There’s no sugarcoating this. What you are about to read is grim, one of the grimmest Best of Bill columns I’ve written in a long time.
But, as I tell my staff, we don’t pick the news, the news picks us.
I also don’t pick what I write about in these columns, which are my own take on the Top 5 stories that our Google Analytics says you were reading over the past week.
According to our WordPress analytics, there were a staggering 203,406 of you in the last seven days.
In case you didn’t know, this is my opinion column and not a news story — although it does have a news scoop that I was able to get before our Josh Molina could.
After all that’s happened this week, I’ll take that as a win.
This Memorial Day weekend, while our thoughts are about the lives of three high school students who died far too soon, please join me in remembering the men and women of our armed forces who also were taken far too soon.
In memory of many, in honor of all, we are eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Thank you.
1. 3 Dos Pueblos High School Students Killed in Vehicle Crash Sunday Night
Much of Santa Barbara County has been reeling in the aftermath of a horrific May 18 head-on collision on Highway 1 south of Lompoc that killed three Dos Pueblos High School students and seriously injured a Lompoc couple.
As our Josh Molina has been reporting, the three teenagers were returning from their final Junior Lifeguard training session at Jalama Beach.
According to the California Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Jake Curtis of Goleta and 17-year-old Michael Ochsner and 15-year-old Alexander Wood, both of Santa Barbara, died when their southbound Toyota Yaris subcompact car crossed into the northbound lane and struck an oncoming Tesla Model 3 sedan.
The 6 p.m. wreck occurred south of Jalama Road, a few miles south of Lompoc.
The collision triggered a chain reaction crash involving four vehicles in all.
Both of the Tesla occupants — 54-year-old Dr. Hafez Nasr and his wife, 53-year-old Saghar Golpayegani — were airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with major injuries.
The two Santa Barbara teenagers driving the other southbound vehicles, an Audi Q5 and a Honda Accord, suffered minor injuries.
Grief counselors worked throughout the week at Dos Pueblos High’s Wellness Center, supporting students and staff processing the loss of Curtis, a senior; Ochsner, a junior; and Wood, a sophomore.
Principal Bill Woodard asked students to honor their classmates’ memory “by striving to be extra-kind and compassionate, especially to those who are struggling.”
The three were also accomplished student athletes: Curtis was a varsity swimmer, Ochsner ran junior varsity track and cross country, and Wood played JV water polo.
A standing room-only crowd attended a candlelight vigil at the outdoor Greek Theatre on campus the evening of May 22, with more than a dozen of the students’ family members and friends sharing memories of the trio.
Wood’s older brother, Owen, was the last person to talk with the teens — three minutes before the collision — when he returned a text asking if he wanted anything from In-N-Out Burger.
He said his special order of a “3×3” — three hamburger patties with three cheese slices — sparked a roar of laughter from the three friends in the car.
“It gives me a small level of comfort,” Owen Wood said. “When you think about it, they were probably laughing when the accident happened. They were happy.”
Woodard estimated that 1,200 people were on hand for the commemoration, among them students, family members and friends, staff, elected officials and community leaders.
Among the survivors, meanwhile, Nasr is a well-known primary care physician at the North H Center, a Lompoc Valley Medical Center clinic at 1225 N. H St.
Lompoc Valley Medical Center CEO Yvette Cope told Noozhawk the night of May 22 that Nasr “is doing well and is out of ICU. He and his wife sustained major injuries and have undergone multiple surgeries.”
While Nasr has been transferred out of the intensive-care unit, Golpayegani remains there in critical condition.
“Dr. Nasr is like family to us,” Cope said. “He is in good spirits, but is very sad about the deaths of the teenagers.”
She said he has received multiple visits from LVMC colleagues and that his patients have been calling to check on him.
“It’s been a really heavy week at the hospital and clinic, with so many people just so saddened by the deaths of the teens and by Dr. Nasr’s injuries,” LVMC public relations coordinator Nora Wallace told me.
“We all drive that road so much, and all of us have horror stories about near-misses.”
Friends of mine have described Nasr as a “charming, friendly and extremely capable” doctor with a “genuinely caring bedside manner.”
While still in the Air Force with the 30th Medical Group at then-Vandenberg Air Force Base, Nasr began working at LVMC’s Urgent Care facility. He has been a primary care provider since retiring from his 20-year military career.
The Nasrs have two children, one at UC Berkeley and the other at UCLA.
At the time of the crash, Curtis, Ochsner, Wood and other teenagers were returning from their final Junior Lifeguard training session of the spring, this one with Calstar helicopter medical services at Jalama Beach.
Santa Barbara County spokeswoman Kelsey Gerckens Buttitta told Josh that “everyone was heading home in anticipation for a big opening weekend to the lifeguard season this coming Memorial Day weekend.”
“They were caravanning home from Junior Lifeguard training … and were valued members of our County Parks team,” Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann said.
“These young men were not only part of the Dos Pueblos community, but also part of our Santa Barbara County family.”
She said the tragedy has “shaken our entire community.”
“Our hearts go out to the families, friends and co-workers who are grieving this unimaginable loss,” Hartmann said. “The whole county mourns with you.”
In his obituary, Ochsner was described as having touched many lives through baseball, outdoor adventures and close relationships.
“Michael had the most amazing personality,” the obituary said. “He was quiet but very confident and strong. He was not a follower, and didn’t need validation from others on his directions.”
He was planning to pursue his Emergency Medical Technician certificate in the fall, and had dreams of following his older brother, Drew, into a career as a firefighter.
Ochsner is survived by his parents, Sharon and Andrew Ochsner, and brothers Drew and Christopher.
His funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 28 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, at 5444 Hollister Ave. in Goleta.
Funeral services for Curtis and Wood are pending.
A GoFundMe account established to assist Wood’s family with expenses described him as “full of promise, kindness and an infectious joy that touched everyone who knew him. He was an excellent student, a loyal friend, and someone who lived with an open heart.”
“He loved nature and found peace in the mountains, but his true home was the ocean,” the post says. “Whether swimming, surfing, or simply being near the water, the ocean was where Alex felt most free.”
Wood is survived by his parents, Louisa and John Wood, and brothers Owen, Miles and Henry.
As of May 23, the account had raised more than $18,000. Click here to make an online donation.
The CHP is investigating the circumstances of the wreck. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 805.691.6160.
Rest in peace.
2. Assault Suspect Arrested After Standoff at Montecito Mansion
A Nevada man was arrested the evening of May 21 after allegedly attacking a stranger inside a Montecito estate, barricading himself in an upstairs bathroom and then jumping from a roof in an ill-conceived escape attempt.
As our Giana Magnoli reported, the incident began around 4:30 p.m. at an oceanfront mansion in the 1000 block of Fairway Road near Channel Drive, reportedly the home of billionaire hotelier and Beanie Babies mogul Ty Warner.
Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies initially responded to reports of a home invasion robbery or possible vehicle theft.
A female victim was found outside with severe injuries and transported by American Medical Response ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Deputies entered the house and determined that the suspect had barricaded himself inside an upstairs bathroom.
Multiple law enforcement agencies surrounded the residence, deploying special enforcement and crisis negotiation teams.
After failed negotiations, the suspect — later identified as 42-year-old Russell Maxwell Phay of Reno — climbed out a window onto the roof and jumped to the ground before being apprehended around 6:30 p.m.
Our Peter Hartmann reported that the guy didn’t have much of a chance, given that a county helicopter was circling the property while a Santa Barbara police drone was following his every move as he tried to get away.
Phay was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, kidnapping and other charges.
As of May 23, he is being held there without bail.
Authorities said there’s no indication the victim and suspect knew each other.
3. Santa Barbara Police Arrest Woman for DUI After Fatal Collision With Cyclist
A 36-year-old Santa Barbara woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a fatal crash that killed an electric bicycle rider the night of May 18.
As our Rebecca Caraway reported, Santa Barbara police Sgt. Bryan Kerr said Christina Almada faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury and driving without a license.
The 9:30 p.m. collision occurred in the 1900 block of State Street, near the Pedregosa Street intersection.
According to police, Almada was driving an SUV south on State Street when she allegedly struck the bicyclist, who investigators say may have veered or turned in front of her vehicle.
Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the investigation, Kerr said, officers noticed that Almada displayed symptoms of alcohol intoxication, leading to her arrest.
She was booked into County Jail with bail set at $100,000.
The bicyclist — 29-year-old Joel Gonzalez of Santa Barbara — was the father of a young daughter and a popular bar manager at Santo Mezcal on Lower State Street.
In an Instagram tribute, the restaurant — one of Los Agaves Group’s Mexican restaurants — said he “lit up every room … always kind, always smiling, with love for his craft and hospitality.”
Funeral services are pending.
A GoFundMe account established to assist his family with funeral expenses had raised more than $40,000 as of May 23. Click here to make an online donation.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision.
4. The Barbara Brings Lounge Vibe to Santa Barbara’s East Beach
After those very dark first three items, how about some beachin’ good news?
As our Josh Molina reported, Santa Barbara has launched its first beach club, offering visitors lounge areas, shade, games and attendant service on East Beach — starting at $15 per person for two hours.
The Barbara, a partnership between entrepreneur Brian Jones and the City of Santa Barbara, provides everything from seating and coolers to a communal dining table and a kids play area.
Beach attendants handle setup and offer additional services like phone charging and snacks.
“We do all the work, so you don’t have to,” Jones told Josh.
The concept mirrors European beach clubs while maintaining Santa Barbara’s character.
Open weekends in May from 10 a.m. to sunset, the club will expand to a daily schedule next month. Packages accommodate couples to groups of 40, with options for charcuterie and sandwich pre-orders.
Summerland resident Suzy Cawthon was among those taking advantage of the relaxed beach vibe when Josh stopped by.
“I think it is fantastic,” she said. “It makes it easy if you are going to throw an event or a party or just have a small group of friends, and, obviously, look at the view.”
Reservations are encouraged for weekends and larger parties. The public beach remains open to all visitors, with nonclub guests welcome to purchase snacks and sit anywhere on the sand.
Click here for more information.
5. Cottage Health Now Offering Employees Up to $500,000 for House Down Payments
Cottage Health has dramatically expanded its employee housing assistance program, offering up to $500,000 in down payment aid to help staff purchase homes in the increasingly expensive Santa Barbara area.
As our Daniel Green reported, the program now provides qualified employees up to 40% of a home’s total purchase price, compared to the previous 15% limit.
Employees must contribute at least 5% themselves and work for Cottage Health for one year in good standing.
“When working with the level of technical expertise that Cottage needs, sometimes we have to go out of the region to look for qualified talent,” Cottage Health president and CEO Scott Wester told Daniel.
“One of the big deterrents is the housing situation.”
The assistance covers homes in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties, with employees required to live in the purchased residence.
Both full-time and part-time benefit-eligible staff qualify for the program, and employees receive additional assistance from Cottage Health’s participation in the Coastal Housing Partnership.
The nonprofit Cottage Health has been working to provide more employee housing in recent years, and last fall announced two residential projects for its South Coast staff.
The developments — 160 units near Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, at 351 S. Patterson Ave., and 44 units at the current Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, at 2415 De la Vina St. — are scheduled to open in 2029.
The 115-unit Bella Riviera, the health care system’s first below-market housing project for employees, opened in 2012 on the site of the old St. Francis Medical Center on the Upper Eastside.
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Good Reads
Don’t miss these half-dozen stories before you go:
» Santa Ynez Woman Hurt in Crash with Alleged Drunken Driver Taken Off Life Support — North County editor Janene Scully follows up with yet more heartbreak from local highway carnage. Rest in peace, Carly Howard, and prayers to her family.
» Orcutt Investment Adviser Gets 10-Year Prison Sentence for Fraud — Janene has the latest on convicted fraud artist Julie Anne Darrah, who bilked her elderly clients out of more than $2 million.
» UCSB Student Found Dead After Going Missing in Big Bear — Staff writer Rebecca Caraway reports on another mysterious death of a UC Santa Barbara student.
» Waterfront Hilton Hotel to Expand, Add 73 Guest Rooms — South County editor Josh Molina checks in on expansion plans at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
» Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara Goes Coast-to-Coast With New York Expansion — Contributing writer Liliana Anguiano sniffs out a four-legged feel-good story.
» CIF-SS Baseball Playoffs: Dos Pueblos Takes Down Valencia to Advance to D4 Quarterfinals — Well, I jinxed Westmont College’s baseball championship aspirations in my last Best of Bill column, but I’m gonna try again with Dos Pueblos High in the May 23 playoff quarter-finals because the school really — really — needs a win after this week. Sports editor Diego Sandoval will be there for first pitch.
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Last Year on Noozhawk
What was our most-read story this time last year? Injured Cyclist Taken to Hospital After Crash in Downtown Santa Barbara.
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What I’m Up To
Although I’m not looking for a free meal, I occasionally do have free time if you’re looking for a speaker for your club, group or organization and want to hear more about Noozhawk. Email me at wmacfadyen@noozhawk.com.
- May 28 — My favorite topic, Noozhawk, is on the agenda for my appearance at the Rotary Club of the Santa Ynez Valley.
- May 30 — I’ll be back at Mountain View School in Goleta for its annual sixth-grade exit interviews. Over the past 20 years, I think I’ve only missed one or two of these chats with exceptional young students before they head off to junior high school.
- Aug. 21 — The Cosmopolitan Club of Santa Barbara is looking for an update since my last appearance, some 15 years ago. We’ve come a long way. HT to my friend, Chris Tacelli, for getting me the invitation.
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Bill Macfadyen’s Story of the Week
Chute. Talk about a leap of faith: Pioneering Teenage Parachuter Georgia ‘Tiny’ Broadwick Showed That Courage Isn’t Counted in Pounds.
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Best of Bill’s Instagram
I’ve got a lot of catching up to do in my Instagram feed this past week. Thank goodness for @sadiethealaskanmalamute.
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Watch It
Coming of age is for the birds.
