Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Kids Kaleidoscope

SANTA BARBARA SISTER CITIES YOUNG ARTISTS SHOWCASE ANNOUNCES 2022 AWARD WINNERS

Young Artists Showcase host Gil Garcia Santa Barbara Sister Cities with honorable judges Ann Hefferman, and Kathy Koury

A large crowd of Santa Barbara Sister Cities members, friends and young artists gathered at the home of Gil and Marti Garcia, long-time board members of the Santa Barbara - Puerto Vallarta Sister City Committee to participate in the reception, viewing and judging of the Sister Cities 2022 Young Artist Showcase. The Theme for the competition was Generation Rescue: Sustainable Water for All, where thirty-nine area students, ages 13-18, submitted their art with written descriptions for consideration.

Winning artists included 1^st place, Itzel Arrellano Rocha $250 prize, 2^nd place, Chloe Copeland $150, 3^rd place Veronique Durham $100, and Honorable mention to Celia Louis and Hannah Lovejoy. Winners will participate in the international competition in Puerto Vallarta later this year as part of the 50^th anniversary celebration of Santa Barbara International Sister Cities. Oscar Gutierrez, from SBTV and a member of the SB/PV Committee did a great job documenting the Young Artists Showcase and award presentation. Sponsors for the artist prizes included Pacific Premier Bank and Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee.

Local judges Kathy Koury, and Ann Hefferman said it was a challenge to reach the final selections due to so many submissions this year and the insightful representation of the theme by the students. Guests reviewed the art works and relaxed on the verandah to learn the final cash prize award winners. The winners will participate in the international competition in Puerto Vallarta later this year as part of the 50^th anniversary celebration of Santa Barbara Sister Cities.

The 2022 Young Artists Showcase theme selected was climate, which has become an undeniably harsh reality in our lives. As temperatures rise, water patterns are disrupted, ecosystems are disturbed, cultures are affected, and energy resources are proven to be unsustainable for long-term use. These ongoing changes impact our local and global communities on every aspect, and youth are the key to tackle this global reality. Event hosts Marti and Gil Garcia commended and thanked all the area art teachers who assisted the young artists with their outstanding work.

Sister Cities International aims to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time. Current Santa Barbara Sister Cities include Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Toba, Japan, Patras, Greece, Weihai, China, Kotor, Montenegro, San Juan, Philippines. For information visit: https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/brdcomm/nz/sistercity/cities/default.asp.

Did you know that whales are superheroes? Whales help maintain the stability and health of the ocean and minimize some of the worst impacts of climate change. This April, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) presents a collection of exhibits and programs that explore the many wonders of whales, entitled Whales Are Superheroes! To kick off the opening of all these events, SBMM has planned an unusual month-long immersive experience, "A Whale of a Tale,” on display from Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, May 15, 2022. Free with museum admission.

A picture during January and February of this year, SBMM invited local kids in grades K-6 to submit their interpretation of a whale, a whale’s activities, and/or anything ocean-related, such as kelp, starfish, dolphins, and other sea creatures. Now, their artwork has been turned into life-size reproductions that form the highlights of this unusual and immersive sensory experience. Combining those images with the harmonious sounds of whales as they sing to each other, along with video components, and dramatic lighting, “A Whale of a Tale,” brings the kids’ artwork to life and allows audiences to experience whales and their underwater environment through the eyes of a child.

The “A Whale of a Tale” experience is just one part of the multi-faceted exhibit, Whales Are Superheroes! which will explore the effect whales have on the ocean, climate and climate change, and air quality. As part of this effort and in addition to the “A Whale of a Tale” three-dimensional art and sound experience, SBMM will feature Whales Are Superheroes! Saving the Planet one CO₂ Molecule at a Time, a student art exhibit of SBMM’s work with local elementary and middle schools; The Wonder of Whales: Two Artists’ Perspectives, an ocean-themed exhibit of artwork by Kelly Clause and John Baran; “Santa Barbara Channel’s Whales and Their Climate Connection,” a lecture by Holly Lohuis about how whales affect the climate and about Santa Barbara’s application to be designated an international Whale Heritage Site; and, finally, Whales Are Superheroes! a new permanent exhibit on whales and climate change, which is also part of a joint climate-awareness effort with the Environmental Alliance of Santa Barbara County Museums (https://www.sbmuseumsalliance.org/).

The “Whale of a Tale” multimedia immersive experience is presented thanks to the generosity of the following sponsors: Chevron, Dreier Family, Emmett Foundation, Hank and Mari Mitchel, Jack Mithun and Mercedes Millington.

Since 2000, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has featured many artifacts and stories to share the history of the Santa Barbara Channel with more than 40,000 visitors annually and provides year-round experiential maritime history and marine science education for local youth. Featuring the impressive First-Order Fresnel Lighthouse Lens from Point Conception, SBMM's current exhibits explore the History of Oil in Santa Barbara Channel & Chumash Use of Asphaltum, the Honda Disaster, and Wives and Daughters: Keepers of the Light.

Apart from the usual cough and fever, COVID-19 can present with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea - which are similar to that of a stomach infection. While most COVID-19 patients experience respiratory symptoms, studies show that children may only experience gastrointestinal symptoms while infected with the coronavirus.

Patients with COVID-19 typically develop symptoms such as a cough, fever, wheezing and shortness of breath. However, studies have reported patients experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms at different frequencies. Diarrhea and vomiting are the most reported GI symptoms and often present themselves before a cough or fever.

Doctors are still learning about the clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19. There is a small number of viruses that account for most cases of acute gastroenteritis in children, including rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, and astrovirus. There have been reports that children infected with other strains of the coronavirus may experience symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. However, the clinical symptoms caused by these viruses are indistinguishable.

It is recommended that children ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against the coronavirus. Hand washing is especially important if children are getting contact with someone who is experiencing gastroenteritis associated with a COVID-19 infection - as scientists have detected the virus in the stool of patients infected with COVID-19. Other preventive measures include wearing a mask for children aged two and up.

El Dia del Niño

Sunday, April 3 from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Come celebrate “El Dia del Niño” (Children’s Day), which recognizes the importance of children in our society and is one of the most popular celebrations at the Zoo.

The day features music in Spanish, a children’s talent show, delicious food, and fun. El Pecas will perform live and community partners such as parent group PEP and the Police Activities League will be on site as well.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of “El Dia del Niño” - Children’s Day - on April 3, 2022 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM. El Dia del Niño is one of the most popular celebrations at the Zoo, and recognizes the importance of children in our society.

The day features Latin music, a children’s talent show, delicious food, and fun. El Pecas will perform live and community partners such as parent group PEP and the Police Activities League will be on-site as well. Cost: General admission fees or use your SB Zoo Membership.

Online reservations and timed entry are required, reservations open in early March. For more information about El Dia del Niño, please call (805) 962-5339 or visit www.sbzoo.org.

About the Santa Barbara Zoo The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 am for members and 9:30 am for general admission until 5 pm; general admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Parking is $11. The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA zoos are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great visitor experience, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and is the public’s link to helping animals in their native habitats. Visit www.sbzoo.org.