Santa Ynez Valley Star February B 2021

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February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

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Valley residents pay respects to local serviceman who paid the ultimate price

waving American flags and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department hung a giant American flag on its ladder truck over Highway 246. “Thank you for your committment, service and honor. Your country and home town community appreciate you. #neverforgotton Condolences to the Manchester family,” said Danielle Ripley on the Star social media. Manchester went to Jonata Elementary and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, where he played baseball and ran cross country. His father Tim Manchester was the former pastor of Crossroads Church in Buellton, where another crowd of people stood waving flags as the caravan entered the valley from Vandenberg Air Force Base. “His dad served our valley and he served our country,” wrote Crossroads Pastor Sam Kiser. “He grew up on the parsonage on the church grounds. After the motorcade passed by God blessed us with a double rainbow. Continue to pray peace for this family we love dearly.” Baseball was Manchester’s true love and he dreamed of coaching one day, according to his family members. “We as a Pirate family mourn the loss of alumnus Tim Manchester, who passed away while serving his country in Kuwait. All of our prayers go out to the Manchester family,” the Pirates Baseball page said. MANCHESTER CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

Remains of Staff Sgt. Timothy Manchester, who died Jan. 20 in Kuwait, escorted back home By Raiza Giorgi

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fter more than two days of constant rain, the clouds parted and the sun shone through casting rainbows around the Santa Ynez Valley. This happened just moments before the processional came through carrying the Timothy Manchester, 34, of remains of valley Buellton, died at Camp Arifjan, native Timothy Man- Kuwait, in a non-combat related incident that officials say chester. Texas Army Na- remains under investigation. tional Guard Staff Sgt. Timothy Luke Manchester passed away Jan. 20 in Kuwait. He was born December 30, 1986, in Lompoc, and grew up in Buellton. Manchester, 34, died at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, in a non-combat related incident that officials say remains under investigation. No details about his cause of death were released. “This is what this valley does, we show our support for someone that gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Solvang Mayor Charlie Uhrig before the caravan of the Manchester family and military officials drove by the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Hall. “The Manchester family was apart of the valley community for a long time and this is how we can show our appreciation for them and Tim. I am so grateful for everyone who came out.” More than 50 people lined the street

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Photos by Raiza Giorgi The remains of Staff Sgt. Timothy Manchester of Buellton, were escorted from Vandenberg Air Force Base to the Loper Chapel in Ballard.

Elizabeth Poett joins Magnolia Network and will be featured in her own cooking show ‘Ranch to Table’ Page 16.


2 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

Gov. Newsom signs legislation to extend eviction moratorium through June Staff Report

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File photo Los Padres National Forest has reduced fire restrictions on the forest effective immediately.

Los Padres National Forest lifts fire restrictions Staff Report

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now and rain across Los Padres National Forest has provided sufficient moisture to reduce fire restrictions on the forest effective immediately. Under the reduced fire restrictions, campfires and charcoal barbeques will be allowed in all areas of the forest. A California Campfire Permit is required to build a campfire outside of a designated Campfire Use Site. Permits are available for free download from the forest website (http:// www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf). A list of Campfire Use Sites is available at all forest offices. Visitors who construct wood or charcoal fires outside of designated Campfire Use Sites also must clear all flammable material for a minimum of 5 feet in all directions; have a shovel available for preparing and extinguishing the fire; have a responsible person in attendance at all times; and extinguish the fire with water, using the “drown, stir and feel” method. The following restrictions will remain in effect: n Spark arresters are required on all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and other internal combustion engines and equipment;

n A permit is required for all welding, grinding, cutting, or use of explosives; n Tracer ammunition is prohibited at all times; n Fireworks are always prohibited in Los Padres National Forest; n The Dolan Fire burn perimeter remains closed to public entry under a revised closure order; Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except for the Winchester Canyon Gun Club and the Ojai Valley Gun Club that are under special use permits. Visitors are encouraged to call the Forest Supervisor’s Office or the local Ranger Station for more information on conditions and restrictions. Supervisor’s Office – 805-448-6487 Santa Barbara Ranger District – 805-448-3648 Ojai Ranger District – 805-448-4710 Mt. Pinos Ranger District – 661-556-6110 Santa Lucia Ranger District – 805-865-0416 Monterey Ranger District – 831-385-5434 x. 0 For additional information, please visit the Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ main/lpnf/home.

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ov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation at the end of January to extend the state’s landmark eviction moratorium through June 30, protecting millions of Californians struggling as a result of the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the passage of SB 91, California enacted the strongest renter protections in the nation. “This law not only provides greatly needed support for tenants, but also provides relief to small property owners in need of assistance to pay for mortgages, thanks to $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funding,” Newsom said. On Monday, Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon announced an agreement on the legislation to extend the eviction moratorium established last year under AB 3088, which was set to expire at the end of the month. The legislation signed today pauses evictions for tenants who declare under penalty of perjury an inability to pay all or part of the rent due to a COVID-related reason. Tenants are still responsible for paying unpaid amounts to property owners, but those unpaid amounts cannot be the basis for an eviction, even after the moratorium ends. SB 91 also establishes the State Rental Assistance Program to allocate the $2.6 billion in federal rental assistance California will receive. The program will target aid to income-qualified tenants most at-risk with unpaid back rent. Assistance will also be extended to property owners who agree to waive 20 percent of unpaid rent. By agreeing to this waiver, property owners will become eligible for 80 percent in rent reimbursements for amounts owed between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Approximately $150 million of the federal funds will be reserved for tenants in counties with populations of 200,000 or less and the additional funds will be available to counties with populations larger than 200,000. The state

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will directly administer $1.5 billion through contracted entities, and local governments can either join forces with the state or administer their own programs. The State Rental Assistance Program will begin accepting applications from property owners and tenants in March. SB 91 prohibits the selling or assigning of rental debt that was accrued from March 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, until the end of the moratorium. However, the prohibition is permanent with respect to the rental debt of people at or below 80% of Area Median Income who meet the eligibility requirements of the Rental Assistance Program. Property owners or other housing providers are also prohibited from using COVID-19 related debt as a negative factor for evaluating a housing application, or as the basis for refusing to rent to an otherwise qualified tenant. Approximately $150 million of the federal funds will be reserved for tenants in counties with populations of 200,000 or less and the additional funds will be available to counties with populations larger than 200,000. The state will directly administer $1.5 billion through contracted entities, and local governments can either join forces with the state or administer their own programs. The State Rental Assistance Program will begin accepting applications from property owners and tenants in March. The Governor has also signed major legislation to boost housing production, remove barriers to construction of accessory dwelling units and create an ongoing source of funding for borrower relief and legal aid to vulnerable homeowners and renters. The 2019-20 State Budget made a historic $1.75 billion investment in new housing and created major incentives for cities to approve new home construction. California launched the “Housing is Key” campaign in vulnerable communities aimed at connecting renters and property owners with helpful information and resources.

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County fire chiefs join forces to address regional areas of concern Workgroups focus on parking at trailheads and beaches, dispersed camping and safety of homeless encampments By Jade Martinez-Pogue Noozhawk Staff Writer

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eaders from the Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs Association came together recently to create three workgroups with the goal of addressing major fire safety concerns on a regional level. “We came together as fire chiefs and realized that we’re all kind of working on these areas of concerns independently. Unfortunately, when we come up with solutions independently, it puts unintended consequences or impacts on our neighboring jurisdictions,” Mark Hartwig, chief of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, told Noozhawk. “Greg Fish (Carpinteria-Summerland Fire chief) thought, ‘Why don’t we just get our staffs together and identify the fire and life safety issues and see if we can address them regionally?’ That way we have a regional set of standards that we can take back to policymakers.” Fish told Noozhawk: “I tried to come up with an idea where we have all of the people representing these different agencies come together and come up with solutions.” After collaborating with community members, stakeholders and the various fire departments, the fire chiefs association identified three main issues to tackle: access and parking at county trailheads and beaches, dispersed camping, and fires and other safety issues associated with homeless encampments. “We’ve found that the more closely we work together on common issues, the easier it is for everyone involved because the communities are so intertwined,” Kevin Taylor, chief of the Montecito Fire Protection District, told Noozhawk. Taylor is leading the workgroup focused on trailhead access and parking. Rob Hazard, division chief for Santa Barbara County Fire, is heading the dispersed camping workgroup, and Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Marshal Rob Rappaport is overseeing the homeless encampments group. “The goal of the task force is that the three groups will present recommendations, provide them to the county chiefs, and then forward them to the respective elected bodies,” Hazard said.

County Grand Jury resumes

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fter a six-month break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury has been sworn in. The 2021 Grand Jury is available to investigate any concerns community residents may have about government entity operations or officials in the cities or Santa Barbara County. The jury wants to hear from you. Please visit the Grand Jury website, www. sbcgj.org, and review reports prior juries have published along with the responses from the appropriate agencies. If a citizen has a specific “Request for Investigation” in mind, there is a form on the website that an individual may complete and submit for consideration. The Grand Jury is a division of the Superior Court and keeps watch over numerous government agencies and districts in Santa Barbara County.

State invests $571M in expanded transit, bicycle and pedestrian routes

Photo by Rob Hazard Safety concerns associated with homeless encampments, such as this one along Highway 101 in Goleta, are among the issues the Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs Association is working to address.

The workgroup started more centered on homeless encampments and concerns about the associated fire risks they pose, according to Hazard. From Jan. 1 through Dec. 1 last year, the county fire department responded to 45 calls related to fires at homeless encampments, Hazard said, and 12 of those incidents were wildfires. As the fire chiefs looked deeper into that issue, they began to notice some spin-off into other related issues of importance, Hazard said. Dispersed camping was a nexus to the homeless encampment issue, as a lot of residents began to notice a big increase in overnight camping on the side of the road, he added. The Cave Fire of 2019 was human-caused, and the use of campfires in the mountains pose an extreme fire risk. Because most of the dispersed camping happens on national forest public land, county fire services don’t have enforcement authority. The camping workgroup is meeting with Los Padres National Forest staff to figure out how they can collaborate together, Hazard said. “Part of these workgroups is identifying who has the authority to carry out regulations and what options are available to that stakeholder group,” he added. Segueing from dispersed camping, the overcrowded parking at county trailheads and beaches was the third issue identified. With the

increased use of the trailheads, access to the mountains becomes more restricted, which can pose a problem for the fire departments in the face of an emergency. “Right now, we’re in the discovery stage,” Taylor said. “We have information from community members, fire marshals and other stakeholders, and now we’re putting those together and checking in with the agencies responsible for implementation.” In early February, the workgroups will regroup and bring back objectives based on the three priorities to provide possible recommendations for the respective elected officials or agencies, Fish said. “It’s a work in process, but it will really bring clarity as it relates to public safety,” he added. “We need to deal with these issues so that people don’t die, get severely injured or create a greater hazard. That’s unacceptable.” Hartwig said: “This will at least give us a uniform set of recommendations in the sense that the same actions we take in one jurisdiction would ideally be standard across others. That way we wouldn’t have those unintended consequences.” Noozhawk staff writer Jade Martinez-Pogue can be reached at jmartinez-pogue@noozhawk.com.

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) today allocated more than $571 million to address transportation needs throughout the state, an investment that will help repair highways and bridges and enhance California’s growing network of mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian routes. “Expanding access to safe walkways, bicycle routes and convenient transit options, in addition to maintaining our highways, advances the state’s efforts to address climate change and improve the quality of life for all Californians,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. Projects approved in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties include: A $3 million allocation to install a Transportation Management System which will include electronic message boards, closed-circuit television cameras and traffic loop detectors on Highway 101 from north of Reservoir Canyon Road to north of the Paso Robles Overhead and on Highway 46 West between Theater Drive and Union Road in San Luis Obispo County. This project will help reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency. The use of this technology on the state highway system will provide useful real-time information to travelers,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins. Funding for the projects approved today comes from federal and state gas taxes, including more than $159 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. To learn more about SB 1 projects in your community, visit Rebuilding California Senate Bill 1.

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County misplanning in Los Olivos

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os Alamos is in the midst of a development blunder aided by our own county planning department. This can happen to any small town, or any neighborhood within a city. A builder seeks to develop an acre-and-a-half lot that is bordered by three roads. He may build as many as 11 dwellings. One of the potential access roads has long provided a safe and quiet place for walking and jogging, pushing infants in strollers, young children riding tricycles and bikes, and folks walking with a cane or in a wheelchair. This road is also, however, the easiest and most profitable choice for the developer. How has our P&D department handled the permitting process? County transportation experts first downplayed or sought to ignore the one-lane bottleneck on this road. It would experience greatly increased traffic and corresponding risk for accident and injury. The transportation planning supervisor then stated that he was not concerned, as “liability is covered by design immunity as long as we follow adopted county/federal standards and guidelines.”

Rather than try to understand the community, or call for a traffic study, the planner simply opened the Traffic Engineering Handbook, turned to a general formula, and plugged in some numbers to generate an answer. The planner further assumed only one new home on each of the parcels within the lot. Zoning here, however, allows for as many as three dwellings on each parcel. So again, his conclusions grossly underestimate the number of vehicles and resulting traffic problems. County planners ought to pay more attention to realities on the ground and to the interests of existing residents. They need to respect the unique characteristics of a street or a neighborhood and avoid damaging the fabric of communities. There may well be pressure from Sacramento for our county to expand the housing stock. There are, though, several other lots in our town that are more suitable for multiple home development. Seth Steiner Los Alamos

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Case for a Newsom recall continues to grow By Jon Coupal

Contributing Writer

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fter some fits and starts, the recall effort against Gov. Gavin Newsom appears to be gaining traction. Proponents say they have collected over 1 million signatures. Media reports of a half-million-dollar donation to the effort, plus rumors of even more forthcoming, are getting the attention of California’s political establishment. If the required 1.5 million valid signatures are submitted before the mid-March deadline and subsequently verified, a special election will be held and California voters will soon thereafter vote on the recall. That is, unless the California Legislature pulls another fast one as it did in 2017, passing a last-minute change to the rules or the election calendar. Any such attempt would be extremely unwise, with public confidence in government already low. On the ballot, the recall question would be accompanied by a separate question of who would replace the incumbent if the recall passed. (In the October 2003 recall election of Gov. Gray Davis, a total of 135 candidates were on the ballot as replacement candidates, including pornographer Larry Flynt and former TV child star Gary Coleman). Recalls are not easy and are fraught with many unknowns. They are expensive and the complicated politics of multiple replacement candidates, each seeking a plurality of votes, makes the state’s “jungle” primaries seem simple by comparison. Polling is unreliable in such an environment, and there’s a Wild West atmosphere to the process. Nonetheless, recalls are a legitimate political remedy when the public loses confidence in an elected official. At least a million Californians have reached that point. Irrespective of whether support for the recall is broad-based or narrow among California voters, it is clear that the effort is being greatly assisted by Gov. Newsom himself. Where to start? First, the gross mismanagement of the Employment Development Department has been breathtaking. While unemployed Californians have been given the runaround when they seek the benefits to which they are entitled, fraudsters have been allowed to rob the system of more than $8

billion, according to recent estimates. Second, the state’s distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has been a disaster. Despite months of advanced notice, the lack of a coherent plan on distribution has put California near or at the bottom relative to other states in the percentage of vaccines that have been delivered to the Californians who are waiting for them. Third, the ever-shifting and arbitrary metrics that have prohibited the safe reopening of businesses and schools have caused unnecessary confusion in both the private and public sectors. Fourth, property owners were profoundly and rightfully disappointed that the governor refused to consider suspension of costly penalties for delayed payments of property taxes, even as job losses mounted, housing providers struggled to pay their bills without rental income, and commercial property owners saw their tenants shut down by state orders. Fifth, Newsom refused to consider a deferment of the scheduled minimum-wage increase while so many service and hospitality businesses were desperately trying to keep their employees working in compliance with the state’s limitations on their ability to operate. Sixth, property owners were stunned to see his endorsement of Proposition 15, the most significant attack on Proposition 13 in its 42-year history. The $12 billion “split roll” initiative was defeated in November, notwithstanding his support. Finally, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s personal behavior has revealed little sensitivity to the struggles of Californians who have been asked to make extraordinary sacrifices. The infamous dinner at the French Laundry restaurant is but one example of his perceived hypocrisy. Citizens bristle when politicians say “do as I say, not as I do.” It would be foolish to venture a prediction about the recall effort’s success or failure. But the outcome may well be determined by the governor’s own actions if they continue to raise legitimate questions about his competence. Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. This opinion piece first appeared in the COLAB January newsletter. Visit http://colabsbc.org/magazines/COLAB_ Mag_2-2021.pdf.

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February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5

Economic Forecast Project updates community on state of COVID-19 vaccine rollout By Sonia Fernandez for UCSB

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he emergency use authorizations granted last month to Pfizer and Moderna for their COVID-19 vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration pave the way toward Santa Barbara County’s economic recovery, according to UC Santa Barbara economics professor Peter Rupert. “The vaccines play a crucial role in getting our lives back together,” said Rupert, who is the director of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project. As in the rest of the country, the COVID-19-related lockdowns have wrought havoc on the local economy, straining local business and causing massive job loss. That said, it will still take months and widespread cooperation to protect the community and get things back to normal, according to Van Do-Reynoso, Santa Barbara County Public Health Department director and Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons, Cottage Health Systems’ infectious disease specialist, Rupert’s guests in the latest EFP Informs webinar. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are currently being distributed locally, initially to highest-risk frontline health care workers as part of the state’s “Tier 1” of the first phase of vaccine administration, and now to people age 75 and older. “We’ve received nuanced direction from the California Department of Public Health which is if we’ve done our due diligence in providing vaccines to Tier 1, that we can proceed on to Tier 2 and Tier 3,” Van Do-Reynoso said. Other healthcare workers, high-risk individ-

uals and essential workers are next in line to receive vaccinations, with the rest of the community to be inoculated starting in late spring. (Updates on SBCPHD’s vaccination efforts can be found here, and general inquiries can be sent to vaccine@spcphd.org.) Help can’t come soon enough. Now in its 10th month dealing with COVID-19, the local economy remains shaky, according to Rupert’s report. Jobless claims continue to be elevated, and the county remains under stay-at-home orders as the number of cases skyrockets, pushing local hospitals to devote diminishing ICU space to acute coronavirus patients. “That does not mean if we drop below 0% that the doors close, no one gets into the ICU or into the emergency room,” said Fitzgibbons. “What it really means is that beyond that capacity, we’re going to have to take care of patients with less staff, with less resources, possibly with less physical beds ... and that’s what we’re starting to see.” About 80% of the county’s ICU patients are being treated for COVID, she added. The new vaccines won’t help with the ongoing surge, but they could prevent future spikes. “Vaccines are a way for the community to prepare to be well-protected. It is not

protection at this very moment at a community level,” Fitzgibbons said, urging the audience to remain vigilant about keeping the spread under control. Unlike conventional vaccines, which rely on a weakened form of the virus, those developed by Pfizer and Moderna rely on mRNA technology, which introduces genetic instructions into our cells to create certain proteins. “The protein in this case is the virus’s protein, called the spike protein,” Fitzgibbons explained. Those spikes, which give the coronavirus its recognizable pin cushion-like appearance, are also how the virus attaches to its host and delivers its payload. The presence of those proteins will trigger our bodies’ immune response. “We make antibodies, we make memory T cells and our immune system is basically primed to handle that spike protein if or when we ever bump into, inhale, or are otherwise exposed to that protein on the actual virus in the future,” she said. The vaccines appear to be effective against emerging variants, though they can be adjusted to new mutations in the spike protein as needed. They are 95% effective — what Fitzgibbons called “an incredible protection,” comparing it to the 50-60% effectiveness of the best flu vaccines. Local and systemic reactions (swelling,

pain, fever, headache) are mostly mild to moderate and short-lived. Very rare severe reactions (anaphylaxis) were not observed during clinical trials but have been observed outside of clinical trials, underscoring the need to perform these inoculations in facilities that can handle allergic reactions, Fitzgibbons said. Vaccine recipients are given two doses, weeks apart, the second one to “train the immune system” to be on guard for the COVID-19 spike protein. What remains to be seen as we round the corner on this pandemic is how long the protection will last, whether there will be any latent side effects, and how effective this version of the vaccine will be to emerging variants. Additionally, how much protection does it provide against asymptomatic infection, which is thought to be the source of almost half of all COVID infections? “That’s a critical piece we still don’t know,” Fitzgibbons said, and one that will need to be examined before relaxing any mask- or social distancing-public health measures. Meanwhile, herd immunity remains a distant dream. To achieve this type of immunity, a significant fraction of the population must be protected — enough to put the brakes on any outbreak. The World Health Organization predicts this won’t occur in 2021. But, the vaccines are an encouraging start, the panelists said. With some effort and education, it’s possible begin on a path toward regaining economic footing, according to Rupert. “We have to encourage everyone to understand that we all have a responsibility to end this viral war,” he said.

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Valley Supper Club offers fine dining at affordable prices Chance meeting sparked new venture through SYV Community Outreach By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

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Photos by Raiza Giorgi Pam Gnekow, center, collaborated with the kitchen at the Alisal to create a new affordable meal program for all valley residents.

Junior Sous-Chef Daniel Alvarez said he is learning new skills he never thought he had, like making desserts.

The meals are prepared fresh each day using ingredients donated in large part by Jordano's, Veggie Rescue and other local businesses and restaurants.

the meals. “Pam has been great because she’s helped us keep busy while our kitchen has been closed and getting to do this for the community has been great. I want to keep this going,” Gottheimer said. Junior Sous-Chef Daniel Alvarez said he is learning new skills he never thought he had,

like making desserts. He said he has loved experimenting with sweets. “I have learned about what the senior center is doing for the community and it’s great to be here helping contribute,” said Chef Daniel Milian, who was cooking the beef teriyaki. Gnekow echoed that while some of her

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he aroma of beef teriyaki was wafting out into the parking lot of the Buellton Senior Center, and at 4 p.m. on a Monday, there was a line of cars waiting to pick up the delicious meal served by the new Valley Supper Club. This latest venture through the SYV Community Outreach organization was brought on by chance. “I needed fridge space after a large donation of food and I asked Chef Anthony Endy if he had room since their kitchen was closed,” said Pam Gnekow, director of the SYV Community Outreach. “When I went over to unload it they happened to have a couple of their kitchen staff there to help just before they were all to be furloughed again from the latest shutdown.” She quickly brainstormed and asked if a few of their staff who would be out of work until the shutdown was lifted wanted to come up with a menu and start serving meals through the senior center. The meals are prepared fresh each day using ingredients donated in large part by Jordano’s, Veggie Rescue and other local groups. “When the kitchen staff came over and with Chef Lee (Gottheimer) from the Alisal, they are preparing a four-star dinner for $10 a plate,” Gnekow said. “I am so humbled by them and we are working on how we can continue this with chefs from all around the valley when the Alisal opens up.” Gottheimer has been the chef de cuisine at the Alisal for several years and was happy to come to the Buellton Senior Center to prepare

seniors are able to afford the many high-end restaurants the valley has to offer, some cannot and this has been an incredible program to feed the community quality food. “I really appreciate what they are doing to help all of us. I am a senior and obviously concerned about COVID and going out,” said Annie Sutton, a valley resident who came back for the beef teriyaki meal. “Being able to pick up dinner and take it home is wonderful. Last Friday, I had their grilled cheese and tomato soup meal and it was seriously the best grilled cheese I’ve ever eaten.” Before Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the stay-at-home orders in mid-March, the Buellton Senior Center was averaging about 175 meals a day. That number has since almost doubled to 320 meals a day and the center has distributed more than 100,000 pounds of food through its farmers market table, which is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. “The farmers market name is now Santa Ynez Valley Neighbors Table, as there are so many from not just Buellton and the valley communities, but Lompoc and Santa Maria that are welcome to shop. We want all our ‘neighbors’ to get good nutrition,” Gnekow said. The Buellton Senior Center is continuing to serve the community with food distributions, their daily farmers market, Meals on Wheels and Medical Loan Closet. “Our Meals on Wheels team comes in the morning to prepare and volunteers distribute the meals and are out by 1 p.m., and right around then the Valley Supper Club chefs come in and prepare their menu for the day. It has become such a great addition to our program,” Gnekow said. She said they couldn’t do this without the generous donations, as she was unloading her second van full of the day from Jordano’s. In the van were crates of cream, boxes of vegeSUPPER CLUB CONTINUED TO PAGE 22


February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7

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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

CenCal Health addresses gaps in care with $2 million in funding

By Sheri Mobley for CenCal Health

I

n response to noted gaps in access to health care locally, CenCal Health is implementing a Network Access Improvement program. CenCal Health is the publicly sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The new program will focus on increasing primary and specialty care capacity for local Medi-Cal members, as well as improving access to care for children and disabled members. The priorities will be accomplished in two ways: by recruiting new medical professionals to the network, and by funding specialized medical equipment such as vaccine refrigerators and exam room apparatus that accommodate the needs of mobility-impaired patients. Due to membership growth outpacing local resources, CenCal Health has committed $2 million to the recruitment of new medical practitioners to its network on the Central Coast. The funding will provide financial incentives to current network providers, including covering recruitment costs and salaries for new providers. “The Access Improvement program is an effort to help ensure that the Central Coast will be able to address both the shortage of certain medical specialists locally; as well as to generally assist in attracting new providers to the area,” said Bob Freeman, CenCal Health CEO. “In the next few years, we will experience a wave of retiring physicians. “Hopefully, the program will proactively address this future physician shortage, and

Photo contributed A medical worker reaches into a refrigerator for vaccine dose.

also attract new specialists to the area that are currently not here.” CenCal Health has additional money for providers — up to $5,000 per location — to fund medical equipment that will improve access to health care for children, seniors and disabled

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patients. The health plan has especially seen gaps in care related to patients’ mobility. “We have learned that a majority of wheelchair-bound women do not get their annual cervical cancer screening because they cannot transfer from their chair to the exam table,” said

Terri Howell, director of provider services at CenCal Health. “These women are at the same risk of getting cervical cancer as the rest of the general population of women in the same age range, but they don’t get the exams. “This program will address that with funding for power adjustable, hi-low treatment tables in the provider’s office.” Other equipment that could be funded to retrofit a medical exam room: exam table overhead trapeze bars for patient mobility, and weight scales for the wheelchair-bound. There is also funding assistance for providers who participate in the Child Health and Disability Prevention program for the purchase of Vaccines for Children-compliant refrigerators. These purpose-built refrigerated storage units maintain proper temperatures to protect the viability of infant and childhood vaccines. “As physicians, it is important that we work with the health plan to identify challenges faced by our Medi-Cal members and identify potential strategies for better managed care,” said Dr. René Bravo of Bravo Pediatrics in San Luis Obispo. “A program like this, which expands the provider network and provides funds for medical equipment, means a greater chance that patients will receive proper care at every appointment,” Bravo said. CenCal Health’s Network Access Improvement program began in January. Information on CenCal Health is available at cencalhealth. org.

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February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

GENEALOGY TIPS

Where and how to research your roots during time of COVID-19 restrictions

By Sheila Benedict

revised; written by Elizabeth Shown Mills and published in 2017 by Genealogical Publishing Company. It is the definitive work a genealogist needs. There are others and one of these months, I may devote a column to give readers a lengthy bibliography to keep handy. It is probably unnecessary to state there is an excellent Danish museum in Solvang, the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, 1624 Elverhoj Way. Other places to visit are Mission Santa Inés, 1760 Mission Drive, and the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House, located on 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, and it has history of the whole valley including Solvang. I do not know if any of them are open to the public yet and if not, let us hope they will be soon. Until next month, remember once again to follow the guidelines and be safe and well.

Contributing Writer

B

elated Happy New Year to everyone. I am sorry I could not write the column in January as I had eye surgery and my computer time was severely limited. I am healed now and back to my usual working self again. It is apparent repositories and other research locations are still closed. You can probably visit a cemetery, but it is doubtful you can go there if it is quite a distance from home. Better to adhere to all the guidelines, take the vaccine when available to you, and hopefully the COVID-19 case numbers will start going down, and that soon some repositories will be back in operation. In the meantime, there is a constant flow of new digitized databases coming to the variety of genealogical sites such as familysearch. org, Ancestry.com, Fold3.com, findmypast. com, Cyndi’s list.com, local genealogical societies, and others. Do not forget to check out ethnic and religion websites, historical societies, our National Archives in DC and regionally, California state repositories and those in other states as they may be putting more material online as well. There are many webinars offered for beginning, intermediate and advanced researchers and they are on a range of topics

including DNA research. Upcoming are many of the weeklong conferences and all one has to do is Google genealogical courses online 2021 and a variety of them will come up. Methodology, focused topics for regions of the U.S. and other countries, and so much

more. As a reminder when you do your research, be sure to cite your sources, all of them, and one of the best texts to have at your desk is “Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace” third edition

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.

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10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

Santa Barbara Zoo’s oldest resident, alligator Mary Lou, dies

Mary Lou, an American alligator, arrived at the Santa Barbara Zoo in 1964.

me keep them,’ and so we took them into our care,” McToldridge said. The two alligators were thought to be about 1 year old at that time. The male died in 1997. American alligators generally live until around 50 years old, and Mary Lou lived about 58 years. “Mary Lou was the oldest animal at the zoo, both in years lived and years in residence,” said Nancy McToldridge, current zoo director. “That made her very special. She was known and loved, not only by staff and guests, but also by crocodilian enthusiasts across the country. We will miss her very much.” In 1967, American alligators were protected as an endangered species, even before the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This was due to habitat loss and hunting for their skins, which were used to make handbags, wallets, shoes and other products. Just 20 years later, their numbers rebounded, and American alligators were considered one of the first endangered species success stories. Today, more than 1 million alligators can be found in the swamps and wetlands of the American Southeast, and they are listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List.

first director, Ted McToldridge, who retired in 1997, recalled when Mary Lou first arrived. “A little boy showed up at the zoo one day,

For more about the Santa Barbara Zoo, visit sbzoo.org.

She lived in the zoo since being brought in a shoebox in 1964 Staff Report

M

ary Lou, the 58-year-old American alligator at the Santa Barbara Zoo, has died. Mary Lou had lived at the Santa Barbara Zoo since it first opened, making her the oldest and longest-term resident. “A week ago Mary Lou began showing symptoms of being very ill with a systemic disease, and was being treated,” said Dr. Julie Barnes, vice president of Animal Care & Health at the Santa Barbara Zoo. “Despite our efforts to reverse her symptoms, she did not respond to treatment. “A necropsy was performed over the weekend, which showed she had multiple severe pathologies that are most likely consistent with a generalized bacterial infection suspected to have originated from the reproductive tract. Tissue samples have been submitted, and we will likely know more when we get the histopathology results in a few weeks. “Mary Lou has had a long and healthy life here at the Santa Barbara Zoo, and has been loved by so many staff and guests over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has loved and cared for her during her long life at the zoo,” Barnes said. Mary Lou arrived at the Santa Barbara Zoo in 1964, along with a male alligator. The zoo’s

Photo contributed

Dignity Health recognizes February as American Heart Month

Designation serves as a reminder to make heart health a priority Staff Report

A

rroyo Grande Community Hospital, French Hospital Medical Center and Marian Regional Medical Center recognize American Heart Month and the importance of cardiac health, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, and we urge community members to take action toward better heart health. Adopting healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease, exercising regularly, maintaining routine cardiac screenings, eating heart-healthy foods and alleviating stress can make a great impact on your overall heart health. “This pandemic has been incredibly stressful for many, and has deterred some individuals from seeking out proper health care, including cardiac care,” says Dr. Scott Robertson,

chief medical officer, Dignity Health Central Coast. “We want to emphasize the importance of maintaining health screenings, including diabetes, blood pressure and appropriate heart screenings. We encourage community members to take the initiative to get the proper care and make these important screenings a priority.” Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals want to emphasize the importance of cardiac health during the month of February, but also that it is important yearround. We encourage community members not to delay important care, such as routine screenings and visiting your physician regularly. For cardiac emergencies such as stroke and heart attack, our emergency departments are safe and ready to care for you. A delay in care can make all the difference in health outcomes. To learn the signs of a heart attack for both men and women, please visit dignityhealth.org.

holding out a shoebox with two little alligators inside, and said ‘Mister, will you take care of my alligators? My mommy won’t let

Additional COVID-19 rental assistance funds available through United Way Program extends to Solvang, Buellton and other cities and unincorporated areas Staff Report

I

n the continuing effort to financially support individuals and families who have been financially impacted by COVID-19, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is partnering with the Santa Barbara County to offer rental assistance grants to eligible individuals and families -the grants pertain to those living in Solvang, Buellton, Carpinteria and Guadalupe as well as those living in unincorporated areas of the county (listed below). There is a total of $890,000 available for eligible applicants who must meet specific requirements. The funds were made possible by Santa Barbara County through federal CDBG grants. If approved, families can receive a max of $5,000 of rental assistance over three months. Payments would go directly to landlords to ensure the assistance goes directly to rent payments.

In addition to Solvang, Buellton, Carpinteria and Guadalupe, funds are available for those living in unincorporated areas, which include but are not limited to: Burton Mesa, Casmalia, Cuyama, Eastern Goleta Valley, Gaviota, Isla Vista, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Montecito, Orcutt, Santa Ynez, Summerland and Vandenberg Village. “With the devastating economic impacts of the pandemic, many local residents are unable to pay rent and meet other basic needs,” said Steve Ortiz, president and CEO of United Way of Santa Barbara County. “The prospect of losing one’s home is a sad reality for many local families and individuals and the County of Santa Barbara and United Way are doing all that we can to keep that from happening.” Families or individuals seeking the assistance must have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in unincorporated areas of the county can check if their address is eligible using the online map from United Way. Eligible families must also fall below certain income thresholds. Other COVID-19 grants are also listed at the website. To check eligibility requirements and to apply visit www.unitedwaysb.org.


February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

NOW PR OVIDING

NEWS / TALK RADIO o n 10 6 . 3 F M t o t h e SANTA YNEZ VALLEY


12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

Wildling Museum unveils new Tower Gallery and window installation

Exhibits highlight work of artists Holli Harmon and Nicole Strasburg Staff Report

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s the saying goes, all clouds have silver linings. The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is kicking off 2021 with an invitation for the public to experience two new art installations by artists Holli Harmon and Nicole Strasburg that may be viewed from the outside-in during its ongoing public closure due to state and local COVID-19 public health mandates for indoor museums. In the museum’s new Tower Gallery installation, “Holli Harmon: The Nature of Clouds,” artist Harmon’s immersive work centers around a Norfolk Island Pine tree floating beneath bright blue, cumulus cloud-filled skies. Large chandelier crystals hang suspended by invisible thread from ceiling to floor in a brilliant rain shower as plants are suspended throughout at varying heights. These plants — made up of kokedama moss balls — are planted with coleus, spider plants and various succulents. Centered beneath the suspended crystals and plants are three weathered eucalyptus tree stumps, their faces covered with mirrors to reflect the sky and patterns above. The exhibition will be on view through fall 2021. Clouds have been an inspiring source material for Harmon since 2016 when she first began her work on “The River’s Journey” exhibition project, exploring the Santa Ynez River and examining all elements of the water cycle. “I learned that this transpiration circle begins and ends in the clouds — water’s highest source,” says Harmon.

Photo contributed Three of the windows included in artist Nicole Strasburg's installation "Wintering: A Fox Tale" on view now at the Wildling Museum through spring 2021.

Photo contributed "Holli Harmon: The Nature of Clouds," Installation view.

Harmon’s process included research in all its forms, from scientific to poetic. She said she became particularly inspired by 19th century British meteorologist Luke Howard’s cloud classification system, as well as cloud poetry by writer Johann Goethe and contemporary poet Mark Strand. “This current installation is my newest interpretation of the transpiration of water from earth, to plants, to sky,” Harmon said. “The work is partially inspired by author Richard Hamblyn’s book, ‘The Invention of Clouds: How an Amateur Meteorologist Forged the Language of the Skies,’ about early meteorologist Luke Howard.” The added plants in her Tower Gallery installation were born out of a new fascination with the Japanese floral art form of “kokedama,” or string gardens.

“Through quarantine, these literally became my ‘growing’ obsession and the perfect foil for the idea of water transpiration from earth to plant to sky to cloud to rain,” Harmon said. Accompanying the new Tower Gallery exhibition is a window art installation titled “Wintering: A Fox Tale” by artist Nicole Strasburg. The series of papercut fox silhouettes was specially designed by Strasburg to bring joy and wonder to passersby during the museum’s extended closure. The public is invited to enjoy the works — which are illuminated at night — through spring 2021. “We wanted to create something exciting for the windows that would let everyone know we were only hibernating, not closed forever,” Strasburg said. “With my love for animals and the fox being the Wildling Museum mascot, it seemed fitting to do something with a fox theme.”

Strasburg’s intricate papercutting technique transformed the museum’s windows into a dramatic winter landscape once lit. “Wintering and hibernating are not always a dormant time, it’s also a time of great imagination and rejuvenation, a time to recharge,” she said. “Designing and cutting the paper images as well as configuring the armature to hold the creation were a wonderful way to pass the time in quarantine with the added benefit of bringing attention to the museum.” Both Harmon and Strasburg generously donated their time to the Wildling Museum in a joint effort to find creative ways to bring visibility to the museum while continuing to inspire and engage audiences during the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions on indoor museums. We’d love to see your photos! The Wildling Museum invites viewers to share photos of their experiences with both of the new installations and tag the museum on social media at @wildlingmuseum or email info@wildlingmusuem.org.


February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

New board leadership installed at Mental Wellness Center

J

Staff Report

ulie Kessler Solomon has been named chair of the Mental Wellness Center Board of Directors. Also joining the board are Eric Jackson and LaRisa Chambers. Photos Contributed Julie Solomon Solomon, a former marketing executive, is a Realtor with Compass in Santa Barbara. Her passion for improving the conditions for mental health in the community developed from her work with Eric Jackson the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) Santa Barbara chapter. She taught in NAMI’s Family to Family program for seven years. Solomon continues her membership on the NAMI steering and public policy committees. Her record of service to the community includes board leadership positions with Phoenix of Santa Barbara, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Women’s Economic Ventures. She has also served as a planning commissioner for the city of Goleta and as a member

of the Santa Barbara County Human Services Commission. Currently, she is a member of the Santa Barbara Women’s Fund. “This is a pivotal moment for mental health; never before has there been such strong recognition of the value good mental health plays in the vitality of our community,” Solomon said. “The Mental Wellness Center provides a completely unique array of resources; outreach, education, advocacy, housing, and — on a daily basis — meals for those who would otherwise go without. “We have an outstanding staff and board, and look forward to increasing and extending our services to younger people as one of our principal goals for 2021.” Jackson is a UCSB graduate and holds an MBA from the University of La Verne with an emphasis in information technology. He works in the software industry and teaches technology courses at the SBCC School of Extended Learning. Chambers moved to Santa Barbara in 2019. She serves as the senior gift officer for Cottage Health. Chambers graduated from the University of Kansas and worked for the American Cancer Society and KU Endowment. While living in Lawrence, Kansas, she served on several nonprofit and community boards, including the Endowment Board of the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. The Mental Wellness Center is a nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness around mental health by providing supportive programming, education, and housing in Santa Barbara. For more visit mentalwellnesscenter.org. For questions or to donate to the Mental Wellness Center, contact Amanda Conroy, development and marketing director, at aconroy@mentalwellnesscenter.org.

Photo contributed The Buellton Arts and Culture Committee is seeking artists and creative people to apply for grants to create projects to enhance the community.

Buellton Arts & Culture Committee seeks artists to apply for grants Staff Report

T

he Buellton Arts and Culture Committee is seeking artists and creative people to apply for grants to create projects to enhance the artistic and/or cultural experiences of the community. Grant funds may cover the cost of materials, artist time, advertising and print materials, and anything related to the production of a successful arts and culture project. Project grant applications and a quick reference guide can be found at https://cityofbuellton.com/about/buellton-arts-culture/ Past arts and culture projects have included art workshops, multi-day events, temporary and permanent public art displays and educational exhibitions. Currently, there are several exciting projects

underway such as a mural series by artist Liz Alvarez showcasing Buellton parks and historical scenes, the installation of mosaic tiled pillars at the entrance to the SYV Botanic Garden, a Walk into Wildfire immersive exhibition and community event, and a sculptural display honoring our veterans. If you’re interested in applying for an arts and culture grant but don’t have an idea for a project, committee members would be happy to offer suggestions and help you brainstorm. For more info, please email Kyle Abello at kylea@cityofbuellton.com or call him at the Buellton Rec Center 688-1086.

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14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA annual campaign now underway to ensure that we can continue to provide the critical programs and services. Without such support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do for our friends and neighbors in need.” This year’s campaign started with the Annual Campaign Kickoff being held virtually. Annually the YMCA provided more than $180,000 in financial assistance and program subsidy to families and individuals for membership or programs such as child care, camp, sports and after-school programs. “During this crisis our community over the last year has faced unprecedented challenges,” said Executive Director Tommy Speidel. “We’re proud of the critical resources we’ve provided to the greater valley community. This was a year that the Y needed to live our mission and values in a huge way, and I feel like we have done just that. “As the demand for services increases this year, it’s critical that we continue to help close the financial gap for those that need it most.”

Organization sets fundraising goal at $180,000 Staff Report

T

he Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA kicked off its annual campaign on Feb. 3 and the organization has set its goal of $180,000. Jeff Sgobba, Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA board member, has been selected as the campaign chair to ensure the fundraising goal is met. Every dollar raised in the annual campaign is applied to placing kids and families in need into YMCA programs including the full-day child care and outdoor fitness programming for all ages. “For over 30 years, the Y has been helping to support the greater Santa Ynez Valley community,” Sgobba said. “This year, more than ever we need the help and support of the community

Photo contributed Jeff Sgobba, Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA board member, has been selected as the campaign chair to ensure the fundraising goal is met.

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Donations to the YMCA can be made at the Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N Refugio Road or by calling 805-686-2037. For more information on the annual campaign, visit ciymca.org/donate.


February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Mushroom soup recipe offers creamy comfort By Vida Gustafson Contributing Writer

C

ream of mushroom soup is an absolute must for comfort on a cold winter night. Earthy and savory, perfectly accented with a hint of garlic and thyme. This is one of those “it’s classic for a reason” recipes. Once you factor in the good dose of vitamin D, potassium, zinc, selenium and protein, it’s easy to see that this is a recipe that should make it into your monthly rotation.

Ingredients n 2 lbs fresh mushrooms, wiped clean. (or 6-8 oz dried) n 1 qt chicken stock n 3 tbsp butter n 2 cloves of garlic n ½ onion, chopped n 1 tbsp flour n 1 C cream n 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme n Salt and Pepper to taste

Photo by Vida Gustafson Cream of mushroom soup is an absolute must for comfort on a cold winter night. Earthy and savory, perfectly accented with a hint of garlic and thyme.

Method If using whole mushrooms, cut into half slices. If using dried, reconstitute them in enough hot water to cover completely, let

them sit for 10 minutes and drain, squeezing them gently to remove excess water. Reserve the liquid for cooking, you can add it to your stock to make up one quart. You can also save this for a risotto or different soup. Melt butter in a large stock pot or Dutch

oven. Add the mushrooms, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper and the thyme leaves. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned slightly and the water has evaporated. This can take up to 30 minutes. Remove some browned mushrooms for garnish at the end. Add roughly chopped onion and whole peeled garlic and cook for 5 minutes more, then add in one last tablespoon of butter and the flour. Mix thoroughly and cook for 3 minutes. Pour in your chicken stock. Scrape the bottom of the pot to ensure nothing is sticking and getting overcooked. Cover the pot and turn the hear down to the lowest setting and leave to cook for 1 hour. Use a handheld immersion blender to blend until the soup is smooth and then add the cream. If you’re using a blender or food processor to blend the soup, process one cup at a time only and cover the lid of the blender with a heavy kitchen towel. The heat and pressure can push the top off of the blender and you can get burned or at the very least have a big mess to clean up. Lastly, season to taste and garnish with the browned mushroom slices and some parsley. Don’t forget the crusty toasted bread!

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Open Tuesday—Sunday, closed Mondays


16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

Local rancher to host cooking show on the Gaineses’ Magnolia Network Elizabeth Poett said she's excited to share her personal and family recipes on ‘Ranch to Table’ By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

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he new Magnolia Network created by Chip and Joanna Gaines is getting a little local ranch flavor as Elizabeth Poett, multigenerational farmer and rancher, will be featured in her own cooking show called “Ranch to Table.” “Well, I guess sometimes dreams do come true!” Poett said. “For the last few months, I have been working to create a cooking show based on our ranch life and on the meals I create for my family using foods grown on Rancho San Julian and around California’s beautiful Central Coast.” She said on “Ranch to Table,” which airs Feb. 19, she will give viewers an inside look at what ranch life is like and share many of the easy and delicious recipes that she has created over the years, as well as some old family recipes that have been passed down for generations. The show will be on the new Discovery steaming service, discovery+. Future episodes will air when Magnolia Network officially launches its programming later in 2021. “I am so grateful to the Magnolia Family, and to its amazing founders, Chip and Joanna Gaines, for inviting us to be part of this exciting new network,” Poett said on her blog. “Huge thanks also to my outstanding producers at Conveyor Media and the awesome crew who guided me through our new adventure.” Poett was born and raised on Rancho San Julian in Gaviota, which has been in her family for almost 200 years. The land was granted to Jose de la Guerra in 1837 when he was the commandant of the Santa Barbara Presidio. He and his wife Maria Carrillo had 13 children. He also was one of the signers of the California Constitution and one of the state’s first elected senators, according to the ranch’s history. De la Guerra’s son Pablo made Rancho San Julian his home. Pablo’s daughter Francisca de la Guerra married Gold Rush stockman Thomas Bloodgood Dibblee. Their descendants include the Russell, Donohoe, Hoyt and Poett

Elizabeth Poett says she is lucky to be able to work her family's historic land with her husband, Austin Campbell, and raise their two boys on the ranch.

Photo by Annie Meisel The Ranch Table gatherings at Rancho San Julian are meant to expose people to local agrarian history and culture while taking them out of their routines to spend time enjoying one another.

Photo contributed "I'm honored to announce that the creative duo Chip and Joanna Gaines have asked us to join their new Magnolia Network and that they will be including our show, "Ranch To Table," said Elizabeth Poett of San Julian Ranch in Gaviota.

families, who continue the stewardship of their 14,000-acre cattle ranch. Poett grew up climbing trees in a tutu and cowboy boots, gathering cows and helping her mother cook and host events, from brandings to tea parties. In 2007, Poett moved back to the ranch and started a business, Rancho San Julian Beef, selling her family’s ranch-raised beef directly to chefs and consumers. Around the same time, she met Austin Campbell, a handsome local rancher whom she married in 2009. The couple and their two young sons now live on the ranch in a house that Elizabeth’s great-grandmother built in the early 1900s. “I love that people can come to the ranch and participate in workshops that will teach them about the produce they are using, most of it being grown on the ranch, learn how to cook or prep with it and then share a meal under the arbor my ancestors have used for generations,” Poett said. Poett says that caring for the ranch is a family affair, and people misunderstand that it’s not just her ranch. “My family members all have a stake in this land, because it’s where we come from, and we work hard to ensure it stays together and we can improve it while we are here,” she said.


February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

TO US, BUSINESS IS PERSONAL.

I am so grateful to still be working. It has been extremely hard to watch people lose jobs. The impacts of remote working and school closures have reduced orders significantly, impacting everyone – from servers to delivery drivers. Our loyal staff all pitch in to help where it is needed, and we are grateful for our customers who still place orders. Still, the sooner we can safely see people working, the better for everyone. Justen, Catering Director

These are the faces and the heart of our community. The Chambers of Commerce of Santa Barbara County encourage you to take action. Please support our community so we can all get back to work safely. Contact your local Chamber for resources. www.SBSCchamber.com www.buellton.org www.solvangcc.com

www.santamaria.com www.santaynezchamber.org www.lompoc.com


18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

Roosters crowing, sheep bleating, cows smelling — France made it law Rural life in France, along with its smells and sounds, is now ‘Cultural Heritage’ By Regina B. Jensen, Ph.D. Contributing Writer

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lease don’t ask me why my Danish husband is fascinated by German news, this time about French law no less. So this is the latest article he sent over from his home office to mine, where we “reside” and send each other news: “Did you see this, Honey?” Well, it appears that Maurice, the now famous rooster who caused this new French law to come into effect last week (the equivalent of our “passed the House and the Senate,” I suppose), is now deceased. But long live Maurice, the rooster who started it all. His dear owner had to fight when he was still alive and crowing, and actually went to court so he could continue his morning songs (my husband calls his mini-rooster Marvin’s sounds “singing”). It appears that too many city folk coming from Paris (make that L.A.) were used to sirens at night, but not to roosters crowing in the morning and sounds of sheep, such as my mini-sheep, who bleat dependably when they see my husband walk by. Now, Maurice could crow his heart out, says the article “because the cock-crow, the mooing of cows and the bleating of sheep” will be part of France’s Cultural Heritage in the future — because France now has a law to protect noises and smells in the country. It appears that Maurice became somewhat

Photo contributed Bless mayor Bruno Dionis, of the 400-souls village of Gajac in southwest France, who started an initiative called "The sounds of our country." Writer Regina Jensen and her rooster Marvin approve.

of a media star a few years ago, when a retired couple were bothered by his “morning-celebration of life” and went to court to silence him. Other communities followed suit, sometimes about rural smells, sometimes about rural sounds that city folk disliked. My city-neighbors once were so upset about my favorite mini (tea-cup) rescue piglet, that they caused the death of him.

“We are ALL five very upset over here”, they said, ganging up against my pig, also named Maurice, who had been very frightened by something and got stuck under their fence and, confused, went from there into their horse paddock and no, the horses, as I watched him pass through their place with them sniffing him, were not upset by “little-old him” whatsoever. (Maurice, my gentleman pig who would try to

get into my kitchen!) Losing my Maurice was the trauma of my life (plus caused me to lose the $500 it cost me, all-in-all, to get him and his brother Max with hired help in a day-long trip way up in far-away Oroville!!) My Maurice thought I was a princess and I believed him. The princess and the piglet! (My husband never thought I was a princess!) Back to the French law, which says that vacationers were even bothered by church bells ringing! The article said “an enervated lady from Paris even demanded that the crickets chirping in the evening in the village she had chosen as a retirement home should be killed with insecticides.” Bless mayor Bruno Dionis, of the 400-souls village of Gajac in southwest France, who started an initiative called “The sounds of our country.” My dear husband often says “What can one man do!?” Well this man Bruno, and Maurice the rooster and his dear mistress, did do a lot. “Those who live in the country have to accept some irritation,” he said, and the article ends with: “Many farmers are now breathing a sigh of relief, because the law not only declares the ringing of church bells or the chirping of crickets to be characteristic. The smell of pig or horse stables is now also part of typical French country life.” The author, Dr. Jensen (German!), is a former psychotherapist and trauma therapist, enjoying her retirement and only working with what she calls “old” clients and her students, while running between her animals bleating, crowing and smelling.

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Melinda R. Oquist, D.D.S.


February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

Hancock College unveils update mission, vision and values statements

Staff Report

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llan Hancock College debuted a new and updated version of its mission, vision and values statements to help guide the college as it strives to continue serving students in 2021 and beyond. The new mission, vision and values statements were created via a diverse group of college stakeholders, including staff, faculty and administrators to update

Hancock’s Educational Master Plan. After being approved through Hancock’s shared governance process, the updated statements were approved by the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Board of Trustees at their Jan. 12 regular meeting. The mission, vision and values statements describe the institution’s broad educational purposes, its intended student population, the types of degrees and other credentials it offers and its commitment to student learning and student achievement. The statements are required as part of accreditation for all community colleges in California.

Hancock's new mission, vision and values statements reads as follows:

Mission:

Allan Hancock College fosters an educational culture that values equity and diversity and engages students in an inclusive learning environment. We offer pathways that encourage our student population to

achieve personal, career, and academic goals through coursework leading to skills building, certificates, associate degrees, and transfer.

Vision:

Allan Hancock College makes the following commitments to our students, our community and each other: n We will change the odds for students by continuing to provide quality instruction while improving time to completion. n We will work to build inclusive communities that promote trust and social justice. Allan Hancock College is committed to equity and diversity by ensuring our actions are based on an awareness of the social and historical context of inclusionary practices. n We will work to address student financial challenges, including food and housing insecurities. n We will prepare our students emotionally, physically, and intellectually to pursue fulfilling careers that foster economic mobility.

n We will provide an educational culture that values, nurtures, connects, and engages students. n We will provide opportunities that enhance student learning and promote the creative, intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community. n We will partner with the community to offer relevant and timely programs and services. n We will ensure a positive community presence by responding to community needs, including outreach to nontraditional students. n We will strive to ensure fiscal integrity and responsible management of resources.

Values:

Student Success, Equity, Academic Freedom, Diversity, Innovation, Mutual Respect, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Lifelong Learning, Excellence, Shared Governance. The updated statements are posted on the college’s website and will be included on printed materials and other college publi-

Solvang School Now enrolling new students in grades TK-8 for Fall 2021 Kindergarten is open to students born on or before Sept. 1, 2016 Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is open to students born Sept. 2 - Dec. 2, 2016 Solvang School offers the following specialized programs:

Call today:

688-4810 solvangschool.org

• Project Lead the Way STEM Education • All are Scholars Academy (Grades 4 & 5) • Comprehensive Arts Program including music, art, drama & dance • Dual Language Immersion (Spanish) for K enrollment.


20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

Photo contributed This project, called "Reach for the Stars," follows a blueprint created by the NASA @ My Library program to connect NASA, public libraries and their communities through hands-on activities and experiments.

Photo contributed Keddy Thomsen and Charlotte Robles pose in front of the SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired mural they helped create at "The Zone" at Buellton Rec. Not pictured is Isela Jimenez, who teamed with Keddy and Charlotte to create the mural.

Volunteers beautify ‘The Zone’ at Buellton Rec with a mural Staff Report

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ith some free time to volunteer, local high schoolers Charlotte Robles, Keddy Thomsen and Isela Jimenez decided to give the game room at Buellton Rec, “The Zone,” a new look by painting a mural theme of SpongeBob SquarePants’ underwater oasis on all four walls. The girls joyfully put in more than 60 hours of time to make the game room a little more fun for the kids when it opened back up. The Zone at the Buellton Rec Center is an afterschool game center where youth in grades 6-12 can hang out with friends, play games and socialize in a safe, supervised

environment. The Zone has ping pong, pool, air hockey, foosball and a fully equipped video game room. Currently, The Zone is open weekdays, as a small cohort, from 3 to 6 p.m., costing $1 per entry. Check out buelltonrec.com for more information on The Zone and other Rec youth programs and activities. Charlotte is an active member in the local National Charity League (NCL) chapter which is a mother-daughter nonprofit organization dedicated to helping develop socially responsible community leaders and strengthening the mother-daughter bond. If you are interested in membership in the Santa Ynez Chapter NCL, please email membershipsantaynezvalley@nclonline.org.

NASA STEM kits coming to Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries Staff Report

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oleta Valley Library has been awarded $5,500 in Library Services and Technology Act grant funding through the California State Library to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) kits to provide learning opportunities for all ages in the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley communities. This award will allow staff to create multiples of two themed kits, Sun-EarthMoon Connections and Be a NASA Detective: Expanding Your Senses, which will contain all the materials and supplies needed to participate in activities that introduce and reinforce STEM concepts. This project, called “Reach for the Stars,” follows a blueprint created by the NASA @ My Library program to connect NASA, public libraries and their communities through hands-on activities and experiments. “I’m a huge fan of NASA and so excited that the Goleta Valley Library has this opportunity to work with such a great organization to bring STEM activities to the kids in our area,” says Goleta Valley Library Director Allison Gray. The Reach for the Stars project will address the need for STEM learning in the community, particularly among underserved populations within the libraries’ service area. Research findings show

that early introduction to STEM fields through positive, hands-on experience is integral in building children’s confidence to pursue these fields in school and as careers. In addition, this project will benefit participants of all ages by encouraging and facilitating lifelong learning through enjoyable, interactive programming. “We are looking forward to the many ways that these kits will engage, educate and inspire patrons of all ages,” says Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. The Reach for the Stars kits will be available at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries starting in summer 2021 for either virtual or in-person programming, per the extent of library services offered at that time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Details about how to explore these kits will be announced this spring. For more information on programs and events at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, view the online calendar at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Grant 40-9096.

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February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

SYV Libraries offer several activities during the month

The Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, including the Solvang and Buellton branches, offer a wide array of activities people can join in virtually. Don’t miss out on Storytime LIVE! for preschoolers hosted by Mr. Zack every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. on their Facebook page or YouTube channel. There is also the Roll Quest for teens each week at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays. Register online at https://engagedpatrons.org/ EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=8565&EventID=426038&PK=686775. Adults and kids can talk about cooking food we love at 4 p.m. on Feb. 18, at the Sweet and Savory Cooking Club. Register online at https://engagedpatrons.org/ EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=8565&EventID=424051&PK=682624. Please check the library catalog at www. GoletaValleyLibrary.org for many more events happening at the Buellton and Goleta libraries.

Scholarship Foundation announces application total

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has received 2,779 applications for financial aid in the 2021-22 academic year. The applications are currently under review, and awardees will be announced in May. Last year the Scholarship Foundation awarded just over $6 million to 1,814 students throughout Santa Barbara County. “In some instances the coronavirus pandemic

has disrupted enrollment patterns, but make no mistake, the need for college financial aid in our community remains great,” said Scholarship Foundation President and CEO Barbara Robertson. “Thanks to our many generous donors, the Scholarship Foundation will once again help hundreds of county students access postsecondary education.” The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara provides scholarships to Santa Barbara County students pursuing undergraduate, graduate or vocational studies. For more information, call 805-687-6065 or visit www.sbscholarship.org. The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara is the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships, having cumulatively awarded nearly $130 million to more than 53,000 county students since its founding in 1962. A nonprofit organization, the Scholarship Foundation also provides free financial aid advising services. For additional information, visit www.sbscholarship.org.

O

ur gift certificates come in all sizes. Pick one up or call me at 805-5703400. Put it on your News Years resolution list to come visit Elna’s Dress Shop. We will delight you with a year-end sale of 50%-55%-60%: Buy one item at 50% off, two items at 55%, three or more items at 60% off. Slowly we are receiving a few items for spring as we continue to see sunny days in February, but do keep your fingers crossed for more rain to make our hills green again. Do you realize that one year ago the whole state was completely shut down? Nothing

SBCC's Atkinson Gallery and Foundation receive $100K grant

Los Olivos student named to University of Utah's Fall 2020 Dean's List

Lo Morrison, of Los Olivos, was named to the University of Utah’s Fall 2020 Dean’s List. Morrison’s major is listed as Modern Dance BFA and Psychology BS. Morrison was among more than 9,700 students named to the Fall 2020 Dean’s List at Utah. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher in at least 12 graded credit hours during any one term. The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah. Founded in 1850, it serves over 32,000 students from across the U.S. and the world.

Come into Elna’s this month for our 50-55-60 sale Staff Report

With over 100 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law and medicine, the university prepares students to live and compete in the global workplace. In 2019, the university was selected as a new member of the Association of American Universities-an invitation-only, prestigious group of 65 leading research institutions marked by excellence in academic expertise and research impact, student success, and securing resources in support of core missions. Known for its proximity to seven world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes of campus, the university encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty and business leaders.

stirring but big box stores. clothes at Walmart, books at Costco, pots and pans and towels from Target, and tools from Home Depot. I could go on and on but you get the picture. Hopefully all small businesses will be open so we can eat at a restaurant and go to a concert, vocal group or sporting event. Only rules: wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance. The flu shot is also a great way to stay safe. Our store hours for February 2021 are Wednesday thru Sunday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. We will be closed Monday and Tuesday. Since Copenhagen Drive is closed to traffic there are parking spaces in the back for easy access.

Santa Barbara City College’s Atkinson Gallery and the SBCC Foundation are pleased to announce they have been awarded a grant in the amount of $100,000 from the Getty Foundation to prepare for the next edition of the region-wide arts initiative “Pacific Standard Time,” scheduled to open in 2024.

“Pacific Standard Time” is an unprecedented series of collaborations among institutions across Southern California. In each, organizations simultaneously present research-based exhibitions, publications, performances and public conversations that explore and illuminate a significant theme in the region’s cultural history. For “Pacific Standard Time: Art x Science x L.A.” in 2024, the Atkinson Gallery joins a diverse community of 45 cultural, educational and scientific institutions whose projects will explore the intertwined histories of art and science — past and present. The Atkinson Gallery’s project, “Cosmovisión Indígena: The Intersection of Indigenous Knowledge and Contemporary Art,” is a partnership with the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, and the Santa Barbara County Office of Art and Culture, with the support of Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project/ Proyecto Mixteco Indígena Organización Comunitaria (MICOP) and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Curated by John Connelly, Director, Atkinson Gallery; Frederick Janka, Executive Director, Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, Ojai; and Audrey Lopez, Ph.D., Public Art & Engagement Curator, Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture, “Cosmovisión Indígena” also has two lead artist advisors: Tanya Aguiñiga of Los Angeles and Porfirio Gutiérrez of Ventura and Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico. In conjunction with the SBCC Foundation, the Atkinson Gallery will introduce the project to the SBCC campus and greater community in an art talk via Zoom, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m., with the project’s three main curators and special presentation by the two artist advisers.


22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

o MANCHESTER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Photos by Raiza Giorgi Members of Crossroads Church and Buellton residents honored the son of their former pastor as his remains were escorted through the valley.

o SUPPER CLUB CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Photo by Raiza Giorgi "I have learned about what the senior center is doing for the community and it's great to be here helping contribute," said Chef Daniel Milian.

tables and meats and cheeses. “My favorite part is not only we were able to help our community get a great affordable meal because this is open to everyone, but we are able to help the kitchen staff that are otherwise out of work. Everyone wins,” Gnekow said. The Valley Supper Club is serving Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays and each meal is $10. They ask that people call 805-688-4571 and order in advance as they are able to get each plate accounted for. Gnekow added they could always use ad-

More than 50 people stood waving American flags and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department hung a giant American flag on its ladder truck over Highway 246 in honor of Staff Sgt. Tim Manchester, who died Jan. 20 in Kuwait.

Pirates Baseball Coach Warren Dickey was in attendance at the processional and said while Manchester graduated before he took over the program, he knew of his athletic record and that Manchester coached baseball to kids while serving. Manchester enlisted in the Marines immediately after graduating high school in 2005 and served for nearly a decade as a Middle East cryptologic linguist. Manchester attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey and became fluent in Arabic. He served on two deployments to Iraq, first in 2008 and again in 2009. He went on to serve in the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, during the tumultuous revolution in 2011. He joined the Texas Army National Guard in April 2018 in the rank of Staff Sergeant with the 636th Military Intelligence Battalion as a cryptologic linguist and transferred to the 36th Infantry Division HHBN who deployed him to Kuwait in October 2020 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield). His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Posthumous; two Joint Service Commendation Medals; five Army Commendation Medals; three Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Meritorious Unit Com-

mendation (Navy); two Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Posthumous; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal w/M device, Posthumous; Army Service Ribbon; two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Overseas Service Bar (indicates the recipient has served six months overseas in a theater of war); Texas Outstanding Service Medal and the Texas Federal Service Medal. Manchester is survived by his parents Timothy and Cheryl Manchester, his siblings Jon Paul, Caleb and Laura Manchester, and his nephews Quinn and Tristan Cook. Due to the pandemic, there will be no funeral service. However, he did receive a dignified transfer from Vandenberg Air Force Base to Santa Ynez Valley on Friday, Jan. 29. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santa Ynez Pony Baseball league that Manchester grew up playing in and loved so much. Military Times Staff Reporter Kyle Rempfer contributed to this story.

ditional help from volunteers, whose duties would include taking lunches for Meals on Wheels, helping sort through produce and stocking the produce tables. If people are too nervous about being in person, they can donate monetarily that will also provide help for their programs. Until a new website has been created for the SYV Community Outreach, you can still find information for the Buellton Senior Center at www.buelltonseniorcenter.org. They are located at 164 West Hwy 246 in Buellton behind the Buellton Library.

SYVT is safe and accessible and here for students during online and hybrid learning! Students are eligible for a reduced fare of $1.50 a ride, or $42 per month, to access: • Meals distributed at school campuses • On-campus instruction and support • On-campus counseling, testing, speech therapy, or technical support • Volunteer opportunities • After-school employment

We are in this together!

805.688.5452

www.syvt.com

805.688.5452 | www.syvt.com


February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

K-8 live online homework help now available from your library Students can schedule a free online tutoring session Staff Report

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ocal Kindergarten through eighth grade students will be able to schedule free, online, one-on-one appointments with knowledgeable tutors to receive personalized help with their homework, all from the comfort and convenience of their homes. The program began Jan. 28 with tutoring sessions offered by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Appointments will be either 30 or 60 minutes long and can be scheduled through a form on the library’s Request Homework Help webpage. Once an appointment is scheduled, a friendly library staff member will send a confirmation email containing reservation details and a link to the secure meeting room for the tutoring session. Appointments are held using the free meeting platform GoToMeeting, which allows students to video chat with tutors directly and share their screen for an interactive tutoring experience. “We are so happy that we can connect local students with our wonderful tutors and provide this valuable resource to help them succeed in school,” says Goleta Val-

ley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. During tutoring sessions, students can get help with their homework assignments or receive general subject-specific tutoring to boost their skills in certain areas. From assisting with math problems to looking over English essays, our

tutors are happy to provide students with the support they need to complete their homework with success. Tutors will also be able to help students use the library’s free online homework help resources for additional research and learning, including BrainFuse HelpNow!, ProQuest Homework Central and Britannica

School, which can be accessed anytime for around-the-clock academic support. A library card is not necessary to receive online homework help, but it is required to access the library’s free homework resources on the website. If you don’t already have a library card, you can sign up for a free library eCard here, or stop by the Goleta, Solvang or Buellton libraries in person to register for a physical card during Sidewalk Service hours on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library’s Homework Help tutors are caring volunteers who are excited to help our area youth, and many are community members with years of experience in education and working with children. All tutors have received training and background checks and are looking forward to helping students reach their goals. If you would like to volunteer as a tutor in the Homework Help program, please contact Goleta Valley Library Supervising Librarian Brent Field at bfield@cityofgoleta.org or 805-690-5137 for details and to receive an application. For more information on programs and events at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, view the online calendar at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.


24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H February 16, 2021 - March 1, 2021

TA K E A V I R T U A L T O U R T O D AY

© 2021 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

BHHSCALIFORNIA.COM

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

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3981 ROBLAR AVE, SANTA YNEZ 5BD/6½BA • $5,250,000 Nancy Kogevinas, 805.450.6233 LIC# 01209514

3325 CALKINS RD, LOS OLIVOS 5BD/4½BA; 10±acs • $4,995,000 Claire Hanssen, 805.680.0929 LIC# 00887277

3251 SHORT RD, SANTA YNEZ 40±acs • $3,850,000 Carole Colone, 805.708.2580 LIC# 01223216

2900 OLD CALZADA RD, SANTA YNEZ 4BD/3½BA+2BD/2BA GH;4.47±acs • $3,300,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

855 ADOBE CREEK RD, SOLVANG 3BD/2½BA • $2,700,000 Glynnis Mullenary, 805.705.5206 LIC# 01748187

4025 W OAK TRAIL RD, SANTA YNEZ 4BD/2BA; 28±acs; Riding Trails • $1,895,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

1528 LINDA VISTA DR, SANTA YNEZ 3BD/2BA • $1,875,000 Carole Colone, 805.708.2580 LIC# 01223216

2102 HIGH MEADOW DR, SOLVANG 2BD/2BA • $1,367,000 Karin Aitken, 805.252.1205 LIC# 00882496

660 PARKVIEW ST, LOS ALAMOS 3BD/4BA; 1±acs • $1,025,000 Ealand & Sideris Group, 805.698.9902 LIC# 01766178 / 00603730

2124 CREEKSIDE DR, SOLVANG 3BD/2BA • $799,000 Rhoda Johnson, 805.705.8707 LIC# 1070384

841 COINER CT, LOS ALAMOS 5BD/2½BA • $759,000 Ealand & Sideris Group, 805.698.9902 LIC# 01766178 / 00603730

001 SWEENEY RD, LOMPOC 81±acs • $699,000 Jody Neal, 805.252.9267 LIC# 01995725

150 LESLIE ST, LOS ALAMOS 16,553±sq ft • $550,000 Beth Goodman, 805.455.1909 LIC# 00966870

15 PASEO DEL RIO, SOLVANG 3BD/2BA • $299,000 Karin Aitken, 805.252.1205 LIC# 00882496

@BHHSCALIFORNIA


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