The outbreak of destructive fires in Southern California, most notably the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu and the Eaton Fire in the Pasadena area, is making its presence known up and down the state.

However, the catastrophe south has also given people outside the fire areas the chance to step up and offer assistance topeople and creatures of all kind. And that spirit has definitely emerged in the Santa Ynez Valley.

A big part of that relief effort has shown itself at the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society facility in Buellton.

The SYVHS has welcomed in seven dogs that were up for adoption in Los Angeles-area shelters, according to Animal Care Supervisor Ally Boswell.

“In fact, two of them have already been adopted,” she said. “And there are others looking for a good home.”

Boswell said when the fires started up, SYVHS contacted shelters and offered to take some dogs in. She also pointed out that the dogs moved up to the Valley were one already up for adoption, rather than those displaced by the fire and are trying to reunite with their families.

“When this sort of thing happens, we have a network that we call partner shelters,” Boswell said. “We have a list of shelters and if they’re in an area that’s in trouble, we can go to that list and contact any of them to see if they need to move any pets.”

Boswell said they got their dogs from shelters in Pasadena, one that’s run by the city of Los Angeles, and another that’srun by LA County.

The Humane Society’s efforts didn’t stop with housing pets; it also organized a donation drive with food and supplies for pets in the fire areas.

“It was huge. We had our van completely full of stuff,” Boswell said. “We had a volunteer bring his pickup with a 4- by 8-foot trailer, and another volunteer who brought his van, so we were able to get it all down there.”

Boswell said that relief groups down in the fire area have requested people to bringing stuff because they’re already overwhelmed.

“They have more than they need in goods, but they’re still taking monetary donations,” said Boswell, who suggested anyone who wants to contribute should google “LA animal shelters” and find links to donate directly.

For the donation drive, Boswell said the SYVHS had an ally in Buellton Garage, located at Highway 246 in the shopping center where China Panda restaurant and Subway are located.

“They’ve had a bin there for people to drop off stuff, and we just picked that up to add to our stuff,” Boswell said.

Leslie Sherrill, operations manager for Buellton Garage, said the business frequently gets together with the SYVHS for adoption events and donations.

“We had an adoption drive here where they brought some pets,” Sherrill said. “We donated some of our proceeds from the day to help them out. We just love what they do and like to help, and it’s our way of giving back to the community.”

Having two entities work together like that illustrate what makes the SYV such a desirable place to live, according to Boswell.

“When you have something like this, it seems that everyone wants to come and help,” she said. “That’s what makes this such a great community.”

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Not all superheroes wear capes as our local heroes wear scrubs, badges and aprons, said Santa Barbara County Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart. 

“It’s important we all take steps to protect ourselves and loves ones and perhaps save a life,” Hart said during the press briefing Thursday afternoon. 

Public Health Officer Dr. Henning Ansorg said there has been an increase in 28 cases of COVID-19 since April 1, with a total 139 in Santa Barbara County. The ages of those positive range from 20’s to 70’s. Of those new cases  there are 11 in Santa Maria, five in Orcutt, three in North County, two in Lompoc, one in the Santa Ynez Valley, one in Goleta and five in Santa Barbara, according to public health officials.  

Ansorg reported of the 139 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 81 recovering at home; 24 have fully recovered; 23 are in hospital with 16 ICU; 10 are at home and waiting on condition results and 1 unfortunately has died. The county reported yesterday the patient who died was at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria, lived in the northern part of the county, was in their 60s, and had underlying health conditions.

Ansorg also gave information coming from the Centers for Disease Contraol and the World Health Organization are finding those who have COVID-19 are “presymptomatic” for 48 hours before they even show signs and symptoms so anyone who does test positive needs to inform anyone they were around two days prior to showing symptoms. 

“This makes social distancing even more important, and people should be wearing masks or some kind of cover on their faces if they need to go into any public setting,” Ansorg stated.

He added that people can make masks or covers at home, having the N95 masks available for first responders and health care workers are especially important right now. 

Some positive news Ansorg gave is that the local Pacific Diagnostic Lab can provide same day results for high priority patients and have already helped the local healthcare force. Ansorg said they are processing roughly 10 tests per day, which have helped immensely. 

Additionally, there have been a lot of negative tests coming back which is good, but Ansorg alluded that if they had more tests it is likely there would be even more confirmed cases. 

Noozhawk‘s Tom Bolton asked why there was such high numbers coming from North County as opposed to South County and if health officials had any data showing why. No findings are available now, but Ansorg said they are still talking to clinics and hospitals to gather data to know that answer. 

The Star asked if there had been any recovered patients giving antibodies, to which Ansorg said not yet as he is uncertain a substantial amount can be produced here to be effective. The Star also asked if any of the local patients are using the malaria treatments, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating the use of the drug chloroquine. This is already approved for treating malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, but the FDA is determining whether it can be used to treat patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Ansorg said no local patients are using this treatment currently, however health officials are doing trials with difference antivirals. 

Hart said the county is also looking after the well-being of the first responders and giving access to Rhonda, the first emotional support dog through Santa Barbara County Fire. Rhonda and her handler Sam Dudley are helping first responders with the stress and giving emotional support. 

“To best serve you they (first reponders) also need to take care of themselves,” Hart said. 

He added that there are currently 100 cats in foster care and local shelters are nearly empty. He added that Care4Paws is offering pet food and veterinary services if needed and helping people create plans for pets in event they become sick. The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society/DAWG in Buellton is also open for placements by appointment. More information about their animals is available here. To schedule a meet, call 805-688-8224.

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This month we’ve chosen our sweet girl CC. She has been with us for almost a year. She is a beautiful 13-year-old domestic shorthair. She does great in a home with other cats and has even met some dogs and is okay with them as long as they respect her space. 

CC does have some disc issues so she can’t really jump onto high surfaces and has to be indoor only. She loves to talk, get scratches and sunbathe. 

CC is located at our site in Buellton at the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society. We are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our website is syvhumane.org and our phone number is 805-688-8224. We hope to see our CC go home soon as she is a staff and volunteer favorite.

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Sarah, the trainer at Valley Dog Training and our kennel manager, Emily, has been working with him and helping him become more social. He has been excelling since then. 

Agador was taken to the park to see how he did out of the shelter, he was relaxed, enjoyed all the park smells and even met a family with young kids. He can be a little shy when it comes to meeting new dogs, being in a household as a single dog or with mellow dog would be best for him. We have cat tested him and he is curious but will respect their space. He will need a little bit of patience, but he is worth the work! 

With such a docile demeanor and look that you’ll die for, Agador will make the perfect family addition. We are located at Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, our address is 111 Commerce Drive. Feel free to give us a call at 805-688-8224 with any questions or come in and meet him. We are open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Staff Report

Here is the list of winners from the 4th of July Parade. We hope everyone enjoyed the many amazing entries, and congratulations to the winners! See complete coverage of the parade in our July B issue out July 16. 

Photo by Open Door Photography

Sweepstakes Winner – Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital “Clean Hands Saves Lives”Best Use of Parade Theme –

Friends Of Buellton and Solvang Libraries “We The People Value Literacy.”

Most Patriotic – Patriotic Horsemen

Most Original – Willow Creek Ranch Friends & FamilyMost Unique – Ernie Bankston’s Radio Flyer

Most Creative – Wilding Museum/Los Padres ForestWatchBest Band – Santa Ynez Valley Jazz ensemble

Best Singing Group – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

Best Singing – Single – McKenna Smith sings The National Anthem

Best Family Group – Crowell/Morsch Family Reunion

Best Church Group – Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church

Best Senior Group – Atterdag Village of Solvang

Best Animal Group – Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society

Best Wagon Group – San Lorenzo Seminary

Best Wagon – Single – Capuchin Franciscans Vocation Office

Best Automobile Group – Local Metropolitan Car Owners

Best Automobile – Single – Richard Abrams’ 1947 Ford

Best Automobile – Restored – Charles Linquiti’s 1949 Farmall Tractor

Best Automobile – Antique – Dr. John Baeke’s 1924 Brown race car

Best Automobile Antique Group – Model A Clubs of Santa Ynez Valley & Santa MariaBest Fire Engine – Alex

Geremia’s St. Francis Ranch1928 Sanford

Best Tractor – Larry Grossini’s 1948 Case

Best Equestrian Group – Cowgirls, Ponytails, & Horsetails

Best Donkey Group – Monighetti’s Farrier – Feed & Pet

Best Viking Ship – Vikings of Solvang

Best Color Guard – American Legion Post #160

Road Apple Crew – Lucky Clover 4-H Teams

Best Clown – Lompoc Shrine Club

Photo by Open Door Photography

Best Sport Group – Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Football Team

Best Military Group – Flat Fender Friends

Best Walking Group – Swedish Candy Factory

Best Dancing Group – Garcia Dance Studio

Most Energetic – PCPA’ Million Dollar Quartet

Best Group for a Cause – Veggie Rescue

Best School Group – Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Water Polo Team

Best Youth Group – Lucky Clover 4-H

Best Candy Thrower – Rich Condit

 

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To celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month, Santa Barbara County Animal Services has teamed up with the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, Santa Barbara Humane Society, and ASAP Cats to bring $10 cat adoptions on all cats 6 months and older.

Throughout June, all cat adoptions, which include vaccinations, spay or neuter, a health check, and a complimentary bag of food, are discounted to $10, a $75 savings. Microchips are included in this adoption price.

There are benefits to adopting an adult cat from the shelter. Adult felines have established their personalities and the Human Society can help find the best match for people looking for pets.

People adopting adult cats are also making a difference because adult cats often get overlooked during kitten season and can suffer stress-related illnesses living long periods in a shelter.

Felines are available at the following Santa Barbara County Animal Services’ Shelter or Humane Society locations:

• Santa Maria Animal Center, 548 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria
• Lompoc Adoption Center, 1501 W. Central Ave., Lompoc
• ASAP Cats, 5473 Overpass Road, Santa Barbara
• Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, 111 Commerce Drive, Buellton
• Santa Barbara Humane Society, 5399 Overpass Road, Santa Barbara

For adoption hours, visit www.sbcanimalservices.org, www.syvhumane.orgor www.sbhumanesociety.org.

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Linda Burrows, 2017 St. Mark’s Summer Classic event chair, was pleased to reveal some delicious details about the benefit open to the public scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2017, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the church’s beautiful shaded grounds located at 2901 Nojoqui Avenue in Los Olivos.

“The courtyard and Stacy Hall will be the setting for an elegant alfresco meal in the playful and vivid lights of growing dusk and sunset. Longtime friend of St. Mark’s, Chef Jeff Olsson of New West Catering will provide gourmet foods including creative appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts such as heirloom tomatoes with watermelon, mint and cilantro, pan-roasted Alaskan halibut with summer corn relish and oak-smoked Angus beef brisket with ancho-Syrah glaze just to name a few. Following a varied selection of top local wines during hors d’oeuvres, the wines served during dinner are co-sponsored by Andrew Murray Vineyards and Rusack Vineyards to complement the fare,” shared Burrows.

The engaging Andrew Firestone, longtime member of St. Mark’s, will be Master of Ceremonies for the evening as well as the auctioneer. A silent auction will take place from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. offering a tempting and varied collection of lifestyle packages, wine experiences, cultural events and great meals. Some stand-out items are a stay at The Island Inn in San Juan Islands, a Lompoc Wine Ghetto collection, beautiful goods from First Street Leather and intimate dinners with Santa Barbara county winemakers, famous chefs and elegant hosts.

After dinner, there will be a live auction with some “top-secret” items along with a Santa Ynez Valley vacation home for a five- night stay including some pre-booked activities for up to six people; an elegant dinner party with a concert of Italian opera arias; and an exclusive visit to observe filming of one of the most highly regarded new dramas on television and so much more. With a nod to the storied St. Mark’s Cellar Classic held 2010-14, there will be exquisite and rare private collection library wines at auction as well as a trio of “Black by Black” double magnums created by Jim Clendenen from Au Bon Climat Winery with connoisseur Tom Black. Throughout the evening, DJ Marc Dillon of Gavin Roy Presents will curate custom playlists to underscore each part of the evening concluding with music for dancing.

Proceeds from St. Mark’s Summer Classic support local community programs and services provided by St. Mark’s –  including hosting more than 90 area non-profit and civic organizations, meetings, programs and special events annually.  Among many others, St. Mark’s welcomes the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community, Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, Arts Outreach, Buellton Senior Center, SYV Humane Society, Veggie Rescue, Solvang Festival Theater, First Five Santa Barbara, support networks, recovery groups and county-wide commission meetings.  St. Mark’s also offers a professional preschool and a venue for music, arts and cultural events.

St. Mark’s Summer Classic is coordinated by an all-volunteer planning team led by Linda Burrows, Kathryn Wrench, Renee Kelleher and Cathy and Steve Pepe with invaluable help from many other community members.

Reservations for the 2017 St. Mark’s Summer Classic are available for $150 per person donation including wines, beverages, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet dinner and music. Reservations are available by sending a check and contact information with the notation “2017 Summer Classic” to St. Mark’s, Post Office Box 39, Los Olivos, CA 93441 or securely online at www.SMITV.org/the-summer-classic.html.

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