Santa Ynez Valley Star • January 3-16, 2023

Santa Ynez Valley Looks Back at 2022

Santa Ynez Valley Star Editorial Board news@santaynezvalleystar.com

Another year has passed, and the Santa Ynez Valley has seen plenty of happenings over the past 12 months, from local residents doing great things for those in need, to traditional Valley events making comebacks after the disruptive pandemic, to the loss of some dear friends and colleagues. Through it all, we have seen our community come together and show its resilience and strength.

Here’s a roundup of the news in our pages throughout 2022:

Got Sole? Shoe drive helps sextrafficking victims, homeless

Published Jan. 4:

The Ranch Church held a “Sole with a Purpose” Shoe Drive in January and February in an effort to raise funds for Casa of Hope, a safe house for sex-trafficked women, and Abundant Blessings, which helps with some basic supplies for the homeless in Santa Barbara. Ceci Stenger, a volunteer at the Santa Barbara Human Trafficking Task Force, spearheaded the effort.

NatureTrack offers pathways to explore outdoors for all abilities

Published Jan. 18: Nonprofit uses specialized vehicles to access beaches and trails for wheelchair users and others with physical disabilities

Passing of NFL legend John Madden hits home on Central Coast

Published Jan. 18: The passing of football icon John Madden impacted not only the National Football League, but the Central Coast, where Madden played at Cal Poly and coached at Hancock College

Local woman rescues hundreds from Afghanistan

Published Feb. 2: In 2017, Valerie Edmondson Bolanos started a nonprofit, Warrior Angels Rescue, to help those devastated by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. What started as

an effort to rescue her family has grown exponentially and globally.

Big milestone completed in $4.7 million Solvang Festival Theater rebuilding project

Published Feb. 2: While taking advantage of a break in the weather on Thursday morning, construction crews installed six new steel lighting columns at Solvang Festival Theater, utilizing a 350-ton crane to accomplish a huge milestone in Theaterfest’s

top 10 of 2022

• Santa Ynez High Class of 2022 Remembers ‘Hardships and Excitement’

• Old Santa Ynez Days Marks Town’s 140th Anniversary

• Radio Station Owner Shawn Knight Dies in Paragliding Accident

• Danish Days Returns in Full After Pandemic Hiatus

• November Elections Bring New Mayors, City Councilmembers to Solvang, Buellton

• Pirates Water Polo Team Takes the Pool After Death of Former Teammate

• Big milestone completed in $4.7 million Solvang Festival Theater rebuilding project

• Solvang Hosts SYV’s First Pride Month Celebration

• Solvang Helps Bury Past With Time Capsule

• Solvang Marks’ Road to Recovery’ in State of the City Address

The Vikings of Solvang rode their Viking Ship through Solvang’s Danish Days parade. Star file photo

Los Alamos Valley Senior Center

Enjoys Christmas Party

Lucky Clover 4-H Club created and served dinner for about 50 seniors in December

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

The Los Alamos Valley Senior Center held its annual Christmas party on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Men’s Club in Los Alamos. Close to 50 seniors attended the dinner which was created and served by the Lucky Clover 4-H Club.

“Lucky Clover 4-H Club wanted to do more hands-on service and we knew that the senior center in Los Alamos was somewhat in need, so we reached out to Kathy Christoferson, vice president of the Los Alamos Valley Senior Center to see how we could be of service,” said Brittani Williams, Lucky Clover 4-H Club community leader, who oversaw the planning of this festive occasion. “We asked her if we could provide a meal for the community and she asked if we would be interested in helping with their Christmas party and we happily obliged. We’re hoping that this can be the beginning of a relationship of service for our 4-H Club.”

Five young members of the 4-H Club helped with serving the seniors and an additional six families provided a variety of desserts. The Berman and Williams families provided the main course of lasagna and salad.

“I think that an important part of our 4-H Pledge is one of our H’s, which is ‘hands for larger service.’ This was our chance to give back to the community,” said Olivia Berman, co-community lead.

The members of the 4-H Club introduced themselves to the guests and talked about what aspect they were involved in, such as raising pigs, or chickens, and a little about the 4-H Club. Christoferson thanked the group for their delicious efforts and presented them with a Thank You card signed by all who attended the dinner.

A blue and white vintage quilt, hand-made by the late Jean Smith and donated by her daughter Joyce Turner, was raffled off and won by Leslie Shuffield of Old Town Orcutt.

Votes for the new 2023 board members of the Los Alamos Valley Senior Center were tabulated, and the following member were chosen:

President: Sheila Glaser; Vice-President: Kathy Christoferson; Secretary: Nancy Clark; and Treasurer: Jim Gravitt. The five trustees are Sandee Adams, Mike Farris, Heather Soderquist, Steve Soderquist, and Suzanne Tosti.

Music was provided by Buddy C.

“We are so grateful to the 4-H Club for providing this lovely dinner for our seniors. It does my heart good to see the youth of our Valley involved in service to the community, in giving back and doing good things,” said Christoferson.

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Rye Winans Named November Elks Student of the Month

Santa Ynez High School senior Rye Winans has been chosen by SYVHS teachers and staff as the November Elks Student of the Month. Winans was awarded $100 by the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge at a recent meeting.

Winans was appreciative of the honor and had this to say:

"Thank you so much for this honor. It is such a privilege to be honored for things I love to do, and I am humbled by being chosen by the teachers. Thank you to the Santa Ynez Valley Elks for providing this opportunity to me.

"Some things about me: I am a third-generation attendee of Santa Ynez Valley High School. I had the privilege of having some of my mom's teachers when she attended. I am so thankful for growing up in a small town, family-oriented community.

"I have been playing golf with my family ever since I was a little kid, and I enjoy it so

much. I spend a lot of my time out on the golf course, and love to talk to all the members and get life advice from them. I appreciate all the hours my dad, brother and I have been able to compete on the course, and I am so thankful for Dave Hartley and Johnny Heno for all their guidance. Golf has taught me determination, concentration and a love for the outdoors.

"As a student, I strive to do my best by including everyone and creating a safe and friendly atmosphere around me. I love to meet new people, so I try to go out of my way to smile and say hi. I have spent all four years serving the school on student government by serving as the freshman, sophomore, and junior class presidents, and this year as an at-large member for the senior class. I am currently co-president of the school club FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and I am also on leadership for Paradigm. I am about to start my fourth year of varsity for the school's golf team, and I plan to play

Santa Ynez High senior Rye Winans, the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Club November Student of the Month, receives his $100 check from Exalted Ruler Robert Ramirez. Photo Courtesy of Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge

YEAR IN REVIEW

$4.7 million rebuilding project. It was a major milestone in the Theater rebuilding project, which commenced in September 2021 and was completed this July.

Los Olivos fighting against state Grange Hall takeover

Published Feb. 2:

The little community building in Los Olivos known to many locals as the Grange Hall was at the center of a dispute as a judge granted a Motion of Summary Judgment for the California State Grange against the Los Olivos Community Org., inc. and Hall, in a lawsuit that was filed in April 2020. This wasn’t just a local story, as grange halls all around the state are in the same situation trying to maintain local control over their community buildings as they have been sued by the California State Grange to take possession of the properties.

Charged Up’: All-Electric Bus Unveiled at Buellton Ceremony

45-foot battery-electric commuter vehicle was shown off in front of the Buellton Visitors Center as the newest in the Clean Air Express fleet, which picks up passengers from as far north as Santa Maria and takes them to their employment locations to South Santa Barbara County and back.

Los Olivos Couple Launches Coffee Shop Organically

Published Feb. 18:

A new coffee shop opened in Los Olivos called Lefty’s Coffee Co., which is named after the owners’ little Corgi. It is a totally organic establishment dedicated to the principles of sustainability and inclusion. Their focus is on the idea of local, organic and small-scale. Laura Newman is co-owner of Lefty’s along with her husband Jim Tauber.

STOMP out Hunger Assembles Meals for Needy Children

Published March 1:

Santa Ynez Valley resident Teri Harmon teamed up with 200 generous Valley volunteers in late January to assemble more than 130,000 meals to be sent to children living in impoverished villages in Uganda. The program is called “OneMeal” and is one of three sponsored by “Kids Around the World,” a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers groups to be a part of the solution of child malnutrition.

Solvang Officials, Residents Help Bury the Past With Time Capsule

Published Feb. 18:

City, county and state officials seemed to be “charged up” Jan. 28 in Buellton, and they hope passengers who take the Clean Air Express to Santa Barbara and back will be also, after a new electric-powered bus was unveiled at a press conference. The new

Published March 1:

Most people learn the history of their heritage, family and city thanks to artifacts of the past. The Solvang Chamber of Commerce hopes those living in their town in 2047 can learn a lot when they dig up the time capsule that was buried during a ceremony on Feb. 15. The Chamber hosted a ceremony in the courtyard between Mortensen’s Bakery and the Peasant’s Feast restaurant on the corner of Atterdag Road and Copenhagen Drive, preceding the burial of the capsule in a planter by the walkway next to Peasant’s Feast.

Horseplay Comes to Buellton with New Riding Stable

Published March 15:

With the difficulty for local residents to jump on a horse and go off the beaten path, Bob and Evie Sweeney recognized the void and opened Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides on Dec. 15, 2021 on a facility adjacent to Buellton's River View Park.

Santa Ynez High's New CIF Sport Launches at ‘Pirate’s Beach’

“Welcome to Pirate’s Beach.” It was at the park’s sand volleyball courts, home of the Santa Ynez High girls beach volleyball team, in its first season as a sanctioned CIF sport.

Hostilities in Ukraine hit home for Santa Ynez Valley resident

Published March 15:

During certain afternoons in the spring, at the southwest corner of Sunny Fields Park in Solvang, there hung a banner that read

Published April 5:

Although the hostilities between Ukraine and Russia are thousands of miles away from the Santa Ynez Valley, it has touched at least one Valley resident in a very personal way. Irina Malkmus, who was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States in 2005, has relatives in both Russia and Ukraine.

Santa Ynez Valley Rec Queen has a heart for service

Published April 5:

Mercedes Diaz was chosen Santa Ynez Valley Youth Rec Queen for 2022. She was actually chosen Queen in 2020, but her duties were put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions. Her reign was extended through 2021, but this year her time came to be Youth Rec Queen, perform her duties in that position, and represent the Valley.

Nonprofit Continues to Help Kids at Play in Santa Ynez Valley

Published April 19:

Over the past 67 years, Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, (formerly known as the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Recreation) has raised more than $3 million to provide youth in the Valley with sporting facilities in the schools, numerous youth programs, and has contributed financially to many of the nonprofits in the Valley who create a space for our youth to thrive.

Lego builders show off their mastery, brick by brick, in competition

Published May 3: Neal Taylor Nature Center volunteer and retired Battalion Chief Mike Marlow fired off a flare at 6 a.m. April 23 to kick the annual Cachuma Lake Fishing Derby, which hadn't been held since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. After that an announced total of 565 registered anglers from all over the Central Coast came to Cachuma to enjoy a day of fishing, and maybe even win a cash prize for a big one by the derby deadline.

Former Star Publisher Honored By Santa Barbara County

Published May 3:

On April 19, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors honored Santa Ynez Valley Star founder and former publisher Raiza Giorgi with a resolution naming her a 3rd District Commission for Women Service Award Recipient of 2022. Giorgi started the Santa Ynez Valley Star in 2016 and served as its publisher, editor and reporter until selling the paper to Nic and Hayley Mattson in 2022.

Santa Ynez High Hosts County Track and Field Meet

Published May 3:

renewal of an annual staple — the Los Rancheros Visitadores ride. After a twoyear gap necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic that broke out in 2020, the ride picked right back up on May 7, as the contingent rode up from Santa Barbara.

Wine Country Half Marathon Returns to May

Published May 17:

Three years is a long time to wait, but that’s how long it had been since the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon, presented by Chumash Casino Resort, had been staged on its traditional spring weekend, until last May. On a Chamber of Commerce-perfect Saturday morning for running — with cool, overcast skies — the signature Mother’s Day weekend tradition returned, with Chris Gregory of Carpinteria winning the men’s race, and Larissa Kolasinski, from Issaquah, Washington, taking the women's race.

Pirates boys tennis reaches CIF semifinals

Published May 17:

of their aircraft and stories of their flying experiences to the visitors.

Pirates Baseball Loses 'Heartbreaker' in CIF semifinal

Published June 7:

The Santa Ynez High baseball team saw its CIF Southern Section Division 6 run end May 17 with a 10-inning 1-0 semifinal loss to Estancia. The Pirates finish the season at 17-12, but it was a season coach Warren Dickey credited to a core group of seniors: "Mikey Gills, Owen Hunt, Tanner Padfield, Jackson Cloud, Vic Heredia — this group led us back to relevancy. They battled every game. Great legacy.”

SYHS Graduates Celebrate After Four Years of 'Hardships and Excitement’

Published April 19:

A city known for and inspired by its Danish heritage, Solvang put one of Denmark’s most famous products on center stage earlier this month, holding its first Lego building competition, pitting some of the top Lego builders and enthusiasts against each other as they constructed their own takes on the town's iconic, storybook imagery and landmarks.

Fishing Derby Makes Grand Return to Cachuma

Santa Ynez High School hosted some of the area’s best athletes as the campus was the site of the Santa Barbara County Track and Field Championships on April 23. Student-athletes competed on both the varsity and frosh/soph levels. San Marcos High won the varsity boys team title with 147 points. For the girls varsity, Righetti finished first with 124 points.

In the frosh/soph girls, Santa Ynez finished second team-wise with 108.5 points.

Los Rancheros Visitadores Make Grand Return

The Santa Ynez boys tennis team saw its run in the CIF Southern Section Division 4 playoffs end Wednesday, May 11, with a 13-5 semifinal loss to host Nordhoff. "In the quarterfinal round, we won all the close sets, but this round we fell short in all the close ones and that was the difference,” said Pirates head coach Nate Thompson at the time. "It was a special season for the Pirates with 14 seniors on the team and it was great to finally make the playoffs in their last season."

SYV Airport Day Celebrates Local Aviation

Published June 21:

On the warm, breezy Friday afternoon of June 3, the 201 students of Santa Ynez Valley Union High School’s Class of 2022 graduated, marking the end of a four-year tenure that saw huge challenges on their educational path. In front of an enthusiastic crowd in the football stadium grandstand, the graduates made the procession single file from the gymnasium to their seats set up on the football sideline facing the crowd.

Mountain Trail Course Comes to Flag Is Up Farms

Published June 21:

Published June 7:

Published May 17:

It’s not often you see a lot of cowboy hats worn with bright pink shirts, but that fashion was all the rage in Solvang in May, and it was thanks to a long-overdue

The Santa Ynez Valley Airport held its ninth annual Airport Day, a celebration of local aviation, on Saturday, May 21, with nearly 1,000 people attending the event. Between 25-30 aircraft were on display with pilots available to explain general aviation and provide descriptions

The Santa Ynez Valley's Flag Is Up Farms announced that a new mountain trail course, the first of its kind in California, had been established on the property. World-renowned horse trainer and author Mark Bolender collaborated with Monty Roberts to design and build an International Mountain Trail Challenge Association (IMTCA)-certified mountain

YEAR IN REVIEW

trail course as a training program for the discipline of competitive trail riding.

Marchers, Riders Show Their Pride in Solvang

KUHL, based out of Santa Maria, is also owned by Knight Broadcasting. Knight's father, Art, said that Shawn's sail had collapsed, but other than that did not have details, Heighes said.

Old Santa Ynez Days Marks Town's 140th Anniversary

Published July 5:

The township of Santa Ynez celebrated the 140th anniversary of its founding in conjunction with its annual Old Santa Ynez Days parade and street festival and the third annual Old Santa Ynez Days rodeo on Saturday, June 25. The event was well-attended with hundreds of people taking part in the celebration.

Published Aug. 2: Grizelda Martinez was recently acknowledged for acquiring her Associate degree in human services addiction studies from Allan Hancock College. She is continuing to pursue a degree and double major in sociology and social work towards her Bachelor’s degree. She plans on attending UCSB or Brandman University in the fall of next year. The reason she is pursuing this particular area of study is because she is a recovering addict/alcoholic herself and her goal is to be of service to other recovering addicts.

AAU Event Displays Plenty of Strength in Solvang

The City of Solvang celebrated it's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and hailed a return to normalcy with its State of the City luncheon at the Craft House at Corque restaurant. And they did it with a special guest: California State Controller Betty Yee, who gave the keynote address.

Classic Car Enthusiast Puts A Lid on His 'Legacy'

Published Sept. 6:

Published July 5:

Colorful-clad crowds lined a couple of streets in Solvang on a warm Saturday morning, June 25, for a first-of-its-kind event in the Santa Ynez Valley — the inaugural Pride Parade, celebrating and bringing awareness of the local LGBTQIA+ community. The parade was put on by the local organization SYV Pride — which bills itself as "a safe, supportive and empowering home for the local LGBTQIA+ community in the the Santa Ynez Valley."

Published July 19:

The 4th of July Parade in Solvang drew massive crowds this year with people lining the sidewalks throughout town. The theme of this year’s parade was “A Salute to Liberty,” honoring our freedom as Americans. There were 69 entries, starting with the Color Guard American Legion Post #160 followed by the American Legion District 16 in a patriotic flag car.

Path

Published Aug. 2: Competitors of all ages were engaging in some heavy lifting over a July weekend at Solvang's Cold Iron Gym on Alisal Road. The gym, which is also the home of the Youth Empowered Sports Club, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, hosted several powerlifting competitors on the weekend of July 23 and 24 during events held under the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) banner. Athletes were able to compete in multiple events; all tailored by age and weight. Athletes ranging in age from 8 all the way up to their 60s competed during the weekend.

Buellton Throws A BBQ Bonanza

The 16th annual Wheels’ N’ Windmills Car Show came to a close on Saturday, Aug. 27, with an outstanding array of classic automobiles and car enthusiasts in attendance. Robert (Bob) Stokes along with the two remaining original board members, Ed Grand and Dan Hogland, have decided to retire, making this the last event under the Wheels’ N’ Windmills banner.

Pirates Football Rolls Over Greyhounds in Season Opener

Published July 5:

Shawn Knight, owner of Knight Broadcasting, which owns the Santa Ynez Valley-based radio stations KSYV (Mix 96.7) and KRAZ (KRAZy Country 105.9), died Wednesday, June 15, in a paragliding accident, according to the company's news director and KUHL talk-show host Ben Heighes.

Published Aug. 16:

The City of Buellton and its recreation department sent the month out in style July 30 with their 20th annual Buellton BBQ Bonanza. A sizable crowd came for a free lunch with tri-tip sandwiches, beans and more in the event at River View Park. Many who came to the barbecue brought baked goods and sweets, creating a large dessert tray to be enjoyed by everyone.

Solvang Celebrates Its Road to Recovery Published Sept. 6:

Published Sept. 6:

A new era in Santa Ynez High School football began on Aug. 19, and it could not have been a more auspicious start. In their first game as a member of the CIF Central Section, and of the Mountain League, the Pirates took charge from the outset and rolled to a 35-0 win over visiting Atascadero in the season opener for both teams.

Young aviation enthusiast takes first solo flight

Published Sept. 20:

Helen Pruitt-Kennett, a 17-year-old senior at Dunn School, and recipient of an Airport Day 2022 Flight Training Scholarship, performed her first solo flight on Thursday, August 25, at the Santa Ynez Valley Airport. She said her solo flight lasted between 30 and 45 minutes. She did

Radio Station Owner Shawn Knight Dies in Paragliding Accident

Solvang’s 4th of July Parade Draws Huge Crowd

Hancock College Grad Travels

From Chaos to Redemption

YEAR IN REVIEW

four touch-and-go landings at the airport while she was in the pattern.

Five inducted onto Santa Ynez High School's Wall of Honor

Published Sept. 20:

On Sept. 2, Santa Ynez High School inducted four former student-athletes and one legendary coach onto its Wall of Honor. The five were honored during halftime of that evening's football game between SYHS and Morro Bay. The honorees were Kyle Bidgood (football), Sara Dominguez (softball), Zach DeMarcus (baseball), Ryan Welker (baseball), and longtime volleyball coach Chip Fenenga.

Colorful Danish Days Parade draws huge crowd

Published Oct. 4: Throngs of people lined the streets of Solvang in anticipation of the Danish Days Parade, which marked the 85th celebration of the town’s heritage. Approximately 19 entries from across the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond participated in the parade, with the theme “Velkommen Igen” (Welcome Again), which honored the 1911 founding of Solvang by Danish Americans. The parade marked the first time Danish Days was held since 2019, due to the COVID pandemic.

Pirates Water Polo Team Takes the Pool After Death of Former Teammate

Published Oct. 4:

The Santa Ynez High boys water polo team won a home match against Malibu High School on Sept. 15, three days after former water polo player, and 2021 SYHS graduate, Roberto Garcia Jr. was killed in a car accident near Solvang. A small memorial table was set up near the pool entrance, SYHS Athletic Director Ashley Coelho said a few words about Garcia and led a moment of silence, and each of the Pirates players had Garcia's number, 2, marked near their right shoulders. The Pirates then went on to win 16-1.

Back to the Good Old Days in Los Alamos

Published Oct. 4:

Los Alamos celebrated its 76th annual Old

Days, a three-day event, featuring a Classic Car Show, an Artisan’s Faire, Old Days Stampede 5K Run, dinner and dancing at the Men’s Club, a Chili Cook-Off, food, music and games, and the Greatest Little Small-Town Parade. The theme of the event was “Not Our First Rodeo”. The event was sponsored by the Los Alamos Men’s Club.

Family Paintings Unexpectedly Found and Gifted

County sales manager for First American Title Co., attended an open house to view a property co-listed by Allan Jones and Angela Meisenheimer. There she found a work of her aunts hanging on the wall, was eventually gifted the painting Mesienheimer.

Familiar Face Fills Solvang City Manager Role

Published Oct. 18:

The Solvang City Council had a vacancy for city manager after the resignation of Xenia Bradford on Sept. 30. However, the role was not vacant long as the City Council approved the appointment of Brad Vidro, who had previously held the job for 12 years, as the interim city manager at its Sept. 10 meeting. The city would later announce plans to hire a permanent city manager in 2023.

Paul Flores Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder of Kristin Smart

Published Oct. 18:

Kristi Beaudette was a local American postwar and contemporary artist and the aunt of Lesli Beaudette, who works as an escrow officer at First American Title in Solvang. On July 19, Lesli and her coworker, Tessi Martinez, a Santa Barbara

Published Nov. 1:

Af ter 26 years of investigation, Paul Flores was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Kristin Smart. The verdict came on Tuesday, Oct. 18. His father, Ruben Flores, 81, was found not guilty of accessory after the fact. Ruben was accused of helping his son hide Kristin’s remains. Paul Flores had been charged with the 1996 murder and disappearance of 19-year-old Cal Poly student Kristin Smart, a case that got attention all over the Central Coast as well as nationally.

Hancock Grad Proves It’s Never Too Late For A New Beginning

his Bachelor’s degree in sociology and ultimately a Ph.D. in education. His goal is to return to the community he “once helped destroy” through a life of crime and teach in Juvenile Hall or at Los Prietos Boys Camp, where his journey began.

Pirates girls volleyball earns spot in State tournament

Published Nov. 15: It was playoff season for many Santa Ynez High School fall sports teams, and the program that has made the deepest run is the Pirates' girls volleyball squad. The team made it to the CIF Central Section Division III finals, losing to Kingsburg. However, thanks to its runner-up finish in the section's Division III, the Pirates earned a spot in the CIF Division IV State Tournament, where they made it to the regional semifinals before losing to Central Valley Christian of Visalia. The Pirates finished with a record of 20-19 overall.

Voters Have Their Say in Buellton, Solvang City Races

elected mayor and Hudson Hornick and David Silva won council seats.

Crowds Salute the Veterans With Santa Ynez Parade

Saloon on Sagunto Street for the inperson event, featuring live music, local veterans programs and services booths, pin-up girl contest, food and drink, and military vehicle displays.

Published Nov. 1:

Earlier this year, Arturo “Cheech” Raygoza received two AA degrees in sociology from Allan Hancock College. He is presently attending UC Berkeley, working to attain

Published Nov. 15: Election Day came on Nov. 8 and voters in Buellton and Solvang made their choices for mayor and City Council. It was the first time the cities voted by district for City Council. Ultimately, Solvang elected Mark Infanti as mayor, with Dave Brown and Elizabeth Orona getting council seats; meanwhile, in Buellton, Dave King was

Published Dec. 6:

Crowds lined up along Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez on Saturday, Nov. 12, for the 2022 Salute to the Vets Parade, held the day after Veterans Day. The parade kicked off the second annual Salute to the Vets celebration and led back to the Maverick

Published Dec. 6:

Kyle Abello will be retiring from Buellton Recreation at the end of this year. He has been the department's recreational supervisor from Buellton Recreation’s inception 20 years ago. “I decided to retire because I am interested in exploring new adventures and spending more time with my family,” said Abello. “When my kids

Welcome to Freedom

Abello Retires as Recreational Supervisor at Buellton Rec

YEAR IN REVIEW

are out of school I will be able to spend more time with them and actually go on summer vacations with them.”

Bowls Are Filled So Others Can Eat in Los Olivos Fundraiser

Thirty-nine entries took the parade route on an overcast morning mostly devoid of rain. The Christmas was also alive Dec. 4 in Buellton, which trucked in some snow for its Winter Fest.

Santa Ynez Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plans Approved

Published March 15:

Water conservation along the Santa Ynez River took a significant step in January when three agencies unanimously approved groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs). These plans will be the basis for groundwater management in the area through a 20-year implementation period.

CDPH Announces Student Vaccine Mandate Delayed

Published July 5: On June 18, Solvang Park was the sight of a celebration of the recently established federal holiday Juneteenth. The Juneteenth event offered all sorts of enjoyable aspects: A DJ spinning tunes, an appearance and performance by Disney Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog,” a live performance from singer Talitha Gabrielle, food, beverages, a photo booth and activities for all ages.

PG&E Files Licensing Action to Renew Operating Licenses for Diablo Canyon Power Plant

Published June 7: Dignitaries, officials, business leaders, and other residents of Buellton gathered at the Santa Ynez Marriott on Wednesday, May 24, for the Buellton State of the City address. The theme of the address was “recovery” and the fact that the address was being held live for the first time in two years was a prime example of the progress made by the city after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published Dec. 6:

Many bowls were filled on Nov. 11 at St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Espicopal Church in Los Olivos, the location of the first Empty Bowls fundraiser in Los Olivos.

Like with the other Empty Bowls fundraisers that have been held in other Central Coast cities, attendees are invited to pick a unique, handmade bowl and enjoy a simple dinner of soup and bread. All the proceeds for this event were to benefit the food distribution program at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang.

Solvang Julefest Parade Kicks Holiday Season in

High Gear

Published Dec. 20:

The holiday season got rolling in Solvang on Dec. 3 with the annual Julefest Parade, one of several events held in the Santa Ynez Valley on the first weekend of December.

Pubished May 3: The California Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that the student vaccine mandate (which included a personal belief exemption) will be delayed until at least the 2023-24 school year. According to the announcement, the earliest California would implement a vaccine requirement after full Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval would be July 1, 2023.

Solvang Park Gathering Celebrates Juneteenth

Published Nov. 15: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today took another step on the path to relicensing Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) to support California’s safe and reliable transition to a clean energy future. PG&E must obtain the necessary NRC licenses — as well as other required state regulatory approvals — to operate the plant’s two units beyond their current operating licenses, which expire in 2024 and 2025.

Cachuma Lake Announces Latest Trout Release for Holiday Season

Published Dec. 20:

Just in time for the holiday season, Cachuma Lake had another trout release. The second of four scheduled 4,000-pound rainbow trout releases for the 2022/2023 stocking season happened, with fish ranging in size from half-pound “catchables” to 8-pound trophies. The fish come from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms, Inc., in Paynes Creek, California.

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Solvang Ceremony

Honors Those Who Made 'Ultimate Sacrifice'

Published June 7:

Memorial Day Weekend was recognized with multiple events in and around Solvang, culminating in a ceremony, Monday, May 30, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The program was led by Alvin Salge, commander of VFW Post 7139 and retired USAF officer, and featured a speech by keynote speaker Col. Jessica Spitler, commander of the 30th Medical Group at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Brown, Salcido come out on top in June primary elections

Published June 21:

In a primary election sparsely attended by voters on June 7, two office holders in Santa Barbara County look to have earned reelection. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown, who was running for his fifth term, defeated his challenger, Sheriff's Lt. Juan Camarena.

In the race for Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools, incumbent Susan Salcido was elected to another term, defeating challenger Christy Lozano, a teacher in Santa Barbara County.

'Recovery' the theme in Buellton's State of the City

LIFESTYLE

Celebrating New Year’s, The Oldest of Humanity’s Holidays

HOLIDAY HISTORY

By John Copeland

Would you believe January was not always the first month of the year?

In terms of human history, celebrating New Year’s on Jan. 1 is a relatively new phenomenon. And yet, celebrating the start of the new year is, perhaps, the oldest of all humanity’s holidays.

Ancient Babylonian cuneiform clay tablets, discovered in Iraq and dated to 2000 BCE, are the earliest record of festivities celebrating the arrival of the new year. However, the Babylonian New Year began with the first visible crescent moon after the spring equinox. In ancient Babylon, the New Year festival, called Akitu, was celebrated for 12 days. The ancient cuneiform tablets reveal the Akitu was the most significant observance of the year.

Several other ancient cultures celebrated their New Year on other dates also tied to the seasons. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Persians began their New Year at the fall equinox, and the Greeks celebrated theirs on the winter solstice.

India and Iran celebrate their New Year in March. Ancient Hebrews celebrated the New Year in the fall at Rosh Hashanah, and today, Jews worldwide still continue this tradition. Ancient Celts and other northern European cultures celebrated their New Year beginning at dusk on Oct. 31. One quickly gets the idea that New Year’s is among the oldest and most persistent of human celebrations.

The various dates for New Years, begs the question: How did January become the first month on our calendar and the beginning of our New Year? As a day, Jan. 1 has no astronomical or agricultural significance for beginning the year. However, like many of our festivities that occur throughout the year, we can blame the Romans. In fact, the month of January did not even exist until around 700

BCE, when the second king of Rome, Numa Pontilius, added the months of January and February to the Roman calendar.

The month of January is associated with the god Janus. Janus was the one Roman god that has no Greek counterpart. In prayers, his name was evoked even before that of Jupiter. According to some worshipers, Janus was the custodian of the universe, but to the Romans, he was the god of beginnings and endings, presiding over every entrance and departure. Because every door or passageway looks in two directions, Janus is always depicted as two-headed; one face looks back into the past, the other peers forward to the future.

In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar reformed the Roman calendar, introducing a new, solar-based calendar that was a vast improvement over the previous Roman calendar, which over the years had become wildly inaccurate. The Julian calendar decreed that the new year would occur with Jan. 1. From that time on, within the Roman Empire, Jan. 1 was observed as start of the new year.

After Rome’s decline and Christianity’s spread through Europe, the church considered New Year’s celebrations to be pagan and un-Christian. In 567 CE, the Council of Tours abolished Jan. 1 as the beginning of the year. Throughout Medieval Christian Europe, the New Year was again celebrated on a variety of dates; Dec. 25, the birth of

Jesus; March 1; March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation; and Easter. Back then, there was no uniform calendar through most of the Middle Ages.

Then during the late 1500s, at the urging of Pope Gregory XII, Aloysius Lilus came up with a modification to the Julian calendar making it more accurate. Named the Gregorian calendar, after the pope, it is the calendar most of the world still follows today. The Gregorian calendar restored Jan. 1 as New Year’s Day. Although most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted by Protestant countries. The British, for example, did not adopt the Gregorian calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire, and the American colonies, still celebrated the new year in March.

For us in the Northern Hemisphere, January is a logical time for a new beginning. On the December solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, we experience the shortest day of the year. By the beginning of January, our days are lengthening again. This return of longer hours of daylight had a profound effect on cultures that were tied to agricultural cycles. It even exerts an emotional effect on people living in cities today.

I think the ancient Romans were on to something with Janus. As the god of new beginnings, gates and doors, the first hour of

the day, the first day of the month, and the first month of the year, Janus is a good symbol for starting the New Year. He looks forward to the future of the coming year and back in contemplation to the year just past.

This makes me think about New Year’s resolutions. Do you make them? It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s resolutions, and people all over the world have been making and breaking them ever since.

The Romans had a similar tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. A common resolution in ancient Rome was to ask forgiveness from enemies of the past year.

Early Christians believed the first day of the New Year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the New Year.

Whether or not our ancestors took their resolutions seriously and always achieved what they resolved to do is unknown. Today, when we make resolutions, we’re tapping into that ancient and powerful human longing for a fresh start.

And then there is putting the past year to rest.

Any regrets about the past year? To help focus on the future, write down your regrets on a scrap of paper and toss it in the fire. Janus, the two-faced god of the New Year, would approve!

Looking at the Economic Effects of Your Health

environment, as well as our own bodies. Happy economic times may be great for our financial stress levels and good times, but it can be a very negative situation when you take a moment to look deeper. For instance, let us look at our food consumption. Yes, in a good economy, we do tend to eat more — especially out.

GOOD MEDICINE

By Dr. Hyun K. Lee

The state of our economy seems to be on the forefront of most minds these days. It is clearly a difficult time for most people, but as in most events, positive can be found within a negative. In which case, let this be the first positive article you read on the economy today.

Think of the world situation as a financial yin and yang. If the economy is currently very yin, then it is a good time to find the yang within it, so to speak. So, let us look at the flipside.

In a good economy, it can be easy to “let yourself go.” By this, I mean that we tend to spend too much, purchase things we really don’t need, and forget that our greed and overconsumption has detrimental effects on the

Whether you’re just going out for a good time on a Saturday night or popping into some restaurant or fast-food establishment on your lunch hour, more food is taken in when you have more money to spend. In our society, doing so is considered a luxury; a sign of prosperity. It also happens to be very convenient.

Other things we spend more money on are processed and pre-packaged convenience foods. All of these “luxuries” are not good for your health. Within all these examples lie ingredients you would not automatically assume were there. Genetically modified ingredients and chemicals run rampant through modern foods. Over time, eating this way will cause you to have disease or other bothersome complaints, fat being at the top of that list.

Too much fat on the body is very taxing to your organs. It’s not just the stress you may feel on your joints or your lack of energy; it runs

much deeper than that. When your organs are not running the way they are meant to, you start to see complaints and disease as disease comes from a poor diet. Improving your diet, eating according to your constitutional needs, and losing fat will mean feeling great, having much more energy, emotional stability, less (or no) pain, and clean, healthy blood that feeds your organs to do their proper job and keep you healthy for a very long time.

Eating a constitutional diet helps digestion, reduces fat, and maintains health. Firmly adhering to a constitutional diet, for even one year, will eliminate most diseases and complaints you may suffer from naturally and without any medications.

To reiterate the four types with a sampling of their ideal foods: So Um In types do best with brown rice, spinach, potatoes, chicken, tomatoes, and mangoes; So Yang In types require barley, cabbage, cucumber, shellfish, shrimp, bananas, strawberries, and pork; Tae Um In types function best on white rice, carrots, radishes, apples, pears, and beef; and finally, Tae Yang In types, the ideal vegetarians, thrive on oatmeal, green leafy vegetables, green grapes, cherries, and shellfish. (For further information

on the four constitutional types, please read my past articles. To discover more foods ideal for your type, consult your Korean Constitutional Medicine practitioner.)

You can save a great deal of money by buying fresh (ideally organic and locally grown) foods and cooking them at home yourself. Packaging up your own homemade lunches to take with you to work or school is another way to save money and eat better. Food portions for all meals should be smaller, far less than what you would be served in a typical restaurant. Food should also be eaten on time daily, with breakfast being moderately sized, lunch being your largest meal, and a smaller dinner being eaten preferably before sunset (if your schedule allows).

Remember, a crisis economy can be an ideal time to get back to basics. Reorganize, reprioritize, and trim the fat in all manner of life. After all, what good is a better job that comes along if you’re not healthy enough to take it?

Dr. Lee’s office is located at 175 McMurray Road, Suite G, Buellton. The clinic is held every Wednesday only. Dr. Lee also has offices in Los Angeles, and Atascadero. To make an appointment in the Buellton office, call (805) 693-5162.

By Barbie Butz

January — the beginning of a new year and on an average, known to be the coldest month of the year. When I think about all the rich meals, all the holiday parties, and all the decadent desserts, I’m ready for a simple, warm bowl of soup.

Just picture yourself sitting by a cozy fire, sipping a delicious soup, served with a slice of fresh bread, and a glass of

The Season of Soup

your favorite wine. I love to make soups, so I watch for new recipes or scan through my cookbook collection in search of a new idea. I did just that for this January issue.

Mushroom Soup Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 large Vidalia onions, coarsely chopped

• 1 package (10 ounces cremini mushrooms

• 1 package (10 ounces) button mushrooms

• Kosher salt and black pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 6 to 10 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped

• 2 tablespoons sherry

• 4 cups beef broth

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and mushrooms and season well with salt and pepper. Cook vegetables, stirring often, until cooked down and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add butter and garlic and cook gently another 1 to 2 minutes. Add sherry to pan and stir to scrape up any bits stuck to bottom. Transfer sherry and vegetables into a slow cooker and add broth. Cover and cook on low 5 to 6 hours or on high 3 to 4 hours. Serves 4-6

Savory Leek Soup Ingredients:

• 4 medium leeks (white portion only), chopped

• ½ cup minced chives

• ½ cup butter

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with milk and butter)

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh savory or 2 teaspoons dried savory

• 3 cups half-and-half cream

• Salt and pepper to taste Directions:

In a large saucepan, saute leeks and chives in butter until tender. Add the broth, potatoes and savory; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes. Cool slightly. Process in batches in a blender or food processor until smooth; return to pan. Stir in cream, salt and pepper; heat through. Serves 8-10

Creamy Onion Soup

Ingredients:

• 8 medium onions, thinly

sliced

• 1/3 cup butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

• ½ cup milk

• 12 slices french bread (1inch thick), toasted

• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

In a large kettle or Dutch oven, saute onions in butter until tender. Sprinkle with flour, salt and pepper; cook and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, for 30 minutes. Combine sour cream and milk. Stir into soup; heat through (do not

boil). Place a slice of toasted bread in each soup bowl; ladle soup over bread. Sprinkle with cheese. Serves 12

Old Fashioned Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 quarts chicken broth

• 2 pounds dried split peas

• 1 cup chopped ham

• ½ cup chopped onion1/2 cup chopped celery

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons black pepper

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Cover; cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 6 hours; or until peas are soft. Mix with hand mixer or hand blender on low speed until smooth. Serves 8 Cheers!

TASTE OF AMERICANA

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

THURSDAY, JAN. 5

SOLVANG TOURISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE, 3:30 P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M. Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

MONDAY, JAN. 9

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30 P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

TUESDAY, JAN. 10

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 9 A.M.

At County Administration Building, Fourth Floor, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara

For more info: countyofsb.org

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11

LOS OLIVOS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, 6 P.M.

At St Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Stacy Hall, 2092 Nojoqui Ave, Los Olivos

For more info: www.losolivoscsd.com

THURSDAY, JAN. 12

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M. Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

TUESDAY, JAN. 17

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, 5:30 P.M.

At Board Room, Administration Office, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, 2975 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez.

For more info: syvuhsd.org

EVENTS

FRIDAY, JAN. 6

SOLVANG JULEFEST ANNUAL TREE BURN TRADITION, 5 TO 7 P.M.

The Solvang Tree Burn will be held at the

CALENDAR

Santa Ines Mission parking lot Jan. 6. The bonfire gives community members a chance to get rid of their Christmas trees, while also providing a training opportunity for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. There will be free live entertainment along with refreshments for purchase.

At Santa Ines Mission, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: info@mirabelleinn.com or call (805) 688-1703

FRIDAY, JAN. 13

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY CONCERT SERIES: LOS ANGELES REED QUINTET, 7 P.M.

LARQ consists of Claire Brazeau, oboe; Donald T. Foster, clarinet; Anthony Parnther, bassoon; Patrick Posey, saxophone; and Brian Walsh, bass clarinet. The group’s concerts feature music spanning hundreds of years from Baroque pieces to 21st century compositions. Their concerts bring audiences on a delightful musical journey.

At St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Epsicopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave. at Alamo Pintado Avenue, Los Olivos

For more info: https://www.smitv.org/ syv-concert-series

THURSDAY, JAN. 19

SBCEO EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT WE -

BINAR: YOUTH OPIOID & FENTANYL EPIDEMIC, 5 TO 6:30 P.M.

The Santa Barbara County Education Office invites the community to attend its first Education Spotlight — a series of community conversations on issues impacting children and youth in Santa Barbara County. This first Spotlight will focus on the opioid and fentanyl crisis that has led to increased rates of adolescent addiction, poisoning, and accidental overdose deaths. The event will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Webinar (with interpretation in Spanish, Mixteco, and ASL) and via YouTube Livestream.

Visit sbceo.org/edspotlight for registration information and to submit a question or comment in advance of the event.

ONGOING EVENTS

WEDNESDAYS

SOLVANG FARMERS MARKET, 2:30 TO 6 P.M.

Each week, the farmers in the marketplace

display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard. Seasonal diversity is available year-round rain or shine. Come. Shop. Socialize. Certified — the only way to buy! Join us in downtown Solvang every Wednesday on First Street, between Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Copenhagen Drive.

THURSDAYS

KING TRIVIA - PARC PLACE, 6 TO 7 P.M. Join the PARc Place plaza for Trivia night every Thursday! Think you have what it takes? Think you can compete? Prove it! Bring along some friends and experience King Trivia® for yourself. Don’t forget to browse through 9 shops for Wine, Cheese, Jewelry, Home Decor, and much more!

At PARc Place Building, 1623 Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: kingtrivia.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

ONGOING PICKLEBALL, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M.

Pickleball — part Ping-Pong, part badminton, lots of momentum — is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The games can be fast-paced and deliver a good workout. 2 person teams/or singles. All are welcome!

At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton

For more info: buelltonrec.com

DROP-IN ADULT BASKETBALL, YEAR ROUND, MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND

FRIDAYS 6 TO 7:15 A.M.

Start your day with a pick up game of basketball with friends.

At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton

For more info: buelltonrec.com

OPEN BASKETBALL, ONGOING, MONDAYS, 7:30 TO 9:30 P.M.

Start your day with a pick up game of basketball with friends.

At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton

For more info: buelltonrec.com

For info on these and other programs, go to buelltonrec.com

Solvang’s annual Julefest celebration officially ends with the Solvang Christmas Tree Burn in the Santa Ines Mission parking lot. Live entertainment and refreshments for purchase will be provided before the discarded tree are thrown into a bonfire. File photo