Since its founding in 2017, I’ve been privileged to be part of the annual Santa Barbara County visit of Pedal the Pacific, a team of young women who cycle 1,700 miles from Seattle to San Diego to raise awareness about sex trafficking.
The fact that sex trafficking happens right under our noses here in our community is shocking, infuriating and revolting. It is among the most evil, inhumane and vile things that one person can do to another.
But as a civic leader, I’m also enormously proud of Santa Barbara County for the proactive ways that we are fighting it tooth and nail.
From the leadership of the District Attorney’s Office to the county Human Trafficking Task Force and its Safe Santa Barbara County strategic plan; from organizations like Junior League of Santa Barbara, Olive Crest’s Hope Refuge and the North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center to businesses like Parker Clay, we are not hand-wringing bystanders but determined and innovative problem solvers.
While this year’s Pedal the Pacific team — Chloe Aguilar, Alexis Couret, Clare Harkins, Grace Hornung, Morgan McGehee, Livia Sumner and Hanna Teerman — was sharing what they’re learning on their trek, we’re providing them with battle-tested examples that can be replicated in other communities.
It’s a win/win for us, but the real beneficiaries are the children all these initiatives are able to save.
As my friend, Hope Refuge co-founder Sally Cook, describes it: “On my death bed, I won’t regret doing all I can to combat sex trafficking. But I would regret doing nothing.”
Click here to read our Rebecca Caraway’s report on Pedal the Pacific’s stay in Santa Barbara County. Click here for more information on Pedal the Pacific, or click here to make an online donation.
With little help from me as I was out and about with my Pedal the Pacific friends, Noozhawk was compiling an audience of 196,504 readers this past week, according to our WordPress analytics.
What follows is my own take on the top five stories you were reading over the last seven days. As a reminder, this is my opinion column and not a news story.
1. Young Couple From Santa Maria Valley Die During Vacation in Mexico
In one of the most heartbreaking stories we’ve had in a long time, a Mexico vacation turned tragic for a recently engaged Santa Maria Valley couple.
As our Janene Scully reported, 21-year-old Julián Casares and 20-year-old Mireya León died from a suspected gas leak in Mexico City on July 9.
According to Mexican media reports, they had been found unresponsive in a bedroom near a laundry room with a faulty boiler.
The couple was remembered fondly by family and friends. Both graduates of Righetti High School in Orcutt, Casares played football and wrestled and León ran track.
Casares had recently been promoted at Pacific Beverage Co. and was on a waiting list for an electrician apprenticeship program. León worked for the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District.
Gary Casares Jr., Julian’s father, spoke of the couple’s bright future cut short.
“They were just starting out,” he said, adding that they likely intended to marry in Mexico. “They were ready.”
The community has rallied to support both families as they work to bring the couple’s bodies back to the Central Coast.
A benefit barbecue is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at Atlas Custom Sound, 908 N. Broadway in Santa Maria.
A GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than $20,000 for funeral expenses. Click here to make an online donation.
Reflecting on the tragedy, the elder Casares shared a poignant decision.
“They would want to be brought home together,” he said. “They would want to be buried together.
“This is how their love story is going to end.”
Casares is survived by his parents, Denise and Gary Casares, and a sister, Mia. León is survived by her parents and two sisters.
A funeral mass for the couple is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. July 19 at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 1190 E. Clark Ave. in Santa Maria, with burial to follow at Santa Maria Cemetery, 1501 S. College Drive.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Moreno Mortuary.
2. Lake Fire Reaches Sedgwick Reserve, Threatening Years of Research
The Lake Fire’s advance into the Sedgwick Reserve northeast of Los Olivos threatens to disrupt decades of vital ecological research.
As our Daniel Green reported, half of the UC Santa Barbara-managed reserve’s 6,000 acres were affected by the wildfire, which put critical equipment and irreplaceable study sites at risk.
Of particular concern are the centuries-old oak trees, subjects of 27 years of continuous research.
The fire, which ignited July 5 near Zaca Lake, also endangers numerous ongoing projects studying soils, vegetation and wildlife in the reserve’s unique ecosystem.
Although the critical field station was spared, reserve outreach specialist Nikki Evans expressed worry about long-term studies.
“There’s potential for a lot of long-term research to be impacted,” she said.
Despite these challenges, the reserve’s staff remains determined to adapt their research to include the fire’s effects, ensuring the continuation of their important work.
The reserve was created in 1997 when UCSB purchased the property from the Sedgwick estate. It entered the UC Natural Reserve System that same year.
Since then, the reserve has built a reputation for research, education and community classes.
As of July 19, the fire had burned nearly 39,000 acres — 60 square miles — with containment at 63%.
In spite of the progress, authorities were wary of a National Weather Service excessive heat watch forecast for July 19-24.
3. Ray Ford: Lake Fire Leaving a Trail of Destruction
Our Ray Ford paused long enough from his almost daily reporting on the Lake Fire to provide a comprehensive chronology of the wildfire’s path and progress — as well as its destruction — as it burns into the backcountry.
The care with which Ray covers wildfires is as unique as it is extraordinary, and this story is one of the best examples of his knowledge and understanding.
The story is a fascinating look at some of the badly damaged areas, many of which most of us will never venture to, and explains some of the long-term impacts that may affect all of us.
Ray followed up that report with an informative explanation of how to decipher the often confusing and usually indistinct fire footprint maps that various agencies produce to help the public understand what’s happening and what to expect. His story is truly a public service!
4. Santa Barbara Teacher Arrested on Suspicion of Secretly Recording Minors
A Santa Barbara Charter School teacher has been arrested on suspicion of secretly recording minors at various locations, including at the school.
As our Rebecca Caraway reported in a story that exploded through the school’s tight-knit parent community, 54-year-old Steven Schapansky of Goleta was arrested by Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies on July 13.
He was booked into County Jail on a misdemeanor charge of invasion of privacy with a recording device and later released.
The Sheriff’s Department received a report of hidden recording devices in Schapansky’s possession the day before his arrest.
According to Lt. Jarrett Morris, recordings were found from locations where minors changed clothing.
Laura Donner, the school’s education director, expressed shock, and told Rebecca that Schapansky has been placed on leave.
“We are beyond devastated and surprised that this was happening to students,” she said.
“We had no idea anything like this was happening until we got informed by the Sheriff’s Department.”
Detectives are working to identify victims and coordinate with school administrators for outreach and support services.
Victims can contact the county District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Assistance Program for support.
The investigation is ongoing.
Santa Barbara Charter School, an independent school authorized by the Santa Barbara Unified School District, is located at 6100 Stow Canyon Road on the campus of Goleta Valley Junior High School.
5. Daughter Accused of Killing Mother in Vandenberg Village Homicide
Adding to the tragedy of a weekend homicide in Vandenberg Village, the Sheriff’s Department announced that the victim was the mother of the suspect.
As our Janene Scully reported, deputies on July 13 responded to reports of suspicious circumstances at a residence on Khouri Cirle, a block off Burton Mesa Road.
After arriving around 6:45 a.m., they found the body of 71-year-old Denise Ann Carter inside.
Carter’s daughter, 46-year-old Brooke Carter or both Lompoc and Oklahoma, was arrested in connection with the killing. As of July 19, she remains in County Jail with bail set at $2 million.
Sheriff’s spokeswoman Raquel Zick did not disclose any details on the cause and manner of death, or a possible motive.
The investigation is ongoing.
Carter’s funeral services are pending.
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Good Reads
Check out these six stories before you go:
» Caltrans Reopening Lanes of Highway 154 Traffic Starting Friday — Staff writer Daniel Green delivers some good news for those driving between Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley.
» Restriping on Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta Draws Mixed Reactions — Daniel outlines the new appearance of Hollister Avenue through Old Town Goleta. I’ve driven it and it’s a visual jumble. Eeesh.
» Old Spanish Days Celebrates 100th Year, But Fiesta Will Go On Without Iconic Carnival — South County editor Josh Molina previews the centennial year of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, which will be missing a popular piece when it opens July 31.
» Officials Look for Ways to Make Isla Vista’s ‘Deltopia’ Celebration Safer — Dealing with Deltopia is a perennial challenge, and staff writer Rebecca Caraway reports on the latest solutions.
» Study Session Set as Richards Ranch Pursues 3 Paths Toward Approval for Orcutt Development — North County editor Janene Scully wades into Orcutt’s Richards Ranch development.
» UCSB’s Matt Ager Selected by Pittsburgh Pirates in 6th Round of MLB Draft — Sports editor Diego Sandoval has the details of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, which saw four UC Santa Barbara Gauchos selected in the sixth and seventh rounds.
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Last Year on Noozhawk
What was our most-read story this time last year? Good Fences May Make Good Neighbors, But Decorative Gate Opens Door to Conflict.
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Bill Macfadyen’s Story of the Week
Don’t worry, this won’t happen here: Nantucket’s Beaches Closed as Debris from Damaged Wind Turbine Washes Ashore.
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Best of Bill’s Instagram
My Instagram feed has been downright sparse this past week but it does include a powerful girl gang.
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Watch It
Finally, a worthy sequel to The Office. I don’t even mind that it’s pushing Chevrolets instead of Fords.
