Santa Ynez Valley Star April A 2020 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

April 7 - April 20, 2020

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

Youth Rec suspends queen campaign this year Mercedes Diaz named Youth Rec Queen; will also serve next year By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

ercedes Diaz has been going to and participating in Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation activities since she was a small child. She loved helping whoever was the Queen for that year, from arranging flowers, helping sell raffle tickets and any other job that needed doing. “I love getting to see how everything is done and so many people giving their time and money to gets projects accomplished that benefit our area,” Mercedes said. “I have probably used everything that Youth Rec has either helped build or donated to.” And now, Diaz herself has been named the 2020 Youth Rec Queen. The 16-yearold from Buellton is the daughter of Oscar and Allison (Brown) Diaz. Her parents both grew up in the valley and they are high school sweethearts. This year will be unique as the COVID-19 situation has put a halt to fundraising this year, according to Frank Kelsey, Youth Rec executive director. “We are so disappointed to put this on hold, but with this situation we don’t want to ask anyone of our major donors or sponsors for money or donations,” Kelsey said. “They will be struggling to get through this as we all are. We want to take this year to recover and go strong next year.” He added that he was reluctant to put the campaign on hold, but was overjoyed to know that Mercedes was willing to put her reign on pause as well. “Mercedes is such a great kid and she has been a great trooper through all of this,” Kelsey said. SYV Youth Rec has raised more than $3 million in the past 62 years for local youth programs and facilities and has funded many projects at Santa Ynez High School,

Youth Rec Queen Mercedes has grown up with a love for volunteering, shown here handing out ice cream cones during a local senior center dinner.

Even since Mercedes parents were kids they knew how much Youth Rec (at that time they were part of the Elks Rodeo) did for the community. “Oscar and I both played soccer as kids and my family have been longtime supporters of the Elks and Youth Rec,” Allison Diaz said. Diaz said after high school her husband entered the U.S. Army and they were stationed overseas in Germany, when she was pregnant with Mercedes. She decided to come home while Oscar was deployed to Iraq. When Mercedes was three, Oscar got a job at Vandenberg Air Force Base and YOUTH REC CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

Photo by Mike Mesikep Mercedes Diaz was crowned the 2020 Youth Rec Queen and, given the COVID-19 situation that postponed the campaign, will serve as next year’s Queen as well.

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County, state prepare for 2020 census Residents encouraged to respond online, by phone or by mail Staff Report

anta Barbara County and cities across California are preparing for the next federal census that started April 1. The United States Constitution mandates a census be taken every 10 years to count people, and the survey is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s estimated that in 2010 — the last census — only 79 percent of Californians responded, said Jessica Metzger, a project planner for the City of Santa Barbara. Metzger also is part of Santa Barbara County’s joint operations for the census. “Getting an accurate count of everyone in Santa Barbara determines how much money we get from the federal government over the next decade,” Metzger said. “This money is used for vital services our community needs, including free school lunch programs, Medicare, housing vouchers, roads, college grants and parks—to name a few.” Each person uncounted in Santa Barbara County reduces federal funding for services by $2,000 per year for 10 years, Metzger said. “A complete and accurate count of California’s population is essential to the state because the data collected during the decennial census determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and is also used to distribute billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities,” according to California Census 2020 information. “More than 70 federal programs that benefit California, including education, health, and transportation, use Census numbers as part of their funding formulas.” The Census Bureau started its nationwide effort to inform people about this year’s census and is encouraging people to respond online,

by phone, or by mail. For the first time, this year’s census allows people to respond to the survey online or over the phone. It can be filled out at my2020census. gov. No information that people share with the census can be shared with any other federal agency, including law enforcement or immigration, and every person counts, regardless of citizenship status, Metzger said. About 143 million households in the United States will receive an initial invitation to respond to the 2020 census in their mailboxes between March 12 and 20, according to the Census Bureau. The questionnaire has instructions and assistance (by phone and online) in English and 12 additional languages, according to the Santa Barbara County Census 2020 Complete Count Committee. In addition, the Census Bureau is monitoring the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, and will follow the recommendations of federal, state and local health authorities. “Completing the census has never been easier, and in light of health concerns around the COVID-19 virus, our focus is on promoting ‘self-response,’” Joni Maiden, co-chair of the Santa Barbara County Census 2020 Complete Count Committee said in a statement. “Invitations are in the mail and include online instructions and phone numbers. Whether completed online, over the phone, or by mail, we want everyone in our community to be counted,” she said. In spring and summer, census takers will visit homes that have not responded, and will also visit college students living on campuses, people living in senior centers, and also survey people who are experiencing homelessness and living in shelters, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com.

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Buellton addresses staffing concerns amid COVID-19 City Hall staffed at minimal level; most working remotely Staff report

uellton City staff have been working through a number of issues over the past week dealing with the requirements of the Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer’s Declaration of Local Health Emergency in response to COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). One of the major issues to be addressed after the immediate issue of cancellation of major events scheduled to be held in the City has been the meeting of the “social distancing” mandates, which currently stand at 6 feet of separation between people. “We are finding that for some of our office areas, this separation requirement is able to be met with some arrangement of staff, but in most areas (particularly those areas open to the public), it cannot be met,” said City Manager Scott Wolfe. Most other cities in Santa Barbara County are taking action to close their City Hall lobbies and offices to the public. While this is not the City of Buellton’s preferred approach, it is growing more apparent that this is the only way to fully meet the health officer’s order and work to slow the transmission of COVID-19 in the community. Further, given that a number of the city’s staff are themselves, or have members of their immediate families who are, in COVID-19 high risk categories, social distancing by working away from the office may be necessary for their protection. Beginning March 19 and continuing until social distancing mandates are relaxed or until another viable plan is in place, most City Hall staff members have been working from home. City Hall will be operating, but public access to City Hall facilities will be limited to essential business, largely by appointment only. City Hall will utilize the following measures to comply with the County Health Officer’s mandate: n City Hall will be staffed at a minimal level during working hours. Most staff will work from home and be available by phone or email during the day. Staff working from home may be recalled to City Hall depending on immediate work needs or to report for emergency operations. Meetings with city staff members will be by appointment only to allow for control over the number of people within the building and social distance maintenance. n The doors to City Hall will be closed and locked, with signs directing the public to alternative methods of contacting city staff, either by

phone, email, or through the city’s website. n Payments for utility bills will be taken by phone, through the drop box in front of City Hall, or for those who pay cash, by curbside service with a staff member collecting payment from the resident at their car in the parking lot. Signs will explain this to the public in English and Spanish. Doorbells have been installed for those who need to alert city staff to their presence for curbside service. n The Planning Department doors will be closed and locked with staff on site on most days. Most Planning Department business can be handled online or by phone. Meetings with staff are by appointment only. n City recreation programs are currently cancelled, due to school district limitations on use of facilities during the Health Order period. n The city’s Public Works field staff will remain on duty, and the city’s water and wastewater systems will be staffed and continue to operate as usual. n Public works construction projects will continue as planned unless a subsequent Health Order preventing such work is issued. City contracts contain a provision which allows the stoppage of work on city projects at the city’s discretion in the case of situations like the one currently being faced. n Library service has already been suspended at the direction of the library service provider. n Parks (and the restroom facilities within them) are expected to remain open during normal hours, but large gatherings are not permitted in keeping with the Health Officer’s order. The COVID-19 response situation is still very fluid, and information changes from hour to hour. Therefore, the service changes listed above may change as well. The city will endeavor to post significant changes to its services to its website (www.CityOfBuellton.com), on its Facebook page, and in the display case at City Hall. For information regarding the Public Health Officer’s order and COVID-19 precautions, please visit the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department’s website at www.PublicHealthSBC.org .

Any residents with concerns can contact City Hall at 805-688-5177, or visit the city’s website at www.CityOfBuellton.com.

WE TREAT YOUR PROPERTIES AS OUR OWN! NEWS STAFF

REPORTERS

Raiza Giorgi

Pamela Dozois

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Former Los Olivos resident OK after cruise ship scare David Stephen was among 1,700 passengers stuck on vessel amid COVID-19 outbreak By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

rett Stephen said he can only remember a handful of times he’s seen his tough-as-nails dad cry; he didn’t even do so after almost severing a finger and using duct tape to hold it together. However, Brett Stephen experienced it this month when his dad talked to him from the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship. “My dad is losing it because he is stressed if he cannot get his heart medication refilled he might die,” Stephen said. “He’s also worried about his friend that is a cancer patient who is dangerously low on his meds.” His father, David Bruce Stephen, 71, who grew up in Los Olivos and now lives in Colorado, had been traveling on the ship, which has made international headlines as the cruise ship has found itself turned away from multiple ports. Stephen said he was sure there were more passengers like his father who depend on medication and not being allowed off to get to a pharmacy. “I am sure he’s not the only case, and of course we worry about his safety,” Stephen said. Fortunately, the Norwegian Jewel was able to dock in Honolulu on March 22 despite one of the engines on the vessel failing. It had approximately 1,700 passengers on board. David Stephen is from Los Olivos, growing up in the area and running a successful construction company until retiring in the early 2000s. He then moved to Colorado and has enjoyed his retirement, going on many cruises with friends until the coronavirus. All cruise ships are on a 30-day pause in operations that took effect March 14. At the time of the directive pausing operations, two

Photo by David Stephen Shown below is the ship’s wake from the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship. Only one side was churning and the crew apparently having a hard time keeping it straight.

Photo contributed Shown here is the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship. Former Los Olivos resident David Stephen was stuck on the ship, which was turned away from multiple ports because of the coronavirus outbreak.

ships, the Maasdam, operated by Holland American Line, and the Norwegian Jewel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, were already at sea.

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tered by the cruise ship companies and flown home. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on either ship. Brett Stephen said he rushed down to Los Angeles International Airport and picked up his father on March 24, and then put him on a plane to Denver from Santa Barbara the next day, and from there the elder Stephen made it home safely. Groceries were being ordered online and would be delivered just a few hours after getting home and his dad is staying put, Stephen said. “I am so thankful for everyone who made this possible from the cruise line to the Honolulu airport and everyone in between,” Brett Stephen said. “It was really great to see my dad for a while and know he got home safe.” When the ships were still stuck at sea, an official from the Hawaii Department of Transportation offered advice to anyone caught in the same situation that David Stephen was last month. “Any passenger that might need medicine refilled needs to communicate that to the ship doctor as soon as possible who can communicate that to officials,” said Shelley Kunishige, when the Star reached out to the DOT. During the crisis, Brett Stephen said he had reached out to every official he could think of with little to no response. The only response, he said, came from Congressman Salud Carbajal’s office, but no action. “(I) even reached out to (U.S. representative) Tulsi Gabbard’s office and … nothing,” Stephen said, audibly upset. At the time, The Star reached out to 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann’s office, who passed the information to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s and Carbajal’s office. The Star also tried to reach Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and left messages.

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April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5

COVID-19 causes several Solvang layoffs City lets go of over one-fourth of staff as it establishes small business loan program By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

iting devastating financial losses from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Solvang laid off over one-fourth of its staff indefinitely Friday, March 27. “The financial impact on the city has been (and will continue to be) devastating and, as a result of these changes, it has become necessary for the City of Solvang to reduce non-essential staff positions effective March 27, 2020, as listed below,” Xenia Bradford, interim city manager, wrote in an email to staff. The decision to lay off eight of the 30 workers is being strongly challenged by Teamsters Local 986 representative Jeff Lee, who claimed the action directly constitutes a violation of employee rights since union leaders were not notified. Affected employees were told to sign “a layoff agreement” that included two weeks’ severance pay and a month of insurance plus contained a clause that the worker would not file a lawsuit. “I will be notifying ALL members that these agreements are in no way legally binding and any members that have already signed them will not be legally bound to any of the provisions listed in them,” Lee wrote. He contended the city violated several

articles of the labor agreement, effective July 1, 2019, between Teamsters and Solvang. Lee added the teamsters filed an unfair labor practice charge with the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). “PERB will send a board agent and make a determination as to whether Solvang violated employees rights based on California labor laws,” he said. Employees laid off include Parks and Recreation Director Fred Lageman, who has been at the city for 24 years and created many popular programs and events, including Haunted House; City Clerk Lisa Martin; Heidi Serbus, recreation clerk; Alex Quiroz, parks maintenance; Frank Saunders, engineering technician; Carol Newsome, office assistant; Diane Christensen, building permit technician; Brynda Messer, assistant planner and non-employee Patrick Meyer, IT contractor. Lageman is not represented by the Teamsters as he is a department head, according to the union rep. Martin has been absent since October on paid administrative leave, and when the Star questioned why she was gone, City Attorney Chip Wullbrandt cited personnel matters and said he couldn’t comment further. An interim city clerk, Daryl Betancur, has been filling the role. Lee provided a list of emails and text messages he sent to Bradford since March 13 that have gone unanswered, including a letter “demanding to bargain over any and all changes to: staffing levels, shift hours, work assignments, attendance policies, sick leave pay, and any other anticipated changes which you wish

to implement in response to Coronavirus. No response was received from you.” When Bradford sent a memo to city employees saying certain positions would be put on paid administrative leave immediately (March 24), the union was not notified, Lee added. “I sent you an email asking that you keep me updated on any future changes that directly impacted the membership so that I have the opportunity to provide clarification to members who were approaching me with questions in regards to a memo you sent out the previous day. No response was received from you,” Lee wrote March 24. Three days later, Bradford and Wullbrandt began meeting with the affected employees to issue pink slips. “Bargaining Unit members were told if they did not sign the agreement, they would not be entitled to two-weeks of severance pay. As stated above, the attached agreement is in no way legally binding and is an example of the City of Solvang’s blatant attempts at circumventing the Teamsters Local 986 Union…,” Lee said. Lee said he is evaluating his next steps and what is best for the members. Questions sent Friday by the Star to Bradford and Wullbrandt have not yet been answered. The March 27 layoffs came just days after Mayor Ryan Toussaint sent out an email saying the city established a $250,000 Emergency Loan Assistance Program for Solvang small businesses suffering COVID-19-related losses due to the economic cessation. “Funding for this loan program will come from the City reserves. The program is meant to meet emergency cash flow needs of Solvang

small businesses while they wait for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications, or similar loans, to be processed,” Toussaint said in a written statement. “It is our hope that these City-funded micro-loans will help our local businesses to continue to keep more workers employed,” he added. “The loans are aimed at recovery, making sure that there’s something left to recover when the time comes.” The city reportedly has applications still being accepted through the Solvang Resources website: www.SolvangResources.com/resources/business-resources. The next council meeting, which was scheduled for Monday, March 30, listed in the consent agenda a contract approval for Bradford of $175,000 with a $1,000 housing allowance, as well as adjusted legal fees. The council was also approved enacting a temporary moratorium on evictions and applying for reimbursement from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The city also isn’t allowing the public to attend council meetings in person for the time being. They stated anyone wanting to make a general public comment or to comment on a specific item to email it to council@cityofsolvang.com to put into the record or to add in their email for their comment to “be read into the record.” They warned due to time limitations not all comments might be read.

To view the agendas, visit www.cityofsolvang. com and search Agendas and Minutes under City Hall. To view the full meeting visit www.YouTube. com and search City of Solvang.

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6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020

Santa Maria Times, sister papers reportedly sold Lee Enterprises has owned publications since 2005 By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

he Santa Maria Times newspaper and its local sister publications have been sold by their out-of-state owner to a company with ties to Canada. Lee Enterprises, a publicly held firm based in Davenport, Iowa, has owned the Santa Maria Times since 2005. The newspaper noted the sale March 13, saying the deal also included the Hanford Sentinel in Kings County and its sibling publications. The new owner is listed as Santa Maria News Media Inc., a recently formed company that registered with the state in January. Documents filed with the state list Melanie Walsh as chief executive officer, Roland McBride as secretary and Roland McBride as chief financial officer with an address based in Marion, Ill. They are affiliated with several other newspapers, many recently acquired, such as The Bakersfield Californian, the Antelope Valley Press and The Porterville Recorder, all of which operate under various names. For a media company, there appears to be some mystery around the owner, according to stories in the Los Angeles Times and Bakersfield television after the purchase of the once-family-owned newspaper in Bakersfield. Before being acquired by Lee Enterprises, the Santa Maria Times was part of Pulitzer Publishing Co., which had acquired the smaller Scripps League Newspapers Inc. in the mid-1990s. Smaller publications that are included in the latest sale are the Lompoc Record, acquired by Pulitzer in 2001, and the Santa Ynez Valley News, acquired by Pulitzer in 2004. The Hanford newspaper also owns the Selma Enterprise and Kingsburg Recorder, both of which had been acquired in 2000 from Jim Brock, a second-generation member of his family to own and operate the two papers in southern Fresno County. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

Point in Time homeless count results released

Results show 5 percent increase in homelessness Staff Report

esults of the 2020 Point in Time (PIT) Count of persons experiencing homelessness was released March 11. Conducted on Jan. 29 by the Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care (CoC), the count is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and serves as a snapshot of homelessness in the county on a single night. The county and CoC provided oversight of the PIT Count, working closely with Northern Santa Barbara County United Way Home for Good, Simtech Solutions and more than 500 volunteers. Countywide, 1,897 persons were counted, representing an increase of 5 percent in the number of persons experiencing homelessness. The count includes 1,223 persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness and 674 persons living in emergency shelters or transitional housing. In 2019, the official PIT count was 1,803. There was a notable increase in unsheltered persons living in their vehicles between 2019 and 2020. While communities across the state of California have not yet released their 2020 Point in Time Count numbers, many counties experienced double digit increases in the homeless population between 2017 and 2019. Highlights from the collected data include: n 90 families with 185 children under the age of 18 were homeless the night of

the count (this does not include families doubled up, paying for a motel or at-risk of homelessness). This represents a decrease of 22 percent from 2019. n 51 percent of the persons in the unsheltered count (1,223) were living in

TABLE 1: PIT Population by Area

vehicles (629), an increase of 31 percent from 2019. n 613 persons were experiencing chronic homelessness, an increase of 45 percent from 2019. n 210 veterans were experiencing homelessness, an increase of 83 percent from 2019. Home for Good recruited more than 500 volunteers to assist, including 435 people who showed up at 5:30 a.m. to canvas 89

census tracts across the county. “The PIT Count effort illustrates that there is still much work to do to address homelessness; thankfully we have committed resources and dedicated partners to pursue solutions across the county,” stated CoC Chairman Rob Fredericks in response to the PIT results. The chart below provides count data by city/area compared to the 2019 PIT homeless population estimates combining both unsheltered and sheltered populations. The homeless population was distributed throughout the county: 1,292 (68%) persons in south county, 387 (20%) persons in north county and 218 (12%) in mid-county. The homeless population in Lompoc and Santa Maria decreased, while nearly all areas along the South Coast had increases in the homeless population. Increases are attributed to more persons counted that are living in their vehicles. The Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care promotes community-wide planning and strategic use of resources and programs targeted to people experiencing homelessness. The County of Santa Barbara serves as the lead agency for the CoC. A presentation of the 2020 PIT Count was scheduled for April 2 at 2 p.m. at Shepard Hall at the Santa Maria Library. A more comprehensive report of the 2020 PIT data will be released later this year after official submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. For additional details on the 2020 Point in Time report, contact Kimberlee Albers, Homeless Assistance Programs Manager at kalbers@co.santa-barbara. ca.us or (805) 560-1090.

April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7

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Our thoughts are with those affected with COVID-19, as well as medical professionals, government officials & organizations working tirelessly on caring for those in need.

Our sincerest gratitude goes out to those working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, especially first responders and medical professionals.

Please continue to support local businesses. Small business owners are not only working to keep their businesses going, but are also responsible for supporting many families & employees.

Sotheby’s International Realty supports social distancing so our teams are operating from home, working diligently and leveraging technology to ensure our clients and agents are fully supported.

Collectively, we are all in this together, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

- The Baker’s Table - El Rancho - Hitching Post

- Red Barn - Santa Ynez Kitchen - Trattoria Grappolo

© Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity. DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: Mike Testa: 1934044 | Mike Brady: 825140 | Micah Brady: 1219166 | Jennifer Nation: 1217818 | Patty Murphy: 766586 | Patty Murphy: 766586 | Lauren Daniels: 2015901 | Barbara Bierig: 01748760 | Meagan Tambini: 1348412 | Frank Abatemarco: 1320375

8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020

Newspapers play crucial role during Coronavirus Staff Report

ver the last two months, concern over the spreading COVID-19 virus has increasingly gripped our nation. In this public health crisis, people need access to accurate and authoritative information so that they can make decisions about their health and safety. Hearsay, half-truths and supposition don’t cut it when our lives may be at stake. That’s why this newspaper -- and thousands of others in our state -- are on the front lines of the pandemic. We are there to inquire, authenticate and report facts so you know what’s going on and what to do. At the Santa Ynez Valley Star, we take that responsibility very seriously. Our reporters are working around the clock to provide our readers with the latest information on how and where the virus is spreading and what health experts are recommending to protect the public. To ensure that information is accurate, editors review and fact-check each element of every story. Further behind the scenes, our dedicated workers in produc-

tion, subscriber and delivery services make sure that our digital and print editions reach our readers with the information they need in these turbulent times. We live in an era when information is fingertip-accessible, but so is misinformation. Newspapers provide the relevant details on the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on our local hospitals and schools. Every day, we’re here focused on delivering critical information to

you, our readers, about the things that matter most to you: business, the stock market, jobs, quality of life, elected officials, events, local schools, entertainment, crime, transportation, weather and more. We strive for complete accuracy – and

when we err, we hold ourselves accountable and strive to do better in the future. In the face of this great responsibility, newspapers are operating under increasing financial pressure. Over the past 15 years, more than one in five papers in the United States has closed, and the number of journalists has been cut in half, according to the University of North Carolina’s School of Media and Journalism. So, if you appreciate the hard work of our journalists during this crisis, please let them know by sending them an email. They are on the front lines, sharing the critical work being done by first responders, health care professionals, public health experts and many others. In times of challenges, we’re reminded that we’re all in this together, sharing acts of simple kindness and community cohesion: neighbors helping neighbors, young families making sure seniors have plenty of food, and businesses temporarily closing their doors but paying employees during the shutdown. Although it may be a frightening time, the worst trials can bring out the best in Americans. We’re proud to tell these stories of our times.

Why Solvang needs an urban growth boundary By Susan Bott

n urban growth boundary (UGB) is a line beyond which residents of a city are given a vote on whether that city will be able to expand beyond the UGB. It is used to protect agricultural land from unwise conversion to urban uses. Urban growth boundaries have been used in California since 1990. Currently there are 63 cities (including some counties) with UGBs. Early ones have been renewed by the voters, including those of Ventura County and its cities. In our county, both Buellton and Goleta have UGBs. Solvang needs a UGB so

its residents will have a long-term vote on proposals that would increase the size of the city. It is residents who will bear the brunt of expansion outside the city limits since they already are impacted by traffic, including vehicles coming through their neighborhoods to avoid Highway 246 traffic in the Village area. They also realize there are limits to water availability. What will Solvang’s urban growth boundary look like? Its border is the same as the current city limits and will be in effect for 20 years. Public schools, public services and facilities and state-mandated housing do not require a citizens’ vote to adjust the UGB. How will an urban growth boundary benefit Solvang? It will encourage com-

pact development and infill in Solvang. It will protect Solvang’s village character, for the rural gateways and vistas surrounding it are a critical part of that ambience. It will support downtown businesses. It will enable all to support and vote for well-thought-out projects in the western sphere of influence, the area that already has industrial activity. However, projects not beneficial to residents will not be approved. During April, Solvang residents who want to vote on the UGB initiative will be contacting Solvang registered voters to obtain the signatures needed to place the initiative on the ballot. (They will find ways to do this that

protect both the signers and the signature gatherers from the coronavirus). Your signature simply indicates that you think Solvang residents should be able to vote on whether they want to establish an urban growth boundary for Solvang at the Nov. 3 election. This initiative is sponsored by the Save Our Solvang UGB Initiative Campaign Committee. Save Our Solvang was formed in 2017 in response to a proposal to enlarge Solvang by about a third without any vote by its residents. Susan Bott is the chair of Save Our Solvang. To contact the organization email info@saveoursolvang.com or go to saveoursolvang.com.

April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

Solvang Children’s Shop celebrates 50th anniversary Sisters carrying on mother’s legacy at long-time business By Pamela Dozois

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

he idea of opening a children’s store first came to Doris Mitchell when her first granddaughter was born. She found an empty store front on Copenhagen Drive in Solvang and went to Los Angeles buying merchandise to sell in the Solvang Baby Gift Shop in 1970. “My mother was frustrated that there were no stores in Solvang where she could shop for baby clothes for her first granddaughter,” said Donna Oliver, Mitchell’s daughter. Mitchell came to Solvang in 1933 with her Danish immigrant family. The family had initially stopped in South Dakota, where Mitchell was born, and then moved to Solvang. “The store was her pride and joy,” Oliver said. “She wasn’t a businessperson, she didn’t have a job and decided she could open up her own store. People loved what she picked out for her new baby store. She worked hard and made a success of it. It has been in the same location for 50 years and several more grandchildren and great grandchildren have been outfitted over the years.” The name of the store was changed to the Solvang’s Children Shop some 30-odd years ago, recalled Oliver. It has always been a family operation. Oliver worked at the store during her high school years and was later joined by her

Solvang Children’s Shop has their signature Solvang dress that is made especially for their store.

Photo by Pamela Dozois Donna Oliver outside the Solvang Children’s Shop, a legacy inherited from her mother who started the business 50 years ago.

sister Debra Etling. Oliver’s sister-inlaw Adele also helped out in the store as did a later granddaughter, Leah Etling. “It has been through hard work and doing all the tasks required ourselves, from bookkeeping to cleaning that has made the store viable,” Oliver said. “Retail has become a difficult business over the years, especially now with online sales competition.” When Mitchell “retired,” one of her favorite things to do was to come in and help in the store, Oliver recalled. By then, the sisters had assumed most of the duties in the running of the store. In 2013, their mother formally transferred the business to her two daughters. Mitchell passed away at the end of

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2017, leaving her beloved store in good hands. “To survive in Solvang, we think a store must appeal to tourists as well as locals,” said Oliver. “We buy with our local customers in mind for most of our lines but supplement it with some things that we know appeal to visitors, like our Solvang T-shirts and our Solvang dress that we have made especially for our store. We sell lots of shoes to our Valley customers (our See Kai Run sneakers are a favorite), cowboy boots, as well as clothing. Gifts for new babies are also a good seller for us “We frequently have customers come into the store to reminisce about having purchased over the years a special dress

for their daughter or granddaughter or a cute outfit for their son. A lot of times they come in to shop for the next generation,” Oliver said. “We hope that the store will continue with the next generation of my family,” said Oliver. Etling’s daughter-in-law Abigail Sample Etling has been helping out in the store and there are great-grandchildren who have shown an interest in the store for the future. “It would be wonderful to see my mother’s legacy pass on to future generations,” Oliver said. The Solvang Children’s Shop is located at 1666 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang, and they also have an online shop at www. solvangchildrensshop.com. Follow them on social media @solvangchildrensshop.

Thrift Store Eclectic Collection of Previously Owned Treasures & Goods All Volunteer Local Thrift Store Supporting Worthy Local Causes If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.

It’s not too early to sign up! Ages 6-12, 7:30am-6pm, $200/5 days, $50/1 day

Play games and make new friends. Meet at Buellton Rec Center. Bring a nutritious sack lunch daily and be ready for a week of pure fun!

Santa Ynez Valley Opportunity Shop 3630 Sagunto Street • Santa Ynez • 688-8005 Across the street from The Vineyard House

Tuesday through Sunday • 10am-4pm

10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020

Star Drug announces it’s closing April 24 Owners Steve and Joan Reden thank the community for the great ride By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

teve and Joan Reden will miss seeing their customers on a regular basis, but they are ready to start their next chapter of retirement and spending a lot of time with their family. The longtime Santa Ynez Valley residents are closing their shop, Star Drugs, at the end of April. The closing of Star Drug also ends an era as they happened to be the last family-operated pharmacy in the area. They sent a loving letter to the community, which they posted on social media and have been handing out to their customers, thanking them for many years of patronage. “I am hoping to get back to walking and hiking and being with our grandchildren more and traveling once this virus is over,” Steve Reden said. Aside from being a pharmacy, Star Drug also offered FedEx and UPS shipping as well as copy and fax services. All their clients’ information will be transferred to the new CVS location next to New Frontiers in Solvang. Their employees have all been offered positions there as well, Reden said. Reden has been a pharmacist for more than 50 years. After taking an occupational counseling service at his high school, he found an interest in pharmaceutical medicine. He started his career in Beverly Hills and worked his way up the coast. Reden worked mostly as a relief pharmacist, working at other drug stores when someone was out on leave or needed a break.

Lana Clark Schutz

“It was fun being an independent pharmacist as I could go to other areas and take time off when I wanted,” he said. “When an owner or pharmacist needed to take time off, they would call me.” In the 1980s the Redens briefly owned Plaza Drug in La Cumbre Plaza in Santa Barbara for about six years and then he happened to do a relief job for Les Petersen, who had a small shop next to Harrison’s Hardware in Santa Ynez, and knew he wanted to live in the valley. “Les then built the building where Bella Mia salon is now and we came to the valley in 1987,” Reden said. “I worked part-time jobs for Les and then went to work for Leon Roeser, where Rite-Aid in Solvang is now.” When Rite-Aid took over in the late 1990s he stayed for a while and then went to a store in Santa Maria for a year. “We opened Star Drug in January of 2000 and this has been such an amazing journey the last 20 years. We loved every minute of it,” Joan Reden said. The two are also active in the community from Steve’s involvement for the Artist Advocacy Foundation through Tales of the Tavern and the Rona Barrett Foundation. “I am so proud to have worked on the Golden Inn and Villages project with Rona and get this built for the community,” he said. Joan Reden has been a longtime board member of the Santa Ynez Chamber, and loves helping organize the SYV Pickleball league. Star Drug will be closing April 24, and the Redens are hoping to see some of their longtime customers before they close; however due to the COVID-19, they understand if people are hesitant to come in, and they will still see people in the community.

LANA CLARK & ASSOCIATES

Estate and Trust Specialists

• Estate Planning & Review • Trust Administrations • Probate Proceedings

688-3939

Solvang Antiques now exclusively online You can shop the best antique, vintage and estate hidden gems 24/7 Staff report

lthough Solvang Antiques closed its physical location in March, the longtime local business is not even close to closing down as its online sales increased so much the owner decided to only market that way. “For the last few years, our sales online have been rapidly increasing,” explains Solvang Antiques owner Dwight Steffensen. “In order to meet the demand, we are committing major resources to our e-commerce efforts. We will be moving to a smaller location with a mini showroom for private showings only.” Solvang Antiques is in good company when it comes to selling online. In 2019, consumers in the United States spent approximately $586.92 billion on e-commerce, representing an increase of 14 percent vs. 2018 and 10.7 percent of total U.S. retail spending. In 2020, it will surpass 10 percent of total U.S. retail sales for the first time in history. By 2023, spending is expected to reach $969.70 billion. Solvang Antiques has already made its mark online with many one-of-a-kind pieces that can only be found at www.solvangantiques. com. Customers can shop the store’s exquisite antique, vintage and estate jewelry, along with their exceptional selection of restored antique clocks, watches and music boxes, decorative

accessories, and fine art 24/7. There’s something for everyone at Solvang Antiques, from the casual browser to the serious collector. Just get on your computer and take a look at the exquisite antique, vintage and estate jewelry, fine art paintings and sculpture, collector items, silver, porcelain, cut glass and museum-quality investment items. Solvang Antiques gained its reputation among collectors and antique dealers as one of the finest multiple-dealer galleries in the country. This is the result of the company’s quality merchandising, service-oriented staff, and worldwide delivery. Solvang Antiques will continue to deliver to loyal, repeat customers around the globe online. The selection of antique, vintage and estate jewelry at Solvang Antiques, along with the collection of restored antique and vintage timepieces, is unsurpassed. The online gallery is the perfect showcase for pieces from renowned artisans of this and past centuries, just like the brick and mortar store, only now, customers can shop at any time. To shop, simply visit www.solvangantiques. com or call 805-686-2322.

Shine up your savings. CD Rates 1.0 to 2.35% Charitable Gift Annuity Rates 4.7 to 9.5%

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• Conservatorship & Incapacity Matters • Business Entities and Real Estate • Second Opinion & Updates

www.LanaClarkLaw.com 1607 Mission Drive, Ste. 107 • Solvang

YOU BENEFIT. PATIENTS BENEFIT. THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY BENEFITS. A Cottage Health charitable gift annuity provides you a guaranteed income for the rest of your life. Consider trading in your low-interest CD or appreciated stock for a charitable gift annuity supporting Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital. For details on this program and to obtain a complimentary, no-obligation proposal, please contact Carla Long, Director of Planned Giving for Cottage Health, 805.879.8987/805.879.8982 (clong@sbch.org); or June Martin, SYVCH Foundation Administrator, 805.691.9509 (j2martin@sbch.org). CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY SAMPLE RATES (EFFECTIVE MAY 30, 2019):

$10,000 gift with one income beneficiary

AGE: 60 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 65 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 70 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 75 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 80 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 85 PAYOUT RATE:

AGE: 90+ PAYOUT RATE:

4.7% 5.1% 5.6% 6.2% 7.3% 8.3% 9.5%

April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

PG&E to suspend customer shutoffs

Utility implementing measures amid COVID-19 pandemic Staff report

Pacific Gas and Electric Company recently announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has voluntarily implemented a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment, effective immediately. This suspension will apply to both residential and commercial customers and will remain in effect until further notice. To further support customers who may be impacted

JODI WILLIAMS 805-680-8737 CalDRE #0130563

by the pandemic, PG&E will offer its most flexible pay plans to customers who indicate either an impact or hardship as a result of

ing precautionary measures, such as avoiding handshakes and wearing disposable nitrile gloves while in customers’ homes.

COVID-19. PG&E will continue to monitor current events and identify opportunities to support our customers and communities. In addition to the moratorium on service shutoffs, PG&E’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is focused on efforts to protect the health and safety of its customers, employees, contractors and the communities it serves. Actions the company has taken include providing guidance for employees who have direct customer contact to take social distanc-

Customers who visit local offices to pay bills and are sick or experiencing symptoms are being asked to use other payment options such as online or by phone at 1-877-704-8470. “We recognize that this is a rapidly changing situation and an uncertain time for many of

our customers. Our most important responsibility is the health and safety of our customers and employees,” said Chief Customer Officer and Senior Vice President Laurie Giammona. “We also want to provide some relief from the stress and financial challenges many are facing during this worldwide, public health crisis. We understand that many of our customers may experience a personal financial strain due to the slowdown in the economy related to the pandemic.” Internally, the company is taking advanced cleaning measures, communicating best practices frequently with employees, and is asking its leaders to let employees work remotely if their job allows, while avoiding critical business disruption. PG&E has activated an enterprise-wide incident response team and is vigilantly monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization for updates related to the virus. The company is committed to continue addressing customer service needs and does not expect any disruption in gas or electric service due to the public health crisis.

ROBIN FLYNN 805-448-1167 CalDRE #01951942

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in contract $619,000

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Santa Ynez Valley Star

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

SBDC can help local businesses prepare and recover Staff Report

s concerns continue about COVID-19, the Small Business Development Center can help you navigate available resources, answer business questions and be a trusted partner for small business. “Despite the impact of COVID-19, rest assured the SBDC is here to help and we value the privilege to be of service,” according to its press release. Small business owners can sign up at no cost to help answer questions, apply for business resources and plan during a disruption. The SBDC can help with applying for relief, guiding through available resources, cash flow concerns, supply chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage and more – at no cost. Contact your nearest SBDC to schedule a virtual consultation by calling 1-866588-SBDC. Small business owners can also register for COVID-19 Webinars – free, live presentations plus Q&A for small business owners regarding potential impacts of COVID-19 and what actions business

Treasury, IRS issue guidance on deferring tax payments

owners should take now. Topics to be covered include: n Public messaging for your employees and clients n What you can expect over the next few months n How to craft an action plan for your business for COVID-19 n Where to find accurate and up-to-date information and resources n Q&A Below please find links to Federal and State Resources for Small Businesses.

Federal Support:

Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide up to $2M in Disaster Assistance Loans to businesses impacted by COVID-19. www.sba.gov/about-sba/ sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19 SBA Guidance for employers to plan and respond to COVID-19. www.sba.gov/ page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – SBDC CONTINUED TO PAGE 20

Governor puts price-gouging laws in effect DA Dudley urges county residents to report violations Staff Report

ov. Gavin Newsom, on March 11, issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency with price-gouging protections in effect through Sept. 4. As a result, Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley has announced her office will diligently investigate and prosecute cases of price-gouging for as long as Santa Barbara County is under a State of Emergency for the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Dudley urged county residents to report any instances of price-gouging when shopping for consumer goods or medical supplies. California’s anti-price-gouging statute, Penal Code Section 396, prohibits raising the price of many consumer goods and services by more than 10 percent after an emergency has been declared. The law applies to any person or business selling goods or services including consumer goods, food and drink items, emergency supplies, medical supplies, storage facilities, emer-

gency cleanup materials and transportation. Violations of the price-gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, injunctive relief and mandatory restitution. “Local businesses have traditionally been community partners during crises, but anyone that profiteers during a state of emergency will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Dudley said. “County residents must have access to necessary supplies, especially when community health is at stake.” Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of price-gouging, or who has information regarding potential price-gouging, is urged to file a complaint with the District Attorney’s Office by completing a Consumer Complaint Form online at https://www.countyofsb.org/da/ msm_county/documents/ConsumerComplaintForm_Fillable.pdfor by calling 805-568-2300. For more information on price-gouging, visit https://www.oag.ca.gov/consumers/pricegougingduringdisasters.

State also decides to delay tax payment date during COVID-19 outbreak Staff Report

he Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15 to July 15. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15 to July 15 without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax. Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline, can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004. The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax refunds are still being issued within 21 days. “Even with the filing deadline extended, we urge taxpayers who are owed refunds to file as soon as possible and file electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds. Although we are curtailing some operations during this period, the IRS is continuing with mission-critical operations to support the nation, and that includes accepting tax returns and sending refunds. As a federal agency vital to the overall operations of our country, we ask for your personal support, your understanding – and your patience. I’m incredibly proud of our employees as we navigate through numerous different challenges in this very rapidly changing environment.” The IRS will continue to monitor issues related to the COVID-19 virus, and updated information will be posted on a special coronavirus page on IRS.gov. This announcement comes following Pres-

ident Donald Trump’s emergency declaration last week pursuant to the Stafford Act. The Stafford Act is a federal law designed to bring an orderly and systematic means of federal natural disaster and emergency assistance for state and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to aid citizens. It was enacted in 1988. Treasury and IRS will issue additional guidance as needed and continue working with Congress, on a bipartisan basis, on legislation to provide further relief to the American people. The State of California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) also announced they are postponing until July 15 the filing and payment deadlines for all individuals and business entities for 2019 tax returns, payments and 2020 first- and second-quarter estimated tax payment. Also postponed are the 2020 LLC taxes and fees as well as 2020 non-wage withholding payments. “The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting life for people and businesses statewide,” said State Controller Betty T. Yee, who serves as chair of FTB. “We are further extending tax filing deadlines for all Californians to July 15. Hopefully, this small measure of relief will help allow people to focus on their health and safety during these challenging times.” To give taxpayers a deadline consistent with that of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) without the federal dollar limitations, FTB is following the federal relief described in Notice 2020-17. Since California conforms to the underlying code sections that grant tax postponements for emergencies, FTB is extending the relief to all California taxpayers. Taxpayers do not need to claim any special treatment or call FTB to qualify for this relief. For more details regarding FTB COVID-19 tax relief, please see our website at ftb.ca.gov and search COVID-19. If possible, taxpayers should continue to file tax returns on time to get their refunds timely, including claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit. During this public health emergency, FTB continues to process tax returns, issue refunds, and provide phone and live chat service to taxpayers needing assistance.

April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

After working hard to earn money, people want to keep it safe. Banks do more than just hold people’s money. They also lend money, and pay interest on money kept in savings accounts. Saving money pays!

19 - 6 = A 12 + 4 = E 11 + 6 = I

Long ago, people took their treasures to the temple for safety. No one would _________ from a temple, for fear it would make the gods _________. In Italy, bankers would take care of banking business _________ on benches. The word bank comes from the Italian word for _______, banca. Jewelers and goldsmiths also acted as bankers, sharing their vaults with the community to keep _________ safe.

want tore and oney s a in e you ar your m Suppose omething, but blem. Banks s o r y get op to bu bank. Nways for you tosuch e th in is need it me easy have so oney when you ards. c your m ks and ATM as chec

You have seen people using an ATM card to take money out of the bank (a withdrawal) or put money in a bank (a deposit). Use the code to find out what the letters ATM mean.

Long ago in England, people stored their money in jars made from a kind of clay called pygg. After a while, people called the jars pyggy banks. Someone finally started making them in the shape of a pig.

Banks give customers with checking accounts a booklet of checks. To buy something, you need to fill out the check, sign it and give it to the seller.

TREASURES BUSINESS NUMERALS BANKING SAVINGS CHECKS BANCA BENCH PIGGY MONEY CENTS COUNT SAFE EASY CASH

14 - 7 = O 9 + 9 =U 4 + 6 =Y

Find the words in the puzzle, then in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities. S G N I V A S C O L

D E H A Y G G I P B

R S R S T N E C S U B Y Y U I A H O K S

D A E K S S C U C I

C W N Y A A N N E N S A O C S F E T H E

B H M H A E B R C S S L A R E M U N T S

Find an ad. Rewrite the ad, substituting words like “many,” “few” and “several” for the numbers. Are the numbers necessary? Why or why not? Look through the newspaper to find information and ads about banks. How many banks can you find? Write their names on a sheet of paper in alphabetical order.

Banks say you should always write a check in pen. Why do you think that’s important?

Brought to you by

Do you have a piggy bank? If so, why? If not, why not? Write a paragraph or more.

14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

COVID-19 joint response effort for Santa Barbara County is over $1M Local organizations team up for pandemic relief Staff report

he Santa Barbara Foundation, United Way of Santa Barbara County, and the Hutton Parker Foundation are leading a countywide funders’ collaborative with members of the Foundation Roundtable. This COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County announced today that they will provide over $1 million in assistance to individuals and families as well as organizations actively assisting members of the community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The full extent of the impact this pandemic will have on our community remains to be seen; however, it is clear already that the needs of our community members and the organizations serving them will be substantial,” said President & CEO Steve Ortiz of United Way of Santa Barbara County. “We are honored and grateful to work with such generous community members and with such dedicated organizations through this COVID-19 Joint Response Effort to quickly and effi-

ciently meet the needs of our community.” This COVID-19 Joint Response Effort will align and coordinate efforts, collect and share information, and distribute financial resources on a rolling basis for our most vulnerable populations. Together, the community groups will mobilize funds to rapidly meet the needs of our community as they arise. Nonprofits can submit applications through the collaborative COVID-19 Nonprofit Grant Intake packet (preferred method) and/or to individual funders through their application processes. COVID-19 Response Grants funding priorities include: n Individual financial need to help struggling community members secure and maintain basic needs, cover unexpected child care and education expenses, and recover from loss of wages due to business closures and social distancing measures. n Meeting increased service demand for organizations serving Santa Barbara County’s most vulnerable populations impacted by widespread shutdown of schools and child-care facilities, and social distancing measures impacting places of employment. n Operational capacity and business

continuity to provide unrestricted funding for organizations to carry out their missions and adjust business models to meet the needs of their staff and clients. “It’s during times like these that philanthropy is called upon to lead in new and different ways,” said Jackie Carrera, Interim CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation. “By coming together as one, we can better serve our communities ensuring rapid and effective assistance for the most vulnerable and meet the varied COVID-19 response needs as they arise.” “With leadership from the Santa Barbara Foundation and the United Way of Santa Barbara County, the local foundation community has joined forces and combined resources to respond to many of the nonprofit sector’s critical and immediate needs,” said Tom Parker, president of the Hutton Parker Foundation. “It is imperative, at this time, for funders to be working in collaborative nature to not only address immediate needs, but to also plan for the future.” The public is encouraged to generously support the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County. Donations can be made at the Santa Barbara Foundation at SBFoundation.org/covid-19responseeffort or at the United Way at united-

waysb.org/covid19. For more resources about COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County, please go to publichealthsbc.org. For resources for individuals please go to www.unitedwaysb. org/covid19. For resources for nonprofits please go to www.SBFoundation.org/ covid-19-sbc-np-resources. Foundation Roundtable members as of March 19, 2020 who have joined the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort include: n The Ann Jackson Family Foundation n Audacious Foundation n Fund for Santa Barbara n The Henry E. & Lola Monroe Foundation n Hutton Parker Foundation n James S. Bower Foundation n Jane and Paul Orfalea n The Natalie Orfalea Foundation n Mosher Foundation n The Muzzy Family n Santa Barbara Foundation n The Towbes Foundation n United Way of Santa Barbara County n Wood-Claeyssens Foundation

April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Sansum, YMCA offer guidelines to prevent diabetes Participants can learn skills, lifestyle changes to improve health Staff Report

eginning this spring, community members are preventing type 2 diabetes together with the lifestyle change intervention offered by Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and the YMCA. Guided by trained lifestyle coaches, groups of participants will learn the skills necessary to make lasting changes such as modest amounts of weight loss, being more physically active, and managing stress. One in three Americans has prediabetes. People with prediabetes may develop type 2 diabetes within 3 years if they do not take steps to prevent it. “With the sharp increase in type 2 diabetes in our communities, the YMCA is very pleased to be partnering with Sansum Diabetes Research Institute in identifying members of our communities at risk, and working jointly to help people bring about life-saving changes in their lives,” said Thomas Speidel, executive director of the

Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez. This revolutionary program promotes a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to wellness in a motivating environment. Participants will learn how to eat healthfully, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of making changes. This is a yearlong program. Groups will meet once a week for four months, then once a month for the remainder of the program to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make similar changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles. SDRI and the YMCA are also partnering on a program for those impacted by type 2 diabetes, Ocho Pasos a la Buena Salud. Ocho Pasos a la Buena Salud is an ADA-recognized diabetes self-management education series offered in Spanish over 8-10 weeks. The course is culturally appropriate for the local Latino/Hispanic community and utilizes an instructional

approach that prioritizes discussion and participant engagement to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to self-manage type 2 diabetes. Topics include healthy eating, meal planning and preparation, monitoring, medications, as well as identifying risk factors, symptoms, and complications of diabetes, and lifestyle changes to improve an individual’s diabetes self-management. Health outcomes are tracked over the course of the series and outcomes analysis has proven the effectiveness of the series. The Diabetes Prevention program and Ocho Pasos a la Buena Salud, will be offered at several YMCA locations, including Santa Ynez, Lompoc and Santa Barbara. The Diabetes Prevention program is based on research that showed that people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) by making modest changes reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, with older adults experiencing an even greater diabetes risk reduction. Small changes can add up to a big difference. Working with a trained lifestyle

coach who provides guidance, PreventT2 program participants can make lasting changes together. People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they: n Are 45 years of age or older; n Are overweight; n Have a family history of type 2 diabetes; n Are physically active fewer than three times per week; or n Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds. Prevent T2 will hold the following screenings: n Santa Barbara Family YMCA and Haley St. Family and Teen Center – please contact SDRI for more information To see if you are eligible to join our program, take the risk test to get started. Test is available at www.sansum.org. To learn more about this program, call Stefany Olague, Program Coordinator @ 805682-7640, ext.221, or email solague@ sansum.org.

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16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020

April 1: A day for all to be foolish

John Copeland

ark Twain always maintained that we should never take ourselves too seriously. The first of April is called April Fools or All Fools’ Day or as the French call it, April Fish. I know, April Fish? really? The French have always had their own approach to many cultural things, as is the case today. But, no matter what you call April 1, it is one of the most lighthearted days of the year. However, April Fools’ Day’s origins are clouded in obscurity. Part of the puzzle that April Fool’s Day presents is that detailed references to it, and curiosity about it, only appeared during the 18th century. But even then, it was regarded as being of great antiquity. I think it’s very curious that our April tradition of foolery had been adopted by so many different European cultures without leaving a mention in the written record. Holidays can be a bit like a layer cake: The outside is all colorful frosting and decorations, but when you dig in with your fork, you find all these different layers with their own textures and flavors sometimes separated by more sweet layers of frosting. Well, All Fools’ Day is like

that. If you look at what our ancestors were up to around this time of year, a picture begins to emerge. It is likely that part of the day’s foolishness is an inherited relic of the ancient festivals that were celebrated around the spring equinox. Nearly every culture in the world had a festival in the first months of the year that celebrated the end of winter and the return of spring. Many folks, like the Romans and Hindus, celebrated New Year’s then with festivities that began on the equinox and ended on April 2. It was common for these ancient New Year celebrations to include ritualized forms of mayhem and misrule. Rules were suspended. Raucous partying, trickery, and the turning upside down social order were all allowed. Even though our April Fool’s Day has many similarities with spring equinox festivals, there is no agreement among scholars about which festival the tradition of April foolery descended from. A contributing factor to the lack of historical references to All Fools’ Day is that the occasion was a commoners’ celebration and aristocratic participation was minimal. This makes it more difficult to trace because the common folk, were for the most part, uneducated and did not keep written records. But folk traditions can run very deep within cultures and

in the case of All Fools’ Day, it is clear that a day devoted to foolery has ancient roots. Take the medieval figure of the Fool, the symbolic patron saint of the All Fools’ Day. Fools were prominent characters in medieval Europe, practicing their craft in a variety of settings from market squares to royal

courts. Their distinctive dress is still familiar to many of us today: multicolored clothing, a horned hat, and scepter and bauble. In those times, fools were often very wise men. It was the role of the court fools to put things in perspective with humor. What is believed by some to be one of the earliest written connections of the day with fools is found in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales,” specifically in the story of the Nun’s Priest Tale. It was written around 1400 and concerns two fools and takes place “thritty dayes and two” from the beginning of March, which would make the day April 1. Now, how about one of the words we associate with April 1, “tomfoolery?” Where did that come from? You might find the origin surprising. During the Middle Ages, the general public was allowed visit mental hospitals or asylums (yes, as institutions they are that old) in order to be entertained by the antics of the residents. This tradition remained popular into the 1800s.

Interestingly, one such asylum was Bedlam, in London, founded by Queen Elizabeth I. The word “Bedlam” is a corruption of Bethlehem, the institution’s real name. The old asylum building still stands today and is the home to England’s Imperial War Museum, kind of a fitting use of the space. But as I so often do, I’m off on a tangent. Back at Bedlam, the visitors’ favorite performers were often nicknamed Tom Fool, and that popular nickname came to be applied to the antics of all the asylum residents. Over time, its meaning has softened to refer to silly behavior in general. But did you know that April 1 also has a strict timeframe? Traditionally, no pranks are supposed to be played after 12 o’clock noon of April 1. Any jokes played after then will bring bad luck to the perpetrator -- something that is often overlooked today. Whatever the gag, it usually ends with the prankster yelling “April Fool!” when the victim falls for it. And just a last bit to share with you, not all April Fool superstitions are negative. Men who are fooled by a pretty female are said to be fated to marry the woman ... or at least enjoy a healthy friendship with her.

The first of April, some do say Is set apart for All Fool’s Day; But why the people call it so Nor I, nor they themselves, do know, But on this day are people sent On purpose for pure merriment. Anonymous So let down your hair and get out there and do something foolish.

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April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

No Easter service? That’s inconceivable Bethania Lutheran Church

y church will not likely be gathering this year as we normally do for Easter Sunday, which in many ways is heartbreaking. If you would have asked me of this possibility a few months ago I would have parroted Wallace Shawn from “The Princess Bride” with a staunch “inconceivable!” It’s still shocking to me that we’re in this moment of “shelter-inplace” orders and social distancing, in which the world we knew a few weeks ago is starkly different than the world we know now. After years of services that follow the trajectory of Jesus entering into Jerusalem, celebrating the Passover, and then going to the cross to finally emerge out of the empty tomb, I think we’ve taken for granted the experience of these stories. We always start the story knowing how it ends, perhaps cheating ourselves out of what it was like for the disciples to enter Jerusalem triumphant only to have their world turned upside down at the death of their leader. But it sure feels like we’re living this experience now. We can relate to that space between Friday and Sunday, when time disappears because all our plans, expectations and hopes have been upended. As a pastor I live in the seasons of the church. The landscape right now feels on par with the season of Lent, a time of reflecting on our need for the divine and waiting for its fruition come Easter Sunday. But now that COVID-19 will stretch us beyond Easter, I have found myself wondering if Lent will end and if we’ll have Easter at all this year. I’ve had low moments begging God for that Easter experience to be here now and I’ve had hopeful moments reminding myself that it will come and to just live in the present. However, it has been in those low moments when the greatest hope of Easter has hit me and filled me with promise. We are not destined to experience the cross and the empty tomb separately, but rather a balance of Lent and Easter all the time. Even though I feel the pangs of the longing for Easter, in the last few weeks I’ve experienced the Easter promise through so many little acts of compassion and love. I’ve seen local restaurants donate food and meals to families in need; I’ve seen churches suspends services, but continue donating and distributing food; I’ve seen individuals volunteer to bring groceries and

medicine to people quarantined in their homes; I’ve seen people pool their money to be distributed to those hardest hit; I’ve seen people choose social distancing to protect the most vulnerable in our community; I’ve seen children prepare cards and art full of love and beauty for nursing and retirement home residents; I’ve seen people once divided along political lines suddenly cast those divisions to the wind and come together to help others. The truth is the Easter experience has been present this whole time in these subtle yet remarkable ways, and when I can pull myself away from the encroaching fear, I see these glimmers everywhere – and they give me hope. I’ve also encountered the Easter experience in a rather provocative way. Someone sent me a news report of dolphins swimming in the canals of Venice – something that hasn’t happened in a long time because of all the traffic. It dawned on me that human activity has been curbed so drastically that much of creation is having an Easter experience … from us. Creation has been given room to breathe in ways it hasn’t been able to for a long time. I’m not putting any divine intent into this, but I also can’t help but see God in creation that has renewed vigor. And I pray we can see this part of Easter too. I know that big Easter moment is coming – that time when we’ll be rid of social distancing and engage in physical community. While we’re waiting, I pray that you encounter those subtle Easter moments, the ones that show God is present with all of us in these special little acts of beauty, love, and compassion. I pray these moments can carry you to the point when this is past us. But I also pray that when we get there, we allow this to change us, to see how love triumphs division and crises tend to highlight how much we need each other, to see ourselves not as the center of our planet, but in partnership with it, to see that we aren’t destined to either pain or joy, but that we can choose to experience the balance of both, which enables us to find hope in either. – In God’s Love, Reverend Chris Brown

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18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020

Vikings set record for blood donations and set milestone for fundraising

solely on the strength of tax-deductible donations from Vikings members and others in the community. The Vikings have zero overhead costs because they have no employees or office, and members pay for all operating costs — so every penny donated goes directly to helping someone. Each donation is invested in a carefully managed endowment fund, which has allowed the group to maximize each dollar donated by earning interest on it. About $1 million of the total has been made to individuals since the Vikings were founded in 1974. The other $2 million has been donated to organizations such as local senior centers or spent on the Vikings’ annual Christmas party for special-needs children and their teachers in northern Santa Barbara County. The Vikings medically related grants have helped local people build wheelchair ramps, get prosthetic limbs, buy disabled-accessible vehicles, pay their insurance deductibles and fulfill many other needs. 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.

Staff Report

ith the help of a generous community, the Vikings of Solvang collected a record number of donations — 161 units of blood and plasma — at their blood drive March 4. The effort was administered by employees of Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services), with all coordination and other support provided by Vikings members. “Once again, people in the Santa Ynez Valley showed their true spirit, taking the time to give the gift of life to people they may never meet,” said Vikings Chief Richard Kline. “We’ve been hosting blood drives for decades, and this is the best response we’ve ever had.” “The Vikings’ mission is to take care of our community, so a gift of blood is a really a gift to ourselves,” added Kim Jensen, who chairs the blood drive with fellow Viking Aaron Petersen. In addition to publicizing and coordinating their blood drives twice a year, the Vikings offer each donor a $25 voucher for dinner at a participating restaurant. This year, Vitalant also offered a $10 gift card that was redeemable online at iTunes, Amazon, Target, Chipotle, Domino’s, or Barnes and Noble. Another milestone the Vikings recently achieved was being able to provide $3 million in aid since they were founded in 1974,

Photo by Jerry Long Viking Larry Humburger was one of the donors who contributed to a record amount of blood being collected at the latest Viking Blood Drive.

For more information about the Vikings, go to www.vikingcharitiesinc.com or email Chief Richard Kline at rskcom@aol.com.

Veggie Rescue celebrates with The Million Pound Party Nonprofit has collected and delivered more than 1 million pounds of vegetables since its inception Staff Report

ore than 80 community members joined Veggie Rescue on March 9 to celebrate the milestone of collecting and delivering 1 million pounds of produce with The Million Pound Party at St. Marks-in-the-Valley Church in Los Olivos. Though the spotlight shined on Veggie Rescue, Executive Director Amy Derryberry made sure everyone knew who should get the credit. “Tonight we celebrate our farmer partners, whose generosity and like-minded thinking have made this milestone possible,” she told attendees. Veggie Rescue’s mission is to improve the nutrition and quality of life for those struggling with food insecurity by providing them healthy, local produce and high-quality prepared food, and to work with farmers and local businesses to reduce food waste.

Photo by Jenny Coxon Veggie Rescue has been working hard helping farmers reduce food waste by collecting produce and then re-distributing it to organizations in need and recently reached 1 million pounds.

The nonprofit works with farmers like Cindy Douglas and Olive Cadwell, managers of Tutti Frutti Farms. They described

their partnership with Veggie Rescue as beneficial in multiple ways. “Veggie Rescue will respond to our call

within 24 hours, and pick-up food we need to move, saving us time and labor that would have been spent breaking it down,” they said. “And it is just good business and citizenship to be redirecting our excess to people who need it.” To celebrate the abundant achievement, nothing less than a feast would do, and attendees weren’t disappointed. The meal started with Gathering Boards supplied by the Buellton Senior Center. Chefs Bethany Markee, Lee Gottheimer and Daniel Milian cooked up a buffet of barbecued tri-tip, beans, three different vegetable salads, garlic bread and salsas, followed by a scrumptious carrot cake, baked by Solvang Bakery. Wine was provided by Solminer Wine Company and Folded Hills, and beer by Third Window Brewing Co. The tables were decorated with fresh produce donated by The Garden of... and Tutti Frutti Farms, and party goers were invited to fill their Million Pound Party bags with it when they went home.

April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

Dr. Melissa Alexander helping patients minimize effects of hearing loss

he ability to hear can have a significant impact on all aspects of life, from someone’s emotional and physical well-being to their professional career and activities they enjoy outside of work. Despite research proving the link between untreated hearing loss and increased risks of falls, depression, anxiety, hospitalization and dementia, millions of people let their hearing loss go untreated. According to Dr. Melissa Alexander, an audiologist based in Santa Monica, “Twenty-five years ago a case-control study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association first reported that hearing impairment in older adults was strongly and independently associated with the likelihood of having dementia - raising the intriguing hypothesis that age-related hearing impairment may contribute to dementia risk.” Alexander added that over the last four years, growing epidemiologic and clinical research studies have bolstered that theory. “Longitudinal studies of community-dwelling older adults have demonstrated that hearing impairment is independently associated with a 30-40% rate of accelerated cognitive decline,” Alexander explained. Compared to individuals with normal hearing, individuals with varying levels of hearing impairment had an increased risk of incident in dementia over 10 year of follow-up. Alexander continued, “Neuroimaging studies have also demonstrated that individuals with untreated hearing loss have reduced neuron volumes in the auditory cortex, responsible for speech processing and understanding, and accelerated rates of whole brain atrophy.” According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), failing to treat hearing loss can also have a financial impact. Alexander explained, “The University of California San Francisco, Johns Hopkins with AARP, and Optum Labs also ran this study. They Looked at data from 77,000 to 150,000 patients over the age of 50 who had untreated hearing loss. People with normal hearing created 26 percent less health care costs

Photos Contributed Melissa Alexander’s Alexander Audiology offers worldclass hearing care for Santa Ynez Valley patients. 1607 Mission Drive #201 Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 322-4522

compared to people who were recently diagnosed with hearing loss.” Alexander continued, “That number continues to increase over time. After a decade, healthcare expenses increase by 46 percent. Those numbers, when broken down, average $22,434 per person.” Factors associated with the increase include dementia, decline of cognitive ability, depression, lower quality of life, and falls. Alexander also added that a second companion study done by Bloomberg School suggests a link between untreated hearing loss and higher morbidity. Through the study, it was revealed that people with untreated hearing loss had 3.2 more diagnoses of dementia per 100 over the course of 10 years, 6.9 more diagnoses of depression, and 3.6 more falls. And hearing loss continues to rise. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, hearing loss in prevalent in 55 to 64 year olds at a rate of 8.5 percent and approximately 2 percent of individuals 45 to 54 are significantly deaf. Alexander continued, “The number rises to 25 percent for individuals aged 65 to 74 and 50 percent for anybody above the age of 74. Those numbers are predicted to rise in the future. As many as 38 million people in this country could have hearing loss by the year 2060.” Even younger demographics experience hearing loss. About 15 percent of

18-year-olds have a hard time hearing and 2 to 3 out of 1,000 children have hearing loss. “I am now seeing younger and younger patients coming in for hearing testing, many reporting tinnitus. Noise exposure is a major problem and it is causing younger people to experience hearing loss in their teens and twenties,” Alexander explained. Using hearing aids can change these figures and help with some of the health issues connected with hearing loss. Alexander continued, “When I diagnose a patient with a hearing loss, I discuss with the patient how their hearing impairment affects their life. I routinely request a significant other be present to take part in the consultation, not only to obtain their feedback, but to inform them of the detrimental effects of untreated hearing loss.” Alexander continued, “Because hearing loss is typically insidious, it isn’t always evident to the patient how much they struggle to hear. And

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because hearing loss is essentially an invisible disability, it’s important that I share with the patient’s loved ones how to effectively communicate, why it’s necessary to wear hearing aids consistently and what they can realistically expect the patient to hear with their hearing aids on.” It’s important that hearing tests occur early as possible to provide a baseline of hearing. Alexander continued, “Because the ramifications of hearing loss are so detrimental, hearing testing should be taken seriously and performed on an annual basis. Hearing protection, such as custom earplugs, ear muffs or over the counter hearing protection should be a routine staple of every household. For even younger children, parents should make sure headphones have a limiter so that even if their child turns up the volume, the sound cannot cause damage to the ears.”

20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020

Enjoy buttery beef with this oxtail stew By Vida Gustafson

his recipe yields unctuous, buttery beef that melts in your mouth, it’s also loaded with collagen proteins and plenty of vitamins. This is hands down my favorite meal any time of year, but especially when it’s cold outside. If you’ve always been hesitant to try those flower-shaped cuts of beef in your butcher’s window, take the plunge and give this recipe a try!

Ingredients

n 1.5-2 lbs Oxtail (Beef tail bones) n ½ - ¾ bottle red wine (I used a Beaujolais, feel free to use something heftier) n 1 lb potato n 2-3 celery stalks n 4-5 Carrots n 1 large onion n 5-7 garlic cloves n Handful of fresh Thyme n 2-3 Bay Leaves n 1-2 c Beef broth or stock, to top up n Fresh Black Pepper and Salt

Oxtail Stew

Photo by Vida Gustafson

Method

oven it is possible to braise this on the stove top in a large stock pot over very low heat, but you will have to stir occasionally. Pour a tablespoon full of cooking oil in your pot and sear the oxtails on all sides until brown. Do not crowd the pan with too many at once (because then they will steam instead of roast)

Use only wine that you would gladly drink, the quality and taste will come through. Preheat a large enameled Dutch oven over medium/high heat and season your oxtail cuts liberally. If you do not have an enameled Dutch

Santa Barbara wine industry responds to COVID-19 Staff Report

n the midst of a global pandemic, Santa Barbara County wineries are taking concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19) seriously. Emails from wineries assure customers they are taking extra steps in their tasting rooms to prevent the spread of illness. From providing extra hand sanitizer and thoroughly sanitizing their surroundings to ensuring sick employees stay home, tasting rooms are optimistic they will remain open while still following recommended COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Santa Barbara Vintners CEO Alison Laslett notes that wine tasting is not an inherently crowded activity “Most of our tasting rooms have ample space to spread out and our local wineries are able to follow the CDC’s recommendations without closing up shop,” she said. Some California residents are avoiding local and long-distance travel and opting to stay home. “For those customers that are not comfortable leaving home, many wineries are offering shipping deals online and nearly all wineries will ship direct to California residents,” Laslett said. “In urban areas, customers have been able to order wines to be delivered via grocery and alcohol delivery services.” Santa Barbara Vintners has also decided to postpone the 2020 Santa Barbara Vintners Festival. Originally scheduled for May 2, the

and remove ones that are browned. This will take a while, be patient because this is where we’re building flavor. While you’re being patient, chop up your potatoes, and carrots into 2-3 inch chunks and set them aside. Then chops the onions and smash the garlic, the onion and garlic will break down over the long cooking time, there’s no need to chop it too fine. Once all the meat has been browned and removed from the pan, add in the potatoes, carrots, thyme and bay leaves, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. When the chill has been taken off the vegetables, it’s time to build our braise, with the vegetables on the bottom, then the meat, then the raw onions and garlic. Lastly poor over the red wine and add stock or broth to cover the meat completely. Put the lid on and cook at 275°F for 5 hours. You will have to skim the beef fat off the top and discard at least once during the cooking process and again at the end. Check the seasoning of the broth and let stand at room temp for 15 minutes to half an hour before serving. Serve with steamed rice.

o SBDC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan, prepare and respond to coronavirus. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ Department of Labor – OSHA- Check out this guide – Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. www.osha. gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

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Photo contributed Santa Barbara Vintners has also decided to postpone the 2020 Santa Barbara Vintners Festival to Saturday, Oct. 10.

festival will now be held on Saturday, Oct 10 at Rancho Sisquoc Winery in the Santa Maria Valley from 1 to 4 p.m. with early admission at noon. Wineries are also cancelling or postponing larger events such as pickup parties per California’s recent directive to cancel any event with more than 250 people. “It is our social responsibility to reschedule the Festival due to the uncertainty of the next few months,” Laslett said. “Fortunately, harvest is a gorgeous time of year in the Santa Maria Valley and a terrific time for visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the winemaking season.” The event will still feature over 70 local wine producers and food from local restaurants,

farmers and caterers along with the Bank of Marin Bubble Lounge, educational demonstrations and live music. Vintners Visas, offering unique and complimentary wine tasting at a choice of twelve participating tasting rooms, will now be valid from Oct. 8-12. For those customers who have already purchased Vintners Visas or tickets to the Festival and are unable to attend the new date, refunds are available by emailing info@sbcountywines. com. All tickets including the Vintners Visa, Festival Grand Tasting and ticket packages are available on NightOut.com. For more information about the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival Weekend including local winery events, visit www.sbvintnersweekend.com.

Employment Development Department (EDD) – Reduced Work Hours – Unemployment Insurance Work Sharing Program – alternative to layoffs. Employer info: www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ Work_Sharing_Program.htm. Workers info: www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm EDD Tax Assistance – request a 60day extension to file payroll and more. Call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center 1-888-745-3886 (toll-free). CA Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBANK)- Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP), www.ibank.ca.gov/small-business-finance-center/

Department of Industrial Relations:

www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/ Health-Care-General-Industry.html. Be sure to scroll down to review the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) and required protection.

April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

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225 McMurray, Unit E, Buellton, CA 93427

22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020

Hancock College declares state of emergency Staff Report

n response to the evolving situation related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Allan Hancock College declared a campuswide state of emergency and extended its spring break for an extra week. No college courses (in-person or online) were held until March 30. Alternate modality formats for in-person courses are being developed. Those include: online classes when possible; modifying lab-oriented Career Technical Education (CTE), and other in-person courses by limiting class sizes; social distancing and other safety protocols in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD). “After extensive discussions with our faculty, staff, and student leaders, Allan Hancock College has determined that it is not feasible to offer all of our courses in an online format,” said Superintendent/ President Kevin G. Walthers. “Many of our Career Technical Education courses require hands-on learning that simply cannot translate to an online modality. For such courses, we are making case-by-case determinations in how to effectively offer

the courses while prioritizing the health and safety of our students and faculty.” “In order to provide a quality college education to our students, Hancock administration and faculty will continue holding regular emergency meetings to discuss the best path moving forward,” said Walthers. “Creating a learning environment in the least disruptive manner is of utmost concern and we are making every effort to ensure our students are supported during this chaotic time.”

Caltrans District 5 solicits applications for scholarship Staff Report

altrans District 5 and the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) are offering five $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors within the five-county district (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties). The scholarship program is designed for college-bound senior high school students who are planning to pursue a career in transportation and live within the five counties. The programs are common in most of the 12 Caltrans districts and have the encouragement and support of the California Transportation Foundation which donates 50 percent of the funding with the coffee and food sales providing the rest. The scholarship program, which continues to flourish, began in 2002 when $500 was raised and one scholarship

Hancock students are encouraged to regularly check their college email for important communications from the college and their instructors as Hancock enacts these changes to class formats. Hancock continues to follow the guidance of the CDC, which instructs the college to work with the SBCPHD on decisions regarding canceling classes. At this time, the SBCHPD has not recommended that Hancock cancel classes. Hancock believes that offering as many courses as possible online while still allowing others to safely be held in-person will promote public health while allowing students to continue their college education without damaging their ability to graduate, transfer, or achieve their post-college goals. The college is working with employee union bargaining units to facilitate time off for staff over the coming days. The college continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide additional updates and information through a dedicated coronavirus webpage, www.hancockcollege.edu/covid, and the AHC Coronavirus Hotline at 805-922-6966 ext. 3887.

Staff Report

n response to growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has canceled all remaining applicant interviews this season. Applicants whose interviews have been canceled will not be penalized in any way, said Scholarship Foundation Chief Programs Officer Len Smolburd, adding that applications will now be evaluated on the basis of required documents already submitted. The Scholarship Foundation typically interviews all firsttime applicants with the help of community volunteers. Last year volunteer interviewers numbered almost 200 individuals countywide. “We are taking this unprecedented step to ensure the safety of our applicants and other community members,” said Scholarship Foundation President and CEO Barbara Robertson. “We are also responding to widespread school closures throughout the region, as most of our interviews take place at area schools.” The Scholarship Foundation’s selection process will otherwise continue as before. As previously indicated the organization will announce scholarship awards on May 15. For more information, call 805-687-6065 or visit www.sbscholarship.org.

o YOUTH REC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

they have lived in the valley ever since. Diaz said she helps her father’s business. Mercedes has grown up playing many sports and now in high school she plays soccer, softball, tennis and basketball. Up until the school closure, Mercedes was on the softball team. Already thinking of the future, Mercedes said she has found a love of photography and art. She loves drawing and multimedia, and is proud of her family members that have served. Mercedes says she wants to go into the military and use her multimedia skills in some capacity. Youth Rec continues to sponsor youth basketball and summer swim programs, support Arts Outreach youth programs, and maintain the support of local youth teams and tournaments in the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos. Kelsey said that they have a bit of a buffer that will help them get projects done and funded this year. “We just want to give people a break from donating to one more cause while I am sure it will take time to recover,” Kelsey said.

awarded. In 2007, $3,500 was raised and seven $500 scholarships were presented. The fundraising efforts have grown since then, with $6,750 in student scholarships awarded since 2017. For a link to the scholarship application, visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/d5/ scholarship.htm. Applications must be submitted by April 17. The 2020 scholarships will be awarded this summer to high school seniors from the Central Coast. For more information, contact Laurie Baima at Laurie.Baima@dot.ca.gov or call 805-549-3353. For traffic updates on other state highways on the Central Coast, call Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs, 805-549-3318 or visit http:// www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/road_information.htm.

Scholarship Foundation cancels applicant interviews

Photos contributed 2020 Youth Rec Queen Mercedes Diaz loves photography and got some great tips from local professional Mike Mesikep during her photo shoot.

For more information on SYV Youth Rec, log onto www.syvyouthrec.org for more information about attending future events or donating to Mercedes’ campaign.

April 7 - April 20, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

NOW PR OVIDING

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

24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H April 7 - April 20, 2020