Santa Ynez Valley Star • August 1, 2023

Wine and art meld together in first Parc Place Art Show

INSIDE

Sports | 10 Chip Fenenga to return as Santa Ynez High School boys volleyball head coach

News Briefs 2

• Solvang State of the City 2023 set for Aug. 9

News

and commerce. However, on July 22 in the Parc Place shopping plaza in downtown Solvang, the two coexisted rather happily.

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Over the years, artists have been know to comment on the struggle between art

On that day and evening, the small center containing boutiques, wine-tasting rooms, and eateries was the site of the inaugural Parc Place Art Show, where local artists were paired off with businesses inside the plaza to show off their work and

mingle with art lovers, or even those looking for a pleasant summer gathering.

Georgina Latino, operator of the Sainte Marie, a clothing store in the plaza that sells items made with "heirloom textiles" organized the event.

"I am an artist, and I have a lot of artist friends, and I just feel that art is a good combination with the

wine and the cultural vibe we have here in Solvang," Latino said. "We combine the visual art with the wine, and have a chance to explore the local talent."

Latino also explained the concept of pairing an artist with a particular business.

"I think with anyone coming to Solvang, well, there's only so much

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

3

• Firm presents tourism marketing update to Solvang council

Arts/Nonprofits 12

• Buellton resident Ashley Jenkins keeps working to get SYV Children's Museum to opening

• Santa Ynez Chumash commit $150K matching grant to Lompoc Theatre Project, Pg. 14

Community 16

• Solvang resident receives national award for making a difference in care of most vulnerable

Lifestyles 19

• HOLIDAY HISTORY: August boasts the birth of the sandwich

• Paddle Out with 'POP!' for SB Maritime Museum, Pg. 21

Calendar 19

• Government meetings and events

Local artist Mintang Fitzpatrick (right) and Rebecca Schenck pose next to Fitzpatrick's painting displayed near McClellan Cellars during the inaugural Parc Place Art Show, held at the small shopping plaza on Mission Drive in Solvang.

Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

SOLVANG

Solvang State of the City 2023 program set for Aug. 9

The Solvang Chamber of Commerce will present the Solvang State of the City 2023, Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Craft House at Corque.

Solvang’s 2023 State of the City Address feature as keynote speaker California Honorable Assemblymember for the 37th District Gregg Hart. With a long history of fighting to increase educational opportunities, reduce poverty, prepare for emergencies, and support the health and safety of the people of California’s Central Coast, Hart has put the needs of Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County front and center in Sacramento?

The presentation will include topics such as water, sewers, and housing in Santa Barbara County. After the event, the community is invited to a meet and greet with Hart. It would also feature presentations from Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti and an introduction of Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy.

City of Solvang Community Cleanup scheduled for Aug. 19

Solvang residents, get rid of your household trash, scrap metal, green waste, wood and bulky waste the responsible way — and for free!

You can drop off your items at Public Parking Lot 4 on Oak Street from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Acceptable items include:

• Household trash (bagged or boxed, not loose)

• Green Waste (separated from trash)

• Wood (no treated wood, such as railroad ties)

• Scrap Metal (any motor needs to be free of gasoline or oil)

• Bulky Waste (unusable furniture, mattresses, large items, etc.)

Note: Event for residential customers only. Customers required to bring a picture I.D. and a WM Bill with matching address to participate.

Certain hazardous waste will be accepted during this event. Residents may dispose of household hazardous waste such as consumer batteries (taped ends), computer monitors (unbroken screens), televisions (unbroken screens), electronic waste, and appliances. These household hazardous waste items can also be taken to the Health Sanitation Service (HSS) located at 97 Commerce Drive in Buellton. HSS is open Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Questions? Please contact the City of Solvang (805) 688-5575

BUELLTON

Purple Heart and Gold Star barbecue scheduled for Aug. 5

A free barbecue will be held for everyone to commemorate Purple Heart and Gold Star families on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Avenue of the Flags in Buellton. The event is proudly sponsored by the Cloverlane Foundation and Santa Ynez Community Outreach, two organizations that help veterans and families. For more information, visit their websites (cloverlanefoundation.org and syvcommunityoutreach. org). Please come out and support this special event by honoring the fallen and their families and those who continue to serve to

protect our American freedoms.

SANTA YNEZ

Jason Figueroa named Elks Student of the Month for May

The Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge, in collaboration with Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, announced Jason Figueroa as the May Elks Student of the Month, the last one of the 2022-23 school year.

In Jason’s freshman year, he discovered OLA (Organization of Latin Americans) and he decided to take part in the many activities that the organization offers students. He did such things as volunteering to sell candy at football games, selling pies for end of the year trips and helping to set up events such as the Homecoming parade and the Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Jason loves music and took that talent to Mission Santa Ines by playing guitar at Sunday Masses for the past four years. He tries his best to help out where and whoever needs help.

In his junior year, Jason began working at two local restaurants, first as a polisher and then making his way up to busboy. That, with his school-related responsibilities, taught him the value of hard work and time management.

Jason will continue his education at Allan Hancock College with the goal of transferring to a four-year college or trade school. He plans to study automotive with the goal of becoming a mechanic specialist. He will also pursue his love of music by taking courses to become certified in sound engineering/music production.

Jason will be honored for his achievements by the Santa Ynez Valley Elks at an upcoming meeting, where he will receive $100.

Congratulations, Jason! We look forward to following your achievements in the future!

LOS OLIVOS

Los Olivos public restroom funding secured in county budget

Third District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann has announced substantial county funding to support an improved public restroom experience for visitors to Los Olivos. Nestled in an agricultural region specializing in world-class viticulture, Los Olivos sets high standards in the hospitality industry and is host to many award-winning wine-tasting rooms, restaurants featuring upscale cuisine, world-class lodging and hotel accommodations, and distinctive locally-owned small businesses. However, Los Olivos is designated as a “special problems” area by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and relies on septic systems limiting its capacity to offer public restrooms.

Supervisor Hartmann secured $75,000 per year for five years as a bridge until a more permanent sewer system solution might be implemented. The increase in funding will allow for the Los Olivos Chamber of Commerce to more regularly service and clean publicly available mobile toilet facilities so that tourists and visitors can have a more comfortable experience when visiting Los Olivos.

LOS ALAMOS

Author R. Lawson Gamble to speak at Los Alamos Senior Center

Los Alamos author R. Lawson Gamble will speak at the Los Alamos Senior Center on Thursday, Aug. 3, following the Pot Luck Supper, beginning at 6 p.m. Gamble has published 16 works of fiction and the pictorial history "Los Alamos Valley." He will present an author's viewpoint of fiction writing today, including his sources of inspiration, his character origins and development, formatting and publishing, cover creation,

Recently hired marketing firm gives first update to Solvang City Council

nia Environmental Quality Report on the local wastewater treatment plant, which they did in December.

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Nearly a month after being hired by the City of Solvang, the marketing firm Tom Jones & Associates gave its first Tourism Marketing update to the City Council during its Monday, July 24, meeting.

The hiring approval of the firm to a six-month contract for an amount not to succeed $108,000 came during the June 26 City Council meeting, with TJA's directive to work with Stiletto Marketing (PR and advertising) and Islett Agency (social media) to improve the city's tourism marketing strategy.

During the June 26 meeting, there were some concerns about hiring TJA when the city had already brought in Stilleto and Islett, but at the most recent meeting Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy, the de facto "marketing manager," assured the council that all parties were working together very well. TJA CEO John Sorgenfrei would echo that sentiment during the meeting.

Sorgenfrei would be the first to address the council, and told the council of the firm's first steps: Looking at the city's website, social media, and online newsletter.

Concerning the city's website, Sorgenfrei told the council that once they

got access to it, they found out that the site was "abandoned" by the platform it was installed on.

"All the software that was used for the website, which was installed in 2015, had not been updated," he said. "That was a good reason you weren't able to do a lot of stuff with it."

For instance, Sorgenfrei and his team realized that annual Solvang events like Danish Days and Julefest didn't have a presence on the site, so they decided to "try and fix the old website while starting to build a new one," and were able to get those events online.

Sorgenfrei also cited security issues in the city's social media accounts, and an email database that hadn't been reaching its subscribers "for a couple of years." However, the team was able to fix those issues going forward.

Sorgenfrei handed the presentation over to TJA Social Media Manager Claudia Torkelson, who was on Zoom. She reiterated the team's efforts to reintegrate two-factor security, and also reviving the city's accounts on social media platforms like CrowdRiff and Pinterest.

Torkelson also spoke of her efforts to establish a new platform for a city blog (to be embedded on the city website) and an email "blast" that had a 49 percent open rate, which she said was "extraordinarily well."

"All really great things there, and we're happy to have unlocked a lot of great things in the market for you," she said.

When time came for council questions, Councilmember Elizabeth Orona, whose professional background is in the IT and technology

industry, praised the 49 percent open rate on the email blast, a sentiment echoed by Sorgenfrei, who said "that was the highest I think we've seen."

Sorgenfrei went on to say that the team's efforts were making good progress, despite all the fixes in the city's website, and assured the council a new version of the website would come by the deadline.

In other council business:

The council unanimously passed a resolution to adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Solvang’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Water Quality Improvement Project.

Joe Gibson of Meridian Consultants made the presentation of the resolution from Zoom. He said the project needed to submit a Califor-

Gibson said they had three comment letters submitted (although two of them were the same letter, according to Gibson), all from the county's Air Pollution Control District, concerned about generator use.

Gibson said Meridian formulated a response saying they were working with the city to mitigate those issues.

Council approved the resolution by a 5-0 vote.

Council approved a contract with West Coast Arborists for City Wide On-Call Tree Services in the amount not to exceed $136,000 per year, for a total amount not to exceed $408,000 for the term July 24, 2023 to June 30, 2026.

Public Works Director Rodger

Olds said West Coast Arborists had handled the city's tree services for several years and recommended the contract be approved. Motion to approve passed 5-0.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Mark Infanti read a proclamation congratulating Sandy Mullen, a 27-year Solvang resident, on her appointment as executive director of the Elverhoj Museum. Mullen replaced Esther Jacobsen Bates, who retired after nearly 20 years with the museum.

Also, during his City Manager report, Murphy announced that Jenny McClurg has been named the new Parks and Rec director.

The next meeting for the Solvang City Council will be Monday, Aug. 14, at 6:30 p.m.

Tom Jones & Associates CEO John Sorgenfrei makes his Tourism Marketing presentation to the Solvang City Council during its meeting on Monday, July 24. Screenshot from Vimeo

his personal writing habits, and his research ranging from Native American culture and oral traditions to space-age technology. Following his brief presentation, Gamble will take questions regarding his books and writing in general, and many of his books will be available for sale and signing.

SANTA BARBARA

Santa Barbara News-Press stops publishing after owner declares bankruptcy

The Santa Barbara News-Press, one of California's oldest papers, announced Friday, July 21, it would stop publication immediately as parent company Ampersand Publishing, owned by Wendy McCaw, declared bankruptcy.

The Santa Barbara-based news website Noozhawk reported that News-Press Managing Editor Dave Mason broke the news to employees on July 21, writing "they ran out of money to pay us."

"They will issue final paychecks when the bankruptcy is approved in court,” Mason continued in the email.

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing by Ampersand Publishing, the parent company of the Santa Barbara News-Press, said it has assets of less than $50,000 and debts and estimated liabilities of between $1 million and $10 million, according to federal court records. A meeting of creditors, which number between 200 and 999, is scheduled for Sept. 7.

The News-Press was founded in 1855, and at its apex boasted a circulation of 45,000 while publishing seven days a week. In 2000, McCaw bought the paper from the New York Times Co.

McCaw's time as owner of the paper was a stormy one. In 2006, Editor Jerry Roberts, along with four other top editors and a columnists to protest moves made by McCaw that they felt undermined the integrity of the paper.

The newspaper stopped putting out a print edition this past June, two months after it departed its original building in downtown Santa Barbara for another facility in Goleta

LOMPOC

Picture this: Entries sought for annual Fall Art Show competition

The Lompoc Valley Art Association is sponsoring its annual Fall Art Show competition, to take place at the Cypress Gallery during the month of October.

It is a juried show, with cash prizes given for first, second, and third place. The community will act as judges. Visitors to the gallery will vote for their favorite pieces throughout the month of October. The winners will be announced at the show awards ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 29.

The competition is open to all Santa Barbara County artists, 18 years or older, with a variety of media accepted. All work must be appropriately mounted for display purposes. Please visit the Cypress Gallery to pick up the show prospectus and entry form, or contact us through our Facebook page to have it sent. The gathering of work will be held on Sept. 25. Share your artistic inclinations in this community event. Make time this summer for your art!

The Cypress Gallery is open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located in Olde Towne Lompoc on the corner of H Street and Cypress, at 119 E. Cypress Ave. Phone number is (805) 737-1129.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Back To School Health Fair Events coming in August

In recognizing and promoting National Health Center week, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is excited to present a series of Back to School Health Fair events hosted at three of its health care centers throughout the county.

The series of health fairs will be at the Santa Maria Health Care Center at 2115 Centerpointe Parkway, Santa Maria, on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Santa Barbara Health Care Center at 345 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and at Lompoc Health Care Center at 301 North R St, Lompoc, on Thursday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In the 2022 Santa Barbara County Community Health Needs Assessment, four in 10 adults delayed or did not get medical care they felt they needed in the past year. Regularly seeing a medical provider is important to discuss health concerns, get screened for cancer and other diseases, and get scheduled vaccines to prevent illnesses. Especially for children, talking to a medical provider is essential to help track growth and development. The CDC and World Health Organization estimated that 40 million children missed their measles vaccinations in 2021.

Children in California, per state law, are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools as well as licensed child-care centers. Now more than ever, it is important to make sure your family gets routine medical care and are up-to-date on all recommended vaccines.

The “Back to School Health Fair” events

NAME: ADDRESS:

CITY/STATE/ZIP:

TELEPHONE:

EMAIL:

CREDIT CARD:

EXPIRATION/CCV:

SIGNATURE:

will provide free information on how to stay healthy, conduct free health screenings (i.e., blood pressure and sports physicals), and offer free or low cost COVID and Mpox immunizations. Open to all Santa Barbara County community members, including families and individuals with no insurance. Staff will be on site to link families to medical insurance and other resources that they may be eligible, which they can then follow-up with a provider in their community.

The health fairs will feature many of our partners (based on location) offering information on their services and resources, including CenCal, Cottage Health, Family Service Agency, First 5, Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVCHO), Mixteco Indigena Project (MICOP), Santa Barbara County Behavior Wellness, Santa Barbara County Promotores Network, and so many more. The events will also feature food trucks, a variety of prizes (including gift cards, backpacks, bike helmets, etc.) and a presentation of speeches from our local elected officials and leaders.

Follow the County Public Health Department on Twitter: @SBCPublicHealth; Facebook: @SBCountyPublicHealth; and Instagram: @SBCPublicHealth.

“As the Public Health Department, we want to improve the health of our county by preventing disease, ensuring access to needed health care, and promoting wellness and health equity," said Public Health Director Mouhanad Hammami. "So, our health fairs intend to help the families in Santa Barbara County by raising awareness of health risks, demonstrating healthy habits, and promoting available resources that family can access.”

For more information, call: (805) 6815102 or visit: www.countyofsb.org/phdBody

District Court OKs Forest Service project to protect Los Padres' Reyes Peak

SOLVANG — The Reyes Peak (aka Pine Mountain) Forest Health Project on Los Padres National Forest’s Ojai and Mt. Pinos Ranger Districts was cleared to proceed after U.S. District Court Judge John Walter ruled against lawsuits brought by Los Padres Forestwatch and other parties. The court affirmed that the proposed thinning and fuels reduction work is consistent with law and Forest Service regulation and issued a decision in favor of the Forest.

The Reyes Peak Forest Health Project will protect an area that is at risk due to overstocking and the devastating impacts of disease and insect infestation. The project lays within a federally designated Insect and Disease Treatment Area where declining forest

health conditions have put the area at risk for substantial tree mortality over the next 15 years. The primary goal of the project is to reduce tree densities and promote forest resilience to insect and disease, persistent drought, and wildfire. To address these threats, professional forest managers will selectively thin specific areas across 755 acres that extend along Pine Mountain between State Highway 33 and Reyes Peak in Ventura County.

The project will reduce hazardous surface, ladder, and crown fuels, and include prescribed fire, piling and burning. Treating these areas will reduce competition, improve the health of the remaining trees, and increase the overall average stand diameter. Trees between the 24-inch and 64-inch diameter would be retained unless they pose a safety risk.

This project aligns with the U.S. Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which combines a historic investment of congressional funding with years of scientific re-

search and planning to dramatically increase the scale and pace of forest health treatments over the next decade. As part of this strategy, the agency will work with states, counties, tribes, and other partners to address wildfire risks to critical infrastructure, protect communities, and make forests more resilient.

“We are in a wildfire crisis and must take immediate action to protect our forests in

Southern California,” said Los Padres Forest Supervisor Chris Stubbs. “Let me be clear — this is not a commercial logging project. We are trying to save the remaining trees on Reyes Peak from the devastating effects of a stand-replacing wildfire.”

For more information about Los Padres National Forest, please visit our public website at www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf.

Thinning, fuels reductions work aimed to help area at risk for overstocking and infestation

Staff

A citrus threat is contained in state but caution urged

By Lisa McEwen

The gravest threat to America’s citrus industry — huanglongbing, also known as a citrus greening disease — arrived in Florida in 2005. Spread by the invasive Asian citrus psyllid, the crop plague has since devastated that state’s citrus production.

But in California, where the psyllid was first detected in 2008 and the first huanglongbing, or HLB, infection was found in a residential tree in 2012, no commercial citrus grove has been infected.

Officials credit an intensive psyllid detection and eradication program, industry-wide awareness and mitigation tools, as well as the Golden State’s climate, for warding off spread of the disease.

Still, Tulare County citrus farmer Jim Gorden looks with trepidation at what he calls the “psyllid pasture” of the Los Angeles Basin. More than 5,000 residential citrus trees have tested positive in the region, the majority in Orange County, with other detections in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.

“Once the psyllid is established in an urban landscape, there’s not much you can do,” Gorden said. “The urban landscape is our big risk. I tell people we must be truly arrogant if we think we can control this thing in such a vast and diverse landscape.”

Gorden, a pest management pioneer, is one of the original organizers of the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program committee. Part of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the CPDPP is tasked with protecting the state’s $7 billion citrus industry, which employs 22,000 people.

If the psyllid and the disease became established in California, it would wreak havoc on the nation’s leading supplier of fresh oranges, lemons and mandarins. Citrus crops cover nearly 292,000 acres from the desert, coast and the San Joaquin Valley, where the vast majority of California’s citrus is grown.

On March 23, after new residential tree infections in Riverside County in February, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross declared that the Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening disease “pose a significant, clear and imminent threat” to agriculture and the environment.

In Florida, citrus production since 2005 has dropped 90 percent from 150 million boxes to an expected 16 million in 2023, according to a market brief from the American Farm Bureau Federation. The number of citrus growers

plunged 62 percent and a fraction of juice processors remain in business.

“There is heightened awareness of the severity of what could happen,” said Casey Creamer, president of the trade association California Citrus Mutual. “The early predictions were dire, and we initially thought that HLB would be in commercial groves by now. But programs and procedures are in place to protect the industry.”

There is no cure for the disease. HLB causes small, misshapen, bitter fruit and is always lethal to the tree. The fruit retains the green color at the navel end of the orange when mature, which is the reason for the name citrus greening disease.

Gorden said controlling psyllid populations is key to controlling HLB. “It’s truly a gargantuan effort to try to control this insect and this disease that it carries,” he said. “But we’ve so far done a better job than anyone else has.”

Much of that prevention fight has focused on keeping psyllids from becoming established in the San Joaquin Valley. The effort is helped by the psyllid’s inability to survive the valley’s heat and the natural buffer that is the coastal range. Psyllids are unable to fly higher than 3,500 feet. To prevent them from hitching a ride during transport, growers tarp loads on the way to the packinghouse.

Nick Hill, a grower in Tulare and Fresno counties, said growers are the first line of defense. “We must keep growers mindful of this problem, especially here in the San Joaquin Valley,” he said. “If something does happen, we must mobilize quickly. It’s tough to pull out trees, that’s the ugly side of this thing. If we want to save the industry, we’ve got to stay on top of it.”

As a grower of mandarins, navels and lemons, Hill said he is careful to follow guidelines, such as cleaning equipment when moving from one field to the next and removing stem and leaf residue from bins.

“Growers must stay at the top of their game, and I know the costs that can bring on. It’s hard to swallow,” he said.

Florida’s misfortune is not an advantage for California growers because Florida’s crop is mainly for juice while much of California’s citrus fruit is sold as fresh.

“We can’t afford to grow for the juice market,” Creamer said, noting the higher production costs in the state. Because of its tropical climate, which happens to be a year-round breeding ground for the psyllid, Florida can’t grow anything else. “It’s not like California, where our growers can switch to another commodity,” he said.

But California researchers, growers and industry leaders are learning from Florida’s experiences, banding together to fund research into short and long-term solutions to HLB, including breeding disease-resistant citrus varieties.

In December, Congress approved $1 million to establish a citrus breeding program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service field station in Parlier. The funding will be re-appropriated annually.

Additionally, the House Appropriations Committee provided an additional $1 million in federal funding for the Parlier program in June.

The program is an expansion of the existing USDA citrus breeding program in Florida. It will identify new varieties that are best

suited for changing climatic pressures such as drought, consumer taste preferences, and resistance to pests and diseases such as HLB.

The Florida and California breeding programs, along with the efforts of the citrus breeding program at the University of California, Riverside, are working together on behalf of the industry.

The 2023 federal budget also included funding for the Citrus Health Response Program, which supplements industry and state funding for on-the-ground efforts aimed at preventing the spread of HLB, and continued funding for the Huanglongbing Multi-Agency Coordination group, which funds research programs aimed at identifying short-term solutions to HLB.

“Florida is our living laboratory for research,” said Victoria Hornbaker, who directs California’s citrus protection program. “We are all in agreement that resistant varieties are as close we can come to a solution. It is a way to buy time for scientists to find a cure.”

Kevin Ball is a grower in Ventura County, which is now under quarantine for psyllid presence.

He said growers are feeling the pinch of spray costs, as three area-wide treatments are encouraged annually that kill a variety of pests, including the psyllid. In addition to the 7 cents per carton assessment growers pay to help fund the CPDPP, growers also must absorb extra costs of covering fruit loads with tarps during transportation. If a psyllid is located in a nearby orchard, additional sprays are mandated.

“It’s expensive all the way around,” he said. “Last year and this year, citrus prices have not been very good, and it’s having an effect on a lot of growers.”

He said no psyllids have been found in the area since November.

“But they’ll be back. We’ll be ready for it and really take advantage of opportunities to knock them back in order to stay in business,” Ball Said. “Growers who want to stay in business see it’s in their own self-interest to do their part to keep the bug out of our groves. You don’t want to be ‘Patient Zero’ with HLB.”

Despite California’s success to date, Ball said growers can’t become complacent.

“We haven’t won anything yet,” he said. “We must keep HLB out of commercial groves long enough for us to have effective tools to eliminate the disease. We’re fighting for time until we get that magic bullet.”

A truck in a Tulare County citrus grove is tarped to prevent hitchhiking Asian citrus psyllids.

Photo/Courtesy Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program

Santa Barbara County releases 2022 Agricultural Crop Production Report

Strawberries remain top crop, cauliflower climbs to second

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office released its 2022 Agricultural Crop Production Report on July 26. This statistical report summarizes the acreage, production, and gross value of Santa Barbara County agriculture.

Agriculture continues to be Santa Barbara County’s largest producing industry with a gross production value of $1,930,445,000. This is an increase of 5.1 percent when compared with the 2021 figure.

It is important to note that the values represented in this report reflect gross value of agricultural commodities grown in Santa Barbara County, and does not consider costs associated with labor, planting, irrigation, and distribution among other production activities.

The combination of increases in strawberry acreage and yield resulted in the

continuation of strawberries to remain as the top county crop with a gross value of $810,923,000, an increase of $10,347,000 from 2021. Cauliflower moved to the 2nd most valuable crop at $96,657,000, followed closely by wine grapes at the third spot at $96,334,000, although wine grapes saw a decrease in value of 8.4 percent.

Cauliflower became the top vegetable crop for 2022. Demand for the vegetable has increased since the pandemic and with the rise in popularity of riced cauliflower and cauliflower products. The weather remained ideal during the growing season and growers reported good prices and crop volume with good size and color.

The Nursery category saw a decrease of 20 percent to $95,318,000 to place it as the 4th most valuable category as it continues to face labor shortages, foreign competition and alternative uses for greenhouses.

Livestock, Apiary, Field, and Seeds crops all saw an increase of 8.7 percent, 9.1 percent, and 8.5 percent respectively.

“This year’s Crop Production Report highlights the work and many years of

service Cathy Fisher provided as Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Director," said Agricultural Commissioner Jose Chang. "Her commitment to custom -

er service and collaboration is one to be commended.”

The 2022 report, as well as other reports since 1916, can be found online at countyofsb.org/469/Crop-Reports.

Trays of strawberries are shown for sale during the weekly Solvang farmers market on July 26. Strawberries remained the top crop in Santa Barbara County in 2022, according to the yearly report released on July 26.

Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

Staff

BLM proposal could limit public land uses

The coalition further pointed out that Congress did not authorize elevating conservation activities as a “use” covered by FLPMA.

By Ching Lee California Farm Bureau Federation

CALIFORNIA — Ranchers, foresters and others who use public lands have urged the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a proposed rule they fear would radically restrict activities such as grazing and timber harvesting in favor of conservation as the predominant land management priority.

If the rule is implemented in its current form, agricultural users of public lands say it would have wide-ranging impacts on rural businesses and communities, with unintended consequences on the more than 245 million acres of public lands — located primarily in 12 western states — that BLM manages.

Those who hold permits on federal lands also say they were blindsided by the proposal, which the U.S. Department of the Interior unveiled in late March with no stakeholder discussion or advance notice that it was developing the rule. The public was initially given 75 days to comment on the proposed BLM Conservation and Landscape Health rule, but the department later extended the deadline to July 5.

Now that the department is reviewing stakeholder comments, opponents of the proposed rule say they hope their concerns will send BLM back to the drawing board.

The department said the proposed plan is meant to address a current gap in BLM regulations that “directly promote conservation efforts for all resources … so that conservation is applied more broadly across the landscape to all program areas.” It characterized the proposal as a tool for BLM to respond to pressures from climate change, including wildfires, droughts and severe storms across the West.

The proposed rule includes three major changes to how public lands are currently managed: It would add conservation as a land-use category and allow BLM to issue conservation leases for “restoration or land enhancement” or for mitigation. It would also expand the identification and designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. In addition, it would apply land health standards

to all BLM-managed lands; currently, BLM only uses those standards to evaluate grazing permits.

BLM said the proposal does not change its multiple-use mandate, adding that grazing, timber, mining, energy development, recreation and other uses will continue. The agency also maintains that the proposed rule “does not elevate conservation above other uses” but rather puts conservation “on an equal footing with other uses.”

Furthermore, it said conservation leases would “generally be a compatible use” with grazing allotments that meet land health standards and that the new rule would allow ranchers with grazing permits opportunities to enter into a conservation lease to improve land health.

But Modoc County rancher Sean Curtis, who also works as the county’s planning director, said BLM’s proposal does not address how it would manage conflicting goals. For example, he said he wondered what would happen if an environmental group wanted to fence off a piece of ground for restoration but the same ground already had a grazing permit on it.

“How do you facilitate that?” he asked. “You’re creating a conflict there that doesn’t exist today.”

BLM acknowledged that uses deemed incompatible with conservation activities would not be allowed during the term of a conservation lease, though it’s unclear if those lands

would then be available for other uses after the lease ends. Under the proposal, conservation leases could be extended after an initial maximum term of 10 years.

Opponents of the proposed rule point out that historically, federal lands that have been designated for conservation protections largely are not managed for other purposes. They say they’re concerned that if BLM were to issue conservation leases or expand designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern to large swaths of land, that activities such as grazing and logging would be prohibited on those lands indefinitely.

In a letter to the Department of the Interior, a coalition of agricultural groups, including the California Farm Bureau, said BLM defines conservation so broadly throughout the proposed rule that it establishes internal conflict with other programs and creates unnecessary conflict among users of public lands.

“The proposed rule clearly contemplates, and the agency has confirmed, that the compatibility assessment under the proposed conservation leasing system will necessarily require the agency to pick winners and losers in the existing land management structure,” the groups said.

The coalition also voiced objections to BLM’s attempt to create new uses of public lands under the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act, or FLPMA. Congress, not BLM, the groups said, has primary authority to manage and create uses on public lands.

“There are red flags both in policy and process from BLM,” said American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.

BLM held five public meetings on the proposed rule, two of which were virtual, including in California. In a letter to BLM, California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson called the sessions “deficient” because “they lacked meaningful dialogue,” noting that BLM could not answer many questions related to the rule’s implementation.

Johansson’s letter urged BLM to scrap the proposed rule and start over, “this time engaging with stakeholders in a forum that would promote open dialogue.”

Legislation has been introduced in the House requiring BLM to withdraw the rule. H.R. 3397 would also prevent BLM from issuing a similar rule in the future. An identical bill, SB 1435, was introduced in the Senate.

Rancher Curtis, who also serves as president of Modoc County Farm Bureau, said BLM’s proposals are of such magnitude that they should be vetted through an environmental impact statement rather than introduced as simply a rule change. He said the proposed changes could have significant economic, social and cultural impacts in rural communities such as Modoc County, which relies heavily on public lands for grazing and forestry activities.

“It’s a big deal,” he said. “We’re surrounded by the forest. It’s an integral part of our local economic stability. Our economy is dependent to a great extent on the decisions that the agencies make on how they manage their ground, or in some cases the decisions they don’t make.”

If the proposed rule is adopted, it is widely expected that BLM will face legal challenges. By creating conflict between multiple uses and among existing statutes, the agricultural coalition in its letter said BLM “has proposed a system where litigation is inevitable.”

Conflicts that could arise between conservation lease holders and other permittees would certainly result in litigation, Curtis said. He noted several attorneys general from western states have already said they would sue.

If BLM chooses not to withdraw the rule, he said, “at least stop the process and have some additional discussion.”

Farmers oppose BLM proposal fearing unintended consequences on rural communities

Chip Fenenga to return as Santa Ynez High School boys volleyball head coach

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

To fill its boys volleyball head coach position, Santa Ynez High School has turned to a familiar name.

On Friday, July 21, The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Board of Trustees approved Chip Fenenga as boys volleyball head coach.

Fenenga founded the boys volleyball program at SYHS in 1992 and led teams to jaw-dropping levels of success. The Pirates won seven CIF Southern Sec -

tion titles and made the finals 10 times. The program qualified for the playoffs 29 years in a row and set CIF records with 19 consecutive league championships, 208 straight league wins and four straight CIF-SS titles.

“I couldn’t think of a more qualified person to lead the volleyball program than Chip Fenenga," said SYHS Athletic Director Josh McClurg. "I am also happy to be working with him again. Chip became kind of a professional mentor to me when I first started teaching and coaching at SYHS. I have always respected his coaching style, his ability to connect with his players, get the most out of all of his teams, and his passion for the sport. If you talked to any of his ex-players they will all reiterate the exact same thing.”

Fenenga also coached girls volleyball at Santa Ynez and won a total of 30 league championships across both sports. His boys teams won 75 percent of their matches, with him reaching 476 wins as head coach. The Pirates were named the mythical national champions by Volleyball Monthly.

On the boys side, Fenenga produced 18 NCAA Division I players, four NCAA National Players of the Year, and three U.S. Olympians.

He coached girls volleyball for 10 seasons and made the CIF playoffs all 10 years, winning seven Los Padres League titles. Fenenga went 199-86 coaching girls volleyball, and his teams reached the CIF semifinals twice and the quarterfinals six times. His teams produced six NCAA Di -

vision I players.

Chip was named California Coach of the Year in 1988 and was inducted into the CIF Southern Section Hall of Fame in 2020.

Fenenga founded the boys volleyball program in 1992, and led the Pirates to seven CIF titles in his first stint

Then-Santa Ynez High girls volleyball coach Chip Fenenga is shown on the sidelines with his team during the 2020 season. Fenenga will return to coach the boys volleyball team in 2024, returning to the program he founded in 1992. Star File

Photo

Chip Fenenga Head Coach

Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum offers fun and learning activities

regulations would be, called the property owner, and met with officials of the City of Solvang to see if I could get access to the property.”

By Pamela Dozois Contributing

The Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum was the brainchild of Buellton resident Ashley Jenkins. No stranger to outdoor activities, she has 28 years of experience in the field of outdoor education. She had not once thought about creating a children’s museum until one day when she was driving in town.

“I was driving through Solvang and we passed by an empty bank building and I got this instant download of exactly what a child’s museum would look like in that spot,” said Jenkins. “I pictured a splash pad water feature where a river could run, all the benches where the parents would sit, I even pictured a pneumatic tube where kids could send messages from the inside to the outside. I immediately went home and researched what a children’s museum would look like, how to build one, what the city

With a budget in hand, Jenkins met with people from the city and researched what it would look like to build in that particular spot.

“My original hope was to build some place very visible and be of service to all the tourists who come into town,” she explained. “While that location had some of those advantages, it wasn’t going to be easy to acquire that property.”

Jenkins took a year off to have a baby, and then decided to incorporate. In the middle of the pandemic, she submitted Articles of Incorporation to become a nonprofit and she said she was surprised that it was approved in under two weeks.

When she heard that the city acquired the Willemsen property she went to every single town hall meeting, exploring possibilities for the property. It quickly became apparent that this was the perfect location for the children’s museum she had envisioned.

“As I drafted a proposal for us using this

property, I met with the mayor and all the City Council members to get their point of view and the mayor, at the time, Holly Sierra, said, ‘You need to ask for more space for kids to play,’” continued Jenkins. “We ended up asking for and receiving, with unanimous council support, approximately one acre of land.”

“The city of Buellton has been incredibly supportive of the Children’s Museum,” said Jenkins. “They are excited to bring another service and another family-friendly attraction to the Valley.”

There are great plans in the works, including in the first phase a fairyland garden with a tea garden and wishing well; a music zone with instruments where children can create their own music; a water feature with a gazebo, which rains periodically, which feeds into a realistic river-way that kids can splash in and climb through with life-size animal footprints where kids can study authentic animal tracks.

“The mud kitchen was the first exhibit to be built and we just installed our kid-friendly water feature, thanks to Jon Reyes at Buellton Handyman,” explained Jenkins. “We’re looking forward to getting

our dirt zone finished by August or September. We’re getting a custom-built mud table by Cloacina in Arroyo Grande, who are also donating some cool toys made out

Ashley Jenkins is shown on a walk on Figueroa Mountain. Jenkins has 28 years of experience in the field of outdoor education and is working to make the Santa Ynez Valley Children's Museum on the Willemsen property a reality. Contributed Photo

Writer

Buellton resident Ashley Jenkins keeps working to get her brainchild closer to opening

of stainless steel which will be very durable. After the dirt zone, the next thing we are developing is our organic sensory garden where every plant will be touchable, edible, medicinal, a feel good, smell good, and taste good experience where kids can learn where their food comes from.”

As things develop, Jenkins can look forward to a starting date.

“We plan on opening when our phase one exhibits are complete, so depending on donations, we are expecting to open in 2025,” she said. “Once we’re open and have our legs under us, we’ll start fundraising for phase two which will include developing the lower half of the property which will include hill slides, climbing structures, forts, and shady walking pathways. When we’ve opened it will be for four or five days a week so we can host the public and school groups, which will be geared from ages 0-12.

“We also plan on opening an after-school club-based program for pre-teens and teens,” she continued. “Older teens will be able to come on staff to work as volunteers and we are working with the Buellton and Solvang senior centers to involve seniors in our program as well. We want to be of service to all ages and demographics in the Valley, which is the main reason, when I was developing this idea, that we needed a home base where families and schools could visit several times throughout the year that would be easily accessible.”

At present the Children’s Museum is offering Discovery Days, monthly programs during the summer that are free and open to the public. The next Discovery Day will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 26, and will feature all kinds of sensory painting activities including water-gun painting, and making paint out of shaving cream.

“We had 120 kids for our first Discovery Days event in June where we made mosaics and over 90 people made fairy doors at our July event, so join us in August for some outrageously fun painting activities,” said Jenkins. “Most of the art projects are process-based art which is a lot less about the end result and a lot more about how much fun the kids have while doing it.”

“Our mission is to provide educational, outdoor play for children in our community and beyond. Our priority is to build a strong foundation. Our timeline is such that we’re building in concert with the city as they develop the whole property and our ability to build this facility quickly is dependent on the donations and funding we receive from the community,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins has had a great deal of experience in the field of outdoor education, ropes courses, team-building with several different companies in the Santa Barbara and San Diego areas. She ran the ropes course also called the Challenge Course, at Alisal Ranch, Camp Whittier, University of San Diego, and was the Challenge

Course director for four years at UCSD. While working at Acorn Village in the Valley she said she could see how much kids could learn from being outdoors and how easily learning comes to them in an outdoor setting. She is the mother of three boys, ages 4, 6, and 8 and has “a wonderfully supportive husband.”

“The community has been so supportive,” said Jenkins. “There has not been one person who thinks that this is a bad idea. It’s been a joy working with the Buellton

City Council. They are really making serving children and the community a priority.”

You can donate on the museum website syvchildrenmuseum.com using the Donation button or visit their Amazon Wishlist to see some of their current needs. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram @SYVchildrensmuseum.

The Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum is located at 202 Dairyland Road, Buellton. For more information email syvchildren@gmail.com

Kids are shown at play at the Discovery Days event in July at the Willemsen property in Buellton. Discovery Days are currently a monthly event at the museum, with the next one being Saturday, Aug. 26. Contributed Photos

ARTS & NONPROFITS

Santa Ynez Chumash commit $150K matching grant to Lompoc Theatre Project

Group hopes to restore, reopen downtown venue by the time it hits 100th birthday in 2027

Staff Report

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation has announced a $150,000 matching-grant commitment to the Lompoc Theatre Project, which aims to restore and revitalize the city’s nearly 100-year-old venue.

The Lompoc Theatre has sat dormant since 1991, but the nonprofit group behind the restoration project has a fundraising campaign in place with a plan to ultimately reopen the facility near its 100th birthday in 2027 and bring movies, concerts, live performances, and more back to the venue. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has committed to a dollar-for-dollar match up to $150,000 raised by the Lompoc Theatre Project.

“This is a project that can revitalize that stretch of downtown Lompoc and become a hub for entertainment in the area,” said

Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “We are proud to support efforts that foster community enrichment through the arts and have the potential to bring together people from diverse backgrounds.”

The Lompoc Theatre, located in the heart of Lompoc near the corner of Ocean Avenue and H Street, showed its last film and closed in 1991. In April 2012, Mark Herrier, the executive director of the Lompoc Theatre Project, and a 13-member Board of Directors became the fourth group to attempt to bring the once prominent facility back to life.

“It’s going to change lives,” Herrier said. “This theater was the pride and joy of this town; I get emotional. People were so proud of it. Slowly but surely, it has come to represent a Lompoc that has fallen on hard times. The hard-working people who live here do much of the heavy lifting that benefits the entire county, but they don’t have a single entertainment center of their own. This empty theater has been a symbol of the decline — now it will become the engine for its renaissance.”

The current project is in its second of three phases, with the committee’s sights set on finishing phase two in June 2025, when it reaches a $3 million fundraising milestone, which will allow the group to host a 99-person audience.

The final phase of the project is slated to be complete in 2027, just shy of Lompoc Theatre’s 100th birthday, when the committee aims to reach its $10 million fundraising mark. Once this final phase is complete, the theater will be able to welcome guests through its front doors and host a full audience, as it did when the doors were first opened in 1927.

“We will continue to do movies, and we will be recreating Saturday matinees for this new generation of kids,” Herrier said.

In addition to showing movies, the plan is to host live music, concerts, stand-up comedy, salsa dancing, cultural events, political debates, holiday parties, public forums, art and film festivals, and Spanish language movie nights.

“There will be something for every single person in town,” Herrier said. “Lompoc is proudly the most diverse community in

Santa Barbara County, and that diversity will be represented in our programming. The kids in town will feel like this is their stage.”

Between now and the theater’s 2027 reopening goal, there are major interior and exterior restoration projects planned, including roofing, structural, foundational, seating, painting, flooring, walls, electrical system, lighting, fire sprinklers, a resurfaced parking lot, a retrofitted basement, and more.

“Our first year of fundraising we made $4,000,” Herrier said. “Where we are now with this grant from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is game-changing.”

To learn more about this project and make a donation, email info@lompoctheatre.org or visit lompoctheatre.org/fundraising.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $25 million to hundreds of groups, organizations and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. To find out more about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and its giving programs, visit www.santaynezchumash.org.

The marquee still stands at the Lompoc Theatre in downtown Lompoc. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation announced a $150,000 matching-grant commitment to help restore the nearly 100-year-old venue. (Right) Some old theater seats sit near the stage of the Lompoc Theatre in the city's downtown. The Lompoc Theatre Project was formed in 2012 and aims to refurbish and reopen the theater for movies and live events. Contributed Photos

Three appointed to Solvang Theaterfest Board of Directors

Kevin McConnell and Percy Sales of Buellton, and Jen Jones of Solvang joined the Solvang Theaterfest Board of Directors.

McConnell, a graduate of Santa Ynez High School, moved to Solvang in 1971 when his father was hired as the administrator of the Solvang Lutheran Home (now Atterdag Village). He attended Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara City College, and received a BA in theology from the International Theological Seminary in Van Nuys.

After operating a freight delivery service in Buellton and Los Angeles for several years, McConnell received an electronic technician certificate and currently operates SYV Computer Center as a repair technician. He has served on the homeowners association board at Rancho De Maria, chaired the City of Buellton Planning Commission, and also served on the board for Atterdag Village and Bethania Lutheran Church council.

Sales is a Santa Barbara-based wedding planner and event designer with over 25 years of experience in wedding and event planning. He was a corporate event planner for 11 years in the publishing and technology sectors before establishing his own company, Percy Sales Events. He is known for his modern and romantic designs with just enough quirk to make it truly memorable. Percy has also been with UC Santa

Barbara since 2004, where he has been the Senior Director, Development and Foundation Events since 2006.

Sales holds a BA in business administration and an MBA with a focus in marketing. He currently is a consultant for various area nonprofits for their fundraising events. He is an advocate for marriage equality, cancer research, and children’s organizations.

Jones is self-employed as the rental property manager for the Jones Family, managing multiple single family homes

from renovation to renting. She has a BS in political science from Cal State Northridge and was the co-owner of Jones Ridge Ranch and Vineyard in Paso Robles. She worked at the nonprofit organization Direct Relief in Santa Barbara for two years as its events coordinator where she managed a million-dollar charity event in 2018 in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Vintners Association. Prior to that she spent eight years in the aerospace industry in Los Angeles.

Jones loves to travel, read and be out -

doors. Her strengths are communication, logistics, and planning. She and her husband recently relocated with their golden retriever to the Santa Ynez Valley after 25 years in Santa Barbara. She is a former triathlete and an avid snow skier.

Solvang Theaterfest is the 501 (C ) (3) nonprofit corporation that owns and operates Solvang Festival Theater. It is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. For more information, contact Solvang Theaterfest Executive Director Scott Coe at exec.director@solvangtheaterfest.org .

Kevin McConnell, Percy Sales, and Jen Jones all have ties to the Santa Ynez Valley

Staff Report

(From left) Jen Jones, Percy Sales, and Kevin McConnell are the newest members of the Solvang Theaterfest Board of Directors. Contributed Photos

Solvang resident receives national award for making a difference in care of most vulnerable

CenCal

Health’s Ana Stenersen recognized as advocate, leader for Whole Child Program

Staff Report

SANTA BARBARA — Solvang resident and CenCal Health employee Ana Stenersen will receive the 14th annual Making a Difference award from the Washington, D.C.based Association for Community Affiliated Plans(ACAP). Throughout her 25-year career in nursing and healthcare administration, Stenersen has been committed to addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals — 21 of those years have been devoted to serving children and youth with debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, cerebral palsy, and hemophilia.

ACAP is the national trade organization that represents not-for-profit Safety Net Health Plans; CenCal Health is a member.

“Ms. Stenersen’s passion exemplifies what the Making a Difference Award is all about,” said Enrique Martinez-Vidal, ACAP vice president for quality and operations. “Addressing the social determinants of health is a key priority of ACAP’s and has been at the forefront of Ms. Stenersen’s work at CenCal Health. Her dedication to helping patients and improving the quality of care of thousands is why we honor her today.”

This summer, ACAP will present Stenersen with a commemorative plaque and $1,000 to be distributed to the charities of her choice. Stenersen has selected St. Jude Children’s Research

Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children to each receive $500.

As the Medi-Cal health plan that works with local providers to deliver health care services, CenCal Health serves one in four residents of Santa Barbara County and one in five residents of San Luis Obispo County. Almost half of the Medi-Cal members in the two-county service area are children.

“Promoting access to pediatric care for young, disenfranchised community members is a calling that has defined the course of Ana’s career,” said CenCal Health CEO Marina Owen. “Her specialty in this discipline began over two decades ago, and has fueled the successful implementation of programs for other county health agencies, including Santa Barbara, and, since 2017, for CenCal Health.”

Stenersen’s career began in 1998 as a registered nurse at the intensive care unit of Redlands Community Hospital, where she worked with critically ill patients, their families, and caregivers to determine the best options for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. As charge nurse, she achieved successful unit leadership and led by example, training other nurses to provide quality, compassionate nursing for patients admitted into one of the most critically functioning environments of the hospital.

In 2002, eager to more fully support vulnerable children and their families, Stenersen began a position at San Bernardino County Public Health Department as a Public Health Nurse Care Manager for the California Children’s Services Program (CCS). CCS is a state pro-

gram that provides access to healthcare services for children up to 21 years old who have certain physical and chronic health conditions or diseases. Stenersen managed a caseload of approximately 500 pediatric clients who required seamless and comprehensive care management.

There, she performed intricate care coordination between doctors, specialists, case managers, and social service providers. She often served as the voice for CCS families who did not have the tools to advocate for themselves. Stenersen also regularly supported families in addressing the social determinants of health affecting a child’s well-being, including providing housing resources and access to other support services.

Stenersen relocated to Santa Barbara County in 2008 to oversee CCS services, followed by a move to CenCal Health in 2017 to establish the Whole Child Model Program, a pilot project created to increase care coordination by moving responsibilities from CCS to health plans. With Stenersen’s guidance, CenCal Health became one of five health plans in California to assume CCS responsibilities, simplifying healthcare navigation for members eligible for CCS services. The program offered a single point-of-contact for health services and case management, including primary care, preventive care, transportation, and more.

In January 2023, Stenersen was promoted to associate director in the Utilization Management Division of CenCal Health, where service and support is provided to the health plan’s most vulnerable members — children and

NAME: ADDRESS:

adults living with complex, often incapacitating medical conditions. Understanding that behind each case is an individual whose well-being depends on access to timely medical care, Stenersen ensures that her 45-person team provides proper and prompt reviews of proposed medical procedures. Her responsibilities include delivering guidance to medical providers and members related to treatment requests and authorizations; serving as liaison to providers and other agencies to ensure exemplary care coordination; and offering swift resolution of issues affecting vulnerable beneficiaries and their families.

“For the thousands of patients, members, and families Ana has served over time, her support has extended beyond the traditional walls of healthcare to address the complex social factors and life circumstances that affect wellness,” said Owen. “For CenCal Health, Ana embodies the health plan’s mission by improving the health of its diverse membership and advancing health equity both inside and outside the clinical setting.”

Get Santa Ynez Valley Star delivered directly to you.

Your subscription will begin with the first issue after payment received and continue for one year.To subscribe, email amberly@ santaynezvalleystar.com, visit us online at santaynezvalleystar.com, or fill out the provided form to the right and mail to: PO Box 1594, Solvang, CA 93463

CITY/STATE/ZIP:

TELEPHONE:

EMAIL:

CREDIT CARD:

EXPIRATION/CCV:

SIGNATURE:

Ana Stenersen

Santa Barbara Zoo opens new Ranger Station, connecting visitors with nature

Attraction offers mini trails, local animals and plant life, and other various interactive experiences Staff Report

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Zoo has announced the opening of its newest experiential space, the Ranger Station. Located across from the Verandah overlooking the Australian Walkabout, the Ranger Station is now officially open to the public.

Designed to foster a deeper connection to nature, the Ranger Station offers activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Included with regular zoo admission or membership, guests can explore mini trails, spot local animals and plant life, and engage in various interactive experiences.

"The Zoo’s new Ranger Station represents our commitment to environmental education and fostering a love for nature," shared JJ McLeod, director of education at the Santa Bar-

bara Zoo. "We believe that by providing these immersive experiences, we can inspire a new generation of conservationists and create lasting connections between people and wildlife."

At the Ranger Station, guests can learn about National Parks, outdoor spaces, camping etiquette, and the importance of "leaving no trace" to preserve nature for future generations. Rotating activities like building birdhouses and learning how to set up tents and store food, and understanding how far away you should stay from animals to keep them safe all provide opportunities for visitors of all abilities to deepen their understanding of the natural world.

Whether visiting with family or friends, or with a school or group, the Ranger Station offers a fun adventure filled with learning and outdoor discovery. Come and experience the wonders of the natural world at the Santa Barbara Zoo's new Ranger Station! For more information about the Zoo’s attractions, visit https://www.sbzoo.org/visit-the-santa-barbara-zoo/attractions/..

About the Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m.; general admission is $25 for adults, $15 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Parking is $11. The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and

Aquariums (AZA). AZA zoos are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great visitor experience, and a better future for all living things. With more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and is the public’s link to helping animals in their native habitats. Visit www.sbzoo.org.

The church will be showcasing a number of its ministries, as well as, hosting its CHILI COOK-OFF CONTEST!

To round out the festivities, the church will be having an electric bull for the adults, and a bounce house for the kids!

The Santa Barbara Zoo's new Ranger Station features rotating activities like building birdhouses and learning how to set up tents and store food, among others. Contributed Photo

Brooks and Kate Firestone among the honorees for 7th Annual Granada Theatre Legends Gala

SANTA BARBARA — The Granada Theatre has announced that the 7th Annual Granada Theatre Legends Gala will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16, with two wellknown Santa Ynez Valley residents among the honorees.

This year, theater will honor legends and Santa Ynez Valley residents Brooks and Kate Firestone (philanthropists), along with the Ensemble Theatre Company at the New Vic (cultural institution), and noted author and actress Fannie Flagg (artist).

This annual event is one of Santa Barbara’s most highly anticipated evenings and features inspiring honorees, extraordinary talent, and dedicated patrons of the arts all in one place to support Santa Barbara’s performing arts community.

The Legends Gala honors individuals and organizations that have illuminated and advanced the arts in a significant way.

“It’s a tremendous honor to celebrate Brooks and Kate Firestone, Fannie Flagg and Ensemble Theatre Company tonight, who are all remarkable in their own way, and have left an indelible mark on the arts, not just here in Santa Barbara, but around the world,” shared Palmer Jackson, Jr., chairman of the Granada Theatre Board. “Their contributions have not only enriched our lives, but have forged a legacy and remind us of the transformative power of the arts.”

The Legends Gala celebrates the region’s rich culture of arts and philanthropy with an extraordinary evening on the stage of The Granada Theatre, dazzling entertainment from many of the theater’s talented resident companies, and an awards ceremony that pays tribute to the honorees.

Philanthropy Legends Brooks and Kate Firestone first met in 1956 at the stage door of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. Kate was a dancer with the English Royal Ballet and, according to Brooks, it was love at first sight. Two years later, they married, and began a life together, now in its 65th

year, dedicated to family and community.

Brooks’ grandfather was Harvey Firestone, a farm boy who founded the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, made industrial history, and grew a fortune. After 12 years of working in the Firestone Tire Company, Brooks and his family moved to the Santa Ynez Valley to found the Firestone Vineyard, the first winery in the area and an inspiration for a now world renowned wine region. During his vineyard career, Brooks served as a Santa Barbara County Supervisor and member of the California State Assembly. Kate turned her focus to supporting Direct Relief in Santa Barbara during its infancy. Their active community involvement and longtime philanthropic support led the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation to honor them its 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The event also honors Artistic Legend Fannie Flagg. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Flagg was writing and producing television specials by the age of 19, and in short order, she wrote for and appeared on "Candid Camera." She is also a best-selling fiction author with "Daisy Fay and the Mir-

acle Man," "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe," and "Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!" among her works.

In 1975 Flagg was living in Los Angeles when a friend suggested joining her for a drive up to Santa Barbara for lunch. “It was so charming and pretty,” Fannie later said, and she bought a “little house” on Willina Lane, in the Montecito hedgerows, and moved in. She's lived in Montecito ever since.

Honored by the Granada as a Legendary Cultural Institution is the Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara, which began as the Ensemble Theatre Project in 1978 under the direction of Joseph Hanreddy.

For the first three years, plays were performed at Trinity Episcopal Church. In 1981, ETC made the 140-seat Alhecama Theatre its home for more than 25 years.

Beginning in 2009, ETC undertook a $12.6 million renovation of the Victoria Hall Theater. It opened its new 300-seat home, the New Vic, in 2013. The New Vic has become a venue for dance, music, film, and lectures.

ETC, which became an Equity theater in 1989, is Santa Barbara’s sole profession-

al theater company. The company, which presents five plays per season, has produced several American and West Coast premieres, and has garnered numerous awards over the years.

The 2023 Legends Gala is co-chaired by Anne Smith Towbes and Merryl Snow Zegar, and supported by a dynamic committee including Leslie Bains, Meg Burnham, Brooks Firestone, Audrey Hillman Fisher, Marc Normand Gelinas, Erin Graffy de Garcia, Susan Gulbransen, Deirdre Hade Arntz, Gretchen Lieff, and Joan Rutkowski.

The Granada Theatre has played a vital role in developing Santa Barbara’s thriving music and performing arts landscape for more than 90 years. All proceeds from the Legends Gala will help to ensure that this state-of-the-art venue continues to actively engage the community through diverse live performances and programming.

For more information please contact Jill Seltzer, Vice President for Advancement, 805-899-3000 x 130 or jseltzer@granadasb. org. For more information, please visit www. granadasb.org.

Author/actress Fannie Flagg and the Ensemble Theatre Company will also be recognized at Sept. 16 event in Santa Barbara Staff Report

(Left photo) Santa Ynez Valley residents Brooks and Kate Firestone will be honored as Philanthropy Legends at the Granada Theatre Legends Gala on Sept. 16. (Right photo) Montecito resident Fannie Flagg, an award-winning actress, screenwriter, and author, will be honored as an Artist Legend at the Granada Theatre Legends Gala on Sept. 16. Contributed Photo

August boasts the birth of the sandwich

day to August meant that July, August, and September would all have 31 days. So to avoid three long months in a row, the lengths of the last four months were switched around, giving us 30 days in September, April, June, and November.

HOLIDAY HISTORY

by John Copeland

Most of my friends and colleagues know I am a custodian of a host of little-known facts about the months of the year, holiday traditions and some celebrations that, over time, have been forgotten. And you know what, in that respect, August is a bit unique, most of the time. In a standard year, no other month that begins on the same day of the week as August. However, in a leap year, August begins on the same day of the week as February.

In the northern hemisphere, August is considered to be the last month of summer. In the southern hemisphere, it’s the opposite of course, so it’s the last month of winter.

Like July, August is named for a real person: Julius Caesar’s grandnephew Gaius Octavius Thurinus. When he became the first emperor of the Roman Empire, Octavius changed his name to Augustus. The Roman Senate decided that like Caesar, Augustus should honored by having a month named after him. The month Sextillus (Sixth) was chosen for Augustus.

Not only did the Senate name the month after Augustus, but they also decided that since Julius's month, July, had 31 days, Augustus's month should too. Under Rome’s Julian calendar, the months alternated evenly between 30 and 31 days (with the exception of February), which made August 30 days long. August was lengthened to 31 days, preventing anyone from claiming that Emperor Augustus had an inferior month.

To accommodate this change, two calendrical adjustments were necessary:

1. The extra day needed to lengthen August was taken from February, which originally had 29 days (30 in a leap year), February was reduced to 28 days (29 in a leap year).

2. Since the months evenly alternated between 30 and 31 days, adding the extra

In the past, I’ve written that August is the only month without a “real” holiday. That is not quite correct. Aug. 1 marks the day in 1291 of the founding of the Swiss Confederation. Three cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden formed a historic alliance around which the Switzerland of today was built over the next 500 years.

On Aug. 1, men from these three cantons swore an eternal allegiance to one another, promising mutual help and assistance. The alliance was mainly formed against the Habsburgs, who were striving to strengthen their position in the strategic region leading to the Gotthard Pass at the time.

Since 1891, Aug. 1 has been celebrated exclusively within the communities; a radio or television broadcast by the president of the Swiss Confederation is the only exception to this esteemed federal principle. Communal celebrations comprise solemn words spoken by a prominent public figure from political or cultural life, accompanied by a concert or choir, gymnastic presentations, and the community singing the national anthem.

Certainly, a lot of things have also happened in August. It was a fateful month for the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed on Aug. 24, 79 A.D., by Mount Vesuvius.

World War I started in August 1914. Iraq invaded Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990. It is also the month that atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the month Anne Frank was arrested, the month the first income tax was collected. But there is an event that occurred in August that changed dining forever. It was the Earl of Sandwich’s invention of the food item that would bear his name.

The Earl of Sandwich sounds like a mythical figure from British folklore, but he is, in fact, a very real person: John Montagu. He was born in 1718. He succeeded his grandfather as the Earl of Sandwich in 1729. During his life, he held various military and political offices. He also was a bit of a rake.

For several years, Sandwich had as a mistress Fanny Murray, but he eventually

married Dorothy Fane, by whom he had a son, John, Viscount Hinchingbrooke, who would eventually succeed him as the fifth Earl. The modern sandwich is named after the fifth Earl of Sandwich, but the exact circumstances of its invention and original use are still the subject of debate.

According to legend, Sandwich was a very dedicated gambler. The Earl did not take the time to have a meal during his long hours playing at the card table. Consequently, he would ask his servants to bring him slices of meat between two slices of bread, a habit that became well-known among his gambling friends. Other people, according to this account, began to order "the same as

Sandwich,” and the "sandwich" was born.

Historians agree that the then Earl of Sandwich was associated with the food term “sandwich,” which became fashionable in England around this time. In 1762, author and historian Edward Gibbon wrote in a diary entry that he observed “Twenty or thirty, perhaps, of the first men in the kingdom, in point of fashion and fortune, supping at little tables covered with a napkin, in the middle of a coffee-room, upon a bit of cold meat, or a sandwich, and drinking a glass of punch.”

So the next time you enjoy a sandwich, you can thank the Earl for his culinary contribution to our culture.

The 4th Earl of Sandwich. by Thomas Gainsborough

Immune system serves as your body's ‘bouncers’

tem that is at work when we recall that we can only get the chicken pox once in life. We may come into contact with the chicken pox virus numerous times, but these smart cells recognize them and keep them from entering and affecting our systems. This clever defense works constantly, not just for the chicken pox, but for everything you come into contact with. Think of your body as a party, and this line of defense is the bouncer, checking invitations and only letting in those invited to the festivities.

By Dr. Hyun K. Lee

The immune system is a fascinating thing. It is probably one of the most important, yet overlooked functions in the body. It is strong, smart, and savvy and works to ensure that we have a long and healthy life — provided we take good care of it.

When someone thinks about their immune system, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is probably cold and flu season, as it is the time when we pay it the most attention. Actually, our immune system is constantly at work, doing far more than just waiting around for seasons of illness.

Korean Constitutional Medicine believes that blood is life. It gives life, protects, defends, and supports our bodies, circulating nutrients, bodily essentials, and housing our immune system. From the moment we are born, our immune system begins protecting our bodies from all the millions of particles that we encounter every day. In the beginning, provided that you have had a good start to life with nothing to inhibit your immune system, it works in a strong and efficient manner keeping your body healthy. The trouble is that over time, its function begins to slow or become a bit misguided.

Within our immune function is a system of education; cells that are trained to recognize what is good and what is bad based on past contact with these particles. It is the sys-

The bouncer’s work can be difficult though, for the uninvited can be a tricky bunch. They can mutate into unrecognizable guests, essentially making fake invitations to fool your body’s inner bouncer into giving it entrance. When situations like this arise, the blood analyzes this new visitor and decides whether it is friend or foe, and if foe, the immune system kicks out or kills the unwanted visitor. If your body opts to kill the visitor, this is a state of sickness, and all your symptoms occur in an effort to remove the enemy. Fever tries to burn out the enemy, coughing tries to expel it, and sneezing and running noses attempt to exit it with your body’s “flooding” system. While you may be somewhat in agony or at least discomfort during this time, it is important to remember that, if possible, riding out this time is really better than medicating it away. By shutting these systems down, your body will need to work harder to exterminate the enemy, which can lengthen the duration of the fight. It really is best to let your body’s natural elimination functions work to eradicate the problem itself.

But colds, flu, and viruses aside, what happens when your body’s bouncer gets a bit confused as to who is invited and who isn’t? When this happens, it is your education system becoming a bit misguided. In these times, your body starts to react negatively to things that really aren’t negative particles. This is the true definition of allergies and arthritis. You

may not really have a problem with the pollen or dust in the air, but because misinformed, your body thinks you do, and it starts overreacting, which leaves you sneezing the days away.

It is the same with arthritis, only instead of outside particles confusing the bouncer, it is elements inside the body and the fighting leaves you with pain and stiffness.

Our amazing immune system also works to keep cancer from forming within our bodies. While we’ve always got cancer cells floating around inside of us, our immune system keeps them from forming into masses. When cancer cells are allowed to form together due to a weak immune system, they become stronger, as there is always strength in numbers, and overpowers your immune functions. Of course, as we know, there is a downward spiral from there.

In order to keep this brilliant system functioning at its highest levels, we must ensure that our intake is ideal. Good intake makes good clean blood, which makes a well-functioning immune system. If your system is already quite weakened, some extra assistance might be needed (acupuncture and constitutional herbs) to help rebuild your weakened organ function so that it can process nutrients to make strong blood.

Remember, as always, good intake equals health in all regards. Ideal intake and exercise result in ideal bodily function. The longer you adhere to this principle, the longer and happier your life will be. To your health!

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. To make an appointment in the Buellton office, call (805) 693-5162.

Paddle Out with ‘POP!’ for SB Maritime Museum

Annual event returns to Leadbetter Beach

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is pleased to announce the return of its annual Paddle Out Party (POP!), which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10 at Leadbetter Beach.

With great food, cool music, activities for kids, and a paddle out featuring every kind of person-propelled craft, the funfilled day is not to be missed! Participate in the Paddle Out by registering as an individual or by creating or joining a team. Registrants may enter in one of five categories — swimmer, surfboard, stand-up paddle board, kayak/canoe, or dory/rowboat. Teams can include up to five individual registrants. The friendly, rewarding competition will help SBMM raise funds via participants’ personal networks while also providing the opportunity to receive prizes.

Register as an individual or create or join a team here: https://bit.ly/SBMM_

POP_2023

“Join us for a gathering of the water tribe to show gratitude and raise funds for our beautiful SB Maritime Museum,” said event Co-Chair, SBMM Board Member, and 1977 World Champion Surfer Shaun Tomson. “Grab a surfboard, kayak, SUP, canoe, bikini, or speedo — grab anything that floats — and join us on an awesome paddle out to uplift and

inspire the community. I am super-stoked to be a part of this initiative to celebrate Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and our rich ocean heritage.”

The experience of paddling out is symbolic of the ocean bringing people together while honoring an individual. For SBMM, paddling out is a celebration of the museum’s commitment to the connections we all share with our oceans and the underwater world. It is an opportunity to bring the community together as we work to preserve and steward Santa Barbara’s natural environment and rich maritime history.

“Our local ocean, enclosed by the rugged Channel Islands, brings us unique and fascinating history, and bestows endless opportunity,” said event Co-Chair Kristin Larson. “I love the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum because it gives our community a home-base to learn about and celebrate this rich culture — from the tiniest bit of zooplankton to the mightiest sailing vessels; from hardhat divers exploring its depths to keepers of its lighthouses. SBMM is a vital hub, and it is my privilege to help spearhead this wonderful community engagement event. We have many ‘seaprizes’ in store for you! You will not want to miss this ‘flagship’ event!”

Funds raised allow the museum to showcase exciting exhibitions, provide for hands-on educational experiences; and build community through gatherings and events — all while highlighting 13,000 years of maritime history — from

Chumash culture to today’s surfing and environmental movements. Visit our Paddle-Out Party (POP!) event page often (https://bit.ly/SBMM_ POP_2023). We will be revealing fun new details about POP! on a rolling basis, including prizes you can win, the day’s entertainment, kids' activities, and

other beach fun as wide as the ocean itself!

The Paddle Out Party is generously sponsored by George and Judy Writer, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Chuck and Mary Wilson, Hiroko Benko, Tim and Louise Casey, John and Tracie Doordan, and Suzi Sheller.

Staff Report

SBMM Board Member, event Co-Chair, and 1977 World Champion Surfer Shaun Tomson (third from right) is shown with participants at last year’s Paddle Out Party. Photo Courtesy of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

PARC PLACE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

wine they can drink," she said. "I feel like bringing some great art that they can look at and be inspired by, and possibly take home — it adds some culture to the tourism experience.

"The idea was for everyone to taste wine, have some food, and hop from shop to shop. That was my vision."

The artists displaying their work in the plaza included Chris Di Pego, Finnegan Rynehart, Frenses Perey Rule, Leanne Laine, Marie Najera, Michelle Feldman, Minting Fitzpatrick, and Rachelle Witt.

The participating businesses were Alma Rosa Winery, Cailloux Cheese Shop, Cordon Winery, Dascomb Cellars, Heritage Goods & Supplies, McClain Cellars, SAINTE MARIE, Rowan Leigh Boutique, and Via Gelateria.

Michelle Feldman, a local resident who used to own a stationery store in Solvang, had a table set up in front of the Alma Rosa Winery tasting room with examples of her oil painting, which she calls her "current passion." She was impressed by the event.

"I think the best thing is the energy, with the DJ, and the diversity of the art," Feldman said. "A lot of times you think of the Santa Ynez/Santa Barbara art as traditional, like landscapes; I think it's nice to see other things that are happening with artists."

Another artist nearby, Mingtin Fitzpatrick of Santa Ynez, showed off his colorful paintings that are inspired by and show a Central Coast staple: winegrapes.

"It's an homage to a combination of surreal and abstract wine art," Fitzpatrick said. "I'm just trying to stretch the boundaries of wine art."

And it all starts with the

fruit, according to Fitzpatrick.

"I've been photographing in our local vineyards for, like, 20 years," he said. "So I love grapes, I'm really into grapes, and I show that in my work."

Elizabeth Devine, manager of McClellan Cellars, said that establishment had long been able to meld art with its business, and she requested to be paired with Fitzpatrick for this event.

"We're very into art; most of our labels are commissioned art from California artists," she said. "Our owner is really into art, so when we were given this opportunity, I really thought [Fitzpatrick's] art was most representative of our brand, because it was multi-colored and very avante-garde. I loved it!"

Devine said the show was very good for business.

"We were swamped this morning," she said. "We in a little bit of a lull, which is to be expected before dinner,

but we expect for it to pick up again. It's a good thing to have this, we've always supported local art and hope to keep it going."

Adding to the atmosphere was the ambient music from DJ Taylor Widel, while Danny's Pizza Co., a mobile pizza maker brought its food truck to serve tasty pie with names like Straight Outta Naples and Don't Mess with a Sicilian (and yes, that last one was inspired by "The Princess Bride.")

With the inaugural art show in full swing, Latino was already looking ahead

to a future for the event.

"I would like to see this show grow, to where we can make it an annual thing," she said. "And make it to where the Santa Ynez Valley can become a contemporary art destination."

Parc Place is located at 1623 Mission Drive in Solvang, with Via Gelateria and Heritage Goods & Supplies visible from the street.

To see the works of some of the show's participating artists:

• Finnegan Rynehart: finnigenrynehart.com; @

finnigenrynehart on Instagram

• Frenses Perey Rule: @ fioribyfrenses on Instagram

• Leanne Lane: leannelainefineart.com; leannelanefineart on Facebook

• Marie Najera: marienajera.com; marie_najera on Instagram

• Michelle Feldman: michellejuliet.com; @michellejuliet on Instagram

• Mingtang Fitzpatrick: mintang.com; @mintangart on Instagram

• Rachelle Witt: @chelles_ bridal_blog on Instagram

Michelle Feldman displays her oil paintings July 22 in front of Alma Rosa Winery during the inaugural Parc Place Art Show in Solvang. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

DJ Taylor Widel provided plenty of smooth tunes, and bubbles, at the Parc Place Art Show in Solvang on July 22.

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

THURSDAY, AUG. 3

BUELLTON PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M.

At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

Solvang Tourism Advisory Committee, 3:30 p.m.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

MONDAY, AUG. 7

SOLVANG PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9

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, AUG. 10

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M.

At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

MONDAY, AUG. 14

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30

P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

TUESDAY, AUG. 15

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, 5:30

P.M.

At Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Administrative Building, 2975 East Highway 246 Santa Ynez

For more info: syvuhsd.org

EVENTS

FRIDAY, AUG. 4

GALLERY LOS OLIVOS: “INSPIRED BY LIGHT” ARTISTS RECEPTION

Gallery Los Olivos is hosting a captivat -

CALENDAR

ing exhibit by Carrie Givens and Karen McGaw from Aug. 1-31, and will be available in a Meet the Artists event Friday, Aug. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. These artists unite their distinct styles in works that depict California’s Central Coast landscapes and fauna. Through their masterful use of their mediums — pastel, watercolor and oil — Karen and Carrie breathe life into their subjects.

At Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos Get more info at gallerylosolivos.com.

SUNDAY, AUG. 6

At Craft House at Corque, 420 Alisal Road, Solvang

ONGOING

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS STORYTIME AT SOLVANG LIBRARY, 10:30 A.M., TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS

Join us indoors on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Come to enjoy songs, stories, movement, and a warm welcome. Please make a reservation at www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/ goleta-valley-library

At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: Solvang Library (805) 688-4214

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

AUG. 2: Unfinished Business. Band leader Ed Miller spent years as an FBI agent, but what he always wanted to do was play rock 'n' roll. After seeing The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show" as an 11-year-old, he begged his parents for an electric guitar and practiced, practiced, practiced.

AUG. 9: Nataly Lola & Ghost Monster. Nataly’s full band GhostMonster has been featured at many local concert series, including the headlining band at the infamous Wildflower Triathlon, which draws over 35,000 athletes and spectators. Her band has also been chosen to headline for huge local events such as the Solvang, Atascadero, and Santa Maria summer concert series.

SPORTS & RECREATION

THE

BLUE BREEZE BAND, 3 TO 5 P.M.

The Blue Breeze Band brings you Motown, R&B, soul, funk, and contemporary hits. Amazing vocals with rich harmony, a phenomenal rhythm section with extraordinary horns all working together to ensure that your day is filled with funky soul and rhythms that make your body move! This is part of the Music in the Garden series.

At Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang

For tickets and info: app.arts-people.com/ index.php?show=164701

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9

SOLVANG STATE OF THE CITY, 11:30 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.

Solvang’s 2023 State of the City Address features keynote speaker, California Honorable Assemblymember for the 37th District Gregg Hart. With a long history of fighting to increase educational opportunities, reduce poverty, prepare for emergencies, and support the health and safety of the people of California’s Central Coast, Assemblymember Hart has put the needs of Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County front and center in Sacramento.

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.

WINE WEDNESDAYS IN BUELLTON, 4 TO 8 P.M.

Please join us for an evening out with family fun for all in Buellton, hosted by Esfuerzo Wines and The Birria Boyz. This event will take place each Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Each week we will have guest food vendors, live music and much more to be announced. We hope to see you there!

At 140 Industrial Way, Buellton

For more info: info@esfuerzowine.com

SOLVANG MUSIC IN THE PARK, 5 TO 8 P.M.

This summer music series will feature weekly family-friendly concerts from 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday at the Solvang Park gazebo, located at the corner of Mission Drive and First Street. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and family and friends. Presented by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce.

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

TAKE A TOUR TODAY at bhhscalifornia.com

Laura

Laura

Laura

Laura

Mathew

Patrick

Karin

5699 HAPPY CANYON RD, SANTA YNEZ Barns + pastures; ±160 acres

$19,995,000 Brett Ellingsberg, 805.729.4334 LIC# 01029715

4695 ESTELLE VINEYARD DR, SANTA YNEZ ±117 acres • $4,500,000 Kerry Mormann & Associates,

LIC# 00598625

3730 ROBLAR AVE, SANTA YNEZ 4BD/6BA • $3,395,000 Brett Ellingsberg, 805.729.4334 LIC# 01029715

1261 LADAN DR, SOLVANG 4BD/4BA • $3,950,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580 2557 WILD OAK RD, LOMPOC 2BD/2BA • $2,500,000 Kerry Mormann & Associates, 805.682.3242 LIC# 00598625

1867 RINGSTED DR, SOLVANG 3BD/2½BA; ±1.14 acres • $1,899,000 Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

STAGECOACH RD, SANTA BARBARA ±20 acres • $1,200,000 Nina Stormo, 805.729.4754 LIC# 01341678

MATTEI RD, SANTA YNEZ ±5 acres • $1,550,000

Nina Stormo, 805.729.4754 LIC# 01341678

630 MAIN ST, LOS ALAMOS 3BD/2½BA • $1,195,000

Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

281 VALLEY STATION CIR, BUELLTON 3BD/2BA • $1,135,000

Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

2220 HILL HAVEN RD#A, SOLVANG ±1 acres • $875,000

Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

780 SHAW ST, LOS ALAMOS 3BD/2BA • $995,000

Drammer, 805.448.7500 LIC# 01209580

3822 CELESTIAL WY, LOMPOC 4BD/3BA • $850,000

Raab, 805.705.5486 LIC# 02063526

966 DIAMOND DR, SANTA MARIA 3BD/2BA • $800,000

Rodriguez, 805.310.2053 LIC# 01377250

330 W HIGHWAY 246 #199, BUELLTON 2BD/2BA • $315,000 Brenda Cloud, 805.901.1156 LIC# 01772551

330 W HIGHWAY 246 #109, BUELLTON 2BD/2BA • $273,000

Aitken, 805.252.1205 LIC# 00882496