BACK TO SCHOOL Happy Little Hippo creates community with kids’ resale clothing
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County redistricting measures make November ballot
create an independent redistricting commission, but with different criteria for members. If both measure pass, the one with more Voters will consider two redistricting votes wins. If both fail, the redistricting proproposals this fall after the Santa Barbara cess will not change from the current system County Board of Supervisors decided July 17 in which the elected supervisors draw the to put both on the November ballot. districts. Both meaBob Collecsures aim to tor, who has create a new led the Reason redistricting in Governprocess for ment proposal, the Board of said Tuesday Supervisors, that the two but they measures are differ in the similar in many way that an respects and he independent will encourage redistricting people to vote commission for both. would be Williams created. said he could A group Contributed/Santa Barbara County not be so A map shows the current districts for the five members of the Santa Barbara County called magnanimous, Board of Supervisors. Reason in and noted that Government gathered more than 16,000 he thinks his “You Draw the Lines” proposal signatures to put a measure on the ballot that has less potential for problems. would create an independent redistricting commission to draw new supervisorial lines Noozhawk managing editor Giana in 2020. Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@ First District Supervisor Das Williams noozhawk.com. Noozhawk intern Sheridan came up with an ordinance that also would Taphorn contributed to this story. By Giana Magnoli Noozhawk Managing Editor
On the Cover... After Nicole Schultz and Lianne Clifford had children, they realized how much time and money it took for parents to keep replacing clothing for fast-growing kids. Their solution was Happy Little Hippo, the consignment shop they opened nine years ago to sell maternity and children’s clothing, toys, shoes and other necessities. You can read the full story on Page 4.
Sheriff’s Office warns of extortion scam Staff Report
Photo by Daniel Dreifuss Local kids model clothing from Happy Little Hippo, a children’s and maternity consignment store on upper De La Vina Street.
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Instances of a common extortion scam have increased recently, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. The scam involves the victim receiving a letter or email indicating that the sender has obtained personal and private information about the victim. The sender indicates the information they have obtained will both personally and publicly damage the victim’s reputation. The suspect then attempts to extort money from the victim in order to keep the information confidential. This type of extortion tends to target individuals who have high-profile careers or have recently been mentioned in news or Internet posts, a sheriff’s spokesman said. The correspondence
is typically well-written, convincing, and provides detail of how to transfer funds via Bitcoin or pre-paid credit cards. The Sheriff’s Department asks people who receive this kind of correspondence to contact them immediately, and reminds people never to give out personal or financial information to anyone without verifying their legitimacy. To report scams, call the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP or visit ftc.gov/complaint.
August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 3
Wildlife Care Network starts $2.5 million campaign for repairs
Animal rescue facility on North Fairview Avenue had to evacuate more than 300 animals during the July 6 Holiday Fire By Brooke Holland Noozhawk Staff Writer
The Holiday Fire in Goleta scorched the edges of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network property but caused more damage than the organization originally realized, prompting it to launch a $2.5 million fundraising campaign to repair the animal rescue facility. Flames from the blaze, which started July 6, charred 113 acres and destroyed 24 buildings, including 10 homes, in the North Fairview Avenue neighborhood where the Wildlife Care Network is located. SBWCN staff and volunteers evacuated hundreds of animals that Friday and Saturday — including small mammals, birds and reptiles — and volunteer Jim Hurnblad of Santa Barbara worked all night to douse embers that threatened the site. After the fire subsided, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade volunteers and the SBWCN team swooped in to clean up the property at 1460 N. Fairview Ave. The center sustained worse fire damage than expected, according to Ariana Katovich, the organization’s director of development. “While physical structures didn’t burn, all of our avocado trees, bioswales, irrigation hoses and all of the ground cover needs to be replaced,” Katovich said. “We didn’t realize that damage to the center until we were able to clean.” The vegetation around the fence line (along a private driveway) burned, and some cages melted from the blaze’s heat. The embers smoldered some of the raccoon toys and damaged one of the opossums’ custom-built enclosures, she said. Smoke and ash from the fire damaged the SBWCN trailer that houses more than 100 baby birds, making it unusable for the animals to return, said Elaine Ibarra, SBWCN animal care coordinator. Ibarra said the developing lungs of baby birds need a healthy environment to grow, and birds have a more complicated respiratory system than mammals. She said the lingering smoke and ash is harmful to humans working inside the trailer, too. “One thing you can’t see is the smoke smell,” Katovich said. “If you shut the windows for any period of time it smells like
Brooke Holland / Noozhawk photo The Holiday Fire in Goleta damaged the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network property on North Fairview Avenue.
Brooke Holland / Noozhawk photo Raccoon toys were melted and burned during the Holiday Fire.
smoke, and turning the ventilation system on makes it worse.” During high season, when there are many baby birds, the center usually has more than
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100 birds in cages in the trailer, which need to be fed every 20 to 30 minutes from around 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Katovich announced the start of a $2.5 mil-
lion capital campaign for facility repairs and upgrades, and noted that the organization does not yet know the exact cost of the fire damage. “It’s so damaged that we can’t go back,” she said. Before the Holiday Fire, SBWCN planned to announce the capital fundraising effort for a new building on the property to house the baby bird operation, treatment rooms, staff and volunteer offices, kitchen space and enhanced emergency response. SBWCN hopes to complete the single-story, 30-foot by 90-foot building by spring 2019. “We realize our need to upgrade our facility,” Julia Parker, SBWCN’s director of animal care. SBWCN is temporarily operating at the Santa Barbara Humane Society, and some displaced animals are finding refuge at other locations across California. The wild seabirds are housed at the International Bird Rescue in San Pedro, and the evacuated crows went to the Ojai Raptor Center. A handful of evacuated animals have been exposed to smoke and ash and need immediate attention, but otherwise were in stable condition, Parker said. While 356 animals survived the fire, about five died due to smoke inhalation, she said. “It was incredibly sad to see,” Parker said, adding that the wildlife care rescue organization hasn’t stopped its operation and has received about 134 animals since the evacuation. Humane Society Executive Director Kerri Burns said SBWCN’s baby bird evacuees will be moved back to Goleta by late-August. By that time, the birds cared for by SBWCN will be old enough to be transferred to the outdoor aviaries, if they haven’t been released back into the wild. SBWCN returned four baby raccoons to its Goleta property this week. “It takes a team to make things happen during a disaster,” Burns said. SBWCN was established in 1988 to rescue and rehabilitate injured, orphaned or oiled wild birds and small mammals. The nonprofit takes in more than 3,000 animals annually, according to Kaitlin Lloyd, SBWCN’s program director. Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com.
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4 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
Couple creates a community in kids’ consignment store By Raiza Giorgi news@santabarbarafamilylife.com
C
Photos by Daniel Dreifuss Lianne Clifford and Nicole Schultz will celebrate nine years this October at Happy Little Hippo, where they have created a consignment shop for parents to bring their children without constantly saying, “Don’t touch that.”
hildren’s growth spurts seem to happen overnight, and pants that fit them one day are high-waters the next. After Nicole Schultz and her partner, Lianne Clifford, had children, they understood that problem and became part of a community that handed down clothes to children younger than their own. “It almost called out to us, that this was what we needed to do. When we opened Happy Little Hippo nine years ago, we knew that it would be a great store but were surprised to find that we have created this little community. It’s lovely when new moms come in and they connect with seasoned mothers and they start conversations, and we all help each other through this journey,” Schultz said. The Wisconsin native came to Santa Barbara as many others have done, to attend college and then deciding to stay after graduation. She worked at the Braille Institute when she and Clifford had their first child. Scouring garage sales and thrift store became time-consuming, soon Schultz was longing for a place where they could find clothes in great condition and not have to sift. “I ended up going through the business course at Women’s Economic Ventures and they helped me define exactly what I wanted. Nine years later we are going strong, and
this is a full-time endeavor for both of us and supports our family,” she said. Happy Little Hippo is a place where parents can bring their children without the fear of breaking anything or needing to say constantly, “Don’t touch that.” “We have toys for the kids to play with while the moms shop … the clothes and items we have are in great condition,” Schultz said. Because it is so expensive to live in Santa Barbara, Schultz said that having a resale company eases her mind that families who live on tight budgets can find decent clothes and shoes without breaking the bank. “Kids grow so fast, and if you shop at stores with newer items it can make a dent in your pocketbook for sure,” Schultz said with a laugh. All the store’s items are on consignment. Schultz and Clifford make appointments with the owners of the items and inspect the clothing to be sure it has no stains, holes and other marks before accepting it for the store. “There seems to be this movement going on as well, because there is so much stuff in the world, that recycling and reusing is becoming as important as ever. I rarely buy anything new because the items we get in are so great. Some pieces still have the tags on them because the kids grew so fast they couldn’t even wear them,” Schultz said. Owning their own shop has also allowed Schultz and Clifford to have flexible schedules to pick their children up from school,
attend a game or watch a recital. “Family is the most important thing to us, and I love that our kids have grown up here and instilled the values of reusing and recycling. My son, unprompted, took an item and reused it as something else, which was a great moment as a parent. He did so without thinking,” Schultz said. Happy Little Hippo has items from newborn through kids’ sizes 14-16, as well as maternity clothing and toys. “Because kids’ feet grow so fast, shoes are the best seller for us,” she said. They also have baby carriers, strollers, high chairs, swings, baby monitors, walkers, breast pumps and more. “Our customers are so loyal as well. One couple that used to live in Santa Barbara now live in Dubai and they come back once or twice a year to shop here because there aren’t many options for them in their city,” Schultz said. Happy Little Hippo is at 2919 De La Vina St., across from the Daily Grind coffee shop. It is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Follow them on Facebook or contact them at www.happylittlehippo.shop.
Back-to-school time doesn’t have to cost a lot. Happy Little Hippo sells used clothing, toys and shoes for kids from newborn through sizes 14-16.
August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 5
Affordable-housing projects win $21.3 million in tax credits Staff Report
Two affordable-housing projects being developed by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) have been allocated $21.3 million in federal tax-credit financing to create 107 affordable rental units for veterans and seniors. The award makes possible the construction of The Gardens on Hope at 251 S. Hope Ave. and Johnson Court at 813 W. Carrillo St. Both are scheduled to break ground later this year. “The Gardens on Hope and Johnson Court are designed to be enriching places to call home for the residents and are vital to ensuring that vulnerable members of our community, including seniors and veterans, receive the services and support they need to stabilize their lives.” said Rob Fredericks, HACSB executive director and CEO. The federal tax-credit program, administered by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, is intended to stimulate private investment in affordable housing by awarding tax credits to developers, who agree to reserve a portion or all of their housing units for low-income households for a number of years;
Photos contributed This architect’s rendering shows The Gardens on Hope development, which will provide 89 housing units for frail, low-income seniors.
in California the affordability period is 55 years. Developers sell their tax credits to investors to obtain equity financing for their developments. This federal resource is one of the state’s most successful public-private partnerships and accounts for about 90 percent of all affordable rental housing created in the United States today,
an HACSB spokesman said. The Gardens on Hope will consist of 88 studio units and a one-bedroom manager unit on what is now a vacant lot. The housing will serve low-income, frail seniors and provide three meals a day, housekeeping, transportation to medical appointments and a host of social
programs. The need for affordable senior housing is growing significantly nationwide. In California alone, the senior population is expected to increase from 4.5 million to 8.8 million by 2030, according to HACSB. The other development, Johnson Court, will serve the homeless veteran population in Santa Barbara. The proposed project provides 16 studio units for very low and low-income veterans, a one-bedroom manager unit, and a common area and office space to accommodate the provision of services and activities on site. The veteran target population is in keeping with the wishes of the former property owners, the Johnson family, whose father had served in the military. The need for affordable veteran housing is also growing significantly nationwide. Santa Barbara County’s homeless Vulnerability Index database shows there are 210 homeless veterans locally, with an average age of 52.9 years and the oldest reported at 84. For more information, visit www.hacsb.org.
Santa Barbara bans plastic straws, foam cups By Joshua Molina Noozhawk Staff Writer
If you like to eat out and can’t finish your meal, it’s best to bring your own container for the leftovers. The Santa Barbara City Council voted 7-0 on June 19 to ban expanded polystyrene, or foam, products. The council also voted 6-1 to ban plastic straws and make plastic stirrers and cutlery “on-demand” only. Councilman Randy Rowse opposed the straw ban. “I do not think it is fair for the sea animals to eat our trash,” 9-year-old Weston Burwell told the council. “I hope you protect our environment by eliminating these straws. Who needs them, anyway?” The ordinance will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, and become enforceable 30 days later, on Jan. 31. The city, considered the birthplace of the
Joshua Molina / Noozhawk photo Weston Burwell, 9, urged the Santa Barbara City Council to ban plastic straws and expanded polystyrene foam products.
environmental movement after the 1969 oil spill, is trying to catch up to several other communities statewide that have banned foam products and straws.
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Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon said Santa Barbara owns a greater share of the problem because it is a coastal city and more of its trash flows into the ocean. It’s also an affluent city, so as a whole it pollutes more than another city of the same size, she said. “I am so excited that we have come this far,” Sneddon said. “I am really excited that this is here. It’s, frankly, why I got involved in politics.” Longtime Santa Barbara resident Bonnie Raisin spoke at the meeting, ignoring environmental arguments and instead contending that the city was infringing on private business. “It is very Draconian,” Raisin said. “Pressing issues for the city should not be whether or not to use plastic when we have gaping potholes.” She had indirect support from Rowse, who said the city should encourage the public to resist plastic straws, rather than make it an ordinance.
Rowse, who owns the Paradise Cafe restaurant and bar, wondered what was next: Ziplock bags or bottle caps? He said just as with water conservation, the public is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to conserve on its own. Councilman Jason Dominguez disagreed. “Unfortunately, common sense is just not common,” he said. “We have to regulate every aspect of people’s lives.” Some restaurants have already asked for a “hardship exemption,” such as Blenders in the Grass, which serves its smoothies in foam cups. The company had switched to clear plastic cups, but customers complained that it didn’t hold the thickness of the smoothies. The city voted to allow companies just one exemption if they can prove that it is a financial hardship to make the switch by Jan. 1. After that, they must come into compliance and make the switch. Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com.
6 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
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August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 7
Santa Barbara Family & Life After-School Guide AHA! (Attitude, Harmony, Achievement) AHA’s after-school program continues the themes of social responsibility, character development, diversity appreciation, creative self-expression, and enhanced emotional intelligence while helping teens discover healthy outlets for passionate expression. Most Santa Barbara groups meet at Jefferson Hall (1525 Santa Barbara St., across from Alice Keck Park Garden), while Carpinteria groups meet at Carpinteria High School (4810 Foothill Road). To learn more: www.ahasb.org or 805-770-7200.
The Adderley School of Performing Arts Broadway and TV Veteran Janet Adderley created this place of adventure, learning and joy in an attempt to teach her shy, young daughter how to be heard. Classes include singing, dancing, acting and more. Info: www.theadderleyschool.org.
Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara serves more than 2,200 local youth and their families. It provides character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, and more. Call 805-962-2382 or go to www.boysgirls.org.
Capoeira Classes These Brazilian martial arts classes combine music and acrobatics. Contra Master Chin teaches the classes at Brasil Arts Cafe on State Street. www.capoeirasantabarbara.com or 805-637.5355.
Cliff Drive Care Center The center offers after-school pick-up at Adams, Monroe and Washington elementary schools. www.cliffdrivecarecenter.org or 805-965-4286, ext. 221.
Dance Kids See the article below.
Franklin Youth Drop-In Center
A safe place for neighborhood youth to socialize and
build relationships with other youth through a variety of activities, organized learning experiences and skill-building opportunities. Daily activities include arts and crafts, foosball, movie room, computer lab and cooking classes from 2:30 - 6 p.m. Call Ricardo Venegas at 805-897-2547.
Gateway Learning Center Through academic development, we create the opportunity for all students to succeed with programs specifically designed for their needs, with outstanding teaching and with creativity. www.gatewayeducationalservices.org or 805-895-1153.
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara
Girls from TK through high school enjoy high-quality, research-based enrichment programs designed to instill knowledge, skills and attitudes that girls need to thrive. The girls are transported to the centers in Santa Barbara and Goleta from more than 30 area schools. Programs include STEM, literacy, sports, art, cooking, coding, performing arts and more. www.girlsincsb.org.
Girls Rock Santa Barbara
Girls Rock SB empowers girls and women through music education, creative expression and performance. We promote self-confidence, creativity and teamwork. Programs include rock band, film and photography, journalism and creative writing, and music production. www.girlsrocksb.org or 805-699-5247.
gustafsondance.com or 805-563-3262.
Kindermusik with Kathy
It’s not about making little Mozarts. It’s about developing skills in the whole child – cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language and musical. Classes are offered in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, Goleta and Solvang. www. kindermusikwithkathy.com or 805-455-8266.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of convenient, top-quality after-school programs including sports leagues, enrichment, homework help, and many other creative outlets. www. santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/recreation/ youth/afterschool.asp or 805-564-5495.
Montecito YMCA
Santa Barbara School of Squash
Participants enjoy quiet homework time, create art projects, play games, take field trips, and more. Programs also offered are hip-hop dance, itty-bitty sports, flag football, inline skating classes and more. www.ciymca.org/montecito or 805-969-3288.
Montecito YMCA Adult/Teen Swim Lessons
Adult lessons are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Beginners work on the fundamentals, while advanced swimmers can improve endurance and stroke technique. Fear cases are welcome. www.ciymca.org/ montecito or 805-969-3288.
Rainbow School After School Care
In a relaxed and inviting environment, K-6th-grade children enjoy arts and crafts, cooking, special theme days, board games, outdoor activities and games, and homework time. www.rainbowschoolsb.com or 805-964-4511.
Santa Barbara Dance Arts
The Cultural School follows the tenets of the Ki Society, teaching that the aim of Aikido is to move with an opponent and redirect their movement. Founded in 1964 by Sensei Ken Ota, the Goleta dojo teaches children and adults. www. goletaaikido.net.
Under the direction of Alana Tillim, Dance Arts promises to provide a safe and healthy place for emerging and pre-professional artists. Classes include youth programs, adult classes and master classes. They also offer wedding dance rehearsals, and more. www.sbdancearts.com or 805-966-5299.
Gustafson Dance
Santa Barbara Library
Goleta Aikido
Gustafson Dance provides instruction in dance for all levels of advancement, beginner through professional. They specialize in teaching dance in a manner that is non-threatening and builds self-esteem, so that everyone from the beginner to the professional dancer will excel. www.
Santa Barbara Parks and Rec
The Santa Barbara Library system offers a large selection of books for kids and teens as well as study areas, a computer lab, maker space workshops, writing workshops, dogs to read to, streaming movies and music. www.sbplibrary.org or 805-962-7653.
By using squash as a motivator, we guide students to realize their academic, athletic and personal potential. The goal is for each student to graduate from high school prepared to enter college or to launch a career. Students are required to participate in 100 hours of academic curriculum, 100 hours of squash and at least 15 hours of community service. www.sbsos.org or email robert@sbsos.org.
Santa Barbara YMCA
The Y offers arts and crafts, outdoor sports and strong relationship building with caring and well-trained group leaders, homework assistance, and monthly walking trips to the Y. A healthy snack is included every day. www. ciymca.org or call 805-687-7720.
Westside Dance
Entry-level classes introduce the foundational elements of technique. As the levels progress, a more formal ballet education will take place. Develop greater strength, flexibility, coordination, musicality, and discipline. Classes for older and advanced students are available by audition. www.westsidedancesb.com or 805-637-8773.
United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County
United Boys & Girls of Santa Barbara County is a nonprofit youth development agency that serves children ages 5-18 years old at 11 locations across Santa Barbara County. Its programs are focused on helping youth achieve three priority outcomes: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. www.unitedbg.org.
‘Dance Kids’ are taught to exercise and live well By Jon Vreeland Contributing Writer
Leslie Sokol teaches kids and toddlers to dance in a stress-free, non-competitive environment, and she encourages her tiny dancers to live a healthy lifestyle, eat proper foods, and take overall care of their bodies. The veteran dancer and When not teaching instructor, owner of Dance dance, Leslie Sokol competes at Montecito’s Kids of Santa Barbara, Latin Ballroom. believes in protecting children’s foundation while keeping their adoration for dance number one. And unlike the experience in some other activities, no one is keeping score and no one is judging the dancers to label one better and one worse. Sokol’s studio sits on a quiet little hill above Modoc Road. The studio is brand new with shiny wood floors, and the windows and patio overlook tree-lathered roofs. One wall is covered with seamless mirrors; the others are painted a soft ocean green. Sokol moved herself and Dance Kids to Santa Barbara in October. However, Sokol is anything
the fundamentals of dancing. but new to the art of dance and teaching dance. the time and is now a 6-foot-6’inch young man “It is not good emotionally,” she said. “It just She opened her first studio decades ago in Florida who plays basketball at Cal State Northridge. isn’t.” when she was only 24 years old, and she has “We were and are such a fit family,” she said, So Dance Kids students do not compete; they taught toddlers, kids, and adults ever since. adding that the shock of his father’s demise learn basic technique as they strengthen their Her lessons and classes include ballet, jazz, pushed her son to work harder than ever before. foundations as dancers, and she teaches them to hip-hop, fitness classes, mommy- or daddy-and“My boy is always the first one in the gym and “never to give up, and to work hard and you can me classes for toddlers and preschoolers, plus the last one to leave.” accomplish any personal goal.” after-school classes, private lessons and small When Sokol’s not teaching dance she comSokol’s journey from Florida to the Bay Area group lessons. petes at Montecito’s Latin Ballroom, hikes miles and from the Bay Area to Santa Barbara didn’t Sokol also includes scarves, magic wands, and miles on some days, and is close enough to happen alone. Her husband and son shared most hula-hoops, streamers, and rhyming jargon for watch her son play basketball in person. of her time in the Bay Area until her husband the little tots so instructions are fun and easy to She hopes with Dance Kids and her son’s athdied seven years ago. He was a world champion remember. letic career that the two can carry on the family athlete, and the three of them would hike “I can get any child moving in any of my legacy of a healthy lifestyle. many miles at a time. Dance Kids classes,” she said. For more information, go to www.danceThe sudden death shocked her and her For the past few decades, Sokol lived, taught kidsfun.com or call 408-836-8559. son, who was 12 years old at and danced in the Bay Area. She taught thousands of students to dance in health-driven dance programs in more than 50 elementary schools and performed a startling number of assemblies for the students. Those continue at Hope School and Montessori Elementary in Goleta. At her studio, she said, kids have “serious fun,” without the pressure of performances or nerve-racking competitions. Keeping in mind a child’s capability to mentally endure this kind of pressure, she said, judging a child during early Photos contributed development may distract his or her focus from Dance Kids students do not compete, but they are taught to “never to give up, and to work hard and you can accomplish any personal goal.”
8 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
Follow these tips for a better academic year
Jessica was excited about moving from eighth grade to high school as a freshman. In addition to expectations of more social life, she was excited about joining the high school basketball team. She had been told that she played well enough to be recruited by a college. What she didn’t know was that she had to maintain grade-point average (GPA) that was good enough to be eligible to participate in sports. And she was concerned because she was not very good at math. She turned in her assignments on time and attended class regularly, but she was failing. Jessica knew she needed help. After the first month of her freshmen year, her parents contacted us. They were just as frustrated as Jessica about her low math skills. We needed to teach Jessica how to study and figure out where her math skills had dropped off. The start of a new school year brings excitement and hope for students like Jessica and parents alike. Over the last 10 years as a learning center, we have identified a few practices that we know will help create a successful academic year. They include building a strong knowledge base, developing study skills and balancing extracurricular activities. First, focus on increasing your child’s knowledge base rather than his or her grades. Exams track knowledge base. If you notice a pattern of A’s on homework assignments and C’s or D’s on exams, then spend more time on study skills. This is a very common pattern that we have identified, so we need to make sure that these two components align with one another.
Second, develop study skills and a routine around when to study. Each subject has its own vocabulary and core concepts. Many students who once enjoyed doing math now struggle with math terminology in word problems, which contribute to a student’s inability to demonstrate common core principles. Focus on how your child can demonstrate math concepts. Third, balance extracurricular participation and study time. This is essential for students expecting to attend college. Preparation and college readiness begins in eighth and ninth grades. Setting aside regular blocks of time to study — not just for completing assignments — will develop skills and the path to college readiness. Setting goals for and with your children is crucial for success along with celebrating the achievement of those goals and benchmarks. Our focus as a learning center is college preparation. We know that it begins early with vocabulary development, reading skills and a love for learning. Often high school students are focused on activities outside the classroom, believing this is the key to attending college, but knowledge base development and advanced reading skills are the components to academic growth. When starting the new year, begin with the end in mind. Set tangible and measurable goals for your child or children, and hold them accountable. Jessica knew that for an athlete, practice makes perfect. However, as a student, practice makes permanent. PHOTOS BY HEIDI BERGSETEREN
By Gateway Educational Services Contributed
FProgram all Dance 2018
• Ballet for ages 2 1/2 and up • Jazz for 4 and up • Tap for 4-12 • Boys Ballet • Open Teen and Adult Ballet Classes • A Pre-Professional training and performing program (State Street Ballet Young Dancers)
805.563.3262 ext.1
Gateway Educational Services is a nonprofit college-prep learning center established in 2009, serving local K-12 students.
www.gustafsondance.com
For a limited time visit Koalas at the beautiful Santa Barbara Zoo
(805) 962-5339 • Just off Cabrillo Blvd. at East Beach • sbzoo.org
August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 9
y r t n u o C f o s e t 50 Minu ! r u o H y r e v E c i s Mu
More Music! Less Talk!
www.krazfm.com
10 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
Living Vehicle wants to redefine the American Dream By Isel Longoria Contributing Writer
If your home had wheels, where would you travel? Matthew and Joanna Hofmann’s company, Living Vehicle Inc., is redefining the American dream by designing high-quality mobile homes for full-time living. The company office in Santa Barbara has been filling up with orders through the summer. “Right now we are building about one every week,” Matthew Hofmann said. Their company is partnered with Aluminum Trailer Co. in Indiana, which manufactures the Living Vehicles. The Hofmanns have been living a mobile lifestyle themselves for the past 10 years. “I lived in a bus for a while, and I currently live in a boat with my wife in the harbor in Santa Barbara,” Hofmann added. With a degree in architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Hofmann is a licensed architect who has designed and renovated more than 400 vintage Airstream trailers. While doing that work, he noticed that the living vessels were very limiting. “I always knew that we were going to create a product one day and take all the best ideas that we learned, basically designed by experience,” Hofmann said. The couple moved to Portugal for about four months and focused solely on building and designing the company. They had been spending Christmas in New York when they came across $87 tickets. “We found these one-way tickets from JFK (Kennedy International Airport,” Hofmann said. “That’s kind of why we ended up going to Portugal.” A Living Vehicle is not an ordinary mobile home. “We’ve built these to last,” Hofmann said. “We are not talking about decades, we are talking about generations.” It’s specifically designed to be used during all four seasons, can go on or off grid, is solar
Photo contributed Matthew and Joanna Hofmann’s company, Living Vehicle Inc., makes high-quality mobile homes for full-time living.
powered and contains all the necessities that a regular home does. “You don’t have to be plugged in for electricity or water. You can use this in the middle of the desert for extended periods of time,” he said. The price for a Living Vehicle ranges from about $90,000 to $150,000. Hofmann said the company is working on creating more affordable models. “We are aggressively working on growing our line, because eventually affordability is key,” he said. Even with the higher prices listed now, a Living Vehicle is more affordable in the long run than purchasing a home, he said. “The old American Dream is what we are all familiar with. A big house, white picket fence … you know, two cars,” he said. “We’re starting to realize that the new American dream is based on experiences.’ The flexibility to travel anywhere, see new things and meet new people is one of the freedoms that Living Vehicle provides. “The idea of being able to do what you want to do. Living a life that’s true to you,” Hofmann said. For newcomers, living in a small space can feel overwhelming or even impossible. “I think they have some preconceived notions
Looking for a Home Santa Barbara Humane Society
For the past two years, potential adopters have walked past Brooke’s kennel, passing her over for flashier-looking dogs because she’s “just another tan dog.” What those people do not see is the personality that we have all gotten to know and love here at the Santa Barbara Humane Society. Brooke is a smart cookie! She has graduated from clicker-training obedience class and walks great on a leash. Not a discerning foodie, Brooke is a lover of anything edible, so she is easy to train. And she is not just another tan dog. She has a beautiful, rich golden coat. Although her coat shines in the sun, her eyes
are even brighter as she smiles wide. Brooke is also super cute. Her adorable canter is not very graceful, but she gets extra points for the enthusiasm with which she lifts her front legs with each tiny, jolting stride. She is a middle-aged ball of energy. And Brooke is the queen. She is looking for a place to hold court where no other dogs question her superiority. She’s the perfect age. At only six years old, Brooke has a lot of life ahead of her, but the puppy stage is over. Interested in learning more? The best thing to do is visit Brooke between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but if you can’t come in call us at 805964-4777 or email us at erica@ sbhumanesociety.org.
about living in something so small. … That makes sense because it’s a big leap,” Hofmann said. Potential clients can schedule a tour of a unit through the company’s website, www. livingvehicle.com. There are also videos online that show the details and a glimpse inside of a unit. Hofmann acknowledges that living a mobile lifestyle in a small space can be challenging. “You have to kind of have some more intentional choices about how many things that you own,” Hofmann said. “Another challenge is, you gotta learn to work remotely,” Hofmann said. Technology has allowed him to work and stay in contact with his staff. One of Hofmann’s favorite things about living a mobile lifestyle is waking up in the morning and seeing the sky. “We’ve got this beautiful skylight right above the bed. The first thing I see is the sky right above my head,” Hofmann said. He also enjoys the freedom of exploring wherever and whenever. “Knowing that wherever I am, there’s an adventure that’s out there.” The Hofmanns hope that whatever lifestyle
Matthew and Joanna Hofmann have been living a mobile lifestyle themselves for 10 years.
A Living Vehicle has the amenities of a conventional home.
people choose, they can do it by choice rather than from necessity. “Create a life where you make choices that allow you to do what you want to do. … My hope is that we can continue to affect people’s lives in a very positive way,” he said.
promises fun, entertainment Staff Report
The 143rd Ventura County Fair, “A Country Fair with Ocean Air,” continues through Sunday, Aug. 12. New events this year include the Fido 500 Mini Dog Races, more healthful food choices, an all-new carnival midway, an upgraded home-brew beer competition, a Natural Disaster Division in the photography contest, and the California State Parks Photo Contest in both adult and youth divisions. For complete information, visit www.venturacountyfair.org or call 805-648 -3376. The
fair began Aug. 1, but here are some highlights for the rest of this week: Tuesday, Aug. 7: The 5th Dimension (matinee only) Tuesday, Aug. 7: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Wednesday, Aug. 8: Boyz II Men Thursday, Aug. 9: Hunter Hayes Friday, Aug. 10: Creedence Clearwater Revisited Saturday, Aug. 11, and Sunday, Aug. 12, will bring the fair to an end with rodeos, free with paid fair admission.
August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 11
Eggs and the Kiddie
A child can pose some tough questions By Carey Bradshaw
There’s the Quarter-Life Crisis and the Mid-Life Crisis and I guess I am somewhere in the middle. In my mind I am still 23 years old and not really all that mature. In reality I am hovering around 40 (a lady never reveals her age, you Carey Bradshaw know). I have a couple of mortgages, a couple of businesses, a husband and a kid. I am the epitome of the “responsible adult.” Yet sometimes I wonder who I am and how the heck I got here so quickly. I mean, I’m still only 23 on the inside, right? Anyone else out there know what I’m talking about? This is my identity crisis. I sometimes feel like I am not old enough or mature enough or, heck, responsible enough for all of the commitments in my life. Inside I am still a recent college graduate, uncertain what the future holds, and off to travel the world with nothing but a backpack. I sometimes wonder how I went from there to here. Yes, I do realize that 20 years have passed but honestly sometimes I don’t know how or when. I feel like I turned around and, while I
was so busy chasing goals and dreams, those years flashed by. Is that weird? Probably. I am a bit weird. My challenge is this: I have a toddler. She expects me to know everything. I don’t. I make stuff up as I go. Is that wrong? Probably. Her big question lately is where was she before she was born. Heavy stuff for a 3-year-old. “You didn’t exist” seemed like a harsh response. So I told her she was a thought in mommy’s mind and a feeling in mommy’s heart. I thought that was a pretty clever answer. Nope. “But WHERE was I, Mommy?” she asked. How do you explain to your toddler that you had a whole life on your own before she was born? So I have started sharing stories of Mommy’s life before kids (Don’t worry, only the G-rated ones). It is both wonderful and hilarious to watch her try to process the concept that I had a life “before” her. As she learns about her mom as an actual person, I get to relive childhood through her. It’s a win-win. So, while it seems my carefree, footloose and fancy-free days are over, I am enjoying this new chapter of life as I get to see the world through the eyes of a 3-year-old again. She continually reminds me just how much I have grown and how far I have come in this life. I am grateful.
For Everyone Get this school year started off with great health and happiness.
This Fall come join the DancekidsFun Program
Many weekly classes to choose from. Ages-Toddler to 10yrs old Classes starting the week of September 10th. Special offer: Signup by August 24th and receive a $25.00 discount!
ALL ABOUT DANCEKIDS:
The Dancekids Program has been in the Bay Area for over twenty-five years and is excited to bring DanceKids to the Santa Barbara County! State of the Art Dance Studio in Santa Barbara. Our program has been incorporated into the curriculum of many schools to educate children on the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyle. All About Leslie Sokol: Leslie has been teaching dance and fitness to children for over 30 years. She is certified through Dance Masters of America and is a member of the International Dance and Exercise Association. Her mission is to motivate children to believe in themselves and to have fun with dance and exercise.
Carey Bradshaw is a working mom just trying to balance it all. She runs Hooter Holster by Carey Bradshaw and Creative Butter.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Photo contributed
Tuition-free parenting classes return to SBCC
A new year of SBCC’s parenting-skills classes will begin Monday, Aug 27.
Staff Report
Children don’t come with instructions, but SBCC’s School of Extended Learning is bringing back its most popular parenting-skills classes this fall. The tuition-free classes, which begin Aug. 27, are designed for parents of kids from newborn to 5 years old. The sessions bring parents, their children and other parents together to socialize and grow. The program includes more than 25 classes for parents, grandparents and caregivers of infants and children through preschool. The group setting teaches parents practical and immediately usable skills, and addresses physical, emotional and neurological development, while families participate, grow and bond together. Parents can register for a single class or a combination in the age group appropriate
for their children. There are multiple options, including Toddler Times, Growing Times, Creativity and Preschoolers, Music Times, and Nature Walk. Most classes run eight weeks and are held weekday mornings, with a few Saturday morning seminars for parents to attend without children. Parents of children ages 2.5 years to preschool can also enroll in intensive parent-child workshops, which continue a 55-year, tuition-free legacy. Workshops are made up of a 2.5-hour lecture just for parents and a five-hour morning lab for students and their children. Application and registration are required at the Wake Campus at 300 N. Turnpike Road, Schott Campus at 310 W. Padre St., or at www.sbcc. edu/ExtendedLearning. Call 805-683-8200 for more information.
OPEN STUDIOS TOUR Proceeds beneet the
12 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
What you need to know to keep arthritis at bay By Cottage Health Contributed
We ask a lot of our joints. We bend and twist all day and think nothing of it — until arthritis sets in. More than 50 million Americans are living with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms, and with a rapidly aging population, that number is expected to jump to nearly 70 million by 2030. “Arthritis” literally means joint inflammation, and it can refer to any condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints or surrounding tissues. “A case of arthritis may be mild or severe, short-lived or permanent,” said Dr. Anthony Romero, a surgeon affiliated
with the Cottage Center for Orthopedics. “But no matter what form of the disease a person has, today’s treatments can make life better.” Anything that damages a joint can cause arthritis. The list of common culprits includes injuries, infections, overactive immune systems, and simple wear and tear. According to the National Institutes of Health, researchers have identified more than 100 different forms of arthritis. Distinguishing one variety from another can sometimes be tricky, but it’s a crucial step toward getting the right treatment. The most familiar form of the disease is
osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints starts to wear out, a process that usually occurs over a long period. Osteoarthritis comes on gradually, and usually affects either a single joint or just a few joints. Most people with the condition experience pain and stiffness in a hip, knee or hand. Rheumatoid arthritis is another common type, and it arises when the immune system attacks joint tissue. Unlike osteoarthritis, it can strike people of any age, from infants to seniors. (In children 16 and under, the condition is now referred to as juvenile idiopathic arthritis or juvenile arthritis.) And unlike osteoarthritis, it often affects many joints at once. You and your doctor will have to work together to manage your arthritis. In addition to taking medications as directed (these may vary depending upon the type of arthritis you have), you must take proper care of your joints. First and foremost, you need to find the right balance of rest and exercise. You don’t want to put undue strain on your sore joints, but you should use them as much as possible. Your doctor can recommend rangeof-motion and endurance exercises and other activities that will help keep your joints strong and flexible. Hydrotherapy, stretching, weight training and t’ai chi have all been reported to relieve pain. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery recommends a low-impact aerobic exercise program. Even simple steps like using ice and heat — including taking a warm
bath or shower in the morning — can help ease pain and stiffness by relaxing muscles. It is also important to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and good fats such as omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish, flax seed and walnuts. If you are overweight, your doctor may also suggest slimming down to take the extra stress off your joints. This can be especially helpful to overweight people with osteoarthritis in the knee or hip, according to the American College of Rheumatology. One small study of 40 overweight patients who had osteoarthritis in the knee found that losing excess body fat through exercise relieved pain and other symptoms. You may also want to enroll in a patient education program, like the six-week selfhelp program sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation. Participants in such programs have reported a 15 percent to 20 percent decline in pain, as well as lower health-care expenses, according to a Johns Hopkins report. The course is taught by nonprofessionals who have arthritis and have undergone special training. Contact the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation for details. Finally, many special devices can help you manage daily tasks. Canes and walkers may be useful if you’re having difficulty walking. Labor-saving tools, including lever handles, foam-handled utensils, tongs, rubber bottle and jar openers, and wheeled carts can also make life a lot easier. No matter what form of arthritis you may have, take it seriously. There’s no reason to put up with the pain, and there’s no reason to tackle it alone.
Montessori Center School
TRY A CLASS Kindermusik with Kathy & Friends Instrument, Singing and Movement classes for all ages, Babies to Big Kids 9 yrs. KindermusikwithKathy.com (805)455-8226.
Call Today for a Tour!
Classes Start August 22nd. Limited Space Available.
Ages 18 Mos. – 6th Grade (805) 638-9383 401 N. Fairview Ave. www.MCSSB.org
August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 13
Technology helping seniors, families in Carpinteria rooms anymore,” she said. “Once Einstein really took hold, residents became excited each time Einstein powered up. It has become an integral part of our activity program.” “The primary mission of the company was to make the residents’ lives better, but what we learned is when you get the older adults engaged, families look at them differently and staff look at them differently,” said iN2L co-founder and president Jack York. “Most importantly, we are breaking down stereotypes of what people with dementia can do, if they’re engaged with something that is meaningful to them.” “Each day we are discovering more ways to use Einstein to augment care plans, stimulate memories, make new memories and create opportunities for families to enjoy the activities along with their loved ones,” Simpson added.
Staff Report
To enhance the lives of its residents, GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care in Carpinteria has implemented technology from It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L), which provides computerized therapy experiences tailored to each resident’s needs and abilities. GranVida adopted the technology in 2017, and it was recently voted one of the top five social engagement tools for addressing the social and emotional needs of seniors, according to Medtech Boston. The residents at GranVida, the only senior living community in Carpinteria, have had a very positive reaction to the technology (nicknamed Einstein) that is used in more than 2,000 senior living communities across the United States, said Linda Simpson, Community Relations Director for GranVida. “In our Memory Care community, there are no residents isolating themselves in their
For more information about GranVida, go to granvidaseniorliving.com.
BULLYPROOF Boost your child’s self esteem with Aikido wit Ki, the martial art with class. Learn ukemi (falling and flying) and protect the brain. Prevent injuries. Must learn before any other sport!
Tuesday and Thursday classes: Kids and young teens: 4:00 – 6:00 pm Adults and older teens: 6:45 – 8:15 pm
OTA’S
AIKIDO AIKIDO WITH KI
255 Magnolia Ave, Goleta, California Phone: 967-3103
& JUDO,TOO
test your surgery skills AND WIN A SONY PLAYSTATION 4! Join the Cottage Robotic Surgery Center’s free community event. Attendees will have hands-on experience performing a “mock” da Vinci robotic surgery procedure. Prizes will be given to the highest scores, including a Sony PlayStation 4. Registration required - sign up for FREE at cottagehealth.org/robotevent Friday, August 17 |
10 a.m. - noon OR 2 - 4 p.m.
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital |
Burtness Auditorium
400 W. Pueblo St. | Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (Please access the hospital at the entrance located at the corner of Pueblo and Bath Streets)
PRESCHOOL
PRE-K SPACES AVAILABLE FALL 2018
Lic. #426-208876
Call 563-0884
Open to ages 13 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
14 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
Stroke survivor regains her rhythm By Jon Vreeland Contributing Writer
Allison Gustafson has been buoyed by the love of her dancers
As her dance teacher lay in a hospital bed in October, student Izzy Fuentes, 16, held her hand and pleaded, “Please wake up.” Allison Gustafson, the founder and director of State Street Ballet, had been at the movies with a friend Photo by Daniel Dreifuss when she suffered a Allison Gustafson says that being back in the studio is good for her stroke. She was physically physically and also mentally fit, didn’t smoke or drink, and her friend was a doctor who responded immediately to help her, but the stroke kept the veteran dance instructor in her hospital bed for a month, her left side paralyzed, and in a wheelchair for three more. However, she was back on her feet and in her dance studio by March. For now, she teaches certain moves only while holding the wooden barre along the studio wall. She continues to improve, going to physical therapy four times a week. Gustafson, a University of Arizona graduate, is also a sociology professor at Ventura College who firmly believes in maintaining a healthy environment for herself and her dancers — mentally as well as physically. She started to dance at 5 years old in Fort Worth. Before moving to Santa Barbara in the early 1990s, she earned her master’s degree in sociology at the University of Arizona and met a
Photos Contributed Even the youngest dancers learn creative dance and perform adorable routines at the end of each semester.
dance teacher named Rodney Gustafson in Tucson. The couple moved to Santa Barbara and soon opened State Street Ballet, where Rodney is the assistant director. They have one daughter, Afton, 19, who both dances and teaches at her parents’ studio. She will attend UCSB as chemistry major this fall. State Street Ballet, founded in 1993, is on Las Positas Road just off Highway 101 in a beige, one-story building surrounded by towering eucalyptus. It has four separate dance studios with walls covered by mirrors and wooden barres. In each studio on a recent morning, a piano guided the younger dancers through meticulous morning routines in Gustafson’s summer camp. Dancers with State Street Ballet perform
Eagle Scout project helps Beekeepers Association Staff Report
The Montecito debris flow and its devastating damage hit close to home for many people, but Boy Scout Connor Platt saw it as a unique opportunity to make a difference. Scouts like Connor who are working toward the rank of Eagle Scout, among other requirements, must plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project. So after learning that the Santa Barbara Beekeepers Association (SBBA) had lost most of its equipment in the January mudslide, Connor did just that. He immediately contacted SBBA Director Paul Cronshaw, who was thrilled to work with Connor and readily offered a list of items that needed to be replaced. “Acting as the primary pollinator among insects, bees are an essential part of the environment. And with Santa Barbara County relying heavily on its agricultural industry, bees are a welcome and integral member of our community,” Cronshaw explained. “Connor recognized this need, and we couldn’t be more appreciative
of his hard work.” By June 23, working at the Goleta Elks Lodge, Connor and Los Padres Council Troop 37 had built and stained 20 beehive stands. The stands serve several needs, including protection against disease caused by moisture, averting certain predators, and establishing necessary ventilation to control temperature and humidity in the hive. “I was so excited to be able to help out the SB Beekeepers Association. We’re always hearing about how important it is to save the bees, and this project allowed me to help both the bees and a local nonprofit affected by the mudslide,” Connor said. “I encourage everyone to check out what they’re doing for the community.” Founded in 2011, the Santa Barbara Beekeepers Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of beekeeping through best practices, the education and mentoring of people about honey bees and beekeeping, and increasing public awareness of environmental concerns affecting honey bees. More information is available at www.SBBA.org.
several productions each season, including “The Nutcracker” at the Granada Theatre each Christmas season. In September they will perform “The Soiree” annual gala and fundraiser, which benefits State Street Ballet. The academy’s summer camps teach toddlers in the mornings on weekdays, as well as 8- to 18-year-olds who continue into the middle afternoon. There are 10 instructors besides the Gustafsons, all with top dance credentials and a lifetime of dance experience. Gustafson’s students range from toddlers all the way up to 90 years old. The mother, ballet instructor, business owner, sociology professor and hemimorphic stroke survivor says she enjoys working as a teacher, but
Gustafson Dance provides instruction for dancers of all levels, beginner through professional. Her students perform “The Nutcracker” each year at the Granada Theatre.
she especially enjoys the kids — and that love has been returned. When Gustafson suffered what the American Heart Association says is the fifth leading cause of death and disability in the United States, Izzy Fuentes and other students showed their devotion to a woman who teaches them that self-worth, hard work and healthy attitudes get outstanding results. “The support has been amazing,” Gustafson said. “We’ve all been like one big family.” To learn more about Gustafson Dance and State Street Ballet, log onto www.gustafsondance.com. The fall semester starts Sept. 10 with classes in jazz, tap, ballet and more.
Annual art studio tour to benefit diabetes research Staff Report
Local artists will display their talent and their work when the Santa Barbara Studio Artists (SBSA) group hosts is 17th annual open-studios tour on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3, to benefit Sansum Diabetes Research Center. The tour of more than 30 studios in the Santa Barbara area will start each day at the 10 West Gallery at 10 W. Anapamu St. The weekend begins there with an artists’ reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. The 10 West Gallery will have one piece of art from each participating artist to help people choose their favorites before beginning a tour. The hours for the tours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. Participants can get a map and weekend pass at the gallery now or on the weekend of the tour. Tickets are $25 per person or $20 each for two or more, with children 12 and younger participating for free. To buy tickets or register in advance, go to www.santabarbarastudioartists.com. For more
Photos by Daniel Dreifuss “One Queen Down,” by Cynthia James.
information, call 805-280-9178 or email info@ santabarbarastudioartists.com A spokeswoman for SBSA said its artists are particularly eager for the tour after the disruption and tragedies caused by the Thomas Fire in December and Montecito debris flows in January. They want to demonstrate that art can help heal a traumatized community, she said. For more information about the group, go to www.SantaBarbaraStudioArtists.com. For more about the event’s beneficiary, go to www.Sansum.org.
August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 15
16 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
The spiritual voyage of a lifetime
Valley welcomes its first Soto Zen priest, who happens to be a woman
A
By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
fter nearly 60 years of spiritual dedication, devotion and study, Carol Abrahamson is the Santa Ynez Valley’s first Soto Zen priest and one of the first women to be ordained in what historically has been a male-dominated community. She was ordained in 2016 at the Santa Barbara Zen Center by Sensei Gary Koan Janka, head teacher and officiating priest at the center, who remains her teacher and friend. “It is a great honor to have such a wise and learned teacher in our midst. She is a valley treasure,” said Sandra Mastromonaco, a board member and participant in the local sangha, a meditation group. “You don’t just say ‘I want to be a Zen priest,’ you have to be invited, and it takes many years of study, dedication, and practice to become one,” Abrahamson said. “And then the study and practice continues. I won’t get through all the levels in this lifetime. I will be 80 years old in July.” “There is tremendous value when a spiritual center has leadership that has the credentials and a great intention of providing a learning environment,” Abrahamson continued. “People come to the sangha wanting to learn something or understand something that is troubling them in their lives. I want to give them something to take away with them and apply it to their lives and see an improvement – to learn and blossom.” “The sangha is meant to help people broaden their spiritual path and inspire people to compassion, love and patience for all they encounter,” said Mastromonaco. “Carol, or Kanjin as we call her, is a lovely, gentle person who exudes these qualities and teaches in the same manner.” Kanjin is the Buddhist name that was given to Abrahamson at her ordination. It means Perfect Compassion, and it is the name by which her students address her. “Kanjin has swung open a gate to learning in a way that is accessible and applicable to daily living. Her experience, openness and humor have enriched my life,” said Pamela Harris, the board secretary and sangha member. Abrahamson had had a private practice in the valley for eight years, providing end-of-life care in the Buddhist tradition. When her last patient died nearly two years ago, Sensi Koan suggested that she open a Zen sangha in the valley. A friend gave her a list of five places that might be suitable and the first person she approached was Chad Melville, then the owner of Samsara Wine Company. He immediately offered his tasting room in Los Olivos to her, free
of charge. “So many people showed up the first day, there was a line down the street. I had to turn some away, as the tasting room would only hold 14 people or so,” Abrahamson said. “I ended up with a data base of 130 people, all interested in meditation. After a few meetings, the space at the tasting room became too small, so we moved to the Grange.” John Patrick Sullivan, board vice president and a sangha member, recalled that first class, and that line. “When I first met Kanjin, in December 2016, she was about to give her first class at Samsara Winery’s tasting room. … Someone was checking names at the door (and) … I expected to be turned away. .... But then Kanjin calmly walked over and said, ‘Please find this man a cushion.’” The journey to priesthood requires many years of diligent study and dedication to the practice of Zen Buddhism. Abrahamson began her long spiritual journey in her 20s. Born and raised in Petaluma, she says she found her way to Buddhism carrying around an old tattered copy of “Siddhartha,” thinking that surely those words would lead her to a teacher. And in a curious way they did. While living in San Francisco, working as a technician in Marin General Hospital, she met someone who would change her life. “I met Alan Watts (a British philosopher, writer, speaker and Zen teacher) during his illness while I was working at Marin General Hospital,” said Abrahamson. “We began with talks, Zen talks — rather, Alan talked and I listened. Ultimately Watts introduced her to Dr. Kim McKell, his then co-lecturer, an ordained teacher in the Tibetan tradition and a Jungian psychologist. It was arranged for Abrahamson to study meditation with her. After a time, McKell brought her to the San Francisco Zen Center and introduced her to Suzuki Roshi, a Soto Zen monk and teacher who helped popularize Zen Buddhism in the United States. Her time at the San Francisco Zen Center ended when she and her husband and children prepared to move to Iran. “My husband had received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach at the University of Pahlavi in Shiraz, Iran,” she said. “There were six children to consider, many endings: a design practice which I had, restoring historical buildings,
Photo by Pamela Dozois Carol Abrahamson is the Santa Ynez Valley’s first Soto Zen priest, and one of the first women to be invited into the priesthood.
Richard’s dental practice, a beautiful home in Sonoma, friends and family. I had continued to meditate and study, however I had not moved beyond conceptual understanding to experiential exploration and integration of the Zen teachings. So when we embarked on the journey to Iran I did not have the inner resources that would guide me into a Middle Eastern experience, and my carefully constructed way of life blew apart. “Iran, at that time, was mostly unknown and often misunderstood by the Western world. It is an ancient culture, mysterious, ambiguous, unpredictable, and steeped in religious paradox. This would not be like moving to Paris,” she said jokingly. “My Buddhist practice had been built on intellectual knowledge without application to daily life, so of course it was not sustaining me – talking Zen is not living Zen,” she said. “Yet my year and a half in Iran was a precious gift. It was the beginning of the dismantling of my ego, thus allowing an opening into awareness of limitations, dysfunctional behavior and beliefs of ignorance. By the time I returned to the United States, I was learning to manage my anguish, confusion, and self-doubt and to be willing to struggle with discomfort without projecting the cause onto others,” Abrahamson said. She returned to the United States seeking a different practice, softer than Zen, with an emphasis on the feminine. She chose Siddha Yoga, a Hindu tradition. “I eventually went to study at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland, with meditation master and teacher Gurumayi Chidvilasananda,” continued Abrahamson. “Siddha Yoga proved to be exactly what I was seeking. I settled in and requested my seva (assignment). I wanted to work in the bakery but Gurumayi had other plans for me. Instead I was asked to join a team with the purpose of designing a small temple to be built behind the Ashram in Oakland. This would be ‘design by committee.’ I was
not a happy camper. “Meeting weekly with four others, it took about a year to arrive at an agreed-upon plan. When the drawings were presented to Gurumayi, she responded with appreciation for all our efforts and then informed us that the project had been canceled. I then realized the lesson I had been given. The many years of work in the architectural/design field had reinforced a ‘results oriented’ mindset. Gurumayi had given me an opportunity to find the meaning in process by finding joy working in the present moment without holding onto future results.” Next, in two years at the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, she began her training in end-of-life care. She then moved to Florida to work with a hospice organization for four years before coming to the Santa Ynez Valley. “My life has not been lived as a planned trajectory. Rather, it has been a voyage, a path of learning and service, and with the end of my story comes a new beginning of learning and teaching at the sangha in Los Olivos,” she said. Abrahamson continues her studies at Santa Barbara Zen Center. She also leads two meditation groups very Wednesday at the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, one at 9 a.m. and another at 5 p.m., which includes a traditional service with meditation, followed by a dharma talk (Buddha’s teachings). The Grange is at 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave. in Los Olivos. The hall is open Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. for anyone who wishes to drop in and meditate. Everyone, including children, is welcome to attend the sangha. Donations are welcome, as Abrahamson is sustained by donations. She also officiates at weddings, renewal of vows ceremonies, and memorial services. Abrahamson can be reached at clabrahamson@gmail.com or 818-813-4008.
August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 17
Laila Ali encourages campers to find their inner strength By Jon Vreeland Contributing Writer
When Muhammed Ali’s daughter, Laila Ali, entered the ring in the late 1990s, the boxing legend initially told his youngest child, “Come on, boxing is a man’s sport.” That is one of the many stories the female boxer related when she visited a group of 50 Empowered Wellness campers on July 6 in Isla Vista, just as the year’s first heatwave struck the Santa Barbara coastline. Temperatures soared well into the 90s as kids at the Empowered Wellness Summer Camp, founded by Eliza Kingsford, gathered inside Tropicana Gardens to listen to Laila Ali speak about health, motivation, and always trying your best. “God gave us our own life to live,” Ali said. “We all have inner strength, and what it takes. You just got to tap into it.” The four-time super middleweight champion stood in front of the campers, surrounded by stacks of her latest cookbook, “Food For Life.” The book contains more than 100 recipes that follow the author’s philosophy, “Nutrition is King. Flavor is Queen.” Ali spoke about her father, referring to him as a “global icon, the “GOAT: Greatest of All Time,” a term she said her father created himself. And for himself. But she told the smiling audience that even though she had “big shoes to fill,” she never worried about living up to her father’s triumphs. “Those were his. I had my own plans,” said the successful entrepreneur. “At 9 years old I
Photo contributed Each camper received a free copy of Laila Ali’s latest achievement, her first cookbook, “Food For Life.”
wanted to make my own money. At 18 I wanted to be out of the house and pay my own rent.” By age 19 Laila owned a nail salon, a feat she accomplished herself, without any help from her father. She wanted to be “self-sufficient,” she said. But when she discovered women’s boxing in the middle 1990s, “something just clicked. I was like, ‘My dad is Muhammad Ali. Why didn’t I know about this?’” However, she said, she had never considered herself the athletic type, and she was about 30 pounds overweight. She contemplated boxing for a year and then hit the gym. “I fought every night after school, even though I was tired. Something in me said to
be the best I can be. And I had to believe in myself,” said the undefeated daughter of the prizefighting legend. (Muhammad Ali won 56 out of 61 fights, 37 of them by knockout.) After six months of training, the sport grabbed her soul for good. But since most fathers fear their daughters getting forcibly knocked down a number of times — until they lie on the sweaty mat and can’t get up — Ali said she knew her father’s objection was only because he cared about her and feared for her safety. “I wasn’t upset, but I’m hard headed, just like my dad,” she explained. “I’ve always been the one to go against the grain. And if I’m going to make a wrong decision, it’s going to be my
wrong decision.” Her first fight had 80 news outlets in attendance. As her father had predicted, “the whole world was watching.” That night, she knocked out her opponent in 54 seconds. And after her triumphant debut, she went on to fight — and win — 24 bouts. She never lost a fight, and she knocked out 21 of her 24 opponents. She retired after eight years, but not before fighting her last bout in 2007 in South Africa with Nelson Mandela in the audience. “Can you imagine if I would’ve listened to my dad?” as the smiling four-time champ and mother of a 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. “My dad apologized to me. He cried, too. And so did I. I guess I didn’t know I cared that much what he thought.” Despite the challenges she’s faced and what others may have thought of her days as a boxer — before, during, or after that career — Ali listens to her own body and mind, striving to be the best version of herself possible. “I never compare myself to anyone but myself,” she said. At the end of the event the kids lined up for a free copy of “Food For Life” and her autograph, and then Kingsford said a few words of gratitude to Ali for driving up from Los Angeles on a scorching summer day. Then the founder of Empowered Wellness spoke of the vitality of our thoughts, the subtlety of their strength, and how a healthy and positive attitude makes all the difference to an athlete or anybody. “That’s the difference between the successful and not successful,” Ali concurred.
NEED A PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT?
Adults-Only Af terpar ty AUGUST 17 Tickets Now On Sale moxi.org/afterpar ty
18 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
New mobile app helps families with autism enjoy museum
MOXI created the app with Chicago-based Infiniteach, a company that develops technolOXI, The Wolf Museum of Explora- ogy to help make museums and other cultural institutions more inclusive. The MOXI tion + Innovation, has launched a launch is the first for the app in Southern new app to help families affected California. by autism and other sensory-processing MOXI’s three floors are filled with a disorders before, during and after they visit variety of exhibits divided into seven tracks, the interactive science museum in Santa including areas focused on light, sound and Barbara. speed. However, these same elements can be The Moxi Accessibility app is free to stressful for guests download on with sensory-proiOS and Ancessing disorders. droid devices. “We’re honored It includes a to be a part of a pilot customizable test of this unique profile and and impactful way to visual schedule, use technology as a sensory-friendway to better prepare ly map of the guests for a visit museum, social to our interactive guides and a museum,” said Ron MOXI memory Skinner, director of game in case education at MOXI. the user needs a For more informabreak from the tion on accessibility exhibits. at MOXI and to Its social Photo contributed download the app, guides cover Kids race the cars they build at MOXI, then watch for scores. visit moxi.org/achow to precess. In online app stores, search “Moxi” to pare for a visit, what noises and sights to quickly find the app. expect, and detailed descriptions and video The nonprofit MOXI, at 125 State St., is previews of the exhibits. Social guides can also be personalized to the user’s preference open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on holidays and during special events. For more with options such as content description information, including ways to get involved, details, text size and text-to-speech options visit moxi.org or call 805-770-5000. for people who are visually impaired.
M
Staff Report
Photo contributed The Goleta Education Foundation’s annual Lemon Run will begin and end at Goleta Beach Park on Sunday, Sept. 23.
Registration open for school-benefit Lemon Run Staff Report
Serious and casual runners and walkers are invited to participate in the Goleta Education Foundation’s annual Lemon Run on Sunday, Sept. 23, to raise money for Goleta schools. Beginning and ending at Goleta Beach Park, the Lemon Run offers 10K and 5K races, and a 1K fun run for kids on a paved path. Adults and kids, walkers and joggers, sprinters and strollers are all welcome.
All proceeds will go toward Innovation Grants for teachers at the 9 elementary schools in the Goleta Union School District. Registration is available now at RunSignUp.com. To volunteer to help with the event, click on the volunteer button on the registration page. For more information about Goleta Education Foundation, Lemon Run sponsorship and details, go to www.GoletaEducationFoundation.org.
August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 19
MTD poster contest drew some 70 entries
Students’ winning art to decorate MTD buses Staff Report
grade, Monroe School n Honorable mention: Camilla Jorgensen, first grade, La Patera School Winners in grades 4-6 are: n 1st Place: Frankie Macias, fourth grade, Aliso School n 2nd Place: McKenna Quinn, fourth grade, Washington School n 3rd Place: Evelyn Tano, fifth grade, Peabody Charter School n Honorable mention: Milo Rencher, fourth grade, Monroe School
Winning student artwork will be featured inside MTD buses for the next year, as a result of the “Superhero Buses” poster contest that the transit district held this spring for students in first through sixth grades. With more than 70 entries, MTD employees voted on the winners. Participating sites includes elementary schools from Goleta to Carpinteria, the Montecito YMCA Afterschool Program, Carpinteria Li- Frankie Macias, a fourth-grader at Aliso School, shows his winning artwork. brary, Carpinteria Boys & Girls Club, city of Santa Barbara RAP Program, Girls Inc., and the Downtown Santa Barbara Boys & Girls Club. Winners in grades 1-3 are: n 1st Place: Julie Maya, third grade, Aliso School n 2nd Place: Isabell Payne, third grade, Photo contributed Washington School Julie Maya, an Aliso School third-grader, won the competition n 3rd Place: Weston Burwell, third in grades 1-3.
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20 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
Ask the Zookeeper
Zoo’s twin giant anteater pups are rare Staff Report
“What can you tell me about the giant anteater’s twin babies?” — Percy, age 10. It’s rare for a female giant anteater to give birth to two offspring, but the Santa Barbara Zoo’s Anara has done it two times — and she is a twin herself! In the wild, one of the twins probably would not survive. Giant anteater babies grow fast, and it is difficult for the mom to provide enough milk for both. A mother also carries her baby on her back until it is nearly her size. Carrying twins would be impossible after just a few weeks. These female twins were born on Nov. 21. We wanted both to stay with their mom as long as possible, giving them the best chance to thrive. Anara did an amazing job, but as we suspected, one pup did not gain weight at the same rate as the other. If we did not interfere, we would lose one of them. After five days, the smaller pup was moved to an incubator in the zoo’s Animal Clinic, where keepers began round-the-clock feedings. She was named Fancy Nancy Drew by sponsors. The larger pup who stayed with Anara was named Maria Luisa in honor of keeper Maria Cordero’s 25 years at the zoo.
Once the pups were weaned and eating solid food, we decided to try to reintroduce Fancy Nancy to Maria Luisa and Anara. Usually, a hand-reared pup is not introduced to another anteater until it is at least a year old and ready to breed. But we knew other zoos had successfully housed female adult giant anteaters together. We hoped for peaceful coexistence. What happened was amazing – Fancy Nancy was completely accepted by her mother and sister. It didn’t happen overnight, and took a lot of small steps, but it was worth it. Where’s Ridley, the pups’ dad? He stays by himself. In the wild, male anteaters are near females only when it is time to breed. This prevents him from taking up food resources where the female and her pups live. Right now, Anara and her
Photo contributed The zoo’s female anteater twins were born on Nov. 21.
two pups are on view near the Zoo Train Station. Find out more at www.sbzoo.org. — Melanie, Senior Mammal Keeper Does your child have a question about
an animal at the Santa Barbara Zoo? Post it on our Facebook page (facebook.com/santabarbarafamilylife) for a chance to get free Zoo tickets.
Keep Saving Santa Barbara! To reduce water use & your bill: • Check and adjust your automatic sprinkler system every month. • Apply a layer of mulch to increase your soil’s water retention. • Irrigate efficiently by switching to drip or watering by hand.
Rebates may be available. Call 805-564-5460 to schedule a FREE water checkup. Learn more at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/WaterWise
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First 5 appoints new executive director Staff Report
The First 5 Commission of Santa Barbara County has promoted Interim Executive Director Wendy Sims-Moten to executive director of First 5 Santa Barbara County. Since 1996 she has been the business manager for First 5, overseeing its fiscal systems and accountability, operations, human resources, and organizational and staff development. “Wendy is a great asset to the county and brings exceptional leadership and management expertise to this crucial role,” said Anna Kokotovic, chairwoman of the First 5 SBC Commission. “She has the insight and passion to help move this outstanding organization forward to ensure we continue to support the health and development of local children and their families.” First 5 Santa Barbara County, funded by Proposition 10, partners with organizations throughout the county to support the early learning and well being of children up
to age 5 and their families. Since its founding in 1999, the Santa Barbara County First 5 Commission has distributed more than $65 million to programs that support the health and cognitive, social and emotional development of local children and their families. “I know Wendy will provide professionalism, leadership and excellent customer service in a dynamic and challenging environment to address current and future needs of our county’s children and families,” said Mona Miyasato, County Executive Officer. Miyasato added, “I would also like to thank Ben Romo for his many contributions and innovative leadership over the past five years as Executive Director of First 5.” Romo became the management recovery and community engagement coordinator for the County Office of Emergency Management in March 2018, a special assignment serving as a liaison between residents, nonprofits and the county for recovery efforts following the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow. For information about First 5 Santa Barbara County, go to www. first5santabarbaracounty.org.
August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 21
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Office Locations Dr. Michael Shenoda (left) and Dr. Joseph Aragon (right)
Joseph Aragon, MD, FACC, FSCAI and Michael Shenoda, MD, FACC, FSCAI Sansum Clinic is so proud to have this caliber of physicians to serve our patients and the entire central coast. This level of care is usually only available at major academic medical facilities – but Dr. Aragon and Dr. Shenoda offer it right here in Santa Barbara.
Visit sansumclinic.org, or call (805) 898-3138 to schedule an appointment.
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22 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
AUGUST CALENDAR OF EVENTS and Nursery, and special rates for travel, events, and classes throughout the year. To become a member or upgrade a membership to the dog-friendly level, visit sbbg.org or call 805-6824726, ext. 110. For more information about Trails ’n’ Tails, visit sbbg.org/trailsntails.degenerative diseases.
Garden to host Trails ’n’ Tails on Aug. 18 The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will host its ninth annual Trails ’n’ Tails event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road in Santa Barbara. While well-behaved dogs on leash are always welcome at the garden, Trails ’n’ Tails brings a myriad of canine-friendly activities for visitors to socialize their pets (and themselves) in a beautiful outdoor setting. Admission to the event is free with a dog on leash. The event includes a pack walk, costume parade, therapy dogs, a photo booth, caricature drawings, access to canine experts and community resources, demonstrations on pet safety, training, hiking, and more. “The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden encourages people to get outdoors and enjoy the amazing landscapes of California,” said Steve Windhager, the garden’s executive director. “With more than five miles of trails, the garden provides a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors, and a safe space to walk your dog all year long.” Visitors can help keep the garden dog-friendly with a special dog-friendly annual membership. Benefits include free admission, discounts at the Garden Shop
5K to benefit local cancer patients
Organic Soup Kitchen will host its first 5K Walk Strong at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Leadbetter Beach to benefit its program of delivering soup to cancer patients. The event will feature a Finish Line Festival where participants can enjoy organic foods, juices, and a beer garden. The 5K Walk Strong is Organic Soup Kitchen’s first local benefit walk to raise money for cancer patients and to raise cancer awareness. The event will be a “fun” walk and run, so participants are not required to have bibs. Community members are encouraged to create a team with co-workers, friends or family and “walk strong” for the cause. Themed teams and costumes are optional. There will be an official T-shirt for all registrants. Tickets are on sale now. To register, visit raceroster.com/events/2018/18358/ organic-soup-kitchen-5k-walk-strong. Organic Soup Kitchen makes organic, non-GMO, plant-based, nutrient-dense soups for populations with compromised immune systems. The program is a weekly soup delivery service for cancer patients and for those with degenerative diseases.
Come in from the heat...
8 WEDNESDAY
The Iron Giant - 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Free Summer Cinema Series - In this beloved and critically acclaimed animated feature, an inquisitive young boy named Hogarth Hughes forms a powerful friendship with a gentle robot visitor from outer space. Log onto www. artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
12 SUNDAY
10
Bryan Tari performs Star Wars and Superman medleys - 3 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. Proceeds benefit the Boy Scouts of America’s Los Padres Council for rebuilding Rancho Alegre. Tickets available at www.lobero.org.
The Iron Giant - 8:30 p.m. at SB County Courthouse - Free Summer Cinema Series - In this beloved and critically-acclaimed animated feature, an inquisitive young boy named Hogarth Hughes forms a powerful friendship with a gentle robot visitor from outer space. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
Science Pub: Geology and Viticulture - 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Dargan’s Irish Pub. Join our fun and friendly conversation, and quench your thirst for knowledge about science and nature with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. www.sbnature.org for more information.
10 FRIDAY
13 MONDAY
15 WEDNESDAY
11 SATURDAY
13
Persepolis - 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Free Summer Cinema Series. The French-Iranian animated film Persepolis traces Satrapi’s growth from a precocious and outspoken 9-year-old to a rebellious, punk-loving teenager in Iran. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info. Steve Miller Band and Peter Frampton - Santa Barbara Bowl - Log onto www.sbbowl.com for tickets and more.
Goleta Railroad Days - Enjoy two days (Aug. 11 - 12) celebrating the 117th anniversary of the historic Goleta Depot with miniature-train rides, model trains, exhibits and displays, handcar rides, story time, musical entertainment, scavenger hunt, and lots of family fun. Log onto www.goletadepot.wordpress.com for more information.
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August 2018 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 23
AUGUST CALENDAR OF EVENTS 16 THURSDAY
The Santa Barbara Art Scene in the 70s: A Conversation - Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Summer Nocturne: Works on Paper from the 1970s, co-moderators SBMA Curator of Contemporary Art Julie Joyce and writer/musician Joe Woodard sit down with artists Dick Dunlap and Joan Tanner to discuss highlights of a historic decade for contemporary art in Santa Barbara. Free. Go to www.sbma.net for more info.
and controversial death of Vincent Van Gogh, told by his paintings and by the characters that inhabit them. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
25 SATURDAY
Zoofari Ball - Sold out for six years running, Zoofari Ball is known as the “wildest fundraiser in town” with more than 500 guests dining, dancing, and supporting the zoo. Contributions will support the animals at the zoo and beyond. Log onto www.sbzoo.org for more or call 805-962-5539.
26 SUNDAY
Prime Time Band Summer Concert - 2 p.m. at Rancho La Patera and Stow House - Free to the public this concert will feature military marches, patriotic music, folk music and other genres. Visit www.ptband.org for more info.
28 TUESDAY
Persepolis - 8:30 p.m. at SB County Courthouse - Free Summer Cinema Series. The French-Iranian animated film Persepolis traces Satrapi’s growth from a precocious and outspoken 9-year-old to a rebellious, punk-loving teenager in Iran. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
18 SATURDAY
Trails and Tails - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Trails ‘n’ Tails is a special dog-friendly event that benefits the Garden’s core programs for education, conservation, and horticulture and helps keep the Garden friendly for dogs and their human companions all year long. Admission to the event is free with a dog on leash. The event includes a costume parade and photo booth, access to canine experts and community resources, and demonstrations on pet safety, training, hiking, and more. For more information, visit sbbg.org/trailsntails.
21 TUESDAY
Parenting Happy Hour - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Creekside Restaurant and Bar, 4444 Hollister Ave. Get together with other parents and caregivers of special needs children. Children are welcome and child care provided with advanced notice. Contact Melissa at 805886-4411 or melissa@dsasbc.org for more info. Labor Day
22 WEDNESDAY
Loving Vincent - 7:30 p.m. UCSB Campbell Hall - Free Summer Cinema Series - The world’s first fully oil-painted feature film, this one-of-a-kind biopic examines the life and controversial death of Vincent Van Gogh, told by his paintings and by the characters that inhabit them. Log onto www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for more info.
24 FRIDAY
Labor DayLabor Day
Loving Vincent - 8:30 p.m. SB County Courthouse - Free Summer Cinema Series - The world’s first fully oil-painted feature film, this one-of-a-kind biopic examines the life
Classes start at Santa Barbara City College. Enroll at www.sbcc.edu/classes. slh42-chris-smither/.
SEPTEMBER
1 SATURDAY
17th Annual SBSA Open Studios Tour – 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sept. 1 & 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sept. 3. 30+ studios in Santa Barbara and surrounding communities open their doors to celebrate the arts. $25 individual, $20 two or more, children 12 and under free. Visit www.santabarbarastudioartists. com for more information or to purchase tickets.
3 MONDAY
Labor Day
CONTINUING EVENTS
slh42-chris-smither/.
SUNDAYS Sea Stories for Families - Enjoy interactive story readings at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center at 211 Stearns Wharf. Program free with admission; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526. Shark Sundays - 3:30 p.m. at the Sea Center, 211 Stearns Wharf. Watch staff feed sharks and rays. Observe shark feeding behaviors, and maybe help throw in a few pieces too; www.sbnature.org or 805962-2526. Studio Sunday on the Front Steps - 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art located at 1130 State Street - Log onto www.sbma.net for more info.
MONDAYS Kindermusik with Kathy - 9:30 a.m. for babies to 18 months; 10:30 a.m. for toddlers 18 month to 3.5 years with caretaker and 5:45 p.m. for 3 to 5.5 years option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register log onto www. kindermusikwithkathy.com. Tom’s Bowling Clinic - 12 – 1:30 p.m. at Zodo’s. Coach Tom Shepard offers a variety of coaching services for beginning bowlers just learning how to bowl, and can help intermediate and advanced bowlers refine their skills and improve their averages. It’s only $10 per session! All ages are welcome. Homeschool Bowling League - 1:30 – 3 p.m. from April 9 – May 28. Teams of 2 (doubles). $100 one-time fee covers the entire session, and includes a new introductory bowling ball (for new league bowlers only),
weekly shoe rental, on lane instruction. Log onto www. zodos.com to register.
TUESDAYS Walk on the Wild Side - 9 a.m. If you are a morning person, love animals, and are age 60+, you’ll love Walk on the Wild Side! Join this lively crew and get your exercise on while enjoying the Zoo. Class walks the grounds for one hour and designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and health. First class is free, sign up at the Zoo’s front gate. Class is for 60-years-old and older. Wiggly Story time - 10:15 a.m. at Goleta Library and 10:30 a.m. at Central Library. Preschool Story Time - 10:30 a.m. Montecito Library Bug Out Tuesdays - 1 a.m. Crawl, fly, swim, or flutter over to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History to learn about the amazing connections invertebrates have to the natural world with rotating activities, art, games, and more. Included in admission. Log onto www.sbnature.org. Octopus Tuesdays - 4 p.m. Watch an octopus consume a meal. Discover camouflage behaviors as you learn more about these intelligent invertebrates at the Sea Center at 211 Stearns Wharf; free with admission; www. sbnature.org or 805-962-2526. Kindermusik with Kathy - 11:45 a.m. for babies to 18 months; 10:30 a.m. for toddlers 18 month to 3.5 years with caretaker and 9:30 a.m. for 3 to 5.5 years option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register log onto www. kindermusikwithkathy.com. Homework Help - 3 p.m. at Eastside Library and 3:30 p.m. at Central Library
WEDNESDAYS Nursery Rhyme Dance Time with Inspire Dance SB - 10:30 a.m. at Goleta Library. Wonder Wednesdays - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Why do butterflies have designs on their wings? How many moons does Jupiter have? Ever wonder about these questions and more? Head over to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History to learn! Log onto www. sbnature.org for more info! Wednesdays on the Waterfront - Noon - 3 p.m. at the Ventura Harbor - Log onto www.venturaharborvillage.com for details. Kindermusik with Kathy - 12:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. for babies to 18 months; 9:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for toddlers 18 month to 3.5 years with caretaker and 10:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for 3 to 5.5 years option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register log onto www.kindermusikwithkathy.com. College Wednesdays - Bowl for just $19 per hour per lane, up to 6 bowlers! $3.00 shoe rental. Enjoy food and drink specials while you bowl — our late night Happy Hour starts an hour early at 9 pm! Get a free bus ride from Isla Vista to Zodo’s. Buses pick up in front of Keg & Bottle in Isla Vista (corner of Embarcadero del Mar and Madrid Road) on Wednesday nights at 9:30 and 10:30 pm and return to Isla Vista from Zodo’s at 11:30 pm and 12:15 am. Log onto www. zodos.com.
THURSDAYS Walk on the Wild Side - 9 a.m. If you are a morning person, love animals, and are age 60+, you'll love
Walk on the Wild Side! Join this lively crew and get your exercise on while enjoying the Zoo. Class walks the grounds for one hour and designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and health. First class is free, sign up at the Zoo's front gate. Class is for 60-years-old and older. Reading with Dogs - 3 p.m. at Goleta Library. Jelly Thursdays - 4 p.m. Experience the beauty of jellies as they gracefully gather their microscopic meals at the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf; free with admission; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526. Spring Adult Ceramics Class - 6-9 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art located at 1130 State Street - Log onto www.sbma.net for more info. Free Thursday Evenings at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art - 5-8 p.m. Log onto www.sbma.net for more info.
FRIDAYS Kindermusik with Kathy - 9:30 a.m. for babies to 5.5 years option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register log onto www.kindermusikwithkathy.com. Yoga with Creative Movement and Music - 10:45 a.m. for 2.5 to 6 years option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register log onto www.kindermusikwithkathy.com. Cantemos Spanish Music Time - 9:30 a.m. at the Goleta Valley Church 595 N. Fairview Ave. To register log onto www.kindermusikwithkathy.com.
SATURDAYS Fisherman's Market - 6-11 a.m. A handful of fishermen can be found on the City Pier (opposite Brophy's) every Saturday selling crab, rockfish, ling cod, black cod, halibut, urchin, abalone (sustainably farmed), and other catch of the day items. Science on Site - Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Check www.sbnature.org for times and topics. Portal to the Plant - 1-3 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.
SUNDAYS Sunday Live Music - 1 - 4 p.m. at Ventura Harbor Village - Soak up the sun while listening to an array of music ranging from Jazz & Soul to Pop & Rock to a blend of Caribbean & Reggae. Log onto www. venturaharborvillage.com for details. Shark Sundays - 3:30 p.m. Watch the Sea Center staff feed sharks and rays. Observe shark feeding behaviors, and if you’re lucky, help throw in a few pieces too! Included with admission to the Sea Center. 211 Stearns Wharf. Log onto www.sbnature. org for more info.
SATURDAY & SUNDAYS Branch Out: Nature Escape Room - Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Until Aug. 19-20. Times vary from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Modeled off the popular “escape room” movement, games are brought to life where kids are the heroes on a quest to solve an environmental mission before time runs out. Register at www.branchoutgames.com. Call 682-4711 ext. 162 for more info. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History - Twinkle, Twinkle for Little Stars, 11 a.m.; Cosmic Safari, noon; Kids’ Space Adventure, 1 p.m.; What’s Up, 2 p.m.; Your Cosmic Quest (en Espanol Los Domingos), 3 p.m.
24 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | August 2018
Because kids don’t come with instructions... Join a community of parents acquiring skills to raise healthy children. Toddler Times, Growing Times, Creativity and Preschoolers, Nature Walk, Music Times... and many more AGES: Infant to 5-year-olds CLASSES BEGIN: August 27
Now
Tuition-free
For more information visit sbcc.edu/ExtendedLearning or call (805) 683-8200.
The easiest way to register for classes is in person at Wake or Schott Campus in Santa Barbara.
Over 25 classes to promote the social and emotional development of your child. Register Now for Fall Semester Parenting Classes
www.sbcc.edu/ExtendedLearning