Los Padres National Forest Picks a New Forest Supervisor
National Forest officials announced the appointment of a new forest supervisor for Goleta Aug. 22. Though 48-year-old Peggy Hernandez is currently an assistant director for the Natural Resources Management staff in the Southeast Regional Office, she will start her new office on Sep. 30. Hernandez is replacing Gloria Brown, who retired July 3, 2007.
“Peggy’s combination of leadership ability, technical skills and vast breadth of experience will serve the Los Padres very well,” said Bernie Weingardt, regional forester, in a recent press release.A native of Visalia Calif., Hernandez has a Natural Resource Management degree from Cal Poly. She began her long-standing career with the National Forest as a co-op student on the Stanislaus National Forest.
According to a statement issued by the USDA National Forest, Hernandez has a strong background in fire and recreation among others. “I’m very excited and honored to have been selected for the Los Padres Forest Supervisor position,” Hernandez said. “I look forward to working with the local communities and partners interested in the management and protection of this magnificent national forest. I want to know what the public wants and needs from the Los Padres, and find ways we can work together to meet those needs.”
Wilding Art Museum Launches Artsmart Program for Valley Schools
The Wilding Art Museum in Los Olivos announced receiving a three-year grant from the Santa Barbara Adams Legacy Foundation, Aug. 23. The newly acquired money will fund the museum’s new ArtSmart Program, which uses framed reproductions of famous American paintings to teach core curriculum subjects at the Santa Ynez Valley Charter School and other Valley schools later.
“Schools everywhere are focused on improving test scores,” said Mariann Cooley, director of the Santa Ynez Valley Charter School. “Teaching through a variety of modalities can help in developing proficiency in core curricular areas, particularly for students who may be better equipped to learn concepts through images rather than through written texts.”
Santa Ynez Valley Charter School art instructor Melinda Weymouth partnered with the Wilding Art Museum to develop the program and will be responsible for implementing Artsmart at the school as other Valley schools in the future.
“We believe that our Artsmart program, if adequately tested and properly implemented, could be helpful to both teaches and students in achieving fundamental learning objectives in all subjects,” said Wilding Art Museum Director, Penny Knowles.
For more information about the program call the Wilding Art Museum, (05)688-1082.
Sheriff’s Department Still In Search of Gang Suspect
Detectives announced that they have exhausted all leads in the search of a sixth suspect they believe is connected to a gang attack, Aug. 28.
According to a statement issued by the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred in June, 2007 at a Carpinteria restaurant and bar. A witness reported observing six Hispanic males attack four Hispanic males. All four victims sustained minor injuries from the attack. When a witness attempted to call police to report the incident, the six suspects attacked and robbed him of his cell phone. He sustained internal bleeding, a broken rib, a sprained knee and other bruises. He has since been treated and released.
“To think that an innocent bystander would be attacked for merely trying to call 911 is reprehensible, it shows the callousness and lack of caring that these gang members have for their community,” said Erik Raney, sergeant for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff detectives arrested five of the suspects within 48-hours of the attack, but are still searching for 28-year-old Galvez Jr. of Carpinteria.
He is wanted for alleged robbery, battery with a serious injury and dissuading a witness. A no-bail warrant has been issued for Galvez’s arrest.
Anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of Galvez is asked to contact Vic Alvarez or Chris Corbett at (805) 568-3399.
County Still Warns Against Smoke Inhalation Due to the Zaca Fire
Though the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department downgraded the previous health advisory pertaining to the smoke resulting from the Zaca Fire, Aug. 28, it still warns against the threat of smoke and ash in areas still affected by the fire. It advises people to contact their doctors if they are feeling ill possibly resulting from smoke or ash inhalation. It also advises to minimize outdoor activity while smoke or ash is still in the air.
“As the Zaca Fire approaches containment, we must still be cautious when smelling smoke and use common sense to protect your family’s health,” said Dr. Elliott Schulman, a county health officer.
According to the Air Pollution Control District of Santa Barbara County, smoke consists of microscopic particles that can get in to the eyes and respiratory system, where it can cause a runny nose, burning eyes and other serious heath problems such as bronchitis.
For more information on preventing and treating smoke inhalation visit www.OurAir.org.
Valley Visitors Association to Hold First Membership Mixer
The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association will be holding its first Membership Mixer in the hopes of attracting new members from 5 till 7 p.m. on Sep. 5 at the Santa Ynez Inn Coach House, 3627 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez.
It currently has about 100 members and is looking for more.
“We would love to increase our membership as much as possible. Come one Come all,” said Laura Kath, media and public relations director for the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association. “If you’re a tourism related business, this mixer is the place to be to learn all the benefits of being a member of the visitors association.”
The visitors association is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2001. It conducts marketing activities that promote year-round tourism in the Valley and surrounding cities.
Guests who attend the free mixer will learn how the organization works and receive information on joining. The first 50 guests to attend will also receive a pair of free tickets to the Sep. 1 opening of PCPA Theaterfest’s “Urintown.”
For more information on The Santa Ynez Visitors Association or membership visit www.SYVVA.com.