes. Yes, there are planning concerns. Design, neighborhood character, infrastructure, wildfire risk, water, traffic, and quality of life are issues that should not be dismissed. But they also cannot become a permanent excuse for inaction.
If federal housing policy is moving toward rewarding production, Santa Barbara has a choice to make. We can continue to treat housing as something we support in theory but resist in practice, or we can have a more honest conversation about what it would take to responsibly allow more homes.
The bill also includes planning and implementation grants that could help cities do the less visible work that often determines whether housing happens or not. That includes updating zoning codes, improving housing strategies, and reducing regulatory barriers.
The bill also supports practical tools such as adaptive reuse of underused commercial properties and prereviewed housing designs. Santa Barbara is already seeing efforts to convert underused commercial properties into housing. That makes this portion of the bill especially relevant. If federal funding can help cities plan for these conversions, improve approval processes, address infrastructure needs, or make difficult projects more financially
feasible, then it could support work that is already beginning locally. Both could be useful locally.
Pre-reviewed designs could allow a city to identify housing types that meet local standards in advance. That might include ADUs, duplexes, triplexes, cottage courts, townhomes, and other small-scale housing types. For Santa Barbara, this could be especially helpful. We spend a lot of time debating what new housing should look like. Pre-reviewed designs could allow us to set high expectations up front and then move appropriate projects
None of these ideas will solve Santa Barbara’s housing challenges on their own. Our situation is too complex for one bill, one grant, or one zoning change. But the larger message is important.
Housing affordability is, at its core, a supply issue. Financing programs matter. Rental assistance matters. First-time buyer support matters. But none of those tools can help someone buy or rent a home that was never allowed to be built.
As REALTORS®, we see the effects of limited supply every day. We see buyers stretched beyond their comfort level. We see renters who want to become owners but cannot find a realistic path. We see employers struggling to recruit and retain workers because housing costs are so high.
For years, Santa Barbara has said housing is a priority. If this bill becomes law, there may be new federal resources available to communities that prove it.
The question is whether we are willing to do the hard work necessary to compete for them.
JENNIFER BERGER
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