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news & family life
On the Cover… Gaviota Coast Conservancy photo An aerial view shows the stretch of pristine private coastline where Santa Barbara County will get to add 36 acres to its list of county parks as part of a legal settlement approved by the California Coastal Commission.
SB County gains 36 acres near Jalama Beach Coastal Commission unanimously approves deal that will add a stretch of pristine coast to county’s parks By April Charlton Contributing Writer
Santa Barbara County will get to add a stretch of pristine private California coastline to its list of county parks as part of a proposal hailed as a win for the public that was approved Nov. 9 by the California Coastal Commission. The deal to transfer 36 acres of coastal property from the owners of the private Cojo Jalama Ranches to the county comes as the
result of an “amicable resolution” recently reached after a years-long enforcement action brought against ranch owners by the commission. “This is one of the most (environmentally) sensitive sites in California,” said Commission Executive Director Jack Ainsworth. “It’s unfortunate that we had to get here through enforcement.” Commission enforcement staff have worked with ranch owners to mitigate unpermitted development on the ranch, which is roughly the size of San Francisco; until recently, those efforts had proven unsuccessful. As part of the adopted settlement agreement, ranch owners will transfer the property, which has never been open to the public, to the county for an extension of the current public park at Jalama Beach. “I have goosebumps (thinking about it) because getting that kind of access has been impossible,” former county planning commisJALAMA CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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For Rowan DiIoia, the key to childhood learning wasn’t in a classroom or in the pages of a book. It was outside, in the mountains, beaches and creeks of Santa Barbara County. These were places he explored as a child, thanks to a local nonprofit called the Wilderness Youth Project. Serving kids as young as 3 and into high school, their educational approach is now gaining acclaim nationwide. “It’s such a good alternative to staring at a phone, computer or tablet screen. Instead, let’s go outside, build a fort, learn how to make fire with two sticks and build a water filtration system,” DiIoia said. You can read the full story on page 12.
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EMPOWERMENT IS PRICELESS events
Kids’ Showcase Photo contributed Lynda Nahra, left, Kathy Odell, Marsha Bailey and Claudia Cordova Papa are shown at the WEV fundraiser.
Women’s Economic Ventures honors trailblazers Staff Report
Sun, Jan 21 / 3 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall $10 / $5 children (12 & under)
Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) welcomed some 400 guests and raised more than $400,000 at its Empowerment is Priceless event in October at the Fess Parker DoubleTree Hotel in Santa Barbara. The nonprofit’s annual breakfast fundraiser recognized WEV’s 2017 Trailblazer, Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year award winners. Each year, WEV presents the Trailblazer Award to a pioneer in her industry, exemplifying courage, vision and the tenacity to overcome barriers. This year’s honor went to Lynda Nahra, who is the first female bank president in Santa Barbara and current president of the Central Coast Region of Pacific Western Bank. “When Lynda started her banking career in 1970, it was a different era,” said Catharine Manset Morreale, director of finance for Santa Barbara’s Habitat for Humanity. “Women were expected to stay in their place, possibly attend college and spend a few years in a low-paying job before getting married and leaving the workforce,” Morreale said. “Lynda was a trailblazer because she broke that mold. She worked her way up the ladder the old-fashioned way — lots of hard work combined with a stubbornness
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not to accept the status quo,” Morreale added. WEV’s Business of the Year award honors a business owner who represents the clients the organization serves and recognizes the unique and inspiring nature of a business and the contributions it and its owner make to the community. The 2017 WEV Business of the Year award went to Claudia Cordova Papa, owner of Aqua Skin & Nail Care, a dedicated client who has used the WEV loan program and Thrive-in-Five business consulting. Aqua has 10 full-time employees, who benefit from Aqua’s team-based compensation system that allows them to share in the company’s profits through a unique business model implemented by Cordova Papa last year. WEV also honored Hudson Institute of Coaching as Volunteer of the Year for its commitment and service to WEV. For more than 10 years, Hudson has provided entrepreneurial coaching to push WEV clients to work at their peak capacity by identifying and developing their personal skills and assets. For 26 years WEV has been working to help women entrepreneurs succeed. “Women’s business ownership is about freedom and options, security — and human potential. It is about empowering women to dream big dreams, to act on a WEV CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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December 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 5
Local UN Association awards its first Peace Prize
Dick Restaurant in Santa Barbara. “In this first year of the Santa Barbara The United Nations Association of Santa UNA Peace Prize, the United Nations Barbara & Tri Counties has awarded its Association of Santa Barbara received inaugural Santa Barbara Peace Prize to excellent nominations that were very environmental leader Rinaldo S. Brutoco, impressive in terms of the breadth and scale of accomplishments worldwide by founding president of people in our community. Google ‘Rinaldo the World Business S. Brutoco,’ and you’ll be stunned by what Academy, which now he’s accomplished,” President Barbara in its 30th year. Gaughen-Muller said. The local United Brutoco is the founding president of the Nations Association World Business Academy, a Santa Barba(UNA) was started in ra-based think tank devoted to addressing 1947 and is the oldest climate change and advocating for sustainchapter in the nation. able energy use and other timely environThe UNA has mental issues by working to elevate the Rinaldo S. Brutoco engaged locally with consciousness of people in the business many important global community and encouraging them to use topics, such as the Fukushima nuclear their power and influence to take responsidisaster, youth in peril, climate change, and educating the community about human bility for the environment. Dr. Jerry Brown, director of the Acadtrafficking and the plight of refugees interemy’s Beyond Nuclear Energy Initiative, nationally. nominated Brutoco, calling Brutoco a To celebrate its 70th year, the UNA decided to honor contributions made by local visionary leader who inspires cooperation for the common good. people working toward a more peaceful Among his many accomplishments, world. The UNA created the Santa Barbara Brutoco has served on the board of direcPeace Prize for local nominees who have tors of several nonprofits, including The achieved measurable progress in creating Gorbachev Foundation, the Institute of peace in the world, advancing the cause of human rights internationally, and/or ad- Transpersonal Psychology, the State of the vancing the progress of developing nations. World Forum, the Omega Point Institute and the National Peace Academy. The group honored Brutoco with its He is also co-author of “Profiles in first Santa Barbara Peace Prize on United PRIZE CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 Nations Day, Oct. 24, at a dinner at Moby Staff Report
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Photo contributed From left, Bishop Grant J. Hagiya of the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church presents the Bishop’s Award of Excellence to Bobby Blessing, Scoutmaster of Troop 1. Looking on are Dr. Mark Richardson, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Santa Barbara, and Life Scout Austin Fouse.
Local Boy Scout Troop l earns ‘Bishop’s Award of Excellence Staff Report
Boy Scout Troop 1 of Santa Barbara has received one of the highest honors in Scouting,: the Bishop’s Award of Excellence that recognizes a troop’s commitment to its faith and community. “Earning this award was a big accomplishment for our Scouts and we are proud so many are committed to their faith and the community,” said Boy Scouts Troop 1 spokesman Douglas Scott, principal of The Alison Company in Santa Barbara and a
local scouts volunteer leader. Troop 1 leaders were presented with the award at the First United Methodist church’s 150-year anniversary celebration on Oct. 22. The Bishop’s Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding United Methodist Church Boy Scouts units that have met several criteria, including at least 20 percent of the registered members of the troop working toward or having completed the appropriate SCOUTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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6 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2017
business & commerce
UCSB grad’s company wins SBA competition ly Foundation for companies that impact the lives of women. Uqora LLC, a women’s health company Ryan said Uqora was picked as one of 10 whose co-founder and CEO Jenna Ryan is finalists out of 120 semi-finalists nationwide, a 2012 UCSB graduate, won the national and ultimately won the challenge based on the InnovateHER competition sponsored by the following criteria: U.S. Small Business Administration and Sarah n Has a measurable impact on the lives of Blakely Foundation. women and families (30 percent) Based in San Diego, Uqora is a women’s n Has the potential for commercialization health company dedicated to prevention of (40 percent ) urinary tract infections (UTI), Ryan said. The n Fills a need in the marketplace (30 percompany won $40,000 and was recognized for cent) the measurable impact that its innovative prod“It is my pleasure to congratulate the top uct has on the lives of women and families. winners of the SBA’s 2017 InnovateHER The product gives women the defense Business Challenge, entrepreneurs who have they need against bacteria that causes UTIs, demonstrated extraordinary innovation and talkeeping them out of the doctor’s office and off ent,” said Linda McMahon, head of the Small antibiotics, Ryan said. Business Administration. “At Uqora, we’ve developed a UTI pre“Innovation is the heart of this competition, vention drink mix. It’s shown to reduce UTI and I truly believe the creativity shown here incidents by more than 75 percent, and it tastes today will fuel the problem-solving strategies like pink lemonade,” Ryan said. “Uqora gives of tomorrow,” McMahon said. women a way to flush out UTI-causing bacte“Today we celebrate their success, but this ria when they’re most at risk.” is really only the beginning. We hope their ex“UTIs are incredibly common, actually the perience in this competition will be a launchsecond most common infection in the United pad for future growth and opportunities,” States,” she said. McMahon added. “Despite the magnitude of the problem, The national finalists presented a live the focus has always been disproportionately marketing pitch before a panel of judges to placed on treatment instead of prevention. compete for the top three awards totaling We’re out to change that,” Ryan added. $70,000 in prize money, provided by the Sarah This was the third annual Business Challenge sponsored by the SBA and Sarah BlakeUQORA CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 Staff Report
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Photo contribtued Uqora, a women’s health company created by UCSB graduate Jenna Ryan, has developed a drink mix for preventing urinary tract infections.
Aceves, Ramsdell top list of ‘Goleta’s Finest’
Chamber of Commerce honors individuals, groups, businesses for 68th year By Cortney Hebert Contributing Writer
Roger Aceves and Karen Ramsdell were named Goleta’s man and woman of the year on Sunday, Dec. 2, while John Dent was named educator of the year and Lisa Rivas the volunteer of the year. Nearly a dozen individuals, businesses and groups were honored with the Goleta Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 “Goleta’s Finest Awards,” a 68-year tradition to recognize community enhancement, held at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara. “This list of vibrant businesses and individuals really highlights how special the Goleta community is,” said Kristen Miller, president and CEO of the Goleta chamber. “These individuals are making a huge impact on the Goleta community every day.” The winners are: n Man of the Year: Roger Aceves. Serving his 11th year on the Goleta City Council, including two terms as mayor, Aceves has never missed a meeting.
The lifetime Goleta resident and community activist worked in law enforcement for 30 years. He served as el presidente for Old Spanish Days in 2001 and was appointed by former Gov. Gray Davis to the 19th Agricultural District, which runs Earl Warren Showgrounds. He served on the board of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, Goleta Valley Historical Society, Goleta Old Town Community Association and is chairman of the board for the Goleta Elks Lodge No. 613. Last year he and his wife, Debby, championed a community campaign and raised $22,000 for Rancho La Patera and Stow House. n Woman of the Year: Karen Ramsdell. A longtime Goleta resident and champion for education and historical preservation, Ramsdell worked for the city of Santa Barbara for 37 years, including 29 years at Santa Barbara Airport. She retired as director of the airport in 2013. As director, she led the Airline Terminal Project, a $63 million renovation. Her passion for historical preservation led her to spearhead the relocation and refurbishment of the Earle Ovington Historical Terminal. She was president of Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society and has been on the Goleta Valley Historical Society board since 2010, serving as president the last four years. n Educator of the Year: John Dent.
Dent is known for his passionate leadership of the Dos Pueblos Media Department. As chairman of Dos Pueblos’ Career Technical Education Department, he is the advisor for the DP News program, the award-winning Dos Pueblos Yearbook, and The Charger Account student-run newspaper. While DP News runs a live show three days a week, focusing on the latest information for students, the Charger Account focuses on stories relevant to the student body including those happening on campus and in the community. The award-winning DP Yearbook continues to transform the way students’ years are captured. n Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Rivas. Rivas has been a long-time champion for Goleta and education. Rivas has been on several nonprofit boards, including the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, Teachers Fund, Chamber of the Santa Barbara Region and the Goleta Lemon Festival. Most notably, in 2014, Rivas stepped up to rebuild the Goleta Education Foundation. Her goal was to transform the all-volunteer organization into a foundation that secures funding for programs to ensure every student in the district has access to the necessary resources. To do this, she worked to put together a variety of fundraisers, connect with local busiHONORS CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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‘Goleta’s Finest’ in 2017 Man of the Year: Roger Aceves Woman of the Year: Karen Ramsdell Educator of the Year: John Dent Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Rivas. Student of the Year: Lupe Simon Nonprofit: United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County Small Business: Buynak Fauver Archbald Spray Large Business: FLIR Systems Innovative Business: Brighten Solar Entrepreneur: Apeel Sciences Community Impact: Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara Special Recognition: Santa Barbara County Fire Department
December 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 7
Bank bake sale helps kids with cancer By Jennifer Goddard
Gold Ribbon Campaign, which takes place every fall, to commemorate National Child Cancer Awareness. The bake sale For one day every fall, Pacific Premier has grown every year. Bank on State Street in Santa Barbara “I couldn’t be happier to do this,” said doubles as a pastry shop. Moezzi, who’s been at Pacific Premier For that one day, dozens of bank staff Bank for 16 years. “Bringing together members and clients come together in our bank staff and our clients – some the lobby to sell their elegantly wrapped, of whom actually own bakeries – to freshly made sweet wares, for a cause. contribute to this community event is All proceeds from the annual bank bake special. It’s one of my favorite days of sale go to Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation the year.” (TBCF), a charity that supports fami“My thought is basically that I can’t lies in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San even imagine what the Teddy Bear Luis Obispo Counties who have a child families are going through, so any help battling cancer. we can give them to ease the pain a little This year, the event raised a record bit in some way, we must do,” she said. $1,300-plus in that one day. “We’re already looking forward to next No one is prouder of the accomplishyear.” ment than Bibi Moezzi. Pacific Premier Founded in 2002, TBCF is commemoBank’s senior vice president and regional rating its 15th year of empowering banking manager, she also is vice chair of families who have a child (up to age TBCF’s board. 21) with cancer, by providing them She got involved with TBCF 15 years with emotional, educational and finanago, when her then-boyfriend (now huscial support. Over the years, TBCF has band) introduced her to his dear friend donated $1.85 million to families in Nikki Katz, who had just founded the need. charity. For more information, including how “Nikki and her cause just immediately to become involved by volunteering, resonated with me,” Moezzi said. making a donation or otherwise supportMoezzi has served on the organizaing kids with cancer, email Executive tion’s board almost since the beginning. Director Lindsey Leonard at lindsey@ She brought the fundraiser to her bank teddybearcancerfoundation.org or call three years ago, as part of TBCF’s annual 805-962-7466. Contributing Writer
BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS & COMMERCE Goleta
Community West earns $1.6 million in 3rd quarter Community West Bancshares, parent company of Community West Bank, has reported net income of $1.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2017. That figure was unchanged from earnings in the second quarter and a 4.9 percent increase compared to $1.5 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the third quarter of the prior year. In the first nine months of 2017, net income increased 14.8 percent to $4.5 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, compared to $3.9 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2016. “Our expansion in our market in California’s Central Coastal region continues to deliver strong loan and deposit growth and is supporting our strong net interest margin,” said President and CEO Martin E. Plourd. “While our net interest margin remains well above industry averages, net interest margin contracted in the third quarter, due to the current interest rate environment which raised our cost of funds,” said Susan C. Thompson, executive vice president/CFO. The company’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per common share, payable Nov. 30 to common shareholders of record on Nov. 14, 2017. The current annualized yield, based on the closing price of CWBC shares of $10.40 on Sept. 30, was 1.54 percent.
Community West Bancshares is a financial services company headquartered in Goleta. It is the holding company for Community West Bank, the largest publicly traded community bank serving the Central Coast.
Carpenteria
Nominations due for chamber’s awards The Carpinteria Valley Chamber will honor extraordinary community members at its 60th annual Community Awards Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 27. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 15, to submit nominations for Carpinterian of the Year, Large Business of the Year, and Small Business of the year. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 29, to submit nominations for merit award recognition. The evening serves as the chamber’s annual meeting and awards banquet, and the public is invited to join the festivities at the Carpinteria Boys & Girls Club. Also to be recognized are the Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Outstanding Educators of the Year, and Junior Carpinterian of the Year. Merit awards will recognize volunteers from multiple organizations including the Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce, service clubs and other nonprofit groups. For nomination forms, visit carpinteriachamber.org, phone 684-5479, or email joyce@carpinteriachamber.org.
8 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2017
in the spotlight Photo contributed During December, theaters across town offer can’t-miss, world-class performances that include the Moscow Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”
Instagram Fan @montecrofts Rincon Point is one of the epic local surfing spots. Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Zoo Each year the Santa Barbara Zoo hosts the Snow Leopard Festival, complete with imported snow.
Get into the holiday spirit in Santa Barbara Staff Report
Festival season is year-round in Santa Barbara and surrounding communities, but the holiday season includes additional cheer, merriment and the Parade of Lights along the waterfront. Held Dec. 10, this annual event is one of the season’s stand-outs, drawing hundreds of families to watch as 20 to 30 brightly decorated boats parade around the Santa Barbara harbor to the theme of Hollywood Holidays. During the festivities, make a visit to Santa’s Village, where the kids can play in 10 tons of snow and take photos with Santa. If you want to surround yourself with that holiday-time feeling, there’s no better place than Solvang during Julefest, a month-long celebration of holidayspirited events. Solvang was named by Time Magazine as one of the “Most Christmas-sy Towns in America,” and Julefest is the pinnacle event to attend for anyone who’s looking to get a last -minute holiday fix.
Top events include the Julefest Parade (Dec. 2), Shop, Mingle & Jingle (Dec. 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17) and the two-day passport Julefest Wine & Beer Walk (Dec. 9-10) — all in the historic Danish town famous as “California’s Little Denmark.” For more information log onto www. solvangusa.com.
Photo by Stacy Bloodworth One of the season’s stand-out events draws hundreds to watch as brightly decorated boats parade around the Santa Barbara harbor.
(Dec. 8), “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 9-10), “Hallelujah Project 5” (Dec. 9-10), “Under The Streetlamp: Hip Hop to the Holidays” (Dec. 9), “The Christmas Revels” (Dec. 15-17), “The Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Show” (Dec. 16), and “Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 14th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour” (Dec. 18).
We spend nights at the theater As night falls on Santa Barbara, the theater lights shine bright. During December, theaters across town offer can’t-miss, world-class performances. Spend your night in Santa Barbara’s Historic Theater District, perhaps starting with dinner and drinks before heading to the show. Here are a few upcoming events exclusively in December: “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” (Nov. 30–Dec. 17), “Rudolph” (Dec. 2), “An Irish Christmas” (Dec. 7), “Chris Isaak: Holiday Tour 2017”
winter wonderland for a beach vacation getaway. Each year the Santa Barbara Zoo invites you and your kids to the Snow Leopard Festival. This year’s festival takes place on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and includes sledding down the zoo’s “mini-Himalayan” mountains. Celebrate the beautiful and endangered snow leopard while you romp in the snow.
We have beach days Wait for the perfect set or just watch the waves at one of the area’s best scenic surfing locations, such as Rincon Point. A little “winter” weather doesn’t slow us down, and beach days are still in full effect season. In fact, surfers rejoice over winter RD File Santa Barbara Zoo Snow Leopard Festival includes sledding in Santa Barbara, as waves ramp up and allow for a longer, more powerful surfing down the zoo’s “mini-Himalayan” mountains. session. For more information and to see the full calendar, log onto www.santabarbaraca. com and click on Events. No need to sacrifice your dreams of a
We play in the snow
December 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 9
Life & style
‘An Irish Christmas’ extravaganza coming to Granada Staff Report
“An Irish Christmas” by Kerry Irish Productions is coming to Santa Barbara for the first time, playing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Granada Theatre. The show takes the audience on a journey through the Emerald Isle with superb dancing, singing and Irish traditional music. An authentic look at Irish Christmas traditions, it was taped by PBS to air during the holidays several years ago. “An Irish Christmas” features an award-winning cast of dazzling Irish dancers led by special guests who are world champions: Scott Doherty (Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Rockin’ Road to Dublin), Tyler Schwartz (Magic of the Dance, Gaelforce Dance, Celtic Fyre), and Connor Reider (Celtic Fyre). The are complemented by the members of the Kerry Dance Troupe, sensational Irish musicians from the Kerry Trad Orchestra, and a host of actors and singers. “It is extraordinary how closely connected we are to our past. We are a product of so much that came before us, and our traditions are part of that inheritance,” said Margaret O’Carroll, who devised, directed and pro-
These are a few of my favorite things … to do with my toddler By Carey Bradshaw Contributing Columnist
Photo contributed Songs and dancers spinning out of the mists and to the familiar Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy and Carol of the Bells, are just the beginning of this great Irish night.
duced the show. The audience will see such customs as the butter-making dance, chasing the wren on St. Stephen’s Day, and drawing down the half door.
“There is a value to these traditions,” she continued. “We are craftsmen and craftswomen who carry the stories to the next generation IRISH CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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Reindeer visiting SB Zoo for holiday season Staff Report
Two male reindeer, an adult named Holiday and a first-year calf named Lightning, will take up residence on the lawn opposite the Cats of Africa exhibit for holiday viewing at the Santa Barbara Zoo. “This will be the first time many local residents have ever seen a reindeer,” zoo CEO Rich Block said. “The zoo is proud to present these two to the community this holiday season. Both of them have antlers, though Holiday’s are a bit puny compared to Lightning’s huge display. Kids are going to love them, even if they don’t really fly.” Winter-themed and holiday-related activities take place throughout the season, and Santa will be available for gift requests and photos on Wednesdays through Sundays until Christmas Eve. The zoo is open with the special hours of 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is open on regular hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. “I heard a rumor that Donner and Blitzen are retiring, and these two are the up-andcomers for their flying jobs,” joked Block. “We’re their warm-weather ‘hoof camp’ due to our great climate. They have big harnesses to fill, and we’re here to support them with great nutrition, a highly trained keeper staff, a full-time vet, and ocean views from their temporary paddock across from the lions. Our male lion Chadwick has agreed to an 8 p.m. roaring curfew so the reindeer can get their
Eggs and the Kiddie
Photo contributed Do you know the difference between a caribou and a reindeer?
beauty sleep.” Lightning and Holiday allow the zoo to help answer questions from local children such as: Do reindeer really exist? What’s the difference between a caribou and a reindeer? Do both male and female reindeer get antlers? What’s the difference between antlers and horns? How big are their antlers? Do they make sounds? Can they fly? The two reindeer are on loan from Wind-
swept Ranch in the foothills above Antelope Valley near Tehachapi. The facility is home to a collection of animals including camels, llamas, zebras, alpacas, sheep, goats, horses, deer, and reindeer. Many of the animals have been rescued or rehabilitated. For more information about Windswept Ranch, visit www.capettingzoo.com. For more information about the Santa Barbara Zoo, visit www.sbzoo.org.
Let’s face it, we live in paradise in Santa Barbara. We have fabulous weather, gorgeous beaches, beautiful parks and amazing resources. Sometimes the biggest challenge can be how to decide what to do each day … FirstWorld problems, I know. There are a ton of low-cost or free choices of activities to do with your toddler, and I want to share some of my local favorites. n Kindermusik with Kathy: Ainsley and I have been going to Kindermusik classes since she was just a couple months old, and she loves it. Kindermusik is about developing skills in the whole child – cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language and musical. There are tons of class options in Santa Barbara and Goleta with great teachers — and it is super affordable, which is always a plus in paradise! (http://kindermusikwithkathy.com/) n MOXI Museum: This is definitely one of our new favorite activities. MOXI is Santa Barbara’s newest hands-on destination for families and curious minds of all ages. We especially love taking the Amtrak Surfliner from Carpinteria directly to the museum, spending a few hours there and then grabbing lunch in the Funk Zone. Museum membership is affordable and the museum is fun and easy with a toddler. Expert advice – bring a change of clothes, as your toddler will get wet playing in the water on the rooftop! (http://www.moxi.org/) n Fabulous Fridays at the Public Library: This program is a great way for babies and toddlers to engage in playful learning that is fun and active. The focus is on music and movement for the 0-3 age range. Warning – these free classes fill up quickly, and tickets are given out on a first-come basis. First session is at 10:15 a.m. and the second is at 11. (https://civicaweb.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/ depts/lib/collections/kids/toddler.asp) n Santa Barbara Zoo: This is one of the best deals in Santa Barbara, IMHO. Zoo membership is affordable and includes free parking. There are fun kid-friendly events throughout the year and the location is sublime. We like to get there early, see our favorite animals, slide down the grassy hill on a piece of cardboard and then enjoy a picnic on the grass. Special treats include train rides and giraffe feeding. (https://www.sbzoo.org/) n Hiking on the Franklin Trail: I love to hike, and it has been a treat to share this activity with my daughter. Unlike some of the MOM CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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10 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2017
Junior League hosting celebration for S.A.F.E. House
SANTA BARBARA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Reduced admissions for holidays By Luke Swetland
Staff Report
Natural History Museum
The Junior League of Santa Barbara will ring in the holiday season with its first S.A.F.E. House Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at La Cumbre Country Club, 4015 Via Laguna. The public is invited to join in celebrating the holidays with merriment, joyous updates and opportunities to give. Tickets are $40, available at JLSantaBarbara.org. The Junior League of Santa Barbara will honor its founding donors, who’ve given generously to support the opening of S.A.F.E. (Saving At-risk youth From Exploitation) House, a six-bed residential shelter in Santa Barbara County for girls who have been victims of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. The group hopes to build upon this momentum with opportunities to give at the event. Those interested in donating but are unable to attend can donate at JLSantaBarbara.org or email President@JLSantaBarbara. org for alternate supporting options. The funds raised at the S.A.F.E. House Celebration will support S.A.F.E. House, as well as the league’s mission to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women and improve the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Santa Barbara, call (805) 9632704 or visit JLSantaBarbara.org.
You may have heard that we’re currently undergoing significant renovations, something we like to call “revitalization” here at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. But you can rest assured the museum is open and vibrant during this exciting time – and most importantly, the museum is still safe for your children throughout the renovation process. As we approach the holiday season and start to reflect on 2017, we stop to think about the things that make our lives so special. For the team here at the museum, one of the things that makes us feel like we’re on the right track is the joy we see in our visitors every day we come to work. We’re incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to interact with so many people who call Santa Barbara home, and after celebrating our centennial last year, we hope to continue providing the community with an exciting, natural place to play and learn for the next 100 years and beyond. To make it easier for more local families to spend some time with us at the museum, we are reducing our prices this holiday season. As a special holiday gift to the community, the museum is offering 50 percent off admission and free planetarium shows (normally $4) until Dec. 31.
gift to the community will give more people the opportunity to learn, engage, and explore at our Mission Creek campus. During our revitalization, the following halls and experiences are open to visitors: Mineral & Gem Gallery, Chumash Indian Hall, Geology and Paleontology Hall, Museum Library, Astronomy Center and Planetarium, Marine Hall, Fleischmann Auditorium, and Maximus Art Gallery. We also have a number of fascinating exhibits and special areas that we know nature enthusiasts of all ages will love, including the Curiosity Lab, Bug Boot Camp, our BaseCamp outdoor nature engagement area, Eyes in the Sky featuring local birds of prey, and our new Wild Things exhibit in the Maximus Art Gallery. And of course, our Sea Center on Stearns Wharf is open every day from Photo contributed 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the normal admission price. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History president and For more information about all of the CEO Luke Swetland exciting things happening at the museum, The holiday season is a time when and for the full schedule of special events, friends and family gather, and we want visit our website at www.sbnature.org or to make it easier for our community to give us a call at 805-682-4711. experience the wonderful programs and We hope to see you and your family this exhibits we have here. Many of us have holiday season. relatives visiting from out of town this time of year, and finding a way to enLuke Swetland is president and CEO of tertain a large group can often be overthe Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. whelming and expensive. Hopefully this
December 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 11
Learning the basics of landscaping terminology By Kat Hitchcock
contractors, our knowledge, and being in the field for so many years. Nate: The fact that we call people back This article was first published on the - and we joke that should be our slogan blog Hitchcock and Associates, an interbecause it’s true- we hear it all the time so view Kat Hitchcock did with AllScape Demany people just don’t call you back. sign and Installation owners Nate Zacarias What do you find most difficult or and Ben Hatcher. challenging as a landscaper? First question, what does being water Ben: Figuring out their budget. It’s not wise mean? like our prices stay the same, but people Nate: It basically means to be efficient struggle to tell us their budget. with the way you use your water and tryNate: To know someone’s ideal budget ing to effectively reduce and save on not is key because it helps me just design what only on water but also on cost. Water is I need to design within that range. Otherexpensive it is becoming the new high end wise I have fun with it and make it lavish gold. and then they see the proposal and they get Ben: There’s a lot of different avenues on taken aback. If I get a set budget then I can ways to save water- whether it’s irrigation design around that. So that is a challenge assistance, drought tolerant plants and addwhen clients don’t know ahead of time. ing mulch to absorb moisture when it does What do you love most about what rain. There’s a lot of different ways you can you do? reduce the use of water. Nate: From day one in this industry I Photo contributed For those who don’t know what is have always loved not only the creative AllScape Design and Installation owners Nate Zacarias and Ben Hatcher are skilled at creating unique landscaping with efficient water practices. the difference between hardscape and part of it but its seeing a crappy yard tranlandscape? sition into something special and unique. Nate: The problem is people see rain Nate: Hardscapes are hard materials like find cheap material that doesn’t last long, You know home owners have to live with or something not being installed properly. and think they can instantly go back to concrete, rock work, pathways- anything it every day. I like seeing the transition outside of softscapes. Softscapes would be Actually the most common thing we find is their old ways. I hope through all the eduand happy customers which is why I got cation from the Santa Barbara and Goleta considered planting and lawn installations, irrigation breaks. into it. To help people out and I love being Do you see any changes in landscape water districts people will think differently. outdoors. anything that has to do with plant material world? The water districts did an amazing job and gravels. Pathways can be both hardBen: Like Nate said being able to walk Ben: I hope people’s philosophy changes getting people educated about being water scape and softscapes. away from a project and transition someabout what a yard should typically look wise. What are the biggest mistakes you thing into such a big difference. Building like. I hope we go away from the thought What makes AllScape Design + Incommonly see when people do their something, making something and getting of huge lawn areas being ideal. You know stallation different than other landscape to work with the clients. own landscaping? DIY Do’s and Do typically you don’t use your front yard as companies? nots? much so take out the front yard grass and Ben: I think just being on top of our For more information log onto www.allscape Ben: I think going with cheap material. just be more mindful of the water. So often when we go on a consultation we game. We have connections with great sub design.com. Contributing Writer
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COVER STORY
Taking the learning outside
Photos contributed Wilderness Youth Project believes that everyone needs a connection with nature.
Wildness Youth Project takes children into Santa Barbara County’s glorious outdoors for lessons that will last a lifetime By Leah Etling
Project (WYP). Serving kids as young as 3 and into high school, WYP is considered an early pioneer of an educational approach For Rowan DiIoia, the key to childhood that’s now gaining acclaim nationwide. learning wasn’t in a classroom or in the “It’s such a good alternative to staring at pages of a book. a phone, computer or tablet screen. Instead, It was outside, in the mountains, beaches let’s go outside, build a fort, learn how to and creeks of Santa Barbara County. These make fire with two sticks and build a water were places he explored as a child, thanks to filtration system,” DiIoia said. a local nonprofit called the Wilderness Youth When he was in the first grade, his parents reporter@santabarbarafamilylife.com
enrolled him in the WYP, which was at that time an after-school program. They immediately noticed it made a difference for their son, who struggled with dyslexia and ADHD. “One of the grounding areas of his early life was the Wilderness Youth Project and their ability to bring him out into the wilderness and outside of his head,” said Tony DiIoia, Rowan’s father. “A lot of after-school (programs) my parents tried didn’t really work for me,” DiIoia said. “Most were a little too structured. But to be able to do my own thing at Wilderness Youth, go out in the dirt and climb trees, really helped.” When he entered high school, DiIoia was accepted to the Visual Arts & Design Academy at Santa Barbara High School.
He is now a senior at California College of the Arts in San Francisco, where he is studying furniture design. He recently won a prestigious national award from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., for his functional art. DiIoia said that his artistic creations featuring wood and metal are influenced by the shapes, patterns and colors found outdoors, which he experienced joyfully as part of WYP after-school outings and campouts. “The most important part is just being outside and being able to learn in ways you wouldn’t be able to learn in the classroom,” he said. “I expect that 95 percent of kids these days aren’t experiencing what Wildness Youth has to offer.” Now incorporated into part of the regular
school day at five South Coast public schools and two private schools, WYP has gained traction as parents, teachers and funders see it making a difference in students’ lives. “Because there is a shift in educational trends, people really understand now that experiential time in nature supports learning, and not just science learning,” said Michelle Howard, WYP’s Development Director. “There is a huge contribution that this is making to students’ English language learning and language arts skills.” Once a month, students participating in the program get to spend a chunk of their school day with WYP mentors and volunteers. The outings are spread between Rincon and the Gaviota Tunnel and inland to the Santa Ynez River. Goleta Beach, La Cumbre
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used more effectively as a place to learn about the environment. When he moved to Santa Barbara, Lindsey found that he and his infant daughter Haven were often running into groups from WYP at local parks and trails. He connected with early advocates for the program, including current Executive Director Dan Fontaine, and became passionate about getting local kids outside. Lindsey’s approach to wilderness education is not to lecture, but to be there in the moment as the students are noticing and discovering new things. “When you hear them saying ‘Look what I found,’ or ‘I made this’ or ‘Look over here!’ .. there is this unbelievable pride and excitement
in the things they are capable of doing as learners,” Lindsey said. It’s that joy of independent discovery that might never be duplicated in a more controlled classroom environment. DiIoia confirms that it was that experience of self-discovery that made the WYP experience really stick with him as a child – enough so that he came back to volunteer with the program for two years as a teen. He helped out with the Chickadees, who are among the youngest of the program’s participants. “That’s the happiest I’ve ever seen any kid ever,” he explained. “Compare something like soccer to going out into nature, playing in mud, getting dirty, climbing trees, and seeYOUTH CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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Peak, White Rock on Paradise Road, and Tucker’s Grove County Park are frequent destinations. Tag along on a WYP program and you won’t find the young naturalists lugging notebooks out on the trails. You will find them climbing trees, looking at animal tracks, and watching waves, skies and sunsets. Learning games that promote observation, exploration and appreciation of the natural world are the curriculum. A low mentor-to-student ratio, 1:4, keeps everyone safe. Andrew Lindsey, who directs WYP’s school-based programs, grew up in rural Vermont. His own childhood was rooted in outdoor time, and he later wrote a master’s thesis about why the natural world wasn’t
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arts & non prof its
Local nonprofit gets boost from lighting company Staff Report
Unite To Light, a nonprofit group in Santa Barbara that provides portable, solar-powered lamps to people and communities without electricity, has partnered with California-based lighting manufacturer LUX LED Lighting to give light to those in need this holiday season. Unite to Light steps in to help communities that need lighting whether from disaster, lack of infrastructure, or inability to pay. For each LUX LED Lighting product sold this holiday season, the brand pledges to donate a solar lamp through their partnership with Unite to Light. “1.2 billion people are currently without electricity, including many in our own backyard who have been affected by the recent hurricanes and wildfires,” said Roger Edgar, CEO of LUX LED Lighting. “Our team was
Granada seeking more volunteers
motivated by Unite to Light’s dedication to providing an effective solution to those living in darkness, and we are proud to contribute to that mission.” The campaign will extend through Dec. 26. Products can be purchased at www.store. luxledlights.com. Unite to Light manufactures and distributes efficient, durable, low-cost solar lamps to people without access to electricity. It targets children, women, health clinics, midwives, and victims of natural disasters. Over the last six years it has sent 80,000 lights to people in 65 countries. For more information, visit www.unitetolight.org, or follow the group on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Photo contributed The local nonprofit Unite to Light will benefit from every purchase from LUX LED Lighting in December.
Coles to chair Channel Islands YMCA board The architect will serve as chairman for a term that runs through May 2019
By Jacqueline McGuan Contributing Writer
The Granada Theatre is accepting applications for its Volunteer Ambassador Program. Created in 2008 after the renovation of The Granada was complete, the program has more than 125 volunteers who work as ambassadors for the theater with the community and serve a key role in delivering the best possible guest experience for every performance. Interested applicants are encouraged to fill out applications on the Granada Theatre website. They are also required to attend an orientation and theater tour training to become a Granada volunteer ambassador. “It is only through the concerted effort of all the various Granada Theatre staff — from the backstage and front of house, to facilities, and all the administrative departments — in conjunction with a robust and best-in-class contingent of volunteers, that we can fulfill our role as the premiere theater destination in Santa Barbara, and deliver an audience experience unlike any other in the Central Coast region,” said Craig Springer, president and CEO of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts. Volunteers take pride in providing outstanding customer service and maintaining the highest level of service to the theater community. Their mission is to be gracious, welcoming and focused on the patron. “I’ve volunteered for the Granada for over
Staff Report
Photo contributed Volunteer ambassadors at the Granada include Jean Nell, 95, and Nick Mata, 18.
10 years, since before the renovation,” said Jean Nell, age 95, who is The Granada Theatre’s longest-serving volunteer ambassador. “After the renovation, I became an ambassador,” she said. “I get to stand by the stairs and hand out the programs, so I see many of the same patrons all the time — it’s nice to see the familiar faces. “The Santa Barbara Symphony is my favorite to hear, and I always volunteer for the Vienna Boys Choir and the Nutcracker during the holidays,” she said. “I grew up coming to see performances at The Granada Theatre, and it’s always been such a special experience and a great place to hear music,” said Nick Mata, 18. To learn more about The Granada Theatre’s Volunteer Ambassador Program, contact Megan Landry, house manager, at 805-8993000 or mlandry@granadasb.org. For more information, visit www.granadasb.org.
Architect Robert J. Coles has been named chairman of the Channel Islands YMCA Board of Directors for a term that runs through May 2019. Coles is the president of RJC Inc., an architectural design and construction management company that provides a wide range of building design services for both government agencies and private commercial clients. The company relocated to Santa Barbara in 2000 from Arlington, Va., and has recently expanded support services to the Hawaiian Islands and Long Beach. Coles has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cal Poly Pomona, has been practicing architecture since 1985 and is licensed to practice in Virginia, California and Hawaii. “We welcome Robert to his new role with CIYMCA Board,” said Sal Cisneros, president and CEO of the Channel Islands YMCA. “He has been serving on the association board since 2006 and chaired the Risk Management & Facilities Committee from 2007 to 2015. We are excited to move forward under his
Photo contributed Robert J. Coles has been named chairman of the Channel Islands YMCA Board and is the president of RJC Inc., an architectural design and construction management company that provides a wide range of building design services for both government agencies and private commercial clients.
leadership.” Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization of seven YMCA branches in Santa Ynez, Lompoc, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Camarillo, Ventura, and the Youth and Family Services YMCA that operates Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, the St. George Youth Center, My Home, and Support and Outreach Services. For more information, visit www.ciymca. org or call 805-569-1103.
16 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2017
Shelter Box USA hires volunteer program manager Staff Report
ShelterBox USA, the U.S.-based affiliate of one of the world’s leading disaster relief and humanitarian aid organizations, has announced Hannah Rael as its new volunteer program manager. Rael has more than six years of experience in nonprofit public relations and marketing, as well as journalism. “Hannah is an enthusiastic and driven communications professional whose experience is matched only by her passion to make a difference in the world,” said Kerri Murray, president of ShelterBox USA. “Having deployed with Hannah on the front lines of crisis situations, I saw first-hand her relentless desire to help people who lost everything.” Prior to joining ShelterBox, Rael was an account executive at SurfMedia Communications. She has also worked in media relations and communications for Direct Relief International and as a freelance reporter for the Santa Barbara News-Press. “I am excited about the opportunity to cultivate and sustain long-term relationships with committed ShelterBox volunteers across the country who also have a heart for helping people in need around the world,” said Rael. “I’m impressed with ShelterBox’s ability to effectively deliver relief where it is most needed, allowing families who have lost everything to rebuild their lives with warmth, dignity, and hope.”
APPOINTMENT
Local broker Knight named to Scholarship Foundation board
Former attorney brings a wealth of unique skills Staff Report
Photo by Isaac Hernandez Hannah Rael is the new volunteer program manager at ShelteBox USA.
Rael volunteers for Immigrant Hope Santa Barbara and the Anti-Defamation League. She also coaches female-focused fitness classes at Kaia FIT Santa Barbara and is a graduate of Leading From Within’s Emerging Leaders Program. To learn how to volunteer, raise funds, or make a donation for ShelterBox USA, visit www.shelterboxusa.org or call 941-9076036.
Kelly Knight, a former attorney who transitioned to a career in residential real estate, has been appointed to the board of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. A native of Maine, Knight earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, before attending McGeorge School of Law at the University Kelly Knight of the Pacific in Sacramento. In 1988, she joined the Santa Barbarabased firm Hatch & Parent (now part of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck),
where she specialized in real estate and business litigation. Shifting gears, she obtained her real estate broker license in 2005 and has since been affiliated with Village Properties. A former Santa Barbara Symphony Board member, Knight serves as a trustee of Santa Barbara Middle School, where she oversaw the launch of a pilot scholarship program. She also supports the Teacher’s Fund, a local education nonprofit, and is a board member for the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County. “Kelly brings a wealth of unique skills and experience to the Foundation Board, and is passionate about helping local students get to and complete college,” said Candace Winkler, Scholarship Foundation president and CEO. “She has a reputation for getting things done, and I very much look forward to working with her,” Winkler said. For more information, visit www. sbscholarship.org.
December 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 17
]food & drink
Fig Mountain wins 3 medals in national competition Staff Report
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, with tasting rooms in Santa Barbara and around the Central Coast, won big at America’s biggest brewing competition in Denver at the end of September. The Buellton-based brewery’s craft beers were awarded three medals: Hoppy Poppy IPA (silver), Wrangler Wheat (bronze), and Lighter Than I Look Lager (bronze). This totals 20 Great American Beer Festival awards for the brewery since its inception in 2010. “This year was more competitive than ever, and we are so happy to bring back three medals to the Central Coast,” said Jaime Dietenhofer, Figueroa Mountain’s founder and CEO. Award-winning breweries received medals in 98 beer categories covering 161 different beer styles, establishing the best examples of each style in the country.
sessions over a period of three days and was judged by 276 beer experts from 13 countries, including the U.S. In addition to commercial brewery entries, the judging panel also evaluated 118 Pro-Am entries. The competition was made possible with the help of 365 volunteers. Figueroa Mountain Brewing’s creative director Kevin Ashford described his excitement. “It is the greatest achievement to be awarded medals after being judged by your peers with blind-judging at the biggest beer competition in the country,” he said. “Very proud of our brew team.” Other Central Coast breweries bringing home medals were Firestone Walker in Photo Contributed Paso Robles, Casa Agria in Ventura, CenFigueroa Mountain Brewing Company, along with several other Central Coast breweries, brought home awards from the tral Coast Brewing in San Luis Obispo, and Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Captain Fatty’s in Goleta. Winners were chosen out of 7,923 comstates plus Washington, D.C. For more information, go to www.figmtn petition entries from 2,217 breweries in 50 The competition took place in six brew.com.
Foxen Canyon wineries to host ‘Christmas on the Trail’ By Donna Polizzi Noozhawk
Did you know that in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Wine Country, 13 fantastic wineries line a 30-mile stretch of road between Los Olivos and Santa Maria? Affectionately known as the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, this area is perfect for a day trip or weekend escape to enjoy exceptional wine and beautiful views. Since Rancho Sisquoc Winery opened its doors in the early 1970s at 6600 Foxen Canyon Road near the historic San Ramon Chapel, the area has become a popular destination for travelers and locals. In addition to the wine, they find peacefully meandering roads with horses trotting in the hills, cattle grazing in fields of wildflowers, old barns and live oak trees loaded with sphagnum moss and mistletoe. Each winery on the route has its own personality and character, making each one a unique experience. The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail isn’t just about pretty landscapes, though. From these historic barns and palatial estates, winemakers are crafting wines that consistently rate 90+ scores from respected wine journals. Foxen Winery recently received two 96-, one 95- and two 94-point ratings from Wine Enthusiast. Many wineries are open daily, so any time is a great time to hit the trail and sample these world-class, award-winning wines. On the northernmost edge of the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail in Santa Maria is Cottonwood Canyon Winery at 3940 Dominion Road. This inviting tasting room overlooks 76 acres of rolling hills and vineyards. They are known for distinctively different, age-worthy wines, and offer
tours of their wine caves. Riverbench Vineyard Tasting Room, 6020 Foxen Canyon Road, is one of my favorites, because of the setting and its excellent sparkling wines. If you like stainless steel Chardonnay that’s layered and lively, head to Cambria Winery, 5475 Chardonnay Lane, for the Fog Tide Chardonnay. It’s also one of my favorites. Cambria’s 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir is an excellent dry, easy sipping wine. Along with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, 5230 Tepusquet Road, also offers some unique varietals, like Blaufränkisch and Malvasia Bianca. All wineries encourage bringing a picnic or snacks to enjoy with your wine, and Martian Ranch & Vineyard, 9110 Alisos Canyon Road; Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road; and Fess Parker Winery, 6200 Foxen Canyon Road, all have beautiful picnicking spots. If you’d like to meet some emus while sampling Grenache, head over to Koehler Winery, 5360 Foxen Canyon Road. If you’re looking for an excuse to visit this area, then mark Dec. 9-10 on your calendars for the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail’s third annual “Christmas on the Trail” passport event. It’s festive and fun, and the wineries exude Christmas cheer, including exclusive wine deals to passport holders. They also deck their halls with boughs of holly. Once you buy your $45 passport, you get 20, 1-ounce pours you can redeem at any of the participating wineries on the trail. Try the Petit Verdot from Firestone Vineyards, 5017 Zaca Station Road; Andrew Murray’s Syrah at Andrew Murray Vineyards, 5249 Foxen Canyon Road; and Koehler Winery’s Sangiovese before WINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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Photos by Donna Polizzi Foxen Winery, top, is in the heart of Santa Barbara County Wine Country. Above, celebrate with friends at Rancho Sisquoc Winery, one of the original wineries on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.
18 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2017
education & learning
Jewish teens eligible for Diller scholarships Staff Report
The Helen Diller Family Foundation is seeking nominations of five Jewish teenagers in California who could each win a $36,000 scholarship for “extraordinary leadership in repairing the world.” The foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, will give out the 2018 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards.
Now entering its 12th year, the national award annually recognizes up to 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 each for extraordinary leadership in repairing the world. Up to five teens from California and ten from communities across the United States will be recognized for their humanitarian efforts. Nominators can visit www.dillerteenawards. org to begin the nomination and application process. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 18, and the deadline for applications is Jan. 8, 2018.
Bay Area philanthropist Helen Diller launched the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards in 2007 to recognize and encourage the next generation of social change-makers embodying the spirit of tikkun olam, a Jewish precept meaning to repair the world. Beyond bolstering national recognition of the teens and their projects, the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards foster a growing network of award recipient alumni collaborating on leadership, innovation, and volunteer service across the nation. Previous award
recipients from all over the country have taken on issues as diverse as homelessness, gun violence, rare diseases, social and economic inequality, and education gaps. They have been recognized by some of the world’s foremost institutions and leaders, including the United Nations Foundation, the White House, the Clinton Global Initiative, Forbes 30 Under 30, the Jefferson Awards, CNN Heroes and the Nickelodeon HALO Awards. For more information, email dillerteenaward @sfjcf.org or call 415-512-6432.
Lead contamination prompts Goleta School Concert features District to shut down drinking fountains dancers ‘On the Edge’
By Brooke Holland Noozhawk Staff
After the discovery of lead contamination in drinking fountains at four of the Goleta Union School District’s campuses, additional testing has been ordered and filtered-water hydration stations are being installed. Last spring, the district began conducting voluntary water testing at Ellwood, Foothill, Hollister, Mountain View, and Kellogg elementary schools, said Conrad Tedeschi, the district’s assistant superintendent of fiscal services. The results showed levels of lead the over the federally recommended maximum of 15 parts per billion at Foothill (two taps), Hollister (three taps) and Mountain View (two taps), prompting district staff to shut down the drinking facets and replace the old water fountains with filtered water at new hydration stations. Six drinking fountains at Ellwood Elementary School were found to be contaminated. Kellogg’s water fountains didn’t exceed California governments’ safe level of lead in drinking water. “We have checked with the Public Health Department, and we have been assured this is not a great risk to public health,” Superintendent Donna Lewis said. “We are trying our hardest to ensure the health of our students and staff.” Tedeschi said the cases involved lead in a fixture, meaning the levels were present a few seconds after turning on a water source early in the morning that had been sitting in the pipes overnight. “When we get the results back, and if anything is exceeding the (federal) level, we remove it right way,” Tedeschi said. A statewide voluntary program began in January allowing for free testing of five taps at each school by the local water utility. Water samples at the Goleta campuses were taken in classrooms, cafeterias, and outside drinking fountains, as well as some kitchen faucets, which are used for student to wash their hands or dishes. “We took a good sample of the water at different parts of the campus,” Tedeschi said.
Staff Report
Brooke Holland / Noozhawk photo The Goleta Union School District will test drinking water at all nine of its campuses and has begun installing filtered-water hydration stations, above, after lead was found in some drinking fountains.
“Water was sampled from different geographic locations on the campus to get a good feel.” School district staff is conducting the latest testing only on the drinking fountains, Tedeschi said. Tests won’t be taken from bathroom sinks, Tedeschi said. “We are now going to the other sites — we will continue until we have every drinking fountain in the district tested,” Tedeschi said. “We figured it was the right thing to do after the limited sample.” Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation last month requiring all schools to test for lead by 2019. “We are ahead of everybody,” Lewis said. “A lot more schools and districts will be going through this process with their water district.” On average, Lewis said, each Goleta campus has about 30 water fountains. District administrators ordered and received 24 filtered-water stations, and will be installing them across all of the schools, even those that show negative results for lead, Lewis said.
Lewis said the goal is to have all water stations installed by January. “The only way we can guarantee clean water is to provide the hydration stations — it has a wonderful filtration, and we tested the water coming out, and it has no detected lead,” Lewis said. “We are vigilant and proactive.” Lewis said the new water stations are the “cheapest and fastest possible solution.” The cost of each station is about $1,400, she said. A long-term solution to the issue of lead in drinking water could lead to installing renovated plumbing systems, but for now, the district doesn’t have the resources for a more substantial project that would tear down classrooms and walls, Lewis said. More water testing results are expected to be presented at upcoming school board meetings. The water testing results will be posted on the district’s website. Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com.
“On the Edge,” Westmont’s fall dance concert, will feature pieces from faculty, students and alumni at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Porter Theatre. Tickets to the concert, which features more than 20 student dancers, cost $10 for general admission or $7 for students, seniors or children, available at westmont.edu/boxoffice or 805-565-7140. Susan Alexander, adjunct dance professor and the show’s director, will premiere new work created for her dance performance class. “The show opens with a group piece, ‘Really on the Edge,’ which pushes the dancers’ boundaries and physical capabilities,” Alexander says. She has also choreographed a quartet, “Gone,” lamenting loss and moving on. Junior Heidi Rosentrater is featured in a solo, “Becoming,” which explores change and personal evolution. Melanie Bales, adjunct dance professor, has choreographed a piece in the tradition of the Judson Church Dance Theatre artists of the 1960s in New York. Several Westmont students have choreographed solo pieces, including senior Brenna Humphrey, sophomores Brittany Fayard and Abigail Pryon. First-year student Andrea Rice has choreographed a group piece for her Westmont debut. Westmont alumni Mackenzie Ellis and Miranda Wittrock return to perform a duet. Wittrock also has a solo, and Ellis presents a piece he created for 13 women he describes as “a playful, modern interpretation of the concepts from Bob Fosse, with influences from today’s established choreographers.”
December 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 19
Thanksgiving starts in the garden for Crane students Harvested vegetables are served as part of school’s holiday feast By Mary Lee Wren Contributing Writer
Crane School students bring in bounty from the school garden.
Each year in the fall, Crane School’s fifth-grade students harvest vegetables from the school’s garden beds and prepare a big pot of soup for their class. They use a pitchfork to gently pry each carrot loose from the dirt. “We grow heirloom varieties,” Elizabeth Del Negro, garden coordinator and educator, told students. “They’re so sweet and soft that these carrots cannot be harvested by machine.” One girl reached down and pulled the feather tops of the carrots, and as the dirt fell away from the orange root she held it up high toward her and said, “This is a real carrot!” Hands-on experiences in the Crane School garden offer students an array of skills that otherwise might be lost in the hustle of our modern lives. The cycle of life is often hidden, but taking the time to plant, grow and harvest the foods we eat teaches students valuable lessons such as sustainability, Crane believes. It also reminds students to relish life’s Photo contributed simple pleasures like digging in the dirt and enjoying a sweet crop grown in their
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own plot of land. The chicken coop, worm bin, and garden beds are all part of a grand design at Crane that supports community-based service learning and green curriculum. Moreover, the garden spaces provide a place for school-wide togetherness, with each grade charged with one important task. For example, third-grade students collect lunch compost to be reused for fertilizer; second-graders care for baby chicks as they grow into chickens, and then collect the eggs; and fourth-graders manage the garden harvest and have a community farm stand. Right now, the garden is full of fall vegetables waiting to be harvested and served as part of the school’s Thanksgiving feast. When the community sits down to enjoy the bounty of the harvest, it will also be a time to reflect on the abundance of shared experiences within the classroom and in the garden. “As an educator, I wonder which experiences we provide will make a lasting impression,” said Del Negro. “Time will tell, but I bet one day the student who picked the carrot will look back on that experience and think, ‘That was pretty magical. I hope my kids get to dig a carrot at school like I did,’” she said. Crane Country Day School is a K-8 independent school. For more information or to schedule a tour, call Erin Guerra, director of admission, at 805-969-7732, ext. 106.
20 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2017
IRISH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 through every-day events such as storytelling, song, music, dance and our daily rituals. Folk theater is the protector, the interpreter, the narrator, the pulse, the heartbeat of these traditions.” The Granada Theatre is at 1214 State St. Tickets range from $28 to $88, available at www.granadasb.org or by calling the box office at (805) 899-2222. For more information, go to www.AnIrishChristmasTour.com or search YouTube for “An Irish Christmas.”
HONORS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 nesses and create a sustainable program that serves all schools in the Goleta school district. n Student of the Year: Lupe Simon. After facing challenges through her youth, Lupe sought out the assistance of the Academy for Success program and has thrived personally and academically. She has vastly improved her academics and has continued to challenge herself. She applied for the yearbook staff and has excelled in advanced photography. She is a community builder and scholastic contributor who plans to go to college next, which was something she was unsure she could ever achieve. n Nonprofit of the Year: United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County. The nonprofit youth development agency serves children ages 5-18 at nine sites across Santa Barbara County. Data gathered in July 2015 showed that club members had made 15,889 visits to club locations and participated in 2,785 cumulative hours of educational programming. During that same period, the club 35,010 meals. No child is ever turned away due to his or
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ing birds. I just saw pure joy in the kids.” Lindsey notes that while YWP knows they can never supplant the classroom, there is an overarching goal of the program that has tremendous value. “Our end goal is that kids have the opportunity to develop a relationship with outside that they benefit from, in health and wellness, and the world benefits from, in care and stewardship,” he explained. And as a parent, Tony DiIoia believes that the more pervasive technology her economic situation. n Small Business of the Year: Buynak Fauver Archbald Spray. In addition to being a leading law firm, its employees are known for dedication to their communities, serving on a variety of nonprofit boards including the Goleta Chamber of Commerce, Hospitality Santa Barbara, National Association of Women Business Owners and the Chamber of the Santa Barbara Region. Their commitment gives nonprofit organizations access to legal expertise, a wide network of supporters, and passionate volunteers. n Large Business of the Year: FLIR Systems. One of the area’s largest employers and a leader in the infrared market, FLIR acquired Indigo Systems, a start-up out of UCSB, in the early 2000s and became the world leader for uncooled infrared devices. The company has put down roots in Goleta by buying its facility at Cabrillo Business Park and moving its 450 employees into one facility there. FLIR is a champion for manufacturing in the United States and a pioneer for lean manufacturing in Goleta. n Innovative Business of the Year:
becomes, the more important programs like WYP will be. “It’s essential to give your child opportunities to spend time outdoors, either with yourself or a program or both. It really diminishes the electronic Rowan Diloia distractions at a young age, and opens their eyes to the greater world that’s out there. In my opinion, it creates an energy and conBrighten Solar. Brighten Solar is changing the way solar technology is delivered by creating customized solar solutions, delivering high-quality products and continuing to focus on spreading the renewable energy footprint. Co-founders Jeremy Favier and Marine Schumann and their team have developed systems for commercial, residential, and nonprofits across the Central Coast and remains focused on solar education and providing clients with a range of options. n Entrepreneur of the Year: Apeel Sciences. Apeel Sciences is changing the world through use of plant-based technology, helping to eliminate food spoilage and reduce reliance on chemicals. With a mission to waste less food, Apeel has developed products that fortify the surface of fresh fruits and vegetables, forming a thin, organic barrier that shields produce from stressors. The company’s team, made up of nearly 75 percent UCSB alumni, recently moved to a 105,000-square-foot facility in Goleta where they are further developing their products. n Community Impact Award: Scholar-
nectivity to nature that they can carry with them throughout their lives,” he said. Michelle Howard notes that in 2018, the program plans to expand by 12 percent, adding an additional 120 students to the 1,000 it served in 2017. All expansion of WYP is privately financed, either through grants or individual donors. “I do dream that one day the program is so compelling that the schools and districts will start putting it into their budgets, but we’re not there yet,” Howard said. Learn more about the Wilderness Youth Project at wyp.org. ship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Since 1962, the Scholarship Foundation has provided scholarships to eligible students from Santa Barbara County for college, graduate, and vocational school education. In May, the Scholarship Foundation awarded $8.4 million in scholarship funding to 2,688 students, with the average award for undergraduate students being $3,207 and for graduate students, $9,065. This year, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara reached the $100 million mark in total scholarships awarded during its 55year history. n Special Recognition: Santa Barbara County Fire Department. As the community continues to face volatile fire seasons, followed by risk of flood, the chamber is grateful for the outstanding team at the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. Santa Barbara County Fire is often the first on scene in most any disaster and is considered a model public safety agency. The chamber recognized its effectiveness, regional strength and community attentiveness. For more information, go to www.Goleta Chamber.com or call 967-2500, ext. 5.
December 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 21
JALAMA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 sioner Susan Jordan told the panel. She said during her tenure as a commissioner, it always struck her that the public had no access to the “extraordinary stretch of coast” that sits just south of Jalama Beach to what is locally known as The Crack. “It’s like going back a hundred years,” Jordan said. “That was always a reoccurring theme for me.” The vast majority of the land has never been developed and historically was used for cattle grazing. It was once known as the Bixby Ranch and owned by a famous California ranching family. The property includes 11 miles of mostly untouched coastline that straddles Point Conception. One of the unpermitted violations that occurred on the property is a road that was carved from the blufftop down to the beach. Additionally, 37 wells were drilled across the more than 24,000-acre property, 16 roads were graded and developed, and three stock ponds were filled. Vegetation, including native oak woodlands, was also removed, altering the property’s topography, making it susceptible to erosion and harming wildlife, according to commission staff. “The violations cover acres and acres of land,” said Aaron McLendon, the commission’s deputy chief of enforcement. “The activities and their results still remain on the property.” As part of the commission’s action on Thursday, the panel also issued a cease-anddesist order to ranch owners for all unpermitted activities on the property, as well as a restoration order, which includes the planting of 200 acres of native oaks on the property. Property owners can also apply for afterthe-fact permits through the county to keep the drilled wells in operation. They have committed to keeping the property for agricultural operations only, though. The settlement also includes payment of $500,000 to fund public access and environmental projects through the Coastal Commission, as well as plans for an additional 300 acres of mitigation that will include removal of invasive ice plant on the property. McLendon and many others praised the settlement as a win for not only the Coastal Commission but also the public and the state of California. He said the transfer of coastal land alone was worth “millions of dollars.” “This is the largest area of mitigation ever achieved for an enforcement case in California,” McLendon said. “We are thrilled.”
PRIZE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Power: The Anti-Nuclear Movement and the Dawn of the Solar Age” (1997) and “Freedom from Mid-East Oil” (2007). Brutoco played a significant role in helping to establish and grow the National Peace Academy, which, among other things, is an affiliate of the George Mason University School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. He serves on the Permanent Drafting Committee for the Geneva-based group that is developing “A Global Bill of Rights” (www.uniteforrights.org). And, he was the founding chairman of Unstoppable, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that has built schools and provided clean drinking water for more than 10,000 African children and their parents.
WINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
heading to Tres Hermanas, 9660 Foxen Canyon Road, for its Grenache Blanc and Viognier. Twenty ounces is roughly four glasses, so you can share your passport with a friend and attend both days of the event. Also included with your passport is a logo wine glass and a special stocking stuffer for you. On Dec. 9, each winery will offer small treats like cheese and charcuterie, local chocolates, Christmas cookies and other delectable bites to enjoy with your wine. On Dec. 10, the wineries will host experiences like live music, olive oil tastings, wine cave viewings, barrel tastings and more. Head out to wine country and have some fun! Jingle all the way along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. “Christmas on the Trail” passports are good for both Dec. 9 and 10. Email foxentrail@gmail. com for more information.
MOM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
more popular trails in the area, Franklin Trail in Carpinteria is never crowded and there is always plenty of parking. While still a good workout, this trail is manageable with a toddler on your back. We try to hike a couple times a week, and we love the sweeping ocean views and the peace and quiet on the Franklin Trail. (http://franklintrail.org/) n Hops and Pops Dad Group: Yes, I started a Dad Group. I made a ton of new friends through prenatal yoga and PEP but my husband was not connecting with other dads after our daughter was born. I decided to take matters into my own hands.
UQORA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
Blakely Foundation. Winner of the second-place award of $20,000 went to Jessica Dehn with Dino Drop-In child care in Bozeman, Mont. The third-place award of $10,000 was won by Alexa Jones with TheraB Medical of East Lansing, Mich.
WEV CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
Photo by Donna Polizzi Cottonwood Canyon Winery, known for distinctively different, age-worthy wines, offers tours of its wine caves.
Donna Polizzi is a regional travel expert and founder of Keys 2 the Coast, a free Central Coast travel resource providing honest recommendations on the best places that locals want to go. She also is a board member of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center. She can be contacted at news@ noozhawk.com. With almost 500 members, Hops and Pops is a group of dads who get together over beers with their babies and toddlers. It’s not PC, but it is fun! (Moms are welcome too.) Join the closed Facebook group to get updates and invites to the monthly gatherings. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ hopsandpops/) What are some of the fun activities around town that you enjoy doing with your kids? I’d love to hear about them at carey@hooterholster.net. Thanks for sharing! Carey Bradshaw of Santa Barbara is a working mom just trying to balance it all. She runs Hooter Holster and Creative Butter.
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SCOUTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 religious emblem program for their corresponding age level and religious affiliation; 20 percent of the registered adult leaders being members of The United Methodist Church; the unit participating in the annual Scouting Ministries Sunday observance in the local church; and the unit planning and completing a service project, among other criteria. The award is administered by the General Commission on United Methodist Men, Scouting Ministries, and may be awarded annually if the troop is qualified. Assisting Troop 1 in meeting the criteria for the award was Kurt Condie, who led at least 11 Boy Scouts and Cub scouts to obtain the age-appropriate religious awards based on the youths’ religious preferences. Troop 1 of the Boy Scouts of America was established in 1910, the same year as the Boy Scouts of America, making the local troop the oldest troop west of the Mississippi River. Troop 1 meets most Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at the corners of Garden and Anapamu streets in Santa Barbara.
bigger stage, to become leaders,” said Marsha Bailey, WEV’s founder and CEO. “The good news is that women are starting businesses at five times the national average and own 38 percent of privately held firms,” Bailey said. “Unfortunately, they start their businesses with half as much capital as their male counterparts. “The capital gap widens as businesses grow larger. Among the largest businesses (the top 25 percent), men receive six times more capital than women,” she said. “Last year women received only 2 percent of venture capital dollars, a decline from previous years,” Bailey said. These statistics demonstrate the importance of programs like WEV. In addition to educational programs that build skills and confidence to help women business owners, WEV has made $4 million in small-business loans and plans to increase its lending to $1 million per year within the next three years. Guests at the event interacted with featured WEV clients, who shared their experiences as entrepreneurs and how their businesses have evolved with the support of WEV’S programs. All proceeds raised will directly benefit client programs in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, including Smart Entrepreneurial Training, Thrive in Five, WEV en Español, and the WEV Loan Program. To learn more about Women’s Economic Ventures, visit www.wevonline. org.
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22 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2017
DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Submit information about your event to news@ santabarbarafamilylife.com.
December 6
The Way it Was - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum - lecture by columnist Hattie Beresford from the Montecito Journal. For more info and tickets log onto www.sbhistorical.org/ event/1929/. Celebrate the Season - 7 p.m. Unitarian Society Sanctuary, 1535 Santa Barbara St. Pacific Sound men’s a cappella chorus will perform. For more info and tickets ($15) log onto www.pacificsoundchorus.org/ tickets. Arturo Sandoval – Jazz trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as a classical piano presented by Jazz at the Lobero at 8 p.m. For more info, log onto www.lobero. org/events/arturo-sandoval/
December 7
Hanukkah and Hilarity Comedy Night - 6 p.m. at the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara fearturing their Teen Comedy Club. Tickets: $10 or $5 for students/seniors. For more info, visit www. jewishsantabarbara.org/community-calendar/ comedy-2017 or contact RSVP@sbjf.org.
Quire of Voyces Short Program - 6:30-7 p.m. at Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Free admission. For more info, log onto www.sbma.net/events/ voyces17b. An Irish Christmas - 7:30 p.m. at the Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street - Enjoy music making and singing of Christmas carols. For tickets and info log onto www.AnIrishChristmasTour. com. Cory Richards - 7:30-9 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. An adventure and expedition photographer featured by National Geographic. For more info and tickets log onto https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu/Details. aspx?PerfNum=3815.
December 8
Chris Isaak Holiday Tour - 7 p.m. at the Granada Theatre. Log onto https://ticketing.granadasb.org/ single/SYOS.aspx?p=10914.
December 9
Field Trip to Red Rock Mines - 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Geologist Susie Bartz will lead field trip to Red Rock following the Santa Ynez River. Trip includes old Los Prietos/ Juniper mercury mining area, how California’s fault lines formed the cinnabar, a hydrothermally
enriched “red rock” ore of mercury. Important: Trip consists of a moderate 2.5 mile hike on uneven and loose terrain, and requires the ability to climb up and down slopes with loose gravel and traverse through rugged arroyos. Participants must be in healthy, physical condition to participate. Members $45; non-members $50 Pre-registration required; limited enrollment. To register, please go to sbnature.org/tickets. Holiday at the Ranch 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A holiday open house featuring Santa Claus and his “rein-goats” at Rancho La Patera and Stow House. Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker - Dec. 9 at 2:30, 7 p.m. Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m., at the Arlington Theatre. Tickets range $25-$55. For more infor, log onto www. thearlington theatre.com/schedule. Old Town Goleta’s Christmas Parade - 6-8 p.m. in Old Town Goleta. Visit www.gogoleta.com for event details. Under the Streetlamp: Hip to the Holidays – holiday music 8 p.m. at the Granada Theatre. Tickets
$35-$48 available at https://ticketing.granadasb.org/ single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=10698. The Hallelujah Project 5 - Santa Barbara Choral Society Dec. 9, 8 p.m. and Dec. 10, 3 p.m. Familyfriendly mix of holiday classics and seasonal favorites. Arts d’Afrique Winter Tribal Market - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A selection of folk art, Indigo tie-dye and mud cloth from Mali, masks and marionettes from West Africa, stools from Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Ghana, jewelry and bronzes from West Africa, tiedyed mulaffas from Mauritania, textiles & wood from Indonesia & India. Located at 1058 N Ontare Rd., Santa Barbara. Contact designsource.sb@verizon. net for more info.
December 10
32nd Holiday Parade of Lights at the Harbor - 3 p.m. to fireworks. The boat parade is preceded by Santa’s Village activities on the City Pier in Santa Barbara Harbor. Come play in 10 tons of snow and take photos with Santa. The first 200 children receive free goody bags. Annual boat parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Arts d’Afrique Winter Tribal Market - 10 a.m.2 p.m. A selection of folk art, Indigo tie-dye and mud cloth from Mali, masks and marionettes from West Africa, stools from Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Ghana, jewelry and bronzes from West Africa, tie-
December 2017 | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | Santa Barbara Family & Life | 23
DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS dyed mulaffas from Mauritania, textiles & wood from Indonesia & India. Located at 1058 N Ontare Rd., Santa Barbara. Contact designsource.sb@verizon. net for more info.
Kelsea Ballerini tour coming to the Arlington
December 14
Fueled by a sold-out headlining tour last year called The First Time Tour, country star Kelsea Ballerini has announced The Unapologetically Tour, which will include a stop at the Arlington Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on April 25. Singer-songwriter Walker Hayes of Mobile, Ala., will support the show. Tickets went on sale on Friday, Nov. 3, via AXS.com. Ballerini’s nationwide trek kicks off Feb. 8 at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham and wraps April 27 at the annual Stagecoach Festival in Indio, with stops in Nashville, New York and Seattle. “Great things happen when music surrounds you, I really believe that,” said Ballerini. “One of the coolest things to me about headlining is being able to create a world for your fans to step into.”
Playdate! - 10-11 a.m. at Paseo Nuevo Shopping center. Local kid-friendly organizations host free activities for kids. Free to the public. For more info, log onto http://paseonuevoshopping.com/events/.
December 15
The Christmas Revels: An Early California Celebration of the Winter Solstice – Presented by the Santa Barbara Revels. 7:30 p.m. Show highlights Richard Henry Danas’ visit to Santa Barbara in 1836. This year’s performance celebrates the traditions of the Central California Rancho period. Runs through Dec. 17. For shows/times log onto www.lobero.org/events/ christmas-revels-2017/
December 16
State Street Ballet’s The Nutcracker - Dec. 16, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Professional dancers, students of Gustafson Dance, and Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra to perform holiday classic. Tickets $24-106, available at https://ticketing. granadasb.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=10704. Ice in Paradise - Holiday show. 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. 6985 Santa Felicia Dr., Goleta. For tickets go to iceinparadise.org.
December 18
Winter Zoo Camp Starts - The Santa Barbara Zoo’ 2-week winter break special program with ageappropriate programs for ages 3-12. Includes games, behind-¬the-scenes visits, up-close animal introductions and more. Log onto www.sbzoo.org for details. Winter Camp at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Starts – 5-day and 4-day camp options available for kids to learn about nature, science, land and sea animals and crafts. Log onto www.sbnature.org for details. Emporium Presents Colleen Ballinger with special guest Miranda Sings - 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. For tickets, log onto www.lobero.org/ events/miranda-sings/.
December 25 Merry Christmas!
December 31
Kid’s Club New Years Eve at the Santa Barbara Zoo - 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a night out celebrating while your kids take over the Zoo and enjoy dinner, special animal encounters, night tours, s’mores, and more fun activities. Log onto www.sbzoo.org for details.
January 1 Happy New Year!
Staff Report
CONTINUING EVENTS Sundays
Sea Stories for Families - Enjoy interactive story readings at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center at 211 Stearns Wharf. Program free with admission; www.sbnature.org or 805-9622526. Shark Sundays - 3:30 p.m. at the Sea Center, 211 Stearns Wharf. Watch staff feed sharks and rays. Observe shark feeding behaviors, and maybe help throw in a few pieces too; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526. Studio Sunday on the Front Steps - 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art located at 1130 State Street - Log onto www.sbma.net for more info.
Tuesdays
Walk on the Wild Side - 9 a.m. If you are a morning person, love animals, and are age 60+, you’ll love Walk on the Wild Side! Join this lively crew and get your exercise on while enjoying the Zoo. Class walks the grounds for one hour and designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and health. First class is free, sign up at the Zoo’s front gate. Class is for 60-years-old and older. Bug Out Tuesdays - 11 a.m. Crawl, fly, swim, or flutter over to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History to learn about the amazing connections invertebrates have to the natural world with rotating activities, art, games, and more. Included in admission. Log onto www. sbnature.org. Octopus Tuesdays - 4 p.m. Watch an octopus consume a meal. Discover camouflage behaviors as you learn more about these intelligent invertebrates at the Sea Center at 211 Stearns
Portal to the Plant - 1-3 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Members-only morning at the Moxi - 8:30-10 a.m. MOXI Members enjoy exclusive exploration, play and discovery throughout the museum’s 17,000 square feet of exhibits.
Sundays Photo contributed Kelsea Ballerini’s “Unapologetically” tour will include a stop at the Arlington Theatre on April 25.
VIP packages are available for purchase at https://kelseaballerini.com/events. She soared to stardom after releasing three consecutive platinum hits from her gold debut album “The First Time” (“Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Peter Pan,” “Dibs”), making her the only female artist in country music history to achieve this accolade. Her sophomore album, “Unapologetically,” debuted Nov. 3. Wharf; free with admission; www.sbnature.org or 805-962-2526. Members-only morning at the Moxi - 8:30 to 10 a.m. - MOXI Members enjoy exclusive exploration, play and discovery throughout the museum’s 17,000 square feet of exhibits.
Thursdays
Walk on the Wild Side - 9 a.m. If you are a morning person, love animals, and are age 60+, you’ll love Walk on the Wild Side. Join this lively crew and get your exercise on while enjoying the Zoo. Class walks the grounds for one hour and designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and health. First class is free, sign up at the Zoo’s front gate. Class is for 60-years-old and older. Jelly Thursdays - 4 p.m. Experience the beauty of jellies as they gracefully gather their microscopic meals at the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf; free with admission; www.sbnature.org or 805962-2526. Spring Adult Ceramics Class - 6-9 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art located at 1130 State Street - Log onto www.sbma.net for more info. Free Thursday Evenings at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art - 5-8 p.m. Log onto www.sbma.net for more info.
Saturdays
Fisherman’s Market - 6-11 a.m. A handful of fishermen can be found on the City Pier (opposite Brophy’s) every Saturday selling crab, rockfish, ling cod, black cod, halibut, urchin, abalone (sustainably farmed), and other catch of the day items. Science on Site - Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Check www.sbnature.org for times and topics.
Shark Sundays - 3:30 p.m. Watch the Sea Center staff feed sharks and rays. Observe shark feeding behaviors, and if you’re lucky, help throw in a few pieces too! Included with admission to the Sea Center. 211 Stearns Wharf. Log onto www.sbnature. org for more info.
Saturdays & Sundays
Branch Out: Nature Escape Room - Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Until Aug. 1920. Times vary from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Modeled off the popular “escape room” movement, games are brought to life where kids are the heroes on a quest to solve an environmental mission before time runs out. Register at www.branchoutgames. com. Call 682-4711 ext. 162 for more info. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Twinkle, Twinkle for Little Stars, 11 a.m.; Cosmic Safari, noon; Kids’ Space Adventure, 1 p.m.; What’s Up, 2 p.m.; Your Cosmic Quest (en Espanol Los Domingos), 3 p.m. Santa Barbara Zoo - Explorer Fundays activities held in the Explore Store 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with Zoo admission. For the event theme each week log onto www.sbzoo.org
Every day
“It’s a Wonderful Life” - SBCC’s Theatre Group production runs Nov. 8-18 at Garvin Theatre on the SBCC west campus. For tickets and show times log onto www.theatregroupsbcc.com. Lane Farms: Local, homegrown and organic produce - open daily from 9 a.m-6 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Log onto www.lanefarmssb.com for what’s in season! Base Camp - 10 a.m-5 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Several exhibits include a naturalist field station, build zone, search zone, nature art zone and more. Runs through mid-2018. Log onto www.sbnature.org for more info.
Weekly
Brain Injury Survivors group - 11-4 p.m. MondayFriday at Jodi House located at 625 Chapala St. Invites caregivers and survivors of stroke, aneurysm and traumatic brain injuries on community reintegration. Log onto www.jodihouse.org for more info.
Have a happy and safe holiday season. We look forward to seeing you in 2018! From everyone at the Santa Barbara Family & Life Magazine
24 | Santa Barbara Family & Life | www.santabarbarafamilylife.com | December 2017