Vistadores saddle up

Los Rancheros Vistadores, made up of 900 to 1,000 riders, are preparing to embark on their annual ride through the Santa Ynez countryside starting on May 2. The men gather at the Santa Ynez River and some 500 of them ride over to Mission Santa Inéz for the traditional blessing. On Sunday, the entire group will take off for a 26-mile ride to the campsite, where they will party hearty for the duration of the annual campout.

 

Gevirtz awards three

The Gevirtz School of UCSB will present its 2008 Distinguished Education Alumni Awards to Sally Kingston, Juan Necochea and George Peterson, today at 5:30 p.m.

In ceremonies open to the public at the UCSB Mosher Alumni House. The nominees are honored as alumni who have made outstanding contributions through research, teaching and leadership to their fields of education or psychology.

Kingston is the principal of Harding Elementary School. Necoches was named Provost of the National Hispanic University last January.

Peterson is professor and co-director of the UCSB-Cal Poly Joint Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership.

 

Bank aids Scouts, animals

Buellton Chamber of Commerce Persons of the Year Hans Duus, Joy Sawin and Steve Sawin have received additional recognition via donations to the Boy Scouts and Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society.

Santa Barbara Bank and Trust have made donations in honor of Duus and the Sawins.

Boy Scout Troop 42 was chosen on behalf of Duus to receive camping equipment, including tents, stoves, water filter systems and freeze-dried food.

The Sawins of Valley Tool Rentals selected the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, with the bank donating office supplies, dog and cat toys and other items for the animals.

“Our staff wanted to show our appreciation to Mr. Duus and the Sawins for all they do for the community,” said Debbie Reed, the bank branch manager, said. “We are not surprised that they chose such wonderful organizations as the Boy Scouts and the … Humane Society. We are proud to have made these donations in their honor.”

 

Targer art chosen

A painting by Santa Maria artist Jill Targer was chosen for the poster that advertised the Santa Barbara County Vintner’s Assn. to be the image of the annual Vintners’ Festival.

“It’s pretty cool to see my art on the Vintners’ Festival poster throughout the area,” Targer said. The festival took place last weekend at River Park in Lompoc.

 

Public art event April 25

“Your World/Su Mundo, Your House/Su Casa, Your Life/Su Vida,” a multi-media art project by Rafael Perea de la Cabada and Richard Irvine, with fabricated by Matthew Woodford, will be presented April 25. The presentation will take place at 1 p.m. in the Child and Family Services Building, 429 San Antonio St.

 

Teens hit the library

The “Last Thursday at Central” for teens will take place April tomorrow (April 24) at the Central Library, 40 East Figueroa St. in downtown Santa Barbara. The Library sponsors the event for area teenagers who frequent the stacks. A Spanish-language event, “Creciendo con Cuentos,” is scheduled for April 26 at the Eastside Library.

 

Capitol Records fears LA building will stop the music

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Capitol Records says a proposed Hollywood high-rise will throw a sour note into its music recording.

A developer wants to build a 16-story condominium and office tower next to Capitol Records’ landmark building, which resembles a stack of records.

Capitol Records’ owner has appealed the city’s preliminary approval. It argues construction of an underground garage for the project will damage underground echo chambers where Frank Sinatra, Brian Wilson and other greats have recorded. Capitol says the sound is unique and can’t be re-created.

An attorney for the developer says concerns about damage are exaggerated and the project will take steps to limit noise and vibration.

The City Council will take up the appeal next month.

 

Make and take home

Make and take kaleidoscopes are the subject of a workshop at 3 p.m. at the Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Fee is $5.

 

“Diving Bell” film at UCSB

The French Film “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” will be shown by UCSB Arts & Lectures on April28 at 7:30 p.m. in UCSB Campbell Hall.

Admission is free for UCSB students and $6 for the general public. Call (805) 893-3535 for more information.

 

Japanese dancers to perform

Japanese-born choreographers Eiko and Kumo, accompanied by pianist Margaret Leng Tan, will perform their new work, “Mourning,” on May 1 at 8 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall.

The performance will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are available by calling (805) 893-3535.

 

California Laos plot case will see long delay

SACRAMENTO (AP) — Federal prosecutors say the 11 defendants charged with plotting to overthrow the government of Laos may not face trial until 2010 because the case is so complex.

Attorneys were back in federal court in Sacramento on Wednesday for the first time in nine months.