Santa Ynez Valley Star September A 2020 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

September 1 - September 14, 2020

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Local food groups work together to alleviate hunger during pandemic "We don't want anyone to feel like they are going to go hungry we won't let that happen." By Raiza Giorgi

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ealthy living and eating right during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be extremely difficult for some families that are struggling to pay their bills when there has been loss of income. Several Santa Ynez Valley nonprofits that typically work independently have come together to ensure that no one goes hungry. “We are putting boots to the road and our local nonprofits and organizations have come together in ways we have never done before,” said Pam Gnekow, executive director of the Santa Ynez Valley Senior Citizens’ Foundation and Buellton Senior Center. “We constantly are sharing resources and information and supplies to make sure that we keep people fed and checked on.” Even now, as people are returning to work, living with the stress that the shutdown might come back again and or having to sacrifice a job to ensure their children are supervised while distance learning has also put families in difficult positions, Gnekow added as she is seeing in influx in families coming to her facility. “We are usually stocked with food at 9 a.m. and two hours later there’s barely anything left that we have to restock many times during that day,’ she said. “I am seeing that the evening hours are also a ‘rush’ time as it’s typically mothers with young kids coming to pick up food. If it weren’t for our partnerships we wouldn’t be able to do this and who knows where these families would be without it.” Without partnerships with other organizations like Veggie Rescue, the FoodBank of Santa Barbara County and businesses from Jordano’s and Cisco, there would be even more tough decisions

Photos by Daniel Dreifuss Pam Gnekow, executive director of the Santa Ynez Valley Senior Citizens' Foundation and Buellton Senior Center, restocks the center's produce table.

The Buellton Senior Center farmers market table is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day for anyone to come get fresh produce.

for local families and seniors living on fixed incomes, Gnekow added. Before Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the stay-at-home orders in mid-March, the Buellton Senior Center was averaging about 175 meals a day. That number has since almost doubled to 320 meals a day and the center has distributed more than 82,000 pounds of food through its farmers market table, which is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Where Veggie Rescue steps in After many years at the helm of Veggie Rescue, Executive Director Amy Derryberry said that pressing family matters need her undivided attention, and she is passing the reins as of August. However, she will continue to support the new director when chosen. She added the pandemic has helped Veggie Rescue make more connections to food producers and providers in the state and get much needed nutrition to those who need it most. “In 2019 we distributed an astonishing 140,000 pounds of food which was the most we ever have,” Derryberry said. “That seems so small now compared with this year through June we have already done 239,000 pounds of food.” Derryberry added the colossal jump in food insecurity is not fading as fast as she would like before she exits, but she is so grateful for her partnerships and seeing the program increase its reach in Santa Barbara County. “We continue working with our amazing farmers who have also suffered during this pandemic as they planted their crops months before COVID-19 hit in expectation for seasonal restaurant menus that have had to shut down or limit service. We do not let any crop go to waste,” Derryberry said. Local growers like Tutti Frutti on Santa Rosa Road in Buellton have been wonderful partners as well as other farmers like Burkdoll Farms in the Central Valley, which is consistently donating extra produce to school lunch programs. LOCAL FOOD CONTINUED TO PAGE 3

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By Raiza Giorgi

Candidate forms filed for several local races in November election

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he forms have officially been filed for the many positions available in city, school board and special district elections this November. There are several hotly contested positions in local races from the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Board as the two incumbents, Eileen Preston and Chris Burtness, have decided not to file. The issues facing the high school aside from distance learning is budgetary decisions as well as having a diverse representation on the board. The candidates for the high school board are Janine Robitaille-Filippin, a fitness instructor; Stephen Luke, a parent and local business owner; Jose Ibarra, a school administrator and educator; Peter Wright, an SYHS alumnus and college professor; Calisse Courtney, an SYHS alumna and an attorney; and Lucy Padilla, an SYHS alumna and escrow officer and parent. For other local elementary school boards, at Ballard School District there is incumbent Tracey Cassidy, who filed, and challenger Thomas Endy. At Buellton Union School District, there are two positions open with Elysia Lewis and Andrew Morgan as incumbents and Allison Schwartz and Sandra Jordan as challengers. At College School District, there are two posi-

tions with incumbent Kathleen Jackson running and one position that will have to be appointed with incumbent Salvador Avila not filing. Los Olivos School District has five positions open with incumbents Leanna Drammer, Robert Walmsley, Ness Hamoui and Mark Herthel running; incumbent Keith Saarloos’ position will be appointed. Solvang School District has four positions open with incumbents Bradley Hollister running with no challenger and incumbent John Winckler running against two challengers, Andreas Pyper and Jennifer McClurg. Three valley residents have filed for Santa Barbara County Board of Education, including former Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson and local parent Michelle de Werd running in District 4 against incumbent Roberta Heter, and former 3rd District Supervisor candidate and SYHS Board Member Bruce Porter running in District 3 against incumbent Richard Fulton. Special Districts For the several special districts in Los Alamos, there are three positions, with all three incumbents James Solis, Leonard Bileti and Antonius Barr running against retired Solvang City Manager Brad Vidro. For the newly created Los Olivos Community Services District, there are two positions open with incumbent Thomas Fayram running

and incumbent Julie Kennedy’s position to be appointed. For Santa Ynez Ynez Community Services District, there are three positions open with two incumbents, Karen Jones and Frank Redfern, filing. The third vacancy will be appointed. For Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District Division 3, the incumbent Mark Altshuler is running uncontested and Division 1 will be appointed. For the SYRVD Improvement District No. 1, Division 3 incumbent Lori Parker and Division 4 incumbent Michael Burchardi are running uncontested. City Council Both Buellton and Solvang city councils have positions open, including the elected mayoral seat. For local city races, there are two Solvang council seats up, with incumbents Daniel Johnson and Karen Waite not seeking re-election. The Solvang mayoral seat is open, as incumbent Ryan Toussaint did not file for re-election. So far, Waite and Charles Uhrig have thrown in their names for that position. Uhrig is a Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputy who held the role of community resource deputy until the his position was axed for “cost saving measures” back in February. For the two available four-year council seats, so far U.S. Marine Corp veteran Chris Bowyer, former Solvang BAR and Planning Commis-

sioner Mark Infanti, and Solvang Trolley owner Claudia Orona have put in their names. Current Planning Commissioner Justin Rodriguez is also listed pending county verification, according to Solvang City Manager Xenia Bradford. Voters will also consider a recall of Councilman Chris Djernaes, who still has two years left on his term. Former Santa Barbara County Sheriff Jim Thomas has filed to fill that position if the recall is successful. The Buellton mayoral position is available, with incumbent Holly Sierra running against Councilman Ed Andrisek and Isaac Oltmans. Also up are the council seats held by incumbents John Sanchez and Art Mercado, who are running against Elysia Lewis and Joseph Carter. For more information on local election voting visit www.sbcvote.com.

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The Santa Ynez Valley Star is working on a virtual forum for several local races. Details will be published online at www. santaynezvalleystar.com

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More than $1.6B allocated for work on state’s transportation system Funds approved will repair Highway 101 Los Alamos over-crossing bridge Staff Report

he California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated on Aug. 14 more than $1.6 billion for transportation projects throughout the state, including about $1.3 billion for State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) projects, Caltrans’ f “fix-it-first” program aimed at preserving the condition of the State Highway System. “Our maintenance and construction crews remain hard at work improving California’s transportation infrastructure,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “This investment allows the department to continue making critical repairs and upgrades while also serving as an economic driver by helping create thousands of new jobs.” The projects allocated for funding will create an estimated 21,720 jobs, including direct, indirect and induced economic impacts. Area state highway projects allocated funds include: n $19 million to replace the US 101 overcrossing at the interchange with State Route 135 in Los Alamos. This project will address the deteriorated bridge deck. n $19 million to install access for inspection of the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge on State Route 154. This project will also include a painting of the bridge to prevent further corrosion and provide a protective coating to the steel. The CTC also approved more than $126 mil-

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lion in funds for rail and mass transit projects, including freight, intercity rail and bus services. This allocation expands access to public transportation and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles traveled, and traffic congestion. This investment includes $24 million for the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP), which is dedicated to projects that enhance the movement of goods along corridors with high freight volume. These projects include improvements to state highways, local roads, freight rail systems, port facilities and truck corridors. In addition, the CTC approved an allocation of nearly $14 million for 17 Active Transportation Program (ATP) projects, which include bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing improvements, repair and maintenance of sidewalks and bike lanes, and creation of safer routes to school for children. Project funding is derived from federal and state gas taxes, including $1.2 billion from SB 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The state’s portion of SB 1 funds represents an ongoing investment for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the State Highway System. By 2027, these funds will enable Caltrans to fix more than 17,000 lane miles of pavement, 500 bridges, 55,000 culverts, and 7,700 traffic operating systems that help reduce highway congestion, such as ramp meters, traffic cameras and electric highway message signs. More information and updates on these and other projects can be found on Caltrans’ social media channels. For details on SB 1, visit Rebuilding California -Senate Bill 1

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o LOCAL FOOD CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1

Photos contributed Gleaning at the Bragg Apple Orchard in Goleta helped Veggie Rescue deliver extra apples to the Solvang Senior Center and Catholic Charities Food Pantry in Santa Maria.

Veggie Rescue regularly picks up produce and food from Jordano's to deliver to the Buellton Senior Center and other organizations.

Veggie Rescue has expanded in working with Catholic Charities Food Pantry to now distribute to their locations in Lompoc and Santa Barbara and the Salvation Army location in Santa Maria. Through new partnerships with growers networks in Ventura and Cisco, the program also brings in another 100,000 pounds of food that wouldn’t be possible without local support. “Steve at Valley Tool Rental is letting us use his refrigerated food truck to pick up the food from Cisco and store it which enables us to get essentials like cottage cheese, bacon, chicken, beef, yogurt and milk to families in need,” Derryberry said. “This isn’t a short and easy fix.” Derryberry added it is so satisfying being able to help other organizations feed their people from the Buellton and Solvang Senior Centers to school lunch programs and everything in between. The challenge continues “The challenge continues to be able to deliver the volume of food needed to help our communities, but together we can get this done,” Gnekow said. “We don’t want anyone to feel like they are going to go hungry — we won’t let that happen.” As Santa Barbara County has dropped from 11.6 percent to 10 percent unemployment from June to July, according to figures the Employment Development Department (EDD) recently released, the need for food has not. Gnekow said in addition to the food insecurity, the mental aspect especially for seniors is important to be aware of. Since this virus is most harmful to the older population, and those with underlying conditions from heart and lung

diseases, Gnekow said some of her seniors are afraid to leave their homes. “I started doing a breakfast check in with our seniors every first Thursday of the month. We take coffee and muffins and check on their mental wellness and see if we can help them in any way. We are up to 250 seniors as of mid-August,” Gnekow said. Then her team added in “Date Nights” every fourth Thursday where they take seniors a dinner and make a theme every month. The theme for August was “Luau” so volunteer Sherry Musgrove prepared a Hawaiian-inspired dish and made deliveries. “More than ever we need to be connected, even if we can’t be close to one another, we can still connect and help each other,” Gnekow said. “We are so grateful for all the people and organizations that are stepping up to do something, every little bit helps.” How you can help Both organizations said they could always use additional help from volunteers which would include duties like taking lunches for Meals on Wheels, helping sort through produce and stocking the produce tables. Veggie Rescue said if anyone has a home garden or fruit trees with extra produce they are happy to come pick up extras as well. Monetary donations are also welcome as that helps fuels their delivery trucks and more.

To learn more about Veggie Rescue visit www. veggierescue.org and for the Buellton Senior Center visit www.buelltonseniorcenter.org.

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Proposed apartment project in Solvang draws criticism Developer seeks concessions, but planners say design doesn't fit city's character

Lucky Clover 4-H wishes to thank the following buyers who so generously supported our members this year.

By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

Santa Barbara developer’s housing project proposed for Solvang drew criticism for its lack of character, its tall buildings and its too few parking spaces during the city Planning Commission’s preliminary review Aug. 17. Ed St. George submitted a preliminary plan for the 2.19-acre site at 1783 and 1793 Mission Drive, home of the former Solvang Lumberyard. The Mission Drive Apartment Project calls for 59 two-bedroom units among six buildings, some of them four stories tall and one three-story duplex. Additionally, an 8,000-square-foot storage facility would sit near Maple Avenue for tenants. Based on zoning, city rules say the site should house 44 units, but St. George said he intended to take advantage of a couple of state laws aimed at boosting affordable housing. One would grant a 35-percent density bonus, allowing 15 additional units, since he plans to designate five apartments for very low-income residents. Without the bonus, the rules state the site could have up to 44 units. The developer also sought two concessions, per state law, including being allowed to build taller structures and have fewer parking spaces — 62 instead of the standard requirement of 128. “We have some concerns about those,” said planning consultant Laurie Tamura, president of Urban Planning Concepts. Tamura is serving as Solvang’s planner amid its staffing turmoil but typically represents developers seeking projects in other cities. She added that the city will spell out concerns in a letter responding to St. George’s plan included in the pre-application. St. George called the proposal presented at the review “pretty much bare bones” and said he sought input. “This isn’t something I’d be proud of, I can tell you that right now, but it’s housing,” St. George said. “It’s affordable housing. You don’t see a lot of beautiful projects in affordable housing unless the government’s involved.” He definitely received input. Commission chairman Jack Williams called the proposal “not very attractive.” “It looks like a tenement district in New York with balconies,” Williams said, suggesting that the development work match the city’s character by using existing design guidelines. Commissioner Justin Rodriguez urged the developer to “at least make it look like Solvang.” Planning Commission members also expressed concern about where vehicles would park, noting that Maple Avenue and Pine Street already have limited parking. A few residents also spoke out against the

Photos contributed An artist's concept depicts the Mission Drive Apartment Project proposed by developer Ed St. George for Mission Drive in Solvang.

A schematic for the Mission Drive Apartment Project shows three four-story buildings, one three-story building, a storage building in blue and the one-story Skytt house that will remain.

proposal. Lansing Duncan, a former county planning commissioner, noted the location as a critical eastern gateway to the village and across from Mission Santa Ines. “It deserves the very best project possible, not an insult to the community. But maybe this developer is not up to it. You might say it looks like an Army barracks, but that would do a disservice to the Army,” Duncan said of what he called a “monotonous four-story facade” and claimed it could be considered an adverse impact to the nearby historic Mission Santa Ines and Solvang Veterans Memorial Building. Staff will respond to the proposal before it returns to the Planning Commission for public hearings. Tamura said the project would not necessarily have to go to the City Council. However,

she added, an appeal of the Planning Commission decision would be heard by City Council. The project was the latest of several proposals, some of which envisioned mixed-use development including hotels, commercial space, housing and offices. One of those original options sparked fierce opposition from Solvang residents because of the plans that encompassed the Solvang Veterans Memorial Building. The current proposal centers only on residential development on land owned by St. George, who said he dropped the proposals with hotels because of intense opposition from the community. “I have never experienced anything like this, even in Santa Barbara,” he said. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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‘EFP Informs’ webinar takes pulse of county during COVID-19 Speakers update community on health, safety and business By Sonia Fernandez for UCSB

he data is rolling in, but the changing pandemic landscape makes it challenging to read. Add to that reporting delays and errors — not to mention COVID-19’s own unpredictability — and the road to Santa Barbara County’s health and economic recovery has become a rough one indeed. “We’re not out of the woods, by any means,” said UCSB economics professor Peter Rupert, who with Cottage Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons and Santa Barbara County Assistant CEO Nancy Anderson, updated the community on health, safety and local business. They spoke in the latest “EFP Informs” webinar, part of a series produced by the university’s Economic Forecast Project. The economy is bouncing back very slightly from its historic initial drop in March, when the onset of the outbreak and subsequent stay-at-home order led almost 7 million people to file jobless claims. Five months later, far fewer people across the country are filing initial claims for unemployment insurance, though we’re still at unprecedented levels of unemployment. In Santa Barbara County, about 5,000 people have found jobs, but that still leaves roughly 25,000 people unemployed — more than triple the typical number of jobless people in the county during normal times, according to Rupert. Meanwhile, efforts to get local businesses back up and running are being hampered by Santa Barbara County’s own coronavirus numbers, which have been rising gradually since mid-May and more steeply since July. Santa Barbara County currently has failed to keep its new cases below the threshold of fewer than 100 per 100,000 residents, which would allow

businesses such as bars, indoor dining, gyms and hair salons to operate fully. Currently, 38 of California’s 58 counties (including Santa Barbara) are on the governor’s watchlist and are subject to business rollbacks and strategy calls with the state’s Public Health Department to address their situation. Perhaps the biggest unwelcome surprise of late was the recent news that the county, due to reporting process errors, had underreported 28 COVID-19-related deaths, most occurring June 22 to July 31, a situation county public health officials have since vowed to address. Death count may be “the most objective metric of all,” according to Fitzgibbons, but given the delay between initial exposure and the potential for transmitting the disease before symptoms arise, death count is just the tip of an ugly iceberg. “That, of course, is a very, very late metric,” said Fitzgibbons, who relied on the Los Angeles Times’ Santa Barbara County coronavirus tracker for her report. “That is too far down the road for our health officials, our clinicians, to be able to really effectively, in a real-time way, enact change in response to death rates.” Hospitalization counts, she said, are still subject to delay, but are “perhaps the most accurate, closest to real-time metric that are objective, reliable and reflective of the community’s condition.” Hospitalizations in the county, Fitzgibbons said, appear to be stabilizing. In California, according to the tracker, those in the 18-34 age group have the highest risk of becoming infected, but the 80-plus age group has the highest rate of death; 44 percent of California’s coronavirus deaths are occurring in nursing homes. Person-to-person droplet spread remains the primary way the SARS-CoV-2 virus is transmitted, typically through close contact with infected household members or in indoor settings where people without face coverings interact at a distance less than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes. Airborne and surface spread, though still important, is less significant. “This period of infectivity probably

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starts a day or two before they develop symptoms and probably lasts for a few days after they develop symptoms,” Fitzgibbons said. Asymptomatic carriers — those who show no outward signs of infection — can still have high viral loads and be extremely infectious, she added. “Remember the rationale for all of us wearing masks when we’re around others is ideally to prevent any spread of secretions from someone who has an infection, but may not know it,” she said. The medical community is learning more about the persistence of the virus even after recovery, leading to updates in isolation recommendations. Though there have been reports of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in patients’ upper respiratory tracts after recovery, in an investigation of 285 “persistently positive” persons, no secondary infections were seen in the 790 contacts exposed to these patients, according to Fitzgibbons. According to the guidelines, for most people with COVID-19, isolation may be discontinued 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. Though severe cases may require longer periods of isolation and further testing. Asymptomatic patients may discontinue isolation 10 days after the date of their first positive RT-PCR test. Further tests could also still be considered for those who are severely immunocompromised. Retesting is not recommended within the threemonth window after the date of symptom onset for those who remain symptomatic after recovery, or within the three months of a positive PCR result, for asymptomatic patients. However, those experiencing new symptoms may be candidates for retesting and re-isolation Serologic testing should not be used to establish infection or reinfection. “We do think this infection induces protective antibodies in many people, but we don’t know who is going to get these protective neutralizing antibodies. And we don’t know how long these antibodies last,” Fitzgibbons said.

For its part, the county is working hard to stay on top of incoming data, changes in the reporting process and recommendations from the state. Santa Barbara County, according to Anderson is “in the red” with regards to case rate per 100,000 people and percentage of tests returning positive, which are among the six main criteria the governor is using to determine which counties can proceed with reopening. “We’ve had a lot of state changes impact our local businesses,” Anderson said. At the start of July, the county had to close indoor operations such as dine-in restaurants, bars and movie theaters. By midmonth, the county added more businesses to that list, including gyms, hair salons and places of worship — though outdoor operations were allowed — and issued a health order mandating face coverings “for individuals in high-risk situations.” Most recently, the state has released revised school guidelines and guidance on youth sports programs and is expected to issue more information on individuals and groups “mixing.” As the county awaits further guidance from the state and works toward lowering the transmission of COVID-19 in the community, it is also reckoning with changes in the reporting process. “There are some federal reporting changes that have caused the hospitalization and limited hospital capacity numbers to be resynthesized, so it sounds like that is not going to be available for a couple of weeks,” Anderson said. While the county waits for more data and direction, it has been administering a self-certification attestation process, in which local businesses review the reopening guidelines and confirm that their business is in compliance. So far, more than 3,800 businesses in incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county have submitted attestations of compliance. Should a business be in violation of protection plan protocols or a current health order, reports can be made directly to the county on its recoverysbc.org website, Anderson said.

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Ginger Salazar Joins Cottage Health Board of Directors Staff Report

G Graph Contributed

Our little cities are getting bigger By Kenneth Harwood

Economist for the Solvang Chamber of Commerce

olvang and Buellton grew by more than 5 percent in recent years. Here are rates of population growth from 2010 to 2019, as reported by the Census Bureau. Solvang had an estimated population of 5,838 as of July 1, 2019, up from 5,245 in the census of 2010. Buellton’s estimated population in 2019 was 5,102, up from 4,849 in 2010. These were the two incorporated cities in the Santa Ynez Valley. You can see three levels of growth in the graph shown. The United States and California grew less rapidly than Solvang. Santa Barbara County and Buellton each grew more than 5 percent. Both cities had high average density of population in 2019. Buellton’s average density was 3,052 people per square mile in its land area of 1.58 square miles. Solvang’s average density was 2,163 per square mile in its 2.43 square miles. Santa Barbara County, by comparison, had an average density of 164

people per square mile in 2,735 square miles of land area. High population density tends to save money in providing miles of streets and sewers, for example, while complicating public health considerations such as hospital capacity. Central location in Santa Barbara County was an advantage of both cities. Communities tend to grow when residents find suitable work nearby. Many residents commuted to work in larger cities such as Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc. Population growth rates tend to vary from year to year, depending upon economic conditions. In times of economic recession, the positive growth of population may slow, disappear or turn negative. Slight loss of population is in some forecasts for this year and next. Please go online for details of population in Census Bureau QuickFacts. Thanks to Elizabeth Jensen for identifying an error in data from the Census Bureau.

inger Salazar is now a member of the volunteer Board of Directors of Cottage Health. Salazar, born and raised in Lompoc, has spent the last decade working to improve health and opportunities for Santa Barbara County residents. She leads branding at Kate Farms, which supplies plant-based liquid meal formulas to hospitals and health care providers. Salazar’s professional career began in brand management and marketing for Procter & Gamble. She then co-founded Imagitas, Inc., a direct marketing company that formed public private partnerships with the government. Imagitas received the White House Hammer Award from Vice President Al Gore and was recognized by Congress for improvements in government work cost and efficiency.

Salazar received her bachelor of arts in economics from Stanford University, where she is co-chair for the LEAD Council. She also serves on the boards of the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Towbes Foundation. Salazar served as co-chair of the committee to create and fund the recently completed community running track and athletic field at Lompoc High School. She previously served on the boards of Prevent Child Abuse America, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, and Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Members of the Cottage Health Board of Directors serve without compensation to guide the not-for-profit Cottage hospitals in their mission to provide superior health care through a commitment to its communities and to its core values of excellence, integrity and compassion.

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State grants given for ACEs Award initiative Pediatric Resiliency Collaborative and KIDS Network receive funds Staff Report

ediatric Resiliency Collaborative and KIDS Network of Santa Barbara County have received a total of $350,000 in grant funds from the Office of the California Surgeon General and the Department of Health Care Services to participate in the state’s Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Aware initiative. ACEs Aware grants are funding the organizations to design and implement training and education activities for providers and organizations that serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries. A total of $14.3 million was awarded to 100 organizations throughout California. The initiative seeks to change and save lives by helping Medi-Cal providers understand the importance of screening for ACEs and train them to respond with trauma-informed care. Cottage Health and a number of local organizations have formed the Pediatric Resiliency Collaborative (PeRC), which has received an ACEs Aware training grant for $200,000. PeRC partner organizations include CALM, Carpin-

teria Children’s Project, CenCal Health, Family Service Agency, James S. Bower Foundation, Priory Fund, Resilient Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County Public Health Care Centers and Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. PeRC, a pioneering effort to implement universal ACEs screening throughout Santa Barbara County, aims to train 75 percent of pediatricians and their clinic staff within the county, as well 25 percent of pediatric providers in neighboring counties. ACEs are defined as stressful or traumatic experiences occurring before the age of 18, such as abuse, neglect, substance use, divorce and/or domestic violence. “It has never been more important to understand the impact of adversity on the health and well-being of children and families. Stressful life events in childhood that occur during sensitive periods of development can activate physiological changes that impact the cardiovascular system, immune system and neurologic system,

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to name a few,” said Dr. Andria Ruth. “These changes affect our risk of disease and mental health concerns across the lifespan. By training physicians to ask about exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and giving them the resources to provide education and support to families in order to ameliorate these effects and promote resilience, we can improve the physical, mental and emotional health of children and families in our community. We are honored to be recognized by the state of California as leaders in this endeavor.” All PeRC trainings will be offered free of charge to Medi-Cal and other providers, and will be offered as recordings online and promoted for use throughout the Central Coast and state. The recordings will also be available to the KIDS Network’s Central Coast Convening, which also has received an ACEs grant. KIDS Network received the ACEs Aware Provider Engagement Grant for $150,000. The

cross-sector, umbrella organization serves as the hub for the Resilient Santa Barbara County (RSBC) network, a countywide network dedicated to preventing and reducing the impacts of ACEs and adverse community environments. KIDS Network has promoted collaborative approaches among service providers and community stakeholders to identify priorities and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. For the past four years, KIDS Network has co-created and co-sponsored the Santa Barbara County Bridges to Resilience conference, a fullday conference with renowned speakers and local experts, designed to increase awareness about ACEs, resilience and trauma-informed care. “With the ACEs Aware grant, we will be able to extend the reach of this successful conference into neighboring counties, using a virtual platform to bring renowned speakers and opportunities for connection,” said Barbara Finch, Children and Adult Network Director, with Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services and KIDS Network. “ACEs Aware will help us engage medical providers and strengthen care networks to holistically support the health and wellbeing of children, youth, and families throughout the tri-county region.”

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September is the time to celebrate ‘Johnny Appleseed’

By John Copeland Contributing Writer

his month of September is the birthday of an intriguing person from early America: John Chapman. You’ve probably heard about him at some point in your life as Johnny Appleseed. He has the unique distinction of having two different days of the year that celebrate him. Johnny Appleseed is honored on Sept. 26 and March 11. Both are “unofficial holidays,” and mostly celebrated in grade schools. Curiously, my research has failed to reveal who created these special days. According to story and song, Johnny spread his apple seeds across the Midwest and into American folklore. But, unlike other figures from our national folklore — like Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill and Uncle Sam — Johnny Appleseed was a real man with a life far richer and more interesting than the tales about him. John Chapman was born in Massachusetts on Sept. 26, 1775. Very little is known about Chapman’s early life. He was the son of Nathaniel Chapman, a farmer and carpenter and later one of the “minutemen” who fought at the Battle of Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill and later served in the Continental Army under Gen. George Washington. In 1780, Chapman’s father returned home from the war and began to teach his son the trade of farming. We know that John Chapman became an orchardist and nurseryman. He was, for the time, an eccentric — a vegetarian, an evangelist, and one who traveled barefoot. Equally out of char-

acter for the day, he showed kindness to animals and befriended Native Americans he came in contact with. Chapman became a folk figure, helping to tame the wilderness by planting apple orchards. In America of the 1700s and 1800s, apples were grown not for eating but for making hard cider, which was a huge part of frontier life. It was a safe — in a time when water could be full of dangerous bacteria, cider could be imbibed without worry. Hard cider was as much a part of dining as meat or bread, and Johnny Appleseed brought the means for making the alcoholic drink of choice to the frontier. Johnny Appleseed’s legend suggests that his planting was random; however, there was actually a firm economic plan behind Johnny’s plantings. Frontier law allowed people to lay claim to wilderness land by developing a permanent homestead. One could make a land claim by planting 50 apple trees. Chapman realized that he could plant orchards and sell them for profit to incoming frontiersmen. Chapman carried a leather bag filled with apple seeds he collected from cider mills. Legend says he planted his seeds in open places in the

forests, along roadways and by streams. The truth is, he created his nurseries by carefully selecting a planting spot, fencing it with brush and vines, and returning at regular intervals to repair the fence, tend the ground and sell his trees. The apples that grew from Chapman’s seeds were different from apples we know today. They were small tart “spitters,” named for what you’d likely do after taking a bite of one. Apple trees grown from seeds bear fruit that is very sour or bitter. To get edible apples, you graft trees, producing a clone of a tree that you know bears tasty fruit. Chapman knew about grafting, but as a member of the Swedenborgian Church, whose belief system explicitly forbade grafting, he planted his orchards from seed. Trekking from Pennsylvania through Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, Chapman moved ahead of settlers, cultivating his orchards. This made him quite the land baron as he traversed 100,000 square miles of Midwestern wilderness and prairie. One could describe him as an early-day real estate developer. Eventually, John Chapman owned more than 1,200 acres of land. For more than 40 years he kept steadily at his

work. His favorite apple was the Rambo. Proof of this is revealed by the fact the Rambo apple was found on nearly every farm in the region traversed by this pioneer nurseryman. By 1806, John Chapman had acquired the nickname “Johnny Appleseed.” We have firsthand accounts from many settlers who welcomed him into their cabins. They gave him a meal and a place to sleep in exchange for apples and apple trees. For the settlers, there was enormous entertainment value in having a guest who was literally a legend in his own lifetime. Chapman died in Fort Wayne, Ind., in March 1845 at age 70. He left an estate that included some 1,200 acres of prime real estate. Though he lived modestly, Chapman died a wealthy man. Up until Prohibition, an apple grown in America was less likely to be eaten than to wind up as hard cider. By the time the U.S. government outlawed alcohol in 1920, Chapman was an established folk hero. But this didn’t stop FBI agents who took out his old orchards to prevent making homemade hooch. We can thank Prohibition for shifting the image of the apple to the healthy, wholesome, American-as-apple-pie fruit it is today. Today, Johnny Appleseed stands apart from frontier characters like Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, who battled both nature and Native Americans while opening the West. Chapman’s apple trees helped transform the geography of the American frontier and pave the way for settlement. His image has evolved from pioneer planter to that of patron saint of horticulture, and a folk hero to this day. But what about his two holidays? One celebrates his birthday, Sept. 26, while the other commemorates the supposed date of his death, March, 11. However, I am of the opinion that Johnny Appleseed Day should be celebrated on his birthday of Sept. 26. His birthdate is undisputed and coincides with the season of the apple harvest and birth is a more positive day than a death. I think Johnny would agree. On that day, enjoy a crisp fall apple or a glass of apple cider and give a thought to John “Johnny Appleseed” Chapman.

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Cycle September SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

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Celebrating the life of Mario (Marty) de los Cobos 1942-2020

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Mario (Marty) was born July 6th, 1942 to Mario M. and Guadalupe Celaya de los Cobos in Calexico, California. Marty lived his early years in Los Angeles which included Chavez Ravine, where Dodger Stadium is today, and also Highland Park- which he called home for most of his childhood years and early adult life. He was raised devout Catholic and went to St. Ignatius School, Cathedral High School, and ultimately graduated from Cal State Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science and Administration. As a young man he married his wife, Eileen Sullivan, in 1965 after knowing one another since they were children. Marty and Eileen started their lives together in Alhambra, CA, later moving to West Covina, CA in 1969. Then resided in Glendora, CA from 1972 to 1987 and Oxnard Shores from 1987 to 1990. They were married for 54 years and had four children. Mark (Trang), Erin, Meghan (Bill), Egan (Rachael) along with 6 grandchildren and one more expected any day. Marty’s first career was for Southern California Gas Company where he excelled for 33 years starting as mail clerk in Los Angeles and he advanced all the way to Regional Affairs Manager for Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo County. He was heavily involved in the community and was part of organizations including Boys and Girls Club, Rotary International, United Way, YMCA, Special Olympics, and theAmerican Legion. Marty received many commendations over the years including being recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Marty also served in the Air National Guard for 6 years which he was tasked with safely transporting Military Officers during the Watts Riots in 1965. In 1980, Marty became a Reserve Police Officer for the Glendora Police Department and served till he left the area in 1987. Duty and service were key in his life as was community. Marty epitomized these qualities both on and off-duty. Marty received a Life Saver award from both the American Red Cross and American Heart Association for performing CPR and reviving a

stranger he came across while off-duty, driving home. Even though his formal law enforcement job may have finished, Marty still upheld his civic duty and catch criminals. Marty was recognized in 1989 for the apprehension of an “America’s Most Wanted” felon- wanted for dozens of felonies against children. Marty recognized the fugitive after a public relations event in a homeless encampment where he remembered the face that flashed on national television, weeks after. He received recognition from the FBI and was awarded the title “Honorary Detective” from the LAPD. Marty along with his wife and younger children, ultimately moved to Solvang in 1990 where they have remained – with brief stays in Green Valley, AZ, Camarillo, Newbury Park, and Santa Barbara. Marty’s second career began in 2002 where he served as Vice President for Advancement at California State University-Channel Islands. He was once again heavily involved in community relations and was key in securing major funding, to start the Bachelor of Science Nursing Program. Marty officially retired in 2007 but even still in retirement, volunteered for local organizations including Mission Santa Ines religious education and sat on the Board for Atterdag Village. Marty’s passion, was driving his numerous cars he had over his lifetime and traveling cross-country in his motor home- which he did so many times, he lost track. He also loved his international travels to Costa Rica, Europe, and Vietnam and always seemed to find someone he knew and almost always made a new friend. Marty was passionate, loving, hardworking, and a man of integrity. Marty will be honored with a Funeral at Mission Santa Ines in Solvang on August 20th, 2020 at 5:45pm. The burial will be at Queen of Heaven in Rowland Heights Cemetery on August 22nd, 2020 at 10am.

September 1 - September 14, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

NatureTrack Film Fest reimagined as virtual event Documentaries screen Oct. 9-18 in a living room near you Staff Report

Dozens of documentaries and short films from 21 countries, in both live and animated form, will be screened virtually at the third annual NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF), Oct. 9-18. From adrenaline-inducing to spectacular, heart-breaking to hope-filled, the festival features inspiring stories from passionate filmmakers about the world we live in and share with the other animals on earth. The film festival will be delivered straight to patrons’ homes, offering the safest viewing environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. All tickets previously purchased for the festival in March will be honored. “In 2021, look for NatureTrack Film Festival on Tour, and in 2022 we will be back in person,” said NTFF founder Sue Eisaguirre. “We look forward to making our beloved town of Los Olivos pop in a most festive way and to celebrating the filmmakers whose passion leads the way.” Highlighted films include: ‘Birth of a Pride’

Photos contributed Filmmaker-explorers of "83° Ski the North" are shown on their trek to find and ski the planet's northernmost peaks.

Goleta-based FLIR, a returning NTFF sponsor, has provided a two-minute short as a companion piece to the feature film “Birth of a Pride.” FLIR has been working with the World Wildlife Fund’s Wildlife Crime Technology Project to put an end to illegal

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poaching in Africa. FLIR’s infrared camera technology, paired with cutting-edge software, has become the newest tool to tamp down this rampant problem for the majestic wildlife found on the African continent. NTFF’s

producers wanted to give patrons a look at how thermal imaging is used in the wild. Making the presentation even timelier, these thermal imaging solutions from FLIR are in use now at businesses, airports, and other places that can help screen for elevated body/skin temperature, a possible sign of COVID-19 infection. From public spaces such as airports and train terminals to federal buildings, private offices, and factories, deploying thermal imaging cameras for screening provides more safe and secure environments. ‘By Hand’ In the extreme adventure film “By Hand,” two Pismo Beach brothers paddle by hand from Alaska to Baja, unaided by anyone else, just the Higginbotham twins in a coming-of-age story with nature as their mentor. No motors to propel them, no support boats, their custom-made boards carried everything, and they paddled more than 2,000 miles with only director Kellen Keene’s camera keeping them company. “By Hand” has been scooping up awards at film festivals this year. ‘The Lost Kings of Bioko’ Oliver Goetzel, whose films have taken awards at the first two NTFF events, returns FESTIVAL CONTINUED TO PAGE 12

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 1 - September 14, 2020

Replacing the Old Red Bridge in Solvang By Elverhøj Museum Staff

n August 23, 1953, workers completed the dismantling of the “The Old Red Bridge,” which spanned the Santa Ynez River at Alisal Road. The bridge had been in a perpetual state of disrepair for many years before being demolished. It took a week to pull timbers and the seven steel spans apart piece-by-piece. The county sold the timbers to ranchers and much of the steel was recycled locally. It is likely that remnants of the bridge were used in many projects built by blacksmith Kris Klibo in the 1950s and 1960s. Built in 1880, the bridge was for years the only means of crossing the Santa Ynez River during the winter months. When Solvang was founded, Buellton didn’t exist and Gaviota Road (present day Alisal Road to the top of Nojoqui Grade) was the main connection for those traveling to and from the south coast. It was a narrow and twisting road with its terminus point in Solvang at Lompoc Road (present day Mission Drive). As the area grew, a wider and more modern thoroughfare than was needed. A concrete bridge was built over the river in Buellton and the San

Photos contributed Built in 1880, the Old Red Bridge was for years the only means of crossing the Santa Ynez River during the winter months.

The current concrete Alisal Bridge, which spans 850 feet, was constructed in 1971 after the epic 1969 floods.

o FESTIVAL CONTINUES FROM PAGE 11 in “The Lost Kings of Bioko,” with another endangered species in his lens: one of the world’s least-known primate species, the drill monkey. Off the coast of central Africa lies Bioko, an isolated island covered by ancient rainforests and surrounded by dark ocean waters. Island folklore tells of a drill king who ruled the island’s forests, a place where drills still play a critical role in the health of an ecosystem known to scientists as a biodiversity hotspot. The film takes on subjects most of the world is unaware of in Goetzel’s quest to create a brighter future for the drills through science and, most importantly, species protection. Goetzel also created “Making of Lost Kings of Bioko,” a behind-the-scenes bonus short just for the NatureTrack Film Festival. ‘83° Ski the North’ Another past NTFF award-winner, Matthias Mayr, goes to the Arctic’s northernmost mountain range in the world for his “83° Ski the North.” Joined by adventurer Hauni Haunholder, the two set off to ski the Arctic Cordillera and as the saying goes, “it’s the journey not the destination,” as the men encounter major athletic and filmmaking challenges. The Ellesmere Island location is home to arctic wolves, polar bears and native Inuit people who actively support the intrepid mountaineers. ‘Kokoly’ Bringing the personal story of Madame Kokoly to the NTFF, UK filmmakers Garth Cripps and Paul Antion capture a wide-angle look at the world’s marine environment in “Kokoly,” the close-up story of a traditional Vezo fisherwoman in Madagascar. Living in extreme poverty, Madame Kokoly reflects on her personal losses and life experiences, and the ocean she fishes which is changing beyond her control. Female-only voices are represented in this heartbreaking film. “Kokoly” is a short documentary film, produced by Blue Ventures, and support-

Solvang founder Rev. J.M. Gregersen (kneeling on left) and friends on the bridge.

ed by Stories of Change, a project of the Sundance Institute, with support from the Skoll Foundation. ‘Threats in the Northern Seas’ Getting down and dirty, “Threats in the Northern Seas” director Jacques Loeuille from France brings light to silent and deadly underwater witnesses from World Wars I and II — 3 billion tons of chemical and conventional bombs that lie at the bottom of the North and Baltic seas. Loeuille’s film examines the underwater stockpile of lethal munitions and takes on the cause of defending the survival of our vital oceans and seas. Why were these weapons dumped and are these massive watery caches of highly toxic ordnance an avoidable disaster? Eisaguirre said she has found that NTFF patrons are “proactive people for our natural world, and this film will educate you about the dangers and natural disasters caused by climate change.” NTFF film categories are: Adventure, Animation, Biography, Conservation, Kids Connecting with Nature, Scenic, Student, and a special category, Outdoors & Out of Bounds. The full list of participating films is posted on the festival website www.naturetrackfilmfestival.org. All-Access Passes, and single tickets are now available and may be purchased on the NTFF website, www.NatureTrackFilmFestival.org. All proceeds from the festival go to support the NatureTrack Foundation. All tickets from the March 2020 dates will be honored. Cost for an All-Access Virtual Pass is $100. For those who earlier bought an in-person All-Access Pass, the festival suggests either sharing the pass with someone or donating the difference in cost to the NatureTrack Foundation as a much-needed gift. Find more information about NatureTrack Foundation at www.naturetrack.org

Lucas Bridge was constructed on Highway 154. These bridges, along with improvements to Highway 101 in the 1930s, significantly changed the nature of Solvang by moving traffic away from downtown. All that remains of the Old Red Bridge are some concrete piers, which will see water flow in the coming weeks as a scheduled release from Bradbury Dam was planned to begin on Aug. 31. The release is part of an agreement between Cachuma Lake water users to recharge the groundwater basins along the Santa Ynez River downstream of the dam. These groundwater basins provide an essential source of water for the cities, towns and farming interests along the river and on the Lompoc Plain – and provide a natural playground for the community. So what made the old bridge red? It’s not clear if it was red paint or rust, or a combination of the two. Want to learn more about the history of Solvang? “The Spirit of Solvang” book is available for shipping or curbside pick-up. Call 805-686-1211 or email info@elverhoj.org to place an order.

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September 1 - September 14, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

Assessment fee proposed on tasting room wine sales

County’s wine region with marketing funds so that wineries can flourish, especially in the time of decreased sales because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Janes called on Santa Barbara County’s wine region to “grow up” and secure funding in order to better promote itself. “(The SBV’s) board of directors has decades of industry experience, and without (the Santa Barbara Wine Preserve), Santa Barbara County will languish and not reach its full potential,” he said. Thomas, who relocated to Santa Barbara County from Napa several years ago, described himself as, “quite frankly, appalled at how underfunded the SBV organization was.” Steinwachs said she doubts wine consumers will balk at paying an assessment fee.

Local wineries are divided over the 1.5 percent fee, which would mostly fund promotional efforts for the region By Laurie Jervis

Contributing Writer

he Santa Barbara Vintners took its case for an assessment fee on tasting room wine sales to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 18, and the county recommended that the association continue its plans for a petition and vote later this year. The proposed assessment would be a 1.5 percent fee per each bottle sold in tasting rooms and wineries throughout Santa Barbara County, or a “subset” of a brand’s total sales. It would also be assessed on tasting fees, merchandise and food, but not on wine club shipments and pickups or event tickets. The fee would not be assessed on online, phone or wholesale sales to groceries or restaurants. It would essentially be a wine industry-specific business improvement district, and is also called a wine preserve in other areas. Santa Barbara Vintners CEO Alison Laslett initiated plans for the Santa Barbara Wine Preserve in 2018, and said the assessment would boost the group’s efforts to market Santa Barbara County as a wine tourism destination, a status already enjoyed by Paso Robles, Napa and Sonoma counties, and Temecula. A majority (51 percent) of the bonded wineries in Santa Barbara County needs to approve the proposed assessment to create the Santa Barbara Wine Preserve, which then would need final approval from the Board of Supervisors, according to Laslett. Between now and the end of 2020, the Santa Barbara Vintners will draft a petition for winemakers and hold public hearings throughout the county, she said. Other California wine regions have larger operating budgets (Paso Robles has about $1.5 million and Napa is about $7.2 million), and the assessment funding could increase the group’s annual budget to more than $1.6 million, about three times what it is now, according to the SBV

Laurie Jervis / Noozhawk photo Clos Pepe Vineyards would be among the Santa Barbara County wineries included in the proposed Santa Barbara Wine Preserve.

presentation. Among the services the Santa Barbara Wine Preserve would provide to wineries are marketing, special projects, community organization and promoting the Santa Barbara County wine region to tourists. Marketing represents 62 percent of the proposed five-year budget, according to Santa Barbara Vintners. While the supervisors generally supported the proposal during Tuesday’s informational presentation and discussion, they expressed concern over how the assessed fees would be verified and collected. “We would prefer to do something” to help the wine industry grow, Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino said. Supervisor Joan Hartmann, whose Third District contains the bulk of the county’s wineries and vineyards, agreed with the SBV that “we lack cohesive marketing here, and this would help market Santa Barbara County as a region.” Some wineries and winemakers support the proposed assessment, but there is a robust group of opponents, Laslett said. Two of those winery owners spoke during public comment Tuesday. David deLaski, co-owner/winemaker of Solminer Wines with his wife, Anna, cited “a lack

of major support among wineries” for the Santa Barbara Wine Preserve, since “75 percent of the wineries here in Santa Barbara County (already) are not members of the SBV.” By various accounts, there are about 270 bonded wineries/winemakers in Santa Barbara County. “I don’t really need a welcome center; our customers have the Internet,” deLaski said. Steve Pepe, co-owner of Clos Pepe Estate Vineyards, echoed deLaski’s concerns, noting in a letter to the supervisors that “in its 40 years of existence, the SBV has never attracted a substantial majority of the SB wineries to become members. Similarly, it has been able to raise only $500,000 each year,” referring to the fees paid by current association members. Lending their support to the Santa Barbara Wine Preserve were Stephen Janes, estate manager at Pence Vineyards and a member of the Preserve Steering Committee; Tyler Thomas, president and winemaker of Dierberg and Star Lane vineyards; Karen Steinwachs, general manager and winemaker at Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard; and Nicholas Miller of Miller Family Wines. All described the need to infuse Santa Barbara

“We at Buttonwood support the Preserve, especially now (COVID) with the lack of sales from direct-to-consumer business,” she said. “There is no other alternative.” Miller, whose family farms two regional vineyards, produces multiple wine brands, and operates two tasting rooms and a Santa Maria production facility, described how some visitors to his Santa Barbara tasting room “have never heard” about the county’s wine industry because of the lack of funds to promote it. “This (step) should be part of the efforts to rebuild our region in the wake of COVID,” Miller said. “I want to heavily reiterate that we fully support moving forward.” Laslett said she understands that some people “are philosophically opposed to any fee assessment,” and some winemakers “may fear they will lose customers to the assessment,” especially in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions on direct-to-consumer sales. However, in the long run, Laslett believes that the benefits “will far outweigh the cost of the assessment.” She used the example of an average bottle of Santa Barbara County wine priced “between $35 and $40,” the sale of which would then yield an assessment of approximately 60 cents. Laurie Jervis is a Noozhawk contributing writer and columnist. She tweets at @lauriejervis and can be reached via winecountrywriter@gmail. com

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Home of Arne’sFamous Aebleskiver

Dine In and Take Out Hours 7-3 Monday-Friday and 7-5 Saturday and Sunday

1672 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang (805) 688-4645

14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 1 - September 14, 2020

No football, but SYHS unveils its new turf

The new football field at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School was unveiled the week school started.

fied schedule and a delayed opening, the CIF State office announced July 20. Because of COVID-19, CIF officials have taken three seasons of sports and condensed it to two seasons of sports. Fall teams will start practicing in December and spring teams will start practicing in March. “The first home football game is scheduled for January 15, with JV starting at 4 p.m. and varsity at 7 p.m. versus Nordhoff. This is a moment worth looking forward to,” Cory said. In the state’s calendar, the fall season will be comprised of boys/girls cross country; field hockey; 11-man football; 8-man football; gymnastics; traditional competitive cheer; boys/girls volleyball; boys/girls water polo. For spring sports it will be badminton; baseball; boys/girls basketball; competitive cheer; boys/girls golf; boys/girls lacrosse; boys/girls soccer; softball; boys/girls swimming and diving; boys/girls tennis; boys/girls track and field and boys/girls wrestling.

campuses and are certainly something worth talking about.” The construction of the new field started the week of graduation in June, and it was a

For more comprehensive information about Pirate athletics, visit the SYHS website at www.syvpirates.org and click the “Athletics” tab on the home page.

Athletic field one of many improvements on school's campus By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

anta Ynez Valley Union High School District officials were hoping that athletes would be able to enjoy the newly installed football field on campus the week school started, but that will have to wait. “The new turf football field is one of many significant improvements on the SYHS campus recently,” said District Superintendent Scott Cory. “Visually, it’s one of the most fun: the huge Pirate logo, the orange end zones (“Pirates” and “Santa Ynez”), alternating shades of green every five yards.” He added the safety factor of the new field is significantly improved with a concussion mat underneath the turf and improved fill material on the surface that makes the field much more contact safe. “It will be a huge benefit to the students and athletes that utilize the field,” Cory said. “The look is a big source of pride for the community. These types of projects are rare on school

Photo contributed

Key county youth mentoring programs merge CADA and FSA have been collaborating since April Staff Report

he Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) and Family Service Agency (FSA) have announced that, as of July, FSA’s Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program has closed and South County mentoring matches have joined the School Based Mentoring Program at CADA. CADA and FSA share similar goals of making a positive difference in the lives of young people and have been collaborating since April to facilitate a smooth transition for the youth, their parents and their mentors. CADA’s Mentor Program is a school-based program for vulnerable third- to eighth-grade students in the Carpinteria, Santa Barbara and Goleta school districts who need academic, emotional and/or social support. Students are matched with trained, volunteer adult mentors and meet weekly. Students are referred by their teacher or counselor for any variety of factors that cause them to be at-risk for future negative behaviors. “CADA is committed to building a safer, healthier community, and mentoring our local youth is foundational to that mission,” said Scott Whiteley, CADA executive director. “Our mentors provide the connection, support, guidance and friendship that help young people build the self-confidence, resiliency and critical thinking skills so important to their positive development.

“We are pleased to welcome these mentors and their mentees to our program and look forward to continuing the positive trajectory begun at FSA.” “Mentoring changes children’s lives, and so we are extremely pleased that these important relationships can continue to be supported through the highly successful program at CADA,” said FSA’s executive director Lisa Brabo. “We are grateful for the opportunity to have served the children of Santa Barbara County and for the support of the organization’s staff, volunteers who served as caring mentors, and members of the advisory council who served the program over the years.” In the past 32 years, FSA’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program offered one-to-one mentoring for children ages 6-17 who were facing adversity. Children in the program demonstrated a significant improvement in their academic performance, self-esteem, and increased likelihood to graduate from high school and avoid risky behaviors. For some 70 years, CADA has delivered effective programs and services focused on preventing and treating the disease of alcohol and drug addiction affecting youth, adults and families in Santa Barbara County. CADA services are available to anyone impacted by alcohol, drugs, or mental health concerns, without regard to gender, gender preference, age, race, ethnicity or national origin. FSA is a nonprofit social service agency that has served the people of Santa Barbara County since 1899. Operating as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center in Santa Maria and Little House By The Park in Guadalupe, FSA helps the community’s most vulnerable children, families and seniors meet their basic needs while simultaneously addressing mental health needs.

sight to see as grads were allowed to drive on the field at the end of their parade around the valley. High school sports will be doing a modi-

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Ashley Patricia Hussey and Kristin Cara DeHahn

ere married August 5 at Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nev. Jackie Phillips officiated. The couple met in Santa Barbara and now reside in the Santa Ynez Valley. Ashley is a trusts and estates attorney in Solvang. Kristin recently graduated from USC’s Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program. For the last five years Kristin has worked as an Infusion RN at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. Ashley will take the surname DeHahn.

September 1 - September 14, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Newspaper coupons are a great way to save money. Circle the coupon that offers the best deal on each product.

These kids are facing a decision to make about spending money. What would you do? These ZING sneakers are super popular with the kids at my school. But they cost $69 a pair!

A lot of young movie stars wear the jeans at left. They are $80. The generic ones in the middle are $30. And the used pair at right is $8 at the thrift store.

These generic sneakers cost $29. They’re not nearly as fancy as the ZING sneakers, though.

Standards Link: Math/Number Sense: Calculate sums and differences.

Which pair of sneakers should Kevin choose? Give at least three reasons to explain your choice. Which pair of jeans should Emma choose? Give at least two reasons for your choice.

Which is the best deal? The small can of fruit juice or the 64 ounce size?

BOTTLE: $3.50

The 64 ounce bottle contains 16 4 ounce cups of juice. The 12 ounce can contains three 4 ounce cups of juice.

CAN: $1.25

M O N E Y PUZZLE 1

How much money would you save if you put a nickel in a jar every day for a year?

Can you add up all the coins you see on this page?

P U Z Z L E S

PUZZLE 2

How much money would you save in four weeks if you saved 5¢ a day week, 15¢ a day the third week and 20¢ a day the fourth week?

PUZZLE 3

How much money would you save using the plan in Puzzle 2 and kept increasing the savings amount by 5¢ each week for 12 weeks?

Can you come up w ith a family fu n game night that costs $ 0?

DECISION GENERIC THRIFT CHOICE NICKEL MONEY STORE JEANS FRUIT MONTH SAVE DEAL ZING PAIR COST

Find the words in the puzzle. How many of them can you find on this page?

M O N T H T F H D D E C I O H C R A E E

E M O N E R U C A Y

Y G E N E R I C L O J E A N S S T F S E

G E N R I A P I T S

N T S O C I V O O N I M N A M T T E R E

Z R L E K C I N E S

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recongized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Best Food Deal

Use the grocery store ads to compare the cost of different food items. Find two or more of the same food items sold in different quantities. Figure out which is the best deal. Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate info.

It All Adds Up PUZZLE 4

How much money would you save using the plan in Puzzle 3 and kept increasing the savings amount by 5¢ each week for 26 weeks?

Find four 4-digit numbers in the newspaper. Copy the numbers onto a piece of paper and add them together. Repeat with 5-digit and 6-digit numbers. Standards Link: Math: Addition.

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Make a list of free birthday gifts you could offer family members that wouldn’t cost you any money.

16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H September 1 - September 14, 2020

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

© 2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

BHHSCALIFORNIA.COM

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