SUMMER 2006 Lompoc Valley MAGAZINE
Women in Wine
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Stephen Palmer Sharon D. Stuart LOMPOC HAS A HISTORY OF STRONG WOMEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kathleen A. Griffith dating back to Mrs. J.B. Pierce, the fierce housewife CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kris Curran who appointed herself Lompoc’s Carrie Nation and Danita Rodriguez Ana Maya gathered a band of ladies to fight the evils of alcohol Vicki Andersen Carol Oliveira in 1883. Fortunately, times have changed and now Neda DeMayo Joyce Howerton there are six ladies in Lompoc who specialize in ILLUSTRATIONS Ricardo de los Angeles handcrafted winemaking and at least 14 others who Willdan MAP provide support services. Western Gate Publishing PRODUCTION Azina Communications PRINTING The Summer 2006 issue of Lompoc Valley Magazine features several dynamic female leaders in the Tin Cup Press community, including local winemaker Kris Curran. Curran discusses her adventures in the “Wine Ghetto” PHOTOGRAPHERS Kimmerlee Curyl and at Sea Smoke Cellars, one of the highest-rated Pinot Noir labels in the country. She also describes the K. A. Griffith Kirk Irwin recent Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance “Wine & Fire: Igniting the Passion” event held at La Purisima Stephen Palmer Danita Rodriguez Mission and Rancho la Viña in June. Steve Schuler-Jones Superintendent of La Purisima Mission State Historic Park Danita Rodriguez discusses the mission as a Frank Staub venue for special events. The fountain and church provided a lovely venue for the SRHWGA “Wine & Fire”event. The historic, rustic mission offers a unique setting for weddings and other special events. Hispanic leader Ana Maya reflects on the niche market she has carved out as a businesswoman who On the cover (from top): caters to the local Hispanic community. She also describes the Hispanic community’s role in local events Karen Steinwachs, Katie such as the Flower Festival and Cinco de Mayo Festival. Kennesen, Kris Curran, Kathy Muralists Vicki Andersen and Carol Oliveira tell the history of the Lompoc Mural Society and discuss Joseph, Chrystal Clifton, future projects. In particular, the society is working with world famous illusionist John Pugh to create a Deborah Hall, Christina Sports, mural on Sissy’s north wall in Art Alley. The fundraising effort is underway. Mary Russell, Rebecca Work, Activist Neda DeMayo discusses her passion for protecting America’s heritage breed horses. Her horse Lorna Kreutz and Kathy sanctuary, Return to Freedom, provides a wild horse conservatory and youth educational programs. RTF is Palacios. Cover photography located on Jalama Road, just outside of Lompoc, and welcomes visitors and volunteers. by Stephen Palmer. Former mayor and nonprofit guru Joyce Howerton advocates for participation, one way or another, in local nonprofit organizations. Joyce works with the Fund for Santa Barbara, which provides financial resources for numerous local nonprofit organizations and programs. Beneficiaries have included the American Association of University Women’s Tech Trek scholarships and the Filipino American Heritage Mural Project. The centerfold map highlights wine tasting opportunities around the Valley. Three wine tasting venues are now located in the city: D’Vine, Sissy’s and Palmina Wines. Fiddlehead, Ampelos and other wineries are open by appointment or during special events. In the second half of the magazine, be sure to read about the projects that are moving forward with full steam. Lompoc is burgeoning with new homes and new wineries, and several Old Town projects are in the works. Stay tuned! CITY OF LOMPOC 100 Civic Center Plaza Lompoc, CA 93438 www.cityoflompoc.com Kathleen A. Griffith 805-736-1261 or 877-730-1261 ©2006 CITY OF LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA Editor-in-Chief All rights reserved, no part of this publica- tion may be produced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher. Contents of this publication were received or derived from sources deemed reliable, but neither the publisher, its members, staff or vendors, nor the City of Lompoc are responsible for any errors in or omissions from this publication.
2 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 SUMMER 2006 Lompoc Valley MAGAZINE
4 Features 20 City of Lompoc A Woman in Wine ...... 4 Letter from the Mayor ...... 20 A Woman with a Mission ...... 6 Current City Projects ...... 21 An Hispanic Businesswoman ...... 8 Economic Development Resources ...... 22 Women of the Mural Society ...... 10 City Utilities ...... 24 A Mother of America’s Wild Horses ...... 12 A Volunteer Maven ...... 14 25 Economic Profile Things to Do & See ...... 16 Real Estate & Housing ...... 25 Industry & Workforce ...... 26 28 Community Resources 18 Lompoc Valley Map Higher Education ...... 28 K-12 & Youth Activities ...... 29 Social Service Organizations ...... 30 Other Elected Officials ...... 31 Transportation & Safety ...... 32 Medical Care & Services ...... 33 Dining & Lodging ...... 34 Community Events ...... 35 Stephen Palmer
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 3 A WOMAN
IN WINE BY KRIS CURRAN Trying to find a shady parking spot to ensure my four German Shepherds’ comfort while lunching at Sissy’s restaurant with fellow winemakers, I encountered one of the beautiful murals that adorn many buildings here in Lompoc. I noticed the quote regarding Mrs. J. B. Pierce and the vigilante women who, like most women of the time, objected to their husbands’ and the community’s consumption of alcohol. They had apparently “strung a rope around a building, yanked it off its foundation and pulled it for a block, booze spilling out as it went.”
At first I questioned how many women industry embraces. You see, unlike alcohol in (really, I was working), I voiced concern that it would take to perform this mighty feat, general, wine is a holistic venture, one that the new winery would not be completed in then I wondered if they were stronger revolves around family, friends, food and time. Bob agreed and suggested that we find than modern day women. Logically, I also conversation. In the absence of any of these a warehouse to become our “temporary” questioned the size of the building and the elements, wine ceases to be the thought- home if construction was not completed lack of stringent building codes of the day. provoking enjoyment that it is. It is a social prior to harvest. I located some vacant space More humorously, I wondered whether endeavor, a passion meant to be shared and in Morris Sobhani’s Industrial Park here in they dragged that ole’ house anywhere experienced with the greater community of Lompoc. Fast forward six years, five harvests near what is now Industrial Way and I mankind. It is because of this experience and and numerous expansions, and Sea Smoke chuckled at the thought that the spilled working harvest at Sanford Winery while is now at home in “the Ghetto”. booze may have laid the foundation for a attending Santa Barbara City College that “The Ghetto” refers to the wineries located burgeoning community of wineries here in I pursued a career as a winemaker. After in Sobhani’s buildings. The name came the Lompoc Valley. completing my degree at Fresno State, I was about one day when someone called me Lompoc, once a temperance colony, is fortunate to come home and land a job as requesting a catered lunch and wine tasting. now home to numerous wineries producing assistant winemaker at Cambria Winery in It was obvious that they had never seen our arguably some of the best wines in the Santa Maria. I left in 1998 to start Koehler facility as it was during a very cold spell in the country, and therein lies the irony. The fact Winery on Foxen Canyon Road. During this middle of winter. It is often colder inside the that women initiated this very radical act time I also launched my own label, Curran. cellars than outside — great for the wines to eliminate alcohol from their community I was then hired as winemaker for Sea but not for our guests or the winemakers! and that women now make up a good Smoke Cellars in 2000. I never imagined that I explained that, unlike many other wineries, percentage of the workforce in our local I would be crafting our estate-grown Pinot we did not have guest facilities (not even wineries shows a dynamic change in societal Noirs in the town of Lompoc. Bob Davids, heating!) and that our winery was not attitudes and a fortunate realization that Sea Smoke’s owner, had been working for located in a picturesque vineyard. I thought wine is unavoidably becoming part of the several years on architectural plans for his that our location was something akin to a fabric of our culture. new winery slated to be built on property he ghetto; a group of winemakers (after all, an Introduced to the wine industry by Bruno owned in Buellton. While traveling on a train odd minority of society) huddled together D’Alfonso in the early 90s, I fell in love with from Paris to Dijon on a research mission in metal buildings perfectly functional for the community and the lifestyle that this to taste some of France’s great Pinot Noirs winemaking but not conducive to fancy
4 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 Kirk Irwin
Above: Sea Smoke Cellars vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. Left: “Chicks on Lifts” – Winemaker Kris Curran in the driver’s seat along with other winemakers (from left to right) Karen Steinwachs, Stephen Palmer Kathy Joseph, Deborah Hall, Chrystal Clifton and Lorna Kreutz.
occasions. I imagined our guests arriving with many of them winemakers from Lompoc, a group of local walnut growers producing linens and fine china, mounds of delicious launched the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Growers oils from their own fruit. The SRHWGA food and elaborate centerpieces, but no Alliance several years ago to promote their members mingled with the guests during coats, mittens or earmuffs! wines through consumer education. lunch, catching up with old friends and At last count, there were 30 wine Recently SRHWGA collaborated on making new ones. A beautiful day overall. labels produced in the city of Lompoc. “Wine and Fire: Igniting the Passion,” a The Sta. Rita Hills AVA encompasses more Besides those in “the Ghetto,” several are two-day event at La Purisima Mission and than 30,000 acres, less than five percent now located off Central Avenue. Known Rancho La Viña. Rob Dafoe’s “From Ground of which is planted. As wines from this collectively as the “West Enders,” they to Glass” was screened at the Mission region continue to receive high accolades include “Pinot Prison” and “Pinot West,” Church on Friday night, following a wine worldwide, we will see the planted acreage located in industrial buildings and making and wood-fired pizza reception courtesy increase. This gives Lompoc the opportunity great wines even if the buildings aren’t of American Flatbread. Guests nibbled to be home to even more world-class much to look at! We all value our proximity on pizzas and sipped wine while local wineries. We are becoming a vital part to other wineries and winemakers here in winemakers and vineyard owners talked of the economy and the community of Lompoc. We can borrow equipment, ask for about their vineyards, wines and the region. Lompoc, which has done an about-face and offer advice and, best of all, gather to On Saturday everyone met at Rancho La from its origins as a temperance colony. share amazing meals, great conversations Viña to attend formal tastings hosted by Strangely enough, while attending CSUF (even if we have friendly disagreements over SRHWGA members. These “seminars in the I researched the economic development winemaking philosophies) and fabulous round” gave guests an opportunity to learn of Lompoc and was asked to predict the wines. What more can you ask? about our relatively new wine region, with major components of its future economic There is something unique about our panels of six winemakers rotating among possibilities. Never in my wildest dreams area. Lompoc is close to the Sta. Rita four tents. The afternoon was topped off by did I see wineries, especially my own, as Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area), a lunch from New West catering. Spit-roasted part of the growing economy of Lompoc. specific winegrowing region recognized by lamb and roasted Cuban pork were served That irony is definitely not lost on me. the Alcohol, Tobacco and Trade Bureau in with salads of locally grown produce, such 2001. In this cool growing region, some of as heirloom tomatoes from Tutti Frutti Farms the finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are and Rancho La Viña, walnuts from Rancho Kris Curran is the winemaker for Sea Smoke produced. Winery and vineyard owners, La Viña and walnut oils from La Nogalera, Cellars and Curran Wines.
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 5 K.A. Griffith Steve Schuler-Jones
FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT… A WOMAN WITH A MISSION BY DANITA RODRIGUEZ
As I witnessed a wedding take place at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, it reminded me that many people associate the mission with its many park- and Prelado de Los Tesoros-sponsored special events. These include Mission Life Days, Purisima Peoples Days, Candlelight Tour, Founding Day, Mountain Men and the many programs for fourth graders. Some folks have participated in other organization-sponsored events such as fun runs. But did you know that the mission grounds and certain designated buildings are available to rent by businesses, organizations and families for gatherings or events?
6 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 Danita Rodriguez K.A. Griffith
FACING PAGE: La Purisima Mission. ABOVE: La Purisima Mission fountain. ABOVE RIGHT: La Purisima Mission church bell tower.
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a simple, outdoor wedding in a Alternatively, consider the new 230-capacity Visitor Center. Since historic setting, La Purisima Mission State Historic Park may be the the center does not yet house its full complement of interpretive place for you. Each year, many couples choose to exchange their displays, there is plenty of space for those who would like an vows near the fountain in the garden. The cool canopy of olive trees, accessible facility near the day-use parking lot. New restrooms, good the bubbling fountain and the serenity of the mission make a outdoor lighting and electricity make this building attractive to peaceful setting to begin a new life together. groups requiring a few more amenities. Since its opening in The garden and parking lot limit the size of the wedding parties December 2004, the Visitor Center has already hosted several social and guests to 100. Wedding plans should proceed only with a and business events. written confirmation by the park representative. Keep in mind that Because La Purisima Mission SHP is open to the public, the park ceremonies are rustic. The park does not provide chairs or other must be accessible by visitors during regular park hours. Generally, accessories, electricity or services. However, it is a lovely setting in when areas of the park are rented out for special events during which to celebrate this special day. normal park hours, the public is not a hindrance. However, locations Since the weather at the mission is generally temperate, the throughout the park are often rented after hours. This gives the garden and fountain area is also a great place to hold a company or impression that the park is provided solely for the group involved. organization dinner. Imagine dining in the historic garden around the Imagine your business associates, friends or family gathering on the beautiful fountains. The setting is beautiful, quiet and unique. These grounds of the most completely restored mission of the original 21 events are usually held after park hours and typically involve hiring a in California! caterer to provide a delicious meal. A number of commercial and student photographers also use the The group picnic area located near the mission infirmary buildings site for high school senior portraits and wedding photos. The is also popular. This area includes several picnic tables covered and California Film Commission has an agreement with the state that protected by many coast live oak and madrone trees, with sycamore allows the use of state-owned properties as a venue for motion and and willow trees flanking the vicinity. Close to the parking lot and still photography. A daily park review fee is based on the simplicity or with tables in place, it’s ready for use. Due to its location, the group complexity of the still or motion photography. Permits are issued picnic area is best used during daylight hours. This site is a great through the California Film Commission. choice for a group gathering. Special event rental fees are based on the facility and the number of For businesses or organizations that want to hold or sponsor participants. Depending on the event, additional fees for staff monitors, training classes, meetings or other functions, the mission offers la trash and other accommodations are added. Some restrictions do sala in the monastery building. What a better place for gatherings apply. For details and a complete listing of special event and film fees, than the padre’s large living room? Hardwood floors and thick adobe call Supervising Ranger Theresa Armas at 805-733-7776. walls give la sala the feeling of yesteryear. Tables and chairs can be supplied by the park for an additional fee or they can be brought in by your group. And what large living room would not be complete without a fireplace to contribute to that warm, rustic feeling! La sala Danita Rodriguez is the sector superintendent for La Purisima Mission is a great choice for an indoor facility for up to 60 people. State Historic Park.
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 7 K.A. Griffith AN HISPANIC BUSINESSWOMAN SERVES A GROWING MARKET BY ANA MAYA
Lompoc’s Hispanic population has grown tremendously over the past 20 years and has now reached over 38 percent. There are many opinions about the impact of the Hispanic population on our society and in our culture. From a business perspective, it means more opportunities and potential new clients.
During my days in banking, I was the only one who spoke Spanish at the Hispanic business community in areas of trade development and our bank. Most of the Spanish-speaking customers were sent to me, civic leadership and provide positive role models to our youth not only for their banking needs, but also for direction on how to fill out through partnerships in business and education. this or that form or whom to see about insurance and so forth. I realized The Hispanic Business Committee also sponsors community events that the Spanish-speaking population was not being adequately served through partnership with civic organizations to recognize or celebrate when it came to financial, tax, insurance and other related needs. Hispanic achievements and significant Hispanic holidays such as In December 1995, with the encouragement and support of my Cinco de Mayo. We participate in the annual Lompoc Flower Festival husband and friends, I opened Servicios Maya. Initially I prepared with our award-winning floats. The Committee also participated in income tax reports. As my client base grew, I added additional services the city’s co-sponsorship of “Latino CineMedia” at the 2006 Santa such as bookkeeping and payroll, secretarial, notary and translations, Barbara International Film Festival and the post -Festival screening of and now also all lines of insurance. My initial motivation was to meet “La Tragedia de Macario” at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium. the needs of the Hispanic community and to provide good service to The presence of Hispanics in our community is represented not every single client. At first, all my clients were Hispanic; they now only in the business arena. “Expresion Latina,” a 1995 mural by comprise 75 percent. And while the number of non-Hispanic clients celebrated local muralist Leonardo Nuñez depicts the Hispanic continues to grow, so does my overall client base. people in their quest for freedom and liberty. The American and As my business has grown, I have found ways to keep my Mexican leaders at the top of the mural are those who did the motivation going and to give back to my community. In particular, I most to create an opportunity for freedom and advancement for am a member of the Chamber of Commerce and chairperson of the the Mexican people. The mural tells the Mexicans’ story as they Hispanic Business Committee. We promote networking within the seek to improve the quality of their lives. I also seek to improve the Hispanic small business community of Lompoc to compete and quality of life for the Hispanic population by providing exceptional succeed in local, national and global markets. We also advocate for business services.
8 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 EN ESPAÑOL No hay manera de ignorar la realidad que la población Hispana ha presidenta del Comité de Negocios Hispanos, promovemos la red de crecido tremendamente en los últimos veinte años y ha alcanzado Pequeños Negocios Hispanos en la comunidad de Lompoc, para más del treinta y ocho por ciento.Hay muchas opiniones acerca del competir y triunfar en el mercado local, nacional y global. También impacto de la población Hispana en nuestra sociedad y en nuestra somos partidarios de la comunidad de Negocios Hispanos en las cultura. Desde la perspectiva de negocios esto significa más áreas de desarrollo comercial y liderazgo civil, para proveer ejemplos oportunidades y potencialmente nuevos clientes. positivos a nuestra juventud por medio de una sociedad entre los Desde mis días como empleada en un banco, yo era la única que negocios y la educación. hablaba Español y la mayoría de los clientes de habla hispana los El Comité de Negocios Hispanos también patrocina eventos de la enviaban conmigo no únicamente por sus necesidades bancarias sino comunidad por medio de una sociedad con organizaciones civiles, y también para ayudarles en como llenar uno u otro documento, o con reconocemos o celebramos los días festivos y logros Hispanos como el quien referirlos para algún seguro, o Cinco de Mayo. Hemos participado en el cualquier otro asunto, y es cuando K.A. Griffith Festival Anual de Las Flores con nuestros realicé que la población hispana no eran triunfantes carros alegóricos. El Comité servidos adecuadamente en finanzas, también ha participado como en tramites de impuestos, de seguros y copatrocinador con la Ciudad de Lompoc en otras necesidades relacionadas. en el festival “Latino CineMedia” en el En Diciembre de 1995 con la Festival de Cine Internacional Santa Bárbara confianza y apoyo de mi esposo y 2006 y en la proyección post-festival de la amigos, establecí “Servicios Maya” película “La tragedia de Macario” en el inicialmente prepare reportes de Auditorio Cívico de Lompoc. impuestos únicamente. Cuando mi La presencia hispana en nuestra clientela básica empezó a crecer sume comunidad esta no únicamente en la arena servicios adicionales, tales como de negocios. El mural “Expresión Latina” Ana Maya and Raymundo Maya. contabilidad y nominas de pago, de el celebre muralista local Leonardo trabajos secretariales, notarias y Stephen Palmer Núñez, pintado en 1995 representa gente traducciones y ahora todo tipo de seguros. Mi motivación inicial fue hispana en busca de independencia y libertad. Los lideres Americanos proveer lo que la comunidad hispana necesitaba y dar un buen y Mexicanos en la parte de arriba del mural son aquellos quienes servicio a cada uno de mis clientes. Al principio el cien por ciento de dieron más para crear la oportunidad de independencia y avance mis clientes eran hispanos y ahora ese número es setenta y cinco por para la gente Mexicana. El mural dice la historia de la gente como ciento y en cuanto mi clientela de no-hispanos sigue creciendo, en ellos buscan mejorar la calidad de sus vidas. Y yo también busco la general mi clientela aumenta. manera de mejorar la calidad de vida de la población hispana De la misma manera que mi negocio ha crecido, he encontrado ofreciendo servicios excepciónales en mi negocio. maneras para mantener mi motivación y darle algo a la comunidad, y como miembro de la Cámara de Comercio y en particular como Ana Maya is the proprietor of Servicios Maya.
FACING PAGE: Traditional dancer Jeanette Lara at Cinco de Mayo. BELOW: The mural “Expresion Latina,” 1995, by local artist Leonardo Nuñez, 119 W. Maple Ave. K.A. Griffith K.A. Griffith
WOMEN OF THE MURAL SOCIETY BY VICKI ANDERSEN AND CAROL OLIVEIRA
An outdoor art gallery … what a marvelous idea! Art of immense size suspended or painted on building walls or freestanding in empty lots — what could be better? Art for everyone to enjoy without personal expense, no holes in the walls, no worries over placement, and you don’t even have to dust it. Abstract, impressionistic or photo realism, whichever you choose. If one wall doesn’t suit your taste, just turn a corner or go around the block to find something different. Such is the Lompoc Mural Project.
In the 1980s, Lompoc’s Old Town, like that of many other communities, it with Marilyn Oliver, a British Columbia native. She too had entertained was being devastated by new developments and shopping centers on the same thoughts. In August 1988, about 80 people attended a town the city’s perimeter. Lompoc City Council members and local residents meeting to discuss using the same concept to help Lompoc’s declining were very concerned. They viewed “Old Town” as the heart and soul of Old Town. The response from the group was so enthusiastic that a board the community and discussed ways to revitalize it. of directors, operating under the city’s umbrella, was formed. In 1988, Mayor Gene Stevens and his wife Judy visited Chemainus, Marilyn Oliver, elected by the board of directors in 1988, became the British Columbia. They were impressed that a small town of about 3,500 first chairwoman of the Lompoc Mural Society. She continued in that role people, which had been dying because its major industry had shut down, until 1996, when local artist Vicki Andersen succeeded her. Vicki still was using art as an economic rebuilding tool, developing tourism with serves as chairwoman with Mayor Dick DeWees as co-chairman. Gene the help of murals. That year, the 18 murals in the little town had been Stevens has served as the project administrator since the beginning and credited with attracting more than 150,000 tourists. is still the “heart” of the Mural Society www.lompocmurals.com. Gene and Judy brought the idea back to Lompoc, where they shared Dedicated volunteers deal with everything from fundraising to weed pulling and installing and maintaining the murals. Membership in the
K.A Griffith Lompoc Mural Society is open to everyone and all talents are welcome. With the addition of the Round Up program, a system of rounding up individual city utility bills, everyone in the community can help sponsor the mural project. Santa Monica artist Art Mortimer created Lompoc’s first mural, “History of the Flower Industry,” in 1989. Painting directly on a wall in the heart of the old downtown, Art talked to locals as he worked and people began to take notice.
10 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 K>A> Griffith
Over the next 18 years the project grew to Arts Fest will also host art displays by the THE ART OF JOHN PUGH more than 40 murals, mostly in the Old Town. Lompoc Valley Art Association, historical The Lompoc Mural Society’s focus for the Many private groups, individuals and businesses displays by the Lompoc Museum, a barbecue future centers on new works for Art Alley. have been inspired to privately commission and an ice cream social. The society is in talks with internationally murals, bringing Lompoc’s inventory of murals The Mural Society also co-sponsors, known artist John Pugh to install one of his to almost 100. with the Lompoc Valley Chamber of incredible trompe l’oeil murals as the Artists have included well-known locals Commerce, the annual “Brushes & Blues” highlight of Art Alley. Check out his work at Leonardo Nuñez, Shirley Wallace, Vicki event. This year’s event, to be held on www.artofjohnpugh.com. Andersen and Nancy Phelps. Internationally Sunday, August 6 at Ken Adam Park, “By weaving the powerful story-telling recognized artists such as Richard Wyatt, features an art show and sale, blues and abilities of the narrative mural into the Roberto Delgado and Art Mortimer have also jazz music and wine tasting. engaging impact of the life-size trompe left their signatures on the walls of Lompoc. Lompoc’s mural project has been a l’oeil illusion, artist John Pugh has created One Old Town attraction, Art Alley, is an catalyst for major rejuvenation projects in a stimulating and enlightening venue for outdoor gallery located in an east to west alley the Old Town. In 2005, more than 319 tour both public and private art. His murals between South H Street and South I Street. Art buses transporting an estimated 7,975 have been instrumental in revitalizing the Alley displays works by professional and passengers visited Lompoc, with 25 buses trompe l’oeil genre as a vital mode of amateur artists. The alley project is currently on requesting step-on guides to conduct tours artistic expression that is both aesthetically hold pending the demolition of one of the of the city’s murals. Most tour companies and intellectually challenging. He has vacant buildings facing South H Street. Once booked their passengers at local hotels. created a truly monumental body of work the building is demolished and a new multi- The tour bus element of the local tourism and an artistic style worthy of its own story commercial and apartment complex is industry spent an estimated $797,000 at descriptive expression: Narrative built, the art in the alley will be enhanced with local hotels and restaurants. Illusionism.” Kevin Bruce, author of the new works, including murals and possibly In 2003, the California Mural Symposium upcoming book “The Monumental Murals sculpture and kinetic art. voted Lompoc “California’s Most Successful of John Pugh.” In 1992, the first California “Mural In a Day” Mural City.” Lompoc has also teamed with took place in Lompoc. Under the direction of Lindsay and Twentynine Palms, two other Oregonian Robert Thomas, 12 local artists mural cities, to create CALPAMS, the banded together to complete a 12’ x 48’ mural California Public Art and Mural Society. The featuring the Chumash Indians. Starting at 8 goal of CALPAMS is to connect the state’s a.m. and finishing with a dedication ceremony mural cities on what will be known as the at 5 p.m., all involved agreed it was the “California Mural Highway,” part of a plan experience of a lifetime and couldn’t wait to to promote California as one of the world’s FACING PAGE (top): Carol Oliveira (left) and Vicki Andersen at Cypress Gallery. do it again. most desirable art attractions. As this goal This year on Saturday, September 30, the becomes a reality, Lompoc’s reputation as a FACING PAGE (bottom): Mural “Lompoc’s 15th Mural In a Day will be a featured part of major art center will enhance the valley’s Mission Vieja,” 1996, by Vicki Andersen, the Old Town Arts Fest. The subject of this economy and build community pride. 200 S. H St. year’s mural is the Monarch Butterfly and its Artist Vicki Andersen is chair of the Lompoc Mural ABOVE: “History of the Flower Industry,” annual migration to the Central Coast. The Society. Carol Oliveira is a local artist. 1989, by Art Mortimer, 102 W. Ocean Ave.
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 11 Kimmerlee Curyl
A MOTHER OF AMERICA’S WILD HORSES BY NEDA DEMAYO
You’ve seen the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park but have you seen the wild horses of Return to Freedom? The dinos were fictional; the horses, with their 28,000-year-old DNA, are real.
These rare breeds are among the herds at the Return to Freedom Yet, despite this disproportionate allocation of public resources, conservancy, a local sanctuary for wild horses of the American West. Americans are being told that there is an overpopulation of wild Their DNA is similar to that of the primitive Iberian Sorraia, which date horses and that our public lands, which sustain more than 5 million back from 26,000 BC. Others have undiluted Spanish bloodlines linking cattle, cannot sustain some 30,000 wild horses. As a result, wild them to the first horses that came to America in the late 1600s. To help horses are being removed at huge expense to the taxpayer and the these and other endangered wild herds survive and thrive, I founded horses themselves. Return to Freedom in 1998. Maintaining a solution-based approach, we have — through In cooperation with my sister and parents, I purchased the old sanctuary, conservation and education — created a model program. Flying A Ranch on Jalama Road. The ranch was in serious disrepair Our innovative management alternatives have earned us widespread but, with the help of friends and volunteers, I began (and continue) acclaim from the scientific, conservation and animal preservation cleanup. The ranch is now home to a diverse representation of communities. In hopes that our successful model will be duplicated, America’s wild horse — the mustang. our staff and advisory board members consult on various wild horse The sanctuary grew out of my desire to do something to address preservation projects across the country. For example, we have the many concerns and challenges mankind is facing today. Like worked closely with the Science and Conservation Center in Billings, most of us, I felt insignificant and the problems seemed so large. Mont., to integrate the least intrusive method of equine Struggling to pay their mortgage and send their children to school, contraception while managing a preservation program for rare most Americans are not aware that there are still wild horses ranging breeds threatened with extinction. This allows us to maintain our in some Western states or that they are quickly disappearing. horses in their natural herd groups and family bands without threat I discovered that what threatens the freedom and the very survival of uncontrolled population growth. of America’s wild horses also threatens mankind. Large corporate When wild horses were being captured from fish and wildlife interests dominate public land use, whether ranching, oil or mining. refuges in Oregon and Nevada, we agreed to take some under the On some 34 million acres of public lands, wild horses and burros are mandate that they come with their herd groups intact. This was being removed at an alarming rate, resulting in more wild horses now possible because the horses were being removed on horseback living in captivity than in the wild. Although the 1971 Wild Horse and instead of by the standard helicopter gather where the sheer Burro Act designated that this land be used “primarily although not numbers and chaos make it impossible to maintain the integrity of exclusively” for wild horses and burros, the horses are outnumbered the family bands and their own natural selection. Recognizing that more than 150-to-one by private livestock that graze public lands. these are herd animals, managing them in areas according to their
12 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 Frank Staub
FACING PAGE: Neda DeMayo and Spirit. ABOVE: Mystic’s herd from Hart Mountain, Ore. geographic origins (genetic groups or breeds) and allowing them to HOW TO VISIT maintain their natural lifestyle is the foundation of all our efforts at Thousands of people including youth organizations, Return to Freedom. lawmakers and senior groups have been able to see One important area of outreach is to lawmakers and the conservation America’s living legends in a natural environment at community, who are generally unaware of the real origins of the wild Return to Freedom. The sanctuary offers an horse. Traditionally regarded as feral and exotic, the wild horse has been introduction to the natural horse, living history tours, excluded from some of the protections that are afforded to native herd observation and other volunteer and educational wildlife. However, because of advancements in molecular biology, we programs. For more information and a full calendar, now know that today’s wild horse is a re-introduced native species. The go to www.returntofreedom.org. Visitation is by horses that arrived with the Spanish in the 1600s were biologically the appointment only: 805-737-9246. same as those that evolved on the North American continent and left over the Bering land bridge during the last ice age. FINANCIAL SUPPORT The word “mustang” is often misunderstood and misrepresented. It Return To Freedom is a 501(c) (3) organization. It is a Spanish word for a horse without a name or a home. America’s wild relies entirely on private donations to help protect horses are not all from Spanish bloodlines but include a mixture of and preserve America’s living history — the wild cavalry stock and draft horses whose ancestors carried soldiers into horse. Over the years it has participated in various battle and helped us plough our fields to create much of the foundation conservation and habitat restoration programs and of the colonized world. Some of the horses found today in remote areas has received assistance from the Natural Resources have very rare genes and have strong historical significance. Some of Conservation Service Department and the our herds contain DNA similar to the primitive Iberian Sorraia, which Conservation Corps. In addition to working closely date back to 26,000 B.C. Some are direct descendants of the horses with national organizations such as the ASPCA and brought to America by the Spanish in the late 1600s, including some HSUS, Return to Freedom is honored to have two from Padre Kino’s mission horses. Whatever their history, the wild horses national corporate partners: Grand Meadows of today have returned to a natural state and have woven themselves Nutritional Products and Wild Horse Winery. On a into the very fabric of America. local level, Mid-State Bank & Trust has also lent its support to various events and youth projects. Neda DeMayo is founder of Return to Freedom.
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 13 A VOLUNTEER MAVEN BY JOYCE HOWERTON
K.A. Griffith In spring 2002, the Fund for Santa Barbara received a grant request from the American Association for University Women. The AAUW wanted scholarship money to send middle-school girls to a residential science camp. The goal was to stimulate interest in math and science through exciting, hands-on experiences in a concentrated, girl-centered environment. Scholarships for the “Tech Trek: A Math/ Science Experience” camp held at California State University Fresno were the first of many grants that the Fund has made in the Lompoc Valley. According to the Center for Nonprofit Management, California is a laboratory for new social and public developments. In 2001, the state was home to more than 81,000 registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations. Of the approximately 1,100 nonprofits in Santa Barbara County, 454 operate in North County. Here in the Lompoc Valley, the fourth annual Collaboration Faire for nonprofit organizations attracted about 150 people representing almost 60 organizations. They came together to share information, connect with other people and celebrate all the good work being done in our community. Most people think of nonprofits as social Muralist Carlos Cuellar with Joyce Howerton in front of Cuellar’s “Pagpapahalaga” (“Pride”), services agencies and indeed they are the 2006, Central Coast Filipino American Heritage Mural Project, side of 223 W. Ocean Ave. largest group of nonprofits in the Lompoc Valley. Yet sports groups, cultural organizations, political groups, and the foundations that fund these groups, are also nonprofits. “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the Nonprofits rely on the generous support abundance of those who have much: it is whether we provide of volunteers, and most groups could not enough for those who have too little.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt keep their doors open without this special group of people. They, along with individual donors, businesses and foundations, are the mix that keeps nonprofits going. In
14 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 Courtesy AAUW K.A. Griffith
ABOVE: Tech Trek camp participants (from left) Sara Ur, Emily Bonenfant, Maiyer Vang, Chloe Lucado, Alexandra Kerr. ABOVE RIGHT: (from left) Joyce Gerber, Andrea McCarthy and Emmalee McCarthy and others prepare barbecue for a Buena Vista Elementary School fundraiser.
Santa Barbara County alone, 55 foundations health care, foster family care, advocacy for seek assistance or information. fund nonprofits. the elderly, support for children and youth, Go visit a nonprofit. See the work they are What would our community be like if not drug and alcohol counseling, a 24-hour doing and the countless hours they give to for these organizations whose volunteers crisis hotline, and much more. our community. If you are able, write a check, work tirelessly to meet the needs of Groups have to know how to contact give a bit of your free time or just let the residents? With little pay, long hours and and apply to these foundations. The 2007 people know how much you appreciate their few benefits, these women and men work Collaboration Faire will be open to the work. Together we will make a difference. daily to protect and improve our quality of public to facilitate such networking life. They help meet most, if not all, of our between nonprofits and the community. It community’s basic needs by providing food will also help nonprofits add to their Joyce Howerton works with the Fund for Santa services, counseling for survivors of violence, volunteer roster and help individuals who Barbara. She is a former mayor of Lompoc.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
AAUW has a legacy of national leadership moving forward with a cohesive focus which Educational Foundation vice president and in lifelong education, equity and positive translates into the action of financial literacy, Fran Clow is president of the Lompoc Chapter societal change. Women embracing the work-life balance and the empowerment of of AAUW. They, and three other Lompoc challenge of economic security can achieve financial independence. A self sufficient, self chapter delegates, attended the annual empowerment by taking an inventory of their motivated individual is a strong, resourceful AAUW California State Convention & personal philosophies, life goals and financial community asset. Economic Summit in San Jose last April. status. Women who choose this path are Lompoc local Anne Les is AAUW
ADVICE AND CONSULTATION FOR NONPROFITS
The Nonprofit Support Center serves as a strategic funding in such fields as community struggling with organizational issues or regional training, consulting and resource enhancement, culture, education, environment, needing referrals to other groups. center for board members, staff and health, human services and recreation. 805-717-2012 or volunteers of nonprofit organizations. 805-735-8004 or www.sbfoundation.org. www.fundforsantabarbara.org. 805-928-2503 or www.nscsb.org. The Fund for Santa Barbara supports Santa Barbara County Human Service City of Lompoc Human Service Commission projects that advocate, educate and Commission advises the County Board of advises Lompoc City Council on grants to organize in order to examine and address Supervisors on grants to nonprofit organizations nonprofit organizations. 805-736-1261. the root causes of social, economic and throughout Santa Barbara County. environmental problems. The Fund also 805-681-4078 or www.sbcphd.org/hsp. Santa Barbara Foundation serves as a leader, catalyst and resource for philanthropy through offers free technical assistance to groups
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 15 K. A. Griffith K. A. Griffith
THINGS TO DO & SEE
BEACHES GARDENING Pristine beaches near Lompoc are featured on the cover of Dig into the long tradition of gardening in Lompoc Valley and the May 2005 issue of Sunset magazine. Undeveloped and hidden join the Lompoc Valley Botanic and Horticultural Society local favorites include Jalama Beach Park (www.jalamabeach.com), (www.lvbhs.org). one of the world’s great wind surfing beaches, Surf Beach, Ocean GOLFING Park and Point Sal. Experience the challenge of PGA qualifier La Purisima Golf Course BIKING (www.lapurisimagolf.com). Other local golf courses include Marshallia Pedal in the dust of Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, who Ranch Golf Course and Village Country Club. trains in Lompoc Valley, or cycle with Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club. HIKING County bike map available at www.sbbike.org/region/region.html. La Purisima Hiking and Riding Trails map available at BIRDING www.lapurisimamission.org. Other trails are found at www.localhikes. View many rare species of birds, such as the Western Snowy Plover, com/MSA/MSA_7480.asp. “A Naturalist at Play in Coastal California in the area. Contact La Purisima Audubon Society for organized and Beyond,” a collection of vignettes and literary sketches by Vernon hikes and information at www.lapurisimaaudubon.org. Human, will enhance your hike. Contact: 805-736-7633
CAMPING HORSEBACK RIDING Commune with nature at River Park (www.cityoflompoc.com) For trail rides and more, ride with Lompoc Valley Riders (www. and Jalama Beach Park (www.jalamabeach.com). lompocvalleyriders.org) or ride to hounds with the Santa Ynez Valley Hounds (www.syvhounds.com). FISHING Catch your quota at Jalama Beach (www.jalamabeach.com), Ocean LA PURISIMA MISSION STATE HISTORIC PARK Park and Surf Beach, or just share fish stories with local fishermen. Visit the most accurately restored of California’s 21 Franciscan missions. Special programs and tours with historical interpretation are available. Visit www.lapurisimamission.org.
16 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 K. A. Griffith Stephen Palmer
The hidden treasure of the Pacific Coast Highway, the City of Arts and Flowers offers many options for the sporting life, entertainment and just down-home fun.
LOMPOC OLD TOWN WINE TASTING • Sculpture garden, Art Alley, mural walk & Cypress Gallery Taste one of the 45 wines from Lompoc and Sta. Rita Hills AVA. • Antiques shops & vintage California architecture Opening hours vary. Call for times and appointments. • D’Vine Wine Bar & Tasting Room: 805-331-3487 • Lompoc Museum (formerly Carnegie Library) • Sissy’s Tasting Room: 805-735-4877 • Italian Stone Pines (Pinus pinea) on South H Street • Palmina Wines: 805-735-2030 • Farmers market (Friday afternoons) • Melville Winery: 805-735-5310 • Olde Towne market (Friday afternoons, July - September) • Babcock Winery: 805-736-1455 • LaFond Winery: 805-688-7921 RETURN TO FREEDOM • Sanford Winery: 805-688-3300 Visit a safe haven for rare heritage breed horses at Return • Foley Winery: 805-688-8554 to Freedom (www.returntofreedom.org). • Clos Pepe Vineyards: 805-735-2196 SKYDIVING • Fiddlehead Cellars: 805-757-3915 K.A. Griffith Feel the rush of flying through the air at 120 mph while checking • Ampelos: 805-740-9142 out the ocean view of Vandenberg AFB and Point Conception. • Ken Brown Wines: 805-448-3791 Sky Dive Santa Barbara (www.skydivesantabarbara.com). For more information visit the Lompoc TOURING Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Get an inside look at the history of satellite and missile launches Bureau at www.lompoc.com. at Vandenberg Air Force Base (www.vandenberg.af.mil), the country’s premier polar launch facility. ABOVE: (from left) Gerry Campbell and Karlie Kirkland at Lompoc VIEWING Farmers Market; Jalama Beach Park; Experience the Lompoc Flower Tours. Fragrant and colorful The 1890 House B&B; flower field. flower fields are visible from May through September. RIGHT: Cecilia Walker enjoys a glass of local rosé at a recent event.
Letter from the Mayor
On October 19, 1874, less than 100 years after the founding of our After the turn of the century, the fl ower seed industry grew nation, Santa Cruz lawyer and newspaperman W.W. Broughton, along dramatically due to Lompoc’s rich soil, cool ocean breezes and long with 100 farmers, ranchers and businessmen, formed the Lompoc summers. Lompoc became known as “The Flower Seed Capital of the Valley Land Company. They purchased 46,500 acres of land on World.” While not as large as in years past, the fl ower industry is still California’s Central Coast for half a million dollars. Their idea was to a major contributor to the valley’s economy. Thousands still come to build a temperance colony — a town where “no vinous, malt, Lompoc every June to enjoy the annual Flower Festival. spirituous or other intoxicating liquors shall ever be manufactured or In 1941, the U.S. Army purchased the Jesus Maria Rancho just north sold.” (Times have changed — it is indeed ironic that wine is one of of the city and developed the original 86,000 acres into Camp Cooke, the major industries in Lompoc today.) the fi rst armored training center on the West Coast. The U.S. Air Force The fi rst two years were prosperous. By the end of the fi rst year, took over Camp Cooke in 1956 and changed its name to Vandenberg 200 families called the Lompoc Valley home. The Rev. J. W. Webb Air Force Base. Thanks to the aerospace industry, Lompoc’s population came to Lompoc in the spring of 1875 and opened the fi rst school more than doubled from 6,665 in 1957 to 13,914 in 1959. Occupying on May 3. Lompoc had its own post offi ce; a doctor; the stage coach 99,000 acres between Lompoc and Santa Maria, VAFB is the premier stopped in town three days a week; the Lompoc Record began space/missile launch facility in the United States. publishing on April 10 of that year; there was even talk of building Lompoc continues to grow and prosper — and continues to make an agricultural college and a much-needed wharf to get Lompoc’s history. Now a city of about 42,000, we still retain that small town goods (butter, cheese and other farm products) to market faster than atmosphere that makes Lompoc the most desirable city on the Central by hauling them all the way to Gaviota by wagon. Coast to live, work and raise a family. I hope that Mr. Broughton would Broughton’s original dream for the Lompoc Valley died four years be proud. later in October 1879. A disastrous drought in 1877 was followed by a diphtheria epidemic a year later. While some of the original settlers City Council moved away, many stayed and more people arrived, lured by the rich Dick DeWees, Mayor farmland and temperate climate. DeWayne Holmdahl, Mayor Pro Tempore Lompoc was incorporated as a city on August 13, 1888, with a Janice Keller population hovering around 1,000. In 1896 the largest uniform deposit Will Schuyler of pure diatomaceous silica in the world was discovered on the Balaam Michael Siminski property in Miguelito Canyon just south of the city. The mine is still in operation today.
20 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 Illustration by Ricardo De Los Angeles CURRENT CITY PROJECTS
To enhance the quality of life for residents, the City of Lompoc has several projects that are currently being rolled out or are “in the works,” including:
• Lompoc Aquatic Center comprises three pools, a retractable roofed enclosure and a fully equipped 10,000-square-foot building with locker facilities, offices and meeting rooms. Construction of the estimated $10.4 million project began in late 2004. The center will open later this year.
• Old Town Pocket Park was designed at a charrette for a 140’ x 50’ park with a restroom, lighting, fixed seating, water feature and windbreak. Council approved the park in 2005. • Riverbend Park and Trail Master Plan was approved in April 2005 and outlines 225 acres along the Santa Ynez River with soccer fields, baseball fields and a bike trail. The park will be open for play in October 2006.
• Ken Adam Park Master Plan process will soon begin to outline 118 acres adjacent to Allan Hancock College. OLD TOWN POCKET PARK Visit www.cityoflompoc.com for more information.
LOMPOC AQUATIC CENTER
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 21 Illustration by Willdan ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
The City’s Economic Development Office launches and supports programs and projects that enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the community. In particular, the ED office facilitates business access to loans and grants such as Redevelopment Agency and Community Development Block Grant resources, and other economic development tools such as city-owned utilities. The office also promotes entrepreneur- ship through the Self-Employment Training and Micro Enterprise Loan Program, the Library Small Business Information Center and the Chamber of Commerce Business Assistance Services.
LOAN & GRANT PROGRAMS K.A.Griffi th Redevelopment Agency (Contact: 805-875-8278) The City has a strong Redevelopment Agency that offers financial incentives for projects located in the RDA Project Area. RDA maps are available on the city website or at City Hall. During the 2005- 2006 fiscal year, RDA allocated $250,000 for the Seismic Retrofit Program, $350,000 for Old Town Development Projects, $450,000 for the Commercial Façade Improvement Loan Program, $450,000 for the Commercial Rehabilitation Incentive Program and $970,000 for the Housing Set-Aside Fund. The Commercial Façade Improvement Loan Program is for labor and materials related to façade construction, such as La Chiquita Lompoc RDA resources in action at La Chiquita Plaza. Plaza. The program allows reimbursement of 50 percent of city centers and plazas). The program also allows reimbursement of 50 permit fees and 50 percent of architectural design costs (up to percent of actual cost or a maximum of $1,000, whichever is less, for $1,000 for each). Loans are available up to $30,000 for an individual city fees and architectural design charges associated with the rehabili- commercial unit or $15,000 for attached commercial units, with a tation project. City fees include planning, building and utility fees. maximum total of $75,000. Applicants may elect an amortized The RDA Housing Set-Aside Fund will loan funds for affordable interest-free loan with a five-year term or an amortized loan over 10 housing projects, including construction and predevelopment costs. years at 5 percent interest per annum. The agency can only subsidize each project up to the percentage of The Commercial Rehabilitation Incentive Program offers a grant affordable units contained in the development. The agency seeks to component with a low-interest loan that combine to assist property develop the Old Town Redevelopment Project Area with projects of owners and tenants with rehabilitation expenses for interior and exte- both commercial and residential uses that will enhance and serve rior renovation located in the Old Town Lompoc Redevelopment project area residents. Project Area. Loans accrue interest at a rate of 3 percent upon comple- Community Development Block Grant (Contact: 805-875-8271) tion of the rehabilitation work. Interest-only payments commence The City Micro Enterprise Loan Program is for small businesses upon completion and are due monthly during the first five years and seeking loans from $500 to $5,000 which may be unsecured. These fully amortized over the following five years. Total term of the loan is loans are available to entrepreneurs who seek high-risk financing 10 years at 3 percent interest. that is otherwise unavailable. The loans are based on documented The Commercial Rehabilitation Incentive Program allows reimburse- completion of a self-employment training course, qualified income ment of 50 percent of actual cost or a maximum of $1,000, whichever status of the business owner and other factors. is less, for the removal and replacement of any non-conforming The City Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund is designed signage. Projects that include the replacement of three or more signs to encourage businesses to create new jobs. The program loans up will be granted a maximum allowance of 50 percent actual cost up to to $35,000 for every full-time job made available to low-income a maximum allowance of $350 per sign (for attached units, shopping households. Read More Books; California Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep;
22 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 Saletti’s Restaurant; and Lompoc Valley Ford have received revolving research. Business databases provided through the grant can be loans in recent years. accessed from the library or remotely. In 2006, city CDBG funds were Revolving loans are underwritten and the terms are tailored to the also allocated to update the Small Business Collection. individual needs of each business. Generally, loans are made for acqui- The city also contracts with the Chamber of Commerce to provide sition, furniture, fixtures, equipment, inventory, working capital and business assistance services, such as to coordinate and advertise the permit fees. Loans for construction are discouraged due to the extra on-site consultation services and seminars of Mission Community cost of the mandatory Davis-Bacon wage. The interest rate is set at Services Corporation; provide business plan, marketing and other prime plus additional points based on level of risk. Long-term loans of information to start-up businesses; and provide a business resource 15 to 20 years are available. Collateral and/or guaranty is required. library, including Internet connection, for the research of business- Other financial resources include the U.S. Department of Agriculture related topics and information. All services are provided free to the Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, U.S. Small Business general public. Contact: 805-736-4567 or www.lompoc.com. Administration 504 Program and industrial development bonds. Contact BUILDING & SAFETY the city ED office for more details at 805-875-8232. Prospective business owners or operators who are considering SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT locating in the city are invited to utilize the city’s full-service Building The Self-Employment Training course “Small Business Success” and Safety Division. The division is recognized as having one of the has been offered for three years in the Lompoc Valley. The workshop most highly qualified and respected staffs in the nation. All building is held at Allan Hancock College, Lompoc Valley Center and is led by inspectors, fire inspectors, plans examiners and code enforcement Tim Harrington of TerraLink Consulting. The workshop will be offered officers have had extensive training and experience and have proven in the fall of 2006 and will be eight weeks in duration for a total of their abilities by obtaining certifications within their fields. Visit the 21 hours. Guest speakers with first-hand experience in the local busi- Building & Safety Division at www.cityoflompoc.com for information ness environment include the owner of R. Lompoc Ace Hardware to assist you through the building process. You may also contact a and the president of Lompoc Community Bank. staff member for customized support. Since the first workshop in fall 2003 through winter 2006, 45 SEARCHABLE PARCEL ONLINE TECHNOLOGY (SPOT) individuals representing businesses from sole proprietors to corpora- Searchable Parcel Online Technology (SPOT) offers prospective tions have attended the SET course. Businesses currently operating in buyers or lessees the ability to view property listings online, the Lompoc Valley that have attended the course include Amy’s narrowing down site selection and time spent visiting locations. Village Frame Shop, Cards by Kathy G, Global Vision Computing, SPOT provides employees, customers and residents access to desktop Fins-Up Racing Suspension, Knightlighting, Solutions for People, and mapping tools and the datasets to make personalized, intelligent Animal Care Hospital. and meaningful queries. Any computer with Internet access can link With grant funding from the California State Library, the Lompoc to the information from the city’s website. The city offers training for Public Library has opened a Small Business Information Center. The commercial and industrial property owners, brokers and realtors center features books, books-on-tape and CDs, as well as DVDs in interested in listing and maintaining properties on the website. English and Spanish on topics ranging from writing business plans Contact: 805-875-8262. and taxes to marketing and management. An Internet station is reserved for small business users conducting business-related online LOMPOC CITY AIRPORT
K.A. Griffith A general aviation facility, Lompoc City Airport has 16 prime acres to build on with a road extending all utilities. The business-friendly facility offers the possibility of reserving land around the airport for development purposes. The airport area is in a Public Facilities Zone, with neighboring uses characterized as R&D, light industry, manufac- turing and administrative offices. It is conveniently located with easy access to rail and highway links to markets in Southern California and the Bay Area. Fifteen new hangars are available, as are addi- tional areas for building of corporate hangars. To facilitate jet traffic, the city has expanded the airport landing strip to 4,600 feet and made jet fuel available. Contact: 805-875-8268.
BUSINESS TAX CERTIFICATE To do business in Lompoc, you must have a business tax certificate. For tax rates and forms contact 805-875-8242 or visit www.cityo- Amy Fetter at Amy’s Village Frame Shop flompoc.com and click “Quick Links” for Business Tax Info.
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 23 CITY UTILITIES
The City of Lompoc owns its own utility services, offering affordable and reliable electric, water, waste- water and solid waste collection. When residents and businesses were surveyed in 2003, 83 percent of respondents thought Lompoc had an excellent record of providing electricity and that it can do a good job providing broadband communications services. The survey conclusion: 94 percent of local residents and business owners interviewed said, “Build it.”
At least 81 percent of residents were in favor, or were leaning corporate VPN (virtual private network) and SSL (secure socket layer) toward favoring, the Lompoc Utility Department building its own technologies for even greater levels of encryption as data moves out communications network to provide cable TV, Internet and telephone across the Internet. To learn more about the city’s newest utility service, service directly to Lompoc residents and businesses. The response visit www.LompocConnect.com or call 805-875-8750. was widespread support for a city-owned broadband network and a Lompoc City Electric offers residential, commercial and industrial wireless service in particular. Additionally, 81 percent believed that a electrical rates that are approximately 30 percent to 35 percent lower city-owned network would provide competition and hold down than PG&E and SCE. The city also has an electrical incentive rate prices and 77 percent believed that it would drive economic develop- available for businesses that create jobs and significant new electrical ment and progress in Lompoc. load. This program can help a power-conscious business save signifi- The results of the survey and overall feasibility study conducted by cant amounts of money. The city has the ability to finance the elec- McKibben Consulting encouraged the city council to proceed with trical expansion costs for new and expanding businesses with terms the initial phase of a projected $26.5 million broadband project. Now similar to those offered by the city’s Economic Development Revolving an ambitious citywide wireless system is being rolled out as the Loan Fund. These loans are fully negotiable with low-interest rates newest utility. The mission is to make broadband available to all and long terms available. The city’s incentive programs will further Lompoc residents and businesses at affordable rates. Thus, the city lower the cost of operation. will bridge the digital divide and facilitate local business. Lompoc City Electric is a member of Northern California Power Wireless is the first phase of a two-phase broadband Agency (NCPA). NCPA’s geothermal generation projects, located in project that also includes fiber-optic technology to deliver all forms the rural mountains bordering Lake and Sonoma counties 70 miles of electronic communications. When fully deployed, the highly north of San Francisco, were among the first projects to be certified advanced broadband network known as LompocConnect will make by the State of California for green energy. Lompoc continues to available an unequalled level of Internet, television and telephone derive 66 percent of its power from renewable resources. The city service throughout the city. also has a residential commingled and green waste recycling program In March 2005, the city council approved the basic rate of $19.99 and has won a State of California award for reducing landfill trash by per month, which includes access to the network, five e-mail half during the first decade after the law was passed.
addresses per account, and 25 megabytes of online e-mail storage K.A.Griffi th for each mailbox. The wireless system is compatible with the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g industry standards (also known as Wi-Fi®). A Wi-Fi network interface device, such as a wireless Ethernet bridge, will be used to access LompocConnect. Many laptops are already equipped with “Centrino” chips that allow connections to Wi-Fi networks. An optional plan provides a wireless Ethernet bridge for a rental charge of only $4.99 per month. The city is implementing PPTP (point-to-point tunneling protocol) to prevent data from being intercepted while it moves across the Lompoc- Connect wireless network. PPTP sets up an encrypted, secure session Vicki Forman between a computer and the LompocConnect gateway leading out to accesses the Internet to prevent eavesdroppers. The network also supports Lompoc’s Wi-Fi network.
24 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 REAL ESTATE & HOUSING
The local real estate market has been dominated by the rapid increase in the number of homes and the value of homes over the past few years. Almost 2,000 new homes are completed, approved or “in the works,” all to be on the market within a five-year period.
The area has the largest inventory of entitled residential units since the back two buildings and are producing handcrafted products the mid-1980s. The selling values of homes in Lompoc Valley jumped including Ampelos and Ken Brown wines. A vacant lot on West Central almost 31 percent in 2004. By September 2005, the Valley’s median closed escrow and is being developed into a wine center for Pali, Loring home selling price reached $489,000. and Cargasacchi labels. More people will continue to seek housing in Lompoc Valley because JM Development purchased the former Lompoc Lumber property at they are priced out of Santa Barbara County’s South Coast market and V Street and Laurel Avenue and the city council approved a general plan much of the Five Cities market in San Luis Obispo County. Consequently, amendment and zone change to allow 73 single-family homes. The the demand for homes in Lompoc is expected to remain strong. The property, which is within the City’s Redevelopment Agency Project Area, high quality of life, the improved labor market and more production of will soon be the Crown Laurel housing development with adjacent homes will continue to attract additional buyers. The relative afford- 23,000 square feet of industrial space. ability of housing gives Lompoc an advantage over other coastal areas in Martin Farrell Homes has initiated a three-story mixed-use project the state. called Chestnut Crossing, which encompasses both sides of H Street Several large housing developments have been proposed, are under south of Chestnut Avenue. The proposal includes 34 condominiums in construction or have been completed in Lompoc Valley since 2003. La live/work space and 20,000 square feet of commercial space. Purisima Highlands (121 units) was one of the first of a wave to be sold The former Kmart had a face-lift with Redevelopment Agency Façade out and finish construction. The resale value of La Purisima homes, Improvement funds and new tenants, such as Sears. Another 125,000 which started at mid $200,000, is now approximately $650,000. Across square feet is available with two tenants in negotiations: a 25,000- the street, Lanes End (42 units) and the Bluffs at Mesa Oaks (77 units) square-foot gym and a 25,000-square-foot furniture store. Watt-Centro have also been completed. attacted new tenants such as Pier 1 and Petco to Lompoc Center at Located in the city, Crown Pointe (85 residential units) was completed College Avenue and H Street. in September 2005. River Terrace (308 units) and the Gardens at Briar Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation is Creek (295 units), formerly Seabreeze Estates, are the largest approved approved for a 34,332-square-foot retail and general office complex to projects in the city. The Burton Ranch (400 units) Specific Plan area, be located on the northeast corner of Ocean Avenue and H Street, next formerly the Wye, was annexed into the city in May 2006. Providence to the Lompoc Theater. Landing (356 units) is another large project under construction in the unincorporated area of the Valley. Heritage Oaks (100 units), located in Vandenberg Village, was completed as housing for seniors 55 years and over in 2003. Affordable units are included in most of the new development projects. Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation also has several unfinished affordable housing projects in the city. Several pieces of industrial property, which have been underutilized over the years, changed hands in 2004. The former Grefco Minerals site at Lompoc’s southeast entrance was purchased by La Purisima Plaza and has been annexed into the city. Wine storage and fulfillment services are available in the 86,000 square feet of existing warehouse space. A boutique hotel, spa, restaurant and commercial center are also envi- sioned for the property. Another large property on West Central Avenue was divided into
three parcels and purchased by different parties. Local artisans now own K.A.Griffi th
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 25 INDUSTRY & WORKFORCE
Home to Vandenberg Air Force Base, which contributes $1.5 billion to the regional economy and is the largest employer in Santa Barbara County, Lompoc Valley is a dominant economic region driving the Santa Barbara County economy.
Lompoc is also one of the few communities in California to attract have opened on West Central Avenue: “Pinot Prison” and”Pinot manufacturing since 2003. The allure: the availability of affordable West.” La Purisima Plaza is also being developed as a wine center property, utilities, workforce and housing on the Central Coast. across the street from “the Ghetto.” Lompoc will continue to be competitive in these areas. Launching citywide broadband service has positioned Lompoc to The population of Lompoc Valley is over 60,000, much of which is develop as a media and communications center. International media young and Hispanic. The housing boom, described in detail in the coverage, such as the Los Angeles Times business section cover story previous section, will continue to attract young people. More non-resi- on November 13, 2005, featuring Lompoc’s broadband investment, dential investment is also occurring, paving the way for more job has already pushed the city into the spotlight. opportunities in the next few years. Retail and public infrastructure Internet, entertainment technology and multimedia are “targeted growth in particular, as well as the rehabilitation of older neighbor- industries” in California and Lompoc seeks to attract these industries. hoods, is following the housing boom. Lompoc’s comparative advantage in housing prices, information tech- The largest employers in Lompoc Valley are Vandenberg AFB, nology and overall quality of life is already attracting a young edgy Lompoc Unified School District, Lockheed Martin Corporation, U.S. technology workforce from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Department of Justice (Prison & Federal Correction Institute), City of Lompoc seeks to promote industry clusters dedicated to communi- Lompoc, Lompoc Hospital District, Boeing and World Minerals. Other cations, entertainment, publishing and multimedia. Economic devel- major employers include retail operators such as Wal-Mart, Vons, opment efforts in support of these sectors will help to attract produc- Home Depot, Mervyns and Albertsons. tion talent, digital production companies and pre-and post-production Entrepreneurship thrives in the valley with numerous small busi- operations. Allan Hancock College Film & Video Production Program, nesses, especially artisans specializing in handcrafted wine, marble, which has a 30-year history, and the city’s Public, Education and countertops and wood cabinets. Premium foods such as olive and Government access television studio provide a training ground for an walnut oils, chocolate and organic vegetables are also produced. emerging technology workforce. Lompoc Valley’s agricultural roots have shifted toward value-added Lompoc’s sponsorship of the Santa Barbara International Film agriculture such as flower seed research and development and wine Festival, a natural showcase for technology, enhances the city’s production. In particular, Lompoc has become a center for artisanal visibility as a leader in broadband technology. The city also partners wines, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For more than six years, with the Santa Barbara County Film Commission to actively “the Ghetto” in Lompoc has been producing some of the finest wines promote the area for film locations. The production of commercials in the country, many featuring the new Sta. Rita Hills wine appellation. and films such as “Sideways” contribute to the community’s “The Ghetto” was affectionately coined by winemakers who have economic vitality. Film location managers increasingly take an production facilities clustered on the southeast side of the city in the interest in business-friendly Lompoc. Sobhani Industrial Park. On the manufacturing side, Fagerdala World Foams purchased The number of premium artisanal wine labels being produced in Lompoc-based Pactuco in 2003. The company retained a number of Lompoc has grown to 30 and will continue to grow with more the former Pactuco employees and has a workforce from 60 to 93 wine production space available. Two new wine production centers employees depending on the season. Fagerdala, an international
26 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 K.A. Griffith K.A. Griffith
Winemakers Norm Yost and Norm Huber disgorge the first sparkling rosé produced in “the Ghetto.” The wine, “Goat Bubbles,” is bottled under the Flying Goat Cellars label.
privately held company with corporate headquarters in Stockholm, and the 2005 U.S. Base Realignment and Closure Commission recom- Sweden, manufactures polymer foam products used for insulation, mendations will have a positive impact on future growth at Vanden- packaging and decoration. berg. The University of California Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Also in 2003, Raytheon Vision Systems opened a manufacturing Project (www.ucsb-efp.com) will produce a report on Vandenberg’s division in Lompoc rather than expand its headquarters in Goleta. The economic impact on Santa Barbara County later this year. 55,600 square-foot facility in Lompoc employs 90 workers and To enhance the role of Lompoc’s space and technology workforce, continues to grow as the company expands its operations. At the the City Economic Development Office has partnered with California Lompoc facility, Raytheon develops and manufactures infrared sensors Space Authority in several projects. The city is a partner in a 3-year $15 for scientific, commercial and government applications. million grant that CSA won from the U.S. Department of Labor for its According to the California Economic Forecast (www.californiafore- Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development initiative. cast.com), almost 10,000 wage and salary jobs are located in the city The city will use WIRED grant resources for asset assessment. of Lompoc. In addition, the federal prison employs 547 workers and The city also partnered in CSA’s proposed California Space Center, a Vandenberg AFB houses 7,444 military and civilian workers. 66-acre project to be built outside the gates at Vandenberg AFB. The CEF research indicates that Vandenberg AFB includes more than California Space Education and Workforce Institute is developing the 4,000 civilian and military personnel that are not included in the official proposed edutainment center. The project received a $150,000 plan- state employment count for the Lompoc area. An additional 1,229 ning grant from the California Cultural and Historic Endowment. The active duty personnel are trained in highly specialized tasks on the base facility will present a history of California’s role in space enterprise and for four to eight months and then deployed to bases across the country. other aspects of the space industry. It will also feature a permanent These trainees are not included in the total employment count for launch viewing area, a historic rocket park and a Native American Vandenberg. The penitentiary also employs 547 workers who are not interpretive center that discusses Chumash references to the sky and included in the official state employment counts. artifacts found on the base. Education facilities on the base will also be Private contractor employment at Vandenberg AFB has increased included in the project.
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 27 HIGHER EDUCATION
One of the best-kept secrets in Lompoc Valley is the diversity of higher education opportunities. Two universities and one college are located within minutes of the city: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of La Verne, which have campuses at Vandenberg Air Force Base; and Allan Hancock College, which has a Lompoc campus. The University of California Santa Barbara and California Polytechnic State University (CalPoly) in San Luis Obispo are also within commuting distance of the city. In addition, state-funded workforce and leadership training is available through through several community colleges.
The most visible of the local higher education institutions, Allan Contact: 805-735-3366 or www.hancockcollege.edu. Hancock College Lompoc Valley Center, sits on a 156-acre parcel at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Vandenberg Center opened the north end of the city near the Wye. The one-college district has a in May 2002. ERAU offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs campus in Santa Maria with centers in Lompoc, Vandenberg AFB and in professional aeronautics and technical management, as well as Solvang. The $21 million Lompoc Valley Center was built in 1999. professional certificates of concentration in space studies, occupa- To complement its diversified curriculum, Allan Hancock College tional safety, aviation safety, supply chain management and logistics. provides the opportunity to earn degrees from several universities on A graduate degree program is available in aeronautical science, with AHC’s campus. Holy Names College offers a bachelor’s degree program eight specializations including space and space operations manage- in registered nursing; UCSB offers upper division courses and bache- ment, and management, with five specializations. lor’s degree programs in English and history; University of La Verne Classes are offered on the base in the education complex or at the offers a bachelor of science degree program in child development; and Vandenberg Village location. ERAU has five terms a year with classes California State University Bakersfield will offer a bachelor of science starting every 10 weeks. Tuition assistance is accepted as well as degree program in business administration in fall 2006. veterans benefits, and financial aid is available. The university is Allan Hancock College offers a wealth of programs including science, regionally accredited. Contact: 805-734-4076 or 805-606-6557 or math, engineering, architecture, English, computer science, art, music www.erau.edu/vandenberg. and dance. Other exceptional programs include viticulture/enology, one The University of La Verne Vandenberg understands the needs of of only three community college-based wine grape growing and wine- the military student. For more than 30 years it has helped military making programs in California with an on-campus vineyard; computer personnel stationed at Vandenberg AFB achieve their educational and traditional animation, which uses state-of-the-art facilities to provide goals. The Vandenberg campus offers bachelor’s degree programs in students with training in cutting-edge industry techniques; and film and business administration and organizational management and a video production, a highly respected program that continues a three- master’s degree program in business administration. Contact: Director decades-long tradition of teaching the latest film-making techniques. Kitt Vincent at [email protected] or 805-734-1306 or www.ulv.edu. Allan Hancock College
28 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 K-12 & YOUTH ACTIVITIES
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE secret in Lompoc) promotes “Learning4Life” by offering popular Children’s Resource & Referral Program provides up-to-date infor- courses in languages, parenting, crafting, career skills, GED prepara- mation for parents seeking to enroll their young children in pre- tion and more. Contact LUSD at 805-736-2371 or www1.lusd.org. school or child care learning environments. Contact this free service PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND HOMESCHOOLING for a listing of local, licensed, quality home-based and center-based In addition to public schools, Lompoc Valley offers private schools programs or for information on becoming a licensed child care and a thriving network for homeschooling children. There are several provider. Contact: 805-737-0073. private faith-based schools in Lompoc Valley including La Purisima KINDERGARTEN – HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION and the Christian Academy. In addition to the independent study Lompoc Unified School District provides a comprehensive K-12 program at LUSD, there are three homeschool groups in Lompoc: learning experience for all school-aged children. LUSD serves the City Lompoc Christian Educators, Lompoc Valley Home Educators, and of Lompoc, Mission Hills, Vandenberg Village and other unincorpo- Family Homeschool Adventures. rated areas in the county. The district covers approximately 300 YOUTH LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES square miles with close to 12,000 students attending the 10 elemen- Keeping children healthy, involved and growing up smart is the goal of tary, three middle and three high schools. Several elementary and the many nonprofit sport associations that offer children, teens and one middle school operate on a year-round schedule offering options parents an opportunity to join clubs and to play just about any sport. for families. Lompoc Unified has a workforce of more than 1,000 From the Lompoc Girls Softball Association to AYSO Soccer, from Little experienced, qualified and dedicated professionals serving students League or Babe Ruth to PeeWee football, from the Police Activity rock and families. More than 600 full-time teachers are employed, with climbing wall to the award-winning drill teams, Lompoc is a competitive almost 94 percent fully credentialed. Many faculty hold master’s and lively place to play. degrees. In addition to faculty, the district has over 500 employees Young people will find a place to be safe and have fun at the City working in pupil services, classified positions and administration. Parks & Recreation Department, the local Boys & Girls Club, Lompoc LUSD School Board policy encourages input from all stakeholders. Family YMCA, Lompoc 4H Club and many faith-based youth programs. Parents find many opportunities for involvement through local PTA/ The Endeavour Center provides space education programs for youth PTSA, ELAC (English Learner Advisory Council), an annual Parents ages 7-14 and families, including Endeavour Camp, Saturday Science Are Teachers, Too! conference, School Site Councils and many Seminars (November through April), and school/group field trips. Meet district-wide task forces. Space Cowboy and Space Dog! K-12 teachers can also visit the NASA The high schools offer several small “school-within-a-school” Educator Resource Center at the Endeavour Center. For program applica- experiences for students interested in agriculture, marine biology, tions call 805-734-1747 or visit www.endeavours.org/sec. space technology, horticulture and more. All schools offer a full array Teenagers can apply to participate in the Lompoc Valley Chamber of sports, clubs and service opportunities to help youth learn leader- of Commerce Youth Leadership Program, the City of Lompoc Youth ship responsibilities and have fun. Commission and the many service organizations that welcome In particular, Cabrillo High School has been recognized for an young volunteers. outstanding aquarium project (www.cabrilloaquarium.org), while K.A.Griffi th Lompoc High School has sported a CIF championship football team for three years in a row and received academic accolades for its space and technology program. Maple High School offers an alternative academic experience and houses the CalSAFE (School Age Family Education) program for teen parents. All high school seniors are encouraged to prepare for the world of work through regional occupational programs that fulfill many inter- ests including automotive technologies, teaching/child development, criminal justice and environmental sciences. Finally, LUSD Adult Education School (the best kept education
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 29 SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
ABUSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL YMCA HEALTH, HOSPITALS, MENTAL HEALTH Valley of Flowers Half-Century Club ASSAULT, EXPLOITATION, NEGLECT 805-736-3483 Lompoc Convalescent Care Center 805-736-6669; 341 N. N St. 211 Help Line 201 W. College Ave. 805-736-3466; 216 N. Third St. Many programs & services available to Crisis intervention, information seniors DRUG & ALCOHOL PROGRAMS, Lompoc Hospital & referrals SUPPORT, INTERVENTION 805-737-3300; 508 E. Hickory Ave. YMCA Crisis & Suicide Intervention 805-736-3483 Lompoc: 805-734-2711 Alcoholics Anonymous Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare 201 W. College Ave. S.B. County: 800-400-1572 805-737-1101 Organization Senior fitness classes Online directory: www.fsacares.org 805-737-5724 Al-Anon P. O. Box 368, Lompoc, 93438 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Domestic Violence Solutions 805-737-3969; 119 N. D St. Referral service/case management 24-hr hotline: 805-736-0965 Recovery program for family & friends of Catholic Charities Women with or without children alcoholics National Alliance of Mental Illness 805-736-6226 Male & female anger management classes 805-740-9580 903 E. Chestnut Ave. Alano Club One-stop shopping for financial Legal Aid 805-737-3969; 119 N. D St. Rehab Institute of Santa Barbara 805-736-6582 805-687-7444 assistance with utilities, clothing, 106 S. C St., Suite A Celebrate Recovery 2415 De La Vina St., S.B., 93105 supplies, shelter, food, referrals. Mobile Legal services to low-income/seniors; 805-736-6415; 500 E. N. Ave. home & single-family home repairs landlord/tenant disputes; restraining orders Transitions - Drop-In Center assistance grant (ERG). Central Coast Headway 805-928-0139 Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center 805-737-0015 916 N. I St. Community Action Commission of Office: 805-736-8535 115 E. College Ave., Suite 16 805-736-7611 S.B. County Hotline: 805-736-7273 Social interaction, free meals & support 805-740-4559 D.A.R.E. CAC Energy Program (HEAP) 805-736-2341 Sexual Assault Response Team SENIOR SERVICES ASSISTANCE 800-655-0617 805-963-6832 Drug Abuse Resistance Education AARP Home energy assistance program 111 N. Milpas Road, S.B. 93103 youth program for grades 5, 7 & 9 800-424-3410 HOUSING PREGNANCY, CHILDREN, YOUTH Narcotics Anonymous 800-549-7730 Area Agency on Aging Bridgehouse Homeless Shelter Big Brother/Big Sister Program Lompoc: 805-925-9554 805-737-9443 Countywide, S.B. office, Lompoc New Attitudes Group of Santa Maria: 805-965-3288 2025 Sweeney Road 805-965-1001 Narcotics Anonymous Vial of Life: 805-928-2552 805-735-4376 129 N. I St. Emergency (temporary) shelter CAC Senior Nutrition Program 805-736-2341 Boys & Girls Club Victory Outreach 805-737-9366; 1501 E. Ocean Ave. 805-736-4978 805-737-9968 Salvation Army-sponsored. Vouchers at Preschool, before- & after-school daycare, Community Partners in Caring Lompoc Police Dept. Zona Seca homework assistance, living skills, HIV/ 805-737-1976; 123 D St. 805-740-9799; 218 N. I St. Legal Aid (Low Income/Seniors) AIDS awareness, basketball, arts & crafts Volunteers helping seniors & disabled 805-736-6582 Children’s Resource & Referral FOOD & NUTRITION Grief Counseling 106 S. C St., Suite A 805-737-0073 C.A.C. Senior Lunch Program 805-735-3773 Landlord-tenant disputes, other services Referral to licensed childcare 805-737-9366 Starbuck-Lind Mortuary Mark’s House Lompoc Community Center 123 N. A St. Court Appointed Special Advocates 805-735-9980 1501 E. Ocean Ave. 805-739-9102 HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling) Transitional residential for homeless Meals/social program for seniors 60 & over 120 E. Jones, #113, Santa Maria 805-928-5663 families, by referral, drug/alcohol-free, Community Kitchen Free to seniors: 800-434-0222 case management Even Start Meals for homeless & disadvantaged 805-737-0429 Housekeeping Assistance Utility Assistance facilitated by Lompoc Ministerial Association 805-735-4376 805-736-6226 Good Mourning Serving time 5 p.m. Family services agency (REACH) through Catholic Charities 805-733-5225 Tuesday: St. Timothy’s Church Pregnancy & infant loss support 403 N. J St. Legal Aid (Low Income/Seniors) MISCELLANEOUS Thursday: First Baptist Church 805-736-6582 American Red Cross Healthy Start (Family Services 220 W. Cypress Ave. 106 S. C St., Suite A 805-736-5110; 312 N. H St. Agency) Friday: La Purisima Church Landlord-tenant disputes, other services Dorothy Jackson Family Center: 333 S. I St. No charge to senior/disabled Braille Institute 805-737-3200 805-682-6222 Last Monday of month: Meals on Wheels Clarence Ruth Elementary School: Four Square Church Information & referral 501 N. W St. 805-736-3257 125 N. C St. California Mission Children Hotline Arthur Hapgood Elementary School: Homebound meal delivery 800-222-3463 805-736-6166; 324 S. A St. Food Bank of Santa Barbara County Ombudsman (Santa Barbara) 805-937-3422 805-967-0499 Lompoc Valley Teen Center - Teen 218 E. Jones St., Santa Maria Target Program Advocates for quality care in nursing homes 805-736-6433; 537 N. K St. Food Pantry Monitors for abuse or neglect of seniors Tutoring, homework help & computer 805-737-4140 Out-Patient Veteran’s Clinic training 903 E. Chestnut Ave. 805-736-7767; 1111 E. Ocean Ave. Emergency & supplemental food Planned Parenthood Senior Connection Information Link 805-922-8317 Mobile Food Pantry 800-510-2020 805-740-3073 805-925-2552 Pregnancy Support Center Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana Church 805-735-2353; 601 E. Ocean Ave. Free yearly publication for seniors: 805- 323 W. Hickory Ave. 928-2552 Totes for Tots (Faithful Apostolic First & third Monday of each month, 4 Church) p.m. to 6 p.m. Valley Haven Adult Day Care 805-736-9446 805-733-9459 Meals on Wheels 2800 Harris Grade Road Emergency supplies for displaced children 805-736-3257 Home delivery of meals for homebound
30 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 OTHEROther ELECTED Government OFFICIALS
In addition to serving on Lompoc City K.A.Griffi th SANTA BARBARA COUNTY Council, responsible citizens in Lompoc Valley BOARD OF SUPERVISORS also serve on boards for Mission Hills Commu- Fourth District nity Services District and Vandenberg Village Supervisor Joni Gray Contact: 805-737-7700 Community Services District, which represent Third District unincorporated communities outside the City Supervisor Brooks Firestone of Lompoc and within Santa Barbara County. Contact: 805-686-5095 Other elected officials serve in the state legis- U.S. CONGRESS lature and U.S. Congress. Sen. Barbara Boxer Mission Hills Community Services District was Contact: 202-224-3553 established in 1979 as a local government Sen. Dianne Feinstein agency for the purpose of providing water, Contact: 202-224-3841 sewer and street sweeping services to the 24th District (Lompoc Valley) Rep. Elton Gallegly community of Mission Hills and Mesa Oaks. It is Contact: 805-686-2525 governed by a board of locally elected directors: 23rd District (adjacent coastline) Stan Whitty, president; Bruce Nix; Susan Warn- Rep. Lois Capps Contact: 805-730-1710 strom; James MacKenzie; and Cathy Schlott- mann. Contact: 805-733-4366. CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE Vandenberg Village Community Services District 19th District was established in 1983 as a local government Sen. Tom McClintock Contact: 805-686-0830 agency for the purpose of providing water and 33rd District wastewater services to the community of Vanden- Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee berg Village, and for providing water to a small Contact: 805-549-3381 portion of Vandenberg Air Force Base. VVCSD is Sculpture “Haku,” 2003, by Jim Jacobson, governed by a board of five locally elected direc- between government buildings at D Street tors: Robert Wyckoff, president; Anthony Fox, vice and Cypress Ave. president; Donald Rowland, finance officer; Chris- Mural “Ethnic Diversity,” 1991, by Richard topher Brooks; and Daniel Redmon. Contact 805- Wyatt, Jr., west wall of Superior Court Building. 733-2475 or visit www.vvcsd.org. K.A.Griffi th
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 31 TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY
PUBLIC BUS SERVICE CITY OF LOMPOC COLT provides public transit service within the Fire Chief Linual White City of Lompoc, Mission Hills and Vandenberg Contact: 805-736-4513 Village. Service is available from 6:30 a.m. to Police Chief William F. Brown, Jr. 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: 805-736-2341 on Saturday. COLT does not operate on Sundays or on legal holidays. SANTA BARBARA COUNTY Curb-to-curb service is available for seniors and persons with disabilities. Sheriff Jim Anderson Children under six years of age may travel free when accompanied by Contact: 805-737-7737 a fare-paying passenger 14 years and older. Escorts for persons with Fire Chief John Scherrei disabilities travel free. Contact: 805-736-7666 Contact: 805-737-7742 The Breeze Bus provides weekday commuter bus service linking Lompoc, Vanden- Lompoc is a safe place to live! Safety in an important quality-of-life berg Air Force Base and Santa Maria. factor and a strong incentive for locating in a given area. One indicator Contact: 800-417-2137 of safety, the FBI Crime Index, has been falling dramatically in Lompoc. Clean Air Express provides round-trip motor Since 1994, the index has fallen over 40 percent due to significant coach commuter service from Lompoc to decreases in both violent and property crimes in the community over Santa Barbara and Goleta five days a week. the last decade. Lompoc has the lowest rate of serious crime of any Contact: 805-963-SAVE major city in Santa Barbara County. AMTRAK City Police and Fire departments are very involved with the Pacific Surfliner service at Surf/Lompoc station. Contact: 800-usa-rail community with programs that include: D.A.R.E., Every 15 Minutes, Citizens’ Police Academy, Jr. Police Camp, Youth Fire Camp, and Citi- AIRPORTS zens’ Emergency Response Team (CERT). City of Lompoc Airport (general aviation) Hosted by the Police Department, “Lompoc Police Beat” airs live Contact: 805-875-8268 on Channel 25 on Thursdays from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. The television Santa Maria Airport (commercial and general aviation) show allows people to call in with questions for the guest or the Contact: 805-922-1726 host. The call-in number is 805-736-2408. Santa Barbara Airport (commercial and general aviation) Contact: 805-681-4803
Mural “Lompoc’s First Fire Chief,” 1994, by Robert & Pat Saul, north wall of Lompoc Fire Station. K.A.Griffi th
32 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 MEDICAL CARE & SERVICES
LOMPOC HEALTHCARE DISTRICT VALLEY MEDICAL GROUP OF LOMPOC The Lompoc Healthcare District is owned by the citizens of the Lompoc Provides a team of family practitioners, general surgeons, internal Valley. The District includes Lompoc Hospital, Convalescent Care Center medicine physicians, full service counseling and a nutritionist. (skilled care) and Mammography Center. A fully accredited community Contact: 805-736-1253 hospital, Lompoc Healthcare District has contracted with most HMO MISSION GARDENS and preferred provider health plans and will consider others. Contact Provides skilled care for seniors. Contact: 805-735-4010 805-737-3301 for questions related to health plan or insurance. Services include: 24-hour emergency service and paramedic base THE LODGE OF LOMPOC station; critical and coronary care; obstetrical and perinatal services; team Provides assisted living for seniors. Contact: 805-736-1234 medical and surgical nursing; inpatient and outpatient surgery center; VALLEY HAVEN SENIOR DAY CARE CENTER breast imaging and stereotactic center; diagnostic imaging center, Provides services and facilities for social day care to dependent including nuclear, ultrasound, CT, and MRI services; outpatient services, seniors and provides respite and supportive counseling to the care- including laboratory, cardiology, physical therapy and lithotripsy. givers of these seniors. Contact: 805-733-9459 • Lompoc Hospital Contact: 805-737-3300 • Convalescent Care Center Contact: 805-736-3466 AT HOME SENIOR SERVICES • Outpatient & X-Ray Department Contact: 805-735-9229 Provides quality care for seniors at home. Contact: 805-736-8249
SANTA BARBARA MEDICAL FOUNDATION CLINIC BEST CARE CENTRAL COAST HOME HEALTH AGENCY Services include family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, urgent A not-for-profit organization that provides home health care care, occupational medicine and pacemaker checks; specialists in services such as skilled nursing care, physical, occupational and urology, dermatology, nephrology, cardiology, psychology, allergy; and speech therapy, as well as personal hygiene care performed by home a dietician and asthma educator. Contact: 805-737-8700 health aides. Contact: 805-736-2124
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 33 DINING & LODGING
DINING Jalama Beach Store & Grill Round Table Pizza LODGING Alfie’s Fish & Chips Jalama Beach Park 721 W. Central Ave. | 805-735-3333 The 1890 House (Bed & Breakfast) 805-736-5027 1036 N. H St. | 805-736-0154 Saletti’s Italian Restaurant 122 West Cypress Avenue 805-736-9423 or American Host Restaurant Jetty Restaurant 825 N. H St. | 805-736-2050 304 W. Ocean Ave. | 805-735-2400 888-736-9422 113 N. I St. | 805-735-5188 Sissy’s Uptown Café Best Value Inn The Bakery Johnson’s Donuts Ltd 112 S. I St. | 805-735-4877 1200 N. H Street 419 W. Ocean Ave. 1001 N. A St. | 805-736-7166 South Side Coffee Company 805-735-3737 805-735-1335 Kentucky Fried Chicken 105 S. H St. | 805-737-3730 Best Western O’Cairns Inn Bakers Square #477 1401 N. H St. | 805-736-0846 Starbuck’s Coffee Shop 940 East Ocean Avenue 936 N. H St. | 805-296-2121 Lennie’s 1436 N. H St. | 805-735-7320 805-735-7731 321 W. Ocean Ave. | 805-735-8227 Baskin Robbins Subway 800-528-1234 419 N. H St. | 805-736-3131 Little Ceasars 1133 N. H St. | 805-735-6388 Budget Inn Motel of Lompoc Blacksmith Steakhouse 1133 N. H St. #A | 805-735-7782 616 E. Ocean Ave. | 805-735-4797 817 N. H Street 118 S. H St. | 805-742-0026 Lompoc Burgers Sugar Magnolia’s Café 805-736-1241 La Botte Italian Restaurant 600 N. H St. | 805-740-1488 724 N. H St. | 805-736-2229 Days Inn 812 N. H St. | 805-736-8525 Lompoc Donuts Suvans’ Kitchen 3955 Apollo Way 805-733-5000 Bravo Pizza 400 N. H St. | 805-736-9017 129-E W. Central Ave. 805-737-9802 800-DaysInn 129 W. Central Ave. #C2 Lompoc Valley Center Cafe 805-737-6181 600 N. H St. | 805-740-1488 Sushi Teri Embassy Suites 1117 N. H Street The Bread Board Deli 213 W. Ocean Ave. | 805-740-0123 The Lompoc Restaurant 805-735-8311 322 N. H St. | 805-736-4448 925 N. H St. | 805-736-8600 Taco Bell of Lompoc 800-433-3182 The Budget Café 1548 N. H St. | 805-735-8890 Lucy’s International Buffet First Value Inn 832 E. Ocean Ave. 426 N. H St. | 805-736-8632 1140 N. H St. | 805-737-3830 1415 East Ocean Avenue 805-735-4085 Taco Loco Mariscos Costa Brava 805-736-6514 Burrito Loco 129 W. Central Ave. #6 722 E. Ocean | 805-740-3042 Holiday Inn Express 1412 N. H St. | 805-735-9567 805-737-0255 Mariscos El Palmar 124 E. Ocean Ave. #3 1417 N. H Street Café San Martin 321 W. Ocean Ave. 805-736-8099 805-736-2391 or 112 N. A St. | 805-736-4104 805-736-5656 200 E. Ocean Ave. #2 800-324-9566 805-737-4494 Carl’s Jr. #326 McConnell’s Ice Cream Cafe Lompoc Motel 433 N. H St. 625 N. H St. | 805-735-1016 1412 N. H St. | 805-736-0020 528 N. H Street 805-737-0011 805-736-7517 Cajun Kitchen Café Five McDonald’s Restaurant Texas Cattle Company 1508 N. H St. | 805-735-7877 835 N. H St. | 805-736-9669 Motel 6 1325–A N. H St. | 805-736-7471 1521 N. H Street Carrows Restaurant #196 Mi Amore Pizza & Pasta Thai Cuisine 805-735-7631 1129 N. H St. | 805-736-0702 1321 N. H St. | 805-735-3316 920 N. I St. | 805-736-7450 Quality Inn & Executive Suites Cats Market & Deli La Michoacana Thai Fast Food 1621 N. H Street 421 W. Ocean | 805-736-9388 1009 N. A St. | 805-735-6000 1133 N. H St. | 805-735-1022 805-735-8555 or China King Super Buffet #168 Mr. Taco 800-228-5151 Tom’s 1037 N. H St. | 805-735-8484 3734 Constellation Road 115 E. College Ave. | 805-736-9996 Redwood Motor Lodge Domino’s Pizza 805-733-3213 1200 N. H Street Tripple D’s Grill 700-C N. H St. Oki Sushi 805-735-3737 805-735-7777 510 W. Ocean Ave. | 805-315-6148 1206 W. Ocean Ave. | 805-735-7170 Super 8 3734 Constellation Road, Suite G El Toro Bronco El Paraiso 1020 East Ocean Avenue 805-733-4555 1030 N. H St. | 805-735-3499 813 W. Laurel | 805-737-4133 805-735-6444 Don Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant Village Coffee Stop & Expresso Penelope’s Teas & Gifts Star Motel 610 N. H St. | 805-736-3202 Bar 105 W. Ocean Ave. | 805-736-1122 212 East Ocean Avenue Dragon Palace 3734 Constellation Road 805-736-8144 1325 N. H St. | 805-736-8899 Pizza Garden 805-733-5511 1017 N. H St. | 805-736-9999 Vagabond Inn Fosters Family Donuts Village Country Club 1122 N. H Street 1145 N. H St. | 805-736-2291 Pizza Hut 4300 Clubhouse Road 805-735-7744 1620 N. H St. | 805-736-7272 805-733-3535 Fosters Freeze 1120 E. Ocean Ave.| 805-735-1321 PJ’s Delicatessen Wendy’s Hamburgers 128 W. College Ave. | 805-736-2010 1102 N. H St. | 805-735-8656 Hickory St. Café 508 E. Hickory Ave. La Purisima Cafe Ursula’s Cafe 805-737-3342 3455 E. Highway 246 1420 E. Ocean Ave. | 805-736-4541 805-736-4118 Hunters Landing Coffee Co. Your Place or Mine 508 N. H St. | 805-740-0051 Quizno’s Subs 127 1/2 S. H St. | 805-736-9879 515 W. Central Ave. | 805-735-6740 Jack in the Box 539 N. H St. | 805-735-1264 Rice Bowl 117 W. Ocean Ave. | 805-736-5709
34 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2006 COMMUNITY EVENTS
2006 Calendar
JULY SEPTEMBER October 23 PERMANENT EVENTS July 1 September 1-3 Lompoc Pops Orchestra Olde Towne Market El Pastor Annual Pioneer Reunion Weekend Lompoc Civic Auditorium July & August only La Purisima Mission Lompoc Valley Historical Society 805-735-6463 Fridays 5 - 7 p.m. 805-733-3713 805-735-4626 NOVEMBER South H Street to Cypress July 4 September 2 November 3 Farmers Market Annual Fireworks Show El Pastor Lompoc Concert Association Fridays 2 p.m. to dusk Huyck Stadium La Purisima Mission Bronn Journey I Street & Ocean Avenue 805-875-8100 805-733-3713 First United Methodist Church Summer: H Street & Cypress Avenue 805-733-4006/805-736-8713 July 8 September 15, 16, 17 La Purisima Mission Tours Fourth Annual Car Show Lompoc Sectional Bridge Tournament November 4 Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays Ryon Park La Purisima Parish Hall Village Days 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. 805-736-2088 805-735-2042 La Purisima Mission Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. 805-733-3713 805-733-3713 July 7-9 September 16 Annual Piper Cub Fly-In Mission Life Days Friends of the Library Cypress Art Gallery Lompoc Airport La Purisima Mission Turducken benefit dinner 119 East Cypress Avenue 805-733-1914 805-733-3713 805-875-8784 Tuesday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 805-737-1129 July 15 Dinner Theater November 16 Mission Life Days Village Country Club Friends of the Library Lompoc Museum La Purisima Mission 805-735-2281 Pajama Read-In 200 South H Street 805-733-3713 805-875-8784 Tuesday – Friday, 1 - 5 p.m. Fall Mystery Saturday & Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m. July 20 & 21 Lompoc Civic Auditorium DECEMBER 805-736-3888 Friends of the Library 805-735-2281 December 1 - 3 Summer book sale Fabing-McKay-Spanne House September 23 Holiday Show 2006 805-875-8784 207 N. L Street Lompoc Hospital Foundation Lompoc Civic Auditorium Monday & Thursday, 8:30 - 11 a.m. July 23 Annual Walk-a-Thon 805-735-2281 Fourth Saturday of month, 2 - 4 p.m. Dinner Theater 805-736-4005 December 3 805-735-4626 Village Country Club September 29 - 30 Lompoc Pops Orchestra www.lompochistory.org 805-735-2281 Fall Mystery TBA Vandenberg Air Force Base Tours July 29 & 30 Lompoc Civic Auditorium 805-735-6463 By reservation only - 2 weeks Lompoc Valley Kennel Club 805-735-2281 December 8 All Breed Dog Show in advance September 30 Founding Day Celebration 805-606-3595 Ryon Park La Purisima Mission 805-736-1338 Arts Fest & Mural-in-a-Day www.vandenberg.af.mil Centennial Square 805-733-3713 Endeavour Center AUGUST 805-736-4567 December 8 - 10 Various events all year August 5 OCTOBER Holiday Show 2006 805-734-1747 Purisima People Day Lompoc Civic Auditorium October 1 www.endeavours.org La Purisima Mission 805-735-2281 805-733-3713 Fall Mystery Cabrillo Aquarium Lompoc Civic Auditorium December 10 4350 Constellation Road August 6 805-735-2281 Holiday Home Tour & Candlelight Tea Open by appointment Brushes and Blues Art Festival 805-736-4005 October 6 - 8 805-733-1028 Ken Adam Park www.cabrilloaquarium.org 805-736-4567 Fall Mystery Lompoc Civic Auditorium August 19 805-735-2281 Mission Life Days La Purisima Mission October 7 805-733-3713 Lompoc Concert Association Abaca String Band August 20 First United Methodist Church Scaventure - Scavenger Hunt 805-733-4006/805-736-8713 La Purisima Parish Hall 805-736-4567 October 13 & 14 Candlelight Tours August 25-26 La Purisima Mission Mountain Men Rendezvous 805-733-3713 La Purisima Mission 805-733-1713 Friends of the Library Fall book sale August 26 805-875-8784 Village Days La Purisima Mission October 23 805-733-3713 Lompoc Family YMCA 8th Annual Golf Tournament Dinner Theater 805-736-3483 Village Country Club Stephen Palmer 805-735-2281
Summer 2006 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 35
Wines of Lompoc & Sta. Rita Hills AVA