LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF
Figueroa Mountain Blaze Proves no Match for Fire Fighters
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to a brush fire on Figueroa Mountain and Tunnel Roads May 1. The fire, which was reportedly the cause of an escaped burn pile conducted by Alter Ranch, started at 11:09 a.m.
“I’ve seen a lot of fires on the mountain,” said Valley resident Steve Sedar, who was visiting the Figueroa Mountain Camp Grounds. “I’m not surprised since its early fire season. Were just lucky the wind hadn’t picked up.”
Fire Fighters responded to fire with a helicopter, and several Brush Engine Companies from Los Padres National Forest and hand crews from Vandenberg Air Force Base Fire Department as well as CalFire. No injuries or damage to surrounding structures were reported. The fire destroyed 5.6 acres and was declared contained at 12:34 p.m.
Board sets Pace for Future Awarding of County Controllers
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recognized ex North County Operations Commander Bill Byrne for his service to the community May 1, an honor that had previously never been given to a County Commander.
“His easy-going style, calm approach has earned him the respect of all who work with in North County,” said Board Member Joni Gray.
Byrne began working in North County in 2006 and for six years handled the patrol operations for the North County Operations Division, which serves Santa Maria, Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang and New Cuymaca. He recently transferred to Santa Barbara where he’s heading various units, including special investigations and gang enforcement.
“I think it’s great that the Board recognizes employees for their efforts with the community,” said Commander Chuck Gerhardt, who replaced Byrne. “Bill is deserving of the award and I hope as I follow in his footsteps I do as an incredible job as he did.”
Educators Honored for their Contribution to Education
Santa Barbara City College Superintendent/President John Romo received the Distinguished Education Alumni Award from UCSB April 26. He was among three chosen awardees for the honor.
“I am honored,” Romo said. “I remember attending UCSB in 1968; sitting in the library reading while the world was falling apart because of protesting.”
Isla Vista Elementary School Principal, Lisa Maglione and Counseling Psychology Professor at Fordham University Joseph Ponterotto were also recognized for their efforts and contribution to the field of education. “None of us have become who we are without those relationships formed with people in this room,” Maglione said. “I feel privileged to say thank you.”
This year’s event marks the third annual Distinguished Education Alumni Award Reception. Ann Lippincott, associate director of the Teacher Education Program at UCSB, who received the award in 2006, said the program is already accepting nominations for 2008.
Santa Barbara County Police Nip Drunk Driving in the Bud
Law enforcement officers from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties were honored April 26 for their work in the holiday 2006 Avoid the 12 and Avoid the 14 campaigns to stop drunk driving.
“The emphasis was made briefings that this is the time to crack down on DUIs,” said Public Information Officer Jan Ford.
As a result of check points and city patrols, officers totaled 410 arrests between Dec. 15 2006 and Jan. 1 2007 and no drunk driving fatalities were recorded.
Officer Bryan Jensen won top honors for Santa Barbara County, netting 11 arrests and Moorpark Highway Patrol Officers Wayne Goral and Sam Clarkson placed first, collaring nine arrests for Ventura County. Officers received small uniform medals displaying the campaign titles and the year they participated.
Teachers Receive Raises; Student Programs get Axed
The Santa Barbara School Board cut some $2.5 million from its budget April 22, eliminating or reducing programs ranging from electives and elementary school music programs to Gifted and Talented Education.
The largest cut gouged over $400,000 from junior high electives, effectively reducing the classes by two thirds. The cuts were made to comply with the district’s new contract with teachers and allocate a nine percent raise to be issued at three percent annually over the next three years.
“There will probably have to be budget reductions in the coming years, but these cuts should address the bulk of the contract requirements,” said School Board President Nancy Harter.
The final budget cut junior high after school sports and GATE by $20,000, halving GATE funding. The cuts also eliminate one of three elementary school music teachers. With some 80 percent of school’s general funds already allocated to teacher salaries and benefits, Harter said the cuts were unavoidable.
“Because of declining enrollment, any increases in salary would be coupled with budget reductions,” she said. “We were trying to take a portion of funds away from certain programs so that at least something would remain [for students].”
Equestrian Center Opens Cow Horse Facility
The Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Association will unveil its new Cow Horse Facility at the Equestrian Center with the first ever SYV Super Cow Horse competition May 19 and 20.
“It’s an opportunity for [local riders] to showcase their talent and possibly an opportunity to sell some horses,” said Association Special Events Chair Paula Hunsicker. This is the first facility at the Equestrian Center that will house cattle-related equestrian events.
The weekend’s competition is made up of three divisions in five competitions. There will be open, pro and amateur divisions competing in ranch cutting, ranch horse, stock horse, cowboy pleasure and cowboy trail events. Sponsors of the event will provide awards for participants ranging from saddles to buckles.
The event will also feature vendors offering western home accessories, jewelry, art and more. Food will be served by Larrabee’s Santa Ynez Coffee Company.
The two-day event begins at 8 a.m. For entry forms or to find out how to become a sponsor, visit SYVEA Online
Chumash Donate $1 Million for Santa Ynez’s Hospital Retrofitting
Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital announced Wednesday that the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash donated $1 million to the hospital to help fund its $10 million retrofitting and expansion plans.
“This generous gift will help us continue to provide health care to all people in the greater Santa Ynez community,” hospital Vice-President Wende Cappetta said in a statement issued to the press. “We are extremely grateful for this level of support.”>/p>
The retrofitting plans come in response to new seismic safety requirements set by the state. The scheduled two-year construction is set to begin later this summer. The donation continues the amicable relationship between the Chumash and some of the hospital’s doctors who volunteer their services to the Chumash Tribal Clinic.