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SYV Children’s Museum pushing forward to give local kids more play opportunities With location now OK'd, executive director hopes to open in 2022 By Serena Guentz Contributing Writer
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ver the last four years, Ashley Jenkins has set out to open the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum, an outdoor museum that will allow children and families to learn and play together. Jenkins, executive director for the children’s museum, is a local mother of three boys who she describes as “high energy.” She also used to teach at Acorn Village Forest School, an outdoor preschool and kindergarten program in the Santa Ynez Valley. About four years ago, Jenkins noticed that there wasn’t much to do around Buellton, particularly when it comes to outdoor spaces suitable for young children. “The accessibility to nature is something that historically people are privileged to have,” Jenkins said. “We’re wanting to create a small, accessible version so that anybody from the community that speaks any language, of any ability, gets to come play outdoors.” The children’s museum will be almost entirely outdoors, with all sensory-based features. Jenkins said that a water feature will be
Photos by Serena Guentz Five-year-old Tori shows Ashley Jenkins a photo she took of Jenkins at the fairy door and gnome home-making event at the Santa Ynez Botanic Garden on June 5. Jenkins is the executive director of the yet-to-be-opened Santa Ynez Valley Children's Museum.
included with a gazebo, which will periodically produce a rainstorm with thunder and water falling to flood a small water basin. The water basin will create a shallow river that children can wade and float boats in. Another feature of the museum will be playhouses themed to different cultures found
throughout the valley, such as a cowboy-themed house and a Danish-themed house. The children’s museum will also include rotating science and art exhibits, as well as slides, climbing stations and a community garden. “It’s all getting kids and their families and their caregivers and schools out in nature touching
things, doing things, manipulating things, learning by doing,” Jenkins said. While the children’s museum was originally intended to be targeted toward children, Jenkins said that she has recently begun considering how to use the space for pre-teen and teen programs in the evenings. “It’s going to be less arts-and-craftsy and less directed and more like an open, safe space for them to hang out,” Jenkins said, mentioning that this could allow older children and teenagers to use the space and create their own clubs. Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in July 2020 and is currently looking for its own permanent location. During the special May 15 Buellton City Council meeting, the children’s museum requested part of the Willemsen property, which the City of Buellton purchased last May, for its outdoor location. Buellton Mayor Holly Sierra said at the meeting that having the children’s museum at that location seemed like a “no-brainer.” And, at the June 24 Buellton City Council meeting, the council voted in favor of granting a portion of the Willemsen property to the SYVCM. During its effort to secure the location, the museum has been holding free activities for MUSEUM CONTINUED TO PAGE 23
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Solvang’s Music in the Mary Conway retires from Park is back until Aug. 25 People Helping People
performance will feature country band Questaridge on July 7. “Year after year Music in the Park has brought the community together and has Staff Report provided Santa Ynez Valley residents, both young and old, with a fun way to enjoy olvang Music in the Park has relong summer evenings,” said Tracy Beard, turned, as the concert series started on June 23. executive director for the Solvang Chamber Concerts will be held weekly from 5 to 8 of Commerce. p.m on WednesAudience memdays in Solvang bers are invited to Park, and will run bring your lawn until Aug. 25. chairs and picnic Echoswitch, a blankets and invite hard rock band, friends. Concertgowas the first to ers can bring their play for Solvang own food or enjoy Music in the Park on June 23. a tasty meal from Echoswitch is a one of Solvang’s local favorite and excellent restaucounts Solvang rants. Most bars and Mayor Charlie tasting rooms will Uhrig as part of be serving alcoholic its lineup. Another beverages in closed local rock band, Livewire, played Photo contributed containers which are The first band playing at Music in the Park is Echoswitch, welcome at Solvang June 30. featuring Solvang Mayor Charlie Uhrig, center. The next Park.
Country band Questaridge is next up for concert series on July 7
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Youth coalition director spent 14 years steering local youth away from substance abuse By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
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fter 14 years as the director of People Helping People’s Youth Substance Abuse Coalition, Mary Conway retired at the end of June to enjoy more time with her family. She gave her notice in April to allow time to recruit, hire and train the new director, Maggie Johnson. “It has been rewarding to see the high level of drug use among our local teens trending downward since 2008,” said Conway. “What I love about this position is that it is about community collaboration, bringing partners together to help our youth avoid the pitfalls of drug use. It truly takes the entire community to make this happen.” “The Coalition spent the first five years of their federal grant to bring people to the table to take action since our valley had the highest rate of youth substance abuse compared to the average of school districts in the state of California and our own county school districts,” Conway explained. “I’m leaving this job as a profession but will continue to be involved in youth substance abuse prevention. I believe it is the answer to the health and well-being of our youth, families, and community. Substance abuse effects everybody.” Conway worked for the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA for 18 years, with its family, youth, and teen programs. That position propelled her into getting more deeply involved with at-risk youth. “I started volunteering on People Helping People’s Coalition as the representative for the YMCA,” Conway said. “When I realized the real depth of the substance use problem in the valley, I felt I needed to do more, and so I accepted the full-time position with PHP as the coalition director.”
Photo contributed After 14 years as the director of People Helping People's Youth Substance Abuse Coalition, Mary Conway retired at the end of June.
Conway’s passion she says, has always revolved around the well-being of the valley’s youth, which included volunteering with many local organizations. She prefers to work behind the scenes “just getting the job done.” “Even though our local drug trend lines are continuing downward, there is still so much to be done,” she said. “I’m happy to be leaving this position in good hands with Maggie Johnson.” In closing, Conway expressed how rewarding her position was. “I feel so grateful for the privilege of working with so many of these great local organizations, especially the YMCA and PHP,” she said. “They are such wonderful organizations that make a difference in our community, not only for our youth but for everyone. There are also so many amazing people that I have been fortunate to have worked alongside of that have really made a difference in my life and the lives of others.” Conway has been a valley resident for 43 years and has been married to Gary Conway for 51 years, while raising their three children Jennifer, Scott and Michael.
July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3
Supervisors approve $1.35 billion budget for Santa Barbara County Estimated revenues for 2021-22 fiscal year include $19.1 million in cannabis taxes By Jade Martinez-Pogue Noozhawk Staff Writer
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he Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved the $1.35 billion budget for fiscal year 2021-22, which is an increase of $160.5 million from the current year. County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato said this is the third year in a row without service reductions in any county department, despite some revenue losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a unique and challenging year as we look to improve our resilience and look towards recovery from the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” Miyasato said. “As the county approaches the next year, we do so with optimism, but we’re also realistic about the challenges ahead.” A majority of the increase in the overall budget is related to federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding of $43.3 million. The county expects cannabis taxes revenues to keep growing and raise $19.1 million next year, which is more than the estimate for next year’s sales tax revenues ($12.5 million) and transient occupancy tax revenues ($12.1 million), according to budget documents. Most of the cannabis tax revenues will come from hundreds of acres of cultivation, and the county expects about $625,000 in revenues from storefront dispensaries. No dispensaries have been permitted and licensed yet in the county, but the county narrowed down the list of operators who are allowed to apply for the limited spots. About $8 million of the $19 million in cannabis tax revenues will be spent on county cannabis program administration and enforcement costs, and another $5.5 million was dedicated to other
Santa Barbara County presentation A county presentation shows the proposed uses for millions of dollars in cannabis tax revenues, after spending $8 million on ongoing program administration and enforcement.
ongoing expenses, not all cannabis-related, according to the County Executive Office. The County Executive Office recommended changing the policy of using these revenues only for one-time expenses, and said 75% of cannabis tax revenue would be available to fund any ongoing expenses — after funding cannabis program costs — and the rest would be spent on one-time expenses and a reserve fund. “This policy change results in $6.3 million of cannabis tax revenue available for discretionary uses,” the County Executive Office wrote in a budget summary. “The ongoing funds support enhanced cannabis education, compliance and permit processing functions, critical needs for criminal justice departments, and set-asides for future needs related to elections, In-Home Supportive Services, Crisis Intervention Teams and homelessness operation services.” The Board of Supervisors allocated $2 million of the cannabis tax revenues to the Foothills Forever campaign to stop development on a portion of the San Marcos Foothills property, and
is spending $100,000 to match Coastal Conservancy grants. Some of the one-time funding items from ARPA funding include $7 million for purchasing a homeless shelter facility in Isla Vista; $4 million for road maintenance; and $5.5 million for capital improvement projects. Supervisors allocated $20.3 million overall in one-time expenses using ARPA and cannabis tax funding. The board will make decisions in October on how to spend another $25 million in ARPA funding, with $8.5 million available for discretionary spending, said Assistant County Executive Officer Nancy Anderson. For the 2021-22 fiscal year, the budget includes 4,347 full-time equivalent county employees, an increase of 41 from the previous year, and the general funds totaled $483 million, nearly an 8% increase from the previous year. Of the general funds, $327.4 million are discretionary revenues in which the board has some limited flexibility on spending, said Anderson. The county’s operating expenditures total
$1.33 billion, with 53% going towards salaries and employee benefits and 35% towards services and supplies. The health and human services departments, which include Behavioral Wellness, Child Support Services, First 5 Santa Barbara, the Public Health Department, and Social Services, make up $25 million of the general fund contribution and account for $453 million of operating expenditures. Employees in these departments total 41% of the county’s full-time workforce. The community resources and public facilities departments, which include Agricultural Weights and Measures, Community Services, Planning and Development, and Public Works, make up 6% of the general fund contribution, at $21 million, and 18% of the operating expenditures, at $244 million. These departments make up 12% of the county’s full-time equivalent employees. The general government and support services departments, including the Auditor-Controller, Clerk-Recorder Assessor, General Services, Human Resources, and Treasurer-Tax Collector, contribute $40 million, or 12%, to the general fund revenues and spend $118 million, or 9%, of operating expenditures. These departments account for 8% of the county’s full-time equivalent employees. The policy and executive departments, which include the Board of Supervisors, the County Executive Office, County Counsel, and general county programs, make up 27% of the general fund contribution and 9% of the operating expenditures. There are 107 full-time equivalent employees among these departments, which account for 2% of the county’s total. The public safety departments, which include Court Special Services, the District Attorney’s Office, the Fire Department, the Probation Department, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Sheriff’s Office, make up for 47%, or $154 million, of the general fund contribution. They BUDGET CONTINUED TO PAGE 23
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July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5
Juneteenth celebrated with music and dancing in Solvang Park By Serena Guentz Contributing Writer
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undreds of people gathered at Solvang Park on June 19 to enjoy music, food and dancing during Santa Ynez Valley’s second annual Juneteenth celebration presented by Madi’s Treasure Box. It was one of Solvang’s first public events after COVID-19 restrictions were removed across the state earlier in the week. The holiday celebrates the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news of freedom for enslaved people on June 19, 1865, marking the true end to slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This year marks 156 years since that day. Juneteenth was recently officially recognized as a federal holiday with a bill President Joe Biden signed into law on June 17. “For us, Juneteenth, in which Black citizens were freed, finally, is one of joy, jubilation, family, friendship, good food, good music,” said Vashti Wilson, CEO of Madi’s Treasure Box. “We look at it as a time that we’re able to celebrate each other and love without fear of reprisal or fear of abandonment or fear of being taken away from our loved ones.” Madi’s Treasure Box, created by now 9-year-old Madison Wilson and her mother Vashti, is a nonprofit organization raising money to send packages — Madi’s Treasure Boxes — to schools, foster care centers, hospitals and libraries with multicultural art supplies and diverse books in order for all children to see themselves represented. Madison even created her own line of World Changer multicultural crayons that were released last November with several skin, hair and eye colors. “At this point, [Madison] has raised almost $100,000,” Vashti Wilson said. “She has partnered with numerous nonprofits. They are actually guiding her to not only donate all of these resources to schools, libraries and hospitals, but also to implement ongoing training that will allow people to successfully integrate multicul-
Photos by Serena Guentz Afro-Brazilian Banda Alegria Geral, featuring Mariano Silva, right, performs upbeat music June 19 during the Juneteenth event at Solvang Park.
Sofia Zorrilla, left, gets rainbow facepaint June 19 during Santa Ynez Valley's Juneteenth event at Solvang Park.
tural tools into their classrooms.” The event featured performances and
demonstrations of maculele stick dance and capoeira martial arts from the Brazil-
ian Cultural Arts Center of Santa Barbara, as well as performances by the Afro-Brazilian Banda Alegria Geral, featuring Mariano Silva, and the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band. Capoeira is a martial art form that is a mixture of fighting, dancing and music, developed by enslaved people in Brazil to disguise the fact they were practicing fighting techniques. Today, capoeira is still practiced as a game, sport or art to learn about the Brazilian tradition and culture. Guests danced along with the music, enjoyed catered Southern-style meals and dessert from High on the Hog, and relaxed on the sunny park lawn. Wilson said that High on the Hog provided the catering as a donation for the Juneteenth event. A lemonade stand and a face painting and glitter tattoo booth were also available to children during the event. Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People also sponsored the Juneteenth celebration and Wilson said that People Helping People also covered the costs for the event. “Without any reservation, [People Helping People] said ‘how much do you need?’ and they footed the bill because they thought it was integral to the community to have this,” Vashti Wilson said. Adriana Reyes, who has recently been named People Helping People’s first diversity, equity and inclusion program director, discussed the importance of Juneteenth and how the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion program is working to diversify school’s curriculums and create a safe space for everyone despite differences. “[Juneteenth] was not taught to me during school or high school. This has to change,” Reyes said. “Our history, the good along with the bad, must be recognized and must be taught to our children … We celebrate Juneteenth not just by being with family and friends but by telling our stories and pursuing true validity and justice in all that is owed.”
6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 5 - July 19, 2021
Santa Ynez Valley High School District Board picks new leader Andrew Schwab comes from the Union School District in San Jose By Janene Scully
Noozhawk North County Editor
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San Jose educator has been hired as the next superintendent for the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District. Andrew Schwab was selected Tuesday night to replace Superintendent Scott Cory, who announced his departure in March after eight years on the job. The board also approved a three-year contract, starting July 1, for Schwab, with an annual salary of $171,360 for a work year of 220 days. “We’re excited to have you on board,” said Jan Clevenger, president of the district’s board. Most recently, Schwab has served as associate superintendent of learning and innovation at the Union School District in San Jose.
He comes to SYVUHSD with a background as a high school teacher, plus experiences with educational technology, strategic planning, cutting-edge curriculum development, budget and fiscal planning, and professional development, Clevenger said. “Mr. Schwab brings a vast compliment of educational initiatives and outstanding leadership opportunities to the district,” Clevenger said. “His vision and expertise in the use of technology implementation to improve student learning will impact the success of all students and staff.” Schwab also has a sound track record in building and implementing sustainable technology plans, Clevenger added. Other details of his contract include that Schwab will not receive paid vacation or holidays, but will accrue sick leave at a rate of one day per month. He also will receive a $50 monthly cellphone payment and $250 allowance for transportation within Santa Barbara County.
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“I am very excited to be joining the district,” Schwab said. Information about upcoming meet-andgreet opportunities for students, staff and community will be shared soon, he added. Previously, he worked as an information technology consultant, including being focused on getting technology into the classroom. He earned his associate’s degree from Oxnard College, bachelor’s degree in computer information technology from Humboldt State University, and master’s degree in information technology from American InterContinental University. He also is pursuing his doctorate in organizational change and leadership at the University of Southern California. The Army veteran also held a number of IT and computer-related jobs for various firms and organizations before entering the education field. Schwab has been involved in state-wide education advocacy, and served two elected terms on the board of directors of Comput-
er-Using Educators (CUE). He also served on the California Department of Education’s K-12 High Speed Network advisory board, and currently is a member of the advisory board for the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. The Santa Ynez Valley board hired a consultant, McPherson & Jacobson LLC, to guide the search for a new superintendent. The firm has ties to the California School Boards Association. The high school district includes two campuses, the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and a continuation school, Refugio High. Students come from six elementary school districts — Solvang, Buellton, College, Los Olivos, Ballard and Vista De Las Cruces — in the Santa Ynez Valley. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.
July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7
Is our township of Santa Ynez going to pot? controlled now, not after the problems develop.
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anta Ynez has a marijuana storefront coming, most likely by the end of the year. If one storefront was the only thing that was happening in the little township of Santa Ynez, that would be tolerable. The problem is, there are more developing behind the scenes. A private business has an office in town supporting marijuana retail operations, and another marijuana delivery business is now in the permit process choosing Sagunto Street as its home. Santa Ynez appears to be a convenient place at the center of the county for the business of cannabis, but this will truly have a detrimental effect on our community. The township of Santa Ynez is a very family-oriented community. Young people are present throughout the day walking, riding bikes and skateboarding throughout the town. Storefronts, signage and advertising that promote cannabis in our town will be seen by children and adolescents on a regular basis, which can lead to the normalization of the consumption of another psychoactive drug. Product names, like Hawaiian Punch, are made to appeal to our youth. Haven’t we learned anything from the alcohol and tobacco industries? The industry must be
Our county supervisors see only a tax windfall from allowing these sales and have not considered the costs or allocated sufficient money to control detrimental effects of cannabis in our community. Let’s tell our county supervisor that we do not want to be the county center for the marijuana industry. Rodney Smeester Santa Ynez
Why I am supporting the recall of Gov. Newsom
In 1990, I spent over six months of my life investigating and prosecuting one of most ruthless murder cases of my career. That year, Michele Rene Scott stalked her ex-boyfriend Sam Twigg for weeks, and one night entered his condo in Solvang and cold-bloodedly shot him twice as he tried to exit the couch he was sitting on next to his new girlfriend, Elizabeth Yunck. He fell forward, and Elizabeth, frozen with fear — sitting with her legs tucked under her on the couch next to him — was executed by Scott. This image haunts me to this day. Scott then fled. She had parked her Volk-
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of first-degree murder, with enhancements, increasing the penalty to not just one, but two, life sentences without the possibility of parole — “Without the possibility of parole.” At the time that was the ONLY justice the families got in that case; but now apparently that justice just went away. I have learned that in June of this year, after former Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown commuted her “no possibility of parole” sentence, current Gov. Gavin Newsom has released her from custody. Make no mistake, this had nothing to do with his compassion towards Scott — it was totally about the Benjamins he would save by reducing the prison budget line item. Cut their budget so he can give money away to people who don’t deserve it. Your money. Who stands behind Sam and Liz, and their families? Certainly not Gavin Newsom and the bleeding hearts responsible for this killer’s release. If you were waffling about recalling the governor of California, this should make your decision crystal clear.
Ken Reinstadler Prescott, Arizona Former SYV resident 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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swagen station wagon 1,000 yards away, as she planned the murder, and now headed south to Ventura to her heroin addict mother’s home. Scott’s mother, sister and complicit foster parents destroyed evidence in the car, ditched it and called an unscrupulous local attorney. The attorney, Richard Robins, subsequently kept her for three days, destroyed evidence on her clothing and hid the murder weapon in his garage. Robins turned her over to me and my partner after coaching her for three days, but we weren’t done. We proved up her lies and arrested her mother and sister. We held off until after Michelle Scott’s trial to go after Richard Robins. This was extensively covered by the Santa Barbara News-Press and the Santa Ynez Valley News. During the trial, Michelle Rene Scott lied on the witness stand, and I will never forget the daggers she threw at me with her eyes every time I was near her. She had the steely gaze of a true psychopath. The district attorney took the death penalty off the table, but the jury saw who she was, and the horror she caused to both Sam and Elizabeth, along with the pain to both their families. They convicted her straight up on two counts
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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 5 - July 19, 2021
Unplug with mud at Community Clayworks Buellton learning space invites people to come together and be creative By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
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f you’ve ever considered sinking your hands into clay and expanding your creative side, Community Clayworks is the place to go. Veronica Medina recently opened a collaborative learning space in Buellton where people can come together to be creative and learn to work with clay. It is for beginners and advanced potters alike. “Being new to the area, having moved here from New York, and a person who works with clay and loves the Valley, I initially had a hard time finding a community of artists,” Medina said. “I started making friends and finding my community when I taught ceramics during the evenings at Dunn School where I was a full-time ceramics teacher for three years.” Medina’s vision was bigger than just holding evening classes, so she decided to open a studio in Buellton at the beginning of June. She started with just a few of her regular students and now enrollment is open for full classes. “I wanted to create a place where people can come and feel good and supported,” she said. “Clay is so versatile. It allows people to be expressive and it can also be therapeutic. What I love most about ceramics is that it is so primal — something people have been doing for thousands of years.” Medina has a master’s degree in art education
Photo contributed Veronica Medina recently opened a collaborative learning space in Buellton called Community Clayworks, where people can come together to be creative and learn to work with clay.
from New York University. “I started working with ceramics in high school and completely fell in love with it,” she said. “I took a class at a local ceramics school and when I was a sophomore in undergrad, I wanted to take a ceramics elective. I was placed in a graduate course because of my previous experience and I think that class offered me a shift in perspective. I learned to value and understand the ‘art’ side of ceramics in addition to the ‘craft’ side.”
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After graduating from NYU, Medina taught at various community outlets. She then took a position at Trevor Day School in downtown Manhattan teaching ceramics to grades 6-12 and remained there for nine years. She then left that position to become a member artist at the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, New York, where she taught and created her own art as well. “I’ve always been an educator, so that was the first time I had focused on my own work for an extended period of time,” Medina said. “At the
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end of that year, we had our daughter, Emilia, and my husband Chris and I decided to do a cross-country trip and landed in Santa Barbara and the Valley. We loved it so much, we decided to make it our home – that was in 2016.” Community Clayworks offers classes in throwing on a potter’s wheel or hand building (i.e. sculpting/functional construction). Classes are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday mornings from 9 to noon (for adults) and Sunday afternoons offers Clay Projects from 2 to 4 p.m. for ages 6 and up (families included). Additional classes will be added over time. Medina will also be offering a BYOB Sip & Spin on Saturday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. for ages 21 and over. “I’m offering an option for something to do on Saturday nights, which is open to tourists and locals alike,” Medina said. “I also have a kids camp and during the school year I hold after-school kid’s classes.” In addition to classes, Medina offers memberships, monthly or annually, which are geared to people with experience. Members can come in and use the equipment and have designated shelf space during open studio hours. Community Clayworks is at 37 Industrial Way #111, Buellton. For more information, visit communityclayworks.com, email veronica@communityclayworks.com or call 646-709-7861.
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July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9
Determining source of labor shortage not so simple By Bruce Stenslie
Economic Development Collaborative President/CEO
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e all know from the shared experiences of employers across a wide range of industries and business models that it’s become an enormous challenge to hire the workers needed to keep up with demand as the economy re-opens. We know too that the most commonly presumed cause for the worker shortage is overly generous unemployment insurance and other pandemic disaster payouts that appear to make it more lucrative to stay at home. I think it is important to lay out a more complete and nuanced set of variables surrounding this issue. So, knowing no one yet has the full and perfect story, here’s a shot: First, the challenge in hiring is only one manifestation of a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime (we hope) disruption in labor markets and the larger economy. Current research, for example, shows that fully one in three workers either changed or lost employment in the last year. We call this turnover “churn”; there’s a high rate of it even in good times. But this one-in-three rate is unprecedented, and it’s going to take some time for the market to settle out.
We’re just starting to re-open many businesses. A quick and efficient sorting of the enormously complicated interrelationships between business and labor, between business demand and labor supply, just isn’t in the cards. Patience is hard but needed. For a more direct look at cause and effect on the challenge to hire, there are literally hundreds of articles in the academic journals and press that address the following: 1. Yes, unemployment benefits are a partial contributor, but there’s a ton of data that shows this presumably obvious cause for workers staying at home isn’t singly true. No doubt there are some who will take advantage, but the evidence is workers want to work; workers know the benefits don’t last forever. The research does not consistently show a correlation between size or duration of unemployment compensation and beneficiaries eschewing work. Further, it’s important to remind that it’s unfair to vilify workers or labor as a class. Federal, state and local policymakers delivered an enormous cache of benefits to both sides of the labor equation, business and workers. Both sides have abused it to some extent, but both sides needed it to survive. Were it not for the billions in unemployment insur-
ance and direct payments to families, businesses would have collapsed at a far greater rate, as there would have been a shortage of money to spend at those that did remain open. 2. Another more certain cause, for which there is data to support, is women staying home to care for kids. Schools aren’t fully re-opened, there’s a lack of available child care and women are still disproportionately left with this responsibility in the home. In response to this crisis, there’s a mountain of money being allocated, federal and state, to child care and early child education, but it’s only just starting to get out. This is an important and long-needed investment, but its impact on hiring will take time. 3. Workers are cautious about returning to jobs that put them in close contact with customers or other workers. COVID-19 is real, its impacts devastating. Overcoming this anxiety is going to take time — and a continuing trend for improved health outcomes. 4. Workers are returning to the labor force, but with all the churn, they’re not going back to the same employers or even the same industries. One indicator of this is the number of employers who say the workers they had before the pandemic aren’t coming back now that they’ve re-opened.
They may have found other jobs, higher wages, more accommodating schedules and better working conditions. Though certainly that’s a problem for the businesses struggling to hire, it’s what we’d expect of workers in a free-market economy. The hard lesson in all of this is that after disaster we don’t just return to the pre-disruption “normal.” We’re not seeing changes only in hiring. Rather, we’re seeing all sorts of transition and innovation in business and labor relations and in business models: accelerating rates of automation, new opportunities for remote work, more e-commerce. Though miserable while we are in the throes, these changes may over time turn out to be good for both business and labor. Tragically, of course, the gains and losses aren’t evenly distributed. Office and professional workers and businesses fared relatively well, while workers and businesses in retail, hospitality and other services suffered disproportionately. Low-income, women and minority workers lost the most. As these workers in particular seek to re-enter the labor force, let’s understand that they’re on the front lines of pandemic recovery, struggling to earn the incomes needed to live here and navigating the most radical and far-reaching disruption of work and business in our lifetimes.
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Young Eagles learn how to soar at special event in Santa Ynez By Serena Guentz Contributing Writer
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ocal children ages 8 to 17 got the opportunity to get up close and personal with airplanes at the Santa Ynez Airport and even see the Santa Ynez Valley from above on Saturday, June 12, as part of the 2021 Young Eagles Day. Young Eagles is a program with the national Experimental Aircraft Association that aims to introduce youth to aviation and inspire them by providing free flights to children. The local EAA Chapter 491 in Santa Ynez held the free event on the morning of Saturday, June 12, which was also International Young Eagles Day. EAA chapters around the country have flown over 2 million children during Young Eagles events. “Flying is great, and I love to share the experience with as many people as possible,” said John Rodkey, president of the Santa Ynez EAA chapter. Flights were about 20 minutes each over several areas in the valley, such as Lake Cachuma, the former Neverland Ranch, Buellton and more. Five experienced pilots, all of which are volunteers with EAA, took 38 kids out on small-plane flights throughout the morning. “It was great,” said 9-year-old Nathan Cortez. “At the start of it, I was a little scared and nervous.” Nathan went on the flight with his 13-year-old brother Noah, who said it was their first time flying in a small plane like this. Nathan said that he ended up enjoying the experience, and his favorite part was flying
Photos by Serena Guentz Pilot and volunteer Sam Burke walks a group of children around a Cessna 150 plane, explaining the different parts, during the Young Eagles Day on Saturday, June 12, at the Santa Ynez Airport.
over Lake Cachuma. Rodkey said that the Santa Ynez EAA chapter normally tries to host three to four Young Eagles events throughout the year, but COVID-19 prevented them from putting on events in the last year. “It’s really great to do an event after COVID made it impossible,” Rodkey said. Before the flights, pilot and volunteer Robert Perry, also known as “Captain Bob,” led preflight ground schools to explain the different parts of the planes and how they work. “We want to pass this skillset on,” Perry said. “It’s important for aviation to have youngsters.” During the ground school, Perry also discussed scholarships and some of the different careers that can fit into aviation, from pilots and engineers to artists and writers. “In the United States, there’s about 25 million kids between the ages eight and 18. If you believe that in the next 40 years an Amer-
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ican will be the first person to step foot on Mars … at least one out of those 25 million kids will be the one to step foot on Mars,” Perry said. “We do this because we know what the investment in the future is.” After the ground school, groups of kids were sent to volunteer Sam Burke, who walked them around an airplane, pointing out and explaining parts of the plane. Burke said that the plane he was doing the walkaround with hasn’t flown in 14 years and the Santa Ynez EAA chapter has been restoring it. “There’s a lot of things to fix, but I usually get kids involved so they can learn something,” Burke said. During the flights, some pilots even let kids try out the controls of the airplane. “I like to let the kids take control if they’re comfortable,” Rodkey said. “It’s really amazing to see how some kids get it and immediately know how to fly it seems.”
Robert Perry, also known as "Captain Bob," leads a preflight ground school to introduce children to what they might see during their flight.
Volunteers said that this event can potentially be life-changing for children. Carl Hopkins, a volunteer with EAA, said that about six to eight years ago, a group of “at-risk” youth from Santa Barbara came to a Young Eagles event and one kid, who had never flown before, was especially inspired by the event. Hopkins said that he took the kid on a flight, who decided afterwards that aviation is what he wanted to do as a career in his life. Hopkins said that he then became an apprentice airframe and powerplant mechanic in order to earn money for flight lessons to become a pilot. “It literally turned his life around,” Hopkins said. The Santa Ynez EAA chapter hopes to hold another event at the end of the summer, according to its website, and information can be found on the EAA Chapter 491 Santa Ynez Facebook page.
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It’s ‘Time for Fun in 2021’ at the Santa Maria Fairpark unlimited carnival rides, all live entertainment and shows and so much more. Tickets are available now by visiting the Santa Maria Fairpark website and are $30 for ages 10 and under and $40 for ages 11 and over. Helm and Sons Amusements Greatest Portable Theme Park will be open Thursday through Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. on each day. It will include kettle corn, funnel cakes and corn dogs, among others of the favorite fair foods. There will also be many games throughout the grounds for you to try your luck with. Food, drinks, and games are available for purchase and get ready to use Magic Money, a cashless
Portable theme park, virtual livestock auction and dance among the summer events Staff Report
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he Santa Maria Fairpark is excited to share a lineup of events for a summer full of fun in 2021. Although the traditional Santa Barbara County Fair will not take place this year, the Fairpark will have some amazing activities to look forward to starting in July. The Fairpark is hosting Helm and Sons Amusements Greatest Portable Theme Park on July 8-11. Similar to a traditional theme park, a one-price entry ticket allows you access to
system that makes it easy to purchase those extras you want during your visit. For more information regarding this event please go to the website www.
helmandsons.com. Santa Barbara County Fair Virtual Livestock Show and Auction will take place July 15 and 16. Many local kids in our community that work very hard every year raising animals and/ or building a project for the fair will show the results of their efforts. A staple of the Santa Barbara County Fair, it was important to the fair administration, board members and volunteers to offer the annual livestock show and auction.
This year’s virtual auction will feature market beef, goat, sheep, swine, replacement heifers and industrial arts from the local 4-H, FFA and independent students. Those interested may pre-register as a virtual auction buyer now or support this program by sponsoring a junior livestock award. For more information on this event, you may email entries@santamariafairpark.com. Arriba Entertainment will bring the second dance of the year on July 25 to the Fairpark’s Minetti Arena and will be featuring Banda el Recodo and Los Destrucores bull riding. Tickets are available at VMGconcerts.com. For more information go to our website at http://www.santamariafairpark.com
Applications open for 2021 Solvang Danish Days Maid Solvang event will take place in September Staff Report
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he Solvang Danish Days Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2021 Danish Days Maid. Applicants must submit an essay about their
qualifications and accomplishments, and preference will be given to a candidate who will be a high school senior during fall 2021. The application deadline is July 15. The 2021 Solvang Danish Days festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-18.
The Danish Days Maid will have a busy few weeks prior to the actual Danish Days event dates, making appearances at meetings of the Solvang Rotary Club, the Vikings of Solvang, and the Danish Brotherhood and Sisterhood. During the festive weekend, the Danish Days Maid will have
an honorary position in the Danish Days Parade and will need to be available for media interviews and other event appearances. Applications may be emailed to Solvang@ stilettomarketing.com or mailed to Brenda Anderson, Solvang Danish Days Foundation, P.O. Box 1424, Solvang, CA 93463.
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12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 5 - July 19, 2021
The origins of July: Caesar, Egypt and the ‘dog days’
By John Copeland Contributing Writer
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s months go, July is a bit unusual. Most of the other months of the year are named for either gods, goddesses, festivals or numbers. July is one of two months named for real people. In the case of July, the person is Gaius Julius Caesar. August is the other one, which honors Julius Caesar’s great nephew, Gaius Octavius, better known to history as Caesar Augustus and the first Roman emperor. All the months of our calendar were handed down to us by the Romans. July was originally the fifth month of the Roman calendar and called Quintilis, which is Latin for “fifth.” Over the years, the Roman calendar had become hopelessly confused. It was very cumbersome and full of inaccuracies, and had, over time, allowed the months to drift across the seasons. In Caesar’s day, January was in the autumn. In 46 BCE, he
initiated an overhaul of the calendar that established a new dating system, the Julian calendar. This calendar was more closely synced to the year’s seasons and closely resembles the Gregorian calendar we use today. After Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE, the Roman Senate renamed the month Quintilis to Julius. Caesar had been born during the month of Quintilis, so for the Senate it was the natural choice for honoring him. So much for how the month of July got its name. July is also when the dog days of summer begin. The phrase “dog days of summer” conjures up images of the hottest, most sultry days of the season. Today, many people believe the dog days are a reference to the conspicuous laziness of domesticated dogs and humans “dogging” around, or being “dog tired” during the hottest days of the summer. Like so many references in our language, the underlying meaning of this common phrase has become somewhat obscure in our culture. The origin of “dog days” is more involved and interesting than many realize, so here’s a little reminder. The Romans called the dog days, in Latin, “diēs caniculārēs.” According to John Brady’s history of our calendar, “Clavis Calendarium,” printed in 1813, the Romans believed it to be an evil time “when the seas boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies (frenzies).”
In reality, the dog days actually referred to when the star Sirius was brightest in our skies. During this time, Sirius rises and sets with the sun. If you get up early in the morning during July to early August, go outside and watch the sunrise, you will see both the sun and Sirius climbing into the sky. The ancient Greeks and Romans, also called Sirius the “Dog Star” because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Big Dog). Sirius was thought to be responsible for summer’s hot days — the name is actually derived from the Ancient Greek word “seirios,” meaning “scorching”. That’s obviously not the case at all — it’s far too distant to have any effect, but it demonstrates how important in human history the sky has been. Our summer heat is not caused by the added radiation from far-away Sirius, regardless of its brightness. Warm summer weather is a direct result of Earth’s tilt on its axis. During the summer months, the position of the Northern Hemisphere allows the rays of sunlight strike it more directly. Because Earth’s oceans heat up and cool down slowly, it takes time for the summer sunlight to have a warming effect. In July, the oceans are still cool from the winter and that delays peak summer heat by about a month and a half. In ancient Egypt, the Nile River flooded each year, usually beginning in late June. The people welcomed this event, called the Inundation, because the floodwaters brought rich soil needed to grow crops in what was otherwise a desert.
No one in Egypt knew exactly when the flooding would start, but they noticed a coincidence that gave them a clue: The water began to rise on the days when Sirius began to rise before the Sun. The ancient Egyptians called Sirius “sothis” and the Inundation became so important to the Egyptians’ survival that they began their new year with the new Moon that followed the star’s first appearance on the eastern horizon. Today, the Dog Star rises later than it did in ancient times. Its ascension no longer coincides with the start of the Nile flood, which no longer occurs, because the river is now controlled by the Aswan Dam. The change is due to the very slow wobble of Earth’s axis the stars in our night sky shift independently of our calendar seasons. The shift is about 1 degree every 50 years. The term for this is the precession of the equinoxes. The constellations we see in the night sky, today, have moved roughly 41 degrees from their positions in the sky in ancient times. Sirius still makes its appearance during hot summer days. Today the dog days of ancient Rome are not the dog days for us. Roughly 13,000 years from now, the conjunction of Sirius and the sun will not even occur during the summer. Sirius will be rising with the sun in mid-winter. Then, we may be referring to the dog days of winter. But for now, most of us see the dog days as the start to our vacations.
July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13
Strength training helps combat the silent epidemic of aging By James Riley
Contributing Writer
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uscle wasting or loss of strength as we age, called sarcopenia, is the silent epidemic of aging especially because debilitating decline in muscle mass is preventable. This loss of muscle mass leads to a number of chronic problems for seniors such as, osteoporosis, falling, imbalance, obesity and the inability to perform common everyday and sport activities. Research, indicates men, on average, reach peak strength in their late 20s and women reach it several years later. A general review of research indicates we lose about 7% of our strength each decade beginning at age 30. At age 60 the rate of muscle loss increases to about 10% per decade as we move into our senior years. Such norms are accurate and accepted by many as the natural aging process. Within the research data are the norms of active men and women who perform some type of resistance exercise regularly throughout their lives and retain far greater strength than their less-active peers. This data clearly demonstrates that we ask muscles to be strong by frequently using them we retain much of our younger strength, declining at a far slower rate. Much research also indicates that previously inactive seniors can use resistance training to regain most the strength they had previously lost. Remember, the golden rule of all training is the body
responds to what we ask it to do. If we’re active the body responds to the demand for activity and becomes stronger. Inactivity promotes weakness.
What are the Benefits of Strength Training?
Listed below are some of the most important benefits of maintaining and improving strength. 1. Regular weight bearing activity is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing the debilitating bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. It is well known that most of our bone mineral content is acquired before thirty, then it slowly begins to decline as we age. To stimulate retention of bone matter large muscle weight bearing activity is required. Most fitness and health organizations suggest a minimum of 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise at least two days per week. 2. Falling is a common concern for seniors. Falls often result in broken bones, cause concussions and may result in abrasions. Falling may be considered a chronic disease for many frail seniors. The most effective remedy to reduce the risk of falling is regular resistance training. Resistance training not only will improve muscle mass and bone density t but will also ingrain the correct biomechanics of
movement that improves balance and coordination while improving strength. Two to three days of weekly strength training is a small price to pay for fall prevention. 3. Strength training will improve abilities to perform average daily activities. Senior often complain about difficulty doing simple activities they once did with ease such as: getting up from the floor, carrying groceries and other items, and lifting and bending. These skills allow for greater independence and enjoyment of life. 4. Effective strength training will improve appearance by improving posture and adding muscle mass thereby adding a more firm look to our body.
Which Exercises are Best for Strength Training?
I suggest beginning with three essential movements that are functional to daily activities, challenge most of the muscles in the body, and can be done at home. 1. Carry stuff as you walk about during the day. Carry groceries, take trash out, pick stuff up and move it. This activity gives you a great full body workout challenging the arms, torso, hips and legs
to become stronger. It’s a simple activity and more vigorous than expected. 2. Do a brisk daily walk for at least 30 minutes daily. Walking is the most natural movement and provides weight bearing exercise for the hips and legs as well as other benefits. Walk on terrain that feels secure but challenges your balance and agility skills. Including hills stimulates increased muscle growth and is great cardio. 3. Get up and down from the floor three to five times daily. This activity is vigorous and strengthens muscles throughout the body, especially the postural and backside muscles and improves mobility. If you find this exercise difficult reach for a table or sturdy chair to assist you. 4. Added strength stimulating activities may include some form of push-ups and pull-ups and lunge and squat variations. All can be done at home or in the gym. Professional training can be found at most gyms and through strength training fitness classes for those unfamiliar with strength training. Much research exists that indicates age-related strength loss can be greatly alleviated by being active and performing a minimum 30 minutes of weight bearing activity at least twice weekly. Maintaining strength will enhance any seniors lifestyle and do much to reduce chronic problems many of us experience such as falling, osteoporosis and increased dependence on others. In short, strength training will improve your life in many ways.
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14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 5 - July 19, 2021
Djamila Cabugos named to Rona Barrett Foundation board Staff Report
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jamila Cabugos has joined the Board of Trustees of the Rona Barrett Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable housing and wellness services for the elderly poor. The announcement was made at the organization’s May board meeting. As a business leader in the Santa Ynez Valley, Cabugos serves as the CEO and founder of Canvinia, Inc., and also as the CEO of Managing Members of Sunstone Winery, where she oversees a host of management, operational and marketing responsibilities. In addition, she has an extensive legal professional background: Cabugos served as an associate attorney with Matthew I. Berger Law Group in Carpinteria before establishing her own independent law firm in Santa Barbara, which
she maintained until the end of 2019. She received her degree at the University of California, Hastings School of Law, in San Francisco. She also holds a degree in art history from UCLA. “With her legal and business background, Djamila Cabugos will be a valuable addition to our board,” said Rona Barrett, founder and CEO of the Rona Barrett Foundation. “As our nonprofit continues to serve seniors in their time of need, her business acumen and knowledge will be tremendous assets in our future planning and fundraising endeavors.” “So many elderly women and men have touched my life over the years,” said Cabugos. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be directly involved with an organization that does so much for this age group. Like so many others in our community, I’ve been impressed with the foundation’s efforts to develop and build the Golden Inn & Village, the affordable independent living
campus for low-income seniors.” The Golden Inn & Village, a joint affordable housing development with the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara and the Rona Barrett Foundation, opened its doors to more than 65 senior citizen residents, including veterans, in December 2016. During the first two years, a host of wellness services, including a meal program and a senior behavioral health program, have been offered to residents at no cost. In late 2017, the Golden Inn & Village was awarded two National Awards of Excellence from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), which included recognition of the many programs and services provided by the Rona Barrett Foundation. Cabugos, her husband, Teddy, and their family live in Santa Barbara.
Contributed photo Djamila Cabugos
Local Solutions for Healthy Youth A program of People Helping People
2021 Summer Advisory Research Says…
The highest rate of first-time use of alcohol And other drugs by teens, Occurs during summer months!
Monitor your teens and have those important conversations about the consequences of drug use.
The Positive Influence of Parents Remains the #1 Reason Teens Choose Not to Use!
For more info, contact Maggie Johnson at 868-0295 • Like us on Facebook and visit• www.syvyouthcoalition.org
July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15
We’re on this path together. For 57 years, residents have relied on Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital for excellent health care.
Photos contributed Pony League teams play ball at the Santa Ynez Elementary School field.
Chumash, local businesses fund water well for youth sports leagues Staff Report
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hen rising water rates threatened the future of two youth sports leagues that share costs at a local field, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and key county businesses pitched in to turn an ambitious solution into a reality. Faced with water bills that rose from $14,000 to $37,000 per year, Santa Ynez Valley PONY Baseball (SYVPB) and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) chapter in Santa Ynez reached out to community partners to help drill a well at the fields they maintain at Santa Ynez Elementary School. Thanks to equal amounts of generosity and ingenuity, Santa Ynez’s PONY baseball teams are completing their first season under the new well-pumped irrigation system. “All of our yearly fundraising was going toward paying our water bill,” said Phil Martin, the SYVPB Board president. “People would ask where the money went, and I’d point to the grass. “Splitting $37,000 each year with AYSO was an untenable situation. I thought the only real solution would be to drill a well. We needed to find a way to get it done.” After renegotiating a 30-year lease with the Santa Ynez Elementary School District, the leagues set out to find crucial contributions — in funds and expertise — to produce a well estimated at more than $100,000. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians committed $30,000 to the project, AYSO received approval its national charter to contrib-
ute funds, and local business people — such as Richard Alexander of A&A Pump & Well Service, Santa Ynez Valley Youth Rec Board Member Mark Moniot of Moniot Electric and Mike McClellan of McClellan’s Equipment & Sanitation — provided the equipment, materials, expertise and time to complete the project. “We’re proud to be part of a community effort that benefits our local youth,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Our tribe is a longtime supporter of youth sports. “When we learned how valuable a water well could be on this field and how it could help our local youth baseball and soccer leagues, we wanted to help make it happen.” “(The Santa Ynez Chumash) were the first donors to get onboard,” said Martin. “We would have never gotten this off the ground without that pledge and subsequent donation.” Martin estimates that Alexander of A&A Pump & Well donated $70,000 in equipment and labor to drill the well. “The amount of donations and support we got from the community with no one asking to be recognized or for anything in return was absolutely staggering,” Martin said. The leagues hope to focus future fundraising efforts on capital improvements to the facility. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $25 million to hundreds of groups, organizations and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving.
To sustain the strength of this valued community resource, consider donating to a charitable gift annuity and receive payments for life at fixed rates. Following your lifetime, the balance of your annuity will come to Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital as philanthropic support and continue Cottage Health’s legacy of excellence, integrity, and compassion. Your support benefits Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital’s important programs: • Patient care • Tele-stroke
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July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17
Polo tailgate fundraiser to benefit therapeutic riding program Event scheduled for July 10 at Folded Hills Ranch in Gaviota Staff Report
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he Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is hosting a fundraiser July 10 at the Busch family’s Folded Hills Ranch in Gaviota, across from Nojoqui Falls Park at 2775 Alisal Road. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the match is slated to begin at 11 a.m., although it may start an hour earlier if there is hot weather. Spectators will be notified two days prior in that case. The polo match is a League Game, high stakes professional polo at a world class location. Tickets are available per vehicle: $300 for general admission and $750 for VIP, which includes a bottle of Folded Hills Lilly Rose and mid-field parking. Please bring your own tables, chairs and picnic. The event will include wine tasting by Folded Hills Winery and a Specialty Cake Silent Auction. Prizes will be awarded for the
Contributed photo A polo fundraiser will be hosted by the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program at Folded Hills Ranch, across Alisal Road from Nojoqui Falls Park.
top three tailgate themes. The Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program has been sharing the healing power of horses with people with special needs for three decades. The group is a Premier Accredited Center with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
Therapeutic riding is particularly helpful for individuals on the autism spectrum or with cerebral palsy. The program’s motto is “Walk Trot Heal.” The mission of the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is to provide quality equine assisted activities to children and adults
Prizes will be awarded to the top three tailgate themes at the July 10 polo fundraiser at Folded Hills Ranch.
with physical, cognitive, social, emotional and or other life challenges, regardless of their ability to pay. For more photos and information, visit the program’s website at www.syvtherapeuticriding.org or contact Robin Serritslev at 805325-1544 or Robin.syvtrp@gmail.com.
County Veteran’s Collaborative seeks veteran-serving organizations to join Staff Report
T
he Santa Barbara County Veterans Collaborative (SBCVC) formally launched an effort to ask local veteran serving organizations to join their efforts. This collaborative will serve as a forum to foster greater communication, build stronger working relationships among public and private veteran-serving organizations — all with a goal to work towards the development of informed services that uplift and improve the wellness of our Santa Barbara County veterans and families. “The Santa Barbara County Veterans Collaborative has been a long time in the making with a county-wide support system to help get us to this point, which was made especially difficult during COVID-19,” said Marcee Davis, SBCVC board president. “I am excited that we can now introduce our collaborative
to the greater Santa Barbara community, and I am looking forward to working with service providers, state and local officials, as well as an array of stakeholders across the state to collaborate and support our local and diverse community of veterans on the Central Coast.” The genesis of the collaborative began in 2017 with an assessment supported by the Santa Barbara Foundation and conducted by Nancy Berglass. The Santa Barbara Veterans Needs Assessment was produced and serves as a baseline assessing how veterans are doing in our region and identifying opportunities on how to better serve them. An opportunity that rose to the top was, “to facilitate cooperation, collaboration, and communication among and between public, private and nonprofit organizations serving veterans,” which the Santa Barbara Foundation provided further investment through a grant and staff support. After five years, this has culminated in building the
infrastructure of the SBCVC as a 501c3 with a collective impact model. Organized for collective impact, the collaborative brings organizations together, in a structured way, to leverage their strengths to achieve social change. It serves as a monthly convener of participating cross-sector organizations and gathers many of the same stakeholders in working groups to develop strategies that address issues relevant to local veterans. “For over a decade, from the Washington VA to the California Department of Veterans Affairs, numerous studies of collaboratives have substantiated their effectiveness,” said Calvin Angel of CALVET. “Particularly impactful, are those who are broad-based and active in their community. The data supports that the quality of life for the veterans and their family are improved. The Santa Barbara County Veterans Collaborative was created with the knowledge of how effective their organization can be for
the North and South County. On behalf of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, congratulations, and have a long and productive history.” Participating organizations will benefit from the opportunity to learn from the many veteran-serving organizations at the monthly meetings. This will include presentations from various government officials and other veteran-serving organizations, in addition to information sharing among participating organizations. The SBCVC is comprised of multiple working groups. Many of the collaborative’s stakeholders also meet monthly with their respective working group to address issues relevant to Santa Barbara County veterans and their families. Veteran-serving organizations may request additional information at sbcveterans.org or info@sbcveterans.org.
18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 5 - July 19, 2021
Pate a choux is the basis for many desserts, appetizers By Vida Gustafson
fitted with a small round piping tip. Make sure the tip of the piping bag is inserted into the hole before squeezing the filling in slowly. If making pastry cream seems like a chore, these are great when filled with a simple sweetened whipped cream!
Contributing Writer
T
his simple-to-master pastry dough forms the basis of many classic desserts. Éclairs (roughly translated as lightning bolt), where oblong shaped pâte à choux is baked and filled with chilled pastry cream and topped with a chocolate glaze. As cream puffs, a tennis ball-sized choux bun is filled with chilled pastry cream, and the wedding-famous Croque-enBouche (meaning ‘crunch in the mouth’). A tower of mini choux buns stuffed with anything from mousse to curd, stuck together with caramel. You can even pipe your choux dough directly into the fryer and dust with cinnamon sugar for delicious homemade churros. It’s light crispy shell and hollow interior is also a great vehicle for savory appetizers like profiteroles, which can be served with fillings such as lox and cream cheese, spicy goats cheese or a mushroom duxelles (finely diced mushroom sautéed in butter and herbs to make a uniform paste). For as many dishes as you can spin a simple batch of pâte à choux dough into, it is actually not complicated to make. This time I made a batch of bite-sized éclairs, (even though technically they can’t be lightning bolts if they’re short and round I’m sure) with a simple pastry cream filling and chocolate glaze.
Ingredients
n 1 cup water n 1 stick of butter (1/2 C) n 1/4 tsp salt n 1 C flour n 4 eggs
Pastry Cream Ingredients
n 1 C milk n 4 egg yolks n 1/4 C corn starch n 1/2 C sugar n 2 tsp vanilla extract n 1 C heavy whipping cream Photo by Vida Gustafson Pate a choux is baked and filled with chilled pastry cream and topped with a chocolate glaze.
Method
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat oven to 400° F. Place water, butter and salt in a small saucepan and boil over medium heat to melt the butter. Once this is complete, turn down the heat to low and immediately pour in a whole cup of flour. Stir mixture until it comes together in a ball and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. Remove from heat. and let cool for three or four minutes. I usually do the next step in my mixer, but if you’re not averse to vigorous mixing by hand it can come together that way too. Crack your four eggs in a bowl or measuring cup with a pouring spout. While mixing the dough (it will still be warm, this is fine) add the eggs, one at a time. Mix very well in between additions. The dough will separate and look slick after adding an egg,
this is normal, just keep mixing. Once all the eggs have been added the dough should be smooth and fall in a “V” shape from your spatula, wooden spoon or mixer attachment. If you are simply making bun shapes, you can spoon the dough onto your baking sheet, using two teaspoons to alternately scoop and scrape a ping pong-ball sized amount, do not flatten the dough out. It will puff up a lot, so leave at least two inches of space in between. This size will be baked for 10 minutes at 400° F (convection) and then for an additional 20 minutes at 350° F. Check for doneness by carefully picking one up with grabbers and tapping to hear if it sounds hollow. Larger sizes will need longer in the oven to dry out completely and become stable. Only fill once they are completely cooled. Make a small hole in the side or bottom of the bun, put your creamy filling into a piping bag
Method
Heat milk in a small saucepan until you can see steam rising from it, do not boil. Place your cornstarch in a cup and add a couple tablespoons of cold milk then, in a medium sized bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar mixing in the cornstarch slurry as well. Once milk is hot, pour it into your whisked egg mixture, stirring continuously. Pour it back into the saucepan and cook over low/medium heat while stirring continuously. To prevent a skin from forming while cooling, place a piece of parchment or food grade plastic wrap on the surface of the custard and let cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, fold in whipped cream and vanilla. Chill until you are ready to use it. To make the chocolate glaze, combine 1/2 C chocolate chips with 2 tbsp butter and melt over low heat. If the consistency is too thick, it can be thinned out by whisking in a teaspoon of hot boiled water.
July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19
Allan Hancock College Foundation awards record-breaking $561K in scholarships Staff Report
G
enerous donors changed the odds for Allan Hancock College students in 2021, by donating a record-breaking total to hundreds of them through the Allan Hancock Contributed photo College FoundaHancock College 2021 graduate tion Scholarship Rafael Valdovinos program. This year, 358 students will receive 465 scholarships totaling
more than $561,000. In lieu of the foundation’s annual scholarship banquet, recipients utilized Zoom to meet and thank their donors in a safe and socially distanced format. “Year after year, our scholarship program provides critical support and affirmation for Hancock students as they continue their studies,” said Hancock Executive Director of College Advancement Jon Hooten. “Thank you to all our donors – longtime supporters and new donors alike – who invest in the potential of these students.” Hancock Class of 2021 graduate Rafael Valdovinos received the prestigious Marian Hancock Scholarship. Named in honor of the late wife of Captain G. Allan Hancock, the $10,000 scholarship is awarded to one outstand-
ing student each year who exemplifies service to the school, scholastic achievement and personal conduct. Valdovinos is the 56th student to win the Marian Hancock Scholarship since 1967. Valdovinos, a first-generation college student, graduated from Hancock with a psychology degree and plans to transfer to Brandman University in the fall. Valdovinos hopes to earn a master’s degree in social work and pursue a career in helping people struggling with addiction, incarceration and mental health issues. As a full-time Hancock student, Rafael also committed his time to volunteering at the Los Prietos Boys Camp, became a member of the college’s Beyond Incarceration Greater Education (BIGE) Club and worked as a tutor for the Beyond Barriers Re-Entry grant program.
“My goal is to share my own experience and to empower those impacted by systemic barriers, mental health disorders, substance use disorders and incarceration,” said Valdovinos. “I humbly credit my success to my advocates, family and friends for helping me on my journey.” A scholarship committee comprised of 15 Hancock faculty, staff and foundation board members chose this year’s recipients from nearly 1,000 applications. The Allan Hancock College Foundation has been a resource for thousands of Hancock College students since 1977. The foundation has raised funds over the years that have changed lives through education by touching every aspect of the college’s life, including scholarships, programs, projects and faculty and staff development.
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20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 5 - July 19, 2021
SYHS Board Trustee John Baeke resigns as of July 1 By Janene Scully
Noozhawk North County Editor
D
r. John Baeke resigned as a Santa Ynez Valley Union School District trustee effective July 1. Baeke made his announcement during a meeting in June and posted his resignation letter to his website, drbaekeforschoolboard.org. He reportedly is relocating out of state due to his job. “Several months ago, I was presented the opportunity of working for a large healthcare organization in a capacity that would allow me to practice both as clinician and medical director,” he wrote.“My current capacity as staff plastic surgeon for Lompoc Valley Medical Center has been one of the most rewarding positions I have ever held as a physician, and my expectation was that I would finish my career there. “However, after much prayer, discussion with my family, consideration of advice from colleagues and a site visit, I have re-
alized this is a job offer most anyone in my position would hasten to accept.” It’s no surprise that Baeke resigned from the school board since his patients were notified in April that he would close his Lompoc practice by late May and his residence had been listed for sale on real estate sites. In the November 2018 election, Baeke placed third in a field of 11 candidates seeking the three openings on the five-member board. By the time he leaves, Baeke will have 17 months left on his fourArchive photo Dr. John Baeke
year term, which expires in late 2022. Baeke has been at the center of controversy for a blog post criticizing a teacher, leading to his board colleagues voting to censure him. He also has been vocal for students to return to in-person learning and in his letter argued against allowing an on-campus vaccination clinic. “We must not allow the hysterical, politically motivated yet nonscientifically founded demands of individuals
and institutions dictate how we, the school district, react in time of any health crisis without fully conferring with outside experts (real experts; considering the consequences of all options and, most important, consulting with parents,” he wrote. The school board can consider appointing a replacement or calling a special election, an option typically rejected as being too costly and time consuming. Baeke has not formally submitted his resignation letter. Upon receiving the letter, the board will begin the public process of filling the empty seat, according to Board President Jan Clevenger. Along with Clevenger, the other board members are Tory Babcock, Jose Juan Ibarra and Stephen Luke. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.
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July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21
Lompoc Valley Medical A beautifu plac to liv Center creates new nurse surounde b peopl who car. graduate residency program Staff Report
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ompoc Valley Medical Center has announced the creation of a new graduate residency program for registered nurses. The 12-month residency program will be led by LVMC Nurse Educator Brianna Bonner, MSN, RN. Interested applicants may apply for the residency program at the Careers tab located at lompocvmc.com. Hired candidates will start orientation/ training on LVMC’s medical- surgical-te-
lemetry department for up to eight weeks for basic nursing foundation, including two weeks of didactic classroom coursework. After completing those eight weeks, the new nurses will spend time orienting in one of LVMC’s clinical departments, including critical care, surgery, emergency and labor and delivery. During the program, each candidate will gain certifications during their orientation in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), National Institute Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
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22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 5 - July 19, 2021
INTRODUCING
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o MUSEUM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Photos by Serena Guentz Sisters Drea, 6, and Demi Fordyce, 3, decorate a fairy door together June 5 at the Santa Ynez Valley Children's Museum event at the botanic garden.
Two-year-old Isabella Greene looks at the "fairy village" at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden on June 5 during the Santa Ynez Valley Children's Museum event.
children the first Saturday of every month at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden. On Saturday, June 5, children and their families were invited to decorate and create fairy doors and gnome homes for a fairy village at the botanic garden. That event attracted about 180 people throughout the morning and over a dozen volunteers. Future events include giant bubbles on July 3, paint and art in the garden on Aug. 7, and five senses exploration on Sept. 4. “I think people are realizing magic is possible with your imagination,” said Legend James while making a gnome home with his son, Tristian, during the June event. “It’s good for the children to be out in nature.” Jenkins said that she has encountered “overwhelming community support” and has formed partnerships with the Buellton Recreation Center and the City of Buellton.
The children’s museum also recently received a grant to fund its events from the Buellton Arts and Culture Committee. “I’m a teacher so I want to support this as much as I can,” said Demory Fordyce, who attended the June event at the botanic garden with her two daughters, Drea and Demi. “I would love to have a children’s museum.” The Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum hopes to create a space for all ages to play together in nature, from young children to parents and grandparents, as well as invite schools throughout the year to observe how the land changes over time. Jenkins said that once a location is secured for the museum, the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum will open in phases, with the aim of a soft opening of the first phase in May 2022.
July 5 - July 19, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23
o BUDGET CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Jade Martinez-Pogue / Noozhawk photo Santa Barbara County has a $1.35 billion budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which starts July 1, including a boost in revenues from federal pandemic-related funding and the highest amount of cannabis tax revenues so far.
also account for 30%, or $397 million, of the county’s operating expenditures and 36% of the county’s full-time equivalent employees. Public Safety Department expansion requests District Attorney Joyce Dudley and Public Defender Tracy Macuga both asked the Board of Supervisors to fund additional positions, and the exchange turned heated when Macuga said that the workload falls largely on the Public Defender’s Office. Macuga and the Public Defender’s Office asked for an additional $152,000 to fund two misdemeanor staffing positions. “To have a fair and equitable justice system, you need a strong Public Defender’s Office,” Macuga said. Macuga said that those calling for criminal justice system reform feel “unheard and ignored” when annual budgets continue to prioritize policing, prosecution and incarceration over the community. The Public Defender’s Office received a $637,000 grant to fund a post-conviction relief unit, but granting the District Attorney’s Office additional money would create a wider gap in resources, Macuga said. “This is like when you receive a grant to level the playing field, and then the playing field is unleveled again because funding is put to oppose the work that we’re doing,” she added. Dudley asked for $259,100 to pay for someone to work on post-conviction litigation. “We seek safety for all as we attempt to keep people safe in their own homes, safe on our streets and stores from homicides and assaults, safe on campuses from hate crimes and rape, and we want to keep our businesses alive and thriving by protecting them from environmental hazards, theft, and embezzlements,” she said.
“And we want to do all this and more because that is our job. That is our responsibility.” During the meeting, Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino accused Dudley and Macuga of attacking one another and said neither of the presentations were helpful. “That was two sides digging their heels in. Based on body language and tones on both sides, there are some deep-seated issues here,” he said. “This isn’t the county family, this is a freaking dog fight and I’m done.” The Public Defender’s Office was granted funding for additional staffing, and supervisors did not vote to approve the extra funding for the District Attorney’s Office position. The Sheriff’s Office requested an additional $1.1 million in ongoing funding and $137,400 in one-time funding for more cannabis compliance team positions and a data center replacement fund. The office changed its original request for a whole new cannabis compliance team to two fulltime employees for compliance and enforcement detectives. County cannabis enforcement includes members of the Sheriff’s Department and other public safety departments, and is budgeted to cost $3 million for the next fiscal year. Sheriff Bill Brown’s requests for additional funding were not granted, but the Board of Supervisors had previously agreed to fund a body camera program for the department. The Board of Supervisors also allocated $6.75 million of one-time funding for mobility projects, a building energy management system, a library system consultant to staff an executive committee, parks and open space in North County and South County, and Santa Maria recreational opportunities. Noozhawk staff writer Jade Martinez-Pogue can be reached at jmartinez-pogue@noozhawk.com.
24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H July 5 - July 19, 2021
TA K E A V I R T U A L T O U R T O D AY
© 2021 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.
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