Santa Ynez Valley Star January B 2022 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

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NatureTrack offers pathways to explore outdoors for all abilities

PHP awarded $223K for youth substance-use prevention efforts

Freedom Trax devices remove limits to disabled people's connection to nature

Cove Champions joins 60 other programs across the state that received a total of $52 million

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

teve Schulz has always been an active outdoor person. Having grown up in the Santa Ynez Valley, he has been less than half an hour from the beach or the mountains for outdoor recreation. The week before Christmas in 1998, Schultz was in the wrong place at the wrong time, getting shot in a carjacking incident and being paralyzed ever since. Schulz has learned a new way of life in the 22 years since the incident, from his landscaping design business to volunteering with NatureTrack Foundation, leading outdoor excursions where the trail was accessible in his wheelchair. “Steve has been with us nine years and when he came to an outdoor event we hosted, it was hard for him to get his chair through the mulch,” said Sue Eisaguirre, founder of NatureTrack. “My husband suggested looking into getting Steve something that had better access and that’s how we found Freedom Trax.” Freedom Trax is based in Golden, Colorado, and being a native of that state, Eisaguirre said she has gone to their facility to see how they are made.

Staff Report

Photo by Michaela Maher Using Freedom Trax, NatureTrack can help remove barriers to accessing beaches and trails for wheelchair users and others with physical disabilities.

“There is so much to tell about the lack of accessibility for people who are disabled and thankfully with companies like Freedom Trax, the technology is catching up,” she said. “We take for granted walking to the waters edge, or on backcountry trails.” Using Freedom Trax removes barriers to accessing beaches and trails for wheelchair users and others with physical disabilities. The

devices work with manual chairs only and convert them to all-terrain accessible chairs, which can be driven on the beach or uneven trails. NatureTrack Foundation hosted six Freedom Trax devices at Hendry’s Beach for local wheelchair users to try on Jan. 9. The date also coincided with the beach cleanup event NATURE TRACK CONTINUED TO PAGE 23

anta Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP) has been awarded $223,516.80 for youth substance use prevention activities, through Elevate Youth California, a statewide program. In the Cove Champions Project, focusing on the uniqueness of the messenger, as peer promotors, participants will be selected, trained and supported to educate their peers on the adverse effects of cannabis and other substances. According to PHP, with the legalization of PHP CONTINUED TO PAGE 23

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2 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

Photo contributed by Allan Hancock College Hancock College head coach John Madden, second from left, is shown in the early 1960s with assistant coaches, from left, Jim Wood, Dick Mannini and Ernie Zampese.

Passing of NFL legend John Madden hits home on Central Coast

Hall of Fame coach, broadcaster played at Cal Poly, coached at Hancock By Raiza Giorgi publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

he recent passing of football icon John Madden impacts not only the National Football League but also the Central

Coast. Some may not realize Madden played offensive tackle at Cal Poly and coached at Allan Hancock College. His wife Virginia (Fields) Madden is from Los Alamos and the couple were married in Santa Maria in 1959, according to their wedding announcement in the Santa Maria Times. As a player at Cal Poly, Madden played on MADDEN CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

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NEWS STAFF Raiza Giorgi

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Publisher & Editor

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805-350-8786

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Solvang’s Christmas tree burn fires up after year off

Event marks a fiery end to the Danish-themed city's Julefest celebration spanning more than a month By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

orced to take last year off, the Solvang Christmas tree burn returned the evening of January 8 for its 31st edition. The event served as the fiery end to the Danish-themed city’s annual Julefest celebration that spanned more than a month. Since Christmas, valley residents have offered up their trees, creating a big pile in a field near the Mission Santa Ines. The 2021 tree burn did not take place because

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of COVID-19 concerns and public health guidelines in place at the time. The City of Solvang and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department join forces to host the event, which also serves as a demonstration about the fire danger posed by dry Christmas trees. It’s considered to be one of the largest fire safety demonstrations on the Central Coast. The event also included music, a retirement of American flags led by Boy Scout Troops 007 and 41, and refreshments for sale before the grand finale of igniting the gathered trees. Through the years, some residents have questioned the event’s effects on air quality and concerns about fire danger, not as much of a worry this year after significant rain fell in December. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3

Santa Barbara County sees continued decrease in cannabis tax revenues First-quarter report shows $3.1 million collected, a 25% drop from 2020 By Jade Martinez-Pogue Noozhawk Staff Writer

anta Barbara County reported $3.1 million in cannabis tax revenues for the first quarter of its fiscal year, which is 25% less than the amount collected in the same quarter last year. The county has reported multiple quarters of increasing tax revenues until mid-2021, when it reported a 45% decrease compared to the previous year. “As part of the fourth-quarter update, staff began signaling that a supply glut was beginning to develop both statewide and locally, resulting in price compression of wholesale cannabis product,” Steven Yee, a fiscal analyst with the County Executive Office, said at the Dec. 14 Board of Supervisors meeting. “Given the information that’s currently available, staff’s analysis shows that oversupply of wholesale product is still persisting,” he said. The $3.1 million collected over the first quarter of fiscal year 2021-22, which ran from July 1 through Sept. 30, also represents a 17% decrease over the previous three-month period, Yee said. Yee said that the number of licensed retail locations statewide remains an issue when compared to the amount of cannabis product being reduced, in addition to the demand from consumers. The fact that cannabis product cannot cross state lines due to commerce laws further limits the ability of growers in California to bring their product to market, he added. Out of 69 county operators that were expected to report gross receipts for the last quarter, 47

reported, 16 reported zero receipts, and six did not report any receipts, Yee said. Most of the county’s operators are cultivators. There are pending applications for more acreage than is allowed under the county cultivation caps of 1,575 acres for inland areas and 186 acres for the Carpinteria area. As of late September, applicants submitted land use entitlement applications with a proposed acreage totaling 3,173 acres in the inland areas and 214 acres in the Carpinteria area. However, proposed acreage can fluctuate while applicants are in the permitting process due to project design changes, Yee noted. Approximately 1.6 acres of the inland area cultivation cap remain uncommitted, and approximately 100 acres of the Carpinteria cultivation cap remain uncommitted, according to the staff report. Cultivation projects are only added to the cap once operators have an approved land use entitlement permit, request the placement on the eligibility list from the County Executive Office, submit a complete cannabis business license application that has been accepted, and pay all required cannabis business licensing fees/ deposits. Yee explained that operators may apply for

a business license upon approval of a land use entitlement permit, but the land use entitlement permits “don’t necessarily” need to be issued for operators to apply for a business license. In the upcoming quarters, county staff will figure out how to finalize cap acreage and allow some operators to fallow land as necessary, said Brittany Heaton, who works in the county’s cannabis program. County staff will also focus on phasing out legal non-conforming operators, who have been cultivating without county permits or business licenses. There were 22 projects in the appeal process for the first quarter, Yee noted, adding that permits cannot be issued until an appeal is resolved. To date, the Planning and Development Department has received a total of 159 business license applications, 33 of which have a land use entitlement approved, making them potentially eligible for final business license issuance, Yee said. “This means that for all other pending business license applications, cannabis operators must really focus their efforts on obtaining a final issued land use entitlement,” he added. The county has approved 27 business licenses to date, according to the staff report. Tuesday’s quarterly cannabis compliance,

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enforcement and taxation update will be the last presentation given to the Board of Supervisors; starting next quarter, the report will be included in an appendix of the County Executive Office’s quarterly budget updates. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office completed eight enforcement actions over the first quarter, confiscated 3,253 live plants valued at an estimated $1.6 million, and confiscated 1,205 pounds of dried cannabis product valued at an estimated $1.8 million, Heaton said. The Sheriff’s team also made nine arrests relating to illegal indoor and outdoor cultivation, and operating illegal delivery services, according to the staff report. “In all these operations, the team continues to move forward with an adaptive style of enforcement, which is not only focused on illegal cultivation, but also the unsafe circulation of untested cannabis products which pose significant risk to consumer safety, and grossly undermines the legal market,” the staff report said. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office recently closed one investigation in Mid-County and has one ongoing investigation in South County regarding worker health and safety and pesticide use related to cannabis operations, according to the report. The Planning and Development Department opened four cannabis enforcement cases, one in the South County and three in the North County, and closed eight cases, four in the South County and four in the North County. The department also responded to 345 cannabis complaints, 300 of which were odor complaints in the Carpinteria Valley. Noozhawk staff writer Jade Martinez-Pogue can be reached at jmartinez-pogue@noozhawk.com.

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New year brings new laws for California in 2022 Food waste recycling, minimum wage increase, police reform among the changes By Serena Guentz

Noozhawk Staff Writer

ith the arrival of the new year also comes a long list of new laws taking effect in California, ranging from housing development to food waste recycling, minimum wage increases, and police and criminal justice system reforms. The following are just some of the several laws that went into effect in California starting on Jan. 1. Senate Bill 3, which was approved by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2016, will be increasing the minimum wage in California to $15 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees and $14 per hour for those with 25 or fewer employees. There are a few news laws targeted at reducing waste and methane emissions, including Senate Bill 1383 which requires residents and businesses to recycle green waste and food waste. Santa Barbara County residents who are served by the Tajiguas Landfill and live within the ReSource Center “wasteshed” do not have to change how they manage waste, and that includes Buellton, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Solvang, and the unincorporated areas of the Cuyama Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and the South Coast. The landfill’s Materials Recovery Facility, also known as the ReSource Center, processes and separates organic waste from trash to be made into compost and energy. The County Public Works Department asks people in these areas not to mix food scraps in with yard waste (green containers) since it interferes with the mulching process. In an effort to reduce plastic waste, Assembly Bill 1276 prohibits restaurants from providing single-use foodware accessories or standard condiments unless requested by consumers. Correctional facilities, health care facilities, residential care facilities, and public and private school cafeterias are exempt. For housing development, Senate Bill 9 allows property owners to split lots and build additional residential units in areas zoned for single-family housing.

Many jurisdictions, such as Santa Barbara and Goleta, have approved ordinances to put local conditions on SB 9 or to make high-firehazard zones exempt. Senate Bill 10 authorizes local governments to zone for up to 10 residential units per parcel in urban areas or “transit-rich” areas. Several police reform bills will be going into effect Jan. 1, including Assembly Bill 48, which restricts and sets standards for the use of rubber bullets or tear gas for crowd control, and Assembly Bill 26, which requires officers to immediately report potential excessive force and requires officers who fail to intervene to be disciplined up to and including in the same manner as the offending officer. Assembly Bill 490 prohibits law enforcement officers from using restraint or transport methods that carry a significant risk of positional asphyxia, or suffocation. Assembly Bill 89 raises the minimum qualifying age for peace officers from 18 to 21, and Senate Bill 2 creates a process for peace officer decertification by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training for serious misconduct. SB 2 also eliminates several legal immunity provisions for officers. Senate Bill 73 will end mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenses and allow eligibility for probation in these cases. New laws relating to labor and employment include Senate Bill 62, which prohibits by-piece pay for garment workers, and Assembly Bill 701, which would require warehouse employers to disclose quotas upon hire and provides that employees are not required to meet quotas that interfere with mandatory rest or meal periods and bathroom breaks. Assembly Bill 397 requires the Employment Development Department to provide notice before disqualifying an unemployment claim so the individual can correct any mistakes. A few pieces of legislation extend COVID19-era practices. Assembly Bill 37 requires vote-by-mail ballots to be sent to every registered voter for each election. Under Senate Bill 389, eligible businesses can sell alcoholic beverages to-go with meals until Dec. 30, 2026, extending a practice allowed under COVID-19 restrictions. Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at sguentz@noozhawk.com.

January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5

Grand jury makes cybersecurity recommendations for special districts

By Pam Olsen

for Santa Barbara County Grand Jury

he 2021 Santa Barbara County grand jury has prepared a report about cybersecurity for special districts and county service areas following the 2019-20 grand jury report “Cyber-Attacks Threaten Santa Barbara County,” which focused on the broader county issues. The report urges the 53 special districts in Santa Barbara County to review their cybersystems to identify cybersecurity threats. The jury urges the special districts and service areas to take all necessary measures to protect their operational data and computer systems. The jury has proposed a list of best practices for Santa Barbara County special districts to consider identifying, protecting and, if necessary, upgrading their cybersecurity activities to advance the best interests of their consumers. There are three types of special districts within the county: independent special district, dependent special district and county service area. An independent special district has its own board of directors, either elected directly or appointed; they make their decisions on activities and budgets independent of any city or county oversight. A dependent special district is actually run by its respective city council or county board of supervisors. County service areas (CSA) are different from special districts in that they are also governed by the County Service Area Law (Cal. Govt. Code §§ 25210 et seq) in addition to Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. There are currently 39 independent special districts, eight dependent special districts, and six community service areas in the county.

Press accounts have reported cybersecurity breaches across the U.S. including the two-day shutdown of a part of Colonial Pipeline’s oil distribution system on the East Coast in early 2021, which reportedly cost the company more than $2 million in ransom payments. Costly or potentially even deadly cyberattacks also impacted, among many other business and government entities, police departments, water distribution systems, a major national meatpacking company, and hospital systems. California had the highest percentage of attempted healthcare system hacks, with 21% of the nationwide total. These intrusions can be expensive to correct. Even when ransoms are paid, the breached or maliciously encrypted systems must be reconfigured or even rebuilt entirely. Moreover, there remain potential financial liabilities for critical infrastructure businesses like utilities, as well as financial institutions, to their customers. It, therefore, is incumbent upon the special districts to take whatever proactive steps possible to reduce the threats and thereby mitigate the damaging consequences. To assess the readiness of special districts in Santa Barbara County, the jury interviewed a representative sampling of Santa Barbara County special districts and municipal officials, as well as private industry internet technology and cybersecurity experts. The jury also reviewed informative articles, reports, and official publications dealing with the subject of cybersecurity. There are at least three U.S. agencies that address cybersecurity crime. Special districts are encouraged to access these and strengthen their own websites: n U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) https://www.cisa.gov/

n U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework n U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) https://www.ic3.gov Following a 2021 White House meeting on the problem, Microsoft said it is allocating $150 million for cybersecurity technical services to assist federal, state, and local government agencies. In addition, it has committed to invest $20 billion over five years to develop improved cybersecurity programs. Google has committed to spending $10 billion for that same purpose, and major corporations like Amazon and IBM will be increasing their investment in employee training programs. The jury has neither the staff nor the technical expertise to analyze the cyber-readiness of the special districts or to suggest specific defenses to cyberattacks. That work should be done by expert consultants and security firms devoted to such activities. The jury offers the following list of Best Practices based upon the sources consulted: n Create strong passwords and change them often, or at least periodically. n Install and regularly update “encryption” software. n nstall and regularly update “firewall” software (intrusion detection systems). n Update computer systems as necessary. n Install and regularly update virus protection software. n Secure data by limiting access. n Safely dispose of all unwanted documents. n Limit remote internet access to the extent possible. n Limit physical access to system equipment

(access cards, ID cards, etc.). n Wipe data from equipment to be disposed of. n Monitor employee use of all systems. n Periodically test security measures and immediately remediate weaknesses. n Report to the appropriate internal security all malfunctions, anomalies or any other “out-of-ordinary” events no matter how insignificant they may appear to be. n Conduct training for all employees periodically on security policies and procedures, certify attendance, and teach staff how to prevent, detect, contain, and eliminate breaches. n Hire an outside security consulting firm to conduct a risk analysis at least annually and consider the possibility of pooling resources with other special districts to hire such expertise. n Consider adequate cybersecurity insurance and the possibility of creating or joining an existing insurance pool to reduce premium cost. n Create and securely maintain back-up data separate from the “live” system. n Create a comprehensive Security Policy Manual to centralize information in one place and make it accessible to all staff. n Classify and prioritize all district hardware, software, devices, data, etc. in accordance with their critical nature. n Adopt easy to follow protocols for detecting and reporting known or suspected incursions and explain the exact duties and responsibilities of different staff levels in case an incident occurs. Create and maintain a current incident log designed to immediately document, analyze, and catalog incursions and explain how best to respond n Immediately eliminate all access to data systems and emails upon an employee’s departure.

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6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

Why is city opening up Copenhagen Drive again?

oday, the U.S. reports a record 1 million COVID-19 cases nationally. In Solvang, the City Council (except for Councilmember Robert Clarke) is busy opening up Copenhagen Drive and eliminating the pedestrian street environment which was implemented in the first place to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. This is the same City Council that made its priority to close all Solvang businesses down in January 2021 when we had one-fifth of the COVID-19 cases. So why is it such an urgent priority for this City Council to eliminate the pedestrian environment on Copenhagen Drive in Solvang? This is the same City Council that went out

and surveyed both its residents and the businesses on if they thought that Copenhagen Drive should be permanently closed. So why is the City Council willing to completely ignore the result of its own survey and the opinion of its own residents and businesses when 69% of the residents and 76% of the businesses on Copenhagen Drive answered “yes” to permanently closing it. This is the same City Council that is com-

pletely ignoring the fact that many US cities are looking into permanent conversion to pedestrian streets after COVID-19. Additionally, pedestrian street environments are also very Danish and can enhance the quaint Danish old look and feel of Solvang for generations to come — a place where not only tourists and residents but also the elder kids can walk, as well as enjoy it during the day and in the evening. So why is the City Council willing to

convert it back into a parking lot for pickup trucks, employee parking and the trolley vehicles covering up the beautiful Danish architecture we are known for and people come here to see? In full disclosure, I am the owner of The Copenhagen House and Danish Mill Bakery in Solvang. I don’t see a huge advantage or disadvantage for my business in revenue whether Copenhagen Drive is closed or open. However, neither I nor my businesses will be here forever — hopefully, Solvang will. René Gross Kærskov The Copenhagen House & Danish Mill Bakery Letters to the editor should be no more than 300 words in length. Send letters to: Raiza Giorgi, PO Box 1594, Solvang, CA 93464 or email to: news@santaynezvalleystar.com Please include your name and address and phone number.

January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7

Solvang Chamber finally gets to celebrate 100th anniversary with time capsule

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

ven though the building where the first meeting of business owners in Solvang is no longer there, the Solvang Chamber of Commerce has invited the community to help them mark the location with a ‘time capsule’ and a celebration of 100 years of business. “I hope that when this capsule is opened 50 years from now, people will understand the times we live in and how the chamber is a constant form of support of local business and tourism in Solvang,” said Tracy Beard, executive director of the chamber. Beard invites Solvang chamber members and the community to provide a small token to contribute to the time capsule that will be buried on Feb. 15, in the area between Mortensen’s Bakery and Peasant’s Feast, where Dania Hall used to be as their longtime meeting space. Technically, the 100th anniversary of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce was Jan. 16, 2021; however, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed any in-person celebration of the occasion, Beard said. The chamber was started by six Solvang business owners who gathered at the Solvang School House and created the Solvang Businessmen’s Association (SBA). The first members were A.E. Fauerso as chairman; H.C. Hansen as president; H.L. Baker as secretary and members Tony Austed, Harold Harkson

Photo contributed by the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art The second meeting of the Solvang Businessmen's Association was on Feb. 17, 1921, at Dania Hall. Dania Hall is no longer there, as it is now the space for Peasant's Feast.

and Jens Peter Isben, according to research shared by the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art. Their second meeting grew to 14 members who met at Dania Hall and included familiar Solvang names like Marcus Nielsen, S.H. Lyons and Albert Rasmussen.

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“The SBA helped create the town’s infrastructure and eventually they spearheaded the movement to turn Solvang’s buildings into classic Danish architecture that draws so many people here,” said Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director of the Elverhoj. Bates, along with researcher Ann Dittmer,

put together the “Spirit of Solvang,” a book that details much of the history of Solvang, including the culture and how Solvang gained popularity as the “Danish Capital of America.” In 1967, the organization merged with the Solvang Businesswomen’s Association and Solvang Merchants Association and took on a new name: Solvang Business Association. Nearly three decades later in 1995, the Solvang Business Association officially became the Solvang Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s role continues to look for ways to help improve local businesses by helping with business promotions as well as embracing technology to help visitors and residents connect with and buy from local retailers and service providers. “The Chamber has also become a resource for accessing state and federal loans and grants in this ever-changing landscape of COVD restrictions,” Beard said. “We want to ensure our businesses can weather any storm and hopefully 50 years from now, they will still be here for folks to enjoy.” Look for more stories on Solvang businesses in our February A issue, which will also be included in the time capsule. If anyone wishes to share a story about a Solvang business with the Star, please email news@santaynezvalleystar.com by Jan. 19. To include a small token with the time capsule contact Beard at tracy@solvangchamber.com or call 805-688-0701.

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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center achieves four-year re-accreditation

Staff Report

idley-Tree Cancer Center has successfully met the highest standards of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and APEx® – its Accreditation Program for Excellence - by receiving a second four-year re-accreditation for radiation oncology services. ASTRO is the world’s premier radiation oncology society which recognizes facilities that deliver exceptionally safe, high-quality care to patients. The comprehensive and rigorous, voluntary accreditation process focuses on the functions of the entire radiation oncology team, and how well safety, quality and adherence to patient-centered care are prioritized.

Photo contributed Members of Ridley-Tree Cancer Center's Radiation Oncology team include, from left Nurse Manager Beverly Toole, Director of Radiation Oncology Clarence Thompson, Medical Director W. Warren Suh and Therapeutic Medical Physicist Meg Barker

“This re-accreditation by the most important professional body in our field shows that Ridley-Tree’s Radiation Oncology Department is truly dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care,” said Dr. W. Warren Suh, medical director of the department. In 2017, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center was the second facility in California to earn this accreditation, ahead of many major academic cancer centers. Currently, Ridley-Tree is one of only 23 facilities in the state with APEx® accreditation, and the only one on the Central Coast, to secure this achievement. Each center seeking APEx® accreditation must have its policies and procedures evaluated using objective, verifiable expectations for performance in radiation oncology. It must also demonstrate a commitment to high standards of safety and quality and prove that it practices patient-centered care by promoting effective communication, coordinating treatment, and engaging patients and their families as partners in care. Ridley-Tree Cancer Center has been at the forefront of comprehensive outpatient cancer care on the Central Coast for more than 70 years.

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January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

FASHION CHATTER

Now is the time to get best buys on winter clothing Apparel available for low prices as spring, summer fashions are coming Staff Report

lthough it is still “officially” winter in Solvang, the fashion world is buzzing about 2022 spring and summer. It is not that you can’t stay up to date on gorgeous winter fashions, as this is the time you will get the best buys on winter apparel. Retailers need to clear out winter merchandise to make room for the fashion trends for the season ahead. Yes, we have bought for spring and I am going to the clothing market in San Mateo for summer in January, and that is why you can save 50% off selected winter ladies apparel right now at Elna’s Dress Shop. I think you should wear whatever you want, just wear it for yourself. If you feel

comfortable with a style, go for it! Remember, our staff — Carol, Sandy and Selina — are experts when it comes to coordinating a look and extending your wardrobe, and this service is free. We want you to enjoy what you wear and wear it with pizzazz. If you have any items of clothing that you’re having a hard time coordinating, bring them in —we like a challenge. Denim is always in style, and quite frankly, I think everyone has something denim in their clothing apparel. We immediately think of jeans and jackets — we have denim pants in Slimsation by Multiples and French Dressing. I would like to give a big thanks to everyone who supported Elna’s Dress Shop this past year. You really make our season brighter. We have made so many wonderful friends from my customers and we are so glad we can carry on the tradition of assisting you with your clothing choices and Danish costumes

Volunteers needed for tax assistance program United Way's VITA program offered to those making $67K a year or less Staff Report

nited Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is currently looking for volunteers for their 2022 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $67,000 or less a year. Every year, tax returns are prepared and

electronically filed by IRS-certified volunteers for qualified individuals or families. Current volunteer opportunities include tax preparers, reviewers, and greeters for UWSBC’s tax preparation locations. Self-paced trainings for IRS certification are available online and in-person trainings are tentatively scheduled in January 2022. For additional information about training, volunteer opportunities, and the VITA program, please visit: www. unitedwaysb.org/VITA.

Where is our water going?

Growing marijuana requires a lot of water, regardless of whether it is grown inside or outdoors. In California, where growers have decades of experience cultivating, plants still require about six gallons of water per plant each day. That adds up to almost 300 million gallons of water for each square mile of marijuana grow each growing season.1 That is almost double the amount of water wine grapes use annually, and about the same water consumed by almond orchards – which is recognized as contributing to aggravated water shortages here in California.2

Support common sense cannabis regulation today:

sbcountycoalition.com 1. High Time for Conservation: Adding the Environment to the Debate on Marijuana Liberalization. BioScience 2015; 65 (8): 822-829. doi: 10.1093/biosci/biv083. 2. “Forget Almonds: Look at How Much Water California’s Pot Growers Use.” Washington Post. 26 June 2015.

10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

Finding lesser-known places for family history research By Sheila Benedict Contributing Writer

hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a wonderful time with family and friends. Just as stated last month, when giving gifts, sometimes the best ones might be knowing who you are and where you came from. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of family history books put together to tell the story of a particular family and the many surnames of relatives. Some of those books are wonderful, but others have a lot of misinformation that will steer you down the wrong path. Everything — and to repeat, everything — needs to be source-cited to prove what is being written. In the past, there has been a lot of information in the column about genealogical libraries and online sources but some lesser-known places, both in person and online, need to be featured. One major source of data is archives, public and private. The information they have is usually very different than in a library. For instance, a religious archive keeps sacramental records such as baptisms, marriages, burials and other events that are specific to family. Those are private

records, but some churches do donate copies to libraries, especially the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Of course, there is often strings attached to their donations, especially when it comes to privacy and copyright laws. Other archives include those that are state-run such as the California State Archives in Sacramento. Their records may not have much family information as in this case, the archives is a division of the California Secretary of State’s Office and has mostly governmental records and some materials relevant to statehood. However, they could be beneficial if your ancestry includes famous pioneers or those who held an office. One book, as an example, is “Irish Cali-

fornians: Historic, Benevolent, Romantic” by Patrick J. Dowling and published by Scottwall Associates, San Francisco, in 1998. Yes, this is about Irish immigrants to the U.S. and then California, but there are many books that compile information on other ethnicities and backgrounds. Another important archive is the National Archives of the U.S. and you can access them online. They have regional centers across the country and in California there are two: National Archives at Riverside (located in Perris) and National Archives at San Francisco (located in San Bruno). Many copies of records held in Washington, D.C., and a branch in College Park, Maryland, might be at one or the other but the online catalog can help with that. There is also the Online Archives

of California, https://oac.cdlib.org. Each of the states have similar archives for those of you that need to find family in other locales. Further, every country also has archives, such as The National Archives of Ireland, located in The Republic of Ireland, Dublin, and the National Archives of the UK that covers England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is located in Surrey, which is part of London. Others include the Danish National Archives, The National Archives or Mexico, and the Polish Digital Archives. These are just a sample of what is worldwide and very important to genealogical research. Until next time — Happy New Year 2022! Sheila Benedict is a professional forensic and family genealogist. She is the author of Research in California, which she wrote in 2015 for the National Genealogical Societies Research in the States Series and writes articles in a variety of genealogical society newsletters and magazines. All words are her own and may not be reproduced without permission. Email benedictresearchservices@ gmail.com.

Come celebrate 100 years of the

Solvang Chamber of Commerce at our Time Capsule ceremony on February 15! The Chamber will be bury the time capsule in the area between Mortensen’s Bakery and Peasant’s Feast, where Dania Hall used to be as their longtime meeting space.

The Solvang chamber invites their members and the community to provide a small token to contribute to the time capsule. Contact Solvang Chamber Executive Director Tracy Beard at tracy@solvangchamber.com or call 805-688-0701. *Technically, the 100th anniversary of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce was Jan. 16, 2021; however, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed any in-person celebration of the occasion.

January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

Three kangaroos arrive at the Santa Barbara Zoo Staff Report

he Santa Barbara Zoo has welcomed three male Western grey kangaroos, who will call the new Australian Walkabout exhibit home. The kangaroos join four Bennett’s wallabies and two emus, who have recently all moved into the exhibit to adjust to their new surroundings and each other. Construction on the Australian Walkabout is nearly complete and scheduled to officially open on Jan. 8. The new exhibit is designed to transport guests “Down Under,” where they can walk among the wallabies, kangaroos, emus, and also see native Australian birds and plants. “We’re happy to share that all the animals are now cohabitating in the exhibit, and getting acclimated with each other and their new surroundings,” said Dr. Julie

Barnes, the zoo’s vice president of animal care and health. “So far the animals all seem to be adjusting really well, and we’re really looking forward to introducing these unique and iconic animals to our guests very soon!” Max the kangaroo was born in May 2020 and came to the Santa Barbara Zoo from the San Diego Zoo. Aspen and Coolibah are brothers that arrived together from the Los Angeles Zoo. The older brother Aspen was born in August 2019, and the younger brother Coolibah, named after a type of eucalyptus tree, was born in August 2020. Western grey kangaroos are in the family of marsupials called Macropodidae (“big foot”), a family of 50 species that includes kangaroos and wallabies, among others. As one of the largest macropods, the adult males weigh around 120 pounds, and the females weigh

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in at around 60 pounds. They are a social species and usually live in groups known as ‘mobs’ of up to 50. Western grey kangaroos have powerful, large rear legs which support the familiar leaping motion, also aided by their long tail, which acts as a balance. Western grey kangaroos are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, some herbs, leaves, tree bark and shrubs. They also have a high tolerance to certain plant toxins. Contrary to its common name, they are found throughout southern Australia, from the Indian Ocean in Western Australia to western Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland. Construction is nearly complete on the 15,000 square-foot Australian Walkabout, which will open to the public on January 8, 2022. The new exhibit is specifically designed to put guests right in

the middle of the action, exploring open pathways, beautiful landscapes, and seeing some of the most iconic and unique wildlife representatives from the continent of Australia. Max is sponsored by Jess & Aaron Goldberg, Coolibah is sponsored by Charlotte & Ken Richardson and Aspen is sponsored by Alaia. Help welcome the newest residents of the Australian Walkabout by becoming a kangaroo Foster Feeder today. Visit https://www.sbzoo. org/support/ to learn more.

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January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

NatureTrack short film wins award at Hollywood film festival

Saberi and Lopez said.

‘The Accessible Outdoors’ honored with a Silver for Best Short Documentary

Eisaguirre explained why she was looking for something like the Freedom Trax apparatus. “This removes barriers to accessing

Staff Report

he Accessible Outdoors,” the new short live-action documentary presented by Golden Cage Films and NatureTrack Foundation garnered its first award at the Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards and Festival, winning the Silver for Best Short Documentary. This empowering documentary about making nature accessible to everyone is gaining momentum as more film festivals are accepting it into their selections. So far, the Oregon Documentary Film Festival, Colorado Environmental Film Festival, Flathead Lake International Cinemafest and British Colombia Environmental Film Festival will be screening the doc in their upcoming festivals. “The Accessible Outdoors” made its world premiere at the NatureTrack Film Festival in Los Olivos in October. The film shows how a manual wheelchair user can transform their chair into an all-terrain vehicle using Freedom Trax, while investigating the importance of connection and access to nature for all people. “As we were shooting the film about incorporating these devices into NatureTrack’s outdoor field trips, I realized there was more to tell about the lack of access to nature and the outdoors for disabled people,” said Sue Eisaguirre, founder of NatureTrack. “I wanted the film to convey the importance of connection and access to nature for all people. Mitchka and Francisco did just that. I enjoyed working with them.” Mitchka Saberi and Francisco Lopez of Golden Cage Films noted, “Before making ‘The Accessible Outdoors,’ we

beaches and trails,” she said. “We are using the piece of equipment for our docents, as well as teachers, and students with physical disabilities so they can participate in the outdoor field trip program.” With these devices NatureTrack is expanding its program beyond school trips. Wheelchair users and others with physical disabilities can take the opportunity to get out on the beaches and trails throughout the county, under their own power, all at no charge courtesy of NatureTrack. Those interested can find out more by calling 805-886-2047 or email Sue@NatureTrack.org. NatureTrack is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides outdoor field trips during the traditional school day for Santa Barbara County school-aged children at no cost to the schools or students, utilizing local Photo contributed "The Accessible Outdoors," the new short live action documentary presented by Golden Cage Films and NatureTrack Foundation, garnered its first award at the Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards and Festival.

hadn’t considered how extensive the topic of disability access is. As two able-bodied people, it wasn’t until talking to people with a variety of disabilities we came to realize access to nature isn’t an issue to be ignored until it impacts you or someone close to you. “We all deserve the ability to experience nature and connect with it, and that ability could easily be taken away from us at any moment. We shouldn’t wait until that moment comes to advocate for change in

this sector.” The filmmakers noted how the disabled audience members at the initial film festival screening who were present saw a problem they’ve surely experienced firsthand reflected on screen and were excited by one possible solution in the Freedom Trax devices. “We’re thrilled to continue sharing the film with audience members of all abilities, hoping everyone can take something away from the topics we address in the film,”

trails and beaches throughout North and South County. NatureTrack’s mission is two-fold: to encourage students to embrace our natural world with respect and wonder, inspiring them to be stewards of our natural resources, and prepare schoolaged students with the attitudes, leadership skills and habits for lifelong learning. Founded in 2011, the organization has given more than 25,000 students a chance to experience a NatureTrack docent-led outdoor field trip.

14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

Project Pink raises $13K for Mission Hope Cancer Center Staff Report

he Chumash Casino Resort’s annual Project Pink campaign, which is in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raised more than $13,000 for Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria. Throughout the month of October, the resort sold pink-colored snacks, sweets, specialty desserts and drinks in its various eateries, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the campaign. This year’s sales totaled $6,815, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation added a dollar-for-dollar matching grant, resulting in a $13,630 donation to Mission Hope Cancer Center, which is supported by the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation. “This past year taught us a lot about resiliency, and watching our local breast cancer patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center bravely face a cancer diagnosis in the midst of a pandemic was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dr. Colleen O’Kelly Priddy, breast surgeon, Marian Cancer Care. “Our organization is grateful to the Chumash Casino Resort for again supporting local breast cancer patients in a significant way

Photo contributed The Chumash Casino Resort's annual Project Pink campaign raised more than $13,000 for Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria.

as event proceeds will directly support patient assistance needs, programs and services, and the acquisition of advanced equipment and technology.” October’s campaign was especially meaningful to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Food and

Beverage Department because one of its own, Director Paul Hohe, was on both the giving and receiving end of this fundraiser. Hohe led a team of imaginative chefs that created an assortment of pink-colored items that were sold during the campaign. He has also

witnessed firsthand the great work Mission Hope Cancer Center does for the community. ”In the past, I was involved with this project where we were donating to different cancer-related causes,” Hohe said. “And this year, in fact, I myself was a patient at the place that was going to be benefiting — it truly meant a lot more to me.” The Mission Hope Cancer Center, with locations in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande, features state-of-the art technologies and treatments for cancer care, supportive services, education and preventative care. For more information on the Mission Hope Cancer Center, including how to donate, please visit www.missionhopecancercenter.com. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $25 million to hundreds of groups, organizations and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. To find out more about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and its giving programs, visit www.santaynezchumash.org.

January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Local Latino leaders raise $15K for leadership development Giving Circle chapter to donate to three Santa Barbara County nonprofits Staff Report

group of Latino leaders has come together to pool financial resources and support local nonprofits that are committed to the development of Latino leaders. The Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle (SBLGC) will invest more than $15,500 in three nonprofits in the greater Santa Barbara region. SBLGC is part of the Latino Community Foundation’s (LCF) Latino Giving Circle Network, a philanthropic group harnessing the collective power of paying it forward and civic engagement. The three organizations selected for funding fall into the group’s priorities of board leadership development and mental health:

n Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE, Santa Barbara) is a base-building organization for social,

economic and environmental justice with Central Coast working class and immigrant communities. n Future Leaders of America (Santa Maria) develops youth resiliency and leadership to create long-lasting systemic change by empowering and mobilizing youth leaders to advocate for policies that improve their lives and the lives of their peers and their communities. n Leading from Within (Santa Barbara) invests in leaders who drive and create change. “Leading From Within is thrilled to be supported by the Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle,” said Ed France, executive director of the nonprofit. “We’ve seen our largest to date interest and selection of emerging leaders who identify as Latinx, allowing us to be a vehicle to support more Latinx leaders and increasingly representative community leadership overall.” Since launching in 2019, the Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle has invested $22,300 back into its community.

We are...

“We are incredibly grateful to the Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle for their support,” said Gloria Soto, executive director of Future Leaders of America. “Thanks to their generosity, FLA will provide professional leadership development to staff to better serve youth across the Central Coast.” According to the “2019 Causes Count: The Economic Power of California’s Nonprofit Sector” report, Santa Barbara’s nonprofit sector is made up of approximately 1,960 active nonprofits that generate a total revenue of over $3 billion. “Santa Barbara is a very special and generous community,” said Theresa Huerta, founding member of the Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle. “And there is a lot of opportunity to increase the diversity of our philanthropic efforts especially in board leadership.” The Latino Community Foundation has the largest network of Latino philanthropists in the country and has invested $10 million to build Latino civic and political power and leadership in the state. It is the only statewide foundation solely focused on investing in

Latino youth and families in California. For more, visit www.latinocf.org. Latino Giving Circle Network (LGCN) includes some 500 members who are harnessing the collective power of paying it forward and civic engagement. Currently, LGCN is comprised of 19 Giving Circles across California with new ones emerging annually. The Latino Giving Circles offer a forum to partner with leaders and organizations offering community driven solutions, learn about pressing issues impacting Latinos, and engage in local civic action. For more, visit https://latinocf.org/latino-giving-circle-network/. The Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle was founded by Santa Barbara-area Latinos in 2019 to address the needs of Latinos in Santa Barbara County and is committed to bringing about lasting social change. The Giving Circle makes annual grants to nonprofit organizations led by and building power with the Latino community. Each person pledges to donate at least $1,000 a year or $84 a month.

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16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

Women’s Economic Ventures selected for $105,000 award Group to use funds to help small businesses impacted by pandemic Staff Report

omen’s Economic Ventures (WEV) will receive $105,000 in funding to aid small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant, awarded by Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund and the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) will help increase access to capital for small businesses in low- and moderate-income communities (LMIs), especially those owned by women and minorities in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV was selected as one of 15 nonprofit lenders across the country that have a track record of providing small business lending and development services to low-wealth populations that have traditionally had difficulty accessing capital. “WEV is grateful to have been chosen for this award, and we are ready to deploy the funding to assist small businesses in low-moderate income communities in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties,” said Kathy

Odell, CEO of WEV. “Small business entrepreneurs in LMIs need the improved access to capital Wells Fargo and NALCAB have made available and WEV is prepared to help them access it. “Within the last two years, WEV has doubled our number of bilingual staff, increased

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online training programs, expanded access to business training programs, and provided innovative entrepreneurial funding. We look forward to seeing what the grantees will achieve with these funds.” NALCAB, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is

the hub of a national network of more than 140 member organizations that are anchor institutions in geographically and ethnically diverse Latino communities in 40 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. NALCAB’s mission is to strengthen the economy by advancing economic mobility in Latino communities. About 70% or more of those served by the NALCAB Network are Latino, 20% are Black and more than 40% are immigrants. The Open for Business Fund was created in July 2020 to provide capital and expertise for businesses hardest hit by the pandemic. Wells Fargo is donating some $420 million in gross processing fees from participating in the first round of PPP and has already helped a projected 148,000 small businesses keep an estimated 253,000 jobs nationwide (through Sept. 30, 2021). The Open for Business Fund will continue to award grants to nonprofits serving small businesses through the end of 2021. For more about Women’s Economic Ventures, visit www.wevonline.org.

January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY RESTAURANT WEEKS Ynez, 916-390-3595 Trattoria Grappolo, 3687 Sagunto St., 805688-6899, www.trattoriagrappolo.com

Solvang

Cecco Ristorante, 475 1st St., 805-688-8880, www.ceccoristorante.com/ First & Oak, 409 1st St., 805-688-1703, www.firstandoak.com/ Leonardo’s Ristorante, 632 Alamo Pintado Rd, 805-686-0846, www.leonardoscucine.com Ramen Kotori, 1618 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, 805-691-9672 River Grill at The Alisal, 150 Alisal Road, Solvang, 805-688-7784 Sear Steakhouse, 478 4th Pl, Solvang, 805245-9564 Succulent Café Wine Charcuterie, 1555 Mission Drive, 805-691-9444, www.succulentcafe.com

Staff Report

ozens of local restaurants and tasting rooms are participating in Restaurant Weeks this year, Jan. 17-31. The event offers diners a three-course dinner for curated, chef-driven three-course prix fixe menus at price points of $30, $40 or $50, plus tax and gratuity. For a complete of events in Restaurant Weeks, go to VisitSYV.com.

WINERIES Buellton

Buellton

Hitching Post II, 406 E. Highway 246, 805688-0676, www.hitchingpost2.com The Tavern at Zaca Creek, 1297 Jonata Park Road, Buellton, 805-688-2412

Photos by Craft and Cluster Restaurant Weeks is an opportunity for people to get a discounted three-course meal while getting acquainted with local restaurants like The Maker's Son in Los Alamos.

Los Alamos

Bell’s, 406 Bell St., Los Alamos, bellsrestaurant.com. Full of Life Foods, 225 Bell St., Los Alamos, 805-344-4400 The Maker’s Son, 346 Bell St., Los Alamos, 805-344-1926 Norman at the Skyview Los Alamos, 9150 US-101, Los Alamos, 805-344-0080 Pico, 458 Bell St., Los Alamos, 805-344-1122 Plenty on Bell, 508 Bell St, Los Alamos, 805344-3020, www.plentyonbell.com

Los Olivos

Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates, 2963 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-318-6640 Refugio Ranch Vineyards, 2990 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-697-5289 Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos, 805-688-9339

Santa Ynez

Gainey Vineyard, 3950 Highway 246, Santa Ynez, 805-688-0558 Kalyra Winery, 343 N. Refugio Road, #9302, Santa Ynez, 805-693-8864 Roblar, 3010 Roblar Ave., Santa Ynez, 805686-2603

Los Olivos

Solvang

Bar Le Côte, 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos Petros Winery & Restaurant, 3360 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, 805-680-5417 Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, 2879 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-7265

Santa Ynez

Ellie’s Tap & Vine, 3640 Sagunto St., Santa

Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-686-1208

This year Visit Santa Ynez Valley's Restaurant Weeks event runs from Jan. 17-31.

Alma Rosa Winery, 1623 Mission Drive, Solvang, 805-691-9395 Arrowsmith’s, 1539 C Mission Drive, Solvang, 805-686-9126 Buttonwood Farm Winery, 1500 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, 805-688-3032 Crawford Family Wines, 1661 Mission RESTAURANT WEEKS CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

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January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

Spanish-style Romesco sauce has many tasty uses By Vida Gustafson

n 1 clove of garlic n 1 tbsp red wine vinegar n ½ tsp salt

Contributing Writer

his Spanish sauce is one of the most versatile on the planet, intensely savory, a little sweet with a hint of smokiness. It is classically paired as a sauce (or dip!) with grilled vegetables, meats or fish, but it’s also great over noodles or with rice dishes. It can be used as a fantastic spread on a sandwich or a burger. It also tastes wonderful on fried or poached eggs. I like to spread it on toast. These examples are only the start of its versatility, it is also endlessly customizable and everybody’s romesco is slightly different. Traditionalists claim that it has to contain tomato and be thickened with stale bread. I prefer mine with red bell peppers and with only almonds as a thickener. You can roast your garlic or leave it raw, you also could add cayenne to give it some kick. Think of this recipe as a starting point.

Method

Ingredients

n 2/3 C almonds (roasted preferred) n 1/3 C olive oil n 12 oz jar of roasted peppers, drained

Photo by Vida Gustafson This Spanish sauce is one of the most versatile on the planet, intensely savory, a little sweet with a hint of smokiness.

If roasting your own peppers, you will need 3 large peppers. Roast them directly on the flame of a gas cooktop (using metal tongs to turn frequently) or under the broiler inside the oven. They are done when completely blackened, soft and steaming. Place them in a container and cover, once cooled you will be able to wipe away the scorched skin with a damp towel or a butter knife under running water. If you have raw almonds, roast them over medium heat in a dry pan(with no oil or butter) for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently so they don’t burn. You will know when they’re done by their smell. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend to the smoothness you like. Because this sauce dates back to pre-food processor times, it is historically chunky, but it’s entirely up to you. If possible try to let it rest for 4-12 hours before serving.

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Santa Barbara Maritime Museum seeks youth submissions of ocean-related art

the ocean, climate and climate change, and air quality. As part of this effort, SBMM will have a children’s art exhibit; a three-dimensional art and sound experience (April 15 to May 15); “The Wonder of Whales: Two Artists’ Perspectives,” an ocean-themed exhibit of artwork by Kelly Clause and John Baran; a lecture by Holly Lohuis about how whales affect the climate and Santa Barbara’s application to be designated an international Whale Heritage Site; and a new permanent exhibit on whales and climate change. But first and foremost, the museum needs children’s drawings. Those interested can watch the museum’s “Whale of a Tale” video at vimeo.com/661045048 for inspiration. Then go to sbmm.org for further information about how to format and submit children’s artwork. Once the art has been submitted, each family will receive a complimentary family pass to the museum.

Work from students in grades K-6 to be part of upcoming whale exhibit Staff Report

o kick off its next major exhibit “Whales Are Superheroes!”, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is holding an immersive ocean adventure featuring artwork submitted by children in grades K-6. Children are invited to submit their interpretation of a whale, a whale’s activities and/or anything ocean-related, such as kelp, starfish, dolphins and other sea creatures. Artwork, which must be done on 8½” x 11” white paper, using only crayons, colored pencils and/or markers, must be submitted by Jan. 31 to be included in the show. This interactive and immersive event, “A Whale of a Tale,” will feature audio and video components that bring children’s artwork to life and will be on display from April 15 to May 15. The “A Whale of a Tale” experience and the children’s art exhibit are part of the multi-faceted exhibit “Whales Are Superheroes!”, which will explore the effect whales have on

Contributed photo Children are invited to submit their interpretation of a whale, a whale's activities, and/or anything ocean-related, to the SB Maritime Museum's unique art show.

SBMM is located at the historic Santa Barbara Harbor at 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. Visit sbmm.org or call 805-962-8404 for details.

Video contest challenges county high school students Water Wise English and Spanish video submissions are due March 4 Staff Report

he Santa Barbara County Water Agency is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 23rd Annual WaterWise High School Video Contest. Every year, students compete to create entertaining and informational 30-second videos that convey the importance of water use efficiency in Santa Barbara County. The contest theme, “Be Water Wise in Your Garden,” was selected to highlight the ongoing importance of sustainable outdoor water use, especially in light of the drought in Santa

Barbara County. The contest meets several California State Department of Education content standards, including implementing world languages. “We are pleased to continue this long-standing program and excited to see the amazing videos created by our local high school students,” County Water Agency Manager Matt Young said. Up to six videos, three English and three Spanish, may be submitted per school. The winning

videos will receive prizes and may have their videos aired on local TV and at movie theaters. While the County Water Agency and water providers arrange for monetary prizes to the winning schools, local private sector sponsors provide awards for the students: n First Place (English): $500 provided by Carollo Engineers. n First Place (Spanish): $500 provided by La

Buena 105.1 FM. n Second Place: $250 provided by Geosyntec. n Third Place: $150 provided by Ewing Irrigation. n People’s Choice Award (voted by the public on the WaterWiseSB YouTube Channel): $500 provided by Dudek. To be eligible to win prizes, student participants must submit their videos and complete the application packet online by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 4. The student winners will be publicly announced in May. To learn more and to apply for the contest, visit WaterWiseSB.org/HSVC.

January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

Tina McEnroe named to UC Santa Barbara Foundation Board of Trustees By George Yatchisin

Gevirtz Graduate School of Education

he UC Santa Barbara Foundation has appointed Tina McEnroe to its Board of Trustees. For some 15 years the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education (GGSE) has been chronicling McEnroe’s growing list of accomplishments. She was the featured alumna, earning her MA from the GGSE Department of Education, in the school’s first annual magazine in 2006, when her years of award-winning teaching were highlighted. McEnroe also was featured in UCSB’s alumni magazine for her visionary leadership to create the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse, the authentically refurbished oldest (1869) wooden one-room schoolhouse in Santa Barbara County that is located in Buellton. She has been lauded for her gift and leadership of the Tina Hansen & Paul V. McEnroe Reading and Language Arts Clinic, which for a decade has provided state-of-the-art research and teaching in the field of literacy. Cal Poly, where

she earned her teaching credential, presented McEnroe and her husband Paul with honorary doctorates in 2016. McEnroe said the board appoinment came a surprise. She recalls the day while driving that UCSB Chancellor Henry Yang’s phone number popped up on her screen and she had no idea why he was calling. “When he asked if I would be on the Board of Trustees, I was shocked,” she said. “That was never a goal of mine, and I’m very goal-oriented.” She asked Yang if she could consider it and confer with her husband. She said her husband quickly replied: “Are you nuts? Call him right back!” McEnroe was named a trustee because she’d been doing the work of a trustee for at least the past decade, helping create the Reading and Language Arts Clinic that has grown from one student to serving well over 500 students in the

past five years, Yang said. “It’s an exciting journey,” she said of the appointment. “I’m not quitting, I’m really revved up. I promised Henry I’d put the clinic on the national and international map.” The goal of the Reading and Language Arts Clinic is to make the world a better place by helping people learn to read, McEnroe said. “I’ve worn all the hats in the clinic, and my favorite has been as a teacher, working in the trenches with students and parents,” she said. Now as associate director her major goal is fundraising and establishing an endowment, “Raising the funds needed not just to survive but thrive.” McEnroe notes the Gevirtz School’s support through the years, with the overall help of the Faculty Advisory Board, and stressing in particular how current director, Associate Professor Diana Arya, “has been invaluable” in keeping the

clinic informed by the latest research. One of the clinic’s recent projects has been exploring VR as a teaching tool. McEnroe said she has also been impressed by the skill and dedication of years of graduate students. She is equally proud that the clinic not only teaches first-through-eighth graders how to read, it also teaches generations of future teachers how to provide literacy skills for their pupils. Since more than 90 percent of Santa Barbara elementary school students come from Spanish-speaking households that live below the poverty line, McEnroe is leading the fundraising charge so the clinic can offer scholarships for students of lower-income families. “My dream is eventually to expand the program for high school students and even adults,” she said in a recent piece in the 2022 Santa Barbara Giving List. “With a firm foundation of support for our younger students, our clinic will undoubtedly attract additional support for older populations that have been equally impacted by the COVID-related pandemic.”

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22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

o RESTAURANT WEEKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

This year Visit Santa Ynez Valley's Restaurant Weeks event runs from Jan. 17-31.

Drive, Solvang, 805-698-3889 Dana V. Wines, 1588 Mission Drive, Suite B, Solvang, 805-688-3488 Luna Hart Wines, Ballard Canyon, Solvang, 610-880-6412 Piazza Family Wines, Ballard Canyon, Solvang, piazzafamilywines.com Royal Oaks Winery, 1687 Mission Drive, Solvang, 805-693-1740

Other

Ampelos Cellars, 312 N. 9th St., Lompoc, 805-736-9957 Foxen Vineyard & Winery, 7600 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, 805-937-4251 For the latest updates on Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks, including participating restaurants and menus, due to COVID-19, restaurants and participating hours are subject to change, and the complete visit www.DineSYV.com or follow Visit the Santa Ynez Valley on Instagram,

Facebook and Twitter. Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with their own culture, vibe, and menu of experiences. Blanketed with fruitful farms and vineyards, the California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for yearround activities of all sorts, spread throughout the historical communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Destination dining and world-class wines await, accompanied by lodging at every level, all painted into atmospheric backdrops which colorfully mesh Old World and Old West. Visit more than 100 wineries, feast on chef-driven cuisine, and enjoy festive events and design details from Victorian-era to mid-century to modern Danish. For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

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o MADDEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 both offense and defense for the Mustangs, earning all-conference honors at offensive tackle in 1957. He was also a catcher on Cal Poly’s baseball team the following spring. He was drafted by the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1958, but his playing career ended after suffering a knee injury in his first training camp. Madden became an assistant coach at AHC during its 1960 football season, when the Bulldogs had a perfect season and won the state title. He spent four years at AHC, two as head coach, before going to San Diego State as its defensive coordinator. “Coach Madden was a very special part of Hancock football history which players and coaches remember fondly,” said AHC Athletic Director Kim Ensing. “Our hearts are heavy, and we express our sincere condolences to his family.” Madden passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at the age of 85, according to the NFL. “Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many

others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.” Madden was head coach of the Oakland Raiders for 10 seasons and led them to their first championship in Super Bowl XI in 1977. He was the youngest coach in NFL history to eclipse the 100-win mark when he achieved the feat at the age of 42, and Madden remains the winningest coach in Raiders history. He also holds the best winning percentage by an NFL head coach (minimum of 10 seasons) at .759, according to the NFL. After he retired from coaching in 1979, he spent another career as a broadcaster as his voice was equal to that of Vin Scully’s, synonymous with the game. He retired from broadcasting in 2009. Aside from coaching and broadcasting, Madden is also known in the gaming world for his Madden NFL video game series, which started in 1988. Electronic Arts has sold more than 250 million copies of the Madden NFL series, according to the league.

January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

o PHP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Photo contributed Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People staff leading the Cove Champions Project include, from left, Marisela De La Cruz, youth specialist; Maggie Johnson, youth programs director; Valerie Kissell, CEO; and Adriana Reyes, diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator.

cannabis, many youths feel that it’s OK to use it and are unaware of the potential adverse health risks and the legal implications of underage consumption. Meanwhile, Retail cannabis storefronts are operating throughout the community and are targeting the younger population in marketing, PHP added. PHP and the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Coalition have served the community for 15 years providing education, diversion and prevention to local youths. “It is hard to find a family in our community that hasn’t felt the devastating impact of substance use disorders among their children,” said Valerie Kissell, CEO of PHP. “Either through medical issues or entanglement with the justice system, substance abuse can tear a family apart and have long lasting implications.” Elevate Youth California, a project of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation under contract with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), is funded by Proposition 64 revenue, which legalized adult non-medical use of cannabis in California. Awarded partner projects will work with residents ages 12 to 26 and provide youth social justice, peer support and mentoring in low-income communities of color, including tribal and LGBTQ communities. “Elevate Youth California prioritizes youth leadership and invests in healing and community growth,” said Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation and The Center. “Our new partners will work directly with youth to improve the environment of communities impacted by the War on Drugs, which has led to inequity in

our health systems and the criminalization of youth in low-income communities and communities of color. California’s youth are talented, capable and ready for this investment.” With the Cove Champions Project, PHP joins 60 additional community-based and tribal organizations throughout California awarded a total of $52 million for youth substance-use prevention activities in this round of funding. A full list of organizations that received awards is posted on the Elevate Youth California website (elevateyouthca.org). “It is inspiring to see the level of positive change that the 61 culturally responsive Elevate Youth California community partners presented in their applications,” said Marlies Perez, chief of DHCS’ Community Services Division. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and our young people re-engage in school and community, the third cohort of nonprofit community and tribal partners have found innovative ways to meet the multiple complex needs of our young people.” Elevate Youth California is funded through the DHCS Proposition 64 California Cannabis Tax Fund, Allocation 3, Youth Education Prevention Early Intervention and Treatment Account. Proposition 64 funding prioritizes youth education, prevention and early intervention. Elevate Youth California connects youth and their families to programs that include wraparound care in communities disproportionately harmed by past and current drug policies and criminalized for substance use disorder. Learn more by contacting People Helping People at 805-686-0295 or syvphp.org.

o NATURE TRACK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Photos contributed NatureTrack Foundation, with volunteer Steve Schulz, hosted six Freedom Trax devices at Hendry's Beach for local wheelchair users to try on Jan. 9.

Brian (last name withheld) is a first time user of Freedom Trax, and he said for the first time in his life he picked a seashell from the shore and was so happy.

through Explore Ecology. NatureTrack uses the Freedom Trax so docents, teachers and students can participate in the outdoor field trip programs. Schulz is one of those docents. “Just a few months ago we learned a teacher who regularly signed up her class to take NatureTrack excursions wasn’t able to actually go herself,” Eisaguirre said. “Now she can, as well as students that had to stay behind. I want nature to be accessible to everyone.” Eisaguerre added there is no cost to use the Freedom Trax, courtesy of NatureTrack, which also has two manual wheelchairs available for transfer should a wheelchair not fit on the device. NatureTrack will also lend the Freedom Trax and the wheelchairs to other organizations planning outdoor excursions so anyone can join in. “We are also working on options for people who just want to go on their own or with family and friends to pick up a unit or we can meet them at the trailhead to show them how to use it,” she said. To highlight the importance of accessibility, NatureTrack decided to partner with filmmakers Mitchka Saberi and Francisco Lopez of Golden Cage Films to create the documentary “The Accessible Outdoors,” which highlights the importance of connecting to nature for all people, regardless of ability. “As we were shooting the film about incorporating Freedom Trax into NatureTrack’s outdoor field trips for our website, I realized there was more to tell about the lack of access to nature and the outdoors for disabled people,” Eisaguirre said. The film highlights Schulz as well as Judy

Heumann, disability rights activist, who helped fight for the American Disabilities Act, and continues to work for accessibility for the disabled. “Before making ‘The Accessible Outdoors,’ we hadn’t considered how extensive the topic of disability access is,” said Saberi and Lopez. “As two able-bodied people, it wasn’t until talking to people with a variety of disabilities we came to realize access to nature isn’t an issue to be ignored until it impacts you or someone close to you. “We all deserve the ability to experience nature and connect with it, and that ability could easily be taken away from us at any moment,” they said. “We shouldn’t wait until that moment comes to advocate for change in this sector.” The film already garnered their first award at the Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards & Festival, winning the Silver for Best Short Documentary. The documentary is gaining momentum as more film festivals are accepting it into their selections. The Oregon Documentary Film Festival, Colorado Environmental Film Festival, Flathead Lake International Cinemafest and British Colombia Environmental Film Festival will be screening it in upcoming festivals. They will learn at the end of the month if the documentary will be in any local festivals from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. They are also working on a date and location to show the film in the Santa Ynez Valley, possibly in March. If and when scheduled, it will be announced in the Star. For more on NatureTrack Foundation and the Freedom Trax options, call 805-886-2047 or email sue@naturetrack.org.

24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 18, 2022 - January 31, 2022

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ESTELLE RANCH, SANTA YNEZ ±393 acres (combined) • $25,250,000 Kerry Mormann & Associates, 805.682.3242 LIC# 00598625

3737 BASELINE AVE, SANTA YNEZ 4BD/3BA • $17,000,000 Claire Hanssen, 805.680.0929 LIC# 00887277

ESTELLE VINEYARDS, SANTA YNEZ ±120 acres • $8,500,000 Kerry Mormann & Associates, 805.682.3242 LIC# 00598625

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RICE RANCH AREA, SANTA MARIA ±146 acres • $1,500,000 Kerry Mormann & Associates, 805.682.3242 LIC# 00598625

636 LILLEBAKKE CT, SOLVANG 3BD/3BA • $1,385,000 Karin Aitken, 805.252.1205 LIC# 00882496

2770 CANADA ESTE RD, SANTA YNEZ ±20 acres • $1,250,000 Claire Hanssen, 805.680.0929 LIC# 00887277

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