Santa Ynez Valley Star March A 2021 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

March 2 - March 15, 2021

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

‘Feed the Valley’ still going strong, giving food to Santa Ynez Valley seniors and families in need Saturday give-away program gaining new partnerships a year into operation By Pamela Dozois

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reg Ryan of Bell’s Restaurant in Los Alamos has been the driving force behind “Feed the Valley,” a program that supports restaurant owners and their employees by providing healthy, nutritious meals to seniors and local families in need. The program began in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and recession. Ryan writes on the “Feed the Valley” website, “We quickly made it our mission to retain all staff and to ensure they had the financial means to support their families. Yet, as we transitioned to limited on-premises dining and growing our takeout business, we knew these initiatives could only get us so far. “Almost immediately, friends and neighbors began to reach out with ideas that could save our business. The most compelling, for us, was to have our team cook for members of our community currently experiencing food insecurity — a concept we called ‘Feed the Valley,’ pilot testing our ability to contribute throughout the spring.” Ryan approached Monna Dingman, executive director of the Los Alamos Foundation, who suggested he contact the Santa Barbara Foundation, with whom he partnered to ensure the successful collection of donations, as well as with respected local charities to help distribute healthy, nutritious meals to the families most in need of their services. Bell’s initially provided 90 meals per week for seniors and low-income and home-bound residents of Los Alamos. That number has since increased to 140 meals per week thanks

Photo by Jeffrey Bloom Photography Greg and Daisy Ryan stand in front of their restaurant Bell's.

to the generosity of not only Bell’s, but Pico and Plenty on Bell restaurants, which also came on board the program. The Los Alamos Foundation started a food distribution program at the beginning of the pandemic and have fed between 125-150 families every Saturday. Working directly with the Santa Barbara Food Bank, Veggie Rescue, and the Berry Man, who provides the food necessary for distribution. “We’ve only had two Saturdays off — Christmas and New Year’s Day. We’re here every Saturday rain or shine,” said Laura Beas, community outreach coordinator for the Los Alamos Foundation. “I am one of the people who delivers the meals and about six of my seniors who know when I’m coming are waiting by the door for their warm meal,” she said. “They say it’s delicious and it’s healthy and they appreciate the effort we make.” “It’s wonderful to see the community pull together with their time, effort and donations through these difficult times,” said volunteer Debra Vidro. “We received a shipment of milk and another of meat and had no place to store it. So, we reached out to Collins Market and the Los Alamos Market and they allowed us to store it in their freezers. The Los Alamos Valley Senior Center has opened its doors for the food distribution program. This is what I mean about community pulling together to benefit one another.” “We are very excited and thankful to have ‘Feed the Valley’ up and running in partnership with the Santa Barbara Foundation,” Beas said. “A lot of people depend on those meals made by Plenty on Bell, Pico and Bell’s.” “We live in a community with the most caring people who show it daily through their FEED CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

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Caltrans District 5 seeks public input on transportation plan Staff Report

altrans District 5 is looking for public input on its draft Active Transportation Plan. The plan will identify locations where bicycle and pedestrian improvements might be needed on the state highway system. The public can play a key role in establishing the community priorities for plan implementation by participating in this review. The draft plan review began Feb. 8 and is available for comment on the District 5 catplan.org website through March 9. Visit the catplan.org website for more information, the final plan will be available in May. “We look forward to hearing from the public on what they believe are the most important priorities in their communities

and how we can best integrate them into our transportation projects moving forward,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins. Caltrans wants to align the state’s bicycle and pedestrian network with the needs of local communities, with an emphasis on improving social equity, reconnecting neighborhoods and improving access for all modes of transportation, including people who walk or bicycle. Caltrans is actively engaging with partners and community members in areas where previous transportation decisions may have created barriers to adequate transportation. For more information about the Caltrans Active Transportation Plans, visit catplan. org/district-plans.

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File Photo With high fire danger conditions still prevalent, Los Padres National Forest has extended its recreational shooting ban until June 30.

Los Padres National Forest extends recreational shooting ban for six months Staff Report

os Padres National Forest officials announced that the Forest Order prohibiting recreational shooting except in permitted gun ranges has been extended until June 30 to provide for public safety due to continuing high fire danger conditions and the potential for a wildfire sparked by target shooting. With minimal winter rainfall to date, live fuel moisture levels across the forest have not significantly rebounded from last year and remain near critical levels. Predictive weather forecasts indicate persistent, strong offshore wind events through the spring that will likely further reduce fuel moisture levels. Long-range weather models have consistently shown well below normal precipitation and drier than average weather with a high likelihood of elevated temperatures through the spring months. If these forecasts are accurate, fire activity could occur weeks earlier this year.

Preventing accidental starts from recreational shooting under dry conditions is key to protecting life and property. Shooting ranges under permit by Los Padres National Forest monitor and implement preventative measures to avoid accidental starts. Under this Forest Order, discharging a firearm is prohibited except in the designated target ranges at the Winchester Canyon Gun Club and the Ojai Valley Gun Club. Persons hunting during the open hunting season as specified in the laws of California and having a valid California hunting license are exempt from this Forest Order. A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. For additional information, please visit the forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ lpnf/home.

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SYHS board member censured for posting class lecture and giving commentary

In blog entry, Baeke criticized history teacher for alleged assumptions of particular voters By Raiza Giorgi

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anta Ynez Valley Union High School Board of Education Trustee Dr. John Baeke will be given a formal censure at an upcoming meeting, after being reprimanded by his fellow board members for allegedly violating board policy and bylaws by posting a recording of a history class and making comments on that teacher’s lecture on his personal blog. During the special meeting convened on Thursday, Feb. 11, Baeke was asked to take down the blog post where he has a transcription of a portion of the Advanced Placement U.S. History class given in October 2020, and also gave his comments on the lecture on his blog www.drbaekeforschoolboard.org. Baeke asserts in his blog post that the teacher is wrong in his assumptions of particular voters and the teacher should leave his political ideology out of his lectures. Baeke’s blog never mentions the teacher by name; however, the district identified him as Chris Mullin in its list of warrants posted Feb. 9 on the district website. The censure came after a first written reprimand was proposed by Board President Jan Clevenger, but then newly elected board member Jose Juan Ibarra said Baeke didn’t demonstrate enough remorse for the impact of his behavior and motioned for the censure which passed 3-1-1 with Baeke

dissenting and board member Stephen Luke not in attendance. “In addition what I find concerning is the unintended impact of his behavior and placed a lot of judgement and criticism on this teacher, and by default, teachers,” Ibarra said. “There’s an element of judgement used via social media, and our students struggle already with cyberbullying and information that is distorted and not real facts and information. Dr. Baeke was given an opportunity to correct it and he reposted it after wise counsel and request.” The agenda item listed for the meeting referred to a “report” made by a third-party investigator who is not named, and the report was not available prior to the meeting, nor was the Board Bylaw or policy listed that Baeke allegedly broke. The Star asked for both and was told by Superintendent Scott Cory they were attorney-client privilege. During public comment, several members of the public asked for the report and bylaws and/or policy be given before taking action against Baeke so they could appropriately give comments. Several members of the public questioned if this meeting was also violating the Brown Act because the online posting of the meeting was not on the district’s homepage as required by Brown Act online protocols, and because the report being used to discipline Baeke was not available for public review before the board’s action against him. “The agenda lists receipt of a report in consideration of action. The report was not available as an attachment which is required by the Brown Act,” said John Linn. “The public cannot comment on a report they have not seen it in advance. This makes it an illegal meeting and subject to correction under the Brown Act. The board should restart this process and stop now.” All of the public commenters stood up for Baeke, saying he held the best interest of the parents and students, and the board should be focused on the kids during the COVID-19 pandemic and their mental health. “The teacher in question is attempting to deflect the blame for poor classroom conduct onto the messenger who was reporting the infraction,” said David Hudspeth. “Please do not allow an educator or union official to influence you or your decision,

to stand with Dr. Baeke, which is to stand strong for the student and parents which you took an oath to stand for. Here we have an act to smear and defame a public official who is simply responding to a parents call for help.” Michelle de Werd said the action item lacked transparency and not enough information was given to the public about what the board was to vote on. “There is an ongoing investigation of a teacher’s Zoom lecture. A deputy Sheriff came to my home at night to interrogate me about the video,” she said. “This investigation cost the district $10,000, which I found listed under the purchase orders. It is obvious Mr. Mullin is not proud, or embarrassed by his lecture. “We need to take responsibility for our speech rather than revenge. This teacher’s history lesson is something every parent should watch, including the Hispanic families. Also Mr. Mullin disparages and mocks a fellow colleague. The person who recorded this video lecture did not violate Ed Code on a student’s privacy.” de Werd asked if the district clearly defined the rules and expectations regarding Zoom classes and where the policy is listed. She mentioned the district’s discipline policy and procedure handbook, which does not reference the rules or consequences of videotaping Zoom classes. “Can parents not watch their children’s Zoom classes in their homes? Where is that written?” de Werd said. “Are students aware of the rules before the school year began? Do the teachers inform the students before each class they are to not videotape their lecture?” The Star also asked where the rules about recording lectures are posted as it is not clearly marked on the district website or handbook to parents and students. No answer has been given as of press time. After public comment, Clevenger made a motion to then make the report and the findings public with redactions to everyone except board members and administration staff. The report was then given by the district’s attorney Chelsea Murphy of Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law, who went through the investigation summary and identified that Baeke was in violation of Education Code 51512, and Board Bylaws 9005; 9005.1 of Governance Standards and Board

and Superintendent Operating Procedures, particularly to communicate with the superintendent when an individual concern arises. Baeke also was accused of violating Board Bylaw 9010 on Public Statements. Education code 51512 prohibits the use “of any electronic listening or recording device in any classroom of the elementary and secondary schools without the prior consent of the teacher and principal of the school.” Furthermore, “any person, other than a pupil, who willfully violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and any pupil violating this section shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.” There is no mention in the handbook on the rules of videotaping lectures. When Baeke was offered opportunity to speak he said he believes he is not violating any education code nor Board of Education bylaws and said he never posted the teacher’s name, and the district revealed Mullin’s action to file a formal complaint against him. “I was elected under no false pretenses and I made no secrets of my platform which is why I created this website so the community would know my position and opinion and I have always maintained my blog is not necessarily the position of the district,” Baeke said in his address to the board and administration. “Students fear reprisal by going to administration, so their parents come to me and communicate with me. I respond to every email and letter and what frustrates me is the continuing of sweeping under the carpet. Superintendent Cory forbade me from contact with staff and October 2020 I posted the transcript of the teacher’s lengthy lecture. I do not know who made the video, but I listened and was disheartened and made me wonder if the teacher is angry because that had no tie with U.S. History.” The meeting adjourned with Clevenger and Ibarra being appointed to a subcommittee to work with Cory and the legal counsel to draft the censure and bring back at a future meeting.

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Santa Barbara County supervisors require more review of greenhouse project Board says proposed structures in rural Solvang "greatly exceed" exemptions By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

rural Solvang resident’s proposal to install greenhouses adding up to 15,648 square feet encountered another stumbling block after the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors ruled that more environmental analysis should occur. On Feb. 9, the board voted 4-1 to require additional review because the proposed greenhouses “greatly exceed” exemptions for small structures cited under the California Environmental Quality Act and require the item to return to the board. Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson, who opposed the motion, had suggested approving the project with extra conditions so it could move forward. Decker applied to build eight greenhouses adding up to 15,648 square feet on his 5-acre property at 988 Fredensborg Canyon Road to grow vegetables, after earlier seeking permission for the same project for cannabis. After staff approval of the project, a neighbor appealed the decision, and the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission supported the appellant and rejected the project. That led Decker to file an appeal of the commissioners’ decision to the board. Decker cited several county policies regarding support for agriculture. “Here’s the big one: Policy 1B, the county shall recognize the rights of operation, freedom of choice as to methods of cultiva-

Janene Scully/Noozhawk file photo Steve Decker has proposed building greenhouses to grow vegetables on his 5-acre property on Fredensborg Canyon Road near Solvang.

tion — I choose greenhouse cultivation — choice of crop types or types of livestock, rotation of crops and all other functions within the traditional scope of agricultural management decisions,” he said. Neighbors have opposed the greenhouses, with several sending letters or speaking during Tuesday’s meeting, calling the Decker project inconsistent and incompatible with the neighborhood. Along with the size of the greenhouses, other concerns focused on light pollution and whether blackout curtains would avoid

affecting nearby properties. Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart said the additional environmental analysis could lead to other mitigation measures and create a better project more compatible with the area. “I think what we would learn is how complicated this is and that it needs to be carefully evaluated so that we might have conditions of approval that would better protect the neighborhood,” Hart said. Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann called the greenhouses “really out of scale

in this neighborhood.” “I have not met one neighbor who supports this project or feels it’s consistent with their investment back or expectations when they looked around and said ‘what is this?’,” she said. “It’s like bringing an industrial facility next door, and this isn’t what people signed up for in this rural residential area.” Decker said it would be essential for the light deprivation curtains to be effective at keeping the light out as well as preventing light from escaping. “I want them to work just as much as the neighbors do,” Decker said, adding that he would have to prove they work before the county would issue a certificate of occupancy. Before the vote, Decker was asked whether he would pay the required fees for the additional review. “Why should I?” Decker asked. “Actually, I’ve been approved twice for this project only to have it appealed. What happens if I don’t want to pay for it?” If Decker declined to pay for additional analysis, county counsel Michael Ghizzoni said that the board would not have a CEQA-compliant project to consider for approval. Nelson argued that the board had enough evidence to approve the greenhouses. “This will probably mean the death of this project,” he said. Once the additional CEQA review is done, the project would return to the Board of Supervisors for reconsideration of the appeal, according to county staff. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

State offers new incentive for buying electric vehicle: $1,500 PG&E, Air Resources Board, other utilities team up to offer the California Clean Fuel Reward Staff Report

lanning to shop for a new vehicle? California has a new incentive for going electric. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and other electric utilities have teamed up with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to offer the California Clean Fuel Reward, a point-of-sale price reduction of up to $1,500 off the purchase or lease of any eligible, new electric vehicle (EV). Consumers can receive this instant price reduction at any participating automotive retailer. “The goal of the program is to

accelerate the number of electric vehicles on California’s roads and highways,” said CARB Vice-Chair Sandy Berg. “The instant point-of-sale price reduction of up to $1,500 will help make these ultra-clean cars more affordable, especially for low-income families or those living in disadvantaged communities.” The California Clean Fuel Reward is available to everyone in California and taking advantage of the

reward is easy. When buying or leasing an EV at an enrolled retailer in California, the retailer will simply include the reward in the transaction at the point of sale. The customer does not need to do any paperwork after the sale to receive the reward. Lists of enrolled retailers and eligible battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles are on cleanfuelreward.com, which will be

continually updated as new retailers and EV models are added. More than 20 cars from 15 manufacturers are eligible for the reward including 2021 models eligible to receive the full $1,500. PG&E recommends customers explore the entire list of available vehicles and rewards. The California Clean Fuel Reward can be combined with existing post-sale federal, state and local incentives, such as the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, Clean Cars 4 All, and the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program, to potentially help customers save over $10,000 on their EV purchase. For more information on the California Clean Fuel Reward, customers can visit cleanfuelreward.com, email info@ cleanfuelreward.com or call 1-800-880-0320.

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Teacher’s political diatribe has no place in classroom

y children are young, and therefore not yet students at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School (SYVUHS) as myself, their uncle, grandparents and great grandparents were. Our son and daughter are in the sixth generation to call this valley home. Thanks to our time here, we’ve had the opportunity to watch and be a part of the environment at SYVUHS through many years and decades and through multiple administrations. The events of the last few weeks aren’t surprising to me considering the consistently mediocre standards of SYVUHS and its systemic lack of commitment to its students. I, like so many, am left wondering “why?” WHY is a teacher allowed to deliver an angry, judgmental, political diatribe to his students? WHY is the student who recorded it (then raised the red flag) punished and threatened rather than being thanked as a whistleblower? WHY did this valley elect a largely ineffectual board that leads with a lack of backbone and an overabundance of ego and personal bias? WHY are the students not the top priority? WHY defend a teacher clearly in the wrong?

WHY crucify students and board members for exposing that wrong? WHY not do better? Mr. Mullin delivered an inappropriate, politically charged lecture from his virtual pulpit to a class of students forced to sit through his Zoom lecture. If this were the “real” world of corporate America, Mr. Mullin would have been (deservedly) fired for his behavior. Of course, he has the advantage of being in the make-believe world of academia where unions and biased board members jump to his defense to celebrate his wrongs and demonize those who exposed him. I was a member of the SYVUHS class of 2000 and that afforded me a great privilege. I had the opportunity (for which I remain very grateful) to have the late, great Iain McPherson as my teacher of history, the same class that Mr. Mullin now presides over. McPherson, a colorful Scotsman and real educator, stood up on day one and promised us two things: A. we’d never know his political affiliation, he’d take both sides and argue them passionately, and B. he expected prepared, fiery, educated, respectful and thought-provoking debate from each of us. His was one of the only classes I took at SYVUHS that I look back on and

consider worthwhile in the least. He taught us how to think, not told us what to think. Big difference. He didn’t and doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of solid, bona fide educators like Iain McPherson. One earned and gave respect, the other has preached and whined his way through his career with a Napoleonic approach. Iain McPherson was lost too soon, of course, and while he’s not here to chime in, my comparison is to illustrate the difference between a real educator and someone simply in the teaching profession. A teacher’s political views, whether liberal or conservative, have no place in the classroom. Full stop. The student who recorded Mr. Mullin’s diatribe should be applauded as a whistleblower, as should the board member

who elevated the issue. Mr. Mullin should be immediately removed from the classroom. SYVUHS: Do better. Hire teachers that educate, not preach garbage. Serve with backbone and, above all else remember you’re here for the students, not to play a political game with our children and pander to teachers who have no business in the classroom. Some are good, of course, but many that roam your halls are a large part of a growing societal problem. SYVUHS is a “Distinguished School?” I beg to differ. Meeting the criteria for that classification must be akin to shooting fish in a barrel. Jessie (Condit) Bengoa Unimpressed former student, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Class of 2000

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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Montecito Bank & Trust reports strong asset growth to close out 2020 By Megan Orloff

for Montecito Bank and Trust

ontecito Bank & Trust reported total assets grew $344.13 million, an increase of 21.39% during the 12-month period, to $1.95 billion for the year ending Dec. 31, 2020. Strong loan production yielded an increase of $277.26 million for the year, up 26.65% versus prior year, to finish the year at $1.32 billion. Deposit growth of 22.71% year-over-year, or $320.65 million, pushed year-end deposit totals to $1.73 billion. Net income before taxes of $16.65 million was a 13.67% increase year over year. The bank’s total risk-based capital remains very strong at 14.56%, far exceeding the 10% regulatory minimum required to be considered well-capitalized. “Our 2020 performance is a story of dedication, perseverance, nimbleness, kind-

ness, safety and heart,” said Janet Garufis, chairman/CEO. “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our communities and each of us in ways that we could never have imagined. Our teams came together in new and innovative ways to support and serve our

communities in whatever way possible. “From prioritizing the safety of our associates, clients and communities, to donating over $1.5 million to local nonprofit and securing over $206 million in PPP funding for Santa Barbara and Ventura county clients

and non-clients, our teams’ tremendous efforts underscore the unique difference and distinct advantage of banking with Montecito Bank & Trust. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that is an integral part of the communities we live in, and to carry out the long-term vision Michael Towbes imagined for our bank,” she continued. “I’m sure he would share in my pride for having earned an additional six Best Bank and Best Places to Work recognitions this year as well. “I remain inspired by the many ways in which our communities and my teams came together and look forward to the day when we can all gather, share and laugh, in person.” Montecito Bank & Trust is the oldest and largest locally owned community bank in the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Founded in 1975, the bank celebrated its 45th anniversary on March 17, 2020. It operates 11 branch offices in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang, Montecito, Carpinteria, Ventura, Camarillo and Westlake Village.

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South Coast Chamber of Commerce lays out Roadmap to Recovery

Plan contains strategy for businesses in times of pandemic Staff Report

mid the biggest public health crisis and resulting economic devastation to the local economy, the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce (SBSCC) has worked with government leaders, public health officials, residents, parents, and the business community to respond to, and understand, COVID-19 guidelines. Over almost a year, the request from the business community has been to have a clear and actionable plan that supports continuous and safe business operations. The chamber’s Roadmap to Recovery is the culmination of months of industry specific-focus groups and offers a plan of action for chamber members and the business community designed to allow businesses to operate with the utmost safety. Kirsten McLaughlin, SBSCC Board chair and Cox Communications market vice president, explains why the chamber initiated the plan: “An important part of our role is to advocate for our members and community,” she

said. “The Roadmap to Recovery is the chamber’s response to a lack of clear guidance that supports a balanced response to COVID-19. “This response equally considers the health and safety of our community and the longterm social and economic impacts of business and school closures.” The Roadmap to Recovery directs the community to operate under the COVID Safety 5-Step Plan. Incorporating CDC guidelines and requirements pulled from Santa Barbara County’s attestation process, the following five steps have been shown to be the most effective responses to operating safely. SBSCC proposes all business should be able to operate, as long as they successfully apply the COVID Safety 5-Step Method. 1. Mask requirements: Everyone should wear a mask because they are proven to work. Plan to wear masks until at least June. 2. Sanitize: Continue to implement strict cleaning procedures. Minimize touch, wipe down surfaces, use hand sanitizer and have it readily available. 3. Social distancing: Everyone should keep a minimum of 6 feet apart at all times; however the chamber recommends a 10-feet-apart rule. Affix directional and distance signage to indicate rules and processes to adhere to this policy. Shaking hands and gathering are not allowed. Finally, monitor the number of people in an establishment, and minimize unnecessary contact to less than 15 minutes. 4. Ventilation needs: Maintain proper ventilation inside and, whenever possible, conduct business outside. For all businesses that operate inside, use newly proven ventilation methods that clean the air. 5. Plexiglass and barriers: The chamber recommends all businesses use barriers, like plexiglass or plastic curtains, to add an extra level of protection. This is also a useful tool to reenforce social distancing. The overall plan includes sector-specific research and guidance and more detail to support recovery. The sectors include: agribusiness, arts/culture, childcare, education,

healthcare/mental health, lodging/hospitality/ tourism, manufacturing/technology, nonprofits/philanthropy, restaurants/wineries/breweries, and retail. Within the Roadmap to Recovery are milestones, timelines and metrics to guide decisions that support a safely functioning economy. Larry Doris of Agilent Technologies was the SBSCC board member who led the manufacturing and technology sector group. With regards to the importance of the chamber’s industry specific process, he said, “In a fast-moving industry like technology, the uncertainty of the world in both the short- and long-term was concerning. “By convening business leaders, elected officials and employees by industry, we were able to identify paths that allowed each group to move forward with direction and contribute to a healthy business community and economy.” Within the next six months, the plan recommends: n Policymakers will use more data to make decisions. n Businesses will open, using the COVID Safety 5-Step Method. n Everyone has the choice and ability to be vaccinated. n Schools will reopen on-campus. n Small group travel and events will resume, including weddings, meetings and sports. “The last 10 months of the pandemic has given us valuable information about how to safely reopen and operate our businesses,” said Trevor Large, SBSCCC first vice chair and attorney at Fauver, Large, Archbald & Spray. “This roadmap is based upon reliable data and effective processes that supports a prudent economic reopening and recovery.” “I think the SBCCC Roadmap to Recovery has a great potential to help businesses navigate the COVID regulations as we get closer to a life of normalcy,” said Karen Graf, SBSCC Board member and manager of Hilltop Flowers. In the coming weeks, the chamber will continue to help businesses navigate current

restrictions and encourage elected officials to implement this plan allowing the community to safely get back to work. The significant timeline goals include: Immediately: Ensure elected officials include all available data when making policy decisions and consider the economic, social and public health impacts. Immediately: Local government officials introduce a resolution supporting businesses to operate safely without sacrificing other aspects of personal and community well-being. Feb. 1 to March 31: Businesses should be allowed to operate if they are following the COVID Safety 5-Step Method. March 1: Schools should be able to open using the same COVID Safety 5-Step Method. Santa Barbara Unified School District and Goleta Union School District should be allowed to open as other South Coast districts have been operating safely. April 30: Everyone in the community who wants to get vaccinated should be able to do so. May 31: Small business meetings, weddings and gatherings should be permitted following standard safety protocols and best practices. “Since the early days of COVID-19, the chamber’s weekly business briefings offered insight from a team of valuable advisors,” said Anne Pazier, owner of Santa Barbara Gift Baskets and the board’s retail industry champion. “As an entrepreneur, I understand how it can be lonely navigating the constantly evolving regulations and these weekly briefings kept me afloat. “Their support is not only emotional, but practical. Now, with the Roadmap to Recovery, they have created benchmarks providing further concrete directives that can help us forge ahead.” For a more detailed view of the plan and specifics related to the dates indicated, visit SBSCchamber.com.

March 2 - March 15, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

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10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 2 - March 15, 2021

Daily walk turns into new business adventure for SYV native dad is a contractor, so naturally our home

Laura Mathews Gransberry buys vintage shop and helps local senior thrift store upcycle

was always being updated and worked on,” she said. “I love all different kinds of styles so this shop will really be a great eclectic

By Raiza Giorgi

collaboration of vendors.”

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

The vintage and antique shop reopened

hen Santa Ynez Valley native Laura Mathews Gransberry and her husband got married they had a plan to be back on the Central Coast within five years. Gransberry grew up in the valley and graduated from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in 2002, having a passion for helping people. She attended Antioch University and ended up in the Pacific Northwest to finish her studies. “I moved to Seattle to finish my degree and got a job as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) helping people with eating disorders,” Gransberry said. “I loved my job, and when my husband and I had our son we realized on a vacation to Arizona, we wanted to be in a warmer climate.” Gransberry and her husband Dustin decided on the plane ride back to Seattle in 2019 they wanted to move back to the valley. Their five-year plan ultimately became a six-week plan as her husband got a job in Goleta right away and they ended up living in Buellton. “It’s been a whirlwind as that was the start of 2020 and I got a job working in Santa Barbara as a LMFT, but after having our son I started second guessing my career path and wanted to explore my other passion for interior design,” she said. On her daily walks with her mom and son they would pass by the A Piece of the Past shop in Solvang on Alisal Road. “I think I was their number one customer for 2020,” Gransberry laughed. “When Cyndee (Stapp) told me she was retiring at the end of the year I almost burst into tears. And again within weeks here we are and I now own the shop.” Gransberry said she grew up helping her mom always redecorate and design their home. “My mom is an interior designer and my

March 1, featuring a mix of local vendors from Arroyo Grande, Santa Barbara and the valley. “I think everyone’s taste will be incorporated as we will have some French Country, Rustic, Mid Century Modern and vintage furniture and clothing,” Gransberry said. She is also excited to not only open the shop, but she is doing a collaboration with Pam Gnekow at the Buellton Senior Thrift Shop, helping to upcycle and repurpose furniture to help keep it out of the landfill. “I love upcycling and giving things a facelift,” she said. “Knowing it will also be helping provide Meals on Wheels for our local seniors is even more worth it.” The Buellton Senior Center was recently Photos by Raiza Giorgi Santa Ynez Valley native Laura Mathews Gransberry said she grew up helping her mom always redecorate and design their home. She now owns A Piece of the Past Antique and Vintage Mall in Solvang.

just renovated by the Los Olivos Rotary Club, as their members painted both exterior and interior spaces, updated the floors and fixed things to make the space more usable. The thrift shop is the main income source for the senior Meals on Wheel program, which has seen more than double the amount of need over the past year due to COVID-19. “I am so thankful to Laura for helping and making some of our items more purchase worthy,” Gnekow said. A Piece of the Past is located at 425 Alisal Road across from the U.S. Post Office. Visit the store’s Facebook and Instagram pages for

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Wildling Museum earns Innovator Green Business status County's program adds Solvang gallery to list for environmental efforts Staff Report

he Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County has announced the Wildling Museum of Art & Nature as its latest Innovator Green Business in Santa Barbara County. Certified Green Business Innovators have met the highest verifiable standards of sustainability set by the California Green Business Network by going above and beyond the basic requirements of Green Business certification, according to the program. “It has always been an honor for our program to work with the Wildling Museum,” said Frances Gilliland, director of the Santa Barbara County Green Business Program. “Everything they do, they do with our community and our planet in mind. Being able to recognize them as an Innovator Green Businesses is just one more example of their extraordinary work.” Since the Wildling Museum opened its doors in 2000, it has hosted and organized over 65 exhibitions. The museum has shared the awe-inspiring works of giants like Ansel Adams, Georgia O’Keeffe, Maynard Dixon, Carl Oscar Borg and many more. Its exhibitions have surveyed the early history of wilderness art and showcased contemporary artists like Clyde Butcher, dedicated to bringing awareness to specific wilderness areas. The museum’s mission is to use art programs and exhibitions to connect its visitors and community to nature in hopes that it will awaken a desire to protect our wild areas and its inhabitants. The museum strives to collaborate with others for the betterment of the local communities, as displayed through the collaboration with the Green Business Program. The Wildling has “walked the talk” by keeping up with the program’s certification standards throughout the years.

Photos contributed Solar panels are seen on the roof of the Wildling Museum.

Wildling Museum of Art & Nature is the latest Innovator Green Business in Santa Barbara County.

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of our operation — so it’s both motivating and enlightening.” said Stacey Otte-Demangate, the executive director at the Wildling Museum. “I

had a few questions along the way, and the program director was very responsive and helpful.” The museum has not only been certified and recertified, but this time around, the staff decided to “up their game” by reaching the highest level of certification: Innovator status. “Because of our mission, I thought it was important to take it to the next level, which for us was switching to solar,” Otte-Demangate said. “We wanted to be a model for our community and visitors and live our values. Climate change is real and we are in a climate emergency. Going solar was the most impactful thing we could do at this point and we’re grateful that the Community Environmental Council (CEC) offered a program to help us do it affordably.” CEC’s Solarize program helps nonprofit organizations install solar systems, and within about six years, organizations will fully own the solar system, translating to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings on electric bills over time. In addition to the achievement of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by installing solar, the museum also implements practices that support the community and promote social equity, and have significantly lowered its environmental footprint by implementing a telecommute option. The Wildling Museum has certainly achieved its vision to be recognized as an exceptional and innovative leader in inspiring the community and visitors to value wilderness. Please join us in honoring them and our other new certified Green Businesses at the program’s virtual certification celebration on Wednesday, March 24. To learn more about the event, visit https:// greenbusinessca.org/SantaBarbaraCounty/newsand-events To learn more about the Wildling Museum of Art & Nature, visit https://wildlingmuseum.org/ To learn more about the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County, visit https://greenbusinessca.org/SantaBarbaraCounty, and to learn more about the California Green Business Network, visit https://greenbusinessca.org/

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 2 - March 15, 2021

Archaeologist: Chumash used shell beads as currency 2,000 years ago By Jim Logan for UCSB

s one of the most experienced archaeologists studying California’s Native Americans, Lynn Gamble knew the Chumash Indians had been using shell beads as money for at least 800 years. But an exhaustive review of some of the shell bead records led the UC Santa Barbara professor emerita of anthropology to an astonishing conclusion: The hunter-gatherers centered on the South Central Coast of Santa Barbara were using highly worked shells as currency as long as 2,000 years ago. “If the Chumash were using beads as money 2,000 years ago, this changes our thinking of hunter-gatherers and sociopolitical and economic complexity,” Gamble said. “This may be the first example of the use of money anywhere in the Americas at this time.” Although Gamble has been studying California’s indigenous people since the late 1970s, the inspiration for her research on shell bead money came from far afield: the University of Tübingen in Germany. At a symposium there some years ago, most of the presenters discussed coins and other non-shell forms of money. Some, she said, were surprised by the assumptions of California archaeologists about what constituted money. Intrigued, she reviewed the definitions and identifications of money in California and questioned some of the long-held beliefs. Her research led to “The origin and use of shell bead money in California” in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology. Gamble argues that archaeologists should

Photo contributed Chumash shell beads shown here were found in the Santa Barbara Channel region and elsewhere in California.

use four criteria in assessing whether beads were used for currency versus adornment: Shell beads used as currency should be more labor-intensive than those for decorative purposes; highly standardized beads are likely currency; bigger, eye-catching beads were more likely used as decoration; and currency beads are widely distributed. “I then compared the shell beads that had been accepted as a money bead for over 40 years by California archaeologists to another type that was widely distributed,” she said. “For example, tens of thousands were found with just one individual up in the San Francis-

co Bay Area. “This bead type, known as a saucer bead, was produced south of Point Conception and probably on the northern [Santa Barbara] Channel Islands, according to multiple sources of data, at least most, if not all of them. “These earlier beads were just as standardized, if not more so, than those that came 1,000 years later,” Gamble said. “They also were traded throughout California and beyond. Through sleuthing, measurements and comparison of standardizations among the different bead types, it became clear that these were probably money beads and occurred

much earlier than we previously thought.” As Gamble notes, shell beads have been used for more than 10,000 years in California, and there is extensive evidence for the production of some of these beads, especially those common in the last 3,000 to 4,000 years, on the northern Channel Islands. The evidence includes shell bead-making tools, such as drills, and massive amounts of shell bits — detritus — that littered the surface of archaeological sites on the islands. In addition, specialists have noted that the isotopic signature of the shell beads found in the San Francisco Bay Area indicate the shells are from south of Point Conception. “We know that right around early European contact, the California Indians were trading for many types of goods, including perishable foods,” Gamble said. “The use of shell beads no doubt greatly facilitated this wide network of exchange.” Gamble’s research not only resets the origins of money in the Americas, it calls into question what constitutes “sophisticated” societies in prehistory. Because the Chumash were non-agriculturists — hunter-gatherers — it was long held that they wouldn’t need money, even though early Spanish colonizers marveled at extensive Chumash trading networks and commerce. Recent research on money in Europe during the Bronze Age suggests it was used there some 3,500 years ago. For Gamble, that and the Chumash example are significant because they challenge a persistent perspective among economists and some archaeologists CURRENCY CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

March 2 - March 15, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

Angels Foster Care’s new ‘The Ides of March’ was not website designed to attract usually something to beware more loving families Staff Report

ngels Foster Care has launched its new website, https://www. angelsfostercare.org/. The new site was designed to appeal to families in Photo contributed Santa BarJennifer Wong bara County and south San Luis Obispo County who are interested in fostering infants and toddlers. The redesign was created as a pro bono project by Dropbox product designer Jennifer Wong, who feels strongly about giving back because of her own experiences in foster care. “I know what it is like to have nobody standing up for you, which is why I choose to be a voice for those who aren’t represented,” she said. Wong heard about Angels Foster Care in 2018 while she was working as a product designer at Procore Technologies. She suggested the website redesign and volunteered to spearhead the project. Wong recently moved to the Bay Area, but she has continued to volunteer to the help Angels Foster Care children. She is also a course instructor for Bayview YMCA’s product design program and a pro-bono design consultant for Downtown Streets Team, a nonprofit that aims

to end homelessness through work experience programs. The website launch comes at an opportune time for Angels Foster Care, said Executive Director Holly Carmody. “We are expecting to see a surge in children entering foster care as our community reopens after the pandemic,” Carmody said. “Unfortunately, we believe that the stress of the lockdown has led to increases in child abuse and neglect.” There is a great need for adults who are willing and able to foster local children. In October 2020 there were 450 children in foster care in Santa Barbara County. One of every three was under the age of 5. Neglected, abused, and abandoned children are in need loving families and safe homes. To learn more about fostering a Santa Barbara County infant or toddler visit https://www.angelsfostercare.org/. Angels Foster Care protects abused, neglected and abandoned infants and toddlers, nurtures them in one loving home until adoption or reunification, and ensures they reach their maximum development potential. Angels Foster Care recruits, trains and supports foster families for children age 0-5 who have been removed from unsafe homes in Santa Barbara County.

By John Copeland Contributing Writer

arch 15 is the Ides of March and my big brother’s birthday. I think some of you may even know that it was on this was the day 2,065 years ago that Julius Caesar was assassinated. What happened to Caesar on the Ides of March became a permanent part of our western culture when William Shakespeare, in his play “Julius Caesar,” framed it as a day of infamy. In the play, Shakespeare stretched the truth a bit. He has an anonymous soothsayer warn Caesar “beware the Ides of March.” It is, perhaps, one of Shakespeare’s most famous lines and, as a direct result, “The Ides” has come to mean a date of doom. But to Romans, before Caesar’s murder, the expression “the Ides of March” was not ominous. It was simply their way of saying March 15. The Romans of Caesar’s time didn’t count days in the month as simple numbers like we do today, and they didn’t count from the beginning of the month. Instead, they counted backwards from one of three fixed points in the month: the Kalends, the Nones, and the Ides. The very earliest Roman calendar remains a bit of a mystery. Legend has it

that the calendar was devised by Romulus, who along with his twin Remus were the mythical founders of Rome. Whether it was Romulus or not, the inventor of the ancient Roman calendar had a penchant for complexity. We do know the calendar was based on the first three phases of the moon. Romans counted the days of the month, not like we do in weeks, but backwards from the phases of the moon. I know, this sounds confusing and probably we should all give thanks that we aren’t ancient Romans. In Rome, a month began when a priest observed the sky and announced the new moon. They referred to the first day of each month as Kalends, from the Latin calare, which means “to proclaim.” Kalends is also the root of our word calendar. It is also the root of another exotic-sounding word, Kalendrium, which in Latin means account book and the first of the month. Back in Roman times, just as it is still now, this was the date that rents and bills were due. The Nones are thought to have originally been the day of the month when the moon appeared in its first quarter. The Nones fell on the seventh day of the long months; March, May, Quinctilis (July to us today) and October, and the fifth day of the other months. The Ides are thought to have originally been the day of the full moon. The word ides comes from Latin, meaning half division of a month. So the Ides of March were just the 15th of March. But that doesn’t mean the Ides of a month was always on the 15th. The Ides fell on the 15th if the month was long, and the 13th if the month was short. The Ides of March was just one of a dozen Ides that HOLIDAY HISTORY CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

Welcome to Freedom

14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 2 - March 15, 2021

Solvang Planning Commission approves Festival Theater project Facility upgrade slated for completion in July 2022 Staff Report

uring its regular meeting on Feb. 1, the Solvang Planning Commission unanimously approved the Development Plan for Solvang Festival Theater’s Capital Campaign Project. While making the motion to approve, Commissioner Scott Gold stated that the theater’s Development Plan was “an appropriate, pretty project for locals and tourists alike. (The theater) represents a lot of history and brings a lot of joy for a lot of people.” After nearly five decades of enjoyment, the theater requires a renewed investment from the community to sustain the legacy as a cultural and community anchor for decades to come. The current “IMAGINE! Building the Future” capital campaign has reached 61% of the $4.7 million goal. The theater’s renovation project, slated to begin construction this September and be

Photo contributed The City of Solvang Planning Commission unanimously approved the Development Plan for Solvang Festival Theater's Capital Campaign Project.

completed in July 2022, will now go to the city’s Planning Department for review in March and will also be subject to review by the Design Review Committee before land use and building permits are issued.

The project will strengthen and modernize the theater, address aging infrastructure, and improve accessibility, technical capability and audience amenities. It includes a complete replacement of the rear wall, increasing the

height an additional 8 feet with cantilevered panels to help deflect wind, capture more warmth and buffer external noise. Acoustically engineered paneling on the new wall will also enhance internal sound for audience and performers. The current utility poles that support the lighting platforms, erected during the original construction in 1974, will be replaced with new steel lighting columns that will be safer for the audience and performers and will support an enhanced lighting system. Additionally, the project includes new ADA compliant stairwell access to the theater and to the box office for staff and patrons. “This theater is a magnificent jewel,” says Chris Nielsen, Solvang Theaterfest Board chair, “and we want to provide a theater that our predecessors will be proud of and generations to follow will be equally as proud of as well.” For more information, please visit the theater’s website at www.solvangfestivaltheater.org

March 2 - March 15, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Barbara Ireland Walk for Breast Cancer slated for March 13 Five virtual course options offered for this year's edition of annual fundraiser

Staff Report

oin Barbara Ireland, her family and other champions of breast cancer as they rally for the 21st annual Barbara Ireland Walk and Run for Breast Cancer on Saturday, March 13. This year the Barbara Ireland Walk and Run offers five virtual course options: Shamrock Shuffle (1-mile walk/run), Leprechaun Leap (5K walk/run), Happy St. Paddy (5-mile walk/run), Irish Jig (10K), and the Pot of Gold (15K). The goal is to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research and programs in Santa Barbara. Participants can complete as many of the five distances as desired on a course of their choosing — in their neighborhood, on a trail or at the beach — and upload their time. A presentation will be shown on March 13 to mark the event. All of the funds raised from event registration fees and pledges benefit local breast cancer research and programs at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center at Sansum Clinic. These programs include clini-

Photo contributed The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara presents a variety of walk and run events for one price all in support of local breast cancer research and programs.

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16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 2 - March 15, 2021

Museum’s poetry Vikings blood drive competition grounded in expanded to 2 days after sharp drop during pandemic Earth Day Staff Report

esponding to an urgent need for blood, platelet, and convalescent plasma donations, the Vikings of Solvang have expanded their next blood drive to span two days, March 9 and 10, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Solvang Elementary School gym. Each donor will receive a $25 voucher for dinner at participating local restaurants. Professionals with Vitalant Blood Services will again handle the work involved in drawing blood, with special care for disinfection of all furniture and materials between donations. “The need for blood, platelet, and convalescent plasma donations is ongoing even during this pandemic,” said Vicki Wolfe, communications manager for Vitalant. “People are still getting into accidents, being diagnosed with cancer or COVID-19, and having complications during childbirth.” Since the novel coronavirus pandemic began, the number of blood donations overall has dropped, Wolfe said. Thousands of blood drives have been canceled because of school and business shutdowns and the shift to a remote lifestyle, she added. If donors have tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, their convalescent plasma donation may be able to help patients currently fighting the virus, according to Vitalant. Additionally, Vitalant tests all blood and patient donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Donors must be healthy and at least 18 years old. They also must wear masks. Each person’s temperature will be checked upon arrival, and donation chairs will be spaced six or more feet apart.

Walk-ins are welcome, but Vitalant urges donors to make reservations online in advance. This not only saves the donor time but limits contact with others during in-person registration. To make an appointment to donate, go to www.blood4life.org, click on “Donate Blood,” and search by Solvang’s zip code (93463). Then choose either the March 9 or 10 blood drive listed as “Solvang Vikings Large Hall.” The $25 dinner voucher, redeemable that night at participating local restaurants, is courtesy of the Vikings with help from the participating local restaurants. “The Vikings rely on the generous people in the Santa Ynez Valley for a successful blood drive,” said Richard Kline, this year’s Viking chief. “The free dinner is our way to thank you for your support — and for your donation of blood for those who need it.” Donors are asked to eat something and drink plenty of water before arriving, and to bring photo identification. For more information, call Blood Drive Chairman Kim Jensen at 805-266-8768. The Vikings of Solvang are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides help for the medically related needs of qualified people and organizations in Santa Barbara County, with a goal of improving everyone’s quality of life. For more information about the Vikings, go to www.vikingcharitiesinc.com.

Former poet laureate of Santa Barbara to judge entries By Lauren Sharp

for the Wildling Museum

he Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is sponsoring an environmental poetry competition with the theme “Why Earth Day Matters,” inviting writers to interpret the importance of Earth Day in a variety of ways. The competition is open to Santa Barbara County residents of all ages, and the deadline to submit is 5 p.m. Monday, March 22. The competition is a celebration of Earth Day, on April 22, and is intended to highlight the importance of standing up to protect the planet’s dwindling natural resources and working against the threats of climate change. Poetry entries will be judged by poet Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, former poet laureate of Santa Barbara, 2015-17. The top three poems will be announced and read at the annual Santa Barbara Earth Day virtual celebration organized by the Community Environmental Council (CEC). CEC will focus on climate leadership for its 2021 Earth Day celebration. For poetry competition guidelines and entry forms, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org/news/2021-poetry-competition-why-earth-day-matters. Direct questions to info@wildlingmuseum.org or call 805-686-8315. In addition to serving as the city’s poet laureate, Kincaid Rolle was one of the poets-laureate-in-residence at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History during its 2016 Centennial. The museum published

“Moving Forward, Looking Back; Poems Celebrating Nature” as a part of that group residency. In 2017, Kincaid Rolle, also a community activist, was profiled in Holli Photo contributed Harmon’s Sojourner Kincaid Rolle “Portraits of the Central Coast.” Kincaid Rolle has authored three collections of poetry: “The Mellow Yellow Global Umbrella,” “Common Ancestry,” and “Black Street.” A selection of her poems appears in “What Breathes Us: Santa Barbara Poets Laureate 2005-2015” and “The Geography of Home.” Her in-progress book, “Where The Hum Begins” is a collection of “place” poems inspired by the California Central Coast and beyond. She has engaged young poets through her Song of Place Poetry Project and the Santa Barbara Public Library, as well as the youth-serving programs City At Peace, Endowment for Youth, and various after-school programs. Kincaid Rolle has served as chair of the annual MLKSB Essay and Poetry Contest, is a past board member of California Poetsin-the-Schools, and a former associate editor for “Sage Trail Poetry Magazine.” Her environmental activism includes work with Agua Pura, Sierra Club, Community Environmental Council and Watershed Resource Center.

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California crushed 3.4 million tons of wine grapes in 2020, down 14% from previous year By Laurie Jervis

Contributing Writer

n its annual preliminary 2020 Grape Crush Report released Feb. 10, the California Agricultural Statistics Service (CASS) announced that 3.4 million tons of wine grapes were crushed, down nearly 14% compared to 2019, making 2020 the lightest crop in 10 years. The fires that plagued Napa and Sonoma counties — in particular September’s Glass Fire — contributed to sizable losses across those regions. CASS reported the total crush — including table and raisin-type grapes — was 3,542,038 tons, down from the 2019 crush of 4,115,413 tons. The final Grape Crush Report will be published on March 10 and will include any late reports or corrections to this month’s preliminary report. Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 1,813,964 tons, down 15.9% from 2019. White wine varieties crushed totaled 1,590,335 tons, down 9.8% from 2019. CASS divides the state into 17 districts for grape pricing: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties comprise District 8.

Graph contributed Average prices for fruit across all varieties also fell in 2020, with Northern California fires having a big impact.

The 2020 tonnage figures for four key varietals across District 8 were 14,409.8 tons of chardonnay; 50,266.6 tons of cabernet sauvignon; 14,204.4 tons of pinot noir; and 5,502 tons of syrah. The weighted average prices per ton for those

same varietals were $1,270.81 (chardonnay); $1,510.84 (cabernet sauvignon); $2,364.29 (pinot noir); and $2,106.82 (syrah). The 2020 average price of all varieties was $674.72, down 16.8% from 2019. Average prices for the 2020 crop by type revealed red

wine grapes were $791.33, down 22.4% from 2019, and white wine grapes were $554.74, down 5.9% from 2019. According to the report, grapes produced in District 13 (Madera, Fresno, Alpine, Mono and Inyo counties; and Kings and Tulare counties north of Nevada Avenue (Avenue 192) represented the largest share of California’s crush, at 1,229,676 tons. The average per-ton price in District 13 was $314.25. Grapes produced in District 4 (Napa County) received the highest average price at $4,577.62 per ton, down 20.7% from 2019. The report revealed that in Napa, 46,903 tons of cabernet sauvignon were crushed compared to 81,810 tons in 2019, a 42% decrease. In Sonoma, 28,771 tons of pinot noir were crushed, down from 47,178 tons in 2019, a drop of 39%. Tons crushed of raisin type varieties totaled 42,425, down 30.5% from 2019, and tons crushed of table type varieties totaled 95,315, down 29.1% from 2019.

Laurie Jervis tweets at @lauriejervis and can be reached via winecountrywriter@gmail.com. The opinions expressed are her own.

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18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 2 - March 15, 2021

Daigaku Imo: ‘University potato’ is a taste of sweet umami goodness

By Vida Gustafson Contributing Writer

’ve had such a lot of fun researching this popular Japanese street food. When I say popular, I do mean popular, with iterations from donuts to fry flavoring, and seemingly endless homemade versions. The snack is ubiquitous in Japanese culture. It’s a bite sized deep fried sweet potato, candied in a sugar glaze with a touch of soy and black sesame seeds. What you end up with is crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside tasting of sweet umami goodness and nutty, earthy sweet potato. Daigaku Imo is translated as ‘university potato,’ so called because of its association with university students at the turn of the last century. Be sure to use a sweet potato, not orange yam. Japanese sweet potatoes are magenta or red on the outside and pale yellow or white on the inside. I’ve been able to find them at most grocery stores and farmers markets in our area, especially in wintertime.

Ingredients

n 2 lbs sweet potato (Murasaki, Kotobuki or Satsuma are some varieties) n 1 tsp salt n 2 tbsp water n 7 tbsp sugar n 1 tbsp mirin (or 1/2 extra tbsp of sugar)

Photo by Vida Gustafson Daigaku Imo is a popular Japanese street food and ubiquitous in Japanese culture.

n 1 tsp vinegar (rice vinegar is best) n 1 tsp soy sauce n 1 tsp black sesame seeds n flaked salt, for sprinkling n 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Method Chop the sweet potatoes into 1-inch piec-

es, approximately, halving lengthways first if the root is very wide. As you chop, turn the vegetable a quarter of a turn in between slices, making irregularly shaped but equally sized pieces. This technique is called Rangiri, it’s very helpful in the chopping of irregularly shaped vegetables and produces interesting shapes with lots of surface area

for your candy coating to stick to. Soak the sweet potato in water with the teaspoon of salt added for 15 minutes. Heat 2 cups of peanut, sunflower or safflower oil in a heavy bottomed pot. A Dutch oven or cast iron pot will work very well. While your oil is heating, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry. Bring the oil up to approximately 320°F, to test without a thermometer, dip the handle end of a wooden spoon in the oil and watch for tiny bubbles to form. Fry the sweet potato, in batches being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until lightly browned. Insert a toothpick or skewer into one to see if the sweet potato is cooked before removing the whole batch. One batch takes approximately 10 minutes at a medium heat. Once everything is fried, set aside and in a large skillet or Dutch oven, stir together the water, sugar, mirin and vinegar, without turning the heat on. Once mixed, set the heat to low/medium, add the vinegar and soy once it starts to bubble. When it starts to bubble, turn the heat down and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Add all the sweet potatoes and stir to coat in the sugar. Sprinkle over the sesame seeds and remove from the heat. Finish with flaked sea salt to taste.

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ore than 100 people turned out for a recent community meeting organized by a group opposed to the “Camp 4” property in Santa Ynez becoming part of the Chumash reservation. Members of the Santa Ynez Valley Coalition, which was created to defeat legislation that would take the rural land “into trust” for the tribe, focused on land use and preserving the valley’s rural character. At the meeting on April 27 at the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Hall, coalition members recounted the history of land-use master plans called the Valley Blueprint and the Valley Plan and said they would release more information in the coming weeks, organizers said. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians announced in January that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) had placed the tribe’s 1,390 acres known as “Camp 4” into federal trust. “Camp 4 is officially part of our reservation so we can begin the process of building homes on the property for tribal members and their families and revitalizing our tribal community,” Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn said in a prepared statement that was part of that announcement. The tribe bought the Camp 4 property in 2010 from late actor, vintner and hotelier Fess Parker, and they soon began the process of placing the land into federal trust, which makes it part of the tribe’s sovereign nation. Those efforts have been loudly opposed

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s Thanksgi first-grad ving approach ers from ed, Mrs. School Ms. Hekhuis’ classes Wright and shar at thankful ed with the Star wha Solvang for t they are I am than this year. kful for… my brot my dad. her, my little sister, my mom, and

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2886 M o CAMP 4 CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 e ission Drive • Santa Yn ez Solvan g • 805- Valley elranc homar 688 43 ket.com 00 2886 Mission Drive • Solvang • 805-688-4300 o

El Rancho Market The Heart of the Santa Ynez Valley elranchomarket.com

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

“Your voice is the instrument and I felt like we were in the 1930s,” by Raiza Giorgi Remak said. news@santaynezvalleystar.com Elizabeth, 12, a seventh-grader at Solvang Elementary School, ultimately didn’t win the competition but she definitely left an impression on the hundreds of people who came to see the performances. Nolan shley Carroll does everything she Montgomery can keep her concentration betweenof Dos Pueblos High School was crowned the winner. “Being and on stage was mind blowing and I had such a great time. rounds by wearing dark glasses Performing is about bringing a smile to people’s faces, and that’s what I listening to music as she pushes through each strive for when I perform,” Elizabeth said. trap-shooting match. She’s no stranger to the stage as she has performed in the valley for His career includes images of naturalHer disasprocess is definitely working, because Story by Raiza Giorgi various the national anthem at Fourth of July and porters, Super Bowls and Hollywood’s the biggest 22-year-old from Solvang won her functions-singing first Photos by George Rose traying Poppins in last year’s production with the Arts Outreach celebrities. World Cup gold medal in Acapulco onMary March Summer Theater. Rose started his professional journey 19. more This popular eorge Rose loves to post pictures of the than 40 years ago when he was in college, “I keep my pre-shooting routine going and event along with Teen Dance Star are now in their seventh to season of crowning hardworking students, and creator and executive Santa Ynez Valley landscape, especially studying art history. He fell into photography I’ve met with sports psychologists help me Photo contributed producer Lambert, a former valley resident, talks about his efforts. along Armour Ranch Road where new while he was a copy messenger for the withProgmy mental focus and staying calm.Joe It can Solvang native Ashley Carroll father, Charlie “I am to really and humbled bycredits their her hard work andCarroll, what’swith instilling in her the love of shooting clays and a blacktop paving contrasts starkly with the epic ress Bulletin, a small newspaper in Pomona. be hard when you have people talking you impressed sense of responsibility and safety around firearms. really amazing landscape of meadows and mountains beyond it. “I used to hang out with the sportsbetween editors,matches, and I really try to pick a is they set their goals to get into the show, or into the top 10 and they keep pursuing their dreams,” Lambert However, his stunning landscapes are just and they helped me with my interestsong in phoand focus on it,” Carroll said. or participating in league events.said. My friends Union High School Carroll has been attending Star drew all around Santa “retirement photos” for Rose, who made an tography. I would make the plates on plastic, Carroll has been trap shooting This sinceyear’s she Teenwould wantcontestants me to go tofrom a party with them andBarbara the University of Colorado and working on at the Arlington Theatre. The finalists award-winning career in photojournalism that which would get transferred onto thewas printing in second grade. It was anCounty activityperforming that I their knewhearts if I didout I wouldn’t get enough rest or her general education. She believes this will weredid Jillian GarnettgetofinSan Marcos School (12th Grade), Elizabeth spanned from the days of spending hours with equipment, and back then it was theshe cusp of her father, Charlie Carroll, and togethtrouble andHigh not be allowed to shoot,” be a big year for her shooting. She moved to of SolvangCarroll Schoolsaid. (7th Grade), James McKernan of BishopColorado Springs to be close to the Olympic film in the darkroom to the more immediate the turning point of technology,” Rose said.is now the coach for thePadfield er. He Santa Ynez High School (12th Trujillo of Dos Pueblos High gratification of making and manipulating digital In the late 1970s and early 1980s Valley Rose Sportsman Association’sDiego Scholastic Trap Grade), shootingNicole has also allowed her to Training Center, which is also the headquarPhoto Daniel Dreifuss (11th Grade), Daniel Geiger of Pioneer Valley High School images. spent six years as a staff photographer forTarget the byProgram, Clay in whichSchool hundreds participate in a sport and travel all around the (11th ters for USA Shooting. She placed second Seventh-grader Padfield of Solvangtwice wowedfor theacrowd with her rendition of “Summertime” by Georgeprimarily Gershwin. The judges were stunned to HeElizabeth has been nominated Pulitzer Los Angeles Times, focused in the of kids from all around the Central Coast world for competitions. TEEN Recently went toON PAGE for the learn her age and said her vocal talents were astounding. STAR she CONTINUED 11 2016 Olympic team trials and is still Prize. entertainment industry. He has photographed participate. Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic east of deciding if she wants to go for the next Olym“Photojournalism is such an admirable profes- figures from Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa“He and wouldn’t let me shoot until I could Turkey. pic tryouts. sion because it can really capture the story for Eva Gabor to Meryl Streep, Sidney hold Poitier, the gun up on my own for a good “It was a beautiful country and one of the “A highlight for me was meeting Kim the reader. I was really lucky to have my career amount of time. We would set up boxes in the cleanest places I’ve been to. The streets were Rhode, who has been an inspiration to women GEORGE ROSE CONTINUEDliving ON PAGE 20 and I would practice for hours in the heyday of print journalism,” Rose said. room impeccable and the people were beyond hos- in shooting. After talking to her it became until I was ready,” Carroll said. pitable,” she said. really clear to me that I can achieve this as She she believes that more kids should take Carroll also won bronze in the HH Sheikha well,” Carroll said. lessons and learn their way around a gun. Fatia Bint Mubarak Women’s International Rhode became the first athlete to win an “Guns actually kept me out of trouble, beShooting Championship in the United Arab individual medal during six consecutive sumcause every Friday night and most weekends Emirates on April 13. SHOOTING CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 my dad and I were at the trap range practicing Since graduating from Santa Ynez Valley

George Rose loves taking photos of Santa Ynez Valley landscapes like this Happy Canyon rainbow shot.

ry Tim

by Raiza Giorgi

TELEPHONE:_______________________EMAIL:____________________________

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FIRST-GRA

SYV coalition says Camp 4 impacts larger than they seem

Ashley Carroll travels news@santaynezvalleystar.com een Star Santa Barbara judge Catherine Remak thought there the world to compete was a typo next to Elizabeth Padfield’s name because her maturity and depth of range were astounding during the competition in trap shooting on Feb. 25 at the Arlington Theatre.

Sunrise Armour Ranch Road photo by George Rose, photo graphic by Aimée Reinhart Avery

e Com pliment

SCHOOL

o THANKFUL

— Jose — Coli n — Jaxs on D ON PAGE 28

CONTINUE

March 2 - March 15, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

Chumash Foundation taking applications for school tech grants Staff Report

or local schools looking to acquire high-tech resources and provide an added boost to their curriculum, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation is now accepting grant applications for its popular Technology in Schools Program. The deadline to apply for the 2021-2022 school year is April 30 and all applications must be submitted online at www.santaynezchumash.org/foundation. The program allows Santa Barbara County school administrators and faculty to apply for technology grant dollars to fund specific projects. These grants allow for schools to purchase hardware and/or upgrade infrastructure in the ever-changing educational landscape. “We recognize the challenge our local schools face in equipping their students with the appropriate technology to make distance learning a possibility during this global pandemic,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “As students begin returning to the classroom, schools will undoubtedly find opportunities to upgrade the in-person learning experience with new technology.

Photo contributed In 2019, Buena Vista Elementary School in Lompoc received laptop computers through the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians' Technology in Schools Program.

Our Technology in Schools Program grants have the ability to help schools pay for their specific projects.” Since its inception in 2015, the tribe’s Technology in Schools Program has issued more than $195,000 in grants to area schools.

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In 2020, as part of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation’s ongoing commitment to education, it donated $100,000 to Santa Ynez Valley schools to help address unforeseen costs caused by COVID-19 restrictions. The funds were split

among 12 schools that sought resources to help satisfy their distance learning needs. Past beneficiaries of the Technology in Schools Program include Clarence Ruth Elementary, Buena Vista Elementary and La Honda STEAM Academy in Lompoc, Cabrillo High School, Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy, Santa Ynez Valley Charter School, Santa Barbara Community Academy, Jonata Middle School in Buellton, the Solvang School District, the Los Olivos School District, the College School District in Santa Ynez, the Carpinteria Unified School District and the Guadalupe Union School District. In 2015, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians donated the proceeds from its annual charity golf tournament to four local schools in the form of technology grants. Inspired by the success of those grants, the tribe’s leadership created the Technology in Schools Program through its foundation to help fulfill the high-tech needs of classrooms in Santa Barbara County. For more information and to access applications, please visit www.santaynezchumash.org/ foundation or call 805-688-7997.

20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 2 - March 15, 2021

NOW PR OVIDING

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

March 2 - March 15, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

Santa Ynez Valley kids still having fun, helping community during pandemic Entries encouraged for SYV Kids Photography Contest Staff Report

he Santa Ynez Valley Star wants to highlight our amazing local kids that are out and about in the community and celebrating milestones in their lives. Since COVID-19 is taking a toll on mental health, hopefully this will bring a smile to people’s faces knowing that our kids are not letting COVID-19 get them down and out! We can still have fun, even being socially distant! Send us your images to news@santaynezvalleystar.com! Include names, ages, school and/or community group! Don’t forget we are doing our first annual SYV Kids Photography Contest! Any student in the Santa Ynez Valley is eligible to apply. The theme is “Literature,” so take a favorite piece of literature and send us

Photos contributed SYHS senior Mercedes Diaz, with Jonata Middle School sixth-graders Andrea Diaz and Paige Reynolds

something that captures that essence. Email your images to news@santaynezvalleystar. com. Three winners will be chosen to receive a virtual pass to the 2021 NatureTrack

Film Festival and a Grand Prize winner will get a family pass for the 2022 NatureTrack Film Festival (in-person) AND a $100 cash prize from the Star!

Students at Dunn School celebrated their birthdays for the month of February with a special doughnut treat from God's Country Provisions in Buellton. Happy Birthday, kids!

Deadline has now been extended and we will feature in our April A issue of the Star. Deadline is March 17.

Hancock College receives grant to lower student textbook costs Partnership with three other community colleges expected to save students $2.2 million Staff Report

Photo contributed Old Mission Santa Ines is the 19th of the 21 California missions, established by the Franciscan Friars.

12K students take virtual tour of California missions Staff Report

alifornia Missions Foundation (CMF), a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit serving the 21 California missions, offered a virtual field trip Feb. 11 to some 12,000 fourth-graders throughout the state. The online tour, featuring the native story, and several missions throughout the California chain, drew students from northern California to Santa Barbara. Locally, Cold Springs Elementary was among the schools participating. All Aboard the Bus is CMF’s regular field trip program, that sends fourth-grade students on in-person visits to their missions. The program is in its 17th year, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, CMF organized a virtual field trip and made it available to schools throughout the state. “This was a great opportunity for us to pro-

vide a visual component on California history to students that, for the most part, are studying at home,” said David Bolton, CMF executive director. “Keeping history alive for the next generation is so important. The response today was tremendous.” “This was a great introduction to the thematic unit — thorough and engaging,” said Mary Dove, vice principal at St. Bruno Catholic School in Whittier. “We are all so appreciative that you put this together. We have missed our field trip to San Juan Capistrano, and this went a long way to easing that disappointment for our students.” “This allowed history to come to life, provided context, and gave them a field trip experience they wouldn’t otherwise have had,” said Robin Echt, a fourth-grade teacher in Calabasas.

llan Hancock College joins with three California community colleges in a new grant that will save students millions of dollars by creating free textbooks and other open-learning materials. Under the terms of the grant, Hancock will join with West Hills College Lemoore, the College of Marin and College of the Canyons to form the California Consortium for Equitable Change in Hispanic Serving Institutions Open Education Resources (CC ECHO) program. This partnership of federally designated Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) was awarded a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve educational access for diverse and traditionally underserved students by researching, creating and sharing Open Educational Resources (OER) for community college courses.

OER’s are teaching, learning and research materials that are either in the public domain or licensed in a manner that provide everyone with free and perpetual permission to use and distribute them. OER’s include free and accessible high-quality academic textbooks, homework systems and even college courses. The grant funding will support, among other projects, the creation and expansion of open textbooks for courses that are part of degree-granting programs, particularly those with high enrollments. “The cost of textbooks and other course materials continues to be a barrier for many students,” said Hancock Superintendent/ President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “This grant will help remove those barriers and ensure that all of our students have equitable access to the quality education that Hancock provides.” The grant is expected to save students across all four participating colleges more than $2.2 million in textbook costs over the next three years.

22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 2 - March 15, 2021

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Photo contributed This is a Chumash kit for making shell beads.

that so-called “primitive” societies could not have had “commercial” economies. “Both the terms ‘complex’ and ‘primitive’ are highly charged, but it is difficult to address this subject without avoiding those terms,” she said. “In the case of both the Chumash and the Bronze Age example, standardization is a key in terms of identify-

Photo contributed

ing money. “My article on the origin of money in California is not only pushing the date for the use of money back 1,000 years in California, and possibly the Americas, it provides evidence that money was used by non-state level societies, commonly identified as ‘civilizations.’”

Kali Kopley and Will Henry, with daughter Winslow Henry, are shown in front of their restaurant Pico.

o HOLIDAY HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 occur every month of the year. The Ides of March assumed a whole new identity after the events of 44 BCE. The phrase came to represent a specific day of abrupt change that set off a ripple of repercussions throughout Roman society and beyond. You can read in Cicero’s letters from the months after Caesar’s murder. Cicero even says “the Ides changed everything.” In Gaius Julius Caesar’s day, Rome had a long-established republican government headed by two consuls with joint powers. Then there were the Praetors, one step below consuls in the power chain, who handled judicial matters. Finally, a body of citizens formed the Senate, who proposed legislation, that were then approved by vote. A special temporary office, that of dictator, was also part of the Republic, where a single person took control of Rome’s affairs during times of extreme civil unrest. Caesar and Pompey had been consuls but had a falling out that resulted in a war between their factions. Julius and his side were finally victorious and Caesar remained head of Roman government as a single consul.

Romans had no love for kings. While Caesar had made pointed and public displays of turning down offers of kingship, he showed no reluctance to accept the office of “dictator for life” in February 44 BCE. This sealed his fate in the minds of his enemies and was what led to his murder. Caesar had pushed the envelope for some time before his death. He was the first living Roman ever to appear on the coinage. Normally, the honor was reserved for deities. Some historians suspect that Caesar may have been attempting to establish a cult in his honor as part of a move towards deification. In the end, the legacy of power Caesar established lived on through his heir Octavian, who became Rome’s first emperor. Most of us know Octavian as Caesar Augustus. Octavian was aware of the problems of presenting himself as Caesar had, so the Ides became a lesson in political self-presentation. But political expression aside, enjoy the Ides of March and the fact that we have a much simpler way to counting the days of our months today than the ancient Romans. And all of us can take heart because the start of spring is only five days away.

Christine Gallagher and Jesper Johansson sit in front of Plenty on Bell.

generosity,” said Vidro. “The goal of this initiative is to grow — to support not only our team, but also the employees of multiple independent restaurants as we provide healthy, nutritious meals to local families. But we can’t do it alone,” Ryan stated on the Feed the Valley website. “Through your tax-deductible donations, we can save countless jobs and ensure the continued health of our community. By acting together, we can both preserve the Valley we love and plant seeds of generosity that will far outlast this season of uncertainty.” The program has grown as now Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP) recently joined to partner to deliver warm meals three days a week to Los Alamos seniors and families. “Our staff are answering more calls for rental and utility assistance in a single day than we would have during an entire month in previous years,” said Valerie Kissell, CEO of PHP. “We have families living in hotels

and cars right here in our beautiful valley. We have individuals unsure where their next meal is going to come from. Creative thinking and new partnerships are going to be necessary for us to meet the needs of our community. We are inspired by Daisy and Greg Ryan’s leadership to Feed the Valley. Through this collaboration we not only deliver a warm meal, but we show people that our community takes care of our neighbors.” The Los Alamos Foundation is always looking for more volunteers and donations. Call Beas at 805-714-2390. Local restaurants who are interested in participating in the ‘Feed the Valley’ program can also contact Beas at 805-714-2390 or laura@thelosalamosfoundation.org. To donate to Feed the Valley, visit https://www. sbfoundation.org/give-now/give-to-feed-the-valley/. To learn more about PHP, its programs, and ways that you can help, please visit the PHP web site at www.syvphp.org or call 805-686-0295.

March 2 - March 15, 2021 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

Rock Star: Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Lupe Anguiano lie Ridley-Tree, Betty Hatch and Carol Duncan. Anguiano will be recognized at the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards event, which will be held virtually in May. Information is at www.soefoundation.org. Nominations are now open for Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards. To make nominate an outstanding woman entrepreneur, complete the online form. Once you register (if you registered last year, just login), give the nominee’s name, business name and website, and email if possible. Self-nominations are also welcome.

WEV honors founder of two nonprofits who advocates for women, environment and the poor Staff Report

upe Anguiano will be honored as the 2021 recipient of the Rock Star: Lifetime Achievement Award from Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV). Anguiano is an entrepreneur and activist known for her work on women’s rights, rights of the poor, and the protection of the environment. She is also the founder of two impactful nonprofits. In 1978, Anguiano founded the National Women’s Employment & Education (NWEE), which offered a model program removing many of the barriers faced by women on welfare. By the early 1990s, NWEE had placed 3,000 women in jobs. Forty years later, at age 75, Anguiano founded and directed Stewards of the Earth, a nonprofit committed to protecting the West Coast environment from agricultural pollutants, fracking and the downsides of development. Anguiano, the daughter of Oxnard fieldworkers who will celebrate her 92nd birthday in March, has led a remarkable life that has included organizing grape boycotts for Cesar Chavez, developing a program for gang members in East Los Angeles, and founding a powerful women’s political group with Gloria Steinem. As an education specialist in Lyndon Johnson’s presidential administration, Anguiano worked on the nation’s first bilingual education bill and went on to hold various positions in the Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan administrations. She worked closely with Reagan and received a President’s Volunteer Award from him in 1983 for

Photo by Marie Gregorio Oviedo Lupe Anguiano will be honored as the 2021 recipient of the Rock Star: Lifetime Achievement Award from Women's Economic Ventures.

her work with NWEE. “Lupe Anguiano is truly deserving of this lifetime achievement award since she has been working hard to make our world a better place for more than 70 years,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV. “This is the first time we have recognized the founder of a nonprofit with this award, so it’s an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of this type of entrepreneurship in our society.

“Lupe’s pioneer work with NWEE changed the lives of thousands of women and created a model that is still being used.” Anguiano is the 11th recipient of WEV’s Spirit of Entrepreneurship Rock Star Award, presented annually to an individual who has made an indelible impact on the community, and who serves as a role model for women. Previous recipients include Lynne Tahmisian, Sara Miller McCune, Lady Les-

Outstanding women entrepreneurs will be recognized across 10 categories for their success, innovation, mission and contributions to the community, plus their perseverance, resiliency and growth. The categories are: n Arts & Entertainment n Green & Social Entrepreneur n Health & Wellness n Hospitality & Tourism n Media & Communications n Non Profit n Professional Services n Retail n Science & Technology n Wholesale, Manufacturing & Online Retail Three finalists in each category will be announced in April with the winners selected by an independent panel of judges, all of whom live outside Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Nominations closed on Feb. 21.

For more details on who can be nominated, visit the SOE website https://soefoundation.org/ nominate/. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Kate MacNaughton at kmacnaughton@wevonline.org or 805-908-0091.

AHC Foundation elects two new board members SYV native one of the selections for a three-year term Staff Report

he Allan Hancock College Foundation Board of Directors added two new members to its ranks as the organization continues its mission to support the college and its students in northern Santa Barbara County. George Grama of Orcutt and Erica Jane Photo contributed Flores of the Santa Santa Ynez Valley native Erica Flores was recently Ynez Valley were elected to the Allan Hancock College Foundation Board of Directors. elected with unanimous votes to serve three-year terms on the foundation board. Flores, a fourth-generation Santa Ynez Valley native,

is the development and communications director for Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP). Before joining PHP, she was the director of development for UCSB Arts & Lectures, which was recently awarded a 2020 Local Heroes Award for their leadership in performing arts and public affairs. Flores received a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business from California State University, Chico, and was named a Distinguished 21st Century Graduate of the institution. In the most recent election, Flores earned a seat as a trustee of the College School District in Santa Ynez and was elected as vice president of the board. “We are thrilled to welcome Erica to our board of directors,” says Jon Hooten, executive director of College Advancement. “She brings a passion for education and a commitment to the Santa Ynez Valley to our work of supporting often-overlooked students in our district.” Grama is currently the director of Focal Plane Operations at Raytheon Vision Systems, managing the frontend manufacturing operations at both the Lompoc and Goleta facilities. His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. In addition, he possess-

es professional certifications in executive leadership and change leadership from Cornell University. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, kayaking and fishing with his family across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. “George is a great addition to the AHC Foundation,” said Hooten. “His industry experience combined with his dedication to education will be valuable on our board.” The Allan Hancock College Foundation Board of Directors includes nearly 30 community members from the Santa Maria, Lompoc and Santa Ynez valleys. Since its inception in April 1977, the foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships to Hancock students. The foundation also oversees the Hancock Promise fund. The Hancock Promise provides area high school graduates with the opportunity to receive their first year free of tuition and fees at Allan Hancock College. For more information about the Hancock Promise and to make a gift, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/promise. For more information about the Allan Hancock College Foundation, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/foundation.

24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 2 - March 15, 2021

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

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3981 ROBLAR AVE, SANTA YNEZ 5BD/6½BA • $5,250,000 Nancy Kogevinas, 805.450.6233 LIC# 01209514

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00 LONG CANYON RD#28, LOS ALAMOS 10.01±acs • $429,000 Ealand & Sideris Group, 805.698.9902 LIC# 01766178 / 00603730

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