Santa Ynez Valley Star March B 2018 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

March 20 - April 2, 2018

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Nashville pulls Carlene Carter back home eager to be playing his venue before they leave the valley. “I have seven grandchildren and I want to be near them. I remember being close to my grandmother and watching her canning or crocheting or teaching me to sing,” she said. Carter said she really started to grasp her By Raiza Giorgi family’s roots in country and folk music news@santaynezvalleystar.com when she was about 17 years old and her pending a day at the lake swimming family was the opening act for the Nitty and water skiing, and then taking in Gritty Dirt Band. “There was an aroma of pot and a bunch a “spaghetti Western” starring Clint of young kids, but when my grandmother Eastwood, are among the fond memories (Maybelle Carter) walked on stage, Carlene Carter shared as she talked about everyone gave her her youth growing a standing ovation up with her musical and this respect I’ve legend mother June never seen,” Carter Carter Cash and steprecalled. father Johnny Cash. Even though her “I don’t know why family is country I was blessed to be music royalty, born into this family, including her father but it’s fun to share Carl Smith, Carter tidbits and memories said she never felt with my audiences. pressured to follow It’s the best way to in their footsteps and connect to the music, was always encourknowing the story aged to be her own behind the songs,” unique artist. Carter said in an “Johnny was espeexclusive interview cially the one telling with the Santa Ynez me I didn’t have to Valley Star. be the norm and my Carter is also very music should sound fond of her time living in the Santa Photo by the Victor Talking Machine Company like me,” she said. “I loved watching Ynez Valley for the The original Carter Family band in 1927 was A.P., my momma and Maybelle and Sara Carter. past 10 years, and Johnny perform. No she has decided to do matter what was happening in the world, one last local show before she and her husgood or bad, they left it all behind and just band, Joe Breen, move back to Nashville performed beautifully,” Carter added in her to be closer to family. sultry Southern accent. She will be performing, with Breen Members of the Carter side of her famopening at 7 p.m., on Saturday, March 24, at Standing Sun Wines in Buellton. Stand- ily were the pioneers in country and folk music. Hailing from the Virginia area, her ing Sun owner John Wright is a former CARTER CONTINUED ON PAGE 27 neighbor of Carter’s, and she said she was

SY Valley resident to perform farewell concert March 24

Photo contributed Valley resident Carlene Carter will perform a farewell show on March 24 at Standing Sun LIVE in Buellton before moving back to Nashville.

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Buellton school board OKs further staff cut By Victoria Martinez

reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com

aced with an 8.5 percent decline in student enrollment, the school board in the Buellton Union School District on March 7 approved budget reductions equivalent to one and a quarter classified staff positions in addition to the three and a half teaching and counseling positions approved Feb. 14. According to Superintendent Randal Haggard, the enrollment loss, which includes the graduation of an unusually large eighth-grade class in June, has led to a revenue loss that is expected to be more than $400,000. The Buellton Union School District (BUSD) receives state funds on the basis of average daily attendance, so “when we lose students, we lose funding,” Haggard said. “We essentially lost 8 percent of our population and the revenue that comes with them,” Haggard explained. The district also expects additional staffing reductions in subsequent years based on current and projected enrollment numbers. As of March 1, the district had 568 students enrolled in its Oak Valley Elementary and Jonata Middle schools, 45 fewer than on the same date in 2017. More than 80 people attended the March 7 meeting, including faculty members whose positions have been approved for reduction and parents with anecdotes as to how their students have been directly affected by the counseling and student intervention programs, both of which will see reductions in services due to the budget cuts. School counselor Jennifer Tatum said she has served more than 100 students this year and that recent shootings around the country are a strong justification for keeping a fulltime counselor at Buellton’s two schools. “Does cutting teachers, classroom aides, and vital programs make sense?” Tatum asked. Jamie Matthews, both a parent at Oak Valley and a teacher in Lompoc, opposed the 20 percent cut to the coordinator of student inter-

vention, noting that Buellton’s highly regarded intervention program helped her son learn to read after he had struggled significantly. “It takes a village,” Matthews said. Parent Rebecca Letts said that all three of her children have benefitted from interventions in the early grades and she fears that reductions in those services would have a negative impact in a number of ways. “Those interventions, that atmosphere is part of what makes this school fantastic,” Letts emphasized. At the meeting, the board approved reducing classified staff by two part-time instructional aides and a part-time custodian for a savings of $42,000 next school year. The February certified reductions of two and a half classroom teachers and partial reductions in staffing for physical education, counseling, and student intervention are expected create a continuing savings of $220,000. Haggard praised the audience members for their participation and called the meeting “a really impressive lesson in democracy.” However, he also pointed to a financial analysis from the Santa Barbara County Education Office. SBCEO’s Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Bill Ridgeway stated in the analysis of the district’s recently proposed collective bargaining agreement that without large budget reductions in both 2018-19 and 2019-20, the district would become fiscally insolvent in 2019-20, meaning the district would not be maintaining required cash reserves and would then be facing an entirely new set of problems and the partial loss of local control. Haggard also addressed several avenues the district is both waiting on and investigating as it looks for ways to deal with the budget deficit. For example, the district is closely watching state Assembly Bill 2808, which would dramatically increase the per-pupil funding the district receives. The district also remains in discussions with Vista Del Mar Union School District about the possibility of Vista De Las Cruces School sending its seventh- and eighth-graders to STAFF CUT CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Solvang School OKs language immersion program for 2018, 19 By Victoria Martinez

reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com

fter a period of research and observation in classrooms around the county, Solvang School’s Board of Trustees has approved a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program to begin in the 2018-2019 school year. “I am very excited,” said Dr. Steve Seaford, the district’s superintendent. The school district began discussing the possibility of starting a DLI program during the 2016-2017 school year, believing the school had a good population to explore such a program further. “We were looking at what we could do, perhaps differently, to increase student achievement,” Seaford said. In addition to reading research data, teachers, staff, and school board members have been observing DLI programs in and around Santa Barbara County to see how the program worked. Research has shown that early acquisition of a second language has many positive impacts, such as strengthening cognitive skills, increasing student ability to adapt to a variety of learning types, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills, improving academic performance, and increasing scores on standardized tests. Seaford himself witnessed the implementation and benefits of DLI programs before beginning his tenure Solvang, having been involved in the establishment of programs in both Mandarin and Spanish while serving as the assistant

superintendent of instructional services at South Pasadena Unified School District. According to the district’s DLI implementation plan, the program would begin this fall with one kindergarten classroom made up of both English learners and English speakers. The program would expand by one grade level each year until fifth grade is included. In sixth grade, students will return to English-only instruction, but the district is exploring “world language instruction” for grades six through eight. The school is already considering a German class and an art class taught in Spanish, since the school already has staff members who could teach such courses. The goal of the program would be dual literacy in both English and Spanish, not just language exposure for students. The program would also foster multicultural respect and appreciation for other cultures and countries, while helping students to earn the California State Seal of Biliteracy upon high school graduation, a much desired and well respected accomplishment for students. Solvang will use a “90:10” model for DLI instruction, meaning 90 percent of the instruction will be in Spanish and 10 percent in English during kindergarten. Two teachers will be involved in the instruction of students, one for each language. The names of those teachers have not been confirmed. The percentage of Spanish instruction LANGUAGE CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

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NEWS ROUNDUP

systems in many locations, improving travel for everyone,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins. The contractor for the $4 million project was Papich Construction of Grover Beach. For more information, visit rebuildingca. ca.gov.

Volunteers sought for county boards Photo contributed Southbound Highway 101 before and after the recent repairs done by Caltrans.

Hwy 101 repaired through new funding source Caltrans has replaced concrete slabs, repaved shoulders and ramps, and restriped pavement along a two-mile section of Highway 101 through Buellton, the first Central Coast project completed with funding from Senate Bill 1. “Caltrans is quickly moving ahead with improving major infrastructure across the state as a result of this new funding source. Over the next year, motorists throughout the state will benefit from more efficiency, not only on the state highways but on local surface streets as well due to SB 1,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “I am very pleased that our first project under SB 1 has been completed. This is the first of several projects that will repair our highway bridges, pavement and drainage

County Supervisor Joan Hartmann is seeking residents in Santa Barbara County’s 3rd District to volunteer for the county’s Behavioral Wellness Commission (two openings), Central County Board of Architecture Review, Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Human Services Commission, Civil Service Commission and Veteran’s Services Advisory Committee. “Volunteer service on a commission or board is a great opportunity to learn about county government while also providing public service by advising the Board of Supervisors on important policy issues affecting our communities,” Hartmann said. The Third District includes UCSB, Isla Vista, western Goleta and the Gaviota Coast; the Santa Ynez Valley; the unincorporated parts of Lompoc; and Vandenberg Village, Casmalia, Tanglewood and the city of Guadalupe. For some positions, volunteers may need to meet specific eligibility requirements to serve. The following is a brief description of these boards and committees: To apply online or learn more about boards and commissions, go to countyofsb.

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Vandenberg Air Force Base closed parts of Surf, Wall and Minuteman beaches on March 1 as part of its annual program to protect the Western snowy plover and its habitat during the breeding season. Only Surf Beach, at the end of Highway 246 west of Lompoc, is available to the general public. Base personnel have access to Wall and Minuteman beaches. Restrictions are enforced on all three Vandenberg beaches from March 1 through Sept. 30 to protect the plover, which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. “We protect the snowy plover by closing specific areas of the beaches, managing predators and restoring plover habitat to compensate for the effects of recreational beach use during the breeding season,” said Samantha Kaisersatt, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron biological scientist. “Beach closures also include a prohibition on dogs, horses and kites,” in addition to the complete closure of certain sections. Beach restriction violators can be fined

Photo contributed Restrictions are enforced on all three Vandenberg beaches from March 1 through Sept. 30 to protect the snowy plover.

up to $5,000 in federal court. People who destroy eggs or chicks can face fines up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to a year. Each entry into posted closed beach areas counts as a violation. If violations exceed 50 for Surf Beach, 10 for Wall Beach, and 10 for Minuteman Beach, that entire beach will be closed for the remainder of the nesting season. During plover season, the public has access to the designated portion of Surf Beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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EASTER IN THE VALLEY

Many special events, church services planned Staff Report

alley residents and visitors have a choice of many worship services and special events for Easter Sunday (April 21 this year) and the holiday season.

Events Easter Eggstravaganza: Parents and children are invited to celebrate Easter and the coming of spring with the 28th annual Easter Eggstravaganza and Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31, at River View Park in Buellton. New this year will be several food trucks serving breakfast items in the parking lot, according to event organizers. Confirmed vendors are Crave Donuts and Coffee a la Cart, with several others pending. The free community event is organized by Buellton Recreation and Solvang Parks and Recreation. Kids up to 12 years old can search for their special finds in the valley’s biggest egg hunt, starting at 10 a.m. sharp. After the hunt there will be activities, games, Easter crafts and a special opportunity to take pictures with Peter Cottontail. Also returning this year is the fourth annual Adult Egg Hunt, directly following the kids’ hunt. Organizers are looking for sponsors for this event who can contribute prizes, products, monetary donations or other ideas. Kids will be separated by age in four designated areas for egg hunting (0-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12 years old). More than 12,000 eggs and special-prize eggs will be hidden. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, call Solvang at 688-7529 or Buellton at 688-1086. St. Mark’s Egg Hunt: The popular Easter egg hunt at St. Mark’s in-the-Valley church will be held at 9:15 a.m. Easter Sunday in the church courtyard and gardens for toddlers and children through elementary school. Kids are asked to bring their own baskets.

Church Services Bethania Lutheran Church: The great 16th century Reformation leader Martin Luther, after whom Lutherans are named, came to realize after a thorough study of the Bible that people are “saved by God’s grace through faith.” Before the Reformation, the church

File Photo More than 12,000 eggs, some containing special prizes, will be hidden for kids to find at the 28th annual Easter Eggstravaganza and Egg Hunt at River View Park in Buellton.

taught that God’s full acceptance and love was dependent upon “works,” or good deeds. The congregation meets on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 603 Atterdag Road in Solvang. Log onto bethanialutheran.net for more information. Community Church of the Santa Ynez Valley: The Community Church is an active congregation committed to glorifying the Lord by teaching His Word, proclaiming His gospel, and reflecting His love in practical Christian living. They meet at 9 and 10 a.m. at the Ballard Country Church (Loper Chapel) at 2465 Baseline Avenue in Ballard. Log onto www.communitychurchsyv.org for more information. Crossroads Church: Crossroads Church in Buellton is all about Jesus, and their heart as a church is to bring glory to Jesus and good to the valley. They believe the great commission is not optional. They preach and teach the Bible in order to make disciples who are on mission. Their Sunday service is at 10 a.m.

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with a Spanish service at 1 p.m. For more information, log onto syvcrossroads.church. Mission Santa Ines: The historic Mission Santa Ines is a Catholic church whose Mass conveys the depth of Catholic theology, especially in the Eucharist. They hold daily Mass at 8 a.m. and on Sundays at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (in Spanish) and 5 p.m. For more information, log onto www.missionsantaines. org. The Ranch Church: The Ranch Church provides a loving, non-judgmental, real-life casual environment that will set the tone for you to be more focused on God, and less concerned about the atmosphere around you. They gather every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. at Los Olivos Elementary School, 2540 Alamo Pintado Road. For more information, log onto www.ranchchurch.com. Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church: The Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church strives to be a church that practices passionate worship, rich discipleship, sacrificial

service, authentic fellowship and respectful evangelism. They meet at 9 and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays at 1825 Alamo Pintado Road in Ballard. Log onto www.syvpc.org for more information. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church: At Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church the congregation accepts and preaches the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the Reformation of the Christian church in the 16th century. The teaching of Luther and the Reformers can be summarized in three phrases: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone. Their Sunday worship is at 10 a.m. at 3550 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez. For more information, log onto www.sotvsy. org. St. Marks-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church: The approach to worship at St. Mark’s fits the relaxed attitude of the Santa Ynez Valley. Services offered include Palm Sunday at 8,

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‘FACED DOWN WALLS OF FLAME’

New PG&E rate plan charges for time of use President honors local a small annual cost increase, assuming no change in energy use, according to PG&E. pproximately 150,000 PG&E elecPG&E said it will offer “bill protection” tricity customers will be placed on for the first 12 months to allow customers to a new “time of use” rate plan start- try the new time-of-use plan risk-free. During ing in April unless they opt out, according to that period, if customers pay more than they Pacific Gas and Electric Company officials. would have on their former rate plan, PG&E PG&E said the new plan, which is part of will credit them with the difference. a multi-year statewide effort, will promote “PG&E is committed to working together more efficient energy use and provide cuswith our customers to ensure they undertomers with additional rate plan options. stand how small shifts in when they use Time-of-use rate plans support a more energy can make a big difference for the enreliable energy grid by encouraging cusvironment,” said Senior Vice President and tomers to shift electricity use to the times of Chief Customer Officer Laurie Giammona. day when demand is lower (“off-peak”) and The new plan offers lower-priced energy when renewable resources, like solar power, 19 hours each day, while charging higher are more plentiful. rates between the peak hours of 4 p.m. and 9 Most Californians are currently on a p.m. While customers who take no action will tiered rate plan where the price of electrictransition into the new plan in April, they will ity increases as more energy is used. On a have the option of keeping their current plan. time-of-use rate plan, when customers use To ensure that customers included in this electricity is as important as how much they first phase understand the new time-of-use rate use. The biggest goal is to reduce energy use plan and their options, PG&E will provide: between the peak hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. PG&E is working with the California By shifting some use, such as running Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the dishwasher or doing laundry during other energy companies on the statewide efoff-peak hours, customers will benefit from fort. Customers for the first phase were ranlower pricing and help increase the state’s domly selected from across the service area reliance on clean energy, PG&E said. to represent diversity in climate, household Customers transitioning to the new time- size and energy usage, among other factors. of-use rate plan will be notified by mail and The full rollout of the new time-of-use rate will be provided with additional information plan to all other eligible residential customers and tools. The majority of customers on is expected to start either in late 2019 or late 2020, pending a decision by the CPUC. the new plan will either see smaller bills or Staff Report

firefighter for heroism Staff Report

hen David Dahlberg, a U.S. Forest Service fire prevention technician stationed in Santa Maria, braved flames and smoke to rescue campers and staff at Circle V Ranch Camp in July, he had no idea he would be honored six months later during President Trump’s State of the Union address to Congress. “David faced down walls of flame to rescue almost 60 children trapped at a California summer camp threatened by wildfires,” Trump said during his address in January, as Dahlberg stood up in the balcony to receive applause. St. Vincent de Paul’s Circle V Ranch Camp & Retreat Center at 2550 Highway 154 across from Cachuma Lake has been located on the 30 acres in Los Padres National Forest since 1990. On July 8, the Whittier wildfire began nearby and burned through the camp, but all 88 campers and 36 staff members in residence at that time were evacuated safely by heroic first responders, staff and volunteers. “We are thrilled that Dave’s heroic efforts are being recognized during the 2018 State of the Union address … We continue to extend our gratitude to Dave

Photo by Daniel Dreifuss U.S. Forest Service fire prevention technician David Dahlberg was recognized for his heroic efforts in July to help those trapped at Circle V Ranch Camp during the Whittier Fire.

and all our guardian angels that helped rescue the remaining 58 children campers and 24 adult staff, during the wildfire that day,” said David Fields, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Circle V Ranch Camp incurred major damages from the Whittier Fire, including the destruction of its water system. Camp officials are in the process of cleaning up and rebuilding, and they welcome donations at svdpla.org/donate/rebuild-camp.

March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7

‘Dog flu’ outbreak prompts warning for pet owners Staff Report

By Raiza Giorgi

Each year, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation honors two of the valley’s finest as man and woman of the year as well as a olunteering is a way of life for Man select group of other volunteers. In 2013 and Woman of the Year Allan Jones the Valley Foundation also started honoring and Judith Dale. “Youth in Service” to recognize exemplary Jones said giving to the community teenagers. through volunteering improves the lives of All of this year’s honorees will be recogothers and ourselves. nized at an awards ban“We have created quet at 6 p.m. Saturday, the most generous and March 24, at the Santa productive nation in Ynez Valley Marriott. history — all by our The honors were own choice and free started in 1995 when will of earning, giving, Rita Lunde, then and serving others. I director of the Valley love the valley, so comFoundation, approached munity volunteering is then-editor LaCinda just natural a part of life Johnson of the Santa Allan Jones Judith Dale here,” Jones said. Ynez Valley News to “When I was growing up in the Santa create a celebration for local volunteers. Ynez Valley, many volunteers and service Each adult honoree gets the chance to clubs helped me. Also, my parents were direct a donation from the Valley Foundagreat role models for volunteering,” Dale tion to his or her favorite nonprofit orgasaid. nization. The “Youth in Service” honorees “Buellton at that time was a very receive scholarship awards for college. small, close-knit community and everyJones was chosen man of the year beone worked together for the betterment cause of his involvement in 4-H, Solvang of the schools, 4-H, and the community,” Rotary Club, Solvang Vikings, Solvang she added. “Today that tradition continTheaterfest, Ballard Cemetery board and ues, not only in Buellton but in the entire Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, Santa Ynez Valley and even Santa Barbara among others. County. I see the great things that can Dale was chosen woman of the year for happen when people get involved in their community.” VOLUNTEERS CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 news@santaynezvalleystar.com

s Californians suffer through the worst flu season in years, “dog flu” is getting more attention after a recent outbreak in the San Francisco Bay area. There is no evidence that canine influenza can be spread to humans, but among dogs it is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications or even death. No cases have been confirmed in Santa Barbara County, but according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 72 reports of canine flu have been reported in California in the past six weeks, including several cases in San Luis Obispo County. Canine flu is spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or contact with contaminated items such as bowls or toys, and the virus can survive for one to two days on hard surfaces. “Dog flu” can spread rapidly at boarding facilities, groomers, doggie day cares, dog parks, and other places where dogs co-mingle. And the virus can be shed by dogs for up to 24 days, even by a dog that no longer seems sick. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy and

Volunteers of year to be honored March 24

V RD File Canine influenza is a highly contagious virus for dogs that can lead to serious complications or even death.

loss of appetite, although some infected dogs do not show any symptoms. Most dogs recover with basic care in two to three weeks, but serious complications and deaths can occur — most related to secondary pneumonia. Owners are advised to keep their pets up to date on vaccines, take animals to a veterinarian if they are sick, and not to take their dogs to places where they will encounter other dogs if they are showing signs of illness. Pet owners are also advised to discuss the canine influenza vaccine with their veterinarians, and decide whether vaccinating their dog for the virus is recommended.

In celebration of CERTIFIED NURSES DAY, Cottage Health is proud to recognize and honor our nurses. Nursing certifications play an increasingly important role in the assurance of high standards of care for patients and their loved ones. Our nurses hold over 420 Board Certifications. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital’s nursing certification specialties include medicalsurgical, cardiac/vascular, gerontological nursing, pediatric emergency and emergency nursing. Cottage encourages national board certification for all eligible nurses. Today and every day, we honor our nurses’ dedication, professionalism and hard work.

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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 20 - April 2, 2018

County estimates $55.4 million in fire, mudslide costs report written by Cost Recovery Manager Andrew Myung. Removing debris from roads, culverts and bridges “will be an ongoing activity for the next three to five years,” according to the report. County recovery priorities include restoring utilities, flood control assets, bridges and roads; removing debris from public property and facilitating cost-effective deBy Giana Magnoli bris removal from private property; helping Noozhawk Managing Editor property owners through the rebuilding permitting process; and mitigating trafhe Board of Supervisors received fic impacts to Montecito due to road and a report March 13 on the cost of bridge closures. debris removal and recovery efforts Supervisors also approved the Santa for the Jan. 9 Montecito debris flows, on Barbara Bowl’s request to allow additional the same day many South Coast commuevents during its season to benefit Thomas nities were under a mandatory evacuation Fire and Montecito mudslide recovery and order for a rainstorm that ultimately weak- relief efforts. ened as it hit Santa Barbara County. A recent Jack Johnson benefit concert Santa Barbara County’s latest cost was sold out, and a May 19 benefit conestimates total $55.4 million, with most of cert by Santa Barbara native Katy Perry, that expected to be reimbursable from the “Witness: Coming Home,” has also been federal and state governments. announced. The Board of Supervisors voted last The Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation month to use $6.25 million from the strais “close to confirming with a few other arttegic reserve fund to help cover costs until ists about hosting similar shows,” accordthe county is reimbursed for some of its ing to a county staff report. emergency expenses. The venue at 1122 N. Milpas St. has In the latest report, the county’s share of an agreement to hold no more than 37 expenses was estimated at $12.3 million. commercial event performances each year, “The 1/9 Debris Flow impacted approxand the supervisors’ vote allows up to four imately 50 miles of county roads, 200 more events to host Montecito benefit culverts, and 20 bridges. Following the concerts. event, approximately 30,000 cubic yards Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli of material was removed from roads and can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com. cleared from bridges,” according to a staff

In the latest report, the county’s share of expenses was estimated at $12.3 million

Photo by Urban Hikers Santa Barbara County has spent an estimated $55.4 million on debris removal and other emergency response work following the Thomas Fire in December and Jan. 9 Montecito debris flow.

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*The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a variable rate based upon an index and a margin. The APR will vary with the Prime Rate (the index) as published in the Wall Street Journal. The introductory rate is a discounted variable APR and is based on Prime minus 1.51%, and will remain in effect for 12 months after loan origination. After this, the variable rate APR will range from Prime + .49% to Prime + 1.49%, depending on the applicant’s credit score. As of Mar. 2, 2018, the APR ranges from 4.99% to 5.99%. The APR may increase but will not exceed 18% in CA, 20% in MO & IL. Offer based on auto-debit of payments from a First Bank checking account. If not auto-debiting payments from a First Bank checking account add .75% to both the introductory rate and the permanent rate. In CA – an Annual Fee of $50 applies after the first year. Expires Apr. 30, 2018.

March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

business Solvang chamber banquet set for March 29 Staff Report

inners of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards will be announced at the group’s Community Awards Banquet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at Root 246 restaurant with local businessmen Aaron Petersen and Kim Jensen as emcees. The nominees, by category, are: n Large Business of the Year: Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, Alisal Guest Ranch, Buellflat Rock Co.

n Small Business of the Year: Valley Hardware, C&D LLP, Chicago Title n Winery of the Year: Sunstone Winery, Lucas & Lewellen Winery, Kalyra Winery n Restaurant of the Year: Succulent Café, Cecco Ristorante, Paula’s Pancake House n Retailer of the Year: Copenhagen House, Z Folio Gallery, Home Connection, Parts Unknown n Non-Profit Organization of the Year: People Helping People, Vikings of Solvang, Solvang Senior Center n Most Philanthropic Foundation of the

Year: Hancock College Foundation, Valley Foundation, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation Other awards that will be announced at the dinner include Solvang Ambassador, Women’s Business Advocate, Tourism Social Media Promoter, and Volunteer Supporter of the year for 2017. In addition, the chamber will bestow the Solvang Chamber of Commerce Award and the Linda Johansen Spirit of Community Volunteer of the Year. Johansen will be on hand to present the Large Business and the Spirit

of the Community awards. The evening will begin with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, followed by a plated surf and turf dinner, dessert and a live auction. Raffle tickets will be available. Entertainment will be provided by Scott Topper Productions, the Solvang Conservancy led by Diane Byington, and the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band led by Kay Dominguez. Tickets are $75 per person. They can purchased by calling the chamber office at 688-0701.

FOR THOSE WHO HELPED

SoCalGas pledges $60,000 to 6 nonprofits Staff report

Photo contributed Solvang 3rd Wednesday’s summer concert series will begin June 13, running each Wednesday evening through Aug. 15.

Solvang 3rd Wednesday intends to continue its success L Ynez Valley, as well as for eaders of the Solvang Chamber tourists. of Commerce and its revised “Year-overSolvang 3rd Wednesday Commityear, looking at tee are expressing satisfaction with format 2016 and 2017, changes made in 2017 and promising to our total gross Year-over-year, looking at 2016 keep building on them. digital sales of and 2017, our total The mission of the monthly promotion, Solvang 3rd gross digital sales which is held all year long, is to encourWednesday Wine of Solvang 3rd age local residents and visitors to discov& Beer Walk Wednesday Wine & er, or to rediscover, Solvang and to “shop tickets jumped Beer Walk tickets local.” In 2017 3rd Wednesday expanded more than four jumped more than the number of its entertainment offerings and a half times. four and a half times. and business participants, as well as its That means That means more monthly guest attendance, with an updated Solvang Chamber more Solvang funds available to mantra of “Walk. Shop. Wine & Dine.” Chamber funds help promote the On the third Wednesday of each month, available to businesses who more than 15 participating Solvang wine help promote participate in Solvang tasting rooms, wine bars and beer bars the businesses 3rd Wednesday. offer discounted tastings via the Solvang who participate ~ Tracy Beard 3rd Wednesday Wine & Beer Walk; parin Solvang 3rd ticipating merchants offer promotions on Wednesday,” merchandise; the weekly Farmers Market said Tracy Beard, the chamber’s executive offers freshly harvested produce and gour- director. met goods; and 3rd Wednesday-organized In April 2017, a deal was added at select seasonal special events provide a variety restaurants with a specially priced threeof local entertainment for the entire Santa course Solvang 3rd Wednesday menu. Staff Report

Participating restaurants are Mad & Vin at The Landsby, Succulent Café and Cecco Ristorante, with others expected to join. In 2017, Solvang 3rd Wednesday continued to produce the free outdoor Summer Concert Series in Solvang Park, adding additional weeks and performances to the season. In 2018, the concert series will begin on June 13, running each Wednesday evening through Aug. 15, featuring a different band each week as well as food vendors and other entertainment in the park. Bonus performances will be scheduled for select Friday evenings as well. Solvang 3rd Wednesday will also continue to produce the annual Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest, scheduled from Oct. 1-31 in 2018. More information about Solvang 3rd Wednesday and a complete listing of discount offers and events, is available at www.solvang3rdwednesday.com or by following the chamber on Twitter or Facebook. Free brochures are also available at the Solvang Visitors Center, 1639 Copenhagen Drive.

outhern California Gas Co. and Sempra Energy have pledged $60,000 to six nonprofit organizations that have provided disaster relief and support services to the communities affected by the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslides. Donations were pledged to American Red Cross of Central California, Montecito Now, Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance, and Santa Barbara Rescue Mission. “SoCalGas crews were on the ground working alongside first responders since the first hours of this disaster, and we want to do our part to continue supporting the rebuilding efforts,” said Trisha Muse, director of community relations at SoCalGas. “SoCalGas and Sempra Energy have always demonstrated their commitment to our community during a crisis, and their donation will be directly earmarked for the purchase of technical equipment for our local firefighters and first responders,” said Paul Cashman, president of the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance. “We were able to offer SoCalGas a location for their staging operations during natural gas service restoration efforts,” said Scott Reed, president and CEO of the Music Academy of the West. “Helping our neighbors get their heat and hot water back on as quickly as possible after the disaster was important to us, and we were pleased to work with SoCalGas to make that happen,” Reed said.

10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 20 - April 2, 2018

spotlight

Photos contributed The Santa Barbara Youth Ensemble Theatre, which performed at the One805 Kick Ash Bash, includes Santa Ynez Valley kids Cassidy Sweetland, Brielle Saarloos and Vera Sieck.

Local students sing to support disaster victims

Choir including Cassidy Sweetland, Brielle Saarloos and Vera Sieck performs at the star-studded One805 Kick Ash Bash. By Raiza Giorgi

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

he One805 Kick Ash Bash allowed 12-year-old Cassidy Sweetland of Solvang to meet celebrities Ellen DeGeneres and Katy Perry, but the highlight of the event for her was singing as part of the Santa Barbara Youth Ensemble Theater and supporting two friends who lost family members in the Montecito mudslide. “I was definitely nervous singing in front of so many people, but being able to support my friends was a great feeling. I know about being in a fire situation, and it was scary and makes you realize how important family and friends are, more than possessions,” Cassidy said.

The Solvang Elementary School seventhgrader was at Camp Whittier in July with her grandmother and brother when the Whittier Fire broke out. They had only minutes to escape, wearing just their bathing suits and flip-flops. After the mudslides on Jan. 9, she found out that the families of two of her fellow ensemble members had been devastated. Julia Riskin lost her mother, Rebecca; and Lauren Cantin, whose rescue became famous, lost two of her family members. She and her mother were injured while her father Dave was killed, and her brother Jack’s body has yet to be found. Twenty-one people lost their lives that day and thousands more were displaced as their homes were damaged or destroyed, or their businesses were closed until roads could be reopened and damage repaired. “The last few months have been life-changing for me, and I want to help people that have been affected. I hope through performing we can all heal,” Cassidy said. Lauren, 14, was a featured soloist singing “God Bless America” and received a standing ovation. Later she was joined onstage by the two first responders who got her to safety. Two other Santa Ynez Valley kids, Brielle

Saarloos and Vera Sieck, are also part of youth ensemble and were able to perform that day. More than 2,000 emergency responders in addition to other commu- Above, Cassidy Sweetland of Solvang, at far left, was excited to meet Santa Barbara native Katy Perry along nity members with other members of the Santa Barbara Youth Ensemble turned out at Ur- Theater group at the One805 Kick Ash Bash. Cassidy, right, sula and Patrik and her friends also got to meet Ellen DeGeneres. Nesbitt’s Bella Vista Ranch and Polo Club in Summerland for ments, Santa Barbara Police and Fire departthe Kick Ash Bash. ments, and the California Highway Patrol. Direct The six-hour concert and celebration Relief will distribute the survivor-aid funding. featured music from Alan Parsons & Friends, Cassidy said she and other members of the Katharine McPhee, Dishwalla, Kenny LogSanta Barbara Youth Ensemble Theater are gins, Richard Marx, and Wilson Phillips, with looking forward to performing in their version Dennis Miller acting as emcee. of “Les Miserables” on May 19 and 20 at The The event raised nearly $2 million, which will Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara. help fund emergency equipment and survivor reFor more information, go to www.theadderly lief, for the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance, school.org. For tickets, go to checkout.lobero. Santa Barbara County Fire and Sheriff’s depart- com/single/SYOS.aspx?p=11223.

March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

easter messages

Moving forward with respect, compassion and love By Rev. Chris Brown

Bethania Lutheran Church

By Rev. Sam Kiser

’ve been watching the news a lot over the last couple weeks, engrossed yet again in the coverage of our country’s latest mass shooting, in which 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School died. If watching coverage of the shooting wasn’t enough, I’ve also (foolishly) engaged in social media debates about gun violence in our country. For me, it’s the same as last time – the same arguments, the same points, the same anger and tribalism. I’m somewhat overcome with the feeling that our country is heading to a bad place with a dark ending. And then I think of Lent and I think of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. I think about how his disciples were embroiled with their own agendas. This was the Messiah they were following and he was going to restore the Kingdom of God to Israel. He was going to drive out the Romans and take up his rightful place as king, and the disciples were going to be at his right hand with status and power. And while they were heading to Jerusalem with Jesus and entertaining their own fantasies of grandeur, Jesus knew he was heading to the cross. Jesus knew he was heading to a bad place with a dark ending. As I watch the news and see the same old arguments, anger and tribalism (which I think not coincidently has some influence in the violence we see), I want to cry. My heart is so heavy with sadness that I can feel it in the pit of my chest, banging to come out. I think this is what Jesus must have been feeling as he was walking toward Jerusalem – to a bad place with a

God makes beautiful things out of our mess Lead Pastor, Crossroads Church

A RD File The Easter story is that while Jesus, being accompanied by his disciples, was walking to an ending, he was walking his disciples to a beginning.

dark ending. Yet the truth of the Easter story is that while Jesus, being accompanied by his disciples, was walking to an ending, a destination, a goal, he was walking his disciples to a beginning. For Jesus, Jerusalem was where it ended, but for the disciples, Jerusalem was where it would begin. You see, as people we are oriented to end points, destinations and goals. We’ve taken this as Christians and turned heaven into a place we go after life. Some Christians have envisioned an endpoint to this entire world that culminates in Jerusalem. And with recent events in our country, it seems like we might be getting close to that time. Except that Jerusalem was an ending for Jesus, but for all of us it’s a beginning. We may not be aware, but faith is not BETHANIA CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Easter Eggstravaganza

Saturday, March 31 • 10 a.m. sharp River View Park, Buellton 15,000 eggs • Prizes, Games, Petting Zoo Picture with Easter Bunny

few years ago I was working as a youth pastor and part-time on a construction crew near Fort Knox, Kentucky. The reality is I know nothing about construction. I’m anything but handy. They have names for guys like me on a crew like that ... Gofer. Go for this, hand them that; that is about all I am good for. After only a couple days with this crew I had one of the most humiliating moments of my life. We had a job laying concrete for new sidewalks throughout the city. My only job was to direct traffic around our site. This changed at the end of a 12-hour day when storm clouds rolled in. It was game time for the gofer, who was commissioned to quickly get something to cover the freshly poured sidewalks. My boss and I grabbed a work truck, blitzed

a block up the street to the lumber yard, and loaded a tarp into the back of the truck. By the time we made it back to the site it was a complete downpour. The whole block back to the sidewalk I was rehearsing my part in saving the day. “Get out of the truck, cover the sidewalk, and save the day.” The truck pulled up to the sidewalk and I jumped out into a huge puddle of water, and then I jumped out of the water and onto the sidewalk! I was trying to save the wet concrete from the rain and couldn’t save it from my own boot. I have never felt so humiliated in my life as I stood there looking at my boot prints that had galloped through the wet concrete. The irony of the moment was, it stopped raining moments after. The civil engineer in charge of the project pulled up and asked, “Who’s the idiot who jumped in the concrete?” I guess I didn’t get the memo that you couldn’t CROSSROADS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

May Holy Week and Easter be a time of great spiritual nourishment for you. We look forward to welcoming you at Old Mission Santa Inés during this very special time of year. 2018 EASTER LITURGIES HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday, March 25 Masses at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM, Youth Mass at 5:00 PM Holy Thursday, March 29 Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:00 PM Good Friday, March 30 Liturgy of Good Friday with Veneration of the Cross and Communion Service at 3:00 PM

Easter Sunday, April 1 6:00 AM Outdoor Sunrise Mass Masses at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM

IP EVER

AY YD

FIEL D

Holy Saturday, March 31 Easter Vigil Liturgy at 8:00 PM

An Easter Egg Hunt for children 9 and under will take place on the Mission field after the 9:30 Mass.

Spring Break Camp April 2-6 • 7:30am-6pm go online: buelltonrec.com

Old Mission Santa Inés 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang 805-688-4815 www.missionsantaines.org

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 20 - April 2, 2018

BETHANIA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

about an ending, a goal, or a destination. It is about the experience. Faith is about recognizing the moments that feel like we are heading to a bad place, or a dark ending, and realizing those moments might be our Jerusalem — when we’re being led not to an ending, but to a beginning. That is the story of Easter. As I’ve watched the news over this last shooting and as I’ve been overcome with sadness and exhaustion and an impending feeling of no resolve, something different was happening this time around. Students from Stoneman Douglas High were holding rallies, giving speeches, taking to social media to share their stories and their resolve that something needs to be done in response to the perpetual mass shootings our country faces. They organized walkouts, drove to their state capital, met with the president and have hit the ground running. When much of our country has felt like this was taking us to a bad place with a dark ending, these kids reminded us that these heart-wrenching moments do not have to suck the Spirit from us, but rather can feed the Spirit within us and move us forward to creating spaces of respect, empathy, compassion, love and peace. Not an ending, but a beginning. That is the story of Easter.

easter messages The miracle of Easter: Love casts out fear By Rev. Russel Troester

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

W RD File Those of us who believe in Jesus celebrate that God saves the day and makes beautiful things out of our mess.

CROSSROADS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 stand on wet concrete. Around Easter I’m always reminded of this story. Often it makes the cut for my sermon on Easter Sunday. Those of us who believe in Jesus celebrate that God saves the day and makes beautiful things out of our mess. He brings dead things to life. He fixes our mistakes and makes us new again. I was a gofer I couldn’t fix the concrete on my own. I made it even worse. There was someone that day that just smiled at me despite my mistake and said, “Son, don’t worry. I can fix it.” Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! from the Santa Ynez Valley Star! Cut out and color this fun craft project!

hat are you afraid of? Spiders? That’s called arachnophobia — which is not to be confused with acrophobia, the fear of heights. Don’t like small, confined spaces? That’s claustrophobia. Afraid of making decisions? You might suffer from decidophobia. And if, like many people, you think clowns are pure evil, you’re not alone in your coulrophobia. Fears like those can certainly be real. They can even limit how you live your life. But what about some more serious fears? Do you ever wrestle with the fear that you might fail at something? Do you ever look ahead to the end of your life and fear what death might be like? Do you fear an illness that you might be battling? Do you fear that you aren’t good enough for God and fear His wrath? Fear is powerful. It can cripple you. It can lead you into irrational behaviors. It can cause you to curl up and hide from the world. Fear is a part of our human existence in this beautiful but broken world. Especially when you face your own mortality or the death of a loved one, fear of the unknown can creep up. Fear was throughout the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion – his passion. Peter was afraid of what would happen when Jesus was on trial, so he denied his Lord three times. Jesus’

disciples, family, and friends were afraid when he was taken down from the cross and his lifeless body was laid in the tomb. They were afraid because they thought it was all over. They were afraid of what was going to happen next. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” That’s the heart of the Christian message, and it’s not just about a warm, cozy feeling. God’s perfect love is shown in Christ’s death on the cross and fulfilled in the resurrection. The miracle of Easter is that the resurrection of Jesus means that you don’t need to fear. It’s the undoing of death. It’s the Gospel message, the Good News. It proves that Jesus really is God and it shows that He has power even over death. It means his death was sufficient to pay the price for your sins and satisfy the wrath of God. Because Jesus died for your sins, through faith – belief, trust – in Him you too have died to sin. And since He has been raised from the dead, through faith in Him you will be raised from the dead! I can’t argue you into believing if you don’t already. I also can’t tell you about all the details of eternal life. What I can tell you, though — what I can assure you of — is what God’s Word tells you: that Christ lived, died, and rose again for you. God’s perfect love for you gives you strength, hope, and peace — even in the midst of the fears you face in life. So, don’t be afraid. Rejoice! Christ is risen!

March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

star lifestyle

Local Girl Scout earns Gold Award

Nicole Bastanchury taught ‘lost art’ of sewing while providing dresses for those who need them

By Victoria Martinez

reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com

Staff Report

icole Bastanchury, a senior at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and a member of local Troop 50173, has earned her Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. For her Gold Award project, Nicole created a multi-tiered sewing project called “Back to the Basics,” to introduce the “lost art” of sewing to both girls and boys while paying tribute to her grandmother, who is a member of a sewing circle. The aim was to create beautiful dresses that were then donated to local homeless shelters, as well as internationally for those in need. Nicole started by collecting new and gently used My Gold Award project pillowcases for was aimed to help those a workshop she less fortunate than myself. hosted last summer I wanted young girls to at The Creation have an item of clothing Station in Buellton. that can define their The workshop was personalities and improve their confidence. intended to teach both girls and boys basic sewing skills. Community volun-

Photo contributed Nicole Bastanchury spent months on her “Back to the Basics” project to earn the Girl Scouts’ highest honor, the Gold Award.

teers taught the students how to hand-sew buttons and use a basic stitch on a sewing machine to create dresses from the pillowcases collected. “I had a lot of support from my family, my friends, and my two other sister troops,” Nicole said. The goal was to make 150 dresses to be donated. In all, 159 dresses were donated to the Little Dresses for Africa Organization (LDFAO), Transition House in Santa Barbara, and victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Sending the dresses to Texas was not part of the original

plan, but she said she was extremely happy to know she could play a small part in helping those affected by the natural disaster. “My Gold Award project was aimed to help those less fortunate than myself,” Nicole said. “I wanted young girls to have an item of clothing that can define their personalities and improve their confidence. I hope that each time the girls wear their dress, it puts a smile on their faces. NICOLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

NatureTrack Festival adds movie, tribute to ski-film icon Staff Report

“L

ine of Descent” by ski-film icon Warren Miller has been added to the NatureTrack Film Festival, which will debut this year in Los Olivos on the weekend of March 23-25. A short film tribute to Miller, who died in January, will play before “Line of Descent” beginning at 8:15 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Gates Foss Community Center at Los Olivos School. “Line of Descent” is the 68th full-length feature film by Warren Miller Entertainment (WME) and continues the mountain lifestyle lineage that is celebrated in Miller’s films. The film travels the globe by land, air and sea to explore the ties that bind ski culture. In Squaw Valley and Jackson Hole, WME visits skiing legends who have made the mountains their home. Traveling to Norway, a Canadian ski patroller enjoys the company of his Norwegian brethren, and in the French Alps, native son Jean-Claude Killy’s legacy fills Val-D’Isere hearts with pride.

Local teen becomes Eagle Scout

head to New Zealand to descend Mount Cook. From British Columbia to France, Glacier Country to Steamboat, new generations of skiers and riders push their sport to new extremes. In addition to “Line of Descent,” the NatureTrack Film Festival also includes other exciting films in a category called Outdoors & Out of Bounds, featuring jaw-dropping, heart-pounding and death-defying displays of extreme outdoor activities. Festival-goers will be treated to surfers dodging chunks of ice in the monster swells off Iceland in the mesmerizing “Under An Arctic Sky.” Fans of mountaineering will gape at the crevasses underfoot in “The White Maze” and Photo contributed “Reaching the Crest.” And white-water riders will debate the merits of hauling skis and kayWarren Miller’s “Line of Descent” and a short film tribute to the ski-film icon have been added to the NatureTrack aks over the frozen expanse of Greenland after Film Festival. viewing “Into Twin Galaxies.” Fifty-five other films from more than 20 WME crews chase winter along the countries will also be shown at the festival in Beartooth Highway, where a road trip takes professional theater-quality presentations. athletes Kalen Thorien and Mike “Bird” For more information, including the full Shaffer from Montana to Wyoming, while film schedule and e-program, visit www. snowboarders Seth Westcott and Rob Kingwill NatureTrackFilmFestival.org.

Isaac Beifuss Swolgaard, a 14-year-old member of the Cachuma District’s Boy Scout Troop 46, recently joined his older brother, father, four uncles, six cousins and his grandfather in earning the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, the eighth-grader at Los Olivos Elementary School organized the replacement of the ball wall on his school’s playground. To receive the Eagle award, scouts must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project that is helpful to any religious institution, school or community. To plan his project, Isaac approached Los Olivos Principal Bridget Baublits for a wish list of projects that school officials wanted to have accomplished. “I chose the ball wall because the old one was falling apart, and a lot of kids use the wall,” Isaac said. He raised more than $700 to complete the project by approaching local businesses, the Rotary Club of Los Olivos, and other individuals for donations. With the help of friends, family and fellow Troop 46 scouts, Isaac had to dismantle the wall. “At first, I thought that all I had to do was replace the plywood on the surface, but then I took the plywood off and discovered that all of the frame was rotted, so I had to replace all of that. After that, I put new plywood on and gave the wall a nice new coat of paint,” he added. Isaac said his favorite parts of the project were working alongside friends and family to improve his school and the sense of accomplishment he felt after the wall was ready for use. He joins more than 2.25 million Boy Scouts who have earned the Eagle rank since 1912. For more information about Boy Scouts in the area, visit www.lpcbsa.org.

Photos contributed Los Olivos Elementary eighth-grader Isaac Beifuss Swolgaard recently earned the Eagle Scout award with the refurbishment of the ball wall on his school’s playground.

14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 20 - April 2, 2018

NICOLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

The only singing, dancing extravaganza featuring authentic, spectacular, eye-popping costumes from your favorite Hollywood films.

“Not only did my project help these girls, but we were also able to reuse pillowcases that would be thrown away, and instead create beautiful dresses from them,” she added. “I also wanted to bring back the lost trade of sewing, by hand and machine. Being able to teach young girls and boys sewing is something they can take with them in the future.” The Girl Scout Gold Award is a national award with high standards to elevate a girl’s leadership skills, creativity, and efforts to make the world a better place. Earning the Gold Award requires spending at least 80 hours planning and implementing a challenging, large-scale project that is innovative, engages others, and has a lasting impact on its targeted com-

munity. The prestigious award recognizes Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts — girls in ninth through 12th grades — for outstanding accomplishments in leadership, community service, career planning and personal development. “This entire process has been so rewarding,” Nicole added. Nationwide, only 6 percent of all eligible Girl Scouts achieve the Gold Award. Approximately one million Girl Scouts have earned their Gold Award or its equivalent since 1916. Girls who earn their Girl Scout Gold Award automatically enter the military one rank higher and qualify for college scholarships and additional national service awards. For more information on Girl Scouts, visit www.girlscoutsccc.org.

Join us on Cinco de Mayo!

May 5, 2018 • 6 p.m. Solvang Festival Theater Tickets $55 per person

(includes a fabulous Mexican dinner) Wine, Beer and Margaritas will be available Some auction items also available Tickets available at the Solvang Senior Center Call Ellen Albertoni at 805-688-3793 ~ or ~ www.Eventbrite.com under Solvang Events ALL proceeds will benefit the new Capital Campaign for the Solvang Senior Center An unforgettable, exquisite musical revue! Sponsors:

Atterdag Village, Bob and Carol Jackson, Linda Johansen, Montecito Bank and Trust, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital. We couldn’t do this event without their support.

DENNIS R. BALES, O.D.

2040 Viborg, Suite 240 Solvang, CA 93463 www.visionsource-dennisrbalesod.com

(805) 688-0707 (805) 693-9839 Fax

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March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

K now

PEOPLE TO

Photo contributed Dean Palius is pictured with his wife Kim Morrison and two of their grandchildren.

DEAN PALIUS

ean Palius is the CEO of Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People. He and his wife, Kim Morrison, and their children live in Buellton. Favorite move: Ground Hog Day Favorite book/author: Kurt Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle Favorite music/musician: Motown, Four Tops Hobbies: Scuba diving, golf, and travel Your bio in one paragraph: I was born in New Jersey and attended school there until my senior year. I moved to California in 1968 and had a brief cameo at track stardom at Hollywood High School before attending Humboldt State University (pre-ganja). Subsequently, I attended UCSB, graduated with a. M.A. in political science, served the city of Santa Barbara as risk manager and personnel director, owned and operated a management-consulting firm for 17 years, and have worked as the CEO of People Helping People for the past 23 years. How you have made an impact on the Santa Ynez Valley: Often, I have said that I have the best job in the SYV. I am

paid to “do-good,” at an office only three miles from my home, and in a place where people truly care about others. Every day, the skilled staff at PHP changes lives for the better. From saving seniors from homelessness, helping students reverse a course from failure to graduation, and assisting women and children to escape violence and achieve a loving and safe home, PHP makes a difference and I feel privileged to be part of that process. Pet Peeves: People who do not embrace inclusion and equality. Road to the Santa Ynez Valley: Born in Teaneck, N.J., and lived in Bergenfield, N.J., until age 17. Attended Bergenfield High School until mid-senior year and a move to California and attendance at Hollywood High. Attended Humboldt State University upon recommendation of my high school track coach and then attended a doctoral program at U.C.S.B. Subsequent to graduation, worked for the city of Santa Barbara in various capacities and left in 1979 to start a consulting business. Moved to the Santa Ynez Valley in 1988 and started at PHP as CEO in 1995. Favorite local place: Happy Canyon

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16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 20 - April 2, 2018

‘HAVING A GREAT HORSE ALWAYS HELPS’

Local rider Charlene Rossoll is a champ in cutting events I

go for walks early in the morning to photograph trees at sunrise, and lots of times I end up at The Longhorn in Santa Ynez. I don’t go inside the restaurant because I have my dog, Luna, with me. Usually I’m the only one sitting on the porch enjoying coffee, looking out into our beautiful valley. Sometimes it is very cold but waitress Charlene Rossoll never hesitates to bring me a cup of hot coffee, even though I offer to come inside and get it myself. If you’re a regular at the Longhorn, you know Charlene, always happy, vivacious and just “on it.” Maybe it’s because I’m from New York that I appreciate her quick wit and banter more than some, but she makes me smile every time I’m there. I’ve overheard Charlene speaking about her horses with such passion that I was intrigued to learn more. It was a fantastic new experience for me when I went to photograph her at the equestrian center in Santa Ynez. Charlene has lived in the valley for 20 years after moving from Santa Barbara and has worked at the Longhorn for four years. What drew you to living in the valley? I moved “over the hill” because of my

By Robbie Kaye love for horses. I was just learning how to ride a cutting horse and my new trainer, Tom Shelly, was here in Santa Ynez. When did you get involved with horses? I got involved with horses as a child. First it was a small local group, than it was about 15 years later when I had the opportunity to jump on a cutting horse. And then I was hooked. I’ve been riding most of my life. Can you please describe cutting? Cutting is a timed competition, where there is a herd of cattle. You have two herd helpers in the corner and two turn-back helpers in the front. You have 2.5 minutes to work at least three cows, showing the judge you have control. It’s one cow at a time. The score starts at a 70 and it can go up or go down. There is always “luck of the draw,” and having a great horse always

EAST MEETS WEST: A COLLECTOR’S CHOICE

Photo by Robbie Kaye Charlene Rossoll has been riding since childhood and is “hooked” on cutting-horse events.

helps. So marking a 74 or higher is a plus! Can you share something about competing with horses? My cutting career started in 2000. I had my first cutting horse, Golds Bossa Nova. She taught me everything. But shortly after

I started showing I met my husband, Rex Rossoll, who was judging a cutting for Tom Shelly. So I’ve been competing on cutting horses for more than 20 years now. I’m considered a “non pro,” which means ROSSOLL CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

arts & nonprofits

‘Hollywood Revisited’ coming to Solvang for a good cause By Victoria Martinez

reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com

little bit of old Hollywood is coming to Solvang on Saturday, May 5, when the musical revue “Hollywood Revisited” brings the glitz and glamor of 1930s to 1960s Tinseltown to Solvang Festival Theater. The event, sponsored by the Solvang Breakfast Rotary, will benefit the Solvang Senior Center, which has outgrown its 1983 modular building and wants to begin a capital campaign soon to support future growth of the center. Bringing Hollywood Revisited back to the valley was the idea of Solvang Rotary board member and event co-chairwoman Linda Johansen, who brought show producer Greg Schreiner’s musical revue to town for a fundraiser several years ago. Schreiner, the curator of special collections at the Hollywood Museum in Hollywood, is one of the most well-known collectors of movie costumes, having accumulated over 500 costumes over the past 30 years. What began with one Marilyn Monroe costume has developed into a career of bringing old Hollywood back to life through song, dance, and stories from the era. A pianist by profession, Schreiner shares his collection in his show, which is a singing, dancing extravaganza featuring authentic, spectacular costumes from favorite Hollywood films. “It’s a very fun show,” Schreiner said. Full of anecdotes and stories about Hollywood stars from the past, accomplished vocalists sing and dance to movie-related music

“It’s so wonderful to see these costumes come alive again,” Shreiner said. “It’s a fabulous experience for me.” Organizers of the event are excited to experience Hollywood Revisited. “I’m excited about the actual performance,” said Solvang Rotary board member Jan Clevenger. “I think it’s going to be fantastic.” Clevenger believes the event has the potential to reach out to people of all generations, not just those who may feel nostalgic when hearing and seeing Hollywood icons from years past. “It’s something new and refreshing,” Clevenger added. Organizers are also looking forward to supporting the Solvang Senior Center through the event after many years of giving back to the center. Though a capital campaign has not been launched, the Senior Center, which has approximately 450 members, is expecting growth in the future. Money from this fundraiser is intended to be seed money for an eventual campaign. Photo contributed With more than 20 events held at the center Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers return to the stage in the each week, such as daily lunch, mah jongg musical revue “Hollywood Revisited.” games, exercise classes, and services such as tax preparation, the center is using most of while wearing the costumes of Hollywood the rooms in its 2,800 square-foot facility for legends such as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth two or more purposes, having to transform Taylor, Julie Andrews, Gene Kelly, Bette Davis, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, and more. rooms multiple times a day depending on the scheduled activities. “I think people love the old Hollywood,” “The center is not meant for as much use he added. as it’s been getting,” said its director, Ellen Shreiner will bring three performers who will embody the persona of approximately 30 Albertoni. “We are outgrowing our center.” Albertoni and others have been dreaming different Hollywood icons. He will play the HOLLYWOOD CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 piano and emcee the show.

‘I LIKE HONKING AND FREE CANDY!’

Popular Touch-A-Truck raises money for preschool and after-school programs By Kyah Corff Valley Star Intern

espite the chance of rain and even some sprinkling, parents and children enjoyed family time at the SYV Touch-A-Truck event March 3 at Bethania Lutheran Church. The benefit, which raises money for the church’s preschool and after-school programs, allows kids and adults to touch and climb onto vehicles and even honk some horns. They had choices ranging from school buses to police cars to farming equipment to ambulances, all loaned by their owners for the day. “It’s a good place for the family to get together and the kids to have some fun,” said Camille Locklear, a mother of two who brought her husband and children to the event. “I like honking and free candy!” said her

daughter Ella, 9. Smiling children and adults looked and touched the vehicles and participated in other activities such as face painting, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and an arts and craft booth. The California Highway Patrol booth incorporated fun and safety education with officers talking about the importance of seatbelts. A Cottage Hospital Trauma Services booth provided bicycle helmets for a deeply discounted $10 each. After starting with a few vehicles and food stands in its first year, the event now has

o TRUCK CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 Photo by Kyah Corff Carson Roylance, 4, attended Touch-A-Truck with father Jonathan Roylance who said, “It’s fun for the kids to climb in the big equipment.”

Photo contributed All exhibitions by the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission are free and open to the public, including this one in Santa Barbara City Hall.

Open house celebrates Arts Commission’s 40th anniversary Staff Report

“communal open house” of art exhibits in downtown Santa Barbara will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 25. A formal program will begin at 4 p.m. in the Mural Room of the County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. During the event, collaborating art exhibition spaces along the Anapamu Street corridor will be open for free. Participating anniversary venues include Channing Peake Gallery, the Jardin de las Granadas, the Public Library’s Faulkner Gallery, Sullivan Goss Gallery, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, which will offer free admission in honor of the anniversary. The Arts Commission was established in 1977 by the Board of Supervisors to serve as coordinator and catalyst for bringing government, artists and the public together for the cultural benefit of all. Commission Chairman Dennis Smitherman said the communal open house reflects the commission’s history. “Bringing the community together to celebrate our resources and spotlight the incredible work of our artists, organizations and galleries is one of the core functions that has placed the Arts Commission at the nexus of county arts and culture over the past 40 years,” he said. The commission also will present its annual Leadership in Art Award to the Santa Barbara County Arts Fund, which has been an incubator for emerging artists in the county. The commission wants to recognize particularly the impact of the Arts Fund’s Teen Arts Mentorship Program, which is committed to enhancing the education of a new generation of artistic talent. The Arts Commission has 15 members appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, with three members representing each of the five supervisorial districts.

18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 20 - April 2, 2018

Vikings seek donors for blood drive on March 22 Staff Report

onors at a blood drive hosted by the Vikings of Solvang on March 22 will receive a $25 voucher for dinner at a participating local restaurant. The event, coordinated through United Blood Services (UBS) of the Central Coast, will take place from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall. “The Vikings rely on the generous people in the Santa Ynez Valley for a successful blood drive,” said Rene Martinez, this year’s Viking chief. “Our goal is to collect at least 100 pints of blood, and the free dinner is our way to thank you for your support — and for your donation of blood for those who need it.” Walk-in donors are welcome, but UBS asks that donors make an appointment in advance, if possible, by calling 800715-3699 or registering online at www. blood4life.org. For more information call the Vikings blood drive chairman, Max Hanberg, at

RD File The Vikings Blood Drive, coordinated through United Blood Services of the Central Coast, will take place from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall.

805-688-6012. The Vikings of Solvang are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides help for the medically related needs of qualified people and organizations in Santa Barbara County, with a goal of improving people’s quality of life. For more information, go to www. vikingcharitiesinc.com.

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Local Teen Star finalists thankful for the opportunity Staff Report

wo young singers from the Santa Ynez Valley say that making connections that will last a lifetime and having a chance to grow were some of the best parts of the recent Teen Star Santa Barbara competition. “I was so excited to be invited back to Teen Star for the second year. This year, I was able to really relax and be in the moment instead of worrying about every aspect of the competiElizabeth Padfield tion. I felt much more comfortable knowing that I could handle the stress of that gigantic stage,” said Elizabeth Padfield, 12, who is a student at Solvang Elementary School. The popular competition, now in its seventh season, was created by executive producer Joe Lambert, a former valley resident. This year’s Teen Star drew contestants from all around Santa Barbara County who performed their hearts out at the Arlington Theatre, where Daniel Geiger of Pioneer Valley High School won the title of 2018 Teen Star. The mission of Teen Star Santa Barbara is to support youth in performing arts with the goal of nurturing talent by inspiring passion, instilling a drive for success and

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March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

ag & equine

San Marcos Farms raises bees for the love of it By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

Fundraising event recognized local winemakers and first responders on the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslides

“S

ome say that unto bees a share is given of the Divine Intelligence,” according to the ancient poet Virgil. Donald and Anne Cole, the owners of San Marcos Farms, agree. They are beekeepers who produce honey, bee pollen and beeswax and also have a crop pollination service. “My father raised bees in the late 1960s and was considered a hobbyist with a small number of hives,” Don said. “Beekeeping dates back thousands of years.” “There have probably been more books written on bees and beekeeping than on any other subject,” Don said. “There is a 15,000 year-old cave painting in Spain which depicts a human figure robbing honey out of a beehive. Interestingly enough, honey is the only food product created by an insect that humans eat. There is a lot to be learned about bees and honey. “ The Coles have continued the family tradition. Their two sons, Jesse and Elias, work with the bees to create the various products made from honey bees’ wax and propolis, which is also known as “bee glue.” They have been working at the family business since before they were teenagers and it has become their full-time pursuit. The family is considered small-scale beekeepers with fewer than 1,000 hives. They keep hives in both the Santa Ynez Valley and Goleta, and they move them from area to area according to the time of year, the rainfall, and the timing of blossoms. “We move our hives when the timing is just right,” Anne said. “In February the bees pollinate the almonds, gathering nectar from the flowers on the almond trees. In March and April the bees are then moved to areas where oranges and avocados are in bloom.” According to Cole, bees can travel up to three miles, collecting nectar from up to 2,000 flowers a day. Ninety percent of all flowering plants require assistance from pollinators. Bees identify their own hive by its subtle pheromone scent, which humans cannot detect. Should a bee from another hive enter a neighbor’s hive, it will be dispatched. “Diversity of food sources keeps the bees healthy,” Don said. “When the flowers are blooming, nectar and pollen is plentiful. Beekeepers refer to this as the Honey Flow. This is the time the beekeeper places new boxes on top of the hive full of empty combs.”

Vintners Foundation: $1 million for Direct Relief

By Laurie Jervis

Contributing Writer

Photo contributed Elias Cole, a next-generation beekeeper, tends hives in Ojai.

Coastal honey comes from avocados, sage, wildflowers, bottle brush, eucalyptus, willows and a myriad of other blooms in that area. Interior honey comes from sages, wildflowers, sumac trees, toyon, native plants, buckwheat, and whatever else is growing in that region. When the bees have filled up each individual comb and completed drying out the nectar’s excess moisture, they cover each comb with a bit of wax, Anne explained. “When it comes time to extract the honey, we remove the combs, then remove the wax layer and place them in a honey extractor, which spins the honey out of the comb. The honey then travels through a pipe and into a tank, ready to be pumped up into 55 gallon barrels.” She said. “Raw honey, also called Cold Packed, is the honey which goes directly from the barrel into the jar,” she added. “Regular raw unfiltered honey is gently warmed, strained and then put into jars. We do this

at our Honey House in Goleta.” Each season, the Coles hold back a certain amount of honey from year to year to ensure that honey will always be available to their customers in case of a poor production year. “Honey is a wonderful food,” said Don. “Raw honey contains disease-preventing and disease-fighting flavonoids. Raw honey contains both propolis and bee pollen so you get the benefits of those two natural powerhouses as well. It has been scientifically proven to help with allergies, sleep problems, coughs, and wound healing. It is a natural energy source, an antioxidant powerhouse.” “Historically, beekeepers only had to contend with a few bee-related diseases. But today bees face greater challenges such as the Varroa Mite, which is a huge problem now, and the Trachial Mite, which is also pretty serious,” Don added. BEES CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

The 10th Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation biennial dinner and auction raised more than $1 million for Direct Relief, organizers have announced. The evening, dedicated to Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow relief efforts, took place Feb. 17 at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta and attracted many Santa Barbara County winemakers, donors, wine aficionados and celebrities, including actress Fred Brander Jane Lynch. Several first responders from the region were honored for their work and received a standing ovation. Since 2000, the Vintners Foundation, the charitable arm of Santa Barbara Vintners, has donated more than $4.5 million to Direct Relief. Money raised from the dinner and auction in prior years helped launch Direct Relief USA, the largest U.S. pharmaceuticals program and one that operates in all 50 states. In the wake of the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslides, the Goleta-based nonprofit group has been focused on local relief efforts, but it also plays a key role in the wake of national and global disasters. Los Olivos viticulturist and winemaker Fred Brander of Brander Wines was recognized as Vintner of the Year for his four decades in winemaking. In addition, Frank Ostini, owner of the Hitching Post II restaurant in Buellton and co-owner of Hitching Post Wines with Gray Hartley, was commended for his dedication to the wine auction “and support of Direct Relief for 20 years,” said Sherrill O’Neill of the Vintners Foundation. One of the live auction’s lots was a collection of 100 bottles of wine donated by honorees of prior years’ events; that lot alone fetched $26,000, O’Neill noted. Guests and Vintners Foundation members also paid tribute to longtime restaurateur and winemaker Seth Kunin, who died of a heart attack in late October at age 50. His wife and daughter, Magan and Phoebe Kunin, were present for the honor, O’Neill said.

20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 20 - April 2, 2018

Sunrise Rotary gives $20,000 to Camp Whittier Staff Report

he Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise Charitable Foundation has presented a check for $20,000 to Camp Whittier, which is operated by the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. The funds will help rebuild Camp Whittier, a 55-acre resident camp near Lake Cachuma in the Santa Ynez Valley, which sustained extensive damage in last summer’s Whittier Fire. The fire burned 18,430 acres and destroyed 16 homes. “Sunrise Rotary has been a tremendous partner in helping us up at Camp Whittier. Over the years, their members have done work on virtually every building on the grounds,” said Michael Baker, CEO of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. “Their support means the world to me as a club professional, but more importantly as a 27-year Rotarian,” Baker said. The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise has been providing improvements annually to the camp for 21 years. Rotarians have installed irrigation systems, remodeled the kitchen and restrooms, built decks and fire pits, painted cabins and fences, planted trees and flower beds, and just last year finished improvements to the sports court. Camp Whittier’s facilities, counseling and training are offered to the 3,000 boys and girls it serves in the county, as well as to schools, churches and other youth organizations.

Photo contributed Pictured, from left, are Steve Barley of Sunrise Rotary, Todd Stepien of Camp Whittier, Michael Baker of United Boys & Girls Clubs, and Jody Dolan Holehouse of the Rotary Club’s charitable foundation.

Staff members at Camp Whittier instruct youngsters on camping and survival skills and use the camp’s rope course to teach cooperation, communication and self-confidence. Santa Barbara Sunrise Rotary Club is also active in other service projects, including a free dental clinic that provides critical care to underserved people. The club buys and distributes free dictionaries to all third-graders in the Santa Barbara Unified School District and recognizes at-risk youth at La Cuesta Continuation High School with a Student of the Month program. Internationally, the club supports a children’s orphanage and surgical eye clinics in Mexico, in addition to funding clean-water projects, medical-clinic improvements, and a pharmacy project in two rural communities in Nicaragua. For more information, call 884-6428 or visit portal.clubrunner.ca/2855.

HOLLYWOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 of a new center in the same spot where more services can be offered, friendships fostered, and resources provided for the community as a whole. “We need a space where we can serve more of the community,” Albertoni said. “It’s our seniors, but it’s our community too.” “It’s imperative that we support the event because the need to expand the Senior Center is critical to support the programs and the growing senior population,” Clevenger emphasized.

Hollywood Revisited will take place at 6 p.m. May 5 at Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second St. Tickets cost $55 per person and include a Mexican dinner. Wine, beer and margaritas will also be available along with an auction. Tickets can be purchased at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive, or at www. eventbrite.com under “Solvang Events.” For more information on Hollywood Revisited, visit www.hollywoodrevisited.com. For more information on the Solvang Senior Center, call Albertoni at 805-688-3793 or visit www.solvangseniorcenter.org.

The event has raised about $8,000 each year. The last two events paid for a new playseemingly countless machines and activities. ground to replace a 17-year-old, dilapidated Touch-A-Truck is in its third year thanks structure. This year’s funds will be focused on to an involved parent who came up with the the after-school program that provides care for event. Lisa Petersen Kekuewa has her son, kindergarten through middle school. The preKoyie, 9, in the after-school program and her school’s administrative board hopes to provide daughter, Kyla, 4, in the preschool. more enrichment programs. Three years ago, the school needed funding for “We live in a great and supportive commua new playground and the after-school program, nity. It’s not just the church. It’s a really great so Kekuewa organized Touch-A-Truck, inspired outreach for the valley, and it brings the family by her children’s love for anything with wheels. in and shows it as a supportive place,” said The event is intended to inspire children’s Eileen Knotts, director of the preschool and and parents’ imaginations while helping them member of the Bethania Church. interact with their community and drawing the Organizers also expressed their gratitude for family together. the volunteers, sponsors and attendees who “I want the experience to be more than the made the event successful. fundraiser … the event will never go past the For more information or to donate, send an email to syvtouchatruck@gmail.com. fact that it’s for the kids,” Kekuewa said.

TRUCK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

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March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

food~drink

New owners have big dreams for Solvang Pie Company By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

he Solvang Pie Company, now under new ownership, is continuing an ancient tradition of growing their own wheat and producing a variety of baked goods. According to Professor Manfred Heun at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, the first grains to be grown were varieties of wheat 10,200 to 10,500 years ago in Karadag, Turkey. Wheat has been modified over the centuries to feed the ever-growing population of the earth. Kristin and Russ Collins recently purchased the Solvang Pie Company from Tracy Derwin, who had been making bread, pies and pasta and selling them at the Solvang Farmer’s Market for years. Originally from Thousand Oaks, the Collins family had been frequent visitors to the Santa Ynez Valley and had a dream of moving here. Kristin owned a “4D ultrasound” business in Thousand Oaks, catering to couples who wanted to share their special moment with friends and family. With thoughts of retiring, however, she sold the business. The couple began looking for a new adventure and moved to the valley in 2012. They originally thought they would open up a dairy but then decided to open a cheese shop, The Santa Ynez Valley Cheese Company on Meadowvale in Santa Ynez, selling artisan cheese from all over the world. Russ continued working at his full-time job in the packaging industry. “I don’t know why we started in the cheese business. It just looked like a fun thing to do,” Russ said. “And it tasted good,” chimed in Walker, their 12-year-old daughter. “The shop got too big for us. We became so busy with the shop that we didn’t have time to what we wanted to do in the first place, which was to make cheese. Sometimes we would have to open the shop a little later than normal when it was time for lambing, and that didn’t please some of our customers. They expected us open the store every day and on time. When we had work to do with the sheep and needed to be on the farm, people would leave notes on the door complaining. The retail end of it is tough, so we sold the business four years ago,” Kristin said. They bought a house on Deer Trail Lane in Solvang with a little under two acres, which was too small to keep all their animals, so they had to sell 35 of their 40 sheep. “We wanted to do something with the land, enjoy the animals, and do some cooking,” said Russ, who has a passion for baking and cooking. One day, Kristin was looking online and found a property that was for sale. It had an apple orchard and a commercial kitchen.

Photo contributed Melville Winery is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from Emery’s Pinot Noir to help families with a child battling cancer.

Sales of special wine to support cancer victims By Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation

Photos by Pamela Dozois Above, members of the Collins family, from left, are Kristin, Walker, Morgan and Russ Collins. Left, Russ and Kristin show a sample of their pies.

“We went to see the property and suddenly everything fell into place. And that was it. We are here to stay,” Kristin said. “The best part of it was that everything was already in place, and that’s what we were looking for. The property has an apple orchard, berries, apricots, peaches, rhubarb, and peonies. We grow our own wheat on 12 acres on Alamo Pintado. It was an ongoing business that had been established by the previous owner’s parents, then run by their daughter. It was already established,” Russ said. There is also a commercial bakery on the property and they employ a baker who has been with the company for 13 years. They make bread, pasta, muffins, pies, apple cider vinegar and apple cider. “Our wheat was planted in January on 12 acres on Alamo Pintado, across from the pumpkin patch and corn maze. We hope for a little more rain and not super-hot weather so it can grow happily for a few more months,” said Kristin. “Once it is harvested, we cut

and shake it to just get the wheat berries from the wheat stalks. The berries are cleaned and finally we bring it to our mill to grind the berries into flour.” The Collins family, which includes their two daughters, Walker, 12, and Morgan, 10, are animal lovers as well with five dogs, six house cats, two feral cats, two horses, a llama, an alpaca, five sheep, a pot belly pig and 10 chickens. They also plan to raise bees. “This is something we’ve always wanted to do,” said Russ. “Our goal is to get this ranch back to where it was when it was first started years ago.” “We want to provide our customers with the cleanest food possible,” he added. “It would be nice to become an organic farm, but that is a difficult process, which we are working towards. We also want to grow more varieties of fruit.” “We’re excited because it’s time to start planting,” Kristin added. “We love doing the farmers markets. It is such a nice atmosphere and you meet people who genuinely like what we make, and we get to see them every week,” she said. The Collinses do three markets a week, one in Solvang and two in Santa Barbara. They also sell their pies at Nielsen’s Market in Solvang and at Gelson’s and Tri County Produce in Santa Barbara. They hope to get their pasta and other products into stores soon. “This is also a very good education for our children. They see where their food comes from and how things are made from PIE CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

here aren’t many silver linings in the world of pediatric cancer. For parents, hearing the words “Your child has cancer” marks the beginning of a horrifying journey filled with anxiety, fear and, in most cases, significant financial insecurity. For the Johnson family, this nightmare became a reality in 2013 when their daughter Emery was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3. They experienced fear for the fate of their child and their unknown future as a family. When a child is battling cancer, it’s common for at least one parent to take a significant amount of time off work in order to be with the child through treatment. This often results in a substantial reduction in income coupled with the sudden financial burden of medical bills. During Emery’s 26 months of treatment, her father Ethan, the wine club manager at Melville Winery, was able to take the time he needed to be with his daughter. Ron and Chad Melville, the owners of Melville Winery, wanted to help but didn’t know how. Shortly after Emery’s diagnosis, the Johnsons learned about Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and were able to receive financial and emotional support. The foundation helped pay for the Johnsons’ rent, utilities, car payments and gas as well as offering overall support during Emery’s treatment. When remembering the time during Emery’s treatment, her family wrote, “Teddy Bear was there for our family from day one. They arranged a hotel room for us so we could be close to our daughter in the hospital and they even brought a cake to help celebrate Emery’s dad’s birthday during her hospital stay.” The Melville team was so inspired by the work of the foundation that they made a men-

o WINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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WINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 tal note to find a way to support the organization in the future. Five years later, Melvilles’ idea is bearing fruit. They have dedicated a half-acre block within their vineyard to honor Emery’s journey back to health and are using the fruit from her section to produce Emery’s Pinot Noir. And they are donating 100 percent of the proceeds from each bottle to the foundation. “Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation stepped up when the Johnsons had their world turned

upside down. They helped give them financial and emotional support, so they could really focus on the bigger picture of fighting the disease. Their behind-the-scenes work is incredibly admirable and humbling. We are honored to have the opportunity to pay it forward,” Ron Melville said. Emery is now a happy, healthy 7-year-old and is thriving in the second grade. For more information or to buy a bottle of Emery’s Pinot Noir, visit www.melvillewinery. com or TeddyBearCancerFoundation.org, or call 805-962-7466.

Photo by Pamela Dozois The Collins family sells their products at three markets each week, one in Solvang and two in Santa Barbara. They also sell their pies at Nielsen’s Market in Solvang and at Gelson’s and Tri County Produce in Santa Barbara. want to do some more wholesale and do another farmers market or two and do some beginning to end, and they are part of the on-line sales. But for now, this is a dream whole process,” said Kristin. “They sometimes come true.” even help at farmers market, passing out samFor more information, visit www.solvang ples to the customers and making change.” piecompany.com, email kristin@solvangpie “I think it’s fun,” Walker said. company.com, call 805-226-6619, or visit “We want to take time to strategize about them at the Wednesday farmers market in Solvang. the future of our farm,” Russ added. “We

PIE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

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Artisan gelato company launches in SY Valley Staff Report

lessio Carnevale, an Italian expatriate living in the Santa Ynez Valley, has launched Valley Craft Gelato, a craft food business focused on his hand-made, frozen dairy concoctions. Valley Craft Gelato offers special orders for catering and events; custom wholesale orders for restaurants and retail locations; and direct-to-consumer sales. Carnevale, originally from Calabria, Italy, makes his homeland’s iconic frozen delicacies with some hyper-local ingredients. He will feature a rotating roster of seasonal, signature flavors such as Santa Barbara Pistachio and Lemon Zest, Roasted Coconut and White Chocolate, Honey and Lavender, and Fig Sorbetto, introducing new creations regularly. He also plans to keep in regular rotation an array of his most popular flavors, including Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel, Tiramisu, Dark Chocolate, and Espresso. Carnevale has worked as a waiter at S.Y. Kitchen since its opening in 2013. He also worked at Trattoria Grappolo under Chef Leonardo Curti. Carnevale began experimenting with making gelato in 2014, and soon started to supply it to S.Y. Kitchen.

Photo by Dan Quinajon Valley Craft Gelato offers hand-crafted desserts for special events, through wholesale orders and direct sales to consumers.

Valley Craft Gelato may also be found in other Santa Ynez Valley restaurants, such as the new Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos, and Carnevale hopes to announce new locations soon. Operating out of a leased kitchen in Santa Ynez, he aims to grow into a Santa Ynez Valley storefront operation. Orders for pick-up and catering, retail or restaurant requests, may be made through the Valley Craft Gelato Facebook page and eventually, through the company’s website at www.valleycraftgelato.com. To reach Valley Craft Gelato directly, call 805-319-5621.

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March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

education

COOKING TO CURE CANCER

A new club at SYHS is motivating students to make a difference By Kyah Corff

Photo contributed Hancock College held a press conference to announce a $1 million gift from Rabobank to the Hancock Promise program.

Star Intern

wo local high school juniors became friends through their mutual love of baking, and now they want their hobby to change the world. Lita Wright and Maddison “Maddie” Alton are also motivating their peers to make a difference — by supporting cancer research through baking. Last spring, Maddie and Lita founded the Culinary Cure Club at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School with the intention to raise money through bake sales for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The foundation “funds clinical trials and collaborates with a network of cutting-edge hospitals across the nation to fast track less-toxic, more targeted treatments. All to increase the survival rate of children battling cancer,” according to its website. The girls chose the foundation because of its reliability and its history of allocating most of its revenue to research. They chose cancer as their cause because of personal relationships with cancer survivors. “We wanted a way to incorporate baking and making a difference in the lives of people going through cancer, and the research for

Rabobank awards $1 million to Hancock Promise Staff Report

Photo by Kyah Corff Maddie Alton and Lita Wright formed a club that is teaching its members to value their skills and to understand their ability to create change.

developing a cure,” Maddie said. Creating the club allowed Maddie and Lita to lead their peers in involvement in a nonprofit organization, which was a new experience for them. With about 15 active members, the club has organized three bake sales and raised about $500. However, Lita and Maddie do not measure the club’s success by the amount of money raised, but by the size of the impact it is hav-

ing on the community and the cause. The club has connected bakers and non-bakers around the school in fighting cancer, and it proves to the members and others that young people can make an impact on the community and the world. “I joined the club because I believe that a group of high school students can truly CLUB CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Youth poems due March 30 for ‘Selfies’ challenge years.” A public reading and showcase for all he Solvang Library is again chalsubmissions is planned for April 25 at 5:30 lenging Santa Ynez Valley sixth-, p.m., and after the reading all poems will be seventh- and eighth-graders to write published in an online anthology. a poem and share it. The event is the second one the library has This time, they are being asked to write a hosted, after last fall’s successful event on the 25-line poem on the theme “Selfies: Pretense, theme of “Awkward.” Truth, and Dreams,” and submit it by March 30. Braff performs and organizes poetry events “We want to emphasize that it’s not a throughout Santa Barbara County. He is contest. The challenge is to respond creative- co-founder of the Santa Ynez Valley Poetry ly, and to share your response with others,” Workgroup and is the New Programs Liaison noted host Steve Braff, a Los Olivos resident for California Poets in the Schools (CPITS) and published poet. “The point of this Poetry of Santa Barbara. Challenge is to provide a safe platform to Joining Braff as discussion moderators for grapple with and share the largely unspoken, the public reading in April will be Christine Kravetz, a published poet and teacher with but often deeply felt, issues of the teenage Staff Report

SY Charter students celebrate Chinese New Year Staff Report

tudents at Santa Ynez Charter School experienced Chinese traditions and culture when they held a Chinese New Year celebration for the “Year of the Dog” Feb. 28. The afternoon included representatives from Tail Waggin’ Tutors, 27 Chinese students from Dunn

School, musicians, agility dogs from Paws at Play, and other classroom activities and projects throughout the afternoon.

Photo by Victoria Martinez In celebration of “The Year of the Dog,” agility dogs and handlers from Paws at Play demonstrated their skills on an agility course during an all-school assembly.

California Poets in the Schools, and Ron Alexander, a psychologist and a published poet whose work can be found in various journals and anthologies. Students should send their 25-line poem in the body of an email by 5 p.m. Friday, March 30 to solvanglibrary@santabarbaraCA.gov with the subject line “Selfie.” The email should include the student’s name, grade, school and teacher’s name. No photos or attached work will be accepted. Each participant will be notified by April 2 to confirm the poem was accepted and will be invited to the public reading. For more information, call the library at 805-688-4214 or send email to stevebraff1@ gmail.com.

abobank has become the latest business to support the Hancock Promise with a donation of $1 million to the program that allows local high school graduates to attend Hancock College with no tuition or fees in their first year, beginning this summer. “Our faculty and staff are changing the odds for our community,” said Hancock Superintendent and President Kevin G. Walthers. “The Hancock Promise is critical to that effort, and we are honored to have support from Rabobank.” “Expanding access to higher education in northern Santa Barbara County is important to me personally and to local employers like Rabobank. The Hancock Promise will deliver on its name for years to come,” said Dan Stevens, chief operating officer of Rabobank. In recognition of the $1 million gift, the college’s board of trustees and its student body government approved the renaming of the Student Center (Building G) to the Rabobank Student Center. The growing list of area businesses and organizations to support The Hancock Promise includes Pacific Gas and Electric, Marian Regional Medical Center, Aera Energy, Santa Barbara Foundation, Murphy Family Foundation, Santa Maria Kiwanis Club, Santa Ynez Valley Rotary and Union Bank, among others. For more information about The Hancock Promise, visit www.hancockcollege. edu/promise.

24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 20 - April 2, 2018

BEES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 “Beekeepers try to treat the hives with non-toxic substances, which kills the mites but doesn’t harm the bees or humans. Numerous viruses are spread by these mites, which get inside the shell of the baby bees and destroy them. These mites also ride on the top of the bees and suck the blood from their hosts. These viruses are thought to contribute to colony collapse disorder, which is when hives mysteriously die out.” “Drought also plays into the demise of the bees as well,” said Anne. “Rainfall patterns also affect the honey production, but sometimes in a positive way. Bees take advantage of every little niche. In January of this year rain provided an abundance of eucalyptus flowers, which the bees took advantage of for wintertime nectar.” “Drought years are difficult for bees,” continued Anne. “August is usually a dry month. When we remove the extra honey from the hive we always leave enough honey for the bees to get by until the next rainy season. If the bees are low on honey we will feed them sugar to keep them going. Sugar is not overly nutritious but it does sustain them. But we never feed our bees sugar in order for them to produce honey.” “Big chemical corporations play havoc with the well-being of the bees as well. Bees are bio-indicators. They are like ‘the canary in the coal mine.’ Pesticides and fungicides are lethal to bees and other pollinators, and the chemical companies know this, but mostly ignore the facts,” Don said.

Domestic honey is different from commercial honey purchased in stores. Most commercial honey is adulterated, heavily processed and may contain antibiotics, according to Food Safety News. It may also be chemically refined, and much of it comes from China and other foreign countries. Excessive heating destroys the natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals and eliminates much of the nutrients found in domesticated honey. The filtering and processing eliminate many of the beneficial phytonutrients, including pollens and propolis. “If you want to attract bees into your garden and help out our bee colonies, they love rosemary, lavender, anything from the mint family like basil, or from the mustard family like arugula,” said Don. “And keep your garden fungicide- and insecticide-free.” San Marcos Farms sells its honey at the Solvang Farmer’s Market and at two farmer’s markets in Santa Barbara. A line of their honey can also be found at El Rancho, New Frontiers and the Vin Hus in Solvang, and at various outlets in Los Olivos as well as in Santa Barbara at Lazy Acres, Lassens, Tri County Produce, and other establishments. The farm also produces salve, lip balm, and candles made from 100 percent beeswax, which is clean-burning and nontoxic. For more information, call 805-681-0312 or email info@sanmarcosfarms.com. Photo contributed The eggs, larvae and pupae of honeybees develop in a brood frame. Mention this ad and receive 10% off your next service.

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March 20 - April 2, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 25

Student artwork to highlight SYHS open house Staff Report

he grounds at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School will once again be filled with masters of the art world as students use chalk to reproduce works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Frida Kahlo and more in preparation for the school’s annual open house. Students are also reproducing work by evocative and contemporary artists such as Peter Doig and Damian Hirst, according to art teacher Callie Martin. “The mix of old and new is always exciting and connects our student to the past and present art worlds,” Martin said. These replicas of both famous and lesser-known art pieces will be created for the 24th annual “Masters of Chalk” festival on Thursday, March 27. The public is invited to look at the students’ renditions during the school’s annual open house the next evening, March 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. The festival was created in 1994 by then-art teacher Connie Rhode and has been continued by Martin, one of her former students. “We have more than doubled our participating student-artists to 155. That means 155 reproductions of famous paintings and contemporary artworks. Through the research presentations, students learn about a wide variety of artistic styles, movements and artists who push the tradi-

File photo Cecily Bruegl won first place for the senior class at the 2016 chalk festival at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.

tional aspects of art-making,” Martin said. Each student work fills a 4-foot by 6-foot rectangle. Once again, local businesses sponsored the artists so that their creations can perform as a fundraiser for art trips, student scholarships and Art Club operations. For more information, call Martin at 688-6487, ext. 3372.

Both girls hope that the club will provide a model to younger students to value their change the world we live in, and I wanted to own work and their ability to help. Once be a part of that. Baking seems like such a they graduate, they will pass the club down small thing but it brings happiness to many. to another member in the hope of leaving a I hope that all the cupcakes and brownies beneficial legacy for the community. I make can help children with cancer. I’m “The club involves the high schoolers, honored to be a part of the club,” said Gaby my classmates, in something bigger than Saxon. themselves and shows us the impact we have Baking has been a large presence in both on the local community and the world,” Lita Maddie’s and Lita’s lives. said. Maddie grew up making cookies with her “The club is important because it allows grandma and her babysitters. She warmly students to turn a passion into a way to help remembers handing out the baked goods to others going through a very hard time,” her neighbors when she was a child. Maddie added. Lita grew up painting as a creative outlet, Lita and Maddie both take advanced which transitioned to baking over the past academic courses and are busy with other few years. Lita was also inspired to learn and extracurricular activities, but they hope to do continue the art because of her family. Her more bake sales, raise more money, and raise grandmother baked for family events (she greater awareness for pediatric cancer. was famous for her cream cheese pies), and The founders believe they have made a food has always united her family. good start but hope the club will grow and Her grandmother served as an inspiration get certified to sell baked goods at more to begin baking, but Lita explained that “my places, such as school dances. They are two brothers always ate and enjoyed what I new to the leadership and management baked, which is what really motivated me.” roles, so this year has served as a learning Once Lita and Maddie decided that they experience on how to organize a group; wanted to use baking as a way to help a good they expect to become only better and cause, they began brainstorming about what stronger with time. they wanted to support. “The club has opened my eyes to helping Lita had someone really close to her more nonprofit organizations in the future, struggle with breast cancer, which led to her and that I can have a bigger impact than I fierce desire to advocate for other cancer vic- thought,” Lita said. tims. Maddie also had a friend struggle with To support the club, watch for future bake cancer, which emotionally affected her. These sales or make a direct donation to the Nationconnections to cancer survivors made them al Pediatric Cancer Foundation at nationalppassionate about finding a cure. cf.org under the tab “Support NPCF.” “I wanted to do something that helps chilKyah Corff is an intern with the Santa Ynez dren because they have so much life ahead Valley Star and a junior at Santa Ynez Valley of them,” Maddie said, and thus they chose Union High School. pediatric cancer as their cause.

CLUB CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

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VOLUNTEERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

ROSSOLL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 you have earned too much money to show as an amateur and/or you are married to a trainer. Can you share something about your connection with horses? My connection with horses, well … once it’s in your blood, it never leaves you! I’ve had plenty of good horses. And very thankful for my husband who has made me a Pacific Coast Champion in 2011, and a top 5 in the world, with the National Cutting Horse Association. Super fun every time you walk into the herd! How do you balance all the elements in your life? I’ve always had a “real job.” I was a truck broker in Santa Barbara for over 28 years, and having your own business makes it a little bit easier for me to jump in the truck and go! What is your favorite thing to do in the valley? First, always cutting, plus you know we have such great wines here. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Well, my favorite place is the Greek Islands. Santorini. I left my twin sister’s ashes there. It’s the most magical place in the world to me. What is your favorite season? I love the fall, here in Santa Ynez, the days are still warm and the nights you can feel a little chill. What do you do for fun with your friends? When I’m home my favorite thing to do is meet my girlfriends on Fridays. That’s our day to catch up and drink some wine

Photo by Ted Petit Photography Charlene Rossoll, a waitress at The Longhorn, is also an accomplished horsewoman who loves to compete in local cuttinghorse events.

and have dinner. If someone wanted to get into showing horses, what would you recommend as a starting point? Anyone who wants to ride a cutting horse really needs to know how to ride and have had some experience. I would say to them, come on over. Rex Rossoll is a great teacher. He gives lessons on all levels and even has a lesson horse for people who just want to learn how to cut.

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FREE RECYCLING

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YCheck it out! For more information, go to

Robbie Kaye is a photographer, artist and author of “Beauty and Wisdom.” She is working on a “Ladies of the Valley” documentary and several photo books. Follow her on Instagram, @ladiesofthevalley or @robbiekaye, or at www.robbiekaye.com.

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her leadership as the past mayor of Buellton and service as a member of the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital board, representative for Santa Barbara County’s 3rd District on the Library Advisory Board and Parks Commission, a member of the Buellton Union School District board, and a founder of the Buellton Community Educational Foundation. This year’s recipients of the Lifetime Achievement award are Brooks and Kate Firestone, who were nominated but couldn’t accept the award last year. This year’s Volunteer of the Year for Community Enhancement is John Copeland; Volunteer of the Year for Seniors is Diana Richardson; and Volunteer of the Year for Health and Human Services is Edna Nesky. The four high school seniors receiving “Youth in Service” scholarships are Alyssa Antoci, Samantha Garcia, Ella Hoose and Ariana Avila Torres.

Examples of household hazardous waste and electronics accepted: •

Automotive fluids (eg: antifreeze, motor oil, oil filters, etc.), batteries, cleaners, gardening supplies, fluorescent bulbs, medications, needles, paint, pool chemicals, solvents, etc.

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Computers, printers, fax machines, TVs, VCRs, DVD and CD players, radios, telephones, microwaves, etc.

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Free for residents in the City of Solvang and unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. (Buellton residents should instead attend the City of Buellton's upcoming event on May 5.) Household electronics are also collected for free during the Transfer Station’s normal hours of operation: Tues.-Sat., 8:30 am to 4 pm.