Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People is pleased to announce that Rick Weber has been elected to the board of directors.

Rick Weber

Weber is a member of the Wealth Management Team of Montecito Bank & Trust. Based in the Solvang Branch, where he serves as portfolio manager and relationship manager.

Weber has worked in the asset management business for 35 years, most recently as portfolio manager for a multi-billion-dollar intuitional investment fund in New York and prior as the chief risk officer for this same fund.

Weber founded and managed his own investment fund, which grew to over $400 million in assets. He holds a J.D. degree from the University of Virginia Law School and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford University.

Weber lives with his wife Susan in the Santa Ynez Valley, has two adult children (Mack and Nell),  two dogs and five horses.

Weber is involved in various community and charitable activities, including the Solvang Rotary and the Kitchen Crew for St. Mark’s in the Valley.

To learn more about People Helping People, its programs and services for our communities, visit www.syvphp.org or call 805-686-0295.  

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After an extensive search and comprehensive selection process that began at the start of the new year, the Board of Directors of Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP) is pleased to announce the selection of Valerie Kissell as the next and only second chief executive officer (CEO) of PHP. Kissell will succeed Dean Palius, who served as PHP’s CEO for the past 25 plus years and who will retire on Aug. 31. 

Dean Palius

The new CEO resides in Solvang and comes to PHP from Youth and Family Services at the Channel Islands YMCA where she has served as the executive director since 2016. “I am thrilled to be a part of the People Helping People team at this critical time in our community,” Kissell said. “During times when our neighbors are in survival mode perhaps experiencing crisis, trauma or poverty, they may have no idea how to access the support systems and mainstream benefits that are available to them. This is the beauty of People Helping People, a one-stop service agency providing support and assistance under one roof. I am excited to become a member of this agency and continue the mission.”

Francisca Escobar, PHP’s board president, joined the balance of the Board of Directors, staff, clients served and the community in welcoming Kissell to PHP. 

Valerie Kissell

“All of us on the board know that Valerie is following a predecessor that set a high standard of performance,” Escobar said. “That said we all have a high degree of confidence that she is up to the task having successfully navigated a recruitment and selection process that was rigorous and most competitive with over 100 initial candidates required to submit written responses to key questions, make an extemporaneous presentation and participate in three sets of interviews. The board faced a critical decision made equally more difficult and easier by having to select one of the three highly qualified final candidates as the next CEO.” 

Kissell will be responsible for providing vision, leadership, direction and accountability for all aspects of PHP’s diversified activities to ensure performance outcomes have maximum impact, meet organization objectives and fulfill the established mission. Kissell will act as chief of staff and lead the organization’s community engagement strategies.

Kissell will start at PHP on Monday, Aug. 17 and Palius will depart on Aug. 31. Plans are underway at PHP to hold COVID-safe meet and greet sessions to introduce the new CEO to community stakeholders. Session dates and times will be announced soon.

People Helping People is a 501 c-3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of men, women and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos and surrounding areas by addressing emergency and basic needs and furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services. To learn more about PHP, its programs, and ways that you can help, please visit the PHP web site at www.syvphp.org or call (805) 686-0295.

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The Santa Ynez Valley Healthy Eating Active Living (SYV HEAL) Coalition will conduct an Open Streets Festival in October 2020 on Buellton’s Avenue of Flags, which will be closed to traffic for most of that day.

At an Open Street event, pedestrian traffic replaces car traffic and streets become places where people of all ages, abilities and background can find ways to improve their health.

Community members gather, socialize, walk, run, bike, skate, dance or participate in other activities on selected local streets temporarily closed to motorized traffic. The free event offers the community the opportunity to experience their city streets in a whole new way.

Organizers hope the festival will become an annual event in rotating locations in the Santa Ynez Valley. Next year’s event will be the first Open Streets Festival in the valley, but over the past few years, there have been a number of successful Open Streets events held in Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria.

The Buellton event, intended to be family friendly, will occupy three median strips and the roadway on Avenue of Flags.

Dean Palius of People Helping People and Tommy Spiedel of the Gildred Family YMCA, co-conveners of the local HEAL Coalition, said that they expect to obtain the participation of a wide range of businesses and organizations promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles, recreation and sports, foods and cooking, art, music, dance, and diverse cultures appealing to all ages, from young children to seniors, and abilities.

Live music and other entertainment are will also be provided all day.

The SYV HEAL Coalition is operating under the nonprofit umbrella of People Helping People, which is providing administrative and fiscal support and oversight to the coalition and Open Streets. Other members of the coalition include the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Bike Coalition, SYV Wellness Collective, city of Buellton, Solvang Chamber of Commerce, city of Solvang, SYV Cottage Hospital, Veggie Rescue, Marina Musante, Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG).

SBCAG has signed on as the event’s first “Motivator” level sponsor by investing $10,000. Open Streets promoters are soliciting additional sponsors at levels from $15,000 to $500. For more information or a list of sponsor opportunities, contact Dean Palius at dean@syvphp.org or (805) 686-0295 x108.

The request for proposals for event coordinators is available from the coalition at syvhealcoalition.com/.

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People Helping People (PHP) is seeking the public’s help, including donations of time, turkeys and gifts, as it prepares its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday programs that serve people throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos.

For Thanksgiving, PHP expands its regular biweekly food program to distribute turkeys and all the fixings to 275 to 300 low-income families and seniors. To do this, PHP must obtain food donations to supplement the nearly 10,000 pounds of food it normally delivers.

Donations of turkeys and other traditional accompaniments, “Turkey Bucks,” or cash gifts for those items can be made at PHP’s Service Center at 545 North Alisal Road in Solvang. PHP staff has already arranged for freezer and storage space so that they can begin taking donations immediately. Call Victor Gonzalez, PHP’s Food Program Coordinator, at 805-686-0295 to arrange a donation or even a pick-up.

PHP is also planning for its 25^th annual valley-wide “Fulfill-A-Wish” program. In the true spirit of the Christmas season, a large cast of PHP staff and volunteers gather donated gifts for teens and basic-needs household items for families.

Additionally, PHP partners with “Toys 4 Tots” to collect and distribute toys, and with the Rotary Club of Buellton to gather and deliver warm coats to children in need throughout the area. PHP is the only official organization in the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys designated by the Marine Corps Reserve to accept Toys 4 Tots donations.

Although families must meet income qualifications to participate in the PHP Fulfill-A-Wish program, the eligibility and distribution process is completed with sensitivity and respect for the dignity of the families. All items distributed at Fulfill-A-Wish are donated materials or purchased with cash gifts specified for that purpose.

More than $20,000 in goods and 30 volunteers are needed to help fulfill families’ most basic needs at Christmas. Last year, PHP’s Fulfill-A-Wish Program assisted 83 families, including more than 2,000 children.

Kristina Stewart, PHP Brand and Marketing Manager, said that the overwhelming gratitude displayed by parents who are able to provide gifts on Christmas day for their kids makes the tremendous organizational effort worthwhile. 

“It is a wonderful feeling to help so many celebrate who otherwise could not,” said Stewart. 

According to Stewart, many of those assisted are victims of domestic violence, single moms, and very-low-income families working in the local service and agricultural industries,

PHP will distribute Christmas gifts from its Fulfill-A-Wish Boutique in the Buellton Park Center in space donated by JoAnn Taylor & The Lauren Company. The boutique will be festively decorated, stocked by volunteers, and be ready for operation on Dec. 20.

On that day, families and individuals meeting the PHP eligibility criteria visit the boutique and choose a limited number of gifts and toys based on the size of their family. Ramos indicated that the boutique will be open well into the evening in order to accommodate working families.

“The Fulfill-A-Wish program represents the very best of the valley community. … A great debt of gratitude is owed to the many businesses, schools, churches, and agencies that sponsor locations for donation boxes; the staff of C&D LLC, CPAs, that donate many hours to set up and decorate the boutique; and to the many other generous volunteers and donors who give of their time, toys, clothing, and funds,” said Dean Palius, PHP’s Chief Executive Officer.

To make donating to Fulfill-A-Wish convenient, donation boxes advertising Toys 4 Tots and “wish lists” will be available throughout the valley beginning in mid-November. And, for the second time this year, PHP and the Rotary Club of Buellton are making additional boxes available to collect gently worn coats to help individuals stay warm through the winter months.

In addition to the hundreds of toys needed each year the Fulfill-A-Wish program is especially in need of clothing for children, from infants to teens, and gift items suitable for teens. Gift cards are a great option for teen contributions. 

Individuals or groups interested in making a donation can request a list of recommended items from PHP and drop them unwrapped in one of the donation boxes or deliver them to the PHP offices at 545 North Alisal Road, Solvang.

Individuals and families can support PHP’s Fulfill-A-Wish Program with a donation of a gift, wrapping paper, or cash; placement of a donation box in a business; or by volunteering. For additional information, contact Crystal at People Helping People at 805-686-0295 or crystal@syvphp.org. You can reach PHP by mail at P.O. Box 1478, Solvang, 93464.

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The 12^th annual Vino de Sueños (Wine of Dreams) benefit wine release celebration will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton.

The public is invited to attend the event, which raises money to support services provided to farm, ranch, and vineyard workers and their families by the nonprofit People Helping People (PHP).

Vino de Sueños debuted in November 2008, was organized by a small group of local premium winemakers to specifically help farm and vineyard workers. PHP was selected as the beneficiary because of the large number of farm and vineyard workers the group assists. Founding wineries were Alma Rosa, Buttonwood, Clos Pepé, Feliz Noché, Foxen, Longoria, and Presidio.

Vino de Sueños (VDS) is the brand name for People Helping People’s wine series released each year at the annual event.

“This year, twelve of the best Santa Barbara County wineries are donating wines bottled under the exclusive VDS label. These wines will be available for tasting and sale at the release celebration,” said Becky Barieau, VDS event chair.

The lineup of 2019 wineries are Alma Rosa Winery, The Brander Vineyard, Buttonwood Farm & Winery, Dierberg Vineyard, Foxen Winery, Ken Brown Wines, Kita’ Wines, Lincourt Vineyards, Longoria Wines, Refugio Ranch Vineyards, Riverbench Vineyard & Winery, and Stolpman Vineyards.

There will be individual white and red wines for every taste and budget. All VDS wines are specially discounted for this fundraising event. White wine and red wine six-pack samplers and individual cases will be available for further discounted prices.

Dean Palius, PHP CEO, said that the agency serves nearly 800 farm, ranch, and vineyard workers and their family members each year in the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys.

“All in, the services cost in excess of $260,000 and we simply could not afford to serve all of those in need without the donations of our winemakers and lead sponsors, the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Foundation, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation, Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, All American Label, Fund for Santa Barbara, and Uva Design Studios,” Palius added.

Another unique aspect of the Vino de Sueños wines is that every year each winery’s VDS bottle label includes the “dream” icon originated by artist Karina Puente and a reproduction of an original art piece.

“We have been extremely blessed each year to have so many local artists willing to contribute to this effort,” Barieau added.

This year’s original labels will be based on the art of Peggy Brierton, Chris Chapman, Jim Farnum, Kevin Gleason, Rebecca Gomez, Suzan Hamilton-Todd, Patricia Hedrick Duncan, John Iwerks, Renée Kelleher, Sharon Tate, and Seyburn Zorthian.

The artists’ original works will be prominently displayed at the event and will be available for purchase via a silent auction. Art lovers can obtain a preview of the art at www.vinodesuenos.com.

This is the 12th straight year that Kros Andrade, owner of UVA Design Studios, is designing the unique Vino de Sueños wine labels.

“It is a pleasure and a privilege to volunteer for this event, give back to farm and vineyard workers, and support a very worthy nonprofit like People Helping People,” Andrade said.

In addition to the wine tasting, wine sale, and art auction, the release event on Nov. 9 will feature a silent auction of upscale lifestyle items and select wines, live music by the Complicated Animals (https://www.complicatedanimals.com), and appetizer stations catered by some of the top chefs on the Central Coast, including Jeff Olsson of Industrial Eats and New West Catering, Brett Stevens of High on the Hog, and K’Syrah Catering.

PHP will also host an exclusive event within the event, the VIP and Patron Lounge. In addition, Decadence Fine Cakes and Confections will provide special desserts and Cailloux Cheese Shop will furnish gourmet cheeses.

General ($50 each or $45 “early bird”), VIP, and Patron tickets are now on sale. To purchase tickets or read more, visit www.vinodesuenos.com or contact Kristina at kristina@syvphp.org or 805-686-0295.                                         

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The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that one in three women and one and four men can expect to be a victim of domestic violence during their lifetimes.  Since 2001, Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People’s Advocates for Domestic and Child Abuse Prevention Program (ADCAP) has provided domestic violence intervention and prevention services to over 2,500 women and children.

Even more hidden is the violence that occurs between teens in relationships.  According to the CDC, “teen relationship violence is defined as the physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence within a dating relationship, including stalking. It can occur in person or electronically and might occur between a current or former dating partner.” The CDC reports that 22% of women first experience some form of partner violence when they are between the ages of 11 and 17.  And, yes, this abuse also happens right here in our own back yard.  Consider the following case history.

Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People’s (PHP’s) Domestic Violence Prevention Advocate first met with “Katie” when she was a senior at the local high school. As seniors prepared for graduation, in a campus classroom, Katie recounted numerous incidents of physical abuse at the hands of her boyfriend.  Katie expressed how she felt trapped in the relationship and was afraid to leave.  Although she had many friends and was close to her parents, she was afraid to share her experience for fear of being judged and blamed. She repeatedly said, “It is not that easy, when you are threatened.”  Katie received information from PHP about healthy relationships, support to let her know that the abuse was not her fault, and safe options available to leave the relationship.  However, she was not able to immediately extricate herself from the unhealthy relationship.  PHP staff remained in contact with Katie over a period of months to bolster her emotional-wellbeing and finally, Katie was able to move on.

Four years later, PHP received a call from Katie to request mental health services.  She shared that she had never fully recovered from the abuse. Katie became a single-parent to a 5-year-old daughter. She had experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety which impacted her ability to parent her child. The child shows signs of developmental delays and has learning challenges at school.

Katie’s experience and current health status mirrors the findings of the CDC on the lasting impacts of teen dating violence and abuse.  “Teen dating violence can have long term health effects and survivors are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse, or develop mental health issues.”

The availability of local Intervention services, such as those available from PHP, is critical to breaking the cycle of violence.  However, PHP’s ultimate goal is to prevent abuse before it starts. Mayra M. Ramos, Chief Program Officer of PHP’s Advocates for Domestic and Child Abuse Prevention (ADCAP), states that, “dating emotional abuse and violence is more prevalent than we think and often takes the form bullying via social media. By having open and honest conversations with our teens, we help create a culture of communication that can help prevent dating violence or domestic violence later in life.”

The Advocates for Domestic & Child Abuse Prevention Program (ADCAP) is a program of People Helping People, a 501 c-3 non-profit organization dedicated to “improving the lives of men, women and children in the communities it serves by addressing emergency and basic needs, furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services, and acting as a catalyst for positive community change.  To learn more about ADCAP and its 2 hour emergency response team a other PHP services, please visit the PHP web site at www.syvphp.org or call 686-0295. If you are interested in volunteering for PHP’s domestic violence emergency response team or wish confidential information, please call Mayra at (805) 588-2495 for more information.

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Staff Report

The beginning of a new school year brings relief to many parents, but for those who are struggling to make ends meet, it poses another financial hurdle and creates additional stress.

For the past five years, People Helping People (PHP) has stepped in to fill the gap for families and their students who need essential school supplies. PHP purchases backpacks and the school-recommended pencils, crayons, markers, rulers, notebooks, paper, and more to fill them. PHP then distributes the completed backpacks to local schools through their Family Service Advocates assigned to Resource Centers at the schools.

On Aug. 14, volunteers from Hidden Wings, another local nonprofit group, arrived at PHP to fill backpacks, PHP CEO Dean Palius noted.

“Hidden Wings is dedicated to providing a place where young people with autism can spread their own wings and learn life skills,” Palius added. “Hidden Wings has become a go-to source for needed volunteers who not only helped with our school supplies project but also are regularly volunteering at PHP’s biweekly food distribution program at Mission Santa Ines. We are extremely grateful for their assistance.”

Anyone interested in donating to PHP’s school supplies project or who would like more information can call Mayra at 805-588-2495 or email mayra@syvphp.org.

For more information about PHP and volunteer opportunities, visit www.syvphp.org.

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Mayra M. Ramos has been appointed chief program officer at Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP).

The new position consolidates the functions of previously vacant positions at PHP.

Ramos has worked in both the nonprofit sector and in higher education, PHP CEO Dean Palius said, adding that “she has worked extensively in community-based services and program evaluation and brings her passion of serving others to our team.”

Born and raised in Salinas, she moved to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB, where she completed a B.A. in global studies and an M. A. in educational leadership and organizations. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and recently helped establish a Spanish-speaking Toastmasters Club in Santa Maria.

Ramos resides in Lompoc with her husband, Alex. When not at work, she volunteers with CASA and Toastmasters.

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Registration is open for People Helping People’s ninth annual Wine Country Bike Trek on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 14-16, to raise money for PHP services including a food program, homelessness prevention, services to seniors, and youth mentoring programs. 

The Bike Trek event, with its home base again at Midland School in Los Olivos, includes a fully supported “ride at your own pace” 30- or 50-mile circuit on each of its three days. Participants can choose to ride on one, two or three days and can also choose the length of their ride each day. 

Registration is available at www.winecountrybiketrek.com, which also has additional information about the ride, meals, lodging, training and volunteering, and suggestions for obtaining voluntary pledges to support the work of PHP for people of limited means or in a financial crisis.

According to Ride Coordinator Erica Valdés, the ride appeals to cyclists, including children, at every skill level. It covers both flat terrain and rolling hills, is well marked, and includes fully supported food and rest stops every 10 miles. Roving support vehicles help ensure rider safety.

The three-day ride begins in Solvang on Friday, ends at Midland School in Los Olivos, and includes the option of camping at Midland School on Friday and Saturday nights.

“We even deliver the three-day riders’ camping gear to the Midland School campsite,” Valdés added.

On Saturday and Sunday, rides start at Midland School. Each morning begins with a complimentary continental breakfast. All riders receive T-shirts and swag bags and are entertained with live music each night.

Dinners are provided on Friday and Saturday evenings, including beer and wine. There is also a farewell lunch barbecue on Sunday prepared by the Rotary Club of Buellton at Rancho de Maria in Buellton, where the Sunday ride ends.

The nonprofit PHP’s mission is to “improve the lives of men, women, and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos, and surrounding communities by addressing emergency and basic needs, furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services, and activing as a catalyst for positive community change.”

For more information about the ride, visit www.winecountrybiketrek.com or call 805-686-0295. For more information about PHP and the programs that Bike Trek riders support, log onto www.syvphp.org.

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The annual Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic, benefiting Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People, will return to Happy Canyon Vineyard at Piocho Ranch in Santa Ynez on Saturday, June 29.

The event will include high-goal professional women’s and men’s matches with a preliminary junior competition.

According to even coordinator Erica Valdés, there are many ways, at various price points, to watch the event.

“All the venues for the matches at Piocho provide spectacular up-close viewing. Only the amenities vary,” Valdés said.  “You can view the fast-paced action from luxury VIP boxes including champagne reception and sit-down lunch; beer and wine club seating; and economy general admission.”

Local resident Joel Baker, the Polo Classic’s “play coordinator” and a long-time “high goal” professional polo player, is once again recruiting the teams and players.  Baker said he expects that again this year the event will include some of the best and most celebrated male and female players in the world.

The Barrack Family, owners of Piocho Ranch and sponsors of the Happy Canyon Vineyard team of polo professionals, will host the Polo Classic for the fourth consecutive year.

“We are thrilled to once again host this fantastic event,” said T.J. Barrack. “Each year the event has been extremely well organized, highly attended and has delivered a display of world-class polo. My family is proud to support our community and the great efforts of People Helping People in this way and embrace the expanded opportunity to promote the sport we love at the place we love.”

According to Nancy Hunsicker, PHP board member and Polo Classic co-chair, the success of the Polo Classic is due to the collaborative efforts of community leaders, dedicated volunteers, and generous corporate and small-business partners.

“We hope that even more folks will attend or volunteer and that additional businesses will step up as sponsors,” she said. “You don’t have to be a fan of or expert in polo to enjoy the beautiful setting and the competition, speed, and horsemanship professional polo players display.”

VIP, Patron, Club, and general admission tickets are available at syvpoloclassic.com. Contact Valdés at erica@syvphp.org for patron pricing and availability.

General admission tickets are $15 each and $5 for children under 12. They include nearby parking and shaded seating close to the action.  Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase.

Tickets, volunteer opportunities, and more information are available online at www.syvpoloclassic.com or by calling Valdés at 805-686-0295.

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