Santa Ynez Valley Star October A 2018 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

October 2-15, 2018

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Husband-wife mechanics to cruise into retirement Nohr’s Auto Haus will close Nov. 30 after decades of service By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

t’s fitting that after more than 30 years in the automotive repair industry that Richard and Mary Nohr will drive off into the sunset when they close Nohr’s Auto Haus in Buellton. “We want to travel a lot and drive to new places. We love being on the road and just cruising together,” Mary Nohr said. The Nohrs have been a staple in the Santa Ynez Valley, where they have been known as one of the few repair shops that specialize in German and European cars. “We have so many amazing customers and we will really miss seeing them, but it’s time to start a new adventure,” Richard Nohr said. The Nohrs came to the valley more than 35 years ago, originally as mechanics for a private jet based in Santa Barbara. “We were looking for a place in Santa Barbara and decided to take a day drive and ended up on the pass (San Marcos Pass). When we came into the valley we saw a ‘For Sale’ sign on a house in Solvang and just turned in to look, and we’ve lived there ever since,” Richard Nohr said. Mary Nohr grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and knew from an early age that she wanted to be a mechanic. She became one of the first women to be licensed as an airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic. “I have always been mechanically inclined.

Photos by Daniel Dreifuss Richard and Mary Nohr have owned and operated Nohr’s Auto Haus in the valley for more than 30 years, and are looking forward to retiring at the end of November.

I love being able to get my hands dirty and fix it myself,” she said. Richard Nohr was born in Germany and came to Sacramento by way of Brazil in 1957 as a young child with his family. He loved taking things apart and putting them back together. The couple met while working at the Napa Airport. Richard remembers when Mary started working there, because he had never seen a woman mechanic before. “I remember when she physically took an engine out of an aircraft all by herself and being very impressed. She isn’t afraid of putting muscle into her work, and I admired that,” he said. He also really liked that she loved riding motorcycles. The couple married in 1980 and ended up in the valley in 1981. After the jet left the Santa Barbara Airport for good, the couple ended up working at Vandenberg Air Force Base as mechanics on Titan rockets. After the space shuttle Challenger blew up in January 1986, Mary Nohr was laid off and started working for a mechanic in Solvang. Soon the Nohrs

decided they wanted to work together again and so they bought the business from Mary’s boss and opened Nohr’s Auto Haus in Santa Ynez. After several years they decided to move to Buellton, and the business has been located ever since behind the Napa shop off Highway 246. “We decided to specialize in Mercedes and then incorporated BMW, Porsche and Volvos as well. It just seemed fitting as we had the knowledge and tools,” Richard Nohr said. Working on European models was a little harder in those days as there were no troubleshooting warnings like a “check engine” light, and there were no computers to plug in to see what area needed attention, they noted. The Nohrs do the work themselves. They never had any employees, and they say they love working together. “We are lucky because there are a lot of husband and wife teams that don’t work well together. Somehow, we just figured out a good pattern and we enjoy being together,” Mary Nohr said. There aren’t many women mechanics on

the Central Coast, but Mary Nohr said that she hopes more women get into the field. “There should be more women mechanics because I think women have a different way of solving problems, and this trade is in high demand. They can bring real brain power to the industry,” she said. Richard Nohr added that he believes that women are better at troubleshooting. He and Mary often discuss how to look at a problem, and she helps him see things differently. Aside from working on cars, Mary Nohr is a self-taught artist. She works in stained glass and also does etched glass and fused glass. In their shop Mary displays and sells her artwork and creates custom pieces for some of her clients. The couple also loves autocross, which is a timed competition in which the drivers navigate a defined course. “We race each other to see who can get the better time in the same vehicle. I think we are pretty even at the moment,” Richard Nohr said. The Nohrs are planning on Nov. 30 being their last day at the shop.

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

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

50TH ANNIVERSARY

Buellton celebrates Avenue of Flags is now stationed near Japan, he told the crowd at the celebration. “The captain said to me, ‘Don’t worry about North Korea. We have enough on the ship to take care of that issue,’ which is absolutely true,” Reagan said as the audience applauded. “So when the president of the United States talks about North Korea, he’s got the USS Ronald Reagan there to make sure By Janene Scully everything’s going to be OK with North Noozhawk North County Editor Korea. “It’s not that a Reagan needs a (President ith an eye to the past while Donald) Trump, but a Trump will always looking to the future, Buellton need a Reagan,” he added to laughter. “Just celebrated the 50th anniversary saying.” of its Avenue of Flags on Sept. 22 with The ceremony included a reading, by the help of former Gov. Ronald Reagan’s Caroline Abate from the Reagan Ranch son. Center in Santa Barbara, of a letter from Then-Gov. Reagan originally dedicated Andrew Coffin, director of the center and the avenue — which had been Highway vice president of the Young America’s 101 when it cut through the community — Foundation. and his son Michael spoke at the anniversaRepresentatives of the Buellton Chamry celebration on Sept. 22. Photo by Victoria Martinez ber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau also Approximately 150 people, including Michael Reagan, son of the late Ronald Reagan, spoke fondly of his family’s ties to Buellton and the rest of the Santa participated, gathering items to be placed several who attended the original dedicaYnez Valley. Below, members of the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band perform during the Avenue of Flags 50th anniversary in a time capsule to be opened in 25 tion, gathered to mark the anniversary. celebration. years. “So I leave you with this: My father may A half-century after its dedication, be gone, (but) the Avenue of Flags that he and we spent a lot of time trying to figure Avenue of Flags — essentially the city’s dedicated 50 years ago will live on forevout how to bring business back to our downtown — has seen some things remain er,” said Michael Reagan, the eldest son of beautiful little town,” she said. the same and some big changes possible the late former governor and president, in Sierra recalled that Vince Evans, owner for the future. his remarks. of Pea Soup Andersen’s, built a zoo, a Regardless, previously installed bronze Decades ago, Buellton provided a pit lake and train ride on freeway frontage statues and a military memorial will restop for Highway 101 travelers between land in hopes of luring tourists back to main, Sierra added. Southern and Northern California, earning Buellton. An Avenue of Flags Specific Plan, the community its nickname, “Service “He also called on his very good friend, calling for an Art Deco theme and vinTown USA.” The community provided then-governor of California, Ronald tage walk, will help guide development food, fuel, lodging and vehicle repairs to Reagan, to come and dedicate the Avenue with a gas station and more planned, she motorists making their way up and down of Flags,” she recalled. “For those who future,” said Michael Reagan, an author, said. the state. were here, it must have been an incredible political consultant and former radio talk “The goal is to make the Avenue pe“This road, Avenue of Flags, put our day.” show host. destrian-friendly — a place to shop, eat, town on the map,” Mayor Holly Sierra Relatives of Reagan, who owned a The younger Reagan continues to work relax, listen to music and catch up with our said. mountaintop ranch south of Buellton, parto advance his father’s causes through the neighbors,” Sierra said. In the 1960s, the state moved the highticipated in the city’s celebration, reflecting Reagan Legacy Foundation, including way a short distance to the east amid an on the family’s ties to Buellton and the creating scholarships for the men and women who serve aboard the USS Ronald Noozhawk North County editor Janene increase in traffic and crashes, Sierra said, Santa Ynez Valley. Reagan. Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk. badly hurting businesses in Buellton. “What a gorgeous avenue it is and what The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier com. “Our economy just crashed in Buellton, a gorgeous avenue it’s going to be in the

Michael Reagan, son of the governor who dedicated the thoroughfare, speaks at festivities

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

Former fire chief returning Retired sheriff’s K-9 as interim appointment officer dies in retirement FBy Brooke Holland

Staff Report

Noozhawk Staff Writer

anta Barbara County officials have appointed former county Fire Chief Michael Dyer as interim fire chief starting Nov. 5 to take over for retiring Fire Chief Eric Peterson. Dyer served as chief of Santa Barbara County Fire for about six years before retiring in 2015, and will work as the interim head while the county searches for a permanent replacement. “Chief Dyer will provide stability, knowledge and leadership to an exceptional department over the next few months as we recruit for the next fire chief,” County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato said in a statement. “Chief Peterson is still here through October, but we wanted to assure our community that the fire department continues to be in good hands through this transition.” The county plans to recruit a new chief and make a hiring decision next year. Dyer has been working for the county Office of Emergency Management as a technical specialist managing the Homeland Security Grant Program and project manager for the Hazard Mitigation Program and Valley Peak Communications Tower. He worked at the Santa Barbara County Fire Department from 2009 until his retirement in 2015, and before that worked as the chief deputy in the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Michael W. Dyer

Photo contributed

He is certified as a hazardous materials specialist, urban search and rescue technician and paramedic and was the 18th chief officer in California to achieve the certification of fire chief from the California State Fire Marshal, according to the county. Dyer has also served on multiple statewide committees including the chair of the FIRESCOPE board of directors, chair of CALFIRE Contract Counties and member of the California Joint Apprenticeship Management Committee, according to the county. Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com.

etti, the only female K-9 officer ever to serve in the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, has died in retirement at 14 years old, the department announced. Betti, whose full name was Betti Blue Van Haus Pe-ja, worked for the Sheriff’s Office for eight years before retiring in 2014. She continued living with her handler, Deputy Mike McNeil, who now works with his K-9 partner Magnum. “She was the best partner and fur baby my family has had,” McNeil said. “She was fierce, strong and driven. She was always willing to give 100 percent to me, our department, and our community. She made me proud to call her my partner.” During her eight years of service, Betti helped save many lives, and the county Board of Supervisors gave her a “resolution of commendation” upon her retirement for outstanding performance and dedicated service. In her career she helped find more than 30 suspects, including violent felons, arsonists, burglars, child molesters and drug offenders, the Sheriff’s Office noted. One of Betti’s most memorable achievements was in 2009, when she located several types of illegal narcotics including more than 300 tablets of ecstasy in Orcutt. On another occasion in June of 2007, she was responsible for tracking down a Goleta man who had sexually assaulted an eight-year-old girl at Girsh Park. She also participated in a wide range of

Photo contributed K-9 Betti Blue Van Haus Pe-ja lived to be 14 years old.

exhibitions for thousands of people including civic groups and clubs, private organizations, youth groups and more than 50 schools. The Sheriff’s Office purchased Betti through public donations and grant funding from the National Police Dog Foundation (NPDF), which handled her remains complete with an American flag cover for her final transport. For information on how to support this group, go to www.nationalpolicedogfoundation.org. Funds for local K-9 units are also raised by the nonprofit Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse and its Project Deputy Dog campaign. The group recently raised funds to purchase K-9 Krypto, a narcotics dog assigned to the Santa Barbara County Jail. For more information, go to www.sbsheriff sposse.org.

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October 2-15, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5 Letters to the editor should be no more than 300 words in length. Send letters to: Raiza Giorgi, PO Box 1594, Solvang, CA 93464 or email to: news@santaynezvalleystar.com Please include your name and address and phone number.

Be kind; ID1 board members are good people

y husband and I moved to Solvang in 1989. We moved here because we wanted to start our family in a small town environment. The Santa Ynez Valley is a place where people are known for being friendly and neighborly. We look out for one another. Unfortunately what I’ve been witnessing and reading in the papers and online, printed by just a few individuals regarding ID1 and its board members and water manager, is just plain mean-spirited, accusatory and a blatant disregard for the truth. This board is dedicated to the preservation of our valley and water resources. They are kind individuals who have gone above and beyond their duty as board members to help people throughout our valley and beyond. If you would just take time to get to know any of these men up for re-election, you would see they are men of integrity, knowledge and are just all around nice guys. Please let’s not let a few individuals with an agenda, who just moved into our valley last year, taint our minds with their bold, untrue accusations and constant threats of lawsuits. Let’s not throw decency and common sense out the door for the drama of just a few. I would encourage these people who have such hate in them to go out to coffee with any of these board members, and you don’t have to agree with everything, but please be a kind human being

and try to understand another’s reasoning by the good old art of discussion. Robyn Clay Solvang

Buellton Crab Feast Gala makes big debut The first Buellton Crab Feast Gala was a huge success! It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves while feasting on crab legs at the Zaca Creek Golf Course. Surrounded by beautiful green fairways and twinkling lights, this event had plenty of food, live music and raffle prizes. All of this would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the many people involved in making this event a great one. I would like to take the time to thank them for their service at the Buellton Crab Feast and to the community at large. First, a big thank you to all of the staff and officials at the city of Buellton for their support in making it possible to put on a recreational event of this caliber. Thank you to all of the dedicated members of Jonata-Oak Valley PTSA and their families. A big thanks to all the business and individuals who donated items to the raffle: Alma Rosa Winery, Ascendant

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

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

Santa Barbara County leads Central Coast in top incomes By Kenneth Harwood

Economist, Solvang Chamber of Commerce

ur top one percent of incomes looked much like these averages in 2015, highlighting differences in geography. Incomes were those reported for federal income tax. Average incomes seemed to be at three levels. The highest level included Santa Barbara County and California. The second level included the United States and Ventura County, while San Luis Obispo County was at the third level. Ventura County’s average was 55 percent higher than that of San Luis Obispo County. Santa Barbara County’s average was 42 percent greater than Ventura County’s. The averages included all reported kinds of income, not salaries and wages alone. These very high incomes typically included diverse investments, with some investments at higher risk than reporters of lower income seemed willing or able to undertake. Concentration of higher average incomes in the top one percent of Santa Barbara

County could have reflected a few communities in which standards of living appealed to those who could pay for a combination of valued amenities.

Another view is that being of average income in the top one percent of San Luis Obispo County was less costly than it would have been if you lived in Ventura

County or Santa Barbara County. For details, see the report of July 19, 2018, by Estelle Sommeiller and Mark Price on the website of Economic Policy Institute.

Local funeral director wants to change the way we deal with death By Dan Flynn

home that same year from the Spanish Flu. Families could no longer bear the load. This spawned the birth of the modern funeral industry. Unfortunately, it has since had the adverse effect of taking away the family’s role (and therefore their sense of closure) in the passing of a loved one.

Contributed

Few would argue that almost every aspect of our society has changed dramatically in just the last 30 years, but there is one aspect that has hardly changed in the last 100 years —the way we handle the death of a loved one.

What’s the solution? First, people should know some basic facts: Embalming is not required by law, even for burial; caskets are not required for burial; vaults are required by cemeteries only so that it’s easier for them to cut the grass. For years, the funeral industry has tried to convince the public that these things are required by law, and it’s just not true. They’ve even gone so far as to make us think that our loved one’s body is somehow harmful and shouldn’t be touched, except by a “professional.” There is nothing harmful about a body.

I’m a local funeral director, the managing funeral director of Solvang’s Simply Remembered Cremation Care, and I am teaching people to take back their roots and their rights. There was a day when families played the leading role in a loved one’s final disposition rather than turning over control to a funeral home. Prior to 1918, families took care of their own. They prepared the body, a family member or close friend built the coffin, and the viewing and funeral service were done in the family’s home. What changed? World War I and the Spanish Influenza epidemic. In 1918, a little over 116,000 U.S. troops had died in World War I, which was just a fraction of the estimated 675,000 who died back

Photo contributed Dan Flynn

Home funerals are allowed in all 50 states and are making a comeback, thanks to organizations like the National Home Funeral Alliance. Home funerals are really “Old School” in a positive way. There is no legal limit to the amount of time that the family can keep their loved one at home,

but in the typical home funeral scenario, it’s about three days. In that time, the family takes part in bathing and dressing the body and holding the viewing and services in the home, and then the body is taken to the cemetery or crematory. “Green” burials (without highly toxic embalming fluid, a metal casket and a vault) are legal in all 50 states and usually involve the family placing the body in the grave in a simple cloth shroud. Yet I don’t know of one cemetery in Santa Barbara County that allows it. They require vaults, just so they can cut the grass easier. It’s a real shame. California is a leader in eco-friendly dispositions. Currently 63 percent of Californians are cremated, and that number is rising. The state just passed a law allowing “water cremation,” officially called alkaline hydrolysis, which is the ultimate in eco-friendly disposition. Between green burials, home funerals and water cremation, we can be much better at how we treat our loved ones and the planet. Imagine if every time someone died, we planted a tree rather than a tombstone.

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

Dulce Shepherd Marrs

November 1, 1948 – September 12, 2018

Dulce Shepherd Marrs, of Solvang, California, passed away after a brief struggle with lung cancer the morning of September 12, 2018 at her Solvang home with her youngest sister, Bunnie, by her side. Dulce was the fourth born of the nine children of Willard W. and Norma D. Shepherd. She is survived by her loving siblings, Willard Shepherd III, Heidi Shepherd, Elise Shepherd, Rondi Shepherd Knight, Lauri Shepherd (Paul) Ruiz, Wendy Shepherd, and Bunnie Shepherd (Ken) Sexton, step-mother Gerry Shepherd, and half-brothers Earl Shepherd and Wendell Shepherd, nephews Kenny Sexton, Kris Sexton, Joshua Sexton, Jerrod Knight, Dolan Knight and nieces Raechel Knight Atkeson and Madeline Sexton. Dulce was predeceased by her father, Willard W. Shepherd, mother, Norma Dolan Shepherd, and brother, James Barrett Shepherd. Dulce was a graduate of Santa Ynez Valley High School and received her teaching degree from the University of British Columbia. In her Athletic Career, She was a Champion Surfer, Semi-pro Racquetball player, and avid Equestrian.

Licensed both in Massage Therapy and as an EMT, She also thoroughly studied Oriental Medicine. Her membership in ‘MENSA International’ attested to her keen mind. Dulce was an artist in many mediums. A ‘hands on’ home builder and co-designer, her latest a stunning ‘adobe style’ residence insulated by straw. Fascinated by different cultures and their artistry, she created and sold handbags and vests made of tapestries from the Far East. Her latest creation by ‘Shepherd Productions’ was a line of Impressionistic photo greeting cards under the company ‘Outside My Window’, to reflect the beauty she felt was to be found in our immediate surroundings. Dulce was a long-time participant with the Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, led by conductor and composer Chris Bowman. She was a generous supporter of her church and many causes. Graveside Services were held Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard, Father Bob Barbato, OFM, Cap. officiating. In lieu of flowers, Dulce’s wish was for contributions to be made to The Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center.

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

Danish Days fun ends after 9,000 aebleskiver

Annual festival again draws thousands, including professional eaters Staff Report

The annual Danish Days celebration drew thousands of people to Solvang to take part in all of its traditional activities, ranging from cultural and historical lessons to eating contests — mixed with a large helping of fun and entertainment. Led by Danish Maid Christiana Heron, the weekend of Sept. 14-16 began with the Torchlight Parade on Friday night, featured the main Danish Days parade on Saturday, and closed with the charming Children’s Parade on Sunday. In between, people at the popular aebleskiver breakfasts and aebleskiver eating contests consumed nearly 9,000 of the

delicious round pancake balls. The winning float in the Danish Days Parade, led by Grand Marshals Glen and Michele Jacobsen, was the “Float”-ing Along in Beautiful Copenhagen” entry by Nielsen Building Materials and the

Photos by Barry Sigman

Andersen family. It featured a larger-thanlife mermaid that epitomized the parade’s theme, “Beautiful Denmark by the Sea.” Category winners in the Saturday parade were Birkholm’s (Best Family/Group entry, including the original 1953 Chevy delivery truck once used by Helms Bakery); the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School band (Best Musical entry); the Solvang Village Band and the Carlsberg Beer Wagon (Best Equestrian/Animal entry); and the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau (Best Miscellaneous Entry). Among the nearly two dozen entries were three bands: the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School band; Ojai’s Nordhoff High School band, which has marched in the Danish Days Parade for more than two decades; and the ever-popular Solvang Village Band atop the Carlsberg Beer Wagon. The Saturday and Sunday aebleskiver

eating contests, which are free to enter but require eating without hands, produced an entertaining array of winners. Saturday’s contest was dominated by touring competitive eater Raina Huang, who easily cleared the previous modern record of 18.5 aebleskiver by downing 36 of them in five minutes. Her colleague and tour mate, Nadia White, ate 22 to take third place, while Judson Clark – the former record-holder – took second by eating 23. The Sunday winner in the “16 and up” category was Charles G. Bill Jr., 61, from Cypress, who tied another competitor with 18 and then ate three more in a tie-breaker. Sunday’s “16 and under” category winner was Noah Meijer, who ate 10. The nonprofit Solvang Danish Days Foundation also announced the dates for the 84th annual Solvang Danish Days as Sept. 20-22, 2019.

More information, go to www.SolvangDanishDays.org or use Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Children’s Parade ends weekend with big smiles By Kyah Corff SYV Star Intern

Danish Days was wrapped up in adorable fashion again this year with the Children’s Parade on Sunday afternoon, highlighting and celebrating the community’s children. With huge smiles on their faces, children walked or rode decorated bicycles or wagons down the streets of Solvang while waving to a cheering audience. “The Children’s Parade was a nice way to help end the event with something short and sweet,” said Donna Andersen Ineman, a coordinator of the event since 1996. She has seen all her kids participate in the parade and has watched the event grow over the years. About 50 children of all ages made the short journey down Copenhagen Drive to Alisal Road, then back through an alley to Solvang Park. The route is intentionally kept short so kids can walk or ride without getting too tired. The parade was led by the 2016-2018

Photo contributed Children walked or rode decorated bicycles or wagons down the streets of Solvang.

Danish Maids — Christiana Heron, Gabriella Heron and Natalya Nielsen. Children followed on bikes, in wagons, on foot, and throwing candy. The SYV Jazz Band also had a float, trumpeting the parade around. The parade ended with ice cream donated

by Ingeborg’s Chocolate Shop, ribbons for participants, and Danish Days festivities in Solvang Park. Nine-year-old Warren Crawford enjoyed riding his bike in the parade because he could “ride on the streets without being scared of

cars” and because “I love ice cream!” The best part of the event, for most, was the joy in the children’s smiles as they were applauded by the crowd. “Who doesn’t like to see a smile on a child’s face? They love the attention and the ribbons,” Anderson Ineman said. Also participating in the parade was Ashlee Madrid, the 1999 Danish Maid, with her daughters Adeline and Aleena Madrid. She has continued being involved in the community and her daughters have been in the parade since they were newborns. “It gives them roots in their culture and a chance to celebrate all the wonderful things about being Danish,” said Ashlee, explaining her love for the Children’s Parade. “I wanted to be in the parade because I like to walk down the streets and see everyone ... It’s just fun!” added 10-year-old Adeline. Kyah Corff is a senior at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.

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

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

Columbus Day, Leif Eriksson Day were once controversial

By John Copeland Contributed

October has two holidays, and this year they are being observed just a day apart — Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 8 and 9. Ironically, we are celebrating the two men who are both heralded as the discoverers of the New World, Leif Eriksson and Christopher Columbus. In elementary school, we all learned that “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue,” but Columbus was not the first European to discover the New World. Viking Leif Eriksson set foot in the New World a full 500 years before Columbus even set foot on a ship. We now know the archeological site called L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland as Ericsson’s short-lived Vinland colony. Excavations in the 1960s uncovered Viking artifacts confirming it as the earliest European settlement yet known in North America. The dating of the site corresponds to Norse sagas about Leif Eriksson and the Vinland colony. Leif and his crew stayed on in Vinland for a winter and then made their return to Greenland in the spring. Despite some claims that Leif returned to Vinland, it’s generally believed he didn’t. Surprisingly, few people ever returned to Vinland. Only Leif’s brother, Thorvald, and a small group of settlers made the journey back. A “skirmish” with Native Americans reportedly ended in Thorvald’s death. He is believed to be the first European to die and be buried in North America, which is a sad

distinction, but a distinction nonetheless. The only references to Leif’s voyages and discovery are recorded in two Norse sagas, Erik’s saga and the Groenlendinga saga. Unfortunately, this caused his discovery to remain unknown to nearly all of Europe, which, at the time, was preoccupied with the first Crusade. Leif Eriksson may even have been a late-comer in the northern latitudes. There are many tales of Irish monks, Phoenicians, West Africans and others who came to the New World in antiquity. Speculations about these stories capture the imagination and challenge conventional wisdom. However, with the exception of Eriksson, pre-Columbian contacts between the Americas and Asia, Africa, or Europe have not been fully proved. And though Christopher Columbus was certainly not the first to “discover” the Americas, he was definitely the last. Columbus and his holiday are controversial today largely because of the way he and subsequent European explorers and settlers treated Native Americans. For years, there have been campaigns to celebrate an Indigenous Peoples’ Day. More than a century ago, there was a push to

recognize Leif Eriksson over Columbus. In 1892, the U.S. celebrated a Columbian Centennial: the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ journey to the Americas. At the time, the country’s recognition of him was a source of pride for many Italian Americans and Italian immigrants. But not everyone was pleased that the U.S. was honoring Columbus. Scandinavian immigrants and Americans of northern European descent wanted to celebrate Eriksson instead. This was a time of fervent anti-immigrant and anti-Italian sentiment in many parts of the United States, and the idea that the first Europeans to America were not southern Europeans was appealing. Eriksson’s nationality wasn’t the only thing that made some people favor him over Columbus. In the 19th century, Americans who were not Catholic were really leery of the Catholic church. The rise of Columbus’ reputation in the late 1800s did motivate anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic Americans to argue for the national recognition of Eriksson over Columbus. Around the time of the Columbian Centennial, a Catholic organization, the Knights of Columbus, and several Italian American groups began to lobby Congress to recog-

nize Columbus Day. In 1907, the founder of Colorado’s first Italian newspaper helped establish the first official Columbus Day in his state; within a few years, 15 more states had adopted the holiday. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1971, most states had already recognized Columbus Day. Leif Eriksson Day made its debut in the early 20th century, too, but it never gained the same momentum. While Columbus is honored with a federal holiday, the man considered to be the leader of the first European expedition to North America has not been completely forgotten on the calendar. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation that declared October 9 to be Leif Eriksson Day, a national day of observance, and presidents have issued proclamations about it every year. The proximity of the days honoring Eriksson and Columbus is coincidence. October 9 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the 1825 arrival in New York of the ship Restauration, which carried the first organized band of Norwegian immigrants to the United States. Columbus’ “victory” over Eriksson is partly due to early lobbying by Italian Americans but also because, even if he was not the first, Columbus arguably played a greater role in European migration to America. Today, the clash between Columbus and Eriksson has faded, and the question about Columbus Day is whether we should celebrate it at all. South Dakota celebrates “Native American Day” instead, and both Hawaii and Alaska do not celebrate Columbus Day. In fact, Columbus Day’s current detractors might argue that the debate over whether Columbus or Eriksson played a greater role in European migration to America is moot, since both of them “discovered” a place where millions of people already lived. Maybe it is time to inaugurate an Explorer’s Day that celebrates both of them.

To do real research, get up and go

By Sheila Benedict Contributing Writer

“All genealogists strive to reconstruct family histories or achieve genealogical goals that reflect historical reality as closely as possible,” to quote “Genealogy Standards,” 50th Anniversary Edition, written by the Board for Certification of Genealogists, published by Ancestry.com in 2014.

This “Genealogical Proof Standard” is interpreted to mean that no limits should be placed on research and no time limit placed on the work needed to achieve accurate, reliable conclusions. Some records are often overlooked. There are probate files, land records, tax records, oral history tapes/transcripts (Do not forget to interview grandparents, and waiting is not an option.) military files, Civil War and other war pension files. For later wars, they were/are housed at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. In 1973, a terrible fire destroyed millions of files yet it is always wise to check – maybe your ancestor’s file was among the surviving records. Try visiting a library or archive in a hometown and search for newspaper clippings, school year-

books, city directories, and county histories. Yes, a lot of them are online, but why not make the trip? In spite of what many people think, everything is not online; grave websites do not have all burials, and newspaper websites do not have all articles. Most of all, going to the place where your ancestors spent parts of their lives takes their history to a higher level. You get to see a “picture” of how and where they lived, what church they went to, descendants that still live there, old friends — maybe even an occasional horse thief, who knows? Why not walk through a cow pasture to find an old cemetery? Just be sure to bring tall boots! If you are doing a lot of research and collecting many documents, organize everything from

day one. Start a research log, cite each source you locate, make a “bucket list” of things to do, places to go, goals, and results. Some years ago, my husband and I traveled to Ohio to visit Quaker sites where his ancestors lived in the 1800s. We spent two weeks in repositories, graveyards, areas they called home, a Quaker Monthly Meeting, visited the Benedict House Historic Site in Morrow County that was part of the Underground Railroad, and spent time with a collateral descendant. When my husband returned the rental car, the camera and film were inadvertently overlooked. When we called, we were told no

o RESEARCH CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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Silent sentinels have stood for 50 years Cedar trees forming canopy over Highway 246 were planted to shield horses By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

One of the most frequent questions from visitors at Flag Is Up Farms is, “Who planted all those trees along Highway 246?” It’s a question many local residents ask as well. The several hundred deodar cedar trees that create a canopy over Highway 246 were planted more than 50 years ago by Monty and Pat Roberts, owners of the historic farm. They bought the property in 1965 from Hastings Harcourt as a potential thoroughbred horse operation. Harcourt also owned a large nursery near Happy Canyon. “The tree nursery produced around 5,000 deodar cedars, which were 6 to 8 feet tall at the time,” Monty Roberts recalled. “Harcourt asked that the trees be included in the landscape plan for Flag Is Up Farms.” In January 1966 several hundred trees were transplanted along Highway 246. The earliest were dug out of the ground by hand and boxed by a large team of field workers, directed by Roberts. “It was clear that a better method had to be found or it would take us a decade or so to move the number of trees involved,” he said. “I managed to find a company which had manufactured a product called a ‘tree spade.’

Photo by Pamela Dozois The cedars lining Highway 246 were planted more than 50 years ago

Quickly it became obvious that we also needed a break-away steel container in which to place the root ball. “Kris Klibo, an emigrant from Denmark, was instrumental in the incredible effort to produce the break-away transport boxes. He was a genius in the category of welding and iron work. We created an open-ditch irrigation

system, which worked well. The trees were placed on low-bed trailers. One day was for their removal and one day was for transport and planting. “There was a rather heavy death loss in the earliest trees that were transplanted and so about 100 or so more trees had to be replanted in 1967 to fill in the gaps. The trees were

planted to protect the pasture horses from the traffic along Highway 246.” When Roberts bought the property, it was 1,250 acres that spanned both sides of Highway 246. Since then, portions of the

o SENTINELS CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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Photo contributed Black-and-white photo taken in 1967 shows a line of small trees at the top

SENTINELS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 original acreage have been sold. Today, Flag Is Up Farms is 100 acres. Now, the cedars that welcome visitors to the Santa Ynez Valley have been a part of the community longer than many of its residents. Over the years the farm has continued to be a horse-training facility that encompasses race horse training, remedial training, rehabilitation, training for young horses, and foaling services. The farm is also a USDA approved outgoing quarantine facility for horses going to Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the EU. The farm also hosts many events and fundraisers such as the Vintners Festival,

RESEARCH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 camera or film had been found. We made plans to return but, sadly, my husband’s health did not allow that to happen. What a treasure those pictures were, but forever lost. Is there a moral to the story? Yes, check everything before you leave your hotel, rental car, a repository, the copy machine, and others. Pictures enhance genealogical research.

Real Men Cook and art exhibits, as well as weddings, corporate events and historical guided tours. At 83 years old, Monty Roberts continues to travel 10 months of the year, teaching worldwide his nonviolent method of communication with horses. Pat Roberts continues to sculpt and paint and exhibit her work while also showing her reining and cutting horses. She also competes with her champion Australian shepherd, Monk, in agility courses. Flag Is Up Farms will be hosting the SLOPOKE art exhibit and sale on Oct. 5 and 6 and Real Men Cook on Oct. 13. For more information, call 805-688-4382 or email info@montyroberts.com. They could confirm your dad looks like great-grandma, your family farmed, rode horses, and one was a champion swimmer. Genealogy research is not easy but so worth it when your history comes alive. Sheila Benedict is a professional forensic and family genealogist. Send questions to news@ santaynezvalleystar.com so they can be answered in future issues.

Photo contributed Brielle Hunter Van Pelt

Birth Announcement Contributed

Brielle Hunter Van Pelt was born to Bradlee and Rachael Van Pelt at 4:23 p.m. Aug. 16, 2018, at 7 pounds, 12 ounces and 20.5 inches long at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Brielle joins older brother Aben “Justen” and sister Vienna. Her grandparents are Susan Van Pelt of Santa Barbara and Art and Terri Kaslow of Solvang.

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

Chumash to host annual pow-wow Dancers and drummers from tribes throughout the U.S. to perform Oct. 6-7 Native American dancing, singing and drumming will be on display Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-7, during the 23rd annual Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow at the Live Oak Campground near Lake Cachuma. The event draws members of tribal nations from across the U.S. and Canada to participate in dancing and drumming competitions. Dancing categories include traditional, straight, fancy, grass, jingle dress, buckskin and cloth dancing. More than $50,000 in prize money will be offered. The event will also feature Native American food and crafts booths. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 6 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 7. A gourd dance at noon, followed by a grand entry at 1 p.m., will mark the start each day of the pow-wow, which is the largest cultural event of the year held by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The pow-wow is an annual effort of a committee of Chumash tribal volunteers who plan, organize and operate the two-day event. The committee’s goal is to provide the community with educational and cultural experiences focusing on Native American

Photo contributed The 23rd annual Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow will take place Oct. 6-7 at Life Oak Campground.

music, arts and customs while also promoting native self-reliance and pride. It will be a zero-waste and a non-Styrofoam event, in keeping with the tribe’s commitment to be environmental stewards. Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles, support the event’s green vendors and dispose of trash in the proper receptacle bins. Live Oak Campground is located at 4650 Highway 154. Admission is free, parking costs $5 and camping costs $35. For more information, call 805-688-7997 or visit santaynezchumash.org/powwow.html.

‘Blessing of the Animals’ returns Oct. 7 The annual “Blessing of the Animals” will take place at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at St. Mark’s-in-thePhoto contributed Valley Episcopal St. Mark’s Priest and Rector Randall Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave. in Los Olivos. This informal gathering is conducted each year to commemorate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, Oct. 4, and his love for all creatures great and small. People of all ages are welcome to bring pets on a leash or in a crate for a special individual prayer of blessing by the Rev. Dr. Randall Day, the church’s priest and rector, starting at 5 p.m. The event includes a musical performance by multi-instrumentalist Adam Phillips, the founder and director of the Santa Barbara Folk Orchestra, and by a complimentary reception with treats for the animals and their humans. Children are also welcome to bring stuffed animal toys for a blessing. For more information, visit www.SMITV.org.

Hospital schedules free health fair for Oct. 6 The public is invited to the 36th annual Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Free Health Fair from 10 a.m. Photo contributed to 12:30 p.m. Registered Nurse Gayle Mercado administers a free Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Santa Ynez flu shot. Valley Marriott Hotel, 555 McMurray Road in Buellton. Among other things, the health fair offers free services including flu shots for people 18 and older, cholesterol and glucose finger-stick tests, osteoporosis screenings and blood pressure checks. There will also be hands-only CPR demonstrations and an opportunity to meet the hospital auxiliary’s certified therapy dogs. In addition, hospital staff members will properly fit safety helmets for children and adults for just $10 cash per helmet, which would otherwise cost from $40 to $70. Those attending can also register to win prize drawings every half hour. For more information, visit www.cottagehealth.org/SYVHealthFair

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

Concert to benefit Solvang Festival Theater

Genre-bending Mat Kearney brings his CrazyTalk tour to town Oct. 10 Staff Report

Photo contributed The Canadian Snowbirds fly nine jets in the Big Diamond Bottom Side formation.

Air show returning to Santa Maria Airport Brian Stanley

Contributing Writer

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will fill the skies over the Santa Maria Valley during the inaugural Central Coast AirFest Oct. 6-7 at the Santa Maria Public Airport. Central Coast AirFest revives the tradition of showcasing military aircraft and aerobatic stunt demonstrations that began in the 1980s in Santa Maria. “In the ’80s it was called Golden State Air Fair and then it transferred over to Thunder Over the Valley, which was ran by the Santa Maria Museum of Flight,” said Airshow Director Chris Kunkle. It’s been three years since there has been an air show in Santa Maria, with the last Thunder Over the Valley taking place in August 2015. “The military went through a sequestration period where they weren’t supporting air shows or any kind of extra activities,” Kunkle said. “It’s really hard on air shows if you don’t have that kind of support from the military.” Kunkle said the process of reviving the Santa Maria air show began a year ago with a 14-member committee that includes Central Coast Jet Center President Jim Kunkle, Airport Manager Chris Hastert, and Suzanne Singh of the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce. “We sat down and brainstormed what everybody thought was needed,” Kunkle said. With the armed forces supporting air shows once again, organizers compiled a list of military aircraft desired at the show. “Overall, the support from the military, Canada and the United States, is great,” Kunkle said. THE SNOWBIRDS Flying Canadair CT-114 Tutor jets, the nine pilot Snowbirds air demonstration squadron’s 2018 performance celebrates the 60TH anniversary of Canada’s and the United States’ partnership with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). “We got very lucky because we didn’t have to go out and do a really big campaign to get a jet team here because the Snowbirds wanted to come here,” Kunkle said. The Snowbirds appearance at Central Coast AirFest marks the squadron’s only California appearance on the team’s 2018 schedule. The

involvement of the Canadian squadron has also garnered support from the Consulate General of Canada. “Now we have the support of the Canadian Consulate out of Los Angeles,” Kunkle said. “They want to support any way they can.” The Snowbirds are comparable to the United States’ air demonstration teams, the Air Force’s Thunderbirds and the Navy’s Blue Angels. AirFest will feature Santa Paula aerobatics pilot Sammy Mason and Santa Cruz pilot Eric Tucker’s comedic flying act. “Act wise, we have a lot of local talent,” Kunkle said. “We have a lot of people who wanted to be here just because of the history of aviation in Santa Maria.” Flying a Pitts Special single-seat aerobatic biplane, Mason describes his act as a high-energy performance that will feature a lot of smoke, noise, tumbles, tail slides and snap rolls. “It’s a real honor to be involved,” Mason said. “I’m looking forward to showing off my talent locally. I’m hoping the air show goes on for many years to come.” With the flight in his biplane taking just an hour from Santa Paula to Santa Maria, Mason says he’s happy to be performing close to home. “I’m excited to perform with the Snowbirds again. I performed with them a couple years ago,” Mason said. Tucker is debuting a new aerobatic comedy act during the air show in his J-3 Cub, nicknamed My Little Tiger Kitten. Tucker’s act draws influence from the barnstorming era of the 1920s. “This is the act I wanted to do since I was 12,” said Tucker, who grew up around the air show circuit. “It’s the counterpart to the air show, as a rodeo clown is to the rodeo.” Featuring dead-stick aerobatics during his act, Tucker will also attempt to land his plane on the rooftop of a 1990 Ford ambulance traveling down the runway. Tucker is a Cal Poly graduate and his father, Sean D. Tucker, was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame as an air show performer in 2008. Organizers also incorporated Santa Maria’s history of being a training location for military pilots during World War II. Training was held at the G. Allan Hancock College of Aeronautics and the Santa Maria Army Air Field.

Photo contributed Eric Tucker lands his J3 Cub on a 1990 Ambulance.

“There is a lot of history around here that goes along with the air show,” Kunkle said. The Hancock flight school, located on the current Hancock College campus, trained PT-13 Stearman pilots while the Army Air Field, now Santa Maria’s airport, trained pilots to fly P-38 Lightning bombers. The air show will bring history to life with a P-38 Lightning being on display to allow for an up-close look of the vintage bomber. “We’ll actually get to see it fly,” Kunkle added about the P-38. “It’s very iconic for this area, so we’re very excited about it.” Other World War II-era military aircraft on display will be the P-51 Mustang and the F8F Bearcat. The modern United States military aircraft scheduled include the F-15 Eagle and F-18 Hornet jet fighters along with the C-120 Hercules and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor transport aircraft. AirFest will also feature food vendors, a beer garden sponsored by Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, a kid activity zone hosted by McDonalds, John Deere and Case tractor displays, and live music from Santa Ynez country artist Dylan Ortega. “There’s going to be something for everybody,” Kunkle said. “Whether you like the beer, whether you like the gourmet food or the tractors or the aircraft.” For more information on Central Coast AirFest and to purchase tickets, visit www.centralcoastairfest.com.

Platinum-selling recording artist Mat Kearney and special guest Atlas Genius will perform at Solvang Festival Theater on Wednesday, Oct. 10, in a benefit for the theater itself. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the music will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45. For $105, Golden Circle tickets include the best seats in the house and a post-show catered reception with the artist. A boundary-breaking artist, Kearney grew up in Eugene, Oregon, where as a teenager he developed his love for classic songwriting, the kind that transcends generations and genres. On his fifth album, CRAZYTALK, he mixes organic instruments, electronic samples, chill house grooves and tropical sounds with thought-provoking lyrics. “At my core, I’m a songwriter,” said Kearney, who produced half of the album in his home studio in Nashville with lyrics inspired, in part, by the birth of his first child in 2017. Kearney has earned the No. 1 spot on iTunes, topped multiple Billboard charts and won several BMI awards. He has been played more than 1 billion times on Pandora and has 2.3 million followers on Spotify. His music also has been played on top TV shows including “NCIS” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Supporting Kearney in his first show in Solvang is the Australian alt rock band Atlas Genius, fronted by brothers Keith and Michael Jeffrey, who made a huge splash in the U.S. with their hit single “Trojan.” Solvang Festival Theater at 420 2nd Street in Solvang is owned, operated and maintained by the nonprofit Solvang Theaterfest Inc. For tickets, go to www.solvangfestivaltheater. org or call 805-686-1789.

Lectures to highlight Native American ‘service and sacrifice’ Staff Report

Local author and documentary filmmaker Gary Robinson will be featured this month in a three-part lecture series titled “Stories of Service and Sacrifice” that focuses on the history of Native American service in the United States armed forces. The free talks will be presented at 7 p.m. Oct. 3, 10 and 17 at the Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave. in Los Olivos. Robinson, owner of TribalEye Productions is of Choctaw and Cherokee Indian descent. The Los Olivos Community Organization (LOCO) and the Los Olivos Library are jointly sponsoring these events. For more information, go to www.locorg.org or www.tribaleyeproductions.com.

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

OCT 6-7

Watch one of the world’s most synchronized Air Forces perform over the skies of Santa Maria.

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

LOCAL CANDIDATE

VOTER GUIDE A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY STAR

LEARN ABOUT YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATES

WELCOME, VALLEY VOTERS

elcome, voters, to this special election section of the Santa Ynez Valley Star. Although the election date is Nov. 6, we’re publishing it now because the many people who vote by mail are scheduled to begin receiving their ballots in the week of Oct. 8. In these pages you will find information from candidates seeking seats on the Buellton and Solvang city councils and the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District Board of Trustees. We focused on these three jurisdictions because they are the largest in the valley and because those races are much more heavily contested than in most election years. At the high school, the crowd of candidates includes 11 people seeking three

seats on the school board. If you want to meet them, come to the Star’s election forum from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the Little Theater on campus. We’ll be asking the candidates questions and videotaping the event for replay at www. santaynezvalleystar.com. In Solvang, City Councilman Ryan Toussaint is challenging incumbent Jim Richardson for mayor while eight other people are seeking three seats on the City Council. You can meet those candidates at an election forum from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, in the Parish Hall of Bethania Lutheran Church. We will also be videotaping that Q&A session for replay on www.santaynezvalleystar.com. In Buellton, Mayor Holly Sierra is

unopposed for re-election but seven other people are running for the other four council seats. A forum for those candidates is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, in the Oak Valley School multipurpose room at 595 Second St. in Buellton. As a newspaper staff we are grateful to the candidates who have taken the time to send us the responses that you can read in this section. Voters have until Monday, Oct. 22, to register in time to vote on Nov. 6. For more information about the election, including how to register, go to www. sbcvote.com and click on the “Elections” tab at the top of the page.

REMEMBER TO VOTE NOVEMBER 6, 2018

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SOLVANG MAYOR (VOTE FOR 1) 1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you? 2. How does the Mayor’s role differ from that of other City Council members, and which of those differences are most important to the city’s residents? 3. Should Solvang diversify its economy to make it less dependent on tourism? If so, how? If not, what is the City Council’s role in supporting the tourism economy? 4. Future annexations to Solvang have been a topic recently. Should Solvang expand its borders? If so, by how much? And how should that growth be accomplished?

Jim Richardson

Retired from computer industry; current mayor of Solvang n 1. As in the last thirteen years, I want to continue to be a part of the successes of the city I love and live in. Tourism is the most important issue to me. Tourism is the city’s life blood that provides approximately 60 percent of the revenues we need to sustain the lifestyle that makes this Danish inspired community the wonderful place it is. Other issues, however, are controlling expenses, water and sewer rates, infrastructure maintenance and improvements, parks, employee retirement plans, and supporting social services such as the senior center, Solvang School music and arts program, the museums, People Helping People, Veggie Rescue, Theaterfest and others. We’ve been successful at all of this and still

Ryan Toussaint

Technology business owner; Solvang City Council member n 1. I built an information technology business from scratch and led a team of 12 employees through the last recession. We provided competitive, high quality services to hundreds of customers throughout the area. I will use my management skills to help the council navigate through issues such as water, traffic, strategic partnerships, and updating an aging infrastructure. In my first term, I have proven that I am fiscally responsible to the constituents of the City of Solvang. I was able to stop significant water rate increases by auditing the budget and eliminating unwarranted expenses. I will continue to fight for the taxpayers of Solvang while improving city infrastructure to improve services for residents

have a budget surplus every year, of which 50 percent goes into reserves for future expenses and emergencies.

run with a quiet decorum, with respect to those on the dais, and to all who appear before the council. It must be remembered that council meetings are business meetings and should be conducted as such.

as they travel. Council members also join in the city’s many celebrations: Yulefest, Danish Days, 4th of July, car shows, and many social and charitable fundraisers. I believe that shows the spirit of our city to the visitors

n 2. The mayor is a member of the City Council and has the same power – one vote. The mayJim Richardson or’s responsibilities are chairing council meetings, following the agenda and representing the city in an official capacity. Those responsibilities are spelled out in city ordinances. The mayor will confer with the city manager in setting the council meeting agenda. The mayor and other council members may confer with senior city staff, but may not direct their activities. That is a function of the city manager. I believe that council meetings should be

n 3. A city with a single industry is subject to be a failing city. That being said, it doesn’t mean tourism will cause our city to die, there’ll always be tourists, but the public can be fickle. The council understands that, I believe, because we have had an economic development committee to study ways to insure against a downturn in our economy. We haven’t arrived at a total solution, but we keep meeting and are continually looking for a solid source of revenue; a clean industry, perhaps. The council’s role in supporting tourism is to insure proper funding of the visitors bureau and Chamber of Commerce. They could also be ambassadors, inviting people to Solvang,

n 4. I don’t know if we should expand the city limits. We’ve had a sturdy that didn’t give me the answers I was hoping for — a yes or a no. Are there advantages to expanding? Yes, for example, how can we bring into town another industrial base without more land? But, if we expand, the state will get involved in determining our housing stock and other infrastructure requirements. We live in a city surrounded by rural farmland, it’s beautiful, but how can we keep it that way if we can’t control how that land is being developed? How long can we protect our rural community with the population increases that we can see in the future? Are we going to let the county make that decision for us?

and businesses.

to keep up with changes in tourism demographics and needs.

n 4. My biggest concern with the recent annexation attempt was that it seemed to be the cart before the horse. The study was lacking direction with no clear vision plan. I feel this creates fear of a hidden agenda that doesn’t benefit the residents of the Valley. The council needs to develop a strategic plan to fiscally pay for the upcoming costs before taking on annexation. We can’t allow our structural costs to keep increasing and putting the burden on the residents. There is no doubt that there could be positive benefits in annexation by keeping local control and preventing improper zoning by the county and/or state. And we certainly wouldn’t want to end up with development that benefits the County while the City is left to try to mitigate the damages to the residents and businesses. I’m open to analyzing our options in greater detail, but we need a vision plan with community engagement. This gives the community of Solvang ownership over its future.

n 2. The most important thing a mayor can do is lead the council to a consensus and guide the council towards establishing the longterm goals of the City. A strong, energetic mayor Ryan Toussaint can help cut taxes and improve city services. Future costly challenges for Solvang include a new sewer treatment plant, storm water management and reducing our unfunded liabilities. I kept the water rates down last year and will fight to prevent other tax increases. We need to restructure city policies from the ground up to make our permitting processes friendlier to both residents and businesses. This is important as our residents need to be encouraged to improve their homes and our businesses need

n 3. Yes, we need to adapt to the changing retail and tenant mix, as well as customer social habits — people are buying differently today. In terms of supporting the economy, we need to provide a strong infrastructure for small businesses, which provide jobs. We need to make sure we don’t have outdated or unnecessary regulations that stop small businesses from being able to thrive and invest more in their infrastructure and customer service. I’m ready to work hard at revamping our Planning Department and permitting process to create a more transparent, efficient and customer service-oriented approach. This will benefit both residents’ remodels and local business ventures. We need to focus on creating a strong local economy to offset significant City expenses instead of taxing our residents.

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 4-YEAR TERMS (VOTE FOR 2) Robert Clarke

Businessman, Nielsen Building Materials n 1. I am running for City Council because I care deeply about the future of Solvang and, after many years of service to over 15 different groups, schools, nonprofits, and sports teams as well as being the chairman of the City of Solvang Planning Commission, I have been asked by so many residents that have noticed, and appreciated my efforts, and feel I can give the same energy to the city as a whole. Solvang needs someone who can balance the needs of our residents with the need for tourist dollars, someone to address our unfunded liabilities which will continue to grow unless we do something now, someone to streamline

our building and planning department and make it easier to get through the permit process, someone to analyze, and make cuts where necessary, to the Capital Improvement Plan, someone to say no to new taxes for water, sewer, and storm water management, and to address the traffic issues we face. These are just a few.

Robert Clarke

n 2.Absolutely yes. We do know that tourism is the business life blood in the TRC, and well as our surrounding wineries, golf courses, etc. Tourism is 60 percent of our tax

base. We can do more to promote midweek business conferences as an example. We really need to find a solution to the lack of an adequate conference center. I know it has been discussed before, as well as our distance from airports, and lack of large hotels, but we can look to smaller specific groups from San Diego to Silicon Valley, and points north, for their conference needs. Also exploring a dedicated area for technology business and establish a STEM facility would be a step in the right direction. n 3. I chaired the meeting of the Planning Commission when we did the feasibility study on annexation. I was very curious why it was City driven without any of the property owners affected in attendance. There seemed to be

a very focused group or residents opposed to it and I can appreciate that. Ultimately it is the residents’ decision and if it ever came down to it, I think it should be voted on by the city as a whole. I see both sides and I appreciate the passion of those that want to keep Solvang as rural as possible. I also see the need for progress and creating jobs that might someday allow our kids to live and work here as well. If Solvang eventually did decide on annexation, it would not need to be the entire swath of land that was originally discussed back in March. I would suggest a much smaller area for possibly a special district to pursue technology business, but only in an area that is currently being used for industrial purposes, ie. south of Highway 246, west of downtown. Certainly not on current farm land.

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Joan Laird Jamieson Land use consultant

n 1. My father taught me that it is important to be involved; that we need to give back to our communities as volunteers and/or public servants. Public service is a passion of mine. That being said, with the possibility of having four new councilmen seated following the 2018 election, I felt it important to have someone on the Council to provide institutional memory and experience for the newly elected Council. I have found the last seven years to be invigorating and challenging, frustrating and uplifting. I am proud of the citizens of Solvang for their participation … good governance of and by the people helps make Solvang a true American City. Issues? Providing for the health, safety and happiness of our citizens is the job of a City Council. An adequate and safe source of potable water will always be a concern for Solvang. We have been working diligently to provide a variety of sources of

Kim K. Jensen

Retail business owner n 1. My wish is to take my opportunity to be an active participant in Solvang’s future, especially now that the City Manager is about to retire and the newly elected council members will take action in finding a new City Manager. I would like to find a way to “streamline” property planning and construction for local business and property owners,

Kenny “Esko” Lama Business owner

n 1. I am running for a City Council seat because I want an American flag friendly City of Solvang. I have been humiliated, insulted, threatened, and fined many times by city officials because I insist on placing more than two American and Danish flags at the front of my Alisal store! Did you know the city of Solvang forbids and does not allow to be placed more than two American flags at the front of our shops? I even appealed to City Council to change that silly city code but it was denied by the mayor and City Council members. … This is America and a tourist town. Nothing is wrong with many flags flying or placed around as long as they are not a threat to the public security. I want also a democratic, transparent, equally treating and budget controlled city.

good water. We are now faced with upgrading and expanding our out-of-date wastewater treatment plant. This will be a costly, necessary project. We also are working to provide safe and fun bicycle routes through the City. And one of Joan Laird Jamieson my pet projects is the improvement of our local Library; to make it the best little library in the West. n 2. After the horrendous January debris flow incident in Montecito and the inability of tourists to reach the SYV and Solvang from the L.A. area, we realized how dependent we are on tourism. If others didn’t learn, I certainly realized we needed to diversify our economic stream. Of course, the Council will always support the tourism industry; sales tax and TOT are our economic engine. We will continue through good planning to keep Solvang the Danish Capital of the USA. And with

the Council being supportive through both actions and funding of a good tourism bureau (getting the tourist here) and a local chamber (getting them to stay here and shop) to help provide a first class shopping venue, we will continue to be where tourists want to come. How we go about diversifying is a tough question. That being said, having some light industrial money makers would help our economic engine. It would also allow for tradesmen to work in the City. We all need good mechanics, plumbers, welders, electricians, painters, cabinet makers, roofers, carpenters, etc. Example of light industry is our excellent lumber yard/ building supply business which is a huge money maker for the City. We just need to find areas appropriate for light industrial uses. n 3. Unfortunately, the recent sphere of influence/annexation proposal was not well received nor was it the study I or others thought was requested. That being said there was some merit to the study that we might be able to use in the future. One

while still maintaining the visual ambience long embraced by our forefathers. Additionally, water, wastewater, recycled water will continue to affect our city for years so I wish to be there to assist in reaching fair and equitable decisions of usage for the local community. Finally , tourism, which is our top industry revenue driver for the city, needs to be recognized and allowed to continue using our contracted experts at the SCVB, who are using “state-of-theart” driven programs statewide, nationally and internationally to draw new visitors to

Solvang as a “choice” destination.

As a retailer I wanted to contribute to our business community and to make it a better business environment. I want free or at least subsidized water for Solvang residents. And if I get elected I can show how to do Kenny “Esko” Lama it. Our city has plenty of sources to finance it. And I want friendly city staff. I want city financial sources to be used directly for residents, not for the lobbying parties. Our residents do not gain anything from tourism except business owners and the city. The residents get only noise, crowds and heavy traffic and high property taxes and high water bills, nighttime scary, dark, dead-looking streets and not even much job opportunity from the city. The city’s purchasing, contracting, hiring must be advertised and announced openly in local media.

n 2. First of all we need to improve our existing tourist economy. There are several problems. The retail industry is bleeding, losing ground. Hotels and restaurants are occupied only on weekends. We need to re-brand and re-shape Solvang’s brand. We need to bring better spending, consumer-type visitors instead of just walking around nor Highway101 leg-stretching restroom crowds. The sales are about 30 percent less comparing previous year. It means less revenue for the city, too. The city should concentrate on industrial conventions to increase weekday business and to lead and manage itself but not through third parties. Future tourism business development plans should not be financed at the cost of residents but from tourists’ pockets. No free parking for tourists, no free restroom for tourists. Financial sources to be used directly for residents, and City Council should not be influenced by lobbying interest parties looking to get financial support from the city. The city council can adopt policies to

n 2. No, we already have other areas of greater opportunities that need to be addressed first, such as municipality issues. Solvang tourism is our lead Industry, always has and always will be … period. We should try to improve on being greater at what we are … a tourist destination. City Council’s role should be to continue using the SCVB as your designated “experts in the field.” Attracting new families, groups, companies to visit Solvang is highly competitive and

of the goals of the study was to protect the boundaries of the City; there was the possibility of others building wastewater treatment plants/recycling centers on our northern boundaries and to the east. Because people in Solvang and the surrounding areas became aware of this possibility while considering the SOI and annexation study, they let the agency know that such development was not wanted on our City limits; the proponents abandoned the idea; so, there was an unintended immediate benefit realized from the SOI study. Possibly Solvang could benefit by annexing the existing SOI to the west of that City as outlined in the present General Plan; this area is already provided some City services. This area could be used as a light industrial park (already the allowed use by SB County) with a buffer along the south side of HWY 246 to protect the beauty of the western entrance to the City. If this area became part of the City we would benefit from the tax revenue from these businesses. Of course the Citizens would be involved in this consideration. demanding, which the SCVB is highly specialized in dealing with using its own board members giving constant input. n 3. No, not at this time. Again, we have greater opportunities to be addressed including searching for a new City Manager, new planning and construction direction concerns, future flow on water management needs, and future cannabis issues. Once these areas have been given direction flow we could then revisit the future, if the Solvang community deems it so. combine our existing tourism with industrial convention business, and make future plans for the growth of wine, brewery and bakery and horse, cattle, bee-breeding industry. City Council can adopt future plans to support by giving priority to Made in Solvang or Product of Solvang businesses. n 3. A big NO for residential purpose annexations for now but also big YES for commercial annexations. We need to do it to increase city revenues and give back to the residents. NO property tax or lower tax for living in owners, free water or subsidized water for living in owners and small business. The city needs to build up an environment-friendly and 100 percent green convention center outside of Solvang at a new area of Solvang to support our hospitality and retail wine and dine industry and to protect downtown and old Solvang. And build up a smokeless industrial zone such as for wine, beer bottling, processing, packing and baking.

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SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 4-YEAR TERMS (VOTE FOR 2) continued 1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you? 2. Should Solvang diversify its economy to make it less dependent on tourism? If so, how? If not, what is the City Council’s role in supporting the tourism economy? 3. Future annexations to Solvang have been a topic recently. Should Solvang expand its borders? If so, by how much? And how should that growth be accomplished? • Cut taxes on water meter rates and improve city services Financial and economic advisor • Reduce budget expenses and solve our n 1. I’m candidate because I know we pension deficits can do better. The Council has waited too • Replace failing walong to address critical operating problems ter, sewer and wasteand has no explicit plans for well-docwater facilities umented issues. Council meetings have • Grow business and demonstrated that the Council and Staff Niels “Chris” Djemaes tourism and improve must do more to inform and engage voters quality of life for on issues that could require higher taxes residents and or cuts to City services, e.g., the ex• Ease permitting to encourage investploding CalPERS pension deficits. Finally, ment in homes and businesses voters want to feel the City is working for • Fix parking and traffic congestion them instead of the other way around. I love my home town and I feel comI have 20 years of executive management pelled to help make Solvang a better more expertise in working with government agencies and businesses. I have spent more affordable place to live, work and proudly call home. Let’s do better together. than a year studying Solvang’s policies, management, operations and issues. I know n 2. The Council should balance the we can:

Niels “Chris” Djernaes

Denise El Amin

Retired communication specialist n 1. My motivation for running for office is to improve the lives of all of our citizens, particularly the lives of our seniors who are often neglected and unable to take advantage of the programs designed to make their lives better. It is also interesting to note that the vast majority of our seniors are women. A society is judged in part in how it treats those who need help. It is my belief that we can do more; we must do more for our seniors and all those in need if we are to claim we are a nation dedicated to the highest of moral principles. I am committed to 1) improving and

developing programs for seniors; 2) work for fair and equitable water and sewage rates; 3) fiscal and budgetary accountability, and budgetary transparency; 4) working with the business community to keep Solvang competitive and viable, while maintaining its distinctive identity.

Denise El Amin

n 2. Yes, economic diversity is essential for survival because change is inevitable. Solvang’s business model has been very successful, and has an established repu-

annexation. While the study itself may be a good idea, the Council should have managed the study in a more objective and transparent way. I believe the Council should instead first address $10 million in unfunded programs (e.g., pensions), $15 million in new water and waste water facilities, and $20 million in badly needed capital improvement projects. Another $3-5 million in annexation costs are simply impossible to justify at this time. We should all agree that planned growth is far better than managing in a n 3. Excellent question and very difficult crisis as we are doing now with the failing wastewater treatment plant. to answer without an objective, compreThe Council is accountable to the voters. hensive economic study addressing the Democracy is a messy, time consuming pros and cons of annexation in the context process that works best when informed of the Santa Ynez Valley. and engaged voters are given the chance The Council was forced to stop a 2018 to collectively voice their opinions, decide study because voters believed that it was how their tax dollars are spent, and manage intended to justify the veteran members’ predisposed and expressed desire for their future by referendum. beneficial growth in tourism against the adverse impact on residents. Currently, tourism and closely related sales taxes make up 70 percent of the City’s budget revenue, leaving it vulnerable to economic recession. So near term, the City should support growth in high value tourism, e.g., cultural events, small conferences. However, longer term, the Council must do more to attract industries that produce more consistent tax revenues from high margin sales and well-paying jobs, e.g., professional services, technology and engineering.

tation as a safe, family friendly vacation destination. However, our past successes cannot protect us from future irrelevancy. Throughout the United States, shopping centers and retail behemoths are closing their doors because they have fallen victim to the invisible hand of innovation, generational change, and a general unwillingness to adapt to changing consumer behaviour. If Solvang intends to remain relevant, we must embrace the inevitability and reality of change with a proactive plan that will incorporate and anticipate the needs of both our traditional and potentially new customer base. Through consensus and earnest planning by the City Council and its constituents, we can control our destiny and protect Solvang’s unique cultural heritage.

n 3. I believe that questions 2 and 3 are related to one another. I think that diversification and annexation are part of an overall strategy that will enable Solvang to successfully embrace change, and increase the likelihood that we can grow responsibly. Furthermore, I know that annexation is a touchy subject. However, it’s our responsibility as council members to map out a path that is acceptable to the citizens of Solvang. I’m sure that this will spark a lively debate to those on both sides of this issue. But I’m confident that we can come to terms on how we can collectively address these issues. Therefore, I think that it’s imperative that we come up with a plan on how to proceed and let the voters of Solvang have the final say.

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 2-YEAR TERMS (VOTE FOR 1) 1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you? 2. Should Solvang diversify its economy to make it less dependent on tourism? If so, how? If not, what is the City Council’s role in supporting the tourism economy? 3. Future annexations to Solvang have been a topic recently. Should Solvang expand its borders? If so, by how much? And how should that growth be accomplished?

Karen M. Waite

Senior compliance analyst, managing auditor, financial services n 1. I am an appointed incumbent and am determined to keep my two-year seat on the Council to continue my support of the arts and culture, local businesses, tourism, transportation and local control of

state regulations. n 2. Our local businesses in this culturally Danish city drive and attract the tourism that generates the revenue to help support the day to day operations of this city. The question should be simply should

Solvang diversify its sources of revenue. I feel we have diversity in our businesses and an increase in diversity in our residential demographics. However, we must remember we are a tourist town because of our Danish theme. Without tourism our businesses would likely fail.

Karen M. Waite

n 3. I believe in making our current businesses successful. I am a proponent of in-fill first. Next, we would have to

examine our city plan, complete the financial analysis in regards to the benefits and detriments of annexation and the maintenance of areas within our sphere of influence. We would then determine our urban boundaries. Annexation should be decided by the citizens of Solvang and should be subject to a public vote as a ballot initiative. These decisions should be forward thinking.

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SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 2-YEAR TERMS (VOTE FOR 1) continued 1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you? 2. Should Solvang diversify its economy to make it less dependent on tourism? If so, how? If not, what is the City Council’s role in supporting the tourism economy? 3. Future annexations to Solvang have been a topic recently. Should Solvang expand its borders? If so, by how much? And how should that growth be accomplished?

Ed Skytt

Businessman n 1. I am running because I see the possibility of having a new City Council that has little or no institutional or historic knowledge of what has brought Solvang to where it is today. This includes both the strong points and the weak points that need

to be improved. As a former Councilman, who served three terms over the last 16 years, I can bring forward knowledge that would useful in the future. n 2. Due to the current constraints of our current borders I see it difficult to diversify. There are few industries that can generate a tax base equal to our current tourist oriented economy. The City’s role

is to maintain a clean and family friendly experience. Further the City needs to have business regulations that are easily understood and evenly enforced so that new businesses can know what is required and be assured that all are treated fairly and the same. n 3. At this point I have questions about annexation. One of my biggest concerns

is that it will be a drag on the financial structure of Solvang. Currently in annexations the County retains an extremely large share of the property tax, leaving the City to maintain the infrastructure with lower revenues. Further, annexation could have a negative effect on the community. Future growth and expansion should be decided by future City Councils and the citizens when deemed necessary.

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 4-YEAR TERMS (VOTE FOR 3) 1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you? 2. The future of Avenue of Flags has been debated for years. What should happen there and what is the City Council’s role? 3. Does the City Council have a role in attracting new businesses to the city? If not, why not? If so, what types of new businesses would be the best additions and how should they be attracted?

Ed Andrisek

ing City assets while maintaining/advancing an elevated community Quality of Life (QOL).

n 1. I feel I have the ability to persevere, remain true to values that protect and strengthen our collective quality of life in our Santa Ynez Valley. I appreciate and respect communication with community via open dialogue. I favor civility and common sense for improved constructive dialogue. It’s not how you solve the problem — it’s if you solved the problem. Important issues, to me, are protect-

n 2. In fact, this day — it is just short of fifty years! Merging Buellton’s “Vision Plan” into the Ed Andrisek “Avenue of Flags Specific Plan.” A cobbled stone median, with fiber optics capability allows public assembly and entertainment venues/shows. In our limited incorporation of just over

Retail sales, community service volunteer

Judith Dale

Businesswoman, retired UCSB faculty and administrator n 1. I love this little city. I was raised in Buellton and I have raised my family in Buellton. I am running to keep Buellton a vibrant, small town that puts the quality of life of its residents first. We do not need to be a mini Santa Maria or Goleta. The City Council must be fiscally responsible by staying within our budget. Traffic is a problem in Buellton — we need to plan and implement pedestrian, bike, and traffic patterns for safety and efficiency. Items that affect the quality of life for residents such as parks, recreation, senior ser-

vices, library services and shopping should be priorities. We must keep Buellton a great place to live and work. n 2. Through wise zoning and specific plans, the City Council needs to promote commercial development Judith Dale on the east and west sides of the Avenue. In its planning, the City must include the current land owners so that they buy-in to the plan and are a part of the decision making. Otherwise, nothing will happen, and the Avenue will continue to be old and under-developed. As far as the medians are concerned, they

1,025 acres much has been added. One area of focus I want to see addressed is seeking/ achieving working solutions for spiraling costs Buellton faces, going forward — on behalf of Budget matters. A Council Member must act as an umpire, impartial, and be independent. They must interpret the City law — as written. I am optimistic about the future of Buellton. I have always valued citizens’ support and the trust they have allowed me to legislate and operate within. n 3. Many residents feel the Avenue of Flags (AOF) deserves focusing resources on developing it into a true “downtown.” should be designed for community events and tourism. The current plans for an events center, a plaza, restrooms and an amphitheater are a good start. Also, in the future, one of the medians could become a community center, housing the post office, visitors’ bureau, library, historical society, etc. This would bring people to the Avenue to support the local businesses and would create a “town center.” n 3. Yes, the City Council must play an active role in attracting new businesses to the city. Buellton is in a key, central location in the County and the State. Working with the Chamber of Commerce and existing local businesses, the City Council needs to actively recruit new businesses to Buellton that serve our resi-

Survey comments refer to AOF as a close, family style, community, but progressive; none of the rat race aura of bigger cities. “… I choose to live in the Buellton area because from anywhere in town you can see the oak covered hills — in any direction.” The City Council must establish and maintain working relationships with Agencies, Associations and Organizations with abilities to increase Buellton’s recognition at County, State and Federal affiliation. As far as attracting new business, that is best coordinated through Buellton’s Visitor Bureau, Buellton’s Chamber of Commerce and property owners. dents and our visitors. The fact that two state highways cross in Buellton can be a blessing or a curse. We must make it a blessing. Thousands of cars travel on Highway 246 and Highway 101 daily. We need businesses that encourage these people to “stop and shop” in Buellton. Also, we need businesses that serve the needs of the local residents as well as the travelers. Sales tax is the number-one income source for the City of Buellton – we must have smart, controlled commercial growth to build out our city. The largest under-developed area in the city is the Avenue of Flags. This is why plans to recruit new business to the Avenue are so important.

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BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 4-YEAR TERMS (VOTE FOR 3) continued 1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you? 2. The future of Avenue of Flags has been debated for years. What should happen there and what is the City Council’s role? 3. Does the City Council have a role in attracting new businesses to the city? If not, why not? If so, what types of new businesses would be the best additions and how should they be attracted?

Dave King

Retired California Highway Patrol Officer n 1. I am a candidate for re-election because I am concerned about the City of Buellton. My family and I have lived in Buellton for 14 years and have seen the exponential increase in population and traffic. The current development rate is alarming. I am not anti-development, I am anti-overdevelopment. The city has a limited amount of space and must be carefully managed so we do not become like Los Angeles or Santa Monica. Developers are interested in the largest return on their investment, which usually is mixed use (commercial/ residential) or straight up multi-family dwellings (apartments/condos.) With each apartment or condo complex, usually two cars are associated with each apartment or condo. Simple math tells us, a 100 unit complex is an additional 200 cars or more. Can Buellton really support that?

Art Mercado

Landscape/irrigation company foreman

n 1. My family and I have lived in Buellton for 24 years. It has been a great place to raise a family. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10 years spent on the Buellton Planning Commission, and my short time on the City Council, and look forward to continuing careful stewardship of our community and its resources. Water and sewer rates are an issue

It’s not that Buellton needs the money. The city is financially sound. What the city needs is responsible managed growth. Blighted, unkempt areas should be the focus of redevelopment. Replacing one run down commercial building for Dave King a new modern commercial structure will limit the strain on the infrastructure, and continue the small town charm of Buellton. If re-elected, I will continue to fight for this policy. n 2. There have been several differences of opinion regarding the development of the Avenue. The conversation has been everything from museums and art galleries, (high cost to taxpayers, low economic return,) to mixed use four-story buildings. Once again, I believe it is the responsibility of the elected officials to maintain the best interest of the citizens it represents. Don’t impacting residents currently. When important decisions need to be made that impact the community, respectful listening of concerns and ideas from all involved is essential. Being a council member requires transparency Art Mercado of information coupled with the fiscal responsibility to make decisions that protect and provide for the citizens of Buellton.

get me wrong, I like museums and art galleries. But for a city of roughly 5,000 people, the cost would outweigh the benefit. A private party development and maintenance would be welcome with open arms. There is a term I heard on the radio recently, “drunk on development.” Cities and towns shoving in developments, just for the sake of development. This is irresponsible. Avenue of Flags can be a showplace for Buellton. The Avenue could develop an area of shops, restaurants and entertainment. The Avenue could be a draw for tourists and a destination location. Encouraging high density developments is not serving the best interest of Buellton. I have always been opposed to high density development. This type of recklessness has ruined the charm and character of several cities in California. I will continue to encourage slow, intelligent, managed growth. n 3. The City Council definitely has a role in attracting new businesses. Once again with the best interest of the city resn 2. There is a specific development plan already in place for the Avenue of the Flags. Future growth or changes should be based on projects presented by developers that fit the requirements in place. Future growth should be based on community needs and the ability to enhance the lifestyle enjoyed by residents. The role of the city is to establish policy around development, not financially engage in development that may not be independently sustainable in the current business climate. While this is a very central part of Buellton, it may take time

idents. I believe we should always encourage local businesses with local ownership. This gives the business owner a connection with the city. National chains are convenient, and predictable, but I doubt the corporate owners live in our great little town, nor do they care if they are over developing it, or putting locals out of business. Local businesses can be attracted by builders, partnering with local individuals to meet the needs of the business owner. In other words, the city and developers can partner with locals to build on areas like Avenue of Flags or abandoned areas, with the needs of the local population in mind. Not just cramming in another fast food restaurant or coffee shop. Businesses like Moneghetti’s, Firestone, Mother Hubbard’s, Ellen’s and the new bowling center coming to Buellton, “Live Oak Lanes,” are examples of local businesses that give Buellton its eclectic charm. These are the types of businesses I will continue to encourage for Buellton’s growth and development. for the right project to come to fruition and cannot be mandated. n 3. Presenting what Buellton has to offer in the way of employees, location and resources for incoming businesses is important to our community. Specific policies exist regarding types of businesses suitable for various locations within the city. Creating an environment that works with businesses is positive for residents through the local availability of services, employment and improved tax base.

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 2-YEAR TERMS (VOTE FOR 1) 1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you? 2. The future of Avenue of Flags has been debated for years. What should happen there and what is the City Council’s role? 3. Does the City Council have a role in attracting new businesses to the city? If not, why not? If so, what types of new businesses would be the best additions and how should they be attracted?

Robyn Albrecht Caplan Education; substitute teacher

n 1. The City of Buellton means a lot me and my family. In being a resident of 44 years, I have seen a lot of change, and I want to actively be a part of helping shape the future we create for our city. Growing up in Buellton and watching my

father, Bill Albrecht, take pride in his job as the first Public Works Director for the city has made me want to be a part of what makes Buellton a place I want to raise my family. The key issues I’d like to focus on are safety, smart growth, and education. n 2. I believe the current land is under utilized and has a lot of potential. Any

development at that location needs to serve our residents, property owners, business owners and visitors. I believe it’s the Council’s role to be a steward, working closely with City planning and stakeholders to help foster a plan that serves us all. n 3. I believe the City Council should work closely with City Planning and the Buellton Chamber of Commerce on

the strategic plan for business attraction. It’s important to have a diversity of businesses and make sure that new businesses coming in have an opportunity to thrive and serve both our residents and Robyn Albrecht Caplan visitors.

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Elysia Lewis

Business Manager of the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District n 1. I chose to run for a City Council seat because I felt that Buellton could benefit from some fresh perspectives coming from a different generation. I am the daughter of an Ecuadorian immigrant. I am young, still raising young children, and I have worked my way through both my professional and educational career. I find that this experience has provided me with a unique perspective that I would love to share with our community. I have always felt that committees and organizations that made decisions based on diverse input were more effective, inclusive and

John Sanchez, Chief operator at Buellton Wastewater Treatment Plant and towing technician at Olivera’s Repair

sensitive to the variety of cultures that they represent. Safety, community togetherness and strategic growth are issues that are important to me. Walkability is another huge issue for Buellton as well. We need to make our town Elysia Lewis more pedestrian friendly so that more of our local community can engage with the businesses and events we do have.

attract out-of-town people to stop and little to benefit our local community. I believe that we need to attract more local businesses and commerce to this area in an effort to make it more of a community hub. Something akin to Old Town Orcutt, Old Town Sacramento, and Los Alamos’ Main Street. A place where locals can walk from their homes, congregate and interact. Additionally, the city should help facilitate a coordinated modernization/renovation of the long-term businesses and residential units that already exist.

n 2. Avenue of the Flags is the heart of Buellton for the local people. It is also the first impression for many tourists getting off the highway, and there is nothing there to

n 3. Yes, I believe that the City Council has a role in attracting new business to the city because I firmly believe that the key to Buellton thriving is new business and it is the council’s job to promote Buellton’s success. New businesses generate revenue,

n 1. I have worked for Buellton since 1982 and would like to continue serving Buellton.

When a developer shows up, the City Council will absolutely have a role in review and compatibility issues.

n 2. I would like to quit doing studies.

n 3. I think the City Council does have a

attract tourists, and provide locals with options that save them from having to travel to spend in other surrounding communities instead of our own (such as Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, etc.). The Council should be concerned with setting up or revising ordinances and codes so that they do not unduly burden individuals attempting to establish businesses while still keeping safety in mind. This will give Buellton the advantage over other local cities whose codes and ordinances are more difficult for small business owners to navigate or adhere to. The council should strive to attract businesses that fill needs in our community such as our need for a community center, community pool, and family friendly recreation centers. role in attracting new businesses, by reducing some of the permit costs and a faster permit process. I like the tourist industry. We are blessed to live in a place everyone else wants to live.

SCHOOL BOARD, SYV HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT (VOTE FOR 3) 1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you? 2. Campus safety is on the minds of many parents and students. Is the campus safe at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School? If not, what policies, procedures and student services would you support to make the campus safe? 3. The district is developing a 10-year master plan for improvement and maintenance of facilities. What should be the priorities of that plan?

Jan Clevenger

Retired school administrator/educator n 1. I’m running for a second term on the SYVUHSD Board because I believe in the importance of giving back to my community. As a long time educator in the Valley I understand the unique educational opportunities afforded our children and the support needed for their successes. As a parent of two SYHS graduates I’m compelled to ensure that the high quality educational experiences they received continue to be offered to our current and future students. Key issues of importance in order to provide excellent learning opportunities are: a. Complete all Measure K Bond projects which will ensure and enhance safe and secure learning environments for our students. The upgraded facilities and grounds need to demonstrate how our students and staff are valued by our district. b. Provide financial support and resources for 21st century learning to best prepare our students for an ever-changing and different workplace. We need to

consider ALL learners by offering a challenging college prep curriculum, a variety of vocational courses, and opportunities to explore and experience post-secondary career pathways. What are we doing to ensure Jan Clevenger those graduates interested in getting into the workforce sooner through vocational/technical training programs have been exposed to quality programs and guidance? c. Support and maintain quality staff, both certificated and classified, with competitive salaries and equitable benefits. We are fortunate to have outstanding teachers, instructional support staff and classified personnel who are passionate, sincere and dedicated to our students. d. Maintain the fiscal health of the district in a time of ever-increasing operational and personnel costs. e. Expand collaborative opportunities with community partners (i.e. Allan Hancock College) to enhance additional learn-

ing experiences for our students. Bringing AHC onto our campus has increased access to college course work during the school day and exposure to career opportunities for our students. n 2. SYVUHS is a relatively safe campus for our students who are surrounded by caring adults, clean and functioning facilities and policies to support student safety. By no means is there any campus in this day and age that is 100 percent safe, but what does it mean to “be safe” on our campus? The pressures of being a teenager are tremendous in the academic, social and emotional environment in our schools. Students need positive relationships and to be able to express themselves without fear. Our campus and student support system needs to promote resiliency and student well-being. What can we do to ensure that our students feel safe? Currently we have many adults who engage daily with our students – teachers, instructional support staff, principal, vice-principal, guidance counselors, campus supervisors and several coaches. We no longer have funding available for a

school resource officer like several local high schools do. Resource officers support incidental activities … I’m looking for more. SYVHSD needs to enlist the services of a mental health counselor who can assist with identification of at-risk students, develop and provide support systems for those students and their families and seek resources outside of campus to broaden student support. Having such a counselor would be a proactive approach to student safety. n 3. It is exciting to think about how our district facilities will support our students and community in the near future. Currently district facilities including classrooms, ball fields and gyms support over 30 different community groups throughout the year. SYHS campus is often seen as a hub of the valley for activities. The master plan priorities should address a) student and staff safety of all facilities, b) support of the future instructional and extra-curricular programs, c) growing room for community partnerships and d) development of a facilities endowment plan to support improvements and maintenance.

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SCHOOL BOARD, SYVUHS DISTRICT (VOTE FOR 3) continued 1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you? 2. Campus safety is on the minds of many parents and students. Is the campus safe at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School? If not, what policies, procedures and student services would you support to make the campus safe? 3. The district is developing a 10-year master plan for improvement and maintenance of facilities. What should be the priorities of that plan?

Carl Johnson Parent, musician

n 1. I have lived in the Santa Ynez Valley for over 20 years and have raised three children here, all of whom have attended or are attending Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. I’ve been very impressed by the programs at the high school and by its talented faculty. This community has much to be proud of in SYVUHS. I’ve been dis-

Eileen Preston

Retired, patient financial counselor n 1. Since moving to the Santa Ynez Valley in 1986, I have been an involved member of the community. As an active parent of a child who attended local public schools, I gained valuable insight into the needs of students and their teachers. My six years as a member of the Buellton Union School District Board has provided me yet a broader understanding of the depth and complexity of overseeing the needs of students, staff and facilities. I will bring this perspective to the SYVUHS

appointed, though, that there hasn’t been a consistent music program at the high school. There has been a succession of good teachers, but none who stay for long or are able to build a solid program. My main reason Carl Johnson for running for school board is to do what I can to improve arts education at SYVUHS.

A world-class high school should have a world-class arts education program.

Board of Trustees. I care deeply about the safety of our students as well as the quality of their academic programs.

tunity to assess the content and ensure alignment with state and federal emergency management systems. During the review process, a number of considerations could be addressed. In cooperation with law enforcement and mental health professionals, efforts should be made to assist students and staff in identifying potentially dangerous situations and behaviors, including those observed through social media.

n 2. The school district has in place a Comprehensive School Eileen Preston Safety Plan which contains emergency response procedures, a detailed campus map, evacuation routes, staging areas and an incident command post. An annual evaluation of the plan provides an oppor-

the school have led me to question some leadership decisions. Sergeant, California Highway Patrol And although I am not a career board member n 1. I graduated from Santa Ynez Valley or lifelong bureaucrat, Union High School in 2001, and as Pirate I can promise to apply alumnus I am grateful for the quality of my communication education I received. Our valley is a unique skills, logic, and levcommunity — unlike many rural areas, el-headedness to make the Santa Ynez Valley has maintained the Eric J. Zivic good decisions for the charm and close-knit feel of a small town, students of Santa Ynez despite constant pressure for growth and Valley Union High — and, in turn, the change. As a member of the SYVUHS Valley we all love. Board I will be a tempered, mature voice, confidently shaping the future of a school n 2. With a background in law enforcethat I care deeply about. I have two young ment, school safety is top of mind — and children, who are admittedly quite a few as a parent, safety comes before everyyears away from attending SYVUHS. thing. I run the track at the high school evHowever, I want to help make decisions ery day and I’m thankful for the open-camtoday that will ensure that kids now and pus atmosphere that we have been able to well in the future have the same great maintain. Unfortunately, with horrifying experiences that I did during my time at events unfolding at school campuses across the nation, it is imperative to make changes the high school. Various recent events at

Eric J. Zivic

Tory Babcock Retired teacher

n 1. Education has been my profession for 34 years; I spent 25 years as a classroom teacher at Santa Ynez High and prior to that taught for UCSB and Allan Hancock College. Currently, I am a Cal Poly University supervisor of new teachers and volunteer at Oak Valley School. My sons are former Pirates and my grandsons

will be Pirates as well, thus both my intellect and heart are heavily invested in our local schools. Curriculum directly impacts the students, thus a key issue for me is to provide rigorous Tory Babcock academics geared to fit all students at all levels, a flourishing fine arts program, and strong

n 2. I believe our campus is as safe as an open campus can be. We appear to have an appropriate security presence and safety plan, and planned improvements to campus communications equipment will help. What would make the campus safer, however, is more mental health services available to the students and staff. High school years can be difficult, as students go through

n 3. Through the passage of Measure K, passed by voters in 2016, much needed repair, modernization and renovation of school infrastructure has begun. The to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. There cannot be a focus on just one solution – certainly, putting up razor wire and cameras is not the answer. The key to ensuring safety is a measured, balanced approach and participation by all stakeholders. Learning, living, and thriving should be our students’ first focus, while the board, staff, faculty, and parents work alongside the students to create an inclusive, welcoming and secure environment. We can’t forget that every year, more students pass away in our Valley from traffic collisions and substance abuse than from physical violence. I hope to bring my law enforcement experience and perspective to the SYVUHS board in crafting decisions that will improve safety and student wellbeing, while mitigating risk and reducing the potential for harm. n 3. After the passage of Measure K, many of the high school’s critical infrastructure issues have already begun the upgrade vocational classes. We must have multiple ways to elicit kids’ interests and talents. Sports have the same powerful function. Teachers and coaches guide and mentor our students through this process; when they are valued, they are empowered to effect tremendous positive change in our kids’ lives. Making sure we are taking care of the people who are critical to the mission is a hallmark of good leadership, and it is an important issue for me. These issues rightfully put students at the

tremendous changes and experience great stress. Having greater access to professional mental health services available to the students, faculty and staff would go a long way towards engaging emerging problems before they become greater problems. n 3. The top priority should be providing students with a safe and encouraging learning atmosphere. I’d like to see all portable classrooms replaced with permanent structures, and all outdated classrooms refurbished. Citizens’ Oversight Committee, of which I am chairperson, will review and inform the public regarding the district’s expenditures and submit an annual written report to the board. The board, in consultation with the superintendent, has jurisdiction over construction contract approval, change orders, construction plans, schedules and the approval of the sale of bonds. Developing a 10-year master plan should include a preventative maintenance log to ensure the repair and renovation of the campus is maintained for future generations. This ongoing maintenance of school facilities will minimize unexpected expenses which could be costly to the district. process. There are still many items on the agenda and it will take a collaborative effort to prioritize what comes next. Any deficiency with the current infrastructure that jeopardizes the health and safety of the students and staff needs to take precedence. For example, my priorities include improvement of fire alarms, security and emergency communication systems. The next area of importance is ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure that we meet the needs of people with disabilities as required by state law. Finally, we need to upgrade and maintain the existing structures to keep our high school in top shape and instill our community’s pride. Improving the school requires community effort. I would encourage any parent, student or valley resident with their own ideas to reach out to me personally. I look forward to representing your voice on the SYVUHSD School Board. And to Ms. Babcock, please go easy while grading this. It has been a long time since senior English class. core of what should be our focus. n 2. Campus safety is an issue that concerns all stakeholders. Three ways to improve school security would be to bring back a Resource Deputy to our campus, to install classroom interior door locks, and to have a mental health counselor on campus. Fire, earthquake, and intruder drills are repeated throughout the year. A few years ago we had an event in the community that CANDIDATES CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

October 2-15, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 25

food~drink

Olive Oil Cake doesn’t even need icing By Vida Gustafson Contributing Writer

had the opportunity to compete this year in the Los Olivos Jazz and Olive festival, put on by the Los Olivos Rotary, with this Olive Oil Cake. I had a blast and also a lot of requests for the recipe, so here it is! The cake turns out light and fluffy thanks to the aerating power of thoroughly beaten eggs, and it turns out gorgeously moist thanks to the olive oil. It’s even better on the second day and doesn’t need any icing at all. If the idea of eating a bare cake doesn’t appeal to you, this one goes well with a scoop of vanilla (or even pistachio) ice cream. I served mine with a dollop of chèvre mixed with honey. Don’t be nervous about using a strong olive oil in this cake. I baked it with a very robust bottle from Rancho Olivos and it turned out fantastic.

Staff Report

Ingredients

¾ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 large lemon, zested and juiced 1 cup flour 5 large eggs, separated ¾ cup plus 1.5 tbsp sugar ½ tsp salt

The Olive Oil Cake turns out light and fluffy and is moist.

until pale and frothy. This will take about 5 minutes in your stand mixer. At this point, slowly stream in the olive oil, the whole ¾ of a cup, followed by the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Carefully fold in the cup of flour. Method In a very clean bowl, whisk the egg whites Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9’’ springalong with ¼ cup of sugar and the ½ tsp salt form pan and line the bottom with parchment, to soft peaks. It is essential to clean the bowl and grease the parchment. Zest the lemon, mak- and mixer carefully, because any oil residue will inhibit the forming of a fluffy meringue. ing sure you get at least 1.5 tsps lemon zest. Juice the lemon and reserve 2 tbsps of the juice. That’s a very important part of why this cake is so light and airy. After separating the eggs, whisk the yolks Once the egg whites have reached the along with ½ a cup of sugar and lemon zest

Photo contributed

soft-peak stage, fold ⅓ of them into the yolk mixture. When this is lightly incorporated, fold in the remaining ⅔, being careful not to mix too roughly or for too long. It is fine if some of the egg white mixture is still visible in the batter. Pour into the springform pan and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sugar. This will give the top of the cake a little bit of crunch and make it look appealing. Bake at 350° F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

PIE POWER

Church bakers raise $100,000 to upgrade building By Casey Reynolds

upgrading church property. This weekly pie ritual is the brainchild of Yoli (Yolanda) De Young, the chief baker, emon meringue? Apple? Cherry? who buys her baking ingredients with her Banana coconut cream? own money. She has been the inspiration for Take your choice from the disfinancing major remodeling in the Welcome play on the counter in the Welcome Center Center (formerly the church sanctuary) and kitchen at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian elsewhere on the church campus. Church. Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon, a Using only money from the donation jar, tempting array of homemade pies is lined up she and local contractor Al Bregy spearheadon the counter ready for the choosing. ed the design and building of the Welcome There is no price tag, but a special jar sits Center kitchen as well as carrying out a major at the end of the counter for your donation, upgrade of the church’s large main kitchen. whatever you choose to give. Outside on the This included new appliances and new floorpatio are umbrella-protected tables where you ing as well as new plates and serving pieces at can relax and enjoy your desert, with regular a total cost of $40,000, all from the donations. coffee or espresso, if you prefer. Also with De Young in charge, money The patio tables and every appliance and is raised with an indoor “yard sale” every fixture in the Welcome Center kitchen, plus a summer in the center. She heaps praise on all total remodel of the center’s bathroom, were the people who have helped in these projects, paid for by donations from the long line of from a team of gifted men and women bakers Sunday morning pie lovers. to yard-sale volunteers who devote hours to In the first six years the pies earned almost arranging and pricing donated goods for sale. $100,000, all of which has been invested in Ongoing proceeds from all these projects Contributing Writer

Film premiere, ‘grape stomp’ highlight harvest weekend

are being used to finance a major upgrade of the main meeting room of the Welcome Center. Yoli and her husband, Burt DeYoung, moved to this area from the San Fernando Valley in 1997 and quickly chose SYV Presbyterian as their home church. Between them, they have seven grown children and 15 grandchildren, including 15-year-old Zack Hulschizer, a gifted young singer now attending a highly selective performing arts school in Las Vegas. In describing her career, De Young proudly describes herself as having been a full time Professional Home Goddess. Now the official pie goddess of the church, she and her helpers are on hand each Sunday to welcome people from all over the valley to choose a piece of pie from the counter and enjoy it on the patio as long as weather permits. Whole pies can be picked up Sunday morning if ordered in advance by calling 1-805-708-0636. The Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church is at the corner of Alamo Pintado Road and Baseline Avenue in Ballard.

n celebration of the grape harvest, the premiere screening of “SOMM 3,” the latest in a film series focused on the wine-industry, will be shown outdoors at Solvang Festival Theater at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13. The first film in the series, 2012’s “SOMM,” followed four sommeliers as they tried to pass the prestigious Master Sommelier exam, a test with one of the lowest pass rates in the world. Oct. 12-14 has been designated locally as the “Celebration of Harvest Weekend,” filled with three days of special wine and food events throughout Santa Barbara Wine Country. The Santa Barbara Vintners and Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau are presenting the film showing. After the screening of “SOMM 3” on Oct. 13, there will be a question-and-answer session with cast members and producer Jackson Myers. Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Santa Barbara Vintners. As in “SOMM” and the sequel “SOMM: Into the Bottle,” filmmakers had unprecedented access to the highest levels of the wine world. In the latest film, three of the greatest legends of wine meet in Paris to drink the rarest bottles of their careers while the best blind tasters in the world gather in New York City to settle an age-old argument. In the end, the past and present collide and the results could change the world of wine forever. In addition to the film premiere, the Celebration of Harvest weekend includes multiple wine and food pairings, winemaker lunches and dinners, complimentary tastings and live music. A highlight from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, before the film showing, will be the Solvang Grape Stomp Festival, a street festival in downtown Solvang complete with a traditional grape stomp. It is also a chance for participants to taste from dozens of area wineries, dance to two live bands, “drink pink” in the “I Love Rosé Lounge” and purchase food from popular area eateries. Tickets are $75 per person ($100 VIP tickets for early admission) and include entry to the festival, an opportunity to stomp grapes, a glass for wine tasting and a souvenir. Tickets for the film premiere are $25, available at nightout.com/events/somm-3premiere-at-solvang-festival-theater/tickets. People who attend the Solvang Stomp and the film premiere that night get a $5 discount when purchased as a package. For more information, go to www.celebrationofharvest.com.

October 2-15, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 27

Workshops help students get cash for college

HOMECOMING 2018

Staff Report

Photos by JC Corliss Homecoming and the royal court were the halftime highlight Sept. 21 when Santa Ynez High School beat the Templeton Eagles, 49-21, in the Pirates’ homecoming game. Above, Bennett Redell-14 QB completes a pass under pressure from Kade Gaertner-57. Left, Cash Transeth 23 comes up with a big first down, and right, Homecoming Queen Vibiana Sevilla and King Juan Sanchez.

Lecture series to reveal the remarkable Allan Hancock Staff Report

“C

aptain G. Allan Hancock – Man on the Go” is a faculty lecture series that will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday evenings, Oct. 5, 12 and 26, in the Forum Room at Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus. Hancock was the remarkable man for whom the school is named. Hancock professor Dr. Roger Hall will speak in the series sponsored by the Friends of the Allan Hancock College Library. He will give an additional lecture on World War I on Friday, Nov. 9, from 6-7:30 p.m. in

the Forum Room. “The simplest description of G. Allan Hancock is that he was a man who made a lot a lot of money and did a lot of incredible things,” said Hall. “It’s not a stretch to say that Hancock was the most significant person from Capt. G. Allan Hancock Santa Maria.” According to Hall, people who attend the lecture series will gain a better understanding of the history of Santa Maria and will be

amazed at how much Hancock was able to accomplish in his life. “He went full-throttle with everything he did, and has really done more for Santa Maria than any individual,” Hall said. “I haven’t been able to find any scandal or anything bad about the man!” In previous years, the faculty lecture series were offered as part of Community Education and required registration to attend. This year the series is offered at no cost and registration is not required. Refreshments will be served, and parking is free. For more information, call 1-805-9226966, ext. 3453.

arents and students can reduce the cost of college attendance by taking advantage of free Cash for College workshops, including one from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in the library at Santa Ynez High School. The Central Coast Cal-SOAP Consortium at Hancock and Cuesta colleges are co-sponsoring the series of workshops to help high school seniors and their parents complete and submit financial aid forms that could result in thousands of dollars for college. More than half of community college students receive financial assistance each year. There will be 34 workshops from this month to February 2019 throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Spanish-speaking staff will be available at all locations. No reservations are required. The application process takes about one hour to complete. At each workshop, staff will be on hand to help students fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form or a California Dream Act application, as well as apply for state and federal grants, including Cal Grants that offer thousands of dollars for college that does not have to be repaid. Students can find the free FAFSA application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and the California Dream Act application at www.caldreamact.org. The Cal Grant GPA verification form is available at www. csac.ca.gov, but high school counselors are required to fill out part of the form. Those planning to attend a workshop should bring the following information and items with them: n Completed income tax forms from 2017 for parents and high school seniors n Students Social Security number and driver’s license (if available) n Parents Social Security number (if available) n Records of untaxed income such as welfare benefits n Social Security benefits, or child support payments n Bank statements from 2017 WORKSHOPS CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Join us for a two-hour guided spider hunt Bring water, a shade hat and some comfortable walking shoes. The hike will be no more than 1/2 mile on level ground. We will be talking about the common California tarantula, its habitat, courting, prey and predators.

October 16 (Hike Only) October 20 (Hike and Tri-tip) Go online for information & tickets: https://wildfarmlands.org/events/ wild-tarantula-trails Phone (805) 886-7919

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

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

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WORKSHOPS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 n Business records n Permanent resident or DACA card (if a student is not a U.S. citizen) n A list of colleges the student is interested in attending In addition to grants, the FAFSA and California Dream Act applications may also provide an opportunity for low-interest loans.

For more information about the local workshops, email Diana Perez at dperez@ hancock college.edu; call the Central Coast Cal-SOAP office at 1-805-922-6966, ext. 3710; or call Hancock toll free 1-866-3425242, ext. 3710. To learn more about Cal-SOAP, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/cal-soap. For more information on Cal Grants, log on to www.calgrants.org or call toll-free 1-888- 224-7268.

October 2-15, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 29

CANDIDATES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 led to a campus lockdown. Thanks to the drills, it took under three minutes to secure the entire campus, per law enforcement. Parents would be pleased to see how competently these procedures are handled. SY has a zero tolerance for violence on campus, which is reflected in the discipline reports. Less than 2 percent of the students engage in fighting or weapons incidents, per the 2018 WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) report. In 2017 there was a fight resulting in a felony charge and subsequent expulsion. Since that time, a Restorative Justice program was initiated and counseling made available in order to further develop a positive school climate. Additionally, the school is monitored eight hours daily by three campus supervisors who patrol the campus perimeter and ensure students are in their classrooms during classroom hours and safe during breaks and lunch. n 3. The district will be developing the new School Strategic Plan over the next few months with the idea of improving the

Elizabeth S. Breen

Association executive, Santa Ynez Valley Association of Realtors n 1. I am a 25 year resident of the Santa Ynez Valley with adult children who attended local schools. I have served on People Helping People’s board and others in the Santa Ynez Valley and have a history of volunteerism in

campus and the facilities. The priorities of that plan should reflect the changing face of education, such as offering more online learning, more blended learning (combination of digital and traditional learning), and increasing the number of Concurrent Enrollment (college credit classes taught on campus). Additionally, Career/Technical Education (CTE) classes are vitally important ways to prepare students for future careers. Many of these ideas are reflected in the 2018 WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation report, of which I was co-coordinator with English Department Chair Peggy Kelly. To produce the report, the faculty and administration engaged in a rigorous self-evaluation in which many of these issues were identified as areas of potential growth, earning a stellar rating from the WASC Visitation Committee. Thanks to the vision and generosity of local voters, our school’s physical plant is undergoing much needed rehabilitation and should be completed by the beginning of 2020; however, it should be a priority to carefully maintain the new facilities so as to save money down the road and ensure the school’s longevity. the community. Our high school district is facing challenges including: prioritizing and completing construction, long range master planning, negotiating teacher contracts, budget concerns and school safety. I have the professional background to contribute and do not have a personal agenda. I have 15 years’ experience in school construction, providing services to school districts BREEN CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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BREEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 throughout Santa Barbara county. I served as chair of Solvang School’s Construction Oversight Committee and as a private construction consultant for the district. I was an accounting technician and interim business manager for Solvang’s District for one year. I understand school finance, which has its own set of rules and regulations. As a long term private business owner and in my current role as an association executive I am responsible for budget and finance of an entity. I am a fiscally conservative person. Finally, I work closely with a board and understand the role of a board, as compared to the role of the administration and staff of a school district. n 2. Campus safety should be a top priority for all schools. I have talked with parents and heard concerns about both safety

on campus and pedestrian safety around the campus. While many seem to feel the campus is relatively safe, more can be done. One component is physical safety. The district has been working with CHP and just recently conducted a checkpoint which resulted in 29 tickets, mainly for excessive speed around the high school. I applaud those efforts. The incoming board will be working with the district and stakeholders on a new long range master plan. Campus safety should be an integral part of that plan, particularly in terms of facilities. I would advocate studying the feasibility of sidewalks around the perimeter of the campus, and of physical barriers towards a more closed campus. Pre-identification of students who are having emotional and social difficulties also has to play a role in school safety. According to the 2017-18 Local Accountability Plan, the district has a full-time psychologist and has increased counseling efforts through partnership with

People Helping People. Restorative justice and peer mediation programs have also been implemented. I would support maintaining and broadening those efforts. n 3. I was present at the August board meeting where a presentation was made by Santa Barbara County Schools on the master plan. It is my understanding that the plan will be developed with a variety of stakeholders including parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members. I support this approach and would advocate that the priority of the plan should be in keeping with the board bylaws, which state that board members will “Keep learning and achievement for all students as the primary focus.” As a board member I would prioritize three areas. 1. Campus Safety 2. Fiscal planning to sustain the current construction and any future construction (I

understand there are some grant applications in progress). Funds to ensure maintenance and deferred maintenance of construction projects should be a part of any long range planning. 3. Facilities which support CTE (School to Work) courses which are being developed on campus, and take into account the expansion of Allan Hancock College on campus. The district should take into account all students and their needs while crafting a long range plan.

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BAEKE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 excellent secondary schools. Our children are faced with distractions and obstacles, which threaten to prevent them from achieving greatness. School boards are on the front line in this battle. The board needs to provide our young people with excellent teacher-mentors; necessary learning tools; and a safe environment; all while using taxpayers’ resources in a responsible manner. I am a medical doctor. Much of my academic success was due to parents and teachers devoted to helping me achieve my dreams. I want nothing less than these same opportunities for the students of SYVHS. My youngest child is a Junior. I have been actively involved in all of her academics and extracurricular activities. I have witnessed first-hand the changes happening; some are good. I do not claim to have answers to all the issues for which the board is struggling, but it is my belief that I might offer a different perspective, which would be

of value to the board and make our high school even better. n 2. SYVHS is a (relatively) safe campus; however it faces internal and external threats to the safety of our children and staff, which need addressing. Our school should never be in a position of reacting to problems, which could have been anticipated. Here are a few: a) H.S. parents know about the “gasser.” This is the PE exercise requiring students run down the wooded path from campus to Jim’s gas station, and back. This route is 100 percent unchaperoned. There are many stragglers running alone through areas totally out of public sight. I need not elaborate. b) Student v student; student v teacher. The attack of a young girl last year by another girl should alarm us all. c) The drug problem on campus is more pervasive than some are aware, largely due to student reluctance of reporting. A priority of the board MUST be School Resource Officer

funding. Students and parents overwhelmingly support this. d) Better nighttime lighting for teachers’ security. e) Development of a volunteer Parent Safety Patrol. f) Improved school parking lot design and traffic flow. (Measure-K funding should address this). g) Consideration of new strategies for protecting an open campus from an active shooter. h) Reducing traffic flow on Highway 246. n 3. Fortunately, much of the money annually withdrawn from the Deferred Maintenance Account has been (or will be) eliminated by Measure-K funds. Many of these expenditures were for items of deteriorating infrastructure (e.g. collapsed plumbing, alarms not to code, leaking roofs, wood rot, crumbling concrete, etc.) which previously received temporary (and expensive) band-aids and have now been

properly addressed and should reduce stress on the budget. Unfortunately, other Measure-K items for which the district has already committed are demonstrating cost over-runs. The school budget will be expected to sustain that shortfall. Due to the successful fundraising efforts of the Aquatic Center Foundation, full implementation of the new pool facilities are expected to eliminate the need for tax-dollar support of this wonderful asset. $463,000 has already been reserved for construction of the new baseball field bleachers. Thus, with a newly upgraded campus, modern stadium/tennis courts, soon-to-be completed aquatic center and steady enrollment, I cannot foresee any single major expenditures (e.g. new construction). Any ten-year plan should involve routine maintenance and necessary custodial staffing.

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Lori Parker

Mom, writer, retail, elementary school substitute teacher n 1. I enjoy serving the community, particularly the schools. One issue important to me is developing and implementing a plan to update the school’s teaching strategy to ensure ALL students excel at learning. Every student must be challenged and encouraged in an individual way in order to keep them engaged, help them master the curriculum, and gain the critical thinking/problem-solving skills that will enable them to thrive and be life-long learners. This won’t be done with a single, standard, one-sizefits-all curriculum. And it can’t be done without giving teachers the support they need to provide differentiating instruction to a broad range of learners. It may not be a simple fix, but it’s crucial that we encourage students to reach their highest potential, regardless of the classes they take or their learning capabilities. Another important issue is to ensure that the school’s administration and teachers set a “role model” example for students, holding themselves accountable to the same behavior and standards they expect from the students so as to support an environment of tolerance, fairness, and enthusiasm. Teachers should consistently grade and treat all students fairly and objectively, thereby creating an environment at SYHS that naturally promotes acceptance. n 2. As a potential incoming School Board member, I am not currently well versed in the school safety procedures at SYHS. Therefore, it is difficult for me to say at this point whether or not I think SYHS is a safe campus. With my knowledge of this community, I would believe

it is. However, should I be elected, I will be proactive in learning about the school’s current safety practices and limitations, and strive to hold the school’s leadership accountable for researching best practices throughout the country to determine the most effective plan to ensure our students are safe. I will support any best practices that have a proven track record of being effective, from student tolerance education and discipline policies to emergency procedures and necessary facilities updates. n 3. The plan funded by Measure K is currently supporting the replacement and repair of outdated and/or dysfunctional aspects of the school’s infrastructure (sewer, water, pavement, etc.), addressing key fire/life/safety concerns, and improving and updating school buildings (new roofs, HVAC systems, emergency communications systems, etc.). These are all critical to providing an environment that is efficient, cost effective, safe, and enables learning. One additional aspect that I believe needs to be consistently addressed and updated is the school’s technology. Society today almost demands that educational facilities provide students, teachers, and the administration with access to the latest and greatest technology available.

Jessica Yacoub

Small-business owner, social worker, volunteer, parent n 1. I am a candidate primarily because I’m passionate about the students at SYVUHS. I am a mom of a freshman and a junior. My husband and I have raised our children in this beautiful valley and have come to know and love this community. I am grateful to have been able to cheer on kids on the sidelines of

too many sports events to count. My husband has coached for AYSO, Charter tennis and SYVUHS boys JV tennis. We have always embraced the opportunity, commitment and privilege to volunteer. I am currently serving on the board of Transition House Santa Barbara. I am a social worker and small-business owner. I enjoy meeting people and believe in working towards equality, and spreading love everywhere I can. I know SYVUHS is a wonderful place and also believe we can always strive to keep learning, growing and being better.

would make our school safer in the event of a natural disaster or active shooter. I also look forward to our school becoming ADA compliant so that all students have the best access to all areas of the campus.

n 3. I am really excited to see improvements and maintenance happening at our school! I believe it is in everyone’s best interest to see the parking lot being improved and additional spots added. I would love to see our facility improvements include anything that

n 2. The Santa Ynez Valley is one of the safest places in the world, and we must always be vigilant as a community to keep it this way. I have spoken with SYVHS staff who feel that

Tyler Sprague Attorney

n 1. As an alumni and local resident, it is imperative to give back to the institution that helped me grow into the individual I am. It is n 2. While I do not fear for my children’s important to play a role in the community that safety as I send them off to school I am built me so the next generations at SYVHS can aware that we live in a country that has a gun continue to receive the quality education that crisis. This is a present concern of parents was available to me. As a board member I hope and children alike. I believe it is our duty to to create new educational and vocational oppordo our best to protect our children at school tunities to enhance the student experience. and would approve measures to make our Current and future students must continschool safer. I think this is a layered issue that ue to have the best academic and vocational requires a look upstream and a look at best programs available to them so they may pursue practices in the event of an active shooting. any career or secondary education path they I believe that our school needs to look into all choose. Having a board which strongly supits current policies and procedures. We need to ports the staff and teachers, so they can focus decide if they are still relevant and decide how on continuing to provide excellent educational we will address violations. Then and most imopportunities, inside and out of the classroom portantly we must be equitable in our adminisbest reaches this desired outcome. The staff are tration of discipline. Children must believe they the constant of the school, and it is through their are all cared for and deserving of equality. This dedication that the students are able to achieve I believe is one piece of preventing violence. success. By providing proper support, including In the event of an active shooter ... we must do compensation, to the staff, we can ensure that more to educate our students, staff and parents. SYVHS is of the highest quality, continues to We must hire professionals who have the attract the best educators in the Tri-County, and knowledge of what best practices are and then produces students who enter the world prepared spend the money to make our campus safe. to serve as proud ambassadors of our Valley.

o SPRAGUE CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

October 2-15, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 33

SPRAGUE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 the campus is prepared should disaster strike. Although we hope this will never happen, we must be conscious that we live in fire and earthquake country, as well as an era when we have experienced far too many acts on school campuses. The best way to ensure safety is to have a proper plan and policies in place. Having fought fires for the state of California before attending law school, I know the importance of safety. Simply put, the safety and security of our students is key to empowering a great education. By working as a team with the school board, administration, teachers, families, students, community, and other stakeholders, we can continue to keep the students and staff safe so that they can focus on teaching and learning. The best policy for safety is active prevention. This happens at every level of the community from a good set of policies and procedures to active drills in the classroom.

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n 3. With any large project that will have a profound impact on our Valley community, the first priority should be transparency. The community, which includes the teachers and staff, must be included in this process. After all, the high school is a pillar of the Valley community; input as to what would best benefit the needs of the community is key. The best input comes from those who use these facilities either as a workplace or a place to enjoy a theater production or soccer game. We must also not lose sight of the fact that excellent facilities don’t make excellent students; that only comes from excellent teachers. This is an opportunity to bring the campus into the future by integrating technologies into the classrooms in a way that boosts the experiences of the students and teachers without overwhelming what has made the school successful. There must be thoughtfulness about which renovations are necessary while creating new opportunities for students. The board has the opportunity to build and update the existing facilities to allow for programs that empower students to explore careers and interests that they are passionate about, such as agricultural facilities, computer programing, mechanical engineering, the arts and sports.

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upcoming Comedian, actor Ken Jeong to perform at casino Staff Report

en Jeong, an actor, stand-up comedian and former physician, is bringing his side-splitting performance to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12. Jeong appeared in the summer hit movie “Crazy Rich Asians,” which premiered in August. His best known roles include Ben Chang on the sitcom “Community,” the gangster Leslie Chow in “The Hangover” movie franchise and the lead character in the ABC sitcom “Dr. Ken,” which he also created, wrote and executive produced. He has also had roles in a variety of television shows, including “Boston Legal,” “Burning Love,” “Glee” and “Fresh Off the Boat.” Born in Detroit to South Korean immigrants, Jeong was raised in Greensboro, N.C. He graduated from high school at 16 years old, graduated from Duke University and then obtained his M.D. at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. In 1995 Jeong won the “Big Easy Laff-Off” and moved to Los Angeles. He initially practiced medicine for several years as a physician at a Kaiser Permanente hospital in Woodland Hills. During that time, he began performing regularly at the Improv and Laugh Factory comedy clubs to work on his routine. His background in theater and improv led to several television appearances, including

Ogie Alcasid,left, and Regine Velasquez are coming to the Chumash Casino Resort on Oct. 5

Filipino ‘power couple’ to play at casino Oct. 5 Staff Report Photo contributed Ken Jeong will perform in the Samala Showroom on Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m.

NBC’s “The Office,” HBO’s “Entourage” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He made his film debut in Judd Apatow’s “Knocked Up” as Dr. Kuni, which proved to be his breakout performance. From that point forward, he was able to transition from medicine into a full-time career in the entertainment industry. Tickets for the show are $45, $55 & $65, available at the casino or at www.chumash casino.com.

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egine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid, one of the Philippines’ most influential power couples in the entertainment industry, are coming to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. Best known as “Asia’s Songbird,” Velas-

quez is one of the best-selling Filipino pop singers of all time, having sold 8.5 million records regionally. She rose to fame with the release of the single “Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang” from her self-titled debut album in 1987. Joining Velasquez on stage will be her COUPLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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

FALL FUN

COUPLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Scarecrow Fest kicks off events Staff Report

anta Ynez Valley merchants welcomed the fall season by kicking off the annual Scarecrow Fest and contest on Oct. 1. Residents and tourists are invited to vote on their favorite creations throughout the month. This year’s contest will for the sixth time include the valley communities of Ballard, Buellton and Los Olivos as well as Solvang, the town that started the Scarecrow Fest. Scarecrows can also be found around Santa Ynez and Los Alamos during October. The month-long festival will run through Oct. 31, during which time visitors and residents are encouraged to play, stay and enjoy the scarecrow sights and many community events. Those events include the inaugural Solvang Grape Stomp on Saturday, Oct. 13, and the Solvang 3rd Wednesday Wine & Beer Walk on Oct. 17. The winning scarecrows from each town, crafted by local businesses, will be eligible for the “2018 Harvest Cup: Best in the Valley” title and trophy, which will be announced at a Nov. 14 ceremony. Hampton Inn & Suites of Buellton and the Santa Ynez Valley was the 2017 SYV Scarecrow Fest overall winner. Each of the participating towns holds its own Scarecrow Fest and associated con-

er, actor, comedian, parodist and host, Alcasid is a fixture in the Filipino entertainment industry. Before pursuing multiple philanthropic business projects and a career in television, Alcasid launched a music career as a balladeer in 1989. His debut single, “Nandito Ako” (I Am Here), from his gold-certified, self-titled album was awarded “Song of the Year” by Magic 89.9, a popular radio station in the Philippines. He has since released 18 albums. Velasquez and Alcasid were married 2010. Tickets for the show are $65, $75 and $85, available at the casino or at www.chumashcasino. com.

Boo at the Zoo’ will be held Oct. 19 to 21

Photo contributed Hampton Inn & Suites of Buellton and the Santa Ynez Valley won Overall Best in Field in last year’s SYV Scarecrow Fest.

test to select a winner that will represent each town in the quest for the valley-wide Harvest Cup trophy. The Valley’s first Scarecrow Fest was held in Solvang in 2010, initiated by the Solvang 3rd Wednesday committee. For more information, go to www. syvscarecrows.com or follow the event on

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Scarecrow voters and visitors are encouraged to use the hashtag #syvscarecrows in online discussions of the SYV Scarecrow Fest. For more information, contact Anna Ferguson-Sparks at 1-877-327-2656 or info@stilettomarketing.com.

“Boo at the Zoo,” Santa Barbara Zoo’s popular Halloween event, will now have one ticket for admission from Oct. 19 to 21. Tickets will be good for any of the three nights and for all activities, including Zoo Train rides. Costumed kids and families can enjoy safe trick-or-treating, costumed characters, entertainment, animal encounters, and special Halloween activities. “Boo at the Zoo” will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 20, and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21. Tickets are $20 for adults ($17 for members) and $14 for children, 2 to 12 years old ($12 for members). Tickets are on sale online at sbzoo.org/boo-zoo and at the zoo’s front gate. Tickets do not include food and drinks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For the safety of visitors, no guest 12 years and older with masks or painted faces will be permitted into the zoo, and no realistic weapons are allowed.

Located in the heart of downtown Solvang, our boutique firm offers services in family law and estate planning. To find out about discounted services for First Responders and parent intro specials for estate planning, please contact erin@erinzivic.com.

1641 Mission Drive, Suite 304, Solvang, CA 93463 | 805.380.2505 | erinzivic.com

H&D Roll Off is now offering 14cu yard roll off dumpsters for your waste needs • $240 for a week rental and up to 1 ton of weight. • From garage clean out, small remodels, to landscaping projects we are your solution. • Started with the idea of having a dumpster small enough to fit in your driveway but big enough for your needs. In the Santa Ynez Valley

(805) 931-6219

Also Serving the Lompoc Valley (805) 619-9070

October 2-15, 2018 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 39

calendar

To submit an event for publication, email the information to news@santaynezvalley star.com. To see more information online, go to www.santaynezvalleystar.com.

advance ticket or $25/at the door; www.the-slopoke.com.

October 2

October 6

Flu shots – Buellton Medical Center, 195 CA-246, Buellton. Piedras Blancas Lighthouse and Cambria Trip – 7:30 a.m.5 p.m. Departing from Solvang Veterans Memorial Building, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. $60/person; www.cityofsolvang. com. Santa Ynez Valley Technology Club Mixer – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Root 246, 400 Alisal Road, Solvang. $20/advanced or $35/at the door. Food and drink included with extras; www.syvsbtechclub.org.

October 3

Community Flu Shot Clinic at Senior Expo of Santa Barbara – 9 a.m.- noon. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara. $5 admission includes flu shot; 805-681-7805. Eat Out: McLintocks Saloon and Dining Hall in Shell Beach – 4:30-7:45 p.m. Depart from Solvang Veterans Memorial Building, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. $10/person for roundtrip transportation. Purchase meal separately; www. cityofsolvang.com. Stories of Service and Sacrifice: Author, Filmmaker Gary Robinson – 7-9 p.m. Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos. Three part/night lecture series; 805 688-4214 or solvanglibrary@santabarbaraCA.gov. Buellton City Council Candidate Forum – 7-9 p.m. Oak Valley School multipurpose room, 595 2nd St., Buellton or view at syvnews.com/

October 4

Solvang City Council and Mayor Candidates Forum – 6-7 p.m. Meet and Greet; 7-8:30 p.m. Candidate Forum. Bethania Church Parish Hall, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang, or view at www.santaynezvalleystar.com.

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic – 1-4 p.m. Sansum Clinic, 317 W. Pueblo Street, Santa Barbara. Adults only; 805-681-7500.

Knapp’s Castle Hike – 8-11a.m. Meet at Solvang Veterans Memorial Building, 1745 Mission Drive, to caravan. Lompoc Elks Craft Bazaar – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 905 E. Ocean Ave., Lompoc; 805-751-5978. Central Coast Airfest – Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Santa Maria Public Airport, 3249 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria ; www.centralcoastairfest.com. Pow-wow – Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Chumash Intertribal Pow-wow with cultural customs, dancing and drum competitions. $5 parking and $35 to camp; www.santaynezchumash.org. 36th Annual Health Fair – 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Road, Buellton. Free; www. cottagehealth.org/syvhealthfair. Sip and Sway featuring Megan Steinke and Band – 12:30-3:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy-246, Buellton. Live music and food trucks; www.brickbarnwineestate.com.

October 7

Free Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Event – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station, 4004 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos; 805-882-3615 or www.lessismore.org. Blessing of the Animals – 5 p.m. St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos. All ages are welcome to bring pets (on a lead or in a crate) for a special individual prayer of blessing; info@smitv.org or 805-688-4454.

October 10

Mat Kearney with Atlas Genius Performances – 7:30 p.m. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd Street, Solvang. $45/regular reserved or $105/Golden Circle; www.solvangfestivaltheater.org.

Tarun Shetty and Darren Carter Comedy Show – 7 p.m. Solvang Veterans Memorial Building, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. Partial proceeds go towards musical kindness programs at local schools and senior centers. $20 SYV Women’s Network Meeting – 6-8 p.m. Wildwood online or $25 at the door; www.globalkindnesstv.org/show. Door Factory, 100 Easy Street, Buellton; 805-403-3999.

October 5

SLOPoke Fine Art of the West Exhibition and Sale – Oct. 5-7. Flag is Up Farms, Highway 246, Solvang. $20/

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District Board – 6-10 p.m. Little Theater, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, 2976 E. Hwy-246, Santa Ynez or view at www. santaynezvalleystar.com.

Rick Payne 436 Gay Drive • Buellton, CA 93427 Cell 805-350-3088 coastalvalleysroofing@gmail.com • Lic #1033249

October 11

October 14

October 12

Daily

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic – 1-4 p.m. Goleta Family Medicine, 122 South Patterson Ave., Goleta. Adults only; 805-681-1777.

Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch – 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Open Daily; www.facebook.com/solvangfarmerpumpkinpatch.

Club Brick Barn Fall Evening on the Patio – 5:30-7:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy-246, Buellton. Live music by Oddly Straight and food by Leonardo’s Ristorante-Pizzeria. Two complimentary member tickets. Two guests per member allowed at $35/each; www.brickbarnwineestate.com.

Every Sunday

Groundswell Rising Film Screening and Q&A – 7 p.m. Standing Sun Winery, 92 2nd Street, Buellton; thompsonarttherapy@gmail.com or 415-606-7756.

Sleep and Your Health - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Road, Solvang. Free; 805-688-6431.

Valleywide Teen Dance – 7-10 p.m. 6th-8th grade. Buellton Rec Center, $10; www.cityofsolvang.com or www.buelltonrec. com. Ken Jeong Performing – 8 p.m. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 Ca-246, Santa Ynez. $45 and up; www.chumashcasino.com/entertainment.

October 13

Santa Ynez Valley Elks Car, Truck and Jeep Show – 10 a.m.2 p.m. Sagunto Street, Downtown Santa Ynez. Free to attend, $40 entry fee for each vehicle; 805-688-3448.

Annual Arbor Day Festival – 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden, River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton; www.santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org.

Pumpkin Patch and U-Pick Berries – 9 a.m. daily for the season. Summerset Farm and Dale’s Nursery, on the corner of Edison and Baseline off Hwy-154; 805-245-0989.

Arts and Crafts: “Nature Sun Prints” – 12-1 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, 2265 Hwy. #154, Santa Barbara. Free. $10/vehicle parked; 805693-0691 or Julie@clnaturecenter.org.

Every Monday

Divorce Care Recovery Seminar and Support Group – 6:308:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy Library, 891 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; Louise Kolbert at 805-688-5171.

Every Tuesday

2-Step Lessons – 6:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. - Industry Night and Karaoke Party. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.themavsaloon.com.

Every Wednesday

2nd Sunday Artisans – 12-5 p.m. Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Healing Hearts Support Group – 2-4 p.m. Santa Ynez Pintado Road, Los Olivos; info@santaynezvalleyarts.org. Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road. Free. To R.S.V.P. call 805-693-0244. 12th Annual Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Day – 1-9 p.m. Chumash Cultural Hall, 100 Via Juana Road, Santa Ynez. Opening ceremony, food, California Native dancers and singers, basketry demos and a handgame tournament with Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley - 12-2 p.m., Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, cash prizes. Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center support Solvang Stomp – 2-5 p.m. First Street, Solvang. $75/ group for brain injury survivors and caregivers; www. general admission, $100/V.I.P. including meal ticket; www. jodihouse.org. solvangusa.com/stomp.

Every Thursday

We Care Salute – 5-9 p.m. Solvang Veterans’ Memorial Building, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. Music by Low Down Dudes, barbecue dinner, drinks and prizes. All proceeds to fund care packages for troops. $25/adult at the door, $15/ child 12 and under, free for Active Duty Service Members; www.wesupportthetroops.org. Real Men Cook – 6-10 p.m. Flag is Up Farms, 901 E. Hwy-246, Solvang. A benefit for Arts Outreach. $65/advanced ticket or $70 at the door; 805-688-9533 or www.artsoutreach.com.

Every Friday

Pilates - 10 a.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-1086.

Every Saturday

Junior Rangers Program – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Hwy-154, Santa Barbara. Children 3 and up; under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult. $3/person. Nature Center admission is free. Visit www.clnaturecenter.org.

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

$4,300,000 | 3251 Short Rd, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3BA Carole Colone | 805.708.2580 Lic # 01223216

$3,269,000 | 3169 Montecielo Dr, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3½BA Brett Ellingsberg | 805.729.4334 Lic # 01029715

$3,195,000 | 1645 Still Meadow Rd, Solvang | 4BD/4BA Claire Hanssen | 805.680.0929 Lic # 00887277

$2,799,000 | 1500 Jennilsa Ln, Solvang | 4BD/6BA Laura Drammer | 805.448.7500 Lic # 01209580

Randy Freed/Kellie Clenet | 805.895.1799 / 705.5334

$2,639,000 | 1043 Ladan Dr, Solvang | 4BD/5BA

$1,675,000 | 4435 White Pine Ln, Santa Ynez | 2BD/2½BA + Office

Lic # 00624274 / 01434616

$2,195,000 | 2903 Lorencita Dr, Santa Maria | 3BD/6BA Suzy Ealand/Ken Sideris | 805.698.9902 / 455.3159 Lic # 01766178 / 00603730

Laura Drammer | 805.448.7500 Lic # 01209580

$995,000 | 3621 Montebello St, Santa Ynez | 3BD/2BA David & Marlene Macbeth | 805.689.2738 Lic # 01132872 / 00689627

$989,000 | 3050 Samantha Dr, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3BA Suzy Ealand/Ken Sideris | 805.698.9902 / 455.3159 Lic # 01766178 / 00603730

$979,000 | 2500 Quail Valley Rd, Solvang | 4BD/2½BA Brad Berch | 805.680.9415 Lic # 01244576

$795,000 | 3578/3580 Pine St, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3BA Sharon Currie | 805.448.2727 Lic # 01357602

$699,000 | 1358 Cheyenne Ln, Santa Ynez | 3BD/2BA Carole Colone | 805.708.2580 Lic # 01223216

$697,000 | 3153 Riley Rd, Solvang | 3BD/2BA Karin Aitken | 805.252.1205 Lic # 00882496

$559,000 | 260 Valley Station Cir, Buellton | 3BD/3BA Deanna Harwood | 805.325.1452 Lic # 00999839

$230,000 | 326 W Chestnut Ave, Lompoc | 2BD/3BA Patrick Rodriguez | 805.364.2802 Lic # 01377250

$80,000 | 330 W Highway 246 222, Buellton | 2BD/2BA Karin Aitken | 805.252.1205 Lic # 00882496

MONTECITO | SANTA BARBARA | LOS OLIVOS

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©2018 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Info. is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Sellers will entertain and respond to all offers within this range. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.