Santa Ynez Valley Star • October 15 - November 4, 2024
‘Past Meets Present’ at annual Los Alamos Old Days
Town’s three-day event featured car show, Artisan’s Faire, 5K, food, fun, and more
By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
The 78th annual Los Alamos Old Days celebration, a three-day event, was held on the weekend of Sept. 27-29, featuring a Classic Car Show, an Artisan’s Faire, the Old Days Stampede 5K Run, dinner and dancing at the Men’s Club, food, music and games for the children, and the Biggest Little Hometown Parade. The theme of this year’s event was “Past Meets Present, A Time To Remember.”
“This event is one the community looks forward to each year,” said Kristy Williams, president of the Los Alamos Men’s Club, in her President’s Message. “It is a time to meet up with and celebrate with our neighbors, see people you haven’t seen in a long time, listen to live music, dance, eat good food, watch a parade, see a car show, buy cool things, and most importantly, to just enjoy ourselves.”
“The Los Alamos Men’s Club sponsors the event and the Old Days committee has worked hard to bring our community an Old
Days they will be excited about,” continued Williams. “Without their dedication and volunteerism, there would not be a town celebration.”
The festivities began at the Men’s Club on Friday evening with dinner and dancing to the music of Bitter Road Bank, which
kept those who wanted to kick up their heels on the dance floor.
The event opened on Saturday with one side of Bell Street lined with an array of vintage and antique cars. Ninety-five vendors lined the opposite side of the street offering their wares with everything from skincare
to hot sauce to cupcakes, with jewelry and art, and homemade crafts by local artisans. Children were treated to an array of fun and games, face painting, and bounce houses in Ferrini Park, and a petting zoo and paintball in the parking lot. There were
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Events | Pg. 19 Find out what’s happening in the Valley this Halloween season
News Briefs Pg. 2
• Candidate forum planned for mayoral candidates on Oct. 23
News Pg. 3
• Mayor Infanti gives scoop on the state of Solvang
Opinion Pg. 6
• To tackle rural crime, we should pass Proposition 36
Sports Pg. 7
• Santa Ynez falls to Atascadero in offensive shootout
Education . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 8
• Josue Salinas named SYV Elks September Student of the Month
Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 10
• Los Alamos Old Days culminates with ‘Biggest Little Small-town Parade’
Community Pg. 14
• Batmobile, female auctioneer make their debuts at Cars & Cowboys event
Calendar . . . . . . . . . Pg. 20
• Government meetings and events
Baker Melissa Bagley (far left) is shown with her parents, Jeff and Pamela Bagley, at her nearly sold-out La Dolce Vita booth, which sold gluten-free baked goods at Los Alamos Old Days. Photo by Devyn Marseilles
NEWS BRIEFS
SOLVANG
Candidate forum planned for mayoral candidates on Oct. 23
A Candidate Forum for the three City of Solvang mayoral candidates is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers on Oak Street. A translator will be provided.
Jamie Baker, David Brown, and Denise El Amin are running for the city’s mayoral seat in the Nov. 5 election.
You can attend in person, via Zoom, or watch on the City of Solvang YouTube Channel. Details for the links to Zoom and YouTube will be made available closer to the Forum. The League will require preregistration to attend in-person and the link will be open the week before the Forum.
The Forum is being moderated by the Santa Barbara League of Women Voters.
Solvang takes second place as ‘Best Christmas Town’ in Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards
Solvang (www.SolvangUSA.com), affectionately known as “The Danish Capital of America,” has been voted as second “Best Christmas Town” in the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards, the results for which were publicly announced on Oct. 3. The unique Southern California wine country destination joins category winners in the top 10 spots: Grapevine, Texas, at No. 1; followed by Healdsburg, California; Fredericksburg, Texas; Santa Claus, Indiana; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Aspen, Colorado; Frankenmuth, Michigan; Leavenworth, Washington; and Prescott, Arizona, at No. 10.
Solvang was nominated by a panel of travel experts and the Newsweek editors for the
Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards in the category of “Best Christmas Town.” The awards contest and online voting launched for the holiday-themed category on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 12 p.m., and online public voting ran through Thursday, Sept. 26.
“We’re less than two months away from the start of our annual Solvang Julefest holiday celebrations, and this Newsweek award win provides an extra dose of inspiration for our city as we make this year’s Julefest even more ‘Christmassy’ than the last,” said Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy.
One of the California Central Coast’s largest holiday event productions, Solvang Julefest will run this season from Nov. 29 through Jan. 5, 2025.
Solvang’s Maxon Horton named to Dean’s List at Biola University
Maxon Horton, an art major from Solvang, was named to Biola University’s Dean’s List for academic excellence.
Horton was one of approximately 1,500 students who were named to the dean’s list in spring 2024. Biola students are placed on the dean’s list to honor those with a GPA of 3.6 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credits and whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.2.
“Inclusion in Biola University’s Dean’s List is reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional performance in their academic studies. This honor signifies hard work, engagement, and investment in scholarship,” said Dr. Tamara Anderson, senior associate provost. “These attributes are the building blocks of continued success, not only in the classroom, but in the workplace and in the student’s personal lives. We celebrate these students and their achievement, looking for-
ward to their future accomplishments.”
Founded in 1908, Biola University is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 5,000 students at its Southern California campus and around the world, Biola’s eight schools offer more than 250 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Recognized as the most comprehensive Christian university, ranked highest in North America for operationalizing its mission (OCIG) and ranked as one of the “Best National Universities” by U.S. News and World Report, Biola offers its students a premier educational and co-curricular experience. For more information, visit biola.edu or call (562) 7774061.
‘The Visual Feast of Roland Petersen’ debuts Oct 26 at Elverhøj Museum
In a community as appreciative of art as Solvang, it takes something special to get people really excited about an art event. The upcoming exhibition of acclaimed Bay Area painter, Roland Petersen’s paintings at Elverhøj Museum of History and Art (October 26-January 5) is that kind of event: colorful and bold, exciting, and revelatory—and for an artist who has been at work for more than 50 years—wonderfully current and fresh.
The Danish-born American painter was born in 1926 in Endelave, Denmark. He received a B.A. and M.A. degree from U.C. Berkeley before studying with Hans Hoffman at his School of Fine Arts in Provincetown. Recipient of both Guggenheim and Fulbright Fellowships, Mr. Petersen’s work is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Hirshhorn Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art to name a few.
A seminal Bay Area painter, printer and emeritus professor at U.C. Davis, Petersen makes his mark at Solvang’s Elverhøj Museum with vibrant figurative art. His works synthe-
size gestural abstract expressionism, painterly realism, and advanced color theory using rich, saturated colors, thick pigment, and striking geometric designs to bring still life, figures, and landscapes together into complex constructs.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. There is no charge for admission.
Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested donation is $5. For more information, visit www.elverhoj.org
BUELLTON
City unveils featured art for October Each month over the coming year, the City of Buellton will feature a different design and showcase the contributing artists from their community art project — “Exploring the Ocean.”
October’s featured art is sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company and includes artwork from Eric Beltz, Michael Escobedo, Eli Smith, Cristian R.Villa Tellez, Austin Andrade, and Georgia McKeen. You can see their original artwork at buellton.art/2024-october-art-feature/
This project is made possible by Buellton’s Art & Culture Program, the California Nature Art Museum (our nonprofit partner), monthly sponsorships, and the support of the Buellton community.
Go to Buellton.Art to:
• See all of the banners and the original art for each design
• Learn about Buellton’s Arts & Culture Program and see how you or your organization can apply for a grant
• Visit our “Shop the Art” store, where you can purchase the art on posters, magnets, totes, water bottles, and more.
STAR NEWS
Mayor Infanti gives scoop on the state of Solvang
Danish Consul General Jesper Kamp was Keynote Speaker at annual address
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
On Friday, Sept. 27, many Solvang elected officials, businesspeople, and residents gathered at the Craft House on Corque to hear Mayor Mark Infanti give the State of the City award. The audience was also treated to a keynote speaker — Jesper Kamp, who is the Danish Consul General for Silicon Valley and spoke of the business relationship between the U.S. and Dennark.
Another dignitary was Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alvin Salge who stepped down as commander of the VFB Post 7139 in Solvang earlier this year after a long tenure. He was given a proclamation during the luncheon (one that was read in the Solvang City Council meeting four days earlier).
Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti read the proclamation, which stated that Salge “has exemplified courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment during his service in the United States Air Force, defending the principles of freedom and democracy that we hold dear,” and “has served as a beacon of inspiration by community involvement, leadership roles, and volunteering efforts” for Solvang.
Infanti summed up by proclaiming that day, Friday, Sept. 27, as “Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7139 Alvin Salge Day,” in Solvang.
Salge spent a distinguished, highly-decorated 20-year career in the United States Air Force, during which he served as a Weapons Systems and Electronic Warfare Officer in F-4 Fighter Aircraft. Lt. Col Salge flew over 200 combat missions in Vietnam, and spent tours in Germany, Iran and at staff positions in Hawaii and at the Pentagon.
After Salge’s presentation, the program went to the keynote speaker Jesper Kamp, who is Denmark’s consul general to Silicon Valley, an appropriate choice for a city known so well for its Danish heritage.
Kamp stressed the friendship the two countries have had for decades and how it benefits both sides.
“Denmark has been the strongest ally to the U.S. over the years,” he said. “It’s amazing how the nations have worked tirelessly to maintain this.”
Throughout his presentation, Kamp pointed out ways the U.S. and Denmark have worked hand-in-hand and how Denmark has assisted this country. Examples, as he pointed out in a graphic on the screen, include internationalization of Danish research and education, helping companies scale globally, navigate technonlogical opportunities, and introduce innovative Danish solutions to the U.S. market.
As his next slide said: “We are part of a bigger picture ... and of a bigger team.”
“These show what can happen when two nations come together in friendship and cooperation,” he said. “As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, let’s us continue to build on the successes of the past, and what we can create in the future.”
After Kamp’s address, it was time for Mayor Infanti to give, of course, the State of the City for Solvang. Before his speech, however, Infanti called Kamp back up to the podium. Infanti told Kamp he was into woodworking and then gave Kamp an oak platter as a gesture of appreciation.
“I was able to laser the name ‘Solvang’ onto it in the hopes it will remind of our little town you spent some time in,” the mayor said as he gave the platter to an appreciative Kamp.
Infanti began his address by listing the city
staff and explaining what they do. He then noted it was a small staff and that there is another list of employees who work for the city
“Those are contract calls,” Infanti said. “Those are the things that we don’t have enough staff to do. So we have to go out and get contracts to get certain things done.
“And so, I wanted to make a point that we are handling our city the best we can, and we still don’t have enough people to do everything we need to do.”
Infanti also pointed out the city finances this past year, noting that revenues surpassed expenses by $354,961, there was cause for concern.
“Expenses are going up, but revenue has not,” he said. “Shortly that’s going to be a problem.”
To that end, Infanti put in his endorsement
for Measure E-2024, the city measure in the Nov. 5 election that would raise the Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 12 percent to 14 percent.
Infante went on to listed some of the projects the city looked to complete in 2025: Alamo Pintado road repair and various sidewalk and asphalt repair. Also, he mentioned new businesses he’s expecting. There are two hotel on Mission Road expected to open soon, as well as an apartment complex on Copenhagen, a combo market/deli/coffee shop on Mission, and a Medical Clinic/Cancer Center on Windmill.
Oh, and Infanti also mentioned the apartment complex on “Site C,” the lot on the corner of Alamo Pintado Road and Old Mission Road. That polarizing project is known as Wildwood.
After Infanti’s address, City Manager Randy Murphy took the podium to answer city-related questions from the audience. Among them:
• Asked the timeline for the Alamo Pintado Road repair, Murphy said it would be up for reveiw in January.
• When someone asked where they could find out about new project being built, Murphy said there was a page on the city website (cityofsolvang) that shows what works are in progress.
• One audience member brought up the permitting process from local builders and how its causing a lot of builders to abandon Solvang because it’s a slow process. “Codes are definitely antiquated, and previous regimes failed to update them,” he said. “How are going to keep people building in this town?”
Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti presents Danish General Consul to Silicon Valley Jesper Kamp with an oak platter that Infanti made, during the State of the City address on Sept. 27. Photo by Mike Chaldu
It’s time once again for the Annual Vaquero Benefit Dinner and Auction at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum in celebration of the traditional Vaquero spirit and way of life. This popular event honoring the ”2024 Vaquero of the Year” will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the beautiful courtyard setting of the museum, located at 3596 Sagunto St. in historic downtown Santa Ynez.
The lifestyle of the Californio Vaquero and its influence on modern ranching in California is celebrated through this event including the naming of the favorite “Vaquero of the Year.” This year that honor goes to local Santa Ynez horseman, Realtor, ”Ranchero” and popular valley friend Joe Olla. Along with the honorary presentation and auction there will be opportunity shopping,and the traditional multicourse dinner served to guests in the museum courtyard, along with a chance to bid on exciting packages, including getaways and unique dining experiences.
This annual event benefits the Santa Ynez Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House by providing valuable funding for various programs throughout the year. Projects include the new Carriage House design, educational programs, “Wild West” Summer Camp, Old Santa Ynez Days, special exhibits, as well as community outreach by providing a central location for local meetings and gatherings, all of which benefit the valley.
Don’t miss this annual celebration. Early Bird tickets through September for the Benefit Dinner are $200 per person. Tickets are available by calling (805) 688-7889 or online at www.santaynezmuseum.org/40th-annual-vaquero-benefit/.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Official secure ballot drop boxes now available throughout Santa Barbara County
lot,” says Joe Holland, Santa Barbara County registrar of voters. “I encourage voters to use an official drop box to return their ballot; drop box locations are listed in the voter’s guide and on the Elections Office website, sbcvote.com.”
All registered voters will receive their ballot in the mail in early October. Voters are encouraged to vote their ballot and return it early before Election Day, Nov. 5. Drop boxes are available 24 hours a day, beginning Monday, Oct. 7 until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. A list of drop box locations can be found online at www.countyofsb.org/3265/Current-BallotDrop-Box-Locations-by-Area.
“Using the ballot drop box ensures that the ballot will arrive at the Elections Office to be processed and counted timely,” added Holland.
If a voter does not receive their ballot, they should contact the Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters office at (800) 722-8683.
Voters may mail their ballot with no postage required, postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 5. The United States Postal Service advises voters to mail their ballots early to reach the elections office in time to be counted.
Ballots may also be returned to the County Elections offices in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria or to a polling place on Election Day.
To make address and other updates to voter registration, or for eligible citizens to register to vote, go to registertovote.ca.gov. Voters can verify the accuracy of their voter registration at sos.ca.gov/elections/registration-status or sbcvote.com.
Santa Barbara County Elections can be reached at sbcvote.com or by calling (800) 722-8683.
New lifesaving AEDs (automated external defibrillator) for immediate installation into the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles for use in the field have been donated by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse (SBCSBP).
The initial donation of these 26 AEDs will replace the current inventory of these vital lifesaving devices as they are cycled out of service.
“This is an exciting milestone on our way to supplying 70 new AED units — one for each patrol car in the entire county — to keep Santa Barbara County residents safe with lifesaving equipment,” said Sean Koffel, president of the SBCSBP Board of Directors. The SBCSBP is currently raising additional funds to replace every one of the old AED units.
Immediate access to these state-of-theart AED devices can improve chances of survival by up to 60 percent. AEDs have a lifespan of about 15 years, meaning that this donation will help Santa Barbara County citizens and first responders for years to come.
This donation is the result of the generosity and hard work of the SBCSBP’s supportive community across multiple fundraising events and donor outreach campaigns. The Posse will continue its AED fundraising campaign efforts with the goal of replacing the entire inventory of AEDs by the end of 2024.
The Sheriff’s Office is adding plaques to each AED to honor the names of donors responsible for the purchase of that AED and this important upgrade in our county’s lifesaving infrastructure. The donors will be informed each time their AED saves a life in the field.
The SBCSBP Board is making a special donation of an AED in honor of long-time SBCSBP Board Secretary Marianne Freeman after her passing last year — to honor her extraordinary service to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse.
County receives $4.7 million electric vehicle infrastructure grant
Santa Barbara County has received a proposed grant award of $4.7 million from the California Energy Commission to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This was the second-highest recommended grant award given. This grant requires a $2.3 million match from the county in staff time and capital investment.
The funds will support the county with its Zero Emission Vehicle transition by installing 114 Level-2 and 36 level-3 charging ports at 14 locations throughout the county. The competitive grant was put together by the county’s General Services Department, with support from the Community Services Department and Terra Lumina Consulting.
The grants were offered to fund projects that:
• Support electrification of light-duty government fleets in California by providing reliable and readily accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure dedicated for these fleets.
• Support local government goals of sustainability and/or climate action plans.
• Reduce vehicle emissions in disadvantaged and/or low-income communities
Santa Barbara County elections officials have announced that 30 official ballot drop boxes are now available in the county for the upcoming Nov. 5 General Election.
“The ballot drop boxes provide a secure and easy way to return a completed and signed bal-
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s
The SBCSBP is a 501(c)(3) organization focusing on enhancing relationships between the community and County law enforcement while raising funds to fill the gap between a constrained county budget and the County’s increasing public needs. If interested in supporting the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse or to learn more about the SBCSBP, the AED campaign and additional ways to support County law enforcement, visit the SBCSBP website at SBSheriffsPosse.org.
The County of Santa Barbara has made significant strides in its electric vehicle program, which has grown steadily since 2013. What began with the introduction of just four all-electric vehicles into the county’s motorpool has since expanded into a fleet of 93 electric vehicles. As the county progresses with its Zero Emission Vehicle Policy, the goal is to install sufficient charging infrastructure to sustain the entire vehicle fleet and ensure vehicles are adequately charged when needed. To support this growth, the County has also developed an extensive network of charging stations. A total of 217 charging stations have been deployed throughout the region, ensuring easy access for both the County’s vehicle fleet, employees, and the public. The success of the transition to an all-electric vehicle fleet is a major lever in reducing operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The deadline to install the new chargers is April 30, 2028. Once they are installed the County will have more than 367 chargers installed at County facilities throughout the county.
A member of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department holds up a donated automated external defibrillator, which has a small plaque on it honoring longtime SB County Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse Secretary Marianne Freeman, who passed away last year. Photo Courtesy of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department
Benevolent Posse donates lifesaving AEDs
Caltrans meets with Los Olivos residents to discuss upcoming roundabout construction
Many voice displeasure with traffic conditions, and wonder if roundabout is the right solution
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
What was meant to be a safety and informational meeting held by Caltrans officials on the upcoming improvements for Highway 154, most notably a roundabout planned for the highway and Foxen Canyon, turned contentious at times as the residents voiced their displeasure with traffic conditions, the slow process for improvements, and, for some, the idea that the roundabout was the best solution.
Caltrans held the meeting on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 3, at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopalian Church to explain the timetable for the project that would place a roundabout at the intersection of Foxen Canyon Road and Highway 154 to help slow down traffic on the 154.
Caltrans District 5 official John Olejnik welcomed a packed room to the meeting and pointed out they wanted to keep the dialogue open and have discussions about the roundabouts that began last December.
“We’re making an effort to be as transparent and open as possible, and to that end we’re meeting tonight,” he said.
Olejnik then introduced Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, who mentioned the presence of other elected officials in the Valley, such as Buellton Mayor Dave King and Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti. Also present was Carson Link, representative for State Senator Monique Limon.
Hartmann spoke of the timeline of getting to this point, as the process began when she was getting complaints about traffic accidents at Foxen Canyon and 154, which led to a neighborhood meeting in June of 2023, and again in December 2023, where Caltrans suggested multiple options to improve conditions.
“But now [Caltrans] have gone further and they’re going to propose a project for us,” she said. “And I think what you’ll find is that they’ve really taken to heart the community concerns.”
After Hartmann finished her introductory
4-way stop in there like, tomorrow.”
Olejnik said they were conducting an investigation to see what was going on at the Roblar intersection, to which the resident answered back “Everyone in this room is telling you what’s happening.”
Another person who said he lived on the corner of Steel Street, next to Foxen Canyon Road said while a 4-way stop would help on 154, the cross streets would be backed up.
“The gridlock’s going to be like Solvang,” he said. “I won’t even be able to get out of my driveway. So why don’t you guy put in a control signal with speed bumps or breaker bumps alerting someone there’s going to be a signal there.”
Throughout the Q-and-A session many more issues were brought up, including the presence of semi-trucks on 154 and how to discourage those drivers from using that road; lowering the speed limit on stretches of 154; and how to speed up the process of highway construction. Many also had complaints that Caltrans was not doing a good enough job of keeping residents informed of road conditions and projects.
In many cases, comments got critical and somewhat heated, which prompted King, the Buellton mayor, to speak on behalf of the Caltrans officials.
“I feel your pain, I get what you’re saying,” said King, who serves on the county’s Highway 154 Safety Committee and is a retired California Highway Patrol officer. “I wore the same uniform as the two guys in the back. I worked 154 a lot and have probably written a ticket to one or two of you.”
address, Olejnik and Project Manager Ben Jensen began the presentation for the Foxen Canyon/154 roundabout.
Olejnik said the roundabout was decided on after an online survey last year, which drew 375 reponses, showed that and using flashing beacons to warn driving of potential cross-traffic were the most popular options.
Olejnik said a traffic safety investigation conducted by Caltrans determined that a 4-way stop would not be effective because of the traffic delays it would cause on the surface streets.
Later in the presentation, Jensen gave the timeline and said with project planning, design and environmental documentation, and permit process, the bidding and start of construction would probably not begin until 2027 or 2028,
with a projected completion in 2030. The projected cost was given as $5 million to $10 million.
The floor was opened to questions from the audience and there were plenty.
One person asked about fixing the situation at Roblar Avenue, which is farther south on 154.
“We definitely need a 4-way stop there,” she said. “Here’s what you guys need to know, because I don’t know if you live here or not, but it’s a 20-car backup because some are afraid to cross over, and then you have people going too fast (on 154), and you get accidents like [the previous day] when a poor girl got here car crunched in a T-bone.
“Please explain why you can’t just put a
“There’s couple things you have to take into consideration,” King continued. “Caltrans has to go by a set of rules that the state makes ... they have rules that are set forth by them by the state of California and the legislator.” What that means, King explained, is that many of the suggestions made during the meeting can’t be done immediately.
“You can’t just throw a stop sign on the road because you’ve perceived there’s a problem there,” he said. “Because these guys, once again, and this has not been said during this whole meeting, these guys have to go by a set of rules.”
For more information on Caltrans and their projects, go to dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/ district-5.
John Olejnik, from Caltrans District 5, gives a presentation explaining the proposed roundabout on Foxen Canyon Road and Highway 154 during a safety meeting with Los Olivos residents on Thursday, Oct. 3.
Ben Jensen, project mananger from Caltrans District 5, gives a presentation explaining the proposed roundabout on Foxen Canyon Road and Highway 154 during a safety meeting with Los Olivos residents on Thursday, Oct. 3. Photos by Mike Chaldu
Commentary: To tackle rural crime, we should pass Proposition 36 OPINION
By Lisa A. Smittcamp Guest Contributor
As California grapples with crime, much of the media’s attention has focused on high-profile smash-andgrab incidents in places such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. While these stories may dominate the headlines, an equally concerning trend is unfolding in the state’s agricultural and rural communities.
Unfortunately, farmers and ranchers are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs of criminals. With valuable equipment and commodities on site, agricultural businesses are attractive targets for theft, which often has costly consequences for farmers and ranchers — something I am all too familiar with as district attorney in Fresno County.
Rural areas have always presented unique challenges for law enforcement. The vast expanses and remote locations that characterize California’s agricultural heartland make it difficult for law enforcement to maintain a strong
presence. A local sheriff described the challenge in a recent warning: “Crime is not confined to the cities. It is a growing problem in rural areas.”
One recent example underscores just how costly the problem is: Thieves made off with 200 beehives near Fresno valued at approximately $40,000 and had stolen hives worth about $150,000 from other businesses in the area. Unfortunately, these thefts are not isolated events but a broader trend. The lack of accountability in the law is encouraging this behavior among the criminal element.
Cargo theft is another major challenge. California is ranked as the top state for losses, and cargo theft costs nationwide are estimated at $15 billion to $30 billion annually. For California’s agricultural sector, these thefts can be devastating. One San Joaquin Valley pistachio company lost $170,000 in products in an incident, while another saw 40 loads of nuts stolen valued at several million dollars.
In response to this growing threat, law enforcement agencies across California ramped up efforts with dedicated agricultural crime prevention programs. Public-private partnerships such as the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force was created to coordinate across communities and provide training. While these efforts are vital, they are not enough on their own.
To truly address rural crime, changes in state law are needed that a popular ballot measure, Proposition 36, aims to deliver.
The initiative is set for a statewide vote this
November and offers commonsense reforms designed to crack down on theft and strengthen the tools available to law enforcement. Proposition 36 has garnered bipartisan support from mayors, sheriffs and district attorneys hailing from large and small agricultural counties across the state. It includes provisions that will be beneficial to farmers and ranchers who are the victims of rural crime.
One of the most significant aspects of the initiative is its focus on increasing accountability for high-value thefts. California does not permit additional jail time for thieves who steal more than $50,000 worth of property. With agricultural thefts sometimes extending into the millions, this is a glaring hole in current law.
Proposition 36 seeks to change that by allowing judges to impose additional penalties depending on the value of the stolen property — ranging from $50,000 to more than $3 million. This new provision is crucial to deter criminals who target high-value agricultural equipment and commodities.
The ballot measure also addresses the issue of coordinated thefts, a tactic often employed by organized crime groups. It would allow judges to add one, two, or three years to the sentence of any offender who steals property while acting in concert with at least two other individuals. This provision is particularly relevant for agricultural thefts in which multiple perpetrators often work together to steal large quantities of goods or equipment.
Beyond protecting the agriculture industry
Letters to the Editor
Avoiding the next catastrophic oil spill
Dear Editor,
Sable Offshore, a convenient creation of ExxonMobil, seeks to reopen the same failed oil pipeline that caused the catastrophic spill of May 2015. Almost 150,000 gallons of toxic and cancer-causing crude flooded our water and beaches, contaminating one of the most biologically diverse areas of the West Coast and leaving taxpayers with the economic consequences.
The U.S. remains, by far, the world’s biggest oil producer. And job growth in clean energy fields continues to far outpace employment in
fossil fuel industries.
Now ExxonMobil’s proxy wants to start up the same old corroded pipeline, after what they say will be “repairs.” Against all common sense and with a dangerous level of arrogance they are asking for a special waiver to allow them to avoid employing a protection system that prevents corrosion. This is the definition of irresponsibility.
The Board of Supervisors, Gov. Newsom and the State Fire Marshal can and must stop this corruption of our system of regulatory control of public health and safety hazards.
And, we are not powerless to tilt the bal-
ance. Sit-ins, boycotts, protest marches, and civil disobedience can help tilt the balance and save the county from the next inevitable, toxic catastrophe.
Seth Steiner Los Alamos
Supporting Guy Walker for county school board
Dear Editor,
I give my strongest possible endorsement to Guy Walker for County Board of Education, for the Trustee Area including most of the
directly, Proposition 36 offers broader benefits that will help retailers and other businesses that purchase products from farmers and ranchers.
California has a notorious loophole that allows repeat offenders to nearly avoid any consequences by stealing less than $950. Proposition 36 fixes this problem by permitting the cumulative value of stolen property from multiple thefts to be combined together, allowing for felony charges for the career thieves who exploit this legal gap.
The measure will also allow prosecutors the authority to file felony charges against repeat offenders with two prior misdemeanor theft convictions. It includes provisions to include stiffer penalties for fentanyl sales and trafficking — issues that, unfortunately, have not spared rural areas.
Proposition 36 will be 2024’s most important California ballot measure.
It is the most relevant piece of legislation we have seen in more than a decade that would start to swing the pendulum of overly excessive criminal justice reform back to the center and demand responsibility and accountability in the law. It would offer real solutions for reducing rural crime and protecting California’s farmers and ranchers. Please join me in voting yes on Proposition 36.
Lisa A. Smittcamp has served as Fresno County district attorney since first being elected in 2014. She may be contacted at lsmittcamp@fresnocountyca. gov. This commentary is courtesy of agalert.com.
Santa Ynez Valley, Vandenberg Village, Los Alamos, and Guadalupe. Guy has worked hard for many years as a volunteer in the field of education and understands the challenges and opportunities our students face. He has a demonstrated history of common sense and strong moral compass, without being beholden to any political machine or special interest group. I know Guy will do what’s best for our kids and our communities. I strongly encourage you to give Guy Walker your vote.
Bruce Porter
Santa Ynez
In first league game, Santa Ynez falls to Atascadero in offensive shootout
New Sunset League rivals combine for 901 yards of offense in Pirates’ 42-34 defeat
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
Aweek after getting back into the win column, the Santa Ynez High football team began league play on Oct. 4, and renewed a rivalry.
For the first time in more than two decades, the Atascadero and Santa Ynez football teams faced off as league opponents, this time as competitors in the new Sunset League. And in a game with tons of offense, Atascadero outlasted SYHS by a 42-34 score.
The Pirates (2-5, 0-1 in the Sunset League) were effective on offense during the evening, piling up 489 yards. Quarterback Jude Pritchard completed 25 of 43 passes for 234 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed for 92 yards, including a 46yard TD run on a quarterback draw.
SYHS running back Griffin Bruner became the first Pirate with a 100-yard game on the ground this year, rushing for 118 yards and two TDs. Greyson Foy and Mason Skidmore also had scored for SYHS.
However, Santa Ynez could not stop Atascadero’s powerful rushing attack, gaining 346 yards on the ground. In fact, the Greyhounds only passed the ball four times all night, though one of them was for a touchdown.
The Greyhounds held a 42-27 lead with less than four minutes left, but the Pirates nearly caught them at the end. SYHS went on a 78yard drive and Bruner scored his last TD with 48 seconds left. Santa Ynez was able to recover the ensuing onside kick and take it down as far as Atascadero’s 19-yard line, but after a penalty, Pritchard attempted a Hail Mary pass to the end zone that receiver Max Andrade had a hand on, but could not bring down, resulting in an incompletion to end the game.
A week earlier, the Pirates were able to get their second win of the season on Sept. 27, rolling up 519 yards of offense in a 38-14 win over Santa Maria.
After a scoreless first quarter, a Saints punt had the Pirates starting at their own 8-yard
line. SYHS moved it to the 37, and that’s when Foy took the ball and ran it 63 yards for the touchdown for a 7-0 lead. Later, Pritchard, who completed 21 of 26 passes for 217 yards, hit Andrade with a 29-yard scoring pass, and just before halftime, Austin Willis — taking over the kicking duties for an injured Diego Pulido — hit a 38-yard field goal to make it 17-0.
Santa Ynez put it away with three touchdowns in the third quarter, with Willis, Brun-
er, and Skidmore (reception) getting into the end zone.
The Pirates had a bye last Friday, Oct. 11, and return home this Friday night, Oct. 18, against Pioneer Valley. They will then host San Luis Obispo on Oct. 25, and wrap up the regular season at Righetti on Nov. 1.
Lady Pirates tennis plays ‘First Serve’ tournament in Huntington Beach
The Santa Ynez High girls tennis team took
a break from Mountain League play to take part in the USTA Pete Brown “First Serve” Tournament on Oct. 5 in Huntington Beach. Santa Ynez and St. Joseph were the only two Central Coast schools in the eight-team field, and they ended up in the final, with the Knights beating the Lady Pirates 5-1.
In the tournament for Santa Ynez, Keegan Withrow was 4-0, while Haley Townes, Natalie O’Shaughnessy, and Danielle Hyland each won three of their four matches.
The team defeated Edison 4-2, La Quinta 5-1, and Whittier Christian 6-0, on its way to the final.
The Lady Pirates faced St. Joseph again on Thursday in an official Mountain League match. They face San Luis Obispo at home on Oct. 15, and travel to Morro Bay on Oct. 17, before playing in the CCAA Mountain League Prelims and Finals on Oct. 23-24.
Phelan does well at CCAA mid-season cross country meet
Seventy-nine female cross country runners came to the Cuesta-Fairbanks course for the CCAA mid-season meet in San Luis Obispo and Santa Ynez’s Brooke Phelan scored third overall and first place as a junior runner. According to assistant coach Gary Semerdjian, Brook mentioned that the hills were a challenge and that this might be the most difficult course to run on the Central Coast.
The cross country team will travel to Santa Maria to compete in the Waller Park Goose Chase, and on Oct. 25-26, they’ll go south for the Mt. SAC Inviational. League finals and CIF competitions will happen in early November.
Pirates girls golfers place third in latest Mountain League tournament
The Santa Ynez girls golf team played in the fourth Mountain League girls golf tournament today at Cypress Ridge golf course (par 72) in Arroyo Grande. The Pirates placed third with a score of 486, behind Arroyo Grande (393) and San Luis Obispo (480). Mackenzie Phelan was the low score for the Pirates with an 89.
The remaining golfers for Santa Ynez were Kacy Caplan (95), Addison West (97), Katherine Becerra (100), Sierra Freedman (105), and Savannah
Hudley (110).
Linemen for Santa Ynez (white) and Atascadero line up before the snap before their game in Atascadero on Oct. 4. The Greyhounds beat the Pirates 42-34 in the Sunset League opener for both teams.
Santa Ynez’s Austin Boucher carries the ball against Atascadero on Friday, Oct. 4, in the Pirates’ 42-34 loss to the Greyhounds Photos by Rick Evans
Josue Salinas named Santa Ynez Valley Elks September Student of the Month
Santa Ynez High senior excels in the classroom, as well as the cross country course
Staff Report
The Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge #2640, in collaboration with Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, has a tradition of honoring a senior at the high school who exhibits the values of hard work, community, and school service and academic excellence.
For the month of September, the staff at the high school has selected Josue Salinas. He is described as a student with true integrity, is an excellent role model, and someone everyone on campus likes to be around!
As a freshman, Josue played soccer and currently represents SYHS on the cross-country team, serving as team cap -
tain. He is also on the track team. He excels in both. Last year he was the treasurer of the Organization of Latinos and Americans.
Josue has a weighted GPA of 3.9 and is currently enrolled in three AP courses and one concurrent Allan Hancock College course. Over the summer, he took an accelerated college-level precalculus course.
Josue plays instruments at his church. He also helps young students by training them in running.
Josue will be a first-generation college student, hoping to attend Cal Poly SLO or Cal State Long Beach, majoring in mechanical engineering. He dreams of working for NASA one day and plans to continue running and training.
Santa Ynez Valley Elks is pleased to honor Josue Salinas as our September Student of the Month. Congratulations to Josue and his family!
NOTICE OF VACANCY AND PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT
Notice of Vacancy on Board of Trustees of the Buellton Union School District and Provisional Appointment of Board Member
A vacancy has occurred on the Governing Board of the Buellton Union School District by reason of resignation of Christy Nordgren, effective June 30, 2024. The resignation was filed in the office of the Santa Barbara County Superintendent on June 30, 2024. Christy Nordgren represented Trustee Area 2. On October 9, 2024, the Board of Trustees provisionally appointed Charles “Brandon” Gnekow to fill the vacant appointment, effective December 18, 2024. Charles “Brandon” Gnekow will take the oath of office and provisionally assume all of the duties of a member of the Board of Trustees as of that effective date.
To challenge the provisional appointment, a petition calling for a special election, containing the valid signatures of at least 1.5 percent (1.5%) of registered voters in the district at the time of the last election or 25 registered voters3 of the district, whichever is greater4, must be filed in the office of the county superintendent within 30 days of the date of the provisional appointment on October 9, 2024. If no such petition is filed or the petition does not have sufficient valid signatures from registered voters, the provisional appointment of Charles “Brandon” Gnekow shall become final.
3 If the district uses the at-large method of election, “registered voters” means registered voters of the entire district. If the district uses trustee areas, “registered voters” means registered voters of that trustee area.
4 In a district of fewer than 2,000 registered voters, the petition must be signed by at least the number of registered voters equal 5 percent (5%) of the registered voters in the district at the time of the last regular election for governing board members.
Santa Ynez High senior Josue Salinas (center) is congratulated by Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Baldomero Santiago (right) and SYV Elks Scholarship Coordinator Pat Merrit for being named September’s Elks Student of the Month.
Santa Ynez football boosters fundraise for a Pirate family
Oct. 18 game against Pioneer Valley to benefit SYHS parent
Trish Robinson, who is fighting rare disease
Staff Report
The Santa Ynez High School Pirate football will Go Pink on Friday, Oct. 18, in recognition of Cancer Awareness Month and to help fundraise for a local Pirate family who have been facing one of the biggest fights of their life.
“Go Pink Night is a very meaningful tradition for our football family as players, coaches, and fans honor all women and men who are fighting cancer, and we re- member those special to us who have fought the battle and have lost,” said head football coach Josh McClurg. “We lost [longtime football program supporter] Carl Rio a few years ago and it has hit us a few times within our own football fam -
ily. This year, we have a friend, a Pirate parent, Trish Robinson, who is fighting a rare connective tissue disease attacking her lungs called anti synthetase syndrome with overlapping inflammatory myositis. This affects less than 3,500 people in the U.S. with no cure to date. However, with proper care and treatment, it can go into remission. She is currently undergoing treatment, which is going to take time and patience! We want Trish and the Robinson Family to know we stand with them and want to help as best we can.”
Santa Ynez High School Football Boosters will hold a fundraising raffle at the Oct. 18 game that will include a:
• Pirate football helmet signed by all the players
• Custom Pirate cooler
• Gift certificate for a letterman’s jacket from Dellavalle Embroidery
The fundraiser will also include a bake sale. This year, 100 percent of the proceeds from the fundraising effort will go to Trish and the Robinson Family.
If you would like to make a donation, please contact the SYHS Football Boosters at sypiratefootball@gmail.com or visit
our website at www.sypiratefootball.com. The JV game begins at 4 p.m. and the varsity game kicks off at 7 p.m.
Trish Robinson, seen here with her daughter Cassidy, a cheerleader and track athlete at SYHS, is fighting a rare connective tissue disease called anti synthetase syndrome and will be the focus of the Go Pink football fundraising effort on Oct. 18. Contributed Photo
SPOTLIGHT
Los Alamos Old Days culminates with
‘Biggest Little Small-town Parade’
After fundraising 5K run, hundreds line Bell Street to see 26 floats, dancing horses, marching bands, and more
By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
The quiet little town of Los Alamos came alive during its annual Old Days celebration, Sept. 27-29. Saturday saw crowds of people viewing the annual car show and shoppers gearing up for the holidays purchasing gifts from the vendors. But Sunday held the most fun when the “Biggest Little Small-town Parade” weaved
its way through town.
On Sunday at 9 a.m., a 5K run sponsored by CalSwoosh began with many runners participating in the event. The run/walk is a fundraiser for the nonprofit sports club part of CalSwoosh, which uses the proceeds to help underprivileged kids play sports. Trophies were awarded to the first overall male and female finishers. Medals were awarded to the top three finishers in seven divisions.
Following the 5K run, hundreds of people began to gather along the streets of Los Alamos, awaiting the arrival of the parade, which featured dancing horses, fun floats, beautifully costumed dancers, and marching bands.
Seeing the parade approaching, singer and songwriter Larry Barbro, owner of HotSpot
Local, began to perform the national anthem while everyone stood silently with hands over their hearts.
The theme of this year’s parade was “Past Meets Present” with 26 float entries participating.
James H. Bray (Jim) was the parade’s announcer. Bray is an extremely active member of the community with affiliations too numerous to mention. In 2023, he was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce for his many contributions to the community. He is also a member of the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary. Awaiting the parade Bray told various anecdotes about the history and trivia of Los Alamos.
This year’s parade Grand Marshals were
Dan and Charlene Chabot. The Chabots moved their family to Los Alamos in 1973, just a few years after Dan graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Dan initially worked for a couple of the large defense contractors in Santa Barbara. In 1983, he joined MariPro (marine professionals). MariPro designs, manufactures, and installs shallow and deep-water ocean systems for the U.S. Navy, foreign navies, and commercial clients at unique locations all over the world. Dan retired from L-3 Communications/MariPro in 2019 after over 10 years as the vice president/general manager of the MariPro Division. Quickly after moving to Los Alamos, Dan became involved in the community. He was on the Los Alamos Olga Reed school board for over nine years, eight years as
the president. Dan also joined the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club and served a couple of terms as a director. Presently, Dan is on the Board of Directors for the San Antonio Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency. In addition, Dan is currently the president of the Santa Barbara County Cattlemen’s Association.
The King and Monighetti families led the parade, carrying the U.S. flag, which has been their tradition since 1966. They were followed by four members of the Boots-n-Chutes All Airborne Association from Lompoc, members of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge 1538 Officer Wagon, Supervisor Bob Nelson driving a John Deere tractor, the Grand Marshals Dan and Charlene Chabot, 105.9 Krazy Country, members of the Garcia Dance Studio, Coastal Hay & AG, New Generation Cow Girls, and Coastal Vineyard Care Association riding in a 1949 red Ford truck. Over 50 members of the Orcutt Academy High School Band marched in unison filling the air with music. Then came the Surf Soccer Club, Element Christian Church, 1933 and 1944 John Deere tractors, and Maureen Albrecht riding a 1955 Low Boy tractor. Following the tractors were the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, 363 Associates, and the Juan Chavez family participating in remembrance of their father, Miguel Chavez, whose birthday fell on Sept. 28 (He died in 2022 but had enjoyed participating in the Old Days parade). They
were followed by El Vogel Villanueva Zacatecas on dancing horses accompanied by a small band, the Depot Bar and the Los Alamos Gallery riding in a vintage caboose, the Klein Dance Arts team, the Gutierrez family with a beautifully dressed woman riding her horse decorated in floral garlands, Righetti FFA, members of the Olga Reed and Orcutt Academy schools, Charlie Gonzales in a 1928 Ford, with the final float from Ballet Folklorico Corazon de la Costa riding their dancing horses.
The winners of the parade were: Best Use of Theme — Element Christian Church; Best Junior Equestrians — New Generation Cowgirls; Best Equestrian Group — Lienzo Charro, Juan Chavez; Best Military — Boots-n-Chutes; Best Community Service — Righetti FFA; Best Antique Vintage — Charlie Gonzales’ 1929 Model A Ford; Best Performing Group — Ballet Folklorico Corazon de la Costa; Best Grammar School — Olga Reed and Orcutt Academy schools; Best High School — Orcutt Academy High School; Best Tractor — Topa Topa Flywheelers; Best Float — Surf Soccer Club boys and girls.
“This year’s weekend event was reminiscent of pre-pandemic Old Days,” Williams said. “It was such a great feeling to see the crowds back and enjoying themselves. We are very lucky to have a talented group of volunteers who make the magic happen each year.”
LOS ALAMOS OLD DAYS
food trucks and tri-tip sandwiches available for hungry attendees. Of course, what would an old-time Western celebration be without Cow Pie Bingo, which was won by Greg Williams from Bakersfield. James Jepsen of Borrowed Time Entertainment was the DJ, entertaining everyone with his large selection of music.
The winners of the car show are as follows: Best in Show — Mario Angulo’s 1972 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer; Best Hot Rod — Paul Payton’s 1940 Ford Coupe Deluxe; Best Custom — Larry Thompson’s 1972 Chevrolet Blazer; Best Classic Truck — Duane Hammonds’ 1957 Chevrolet 3100 PU Truck; Best Muscle Car — Michael and Diane Stuart’s 1969 Plymouth GTX; Best Rat Rod — Cody Castagna’s 1937
Ford; Best Classic Antique — Robert Mainer’s 1937 Chevrolet Touring Sedan; Best Patina Car or Truck — Chris Cooper’s 1954 Chevrolet 3100; Best Sports Car 2 seater — Jeff Frey’s 1968 Porsche 912; Best Volkswagen — Jamie Verduzco’s 1965 VW Convertible; Best Classic 1930-1940 Roadsters/Coupes — Kenneth Hinge’s 1932 Ford 4-door Sedan; Best Low Rider — Mario Lupercio’s 1965 Chevrolet Impala Convertible and Best Tri Five (all makes) went to Rob Frakes’s 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
One of the most unique booths at the Artisan Faire was a remodeled vintage horse trailer called Me & My Flores, a flower bar.
“We found this trailer in Fresno and fixed it up,” said Angie Leon. “I sell flowers every other Saturday at Trilogy Golf Course in Nipomo. This is the first event I’ve signed up for and it’s been amazing. I opened up
in May of 2024.”
Another of the booths was La Dolce Vita, which was manned by owner and baker Melissa Bagley, who sold gluten-free baked goods.
“I’m gluten intolerant and I was having a hard time finding breads and other baked goods that tasted delicious and didn’t cause me stomach upset,” Bagley said. “I started hearing the need from more and more people, so I began offering my baked goods to others and it grew from there.”
The scent of lavender from Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm wafted on the breeze from the array of lavender products that were for sale.
“My mom and I started the farm in 2020 in the Santa Rita Hills area,” said Lucas Neumann. “We opened the farm to the public last year with our first lavender festival which was held on July 13, 2024. We
will be holding our next festival on July 12, 2025.”
Gisella Carroll of Peruvian Imports offered a variety of handmade items made from the wool of llamas.
“A friend of mine complimented me on a sweater I was wearing that my mother gave me,” she said. “An idea struck me. I took it off and sold it to her. My mother was a little upset but I told her that we would start a company importing clothing, purses, and handmade goods from Peru. We now support 17 Peruvian women who make what we sell and it also allows me to travel to Peru where I am from.”
Saturday came to a close with everyone packing up for the night anticipating the next day’s events, but the fun continued at the Los Alamos Men’s Club with a Cook Your Own Dinner/Dance with live music by The Fossils who played into the night.
The Los Alamos Old Days event was very well-attended. One side of Bell Street was lined with an array of vintage and antique cars. (Top right) Robert Mainer’s 1937 Chevrolet Touring Sedan won Best Classic Antique at Los Alamos Old Days. (Left middle) A car that didn’t win a prize at Los Alamos Old Days but stood out for its celadon color was B. Howren’s 1950 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe. (Bottom left) Duane Hammonds’ 1957 Chevrolet 3100 PU Truck won for Best Classic Truck at Los Alamos Old Days. (Middle right) Rob Frakes’s 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air won Best Tri Five at Los Alamos Old Days. Photos by Devyn Marseilles
Iconic Batmobile, female auctioneer make their debuts at Third Annual Cars & Cowboys event
Stylish wheels, lively auction, food, and entertainment come together to benefit SYV’s Meals on Wheels program
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
For the third straight year, the Red River Ranch in Los Olivos saw its lawn became of sea of cars, from antiques, to race cars, to sleek sports cars, wood-paneled wagons, and some of the old classics, just to name a few. And in the middle was the attention-getter: A sleek, black set of wheels fresh out of the Batcave.
That’s right! For the first time, the original Batmobile — the one designed for the TV show by the late, renowned Hollywood car creator George Barris — front and center at the third annual Cars & Cowboys Car Show on Saturday, Sept. 28.
A healthy crowd descended upon the ranch owned and operated by Al and Denise Frink and enjoyed not only the cars, but food and drink, a show by musician Rich Freeman, a live auction, and music provided again by the Motown sound of the Blue Breeze Band.
And 100 percent of the proceeds went to a worthy cause: the Santa Ynez Valley Meels on Wheels program.
Pam Gnekow, CEO of Santa Ynez Valley
Outreach, the organization that run the local Meals on Wheels, addresses the crowd just before the auction part of the event to thank everyone for coming and to explain the necessity of Meals on Wheels.
“I can’t tell you what this means when you see these cars, see these people,” Gnekow said.
“I see my friends, I see new friends made since this car shown started.” She then turned to Al and Denise Frink who have held the Cars and Cowboys and said “we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you so much!”
Gnekow went to explained how the Meals and Wheels serves up to 409 meals a day for local seniors, how the City of Buellton helped her find a new building and Santa Barbara County provided money for remodeling. And then she summed up why Meals of Wheels is such an important service for the Valley.
“We gave over 1.9 million pounds of food last year through the program,” she said. “And I still get questioned, ‘do people really need more food,’ and that just burns me, when anybody would stand in line for an hour to get some produce from us, which is what happens.
“So is there enough food? I’m gonna say no. As long as people are standing in line, as long as senior need to be fed we’re going to keep doing it.”
After that address, Gnekow explained how she was able to find a new auctioneer for the live auction about to happen.
“When I was thinking about an auctioneer
for this, I thought I’d just really like to have a woman do this,” Gnekow said. “So I started looking, and someone told me there was this real badass woman from Arkansas [actually, Oklahoma] and I contacted and asked her if she would do it, and she said yes.”
With that, Carla Harrison a Cal Poly SLO graduate who now lives in Soper, Oklahoma, (Gnekow later corrected that publicly) took the stage and conducted the subsequent auction of goods, services, and experiences donated by local businesses.
Commenting after the auction, Harrison said she got interesting in calling auctions because her dad did that at livestock shows. She also said she was very receptive from the start to the idea of doing Cars & Cowboys when Gnekow asked her, but a little divine intervention ultimately convinced her to say yes.
“I was close to committing to it, but still wasn’t completely sure, so I prayed on it and then got my Bible,” Harrison said. “I opened the Bible to a random page, and it opened to the book of Numbers, like numbers I’d be yelling out at the auction. It was right then that I had to say yes.”
While the auction was going on in the big tent set up on the Red River Ranch property, there were still people admiring the multitude of cars on the lawn. Two Orange County residents were looking at some of the vehicles, one of was familiar with the property.
“My family’s good friends with Al Frink,”
said Brooke Garcia of Newport Beach. “We’ve known him for a long time and they’ve invited us up here a few times and it’s a beautiful place.”
Garcia’s boyfriend Hunter Hesslin, said he enjoyed looking at the cars, but wasn’t as much of an automobile buff as his father.
“Yeah, my Dad is big into cars, so I’m here taking some photos for him,” he said. “I was thrilled to see the Batmobile here like everyone else, but the one I really liked is the Lamborghini they have here.”
Some of the cars had the owners/drivers standing by to talk shop with the attendees. Brian Bolton, who was born in the UK but now lives in Ballard, was showing off his 1968 Land Rover Series 2A, along with his brother-in-law John Harrison.
“This is a 1968, but it evolves from a 1948, which was the first utility vehicle,” Bolton said. “It was a non-runner [non-operational] in England, but we were able to fix it and register it as operational here. It only goes about 45 mph tops, but I use it every two or three days to tow things or just drive it around; fortunately there’s not a lot of traffic where I live.”
While Bolton had his vehicle for this show and even put a rope around the front bumper (“just for the hell of it,” he said), he said he doesn’t bring the Land Rover out for just show too often.
“It’s not about showing; it’s about the experience with the vehicle,” he said. “When I drive it, I see my dad and the feel of it. It’s a connection.”
(Right) The Batmobile is shown among other cars at the Cars & Cowboys event Sept. 28 at Red River Ranch in Los Olivos. (Middle) Auctioneer Carla Harrison conducts the live auction that was part of the Cars & Cowboys event Sept. 28 at Red River Ranch in Los Olivos.
ARTS & NONPROFITS
SLOPOKE 2024 wraps up at Flag Is Up Farms
Western art show and sale welcomes 30 artists, who bring more than 300 works to the event
By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
The 14th annual SLOPOKE Art of the West Exhibition and Sale was held Sept. 27-29 at Flag Is Up Farms in Solvang. This was the eighth year the event was held at Monty and Pat Roberts’ thoroughbred horse ranch.
Tom and Debbie Loucks who now operate the California Horse Center on Flag Is Up Farms welcomed the 30 painters, sculptors, and a photographer who exhibited more than 300 works of art in their beautifully renovated event barn.
“It is a perfect venue for this first-class art show, a reception, or convention,” said Tom Burgher, president of Entreprise LLC, which produces the Annual SLOPOKE exhibit.
The SLOPOKE opened Friday evening, Sept. 27, to the foot-tapping original music of Chris Murphy and the Silver Mountain String Band from Los Angeles.
The 2024 SLOPOKE featured artist and awards judge who juried the award-winning art was nationally renowned wildlife artist Ezra Tucker, who started his fine art career in Solvang, where he and his wife Nancy raised their three children until 1999 when they relocated to Monument, Colorado.
The artists selected for awards include Lisa Skelly, who won Best of Show for her painting “Rock Steady”; Ariel Anton, who won Best Painting for her oil on canvas titled “Saving Some for Later”; and Pat Roberts,
who received Best Sculpture for her narrative bronze “Javalina Havoc.” Each received the coveted silver SLOPOKE western belt buckle.
Three other artists received sponsored awards: Rick Hill received the Best Wildlife/ Animal Art award, sponsored by Art of the West magazine for his colored pencil painting “Team Work”; Lee Rue received Best Figurative Art award, sponsored by Western Art Collector magazine for “A Place Called Home”; and Barbara Freund was the first recipient of a new award category of Best Depiction of the 21st Century West, sponsored by Southwest Art Magazine for her painting “21st Century Chuckwagon.”
The People’s Choice Award sponsored by Western Art and Architecture magazine was awarded to Kelly Lewis at the close of the SLOPOKE on Sunday.
“The voting included patrons and artists and was surprisingly tight across all 30 artists,” said Burgher. “People were impressed with the quality and attractiveness of the art in this year’s SLOPOKE. Each of these artists receives a full-page advertisement in a future issue of these fine art journals.”
Finally, in a gesture of gratitude for Tucker’s service as awards judge, Burgher presented him with a specially minted SLOPOKE belt buckle of a different design from those awarded to the artists.
Next year the 15th Anniversary SLOPOKE is scheduled for Sept. 26-28, 2025.
“Mark the date on your calendar now so you don’t miss this spectacular event next year,” said Burgher. “We already have 11 artists seeking acceptance for
2025, so artists who want to exhibit should request an application now at
SLOPOKE
slopokeartshow.com.”
SLOPOKE 2024 eschewed booths in favor of a museum-like open floor plan encouraging visitors to see all of the art.(Top left) Ariel Anton was awarded a coveted SLOPOKE silver buckle for Best Painting in only her second year exhibiting in the show. (top right) Joella Oldfield from Washington state represented the art of her late father, Fred Oldfield, a popular western artist known as the granddaddy of cowboy artists. Some of his work was for sale, and others were for exhibition only. (Bottom middle) Nationally renowned artist Ezra Tucker (left) received a SLOPOKE buckle from Tom Burgher for being the SLOPOKE Art of the West awards judge. Photos by Devyn Marseilles and SLOPOKE Committee
Local artist finds her authentic self through her art
Michelle Juliet Feldman holding art exhibit at Los Olivos General Store through Sunday, Nov. 10
By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
Local artist Michelle Juliet Feldman is holding an art exhibit at the Los Olivos General Store from now through Nov. 10. Her exhibit includes unique landscapes that capture the hills, oaks, and light that are a special part of the Santa Ynez Valley, as well as abstract seascapes inspired by the Santa Barbara coast. The exhibit includes original oils on panel and rice paper. Most notably, there are exclusive prints of the Landscape Series printed on a special, archival rice paper, produced in her studio and only available through local exhibits.
Feldman received a BA degree in design from UCLA and studied printmaking at Tulane University. After successfully establishing her first stationery store, Honey Paper, in Los Olivos, she rebranded and opened a store in Solvang, The Giving Ink, a name that reflects her vision of art as a powerful medium to connect to the community. After the COVID pandemic, as a single mom, she said it became overwhelming for her to raise her twin children and run a business the way she wanted. Since the closing of her Solvang store, Feldman has blossomed from her love of paper and design to painting and printmak-
it felt good. Because I had so little faith in myself, I began to paint in secret, literally, in the darkness. I recognized that what I was doing made me feel good about myself and that it was something I should do more of.
So, I began painting landscapes that were inspired by our local surroundings. It became like a kind of meditation which allowed me to look inward and connect with my inner self and my environment — a healing of sorts.”
It wasn’t just a solitary venture for Feldman, though.
interaction. But the shop required me to do things for other people, thus it was called The Giving Ink. But my art, I do for myself. It became a journey inward to connect me to my authentic self. I’m now living my life using all of my senses to create and live a full life. I wake up every day and think ‘This day is awesome,’ which is something I never did before.”
It’s not just about fashion; it’s about you and what makes you feel comfortable
By Elna’s Dress Shop
Ilove fall! The season excites me with the first crisp chill in the air and the changing colors in the vineyards, bushes, and trees. It also brings a shift in the colors of new fall clothing.
ing, along with her passion to use art as a way to connect people and heal herself.
“When I was a child I loved to draw and create art, and it was never supported,” said Feldman. “I never felt like I was good enough. And I struggled under that shadow most of my life.”
“I had a nest egg from the sale of my store in Solvang and began to create maps for weddings, wineries, and other commercial establishments. But I realized I was creating for clients, not for myself,” she said. “I felt the urge to pick up a paintbrush, and
“At the same time, I was fortunate enough to be invited into a small group of people to take art classes, which are given by a very well-known and accomplished classically trained artist and oil painter. I began taking her classes where she taught classic realism still life,” she explained. “She is teaching me the tools and skills I need to execute the kind of art I am interested in painting. All of this happened at the same time and both my art and I have blossomed since then, with my show at the Los Olivos General Store. The exhibit opened at the beginning of the year and has resonated with locals as well as visitors to the degree that it has surpassed sales of any artist previously in that space.”
Feldman said she built a little studio in her home, which allows her to be with her children, who turned 14 years old this month, and flexible to their needs. But she really misses her shop, the connection to her customers and the social aspect of owning a store.
“My store was a part of my passion for art, for things that are meaningful and beautiful and creative,” she said. “I miss the social
Feldman has been hard at work on several series of paintings, which are showcased on her website. These include Seascape Series, a reflective journey that seeks calm and clarity; Landscape Series, a celebration of nature’s beauty presented through oil on panel and rice paper; a Classic Realism Still Life Series, an exploration of how we perceive and translate the world onto a two-dimensional surface; Etching Series, dry point engravings of inspirational quotes and images, hand-painted to infuse personal touch and heart into each piece all of which is available online.
“I am so grateful to live in this beautiful Valley where I am continually inspired by the landscapes and to the Los Olivos General Store for their support in featuring my work,” she said.
Looking to the future, Feldman says she envisions hosting local exhibits, expanding online sales, and facilitating intimate workshops in her home to strengthen community ties.
The Los Olivos General Store is at 2900 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
For more information, email hello@ thegivingink.com, on Instagram @ thegivingink_mjuliet, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Fall into fashion with Elna’s Dress Shop
October has always been one of the most exciting months in the apparel industry, with fall fashions at their peak — perfect for experimenting or personalizing your style. Copying magazine looks from head to toe is the easy way out.
Instead, try mixing prints with denim, adding a touch of sparkle to a simple outfit, or incorporating lace into a sweater, blouse, or tee. The goal is to take this season’s trends and make
them your own. To get started:
1. Add a new accessory to your black, white, grey, navy, or brown pieces. A textured gray or statement jewelry piece can prevent your outfit from feeling too stark.
2. Introduce a bold color, like wine, rust, or turquoise, which complements all skin tones.
3. Add a menswear-inspired white blouse — pair it with jeans, layer it under a sweater, blazer, or cardigan, or wear it
open as a jacket.
4. If you have grey, navy, brown, or denim pants, pair them with a top in burgundy, rust, or royal blue.
Have fun and experiment with color! While the clothing industry is changing, fashion remains important to our lives and the economy.
At Elna’s Dress Shop, we’re here to navigate these changes with you, offering the best selection of clothing for versatile
looks. Don’t forget the basics — black, brown, navy, grey, and denim can pair with so many options. Remember: It’s not just about fashion; it’s about you and what makes you feel comfortable. Stop by anytime!
Don’t miss our 60 percent OFF sale on selected items!
Elna’s is open Monday, closed on Tuesday, and open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We look forward to seeing you!
Michelle Juliet Feldman holds a landscape painting from her “Oaks and Hills” series. An exhibit of her work will be at the Los Olivos General Store through Nov. 10. Contributed Photos
2nd Annual Viking Charities Classic Car Show coming this weekend
Two-day event to benefit medical needs in Santa Barbara County Staff Report
The Vikings of Solvang are reminding all classic car enthusiasts and community members alike that the much-anticipated Vikings Charities Classic Car Show weekend is rapidly approaching and scheduled for Friday Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19.
trucks in Solvang Park, and the famous Vikings of Solvang parade longboat for inspection and tour. More than 200 impeccably restored and customized vehicles are expected to participate, including motorcycles, hot rods, sports cars, muscle cars, and special interest vehicles.
The Vikings Charities Classic Car Show is not only a celebration of automotive culture but also a charitable event. All money raised goes to the Vikings of Solvang Endowment Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization which provides funding for the medically related needs of qualified individuals and healthcare organizations in the Santa Ynez Valley and throughout Santa Barbara County.
Then, revel in the display of classic beauty at the 2nd Annual Viking Charities Classic Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5
Kick off the weekend with the Vikings Charities Classic Car Show Gala Dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at the Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline Pumps & Petroliana in Buellton. This exciting event promises a delicious barbecue dinner featuring mouthwatering appetizers, succulent New York steaks, fresh salads, and delectable sides, all paired with fine wines from Casa Cassara Winery and Vineyard, refreshing beer from Solvang Brewing Company, and live entertainment by Hayli Carleton. Vegetarian options will also be available to ensure everyone can enjoy this wonderful evening. Tickets are $100 per person.
p.m. in downtown Solvang, where attendance is free for the general public and open to all ages. The VCCCS will transform the charming streets of downtown Solvang into a spectacular showcase of automotive history and will include music, a beer and wine garden, vendors and food
The Vikings of Solvang put on the inaugural Vikings Charities Classic Car Show last year in Solvang. The group decided to launch the event to take over for the longtime Wheels ‘n’ Windmills show, which was held in Solvang every year until the organizers decided to retire the event in 2022.
For more information on Vikings Charities and the Vikings Charities Classic Car Show, visit vikingsofsolvang.org/carshow.
Cars and spectators line Copenhagen Drive during the First Annual Viking Charities Classic Car Show in Solvang in 2023. Photo Courtesy of the Vikings of Solvang
FOOD & DRINK
Winemaker Andrew Murray acquires historic Syrah producer Qupe
‘We’re bringing it back home,’ says Los Olivos vintner on his new acquisition Staff Report
Andrew Murray, who has been making wine in Santa Barbara County for over three decades under his eponymous wine project, Andrew Murray Vineyards, has acquired Qupe, a historically significant brand known for its cool-climate Syrah and Chardonnay.
Qupe will join an impressive and diverse range of wines, including the Rhône-inspired Andrew Murray Vineyards and Bordeaux-inspired E11even Wines by Andrew Murray. All of Murray’s projects share a common theme: They draw fruit from the breezy, cool climate East-West valleys along California’s Central Coast, including Santa Maria Valley, Los Alamos Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, and Edna Valley. Murray, a cool-climate Syrah enthusiast, believes that all great wine is made in the vineyard, especially in coastal regions.
When pioneering winemaker Bob Lindquist founded Qupe in 1982, in the Santa Maria Valley AVA of Santa Barbara County, he was still working at Zaca Mesa Winery, just down the road on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. In the years that followed, Lindquist transformed Qupe into a national leader in producing restrained, beautiful, and long-lived cool-climate Syrah and Chardonnay.
Murray believes the brand has finally found its rightful home.
“I just tasted through the Qupe Syrahs in barrel, and they’re so fresh, balanced, and a touch more concentrated,” he said. “Qupe has resonated with consumers on a national level for decades. I used to be haunted by their success because they would often out-perform us in the market. So, to say it’s an honor to now own Qupe, a legacy brand, is the understatement of all understatements. We’re confident we can carry Qupe’s reputation for balanced, delicious wines into the future, while adding our own creative expression to this inimitable wine brand.”
Murray’s own career trajectory has been equally impressive. Shortly after founding his wine brand in 1990, his wines became darlings of the critics, with Murray even appearing on the cover of Food & Wine Magazine. From there, the Andrew Murray collection of wines grew in prominence both culturally and critically. Notably, Jeb Dunnuck selected Murray’s Watch Hill Syrah as one of his Top 100 wines of 2023, while Antonio Galloni of Vinous said in his Santa Barbara report earlier this year, “These new releases from Andrew Murray are among the most impressive I tasted for this report. The 2022 Syrahs ... are especially brilliant. I was struck by the deep personality and site character of these wines. As good or great as the top selections are, the Tous les Jours Syrah is one of the great values in wine.”
Early in his career, storied wine critic Robert Parker praised Murray in The Wine Advocate, writing, “Andrew Murray Vineyards is one of the shining stars in the Santa Barbara firmament. Extremely low yields … and a dedication to hillside vineyards, ripe fruit, and non-interventionist winemaking have propelled this estate to the
top echelon of the Rhone Ranger hierarchy. Production is small, … but these wines are well worth seeking out.”
Murray intends to preserve the core sensibilities of Qupe: site-driven wines of balance, made thoughtfully with minimal intervention, and always with the customer in mind. “I am inspired by vintage variation and wines of terroir, as Bob was. But, just like him, I’m also very aware of the customer’s need for consistency and quality,” he said. “Qupe has always been a brand one can rely on for wines of pleasurable restraint, and I don’t intend on changing that.”
Chad Melville, of Melville in Sta. Rita Hills, a leading producer in Santa Barbara County, considers Murray’s acquisition a boon for California wines.
“Andrew’s a methodical guy; he thinks a lot before he makes a move, and when he does, it’s considered and successful,” Melville said. “Andrew and I both have such admiration for Bob Lindquist and his legacy surrounding Syrah. I remember when Andrew got into the business back in the ’90s and the foresight he had about California Rhones. Now he owns Qupe, one
the most
Rhone brands in the country. I’m so proud of him for acquiring a brand he’s loved from afar for so long. It’s definitely in the right hands.”
Murray took ownership of Qupe on Oct. 2 and has already secured much of the same fruit sources for 2024 and beyond, while also scheduling his first Qupe bottling in early November. “We’re bringing it back home, just a stone’s throw from where Bob conceived and crafted his first vintage of Qupe over 40 years ago. I am deeply moved and excited about the future of Qupe.”
Pronounced Kyoo-pay, Qupe is the Chumash word for the poppy, the official flower of California, and produces 20,000 cases a year. The brand’s portfolio focuses primarily on Syrah and Chardonnay and is distributed nationally. Historically, Qupe has had a strong presence both on- and off-premises, performing well with consumers who enjoy wines made to accompany a meal. With Qupe’s continued relevance and ubiquity, Murray plans to explore new markets across the nation.
To learn more about Andrew Murray Vineyards and Qupe, please visit andrewmurrayvineyards.com/qupe
of
iconic
Los Olivos winemaker Andrew Murray, seen here picking grapes on his vineyard, has acquired the historically significant wine brand Qupe. Photo by Craft & Cluster
Valley has frightful and fun happening into Halloween and beyond
Solvang’s haunted house, now at Festival Theater, a highlight, but much more on tap through October
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
Halloween will be upon us in a little over two weeks, on Thursday, Oct. 31, and until — well, even beyond that — there are plenty of scary, not-so-scary, and just plain fun activites for Valley residents to enjoy.
One staple of the season has been the Haunted House put on by Solvang Parks and Recreation, which is coming back on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, with the theme “Lost Shadows.” One difference, though: Instead of happening at the Parks and Rec building, it will move across 2nd Street and be staged at the Solvang Festival Theater.
The attraction is open from 6 to 9:30 p.m., with a kid-friendlier event from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. The Festival Theater is located at 420 2nd St. in Solvang.
Also, if you’re in Solvang this month walk around and find multiple displays in front of businesses for the Scarecrow Fest. During the month-long Scarecrow Fest, which concludes on Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31), Solvang businesses and organizations will participate in the contest by featuring a scarecrow of their own creation posted at their location. The 2024 festival includes the use of QR codes and a digital voting system, as well as using traditional paper maps and ballots. See www. SYVscarecrows.com for more information.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, get ready for a hauntingly good time at Zaca Mesa Vineyards (6893 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos) for the Spooky Paella Pop-Up. The event goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music from the talented Cary Park, delicious food from Vin X Food & Wine Events, Zaca Mesa & TREAD wine, spooky-themed goods from Perfectly Weird Shop, and tarot readings. Enjoy a delightful array of our wines as you relax in the atmosphere and kick off spooky season in style. Walk-ins welcome, or make a reservation! For more info, go to zacamesa.com/ upcoming-events/
The SYV Humane Society & DAWG animal shelter (which won the Harvest Trophy last year for best Scarecrow Fest display BTW) is hosting a special Halloween Trunk or Treat Adoption Event and Haunted Vet Clinic from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. The shelter on 111 Commerce Drive in Buellton invites the public to come for “trunk or treat” and maybe adopt a four-legged friend in the process.
The Humane Society also appreciates help and donations for decorations, purchasing a “trunk or treat” space, and food trucks and trailers to join in the event at no cost. For more info, call (805) 688-8224 or email info@ syvhumane.org.
Still need to get a pumpkin for Halloween? The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch is back at its usual spot at 1035 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang. The patch is offering hundreds of pumpkins for sale, and while you’re looking, take a trip through the 14-acre corn maze, which has a new wrinkle this year: a scavenger hunt. There’s also a kids maze and refreshments offered while you look for that perfect gourd.
Another pumpkin-hunting option is Summerset Farm (3450 Baseline Ave, Santa Ynez). For over 18 years Summerset Farm has been providing the Santa Ynez Valley with a classic Pumpkin Patch experience. From Cinderella Pumpkins, to White, Blue, Green, tradiitonal Jack O Lantern, Peanut, and several other varieties. You can find mini pumpkins as well as giant statement piece pumpkins to adorn your doorstep, wowing all who visit. They also offer a general store and a sunflower maze to stroll through.
And the festivities don’t stop at Oct. 31 — the weekend after, Saturday, Nov. 2, will be a celebration of Dia de Los Muertes Day at the Flying Flags RV Park in Buellton. Join the fun for a day of festivities for Dia de Los Muertes — or “Day of the Dead” — with live music, food and activities. Also that evening, Sunstone Winery (125 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez) is holding a Haunted Ball, an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and hauntingly good vibes. This year’s theme is “Masquerade,” so attendees are asked to wear their best masks. Shuttle service will be available between Santa Barbara and Sunstone. For more info go to sunstonewinery.com/event/2024-haunted-ball-at-sunstone/.
However, you choose to celebrate, have a happy, and safe, Halloween.
The Solvang Parks and Rec Department will bring more scares the weekend before Halloween with its annual Haunted House, this year to be held at the Solvang Festival Theater.
The Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital had a representative display for 2023’s Scarecrow Fest. Explore Solvang this month to see, and vote on, this year’s scarecrow displays.
The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch on Alamo Pintado Road is back selling pumpkins big, little, and in-between through Oct. 31. Star File Photo
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 9 A.M. County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara For more info: countyofsb.org
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16
SANTA YNEZ COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, 5:30 P.M.
At Community Services District Building, 1070 Faraday St. For more info: sycsd.com
THURSDAY, OCT. 17
SOLVANG DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE, 5 P.M.
At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang
For more info: cityofsolvang.com
BUELLTON PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M.
At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton For more info: cityofbuellton.com
THURSDAY, OCT. 24
BUELLTON CITY
COUNCIL, 6 P.M.
At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton For more info: cityofbuellton.com
MONDAY, OCT. 28
SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30 P.M.
At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang
For more info: cityofsolvang.com
MONDAY, NOV. 4
SOLVANG PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M.
At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang
For more info: cityofsolvang.com
EVENTS
SATURDAY, OCT. 19
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians will host California-style Native American singing, dancing, food, and games at the 18th annual Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Day from 12 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at the corner of Highway 246 and Meadowvale Road in Santa Ynez. Photo Courtesy of Santa Ynez Valley Chumash
CHUMASH CULTURE DAY, 12 TO 9 P.M.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians will host California-style Native American singing, dancing, food and games at the 18th annual Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Day from noon - 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at the corner of Highway 246 and Meadowvale Road in Santa Ynez. The free event is open to the public and all ages are welcome. There will also be native vendors, food booths and basket-weaving demonstrations.
At corner of Highway 246 and Meadowvale Road
For more info: Call Tribal Administration at (805) 6887997 or go to www.facebook.com/ santaynezchumash
LOS OLIVOS ARTISAN MARKET, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
Find the best jewelers, vintage clothes, potters, artists, wineries, and farm products right in town, every third Saturday of the month. Grab a fabulous bottle of wine from family-operated winery, Saarloos & Sons, and enjoy a picnic at our beautiful venue in the heart of Los Olivos.
At Saarloss & Sons, 2971 Grand Ave., Los Olivos
For more info: instagram.com/p/DAjgHsgTQdU/
SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS’ FESTIVAL, 1 TO 4 P.M.
Taste wines from over 50 wineries while you meet winemakers and owners who share the details of why our wines are among the most elegant and sophisticated. Enjoy the rare opportunity to taste an exceptional number of wines in one, gorgeous place!
At Vega Vineyard & Farm, 9496 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton For more info and tickets: sbvintnersweekend.com
SUNDAY, OCT. 20
THE SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL: THREE EXAMINATIONS INTO LIFE OFFSHORE, 2 TO 3:30 P.M.
A collection of footage taken from three films aired on National Geographic, the BBC, and PBS highlights the importance and untamed beauty of marine life just beyond the coasts of the Channel Islands, and in the Santa Barbara Channel. A few species of particular interest include the angel shark and horn shark, giant pacific octopus, and Channel Islands fox.
Mimi Armstrong deGruy is a Santa Barbara-based documentary filmmaker. Join us for an inspirational and educational short film screening and Q&A with Mimi deGruy in the Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery. Tickets are $5 for members, and $10 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased on our website, at calnatureartmuseum.org/ programs-events
At California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang For more info: calnatureartmuseum.org
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23
SOLVANG CANDIDATE FORUM, 6 TO 8 P.M.
A Candidate Forum for the three City of Solvang Mayoral candidates — Jamie Baker, David Brown, and Denise El Amin — is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers on Oak Street. A translator will be provided. You can attend in person, via Zoom or watch on the City of Solvang
YouTube Channel. Details for the links to Zoom and YouTube will be made available closer to the Forum. The League will require preregistration to attend in-person and the link will be open the week before the Forum.
The Forum is being moderated by the Santa Barbara League of Women Voters.
At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang For more info: cityofsolvang.com or lwv.org/local-leagues/lwv-santabarbara (League of Women Voters)
SATURDAY, OCT. 26
THE VISUAL FEAST OF ROLAND PETERSEN, 4 TO 7:30 P.M.
The Elverhoj Museum is holding an opening reception for the new exhibit featuring Roland Petersen. The Danish-born American painter was born in 1926 in Endelave, Denmark. He received a B.A. and M.A. degree from UC Berkeley before studying with Hans Hoffman at his School of Fine Arts in Provincetown. The opening reception will be held on October 26 from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend. There is no charge for admission, but a donation of $5 is suggested.
At Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang For more info: www.elverhoj.org.
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
BUELLTON REC HOLIDAY BAZAAR, 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
Buellton Rec’s 16th Annual Holiday Bazaar will be happening at River View Park. Come support our local artisans — over 60 vendors with beautiful handmade items, and Cal Taco Food Truck for those who are a little hungry.
At River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
AN EVENING WITH SHAWN COLVIN & KT TUNSTALL, 7 P.M.
Discover the magic of Scottish singer/songwriter KT Tunstall, famous for hits like “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Suddenly I See.”
Also experience the soulful depth of Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin, renowned for “Sunny Came Home.” Don’t miss the chance to be mesmerized by these incredible artists!
At Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang For more info: solvangtheaterfest.org
ONGOING
TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS STORYTIME AT SOLVANG LIBRARY, 10:30 A.M., TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS
Join us indoors on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Come to enjoy songs, stories, movement, and a warm welcome. Please make a reservation at cityofgoleta. org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang For more info: Solvang Library (805) 688-4214
WEDNESDAYS SOLVANG FARMERS MARKET, 2:30 TO 6 P.M.
Each week, the farmers in the marketplace display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard. Seasonal diversity is available year-round rain or shine. Come. Shop. Socialize. Certified — the only way to buy! Join us in downtown Solvang every Wednesday on First Street, between Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Copenhagen Drive.
WINE WEDNESDAYS IN BUELLTON, 4 TO 8 P.M.
Please join us for an evening out with family fun for all in Buellton, hosted by Esfuerzo Wines and The Birria Boyz. This event will take place each Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Each week we will have guest food vendors, live music and much more to be announced. We hope to see you there!
At 140 Industrial Way, Buellton For more info: info@esfuerzowine.com
