Santa Ynez Valley Star March B 2020 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

March 17 - April 6, 2020

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Students build up head of STEAM for learning ‘Under the Stars’ event explores fun of science and technology By Raiza Giorgi

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ndrea Garcia had never operated a robot before, and within a few minutes of instruction from Terrific Scientific staff, she looked as though she had been doing it for years. Andrea, 10, of Santa Ynez, said she really enjoyed getting a new experience at the “STEAM Under the Stars” event at her school, Santa Ynez Elementary. “It’s so fun, I definitely want to know more about this,” Andrea said with a huge smile on her face. Andrea and her little sister Kimberly, 6, were exploring different rooms at the annual STEAM night on March 2. For more than 10 years, the school has been putting together this program to introduce more children to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education. “I really enjoy seeing the students with their families participating in STEAM activities,” said Nikole Delman, science teacher and Gifted and Talented Program (GATE) instructor. “It just brings the school as a community together, and perhaps opens some students to learning more about these subjects.” There were several classrooms dedicated to each area of focus, and the GATE students acted as ambassadors to each program, explaining more about the projects from painting rocks, robotics, doing science experiments, learning about coding, and looking through high powered telescopes to see the stars. “It’s super exciting to see the kids explore new things in the science world and how they can use these skills to make a great career someday,” said Onolee Zwicke, founder of Terrific Scientific, in the room with robots for kids to play with. Zwicke said this is the first year she has participated at the STEAM event at Santa Ynez and is bringing her science related camp to the Santa Ynez Valley this summer.

Photos by Raiza Giorgi Fourth grader Dylan Shomes, 9, made a “Peace” rock during the STEAM Under the Stars event at Santa Ynez Elementary School.

Photos by Raiza Giorgi Sisters Andrea and Kimberly Garcia experiment with robotics at the STEAM Under the Stars event at Santa Ynez Elementary School.

Through discovery-based learning, students carry out experiments, engage in team activities, build and program robots, learn new technologies, and see how science works in the real world, she explained. Terrific Scientific students have a safe and positive learning environment where they can experiment, problem solve, build scientific skills and delve into the mysteries of science. Zwicke said she started this program more than 18 years ago, because she was first a teacher and then got her Ph.D. in Education, working at UCSB in staff development programs. “I started with after-school classes and have more than 1,000 students going through our programs including summer camp now,” she said. “We have 64 different kinds of camps

that are based off what kids tell us they want to learn about.” Some of her widely popular programs range from archeology, oceanography to Lego building and more. “We have a lot of valley families that drive down to our programs in Santa Barbara, and when I started exploring summer camp offerings here, saw there was a need for the program,” Zwicke added. There will be five different camps offered at Solvang Elementary School this summer from Minecraft, Star Wars, Jr. Robot creator, Young Robot Builder and Sea Adventures, according to the Terrific Scientific website. The biggest exhibit at the Under the Stars event was the mobile planetarium set up in the gymnasium, brought by Allan Hancock Col-

lege, so students could get an up-close look at some images of stars and systems. “Getting the kids involved in science education by hosting activities such as these are great,” said Tyler Little, AHC student. “Being able to take this mobile planetarium to different schools and show the kids what they can study is so fun.” When students and parents went through the planetarium opening, they could lie on the floor and watch a program put together of photos of places like Alaska and watch the northern lights, aka aurora borealis, and learn what phenomenon causes this event. To learn more about Terrific Scientific visit www.terrificscientific.org, and to learn more about Santa Ynez Elementary School visit www. collegeschooldistrict.org.

FYI

Saddle Series kicks off offering Outstanding Day as well as Series High Point prizes; next show in the Series will be May 16

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El Rancho Market The Heart of the Santa Ynez Valley

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PG&E customers urged to update contact info Utility makes request in advance of wildfire season Staff Report

he Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is sending postcards to more than 200,000 customers encouraging them to update their mobile number, email and other key information so the company can contact them in advance should it become necessary to temporarily turn off power for safety this fire season. Those customers, who live throughout PG&E’s service area, have incomplete or no contact information on file. The company said it is important that all customer information is up to date so PG&E can share important wildfire safety alerts, especially with medical baseline customers. In addition to notifying customers directly, PG&E also will provide outage updates and information through channels such as social media, local news, radio and the pge.com website. “As a result of a drier than expected January and February, the 2020 wildfire season may arrive sooner than expected, so we all need to be better prepared to stay emergency-ready and to keep our families and friends safe,” said Chief Customer Officer and Senior Vice President Laurie Giammona. “We are asking our customers to be sure we have their latest contact information so we can do our best to reach them in advance of a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff event.” The Public Safety Power Shutoff program is one of many precautionary safety measures

the company has put in place as part of its Community Wildfire Safety Program to reduce wildfire threats and strengthen communities for the future. Extreme weather threats can change quickly. PG&E’s goal, dependent on weather and other factors, is to send customer alerts through automated calls, texts and emails at 48 hours, again at 24 hours, and again just prior to shutting off power. Besides updating its contact information to prepare for Public Safety Power Shutoffs, PG&E encourages customers to do the following: n Have an emergency plan for wildfires and discuss it with your friends, family and neighbors n Check in with your elderly neighbors and friends who may have special needs n Update or create a go-bag or 72-hour kit that can be used if you need to evacuate n Prepare an emergency supply kit with food, water, flashlights, batteries and other critical supplies n Customers concerned about pet safety during a PSPS should identify which kennels, shelters or veterinarians can care for pets during an emergency ahead of time n Clear defensible space around your home or business PG&E thanks customers who have already taken action to ensure they will receive its wildfire safety alerts. For customers who have not yet confirmed or updated their contact information, PG&E strongly encourages everyone to do so by visiting www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts or by calling the PG&E contact center at 1-866743-6589.

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Solvang Council aims to revamp architectural board Panel axes BAR, plans to create similar committee By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

he Solvang City Council voted to axe the Board of Architectural Review, but contended the primary role will remain the same for a new committee with expanded membership. At the Feb. 24 meeting, the council voted to eliminate the BAR and move toward creating a Branding and Design Committee (BDC) they say would include many of the same duties of its predecessor. The BAR is responsible for signs, facades, exterior colors and other factors to maintain the Danish village appearance in downtown Solvang. The proposal has sparked opposition from some in the community, prompting strong comments from council members at the meeting. “When we came on board, all we were trying to do was streamline things and make it easier for people to get things done in this town,” said Councilman Robert Clarke, who as mayor pro-tem filled in for an absent mayor Monday night. “We stepped on the third rail from hell and upset two very nice little cliques of nice people that we became the devil over this stupid thing. “And it’s really pissing me off because all we were trying to do was make things easier for the residents of Solvang,” he added. The council began considering the BAR’s fate when awnings delayed the opening of a wine-theme business, Clarke said. “Where the vitriol came from, I just don’t understand,” he said. “I’m done with the BAR. I want this thing finished and I want it done.” BDC membership would include three people with professional expertise in architecture, design, architectural history, urban design and Danish culture. The remaining two public members may represent any of those fields. However, membership on the new board would be open to all Santa Ynez Valley residents, not just those living in the city of Solvang. Councilwoman Karen Waite rejected complaints about the lack of transparency regarding plans to “switch up” the BAR. “I have never ever in my life been faced with such opposition when trying to do something that will benefit this community and I am not going to back down on this,”

Waite said. Councilman Chris Djernaes claimed the BAR had been “weaponized” and said the latest changes were aimed at ending what he contended was abuse of the system. “I think this is a good step forward,” he said. The council voted 3-1 to approve the change. Councilman Daniel Johnson voted against the motion; Mayor Ryan Toussaint was absent. Before the vote, a long-time community leader challenged staff and council members’ contention the BAR operated illegally since it wasn’t included in the city Municipal Code. Aaron Petersen pointed out the city’s municipal code includes the BAR with three pages on the topic. Petersen also noted the BAR and design guidelines exist in the city’s General Plan, as a special eighth element that spells out the design requirements. “I would submit that if you change the BAR you change the General Plan,” Petersen said. “This whole element of our General Plan goes through what we have mockingly said doesn’t exist in our design guidelines even though our code says design guidelines, even though our General Plan says design guidelines as an eighth element. “Not many cities have an eighth element. We have an eighth element adopted,” he said. He maintained the General Plan spells out design requirements using the term “shall,” and not “may,” while repeatedly referring to the BAR. Eliminating the BAR would force an update of the General Plan, Petersen said. “It’s mind-blowing we went down this process,” he said. City Attorney Chris Wullbrandt disagreed that eliminating the BAR would require an update of the General Plan. “I don’t think that calling it by a different set of three different initials changes or requires the General Plan activities discussed,” Wullbrandt said. ElsaMarie Lund, a BAR member for approximately six years, said those serving on the panel had not been notified about or included in discussions regarding the BAR’s future or changes to design guidelines. “Since no one from the city has communicated with the current BAR members with where we stand, it all seems very secretive and political…,” she said. “The City Council always talks about transparency, yet you offer very little of it.” Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3

Solvang terminates Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community resource deputy Uhrig speaks out at council meeting on his dismissal By Raiza Giorgi

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iscal concerns and diminishing duties were cited as the main reasons for giving a 90-day termination notice to the Santa Barbara County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Service Resource Deputy (CRD) Charlie Uhrig during the Feb. 10 Solvang City Council meeting. Then the council got an earful at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 24 from residents and Uhrig himself on the importance of the position. At the Solvang City Council meeting on Feb. 10, the contract for the CRD was brought up by staff with City Manager Xenia Bradford stating rising costs in contract services with the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department in eliminating the position. Bradford also said the city was projecting just over $2 million dollars for the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contract. Bradford added that over time changes of scopes of services were reviewed and the need for the CRD is diminishing. With the hiring IDK Events, Bradford said that company will be managing events, diminishing the need to work with the CRD. Since the city has been getting requests for more traffic enforcement, it could be better served with that position instead, she added. The only speaker for the Feb. 10 meetingÂ was Mary Conway of the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Coalition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I work to help prevent youth substance abuse, and not an expert of everything Charlie has done in the past, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been so great to have CRD in our community,â&#x20AC;? Conway said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He goes way beyond any

officer would go to connect with kids and be a mentor. He is at school dances to keep them safe. We need to have him here full time. To replace a resource with traffic there will be a huge void for our kids.â&#x20AC;? According to the staff report, the CRD costs to the city was estimated at $225,221 for fiscal year 2019-20; however, there was no mention of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant the city receives to subsidize a majority if not all of the costs for Uhrigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position. Since fiscal year 2015-16, the city hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spent more than $55,000 on the CRD, and in the past two fiscal years there was only $27,000 spent with no cost for the CRD in 2018-19, according to past city budget documents. COPS is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources. When the topic was brought back to council, Councilman Daniel Johnson said $250,000 for a CRD was egregious and he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the scope of work for this position, and added that if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just for parades and traffic control, IDK was hired for that. Councilman Chris Djernaes agreed with Johnson that the city paying way too much for scope of services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a few important things, but the rest not necessary in my opinion,â&#x20AC;? Djernaes said. The vote to terminate the CRD position on Feb. 10 was 3-2, with Mayor Pro Tem Robert Clarke and Councilwoman Karen Waite dissenting. During public comment for the Feb. 24 meeting, Solvang resident Hank Homburg was the only voice aligning with the council, citing fiscal concerns and wanting a part-time motorcycle cop.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I heard at the last council meeting it would be bad for tourists for traffic officer,â&#x20AC;? Homburg said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mostly the people who live in Buellton who take Chalk Hill, Fredensborg and Alisal; people know how to get around the valley without using Highway 246.â&#x20AC;? Uhrig then stood up and confronted the council saying they were told misinformation by Bradford. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am your lame duck menu item CRD. I am here to correct misinformation you were given,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was not talked to before that meeting. The great thing about the CRD, they can do almost anything needed for the city, and yes traffic enforcement is one of those. I do more than just event traffic, I do citations, code enforcement, deal with homelessness, panhandlers and recreation events. There was no mention of the grants that offset the cost of this position and are still there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what next year will cost, but I do know it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be $200,000 because of those grants, Uhrig added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I retired at the age of 46 and attended law enforcement academy my dream was to work here in Solvang in this job. I have been fortunate to work alongside many upstanding city employees and community members.â&#x20AC;? Uhrig got emotional when he went on to say that he helped create some of the many programs residents enjoy today like Movies in the Park, Concerts in the Park, Rec nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roll, teen classes, shred day, the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volunteer program and youth activities programs among some. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This council has said over and over about transparency and communication, but no one except a select few are told what is going on in this city,â&#x20AC;? Uhrig concluded. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please before you consider terminating city positions you weigh and

evaluate the person, talk to and not at employees. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just make change for change sake.â&#x20AC;? There was a loud applause in council chambers and Clarke quieted the audience. Mayor Ryan Toussaint was absent from the Feb. 24 meeting as he was in Copenhagen.Â Solvang resident Rikka Rasmussen also spoke out in support of the CRD position. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel the decision is short-sighted and losing the CRD will hurt actual citizens in Solvang as well as the tourists,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just the adults, but the kids in the community.â&#x20AC;? Former councilman Ed Skytt spoke in favor of maintaining a CRD position as he brought up that the city in the past had averaged $85,000 for a city attorney, and the current city attorney is close to $380,000 by his calculations, for billing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we can come up with that for him (referring to Chip Wullbrandt), we can come up with costs for a CRD,â&#x20AC;? Skytt said. Resident and business owner Aaron Petersen said his experience in government is that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a zero-sum game, and the city shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be here to make money, and they need to listen to public input. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can have a CRD officer and I would love to see a motorcycle cop, why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we do both?,â&#x20AC;? Petersen said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to get along and make our city better.â&#x20AC;? When Uhrig was asked where he is going next, he said he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure yet. Bradford said after public comment that city staff will be negotiating with the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department and coming back with many options for the council. To watch the council meeting visit www.YouTube.com and search City of Solvang.Â

DON'T MISS OUT We're Moving Online Only â&#x20AC;˘ Showroom Closes March 30

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By Raiza Giorgi

Santa Barbara County schools to close for coronavirus

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he Santa Barbara County Office of Education has announced that all Santa Barbara County public schools from Kindergarten through high schools will close effective Wednesday, March 18 due to precautions for the coronavirus even though there are still no confirmed cases as of Friday afternoon. “The closure of any school has real consequences beyond the loss of instruction, social connection and cognitive engagement,” County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido said in a statement. “This was a very difficult decision, which was not made lightly. “Our school leaders recognize that this closure has widespread ramifications, and are working to address impacts such as nutrition for students who typically receive meals during the school day,” Salcido continued. “We support the decision to close public schools. While there are no confirmed cases at this time, this demonstration of social

File photo Solvang Elementary School along with all the public valley schools will be closed from March 18 through April 14.

distancing will help to slow the spread of the virus and minimize the public health impacts in our community,” added county Public Health Director Van Do-Reynoso in the same statement. Santa Ynez Valley schools will be closed from Wednesday, March 18 until Tuesday, April 14, according to a message sent to all valley parents through Parent Square. “We recognize the hardship that a school closure causes for many families. With this in mind, teachers have already planned materials to send home. Students in need to special services will be supported. The National School Lunch Program will be provided for qualifying students, and we will keep in touch with you during the closure,” said Dr. Steve Seaford, Superintendent of Solvang Elementary School. The school added that the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club after-schools programs will not operate during school closure. Parents should contact

City manager: Buellton nears turning point Wolfe says city ready to be economic hub of the valley By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

he City of Buellton is nearing a turning point as they aren’t solely focused on just providing basic services, according to newly hired City Manager Scott Wolfe. In his first State of the City address, held on Feb. 26, he eagerly talked about focusing on amenities to residents, since management of past city administration has made Buellton financially stable and secure. Wolfe said he intends on continuing that path, and for Buellton to “take its place as the economic hub of the Santa Ynez Valley,” in his presentation. Before the annual address, Wolfe gave several awards to a few deserving people who have made an impact in the community. One of those awards is the Vincent B. Evans award, which was given to longtime community leader Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the Buellton Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau. Vreeland said she was very humbled to be chosen this year. “I kind of knew before, but I was so touched to listen to why they chose me,” she said. “I am so honored to be given this award as there are so many amazing people on that plaque.” Buellton Parks and Recreation Coordinator Kyle Abello said she was well-deserving of the award. “Kathy eats, sleeps, and breathes Buellton, and I can’t think of anyone more fitting to be recognized for carrying on the legacy of Mr. Evans in promoting Buellton as the best little city to live, work, and play,” he said. “She is always a pleasure to work with, whether it’s teaming up to produce the Buellton Winterfest or collaborating on smaller events or initiatives. Kathy Vreeland is the epitome of the friendly, kind-hearted and

Photo contributed Buellton Chamber President Tessy Martinez is shown with Kathy Vreeland, Vincent B. Evans Award winner, and Gavin Moores with Capital Pacific Development for the Beautification Award.

enthusiastic citizen that Buellton is lucky to have.” The Beautification Award went to Gavin Moores with Capital Pacific Development Group, for the development of Village Park off McMurray Road. This park serves as a community park and consists of a walking path, play structures, restrooms, picnic tables, a gazebo and a large open grass space. Buellton officials and other local dignitaries joined a crowd of about 130 people at the breakfast to hear about Buellton’s specific topics from City Manager Scott Wolfe. “I have never done a State of the City address before and I think it went really well,” he said. “We have a lot of great projects in the works and the city is in a healthy financial situation.”

Presentations were included from various departments within the city and the chamber, who host many festivals each year, creating opportunities for both residents and tourists to experience the growing city. Those included the Buellton Wine and Chili Festival, the Easter Eggstravaganza, a July picnic, a big haunted house in October in collaboration with Solvang, and the popular Winterfest weekend. An entertaining video presentation from the Recreation Department depicted people participating in its many of those programs and activities. In news of the inner workings of the city, Wolfe said revenue from property taxes and transient occupancy taxes are helping Buellton maintain a healthy budget with a surplus close to $1 million.

Wolfe also noted that about half of the top sales tax and property tax generators are local businesses such as Rio Vista Chevrolet, The Hitching Post II, Anderson’s Pea Soup, The Habit, Industrial Eats, Albertsons, Platinum Performance, Farm Supply, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, Buellton Self Storage, Todd Pipe and Supply, and others. The city has a budget of $15.5 million for the 2019/20 fiscal year. General fund revenues are projected at just over $8 million and general fund expenditures at $6.6 million. Several new projects are in the development pipeline, including the Village Hotels, a bowling alley project, and a second development project on Avenue of Flags and Second Street. “Spearheaded by Councilmember John Sanchez, volunteers raised and lowered the flags each day for several months,” Wolfe said. “Councilmember Sanchez also investigated a solution in the form of solar powered lights on each flagpole. Those were installed last fall, and the flags are now lit and flying 24/7.” According to Wolfe, issues facing the city include pension liabilities, as many cities are in crisis due to pension obligations; however, Buellton ranks among the best in California for pension risk. The city maintains a small staff of 20, and pays on a 20-year amortization instead of a 30-year. It is currently in development of a reserve policy. Other issues are infringements on local control as the federal and state governments have been limiting abilities of cities to make decisions that impact their residents from wireless communication facilities, solar energy, outdoor food vending, housing and local elections. Wolfe said Buellton will remain vigilant and active opposing more infringements. He is hopeful that helping spur economic development within the city from enhancing transient-occupancy-tax opportunities with developing on McMurray Road, and supporting tourism.

March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5

Second State of the City mirrors free event with more speakers By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

State of the City highlights projects, economic development By Janene Scully

mmediately following the first Solvang State of the City address, about 150 people attended the lunch at Hotel Corque in Solvang and heard from several additional speakers including Assemblywoman Monique Limon. Limon talked about how she is working to make sure Solvang and other small rural cities she represents have a voice at the state level. Assembly Bill 1071 is in draft that would help cities during times of disaster, if another event like the Thomas fire and Montecito mudslide happened again. “Solvang was cut off from the south for weeks and I know it hurt a lot of businesses locally, Limon said. “AB 1071 would provide relief.” She also talked about homelessness and what is being done at the state level to address some of the issues surrounding this big topic. “There isn’t just one solution, and nothing happens overnight,” Limon said. Limon added the importance of the 2020 census as it impacts the availability and funding level for grants from the federal government. “We want to make sure everyone is counted as we lose about $1,400 per person that isn’t counted,” she said. Typically, the city’s information is presented by the city manager; however, newly hired manager Xenia Bradford didn’t give any presentations. Mayor Ryan Toussaint breezed quickly through his portion that included a list of the council accomplishments in the past year, including smart infrastructure. He mentioned replacing water meters with smart meters, moving forward with the wastewater treatment plant upgrade, developing a storm drain master plan, trail extension at Hans Christian Andersen Park and the Well 22 upgrade project. “We have installed traffic calming measures in a few neighborhoods,” Toussaint said, referring to the Boost Pads or optical illusion speed bumps on Viborg Road, and speed bumps on Elm Avenue. There was no mention of the city’s expenditures or revenue sources, nor updates on the various city departments or employee recognition as most State of the City addresses do. The same video of events from the earlier address was shown of just the four events that occurred from September to December. René Gross Kærskov, co-CEO of Hirsch Bedner Associates and The Copenhagen House owner/developer talked about not bringing more tourists to Solvang, but better tourists that will spend more than the current average of $37.

Mayor touts Solvang 2.0 in speech North County Editor

Photo by Raiza Giorgi Mayor Ryan Toussaint breezed quickly through his portion of the State of the City that included a list of the council accomplishments in the past year, including smart infrastructure.

“We have forgotten assets, and I know they are privately owned, but the Round Tower in Denmark is the eighth most visited attraction, there is a replica of Hans Christian Andersen’s house here and there is a parking lot in the prime real estate of town that generates zero income,” Kærskov said. He also says the recent emergence of Hygge, the Danish concept of warm and cozy feelings of togetherness, can bring Solvang into the forefront. “Our recommended brand direction is to give a Danish and unique experience,” Kærskov added. “From an economic point of view this is a unique selling point no one else has. Can we only be Danish? No it doesn’t, but the city as a whole can promote authentic Danish products made here.” The new logo debuted that Kærskov suggested is a blue windmill that replaces the mermaid, and the slogan “Solvang -The Danish Capital of America,” with an emphasis on “The.” “The problem with creating a brand, it doesn’t matter what we say or what the council says, if a significant mass doesn’t buy into it, it will be fragmented and everyone needs to get involved and stronger the brand will be,” Kærskov said. Both Ken Hira, president of the Kosmont Companies, and Jim Knell of the SIMA Corp. and owner of The Landsby hotel, gave their presentations on economic development and reimagining uses for Solvang. “Think outside the box in 2020,” Hira said. “Brick and mortar retail sales is changing, it’s more about experience.” To watch the entire second meeting visit www. youtube.com and search City of Solvang.

olvang Mayor Ryan Toussaint talked about the move to create Solvang 2.0 during one of two State of the City presentations Feb. 28 in which he shared the vision for the future, including the push to create experiences for tourists and to build upon the city’s unique brand. About 100 people attended the first session at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Building. A separate presentation occurred as part of a luncheon Friday afternoon at Hotel Corque. With his four council colleagues listening, Toussaint shared about the panel’s push to create self-sustaining events among other goals. The presentation avoided any mention of the turmoil from the past seven months, including the council defunding the longterm tourism nonprofit group and forcing out its newly hired city manager. The council wants to make Solvang an experience for tourists, which also will benefit residents, the mayor said as he raced through his speech. He avoided any specific financial details presented in the past. Toussaint’s presentation included recapping projects in the works — normal city concerns including water meter replacement, well upgrade, traffic calming measures on Viborg Road and Elm Avenue, a trail extension at Hans Christian Andersen Park and more. The city also is preparing to launch a wastewater treatment plant upgrade, but the mayor noted that the current council has avoided fee increases for utility customers. “Someday, that will have to happen, when we get a new wastewater treatment plant,” Toussaint said. Other presentations were delivered by Shelby Sim of Visit Santa Ynez Valley; Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director of the Elverhøj Museum of History and

Art; Ken Hira, president of the Kosmont Companies; and Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College students who are visiting from Denmark. The event also was expected to include René Gross Kærskov, co-CEO of Hirsch Bedner Associates and The Copenhagen House owner/developer. However, he spoke only at the paid event, where he revealed a proposed new logo for Solvang. City officials did not provide a copy of his presentation with the new logo despite a request from Noozhawk on Friday. The presentations included a video touting events through 2019. However, it included only four that occurred between September and December, skipping other major attractions such as concerts in the park, Fourth of July and Taste of Solvang. In his presentation, Jim Knell of the SIMA Corp. and owner of The Landsby hotel said businesses and cities must work together. “We can’t be successful without that partnership,” he said, praising the current City Council for what he views as a new era of cooperation. The city’s economic development consultant, Ken Hira from Kosmont Companies, discussed the “retail-pocalypse” changing the landscape. The “most catalytic change happening right now” in the economy also has impacted land uses beyond retail, including hotels, offices and housing, he said. “Retail is not dead. Boring retail is dead,” Hira said. “You all want an experience when you go to a retail location.” Noting the industry buzzword “reimagination,” Hira said developers instead have looked at blended uses for housing, retail, hospitality and offices. “Really, if you think about Solvang and its downtown and the opportunity that it has, if you blend uses — hospitality, retail, office, residential — you have something in my estimation that is more sustainable,” Hira said. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 17 - April 6, 2020

Preliminary election results show who advances to November By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

arly election results are showing that the 3rd District race will be over as Supervisor incumbent Joan Hartmann is well over the 50-percent-plus-one level required to automatically be reelected. These results are not final until certified by the Santa Barbara County Elections Office. As of press deadline, Hartmann was at 53 percent. Challengers Bruce Porter was at 34.8 percent “While I await the final certified results of the election, I am honored and humbled by the unofficial results,” said Hartmann in a statement to the Star. “I am proud of the campaign that we ran based on integrity and my record of service. “Moving forward, it’s right back to work. Today, I’m in a Board meeting for Central Coast Community Energy, that will soon be delivering fossil free electricity to Santa Barbara County next year,” she added. “I am excited to continue my service to the people of Santa Barbara – in particular enhancing economic vitality, housing opportunities, public safety, the clean energy economy, and parks and open space.” The 3rd District represents the Santa Ynez Valley as well as other areas from Isla Vista to Guadalupe. In the congressional races, 24th District Representative incumbent Salud Carbajal will face Andy Caldwell as they were the two top

vote-getters for the evening. Carbajal was at 56.1 percent and Caldwell was at 40.2 percent. “We are very happy with the returns. We knew it would be a challenge taking on a career politician getting into the race as late as we did,” said Caldwell, the Republican challenger. “We are also proud that upwards of 99 percent of our financial support came from within the district. We will continue to build a grass roots coalition of Dems, npp and Republican voters who want to put the needs of the district ahead of partisan politics.” Caldwell is a wellknown conservative watchdog, and is the founder of the Coalition of Agriculture, Business and Labor organization that represents more of the agricultural community. “It is an honor to serve our 24th Congressional District and stand up for our values in Congress each day,” Democratic incumbent Carbajal said. “Based on the results we’re seeing, I’m proud that it seems Central Coast residents want me to continue fighting for those values in Congress. I thank everyone for voting and urge our community to keep this momentum up come November.” For the 19th District State Senate seat, incumbent Monique Limon (D) won 60.5 percent of the vote and will face Gary Michaels (R), who earned a spot in the November election with 34.5 percent.

Cottage Health to open Urgent Care centers By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

o increase convenient access to healthcare, Cottage Health is introducing Cottage Urgent Care centers for treatment of minor injuries and illnesses. Cottage Urgent Care plans to open 10 centers in the tri-counties (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura) region, with the first opening in summer of 2020. The centers will be in storefront locations — from Oxnard to San Luis Obispo — and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 365 days a year. The centers will provide walkin care for patients of all ages, with services including X-ray, lab and medications. Each center will be staffed by a licensed

nurse practitioner and patient concierge team members dedicated to assisting patients during their visit and ensuring an efficient and comfortable care environment. The goal is complete care within 30 minutes. With two new care options — the recently launched Cottage CareNow virtual care service for online visits, and the Cottage Urgent Care centers — patients will be able to quickly receive care or an appropriate referral. Both services can connect patients to local physicians for follow-up and preventive care to improve overall health. For more information about Cottage Health, go to www.cottagehealth.org.

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March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7

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SANTA YNEZ VALLEY BROKERAGE | 2900 NOJOQUI AVENUE | LOS OLIVOS, CA 93441 | SIR.COM © Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity. DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: Mike Testa: 1934044 | Patty Murphy: 766586 | Lauren Daniels: 2015901 | Barbara Bierig: 01748760 | Meagan Tambini: 1348412 | Jan Finley: 1351826 | Wendy Carpenter: 1914255 | Mike Brady : 825140 | Micah Brady:

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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 17 - April 6, 2020

Book Loft celebrates 50 page-turning years Solvang business is oldest independent bookstore in county By Pamela Dozois

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

his year marks the 50th anniversary of The Book Loft, the oldest independent bookstore under continuous ownership in Santa Barbara County. It is also the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Hans Christian Andersen Museum located upstairs in building. The Museum has many rare, collectable editions along with memorabilia. To celebrate, The Book Loft is rolling out a year-long stream of events and specials to mark the store’s 50-year history and will host its annual Hans Christian Andersen birthday celebration on April 2. Kathy Mullins has been the proprietor and the main book buyer since she opened the doors, with her now-deceased husband Gary, in the spring of 1970. When asked how they came to open a bookstore in Solvang, Mullins said that she “could not remember who came up with the idea,” but recalls “the idea quickly became a subject of our after-dinner conversations.” The couple had moved to the Santa Ynez Valley in the early 1960s. They loved the area so much they wanted to find a way to stay. Gary was an electrical engineer working for Boeing at Vandenberg Air Force Base and Kathy was a housewife and mother of three girls, with a degree in American studies from the University of Minnesota. “I guess we started the bookstore because we thought the town needed one,” said Mullins. “We convinced ourselves that if we didn’t try to open one, we might later regret not taking the chance. There had been a small bookstore in Solvang but it was closed before we opened The Book Loft.” The initial location of The Book Loft was in a small space up a narrow staircase above Natalie’s Doll House in the Rasmussen Building on Alisal Road. When the bookstore “quietly” opened for business the third week of April, the bookshelves, built by Gary in the family garage, were mostly empty due to a truckers’ strike that held up delivery of their books. Their first sale was a children’s book from their meager selection. The Mullins considered that first sale prophetic because, at a time when most general bookstores seemed to regard their children’s section as an unwanted stepchild, children’s books in The Book loft quickly be-

One of the highlights in The Book Loft is a working model of the Gutenberg Press built by a master craftsman, the late Bud Tullis.

Photos by Pamela Dozois Kathy Mullins, owner of The Book Loft, can be seen most days visiting with customers and answering their many questions.

came one of the most important departments. Having started from scratch, the Mullins learned the book business through trial and error. “The support of the Santa Ynez Valley community, tourists and cities beyond are important because the valley population alone is too small to support a viable bookstore,” said Mullins. After a modest success, during its first two years in operation, it became apparent that to prosper and grow, the store needed to expand and relocate to a street level, as the stairs up to the loft proved to be troublesome. With the help of realtor Fil Condit, the Mullins were able to purchase a piece of land on Mission Drive and retained Dallas Brown, an architect and one of their earliest customers, to design the building. “Dallas Brown was a young architect who had just moved to Solvang,” recalled Mullins. “He was so excited to have the chance to design a commercial building of Danish Provincial architecture. The only request we had was that the building had a loft.” When the building was completed in 1974, boxes of books were hand-carried through the alley to their new home. “Initially the building housed 5 other small retail shops along with the bookstore,” Mullins

said. “But as we grew, those spaces were required for the creation of the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and a used books section, which was initially started by Donna Bland in 1981. When she moved on, it was taken over by Gary in 1985 as his new-found passion and continued for many years until he became ill.” The used books section was eventually sold to Ed Gregory, a long-time manager of The Book Loft, and is called the Solvang Book Company, which is still housed in The Book Loft. It features used, rare and antiquarian books. One of the highlights is a working model of the Gutenberg Press built by master craftsman, the late Bud Tullis, a focal point for the used book browsers. Complementing the press are the oak bookcases throughout the store, also built by Tullis. “We have had to adapt to the rapid technological changes, and there have been a lot of changes over the past 50 years with Amazon and other big box stores along with e-books. We learned as we went along,” said Mullins. “We gradually increased our expertise in the business along with customer base knowledge and service. It kept us afloat through some lean years. “Over the years we’ve had so many wonderful people who worked at The Book Loft. There is a lot of detail involved working at a bookstore

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and it takes time to learn,” Mullins said. “Our current staff is exceedingly well rounded when it comes to books, competent and eager to assist. I’m very happy to work with these people.” One of The Book Loft’s longest-tenured employees is Elaine Revelle, who has been with the store since 1977. “Solvang has maintained an old-fashioned vibe and has more tourists now than in the ’70s,” she said. “There are a lot of tourists who come in with their children and we have spent a lot of care building our children’s section. To be child-friendly can often lead to stress, but our terrific staff understands. We are not only child-friendly but dog-friendly as well. Our regular canine visitors know where the dog biscuits are located.” In a 1990 edition of The Book Loft’s newsletter, Gary wrote a short piece titled “A Bookseller Reflects” in which he credits his wife Kathy with the success of the bookstore: “The key to an interesting bookstore is its buyer. Kathy’s book buying decisions are based on a vast reservoir of knowledge and an intense love of books.” And 30 years later Mullins continues to run The Book Loft with grace and wisdom making it one of Solvang’s most popular places to visit. “The Book Loft has given me over the past 50 years a wonderful sense of community,” she said. “Interacting with the public and sharing my love of books in this beautiful Valley has been and continues to be a blessing.”

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March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

Local couple wants to give fitness clients a ‘Lift’ Harwoods open new training facility in Santa Ynez Valley By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

hen I was a kid and training for football or other sports I competed in, it was ingrained into me that strength meant big muscles, but I have found that not to be true as I progressed in strength training and physical therapy,” said Travis Harwood. Harwood is a Santa Ynez Valley native that returned home five years ago to raise his children with his wife Janson. They just opened Lift SYV, a new fitness lifestyle training facility on the outskirts of Solvang. Lift SYV doesn’t offer formal “classes,” and each training session is programmed for the individual, as Harwood knows not everyone fits a single training methodology. “There won’t be a lot of people in the gym at once,” he said. “I want to be able to focus on your workout, even if you’re ‘on your own.’” Growing up as fifth-generation resident of the valley, Harwood was involved in wrestling and football at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and graduated in 2001. He then

Photo contributed Travis Harwood and his wife Janson opened Lift SYV with a training platform designed for the individual.

attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he got his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology with an emphasis on physical education and coaching. “I realized early on that I loved the process of training much more than I enjoyed the actual playing of the sport. I thought this is what I wanted to do,” Harwood said.

He ended up helping coach football at Cal Poly and got a job at a gym in Orange County, helping prepare college athletes for the NFL. “That was a really exciting job because I got to help prep the players that were going to be professional players,” Harwood said. Then the recession happened in 2008 and

his job tanked. Harwood eventually got into rehabilitation for spinal cord injury patients in 2010 and his whole approach to fitness changed. “Getting people to restore themselves back to a fuctional state as opposed to just ‘getting big’ really opened my eyes to a new perspective of health,” Harwood said. When he returned home to the valley, he worked at Rob Rosenberry’s Performance Fitness until opening Lift SYV, and still works with Rosenberry to offer combined approaches. Harwood works with people of all ages and abilities. He has some professional athletes and works with seniors, and even has a client in her 90s. “My goal is to get your body to move without pain, and prevent injuries from happening as people tend to work out in a rush, or push the limits in their first workout back which can create more damage,” he added. “I also hope to get people off medication and prescriptions through nutrition and balance health.” Harwood develops his clients’ workout plans based to help without overstimulating the body. To learn more about Lift SYV and Harwood, visit www.liftsyv.com or call 805-440-9143.

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10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 17 - April 6, 2020

GENEALOGY TIPS

Do you have an ancestral story to tell? By Sheila Benedict

hat are the basics of genealogical research? For those of you who have done family history research, you understand the concepts: You start with yourself, then your parents, then grandparents, etc., as far back as you know at that time. Going from generation to generation you MUST have sources to validate the data. A birth certificate, naturalization file, marriage and religious records, death certificates and obituaries, and the list goes on. To note, the best documents for validation are those generated at the time of the event, i.e. a birth certificate. The information is only as good as the person’s knowledge (or honesty) who gave it. Who gave the information to the funeral director at the time of someone’s death? Was it someone who accurately knew the parentage and place of birth of the deceased person or someone who was using family lore as their source? Who gave the information to the census taker? Since DNA has become part of the research plan, a lot has changed, a discussion for another column. The immigrant experience can be either the easiest or hardest to do. For that reason and because we are a basic small valley with diverse backgrounds, I would like to start featuring community people willing to share a short (about 200 words) genealogical profile. It will be completely anonymous because unless I have written permission to use names, especially for and from living family, I must have that permission. I’ll start with my own: my father came to this country as a toddler so that makes me first generation or my paternal side. On his parents’ naturalization files, my grandmother was apparently carrying a child.

Can you imagine a pregnant young girl with a toddler on a ship from Europe to New York? My mother was born here but her parents were not, so that makes me second generation on the maternal side. My first husband was born here but his parents were immigrants. He died young and was not very informative, if he even knew much about them. My second husband, on the other hand, was about 14th generation in this country. Most of his ancestors, who were Quakers, came here in the 1600s and many were part of the way West. I am not using names or locations because I have children who might not want me to use them without their consent. To repeat because it is important, genealogical research requires every source must be identified and no living people named without their written consent. In our small valley, the Danish came in 1911, the Mission was built in 1804, the native people, the Chumash, have been here for hundreds of years. What stories there are to tell, but this is a genealogy column and not a place to air old grievances about or against your ancestors. There are sad parts to everyone’s family history, including mine, but those will not be used in this column; only generic “Where are they from?” and/or “How did they get here?” family history will be used. Next month, we will discuss the “Paper Trail” and what you can do for the generations yet to come. Sheila Benedict is a professional forensic and family genealogist. She is the author of Research in California, which she wrote in 2015 for the National Genealogical Societies Research in the States Series and writes articles in a variety of genealogical society newsletters and magazines.

Financial Solutions for a Brighter Tomorrow

Photo contributed This marks the 16th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award for the Chumash Casino Resort Hotel.

Chumash hotels, restaurants earn AAA Four Diamond Award Staff Report

he Chumash Casino Resort Hotel, its Willows fine-dining restaurant, and the tribe’s Hotel Corque in Solvang all maintained their long-standing AAA Four Diamond Award status, earning spots on the American Automobile Association’s lists of hotels and restaurants that achieved excellence during inspections in 2019. This marks the 16th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award for the Chumash Casino Resort Hotel, the 15th straight year for Willows restaurant and the ninth in a row for Hotel Corque. The Chumash Casino Resort Hotel and Hotel Corque are two of 11 properties to be honored within Santa Barbara County. Among restaurants, Willows, The Gathering Table in Solvang and Bouchon and Angel Oak in Santa Barbara were the only AAA Four Diamond Award honorees in the county. A total of 2,400 establishments (1,718 hotels and 682 restaurants) throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean have earned the AAA Four Diamond designation in the last year. California had the greatest number of hotels (179) and restaurants (76) to earn the

distinction. “For our establishments to remain on AAA’s lists for so many years is a point of pride for our tribe,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Our longevity on these elite lists is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team members who go the extra mile to make sure our guests enjoy an elevated level of hospitality when they visit to our properties.” Other Santa Barbara County hotels earning Four Diamond Awards are Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos, the Santa Ynez Inn, The Ballard Inn in Solvang, Inn on Summer Hill in Summerland and Santa Barbara’s Harbor View Inn, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Santa Barbara Inn, Simpson House and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara was one of just 17 in the state to earn the AAA Five Diamond Award. For 80 years, AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct in-person property inspections. AAA offers the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations guided by member priorities.

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March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

Animal services urges residents to vaccinate pets Staff Report

Santa Barbara County Animal Services is advising the community to be on high alert after identifying multiple cases of distemper in wildlife throughout Santa Barbara County, with a high concentration in the northern parts of the county. The public was first alerted to this risk to domestic dogs in January. Animal services said it is still seeing cases of affected wildlife in heavily populated areas, specifically coyotes, foxes and raccoons. The agency encourages owners to be sure their pets are current on all vaccines. Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Canine distemper poses no threat to human health, but unvaccinated dogs can

become infected. Wildlife that are infected with distemper often move slowly, stumble, and can appear blind and/or confused. They may not be fearful of humans at this point and can become aggressive if cornered or feel threatened. Distemper is most commonly spread through coughing infected respiratory secretions but can also be shed through most other bodily secretions, including urine. If you notice any wildlife behaving abnormally or sick, residents are warned not to approach the animal. In the unincorporated parts of the county, they can call Santa Barbara County Animal Services at (805) 934-6119, and press “7” to reach a staff member. Residents are told to keep their dogs on leashes, scan their residence before allowing them out, and to not leave pet food outside that can attract wildlife.

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Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital is a small, community-oriented hospital, staffed with RNs, LVNs and PCTs. Our Medical Surgical Unit cares for medical, surgical and telemetry patients, as well as outpatient transfusions and infusions. We are looking for part-time and full-time (day/night shift) Registered Nurses who possess excellent assessment skills, compassion, and enjoy interaction with their community and co-workers. We have high standards and encourage the continuing education of our staff. California RN license, BLS and ACLS required. Telemetry experience and ACLS preferred. Equal Opportunity Employer

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12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 17 - April 6, 2020

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In celebration of CERTIFIED NURSES DAY, Cottage Health is proud to recognize and honor our nurses. Nursing certifications play an increasingly important role in the assurance of high standards of care for patients and their loved ones. Our nurses hold over 415 Board Certifications. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital has 17 Certified Nurses with specialties that include medicalsurgical, cardiac/vascular, gerontological nursing, pediatric emergency and emergency nursing. Cottage encourages national board certification for all eligible nurses.

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March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

Natural History Society celebrates 20th anniversary By Pamela Dozois

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

he Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society was the brainchild of John Evarts, Marjorie Popper and Richard Sage, who saw a need to provide environmental education through public lectures, field trips, and workshops in the Santa Ynez Valley region. Now they are celebrating their 20th anniversary, and due to the Coronavirus they decided to postpone their event from April 4 to a date to be determined. Visit their website listed at the bottom for more information. There will be a variety of hikes and lectures to choose from along with many activities for children. Those wishing to attend are required to register in advance online at www.syvnature.org or call 805-693-5683. Box lunches will be available for purchase online or bring your own lunch and picnic under the oaks. The Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society was the brainchild of John Evarts, Marjorie Popper and Richard Sage, who saw a need to provide environmental education through public lectures, field trips, and workshops in the Santa Ynez Valley region. “At that time there were concerns in the community about what was happening to the oak woodlands and discussions about how to protect our natural resources,” said Popper, Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society’s treasurer. “So a group of citizens got together to promote this idea.” “Marjorie and I both knew there was a hunger for natural history programs in the Santa Ynez Valley before we founded the society, based on the turnout of people at the Solvang Library lectures we held, one on local geology and another on conifers in Santa Barbara County,” said Evarts, the current board president. “That propelled us into starting the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society. Valley residents are very interested in the outside world. “We gathered together a small group of naturalists including Paul Collins, Curator

Photo contributed Pictured is the group of participants who attended the first organizational meeting of the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society on April 16, 2000, at the UC Sedgwick Reserve.

This is how naturalists Marjorie Popper and John Evarts dress when hitting the trail, with cameras, binoculars, day packs and field guides, and trekking poles for off-trail hikes.

of Vertebrate Zoology at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Sally Isaacson, botanist and North County rancher who was the Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Dr. Michael Williams who was the Director of the UC Sedgwick Reserve, and Dr. Fred Emerson, a wildlife biologist and physician, in an effort to develop our mission for a new nonprofit, the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society,” explained Evarts. “There was also some interest in the tiger salamander which had just been placed on the endangered species list so we invited two of the foremost experts on tiger salamanders, Dr. Bradley Shaffer, UC Davis and Dr. Sam Sweet, UCSB, to give a lecture at St. Mark’s and we had standing room only,” Evarts said. “It wasn’t an advocacy lecture; it was a science-based one. People just wanted to know

all about the tiger salamander. We actually had a live salamander for everyone to see. The lecture brought people together to learn about the natural history of the animal. The turn-out was very successful so we used the opportunity to announce the launch of the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society. “We held an organizational meeting at the UC Sedgwick Reserve on April 16, 2000. That meeting attracted almost 40 people. We invited everyone who came to help outline our mission and goals,” Evarts continued. “From that we organized a steering committee and our first year of meetings were held at the Hartley House in Los Olivos, which was the first location of the Wildling Museum.” Marge Erickson, a local attorney and member of the group, helped the newly formed group to incorporate as a tax-exempt 501c3

nonprofit corporation. “Out of the brainstorming meetings came ideas for lectures, field trips, workshops and possible ways to do some outreach to students in the Valley,” Evarts said. “The first year of lectures included Western Pond Turtles, Reptiles and Amphibians, Seismology, Natural History of Zaca Lake, Geology of Upper Sedgwick Ranch, and Oak Regeneration in Santa Barbara County and a series of field trips. “Our area has some of the most complex geology in Southern California. And Santa Barbara County has an especially rich biodiversity which makes it such a great outdoor classroom.” “We are an educational outreach that’s why our goal is to keep our lectures free to the public and our field trips at a low cost,” said Evarts. “We depend on our membership dues to sustain our organization financially. The membership dues go to pay for honoraria and cover other expenses for our programs. “We didn’t realize when we started this organization that it would have such staying power, thanks in part to the strong local interest in the natural world. We’ve been fortunate to have loyal members, great volunteers and board members. We rely on the dedication and talents of all our members who come from all walks of life,” said Evarts. “We encourage everyone to join us for our 20th anniversary celebration on April 4 at the Sedgwick Reserve,” said Popper. “It will be a fun day with many hikes and interesting lectures to choose from lots of activities for kids to enjoy. We will even have a cake to celebrate our 20th anniversary. The Sedgwick Reserve requires a head count for those attending the event as it is generally not open to the public. So please remember to go online and make a reservation. Everyone is invited.” “With the appreciation of our natural environment comes the awareness of what we need to protect and conserve,” said Evarts. “Over the past 20 years, we’ve witnessed some big impacts to the valley’s native flora and fauna. For example, many oaks and pines died during the extreme drought and common bird species like meadowlarks continued their decline from habitat loss. Mindful of the environmental challenges that lie ahead, I hope the society will continue to be a local source of natural history knowledge and to promote a deeper appreciation of our precious natural heritage.” For more information on their upcoming lectures and field trips, visit www.syvnature. org or call 805-693-5683.

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14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 17 - April 6, 2020

Events and programs postponed, restrictions implemented for coronavirus precautions By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

ven though there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County as of press deadline, several upcoming events in the Santa Ynez Valley have been postponed as a precaution. The NatureTrack Film Festival was supposed to be held from March 20 – 22 in Los Olivos, and organizers decided to postpone to October. “Our primary concern is the health, safety and welfare of our guests, filmmakers and volunteers. Recent federal, state and county public health advisories have stressed the critical importance of avoiding crowd contact (“social distancing”) during the global Covid-19 crisis. We take these advisories very seriously and want to do our part to reduce risk for all parties connected with the NatureTrack Film Festival. We greatly regret any inconvenience and disappointment this causes for everyone … This was a very hard call and we did not make it lightly,” NatureTrack officials said. Also postponed is the Buellton Wine and Chili Festival that would have taken place Sunday, March 15 is now rescheduled for Sunday, August 30. “We had an emergency meeting how to handle this and postponed to Sunday, August 30. For the safety of the community and visitors it was the right thing to do,” said Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the Buellton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau. Tickets purchased for the festival will be valid for the new dates, and those not available on the rescheduled dates can request a refund or a voucher that will entitle them to attend a future Wine & Chili

Photo contributed Buellton Wine and Chili Festival that would have taken place Sunday, March 15 is now rescheduled for Sunday, August 30

festival over the next three years. In order to request the voucher guests should email info@surfbeerfest.com. If you would like a refund contact NightOut at support@ nightout.com. The Chumash Casino Resort said they are postponing live entertainment and adhering to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control. “After careful consideration, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has elected to postpone all future concerts at the Chumash Casino Resort until further

notice. Guests who purchased tickets via credit card will be automatically refunded within seven to 10 business days, and those who made cash purchase can get refunds at the CLUB at Chumash inside the casino. We will provide further updates regarding the status of future concert dates in the weeks to come,” Chumash Casino officials said. The Buellton Senior Center also sent out a message they are suspending their lunch buddies, senior dinners and bingo games until April 1 out of precaution. They will

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offer lunch ‘to go’ instead of in their dining room, and still be delivering the meals on wheels. Fresh vegetables and bread will be available on their tables for pick up as well, according to Pam Gnekow, executive director. The Solvang Senior Center has their services continue for today and tomorrow, however the board is reevaluating their programs and situations could change, according to a representative. Atterdag Village of Solvang said they are implementing screenings for all visitors as they are erring on the side of caution for their fragile senior population. The Visitor’s Check-in Office is open from 1 – 6 p.m. for screenings 7 days a week. Visitors will have their temperature checked and witnessed hand washing before issuing a badge. Visitors will not be allowed in the dining rooms during meal hours. The Boy Scouts of America also decided to postpone their annual pancake breakfast that was to take place Sunday, March 15, along with the Career Fair at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School that was supposed to take place March 20. Organizers for the Solvang Century bike ride could not be reached, however a post on their Facebook page said their permit was revoked by County Public Health. If people had purchased merchandise it will be mailed, and they will update on their next steps. Officials from the City of Solvang said they are working on a response and will put out information shortly. “I expect to be reaching out to media later today (most likely) or tomorrow morning at latest with City direction to address Coronavirus,” said Xenia Bradford, City Manager. POSTPONED CONTINUED TO PAGE 23

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March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Wildling Museum to mark 20-year anniversary Art and nature gallery to feature ‘Retrospective’ and Bud Bottoms exhibits Staff Report

his spring, the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature will mark its 20th anniversary with a special exhibition celebrating the museum’s 20-year history in the Santa Ynez Valley. “20/20: A Retrospective” opens on Sunday, April 5, and will showcase 20 works, representing one work for each year of the Wildling Museum’s history. The museum is subject to reopening as of March 27, however check on the museum’s website before heading over. Featured works include selections on loan from significant past exhibitions, including historical California paintings by artists Ray Strong and Milford Zornes, as well as highlights from the museum’s permanent collection of nearly 150 works of art, including a 19th century landscape by John Fery, block printing by Everett Ruess, contemporary photography by David Paul Bayles, and plein air works by local artists such as John Iwerks. The Wildling Museum has organized more than 100 exhibitions in its history, but the museum has true grassroots. Founder Patti Jacquemain first discussed the idea of a museum at home with friends and colleagues in 1997. “I had a ‘crazy’ idea to start an organization that, through art, would show the beauty and diversity of our country’s natural lands and the importance of preserving them,” said Jacquemain. The museum came to fruition just three years later and first opened its doors in May 2000 in Los Olivos. “We knew it would take a lot of work to make the Wildling Museum a reality, because we had no facility, no money, and no art,” said Jacquemain. “But we had faith and were hopeful that, despite the large number of mu-

Botanic Garden seeks help with ‘The Birds and the Bees’ Staff Report

Photo contributed John Fery (1859-1934), Blue Lake (Glacier National Park), Oil on canvas, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Fish, Wildling Museum Collection

seums and nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara, an art museum focused on showing the beauty and diversity of nature throughout America could be successful and make a difference to the community.” The museum has grown dramatically in the time since, ultimately moving in 2013 to Solvang, where it has remained focused on a core mission of inspiring a deep passion and appreciation for nature through art. Opening concurrently with “20/20: A Retrospective,” is the Wildling Museum’s inaugural Tower Gallery exhibition featuring “Remembering Bud Bottoms: A Legacy of Art and Activism.” James “Bud” Bottoms (1928 - 2018) was an internationally known sculptor, artist, and environmental activist, noted for his iconic “Dolphin Family” sculpture installed at the base of Stearns Wharf in downtown Santa Barbara, and this exhibit features his sea life sculpture. To attend these exhibits, please RSVP in advance by emailing Julie Mock at julie@

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wildlingmuseum.org or call 805-686-8315. The Wildling Museum’s 20th anniversary festivities set for Sunday, April 26, as the museum will host its 17th Annual Spring BBQ Fundraiser was postponed due to Coronavirus. For more information on a new date for the event, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org/ news/spring-bbq-2020, call (805) 686-8315, or stop by the Wildling Museum. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays). It is located at 1511-B Mission Drive in Solvang. For more information, and to volunteer or join as a member to support this important local arts and nature institution, please visit www. wildlingmuseum.org. For more information, and to volunteer or join as a member to support this important local arts and nature institution, please visit www.wildlingmuseum.org.

The Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden is looking for volunteers with expertise in mason bees, honey bees or native birds to help with a public event on Saturday, May 17. The garden’s board is planning a community event for all ages called “The Birds and the Bees,” complete with guided bird-watching walks, closeup demonstrations with live birds, and aerial “performances” by trained birds. After last year’s successful “Birds in the Garden” event, the board is looking this year for people who raise mason and honey bees to share their expertise as well. The family-friendly event is planned from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call board President Eva Powers at 805-350-0360 or email her at ewpowers@yahoo.com.

16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 17 - April 6, 2020

Concert Series presents Grammy-winning violinist Johnny Gandelsman will perform March 20 in Los Olivos Staff Report

orld-class performances continue during the 40th anniversary season (2019-2020) of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series with Grammy Award-winning violinist Johnny Gandelsman on March 20. “A Violinist Explores Bach’s Cello Suites” will showcase Gandelsman at 7 p.m. Friday, March 20, at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, at 2901 Nojoqui Avenue in Los Olivos. The church, noted for its stunning acoustics and serene ambiance, has been the home of this popular concert series since 2007. “We are very much looking forward to hearing Johnny Gandelsman’s interpretations of Bach’s timeless and transcendent music,” said Artistic Director Dr. Robert Cassidy. “A magical sonic environment will be experienced with the sound of the solo violin resonating off the long-grain fir, high-ceiling interior of the church.” Following up on his celebrated debut recording of J.S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, Gandelsman will perform a solo program exploring the depths of three of Bach’s

Cello Suites on the violin. The Cello Suites are hailed as some of the most magnificent and profound of Bach’s creations – indeed of all baroque music. Gandelsman’s musical voice reflects the artistic collaborations he has been a part of since moving to the United States from Israel. As a founding member of Brooklyn Rider and a member of the Silkroad Ensemble, he has worked closely with such luminaries as Béla Fleck, Martin Hayes, Kayhan Kalhor, YoYo Ma, Mark Morris, Anne Sofie Van Otter, Suzanne Vega, Abigail Washburn and Damian Woetzel. He has also appeared with Bono, David Byrne, Renée Fleming and many others. Tickets are available for purchase online in advance at https://www.smitv.org/concert-series-tickets.html or when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. (30 minutes before the start of the concert). General Admission tickets are $20 (open seating) and Patron Tickets are $35 (reserved seating). Thanks to a grant from St. Mark’s Women’s Guild, concert admission is FREE for ALL students (with student ID). A complimentary reception with the artists follows each concert. For Patron seating or any questions, please call SYV Concert Series Coordinator Linda Burrows directly at 805-705-0938. Photo contributed Grammy Award-winning violinist Johnny Gandelsman

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March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

FINAL HOMES! Photo contributed Ed Asner is bringing his political comedy “God Help Us!” to the Solvang Festival Theater on Saturday, May 2.

Ed Asner coming to Solvang Festival Theater Staff Report

mmy Award-winning actor Ed Asner is bringing his political comedy “God Help Us!” to Solvang Festival Theater on Saturday, May 2. The three-person play is ripped from today’s headlines, with left versus right, and God – the oneand-only Ed Asner – in the middle as the Great Neutralizer. “God Help Us!” pits liberal Larry against conservative Randi for a lively debate on the issues of our time. We learn that Randi and Larry were a romantic couple back in their college days, but politics tore them apart. God wants them to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. He comments on what He’s hearing, pointing out with great humor the foibles and false-

hoods on both sides. Written by Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor, “God Help Us!” speaks to audiences of all political persuasions with one essential argument, that we must listen to each other so that we can all live and laugh together. Ed Asner has won more Emmy Awards, seven, than any other male actor in television history. Best known for his co-starring role in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and his character’s namesake spin-off, “Lou Grant,” Asner’s career spans 60 years and shows no signs of slowing down. “God Help Us!” is produced by Liza Asner and directed by Mitch Levine. Solvang Festival Theater “Star Patron” subscribers have this show included in their package. Showtime is 7 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Individual tickets are $29 - $55, and are available on www. solvangfestivaltheater.org.

Pet of the Month: CC the Cat Staff Report

his month we’ve chosen our sweet girl CC. She has been with us for almost a year. She is a beautiful 13-year-old domestic shorthair. She does great in a home with other cats and has even met some dogs and is okay with them as long as they respect her space. CC does have some disc issues so she can’t really jump onto high surfaces and has to be indoor only. She loves to talk, get scratches and sunbathe. CC is located at our site in Buellton at the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society. We are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our website is syvhumane.org and our phone number is 805-688-8224. We hope to see our CC go home soon as she is a staff and volunteer favorite.

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Photo contributed SYV Humane Society’s Pet of the Month is CC the cat.

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Award-winning actor brings his political comedy to the valley

18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 17 - April 6, 2020

Cheddar and Scallion Soda Bread It makes a great companion for soups and stews By Vida Gustafson Contributing Writer

his quick bread fills the house with a delicious aroma while baking and comes together in under an hour. It is the perfect accompaniment to hearty soups and stews. The recipe makes two small loaves, so it’s ideal for sharing.

Ingredients

n 4 C flour n 6 tbsp butter (cold, cubed) n 2 tbsp sugar n 1 tbsp baking powder n 1 ½ tsp salt n 1 C grated sharp cheddar n 1 C chopped scallions n 1 ½ C buttermilk n 1 egg

Method

Preheat oven to 400 °F. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, flour, baking powder, sug-

ar and salt, rubbing the butter into the flour with your fingertips. Mix in the cheese and green onions. Whisk the egg into the buttermilk and pour into the flour mixture. Mix by hand until combined. Cut in half and form into two balls, flatten to approximately 2 inches high and place side by side on a parchment lined baking sheet. Score the top with a sharp knife to form a cross or x shape, to help steam escape uniformly. Bake for 35 minutes.

Photo contributed This quick Cheese and Onion Soda Bread fills the house with a delicious aroma while baking and comes together in under an hour.

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March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19

Equestrian group kicks off Saddle Series Riders competed in initial event in February; two more scheduled Staff report

aking it through her first horse show was the only thing on Emily Butner’s mind, and she was thrilled that she and her horse did as well. “I am very new to this, and my horse has only been under the saddle for six months,” Butner said. “I am so proud of how he did and I am so thankful to the organizers for putting this on because it was so fun.” Butner, along with many other local riders competed at the Inaugural Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Association Ranch Horse Saddle Series on Feb. 29. This show was so well received that entries were capped a month in advance, with a waiting list. “We wanted to bring back the shows we remember from childhood,” said organizer Lisa Lyon. “I have been riding for years and have always loved doing versatility and competing.” Show Committee co-chairs included Lyon, Karyn Stevens, Lisa Novatt and Nancy Hunsicker, who all intended this

Photo by Lauren Maeve Photography Barb Crist rides her Amateur High Point Champion This Cats A Keeper

event to be a net positive fundraiser for the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center facility, but beyond that, strongly desired to make this Saddle Series a unique event and bring back the glory days of showing

to the Santa Ynez Valley. The Saddle Series is offering Outstanding Day as well as Series High Point prizes, plus the competition will be suspenseful and interesting right down to

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the very end of the last day of the series in September. The show in February was the first of three events that will have an overall winner at the end. To qualify, riders must compete in at least two of the three events. “We’re putting the classes and elements together in what I’m pretty sure is a unique format,” Hunsicker said. “We’ve added a reining section, and we’re not linking in with any association, so we have total freedom to be creative and try new things.” She added each show will offer Day High Point Buckles along with Series Cumulative High Point Champion and Reserve Buckles, but, in addition, the Series Cumulative Top 4 in each division [Open, Amateur, Beginner] will ride in a Clean Slate Finals pattern run, at the end of the last show, which will have elements of reining, ranch riding and trail included. Open and Amateur will each ride for a beautiful Tom Block saddle, and the Beginners will ride for a nice bridle (headstall, bit and reins), plus Championship Rose Garlands. “Our goal is to draw a bigger crowd with each show and make the Final Show really special,” Hunsicker said. “It’s such a production for many of us to get out of EQUESTRIAN CONTINUED TO PAGE 22

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20 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 17 - April 6, 2020

California Rangeland Trust CEO to depart Current COO will step into role Staff report

alifornia Rangeland Trust announced Feb. 18 that after 20 years of service CEO Nita Vail will leave her position at the end of April. The Rangeland Trust has tapped Michael Delbar, who currently serves as the chief operating officer, as Vail’s successor. He will assume his new role as CEO in May. “Positive change is important for a strong organization to continue to grow and thrive. I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished since my tenure began, and I will forever hold its mission close to my heart,” said Vail. “We’re all born with a great love of land, and it is our responsibility to preserve it.” Vail began her career with the Rangeland Trust in 1998 as a founding board member and took over as CEO three years later. Her leadership helped transform the organization into the largest statewide land trust in California, which now boasts 15 employees and has permanently protected more than 338,000 acres of private land throughout the state. “Nita helped to build the California Rangeland Trust and her legacy will remain strong,” said Rangeland Trust Board Co-Chair Mark Nelson. “We started with two employees and a mission to conserve working land. With Nita at the helm, we now have 15 team members, an engaged board and valuable partnerships across the state that have allowed the Rangeland Trust

to protect thousands of acres of open space in California.” Vail’s involvement with the Rangeland Trust has resulted in landmark conservation agreements, including the conservation of the historic 80,000-acre Hearst Ranch along California’s scenic Highway 1. Vail also helped to establish fundraising events like A Western Affair, which celebrates its 14th anniversary in April. Benefit events like this have helped more than 60 ranching families permanently conserve their properties for future generations to enjoy. “Nita’s influence will benefit the California Rangeland Trust for years to come, and we are grateful to have had her leading the way for the last 20 years,” Delbar said. “Filling Nita’s shoes won’t be easy, but I am honored to lead the Trust at this juncture, and I look forward to building on Nita’s incredible work.” Vail has served on several boards including the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts, California State Fair Agricultural Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Animal Science Advisory Board and Santa Cruz Island Foundation Advisory Board. She is a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (Class 21), American Leadership Forum (Class 18), a 2010 recipient of the Irvine Foundation Leadership Award and has received numerous awards for her dedication to land stewardship and her drive to offer innovative conservation solutions for ranching families.

Photo contributed Farm Day visitors travel at their own pace as they drive themselves to the farms they select. Each location is unique, but all feature multiple activities, such as educational tours and free produce sampling.

Farm Day provides chance to get back to the land County event to take place Sept. 19 in Santa Maria Valley Staff Report

he 2nd Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Santa Maria Valley. On Farm Day, the public will have the opportunity to visit farms, ranches, wineries and nurseries to experience a day of agricultural activities and tours, as well as meet the farmers who grow the food they eat. Farm Day is free to attend. Farm Day visitors travel at their own pace as they drive themselves to the farms they select. Each location is unique, but all feature multiple activities, such as educational tours and free produce sampling. Participating farms are Babé Farms, Bonipak Produce Company, Innovative Produce, Driscoll’s, Engel & Gray, Inc., L&G Chavez Family Farms, Main Street Produce, Plantel Nurseries, Primus Labs, Rancho Laguna Farms, Reiter Affiliated Companies/Union Valley Ranch, Riverbench Vineyard & Winery, and Tres Hermanas Vineyard & Winery. Santa Barbara County Farm Day is organized by the nonprofit Students for Eco-Educa-

tion and Agriculture (SEEAG), whose mission is to help children understand the farm origins of their food through classroom agricultural and nutrition education and free farm field trips. “Our first Santa Barbara County Farm Day was a huge success,” said Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder/CEO. “Visitors were able to enjoy a day in the valley’s beautiful agricultural lands. Farmers loved the opportunity to tell the public about all that goes into growing, packing and shipping their products to market.” Sponsors include Reiter Affiliated Companies, Driscoll’s and Plantel Nurseries. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available and listed at www.santabarbaracountyfarmday. com/supportfarmday. Sponsorship deadline is May 1 to receive full sponsorship benefits. Prior to Farm Day, SEEAG will be hosting the Farm Day kick-off culinary and wine fundraising event at Presqu’ile Winery on Aug. 2 in Santa Maria. The event will highlight the flavors of Santa Barbara County through the culinary creations of five local chefs who will use local ingredients supplied by participating Farm Day locations. For information, visit www.SantaBarbaraCountyFarmDay.com or call 805-901-0213.

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March 17 - April 6, 2020 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

Pirate Garage car show tentative for early June Event to be the last for retiring SYHS auto teacher Rob Hill By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

elping students learning valuable life skills, as well as exposing them to potential career paths has been the highlight of Rob Hill’s career as the automotive instructor at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School for the past seven years. He totals more than 20 years teaching and will be retiring at the end of the year, but not before he helps the program continue. “Love being part of the CIMA team and establishing the racing club at the high school,” Hill said. “I have enjoyed teaching the kids and seeing their enthusiasm for the subject grow as they go through the program.” Hill teaches intro and advanced automotive as well as collision and repair. They work on students’ vehicles as well as those of the teachers on campus. He is so proud of his students as quite a few entered the automotive world. Jennifer Oseguera graduated in 2018 and said she credits her career as a custom painter to Hill. She currently is working at Airtrix in Goleta and will be graduating this year from the automotive program at Santa Barbara City College. “He taught me how to paint and I realized I liked this part of automotive,” Oseguera said. Hill said that his alumni often come back to help out with events and the engines will be revving at the seventh annual Pirate Garage Car Show, a vital fundraiser for the Pirate

Classic cars are lined up at Santa Ynez High School during last year’s Pirate Garage Show.

Photos by Raiza Giorgi SYHS Automotive teacher Rob Hill with one of his former students, Jennifer Oseguera, who loves coming back to help with events to promote the Pirate Garage.

Garage Club, that will take place in early June at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School as it was rescheduled from March 21 due to the Coronavirus. The show will feature many vehicles displayed by their local owners, as well as sales of raffle tickets, food, and Pirate merchandise. The Pirate Garage Club supports SYHS students who are passionate about anything and everything on wheels while teaching career skills such as public relations, philanthropy and management, as well as mechanical skills. “He is 110 percent always for the kids and spends countless hours outside of the workday

helping them,” said Mindi Christian, volunteer and former Regional Occupational (ROP) and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs leader. “He takes them to different events and learn more to excel. Rob is involved in the community and getting the students to represent the automotive program at various events like SYV Touch a Truck and Youth Rec to give back. “The kids have such a big part in putting it together, and it’s a really great family and community event,” Christian added. This success of the event is owed not only to the students but to Hill, the Pirate Garage Club

supervisor, Christian said. With Hill retiring, this show will be especially important to his students. “He relates to his students and their love of racing and mechanics, and he credits his own high school auto shop program with keeping him in high school and from racing on the streets,” Christian said. “He takes them to races and uses his break to make sure the students are cared for.” The club also has a successful racing team that competes in the National SkillsUSA competition, which seeks to “empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens,” according to its website. Pirate mechanics have placed often in regionals and won state championships in 2016. To hear more about the Pirate Garage Club or get more information on the show, email Hill at rhill@syvuhsd.org. To hear more about the Pirate Garage Club or get more information on the show, email Hill at rhill@syvuhsd.org.

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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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“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 natural disasHer process is definitely working, because Story by Raiza Giorgi various the national anthem at Fourth of July and porters, Super Bowls and Hollywood’s the biggest 22-year-old from Solvang won her functions-singing first Photos by George Rose traying Mary Poppins in last year’s production with the Arts Outreach celebrities. World Cup gold medal in Acapulco on 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 Garnettget ofinSan 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 Padfield of Solvang School (7th Grade), James McKernan of Bishop film in the darkroom to the more immediate the turning point of technology,” Rose said. er. He is now the coach for the Santa Ynez Carroll said. Colorado Springs to be close to the Olympic 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 hosin 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

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

Time

by Raiza Giorgi

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SYV coalition says Camp 4 impacts larger than they seem

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

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— Jose — Colin — Jaxs on ON PAGE 28

22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H March 17 - April 6, 2020

Program provides Safe Haven for pets of domestic violence victims Staff Report

or the first time in Santa Barbara County, domestic violence victims will be able to bring their pets as they seek shelter from abusive partners. C.A.R.E.4Paws, together with Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County, local animal shelters and pet service providers, has launched Safe Haven, a new program designed to provide temporary, anonymous refuge for pets of those fleeing domestic violence. Victims of abuse are now able to leave with their pets and come into emergency shelters managed by Domestic Violence Solutions. C.A.R.E.4Paws will arrange for confidential foster care or boarding. Once the survivor is safe and stabilized, pets and owners are reunited. Logistical partnering agencies include Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS), Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP) as well as Dog Adoption Welfare Group (DAWG) and Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, two groups that are in the process of merging. This program serves a critical need. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, every minute in the United States, 20 people suffer abuse by an intimate partner. In most of these situations,

the abuse involves everyone in the family, including pets. Abusers will harm or kill an animal to control other family members and prevent them from speaking up and leaving. In surveys of women entering domestic violence shelters, as many as 85 percent reported that their pets had been threatened, tortured or killed by their partners.

Electric landscape equipment program launched

APCD offers up to $10,000 to landscaping businesses, schools, and public agencies Staff Report

anta Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has launched a new program to encourage businesses, public agencies, and schools to use electric-powered landscaping equipment. The Landscape Equipment Electrification Fund (LEEF) pilot program, which began on March 4, is offering to provide vouchers covering up to 60 percent of the cost for eligible landscape equipment and up to 100 percent of the cost for additional batteries and chargers for equipment purchased through the program, up to a maximum of $10,000 per organization. Commercial landscaping businesses — as well as public agencies and public and private schools and universities that perform their own landscape maintenance — are eligible for the program. Individual homeowners are not eligible to apply. Gasoline- and diesel-powered landscaping equipment is highly polluting and contributes to regional and neighborhood air

quality impacts. Operating the best-selling commercial lawn mower for one hour emits as much smog-forming pollution as driving a top-selling 2017 passenger car about 300 miles – approximately the distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. For the best-selling commercial leaf blower, one hour of operation emits smog-forming pollution comparable to driving a passenger car about 1,100 miles, or approximately the distance from Los Angeles to Denver. The California Air Resources Board estimates that in the early 2020s, smog-forming emissions from small engines (a large portion of which are used in landscaping equipment) will exceed those from passenger cars statewide. “This new pilot project is a great opportunity to partner with local businesses, governments, and schools to incorporate zero-emission landscaping equipment into their daily operations, at a reduced cost,” said APCD Director Aeron Arlin Genet. “This program provides improved air quality for individuals operating the equipment and reduces neighborhood impacts.” For full program details and requirements, and links to application materials, visit www. ourair.org/LEEFprogram. For questions, email LEEFProgram@sbcapcd.org.

“I am confident that the partnership between Domestic Violence Solutions and C.A.R.E.4Paws will become an essential part of the services we offer to those shelter clients who have pets,” said Jan Campbell, executive director of Domestic Violence Solutions. “Knowing that their beloved pets are safely and confidentially

housed helps to mitigate trauma suffered by domestic violence survivors and their families.” According to Isabelle Gullo, C.A.R.E. 4Paws’ executive director and cofounder, pets enrolled in Safe Haven will not only be sheltered with love, but will have access to veterinary care in C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile veterinary clinic as well as behavioral training, depending on a pet’s individual needs. “Our program will provide a much-needed safety net for abuse victims with pets, and we hope that more victims will leave their abusers knowing that their pets will be well protected and cared for,” Gullo said. “Statistics from other communities that shelter pets of domestic violence victims show that the return rate to an abusive partner is significantly lower for women and children with animals.” Also, Gullo noted, the unconditional love, loyalty and emotional support that animals offer can give people the strength and courage they need to create change and keep moving forward. For more information about C.A.R.E. 4Paws’ Safe Haven program, visit care4paws.org/safehaven or contact C.A.R.E.4Paws at info@care4paws.org or (805) 968-2273.

o EQUESTRIAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Photo by Raiza Giorgi Emily Butner, of Orcutt, competed in her first show along with her horse Lazy K Peppy Links at the SYV Equestrian Association Ranch Horse Saddle Series in February

town to show, so we thought ‘why not have a great show in our own backyard?’” Winners from the first show in February were High Point Beginner Tom Crist riding Pic by Elvis; High Point Amateur Barb Crist, riding This Cats a Keeper; and the High Point Open was Jennifer Ray, riding General Relativity. The next show in the Series will be May 16 with the Final Show and Shoot Out scheduled

for September 26. Funds raised will all go towards the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center, which is also home to the SYV Therapeutic Riding Program, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit and the local 4-H program meetings. For more information on the Series as well as the Equestrian Center, please visit www.syvea. org or find them on Facebook.

o POSTPONED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 “As we feel the affects of tourism being down we are pushing for people to shop local. The people who need support the most is our local businesses,” said Tracy Beard, executive director of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce. Beard, along with several Santa Barbara County chambers of commerce gathered Wednesday to discuss issues affecting local business communities including how this virus will affect business. The event aimed to encourage fellow board members to think more regionally, and focus on common goals and strengths. Assessing the coronavirus’ business impacts and implications were the most pressing topics discussed, and how it’s rapidly changing day-to-day life as COVID-19 cases grow. Schools in the Santa Ynez Valley are still in session, however non-essential events like dances will be canceled. Solvang Elementary School Superintendent Steve Seaford said teachers are already preparing materials to distribute to students online via Google Classroom and ParentSquare. The school will provide computers and options for internet access should the school be closed. “We have applied to the state to be able to continue to provide lunches for students in the National School Lunch Program,” Seaford said. In county-wide events the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show set for this weekend also had to cancel, and the Santa Barbara Earth Day event decided to postpone until July. PCPA canceled the remaining shows of Julius Cesar, and said they will contact each of the ticket holders directly. “PCPA’s plans remain in place for our up-

coming production of The Sound of Music, scheduled to begin performances on April 23, 2020. Please continue to visit pcpa.org or contact the PCPA Box Office for the most up to date information,” said Mark Booher, Artistic Director/Associate Dean of PCPA. The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade set for this weekend in Ventura also canceled. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department released a new information portal to augment its current website in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The new user-friendly communication portal uses accessible icons to organize information as a one-stop -shop information source for the community. The site is easy to navigate for the most current updates and trusted information from public health officials, as well as a section intended for the Public Health Department’s critical community health care partners. The new COVID-19 website is located at http://PublicHealthSBC.org with information available in English and Spanish. The site features daily status reports, general information about coronavirus, prevention tips, frequently asked questions, and links to information released by the California Department of Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To date there are 1,629 cases in the United States with 988 of those still under investigation, and a total of 41 reported deaths, according to the CDC. Brooke Holland of Noozhawk contributed to this report. She can be reached at bholland@ noozhawk.com.

Santa Ynez Valley Libraries Suspend Programming Through April Staff Report

n an effort to follow public health guidelines and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the city of Goleta has suspended library programming at the Goleta, Buellton and Solvang libraries until the end of April. Because it is up to everyone to do their part to help mitigate the transmission of coronavirus, library staff are taking proactive steps to ensure the libraries are a clean and safe space for all. The libraries have increased routine cleaning and sanitizing of commonly touched spaces and surfaces, including but not limited to restrooms, table tops, door knobs, and computers. All soft toys and manipulatives in the children’s area, which are more challenging to keep clean, have been put away for now. All guests and staff are urged to practice social distancing and healthy habits, including frequent and thorough hand-washing for 20 seconds with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and staying home if you are sick. To protect the health and safety of fellow patrons and library staff, patrons are asked to not come to the library, or bring anyone to the library, who is not feeling well. Fortunately, the library has many programs that can be accessed remotely with a Goleta Valley Library or Santa Ynez Valley Library card: – E-library: Download e-books, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, graphic novels, and maga-

zines. – Kanopy: A new free streaming service where you can watch up to 10 movies per month. – The New York Times: Read it online from anywhere. – Brainfuse HelpNow!: Live, online tutoring available daily, 1-10 p.m. Patrons can also order books or audiobooks not owned by the library for home delivery by filling out a Zip Books request form. For reading recommendations of downloadable books, fill out the Personalized Reading List form and receive a personalized list. Books currently placed on hold can be postponed for pick-up or check-out by calling your local library branch or by reviewing your Overdrive account for holds on eBooks and Audiobooks. Visit the Goleta Valley Library website for more information on services available. If your driver’s license has your current address on it, you only need that one item. To talk to a library staff member during open hours, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org. Questions can also be emailed to staff at goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org. Library locations are: » Goleta Valley Library: 500 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta, 805-964-7878. » Buellton Library: 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-688-3115. » Solvang Library: 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang, 805-688-4214.

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