Santa Barbara Independent 2/19/26

BURGER WEEK BURGER WEEK

Heydenfeldt

Sustainable Heart

Sustainable Heart ~ Transformational Life Counseling ~ Relationships • Occupation and Career • Meditation

Sustainable Heart ~ Transformational Life Counseling ~ Relationships • Occupation and Career • Meditation

Sustainable Heart ~ Transformational Life Counseling ~ Relationships • Occupation and Career • Meditation

Sustainable Heart ~ Transformational Life Counseling ~ Relationships • Occupation and Career • Meditation

Sustainable Heart ~ Transformational Life Counseling ~ Relationships • Occupation and Career • Meditation

Relationships

Grief and Loss • Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

Grief and Loss • Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

Grief and Loss • Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

Grief and Loss • Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

Grief and Loss

Spiritual Issues Communication Meditation Anxiety Conflict Occupation and Career Major Life Transitions Dream Work ~ Transformational Life Counseling ~

Grief and Loss • Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

Grief and Loss • Major Life Transitions • Anxiety

Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict

Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict

Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict

Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict

Spiritual Issues • Communication • Conflict

Michael H Kreitsek, MA

Michael H Kreitsek, MA

Michael H Kreitsek, MA

Michael H Kreitsek, MA

Michael H Kreitsek, MA

Transpersonal Counseling Psychology

Michael H Kreitsek, MA

Transpersonal Counseling Psychology

Transpersonal Counseling Psychology

Transpersonal Counseling Psychology

Transpersonal Counseling Psychology www.sustainableheart.com

Transpersonal Counseling Psychology

Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective 805 698-0286

Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective 805 698-0286

Counseling with Wisdom and Compassion 805 698-0286

Counseling with Wisdom and Compassion 805 698-0286

Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective 805 698-0286

Counseling From a Buddhist Perspective 805 698-0286

Mindful Support for Uncertain Times 805-698-0286

Associate Editor Jackson Friedman Opinions

Calendar Editor Terry Ortega Calendar Assistant Isabella Venegas News Reporters Ryan P. Cruz, Callie Fausey, Ella Heydenfeldt Senior Arts Writer Josef Woodard Mickey Flacks Fund Fellow Christina McDermott Assistant Editor Tiana Molony

Copy Chief Tessa Reeg Copy Editor Nathan Vived Sports Editor Victor Bryant

Web Content Manager Don Brubaker Social Media Coordinator Maya Johnson

Food Writer George Yatchisin Travel Writers Macduff Everton, Mary Heebner

Art Director Xavier Pereyra Associate Production Manager Bianca Castro Graphic Designers Leah Brewer, Diego Melgoza

Columnists Dennis Allen, Gail Arnold, Sara Caputo, Christine S. Cowles, Laura Gransberry, Betsy J. Green, Shannon Kelley, Austin Lampson, Melinda Palacio, Cheri Rae, Hugh Ranson, Amy Ramos, Starshine Roshell

Contributors Ingrid Bostrom, Rob Brezsny, Cynthia Carbone Ward, Ben Ciccati, Cheryl Crabtree, John Dickson, Roger Durling, Camille Garcia, Chuck Graham, Keith Hamm, Rebecca Horrigan, Gareth Kelly, Kevin McKiernan, Zoë Schiffer, David Starkey, Ethan Stewart, Brian Tanguay, Tom Tomorrow, Kevin Tran, Jatila Van der Veen, Isabelle Walker, Maggie Yates, John Zant

Director of Advertising Sarah Sinclair Marketing and Promotions Administrator Richelle Boyd

Advertising Representatives Suzanne Cloutier, Bryce Eller, Ariana Hugo, Tonea Songer, Scott Maio

Digital Marketing Specialist Graham Brown Business Operations and Accounting Manager Erin Lynch

Office Manager/Legal Advertising Tanya Spears Guiliacci Distribution Gregory Hall Interns Alice Dehghanzadeh, Nataschia Hadley, Nestor Manzanares, Madeline Slogoff, Emily Vesper Columnist Emeritus Barney Brantingham Photography Editor Emeritus Paul Wellman

Founding Staff Emeriti George Delmerico, Richard Evans, Camille Cimini Fruin, Laszlo Hodosy, Scott Kaufman Honorary Consigliere Gary J. Hill

IndyKids Bella and Max Brown; Elijah Lee, Amaya Nicole, and William Gene Bryant; Henry and John Poett Campbell; Emilia Imojean Friedman; Rowan Gould; Finley James Hayden; Ivy Danielle Ireland; Madeline Rose and Mason Carrington Kettmann

Print subscriptions are available, paid in advance, for $120 per year. Send subscription requests with name and address to subscriptions@independent.com. The contents of the Independent are copyrighted 2026 by the Santa Barbara Independent, Inc. No part may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The publisher assumes

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This year, Burger Week was “all hands on deck” when it came to trying the mountain of burgers available you’ll notice lots of names in this year’s write-ups! One of them is our intern Nestor Manzanares, who has also been turning out stories from our newsroom and recently jumped onto the red carpet. Joining in the fun of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Manzanares snagged an interview with Michael B. Jordan that you can watch on all of our social media platforms (@sbindependent). Head to independent.com/ about-the-indy to learn more about Nestor’s experience at the Film Festival, his favorite part of Burger Week, and his passion for the news in our community.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026, 7:30 PM

The self-conducted Sphinx Virtuosi—18 outstanding Black and Latinx string players—return with Visions of Peace. Joined by rising-star violinist Randall Goosby, the ensemble weaves a powerful narrative of resilience and shared humanity. The Washington Post hails their playing for its “immeasurable power, unwavering command, and soulful beauty.” EXCLUSIVE CONCERT

FEB. 12-19, 2026

by RYAN P. CRUZ, CALLIE FAUSEY,

Presidents’ Day Storm Brings Heavy Rain, Downed Trees

Strong winds and heavy rains arrived in Santa Barbara County on Presidents’ Day, downing several trees in the Goleta area and forcing a temporary closure of Highway 101 near Fairview Avenue after a large eucalyptus fell across all southbound lanes, over the median, and into the fast lane on the northbound side. California Highway Patrol and Santa Barbara County Fire crews reported the downed tree on Highway 101 around 9:30 a.m., and the entire southbound side remained closed through much of the morning to allow for cleanup. The fallen tree did not result in any injuries. More downed trees in Goleta and near Summerland forced roadways to be closed or diverted temporarily. Most of Santa Barbara County saw about half an inch to one and a half inches of rain Monday, though some mountain areas recorded more than two inches. Rain is expected to pick back up this Thursday, with more chances of rain extending into next week.

—RyanP.Cruz

A Year After Her Death, Liz Hamel Remembered While Questions Remain Man Last Seen with UCSB Freshman Allegedly Watched Her Fall from Residence Hall Before Fleeing

by Christina McDermott

Elizabeth “Liz” Hamel, said her family and friends, lived her life with compassion and optimism.

On February 14, 2025, the UCSB freshman fell from the third-story breezeway at San Rafael Residence Hall. Hamel sustained critical head injuries from the fall and died at Cottage Hospital about six days later. Hamel’s family is still seeking to understand the details of what happened that night, especially after investigation revealed a young man left a celebration at Lao Wang’s, an Isla Vista restaurant and bar, with Hamel; the man allegedly watched her fall but did not call 9-1-1.

Before the one-year anniversary of Hamel’s fall, the Independent spoke with a few of her friends about the compassion and joy she fostered in life.

Charlotte Kester, who met Hamel before either arrived at UCSB, said she remembers Hamel’s loyalty and kindness to her friends and how Hamel would make time to hang out with Kester on a rough day, regardless of her own busy schedule.

“She made everybody in her life feel so loved,” Kester said. Hamel, Kester said, made the little things fun. “You could be going to do

laundry, and it would be the most fun thing ever,” she said.

Brianna McGahan said Hamel’s laugh was contagious.

“You always knew from her laugh she was there. It was just one of those infectious laughs,” she said.

McGahan recalls meeting Hamel during freshman move-in. The two were next-door neighbors. She said she appreciated how, in this new place, Hamel made her feel at home, welcoming her and her roommate into her room. McGahan said they stayed close friends, with McGahan, Hamel, and a few other friends joining a sorority, Pi Beta Phi.

Hamel was studying biology and chemistry; her family said she wanted to pursue a career in science. UCSB sophomore Danielle Breitweiser said she met Hamel in the fall of 2024 in a chemistry class. They shared a math class, too. Breitweiser said she remembers plenty of late nights studying and laughing at the library.

“She was just so positive,” Breitweiser said. “She could come into a room, and you could be in the worst mood possible, and she would make you feel better.”

roomed with Hamel her freshman year. She said some of her favorite memories with Hamel include late-nights laughing in their dorm and going to get Starbucks drinks on-campus in the mornings. Hamel’s love for Starbucks got a shoutout in her eulogy. Last year, Hamel’s family flew from Bellevue to Santa Barbara for her funeral on March 2. Hamel’s father, Alain, gave the eulogy, and shared it with the Independent for this story. In it, he spoke about Hamel’s mental toughness, empathy for others, playfulness, proclivity to procrastinate (but also her ability to get the job done), love for her dog, and happiness at UCSB, among other things.

EDUCATION

Audra “Nikki” Mitchum (pictured), a kindergarten teacher at Adams Elementary School, was nominated for National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year award. The LifeChanger of the Year program honors K-12 educators and school employees across the nation for their positive impact on students. Awardees receive cash prizes, which are to be shared with their schools or districts and used to support their work with students. A committee of education professionals, including former LifeChanger of the Year awardees, will select the program winners sometime in “early 2026.” Per the program website, students, parents, and community members are invited to show support for Mitchum by making social media posts about her impact using the hashtag #LCOY.

HOUSING

The Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County has more money to assist first-time homebuyers. The organization announced that it had received $6.3 million in funding on 2/17 to help folks buying their first home afford a down payment. California Department of Housing and Community Development’s CalHome Program contributed $4.8 million, which is available to people making 80 percent of the area’s median income or less. American Riviera Bank, Community West Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, and the Housing Trust Fund itself contributed $1.5 million to the trust’s Countywide Workforce Homebuyer Down Payment Loan Program, which offers 10-year loans to help cover down payments at a 4.5 percent interest rate.

LABOR

More than 20,000 members of three United Auto Workers units across the UC system voted this week to authorize a potential strike over what they allege are unfair labor practices by university administrators. The three units Academic Student Employees (ASEs), Student Services and Advising Professionals (SSAPs), and Research and Public Service Professionals (RPSPs) together represent more than 40,000 workers across the UC system, including employees at UCSB. Union leaders say the most urgent unresolved issues include job security, healthcare costs, protections for international workers, and compensation that keeps pace with the rising cost of living. The UC disputes that characterization and said it was “disappointed” by the vote and emphasized progress at the bargaining table.

Santa Barbara Permaculture Network celebrates its 6th Annual Eco Hero Award with Two Transformative Advocates & Activists for Beavers, Salmons & Watersheds Watersheds, Our Basins of Relations An Evening with Brock Dolman & Kate Lundquist Children & Students FREE - Reception in the Lobero Courtyard HONORING BROCK DOLMAN & KATE LUNDQUIST Of THE WATER

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Masked Stunt Sparks Investigation

Alecture in UCSB’s Communication

1 course was interrupted Thursday, February 12, by masked individuals wearing red baseball caps who stormed the classroom, shouted political statements, and staged what appeared to be a “citizen’s arrest” of a student.

Some students fled the room, unsure whether the disruption was something more dangerous.

Video of the incident circulated widely on social media within hours.

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According to students who were present, the individuals entered the classroom and declared, “We’re here to make a citizen’s arrest,” and accused people in the room of “doing nothing.” One student posted online that the group also referenced “illegals in this room” before pulling a student toward the exit in what was later described as a staged act.

In an email to students, Dean of Students Joaquin Becerra wrote that masked individuals “disrupted a lecture, made a homophobic statement, and staged a mock abduction.”

“To reenact such an incident, regardless of the intention, is not only disruptive, it is unconscionable,” Becerra wrote. “It disregards the humanity of our community members.”

Campus police were called and are investigating. The university said wearing facial coverings to conceal identity while violating campus policy may itself constitute a policy violation.

Later that evening, Tamara Afifi, chair of the Department of Communication, emailed students, clarifying that the incident was carried out by “a politically progressive group of students who were trying to engage in some anti-ICE, pro-trans political theatre.”

“They feel really bad about it and clearly did not think through the ramifications,” Afifi wrote. “That doesn’t make it right or acceptable. This hurt a lot of people who are

BRIEFS CONT’D FROM P.7

already suffering right now.”

Afifi said some students left the room because they were unsure whether the disruption signaled a potential school shooting.

“This type of behavior is absolutely not acceptable and I’m so sorry that it happened,” she wrote.

The incident comes amid heightened political tension nationally, including aggressive immigration enforcement actions, protests over transgender rights, and escalating rhetoric around federal authority.

University officials emphasized that disrupting class violates campus policy and that those responsible will face established disciplinary processes.

Students in the affected course have been offered counseling resources, including support through Counseling and Psychological Services and the Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity.

University officials said the investigation is ongoing. —EllaHeydenfeldt

Places. The iconic building at 126 East Canon Perdido Street, which now operates as Three Pickles sandwich shop and The Pickle Room bar, was officially nominated to the National Register following a unanimous vote at the California State Historical Resources Commission on 2/6. Both the main building and the Chung family residence directly behind the restaurant and bar will be forwarded to the National Register for final determination, which could take up to 45 days.

COURTS & CRIME

Court proceedings for Ashlee Buzzard, the Vandenberg Village woman accused of murdering her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, continued on February 11. Buzzard did not appear in court. At the hearing, Judge Stephen Dinkle granted a motion allowing the defense to admonish court spectators to remain silent. Judge Dinkle also ordered that a search warrant from law enforcement remain sealed to the public. Buzzard’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 4. She is being held without bail.

Goleta Passes Emergency Law for Senior Mobile Home Parks

Amobile home park that for decades has housed senior citizens will remain a predominately ages55+ community at least for now. The Goleta City Council passed an emergency ordinance on Tuesday that requires University Mobile Home Park, located in Old Town Goleta, to continue to provide housing for seniors, blocking management company Harmony Communities Inc. from converting it to an all-ages park.

The ordinance is intended to help preserve affordable housing stock for seniors in Goleta.

“We can do what we can to make sure that at least in one part of our city, there’s one place you could go as a senior and have a reasonable opportunity to be able to live affordably and to be able to live within your means,” said Councilmember James Kyriaco, who represents the district where the mobile home is located.

At University Mobile Home Park, most seniors own their mobile homes and rent the land beneath their home.

Ann Anderson is the president of the Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, she said that mobile homeowners do not have the same freedom of movement as regular tenants.

“If you don’t like the condition of the park, or the rent raises going up every year, or there’s abusive management, you cannot just go to another mobile home park, because you own your home,” she said, adding that mobile homes can be expensive and challenging to move.

One resident spoke about her limited

LIZ HAMEL CONT’D FROM P.7

“She was my daughter, my friend, my TV buddy, and my constant source of pride. I miss her with every breath, but I’m endlessly grateful for every moment we had,” he wrote. Hamel’s parents are still seeking answers on what happened to her last Valentine’s Day. Shortly after 10:06 p.m. on February 14, 2025, Hamel left a celebration at Lao Wang’s with an unknown man. About 20 minutes later, someone else found Hamel unconscious in front of San Rafael Residence Hall and called 9-1-1.

Hamel did not live at San Rafael Residence Hall. She did not have her phone or her ID, her father told the Independent last spring.

Because the fall occurred on campus property, UCPD investigated the case. UCPD did not issue a press release about the man seen leaving with Hamel until after Hamel’s father, the family’s lawyer Tyrone Maho, and private investigator Michael Claytor held a press conference and circulated fliers with the man’s image on April 30.

options for affordable housing in the area. She said she had returned to the South Coast to be near her elderly parents and was looking for a quiet, safe place to live. She took out a mortgage on her mobile home.

“This is my only affordable housing, and I am well over 55,” she said.

In October 2025, the park’s former owners sold it to University Park Manufactured Housing Community, LLC. Soon thereafter, a December staff report said, Harmony came on as the park’s manager. University Park Manufactured Housing Community LLC’s mailing address on its state registration documents matches Harmony’s office address.

At the council meeting, Harmony spokesperson Nick Ubaldi said University Mobile Home Park is legally an all-ages park, and that it does not meet the requirements for a senior-only exemption under federal law. He said the ordinance would trigger “strong, expensive litigation that the city would likely lose.”

The emergency ordinance passed 4-1, with Councilmember Stuart Kasdin dissenting. It is in effect for 45 days, unless the council votes to extend it.

—Christina McDermott

In December 2025, UCPD released a statement saying the department had concluded the fall was accidental. The case is still under investigation at the District Attorney’s office.

On February 5, the Santa Barbara NewsPress reported that they had obtained the coroner’s report through a public records request. In the report, the News-Press stated, a UC police officer said the young man in question watched Hamel climb the third-floor railing along the dorm’s outside walkways and fall, and then panicked and left Hamel unconscious on the concrete. He brought forward this information only after police interviewed him. The coroner’s report says her blood alcohol content was at approximately 0.25 percent.

Maho said that UCPD’s assessment that Hamel’s death comes from an accidental fall comes from the statement of the young man who fled from the scene. That begs further investigation, he said. For Hamel’s family, her case isn’t closed. n

Rift over Rig Scientists,

Enviros Split over Platform Holly’s Fate

by Ella Heydenfeldt

Two miles off the coast of Goleta, Platform Holly rises from the Pacific. Installed in 1966, Holly pumped oil for nearly five decades. Since closing in 2015 after the Refugio Oil Spill, the rig has stood idle.

But beneath the water, the view changes entirely. Divers descending along Holly’s legs encounter dense colonies of mussels, anemones, barnacles, and sea stars. Rockfish hover in the shadows. Lingcod patrol the lower crossbeams. The rig’s submerged jacket structure functions, in ecological terms, as a vertical reef.

“Platforms act as nursery grounds for some species of fish,” said Dr. Milton Love, a research biologist at UCSB who has studied offshore platforms for more than 40 years. “Where are most of these baby fish? They’re not in the top part of the platform. … They’re 80, 90, 120, 150 feet down.”

Now, California must decide whether that reef remains.

On January 26, the California State Lands Commission released a Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report on the Platform Holly Decommissioning Project. Public scoping meetings are scheduled for February 19 at Goleta City Hall. Written comments are due February 23.

The proposed project identifies full removal of the structure as the primary course of action. Partial removal cutting the platform at least 85 feet below the surface and leaving the lower portion in place remains under consideration.

The distinction is not cosmetic. It goes to the heart of a long-running debate over what decommissioning should mean: restoration to pre-industrial conditions or preservation of an ecosystem that formed around industrial infrastructure.

Love’s research has documented unusually high densities of certain species on offshore platforms. But he draws a careful line between local abundance and regional impact. In a 2000 report, the UC’s Select Scientific Advisory Committee on Decommissioning concluded there was “not any sound scientific evidence” that offshore platforms enhance or reduce regional stocks of marine species. But even if the broader population consequences remain uncertain,

removal would eliminate the dense sea-life assemblages now attached to the steel.

But the debate does not hinge solely on fish. Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Santa Barbara–based Environmental Defense Center, argues that full removal is essential.

“We support the proposed project,” Krop said of the State Lands Commission’s identification of complete removal as the preferred option. “Because that involves not only removing the platform structure but cleaning up the debris.”

Krop points to the removal of four Chevron platforms off Summerland in the 1990s. There, large “shell mounds” accumulations of mussel shells, drilling muds, and cuttings were left on the seafloor.

A 2000 environmental review by the California State Lands Commission found elevated concentrations of heavy metals and petroleum-derived compounds, which are known to persist in sediments and can be toxic to marine life. That same review found the biological value of the shell mound habitat to be “relatively low” and concluded removal would not eliminate significant or unique biological resources. However, dredging and removal risk stirring up contaminated material into the water column, which degrades water quality in the short term.

Platform Holly sits in state waters, a distinction that matters. After operator Venoco declared bankruptcy in 2017, the State Lands Commission seized the site under its police powers. ExxonMobil, which previously held the lease, remains financially responsible for most of the decommissioning costs.

California’s 2010 Marine Resources Legacy Act allows partial removal of offshore platforms under a “rigs-to-reefs” framework. No platform in state waters has been converted under that program. The law was designed to be initiated by oil companies. In Holly’s case, the state owns the structure outright, placing regulators in the unusual position of determining its fate directly.

The Environmental Impact Report process will extend through public scoping, draft analysis, public comment, and final certification. State regulators must weigh ecological uncertainty, contamination risks, navigational safety, cost, and public sentiment. n

KEYT Catches ICE in Lies

AKEYT news report that aired February 13 documented how federal agents engaged in an ICE enforcement action in Oxnard intentionally T-boned an anti-ICE activist’s truck and then blamed the activist for using his vehicle as an instrument of violent aggression against them. Moreover, the video depicts with audio accompaniment how the ICE agents subsequently lied to the Oxnard police officers dispatched to the scene of what was initially thought to be an early-morning road-rage incident.

According to KEYT, ICE and FBI agents were involved, and they told the Oxnard officers how they’d been driving directly behind Leo Martinez an activist with Ventura County immigrant rights group VC Defensa when he sped up, slammed on his brakes, and then shifted into reverse, plowing the back of his car into the front of their Jeep.

Based on multiple videos collected at the scene from on-hand witnesses including one by Martinez himself it’s evident that the exact opposite had occurred. In fact, the agents can be seen swerving their vehicle out to the side so that the occupants could get a good sideways angle on Martinez’s truck; they then accelerated into the side of his vehicle. In the moment, Martinez was reportedly arrested and taken to a detention center but released three hours later.

Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites would note to the media the discrepancy between what ICE agents said happened and what his officers were told happened. Last week’s KEYT report, produced by Andrew Gillies, relied extensively on video footage obtained from the Oxnard Police Department via a Public Records Act request, including body cam video showing the conversation between ICE agents and Oxnard police officers. In those videos, the federal agents blame the collision on Martinez.

According to Gillies, KEYT filed a com-

INFRASTRUCTURE

Residents in the Riviera neighborhood in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara were temporarily vacated from their homes on 2/13 for a rare installation of electrical upgrades by way of helicopter. The helicopter operations were necessary to bring in five fire-resistant utility poles and cover conductor cables to mitigate risk of sparks and wildfires in the area, according to David Eisenhauer, a communications advisor with Southern California Edison (SCE). The upgrades caused temporary outages for 21 SCE customers, and required 61 residential addresses to evacuate their homes during active helicopter operations. All upgrades were completed and residents were allowed back in their homes by the end of the day. Eisenhauer said the upgrades will not only help prevent the risk of fire but also lead to fewer public safety power shutoffs in the future.

plaint with the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, alleging that ICE agents had effectively taken over an investigation into the incident from the local law enforcement agency “under color of law.” Gillies noted that no one from the Office of Inspector General replied to his demand, but he did receive a muted and dismissive response from the ICE Public Record Act liaison officer. His request was rebuffed on the grounds that the request “failed to demonstrate a particular urgency to inform the public about a government agency involved in the report.” Not only was the agency being complained about placed in charge of the investigation, Gillies noted, but it was now also responding to media inquiries. In his complaint, Gillies had alleged the video information sought depicted violent action, abuse of power, and government agents providing false information to local police.

This news report is of a piece with a growing number of similar reports that highlight the significant gap between what federal immigration agents say happened during charged incidents in which force was deployed and what the observable facts appear to be.

PUBLIC SAFETY

—Nick Welsh

Just after 2 p.m. on 2/16, a pickup truck veered off southbound Highway 101 and crashed into a concrete overpass support pillar near the Patterson Avenue off-ramp in Goleta, sending two adults and two children to the hospital. Firefighters worked quickly to remove the four occupants from the wreckage. The female driver of the truck sustained major injuries, an adult male passenger sustained moderate injuries, one boy sustained moderate injuries, and one girl remains in critical condition. All four were transported by ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. As of press time, no additional details had been released about the victims or their current conditions. The crash remains under investigation. n

Never Look a Gift Dog in the Mouth Opinions

STOP ME: Really, lipstick on a pig? That seems a little harsh. But, with the Pollyanna optimism I’m wearing these days as psychological body armor, I prefer to think of it as “a first step.” I’m referring to the new art initiative along Santa Barbara’s State Street in which artists are enticed to provide a splash of color even beauty to the terminally vacant downtown storefront windows that have otherwise been dead, dreary, desolate, and devoid

Lipstick on a pig?

Could be worse. We could be trying to make silk purses out of sows’ ears, an enterprise I can tell you the sows don’t like. Likewise for skinning cats. Given there’s more than one way to do it, there’s no doubt that it’s a good thing cats are endowed with nine lives.

At last count, three windows have been transformed. Another 13, if I’m doing my math right, are in the works. All bright, cheerful, and ebullient are brought to us courtesy of the new and unpronounceable civic- and business-minded group known by the acronym DSBIA Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association. It was formed for, of, and by downtown property owners.

For the record, I was a big supporter of its formation; for way too long, owners — with two notably loud and grumpy exceptions — stayed on the sidelines, whining and muttering about City Hall, homeless people,

and anything else they thought was stupid, annoying, and bad for business.

To my way of thinking, this new acronym offered a put-up-or-shut-up moment for a key constituency whose creative engagement is really critical in getting downtown off its dime.

Not to be the skunk at the garden party, but I was hoping for more than storefront paintings

Lipstick on a pig?

On what planet does it make economic sense to allow one’s property to sit empty for years? What we desperately need are answers to some simple questions: Which downtown properties have been vacant, for how long, who owns them, and why have they been allowed to lie “fallow”? Surely, after all these years of handwringing over the empty state of State Street, city administrators and City Council members should be able to tell us the answers.

However pleasant, the new window art remains quiet and still; State Street needs something vibrant and kicking.

If I were the DSBIA, I’d fine all these dead-beat owners enough for them to feel it and use the proceeds to hire student musicians, all ridiculously talented, from the Music Academy of the West to enliven those dead spaces with the sound of music.

Naturally, I have not run any of this by the music academy, but the new executive there has spoken eloquently about the

need to come out from behind its gates in Montecito

The high priests of urban revitalization work themselves into an unholy lather talking about “activating” the space. The single most activating agent yet to be parachuted onto State Street aside, obviously, from alcohol has been the painted pianos that show up once a year for about a week. These function as sonic campfire circles around which total strangers yes, some are crazy chat and trade a few licks. Yes, the pianos are out of tune. Magic, like grace, happens anyway

Lipstick on a pig? Not remotely.  Cars? No cars? E-bikes? No e-bikes? Can we all just shut up, please?

How about we draft John Seigel-Boettner and his flotilla of Cycle Without Aging e-bike rickshaws to move people from the waterfront to the Arlington Theatre and back? The mere presence of all those widebottomed rickshaws on State Street would force the kamikaze e-bike brigades to slow down. Passengers could safely traverse State Street and at a speed slow enough to actually see what’s behind the storefront windows those that haven’t been wallpapered over with paintings

Again, I never bothered to talk with John about this. But I’m sure he’d do it, as would the Music Academy, which by the way is about to transform the building formerly known as Forever 21 into its new

musical downtown mothership. If nothing else, that Seigel-Boettner guy has game. And as his e-bike rickshaw passengers can attest, their experience is, well, magical.  Activate, not placate.

As for Paseo Nuevo, I have a few ideas there, too. Instead of installing some dreadfully Gucci-fied emporium where strawberries sell for $14 apiece, why not create a made-in–Santa Barbara supermarket, selling seafood caught off our coast; pork from pigs slaughtered in Santa Ynez; local wine, wine, wine, and more wine; local produce; local beef made from cows slaughtered in the fields they roamed; whiskey made at local distilleries; bread and pies baked you get the picture

Yes, it might be inconvenient. But as City Hall struggles to secure the best terms with the intergalactic bank that found itself stuck owning Paseo Nuevo, it’s not enough to only discuss housing.

As our new financial overlords have conceded, they’re not in the business of operating failed shopping malls. Maybe they better get someone who is. Maybe our new acronym, DSBIA just try saying that might be able to help out instead of just calling, ad nauseam, for the return of automobiles to State Street. Lipstick on a pig? Sure, why not. It all depends on the color.

What’s next?

Garter belts? — Nick Welsh

Tue, Feb 24 & Wed, Feb 25 / 7 PM / Arlington Theatre

Curated and hosted by Roman Baratiak, A&L Associate Director Emeritus

Experience the world’s best mountain films at

scale as the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns for two nights of thrilling outdoor adventures.

Major Local Sponsor: Justin Brooks Fisher Foundation

Remembering Jesse

When Jesse Jackson spoke at UCLA in the ’90s to bring out the student vote for a presidential election, I was a grad student. As his awe-inspiring speech closed, I jumped on a bench, shouting across the quad: “Jesse, you forgot to tell them that the people defeated David Duke.” Jesse looked right at me and said, “I should make you my speech writer,” and blew a kiss. I ran up to him and we hugged and took photos with the other student leaders.

Today, I recall the generosity of his spirit, treating me as an equal, someone who cares about our common future. Jesse was a trailblazer, setting down tracks for the rest of us to walk in. One of the original civil rights leaders, there when MLK died, here to pick up the pieces afterward, he ran for president, laying down those tracks for another Black man, Barack Obama.

Above all, he modeled what it means to be a resolute activist and should be remembered for the enormity of his contribution to all our lives and to history.

—Wendy Dishman, S.B.

Deflate the Ban

At my party store, I see firsthand how balloons are used in our community to celebrate birthdays, Valentine’s Day, quinceañeras, graduations, and other family milestones — most of which take place indoors and responsibly.

No balloon belongs on our beaches or in our waterways. But balloons are often part of how families mark meaningful moments, especially because they are an affordable way to create festive experiences.

A blanket ban on balloon sales would not stop people from celebrating. It would simply push purchases online or to neighboring cities, hurting local businesses while providing little environmental benefit.

Education for responsible balloon use and proper disposal addresses the real issue — keeping balloons out of the environment — without putting small, locally owned businesses at risk.

I urge city leaders to reconsider a sales ban and instead work with the community on thoughtful, education-based solutions.

—Reme Mendoza, Party Time Supplies, S.B.

Audit Applause

As taxpaying, full-time county resident, I am extremely disturbed to learn about the millions of dollars in overtime spending by our Sheriff’s Office. With the withdrawal of federal and state promised funding, everyone is being asked to “do more with less.” The county’s $66 million budget hole leaves our community with a multitude of unmet needs: parks in disrepair, potholes unfilled, sidewalks cracked and split, badly needed health and human services reduced for our most vulnerable populations. Why isn’t the sheriff being asked to tighten his department? Instead, he is asking for more than $20 million in expected overtime costs.

I am glad that supervisors Capps and Hartmann have bravely called for a true audit and an increased accountability for Sheriff Brown’s department.

—Beryl Kreisel, S.B.

The Unthinkable

The recent Angry Poodle column “Trump Will Try to Stop or Steal the Next Election” is right to raise the concern. Some people say the Constitution, the courts, or provisions such as the 25th Amendment would stop Trump. I hope that’s true. But recent history suggests that counting on norms or even clear legal limits is not enough.

What worries me is that he could issue an executive order before the next election cycle declaring a national emergency. He could claim widespread fraud, especially in states run by Democrats, and argue that fair elections cannot be held. On that basis, he could suspend or delay elections.

Even if such an order were challenged, court cases take time. A new Congress might be seated with Republican majorities, and attention would move on before the constitutional questions were resolved.

This scenario may seem far-fetched, but we have seen enough to know the unthinkable can become reality. It’s better to think seriously about these possibilities now than to dismiss them outright.

—James

L. Powell, Buellton

For the Record

¶ The Angry Poodle Barbecue last week should have said ICE agents’ training time is down to 47 days, not hours. Also, last week’s feature on Kate Hudson named her character in Song Sung Blue to be Claire Stengl, but it is actually Claire Sardina. n

Chumash Speaker, Storyteller, Basketweaver In

EErnestine Ygnacio-De Soto

1938–2026

BY JOHN R. JOHNSON

rnestine Ygnacio-De Soto, who passed away at age 87, served as an important link to Santa Barbara’s Chumash heritage. A prominent leader and spokesperson in the Chumash community, she was the last member of her generation in her family. She was one of a kind, outspoken in her opinions and strongly motivated to protect and preserve Chumash heritage. Ernestine worked closely with others, whether Indian or not, promoting and preserving Chumash culture and history. She was deeply engaged with her Catholic faith.

Ernestine’s mother, Mary J. Yee, was born on the Indian Orchard Ranch along the creek that bears the name of her great-grandmother, María Ygnacia. She grew up speaking the language commonly known today as Barbareño Chumash. Mary was raised by her grandmother, Luisa Ygnacio, hearing the stories of her Chumash ancestors. When the family sold the ranch in 1905, they moved to Santa Barbara and lived at 214 East De la Guerra Street, now a city historical landmark. This was where Mary first met John P. Harrington when he began to document the Barbareño language.

Later, Mary fell in love with Henry Yee, a Chinese vegetable peddler. They were forced to marry in Washington State to avoid California’s miscegenation laws that would have prevented their union. Four children were born before divorce broke up the family. Mary soon met George De Soto, raised as an orphan in a California Indian family in Santa Cruz County. Their daughter was Ernestine, born in the Santa Cruz County Hospital.

In the late 1980s, Ernestine expanded her focus to statewide meetings, such as the California Indian Conference and Breath of Life language workshops. She particularly was attracted to language workshops, where she met speakers of other Indigenous languages and linguists who could give her a better understanding of her mother’s language. Marianne Mithun, linguistics professor at UC Santa Barbara, would remark on how accurate Ernestine was in pronouncing Chumash words and the cadence in which she would put together full sentences. These were based on her childhood memory of her mother’s speech.

Ernestine was a sickly child, born with a congenital heart defect that made her susceptible to various diseases. She almost succumbed to pneumonia at just two months old, and she later credited the “new wonder drug” penicillin as having saved her life. After the family moved back to Santa Barbara, while still a child, she experienced bouts of double pneumonia and rheumatic fever, ending up at the County Hospital for a five-month stay. A serious heart condition was finally resolved years later when she underwent corrective surgery as an adult. Ernestine’s interest in medical science, health care, and nursing developed from her personal experiences with medical treatment.

Later, her mother moved back with her former husband, Henry Yee. They lived in a household of 19 that included Ernestine’s sisters and their children. Their house at 132 West Canon Perdido Street no longer stands, but it ironically was located diagonally across the street from today’s Barbareño restaurant!

Ernestine remembered her great-uncle Tomás Ygnacio coming to visit and conversing with her mother in their native language for hours at a time. A longtime friend recalled visiting the family in the 1950s. She had assumed that the family was Mexican American, but when she arrived, she found Mary Yee and Tomás Ygnacio speaking a language she did not understand, with Harrington looking on. She realized immediately that her assumption about their ethnicity was incorrect.

After the death of her uncle Tomás, Mary Yee became the last fluent speaker of Barbareño, indeed the last known fluent speaker of any Chumash language. She worked extensively with Harrington and linguist Madison Beeler to preserve a record of her community’s language.

By her own admission, Ernestine was unlucky in choosing men. She quipped that she wished that her elders would

have arranged her marriage, as had been done traditionally in Chumash society. After her mother died in 1965, Ernestine traveled to Wyoming with the man who became her last husband. They lived in a cabin next to a stream at a sheepherder’s camp and consumed fresh trout caught from the creek.

Returning to California, they were married, and Ernestine entered Santa Barbara City College to study to become a nurse. Her marriage did not last, but Ernestine persisted with her education and became a registered nurse. While completing her degree, she enrolled in a class in American Indian history. For her class essay, she wrote a biography of her mother, leading Ernestine to pursue more information about her family history. Her college professor, Kristina Foss, recommended that she visit the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library to conduct more research on her ancestors. She met a person there whom she described as a “long-haired, long-bearded, Harrington-looking character,” in other words, the author of this article! I was conducting research for my dissertation on Chumash social organization, using material gleaned from mission registers. I shared with Ernestine what I had learned about her family tree.

Soon, Ernestine became acquainted with a number of individuals engaged in researching aspects of Chumash cultural traditions. In 1981, Jan Timbrook asked if she would serve as the model for the Chumash Daily Life diorama at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and she agreed. It is still there today.

Ernestine began learning the tradition of Chumash basket weaving by working with Anna Campbell, who had studied museum examples of Chumash basketry and used Harrington’s notes recorded from weavers in the early 20th century. Ernestine’s passion for learning this craft continued throughout her life, and she was a frequent participant in basket-weaving sessions organized by Timbrook at the museum and classes taught by Abe Sanchez, master basket weaver. She had a strong creative inclination and would gift her artwork to others.

At one conference, Ernestine was inspired by a conference attendee portraying a California Indian historical figure, so she did the same, collaborating with me to tell the story of women in six generations of her family dating back to 1769. Using Harrington’s notes from her mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother together with historical documents, we prepared a script for Ernestine to assume the persona of each of those generations of women, including herself, and recounting the story of their lives. A presentation based on this script held at the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library formed the basis for a Santa Barbara Independent cover story in 1998. Many public performances followed at museums, university classes, and conferences. Paul Goldsmith, an award-winning cinematographer, worked with us to convert the script into the enduring documentary, which became 6 Generations. The film debuted at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in 2009 and aired on PBS station KCET.

Ernestine began to be contacted by videographers documenting the Native American experience in California. She was interviewed in Native American filmmaker Daniel Golding’s Chasing Voices, a documentary about John Harrington’s work and the revitalization of Indigenous languages. She often spoke at conferences, museum programs, and university classes. She served as a consultant for museum exhibits at the National Museum of the American Indian, the Huntington Library, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, El Presidio de Santa Bárbara, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, among others. An outstanding experience was Ernestine’s participation in the Santa Barbara Symphony’s performance of Cody Westheimer’s original composition Wisdom of the Water, Earth & Sky in 2022.

Ernestine represented the Chumash community in Fiesta parades and served as Grand Marshal of Old Spanish Days in 2023. At the time of her death, she was working on a project to create story benches at UCSB based on narratives from her mother’s stories. In these ways, Ernestine became the link between the generations that came before her and the generations to follow.

Beyond her activities to share and preserve her Chumash culture and heritage, everyone who knew Ernestine will remember that she loved food! She reminisced fondly about the cooking of Henry Yee, her Chinese stepfather, and found most Chinese restaurants wanting in comparison. When I took her to lunch, she most often requested Flavor of India, where she could partake of the buffet and a mango lassi. At restaurants, she would often order more than she could consume so she could take home leftovers for the next day. For years, I would purchase a bag of oranges for her at the farmers’ market, which her daughter Gina would squeeze and freeze for her to use over the following week. Ernestine was especially drawn to California Indigenous cuisine, including

acorn soup, dried seaweed, elderberry syrups, and other foods she would encounter at California Indian gatherings or receive from friends who prepared foods the Native way.

Ernestine held strong opinions and was not shy about expressing them. You always knew where you stood with her, which some found refreshing, but on other occasions, it worked to her disadvantage. We would jokingly call her ’eneq i wot, meaning “woman chief.” Artist Holli Harmon, who painted Ernestine’s portrait, remembers how “her eyes held both mischief and wisdom, and how easily she would make me laugh.”

Ernestine cared for many human patients as a registered nurse for 40 years, but she also loved animals. She adopted a series of stray cats, bestowing whimsical names upon them: Denzel, Larson, Stretch, Sparkle, Casper, Chuckles, and Chica. Some of them were buried on the mountain property where I live, under the shadow of a statue of St. Francis, which Ernestine purchased and had blessed at the Old Mission.

She felt a special kinship with bears, regarding the Bear as her personal totem. Bears abound in stories in Ernestine’s family. One of these, The Sugar Bear Story, a bilingual children’s book in Barbareño Chumash and English illustrated by Ernestine, is based on a tale told by her mother. Another pertained to José Silinahuwit, a relative who lived at the Indian Orchard Ranch and disappeared into the mountains at the end of his long life. Ernestine’s great-grandfather followed his tracks, which transformed into those of a bear. According to this handed-down story well-known to elders interviewed by Harrington in the early 20th century, he had gone to live with his relatives: the bears. Ernestine’s love of bears resulted in her choosing the Bear as a symbol of leadership, wisdom, and strength when she worked with an artist to design a bronze sculpture at the Old Mission. This memorial was dedicated to the many Chumash interred in the mis-

sion cemetery, including those who lost their lives in the 1824 uprising.

The language of her ancestors was an important part of Ernestine’s life. Her nephew, James Yee, who worked with her in studies of their ancestors’ language, recounts that when he visited her on that last day, her parting words to him were a tender phrase she had memorized from her mother’s language: kaqšwalawiyuw, meaning “I love you all.” When leave-taking or saying goodbye, Ernestine would always use the phrase kiwa’nan, meaning roughly “I go now.” In reply, we would say, “Peleyep hi čho,” or “travel well.” So, it is appropriate that we now say “Ernestine, peleyep hi čho,” as you join your ancestors in šimilaqša

Ernestine is survived by her daughter, Gina Unzueta; her sons Gilbert Unzueta, Ronald Gradias, and Paul Gradias; and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. This article benefited from contributions by James Yee, Regina Gradias, Kathy Conti, and Holli Harmon.

Finding the Divine Child invites readers into the extraordinary life of Rod Lathim: a fourthgeneration Santa Barbaran, groundbreaking writer and director, visionary producer, and acclaimed visual artist. With honesty, humor, and heartfelt clarity, Lathim reveals how his creative path has been shaped, challenged, and ultimately illuminated by Spirit.

BOOK SIGNING

February 21st 3-6pm at Art & Soul Gallery

“Rod offers extraordinary and valuable guidance into how we can each connect with the divine child within to live more joyful and empowered lives. His stories are remarkable and transformative.”

Pamala Oslie Best-selling Author

NEON SCULPTURES BY ROD LATHIM

Art & Soul Gallery

obituaries

Stephanie Elizabeth McPhee 2001-2024

Forever in Our Hearts

You are invited to stop by the Santa Barbara Cemetery on March 1st, 11am to 1pm to celebrate and connect with Stephanie on the 2nd anniversary of her passing.  Email dorismcp@ hotmail.com for directions.

Robert D. Dickey

05/30/1940– 02/13/2026

Bob was born to loving parents in Virginia, Minnesota. They moved to San Diego when he was five years old. His father worked for the US Forest Service and was transferred regularly up and down California, so he lived and went to schools near the ocean, in the mountains and in the San Joaquin Valley. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1958; and his dad was transferred to Fresno, where Bob attended Fresno State College, graduating in 1963. He married his girlfriend, Judy, and they had their first son. Following graduation, the family moved to Berkeley, where Bob majored in Asian Studies for a year, continuing those studies in Tokyo for six months. Upon his return, he changed his major to Operations Research, receiving his Masters' Degree in 1966. Meanwhile, the family grew to three boys.

Bob's career involved working in banks in the Bay area and Los Angeles. Following his divorce in 1984, he moved to Washington, D.C., to work with a consulting firm, where he consulted with banks around the country. In 1988, he married a high school classmate and moved back to Santa Barbara. That marriage ended in divorce in 1998. Bob became involved with the local wine industry, first at Brander. He chronicled many people, wineries and events when he began photographing the Santa Barbara wine country. He is probably

best known in Santa Barbara for designing the Sideways map. Because of his love of history and his ability to tell a good story, he became a docent at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and Santa Barbara Historical Museum. In 2013 he began leading wine and history tours for cruise ships and corporate clients. According to the homeless man at the Courthouse, "he is the best tour guide in the city!"

In 2000, he met Deb Frazier, and they have been together ever since. They have had many fun adventures together including a couple of trips to France as well as attending and participating in many wine and food events throughout the years. Bob had an infectious spirit that he shared with everyone around him. He was a kind man with a good heart who could always make you laugh. He never took himself too seriously but applied himself seriously to every task.

We wish to thank VNA home health and hospice care for their knowledgeable and compassionate care of Bob these last few months.

Bob is survived by his three sons, Mark, Jeffers and Chris and his longtime partner Deb Frazier. He is predeceased by his brother Glenn.

James Stephen Favorite 05/09/1949-02/10/2026

James Stephen Favorite passed away peacefully on February 10th, 2026 after a life lived fully, generously and with a heart that touched everyone he met.

A kind, loving, and brilliant man, James (called Stephen by most of his friends) was known for his adventurous spirit and the wisdom he shared through countless stories, experiences, and acts of compassion. He embraced life with both arms and never hesitated to find joy in the everyday and magic in the mundane. Original poetry and song flowed from him spontaneously, as well as quotes from his most beloved and revered text, the Bhagavad Gita.

He was a loving, kind, and devoted father, grandfather, and friend—fiercely loyal and full of humor, insight, and goldenhearted generosity. His love for life was matched only by the depth of his presence with those he loved.

He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Rio Ulvaeus and is survived by his partner in

life Linda Ulvaeus, his daughter Dawn Doyle, and six adoring grandchildren: Dustin, Nevaeh, Leo, Alexander, Adriana, and Andrew.

He will be missed beyond words and remembered always in laughter, warmth, and the stories he gifted to all who knew him.

David William Hardy 03/23/1946– 12/06/2025

Dave is smiling down on us with a twinkle in his eyes and a Hawaiian shirt on his back. David William Hardy, 79, of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away December 6, 2025. Dave was born March 23, 1946, in Lynwood, CA, to Cleo Patricia Channel of Kansas and Detmer Walter Hardy of Arkansas. Dave graduated from San Gabriel High School in 1964, where he excelled in academics and athletics. He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara earning a mechanical engineering degree. While at UCSB he played football and rugby for the Gauchos and was a distinguished member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Phi Alpha. In the spring of 1975, a friend from grammar school, Lee Rice, set Dave up on a blind date with Sue Liddy. The two fell in love and were married in the summer of 1976. Sue and Dave started a family and moved from Laguna Niguel to Santa Barbara in 1978.

Dave’s passion for the restaurant business started in the mid-60s, when he began working with Bud Snickles at the Northwoods Inn in San Gabriel. While at UCSB he worked as a manager and bartender at Chuck’s Steakhouse in Santa Barbara. In 1978, he had the opportunity to purchase Jasper’s Saloon in Goleta from Larry Stone, his boss at Chuck’s and later business partner at Beachside. In 1985, Dave became the operating partner/owner of Beachside Bar-Café, which was in business for 36 years, before having to close its doors during the Covid pandemic. Jasper’s and Beachside were much more than just food and drink, they created a community for both the customers and staff. And that is what was truly important. What Dave cherished the most was spending time with family and friends, watching his daughter dance in the Nutcracker, attending and coaching his son’s sporting events, and

eating Shalhoob jerky while watching the Rams beat the 49ers.

Dave had a huge heart, a hunger for knowledge and growth, quick wit, a passion for tinkering, and a tremendous sense of humor. He was always there to help someone in need, he was a great listener, and could always be counted on.

Dave is survived by his children, Hilary Olivera and Det Hardy; grandchildren, Lily, Luca, and Cora Olivera and Celia and Marco Hardy; sister, Carolyn Skendarian; nieces and nephews, Marcy McKenna, Cleo Digiloromo, Marcus Skendarian, and David and Peter Trepp; and many very close and longtime friends.

Preceding Dave in death are his parents, Patricia and Detmer Hardy; sister, Kathleen Trepp; and brother, Brad Hardy. A Celebration of Life will be held at Goleta Beach Park (Picnic Area A) on Saturday, March 21, at 3 pm. This will be a casual gathering where we will share food, drink, and memories of Dave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County, PO Box 1485, Santa Barbara, CA 93102.

Deborah J. Gross 04/01/1949 – 12/26/2025

Our dearly loved sister slipped away peacefully on December 26, 2025 after a year long battle with stage 4 cancer.

Debbie was the third daughter born to Virginia and William Gross in Hollywood, California. The family moved to Westwood when Debbie was four and then to Santa Barbarba when she was seven. In Santa Barbara she attended Montecito Union, Crane Country Day School, Santa Barbara Junior High and graduated in 1967 from Santa Barbara High School. After high school she attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri for two years where she graduated with an AA Degree in 1969. She then returned to Santa Barbara where she resided the remainder of her life.

Debbie worked in a variety of jobs until she was hired by Audax Corporation in 1973. Starting out as a secretary and bookkeeper, she worked her way up to become a business manager, handling all corporation, construction and property management accounting and duties.

When Audax closed, she then went on to work for American Capital Management until she retired.

Travel was always important to Debbie and she became a world traveler. She spent two years traveling with friends across Europe, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. She then went on to travel to Mexico, Alaska, France, Greece, Italy and the Caribbean. Over the years Debbie also travelled extensively throughout the United States, visiting friends and family and exploring new locations. On her travels she loved to collect souvenirs for her home and gifts for friends and family. Her home is still an eclectic collection of items she found on her many travel adventures.

Debbie’s love of gardening was inherited from her mother, and she became a master at it, surrounding her home with beautiful plants and flowers, especially roses. She enjoyed sharing these flowers with her many friends and neighbors. Whenever anyone visited overnight, there was always a vase with fresh flowers in the room to welcome them.

Debbie’s favorite holiday was Christmas, and she collected hundreds of Christmas decorations, large and small to mark the occasion. She loved decorating for the Christmas season and for many years held an annual Christmas party, sharing her beautiful decorations with everyone.

Debbie passed away peacefully under hospice care at home, surrounded by her three sisters. Her favorite holiday decorations, including a live Christmas tree, and a multitude of her favorite flowers were covering every available surface in her home.

Debbie is survived by her three sisters: Virginia Milhoan (John), Alexis Willey and Laura Murphy (Mike). She will always be remembered for her joyful enthusiasm for life, her courage and grace, the respect and dignity with which she treated others and for her great love of Christmas and flowers. She was always the one that could be counted on to help, in any way she could when someone was in need. Thank you so much Debbie for all you have done and all you have given. It has been an honor and a privilege to be your sisters.

The family would like to extend special appreciation to VNA Health Hospice, Dr. Michael Bordofsky and Dr. Juliet Penn. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, plant a garden or help someone in need in her honor. A celebration of life will be held April 1st with details announced at a later date. Continued

The Growth of Indigenous Solidarity in Support of Immigrant Rights

ICE Crackdowns Disproportionately Target Indigenous People from Across Latin America

BY MARCOS VARGAS AND CANEK PENA-VARGAS

As resistance to the Trump administration’s violent immigration enforcement crackdown intensifies nationwide, Native American groups are uniting in support of immigrant rights. This solidarity is increasingly visible on the California Central Coast, the ancestral lands of the Chumash People.

ICE crackdowns disproportionately target immigrant people from Indigenous communities across Latin America. The racism of these attacks brings to light the shared struggle between Native and other people of indigenous heritage, whose histories and relationships transcend borders and predate European colonization. For many Native leaders, the administration’s extreme enforcement measures are not an isolated policy shift, but the latest chapter in a centuries-long story of violent colonization.

Since the Trump administration launched its nationwide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in early 2025, Native American and intertribal organizations, from the Navajo Nation to the Barbareño Chumash Council of Santa Barbara, have spoken out forcefully against these policies. Early opposition centered on mounting reports of Native people being racially profiled, stopped, questioned, and in some cases mistakenly detained by federal agents targeting undocumented immigrants. Increasingly, however, Native leaders are not only condemning the abuses on Native communities but are vehemently opposed to ICE raids for the fear they impose on all Indigenous communities.

In one notable case, tribal members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation responded with swift and forceful opposition to their tribe’s support of ICE efforts. After it became public that the business arm of the Potawatomi Nation had signed a $30 million contract to develop an ICE detention center on tribal land, Potawatomi Chair Joseph Rupnick joined outraged community members in calling to “ditch” the agreement. The tribal council is now terminating the contract and has dismissed members of the Prairie Band LLC leadership responsible for the deal.

Tribal member Levi Rickert captured the broader sentiment in response to the contract: “Native people know oppression. We were forcibly removed from our homelands, locked in Indian boarding schools, and confined to reservations. Our history is one of systematic attempts by the federal government to erase our culture, our language, our existence. We cannot we should not profit from the oppression of others.”

Some Native leaders argue that current immigration enforcement policies violate fundamental principles of international human rights. Marcus Lopez, a Chumash community leader and chair of the Barbareño Chumash Council, made this case during a recent Santa Barbara City Council hearing. Lopez argued that the vast majority of undocumented people targeted by ICE in our region are themselves Indigenous and are therefore protected under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Lopez, who has previously given testimony before the UN, framed the issue not as one of borders or citizenship, but as a continuation of policies that criminalize Indig-

enous existence and movement across ancestral homelands that long predate the modern nation-state.

Grounded in the worldview that all life is interconnected, Lopez called on “all indigenous peoples to speak out and defend the defenseless, the children, women, and men, who are being rounded up, jailed, and mistreated in violation of not only global human rights but the spiritual essence of our Indigenous culture.”

Numerous other Chumash community leaders also condemn the violent ICE raids as morally unjust and a direct attack on the long-shared history of interconnectedness between Chumash and Mexican community members. Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, a Chumash elder and founding chair of the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians, points out that Chumash and Mexican families not only intermarried and lived as neighbors for decades, but often labored side by side. Like her father, many endured backbreaking agricultural work in dangerous, pesticide-laden fields.

Chumash, alongside Filipinos, Mexicans, Arabs, and others, marched with the United Farm Workers in the 1960s and 1970s, demanding fair wages, dignity, and basic rights. These struggles forged bonds of solidarity against exploitation—bonds that remain today. Tumamait-Stenslie described her vehement opposition to the ICE raids, saying, “For many of us, we believed then and believe today, you don’t just commit an injustice, like these ICE attacks, on some member of our community. You’re committing an injustice on all of us! We’re in this fight together.”

Several intertribal organizations, including the Mixteco Indigenous Community Organizing Project, have spoken out against the mass raids advocating that local governments fund legal assistance for immigrant workers. They condemn the role local law enforcement has played in assisting ICE raids. Community volunteers with multi-racial immigrant defense organizations such as 805 UndocuFund, VC Defensa, and SBResiste, are protecting the community from ICE and have been invited to intertribal ceremonies to help heal from the trauma resulting from their work. ICE’s violent crackdown in Minneapolis has prompted the American Indian Movement to patrol the streets, monitoring ICE activities.

A growing number of Native leaders see their struggles as intertwined with those of immigrants from Latin America who share a history of displacement at the hands of settler colonialism. As residents of Southern California, this history echoes all around us. Street names, architecture, and vibrant centuries-old communities are all reminders that California was once Mexico; it was once Spain; but it has always been Native Land.

The racist propaganda shared on social media by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) harken back to 1848, when the U.S. southern border was born from the Mexican–American War. This violent approach to westward expansion was grounded in the white supremacist ideology of Manifest Destiny. On July 23, 2025, DHS aligned itself with this historically racist worldview by posting a 19thcentury painting synonymous with Manifest Destiny. The painting, called “Westward Progress,” features an angelic white figure floating across the plains as Native people flee into the shadows. The caption, “A Heritage to be proud of, a Homeland worth Defending,” demonstrates that this administration sees both Native American and immigrant people as a threat to their project of ethnic cleansing. For this reason, the slogan “No one is illegal on stolen land” resonates deeply with many people.

Xiuhtezcatl, Indigenous author, recording artist, and environmental activist residing in Ojai, affirms this growing perspective: “What we’re seeing right now in these mass deportations, violent attacks against sanctuary cities, placing children in cages, and separating children from their families, is all a continuation of the same violent systems that are responsible for the genocide, the land theft, and the forced removal of Indigenous people, which has taken place on all these continents from Alaska down to Argentina.” Xiuhtezcatl sees these oppressive actions as part of the continuum of colonization, including the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women, taking place across North America.

Native and other Indigenous people recognize the ICE attacks as the next phase in a more than 500-year-long struggle against genocide and colonization. The recent murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have resulted in broad-based solidarity among Asians, Blacks, Latinos, Native peoples, and White allies. In opposition, these people of conscience are coming together to form a resistance based on a vision for our collective self-interest: one consistent with the Indigenous values of interconnectedness, reciprocity, and protection of our earth, air, and water. Today, the tools of this resistance include nonviolent actions, such as mass protest, organized ICE monitoring, mutual aid, voter engagement, and policy advocacy and organizing. The people united will never be defeated.

Marcos Vargas, PhD, is the former executive director of the Fund for Santa Barbara and founding executive director of CAUSE. He now serves as regional coordinator for Peace and Dignity Journeys–Central Coast, a transcontinental Indigenous peoples run.

Originally from Santa Paula, Canek Pena-Vargas has spent 16 years as a Los Angeles–based high school history teacher, curriculum author, and youth marathon coach, all from which he draws deeply from his Chicano activist roots and Rarámuri heritage. He is the son of co-author Marcos Vargas.

Emma Louise Grimm 03/04/1938– 01/11/2026

Emma Lou Grimm, age 87, was called to her heavenly home on January 11, 2026, following complications from a prolonged and courageous battle with breast cancer.

Born on March 4, 1938, in Santa Barbara, California, Emma was raised in the community she loved and knew so well. She attended Montecito Union School, Santa Barbara Junior High School, and Santa Barbara High School (Class of 1955), and later attended Santa Barbara Junior College. Emma dedicated approximately 31 years of service to GTE, where her strong work ethic and determination were well known.

Emma was independent and passionate, proudly embracing her German and Swedish heritage. She was deeply kind, compassionate, and unwavering in her Lutheran faith, which guided her throughout her life. Highly social and a true Santa Barbara native, Emma seemed to know everyone in town and was friends with people from all walks of life.

She was a beloved sister, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, and friend, and to many she was simply known as “Auntie Emma.” That title extended well beyond family, a reflection of her welcoming spirit and the genuine connections she formed throughout her life.

Emma loved gardening, birds, and travel. She was known for her signature white hair and for faithfully sending cards to family, friends, and even beloved pets—never missing a birthday, holiday, or special moment. She faithfully attended local performances, games, and parades in Santa Barbara for her great-nieces and great-nephew, always showing her support and pride.

Emma is survived by her brother, Karl H. Grimm; her nieces, Tammy (Dean) and Marcy (Robert); her great-niece Ashlyn (Andy) and their children; great-niece Tessa; greatnephew Cameron (Kara) and their children; and her cousins Wolfgang (Marianne), Caroline, and Mary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Louise Grimm, and her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Grimm and Louise Andrae.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate

caregivers at Casa Cambria and at Westmont of Santa Barbara / Mariposa, and special thanks to her oncologists, Dr. Gregg Newman and Dr. Alan Rosenblum. Emma Lou Grimm will be remembered for her strength, faith, loyalty, and the countless connections she made throughout her life—leaving a lasting imprint on Santa Barbara and all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 3721 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara. A light lunch will be provided following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Emanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

Robert AndersonStanley

10/13/1950 – 02/06/2026

Robert Stanley Anderson, born October 13, 1950, passed peacefully at home in Santa Barbara on February 6, 2026. His wife, Jeanne, son, Jack, daughter-in-law, Amanda, grandchild, Emmett, and stepgrandchildren, Lila and Nova were at his side.

The Beverly Hills native known to many as simply Robbie, had deep family ties to the City’s history. The son of Robert Anderson and Ellen (Nelson) Anderson, he was also the greatgrandson of Margaret Anderson and the grandson of Stanley Anderson, the founding proprietors of the Beverly Hills Hotel.

A natural born communicator and collaborator, Robbie touched the lives of so many with his gregarious sense of humor and warmth. He was a family man and faithful friend who possessed an uncanny ability to connect with just about anyone, often creating life-long relationships. This led not only to a successful business career, but more importantly, to a life that would eventually be dedicated to improving the lives of others.

He was not afraid of the hard work that nurturing a community took. Nor was the woman who captured his heart. Robbie met the love of his life, Jeanne Cowley in 1982, and soon married her on the top of a mountain in Hawaii. Their son, Jack, was born in September 1988.

It was no surprise to those who knew him, when Robbie felt compelled to pause his

career as a ‘high-end’ commercial real estate broker in order to pursue personal and philanthropic goals in earnest. He devoted decades researching his family’s unique role in the founding of the City of Beverly Hills, preserving their place in history, and protecting their dream for the community. Based on his extensive historical archives, he conducted lectures, wrote numerous articles, and authored two seminal books: The Beverly Hills Hotel – The First 100 Years, in 2012, and, as the official Centennial Historian for the City of Beverly Hills added, Beverly Hills – The First 100 Years, in 2014.

His civic and community involvement was significant. He served as president of the Beverly Hills Rotary Club, as board member of the City of Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission, as Overseer of The Huntington Library, as director of the Beverly Hills Tournament of Roses Committee, and as co-chair of The City of Beverly Hills Community Charitable Foundation. In addition, he also consulted with the City of Beverly Hills on its Master Plan, a pursuit his grandfather would be gratified to hear.

Robbie’s philanthropy included unwavering support for the Virginia Robinson Gardens, highlighted by the expansion of the Garden’s children’s programming, and restoration funding for the Orchid Greenhouse. He volunteered alongside his wife, Jeanne, who was President of the Friends of Robinson Gardens during the estate’s centennial in 2011. Jeanne was instrumental in the creation of the book Beverly Hills’ First Estate: The House and Gardens of Virginia & Harry Robinson.

Perhaps most notably, Robbie was the driving force behind the reconstruction of the Beverly Hills Sign and Lily Pond in Beverly Gardens Park in the heart of the city. This monument consistently ranks in the top tenpercent of tourist attractions worldwide.

Four years ago, Robbie and Jeanne decided it was time to decamp from Beverly Hills, and to leave their initiatives in the trusted hands of a younger generation of dedicated residents. Settling in at Fernald Point, in Santa Barbara, Robbie treasured every sunrise and sunset with Jeanne... still, and always, the love of his life... hoping he’d done the best he could.

It must be said, finally, that Robbie’s true legacy, above all else, will always be that of a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend of Bill Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cottage Hospital, Families Feeding Families, or Lotusland.

Barbara Jean Eggemeyer 05/16/1934– 01/31/2026

Barbara passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, in Santa Barbara at the age of 91. She was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 16, 1934, the only child of Helen and Guy Mann. She was raised in Arcadia, California, attending Arcadia schools and Pasadena College. While her formal education ended at Pasadena College, her desire for more knowledge continued throughout her life. She met her future husband and love of her life, Ken Eggemeyer, at a dance and they were married in 1955. They were quite a couple, and were affectionately known by friends and each other as Kenny and Babs. After marriage, they lived in Arcadia, CA where their son Jim was born. They moved to Boise, ID for two years but returned to sunny California, first to Arcadia, where their son Steven was born, and then to Riverside. The family moved to Santa Barbara in 1967. Many happy and fun years followed with sailing, camping, golfing, traveling, reading, hiking, playing the piano, gardening, but “certainly not cooking.” Those times came to a halt with the passing of her beloved husband Ken in 2009 after 54 years of marriage.

For many years Barbara worked in the medical office of Dr. Jerome Kay. She later worked as an Administrative Assistant at Valle Verde, retiring from there in 1997. After retiring she volunteered at Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Service Club, spreading cheerfulness with her delightful smile and witty conversation.

Her greatest joy was her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She also had many life long friends whom she loved dearly. Her kind heart, good nature, and joyful presence will be missed by all.

Barbara is survived by her son Jim and his wife Carolyn of Menlo Park; son Steven of Orcutt; grandchildren Nick of Goleta, Cayla of Santa Barbara, and Anna of Menlo Park.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Maravilla, The Key, VNA Health Hospice Care, and especially Jami, her beloved caregiver over the past few years, for the loving care they provided her and the family.

A memorial celebration of

life will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to the Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N. Fairview, Goleta, CA 93117

Lawrence David Ballard Sr.

It is with great sorrow that we are to announce the death of our father Lawrence Davis Ballard Sr. Lawrence departed from this world leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories Lawrence Davis Ballard Sr. passed away on the 1" of February 2026 at the age of 82 years old.

We have been blessed by his presence in our lives and he will always be remembered by us.

Rick Herrera 04/08/1963-12/27/2025

Rick Herrera entered the world on 04-08-1963 and stepped into eternal bliss on 12-27-2025.His extraordinary life's journey began in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he spent the first five years of his life, before relocating to Santa Barbara, a place where he flourished and spent the remainder of his days. He walked the halls of Washington Elementary School, forging unbreakable bonds with friends who would stand by him through thick and thin. Rick was preceded by the loving spirits of his brother, Juan Jesus Herrera, and his beloved mother, Antonia Reyes, whose memories continue to shine brightly in his story. He passed peacefully at USC Keck hospital with his brother Jaime Herrera and sister in law by his side.

Ricky is survived by his sister Virginia, his brother Jaime and Florencio (Flo) Herrera.

A mass will be held Tuesday, February 24 at 10 am at Holy Cross Church, 1740 Cliff Dr., followed by a burial at Goleta Cemetery at 11:30 am, 44 South San Antonio Rd, Santa Barbara.

John S. Greco, Steve Greco

09/21/1957 – 01/24/2026

Steve Greco, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend, passed away on January 24, 2026, after a courageous fight with cancer.

Born in Lompoc, California, on September 21, 1957, to Tommy and Jessie Greco, Steve was deeply rooted in the community he loved. Alongside his father and brother Tommy, he helped build the family home— a place that became legendary for open doors, card games, laughter, and shared meals.

Steve was an accomplished athlete at Lompoc High School, where he played football and wrestled. His passion for sports carried into coaching his Sons in youth sports and followed them to Lompoc High School as a coach for both wrestling and football. He mentored and developed many, the most important of them all were his Sons.

A true vaquero at heart, he was an amazing horseman. Steve worked for Bobby Campbell and was a hired cowboy at Cojo-Jalama Ranch. Steve furthered his education by Graduating the ROP Meat Processing Certification course. Upon graduation and certification he began Greco’s Butcher Shop & Deli servicing ranches and the county fairs. He perfected smoked meats and sausage making. After closing Greco’s Steve continued his passion for harvesting and processing meats keeping the “Gut Bucket” very busy. He later worked for Borderline Fence and Cook Erectors and retired from Santa Maria Electric in 2024, always bringing a strong work ethic and pride to everything he did. Steve deeply enjoyed his many years as a member of the Vaqueros de Los Ranchos, where he was actively involved for 27 years, proudly served as director for 8 years and El Presidente for the 2025 ride. A lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and an avid golfer, he cherished the camaraderie and friendships these communities brought into his life. Steve found joy in the simple, meaningful things: Sunday golf at the club, barbecuing his famous tri-tip, chicken and homemade sausage for anyone who happened to be around, and laughing—his laugh was unmistakable, full,

and contagious.

Above all else, Steve loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Laura Greco; his sons, Clayton and Zachary Greco; his stepdaughters, Brittany VanEtten (Nate), Ashlee Green (Brian), and Tiffany Siegel; and his cherished granddaughter, Nora VanEtten, lovingly known as his “Rosebud.” His love for them was steady, proud, and unconditional.

Steve is now reunited with his brother, his mother, and his father.

Steve will be remembered for his generosity, his loyalty, his work ethic, and the way he made people feel welcome and at home. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on February 7, 2026 at 4pm at the Lompoc Elks.

Roy Steven Jones 12/22/1944–02/07/2026

Roy Steven Jones died on February 7th in Merriam, Kansas. He was born on December 22, 1944, to the late Ethel Marie Flinn Jones and Lloyd Hall Jones. Steven was cared for by his late grandparents, Opal and Roy Flinn.

He was a West Virginia State Road Commission employee for a short time and a printer thereafter. Steven was a co-owner of Automated Business Forms in Goleta, California and later worked as a printing salesman.

He was a graduate of UCSB, a Rotary member, past president of the Fairview School PTA, Goleta Chamber of Commerce and local Printing Industry Association. Steven was a member of the Jackson’s Mill Baptist Church. He enjoyed singing with the Santa Barbara Master Chorale.

Steven is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rebecca Piercy Jones; daughters Stephanie Bursek and Allyson Cook; sonin-law Michael Bursek; grandson, Spencer Bursek (Annie) and Audrey Bursek (Blake). Other survivors include sisterin-law, Beth Takahashi; nephew Craig Takahashi; nephew and niece, Opal Jones and Alva Allen.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Joel Jones and brother-in-law, Robert Takahashi.

Arrangements are by Charter Funerals of Shawnee, Kansas. There will be a private family

service following cremation. Steven was an avid people person. He loved to meet new people and hear their stories. He kept in touch with many people he met throughout his 81 years. He had a huge heart and a generous spirit. He also loved all kinds of music and sports.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your favorite charity in remembrance.

Sharon Jolie Sanborn

09/20/1950 – 01/17/2026

Sharon had the gift of music, was an accomplished pianist, and consummate teacher. Beginning at a young age she began piano lessons. She attended Santa Barbara City College, Grossmont College and the University of California San Diego. Ron Morebello was her music professor. Sharon obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Music from UCSB in 1979. Professor Peter Yazbeck was her music instructor. Sharon's graduate recital was at the Music Academy of the West. Peter continued as her instructor until his passing in 2012. Sharon performed frequently.

Sharon was a member of the Santa Barbara Branch of the Music Teachers Association of California, American College of Musicians/National Guild of Piano Teachers, Santa Barbara Music Club as well as other organizations. She was President of the local branch of MTAC, and held many other board positions throughout her 46-year career. She, along with other SBMTAC members, organized and ran numerous musical showcases, festivals, and honor recitals. Sharon was a sought after adjudicator of music competitions throughout southern California.

The Piano Studio of Sharon Sanborn produced many successful pianists who performed in showcase events, at the MTAC annual convention and performed with junior orchestras and ensembles. Several of her students went on to obtain their degrees in music and composition. Sharon was blessed with imparting and appreciating music to hundreds of children and adults.

Sharon was born and reared in Santa Barbara. She attended Peabody Elementary School, La Colina Junior High and graduated in 1968 from San Marcos High School. Although Sharon and the love of her life, Mac,

casually knew each other since junior high, during their junior year at San Marcos they fell in love. High School Sweethearts! 59 years! They married in 1970. Two wonderful boys, Joshua and Gregory, made a family. Sharon's and Mac's extended families lived in Santa Barbara. Frequent family get togethers centered around delicious food and camaraderie. Sharon's numerous girlfriends keep her busy socializing.

Sharon loved to travel. Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise, Italy, Santorini, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, Monterey and Morro Bay are favorites. She loved fine food and Mac's companionship.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Mac, their sons, Joshua (fiancé Jessica) and Gregory, Sharon's brother Jerrell W. Scott (Peggy), her niece, Elayne Blessing (Greg) and her nephew, David Scott (Kara), and all of their children. Sharon's mother, Lois, her father, Samuel R. Gomez/Scott, and her brother, David, predeceased her.

Many thanks to her health care providers, UCLA Health, Drs. Daniel R. Greenwald and Richard A. Belkin, and Central Coast Nursing and Hospice.

Sharon's Celebration of Life is February 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 909 N. La Cumbre Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. Reception to follow.

Dr. Alexander Donald 1926-2025

Dr. Alexander Donald was born in Oak Bluff, Ontario, Canada, on June 20, 1926. He was the youngest child, with three older sisters.

He put himself through medical school in Canada. After he graduated from medical school, the family immigrated to the United States. Initially Dr. Donald practiced medicine in Stanley, North Dakota. The family then moved to Glendale, California, where they spent several years.

Finally, they moved to Santa Barbara, where Dr. Donald started a family practice in Goleta. He had a very successful private practice. In addition, he was a company doctor for various companies in the Santa Barbara area. He and his wife Joyce raised two daughters.

Dr. Donald enjoyed golfing at La Cumbre Country Club golf course with his wife. He also

enjoyed helping his daughters with their show horses. He was a voracious reader of detective novels.

In his later years, Dr. Donald and his wife lived at Valle Verde Senior Living Community. He was predeceased by his wife Joyce Alice Donald. He is survived by his daughters Marcia Lynn Donald and Shawn Marie Donald; and his granddaughter Kelly Anne Styger.

The family expresses their gratitude to Assisted Hospice Care. A special thank you to hospice nurse Aretha, who was so attentive and kind to our father in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Spark Rescue of Santa Barbara, in Alexander Donald’s memory.

Madelon

"Bonnie" Skeoch

07/15/1943 – 10/11/2025

"Bonnie" Skeoch, 82 of Santa Barbara, passed away October 11, 2025 in Santa Barbara, California.

Bonnie was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania on July 15, 1943. Her parents were Helen Jean Skeoch and Robert Corby Skeoch. She graduated from Righetti High School in Santa Maria. Bonnie was known for her involvement with her son George and daughter Alison's activities. She was a girl scout leader, PTA board member and volunteer for The Special Olympics. She walked all of the parade routes with the Santa Barbara Marching Dolls and Marching Drum Corps and was the mom who brought water, shoe polish and band aids for all of the kids. Many called her Bonnie Mom as she took all kids under her wing. She was a member of the Soroptimist Club and was known for always smiling.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son George Pendergast and her sister Jomay Skeoch and her grandkids Lilly and Gavin Pendergast and Evan, Nate and JJ Fuller. The family wishes to thank the staff at Valle Verde for taking such great care of her.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to The Ridley Tree center or Cure PSP. Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church at 1300 East Valley Road, Santa Barbara CA 93108 at 11:00am Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Go Beast Mode for Go Beast Mode for

BURGER WEEK BURGER WEEK

by Indy Staff

The Burger Week beast cannot be tamed.

After the Independent unleashed this weeklong dining deal back in 2017, its appetite steadily grew, swallowing more and more restaurants each year that were eager to share their handheld creations with Santa Barbara’s drooling droves.

This year, we even attempted to put a limit on participating restaurants at 35, but the hunger would not be contained by such a cage.

Instead, the 2026 edition of Burger Week features a whopping 41 establishments selling nearly four dozen different burger, or burger-esque, creations. There are plenty of crispy smashies and thick quarter-pounders with various accoutrements, but also a smattering of non-beef, seafood, and veggie options as well.

No matter their flavor combinations, they’re all being sold for just $10 from Thursday, February 19, through Wednesday, February 25. That price usually just includes

Can You Eat All Four Dozen $10 Burgers from February 19 to 25?

the burger not the tax or tip or fries or soda, although there are some exceptions highlighted in the profiles below. There may be additional availability rules depending on each establishment, and we’ve tried our best to include those as well.

Knowing that little goes better with a burger than some suds, we’ve once again enlisted Validation Ale as the “Official Beer of Burger Week.” Expect to find their ales being served alongside burgers at multiple restaurants.

We definitely want to see you taming this beast, so make sure to enter our “Snap. Share. Win!” contest for the best photos taken during the week.

Simply take a picture of your burger, share to Instagram with the hashtag #sbindyburgerweek, and then tag @sbindependent. Each photo serves as an entry for the chance to win a $25 restaurant gift card. For an extra entry, snap another photo with a Validation Ale beer, and make sure to tag the restaurants in your post.

Happy burgering!

BURGER WEEK

BURRATA PESTO CAPRESE BURGER

You won’t be getting any beef if you opt for either the Bocce Burrata Parm Pesto Chicken “Burger” or its caprese-inspired vegetarian sister at Arnoldi’s Café. But what you do get at this classic red-sauce joint that’s been serving since 1937 is the ambiance of an Italian wedding in a lush garden as bocce balls roll and Domenico Modugno sings.

“It’s a garden, so why not make it nice?” asked Sara Skrinski, who took over the restaurant when her father died unexpectedly in 2024. She’s brought ambiance to the backyard, cleaned up inside in subtle ways, and amplified the events business. Even Mondays are busy now.

As for the burgers, you won’t miss the beef anyway, as the thick, house-baked ciabatta that envelops these sandwiches provides a satisfyingly hearty chew. The poultry option is a chicken parm sando with basil pesto and burrata, its red, green, and white colors reminiscent of the Italian flag. The veggie option trades the meat and red sauce for heirloom yellow and red tomatoes, allowing the pesto and sharp parmesan to take on an even more starring role.

These are the work of Chef Edgar Pachuca, who started working at Arnoldi’s as a dishwasher when he was at Santa Barbara High. “He’s quite talented,” said Skrinski, who suggested that their Sunday lunch might be an epic time to try the burgers out.

—Matt Kettmann

Dine-in only, Available 5p.m. daily and starting at 12:30 p.m on Sun. 600 Olive St.; (805) 962-5394; arnoldis.com; @arnoldiscafesb

It seemed a good sign when the restaurant owner said, “We tried to come up with a special for Burger Week, but nothing beat our usual.”

And then, when Blue Owl owner Nadia Ajlouni set that Thai basil cheeseburger down in front of me, I knew she wasn’t blowing smoke. As I delightedly dove in, Ajlouni spotted the smile growing on my face and said, “The meat itself it speaks.”

And how: in a sonorous voice of spice, thanks to green curry not just sitting atop the patty but being infused in the meat itself. But wait, there’s more a brilliant blend of flavors from basil mayo, caramelized onions, sautéed bell peppers, a fried egg (soft but not sopping), and melted American cheese on a toasted brioche bun. You even get a choice of chips or a side salad.

The Blue Owl has grown into a hip community hang music, open mics, etc. over the six years Ajlouni has owned the spot, but its heart has always been its affordable, delectable, diverse menu. This is its first Burger Week; Burrito Week was such a hit that its item, the vegan Sweetheart Burrito, became a best-selling staple. Hint, hint. —George Yatchisin 5 W. Canon Perdido St.; (805) 705-0991; theblueowlsb.com

Full disclaimer: I work at Biergarten. Every shift, without fail, I get our classic Smatty Burger.

So, when I found out we were not doing the Smatty for our first-ever Burger Week, I was disappointed. Offended, even. Instead, I learned, we were going to do some new smashburger, rolled out just for this week.

But when I bit into this brand-new Pesto Mozzarella Burger a foodfusion I’d never tasted before I was kicking myself. I should have never doubted our kitchen. It was delicious.

S.B. BIERGARTEN: PESTO MOZZARELLA BURGER AND FRENCH FRIES

It’s a twist on caprese salad, with extra beef. Two smashed patties are topped by fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato, arugula, a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, and a dollop of pesto. It even comes with fries, which normally adds a few dollars to the bill.

Creators Jared Hurtado and Pedro Ramirez were inspired by the flavors of Italy and our Italian coworker, Danial, who’s always chefing in the kitchen.

“We wanted something fresh, not too heavy,” Hurtado said.

It was about time that Biergarten participated in Burger Week. And it’s a knockout. Pair it with a pilsner for a beautiful Italian-American meal right in the heart of the Funk Zone.

11 Anacapa St.; (805) 414-1773; sbbiergarten.com; @sbbiergarten

BURGER

Opened on May 26, 1998, on West Montecito Street, The Brewhouse is the oldest active brewery in Santa Barbara with a full bar and a local favorite for bold, satisfying pub fare.

Their Brewhouse Pub Burger is made with a quarter-pound grilled patty topped with crispy onion, dill pickles, special sauce, and their signature pub cheese. The cheese sauce blends American cheese, the brewery’s Helles lager, cream, and house-made habanero paste for a rich, slightly spicy kick. That touch of heat enhances the flavor of the Helles and perfectly complements the melted cheese.

“We wanted to create something that would stand out,” said owner Grant Danely. And stand out it does. The Pub Burger eats like a burgernacho combo, messy in the best way and impossible to leave unfinished.

Pair it with a pint of Helles lager or the West Beach West Coast IPA. Stop by for happy hour daily from 4 to 6 p.m., take advantage of free kids’ meals on Tuesdays (with purchase of a regular entrée, through the end of March), and enjoy the newly updated outdoor seating area.

—Erin Lynch

229 W. Montecito St.; (805) 884-4664; sbbrewhouse.com; @sbbrewhouse

BURGER WEEK

CAYA RESTAURANT AT THE LETA HOTEL: THE SAL-APEÑO BURGER

“Do you need anything else?” the waitress asked while dropping my Sal-apeño Burger off on the sunny patio of The Leta Hotel’s Caya Restaurant, steps from both the bar and the pool. “Maybe a box,” I replied, “because I probably won’t finish.”

Then I tore into the beefy heap of Wagyu on a brioche bun, topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and, most consequently, the chipotle aioli, jalapeño, onion strings, and fried egg. It was immediately crunchy and subtly spicy, its satisfying char slaked in the creaminess of the runny yolk.

This is the creation of Salvino Salvador, who’s cooked at this hipsterized Goleta inn for three years. That’s just the latest stint in his three decades of cooking around town, from the Wine Cask and San Ysidro Ranch to Eureka! and Piatti, where he spent 21 years. Hence the “Sal”-apeño. It was his call to add an egg at the last moment, believing that the earlier taste tests “needed something more.”

It did the trick. I did not, after all, require a box for the burger. It was gone.

—Matt Kettmann Dine-in only. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 5650 Calle Real, Goleta; cayarestaurant.com; @cayarestaurant

CORNER TAP: PRETZEL BURGER

If you frequent the Mesa shopping center that surrounds the intersection of Cliff Drive and Meigs Road like I do, you’ve likely noticed Corner Tap lit up every night. For Burger Week, its managers Danielle Therrien and George Alexiades are playing off the pretzel and sliders already on their menu to serve the exclusive Pretzel Burger.

This comes out hot and melting, so you’ll want to dig in. And after your first bite, you won’t want to stop.

The beef patty is battered in beer cheese dripping out of the sides, topped with crispy bacon, and filled with arugula and tangy house-made mustard. The toasted pretzel bun holds its shape with each bite, adding the perfect amount of salt to keep up with the zingy mustard and peppery arugula. You can add on some crispy bar-style waffle fries (for an added cost) and pair the burger with one of the many beers they have on tap, too.

For the perfect evening, post up in front of a fire pit and enjoy this meal on the Mesa.

—Richelle Boyd 1905 Cliff Dr., Ste. F; (805) 690-2739; sbcornertap.com; @cornertapsb

Though best enjoyed in moderation, there are occasions where the only thing appropriate to eat is a juicy cheeseburger. The Monday after the Super Bowl is one such instance where a burger is not only appropriate, but medically necessary. That afternoon, while paying for the previous nights’ sins, I enjoyed what could be considered the platonic ideal of the “medicinal cheeseburger” from Cristino’s Bakery in Goleta.

Classic and delicious in every sense, their burger features a juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, cheddar cheese, house sauce, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onions. They say a good bun is hard to find, but not at Cristino’s, where the star of the show is the homemade brioche bun. The burger is served with a side of lightly seasoned, perfectly crunchy fries.

CRISTINO’S BAKERY: CLASSIC BACON CHEESEBURGER AND FRENCH FRIES

Tucked in an unassuming nook under the shadow of the SBA air traffic control tower, I watched a steady stream of folks picking up their orders. Some were coming straight from the beach, surfboards in tow. Others were coming from job sites, trucks loaded with tools. You want to eat at the right spot? Find where the locals go.

The burgers are takeout only and are best enjoyed ASAP, preferably piping hot and on the hood of your car, or in the bed of your truck. Take my word for it; it’ll cure what ails you.

—James Sinclair Takeout only. 170 Aero Camino, Goleta; (805) 455-6900; cristinosbakery.com; @cristinosbakery

CRUSHCAKES & CAFÉ: EL DIABLO BURGER GF

The idea for Crushcakes & Café came to Shannon Gaston during deep meditation at a yoga retreat. Nearly 20 years later, the cupcakes, the coffee, the food, and the cozy restaurant that hums with inclusivity still draws crowds and large catering orders, thanks to a menu that embraces the spice of life. Speaking of spice, Crushcakes’ El Diablo burger a house-made turkey patty with melted Jack cheese, jalapeños, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and spicy house aioli on a grilled brioche bun brings the perfect amount of heat: enough to tingle those tastebuds without making you sweat. Normally I’m a beef burger person, but I found the turkey flavorful, succulent, and with fewer calories a lovely excuse to end lunch with a cool vanilla-bean cupcake.

—Tyler Hayden 1315 Anacapa St., (805) 963-9353; 5392 Hollister Ave., (805) 845-2780; crushcakes.com; @crushcakescafe

Cravings? We’ve Got You.

I.V. Deli Mart is your go-to for epic munchies, full meals, and breakfast all day. Open late every night, we serve Italian, Mexican, and American favorites — plus wings, mac & cheese, specialty fries, and famous burgers like the Gaucho. Save room for dessert, including brownies, giant chocolate chip cookies, churros, and cheesecake. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available.

BURGER WEEK

Embracing the simplicity of old school with new twists, childhood friends Gil Craddock and Emery Hickenbotham created Carpinteria’s popular smashburger joint in 2020 before finding a permanent home in Sunburst Wine Bar three years later. Dang Burger exudes a homey, carefully curated feeling right away, with its vintage-inspired flat brims and tees and hand-picked selection of craft ales and sodas. This thoughtful selection remains consistent right down to the menu, offering signature singles, doubles, dogs, and fries.

The ambience rustic wood-lined interior, bustling patio filled with friendly chatter is inviting, and the service is fast, as my Single Dang was quickly ready. The three-ounce, grass-fed Santa Carota patty topped with grilled onions, New School American cheese, secret sauce, homemade pickles, shrettuce, and tomato was light and flavorful from the first bite, proving compact and intact all the way to the last bite. The Martin’s potato bun was toasted to a golden crisp, perfectly balanced between crispy and airy. Those seeking heat can go for the Single Hot Dang, with adds charred poblano, sauteed jalapeño, and herby, spicy mayo to the mix.

No matter which dang will do you, they’re perfectly sized bites to share with friends and family on one of the picnic-style patio tables. —Madeline Slogoff 5080 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria; dangburger.com; @dang.burger

Since 2017, Dave’s Dogs has been serving up hand-dipped corn dogs, hamburgers, and other family favorites in the Turnpike Shopping Center. For Burger Week, Dave Reynoso is serving up the Backyard Smashburger, where the smashed beef patty (or vegetarian option) is smothered in American cheese, dill pickle slaw, and house “dirty” sauce on a brioche bun. It’s the perfect amount of meat, with that crunchy slaw adding extra texture and flavor boosts.

Dishes like this win many fans from near and far the woman in front of me said I must try the corn dog, while another customer said he lives out of the area but always stops at the shop. Despite him suffering a stroke last summer, Reynoso and his wife, Cynthia, are expanding their family-owned business south to Ventura (opening very soon) and north to Santa Maria, where they’ll open in a few months.

And don’t let the proximity to San Marcos High School divert you! There is usually a lunch rush, but Dave’s top-notch staff is ever-ready to handle the influx. And if you really want to treat yourself, head across the parking lot to Dave’s Drip House for a shake or funnel cake.

—Brandi Rivera

199 S. Turnpike Rd., Ste. 104; davesdriphouse.com; @davesdogs805; @davesdriphouse

Whether it’s an Olympic figure skater gracefully landing an aerial feat or a film director pulling off a deft camera maneuver, one indication of mastering an art form is making the complicated appear simple. Take the Basque Tavern Burger at Dom’s Taverna.

On paper, the ingredients are anything but simple: a halal lamb patty imported from New Zealand, Picon blue cheese from northern Spain, saffron aioli, and a balsamic onion jam. It’s a testament to chef Dom Crisp’s culinary craftsmanship that all these flavors work together in such complementary ways.

The lamb patty is light and fresh, while the saffron aioli brings an additional brightness to the dish. The balsamic onion jam marries perfectly with the richness provided by the blue cheese think zesty and creamy, not so much stinky or funky.

This burger was inspired by a recent collaboration with Dang Burger, and Crisp hopes it will stick around on the menu come springtime. But just in case, don’t miss it during Burger Week mind you, lunch service only, no modifications. But trust me, you’re not going to want to change a thing about this burger.

—James Sinclair Lunch and dine-in only. Wed.-Sun., noon-3 p.m. 30 E. Victoria St.; (805) 724-4338; domstaverna.com; @domstaverna

GUAC SMASH

The Guac Smash doesn’t overwhelm with size or volume, but it proves, yet again, that size doesn’t matter. It’s really the taste that counts.

Architecturally ambitious, the Guac Smash consists of two smashed beef patties, seared to perfection and tasting like, well, real meat as opposed to something from the freezer burn ward of the walk-in cooler. The burgers rest upon a lattice of bacon strips with enough meat on the bone to keep you gnawing for more.

Giving the concoction a slightly challenging slip-slidery vibe are the avocado slices, grilled onions, cheese, and tomato slices nice touch on the bottom. Adding just enough zing are the semi-grilled jalapeño pepper slices. You might want to ask for extra napkins or eat with a knife and fork if you don’t mind people laughing at you. The whole thing stacks up nicely, with the brioche-adjacent potato buns working overtime to carry the load.

Downtown Eats is the new face of S.B. Food Connection, which closed on Milpas Street soon after this location opened on the 600 block of State Street. It’s located on the rear patio of M. Special, serving the wooden picnic tables that just scream to be eaten in, perhaps with a pint to wash it down.

—Nick Welsh Available noon-7p.m. 634 State St.; (805) 869-6384; mspecialbrewco.com/ downtown-eats; @downtowneats_sb

I think it was Albert Einstein who said, “Don’t mess with perfection.” So, for this year’s Burger Week, Eureka! is sticking with their all-American staple.

It’s one of those extra-tall burgers that requires you to unhinge your jaw, but it’s worth it to taste every morsel. A picture-perfect grilled red onion is complemented by the classic lettuce, tomato, pickles, and American Swiss, topped with special sauce. And, like any true American meal, it comes with their signature fries on the side.

Everything is made in-house, from their secret sauce to their grilled onions, said general manager Christopher Canel. “It shows what Eureka is,” Canel said. “We put our name on it.”

And what is Eureka!? A chic American eatery with friendly staff and a full bar, serving handmade food with locally sourced ingredients. You don’t need to be a genius to know that this meal is a steal.

—Callie Fausey

Dine-in only. 601 Paseo Nuevo; (805) 618-3388; eurekarestaurantgroup.com; @eurekasantabarbara

FINCH & FORK: THE BROKEN YOLK SMASHBURGER

Listening to Executive Chef John Vasquez describe the inspiration behind his Broken Yolk Smashburger, I was charmed by his passion for the ingredients and his affection for Santa Barbara his new home of less than a year after relocating from Austin last spring. His subtle Southern accent had me leaning into every note of his inflection.

That same melodic sensibility shows up in his Burger Week creation: a bold fried egg purée layered with the sweetness of caramelized onion in the bacon-onion jam, backed by the bright acid twang of house-brined bread-and-butter pickles, and joined by the perfect char of two smashed beef patties, ooey-gooey cheddar, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato, all tucked into a tender Hawaiian bun. In a clever twist on the predictable fried-egg-on-top refrain, the egg appears here as a deeply seasoned sauce, ensuring the same rich flavor in every bite no waiting until halfway through to hit the yolk.

It’s a full-on symphony of flavors that deserves a standing ovation. And a stack of napkins.

—Sarah Sinclair

Dine-in only. 31 W. Carrillo St.; (805) 879-9100; finchandforkrestaurant.com; @finchandfork

FRESCO AT THE MARKET: TURKEY BURGER

Full transparency: I may prefer turkey burgers. A little lighter, a little less heart-attack-adjabut still hitting that primal, all-American burger craving. And Fresco at the Market’s version? Criminally underrated.

The house-made turkey patty is juicy and well-seasoned, crowned with melted cheese, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, tomato, and red onion, all tucked beneath a glossy brioche bun that leans just slightly sweet and buttery. The special house sauce pulls everything together with a tangy richness, while a few pickles on the side deliver that necessary snap. It’s California-influenced comfort food fresh, yet familiar.

Owner Jill Petrarca calls Fresco a “neighborhood institution.”

After closing its longtime location, the restaurant reopened inside the Santa Barbara Public Market last July. “So much energy, very vibrant we love being downtown,” she said. The menu draws from longtime best-sellers the kinds of classics that star in American kitchens alongside daily specials such as soup, quiche, and a Southern-style banana cream pudding that feels like your grandma made it.

It’s solid. It’s nostalgic. And, most importantly, it’s delicious. —Ella Heydenfeldt 38 W. Victoria St. #102.; (805) 770-7994; fresco-sb.com; @fresco_sb

GALA RESTAURANT: TOMATO CHILI JAM BURGER

Elevating a burger from standard fare to deluxe status is sometimes all about a secret sauce. Down on the fast-food end of the burger food chain, said sauce might be a variation of Thousand Island dressing. Up in the higher echelons, as found and savored at Gala, the secret sauce comes in the form of a tomato chili jam.

An inspired blend of tomatoey richness and a pinch of tang folds into a pulpy texture, distinguishing this burger from the pack. But that key ingredient couldn’t do it alone: Perfectly cooked Angus beef, topped with a coating of provolone cheese, pickles, butter lettuce, raita sauce, and a brioche bun complete the harmonious burger package.

Gala, an accommodating restaurant across the street from La Paloma Café and near De la Guerra Plaza, is an ideal, centrally located spot to catch a burger, inside or alfresco on a warm winter’s night.

Last year’s Burger Week item boasted the secret ingredient of a fried green tomato in the mix, also worth biting into. And it’s possible to do so, as part of the Gala Happy Hour Meal, in tandem with expertly made fries and a filthy dirty martini. But the jam is an artisanal secret sauce worth going out of your way for. —Josef Woodard Dine-in only. 705 Anacapa St.; galasb.com; @galarestaurantsb

BURGER WEEK

HOME PLATE GRILL: CHIMICHURRI

BURGER & CARNITAS BURGER

Two laws of nature: Any burger is way more than the sum of its parts, and all burgers abhor a vacuum. Both these scientific truisms first articulated by Sir Isaac Newton in 1647 are manifest at Home Plate, an invitingly down-home burger joint shoehorned into an offthe-beaten-path strip mall behind the 7-Eleven on Calle Real in the outer reaches of outer Goleta.

The hospitality there warm, unbidden, and natural makes you want to just sit and hang. The burgers make you want to come back for more.

Of the two we tried, I was most partial to the Chimichurri Burger. Along with that herby Argentinian sauce, it stars fried mozzarella cheese on top of a ground beef patty tipping the scale at one-third of a pound, plus grilled bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and the secret house sauce. Making it dance in your mouth were the jalapeño chilis not too hot but still capable of delivering a fastball.

As for overall texture, my son said approvingly, “On point!” As for taste, he exclaimed, “Damn good!” The brioche buns were toasted just to the brink of crispness, enough to carry the load and prevent the onset of incipient sogginess.

My son found the Carnitas Burger half-torta, half-burger, with homemade carnitas, white onion, spicy avocado pico de gallo, and chipotle cilantro sauce even more to his liking. Sadly, Home Plate’s vibe doesn’t come in a bottle, but it’s truly the secret sauce that makes a drive all the way from downtown Santa Barbara worthwhile. —Nick Welsh 7398 Calle Real, Ste. C, Goleta; (805) 845-3323; homeplategoleta.com

I.V. DELI MART: GAUCHO BURGER

For the past 22 years, I.V. Deli Mart has been a late-night staple in Isla Vista, and nothing captures its legacy quite like the Gaucho Burger. Stacked high with two seared beef patties, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sliced avocado, curly fries, and chipotle sauce on a fresh bun, it’s a meal that satisfies every craving at once. Though ownership changed in 2020, the Gaucho Burger recipe remains the same serving up a taste of nostalgia for alumni and students after long nights out. The house-made chipotle sauce, blended with fresh oranges, balances smoky heat with a subtle brightness that complements the seasoned beef and crispy fries.

A go-to meeting spot to close out I.V. nightlife, I.V. Deli Mart welcomes everyone from students to staff and longtime locals. All produce and meat are sourced from California and Arizona for peak freshness, and every sauce is made in-house.

Beyond burgers, the deli offers international snacks and an extensive menu with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. With breakfast served all day and late-night hours until 1 a.m. (3 a.m. on weekends), they’ll always be here for you!

—Erin

Lynch

To go and delivery only. 6553 Pardall Rd., Isla Vista; (805) 562-8858; ivdelimart .com; @ivdelimart

JONESY’S FRIED CHICKEN: JFC ORIGINAL

Does a burger by any other meat make for a proper bite for Burger Week? While usually I am a beef loyalist, when I heard that Jonesy’s Fried Chicken was taking part in this year’s burger bonanza, I jumped at the chance to try their JFC Original a fried chicken sandwich that’s been the darling of the “if you know, you know” crowd since Jonesy’s opened up in a hidden corner of Old Town Goleta in 2024.

Owner Kyle Jones said the JFC Original is the “inspiration behind this whole operation,” featuring a juicy Mary’s air-chilled chicken breast dredged in a secret recipe flour mix and fried to golden, crispy perfection. The chicken breast is laid on a white French bun Jones says he found brioche to be too sweet and topped with house-made JFC sauce, dill pickles, and crispy shredded iceberg lettuce.

The simplicity of the ingredients lets the chicken do the talking (bawk-bawking?), and the house dredge has a strong mix of seasonings that give each bite an old-school, southern-fried flair. “Everything’s there to support the flavor,” Jones said. “Nothing’s there to obstruct.”

A few bites in, and it’s easy to see why Jonesy’s has become a local favorite in the oftencrowded field of chicken sandwiches. It’s simple, juicy, tender, and cooked by somebody who absolutely understands the small details that make a meal truly memorable. Beef or not, the JFC is one of the best on this year’s list.

—Ryan P. Cruz 282 Orange Ave., Goleta; (805) 571-7060; jonesysfriedchicken.com ; @jonesysfriedchicken

KYLE’S KITCHEN: THE CHEESY PIG

Everyone knows about this philanthropic burger joint, for Kyle’s Kitchen has raised more than $300,000 for numerous organizations since opening a decade ago. And for families with children younger than 12, it’s the ideal spot for a quick dinner that’s reasonably priced and won’t draw (too many) tears.

What helps Kyle’s Kitchen stand out is the home-baked, fresh brioche buns served with every sandwich. There’s something particularly special about a burger served with a pliant, slightly sweet, made-fromscratch vestibule for your meat patty.

This year’s Burger Week delight is The Cheesy Pig, a quirky name for a classic dish. It’s a cheeseburger with bacon in its most basic description, but sometimes when you’ve nailed a classic, there’s no reason to mess with it. The bacon is extra crispy, my favorite, which adds a lovely crunch to the otherwise melt-in-your-mouth cheese, lettuce, and tomato combo. The garlic aioli is generously slathered on both sides for a little tang, and that pillow-like brioche bun adds a wonderful sweetness.

Everything here is à la carte, so if you want to indulge in their signature onion strings, you’ve got to order that separately.

—Meaghan Clark Tiernan 7000 Hollister Ave., (805) 845-3436; 5723 Calle Real, (805) 845-2260; kyleskitchen .com; @kyleskitchensb

GOAT TREE: HC SMASHBURGER

Just a few blocks from the waterfront at the edge of the Funk Zone, the Goat Tree is a prime location to enjoy a top-notch grass-fed burger with a view. Executive Chef Travis Watson’s HC Smashburger as in Hotel Californian brings together the best of all burger notes, keeping it simple with the toppings but ensuring each bite is bold, beefy, and cheesy.

It starts with a nice, thin five-ounce patty smashed on the grill until both sides have a perfect color that comes with the magical Maillard reaction. The burger then gets three melted slices of different types of cheeses sharp cheddar, mild American, and bold Havarti and is stacked on a toasted brioche bun with caramelized sweet Vidalia onions, house-made roasted garlic aioli, and bread and butter pickles.

The three cheeses come together as the melty star of the show, each adding a different profile that balances well with the simplicity of the pickles, sauce, grilled onions, and brioche bun. It’s burger minimalism at its finest, with none of the frills and extra veggies that end up distracting from the real reason we go to eat a burger: to fill that craving for a bite of melty, cheesy, beefy goodness.

More than just a Bakery • Full lunch kitchen • Corporate catering

—Ryan P. Cruz

Dine-in only. Available 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 36 State St; goattreecafe.com; @hotelcalifornian

ISLANDS: BIG WAVE WITH CHEESE & FRESH-CUT FRIES

Delivery • Direct billing options

At a restaurant with endless burger options, Islands’ Big Wave with Cheese is a solid choice: simple, straightforward, and consistently delicious.

Open Weekdays: 6 AM - 8 PM Weekends: 6 AM - 2 PM

Developed more than 30 years ago, the Big Wave Burger withstood the test of time to remain a staple of the Islands menu though it’s now usually almost twice the price of Burger Week. It’s topped with Tillamook cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mustard, with options of a white or wheat bun. You can substitute a house-made turkey patty or garden-burger veggie patty at no additional charge.

With an excellent TV setup and family-friendly environment, Islands is the perfect place to watch a game with your friends or have a nice family dinner. New users to the restaurant’s loyalty program who visit during Burger Week will receive free chips, guac, and salsa on their first visit and unlock an exclusive Burger Week offer for their second visit. Even more reasons to ride this wave.

—Victor Bryant Dine-in only. 3825 State St.; (805) 946-0044; islandsrestaurants.com; @islandsburgers

THE NUGGET: BOB’S BURGER

Bob Montgomery, owner of The Nugget Bar & Grill, puts peanut butter on everything. His granddaughter, Kaila Cattaneo, recalls Thanksgivings spent eating homemade lefse a Scandinavian flatbread smothered in crunchy Skippy. So naturally, The Nugget’s Burger Week entry just had to feature the classic spread.

Bob’s Burger features a tender patty topped with bacon, crispy onions, grape jam, and Skippy peanut butter, served on a brioche bun with a side of pickles. It might strike you as a strange combination, but the taste is harmonious: The peanut butter complements the salty beef, and the jelly adds a note of sweetness. Pickles cut through the creaminess without overwhelming the nutty flavor. It may not be familiar, but there’s something homey about this comfort-food mashup. That should come as no surprise, given that The Nugget is beloved by locals for its friendly atmosphere Catteneo compares it to the bar from Cheers. Once you settle into a booth, beneath heaps of license plates and Western kitsch, you’ll be greeted like family.

So why not enjoy your burger by partaking in Bob and Kaila’s family tradition adding a healthy dose of Skippy?

—Emily Vesper 5687 Calle Real, Goleta; (805) 964-5200; 2318 Lillie Ave., Summerland; (805) 969-6135; 892 Linden Ave., Carpinteria; (805) 576-9007; nuggetbarandgrill.com; @thenuggetofgoleta

BURGER WEEK

LITTLE BIRD KITCHEN: LBK BURGER

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If you frequent the Public Market, you don’t need us (or any little birds, for that matter) to tell you that Little Bird Kitchen has been quietly killing it in the back corner of the ever-bustling foodie court.

That’s thanks to chef-owner Josh Brown, whose fast-casual eatery’s elevated, expertly executed comfort food only hints at his fine-dining background. The Bay Area transplant and SBCC culinary school grad first made a name for himself at Chad’s on Chapala before holding top spots at some of our finest restaurants such as bouchon, Seagrass, and Intermezzo.

While those bona fides might not be self-evident from a casual glance at their menu which includes everything from sandos and salads to corn dogs, milkshakes, and wings a closer look at the carefully curated, high-quality ingredients listed below each menu item might clue you in.

Case in point: the LBK Burger. The classic smashburger starts with a four-ounce premium beef patty cooked to order on their flat-top grill. That’s topped with a slice of New School American cheese and served atop a bed of shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, Guss’s Dill Pickles, and their signature LBK Sauce, all sandwiched between a Martin’s potato bun.

Just between you, me, and the birdies, it’s one of my favorite burgers in town (and I might have even had two).

—Jackson Friedman 38 W. Victoria St.; (805) 303-7865; littlebirdsb.com; @littlebird_sb

MESA BURGER: SURF & TURF, BIRRIA SMASHBURGER, AND VEGGIE BURGER

Mesa Burger is leaning all the way into Burger Week with three very different takes on indulgence. The headliner is the Surf & Turf, a stacked combination of beef patty, shrimp, pepper jack, jalapeño bacon, and fried jalapeños on a brioche bun with arugula and garlic aioli. It hits smoky, briny, creamy, and crunchy notes at once without feeling like a novelty act.

The Birria Smashburger brings taco-truck flavors into burger form: two crispedged smash patties, two slices of melted mozzarella, and house-made birria layered with diced red onion, cilantro, and tangy green tomatillo salsa. It’s rich and saucy, the kind of burger that requires extra napkins and a cold drink nearby.

For something lighter, the Veggie Burger skips imitation in favor of flavor. A veggie patty and portobello mushroom come on a vegan wheat bun with arugula, pickled red onion, and house-made hummus earthy, fresh, and genuinely satisfying on its own terms.

—Tiana Molony 315 Meigs Rd.; mesaburger.com; @mesaburger

PADARO BEACH GRILL: VIVA PADARO!

Locals and tourists alike flock to Padaro Beach Grill for its tasty chow and laid-back ambiance. And, of course, there’s the splendid ocean view on Santa Claus Lane, mere feet from the sand and sea, its location just can’t be beat. Even on a mellow Monday afternoon, the joint was buzzing with young families, coworkers on lunch break, and friends catching up over beer.

Owner Will Ransone’s homemade chili con carne is a menu staple, enjoyed solo or on top of Padaro’s best-selling chili cheese fries. The restaurant’s culinary team wanted to highlight the fan-favorite chili with this year’s burger, the Viva Padaro!

A seasoned patty, shredded cheese blend, and cabbage bed make for a classic base, which is then loaded with the peppery, full-bodied chili. Crispy tortilla strips add texture, and a sour-cream spread with pickled jalapeños provides a subtle tang. The burger is served with a side of red salsa for those who want an extra kick.

A word to the wise: Tie back your hair and grab a few more napkins than you think you’ll need. This one gets messy. But don’t fear the Viva Padaro! is perfectly seasoned and delightfully hearty. You won’t regret getting your hands dirty.

—Emily Vesper 3765 Santa Claus Ln., Carpinteria; (805) 566-9800; padarobeachgrill.com

THE PATIO CAFÉ: BBQ TURKEY BURGER AND CHILAQUILES CHEESEBURGER

Breakfast is served all day and pets are always welcome at this 46-year-old diner on De la Vina Street, which is open daily until 2 p.m. The café has had many iterations over the years, but its friendly staff and classic diner dishes have remained true. Owner Rosalinda Monroy renamed the spot in 2017, and the Santa Barbara native has been putting her own touch on the familyfriendly spot ever since.

For The Patio’s Burger Week debut, the team is introducing two off-the-menu items: a BBQ Turkey Burger featuring a freshly ground, homemade turkey patty and American Swiss topped with BBQ sauce, grilled onions, and a homemade “secret sauce” that might remind locals of a certain drive-through burger joint off Turnpike. The soft burger bun is supplied by a baker based in Goleta, and it’s served with a bright and snappy pickle.

Prepare yourself for the Chilaquiles Cheeseburger by ordering a glass of milk in advance. The manager warned me that the salsa, which is house-made daily, always includes serrano chili peppers that vary in pizzazz each week. This one had lots! The well-seasoned beef patty is topped with salty, salsa-soaked tortilla chips that are layered atop sour cream, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a messy, but approachable, sandwich. —Bex Peyton 3007 De la Vina St; (805) 687-3663; thepatiocafesb .com; @the.patiocafesb

BURGER WEEK

PASCUCCI: HALF-POUND CHEESEBURGER

With 33 years on lower State Street in the rearview mirror, Pascucci is stepping into Burger Week during its final season in Santa Barbara. Their halfpound burger keeps things simple: a generous beef patty with tomato, pickles, and onion, choice of cheddar or gorgonzola, and a finish of teriyaki or BBQ sauce. It’s a straightforward, unfussy burger that reflects the restaurant’s easygoing style.

And then, Pascucci will close at the end of March. “Thank you, Santa Barbara, for 33 wonderful years of your support!” owner Laura Knight said.

Consider this a gentle excuse to return to settle into a familiar booth, order the burger your way, and take in the atmosphere while there’s still time.

—Tiana Molony Dine-in only. 1230-A State St.; (805) 963-8123; pascuccirestaurant-sb.com; @pascuccirestaurantsb

POKÉ HOUSE: SPICY TUNA SLIDER

Let’s clear something up right away: This is not a “gimmick burger.” It just happens to be built from sushi rice and a dazzle of creativity.

Poké House’s Spicy Tuna Slider swaps the traditional bun for compacted sushi rice seasoned with furikake, wrapped snugly in a sheet of nori that keeps the whole thing impressively stable. (Yes, you can pick it up. Yes, it holds.) Inside: mixed greens, crisp cucumbers, bright cherry tomatoes, and a welcome kick of jalapeño. Then comes the star a generous scoop of house-made spicy tuna, finished with a little extra sriracha aioli for heat.

The crunch from the crispy onions and greens, the tang of tomato, the clean freshness of the fish it’s lighter, sharper, and, in my admittedly biased opinion, far more refreshing than a standard beef patty situation. Bonus points for that creativity.

Owner Ryan Mai said the slider was born from an in-house staff competition to design “the craziest, funnest burger concept” using existing ingredients. “We wanted to showcase the freshness of our products,” he said. The winning idea created by team member Diana stuck, and this is its second Burger Week run.

Who knew a poké shop could nail a burger? You learn something new every day. —Ella Heydenfeldt Available 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; 811 State St., Ste. D; (805) 869-2722; poke.house; @poke.house

“If our restaurant was a burger,” says James Glaser of ’Que, “it would be the Smokehouse.”

Enveloped in a pillow-soft toasted potato bun, this can’tmiss creation features a quarter-pound brisket/short rib patty topped with even more hickory-smoked brisket, crispy onion rings, cheddar cheese, and house-made Kansas City BBQ sauce.

The first bite explodes with an array of flavors that, unlike my kids, manage to enthusiastically play together without incident. And although I loved my side of seasoned fries with jalapeño ranch dipping sauce, I couldn’t stay away from the main course for very long.

For those in the 18-to-25 demographic, the brisket low-key spoke to me, bruh. For real. The rich smoky flavor and respect for the low-and-slow cook provided an unforgettable Public Market feast and a delicious introduction to the ’Que team’s commitment to honoring classic BBQ staples.

Do yourself a favor and saddle up to the counter this week for a truly exceptional West Coast BBQ experience.

—Dave Callanan Dine-in only. 38 W. Victoria St., #108; (805) 869-2193; quesmokeshack.com; @quesmokeshack

RINKSIDE CAFÉ: THE DANGER ZONE

Located inside the Ice in Paradise skating facility in Goleta, Rinkside Café offers a uniquely “icy” environment. The cafe is decorated with autographed photos of L.A. Kings hockey players, giving it a personal, nostalgic touch that’s welcoming to both casual visitors and hockey fans alike.

The menu packs just as much punch. Take the Danger Zone, a flavor-packed creation with more than 10 ingredients, each one demanding to be savored bite by bite.

With sharp precision, Chef Sean Bentley expertly shapes the burger around a smashed all-beef patty, layering on crispy bacon, guajillo aioli, melted mozzarella cheese, sizzled bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño, and a “fire sauce” with a Korean red pepper base on a sesame-seed brioche bun.

One bite in, and it’s clear this isn’t your average rink-side burger. The fresh, crunchy pickles on the side add a refreshing tang to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.

The warm service from Bentley and his business partner Mysael Valerdi made the experience even more enjoyable. And if you’re a hockey fan or not, Valerdi will give you a short history of which Kings hockey players have stepped foot in their place.

6985 Santa Felicia Dr., Goleta; iceinparadise.org; @rinksidecafe

SAMA SAN ROQUE: THE PARMESAN PAPI

Year two for Sama San Roque, and they’re not recycling last year’s magic. Enter: The Parmesan Papi a brand-new drop, never before seen, and a worthy successor to the Sama Smash.

This one starts with a juicy four-ounce patty with crispy edges but medium-rare center, which is then layered with Tillamook Jack cheese (yes, two cheeses stay with me), a lacy parmesan crisp, blistered roasted tomato, and a swipe of Calabrian chili aioli. It’s all tucked into a soft Martin’s potato bun that leans sweet in the best way.

The tomato brings acidity, the parmesan crisp adds a salty crunch, and the gooey cheese melts into the beef so thoroughly that the juices run straight down your hand. It’s messy. It’s rich. It’s freaking delicious.

Sama San Roque the upper State mashup of Lama Dog Tap Room and Sama Sama Kitchen remains one of the easiest midweek hangs in town. I ate mine while watching Olympic hockey with a hard cider in hand (their tap list is stacked), sunlight pouring in, and zero complaints.

An incredible juicy burger on a Wednesday afternoon. What more could a girl ask for? —Ella Heydenfeldt 3435 State St.; (805) 450-8288; samasamakitchen.com; @samasanroque

SEOULMATE KITCHEN: K BULGOGI BURGER

Nestled in the heart of the Public Market is newcomer Seoulmate Kitchen, whose clever name manifests in every aspect of a business infused with genuine passion. Opened in 2025 by married couple Juan Pedro and Francesca Muñoz Vaca, the menu features a thoughtful selection of Korean flavors from her heritage while he infuses classical culinary training with bold global flavors.

The booth has made a name for itself in Santa Barbara with its broad assortment of sweet, fruit-flavored matchas. Its menu of Korean cuisine staples with adventurous twists is equally remarkable. The customer service is friendly and personal, and the experience was pleasant from start to finish. I was blown away by the K Bulgogi Burger on the first bite. Simply the savory-tangy smell of the steam from the burger was ambrosial. The brioche bun was fluffy and melted in my mouth. The bulgogi beef was tender and perfectly paired with the soft fried egg. The comprehensive burger was boldly flavorful, with the gochujang mayo and mozzarella cheese working in harmony to produce an artisanal sensation. Coupled with kimchi and cabbage slaw, the Seoulmate burger was a truly unique preparation. —Madeline Slogoff Dine-in only. 38 W. Victoria St. #115; (805) 869-2566; seoulmatekitchen.com; @seoulmate_kitchen

BURGER WEEK

S.B. FISH MARKET GOLETA: WEST COAST SALMON BURGER & BACON AND BLUE BURGER

I’ve always found it funny that the best seafood in Santa Barbara is actually located in a Goleta shopping center. But that’s the way of the world (and lease rates), and I never mind the short drive north given the always-excellent meal waiting for me there. This week, the Hollister Avenue location of Santa Barbara Fish Market is serving up its tried-and-true West Coast Salmon Burger (fennel slaw, cured tomato, butter lettuce, Dijon aioli, brioche bun) alongside a new offering: a Bacon and Blue Burger with house-made bacon jam, caramelized onions, blue cheese, arugula, and Dijon aioli on a brioche bun. You can’t go wrong with bacon and blue cheese, but the way they do it is elevated without being fussy and lighter than the ingredients would suggest, as the jam gives the bacon flavor punch without the extra meat.

—Tyler Hayden 7127 Hollister Ave., Ste. 18, Goleta; (805) 966-1000; sbfish.com; @sbfishmarket

SHALHOOB’S: FUNK ZONE BURGER

Family-owned and operated for 52 years, Shalhoob’s is as deserving of a spot on Santa Barbara’s Mount Rushmore as a Yater Spoon, Harry’s martini, or McConnell’s double-scoop. And as a proud Burger Week participant, they are taking a beloved customer favorite to even greater heights in 2026.

Starting with one-third pound of incredibly high-quality beef chuck, the brand-new Funk Zone Burger is joined by hickory-smoked, thick-cut bacon; pickles; shredded lettuce; and slices of American and Tillamook cheeses on a buttered brioche bun. But the real MVP is the show-stopping house-made aioli spread that, much like The Dude’s rug (shout-out Jeff Bridges), truly brings everything together. It adds depth to the pickles, balance to the bacon, and broad smiles to the lucky eater.

Famed poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once claimed that “nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm,” and the only thing more impressive than dropping Emerson in a burger review is the Shalhoob family’s full commitment to this recipe. Before it was Burger Week ready, it had to be Shalhoob family ready.

“We all taste-tested numerous versions of this burger to get it right,” reveals an exhausted Leeandra Shalhoob. Their labor of love is your gain this week, Santa Barbarians.

—Dave Callanan

Dine-in only. 220 Gray Ave.; (805) 256-7353; 5112 Hollister Ave., Goleta; (805) 880-0733; shalhoob.com; @shalhoobmeatco

THIRD WINDOW: SMOKED FP RANCH WAGYU CHEESEBURGER

Does the idea of your Wagyu beef and the wood it’s smoked on coming from the same farm sound appealing? What about a grilled onion so buttery you can barely tell you’re biting through it? If that sounds like your kind of meal, visit Third Window for this year’s Burger Week.

In a departure from the smashburger you know and love, this sixounce, hand-shaped FP Ranch Wagyu patty is smoked over white oak also sourced from FP Ranch, as in Fess Parker for 90 minutes before being seared on the flat top with a whole round of grilled onion. The slow smoking process allows the rich Wagyu to retain its moisture while taking on a savory depth reminiscent of Texas brisket. All that richness is balanced with a surprisingly refreshing horseradish crema, delivering just the right amount of bite to tie everything together.

Wash it down with their incredible house-made pickles and a beer Third Window was also voted Best Santa Barbara County Brewery by our readers and you’re looking at a five-star meal. —Bryce Eller Dine-in only. 406 E. Haley St., Ste. 3; (805) 979-5090; thirdwindowbrewing.com; @thirdwindowbrewing

VALIDATION ALE: ANNEX BURGER

As the official “Beer of Burger Week,” Validation Ale is offering a killer burger to pair with their craft suds. Typically only sold at their newer uptown location, the Annex Burger will be available at the Funk Zone as well just this week.

“The Annex Burger is our take on the timeless classic burger,” said Kaity Dean, who owns the kitchen part of the brewery with her partner, Chef Matt Marsit. “The meat is the star, with melty cheddar cheese and fresh lettuce and tomato, but it’s the best seasoned grilled onions and tangy sauce that make it the Annex Burger so special.”

While I knew Validation had a fantastic variety of everchanging beers, I did not know that their burger was so delicious. Its perfectly seasoned ground-beef patty oozed with plenty of melted cheddar cheese, providing just the flavors you’d hope for when ordering a bar burger. Luxurious caramelized onions and a creamy Validation sauce provide the ideal savory counterpart to the fresh lettuce and tomato toppers. The toasted French bun is just the right size for an ideal bunto-burg-to-bite ratio.

No matter your beer preferences, from lagers to hazies, seltzers to N/As, there’s an ideal beverage pairing at the ready. I was delightfully surprised by how well their flavorful and crisp Mexican lager worked with the burger.

Whether you’re enjoying your meal with a sunset over De la Vina or looking out at the tree-lined, party-people-filled streets of the Funk Zone, Validation has the lovely vibes and delicious fare to keep you posting up again and again. —Rebecca Horrigan Dine-in only. 2840 De la Vina St., Ste. D; 102 E. Yanonali St.; validationale.com

BURGER WEEK

THE VICTOR: THE VICTOR SMASHBURGER WITH FRIES

“Mmm-mmmm. This IS a tasty burger!” I couldn’t help channeling Samuel L. Jackson’s culinary approval from Pulp Fiction as I sank into a comfy pub chair at The Victor’s warmly lit, dark-wooded bar.

Their Wagyu-based masterwork earns every bit of that reverence. Balsamic grilled onions, tender juicy char, and molten cheddar on a pillowy bun it’s unapologetic hedonism with no corners cut. The accompanying duck-fat-flavored fries, made in-house and dusted with rosemary and sage, are almost a meal unto themselves. A ramekin of ketchup arrives, but it feels redundant given the layers of flavor already in play.

Chef Martín Garcia, whose résumé stretches back to Santa Barbara staples such as Chase at the Beach and Cliff’s and Co., sources locally and cooks with sincere passion. That enthusiasm radi- ates through each member of the staff, who anticipate your needs before you voice them and offer recommendations with the confidence of people who actually eat here, not just work here.

The room seduces just as surely burnished wood, amber light, and the kind of quiet elegance that pulls you in without ever raising its voice. The tiered multitude of outdoor patios with fire pits and hearths ablaze are unlike any restaurant in the county. Alfresco dining here is not to be missed. Have a burger.

As Jules would observe, “Now, THIS is a Royale with cheese.” —Bob Wesley Dine-in only. Available Wed.-Sun., 5-9 p.m. 3631 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez; (805) 695-2999; thevictor.us; @thevictor_sy

WHITE CAPS : THE WHITE CAPS BURGER YELLOW BELLY: FOLD IN THE CHEESEBURGER THE

The Win~Dow made a smashing impression from the jump, its midcentury-modern design reminiscent of an old-school diner, with its scattered bar stools, pops of turquoise, and charming order-atthe-window style. Though Burger Week boasts a $10 special combo their double cheeseburger with a drink the Win~Dow is already affordable, and equally tasty. The L.A.-based smashburger concept made its way to Santa Barbara last spring and quickly became an Americana staple downtown.

I was greeted by Sara O’Shea, the amiable manager, who gracefully offered me a peek into Win~Dow’s wide menu selection, from burgers and fries to the fried chicken sandwich, kale salad, mint chocolate chip-dip cone, and chocolate s’mores milkshake. Though I came for the burger, I left in awe of the consistency of the menu across the board, along with the friendly disposition of the workers.

The double cheeseburger was satisfyingly tender and cheesy, paired perfectly with its golden, fresh-out-of-the-fryer French fries (purchased separately). The Win~Dow has something for everyone; foodies, bargain-seekers, or anyone looking for an elevated take on a classic burger experience.

—Madeline Slogoff 701 Chapala St.; (805) 880-2775; thewin-dow.la/santa-barbara; @thewindow.la

I was sold on White Caps’ burger before it entered my mouth. A generous patty resting on fresh shredded lettuce, tomato, and purple onion; dressed in melted cheese and Thousand Island sauce; and stacked with crispy bacon and pickle slices. Add the look of the perfectly laminated fresh brioche bun, and, as far as first impressions go, this burger nailed it.

“To have a good burger starts with the meat,” manager Enrique Hernandez told me.

I agree. Because while the veggies taste fresh, the Thousand Island sauce blends creamy and tangy, and the pickles balance sweet and briny, the burger itself is the star here: a juicy, flavorful, and filling half-pounder. The bacon’s smokiness adds depth to the flavor. And the bun itself has richness with the utility required to contain the generous burger.

Not too shabby for what started as a food truck selling lobster rolls. (And, yes, the Funk Zone food truck will be serving these burgers over the weekend.) —Christina McDermott Available dine-in only. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Teledyne campus, 6769 Hollister Ave., Goleta. Also available in the Funk Zone, Sat.-Sun., 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., from food truck near Pali Wine Co.; whitecapsbeachclub.com; @whitecapsbeachclub

A delicious burger that’s also a tribute to sadly gone treasure Catherine O’Hara? Sign me up. Schitt’s Creek fans will no doubt recall David and Moira trying to make her family enchilada recipe, baffled by the step “fold in the cheese.”

But there’s nothing perplexing about Yellow Belly’s quarter-pound juicy patty, American cheese, bacon, homemade pickles, and a piquant, proprietary mix of Thousand Island and mustard, all on a toasty brioche bun. You get every flavor and texture you might want meaty, juicy, sweet, sour, salty, cheesy, piggy, crunchy in each bite. Even better, after Burger Week, it’s going to be a weekly Wednesday special.

Anyone who cherishes this neighborhood jewel gets it when co-owner Alex Keithley says, “We are a locally owned and operated business. We love to serve our community and spread our love through food and drinks.”

Come in for the friendly, family vibe (dogs, too, on the front and back patios); relish the perfectly curated 10 taps of craft beer; and burger down. For as Moira Rose might say, “A heavy salad might as well be a casserole.”

—George Yatchisin 2611 De la Vina St.; (805) 770-5694; yellowbellytap.com

Martin E. Marty Lecture on Religion in American Life

Pluralism, White Supremacy, and American Religious History

Catherine L. Albanese

Catherine L. Albanese

J.F. Rowny Distinguished Professor Emerita in Comparative Religions, UCSB

February 21, 2026 5:00 p.m.

J.F. Rowny Distinguished Professor Emerita in Comparative Religions, UCSB

This talk will use Albanese’s forthcoming book Kaleidoscope to reflect retrospectively on her work as a historian of American religion. Charged in graduate school with the question “How do you dream America?”

This

This talk will use Albanese’s forthcoming book Kaleidoscope to reflect retrospectively on her work as a historian of American religion. Charged in graduate school with the question “How do you dream America?” Albanese sketches out the golden futures and the nightmares that are intrinsic to the challenge. Especially, she focuses on the collision between on-the-ground pluralism and an ideology of white supremacy that has always thrived concurrently.

Albanese sketches out the golden futures and the nightmares that are intrinsic to the challenge. Especially, she focuses on the collision between on-the-ground pluralism and an ideology of white supremacy that has always thrived concurrently.

use Albanese’s forthcoming book Kaleidoscope to reflect on her work as a historian of American religion. Charged in graduate school with the question “How do you dream America?” Albanese sketches out the golden futures and the nightmares that are intrinsic to the challenge. Especially, she focuses on the collision between on-the-ground pluralism and an ideology of white supremacy that has always thrived concurrently.

L.

is

Distinguished Professor Emerita in Comparative Religions at the University of California, Santa Barbara. A former president of the American Academy of Religion, she is the author of numerous books, including A Republic of Mind and Spirit: A Cultural History of American Metaphysical Religion. Her forthcoming book is the title of this lecture.

February 21, 2026

5:00 p.m. McCune Conference Room (HSSB 6020)

Catherine L. Albanese is a former president of the American Academy of Religion and the author of numerous books on American religious history.

UC Santa Barbara Free and open to the public For more information, visit https://www.cappscenter.ucsb.edu/news

Room (HSSB 6020) UC Santa Barbara Free and open to the

I NDEPENDENT C ALENDAR

THURSDAY 2/19

2/19:SBMM Speaker Series: Shooting for the Stars: Sunflower Star Laboratory’s Community-Based Approach to Pycnopodia Recovery Reuven Bank, cofounder and chair of the board of the Sunflower Star Laboratory (SSL) will talk about the Pycnopodia helianthoides and how the 2013-2014 sea star wasting syndrome outbreak, one of the largest marine-disease events on record, caused a 96 percent decline of kelp forests in Northern California extending into S.B. County. Pre-lecture reception: 6:156:45pm; lecture: 7pm. S.B. Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Wy., Ste. 190. Free$20. Email reservations@sbmm.org. sbmm.org/santa-barbara-events

2/19-2/22: Ensemble Theatre Company Presents The Shark Is Broken See this razor-sharp, behind-the-scenes look at the making of 1974’s Jaws when the mechanical shark malfunctions, the schedule is in shambles, and the three actors Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider are stuck on a boat, battling egos, alcohol, and artistic frustration. Ages 13+. Thu.: 7:30pm: Fri.: 8pm; Sat.: 8am, 3pm, 8pm; Sun.: 2pm. The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St. Pay-What-You-Can, $25-$104. Call (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org

2/19: CWC Global: Devastated (Vidhvastha) This 2024 film follows a middle-aged policeman in present-day India who opens up to his wife and lover about his work as a “sacrificial assistant,” a state-designated agent tasked with extrajudicial killings of Muslim men and also raises questions about the hierarchy of violence and the nature of divinity. A postscreening discussion with director Ashish Avikunthak and cinematographer Rumi (Pratyush Bhattacharyya) will follow. 7-9:15pm. Pollock Theater, UCSB. Free. Call (805) 893-4637 or email info@carseywolf.ucsb.edu. carseywolf.ucsb.edu/events/

2/19: UCSB Arts and Lectures Presents Jlin + Third Coast Percussion The Grammy-winning ensemble Third Coast Percussion (TCP) will join forces with groundbreaking electronic composer and performer Jlin for a genre-defying evening that fuses acoustic and electronic worlds that will feature acoustic interpretations of Jlin’s work by TCP, a live electronic set by Jlin, and a new piece performed by all five musicians on stage. 8-9:30pm. Campbell Hall, UCSB. UCSB Students: $10, GA: $33-$48. Email info@artsandlectures.ucsb.edu artsandlectures.ucsb.edu

2/19: Godmothers Gather: Françoise Kirkland This posthumous photo book that showcases romance in all its forms through the iconic photographer Douglas Kirkland's work, curated by his wife, Françoise Kirkland, and Sarah Menahem and features intimate portraits of celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Princess Diana, along with images from films such as Moulin Rouge! and Titanic. 6-7pm. Godmothers, 2280 Lillie Ave., Summerland. $15-$670. Email info@godmothers.com godmothers.com/events

2/20-2/22: MORE Theater/S.B. Presents Chinwag This dark comedy, written by author and former S.B. Poet Laureate David Starkey, follows what happens when the smartest woman in a small town takes over a live talk show at the local public access TV station in 1976 and feminism arrives and is televised. Directed by Meg Kruszewska. Fri.-Sat.: 7pm; Sun.: 2pm. TVSB, 329 S. Salinas St. $30. Email info@moretheatersb. com moretheater sb.com

FARMERS MARKET SCHEDULE

THURSDAY

Carpinteria: 800 of Linden Ave., 2:30-6:30pm

FRIDAY

Montecito: 1100 and 1200 blocks of Coast Village Rd., 8-11:15am

SATURDAY

Downtown S.B.: Corner of State and Carillo sts., 8am-1pm

SUNDAY

Goleta: Camino Real Marketplace, 10am-2pm

TUESDAY

Old Town S.B.: 500-600 blocks of State St., 3-6:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Solvang: Copenhagen Dr. and 1st St., 2:30-6:00pm

FISHERMAN’S MARKET

SATURDAY

Rain or shine, meet local fishermen on the Harbor’s commercial pier, and buy fresh fish (filleted or whole), live crab, abalone, sea urchins, and more. 117 Harbor Wy., 6-11am. Call (805) 259-7476. cfsb.info/sat

FRIDAY 2/20

2/20: Chair Yoga/Yoga en Silla Join SBPL and Pink Means Go Wellness for a series of gentle yoga and mindfulness sessions. All bodies and abilities are welcome to learn tools to manage daily stress, enhance emotional balance, and support overall well-being through movement done while seated in a chair, breath awareness, and meditation. Únete a SBPL y Pink Means Go Wellness para una serie de sesiones de yoga suave y mindfulness. Todas las personas, independientemente de su condición física y capacidad, son bienvenidas a aprender herramientas para gestionar el estrés diario, mejorar el equilibrio emocional y favorecer el bienestar general a través de movimientos realizados sentado en una silla, la conciencia de la respiración y la meditación. 9:30-10:30am. Eastside Library, 1102 E. Montecito St. Free. Call (805) 963-3727. tinyurl .com/Chair-Yoga-Eastside

SATURDAY 2/21

2/21: Wasted Potential’s Second Anniversary: Oops! All Headliners! Enjoy top-notch comedy from some of the funniest people to perform this this past year, such as Riley Mahoney, Ashley Blom, Lauren Kruszyna, and headliners Joe Hill Sam Mamaghani, Jimil Linton, and Kyle Rehl. 7:30pm. Java Station, 4447 Hollister Ave. $15$20. Email wastedpotentialcomedy@gmail. com tinyurl.com/Wasted-Potential

2/19-2/25: Love Is in the Air at The Speakeasy at Plow & Angel Nightly live music. 5-11:55pm. 900 San Ysidro Ln., Montecito. Free Call (805) 565-1720. tinyurl .com/Plow-Angel

2/19: Lobero Theatre Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 7:30pm. $52-$107. 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 7:30-10pm. Call (805) 963-0761. lobero.org/ whats-on

2/19-2/20, 2/23, 2/25: SOhO Restaurant & Music Club Thu.: Pocket Fox: The Farewell Show, 8pm. $10-$15. Ages 21+. Fri.: Bob Marley’s Birthday with Marlon Asher and Rastan, 9pm. $30-$35. Ages 21+. Mon.: SBCC Big Band Jazz, 7pm. $15. Tue.: Salvidoria, Orangepit!, Magnetize, 8pm. $10-$15. 1221 State St. Call (805) 962-7776. sohosb.com

2/21-2/22:

2/20: Carr Winery Barrel Room Sessions Mauve Pocket, 7-9pm. 414 N. Salsipuedes St. Free. Ages 21+. Call (805) 965-7985 or email info@ carrwinery.com carrwinery.com/event

2/20-2/21: Eos Lounge Fri.: Techno Takeover. Free Sat.: What So Not. $18.54. 500 Anacapa St. 9pm. Ages 21+. Call (805) 564-2410. eoslounge.com

2/20-2/21: M.Special Brewing Co. (S.B.) Fri.: Eunoia. Sat.: Monkfish. 634 State St. 8-10pm. Free. Call (805) 3080050. mspecialbrewco.com

2/20-2/21: Maverick Saloon Fri.: Rebel Heart, 8:30pm. Sat.: Flannel 101, 9pm. 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Free Call (805) 686-4785. Ages 21+. mavericksaloon.com/eventcalendar

2/20: Night Lizard Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 8-10pm. 607 State St. Free Call (805) 770-2956. nightlizard brewingcompany.com/social/

2/21-2/22: Hook’d Bar and Grill Sat.: Tony Buck & The Cadillac Angels, 2pm. Sun.: Traveling Hurtados, 1pm. 116 Lakeview Dr., Cachuma Lake. Free. Call (805) 350-8351. hookdbarandgrill .com/music-on-the-water

2/21-2/22: M.Special Brewing Co. (Goleta) Sat.: Decibel, 7pm. Sun.: Carly Powers. 3pm. 6860 Cortona Dr., Ste. C, Goleta. Free. Call (805) 968-6500. mspecialbrewco.com

2/21: S.B. Veterans’ Memorial Building Wake of Momentum | Melodic House Sets, 8-midnight. 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd. $30. Call (805) 617-1160. Email info@ sandalaexperiences.com tinyurl.com/Wake-Momentum

2/22: Longoria Wines Live music, 3-5pm. 732 State St. Free. Email info@ longoriawine.com longoriawines.com/events

Black History Month

2/21: Celebrating the Living Black History of Santa Bar bara Celebrate the release of the book, We Were Here, We Are Here: A Living History of Black Santa Barbara, written by area author Simone Akila Ruskamp, co-founder of Healing Justice S.B., and illustrated by Reyna Har ris. There will be family-friendly art activities, refreshments, and a page read by the author. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. 4-6pm. MLK Rm., Eastside Library, 1102 E. Montecito St. Free. Call (805) 963-3727. tinyurl.com/SB-Black-History

Lunar New Year

2/21: SBTHP’s 2026 Year of the Fire Horse Festival Join to celebrate and commemorate S.B.’s rich, diverse AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) communities, cultures, and history! Learn to play mah-jongg, take a walking tour of historic Chinatown, explore the SBTHP’s Nihonmachi Revisited exhibit, eat Asian cuisine for purchase, and see a performance by Camarillo Kung Fu & Lion Dance Association. 3-7pm. El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park,123 E. Canon Perdido St. Free. Call (805) 965-0093. sbthp.org/firehorsefestival

2/22: SBPL + SBCS Lunar New Year Family Festival 2026 The library and the S.B. Chinese School invites you to enjoy fun activities such as fan painting, lantern making, paper cutting, calligraphy, making dragon puppets and horse ornaments, and spirited children’s performances with a Dragon Dance photo booth, free Chinese books, and a visit with vendors from our local Chinese community. 1-4pm. Faulkner Galleries, S.B. Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. Free. Call (805) 962-7653. tinyurl.com/Lunar-Family-Fest

2/21: Kaleidoscope: Pluralism, White Supremacy, and American Religious History with Catherine L. Albanese 5-6:30pm. McCune Conference Rm., Humanities and Social Sciences Building, UCSB. Free. Call (805) 893-2317 or email info@cappscenter .ucsb.edu. tinyurl.com/Walter-Capps-Lectures

2/23: The Price of Outsourcing Governance: The U.S. Supreme Court’s Use of Privatization to Redefine the Contours of Church-State Separation with Amitai Heller 5-6:30pm. Henley Hall, Institute for Energy Efficiency, UCSB. Free Call (805) 893-2317 or email info@cappscenter.ucsb.edu. tinyurl.com/Walter-Capps-Lectures

2/24: From Talking Tools to Metahumans: Social Interaction, Semiotic Skill, and the Authority of AI Chatbots with Webb Keane 5-6:30pm. Henley Hall, Institute for Energy Efficiency, UCSB. Free. Call (805) 893-2317 or email info@cappscenter.ucsb.edu. tinyurl.com/Walter-Capps-Lectures

2/25: Jewish Studies and Israel Studies in America: Entanglements, Boundaries, and the Public University with Carol Bakhos 4-5:30pm. Henley Hall, Institute for Energy Efficiency, UCSB. Free. Call (805) 893-2317 or email info@cappscenter.ucsb.edu. tinyurl.com/Walter-Capps-Lectures

SUNDAY 2/22

2/22: Free Admission to S.B. Museum of Natural History Connect with nature and science as we celebrate the region’s vibrant cultural landscape and meet our partners from Southern Steelhead Coalition, S.B. Zoo, S.B. Audubon Society’s Eyes in the Sky avian ambassadors, and Climb Out. Add to the fun with a show in Gladwin Planetarium! (Tickets are available 20 minutes before each show, first-come, first-served.) Reservations are recommended for the museum. 10am-5pm. S.B. Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol. Free. Call (805) 682-4711. sbnature.org/calendar

2/23: Concordia Handbells in Concert The touring ensembles The Concert Handbells and Spirit Bells of Concordia University, Irvine will feature 140 handbells, hand chimes, and other instruments for an evening of sacred, classical, popular, and new music. 6:30- 7:45pm. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3550 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez. Free. Call (805) 688-8938. tinyurl.com/Handbells-Concert

TUESDAY 2/24

2/24-2/25: UCSB Arts & Lectures Presents: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour This festival, curated and hosted by Roman Baratiak, A&L associate director emeritus, will feature the world’s best films on subjects ranging from ice climbing and extreme alpinism to mountain culture and the environment with adrenaline-packed thrills alongside profound messages about human potential and the natural world. Each night will be an entirely different program of films. 7pm. The Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. Students: $150, youth: $180, GA: $26. Email info@artsandlectures.ucsb.edu. artsandlectures.ucsb.edu

WEDNESDAY 2/25

2/25: Career Exploration Fair: For Teens and Young Adults The S.B. Public Library and the Junior League of S.B. invite teens and young adults to connect with working professionals from a variety of industries (4-5pm) followed by a career panelists Q&A session (5-6pm). 4-6pm. S.B. Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. Free. Call (805) 962-7653. tinyurl.com/Career-Fair-Feb25

THURS JUNE 4

Just Announced. On-sale now!

TUES MAR 3

“This isn’t nostalgia. It’s a living breathing celebration led by musicians who understand the soul of the music.” — Bluegrass Today

MADELEINE PEYROUX

We Are America Tour

with special guest Jon Muq

“Madeleine manages to penetrate the seams of a deep ear & travel directly into the heart as well as the soul.” – Americana Highways

SAT MAR 28

FRI MAR 6

STEEP CANYON RANGERS

Three-time GRAMMY® nominees with 14 albums, they’ve lit up some of music’s biggest stages and earned a spot in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Today, they stand among Americana’s most influential songwriters – gaining recognition from well beyond the world of bluegrass.

“Booker T. Jones is one of the legends of soul music.”

— The New Yorker

ROD LATHIM SPEAKS HIS TRUTH IN MEMOIR

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF ART, ALONG WITH LOCAL HISTORY, GET THE SPOTLIGHT IN ARTIST’S LATEST BOOK

Rod Lathim is known for so many things.

A medium is not one of them.

That is, until you read his memoir, Finding the Divine Child: A Journey of Spirit, Light, and Art. The director, producer, and visual artist “lifts the veil,” so to speak, on his spiritual journey with the self-published memoir, where he covers his spiritual progress, beginning from his first encounter as a teen while working at The Big Yellow House to his relationship with light articulated in the physical world through his neon sculptures.

For those who have followed along on Lathim’s journey since his Access Theatre days, the memoir’s revelations might come as a surprise. But for the 60-plus-year-old, he’s no longer concerned what others think. “At this point in my life, I want to live an authentic life. I want to be authentic, and I want to be open and honest with people about my beliefs and my experiences,” he says. “I don’t expect anybody to believe anything they don’t want to believe. But if you have had an experience, you’re going to relate to it. I’m not trying to preach my beliefs. I’m simply saying this is my experience, and if it has any positive benefit to you in your life and your experiences, then wonderful. That’s as far as I go. But it was important for me to speak my truth.”

The beauty of this work is how it reveals all of Lathim’s layers, from his work on the stage to his initial foray into visual art and how interwoven it all is with his spiritual world. The book takes readers through his spiritual destiny but also enlightens even the most skeptical of readers as to how important positivity, play, and gratitude can impact one’s life. It’s a central theme throughout all of Lathim’s work, particularly as it relates to his most recent solo exhibit, LIT: Love, Illumination, Transcendence, on view through March 1 at Art & Soul Gallery.

After finishing the book, I got a chance to follow up with Lathim. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Explain what you mean when you talk about working to pull out someone’s divine child. The way I approach people and problem solving tends not to be from an academic or scientific perspective. I tune into people and their energy and try to learn as much about them as I can from that exchange of energy fields. Human lives are fragile, delicate, and need to be nurtured. We need to be seen. And heard. That has been a big part of my work since my days at the University of Kansas and so many of the projects I’ve been involved with over my lifespan. I talk a lot about the divine child in each of us. I think part of my mission on the planet is to help people find their own divine child within them and let it out to play.

The importance of play is a central theme in your book. How would you encourage someone to incorporate play into their life?

I believe we were all put here on the planet to learn, to grow, and to experience life in the physical bodies we are given. The older civilization gets, the more complicated life becomes. We are living in a time right now that is very, very challenging, chaotic,

and splintered. However, one of the things that keeps me sane these days is staying true to my life’s mission and path. And for me, that means continuing to be creative and expressing myself through the arts. I do believe that the arts will help keep us sane and connected to truth. So, for me that

means “playing” to the best of my ability. Being playful can mean something as simple as sharing a smile with a stranger. It can mean finding reasons to laugh out loud. It can mean reading a great book, taking a hike, listening to music, or being pulled into a great piece of theater.

You talk in many ways about how theater can act as a healing tool. Why is it so important to have those spaces? The arts have been central to my life. I wholeheartedly believe that arts heal us, nurture us, change us, and in some cases, save us. I have witnessed over and over and over how live theater has impacted lives and changed minds. Theater has enabled people to share their stories and impact the lives of others who relate to those stories. I’ve seen theater empower people through giving them a voice.

You write, “The active sharing of gratitude is one of the most healing tools we have.” How are you practicing gratitude right now in such difficult times? Change is coming. And one of the best ways we can create that change is by doing good. And we can start right here, in our own neighborhoods, our own community. To look out for one another. Protect one another, speak out for one another. I spend my days … counting my points of gratitude. There is so much around us to be grateful for, and we can’t lose sight of that even in crazy, insane times like this. Make a gratitude list. Review it daily. Stay focused on the good. Yes, it’s hard in these [times] to focus on gratitude, but it’s critically important.

Pictures make up a large portion of the book. Why was including a visual representation so important to you? Being visual is a core element to me. [The] images in my book represent the beauty around us. The images also reflect the importance of human connection in my life. When I first visualized this book, I saw it with many, many photos. When I review my life, it’s a collage of images: of people, of moments, of joy, of sorrow.

How did the decision come about to write a book? And again, why now, why tell these stories now? This book has been brewing in me for a number of years. I have reached an age where I’m taking time to look back and acknowledge the patterns, the influences; connecting the dots of the people who have influenced my life and come into my path in beautiful ways. And it feels absolutely right to be writing about this now. My hope is that the book is uplifting and encouraging to its readers. I think we all need light in our lives.

—Meaghan

Clark Tiernan

Lathim will be signing his book on Saturday, February 21, 3-6 p.m., at Art & Soul Gallery (1323 State St., artandsoulsb.com). Books are available exclusively at Art & Soul Gallery but will be available at local retailers beginning March 1. An audiobook, narrated by Lathim, will be available in April.

FROM THEWAYBACKTO THEWAYFORWARD: NOLAN MONTGOMERY’S ORIGINAL MUSIC SHINES

Last spring, actor and musician Nolan Montgomery, based in Santa Barbara, produced The Way Back, a cabaret-style show of standards and Broadway favorites. Beyond the joy of creative expression, he developed the piece as a way to present himself to his hometown mentors after returning from a New York education. “It exceeded all expectations,” says Montgomery, who decided that his next production venture would include his own original songs and a larger platform for Santa Barbara musicians. Montgomery returns to Center Stage Theater on February 27, this time with a small orchestra (called the Diamond Strings).

Titled The Way Forward, the show features seven original pieces written by Montgomery and orchestrated by recent UCSB alumnus Bridget Boland. Montgomery saw Boland perform with her orchestra, the Devereaux String Quartet, and was inspired to initiate a collaboration with her. “Boland has a crazy network of musicians from UCSB,” he says. “I told her I wanted this new show to feel more like a concert than a cabaret I want to focus on the sonic aspect.”

Along with accompanist Sriram Ramamurthy on piano, the onstage band consists of hand-picked musicians from Boland’s roster of up-and-coming instrumentalists from the UCSB community. “I want the musicians to be featured,” he says, “not just furniture on the stage. I want this artistic collaboration to feel satisfying for everyone.” Montgomery is excited to showcase these talented young artists, some of whom will be making their debut for Santa Barbara audiences beyond the sphere of the university. The show is a true collaboration, with Mongomery depending on the talent of the band to fill in instrumental backdrop for his original work. He says the partnership has been exciting and fruitful so far: “It’s gratifying to take this leap of faith,” he says. “We’re creating something that I’m really proud of.”

—Maggie Yates

ONE LAST LOOK AT THE 2026 SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TA PHOTO RECAP OF THE 41ST EDITION OF SBIFF

he 41st edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) celebrated not only 11 days of films from around the world including 46 world film premieres and 80 U.S. premieres from 50 countries, with 50 percent of the films directed by women but also the opening of the beautiful new SBIFF McHurley Film Center at 916 State Street. There was also no shortage of starry tributes, excellent panels, educational programs, and fabulous people watching. Senior Arts Writer Josef Woodard clocked a personal record of 60 (!) films this year. Read his daily recaps at bit.ly/4aEVSPp. And check out all of our coverage, including those celebrity red carpet events, at bit.ly/4axtf6z.

—Leslie Dinaberg

FROM CLASSROOM CURTAINS TO RED-CARPET LIGHTS JACOB

KOSARIAN’S

IBY TIANA MOLONY

n 2012, Jacob Kosarian moved more than 5,000 miles from Stockholm, Sweden, to Santa Barbara, as just one of a few hundred international students with their sights on Santa Barbara City College.

“It just sort of made sense,” he says of the move. “I felt like I was where I was supposed to be at that moment, surrounded by the people that felt and saw the world like I did.”

When Kosarian chose where to study abroad, he had his pick of several Southern California colleges. But none, he recalls, lived up to the hype the way Santa Barbara City College did. As he says, “Santa Barbara City College was one of the first ones that really stood out on the map.”

He was swayed, of course, by the ocean views and the weather, but what ultimately sold him was SBCC’s “good reputation,” and the folks at the International Office, who helped him feel at home.

Fast-forward 14 years, and Kosarian is still in California, in Los Angeles, working as a costume designer. He’s married to his wonderful partner, whom he fell in love with just a year after moving to Santa Barbara. At the time of our interview, he was excited about attending a screening of the film Bookends, an LGBTQ Jewish romantic comedy for which he was the costume designer. . The movie, starring Academy Award–winning F. Murray Abraham and Caroline Aaron, was shown at this year’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

“It feels full circle,” he noted, “but not in a nostalgic way, because it’s in Santa Barbara where I sort of learned to take this work seriously, and bringing this project there feels very grounding.”

Costume design was not in his initial career plans, but a theater class in his first year at SBCC changed his trajectory. Or, more specifically, one theater teacher did.

Pamela Shaw, associate professor and director of costume and makeup at SBCC, took Kosarian under her wing. “She taught me how to think like a costume designer,” he recalls. “And everything sort of fell into place from there.”

Shaw showed him the nuances of costume design as a tool of storytelling. It’s one of those dramatic arts, often unnoticed by audiences, yet incredibly powerful in shaping what they see and feel.

He worked on every theater production at SBCC over the next two years. In 2015, when he graduated, he received the costume design award, and his name was added to a plaque in the theater department that honors one student per year. For him, theater brought purpose, a chance to be part of something larger, to help tell a story.

When asked to reflect on a moment that stayed with him from his time at SBCC, he recalls the end of his first major production, when the curtain dropped, and the audience rang out in applause. “That applause just brought this sense of euphoria,” he says. “It made everything we’d worked so hard for make sense.”

More than the audience’s reaction, it reminded him of the effect of what they were doing.

“We live in a very rough world,” he muses, “and entertainment is the one place where people find joy and happiness and relief; whether it’s theater or film or music, it’s where we’re able to break free from the crazy that’s going on around us.”

After graduating, Kosarian moved to Ventura, where his spouse was living. There, he worked on stage productions at the Rubicon Theatre, while also returning to Santa Barbara to work on several shows at the Lobero Theatre.

During this period, he began transitioning into film, initially taking on student shorts and lowbudget indie projects in Los Angeles — many of them connected to SBCC film students who invited him to design costumes for their productions.

As his film work in L.A. steadily grew, he moved there in 2018 where his career in film costume design has steadily developed..

He traces his success back to Santa Barbara City College, and especially to Shaw. It’s a story that highlights the power that one person can have in our lives.

“She cares about what she teaches,” he says. “She cares about how the student receives the information and that they can take it with them. I don’t know if I would be doing this had I not met her.”

Frog Wall Edited, Not Deleted

Apollo once served as a shepherd, charged with tending sacred cattle and keeping chaos from the herd. It was less about ownership than stewardship knowing when to protect, when to prune, and when intervention was unavoidable.

That, in essence, is the position Jay Griffith now occupies at Santa Barbara’s Frog Wall.

The stone wall along Paterna Road an unofficial shrine that, over decades, accumulated hundreds of ceramic, rubber, plush, and painted frogs entered a new chapter last winter, when longtime residents noticed the collection thinning. The change sparked rumors and concern, prompting a December Santa Barbara Independent article reporting that the wall had been significantly cleaned up, though not erased.

Open Air Bicycles Looking for New Owner

Open Air Bicycles is closing their doors by the end of next month unless they can find someone to take the handlebars.

The full-service bike shop has served Santa Barbara since 1971. It’s moved locations and changed hands over the years, but it’s kept its spirit.

one welcomes. Navigating that divide has required something closer to diplomacy than landscaping.

Shortly after that article ran, Griffith called. He hadn’t been quoted, he said, and wanted to explain what had actually happened. So he invited me to his home a historic Riviera property he purchased nearly three years ago and walked through the story from the beginning.

Griffith, a landscape designer and his-

Shrine’s New Steward Cleans and Catalogues Items, Restores Native Water Path

by Ella Heydenfeldt

torian, said he knew about the Frog Wall when he bought the property and was happy to inherit it. “I knew I was adopting quite the responsibility,” he said, referencing the wall’s status as a kind of civic sacred cow. “I’m a defender of the amphibians myself,” he added.

That affection, however, came paired with realities the public doesn’t always see. In recent years, the Frog Wall had become more than a roadside curiosity. Candles were being left and burned at its base, wax dripping down the stone. The wall sits in a designated fire hazard area the kind of place where roadside signage explicitly warns drivers they are entering a high-risk zone.

While many neighbors cherish the wall as a quirky landmark, others view it less romantically as what Griffith described as an “attractive nuisance,” one that draws gatherings and attention that not every-

“The sidewalk, of course, is not my property, and the parkway is not my property, nor are the street trees,” Griffith said. “But in most cities, the owner of the adjacent property is the custodian. It’s not the law it’s an understood general contract with polite society.”

That custodial role, he said, shaped his approach. Frogs were temporarily removed, photographed, cataloged, and stored while the wall and surrounding landscape were cleaned, replanted, and stabilized. “It was an editing,” Griffith said. “Not an elimination.”

At the same time, his work extended beneath the surface. One of the lesser-known reasons frogs congregated at Paterna Road in the first place is that the area once supported a natural creek. Over time, that flow had been diverted and buried.

Griffith removed the diversion and restored the native water path, reshaping the creek bed and creating a vernal pool a seasonal wetland designed to retain moisture and support fragile native species. This winter, for the first time since he bought the property, he spotted a live frog returning to the area.

“The real frogs are coming back,” he said.

That ecological detail reframes the story. While ceramic frogs became the focus of public anxiety, living amphibians unseen, vulnerable, and native were reclaiming the space that inspired the shrine is dedicated to in the first place.

Griffith said he wants the wall to continue just in a way that respects the land, the neighbors, and the history. “It’s a fine tightrope to walk,” he said, “honoring the shrine while also honoring fire safety and civic responsibility.”

So, the herd remains. Just thinned. n

their wheels. And with the rise in online shopping, people are not as willing to walk through a physical set of doors to find their perfect ride. Even the sales of trendy e-bikes have slowed down significantly in the past two years.

“It’s been a tough couple of years,” Brown said. “All those factors came crashing down on the retail bike shops.”

Unless a Buyer Appears, the 50-Year-Old Shop Will Close

in March

by Callie Fausey

It’s where current owner Ed Brown bought his first bike as a high schooler. He’s an avid mountain biker and, for years, worked at local bike shops, including Open Air and Velo Pro. In 2010, he made the leap and became Open Air’s third owner.

He almost changed the name, he recounted, but that would have been a mistake. “It’s amazing how many people seek us out just because it’s such a long-standing bike shop,” he said.

Brown admitted he feels bad about letting the shop go. But he got married nine months ago. He is ready to retire to his home in Colorado, get back on the wheels, and “bike around the mountains.”

His lease is up on March 31, the shop is expensive, and he’s been doing it for 16 years. He was actually ready to retire three years ago, but the sale fell through. “It’s time,” he said. “I’ve had the shop on the market, on and off, looking for the right person, but just haven’t found that.”

Bike shops everywhere have struggled in recent years due to lingering issues from the pandemic-related boom and bust.

People bought out shop inventories looking for an outdoor hobby during lockdown, but high demand, coupled with shipping and manufacturing delays during that time, made restocking a headache, if not near-impossible.

By the time manufacturers caught up, they had a case of over-production, as many newfound bike hobbyists went back inside and abandoned

Open Air is one of the few remaining local spots that “haven’t gone corporate,” Brown said.

But the business is still there, he assured. They still have 40,000 customers in their database including many that have been loyal to the shop for a long time. People know and love the name.

Brown said he would hate to close the doors permanently, and would prefer to transition to a new owner and show them the ropes. He’s not looking for the money, he said, but rather, to continue the shop’s legacy. The shop just needs the right bike enthusiast to steer it. They have to have “that passion,” Brown said.

“Open Air’s been around so long, it would just be sad the community would miss it,” Brown said.

“I’ve just been doing this for a long time. I’m moving on to greener pastures I mean, literally, five acres in Colorado,” he laughed. “But I would love to be able to pass it on.”

In the meantime, the store is liquidating its stock, with bikes and apparel marked down by as much as 30 to 75 percent. “The bikes are going fast,” Brown noted.

Open Air Bicycles is located at 135 East Carrillo Street. Learn more at openairbicycles.com.

FOOD& DRINK

Will We Benefit When Michelin Guide Does Wine?

Last year, the Michelin Guide announced that it would be turning its attention to the world of wine, with plans to rate wineries around the world on a oneto-three-grape scale. This mirrors the three-star rating system that the tire company launched in 1926 to lure people onto the roads and into the restaurants of France, which rose over the decades to become the world’s most exalted restaurant review platform.

There was little surprise that Michelin was interested in wine, given that the company bought The Wine Advocate in 2019. That was the same year that the Guide started evaluating Central Coast restaurants, giving Santa Barbara County our first stars two years later, with Bell’s in Los Alamos and Sushi | Bar in Montecito making the one-star grade. Since then, Caruso’s and Silvers Omakase joined the one-star club with Bell’s, while Sushi | Bar is no longer on that list. There are also another 20 or so Santa Barbara restaurants listed by the Guide under lesser designations.

In last fall’s announcement, the Michelin Guide explained that its team of behind-the-scenes-but-not-anonymous experts would be reviewing wineries based on five criteria that range from farming and winemaking techniques to the quality of the finished wines. The first regions to be evaluated will be Burgundy and Bordeaux, and it remains unclear when the Guide will reach California, though the odds favor Napa Valley being first.

Despite the somewhat vague plans about the process and the future regions, winemakers in Santa Barbara County were intrigued by the news.

“Santa Barbara County vintners tend to be more focused on farming, winemaking, and direct relationships with consumers than external validation,” said Alison Laslett, the head of the Santa Barbara Vintners. “That said, Michelin carries global credibility, so people are paying attention.”

Keith Saarloos of Saarloos & Sons hopes that if Michelin does show up, the results should simply carry the existing message forward. “It’s exciting because it tells the rest of the world what we already know,” said Saarloos. “Santa Barbara County wine is real. Grown slow. Made by farmers. Built on

family, place, and patience. Michelin doesn’t make us great. It simply notices what’s been happening here all along.”

AJ Fairbanks, the estate director at Crown Point Vineyards, said there’s more curiosity than anything else right now. “Santa Barbara County producers already operate in a crowded landscape of critics, scores, and expert opinions, so there isn’t an automatic impulse to celebrate another layer of evaluation,” he explained.

&BARRELS BYMATTKETTMANN

He wonders how the Guide will approach the already crowded wine review realm. “There’s a healthy skepticism about whether this becomes genuine discovery or simply another re-anointing of the existing hierarchy,” said Fairbanks. “If, however, the Guide highlights wineries where guests can meaningfully engage with worldclass wine tasting it, understanding it, and realistically accessing it then it could become a genuinely useful signal for travelers.” And that, he said, “would resonate strongly with many producers here.”

Questions remain over how the Michelin Guide will select regions to review. The culinary evaluations are in part funded by regional marketing organizations, so there’s an expectation that they may also seek financial support from vintners associations in exchange for coverage.

“That’s all very speculative right now,” explained Laslett. “Until Michelin outlines how wine coverage would work in practice, it’s premature to say what role, if any, regional organizations might play. Any future consideration would depend on transparency, value to producers, and alignment with our mission.”

“We’ve seen a clear crossover between Michelin-recognized restaurants and wine tourism,” said Fairbanks. Explained Laslett, “Santa Barbara appears more frequently in food-focused itineraries and dining-driven travel coverage that references Michelin recognition, particularly in out-of-market contexts where the Guide is used as a planning tool.”

The region is now more regularly grouped with culinary stories featuring Los Angeles or San Francisco, for instance, and people who travel to eat often add wine to their itineraries. “It’s difficult to isolate Michelin as a single causal driver,” she said. “But Michelin recognition has reinforced Santa Barbara’s positioning at a time when culinary travel is an increasingly important motivator.”

Whether the attention would be worth any associated costs remains to be seen. But there is a strong sense that the Michelin Guide’s attention to Central Coast restaurants is helping bring more visitors to the nearby wineries.

Amy Christine of Holus Bolus Wines can’t claim a direct correlation. “But, anecdotally, we do get a lot of people in the tasting room who have reservations at Bell’s for lunch or dinner, and are excited to go,” she said. “I am just not sure if that is what has brought them to Santa Barbara County, or if the wine has brought them, and the food follows. Chicken or egg? Hard to know!”

Of course, if it ever comes, no one seems to think the Michelin Guide’s attention will hurt.

“If and when it happens, inclusion could raise international awareness, particularly among travelers who already rely on Michelin as a trusted source,” said Laslett. But with attention already coming through so many other sources, she clarified that it would be an “additive rather than transformative” recognition.

“Quietly, it is the attention we deserve,” said Saarloos. “I don’t know what the criteria is going to be other than I hope it’s fair and what the consumer has in mind. If they recognize who we truly are without having to change who we are, that would be amazing.”

Travel the Wine World via The Factory’s Portfolio Tastings Travel the Wine World via The Factory’s Portfolio Tastings

Inundated by the excellent and innovative wines of Santa Barbara County and the greater Central Coast, it’s easy even for wine professionals to forget how much excitement is going on across the globe, where boundaries continue to get blown away even in the most ancient regions.

By far the best way to get a taste of the never-ending revolution of modern winemaking is during one of “portfolio tastings” hosted on East Haley Street at The Factory, the event space operated by Satellite S.B. proprietor Drew Cuddy. (You may have been there for the Natural Coast Wine Festival, the fourth annual edition of which goes down on Saturday, April 25. Get tickets at naturalcoast winefest.com.)

Since 2024, Cuddy has invited distributors to pour wines for both wine industry professionals (free, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and then the general public from 4 to 7 p.m., where the $10 fee includes a snack and the chance to taste dozens of wines at your own, self-poured pace. (Satellite wine club members are free.)

To be very clear, this is not a normal opportunity, as distributors typically pour directly for one restaurant owner at a time in a private setting, and then dump the leftovers down the drain. Instead, The Factory’s

How to Taste Globally Renowned Brands in a Casual Setting on Santa Barbara’s East Haley Street

by Matt Kettmann

portfolio tastings benefit all involved.

Distributors can meet with reps from multiple restaurants, bars, hotels, and retailers in one place rather than visiting each location. Those commercial wine buyers, meanwhile, get to see a wider range of wines and do not have to schedule multiple tastings at their establishments.

Best of all, the rest of the wine-loving world can come in after the workday and experience bottles that are otherwise nearly impossible to find. If you like something, you may purchase bottles at presale discounts, which can be picked up later at Satellite S.B.

“With our new space at The Factory, I decided to open up the event space to my favorite wine portfolios, which are almost never seen in Santa Barbara,” explained Cuddy. “It’s a unique format for Santa Barbara and, I think, pretty much anywhere. We want to be the home of wine exploration and education in Santa Barbara!”

I asked Cuddy for more details about this special, Santa Barbara–only experience. The next two are on March 4 with Culture Wine Imports from South Africa and on March 11 with Fabian Jouves and Benjamin Taillandier from Zev Rovine Imports.

When did you start these tastings? We started these tastings as an experiment back in early 2024 with an awesome and pretty exotic import portfolio called Black Lamb, and a dream was born! I can’t believe it, but we’ve hosted 20 of them since 2024.

What sets them apart? As a former wine rep, industry wine buyer, and enthusiast, I’ve always preferred tasting wines in a casual and more self-guided setting where I can taste back-to-back in an efficient and cohesive style. You can experience wine and a wine portfolio so much more clearly by tasting dozens of wines in context with one another. It’s so important to me to get people (both pros and enthusiasts alike) touching and tasting wine. The industry is struggling, and wine can be so expensive, so why not do something radically different? Give people an opportunity to touch and taste a ton of wines from the best portfolios all at once, with snacks, for just $10. It’s literally the best mid-week activity I could imagine for this community.

What can first-timers expect? We usually get 24 to 60 bottles to taste! You’re handed a tasting glass, a spittoon, and an order card formatted like a dim sum menu. The tasting is self-directed, with our team and wine reps on hand to answer any questions about the wines. Wines are available to order that night only for 15 to 35 percent off our normal retail prices, and can be picked up the following week.

Why should Santa Barbara wine lovers seek out bottles beyond our own backyard? Whether professional, enthusiast, student, wannabe wino, or complete novice, these tastings are for the community to experience wine in a new way that’s unusually broad, unrestricted, and personal. I think the best experiences with wine, at least outside of the winery and vineyard, are when we get to touch bottles, talk with experts, keeping it fun and casual.

It’s my dream wine-tasting format and a complete gift from our suppliers for the S.B. community. I invite everyone in the city to come out and try one. We want to take the mystery and pretentiousness out of wine. So, if you’ve got $10, come dive in.

The next two Factory tastings are on March 4 with Culture Wine Imports from South Africa and on March 11 with Fabian Jouves and Benjamin Taillandier from Zev Rovine Imports. Follow online at @thefactory_sb and satellitesb.com.

The Riviera Bar Closes

The Riviera Bar at 20 West Figueroa Street has closed. Their last night of service was February 14. The Riviera Bar opened in July 2021 in the former Sportsman Lounge space and was known for classic cocktails, local wines, and a food menu featuring a signature double cheeseburger, operated by former Paradise Café staff.

LOS ALTOS ON MILPAS TO CLOSE: Reader Brendan alerted me to this closing announcement from Los Altos restaurant at 318 North Milpas Street: “To all of our dear customers: After many wonderful years on Milpas, we have made the difficult decision to close this location due to unforeseen circumstances. While this chapter is coming to an end, we are not saying goodbye. Our Goleta location [at 5892 Hollister Avenue] will remain open, and we truly hope you will continue to visit and support us there.”

FOOD LIAISON IN CARPINTERIA TO CLOSE: A South Coast food spot at 1033 Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria is getting ready to close its storefront. After 13 years, Food Liaison, the locally owned eatery led by Chef Nirasha Rodriguez will serve its final day Friday, February 20. The community is invited to stop by for its final week and enjoy favorites, such as the Crack Bowl Burrito, one more time. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. While the doors may be closing, Chef Nirasha isn’t going anywhere. She’ll be shifting her focus to catering and private events. Chef Nirasha will be on air at KLITE 101.7 on Thursday, February 19, sharing what the future holds. Thanks to reader Duane H. for the tip.

THE BITAR GROUP ACQUIRES THE NOOK: The Nook restaurant, which opened in the Funk Zone in May 2016 at 116 Santa Barbara Street as a part of The Waterline redevelopment project, has been acquired by The Bitar Group. “We took over The Nook on February 1,” proprietors Nicole and Georges Bitar tell me. “No big changes, just improvements. Maybe new adaptations to the neighborhood once we settle in.” Lisa and Michael Amador purchased The Nook in September 2021 from founder Chef Norbert Schulz, so this appears to be the second change of ownership in the last decade. Housed in a blue shipping container inside of the Waterline building, The Nook operates as a counter-service restaurant within the Lama Dog taproom. The Bitar Group has taken over several area iconic restaurants in the last few years, including Via Maestra 42, Milk & Honey, The Palace Grill, and The Chase. The organization also owns the wine bar Via Maestra Enoteca on upper State Street. The Chase restaurant has been renovating over the last year, as part of the recovery process from a fire that occurred in late 2024, and they hope to open soon. “The Chase is coming along great,” says Georges. “We are so close.”

John Dickson’s reporting can be found every day online at SantaBarbara.com. Send tips to info@SantaBarbara.com.

FREE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

PROVIDED BY THE RESOURCE RECOVERY & WASTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS

South Coast Recycling & Transfer Station

4430 Calle Real (805) 681-4345

Mon. - Sat., 7 AM - 5 PM

Santa Ynez Valley Recycling & Transfer Station

4004 Foxen Canyon Road (805) 686-5080

Tues. - Sat., 8:30 AM - 4 PM

E-waste is collected at many locations throughout the County.

Find your closest e-waste recycling location at www.LessIsMore.org

Electronic waste, sometimes called “e-waste”, includes all devices that require electricity to operate. If it plugs in, charges up, or takes batteries, it’s considered e-waste when it breaks.

Electronics are accepted at the County’s transfer stations during all operating hours.

EXAMPLES INCLUDE: Computers

Phones & tablets

TVs, DVD players, & video game consoles

Small appliances

Although they are recyclable, electronics should never go into your trash or recycling bin. They need special handling. When improperly disposed of, electronics can leach heavy metals into the environment or even spark a fire!

Ep. 1, Welcome to Del Playa Drive Ep. 2, Rise and Fall of Development: Student Stories Part 1

Ep. 3, Rise and Fall of Development: Student Stories Part 2

Ep. 4, Political I.V.

Ep. 5, The Quieter Corner Ep. 6, The Cliff’s Edge

All Six Episodes of Welcome to Isla Vista Series are Live: scan here to listen

independent.com/welcome-to-iv Visit or wherever you get your podcasts!

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY by Rob Breszny

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 19

ARIES

(Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Saturn has entered Aries. I see this landmark shift as being potentially very good news for you. Between now and April 2028, you will have enhanced powers to channel your restless heart in constructive directions. I predict you will narrow down your multiple interests and devote yourself to a few resonant paths rather than scattering your intense energy. More than ever before, you can summon the determination to follow through on what you initiate. My Saturn-in-Aries prayer: May you be bold, even brazen, in identifying where you truly belong, and never settle for a half-certain fit.

TAURUS

(Apr. 20-May 20): I am issuing a Wow Advisory. Consider this your high-voltage wonder alert. Your future may offer you thrilling quests and epic exploits that could be unnerving to people who want you to remain the same as you have been. You will have a knack for stirring up liberating encounters with lavish pleasures and rich feelings that transform your brain chemistry. The rousing mysteries you attract into your sphere may send provocative ripples through your own imagination as well as your web of allies. Expect juicy plot twists. Be alert for portals opening in the middle of nowhere.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): In Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, you find anatomical drawings next to flying machine designs, mathematical calculations alongside water flow observations, and philosophical musings interrupted by grocery lists. He moved from painting to engineering to scientific observation as curiosity led him. Let’s make him your inspirational role model for now, Gemini. Disobey categories! Merge categories! Mix and match categories! Let’s assume that your eager mind will create expanded knowledge networks that prove valuable in unexpected ways. Let’s hypothesize that your cheerful rebellion against conventional ways of organizing reality will spawn energizing innovations in your beautiful, mysterious life.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): In falconry, there’s a practice called “weathering.” It involves regularly exposing trained birds to the wild elements so they don’t become too domesticated and lose their wildness. The falconer needs a partner, not a pet. Does that theme resonate, Cancerian? Is it possible that you have been too sheltered lately? Either by your own caution or by well-meaning people who think they’re protecting you? Let’s make sure you stay in touch with the fervent, untamed sides of your nature. How? You could expose yourself to an experience that scares you a little. Take a fun risk you’ve been rationalizing away. Invite touches of rowdiness into your life.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): The loudest noise in history? It was the 1883 volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in Indonesia, heard thousands of miles away. The pressure wave circled the Earth multiple times. I am predicting a benevolent version of a Krakatoa event for you in the coming months. Not literal loudness, but a shiny bright expression of such magnitude that it redefines your world and what people thought was possible from you. Can you be prepared for it? A little. You’ll be wise to cultivate visionary equanimity: a calm willingness to stay focused on the big picture. I predict your big boom will be challenging but ultimately magnificent and empowering.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Buddhism teaches about “near enemies”: qualities that may appear to be virtues but aren’t. For example, pity masquerades as compassion. Clingy attachment pretends to be love. Apathy and indifference pose as equanimity. In the coming weeks, Virgo, I hope you won’t get distracted by near enemies. Your assignment: Investigate whether any of your supposed virtues are actually near enemies. After you’ve done that, find out if any of your so-called negative emotions might harbor interesting powers you could tap into.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Many intelligent people think astrology is dangerous nonsense perpetrated by quacks. For any horoscope writer with an ego, this affront tends to be deflating. Like everyone else, we want to be appreciated. On the other hand, I have found that practicing an art that gets so much disdain has been mostly liberating. It’s impossible for me to get bloated with excess pride. I practice astrology for the joy it affords me, not to garner recognition. So, in a backhanded way, a seemingly disheartening drawback serves as an energizing boon. My prediction is that you, Libra, will soon harvest an analogous turnabout. You will draw strength, even inspiration, from what may ostensibly appear to be a liability.

SCORPIO

From Talking Tools to Metahumans:

From Talking Tools to Metahumans: Social Interaction, Semiotic Skill, and the Authority of AI Chatbots

Social Interaction, Semiotic Skill, and the Authority of AI Chatbots

Webb Keane

February 24, 2026 5:00 p.m.

George Herbert Mead Distinguished University Professor of Anthropology, University of Michigan

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Mycologist Paul Stamets claims mushrooms taught him to think in networks rather than hierarchies. He sees how everything feeds everything else through vast webs of underground filaments. This is Scorpio wisdom at its most scintillating: homing in on the hidden circuitry working below the surface; gauging the way nourishment is distributed incrementally through many collaborative interconnections; seeing the synergy between seemingly separate sources. I hope you will accentuate this mode of understanding in the coming weeks. The key to your soulful success and happiness will be in how well you map the mycelial-like networks, both in the world around you and in your inner depths. PS: For extra credit, study the invisible threads that link your obsessions to each other, your wounds to your gifts, and your rage to your tenderness.

SAGITTARIUS

George Herbert Mead Distinguished University Professor of Anthropology, University of Michigan

Henley Hall Lecture Hall

UC Santa Barbara FREE

The more sophisticated the semiotic skills of chatbots trained on Large Language Models become, the more that they can seem to harbor uncanny insights whose sources are inexplicable, possibly even divine metahumans. Treating Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a metahuman is just an extreme case of something more general, the projection of authority onto enigmatic technology. This authority emerges from the pragmatics of social interaction. What makes this character of AI seem intuitively real is due, in part, to the ways humans and metahumans address one another on semiotically unequal grounds.

The more sophisticated the semiotic skills of chatbots trained on Large Language Models become, the more that they can seem to harbor uncanny insights whose sources are inexplicable, possibly even divine metahumans. Treating Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a metahuman is just an extreme case of something more general, the projection of authority onto enigmatic technology. This authority emerges from the pragmatics of social interaction. What makes this character of AI seem intuitively real is due, in part, to the ways humans and metahumans address one another on semiotically unequal grounds.

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The peregrine falcon dives at speeds exceeding 240 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on Earth. But before the dive, there’s often a period of circling, scanning, and waiting. The spectacular descent is set up by the patient reconnaissance that precedes it. I believe you’re now in a phase similar to the falcon’s preparatory reconnaissance, Sagittarius. The quality of your eventual plunge will depend on how well you’re tracking your target now. Use this time to gather intelligence, not to second-guess your readiness. You’ll know when your aim is true.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There’s a certain miracle you could really use right now, Capricorn. But to attract it into your life would require a subtle and simple shift. In a related development, the revelation you need most is concealed in plain sight. To get these two goodies into your life, you shouldn’t make the error of seeking them in exotic locales. Ordinary events in the daily routine will bring you what you need: the miracle and the revelation that will change everything for the better.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Over the last 4,000 years, a host of things have been used as money in addition to precious metals and paper currency. Among them have been cows, seashells, cheese, tobacco, velvet, tulips, elephant tusks, and huge stone wheels. I hope this poetic fact will inspire your imagination about financial matters. In the coming weeks, I expect you’ll be extra creative in drumming up new approaches to getting the cash you need. Here are questions to guide you. Which of your underused talents might be ready to boost your income? What undervalued gifts could you be more aggressive about giving? What neglected treasures or underutilized assets could you use to generate money?

PISCES

(Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Big, bright transitions are at hand: from thrashing around in the educational mire to celebrating your sweet escape; from wrangling with shadows and ghosts to greeting new allies; from messing around with interesting but confounding chaos to seizing fresh opportunities to shine and thrive. Hallelujah! What explains this exhilarating shift? The Season of Dazzling Self-Adoration is dawning for you Pisceans. In the weeks ahead, you will be inspired to embark on bold experiments in loving yourself with extra fervor and ingenuity.

The more sophisticated the semiotic skills of chatbots trained on Large Language Models become, the more that they can seem to harbor uncanny insights whose sources are inexplicable, possibly even divine metahumans. Treating Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a metahuman is just an extreme case of something more general, the projection of authority onto enigmatic technology. This authority emerges from the pragmatics of social interaction. What makes this character of AI seem intuitively real is due, in part, to the ways humans and metahumans address one another on semiotically unequal grounds.

Webb Keane is a social-cultural and linguistic anthropologist.

Webb Keane

Webb Keane is a social-cultural and linguistic anthropologist. His writings cover social and cultural theory and the ethnography and history of Southeast Asia. Keane’s interests include semiotics, language, religion, ethics, and technology. His books include Signs of Recognition, Christian Moderns, Ethical Life, and Animals, Robots, Gods

George Herbert Mead Distinguished University Professor of Anthropology, University of Michigan

February 24, 2026 5:00 p.m.

Henley Hall Lecture Hall UC Santa Barbara Free and open to the public

February 24, 2026 5:00 p.m.

Henley Hall Lecture Hall

Webb Keane is a social-cultural and linguistic anthropologist. His writings cover social and cultural theory and the ethnography and history of Southeast Asia. Keane’s interests include semiotics, language, religion, ethics, and technology. His books include Signs of Recognition, Christian Moderns, Ethical Life, and Animals, Robots, Gods.

For more information, visit https://www.cappscenter.ucsb.edu/

UC Santa Barbara Free and open to the public

media has become one of thev most powerful tools for civic engagement — but only when it’s used intentionally. In this

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PROFESSIONAL

A&L MARKETING

SPECIALIST

ARTS AND LECTURES OFFICE

Reporting to UCSB Arts & Lectures’ Marketing Manager, the Marketing Specialist provides a broad range of marketing and event functions in support of Arts & Lectures. Responsibilities include general marketing, graphic design, logistical planning, preparatory work and staffing private and public events. This position supports the marketing team’s implementation of innovative multi‑channel marketing strategies for its individual performances, films, lectures and special events. A&L is a large, robust, complex, primarily self‑supporting, non‑academic unit that supports the academic mission of the university. A&L is the largest presenting organization between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and is one of the most visible, public‑facing departments at UCSB. Through more than 150 events annually, A&L partners with faculty and academic departments, community organizations and leaders, university administrators, philanthropists and funders to create opportunities that integrate with and complement university curricula and create community connections. The Marketing department is responsible for generating more than $2.5 million dollars in revenue annually for the organization’s $10 million plus budget. Using independent judgment and maintaining a superior level of professionalism and initiative, provides direct analytical and administrative support to A&L’s Marketing Team. Discretion and superior judgment required; this position serves as a direct conduit to public messaging and external communications. Platforms include print and electronic media, email communications,

social media, direct mail and direct communication with patrons, donors, and University VIPs. Provides general support for Marketing in the areas of graphics (flyers, inserts, emails, ads, web banners, sliders, video/gifs, event invitations); e‑marketing/e‑newsletter content creation (i.e. general marketing, event time reminders, invitations and follow‑ups); website and mobile application updates (event copy, sponsors, education/class requirements and general updates); list management for e‑marketing and direct mail marketing and solicitations; social media content creation; reporting on sales, analysis and comparisons; distribution of flyers and brochure/calendar deliveries (non USPS) on and off campus; online calendar management; advertising insertions and promotional copy (digital, print, radio); distribution of marketing assets to associated partners; research and promotions with campus departments; compiling campus communications. Coordinates with A&L Marketing and Programming Managers to compile content for program books and ensures accuracy of content in A&L materials. Researches, solicits and secures program advertising. Researches and secures copyright and other legal clearances for publications. Manages marketing archives and assets (brochures, programs, graphics, etc.). Reqs: Bachelor’s Degree in related area and/ or equivalent experience and training; 1‑3 yrs experience with video editing, image editing and graphic design, copywriting, copyediting, archiving, email marketing, social media marketing and CRM databases‑Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, Premiere Pro ‑Basic; willingness and ability to work evenings and weekend; basic analytical and research skills and aptitude to increase or expand in this area; excellent professional writing and communication skills; ability to work under multiple deadlines and handle competing priorities adeptly; highly developed organizational and information management skills. Notes: Satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted Salary Range: $28.88 to $35.00/hr. Full Salary Range: $28.88 to $49.76/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job #84272

ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST

CAMPUS DINING

Manages and reports on income and expenses for Campus Dining’s Retail Operations. Reviews and verifies reconciliation of expense ledgers and ensures that expenses are properly identified, classified, and balanced to the monthly P&L statement. Reports on operational statistics and creates projections on historical data, current demographics, and planned capital expenditures. Provides liaison leadership to departmental units as well as to UCen Accounting and ARIT departments with recommendations and analysis in the areas of labor,

accounting, purchasing, and technical equipment. Works closely with Campus Dining’s Retail managers/ asst. directors (9) to assist in budget development, recommends cost cutting strategies, provides data on sales history per day or month, assists managers with measuring labor vs. sales per hour to attain or exceed budgeted goals. Researches technical equipment (hardware/software, printers, POS) and makes decisions on selection and purchasing. Oversees 30 computerized and 4 non‑computerized registers and administers 4 different operating platforms. Knowledgeable on each system’s hardware and software and is able to troubleshoot when problems occur. Works with a high level of proficiency in Excel, CBORD menu, inventory; and all other software utilized by Campus Dining Retail Operations. Trains employees in the use of all software and hardware. Performs analysis on bids for all food, non‑food, and leased tenant operations that are part of an RFQ or RFP process. Reqs: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or Accounting or equivalent combination of education and experience. At least 3‑5 years of experience in a finance/accounting/ retail role. Advanced proficiency in Excel, foodservice menu software, and inventory. Able to perform analysis on bids for all food and non‑food. Strong analytical and organizational skills and the ability to multitask. Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to connect and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels. Or equivalent combination of education and experience. Notes: Work hours/ days may vary. Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/

Budgeted Salary Range: $71,600/yr

‑$80,000/yr Posting Salary Range: $71,600/yr ‑$85,000/yr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job #82959

ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER

CAMPUS DINING

Helps in the coordination of administrative services for a dining common with 45 career staff and 120‑170 student staff who prepare and serve meals for up to 1,900 customers daily and has an annual budget of up to $3 million. Duties include hiring, payroll and benefit transactions for student staff, running CBord Menu Management System reports, using the Timekeeping System to schedule student staff and troubleshoot payroll problems and assisting with the training of student office assistants. Maintains a working knowledge of any systems used at the lobby for service and customer entry, reporting any issues that need additional attention to the management team. Serves as a backup in the absence of the Office Manager. Reqs: High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience. 1‑3 years experience working in an office environment and knowledge in using Word and Excel. Or equivalent

Reaching 68,000 Readers Each Week

combination of education and experience. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check. Work hours/days may vary. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $25.38/hr ‑ $29.47/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job #84120

COOK

CAMPUS DINING

Performs culinary duties such as preparing soups and casseroles, grilling, roasting or barbecuing foods, working a sauté station, and preparing and assembling made‑to‑order entrees serving up to 1,500 meals per shift. Ensures that assigned responsibilities are accomplished and that high standards of food quality, service, sanitation and safety are met at all times. Assists with student training, food production and sanitation. Reqs: High School or equivalent combination of education and experience. 1‑3 years culinary experience in a high‑volume culinary environment, or 1‑3 years knowledge of and experience with culinary techniques, including but not inclusive of sauteing, grilling, frying, steaming, preparing sauces and stocks, or Or equivalent combination of education and experience. Notes: Satisfactory criminal history background check. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work standing for up to 8 hours per day. Work hours/days may vary. Pay Rate/Range: $25.00/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job #84318

GRADUATE ADVISOR

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Under the general supervision of the Student Affairs Manager (SAM) and in cooperation with the Undergraduate Advising team, supports all aspects of the Computer Science graduate program. Coordinates and manages the graduate admissions program, advises approximately 200 graduate students and 600 undergraduate students on a wide variety of issues, including requirements for graduate admissions, program requirements and options, grades, courses, financial aid, petitions, leaves, exam schedules, housing, cost of living, community issues, employment, and other personal and academic issues related to their welfare. Position requires extensive knowledge of University and Graduate Division

policies and procedures regarding graduate and undergraduate student affairs, and requires the ability to interpret regulations from various administrative offices to students and faculty. Displays extensive teamwork and cooperation in the performance of the position’s duties within the Student Affairs Area by assisting with the on‑going workload and acting independently when the Student Affairs Manager and Undergraduate Advisors are unavailable. Reqs: Bachelor’s Degree required in a related area and / or equivalent experience; 1‑3 yrs Experience working in a diverse College‑level academic advising setting; Ability to multi‑task and prioritize tasks in conjunction with multiple deadlines; Ability in problem identification, reasoning, and develop original ideas to solve problems; Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening and the ability to professionally interact with students, staff, and faculty; Ability to handle sensitive situations with diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality. Notes: Satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check. Hiring/ Budgeted Salary Range: $25.77 to $31.48/hr. Full Salary Range: $25.77 to $43.58/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job #84244

NETWORK / SYSTEMS TECHNICAL SUPPORT ANALYST

University of California Education Abroad Program

Reporting to the Senior Network and Systems Administrator, this role designs and manages highly complex Local Area Networks (LANs) at the Systemwide Office and Study Centers abroad, integrating local and remote servers, cloud‑based services, desktops, laptops, and communication devices to support operations across UCEAP’s distributed environment. The position coordinates with the CIO/ Director of IT on network priorities and goals, assists with developing and monitoring the IT information systems and network operations budget, policies, and procedures, and provides leadership in planning, technical oversight, and standards for IT network and desktop operations at the Systemwide Office and international offices. The role is responsible for planning, developing, and managing complex, multi‑domain Microsoft Windows Active Directory infrastructures and ensuring smooth operations of UCEAP’s 24/7 technical services and applications across distributed environments. Required qualifications include an AA/AS or BA/ BS in a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience/ training) and 4+ years of experience with Active Directory Domain Services (including DNS and Group Policy), Microsoft Server administration and security, and PowerShell scripting, as well as experience conducting hardware and software testing, analyzing results,

and producing recommendation reports; providing technical and administrative work direction; and developing and delivering formal technical training to users at varying skill levels. Candidates should have working knowledge of Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls; strong technical support skills for configuring, troubleshooting, and supporting end‑user systems (desktop, laptop, and mobile devices); the ability to develop and execute test plans; broad knowledge of IT products and services and enterprise system dependencies; in‑depth understanding of server internals for troubleshooting and isolating issues; advanced skill creating technical documentation for complex processes and applications; working knowledge of organizational computer requirements and security policies/standards; and strong problem‑solving skills and judgment, including knowing when to escalate issues appropriately. Technical knowledge required includes thorough familiarity with Windows Server (2008, 2016), networking protocols and standards (Ethernet, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, SMTP, SNMP), and core enterprise services and applications such as Active Directory, Exchange Server, IIS, SQL Server, clustering, file/print services, backup/restore technologies, Group Policy, and PowerShell, along with Dell hardware, Microsoft Office Suite, and datacenter operations, plus experience installing, configuring, and maintaining server hardware and network environments, using performance tuning and monitoring tools, applying hands‑on troubleshooting techniques, and deploying Microsoft servers and clusters. Additional working knowledge includes Hyper‑V infrastructure, Windows Server administration and integration, Cisco and Dell switching and

Continued on p. 54

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crosswordpuzzle

ByMattJones

60. “___ called to say I love you ...”

61. 2018 Super Bowl number

62. One-on-one student

63. “Ghostbusters” actress Annie

64. ___ Gala (annual NYC event)

Down

1. Dermatitis type

2. Faces courageously

3. Like some youthful charm

4. “Je t’___” (“I love you,” in French)

5. Lab evidence

The NBA’s Hawks, on a scoreboard 7. Aforementioned

Ginza’s city

Burgers” daughter

Disinclined (to)

Chips with a Chili Cheese variety 10. Crosses the International Date Line, perhaps 11. “I’ve made my move”

Celebrity gossip website

Buckeyes’ sch.

Extreme degree

Alma mater of Laura Bush, briefly

Harlem Renaissance author ___ Neale Hurston

Squares up

“Filthy” money

“WarGames” org.

56. Youngest of a set of comedic film brothers

59. “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” author Fannie

“Caprica” actor Morales

Fall behind

EMPLOYMENT (CONT.)

server functions, PerfMon and third‑party monitoring/alerting tools, security best practices, mobile computing technologies, virtual desktop deployments, and cloud technologies including Azure, Office 365, and cloud backup, as well as demonstrated project management skills. The role requires the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high‑pressure environment, research system issues and evaluate products as needed, communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical audiences verbally and in writing, work with personnel at various levels, and elicit and clearly convey technical and non‑technical information. Notes: This position requires some work outside regular business hours and may periodically require responding to system emergencies and critical issues outside regular hours; a satisfactory criminal history background check is required. Salary: The budgeted salary range is $80,974.39 to $91,169.05 per year, with a full salary range of $80,974.39 to $136,441.59 per year. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Open until filled. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu, Job # 84166

Responsible for performing skilled painting tasks for University owned Residential Halls/Housing and its related buildings at on and off campus locations as outlined below, and may be assigned other duties (including those in other craft areas) to accomplish the operational needs of the department. In compliance with HDAE goals and objectives, affirms and implements the department Educational Equity Plan comprised of short and long term objectives that reflect a systematic approach to preparing both students and staff for a success in a multi‑cultural society. Work in an environment, which is ethnically diverse and culturally pluralistic. Works effectively in a team environment. Reqs: 4+ years demonstrated work in the painter trade, showing multiple skills within the paint trade. Similar type apartment paintwork experience as well as paint applications to wood and stucco buildings. Knowledge and ability to perform interior and exterior wall repairs to various wall types such as drywall, wire lath, and plaster and stucco. Ability to safely erect, work on, and or operate scaffolding, high ladders, various lifts, power washers, airless and HVLP spray systems, and air compressors. Ability to meet critical timelines and work independently or in teams. Must have effective communication skills. Ability to interact as a team member with sensitivity towards a multi‑cultural work environment. Notes: May be required to work schedules other than 7:30AM ‑ 4:30PM Monday ‑ Friday, to meet the operational needs of the department. Required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies and procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. Satisfactory criminal history background check. Pay Rate/ Range: $44.90/hr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job #84217

PROJECT MANAGER

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

SERVICES

Is the University representative responsible for all aspects of the administration and oversight of Capital Improvement Projects, and of deferred maintenance and major infrastructure upgrade projects. Projects range widely in size, complexity, scope and contract value. The Project Manager has the authority to independently interpret contracts, negotiate changes in the Work, hire and manage professional consultants, oversee development of plans and specifications, create budgets and manage expenses, direct the work of project support staff, serve as liaison with all campus departments, and obtain project approvals and permits. These activities are executed within the framework of University policy and pertinent local, state and federal laws and codes. The Project Manager is responsible for all aspects of the programming, design, bid and construction process and must possess advanced project management skills to effectively manage complex projects with critical timelines. Execution of assigned duties requires frequent problem solving and a high degree of autonomy in decision making while also working collaboratively with clients, consultants, contractors and other campus departments. Reqs: Bachelor’s Degree required In Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field. 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in the area of project management of capital improvement projects. Demonstrated experience with managing new construction and renovation of office, classroom, laboratory, infrastructure, housing and/or athletic facilities preferably within a University environment or other Public Works domain. Demonstrated ability to manage: project scope, schedule and budget professional services and construction agreements development of and compliance with plans and specifications contractor coordination. Knowledge of business and fiscal analysis, processes, and techniques related to project management and the ability to analyze data and make accurate cost projections. Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn and apply University policies and procedures. Excellent communication skills with an ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing, and ability to apply a high level of judgment and discretion. Demonstrated ability to use a variety of computer applications including project management and scheduling software. Notes: Hours and days may vary to meet the operational needs of the department. May need to travel up to 5% to job sites or other areas for training. Required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies and procedures, and/ or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. For multi‑hire positions: Some positions filled under this posting may be required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program. Satisfactory criminal history background check. Hiring/Budgeted Salary Range: $135,000.00 to $155,000.00/year. Full Salary Range: $97,200.00 to $182,000.00/year. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Open until filled. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job #84314

LEGALS

LEGAL NOTICES

ADMINISTER OF ESTATE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF: JANE MINERVA NELSON No.: 25PR00645

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: JANE MINERVA NELSON

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: DAWN NELSON in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.

THE PETITION requests that (name): DAWN NELSON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 03/12/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ANACAPA DIVISION

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 12/23/2026 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Alexandra Y. Chambers; Law Offices of April M. Lavigne, PC, 5290 Overpass Rd. Suite 122, Santa Barbara, CA 93111; 805‑881‑1230 Published: Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF: TIMOTHY FORBES

JOHNSON No.: 26PR00042

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: TIMOTHY FORBES

JOHNSON A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: SHERI BERNSTEIN in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.

THE PETITION requests that (name): SHERI BERNSTEIN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The

Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 03/26/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ANACAPA DIVISION

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 02/06/2026 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Timothy R. Deakyne; 317 East Carrillo Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑324‑4009

Published: Feb 12, 19, 26 2026.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF: NORMA J. DI MAURO

aka NORMA J. DIMAURO CASE No.: 26PR00044

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: NORMA J. DI MAURO

aka MORMA J. DIMAURO

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: MARIE DI MAURO in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.

THE PETITION requests that (name): MARIE DI MAURO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 03/26/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street PO Box 21107 Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Anacapa Division.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to

consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 1/27/2025 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Paola Delgadillo; Reetz, Fox, & Bartlett LLP; 116 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑965‑0523

Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROBIN M. FRANKS No.: 26PR00066

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: ROBIN M. FRANKS A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: RAVEN ODION in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.

THE PETITION requests that (name): RAVEN ODION be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The Independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/09/2026 AT 9:00 a.m. Dept: SB 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, located at 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ANACAPA DIVISION

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58 (b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE‑154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special notice form is available from the court clerk. Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer 02/13/2026 by Monica Buenrostro, Deputy. Attorney for Petitioner: Jeffrey B. Soderborg, Esq.; 317 East Carrillo Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805‑963‑8612 Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

BULK SALE

NOTICE IS hereby given that between February 13 and February 22, 2026, at www.StorageTreasures.com, the undersigned, State Street Storage (4001 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93110), will sell at public sale by competitive bidding the personal property heretofore stored with the undersigned by the following occupant(s):

Unit #2324 – 4x10 – Maxwell Millman Duffel bags (x5), skateboards (x4), snowboard bag, computer monitors (x3), refrigerator, TV, Stereo Speakers, PS4 video games, clothes, Mac laptop and keyboard, Epson projector.

Unit #3249 – 5x10 – John Langlo Bike, plastic crates (x6), large crate, wheelchair clothing, mattress, and bedding.

We encourage the occupants to contact us immediately to resolve the balance and avoid the sale; redemption is available any time before the sale is completed by paying the full amount due.

FBN

ABANDONMENT

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

The following Fictitious Business Name is being abandoned: DELICATE FINDINGS: 806 East Haley Street, #C Santa Barbara, CA 93103 The original statement for use of this Fictitious Business Name was filed 7/12/2019 in the County of Santa Barbara. Original File no. FBN 2019‑0001685. The persons or entities abandoning use of this name are as follows: Ellen Mendoza PO Box 30584 Santa Barbara, CA 93130 The business was conducted by an A Individual. Registrant commenced to tranact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 06, 2014 Signed by: ELLEN

MENDOZA/OWNER Filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 1/20/26, FBN 2026‑0000134 E30. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in the Office of the County Clerk, Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26.

FICTITIOUS

BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2026‑0000118

The following person(s) is doing business as: FERGUSON HOME, 602 E. MONTECITO ST, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103, County of SANTA BARBARA. FERGUSON ENTERPRISES, LLC, 751 LAKEFRONT COMMONS, NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23606; VA

This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on NOV 3, 2025 /s/ IAN T. GRAHAM, MANAGER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 01/15/2026.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/26

CNS‑4007136# SANTA BARBARA

INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN2026‑0000141

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:

1. ACA LLC, 2. Alan Caren & Associates LLC, 4849 3RD STREET, CARPINTERIA, CA 93013 County of SANTA BARBARA

Mailing Address: 4849 3RD STREET, CARPINTERIA, CA 93013

Alan Caren & Associates LLC, 4849 3RD STREET, CARPINTERIA, CA 93013

This business is conducted by a limited liability company

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/1/2026. Alan Caren & Associates LLC S/ Michael Unwin, Managing Member

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 01/21/2026.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/26

2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2026‑0000014. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ENERGIZED solutions: 5381 Parejo Dr Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Michael A Martins (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/23/2025. Filed by: MICHAEL A MARTINS/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 8, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000038. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE DUCT PLUG COMPANY: 225 W Quinto St D Santa Barbara, CA 93105; The Randal J Lynch (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 1, 2026. Filed by: RANDAL J LYNCH with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 20, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000131. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: WILDLAND PRO, BULLKELP BEDROLLS: 2353 Hollister St Los Olivos, CA 93441; Ganibi Holdings LLC PO Box 1314 Santa Ynez, CA 93460 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 1, 2020. Filed by: PETER GANIBI/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 22, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000159. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: THE WINSTON: 486 1st Street Solvang, CA 93463; GF Old Mill, LLC 2082 <ichelson Drive, 4th Floor Irvine, CA 92612 This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 17, 2019. Filed by: MICHAEL B. EARL/ MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 22, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000157. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: FIRSTCLASS LAB SERVICE: 601 E Micheltorena St Unit 69 Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Naseem Barati (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 20, 2026. Filed by: NASEEM BARATI/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 20, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E49. FBN Number: 2026‑0000138. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS

CNS‑4007006# SANTA BARBARA

INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 805 ENGINE WORKS LLC: 14000 Calle Real Santa Barbara, CA 93117; 805 Engine Works LLC PO Box 1795 Goleta, CA 93116 This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: DANIEL JOSEPH LARA/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 5,

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

LEGALS (CONT.)

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/

are doing business as: WEDDINGS BY THE SEA: 12833 Landale Street Studio City, CA 91604; Catherine A Forester (same address)

This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 28, 2016. Filed by:

CATHERINE FORESTER/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 9, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000061. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GOLETA ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS CLINIC: 5266 Hollister Ave, Suite 204 Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Daijing I. Wang (same address)

This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Aug 05, 2008. Filed by: DAIJING WANG/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 15, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E66. FBN Number: 2026‑0000110. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: WINSTON PROPER: 7015 Marketplace Drive, #1077 Goleta, CA 93117; Shannon M Blomst (same address)

This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 05, 2026. Filed by: SHANNON BLOMST/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 8, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2026‑0000056. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WARMSTONE ESTATES, WARMSTONE COMMERCIAL: 351 Paseo Nuevo, Floor 2 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Warmstone, Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 30, 2025. Filed by: MICHAEL WARM/OFFICER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 5, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2026‑0000013. Published: Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. FBN 2026‑0000041

The following person(s) is doing business as: My Tours, 745 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, County of Santa Barbara. Richard Tubiolo, 745 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

This business is conducted by An Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable /s/ Richard Tubiolo This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 01/08/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12/26

CNS‑4005494#

SANTA BARBARA

INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SIBEN ELECTRIC: 5729 Encina Rd, Apt 101 Goleta, CA 93117; Brendan Matthew Siben (same address)

This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 24, 2026. Filed by: BRENDAN SIBEN with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 29, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000267. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. FBN2025‑0002952

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Mo’s To Go, 5320 Carpinteria Ave Ste G, Carpinteria, CA 93013 County of SANTA BARBARA

MOMENTUM WORK, INC., 5320 Carpinteria Ave Ste G, Carpinteria, CA 93013

This business is conducted by a Corporation

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 07/01/2025.

MOMENTUM WORK, INC.

S/ Judy Linares, Director

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 12/31/2025. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/26 CNS‑4006315# SANTA BARBARA

INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: DRAINMASTERS PLUMBING AND DRAIN CLEANING INC, THE PLUMBING GUYS INC: 716 N Ventura Rd, Ste 119 Oxnard, CA 93030; Drainmasters Plumbing And Drain Cleaning (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 01, 2013. Filed by: BALTAZAR LOPEZ/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 28, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000244. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SIERRA NICOLE AESTHETICS 7334 Hollister Ave, Unit K Goleta, CA 93117; Sierra Laughner 126 Kamala Way, Goleta, CA 93117. This business is conducted by An Individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: SIERRA LAUGHNER/MS with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 16, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland,

ADVERTISING

County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2026‑0000123. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AMERICAN PARAGLIDING 315 Meigs Rd, #A374, Santa Barbara, CA 93109; Chad J Bastian (Same Address). This business is conducted by An Individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 23, 2026. Filed by: CHAD J BASTIAN with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 29, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000278. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: RIVIERA HAND

THERAPY 2512 Bath Street Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Kate Saley (same address) Heather Van Buren (same address). This business is conducted by An Copartners. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: KATE SALEY/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 27, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000219. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: OA CONSULTING 1130 E Clark Ave Ste 150‑121, 150121 Santa Maria, CA 93455; Susan E Gibbons PO Box 5635 Santa Maria, CA 93456. This business is conducted by An Individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 26, 2021. Filed by:

SUSAN GIBBONS/OA CONSULTANT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 28, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E4. FBN Number: 2026‑0000238. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LINK INTERGRATED HEALTHCARE 2323 De La Vina St 205 Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Link Neuroscience Institute, P.C. 1700 N Rose Ave. Suite

470 Oxnard, CA 93030. This business is conducted by An Corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 01, 2025. Filed by:

AKINWUNMI ONI‑ORISAN/SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000302. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JARROTT & CO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS, LLC 821 Paseo Alicante Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Jarrott & Co Real Estate Investments, LLC (same address) This business is conducted by An Limited Liability Company. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 30, 2019. Filed by:

MARGARET S JARROTT/MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 28, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E35. FBN Number: 2026‑0000243. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: JARROTT & CO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS, LLC 821 Paseo Alicante Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Leonard S Jarrott (same address) Margaret S Jarrott (same address) This business is conducted by An Copartners. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: MARGARET S JARROTT/CO‑OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000311. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: CONNECTED PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COACHING 301 East Carrillo Street, Suite A Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Natalie Alderson (Same Address). This business is conducted by An Individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Dec 30, 2025. Filed by:

SHANNA RAE BENSKIN with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 05, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2026‑0000012. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SOUTHERN CENTRAL COAST HEATING AND AIR: 1120 N Nopal Street 30 Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Josue Moctezuma (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 2026. Filed by: JOSUE MOCTEZUMA with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000167. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE VINLAND HOTEL & LOUNGE: 1455 Mission Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93463; FLT Vinland Hotel, LLC 2082 Michelson Drive, 4th Floor Irvine, CA 92612 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 14, 2019. Filed by: JACQUELINE RAFFAELE/VICE PRESIDENT/MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E4. FBN Number: 2026‑0000310. Published: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: MORI MOUSSE: 110 Santa Rosa Dr Vandenberg SFB, CA 92660; Mori Mousse LLC 2618 San Miguel Dr 372 Newport Beach, CA 92660 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 27, 2026. Filed by: ROBERT LEWIS/MANAGER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000279. Published: Feb 5, 12,

19, 26 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: KELLER WILLIAMS SAN LUIS OBISPO, KW SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, KELLER WILLIAMS VENTURA COUNTY, KW VENTURA COUNTY, KELLER WILLIAMS TRI‑COUNTY, KW TRI‑COUNTY: 1511 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Keller Williams Realty Santa Barbara (same address)This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: NICHOLAS RESENDEZ/SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 22, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000166. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. FBN2026‑0000255

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:

1. Niah, 2. TLOTW Choir Studio, 3. LLDM Estudio de Coro, 260 Harsin Lane, Santa Maria, CA 93455 County of SANTA BARBARA Mailing Address: 260 Harsin lane, Santa Maria, CA 93455 Cielo Records, 260 Harsin lane, Santa Maria, CA 93455

This business is conducted by a limited liability company

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/14/2026. Cielo Records S/ Tamara Mau, CEO/Manager

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 01/29/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5/26

CNS‑4009729#

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN2026‑0000324

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: COASTLINE EQUIPMENT, 6242

PARAMOUNT BLVD., LONG BEACH, CA 90805 County of SANTA BARBARA BRAGG INVESTMENT COMPANY, INC., 6242

PARAMOUNT BLVD., LONG BEACH, CA 90805 This business is conducted by a Corporation The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/01/1986. COASTLINE EQUIPMENT S/ M. SCOTT BRAGG, PRESIDENT

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 02/02/2026.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5/26

CNS‑4009934# SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

File No. FBN2026‑0000300

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: VIKING MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION, 2381 A STREET, SANTA MARIA, CA 93455 County of SANTA BARBARA VIKING MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION, LLC, 2381 A STREET, SANTA MARIA, CA 93455;State of Inc./Org./Reg.: DELAWARE

This business is conducted by a limited liability company

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 14, 2026. S/ SPRAGUE COOK, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 01/30/2026. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5/26

CNS‑4010388# SANTA BARBARA

INDEPENDENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: PAINTED GEMS: 2124 De La Vina St Unit A Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Kevin Chapman (same address) Jackie Chapman (same address) This business is conducted by A Married Couple commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: JACKIE CHAPMAN/BUSINESS PARTNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 22, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland,

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LEGALS (CONT.)

County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number:

2026‑0000162. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT

The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: BRAZILIAN VIBE

DANCE & FITNESS: 5414 San Patricio Dr Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Cristiane Dias Cunha (same address) This business is conducted by A Married Couple commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Nov 1, 2025. Filed by:

CRISTIANE DIAS CUNHA/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 29, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000257. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAFE HAVEN

PEDISTRICS: 321 N Calle Cesar Chavez Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Kristen Anne Hughes Medical, Professional Corporation (same address) This business is conducted by A Corproation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: KRISTEN HUGHES/ PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 02, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000322. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: HAPPY PLANET:

7151 Emily Lane Goleta, CA 93117; For A Happy Planet (same address) This business is conducted by A Corproation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 1, 2026. Filed by: STEPHEN LEWIS/CFO, SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 29, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000285. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ERADICATE SLAVERY ALLIANCE: 1187 Coast Village Road, Suite 101 Santa Barbara, CA 93108; Empowerment Works, Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corproation commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Oct 1, 2024. Filed by: JOLENE SMITH/VICE PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E4. FBN Number: 2026‑0000308. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: WILE N ORDER: 112 W Ortega Street B‑2 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Nichole S Warson (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 23, 2026. Filed by: NICKY WARSON/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 23,

2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E4. FBN Number: 2026‑0000181. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SB ELECTRIC: 610 W De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Sergio S Favela (same address)

This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 21, 2026. Filed by: SERGIO S FAVELA with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 29, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000251. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: LISELLE MUSIC: 5407 Tree Farm Lane, Unit 102, Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Cathedral Oaks Media LLC (same address)This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 2026. Filed by: LISELLE WILSNAGH/ MANAGING MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 29, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000251. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

CA 93111; Isaac Mackenzie L Herrick (same address)This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: MACKENZIE HERRICK/ OWNER/CEO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 08, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000251. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SANTA BARBARA SEARCH AND RESCUE FOUNDATION: 1111 Chapala St, Suite 200 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Santa Barbara Foundation (same address)This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: JAQUELINE CARERA/ PRESIDENT & CEO with the County Clerk

of Santa Barbara County on Jan 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000307. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: TRADITIONAL ROOFING: 510 Castillo St. Suite 310 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; GSB Roofing, LLC PO Box 21543 Santa Barbara, CA 93121 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 27, 2026. Filed by: ANDI LESEC/ CONTROLLER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 08, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000295. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: LEVELEX: In Calle Cesar Chavez 11 Santa Barbara, CA 93103; PM & RC Builders, Inc Santa Barbara, CA 93121 This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on May 16, 2014. Filed by: ANDI LESEC/ CONTROLLER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 08, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E24. FBN Number: 2026‑0000254. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SERVICEMASTER ANYTIME: In Calle Cesar Chavez 11 Santa Barbara, CA 93103; SMANYTIME, INC. Po Box 787 Santa Barbara, CA 93102 This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS CALLING FOR BIDS

transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jul 16, 2009. Filed by: ANDI LESEC/ CONTROLLER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000297. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: THE CHANTICLAIR: 113 West De La Guerra Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Fuyu Group, LLC 115 West De La Guerra Santa Barbara, CA 93101 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 23, 2026. Filed by: JOHN DEWILDE/ GENERAL PARTNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received for a bid opening by the Santa Barbara Unified School District at the Administration Office, 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101, not later than:

Bid opening will be held on March 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. for the Santa Barbara Junior High School Roofing Upgrades (“Project”).

A mandatory job walk and pre-bid conference will be conducted on March 4, 2026, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Meet at Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 East Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, at the flagpole in front of the school. Bids will not be accepted from contractors not attending the mandatory job walk and prebid conference. Prospective Bidders arriving after the above-designated starting time for a mandatory job walk and pre-bid conference shall be disqualified from submitting a bid for this project. Plans and specifications will be on file and available to view and purchase on or as soon as possible after the mandatory job walk and pre-bid conference through Cybercopy at https://www.cybercopyusa.com/

W

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MONTECITO HANDY MAN: 2128 Modoc Rd, #E, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Isaac Abraham Vargas (same address)This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 08, 2026. Filed by: ISAAC VARGAS/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 08, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E76. FBN Number: 2026‑0000251. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

The deadline for pre-bid questions or clarification requests is March 13, 2026. All questions are to be in writing and directed to the Project Architect/Engineer, Robert Robles, Robert Robles Architecture Inc., at rr@ robertroblesarch.com

CLEARLY MARK BID RESPONSE ENVELOPE WITH TIME/DATE OF BID OPENING AND PROJECT NAME. Bids so received shall be opened and publicly read aloud at the Santa Barbara Unified School District Administration Office, 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101. All bids shall be made on the forms provided in the specifications, and each bid must conform to the Contract Documents. Each bid shall be accompanied by the bid security specified in the Instructions to Bidders.

More info/tour: kking@cecmail org

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: ASH AND EMBER REMEDIES: 5464 Hanna Dr Santa Barbara,

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in the Board of Supervisors’ Hearing Room County Administration Building 105 East Anapamu St. 4th Floor, Santa Barbara

The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter, in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Rooms, 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA, and 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria, CA, on an ordinance amending chapter 17 of the county code for mandatory service in Isla Vista in the second supervisorial district.

For current methods of public participation for the meeting of February 24, 2026, please see page two (2) of the posted Agenda. The posted agenda will be available on Thursday prior to the above referenced meeting for a more specific time for this item. However, the order of the agenda may be rearranged, or the item may be continued.

Staff reports and the posted agenda are available on the Thursday prior to the meeting at http://santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx under the hearing date or contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240 for alternative options. Hard copies of the ordinance amendment will also be available at the office of the Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division located at 130 E. Victoria Street, Suite 100, Santa Barbara, California. Questions can be directed during business hours to (805) 882-3600.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by 4:00 PM on Friday before the Board meeting. For information about these services please contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240.

If you challenge this project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence to the Board of Supervisors prior to the public hearing. G.C. Section 65009, 6066, and 6062a.

Mona Miyasato CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By: Sheila de la Guerra, Deputy Clerk

The Project description: The Work consists of a partial roof replacement at Santa Barbara Junior High School (Rooms 102,104,106), including removal of the existing roofing system in the designated areas, preparation and repair of the underlying deck as required, and installation of a complete new roofing system with insulation, flashing, sheet metal, and all associated components per the project specifications. The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, and temporary protections necessary to maintain watertight conditions throughout construction, coordinate with school operations to minimize disruption, and complete all required inspections and warranty documentation. All debris shall be removed and the site restored to its original condition upon completion.

Contractor License required: General Contractor License C-39

Prequalification of Bidders and E/M/P subcontractors: As a condition of bidding on this Project, and in accordance with the provisions of Public Contract Code section 20111.5 and 20111.6 all Bidders and all electrical, mechanical and plumbing subcontractors listed in the Bidder’s proposal must either be prequalified for at least five business days before the date of the opening of the bids or must submit a completed prequalification package by the deadline stated below. Bids not conforming to this requirement will not be accepted.

Prequalification packages are available through Cybercopy at http://www.cybercopyplanroom.com. Prequalification questions must be directed to L.M. Sweaney at Lindasweaney@gmail.com leave a voice message, or text at (805) 705-0034.

Prequalification packages must be submitted to L.M. Sweaney & Associates, P.O. Box 3187, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (U.S. MAIL ONLY) no later than March 9, 2026. [Note: Per PCC 2011.6 – must have submitted package at least 10 business days before bid opening, can specify earlier date]. FAXED PRE-QUALIFICATION APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1773 and 1773.2 of the Labor Code of the State of California, the District has obtained from the Director of Industrial Relations, the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general prevailing rate for holiday and overtime work in the locality in which the work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of workman needed to execute the contract which is available for review at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/statistics_research.html. During the Work, the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) will monitor compliance with prevailing wage rate requirements and enforce the Contractor’s prevailing wage rate obligations, with a copy of the same being on file with the clerk of the District’s governing board. It shall be mandatory upon the contractor to whom the contract is awarded, and upon any subcontractor under him, to pay not less than the said specified rates to all workmen employed by them in the execution of the contract, and to comply with all prevailing wage requirements set forth in the Labor Code.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1771.1 of the Labor Code of the State of California, a contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid or engage in the performance of any contract for this project unless; (1) currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5; or (2) expressly authorized to submit a bid by Section 1771.1 and provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.

This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. The successful Bidder will be required to post all job-site notices required by DIR regulations and other applicable law.

The successful bidder and its subcontractors will be required to follow the nondiscrimination requirements set forth in the General Conditions.

The District will be participating in the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) Participation Goal Program pursuant to Education Code section 17076.11 and Public Contract Code section 10115.

No Bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty (60) days after the date set for the bid opening. The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to waive irregularities in any bid.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE SANTA BARBARA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

By: Steve Venz, Chief Operations Officer

LEGALS (CONT.)

of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E28. FBN Number:

2026‑0000177. Published: Feb 12, 19, 26. Mar 5 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: LITTLE EVENTS

SB: 90 2nd Street, Unit 101 Buellton, CA 93427; Darshana L. Dimmitt (same address) This business is conducted by

A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 01, 2026. Filed by: DARSHANA

DIMMITT/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 02, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000332. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ASTROLUXE AUTO SALES: 322 N H St. D Lompoc, CA 93436; Summer Business & Co., LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 06, 2026. Filed by:

ILLIAMS VALENTIN LETELIER MORALES/ MEMBER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 09, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2026‑0000068. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: NERI HARDWOOD FLOORS: 1409 W College Ave Lompoc, CA 93436; Neri Hardwood Floor Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by

A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 27, 2026. Filed by: BEATRIZ

NERI‑MORA/SECRETARY with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 12, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E63. FBN Number: 2026‑0000408. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SUNSET KIDD, SUNSET KIDDS SANTA BARBARA YACHT SALES, SANTA BARBARA YACHT SALES: 125 Harbor Way, 13 Santa Barbara, CA 93109; Dennis G Longberger (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jun 01, 1986. Filed by: DENNIS

LONGABERGER/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E28. FBN Number: 2026‑0000179. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: EOS CATERING: 500 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Heng Low, Inc (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 06, 2026. Filed by: SPENCER HUNT/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 12, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E30. FBN Number: 2026‑0000072. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ELITE MAINTENANCE AND TREE SERVICE: 2972 Larkin Ave Clovis, CA 93612; Emts Inc. (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: DERIK JAKUSZ/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 04, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number:

2026‑0000339. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: CHAN PLANNING & DESIGN STUDIO: 47 Ocean View Ave., #11 Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Crystal E Chan PO Box 40123 Santa Barbara, CA 93140 This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 06, 2026. Filed by: CRYSTAL E. CHAN with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 11, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E66. FBN Number: 2026‑0000404. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: KATIE’S SWEET CLOUD: 811 Camino Viejo Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108; The Qing Kasch (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Jan 01, 2026. Filed by: QING KASCH with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Jan 16, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E49. FBN Number: 2026‑0000120. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: GRAY CAT FRAME SHOP: 2 W Mission St Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Kenneth B Knox (same address) This business is conducted by A Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Mar 01, 2021. Filed by: KENNETH KNOX/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 13, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E63. FBN Number: 2026‑0000418. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RAPID RESET CLEANING SOLUTIONS: 185 Foxenwood Dr Santa Maria, CA 93455; The Rodriguez Group LLC (same address) This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 04, 2026. Filed by: GILBERT RODRIGUEZ/OWNER with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 04, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E35. FBN Number: 2026‑0000344. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: E3 ELECTRIC: 133 E. De La Guerra Street, #75 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; E3 Electric (same address) This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Filed by: ERIC ESTRADA/PRESIDENT with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 06, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000383. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: SANTA BARBARA SPA INC : 4 W. Calle Laureles Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Santa Barbara Spa Inc. 4589 Camino Molinero Santa Barbara, CA 93110 This business is conducted by A Corporation Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Feb 11, 2016. Filed by: ROBERT ROWE/ CO‑OWNER/CFO with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on Feb 11, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL) by E73. FBN Number: 2026‑0000393. Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

LIEN SALE

EXTRA SPACE STORAGE, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 6640 Discovery Drive, Goleta, CA 93117. 03/03/2026 at 3:30 PM

Garrett Wicker

Krystal Perez

The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property

NAME CHANGE

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION

TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: NORA CATHERINE PETERSEN NUMBER: 26CV00120 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

PETITIONER: HOLLY CATHERINE

PETERSEN and SCOTT ALEXANDER

PETERSEN A petition has been filed by the above named Petitioner(s) in Santa Barbara Superior Court for decree changing name (s) as follows:

PRESENT NAME: NORA CATHERINE PETERSEN

PROPOSED NAME: NICO RODGERS

PETERSEN

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing March 23, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 5, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA

1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, ANACAPA DIVISION

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated 01/22/2026, JUDGE Colleen K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Jan 29. Feb 5, 12, 19 2026.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: ALICIA SUE GRIFFITH NUMBER: 26CV00064

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

PETITIONER: ALICIA SUE GRIFFITH

A petition has been filed by the above named Petitioner(s) in Santa Barbara Superior Court for decree changing name (s) as follows:

PRESENT NAME: ALICIA SUE GRIFFITH

PROPOSED NAME: ALICIA HANSEN

KNEAFSEY

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing March 18, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 3, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA

1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, ANACAPA DIVISION

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated 01/30/2026, JUDGE Thomas P. Anderle of the Superior Court.

Published Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026. IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: EMBER ISABELLE STRADINGER NUMBER: 26CV00050 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

PETITIONER: EMBER ISABELLE

STRADINGER A petition has been filed by the above named Petitioner(s) in Santa Barbara Superior Court for decree changing name (s) as follows:

PRESENT NAME: EMBER ISABELLE STRADINGER

PROPOSED NAME: LOWILL CIRRUS

CHENG THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the

NOTICE OF HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED ADOPTION OF A DEVELOPER FEE STUDY AND THE INCREASE OF THE STATUTORY SCHOOL FEE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Governing Board of the Hope School District will hold a hearing and consider input from the public on the proposed adoption of a Developer Fee Justification Study for the District and an increase in the statutory school facility fee (“Level I Fee”) on new residential and commercial/industrial developments as approved by the State Allocation Board on January 28, 2026. The adoption of the Study and the increase of the Level I Fee are necessary to fund the construction of needed school facilities to accommodate students due to development.

Members of the public are invited to comment in writing, on or before March 9th, 2026, or appear in person at the hearing at 6:30 pm on March 9th, 2026 at the following location:

Hope District Board Room 3970 La Colina Rd. Ste. 1

Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Materials regarding the Study and the Level I Fee are on file and are available for public review at the District Office located at 3970 La Colina Rd. Ste. 14, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.

Dated: February 19, 2026

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS CALLING FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received for a bid opening by the Santa Barbara Unified School District at the Administration Office, 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101, not later than:

Bid opening will be held on March 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for the Harding University Partnership School MPR Building Roofing Replacement (“Project”).

A mandatory job walk and pre-bid conference will be conducted on March 4, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Meet at Harding University Partnership School, 1625 Robbins Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, at the flagpole at the front of the school. Bids will not be accepted from contractors not attending the mandatory job walk and pre-bid conference. Prospective Bidders arriving after the above-designated starting time for a mandatory job walk and pre-bid conference shall be disqualified from submitting a bid for this project. Plans and specifications will be on file and available to view and purchase on or as soon as possible after the mandatory job walk and pre-bid conference through Cybercopy https://www.cybercopyusa.com/

The deadline for pre-bid questions or clarification requests is March 13, 2026. All questions are to be in writing and directed to the Project Architect/Engineer, Robert Robles, Robert Robles Architecture Inc. at rr@ robertroblesarch.com

CLEARLY MARK BID RESPONSE ENVELOPE WITH TIME/DATE OF BID OPENING AND PROJECT NAME. Bids so received shall be opened and publicly read aloud at the Santa Barbara Unified School District Administration Office, 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101. All bids shall be made on the forms provided in the specifications, and each bid must conform to the Contract Documents. Each bid shall be accompanied by the bid security specified in the Instructions to Bidders.

The Project description: The Work consists of a full roof replacement at the Harding UPS MPR building, including removal of the existing roofing system, preparation and repair of the underlying deck as required, and installation of a complete new roofing system with insulation, flashing, sheet metal, and all associated components per the project specifications. The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, and temporary protections necessary to maintain watertight conditions throughout construction, coordinate with school operations to minimize disruption, and complete all required inspections and warranty documentation. All debris shall be removed and the site restored to its original condition upon completion.

Contractor License required: General Contractor License C-39

Prequalification of Bidders and E/M/P subcontractors: As a condition of bidding on this Project, and in accordance with the provisions of Public Contract Code section 20111.5 and 20111.6 all Bidders and all electrical, mechanical and plumbing subcontractors listed in the Bidder’s proposal must either be prequalified for at least five business days before the date of the opening of the bids or must submit a completed prequalification package by the deadline stated below. Bids not conforming to this requirement will not be accepted.

Prequalification packages are available through Cybercopy at http://www.cybercopyplanroom.com. Prequalification questions must be directed to L.M. Sweaney at Lindasweaney@gmail.com, leave a voice message or text at (805) 705-0034.

Prequalification packages must be submitted to L.M. Sweaney & Associates, P.O. Box 3187, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (U.S. MAIL ONLY) no later than March 9, 2026. [Note: Per PCC 2011.6 – must have submitted package at least 10 business days before bid opening, can specify earlier date]. FAXED PRE-QUALIFICATION APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1773 and 1773.2 of the Labor Code of the State of California, the District has obtained from the Director of Industrial Relations, the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general prevailing rate for holiday and overtime work in the locality in which the work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of workman needed to execute the contract which is available for review at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/statistics_research.html. During the Work, the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) will monitor compliance with prevailing wage rate requirements and enforce the Contractor’s prevailing wage rate obligations, with a copy of the same being on file with the clerk of the District’s governing board. It shall be mandatory upon the contractor to whom the contract is awarded, and upon any subcontractor under him, to pay not less than the said specified rates to all workmen employed by them in the execution of the contract, and to comply with all prevailing wage requirements set forth in the Labor Code.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1771.1 of the Labor Code of the State of California, a contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid or engage in the performance of any contract for this project unless; (1) currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5; or (2) expressly authorized to submit a bid by Section 1771.1 and provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.

This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. The successful Bidder will be required to post all job-site notices required by DIR regulations and other applicable law.

The successful bidder and its subcontractors will be required to follow the nondiscrimination requirements set forth in the General Conditions.

The District will be participating in the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) Participation Goal Program pursuant to Education Code section 17076.11 and Public Contract Code section 10115.

No Bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty (60) days after the date set for the bid opening. The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to waive irregularities in any bid.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE SANTA BARBARA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

By: Steve Venz, Chief Operations Officer

LEGALS (CONT.)

petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing March 16, 2026, 10:00

am, DEPT: 5, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA

1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, ANACAPA DIVISION

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated 01/22/2026, JUDGE Colleen

K. Sterne of the Superior Court. Published Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME:

CECILIA RODRIGUEZ STANLEY NUMBER: 26CV00210

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

PETITIONER: CECILIA RODRIGUEZ

STANLEY A petition has been filed by the above named Petitioner(s) in Santa Barbara Superior Court for decree

changing name (s) as follows:

PRESENT NAME: CECILIA RODRIGUEZ

STANLEY

PROPOSED NAME: CECILIA RODRIGUEZ

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing March 27, 2026, 10:00 am, DEPT: 4, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, at least once each week for four successive weeks

prior to the date set for hearing on the petition. Dated 01/29/2026, JUDGE Donna D. Geck of the Superior Court. Published Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE

(Division 6 of the Commercial Code) Escrow No. 011259‑SH (1) Notice is hereby given to creditors of the within named Seller(s) that a bulk sale is about to be made on personal property hereinafter described (2) The name and business addresses of the seller are: GM AUTO &amp; SMOG INC., 155 W. ALAMAR AVE., SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105 (3) The location in California of the chief executive office of the Seller is: SAME (4) The names and business address of the Buyer(s) are: PEDROS SMOG CHECK LLC, 127 N. ALISOS ST., SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103 (5) The location and general description of the assets to be sold are: LEASEHOLD INTEREST AND IMPROVEMENTS, FURNITURE, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT,

NOTICE INVITING RFP: Notice is hereby given that the Santa Barbara Unified School District will receive proposals from prequalified firms for Preconstruction and Lease-Leaseback Services for the Peabody Charter School New Kitchen Hood (“Project”)

Contractor’s License required: B, General Building Contractor.

Submittal Deadline: Proposals must be received by March 20, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. at the office of Santa Barbara Unified School District, 724 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Attention: Lucia Gonzalez-Medina.

Anticipated Start of Construction: Summer 2026

Prequalification: All firms submitting a proposal to this RFP must be prequalified with the District pursuant to Public Contract Code section 20111.6 (b)-(m) without exception prior to submitting a proposal. Prequalification documents must be submitted by March 10, 2026, by 4:00 PM. Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 20111.6(j,) a list of prequalified general contractors and electrical, mechanical, and plumbing subcontractors will be made available by the District no later than five business days before the proposal opening at the Santa Barbara Unified School District, Planning Dept., 724 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Prequalification packages are available through Cybercopy at http://www. cybercopyusa.com/. Prequalification questions must be directed to L.M. Sweaney at Lindasweaney@gmail.com or leave a voice or text message at (805) 705-0034. Prequalification packages must be submitted to L.M. Sweaney & Associates, P.O. Box 3187, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (U.S. MAIL ONLY).

Prevailing Wages: Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1773 and 1773.2 of the Labor Code of the State of California, the District has obtained from the Director of Industrial Relations (“DIR”), the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general prevailing rate for holiday and overtime work in the locality in which the work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of workman needed to execute the contract which is available for review at http://www. dir.ca.gov/dlsr/statistics_research.html. During the Work, the DIR will monitor compliance with prevailing wage rate requirements and enforce the Contractor’s prevailing wage rate obligations, with a copy of the same being on file with the clerk of the District’s governing board. It shall be mandatory upon the contractor to whom the contract is awarded, and upon any subcontractor under him, to pay not less than the said specified rates to all workmen employed by them in the execution of the contract, and to comply with all prevailing wage requirements set forth in the Labor Code.

DIR Registration/Monitoring: Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1771.1 of the Labor Code of the State of California, a contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid or engage in the performance of any contract for this project unless; (1) currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5; or (2) expressly authorized to submit a bid by Section 1771.1 and provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded. This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR. The successful Bidder will be required to post all job-site notices required by DIR regulations and other applicable law.

Project and Submittal Information:The full scope of work for the Project, prequalification information, and the required submittal information are further set forth in the Request for Proposals (the “RFP”) available on the District’s website at www.sbunified.org, or via email request to Lucia Gonzalez-Medina at lgonzalez@sbunified.org

As further described in the RFP, the successful proposal will be determined based on that which offers the best value determination made pursuant to the criteria and evaluation process set forth in the RFP. Following its selection of the successful Responder, the District will notify all Responders of its intent to award a contract.

If the District is unable to successfully negotiate a LLB Contract with the successful Responder which is satisfactory to the District, or if the selected proposer refuses or fails to execute the tendered contract, the District may award the contract to the proposer with the second highest best value score, if deemed in the best interest of the District. If that proposer then refuses or fails to execute the tendered contract, the Board may award the contract to the proposer with the third highest best value score, and so on.

TRADE NAME, GOODWILL, AND COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE of that certain business located at: 155 W. ALAMAR AVE., SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105 (6) The business name used by the seller(s) at said location is: GM AUTO & SMOG (7) The anticipated date of the bulk sale is MARCH 9, 2026 at the office of: SUPREME ESCROW, INC., 3701 WILSHIRE BLVD., #535 LOS ANGELES, CA 90010 , Escrow No. 011259‑SH , Escrow Officer: STEVEN HONG (8) Claims may be filed with Same as “7” above (9) The last date for filing claims is: MARCH 6, 2026 (10) This Bulk Sale is subject to Section 6106.2 of the Uniform Commercial Code. (11) As listed by the Seller, all other business names and addresses used by the Seller within three years before the date such list was sent or delivered to the Buyer are: NONE .

DATED: FEBRUARY 1, 2026 TRANSFEREES: PEDROS SMOG CHECK LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 4975870‑PP SB INDEPENDENT 2/19/26

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA STATE OF CALIFORNIA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County of Santa Barbara intends to execute a Lease Agreement with Aramark Correctional Services, LLC, for the use of approximately 576 square feet of storage space located at the County’s South Branch Jail, 4436 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, California.

The Lease Agreement will be for a base term of two (2) years, with two (2) one‑year extension options. The initial monthly rent will be $1,491.84.

The Lease Agreement will be executed by the Director of the General Services Department, or designee, on behalf of the County of Santa Barbara, as authorized by Santa Barbara County Code Section 12A‑10.

This Notice is published pursuant to California Government Code Section 6061.

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

SPRING STREET COURTHOUSE

Case No.: BCV‑21‑101927 Complex Action

NOTICE REQUIRING FILING OF ANSWER AND PHASE 3 FORM DISCOVERY

BOLTHOUSE LAND COMPANY, LLC, a California limited liability company; WM. BOLTHOUSE FARMS, INC., a Michigan corporation. and GRIMMWAY ENTERPRISES, INC., a Delaware corporation, DIAMOND FARMING COMPANY, a California corporation; LAPIS LAND COMPANY, LLC, a

3‑013); ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN, CLAIMING ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF’S TITLE, OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE THERETO; DOES 1 THROUGH 5000 and THE PERSONS NAMED AS DEFENDANTS IDENTIFIED ON EXHIBIT D TO THIS COMPLAINT as may be amended from time to time, Defendants.

TO ALL PERSONS CLAIMING A RIGHT TO EXTRACT OR STORE GROUNDWATER IN THE CUYAMA VALLEY GROUNDWATER BASIN (NO. 3‑013): 1. At the January 26, 2026, Order to Show Cause, the Court ordered that ALL PERSONS CLAIMING A RIGHT TO EXTRACT AND STORE GROUNDWATER IN THE CUYAMA GROUNDWATER BASIN, BASIN NO. 3‑013 MUST, NO LATER THAN MARCH 27, 2026, FILE AND SERVE AN ANSWER AND COMPLY WITH THE COURT’S AUGUST 22, 2025, ORDER RE PHASE 3 FORM DISCOVERY OR HAVE THEIR WATER RIGHTS TERMINATED.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

SBCAG FY 2026-27 BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) will hold public hearings on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27. A copy of the proposed budget is available online at www.sbcag.org or can be reviewed during business hours at the SBCAG offices, 260 N. San Antonio Rd., Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 as of that date

The FY 2026-27 budget hearings on the proposed budget will be held during the SBCAG Board of Directors meeting with in-person and remote virtual participation options on the following dates/times: 10 a.m. on

IN-PERSON City of Solvang Council Chambers 1644 Oak Street, Solvang, CA 93463

REMOTE

Details on how to participate remotely will be published on the SBCAG Board of Directors agenda at least 48 hours prior to the meeting online at www.sbcag.org

10 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026

IN-PERSON

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room 105 E. Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 REMOTE

Details on how to participate remotely will be published on the SBCAG Board of Directors agenda at least 48 hours prior to the meeting online at www.sbcag.org

IN-PERSON

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room 511 East Lakeside Parkway Santa Maria, CA 93455

REMOTE

Details on how to participate remotely will be published on the SBCAG Board of Directors agenda at least 48 hours prior to the meeting online at www.sbcag.org PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE

Comments on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 may also be submitted in writing until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Written comments can be submitted via U.S. Postal Service to 260 N. San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110; or electronically by emailing info@sbcag.org

SBCAG is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for these meetings. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodation requests should be made 48 hours in advance of public meetings to SBCAG at (805) 9618900.

2. A copy of the Form Answer and the Court’s August 22, 2025, Order re Phase 3 Form Discovery may be accessed via CaseAnywhere at https://www. caseanywhere.com/get‑started/ join‑an‑existing‑case/. The phone number and email address for CaseAnywhere support are: Phone: (800) 884‑3163 Email: support@caseanywhere.com A copy of the Form Answer may also be accessed via Cuyama Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency website at https:// cuyamabasin.org/index. 3. Parties who (a) have not extracted groundwater in the last 12 months and are simply filing an answer to protect unexercised pumping rights or (b) have extracted 2.5 acre‑feet or less of groundwater in the last 12 months may be eligible for a fee waiver by filing Judicial Council Forms FW‑001 and MC‑025 and indicating their eligibility. 4. Self‑represented parties may contact the Court’s Self‑Help Center at (213) 830‑0845 or https://selfhelp.lacourt.org/ for assistance. The Court has also indicated that the Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center may be able to provide assistance. The Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center may may be contacted at (661) 766‑2369, office@cvfrc.org, or 4689 Highway 166, New Cuyama, CA 93254.

Dated: February 3, 2026 Zimmer & Melton, LLP By: __/s/ Richard G. Zimmer______________________ Richard G. Zimmer, Esq.

LEGALS (CONT.)

heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self‑Help Center(www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Website (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self‑Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. !ADVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en el formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 o más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA 312‑C East Cook Street , Santa Maria, CA 93454

CASE NO: (Número del Caso): 24CV04854

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección, y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante que no tiene abogado es): THE DUNNING LAW FIRM APC (858) 974‑7600 California DFPI Debt Collector License #10059‑99, Donald T. Dunning (144665) James Macleod (249145), 9619 Chesapeake Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92123 DATE Fecha): 08/29/2024. Clerk, by (Secretario) /s/ Erin Josie, Deputy (Adjunto) Published: Feb 19, 26. Mar 5, 12 2026.

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:00 P.M.

SHELBY RESIDENTIAL PROJECT CASE NO. 05-154-VTM-DP-DRB Located 7400 Cathedral Oaks Road APN 073-150-025

ATTENTION: The hearing will be held in-person and virtually via the Zoom platform.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Goleta Planning Commission will conduct a hybrid public hearing to make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the development project as described under the Project Description Summary heading below and the adequacy of the associated Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

The date, time, and location of the Planning Commission hearing is as follows:

DATE AND TIME: Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:00 P.M.

IN- PERSON LOCATION: Goleta City Hall, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta, CA, 93117

VIRTUAL LOCATION: Zoom platform. Detailed instructions for virtual participation will be included on the posted agenda and the Electronic Participation heading below.

The Planning Commission will be acting in an advisory capacity to the City Council and will make a recommendation regarding the adequacy of the analysis contained with the Final EIR and the merits of the Project. The City Council will be the City’s final decision maker for this project at a public hearing that has not been scheduled yet. An additional and separate public notice will be provided for the future City Council public hearing.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The applicant has submitted an application for a Vesting Tentative Map, Development Plan, and Design Review. The project site is designated Agriculture (Ag) by the City of Goleta’s General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan and is zoned AG-40 on the City of Goleta Zoning Map. The project is a qualified housing development project that utilizes the “Builder’s Remedy” protections of the California Housing Accountability Act. Because this is a Builder’s Remedy project, state law prohibits the City from requiring the project to apply for, or receive approval of, a general plan amendment, specific plan amendment, rezoning, or other legislative approval. (Gov. Code, § 65589.5 (f)(6)(D)(i).) Accordingly, pursuant to California Government Code section 65589.5(f)(6)(A), because there are no general plan designation or zoning classification that allow the density and unit type proposed by the applicant, the project applicant has identified the RS-7 zone district as the most analogous zone to the proposed project. Lastly, portions of the project site are designated as Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area in the City of Goleta’s General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Conservation Element.

The project is a qualified housing development project that utilizes the “Builder’s Remedy” protections of the California Housing Accountability Act and includes the following primary components on the project site:

• Demolition of the existing on-site residence, garage, and barn.

• A subdivision of the existing 14.38-net acre parcel into 59 separate lots (via a Vesting Tentative Map).

• Construction and occupancy of 56 single-family dwellings on Lot 1 through Lot 56. Eleven of the units will be income deed restricted for 55 years. The breakdown of the eleven units are: four residences would be designated for extremely low income, one residence would be designated for lower income, three residences would be designated for moderate income, and three residences would be designated for above-moderate income levels.

• Use of Lot 57 through Lot 59 for open space containing landscape and stormwater facilities.

Given the project is a Builder’s Remedy Project, the project will be evaluated for consistency with the regulations of the RS-7 zone district. Components of the proposed project which are not consistent with the RS-7 zone will be evaluated consistent with California Density Bonus Law. As part of the proposed project, the project applicant is requesting one (1) concession and four (4) waivers pursuant to Government Code Section 65915 as follows: Concession

• Encroachment into the required 100-foot SPA buffer of approximately 7,786 square feet (0.18 acres) in the rear yards of Lots 1 through 8, portions of the houses on Lots 1 and 2, and for portions of sidewalk in Lot 38. To compensate for SPA buffer encroachment, the proposed project design includes 0.21 acre of additional open space.

Waivers

• Four waivers from the RS-7 zone district standards:

- Proposed lot widths of 60 feet (which is less than the 65 feet otherwise required in the RS -7 zone district) on 31 of the 56 proposed residential lots. This occurs on Lots 1-9, 20-30, 32-36, 39-10, 47, 58, 51, and 55

- Proposed rear yard setbacks of 15 feet (which is less than the 25 feet otherwise required in the RS-7 zone district) on 51 of the 56 proposed residential lots. This occurs on Lots 1-12, 14, 17-19, 21-29, and 31-56.

- Reduced side yard setbacks (of less than the otherwise required 6.5 feet in the RS-7 zone district) on 32 of the 56 proposed residential lots. The reduction allows for a second story to extend closer to the edge of the property line. This occurs on Lots 5-9, 20, 22-30, 31, 33-37, 40, 43, and 47-56.

- Floor-area of 35 houses exceeding the maximum permitted floor-area from 208 to 1,539 additional square feet. These floor-area exceedances would occur on Lots 1 through 14, 20 through 23, 25 through 29, 32, 34, 36, 40, 41, 45, 46, 48, 50, 52, and 55.

LOCATION AND ZONING: The 14.8-acre project site is located at 7400 Cathedral Oaks Road, Goleta California (Assessor’s Parcel Number [APN] 073-150-025) and is in the Inland area of the City. As stated above the land use designations of the property are Agricultural (General Plan Land Use designation) and AG-40 (zoning).

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The Final EIR has been prepared and analyzes the impacts of the Project on the topics of Aesthetics, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Transportation and Circulation, Tribal Cultural Resources, Utilities and Service Systems, and Wildfire. The EIR also analyzes three alternatives to the Project.

The Final EIR concludes that the Project will have significant and unavoidable project specific and cumulative impacts (Class I) in the area Transportation and Traffic. The Final EIR concludes that the Project will have potentially significant, but mitigable, impacts on the environment (Class II) in the areas of Biological Resources, Tribal Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Noise, Cultural Resources, Land Use and Planning, and Wildfire.

CORTESE LIST: The Project site is not listed on the EnviroStor online database of hazardous site records maintained by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control TSC in coordination with the California State Water Resources Control Board consistent with Government Code § 65962.5 (the “Cortese list”).

PUBLIC COMMENT: Interested persons are encouraged to provide public comments during the public hearing in person or virtually through the Zoom webinar, by following the instructions listed on the Planning Commission meeting agenda. All letters/comments should be sent to PERmeetings@cityofgoleta.gov. Letters must be received on or before the date of the hearing or can be submitted at the hearing prior to the conclusion of the public comment portion of the Public Hearing. Written comments will be distributed to the Planning Commission and published on the City’s website.

DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY AND PROJECT INFORMATION: Staff reports and related materials for the Planning Commission hearing will also be posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting on the City’s web site at www.cityofgoleta.org. For more information about this project, contact project planner Darryl Mimick at 805-961-7572 or dmimick@cityofgoleta.gov. Para consultas en espanol, comuniquese con Marco Martinez al (805) 9562-5500 or mmartinez@cityofgoleta.gov

ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION: Please register for the Planning Commission hearing on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:00 pm following the information provided in the Planning Commission agenda for remote participation. The agenda will be published at least 72 hours before the meeting.

NOTE: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in the hearing, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 961-7505 or cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the hearing will enable City staff to make reasonable arrangements.

NOTE: If you challenge the nature of the above action in court, you may be limited to only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City on or before the date of the hearing (Government Code Section 65009 (b)(2)).