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September 2006 Issue
News
Time for a Change
By Katie McLean
Local surfers, families, and visitors will be mourning by the end of October upon the closure of Santa Barbara's Esau's. For 52 years, 403 State Street has been the funky breakfast and lunch shop with surf decor and lines going out the door. Scott Stanley bought the restaurant from Esau 28 years ago, and with his wife, Arti, has managed it, along with the Esau's they opened 4 years ago in Carpenteria. Stanley, who loves the ocean and has been surfing since he was 12, moved here when he was 18. Now living in Carpenteria, his wife usually runs the restaurant there on Linden Avenue, while he runs the one in Santa Barbara.
Landlord of the property, Abe Safina, has refused to negotiate a 5th lease. Safina owns over 30 downtown properties, mostly on Chapala Street, which he received from his father who purchased much of Santa Barbara in the 40's and 50's. Tadd's Liquor, next door to Esau's, was evicted after 25 years of business, and has remained vacant for the last 3 years now. Bitter feelings are directed at Safina for not giving any reasons for eviction. The last and only words given to Stanley for reason were, “Time for a change.” Remodeling the space to sell or lease at a higher price, has not proved to be the reason, but with the patten of recent Santa Barbara landlords, this could end up being the result. As Santa Barbara's small local shops are being forced to close down, they are being replaced with large chains of businesses, taking away the uniqueness of Santa Barbara. With the recent and upcoming openings of Volcom, Michael Stars, Pacsun, Sephora, and Ripcurl, downtown Santa Barbara is beginning to look all too much like L.A. The original quaint Santa Barbara is selling out to new developments of condos and hotels that are overcrowding the once small town, which used to have the space to breath that locals appreciated. The crowds of Southern California are creeping up the coast, and who knows, maybe Safina is making room for Santa Barbara's first Walmart.
In the final months or month of business, Stanley is searching for cheap rent somewhere downtown to continue Esau's. If nothing comes up, an opening of Esau's in Ventura might become an option. Until then, Esau's family of workers are staying to the end. If a new Esau's doesn't look possible, then some workers will move over to the one in Carpenteria, while Stanley looks into other opportunities, such a selling Esau's pancake mix in local stores. Possibly the most enticing opportunity for Stanley is the availability of more time to visit his house in Scorpion Bay to surf. Until then, Stanley greatly appreciates the strong support from customers and the great memories, but the doors have yet to close, so get your pancakes while you still can!
US Open of Surfing
By Katie McLean
The Honda U.S. Open of Surfing presented by O’Neill in Huntington Beach, a six-star WQS rated event, resulted in a number of personal victories.
Former two-time event champion Rob Machado lost last year in a close final against Andy Irons. This year Machado clawed his way from the early rounds of the trials to win his third US Open. Despite the wind-blown head high surf, he was very happy with the crowd's energy and his comeback. With his success in the few contests he has competed in this year, including his win earlier this year at the four-star WQS at Pipeline, this could be the turning point that puts him back on the WCT and qualify him for the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour.
Runner-up Roy Powers' (HAW) rookie season was not going great as he was struggling to keep his spot for next years tour, but this finish will boost his WQS ratings and help him re-qualify for the World Tour. Goofy-foot Mike Losness lost to his childhood hero, Machado, in the semi-finals. This finish has inspired him to want to try more WQS events next year. Eighteen year old Jeremy Flores' (REU) finish in the semi-finals shoots him up to fifth on the WQS, which could qualify him for next year's World Tour, but being so young, he sees no pressure in qualifying yet.
Santa Barbara's Bobby Martinez advanced to the quarter-finals, but his biggest victory was defeating legendary Sunny Garcia. As a rookie on the World Tour, Martinez was delighted to surf along side the Hawaiian hero and former ASP World Tour Champion. Martinez easily advanced in the opening heat with a total heat score of 15. He took out Damien Hobgood and other big names along the way.
Women's U.S. Open of Surfing & Pro Junior
By Katie McLean
Surfing the Women’s Honda U.S. Open of since age14, former ASP Women's World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) achieved her childhood dream of finally being crowned champion. This year's physical and mental training at home successfully resulted in winning the first WQS event that she has competed in this season. After being runner-up on last year's World Tour, Mulanovich struggled this year, but is sure that this confidence booster will keep her on a roll. With her new WQS points, jet ski, and $4,500 prize money, as well as her current spot at 8th in the world, Mulanovich is stoked.
Meanwhile, in one of the closest heats of the Target Women's Pro Junior, Lee Ann Curren(FRA) edged out competitors to win the ASP $10,000 Grade Two event. Curren admits entering the 2-3ft surf nervously, because of the talented competitors and difficultly in finding good waves. She plans on surfing more WQS events, but without letting them interfere with her last year of school. With her victories at the Roxy Pro Junior and the Buondi Pro Junior in in Portugal, this is her third consecutive Pro Junior win this season, all in the last few weeks.
Posted September 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
