Santa Barbara Family & Life Magazine January 2017

NEW YEAR, NEW ERA Nansie Chapman passes the reins

www.santabarbarafamilylife.com

January 2017

2 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | January 2017

Welcome to the new Santa Barbara Family and Life Magazine

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On the Cover…

Nansie Chapman, who recently sold Santa Barbara Family & Life Magazine to the Santa Ynez Valley Star, stands on the deck of her home in the hills of the American Riviera overlooking downtown Santa Barbara and the ocean. She says this is her favorite spot because she can watch sunrises and sunsets and see Santa Barbara in all its glory. You can read the story on page 4.

hank you so much for picking up the first edition of the redesigned Santa Barbara Family and Life Magazine. This adventure has been a lifetime in the making for me, and I hope this revised publication will continue to help you connect with the wonderful Santa Barbara community.

I am Raiza Giorgi, this magazine’s new owner and publisher. I also own and operate the Santa Ynez Valley Star, which debuted as a monthly news magazine in February 2016. We started small, but in less than a year we have more than doubled in size and have begun to publish the Star twice monthly. Now we are excited to take on SBFLM. When Nansie Chapman, the founding publisher of SBFLM, announced in her October issue that she was stepping down, we started a conversation to take over this publication because it aligns so well with what we are doing at the Star.

SBFLM is news for the community by the community. It’s everything a newspaper or local magazine should be, a mix of news with profiles of local people, community leaders and organizations, businesses and their owners, youth and education, community activities and events, and everything that makes Santa Barbara a unique place.

I credit my love of writing and photogra-

BACK AT THE

RANCH Whether you live it, remember it, or merely dream of it…

Photo by Daniel Dreifuss NEWS STAFF Raiza Giorgi

ADVERTISING STAFF Shana DeLeon

news@santabarbarafamilylife.com

ads@santabarbarafamilylife.com

Publisher & Editor

Dave Bemis Copy Editor

Drew Esnard Reporter

Director of Advertising

Andrew Howie Advertising Sales

Howie@santabarbarafamilylife.com

CONTACT US: www.santabarbarafamilylife.com Santa Barbara Family Life P.O. Box 1594 Solvang, CA 93464

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PRODUCTION STAFF Aimée Reinhart Avery Art, Design & Pagination aimee@reinhartdesigns.com

is a free publication available in select locations in Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County Digital copies available at: issuu.com/santabarbarafamilylife

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©2017 Santa Barbara Family Life No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or distributed without the authorization of the publisher.

backattheranchsantaynez

Photo by Rebecca Rivera Raiza Giorgi, the new publisher of Santa Barbara Family and Life Magazine, is shown with her husband Toby and their two children, Reagan and Sloane, on their family’s ranch in Gaviota.

phy to growing up in the Santa Ynez Valley and in Santa Barbara. I attended Santa Barbara City College for a time before transferring to Cal Poly’s journalism school. I live in Gaviota but have family in Santa Barbara and spend quite a bit of time here.

Once I graduated from college I was hired by the Santa Ynez Valley News and spent a few years as a reporter, but I always had the desire to start my own publication.

A few more years, a wonderful husband and two beautiful children later, I kept thinking of ways to get back into working as a parent and providing for my family while doing something that I loved. A friend half-jokingly suggested I start my own newspaper, and it clicked. A Santa Ynez Valley Star was born.

As the new owner and publisher, I intend for SBFLM to be uplifting for readers in Santa Barbara and the surrounding communities.

As a parent I looked at SBFLM to find events that my whole family would enjoy, and as the owner I intend to keep this magazine useful for parents as well as other readers.

We want you to be involved in this endeavor as much as possible. If you want to take a stab at writing or photography, or if you have suggestions of what you would like to see, please email us. If you know of a Santa Barbara area resident doing amazing things, please share that knowledge with us as well.

We are revamping and bringing SBFLM into the modern era of news with a lot of focus on social media and online photo and video galleries to supplement our monthly print publication. Tag us at #SBFLM and contact us anytime.

We hope you will join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History as we celebrate this new era for Santa Barbara Family and Life Magazine and the one-year celebration of our sister publication, the Santa Ynez Valley Star.

We look forward to many years of supporting the Santa Barbara community.

Raiza Giorgi Owner and Publisher

January 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 3

News & Family Life

Picturing the holiday – Santa Barbara style

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e have searched social media to gather some great images of Santa Barbara during the holiday season.

We hope that you will contribute your photos Photo by UCSB Triathalon team by emailing news@santabarbarafamilylife.

The UCSB Triathalon team procrastinated in studying for finals by taking a scenic bicycle ride at Hope Ranch. com or tag us at #SBFLM.

Photo by Junior League of Santa Barbara Members of the Junior League of Santa Barbara spent a Saturday morning making care packages for clients of Child Photo by Alexa Hope Abuse Listening Mediation (CALM), victims of domestic Alexa Hope captured this stunning sunset at the beach. violence and foster mothers.

Photo by Blake Bronstad Another amazing sunset at the Santa Barbara Harbor, captured by local photographer Blake Bronstad.

Photo by Paseo Nuevo Santa Barbara’s downtown holiday parade had the streets filled with thousands of people watching all the entries and celebrating the holidays.

Photo by Bacara Resort The holiday decorations were stunning at the Bacara Resort.

Photo by Raiza Giorgi The Santa Barbara Natural History Museum hosted its annual Tribal Market in early December, when people shopped for unique holiday gifts while exploring each room of the museum.

Santa Barbara History

L

utah Riggs was Santa Barbara’s first female licensed architect. She earned her AB in architecture from UC Berkley in 1919 and was the first woman to be named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. When she first started working with famed architect George Washington Smith she was hired only on a temporary basis, because Smith was unsure about hiring a woman. Despite the early uncertainty, Riggs worked for Smith until his death about 10 years later. Some of Riggs’ best-known local buildings include the Lobero Theater, Casa del Herrero and the Vedanta Temple.

Photo by Santa Barbara Historical Museum

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4 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | January 2017

Publisher closes one book and envisions her next chapter After 19 years, Nansie Chapman passes her SB Family & Life Magazine to new owners Photo by Daniel Dreifuss

By Raiza Giorgi

Santa Barbara Family and Life Magazine came to her, so she created a mock-up.

“We put the first issue out in June of 1998, ansie Chapman fondly recalls her took two months to move and then it became modest beginnings as the publisher of monthly that August. The love we have reSanta Barbara Family and Life Magceived throughout the years is incredible, and I azine, walking the streets of Santa Barbara with am indebted to this community for supporting her mock-up, telling stories of her publication us,” Chapman said. and looking for advertisers to support her dream.

They decided to also make the publication “We spent around six months before we full color, which wasn’t a normal practice in moved back to Santa Barbara showing the mockthe newspaper business, but the Chapmans up to business owners and getting commitments knew color really catches the eye. for advertising, and I am so humbled to have car“My girlfriend Marty came to help me sell ried on this publication for so many lovely years advertising and she ended up staying 16 years. I — but it’s time for my next chapter,” she said. couldn’t have done this without her or Michael Chapman recently sold the magazine to the Vizolinni, who we hired as the associate editor.

Santa Ynez Valley Star, which will continue to Those two are incredible people,” she said. highlight all of the amazing people, families, Throughout the years, Chapman said, her caorganizations, businesses and events that make reer has given her the opportunity to meet many Santa Barbara and the surrounding communiPhoto contributed people from all walks of life in Santa Barbara.

In addition to producing her monthly magazine, former publisher Nansie Chapman has always loved to sing and entertain, ties a wonderful place to live.

For example, she has interviewed Kirk and Ann as seen in this photo at Soho.

Her home in the hills of the American RivDouglas, Jacqueline Smith and Kenny Loggins. iera overlooks downtown Santa Barbara and After her mother and father died from cancer fun facts for the children. I once walked into a and I eventually got a job with the company the ocean. She says her favorite spot is right complications, Chapman decided to focus on breast doctor’s office and saw some senior citizens enon her deck, where she can watch sunrises and that handled their marketing and promotions. cancer survivors each year in her October issue. joying it, and that made my heart happy,” she said.

I was always into writing, and I loved going sunsets and see Santa Barbara in all its glory.

“There are so many different cancers that In the mid 1990s the aerospace industry to the trade shows and putting together the Chapman was raised in Santa Barbara and all need attention, but since my mother passed took a hard hit and so did their graphic design spent her young adulthood in the Los Angeles marketing material,” Chapman said. away from breast cancer I really wanted to business; they decided to close it.

She met her husband, Robert Chapman, area. In her early years she taught herself how give those brave women that overcame it a “I am a firm believer in everything happens and they branched out by creating a business to play guitar; her mother was a concert piachance to tell their stories,” she said. for a reason, and even at that difficult time I nist. “I was writing songs and keeping myself called Graphic Effects, designing materials One issue featured Nadine Dwan, a 31-yearknew I was meant to stay in design and writmostly for the aerospace and defense indusbusy,” Chapman said. old Santa Barbara resident who discovered she ing,” Chapman said. tries. Their clients also included Bank of Her first job was working at the Beverly had an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Since They sold their house and bought their home Hills YMCA as the women’s program director America, Boeing and others.

“We were living in the Pacific Palisades at the in Santa Barbara. While finishing their last year she was so young her doctors believed the and a physical fitness teacher. She has a bachcause to be genetic, and she tested positive for of contract work, they continued to live in Los elor’s degree in physical fitness and a master’s time and I wanted to do something for the comthe BRCA1 gene mutation. munity, so I came up with a children’s magazine Angeles and rented their Santa Barbara home degree in psychology.

NANSIE CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 called Howee Mouse that had games, puzzles and to someone else. That was when the idea for “I was doing the brochures for the YMCA

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Owner & Publisher

o

January 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 5

business & commerce

THE FUTURE OF HISTORY

The Current Real Estate Market - Trump, Interest Rates, & Holidays

Strong real estate market predicted despite uncertainty

O Photo contributed This artist’s rendering shows planned improvements in the mammal hall, where visitors will have more objects to touch and a more integrated interpretive experience.

Museum embarks on remodeling adventure

By Raiza Giorgi

A

Owner & Publisher

fter a century of teaching people of all ages about natural history, a beloved museum is going to go through its own evolutionary change with several projects that kick off this summer to revitalize the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History as well as the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf. ““For one hundred years families have been visiting the museum, and it has become their backyard to grow up in. We look forward to making enhancements, both inside and out, to the museum’s site and exhibits so that for years to come, children, their parents and their grandparents can return often to be delighted and inspired by the wonders of our natural world right here in Mission Canyon or on Stearns Wharf at our Sea Center,” said Luke Swetland, president and CEO of the museum.

“We are so excited for the next hundred years at the museum. Your museum is undergoing a series of exhibit renovations in 2017 including building a new, permanent pavilion (for the butterfly garden), a new and improved Museum Backyard, significant refreshes to the Mammal Hall and bird halls, and a major renovation of Cartwright Hall,” said Frank Heins, exhibits director.

Other key projects will be a new entry plaza to welcome visitors to the museum and orient them to all the different places on the campus; better signs; new landscaping to restore the native habitats and ecology of the eight-acre facility; and improved visitor amenities with complete access for the disabled.

The museum, founded in 1916 as a collection of bird eggs, was initially called the Museum of Comparative Oology, and since then the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has grown steadily to interpret other aspects of natural history including earth sciences, zoology,

Museum evolution The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will launch several key projects this summer, including: n A new entry plaza to welcome visitors and orient them the campus n A new permanent pavilion for the butterfly garden n Revitalization of Cartwright Hall and the mammal and bird halls n Better directional signs n Landscape work to restore native habitats and help interpret the campus ecology n Improved visitor amenities, including universal access for people with disabilities. anthropology and educational programs.

From the 1960s to the 1980s the museum played a leadership role in the emerging field of environmental action when museum scientists helped establish the Marine Mammal Stranding Network and participated in the California Condor Project.

With a focus to “inspire a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world,” the museum has increased its strengths in research and public education by establishing a significant collection of 3.5 million specimens and artifacts in anthropology, earth sciences, and zoology, ranking high among its peers nationally and internationally. The museum also added the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf in 1987 as an off-campus facility focused specifically on coastal and ocean environment.

For more information log onto www.sb nature.org, or visit the museum at 2559 Puesta del Sol or the Sea Center at 211 Stearns Wharf.

By Ed Fuller

ne presidential election and so much change.

While the stock market reaches new record levels, interest rates have also made recent highs - increasing as much as 3/4 percent on 30-year mortgages - and our real estate market almost immediately slowed.

Prior to the election, single-family homes in the Santa Barbara area were going under contract (pending sales) at the rate of 108 per month. After the election that dropped to 73 per month or down 32 percent. The slowdown seems to be across the price spectrum as the median price of pending homes increased marginally from $1,185,000 to $1,259,000 or 6 percent.

Because of our wide price range locally, fluctuations in the median price are common and not necessarily indicative of actual increases or decreases in individual home prices. In line with this the average list price of pending homes increased 5 percent to $1,899,000. The average price better reflects aggregate demand across all price ranges.

Since mortgages are most typical at the lower prices, you would expect properties priced at $1,200,000 (mortgage interest deductibility is limited to the first $1,000,000) to slow more than higher-priced homes, but that is not the case. I speculate that most of those who can afford our more expensive homes were deeply disappointed with Hillary Clinton’s defeat and fearful of what President-elect Trump might do, as Santa Barbara County voted almost two to one for Hillary.

There is also a seasonal effect at work here. Typically as days get shorter and daylight-saving time changes, people find it harder to view properties in daylight. Buyers also become distracted with the holidays, traveling, guests, and seasonal events. This is best illustrated by last year’s changes for the same period, when homes going under contract dropped from 85 to 66, or 22 percent.

While sales have slowed, inventory has increased from 303 single-family homes for sale to 371. At the current rate homes are going under contract, this represents 5 months of inventory.

Historically, six months of inventory has been considered an equilibrium market.

For the past couple of years we have generally had between 3 and 4 months of inventory.

But what of the future? While many buyers may be concerned with our incoming president, the stock and bond markets are predicting good economic times ahead. The rich are likely to get richer, through by increased economic activity, the stock market, and reduced taxes. This bodes well for our very expensive real estate market.

If mortgage safeguards that were instituted after the financial crisis are weakened, as part of the threatened deregulations, easier mortgage credit will also drive prices. My prediction is that real estate activity and prices will both be strong for the next couple years even while interest rates rise. If you were thinking of buying, don’t wait.

Ed Fuller is a broker at San Roque Realty.

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6 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | January 2017

life & style

People, animals enjoy snowy fun at Santa Barbara Zoo

Underwater cave explorer and environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad will present a National Geographic Live multimedia presentation, “The Risky Science of Exploration,” at 3 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 8, at UCSB’s Campbell Hall.

By Raiza Giorgi

keeps their paws warm and dry, providing traction as well. Unlike most big cats, snow leopards don’t roar, but they do vocalize. etting a good back scratch is one of Ev“When we first see them in the morning they erett the snow leopard’s favorite parts ‘chuff’ at us, which is like purring,” Wieners said. of the day, according to handler Kristen Everett is distinguishable because he is the Wieners of the Santa Barbara Zoo. larger of the two cats and skinnier, as his hips “Every morning is so funny are starting to show from age. Zoe because we come to their enclosure is petite and has eyes that are more and they come tumbling out playsquinty than Everett’s, Wieners said. ing like kittens, which is great to “They still love the thrill of the see at Everett’s age,” Wieners said. hunt. We let some birds in their exEverett, 19, is the oldest snow hibit and slowly they started picking leopard living in a zoo accredited them off one by one, so they haven’t by the Association of Zoos and Photo contributed lost their stalking instinct, and which Aquariums (AZA) nationally. His One of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s is why I use a backscratcher because snow leopards, Everett, 19, is I want to keep my fingers,” Wieners female companion is 14, and the average life span for a snow leop- now the oldest snow leopard laughed. ard in captivity is between14 and living in an accredited U.S. zoo.

Families visiting the zoo had fun 15 years, Wieners said. at the Snow Leopard Festival in December, “We aren’t sure how long they live in the wild when more than 80 tons of imported snow were because their habitat is so difficult to traverse,” sledded upon, played in, painted on, tracked on, she added. made into snowmen, and thrown as snowballs.

Snow leopards are critically endangered and Many of the zoo’s animal residents, including currently number somewhere between 3,900 and the highly endangered big cats honored at this 6,400 in the wild. They have long been prized as festival, also sniffed, tasted, explored, rolled in, hunters’ trophies, destroyed as predators of domes- and romped in the snow. This included meerkats, tic flocks, and sought as a source of valuable fur.

Asian small-clawed otters, barnyard animals and They are commonly found in the mountains of others.

Central Asia, with a cold and dry climate in high Snow leopard-related toys and books are elevations on steep mountain slopes. They love always available for sale at the zoo, as are the broken terrain of cliffs, rocky outcrops and wool products made by the native people who ravines because they have good camouflage and live near snow leopard habitat, as part of a clear views to help them hunt prey, according to program of the Snow Leopard Trust (www. the Snow Leopard Trust. snowleopard.org). The zoo supports the Snow Adapted for the extreme weather, snow leopLeopard Trust, and proceeds from sales of ards have been viewed at elevations as high as these items directly benefit snow leopard 19,600 feet in summer. Their furry feet help them conservation. to stay on top of the snow by providing a greater For more information, call 962-5339 or visit surface area – like snow shoes – and their fur www.sbzoo.org.

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Owner & Publisher

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NANSIE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 “When they discovered the BRCA they ended up testing her mother, Carrie, and she also found out she had Stage 2 ovarian cancer.

If they hadn’t tested Nadine, her mother would have never found out as well. It was amazing to tell their journey and recovery,” Chapman said.

Chapman also found a friend in Dallas Wenner Clark, a Montecito resident who made her name in baby formula and owned mobile home parks with her first husband, Edward Wenner. Her

Photo contributed

Underwater explorer to lecture at UCSB

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Staff Report

nderwater cave explorer and environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad will deliver a National Geographic Live multimedia presentation, “The Risky Science of Exploration,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at UCSB’s Campbell Hall.

“You can’t send a remotely operated vehicle in to explore caves because the technology simply doesn’t exist,” he says. “It’s one of the few environments left on the planet where you must physically go to learn about it.”

Broad, a UCSB alumnus, has participated in extreme scientific filmmaking expeditions on every continent, from chasing venomous snakes across Vietnam to plunging into ancient underwater caves in the Bahamas.

His explorations have led to important discoveries about early human inhabitants, the planet’s climate history, and animals seen nowhere else on Earth.

The audience can hear Broad tell stories about some of the most dangerous and scientifically significant places on Earth as he laughs his way through tales of his triumphs, tragedies and just plain weird experiences while furthering our knowledge of the world.

Broad says there is an urgent need to study “blue holes,” which are among the least studied and most threatened habitats on Earth.

More than 90 percent of the planet’s unfrozen stepson, Jann Wenner, came to Clark in the mid 60s to invest in his magazine about the music industry. With that and his mother and mother-inlaw’s investments, Rolling Stone was born.

Clark’s second husband was Peter Clark, the entertainer whose stage name was Chet Demilo. They also owned Andria’s Harborside Restaurant on Cabrillo Boulevard. Clark passed away in 2014, but not before he helped Chapman explore her interest in music.

“I loved her so much and we became friends. Her husband Peter offered to produce my album, and

fresh water is in underground aquifers, which are a source of drinking water. However, they also boast a unique biodiversity of microbial and multicellular life that sheds light on evolution and perfectly preserves skeletal remains of long-extinct species and indigenous people.

Cave formations such as stalagmites can be used to reconstruct climate as the Earth passed in and out of the ice ages, allowing us to better judge the rates and possible impacts of modern changes in climate, Broad said.

Broad was elected a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2006, a Fellow National of the Explorers Club in 2009 and was selected as the 2011 National Geographic Explorer of the Year.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in literature from UCSB. His interdisciplinary training includes a master’s degree in marine affairs and policy from the University of Miami and a doctorate in anthropology from Columbia University. He is a professor in the University of Miami’s Division of Marine Affairs and Policy and is director of the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. He is also a co-director of the Center for Research on Environmental Decisions at Columbia University.

Tickets are $25, and $15 for UCSB students and youths (18 and under) with valid identification. For tickets and more information, call UCSB Arts & Lectures at 893-3535 or visit www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu. that was such a fun experience,” Chapman said.

Her passion is singing love songs and songs that tell of her experiences over the years.

“My music doesn’t fit into any particular genre but is more a combination of Irish ballads, ethereal feelings and a little country here and there,” she said.

The last several years Chapman has had to carry a lot of family responsibilities as her husband was beginning to decline from several strokes. He died in August from a heart attack. Another close family member also had health issues after a tragic accident that required around-the-clock care and admission to Jodi House, a brain injury support center.

Chapman focused as much as she could on her magazine, but she knew it was time to step away.

“I want to spend more time volunteering and helping local nonprofits like Jodi House,” she said.

Chapman is also working on a book of all her editorials throughout the years and hopes to publish a book she wrote with her late husband called “Alfredo’s Philosophy.”

“I am going to be traveling more and enjoying life, but I will always come back to Santa Barbara. This is home,” she said.

January 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 7

arts & non prof its

SB’s oldest charity to celebrate with 125th annual tea

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By Ryan Mandell

hroughout history, the world has been filled with stories of conflict and struggle that can cause us to lose hope, but history also holds examples of virtue that have far more potential for preservation of humanity than the limitations of those destructive forces.

For example, the Cecilia Fund is Santa Barbara’s oldest charity and has been humbly acting to defray the dental and medical costs of those in need in Santa Barbara for the past 125 years.

The society will hold its 125th annual tea and membership meeting at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26. Speakers will include local historian and author Erin Graffy as well as Dr. Domenic Caluori , the chief dental officer of SB Neighborhood Clinics.

Founded as a small orchestral group in 1892, the nondenominational organization was named the St. Cecilia Society, for the patron saint of music. The group would play music for local residents to help support the newly founded Cottage Hospital.

It began under the guidance of Elise Hall, a musician and the spouse of one of Cottage Hospital’s founding members, Dr. Richard Hall. The women’s group then started to hold popular concerts at the old Arlington Hotel

Photo contributed Debbie was a first-time mother whose son Sean was born with a major cleft lip and palate that needed immediate attention. Because money was tight, Debbie turned to the Cecilia Fund for help and today Sean is a happy, thriving 34-year-old man.

before it collapsed during the earthquake of 1925.

The organization’s first order of charitable business was to provide Cottage Hospital with a single hospital bed in the St. Cecilia Room, which served as a reserved space where the

needy could receive care free of charge.

Today the Cecilia Fund distributes more than $100,000 each year to help meet dental and medical costs for those who cannot afford to receive the care they require. The fund is a volunteer charity group without paid staff or a permanent office and is composed of a highly dedicated board of 12 women. The organization’s low overhead aligns with its straightforward mission of providing funding for medical and dental care, “The Cecilia Fund is one of Santa Barbara’s most venerable nonprofits and has supported people in need for many decades with a caring approach and a human touch,” said Joanne Rapp, a supporter of the fund.

Private donations and membership dues fund the society today, but in the 1900s the club held a fundraising fair each Valentine’s Day named the Cecilia Fair, which was extremely popular.

Members of the community would gather for tea and light fare and, after dining, the tables and chairs were pushed to the walls and the guests danced the night away. The Cecilia Fair was the talk of the town and one of the most exciting nights of the year for what was then a very rural and smaller Santa Barbara.

Since those founding days, the organization has grown and no longer holds private recitals but hosts an annual tea and another special

Graffy, Caluori to speak The Cecilia Fund will host its 125th annual tea at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Santa Barbara Club, 1105 Chapala St. Speakers will include award-winning local historian and author Erin Graffy and Chief Dental Officer Dr. Domenic Caluori of the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics.

To RSVP by Jan. 13 or get more information, call Sigrid Toye at 818-992-8806 or visit www.ceciliafund.org. event to raise money to fulfill its mission.

Current membership levels range from $85 a year to $2,500.

The organization is also touted by clinical social workers as one of the best charities to work with because of its lack of bureaucracy.

Board members meet monthly to review the cases that have been referred and determine which they are able to fund. The Cecilia Fund pays the providers directly and is often able to negotiate significant discounts. Urgent requests can be funded within 24 hours.

The Cecilia Fund continues to help generate awareness and provide for the most vulnerable Santa Barbara County residents who need assistance to pay for critical medical or dental care.

Its light has not dimmed with the passing of time, but instead its importance and purpose in serving the community have only gained strength.

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8 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | January 2017

Ballet BC pushes boundaries of contemporary dance Staff Report

presents Canadian and international works from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. ushing the boundaries of dance, Since 2009, the company has developed Canada’s Ballet BC will celebrate the a repertoire of more than 35 new works by diversity of technique and style in con- acclaimed choreographers including William temporary ballet while honoring its roots with Forsythe, Itzik Galili, Jorma Elo, Cayetano a performance at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at The Soto, Crystal Pite, Johan Inger, Walter MatteiGranada Theater. ni, Gustavo Ramirez Based in Vancouver, Sansano, Jacopo Ballet BC performs a Godani, José Navas, diverse repertoire of Emily Molnar, Nicolo works by the world’s Fonte, Lesley Telford, most renowned choWen Wei Wang, reographers and is a Medhi Walerski, Serge hotbed for the creation Bennathan, Fernando of new pieces.

Hernando Magadan, This ambitious comKevin O’Day, Shawn Photo by Chris Randle Hounsell, Gioconda pany’s unique dancers, The dancers of the ambitious Ballet BC company will each with exquisite Barbuto, Simone perform a bold program on Feb. 3 at the Granada. classical and contemOrlando, Robert porary training, will perform a bold program Glumbek and Aszure Barton, among others. featuring works by internationally acclaimed Ballet BC was founded in 1986 and, since female choreographers. Sharon Eyal’s “Bill” 2009, has been under the leadership of Artistic delivers raw, unexpected beauty; and Crystal Director Emily Molnar, a former member of Pite, former Ballet BC member and founder The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet BC and of Kidd Pivot, explores themes of acceptance the Frankfurt Ballet. and loss with “Solo Echo.” Ballet BC is an Tickets are $35 to $45 for the general internationally acclaimed collaborative and public and $19 for UCSB students with a creation-based contemporary ballet company valid student ID. A Granada facility fee will that is a leader and resource in the creation, pro- be added to each ticket price. duction and education of contemporary dance For tickets and more information, call in Canada. Bold and innovative, the company’s UCSB Arts & Lectures at 805-893-3535, distinctive style and approach has helped it visit www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu, or make a unique and valuable contribution to the contact The Granada Theatre at 805-899development of dance in Canada. The company 2222 or granadasb.org.

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Photo contributed The Santa Barbara Humane Society helps evacuate large animals from homes and ranches during natural disasters. They are equipped with multiple horse trailers and a fleet of volunteers. To learn how to help, email Tim Collins at timcollins@ sbhumanesociety.org.

Trail Riders present $3,500 in equine and trail grants

T

Staff Report

he Los Padres Trail Riders made four grants totaling $3,500 in November to local equestrian and trail-related nonprofit organizations.

The Santa Barbara Humane Society received $500 for a piece of technical equipment used for rescuing large animals. Their current system requires raising or lowering in a number of steps and using several pieces of equipment. This device will allow for seamless changes during rescue.

The Los Padres Forest Association will use its $1,000 grant for clearing the single-track portion of Aliso Trail, repairing the stock corral at the campground, and installing two new directional trail signs. This is the last remaining Forest Service trail that connects Cuyama with the Sierra Madres to the Aliso Trail (also known as the McPherson Trail).

The Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding

Program was awarded $1,000 for “Travels with Teacup,” which involves taking a blind miniature horse to group homes, assisted-living and recovery facilities. Their visits this year have been well-received, and they plan to visit three to five facilities in 2017 in a pilot program of evaluation. For more information log onto www.syvtherapeuticriding.org.

Midland School of Los Olivos was granted $1,000 toward a $1,650 project to replenish substrate in their pasture shelters. The four shelters provide protection from the elements for the school’s herd of 17 horses, all of which are rescues, ranging in age from 6 to 31 years old.

Roughly $34,000 has been donated by the Los Padres Trail Riders to non-profit organizations since 1999. Proceeds from a Tack & Tog Sale are used for the grant program, with the next sale set for Feb. 25 at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara.

For more information, go to www.lptr.org.

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services employees deliver holiday cheer Staff report

Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County is the county’s only full-service mployees of Berkshire Hathaway domestic violence agency, committed to ending Home Services hand-delivered 12 the intergenerational cycle of domestic violence Christmas trees and accompanying through prevention and intervention services, and holiday decorations to be distributed to victims through challenging society’s attitudes, beliefs, of domestic violence and behaviors to effect and their children who social change. are staying in Domestic DVS provides the Violence Solutions county’s only 24-hour emergency shelters in shelter services for vicSanta Barbara, Lompoc tims and their children, and Santa Maria. as well as transitional Since 2001 Berkshire housing programs for Hathaway has been domestic violence survia corporate partner vors. DVS also operates Photo contributed four 24-hour hotlines; of Domestic Violence Solutions (DVS). This Employees of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services handaccompanies law endelivered 12 Christmas trees and accompanying holiday season, they also award- decorations to Domestic Violence Solutions emergency forcement on domestic ed DVS a $2,000 grant shelters in Santa Barbara County. violence calls; works and bought new linens to prevent domestic for all the emergency shelters, including towels, violence through teen outreach and education sheets, pillowcases and blankets. programs; and provides comprehensive counselLast year alone DVS provided 12,212 safe ing services to men, women and children affected nights to victims and their families, but the by domestic violence. safety and comfort of residents at DVS depend For more information, call 805-963-4458 or on the support of outside organizations. visit www.DVSolutions.org.

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January 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 9

FROM FIELD TO TABLE

Farmers markets provide fresh produce year-round E

Staff Report

ven in the winter, farmers in Santa Barbara County and surrounding areas continue to provide high-quality produce at local farmers markets.

While markets may be slightly smaller on rainy days, all markets organized through the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association (SBCFMA) remain open as regularly scheduled, unless the weather is so horrendous the farmers can’t get their produce out.

(You can check the association’s Facebook page to get updates.)

The SBCFMA is a nonprofit mutual-benefit corporation founded in 1983 to provide farmers with direct access at landmark locations to market their agricultural products directly to the community. The association, owned and operated by its approximately 30 grower members and its board of directors, is committed to helping promote local family farmers while protecting the environment.

The group’s website, sbfarmersmarket. org, serves as the hub that invites those interested to look at their local farms and read their back stories, as well as a blog with posts about different produce or why planting mint in your garden is beneficial in addition to recipe ideas such as Super Bowl Sliders.

For more information, go to sbfarmers market.org.

Farmers Market Schedule n Tuesdays: Old Town Santa Barbara, 3 - 6:30 p.m., 500-600 block of State Street n Wednesdays: Solvang, 2:30 - 6 p.m., First Street from Mission Drive to Copenhagen Drive. n Thursdays: Goleta, 3 - 6 p.m., corner of Storke and Hollister, 7004 Marketplace Drive in the Camino Real Shopping Center n Thursdays: Carpinteria, 3 - 6 p.m., 800 block of Linden Avenue n Fridays: Montecito, 8:30 - 11:15 a.m., 1100 and 1200 blocks of Coast Village Road n Saturdays: Downtown Santa Barbara, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., corner of Santa Barbara and Cota Streets n Sundays: Goleta, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., corner of Storke and Hollister, 7004 Marketplace Drive inside the Camino Real Shopping Center

Co-presented with The Granada Theatre 30th Anniversary Tour

The Peking Acrobats Sun, Jan 15 / 3 PM / Granada Theatre $45 / $25 UCSB students (with valid ID)

and children (12 & under)

A Granada facility will be added to each ticket price

“Nearly everything The Peking Acrobats did was amazing – and stunning, and breathtaking and WOW!” The Seattle Times “The Peking Acrobats [are] pushing the envelope of human possibility…Pure artistry!” New York Post

Event Sponsor: Kay McMillan

From the Hit PBS Kids Show

Odd Squad Live!

Sun, Feb 12 / 3 PM & 6 PM Lobero Theatre (note special venue) $25 / $15 children (12 & under)

A Lobero facility fee will be added to each ticket price

“[Odd Squad’s] weird and wonderful combination of oddness, kids in charge, gadgets and math… offers strong characters, great effects and gadgets and the kind of random humor that has my kids (and me) in stitches.”

Forbes

Family Fun series Sponsor:

Media Sponsors:

With support from our Community Partner the Orfalea Family

Photos contributed Winter doesn’t stop area farmers and ranchers from providing delicious, nutritious produce and other products at the many markets organized by the Santa Barbara County Farmer’s Market Association.

(805) 893-3535 www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 www.GranadaSB.org

10 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | January 2017

education & learning

EDUCATION IN BRIEF

Rotary Club honors SBHS teacher The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara recently recognized Santa Barbara High School teacher Eric Nichoson for his extraordinary contributions to public education. This is the first of four such awards the Rotarians will present to area educators during this academic year.

Nichoson is a resource specialist, teaching grades 7-9. This year he is co-teaching American Government, Economics, U.S. HisNichoson tory, and Algebra 1. He has been at Santa Barbara High School for 12 years. Prior to teaching at SBHS, Nichoson taught in the San Diego city school system for two years.

Since 1986, the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara has honored outstanding teachers from South Coast schools each year. It awards a high school, junior high, elementary, and special education teacher with a certificate and a $1,000 check to spend on classroom needs.

“Our teachers are second to none and

perform daily heroic acts on behalf of students and families,” said County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone, whose office coordinates the recognition with the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara.

Nichoson took an unconventional path to the classroom.

“I didn’t complete my undergraduate work until I was in my mid-30s because I was not ready to commit to being a ‘student,’” he said. “When I did, I treated it like a job.”

He completed his education at UCSB in 18 months and graduated summa cum laude. He subsequently earned his teaching credentials at California Lutheran University.

“Mr. Nich,” as he is affectionately called, was inspired to become an educator by one of his high school teachers. He has been seen at local thrift stores buying dictionaries for his students, proctoring a special exam session on a Saturday so he can read the test to a student with dyslexia, attending athletic and extracurricular events so his students know he is interested in them beyond the classroom, and roaming the hallways wearing his quirky ties, saying hello to everyone he passes.

The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara meets at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara for lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. Recipients of the club’s Teacher Recognition Awards are made with the assistance of the Teacher Programs and Support department of the Santa Barbara County Education Office.

UCSB softball team enjoys holiday activities

Photo contributed Members of the UCSB softball team enjoyed ice skating at Ice in Paradise in Goleta. Pictured are Jessica Johnston, a sophomore outfielder, and Whitney Perberton, a freshman pitcher. To stay up-to-date with UCSB softball, check UCSBgauchos.com.

Public Skating Every Day & Skating School for All!

WWW.ICEINPARADISE.ORG

6985 SANTA FELICIA DRIVE • GOLETA 93117 • 805.879.1550

January 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 11

JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 16 MONDAY

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group - 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at High Sierra Grill in Multiple Scle- Goleta. Have MS, a caregiver or a family or friend to 3 TUESDAY rosis Support someone that does? Attend the self help group meeting every third Wednesday. Contact michaeldjack@ Group - 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Vista del Monte, Sierra aol.com for more info.

Madre building third floor. Have MS, a caregiver or a family or friend to someone that does? Attend Martin Sexton at Soho - Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the self help group meeting every third Wednesday. show at 8 p.m. His songs have appeared in television Contact lauralindsey@cox.net for more info. series such as “Scrubs,” “Parenthood,” “Masters of Sex,” and in numerous films; $25 - $66 at the door; Kayt Mar, Will Vasquez, Sean & Michelle with Tarigh at Soho - Doors open at 6 p.m., show begins 21 and over; 1221 State St; sohosb.com. at 6:30 p.m.; $8 at the door; 1221 State Street; info at Story/Time sohosb.com.

20 FRIDAY Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Company - 8 p.m., The Granada Theater Special 4 WEDNESDAY Tribute to - Inspired by legendary artist and composer John Cage, Jones creates a collage of dance, music and Leonard Cohen at Soho - Doors open at 6 p.m., 70 of his own short stories; https://artsandlectures. show begins at 7:30 p.m.; $8 at the door; 1221 State sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

Street; info at sohosb.com.

Submit information about your event to news@santabarbarafamilylife.com.

5 THURSDAY

The Neighborhood Thieves and LAYOVR at Soho - Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8:30 p.m.; 21 and over; $10 at the door; 1221 State Street; info at sohosb.com.

8 SUNDAY

King Bee at Soho - Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m.; $8; 1221 State St.; sohosb.com.

The Adderley School presents “Ruthless” - 8 p.m. at Center Stage Theater. Students from the Adderley School for the Performing Arts present musical theater performances as a culmination of their recent workshop training. Tickets at center stagetheater.org or 805-963-0408.

El Bracero del ano 3 p.m. at the Granada Theater - The theme of the film is the migration of Mexicans to the United States in SB Audubon search of the “American dream.” The funny Piporro 21 SATURDAY Society crosses illegally, swimming the Rio Grande and Winter Bird Count 4 Kids 9 a.m.

– noon, Lake eventually working in the fields. Tickets and details Los Carneros.

Kids ages 8 – 16 are welcome to learn at granadasb.org. how to identify, record, and tally the bird species observed, then take their own bird list home as Kenny Broad, National Geographic Cave Diver a souvenir. Snacks provided by Trader Joe’s; free; and Anthropologist - 3 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. santabarbaraaudubon.org.

Explorations by Broad, a UCSB alum, have led to important discoveries about early human inhabUnderwater Parks Day Festival - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. itants, animals seen nowhere else on Earth, and Celebrate the biodiversity of marine animals living the planet’s in coastal waters at the Santa Barbara Museum climate history. of Natural History Sea Center. Investigate a micro For tickets and marine ecosystem, spy on shore birds and create details https:// ocean-themed art. Activities are free with admission; artsandlectures.

Stefanie Coleman, scoleman@sbnature2.org or 805sa.ucsb.edu/ 962-2526, ext. 170 allevents.aspx.

14 SATURDAY

Santa Barbara Music Club Concert - 3 p.m. at Faulkner Gallery, 40 E. Anapamu St. - J.S. Bach, Prelude and Fugue in A minor for organ, BWV 543, transcribed for piano by Franz Liszt; Léo Delibes, Flower Duet from Lakmé; Christoph Willibald von Gluck, “Che farò senza Euridice?” from Orfeo ed Euridice; and many more. Details at sbmusicclub.org.

Idiomatiques at Soho - Doors open at 5 p.m., show begins at 5:30 p.m. ; $10; 1221 State St; sohosb.com.

15 SUNDAY

3 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Experts at trick cycling, precision tumbling and gymnastics, seemingly defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control; https://artsandlectures. sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

The Peking Acrobats -

The Adderley School presents “Ruthless” – 1, 4 and 7 p.m. at Center Stage Theater. Students from the Adderley School for the Performing Arts present musical theater performances as a culmination of their recent workshop training.

Tickets at centerstagetheater.org or 805-963-0408.

Santa Barbara Zoo Job and Volunteer Expo - 3 - 5 p.m. - Learn all about the zoo’s employment and volunteer opportunities; www.sbzoo.org.

22 SUNDAY

Garrison Keillor - 3 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall Writer and humorist Garrison Keillor is beloved for his unique blend of comedy, charisma and wisdom; https://artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

Nothing But Laughs - 2 p.m. - Stories to tickle your funny bone and make you smile at Center Stage

Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara; center stagetheater.org or 805-963-0408.

Holly Bowling at Soho - Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show at 6 p.m.; $10; 1221 State St.; sohosb.com.

Rebecca Kleinmann Trio - Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m; $15 at the door; 1221 State St.; sohosb.com.

FEBRUARY 3

23 MONDAY

Itzhak Perlman 7 p.m. at the Granada Theater - Perlman revisits this important, personal project, featuring music director Hankus Netsky on saxophone and piano, Andy Statman on clarinet and mandolin, members of the Brave Old World and Klezmer Conservatory Band and other special guests; https://artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

Canada’s Ballet BC - 8 p.m. at the Granada Theater; https://artsandlectures. sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

FEBRUARY 6

The 7 Fingers of the Hand - 7 p.m. at the Granada Theater; https://artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

CONTINUING EVENTS SUNDAYS

Sundays Sea Stories for Families - Enjoy interactive story readings at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center at 211 Stearns Wharf. Program free with admission; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526.

Nothing But Laughs – 7:30 p.m. - Stories to tickle your funny bone and make you smile at Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara; centerstagetheater.org or 805-963-0408.

Shark Sundays - 3:30 p.m. at the Sea Center, 211 Stearns Wharf. Watch staff feed sharks and rays.

Observe shark feeding behaviors, and maybe help throw in a few pieces too; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526.

24 TUESDAY

TUESDAYS

Sarah Jones - 8 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Tony and Obie Award-winning playwright, performer and activist Sarah Jones transforms into a dynamic medley of characters; https:// artsandlectures. sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

26 THURSDAY

Douglas Brinkley 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Brinkley is the author of “The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America,” and “The Quiet World: Saving Alaska’s Wilderness Kingdom;” https://artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

Ellis Paul at Soho - Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show at 6 p.m; $10; 1221 State St.; sohosb.com.

28 & 29 SAT & SUN

Disney Fantasia Live in Concert - 8 p.m. at the Granada Theater - Disney shares one of its crown jewels of feature animation with a live orchestra accompanying scenes from Walt Disney’s original “Fantasia” (1940) and from “Fantasia 2000;” thesymphony.org.

30 MONDAY

Maya Lin 7:30 p.m. at USCB Campbell Hall. She’s a recipient of the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom for her art installations and artwork; https://artsandlectures. sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

31 TUESDAY

Joshua Bell/ Sam Haywood - 7 p.m. at the Granada Theater - Joshua Bell is among the most celebrated violinists of his era, accompanied by pianist Sam Haywood’s “dazzling, evocative playing” (The Washington Post); https://artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu/allevents. aspx.

Octopus Tuesdays 4 p.m. - Watch an octopus consume a meal. Discover camouflage behaviors as you learn more about these intelligent invertebrates at the Sea Center at 211 Stearns Wharf; free with admission; www.sbnature. org or 805-962-2526.

THURSDAYS

Jelly Thursdays - 4 p.m.

- Experience the beauty of jellies as they gracefully gather their microscopic meals. Bring your curiosity, questions, and cameras to the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf; free with admission; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526.

SATURDAYS

David Wiesner and the Art of Wordless Story - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesdays – Saturdays, Jan. 29 - May 14, at Santa Barbara Museum of Art. This exhibition of 90 objects by the highly acclaimed picturebook artist is the first to contextualize his art through the inclusion of work by other artists by whom Wiesner was influenced; https://www.sbma.net/exhibitions/wiesner or 805963-4364.

Santa Barbara Dance Theater - Jan. 13-22 at UCSB Hatlen Theater - The 2016-17 season introduces fresh new works by guest artists and collaborators from around the country; $17 general admission, $13 for children, seniors, UCSB students, faculty and staff; https://secure.lsit.ucsb.edu/dram/d7/news/ event/485

12 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | January 2017