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Rancho La Patera was recently featured in the Goleta Magazine. The two articles
highlight the unique history of the Stow Family and Rancho La Patera history and the upcoming Pioneer Days Program. |
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Dacia Harwood
(805) 681-7216
(805) 637-6783
dacia@goletahistory.org
***For Immediate Release***
10/1/09
GOLETA VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY SELECTS KYRIACO JR. AS FIRST EVER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Goleta Valley Historical Society Board of Directors is excited to announce the hiring of James Kyriaco Jr. as the organization’s first-ever Executive Director.
“We are confident that James’ successful track record of management experience, combined with his many years of community involvement will help move our organization forward as we look to the future”, said Board President Robin Hill Cederlof.
“The opportunity to preserve and protect Rancho La Patera, home to the historic Stow House, while working to expand and enhance educational partnerships throughout the South Coast, is an exciting challenge.” said Kyriaco Jr. “I am looking forward to working with our volunteers and staff to take this organization to the next level.”
Kyriaco Jr. is a native of Santa Barbara who has successfully managed political campaigns for Goleta City Councilmembers Margaret Connell and Ed Easton, Second District County Supervisor Janet Wolf, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Roger Horton and Goleta Water District Trustee Bill Rosen, among others.
Kyriaco Jr. is a recent graduate of Antioch University in Santa Barbara, who is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.
Kyriaco Jr.’s experience with local non-profit organizations includes serving as both President & Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Santa Barbara Family Care Center, and as a board member for the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County and the Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons. In addition, Kyriaco Jr. recently completed six years of service on the Community Development and Human Services Commission of the City of Santa Barbara.
***For Immediate Release***
7/2009
Music returns to the Goodland! Join us for the 3rd Annual Music at the Ranch free concert series at Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta. This six-week series will take place on Tuesday evenings beginning July 14Th. Following the success of last year’s series, which drew crowds of 300 to 500 people, this summer’s weekly concerts will be sure to provide the same complementary entertainment to members of the community.
This series is an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy performances by local musicians showcasing their talents free of charge. On July 14th enjoy vintage blues with Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies, and on the 21st Latin jazz with Tony Ybarra & Sonido Moreno. Get up and dance to Area 51 on July 28th, then be entertained by Spencer the Gardner on August 4th. The Goodland will perform on August 11th, and finally rock out with your kids on the 18th with Hot Lava.
Visitors are also encouraged to bring a picnic in the historic gardens, located at 304 N. Los Carneros Road in Goleta.
The concert series would not be possible without the generous financial support of the local businesses. The Goleta Valley Historical Society wishes to thank our sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor ATK Space Systems. Goleta Noontime Rotary, The Towbes Group, Montecito Bank and Trust, SBParent.com, Instrumental Music, and Carina Cellars.
***For Immediate Release***
6/2009
(Photos available)
Goleta Valley Historical Society will host the 35Th Annual 4Th of July Celebration at Rancho La Patera & Stow House this weekend. In 2008, the tradition was canceled in the final hours due to the growing GAP Fire.
The annual festival allows the community to celebrate the Fourth of July in an old-time atmosphere. Children of all ages will enjoy a day of live music, classic cars, a magic show, hayrides, pony rides, an old engine show, tours, various games, and much more. All day entertainment will include blues by the Henderson Brothers, Dixieland jazz by Ulysses S. Jazz, and country music by CRV.
The festival also features an art show. BBQ by Country Catering, ice cream, popcorn and beverages such as beer from Hollister Brewing Company will be available. Admission is $6 for adults and no cost for children.
“We are excited to be back this year and look forward to celebrating the holiday with the community” says Robin Cederlof, President of the Goleta Valley Historical Society.
The celebration is this Saturday, July 4th from 11:00 am -4:00 pm. Rancho La Patera is located at 304 North Los Carneros Road in Goleta.
***For Immediate Release***
1/5/09
The Goleta Valley Historical Society will honor Joan Rakowski as its first “Volunteer of the Year” on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Joan has done tremendous work for our organization,” said Robin Cederlof, GVHS president, who will present the award to Rakowski during the organization’s annual meeting at the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge.
Joan Rakowski has been a dedicated volunteer for the past 16 years. When asked how her volunteer career at Rancho La Patera & Stow House began, Joan pointed out, “I always said I would volunteer as soon as I retire.”
And that is just what she did. Joan retired after 25 years as a Special Education teacher for the Goleta School District and quickly began her work on behalf of the Society. When asked how she became interested in helping out Joan said, “I would bring my own family to events such as the 4th of July and it seemed like a great group of people.”
During her 16 years, Joan served in many roles, including on the board of directors, as president of the GVHS Ladies League, events support, and as manager of collections. She says that her favorite ways to help are “arranging displays in the Stow House and cataloging the collections, especially the historic wedding gowns.”
Joan’s favorite memory was made in 2007, she said, when during Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, local band Hot Lava sang her “Happy 70th Birthday” in front of 1,500 people. What keeps her coming back, though, is a “love of the Stow family history and the wonderful friendships with other volunteers.”
When not busy at the Stow House, Joan dedicates her time to her family and her church, Saint Marks University Parish. Joan has been married for nearly 50 years to fellow volunteer Arnold Rakowski, with whom she has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
Linda Foster, volunteer coordinator and Rancho La Patera Caretaker of 20 years said, “When I think of Joan Rakowski, the word that comes to mind is generosity. Over the years I’ve watched how she cares for her children and grandchildren, supports her community of faith, and pours herself out here at GVHS.”
The meeting will also feature a presentation by Rick Wolf, “Soldiers in Agriculture: The Bracero Program in Santa Barbara County.”
***For Immediate Release***
10/15/08
Goleta Valley Historical Society Celebrates Re-Opening of Historic Building
We have raised the roof on the barn and now it is time to celebrate!
The Goleta Valley Historical Society will be hosting a “Barn Warming” on Sunday, November 16.
After a multi- million dollar restoration project at Rancho La Patera, Goleta Valley Historical Society re-opens the Ranchyard and “Barn.” The walnut packing shed, or“Barn” as it is affectionately known by locals, was built in 1880.
The purpose of the event is to show appreciation for all the work, time and energy donors and members have put into restoring this and other historic buildings on the ranch. The celebration will feature a BBQ, live country music, and plenty of ranch fun.
The“Barn” is the site of the future Mr. George & Mrs. Dale Cavelletto Education Center and Exhibit Area.
EVENT DETAILS:
Sunday, November 16
2:00 PM
Rancho La Patera & Stow House
304 N Los Carneros Road, Goleta
Tickets $35
***For Immediate Release***
4/2008
Fiesta Comes To Goleta
Old Spanish Days Fiesta and Goleta Valley Historical
Society to host joint event, “Fiesta Ranchera” on June
4.
After 40 years Fiesta returns to Goleta! Old Spanish
Days in Santa Barbara, Inc. and Goleta Valley
Historical Society, celebrating the 84th anniversary
of the founding of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, are very
excited to announce the First Annual “Fiesta Ranchera”
celebration.
This exciting new event will take place in the Gardens
of Rancho La Patera & Stow House on June 4th. Roger
Aceves, Goleta Mayor Pro Tem and Fiesta’s 2001 El
Presidente suggested the collaboration between Old
Spanish Days Fiesta and Goleta Valley Historical
Society as a way to include Goleta’s ranch heritage as
part of the Fiesta festivities and to expand upon this
year’s theme "Viva La Comunidad" (Long live the
community!).
The concept of the event will be a format similar to
Dignatarios, Old Spanish Days’ premier “sold-out”
event at the Zoo. Guests will be greeted by strolling
mariachis and have the opportunity to enjoy the
beautiful historical Stow House gardens while sampling
appetizers and beverages from local restaurants,
wineries, and breweries (with an emphasis on Goleta).
Entertainment will include the Dos Pueblos Jazz Band,
a performance by the 2008 Spirit of Fiesta, and
dancing to popular Santa Barbara area cover band, Area
51. Rancho La Patera was the site of Goleta’s last
Fiesta event, “Fiesta at Stow House” August 3, 1968.
“We are incredibly excited about co-hosting this
event. The opportunity to work with Old Spanish Days
on a new celebration of our community heritage has
been a wonderful experience. Fiesta Ranchera will be a
fabulous, rockin’ party and one of Goleta’s signature
events for many years to come.” -Dacia Harwood, Goleta
Valley Historical Society Events
DETAILS:
Wednesday, June 4 5:00-9:00 PM
Rancho La Patera and Stow House
304 North Los Carneros Road, Goleta
Tickets $55, available at the Arlington Theatre
**PREVIOUS PRESS RELEASES**
Lifetime Achievement Award 2007
Pioneer Family 2006
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