Update: Vandalism at Trinity
Dear Trinity Friends,
I’m pleased to let you know that there is visible and tangible progress being made in the process to restore the windows damaged in the vandalism incident in mid-October. After the initial cleanup and boarding up process provided by Servpro, we’ve been working to get estimates/bids from several glass companies to carry out temporary repairs (plexiglass and tempered glass) and from stained glass artisans for the full repairs which will restore the leaded glass windows and doors to the way they were prior to the damage. The temporary repairs are necessary because of the long lead time needed by the firm doing the leaded glass work.
This week, SGT Glass began the temporary work, installing plexiglass on the doors leading into the office/parish hall building, and into the church. Over the next couple of weeks—as the rain allows—they will continue their work on the main office windows, library windows, and the windows in Sarah’s and my offices. Beginning sometime in spring/summer of 2023, the Judson Studios, who created many of the stained-glass windows in the church sanctuary over the past 100 years, will be doing the leaded glass work. A final piece will be repairing the broken wood in the doors, to be done by Architectural Millwork, parishioner Joe Matthew’s woodworking firm.
Throughout this process, we’ve been working with Church Insurance regarding coverage of our repair expenses; I’m especially grateful to Bishop John Taylor and Diocesan CFO, The Rev. Susan Stanton, for their help in working on insurance-related matters. I’m also grateful to parishioner Patsy Stadelman Price for coordinating with the Santa Barbara City Planning and Building departments to complete and file all the appropriate paperwork regarding the repairs. Because Trinity is a building with landmark status in Santa Barbara, the city has a special interest in making sure our property is restored to its original appearance and condition. Special thanks to Trinity’s Business Manager, Cami Segna, for overseeing this whole process, from filing the claim to identifying possible contractors, soliciting estimates, and getting the repairs scheduled.
With regard to the court case against Rohan Dowe, the person arrested for the vandalism, there have been three court continuances—one because of the public defender requesting time for mental health evaluation, and two because of an overloaded court system. The District Attorney’s office has let us know that there is currently no new arraignment date set for Rohan as he didn’t appear at the last court date in mid-November.
In September 2022, the California State Legislature passed, and Governor Newsom signed, legislation enacting CARE court, a kind of parallel justice system for defendants suffering from mental illness. CARE courts focus on getting people treatment and services rather than simply being incarcerated and are being phased in throughout the state over the next 2-3 years. Although this new system may not be in place in time to help Rohan, I’m hopeful that it’s a positive step in addressing the complex and varied needs of individuals in the criminal justice system struggling with mental illness and substance issues.
In closing, I send my deep thanks to all of you—Trinity’s members, friends, and church leadership—who have been so patient, supportive, and faithful throughout these past three months, thinking and praying not just about the damage done to our building and our sense of security, but also about the larger hurts of the world, and those who may never have had a chance to feel safe and secure.
With hope and gratitude,
The Rev. Elizabeth Molitors
Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church
emolitors@trinitysb.org
