Santa Paula News
by Peggy Kelly

A brightly colored hot air balloon, backed by the mountains above Limoneira Ranch, symbolized the high-flying event held Saturday that drew more than 800 people to “Moonlight at the Ranch,” a mega-party to benefit the Santa Paula Police and Fire Departments and the Chamber of Commerce. Vintage SPPD and SPFD cars greeted visitors to the ranch that hosted the sold-out party: “They had to cut it off Friday,” said volunteer Don Tello of Fillmore.

Hosted by Limoneira Co. at their corporate headquarters, “Moonlight at the Ranch” stretched out from the Loose Goose Festival-produced Wine Tasting at “Giddy Up Park” to the historic office building, where outside dozens of restaurants set up shop offering generous samples of tasty menu treats.

In between the two venues were roping demonstrations, a blacksmith, and imaginative Cowboy Poetry by retired Ventura County District Attorney Michael Bradbury, whose tales of the West were set against a stagecoach and faux roaring campfire. Wind Walker horse-drawn carriage rides, SPPD and SPFD equipment, Santa Paula Theater Center skits and bocce ball demos were also part of the fun nonstop events.

Music was offered in numerous locations, including Xavier “Big X” Montes on traditional Mexican folk harp, the Ojai Valley Boys, Old Time Fiddlers, and the strolling Mariachi Aguilas de Mexico, alternating romantic tunes with lively compositions.

“The committee did a wonderful job at a wonderful place,” said Cathy Barringer.

“I can’t believe this!” said Helen Gunderson as the tethered hot air balloon - rides were free but it cost $10 to come down - gently rose off the ground. “There are so many people, it’s wonderful.”

As it grew dark, the SPPD showed off its force of K-9 dogs and staged a High-Risk Entry Team demonstration targeting two wanted suspects, “Moonlight” Committee Chairman John Chamberlain and this reporter. “This is fun,” said Selena Rico, whose family lent their ranch home for the demonstration of police power.

With the explosive sound of the flash bang, the house was entered and the suspects led out. “Actually I was looking forward to it,” said Chamberlain, who had no problem with doing the “perp walk” for the crowd, which included Vice Mayor John Procter and Councilmen Dr. Gabino Aguirre and Ralph Fernandez. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Posse then moved in and used their horses to gently nudge the party along to the area set aside for the restaurant booths and stage.

“All I did was welcome you to the ranch,” Limoneira President/CEO Harold Edwards told the crowd. “The Chamber did all the work.”

SPFD Chief Rick Araiza said that when he and Police Chief Steve MacKinnon were approached about six months ago with the idea for the event, they had no idea how supportive the community would prove to be. “I’m honored so many turned out in support, and the excellent, excellent appreciation for what we do,” he noted.

“When I heard this was going to happen I was really touched,” said Chief MacKinnon. “We want everyone to have a great time, and thank you for coming out.”

Silent and live auction items - Chief MacKinnon helped the auctioneers - raised even more funds before the top-flight band Spirals took to the stage so people could dance the rest of the night away at “El Rancho y la Luna.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled with it, with the fabulous team that worked for six months to put it together and Limoneira for hosting it,” said Chamber Board President Connie Tushla. “The desire to help the police and fire departments, the venue - people love to be in the country - the combination of events, wine tasting, the outstanding restaurants, police demonstrations, Susan Kulwiec’s wonderful design that really drew in the restaurants when they saw it... it was all fabulous.”

Peggy Higgins used her storied talents to help decorate, and “Judy Ohaco is amazing, how she organizes the tickets; Chairman John Chamberlain and Chamber President John Blanchard, so many people did so much,” said Tushla.

“Without Limoneira’s support and that location - as well as the sponsors who gave so much - it would not have been as successful. And I want to offer a special thanks to Chief MacKinnon, who even worked the whole day of the event... he did everything from unloading tables to stacking chairs. And the SPPD program was wonderful.”

Tushla hopes that all who sampled the “wonderful food by the restaurants will be sure to visit them for a meal and thank them for taking part. It was a huge commitment” on the part of the eateries.

“It was a fun, fun party,” said “Moonlight” Chairman Chamberlain. “We raised a lot of money for the police and fire departments,” as well as the Chamber. “It was good,” with revenues of more than $100,000 before expenses are paid. “We had a great committee; this couldn’t have come off without the help of a lot of people, and Chief MacKinnon deserves kudos... he really went above and beyond.”

Chamberlain said that members of the Future Farmers of America and Santa Paula High School football players were among the stalwart volunteers “who really pulled together and helped. And what a night, with all the music and entertainment... it came off fabulously, and people really had a wonderful time for a wonderful cause.”