Tag Archives: South Coasting

Trish Dupart was one of City College’s Strongest Supporters

Posted on by
Reply

One of the sunniest smiles on the Santa Barbara City College campus faded away recently, when Trish Dupart passed away on May 11, from an extremely rapid form of acute monoblastic leukemia.

Dupart had recently retired after 30 years of dedicated service to the school and attended the Board of Trustees & President’s Retiree Recognition Reception just a few days before her death. “She delighted everyone with her charm and wit and proudly showed off her new state-of-the-art prosthetic leg (due to diabetes complications). It was typical of Trish to face life’s challenges with humility and humor,” said SBCC President John Romo.

She began working at SBCC in the library in the early 1970s after her husband, J.P., took a job here as a groundskeeper. In the early 80s she moved over to the Learning Center in the Humanities Building. When the Learning Resource Center was built in the late 80s, she was made a supervisor, a position she held until she retired in December.

Dupart was president of the local chapter of the California School Employees Association for a number of years. She also served as President of the Association of California College Tutorial and Learning Assistance and as the regional representative for the California Reading and Learning Association.

“Trish took a personal interest in the lives of students, staff and faculty. Her work in the Cartwright Learning Resource Center was not just a job, it was a calling,” said Jerry Pike, Assistant Professor and Director of the Learning Assistance Center. “Trish lent a familial presence, remembering the details of students’ lives and encouraging or admonishing them as the situation warranted.”

Dupart was particularly supportive of the school’s athletic teams. For many years she volunteered her time at basketball tournaments and she would also invite teams over for barbecues at her house.

“She had a special interest and a special passion for the student-athletes, helping them succeed academically and making sure they got a good meal now and then,” said Marsha Wright, Director of EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) and a close friend.

“Trish’s passing is a tremendous loss to the college and to everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed,” said Romo.

Dupart is survived by her husband of 38 years, J.P., daughter, Danielle and grandchildren, Alyssa and T.J.

An informal gathering of remembrance was held at the college last week. There will be no funeral service.

The family is requesting no flowers. Those who wish may send donations to either Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, 2219 Bath Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; The Endowment for Youth Committee, 1136 Montecito Street, Suite 2, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 or a favorite charity.

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on May 20, 2004.

The Generation X Homebuyer

Posted on by
Reply
Courtesy http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/14938

Courtesy http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/14938

Once pigeonholed as “slackers,” members of Generation X are now in their mid-20s to mid-30s and having a significant impact on home buying and building trends. Though the high cost of housing on the South Coast makes it difficult for Gen X to break into the market, when they are able to buy — through IPO bonuses, good old fashioned savings, 100 percent financing or help from mom and dad — they want different things than their parents did.

Quality is important. “They are happier with one good thing rather than three average things,” said Greg Nester, owner of Greg Nester Construction & Development and President of the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast. Their dream house might be smaller than their parents’ house, but not necessarily less expensive. “They want the best product they can get for the money they spend,” said Nester.

It’s all about value. This is a generation that has seen dot bombs and the stock market roller coaster. That uncertainty leads to more cautious spending. “Where wealthy boomers might brag about how much they pay for something, Gen Xers relish talking about how much they managed to save — and that applies even to those in the top income brackets,” said a recent survey by marketing-strategy firm Reach Advisors.

Homes should fit their lifestyles. “Gen X are goers, they’re not sitting at home. They come home in the evening and would prefer to have less of a burden as far as maintenance goes,” said Nester. For example, they don’t’ want elaborate kitchens because they say they don’t cook that often.

Flexible interior spaces. “They want media rooms and functional areas that replace the classic dining room and formal living rooms. Secondary to home theater and media rooms are rooms that are more computer and study oriented,” said Nester. They’re also not afraid to embrace new styles like concrete countertops instead of traditional tile. Stained and glazed concrete floors are becoming more common as well as more modern plumbing fixtures. Xers like to be able to customize their living spaces, said Nester.

They’re not running to the ‘burbs. “Many Xers prefer inner city living. … They are purchasing properties that may have mixed use with retail below and a condo above for residential,” said Nester. While many Santa Barbara suburbanites can’t understand why anyone would want to live above a business, this fits in well with city plans for infill development.

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on May 20, 2004.

St. Vincent’s project gets $6.7 million more

Posted on by
Reply

The Sisters of Mercy had their prayers answered on Tuesday, when the City of Santa Barbara approved an additional $6.7 million in redevelopment funds for St. Vincent’s housing project, which will provide 170 affordable units (95 designated for low-income seniors and 75 for low-income families) on the site at 4200 Calle Real.

Housing and Redevelopment Manager Dave Gustafson described the project as a precedent setting joint effort of the Redevelopment Agency, the county and the city. This is by far the largest affordable housing project these groups have ever undertaken, with a total cost estimate of $50 million, $11 million of which will come from Federal HUD funds.

Approximately $10 million will be dedicated to infrastructure and area upgrades near the project site, which the city annexed from the county specifically for development of the St. Vincent’s project. The developers will make improvements to the nearby Cieneguitas Creek, including bank stabilization, habitat restoration and enhanced public access with a new bridge. There will also be new roads, extensive grading, streetlights, sidewalks, utilities, drainage, landscaping and a bike and pedestrian path put in along Highway 154, which borders the project on the east.

A primary factor in the increased cost of the St. Vincent’s project is a worldwide increase in the cost of steel. This has also been a driver in cost overrun estimates for the Granada Parking Garage project.

While the City Council voted unanimously to approve the increased funding (with Roger Horton absent), it was not without expressing some concerns about the cost and the implications for funding of future redevelopment projects.

“I’m thrilled this is happening. I’m not so thrilled steel is going up,” said Mayor Marty Blum.

“This is a great project. But these are staggering numbers,” said Councilwoman Iya Falcone.

Construction on the project will begin this summer. Housing Developer Benjamin Phillips said he is hoping residents can begin moving in within two years.

“From the very beginning, there’s been a profound and palpable commitment from the city to make this happen,” said Sister Amy Bayley. “It’s been a source of encouragement and inspiration to us. The citizens of Santa Barbara should be very proud.”

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on May 20, 2004.

Passions run high as controversial condos approved by city

Posted on by
Reply

More than 150 people filled City Hall Tuesday night, where the Santa Barbara City Council unanimously voted to approve a controversial mixed-use condominium project near De la Vina and Calle Laureles Streets, rejecting an appeal by the neighbors.

Architectural firm DesignArc had proposed renovating an office building for itself, along with five condominiums. The council approved the project at 29 W. Calle Laureles, but with the addition of a rental unit designated for employees, more parking and the promotion of alternative transportation.

Passions ran high at the hearing, with 21 people speaking in favor of the project (in addition to members of the Planning Commission who gave it a unanimous approval) and 15 people against. In a neighborhood that has recently shouldered the additional burden of Trader Joe’s where a less robust business had been, parking and traffic were the issues of most concern.

“We are very glad to be your neighborhood drug store … we are very afraid to become your local parking lot,” said Bob Dooley, manager of Long’s Drug Store, one of the appellants.

“If you believe this is going to have no effect on our neighborhood — baloney,” said neighbor Kelly Griffin, quoting television’s Judge Judy.

Arguing that the project was the least possible weekday parking demand that could be on that site, DesignArc Principal Michael Holliday said, “The only parking and traffic threshold that this project exceeds is perception.”

Council members expressed concern about some of the misleading information that had been circulated in the neighborhood. “This flyer looks like we’re going to build Wilshire Boulevard along De la Vina,” said Councilman Das Williams.

“I don’t think that this project should be the scapegoat for all of the frustration,” said Councilwoman Helene Schneider.

The controversy over the project should have at least one positive impact on the neighborhood. Councilman Roger Horton made a direct request of the transportation department to improve the parking and traffic situation. “It seems to me that that’s our responsibility,” he said.

“I think it was actually a win-win for ourselves, trying to provide infill housing and for the neighborhood. I think we really spurred on action from city to solve problems that are far beyond our project,” said Bruce Bartlett, a founding partner of DesignArc.

The office construction will begin in two months, with the condos shortly afterward. DesignArc hopes to move in by the end of the year, said Bartlett. “It wasn’t quite the welcome wagon we were expecting, but we plan on being good neighbors.”

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on May 13, 2004.

Summerland lands on June 1

Posted on by
Reply

Surf will be up in Summerland on June 1 on the WB Network’s new show, which shares a name with our fair burg. SummerlandThe show stars Lori Loughlin as 30-something fashion designer who inherits her sister’s three kids when their parents are killed in an accident. They live in a hip beach community, natch. But it’s the fictional community of Playa Linda, said Andrea Gruber, Publicity Manager for the WB Television Network. “Summerland is just the title of the show basically because it’s a summer series,” she said.

Gruber, who grew up in Montecito, predicts tourists will still trek to Summerland to try to spot Lori Loughlin and her ensemble of beach-worthy co-stars. When “Dawson’s Creek” was hot, the show was set in the fictional town called Capeside. There happens to be a real city of Dawson in the Yukon Northwest territories of Canada, and Gruber said they had oodles of tourists who were fans of the show, as did the coast of Massachusetts, where the fictional Capeside was supposed to reside.

Of course, “Dawson’s Creek” ran for years and built up quite a following. “Summerland” has a commitment from the network to run for 12 weeks, from June 1 until the end of August, on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. After that, the jury’s still out on the show.

Loughlin came up with the original concept for “Summerland.” The network then paired her up with Executive Producer Aaron Spelling, of “Love Boat,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Dynasty,” and “7th Heaven” fame. Also involved with “Summerland” as executive producers are Remi Aubuchon, Stephen Tolkin and Spelling’s partner E. Duke Vincent.

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on May 13, 2o04.

CALM Director offers tips to spot child abuse

Posted on by
Reply

“If someone is able to prevent a case of child abuse before it occurs, then a tragedy has been averted,” said Dr. Anna Kokotovic, Executive Director of CALM (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation).

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and CALM, believes that active awareness and involvement by individuals in the community will dramatically decrease the number of cases of child abuse.

“It’s really about who gets there first,” said Kokotovic. “We are simply asking members of our community to please familiarize themselves with some of the basic information with respect to child abuse so they will recognize a potentially dangerous situation when it is happening.”

Child Abuse Warning signs from CALM

– When a child exhibits sudden changes in behavior or school performance. If he is nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults, reluctant to go home from school, very passive and withdrawn or very aggressive and disruptive, tired a lot, complains of nightmares or is fearful or anxious.

– If a child has unexplained burns, bruises, black eyes and other injuries, apparent fear of a parent or caretaker or faded bruises of healing injuries after missing school.

– When a child has difficulty walking or sitting or other indications of injury in the genital area, or sexual knowledge or behavior beyond what is normal for the child’s age or is running away from home.

– If a child is acting overly mature or immature for his age, has extreme changes in behavior, delays in physical or emotional development, attempted suicide or shows a lack of emotional attachment to the parent.

Although the month of April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, CALM urges the community to take an active role year-round, as awareness of child abuse and neglect needs to be a continuing commitment. For more information please call 965.2376, or visit www.calm4kids.org.

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on April 29, 2004.

Crane Music Fest rocks out this week

Posted on by
Reply

Rather than endure another “rubber chicken and auction” fundraiser, this year the Crane Country Day School will host the first Crane Music Fest on May 1 as a benefit for the Library and Arts Center Expansion Campaign, said Mary Blair, who is co-chairwoman of the event.

This is no ordinary school talent show lineup. Headlining the event will be Jefferson Starship, 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of fame inductee Dave Mason, Fast Freddie of Spiro Jiro, Holly Palmer, Crosby and Bella Loggins, King Bee, Rustic Groove and many other well-known performers.

“The Crane fields are really this little Hamlet, just such an awesome place to go enjoy music,” said Blair. You can hang out with your friends and family, eat, drink get a henna tattoo. It will be sort of a cleaned up version of Woodstock … offering a caliber of music that really anybody in Santa Barbara would enjoy and listen to, she said.

Along with the music, the event — which runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Crane Country Day School, 1795 San Leandro Lane in Montecito — will feature a silent auction and a live auction hosted by Crane Dad Dennis Miller and including coveted prizes like a cabana at the Coral Casino, a week at La Quinta Resort and a shopping/gourmet getaway at the Argent Hotel in San Francisco. There will also be a village street fair packed with artisans and local food vendors.

Tickets are $100. Call Kara Petersen at 969.7732 for more information or to purchase tickets.

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on April 29, 2004.

Local woman brings rape into spotlight

Posted on by
Reply

*Rape is the most frequently committed violent crime in the U.S. *Most rapists are not strangers: someone the survivor knows commits 80% of all sexual assaults. False accusations account for only 2% of all reported sexual assaults.”

As astounding as the statistics about rape are, putting a real life face and voice to this tragedy is even more astounding. Here is one local woman’s story.

Lea is the single mother of three teenage sons. Up until about three years ago she managed a restaurant where she’d been employed for 20 years. “I had reported an assault nine months prior to the rape and was told that ‘cooks are hard to come by, let it go.’ They (her employers) denied the whole thing. … They turned everybody against me.”

It was heartbreaking, said Lea. “When people think about rape they only think about just that moment, but they don’t about all the other horrible things. I lost my job. A single mom supporting three children of my own and I lost my ability to be able to support them.”

Unlike many rape victims, Lea took her case to trial and won, only to find out that the perpetrator had skipped town and headed for Mexico.

When the trial ended, many of her friends lost patience, expecting her to be able to move on. “I think awareness is what’s most important,” said Lea, who now volunteers much of her time as an advocate at the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center. “It’s just so important to make people aware of the magnitude of what happens to people’s lives. Not just the people that the crime was committed against, but their family, their friends. It’s amazing how many people turned and walked away from me at that point in time. …. I found a whole new family that does understand. I don’t know what I would do if I hadn’t found the Rape Crisis Center.”

The most important thing about being an advocate for a rape survivor is to make them feel safe and supported, said Lea. “It takes a lot of heart and a heart that cares about another’s feelings. We don’t all have to be survivors to be an advocate. We have to be people that care. I’m so glad that people are out here and want to listen, because it’s so important. It’s a silent tragedy. That’s what rape is; it’s a silent tragedy.”

For more information about the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center call 963.6832 or visit www.sbrapecrisiscenter.org. There is also a 24-hour hotline number: 564.3696.

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on April 22, 2004.

Quantum Restaurant & Lounge

Posted on by
Reply

For those of us who are addicted to appetizers, the new Quantum Restaurant & Lounge (201 West Carrillo St.) is an immediate hit. The brainchild of Mondial Catering chef/owner Cynthia Miranda, the concept is designed around shared dishes and building a meal around several small tastes, with a definite Asian influence in both the food and decor.

The portions – and prices — are relatively small but the menu isn’t. I went with a group of nine friends and still wasn’t able to try everything that sounded appealing.

Among our favorite appetizers were house fries with tomato jam (a must try at only $3.50) sweet shrimp and avocado salsa with chips and oysters three ways.

High point entrees (all in the $10 to $15 range), which we also shared, were the delicious Chile roasted sea bass, yummy halibut wrapped in a banana leaf and mini Kobe beef burgers with onion rings, which put White Castle to shame.

The wine list is impressive, with a number of bottles in the $30 range. They also offer wine and sake cocktails like a sour apple, watermelon and blood orange sparkler or sakitinis.

While some in my party preferred the banana crème brulee (flavors change every night), I believe a dessert without chocolate just isn’t worth the calories. Quantum’s mini chocolate and Carmel sundae (topped with mini m & m’s) was definitely worth the splurge.

There’s also a tasting menu for those willing to put their menu the hands of the chef. At $38 for four dishes and $48 for five, it’s a good way to try a lot of things if you don’t have eight other people in your party.

While one my friends said the small dishes made him feel like he was at a tea party, he was outnumbered by appetizer aficionados who can’t wait to return. This is a perfect place for celebrations as well as pre- or post-theatre nibbles. I’ll definitely be back.

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on April 15, 2004.

Westside story on the Web

Posted on by
Reply

Neighborhood activist building Internet community

Using new technology to foster good, old-fashioned neighborliness, Harriet Marx recently launched sbwestside.org, an interactive Web site designed to promote community involvement.

Westside neighbors began holding community cleanup days over the summer, and Marx came home from one with such a good feeling that she wanted to find a way to build on and sustain that sense of neighborhood togetherness.

“It was a hot day, and yet all these people came out, and they were so enthusiastic,” she said. “There was just a really good feeling there and so when I came home from that I was just kind of high from it actually. … It was about the sense of community, and I thought you know if they had something to sustain that on a continual basis.”

Marx had seen the Scripps Ranch community come together via the Internet after being devastated by fires and wanted to develop a similar kind of site for her own neighborhood. Coincidentally, her husband, Henry, was developing an interactive Web site for students at Brooks Institute, so he had the technical skills to bring her vision to life.

The site features announcements about neighborhood events, helpful links, free classified ads and online discussion forums about community concerns. The forums already include threads such as a property owner seeking input on how to develop the site at 517 W. Figueroa St. as well as a wish list of neighborhood improvements such as landscaping the entrance to Bohnett Park and putting a coffee shop somewhere on San Andreas Street.

The site is free and open to the public. Marx encourages her neighbors to come check it out.

“We hope that it encourages people to think about ways they can connect in a positive way with their neighbors and just do good stuff,” she said.

“We think this is the future … the ability to have people connect so easily, communicate so easily. I think this is a step in the right direction, using technology for an old-fashioned purpose.”

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on April 11, 2004.