December 3 - December 16, 2019
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Hidden Wings youth launching business, producing plays
New Solvang Fall Festival delights thousands, but hurts many businesses
‘We focus on their gifts, not on their deficits,’ founder Jim Billington says of his students on the autism spectrum
City officials, promoter promise to listen to all feedback and learn from it
By Pamela Dozois
reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com
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idden Wings continues to expand its activities to help socialize young autistic adults with the addition of production, marketing, and sales of a new line of handmade products for the body and the home. The school also has produced new student-inspired theatrical productions. Hidden Wings, based in Solvang, serves young adults with autism and related conditions in an effort to promote teamwork and physical
By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
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Photos Contributed “Our students have created a line of natural, organic products, soaps, body balms, lip balms, bath salts, and room sprays — our best seller being our lavender room spray,” said Hidden Wings Executive Director and Founder Jim Billington.
Hidden Wings introduces its new line of organic products, all hand-made by the students.
fitness, to teach independent living skills, and encourage its students to become active members of the community. It was co-founded in 2009 by the husband-wife team of Rev. Jim Billington and Julia Billington, M.D. “The word ‘autistic’ literally means ‘onto oneself’ — think ‘automaton’,” said Jim Billington,
president of Hidden Wings. “They often function onto themselves. They are lonesome people, often without friends and social connections. At Hidden Wings, young adults have the opportunity to break free from their ‘aloneness’ and to be a part of something bigger than themselves. We focus on their gifts, not on their deficits. “Everything we do here at Hidden Wings is to build friendships and vocational skills,” continued Billington. “We do this through extensive team building and work opportunities in the commercial sector. “We want every person on the spectrum that has graduated or aged out of the high school system to have two things, a job and a friend,” he said. Twenty-five students attend classes, which run six days a week, although every one doesn’t attend every day, Billington noted. The sixth day is an “outward bound Saturday,” where the group builds teamwork through rigorous outdoor activities such as ocean kayaking, hiking, and outdoor exploration. Since the start of the full-
Time to fire up the oven & try some of our fabulous menus
time program, nearly half of the students have come from Lompoc and Santa Maria. Now in its eleventh year, Hidden Wings has added a commercial aspect to its classes, wherein students create an array of products made from herbs that are locally sourced and then sold. Hidden Wings students created an herb garden, which was designed by Steve Shultz, on the grounds of Mission Santa Ines. The garden includes 17 different varieties of herbs that English thyme, French lavender, sage, Russian tarragon, giant myrtle, rosemary, and Spanish oregano, to name a few, all of which are being turned into a variety of natural products by the students. “We’ve turned our cottage into a cottage industry,” Billington mused. “Our students have created a line of natural, organic products, soaps, body balms, lip balms, bath salts and room sprays — our best seller being our lavender room spray. The oils we obtain can be made into HIDDEN WINGS CONTINUED TO PAGE 28
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olvang’s newest family-style festival drew 10,000 to 12,000 people to the downtown area Nov. 15-17 for a weekend of carnival rides, games, live music and food vendors, earning plenty of fans but a number of detractors in its first year. In response, city officials and the Solvang Fall Festival’s promoter have promised to listen to complaints, mostly from downtown business owners, and avoid similar problems if the festival returns next year. The social media feeds of countless people were clogged over that weekend with photos of a huge Ferris wheel on Copenhagen Drive, kids on carnival rides, and other youth performing in the Battle of the Teenage Bands. “It was great seeing how many families that came out to enjoy the weekend. I ran into a family with four generations all together having fun, which was great. I got to see people I haven’t seen since high school,” said Solvang Mayor Ryan Toussaint. Solvang resident Mikki Robinson said she wished this event had been around while she was growing up here, and her kids had a blast. “I felt like there was activities for the kids to do, especially the teens, which most of our valley’s festivals lack,” Robinson said. The headline part of the event was the concert
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FALL FESTIVAL CONTINUED TO PAGE 29
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Solvang to host public workshops on tourism Dec. 4 Staff Report
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olvang city staff members will host three consecutive public workshops on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 4, at City Hall to discuss tourism marketing, sales and their impact on the community. The first workshop begins at 6:30 p.m., offering residents an opportunity to discuss the impact of tourism on the community along with recommendations in moving forward with tourism marketing and events. The second workshop at 7:30 p.m. will focus on rebranding the city, allowing the public to provide input regarding new city graphics, icons and overall look. At 8:30 p.m., local business people are invited to discuss tourism marketing and sales, including events, communication between the city and businesses, and measuring the city’s investment in tourism marketing via data analytics. The workshops follow a City Council vote on Oct. 28 to begin public engagement efforts on
tourism to help guide the council’s decisions on tourism marketing, sales and rebranding. City staff members began sending out three separate surveys in November for Solvang residents, visitors and businesses to respond on those issues. The survey results will be available at www. CityofSolvang.com on the homepage and the Communications Department page. These surveys will be promoted via social media and email, and a printed copy will be mailed to residents that can be dropped off at City Hall by noon on Dec. 6. Residents are encouraged to fill out surveys online. “For those residents or visitors that are unable to attend the workshop, we encourage them to fill out a survey or send a friend or co-worker to speak on their behalf,” said city Public Information Officer Kady Fleckenstein.
Agendas for the workshops will be posted on www.CityofSolvang.com on the Communications Department page.
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Photos by Raiza Giorgi People packed the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall to honor local veterans from all generations.
Ceremony honors veterans from all eras By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
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pplause greeted every local veteran who stood as his era of service was announced, from World War II through the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, but the longest and loudest applause was for the Vietnam-era veterans. Several hundred people gathered for the local Veterans Day celebration at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall on Monday, Nov. 11. “My father died as a result from the Korean War, which left my mom as a single mother at the age of 36 with two little girls. It’s important to honor those that serve and their families for their sacrifice. I am so proud that my sister was one of the first few women in the U.S. Coast Guard,” said 3rd District county supervisor Joan Hartmann. The ceremony started with the raising of flags outside by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7139 and was followed by speeches indoors from local military dignitaries including VAFB Col. Pete Flores, 14th Air Force Operations Commander. Another featured speaker was U.S. Marine Corps veteran Steven Kester of Santa Ynez, who served in Vietnam while on active duty from 1968-71. In the fierce two-week battle of Hiep Duc Valley, 14 of his fellow Marines
One of the featured speakers on Veterans Day was U.S. Marine Corps veteran Steven Kester of Santa Ynez.
were killed. More than 80 Americans were killed and 400 others wounded. “The decision to join the Marines is life-altering, and it helped form bonds with men that to this day I still consider my best friends,” Kester said. Those attending the ceremony were also treated to lunch after patriotic songs performed by the Santa Ynez Master Chorale and the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Band.
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SBCAG forms Highway 154 Safety Committee Dec. 16 forum set for Solvang to discuss efforts needed for roadway safety By Janene Scully Noozhawk North County Editor
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n response to numerous crashes on Highway 154 causing deaths and critical injuries, the board of the region’s transportation agency has appointed a special safety committee. The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments board of directors voted unanimously to appoint a Highway 154 Safety Committee to address concerns along the two-lane route linking the Santa Ynez Valley and the South Coast. Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann said residents inundated her office with emails, along with a petition signed by 2,000 people expressing concerns after recent crashes including one that claimed the lives of a Solvang mother and her two young children. A working group of local and state officials convened in mid-November to discuss the engineering, education and enforcement efforts, along with the crash history, before holding a public forum, set for 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, in Solvang Veterans Hall, Hartmann said. “We think this is of great importance to the Santa Ynez Valley, but it’s also of countywide significance,” Hartmann said, adding that the highway is used by commuters between Santa Maria and Santa Barbara and beyond. “We’ve had a lot of people giving ideas and suggestions about how we might make this safer so this would be a forum to do that,” she added. Due to the road’s regional significance,
File photo A California Highway Patrol unit monitors traffic on Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Hartmann said, it seemed most appropriate to establish the committee under SBCAG. Hartmann said research is being done to determine how dangerous Highway 154 is in comparison to Highway 1 and Highway 166. “I do think it would be a case study, and then we could look at the more dangerous roads and begin to broaden this group or at least the way we’re approaching it, which is bringing all the different agencies and entities together to consider what can be done and even develop a list of projects,” Hartmann said. The new committee comes as SBCAG looks at the revising the role of Highway
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154 Truck Safety Committee, appointed 10 years ago after truck traveling on Highway 154 crashed into building after losing its brakes. The committee has been dormant recently. “I’ve been getting emails, the phone’s been ringing off the hook,” Buellton Mayor Holly Sierra said about Highway 154. “People want to know what we’re going to do about it.” Two SBCAG members representing the Lompoc Valley — Fourth District county Supervisor Peter Adam and Lompoc Councilman Jim Mosby — asked why the effort focused on one highway. “I know Highway 1 out of Lompoc is a
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significant issue,” Mosby said, asking if that roadway between Lompoc and Highway 101 should have a similar effort. He added he believes it was “one of the most dangerous roads in the county.” Noting that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” Mosby said he wanted to make sure other areas of importance aren’t left out of safety efforts. “I think we need to treat everybody equally, the same, wherever they are,” he said. “I’m failing to see the need for a specific committee on that highway because we should be aware of where the hot spots are countywide. That should be what SBCAG does, right?” Adam added. “We should understand what all the fatality and other accident rates are in different places, and be able to take action on those as a board rather than trying to have it off into individual spots.” The board also designated committee members — Hartmann and Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart, since the road fall in their district, and three local mayors, Goleta’s Paula Perrotte, Solvang’s Ryan Toussaint and Sierra from Buellton. Minutes earlier, California Highway Patrol Capt. Cindy Pontes and Officer Jonathan Gutierrez gave a presentation on recent “Safe on All Roads” efforts aimed at education and enforcement by officers based in Buellton and Santa Barbara “When we were asked to come to this meeting, we had really good statistics,” Pontes said, adding that several fatal crashes occurred days and weeks after she was asked to make the presentation. The CHP is seeking another grant to undertake similar efforts in the future, Gutierrez said. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.
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6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
Caregiver charged with killing Solvang ALS patient sues county By Janene Scully
Noozhawk North County Editor
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caregiver whose conviction for killing a Solvang ALS patient was later overturned by an appellate court has filed a civil lawsuit against Santa Barbara County alleging malicious prosecution and more. Wanda Nelson has sued the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s offices, along with Chief Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Gresser and sheriff’s deputies Charlie Bosma and Matthew Fenske. In addition to claiming malicious prosecution, the lawsuit filed by Los Angeles-based attorneys Michael J. Curls and Nichelle Jones in Santa Barbara Superior Court also alleged intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, false arrest and false imprisonment and Bane Act, or civil rights, violations. “Defendants’ acts and omissions … were willful, wanton, malicious, oppressive, in bad faith and done with reckless disregard or with deliberate indifference to the constitutional rights of the plaintiff, entitling plaintiff to exemplary and punitive damages from each individual defendant in an amount to be proven at trial,” the civil lawsuit says. In 2015, Nelson, then 63, and Marjorie Good, then 87, were indicted by a Santa Barbara County Grand Jury on charges stemming from the death of Heidi Good, who had
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Marjorie Good was Heidi’s mother. Heidi Good, also known as Heidi Good Swiacki, died March 25, 2013, eight years after her diagnosis with the neurodegenerative disease. Nelson was running an errand at the request of Heidi Good when she died after a hose on her ventilator became disconnected, causing her to asphyxiate. The criminal case originally centered on whether the women conspired to kill Heidi Good or if the hose became disconnected accidentally while Marjorie Good was outside trimming bushes and apparently did not hear the breathing machine’s alarm. Prosecutors contended the women had financial motives for killing Heidi — Marjorie Good allegedly feared she was being written out of her daughter’s will, and Nelson owed taxes as an independent contractor. At trial, a jury acquitted Nelson of first- and second-degree murder but found her guilty of a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter. A separate jury also acquitted Marjorie Good of murder charges but remained deadlocked on a lesser charge. After a judge declared a mistrial, the District Attorney’s Office opted not to retry the elderly woman. In November 2017, a state appeals court overturned Nelson’s conviction, ruling that the case lacked sufficient evidence of crimi-
nal negligence against Nelson. However, in May 2019 the same appellate panel reversed a local judge’s finding of factual innocence, saying “reasonable cause exists to believe that respondent committed the offense.” The civil lawsuit also suggested Nelson’s race played a role in the prosecution. “Immediately after Heidi’s death, plaintiff, the only African-American player in this incident, became a scapegoat for defendants Gresser, Bosma and Fenske, who conspired to fabricate and exclude evidence in an effort to ‘invent’ probable cause that would lead to plaintiff’s arrest,” the civil lawsuit said. The lawsuit contends the defendants “fabricated evidence, intentionally and willful ignored exculpatory evidence, and coerced and misrepresented witness statements. “The defendants … were willfully blind to all of the evidence, readily available to them, which demonstrated that plaintiff has absolutely nothing to do with Heidi’s death,” the lawsuit said. Nelson’s civil lawsuit originally was filed in federal court, but dismissed due to jurisdictional issues, leading to the Santa Barbara filing. Nelson’s attorneys also have filed a federal appeal seeking to keep the case there. The Santa Barbara case was filed Nov. 14, and attorneys for the county said they have not had time to submit a response.
However, in the federal case, they denied the allegations including that the defendants made any intentional and reckless false statements, recklessly disregarded the truth, caused Nelson to be falsely arrested, or violated her Fourth Amendment rights. “At no time did Deputy District Attorney Gresser, Sgt. Fenske or Deputy Bosma fabricate, withhold, suppress, or ignore exculpatory evidence during the course of the investigation,” the county’s attorney said in a federal filing. They also denied Nelson’s allegations that sheriff’s detectives consulted with prosecutors to obtain false evidence. Nelson is seeking general damages, medical expenses, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and other relief, claiming she has suffered “great mental and physical pain, suffering, anguish, fright, nervousness, anxiety, shock, humiliation, indignity, embarrassment, harm to reputation. A case management conference has been scheduled for March 16, 2020, before Santa Barbara Judge Colleen Sterne. Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.
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TAKE HEALTHY STEPS Santa Barbara County photo The county Planning Commission reviewed three cannabis cultivation projects along Highway 246 near Buellton in November, an area with several applications
Planning Commission scrutinizes large pot projects near Buellton Staff Report
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eighboring residents and farmers have challenged all six cannabis cultivation projects approved by Santa Barbara County planning staff for District 3, which includes farms proposed for the Buellton area, Los Alamos, and Lompoc Valley. The Planning Commission held appeal hearings for three of those projects in November, all located along Highway 246. They’re the largest farms the commissioners have reviewed to date, and there are concerns about the cumulative impacts as well as each operation’s impact. Blair Pence, of Pence Vineyards, appealed the Santa Rita Valley Ag. Inc. outdoor cannabis cultivation project, at 7680 West Highway 246, which is about 5 miles west of central Buellton, and West Coast Farms cannabis cultivation project (with no street address) along West Highway 246, about 3.5 miles west of Buellton. He argued the projects are not compatible with the neighborhoods, and will have negative environmental, visual and traffic impacts. On Wednesday, Planning Commissioners added more conditions to the Santa Rita Valley Ag., Inc. project, wanting a setback and landscaping plan to separate the operations from adjacent agricultural parcels. They also asked the applicant to limit cultivation to 30 percent of the property size, which would be 12.75 acres of marijuana. “What we do know right now is that there’s a gold rush going on for available property to be first in the door to compete for the acreage limits, so unless we’re going to issue a moratorium and
stop everything in its tracks, I think we need to refer this to the Board of Supervisors and let them make the legislative decision that a majority of them agree on,” said Michael Cooney, the Planning Commissioner representing the First District. “I like anything we can do to reduce the scope of the project,” he said. The Planning Commission plans to uphold the appeal, and deny the project, for the West Coast Farms cannabis cultivation, over concerns about compatibility with agricultural policies and visual elements of community plans. On Thursday, the Planning Commission continued its review of Busy Bee’s Organics, Inc., located at 1180 West Highway 246, which proposed 22 acres of marijuana grown under hoop structures, and buildings for processing. It was appealed by Sharyne Merritt, a Carpinteria avocado grower and member of the Agricultural Advisory Commission. Commissioners ended up denying the appeal, and approving the project, but with additional conditions, including reduced acreage, and buffer zones between the cultivation and neighboring parcels. They reiterated concerns about the impact of cannabis on vineyards and other agriculture, and their frustration with not knowing for sure whether there are serious compatibility problems, as commission Chair John Parke put it.
Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com.
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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
Cultural tourism growing in Solvang
By Kenneth Harwood
Economist, Solvang Chamber of Commerce
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rts, history and literature are the core of cultural tourism. Visitors find their destinations in museums, theaters, bookshops, libraries, and building designs. Solvang offers an example of how much cultural tourism grew in eight years. The chart shows estimated numbers of visits to Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang from 2010 to 2018. Visits to this museum grew at an average rate of about 8 percent a year. That compares with a rise of about 1 percent a year in the number of Solvang’s residents, so visits to the museum grew about eight times faster than Solvang’s population. Notice that the number of visits in a year could decline. Usually the reason was poor travel conditions in winter. Less often the museum was closed for renovations. Growth in number of visits might have come from several sources. World population continues to rise. Income is rising with good times in much of the world. Art education is more widespread than it once was. Elverhoj Museum fosters an open door
policy, with no charge for admission. A diverse audience includes first time visitors, returning guests, school children, members, and friends. Many are attracted to the museum through word of mouth, internet, web,
or traditional media. This example of demand for cultural tourism might grow more quickly or less quickly than others. Most importantly, the growth illustrates a rising popularity of local history and art.
Elverhoj Museum of History and Art compiled this data on visits. Special thanks to Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates. Population figures are from City of Solvang, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report 2018, page 108.
Buellton honored for EPA honors Chumash its budget document recycling achievements Staff Report
B
uellton has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget for the third time. The award represents a commitment of the City Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting, according to the GFOA. To receive the budget award, the city had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and
a communication guide. Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. The Finance Department staff responsible for the award is led by Finance Director Shannel Zamora. There are more than 1,600 participants in the Budget Award Program. To review the award-winning budget, visit the city’s website at www.cityofbuellton. com, click on “Document Archive” under the “Government” tab, select “Finance — Budget” and open the biennial budget link at the top of the list of documents.
Staff Report
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n Nov. 12, during America Recyles Week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Chumash Casino Resort for its outstanding efforts in recycling, food recovery and moving toward “zero waste.” EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest, Mike Stoker, toured the Chumash Casino Resort to celebrate its “green leadership” during America Recycles Week. “The Chumash Casino Resort’s Zero Waste initiatives are making a real difference for the environment,” Stoker said. “By diverting more than 90 percent of their total waste stream from landfills and sharing their expertise with other tribes, they are true recycling champions.” “It’s an honor for our tribe to be recognized by the EPA during America Recycles Week,” said Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn. “By forming local partnerships and participating in innovative programs, our Chumash Casino Resort’s Facilities Department has taken our recycling efforts to new heights.”
In 2018, the Chumash Casino Resort diverted 2.9 million pounds of waste, representing over 90 percent of its overall waste stream, from local landfills through its successful Zero Waste program. To reach this ambitious target, the Chumash Casino Resort has formed both local and national partnerships and participated in several innovative programs to complement its extensive in-house recycling efforts. The Chumash Casino Resort has won several EPA awards, including the Food Recovery Challenge award in 2014 and 2016. The resort has also been an EPA WasteWise partner since 2008 and has received national WasteWise Partner of the Year awards in 2012 and 2015. For more information on joining America Recycles efforts, visit https://www.epa.gov/ americarecycles.
December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9
Bike lane forced on neighborhood despite protests By Victoria Fiore Contributed
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n October 14, twice as many Fjord Drive community members showed up at a Solvang City Council meeting as compared to the number of bike riders who, by the way, do not live in that community. We came to protest two bike lanes on either side of Fjord Drive that were painted on the road without notifying the people in the community or even asking us if we would like them. After listening to arguments from both sides, the Solvang City Council voted to keep the bike lanes on Fjord Drive with the future possibility of extending them beyond the barriers at the end of the Fjord Drive. The community members are not against bikes, but prefer that the bike path is on the other side of the river due to many
reasons. 1. Active bike riding down Fjord is and will continue to disrupt our peaceful neighborhood. 2. People now using the bike lane see the barrier at the end of Fjord Drive, and then come into and ride through the Rancho Santa Ynez Estates private property. 3. A bike path in several California communities has increased incidents of vandalism and burglary to homes and property on or near the bike path. 4. Wildlife in our neighborhood shows itself when we are walking peacefully, and faster moving bikes will destroy and disrupt their presence and possibly their habitat in our area. 5. Senior citizens and parents with children in our community feel that motorcycles and fast moving bikes can be hazardous to their safety. 6. Not only the eight intersections coming in to Fjord Drive, but also the cars, RVs,
utility trucks, very large manufactured homes parked in the recently painted bike lanes can cause a real safety hazard for cyclists. 7. Taking down the barrier at the end of Fjord Drive and allowing a bike path to continue will cause increased dust and noise for the people living along that very dusty area. So in conclusion, bike paths need to be placed in areas where Solvang residents welcome them — rather than being forced to accept them without a vote or notification ahead of time. Residents in Rancho Santa Ynez already see fires along the river almost every night. We do not want what happened along the Antelope Valley Trail, Santa Ana River Trail, Yorba Linda path, and Merrillville (for example) to happen in our peaceful community. We hereby ask the City Council to reconsider the continuation of a bike path on
Fjord Drive beyond the barriers, and to consider putting the walking and bike path on the other side of the river — so it does not disrupt our citizens and wildlife. We should not have to accept something we did not vote for or want. For examples of problems along bike trails, see: 1. https://journalstar.com/news/local/ crime-and-courts/police-investigating-robberies-along-downtown-lincoln-bike-trail/ article_a84d8391-0d62-552e-a392-deaed53126a8.html 2. https://www.ocregister. com/2017/07/19/santa-ana-river-trailwalkers-cyclists-fear-homeless-give-upoutdoor-jewel/ 3. https://www.nwitimes.com/ news/local/lake/merrillville-monitors-vandalism-along-hike-bike-trail/ article_1965aec4-5fb2-5963-92cdcc50397b0893.html
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.
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10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
SYV Aquatics project gets $250,000 from Chumash By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
W
hile members of the girls water polo team were taking a break from practicing on the chilly evening of Nov. 15, they were warmed by the donation of an additional $250,000 for the Santa Ynez Valley Aquatics Foundation from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “We are incredibly thankful to the Chumash for their second donation to this project. Just yesterday we had our site visit with the committee for the (state) Prop 68 funding, and we are hoping we are in the running,” said SYV Aquatics Executive Committee member Lisa Palmer. Chumash Vice-Chairman Raul Armenta presented the donation to the Aquatics Foundation, and he reiterated the tribe’s commitment to help get this community project done. The new pool complex is intended to replace the deteriorating 53-year-old pool on the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School campus while making significant additions. In addition to an Olympic-sized competitive pool, other features will include a dedicated family area, additional parking and improved traffic circulation after feedback the committee received at workshops in early summer. There will also be a 25-yard warm-water therapy pool, changing rooms, lockers, storage, a sports medicine/science building, and a memorial entry plaza. The pool has already been purchased as
iday C a m p s l Ho
Photos by Raiza Giorgi SYHS girls water polo team members pose with representatives of the SYV Aquatics Foundation and Chumash ViceChairman Raul Armenta.
Chumash Vice-Chairman Raul Armenta presents an additional donation of $250,000 to the SYV Aquatics Foundation.
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Winter Break Camp
Week 1
Week 2
Monday, Dec 23: Movies in Santa Maria
Monday, Dec 30: Ice in Paradise
Thursday, Dec 26: Rancho Bowl in Santa Maria
Thursday, Jan 2: Movies in Santa Maria
Tuesday, Dec 24 : Santa Maria Discovery Museum
Friday, Dec 27: Park Hopper & Treats Contact us at: Tel (805) 688-1086
Tuesday, Dec 31 : Rockin' Jump
Friday, Jan 3: Scavenger Hunt
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modular components from the manufacturer that installed one of the pools at the last U.S. Summer Olympics swimming trials in Omaha. Prop 68 is the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, approved by voters in June 2018. The purposes of Prop 68 include creating parks, enhancing river parkways, and protecting coastal forests and wetlands. Only a government agency could request Prop 68 funding, so neither SYV Aquatics nor the high school was eligible. The city of Buellton agreed to take the lead in pursuing that funding, and the city of Solvang and Santa Barbara County agreed to support the effort in requesting funding. The county also agreed to give $250,000 in developer fees to the effort. Also involved in the project is the LA84 Foundation, which was created with a share of the surplus funds from the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. LA84 began operations in 1985 as a grant-making and educational foundation that supports hundreds of nonprofit youth sports organizations throughout Southern California, trains coaches, commissions research, and convenes conferences. To learn more about the SYV Aquatics Foundation, visit www.syvaquatics.org.
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December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11
DEC 21
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12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
Post Office offers tips for holiday service Postal Service Contributed
O
nce again the holidays are here, which means more packages being delivered and more mail filling up your mailbox. During this busy and hectic time of the year, the Postal Service offers these hints and tips to keep your mail and its carriers safe this holiday season. Please do your best to check your mailbox daily. Boxes that are too full will have the mail pulled and held at the Post Office for 10 days, after that it will be returned to sender. Your mailbox is not meant to be a storage area, please take ALL of the mail out of the box. Remember that you can always put your
mail on hold for a minimum of 3 days to avoid having mail left in your box when you are away or are unable to pick up your mail. To ensure proper delivery it helps to have your address and last name on your box. When ordering packages please be sure to add any additional info such as apartment or unit #. Any mail delivered to your address that is not yours, put back into the box indicating so. Additionally NO signs or ads are allowed to be posted onto mailboxes or parcel lockers. Keep the area around your mailbox and walkway easy to access. Boxes that are blocked for more than three days will have their mail put on hold and available for pick up at
the office. Your mail carrier is not allowed to enter a yard where there is a dog present so if you have a package being delivered that day it will be left at your gate or entry point. Tracking information is usually available on most packages being delivered by your carrier, so please keep an eye on when your delivery day is. Most mailboxes do not have nearly enough space to accommodate for such a heavy volume this time of the year. Your mail carriers work hard all year long and appreciate the gifts of gratitude left in your mailbox. Please be sure that anything put in your mailbox without postage is for your carrier only or it cannot be properly sent. It helps if you leave your address
on any gifts left in the box as the substitute carriers think all mail left in the box is outgoing mail. Your gift will not be traceable and without an address it will go to the dead letter office. Letters to Santa are encouraged and, as always, they do not need a postal stamp, though we have heard that Santa really likes to look at the ones that are hand drawn and colored in. Deadlines for sending cards and letters for Christmas arrival are Dec. 14 for ground shipping, Dec. 20 for first class mail and parcels, Dec. 21 for priority mail, and Dec. 23 for Express Mail.
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December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13
‘Heart of Christmas Tea’ planned at Mission Santa Ines Staff Report
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ld Mission Santa Inés invites everyone to take time out from the busy holiday rush to celebrate the joy of the season with “The Heart of Christmas,” an English Tea, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, in the parish hall. The Mission Tea will begin with a welcoming glass of Lucas & Lewellen sparkling wine or cider. Attendees will then be ushered into the “tearoom” to find seating at festively decorated tables. Several traditional teas will be available in loose form so each guest can create their own cup of hot brew to accompany homemade tea sandwiches, buttery scones and sweet treats. Each guest will take home their own china tea cup as a special gift. In addition to the English tradition of afternoon tea and treats, the “Heart of Christmas” tea will feature a bountiful Christmas boutique for those one-of-akind, last-minute gifts for holiday giving. While enjoying tea and treats and checking out a special silent auction table, guests will be entertained by members of the Santa Ynez Valley Chorale singing traditional Christmas songs and holiday favorites. Tickets for the holiday “Heart of Christmas” Tea are $45 for adults, $40 for children over 5 years old, and are available at the Mission Gift Shop.
Discounts offered for Sansum weight-management classes Staff Report
P
eople who want to begin the new year with a plan to lose weight and improve their health can save 50 percent on their first two sets of classes at Sansum Clinic by registering before the end of 2019. The program discount includes support from a physician and a staff of weight-loss counselors from the Doctors’ Weight Management Team. Orientation session will begin in January. Sansum Clinic endocrinologist Dr. Christopher Donner forged the partnership between HMR Weight Management Program and Sansum Clinic in 1986 and continues to lead the
For tickets and more information, call the mission gift shop at 805-688-4815.
To get more information about the discounts or sign up for an orientation session, email hmrprogram@sansumclinic.org or call 805-563-6190..
Church offering free concert, pageant, dinner for Christmas
Photo contributed The event featuring English tea, a boutique and auction will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 8.
Tickets are pre-sale only. Proceeds from the new holiday event will benefit special projects at the historical mission.
Doctors’ Weight Management program, known for its fast and safe weight loss. The program addresses high blood pressure, diabetes (and pre-diabetes), metabolic syndrome, joint pain, and other illnesses and conditions associated with weight management and obesity. Patients use HMR Weight Management’s meal replacements as the foundation of the diet. Classes meet weekly at Sansum’s Hitchcock site.
Staff Report
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he Blue Angels choir, accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra, will present a variety of favorite Christmas carols and anthems, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church. The free concert, titled “Love Came Down at Christmas,” will include newer songs such as “Mary Did You Know” and older favorites such as “Joy to the World, ” “Silent Night, ” and the “Halleluiah” Chorus. There will be the lighting of the Advent Candle and special Advent readings by the Morrow family. The Santa Ynez High School Concert Choir will also be participating. Pianist David Alm will join the choir, and organist Jim Tobin will
present the prelude and postlude and accompany the congregation at the end of the concert with the singing of carols. Immediately following the concert, families are invited to adjourn to the church’s family center for “A Night in Bethlehem” hosted by the Children’s Ministries, which includes dinner. Meet Mary and Joseph, see live animals, enjoy cookie decorating and crafts, plus a cakewalk. The Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church is at the corner of Alamo Pintado and Baseline in Ballard; ample parking is available adjacent to the church. For more information, call the church at 805-688-6323.
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14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
Public invited to help pack meals for hungry children By Pamela Dozois
reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com
V
alley Christian Fellowship is holding a OneMeal packing event from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Santa Ynez Christian Academy, 891 Refugio Road at Highway 246 across from Santa Ynez High School. Following the event there will be a Christmas celebration that includes a soup lunch, bounce house and crafts, snow cones, a family photo booth, and an artificial snowball fight. According to statistics from the Kids Around the World website, one in seven kids in the world suffers from the effects of food insecurity, living in a chronic state of malnutrition. The OneMeal program ensures that tens of thousands of impoverished children have a warm, nutritious meal each day. The OneMeal program has been in existence for the past 15 years serving impoverished communities throughout the world. The church is raising $15,000 to purchase the food in bulk, which will then be measured and placed into small packets then sealed in an assembly-line fashion. “We are hoping that 200 people will show up to help out,” said Casey Groves, Youth Pastor. “Anyone wishing to help with this event is welcome to join us.” The participants will be packing 8,333 food packets, which is 50,000 meals. Each packet can feed 6 people and contains red lentils, rice, and a PhytoBlend, which is a combination of 24 essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. “You can eat this meal every day and be perfectly healthy,” said Jay Marshall, Senior Pastor at Valley Christian Fellowship. “It is designed to provide all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.” “My son, Chris Marshall, has been with Kids Around the World since 2005 and serves as the Vice President of Global Advancement. He has led teams of volunteers all over the world to provide outreach to children and communities that have known nothing but poverty, hunger, natural disaster, and war. They build playgrounds in many impoverished countries in order to bring hope to children around the world,” said Marshall. “By bringing the playgrounds and the
Participants at a OneMeal packing event package the meals so they can be shipped.
Photos Contributed After the boxes are packed with food packets, members of OneMeal pick them up and they are shipped to various destinations all over the world
food into these Third World countries, it opens the door for children to learn about the Bible and God’s love for them. The local authorities get all the credit for providing the food and playgrounds and thus makes them more amenable to allow Christian workers to teach the Bible,” continued Marshall. This is the first year that Valley Christian Fellowship has participated in this event and
LANA CLARK & ASSOCIATES
according to Marshall they don’t expect it to be their last. Their goal is to pack 232 boxes of food, which costs roughly $54 per box with shipping included. The food from this event will be going to an impoverished community in Peru. “We anticipate that people will really enjoy this project and want to keep doing it in the future,” said Groves. “Our church Each packet contains red lentils, rice and a PhytoBlend that is a combination of 24 essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
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For more information about the OneMeal Program, visit www.kidsaroundtheworld.com.
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sponsors 10 different mission organizations. We give over $50,000 a year to support these missionaries. It’s highly unusual for a church our size to have produced so many missionaries, now 15 families teaching the word of God. A lot of our youth have become fulltime Christian missionaries in countries around the world,” said Marshall. “There are so many people in this valley who want to get behind causes that make a long-term difference. We not only want to feed the children physically, we want to feed them spiritually, knowing that the long-term power and strength is going to come from God,” said Marshall. From Dec. 29 to Jan. 1, a group from Valley Christian Fellowship will go to an orphanage in Vencente, Mexico, to build a playground and to minister to the children. Families are welcome to attend. Everyone in the valley is invited to join in the OneMeal packaging event or to make a donation to the program by visiting vcfconnect.org/giving or calling 805-688-5171.
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December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15
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December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17
Winter has been dreaded and celebrated around the world
By John Copeland
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he nights are feeling pretty long right now, and winter is almost here. Winter begins on the solstice — Saturday, Dec. 21. The solstice occurs simultaneously around the globe when the sun is directly overhead. Here in Santa Ynez, winter will arrive at 8:19 pm. I know, it’s a little odd that we change seasons at 8:19 pm on a Saturday evening, but the solstice is an astronomical event that is driven by the clockwork of Earth’s orbit around the sun. As Earth travels around the Sun, it wobbles on its axis — tilting toward the sun for part of the year and then tilting away from the sun, driving the cycle of the seasons by altering the intensity and duration of sunlight falling on the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. From the summer solstice in June to the winter solstice, the points on the horizon where the Sun rises and sets move southward each day; the high point in the Sun’s daily path across the sky, at noon, also moves southward each day. On Dec. 21, the Sun’s path reaches its southernmost position and begins the long journey north again. However, for a few days both before and after the winter solstice, the change in the Sun’s position over the equator is so slight that it appears to be standing still. Solstice is derived from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). Winter inspires both joy and woe. December is the darkest time of the year and was once both the most dreaded and most hopeful of times. No one is really sure how long ago humans recognized the winter solstice and began celebrating it as a turning point. Many cultures the world over have solstice festivals. At their root: the ancient fear that the failing light would not return unless humans intervened. In ancient times, our ancestors were determined to brighten the darkest month of the year. Ancient Romans welcomed winter with the festival of Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. People decorated their houses with evergreen branches and lit lamps all night to ward off the darkness. The ancient Celts hung golden apples and lit candles on oak trees to celebrate the winter solstice. Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights celebrated in countries all over the world. In 165 BCE there was a great battle between the Maccabees and the Syrians. The Jews won the battle and when they went to their temple, they found that the Syrians had allowed their
sacred light to go out. They had oil for only one day. The miracle of Hanukkah is that the oil lasted eight days until a messenger could return with more. There are nine candles in the menorah. One of them is used to light the other candles and the other eight stand for the eight days that the oil kept burning. In Chaco Canyon, N.M., Anasazi Indians, who were expert sky watchers, carved spiral designs into rock to track the seasons and record the passage of time. In Chaco Canyon is a petroglyph called the Sun Dagger because of the way the Sun’s wedge-shape beams strike it in midday during the winter solstice. In our times, Christmas has appropriated most of the ancient winter solstice practices and customs, steeping it in superstition and folk belief. Christmas is the most culturally pervasive and successful festival of all time. Yet, for all the light and joy of Christmas, it requires the darkness as well. Folklore from around the world is full of stories of witches, elves, trolls, vampires and even werewolves that roamed the hours of extended darkness at this time of year. In fact, even ol’ St. Nicholas was accompanied by dark companions in the traditions of many European cultures. In fact, several characters like the Krampus carried a sack, not unlike Santa’s, but instead of giving out gifts, the Krampus would stuff the bag full of bad children to be taken away and eaten! But unlike other holy days, which were often solemn religious observances, the winter solstice was a time for great celebration and joy, a party held in the face of Earth’s darkest hour. Christmas has a magic that is difficult to grasp and even more difficult to explain. It brings together traditions, ideas and customs from all over the world and from all times in human history. If all human civilization could write its own memoir and tell the complete story of Christmas past, surprisingly, the tale would not begin in Bethlehem, but 2,000 years earlier in the cradle of civilization. It would be a story involving Christians and non-Christians alike. Babylonians, Greeks and Romans whose ancient customs became part of the Christmas. The tale would tell of early Europeans hanging fir sprigs and winter greenery to renew life and protect against the cold blasts of Arctic wind. People who had not yet heard of the Christ child would be burning Yule logs. And the tale would continue for another 2,000 years after Wise Men gathered beside a manger in a stable, with each generation adding to the customs of Christmas. And in the end, it would include the story of each one of us who has ever hung an ornament on a tree or presented a gift to someone special. May your celebrations of this season draw deep from the abundant joy, fierce hopes and enduring traditions of all our ancestors and fill your home with warmth and good cheer.
Photo contributed Director Dr. Michael Eglin and the Santa Ynez Valley Chorale in concert.
SYV Chorale concert series presents “Christmas Around the World” Staff Report
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he Santa Ynez Valley Chorale and Chamber Orchestra will perform their holiday concert series, “Christmas Around the World,” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Eglin, the chorale and orchestra promise to fill hearts with the joy of the holidays through music. “This is a special way to celebrate the holidays in the valley, and one not to be missed,” said Eglin. “We chose pieces from around the world, including beloved and familiar carols, forgotten classics and new, hauntingly beautiful fare. The selections are purposefully eclectic. Some are traditional, others modern. Some are chants or carols based on specific texts in the Bible, while others celebrate poems or were written for opera.” The program includes Christ Church Bells, an American Colonial folk carol; Riu, Riu, Chiu, a Spanish Christmas carol; African Alleluia, a rhythmic celebration based on traditional African music, and Salvation is Created, a Communion hymn based on a Ukrainian chant melody.
The program also includes more familiar pieces, including the beloved The First Noel, O Sing a Song of Bethlehem, and Carol of the Bells. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors (65 and over) and youth (18 and under) and there is a $2 processing fee for tickets purchased online. Chorale president Erica Miller said she is proud of the board’s decision to lower prices from previous years. “We want everyone in our community to be able to attend this concert so we’ve significantly lowered the prices. We have to cover our costs, such as renting the Veterans Building, but our goal is to keep prices down and fill the hall with an audience that goes away touched by the joyful message behind our choral music,” she said. Tickets may be purchased at The Book Loft and El Rancho Market, from chorale members, online at www.syvchorale.org, or at the door. The chorale is a nonprofit organization, coming into its 41st year of presenting beautiful choral music in the Santa Ynez Valley. The chorale includes novice and professional singers from their teens into their eighties, brought together by a love of music and the joy of singing.
Be daring with your fall wardrobe Fashion Chatter By Sue Manning
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s cooler weather kicks in, so does the inevitable wardrobe of warmer knits with color and print. Earth tones underscore the warm vibes that extend toward not just turtlenecks, but also long sweaters and pullover sweaters, either tunic style or just below the waist. While neutrals are a safe fall choice, there is something to be said about a coat that can instantly brighten the dreariest of days. To provide plenty of impact, try a statement stunner in a pretty pastel or a warm hue like cinnamon, wine, evergreen, turquoise, red or
apricot. There are so many exciting ways to update and brighten your wardrobe right now, so go bold in pieces that work for you and, above all, something that makes you feel special. A new scarf, necklace or top can do this. Fashion accessories are great gift ideas. Consider tie-dyed silk scarves, famous artist museum scarves, hand painted leather handbags and wallets to match, small totes, shoulder bags, necklaces, earrings of many colors and styles. Sue Manning owns Elna’s Dress Shop.
18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
Little Mermaid brings to life classic underwater tale By Daniel Lahr
Contributing Writer
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he Little Mermaid is a classic story that turned 182 years old this year. Written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837, this story has been told and retold in many ways, with the most famous done in 1989 by the Walt Disney Company. Disney produced an adaptation that put Ariel in the front and center in its massive corporate branding machine, and she’s been there ever since. Disney made the original, and much darker material, into something that resonated with today’s audiences. Today, there are multiple adaptations and retelling of that 1989 animated film, including a live-action re-make in the works, a live broadcast on ABC, theme park attractions, and even theatrical productions. This includes one playing in Santa Maria at Hancock College’s Marian Theater through Dec. 22. PCPA goes all out in their production, and the spectacle is awe-inspiring. The play itself is based on the 1989 film, so it includes many familiar things, but also expands on the original material with new scenes and songs. Something that makes the show stand out from other PCPA productions is that this one has collaborated with New York City’s 2 Ring Circus to bring breathtaking aerial feats to life on stage. This helps make the action to look
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Photos contributed Kitty Balay does an outstanding job with her performance as Ursula.
PCPA goes all out in its production of “The Little Mermaid,” and the spectacle is awe-inspiring.
as if you’re under the sea, swimming with all the sea creatures, or on a ship watching sailors climb the tall mast. The cast is massive, which includes the 2 Ring Circus performers, and all your favorite PCPA resident artists in roles that seem custom made for them. Erik Stein is King Triton, George Walker nearly steals the show as Scuttle, and Guest Artist Katie Emerson does a great job of bringing the titular character to life. Most of all, however, Kitty Balay simply is Ursula, and they really couldn’t have anyone better for that role. These actors are fantastic, but perhaps the real stars of the show are the costume and design teams. The costumes are bright, vibrant and just what you would expect in a production like this. I can only imagine how much fun working on the costume for Ursula was. PCPA has another well-deserved feather in their cap for this holiday season production. It is a real crowd pleaser and one that the whole family will enjoy. Our 4-year-old daughter was enthralled throughout a recent matinee. These shows will undoubtedly sell out. Everyone will want to see this. Tickets are $38-$50 and performances are only at the Marian Theater in Santa Maria. Call the box office at 805-922-8313 or visit www.pcpa.org for more information.
December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19
Pamela Gann Joins Cottage Health board of directors
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areer educator Pamela B. Gann has joined the volunteer board of directors of Cottage Health. She served as the fourth president of Claremont McKenna College for 14 years from Pamela B. Gann 1999-2013, followed by six years as the Trustee Professor of Legal Studies and George R. Roberts Fellow and Senior Fellow at the college’s Kravis Leadership Institute. Prior to her time at Claremont, Gann was on the faculty of Duke University for 24 years, serving 11 years as dean of the law school. Her academic and teaching fields have included federal income taxation, interna-
tional economic law, philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, public international law, international human rights, and American higher education. In addition to teaching at Duke and Claremont McKenna, she has taught at the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia, and abroad in the People’s Republic of China, France, Denmark, Vietnam and Austria. Gann also serves on the board of IES Abroad (a third-party provider of study abroad programs) and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. She is vice-chair of the board for the nonprofit Direct Relief and is vice-chair of the board of the Santa Barbara Foundation. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a degree in mathematics, Gann earned her law degree from Duke University Law School and graduated Order of the Coif. She was awarded an LL.D. degree from Claremont in 2013.
Gingerbread Wonderland and Santa visits set for Dec. 7 Staff Report
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he public is invited to the seventh annual “Gingerbread Wonderland” benefit from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, one of many events that are part of Los Olivos’ “Olde Fashioned Christmas.” The free event displays dozens of hand-crafted gingerbread houses created by local schoolchildren, families, organizations and businesses. Guests can vote for, and enter to win, their favorite gingerbread house creations using $1 raffle tickets available for purchase at the event, which is a fundraiser for Arts Outreach and the church’s preschool. According to event organizers, several messages from the North Pole have indicated that Santa Claus will be in the church’s common room from 4 to 8 p.m., providing a cozy place for kids to share their Christmas wishes with the jolly man and for parents to take their own pictures. There also will be opportunities for children to create and decorate Christmas ornaments and crafts in the church courtyard. Diane Byington and her Solvang Conservatory students, accompanied by St. Mark’s music director Beverly Staples, will be providing seasonal music to enhance the merriment along with performances by Valley Glee. For those who would enjoy some delicious food and beverages during Gingerbread Wonderland, the courtyard at St. Mark’s will have complimentary coffee and hot apple cider, as well as baked goods and food available for purchase. Gingerbread Wonderland is a popular family-friendly gathering as part of long-time annual Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas festivities. “We are so grateful for the community members of all ages who come out to support Arts Outreach and St. Mark’s Preschool. All these gingerbread designs make the Christmas spirit come vibrantly alive!,” said Yvonne Lowe, St. Mark’s Preschool director. “Once again, we are thrilled to host all these
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Photo contributed St. Mark’s Gingerbread Wonderland is magical for youngsters and the young at heart. Admission is free. The sale of raffle tickets raises funds for Arts Outreach and St. Mark’s Preschool.
family-friendly activities for the entire community as well as visitors. This day is a wonderful way to welcome the Christmas season,” added The Rev. Dr. Randall Day, St. Mark’s Priest and Rector. For more information on making a gingerbread house creation, participating in, supporting or attending 2019 Gingerbread Wonderland, contact Yvonne Lowe, St. Mark’s Preschool Director, at (805) 688-1815, or Sandie Mullin, Arts Outreach Executive Director, at (805) 688-9533 or visit www.smitv.org/gingerbread-wonderland. html For complete details on all Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas activities, visit www.losolivosca.com/los-olivos-olde-fashioned-christmas/. For more information about the nonprofit preschool, which welcomes all children from 2 ½ years old to pre-kindergarten, contact Yvnne Lowe directly at (805) 688-1815 or yvonne@SMITV.org
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Local Boy Scout cleans up Solvang Library patio for Eagle Scout project By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
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ack Davenport has been volunteering at the Solvang Library for several years during the summers, and he loves spending time helping kids to read and enjoy the books. When Jack, 17, was looking for a project for his Eagle Scout ranking, his troop leader asked him where he liked spending the most time and how he could make a difference there. “I asked the library staff what I could do to improve it, and Mrs. McKinnon suggested the back patio,” Jack said. The back patio of the library had been overgrown with shrubs and weeds and was becoming unusable, so Jack worked with Manzanita Nursery and Ace Hardware in Solvang to donate plants and materials so he could clean up the space and make it nice. “We were so thrilled to help Jack in his project and we donated some native plants to put around the edges of the patio,” said Ron Griffen of Manzanita Nursery. Jack spent four work days over two months clearing the overgrown bushes and replanting smaller plants and spreading wood chips. “We thank Jack and his troop and family members for giving their time
Photos by Raiza Giorgi Solvang Library staff were pleased at the transformation of their back patio after Boy Scout Jack Davenport enlisted the help of Manzanita Nursery and Ace Hardware and cleared the overgrowth.
Local Boy Scout Jack Davenport chose to do his Eagle Scout project cleaning up the back patio of the Solvang Library.
to make the library patio a nice place to be again. This is a great change and will be a nice extension of the library once again. Library goers have already commented on their hard work and how
outdoor skills. Throughout his journey to Eagle Scout, Jack has been active in his troop, served in a leadership role, and completed a minimum of 21 merit badges.
Photo contributed
Local Girl Scouts make Christmas stockings for hospital children Staff Report
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he Santa Ynez Valley Girl Scout troops gathered in October for the 4th Annual Christmas Stockings for Cottage Hospital and Christmas card event. The troops joined up with Jan King from Goleta to add the finishing touches onto more than 150 stock-
ings that will be given out to parents who have babies in December. Because of this project, December babies leave the hospital wrapped in the stockings. The Girl Scouts also completed signing, coloring and decorating Christmas cards that were delivered to Meals on Wheels, Atterdag Village, Friendship House and Rancho Club Mobile Estates, among other locations.
much they enjoy the patio,” said Carey McKinnnon, library director. To become an Eagle Scout, Jack is required to demonstrate a combination of leadership, community service and
December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21
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Photos contributed Birds by Joellen Chrones
Photo by Anna Nett Gary Nett and Brenda Juarez
Workshop to teach planting, growing of native oaks Staff Report
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he Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society will offer a free hands-on workshop for those interested in planting and growing native oak trees on Saturday, Dec. 7. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the UC Sedgwick Reserve, 3566 Brinkerhoff Avenue. Local experts Gary Nett and Brenda Juarez, members of the Sedgwick “Oakies,” will offer tips for planting and growing native oaks from acorns and seedlings. In addition to demonstrating planting methods and techniques for protection from predators, they will cover the basic “do’s” and “don’ts”. The workshop will include a short walk to see the three species of oaks that grow on the reserve, and discuss the natural history associated with oak woodlands and concerns
about oak reproduction and recruitment. Participants should bring gloves and wear sturdy walking shoes. Tools and materials will be provided. Participation is limited to 20, so reservations are required. Juarez and Nett are docents at Sedgwick Reserve and founding members of the Sedgwick “Oakies,” a volunteer oak planting and nurturing group at UC Sedgwick Reserve that has planted hundreds of valley oak seedlings. They are both enthusiastic about and devoted to protecting and restoring local native oak tree populations. A list of upcoming lectures and field trips sponsored by the society can be found at www.syvnature.org. For reservations for this workshop or more information, write to or call the Society at synature@west.net or (805) 693-5683.
Wilderness Land Trust transfers 800 acres to Los Padres forest Staff Report
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os Padres National Forest officials have announced the addition of more than 800 acres to the Santa Lucia Ranger District as part of a land transfer brokered by the Wilderness Land Trust. Six separate parcels, known as the Trout Creek properties, were acquired from private sellers by the Wilderness Land Trust earlier this year. The properties are generally located in the Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo area. The lands are adjacent to both the Garcia and the Santa Lucia Wilderness areas and include portions of several trails as well as trailheads. As a result of the acquisitions, most of the popular Trout Creek Trail, as well as the trailhead located on Hi Mountain Road, is now in public
ownership, permanently protecting these acres for future generations. “After five years of effort and excellent support from Wilderness Land Trust and local conservation groups and trail users, we are very pleased that these lands are now part of Los Padres National Forest and available for public enjoyment,” said Los Padres Deputy Forest Supervisor Chris Stubbs. Support for the acquisitions came from local organizations, including equestrian, hiking, and conservation groups. Lands along the Trout Creek corridor provide vital habitat for mule deer, black bear, wild turkey, Peregrine falcon, mountain lion, threatened red-legged frogs, and other wildlife.
Jewelry by Toni Zybell
Holiday themed art on display at Lompoc Art Gallery Staff Report
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he Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring “Let’s do the Holidays!” through Dec. 29. The show by three artists, Joellen Chrones, Kathy Badrak and Toni Zybell, will demonstrate their love of color and texture. Chrones has been working with glass for 19 years. “I have 3 kilns that run quite Gourd by Kathy Badrak frequently to the consternation of my husband, who watches the electric meter go around,” she said. “I fell in love with making glass objects when someone recommended that I make my own beads. I’ve been hooked ever since. I try to make functional pieces that people can put to good use. I like whimsical subjects, which include birds, vegetables and flowers.” Badrak had a stained glass business for a number of years, where she did commission work and taught classes. In 2009, she attended a series of workshops on weaving baskets and working with gourds, and she found that gourds were the perfect medium in which to express herself. “I love the earthy and natural appeal of gourds and often leave much of the beautiful gourd surface showing in my work. Gourd art also allows me to continue working with the
wonderful fibers and weaving materials I use in my baskets. They allow me to add interesting textures to my work. My style continues to evolve as I learn and experiment with new techniques and materials.” Zybell made fused glass for about 20 years. After closing her studio in 2016, she was looking for her next creative journey. “I’ve always loved jewelry and have wanted to make it since I was a little girl; the perfect time was now! I started with copper enamel, moved on to hammered metal and am now working with silver. My need to create combined with my love of jewelry has become a perfect marriage.” There will be an artist’s reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Refreshments will be served. The Cypress Gallery is at 119 East Cypress Ave. in Lompoc, across from the museum. The Lompoc Valley Arts Association is a nonprofit organization committed to expanding and supporting access and exposure to the arts in the Lompoc and Santa Ynez Valley. For more information, go to www.lompocart. org or follow on Facebook by searching for Cypress Gallery.
December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23
Lower yields, high quality distinguish local grape harvest Temperate spring and summer lead to higher natural acidity and concentrated aromas and flavors By Laurie Jervis
Noozhawk contributor
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arvest 2019 is almost in the books; winemakers across Santa Barbara County are hosing down cellars and washing caked mud off boots and red-grape stains from their hands and fingernails. A new vintage is being put to bed, so to speak, to age in tank, barrel or concrete. The winemakers, who just weeks ago were picking well before first light and likely asleep before 8 p.m., are free to share details about the 2019 harvest. For my annual harvest recap, I spoke with three winemakers, each with at least 10 years in the industry: Fabian Bravo of Brander Vineyard in Los Olivos, Joshua Klapper of Brave & Maiden Estate in Santa Ynez, and Jessica Gasca, co-owner and winemaker at Story of Soil Wine. In addition to their estate winemaking jobs, Bravo and Klapper also own or co-own labels: Bravo Wine Co. and Timbre Winery, respectively. All three producers voiced elation with certain elements of the 2019 vintage — namely, the grapes’ record high levels of natural acidity, concentrated aroma and flavors, and the saving grace of plentiful rains that soaked vineyard soils last winter. As in 2018, this year’s first picks leaned toward “historically normal” dates — those of early September rather than the mid-August starts found in 2016 and earlier, they noted. Temperatures also mimicked those during 2018; the weather throughout the growing season was “temperate,” or mild — not too cold, not too hot (at least until September). Therein lies the key to the higher rate of total natural acidity noted by all three winemakers. Grapes that ripen in cooler regions display higher
Photos by Laurie Jervis Winemaker Fabian Bravo and his dog, Yogi, in the courtyard outside Brander Winery in Los Olivos.
levels of tartaric, malic and citric acids because they mature slowly. I met Bravo and vineyard founder Fred Brander in the cellar on Oct. 18. That morning, the crew had picked some cabernet sauvignon from vines planted in 1975, Bravo said. Brander’s harvest pace had slowed from September’s six-day work weeks to being “90 percent done as of today,” Bravo told me. Brander’s first 2019 pick was four tons of sauvignon blanc on Sept. 4, 10 days later than last year’s start. On Sept. 7, Bravo said, “we got in more fruit, and then we picked for four weeks straight, six days a week.” Brander specializes in sauvignon blanc — this year, that meant “30 to 35
separate picks” — and the current vintage has the white Bordeaux varietal in its sights. In early September, “we picked on the lean side,” Bravo said. When September grew (and stayed) hotter, “the sauvignon blanc grapes we picked second came in richer, around 26 brix.” Having a “lean” pick and a “richer” pick of one grape created “a wide spectrum of flavors, from acidic to more tropical,” he said. “We have not seen this spectrum of flavors for the past two years, as the yields (then) were bigger.” Bravo described this
year’s yields as down 40 percent across all grape varietals. That said, flavors are very concentrated as yields are down. About those winter rains? “Rain is always nice to cleanse the soils of salt, and having a ‘real winter’ with colder temperatures” helps ease the vines into dormancy. Bravo and his wife, Megan, produce uber small-lot sangiovese and pinot gris under their own Bravo Wines label. Total case production is 200 — “a good level for us to be able to sell ourselves.” This year, Bravo said, they pruned and monitored a half-acre plot of sangiovese at Faith Vineyard, farmed by Foxen Vineyard. On Oct. 24, I reached Klapper of Brave & Maiden on the phone. Klapper, a winemaker there since 2014, called the current harvest “easy and smooth.” “We started with sauvignon blanc early in September, and worked all the way through picking reds for rosé in late September,” which he termed a “late pick” for rosé. “In late September and early October, the heat started,” Klapper said. It came, then left, but returned and continued until mid-October. When we spoke, Klapper told me that all of Brave & Maiden’s red grapes would have been picked by the following day, Oct. 25, and come the following Monday, so would the Semillon. The always-late-to-ripen mourvèdre grapes for the 2019 rosé would likely be the final fruit for the season, he said. So pleased was Klapper with the grapes’ natural acidity levels that he said “the wines almost made themselves.” For his own 5,000-case label, Timbre, Klapper sources grapes from the Santa Ynez Valley all the way to Monterey County.
GRAPE HARVEST CONTINUED TO PAGE 28
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Los Olivos superintendent placed on administrative leave Teachers, staff and parents complain about poor performance By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
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ewly hired Superintendent/Principal Vicky Dudek of Los Olivos Elementary School was placed on paid administrative leave on Tuesday, Nov. 12, while the district’s school board investigates complaints it received from the school’s entire staff. During the public portion of a special closed session for Dudek’s performance evaluation, teachers, staff and parents spoke to the board for roughly two hours, alleging Dudek has shown unprofessional and erratic behavior, lack of leadership and dishonesty. Dudek attended the meeting but did not speak; she only wrote notes while public comment was taking place. She could not be reached for comment after the meeting. Before the meeting, Dudek sent out a message on the ParentSquare system telling the school community that teachers were upset about contract negotiations. “The California Teachers Association (CTA) has asked Ms. (Heather) Blanchard
Photo by Raiza Giorgi Los Olivos Elementary School teachers, staff and parents spoke to the board for roughly two hours Nov. 12, alleging Superintendent/ Principal Vicky Dudek has shown unprofessional and erratic behavior, lack of leadership and dishonesty.
and Ms. (Sharla) Branquinho to bring parents to the meeting (and they threatened me with this in negotiations if I did not agree to what they wanted), even though parents may not have any issues at all. They want the Board to believe there are an abnormal amount of issues, but it is really a union tactic and the board is aware of this,” Dudek wrote. In the message, she went on to say that
she will always do what is best for the kids and she has no intentions of increasing class sizes, creating combo classes or accepting more transfers. “There is nothing that you can’t call and talk to me about, so please don’t be manipulated and feel as though you have to attend a board meeting to be heard,” Dudek said. “I was completely shocked to receive this accusation about asking parents to this
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meeting because Heather (Blanchard) and I were upset about contract language we did not get,” Branquinho said at the meeting. “CTA did not ask us to have parents at this meeting as a ‘union tactic.’ This had absolutely nothing to do with negotiations at all. We accepted the agreement and are supporting it to our members. Our grievances only have to do with the unprofessional conduct, dishonesty, and erratic behavior of our current admin.” Branquinho added the threat of their jobs have been looming over teachers since the beginning of the school year. She said they had been told to not exercise their rights to representation when they were upset about program changes, as it may result in disciplinary action. Several teachers also referred to a staff meeting on Halloween where Dudek allegedly berated teachers in front of their colleagues and scolded them with a list of offenses. “There is no repairing this relationship, which presents glaring concerns for safety if she will not communicate,” said Teacher Amy Willis. “In my 24 years here at the school we have had many different administrators and never have I ever filed a complaint, but I SUPERINTENDENT CONTINUED TO PAGE 27
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• fruit cake • famous gingersnaps • klejner • Christmas stollen coffee cake • peppernuts • xmas kringle • xmas jule cake Jule L creat og begin ion week s one befo xmas re
26 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
Youth need our belief in their promise and resilience By Dr. Susan Salcido SB County Superintendent of Schools
I
n any given hour in our schools throughout Santa Barbara County, a visitor would discover myriad activities occurring simultaneously. While visiting schools in recent weeks, I observed teachers greeting each student at the classroom door, first-grade students creating complex sentences, librarians providing engaging books matched to individuals’ interests, students constructing real-life projects in robotics labs, and children wearing their school colors while running the mile in P.E. What might feel like a flurry of activities is a result of intentional planning and purpose. In many of our schools, teachers meet during late-start days to plan their grade or subject-level lessons. In-service days, when students are out of school and teachers are in, provide essential extended periods of time for principals and school staff to continue to share and deepen their practices of teaching and learning. Along with these activities, educators also plan for other significant and critical supports for youth. Some of these include developing a comprehensive approach to school safety with drills appropriate for different ages, and upgrading communication systems in the event of emergencies. Schools also refine ways to support students’ mental wellness, including early identification of needs and prevention, and aligning with external support agencies to provide care at or near schools. They also work to ensure that our students’ identities — who they are and how they identify — are included and affirmed in the classroom and throughout school.
School systems are dynamic, full of people, activity and energy. And at the center of it all is the reason for their existence: our students. Our students, who are creative, brilliant, beautiful, and full of youthful energy, can also be immersed in circumstances that make them feel fragile and vulnerable. We have high hopes and expectations for our youth, yet we know that a significant number have social, emotional and academic needs. What is important to remember is that students with these needs have immeasurable promise as well. In fact, starting Jan. 1, the California Education Code will reflect that promise by removing the phrase “at-risk,” which has traditionally been used to describe students with adverse backgrounds. In its place will be the term “at-promise,” which transforms the phrase from one that highlights deficits to one that supports a positive mindset and hopeful future for youth. How can we, as adults in our community, help all students meet and exceed their potential and promise? How can we help build resilience in our children so they can thrive, be confident, launch? We can start by ensuring each child has an adult on their side. As pediatrician and author of “Raising Resilient Children and Teens,” Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, writes, “Children need to know there is an adult in their life who believes in them and loves them unconditionally. Children with close ties to family, friends, school, and community are more likely to have a solid sense of security that produces strong values and prevents them from seeking destructive alternatives. Family is the central force in any child’s life, but connections to civic, educational, religious, and athletic groups can also increase a young person’s sense
of belonging to a wider world and being safe within it.” Essentially, children need to know there is at least one adult who believes in them and sees their promise. Fortunately, many in our community use their ability and capacity to be that adult champion for our children, be it parent, guardian, volunteer, or friend. However, not every child in our schools has a parent or family member who is available today to be that champion. Many parents and guardians work multiple jobs to be able to provide for their families. Some parents have challenges and obstacles that prevent them from being fully present for their children right now. For all of these reasons, we say “thank you” to those who provide a strong network of support for children. From our schools’ crossing guards who greet children each morning by name to the volunteer who shares about their career at junior high Career Days, from the custodian who encourages the student to be on time, to the counselors who listen to students on really tough
days, your support helps build the foundation our children need. You help our children know there is an adult who sees them and who cares. From organizations that provide fresh food for families, to entities that offer impactful college scholarships, to nonprofit groups that focus on supporting our community, we are sincerely grateful. We thank parents, guardians, grandparents, and neighbors for all the ways you show your children how much they are loved. To our educators, thank you for choosing our profession, and for the teaching and learning that you model for each child, every day. During this season of gratitude, we thank you for your collective efforts that foster promise in our youth and therefore help build a resilient community. Thank you for investing in a future of hope and excellence. Dr. Susan Salcido
December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 27
Photos contributed Students in the Makerspace Engineering class at Dunn School are restoring a mahogany Corsica cabin cruiser.
Dunn students restoring mahogany cabin cruiser Teacher says huge job is a perfect ‘authentic learning opportunity’ By Michelle Turner Dunn School
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tudents in Dunn School’s Makerspace Engineering class are restoring a mahogany Corsica cabin cruiser. The boat was donated by a local family, who has been following along with the students’ progress. STEM Department Chair Donna Frost said the decision to bring such a large-scale project to campus was unnerving at first, but “it is exactly the type of authentic learning opportunity we at Dunn seek to give to our students.” Students in the class are excited to rebuild the boat. One stated, “My family has been in the wood tooling business for three generations and I have fond memories of the boating trips we’ve taken
together. This project reminds me of family.” Another student is excited about the scale of the boat project, saying, “At first it seemed so complex, but when we actually started looking closely at what needs to be done, I saw that we could be successful by taking one step at a time. There are a lot of opportunities for creativity in the process.” Yet another student in the throes of typical junior-year challenges said, “This boat is an allegory for the condition of my life at the moment. It looks like a mess, there’s so much to do to make it right. When I pick up a tool and work on making the boat better, I feel a sense of calm and feel that it’s possible for me to take similar steps in my own life right now.” The students are creating a blog about their experiences. To keep up with their progress, visit www. dunnschool.org and go to Latest News.
o SUPERINTENDENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 am compelled to speak because we have had no protocols in place in emergency situations until an email sent today,” said teacher Heather Blanchard. Parents who came said they were concerned with the safety of their children and their children’s education, as they see their teachers stress and anxiety levels. “We came to this school because of the excellence of these teachers, and my children who were slipping through the cracks are now excelling. If it were just a few there might be room to work on this, but for every staff member to file a grievance says there is something very wrong,” said Camene Haws. Parent Laura DeJohn said that Dudek has complained about teachers to her while she was volunteering. “Criticizing your staff in public is not something that an administrator should be doing,” DeJohn said. Parent Lisa Miller said she attended Los Olivos School and her dad was a teacher for many years there. When Dudek was first hired, she said, she hoped for a positive change and new
Contact Raiza Giorgi 805-350-8786
opportunities for her children to learn. “The morale is so low with staff and teachers, this is so distracting to positive and effective learning for my children,” Miller said. By contrast, one parent said that Dudek had helped her family when she was having an issue with a teacher, so that hearing complaints came out of left field. However, she urged the board to investigate. Staff member Cathy Garley said staff members didn’t need to be torn down to be built up; they needed to be respected, and an administrator needs to be respectful at all times. She said she also saw Dudek vaping in her office even though no one is allowed to vape on school grounds. The chief administrator should be a role model for the kids, she said. “She is not delivering on promises, and I have already heard that longstanding teachers tell me they will leave if she stays,” Garley added. School board said they have named a “teacher in charge” and will be interviewing interim superintendents until they reach a conclusion about Dudek’s performance.
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28 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
o GRAPE HARVEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
o HIDDEN WINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Just-harvested cabernet sauvignon grapes from 1975-era Brander vines.
“This year one was a great year for pinot noir — great color and concentration,” he said. Winemaker Gasca, co-owner with her husband, Brady Fiechter, of Story of Soil Wine, started their label in 2012 with 150 cases. Gasca estimated that her 2019 production will top 2,000 cases. Her focus is on “single vineyard and single varietal wines, using minimal intervention for wines that highlight a sense of place.” Among the wines are sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, gamay, grenache, syrah and more. When we spoke outside Central Coast Wine Services in Santa Maria on Tuesday, Gasca and her crew were finished with the harvest but in the middle of pressing off red wines. In fact, they had completed three press loads that day. She, too, noted the vintage’s high acidity levels: “Those acids! They are crazy!” Gasca said she hopes that she and others will learn from the vintage’s acidity levels — the highest she’s observed in 10 years. “The natural acid is just really cool to work with … the higher acids will be a teaching quality,” she said.
Gasca’s first pick for 2019 was on Sept. 6, her sauvignon blanc from Grassini Vineyards in Happy Canyon, and the last, syrah from Larner Vineyard, she said. Last year, her first pick was just one day later — her pinot noir from Duvarita Vineyard, on Sept. 7. Like Bravo and Klapper, Gasca emphasized the aromatics and flavorful tastes of the 2019 grapes. “There are vibrant colors and tastes — off the chart,” she said. If the season’s steady and cool temperatures “made” the 2019 vintage, the winter rains ran a close second. Klapper termed the rains a game-changer for the next five years, and Gasca recounted that a vineyard manager for a prominent Sta. Rita Hills vineyard watered only once all season, and when he dug down about one foot, he found moist soil. “The rains were definitely a buffer,” she said.
Photos contributed Erendira Herrera enjoys lunch with instructor Theresa Kings.
Laurie Jervis blogs about wine at www.centralcoastwinepress.com, tweets at @lauriejervis and can be reached via winecountrywriter@ gmail.com. The opinions expressed are her own. The sixth day of instruction each week at Hidden Wings is an “outward bound Saturday,” where the group builds teamwork through rigorous outdoor activities such as ocean kayaking, hiking and outdoor exploration.
marketable, everyday products. They are made by the students at the Hidden Wings house on Atterdag or at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, which generously allows us the use of their facilities. All items can be made with your choice of scent.” “We are getting a lot of sales by word of mouth and with stands outside local grocery stores and merchants. Sales have been very successful and have led to more substantial orders. We are now filling an order for an East Coast software executive for $500 worth of product for Christmas gifts,” said Amy Tagles, program director. Another of the methods Hidden Wings uses to inspire teamwork with its students is through drama, dance and music. “Recently we took their unique gifts and brought them all together to create a Halloween play. Aimee Carrol was our director and it was performed at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church. It was student led – they choreographed the dances, chose their own characters and pulled together their own costumes,” said Tagles. “It was such a great success for us and such a win for our students, we have already started working on a new play titled ‘Snowmen at Christmas Time,’ which is tentatively scheduled at 12:45 p.m., Friday, December 13, at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church.” “It’s an example of an art form transforming these kids who have so many disabilities, helping them grow and be expressive,” said the Rev. Chuck Stacy, board member of Hidden Wings and former rector of St. Mark’s Church in Los Olivos. “Hidden Wings has really matured in the
last 10 years, and this was all expressed in this wonderful play. The board of Hidden Wings and many people in the community are very thankful to the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church for the use of their wonderful facility. I can’t wait to see the next one.” “This play will be terrific, and we would love everyone to come and enjoy our Christmas offering,” said Billington. “Admission is free and donations are gratefully accepted.” “Our products support meaningful work as well as being a profitable endeavor,” Tagles added. “Our drama class encourages teamwork and offers our students the opportunity to step outside of their shells. We highlight their individual gifts. In our last play we had a solo dancer, and I’m sure his talents will be included in our next play.” “I go to a lot of programs similar to Hidden Wings in design and I can’t think of one that treats individuals within the program with more respect and dignity. The staff here treat these individuals like the adults they are,” said John Harnett, an independent contractor working with Hidden Wings. Hidden Wings classes run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with all-day outings most Saturdays. They are open to high school graduates with developmental disabilities who are enrolled at the Tri-Counties Regional Center. People who are not enrolled can pay privately. For more information, call 805-705-3918, email jim@hiddenwings.org or visit http:// hiddenwings.org
December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 29 featuring local-grown band The Mad Caddies, who drew thousands of people to Solvang Park on Saturday night. Santa Barbara-based band Jumpstart won the Battle of the Teenage Bands, with valley band Sweatervest in a close second. “I thought it was the most fun we’ve ever had at a hometown show. It was so great to see the whole community out having a good time. Peace, love, respect and dancing, that’s what our band represents,” said Chuck Robertson, front man for the Mad Caddies. Toussaint said that despite the great reception by many people, he is also hearing from local businesses about how the event hurt their revenue profits during one of the busiest times of the year. He encouraged those business owners to talk about their experience and provide feedback about how the event could be improved if it returns for next year. “While we know that not all the events we have care of the local merchants, this one we really felt hit a lot of markers in giving people opportunities to shop and dine locally,” Toussaint said. He encouraged merchants to email council@cityofsolvang.com and list what they liked, didn’t like or what improvements they suggest. Not all local business people were critical of the first-time event. “Whether it directly aided our business or not, bringing 10,000 people to town two weekends before Thanksgiving is a feat, and we are supportive and grateful for the town’s efforts to reach out to a wider base. It’s always tricky to navigate the needs of businesses, parking, locals, and tourists, but they made the effort,” said Anjie Park of Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards and Toccata. Park said Lucas & Lewellen’s sales were slightly below average, and Toccata had no sales at all during the weekend. “The organizers chose a slow weekend (unlike the bike race the weekend before that closed the streets on Veteran’s Day weekend), and the activity in town at this time of year will bring attention to the area as a fun family town with a lot going on,” Park added. Cecco owner David Ceccinni said initially he did not want to participate as there wasn’t much time to promote the event, and his Friday sales were dismal. He said after city officials asked him to participate he was glad he did. as Saturday and Sunday his sales were the best he’s ever had. “I know not everyone experienced this. which is frustrating, and I really hope if this event comes back they will make adjustments,” Ceccinni said. Ron and Julie Palladino of Renaissance Antiques, in a letter to the Star, said they have heard that several of the businesses in the retail district were hurt by the event, and they encouraged the council to reconsider where similar events take place in the future. They said they loved the concept of the event, as it drew families to town, and they said organizers were very helpful, but they lost revenue heading into the key holiday season. Palladino said their revenue fell more than 82 percent compared to last year during the same weekend, from more than $21,000 in
o FALL FESTIVAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Photos contributed Copenhagen Drive was lined with carnival rides during the recent Solvang Fall Festival.
Kids of all ages enjoyed carnival rides and games during the Solvang Fall Festival.
sales to $3,783. “County fair-style events like this belong in places somewhere on the outskirts of town, where participants can enjoy the carnival without strangling the village by eliminating half of the parking spaces, blocking off major streets and barricading sidewalks, making it almost impossible for visitors to access the businesses that have created, nurtured and supported the
existence of Solvang, its economic health and culture,” Ron Palladino wrote. Palladino added that most of the businesses liked the concept of a family festival, but the location should be moved to the Mission Santa Ines lawn or Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall. “The impact of this event on Solvang businesses was devastating to many and hurtful to most others. Three days of diminished revenue
not only negatively affects the wellbeing and survival of our business community, but diminishes the (city’s) tax revenues substantially by lost sales and income,” Palladino said. The owner of Sort This Out Cellars, which was directly behind the Ferris wheel, said a simple sign on the barricades saying businesses were open could have helped. “Friday was horrible, Saturday was steady, but two weeks in a row with the streets closed doesn’t do us any good,” said owner Michael Cobb. Michael Mendizza, who owns ZFolio, Solvang Olive Press and Solvang Flavors, said he lost between $5,000 and $8,000 in weekend revenue. Jennifer Soni, winemaker and owner of Lion’s Peak, was similarly concerned. “I have supported every endeavor the city has done, but I had no idea there would be a giant carnival ride outside my business, and I was greatly impacted. I did almost no sales, and someone nearly bled out in front of my business Friday night,” she said. A police report said a 33-year-old Santa Maria man punched out the window of Ingeborg’s chocolate shop, cutting himself severely, and then left a trail of blood down to the Lion’s Peak tasting room. Daniel Meza was arrested and the case referred to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s office. It was not clear whether Meza was in town for the festival. Soni said she averages at least $5,000 on a typical weekend but did no sales at all on Friday, then $300 on Saturday and $600 on Sunday. “How am I supposed to make my $4,000 a month rent? The question the business owners and city should be asking themselves is, who are they marketing to? After this bit of closing off Copenhagen, I am done with that. Find another location,” she said. Event organizer Andres Nuno said that he was very upset to hear that business owners had lost revenue. He said he worked diligently to make sure they were all involved, inviting every business to have a booth for free in the street fair. “The businesses we are seeing that lost revenue did not participate in the event at all. I personally will go to every business who had a negative effect and see what I can do for next year to ensure this doesn’t happen,” Nuno said. At a recent Solvang City Council meeting, Nuno said his company will give back the $25,000 that the city paid to defer upfront costs. “We are also giving a check for $2,000 to the Solvang Arts and Music program,” he said. Nuno said his goal for this first fall festival was to break even, and he said he profited some from the event by getting two more event jobs from local organizations. “This event should be about bringing the community together and supporting local businesses as they head into the holiday season. Hopefully we will be back next year to make it better than this year,” Nuno said. The Solvang City Council discussed the event further at a public meeting Nov. 25. Video of all council meetings can be seen by searching www.youtube.com for Solvang City TV.
30 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
98 Degrees to perform at the casino Dec. 6 Staff Report
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rammy-nominated 98 Degrees, a pop and R&B group that rose to success in the late 1990s, will bring their U.S. tour to the Santa Ynez Valley at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom. Tickets for the show are $49, $59, $69, $74 and $79. The quartet of Ohio natives – brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons – enjoyed a five-year stretch of success that made them one of the top boy bands of their era.
Between 1997 and 2002, 98 Degrees sold 10 million records, scored a chart-topping single, “Thank God I Found You,” with Mariah Carey and Joe, and collaborated with their collective idol, Stevie Wonder, on “True to Your Heart,” for the 1998 animated Disney film, “Mulan.” After a hiatus to pursue solo careers, the quartet regrouped in 2012 and released a full-length Christmas album, “Let It Snow,” in 2017. The critically acclaimed album featured the group’s signature R&B-tinged, four-part harmonies and served as a follow up to their 1999 multi-platinum “This Christmas.”
winner Pedro Fernández will appear Jan. 31 at the Samala Showroom. Veneracion, who started as a child actor before growing into an action film star and heartthrob concert performer, will perform his hits along with six-time Awit Award winner Jona. Tickets for the concert are $49, $54,
$59, $64 and $69. Fernández also launched his career as a child actor before becoming a cherished ranchera and mariachi singer throughout Mexico. Tickets for the event are $69, $79, $89, $99 and $109. Tickets for all events are available at the casino or at www.chumashcasino.com.
Filipino, Latin stars to perform
Filipino entertainers Ian Veneracion and Jona will join forces for a performance Jan. 24, and Latin Grammy Award
Pedro Fernández
Photos contributed Grammy-nominated 98 Degrees will perform Dec. 6 at the Chumash Casino
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Ashley Carroll travels news@santaynezvalleystar.com een Star Santa Barbara judge Catherine Remak thought there the world to compete was a typo next to Elizabeth Padfield’s name because her maturity and depth of range were astounding during the competition in trap shooting on Feb. 25 at the Arlington Theatre.
Sunrise Armour Ranch Road photo by George Rose, photo graphic by Aimée Reinhart Avery
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ore than 100 people turned out for a recent community meeting organized by a group opposed to the “Camp 4” property in Santa Ynez becoming part of the Chumash reservation. Members of the Santa Ynez Valley Coalition, which was created to defeat legislation that would take the rural land “into trust” for the tribe, focused on land use and preserving the valley’s rural character. At the meeting on April 27 at the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Hall, coalition members recounted the history of land-use master plans called the Valley Blueprint and the Valley Plan and said they would release more information in the coming weeks, organizers said. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians announced in January that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) had placed the tribe’s 1,390 acres known as “Camp 4” into federal trust. “Camp 4 is officially part of our reservation so we can begin the process of building homes on the property for tribal members and their families and revitalizing our tribal community,” Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn said in a prepared statement that was part of that announcement. The tribe bought the Camp 4 property in 2010 from late actor, vintner and hotelier Fess Parker, and they soon began the process of placing the land into federal trust, which makes it part of the tribe’s sovereign nation. Those efforts have been loudly opposed
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2886 M o CAMP 4 CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 e ission Drive • Santa Yn ez Solvan g • 805- Valley elranc homar 688 43 ket.com 00 2886 Mission Drive • Solvang • 805-688-4300 o
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“Your voice is the instrument and I felt like we were in the 1930s,” by Raiza Giorgi Remak said. news@santaynezvalleystar.com Elizabeth, 12, a seventh-grader at Solvang Elementary School, ultimately didn’t win the competition but she definitely left an impression on the hundreds of people who came to see the performances. Nolan shley Carroll does everything she Montgomery can keep her concentration betweenof Dos Pueblos High School was crowned the winner. “Being and on stage was mind blowing and I had such a great time. rounds by wearing dark glasses Performing is about bringing a smile to people’s faces, and that’s what I listening to music as she pushes through each strive for when I perform,” Elizabeth said. trap-shooting match. She’s no stranger to the stage as she has performed in the valley for His career includes images of naturalHer disasprocess is definitely working, because Story by Raiza Giorgi various functions-singing the national anthem at Fourth of July and porters, Super Bowls and Hollywood’s the biggest 22-year-old from Solvang won her first Photos by George Rose traying Poppins in last year’s production with the Arts Outreach celebrities. World Cup gold medal in Acapulco onMary March Summer Theater. Rose started his professional journey 19. more This popular eorge Rose loves to post pictures of the than 40 years ago when he was in college, “I keep my pre-shooting routine going and event along with Teen Dance Star are now in their seventh to season of crowning hardworking students, and creator and executive Santa Ynez Valley landscape, especially studying art history. He fell into photography I’ve met with sports psychologists help me Photo contributed producer Lambert, a former valley resident, talks about his efforts. along Armour Ranch Road where new while he was a copy messenger for the withProgmy mental focus and staying calm.Joe It can Solvang native Ashley Carroll father, Charlie “I am to really and humbled bycredits their her hard work andCarroll, what’swith instilling in her the love of shooting clays and a blacktop paving contrasts starkly with the epic ress Bulletin, a small newspaper in Pomona. be hard when you have people talking you impressed sense of responsibility and safety around firearms. really amazing landscape of meadows and mountains beyond it. “I used to hang out with the sportsbetween editors,matches, and I really try to pick a is they set their goals to get into the show, or into the top 10 and they keep pursuing their dreams,” Lambert However, his stunning landscapes are just and they helped me with my interestsong in phoand focus on it,” Carroll said. or participating in league events.said. My friends Union High School Carroll has been attending Star drew all around Santa “retirement photos” for Rose, who made an tography. I would make the plates on plastic, Carroll has been trap shooting This sinceyear’s she Teenwould wantcontestants me to go tofrom a party with them andBarbara the University of Colorado and working on at the Arlington Theatre. The finalists award-winning career in photojournalism that which would get transferred onto thewas printing in second grade. It was anCounty activityperforming that I their knewhearts if I didout I wouldn’t get enough rest or her general education. She believes this will weredid Jillian GarnettgetofinSan Marcos School (12th Grade), Elizabeth spanned from the days of spending hours with equipment, and back then it was theshe cusp of her father, Charlie Carroll, and togethtrouble andHigh not be allowed to shoot,” be a big year for her shooting. She moved to of SolvangCarroll Schoolsaid. (7th Grade), James McKernan of BishopColorado Springs to be close to the Olympic film in the darkroom to the more immediate the turning point of technology,” Rose said.is now the coach for thePadfield er. He Santa Ynez High School (12th Trujillo of Dos Pueblos High gratification of making and manipulating digital In the late 1970s and early 1980s Valley Rose Sportsman Association’sDiego Scholastic Trap Grade), shootingNicole has also allowed her to Training Center, which is also the headquarPhoto Daniel Dreifuss (11th Grade), Daniel Geiger of Pioneer Valley High School images. spent six years as a staff photographer forTarget the byProgram, Clay in whichSchool hundreds participate in a sport and travel all around the (11th ters for USA Shooting. She placed second Seventh-grader Padfield of Solvangtwice wowedfor theacrowd with her rendition of “Summertime” by Georgeprimarily Gershwin. The judges were stunned to HeElizabeth has been nominated Pulitzer Los Angeles Times, focused in the of kids from all around the Central Coast world for competitions. TEEN Recently went toON PAGE for the learn her age and said her vocal talents were astounding. STAR she CONTINUED 11 2016 Olympic team trials and is still Prize. entertainment industry. He has photographed participate. Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic east of deciding if she wants to go for the next Olym“Photojournalism is such an admirable profes- figures from Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa“He and wouldn’t let me shoot until I could Turkey. pic tryouts. sion because it can really capture the story for Eva Gabor to Meryl Streep, Sidney hold Poitier, the gun up on my own for a good “It was a beautiful country and one of the “A highlight for me was meeting Kim the reader. I was really lucky to have my career amount of time. We would set up boxes in the cleanest places I’ve been to. The streets were Rhode, who has been an inspiration to women GEORGE ROSE CONTINUEDliving ON PAGE 20 and I would practice for hours in the heyday of print journalism,” Rose said. room impeccable and the people were beyond hos- in shooting. After talking to her it became until I was ready,” Carroll said. pitable,” she said. really clear to me that I can achieve this as She she believes that more kids should take Carroll also won bronze in the HH Sheikha well,” Carroll said. lessons and learn their way around a gun. Fatia Bint Mubarak Women’s International Rhode became the first athlete to win an “Guns actually kept me out of trouble, beShooting Championship in the United Arab individual medal during six consecutive sumcause every Friday night and most weekends Emirates on April 13. SHOOTING CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 my dad and I were at the trap range practicing Since graduating from Santa Ynez Valley
o
George Rose loves taking photos of Santa Ynez Valley landscapes like this Happy Canyon rainbow shot.
ry Tim
by Raiza Giorgi
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FIRST-GRA
SYV coalition says Camp 4 impacts larger than they seem
by Raiza Giorgi
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________
e Com pliment
SCHOOL
o THANKFUL
— Jose — Coli n — Jaxs on D ON PAGE 28
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December 3 - December 16, 2019 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 31
To submit an event for publication, email the information to news@santaynezvalley star.com. To see more information online, go to www.santaynezvalleystar.com.
December 7 & 8
December 4
December 8
Women’s Club Holiday Luncheon - 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at SY Historical Museum - Featuring the culinary talents of Tracy Fleming, as well as the bazaar with gifts, decor, jewelry and more. Price is $45 for members, $50 for non-members rsvp to shannon@treasuredestates.com. The Mythology of Christmas - 5:30 -7 p.m. at Solvang Library - Mythologist, cultural historian, author, and blogger (mythologymatters.wordpress.com) Arthur George will discuss the ancient and medieval mythology underlying the Christmas story and our Christmas holiday customs in this free illustrated lecture. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214 Public Engagement Workshop - 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Solvang City Hall 1644 Oak St. Discuss the impact of tourism on the community along with recommendations in moving forward with tourism marketing and events, rebranding and business. Visit www.cityofsolvang.com Communication page for surveys and more information.
December 5 - 7
Macbeth - 7 - 9:30 p.m. at SYHS Little Theatre - Come see the SYHS theater students perform this classic Shakespeare tale. Tickets, available at the door, are $10 for adults and $5 for students. This production may not be appropriate for younger children.
December 6
Solvang Tree Lighting - 5 - 7:30 p.m. at Solvang Park - Enjoy this festive event that celebrates Julefest in Solvang with dancers, live music and more. 98 Degrees - 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino - A special evening with 90’s pop and R&B band 98 Degrees. Tickets are available at www.chumashcasino.com.
December 7 Julefest Parade - 11 a.m. in downtown Solvang - Keep the Julefest spirit going by enjoying the holiday parade that will go down Mission Drive back up Copenhagen Drive. To register to be in the parade visit. www.solvangjulefest.org. Free Nutrition and Diabetes Education - 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at SYV Cottage Hospital - Making Sense of the Mediterranean Diet - Contact Stacey Bailey directly at 805-694-2351. Santa’s Village - 12 - 4 p.m. at Solvang Park. Visit Santa and Mrs. Clause and enjoy face painting and gift wrapping. For more info visit www.solvangjulefest.org. Los Olivos Old Fashioned Christmas - 12 - 7 p.m. Created for the entire family, there will be a variety of attractions for the kids and an abundance of Christmas shopping (and Christmas Cheer!) for the adults. The town tree lighting is in the middle of town at 6pm! Visit www.losolivosca.com for details. Wildling Holiday Family Day - 1 - 4 p.m. at the Wildling Museum - Beginning at 1 p.m., families are invited to stop by for a special meet and greet photo opportunity with the Wildling Snow Queen, courtesy of Parties and Paint by Kate, along with a polar bear. At 1:30 p.m. the Snow Queen will lead a winter-themed story time in the second floor Valley Oak gallery. Visit www.wildlingmuseum.org for more. Solvang Nativity Pageant - 5 - 8:30 p.m. at Solvang Festival Theater - also known as the “Christmas Story” comes to life in at the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater at 420 Second Street. Enjoy a choir, actors in traditional costumes, and live animals on stage. Visit www.solvangnativitypageant.com for tickets and more.
Fairy and Frog Open House - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 1607 Mission Dr. #109-110. Come for refreshments and enter the holiday raffle. Call 805-697-7869 for details. Buellton Winterfest - All day - This fun family experience starts with Breakfast with Santa from 9 - 11 a.m. at Buellton Rec Center; then visit the Holiday Village from 4 - 7 p.m. on Avenue of Flags for the vendor showcase an 20 tons of snow with the Tree Lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Visit www.buellton.org for more details. Snow Leopard Festival/Sledding at the Zoo - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the SB Zoo - A rare blizzard hits the Zoo with 80 tons of snow for sledding and snow play for this frosty fun family festival. Animals play in the snow while Santa poses for holiday photos. Visit www.sbzoo.org for details! Christmas Tea - 2 - 4 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Ines. A traditional English afternoon tea to celebrate with old and new friends with a Christmas Boutique. Tickets are $45 adults, $40 for children 5+. Proceeds benefit the Mission projects. SYHS Baseball BBQ Dinner - 2 - 3:30 p.m. at the baseball field. With a $45 donation the dinner feeds 4 with tri-tip, salad, beans and bread to benefit the baseball program. For orders contact any player or coach or June at 805-448-2275. SYV Presbyterian Christmas Concert - 3 p.m. - The Blue Angels choir, accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra, will present a variety of favorite Christmas carols and anthems, with the SYHS Concert Choir as special guests. There will be the lighting of the Advent Candle and special Advent readings by the Morrow family, and meet Mary and Joseph, see live animals, enjoy cookie decorating and crafts, plus a cakewalk. For more information contact the church at 805-688-6323. Marshmallow Roast and Holiday Crafts - SYV Botanic Garden - weather permitting. Contact www. santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org for details.
December 11
Coffee with a Cop - 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Pony Espresso in Santa Ynez. Traditional Folk Songs - 4 - 5 p.m. at Solvang Library - Folksinger and autoharp virtuoso Miller is also a master of the art of storytelling, skillfully interweaving folksongs and the stories behind them. Free to attend. SYHS Music Concert - 7 - 9 p.m. at SYHS Little Theater - All are invited to listen to the SYHS Band and Choir Concert.
December 12
Julefeast - 6 - 9 p.m. - Join this fun communal dining experience served under the stars and among the twinkle lights. Meals provided be Root 246, Ramen Kotori, First and Oak. Visit www.solvangjulefest.org for details and tickets.
December 13
Saint Lucia Day - 6:30 p.m. - Join “Saint Lucia” dressed in all white with a red sash and crown of candles leading a procession of women to honor the third century martyr known for bringing food and aid.
December 14
Free Nutrition and Diabetes Education - 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at SYV Cottage Hospital - How to Read “Nutrition Facts” Labels - Contact Stacey Bailey directly at 805-694-2351. Winter Wreath Making - All day - SYV Botanic Garden - Make a beautiful holiday wreath - visit www. santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org for details.
Home Tours - All day - benefits the SYV Senior Citizens Foundation - tickets and information visit www. buelltonseniorcenter.org or call 805-708-4211. Santa’s Village - 12 - 4 p.m. at Solvang Park. Visit Santa and Mrs. Clause and enjoy face painting and gift wrapping. For more info visit www.solvangjulefest.org. SYV Chorale Christmas Around the World - 7:30 -9:30 p.m. at Solvang Veteran’s Hall - Purposely eclectic, the concert celebrates Christmas with beloved and familiar carols, forgotten classics and new, hauntingly beautiful fare. Tickets may be purchased at The Book Loft and El Rancho Market, from Chorale members, online at www.syvchorale.org or at the door.
December 14 & 15
Skal Wine and Stein Stroll - A two day wine and beer tasting throughout downtown Solvang with the annual Glogg competition. All attendees must be 21 and over, ID’s will be checked. Visit www. solvangjulefest.org for tickets and details. The Nutcracker at the Arlington - Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Arlington will take you on the magical adventure of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey through the stars to the Kingdom of Sweets. Visit thearlingtontheatre.com/schedule/eventdetail/640/-/ santa-barbara-festival-ballet-presents-nutcracker-at-the-arlington for details.
Continuing Events Every Monday
Yoga, 9 a.m.; Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Arts and Crafts every third Monday; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. Divorce Care Recovery Seminar and Support Group – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy Library, 891 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; Louise Kolbert at 805-688-5171.
Every Tuesday
Computer class, 9 a.m., Knitting, 9:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 11 a.m.; bridge and poker, 12:45 p.m.; Mah Jongg 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805688-3793. Toddler Tuesdays at the MOXI - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.moxi.org. Preschool Story Time - 10:30 a.m. at Solvang Library. Two-Step Dance 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
SYV We Support the Troops – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Volunteer to pack care packages on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. 805-245-4951. Art Class, 9 a.m.; Book Club, 10 a.m. (call first); Bingo, 1 p.m.: Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. Knit and Crochet - 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571. Healing Hearts Support Group – 2-4 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road. Free. To R.S.V.P. call 805-693-0244. Solvang Farmers Market - 2:30-6:30 p.m., First Street between Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. Crafternoons – 3:45-5:45 p.m. Arts Outreach, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. Suite 9, Los Olivos. $10/child; 805-6889533.
Every Thursday
Sideways Inn Local’s Night Specials 5 p.m.- 8 p.m., 114 East Highway 246, Buellton; 805-691-8088.
Chair Exercises - 10 a.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571. Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, Noon; Basic Cartooning, 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley Noon-2 p.m., Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center offers a support group for brain injury survivors and caregivers; www.jodihouse.org.
Every Friday
Nutrition Classes - 11 a.m. - SYV Cottage Hospital Conference Room - Instruction Stacey Bailey is a dietician and offers weekly courses in various topics. For more information call 805-694-2351. Bring your lunch and talk nutrition. Tai Chi, 9:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.; Pilates – 10:15 a.m.; Ukulele 11:15 a.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. Bingo - 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.
Every Saturday
Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m.; 805688-4515 or www.sbparks.org. Junior Rangers Program – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154. Children 3 and up; under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult. $3/person. Nature Center admission is free. Visit www.clnaturecenter.org.
Coming up
Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com, www.buelltonrec. com or www.visitsyv.com to see a full schedule of programs and events that range from adult and youth sports to teen dances, field trips, excursions and more.
32 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H December 3 - December 16, 2019
$5,495,000 | 2551 Highway 101, Buellton | 779.9± acs Claire Hanssen | 805.680.0929 Lic # 00887277
$2,995,000 | 3169 Montecielo Dr, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3½BA Brett Ellingsberg | 805.729.4334 Lic # 01029715
$2,595,000 | 2075 Still Meadow Rd, Solvang | 5 ± acs Carole Colone | 805.708.2580 Lic # 01223216
$1,795,000 | 3030 Baseline Ave, Santa Ynez | 4BD/3½BA Laura Drammer | 805.448.7500 Lic # 01209580
$1,450,000 | Upper Los Berros Rd, Nipomo | 454.2 ± acs Jody Neal | 805.252.9267 Lic # 01995725
$1,295,000 | 2425 Cebada Canyon Rd, Lompoc | 3BD/2½BA; 20± acs Brad Berch | 805.680.9415
$1,295,000 | 987 Fredensborg Canyon Rd, Solvang | 3BD/2BA
Lic # 01244576
Laura Drammer | 805.448.7500 Lic # 01209580
$1,250,000 | 1799 Cougar Ridge Rd, Buellton | 4BD/2½BA; 20±acs Chris Jones | 805.708.7041
$1,195,000 | 1135 Edison St, Santa Ynez | 3BD/3BA Glynnis Mullenary | 805.705.5206 Lic # 01748187
$899,000 | 1226 Hans Park Trl, Solvang | 3BD/2½BA Cammy Godeck | 805.452.9725 Lic # 02074002
$895,000 | 2770 Canada Este Rd, Santa Ynez | 20.03±acs Claire Hanssen | 805.680.0929 Lic # 00887277
Claire Hanssen / Brett Ellingsberg | 805.680.0929 / 805.729.4334
$723,000 | 653 Hillside Dr, Solvang | 3BD/3BA Brenda E Cloud | 805.901.1156 Lic # 01772551
$595,000 | 2213 Keenan Dr, Los Olivos | 1.28±acs David & Marlene Macbeth | 805.689.2738 Lic # 01132872 / 00689627
$430,000 | 644 Floral Dr, Solvang | 2BD/2BA Karin Aitken | 805.252.1205 Lic # 00882496
$415,000 | 136 Sierra Vista, Solvang | 2BD/2BA Karin Aitken | 805.252.1205 Lic # 00882496
MONTECITO | SANTA BARBARA | LOS OLIVOS
Lic # 01383462
$795,000 | 3155 Long Canyon Rd, Santa Ynez | 13.79± acs
Lic # 00887277 / 01029715
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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. Lic# 01317331