Santa Ynez Valley Star • January 2, 2024

JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

TOP TEN JANUARY STORMS ROAR THROUGH CENTRAL COAST ROCK LEGEND, SYV RESIDENT DAVID CROSBY DIES SOLVANG COUNCIL DENIES, THEN TEMPORARILY ALLOWS, PRIDE BANNERS ESTHER JACOBSEN BATES RETIRES AS ELVERHOJ MUSEUM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SOLVANG SELECTS NEW CITY MANAGER SYHS EDUCATOR NAMED COUNTY, THEN STATE, TEACHER OF THE YEAR FENENGA RETURNS AS SYHS BOYS VOLLEYBALL COACH SYHS STADIUM RENAMED IN HONOR OF CARL AND JEFF RIO VIKINGS OF SOLVANG HOLD INAUGURAL CLASSIC CAR SHOW SYHS BOYS, GIRLS GOLF TEAMS WIN CIF CHAMPIONSHIPS

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SANTA YNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

Santa Ynez Valley Year In Review By the Santa Ynez Valley Star Editorial Board

INSIDE

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anta Ynez Valley, like everyone else, is prepared to complete another trip around the sun, but while we like to look forward, we also enjoy looking back to reflect. In the SYV we began by saying goodbye to a rock 'n' roll legend, David Crosby, who lived in the area, and we end it seemingly with some more wet weather. Of course, we hope it doesn't do the damage that the storms that came earlier. In between, Extreme flooding from storms caused the cancellation of the Solvang Tree Burn in January 2023. there were happenings expected and This year’s Tree Burn is set for Friday, Jan. 5. Contributed Photo unexpected. However, we did get to bered by many in the Valley for his enjoy our back-to-annual events like friendship and philanthropic efforts Danish Days, Julefest, and a new subin the area. stitute for the Wheels 'n' Windmills car show in the Viking Car Show in Solvang.

Here’s a roundup of the news in our pages throughout 2023:

Disruptive storm rolls through Santa Ynez Valley

Published Jan. 17: The second huge storm within a week came through Santa Ynez Valley starting late Sunday, Jan. 8, and continuing through Monday, Jan. 9, causing road closures, school and business closures, and shelter-inplace orders and evacuations due to the resultant flooding. The resulting flooding near the Santa Ines Mission caused the cancellation of the annual Solvang tree burn in early January.

Local residents remember, say farewell to David Crosby

Published Feb. 7: The velvet and harmonious voice of David Crosby, Local youths show off their who was a founding member of two wares in inaugural Jr. highly influential bands of the 1960s, Entrepreuner Fair in Solvang was silenced when he passed away on Published Feb. 7: Several local Jan. 18 at his home at the age of 81 youths got to practice a little free after a long illness. Crosby, a Santa enterprise on Jan. 20 at the Solvang Ynez Valley resident, was rememCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Spotlight | Pg. 14 Solvang skateboard competition held at Hans Christian Andersen Park News . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 2 • Buellton, Solvang mayors give their visions for cities in 2024 News Briefs . . . . . . . . . Pg. 8 • Santa Ynez CSD official Karen Jones, husband charged, arrested for involvement in Jan. 6 Capital riots Education . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 15 • Midland School senior gets full scholarship to Northwestern Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 16 • Pirates football star Daulton Beard headed for Portland State Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 18 • HOLIDAY HISTORY: In the past, New Year's Day tended to jump around the calendar Community . . . . . . . . . Pg. 22 • Winners named in Solvang Decorating Contest Calendar . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 23 • Government meetings and events

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JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

Buellton mayor states vision for 2024

By Dave King Buellton Mayor

King points out popular community events in 2023, cites areas of focus for 2024

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s the year of 2023 comes to an end, the City of Buellton can look back at several great events. A local company bought the property where the bowling alley was planning to go in, so stand by for that.

As many of you have heard, the proposed In-N-Out Burger was de-

ties where possible, and protect them from being overburdened where improvement is not possible.

Additional enhancements will be found in the relocation of the Buellton Public Library to the former Willemsen House, the opening of the Santa Ynez Valley Childrens’ Museum on the Willemsen property, the opening of the Buellton Community Garden at the corner of 2nd Street and Central Avenue, and the expansion of the Senior Center programming into the current library building. The city will also pursue the construction of the Santa Ynez Valley River Trail, and will strive to facilitate the development of additional youth-serving uses, such as a Quality of life enhancement for bowling alley, community aquatic faBuellton’s residents: This will take cility, and possible sport field facilities the form of maintenance and im- joint venture. provement of existing infrastructure, such as the city’s water, wastewater, Renewed push for economic deand road systems, as well as existing velopment: Construction projects parks and public facilities. Actions are anticipated in 2024 that will will be taken to improve these facili- begin the revitalization of Avenue

nied by the City Council due to concerns over traffic congestion at the US 101 and McMurray intersection.

However, we are hoping they will come back to the table with a better location.

Several other events this year included Fall Fest on Avenue of Flags, and Cowboy Christmas and the Festival of Lights at Riverview Park. It was a great time for everyone that attended. All of these will be an annual event. Hope to see you there next year.

The city has several areas of focus for 2024 to implement its community vision. They are highlighted below, in no particular order:

of Flags, bringing new business opportunities and renewed investment in the city. These efforts will be built upon by reconvening the city’s Economic Development Task Force to engage the existing business community and prospective developers and investors in discussions to implement Buellton’s long-standing vision that sees the city as the economic engine of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Enhancement of transparency and efficiency of city government operations: With the forced adoption of councilmember election by districts in 2022, the City Council will be looking at changes to norms and procedures of the City Council, Planning Commission, city staff, and other city functions to ensure that residents within the various districts receive adequate representation, while ensuring that decisions are made from a “whole city” point-ofview rather than a parochial perspective which pits the interests of each

district against the others.

Continued focus on improving public safety: The city will continue to seek approval of physical infrastructure improvements to enhance traffic safety on city roadways, including Highway 246. A multi-pronged approach emphasizing vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian safety will be pursued with Caltrans to provide safe passage for non-motor-vehicle users of Highway 246, while maintaining the capacity of the roadway to accommodate anticipated traffic volumes. Additionally, the city will be reviewing alternative service models to enhance the traffic enforcement function within the city, with a particular focus on vehicular speeds on Highway 246, with a primary goal being the reinstatement of regular traffic enforcement patrols by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff or, if unable to obtain such service from the sheriff, from the California Highway Patrol.

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Solvang mayor states vision for 2024

By Mark Infanti Solvang Mayor

Infanti cites 2023's achievements, makes city plans for the upcoming year

A

s we enter the holiday season, Solvang has much to be thankful for. We are seeing some of the most tourist visits we have seen in a while.

A great example was the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Solvang’s central park. The entire park was completely full of people there to see a local music group, local young people’s dance group and a 7-year-old lead them in the countdown to the tree lighting. That was followed the very next day by the very well-attended Julefest Parade.

2023 saw the reopening of our beloved outdoor theater called Theaterfest, and the preparations to start construction on our new Solvang Senior Center. These and other projects support the City Council’s aim of providing health and well-being for our citizens in general and our seniors specifically.

Tim Buynak, Principal

The future of Solvang is strong.

Everyone wishes to maintain the architectural style that adds to the character of our charming city. We are making this a strong part of our General Plan update. It is also emphasized in the city marketing efforts, as it is essential to our future.

Future plans Like all cities, we are always maintaining and upgrading our city infrastructure. This includes adding electric vehicles and charging stations to the city. We have capital plans to update our wastewater treatment plant to increase capacity and produce re-

433 Alisal Road · Solvang, CA 93463 tbuynak@buynaklaw.com · buynaklaw.com

cycled water for irrigation and so that we can consider granting the requests for neighboring towns to use our plant and share in its additional capacity.

We are seeing new housing plans that will help fulfill our local needs for moderate-cost housing.

Since Solvang is such a desirable place to live, people move here frequently, which means there is very litle residential inventory and the housing costs have risen substantially. Housing is necessary for those that want to live and work here. We are dedicated to making that happen.

To support the youth interests and those that would choose a sustainable type of transportation, ad-

ditional bicycle and walking paths are being planned. To support these paths, there are also traffic calming designs being considered.

Mayor’s Message Being the mayor is a great pleasure. I was a City Council member before becoming mayor and previously served on the Design Review Committee before that. I have had the opportunity to help make sure that Solvang stays the charming town it has always been.

My vision for 2024 is to help businesses be successful and ensure the residents retain the quality of life necessary to be happy here.

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YEAR IN REVIEW

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Veterans Hall as the Solvang Parks and Rec Department held it very first Jr. Entrepreneur Fair. Items sold varied from jewelry, plants, and artwork, to trading cards and sports memorabilia, refreshments and even homemade "slime" for people to play with at home.

vang City Council voted to deny a proposal to display pride banners and rainbow-colored crosswalk on two of the city’s intersections to mark Pride Month in June as well as the second Pride Parade and Festival in Solvang on June 24. However, the issue would be revisited in subsequent council meetings.

Another winter storm brings some snow to the Valley Local Artist puts body and 'soul' into her work

Published Feb. 21: Creating art has the ability to heal both the artist and those who are involved in the process. It was with this intention that local artist Suzanne Alexandra began creating “Soul Prints." Alexandra started imprinting in 2011, but it wasn’t until 2013, when she was diagnosed with two brain aneurysms and underwent two surgeries, one on each side of her head, that she realized what an impact her “Soul Prints” were making, not only on those she painted, but in her own life as well.

Solvang City Council tables zoning request for proposed cannabis dispensary

Published Feb. 21: The Solvang City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, and heard an appeal to amend Chapter 5-4 of the city's Municipal Code to allow a cannabis dispensary to open in the city.

However, after hearing a presentation from the owners of the prospective dispensary and then from Sheriff 's Lt. and Solvang Police Chief Mark Valencia, the council decided to table the topic to a future meeting with the intent to get more data on the possible crime increase the business may bring about.

she played on facilities provided by Youth

Paul Flores sentenced to 25 years to Rec. When she wasn’t at one of her many aclife for murder of Kristin Smart tivities, she was watching one of her siblings.

Published March 21: In a climax to a case that interested many in the Santa Ynez Valley, the man convicted of murdering 19-yearold Cal Poly student Kristin Smart in 1996 was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison. On Friday, March 10, Monterey County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jennifer O’Keefe sentenced Paul Flores, 46, to serve 25 years to life in state prison after a jury convicted him in October 2022 of Kristin’s murder. As part of his sentencing, Paul will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Published March 7: After dealing with the January storms that caused flooding and a lot of other damage in the area, the Santa Ynez Valley, along with the rest of the Central Coast, dealt with another storm starting on Feb. 23. This one wasn't quite as damaging for the Valley, but it Solvang Event Recognizes definitely had its challenges: Difficult Vietnam Veterans Day driving conditions, power outages, and, Published April 4: When Pam Gnekow yes, even snow. was looking for another venue for this year's Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day event, an aptly named facility was made available. And so it was that the second annual Veterans Memorial Day event found itself being held at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall on Wednesday, March 29.

Solvang selects new city manager

Published April 18: Solvang hired Randy Murphy as its new city manager as the contract to fill the position was passed by the City Council during its regular meeting on Monday, April 10. Murphy, previously the general manager of the Hidden Valley Lake Association, a homeowners' group in Northern California, who had more than 30 years of management experience, began his duties on April 28.

Mayor says Buellton's status is 'damn good' at annual address

Published May 2: At the end of Dave King's Buellton State of the City address April 19, his first since being elected mayor of the city, two words showed up on the accompanying slideshow screen on how he thinks the future looks for the town. They were: "Damn good." It was the topper on King's talk about the city during the event held in the Barrell Room at Vega Vineyard and Farm in the southern part of Buellton.

Solvang City Council approves banners for Pride Month

Happy Endings offers new beginning for mistreated horses

Published March 21: Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary was founded in 2007 by C.C. Beaudette-Wellman and is an all-volunteer organization. It is dedicated to providing rescue for abused and neglected horses in the Santa Ynez Valley.

They offer refuge, rehabilitation, sanctuSolvang City Council denies ary, public education, and an equine-based banners, colored crosswalks for therapeutic program for at-risk youth.

Pride Month The program was able to get some addiPublished March 7: In an item that elicited tional funding in 2023 to help out senior a good amount of public comment, the Sol- horse owners and their animals.

Published May 2: After listening to about two hours of public comment in its regular meeting Monday, April 24, and two months after rejecting a similar, more expanded proposal, the Solvang City Council voted to allow banners representing Pride Month to fly for two weeks on city light poles in June.

However, later in the meeting, the council voted to ban all non-city banners for display ‘Gabbie’ Robles named Santa Ynez after the already-approved Pride banner and Valley Youth Rec Queen Solvang Theaterfest banner are displayed this Published April 18: Gabriela (Gabbie) year.

Robles has been chosen Santa Ynez Valley Youth Rec Queen for 2023. A Santa Ynez Santa Ynez High principal steps Valley Union High School senior, through- down out most of her 18 years, Robles has been acPublished May 2: Santa Ynez Valley Union tive in one sports activity or another, which High School Principal Michael Niehoff an-

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM nounced April 17 he would step down from his position at the end of the year, his first and now only one at the school. In his statement to parents and students, he said, "there are some dynamics outside of the students and the teachers that make it almost impossible to focus on teaching and learning."

the private boarding school located in Los Cooper Band.

Olivos, is one whose administration has never been afraid to think outside the box.

And that philosophy carried over into the school's Commencement ceremony on June 3: During the awarding of the diplomas, instead of having the student just walk across the stage and sit back down, each of the 41 graduates of the Class of 2023 had a faculty member of their choosing introduce them and say a few words about the graduate.

Santa Ynez High boys golf team wins CIF Central Section DII championship

Published May 16: The Santa Ynez High School boys golf team made history last Tuesday, May 9, in Visalia by winning the CIF Central Section Division II championship. This is the first Central Section title for Santa Ynez Valley artist’s passion a Santa Ynez high school sports team and comes full circle the first CIF championship title for boys golf Published May 16: His parents naming at Santa Ynez. their son “Art” seemed to foreshadow the career path he would take in life, one of a lifelong dedicated artist. Alvarez has been painting since 1980, but his love of art started in childhood. Alvarez likens his life story to that of Forrest Gump with surprise encounters with just the right people at just the right time. "I was one of those kids who couldn’t put a pencil down and was constantly getting into trouble drawing monster hot rods,” said Alvarez who, in his youth, considered himself a rebel artist.

Parade of pride makes return to Solvang streets

Cyclists, climbers, and others take advantage of Buellton's Open Streets

The 4th of July parade was a starspangled celebration

Published June 6: On the first evening of June, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School's newly renamed Rio Memorial Field took on the look of an imminent rock concert, only on this evening, the "rock stars" would be the 170 SYHS seniors who would graduate in the school's 2023 Commencement ceremony.

Published May 16: Gregory Wolf, a social sciences teacher at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School (SYVUHS), has been named the 2024 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made May 4 at a ceremony held at the Santa Barbara County Education Office during the regular meeting of the County Board of Education.

Later in the year, Wolf would be named a California Teacher of the Year.

Memorial Day ceremony at Solvang Veterans Hall honors the fallen

Published June 6: While many may look at Memorial Day Weekend as a welcome extra day off, those who attended, and spoke at, the program May 29 at Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall let everyone know the real meaning of the day and weekend.

Published July 4: For the second straight year, the streets of Solvang were the setting for a demonstration of color, celebration, and pride. On Saturday, June 24, the local group SYV Pride held its 2nd Annual Pride Parade and Festival in the middle of town. Like last year's inaugural event, the parade started on Alisal Road, turned left to Copenhagen Drive, then left at 2nd Street before heading back to the staging area at Alisal.

Published June 20: On a usual day, kids are encouraged to stay out of the street while playing or riding their bikes, especially on a busy road like Buellton's Avenue of Flags.

However, on May 21, youngsters and adults of all ages got to play and ride on the avenue to their heart's content during Santa Ynez Valley's first Open Streets event.

SYHS's Class of 2023, 170 strong, turn the tassels

Santa Ynez High’s Greg Wolf named County Teacher of the Year

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Community kicks up its heels at Old Santa Ynez Days

Published July 4: It was a weekend to kick up your heels and enjoy the many activities that were available at this year’s Old Santa Ynez Days, which was held on the weekend of June 23-25. Friday night opened the event with a “Kick-Ass Kick-Off Party” at the Santa Ynez Historical Museum, which Faculty sings praises to 41 Dunn featured a traditional Pig Roast dinner with School graduates all the “fixin’s”, courtesy of The Pork Palace, Published June 20: The Dunn School, followed by the lively sounds of The Cash

Published July 18: The 4th of July Parade in Solvang drew massive crowds this year with people from as far away as Hawaii, Arizona, Oregon, Texas, San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and parts north, lining the sidewalks throughout town to be a part of this year’s Independence Day celebration.

Nearby Mission Santa Ines was the setting for a big fireworks show that night.

Esther Jacobsen Bates retires from the Elverhoj Museum

Published July 18: After nearly 20 years at the helm of the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates retired on June 30. During her two decades at Elverhoj, Bates led the museum through a period of significant growth, unprecedented challenges, and expanded public CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

YEAR IN REVIEW

opened on Sept. 7 and ran through the end of the year. Wes Leslie, along with Solvang native, Cheyenne Bennett, led groups on a walking tour through some of the oldest and most haunted streets of Solvang, where residual ghost impressions are felt and poltergeists heard. Using ghost-hunting tools, the tour attempts to contact spirits and invite apparitions.

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engagement while sharing Solvang’s history and heritage and promoting the arts.

Pirates' faithful celebrate debut of Rio Memorial Field

Published Sept. 19: Santa Ynez High football team's home opener against Santa Maria was a special one: It was the first game to be played at the campus field under its new name — Rio Memorial Field. The school announced in May that, with the school board's approval in the books, the stadium would be renamed in honor of father and son Carl and Jeff Rio, former coaches with the Pirates.

Buellton BBQ Bonanza serves up good food, good fun Wine and art meld together in first Parc Place Art Show in Solvang

Published Aug. 1: Over the years, artists have been know to comment on the struggle between art and commerce. However, on July 22 in the PARc Place shopping plaza in downtown Solvang, the two coexisted rather happily at the inaugural PARc Place Art Show.

Published Aug. 15: On a warm July day, the last Saturday of the month, city residents enjoyed what has become a Buellton tradition as the Buellton Rec Department held its 21st annual BBQ Bonanza on July 29 at River View Park. Crowds of Buellton residents lined up for tri-tip sandwiches and some sides.

Pirates football starts off season with a bang

Published Sept. 5: The Santa Ynez High football team got its season off to a great start in its "Week 0" game on Aug. 18, routing Cabrillo 54-12 in a non-league game at Huyck Stadium in Lompoc. Sophomore Jude Pritchard, in his first game as starting quarterback, shook off an interception on the game's first play from scrimmage and finished up with 179 yards passing and three touchdowns.

Stephanie Pedersen serves as 2023 Danish Maid Chip Fenenga returns as Santa Ynez High boys volleyball coach

Published Aug. 1: To fill its boys volleyball head coach position, Santa Ynez High School has turned to a familiar name. On 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.

Published Oct. 3: The annual fun-filled Solvang celebration that is Danish Days went out on a high note Sunday, Sept. 17, with plenty of events to keep the town busy for most of the day. And the big event actually happened just as the day was getting started as the final aebleskiver-eating contest of the weekend happened with a featured contestant: professional competitive eater and internet personality Raina Huang.

Published Sept. 5: The arrival of this year's Solvang Danish Days also brings a new Danish Maid to preside over the event, and this year's honoree, Stephanie Pederson, was no stranger to the annual celebration. Her family's involvement with the event stretches back more than 60 years.

Local veteran recalls Korean War experience

Assemblyman, city manager speak at Solvang State of the City

Published Aug. 15: A roomful of public servants, business owners, and other pillars of the community were on hand to hear about the City of Solvang's challenges and successes over the past year during the latest annual Solvang State of the City address. The event was held July 9 at the Craft House on Corque in Solvang.

Extreme eating event puts a capper on this year's Danish Days

Experience a paranormal adventure with The Haunt Ghost Tours team

Published Sept. 5: The Haunt Ghost Tours

Published Sept. 19: Los Alamos residents can see 92-year-old George Freddie Shaw buzzing around town on his electric scooter every day of the week. But few know that he is a Korean War Army veteran and a Bronze Star Medal recipient. He has papers to prove it, but he said he never did receive the medal itself, an oversight that he says many of the veterans he feels have experienced. “It was wartime,” he said.

Los Alamos Old Days parade comes back to Bell Street

Published Oct. 3: The quiet little town of Los Alamos came alive during its annual Old Days celebration from Sept 22-24. Saturday saw crowds of people viewing the annual car show and shoppers gearing up for the holidays purchasing gifts from the vendors, but on Sunday, the little town was bursting at the seams with people wanting to partake in the Biggest Little Hometown Parade, which was back on Bell Street.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM Golf Club, 14 strokes ahead of runner-up Lemoore. It was the second CIF Central Section golf title won by an a Sara Ovadia-coached team in the last six months.

Ovadia also is head coach of the Pirates boys golf team, and they won the Central Section boys title back in May.

with another busy day on Saturday, Nov. 25, which was designated as Small Business Saturday. The establishments enjoyed healthy business, though many owners and employees owed the successful days to the usual tourist traffic and the fact that is was a holiday weekend.

SYV has Halloween events both haunted and wholesome

Vikings hold their inaugural Car Classic in Solvang

Published Oct. 17: With the retiring of the popular Wheels 'n' Windmills car show last year, the Vikings of Solvang, the longtime civic group, announced they would be holding their own show to replace WnW. On Oct. 7, the inaugural Viking Classic Car Show took place along Copenhagen Drive and 1st Street in Solvang. Organizers estimated that over 250 cars were entered in the event. Prizes were given in 23 different car classes, and special awards were given afterwards.

awash with Christmas cheer and Hollywood flair as the latest edition of the Julefest Parade was held on Dec. 2, kickstarting the more-than-monthlong holiday celebration. This year parade organizers picked the theme of "My Favorite Christmas Movie" and many of the sponsored floats showed their inspiration.

Published Nov. 7: The Santa Ynez Valley just enjoyed another fun Halloween weekend as several events in the area brought fun costumes, eerily decorated homes, and frights and scares galore. However, while many in the SYV celebrated the usual way, embracing the frightful and macabre, the founder of the local Acorn Village Forest School went the opposite way, creating an event for kids ages 2-8 without the frights.

Solvang puts the Trot before the turkey on 12th annual run

Published Dec. 5: After 11 years of holding its annual Turkey Trot, the Solvang Recreation Department decided to schedule the non-competitive 5K on Thanksgiving morning for its 12th annual running of the event on Nov. 23. According to the organizers, it turned out to be a good decision.

Santa Ynez football fundraises for a Pirate family

Published Oct. 17: The Santa Ynez High School football players, staff, and supporters went Pink during the Pirates game against Nipomo High on Friday, Oct. 6, for a great cause. The football program held a fundraiser for a local Pirate family who have been facing one of the biggest fights of their son’s life.

Hendrix Farris, 11, dealing with a returning battle with cancer, had a bone-marrow transplant on Oct. 18.

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Veterans Day celebrated in Solvang ceremony

Vikings host over 600 specialneeds children for holiday luncheon

Published Dec. 19: Continuing a cherished Christmas season event, the Vikings of Solvang, a social and philanthropic organization that provides help for medically related needs of qualified individuals and health care organizations, hosted more than 600 special-needs children and their teachers/caregivers Dec. 4 for a luncheon at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott hotel.

Published Nov. 21: The Veterans Day holiday was commemorated in the Santa Ynez Valley this month, with multiple events to honor the people who have served in the armed forces. A week of celebration culminated in the annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the aptly named Solvang Veterans Hall on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Something for everyone at Buellton Fall Fest

Josh Wong and United Way go hand-in-hand to help local Published Nov. 21: Santa Ynez Valley resi- communities

SYHS girls golf captures CIF Division 2 championship

Published Nov. 7: The Santa Ynez Pirates won the CIF Central Section Division 2 Championship Oct. 23, shooting a season-best team score of 488 at Lemoore

dents, and others who rolled into town, were able to enjoy a mild, sunny early-November weekend at the bustle of activity that was the Buellton Fall Fest. Live music and dance performances co-existed with food and drink, vendors, and the carnival rides and games.

Published Dec. 5: Josh Wong has worn many hats in his business life but his passion has always been to serve his community. He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, but he now calls the Central Coast home, a place he loves and supports with his passion for community service, including in the Santa Ynez Valley.

It's a snow day (and evening) at Buellton Winter Fest

Published Dec. 19: Folks from the Santa Ynez Valley got to see a bona fide Winter Wonderland the evening of Dec. 3 as Buellton held its annual Winter Fest at Village Park, off McMurray Road and SYV businesses enjoys fruits of behind the Tractor Supply Co. shopping holiday weekend sales center. The highlight of the Fest, like every Published Dec. 5: Two days after Thanks- It's lights, camera, action for year is the arrival of about 20 tons of snow giving and one day after the celebrated Black Solvang Julefest which is set up at the end of the park for Friday, business merchants of Solvang dealt Published Dec. 19: Downtown Solvang was people of all ages to frolic in.

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JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

SANTA YNEZ CSD official, husband arrested, charged in connection to 2021 Capitol breach

NEWS BRIEFS

ticipated in an open mic session on the east steps of the Capitol building, speaking over a loudspeaker about being pepper sprayed by police and traveling to Washington, D.C. from Los Angeles.

In the warrant, FBI officials say they confirmed the identities of the local couple through cell phone data, as well as airline records that showed them flying to D.C. from Los Angeles on Jan. 5.

BUELLTON City Council rejects In-N-Out proposal for McMurray Road site

Local residents Karen Jones, currently vice president of the Santa Ynez Community Services District Board, and her husband Robert have been charged and arrested for their alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach.

On Jan. 6, 2021, supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol during a joint-session of Congress meant to count Electoral College votes and formalize President-elect Joe Biden's election victory over Trump the previous November.

According to an arrest warrant from Dec. 14, both Karen and Robert Jones were charged with counts of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building and restricted grounds, as well as parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

According to a report from KSBY-TV, The FBI’s complaint also included images of the couple in which they could be seen advancing past barriers toward the US Capitol building alongside a crowd of other demonstrators.

Additional closed-circuit surveillance footage obtained by the FBI allegedly shows them entering the Capitol together at around 3 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021.

The complaint, accompanied by more photos of Karen Jones, alleges she also par-

The Buellton City Council nixed a proposal for an In-N-Out Burger location at the site of the former Parks Plaza Theater on McMurray Road in its Thursday, Dec. 14, meeting.

The council voted 3-1 to uphold an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of the project in October. Councilmember David Silva recused himself from the item because he owned property within 500 feet of the proposed site.

The plan was to have the longtime theater torn down and the new 3,885-square-foot In-N-Out to be built on the site between the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott and McDonald's on the west side of McMurray Road.

Carla Mead, who appealed the Planning Commission's decision to approve the InN-Out proposal, presented that appeal to the City Council citing traffic concerns on McMurray Road and in turn, on the nearby 101/246 onramps and offramps, and the incompatibility of the project to the site and the surrounding neighborhood.

Many neighbors backed the appeal during public comment.

Ultimately, Buellton Mayor Dave King echoed the majority on council that the traffic concerns were too great to OK the project.

"I wish this particular location, and this

particular spot, were viable for a project to go there," King said. "But this will make an absolute disastrous mess out of the traffic on the 246 and McMurray."

SOLVANG Solvang Christmas Tree Burn coming this Friday

The City of Solvang (www.CityofSolvang.com) and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department (www.SBCFire.com) will, weather-permitting, hold the annual Solvang Christmas Tree Burn on Friday, Jan. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the empty field adjacent to Old Mission Santa Inés (1760 Mission Drive, Solvang). The tree burn will be the 32nd annual for the City of Solvang.

The Solvang Christmas Tree Burn is usually held in early January as a wrap-up of the month-long Solvang Julefest celebration, and is considered to be one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the California Central Coast. It will include music, a retirement of American Flags led by Boy Scout Troops 007 and 41, a fire safety demonstration from Santa Barbara County Fire, refreshments for purchase from Rudy's Restaurant food truck, activities coordinated by Solvang Parks & Rec, with the grand finale of igniting the gathered trees.

Christmas trees for the bonfire may be dropped off at any time up until 4 p.m. on Jan. 5. The City of Solvang asks that residents and businesses please do not drop off flocked or artificial trees, or trees with ornaments, tinsel, other decorations, or treestands. All Solvang residents may also leave their Christmas trees curbside from through Jan. 14, and Waste Management will pick them up on respective trash service days as part of their Holiday Tree Recycling program. Residents may also place cut trees inside their green organics cart (lids must close completely). Natural holiday wreaths may also be recycled in the green organics cart, with metal frames removed.

For further information and updates about the tree burn and fire safety demonstration, please visit www.SolvangUSA. com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest or contact Solvang City Hall at (805) 688-5575.

Fire-related inquiries may be directed to Santa Barbara County Fire Department at SBCFire.com/inquire.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY County residents urged to report any storm damage

Santa Barbara County residents are encouraged to submit information on property damages sustained as a result of the December 20-21,2023, storm.

To submit fill out a storm damage report found online at countyofsb.org/.../December-20-21-Storm-Recovery The info compiled will assist the county in understanding the extent of local impacts & advocate on behalf of the community for state and federal assistance. This form is not an application for financial assistance, nor does it indicate that assistance is currently available.

Water Wise Video Contest challenges county high school students

Every year, students compete to create entertaining and informational 30-second videos that convey the importance of water use efficiency in Santa Barbara County. The contest theme, “Tips for an Inspired Water Wise Garden” was selected to highlight the ongoing importance of sustainable outdoor water use, especially in drought-prone Santa Barbara County.

County Water Agency Manager Matt Young comments, “This is a fun, educational contest that we look forward to every year. We are excited to carry this long-standing program into its 25th year and we can’t wait to see the amazing videos created by our local high school students.”

The contest meets several California State Department of Education Content Standards, including implementing world languages. Up to six videos, three English and three Spanish, may be submitted per school. The winning videos will receive prizes and may be aired on local TV and in movie theatres.

While the County Water Agency and water providers arrange for monetary prizes to the winning schools, local private sector sponsors provide awards for the students: • First Place (English): $500 provided by Carollo Engineers.

• First Place (Spanish): $500 provided by La Buena 105.1 FM. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

New laws debut in California for the upcoming year Twenty-four will affect many in 2024

A

ject to stand before a court.

Code 14046 allows the establishment of the Medi-Cal Promoting Interoperability Program for the purposes of providing federal incentive payments to Medi-Cal providers for the implementation and use of electronic health records systems.

The California Department of Social Services will be directed to ensure LGBTQ youth are placed with supportive and gender-affirming foster parents. The law requires a family to demonstrate the ability and willingness to meet a child’s needs, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression under SB 407.

By Judy Abel

slew of new laws set to take effect in 2024 have been signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Here are 24 significant ones.

CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT LAWS:

Once again, the state minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour on January 1, regardless of employer size. That’s an increase of 50 cents an hour for most workers, although some cities have higher minimum wages, including Malibu, with a minimum hourly rate of $16.90 that went into effect July 1, 2023.

The minimum wage for healthcare workers will increase to $23 per hour. Workers must be employed under covered healthcare facilities in California. The bill goes into effect starting June 1.

Starting January 1, workers with the same employer for 30 or more days within their starting year are eligible for paid sick leave. The bill will require an employee to have no less than 40 hours or five days of accrued sick leave or paid time off by the 200th calendar day of employment or in each 12-month period.

Employers must offer reproductive leave. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act also makes it unlawful to refuse a request by an employee to take up to five days upon the death of a family member. This bill would allow reproductive leave within three months of the event and will use other leave balances otherwise available to the employee. An employer may deny leave for more than one reproductive loss within 12 months. The bill will go into effect starting January 1.

Beginning January 1, SB 731 requires an employer to provide a 30-day advance written notice before requiring remote employees to return to an in-person setting. The notice would also explain the employee’s right to remain remote as an accommodation, if applicable, to their disabilities.

SB 700 bans discrimination against a job applicant based on information regarding prior use of cannabis that is learned from a criminal history.

Employers will be required to give an employee written notice of the federal H-2A visa

The California golden chanterelle has been named as the official state mushroom.

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SAFETY:

in English or Spanish at the employee’s request.

Other languages may also be included and require the Labor Commissioner to create a template that complies with these requirements.

The bill goes into effect starting March 15.

SB 2 prevents concealed carry of firearms in some public spaces, including sidewalks and school zones.

Criminals convicted of dealing high amounts of fentanyl will face increased potential prison sentences.

Anyone convicted of the felony of child sex trafficking will face harsher penalties.

SB 673 creates a new emergency alert called an Ebony Alert, which is used to help locate missing Black women and youth.

AB 360 prohibits coroners, medical examiners, and physicians from using the controversial term “excited delirium” as a cause of death and from being recognized as a valid medical diagnosis. The bill would prohibit a peace officer from using the term to describe an individual in an incident report.

CALIFORNIA HOUSING: Landlords will be required to cap security deposits at one month’s rent whether the unit is furnished or not. This new law will allow owners of no more than two rental properties, or no more than four units, to request up to two months’ rent. The bill will go into effect starting July 1.

Tenants in rent-controlled units who have permanent disabilities related to mobility must be allowed to relocate to an available and accessible unit at the same rental rate and terms.

This requirement will apply to properties with five or more rental units and will take effect on January 1.

SB 267 prohibits the use of a person’s credit history as part of the application process for a rental housing accommodation. Tenants must offer the applicant the option to provide reasonable evidence to pay, such as government benefit payments, pay records, and bank statements.

The bill will go into effect starting January 1.

signal exhibiting different colored bicycle symbols is shown concurrently with official traffic control signals or pedestrian control signals exhibiting different colored lights or arrows.

The cities of Long Beach, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Los Angeles and San Francisco will establish a Speed Safety System Pilot Program.

The program would require the listed cities to engage in a 30-day public information campaign before implementation to determine where systems would be detecting violations.

Violations captured by speed cameras will be subject to civil penalties.

Many local residents are urging the City of Malibu to be included.

AB 410 expands on the definition of mobility devices to include electrically motorized board, motorized scooter, electric bicycle and non-electric bicycles. The new law will require a shared mobility service provider (bike and car sharing companies) to place a tactile sign containing raised characters and accompanying braille, as specified, to identify the device for the purpose of reporting illegal or negligent activity. The bill will go into effect starting on January 1.

CALIFORNIA CONSUMER LAWS AND PROTECTIONS:

Fees can be imposed on state campsite reservation holders who cancel within two to six days of their stays. Those fees can include the cost of the first night.

Department stores with at least 500 employees in California will be required to have a genConservatorship for gravely disabled persons der-neutral section of children’s toys. under code 5350 would establish the procedure of administering and terminating a conservatorship for persons who are disabled as a result of a mental health disorder or impairment by chronic alcoholism. Minors with disabilities And finally, on a lighter note, the California Beginning January 1, bicyclists must obey bi- can now be appointed a conservator, who will golden chanterelle has been named as the officycle signals whenever an official traffic control undergo a background check and may be sub- cial state mushroom.

CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION & TRAFFIC:

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC HEALTH:

CALIFORNIA STATE SYMBOLS:

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

11

Nuclear Regulatory Commission accepts PG&E’s Diablo Canyon license renewal application Move allows both units to continue operating past current licenses Staff Report

AVILA BEACH — The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) determined today that Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) License Renewal Application (LRA) for extended operations of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) is sufficient for its review. The NRC’s determination of sufficiency now allows PG&E to continue operating Units 1 and 2 at DCPP past their current licenses (2024 and 2025, respectively), while the LRA is under review.

As the agency fully evaluates PG&E’s application, the multi-year review process will provide opportunities for public participation.

PG&E filed the LRA on Nov. 7, at the state’s direction, to ensure electric reliability for all Californians. The fa-

cility is the state’s largest power plant and producer of clean energy, generating enough carbon-free electricity to meet the needs of three million people.

The announcement comes after the California Public Utility Commission voted last week to approve the ratemaking design and new retirement dates for Diablo Canyon’s Units 1 and 2, now 2029 and 2030 respectively.

“PG&E remains committed to complying with energy policies to ensure the state has the option to keep DCPP online past 2025 to ensure electricity reliability as California continues toward its clean energy future,” Maureen Zawalick, DCPP vice president, said.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue providing homes and businesses across California with safe, clean, and affordable power.”

More information about the license renewal process can be found at the NRC’s website; go to nrc.gov/reactors/ The Diablo Canyon Power Plant, seen here in an undated photo, has been cleared to operate past its current licenses. operating/licensing/renewal.html Contributed Photo

12

JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

SPOTLIGHT Solvang skateboard competition held at Hans Christian Andersen Park Early December event highlights skateboarding skill and culture

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

I

t was about three years ago when Evin Banta, now 8 and a third-grader at Solvang School started to take up skateboarding after watching others do it at the skatepark at Hans Christian Andersen Park in Solvang.

On Dec. 9, he was preparing for his very first skateboard competition, the Solvang Skate Contest, held at the same Hans Christian Andersen Park where he first started.

"I've gone to this skatepark this most," said Evin, pointing over the the HCA setup. "But I have also gone to Nipomo, Mammoth, Santa Maria, Lompoc. I'm trying to get to Venice, I'm working toward that goal."

Evin's parents are supportive of his activity, and are enjoying the

Robby Hargreaves (foreground, in black hoodie), owner of Solvang Skate Shop and organizer of the Solvang Skate Contest, gets all the competitors and parents together for a group photo before the event at Hans Christian Andersen Park. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

interaction with others in the skate culture.

"It's a really good community. It's tight knit a lot of fun to be around," said Evin's mom, Elfa Reader.

Evin's father, Jason Banta agrees.

"Loving it. We've been to a few different skateparks in California," Evin's dad Jason Banta said. "I skated a little bit when I was his age, but

then just played the ball sports; you know, football, basketball. But, if this keeps him happy, that's great."

Reader also mentioned that Evin is tackling this competition after "getting a few lessons with Robbie."

"Robbie" would be Robbie Hargreaves, organizer of the competition. He is also the owner of the Solvang Skate Shop at 446 Alisal

Road No. 14 in Solvang (to find it, take the staircase next to the Alisal Ice Cream Shop and go through the doorway straight ahead).

Hargreaves, who grew up in Lompoc, has been skateboarding for close to 30 years, and has competed in many national and international competitions.

"I have a genuine passion for

teaching people how to skate and helping make their skateboarding journey more enjoyable," Hargreave states on the Skate Shop website.

"My mission is to encourage, inspire, learn and grow through skateboarding."

On the early December morning, Hargreaves was greatly encouraged by the number of people at the event.

"Once we get going it's going to be fine," he said. "But it's a great turnout so far."

Later, Hargreaves gathered everyone in the parking lot for a group photo and then expressed his gratitude for those who came.

"I thank you guys so much for the opportunity to be here, sharing my love and passion of skateboarding with all of you," he said.

The event had skateboarders competing in three categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, with the contestants being rated by a small panel of judges.

While a good amount of the competitors were in the pre-teen to teenage category, there were a

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM few adults who also decided to take part. One of them was Jason Daniel, a 48-year-old U.S. Marine veteran who, like young Evin Banta, had just started the sport.

"I've been skating about a year, and recently moved to Santa Ynez from Oregon," Daniel said. "I'll probably be doing the beginner or intermediate run, so it's exciting."

Daniel said he got interesting in skateboarding "kind of by accident."

"I went to a birthday party for a kid that was held here at the skatepark," he said. "I had a really cheap skate deck and start participating and it kind of lit a fire under me to do this."

Daniel said so far his skateboarding has been self-taught.

"I just learned what from watching folks and taking what I can from what they do, and watching videos and stuff," he said.

Ultimately, Daniel ended up entering the Intermediate division, while the competition started with the Beginner division that consisted of competitors 13 and under.

One of the skaters entered in the Beginners category was 9-yearold Natalia Bacha from Oxnard.

Hargreaves, who was serving as the competition's emcee made sure to point out that she was the first

female to take part in the Solvang event.

For Natalia, though, being a female at the skatepark is not a big deal.

"I've never had anyone give me trouble about it," she said. "Down in Oxnard, I just started skating two years ago, and the guys I ran into don't have a problem with it. We just skate and have a good time."

This was Natalia's first time at the Solvang skatepark.

"My skateboarding instructor found out about this, and said this would be a cool thing to skate in so my dad brought me up," she said.

Natalia's father, Brandt Bacha, was there to cheer her on and give her any advice he might have.

"I've haven't actually skated much, but I'm an avid surfer, and it's kind of similar," Bacha said. "It's all board sports, and in fact, Natalia's even started snowboarding when we can get to the snow areas."

Bacha also agreed with his daughter that gender isn't even much of an issue in this sport.

"They aren't even looked at as a different section anymore, just because the progression levels are so high," Bacha said.

At the end of the competition, the top three winners were an-

13

(Above) Maddox Alford, 14, of Santa Maria does a board flip during practice before the Solvang Skate Contest on Dec. 9 at Hans Christian Andersen Park. (Below) Natalia Bacha, 9, of Oxnard (left) and Zachary Adam, 11, of Santa Barbara (right) compete in the Solvang Skate Contest on Dec. 9 at Hans Christian Andersen Park.

nounced in each category. The winners were: Beginner: 1, Rusty Mullen; 2, Zachary Adam; 3, Owen Martinez Intermediate: 1, Maddox Hazzard; 2, Ben Hazzard; 3, William McNamara Advanced: 1, Nick Santos; 2, Issac Relis; 3, Komoana de Guzman Logan Earthski Award: George Golluf.

14

JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

Ballot initiative seeks voter approval to pass new taxes New measure would require all new taxes passed by the California Legislature be approved by voters

By Christine Souza California Farm Bureau Federation

CALIFORNIA — California farmers and ranchers heard a presentation earlier this month on a November 2024 ballot initiative that would give voters the final decision on approving new local and state taxes.

In a Dec. 4 workshop at the California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, farmers and ranchers packed a meeting room to hear about the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act. The initiative is backed by the California Farm Bureau, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, the California Business Roundtable, the California Business Properties Association, along with a coaliton of other supporters.

Supporters of the initiative say it would build on the legacy of Proposition 13, a landmark 1978 initiative that capped property taxes at 1 percent of assessed value, set limits on annual increases and required two-thirds votes to introduce new taxes.

The new measure would require all new taxes passed by the California Legislature be approved by voters and would reaffirm a two-thirds voter approval for all new local special tax increases. It would also define what is a tax or fee, mandate accurate descriptions of new tax proposals and require politicians to identify how revenue will be spent before any

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tax or fee is enacted.

Steven Fenaroli, California Farm Bureau’s political affairs director, said the initiative would amend the California Constitution to guard against potentially conflicting court rulings from disputed interpretations of constitutional language.

“If you leave here with one thing, it is that the Taxpayer Protection Act in 2024 gives you the right to vote on all future tax increases,” Fenaroli said. “This is about restoring your rights as voters and making sure that farmers and ranchers continue to have their voices heard, and that we don’t let folks and unelected bureaucrats just continue to raise taxes and fees on us.”

Fenaroli said the measure is a continuation of work by the California Farm Bureau that helped defeat Proposition 15, a “split-roll” property tax initiative that farmers and ranchers argued would be damaging to their livelihood. That initiative was voted down in 2020 after drawing early, vigorous opposition from the California Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations.

“The crux of the problem is we already have the highest personal income tax and state sales tax and gas tax, and everything keeps going up. Taxes and fees just keep going higher and higher,” Fenaroli said. “In this last legislative session, the California Legislature proposed more than $200 billion in new taxes and fees.”

Ben Granholm, a representative for the initiative campaign, said the measure is a reaction to tax increases that provide few, if any, returns for Californians.

“All of these taxes and fees that are continuously being raised on farmers and ranchers and on our everyday residents, are going to these critical issues, but we’re not seeing the benefits,” Granholm said.

Your subscription will begin with the first issue after payment received and continue for one year.To subscribe, email office@13stars.media, visit us online at santaynezvalleystar.com, or fill out the provided form to the right and mail to: Po Box 6068, Atascadero, CA 93423

Fenaroli told attendees the Taxpayer Protection Act holds government officials accountable.

“This restores accountability and makes sure that those who have unchecked authority are held accountable and that fees actually represent the services that are being provided,” he said. “We always hear the money is for roads, bridges, schools, firefighters or cops. But how many times do we see it go into the general fund for another use? This measure ends this whole bait-and-switch that we have with taxes and increases transparency.”

During the meeting, presenters told farmers that the measure strengthens Proposition 13 protections by guaranteeing that local property tax revenues remain in the county where they are collected and prohibits a “split rate” property tax by eliminating the ability to add surcharges to all properties above the limits set by Proposition 13.

While still allowing local governments to raise money, Fenaroli said, the measure includes a “legally enforceable” provision that the county or city has to identify the use of the proposed tax funds.

Campaign officials said they have conducted surveys that revealed the measure has strong prospects for passage. They note that voters facing inflation and mounting cost-of-living increases may be receptive to an initiative — 46 years after Proposition 13 — that gives California residents a voice on whether to accept new taxes.

“This is very winnable,” Granholm said. “People don’t necessarily oppose raising taxes. Their problem is when that tax money isn’t going to where it was promised, so it’s those things that irritate the voters about where their tax money is going.”

For information visit taxpayerprotection.com.

NAME:______________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:__________________________________________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP:____________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE:________________________________________________________________________________ EMAIL:______________________________________________________________________________________ _CREDIT CARD: ______________________________________________________________________________ EXPIRATION/CCV:__________________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE:________________________________________________________________________________

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

15

EDUCATION

Eric Ramirez named Elks Student of the Month for November Santa Ynez High student served as national delegate for National FFA Convention and Expo Staff Report

T

he Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge has named Santa Ynez Valley Union High School's Eric Ramirez its Student of the Month for November.

Ramirez, an outstanding student with an impressive grade point average of 4.3, has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and commitment. Serving as the national delegate for the 96th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo in Indiana, he showcased his dedication to agriculture. Despite working long hours at Starbucks and actively helping with theater productions, Eric continues to excel

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and Elks Lodge November Student of the Month Eric Ramirez accepts his $100 check from Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Bonnie Rees and Elks Scholarship Coordinator Pat Merritt. Contributed Photo

in challenging academic courses. shaping his character. He is a true Eric plans on attending a riculture with an emphasis on His ability to overcome hardships leader who is sure to make a pos- four-year college with his sights teaching and/or law supporting has played a significant role in itive impact on the future. on Cal Poly. His interest is ag- agriculture workers.

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16

JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

SPORTS

After successful Pirates career, Daulton Beard announces he’s going to Portland State Santa Ynez High's standout wide receiver makes college choice on early signing day

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

W

ednesday, Dec. 20, was a big day for many senior highschool football players — the beginning of the early signing period, when those players decide what university they will attend and continue their college football career.

One of those players was Santa Ynez High's star wide receiver Daulton Beard, who confirmed he will be heading up to the Northwest to play for Portland State.

"I'd like to thank my family, my brothers over here, my teammates, the coaching staff here at Santa Ynez, and the coaching staff at Portland State for giving me this opportunity," Beard said before putting his name on the dotted line of the National Letter of Intent.

Beard also was impressed after his talks with coaches and players with the program.

"I got to talk to the wide receivers coach [Bryant Thomas], who was the one who gave me the scholarship offer," he said.

"He talked a lot about how he would use me as a receiver, and I liked what he had for me."

"I met the team and it was really nice, and I just saw myself as a fit there," he said.

"There was some really good vibes with the players and coaches there."

The 6-foot-5, 200-lb. wideout was an offensive force during his three years with the Pirates varsity, earning first-time All-Mountain League honors in 2022 and 2023.

In his junior season of 2022, he had 77 receptions for 1,272 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He followed that up in 2023, with 37 catches for 714 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Memorable moments in his senior season included throwing a 75-yard touchdown on a trick play in a Week 3 win over San-

(Top) Santa Ynez High football player Daulton Beard (right) is shown with Pirates head coach Josh McClurg after he signed his National Letter of Intent to play college football for Portland State University. (Bottom) Santa Ynez High's Daulton Beard is shown in action during the Pirates' game against Santa Maria this past season.

Photos by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

ta Maria, and catching a 34-yard touchdown pass with just 1.2 seconds left in the game to give the Pirates a 31-28 win over Righetti at Homecoming.

Unfortunately, Beard's 2023 campaign was cut short in Week 9 when he suffered a torn ACL in Santa Ynez's game against Arroyo Grande. After having surgery, he will continue to rehab his knee while redshirting this fall for the Vikings.

Santa Ynez head coach Josh McClurg, who called Beard one of the best players in school history while opening the signing ceremony, expounded on his value this past season.

"He's like a quarterback security blanket, especially with us having a young quarterback, Jude Pritchard, this year," McClurg said. "It helped him, knowing that he always had Daulton to go to, to jump up out of the sky and grab the ball."

Meanwhile, another person who has traveled the road with Daulton is his mother, Stacy Beard, who was on hand for the signing ceremony.

"I'm really proud of him; he had a lot of challenges, especially now with the injury," she said. "But it all ended up as it should, it was meant to be."

And now, Stacy Beard is looking forward to making some trips to Portland to see her son in action.

"I'm already getting some frequent flyer miles on the credit card," she said.

Portland State is a longtime member of the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS, formerly I-AA) and the Big Sky Conference.

Coach Bruce Barnum's Vikings finished 5-6 overall in 2023 with a 4-4 mark in the Big Sky, tying for sixth in the 12-team conference.

Barnum's teams have been known to have high-powered offenses, and the Vikings averaged 33.8 points a game this past season, and 53.8 ppg in their five wins.

Portland State plays in the same conference as Cal Poly, the closest Division I program to the Santa Ynez Valley, and the Vikings are scheduled to play in San Luis Obispo during the 2025 season.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

17

ARTS & NONPROFITS

CASA helps community come together to provide Christmas gifts for children More than 518 children in need had their Christmas wishes filled, thanks to county's generous donors Staff Report

C

ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Barbara County ensures Christmas wishes are fulfilled with the help of 18 businesses, nine community groups, three schools, and hundreds of individuals!

"The way our community shows up for kids is amazing. Many of the donor groups we work with come back year after year to support our gift drive,” shared Kim Colby Davis, executive director of CASA of Santa Barbara County. "People go above and beyond anything we would ever ask of them to get just what the kids wished for. I cannot even express how touched we are by the thoughtfulness of each gift. It is inspiring to see that our community understands how important it is to give each child something they need or especially wish for at Christmas.”

Collecting the "wishes" of 518 kids is an effort on its own, which is only possible thanks to more than 159 CASA volunteers and our county social workers. Kids are encouraged to ask for exactly what they want — within a set budget, of course! This year's wishes ranged from the “cool shoes everyone else has” to specific dolls, toy cars, clothing, warm jackets, 71 bicycles (with helmets) and much more.

“Christmas is a special time at CASA,” said Kira Cosio, CASA’s community engagement director. “It is wonderful to see our community so involved. We do similar work all year round through the advocacy

Many Items le on Sa

Santa Claus greets a young girl with a bag of gifts at the recent CASA Christmas party.

More than 518 children were served by this year's gift drive. Contributing Photos

of our dedicated CASA volunteers, who make sure that kids have what they need to be safe and thrive in school and at home.

With 56 children on our waiting list, we urgently need to find community volunteers to commit to be an advocate for a child.”

This year, CASA is serving approximately the same number of children as Christmas time last year.

“I wish that we could share the joy we see on the faces of the children receiving their gifts or detailed stories of the difference our wish granters made in a child's life.” Davis shared. “We must respect the dignity of each child and family, so we do not share those details, but we are so honored that the

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Members of the Vandenberg Space Force Base Civil Engineering Team gather up presents for kids through the holiday gift drive spearheaded by CASA of Santa Barbara County.

community trusts us to take care of them at Christmas and all year long. Our CASA Christmas wish is that more community members decide to become CASA volunteers, where they will see a child's case through the journey of foster care to a safe home to grow up in.”

CASA would like to thank every donor who contributed to the success of the gift drive this year. While there are too many to list here, each gift drop-off was shared on CASA’s social media pages.

CASA of Santa Barbara County is a top volunteer agency with over 250 local volunteers serving about 500 children each year. The Mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County is to assure a safe, permanent, nurturing home for all abused and/or neglected children by providing a highly trained volunteer to advocate for them in the court system. Information on how to volunteer or support the CASA mission is available atsbcasa.org

18

JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

STAR LIFESTYLE

In the past, New Year's Day tended to jump around the calendar

By John Copeland

W

Contributing Writer

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

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

Ancient Babylon cuneiform clay tablets, discovered in Iraq, and dated to 2000 BCE, are the earliest record of festivities in honor of the arrival of the new year. However, the Babylonian New Year began with the first visible crescent moon after the Spring Equinox. In ancient Babylon, the New Year festival, Akitu, was celebrated for 12 days. These cuneiform tablets revealed that the Akitu celebration was the most significant observance of the year.

Many other ancient cultures celebrated their New Year on dates tied with the seasons.

The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Persians began their new years with the fall equinox, the Greeks celebrated theirs on the winter solstice.

India and Iran celebrate their New Year in March, as did the ancient Romans. Ancient Hebrews celebrated New Years in the fall at Rosh Hashanah. Jews worldwide continue to do so today. Ancient Celts and other northern European cultures celebrated New Year beginning at dusk on Oct. 31. One quickly gets the idea that observing the New Year is among the oldest and most persistent of human celebrations.

These various dates for New Year's begs the question: How did January become the first month on our calendar and the beginning of our New Year? As a day, Jan. 1 has no astronomical or agricultural significance for beginning the year. However, like many of our festivities throughout the year we can blame the Romans.

In fact, the month of January did not even exist until around 700 BCE, when the second king

Fragment of a Babylonian clay tablet, with 16 lines of inscription describing rites in Babylon relating to the Akitu festival. Fragment of the right half, copy of a text containing regulations for making offerings. From the Library of Ashurbanipal. Photo courtesy of The British Museum, London.

of Rome, Numa Pontilius, added the months of January and February to the Roman calendar.

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

In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar, with the help of the Greek astronomer, Sosigenes, designed the Julian calendar, a new, solar-based calendar and a vast improvement over the previous Roman calendar, which had become wildly inaccurate

over the years. The Julian calendar decreed that the new year would occur with Jan. 1. Within the Roman Empire, Jan. 1 was observed as start of the new year.

After Rome’s decline and Christianity’s spread through Europe, the church considered New Year celebrations to be pagan and unchristian. In 567 CE, the Council of Tours abolished Jan. 1 as the beginning of the year. Throughout Medieval Christian Europe, the New Year was celebrated on a variety of dates: Dec. 25, the birth of Jesus; March 1; March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation; and Easter. Back then, there was no uniform calendar.

During the late 1500s, at the urging of Pope Gregory XII, Aloysius Lilus, came up with a modification to the Julian calendar making it

more accurate. Named the Gregorian calendar, after the pope, it is the calendar most of the world still follows today. The Gregorian calendar restored Jan. 1 as New Year's Day. Although most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted by Protestant countries. The British, for example, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire, and the American colonies, still celebrated the New Year in March.

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

It even exerts an emotional effect on people living in cities today.

I think the ancient Romans, were on to something with Janus. As the god of new beginnings, gates and doors, the first hour of the day, the first day of the month, and the first month of the year, Janus is a good symbol for starting the New Year. He looks forward to the future of the coming year and back in contemplation to the year just past.

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

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

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

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

And then there is putting the past year to rest.

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

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19

HEALTH CARE

Local physicians and Cottage Health partner to open new surgery center in North County Local physicians and Cottage Health partner to open new surgery center in North County Staff Report

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health, in partnership with physicians Christopher Birch, M.D.; Erin Haggerty, M.D.; Michael Kenly, M.D.; Asher Kupperman, M.D.; Eli Kupperman, M.D.; Amit Nathani, M.D. and Amy Wickman, M.D., is announcing plans for a new ambulatory surgery center in northern Santa Barbara County.

Upon opening, the new surgery center, which is co-owned by the independent community physicians and Cottage Health, will increase access to convenient, high-quality orthopedic surgical services and pain management. It will serve as a cost-effective point of care for patients throughout the region from Solvang to Paso Robles. The state-of-the-art, 12,000-square-foot center also will be li-

Cottage Health is partnering with seven physicians with ALTA Orthopaedics, an independent medical practice, to open an ambulatory surgery center in northern Santa Barbara County. Contributed Photo

censed to expand its scope to additional specialties.

The partner physicians in this joint venture are members of ALTA Orthopaedics, an independent medical practice comprised of fellowship-trained surgeons and pain management physicians providing musculoskeletal care to the Santa Barbara community for over 30 years. Its surgeons

provide surgical expertise in spine, sports medicine, joint replacement, hand, foot and ankle surgery as well as pain management, with a focus on non-opioid care. ALTA providers currently see patients throughout Southern California and the Central Coast, with locations in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Solvang and Oxnard.

“We are excited to partner for this new

surgery center to fill a need for the northern Santa Barbara County area to have convenient options for outpatient surgical care that meet our standard for excellence," Birch said. "Healthy communities need to have access to specialists, and sometimes traveling for a surgery far from home can be a barrier for seeking care or achieving optimal patient outcomes.”

The not-for-profit Cottage Health provides advanced medical care to the Central Coast region. As part of its commitment to connecting communities to convenient and high-quality care, in recent years Cottage Health has established specialty care clinics, Cottage Urgent Care centers, and Cottage Virtual Care, which provides 24/7 access to healthcare in English and Spanish languages.

With expert physicians, state-of-the-art equipment, dedicated anesthesiologists, and post-operative care onsite, the new surgery center in North County will offer a patient experience built around a shared commitment to quality, efficiency, and access.

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JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

FOOD & DRINK

Blendfest on the Coast tickets now on sale The Paso wine event will take place Feb. 22 Staff Report

CENTRAL COAST — Tickets are now on sale for Blendfest on the Coast, the only Paso Wine event dedicated to blends. It will take place Feb. 22-25, 2024.

BlendFest on the Coast takes place in Cambria and San Simeon, only a 40-minute drive away from Paso Robles, alongside the Pacific Ocean. BlendFest features a series of events including a vineyard excursion, a blending seminar, as well as winemaker dinners. The marquee event takes place on the Sundance Lawn at the Oceanpoint Ranch in Cambria, with more than 40 wineries pouring on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. Partners include Highway One Discovery Route, Visit Cambria, and Visit San Simeon. Go to pasowine.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

BlendFest on the Coast kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., with a coastal excursion to the Derbyshire Vineyard. This exclusive tour is only available through BlendFest on the Coast. They have partnered with Derby Wine Estates to bring a limited group into their iconic Derbyshire Vineyard with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Guests will learn about farming along the coast and taste wines from the estate winery, Derby Wine Estates, as well as Aaron Wines and Hawks Hill Ranch who source from this special place.

Also on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. is the first of two winemaker dinners at the Oceanpoint Ranch restaurant in Cambria. Dining to the sound of waves crashing along the rugged Cambria coast,

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A couple of attendees enjoy a past Blendfest on the Coast event. The next Blendfest, the only Paso Robles Wine event dedicated to blends, will happen Feb. 22-25. Contributed Photo

best blend of the day. Without giving away too much, there are lots of fun surprises at this seaside event in San Simeon, and this seminar sells out quickly every year. Three winemakers will offer up their expertise in blending, helping the audience come up with a stand-out blend. A tri-tip lunch is included along with finished wines from the guest wineries, complete with an ocean view.

The second of two winemaker dinners takes place on Friday, Feb. 23, at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort. Sunset over the ocean in San Simeon is a magical experience and toasting with Paso Robles wine just makes it better. The chef at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is creating a menu to complement the wines from four winemakers who will be strolling the dining room and pouring their blended wines.

Blendfest on the Coast culminates on Saturday, Feb. 24, with the Sunset Grand Tasting. Taking place on the Sundance Lawn at the Oceanpoint Ranch, more than 40 wineries will be pouring their blended wines. Come enjoy a taste of Paso Wine with the tunes of the Shawn Clark Family Band as your soundtrack, along with food from The Cowtipper Food Truck, and views of Moonstone Beach. The VIP Experience begins at 2 p.m. and General Admission at 3 p.m., with the event concluding just as the sun starts to get low to the horizon at 5 p.m.

On Sunday, Feb. 25, visitors are encouraged to head out to visit the wineries in Paso Robles Wine Country. After discovering a new favorite wine at one of the five marquee BlendFest on the Coast events, it’s a great day to purchase a few bottles to take home and share the memories and a taste of Blendfest with family and friends.

For all ticket information, please visit pasowine.com.

a unique and delicious menu will be showcased with wines from four wineries whose winemakers will be presenting and sharing the stories behind the label. Once dinner is complete, take a stroll along the

newly rebuilt Moonstone Beach boardwalk.

On Friday, Feb. 23, Blendfest on the Coast festivities continue with the ever-popular Blending Seminar. This friendly competition pits guest vs. guest to come up with the

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21

Vintage of a lifetime “If you had to choose between drinking wine every day or being skinny, would you choose red or white?"

— Anonymous

W

By John Salisbury Commentary

ith all its trials and tribulations, this year’s crop could likely go down as a “Vintage of a Lifetime.” After the record rainfall this year and a relatively cool summer, one of the coldest in the last dozen years, many varietals stayed on the vines for up to a month longer than usual. This allowed the fruit to “hang” on the vines and gain complexity, smooth tastes, and lower sugars because of the lack of sunshine and heat, resulting in lower alcohol. The cool, wet winter flushed out the accumulated salts from the last several years of drought and put the vines to sleep without stress. It also helped the growers that there were very few water delivery restrictions, so, for the first time in a while, the vines had all the irrigation water they needed to thrive.

However, the wet winter did not make it easy for the growers. Heavy May Grey, June Gloom, No-sky July, and Fogest made for little sunshine this summer, and it bunched up the normal scattered-out delivery of winegrapes by varietals resulting in a late heavy delivery of grapes varietals on top of each other. This led to tank shortages, which would have been empty

after a week or two of fermentation, ready for the next varietal’s turn. It also screwed up the harvest labor for the need of availability of more crews to pick the grapes almost all at once instead of a long steady late summer/fall pick.

Now, with the time and a half overtime payroll for farm workers, most growers do not want to work on Saturdays but were forced to pick on weekends and longer days and nights because the wineries demanded so. That made for an unbudgeted expense to the harvest. By the way, checking with my past vineyard foremen, they don’t like the overtime requirement because they work as much as 20 hours a week less, resulting in a smaller monthly income. Also, farmers, during the growing season, needed to cut overtime costs and had to hire more workers at forty hours to do the job. Farming is not a five-day 9-to-5 job!

The wet, persistent, foggy growing season brought on a historic Powdery Mildew problem, causing the growers to spray much more often than usual to control the problem. Fortunately, they are not the caustic fungicides used in the past. They are much safer, and many are organic in nature, such as organic mineral oil we had used for years, the same oil you put on a baby’s butt, which smothers the mildew pores. The same is true for control of the frequent problem of mealy bugs and aphids with open pores on their backs, unlike hard-back ladybugs and the like, which also are smothered by the oil. I am sure some of you had to use Neems or other safe oils for your plants this summer for mildew control. The local Sauvignon Blanc crop was a disaster because of its thin skin and the heavy mildew hit. Pinot Noir, also with thin skin, had

its problems to boot. Cabernet Sauvignon’s thick skin makes itself almost bulletproof. It was a blessing that with a cool, wet year, there were no usual big forest fires that would have tainted the grapes with smoke this year, like in 2020 and later.

The yields will come in as an average crop year with excellent quality but large compared to the last three short years. It is estimated that the crop globally is down considerably, as much as 10 percent. You would think this would be a good thing for the American wine industry, but even with the previous light crop years here, there is too much worldwide wine in the bottle or in bulk because of the slowdown in drinking wine. There is a shift in demographics because the younger generations are not so interested in wine and drinking in general versus my generation’s war babies, and the following boomers, who are the main winebuying generations and dying off. Distributor sales to stores are down 7 percent this year, and direct-to-consumer winery sales are down 8 percent as of August this year.

At the end of harvest, there were extra tons left on the vine because wineries had enough, even when growers offered just to be paid harvest costs because they would have to be picked anyway or have rotting grape disease problems in the vineyards that would overwinter and cause problems next year. It is estimated that maybe 14 percent of the crop was rejected for quality (mildew and rot), waiting too long for a delivery time, grown without a contract — which is not a good idea, and growers completed their contracted tonnage, and the wineries didn’t want any more. Worldwide, it

is a different story. Italy, France, and Spain had a long heat wave and other problems cutting wine deliveries. Argentina is a mess, where some vineyards have been abandoned because of a tough market and high inflation. Australia is in a trade war fight with its biggest customer, China. Italy is the biggest wine producer, followed by France, then Spain, the USA is fourth, Australia is fifth, Chile is sixth, and Argentina is seventh. The USA export business is still good for more expensive high-quality wines, but it is flat because Australia, Chile, and others are dumping wine on the markets as low as $2 per gallon to help solve their woes.

Compounding problems include highinterest rates, the aforementioned time-anda-half overtime wages, the severe scarcity of labor (where are all these new arrivals crossing the border who are potential farm workers, many with agriculture backgrounds — guessing they don’t need to work with living off the government and our tax dollars?), rising vineyard costs for replanting and construction of wineries and farm buildings financing is up 30 percent, lower winegrape prices, all leading to lower profit margins, saying there is a profit, for wineries and growers. Then there is the changing climate, making places like Napa Valley potentially becoming too hot, like the Central Valley, to grow quality grapes, to be offset with new expensive plantings in cooler areas once too cold for grapes. A good thing for consumers because of the oversupply is that much of this year’s great quality will end up in wine under $20/bottle, getting “more bang for the buck,” with whites showing up in stores around this time next year.

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JANUARY 2 – JANUARY 15, 2024

NEWS BREIFS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

• Second Place: $250 provided by Geosyntec.

• • Third Place: $150 provided by Ewing Irrigation.

• • People’s Choice Award (voted by the public on the WaterWiseSB YouTube Channel): $500 provided by Dudek.

In order to be eligible to win prizes, student participants must submit their videos and completed Application Packet online by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 8. The student winners will be publicly announced in May 2024.

The County Water Agency and local water providers thank our community sponsors for their generous support.

Zip Books programs returns to local libraries Your local library staff is excited to welcome back the popular Zip Books program, which allows patrons with a Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card in good standing to request books or audiobooks to be mailed directly to their home from Amazon. Zip

Books are purchased with grant funds made available through the California State Library.

For the 2023-24 fiscal year period, the City of Goleta’s Library Services Division was awarded $17,607 in California Library Services Act funds to purchase books and an Amazon Prime membership.

Sharon Nigh, library assistant and Zip Books coordinator, said, “The Zip Books program is a wonderful resource. It allows patrons access to the books they want for free even if they are not currently owned by the library.”

To be eligible for the Zip Books Program, requests must meet these criteria: • Title is not already owned by the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang Library, Buellton Library, Bookvan, or other Black Gold Cooperative member libraries.

• Title must be available from Amazon or an Amazon bookseller for less than $50 in print or large print formats, or less than $75 in book on CD format.

• Requests are limited to two books per household per month.

• If the requested title is already in the Black Gold system, a courtesy hold will be placed on the item.

A change to this year’s program is that Zip Books now have a due date. They are due back three months from the date they are requested. When you’re finished with your Zip Books, simply return them to your home library in-person at the circulation desk so that they can be checked in.

Please note that Zip Books returned in the book drops will not be checked in, and the full cost of unreturned Zip Books will be

charged to borrowers' accounts. The library is also accepting returned Zip Books from prior program years.

The Zip Books Request Form is available on the Library website at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org/ZipBooks. Questions may be sent to zipbooks@cityofgoleta.org.

Explore GoletaValleyLibrary.org for upto-date information about our services, programs, and events.

Winners named in Solvang Decorating Contest

The City of Solvang announced the winners of its 2023 Decorating Contest. The winners are: Most creative, The Brown Family/Creekside Neighborhood; Most traditional; The Iglesias Family/Alisal Glenn; and Best Lights, The Willis Family/Alisal Glen. The City of Solvang thanks all who entered. Contributed Photo Collage

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

CALENDAR

Solvang Julefest celebration but serves as a fire safety demonstration by the Santa THURSDAY, JAN. 11 Barbara County Fire Department. Event BUELLTON PLANNING includes Boy Scouts flag retirement, fire COMMISSION, 6 P.M. safety demonstration from Santa Barbara At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway County Fire, Rudy’s food truck, and fun 246, Buellton activities for kids put on by Solvang Parks For more info: cityofbuellton.com and Rec. At Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang MONDAY, JAN. 8 SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30 THROUGH SATURDAY, JAN. 6

P.M.

SOLVANG JULEFEST LIGHT &

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 MUSIC SHOW Oak Street, Solvang Daily, showtimes 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m.

For more info: cityofsolvang.com Every evening during Solvang Julefest, Solvang Park will come alive with all that TUESDAY, JAN. 9 sparkles and shines! Enjoy a 10-minute SANTA BARBARA COUNTY light and music display on the hour each BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 9 night, right in the center of all of Solvang’s A.M. holiday magic. There will be two show County Administration Building, 105 E. variations: The first will be played at 5, Anapamu St., Santa Barbara 7, and 9 p.m., and the second will be at 6 For more info: countyofsb.org and 8 p.m. At Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive, Solvang WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10

LOS OLIVOS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, 6 P.M.

At St Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Stacy Hall, 2092 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos For more info: www.losolivoscsd.com THURSDAY, JAN. 11

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M. At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton For more info: cityofbuellton.com TUESDAY, JAN. 16

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, JAN. 5

SOLVANG CHRISTMAS TREE BURN, 5 TO 7 P.M.

Every year, people drop off their Christmas trees so they can be burned in a huge community bonfire at the end of the holiday season. The City of Solvang Tree Burn not only wraps up the month-long

23

THROUGH FEB. 19

WEDNESDAYS

The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its third juried exhibition, "California National Parks: Stories of Water," a showcase of fine art inspired by the nine national parks located within the state of California. This exhibition will be on view through Feb. 19 at the Wildling Museum. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Thursday, and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and close on Tuesday

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.

CALIFORNIA NATIONAL PARKS: STORIES OF WATER

The goal of this exhibition is to bring awareness to the wealth of national parks to be found in California as well as the various forms of water that can be found in them, or evidence of a lack of water. Lakes, waterfalls, dew, rain, and fog are just some of the ways water makes its mark throughout these parks. And the impacts of a lack of water are equally important, as persistent drought is a major issue in California. At NISSER ADVENTURE Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511Join in on the city-wide hunt for the B Mission Drive, Solvang. For more info: mischievous Solvang Nisser (Danish wildlingmuseum.org for “gnome”)! This group of Nisser have hidden themselves throughout Downtown THROUGH FEB. 23 Solvang and we need your help tracking WINTER READING PROGRAM, them down. Find one, or find them all as STARTING JAN. 2 you enjoy all that Downtown Solvang has On Jan. 2, the all ages Winter Reading to offer. Fun for the whole family!

Program, "Warm Up with a Good Book," will begin. For eight weeks, every time you All Julefest long, pop into the Solvang read a book, you can drop a ticket into a Visitor Center for a list of clues to the box (at all the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley various hiding spots the Nisser frequents. libraries) for a chance to win one of the weekly prizes for children (0-12), teen (13SANTA BARBARA THERAPY 17) or adults (18 and over) DOGS AT THE SOLVANG For more information: goletavalleylibrary.

LIBRARY org/about/santa-ynez-valley-libraries With the assistance of Santa Barbara Therapy dogs, a monthly ARF! program is coming to Solvang Library. Children ONGOING ages 4 and up can sign up for a one-onone session to read aloud to a friendly TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and comforting therapy dog. Reservations STORYTIME AT SOLVANG appreciated; call the library to reserve a LIBRARY, 10:30 A.M., TUESDAYS spot: (805) 688-4214. The program will AND WEDNESDAYS continue on the first Wednesday of each Join us indoors on Tuesday and Wednesday month. ARF! is a literacy program that mornings. Come to enjoy songs, stories, gives children the opportunity to improve movement, and a warm welcome. Please reading skills in a safe and nonjudgmental make a reservation at cityofgoleta.org/ environment. At Solvang Library, 1745 city-hall/goleta-valley-library. At Solvang Mission Drive, Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. For more info: Solvang Library (805) 688-4214

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

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

SPORTS AND RECREATION ONGOING

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

Pickleball — part Ping-Pong, part badminton, lots of momentum — is one of the fastestgrowing 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