Santa Ynez Valley Star • May 2, 2023

Mayor Says Buellton's Status is 'Damn Good' at Annual Address

State of the City program for 2023 held at Vega Vinyard & Farm off Santa Rosa Road

By Mike Chaldu

michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

At the end of Dave King's Buellton State of the City Address April 19, his rst 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.

ey 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.

e program began with Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the Buellton Chamber of Commerce, welcoming everyone and then leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Pastor Sam Kiser from Crossroads Church gave the invocation.

After the audience had brunch, it was time for the city to present two of its annual awards: the Buellton Beauti cation Award and the Vincent B. Evans Award.

e Beauti cation Award was given to the Hotel Hygge, the remodeled hotel on the Avenue of

Flags that opened last August. e hotel's general manager, Carlos Sanchez, accepted the award and thanked the city for the honor. He also explained how the hotel remodeled it business in a Danish minimalist style and how the word "hygge," was a Danish term for a mood of contentment and coziness, a feeling he and his sta hoped to instill in every guest.

After that, the Vincent B. Evans

Award was handed out to a familiar name to Buellton residents: Kyle Abello, who retired as the Buellton Rec director at the end of last year.

Abello accepted the award and thanked the city and all the people who supported Buellton Rec since its inception. During his 20 years, his department oversaw the creation of the PAWS o -leash dog park, the local Rec Center and the establishment of special city events

like the Haunted House, Easter Eggs-travaganza and the BBQ Bonanza.

After the awards, it was time for Mayor King to take the podium. King, who was elected the second mayor ever since Buellton's incorporation after Holly Sierra, made light of that to begin.

"As anybody knows, second is always the rst loser," he said jok-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Buellton Mayor Dave King makes his State of the City address April 19 at Vega Vineyard & Farm in Buellton.

Photo by Mike Chaldu

NEWS BRIEFS

SANTA YNEZ

Santa Ynez High Principal to Step Down at Year's End

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School

Principal Michael Nieho has announced he will step down from his position at the end of the year, his rst and now only one at the school.

In a letter to school parents and guardians dated Monday, April 17, Nieho said: "My goal was to be an instructional leader rst and foremost. I worked hard to model and live that both for teachers and students. I always tried to make learning the forefront.

"Unfortunately, there are some dynamics outside of the students and the teachers that make it almost impossible to focus on teaching and learning," he continued. "In my estimation, there is not much that I can do about some of these factors."

In the letter, Nieho praised the students and faculty and said Santa Ynez High is a "great school," but expressed hope that "all of the adults would continuously help one another model to our students how to engage and work with one another productively and positively. is includes working together to avoid spreading gossip and misinformation, as well as giving one another the bene t of the doubt in all situations and even potential con icts."

Nieho 's announcement came a few days after Santa Ynez High students staged a walkout April 12 in protest of school administration weeks after a section of the school parking that was painted in rainbow colors for a "No Place For Hate" program was repainted to cover up the colors earlier than planned, supposedly because of complaints from some in the community.

Motorcyclists Critically Injured in Collision Near Cachuma Lake

Two motorcyclists were critically hurt when they collided with a sedan on Highway 154, right near the entrance to the Cachuma Lake on April 22.

e motorcyclists, one male and one female, were rushed to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, one by ambulance and the other by CalStat helicopter. Two people in the sedan su ered minor injuries and were also transported to Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital.

e accident temporarily closed Highway 154.

LOMPOC

e Lompoc Quilters Etc. Guild Quilt Show to Return

e Lompoc Quilters Etc. Guild, serving the Lompoc and Santa Ynez Valleys, is holding its two-day biennial quilt show, “Sewn with Love”, May 6-7 at the Veterans’ Memorial Building in Lompoc, CA.

e quilt show will feature boutique vendors, Basket Ra e, Mini Quilt Ra e, and

guests can purchase a ticket to win this year’s beautiful Opportunity Quilt. Over 70+ quilts made by Guild members will be on display. Attendees should be sure to enter the Opportunity Quilt Ra e, as one special attendee will win a special queen bed quilt; drawing to be held in October.

Mini Quilts to be ra ed o will include a few made by one of our founding members, Marguerite Van Coops, now 102 years old!

e “Sewn with Love” Quilt Show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. e Lompoc Veterans’ Memorial Building is located at 100 E. Locust Ave. in Lompoc and has free parking. e event is handicap accessible.

Tickets are $10 for both days and can be purchased on site. Admission for children ages 12 and under is free.

For more information, please visit the Quilters Etc. website at https://quiltersetc.org.

LOS ALAMOS

Los Alamos to Hold Town-Wide Garage

Sale

e annual Los Alamos Town-Wide Rummage Sale returns on May 6, from from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

e sale is coordinated by Cathy Christoferson and other volunteer members of the Los Alamos Valley Senior Center. e annual event is a way for the nonpro t to raise funds from the sale of donated items that go to bene t the programs, services, and social events the center o ers to local seniors.

A list of garage sale addresses and a town map will be released soon. For more information or to sign-up, call Cathy Christoferson at (805) 344-1931 or (805) 878-7909.

SANTA BARBARA

County foodbank announces donations will be matched by Balay Ko Foundation

e Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is preparing for a surge of increased need amid in ated food prices after families received their nal CalFresh Emergency Allotments last weekend.

e Foodbank is asking the public to help raise funds to support the children, seniors, veterans and other individuals facing food insecurity in the wake of this unprecedented loss. anks to the generous support of e Balay Ko Foundation, all donations up to $500,000 will be matched through June 1.

Since the pandemic began, CalFresh — the

supplemental program that helps low-income families a ord nutritious food and supports local economies — has provided emergency allotments to those in need. In February, these emergency allotments abruptly expired. Households in Santa Barbara received their last CalFresh Emergency Allotment on March 26.

Over 32,000 low-income households in Santa Barbara County will see their monthly support slashed by an average of $200 per month (California Department of Social Services, California Association of Food Banks).

TRACY SOLOMON

Tracey Solomon Elected to Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors

Tracey Solomon, a partner in the audit department at local accounting rm Bartlett, Pringle, & Wolf LLP, has joined the Board of Directors for the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara.

A Santa Barbara native, Ms. Solomon earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics with an emphasis in accounting at UCSB before joining Bartlett, Pringle & Wolf in 2003. In addition to nancial statement audits for companies and nonpro t organizations, her specialties include employee bene t plan audits, special district audits, equity-based transactions, and corporate reorganizations.

“In light of her expertise and experience, Tracey is a welcome addition to the Foundation Board of directors. We are very pleased to have her,” said Interim Scholarship Foundation President and CEO Mary Dwyer. e Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara is the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships, having cumulatively awarded more than $140 million to some 60,000 county students since its founding in 1962. A nonpro t organization, the Scholarship Foundation also provides free nancial aid advising services. For additional information, visit www.sbscholarship. org.

Emergency personnel tend to the scene of a collision between two motorcycles and a sedan on Highway 154 near the Cachuma Lake entrance on April 22. Photo Courtesy of SBC Fire

S olvang City Council Approves Banners for Pride Month, But Votes to Limit Banners Afterward

Rainbow House nonpro t wanted to y the banners during the entire month of June, and also suggested a couple of crosswalks in town be painted in rainbow colors.

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

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 y for two weeks on city light poles in June.

e motion on the item passed 3-2, with Mayor Mark Infante, Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth Orona, and Councilmember Claudia Orona, voting yes. Councilmembers Robert Clarke and Dave Brown were opposed.

However, later in the meeting, the council voted to ban all noncity banners for display after the already-approved Pride banner and Solvang eaterfest banner are displayed this year.

e application for the banners was submitted by Kiel and Matthew Cavalli, the same applicants whose proposal was voted down at the Feb. 27 City Council meeting. In that application, Matthew Cavalli, the executive director of the

e application approved by council on April 24 did not involve any crosswalks and cut the length of time the banners were up to a two-weeks period that included this year's Pride Parade on June 24 in Solvang.

e vote followed a public comment that lasted approximately two hours and included more than 50 speakers. Due to the sheer volume of people ready to comment on the agenda item, Mayor Mark Infanti proposed that it be moved to the start of the meeting, and public comments be limited to two minutes (instead of the usual three) for each speaker. e council agreed to that proposal.

An undercurrent to the public comment was the discovery of email comments reportedly made by Clarke to a local conservative group concerning the proposal that was up for vote.

A Sunday, April 23, article in the Santa Barbara Independent reported that in email exchanges with the group Santa Ynez Valley Common Sense, Clarke called his fellow councilmembers "bozos" for bringing back a vote on the banner subject and said the council was "bowing to a tiny woke mob."

While Clarke was opposed to this year's banner proposals, he had voted last year to approve the Pride Parade and Event in Solvang, but had expressed concern about performers in drag being a part of it.

Some speakers on Monday night alluded to Clarke's email comments while voicing support for the banners, while other speakers defended Clarke, saying the reported comments are not indicative of his character.

Matt Cavalli, who was the applicant for the banners project, answered claims that Solvang was still a welcoming community despite the denial of his application in February.

" e fact is systematic homophobia and racism is not just visible, but encouraged within the council and its communication," Cavalli said. "Last June, we were told it was OK to be visible on one weekend. You cannot say this town is welcoming and kind unless you have been in my shoes walking down the street while spat upon — told that I was not welcome and called slurs I will not repeat.

"Banners did not cause the divisiveness, people did."

Most of those opposed to the proposal cited the city's banner policy, which limits the display of banners to those that directly support tourism for Solvang, not those that promote a political or religious agenda.

"I thought this issue had been put to bed," said Jesse Bengoa, who spoke out against the earlier banner and crosswalk proposal at the Feb. 27 meeting. "You allow this, and you’re setting a precedent, and you'll have to consider this for someone who wants to support the

March for Life or Second Amendment Day. Vote this proposal down, and keep politics out of Solvang."

However, there were plenty in public comment who were in favor of hanging the banners.

"This place has been a welcoming place. They want to welcome a group which my son is a member of," said Steve Cox. "This is a chance to show grace and hospitality. No one is asking anyone in this town to replace 805 ale with Bud Light. Just show a little welcoming for a little while."

Others bristled at the thought that the subject of sexual persuasion is considered a political issue.

"My family’s not a political matter. Banners show this is an accepting place," Maria Bell said. "When traveling, my family looks at how accepting a town is of its gay community; it’s a matter of safety. It's not something a straight white man has to do. It's a decision like this that makes people decide if this is a welcoming community."

After public comment, Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth Orona moved to approve the item, with Councilmember Claudia Orona seconding.

"I’ve looked at all the emails we’re trying our best to listen trying to move forward in the most positive way we can," Elizabeth Orona said. "They’ve adjusted their app modified makes it easy to align with others we’ve accepted. Uncomfortable for many people who don’t understand the community, but that is the point. We need to move forward and accept some change and discomfort."

Before the vote on the banner item, Clarke defended himself against the claims he's opposed to the Pride movement in general. "Sorry, folks, I don’t understand, and I’m not a bad person for not understanding, drag shows, and I’m not a bad person for thinking there’s a lot of politics involved." he said. "But the hate, the vitriol, that I’ve received via email, stalking, my trash was gone through, my recycling bin was gone through on Thursday night. I don’t understand every single point of this aspect. I’ve never said we shouldn’t have a gay pride parade, never ever ever said we should not have a festival. I just had a problem with turning over an entire town to something that’s considered political.”

EPA Allows California Law Phasing out Diesel Trucks

Under state’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, half of all heavy-duty trucks sold in California will be zeroemission vehicles by 2035

By Caleb Hampton

CALIFORNIA —  e U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved California’s plan to phase out the sale of diesel-fueled heavy-duty trucks, including the big rigs that transport much of the state’s agricultural goods, in the state’s e orts to reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

Under the state’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which was signed in 2020, half of all heavy-duty trucks sold in California will be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. e state plans to eliminate the sale of diesel-fueled trucks by 2045.

e California Air Resources Board, which made the rule, emphasized that large diesel-powered trucks play an outsized role in pollution and carbon emissions. e board said diesel trucks and buses represent around 3 percent of vehicles registered in California and produce more than half of its smog-forming gases and carcinogenic diesel pollutants.

CARB had requested waivers from the federal Clean Air Act to set emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

“ is is a big deal for climate action,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said after the EPA on March 31 gave California the green light to move forward with the rule. “We’re getting more zero-emission heavy-duty trucks on the roads,

expanding our world-leading e orts to cut air pollution and protect public health.”

Additionally, the air resources board is working on an Advanced Clean Fleets rule that would build on the ACT regulation, which focuses on manufacturers. e ACF rule sets deadlines for buses and trucking companies to transition their operations to electric vehicles over the next two decades. While the rules would curtail emissions, leaders in the trucking and agriculture sectors raised concerns about the readiness of the electrical grid, vehicle technology, and charging infrastructure for such a large-scale transition to zero-emission trucks.

“We are extremely concerned that the proposed ACF rule will be unworkable in the real world and could result in compromising the delivery of essential goods and services to Californians,” a coalition of commercial, transportation and agricultural organizations, including the California Farm Bureau, wrote last year in a letter to the air resources board.

e rules would impact California farmers who have truck eets, as well as all those who rely on trucking companies to transport livestock and fresh produce across the state. ey say delays caused by charging issues could jeopardize animal safety or the timely delivery of fruits and vegetables.

“Our products are obviously perishable in nature, whether that be milk or tomatoes or livestock,” said Katie Little, policy advocate for the California Farm Bureau. “We certainly don’t want them on the road longer than they have to be.”

Farm Bureau and other agricultural groups have raised questions about the lack of rural charging stations and the limited

range of zero-emission trucks.

California has budgeted more than $5 billion for the transition to cleaner trucks and buses, but much of that work lies ahead. ere are currently fewer than 2,000 zero-emission medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles on California roads.

“I’m all for going green, but let’s be realistic,” Martín Chávez, farmer relations director at Paci c Farm Management, a labor contractor in the Central Valley, said in a meeting with lawmakers last month. “When it comes to my community, we’re barely getting our rst gas station in 2023.”

ere are other challenges for moving to electric vehicles. In California, the weight of a truck and its cargo cannot exceed 80,000

pounds. Batteries for electric big rigs can weigh up to 16,000 pounds, signi cantly cutting into the amount of cargo.

“If your truck now weighs more, your load is smaller,” Little said. “ at means more loads, because the same amount of product still needs to get somewhere, and you have to take more trips to do it.”

Joe Antonini, owner of Stockton-based Antonini Freight Express, which trucks tomatoes, almonds, walnuts and olives, estimated his company may need 50 percent more vehicles to move its freight.

Little noted there is an ongoing national truck driver shortage.

She asked, “Are there going to be drivers to keep driving these trucks?”

Contributor of the California Farm Bureau Federation

Tesla Simi With less than 2 kWh per mile of energy consumption, Semi can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge. Recover up to 70 percent of range in 30 minutes using Tesla’s Semi Chargers. Contributed Photo

EDUCATION

Lizbeth Ortiz Honored by Elks Lodge as March Student of the Month

The Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge, in collaboration with Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, are proud to honor Lizbeth Ortiz as our outstanding March Student of the Month. Lizbeth’s dedication to her academic program and involvement in clubs at the high school and local service organizations make her a perfect candidate for this honor.

rough all four years of high school, Lizbeth has been a member of FFA. is has involved attending leadership conferences where she has excelled in public speaking, a life-long skill. She has also been a member of AVID all four years, coordinating the social media aspect of this organization. She has also been a member of the National Honor Society and the Organization of Latina Americans OLA.

Lizbeth believes in giving back to the

community: During the summer, she has been involved in a United Way program, Fun in the Sun, as a counselor in training. is involved organizing activities for children right here in our Valley. Continuing her involvement with children, she has been a volunteer at the Presbyterian Preschool, the Jog a on at Solvang School and a group leader of the Old Mission Santa Ynez Con rmation class. Lizbeth also volunteers at the Bethania Lutheran Church food distribution and the Solvang Library.

Lizbeth currently has a 4.3 GPA. Her plans for the future are to become a teacher — she said she would like to concentrate on grades K-3. With her volunteer work with children, she has laid the groundwork to become an excellent educator. Her plans are to attend a four-year college and then pursue her Master's degree.

e Santa Ynez Valley Elks are proud to honor Lizbeth as our March Student of the Month, and presented her with a check for $100 at a recent meeting.

Congratulations to Lizbeth for excelling at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and for serving our community through her dedication to our children.

Santa Ynez High senior spends spare time working with children and aspires to be a teacher

Lizbeth Ortiz (left) is shown accepting a $100 check from Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Bonnie McCall Rees after being named March Student of the Month by the lodge. Contributed Photo

Sta Report

By Lee Pitts Columnist

Instead of just saying evil things about beef, I wish the government would just go ahead and outlaw it so we could all make some money.

e surgeon general put his warning on cigarettes, and sales of the cancer sticks skyrocketed. Marijuana was outlawed, and the "grass" farmers are the only kind feeling good about things. ey have the only cash

OPINION

Underground Beef

crop. It's human nature tell somebody they can't have something and they will pay dearly for it. People want what they can't have. Tell them the speed limit is 55, and they'll drive 65. If it's 65, they'll drive 75.

e best thing that could happen to cattlemen is for the government to say that beef could be raised for medicinal purposes only. en the doctors and drug companies would be on our side because they could charge $600 for a hamburger prescription. e patient would drive down to Burger King, plop down his prescription and get a Whopper. You think there are lines at McDonald's now, just wait until beef is illegal. e lawyers would really love us because they would be busy suing the doctors for pre-medicated murder.

e movie stars would get o our backs because they would all have $1,000 a day habits and would be stu ng t-bones up their noses. e scientists would be on our side because they would have Beef

Anonymous treatment centers where beef addicts could spend $15,000 for beef abuse aversion therapy, where the patient would be fed 75 Big Macs every day until they were sick of them.

Cowboys would be driving big fancy Cadillacs and rancher's would be the king pins dining on burgers in the back room. Of course it would change the way we ran our ranches. We'd have to sell on the black market and open bank accounts in the Cayman Islands. Auction men would be on the ten most wanted list. Ranches way back in the sticks would skyrocket in value. e USDA would y planes overhead to spot the illegal cattle but smart ranchers would go underground or hide their cattle under trellises of marijuana. e feds don't seem to be able to spot that. Feedlots may have a problem, though, convincing the beef narcs that the 100,000 cattle in their feedlots are for home consumption only. But then the USDA would try to count the animals, and

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

we all know they can't do that.

When the burger patrol brought their beef sni ng dogs to the ranch and raided Grandma and Grandpa's illegal operation, they would haul Grandpa away in a cruiser as he covered his face to the camera. Grandpa would swear in court that the cattle were not his, that they weren't wearing his brand, and they had just drifted on to his place from the Sierra Club refuge for endangered species. Grandpa's fancy lawyer would get him o on a minor income tax evasion charge. e beef business would get so good it would start attracting undesirable types like the Ma a and futures traders from Chicago. e poultry pluckers would be trying to get chicken outlawed. e state governments would see the pro t potential in beef like they did in gambling. ey would probably all start beef lotteries.

Yeah, I wish the feds would quit messing around and outlaw beef so we could all get rich.

Think Twice Before Allowing Exxon to Reopen Pipeline

This week Exxon asks the county to allow it to reopen a 123-mile-long pipeline that caused the 142,000-gallon Refugio spill in 2015. The pipe is over 30 years old, is eight years older now than when it caused that great destruction, and has not been fully inspected and repaired in all this time.

Rather than spend the money to repair the old pipe, Exxon proposes to install valves that would supposedly limit future spills to manageable levels.

That massive spill has done more than enough damage in our county. There are still countless clumps of tar below the sand’s surface. Will my wife and I ever again be able to walk on Refugio

Beach without getting it on our feet?

The long list of Exxon’s calamitous accidents will continue to grow, wherever it operates and regardless of its assurances and claims of engineering advances and safe operating practices. For decades, Exxon has found ways to avoid responsibility for full clean-up and restoration. And, recovery is never complete.

Our [SB County] Planning Commission should consider the values of the Gaviota Coast Plan and Exxon’s historic record. Otherwise, the next ruinous Santa Barbara spill is surely only a matter of time.

Seth Steiner Los Alamos

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Anglers of All Ages Compete in Cachuma Lake's Fish Derby

With a fuller lake than in years past, the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake held its 26th annual Fish Derby, starting on April 15 at 6 a.m. and ending at 12 p.m. on April 16.

Contestants of all ages fished Cachuma Lake during the tournament hours and were also able to fish from shore at any time during the derby, including Saturday night. Nature Center volunteer, retired Battalion Chief Mike Marlow, fired the flare off at 6 a.m. at the harbor to start the derby on Saturday.

This year’s event was attended by 599 anglers registered to fish in the derby and many others along for a glorious weekend of perfect weather for camping and fun at the Nature Center.

The weekend weather started out with the perfect weather on Saturday with the lake draped in fog until the sun broke through on Sunday! Best of all, lots of fish were caught in all categories making for happy anglers of all ages.

The Fish Derby is a benefit fundraiser for the Neal Taylor Nature Center, which is located at Cachuma Lake and offers programs and exhibits on the Santa Ynez River Watershed.

Seventy-one volunteers planned and operated the derby, raffle, and children’s

activities, bringing in over $36,000 through sponsorship, donations, and registrations with an additional $10,000-plus in merchandise donations for door prizes and raffle prizes.

The awards program held on Sunday, April 16 at 1 p.m. was emceed by the amazingly talented father and daughter team of Captain David Bacon and Captain Tiffany Vague. The duo were assisted Barbara and Dave Hale, Jeff McDonald, and Julie McDonald on stage to help pass out raffle, door prizes and checks to the cash winners.

Julie McDonald of the Neal Taylor Nature Center said this year's derby was dedicated to two "special members" of the Fish Derby family who recently passed away: Pam "Peanut Pam" LoGuercio and Ramon "Ray" Angel.

LoGuercio was a huge fan of the Fish Derby, according to McDonald, and came by her "Peanut Pam" nickname when she started passing out peanuts to anglers, and that became an annual staple of the derby Angel was an avid fisherman who rarely missed the Fishing Derby. In fact, Angel's daughter Tracy Angel underwrote the award for the Heaviest Trout and with her children — Paloma, Izabella, and Santino — presented the winner, Melissa Vickers, with the award at the ceremony on Sunday, April 16.

A list of the 2023 Fish Derby winners:

$599 Heaviest Trout Caught: Melissa Vickers, Ventura, 8.52 lbs. (26 inches)

$300 2nd Heaviest Trout Caught: Steve Cullen, Solvang, 7.34 lbs. (25 inches)

$599 Heaviest Bass Caught: Rob Murrin, Santa Barbara, 1.84 lbs. (15.75 inches)

$300 2nd Heaviest Bass Caught: Wayne Achterberg, Santa Maria, 1.82 lbs. (16 inches)

$599 Heaviest Crappie Caught: Leonard Barrios, Ventura, 1.52 lbs. (14.5 inches)

$300 2nd Heaviest Crappie Caught: Pat Kelly, Solvang, 1.5 lbs. (14.25 inches)

$599 Heaviest Catfish Caught: Ryan Andrews, Santa Barbara, 3.04 lbs. (19 inches)

$300 2nd Heaviest Catfish Caught: Mark Silva, Santa Maria, 1.76 lbs., 17 inches

$599 for Heaviest Carp Caught: Bryan Belluz, Lompoc, 11.5 lbs. (30.5 inches)

$300 2nd Heaviest Carp Caught: Chris Payne, Buellton, 8.9 lbs. (28.5 inches)

$100 Neal Taylor “Young Angler Award” First Catch by an angler 15 years or younger

$50 Saturday: Kayden Lintz, 9, Pahrump, Nevada; Trout, 1.16 lbs. (14.5 inches)

$50 Sunday: Kayden Lintz, 9, Pahrump, Nevada; Trout, 2.88 lbs. (19 inches)

$100 Heaviest Fish caught by Girl 11-15 yrs.: Kaylan Brown, 14, from Pahrump,

Nevada; Trout, 3.12 lbs. (19.5 inches)

$100 Heaviest Fish caught by Boy 11-15 yrs.: Garrett Shaw, 12, Bakersfield, Trout, 6.66 lbs. (24.5 inches)

$50 The Dutch Wilson Prize (the fish caught by the oldest angler): Gilbert Echevarria Sr., 78, Santa Barbara, Trout, 2.15 lbs.

$25 each plus Rod & Reel to 5 kids 10 yrs. & under for Heaviest Fish Caught:

• Winner #1: Duke Harmony, 5, Goleta, Fish, 2.04 lbs., 17.75 inches

• Winner #2: Jennifer Cardinal, 6, Pahrump, Nevada; Trout, 1.70lbs. (15.75 inches)

• Winner #3: Kayden Lintz, 9, Pahrump, Nevada; Trout, 1.16 lbs. (14.5 inches)

• Winner #4: Gael Gonzalez, 9, Fish, 1.62lbs. (15.75 inches)

• Winner #5: Waylon Estes, 6, from Santa Maria, Bass / 0.82 lbs. / 13 inches

Rod & Reel to next five kids 10 yrs. & under for Heaviest Fish Caught:

• Winner #6: Dane Harmony, 4, Goleta, Fish, 1.76 lbs. (15.5 inches)

• Winner #7: Bradley Batchelor, 9, Santa Maria, Bass, 1.34lbs. / 14 inches

• Winner #8: Samantha Brewer, 10, Santa Barbara, Trout, 2.92 lbs. (19.75 inches)

• Winner #9: Ryan Shaw, 4, Bakersfield, Trout, 3.0 lbs. (20 inches)

• Winner #10: Jackson Alvarez, 10, Orcutt, Bass, 1.2 lbs. (15 inches)

Plenty of fish were being shown o , and weighed, at the Cachuma Lake Fish Derby on April 15 and 16. Photos Courtesy of Neal Taylor Nature Center

Neal Taylor Nature Center welcomes 599 contestants in

Sta Report

Valley resident seeks to help people unlock ‘ e Emotion Code'

A traumatic event changed the course of life for Devyn Astor of Santa Ynez Valley Energy Healing

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

Over the past 40 years, simple and e ective methods of natural healing have emerged into mainstream culture. Rather than pharmaceuticals, allopathy, or new surgical approaches, these innovative methods utilize a new understanding of quantum physics, quantum entanglement, epigenetics, and neurobiology.

“We are now beginning to treat the human body for what it really is: a highly complex energy eld,” said Dr. Bradley Nelson, renowned expert on bioenergetic medicine and creator of “ e Emotion Code” and, more recently, “ e Body Code.” Nelson has been using his healing modality for over 30 years.

Local resident Devyn Astor, a certi ed Emotion Code practitioner, brings this modality to the Santa Ynez Valley.

“ e subconscious mind and our higher self know all about the emotional baggage each of us hold onto,” explained Astor. “With all of the trauma and negativity that we experience during our lifetimes, those experiences reach deep into our subconscious and our physiology holds on to that negative energy, which ultimately manifests in our bodies in ways that are detrimental to our health, well-being, and happiness.

“Everything is energy and the body is energy too,” Astor continued. “ e Emotion Code and e Body Code are holistic energy healing modalities that work by discovering and releasing energetic imbalances and trapped emotional energies in the body. ese can create anything from discomfort, to bad habits, and feeling stuck in life; the range of ‘symptoms’ is so vast. e Emotion Code is based on the premise that our bodies are programmed to self-heal and balance, but emotional ‘clutter’ from di cult or traumatic events in our lives can hinder that mechanism. With the help of your subconscious and higher self, I rebalance the body to help facilitate your own natural healing abilities in order to create a new sense of well-being for both humans and animals.”

Astor attributes her interest in the healing arts to her mother, who impressed upon her children the importance of health from the time they were very small.

“To her it was as important as education and religion,” said Astor. “Whenever we were feeling under the weather, stressed, or ill, she would whip out her tattered yellow book on herbs and medicinal plants and concoct something for us to take. In no time, we were up and about again, while others would still be recovering in bed.”

Astor stated that her family comes from Algonquin lineage and her ancestors practiced the natural healing arts of botanical medicine for generations.

“I think our propensity to heal came from them,” she said. “Most of the women in my family have an inclination towards healing.”

As an adult, Astor learned more about herbs, essential oils, and food and its healing properties. She also studied acupuncture, meditation, the heart-brain connection, and energy healing, all in an e ort to help friends, family, pets, and maintain her own health and wellness.

About eight years ago, a friend suggested that Astor watch a series of lectures by Nelson on the subject of emotional healing called “ e Emotion Code.”

“I found Dr. Bradley’s information very compelling and I was extremely impressed by the simplicity and non-invasive techniques Dr. Nelson espoused and ultimately with their positive outcomes. It felt like receiving the instruction manual we all wish we were born with,” said Astor. “I began to implement his teachings into my everyday life and used his methodology to help those in my social circle regain a new sense of wellness. It evolved over time, and eventually I was led to put my own spin on it using not only the subconscious but the higher self, which broadens my understanding of what is necessary for healthful rebalance. I found it especially helpful in my work with animals.”

Astor said that when COVID-19 struck, it brought everything into a new light. It left so many people feeling lost and su ering physically, mentally, and emotionally.

at was such a strange couple of years for

everyone, but it also felt like a life recon guration for many people, including myself,” said Astor. “I had been asking God for direction because I didn’t feel like my work was making enough of a positive impact on others. One day, completely unexpected, I had a close family member experience a couple of extremely serious organ and system traumas at the same time as my cat su ered a severe head injury.

“Suddenly, these methods I was using went from casual and sporadic to constant and critical. I saw miracles I was not expecting and I knew God was answering my prayer, showing me the correct life avenue to take. It was a very di cult and exhausting way to learn, but I was grateful.”

Following this experience, Astor decided to open Santa Ynez Valley Energy Healing and share with the public what she had learned and practiced in her own life to help others attain health and well-being. She works with humans of any age and any type of animal.

“Working with animals is especially rewarding. eir higher selves can be very communicative, and I’m often able to assist pet owners with more of an overall understanding of their pet,” she said. “I have found, besides being more energetically sensitive, they really aren’t any di erent from humans. ey trap all the same emotions and have the same range of happiness and drama that we do. It’s very fascinating!”

Since opening Santa Ynez Valley Energy Healing, Astor has been able to assist people and animals in a variety of countries across the globe. Her work is primarily remote, which offers her clients a exibility in location and session scheduling.

“ e body knows how to heal itself, and the subconscious and higher self knows the true reasons for a person’s su ering and where the blockages are. I decode the information and facilitate that communication and connection so the body can heal itself. I think of it as working as an interpreter for the United Nations of Higher Selves,” Astor said with a laugh.

“God, of course, knew what He was doing,” Astor said in conclusion. “I learn something new and surprising every day and have been able to help more people than I ever had in the past. I am in total gratitude!”

For more information, visit www. syvenergyhealing.com.

Santa Ynez Valley resident Devyn Astor is a certified Emotion Code practitioner. Contributed Photo

Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center Earns LEED Silver Certi cation

The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, which is slated to open later this year, has earned a LEED Silver certi cation from the U.S. Green Building Council for its environmentally sound design, construction and operational practices.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world, and its certi cation is proof that a business is going above and beyond to ensure the building is constructed and operated to the highest level of sustainability.

With this prestigious distinction, the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center joins the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian as the only Native American museums in the country certi ed at LEED Silver or better. e Santa Ynez facility becomes one of 15 museums

in California, and the 124th museum in the U.S., to be LEED certi ed at the Silver level or better, according to the USGBC’s online directory.

“ is achievement underscores our tribe’s commitment to the environment and conservation e orts as we prepare to introduce the community to a one-of-a-kind facility that showcases our history and culture,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “We share in celebrating this global distinction with the architects and construction partners who helped make our aspirations for LEED certi cation a reality.”

e Seattle-based, award-winning rm Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects designed the museum, while Bernards, a California-based construction company, has provided general contracting and construction services, and Summit Project Management of Culver City has managed the project.

In order to achieve LEED certi cation, project teams must adhere to prerequisites across nine measurements for building excellence. ese measurements range from integrative processes to building materials to indoor air quality. e Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center scored high marks for its water e ciency, energy e ciency, materials and resources, and innovation in design.

e 14,000-square-foot facility features architecture re ecting Chumash culture, including a Welcome House, Heritage House, Traditional Tule House, Samala Language House, and a Tomol House that symbolically combine to represent a village. e 3.5acre adjoining cultural park will feature over 11,000 California native plants, including over 140 species, used by the Chumash.

In the coming weeks, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians will announce an o cial date for its museum’s highly anticipated grand opening.

e U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a healthy, resilient and equitable future for all through the development of green buildings, cities and communities. For more than 20 years, USGBC has been advancing green building practices through the development of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers and partners, USGBC provides robust green building education courses, a rigorous professional credentialing program, and advocates for e ective public policies.

e Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians' reservation was established and o cially recognized by the federal government in 1901. Today, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians remains the only federally recognized Chumash tribe in the nation. e tribe is a self-governing sovereign nation and follows the laws set forth in its tribal constitution.

The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, located next to Highway 246 in Santa Ynez, is slated to open later this year. Contributed Photo

`STOMP-ing Out Hunger' Event Surpasses Last Year's Efforts

Volunteers pack 135,000 meals, in less time, to help feed the hungry in Uganda and Ecuador

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

In response to Teri Harmon’s request for volunteers to help with her third “STOMP-ing Out Hunger” event, just under 200 Valley residents heeded the call.

“It was wonderful receiving phone calls from people that wanted to volunteer and help make a di erence,” said Harmon.

For the past three years, Harmon has partnered with “Kids Around the World” to participate in “OneMeal,” which empowers groups to be a part of the solution of child malnutrition. Her event called “STOMPing Out Hunger” gathers local volunteers to assemble food packets that will be sent to children living in impoverished villages in Uganda and Equador. is food is distributed in di erent care points, such as orphanages, schools, homes, churches, and community feeding centers within each country.

Many of the volunteers who arrived on Saturday, April 15, at the Presbyterian Church Family Center in Ballard had already participated in previous STOMP events, so with just a quick reminder from Harmon, they just walked in, rolled up their sleeves, and started to assemble the meal packets.

e day started early with students from Dunn School and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School helping set up for the event that started at 11 a.m. People from all over the Santa Ynez Valley, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara showed up to nd their team of eight and get trained on how to pack the meals. ree teams from Solvang Rotary Club, eight teams from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, six teams from

Valley Christian Fellowship, the Girl Scouts, Montecito Bank & Trust, and lots of family and friends also turned up to help out. “ e packing went fast with people dumping rice, lentils, dried vegetables, and a vitamin packet in a bag, with the next person sealing the bag and the next boxing it up,” said Harmon. “Along the way, a large gong was hit to announce the progress towards the ultimate goal and some music played for

all to sporadically STOMP to.” ere was one particular group Harmon was impress with.

“ e award for the most dedicated and hard-working went to a team of eight missionaries from the Church of Latter-Day Saints who were the rst ones to show up, help set up, and the last ones to leave after they nished packing the last ve boxes that were needed to hit our goal of 135,000

(From left) Teri and John Harmon, Jerri Fredericks, Je Omdahl, Margie McShirley, Lori Wedlake, Matt Symmonds, and Richard McShirley are ready to start the packing process at the Presbyterian Church Family Center in Ballard. Contributed Photos

meals packed,” she said. “ ese amazing young men helped everyone in keeping the lines and supplies going, along with the heavy lifting of the nished boxes onto pallets for shipment to Uganda and Ecuador.

“ ese gentlemen helped everyone hit the collective new record of packing 135,000 meals and everyone did this amazing accomplishment in an hour less than what it took to do 130,200 meals last year!

People were energized and committed to the success of the project.”

The award for the most boxes packed went to Athena and Tanner McCandlish, Dr. James Morelli, DDS, and his hygienist, Brooke, Anne Plucy, Karina Miller, and Jen Van Schmus from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School with her son Devin.

“ is amazing team of eight packed over

60 boxes that accounted for over 13,000 meals boxed despite all the other teams leaving and our cleanup crew sweeping the oors around them and taking down the tables,” said Harmon. “Each were awarded gift certi cates and accolades for their steadfast commitment towards being last out with the most done.”

However, Harmon was thankful for the contribution of everyone at the event

“Thanks to the generosity and energy of many, our STOMP was a successful event,” she said. “People of all ages and backgrounds came together to get the job done of providing the much-needed meals to children in Uganda and Ecuador.

“Many asked if they could do it again next time and without hesitation my response was, heck yeah!”

Pictured from left are Harmon, Brenda Wilson, Barry Resetco, Timothy Reed, Titus Reed, Daniel Reed holding on to Tabitha Reed, with her brother Jake Reed next to her holding Riley the dog; Sophie Reed, Sarah Reed, Jean Resetco, Mitch Wilson, and Dave and Lori Resetco.

The team consisting of (clockwise from lower left) Tanner McCandlish, Anne Plucy, Dr. James Morelli, DDS, Karina Miller, Athena McCandlish, Brooke (hygienist for Dr. Morelli), Jen Van Schmus and her son Devin drew praise from STOMP-ing Out Hunger organizer Teri Harmon for staying until they were able to complete over 60 boxes.

Figueroa Mountain Game Preserve Lecture/Webinar on May 11

e Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society and Solvang Library are excited to announce a free illustrated lecture on ursday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at the Solvang Library, located at 1745 Mission Drive. is lecture, co-sponsored by the two organizations, will feature Los Olivos resident Ken

Doud who will present a scenario of what a game preserve on Figueroa Mountain featuring prehistoric megafauna could look like using photo simulations. e presentation will be available both in-person and via Zoom, with the link to the live stream sent to SYVNHS members and friends of the Society. As the date of the event approaches, the link will also be posted on the SYVNHS website, syvnature. org.

During the Late Pleistocene period, as recently as 10,000 years ago, California was home to prehistoric elephants, lions, saber-toothed cats, and many other large beasts, all part of the now-vanished mega-

fauna. Ken Doud will use state-of-the-art digital technology to depict accurate restorations of the extinct animals based on Rancho La Brea Tar Pit fossils, presenting a world where these creatures did not become extinct but instead could be viewed at a local game preserve on Figueroa Mountain.

e "Figueroa Mountain Game Preserve" is modeled after the warm-temperate game preserve Hluhluwe-Imfolozi in South Africa, which still boasts a full complement of large mammals and associated fauna. e lecture will compare the two ecosystems and speculate whether megafauna could t ecologically in present-day California. e presentation will also examine possible rea-

sons why these animals became extinct.

Ken Doud holds an MFA from UCSB and uses computer technology to create special e ects and photo simulations for land-use planners, scienti c publications, and architects. All of the photos and computer-generated images used in the presentation are original.

is is an opportunity to learn more about prehistoric megafauna and the potential for creating a unique habitat where these creatures could exist in the present day. Contact the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society for more information on this event by visiting syvnature.org.

Boots 'N Badges Fundraising Event To Benefit Sheriff's Benevolent Posse

drug-sni ng and patrol dogs.

Los

includes live demonstration from numerous sheri 's units

Sta Report

“Boots ‘n Badges," an afternoon fundraiser to bene t the Santa Barbara County Sheri ’s Benevolent Posse, will be held at the beautiful Red River Ranch in Los Olivos, Saturday, May 13, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. e event will feature up-close, live demonstrations by several Santa Barbara County Sheri ’s deputies, including its bomb squad, K-9, and Mounted Enforcement units.

Among the highlights planned for the event: e mounted unit will show how it trains its horses in crowd control techniques, the bomb squad will demonstrate its robot in action destroying a suspect package, and the K-9 unit will work its

“Guests will be greeted with a specialty cocktail, enjoy a series of gourmet food stations, wine from Brick Barn Wine Estate, beer from Firestone Walker along with boot-stomping music from Los Angeles-based band Jambalaya West, plus they’ll receive a keepsake gift,” said event chairperson Suzanne Kramer-Morton. “Attendees will also get to enjoy Red River Ranch, one of the most gorgeous ranches in our Valley. We deeply appreciate ranch owners Al and Denise Frink’s personal involvement in hosting and participating in this event, donating the use of their beautiful property to bene t the men and women of the Sheri ’s O ce and help us to protect our protectors.”

Aided by fellow Posse Board members Richard Kline, Sue Pohls, Jay Gerlach, Scott Biddinger, and Posse Board Secretary Marianne Freeman, this highly anticipated event and its exclusive item auction will bene t the Santa Barbara County Sheri ’s Benevolent Posse in its e orts to provide funds for items and equipment needed to help the men and

women who put their lives on the line every day to help protect all Santa Barbara County residents.

In the recent past, the Sheri ’s Posse has helped the Sheri ’s O ce obtain much-needed emergency equipment, including COVID-19 personal protection equipment, protective vests, night vision goggles, specialized weapons, computer equipment, drug-sni ng and patrol/tracking/bomb/ explosive dogs, a headquarters barn for its Mounted Enforcement Unit and specialized equipment for its dive team. It has also supported the highly e ective DARE program in North County elementary schools, teaching students to develop good decision-making skills and understanding the harmful e ects of substance abuse, bullying, and violence.

e Santa Barbara County Sheri ’s Benevolent Posse is a not-for-pro t public bene t corporation with all contributions tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code.

For more information about the Boots & Badges event or the Santa Barbara County

visit its website at www.sbsheri

Santa Barbara Humane Launches New Resource to Protect Pets

family or friends to care for their pets can indicate that their animals will be entrusted to Santa Barbara Humane.

Sta Report

For many of us, pets are more than just animals; they are our companions, best friends, and members of our families. Because we care so deeply for these animals, many of us worry about what would happen to our pets if we were to pass away before they do. Who would care for them? And how would that caretaker access and pay for our pets’ needs?

To help alleviate this uncertainty, Santa Barbara Humane has partnered with FreeWill to o er free, quick, and accessible estate planning services. In just about 20 minutes, pet owners can gain peace of mind by setting up a legally binding will or a revocable living trust that includes language about provisions for their pets. ose who cannot make private arrangements with

“We know this isn’t the type of resource people are used to seeing from Santa Barbara Humane,” said Chief Philanthropy O cer Paige Van Tuyl, “but estate planning is especially important for pet owners. By creating a will and trust, they are ensuring that their pet will be taken care of, no matter what happens.”

The free estate planning tools from Santa Barbara Humane and FreeWill are available to everyone — not just pet owners. Through this new partnership, anyone interested in setting up their legacy through a will or living trust can access the FreeWill platform at sbhumane.org/ legacy.

ose who choose to include a planned gift to Santa Barbara Humane in their estate will be invited to the organization’s newly formed 1887 Legacy Circle. Members of this exclusive group will have the option to be publicly recognized in Santa Barbara Humane’s Annual Report, website, and physical signage. ey will also re -

ceive a custom pin and VIP access and recognition at Santa Barbara Humane events, including the inaugural SB Humane Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

More information about planned giving, the 1887 Legacy Circle, and the no-cost FreeWill resources can be found on Santa Barbara Humane’s website, sbhumane.org/ legacy.

About Santa Barbara Humane

As a 501(c)(3) non-pro t, Santa Barbara Humane is the oldest animal welfare agency in Santa Barbara County, serving the community for over 135 years. e organization’s two campuses in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria provide low-cost veterinary care, a ordable dog training, adoption, and socially conscious sheltering for local animals, whether they are with a loving family or at the shelter waiting for a home of their own. Because Santa Barbara Humane does not receive any federal funding, it relies on donor support to help thousands of animals and families each year in Santa Barbara County.

Nonprofit teams with FreeWill to offer free, quick and accessible estate planning services

Santa Barbara Humane is partnering for FreeWill to o er estate planning services for pets like Marley.

Contributed Photos

Roar and Pour Returns to the Santa Barbara Zoo

Sta Report

SANTA BARBARA — e Santa Barbara Zoo celebrates the return of Roar and Pour on Saturday, May 6, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a VIP hour from 4 to 5 p.m. is “wild” wine-tasting event is a community favorite where the animals stay out late and guests are free to stroll and sip. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased online at reservations.sbzoo.org.

Don’t miss this roaring good time! Not only will guests enjoy unlimited tastings from the region’s leading wineries, but they will also have the opportunity to feed the gira es, ride the zoo train, and have exclusive access to zoo grounds after hours. Guests will also take home a souvenir Roar and Pour 2023 wine glass. Roar and Pour VIP ticket holders will enjoy early entry, as well as animal encounters and appetizers. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase.

e zoo is also seeking wineries to participate as the success of Roar and Pour is due, in

great part, to the generous donations from the zoo's local partners. Wineries interested in participating can get more information at sbzoo. com. Register for Roar and Pour early, as space is limited.

General admission tickets are $95 and VIP tickets are $130. All proceeds bene t the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. For ages 21+ only. For more information about Roar and Pour and to see participating winery and brewery partners to date, please click here or call (805) 962-5339.

About the Santa Barbara Zoo

e Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m.; general admission is $25 for adults, $15 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Parking is $11. e Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA zoos are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great visitor experience, and a better future for all living things. With more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and is the public’s link to helping animals in their native habitats. Visit. sbzoo.org.

e zoo is seeking wineries to participate!

On Saturday, May 6, Santa Barbara County residents can combine wine-tasting with all the other stu the zoo has to o er as the Santa Barbara Zoo holds it Roar and Pour on May 6. Photo Courtesy of Santa Barbara Zoo

Cinco de Mayo: Mexican Holiday Actually Started in California

less than 100. Lorencez and the French forces ed back to Veracruz with Zaragoza’s militia in pursuit.

By John Copeland

Cinco de Mayo, a minor holiday in Mexico, is heartily celebrated here in the United States. In fact, celebrating Cinco de Mayo actually began in California and was celebrated for quite a while before it was observed in Mexico. Celebrating this year is likely to be a little more exuberant because it falls on a Friday. However, I think I can honestly say that most partiers in America have no idea what they are celebrating. Care to hazard a guess? No, it is not Mexican Independence Day; that is Sept. 16 and is not widely celebrated in America. Literally "the Fifth of May," Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

e French? Yes, did you know that France once invaded Mexico, installed an emperor, and brie y ruled Mexico while the United States was distracted by the American Civil War. You may be wondering: How did the French take over Mexico? During the 1860s, America was not in any position to enforce the Monroe Doctrine, which is probably another bit of American history worthy of writing about another time.

Cinco de Mayo has its roots in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War of 1846-48, the Mexican Civil War of 1858, and the Reform Wars of 1860 between liberal and conservative factions in Mexico. e liberals ultimately won and Benito Juárez was elected president.

However, wars are expensive business. To nance its con icts, the Mexican government borrowed heavily from England, Spain, and France. ese many wars left the Mexican

Treasury nearly bankrupt. Just like banks holding mortgages, the European powers expected Mexico’s debts to be repaid.

In 1861, President Juárez, in an attempt to give the Mexican economy a chance to recover, suspended all foreign debt payments for two years. is did not sit well with Mexico's debt holders — the aforementioned France, Britain and Spain. ey sent naval forces to Mexico and seized the port of Veracruz and demanded the Mexico make good on its debts. After a lot of diplomatic wrangling, Spain and Great Britain negotiated a settlement with President Juárez and withdrew their forces. But the French decided to use the opportunity to carve an empire out of Mexican territory.

In the midst of the Civil War, the South was trying to persuade several European governments to become allies. One potential Confederate ally was France. France had a real interest in curbing the growing in uence of the United States. If France was successful in seizing Mexico, and allied itself with the Confederates, it could result in a permanently divided United States that would be less powerful and less threatening to other nations.

Late in 1861, the French eet stormed the port of Veracruz and landed 6,000 French troops under General Charles Latrille de Lorencez. Certain that victory would swiftly be theirs, the French marched on Mexico City. President Juárez desperately rounded up a ragtag force of loyal Mexican citizens and sent them to the town of Puebla de Los Angeles, directly in the path of the French. Led by Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza, about 4,000 Mexican militia forti ed the town and prepared to stop the French. Most of Zaragoza's men were farmers armed with antiquated muskets, machetes, and farm implements.

On the 5th of May, 1862, Lorencez and his army, arrived before the city of Puebla. Showing his contempt for the Mexicans, the French general ordered his troops to attack the middle of Zaragoza’s defenses. e French cavalry galloped through ditches, over adobe ruins and up the slope of Guadalupe Hill. e Mexican militia stood its ground and sent the French forces reeling back from the town. e battle lasted from daybreak to early evening, the French lost nearly 500 soldiers, while the Mexican defenders lost

e victory represented a signi cant morale boost for the Mexican people. Puebla de Los Angeles, the site of Zaragoza's historic victory, was renamed Puebla de Zaragoza in honor of the general. However, the victory was shortlived. One year later, the French landed 30,000 additional troops, defeated the Mexican army, captured Mexico City, and installed Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian as Emperor Maximilian I, ruler of Mexico. However, the France’s Mexican Empire would last only three years.

When the American Civil War ended, the United States supported Juarez’s e orts to expel the French. Napoleon III, facing tenacious Mexican guerrilla resistance and potentially a serious con ict with the United States, withdrew the French military from Mexico. e Mexicans recaptured Mexico City. Maximilian was apprehended and executed. On June 5, 1867, Benito Juarez returned to Mexico City. Since the ousting of the French, no country in the Americas has been invaded by any European military forces.

Mexicans and Latinos living in California during the 1860s are credited with being the rst to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the United States. Far up in the gold country town of Columbia (now Columbia State Park), Mexican miners were so overjoyed at the news that they spontaneously red o ri e shots and reworks, sang patriotic songs, and made impromptu speeches.

Cinco de Mayo, has been celebrated in California continuously since 1863. For many years it was virtually ignored in Mexico. Today, Cinco de Mayo is a big deal in Puebla, but still remains a relatively minor holiday in Mexico.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. As Californians, we have long traditions and ties with Mexico dating back to the days of the Californios. For those of us that live in the Santa Ynez Valley, reminders of those ties and traditions are all around us. Cinco de Mayo is a good time to think of our shared heritage.

Fort Loreto located in the Centro Civico 5 de Mayo part of the city. Was instrumental to the Battle of Puebla on May 5 1862. Contributed photo

HOLIDAY HISTORY

Your Jaw Sets the Tone for Body's Alignment, Overall Health

issues such as memory problems, blood pressure or hormone control, and diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. For now, let’s concentrate on its e ects on the spinal cord.

GOOD MEDICINE

By Dr. Hyun K. Lee

Most everyone takes something for granted in their life. ey overlook the little things that we have with us on a daily basis. For some it could be the relationships around them, and for others it may be their health. As a doctor, I see things a bit di erently from the average person. While one person might take for granted a certain everyday feature of their health, to me it is vastly important. One such detail, for instance is the jaw.

e jaw is one of the most commonly used structures in your body, and also the most commonly misaligned. You use it every day to talk, eat, and swallow, and yet its importance beyond that is not as apparent to the everyday individual. What one might not take into consideration is that it is at the top of your body’s alignment. e condition it’s in determines the condition of the rest of your body’s balance, and even overall health.

If we consider our body’s skeleton as the structure of a building, we know that we need a strong, balanced structure to hold us up properly, as well as keep the residents inside (our organs) safe and protected. If that structure is unstable, it will begin to falter and eventually topple. In fact, our bodies are similar to a home. A house that is older has more needs than a house that is newer. However, if we protect our brand-new home from the beginning, being certain that it receives the proper care and maintenance it requires, by the time that home is 80 years old, it’s still in excellent condition.

So why does the jaw hold so much importance? e position of your jaw is related to both the brain and spinal cord. If it is out of alignment, your spine will follow suit. Misalignment also opens the door to problems like middle ear imbalance, brain

Down the spine runs one of your body’s meridians. If your spine is in less than perfect shape, it compresses on this meridian. Where the compression falls determines the symptoms, you will begin to feel. For most people, a problem begins with emotional or mental issues as well as organ weakness. As the problem progresses, it is followed by back pain. Normally, at this point, the su ering person will go o to a chiropractor or osteopath. Most of the time, these doctors can help the problem with adjustments, physical therapy, or supplements, but they frequently overlook the alignment of the jaw. Pain and discomfort may subside, but until the initial problem of the jaw is addressed and repaired, the initial x probably won’t last long.

Being the most used muscle, the jaw is easily put out of balance. Something as simple as chewing on something that’s too hard, chewing unevenly (always favoring one side), or getting hit can misalign your jaw.

Remedying the situation is di erent for everyone. e readjustment of the jaw is an acute technique and takes time, but can most de nitely be corrected. Chi testing needs to be performed to determine if the jaw is out of alignment and which side has the problem. A jaw in perfect position reads perfect chi. A jaw out of balance reads more di cultly and unevenly. Once balanced, it is important to take preventative care for the maintenance of your alignment. is includes good constitutional diet, proper posture, chewing evenly on both sides of your mouth, and meditation with perfect posture.

In our next article, we will delve into the e ects a misaligned spine has on the rest of the body. Until then, do as your mother told you, and stand up straight!

Dr. Lee’s o ce is located at 175 McMurray Road, Suite G, Buellton. Dr. Lee also has an o ce in Los Angeles. To make an appointment in the Buellton o ce, call (805) 693-5162.

A Guide to Wine Vocabulary: Understanding the Terms and Concepts Behind the World of Wine

fermenting and aging wines. Body — a sensation of fullness on the palate; wine can be light, medium or full-bodied.

By Mira Honeycutt

From acidity to ullage, and everything in between, a comprehensive glossary of wine terms to enhance your wine experience

The world of wine is rich with its own vocabulary. When visiting a winery or tasting room, you’ll hear words like bung, lees and chaptalization as part of the wine lexicon. Here’s a glossary that will help you navigate your wine experience.

— A —

Acidity — a wine’s crispness and liveliness that activates our salivary glands.

Aeration — addition of oxygen to round out and soften the wine.

Aging — holding in wine barrels, tanks and bottles to advance them to enhance their state.

Appellation — a legally de ned region known to produce ne wine.

Astringent — a bitter and drying sensation in the mouth as a result of high levels of tannin.

— B —

Balance — a harmonious relationship between acids, sugars, tannins and alcohol in wine.

Barrel — oak vessel used for

Botrytis Cinerea — a bene cial fungus, also known as “noble rot” that pierces the grape’s skin causing dehydration, resulting in high sugar. Botrytis is responsible for some of the ne dessert wines such as Sauternes from France’s Bordeaux region.

Brettanomyces “Bret” — a wine spoiling yeast that produces barnyard aromas.

Brut — French term for dry champagnes or sparkling wines. Bung — the plug used to seal a wine barrel.

— C —

Cellar — a temperature and humidity-controlled area to store wine.

Chaptalization — adding sugar to wine before or during fermentation to increase alcohol levels. A practice illegal in many parts of the world and highly controlled in others.

Corked — a wine that has su ered cork taint (not cork particles).

Cuvée — a blend of wine.

— D —

Demi-sec — a French term meaning half dry, used to describe a sweet sparkling wine.

Dry — a taste sensation attributed to tannins that can cause a puckering sensation in the mouth.

— E —

Earthy — an odor or avor reminiscent of damp soil.

Enology — the science of winemaking.

— F —

Fermentation — the conversion of grape sugars to alcohol triggered by yeast. Fining — adding of egg whites, gelatin or other agents to clarify the wine.

Finish — impression of textures and avors that lingers on the palate after swallowing the wine.

Full-bodied — a wine high in alcohol and avors, often described as “big.”

— H —

Herbaceous — a tasting term describing avors of fresh herbs. Hot — a term describing a wine that is high in alcohol.

—

L —

Lees — sediment of dead yeast cells, grape pulp and seeds that accumulate during fermentation. Length — lingering sensation, the amount of time that avors persist after swallowing the wine.

—

M —

Malolactic fermentation — a secondary fermentation when the tartness of malic acid in the wine is converted to smooth lactic sensation also referred to as “buttery” or “creamy.”

Mouth-feel — a wine’s feel on the palate - rough, smooth or velvety.

Must — unfermented grape juice including seeds, skin and stems.

— N —

Noble rot — also known as “botrytis.”

Nose — a tasting term describing the bouquet and aroma of wine.

— O —

Oak — tasting term referring

to smells and avors of vanilla, baking spice and cocoa contributed by barrel-aging. Oxidation — chemical changes in wine caused by exposure to air.

— P —

Phenolic compounds — natural compounds present in grape skins and seeds.

— R —

Racking — siphoning wine from one container to another to get rid of sediment and clarify wine.

— S —

Sur-Lees — aging wine on remaining yeast deposits after alcohol fermentation.

— T —

Tannins — the phenolic compounds in wine that leave a bitter, “puckery” feeling in the mouth.

Terroir — French term for geographical characteristics unique to a vineyard site.

— U —

Ullage — the space left in bottles and barrels as wine evaporates.

— V —

Vegetal — tasting term detected on the nose or palate characteristic of fresh or cooked vegetables such as bell peppers and asparagus.

Vitis vinifera — common European grape vine cultivated worldwide.

— W —

Weight — similar to “body,” indicating wine’s richness on the palate.

— Y —

Yeast — a microorganism endemic to vineyards, also produced commercially that converts grape sugars to alcohol.

Wine Bottle Sizes

From a handy split to the mighty Midas, wine bottles come in varied sizes, with the large formats bearing biblical names.

Here’s the low down:

Split or Piccolo , 187.5 ml (milliliters), quarter of a standard bottle.

Demi , 375 ml, half a standard bottle.

Standard, 750 ml, holds ve servings (an industry standard) of 5-ounces of wine in a glass.

Magnum, 1.5 L (liters) = two standard bottles (10 servings). Double Magnum or Jeroboam , 3.0 L = four standard bottles (20 servings).

Rehoboam, 4.5 L = six standard bottles (30 servings).

Methuselah, 6.0 L = eight standard bottles (40 servings). Salamanzar, 9.0 L = twelve standard bottles (60 servings). Balthazar, 12.0 L = sixteen standard bottles (80 servings). Nebuchanedzer, 15.0 L = twenty standard bottles (100 servings).

Melchior, 18.0 L = twenty-four standard bottles (120 servings).

Sovereign, 26.25 L = equals thirty- ve standard bottles (175 servings).

Goliath, 27 L = thirty-six standard bottles (180 servings).

Melchizedek or Midas, 30.0 L = forty standard bottles (200 servings).

Treat Your Mom to a Homemade Tart this Mother's Day

Surprise your mom with a delicious Lemon Tart with Almond Shortbread

Crust or a mouth watering Maple-Walnut

Tart this Mother's Day

In 1914, President Wilson set aside the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor America's mothers. In 1907 the idea of such a holiday was conceived by Anna Jarvis, and was celebrated for the rst time in May 1908. Although cards, owers, and boxes of chocolates are always in order, I think something "from the kitchen" makes a very special gift.

A tart with a sweet lling or a fresh lemon lling will let your mother or someone else who is special to you, know that you are thinking of them on Mother's Day. I think the recipes for this month are sure to become favorites in your collection of desserts.

Lemon Tart with Almond Shortbread

Crust

Ingredients for Crust:

1 cup all-purpose our

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

1/3 cup ground almonds

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 1/2 squares bittersweet chocolate

Ingredients for Lemon Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons our

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Juice of 1 lemon

Grated rind of 1 lemon

Confectioners' sugar for decorating

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 9 1/2-inch tart pan with a removable bottom (or use a 9-inch pie pan). For crust, sift together our, salt, and confectioners' sugar in a small mixing bowl. Blend in almonds. Beat in cooled melted butter and almond extract until thoroughly combined, forming a thick dough. Using your ngers, press dough into tart pan, evenly lining the bottom and sides. Place tart pan in oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer tart pan to a wire rack.

While crust is pre-baking, melt chocolate in a small, heavy saucepan over low heat or in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. While crust is still warm, brush chocolate in an even layer over it, coating bottom completely, and allow chocolate to cool.

To make lling, sift granulated sugar, our, and baking powder together in a small

mixing bowl, and then beat in eggs, lemon juice, and lemon rind. Pour mixture into cooled, chocolate-coated crust. Carefully return the lled crust to oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until lling is set and very lightly browned. Remove to wire rack and allow tart to cool completely. Remove outer ring of tart pan, leaving tart on pan bottom.

To decorate tart, center a round paper doily on it and lightly sprinkle confectioners' sugar over it, gently holding doily down against tart's surface with your other hand. Carefully remove the doily, leaving a lacy pattern of sugar on top of tart.

Maple-Walnut Tart

Ingredients:

Pastry for a 10-inch pie or tart

3 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup (2/3 stick) butter, melted and cooled

1 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line an 11-inch tart pan with the pastry. Line pastry with aluminum foil weighted with dry beans. Bake pastry crust for 7 minutes and remove from oven. Place crust on a wire rack. Remove beans and foil, and cool. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.

In a mixing bowl beat together all remaining ingredients except walnuts until thoroughly blended. Stir in walnuts. Place crust on oven rack and carefully spoon lling mixture into it (this is easier than lling crust rst and then transferring it to oven.) Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in lling comes out clean. Remove tart to wire rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there.

Cheers! Barbie Butz is an independent columnist for The Santa Ynez Valley Star; you can email her at barbiewb@hotmail.com.

Contributed photo

Barbie Butz Columnist

STATE OF THE CITY

CONTINUED FROM A1

ingly. "Of course, Holly Sierra was the mayor for six years, three terms, and then we passed term limits. So I had to wait for Holly to term out and then I beat her fair and square."

King went on to introduce and thank several city leaders, including Vice Mayor John Sanchez, and then explained that while Buellton di ers in size and manpower from many other cities, in many ways there isn't a lot of di erence.

"LA has a thousand employees, and we have 20. We don't have as many as Santa Barbara," he said. "However, we basically run our city just like anyone else; we just don't have as many people ... thank God!"

e mayor talked about some of the improvements and incoming structures and businesses possibly coming into town, including a new wine storage facility on Industrial Way, new apartment behind the Albertson's building, and a new co ee place supposedly opening in the long-dormant former Burger King.

"If anybody hears from them [the potential co ee shop], could you ask them what's taking so long?" King said.

King pivoted away from business for a second to highlight the community outreach and events the city has conducted, including winning the Putnam Award for its arts and culture programs, and expanding its roster of community events like Cowboy Christmas, Enchanted Garden, and the City in Schools program, which had Buellton sta going into classrooms to teach how city business is conducted.

From there, the slideshow accompanying King's speech ashed to "Show Me the Money" as the mayor talked about the city nances. He put up a chart showing that the Buellton had $5.4 million in capital projects, $9.6 million in General Fund, $5.3 million in Enterprise and $394,000 in special funds.

Showing another chart, King said that the city's tax revenue has been increasing exponentially over the past few years.

"So that is good news for the

City of Buellton," he said. "I think since the pandemic is over everyone wants to get out and they're all coming up here to the Valley."

King showed a list of the 25 highest local tax producers and praised the Vreeland brothers, owners of Jim Vreeland Ford and Rio Vista Chevrolet dealerships, as examples of local businessmen who serve and enrich the city.

King said Buellton's tax per capita is higher than Santa Barbara's "so we're doing pretty good."

"Our chart here shows revenues exceeding expenditures, which is always a good thing because if it’s the other way around you’re going bankrupt,” he continued.

King then pointed out that Buellton is not without its challenges, chief among them are unfunded pension liabilities, a concern common among U.S. cities.

However, King said the situation isn't as bad as it could be, as the mayor said Buellton was able to take a big chunk of that money and pay it down to get interest rates reduced.

"We actually rank among the best cities in California for overall pension risk — 431 out of 467 cities," he said. "People misunderstand that rank because it looks like we're not doing good there, but the No. 1 position is the city in the worst situation as far as unfunded liabilities, so for us 431st out of 467 cities is really good."

Another challenge for the city, according to King, has been infringement on local control — mainly state and federal government preventing cities from governing how they want.

" e feds and state have been pre-empting actions by municipalities for some time," he said. "Wireless communication, solar energy, and outdoor food vending.

"We see people on the street selling food or owers, and the state says 'you can't enforce it, you can't run them o ," King continued. "You can’t tell them ‘you don’t have a business license, you have to go somewhere else. e state says they have the right to be out there and sell those products on your side-

walk. And most of them aren't even local, they come up from LA."

King suggested residents talk to their state legislator for issues like that.

e mayor continued to have a positive attitude about economic development in the area, as city leaders are trying to encourage people to develop on Avenue of Flags and beyond, and are working to increase tourism.

"Buellton is no longer focusing on just basic services," King said. "We're developing on McMurray Road, looking at putting ball elds down on the Wilson property , putting in disc golf.

"People are asking about the bowling alley, and that land has been purchased, but we don’t know what the plans are. Keep your ngers crossed."

King, of course, wrapped it up by asking "What is the status of Buellton?" for the slide that said "Damn Good."

" is is a good place to live in," the mayor said.

After King's speech, City Manager Scott Wolfe took the podium to answer a few questions to the audience.

First someone asked what the status of the proposed In-N-Out was, and Wolfe explained that the Chumash tribal leaders had exercised their state-mandated right to request a consultation with the prospective owners.

e next question was about the water situation, and Wolfe said it was better for Buellton than it was for most cities in the area, because of recent storms and because there an aquifer that Buellton sits on top of and is the only city to use it.

e nal question was one that King asked earlier: When is a proposed tra c light going to be added on Ballard Canyon Road?

Wolfe said right now it's a budget issue, but he would like to see a light there also, as well as extra tra c lights for Highway 246. However, he said, 246 is the domain of Caltrans, so any complaints or suggetions about the road should go to that agency.

Kyle Abello, who last year announced his departure as the head of Buellton Rec, accepts the Vincent B. Evans Award from emcee Kathy Vreeland during the Buellton State of the City on April 19. Photo by Mike Chaldu

Hotel Hygge General Manager Carlos Sanchez accepting his business' Beautification Award during the State of the City Address in Buellton. The hotel on Avenue of Flags opened last August.

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

TUESDAY, MAY 2

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

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

For more info: countyofsb.org

THURSDAY, MAY 4

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

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

Buellton Planning Commission, 6 p.m. Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

MONDAY, MAY 8

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30 P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

TUESDAY, MAY 9

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

At Betteravia Government Center, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria

For more info: countyofsb.org

THURSDAY, MAY 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, MAY 11

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M.

At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

EVENTS

TUESDAY, MAY 2

DRAUGHTSMAN ALEWORKS GRAND OPENING, 4:30 TO 5:30 P.M.

Join the Solvang Chamber of Commerce in welcoming a new business to Solvang! Meet the owners of Draughtsmen Aleworks and

CALENDAR

help us celebrate their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony! Ribbon cutting starts at 5 p.m. Draughtsmen is a craft brewery. ey are located with a taproom in Goleta and one in Santa Barbara and have opened a third taproom in Solvang. Draughtsmen started in 2015 as specializing in small batch beers. Our goals, products and community have expanded to produce our favorite beers, ferment some amazing wine and cider and brew a variety of hopped teas.

At Draughtsmen Aleworks, 1631 Mission St., Solvang

For more info: draughtsmenaleworks.com

SATURDAY, MAY 6

thon Packet on Friday, May 12, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Solvang Park (1639 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang).

Half-Marathon starts and nishes in downtown Solvang.

For more info: www.runsipsantabarbara.com/

SUNDAY, MAY 7

FIESTA COMUNITARIA, 1:30 TO 3:30 P.M.

Ballet Foklorico Corazon de Oro is the rst ballet folklorico group at Santa Ynez High School. On May 7, we will be having a fundraiser event in Solvang. All are welcome. We will have Mariachi Las Olas de Santa Barbara, DJ Orlando, a mercadito (featuring small businesses) will be selling tacos, aguas frescas, and more! ere will be performances from community dance groups and singers, featuring BF Corazon de Oro.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with program and food sales beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, with children under 5 free.

At Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang

SUNDAY, MAY 14

ZACA MESA DOG HIKE IN THE VINEYARD, 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Join us indoors on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

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

At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: Solvang Library (805) 6884214

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

SPORTS AND RECREATION

ONGOING

PICKLEBALL, TUESDAYS AND THURS -

DAYS 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M.

SYV TOUCH A TRUCK, 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Mark your calendars for the family event of the year on May 6. No Horn Hour from 10 to 11 p.m., normal event hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children will be able to get up close and personal with emergency response vehicles, farm equipment, construction equipment, and so much more. Tickets are $5 per person and $20 for a family of 5. Beat those long lines and purchase your tickets today by contacting us at syvtouchatruck@gmail.com!

At Bethania Preschool, 611 Atterdag Road, Solvang

SATURDAY, MAY 13

SANTA BARBARA WINE COUNTRY

HALF MARATHON, 7 A.M.

Get your running shoes and wine glasses ready for your run-cation at the only half-marathon in Solvang. is gorgeous route takes you through the Santa Ynez Valley and nishes in Solvang with a post-race wine festival. Choose to run the half-marathon on your own, or partner with a running buddy and join as a two-person relay to tackle the distance together. Participants can pick up their Half Mara-

Bring your best pal on a leisurely hike in our estate vineyard followed by a catered lunch! Stroll along the roads weaving through our vineyard and learn more about our estate history and winemaking. Afterwards, relax at our Grenache Blanc vineyard with a delicious meal of gourmet hot dogs by e Doggy Door paired with our hand-crafted wines. We will have special treats for your pets, too! Note: All dogs must be well-behaved and remain on-leash at all times. Please pick up after your pets. You are recommended to bring the following: sunscreen, hat, water, tall socks or pants, and dog bowls. Ticket prices are $60 for general admission, and $40 for club members. Email events@ zacamesa.com or call (805) 688-9339 for tickets!

At Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos

ONGOING

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

Pickleball — part Ping-Pong, part badminton, lots of momentum — is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. e 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