Santa Barbara Family & Life Magazine December 2019

RIDING HEARTS Horses heal bodies and spirits Page 5

Reindeer visiting for Christmas Page 6 www.santabarbarafamilylife.com

December 2019

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Share your love of nature this holiday season. sbnature.org/membership

2 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

On the Cover...

With the help of dedicated volunteers, people with a range of physical and emotional needs are able to make significant improvement through equine therapy at Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center in Santa Barbara. Participants range from children with physical disabilities to veterans who are struggling with their mental or emotional health.

You can read the full story on Page 5.

Photos contributed Riley, a K-9 who helped search for victims of the Montecito debris flows as well as disaster victims in Puerto Rico, Japan and Nepal, has retired at 11 years old.

Fire Department K-9 retires after high-profile career

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Staff Report

iley, a K-9 who helped search for victims of the Montecito debris flows as well as victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and major earthquakes in Japan and Nepal, has retired at 11 years old from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Before being paired with Capt. Eric Gray of the Fire Department in October 2009, Riley was trained as a live-scent search dog by the Search Dog Foundation in Santa Paula. Gray and Riley continued to train together until they passed their FEMA Certification 2010.

On Aug. 24, 2010, the partners responded to their first disaster, a semi-truck loaded with gravel that had launched off the end of Highway 154 and into a Santa Barbara home.

In 2011, they were deployed to Japan to search for victims in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and tsunami. In 2015, they were again deployed overseas to help find victims of the Nepal Earthquake. In 2017, the duo went to Puerto Rico to search for victims of Hurricane Maria.

Riley’s last high-profile deployment was on Jan. 9 2018, when he and Gray searched for

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several days after the devastating Montecito debris flow.

Having slowed down since his puppy days, Riley now enjoys life as a family pet in the Gray family’s home.

Wild Wood Door Factory, Inc.

Photo contributed Bruce Bennett, right, is a Marine Corps veteran and a Purple Heart recipient who was wounded in 1968 during the Vietnam War. He is a rider at Hearts and one of the founders of its “Equine Services for Heroes” Program.

NEWS

Photo by Daniel Dreifuss Riley has retired at 11 years old from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

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December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 3

Applicants sought for Veterans Service Advisory Committee Staff Report

where she served as a patrol deputy for four years and then worked in dispatch for six years before becoming administrative assistant to the sheriff.

Jarom Kemp, a 13-year veteran, was promoted to sergeant after serving as a corrections officer, custody deputy, deputy and special-duty deputy. He has received many awards, including the H. Thomas Guerry Award for Superior Performance in 2014.

To see current job openings with the department, go to SBSheriff.org.

Applications must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board’s office at 105 E Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 93101 by Monday, Dec. 2.

Photos contributed

Sheriff honors new employees and those promoted

Sheriff Bill Brown welcomed new employees in October and honored others who have been promoted recently.

Staff Report

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he Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office recently welcomed seven new deputies and honored other employees who have been promoted.

Rafael Luna was welcomed as a Correctional Counselor and Crystal Carrillo as a Communications Dispatcher.

Giuseppe Arnoldi, Sean Banks Jr., Valerie Centeno, Scott Naganuma, Raymond Lambert, Vicente Ramirez, and John Valenti were all sworn in as deputies.

Giuseppe Arnoldi is the third “Deputy Arnoldi” at the Sheriff’s Office, following

the lead of his father, Lt. Butch Arnoldi, and his sister, Deputy Francesca Arnoldi.

Giuseppe’s mother, Marla, is also a member of the Sheriff’s Office, working as a senior administrative professional.

Two of the other new deputies bring with them entire careers of experience.

Naganuma is retired from the Santa Barbara Police Department, and Valenti retired from the California Highway Patrol.

Raquel Zick, an 18-year employee of the county, was congratulated on her new role as Public Information Officer. She worked for the Probation Department before being hired by the Sheriff’s Office,

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anta Barbara County is seeking applicants for a vacancy on its Veterans Service Advisory Committee.

The panel’s members serve four-year terms and meet on the third Thursday of February, May, August and November at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall.

The committee’s objectives are to ensure that each veteran obtains the entitlement benefits for which he or she may be eligible; to serve as liaison with the Veteran Services Officer in the interest or improving relationships and coordinating community activities; to study, advise, and recommend to the Veteran Services Officer on special problem areas relating to veterans in the Santa Barbara County and the tri-county area as needed; and to preserve and strengthen veterans’ affairs within the prescribed area.

To apply, complete a Santa Barbara County board and commission application that is available at countyofsb.org/ceo/cob/boards.sbc. An application may also be requested by calling the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240.

4 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

Public help allows Unity Shoppe to reopen

Temporary closure and layoffs were first in nonprofit’s long history Staff Report

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nity Shoppe Inc. reopened its doors on Nov. 12, greeting thousands of local residents in need of food, clothing, toys and critical services at no cost and in time for the holiday season.

All 15 full-time management and staff employees, temporarily laid off on Sept. 16, are working again with a battalion of volunteers to carry out eight different support programs in its service locations: 1401 Chapala Street (Grocery Store and Clothing Center) and 120709 State Street (Thrift Store, Senior Resource Center, Job Prep Program and Disaster Recovery Services).

“Having to temporarily close our doors and dismiss our employees for the first time in over 103 years of operation was devastating for everyone,” said Pat Hitchcock, Unity Shoppe Programs Director. “The experience taught us firsthand what an unanticipated economic downturn or personal crisis can mean for many of our clients and their families,” she added.

The financial support of long-standing donors large and small, many of whom insisted on anonymity when making their matching donations, and the community at large, resulted in Unity raising enough funds for the reopening.

“All of us at Unity feel tremendous gratitude for our friends and supporters, who believe in our mission and the role we serve to so many in our community,” said Tom Reed, Unity’s Executive Director. “Our plan is to build on

this momentum throughout our fall-winter fundraising efforts and to cap it off with our 33rd annual KEYT- televised telethon: “A Time to Rejoice, Reflect and Renew,” hosted by longtime volunteer and friend Kenny Loggins on December 14th.”

The average of 20,000 clients whom Unity serves each year are referred by more than 300 other nonprofits throughout Santa Barbara County to one of its eight different support programs.

The Unity Grocery Store and Clothing Center is relied upon by 10,000 households annually. Low-income families shop for food and clothing to help them make ends meet in order to avoid welfare dependency and homelessness.

More than 1,800 volunteers work alongside Unity staff, including hundreds of seniors who help a range of residents with their handiwork; 5,000 essentials care packages are distributed locally by volunteers to homebound seniors and the disabled. Santa Barbara youth turn to Unity to help their community as well as learn transferable job skills.

Unity Shoppe is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the basic necessities of life and occupational skills training to Santa Barbara’s most vulnerable populations during times of temporary crisis, while encouraging self-sufficiency and independence.

Essential services, like food and clothing distribution, a jobs training program and volunteer initiatives, are offered at no cost to qualifying clients without regard to political affiliation, religious belief or ethnicity.

To make a donation, go to www.unityshoppe. org; for more information, call Tom Reed, 805965-9051, or Pat Hitchcock, 805-979-9511.

Debris-flow risk map to be unveiled Dec. 5 Contributed

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he public is invited to an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, to view the latest Interactive Debris Flow Risk Map that identifies local properties at risk from debris flows or flooding this storm season.

This map is used by local emergency managers to determine what portions of the community will be evacuated if necessary this winter.

The meeting organized by the Montecito Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Carpinteria Summerland Fire Protection District, and 1st District Supervisor Das Williams will be held at Montecito Union School, 385 San Ysidro Road, and streamed live on both the county’s CSBTV cable channel 20 and on YouTube at www.YouTube. com/user/CSBTV20.

The risk map is being updated to include

the most up-to-date scientific research and data gathered after the Thomas Fire and the 1/9 Debris Flow.

If a storm is forecasted that may cause a debris flow, the risk area will be evacuated.

In the event of a rapidly developing storm with little to no warning, residents living in the risk areas should have a plan to protect themselves and their family if it is not safe to evacuate, officials say.

The new interactive map will be online at www.ReadySBC.org beginning Dec. 5. For more information on the updated risk map, call the Montecito Fire Department at (805) 969-7762.

Also on ReadySBC.org, residents are encouraged to register for emergency alerts and download Storm Ready-Set-Go preparedness tips.

For assistance developing a family safety plan, call a local fire department or go to https://www.ready.gov/.

Celebrate the holidays at the Santa Barbara Zoo with Cookie and Peppermint, visiting reindeer on loan from the North Pole.

Now through December 31!

(805) 962-5339 • Just off Cabrillo Blvd. at East Beach • sbzoo.org

December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 5

Equine therapy at Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center

By Raiza Giorgi publisher@santabarbarafamilylife.com

J

ody Fahrenkrug grew up riding horses and even spent time working on a cattle ranch, however getting back in the saddle isn’t as easy as it looks anymore. Fahrenkrug is still recovering from a horrible car accident six years ago which left her with limited mobilities.

“It was really scary getting back on a horse after so long not riding, and with my injuries. My riding helpers encouraged me to trust my abilities and the past six months have been so amazing,” Fahrenkrug said.

She rides weekly at Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center where instructors help Fahrenkrug and several other riders in a group session. They ride around the arena doing exercises which help with core strength and muscle tone, balance and emotional injuries.

Hearts services are open to any person with special needs who can benefit from therapeutic horsemanship from those with physical limitations to emotional support.

Lessons are individually designed to meet each participant’s particular need and ability and are consistent with predetermined goals that are established in partnership with parents, caregivers, physicians, and other therapists.

“People usually find us through word of mouth they don’t have to have any prior skills with horses. It’s amazing how these animals can help people heal from so many different types of damage,” said Morgan Kastenek, development director for Hearts.

Hearts was started in 1985 in someone’s backyard as rumor has it. The original goal to help a friend who had a stroke and riding horses helped with motor skills. It has now outgrowing their current facility and in the process of moving just up the hill as they are building a new facility that will better suit Hearts needs.

“We lease the land from the County who needs it back, and this gave us a great opportunity to design our own space instead of piecemealing it through the years,” Kastenek said.

Their new facility is already starting the process and hopes to have lessons going by late spring to early summer. They plan on having two arenas instead of one to accomodate the growing list of people waiting to take lessons.

Therapeutic riding uses equine-assisted activities and therapies to help with the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people with a wide range of disabilities.

“We had one rider that came to us who struggled to walk unassisted as he had a chromosomal disorder that led to developmental delays and processing information.

In the several years he’s been with us, he can now walk unassisted and he is a great horseman with confidence,” Kastenek said.

Depending on the riders abilities they can be paired with one or several volunteers that help assist during the lesson.

Photo Contributed Hearts Therapeutic Riding services are open to any person with special needs who can benefit from therapeutic horsemanship from those with physical limitations to emotional support.

Photo by Raiza Giorgi Depending on the riders abilities they can be paired with one or several volunteers that help assist during the lesson.

Leaders guide the animal around the arena and sidewalkers help the rider with additional support.

“We would not be here without the amazing volunteers that come each week to help with all aspects from horse care to assisting riders. They are the true heroes of this project,” Kastenek added.

Volunteers are always welcome, and no previous equine experience is necessary, they will train the volunteer with the skills.

Volunteers typically commit to a four-hour shift once a week, and they tend to partner up volunteers with the same rider to build solid relationships, according to Sarah Pugmire, volunteer manager.

“Our volunteers are the best people that help keep our riders safe and guide them to meet their goals,” Pugmire said.

Another aspect of Hearts is their Equine Facilitated Learning program which helps

with life skills and coping with emotions and stress. A licensed therapist or a credentialed educator is present at these sessions or consulted about the sessions.

Equine therapy also help those with psycho-social issues and mental health as connecting with the horses allows exploration of feelings and addressing difficulties.

Also Hearts does a special program just for local veterans, Equine Services for Heroes, which gives servicemen and women opportunities to cope with assimilating back to civilians, connecting with other local veterans, help with stress and PTSD and a sense of community.

“This program has been crafted by veterans for veterans and there is no cost for them to participate. The program director is Shannon McGraw, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Captain who was also a JAG lawyer.

“The veterans particularly like this pro-

Photo Contributed

Photo by Raiza Giorgi With the help of dedicated volunteers people with a range of physical and emotional needs are able to make significant improvement with equine therapy at Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center in Santa Barbara.

gram because after lessons we give them space to connect in their own sacred space and talk about experiences they’ve gone through,” Kastenek said.

One of the founders of the program is Bruce Bennett, a Los Olivos resident who received a Purple Heart at Hearts in 2017.

“Horses are truly empathetic, and it’s a calm feeling that is soothing to the soul,” Bennett said in a previous interview when he got his Purple Heart. “Working with a horse, you can find that your attitude changes. The horses respond to it. When I come out here, I don’t want to get off.”

For more information on the programs they offer, how to get involved or about their exciting move next year, visit www.heartsriding. org. Call Hearts at 805-964-1519 or connect on social media.

6 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

Reindeer visiting SB Zoo through December FYI

You can help protect reindeer by getting creative with concealing presents this year: Use recycled wrapping paper, cloth bags, newspaper or cookie tins instead of buying new gift wrap. Reducing the demand for paper saves old-growth forest habitats in reindeer and caribou territory, which is the only source of food for most animals that overwinter in the north

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n keeping with the holiday season, two female reindeer will be on view at the Santa Barbara Zoo from mid-November through Jan. 1. Cookie and Peppermint will live temporarily near the zoo’s hilltop.

Reindeer and caribou are well-suited for harsh winters; they have two “toes” on each

Photo contributed Cookie and Peppermint will live temporarily near the Santa Barbara Zoo’s hilltop this holiday season until Jan. 1.

foot, which spread out and act like snowshoes to keep them from sinking into snow, soft ice, and wetlands. Rear “dew claws” add traction and help keep animals from slipping when they run. The undersides of their hooves are hollow, allowing the animals to

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dig through snow in search of food.

Listen carefully when the reindeer walk to hear a “click, click, click.” It’s not their hooves, but a tendon that snaps over their ankles. The sound may help keep the herd together in blinding snowstorms.

Reindeer are the only deer species in which both males and females sport antlers.

People sometimes call antlers “horns,” but the two are very different. Horns are made of protein, like fingernails and hair, and don’t ever shed. Antlers are made of bone, and are an extension of an animal’s skull. Antlers also are shed every year.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between reindeer and caribou?

The two are actually subspecies of the same species, and location also defines them. Caribou are wild reindeer that live only in North America and Greenland. Reindeer refers to wild populations in Europe and Asia, and to all of the species in human care worldwide.

Cookie and Peppermint are on loan from Windswept Ranch in the foothills above Antelope Valley near Tehachapi, California. The facility is home to a collection of animals including camels, llamas, zebra, alpacas, sheep, goats, horses, deer and reindeer. Many of the animals have been rescued or rehabilitated.

For more information, visit the Windswept Ranch website at www.capettingzoo.com.

December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 7

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8 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

Eggs and the Kiddie

7 tips for parents in fire preparation

By Carey Bradshaw Contributing Writer

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t’s that time of year again, folks. If you live in California, you know that fire season is a reality in our lives.

The Thomas Fire was our family’s wake-up call when we were evacuatCarey Bradshaw ed for two weeks.

We were among the lucky ones with a home that is still standing.

We were able to shield our then 2-yearold from most of the stress of that situation. In her memory it was a really fun time when we stayed in a hotel and she got to sleep in the big bed with mama and dada.

She is much more aware these days, so we are carefully bringing her into the conversation of how to be safe during a fire.

The local fire department recently visited her classroom and she learned all about “stop, drop and roll” in case of a fire.

That’s a good start ,and boy did it bring back some grade-school memories for me!

The Thomas Fire taught us to have emergency food and water on hand and a bag packed and ready to go at all times.

We have a folder with copies of all our important information and make sure to keep the car gas tank filled. It is incredibly important to be prepared!

Here are 7 key things you can do to stay safe and protect your children. n Talk about wildfires, why they occur,

how to prevent them and what to do if one occurs. n Learn your caregivers’ disaster plans.

If your child’s school or childcare center is in an area at risk from wildfires, find out what the plans are in case of a wildfire. n Practice evacuation drills. Create and

practice your family evacuation plan so that, if needed, you can evacuate quickly and safely. Plan and practice at least two ways out of your neighborhood. n Stay informed. If a wildfire is approaching, listen regularly to local radio or television stations for updated emergency information. Personally, I downloaded the CalFire App and set up alerts. n Have supplies ready. If you must evacuate, wear protective clothing such as sturdy shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Lock your home and take your disaster supplies kit with you. n Avoid smoke and fumes and stay indoors with windows shut if possible.

Smoke produced by the wildfire may cause breathing problems or contain poisonous toxins. Invest in masks for yourself and your children. I purchased small reusable/ washable cloth masks with filters for my daughter. n Limit media exposure and protect children from seeing too many sights and images of the wildfire.

Stay safe out there!

Have other great suggestions? Please share them on www.instagram.com/hooterholster/.

Carey Bradshaw is a working mom just trying to balance it all. She runs Hooter Holster by Carey Bradshaw and Creative Butter.

City fire stations collecting toys, food for annual drive

By Liliana Encinas Contributed

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he Santa Barbara Fire Department is again participating in the annual holiday toy and food drive benefiting Toys for Tots by collecting toys and nonperishable food at each of its eight fire stations.

The toy and food collection drive continues until Friday, Dec. 20.

Each station will have two collection boxes for new, unwrapped toys and storebought, new, unopened nonperishable food.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks and a group of Marine reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.

The pilot project was so successful the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign.

That year, Marine Corps Reserve units across the nation conducted Toys for Tots campaigns in each community in which a Marine Reserve Center was located.

Marines have conducted successful nationwide campaigns at Christmas each year

Photo contributed The Santa Barbara Fire Department is again participating in the annual holiday toy and food drive benefiting Toys for Tots

since 1948.

This year all toys and food collected will be distributed by the Unity Shoppe.

Community members can drop off toys from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week at the following Santa Barbara city fire stations:

n n n n n

Station 1, 121 W. Carrillo St. Station 2, 819 Cacique St. Station 3, 415 E. Sola St. Station 4, 19 N. Ontare Road Station 5, 2505 Modoc Road

n Station 6, 1802 Cliff Drive n Station 7, 2411 Stanwood Drive n Station 8, 40 Hartley Place Call 805-564-5711 for more information.

December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 9

Photo contributed

Shoppers can find unique gifts ‘Crimson Holiday’ crafters return to La Cumbre Plaza at Tribal Arts Marketplace Mata Ortiz pottery by master potter Jorge Quintana Rodriguez is seen in Jerry Boyd’s booth at the marketplace.

Staff Report

Staff Report

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he Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will hold a three-day shopping extravaganza and the largest folk art show in Southern California Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6-8. The event showcases some 30 vendors representing more than 50 countries, featuring a selection of baskets, décor, ethnographic art, furniture, jewelry, pottery, rugs and sculpture.

Sale hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking are free.

While at the event, guests will be able

to stroll through the museum’s picturesque grounds and enjoy cuisine and wine at the Tribal Arts Café, catered by chef Pete Clements and Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard. A number of vendors will be located in the newly restored Fleischmann Auditorium. The marketplace is the auditorium’s first public event since work was completed.

This year, the museum is hosting a VIP Night Exclusive Shopping Party, 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5. Guests will enjoy wine from Buttonwood Winery, appetizers, desserts, and live music while getting first pick of gifts from around the world. Tickets are $20 per person and available at sbnature.org/tickets.

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hoppers can meet more than 40 area artisans and join in welcoming the holiday season at “A Crimson Holiday,” which takes place again this year in La Cumbre Plaza, across from Chico’s.

This year, the event features wearable art including jewelry, designer scarves and shawls.

For the home, shoppers can select from mosaic art, lamps, cutting boards, wine-related items, handmade tiles, Christmas ornaments and sun catchers.

For the young and the young at heart, there are toys, books, clothing, stuffed critters and fairy costumes. A special book of Santa Barbara

holiday memories is available for lovers of Santa Barbara history.

Started years ago by four enterprising local artisans, A Crimson Holiday has grown to include many of the area’s most talented designers, artists, crafters and authors. A Crimson Holiday has become a destination for local holiday shoppers, who look forward to seeing which artisans have returned and what new work is being offered.

The driving force behind the unique holiday offering is Marilyn Dannehower, the creator of MAD Dreams Jewelry Design.

The gallery of wares is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. Extended holiday hours begin Dec. 14.

The perfect gift thinks outside the box.

MOXI Membership.

One card, a full year of fun at Santa Barbara’s home for hands-on learning.

Open Daily 10 AM - 5 PM 125 State St. Santa Barbara 805.770.5000

moxi.org/gift

10 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

SB Council establishes new rules, hours for city parks

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By Michele Kostenuik City of Santa Barbara

ans of Santa Barbara parks have a few new rules to keep in mind, all of which are designed to make local parks safer and more enjoyable places.

Three changes to the Santa Barbara Municipal Code, approved in October by the City Council, put consistent park hours in place, protect playgrounds as safe children’s play areas, and provide guidance on the use of portable barbecues in city parks.

“These changes are something we considered carefully, and we took into account feedback from the public when drafting the ordinance,” said Parks and Recreation director Jill Zachary.

“You won’t have to wonder when a park is open, because they all close at the same time now — a half hour after sunset.

“There are clear rules about who should be using designated children’s play areas, such as any of our 22 city playgrounds. And we created a simple standard so picnickers will know where they can use portable barbecues.

“Overall, the new rules are clear and consistent, and they should minimize confusion for everyone who enjoys using our parks.”

Most parks are open to the public from sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Sunrise and sunset on any particular day is determined by the National Weather Service, making it easy to check online when planning a visit to the park.

The three parks that are exceptions to this rule are Skofield Park, Franceschi Park and Hilda McIntyre Ray Park. All have caretakers living on site, so gates will open in those three parks at 8 a.m. and close, as with all other parks, at a half hour after sunset.

Photo contributed Fans of Santa Barbara parks have a few new rules to keep in mind, all of which are designed to make local parks safer and more enjoyable places.

Other exceptions are made for permitted special events, recreational activities and rentals. For instance, areas with lighted sports fields, such as Cabrillo Ball Park, Dwight Murphy Field, Pershing Park, and the Municipal Tennis Courts, may be open after dark for approved activities.

Playground use Adults (18 and older) are allowed to enter city playgrounds only when accompanying a child age 12 or younger. An exception to this rule is if an adult is accompanying a person age 13 years and older with special needs.

Establishing rules limiting access to play-

grounds by adults maximizes the usability of the equipment by children, reduces wear and tear, increases the longevity of the equipment, and supports safe play conditions.

Portable barbecues To provide safe and well-maintained amenities for visitors, new guidelines for using portable barbecues and camp stoves have been established. Portable barbeques and camp stoves that are self-contained, enclosed with a lid, and raised at least six inches off a surface may be used on any park picnic table or on a city beach.

The exception is Parma Park, which does

have a picnic area, but portable barbecues are not allowed in the park due to high wildfire danger.

Barbecue users must remove hot coals and ash from the park, unless a hot coal-disposal receptacle is provided. Currently, three parks have hot coal-disposal receptacles: Oak Park, Shoreline Beach Park and Leadbetter Beach Park.

For more information, visit SantaBarbaraCA. gov/ParkRules. To stay informed about this and other Parks and Recreation Department initiatives, sign up for the email list at bit.ly/ LoveParksAndRec.

UPDATE YOUR LANDSCAPE To reduce water use & your bill: • Update your landscape to a beautiful, low maintenance, water wise garden.

• Plant in the fall. For spring color, plants need to put down their roots in the fall • Go Native. Plant native and water wise plants and reduce watering and maintenance needs.

Rebates may be available. For inspiration go on a “Virtual Garden Tour” at SantaBarbaraCa.gov/WaterWise

December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 11

Osteoporosis is not just a women’s disease

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By James Riley Contributing Writer

steoporosis is a bone-thinning disease that weakens the skeleton, making bones more likely to break.

It threatens millions of older women and men.

And, although women are about twice as likely to fall and break a bone, osteoporosis still poses a significant threat for men, especially as we progress into our eighties and nineties.

Osteoporosis and its precursor, osteopenia, are often considered a “women’s disease,” deflecting the focus of men from a debilitating disease that they also are susceptible to. Although it is true that older men get about half as many fractures as older women, the men are more likely to suffer a permanent disability and twice as likely to die within a year as women, according the Center for Disease Control.

What causes osteoporosis?

Throughout our lifespan our bones are constantly changing: old bone is removed and replaced by new bone. In our youth (birth to 20 years) the body produces more bone than is removed while our bones grow and become dense and the skeleton gets larger and stronger.

Bone growth and density peaks during the third decade of life. For both men and women, bone density very slowly declines because the removal of bone material exceeds the formation of new bone.

Men in their fifties do not experience the rapid loss of bone women typically experience following menopause. By age 65, both sexes experience bone loss at approximately the same rate, and the absorption of calcium and other minerals necessary for bone health decreases in both men and women.

Osteoporosis is age-related and is often referred to as the “silent disease,” because it is usually symptom free until a bone breaks and discloses the problem.

Although osteoporosis is age related and some progressive bone loss will occur, other factors that we can control may contribute to a bone loss rate that is greater than what would naturally happen.

Some causes of loss of bone matter include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, some common medications, immobilization, a sedentary lifestyle, poor

dietary habits and genetic predispositions.

Fortunately, many of those causes of bone loss can be abated by improving our lifestyle habits.

There is far less research compiled on osteoporosis in men than for women, but it is suggested that all people take a few steps to show a little love for their bones. n Don’t smoke, and stay within alcohol consumption guidelines. This is a no-brainer. n Eat real food and be sure your diet includes enough vitamin D, good fats, (vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin) and calcium in your diet. Although calcium and vitamin D are available as supplements, recent research suggests gaining minerals and vitamins through food provides for better assimilation. n Regularly perform weight bearing exercise, ensuring your muscles work against gravity. Such activities may include brisk walking, jogging, and racquet and team sports. Weight lifting, resistance band exercises or body weight exercises such as pull-ups and lunges should be performed at least twice weekly for specific strength training of the large muscles. n Be active throughout the day.

Even routine movements needed while performing house and yardwork and other less intensive activities help maintain bone and muscle. The sedentary lifestyle is the enemy of fitness, and that includes bone fitness. n Have a DEXA scan, the most commonly used test to measure bone density. It is painless, takes only 10 to 15 minutes and emits low doses of radiation while providing and accurate measure of bone density.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a DEXA scan for women at age 65 and for men at

age 80 to establish a baseline measure for bone density. Other national organizations suggest scans as early as 50 years for women and 65 years for men. Follow-up scans should be done at doctor recom-

mended intervals depending upon your scan results, family history and lifestyle choices. n Medications can help: Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower the rate of bone loss or possibly improve bone density. As with any medication always be aware of possible side effects.

In summary: To reduce your risk of osteoporosis, walk regularly, do strength training, get some sun for vitamin D, eat a calcium rich diet and move well and move often throughout the day.

James Riley of Solvang is a certified strength and conditioning coach and a level-one Olympic Lifting Coach.

He holds a B.A in physical education, M.A. in psychology and a doctorate in education.

12 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

Auction of Huguette Clark’s dolls to benefit Bellosguardo Foundation

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By Giana Magnoli Noozhawk Managing Editor

he late heiress Huguette Clark’s doll collection will be auctioned off in Goleta next month to benefit the Bellosguardo Foundation.

Clark died in 2011 at age 104 with a $300 million fortune, and in her will she created a foundation to foster the arts.

She gifted her grand estate at 1407 E. Cabrillo Blvd. in Santa Barbara to the foundation, and after years of probate and tax issues, ownership was transferred in late 2017.

Stuart Holbrook, president of Theriault’s auction house, said Clark’s collection will be auctioned on Jan. 11. The collection of 1,000plus dolls includes about 400 being auctioned, minus the 30 to 40 dolls that will be displayed at the Santa Barbara estate, he said.

“We’ve been working with (the foundation) and have established our vision and their vision, understanding that dolls are an important part of the legacy and life of Huguette,” he said.

Holbrook said he has visited Bellosguardo several times recently and seen the improvements — presumably to make it ready for the public.

“It’s a time capsule basically of a gilded life, and these homes that are truly spectacular,” he said.

Clark’s passion for music is shown in her collection, and Holbrook incorporated some mechanical dolls — including a ballet dancer and one that plays a harp — into the estate’s music room.

Theriault’s moved its annual auction to The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in western Goleta to honor Clark’s collection, according to Holbrook.

He said some of the dolls will be displayed in an exhibit open to the public the day before the auction, from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 10. The public exhibit will also be open from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 11, and the auction will start at 11 a.m., exclusively for Clark dolls.

Members of the public are welcome to stay and watch the auction, although it may be standing-room-only, Holbrook said.

Clark is “beloved in the doll world,” he added.

“Collectors are flying in from around the world for this.”

He said the popularity of her collection is drawn from her unique life.

“Yes, the dolls are fabulous ... But overall, the greatest part of this whole collection is the story of Huguette,” he said.

A few 19th-century French dolls wear custom clothing made by couture fashion house Christian Dior, which Clark requested in the 1960s.

“That is a very unique thing,” Holbrook said.

“Who can talk to Dior in Paris and have them actually do this? And they did.”

The doll collection was gifted to the Bellosguardo Foundation in 2014, when Theriault’s appraised it at $1.7 million.

Holbrook said at the time that he and others at the company had exchanged notes and doll catalogs with Clark, one of their biggest collectors,

Photo contributed According to Theriault’s president Stuart Holbrook, this 19th century doll comes with custom clothing made by the Christian Dior couture fashion house at Huguette Clark’s request. “It reflects well to her unique eye,” he says.

About 400 dolls and automata from heiress Huguette Clark’s collection will be auctioned by Theriault’s on Jan. 11 at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta.

for decades without knowing who she was, since she always contacted them through attorneys.

He said Clark mostly purchased French dolls from the 19th century, though she did buy some Japanese dolls and even some unique Barbie dolls.

Clark was the daughter of copper tycoon and Idaho Sen. William Clark, who made his fortune from mining, banks and railroads. She lived at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York for the last decades of her life, and she reportedly had not visited the Santa Barbara estate for 50 years.

That property, as well as a lavish Fifth Avenue apartment in New York City and a home in Connecticut, was kept ready for a visit at a moment’s notice.

Many of the Clark family’s fine art collection, furniture and other belongings have been auctioned to fund the settlement for the will, and the Christie’s auction in 2014 raised almost $8.5 million.

The Bellosguardo Foundation was created, and then-Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider nominated members to the board of directors. Her former political consultant, Jeremy Lindaman, is president and working as the executive director for the estate.

Other than a fundraiser last year, with $1,000plus tickets, the public has not had much of a glimpse into the estate or the foundation’s plans.

The Bellosguardo Foundation “is committed to both honoring the Clarks’ past and building a future where the estate can be enjoyed by all as a focal point for the arts,” according to its website. “Realizing that future will take time and commitment, but the fruits of that labor will be well worth the effort.

“Be it coming up to enjoy a family picnic by the rose garden, delve into the estate’s history, view art from institutions around the world or take in a jazz recital on the lawn, Bellosguardo will become a new home for art, music, history and culture on the California coast.”

Bellosguardo is a 23½-acre property with an assessed value of $51.7 million for the 20192020 year, according to the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s Office.

The 21,666-square-foot mansion, built in 1936, has nine bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and 13 fireplaces.

Annual property taxes were about $20,000 per year before Clark’s death because of Proposition 13, but when it transferred ownership to the Estate of Huguette M. Clark upon her death, payments jumped dramatically, according to Assessor’s Office records. Property tax payments of $270,140.35 were made on Dec. 10, 2018, and April 10 this year, with the next payment of $274,006.21 due by Dec. 20.

Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com.

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December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 13

One805 nonprofit seeks support from residents, businesses

Group formed after Thomas Fire to support emergency responders

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Staff Report

ne805, the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first responders that raised $2 million as part of the Kick Ash Bash in 2018, is formalizing efforts for continued support of Santa Barbara city and county police, fire and sheriff departments.

Residents and businesses are being invited to become a part of the effort, by buying memberships, to provide essential funding for emergency equipment, educational programming, and counseling services to be used by first responders in Santa Barbara County.

“First responders are our first line of defense for natural and man-made threats, emergencies and disasters,” said Santa Barbara City Police Chief Lori Luhnow. “Our community’s ability to respond and be resilient is closely tied to our first responders’ ability to work together as a joint operations team at all phases of an incident.

“The one805 organization supports the effort to strengthen the coordination among the entire public safety profession while also providing vital equipment for our entire region. I and other public safety leaders are grateful for the one805 organization and their efforts.”

With the unanimous support and partici-

Photo contributed One805 provides continuing support for First Responders, funding emergency equipment and services.

pation of each of the Santa Barbara county and city fire, sheriff and police departments, one805 is the first organization of its kind to consolidate efforts to amplify the message of supporting first responders.

One805’s Advisory Council is composed of a representative from each of the fire and law enforcement departments in Santa Barbara County, and it pledges to ensure all funds raised are donated effectively and equitably.

To allow all community members to be a part of the mission, one805 is offering individual memberships, business sponsorships and volunteer opportunities. Local residents can show support for first responders by visiting www.one805.org to sign up as a member and follow one805 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

“By popular demand in the first-responder community, one805 is here to stay” said

Richard Weston Smith, one805 president. “It is clear ongoing support is needed, so we have spent the last year reorganizing. Now let’s work together to get the community onboard.”

Services and equipment procured through one805 efforts continue to be put to good use.

“The mobile command units made possible through the generous donations by one805 have already proven to be valuable resources on a few different significant events within the county,” said Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig.

One805 was created in the aftermath of the 2018 Thomas Fire and debris flow to show appreciation for heroic first responders and raise much-needed funds. The Kick Ash Bash met those goals and provided funding for three mobile command units along with other equipment and services currently being used to help keep the community safe.

“Unfortunately, disasters and accidents are inevitable, and we depend on our first responders to come to our aid in our hour of need, often testing resources to the limit,” said Eric Philips, One805 CEO. “It’s time everyone steps up and proudly sports the one805 logo to show our unified support for the folks on our front lines.”

“One805 is an extraordinary organization,” said Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown.

“Through the selflessness of its members and the generosity of our community, the public safety agencies of Santa Barbara County are obtaining otherwise unaffordable assets that help us save lives and protect property.”

14 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

Photo by Tim Hauf

HIKE • CAMP • KAYAK • WHALE WATCH

Island Wildlife Cruises Holiday Cruises Gift Certificates Available

nline

Book O

File photo

Dancers invited to pre-audition for Fiesta roles

Pre-auditions for the next Spirit of Fiesta will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4.

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rganizers of the 96th annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta have announced an open call to pre-audition on Saturday, Jan. 4, for Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta 2020.

The pre-audition is an open call to any dancer interested in trying out for Spirit or Junior Spirit of Fiesta 2020. Some pre-audition participants will be selected for the audition finals to be held April 18.

Application forms, participant guidelines and other required materials can be found at www.

S Popular classes for parents with infants to five-years-olds.

Infant Times • Toddler Times Growing Times • Music Times Nature Walk • Parents and Kids in Parks NOW TUITION-FREE Co-op style Parent-Child Workshops also offered at convenient locations.

Registration begins December 10 for January classes

sbcc.edu/ExtendedLearning (805) 683-8200

sbfiesta.org.

Participants must be residents of Santa Barbara County. Junior Spirit participants must be 8-10 years old at some point during the week of Fiesta, Aug. 2 through Aug. 9. Spirit participants must be between 16 and 20 years old during that week. Birth certificate verification will be required.

Contact the Old Spanish Days office, 805962-8101 or info@sbfiesta.org, for more information.

Sansum Diabetes earns 4-star ratings from charity evaluators

Quality Time with My Child? Yes, Please.

to

Staff Report

Staff Report

ansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI) has been awarded the highest possible ratings from both Charity Navigator and GuideStar, making SDRI one of only five nonprofit organizations in the area to earn the exceptional assessments from both independent charity evaluators.

Santa Barbara County has more than 2,000 nonprofit organizations Only a quarter of rated charities have achieved a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. SDRI was also awarded the 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency on GuideStar, the world’s largest source of information on nonprofits. “On behalf of Charity Navigator, I wish to congratulate Sansum Diabetes Research Institute on attaining the coveted 4-star rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency,� said Michael Thatcher, president and

CEO of Charity Navigator. “Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that Sansum Diabetes Research Institute exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in their area of work.� “Sansum Diabetes Research Institute is committed to providing the most ground-breaking programs possible to improve the lives of people with diabetes,� said SDRI Executive Director Ellen Goodstein. “This recognition from GuideStar and Charity Navigator as a top-notch organization — one of only 5 non-profit organizations in Santa Barbara County to earn both — is another reason we have earned a global reputation as a leader in research and innovation, education and care for adults and children living with all forms of diabetes.�

More information is available at www.charitynavigator.org and www.guidestar.org.

December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 15

Tickets on sale for 2020 NatureTrack Film Festival Staff Report

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he NatureTrack Film Festival, the only nature-focused film festival between San Francisco and Los Angeles, will return to Los Olivos on March 20-22, 2020.

Festival organizers plan to will build on two successful years, bringing an even more diverse and distinctive selection of outdoor film to the third NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF). Entries are curated and selected to “ignite passion for nature through film.”

In just two years, the NatureTrack Film Festival has already attracted the attention of filmmakers around the world.

The inaugural festival resulted in more than 1,500 film submissions and featured notable outdoor filmmakers such as Chris and Keith Malloy, Jeff Johnson, and Chris Burkard. Other artists traveled from as far away as Germany, England and Pakistan to showcase their films.

This year, Netflix premiered an episode of its hit documentary series “Our Planet” at the festival. Renowned filmmaker and National Geographic photographer James Balog, of “Chasing Ice,” brought his newest film “The Human Element” to the 2019 NTFF. “With Santa Barbara County being the birthplace of Earth Day and the modern environmental movement, it’s an ideal location for a film festival that has been enthusiastically embraced by locals, filmmakers and visitors alike,” said Sue Eisaguirre, the festival’s founder and director.

“In Los Olivos, visitors can enjoy a small-

Photo Credit Paul Lockhart The festival’s goal is to “ignite passion for nature through film.”

town vibe with world-renowned wineries and restaurants to make their film festival experience even more enjoyable.”

The 2020 NatureTrack Film Festival will showcase long and short film submissions in both live and animated form in the categories of Adventure, Animation, Biography, Conservation, Kids Connecting with Nature, Scenic, Student, and a

Carpinteria Arts Center Names Paige Van Tuyl executive director

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Contributed

he Carpinteria Arts Center has appointed Paige Van Tuyl as executive director of the nonprofit arts organization.

“With the recent completion of our new 865 Linden Avenue building (galleries, kitchen and studios) and refurbished courtyard, having Paige at the helm will help elevate our nonprofit organization to meet its vision of being among the premier smalltown community arts centers in America,” said David Powdrell, former board chairman and interim executive director. “We are wildly excited to have Paige on our team.”

A graduate of UCSB with a degree in the history of art and architecture, Van Tuyl brings years of nonprofit leadership experience to the organization.

She has served on the staff of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara City College Foundation.

“I am excited to explore the opportunities to increase our impact as we build momentum as an organization, exploring new ways to craft and enhance our community’s ex-

perience, locating greater philanthropic partnerships, increasing awareness and value of the Arts Center’s identity and elevating the conversation around the arts,” she said.

“Paige is exactly the dynamic leader the board was seeking for the Arts Center’s next chapter,” said Board Chair Casey Summar.

“Our tremendously bright future just got that much brighter.”

Van Tuyl said she looks forward to meeting with the artists, members, donors, volunteers and the public to help identify community needs and desires that will help the arts organization meet its goals.

“Getting my degree in the history of art and architecture inspired all of the moves in my career that have thankfully landed me at the Carpinteria Arts Center. It’s the smartest thing I’ve ever done,” Van Tuyl said.

special category called Outdoors & Out of Bounds.

Tickets went on sale November 1. A VIP All-Access Pass is $200. Individual tickets are $10; six- and 12-packs of tickets are available for $50 and $90, respectively. The festival offers discounted student tickets as well. Tickets can be at www.naturetrackfilmfestival.org.

The NatureTrack Film Festival welcomes sponsor and advertiser inquiries and offers numerous participation levels for businesses and individuals wishing to support the festival.

Contact Eisaguirre at sue@naturetrack.org or 805-886-2047 for more information.

SKATE Holiday Ice Show!

SKATE

JOYS OF THE SEASON • Holiday Ice Show SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 12PM & 5PM

The Carpinteria Arts Center, doing business as the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization at 865 Linden Ave. in Carpinteria.

Tickets at ICEINPARADISE.ORG 6985 SANTA FELICIA DR • GOLETA 805.879.1550 • A 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT

16 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

Honey & Walnut Baklava

By Vida Gustafson Contributing Writer

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f you’re thinking of the pale, soggy baklava one sometimes gets from a store or craft fair, I don’t blame you for turning up your nose.

Perhaps in the eagerness to enjoy the result of hard work, people shorten the baking time and in the interest of saving money they opt for a sugar syrup instead of honey.

Honey has a very low moisture content and, as a result, when you drizzle your crispy baklava layers with honey instead of syrup after baking, they will not turn soft. They’ll remain delectably crisp, with that unmistakable honey sweetness that plays so well against the background of nuts and butter.

I’ve put together a super simple baklava that is my go-to when I want to impress a little. I use walnuts because they grow everywhere around here, and the slight bitterness rounds out the flavor perfectly. You can use whatever nut you like. Pistachios are traditional and pecans turn out delicious.

You can flavor the honey as well, adding for example a teaspoon or two of rosewater or lemon juice, or a couple of cardamom pods while heating. Think of baklava as a blank canvas, with just a few simple rules.

Ingredients

1 pack phyllo dough (I was lucky enough to find one that measured 9’’ by 14’’) ¾ C butter (melted) 1 lb. walnuts (finely chopped)

Photos by Vida Gustafson Buying pre-made phyllo dough gives you a head start on making this delicious treat.

Thaw your phyllo dough; usually this takes 2-3 hours at room temperature. Or overnight.

You might be wondering why I don’t include instructions on how to make your own. Well, my mother once made baklava with phyllo dough from scratch, before I was born. It was

such a chore she has never ever made baklava again, not even with pre-made dough. I am now 37 years old, so it must have been rough.

Finely chop the nuts you’re using; you can use a food processor, but be careful not to make a fine paste. They chop fast! Mix the nuts with sugar, cinnamon and salt, and divide into three even batches. (I just eyeballed it.)

Heat up the butter in a small saucepan and set up your assembly station.

Ideally, you’ll want the butter to stay melted and be really close to where you’re putting it all together. I do it right next to the stove, to save reheating.

Cut the phyllo to the size of your baking

and Senior Board Executive Jaime Dietenhofer on Figueroa’s ambitious growth plan after the completion of the company’s two-year multimillion-dollar brewery upgrade.

“We are thrilled to have Steve on the Figueroa team. His knowledge and experience in the craft and specialty beverage industry makes him the perfect choice in leading the company on its aggressive growth plan,” Dietenhofer said. “We built the business through tireless customer and community outreach, and I am excited to get back to my roots of engaging with our distributor partners, retailers and loyal customer base.”

Almaraz has a long history in sales and

marketing. His most recent position was managing the craft category for Reyes Beer Division, focusing on growing and developing the craft and specialty brand portfolio. Prior to his tenure at Reyes, he spent 15 years with Firestone Walker as a member of the executive team, instrumental in growing the business from its early beginnings to over 230,000 barrels a year.

“I’m excited to come back home to the Central Coast to work with Jaime and the Fig Family,” said Almaraz. “I have always admired Jaime’s vision and success of creating a unique culture and community.

I look forward to partnering and creating some exciting new things at Figueroa Mountain.”

1/3 C granulated sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp salt 1 C Honey Special Equipment Pastry brush (for evenly applying butter to each layer) Square or rectangular baking dish

Method

dish. It does not have to be perfect. Phyllo naturally wrinkles and folds, but try to get it within half an inch of the right size.

Lay the dough out next to your baking dish, with something to cover it with so it doesn’t dry out while you’re buttering.

Spread a thin layer of butter on the bottom of the baking dish and lay out your first layer of dough. Spread another thin layer of butter over the entire surface and repeat with another layer of dough until you have laid 5 down. Evenly sprinkle on 1/3 of your nut mixture and lay a piece of dough over. You may have to sprinkle the butter over this one as evenly as you can, because otherwise the brush will just move the dough all over.

Repeat another 5 layers of alternating dough and butter, then add the second 1/3 of nuts, then one more round of phyllo and butter in 5 layers and the last of the nuts. Use the remaining phyllo dough. I usually get around 7 more layers.

Once you’ve buttered you last layer, it’s time to cut the baklava into the individual shapes you’ll want at the end. Be careful not to cut all the way to the bottom — try to stop your knife about half way through. This helps the honey to soak into the filling better ,and not drain to the bottom.

Bake at 300 degrees for 1 ½ hours, keeping an eye on it for the last 15. Take it out when it turns a light to medium brown.

Heat up the honey in a small saucepan and spoon it over the entire bake. I sprinkled on some sesame seeds. Let cool and cut the pieces all the way through.

Enjoy!

Industry veteran joins Fig Brew as partner, president

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Staff Report

igueroa Mountain Brewing Co., the award-winning brewer based in Buellton, has named 30-year beer industry executive Steve Almaraz as a partner and president.

Almaraz will Photo contributed work closely Steve Almaraz will help lead an ambitious expansion plan. with founder

Entering its tenth year, company

intends to continue in the spirt of beloved co-founder and partner James Dietenhofer, who died in July. “My dad and I grew this business through a shared vision of respect and admiration for our customers, employees, and community,” said Dietenhofer.

“I’m honored to be able to support his legacy as Figueroa Mountain embarks on this next stage with the collective stewardship of Steve, myself, and the company’s board and executive team.”

December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 17

The Doctor Can See You NOW NEW Urgent Care Hours – NOW serving patients from 8:00 am-7:00 pm every day of the week.

Now Offering Same Day Appointments!

Call your PCP’s office to see if there is a same-day appointment before you visit the Urgent Care department.

We are staffed by a full medical team, with board-certified physicians during all hours of operation.

Services are available without an appointment and during extended evening and weekend hours for conditions that need prompt attention, but are not life threatening.

aThe flu & other acute illnesses aCuts requiring stitches aSprains & strains aAsthma attacks aVarious tracks for quicker care aOther urgent concerns Download the Sansum Clinic Urgent Care “Wait Time” App on Apple iTunes. On the App Store, search Sansum Urgent Care.

If you are concerned you are having a heart attack or a stroke, do not come to urgent care, but call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Pesetas Urgent Care in Santa Barbara • 215 Pesetas Lane • (805) 563-6110

18 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

Cultivating Curiosity

Photo Contributed

Many of the MOXI’s youngest visitors are enamored with the shape, weight and color of the pegs and are thrilled to tinker with them.

By the MOXI Museum Contributed

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ne of the most popular exhibits for toddlers at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, is Light Patterns, a tall perforated wall with colored round pegs that light up when pushed into each hole.

For adults, this exhibit usually evokes the nostalgia of the 1970s toy Lite-Brite.

The different colors illuminate and create patterns and designs — sometimes intentional, sometimes not. Many of our youngest visitors are enamored with the shape, weight and color of the pegs and are thrilled to tinker with them.

Some toddlers move on to fitting pegs into the wall. However, the pegs are narrow on one end and wide on the other so that they fit into the wall in only one direction.

It’s not uncommon for a toddler to miss this detail and give their best effort to fit the larger side into the wall – like fitting a square peg into a round hole. They try, try and try again, but don’t get the results they want. Why won’t it fit?!

This is just one instance among many where children are faced with problems that require persistence, curiosity and creativity in order to be solved. Even in a fun and playful environment like MOXI, children demonstrate again and again that they are capable and motivated problem solvers. By giving them opportunities to identify problems and providing the support they need to work through them, we help children develop the mental habits and behaviors to

help them prepare to be the problem solvers of the future.

Like scientists in a lab or in the field, engineers have practices and ways of thinking that help them systematically solve problems. Whether it is engineering a better bridge or designing the next trendy tech gadget, engineers use an engineering design process which begins with identifying and defining a problem. After specifying the scope of the problem, they go on to generate possible solutions and use a variety of methods to prototype, build and test them out. This launches a cycle of iteration, or constant improvement, to move towards the best solution possible given the specifics of the problem they identified at the outset.

The first opportunity we have to engage children in the practices of engineering is to support them in identifying problems.

Young children are faced with challenges and problems all the time as they explore and navigate the world around them: their shoes keep coming untied, their favorite doll won’t stay seated upright at their imaginary tea party, the peg won’t go into the light patterns exhibit. Sometimes, this leads to frustration that seems insurmountable.

But if we turn to engineers for inspiration in solving the most mundane challenges, we find strategies that can support children in preparing to develop solutions and solve problems on their own.

We heard from a parent at MOXI recently of a visit to the beach where the project of the day was to build a magnificent sandcastle. The two children in the family, ages 6 and 3, naturally collaborated and shared a

vision for a structure with towers, stairways and windows. They began working diligently, packing their buckets with soft sand. On the count of three, the older child flipped the bucket over and pulled it up to reveal… a slack pile of sand that hardly resembled the detailed relief of the bucket.

They tried again. Scooping sand into the bucket, tipping it over, once again revealing a pile of sand that did not match their expectations. This was a perfect opportunity for the adult to intervene and help their child work through the imminent frustrations. A few simple prompts and questions could help the children problem solve for their sandcastle: n “It looks like you’re having a problem.” Acknowledging and allowing your child to face a challenge normalizes and celebrates the process of creative problem solving.

Simply naming the fact that there is a problem to be solved (“I wonder how we can fix this?”) – and suggesting that it can be tackled by working together (“Let’s work on this together.”) – empowers children to be problem solvers when they might otherwise back away from challenge. n “Tell me what it is that you are trying to do here.” Asking the children to articulate their goal helps them communicate their thinking and work through defining a problem. It also helps the adult focus on what is naturally interesting or puzzling to the child.

Describing the desired outcome (“I want the sand to stay in the shape of the bucket!”) can help you and your child work

backward through the components of the problem, finding smaller successes along the way. n “It’s a tough problem, but I know you’ll find a solution by working hard.”

Using language that calls out opportunities for hard work and persistence will support your child in developing a growth mindset – the belief that our traits and abilities are flexible rather than fixed and innate.

To start problem solving, one must believe that no problem is too big for them to solve. By helping children find the possibility in a problem, rather than the limits (“We can’t make the sandcastle yet, but we will keep testing out ideas.”), we set them up with a mindset that is conducive to deeper learning and positive outcomes in school, everyday life and beyond.

You can try this out on a visit to MOXI. When your child encounters a challenge as they explore an exhibit or try something new around the museum, resist the urge to step in and provide an immediate solution.

Instead, help them through the process of problem solving: acknowledge the problem, identify the goal and cheer on hard work and persistence.

When we think like engineers, we transform frustrations into learning moments while cultivating the curiosity that encourages both children and adults to explore and innovate.

December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 19

Fun for the whole family!

Back by Popular Demand

Black Violin Impossible Tour

Photo Contributed In the new Food Share Program, students place unwanted qualifying food and beverage items on designated share carts so that others can enjoy them during lunch.

Goleta schools, County create programs for food waste Staff Report

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n a partnership between the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department and Goleta Union School District (GUSD), nine elementary schools have successfully implemented programs for sharing food and composting scraps.

This program has made a huge environmental impact by preventing thousands of pounds of fruit, milk containers, and packaged food from heading to the landfill, said Program Specialist Sam Dickinson.

“Food that is thrown in the trash currently ends up buried in the landfill, where it slowly releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is one of the largest contributors to climate change,” Dickinson said.

In addition to reducing greenhouse gases, the program helps students and staff develop good habits for disposing food waste.

GUSD Food Services Director Kim Leung said, “Learning extends beyond the classroom.

The cafeteria is a place for students to not only be exposed to new foods but also serves as a resource for students to learn about sustainability.

We are proud to be making a difference on this planet for future generations and beyond.”

With the new Food Share Program, students place unwanted qualifying food and beverage items on designated share carts so that others can enjoy them during lunch. The carts are located in school lunch areas and are managed by cafeteria staff and adult volunteers. The county, in partnership with local environmental education group Explore Ecology, has increased student engagement by holding assemblies at participating schools.

The County Public Health Department has also helped ensure food sharing safety. Supervising Environmental Health Specialist Kendra Wise says that this program is a “great way for schools to provide additional food to hungry people while keeping safe-to-eat foods out of our landfills. The program teaches students about food safety as well as the environmental impacts our daily actions can have. Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is excited to partner with our local schools and the Public Works Department to help make this program a success.”

GUSD has also implemented a kitchen food scraps recycling program, and several schools have started pilot programs to collect student plate waste for composting. Public Works Intern Celeste Argueta has helped support these programs at Isla Vista Elementary School and Kellogg Elementary School.

“I am extremely proud of the district’s efforts to compost student plate waste. The schools are making a positive environmental impact and are setting a great example for other schools,” Argueta said.

A new food waste reduction guide was recently developed for schools called Food Forward: School Edition, which provides schools with resources to start their own food waste reduction and composting programs.

For more information about this resource and food waste programs, call (805) 882-3618 or visit the county’s waste reduction website, www.LessIsMore.org. For information on how to compost where you live, visit www.

LessIsMore.org/Compost.

“Black Violin upends cultural and musical stereotypes… An unexpected blend of classically trained musicianship and hip-hop beats and inventiveness.” The Miami Herald

Tue, Jan 28 / 7 PM / Granada Theatre Tickets start at $30 / $19 UCSB students and youth (18 & under) A Granada facility fee will be added to each ticket price

Nouveau Cirque From Quebec

FLIP Fabrique Blizzard

“FLIP Fabrique projects an irrepressible spirit of fun and, yes, it’s catching.” The New York Times

note special time

Sun, Feb 9 / 6:30 PM / Granada Theatre Tickets start at $35 / $19 UCSB students and youth (18 & under) A Granada facility fee will be added to each ticket price

Presented through the generosity of Kay McMillan and Susan McMillan

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

Media Sponsors:

20 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

E

Staff Report

New educators and mentors honored at Salute to Teachers

ight exemplary educators in Santa Barbara County were honored Nov. 2 at the 7th annual Salute to Teachers gala sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO), Cox Communications, and other organizations. The event was held at the Music Academy of the West.

Three teachers were chosen as Distinguished New Educators, and three were recognized as Distinguished Mentors.

Also honored was Michele Frantz, the 2020 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, and Bree Jansen, 2020 Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year.

Frantz is a first-grade teacher at Joe Nightingale School in the Orcutt Union School District, and Jansen is an English and performing/visual arts teacher at Lompoc High School in the Lompoc Unified School District.

The Distinguished New Educators, nominated by their peers and chosen by a committee through SBCEO, are: n Anthony Bruemmer, Santa Ynez School, College School District n Melanie Thatcher, Miguelito School, Lompoc Unified School District n Michael Wallace, El Camino Junior High School, Santa Maria-Bonita School District The Distinguished Mentors, also

Photo Contributed The Salute To Teachers, presented by the Santa Barbara County Education Office and Cox Communications, is the premier annual educator recognition gala honoring teachers countywide.

peer-nominated and chosen by committee, are: n Marith Parton, Carpinteria Middle School, Carpinteria Unified School District n Marilyn Tilley, Battles School, Santa Maria-Bonita School District n Amy Willis, Los Olivos School, Los Olivos School District The six award-winning educators are

participants in the Teacher Induction Program at SBCEO. The induction program pairs new teachers with experienced mentors to accelerate teacher effectiveness and provide the necessary coaching and support for their first two years of teaching.

“A Salute to Teachers is a wonderful way to honor our outstanding local educators who inspire young minds each

day and who model professional excellence,” said County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido. “We appreciate the premier sponsorship Cox provides along with the generous support of our other event sponsors. It illustrates the value Santa Barbara County places upon high-quality education.”

SBCEO also thanked partner Cox Communications and sponsors including Fielding Graduate University, Montecito Bank & Trust, Noozhawk, Santa Barbara City College Foundation, the Santa Barbara Bowl, and others, who make the event possible.

“A Salute to Teachers is always one of my favorite events of the year. Teachers really are the heart and soul of our communities – they inspire and empower our students to build a future we can only imagine,” said Kirsten McLaughlin, Market Vice President, Cox Communications.

For more information about the awards or the event, visit sbceo.org/s/2019Salute or contact Steven Keithley, SBCEO director of teacher programs and support, 805-964-4710, ext. 5281.

For more about the SBCEO Teacher Induction Program, visit induction.sbceo.org or contact John Merritt, director of the teacher induction program, 805-964-4710, ext. 5426.

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Youth I need our belief in their promise and resilience

December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 21

By Dr. Susan Salcido SB County Superintendent of Schools

n any given hour in our schools throughout Santa Barbara County, a visitor would discover myriad activities occurring simultaneously.

While visiting schools in recent weeks, I observed teachers greeting each student at the classroom door, first-grade students creating complex sentences, librarians providing engaging books matched to individuals’ interests, students constructing real-life projects in robotics labs, and children wearing their school colors while running the mile in P.E. What might feel like a flurry of activities is a result of intentional planning and purpose. In many of our schools, teachers meet during late-start days to plan their grade or subject-level lessons. In-service days, when students are out of school and teachers are in, provide essential extended periods of time for principals and school staff to continue to share and deepen their practices of teaching and

Dr. Susan Salcido

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

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learning.

Along with these activities, educators also plan for other significant and critical supports for youth. Some of these include developing a comprehensive approach to school safety with drills appropriate for different ages, and upgrading communication systems in the event of emergencies.

Schools also refine ways to support students’ mental wellness, including early identification of needs and prevention, and aligning with external support agencies to provide care at or near schools. They also work to ensure that our students’ identities — who they are and how they identify — are included and affirmed in the classroom and throughout school.

School systems are dynamic, full of people, activity and energy. And at the center of it all is the reason for their existence: our students.

Our students, who are creative, brilliant, beautiful, and full of youthful energy, can also be immersed in circumstances that make them feel fragile and vulnerable. We have high hopes and expectations for our youth, yet we know that a significant number have social, emotional and academic needs.

What is important to remember is that students with these needs have immeasurable promise as well. In fact, starting Jan. 1, the California Education Code will reflect that promise by removing the phrase “at-risk,” which has traditionally been used to describe students with adverse backgrounds. In its place will be the term “at-promise,” which transforms the phrase from one that highlights deficits to one that supports a positive mindset and hopeful future for youth.

How can we, as adults in our community, help all students meet and exceed their potential and promise? How can we help build resilience in our children so they can thrive, be confident, launch? We can start by ensuring each child has an adult on their side.

As pediatrician and author of “Raising Resilient Children and Teens,” Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, writes, “Children

need to know there is an adult in their life who believes in them and loves them unconditionally. Children with close ties to family, friends, school, and community are more likely to have a solid sense of security that produces strong values and prevents them from seeking destructive alternatives. Family is the central force in any child’s life, but connections to civic, educational, religious, and athletic groups can also increase a young person’s sense of belonging to a wider world and being safe within it.”

Essentially, children need to know there is at least one adult who believes in them and sees their promise. Fortunately, many in our community use their ability and capacity to be that adult champion for our children, be it parent, guardian, volunteer, or friend. However, not every child in our schools has a parent or family member who is available today to be that champion.

Many parents and guardians work multiple jobs to be able to provide for their families.

Some parents have challenges and obstacles that prevent them from being fully present for their children right now.

For all of these reasons, we say “thank you” to those who provide a strong network of support for children.

From our schools’ crossing guards who greet children each morning by name to the volunteer who shares about their career at junior high Career Days, from the custodian who encourages the student to be on time, to the counselors who listen to students on really tough days, your support helps build the foundation our children need. You help our children know there is an adult who sees them and who cares.

From organizations that provide fresh food for families, to entities that offer impactful college scholarships, to nonprofit groups that focus on supporting our community, we are sincerely grateful.

We thank parents, guardians, grandparents, and neighbors for all the ways you show your children how much they are loved.

To our educators, thank you for choosing our profession, and for the teaching and learning that you model for each child, every day.

During this season of gratitude, we thank you for your collective efforts that foster promise in our youth and therefore help build a resilient community. Thank you for investing in a future of hope and excellence.

22 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS 5 THURSDAY

Pop Up Opera - 5:30 p.m. at SB Museum of Art - Opera Santa Barbara returns to present crowd-pleasing pop-up performances in the Museum galleries. Visit www.sbma.net for more.

Winter Storm Preparedness Meeting - 5:30 p.m. at Montecito Union School, 385 San Ysidro Rd. The purpose of this community meeting is to publicly release the Interactive Debris Flow Risk Map that identifies properties in our communities that may be at risk from debris flow or flooding this storm season. For more information on the updated risk map, please contact the Montecito Fire Department at (805) 969-7762 or www.readysbc.org.

Douglas Brinkley - 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Monumental in his contribution to American culture, award-winning historian and perennial bestselling author Douglas Brinkley takes the historical lessons of the past and applies them to the present and our future.

Visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for details.

10

6 FRIDAY

Mission by Candlelight: Holiday Sip n Stroll - 5 - 7 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Barbara. If you think Old Mission Santa Barbara is beautiful during the day, just wait until you see it at night all decked out for Christmas and illuminated by candles and luminarias!

Visit www.santabarbaramission.org for details.

ed vendors with imported jewelry, textiles, baskets, pottery, art, and décor from around the world take over the Museum’s exhibit halls and auditorium for a three-day international marketplace. Visit www. sbnature.org for details.

Wharf. Then visitors enjoy a fireworks show after the parade, ending their night with a bang. Visit www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/waterfront/events/light_parade. asp for details.

7 SATURDAY

14 & 15 DECEMBER

Rudolph - 2 and 7 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre - Rudolph, based on the story by Robert L. May tells the story of the misfit reindeer, Rudolph and other misfit characters presented by Gustafson Dance, featuring State Street Ballet dancers. Visit www.lobero.org for details.

SBCC Holiday Market - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at SBCC Wake Campus, 300 N. Turnpike - Admission is free for this event.

More than 60 local artists will showcase their unique ceramics, jewelry, glass arts, textiles and weaving, drawings, paintings, all set at great prices. Visit www.sbcc.edu/ extendedlearning for details.

Pink Martini - 7 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre - The internationally-acclaimed “little orchestra” Pink Martini will deck the hall with festive holiday songs from around the globe, from timeless classics to rarely heard gems. Visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu for details.

9 MONDAY

8 SUNDAY

67th Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade - 6:30 p.m. on State Street - This year’s parade will feature giant balloons, magnificent marching bands, community floats, spectacular performance groups, the Holiday Prince and Fairy, and of course the most anticipated appearance of the season: Santa Claus. Visit www.downtownsb.org for details.

for attendees to meet and take pictures with Santa Claus. VIsit www.gotparade.org for details.

Tommy Emmanuel, CGP - 8 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Two-time Grammy-nominated guitarist Tommy Emmanuel’s career speaks to his musical diversity, stretching from authentic country-blues to face-melting rock shredding by way of tender and devastating pure song playing. Visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb. edu for details.

The Nutcracker at the Arlington - Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Arlington will take you on the magical adventure of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey through the stars to the Kingdom of Sweets. Visit thearlingtontheatre. com/schedule/eventdetail/640/-/santa-barbara-festival-ballet-presents-nutcracker-at-the-arlington for details.

Science Pub: Mushroom Market - 6:30 p.m. at Dargan’s Irish Pub SB - In this Science Pub, UCSB postdoctoral scholar Dr. Laura Bogar will share her research on this symbiotic resource trade, exploring how this underground economy may influence both the diversity of trees (and mushrooms) in forests, and the cycling of carbon and nitrogen through forested ecosystems. Visit www.sbnature.org for details.

Snow Leopard Festival/Sledding at the Zoo - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the SB Zoo - A rare blizzard hits the Zoo with 80 tons of snow for sledding and snow play for this frosty fun family festival. Animals play in the snow while Santa poses for holiday photos. Visit www.sbzoo.org for details!

14 SATURDAY

Joys of the Season - 12 & 5 p.m. shows at Ice in Paradise - The fourth annual Ice in Paradise Holiday Show! As always it promises to be a fantastic event with skaters of all ages and skill levels! Visit www. iceinparadise.org/holiday-show for details.

6&8 DECEMBER

13

Holiday at the Ranch - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - at Rancho La Patera and Stow House - Kids of all ages love the open house that includes holiday music and caroling, craft-making, tours of the festive Stow House, celebrity story-time and holiday hayrides. Log onto www. goletahistory.org/holiday-at-the-ranch/.

Annual Book Sale - 10 a.m. - 6p.m. at SB Museum of Natural History - Calling all bibliophiles! Birds, flowers, shells, trees, History, culture, mammals, bees, Snakes, lizards, whales, fish, Minerals, planets...what’s your wish? Visit www.sbnature.org for details.

Folk & Tribal Arts Marketplace - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at SB Museum of Natural History - Carefully select-

An Irish Christmas - 2:30 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre - Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with superb dancing, singing and Irish traditional music celebrating the international spirit of the holiday season. Visit www.lobero. org/events/an-irish-christmas-2019/ for details.

33rd Holiday Parade of Lights at the Harbor - 3 p.m. starts the activities such as snow and photos with Santa.

The boat parade starts at 5:30 p.m. with judging at Stearns

Goleta Old Town Christmas Parade - 6 p.m. on Hollister Avenue - between Orange Avenue and the Goleta Valley Community Center. At the end of the Parade, there will be a Christmas Tree Lighting in front of the Community Center, followed by an opportunity

Skål Wine and Stein Stroll - The Skål Wine and Stein Stroll is a two day wine and beer tasting event throughout Downtown Solvang. We will be featuring wines and beers from 15+ makers, while also holding an annual gløgg competition. The event is on December 14th from 11am-4pm, and December 15th from 11am-4pm. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/skal-wineand-stein-stroll-tickets-77559174579 for details.

December 2019 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 23

DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS 15 SUNDAY

San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra. Visit ticketing.granadasb. org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=13712 for details.

Free Admission Day - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at SB Museum of Natural History - Once a month from September to April, the Museum offers free admission to welcome all members of the community.

25 THURSDAY

Christmas Day; Santa Barbara Zoo is open from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

1 JANUARY

21 SATURDAY

New Year’s Day; Santa Barbara Zoo is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CONTINUING EVENTS SUNDAYS Aurora Dronealis - 6:30 - 7 p.m. - Only in Solvang.

Southern California’s first ever Christmas Drone Show takes to the sky as part of Solvang’s annual Julefest celebration. Stare in awe as hundreds of autonomous drones move in a choreographed show highlighting some of your favorite holiday imagery.

Visit www.solvangdrones.com.

21 & 22 DECEMBER

The Christmas Revels: A Venetian Celebration of the Winter Solstice - at the Lobero Theatre - The Christmas Revels is an exciting and heartwarming entertainment experience for every age and a favorite Santa Barbara holiday tradition created by and for our community for the past 12 years. Visit www.lobero.org for details.

The Nutcracker - This beloved holiday tradition will delight audiences of all ages! State Street Ballet performs alongside students of the Gustafson Dance and the Opera

Studio Sunday on the Front Steps - 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. For more information, go to www.sbma.net.

MONDAYS Kindermusik with Kathy - 9:30 a.m. for babies to 18 months; 10:30 a.m. for toddlers 18 month to 3 1/2 years old with caretaker; and 5:45 p.m. for 3 to 5 1/2 years old; option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register go to www.kindermusikwithkathy.com.

Early Literacy and STEAM Stations - 10 - 11 a.m. at the Central Library Children’s Area - Children 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to play and learn together every Monday morning. Library staff will have 8 stations of activities designed to develop early literacy skills and introduce science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts in an age appropriate way. Activities will rotate weekly.

Homework Help - 3:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Public Library Central location.

TUESDAYS Walk on the Wild Side - 9 a.m. If you are a morning person, love animals, and are 60 years and older, join this lively class and get your exercise on while enjoying the zoo. Class walks the grounds for one hour and is designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and health. First class is free, sign up at the zoo’s front gate. Class is for 60 years and older.

Preschool Story Time - 10:30 a.m. at Solvang, Montecito and Central Library.

Reading with Dogs - 4 p.m. at Goleta Library.

Kindermusik with Kathy - 11:45 a.m. for babies to 18 months; 10:30 a.m. for toddlers 18 month to 3 1/2 years old with caretaker and 9:30 a.m. for 3 to 5 1/2 years old, option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register go to 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.

Baby and Me - 11:30 a.m. at Central Library Baby and Me focuses on developing your baby’s pre-literacy skills. In this thirty minute program, our storyteller will lead the group in songs, rhymes, group reading, and sensory play time.

Wednesdays on the Waterfront - Noon to 3 p.m. at the Ventura Harbor. For more information, go to www.venturaharborvillage.com.

Kindermusik with Kathy - 12:30 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 1/2 years old with caretaker and 10:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for 3 to 5 1/2 years old, option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register go to www.kindermusikwithkathy.com.

College Wednesdays - Bowl for $19 per hour per lane, up to 6 bowlers; $3 shoe rental. Food and drink specials. Late night Happy Hour starts at 9 p.m. Get free bus ride in front of Keg & Bottle, Embarcadero del Mar and Madrid Road in Isla Vista to Zodo’s at 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. and return to Isla Vista at 11:30 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. Go to www.zodos.com.

THURSDAYS Walk on the Wild Side - 9 a.m. If you are a morning person, love animals, and are 60 years and older, join this lively class and get your exercise on while enjoying the zoo. Class walks the grounds for one hour and is designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and health. First class is free, sign up at the zoo’s front gate. Class is for 60 years and older.

Reading with Dogs - 3 p.m. at Goleta Library.

Jelly Thursdays - 4 p.m. Experience the beauty of jellies as they 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 to 9 p.m. at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. For more information, go to www.sbma.net.

Free Thursday Evenings at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art – 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, go to www.sbma.net.

Kindermusik with Kathy - 9:30 a.m. for babies to 5 1/5 years old, option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register go to www.kindermusikwithkathy.com.

Fisherman’s Market – 6 to 11 a.m. Fishermen can be found on the City Pier (opposite Brophy’s) selling crab, rockfish, ling cod, black cod, halibut, urchin, abalone (sustainably farmed), and other catch of the day.

Family Movie - 2 p.m. at the Central Library Geology Field Class - 9 a.m. to noon through Oct. 27.

Sabina Thomas teaches an interactive course on the fundamentals of geology and how the local environment has been shaped by Earth’s forces and processes such as earthquakes, plate tectonics, and landslides. Cost is $75 to $85. Contact sthomas@sbnature2. org or 805-682-4711, ext. 170.

Steel Drum Saturday - 1 to 4 p.m. at Ventura Village Harbor. Come enjoy fun, beachy sounds as they surround you. Go to www.venturaharborvillage.com for details.

Portal to the Planet – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.

SUNDAYS Sunday Live Music - 1 to 4 p.m. at Ventura Harbor Village. Listen to an array of music ranging from jazz, soul, pop, rock and a blend of Caribbean and reggae.

For information, go to www.venturaharborvillage.com.

SATURDAY & SUNDAYS Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History - Planetarium Shows hourly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Log onto www. sbnature.org for more info.

Santa Barbara Zoo - Explorer Fundays activities held in the Explore Store 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free with Zoo admission. For the event theme each week, go to www.sbzoo.org

33rd Annual Santa Barbara

FRIDAYS Kindermusik with Kathy - 9:30 a.m. for babies to 5 1/5 years old, option to drop off. Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register go to www.kindermusikwithkathy.com.

Baby and Me - 10:30 a.m. at the Carpinteria and Central Library Yoga with Creative Movement and Music - 10:45 a.m. for 2 1/2 to 6 years old, option to drop off.

Classes are at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. To register go to www.kindermusikwithkathy.com.

Cantemos Spanish Music Time - 9:30 a.m. at the Goleta Valley Church, 595 N. Fairview Ave. To register go to www.kindermusikwithkathy.com.

SATURDAYS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019 SANTA BARBARA HARBOR AND STEARNS WHARF www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParadeofLights Santa’s Village 3pm to 5pm at Harbor

Tree Lighting 5pm at Wharf

Parade 5:30pm Along Waterfront

Fireworks to follow parade!

24 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2019

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