News Briefs

Law and Disorder

Transportation Security Administration employees found a 10-inch knife in a man’s carry-on luggage at Santa Barbara Airport on 5/2 and arrested the 19-year-old man for possession of an illegal weapon. As the bag made its way through the x-ray machine, authorities noticed the weapon, which had two sharpened edges, in the man’s backpack. The man was attempting to board a flight to Los Angeles.

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Santa Barbara-based Direct Relief International (DRI) is in touch with its partners in Myanmar as well as groups in neighboring countries to offer help to people affected by the Asian cyclone that is estimated to have killed more than 22,000. DRI is hoping to assist in Myanmar – which historically rarely invites outside assistance in emergencies – and offer medical attention to injured people.

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The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department announced on 5/1 a new online program that allows citizens to check a database of registered sex offenders living within one mile of their home or work. Called Offender Watch, the program also offers free email updates notifying users of any sex offenders moving within one mile of their homes. The program can be found at sbsheriff.org.

Business

Ben Werner and Eric Sandoz – who helm Goleta’s Multimode Technologies, are seeking local investors for the Dagne, a low-cost, ultra-efficient commuter vehicle designed run on six kilowatts of energy per day. The three-wheeled two-seater is designed to be not just street-legal but freeway-worthy, with “brisk pickup” and substantial cornering performance, said Werner, who intends to retail it for about $18,000.

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A Santa Barbara patrons group for the Haitian microloan program Fonkoze raised enough in contributions – $35,000, combined with $30,000 from the Haitian administration – to open a branch this winter in the northern Haitian town of Jean Rabel, population 3,300. The start-up funds can operate the branch for a year. Fonkoze Santa Barbara is now focused on raising $50,000 to fund the branch’s literacy training program.

Environment

Santa Barbara County Fire’s Hazardous Materials team responded to an oil spill at a Greka-owned facility off Palmer Road in northern Santa Barbara County on 5/1, according to County Fire spokesperson Eli Iskow. An underground pipe burst and leaked three barrels of crude oil and 30 barrels of toxic produced water spilled, but the crews contained the matter that day.

County

At the behest of 2nd District Supervisor Janet Wolf, the County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to not discuss creating or raising beach and park fees throughout the county. Though the supervisors had previously indicated they didn't want to discuss such matters – including the implementation of fees at Goleta and Arroyo Burro Beaches – the CEO’s office brought the issue up again as a possible budget crisis solution.

**This brief was written inaccurately in the print edition. We apologize for the error.

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The Santa Barbara Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted 4-3 on 5/1 to annex a 22-acre parcel off Patterson Avenue owned by St. Athanasius Church to the Goleta Sanitary District. While only 4.6 acres will be developed, with the remaining 17 open for agricultural production, those opposing the move say it contradicts LAFCO’s mission to avoid actions promoting urban sprawl. Outfitting the property with sewers could be seen as attractive bait to developers.

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A plan to put a suicide-deterring barrier on Cold Spring Bridge was originally estimated by Caltrans to cost about $605,000. But according to Caltrans documents made available through public records requests made by opponents to the plan, the barrier’s actual cost is about $2.8 million. An update from Caltrans is scheduled for 5/15 in front of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments.

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With signatures of more than 600 people, Buellton residents submitted the Urban Growth Boundary Petition on 5/2. Designed to manage growth within Buellton’s existing city limit while protecting surrounding agricultural land, the plan would require residents to vote on development with provisions to extend city services outside the boundary. Exceptions will be made for public schools, parks, and some state-mandated housing projects.

Citizens' Alert

Social Game Night

Snacks, a cash bar, and door prizes, benefiting exhibits and educational programs. May 14, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fleischmann Auditorium ($10 - $15)

Children and Families Community Vision Forum

Meet the Candidate

Meet potential 3rd District Supervisor, Dr. Dave Bearman. May 14, 5:30 p.m., Solvang Community Ctr., 2030 Village Ln., Solvang. (Free)

Maritime Medley

Docent-guided tours and sea song sing-alongs. Every third Thursday. May 15, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., S.B. Maritime Museum (Free)

Direct Relief International Shareholders' Meeting 2008

All are welcome. May 15, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Direct Relief International

Peace Officers Memorial Day

Pictures available with dog statue. May 15, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mission and Garden sts.

Montecito/Hope Ranch Republican Women's Club

Hear a talk by Tony Strickland, a candidate for the State Senate, 19th District. May 15, 11:30 a.m., Montecito Country Club ($30)

Ladies Who Launch Happy Hour

Learn more about this innovative program. May 15, 6 p.m., Zaffiro

In Whose Honor?

Documentary on using Native American imagery in sports followed by a moderated community discussion. May 16, 8:15 p.m., Carpinteria Arts Ctr. (Free)

Central Library Book Sale

Old, rare, and valuable books. May 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The S.B. Public Library

25th Annual Children’s Festival

Includes pony rides, bouncers, sports world, and face painting! May 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Alameda Park (Free)

Electronic Waste Recycling

Visit noewaste.com to find out about accepted items. May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., SBCC (Free)

Presidio Pastimes - Living History Day

S.B. Republican Club

Meet with candidates running in the upcoming election! May 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Motel Holiday Inn ($23)

Bike Week Kickoff Dinner

Honoring BiciCentro's first bike kitchen. May 17, 6 p.m., Chase Palm Ctr. ($35)

Get Paid to Recycle Your Refrigerator

Meet the Candidate Party

For candidate for 3rd District Supervisor, Dr. Dave Bearman. May 17, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Paradise Store and Grill (Free)

Fundraiser for Dr. David Bearman

10th Annual Pearl Chase Society Historic Homes Tour

Electronic Waste Recycling

Visit noewaste.com to find out about accepted items. May 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., SBCC (Free)

Tour of Coal Oil Point Reserve

Led by a tour leader trained by the nonprofit Shorelines & Watersheds. RSVP. Donations appreciated. May 18, 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Call for location (Free - $5)

Learning Through Listening Hour

For those interested in participating in Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. May 20, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (Free)

Children and Family Community Vision Forum

Come share your thoughts, concerns, ideas, and vision for Children and Families. May 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Goleta Valley Community Ctr. (Free)

Children and Families Community Vision Forum

Power of Partnership Initiative project. May 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Goleta Valley Community Ctr. (Free)

Ladies Who Launch Incubator Workshop

14th Annual UCSB Women Authors’ Reception

Children and Family Community Vision Forum

Come share your thoughts, concerns, ideas, and vision for Children and Families. May 21, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Braille Institute (Free)

Nuclear Age Peace Foundation Meeting

League of Women Voters of S.B. Community Forum

Discussing the high cost of affordable housing. May 21, 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m., Louise Lowry Davis Ctr.

Children and Families Community Vision Forum

Power of Partnership Initiative project. May 21, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Braille Institute (Free)

Open House

Learn about innovative programs for our community's elderly. May 22, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Friendship Adult Day Services Ctr. (Free)

Downtown Art and Wine Tour

Candlelight Vigil

Mayor Blum will speak and Veterans for Peace sentries stand watch overnight, honoring victims of war in honor of Memorial Day. May 25, 7:30 p.m., Arlington West, Cabrillo Blvd.

Tar Pits Park Weeding Day

Last Tue. of each month. May 27, 10 a.m., Higgin's Spring, Tar Pits Park, Carpinteria.

Scholarship Foundation of S.B. Awards Ceremony

Honoring students of S.B. county with $8.5 million in scholarships and loans! May 28, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., S.B. Court House

NAWBO-SB Breakfast Meeting

Tim Buynak of Buynak Law Firm explains the "business entity alphabet." May 28, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., Canary Hotel ($30 - $40)

Children and Family Community Vision Forum

Come share your thoughts, concerns, ideas, and vision for Children and Families. May 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Faulkner Gallery (Free)

Children and Families Community Vision Forum

Power of Partnership Initiative project. May 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Faulkner Gallery (Free)

First Annual State of the City

Oil in the Channel: Contentious Solutions

Town hall meeting. May 31, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., S.B. Museum of Natural History (Free)

Citizens Planning Association's 48th Annual Meeting and Luncheon

Blessing of Animals

S.B. Newcomers Meeting

Orienting new residents (less than 18 months) to interesting local activities and interests. June 2, 7 p.m., Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort (Free)

Sunset Monthly Mixer

Join Pacific Pride Foundation and bring friends, family and co-workers to mingle while enjoying a signature cocktail. June 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Canary Hotel

Fiesta Ranchera

Ocean Awareness Festival

Beach clean-up at Stearns Wharf and then fun activities to celebrate and raise oceanic awareness. June 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ty Warner Sea Ctr.

City Walk and Talk

With Historical Society member Shirley Boydstun. June 7, 10 a.m., Dunes Ctr. (Free)

EDC's Annual Auction and Environmental Hero Awards

Carpinteria Marsh and Bluffs Weeding Day

Help keep native plants and animals safe from weeds. Weed the marshes at 10am and the bluffs at 1pm. June 8, 10 a.m., Meet at Sandyland and Ash aves., Carpinteria.

Habitat Restoration at Arroyo Hondo Preserve

First Sun. of every month. June 8, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Arroyo Hondo Preserve

Harding School Foundation's Celebrate the Arts!

Music, food, and auctions to support the school's arts. June 8, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Montecito Country Club ($50 - $65)

CAMA Women's Board Presents Eighth Annual Garden Tour

Public Officials Night

Ocean Awareness Festival

Join the beach clean-up at Stearns Wharf from 9-10am, and then the fun festival until 3pm at the museum. June 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ty Warner Sea Ctr.

Maritime Medley

Docent-guided tours and sea song sing-alongs. Every third Thursday. June 19, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., S.B. Maritime Museum (Free)

Summer Solstice Kick-Off Celebration

Summer Solstice Parade and Celebration

Girls Inc. 29th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament

Tar Pits Park Weeding Day

Last Tue. of each month. June 24, 10 a.m., Higgin's Spring, Tar Pits Park, Carpinteria.

Habitat Restoration at Arroyo Hondo Preserve

First Sun. of every month. July 6, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Arroyo Hondo Preserve

Maritime Medley

Docent-guided tours and sea song sing-alongs. Every third Thursday. July 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., S.B. Maritime Museum (Free)

Maritime Medley

Docent-guided tours and sea song sing-alongs. Every third Thursday. August 21, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., S.B. Maritime Museum (Free)

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale Opening Night Reception

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Book Sale

Class '68 S.B. High School 40th Year Class Reunion

Potluck picnic. Email kmae02@hotmail.com for info. October 4, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Goleta Beach Park (Free)