Annual Rangeland Trust Event Draws Record Crowd

California Cattleman

July/August 2009 Event Coverage

Annual Rangeland Trust Event
Draws Record Crowd

by Erin Davis, director of communications, California Rangeland Trust CCA©

G uests were adorned in boots, brothers and a series of successive horses. By 2004, the Carr family had
buckles and bling at the California ownerships of the property, it was purchased two portions of the ranch
Rangeland Trust’s 8th Annual purchased in 1938 by Dwight Murphy, which had previously been divided,
fundraiser, ‘A Western Affair,’ held at who later named it Rancho San linking the heart of this historic
Rancho Santa Barbara in the Santa Fernando Rey. rancho together again.
Ynez Valley hills, Sat., June 6. The In the decades to come, Murphy Lee and Julia Carr renamed the
event was sold out, something never would come to be known as one property Rancho Santa Barbara where
before achieved as this event continues of California’s most prominent the buildings and the land still hold
to grow in popularity. cattlemen, horse breeders and more than 200 years of ranching
Rancho Santa Barbara drew more public servants. He was central history.
than those simply seeking the mild to the founding of the Rancheros
climate of the central coast and its Visitadores and Fiesta Santa Barbara, The Gala
breathtaking scenery. This property and was a passionate raiser of both It was this history and the mission
is steeped in California’s ranching palomino horses and Hereford of the California Rangeland Trust to
heritage and guests didn’t want to cattle on the ranch, which then preserve such properties that brought
miss the opportunity to connect and encompassed 47,000 acres. the sold-out crowd to the ranch that
reconnect with this historic property, In the 1950s much of Rancho warm, breezy Saturday evening.
now owned by hosts Lee and Julia San Fernando Rey was sold to John A special tour of the property was
Carr. Galvin, an Irishman with a love organized for guests who purchased
Rancho Santa Barbara for horses. As Murphy did, Galvin VIP tickets. They also enjoyed an early
What is now Rancho Santa Barbara supported high-caliber equestrian cocktail hour in the promenade of one
was transferred as a part of a Mexican teams with funding, animals, housing of the exquisite horse barns.
land grant to brothers Nicholas and and training on the ranch. In fact, As guests returned from their tour
Richard Den in 1846. These brothers, Galvin’s daughter Patricia won two of the ranch and enjoyed cocktails,
along with Mexican Governor gold medals at the Pan-American they participated in the ever-popular
Pio Pico, padres and local natives, Games and competed twice on the ‘A Western Affair’ silent auction. Here
established ownership of what was U.S. Olympic dressage team. they joined other party attendees and
then called Rancho San Marcos in a From 1960 through 1998 the jockeyed to outbid one another.
ceremony in which they pulled up property changed hands several more As in years past, Carole Silveira,
grass and scattered dirt. times and was even owned for a time Firebaugh, organized the silent
After the passing of the Den by Mike Nichols and wife Diane auction with assistance from Melinda
Sawyer, who raised and sold Arabian Koopmann, Sunol; and Karen Sweet,

Livermore. CPP PHOTOS©
Folks were then invited to the main
tent where they ate a delicious steak The Sinton family (L to R) Jim Sinton, Shandon; Megan Avery, San Diego; Daniel Sinton,
dinner served by New West Catering, San Diego; Jane and Steve Sinton, Shandon; Patricia Noel, Aptos; Jim Schoettler, Denver,
Santa Barbara, and drinks throughout
the evening were donated by Lane Colo.; Hayes Noel, Aptos; and Julie and Brian Pruniski, Redwood City.
Ranches, Clements, while board and The McDonald family (L to R) Jackki McDonald, Fresno, holding daughter Margaux Pucheu;
staff member volunteers helped with
pouring. All the beer for the evening Steve and India McDonald, Shaver Lake; Steve and Michelle McDonald, Sanger;
was donated by Miller Coors. Heather McDonald, Reedley; and Jeff Sullivan, Clovis.
Each guest table was treated to fine
wines graciously donated by Ancient L to R: Austin Campbell, Lompoc; Elizabeth Poett, Lompoc; Sarah Perkins,
Peaks Winery, Paso Robles; Rusack, Santa Barbara; Anne Perkins and Charles Perkins, Santa Barbara, with
Solvang; Bill Bogue, Santa Maria; Marianne Partridge and Jim Poett, Lompoc.
Rancho Sisquoc Winery, Santa Maria;
Gainey Vineyard, Santa Ynez; and California Lt. Gov. John L to R: Phil Hall and Nancy Crawford-Hall, Santa Ynez,
Dale Hampton, Santa Ynez. Garamendi with his wife Patti.
Once everyone was seated, the with Cody and Christen Gonzales, Santa Ynez.
Rangeland Trust Chair Devere
Dressler, Gardnerville, Nev., and Nita Carissa Koopmann with her parents Bill and Saundra Sharon and Richard
Vail, chief executive officer, welcomed Tim and Melinda Koopmann, Sunol. King, Los Alamos. Kline, Los Alamos.
guests and thanked the many sponsors
of the evening’s festivities. They Jay and Jill Mannino, Paul and Muffy Deats, Sheila Varian, Arroyo Grande, with
spoke about the organization’s history Bill and Kristin Reynolds, Solvang.
and recognized how far rangeland
conservation has come.
“By continuing to preserve
rangeland agriculture we are
protecting our watersheds and wildlife
as well as the historical culture of
California,” said Dressler. “We are all
tied to the land no matter what our
background.”
Presented at the event was the
Conservationist of the Year Award,
the highest and most prestigious
award bestowed by the Rangeland
Trust. The recipient of this award
exemplifies true dedication to the
advancement of the environment and
rangeland conservation in California
and preserving the ranching industry’s
western legacy.
The 2009 award has been given
to Jim and Norma Sinton for
their incredible dedication to the
cattle industry since the 1940s and
overwhelmingly generous support of
the Rangeland Trust.
“I feel particularly honored that this
award came from the Rangeland Trust
because I believe so much in what
they are doing,” said Jim Sinton.
Vail, who presented the award
alongside Dressler, said, “Jim Sinton’s
longtime dedication to rangeland
conservation and preserving the
viability of our ranching industry in
California exemplifies the true spirit

Continued on page 86

Los Olivos. Santa Ynez.

‘ANNUAL RANGELAND TRUST EVENT DRAWS RECORD CROWD’ from page 84

this award. I have had the opportunity students who volunteered their Harkins and Jason Swisher, all of
to spend hours in the frontseat of a time were Ryan Nelson, Brie Witt, Walnut Creek.
pickup truck with Jim and I know Courtney Mills, Jimmy Blase, Wesley An event like this is not possible
him to be a pioneer in generational Hunt and Carissa Koopmann. without the generous support of
succession, rangeland science and Other student volunteers who corporate and private sponsors and
agricultural policy. At more than 90 graciously donated of their time this year’s event had outstanding
years old, Jim is a true inspiration and were: Erica Paule, Temecula; and support from new and old donors
we are proud to bestow him with the Rachel Evans, Lauren Desino, Tyler alike. See page 88 for a complete list.
Conservationist of the Year Award for Anderson, Bo Harkins, Brandon
2009.” Continued on page 88
California Lt. Gov. John CPP PHOTOS©
Garamendi, Sacramento, joined
by his wife Patti, was invited to Fort Dodge Animal Health’s Tim Ahern and 2008 Miss California Rodeo Salinas
the stage where he thanked the Mark Boren, Clovis, with Bridgett Luther, both Blair Smittcamp with her parents
Rangeland Trust by reading his own his wife Tina. of Sacramento. Linda and Bill Smittcamp, Clovis.
official proclamation honoring the
organization’s conservation work J.B. and Camille Candy and Andy Sam and Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins,
throughout the state. Garamendi Overstreet, Madera. Mills, Placerville. Cayucos, with Ben Higgins, Sacramento.
was the inaugural recipient of the
Conservationist of the Year Award Bob O’Dell, San Miguel, Santa Barbara CattleWomen Carla Sanchez, David, Cash and
presented in 2008. and Tina Baxley, San Miguel. Mindi Christian and Brandy Branquinho. Sandra Absher, Modesto.
The highlight of the evening began
as Col. Bill Lefty, Yuba City, took the Joshiah Jenkins with his parents Karen Willy Chamberlin, Santa Ynez, Jim and Carlene
auction block. The live auction was and Si Jenkins, Santa Barbara. with JoAnn Grimes, Solvang. Cunningham, Le Grand.
a huge success with the help of the
father-and-son-team of Mark Nelson, Fresno State Young Cattlemen (L to R): Carissa Koopmann, Wesley Mike and Marti
Wilton, and Ryan Nelson, Fresno, Hunt, Ryan Nelson, Brie Witt, Courtney Mills and Jimmy Blase. Bennett, Ducor.
who announced the auction items.
Abbie Nelson, Wilton, served as the
clerk and the ringmen were Logan
Ipsen, Elk Grove, regional manager
for the American Angus Association;
Matt Macfarlane, Sheridan, co-
publisher of the California Cattleman;
and Jerry York, Nampa, Idaho,
fieldman for the Western Livestock
Journal.
A special thank you to Sherry
Harkins, Walnut Creek, chair of
the event committee, who donated
graciously of her time and expertise
to make this event such a success and
dazzle with western elegance. The live
auction was organized by event co-
chair Kendra Wilber, Clements.
In addition to the committee’s
dedication and generosity, members of
CCA’s Young Cattlemen’s Committee
(YCC) did an outstanding job as
volunteers for parking, registration,
service and clean-up.
A special thank you goes out to
these California Polytechnic State
University, San Luis Obispo, students:
Cassie Burrows, Carlie Perham,
Lauren Hoffman, Megan Perry,
Katie Tierney, Heidi McQuity and
Martinique Melton.
California State University, Fresno,

CPP PHOTOS©

CCA © L to R: Julie Kirby, Sandy Power, Sponsors Marden and Kendra Wilber, Nita Vail pictured with Mike Cashin
and Nita Vail with event committee Clements, with event host Lee Carr. (left) and Steve Thomas, who
Live auction supporters chair Sherry Harkins, Walnut Creek. Kendra also served as the event co-chair. purchased the trophy buck hunt.
Steve and Tricia

Thomas, Walnut Creek.

Steven Kirby, Los Olivos, and Margaret Wilkenson California Lt. Gov. Col. Bill Lefty, Yuba City,
Gary Wooten, Santa Ynez. and Bob Andrews, Solvang. John Garamendi. served as the auctioneer.

Pamela Doiron with Tricia Cotton Rosser, Flying U Rodeo, Jim Sinton graciously accepts Jim Sinton, Shandon, accepts the
Thomas, who purchased the pup literally sold the shirt off his back as the award on behalf of 2009 California Rangeland Trust
donated by Stardust Farms. part of his NFR package donation. he and his wife Norma. (CRT) Conservationist of the Year
Award from CRT Chief Executive
Officer Nita Vail and CRT Board

Chair Devere Dressler.

The Doiron family – Brendan, Pamela, Daniel and A.J. of Col. Bill Lefty (third from right) was assisted during the live auction by
El Rancho Espanol de Cuyama, Santa Ynez – supported the live (L to R): Ryan Nelson, Wilton; Jerry York, Nampa, Idaho; Mark Nelson,
auction and assisted with the care of the pup prior to the auction. Wilton; Logan Ipsen, Elk Grove; and Matt Macfarlane, Sheridan.

The Plainfield Pickers, Woodland, provided live entertainment. L to R: Connie Douglas, Paso Robles;
L to R: Sherry Harkins, Nita Vail and Anne Carty, Patsy and Charlie Cappel, Santa Ynez;
Summerland, with live auction supporter Scott
Darian Buckles and Will Woolley,
Newhall, Santa Barbara, and Pauline Sattler, Summerland. Templeton; with Steven Kirby (back row).

‘ANNUAL RANGELAND TRUST EVENT DRAWS RECORD CROWD’ from page 86

THANK YOU TO THESE GENEROUS SUPPORTERS

GeRoragenRc.hHeearrsot JrS.,pEostrnelslaoRrasnch Ev e n t C o m m i tt e e Meredith Abbott
Sandy and Heloise Power, 4Q Sherry Harkins, chair The Henry Brown Family
Pete and Ev Parrella of Legacy Ranch
Thomas Family, Happy Valley Farms Kendra Wilber, co-chair Cotton and Karin Rosser,
C aFobrat Dloldegre AoniSmpaol Hnesaolthrs Brandy Branquinho
Monsanto Anne Carty Flying U Rodeo
Mindi Christian Frank and Patti Lima, Stardust Farms
Campanero Table Sponsors Pamela Doiron
TP Ranch Wendy Hall Ancient Peaks Winery
Julie Kirby Reagan Ranch/Reagan Ranch Center
PFK Partners Roberta McCoy
Rockin M Ranch Andy Mills Santa Ynez Valley Stage Line
Heloise Power Chamberlin Family
SDM Realty Sherry Scheller
Toyota of Glendora Lauren Scheller Mark and Abbie Nelson
Ullman Livestock Carole Silveira Alex Geremia
Steve and Jane Sinton
G auDcavhidoanTdaLobulisee BSoprogantelsloo rs Nita Vail, chSietfaexfefcutive officer Ken and Julie LaGrande
San Lucas Ranch, LLC Ben Higgins, chief operating officer Christine McGowan
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Michele Clark, transaction director Teri Arnold Shannon
El Rancho Español de Cuyama
Land Trust for Santa Barbara County Andy Mills, stewardship director Jim and Nancy Swickard
VBailql aunde rLiondaS pSmointtcsaomrp,s John Vosburgh, vice president of New West Catering
Wawona Frozen Foods
Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center development Bill Reynolds and Don Stevens
Law Office of Alfred F. Jahns Erin Davis, director of communications Las Vegas Hilton
Santa Barbara County Cattlemen’s
Jon Cartwright, finance manager Live Auction Buyers
Association Meredith Kuperfman, land Chris Berge
C o m Fpaarmd rCreedSitpWoensts o rs conservation specialist Scott Newhall

Rabobank N.A. Leigh Geren, executive assistant Steve and Tricia Thomas
Santa Barbara Bank and Trust Willy Chamberlin
Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Live Auction Donors Charlie Cappel
Vail & Vickers, Multiple Use Managers Ken Hunter
Association
Plumas-Sierra Cattlemen’s Association Community Bank of Santa Maria Robert Rickard and Marianne Strange
Hollister Ranch Palmer Jackson
SCpaleifocrinaialYoTuhngaCnatktleYmoenu’s Robert Manger
Committee John and Brandy Branquinho
Rise Delmar Ochsner Nancy Crawford-Hall
Santa Barbara County CattleWomen Doug Herthel
Lane Ranches Steve Hearst, Hearst Ranch Lane Ranches
San Luis Obispo Coast District
Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Hearst Castle and California State Parks Sandy and Heloise Power
Al Chavez Rick Layman
Bill and Kristin Reynolds
B o a r d o f D i r e ct o rs in Memory of John T. Reynolds Brandy Branquinho
Devere Dressler, chairman Charles Perkins
Bill and Gail Giorgi Chris Mathys
Darrell Wood, immediate past chairman Santa Barbara County
Steve McDonald, vice chairman CattleWomen and Friends Dan and Pamela Doiron, El Rancho
Scott Stone, treasurer Espanol de Cuyama
Dan O’Connell, secretary
Woody Barnes Five Star Land and Livestock
Mike Bennett Lee and Julia Carr
Julie Kirby Woody Barnes
Tim Koopmann Celia Westbury
Mark Nelson
Jack Rice
Steve Sinton
Darrel Sweet
Kendra Wilber

S i l e n tHeAaurstcRtainochnBeDefo n o rs Apothecary Karen Sweet
Branco Ranch Loree Snow, LMT Bill Ealand
Heather McDonald
Dan and Barbara O’Connell Kathi Carlson Don Stevens
Bill and Kristin Reynolds Jedlicka’s Saddlery Janet Sands
eWoodArt.com Nancy Richardson, CR Luxury Linens Carolyn Chandler
Bill and Tomme Jo Dale Kristi Monighetti
Susan Petrovich Carole Silveira Leslee Wullbrandt
Mission Produce Dave Gonzalez, Rancho Wa Ha Bill Reynolds
Linda Smittcamp
Liz Esward of Back at the Ranch Mr. and Mrs. Chris Marks James Hilliard
California State Fair Patty Look Lewis William Reeds
Sitka Gear Sally St. John
Santa Cruz Island Foundation Steve Sinton Josiah Jenkins
Carla Renard/Renard and Co. Mark Burningham Suzy Ealand
Leslee Wullbrandt
Barbara Wilson S i l e n t WAiulsocntQi ouanrreBu y e rs Bill Reynolds
Cheryl and Frank Mongini, DVM Mike Cashin Marti Bennett
Ruth Bley Margaret Wilkinson
Doug Herthel, Alamo Pintado Hayes Noel Margie Woolley
Equine Medical Center Scott Newhall
Darrel and Karen Sweet Michael Gardella Anne Perkins
Valerie Robinson Daniel Doiron
Tim and Melinda Koopmann Steve and Tricia Thomas Betty Barrett
Dr. Bert and Gretchen Johnson Phyllis Himmel Hayes Noel

Danny and Kathy Torres Jim Phillippi CCA PHOTOS©
Chet Vogt Palmer Jackson
Dale Kern Carey Kendall
Kearney Martins
John Saladino Tim Koopmann
Anne and Edward Carty
Jeffery Nelson, Clover Lane Cattle Co.
Maggie Campbell, Heaven Scent Beauty

Allen Alsobrook, Malibu, with George Short Cotton and Karin Rosser, Marysville, with Event hosts Lee and Julia Carr with
and Steve Zimmerman, Santa Ynez. Steven Kirby, Los Olivos. Janet Lew, all of Santa Barbara.

Terry Evans with Buck Bennett, Bill Reynolds, Solvang, with Ryan and Mark Nelson, Wilton, Devere Dressler, Gardnerville, Nev.,
Rancho Santa Fe. Willy Chamberlin, Santa Ynez. assisted with the live auction. with Darrell Wood, Vina.

L to R: Tom Talbot, DVM, with his wife Laura, Bishop, with Steve Thompson, Folsom, with Kendall Dale, Newcastle, with
Wendy and Bob Ludwick, Santa Barbara. Darrel Sweet, Livermore. Kendra Wilber, Clements.