Santa Ynez Valley Star June A 2021 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

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June 1 - June 14, 2021

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Jr. High Rodeo Nationals will see three competitors from SYV, Central Coast Local cowgirl says rodeo is her biggest passion, hopes to go professional one day By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

ome of Kylee Branquinho’s earliest memories involve horses and rodeo life. She learned to ride a horse at practically the same time she learned to walk. Kylee, 13, of Buellton recently reached one of her goals, making it to the 2021 Jr. High National Rodeo finals, competing in breakaway roping. This year’s National’s will take place from June 20-26 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. More than 1,500 contestants from each of the 47 state/province associations compete for national titles, awards and scholarships. There are three competitors from the District 7 that encompasses the Central Coast, including Kylee, her cousin Cade Branquinho, 12, of Los Olivos, and Sadie Grant, 14, of Santa Maria. Kylee and Cade, who is the son of five-time steer wrestling champion Luke Branquinho, are competing in the same event, just with Kylee in the girls breakaway and Cade in the boys breakaway. Breakaway roping is a timed competition

Photo by Daniel Dreifuss Kylee Branquinho recently reached one of her goals, making it to the 2021 Jr. High National Rodeo finals this month, competing in breakaway roping.

where the rope is attached to the saddle horn with a heavy string that allows it to break when a legal catch of the calf is made. “This is my first time going and I hope that I place, but I won’t be mad if I don’t because I feel really lucky I get to go to Nationals in my

sixth-grade year,” said Cade. Cade added both his parents did this same event growing up and he was happy to continue the tradition. “I think breakaway is my best event, but I really like ribbon roping even though I am still

pretty small to throw the calf around — it’s a fun event too,” Cade said. “This is a huge goal for me as I have been dreaming and working hard for years to get here,” Kylee added. “I am also so excited to get to go with my cousin Cade as we practice a lot together and we love helping each other get better.” Kylee and Sadie also have been competing together in team roping for five years and they are best friends aside from rodeo. Sadie will be competing in pole bending, barrel racing and goat tying. “I am so excited to go to my first nationals competition and getting to be there with Kylee is even better,” Sadie said. The Branquinho family will leave several days before the event to make the three-day drive with their horses and caravan of family members cheering the two cousins on. The multigenerational ranching Branquinho family is originally from Los Alamos, and recently relocated their cattle operations to Los Olivos. Kylee’s dad, Tony Branquinho, teaches rodeo at the college level. Kylee and Cade, 12, are seventh-generation Californians on their grandmother Brandy Branquinho’s side, as their ancestor is José Francisco Ortega, the first captain of El Presidio de Santa RODEO CONTINUED TO PAGE 23

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Sheriff’s Department celebrates local law enforcement during National Police Week Festivities clouded by death of SLO Police Detective Luca Benedetti Staff Report

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ational Police Week (May 9 - 15) saw Americans pause to say a collective “thank you” to the men and women who wear or carry the badge. During the week, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office thanked its deputies and custody deputies for the work they do, and those in the Sheriff’s Office reflected upon and refreshed their commitment to protect and serve the community, and to honor those peace officers who have laid down their lives in the service of others. Somber ceremonies were hosted at agencies across the nation where names were read, sometimes from agencies far away, and sometimes from times long ago, like Santa Barbara County jailer George Downing, who died in the line of duty in an on-duty vehicle accident in 1925. Sadly, the beginning of the week saw several law enforcement officers added to the long list of those who made the supreme sacrifice, including one that resonated with a number of Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies. The tragic May 10 shooting that took the life of San Luis Obispo Police Detective Luca Benedetti was an especially hard blow for the Sheriff’s Office. Benedetti’s partner, Detective Steve Orozco, who was also wounded in the shootout, is related to a Santa Barbara County custody deputy. Benedetti graduated from the Allan Hancock College Law Enforcement Academy in a class that included 10 Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies. During their six months of intensive training in the academy, officers and deputies form friendships and bonds that last a lifetime.

Photo contributed San Luis Obispo Police Detective Luca Benedetti was killed May 10 during a shootout that occurred while SLOPD officers were serving a search warrant.

When such colleagues are taken from their ranks so violently, prematurely and senselessly, they live on in the hearts of their classmates for the rest of their lives. “This week we and the people we protect and serve pause to remember the brave men and women of law enforcement who, throughout our nation’s history, have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom, justice and the American way of life,” said Sheriff Bill Brown. “May we always remember and honor them for their nobility, bravery and devotion to duty, and may we never forget that, as Americans, we are forever in their debt.” Detective Benedetti is survived by his wife and two young children. A Gofundme page in honor of Benedetti quickly surpassed its original goal and is now more than $500,000, which will benefit his family. To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/detective-luca-benedetti-family-relief-fund.

June 1 - June 14, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3

Buellton urges community to be involved for future of Willemsen Dairy property

By Serena Guentz

Contributing Writerm

he Buellton City Council held a special meeting Saturday, May 15, at the Willemsen Barn to discuss ideas for how to best use the property and serve the community. Located at 202 Dairyland Road in Buellton, the 24-acre property was purchased by the city of Buellton in May 2020 for $2 million. The city was originally interested in buying only the 20-acre lower portion of the property to use as a reserve to expand the city’s wastewater treatment facility if needed in the future. However, the Willemsen family did not want to split up the property, so the city council eventually bought the entire property. The city council is now looking to neighbors and the community for ideas on how to utilize the property. “This is a beautiful piece of property that I would like to see kept as much as it is for the community’s enjoyment,” said Mayor Holly Sierra. “This is city property, so now this is your property.” The property was previously owned by the Willemsen family and used as a dairy farm for decades. Since purchasing the property, the city council has designated the barn as a historical landmark. This currently does not prohibit the removal of the barn; however, this gives the city council the ability to require monumentation, as well as the authority to prohibit removal of the barn in the future. Several neighbors and community members attended the meeting to speak during public comment and present their ideas. Some neighbors from the adjacent streets, Valley Dairy Road and Dairyland Road, expressed concern about the increase in traffic and noise that the property’s new uses may bring, but they were overall excited with the ideas presented. Some popular ideas included moving the Buellton Library to the house on the property,

Photos by Serena Guentz The Buellton Library and Zaca Center Preschool are two organizations competing for use of the space at the Willemsen Dairy property.

The Willemsen Barn was the location of the special Buellton City Council meeting on May 15. The barn has been used for a variety of events.

expanding the Zaca Center Preschool, building pickleball courts, bringing an outdoor children’s museum to the property, and much more. “I would like to see the property not just be a luxury and not just be adding to the weekend things that people can do, but actually serve critical needs for our valley,” said councilmember Elysia Lewis. The Buellton Library and the Zaca Center Preschool are two popular ideas that are competing for use of the house. Many community members want to move the Buellton Library, which is currently located at

140 West Highway 246, to the house on the Willemsen Property and then expand the Buellton Senior Center into the current library space. Meanwhile, the Zaca Center Preschool, which is currently located at 27 Six Flags Circle, also wants to expand into the house. The Zaca Center Preschool, which describes itself as an “inclusion preschool” where children with special needs are included in all classrooms and activities, currently serves 43 students. Another center would double that number, according to Leanna Watson, a representative and advocate for the preschool.

An idea that appeared to be uncontested was the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum. Currently, the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum holds events for children at the Santa Ynez Botanic Garden on the first Saturday of every month, but the museum is looking for a permanent location of its own. The Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum wants to utilize the old tractor barn on the property as its only indoor space, with the rest being an outdoor museum for kids to play and learn. The museum has plans for a community garden, a recirculating water feature, slides going down the hill to the lower portion of the property, art and building stations, playhouses, and much more for children and parents or caregivers to enjoy together. For the lower portion of the property, proposals included sports fields, an archery range, an equestrian center, and courts for pickleball, a paddleball sport the has been gaining popularity that combines components of tennis, badminton and ping pong. “I think it’s safe to say that, given the amount of land area we have [in the lower portion], … there is sufficient room for all of them,” said City Manager Scott Wolfe. While no official decisions were made during the special meeting, some ideas did seem to stand out more to the council. “I think the Children’s Museum is a no-brainer and honestly I think the library is a no-brainer,” Sierra said. Sierra said that Zaca Center Preschool is a vital part of the community, but she would like to see the Buellton Library occupy the front half of the house. Official decisions for use of the property will be made in future meetings when the council brings this as agendized items in phases starting in one of its June meetings. “People have the most amazing ideas,” Sierra said. “There’s so much we could do here and it’s so exciting.”

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Van Mullem appointed to be next SB County counsel Chief assistant county counsel to take over after Ghizzoni's retirement Staff Report

he Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has selected Chief Assistant County Counsel Rachel Van Mullem as the next county counsel upon the retirement of Photo contributed Michael Ghizzoni on Rachel Van Mullem June 27. Her formal appointment was approved on Tuesday, May 18, at the Board of Supervisors meeting. By statute, the county counsel is the legal adviser to the Board of Supervisors to advance and defend the county’s civil policies and actions by looking ahead, advising and providing options, and litigating. The county counsel office works closely with the Board of Supervisors and other county officers to maintain the civil legal integrity of the county.

Van Mullem was selected after a competitive process and nationwide search. She comes to this role with 20 years of California county counsel experience and has served as chief assistant county counsel for Santa Barbara County since 2014. “Rachel is a strong government legal professional who is well-versed in public law, but also has been immersed in our local county government and communities for more than 14 years,” said Board Chair Bob Nelson, Fourth District supervisor. “Her proven track record providing practical legal advice on a range of topics will continue to serve our county well. We look forward to continuing the customer focused collaboration and teamwork with our county counsel’s office to provide quality public service to our community.” Van Mullem has been with Santa Barbara County since 2006, serving as deputy county counsel from 2006-10; senior deputy county counsel from 2010-12; chief deputy county counsel from 2012-14; and as chief assistant county counsel since 2014. Previously, she worked for the Ventura county counsel office from 2001-06. Van Mullem received a Juris Doctorate degree from Penn State University, Dickson School of Law; and a bachelor’s degree from the Universi-

ty of Nebraska. “I am deeply honored to be selected as county counsel and to serve Santa Barbara County in this new role,” said Van Mullem. “We have a top-quality team at county counsel, and we look forward to continuing to provide the county with exceptional legal services. I am especially grateful to county counsel Mike Ghizzoni for his leadership and support in all my years with county counsel’s office.” Van Mullem has a background in both litigation and advisory work. Since becoming chief assistant, she has overseen the day-to-day operations of the county counsel office, including overseeing complex civil litigation, advisory work and standard litigation. She has assisted the county on high-profile, fast-moving projects and emergency work including the Jesusita Fire, Tea Fire, Thomas Fire, 1/9 Debris Flow, Conception dive boat fire and COVID-19 pandemic. She also has served as lead attorney for the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), Air Pollution Control District (APCD), County Planning Commission and Montecito Planning Commission. The Santa Barbara County counsel’s office has a fiscal year 2020-21 operating budget of $9.935 million with 41 full time employees.

Ghizzoni has served as county counsel since 2013. He came to the county after an established career of 24 years in the United States Coast Guard as a captain, with assignments in operations and law. Ghizzoni is credited for successful oversight of the county counsel’s Office for the last eight years, when the county regularly prevailed in complex litigation cases in Superior Court, the District Court of Appeals, and the California State Supreme Court. “Mike has expertly guided the county through complicated legal issues involving land use, disaster response, assessment appeals, water contracts, cannabis, jail improvements, and everything in between,” said Nelson. “We are grateful to him for his commitment to the Board and unsurpassed work ethic.” “We’ll miss Mike’s superb legal mind, dedication to his work, and clarity of thought,” County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato added, I’ve enjoyed working with him these last eight years, and particularly his great wit. We all wish him well in his retirement.” For information about Santa Barbara county government, go to www.countyofSB.org.

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an you imagine what local governments could do if they had more than a quarter of a billion dollars of disposable income each and every year? They could fix roads, widen the freeway, help us through both droughts and floods by building more dams and reservoirs, hire more cops, build better schools, create effective fire breaks, build a desal plant, and the list goes on and on. The truth is, our taxes and fees are so high, local government has this much money to spend, but they are spending it on government employee pensions. And, even then, they are falling further and further in debt. For instance, there are over 4,000 county employees and the average wage and benefit package of a Santa Barbara County employee is now $157,000. There are nearly 5,000 retirees and the average pension is more than $75,000 per year. The annual payment to the pension fund is

$175 million while the system pays out nearly $200 million per year, and the pension fund is short $1 billion. Conversely, people in the private sector that have a 401k or an IRA have a defined contribution plan. They put in a set amount of money and they get what they get when they retire depending on the investment returns. Hence, while the private sector is left to either a meager social security payout and/or what they themselves managed to save, invest and risk on their own initiative, government employees contribute a mere pittance towards their own pension while being given a guaranteed income for the rest of their lives. In some cases, government employees make more when they retire than they did when they were working! That is because their retirement pay is based on their highest earnings, not their average earnings over the course of their career, and some of them get social

security benefits too, on top of their government pension. The insult to injury? This past Tuesday, county supervisors obliquely received an annual report on the pension system. That is, the report was not scheduled for a discussion. This is due to the fact that the supervisor’s agenda is divided into two parts, the administrative and the departmental. The administrative agenda consists of items that are not considered controversial or worthy of a discussion by the board. You could call it “the nothing to see here” part of the agenda. Accordingly, this $1 billion dollar liability is considered business as usual. Several hundred county employees receive a retirement in excess of $100,000 per year. Some receive over $200,000 per year. They will receive over a million dollars in retirement benefits, which is more than some of them made in the course of their employment. If they were in

the private sector, they would have had to invest more than 100% of their annual income to earn that return — an impossible dream for government employees and a subsequent nightmare for taxpayers! That $1 billion in unfunded liabilities is just for the County of Santa Barbara alone. The estimated shortfall for all government entities combined in California? One trillion dollars! So, the next time a politician or bureaucrat tells you there is not enough money to fix things, and that is why they have to raise taxes and fees, don’t believe them. The truth is they are spending the money on a retirement plan a millionaire would envy. Andy Caldwell is the Executive Director of COLAB, and a regular columnist to the Santa Barbara News Press. Visit www.colabsbc.org to learn more about their organization. Letters to the editor should be no more than 300 words in length. Send letters to: Raiza Giorgi, PO Box 1594, Solvang, CA 93464 or email to: news@santaynezvalleystar.com Please include your name and address and phone number.

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Study: Vandenberg Space Force Base an economic boon in two counties

Central Coast, boost the local economy through direct spending and contributing valuable skills as employees for local industries and as small-businesses owners. Additionally, local communities benefit from a sizable number of government and business visitors to the base along with tourists attracted to the area for missile tests and rocket launches. Both employees and tourists fill hotel rooms, rent vehicles and eat at local restaurants, providing a boost to the economy. The study identified several benefits of

Growth during next decade could lead to benefits totaling $6B for SB, SLO communities By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

andenberg Space Force Base accounts for a $4.5 billion economic impact annually in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, but that value could grow in the coming decade to reach $6 billion based on forecasts. On Friday, the same day Vandenberg was renamed to note its role in the U.S. Space Force, a study revealed the installation’s contribution to the regional and state economies — and forecast how future plans could benefit. “What we found is what many people in communities around the base already know — that Vandenberg provides substantial positive economic benefits well beyond its borders and that its anticipated future growth presents even greater economic opportunities to nearby counties and the state as a whole,” said Dr. Cyrus Ramezani, a finance professor at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and lead author of the study. The study, commissioned by REACH, a regional economic development organiza-

growing military and commercial space activity at the base beyond total economic impact and job creation. Michael Peterson / U.S. Space Force photo Col. Anthony Mastalir, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, and Maj. Gen. Deanna Burt, Combined Force Space Component Command commander, unveil Vandenberg's new U.S. Space Force name during a renaming ceremony Friday.

tion, and conducted by Cal Poly, also was funded in partnership with Santa Barbara County. The base is responsible for 16,000 direct and indirect jobs in the two counties, the study noted. According to estimates, 1,968 new jobs per year could be added in key careers such as professional, scientific and technical services as well as construction and administrative services. However, longtime Santa Barbara County residents know that programs planned for Vandenberg often never materialize. Additionally, the axe can fall abruptly on programs — such as the Manned Orbiting Laboratory, the West Coast space shuttle and American Rocket Co. — before any liftoffs because of government cancellations or financial woes, especially among commercial firms. “The analysis undertaken in this report showed that the economic impact of VAFB on the surrounding communities and the State of

California will grow over the next decade by the anticipated increase in military activity on the base, the potential infrastructure improvements in the City of Lompoc, and the proposed private-sector commercial space activities envisioned in the Commercial Space Master Plan,” the report states. The first phase of that plan, a multiagency effort, should be released in the coming weeks, REACH officials said. One proposal calls for building a business park outside Vandenberg’s security area to foster aerospace and technology firms as the base looks to become “the spaceport of the future.” “Vandenberg is excited to be launching into a new era of cooperation with commercial partners to further national security strategic interests while contributing to the economic vitality of the region,” said Col. Anthony Mastalir, commander of the base’s renamed primary unit, Space Launch Delta 30. The study also noted that retired military personnel and veterans, who remain on the

Those include creating more long-term, higher-paying jobs, which have been growing more slowly than lower-paying jobs in the two counties and increasing employment opportunities while helping reduce income disparities in the county. More activity at Vandenberg also would mean additional avenues to retain and attract high-skilled talent, including graduates of UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly. “This study really illuminates the many and far-reaching ripple effects of having the nation’s premier West Coast launch site in our backyard,” said Andrew Hackleman, REACH chief operating officer. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

June 1 - June 14, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

Montecito Bank & Trust begins 2021 with substantial loan, deposit growth Staff Report

ontecito Bank & Trust reported total assets grew $493.38 million, an increase of 30.78% during the 12-month period ending March 31, closing at $2.09 billion, with loan growth of 26.93% year-over-year, ending the first quarter at $1.37 billion. Deposit growth saw a 37.16% lift year-over-year, with quarter-end deposits totaling $1.88 billion. Total net income for the first quarter, yearover-year, increased 34.01% to $3.82 million. The bank’s total risk-based capital remains very strong at 14.70%, exceeding the 10% regulatory minimum required to be considered well-capitalized. “As our communities continued to navigate COVID-19 throughout the first quarter, our teams remained dedicated to helping ensure the safety of our branches and offices, and to securing as much Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding as possible for Central Coast organizations during the Small Business Administration

program’s latest round,” said Janet Garufis, chairman and CEO. “As a PPP financial partner of choice, our teams facilitated an additional 1,700 new PPP loans in the first quarter, providing over $115 million of critical support to businesses and organizations across the Central Coast,” she said. “This volume was a primary driver of our year over year loan growth, coupled with heightened activity in our residential lending group,” she said. “Looking ahead, as vaccination rates increase and our economy begins to reopen more fully, I am optimistic about what the next chapter holds for our communities and am confident in our team’s ability to continue providing the worldclass customer experience our communities have long trusted us to deliver.” Founded in 1975, Montecito Bank & Trust celebrated its 46th anniversary on March 17, and operates 11 branch offices in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang, Montecito, Carpinteria, Ventura, Camarillo, and Westlake Village.

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In Memoriam

John Gragg “Chipper” Orton (1945 - 2021)

John Gragg “Chipper” Orton passed away surrounded by his family on May 14, 2021 at the age of 76. He was born on January 24, 1945 in Santa Barbara. He attended Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and later California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA where he majored in animal sciences. After college, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War as a Green Beret in the 82nd Airborne Division. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was a dedicated member of The Rancheros Vistadores for over 50 years and it helped fuel his love of horses, roping, and westerns. He was a loving husband to wife, Carol Orton, née Nielsen, and together they raised their four children on a 3,500 acre cattle ranch called the Bar-Go. Later, they sold the Bar-Go and purchased a smaller property on Ballard Canyon Rd. Chipper was a hands on parent and grandparent and could often be seen barbecuing at various school fundraisers and was even the president of the SYVUHS school board for many years. With his children and grandchildren, he shared his love of movies, photography, traveling, cooking, and reading. He was as extroverted as they come, and it became a running joke within his family that they couldn’t go anywhere with him without seeing at least one person he knew. He played a significant role in the lives of everyone who knew him, and he will be missed terribly. He is survived by his wife Carol, children Joelle Orton-Cartnal (Ryan), Matthew Orton (Lourdes), Elizabeth Casberg (Trent), and Sasha Darnell (Brian), his five grandchildren Chloë and Lane Orton Cartnal, Caroline Casberg, and Finn and Sebastian Darnell, brother-in-law Gordon Nielsen (Susan), and half siblings Bill Kennedy (Arlene), Alice Kennedy, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Gus Dascanio, Lidia Martinez, and Visiting Nurses for taking such good care of Chipper. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Make-A-Wish Foundation in honor of his oldest granddaughter, Chloë.

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‘History of The Internet’ now open at Santa Barbara’s MOXI Collaboration with Cox Business brings 3D holographic technology to museum

of technology and innovation in the Santa Bar-

Staff Report

innovators in this region, like the University of

bara region,” said Kirsten McLaughlin, market vice president for Cox Communications and MOXI board member. “Thought leaders and

n the second floor of MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, in Santa Barbara, an easily overlooked server room has come alive with a new, 3D holographic exhibit about “The History of the Internet.” The room is where MOXI connects to the internet that powers all museum operations, visitor services and interactive exhibits. The space was re-imagined in collaboration with Cox Business, the commercial division of Cox Communications, so visitors of the exhibit will be greeted by a friendly robot named Photon. Photon’s job is to ensure everything in the server room runs as fast and smoothly as possible. A 3D hologram, Photon flies around the server room and guides visitors through a 90-second story of how the internet first began, how fast a fiber optic cable transmits information, and makes a special note about Santa Barbara’s role in developing the internet. This is the first exhibit at MOXI to use 3D holographic technology. “At Cox we’re thrilled to be able to work with the team at MOXI to highlight the history

California, Santa Barbara, were instrumental to the connectivity driving education and business in our community. This exhibit is an ode to these trailblazers.” “MOXI is grateful for Cox’s early support and continued partnership that ensures the Photos Contributed MOXI (The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation) recently cut the ribbon at the new "The History of the Internet" exhibit at in Santa Barbara.

museum can function effectively with reliable internet connectivity, and for this unique opportunity to turn a “back-of-house” aspect of the museum into a delightful surprise experience for our guests,” said Robin Gose, president and CEO of MOXI. “It’s another example of how we inspire the kids in our community with real-life stories of innovation in their own backyards.” Tickets, Member reservations and information

Visitors are greeted at MOXI (The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation) in Santa Barbara.

Photon is a 3D hologram that guides visitors through the new exhibit "The History of the Internet" at MOXI (The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation) in Santa Barbara.

about all museum programs and events are available on MOXI’s website, moxi.org.

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Bridges to Resilience conference to be virtual this year Event designed to link healthcare providers with partners to address childhood trauma Staff Report

ith the support of California’s ACEs Aware Initiative, the “Bridges to Resilience” conference is designed to link regional healthcare providers with community partners and build resiliency-focused networks of care throughout San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Due to COVID-19, the free conference will be held virtually from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 9. Information and registration is online at bridgestoresilience. com. The term Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) comes from the landmark 1998 ACEs Study, conducted among more than 17,000 adult patients by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente. When capitalized, the term ACEs specifically refers to 10 categories of adversities in three domains – abuse, neglect, and household chal-

lenges. ACEs are strongly associated with some of the most common, serious, and costly health conditions facing our society today, including nine of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States. This virtual program is intended for those who serve children, youth and families interested in understanding, preventing and addressing childhood trauma, and want to help make the coastal tri-counties a resilient region. Cross-sector participants include physicians and other health care professionals, educators and early care providers, social work-

ers and therapists, police and probation officers, philanthropists and community agencies, faith leaders, parents and foster parents. Attendees will learn tools and techniques for addressing ACEs, and they will connect with local resources for referral and collaboration. The live, virtual conference features a keynote and community panel with Robert Anda, MD, MS, co-founder, co-principal investigator of the landmark ACEs Study. The program provides 14 sessions on a variety of topics by physicians, field experts and

facilitators including: “Ripple Effects of Transgenerational Trauma and Racism on Families of Color”; “Road to Resilience: Connecting Pediatrics and Community Service Providers”; “Shifting from the Stress System to the Wisdom System, Disrupting Fragility to Create Opportunity”; “The Importance of Youth Resilience in Overcoming Adversity”; and “Trauma-Responsive Family Engagement Practices for Early Childhood.” KIDS Network and the Bridges to Resilience conference gave rise to Santa Barbara’s growing ACEs initiative, Resilient Santa Barbara County. Through the ACEs Aware Provider Engagement Grant, KIDS Network led a tri-county planning process for this year’s conference to engage new partners and strengthen care networks in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. The event offers continuous opportunities to network and discover community resources through the digital Resource Hall. Registration is free to attendees; pre-register by midnight (PDT) June 3. Continuing Education credits are available for healthcare professionals; fees apply for CE.

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Four steps to avoiding diabetes and maintaining healthy blood By Dr. Hyun K. Lee Contributing Writer

lood tests are never enjoyable. In fact, they are something that most of us dread, even though we know they’re beneficial. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to return from a doctor’s visit with the knowledge that your blood is less than perfect. Photo Contributed But never fear! You are Dr. Lee capable of improving your subsequent test results yourself, and in many cases without making any further trips to the pharmacy. If your find that your blood sugar levels are too high, you may have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is caused when there is too much sugar in the blood. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas which acts like a key to let blood sugar into the cells in your body to be used as energy. If you have type 2 diabetes, cells don’t respond normally to the insulin your pancreas is producing, which is called insulin resistance. They think they have enough, but in truth they’ve closed

down. So, since your cells are not utilizing any of the insulin that your pancreas is producing your pancreas makes more insulin to try to get the cells to respond. Eventually your pancreas can’t keep up, and your blood sugar rises, setting the stage for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. When your liver isn’t clean it produces “tainted blood” as I have discussed in previous articles. When your liver is tainted, it has a hard time cleansing the blood and removing the excess sugar from your body. High blood sugar levels are damaging to the body and can cause other serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease, hypertension, and cholesterol issues. The best way to cleanse your body is through fasting and herbs. By using a formulation of my Oriental herbs and a low-calorie food intake regimen, you can begin to see your blood sugar levels decrease. That’s the first step. After cleansing your liver and subsequently your blood, which takes approximately 120 days in total, the next step is to learn to eat foods that are healthy and in line with your particular constitution, which is easily determined. The foods available in our modern times are extremely different from what our ancestors ate. It is no secret that the changes in food we have seen just within the past generation or two have wreaked havoc on our bodies. So much of the common diet is processed and loaded with

chemicals and preservatives that should never be introduced into our blood stream. Food has become very far from natural and we can no longer trust that conventionally grown fruits, vegetables and grains are grown in the way nature intended. So much produce is sprayed, laden with pesticides and genetically modified. It is important to turn back the clock with your eating habits and choose the same foods your ancestors would have — fresh, organic, unprocessed foods. Not only will they improve your health tremendously, but they will taste better, too. Cooking your own foods is not only healthier, but also cost-saving. In addition to this, starting a backyard garden is a simple, economic and enjoyable way to introduce organic foods into your lifestyle. Maintaining the garden is also a beneficial form of exercise. The third step is exercise. It is very important to your general well-being. Too much exercise can tax your body unnecessarily, increase cellular oxidation and lead to injury and other problems.

Walking in an upright, anatomically balanced position for at least 30 minutes each day is recommended. That’s about 10,000 steps per day which is optimal. The fourth step to healthy blood begins in your mind. Having a positive, peaceful mind goes a long way to health and happiness. It encourages healthful energy to flow throughout the body and eliminates emotionally based problems, stress and diseases. Not only will your health be improved and your stress levels decreased, but everything around you will become more beautiful with a positive outlook. Keeping your blood healthy, well nourished, free of unnecessary medications (opt for holistic treatments whenever possible), and properly circulating is key to turning diabetes around and thus creating lasting health and well-being. It is truly worth all the effort! Dr. Lee’s office is located in the Viborg Medical Center, 2030 Viborg Road, Solvang. The clinic is held every Friday only (it was changed from Wednesdays). Dr. Lee also has ofﬁces in Los Angeles, and Atascadero. To make an appointment in the Solvang office, call 805-693-5162.

June 1 - June 14, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

“V’ is for Vultures’: Lecture features nature’s clean up crew By Serena Guentz Contributing Writer

ature’s clean-up crew,” also known as the vulture, was the topic of the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society’s most recent lecture, “‘V’ is for Vultures” on Thursday, May 13, with father-daughter duo Dennis and Jess Beebe. The event took place via Zoom and featured a lecture followed by a question-and-answer session. Approximately 40 viewers were present in the live audience of the Zoom webinar. Since COVID-19 has prevented the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society from hosting in-person lectures and events, the society has been holding free webinars and lectures such as this through Zoom. “Currently we are working on several new and interesting programs to bring to you during the summer and fall,” said Marion Schlinger, membership coordinator for the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society. “We are experimenting with a couple of small group field trips.” Schlinger said that these field trips are currently only available to SYVNHS members as groups are limited to 10 participants. Dennis Beebe is an “amateur naturalist” who is part of the SYVNHS board of directors. He is also a volunteer docent for NatureTrack and UCSB’s Sedgwick Reserve. “[Dennis] has always been an illustrious

docent and I’m very grateful to Dennis and Jess for their knowledge about birds,” said Kate McCurdy, SYVNHS member and reserve manager at Sedgwick Reserve. Jess Beebe also volunteers for NatureTrack and has a passion for birds. Her knowledge in birding has taken her throughout the United States and to bird sites around the world, including England, the Galapagos Islands, Africa, Costa Rica and many more. The focus of Thursday’s lecture was on vultures, including the turkey vultures that are common residents in Santa Barbara County. Dennis Beebe provided a presentation and discussion that included history and fun facts about vultures, as well as the role of vultures in cultures around the world. The turkey vulture, California condor and the king vulture are the three species of vultures in North America and throughout the world there are 23 species of vultures. However, there are none in Australia or Greenland. Dennis Beebe said that the Egyptian vulture was the first animal ever protected by the government as it was especially favored by Egyptian pharaohs and was even revered as gods by ancient Egyptians. Locally, turkey vultures are the most likely vulture species to be seen. “Turkey vulture – you see everyday. In fact,

you see this bird flying in the rain,” Beebe said. “When we next have rain, look up. You’ll see either a crow or a turkey vulture.” Turkey vultures can be found from the southern United States down through South America, with a breeding range extending into Canada. “[Turkey vultures] have wonderful eyesight and extraordinary olfactory senses,” Beebe said. “They can smell a dead carcass from a mile away.” He also said that their sense of smell has been used by gas companies since 1938. The gas companies will put a special smell in the gas pipes and vultures can detect a gas leak by circling over what they think is a dead or decaying animal in the pipes but is actually gas with the special smell. Vultures mainly use their beaks for defensive behaviors, but if they’re feeling especially threatened, another “disgusting” defensive behavior they have is vomiting in the general direction of their threat. Dennis Beebe also discussed

some misconceptions of vultures. One such misconception was that vultures spread disease. Beebe said that it’s actually the opposite and that the vulture’s stomach is extremely acidic, being almost as acidic as lead-acid batteries, so it kills many pathogens. He discussed the several threats to vultures, such as extinction of prey, loss of habitat, hunters and ranchers, and many more. Beebe said that when there’s a smaller vulture population, the spread of disease could increase, and it could even lead to soil, water and air pollution. A recording of the full “V” is for Vultures webinar, as well as more information on the society and future events, can be found on the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society’s website at syvnature.org.

Photo Contributed The role of vultures in cultures around the world was the subject of a recent presentation and discussion by the father-daughter duo of Dennis and Jess Beebe.

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Wildling Museum partners with Solvang School to highlight student work Online exhibition ‘Solvang School: Bird Studies’ on view through Sept. 12 Staff Report

chool field trips were put on pause over the last year, but the Wildling Museum was able to partner with Solvang School to bring art and nature to the virtual classroom. The partnership culminated in a new online student exhibition, Solvang School: Bird Studies, on view online through Sept. 12. Wildling Museum Executive Director Stacey Otte-Demangate worked with educator Erin Dunkle and middle school students enrolled in Solvang School’s Art and Science elective class to explore birding and the art of John James Audubon. After beginning the school year with a focus on nature journaling, the students turned their attention to birds with guest lectures provided by the Wildling Museum via Zoom to provide background information about bird watching and John James Audubon, in addition to guided drawing lessons. Building off guest lectures, students learned about bird anatomy, practiced identifying birds based on their size, shape and color patterns, drew living birds using live bird cams from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and analyzed Audubon’s work from his seminal “Birds of America.” After selecting a bird species to focus on, students used a technique inspired by Audubon’s process of pinning collected (hunted) bird specimens onto gridded boards, allowing him

Photos contributed Clea Malkmus' American Golden-plover

Photos contributed Presley Pinoli's Black-capped Chickadee is among the student works featured in the Wildling Museum's new online exhibition in collaboration with Solvang School.

to achieve accurate proportions when drawing birds on gridded paper. Students selected a digital reference image of their chosen bird species, then placed a digital grid over that image before translating their compositions to watercolor paper where they were then able to accurately map out bird proportions. Based on their research, students then added midground and background details to their paintings that reflect the natural habitat of their bird species. “The students really enjoyed the virtual visits from Stacey (Otte-Demangate),” Dunkle said. “I’m so grateful for our collaboration with the Wildling Museum so far this year and look

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forward to additional ways we can partner in the future. We are very lucky to have this amazing educational resource in our community.” Dunkle has been teaching at Solvang School for five years and this is her second time teaching the Art and Science elective. “Our students have such a passion for art and getting into Mrs. Espejo’s art classes at the middle school can be competitive,” she said. “I’m a big art appreciator so I created this class. The response was very positive the first time we offered it so I’m teaching it again.” Solvang School’s Art and Science elective class seeks to explore the skills that artists and

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scientists share: observation, curiosity and creativity. Over the course of the year, students investigate how art can promote scientific discovery and understanding and how science and technology have influenced art. Students featured in the exhibition include Julia Aparicio, Alleiyah Berry, Haidy Campos, Quincy Godfrey, Ella Gotschall, Max Johnson, Clea Malkmus, Jaide Malkmus, Campbell McClurg, Sophie Miller, Alexis Mobbs, Audrey Morgan, Kaitlyn Petersen, Presley Pinoli, Cypress Raymond, Hannah Ricci, and Beau Woodall. For more information, and to volunteer or join as a member to support the Wildling Museum, please visit www.wildlingmuseum.org. Current hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional digital resources are available at www.wildlingmuseum.org/virtual-visit, including online galleries from all current exhibitions, links to art activities, videos, and more to help online visitors experience the museum from home.

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Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation plans in-person picnic June 26 Staff Report

Photo by Jeffrey Bloom Photography Los Alamos Theatre Group donates all money from ticket sales to local nonprofits.

Curtain will rise for Los Alamos Theatre Group’s July performances Troupe will resume after hiatus at new home, the Depot Mall & Bar Staff Report

s 2020 began, Los Alamos Theatre Group (LATG) received an extraordinary gift: a home in one of the town’s most historic structures, the nearly 150-year-old Depot Mall & Bar, a building that once housed the Los Alamos train station. The building’s owners, Dan and Ana Thompson, long-time community boosters and fans of the theater group, knew LATG (then a nomadic troupe) was in need of a permanent venue. The deal was done on a handshake and no money was exchanged. At the Thompsons’ expense, a large stage was built and seating was provided. The theater company wasn’t even asked to pay for water and power. It was a dream deal. Now, after a 14-month pandemic delay, LATG will be back onstage for five performances of its new production “TRASH, A Courtroom Musical About A Very Untidy Death,” on July 2, 3, 9,

10 and 11. For tickets and information to see “TRASH,” visit squareup.com/store/latg. Established in November 2018, Los Alamos Theatre Group is a zero-profit assemblage of actors, musicians, technicians, carpenters, publicists and designers. It is a completely volunteer group, which donates all money from ticket sales to local nonprofit organizations. Over the past two years, that amount exceeded $12,000. To date, the company has produced four original plays. They’ve done drama, mystery and comedy; and they’ve discovered more actors. The troupe has involved local businesses in supporting roles, and their audience is growing. Local restaurant Plenty On Bell, located across the street from the LATG venue, will be among the eateries open nights during the run of the upcoming show, and will be offering special pre-theater dinners. Reservations are necessary, where accepted. Food and beverages will also be available at the Depot Bar. LATG is also planning a fall production. Find LATG on Facebook: @losalamostheatregroup; and Instagram: @losalamos_theatregroup.

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ith fingers crossed and the governor’s projection of a June 15 reopening date for California, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) is planning its first in-person event in more than a year — the Teddy Bear Picnic on Saturday, June 26. Like other local nonprofits in 2020, TBCF canceled fundraisers, held a virtual event and pivoted at every turn, all while providing the most support in its 19-year history. The Teddy Bear Picnic lunch will be held on the upper lawn of the reopened Montecito Club. Tickets are $200 for two guests. Each couple will receive a parasol, and picnic blanket on which to enjoy a meal of paninis, salads, wine, snacks and dessert. Activities include croquet, bocce, corn hole, horseshoes, balloon artists and music. Also available via Montecito Club are a sledding hill, pickleball, basketball and volleyball. Tickets are available at TeddyBearCancerFoundation.org/Events. A limited number of tickets will be sold to ensure safe social distancing. Co-chairing the Teddy Bear Picnic are Maria Wilson and Sofie Langhorne, who sit on TBCF’s Board of Directors and are event sponsors. Ginni Dreier will serve as honorary chair. The event committee includes Matt Fish, Jamie Hansen, Sheela Hunt, Maria Long, Debbie Neer and Tara Zanecki.

Additional event sponsors include Mad Fitness and Drs. Jon and Karen Tammela. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to host a safe in-person event again,” Wilson said. “We’ve really missed this. Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation supporters have been wonderful this past year, and we can’t wait to thank them in person.” In 2020 TBCF reduced its operating budget in response to the pandemic; however, the need for services significantly increased. “Our supporters and donors really came through for our families last year with gift cards, grocery card, deliveries, financial support, and increased volunteerism,” Langhorne said. “It was really inspiring,” Despite the reduced budget, TBCF was able to continue to serve every family that requested support. Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation advocates for families living in the tri-counties who have a child with cancer by providing financial, emotional and educational support. Since 2002 TBCF has provided some $2 million to families through direct financial aid. Additionally, TBCF provides emotional support groups for parents, children and teens in English and Spanish. The TBCF program assists children who are re-entering the school system by offering post-chemo tutoring and neuropsychological assessments. For more information about TBCF services, visit TeddyBearCancerFoundation.org.

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Industrial Eats’ Jeff Olsson Opens Eye on I Eatery in Lompoc By Laurie Jervis

Contributing Writer

iners in the Lompoc Valley have gotten a taste of Santa Barbara County’s revered Industrial Eats when a co-owner of the Buellton site opened Eye on I in late winter. The new eatery is located at 131 N. I St., former home of The Beach, which had closed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Eye on I chef and co-owner Jeff Olsson. Current hours are noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, but Olsson will eventually open daily. He’s applied for a license to serve wine and beer, but in the interim diners are allowed to BYOB/W. Olsson noted that while Eye is “not an Eats No. Two,” there are some similarities — the unique and flavorful pizzas, garlic-laden Caesar salad, and vegetarian or meat entrees. “Customers (in Lompoc) are adventurous” when it comes to trying new food, he said. “I am amazed at how well we’ve been received; people have come up to me and expressed their gratitude for Eye being here.” Olsson and his staff vary Eye’s menu based on what’s available from the farmers and seafood providers from whom they buy: They’ve offered fresh oysters, a bone-in New York steak and pork belly pizza. “People are just game for the food,” he said. How Olsson and his partner and co-chef/ co-owner of Eye, Heather Hovey, came to create the Lompoc eatery is a story of success during a year when many restaurants collapsed under the weight of the pandemic. “My longtime electrician, Joey White, is Amber White’s husband; Amber owned The Beach,” Olsson said. After she closed her site (well before the pandemic), Amber White inquired if Olsson would take over the space, which included a wood-fired oven, he recalled. “I liked the idea of not having to build out the space,” he said. But he hesitated — why open a second restaurant during the early months of a global pandemic? His employees at Industrial Eats had just “jumped onto unemployment — they

Laurie Jervis / Noozhawk photo Veteran chefs Jeff Olsson, pictured, and Heather Hovey opened Eye on I restaurant at 131 N. I Street in Lompoc in late February.

Laurie Jervis / Noozhawk photo With Eye's butcher block menus on the wall behind her, co-owner Heather Hovey works in the kitchen, visible to guests behind a bar, sporting a bin of fresh greens.

saw what was coming” as soon as Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California’s first shutdown on March 19, 2020, he said.

So Olsson waited, and kept Industrial Eats afloat utilizing a skeleton staff that prepared only take-out meals.

“The pandemic hit the entire restaurant industry so hard,” he said. He pointed to world-renowned restaurants in Los Angeles, New York, London and Paris that are struggling to entice back both customers and their employees, who either bailed on the industry altogether or collected unemployment for the duration. Today, Eats still has “very low staffing” — 15 people, down from 45 on staff before the pandemic — and Olsson hopes to continue to ramp back up. When we spoke in late April, Eye was up to six employees, including Hovey, he said. Olsson still co-owns New West Catering, which he founded in 2000 with his former wife, Janet Olsson, as well as Industrial Eats, and event bookings are increasing. The 8-year-old Buellton establishment is comprised of the main restaurant, the “Grand Room” for events and a take-out only site. The public is staring to reach out again regarding space for rehearsal dinners; “we have bookings in September and October,” he said. In Lompoc, he plans to work with the nearby Cold Coast Brewing on West Ocean Avenue, whose opening was delayed by the pandemic but whose owners are eager to open, he said. “I’ll craft food to pair with their beers, down the line,” he said. Olsson started his culinary career in kitchens at age 15 and honed his skills under some of the nation’s most prominent chefs, including Mark Miller, Dean Fearing and Bobby Flay. He served as executive chef at Miller’s Red Sage in Washington, D.C, and later as chef at Restaurant Nora, the first U.S. site to be certified organic. Olsson also opened Firestone restaurant in Buellton after having catered for the Firestone family, he said. Laurie Jervis tweets at @lauriejervis and can be reached via winecountrywriter@gmail.com. The opinions expressed are her own.

18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H June 1 - June 14, 2021

Winemaker Jim Clendenen remembered for helping lift up others in industry

A 'life beyond tacos' fermented into a notable career in the wine industry By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

he news of winemaker Jim Clendenen passing away spread through the Santa Ynez Valley quickly, as he was fondly remembered for helping many notable wine and restaurant industry folks get their start. “Tonight I learned we lost a legend and friend to our little wine community,” said Bion Rice of Artiste. “He was so encouraging and supportive in my early career in the ’90s. Always said ‘Yes’ to all my asks. So many laughs.” The Los Alamos resident was 68 when he passed away in his sleep on Saturday, May 15, according to the Santa Barbara Vintners website (sbccountywines. com). Clendenen was born in Akron, Ohio, and graduated from UCSB in 1976 in pre-law, according to his biography on the Au Bon Climat website. While touring France in 1974 during a year abroad he discovered “life beyond tacos.” He returned after graduating to stay in Burgundy and

While touring France in 1974 during a year abroad, Jim Clendenen discovered "life beyond tacos" and became one of the pioneers of the wine industry in Santa Ynez Valley and the county. Champagne for a bit, which changed his trajectory into winemaking. He started in wine in 1978 as the assistant winemaker for Zaca Mesa Winery for three vintages before founding Au Bon Climat Winery, which started in 1982, with Adam Tolmach. Clendenen referred to himself “the mind behind.” Au Bon Climat (which means “a well exposed vineyard”) has grown to more than 50,000 cases annually and sources fruit from several vineyards

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Contributed photo Winemaker Jim Clendenen and Chef Anthony Endy in a tribute post to the late "mind behind." along the Central Coast. Au Bon Climat, is recognized worldwide for classically styled wines. In addition to his Burgundian-focused Au Bon Climat wines, Clendenen also established another brand, Clendenen Family Vineyards. Alisal Guest Ranch Chef Anthony Endy shared a few pictures of himself with Clendenen with words that he associated with the pioneer winemaker. “Legend. Pioneer. Ambitious. Hospitable. Generous. Loving. Gregarious. Inspirational. So many words

to describe the great Jim Clendenen,” Endy wrote. Endy said he met Clendenen while in his early career at Chef Rick’s and cherished every moment with him and knows how many will miss his presence in the community. Among Clendenen’s accolades include being on Robert Parker’s short list of Best Wineries in the World in 1989 and 1990, and in 1991 he was selected by Oz Clark as one of 50 world-wide creators of Modern Classic Wines. Dan Berger of the Los Angeles Times named Clendenen the “Los Angeles Times Winemaker of the Year” in 1992; Food & Wine magazine named him “Winemaker of the Year” in 2001. Germany’s leading wine magazine, Wein Gourmet, in 2004 named Clendenen “Winemaker of the World;” and in 2007, Clendenen was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.” “Jim made elegant and classical wines inspired from his travels to Burgundy, and he refused to waver from that style,” said Santa Barbara County Vintner’s Association officials. “Jim was instrumental in putting Santa Barbara Wine Country on the map and was a tireless champion of the region. He traveled all over the world celebrating Santa Barbara County’s unique ability to grow almost any varietal, and its particular penchant to grow beautiful Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We ask you raise a glass to our iconic friend.”

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Midland students complete senior projects to help future students, community Staff Report

Blazing a trail

he Midland School senior projects are an opportunity for seniors to design an independent project-based course addressing a line of inquiry in an area of their own interest. Their projects last a semester long, which is a tough endeavor that requires planning, time management, craftsmanship, problem solving and student engagement. Here are some of the projects completed by Midland seniors that will benefit future students as well as the Santa Ynez Valley communities:

Lights and traffic

As the Santa Ynez Valley grows in popularity both as a place to live and a tourist destination, an influx of traffic could threaten the “essential rural feel” of the area. Porter Barnes’ senior project seeks to understand a potentially simple solution to the overcrowding of the valley roadways: modifying light patterns to improve our local intersections. Using an agent-based modeling system called NetLogo, Porter investigated one particular intersection between the Alamo Pintado Road and Highway 246 to discover what light patterns reduce the queue length (number of cars waiting) and sojourn time

Contributed photo Senior Luke Brennan set his sights on building a new Midland trail as a way of creating something beautiful from hard work, and thus Bobcat Bend Trail was opened for the community.

(time to get through the intersection). Using five main components: environment, car-behavior, light patterns, view restrictions and data collection, Porter discovered three key recommendations through his model. Firstly, a directional light pattern is essential in the high-flow directions. Secondly, the difference between parallel and directional in the low-flow directions is nominal. Thirdly, the light lengths should

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be based on regularly updated traffic studies that match the correct flow ratios to the lights. With understanding of the limitations of his model and areas for future improvement, especially adding left-hand turn lanes, driver-variance and adaptive light patterns, Porter wrapped up his project paper recommending further research prior to construction or policy change.

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Senior Luke Brennan set his sights on building a new Midland trail as a way of creating something beautiful from hard work and also adding a treasure to the community that could last a lifetime. Identifying Midland’s Rain Gauge trail, which he had worked on as a sophomore, as a tricky trail with a sudden end along Figueroa Mountain Road, he was inspired to create a practical trail connecting Res Road to Rain Gauge trail. Creating a trail from start to finish was an entirely new process, and Luke completed significant research, including learning how to use CalTopo, mapping software which allowed Luke to navigate the Midland terrain digitally and find the most ideal descent from Rain Gauge’s elevated location. He flagged (and re-flagged) the trail multiple times before determining the best path. From there, he gathered a team composed primarily of other Midland students, taught them how to properly use trail work tools, and headed off to build the trail. Over the course of Midland’s MIDterm (a week mid-semester dedicated to hands-on, experiential projects), Luke led his crew through an intense and fun trail building agenda. With priorities such as causing minimal damage to tools, improving trail quality MIDLAND CONTINUED TO PAGE 21

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Several Santa Ynez Valley locals honored during AHC’s Centennial Celebration Distinguished Alumni announced during hourlong virtual event May 22 Staff Report

eaders and luminaries from the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos valleys are being honored as distinguished alumni of Allan Hancock College. Hancock College, established in 1920, celebrated its centennial year with an hourlong virtual celebration on Saturday, May 22. As part of the event, the college announced its Centennial Class of Distinguished Alumni, a list of 100 former Hancock students who achieved distinction in their life and work. Local honorees include restauranteur and winemaker Frank Ostini, businessman and community leader Frank Kelsey, Chumash educator Nicolasa Sandoval, and Raiza Giorgi, founder/ publisher of the Santa Ynez Valley Star. Winemaker Sonja Magdevski of Casa

Dumetz and Jesper Johansson, executive chef at Plenty on Bell, both in Los Alamos, were also honored. Current Hancock trustee Greg Pensa was also recognized, along with former Hancock trustee Tim Bennet who recently moved out of the area. Longtime Hancock trustee Larry Lahr, who resigned his seat this spring and recently moved to the area, is also on the list. The list of alumni spanned the course of Hancock’s past 100 years in the community, beginning in the 1920s and continuing through to the present day. The names on the list were nominated by the public and selected by a committee of college staff and community members. “These 100 alumni distinguished themselves through their lives, work, achievements, and

service to their community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “They are an excellent representation of how our college has changed the odds for local students and our community over the past 100 years.” In addition to the announcement of the distinguished alumni list, the virtual event celebrated Hancock’s history with a mix of video, historical photos and musical performances of songs throughout the decades. Grammy-winner Louie Ortega, Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket, PCPA Artist-in-Residence Yusef Seevers and Nashville recording artists Pryor & Lee all performed. The event was emceed by Santa Barbara County 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino.

The celebration not only marked the culmination of the college’s centennial year but a milestone for the Hancock Promise program, which provides the first year of college at Hancock free of tuition and fees for local high school students. Thanks to the generosity of the celebration’s sponsors and individual donors, the Hancock Promise fund surpassed the $5 million mark. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all our sponsors and donors,” said Hancock Executive Director of College Advancement Jon Hooten. “They are building a lasting legacy that will provide an affordable, quality college education for local students generations to come. I can think of no better way to honor the 100-year history of this college.” To learn more about Hancock’s centennial celebration and see the full list of distinguished alumni, visit www.hancocollege.edu/100. To learn more about the Hancock Promise or to donate, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/foundation.

Santa Ynez Valley Charter School Dwayne A. Elder D.D.S., Nielsen Building Materials, Lash & Tan Bou�que in Santa Ynez, Falcone Family Vineyards, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn, The Lucky Hen Larder, Dan Tagles, Jomy Smith Kelly O’Connor, Nicole Brians, Elizabeth Tucciarone, Trace Agin, Andrea Cantrell, Byranie Thomas

Special thanks to Dustin Noblitt and Bessie the cow

June 1 - June 14, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

o MIDLAND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 through thoughtful design, negating erosion and easing slope intensity, Luke leaned into trail-building techniques such as drainages, stabilizers, switchbacks and steps. Finally, after working long hours with his trail building team, Luke completed a beautiful new Midland trail: Bobcat Bend trail.

enough protein for a small household, but that a larger scale set up could feasibly provide a sustainable alternative to traditional meat.

Documenting campus flora

Creating a cup

Max Rasilla used porcelain clay, rather than the typical dover white stoneware, to create a unique cup for the Stillman dining hall to reuse, with it being durable enough to last through many dishwashings.

Edible insects?

How would you entertain a meal of insects? Midland senior Melia Collard explored the possibility of entomophagy (eating insects) and set out to build a successful mealworm farm and answer her questions if edible insects would be a realistic protein supplement for a household. Over the course of Midland’s spring semester, Melia actively managed a farm of over 2,000 mealworms while completing her larger research on insect farming and recipes

Contributed photo Inspired by Midland's 2,860-acre campus and learning about native flora of the property during her freshman year, Macy D'Attile created a book about Midland's unique plants for future students and community members to enjoy.

and restaurant menus. After a few bumps in the road (namely, navigating mold growth in her farm), she was able to host an Experiential Saturday for Midland students where she organized and presented her project to

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10 other students through a combination of slideshows, taste tests, cooking competitions, and miniature bug farm building. Her research led her to the conclusion that her small-scale farm couldn’t provide

Inspired by Midland’s 2,860-acre campus and learning about native flora of the property during her freshman year, Macy D’Attile dedicated her senior project to researching and documenting (through illustration & writing) the flora of Midland’s campus. She quickly learned new photoshop skills to transfer her artwork into a digital format and began putting together a ready-to-print document that would eventually wind up (she hoped) as a bound book of 46 Midland plants. With some generous guidance from Jeff Goddard, Midland’s marine biology & field ecology teacher, and the support of local printer John Nygren of JanoPrint, she is currently in the process of final book review steps and looks forward to a first print-run of 150 copies, the majority of which she plans to gift to Midland students, faculty, and to leave as a resource for future Midland students and all future visitors to Midland’s campus and trails.

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Registration open for AHC summer and fall classes Staff Report

Photos Contributed The multigenerational ranching Branquinho family is originally from Los Alamos, and recently relocated their cattle operations to Los Olivos, where Cade Branquinho, 12, practices his rodeo skills.

Best friends and team roping partners Sadie Grant, 14, of Santa Maria, and Kylee Branquinho, 13, of Buellton are heading to the 2021 Jr. High National Rodeo finals later this month in Iowa.

egistration for summer and fall 2021 classes is open at Allan Hancock College. This summer, Hancock is offering more than 200 classes that run for six-to-eight weeks starting June 14. The college is offering nearly 1,000 fall classes starting Aug. 16. Tuition fees are set by the state at $46 per unit for California residents. Hancock will continue to support students in summer and fall with a wide array of support services including financial aid, emergency funds for pan-

demic-related hardships, tutoring, laptop and textbook lending, zero-cost textbook classes, and more. Students with questions about registration and available student services are encouraged to take advantage of the AHC Welcome Center, where they can chat live online with helpful Hancock staff. The Welcome Center is available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about summer and fall classes, and to register for classes, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/summerfall.

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Photo by Daniel Dreifuss Kylee Branquinho practices roping every day and exercises her horses to ensure they're competition ready.

Bárbara, which was established in 1782. “I think I was 4 when I won my first rodeo competition and I have just always loved the various sports that go with it,” Kylee said. “It’s a family affair for me because I get to do this with not only my parents and sister, but my cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles.” Kylee said that she practices roping every day along with exercising her two horses, one used for team roping and the other for breakaway. “I’ve known for a long time that rodeo was my passion,” she said. “I tried other things like soccer and dance, but it just ultimately took

away time from riding and rodeo.” Kylee hopes to not only place in Jr. High Nationals, but compete in High School Nationals when she starts high school next year. “I want to take this as far as possible and one day become a professional and actually make a living off rodeo and continue in the cattle ranching business with my family,” she said. The competition will be broadcast live on RidePass.com and those who want to watch will have to sign up for a subscription to view online streaming, according to NJHRA officials.

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