Santa Ynez Valley Star January A 2018

January 2 - January 15, 2018

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

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Valley steps up to help Thomas Fire victims

Photo contributed Jacobsen Hay delivered donated bales of hay and feed for displaced large animals at Earl Warren Showgrounds.

Photo contributed The Diesel Mafia of California hosted a collection drive at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church on Dec. 16 for Thomas Fire victims.

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By Raiza Giorgi

People in the Santa Ynez Valley have come out in force to help their southern neighbors who have suffered from the Thomas Fire in Santa Barbara and Ventura County.

Since the fire began Dec. 4 near Santa Paula, many local residents heard about all the families who have lost their homes in the weeks just before Christmas. Then they stepped up to offer comfort, contribute needed items, and host fundraisers.

“I was just watching the fire coverage and thinking that something needs to be done. We can’t just sit here and do nothing,” said local

country musician Dylan Ortega.

So he got together with a few friends and staff at Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton to plan “Fight the Fire,” a fundraiser from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13.

Ortega and singer Carrie Marie will provide entertainment. There will also be food vendors, beer and wine, kids activities, a live and silent auction and raffle items.

Ortega said he was blown away when a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit organization contacted him and donated $50,000 to the cause, anonymously. Along with another $2,000 raised already on the event’s GoFundMe page, Ortega said they hope to donate a big amount to the United Way’s Thomas Fire Fund.

The Fire Fund has already raised more than $2 million, and the United Way has pledged to donate 100 percent of it to support the fire victims.

The United Way of Santa Barbara County and United Way of Ventura County, American Red Cross of Ventura County and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services teamed up to create the Thomas Fire Fund.

In the same spirit, Bethania Lutheran Church, the Santa Ynez Valley Star and several valley residents decided to put together a holiday drive for the Thomas Fire victims on Dec. 23 at the church.

“If the situation were reversed and the fires were burning on this side of the mountain,

Photo by Brittany Kurowski The Kurowski kids couldn’t run a hot chocolate stand due to smoke, so they did a GoFundMe campaign, bought toys for fire victims, and donated them to Catholic Charities.

we know people from other Central Coast communities would step up and help us out.

That is what we do in times of need, especially during the holidays,” said the Star’s Publisher, Raiza Giorgi.

People donated household items, clothing, gift cards, Christmas presents and more during the event at Bethania.

A local family thought they would do something small that ended up being a big gesture of their own.

“We wanted to host a hot chocolate stand to raise money for the families, but it was Continued on page 2

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‘Fight the Fire’ fundraiser planned Jan. 13 in Buellton

Photo by Brittany Kurowski Each of the Kurowski kids selected toys for kids in their age group with the money they raised in their GoFundMe account.

Photo contributed Local country musician Dylan Ortega and some friends have organized “Fight the Fire,” a fundraiser for Thomas Fire victims on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton.

Continued from page 1 too smoky outside so we did a GoFundMe,” said Kaidan Kurowski, 11, of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Kaidan and his five siblings, with help from their mother Brittany, set up a page and raised more than $1,300 in less than 24 hours. The kids took the money and went on a shopping spree at Toys ‘R’ Us in Ventura, got all the toys they could fit into the family’s van, and dropped them off at the Catholic Charities Ventura Community Center.

The older Kurowski kids each they had their own cart and said they liked getting to pick out toys and gifts for kids in their own age group.

Kash Kurowski said he made sure there were Nerf guns, while younger sister Kalei said the favorite toy she picked out was a tattoo machine.

“The staff at Toys ‘R’ Us were amazing, and the other customers that waited behind us patiently in line. As a mom it’s already daunting taking kids into a toy store, but I am really proud that none of my kids, even the younger ones, asked to take anything for themselves,” Kurowski said.

She was also impressed when they showed up at the Catholic Charities center by how grateful the volunteers were. The family plans to make another donation of the gifts that showed up at their door even after their GoFundMe campaign closed.

Many Santa Ynez Valley businesses

donations at the Tractor Supply in Buellton. We have an account set up there or you can donate through our Milton’s Mutts nonprofit,” said Breann Hollon, owner of Hollon’s Hounds and director of Milton’s Mutts.

They need dog food, bowls, beds, toys or monetary support.

For more information, look on Facebook for Hollon’s Hounds.

Pollyrich Farms in Buellton also hosted a donation drive and took items down to Santa Barbara.

Santa Ynez Valley resident Pam Fisher said she donated several bags of clothes to the donation drive at the bowling alley in Santa Maria.

Resident Matt Lamberton of Solvang has been collecting items to donate and has made several trips to drop things off.

Local chiropractor Jim Hazard is offering free chiropractic care for firefighters if they are able to make it to his office at 2027 Village Lane in Solvang. Firefighters can call him at 805-686-2064.

Several ranchers and horse-boarding facilities offered shelter for larger animals, including Nojoqui Horse Ranch in Gaviota.

Horse trainer Amber Giorgi Mallea said they have room for several more. Contact her at 805-325-1941 or at www.nojoquihorseranch. com.

There may also be available space at the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center. Call

have also hosted fundraising or donation events, including Matt and Kiel Cavalli of ONEderChild in Buellton.

“We are accepting clothing, sizes newborn through 8 years old, and the valley has delivered. We also asked for diapers and wipes and have been provided with all that and more. People have dropped off formula, toys, and socks. One customer went to Costco and bought brand-new pajamas,” Matt Cavalli said.

He added that multiple customers have given up their consignment balance for people to purchase clothes if they had older kids or needed more items than ONEderChild could provide.

“We opted to keep donations in the store versus sending them out so the kids would have a sense of security in a fun, mellow store.

We pull the bins they need by size and help them shop and try on as if they were shopping in the store. The best part is that it’s all free,” Cavalli added.

Pilates instructor Allison Howie, who owns Studio Joie de Vie in Santa Ynez, took donations of clothes and everyday household items to the Unity Shoppe in Santa Barbara.

“This valley amazes me with all the people who are concerned for those that have lost their homes or have been evacuated,” Howie said.

A new doggie day care service, Hollon’s Hounds, in Santa Ynez has taken in 65 animals evacuated from the Thomas Fire.

“If anyone wishes to help, we are accepting

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A dog rescued from the Thomas Fire was adopted by the Ayala family of Buellton.

Andrea at 805-588-4521 to inquire.

Santa Ynez Feed and Mill accepted donations for pet and livestock feed and took numerous loads to the fairgrounds in Ventura and Santa Barbara for displaced animals. Jacobsen Hay and Feed has also been delivering hay and feed for large animals.

St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church has offered their facilities during the day if anyone would like to come rest, meditate, pray or just use their wifi network.

“You’ll also find water for your dog in the courtyard and, on especially hot days, there will be ice water for you as well,” according to St. Mark’s staff.

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Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 3

Thomas Fire Fund receives $2.25 million so far

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Staff Report

n response to an outpouring of support, United Way of Santa Barbara County and United Way of Ventura County have established The United Way Thomas Fire Fund to support individuals and families in both counties who have been affected by the fire.

Major donations have come in from local and national businesses, foundations, and individuals, a United Way spokesman said.

By late December nearly $2.3 million had been raised, and 100 percent of the donations will support those in communities affected by the wildfires.

Donations include $400,000 from Annenberg Foundation, $350,000 from Kaiser Permanente, $250,000 from JPMorgan Chase, $200,000 from Amgen, $200,000 from Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, $100,000 from SoCal Gas and $25,000 from Community West Bank.

“We are incredibly grateful that corporations, organizations and individuals are stepping up and recognizing the huge financial toll that this unprecedented fire has had on hundreds of thousands of people

in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. It’s even more heartening when local organizations pitch in, because this is their community and they want to support it,” according to a joint statement from Eric Harrison, CEO of United Way of Ventura County, and Steve Ortiz, CEO of United Way of Santa Barbara County.

To contribute to the fund: n Go to www.unitedwaythomasfirefund.org n Text UWVC to 41444 n Call 805-485-6288 n Mail checks to the United Way office at 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003, with “Thomas Fire Fund” in the memo line.

The Thomas Fire destroyed more than 1,000 structures and threatened thousands more. More than 100,000 residents had to evacuate their homes in both counties, and more than 270,000 were burned.

After the inferno, prepare for mud and flood

Now is the time to get ready before the rains come, officials say

Photo by Mike Eliason, SB County Fire Department El Capitan Canyon Resort was heavily damaged in June 2016 when mud and debris swept away cabins and vehicles after the Sherpa Fire.

By Raiza Giorgi Santa Ynez Valley Star

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ires have plagued Santa Barbara County in 2017, and local residents need to begin thinking immediately about the danger of flooding in the rainy season, according to Santa Barbara County Public Works officials.

The Whittier Fire burned a broad swath through the Santa Ynez Mountains in July, and the Thomas Fire along the front country of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties is on track to become the largest fire in California history.

The risk of flooding is highest for those in burned areas and downhill or downstream from them, but everyone should pause now to consider flooding issues.

“We don’t know how to model this because the burn area is so big. We are doing what we can to prepare drainage basins and clear creeks, but we urge residents to be prepared to be evacuated again or shelter in place if they become trapped,” said Tom Fayram, the county’s deputy public works director for water resources.

Normally vegetation absorbs rainfall and reduces the amount of runoff, but large wildfires alter the terrain. By denuding slopes and leaving a layer of crust on top of the soil, fires set up conditions for hazardous flash flooding.

With violent run-off can come debris and ash that form mudflows.

“The time is now to make sure your flood insurance is up to date, as it can take up to 30 days to activate,” Fayram said.

Fayram also urges homeowners to have evacuation routes or plans to shelter in place, and to prepare their properties before the rainy season.

“There isn’t time (for officials) to go individually and assess what property owners need to do, but prepare for the worst-case scenario,” he advised.

The Whittier Fire burned more than 18,000 acres between the coastal area west of Goleta and Lake Cachuma. Fayram said the only urban area affected was the Embarcadero community in western Goleta.

“We completed our routine channel work and added some emergency clearing above Embarcadero. There are no basins there.

However, a debris rack exists above Highway 101,” he said.

Highway 154 could also be affected on the Santa Ynez Valley side of the ridge, but that is in Caltrans jurisdiction, Fayram noted.

The Thomas Fire has burned a broad swath of the front country above Carpinteria and Montecito, as well as the watershed behind Jamison and Gibraltar reservoirs.

“The watersheds above Carpinteria and Montecito are indeed a concern and should be taken seriously. We do have debris basins on many creeks in the area and are now actively working to bring those facilities up to post-fire readiness. Keep in mind these basin are in place and active, however they were built for fires and as such they are now being brought up to ‘fire ready’ condition. We expect that work to be completed soon,” he added.

Public Works also has sandbags available at its facility at 4568 County Road off Calle Real between Santa Barbara and Goleta for those who want to stock up early, with a limit of 25 bags per person. The sand bags are not prefilled.

For more information, log onto www.countyofsb.org/pwd.

Evaluate risks, prepare for flooding n How close is your house or outbuilding to the closest stream, seasonal draw or valley bottom? n Could your home become inaccessible? Do you have a bridge or culvert, stream or drainage crossing that could be destroyed by a flash flood? n Remove debris in or near culverts and drains.

This includes rocks, grass clippings, decking, structures, vegetation, fences, etc. n When walking your property, look for items that may potentially plug stream channels and/or culverts, particularly at road crossings. n Remember that runoff may cause channels to shift, creating additional stream bank erosion.

4 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

NEWS ROUNDUP

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Photo by Tenley Fohl Photography The Santa Barbara County Fire Department demonstrates how quickly a dry Christmas tree can ignite as part of the annual Tree Burn at Mission Santa Ines.

Julefest wraps up with hot event

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Star Report

he annual Christmas Tree Burn in Solvang will close the 2017 Julefest celebration and open the new year from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, in the field at Mission Santa Ines.

The event, coordinated by the Solvang Parks and Recreation Department and supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, is billed as one of the largest fire safety demonstrations and community holiday gatherings on California’s Central Coast.

There will be free, live entertainment as well as refreshments for purchase.

Last year’s event was canceled because of rain, so the trees were chipped up for mulch, according to Solvang officials.

They promised to announce as quickly as possible if rain is expected to delay or cancel this year’s event.

All area residents are invited to bring their tree (with stands and ornaments removed) to the big burn pile until 5 p.m. on Jan. 5.

For more details, call Solvang Parks & Rec at 805-688-PLAY or visit www. solvangusa.com/events/annual-christmas-tree-burn/. Mission Santa Ines is at 1760 Mission Drive in Solvang

Clean up ash safely to avoid health trouble Star Report

Cleaning up ashes from the Thomas Fire can be bad for your health if it isn’t done properly.

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District advises that anyone with heart or lung problems should not even attempt ash cleanup.

Worse, when houses burn, asbestos fibers from building materials may become airborne and create a very hazardous situation.

Handling materials that contain asbestos can be hazardous to your health.

Don’t allow children to play in the ash and do not use leaf blowers, which make the airborne ash more dangerous.

For general ash cleanup: n Use damp cloths, spray areas lightly with water, and direct ash-filled water to ground areas away from the runoff system.

Try to use the minimum amount of water necessary to avoid overtaxing runoff systems.

n Use vacuums with HEPA filters, or sweep gently with a broom. n Take your car to the car wash. n Wash off toys that have been outside in the ash; clean ash off pets. n Avoid any skin contact with the ash by wearing long pants, socks, gloves and long-sleeved shirts. n Use a high-quality shop or industrial vacuum outfitted with a high-efficiency particulate filter and a disposable collection filter bag. Ash can be bagged and put into trash cans, so it will not be stirred up again into the air.

Special attachments can be used to clean ash from gutters so that it will not blow back over outdoor spaces. Attachments and disposable bags are available from most hardware stores.

For more information, go to www.ourair. org and click on “Safe Ash Cleanup.”

Camp 4 bill awaiting Senate approval Star Report

he U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1491, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Land Affirmation Act of 2017, to send the bill to the U.S. Senate.

The legislation, which passed the House on Nov. 28, ratifies the decision made by the Secretary of the Interior on Jan. 19, 2017, to place approximately 1,400 acres of land, known locally as Camp 4, into trust for the benefit of the tribe.

The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), was passed among legislation considered under suspension of the rules, a procedure that is used to pass noncontroversial bills through the House of Representatives. It now moves to the U.S. Senate for approval.

“Camp 4 is about tribal housing on tribal land, it’s about preserving our Chumash culture, and it’s about bringing tribal members home,” said Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn. “We are pleased that H.R. 1491 continues to move forward and we look forward to the day that it becomes law.”

H.R. 1491 was introduced March 14 by LaMalfa, who represents the California congressional district near Chico and chairs the House Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs. It unanimously passed the House Natural Resources Committee on July 25, which allowed the bill to be considered by a floor vote of the entire House of Representatives.

LaMalfa has submitted three bills over the last several years to allow Camp 4 to be taken into trust, which means it would become part of the tribe’s sovereign reservation. The first two were rejected.

Since buying the property in 2010, the Chumash tribe has sought to place the land in trust with plans to build housing there for tribal members. In December 2014, the Pacific Region Director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs approved an application by the tribe to accept title to the Camp 4 property in trust. The Santa Ynez Valley Concerned Citizens filed a federal lawsuit on Nov. 1 challenging that action.

The suit, brought by SYVCC and three

homeowners who live adjacent to the trust property, alleges that the analysis of the environmental, land-use, economic and other impacts as required by federal law was wholly inadequate and insufficient upon which to base the federal decision to take Camp 4 into trust. Instead of requiring a more comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs relied instead on a more limited Environmental Analysis.

The bill was aided by a recent amendment that proclaimed a signed memorandum of agreement between the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the County of Santa Barbara regarding the Camp 4 land. The tribe’s membership approved the agreement and the county Board of Supervisors followed suit with a 4-1 vote on Oct. 31. As part of the agreement, Santa Barbara County pledged to support H.R. 1491 and drop its federal lawsuit.

The agreement between the tribe and the county allows for 143 one-acre residential lots developed on 194 acres, with 869 acres of open space and 206 acres of agriculture. The agreement also allows the tribe to build a tribal hall on the land, holding up to 100 events annually.

U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, a Democrat from Santa Barbara and a former county Supervisor, submitted a statement of support into the official record prior to the vote on H.R. 1491.

“I believe that the locally negotiated agreement concerning Camp 4 between the Tribe and the County, which is incorporated in the amended version of H.R. 1491, is in the best interest of my constituents, and is an important step toward establishing a long-term collaborative relationship between all the parties involved,” Carbajal said.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians owns and operates the Chumash Casino Resort on its reservation on Highway 246 in Santa Ynez. It also owns Hotel Corque, Root 246 restaurant and the Hadsten House hotel in Solvang, two gas stations in Santa Ynez, and other property around the valley.

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Vikings of Solvang start the holidays with their annual Christmas party for special-needs kids F

By Raiza Giorgi Santa Ynez Valley Star

rosty the Snowman, The Grinch, a Christmas elf and other holiday characters greeted hundreds of kids as they streamed into the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott for the annual Vikings of Solvang Christmas Party.

This year was the 43rd annual party for special-needs children in Santa Barbara County.

“This is such a fun event and a great way for social recreation for our kids. It’s a fun way to get them all together and celebrate the holidays,” said Mariana Murillo, who escorted her son Oscar Lopez, 19, of Cabrillo High School.

More than 600 students attended, and Vikings Chief Mike Peterson said that he and other Vikings look forward to the joyful event every year.

“We want to honor these kids and their caregivers. They are all amazing in our minds,” Peterson said.

The Vikings of Solvang are well known to most Valley residents for riding on their imposing Viking ship in local parades, but the magnanimous group’s community contributions are as robust as their Nordic namesakes.

“This event really starts the Christmas holiday for most of us Vikings. Seeing their faces and making this event special each year for them is what it’s all about,” said Viking Jim Cassidy, chairman of the event committee.

Cassidy said about 80 percent of the Viking

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Familiar Christmas characters greeted kids as they arrived at the Vikings Christmas party.

Photos by Raiza Giorgi Oscar Lopez, 19, of Cabrillo High School was all smiles when Frosty the Snowman came to greet him.

membership showed up to help out by greeting children, guiding them to tables, serving meals, decorating, setting up, and tearing down.

The most important job is the role of Santa Claus, and Viking Dan Cassara said he is honored to do that work.

“This event is so special, and I get to help make them smile. That’s the best gift of all,” Cassara said.

Each guest left the party with a full stomach and a bucket of cookies from Olsen’s Bakery, and each of the 58 teachers in atten-

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Solvang City Council explores bike path options Dozens turn out to debate ‘spur’ to Sunny Fields Park

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By Victoria Martinez Santa Ynez Valley Star

olvang’s lack of bicycle infrastructure was at the forefront of the City Council’s Dec. 11 meeting, bringing dozens of residents to discuss their views about future bike path development in the city.

The council unanimously agreed to support the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) in its preparation of a Santa Ynez Valley Bicycle Master Plan scheduled for development during the 2018-2019 fiscal year, and also voted to commission a study of options for connecting the bike paths on Highway 246 and Alamo Pintado Road.

The study was deemed necessary after a lively debate about a proposed Sunny Fields Spur Bike Trail, which would extend from the existing Class 1 bike lane along Highway 246, across Alamo Pintado Creek, and north to Sunny Fields Park. At least two optional alignments were identified: one that would run along the creek and another that would extend into the Creekside residential subdivision.

Creekside residents showed up in mass to share their displeasure with the proposed spur route. Their concerns ranged from heavy bicycle traffic in a residential neighborhood to environmental impacts and lack of resident input on the matter.

“It’s a design for disaster,” Creekside resident Carl Butler said.

Mayor Jim Richardson, who, along with Councilwoman Joan Jamieson, had to recuse himself from the discussion due to the proximity of his home to the project, voiced his displeasure with the county’s plan during public comment and his belief that the opinions of Creekside residents were not being

considered.

“Why does the city staff support that particular trail without even considering the people living in that area?” Richardson asked.

The local cycling community was also heavily represented during the meeting, all of which encouraged the council to at least explore the spur and to move forward with better bicycle infrastructure in the city.

Sam Sweetland of Solvang, a member of the Santa Ynez Valley Cycling Club, shared his disappointment with the lack of bike route development for families in the area since the adopting of the City of Solvang 2008 Bicycle Transportation Plan.

“I want more options. My kids want more options. We want better options,” Sweetland said. “Nine years, no action. We’ve let our kids down.”

Councilwoman Karen Waite, a longtime proponent of a better bicycle infrastructure in the area, fully supported further examination of the spur, but acknowledged the need for alternatives that would not disrupt the Creekside neighborhood.

“To me this is a no-brainer and it has to be done,” Waite said. “We need to come out of the Stone Age with our bicycle infrastructure.”

Mike Hecker, director of SYV Spoke, shared his belief that moving forward did not mean the plan was set in stone.

“This is all about creating a safer community,” Hecker said.

The council voted 3-0 to commission the study of the spur route and alternative options in the hope that a study would provide SBCAG with a clear direction for the safest and most feasible option for connecting the two paths.

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Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 7

Community effort saves Nativity Pageant

Once in a while, unexpected emergencies can threaten any theater performance.

Such an emergency arose on Dec. 8.

Late that afternoon when a water valve broke, it resulted in no water coming into the Solvang Festival Theater property. No water meant the beloved annual Nativity Pageant was in jeopardy of being canceled.

Fortunately, a team of staff and community members rushed to the rescue and devised a temporary fix that would allow the show to go on. Working into Friday night and through Saturday morning, water was restored.

Solvang Theaterfest thanks those who jumped in to rescue the pageant. They were city of Solvang Water Supervisor Mike Mathews; general contractor JeanPaul Demeure; plumber Dan McCollum; the theater’s handyman, Andrew Goettler; Solvang Theaterfest board member John Mathews; and Solvang Theaterfest Execu-

tive Director Mary Ann Norbom.

Because of this team effort, nearly 1,200 people were able to experience the magic of the Nativity Pageant in the Solvang Festival Theater. The willingness to assist our community’s theater demonstrated once again how working together makes Solvang such a wonderful city in which to live.

Ann Foxworthy Lewellen Board Member, Solvang Theaterfest

Tribal agreement is bad deal for county

Last week there was an article stating the County of Santa Barbara is facing 10 major fiscal issues in the next two years. If that is the case, why did the county enter into an agreement with the Chumash tribe where the tribe is only obligated to pay an annual amount of $178,000 in lieu of property taxes on Camp 4, a 1,400-acre parcel in the Santa Ynez Valley that they purchased for $44,000,000? An agreement that ceases in 2040.

The tribe claims they will only build 140 single-family homes along with a tribal center. If the homes were valued at $500,000 each, the property taxes alone would be over $770,000 per year. That figure doesn’t take into account the taxes that would be paid on the remaining acreage and tribal center.

There is no guarantee they will not construct commercial buildings on the property.

The paltry sum of $178,000 doesn’t come close to covering the fiscal impact on the remaining citizens in the county for the services that will be provided. It is not even adjusted for inflation. Supervisor Adam was right at the board meeting when he said agreement with the tribe is “ambiguous as to the commitments the county is agreeing to and it’s ambiguous as to the cost that we are agreeing to, and therefore it is a blank check and it is a bad deal for the county.”

Can someone explain to me how Supervisor Williams got on the negotiating team, especially since he has taken over $172,400 in campaign contributions from California tribes, including $46,000 from the Chumash,

of which $18,000 was given to him after he was elected Santa Barbara County supervisor?

The agreement with the tribe is an embarrassment that will cost the county and its residents for years to come.

Mike Hadley Santa Ynez

Letters to the editor should be no more than 300 words in length.

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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

Valley Hardware bids farewell to longtime employee

N

Photo contributed Easter Team members who joined a crew from the Monterey Fire Department for a ride on their truck included, from left, Marcy Easter Eliassen, Gloria Easter, Leigh Groefsema Beermann and Brooke Ebner.

Realtors honor fire fighters with 2 dinners Staff Report

Firefighters and other first responders battling the devastating wildfires in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties got a well-deserved break when they were treated to dinners by the “Easter Team” of real estate agents with the Santa Barbara office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

Easter Team hosted 21 firefighters from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District on Dec. 17 at Harry’s Plaza Café in Santa Barbara. The dinner was arranged by lending partner Diana MacFarlane, whose son is among the firefighters.

Two nights later, the team treated five members of the Monterey Fire Department to dinner at Joe’s Café, also in Santa Barbara.

“Both evenings were filled with great conversations and great respect,” team leader Gloria Easter said. “We are all so much in awe of how these firefighters and first responders protected Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. They arrived in uniform, and when they walked into Harry’s, everyone in the restaurant gave them a standing ovation.

The same thing happened when they left.

“They got a similar reception at Joe’s.

People came up and wanted to buy them dessert, and approached them very courteously during dinner to just thank them for their service. It was very heartwarming.”

After the meal at Joe’s, Gloria said, her team was treated to a three-block ride aboard the Monterey fire truck.

By Victoria Martinez

ursery Manager Gordon Young recently retired from Solvang’s Valley Hardware after 45 years of employment, leaving one less familiar face at the well-known hardware store.

“It has been a fun place to work. A lot of good people,” Young said.

Young came to Valley Hardware with some high school experience working in a nursery where he pulled weeds and planted roses. His affinity for roses stayed with him during his years at the hardware store, and he held a rose-pruning workshop each January.

Young was Valley Hardware’s first nursery manager.

“It’s grown a lot out there, thanks to Gordon,” store owner Ken Verkler said.

Verkler and Young started working at the hardware store on the same day in October 1972. They both laughed when they recalled transporting fresh Christmas trees from Los Angeles to the valley every year and the changes to both Solvang and the hardware store itself.

“Everything has changed out there, but for the better,” Young added.

Though Young still can be found at the

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“We had a good run,” Verkler added.

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Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 9

Antiques store creates a sisterhood A

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

na Curiel has an eye for design, a nose for erudite pickers and artists, and a taste for success. Taking a leap of faith with a vision of possibilities, she has assembled 10 antique dealers and artists to join her in creating “Sisters,” an antique store in Los Alamos.

Curiel and her husband George are not newcomers to the antiques business. They have had stores in Guadalupe and Oldtown Orcutt and have been in the business for nearly 15 years.

In March, however, Curiel lost her lease on a building in Orcutt where she had owned an antique store, also called “Sisters,” for eight years. One of her customers knew she was looking for another location and suggested she look in Los Alamos.

The idea interested her, particularly because she and her husband were thinking of purchasing a home in Los Alamos. On a drive through town, Curiel noticed a house on Bell Street that was being remodeled. It had formerly housed an antique store called “Gussied Up.” Her realtor put her in touch with the owner of the building, Debbie Love, owner of DL Electric.

Curiel talked to Love about renting the house and the plans she had in mind for an antique store. She suggested that Love visit her store in Orcutt, which she did, and was duly impressed. Love subsequently called Curiel and said if she was interested, she could rent the building.

“I didn’t know what to say so I asked for a few days to think about it and to talk it over with my husband. The rent was considerably more than we were paying in Orcutt and the house was so big. I was concerned with how I was going to fill it,” Curiel said.

“After weighing all the pros and cons, I had firmly decided to decline the offer. I had convinced myself that it was just too big an endeavor at the moment. When the phone rang and it was Love on the line asking me if I was interested in renting the house, out of nowhere, I just blurted out, ‘I’ll take it.’ It just came out of my mouth – it was like I’d just sent the wrong text message to someone,” she said.

The gravity of her spontaneous decision began to sink in but she had a vision in mind of what the antique store would look like.

“I knew I wanted to bring in vendors, but from where? I wanted them to be the best of the best and easy to work with,” she said.

She told Madeline Jex, the owner of a little antique store next door called “Gentleman Farmer” about her plans. Soon she received a phone call from Jex asking if she had any spaces left.

“I think I want to move in and be a part of your store,” Jex said.

“Madeline knows so many people in this business and she put me in contact with the majority of these ladies who now fill the store,” said Curiel. “Everything began to suddenly come together.”

Carol Wood had had a space in “Gussied Up” and wanted to have a space in the new store. Mary Kay West, an artist, read a sign in front of the store “Looking for Vendors” and she called Curiel to say she was interested.

11 antique dealers and artists are participating in Los Alamos store

Photos by Pamela Dozois Taking a leap of faith, Ana Curiel has assembled nearly a dozen antique dealers and artists to create “Sisters” in Los Alamos.

artisan and home décor show.

Curiel said that Watkins has a huge following and is a great asset to the store.

“Every piece of the puzzle began to fall into place and it just worked,” Curiel said.

“Every one of our vendors has a unique style but it all blends perfectly. Working with 10 ladies can be difficult, but not with these ladies – I considered them all my sisters,” she said. “This store would be really

Photos by Pamela Dozois Sisters is open seven days a week and since opening in April has held two special events with an additional 23 antique dealers on its front lawn.

Patty Kodenko, who worked at various antique shows, thought it would be a good fit for her as well. Kodenko called Melissa Blue and they reached out to their friends.

Jen Curtis came into the store when it first opened. She had wanted to open a store in Los Alamos but with a full-time job she decided it was better to take a space in “Sisters.”

Polly Jane signed up, then Jan Hooten and Claire Gallion. The last vendor to come in was Judy Watkins, who used to promote “Remnants of the Past,” a vintage, antique

hard to recreate because we help one another and work together to make it a success.

I learn something new every day about this business from my sisters.”

Since opening in April, Sisters has held two vintage and antique markets or pop-up shows on the front lawn, where an additional 23 antique dealers rent space for a one-day event.

“They were a huge success,” Curiel said.

“The vendors even sign up a year in advance to be a part of the next event. It’s a free to the public … to come in and browse. We plan on hosting more events in the future.”

Curiel’s husband George is a welder by day and on the weekends he works at the store. ”I couldn’t have done this without him – all the ladies love him,” she said.

The Curiels live in Orcutt and have two boys. George, 24, is in the Navy and married. Daniel, 20, is on the baseball team at Hancock College.

As to how Sisters found its name? While looking for unique items to decorate her new home in Orcutt 15 years ago, Ana’s younger sister Sylvia encouraged her to open her own store, which she did in 2003 in a Guadalupe property belonging to her mother.

Her parents had owned the Imperial Café in Guadalupe for 35 years. When they sold the restaurant and property, Curiel opened a new “Sisters” close to home, which gave her more time to spend with her children with a little left over for herself.

“My biggest concern is that my vendors do well. If they do well, then it’s working,” Curiel said. “I plan on taking it day by day.

Our small little shop works very well.”

“I would like to thank the community of Los Alamos. I’ve fallen in love with this little town. My husband and I hope to make this our home.”

Sisters, at 349 Bell St. in Los Alamos, is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 805-357-9415 for more information, visit their Facebook page or follow @sistersgiftsandhome on Instagram.

10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

Ladies of the Valley

NatureTrack founder answers her calling

By Robbie Kaye Sue Eisaguirre, executive director of NatureTrack, moved to the valley from Los Angeles 20 years ago. Before that she had lived in Denver, Anchorage, Alaska and Colorado, where she was born and raised.

She has always felt close to nature, and she contributes to the community in many ways.

Sharing the joy and adventure of nature is one of them, and after learning more about her, I am inclined to become a volunteer myself for Nature Track and watch the wonder of nature through the eyes of a child.

In this sometimes-nutty world of ours, it’s comforting to know that people like Sue Eisaguirre are out there, in nature, offering the beauty and magic of it not just to children, but also to adults and families.

Can you tell us a bit about the path that led you to your love for nature?

As a child my mother would take my brother and me to the mountains to picnic and rock hunt. We would spend the entire day in the mountains. I also attribute my love of

kids have never done that … fearful at first, but at ease after a few minutes.

What would you ultimately like to see happen with your program?

I would like to see NatureTrack expand to other geographical areas. It’s an idea that can work in most areas.

Photos by Robbie Kaye NatureTrack founder and executive director Sue Eisaguirre loves watching children experience the wonder of nature up close.

nature to my sixth-grade teacher, who took us to Rocky Mountain National Park and before we walked across the tundra, he told us to step only on the patches of snow. Of course we then all looked very closely at the beautiful tundra flora to see what Mr. Klink did not want us to step on. What a wonderful way to get a child to look closely at nature.

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How did NatureTrack evolve?

I was the Outreach Coordinator at UCSB Sedgwick Reserve, where I oversaw the docent program and the K-12 program. It was my desire to reach more students that led me to leaving Sedgwick and starting NatureTrack.

Knowing I was frustrated I couldn’t reach more students, it was actually my husband who encouraged me to start NatureTrack. He bought me the book “How to Form a 501(c) (3) Corporation” and “How to Write a OnePage Business Plan.” I took the books and went to town.

I left Sedgwick February 2011, volunteering with them until June and on November 2 launched NatureTrack. We were on the trail the very next day. That year we provided 600 students with a NatureTrack outdoor field trip. We have grown every year and I’m proud to say that to date we have provided nearly 14,000 students with a NatureTrack outdoor experience. And, our schedule is filling up quickly this year again. Teachers are submitting their field trip reservations earlier and earlier as it is first come, first serve.

Can you tells us a about your experience of the kids once they start learning about trees and insects and ecosystems, etc.?

I think a note written by a third-grade student who said, “I never knew nature could be that FUN” sums it up.

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What is the most rewarding thing about your program?

There are many rewarding things – being outdoors with the students and volunteers; hearing teachers say how much they enjoyed the trip; reading student thank-you notes, spending time with the volunteers.

Can you tell us about a specific experience in nature with a child or adult that sticks out in your mind?

I think when the students take their shoes and socks off and play in the creek. So many

Can you tell us about a challenge you have experienced and overcome along the way to creating this organization?

Fundraising is the main challenge for any new nonprofit. It is and continues to be for NatureTrack, but I have established an endowment fund that I hope will grow and someday be able to sustain NatureTrack for many years to come. … I still have the challenge of finding those individuals or private foundations that believe in our mission and will contribute to the endowment.

Was it difficult to start?

No. ... I was careful to not book too many field trips the first year as I needed to build our volunteer base, because our network of volunteers provides leadership of one volunteer for every five students.

Does NatureTrack have a program for adults as well?

Beyond our docent-volunteer program for adults, we have a quarterly “Family Adventure” program, which encourages families to be outdoors together. We take families out and lead the “adventure” similar to a field trip where we encourage exploration and discovery together; we play nature games with the families, and show parents how much fun nature can be when shared with their children.

How can someone get involved with NatureTrack?

Go to www.naturetrack.org, complete and submit the on-line volunteer questionnaire, email me at sue@naturetrack.org, or call 805-886-207. Our mantra is “NatureTrack fits around your schedule. You do not need to schedule around NatureTrack.”

What is the most challenging aspect about running NatureTrack?

Fundraising is critical and challenging – grant research and grant submissions. It is also critical and challenging to recruit new volunteers. The most worrisome aspect of NatureTrack is that as we continue to grow in numbers of students that the quality and experience of each trip is as good if not better than the last. So far, so good.

What events do you have coming up?

The Inaugural NatureTrack Film Festival on March 23-25, 2018. Tickets are on sale at www.NatureTrackFilmFestival.org Robbie Kaye is a photographer, artist and author of “Beauty and Wisdom.” She is also completing the “Ladies of the Valley” documentary. Follow her at www.robbiekaye. com and @ladiesofthevalley or @robbiekaye on Instagram.

Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 11

January 2018 Events at Santa Ynez Valley Libraries A

dmission to all events is free, thanks to the Friends of the Library of SYV and Buellton Friends of the Library for funding assistance.

Please note that all county libraries will be closed Jan. 15 for Martin Luther King Day. Visit SBPLibrary.org for more information.

EVENTS

Wed., Jan. 24,

n 10:30-11:30 a.m. “Music Together.” A music participation program for you and your baby, toddler or preschooler. Diane Byington of Solvang Conservatory shares songs, instrument play, rhythm chants and movement in a relaxed, playful setting. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214.

Thurs., Jan. 25

Thurs., Jan. 4

n 1-1:50 p.m. “TED and Conversation.” Come view one or two short talks from the famous TED Talks series, and explore the topic together afterward; call for the topic. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Fri., Jan 12

n 4-5 p.m. “ReadAloud: Treasure Island.”A play-reading group for adults, teens and children 9 and up. In January we’ll read the Robert Louis Stevenson classic adventure tale, adapted by Bryony Lavery for the National Theater in London. Scripts are available for preview; call or email to reserve a spot. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Thurs., Jan. 18

n 12-6 p.m. Board Game Day. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805688-4214

Thurs., Jan. 18

n 4-5 pm “Pokemon Trading Card Club.” The group meets at 4 p.m. on monthly Board Game days to both trade and battle; beginners welcome; decks available for borrowing. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Fri., Jan. 19

n 4-5 p.m. “ReadAloud: Treasure Island, continued.” A play-reading group for adults, teens and children 9 and up. Call or email to reserve a spot. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Sat., Jan. 20

n 2-4 p.m. Movie: “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword,” 2017 action, adventure, drama, rated PG-13. ​Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115 Sat., Jan. 20: 4-5 p.m. “Coding Club Startup.” Come learn about code, and what you can create. All ages welcome to this introductory meeting. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214.

n 7:30 p.m. Movie: ”Lone Woman of San Nicholas Island.” A special opportunity to view filmmaker Paul Goldsmith’s 2017 documentary, based on the true story of a Native American woman who was left alone on San Nicolas Island for 18 years during the 19th century. The filmmaker will be present, and a short discussion will be held after the screening. Co-sponsored by the SYV Natural History Society. Los Olivos Library/Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos; 805-688-4214

Fri., Jan. 26 n noon-5:30 p.m. “Family Board Game

Day/Puzzle Club.” Come play Gone Fishin’, No Stress Chess, Blokus, Yahtzee, and Connect Four, or help put together a few puzzles. Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115

Fri., Jan 26

n 4 - 5 p.m. “ReadAloud: Treasure Island, continued.” A play-reading group for adults, teens and children 9 and up; call or email to reserve a spot. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Sat., Jan. 27

n 1-2:40 p.m. Movie: “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power,” 2017 documentary, rated PG. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Tues., Jan. 30

n 10-11 a.m. “The Purple Marble.” PCPA Outreach Tour’s musical adaptation of young local author Tiffany Antoci’s book by the same title. Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Tues., Jan. 30

n 4-5:15 p.m. “Arts for Humanity: Pocket Books Workshop.” Create a pocket book, in which each pocket has art that tells a story in pictures, words or abstract art, using collage, stamps, drawing or any combination. Ages 7 and up. Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115.

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CONTINUING PROGRAMS

Every Monday, 11 a.m., “Preschool Storytime” Bringing your preschoolers to storytime will help get them ready to read! Stay for a craft or play session afterward and make a new friend. Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115

Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., “Preschool Storytime,” Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214 Every Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., “One-onOne Tutoring: E and Audiobooks on your Mobile Device.” Drop in for a free 20-minute session and start accessing the library’s free online materials. Bring your device (E-reader, tablet, laptop, or smartphone). Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-3115 Every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., “Wiggly Storytime” Short stories, songs, rhymes and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Be ready to participate with your child, and spend some time being silly together. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805688-4214 Every Other Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Reading with Dogs. Our Tail Waggin’ Tutors help young readers practice reading skills by reading aloud to the kindest, least judgmental listeners around. Drop in for a 10-15 minute

individual session with a “tutor.” Buellton Library, 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805688-3115.

Every Thurs., 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Reading with Dogs. Our Tail Waggin’ Tutors help young readers practice reading skills by reading aloud to the kindest, least judgmental listeners around. Drop in for a 10-15 minute individual session with a “tutor.” Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214.

LIBRARY INFORMATION

Buellton: 140 W. Highway 246, 805-688-3115, BuelltonLibrary@santabarbaraCA.gov Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon-5:30 p.m.; Sunday and Thursday, closed.

Solvang: 1745 Mission Drive, 805-688-4214, SolvangLibrary@santabarbaraCA.gov Tuesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday and Monday, closed Los Olivos: Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave. Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Santa Ynez: 3598 Sagunto St. Saturday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Local group enjoys magical NYC holiday tour Staff Report A group of 18 people from the Santa Ynez Valley enjoyed the festive holiday events and Christmas decorations of New York City from Dec. 4-8.

Highlights of the tour included the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall; a poignant tour of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum; a ferry ride to Ellis Island to learn about the 12 million immigrants who were processed there; the Statue of Liberty; a nighttime carriage ride through Central Park; St. Paul’s Chapel, where George Washington worshipped; brilliantly lighted Times Square; Greenwich Village; and The Top of the Rock, which is the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center with 360-degree city views.

The group was guided by local travel agent Linda Johansen, who donates her commissions from such trips to benefit the Atterdag Village Rehab Wing and Solvang Rotary in support of the

Solvang Senior Center Building Campaign.

The group was also mesmerized by the magical holiday displays from Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Tiffany’s and the various window displays along 5th Avenue. They enjoyed their choice of Broadway musicals of “Phantom of the Opera,” “Kinky Boots,” or “Bronx Tale,” as well as holiday drinks at the Plaza Hotel, the colossal Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and a fun-filled breakfast at the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner, which is a 1950s-themed restaurant featuring a singing wait staff who are all trying to get their big break on Broadway.

Other trips scheduled for 2018 include Vietnam in February; Iceland in May; the Rhine and Moselle River Cruise in September; and South Africa, Victoria Falls and Botswana in October.

For more information, call Johansen at 805-686-1644 or email her at lindyjo2003@yahoo.com.

12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

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Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 13

Two SYV singers named Teen Star finalists Staff Report Elizabeth Padfield and Jake Gildred of the Santa Ynez Valley have again been named two of the 12 finalists in the Teen Star Santa Barbara singing competition.

The popular event and its companion Teen Dance Star are now in their eighth seasons of crowning hard-working local students under the guiding hand of creator and executive producer Joe Lambert, a former valley resident.

“I am really impressed and humbled by their hard work, and what’s really amazing is they set their goals to get into the show, or into the top 12, and they keep pursuing their dreams,” Lambert said.

This year’s Teen Star finalists

from all around Santa Barbara County will be performing their hearts out at the Arlington Theatre on Feb. 24.

Elizabeth is an eighth-grader at Solvang Elementary School, and Jake is a freshman at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School The other finalists are Ava Burford of Santa Barbara High School (11th grade); Benjamin Catch of San Marcos High School (10th grade); Daniel Geiger of Pioneer Valley High School (12 grade); McKenna Gemberling of San Marcos High School (9th grade); Neve Greenwald of Dos Pueblos High School (9th grade); Holly Hadsell of La Colina Junior High (7th grade); Savannah Jayaraman, who is home schooled (12th grade); Nicole Trujillo of Dos Pueblos High School (12th grade); Sophia Schuster of Crane Country Day School (8th grade); and Milania Espinoza of Lakeview Junior High School (7th grade).

Last year, Elizabeth made it into the final round, judges said her vocal talents were well beyond her years.

“Your voice is the instrument, and I felt like we were in the 1930s,” judge Catherine Remak

said last year.

Elizabeth is no stranger to the stage. She has performed in the valley for various functions, sang at the Solvang Julefest tree lighting ceremony in December, and appeared in many productions with the Arts Outreach Summer Theater.

Last year’s Teen Star winner was Nolan Montgomery and the Teen Dance Star was Sophia Cordero.

The mission of Teen Star Santa Barbara is to support youth in performing arts with the goal of nurturing talent by inspiring passion, instilling a drive for success and encouraging excellence and professionalism.

The proceeds from the showcase will benefit performing arts in Santa Barbara County schools.

For more information, visit TeenStarUSA. com or call 800-380-9110, ext. 200.

File photo Elizabeth Padfield wowed the audience at last year’s Teen Star Santa Barbara singing competition, and she will be a finalist again this year on Feb. 24 at the Arlington Theatre.

Community brightens the season for children in foster care Staff Report

Santa and his helpers were out in full force on Dec. 10, delivering gifts to children at the annual CASA of Santa Barbara County Christmas party at Hotel Corque in Solvang.

The hotel was transformed into a winter wonderland for the children and their volunteer advocates, complete with Christmas Bingo, bite-sized snacks, a special appearance by Santa, and a sing-along.

Though they may not be elves, several community business organizations and individuals lent a hand by donating hundreds of gifts for children in the Santa Barbara County foster care system. With help from the community, CASA was able to give the children just what they asked for this year.

“We want to make certain that there is something special for every child we serve, and even those who currently do not have a CASA volunteer,” said Kim Colby Davis, executive director for Court Appointed Special Advocates

(CASA) of Santa Barbara County. “We worked with CASA volunteers and social workers to learn what the kids’ wished for this year, and then turned to the community.”

CASA acknowledged the generosity of American General Media, DenMat, Department of Child Support, Guild Mortgage, Laguna Blanca School, Lockheed Martin, Montecito Bank and Trust, Mountain View School, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Wavgroup, and other groups and individuals.

“Being able to provide Christmas gifts to the children we serve gives them a sense of hope,” said Davis. CASA volunteers work year-round, developing trust, friendships, and a healthy adult relationship with the child they serve.

That child’s safety and well-being is their number one priority.”

For more information, call Crystal Sullins at 805-739-9102, ext. 2594, or email volunteer@sbcasa.org.

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14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

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Chumash donate bikes, skateboards for foster kids

Chumash tribal employees helped assembled 30 bicycles that were donated to CASA of Santa Barbara County along with 15 donated skateboards.

Staff Report

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians bought 30 bicycles and 15 skateboards for children in the local CASA program, and tribal employees volunteered to assemble them at the Hotel Corque in Solvang.

The tribe made the purchase through Together We Rise, a nonprofit organization devoted to improving the lives of foster youth across the nation while also providing opportunities for the general public to give back to their communities with programs such as Build-A-Bike and BuildA-Board.

“Through our partnership with CASA of Santa Barbara, the tribe is well aware of the struggles children face in foster care, especially during the holiday season,” said Veronica Sandoval, the administrator for the tribe’s charitable foundation. “We held this Build-A-Bike and Build-A-Board event as a way for our Team Chumash volunteers to give back to the community and provide a foster child with a gift they

might not otherwise receive during the holidays.”

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Barbara County is a local nonprofit that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children throughout the county. During the holiday season, CASA volunteers collect donations to provide foster youths with gifts.

“The generosity of our community is heartwarming, and this gift of bikes and skateboards … will make many kids happy this holiday season,” said Kim Davis, the executive director of CASA of Santa Barbara. “At this time of year, more than ever, it’s important to remember that we have children in crisis in our community.

Providing a special gift like this can take the focus off the chaos and bring moments of hope instead.”

For more information, visit www.togetherwerise.org or www.sbcasa.org.

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Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 15

‘Equine Expo’ hopes to plan for disaster Organizers say the free event will be the first step in organizing a local equine evacuation group

By Drs. John Madigan and David Wilson UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

By Victoria Martinez Santa Ynez Valley Star hen the Thomas Fire and other disasters strike, the community quickly comes together to meet not only the human but also the animal needs throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.

However, Dawn Perrine and Julie Monser, two women heavily involved in the local equine community, believe that there’s a need for more organization and training to safely help animals during a crisis.

The women have coordinated with a number of organizations and agencies to hold an Equine Emergency Preparedness Expo at 9 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center.

“The goal of this event is to organize ourselves, so we can work under the incident command system in an emergency,” Perrine said. “I’ve been talking about it for a long time. We have to organize so we can get [the animals] out of immediate danger, know who we are, and where we can go with them.”

Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Horse Emergency Evacuation Team (H.E.E.T.), Cal Fire, local veterinarians, ham radio operators, and others will provide information, resources and training throughout the event to teach those attending how to prepare themselves, their horses, their homes, and their facilities for any emergency.

In addition, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department is scheduled to hold a CERT

Photo Contributed Organizers of the first Equine Emergency Preparedness Expo on Jan. 20 hope the event will be the first step in creating a clear emergency plan.

(Community Emergency Response Team) Express course in the afternoon.

This two-hour class touches on the basics of the FEMA-based CERT class as well as a few other emergency situations. Topics include how to handle a fire extinguisher, locate utilities, fire safety, basic first aid, home/work safety tips, urban search and rescue, basic triage, active shooter survival, and how to prepare for natural disasters.

Though attendees won’t receive the FEMA CERT certificate, they will learn how to stay calm, think clearly, and act decisively in an emergency.

Event organizers said they are grateful to the Santa Ynez Valley Riders and the Santa Ynez Equestrian Center for their sponsorship and donation of facilities for the day.

The Equestrian Center is at 195 N. Refugio Road in Santa Ynez, south of Highway 246.

For more information, visit the Equine Emergency Preparedness Expo group on Facebook or call Julie Monser at 805-2643422 or Dawn Perrine at 805-245-6727.

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The Thomas Fire has exposed humans and animals to unhealthy air containing wildfire smoke and particulates. These particulates can build up in the respiratory system, causing a number of health problems including burning eyes, runny noses and illnesses such as bronchitis.

They can also aggravate heart and lung diseases such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and asthma.

Because little information is available to horse owners and even equine veterinarians on the effects on horses of breathing air laden with particulates, some suggestions are offered here to serve as a general guide.

What’s In Smoke?

Smoke is made up of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, soot, hydrocarbons and other organic substances, including nitrogen oxides and trace minerals.

The composition of smoke depends on what is burned. Different types of wood, vegetation, plastics, construction materials, and other combustibles all produce different compounds when burned. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that is produced in the greatest quantity during the smoldering stages of a fire, can be fatal in high doses.

In general, particulate matter is the major pollutant of concern in wildfire smoke.

Particulate is a general term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. Particulates from smoke tend to be very small (less than one micron in diameter), which allows them to reach the deepest airways within the lung. Consequently, particulates in smoke are more of a health concern than the coarser particles that typically make up road dust.

How Smoke Affects Horses The effects of smoke on horses are similar to effects on humans: irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, aggravation of conditions like heaves (recurrent airway obstruction), and reduced lung function.

High concentrations of particulates can cause persistent cough, increased nasal discharge, wheezing and increased physical effort in breathing. Particulates can also alter the immune system and reduce the ability of the lungs to remove foreign materials, such as pollen and bacteria, to which horses are normally exposed.

Protecting Horses from Air Pollution n Limit exercise when smoke is visible.

Having your horse do activities that increase the airflow in and out of the lungs can trigger bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the small airways). n Provide plenty of fresh water close to where your horse eats. Horses drink most of

Photo by Daniel Dreifuss Volunteer Summer Fanning spends time with Bentley at Earl Warren Showgrounds, the temporary housing for animals that needed to be evacuated from the Thomas Fire.

their water within 2 hours of eating hay, so having water close to the feeder increases water consumption.

Water keeps the airways moist and facilitates clearance of inhaled particulate matter.

This means the windpipe (trachea), large airways (bronchi), and small airways (bronchioles) can move the particulate material breathed in with the smoke. Dry airways make particulate matter stay in the lung and air passages. n Limit dust exposure by feeding dustfree hay, or soak hay before feeding. This reduces the particles in the dust such as mold, fungi, pollens and bacteria that may be difficult to clear from the lungs. n If your horse is coughing or having difficulty breathing, have your horse examined by a veterinarian.

A veterinarian can help determine the difference between a reactive airway from smoke and dust versus a bacterial infection and bronchitis or pneumonia. If your horse has a history of heaves or recurrent airway problems, there is a greater risk of secondary problems such as bacterial pneumonia. n Give your horse ample time to recover from smoke-induced airway insult.

Airway damage resulting from wildfire smoke takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal.

Therefore, plan on giving your horse 4 to 6 weeks off from the time when the air quality returns to normal. Attempting exercise may aggravate the condition, delay the healing process, and compromise your horse’s performance for many weeks or months. n If your horse has primary or secondary problems with smoke-induced respiratory injury, you should contact your veterinarian.

Your vet can prescribe specific treatments such as intravenous fluids, bronchodilator drugs, nebulization, or other measures to facilitate hydration of the airway passages.

Your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests or other tests to determine whether a secondary bacterial infection has arisen and is contributing to the current respiratory problem.

For more information, log onto www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu.

16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

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Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 17

Grassini family matches ‘Food from Heart’ gifts Staff Report

With help from the community, Grassini Family Vineyards has raised nearly $60,000 in the last five years for some deserving local charities at its annual Grassini Gives Back charity event.

This year’s benefit was on Dec. 10 at Grassini’s new tasting room in Santa Barbara’s El Paseo.

The event supports Food From The Heart, a local nonprofit that prepares and delivers nutritious meals to those in the Santa Barbara community who are dealing with major illnesses or surgeries, or those in failing health who cannot take care of themselves.

The Grassini Family is matching 100 percent of the day’s tasting fees and raffle ticket pro-

ceeds, as well as donations of any size.

“My family and I understand how truly lucky we are to be able to run our business in this beautiful and very special place, and we take every opportunity to give back to this community,” said CEO Katie Grassini.

“We are very active in charity-related activities throughout the entire year, but Grassini Gives Back is the only fundraising event we host,” she said.

“To see the growth of this event over the past six years has been incredible,” General Manager Paul Azdril said. … “People realize their contributions are that much more powerful because of the family’s pledge to match the funds we raise. Your donation of any size will be doubled.

That’s huge.”

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18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

Kami Craig wraps up a stellar career

Local water polo player ends 13 years with U.S. Olympic, national teams as one of the most dominant centers the international game has ever seen

By Barry Punzal Noozhawk Sports Editor Kami Craig ended her career with the U.S. women’s water polo team at the place where her career began to flourish.

Craig, who grew up in the Santa Ynez Valley before she attended Santa Barbara High School, celebrated her retirement from the national team at her alma mater when Team USA took on the Netherlands in an exhibition game on Saturday, Dec. 16.

Craig wrapped up her 13-year career with the national team as one of the most dominant centers the international game has ever seen.

The Santa Ynez Valley native was a key force in the emergence of Team USA as a superpower in the world of women’s water polo.

She is a three-time Olympic medalist (silver in 2008 and golds in 2012 and 2016) and a three-time world champion.

“It is nearly impossible to put into words what it has meant to me to be a part of the women’s senior national team over the last 13 years,” Craig told USA Water Polo. “To have the opportunity to represent my country, the USA, playing the sport I love, and competing with a group of individuals who share the same passion and fire will be a time in my life I will forever cherish.”

Fresh off a FINA World Championship in 2007, Craig was the youngest member of Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. A reserve center in her first Olympics, she helped the Americans to a silver medal. She took over as the starting center in 2009 and the U.S. won a second consecutive world championship.

and confidence to be able to play freely and was a byproduct of the professionalism she carried throughout her entire career, spanning a remarkable three separate quadrennials.

Photo contributed Kami Craig, left, won three Olympic medals in her career — two golds and a silver.

As her National Team career took off, Craig established herself as the top player in the college game. She was twice named the recipient of the Cutino Award as the player of the year and led USC to an NCAA crown in 2010.

At Santa Barbara High, she was part of CIF-SS championship teams in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and was named CIF Player of the

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“Kami will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, center to have ever played this game,” Team USA coach Adam Krikorian said. “Her combination of strength, explosiveness, and skill were a nightmare for our opponents to deal with, not to mention for our very own defenders on a daily basis. We knew we could always count on Kami. Every game, every possession. Her consistency provided us with some comfort

“Behind the scenes, she worked hard to build relationships and make connections with and between people that helped us become the strongest team in the world. She held us all accountable, staff included, for doing things with a purpose, striving to be better daily, being more open and honest with each other, and quite simply, doing things the right way.”

“While winning has always been a huge motivation for me, it has been the time I spent training with my teammates that made showing up to the pool day in and day out not only possible, but enjoyable,” said the daughter of Steven and Dale Craig. “I am forever grateful for the laughs, tears and experiences I shared with my teammates. My teammates and coaches are like family – we share this unbreakable bond that will last a lifetime.

“I would like to thank the many incredible people who have loved and supported me throughout this journey. Besides my coaches and teammates, I would like to thank the fans who brought such joy and positive energy to the pool deck and cheered on the team from their living rooms when they couldn’t make it to the games. Lastly, I would especially like to thank my parents, who sacrificed everything to make my dream of being an Olympic water polo player a reality.”

Education Briefs

New outdoor group formed for valley youth A new Venturing Crew in the Santa Ynez Valley is inviting teens who love adventure to attend a free open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 9, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Los Olivos.

The event is open to young men and women between 14 and 21 years old, and 13-year-olds who have completed eighth grade.

There will be food, games and an introduction to the Venturing program, which is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America. Venturing’s purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.

Venturing Crews form their own leadership and decide which outdoor adventures they wish to participate in as a group. These activities can include biking, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, horseback riding and more.

St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church is at 2901 Nojoqui Ave. in Los Olivos.

For more information, call Aaron Houston at 805-708-1070 or go to www.venturing.org.

Hancock spring registration open until Jan. 21 Registration for spring classes at Hancock College is under way, with more than 900 courses available. Many begin the week of Jan. 22,

and registration will continue until Jan. 21.

Students will not only be able to fulfill their general education requirements with the many options available, but also gain hands-on experience in a wide variety of semester-length and eight-week courses, including those in auto body, accounting, art, chemistry, law enforcement, music and more.

Spring classes are being offered at the Santa Maria, Lompoc Valley, Vandenberg AFB, and Santa Ynez Valley centers, as well as also online.

Eight-week classes begin Jan. 22 or Mar. 26.

Dozens of other short-term classes, which last less than eight weeks, begin throughout the semester. Spring courses range from agribusiness, health education, global studies to sociology, speech communication and welding technology.

To view all spring classes, visit www.hancockcollege.edu and click the Class Search link on the homepage.

New students and those without a user name and password must first apply for admission to the college before registering for classes. To access the online admission application from the website homepage, click the Apply & Register link, then select the appropriate application.

For registration information, call 805-9226966 or toll free 1-866-DIAL AHC (342-5242), ext. 3248.

Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 19

Entrepreneurs can take fast track with SBCC ‘Rapid Launch’ Registration open now for spring classes Staff Report In just one semester, the SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s Rapid Launch Intensive can help student entrepreneurs take a product or service concept from idea to prototype to sales.

The program is open to all SBCC students regardless of academic discipline.

The spring 2018 Rapid Launch Intensive combines three courses: Enterprise Launch, Business Plan Development, and the non-credit Product Design and Rapid Prototyping Workshop.

Students can put their business ideas on a fast track by taking all three courses this spring, or can enroll in a single course.

Students also gain early exposure to global manufacturing topics as part of the

Scheinfeld Center’s Global Competence Initiative.

“I am constantly impressed by the drive and success of our entrepreneurial students from such a wide range of academic and life experiences,” said Armando Arias del Cid, SBCC Drafting/CAD Department chairman and founder of SBCC Makerspace. “We’re really excited about the resources we’re able to offer students today and into the future through our collaboration between SBCC Makerspace and the Scheinfeld Center.”

All students also have access to no-cost business consulting and coaching from the Scheinfeld Center’s Small Business Development Center for continued support during and after the semester.

Class registration is underway and spring courses begin Jan. 16.

To apply to SBCC or to register for classes, visit www.sbcc.edu.

PG&E offering more than 200 college scholarships

Staff Report Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) has opened this year’s scholarship application process for college-bound high school students as well as current college and continuing students living in northern and central California.

More than 200 awards totaling nearly $700,000 are being made available through PG&E Scholarships, which includes the Better Together STEM Scholarship and employee resource group (ERG) scholarship programs.

PG&E Scholarships information, including criteria and applications, is available at www.pge.com. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 5.

Better Together STEM Scholarship recipients will receive a one-time scholarship of $10,000 to assist in their pursuit of

higher education in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity or environmental sciences. ERG scholarship beneficiaries will receive awards from $1,000 to $10,000 for exemplary scholastic achievement and community leadership.

Since 2012, PG&E’s Better Together STEM Scholarship Program has given nearly $3.6 million to accomplished students based on a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement.

Since 1989, PG&E’s 10 ERGs have awarded more than $4.5 million in scholarships to thousands of recipients. The funds are raised through employee donations, fundraising events and Campaign for the Community, the company’s employee giving program.

Hancock launches ‘Promise’ endowment with new gifts

Staff Report Backed by individuals, foundations and businesses throughout the community, Hancock College has officially launched a five-year, $10 million endowment to fund The Hancock Promise.

The program provides high school graduates in the college district with the opportunity to get their first year free of tuition and fees at Hancock. Less than four months after unveiling The Hancock Promise, the college has received gifts and pledges to the endowment totaling more than $2 million.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our Promise partners who see The Hancock Promise for what it is for our community, a game-changer,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers.

“When fully funded, this endowment will allow us to say that anyone who graduates from a high school within our district can receive a college education and their first year tuition-free at Allan Hancock College.”

Doris Lahr, the mother of Larry Lahr, a member of Hancock’s board of trustees since 1994, kicked off the endowment campaign with a gift in May. Since then, businesses and organizations including Pacific Gas and Electric, Marian Regional Medical Center, the Murphy Family Foundation, Union Bank and Aera Energy have offered pledges and gifts to support the endowment.

During a recent press conference, representatives of three community organizations announced their commitment to support The Hancock Promise.

Ronald Gallo, president and CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation, reported that his board had approved a one-year grant of $250,000 to directly pay for the tuition and fees of Hancock Promise students.

The Rotary Club of Santa Ynez Valley and the Santa Maria Kiwanis 4 Kids Foundation also declared their gifts to the endowment.

“The goal of the Santa Maria Kiwanis 4 Kids Foundation is to ensure the success of children in the Santa Maria Valley,” said Maynard Silva, president of the Noontime Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria, whose group pledged $18,000 to the endowment. “The Hancock Promise will help thousands of students every year receive a college education.”

“We know The Hancock Promise will positively impact the community and are proud to support the program,” said Gregory A. Pensa, a member of the college board of trustees and a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Ynez Valley. “We challenge all other service groups in the community to do the same.”

The Hancock Promise begins this summer and is open to anyone who registers at Hancock immediately after graduating from a high school in the Hancock Joint Community College District, which includes the Santa Ynez Valley, Cuyama and the rest of northern Santa Barbara County. Promise students will save more than $1,200 in tuition and fees, receive priority registration and establish an academic plan for success with personalized counseling.

For more information, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/promise.

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20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

Valle Fresh makes tacos with a twist

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer Conrad Gonzales is an artist, and his medium is food. He is the chef and owner of Vallefresh, a taco tasting bar in Babi’s Beer Emporium in Los Alamos.

A Lompoc native and a graduate of Santa Barbara City College School of Culinary Arts, Gonzales worked the line in various restaurant kitchens but after 14 years, he began to feel unfulfilled. He had greater aspirations. Stepping away from the restaurant business, he began working for a catering company in Santa Barbara.

“I was still cooking, but in a different place every weekend, meeting new and interesting people and interacting with clients and people in general, which I really enjoyed. For me that was a really big thing – it was exciting,” Gonzales said.

After a couple of years catering for private parties and social events in Santa Barbara, Gonzales yearned to open up his own business. In 2013, with the knowledge he had gleaned over 20 years’ experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, he opened up his own catering business, specializing in authentic, creative tacos.

Soon he had a significant following, catering for upscale private parties, special events, food and wine pairings, and private dinners including monthly pop-up dinners in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley. Sonja Magdevski, the winemaker and owner of Casa Dumetz, heard of his reputation and hired him to do monthly pop-up dinners for her.

“At that time I was interested in using the kitchen at Babi’s, mostly for canning and pickling,” Gonzales said. “But then I got really busy with my catering business and it wasn’t until a year and a half ago

Photo by Pamela Dozois Conrad Gonzales is the chef and owner of Vallefresh, a taco tasting bar in Los Alamos.

that I reconnected with Sonja and she asked if I was interested in taking over the food bar at Babi’s. It was perfect timing for me as I had had many requests from fans of my catering business to open up a local outlet for my tacos. So I said, ‘Yes, I think I’m ready.’ In 2016 I opened up a taco and tapas tasting bar in Babi’s Beer Emporium in Los Alamos.

“Initially I had the idea of doing a taco tasting counter because of my catering business,” he said. “The idea was to create an environment similar to that of wine makers and their tasting rooms – except it was for food. Having a place where potential clients could come in and taste the food and get general ideas of what our flavors are like, instead of booking private tastings, seemed like a great idea. It also

gave the general public an opportunity to taste our food and generate more catering business.”

He says the secret to his success is the love he puts into his food, along with the highest quality ingredients. Everything is homemade and made fresh daily.

He sources pork belly from Snake River Farm, where the pigs are sustainably raised. He uses Mary’s chicken, which is free range, and vegetables from local farmers markets. His mushrooms are from Brandon’s Gourmet Mushrooms in Orcutt, and his tortillas are made by hand with stone-ground maize (masa) from nonGMO corn, using just corn, water, and lime calcium, the old fashioned way.

“For the food to be special, love has to be the first ingredient. You have to love

Restaurant Week to be celebrated Jan. 21 - 27 Staff Report

For seven delicious days this month, diners can enjoy a three-course meal for just $20.18 at local restaurants of many styles, as the eighth annual Restaurant Week runs from Jan. 21-27.

Participants include upscale, farm-to-table, Danish, and country-style restaurants. More than two dozen restaurants are participating, and a full list will be announced on the Star’s website and in the second issue this month, published on Jan. 16.

“Restaurant Week is the Santa Ynez Valley’s once-a-year homage to all things food and

wine, and it is the perfect reason to visit our six wonderfully diverse and unique communities,” said Shelby Sim, executive director of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley.

The valley is known for its exceptional wine region and chefs that pair those wines with outstanding fresh produce and meats.

“Eating great food is just one of the many reasons to visit, and visitors can also explore the wineries, shops, back roads and charming communities that make up this casual yet sophisticated wine region,” Sim added.

As an added feature, a number of Santa Ynez Valley wineries will be offering wine and cheese pairings, again for $20.18, and

many hotels will offer special lodging deals.

Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week menus do not include tax, tip or beverages, and reservations are strongly encouraged. For the latest updates on the event, including menus and dining hours, visit dinesyv.com.

For more information about tourism offerings in the Santa Ynez Valley, including a complete listing of restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

what you are doing and do it with passion, and respect the ingredients that go into making the dish. I hire only people with a passion for the food and those that represent my cuisine,” Gonzales added.

Chef in training Miguel Ybarra helps out in the kitchen and with the catering, which he thoroughly enjoys.

“I have been with Conrad from the start of his catering business, and he is a really great teacher. I came into this business knowing nothing about cooking, but I had dreamed of being a chef since I was in fourth grade. Conrad made my dream come true,” Ybarra said.

Gonzales is well on his was to surpassing his own dreams.

He recently opened another restaurant inside the new Hilton Hotel in Lompoc after the owners heard about his food and asked him to open a restaurant there.

“It was a blessing,” said Gonzales. “It opened on September 28th.

“Initially I was reticent about joining forces with a corporate entity, but when I found out that the new owners were local Lompoc residents, I was sold,” Gonzales said. “I saw it as a good opportunity to grow the business. This restaurant is named Valle Eatery & Bar and has a California Cuisine-focused menu. We are serving dishes from around the world.”

“I feel super blessed. In roughly four years I have succeeded in creating food for people that love and support it,” said Gonzales. “As a chef, when customers follow your food, that’s when I feel that people get it – what I am trying to give them. They understand my food and support it. I am so grateful for that.”

Gonzales lives in Lompoc with his wife and four children.

Vallefresh, at 380 Bell St. in Los Alamos, is open from noon to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, call Casa Dumetz at 805-344-1900, email conrad@vallefresh. com or visit http://www.vallefresh.com.

Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 21

Innkeepers emphasize that their place in Santa Ynez is ‘ForFriends’

By Leah Etling Contributing Writer

I

nnkeepers Dave and Katie Pollock, owners of ForFriends Inn in Santa Ynez, had never been in the hospitality business before they bought the small bed-and-breakfast property. But they had stayed in many B&Bs while traveling the U.S. and Europe and, as guests, they knew it was the details that make or break a stay.

“Our model is to make it very comfortable and inviting, as if they were coming to our own home,” said Dave Pollock. “This is an authentic B&B for socially active couples that want to come up and have a wine country insider’s experience.”

Each guest receives a “Friendship Pass” that serves as their passport to 40 local wine-tasting experiences, offering two-forone tastings and discounts at local restaurants, shops and attractions.

“We bring thousands of people to the valley each year, and it’s our distinct privilege to help them become insiders and find out what all the cool things are to do and the history of this place. We are very proud to be part of the Santa Ynez Valley,” Pollock said.

In the heart of Santa Ynez at 1121 Edison St., next to the Red Barn, the inn looks like a private home from the street but includes seven comfortable rooms, most with fireplaces, and one stand-alone cottage.

At the heart of the ForFriends experience is connection and conversation. The inn staff members learn the names of each guest and introduce them to one another upon arrival. A hosted afternoon happy hour with cookies and cordials as well as communal breakfast are chances to chat and make new friends. The three-course breakfast, served at two large dining tables, includes fruit, homemade granola, and an egg dish.

“One of our taglines is ‘Arrive as guests, leave as friends,’” Pollock noted. “We really designed the whole operation to live up to that tag.”

Guests can borrow a picnic basket to take along on their wine-tasting adventure or get help with private wine tour reservations, and everyone receives a personal thank-you note on departure.

The Pollocks purchased the inn in partnership with another couple five years ago and then bought out their former partners at the beginning of 2017. Pollock has recently worked to increase the property’s digital marketing presence, and he notes that the days of hanging out a vacancy sign – even

RPL

Photo contributed Each guest at ForFriends Inn receives a “Friendship Pass” that serves as their passport to 40 local wine-tastings and discounts at local restaurants, shops and attractions.

wrote a recent visitor from Massachusetts.

“The name describes the feeling that you get there perfectly. It’s like staying at your best friends’ or relatives’ home where

For more information:www.forfriendsinn.com.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY RESTAURANT WEEK

JAN 21-27, 2018

Photo contributed “The name describes the feeling that you get there perfectly. It’s like staying at your best friends’ or relatives’ home where you feel welcome beyond words,” wrote a reviewer from New York.

in a small town – are long gone.

Guests have responded to the personal touch, rating ForFriends 5-out-of-5 on both TripAdvisor and Yelp, an impressive feat.

“From the moment we arrived we were treated like friends and honored guests,”

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22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

Gaffigan returns to Bowl with ‘Fixer-Upper Tour’ Staff Report

Gaffigan is a three-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, and producer, two-time New York Times best-selling author, Pollstar-nominated, top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling father of five.

He is known around the world for his unique brand of humor, which largely revolves around fatherhood and his observations on life.

In December of 2014, Gaffigan became one of only 10 comics in history to sell out Madison Square Garden, and a few months prior he performed for Pope Francis and more that a million people at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia.

In 2016, Forbes named him one of the world’s highest-grossing comedians, and the Pandora streaming site recently announced that he is the most popular comic among its users, with more than 700 million spins to date.

In addition to his own television show, he has guest starred on many television comedies and dramas, ranging from “Portlandia” and “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” to HBO’s cult hits “Flight of the Conchords” and “Bored to Death” to dramatic roles in all three versions of “Law & Order.” On the big screen, his credits include “Three Kings,” “Hot Pursuit,” “Super Troopers,” and “17 Again.”

Tickets range from $49.50 to $74.50, plus service charges. For information, call 805-962-7411. Tickets are on sale via AXS.com.

Photo contributed Members of Queen Nation, formed in 2004, are Gregory Finsley as Freddie Mercury on vocals and piano, Mike McManus as Brian May on guitar, Pete Burke as Roger Taylor on drums, and Parker Combs as John Deacon on bass.

Queen Nation to rock casino Staff Report

Jim Gaffigan - Photo contributed Jim Gaffigan's new tour is coming to the Santa Barbara Bowl on Friday, May 25.

Queen Nation, a tribute band that pays homage to the iconic British rock band, will re-create the Queen concert experience at the Chumash Casino’s Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12.

Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury, took showmanship to a higher level in the 1970s as Queen helped lay the foundation for arena rock. The band embarked on its final tour with Mercury in 1986, and the front man died in 1991.

Members of Queen Nation, formed in 2004, are Gregory Finsley as Freddie Mer-

cury on vocals and piano, Mike McManus as Brian May on guitar, Pete Burke as Roger Taylor on drums, and Parker Combs as John Deacon on bass.

Queen Nation concerts take a retrospective journey through such Queen songs as “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are The Champions,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “You’re My Best Friend,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Under Pressure” and more.

Tickets for the show are $15, available at the casino or at www.chumashcasino.com.

Subscriptions Now Available Why go looking for a copy of the Santa Valley Star When you can haVe one deliVered directly to you?

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Delivery service of our free publication is $48 per year.

Your subscription will begin with the first issue after payment is received and continue for one year there after.

To subscribe, email amberly@santaynezvalleystar.com, go online to www.santaynezvalleystar.com, or fill out Local singer the form below and mail to PO Box 1594, Solvang, CA 93463: showcases talentspells beyondsuccess Shotgun years BehindTheLens for her NAME: _____________________________________________________________ local woman March 7 - 20, 2017 • Vol. 2, No. 3

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Ashley Carroll travels news@santaynezvalleystar.com een Star Santa Barbara judge Catherine Remak thought there the world to compete was a typo next to Elizabeth Padfield’s name because her maturity and depth of range were astounding during the competition in trap shooting on Feb. 25 at the Arlington Theatre.

Sunrise Armour Ranch Road photo by George Rose, photo graphic by Aimée Reinhart Avery

Local photojournalist has a A prolific, award-winning career

CREDIT CARD NO.: ___________________________________________________ EXPIRATION: _____________________________________________CCV________ SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________________

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ore than 100 people turned out for a recent community meeting organized by a group opposed to the “Camp 4” property in Santa Ynez becoming part of the Chumash reservation.

Members of the Santa Ynez Valley Coalition, which was created to defeat legislation that would take the rural land “into trust” for the tribe, focused on land use and preserving the valley’s rural character.

At the meeting on April 27 at the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Hall, coalition members recounted the history of land-use master plans called the Valley Blueprint and the Valley Plan and said they would release more information in the coming weeks, organizers said.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians announced in January that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) had placed the tribe’s 1,390 acres known as “Camp 4” into federal trust.

“Camp 4 is officially part of our reservation so we can begin the process of building homes on the property for tribal members and their families and revitalizing our tribal community,” Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn said in a prepared statement that was part of that announcement.

The tribe bought the Camp 4 property in 2010 from late actor, vintner and hotelier Fess Parker, and they soon began the process of placing the land into federal trust, which makes it part of the tribe’s sovereign nation.

Those efforts have been loudly opposed

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news@santaynezvalleystar.com

“Your voice is the instrument and I felt like we were in the 1930s,”

by Raiza Giorgi Remak said. news@santaynezvalleystar.com Elizabeth, 12, a seventh-grader at Solvang Elementary School, ultimately didn’t win the competition but she definitely left an impression on the hundreds of people who came to see the performances. Nolan shley Carroll does everything she Montgomery can keep her concentration betweenof Dos Pueblos High School was crowned the winner.

“Being and on stage was mind blowing and I had such a great time. rounds by wearing dark glasses Performing is about bringing a smile to people’s faces, and that’s what I listening to music as she pushes through each strive for when I perform,” Elizabeth said. trap-shooting match.

She’s no stranger to the stage as she has performed in the valley for His career includes images of naturalHer disasprocess is definitely working, because Story by Raiza Giorgi various functions-singing the national anthem at Fourth of July and porters, Super Bowls and Hollywood’s the biggest 22-year-old from Solvang won her first Photos by George Rose traying Poppins in last year’s production with the Arts Outreach celebrities.

World Cup gold medal in Acapulco onMary March Summer Theater.

Rose started his professional journey 19. more This popular eorge Rose loves to post pictures of the than 40 years ago when he was in college, “I keep my pre-shooting routine going and event along with Teen Dance Star are now in their seventh to season of crowning hardworking students, and creator and executive Santa Ynez Valley landscape, especially studying art history. He fell into photography I’ve met with sports psychologists help me Photo contributed producer Lambert, a former valley resident, talks about his efforts. along Armour Ranch Road where new while he was a copy messenger for the withProgmy mental focus and staying calm.Joe It can Solvang native Ashley Carroll father, Charlie “I am to really and humbled bycredits their her hard work andCarroll, what’swith instilling in her the love of shooting clays and a blacktop paving contrasts starkly with the epic ress Bulletin, a small newspaper in Pomona. be hard when you have people talking you impressed sense of responsibility and safety around firearms. really amazing landscape of meadows and mountains beyond it.

“I used to hang out with the sportsbetween editors,matches, and I really try to pick a is they set their goals to get into the show, or into the top 10 and they keep pursuing their dreams,” Lambert However, his stunning landscapes are just and they helped me with my interestsong in phoand focus on it,” Carroll said. or participating in league events.said.

My friends Union High School Carroll has been attending Star drew all around Santa “retirement photos” for Rose, who made an tography. I would make the plates on plastic, Carroll has been trap shooting This sinceyear’s she Teenwould wantcontestants me to go tofrom a party with them andBarbara the University of Colorado and working on at the Arlington Theatre.

The finalists award-winning career in photojournalism that which would get transferred onto thewas printing in second grade. It was anCounty activityperforming that I their knewhearts if I didout I wouldn’t get enough rest or her general education. She believes this will weredid Jillian GarnettgetofinSan Marcos School (12th Grade), Elizabeth spanned from the days of spending hours with equipment, and back then it was theshe cusp of her father, Charlie Carroll, and togethtrouble andHigh not be allowed to shoot,” be a big year for her shooting. She moved to of SolvangCarroll Schoolsaid.

(7th Grade), James McKernan of BishopColorado Springs to be close to the Olympic film in the darkroom to the more immediate the turning point of technology,” Rose said.is now the coach for thePadfield er. He Santa Ynez High School (12th Trujillo of Dos Pueblos High gratification of making and manipulating digital In the late 1970s and early 1980s Valley Rose Sportsman Association’sDiego Scholastic Trap Grade), shootingNicole has also allowed her to Training Center, which is also the headquarPhoto Daniel Dreifuss (11th Grade), Daniel Geiger of Pioneer Valley High School images. spent six years as a staff photographer forTarget the byProgram, Clay in whichSchool hundreds participate in a sport and travel all around the (11th ters for USA Shooting. She placed second Seventh-grader Padfield of Solvangtwice wowedfor theacrowd with her rendition of “Summertime”

by Georgeprimarily Gershwin. The judges were stunned to HeElizabeth has been nominated Pulitzer Los Angeles Times, focused in the of kids from all around the Central Coast world for competitions. TEEN Recently went toON PAGE for the learn her age and said her vocal talents were astounding.

STAR she CONTINUED 11 2016 Olympic team trials and is still Prize. entertainment industry. He has photographed participate.

Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic east of deciding if she wants to go for the next Olym“Photojournalism is such an admirable profes- figures from Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa“He and wouldn’t let me shoot until I could Turkey. pic tryouts. sion because it can really capture the story for Eva Gabor to Meryl Streep, Sidney hold Poitier, the gun up on my own for a good “It was a beautiful country and one of the “A highlight for me was meeting Kim the reader. I was really lucky to have my career amount of time. We would set up boxes in the cleanest places I’ve been to. The streets were Rhode, who has been an inspiration to women GEORGE ROSE CONTINUEDliving ON PAGE 20 and I would practice for hours in the heyday of print journalism,” Rose said. room impeccable and the people were beyond hos- in shooting. After talking to her it became until I was ready,” Carroll said. pitable,” she said. really clear to me that I can achieve this as She she believes that more kids should take Carroll also won bronze in the HH Sheikha well,” Carroll said. lessons and learn their way around a gun.

Fatia Bint Mubarak Women’s International Rhode became the first athlete to win an “Guns actually kept me out of trouble, beShooting Championship in the United Arab individual medal during six consecutive sumcause every Friday night and most weekends Emirates on April 13.

SHOOTING CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 my dad and I were at the trap range practicing Since graduating from Santa Ynez Valley

o

George Rose loves taking photos of Santa Ynez Valley landscapes like this Happy Canyon rainbow shot.

ry Tim

by Raiza Giorgi

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TELEPHONE:_______________________EMAIL:____________________________

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FIRST-GRA

SYV coalition says Camp 4 impacts larger than they seem

by Raiza Giorgi

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________

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SCHOOL

o THANKFUL

— Jose — Coli n — Jaxs on D ON PAGE 28

CONTINUE

Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018 H 23

Events pages sponsored by To submit an event for to be listed in the Santa Ynez Valley Star, email news@santa ynezvalleystar.com. For the online calendar www.visitsyv.com.

necessary; shaunboydmadethis@gmail.com or 6948095.

The Boar’s Head Festival – 4 p.m., St. Mark’s-in-theValley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos.

Celebrate The Feast of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) with a pageant, bagpipers and drummers, and a meal.

Free.

Sip and Scents – 7-9 p.m. The Parlor Co., 446 Alisal Road, Solvang. Create your own perfume, explore 50 different scents and sip complimentary champagne while listening to 1920s jazz; $40, space limited; theparlorcomercantile@gmail.com or 686-1852.

Friday 11

Wednesday 2

Youth Swim Lessons and Seal Swim Team begin – Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. Visit www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred.

Overview: The Ariel Photography of Bill Dewey – Now through March 12; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511 Mission Drive, Solvang; www. wildlingmuseum.org.

Saturday 5

Community Tree Burn – 5-7 p.m. Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang; 688-7529.

Sunday 6

Youth basketball begins – Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; www.ciymca. org/stuartgildred.

Make Your Own Cutting Board – 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 100 Industrial Way, Unit G, Buellton. No experience

Lego Robotics begin – Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; building a team robot; www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred.

YMCA Open House – 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. Join during the event and the entire month is complimentary; www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred.

Saturday 12

“Queen Nation” performance – 8 p.m., Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez; 21 and older; $15; www.chumashcasino.com.

Sunday 13

Battle of the Vessels – 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Solvang. Exclusive tasting of wines from oak barrels, concrete tanks and clay amphorae; $60/club member, $75 for others; Kelsey@zacamesa.com or 688-9339.

“Fight the Fire” fundraiser – 3-7 p.m., Flying Flags RV Resort, 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton;

benefitting the Thomas Fire Fund via the United Way. Live performances, food vendors, beer, wine, raffles, silent auction.

Every Monday

Weight Room - 6-8 a.m. and 1:30-8 p.m., Buellton Rec Center, 301 2nd St., Buellton, $3; 6881086.

Senior T’ai Chi, 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Class, 10:15 a.m.; Creative Coloring, 1 p.m. every other Monday; Senior Issues, 1 p.m. every other Monday; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 688-1086.

Every Tuesday

Knitting, 9 a.m.; computer class, 9:30 a.m.; bridge and poker, 1 p.m.; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 688-1086.

Every Wednesday

Yoga, 9:15 a.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.: Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 688-1086.

Knit and Crochet - 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 688-4571.

After School Wednesdays – 2-5 p.m., Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, 252 E. Highway 246, Unit A, Buellton. Pre-registration and fee required; 693-0714.

Solvang Farmers Market - 2:30-6:30 p.m., First Street between Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

Trivia Night – 7-9 p.m., Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez; www.naughtyoak.com.

Arthritis Class, 10:15 a.m.; poker, 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 688-1086.

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley 12-2 p.m., Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center offers a support group for brain injury survivors and caregivers; www.jodihouse.org.

Every Friday

Pilates - 10 a.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 688-1086.

Bingo - 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 688-4571.

Home School PE, 2:45-3:45 p.m., and Itty Bitty Sports, 4-4:45 p.m., Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; 686-2037.

Karaoke - Eleven Wine Lounge, 3640 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez; free; 805-691-9134.

Friday Night Jazz – 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 29, The Bear and Star, 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Food and drink available for purchase; no cover charge; www. bearandstar.com.

Every Saturday

Junior Golf Clinics – Zaca Creek Golf Course, 223 Shadow Mountain Drive, Buellton; free; 698-6224 or bob@oldeschoolgolfschool.com.

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m.; 6884515 or www.sbparks.org.

KidKraft – 2-2:45 p.m., 2nd Saturday of each month, Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511 Mission Drive, Solvang; monthly art class for kids of all ages; $5/child, adult admission included

Every Thursday

Chair Exercises - 10 a.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 688-4571.

Now Open 6 Day a Weeks 23 Cla . to Chosses os From! e

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Coming Up Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com or www.buelltonrec.com to see the full schedule of programs and events from adult sports to youth sports, teen dances, field trips and excursions.

24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 2 - January 15, 2018

$14,000,000 | 3235 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez | 56± acs (assr) $6,200,000 | 800 E Highway 246, Solvang | 60±acs (assr) $2,995,000 | 1015 Ladan Dr, Solvang | 5BD/5½BA + 1BD/1BA $2,395,000 | 1475 Edison St, Santa Ynez | 9.8± acs (assr) Sharon Currie | 805.448.2727 Claire Hanssen | 805.680.0929 Laura Drammer & Anderson/Hurst | 805.448.7500/680.8216 Claire Hanssen | 805.680.0929

$1,895,000 | 1125 Ladan Dr, Solvang | 5BD/4BA Laura Drammer | 805.448.7500

$1,375,000 | 2100 Adobe Canyon Rd, Ballard | 3BD/2BA Nina Stormo | 805.729.4754

$1,200,000 | 450 Union St, Old Town Orcutt | 4 plex Tom Le Pley | 805.895.9490

$1,095,000 | 1272 Petersen Ave, Solvang | 3BD/3BA Suzy Ealand/Ken Sideris | 805.698.9902/455.3159

$989,000 | 3050 Samantha Dr, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3BA Suzy Ealand/Ken Sideris | 805.698.9902/455.3159

$899,000 | 1930 Alamo Pintado Rd, Ballard | 3BD/1½BA Nina Stormo/Deena Benz | 805.729.4754/310.430.4632

$749,000 | 756 Hillside Dr, Solvang | 4BD/3BA Bob Jennings/Petie Kern | 805.570.0792/448.2727

$652,500 | 2213 Keenan Rd, Los Olivos | 1.28 ± acs (assr) David & Marlene Macbeth | 805.689.2738

$599,000 | 746 Hillside, Solvang | 3BD/2½BA Carole Colone | 805.708.2580

$585,777 | 231 Victory Dr, Buellton | 3BD/2BA Karin Aitken | 805.252.1205

$540,000 | 130 St. Joseph St, Los Alamos | 3BD/3BA Suzy Ealand/Ken Sideris | 805.698.9902/455.3159

$375,000 | 123 Highway 101, Gaviota | 2 acs com+12 acs ag Bill Grove | 805.350.3099

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©2017 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. CalBRE 01317331