Santa Ynez Valley Star June A 2020

June 2 - June 15, 2020

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

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Memorial Day ceremony takes honor to the streets with jeep parade

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

M

emorial Day services were very different this year as the COVID-19 restrictions still in place recommended against gatherings.

The VFW Post 7139 and American Legion Post 160 still honored the memory of Santa Ynez Valley servicemen and women by inviting veterans to help place the American flags on the more than 900 graves of those who gave their service, according to Alvin Salge, commander of the VFW Post 7139.

“We asked that everyone have a moment of silence at noon on Memorial Day to honor all the fallen veterans,” he said.

There were no cemetery ceremonies on Memorial Day; however, the Solvang Park and Veterans Memorial Hall American flags were lowered to half-staff.

The Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge placed a wreath at the bottom of the flagpole to honor those who sacrificed.

The Flat Fender Friends, with their jeeps and military vehicles, and American Legion and VFW members trekked from Solvang Park through all the towns of the valley, and a loop around Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard.

“We had a convoy of about eight jeeps with the flag flying and music playing,” said Dennis Beebe, founder of the Flat Fender Friends. “Just because we can’t have a large gathering doesn’t mean we can’t honor them.”

The Memorial Day remembrance includes a 229-year span in some 60 military actions that claimed 1.4 million lives. Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance.

“America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens be aware of and recall on special occasions the deaths of their fellow countrymen during and after wartime,” Salge said. “All valley veterans, residents and their families should honor veterans on this hallowed day.”

Photo by Raiza Giorgi The Flat Fender Friends took a tour of the Santa Ynez Valley on Memorial Day to honor the servicemen and women who gave their lives to serve.

Photo contributed Hi-Drops founders Seth and Warren Scott are partnering with companies to purchase their eye drops and donate them to fire stations and first responders.

Photo by Allan Jones American flags are prominent at Oak Hill Cemetery as there are many who have passed that have served in all branches of the military in all wars and conflicts.

Some of the known veterans from the Santa Ynez Valley who died in combat or during war time are Adolph Burchardi, U.S. Marines, World War I; George Downs, U.S. Army, World War II; Lucius Manning, U.S. Army Air Corps, WWII; Delbert Carter, U.S. Navy, WWII; John Melbourne, U.S. Army Cmdr., WWII; John Pedercini, B24 bomber pilot, WWII; George Ortega, U.S. Army Sgt., WWII; Grant Schley, Air Transport, WWII; Hermann Burchardi, U.S. Navy, WWII; William Valdez, U.S. Army, Korea; Billie Beard, U.S. Army, Korea; John Robert Hill, U.S. Marine, Vietnam; Richard Henrey, U.S. Army, Vietnam; David Tibbetts, U.S. Army, Vietnam; Steven Staggers, U.S. Navy, Vietnam; Robert Pacheco, U.S. Marine, Vietnam; Aaron Allen, U.S. Marine, Iraq and Joshua Townsend, U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret, Afganistan.

SYV natives create eye drops going to first responders Scott twins’ Hi-Drops being donated to frontline workers during COVID-19 crisis

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

S

anta Ynez Valley natives and twin brothers Warren and Seth Scott were just in the beginning stages of launching their business, Hi-Drops, when the COVID-19 hit. The shutdown ground their four-year process to a halt, but the Scott brothers decided to adapt their business model to supply frontline workers with an added bonus of protection with their eye drop product.

“We finally got through the FDA process, which we had so many hurdles to jump through, and gotten enough product to start selling when the COVID-19 crisis hit,” Warren Scott said.

HI-DROPS CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

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Buellton OKs bike skills course at River View Park Council also approves two art projects

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

T

he Buellton City Council recently approved a bike skills course at River View Park in collaboration with Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation to assist in guiding the volunteer-led project. The project was unanimously approved at the council’s May 13 regular meeting.

“We are excited to collaborate with SYV Youth Rec and the volunteers that will be a great community amenity,” said Kyle Abello of Buellton Parks and Rec coordinator. “Bikers of all ages and skill levels will be able to get outside and have a fun place to practice and get out energy.”

The project is being led by SYV Youth Recreation Coordinator Paul Smith, along with MSN Engineer Kent Yankee, who volunteered his time to design the course. The course will be on the east side of River View Park, next to the parking lot.

They presented a simplified design that takes advantage of the existing terrain to minimize the amount of additional fill dirt needed on the site, and it is able to be accomplished as a volunteer-led project, according to the staff report.

Smith also worked with local contractor DJ Dunn, who is also a member of Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, to provide the rough cost estimate. The hand tools that will be purchased would be kept and used for periodic maintenance of the course. Volunteers would also be encouraged to bring their own tools for the workdays to create the course.

In addition to the skilled guidance for the volunteer work crew being free of charge, Dunn has also pledged to donate his time and fuel to run his Bobcat tractor to assist in the dirt work. Given the volunteer labor and the material price discounts made possible

by the business partnerships of Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, the cost estimate of this first phase of the bike skills course is $5,422.22.

The council also approved two projects brought by the Buellton Arts and Culture Committee, recently established to create more opportunities for the arts in the city.

The first project approved was the mosaic pillars and entry sign at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden, located on the west side of River View Park.

The applicant, SYV Botanic Garden Foundation, have already raised $3,500 for this project with an additional $3,000 of pending private donations plus numerous in-kind contributions such as architectural drawings, landscape architect review and pro bono engineering advice. They were approved for an additional $15,000 of funding that will pay for engineering, materials and installation of two original Michelle Griffoul mosaic tiled pillars and fabrication and installation of a metal entry sign at the entrance to the Botanic Garden. Any unspent funds are required to be returned to the city.

The second project approved was $2,500 for the SYV Teen Arts Workshops, which will consist of one or two Sunday intensive painting workshops for 20-25 teens in the venue of the Botanic Garden (estimated 10-16 hours of instruction and preparation time).

The mission of SYV Teen Arts is to provide teens in our community with in-depth instruction in a variety of artistic media and techniques by professional artists and foster a nurturing atmosphere.

There is no date set yet for the workshops until further restrictions are lifted from the COVID-19 situation; however, once the pieces are created, they will be exhibited in a digital gallery linked to the City of Buellton website and the original artwork would be displayed in city buildings, library, Rec Center, and Buellton school campuses.

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Solvang inches toward switch to district-based elections Attorney letter demands change from at-large system for City Council

By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

T

he city of Solvang has taken a tiny first step toward district-based elections after receiving a letter demanding the change to increase diversity on the panel.

Council members voted to have staff prepare a resolution to kick off the process of changing the city’s voting system at their May 11 regular meeting.

“I’m surprised it’s taken this long to get to Solvang,” Mayor Ryan Toussaint said.

For district-based elections, council members represent a certain section of the city with only those registered voters in the area casting ballots for the candidates.

Solvang traditionally has employed at-large elections, with voters across the city picking council members from one large group.

A Malibu-based attorney with the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project sent a demand letter April 30 citing the California Voting Rights Act. That act allowed plaintiffs to challenge atlarge elections but likely risk facing substantial costs from litigation for ignoring the demand.

“Our recommendation is, based on the fact these are virtually impossible to defend, that you move toward a by-district election system,” City Attorney Chip Wullbrandt said.

So far, the League of California Cities says no one has successfully defend a CVRA lawsuit.

“The city of Solvang’s at-large system dilutes the ability of Latinos (a protected class) to elect candidates of their choice or otherwise influence the outcome of the city’s council elections,” attorney Kevin Shenkman wrote.

The letter, one of many sent to cities and other agencies in the state, notes the 2010 Census showed Latinos made up 29 percent of the city’s population, contending the number likely has grown in the past decade.

“The contrast between the significant Latino proportion of the electorate and the historical underrepresentation of Latinos to be elected to the Solvang City Council is outwardly disbursing and fundamentally hostile towards participation from members of this protected class.

“In light of the city’s underrepresentation of Latinos, it is no wonder why Latino residents

do not emerge as candidates, feel marginalized, and have historically been excluded from meaningful participant in the city’s governance.”

A “safe harbor” provision allows cities to adopt a resolution within 45 days of intent to switch the voting system, a deadline of June 18, Wullbrandt said, suggesting he contact Shenkman to negotiate a delay.

The city also must pay the costs for the Malibu attorney to prepare the demand letter and other expenses, up to $30,000.

Councilman Robert Clarke contended the issue isn’t about civil rights.

“This is just a racket and this makes me ill,” Clarke said.

“Is this legal extortion?” Councilman Chris Djernaes asked.

“Yes, it’s is legal extortion,” Clarke said.

Council members also balked about hiring a demographer, steps taken by other cities to ensure districts were drawn fairly.

“It lumps people together. I kind of thought Solvang was like a big family,” Clarke said.

“No, we have to balkanize Solvang,” Djernaes said.

“The fact is it’s irrelevant what we think, so I would the motion that we bring this resolution back,” Councilman Daniel Johnson said.

Due to the number of public meetings needed to craft and approve maps, it’s unlikely Solvang could make the switch in time to meet summer deadlines for the November 2020 election.

Wullbrandt said the city’s charter calls for the mayor to be elected at large, which would continue after the switch. That means four council seats would be designated to represent four districts or separate areas.

Solvang isn’t alone in getting a demand letter.

The cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc have made the switch, with Goleta, Buellton and Carpinteria planning to implement the change by November 2022.

It’s not just cities facing the change. The sprawling Santa Maria Joint Union High School District agreed to switch by November 2022. That district includes Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Orcutt and Los Alamos The Santa Barbara Unified School District, the Carpinteria Unified School District and the Lompoc Unified School District boards already have passed resolutions.

Waiting until 2022 should allow the agencies to draw the district maps using data from the 2020 census.

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

June 2 - June 15, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3

Solvang continues meeting to discuss Vet’s Hall project More than 100 appear at City Hall to protest proposed development

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

A

fter an overwhelming turnout for the special meeting Tuesday afternoon, the Solvang City Council elected to continue its discussion of entering into a proposed project at the old Solvang Lumber Yard and current site of the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Hall as well as several other identified areas in Solvang.

Mayor Ryan Toussaint stated he was glad that the public was enthusiastically participating in this process and motioned to receive the report and hear the presentation from Santa Barbara-based developer Ed St. George, hear council questions on the project, public comment and questions and then continue the meeting in an outdoor setting like Solvang Park in the next several weeks.

“The council has had four public meetings of the city visioning process hoping to get public input. Thankfully that’s now happening,” Toussaint said.

The renderings of the proposed project showed the Solvang Veteran’s Hall, built in 1936, would be replaced with a three-story public administration building, which includes a new City Hall, Veteran’s Hall, 3rd District Supervisor office, Senior Center and Cyber Library. The multi-phase project also includes two hotels, commercial space and penthouse condos on the fourth floor of the residential units. There is also a two-level parking garage.

An hour before the special meeting on Tuesday, there were more than 100 people that showed up to Solvang City Hall to protest entering into negotiations with St. George and postponing the meeting until the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

“The biggest issue is that this should not be happening now with this health crisis and when we are not all allowed in,” said Thor Andresen, a third-generation Solvang resident and veteran of Afghanistan. “I am a veteran and a member of the VFW and I am frequently at the Vet’s Hall, and the Vet’s Hall is an integral piece of our history.”

His father, Christian Andresen, echoed those statements saying that the council trying to downplay the Vet’s Hall as just an old building is not true.

“There have been endless uses for the Vet’s Hall for decades,” he said. “Sure it needs refurbishment, but we cannot tear it down.”

City Manager Xenia Bradford stated in the beginning of the meeting that this was just the preliminary steps and beginning stages of the project, however the staff report recommended several options for entering into an exclusive agreement with St. George for not only the

Photo by Raiza Giorgi More than 100 protesters gathered outside Solvang City Hall for a proposed project involving destruction of the Vet’s Hall

Photo contributed Rendering of the proposed project by Santa Barbara developer Ed St. George.

Vet’s Hall property, but a large scale project at Solvang Park.

During the presentation, Ken Hira of Kosmont Companies outlined that his company was hired in January to perform a Market Demand Analysis for the City of Solvang. Kosmont identified potential demand for additional hotel rooms in the trade area and a demand for multi-family residential units. Kosmont recommended a blended-use development integrating hotel, restaurants, and residential units.

In February, the city started talking with St. George on an idea for “a central European-style plaza. The development proposes adding property tax value by building hotel and housing infrastructure while creating central place for larger gatherings and events and day to day use

as a park. The proposed development is also a mixed use with dining space expanding experiential tourism to the downtown area,” according to the staff report.

This public-private partnership would consist of St. George, the City of Solvang, the County of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s, American Legion and VFW, Solvang Library and the Solvang Senior Center. The project also proposes taking over several private residences along Pine Street, including a house owned by Erling and Sue Pohls and Ron Bender. Sue Pohls submitted a letter before the council meeting stating she was never approached about this project and will not be selling their property.

“You don’t do things in one fell swoop and the concept here is a blend of uses and it will

continue to evolve,” Hira said.

He added that community involvement was imperative and the agreement of entering into exclusive negotiations with the developer would shape the project and could take 12 months or longer before any binding agreements are done, as well as environmental clearance.

“It will take a lot of input to get to that point,” Hira said.

Jarrett Gorin of Vanguard Planning, based in Santa Barbara, represented St. George, who was sitting in the front row. Gorin gave a presentation on the inspiration for the project from buildings in Denmark and said the picture the Star posted was of a project in Azusa. (The rendering the Star posted was from the city staff report and showed the style of mixed-use development proposed, and stated it was not the actual project in the article at the top.) Their inspiration came from Scandinavian style architecture and posted several examples.

Gorin stated the project can start with the properties St. George currently owns, which includes the Lumber Yard and Marcus Nielsen’s house, one of the oldest houses in Solvang, and once the agreements are done to continue into the next phase of the Vet’s Hall property.

Gorin then said if the Mission Drive Conceptual Plan project is voted down they can instead move forward with building 50 residential units, which is currently approved for those lots; however, they looked at this opportunity to create something which would draw more people to the city by creating this “district.”

During public comment, Chris Nielsen, the first speaker, said he believes the council members have their hearts in the right place to make Solvang as good as it can be, but they have to listen to the “many hearts outside.”

“Listening to this proposal has a lot of amenities, but the past is also important to Solvang especially the Vet’s Hall,” he said. “Don’t forget the moral obligation as it was built ‘in perpetuity’ to the veterans. The word ‘stakeholders’ is bantered about, but you are talking about people who have spent the most important part of their lives celebrating, commemorating, gathering and fundraising at this Vet’s Hall for decades,” Nielsen said.

He continued that the proposal included small retail spaces for ‘pop-up’ style shops and asked if that was the council’s meaning of high-end clientele or more like a swap meet.

“No, the Vet’s Hall isn’t on the state registry… yet. But in the hearts and minds of this community, the Vet’s Hall is historic and no one wants it gone,” Nielsen said.

Solvang resident Hazel Mortensen said she was originally not in favor of the project but she doesn’t want to see Section 8 housing that will attract criminals from Lompoc. She also stated she thinks Pine Street housing look like a slum and her property value is getting lower by the year.

VET’S HALL CONTINUED TO PAGE 13

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Traffic study reveals many options for increased safety while traveling in SYV Staff Report

S

anta Barbara County Association of Governments and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians hosted a virtual Traffic Circulation and Safety community meeting on May 19, to discuss potential improvements to key traffic corridors in Santa Ynez Valley.

The meeting culminated an 18-month traffic circulation and safety study for a triangle bordered by Highways 246, 154 and 101.

“We worked with valley residents and staff to guide the process, with a bus tour, community meetings and worked to get those put together,” said Michael Becker, director of planning for SBCAG. The concerns stem from congestion in Solvang, and areas of speed like Highway 246 in Buellton. Holly Sierra, the Buellton mayor, pointed out that just after three months of a new crosswalk and flashing lights being installed, a woman and her dog were hit by a vehicle.

“Buellton is a very unique circumstance as getting across town is difficult and crossing Highway 246 is dangerous,” Sierra said. “We are very concerned of this continual problem in our community and looking forward to seeing the results of this study.”

Deepak Kaushik of Iteris, Inc., prepared

Photo contributed The May 19 SBCAG meeting culminated an 18-month traffic circulation and safety study for a triangle bordered by Highways 246, 154 and 101.

the study that gave many options from roundabouts, traffic signals, stop signs and speed signals in the four areas of the valley identified.

“We used traffic analysis and scoring them with using traditional traffic tools, and safety considerations from collision data from Caltrans and extensive communi-

ty outreach to compile this plan,” Kaushik said.

In Los Olivos, the recommendations were the inclusion of a multimodal trail along Highway 154 for pedestrian and bicycles, along with either roundabouts or traffic signals at Foxen Canyon and Grand Ave on Highway 154.

In Santa Ynez, there could be speed signals along Highway 154 between Roblar and the Highway 246 roundabout, along with a multimodal trail along Highway 246 from Refugio to Santa Ynez and either a traffic signal or signaled crossing from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School to El Rancho Market, as a lot of pedestrians illegally cross there.

In Solvang, several options from curb extensions, pedestrian scrambles and removal of on-street parking was presented.

Costs for all the options range from $6.5-$7.5 million for roundabouts; around $5 million for multimodal trails; $350,000$450,000 for traffic signals; and $50,000$100,000 for pedestrian crossings and all-way stops.

Roundabouts are a controversial subject in the valley as many people who spoke at the community meeting several months ago said they are costly and ineffective, with several accidents and near-collisions being reported. People asked during public comment in the meeting for a four-way stop with flashing lights at Roblar.

“Something needs to be done there, it has been repeated a lot through this process,” Becker said.

You can also view the presentation on the online version of this story published on May 20.

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Locals upset with Forest Service over trash, bathrooms

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

L

os Padres National Forest officials announced that campgrounds managed by concessionaire would remain closed through June 1 in an effort to remain consistent with state and local health guidelines that promote safe social distancing and discourage large gatherings. However, that hasn’t stopped people from going to enjoy the day-use areas and walking beyond the closed gates to enjoy the Santa Ynez River.

Those that have gone were not aware that the Forest Service concessionaire hasn’t been working since the shutdown, so no trash or restroom service happened for more than a month, until the end of May. For more than a month, garbage was spewing into the areas near the trash cans and dumpsters and wildlife has strewn it even further, according to locals in the area.

“The toilets have been locked up because the Day Use Area is ‘closed’ but dozens of people are visiting,” said Laura Mancuso, who owns a recreational cabin in the area. “Human feces and used diapers have been found in the brush.

Visitors leave trash near the overflowing bins anyway, which gets scattered every night by wild animals.”

Mancuso and other volunteers have been out on multiple occasions picking up trash with PPE provided by Rancho Oso, but it barely makes a dent, she said.

“We have had two major clean-up days, and we have posted signs in English and Spanish begging people to use the 40-yard roll-off dumpster or take their trash home with them,” Mancuso said.

Laureen Clavecilla said her group with Waypoint Church in Santa Barbara had never been

Photo contributed Volunteers with the Waypoint Church in Santa Barbara picked up trash around the White Rock area of Los Padres National Forest.

Photo by Laura Mancuso An overflowing dumpster is shown at the White Rock day use area in Los Padres National Forest, where trash hasn’t been collected since mid-March.

to White Rock until recently and were astonished when they saw the garbage.

“We decided to go back and make a day of cleaning it up,” she said. “I have been out myself a few times after and I have tried to get in touch with the Forest Service rangers who gave me a generic response that trash would be

emptied soon.”

Clavecilla said she finally saw the trash bins emptied the week of May 18-19.

The Star went Mother’s Day weekend (May 9-10) to the Paradise and Red Rock areas, where the gates were closed to cross the river, and cars were packed in, some in and along the

roadway, making hazardous conditions. People were spaced out once they were at the river, but the bathrooms were locked so some people used the bushes to relieve themselves.

The Star reached out to the USFS Los Padres division to ask why the forest service wouldn’t be responsible for collecting trash and cleaning bathrooms if their subcontractor isn’t able to.

The Star also asked why the campsites couldn’t be used for day-use only to get people to park further away. Also asked was where signage is posted telling people there are no trash or restrooms available, because the Star didn’t see any.

“I think the Forest Service wants the ‘local communities’ to be able to use trails and day use areas, but the campgrounds would bring in visitation from many different areas (mostly non-local),” said Jennifer Gray, public affairs for the Los Padres National Forest.

Santa Barbara County has kept its recreation sites open, such as Lake Cachuma, and while no camping is allowed, people can use those campsites for day-use to keep their distance and the bathrooms are still available. Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart, when questioned by the Star on May 15, said the county has no jurisdiction over what the state and federally managed areas do.

“We are working with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopen these closed sites,” Hart said in a statement sent to media outlets. “Please keep health, safety and the environment in mind when visiting National Forests. Your personal responsibility is critical to ensuring public safety and preventing further restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to recreate in areas close to home and avoid traveling long distances. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests safe and healthy for everyone’s use.”

Sheriff’s Department shows crime stats steady in SYV Staff Report

T

he crime statistics recently released by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department as not changing too much, with only a slight increase in property crimes.

For Solvang there was a 25 percent increase in violent crimes (up two cases from last year) but the numbers are still very low, the Sheriff’s office said. There was an increase in property thefts by 17 percent in Solvang, however. This is a good reminder to be aware of the items in your vehicles and to always remember to lock your doors and vehicles at night.

In Buellton there was no change in violent crimes or property theft from 2018 to 2019, the Sheriff’s office reported In the unincorporated areas of the county, which include Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Ballard and Los Alamos, there was a 1 percent increase in both violent crime and property theft.

The violent crime rate for all the communities was 6.4 percent lower than in 2018 and 28 percent lower than the 10-year average. Due to a 2.8 percent increase in property crimes, the overall crime rate was 1.6 percent higher than in 2018, but was still 15 percent lower than the 10-year average.

The Sheriff’s Department compiles

Photo contributed The crime statistics recently released by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department are shown as not changing too much.

information about crimes occurring within the communities they serve and submits this information for inclusion within the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reports system (UCR). For the purposes of the UCR system, reports are broken down into two major categories: Part 1 crimes, which are the most serious in nature, and Part 2 crimes, which includes a number of lesser criminal offenses and some juvenile status offenses.

Part 1 crimes are further broken down into two subcategories: violent crimes and property crimes. Part 1 violent crimes are offenses that involve force or a threat of force and include criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Part 1 property crimes are theft-related offenses that do not involve threats or force against the victim, including burglary, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft.

“Within Santa Barbara County, our law en-

forcement, prosecutors, public defenders and the courts are all working together to improve public safety within our communities,” Sheriff Bill Brown said.

When compared with the previous year (2018), overall Part 1 violent crime was down by 6.4 percent, with the most significant reductions occurring in rape (50 percent drop).

Overall Part 1 property crime was 1.6 percent higher, with the most statistically relevant increases occurring in theft (4.8 percent increase).

Brown credits the continuing stability of the long-term declines in our crime rates to the collaborative efforts that are occurring within the county’s communities and throughout the criminal justice system in Santa Barbara County, and as a result of the ongoing hard work and dedication of the Sheriff’s Department team.

“We are continuing our work to reduce criminal recidivism by offering important rehabilitative programming to inmates in our jail,” Brown further pointed out. “Our efforts are also greatly enhanced through collaboration with other county departments and many community-based organizations. Together we are working to enhance the safety and well-being of Santa Barbara County.”

June 2 - June 15, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7

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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 2 - June 15, 2020

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

Bethania Lutheran serving food, supplies to local families in need

Church working with Foodbank to make deliveries every Tuesday

By Raiza Giorgi

Publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

T

he line starts around 2 p.m. every Tuesday and by 4 p.m. there are dozens of cars, and people standing in line that are wrapped around Bethania Lutheran Church.

“When people ask me how we are doing… I think my answer of ‘managing’ is the best thing I can say right now,” said Pastor Chris Brown.

Brown said when the COVID-19 started he never expected things to get this bad. When the stay-at-home orders were delivered mid-March, two of his parishioners, Linda Marzullo and Donna Hinsbeeck, immediately stepped up and contacted the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County to get a delivery and distribution site going.

Every Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. everyone who is in need can come get food.

“The tireless efforts of these two women have been above and beyond. They have been so organized throughout this situation and we are so thankful we can help our community,” Brown said.

The Foodbank initially started with deliveries of around 4,000 pounds of food and was supplemented by Amy Derryberry of Veggie Rescue with fresh produce which people desperately ask for, Brown said.

The church is also using their money to supplement with canned meats and other products like diapers, wipes, toilet paper, paper towels and laundry detergent.

“We are going through more than 4,000 diapers and 200 boxes of wipes a week,” Brown said. “At the start of this we had to keep track

Photos by Raiza Giorgi Volunteers with Bethania Lutheran Church worked to fill 600 bags of food and supplies for local families in need.

According to Bethania Lutheran Church Pastor Chris Brown, his church’s volunteer efforts provided food and supplies to more than 1,500 people by the eighth week of operation.

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In the joint effort with Bethania Lutheran, Foodbank initially started with deliveries of around 4,000 pounds of food and was supplemented by Amy Derryberry of Veggie Rescue with fresh produce which people desperately ask for.

for the Foodbank of the households we serve and the numbers were around 700 people.”

In their eighth week, Brown said they were serving more than 1,500 people, some of whom had never asked for any sort of assistance in their lives.

“I feel like this is when the church is the best,” Brown said. “We have been able to do incredible things as a church finds identity in moments of crisis and remind people in those moments we can do incredible things together.”

There are more than 60 volunteers now working two shifts to get all the bags put together in the morning and then those who hand them out in the afternoon.

The church also is home to the Solvang Blessing Box, in which is filled and emptied more than eight times a day.

“We are so thankful to Elizabeth Breen, Jen Klamn, Candice Signa and Jeni Hurnblad for their work of making sure both the Buellton and Solvang Blessing Boxes are stocked,” Brown said. “This is a grassroots movement and I am so thankful for everyone who is coming together to help others.”

The Foodbank will be delivering food as long as this crisis is going, and Brown said that profitable times leading up to the outbreak and frugal saving put the church in a good position to help as well, but the need is overwhelming and they ask anyone who can and is willing to donate to their Food Distribution fund.

One hundred percent of the donations will go to the community needs, Brown said.

For those who are interested in donating visit www.bethanialutheran.net and click on Donate. Make sure the Food Distribution tab is clicked as well.

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10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 2 - June 15, 2020

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

Local residents prepare care packages for isolated seniors Staff Report

V

olunteers gathered safely this week at the Goleta administration offices of Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County (CAC) to prepare packages of such items as toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, protective gloves and face masks.

Area businesses and organizations, including Jordano’s, Montecito Bank & Trust, Dignity Health, Cottage Health, The Towbes Group, and Seniors Programs of Santa Barbara, donated funding and products for the effort.

The care packages will be hand-delivered to seniors along with a prepared meal, previously scheduled through the CAC Senior Nutrition program.

Many older community members, particularly those living alone, are not receiving the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic. To address this gap, CAC joined with several area nonprofits to identify isolated seniors and connect them to essential services or critical needs.

One of the specific actions embarked upon

by CAC is the development and delivery of personal care packages utilizing its newly organized volunteer network.

“Since mid-March there has been a concentrated effort on getting food to our senior residents, but we also see other needs to be addressed,” said Pat Keelean, CEO of CAC. “Some seniors in our county are more isolated than others; they might not have family members who check in on them and help them out.

“These care packages consist of many of the items that are not readily available at grocery stores these days, such as paper goods and hand sanitizer.”

Sherry and Whitney Uyeda of Buellton were looking for a volunteer opportunity, and contacted CAC when they read an article on CAC’s Senior Nutrition program published in a local news outlet.

“We called CAC and left a message. They called us right back and offered up these two days of care package assembly work in Goleta.

We were happy to help,” they said.

“This is a community of givers,” said Linda Rosso, CAC development director. “Recent stories in the media about CAC’s Senior Nutrition program generated calls from residents who volunteered to deliver meals to seniors. From this response, we initiated a new volunteer oper-

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Photo by Paul Goodwin Four California Air National Guard fighter jets did a flyover of Santa Barbara County on Wednesday as a salute to healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo contributed Elisabeth Snyder of Solvang, vice chair of the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County Board, is shown with bags of necessities for seniors.

ation at CAC. This was one of our first events.

“Thanks to our generous business community, and these kind-hearted volunteers. The number to call to volunteer is 805-964-8857 ext.

1105 or email me at lrosso@cacsb.com.”

CAC developed the senior care package initiative as part of a countywide consortium led by Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, and that includes Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Center for Successful Aging, Carpinteria Children’s Project, Community Partners in Caring, Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center, Little House by the Park, Lompoc Valley Medical Center, and Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People.

The consortium project was initiated with funding by the James S. Bower Foundation, Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, and an anonymous donor, and has received funding from the Zegar Family Foundation. To obtain assistance for seniors in-need in Santa Barbara County, residents can call the county helpline 2-1-1 or Senior Connection, 805-925-9554.

CAC creates opportunities for families and individuals to achieve stability through its 22 health and human service programs, including Senior Nutrition, Head Start, Weatherization and Energy Assistance, Family & Youth Services, and 2-1-1 Santa Barbara. CAC serves more than 10,000 people throughout the county each year.

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Fighter jets conduct flyover tribute

Air National Guard aircraft soar over county to honor healthcare workers, first responders

By Tom Bolton

Noozhawk Executive Editor

F

our California Air National Guard fighter jets did a flyover of Santa Barbara County on Wednesday as a salute to healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The appearance in the skies above the county was part of a statewide tour for the F-15C Eagle aircraft that are based in Fresno.

Crowds flocked to viewing areas around the county to catch a glimpse of the jets, which flew in formation, passing first over Santa Maria, through the Santa Ynez Valley and other North County locations before streaking across the South Coast.

The aircraft are from the Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing.

Noozhawk executive editor Tom Bolton can be reached at tbolton@noozhawk.com.

First 5 Santa Barbara, Children’s Resource & Referral team to distribute supplies Staff Report

F

irst 5 Santa Barbara received its first shipment of mission-critical supplies for childcare providers caring for the children of essential workers and vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The supplies include 3-ply masks and disinfectant, and a limited number of books for families that will be distributed from Children’s Resource and Referral locations. A second delivery of supplies is expected in the next few weeks with plans to include diapers and wipes.

“There are hundreds upon hundreds of early childhood educators in Santa Barbara County and beyond, on the front lines, selflessly and tirelessly providing consistency, safety and nurture to the children of essential workers,” said Jacqui Banta, Chief Operating Officer of Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County.

“Many are expanding their hours in the evenings and weekends to ensure our healthcare system continues to operate, grocery stores and gas stations remain open, and our first responders are available.”

“Child care has been, and continues to be, the backbone of our economy, allowing parents to go to work and keep society functioning,”

said Wendy Sims Moten, executive director of First 5 Santa Barbara County.

The supply delivery to Santa Barbara County is part of a First 5 statewide effort. In mid-April, the First 5 California Commission approved up to $4 million in emergency funding to provide 60 days of supplies to childcare providers serving essential workers and the broader community supporting vulnerable populations (e.g., family resource centers).

The distribution of emergency supplies to each county is determined using a formula based on birth rate.

“It is important that child care providers and families with children have access to critical supplies during this extraordinary time,” said Camille Maben, executive director of First 5 California. “Working with our First 5 county partners, we hope this investment provides a measure of relief.”

First 5 Santa Barbara County Children and Families Commission, funded by Proposition 10, works in partnership with individuals and organizations throughout the county to support the health, early learning and well-being of children prenatal to age 5 and their families.

For more information, go to www.first5sbc.org/ trs, Facebook at F5SBC, or call (805) 560-1039.

June 2 - June 15, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

Hearing Aid Technology at Alexander Audiology

Hearing aids in the 21st century with Dr. Melissa Alexander

By Staff Writer

H

earing aids have come leaps and bounds just within the last ten years.

Advancements in technology have resulted in hearing aids of higher quality that compliment any lifestyle. Patients have far more options than they did a decade ago, and the possibilities are virtually endless.

“Everyone has an idea of what hearing aids look like and sound like based on their friends’ and family’s experiences. Most of the time it’s not always positive,” said Dr. Melissa Alexander, an audiologist based in Santa Monica.

“10 years ago, we didn’t have hearing aids that had technology that reduced background noise.

They were bulky in size. We didn’t have the ability to keep things waterproof or miniaturized. We didn’t have wireless technology. Now this whole world has opened up for patients that address a lot of the common complaints that people were dealing with for years.”

Chunky hearing aids of the past have been replaced with small and powerful devices that require far less maintenance. Dr. Alexander continued, “We have types of hearing aids that we can implant into the patients that are long-lasting. Those are called Lyric, and those hearing aids are placed 4 millimeters from the eardrum. You don’t have to change the battery.

You can sleep with them, shower with them, and live your life normally. You don’t have to

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turn them off. Every 3-4 months, the patient will come back to the office for a 5-minute appointment- sometimes I go to their homes or offices- and I pull them out before the battery fails, put brand new ones in, and within 5-minutes they are changed out.”

With improvements in wireless technology, patients can now hear someone speaking from a further distance than before. Dr. Alexander explained, “If you’re wearing a hearing aid and sitting in the living room, and your partner or friend is in a room that’s over 20 feet away, they can wear a tiny accessory that’s the size of a paper clip on the inside of their shirt or around their neck. When they speak normally, the patient will hear them directly because their voice is carried wirelessly to the hearing aid, amplified according to their hearing loss from any distance in the room. How far the speaker is away from the microphone is irrelevant at this point as long as they have this little accessory.”

Patients can now also control nearly every aspect of their hearing aids. Through an iOS application. “Imagine you are sitting in a noisy restaurant and you have an app on your phone where you can control your hearing aid with your app,” Dr. Alexander continued. “You can eliminate all of the background noise. You can change where the hearing aid microphones are focused to pick up speech, with a narrow beam in front of you or wide for a group. You can change the equalizer to enhance speech. It is very user friendly. And with the microphone accessory, if you are sitting at a really noisy restaurant, which happens in almost every

restaurant in LA, you can mute the microphone and only pick up the voice of the person streaming through the accessory that they’re wearing. For many patients, they’ll hear speech from that person better than a person with normal hearing.”

Patients can even take a phone call and stream it through the hearing aids without holding the phone up to them. Dr. Alexander added, “The hearing aids can become a Bluetooth speaker or headset. You can run on a treadmill with them and not even have to wear headphones. You can play music directly through the waterproof hearing aids.”

In some cases, the new hearing aid technology can even save lives. Dr. Alexander explained, “We even have certain hearing aids that track your steps, measure your heartrate, blood pressure. God forbid your hiking and you have a heart attack, and you are by yourself. The hearing aid has a specific way of telling the body chemistry, your temperature, and your heart rate and knows if you are in trouble.

And by a tilt of the head, you’ll have an SOS system come through your hearing aid and ask you if you need help medically. All you need to do is drop your head. It measures the direction of the fall of your head, and it’ll send a signal to the closest 9-1-1 to come rescue you.”

Strides in hearing aid technology have vastly improved the quality of life for patients with hearing loss.

“The stigma of wearing hearing aids I think is starting to erode because the technology is so advanced now,” Dr. Alexander said. “You have more freedom these days. You almost have an

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advantage over people who don’t have hearing aids.”

With all the different options for hearing aids, many of which most people with hearing loss are unaware of, patients at Alexander Audiology can try any of the technology for 90 days risk-free.

“We really have every available opportunity to research what works for patients, the good, the bad, the everything, and really get to try different products. I have seen so many of my patients for so many years. You become invested in their lives,” Dr. Alexander said.

For information about Alexander Audiology, visit www.alexanderaudiology.com, call (424) 738-3778, follow on Facebook and Instagram @alexanderaudiology or find them on Yelp.

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 2 - June 15, 2020

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

COVID-19 and diabetes: What you need to know SDRI provides online resource for community Staff Report

S

ansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI), a global leader in diabetes research, education and clinical care, is committed to helping the diabetes community now and always. SDRI’s website, www.sansum.org, is a hub of current and trustworthy information for the diabetes community as we try to safely navigate the coronavirus pandemic.

SDRI created the new online resource, COVID-19 and Diabetes, at www.sansum. org, with frequently updated links to the CDC, American Diabetes Association, Johns Hopkins University, JDRF, Beyond Type 1, Medscape, Joslin Diabetes Center and many more, in English and Spanish.

“It’s important for all people with diabetes to be extra vigilant. As we learn more we learn just how incredibly contagious this virus is even in people without symptoms,” said Dr. Kristin Castorino, senior research physician at SDRI. “There’s a lot of confusing and sometimes erroneous information out there and the purpose of us having this website is we have already vetted the material and are providing links to what we think are reputable sources with accurate information

pertaining to diabetes.”

While there is still much to learn about COVID-19, people with diabetes should consider themselves at higher risk of more severe outcomes if they contract this or other viral infections.

“One thing we do know for sure is when your average blood sugar is high (above 200 mg/dL which is associated with an A1C level of 8.5 percent or more), your body has more difficulty fighting off any type of infection,” explained Castorino. “Your immune response to infection doesn’t work as well as it does when your average glucose values are in the target ranges.

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“Rather than panic, it is better to put our energy and efforts into finding areas to improve glucose control; it is a time to take your diabetes care up a notch,” Castorino added. “For example, some of the highest highs are after a low blood sugar. Perhaps there are ways to reduce lows which will then reduce the rebound high blood sugar.

Another way is adding more fresh fiber like vegetables or legumes into your meals. If you need help achieving your glucose targets, reach out to your endocrinologist or diabetes care provider, as many providers are able to help people via phone, telehealth appointments or even email.”

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The institute has filmed Endocrinologist and SDRI Board Trustee Dr. Daniel Berger’s most common recommendations to patients, which you can find at www.sansum.org.

Psychiatrist Robert Nagy, M.D., a past president of the SDRI Board of Trustees, says now is the time of most acute stress.

Once we get into a new pattern, it will get easier: “Look at this as being time-limited.”

Nagy recommends the following three things to decrease stress and increase resiliency: n Have a three-month supply of prescriptions and medical supplies. “Having what you need reduces anxiety; it introduces less uncertainty.” n Exercise is important for physical as well as mental health. n Be strict about social distancing but keep up your social contacts. “Don’t take social distancing as being social isolating.”

“Don’t spend too much time in your head.

If you have people to talk to, use that,” Nagy advised. “We can’t hug each other now, but use the technology we have now to communicate with loved ones. That’s a powerful anti-depressant; powerful against anxiety. And look at the SDRI website (www.sansum.org).

Access it. That knowledge is powerful.”

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, call your primary care physician or diabetes care specialist.

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o VET’S HALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Bruce Porter echoed the statement that the idea of the council talking about any proposal to demolish the Vet’s Hall the day after Memorial Day is shameful. He also brought up California law which states once a dedication of a memorial building is made it cannot be revoked.

“Similar in Paso Robles they shut down the memorial building and wanted to give a meeting room,” he said. “The court rules the downgrade was ‘unconscionable.’ Without consulting a single veteran dishonors the graves we placed more than 1,000 flags on this past weekend. The one MAJOR stakeholder is the veterans.”

Porter told the council members that, as they sit on the dais today and every day, to remember “You have that privilege because of sacrifice of courageous citizens like Buellton’s Aaron Allen, killed in action in Iraq, and Solvang’s Joshua Townsend, who died in Afghanistan. Remember them and honor them and don’t remove the memorial to them.”

Several times, Toussaint had to ask Djernaes from making comments to the speakers, and on several occasions the speakers addressed Djernaes’ lack of decorum by laughing and shaking his head during their comments.

“This project should have never been considered and we shouldn’t have to be here to oppose it,” said Darryl Scheck, Solvang resident. “I urge you to reject this plan and this now resonates with the 1,600 that signed a petition in the last four days, which includes 600 Solvang residents. In case you’re unaware, people were out protesting in this public health uncertainty risking their health against this L.A. 2.0 development.”

As Scheck wrapped up he noted “as Djernaes keeps laughing in the corner. Really classy, thanks Chris.”

Djernaes retorted he appreciated the insults.

There were several more speakers on Zoom who also asked the council not to move forward with this proposal, and Toussaint reiterated that there will be a continuation of the meeting and the letters people wrote in will be read into the record at the later meeting.

To watch the entire meeting, visit the www.YouTube.com and search City of Solvang.

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Bender, who owns one of the properties shown in the project, spoke before the council stating he has never been contacted about this project.

“I am not selling my house and no one can make me. I hope it fails and I don’t think it’s right,” he said. “We should keep Solvang smaller. If you (council) think this is a good idea just remember election coming up and you will go away.”

Solvang Senior Center President Alice Olla spoke, saying she has a lease with the county until 2068, they have been fundraising for a new senior center for a while and this new project doesn’t benefit the senior center.

“The one sentence that stood out the most is, ‘We think a better use of the land,’ stands out,” said resident Linda Hanley.

She then turned to St. George and said “You don’t live here. This isn’t your town, this is our town and we have decades of memories going to the Library with our children and the Vet’s Hall. I met my husband there. WE live here and WE should decide. And you, in particular, Mr. Djernaes don’t appear to love Solvang as it is.”

Toussaint had to immediately step in as Councilman Chris Djernaes was going to retort and only said “Let’s talk afterward,”.

Speaker Andreas Pyper said he took his U.S. citizen oath in 2006 and considered it the greatest privilege to petition his elected officials.

“It is important you listen and please what you are trying to do is against your citizen’s best interest,” he said. “I voted for you Mr. Clarke, Toussaint and Djernaes, and I am so disappointed you do not listen. Do not rip the heart of Solvang.”

Former Santa Barbara County Planning Commissioner Lansing Duncan said the council’s sweeping grandiose rubber stamp without public review during a health crisis is not acceptable.

“This is public property and you’re acting as though it is private ownership,” he said. “Any proposals should immediately alarm every citizen of the valley as the Vet’s Hall and the Mission are the most historic and focus of valley life. Our veterans fought and died and this building is the memorialization of that sacrifice.

The hall can’t be replaced by a room jammed into the corner of this project, it’s ludicrous.”

14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 2 - June 15, 2020

Lost your health insurance? You have options An open letter from CenCal Health

By Bob Freeman

CEO, CenCal Health

I

n addition to the thousands of people losing their jobs due to COVID-19, many are also losing their health insurance.

This is an important message for anyone who has lost their health insurance: There is no-cost health coverage you may be eligible for: Medi-Cal. CenCal Health administers the Medi-Cal program in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Like unemployment, Social Security and disability insurance, Medi-Cal is one of America’s vital safety-net programs that is here for you.

Medi-Cal is a public program for adults and children who meet eligibility requirements.

The program provides comprehensive coverage for medical, dental and vision care and services, including check-ups, immunizations, mental health, prescription drugs, testing and treatment for COVID-19 (the coronavirus), hospitalization and much more.

Photo contributed Bob Freeman, CEO of CenCal Health

Currently, one in four residents of Santa Barbara County and one in five residents in San Luis Obispo County receive their health and vision benefits through Cen-

Cal Health, the health plan that provides medical and vision coverage for Medi-Cal beneficiaries in these counties.

CenCal Health contracts with over 1,500

local physicians, 104 pharmacies, and all hospitals in both counties.

It is likely that you would be able to keep your current physician under CenCal Health.

CenCal Health is a public entity, and thus, not for profit.

There are several ways to apply to Medi-Cal: n By mail: Download an application at www.dhcs.ca.gov. n Online through www.mybenefitscalwin.org. n Online through www.coveredca.com.

The county departments of Social Services make all eligibility and enrollment decisions.

For more information on how to apply for Medi-Cal, including phone numbers for local Department of Social Services offices, visit our website at www.cencalhealth. org/explore-cencal-health/how-to-apply/ One day, things will return to normal and everyone can go back to living their lives as before. However, until then, we are here for those who may need us and some peace of mind.

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June 2 - June 15, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Holiday History - Flag Day SantaYnez Valley missionary

By John Copeland

S

unday, June, 14th, is a birthday we often overlook. It is the birthday of the American flag. As children, most of us learned about Betsy Ross sewing the first flag. But what about a couple of America’s famous flags, the Star Spangled Banner and Old Glory? Those are both tales that deserve to be remembered.

The Star Spangled Banner

In the early years of the 19th century, numerous disagreements between the United States and Britain had led the US to declare war on Britain. The British Navy, the mightiest in the world, began lining up outside Chesapeake Bay, threatening to halt shipping traffic into the port.

Major General George Armistead was the commander at Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor on the Chesapeake. He wanted to send a strong message that America would defend its harbors. One way to do this was to hoist an oversized American flag above Fort McHenry and it would become one of the most famous American flags, the Star Spangled Banner.

Armistead knew just where to go for his flag. Flag maker Mary Pickersgill of Baltimore. Pickersgill was well known and highly regarded.

General Armistead ordered a garrison flag measuring 30 by 42 feet with 15 stars and 15 stripes. It was a large flag, and he wanted it as soon as possible. Pickersgill delivered the flag to General Armistead six weeks later.

On September 13, 1814, Baltimore’s Fort McHenry withstood 25 hours of bombardment by the British Navy. The following morning, the fort’s soldiers hoisted the enormous American flag, a sight that inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem he titled “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Originally set to the tune of an old English drinking song, it would later be adopted as the US national anthem.

The modern meaning of our flag was forged in December 1860 when Major Robert Anderson, acting without orders, raised the Stars and Stripes over Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor in defiance of the new Confederate States of America. The Confederates opened fire on Fort Sumter and the garrison surrendered shortly after.

In the weeks after Fort Sumter, our flag took on a new meaning and was used throughout the North to symbolize the American nation and the rejection of secessionism. For the first time American flags began to be mass-produced rather than individually stitched. Even using Eli Whitney’s application of mass production, manufacturers could not keep up with demand for American flags.

Old Glory

In 1831, Captain William Driver, a shipmaster from Salem, Massachusetts, was presented

a flag of 24 stars by before he departed on a voyage. As the banner opened to the ocean breeze, Driver exclaimed, “I name her ‘Old Glory,’” and Old Glory accompanied the captain on his all voyages.

Captain Driver retired from the sea in 1837 taking his treasured flag with him. He settled in Nashville, Tennessee. On patriotic days he displayed Old Glory from on a rope from his house to a tree across the street.

By the time the Civil War broke out, nearly everyone in and around Nashville was familiar Captain Driver’s “Old Glory.”

When Tennessee seceded from the Union in 1861, Driver feared that Old Glory might be confiscated or destroyed by the Confederates. He sewed the flag inside a comforter hiding it. The Rebels were determined to destroy Old Glory, and repeatedly searched his home, but could discover no trace of the banner.

The Union army captured Nashville, in 1862, and raised a small American flag over the capital. Folks asked Captain Driver if “Old Glory” still existed. Captain Driver began ripping the seams of his bedcover and as the stitches unraveled, the onlookers peered inside and saw the 24-starred original “Old Glory!”

Captain Driver gently gathered up the old flag and returned with the soldiers to the capitol. Though he was sixty years old, the Driver climbed the tower to replace the smaller banner with his beloved flag. The Sixth Ohio Regiment cheered and saluted - and later adopted the nickname “Old Glory” as the motto of the regiment, telling and retelling the story of Captain Driver’s devotion to the flag we honor even today.

His “Old Glory” became a nickname for all American flags.

Flag Day was first celebrated in 1877, on our flag’s 100th birthday. But, the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1886 when Bernard Cigrand proposed an annual observance of the birth of the flag in an article he penned titled, “The Fourteenth of June” and published in the old Chicago “Argus” newspaper. It was another thirty years before becoming it became national observance. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14, 1916. However, Flag Day did not become official until August 1949, when President Harry Truman signed legislation from Congress and proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. In 1966, Congress also requested that the President issue annually a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as National Flag Week.

Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation, with liberty and justice for all.

This year, instead of overlooking Flag Day, let us be reminded of what the day represents. Our flag has never been just a flag.

Our flag is a time capsule that embodies the very essence of what it means to be American. Our flag is recognized on the 14th of June because that day in 1777 marked the beginning of its unparalleled journey of representing the past, present, and future of the United States of America.

will serve in Chile

Swolgaard going to South America on behalf of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Staff Report

S

olvang resident Elijah Swolgaard,18, will be serving a mission for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Chile Vina del Mar Mission in the South American country of Chile.

Swolgaard moved to the Santa Ynez Valley from Bainbridge Island, Wash., when he was 3 years old.

His parents are Scott and Elizabeth Swolgaard, a physical therapist with New Motion PT. There are five boys in the family, with Elijah being the oldest. His grandparents are Bill and Alice Beifuss, also of Solvang.

Elijah’s parents both served missions for the church in their youth. His mother served in the Manilla (Philippines) Mission and his father in the San Salvador Mission in El Salvador.

Swolgaard attended the SYV Presbyterian Preschool, Los Olivos Elementary School and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. At SYHS, he played volleyball and ran cross country and belonged to Conservatives on Campus and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also enjoys surfing.

To financially support his mission, Swolgaard works as a handyman. He likes to work outside with his hands and learn new things.

Swolgaard says he loves his family and when

he’s not working, he loves to be with them. He calls himself a “homebody” and says that when he’s home with his family he always has a best friend.

Swolgaard left for the Mission Training Center in Mexico City, Mexico, on March 10 and will be there for six weeks. While there, he will learn Spanish and how to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people in Chile.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is represented by missionaries in 160 countries. Young men, young women and seniors go all over the world to share the Gospel of Christ with those who are interested in learning about the Savior and his mission here on the earth. They not only teach the Gospel, but they live it as well in that up to 20 hours of each week they are involved in service, of all kinds, in their communities When asked why he wanted to serve a mission, Swolgaard said that the Lord has helped him in his life so much that he wants to bring others to that knowledge and happiness.

He wants everyone to have the knowledge and light of the Savior.

Swolgaard’s bishop, Jonathan Paulson, shared that “Elijah has a very strong testimony of Jesus Christ. Elijah is a shining example to everyone who comes in contact with him. It has been a pleasure for me to be his Bishop for the past five years. “ Swolgaard has looked forward to serving this mission his whole life and has a personal testimony of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. He is excited to share that knowledge with the people of Vina del Mar.

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16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 2 - June 15, 2020

PCPA cancels summer season at Solvang, Santa Maria theaters Staff Report

I

n light of the ongoing public health crisis and prohibition on public gatherings, PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre will be forced to cancel its 2020 Summer season in Santa Maria and Solvang.

Unprecedented in the theater’s 56-year history, this decision follows six weeks of analysis and contingency planning.

“The team at PCPA has been working hard to arrive at a different conclusion, but our commitment to the health of the community and company members, together with the uncertainty about when our audience will be able to gather again at the theater, made this deeply regrettable decision necessary,” explained Artistic Director Mark Booher.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has said that while there is not a precise timeline for modifying the stay-at-home order to allow for large public gatherings, he did say, “When you suggest June, July, August, [mass gatherings] are unlikely.”

While PCPA staff and students have continued to work remotely since mid-March, the Conservatory programs completed their training on May 15, and the organization needs to begin working toward its plans for the fall and the coming Season 57. PCPA hopes to have the continued community support to retain its permanent staff through this difficult period that has shuttered professional theatres across the nation. Still, the summer cancellation decision results in the theatre having to turn away not only its audience, but roughly

Lana Clark Schutz

Photo contributed PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre has been forced to cancel its 2020 Summer season in Santa Maria and Solvang.

100 summer artists and artisans who were to have worked on the productions of “The Sound of Music,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Something Rotten” and “A Doll‘s House, Part 2.” Rehearsals were to have begun this month with the summer season expected to open June 11 and play through Sept. 6 in Santa Maria and Solvang.

PCPA is keenly aware that the cancellation will have a significant impact on these communities, and be an immense hardship on the wonderful theatre makers who would have

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come from all over the country to be a part of PCPA’s summer company. PCPA productions annually bring close to 30,000 people to Solvang Theaterfest’s beautiful Solvang Festival Theatre, resulting in nearly $1 million in local economic activity beyond the box office revenue. PCPA and Solvang Theaterfest remain vigorously committed to the community, their 46-year partnership, and plans for the future.

“Although we’re saddened by the thought of a summer without the magic of PCPA for the first time in 46 years, we know that this is

best for the safety of everyone including the actors, the production crew, and our wonderful patrons,” said Chris Nielsen, board chair for the Solvang Theaterfest. “Our partnership with PCPA will emerge from this challenging time stronger and more creative than ever as we count the days when we can once again gather under the stars of Solvang.”

“It’s a word to which we’ve become too accustomed, but the only word I can conjure to describe this decision is heartbreaking,” Booher said. “My wonderful colleagues have been working for months, well over a year, to bring a season of illuminating and delightful plays to the stage this summer. The shows were designed and cast, some of them already under construction or just about to begin rehearsal. So, we’re very sad about not be able to bring these wonderful plans to fruition.

“Still, the theatre is always founded on creative adaptability, and a certain basic optimism about the force and resilience of the human spirit. We need to be connected around story and lots of different stories,” he continued. “It’s essential to our sense of health and happiness. It’s what makes us a civilization. While we can manage, and even enjoy, periods of solitude, we also need to gather. We’re made to be in relationship with one another. That essential human need isn’t going away. If anything, this time of separation is clarifying our desire to be together and share a public life. When the time is right, PCPA will be shining its light again, as a gathering place for our community.”

Ticket-holders will be contacted by the Box Office with ticket return options. Visit www. pcpa.org for more details, contact information and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Plans for PCPA’s Summer Educational offerings, and coming Season 57 are well underway and will be announced shortly.

June 2 - June 15, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

© 2020 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Special Edition

Ever wondered where the money you spend in a store goes? Where that money goes is different depending upon who owns the store where you shop. In a store that is owned by someone who lives locally, more money stays in your community.

Here’s another way to show how shopping locally matters.

Color these pie graphs.

Color the parts that show money that STAYS in town GREEN. Color the part that shows money that LEAVES town RED.

Replace the missing words in this news article using these words:

MID COUNTY – On Th ursday night, the Mid-County Tit basketball ______ got to ans their shots light up a newwatch scoreboard, thanks to Ho Office Supply. The Titansmer’s the gameand had extra rea won son

Everyone should care about how much money stays in the community. Why? Look at the pictures below. They show a few of the many ways local businesses use the money spent in their stores to help their communities.

CUSTOMERS COMMUNITY BUSINESS SUPPLIES LOCALLY SCHOOL GRAPHS WHERE STORE SPEND CARES STAYS PARTS SHOW TEAM

Source: Andersonville Study of Retail Economics

Homer Stapleton, the ow ner of the ________, said this wa good year for business and s a many of the families did that back to _________ shoppitheir his store. Business was upng at 70% over last year thanks by in

To find out the answer, cross out every B-I-L-L and the remaining letters reveal the answer.

“I want to ______ my cus tomers how much I appreciate the shopping at my store,” Sta ir said. “I know they have a pleton and that my _________ choice isn’t the only place to shostore p.”

Where can you buy the following items in your local area? Look through the newspaper or online and write the name of a local business that sells each of these items.

Use your newspaper to make a list of 10 or more businesses in your community.

Find out which of these are locally owned and which are not. Create a chart to show your findings.

Brought to you by

Find the words in the puzzle, then in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.

C L S H O S E R A C P O S E I L P P U S

P C M D N E P S C C

O A M M A E T T W H S L R M U O U O H O

Y L N T M N H R E O A Y I E S S I E R L T G R A P H S T E T

S S E N I S U B Y Y

Find an article in the newspaper about someone who works in local government.

What does he/she do? Why are they in the newspaper?

How would you finish this sentence?

18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 2 - June 15, 2020

SYV Therapeutic Riding hosting Ride-a-Thon fundraiser

muscular dystrophy. Funds are needed to help pay for the horses’ needs while the program has been on hiatus, as well as to help the more than 70 percent of its enrolled students who are on scholarship get back in the saddle once it is safe for the program to reopen.

A PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) program, numerous studies have shown the value of horse riding to stimulate cognitive and neurological and social growth. We hope our community will support this RideA-Thon and assure that the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program can continue its important work.

You can help this valuable therapeutic riding program, which serves students throughout northern Santa Barbara County, by volunteering as a rider or pledging to sponsor a rider. Riders are encouraged take pictures or videos so that we can share in the fun and beauty that surrounds us.

Staff Report

T

he Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is coming up with a fun way to ride together, but apart, with its first Ride-A-Thon between May 22 and June 12.

Because of COVID-19 outbreak, the organization’s popular Cowboy Ball, held for the past 11 summers, has been canceled. Instead, volunteers will be setting their own 10-mile course and riding for a cause.

Riders can simply saddle up, set their own route and ride for 10 miles alone or with friends. Each equestrian is encouraged to gather $1,000 in pledges from friends, family and supporters of the Therapeutic Riding Program (although donations of any amount are gratefully accepted).

The program needs $50,000 to continue its life-changing work of helping students with emotional and physical needs heal through the joy of horses.

“We are more than a treatment for our students,” said Robin Serritslev, executive director of the program. “We are a community.”

Certified instructors and mental health professionals help students with diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy and

Photo Contributed Help support the first Ride-A-Thon for SYV Therapeutic Riding Program, set to take place between May 22 and June 12

If you’d like to make a pledge, become a Ride-A-Thon rider or learn more, please visit https://www.firstgiving.com/event/454923/ Cowboy-Ride-A-Thon or email Serritslev at Robin.syvtrp@gmail.com.

Subscriptions Now Available Why go looking for a copy of the Santa Valley Star When you can haVe one deliVered directly to you?

We will save you the time and effort it takes to go out and pick up a copy of the Star. Now you can sit back and let us come to you.

Delivery service of our free publication is $48 per year.

Your subscription will begin with the first issue after payment is received and continue for one year there after.

To subscribe, email amberly@santaynezvalleystar.com, go online to www.santaynezvalleystar.com, or fill out Local singer the form below and mail to PO Box 1594, Solvang, CA 93463: showcases talent beyondsuccess Shotgun spells years BehindTheLens for her NAME: _____________________________________________________________ local woman March 7 - 20, 2017 • Vol. 2, No. 3

December 2016 • Volume 1, Number 11

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

Novem ber

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Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

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ember

TEEN STAR

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

4, 201 7

Every Issu

SOLVANG

May 16 - June 5, 2017 • Vol. 2, No. 8

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

by Raiza Giorgi

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP: _____________________________________________________

Local photojournalist has a A prolific, award-winning career

o

George Rose loves taking photos of Santa Ynez Valley landscapes like this Happy Canyon rainbow shot.

EXPIRATION: _____________________________________________CCV________ SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________________

www.s

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M

ore than 100 people turned out for a recent community meeting organized by a group opposed to the “Camp 4” property in Santa Ynez becoming part of the Chumash reservation.

Members of the Santa Ynez Valley Coalition, which was created to defeat legislation that would take the rural land “into trust” for the tribe, focused on land use and preserving the valley’s rural character.

At the meeting on April 27 at the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Hall, coalition members recounted the history of land-use master plans called the Valley Blueprint and the Valley Plan and said they would release more information in the coming weeks, organizers said.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians announced in January that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) had placed the tribe’s 1,390 acres known as “Camp 4” into federal trust.

“Camp 4 is officially part of our reservation so we can begin the process of building homes on the property for tribal members and their families and revitalizing our tribal community,” Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn said in a prepared statement that was part of that announcement.

The tribe bought the Camp 4 property in 2010 from late actor, vintner and hotelier Fess Parker, and they soon began the process of placing the land into federal trust, which makes it part of the tribe’s sovereign nation.

Those efforts have been loudly opposed

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s Thanksg first-grad iving approach ers from ed, Mrs. School Ms. Hekhuis’ classes Wright and shar at thankful ed with the Star wha Solvang for t they are I am than this year. kful for… my brot her, my little my dad. sister, my mom, and

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news@santaynezvalleystar.com

“Your voice is the instrument and I felt like we were in the 1930s,” Remak said. news@santaynezvalleystar.com Elizabeth, 12, a seventh-grader at Solvang Elementary School, ultimately didn’t win the competition but she definitely left an impression on the hundreds of people who came to see the performances. Nolan shley Carroll does everything she Montgomery can keep her concentration betweenof Dos Pueblos High School was crowned the winner.

“Being and on stage was mind blowing and I had such a great time. rounds by wearing dark glasses Performing is about bringing a smile to people’s faces, and that’s what I listening to music as she pushes through each strive for when I perform,” Elizabeth said. trap-shooting match.

She’s no stranger to the stage as she has performed in the valley for His career includes images of natural disasHer process is definitely working, because Story by Raiza Giorgi various the national anthem at Fourth of July and porters, Super Bowls and Hollywood’s the biggest 22-year-old from Solvang won her functions-singing first Photos by George Rose traying Poppins in last year’s production with the Arts Outreach celebrities.

World Cup gold medal in Acapulco onMary March Summer Theater.

Rose started his professional journey 19. more This popular eorge Rose loves to post pictures of the than 40 years ago when he was in college, “I keep my pre-shooting routine going and event along with Teen Dance Star are now in their seventh to season of crowning hardworking students, and creator and executive Santa Ynez Valley landscape, especially studying art history. He fell into photography I’ve met with sports psychologists help me Photo contributed producer Lambert, a former valley resident, talks about his efforts. along Armour Ranch Road where new while he was a copy messenger for the withProgmy mental focus and staying calm.Joe It can Solvang native Ashley Carroll father, Charlie “I am to really and humbled bycredits their her hard work andCarroll, what’swith instilling in her the love of shooting clays and a blacktop paving contrasts starkly with the epic ress Bulletin, a small newspaper in Pomona. be hard when you have people talking you impressed sense of responsibility and safety around firearms. really amazing landscape of meadows and mountains beyond it.

“I used to hang out with the sportsbetween editors,matches, and I really try to pick a is they set their goals to get into the show, or into the top 10 and they keep pursuing their dreams,” Lambert However, his stunning landscapes are just and they helped me with my interestsong in phoand focus on it,” Carroll said. or participating in league events.said.

My friends Union High School Carroll has been attending Star drew all around Santa “retirement photos” for Rose, who made an tography. I would make the plates on plastic, Carroll has been trap shooting This sinceyear’s she Teenwould wantcontestants me to go tofrom a party with them andBarbara the University of Colorado and working on at the Arlington Theatre.

The finalists award-winning career in photojournalism that which would get transferred onto thewas printing in second grade. It was anCounty activityperforming that I their knewhearts if I didout I wouldn’t get enough rest or her general education. She believes this will weredid Jillian GarnettgetofinSan Marcos School (12th Grade), Elizabeth spanned from the days of spending hours with equipment, and back then it was theshe cusp of her father, Charlie Carroll, and togethtrouble andHigh not be allowed to shoot,” be a big year for her shooting. She moved to of SolvangCarroll Schoolsaid.

(7th Grade), James McKernan of BishopColorado Springs to be close to the Olympic film in the darkroom to the more immediate the turning point of technology,” Rose said.is now the coach for thePadfield er. He Santa Ynez High School (12th Trujillo of Dos Pueblos High gratification of making and manipulating digital In the late 1970s and early 1980s Valley Rose Sportsman Association’sDiego Scholastic Trap Grade), shootingNicole has also allowed her to Training Center, which is also the headquarPhoto Daniel Dreifuss (11th Grade), Daniel Geiger of Pioneer Valley High School images. spent six years as a staff photographer forTarget the byProgram, Clay in whichSchool hundreds participate in a sport and travel all around the (11th ters for USA Shooting. She placed second Seventh-grader Padfield of Solvangtwice wowedfor theacrowd with her rendition of “Summertime”

by Georgeprimarily Gershwin. The judges were stunned to HeElizabeth has been nominated Pulitzer Los Angeles Times, focused in the of kids from all around the Central Coast world for competitions. TEEN Recently went toON PAGE for the learn her age and said her vocal talents were astounding.

STAR she CONTINUED 11 2016 Olympic team trials and is still Prize. entertainment industry. He has photographed participate.

Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic east of deciding if she wants to go for the next Olym“Photojournalism is such an admirable profes- figures from Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa“He and wouldn’t let me shoot until I could Turkey. pic tryouts. sion because it can really capture the story for Eva Gabor to Meryl Streep, Sidney hold Poitier, the gun up on my own for a good “It was a beautiful country and one of the “A highlight for me was meeting Kim the reader. I was really lucky to have my career amount of time. We would set up boxes in the cleanest places I’ve been to. The streets were Rhode, who has been an inspiration to women GEORGE ROSE CONTINUEDliving ON PAGE 20 and I would practice for hours in the heyday of print journalism,” Rose said. room impeccable and the people were beyond hos- in shooting. After talking to her it became until I was ready,” Carroll said. pitable,” she said. really clear to me that I can achieve this as She she believes that more kids should take Carroll also won bronze in the HH Sheikha well,” Carroll said. lessons and learn their way around a gun.

Fatia Bint Mubarak Women’s International Rhode became the first athlete to win an “Guns actually kept me out of trouble, beShooting Championship in the United Arab individual medal during six consecutive sumcause every Friday night and most weekends Emirates on April 13.

SHOOTING CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 my dad and I were at the trap range practicing Since graduating from Santa Ynez Valley

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CREDIT CARD NO.: ___________________________________________________

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by Raiza Giorgi

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by Raiza Giorgi

TELEPHONE:_______________________EMAIL:____________________________

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FIRST-GRA

SYV coalition says Camp 4 impacts larger than they seem

Ashley Carroll travels news@santaynezvalleystar.com een Star Santa Barbara judge Catherine Remak thought there the world to compete was a typo next to Elizabeth Padfield’s name because her maturity and depth of range were astounding during the competition in trap shooting on Feb. 25 at the Arlington Theatre.

Sunrise Armour Ranch Road photo by George Rose, photo graphic by Aimée Reinhart Avery

e Com pliment

SCHOOL

o THANKFUL

— Jose — Coli n — Jaxs on D ON PAGE 28

CONTINUE

June 2 - June 15, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

Elverhoj launches ‘The Art of Face Masks’ virtual exhibition Staff Report

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n response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elverhøj Museum of History & Art has curated a timely virtual exhibition exploring the face mask as an art form. This dynamic online show can be viewed at www.artoffacemasks.com.

The exhibition reunites a group of artists that participated in “The Art of Dress” at Elverhoj in 2019. Now these artists tackle the role of the face mask as a form of individual expression as well as self-preservation. A variety of styles, a range of techniques, and conceptual thinking are employed in these one-of-a-kind works.

When we look back on the pandemic of 2020, these rectangles that hide the mouth and nose will be what we see. This exhibit places itself at the intersection of art and history as the face mask becomes the world’s most important fashion accessory and museums start collecting symbolic items from the COVID-19 contagion.

But the face mask is also a signal of caring and a gesture of community. “I am deeply moved by the energy of so many in response to this basic safety need,” participating artist Georganne Alex said. “Artists and designers can be relied upon to demonstrate that there is always a way to creatively respond to whatever challenges the world presents.”

Museum Assistant Director and exhibition curator Jody Williams states, “In a world where we now recognize people by their face mask, I hope this exhibit brings a smile to our hidden lips and extra thought to the message we convey through our masks.”

Featured artists are Georganne Alex, Carole Coduti, Jess Conti, Colleen M. Kelly, Isabella Kelly-Ramirez, RT Livingston, Margaret Matson, Syd McCutcheon, Susan Owens, Tara Patrick, Linda Pearl, Gwen Samuels, Laura Wilkinson and Sara Woodburn.

Artist interviews via Instagram Live and virtual workshops will be announced soon on the exhibit website (www.artoffacemasks.com), museum website (www. elverhoj.org) and social media.

Follow Elverhoj on Facebook and Instagram (@elverhojmuseum) to stay up-to-date on events and for “behind-the-scenes” clips

Photos contributed Coduti Carol Coduti, Shipwrecked – mixed media.

Laura Wilkinson, Flight Interrupted – mixed media.

from the show.

Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, CA. The museum is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For inquiries contact info@elverhoj.org or call 805-686-1211.

20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 2 - June 15, 2020

Alma Rosa announces new philanthropic partnerships Winery will host annual Vintners 5 Miler benefiting Mental Wellness Center Staff Report

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ob Zorich, proprietor of Alma Rosa Winery in the Sta. Rita Hills, recently announced a long-term commitment to support research and treatment for anxiety and depression. In observance of Mental Health Month, the winery will donate 10 percent of all sales generated during the month of May to the Mental Wellness Center of Santa Barbara. For more information, or to purchase wines, visit www.almarosawinery.com.

In continuance of its commitment to this Photo contributed Alma Rosa Winery will host its annual Vintners 5 Miler on Sept. 12 to benefit the Mental Wellness Center of Santa Barbara.

cause, the winery will partner with the Santa Barbara Vintner’s Foundation to co-host the Vintners 5 Miler on Sept. 12, benefiting the Wellness Center and One Mind, a mental health organization dedicated to the research of causes, treatments and cures for brain-related diseases.

The Vintners 5 Miler will start at Alma Rosa’s Ranch House and will take participants through Alma Rosa’s beautiful estate vineyards. A silent auction will follow. The event will donate the net proceeds to One Mind and the Mental Wellness Center of Santa Barbara.

Participants will also be able to make additional donations or collect pledges to benefit either cause. One Mind is dedicated to supporting research in curing and treating brain-related diseases. The Mental Wellness Center provides on-the-ground mental health support within the Santa Barbara community. For the latest news on the Vintners 5 Miler visit

www.sbvintnersrun.com.

Zorich has a long history of supporting mental health causes and is currently Chairman of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute, a Houston-based organization that provides educational programs to improve the delivery of mental health care, raise awareness and educate the community on addiction, mental health, and caregiving issues, as well as reduce the stigma of mental illness and addiction.

“Even with all the assets we have today in medicine and technology, there is no continuum of care that exists for mental health,” Zorich said. “Studies show that 20-25 percent of our population is impacted by mental health issues, and if you start counting friends and loved ones who are affected as a result, that number is huge. We are committed to supporting organizations that provide proper care and treatment for those in

need.”

Inspired by Shari and Glen Staglin of Napa Valley’s Staglin Family Vineyard, who established One Mind in 1995, Zorich approached the Santa Barbara County Vintners Association in 2019 to discuss hosting an annual fundraiser at the winery.

“Anxiety and depression are among society’s most prevalent disorders and pose a risk every bit as urgent as our current pandemic,” says Zorich. “We hope that these funds will aid members of our local community and beyond who are struggling. We look forward to hosting the annual Vintners 5 Miler, and other initiatives, for years to come.”

For more information about Alma Rosa Winery, please visit www.almarosawinery.com.

Banana bread provides a slice of hominess

By Vida Gustafson

Method

Contributing Writer

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his recipe is one of the most frequently used in my recipe notebook and the first one that I asked my Mom to write down for me when I moved out of the house 16 years ago.

There’s something so reassuring and homey about a slice of banana bread (with butter of course!), that even banana nay-sayers love it.

I don’t usually add any cinnamon, nuts, raisins or chocolate chips, but you’re the boss of your kitchen and you can be as basic or as over the top as you wish!

Ingredients

n ½ C (1 stick) butter, softened n 1 C sugar n 2 eggs n 2 C flour n 2 tsp baking powder n 6 ripe bananas n 1 tsp vanilla n ½ tsp salt

Photo by Vida Gustafson Banana bread has been a very popular recipe on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown.

Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Butter a bread tin, 4 inches by 9 inches. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, one by one, mixing thoroughly after each one is added.

In a separate large bowl or plate, mash the bananas. Very ripe bananas are best here, the browner the better. I’ve found that smooshing them up a little before peeling them works well too.

Add the dry ingredients and vanilla to your butter and egg mixture followed by the banana pulp. Mix very thoroughly. Pour into your baking dish and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread at this time to check for doneness. If any batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for an additional 10 minutes. Cover the bread with a sheet of baking paper if it starts to look burnt. Every bake is different, I’ve had ones be perfectly done in 75 minutes and others that took a full hour and a half.

Cool in the dish for 10 minutes before removing and slicing. Store in an airtight container or plastic bag, it’ll be even better the next day!

June 2 - June 15, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

K’Syrah Catering & Events announces new Chef de Cuisine, farm stand, meals to-go Staff Report

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’Syrah Catering & Events has announced the appointment of new Chef de Cuisine, Cullen Campbell, as well as new community food efforts: an on-site, daily farm stand, and family meals to-go. The venue has also announced future restaurant concept plans for the Solvang event space.

The K’Syrah Farm Stand is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday, offering house-baked biscuits; ready-tobake breads; fresh, seasonal soups; house-made pimento cheese; a signature, Santa Maria-style hummus (Pinquito beans topped with fresh farmer cheese, salsa fresca, radishes and radish pods); pre-packed farm boxes; and additional gourmet goods and produce from the K’Syrah farm and neighboring farms.

K’Syrah’s Family Meals To-Go are also available for pickup at the Solvang venue location, Wednesday through Sunday, with a weekly menu focusing on the company’s farm produce and their chef-inflected, seasonal menu items.

Meals such as beef tenderloin stroganoff (served over fresh pasta with sour cream, farm-roasted garlic, onions and carrots), roasted pork belly with braised cabbage and fennel, or a smoked tri-tip dinner with grilled farm vegetables (tonnato, braised rainbow chard), cheesy Pinquito beans and spoon bread, might be accompanied by items like a Farmer Salad and/ or Spring Garlic Baguette, shaping meals meant to serve either two or four people. Family Meals may be pre-ordered for pickup with at least two hours advance notice through K’Syrah’s website (www.kscateringandevents.com), or by calling

Photo by Jill Richards Photography Chef Cullen Campbell

805-245-9564.

K’Syrah’s new Chef de Cuisine, Cullen Campbell, most recently hails from Phoenix, where he was the award-winning chef/owner of Crudo restaurant, named “Best New Restaurant”

by Phoenix magazine upon opening in 2012.

In 2013, Cullen was invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City, and was named Chef of the Year by the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. He opened his second restaurant, Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails, in the fall of 2015, serving authentic Southern-style eats with just a hint of Italian accent. The same year, Cullen joined six fellow Arizona chefs for a return engagement at the James Beard House.

Cullen’s restaurateur determination began

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Citizen’s Oversight Committee Member Needed The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District is currently seeking to fill one positions on our Citizen’s Oversight Committee for Measure K. We have one vacancy in the "at-large community member" category. For more information please contact the Assistant to the Superintendent, Terry Westfall, at 686-3570 or visit the District website at

https://www.syvuhsd.org

during his college days in Memphis, Tenn.

When the chance to open his own restaurant was finally upon him, “…sushi had been done and redone ad nauseam,” he said. With his own restaurant, he decided to do something slightly different: Chef Cullen chose to focus his creativity on raw foods with Mediterranean flavors. Chef Cullen discovered “crudo” (or “raw”) cuisine, learned its fine points, tweaking and improving as he educated himself on the specific craft.

Cullen’s penchant for raw cuisine matches his passion for fresh ingredients. He utilizes only the best local produce to deliver a truly unique-toplace experience.

“I am excited to be joining the team at

K’Syrah, where we utilize the bountiful provisions this area has to offer,” he said.

Cullen fell in love with rural Santa Barbara County wine country as he cultivated friendships created during a stage at Presqu’ile Winery, in the Santa Maria Valley, during the 2019 harvest season. He had also hosted many Santa Barbara County winemaker dinners at his Arizona restaurants.

K’Syrah Executive Chef and Owner Demitri Loizides’ unique perspective on local, farm-totable cuisine has evolved from his experiences living in Rhodesia and Cyprus, as well as his time in the restaurant business. His background was rooted in Mediterranean food, and Loizides has three full-service Greek restaurants in Southern California, as well as two licensing fast casual restaurants at Long Beach Airport and California State University, Long Beach.

K’Syrah offers striking backdrops for any occasion, including an outdoor garden patio, an enclosed patio for up to 120 guests, a handmade sycamore bar, and a rustic, wood-paneled dining room. K’Syrah also caters off-site events, and can provide a mobile, full-service, self-contained, professional kitchen which can be set in nearly any environment.

In the coming months, K’Syrah will announce further plans and details for the transformation of the Solvang venue into a new restaurant concept with new menus.

K’Syrah Catering & Events is located at 478 4th Place, Solvang. The venue may be reached directly, at 805-245-9564, www.kscateringandevents. com, and on social media at @ksyrahcatering and facebook.com/ksyrahcatering.

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22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 2 - June 15, 2020

Altrusa International honors Los Alamos student Nicole Ante of Olga Reed School was one of 10 in county to receive Junior High Award

By Pamela Dozois

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

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ltrusa International Inc. of Santa Maria awarded 10 students from different schools throughout the county with the Altrusa International Junior High Award, one of whom was 13-year-old Nicole Ante of Olga Reed School in Los Alamos.

In keeping with the 103-year-old organization’s name, which is derived from the word altruism, the students were chosen for this award for their own altruism. The awards program was started by Sally Czarnecki, who gleaned the idea from an Altrusa conference in New Zealand 28 years ago and it has been going strong ever since.

“Every year for the past 28 years Altrusa Inc. of Santa Maria has partnered with Santa Maria junior high schools to honor students that have achieved outstanding citizenship, excelled at being involved with their school and community, or they are just doing amazing things on a daily basis,” said Betty Baxter, Altrusa Service Committee chairperson, past president of the Altrusa Club and a member for the past 48 years.

“Students are nominated by their school principal and Altrusa has historically hosted an annual dinner to celebrate these young achievers.”

Photos by Jeanne Sparks A group of family members and friends were present to celebrate Altrusa International award winner Nicole Ante.

Pictured from left are brother Kevin, honoree Nicole Ante, mother Laura, brothers Daniel and Alex Ante, Altrusa Service Committee co-chair Sandi Frazier, family friend Nan Helgeland, and Olga Reed School Principal Joe Dana. In the rear in red is Betty Baxter, Altrusa Service Committee chairperson.

“We usually had a dinner at the Santa Maria Inn honoring these students but because the schools were closed, we still wanted the students to know they were very special,” Baxter said.

“So Sandi Frazier, event co-chair, and I organized an award caravan of cars, which included the mayor of Santa Maria, Alice Patino, Channel 3 TV, the police, sheriff and fire departments along with members and friends of Altrusa

International Inc. We visited each of the students and awarded them with a medal and a certificate for their altruism.”

Nicole was surprised to hear the fire department sound its horn in front of her home and a large group of attendees along with Joe Dana, principal of Olga Reed School, gathered in her driveway. Barbara Wilson played a pocket trumpet as the program began. Nicole was awarded

o HI-DROPS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Photos contributed With partners purchasing Hi-Drops units, the product is being donated to fire stations and first responders in the Bay Area to alleviate eye conditions.

The brothers now live in Half Moon Bay near San Francisco. They said this year started strong with 65 retailers lined up across 14 states and were starting to build momentum selling their new eye drop company Hi-Drops.

“Even though eye drops aren’t apart of the official PPE, we believe it’s highly necessary for people on the front lines to keep their eye care up, which the drops help avoid people touching and rubbing their eyes,” Scott said.

Hi-Drops are made in America and originally the intention was for it to be distributed at legal marijuana dispensaries. They don’t have

Hi-Drops was initially established for the legal marijuana industry, but with COVID-19 shut downs, the Scott brothers adapted their business model to help first responders.

THC or CBD in them, but are just meant to rejuvenate dry, red eyes.

“We saw a hole in the eye care industry targeting dispensaries, so we came up with this product,” Scott said.

They originally started with 24,000 units of eye drops, and by getting partners like Old Princeton Landing restaurant in Half Moon Bay to purchase their units, the Scott brothers

then donate and distribute the drops to fire stations and first responders in San Mateo and Alameda County.

“We decided that since we cannot be essential workers during COVID, we can help essential workers by keeping them protected,” Scott said. “We decided to launch this donation campaign to firefighters.”

The Scott brothers started with Half Moon

a program with her name on it as a formal acknowledgement of the award, along with an Award of Excellence Certificate and a golden medal with a red, white and blue ribbon, which was placed around her neck. The inscription on the medal read “Altrusa Int. Jr. High Award, March 25, 2020.” She also received a $25 gift card to Walmart, all of which was done in the presence of her parents and siblings. Dana then gave a short speech honoring her.

“Ante is one of those people who will one day rule the world,” Dana said. “She is really smart, dedicated, works well with others, has a lot of drive and does the right thing by the whole world. A big success is in the future for Nicole Ante. And hats off to the Altrusa Club for making this happen.”

At Olga Reed, Nicole is student body president, carries a 4.0 grade point average and is this year’s valedictorian. She has two older brothers and two younger brothers.

“This was a really cool happening,” said Nicole. “I would like to thank Altrusa for this honor and Mr. Dana for selecting me. I’m not sure what profession I want to go into yet, but I definitely want to go to college. I want to be successful, so everything I do I always put my best into it.”

Next year Nicole will be attending Orcutt Academy High School.

Other winners of the award were Valeria Nunez, Delanie Singh, Sebastian Callis, Carter Allen Stewart, Mekenna Balcita, Emily Guzman, Rossy Tinoco-Cortes, Juliana Rodriguez and Nirvana Humbert.

Bay and the San Francisco area, but are now getting requests from places all over the state and will soon be donating to fire stations in and around Santa Ynez Valley.

“A few of our friends are firefighters around the valley still, and we can’t wait to get them a shipment,” Scott said.

The Scott brothers are well versed in marketing and promotion. Since they graduated from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in 2002, they have worked as musicians with their band Raised by Radio, as well as music promoters and tour managers for one of Verizon’s music agencies. The Scott brothers have worked with big name musicians like the Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam and Green Day. “It was such a great time in our lives, getting to tour all over with these bands. We are also still making our own music as well,” Scott said. “This business idea was started so we could support our dream of just making more music.”

Their second donation shipment recently came in, and they donated that to Livermore’s fire stations and first responders.

“Their fire department has been so grateful especially with fire season coming up,” Scott said.

For more information on Hi-Drops visit www. hi-drops-donate2frontline.com.

June 2 - June 15, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

Hancock plans mostly remote classes in fall College following phased approach to reopen campus sites Staff Report

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n order to continue offering students a quality college education in a safe and healthy environment, a diverse coalition of administrators, faculty, staff and student representatives is recommending that Allan Hancock College continue to offer the majority of its classes remotely in the fall.

The recommendations are part of a phased approach that will allow the college to incrementally reopen college sites for in-person classes as conditions allow.

The action is to be forwarded to Hancock’s Board of Trustees on June 9.

“Our mission is to provide the excellent educational opportunities Hancock is known for in a manner that is safe for our students, staff

and faculty,” said Hancock Superintendent/ President Kevin G. Walthers. “The plan we’ve developed will allow us to continue to offer classes in a safe and healthy environment in the fall and provides the college with the flexibility to adapt to the evolving facts on the ground related to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Similar to its summer class offerings, the recommended plan is to offer the vast majority of the college’s credit, noncredit and fee-based classes remotely for fall. Classes that cannot be offered remotely, such as some chemistry and biology lab classes, certain career and technical education classes and the college’s Public Safety Training Complex programs, would remain in-person but follow rigorous social distancing and sanitization protocols.

Remote fall classes are part of the college’s long-range, multi-phased plan that will allow Hancock to gradually return to in-person classes based on guidance from the State of

California, the Centers for Disease Control, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office and the Santa Barbara County Health Department.

“We take our charge to educate and enliven our students and community with the utmost solemnity,” said Hancock Academic Senate President Trevor Passage. Administration provided faculty, staff, and students with the sobering realization that the complications brought on by the pandemic would not abate by the start of fall 2020. Hancock is developing a tiered approach to provide the same quality instruction and services in the safest manner possible for our community.”

Hancock transitioned 98 percent of its classes to remote and online formats for the spring 2020 semester in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and the state’s subsequent shelter-inplace order, allowing 97 percent of students to remain enrolled during the first month of the

pandemic. The college recently announced that it would continue offering classes remotely in the summer.

In addition to transitioning classes to remote formats, Hancock utilizes Canvas, Cranium Café, and other online tools to provide critical student support services remotely. The college plans to continue offering academic counseling, tutoring, student health services and other support services remotely in the fall, with very limited exceptions.

General registration for summer and fall is ongoing. Summer classes start June 15, and fall classes start August 17. Register for classes at www.hancockcollege.edu/summerfall.

For more information about the college’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/covid. For a list of helpful resources for students, go to www. hancockcollege.edu/covid/students.

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Hancock offers new career academy

College to offers several short-term online classes ob seekers and professionals looking to develop new skills can now enroll in tuition-free, short-term online summer courses as part of Allan Hancock College’s new Career Academy.

The college will offer several short-term Career Academy classes to help individuals build the knowledge and abilities necessary to find and secure a job, become familiar with basic office technology, learn business organization and leadership skills, and even start and sustain a new business.

“These short-term courses and certificates allow anyone to quickly acquire 21st century skills that can be used for personal growth, career advancement or for finding new job opportunities,” said Hancock Dean of Academic Affairs Rick Rantz. “The Career Academy courses are relevant to business and industry needs and can enhance a student’s resume stature when they are seeking career advance-

Learn more about Hancock’s Career Academy at www.hancockcolllege.edu/careeracademy. Register for summer and fall classes at www.hancockcollege.edu/summerfall.

KING’S RIVER RANCH

HAY SALES el

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Staff Report

ment with a current employer or are looking for a new job.”

Summer Career Academy classes are tuition-free and can be completed quickly, with courses ranging from eight weeks to as short as two days. Hancock’s Career Academy summer courses include business resume writing, career preparation, beginning computer and Microsoft Office skills, business website development, starting and sustaining a business, and more.

Hancock’s Career Academy is also offering nearly 50 low-cost online career classes in partnership with Ed2Go. Class costs range from $65-$295 and cover a wide variety of career-focused topics including human resources, accounting, grant writing, health care, nursing, technical writing and many more.

Career Academy classes, and all of Hancock’s summer classes, are offered remotely.

Summer classes start June 15.

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24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 2 - June 15, 2020

TA K E A V I R T U A L T O U R T O D AY

©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Info is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Sellers will entertain and respond to all offers within this range. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

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2225 ALAMO PINTADO AVE, LOS OLIVOS 3BD/2BA, 0.32±acs • $875,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

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