Goleta’s Finest 2025 Award Recipients Announced

75th Annual Community Awards Gala to be Held on December 5 at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2025 Goleta’s  Finest Award Recipients. Goleta’s Finest celebrates 75 years of honoring extraordinary individuals  who have significantly contributed to the Goleta community.  

“For 75 years, Goleta’s Finest has celebrated the people who make this community special. Those  whose generosity, courage, and creativity strengthen the heart of Goleta,” said Kristen Miller,  President & CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s honorees  reflect the very best of who we are; neighbors who give selflessly, people who lead with vision and  remind us that community is built through compassion and service. We are proud to honor their  legacies and the light they bring to the Goleta Valley.” 

The 2025 honorees will be recognized at a formal celebration on December 5, from 5:30 to 9:00 PM  at the elegant Ritz-Carlton Bacara. The evening will feature dinner followed by an awards ceremony,  a perfect occasion to commemorate these distinguished community members. 

The 2025 Goleta’s Finest Award Recipients are: 

Man & Woman of the Year – Ron and Patricia Caird 

Ron and Patricia Caird’s generosity, leadership, and lifelong dedication are quite literally  rooted in the Goleta community. Their shared passion for giving back has been nurtured  through every chapter of their lives—from supporting local nonprofits to mentoring future  generations in agriculture and education. 

A lifelong advocate for horticulture, Ron Caird followed in the footsteps of his father, a  Scotsman who worked as a gardener in Hollywood. After studying Ornamental Horticulture at  Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Ron returned to Santa Barbara and worked for Mistletoe Sales and  Griffin Tree and Landscape before launching Por La Mar Nursery in 1973 with Patricia. What  began as a few acres on Anderson Lane grew into one of the South Coast’s most respected  horticultural enterprises. 

Ron has long been a champion for local, urban agriculture. His influence includes serving as a  trustee for Lotusland, and as a member of the California Ag Leadership Association, the Santa  Barbara County Ag Advisory Committee, and the Cal Poly Plant Science Department Advisory 

Board. His many honors include the Young Nurseryman of the Year Award, Cal Poly Honored  Alumni Award, and the Horticultural Industries Leadership Award. Motivated by his love of  horticulture and his employees, Ron takes pride in mentoring the third generation now  continuing the family business. 

Patricia Caird followed in her mother’s path as a teacher at Isla Vista School before joining Ron  in what began as his plant-growing hobby. Her vision and perseverance helped shape Por La  Mar into a thriving business while earning her recognition as the first female Floral Marketer  of the Year from the Fresh Produce Council. She was also a founding member of the Santa  Barbara Chapter of California Women for Agriculture and has served on numerous boards,  including the California Association of Nurserymen and the Fresh Floral and Produce Council.  Her volunteerism extends to organizations such as DAWG and the Women’s Service Club of  Goleta, where she helped restore the historic Stow House. 

A former teacher and now a published author, Patricia’s recent book about her grandfather,  Dr. William J. Mellinger, reflects her deep appreciation for history, family, and civic service— values that continue to guide her today. 

Working as a team in nearly every aspect of life has been Ron and Patricia’s greatest strength.  As they transition their business to their children and grandchildren, they remain active voices  for balance, honoring the region’s agricultural roots while preparing for a sustainable future. 

For more than five decades, the Cairds have nurtured far more than plants—they have  cultivated opportunity, enriched local life, and embodied the spirit of Goleta’s finest. 

Lifetime Achievement Award – Anant Yardi 

Anant Yardi’s commitment to education and innovation, and his quiet generosity has  strengthened the Goleta and Santa Barbara communities for decades.  

Guided from childhood by a family deeply committed to public service, with his mother and  aunts focused on health, education, and women’s rights, Anant has always believed that  success carries an obligation to give back. 

A respected philanthropist and visionary, Anant Yardi has devoted his career to expanding  opportunities for others. His generosity can be seen in the Yardi Scholars programs he helped  establish at 29 universities, including UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley, empowering  students across engineering, computer science, and interdisciplinary fields. His thoughtful  philanthropy reflects a belief that technology and education together can create lasting  community resilience. 

In Goleta, his influence is woven into the community’s fabric. After earning degrees from the  Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and the University of California, Berkeley, Anant founded  Yardi Systems in 1982, transforming a local startup into a global technology leader in real  estate and property management. Yet even as the company expanded worldwide, Yardi  remained steadfastly rooted in Goleta, choosing to build its headquarters campus in Old Town 

Goleta, revitalizing a once-blighted property into a thriving center of innovation and career  opportunity. 

Anant has been a pioneering champion of creative housing solutions. He was an early financial  supporter of the Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County and other local housing  nonprofits, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to ensuring working families can  remain in the community they serve. Today, that leadership continues through a bold housing  vision for his company’s headquarters. Yardi has proposed transforming the site with a  forward-thinking plan that embraces infill housing as a pathway to community stability,  achievable with vision and determination. 

Beyond investments and innovation, Anant has quietly supported countless local  organizations, events, and causes, reflecting his belief in strengthening community from the  inside out. He and his wife, Eileen, often express gratitude for the welcoming spirit that  greeted them when they first arrived, and they have spent more than 50 years giving back to  the community that embraced them. 

Guided by humility, integrity, and vision, Anant Yardi has embodied what it means to lead  with purpose. His business success has not only reshaped an industry but has empowered  countless others – students, employees, and neighbors – to grow and give back in turn. 

His legacy is one of innovation in service of community, the very essence of Goleta’s Finest. Educator of the Year – Sarah Ashton 

Sarah Ashton is a San Marcos High School alum whose 21-year teaching career has inspired  generations of students and transformed health education in the Goleta Valley. 

Rooted in her hometown, Sarah has dedicated her life to helping young people discover their  potential, both inside and outside the classroom. Her mentorship in the Health Careers  Academy has created meaningful pathways for students to explore careers in medicine,  nursing, and allied health fields. Drawing from her Sports Medicine degree from UCLA and a  Master’s in Education, she brings real-world expertise and a compassionate, hands-on  approach that empowers students to see themselves as future healthcare professionals. 

Beyond teaching, Sarah has enriched campus life through her commitment to athletics,  coaching both football and girls’ golf and fostering confidence, teamwork, and perseverance  in her athletes. Her passion for education extends to curriculum innovation, most notably  elevating Medical Biology to Honors status, giving students well-earned recognition for their  rigorous coursework. 

Sarah’s students describe her as deeply dedicated, patient, and invested in every individual’s  success. She continues to mentor alumni who now serve in hospitals, clinics, and research  institutions across the country, a true reflection of her lasting influence. 

With humility and heart, Sarah Ashton personifies the very best of Goleta’s educators, a  teacher who turns curiosity into confidence and potential into purpose.

Education Impact Award – Dos Pueblos Mock Trial Team 

The Dos Pueblos High School Mock Trial Team is honored for their outstanding academic  achievement, commitment to excellence, and far-reaching impact on students and the  broader Goleta community. 

Most recently, the team made history by winning the Empire Philadelphia Constitutional  Classic, a prestigious international mock trial competition that brought together thirty-six of  the top programs from across the United States, Canada, and South Korea. Facing world-class  competitors, including their final-round opponents from Lynbrook High School in San Jose, the  Dos Pueblos prosecution team demonstrated exceptional skill, intellect, and composure,  earning the title of champions, and bringing national recognition to their school and  community. 

Led by teacher advisor Hannah Krieshok and attorney coaches Lisa Rothstein, Christine Voss,  and Lina Somait, the team’s success reflects countless hours of preparation, mentorship, and  collaboration. Remarkably, this victory came after the graduation of six accomplished  members, making the triumph of this new generation of students even more impressive.  Through dedication and teamwork, they stepped into leadership roles and rose to the  challenge with renewed determination and grace. 

The impact of the Dos Pueblos Mock Trial program extends far beyond competition. Through  experiential learning, students gain invaluable skills in critical thinking, communication,  collaboration, and ethical reasoning—tools that will serve them throughout their lives and  careers. Alumni often credit the program with shaping their confidence, professionalism, and  civic awareness. 

Superintendent Hilda Maldonado described the team’s victory as a reflection of “how Dos  Pueblos continues to find new ways to excel and inspire, year after year.” 

For their academic excellence, devotion to learning, and leadership within the educational  community, the Dos Pueblos Mock Trial team reflects the true spirit of the Goleta’s Finest  Education Impact Award. 

Student of the Year – Kennedy Fick 

Kennedy Fick, a Junior from San Marcos High School, is honored for her courage, compassion,  and influence in transforming personal experience into a powerful force for community good. 

Kennedy’s journey is one of strength in the face of adversity. As a child navigating family  instability and court-mandated therapy, she found support and healing that changed the  trajectory of her life. Rather than allowing early hardship to define her, Kennedy has  transformed her experience into a mission to lift others, proving that vulnerability can be a  powerful form of leadership. 

As CALM Santa Barbara’s first and only Teen Ambassador, Kennedy has spent the past two  years championing mental health awareness and resilience among young people across Santa 

Barbara County. After receiving life-changing therapy services from CALM as a child, she has  turned her own story into a message of hope, reminding others that pain doesn’t have to be  permanent. 

Through articles, speeches, and videos shared with students and community audiences,  Kennedy’s voice has inspired countless individuals to seek support, show compassion, and  break the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and treatment. Her message will take  center stage at CALM’s upcoming annual fundraiser this November, amplifying the voices of  youth who too often go unheard. 

On campus, Kennedy leads by example. She has served as AAPLE Academy President for three  years, chairs the CyberTutorials program tutoring first-grade students, and helps coordinate  mental-health initiatives, including a children’s wellness festival at Hollister Elementary. She  also teaches youth dance classes and supports student emotional wellness through peer-to peer outreach, creating spaces where young people feel seen and supported. 

With maturity beyond her years, Kennedy Fick embodies the spirit of Goleta’s Finest – courageous, kindhearted, and deeply committed to making her community stronger, one  voice at a time. 

Student Leader of the Year – Reese Large 

Reese Large, a Senior from San Marcos High School, is honored for her exceptional leadership,  academic excellence, and investment to making a difference in her community. 

Reese stands out not only for her remarkable achievements in the classroom but for the  meaningful ways she uses her talents to uplift others. A natural leader with a passion for  service, she has dedicated countless hours to creating programs that connect students,  strengthen communities, and inspire compassion among her peers. 

In junior high, Reese founded Real Life, a mission-driven apparel company supporting  nonprofit causes. As she advanced through high school, she transformed that vision into Real  Life Mentors, an innovative program that brings nonprofit leaders directly into elementary  schools, introducing young students to new ideas, experiences, and possibilities. Through this  work, Reese has shown that leadership means creating pathways for others to grow and  dream. 

Academically, Reese exemplifies excellence, maintaining a 4.8 GPA, recognized as an AP  Scholar with Honors, and holds membership in Phi Theta Kappa and the National Honor  Society. Her selection into the highly competitive AAPLE (Accelerated Academic Program for  Leadership and Excellence), one of only thirty-three students chosen from more than two  hundred applicants, reflects her passion to both scholarship and service. 

With intelligence, empathy, and purpose well beyond her years, Reese Large represents the  next generation of community leaders through vision, compassion, and determination to  make a lasting impact.

Non-Profit of the Year – The Friendship Paddle & Keiki Paddle  

The Friendship Paddle and Keiki Paddle are two remarkable community movements that  embody a spirit of compassion, courage, and collective care. 

What began in 2003 as a circle of friends rallying around Doug McFadden, who was battling an  inoperable brain tumor, has grown into a powerful tradition of hope. More than two decades  later, the Friendship Paddle has supported over twenty individuals and their families through  life-threatening illnesses, raising millions of dollars and touching countless lives. Each year,  more than 150 paddlers and 1,500 donors come together to wrap their arms – metaphorically  and literally – around an honoree, providing emotional, physical, and financial support during  their most challenging times. 

Every dollar raised goes directly to the year’s honoree, offering unrestricted aid that helps  offset medical expenses, lost income, and personal hardship. But beyond financial relief, the  deeper gift is connection: a reminder that no one faces their battle alone. Many honorees not  only outlive their prognoses but return to the water as paddlers themselves, proof to the  healing power of community. 

In 2008, that same spirit inspired the creation of the Keiki Paddle, a youth-led companion  event where kids ages 7 to 18 paddle across the Santa Barbara Channel to raise funds and  awareness for local children facing critical illness. Guided by volunteer captains, safety teams,  and families, these young paddlers learn teamwork, empathy, and the joy of giving back,  proving that compassion has no age limit. 

Together, The Friendship Paddle and Keiki Paddle demonstrate how the ocean can unite a  community in purpose and love. Their legacy of service continues to ripple across generations,  reminding us all that friendship truly is the most powerful force of all. 

Health Impact Award – Arie DeJong  

Arie DeJong is recognized for his vision, commitment to community well-being, and  transformative role in advancing healthcare access on the South Coast. 

As Vice President of Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, and  Therapy Services, Arie DeJong has been instrumental in expanding and modernizing the  healthcare infrastructure that serves Santa Barbara County. His focus has always remained  clear: creating exceptional, patient-centered facilities that bring hope, healing, and innovation  to the Goleta community. 

Under his guidance, Cottage Health undertook a major capital expansion, including the new  Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital building, which doubled the hospital’s size and significantly  broadened emergency and therapy services. Most recently, DeJong has overseen the planning  and transition of Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital to the Goleta campus, a project that will  provide state-of-the-art rehabilitation spaces, advanced therapy technologies, and expanded  patient amenities designed to promote recovery and dignity.

Beyond facility growth, DeJong’s true impact lies in how these projects elevate the  community’s health. He has championed partnerships that improve accessibility to care across  the Central Coast and has led efforts to expand rehabilitation and therapy programs that  restore independence and quality of life for patients and families alike. 

A healthcare executive with more than two decades of experience, DeJong combines  operational excellence with genuine compassion. His leadership exemplifies the best of  Goleta’s collaborative spirit, bridging innovation, patient care, and community partnership. 

Through his dedication, Arie DeJong has helped shape a healthier, stronger Goleta, ensuring  that world-class medical care remains close to home for generations to come. 

Volunteer of the Year – Jeff Zamora  

Jeff Zamora is a lifelong Goleta resident whose compassion, leadership, and service have  touched every corner of this community. 

Born and raised in Goleta, Jeff grew up surrounded by the spirit of giving. His parents modeled  community involvement through volunteering at local schools, sports programs, and church,  instilling in him a belief that service is both a responsibility and a privilege. Today, Jeff  continues that legacy, dedicating his time and energy to dozens of local causes including the  Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, United Boys and Girls  Clubs, Girls Inc., Unity Shoppe, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the Goleta Lemon Festival. He also  gives back through Cox Charities, where he has served on the advisory council for more than a  decade, leading by example, encouraging his colleagues to volunteer alongside him. 

Jeff’s greatest inspiration, however, comes from a deeply personal place. After losing his  young son, Jeffrey, to pediatric cancer, Jeff and his wife Erika channeled their heartbreak into  nearly two decades of support for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. Through fundraising,  mentoring, and hands-on volunteer work, they continue to honor their son’s memory by  bringing comfort and hope to families navigating similar challenges. 

Whether coaching youth basketball at Dos Pueblos High School, volunteering at community  events, or quietly lending a helping hand where it’s needed most, Jeff embodies the true heart  of Goleta – service, resilience, and compassion in action. 

Jeff Zamora reminds us that the most powerful way to give back is to lead with love, and his  impact continues to inspire an entire community. 

Non-Profit Leader of the Year – Ernesto Paredes  

Raised off Patterson Avenue, Ernesto Paredes found his sense of belonging early through the  Goleta Boys Club, a place that helped him build confidence, connection, and purpose. Those  early experiences inspired a lifetime of giving back, fueled by gratitude and a belief that every  act of service can change a life.

For more than 35 years, Ernesto has dedicated his career to the nonprofit sector, leading with  compassion, humility, and vision. As Executive Director of Easy Lift Transportation for over  two decades, he transformed the organization into a statewide model of excellence, providing  essential mobility and dignity for thousands of residents. His leadership helped Easy Lift earn  recognition as California’s Transit of the Year, evidence to both his operational skill and his  human touch. 

Affectionately known as the “Mayor of Nonprofits,” Ernesto’s impact extends far beyond a  single organization. He has served on dozens of boards, including Cottage Health, the Santa  Barbara Foundation, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Towbes Foundation,  

and the Grace Fisher Foundation, always bringing energy, insight, and collaboration to every  cause he touches. 

A tireless advocate, Ironman athlete, mentor, and friend, Ernesto leads with heart, humor,  and humility. His life reflects the very best of Goleta’s values—community, service, and love in  action. 

We invite you to join us for this inspiring evening honoring Goleta’s Finest. Tickets are available for  $175 per person, with advance purchase required at SBSCChamber.com. For event inquiries, please  contact Camden Gustason, Events Manager at Camden@sbscchamber.com.