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Pirate Garage Show is back to rev up the SYHS auto department New auto shop teacher hopes to educate students on new technologies By Raiza Giorgi
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uto isn’t just a hobby class anymore, and new Santa Ynez Valley Union High School auto shop teacher Gary Semerdjian said he is serious about helping his students learn new technologies. “There has been a cultural shift in the transportation industry, there are so many avenues they can take to earn great money and a lifelong career,” he said. He was also excited to bring back the Pirate Garage Show after being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Locals are welcome to sign up to bring in their unique or classic cars up until the day of the event, according to Semerdjian. The show will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 12 in the parking lot of Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. Show organizers will honor the entry fees of the participants from last year’s canceled show if they provide supporting documentation. Semerdjian recently took over the auto shop department from Rob Hill, who retired at the end of 2020 after more than 20 years of teaching. “Rob Hill did a great job and I hope I can not
Photos by Barry Sigman New Santa Ynez High auto shop teacher Gary Semerdjian goes over car parts with student Keddy Thompson.
New auto shop teacher Gary Semerdjian, seen here in the SYHS classroom with his students, takes over for the retiring Rob Hill.
only continue where he left off, but enhance the program and get as many students involved and as passionate about cars as I am,” he said. Semerdjian said starting during the pandemic with distance learning and hybrid classes was difficult, but the students stayed engaged and he is determined to ensure they get a great experience and hopefully guide some of his students into the transportation industry. “Aircraft mechanics (known as A&P) can make a high-paying salary at any major hub airport,” Semerdjian said. Students who also know electronics can go into aircraft navigation and communications, which is becoming more in high demand, according to avjobs.com. “Because of a shortage of technicians and the complexity of aircraft systems, the industry needs more people who are cross-trained,” the website states. “There’s also a huge need for repairing heavy equipment like cranes and tractors, and these careers are not going away,” Semerdjian said. Semerdjian is working with Allan Hancock College to make his Auto 100 class concurrent with AHC’s curriculum so students can easily transition into the program and graduate with more than just entry-level skills. “We also have a great partnership with a few tool manufacturers to get kids a 50 percent discount, which is huge,” Semerdjian said. “Most shops have to pay double minimum wage if PIRATE GARAGE CONTINUED TO PAGE 23
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National Association of Commissions for Women elects new leadership Solvang's Tracy Beard gains regional board of directors seat Staff Report
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olvang Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tracy Beard was recently elected to the Board of Directors for California, Region 9 of the National Association of Commissions for Women. Beard is the longest serving Santa Barbara County women’s commissioner at 10 years. She is also a past president of the Association of California Commissions for Women and has worked for the Solvang Chamber for six years. She joins Dr. Anna Everett of Santa Barbara, who serves on the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women as well as the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees and Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee. Everett is the former two-time chair of the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women, for which she is serving out her second term. “The NACW plays such an important role in our community by providing resources that truly support commission work to our most vulnerable community members as women and children,”
Beard said. The creation of the commission began in December 1961 when President John F. Kennedy signed the order establishing the President’s Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW). The idea to Photo contributed have a commission is attributed to Esther Tracy Beard Peterson, then director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau. She persuaded the president to appoint Eleanor Roosevelt as chair of the commission and Peterson became Vice Chair. When the PCSW issued its “American Women in 1963” report, it became clear that the work for women’s equality had only begun. Much needed to be done in the states and localities before women achieved their basic rights. The mission of the National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW) is to sustain, strengthen and advocate for women’s commissions in their work to promote equality and justice for all women and girls and ensure they are represented and empowered in their communities.
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Photo by George Rose Solvang saw the largest growth in Santa Barbara County, according to the 2020 U.S. Census report recently published.
2020 Census shows biggest growth in Solvang for SB County By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
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f all the cities in Santa Barbara County, Solvang had the most growth in the 2020 Census with a 16.8% increase of 881 people, according to the data released in August by the U.S. Census Bureau. “The census data is confirming what residents who live in Solvang already know: We have a wonderful, safe, accepting, and involved community, who care about each other, our Valley, and our quality of life,” said Solvang Mayor Charlie Uhrig. “The numbers are also showing it’s a great place to retire, and to raise a family, as those two demographics showed the most growth. “Obviously, we all have concerns on issues such as water, housing, and traffic, but overall Solvang is a great place to live. ‘Is this heaven? No, it’s Solvang.’” Santa Barbara County grew 5.3% to more than 448,229 people in 2020, up from 423,947 in 2010, census data showed. Aside from Solvang’s growth, Guadalupe had the second biggest increase of 977 people, or a 13.9% increase, most likely due to the Pasadera housing development recently completed. That project added 800 housing units, according to the development’s website. Santa Maria had an increase of 10,150 people, or 10.2%; Goleta increased by 2,802 people or
a 9.4% increase; Buellton grew by 333 people or 6.9%; Lompoc with 2,010 people or 4.7%; Carpinteria only grew 1.7% and Santa Barbara had the smallest increase of 0.3%. In the unincorporated areas, which includes the Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Ballard, Los Alamos areas, there was an increase of 17,600 people. The biggest racial increases were in the Hispanic population making up 47% of the county’s population, an increase of 16%. The next largest population is Caucasian with 41.2% and Asian residents make up 29.5%. There was a 10% decrease in the Black population, of which residents now make up 1.4% of the county compared to 2010 numbers of 1.6%. Regionally, San Luis Obispo County saw an increase of 12,787 people or 4.7% and Ventura County saw an increase of 20,525 people or 2.5%. The state of California saw a growth of 2.2 million people or 6.1% increase and total population of 39,538,223 people. The largest county in California and the United States is Los Angeles County with 10,014,009 people. The United States population now totals 331,449,281 people for 2020, which is a 7.4% increase. The largest city in the country is New York City with 8.8 million people. To see more 2020 Census data visit www. census.gov.
September 7 - September 20, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3
National 9/11 Memorial and Museum to hold 20th commemoration
By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
T
hose who were alive and conscious will remember exactly where they were on the morning of September 11, 2001. For me, I was a freshman in college and awoken to the news that a plane crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center buildings. I remember watching the smoke plumes and then screaming when I saw the second plane hit the second tower. Watching for hours as people tried to rescue those trapped, watching others jump out of their windows and then in utter horror as both towers came crashing down. Twenty years have passed since that day, and I still remember it like it was yesterday. Each year I make sure to watch as the names are read and moments of silence are broadcasted because I never want to forget. I hope in the days surrounding this year, we can come together as we did in the days and months after 9/11 and remember we are Americans first above all else,
and show each other compassion and understanding. This year the National September 11 Memorial and Museum will lead the nation to mark the passing and read the names of those we lost by family members of the fallen. There will be six moments of silence, marking when the towers were struck and fell, as well as the attacks on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93. The program will start at 8:30 a.m. EST and the first moment of silence will begin at 8:36 a.m. EST. The program will conclude at 1 p.m. EST and at sundown the annual “Tribute in Light” will light the sky. “Once a year, every year, for four hours family members and their guests have an opportunity to come to the 9/11 Memorial plaza and mourn together. Forty percent of the families of those killed at the World Trade Center have received no remains of their loved ones – the Memorial serves as a cemetery for them – the only place to grieve for their loved ones,” said Alice Greenwald, 9/11 Memorial and Museum CEO.
Locally there will be a ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, in the sunken gardens at the Santa Barbara Superior Court, 1100 Anacapa Street, and hosted by Teen Court of Santa Barbara County. “This was an honor given to us as we were one of 60 courts across America selected to host this event. We were also given 50 names of victims to read during the remembrance ceremony,” said Eduardo Cue, program manager for Teen Court of Santa Barbara County. UCSB Detective Kovina Avila will be singing the National Anthem and there will be a multi-agency law enforcement color guard to raise the American Flag as well as a 9/11 Flag of Honor with the names of all the victims from the towers, the Pentagon and Flight 93. Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Thomas Adams will be moderating the event.
The National September 11 Memorial and Museum has on display many artifacts from the 9/11 tragedy like this fire truck.
Photos by Jim Lee for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum Every year on the anniversary of 9/11 people visit Ground Zero to honor and remember their loved ones who perished.
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Effects of distant Dixie Fire hit home for many in Santa Ynez Valley Several Valley natives feeling loss from destructive Northern California blaze By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
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ven though the Dixie Fire continues to burn hundreds of miles from the Santa Ynez Valley, the effects are being felt locally as several native Valley residents’ homes have burned and/ or are displaced from their homes. “My son Nick has been a wildland firefighter since he graduated high school (Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Class of 2000). Nick and his girlfriend Taylor Storey have lost everything in the Dixie Fire,” said Anne Bunch, former head chef for New Frontiers until her retirement. The Dixie Fire started July 13 and is burning in four Northern California counties: Butte, Lassen, Plumas and Tehama. As of Aug. 16, it has burned 569,707 acres and is 31% contained, according to the website InciWeb, the Incident Information System (https://inciweb.nwcg. gov/). The cause is still under investigation. Nick Bunch is a division chief for the U.S. Forest Service in the Lake Almanor Ranger District in the Lassen National Forest. He and Storey moved to Greenville early this year and started a farm, where they hoped to build a therapy farm. The entire town of Greenville was lost Aug. 4, when the Dixie Fire rolled through. More than 75% of the town’s buildings were destroyed and the infrastructure is gone, according to news reports. “Nick is currently on the fire so he cannot talk about our situation, and we really haven’t had a chance to process what happened,” Storey said in a phone interview. “Luckily our property didn’t burn down, but all our belongings are completely destroyed from smoke damage, and we won’t be allowed back in for quite a while until it’s deemed ‘safe.’ I’ve evacuated three times now, and it takes a toll emotionally.” Storey added the situation is surreal as she has spent many hours with fire
Photos contributed Santa Barbara County strike teams move into position prior to a successful burning operation during the Dixie Fire.
Santa Ynez Valley native Nick Bunch is a division chief for the U.S. Forest Service and moved earlier this year to Greenville with girlfriend Taylor Storey. Their home was destroyed by smoke damage from the Dixie Fire.
A Santa Barbara County Fire Strike Team does structure protection on a critical radio tower at the Dixie Fire.
victims who lost everything, particularly from the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California — the deadliest and most
destructive in the state’s history. “After grad school I studied social work at Chico State and we got together
and went to camps and engaged in needs assessments for fire victims and helped them connect to local resources,” she said. “I also was a Camp Fire recovery counselor and connected people to resources and helped with trauma debriefing. Basically helping people get out of the ‘fight or flight’ response.” Story met Bunch when she took a behavioral health job in Plumas County in 2019 and they have been together since. “When we moved to the farm in Greenville, we wanted to just live simply,” she said. “I did canning, and we had just gotten two goats and were fostering a heifer cow and we were studying food and permaculture.” Storey added their goal was to buy property in Indian Valley and start a horticultural therapy institute. “Well, that might happen sooner than later, but for now I am just living in the moment and trying to deal with insurance companies. Wish me luck,” she said. Storey added the outpouring of support from people from the Valley has been incredible. “I come from a small town where everyone knows each other, and it’s comforting to know people care, thank you to everyone who has helped. We will pay it forward,” she said. Nick’s mother set up a GoFundMe and they are almost to the goal of $20,000. As the news of Anne Bunch’s son’s loss wasn’t enough, her grandson Thomas Harden and his girlfriend also lived in Greenville on the property of another Valley native, Jordan Townsend, and they all lost their homes in the same fire. Harden is on the Hotshot crew and also working the Dixie Fire, according to his grandmother. This is the link for Harden’s GoFundMe, “Our family and the Townsend family has had a really rough and traumatic few weeks,” Anne Bunch said. ‘I just hope the funds can help them a little bit of rebuilding their lives.” Townsend has worked for the USFS for more than 20 years and for the Plumas National Forest for 15 years, according to the GoFundMe set up for him and his wife Julie.
6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 7 - September 20, 2021
Meet the hands that feed you at SB County Farm Day Visitors can see agriculture in action on Sept. 18 Staff Report
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he public is invited to the third annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day with free, in-person, open farm tours on Saturday, Sept. 18. This year’s theme is “Meet the Hands That Feed You.” Visitors can use a new online Farm Day Trail Map to build a custom itinerary to travel between growers and curated tour routes throughout the Santa Maria Valley. In an event that is for all ages, the public will experience a day of agricultural activities, farm tours, tastings, and fruit and produce giveaways, plus attendees can hear from the local farmers, ranchers and growers who produce the food we eat. Visitors can learn about seed science, see the newest and most advanced farming technology including the Ferrari transplanting machine at Plantel Nursery, learn how compost is created and used on farms, and hear about the seed-to-
Photo contributed The public will experience a day of agricultural activities, farm tours, tastings, and fruit and produce giveaways, plus hear from the local farmers, ranchers and growers who produce the food we eat at Santa Barbara County Farm Day on Sept. 18.
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September 7 - September 20, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7
Visit SYV’s ‘The Place To Be’ named top digital tourism campaign
Local agency honored by U.S. Travel Association at national conference Staff Report
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isit the Santa Ynez Valley’s “The Place To Be” advertising campaign has been recognized by the U.S. Travel Association as the nation’s top digital tourism campaign, receiving a Destinations Council Destiny Award in the Digital Campaign category at the annual ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) Conference on Tuesday, Aug. 17, in Los Angeles. Visit the Santa Ynez Valley was selected as one of three finalists from among all entries in the category and prevailed over Visit Savannah and San Francisco Travel to take home top honors as the nation’s best digital campaign focused on tourism. “The Santa Ynez Valley wouldn’t be ‘the place
Photo contributed Visit the Santa Ynez Valley's "The Place To Be" advertising campaign has been recognized by the U.S. Travel Association as the nation's top digital tourism campaign.
to be’ without the people who live and work here, and who support the tourism industry and visitor experience in every way imaginable,” said Shelby Sim, president & CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “They provide daily inspiration
from which award-winning campaigns like this can emerge, which makes this award as much for our community as a whole as it is for Visit the Santa Ynez Valley specifically.” The campaign was conceived and executed
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between Visit the Santa Ynez Valley and DVA Advertising & Public Relations, a full-service destination marketing agency based in Bend, Oregon, that has served as the agency of record for the organization since 2013. Creative assets that were developed in support of the campaign included paid and organic digital and social advertising, video content and campaign-specific website landing pages. The “Place To Be” campaign ran from Nov. 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021. Entries were judged based on creative and innovative use of multiple digital marketing channels, including (but not limited to) website, digital ads, email marketing, social media, etc., as well as the results each campaign achieved through web analytics, paid impressions, clickthrough rates, social media growth and more. “I think what set ‘The Place To Be’ apart from the competition was not only the creativity and the subjective nature of the campaign itself, but also the critical results it achieved,” said Danielle Laudon Ruse, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley’s vice president of marketing. “To see clicks to our lodging partners up as much as 200 percent or more year-over-year, particularly at a time when travel was still very much in recovery mode, is a true testament to the power of the message and its ability to resonate with our target audience.”
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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 7 - September 20, 2021
Chevrolet dealer recognized with Mark of Excellence Award Staff Report
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eneral Motors recently recognized Rio Vista Chevrolet with the Mark of Excellence Awards for 2020, for Business Elite commercial vehicle sales. This award is presented to Chevrolet dealers from across the country who achieve outstanding sales performance and customer satisfaction. “The commitments that our Chevrolet Commercial dealers have made to deliver world-class customer service have, without a doubt, contributed directly to the overall success and continued growth of General Motors’ fleet business,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, General Motors Fleet. “The Mark of Excellence Award is recognition for dealers who have gone above and beyond to ensure that fleet customers, large and small, have the product and service they need to keep their vehicles working for them. I truly appreciate and applaud the efforts of these outstanding Business Elite dealers.” Award-winning dealers met or exceeded
Photo contributed From left, Amanda Lompart, commercial district sales manager; Darin Walsh regional director of the General Motors Fleet; and Sam Sell, owner of Rio Vista Chevrolet, display the General Motors Mark of Excellence Award earned by the dealership.
criteria in areas such as sales and customer service within their competitive groups, setting a leadership standard for the Chevrolet Dealer network. “At Rio Vista Chevrolet, our goal is to earn customers for life, and we are so honored to have our efforts recognized,” said Rio Vista owner Sam Sell. “This big award for our little dealership is a testament to the entire team’s dedication to making sure every touch point we have with our Chevrolet customers exceeds their expectations. This is a really substantial achievement — only 10 awards are given across the entire country and we outperformed over 100 dealerships in the Western Region to achieve this level of success.” Chevrolet’s current commercial and retail product portfolio is the best in the brand’s history, offering Buellton and many other customers in the Central Coast a wide range of products that include the latest designs, technologies and safety features.
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September 7 - September 20, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9
SB Cottage Hospital earns Environmental Services Department of the Year award Staff Report
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anta Barbara Cottage Hospital has earned the Environmental Services Department of the Year Award for 2021, from the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) of the American Hospital Association. The hospital received the AHE award in the 500+ beds category. AHE’s award provides recognition to hospitals nationwide for the outstanding achievements of a cutting-edge environmental services team in maintaining high levels of performance in cleaning, disinfecting, infection prevention, environmental sustainability and stewardship, technology use, patient satisfaction, education and training in critical areas. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s EVS department earned the AHE’s top award for its high patient survey scores for cleanliness of environment, adaptability to cleaning and disinfection protocols during COVID-19 surges, and high employee retention during a
challenging year. In addition to the AHE award, the EVS staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital will be featured as the cover story in the September issue of Health Facilities Management magazine. “Our team of 151 professionals in the EVS department at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is committed to the highest standards for protecting the environment and health of all patients, staff and visitors,” said Nick Henderson, vice president of support services at Cottage Health. “Despite all the challenges from COVID-19, our EVS team has consistently set the bar higher to create new ways to enhance its performance for the benefit of our community.” A Professional Membership Group of the American Hospital Association, AHE promotes awareness of more than 2,300 professionals working to ensure a clean and safe healthcare environment and quality outcomes.
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Photo contributed Hadsten House closed on Sept. 1 for significant renovations, with an approximate reopening date slated for spring of 2022.
Hadsten House closed for remodeling and renovations Chumash-owned Solvang hotel looks to reopen in spring 2022 Staff Report
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adsten House, the Solvang-area hotel owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, closed on Sept. 1 for significant renovations, with an approximate reopening date slated for spring of 2022. The 71-room hotel located at 1450 Mission Drive in Solvang was built in 1972 and bought by the tribe in 2012, adding the property to a hospitality portfolio that includes the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez and
Hotel Corque in Solvang. “This will be a complete room and property remodel aimed at positioning Hadsten House as a highly favorable option in the competitive Solvang hotel market,” said John Elliott, CEO of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “The renovation will include the removal of the property’s indoor swimming pool, which will allow space for an outdoor courtyard area that will surely become a popular gathering spot for both guests and the local community.” Hadsten House’s employees were made aware of the pending closure in June and provided with opportunities to transfer to similar positions at the Chumash Casino Resort Hotel and Hotel Corque.
10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 7 - September 20, 2021
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We’re on this path together. For 57 years, residents have relied on Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital for excellent health care.
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12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 7 - September 20, 2021
Staff Report
SYV celebrates going ‘Back to School’
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arents and kids are rejoicing in their return to in-person learning at the many schools in the Santa Ynez Valley, from pre-school to high school, they were all smiles the first day of school. Here is a photo gallery of some of the submissions we received, for more photos please see our online gallery at www.santaynezvalleystar.com.
The Jones brothers, Parker and Corbin, are ready to rope in a great year.
Brother and sister Beau and Gianna Rivas are all smiles before leaving for school.
Always game responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Copyright ©2021 Chumash Casino Resort
Charlotte Lewis is going into 10th grade this year.
Austin Andrade starts kindergarten at Oak Valley Elementary in Buellton.
Jaxon Prescott is ready for his first day of school.
Sammie Silva of Buellton had a first day of school at Oak Valley Elementary.
Jordyn, Jake and Ty Matsukas of Buellton are excited to start the school year.
Kylee Branquinho of Buellton starts high school this year.
Abby and Levi Snow are going back in person to high school and eighth grade.
Justin and Macie Martinez are happy to be back at school.
Malia Ortiz of Solvang is starting high school this year.
September 7 - September 20, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13
Cooper, Kenleigh and Parker Strange of Solvang are happy to be at school.
Solvang School friends Campbell McClurg, Ella Gotschall, Hannah Ricci and Presley Pinoli
Anders and Karsten Dunn
Tate Handy is ready for his first day of third grade
Zoey de los Cobos starts her school career at preschool
Henry, Hallee and Howard Endy
Julian Solorzano starting at Solvang School
Betty Jo and Elijah Harwood of Buellton
Hailee Goodwin of Solvang is excited to start first grade
Grace Tagles has a big smile on campus before class begins
Gauge Flora is starting second grade at Oak Valley Elementary
Addie (eighth grade) and Aleena (11th) Madrid
Welcome to Freedom
14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 7 - September 20, 2021
Buellton’s Wine & Chili Festival returns with new venue
River View Park will offer mountain views along with food and drink Staff Report
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he 2021 Buellton Wine & Chili Festival returns on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 12 to 4:30 p.m. Back with a new venue, and over 30 wineries and craft breweries and spirit companies to sample from, this festival will be jam packed with family friendly fun, great food and Santa Barbara wines. Attendees are invited to sample from various wineries, distilleries and craft breweries at one of the first festivals of its kind.
Local businesses and residents participate in the annual Chili Cook Off to see who has the best chili or salsa in the Valley. The festival organizers are working on making this the largest turnout of cooks for the chili and salsa competitions, calling on all local restaurants, nonprofit groups and community members to enter and show their skills. Hopeful chili and salsa cooks can register at www.BuelltonWineandChiliFestival.com or email info@surfbeerfest.com for more information. There will be cash prizes for each of the three categories: red, chili verde and salsa. The event will take place at a new venue this year, River View Park in Buellton, just down the street from Flying Flags where the festival has taken place in the past. The new venue offers several new amenities for guests that will enhance the festival experience, stunning views of the surrounding mountains, large picnic areas with natural shade coverings, two playgrounds kids can enjoy and the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden, which has a willow maze, butterfly garden and a wishing tree. Families can enjoy live music performances by the Dusty Jugs and the VineYard Byrds and shopping from various local vendors, plus lawn games such as cornhole and for the adults, mega-sized beer pong. The Hot Chili Ticket ($55) is for all guests
21 and over and includes a souvenir wine glass, unlimited wine, craft beer and chili tasting. For guests under 21, the Mild Chili Ticket is $20 and includes unlimited samples of chili and salsa but no alcohol. If you’re planning a weekend trip to Buellton for the festival, there are various accommodation options to choose from. Visitors can stay at Flying Flags or Sideways Inn, the sister property of Flying Flags and the well-known location in the movie “Sideways” where Jack (Thomas Haden Church) and Miles (Paul Giamatti) stayed during their journey through the Santa Ynez Valley. For more lodging options please see https:// www.discoverbuellton.com/lodging-hotels/ There are options for safe transportation to the Buellton Wine & Chili Festival for
those staying elsewhere on the Central Coast and locals like the Brew Bus. The Brew bus will be doing pickups in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Lompoc. The Santa Barbara pickup will be at Figueroa Mountain Brewing at 10:30 a.m.; M Special Brewing Co. in Goleta at 11 a.m.; Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Santa Maria at 10:30 a.m. and Solvang Brewing Co. in Lompoc at 11:15 a.m. No walk-up tickets will be sold at bus departure; ticket must be purchased in advance. For event information and to purchase tickets, you may visit www.BuelltonWineandChiliFestival.com or call the Buellton Chamber of Commerce at 805-688-7829.
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September 7 - September 20, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15
Vikings of Solvang set blood drive Sept. 21-22 amid nationwide shortage for transfusions Staff Report
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esponding to a nationwide shortage of blood for life-saving transfusions, the Vikings of Solvang will conduct a blood drive from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 21 and 22, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall. Each blood donor will receive a $25 voucher for dinner at a participating local restaurant. Professionals with Vitalant Blood Services will again handle the work involved in drawing blood, with special care for disinfection of all furniture and materials between donations. “The need for blood, platelet, and convalescent plasma donations is ongoing even during this pandemic,” said Vikings Chief Richard Kline. “Anyone can be a genuine hero, helping to save lives, by donating blood.” Since the novel coronavirus pandemic began, the number of blood donations overall has dropped, a Vitalant spokeswoman said. Thousands of blood drives have been canceled
because of school and business shutdowns, she added. If donors have tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, their convalescent plasma donation may be able to help patients currently fighting the virus, according to Vitalant. Additionally, Vitalant tests all blood and patient donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Donors must be healthy and at least 18 years
old. They also must wear masks. Each person’s temperature will be checked upon arrival, and donation chairs will be spaced six or more feet apart. Walk-ins are welcome, but Vitalant urges donors to make reservations online in advance. This not only saves the donor time but limits contact with others during in-person registration. To make an appointment to donate, go to
www.donors.vitalant.org and enter blood drive code 1081, or call (805)542-8500. The $25 dinner voucher, redeemable that night at participating local restaurants, is courtesy of the Vikings with help from the participating local restaurants. “This effort relies on the generous people in the Santa Ynez Valley,” said Blood Drive Chairman Kim Jensen. “The free dinner is our way to thank you for your support — and for your donation of blood for those who need it.” Donors are asked to eat something and drink plenty of water before arriving, and to bring photo identification. For more information, call Jensen at 805-266-8768. The Vikings of Solvang are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides help for the medically related needs of qualified people and organizations in Santa Barbara County, with a goal of improving everyone’s quality of life. For more information about the Vikings, go to www.vikingcharitiesinc.com.
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16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 7 - September 20, 2021 SANTA YNEZ VALLEY COTTAGE HOSPITAL
Free flu vaccines will be administered to the community from the safety and comfort of your car. COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place. Masks required to receive a vaccine. Saturday, October 2 8 a.m. – Noon You must register for a specific time slot in advance. Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel back parking lot 555 McMurray Road, Buellton Enter via Chumash Employee Resource Center driveway Vaccines are limited. Please register in advance. Reserve your spot at:
cottagehealth.org/syflu
September 7 - September 20, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17
EconAlliance hosts inaugural Cross-Industry Golf Tournament Visit the Santa Ynez Valley team wins Low Net honors at Santa Maria Country Club Staff Report
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inners of the first annual EconAlliance Cross-Industry Challenge Golf Tournament were announced Aug. 23 at an awards reception after a full-day of friendly cross-industry foursome competition at the Santa Maria Country Club. An event benefiting EconAlliance’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and workforce development programs, the tournament featured 19 foursomes across eight industries. Shred2You was the tournament event sponsor, with Allan Hancock College, the Santa Ynez Chumash tribe, and Southern California Gas as other key sponsors. The inaugural event featured two tournament-winning teams, with bragging rights secured by team names to be placed on the EconAlliance Cross-Industry perpetual plaque. Pacific Premier Bank (Brooks Wise, Alan
Contributed photo The Visit the Santa Ynez Valley team was the 2021 Low Net winning team during the inaugural EconAlliance Golf Tournament.
Brand, Jeremy Moreno and Hank Opalinski) took Low Gross honors, with Visit Santa Ynez Valley (Shelby Sim, Michael Brugelli, Dieter Kronje, and Buddi Kazali) taking the Low Net overall award. Each member of the winning foursomes received two bottles of local wine
and four EconAlliance-etched glasses. In addition to tournament overall winners, EconAlliance recognized one winning team from each participating industry. Industry foursomes recognized included: n Agriculture — Beachside Produce (John
Jackson, Ryan Arensdorf, Glenn Davis) n Development/Construction/Real Estate — Urban Planning Concepts (Laurie, Jeff, Jason Tamura, Brian Deile) n Energy — Exxon/Plains (Steve Greig, Bryan Anderson, Chris Collier, Greg Wallis) n Finance — The Hunstad Group (Michael Hunstad, Jeff Hood, Ryan Monie, Jeff Meyers) n Manufacturing — Safran Cabin (Sakonh Souphantharong, Neptali Salinas, John Simko, Michael Smith) n Retail — Fun w/Bill Brown-Duplicated Business Solutions (Bill Brown, Ty Ford, Steven Funkhouser, Jason Harris) n Space — (Vandenberg players Julio Cano, Frank Fisher, Matt Sobczak, Anthony Vicich) n Wine/Tourism — Chumash (Mike Stoker, Rhett Delozier, Rob Roy, Chris Wiesen) A 501c3 nonprofit organization, EconAlliance drives positive impact through strategic initiatives, unique partnerships and creative programs. The organization champions Northern Santa Barbara County communities and the key industry sectors that fuel these communities and inspire regional economic vitality.
18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 7 - September 20, 2021
Adams, Ross works to be featured at Wildling Museum Autumn Show opens Sept. 25 exploring works of notable photographers Staff Report
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he Wildling Museum of Art and Nature’s exhibit “Sharing the Light: Ansel Adams and Alan Ross” opens Saturday, Sept. 25, in the museum’s main gallery, 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang. The exhibition will explore the American West through the lenses of both Adams and Ross, and includes selections from Ross’ international photography projects. The Wildling Museum’s display will mark the first institutional show dedicated to the two photographers’ works. “Sharing the Light” highlights the careers of both Adams and Ross, who were close friends and colleagues. Ross, who served as Adams’ longtime assistant, later became an internationally acclaimed photographer in his own right. The show will provide insight into the two artists’ respective connections to nature, and technical and artistic mastery of photography. “This will be the first time Ansel and I have been exhibited together in a museum,” Ross said. “Ansel and his work have been such a huge part of my life for the last 48 years; it is indeed a very wonderful feeling to be sharing the same wall-space in a museum, especially a museum so dedicated to the environment.” Ross continues to work as the exclusive printer of the Ansel Adams Yosemite Special Edition negatives, an assignment Adams personally selected him for in 1975. Ross produces individual prints by hand from Adams’ original negatives using traditional darkroom techniques. The Wildling exhibition will also include Ross’ personal insights into working alongside the legendary Adams. “Always intertwined with the work was (Adams’) sense of mirth — terrible jokes and puns, often told for the sixth or seventh time, which
Photo by Frank Neimeir, Courtesy Alan Ross Alan Ross, left, assists Ansel Adams with the camera, 1977.
never failed to give rise to his own infectious and mountainous laugh, eliciting groans and grins from all within range,” Ross said of Adams. “I don’t believe I ever saw him gloomy or morose, and the rare instances of anger were matters of principle — personal integrity, the environment and politics,” Ross said. “He took himself and his work seriously but had, and never lost, an ability to laugh at himself. What a wonderful man to be around — never a dull moment, never a gloomy day.” Adams was recognized during his lifetime for his iconic landscape photography and lifelong wilderness conservation advocacy. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1980. For more information and to follow programming updates throughout the exhibition, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org/news/sharing-thelight-ansel-adams-and-alan-ross. Ansel Adams (1902-1984) is among the 20th century’s most notable photographers. He rose to prominence as a landscape photographer of the American West and is best known for his iconic
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black and white images of Yosemite National Park. Adams co-founded Group f/64 with Edward Weston and Imogen Cunningham, an association of photographers dedicated to elevating photography to a fine art at a time when photography was strictly considered a form of documentation. Adams later developed the Zone System technique with fellow photographer Fred Archer, a method of photographic exposure and development dedicated to a deep technical understanding of tonal range, which resulted in photographic prints marked by clarity and depth, elements for which Adams’ work is perhaps best known. Throughout his career, Adams used his photography to promote wilderness conservation and worked as an active environmentalist. His advocacy aided the expansion of the U.S. National Park system and his environmental work was recognized by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 when he awarded Adams with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Adams’ works are included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New
Photo by The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust Moon and Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California, by Ansel Adams, 1960, printed 1975, Gelatin Silver print.
York; the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Ross, who was born in 1948, lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he pursues his own photography, teaches one-on-one workshops in the art of seeing and master printing, and writes articles and blogs sharing his knowledge of the art and craft of photography. Ross’ works are in the permanent collections of Hunter Museum of Art, in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut; Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, Arizona; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Princeton University Art Museum in Princeton, New Jersey; and Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. For more about the Wildling Museum, and to volunteer or join as a member, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org.
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September 7 - September 20, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19
Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance honors Bryan Babcock as 2021 Vintner of the Year New GM and board member named; COO taking on expanded role Staff Report
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amily-owned and operated Babcock Winery & Vineyards, located in the Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) of Santa Barbara County, has announced that owner and pioneering winemaker Bryan Babcock has been named 2021 Vintner of the Year by the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance, coinciding with the AVA’s 20th anniversary. Babcock was honored by the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance during their 20-year anniversary celebration August 12-15. Amidst esteemed colleagues and wine enthusiasts, Babcock was presented with the 2021 Vintner of the Year award, which took place during the weekend’s La Paulee style dinner at Alma Rosa Vineyards. A celebrated winemaker and farmer, Babcock has dedicated nearly 40 years to living and working in the Sta. Rita Hills, where he and his family established their winery and vineyard in the early 1980s. Fueled by passion, craftsmanship and innovation, Babcock has dedicated his career to learning, exploring and experiencing new farming practices, winemaking techniques and grape
Photo contributed Winemaker Bryan Babcock has been named 2021 Vintner of the Year by the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance, coinciding with the AVA's 20th anniversary.
varieties in order to produce the most compelling, terroir-driven wines from the region as possible. Recognizing the Sta. Rita Hills’ unique topography and climate patterns, Babcock was instrumental in the formation of the appellation’s
boundaries and led the efforts to distinguish the region as its own AVA in 2001. Always pushing to perfect his craft, Babcock is also known for developing revolutionary viticulture techniques, such as a gravity assisted vine canopy system that
seamlessly integrates the nature of the vine with the forces of nature to maximize wine quality within a system that flows more naturally. Most recognized for his acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, Babcock also produces exceptional examples of Rhône and Bordeaux-style varietals, as well as a range of unique varietal wines and blends from such under-the-radar grapes as Clairette Blanche, Picpoul and Mencia. In addition to producing wines under his prominent Babcock Winery & Vineyard label, Babcock explores creative winemaking opportunities through the smaller production Eye of the Beholder, Rita’s Earth, Bright Fortune, FATHOM and GrapeHunters labels. “Great wine starts with the fruit, which in actuality starts with the soil, the climate and the farming techniques,” says Babcock. “I truly believe the Sta. Rita Hills is one of the greatest places to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world, and the wines from this region cannot be replicated anywhere else. It has been an honor and privilege to dedicate my career to producing wines from this region, translating the soul and beauty of this unique place into each bottle, and I look forward to continuing my wine journey in this exciting region for many more years to come.”
Gai Yang: Enjoy this Thai recipe without standing in line By Vida Gustafson Contributing Writer
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his recipe has become a regular on my dinner menu since I discovered I could make grilled chicken as good as any street food out there, without competing with crowds and standing in line. It is richly savory and juicy with amazing layers of aromatic flavor from the fish sauce, garlic and cilantro, letting you know it’s not any normal cookout chicken. The chile dipping sauce, simple to throw together, complements the deep flavor of the chicken with some sweet vinegar heat. I happen to grill boneless skinless chicken thighs most often, but bone-in, skin-on thighs work really well with this recipe too, the cooking time will just be slightly longer.minerals, proteins
and antioxidants, not to mention a natural source of the elusive fifth flavor, umami. If you have to season your food, you may as well add some benefits! I have used portobello mushrooms with great success, but have had the best result from an edible wild mushroom mix. Use what’s available, seasonal and whatever tastes best to you.
Method
Ingredients
n 2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs n 1 head of garlic (approx. 10 cloves) n 2.5 tbsp raw sugar n 2 tbsp fish sauce n 1 tsp soy sauce n 1 bunch of cilantro (with stems)* n 1.5 tsp black peppercorns
Photo by Vida Gustafson Gai Yang is richly savory and juicy with layers of flavor from the fish sauce, garlic and cilantro, letting you know it's not any normal cookout chicken.
In a large, non-metallic bowl (preferably porcelain or enamel), break up the mushrooms and thyme and cover with the salt. Cover and set aside overnight. Transfer the mushrooms and all the liquid that was drawn out to a medium or large saucepan. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Remember, it is supposed to be salty and bold! When done cooking, let cool and strain out the mushrooms using a cheese cloth or even by pouring through a fine mesh sieve. Bottle the liquid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two months. If you are going to keep the cooked mushrooms for salty mushroomy seasoning, dry them on a baking sheet in the oven until crispy dry and run them in your food processor or blender until powdered!
20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 7 - September 20, 2021
Museum of Natural History calling for volunteer educators Those interested can attend online open house on Sept. 13 Staff Report
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he Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is hosting an online open house from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 13 for people of all ages and backgrounds with a passion for science to join its corps of volunteer educators. Volunteers will help share science literacy and empower the next generation of Earth’s stewards by facilitating school programs, leading tours, and interpreting interactive exhibits. “When I’m here, I feel that I make a difference,” said docent Glenn Grayson. “I think everybody here feels that way.” Grayson has been teaching at the muse-
Contributed photo Docents and other museum volunteers team up to talk to guests about mammoths on the Channel Islands.
Part Time Classroom Instructional Assistant Mornings: 33/4 hours / day when school is in session
Position closes Tuesday September 20th Please email resume (and 3 references) to: gfloyd@ballardschooldistrict.org
um for five years, experiencing the range of training and duties available to docents. He has seen how the challenges of educating during the pandemic forced the museum and its volunteers to adapt. “I think the museum is very resilient,” he said. “We’ve opened and closed, and opened and closed, and still, the integrity of the museum is there, because of the people.” The museum and its educators invested in technology and skills that carried their messages about science, nature and culture far from the Mission Canyon campus. Select educators can volunteer from home and reach students all over the world by leading the museum’s virtual field trips, but the core of docent work remains interacting in person with guests and students. “If you just get one person, they find out DOCENTS CONTINUED TO PAGE 21
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September 7 - September 20, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21
o DOCENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
something they didn’t know — sometimes it’s simple, like the fact that there’s scientific equipment on Mars or that we had mammoths here — it’s worth it for that ‘a-ha’ moment. That’s why we’re here,” Grayson said. In addition to interpreting science, docents raise public awareness of the Chumash cultural heritage of the region, and how living Chumash descendants are carrying their culture into the future. Becoming a docent requires no prior experience, although volunteers who are proficient in more than one language (especially bilingual English/Spanish) come with bonus communication skills that are appreciated by the museum’s guests. With training opportunities like workshops with curators and other experts, docents can deepen their understanding and appreciation of the region, the planet and the universe. “If you’ve always liked the natural world and wanted to know more about it, being a docent is a great experience,” said Grayson. There is no cost to participate, and docents receive free passes to the museum. Learn more about the program and sign up for the 10 a.m. Zoom open house at sbnature. org/docents. New docents commit to attending training classes from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays, Sept. 20, 2021, through June 13, 2022. In addition to the Monday trainings for new docents, the work commitment for all education volunteers working with school programs is one weekday morning per week from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Scheduling is flexible.
oFARM DAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
Vineyard & Winery and Zaca Mesa Winery (offering a free flight tasting). “Agriculture is an important part of the Santa Barbara County economy. It is a $1.6 billion-a-year industry,” said Maranville. “Many of the farms are run by third- and fourth-generation farmers. We are fortunate to have so many local growers excited to share their knowledge.” SEEAG’s mission is to help children understand the farm origins of their food through classroom agricultural and nutrition education and free farm field trips. For information on participating farms and to access the Farm Day Trail Map, go to www. SantaBarbaraCountyFarmDay.com or call 805-901-0213. Also, mark your calendars for the ninth annual Ventura County Farm Day taking place Nov. 6.
Dignity Health Urgent Care & Primary Care accepting new patients in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Meet our team: Jason Morris, MD Kathryn Brewer, MD Bahija Saouf, MD Ben Olmedo, PA-C What we offer: • Urgent Care and Primary Care • No appointment needed for Urgent Care • Board-certified physicians • Lab and x-ray services • Virtual visits available • Open Monday-Saturday Dignity Health Urgent Care/ Santa Ynez Valley Health Center 1992 Old Mission Drive, Suite 140 Solvang, CA 93463 (Located on the corner of Old Mission Drive and Alamo Pintado in the same shopping area as New Frontiers)
(805) 697-0750 Dignityhealth.org/phc
22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 7 - September 20, 2021
Santa Ynez football loaded with experience on both sides of the ball Pirates start the season 1-1 after beating Fillmore in first home game By Barry Punzal
Noozhawk Sports Editor
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t’s a special time for Santa Ynez High football and head coach Josh McClurg. After a talented senior class led the Pirates to a terrific spring season, McClurg has another special group of players who have known each other since they were little kids. He says “team unity” is what he likes about this group. “It is also my twin sons Cash and Canyon’s senior year,” McClurg said. “So, most of these players I have known since they’ve been 5.” The 5-foot-11, 160-pound McClurg brothers will be all over the field for the Pirates this season. Cash plays tailback and strong safety while Canyon is a wide receiver and cornerback. Both saw lots of action during the Pirates’ 4-1 spring season. The Pirates lost their season opener 21-16 to the Nipomo Titans on Aug. 20. A week later, Aug. 27, the Pirates got their first win, 26-21 against the Fillmore Flashes in Santa Ynez’s home opener. Junior quarterback Luke Gildred threw three touchdown passes to lead the Pirates in that game. “Always nice to win, especially the home opener — kids played well and improved and showed mental toughness against a great opponent,” McClurg said. “Owen Hunt had a a great night, receiving two touchdown passes. I also thought Aiden Scott, Mikey Gills and
Photos by Barry Sigman Santa Ynez High wide receiver Luke Shelly catches a pass Aug. 27 during the Pirates' 26-21 win over Fillmore.
Cash McClurg had a solid game throughout the four quarters leading the defense.” The third game was Sept. 3 against Nordhoff High School (results will be posted online since this is after our deadline). Cash McClurg will be part of a running back committee that fills the huge vacancy left by last season’s powerhouse back Logan Ast, who is now at Cal Poly. “We will have a lot of depth at both running back and wide receiver,” Coach McClurg said. “We plan on a run-by-committee approach this year.” Junior Luke Gildred (5-10, 175 pounds) steps in as starting quarterback. He got some varsity playing time in a couple of games during the spring.
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“He’s very athletic, smart and has a high football IQ,” said Coach McClurg. Gildred has the luxury of having six returning starters on offense, including linemen Emilio Figueroa (6-0 250, senior), Nick Crandall (6-4, 215, junior) and Aidan Cintron (6-3, 270, junior). “Figueroa is a three-year starter and can play any spot on the O-Line,” McClurg said. “Crandall has started at left tackle since his freshman year. He is one of the best athletes on the team for his size. “Cintron, a returning starter at right guard, is extremely quick, strong and athletic for his size. His potential is huge.” Also returning to the starting offensive lineup are dynamic receiver Tyler Gregg (5-9,
155, senior), tight end Owen Hunt (6-3, 190, senior) and fullback Nwar Samaan (5-9, 210, senior). Another key returning player is tight end Leo Valencia, (6-2 195, senior). The Pirates have eight returning starters on defense, led by senior linebacker Mikey Gills (6-3, 195). McClurg calls the three-year starter “the heart and soul of the defense.” Junior defensive end Aidan Scott (6-3, 210) is a two-year starter that plays with an “unbelievable motor,” according to McClurg. Senior Brandon Welby (5-9, 255) is a three-year starting nose guard and a two-time All-Channel League first-team honoree. Senior Tanner Padfield (6-2, 210) is a threeyear starter at outside and inside linebacker, while junior Isaac Moran (5-10, 180) returns at outside linebacker and also plays running back. Among the newcomers McClurg says will make an impact are junior wide receiver/ defensive back Dylan Peters (6-0,15), junior running back/outside linebacker Cole Swain (5-11, 180), sophomore wide receiver/cornerback Daulton Beard (6-4, 185) and junior wide receiver/corner back Nolan Oslin (6-0, 155). The Pirates’ next game will be the Homecoming matchup Sept. 10 Santa Maria. From there the Pirates will play Lompoc on Sept. 17, and after a bye week the team will make its debut in a new league, the Pacific View League, on Oct. 1 against Cabrillo. Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. SYV Star Publisher Raiza Giorgi contributed to this story.
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File photo Lloyd Sorensen looks inside a classic car at Santa Ynez High School during a past Pirate Garage Car Show. After a year's hiatus, the show will return Sept. 12.
employees have their own tools.” Semerdjian added he would like to get a really good mix of the different aspects of automotive industry from engineering, welding, art, manufacturing and especially electric vehicles (EV). With Gov. Gavin Newsom issuing an executive order requiring sales of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035, the need for mechanics to have training and education in this industry is highly needed, he added. To clarify, Newsom’s executive order will not prevent Californians from owning gasoline-powered cars or selling them on the used car market. The Automotive World website (automotiveworld.com) said every major manufacturer is increasing their EV production from sport cars to SUVs and that 2021 is a critical year in this change. “If we want to see this change then we have to train our kids now so they are prepared and graduate with the skills they will need,” Semerdjian said. Semerdjian applied for a grant through the California Energy Commission for a Switch Electric Vehicle Kit through The Switch Lab, a science and technical program that guides students through building a real vehicle. “The Switch kit will take the students
through the course which also involves STEM and common core,” he said. “The kit should be fully functioning by the end of the course, and then they break it down so the next semester can rebuild it.” Semerdjian is excited to give the students more experience in traditional automotive skills, such as painting, and got their paint booth certified and permitted. When they leave SYHS, his students can go directly into the field or further their education in trade school or college to get a lifelong career, he said. One student was accepted to the Caterpillar School, another works at a local auto body repair shop and several have gone to Hancock to pursue various interests in the industry from mechanics to engineering. The Pirate Garage Show will raise funds for the auto program at SYHS. In addition, there are raffles sponsored by The Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, food and apparel for sale, a DJ/announcer, and many people showing off cool vintage cars. Participants register in advance or on the day of the event. The cost is $15 per car. This year no awards will be given out as this show is more to organize and host the local car community, Semerdjian said. Contact him at gsemerdjian@syvuhsd.org, or call 805-688-6487 x 3230.
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