Montecito Moms

by Dalina Michaels

Susan Crosby: Personal Trainer & Fitness Expert Dalina Michaels worked as an award-winning television news producer for KEYT NewsChannel 3. She also served as a reporter for several years with “Inside Santa Barbara,” the city newsmagazine show.

She now freelances for various websites and journalistic outlets. She is a native of Montecito and is grateful to be raising her own children here. If you are a Mama-Cito mama (or know someone!) who would like to be featured, please email: tim@montecitojournal.com

7 – 14 May 2020 MONTECITO JOURNAL18 “The phrase ’working mother’ is redundant.” – Jane Sellman M ontecito mom Susan Crosby has been offering work out sessions and personal training for years, but now with everyone staying home, she has found a new way to connect with her clients.

The Crosby family first moved to Montecito in 2003, thinking (like everyone else!) it would be a great place to raise a family and pursue an active lifestyle.

Says Crosby, “My daughter, Calleigh (11), is into aerial dance and son, Cash (14), loves tennis and volleyball, so Montecito has been a perfect fit for us.”

When both her children were young, she knew she wanted to get back to work and she had always been interested in personal training so she got her certifications.

“I originally got certified through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a personal trainer and a fitness nutrition specialist. Now I am working on my Youth Training Certification.”

It helps that healthy lifestyles run in the family – husband Geoff started California Juice Company (www.cali juiceco.com) creating all organic coldpressed juices and wellness shots sold to companies and hotels. The featured “focus shot” right now is made with orange, ginger, Hawaiian turmeric, habanero, and lemon. The drinks are normally sold to retailers and hotels all over, however, for right now juices can be purchased and picked up directly from Geoff at gcrosby@caljuiceco.com.

To stay in shape when we are all staying indoors, Susan offers a mix of exercises and activities that you can do with her in online classes or in personal sessions.

She explains, “I use body weight and minimal equipment so I can train clients just about anywhere there is Susan Crosby is offering personal training sessions over Zoom while the shelter-in-place order is in effect According to Susan, planks are the single best exercise you can do internet. My clients have always been able to come to me, or I can go to them. Now I am offering classes over Zoom. I offer private and small group classes, usually three to five people, so that allows for a lot of personal attention.”

Before the quarantine, Crosby would teach at private homes and could even meet with clients in the local parks and beaches. But she is hopeful when the restrictions are lifted, she will be able to get back outside with her clients. “While doing classes online is a great option for right now, I look forward to seeing my clients in person and working with them face-to-face. Right now, I am able to do a lot with online videos and I can see how my clients are working out and correct them even if I’m not there in person by their side.”

She offers a few ideas if you are looking to stay in shape from the comfort of your home:

“My favorite exercise is the plank. There are so many variations if you need more of a challenge. I love it because it works the whole body and you can do it anywhere and with no equipment. For a basic plank you will want to lie on your stomach with your forearms on the ground – shoulders and elbows in line. Pull in the stomach to support the lower back and lift the body into a plank. Hold the position for 20-45 seconds.”

Crosby has for now set up shop in her garage and is able to video her classes for clients who want to participate online. She also keeps her schedule with private clients and offers monthly packages for those who want to get out of their quarantine rut and might need that extra motivation. If you’re looking for a class for yourself, or have a few friends who might want to join, Crosby is willing to create a workout that is specific for your needs and vision.

To check out a class or see some workouts, go to: scrosbycpt@gmail.com or her instagram @hawkcrosby. •MJ RAOUL STORE now online! www. raoultext ile sstore .com

REAL ESTATE PARTNERS

It goes without saying that the last several weeks have been a tumultuous time for everyone, and the global pandemic and associated social distancing and quarantines have had far reaching consequences for nearly every type of trade or commerce.

The local real estate market in Santa Barbara and Montecito is no exception, and we as agents are keeping tabs on the rapidly changing situation. While several listings have been withdrawn from the market, there are still buyers seeking to find their new home, thanks in part to record low interest rates. Working within the new mandates from the California Association of Realtors, we are still actively working for our clients, helping them reach their real estate goals.

Please contact us for the very latest on market conditions; we’re here to help.

(805) 565-4000 Homesinsantabarbara.com 1255 Coast Village Rd, Suite 102B DRE 01499736/01129919

The entrance to 1845 East Mountain Drive

Riskin Realtor Sarah Hanacek

Bird’s eye view of the mansion

MONTECITO JOURNAL20 tiple-offer sales.

According to Sarah Hanacek, the Riskin realtor who met me last Friday, most prospective buyers are people who live in more dense urban areas such as Los Angeles or San Francisco and who are looking to either relocate or purchase a second home here. “We had one family that literally brought their kids with them the day they took ownership,” Hanacek says. “They immediately put them in the backyard with some toys so they could play outside for the first time in a long time.”

Aside from the hefty price tag, there are many crucial factors that must be navigated by prospective buyers. First, Riskin Partners insists that, before being considered for an in-person viewing, you must obtain a bank statement indicating your ability to qualify for an appropriately-sized loan. You must also sign a form indicating that you’ve viewed the extensive online virtual tour of the property, and that you don’t have a fever or any recent cold symptoms.

When I arrived at the property,

The living room impresses

The author at work

Hanacek, who was wearing a mask, was waiting to greet me on the porch. Because of health concerns, she said only two people are allowed inside at the same time. Since I was alone, this wasn’t a problem. Neither were the required mask (I brought my own), or the gloves, and medical booties (Hanacek had those waiting for me). Next, I carefully read and signed a California Association of Realtors “Coronavirus Property Entry Advisory and Declaration” or PEAD form, warning of the dangers of COVID-19 and stating that while each property is disinfected before and after each viewing, I was responsible for any risk to my own health and safety.

After instructing me not to touch anything inside the house and to continue practicing social distanc

ing, Hanacek took me through the extensive property, room by room (by room). The house was in immaculate condition and with all new appliances and even that ineffable new-house smell, was ready for immediate occupancy.

Gone are the days when Hanacek would gladly allow guests at the nearby San Ysidro Ranch to tour a house on a whim without any proof of genuine interest. That said, Riskin Partners