Spring BBQ Blowout


The Geography Events Committee organized this year’s Spring BBQ, and it was a roaring success. As usual, it was held in Area D of Goleta Beach Park, it kicked off at 3 pm, and it wrapped up around 7 (or whenever the beer ran out). Professor Dan Montello, one of the organizers and the master chef for the event, describes the annual Spring BBQ as follows:

“The date of May 21 was unusually early for the event–we usually hold it the first week of June. But the Events Committee moved it up to try to avoid the common June gloom of fog and chill and wind we often experience on the beach in June (but can experience in May, too). Well, after an unusually protracted winter season, including cold and rain as recently as May 17, we finally got a typical hot, sunny, dry spring day on May 20. Temperatures well over 80 degrees. Friday the 21st looked sunny and nice as well, but, as the day developed, it became windy–very windy–and then really, really windy. Someone should look up the numbers for Friday afternoon (I couldn’t find them), but it seemed to be about the windiest BBQ we have ever had. 35 mph? 55 mph? It was sunny, however, so we succeeded in avoiding the fog.

Tri-tip and chicken were served. The wind made grilling a greater challenge than normal, and the cook probably managed some excessively thorough cooking. But those in attendance seemed to have a good time. Potluck and beverages were available. We once again raffled off two $20 prizes to people who had donated to the cause. The tickets were pulled from a bag by Rui Hespanha, Stacy Rebich Hespanha’s infant son, in order to maintain a selection process that was fair and beyond ethical reproach. Although getting Rui to grab one and only one piece of paper took some training, he eventually got the hang of it and no doubt wanted to continue after we finished. The first winner was Libe Washburn, but he immediately donated the money back to the cause. The second and third winners, who were happy to accept their lucre, were Gargi Chaudhuri and Pam Dalal. Congrats to all of our players!”

Editor’s note: There are 6 pages of great photos of the 2010 Spring BBQ located on our web site’s Event Photos page. Many thanks to Gargi Chaudhuri, Kate Deutsch, and Guylene Gadal for photographing the fun and feasting!

Image 1 for article titled "Spring BBQ Blowout"
Stacy Rebich Hespanha and her son Rui who was “in charge” of the drawing

Image 2 for article titled "Spring BBQ Blowout"
Dan Montello, Master Chef

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What wind? I think that’s Pam Dalal on the left; I know it’s Brett Hartman on the right

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