Santa Ynez Valley Star • February 7, 2024

FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

SANTA YNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

Making Communities Better Through Print.™

County District 3 candidates meet at Los Olivos forum

INSIDE

Supervisor Joan Hartmann and challengers Jenelle Osborne and Frank Troise answer constituents' questions

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

C

andidates for Santa Barbara County's 3rd District supervisor's seat came to St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Espiscopal Church in Los Olivos on Tuesday, Jan. 30, for a candidates forum hosted by the Santa Ynez Valley Association of Realtors.

Incumbent Joan Hartmann, and her challengers, Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne and business executive Frank Troise spent the forum answering questions sent by email and from audience members and moderator Guy Walker, a longtime financial advisor and founder the the Santa Ynez-based financial firm Wealth Management Strategies.

Hartmann is running for a third term as 3rd District Supervisor, representing an area that is considered by many a bridge between the north and south parts of Santa Barbara County.

Osborne has been mayor of Lom-

JOAN HARTMANN

JENELLE OSBORNE

FRANK TROISE

poc since 2018, and a member of the City Council since 2016. As a small business owner since 2005, Jenelle provides event planning and professional organizing services.

Troise is an internationally recognized financial expert who has lived in the Santa Ynez Valley for over 20 years and has appeared on various financial networks to discuss global financial matters.

The first part of the forum saw the candidates answer five questions sent in advance of the forum and that the candidates had already seen. After a break, they would answer questions submitted by audience members in writing, as many as the overall twohour time limit would allow. The candidates would have two minutes to answer in the later segment.

The first question read by Walker to the candidates: What is the most critical issue facing the Santa Ynez Valley requiring the assistance,

participation and cooperation from the Board of Supervisors, and what would you do to resolve the issue?

Hartmann answered first and said preserving the rural character of Santa Ynez Valley in keeping with its community plans, but that a special focus needs to be made on traffic safety, especially around Santa Ynez High School, where a girl named Carina Velazquez was killed in 2015.

The supervisor said she recently held a ribbon-cutting for a new trail named in honor of Carina, and more like it could alleviate problems on Highway 246.

"I envision it like Ojai, where a bike's beds and equestrians would all be able to use that trail connecting kids to schools," Hartmann said. "I have $2 million designated for the trail in the county, and this cross-county connector would be transformative. It's my legacy project."

Osborne admitted that everyone in the room probably had a different critical issue, but to her the most critical issue they were all going to face was public safety and the cost of it.

"The cost of public safety for Buellton and Solvang, who contract with the county is a 100 percent recovery," Osborne said, "and they've seen the cost nearly double if not triple in some scenarios. And no improvement. We have a shortage not only in officers, but in budget."

Osborne said with limited revenue funds, she didn't have a solution yet for the problem but that it's "something we have to deal with."

When Troise got the microphone he threw the audience a bit of a curve when, right after introducing himself, he picked up the stack of notes and dropped them on the floor.

"The single biggest issue I've got in being a candidate: CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Community | Pg. 14 Solvang museum gets new name for new era News Briefs . . . . . . . . . Pg. 2 'Today' morning-show segment gives shoutout to Solvang News . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 3 • Solvang City Council will look into wastewater connection request from Los Olivos CSD Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 6 • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Support for Hartmann Education . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 7 • Students excel at Dunn School's MLK Speech & Debate Invite Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 8 • Santa Ynez girls basketball team stays undefeated in league Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 12 • Love is still in bloom for Solvang couple on Valentine’s Day History . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 15 • February: A short month with a lot of holidays Business . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 17 • Jr. Entrepreneur Fair returns to Solvang Veterans Hall

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FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

NEWS BRIEFS

SOLVANG

YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=ZGQM- mation and tickets: FriendsSYVLibrary@ R3DYmc0 or on today.com/3rd-hour-today. gmail.com.

Community Cleanup event scheduled for Feb. 17

Solvang was featured in a "Today" morning-show segment on "travel swaps" during its Monday, Jan. 29, broadcast.

Screenshot from YouTube.

'Today' morning-show segment gives shoutout to Solvang

The City of Solvang received a bit of national notoriety, on Monday, Jan. 29, thanks to NBC's "Today" morning show, when it was mentioned in a segment on what they called "travel swaps."

In the segment, third-hour co-hosts Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer, along with their guest Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford, discussed "less-expensive and less-crowded alternatives for popular destinations that perhaps might have you doing a double take," as Melvin put it to introduce the segments.

Solvang was introduced as an alternative to — as many locals would probably guess — Denmark, as the hosts and Gifford highlighted the many attractions of this Central

Coast town.

"It is so cool. You feel like you're in Denmark," Gifford said, mentioning the "windmills and gable-thatched roofs" as well as the "Fab Five" of Solvang bakeries for tourists to sample.

"It is a really special place," Gifford continued, "because also there is great wine there, and food, and they have a beautiful outdoor theater [Solvang Festival Theater].

You could be in Denmark."

Solvang was one of five U.S. cities or regions to be mentioned in the segment. The others were the Crystal Coast of North Carolina (the Outer Banks); Lexington, Kentucky (Ireland); Newport, Rhode Island (South of France); and Jasper, Alberta, Canada (Banff National Park).

The segment can be viewed online on

The City of Solvang, in partnership with Waste Management, is offering residents the chance to get rid of their household trash, scrap metal, green waste, wood and bulky waste the responsible way — and for free!

The city's Community Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Public Parking Lot 4 on Oak Street.

Items that will be accepted at the site include: Household trash (bagged or boxed, not loose), green waste (separated from trash), wood (no treated wood, such as railroad ties), scrap metal (any motor needs to be free of gasoline or oil), and bulky waste (unusable furniture, mattresses, large items, etc.).

This event is for Solvang residential customers only. Customers must bring a picture ID and a WM bill with matching address to participate.

Certain hazardous waste will be accepted during this event. Residents may dispose of household hazardous waste such as consumer batteries (taped ends), computer monitors and TV sets (unbroken screens), electronic waste, and appliances. These household hazardous waste items can also be taken to the Health Sanitation Service (HSS) located at 97 Commerce Drive in Buellton. HSS is open Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information on the Community Cleanup, contact the City of Solvang at (805) 688-5575.

LOS OLIVOS

SOUPer Bowl Saturday with Friends of the Library of SYV set for Feb. 10

PUBLISHER Hayley Mattson Publisher

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ads@santaynezvalleystar.com

NEWS TEAM Mike Chaldu

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news@santaynezvalleystar.com

Anthony Atkins

Content Editor

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REPORTERS Pamela Dozois

Graphic Designer

Contributing Writer

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CONTACT US santaynezvalleystar.com Santa Ynez Valley Star LLC PO Box 6086, Atascadero, 93423 (805) 466-2585 Powered by 13 Stars Media | Nic & Hayley Mattson No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or distributed without the authorization of the publisher. Digital copies available at: issuu.com/santaynezvalleystar The Santa Ynez Valley Star is proud to be a member of:

A family friendly afternoon, benefitting the Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley, is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 10 (the day before the Super Bowl) at St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church Hall at 2901 Nojoqui Ave. in Los Olivos.

Taste soups from local chefs, win raffle prizes, and meet local authors Ian Jacobsen, Elayne Klasson, Gary Robinson, and Lida Sideris. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 6 and up. Children 5 and under are free. Contact the Friends for more infor-

Rotary Club to host 'A Winter's Night at the Races'

Come check out the ponies at “A Winter’s Night at the Races,” a unique horse-race fundraiser presented by the Los Olivos Rotary Club on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Church in Los Olivos.

This fun-filled evening kicks off with cocktails and hearty hors d’oeuvres while attendees have an opportunity to pick their winning horse for the betting to follow. Then pre-recorded races begin, and the horses are off and running.

Event attendees have a choice of racing experience. For a $50 ticket, attendees receive a free drink, hearty hors-d'oeuvres, and “funny money” for betting. A more exclusive experience, for a $100 ticket, includes all the above plus bottles of wine at the tables, a desired seat in the “owner’s” enclosure, and access to a private bar and betting table.

At the end of the betting excitement, special prizes will be given to the three attendees who end up with the most winning “funny money.”

In true horse race spirit, attendees are encouraged to dress for the races. The most unique Kentucky derby hat will be awarded a prize. There may be a few other “surprises” as well for special racing enthusiasts.

All proceeds from “A Winter’s Night at the Races” will fund the Los Olivos Rotary Club’s special projects for deserving organizations in need. A few of the community organizations supported by the Los Olivos Rotary Club include the Santa Barbara Food Bank, SYV Botanic Garden, Arts Outreach, Veggie Rescue, the Valley Christmas Basket Program, Stuart Gildred YMCA, and Hidden Wings.

The club has supported more than 20 organizations this 2023-2024 year.

In addition to local assistance, the club also supports international organizations and their good works. Donations have been given to Constru Casa in Guatemala, Shelter Box, a medical facility in Nicaragua and other international projects.

For tickets and information, go to losolivosrotary.org or speak to any member of Los Olivos Rotary.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

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STAR NEWS

Solvang City Council will look into wastewater connection request from Los Olivos CSD Council meets for the first time in six weeks; appoints members of new Measure U committee

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

F

or the first time in six weeks, the Solvang City Council met in a regular meeting and made up for lost time.

In the Jan. 22 meeting, the council issued five proclamations, and had discussion items on the docket although two of them were continued to next week.

The City Council last met on Dec. 11, 2023. The next meeting was canceled because it fell on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2023, and the one after that, scheduled for Jan. 8, was canceled due to lack of agenda items.

One item on the agenda was a request from the Los Olivos Community Services District for permission to connect to Solvang's Wastwater Treatment Plant (WWTP), with LOCSD sharing in operating costs.

In his report on the item, City Manager Randy Murphy said the request has been made before, but the LOCSD recently contacted Solvang on interest into resuming those talks, and he wanted to check with the council before pur-

suing any agreement.

LOCSD General Manager Guy Savage was on hand to answer any questions about the potential connection.

"The thinking is we would put a line down Alamo Pintado Road from Los Olivos," Savage told the council. "It would be just to support the wastewater within the district's boundaries."

Savage also assured the Solvang council there was no commitment at this point.

"We're not looking to ultimately get a contract or anything, and from our side, there's no guarantee that we'd do it," Savage said. "The fact is, we have been exploring the idea of building our own wastewater treatment plant, but the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Board has suggested we look into regional solutions."

While noting that the Solvang WWTP has the extra capacity to allow the LOCSD, Councilmember Dave Brown wondered about water quality.

"I don't know if there is any differential of higher water standards we might need to meet," Brown said. "Maybe you have different water or salt levels that we can't meet."

Savage said his district is doing more testing on the groundwater very soon, and should know the answer to that in a couple of months.

After Murphy reiterated there was no commitment at this point,

Tim Buynak, Principal

Councilmember Elizabeth Orona said the request was worth exploring.

"We already have an agreement like this with Santa Ynez [CSD]," Orona said. "It's a model we all understand, and I think we can do the technical assessment needed as Councilmember Brown alluded to.

I'd be open to it."

There was one public comment, from Dennis Beebe.

"I sat on a GPAC for over two years trying to develop the Santa Ynez Valley Community Plan, and sat in on many contentious meetings," Beebe said. "We eventually produced a Community Plan and explicitly barred any sewage lines between Los Olivos and Solvang."

Beebe said he felt any sewage line would encourage more development.

"The worry is you'll have a developmental strip between Los Olivos and Solvang, and if you build it, the worry is that it will come," he said.

Orona motioned for the council to look into the possiblity of granting the LOCSD request. Brown seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

In other actions, the City Council appointed the members of the Measure U Citizens Oversight Committee, which was established to review the revenue and expenditure of funds from the tax established by Measure U, which was passed by voters in November 2022.

433 Alisal Road · Solvang, CA 93463 tbuynak@buynaklaw.com · buynaklaw.com

Los Olivos Community Services District General Manager Guy Savage addresses the Solvang City Council on his district's request to look into the possibility of a wastewater connection between Los Olivos and Solvang. Screenshot from YouTube

The city had been accepting applications up until Dec. 6, 2023, and it so happened there were five applicants, just enough to fill the panel. Administrative Services Director Wendy Berry said one of the original five applicants bowed out, but that another application was accepted shortly before the meeting.

Each new committee member was appointed by a City Councilmember. The Measure U Committee members are: Jamie Baker (appointed by Robert Clarke), Geoff Yarema (Elizabeth Orona), Frank Smithsen (Claudio Orona), Henry Haugse (Dave Brown), and Adelia Kehoe (Mayor Mark Infanti).

Baker, Yarema, and Smithsen

will serve their regular two-year terms and Haugse and Kehoe will initially serve one-year terms to make the new committee's panel staggered, and only two or three will be up for appointment in a given year. Haugse and Kehoe were picked for the one-year terms as appointees of the mayor and mayor pro tem, but Infanti noted that they can be easily reappointed after the one year, and then start serving two-year terms.

Murphy said that they were still determining what days and times the Measure U panel would be meeting.

The next Solvang City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m.

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FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

NEWS BRIEFS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

SANTA YNEZ

Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin awarded more than $5.5 million by state DWR

Representatives from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will present a $5.5 million check to representatives of the three Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) on Feb. 8 at 11:30 a.m. at River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive, in Buellton.

The public is welcome to attend. In the case of inclement weather, the event will take place at an indoor location in the City of Buellton area and will be announced on SantaYnezWater.org.

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Grant Program awards funds to GSAs for implementation of their Groundwater Sustainability Plans, which will promote healthy and sustainable groundwater basins, reduce and eliminate undesirable results, and promote actions and projects that provide multiple benefits while also improving long-term groundwater supply and quality in California groundwater basins.

The Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin GSAs’ $5.5 million grant award will be used to implement projects and management actions that ensure groundwater sustainability is achieved and produce positive impacts for the communities and agricultural lands of the Santa Ynez and Lompoc valleys. These activities are described in the three Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) prepared by the three GSAs. The projects and management actions eligible to be reimbursed under this grant include the following: • Well extraction measurement and reporting.

• Rate Study to recommend fee and rate alternatives.

• Annual reporting to DWR and periodic update of the three GSPs as required by the State of California.

• Infrastructure and monitoring improvements to fill gaps in the available data.

• Capture rainfall runoff from urban areas and creek and river flows to provide aquifer recharge.

• Identify strategies and performance tracking procedures that improve water

utilization and save groundwater.

• Recycled Water Feasibility Study to investigate potential uses and users of surplus recycled water and reduce the demand for groundwater.

The eight agencies that participate to implement SGMA in the Santa Ynez Basin include the Santa Barbara County Water Agency, the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District-Improvement District No. 1, City of Solvang, City of Buellton, City of Lompoc, Mission Hills Community Services District, and Vandenberg Village Community Services District. These agencies in collaboration with various other stakeholder groups will continue to work collaboratively to implement these projects and management actions. For more information visit SantaYnezWater.org.

Free diabetes classes offered at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital

Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital offers a series of free diabetes management classes to empower individuals to live well with diabetes.

The comprehensive four-part series aims to provide participants with the knowledge and tools to manage diabetes effectively and improve overall well-being.

Led by Clinical Dietitian Amanda Edwards, RD, the classes will cover essential topics such as carb counting, label reading, complications, exercise, and more. Edwards, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in dietary management and counseling, aims to equip participants with valuable knowledge and empower individuals to make informed choices for a healthier lifestyle.

Living Well with Diabetes series begins every other month: February, April, June, August, October and December 2024 Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, front conference room To register for the free diabetes classes or more information, please contact Amanda Edwards at 805-694-2351 or email at a4edward@sbch.org.

Foundation of Santa Barbara. The Foundation has extended its application deadline for 2024-25 scholarships from Jan. 31 to Feb. 18 in response to technical problems that continue to bedevil the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completion of the FAFSA is a requirement for Scholarship Foundation aid. Foundation application materials and instructions are available online at sbscholarship.org/apply.

“The release of the new FAFSA was delayed until Dec. 31, and its rollout has been plagued by technical issues. We know this has created new levels of anxiety among students and their families, so an application extension is wholly appropriate. We encourage students to complete their applications as soon as possible,” said Scholarship Foundation President and CEO Melinda Cabrera.

For additional information on the Scholarship Foundation’s application process, email info@sbscholarship.org.

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara is the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships, having cumulatively awarded in excess of $150 million to more than 60,000 county students since its founding in 1962. A nonprofit organization, the Scholarship Foundation also provides free financial aid advising services. For additional information, visit sbscholarship. org.

County seeking poll workers for upcoming election

The County of Santa Barbara Elections Office is looking for civic-minded individuals interested in helping as polling place workers for the Presidential Primary Election on Tuesday, March 5. Volunteers are paid for their service.

To serve as a poll worker, a person must be a registered voter or an eligible high school student. Registering to vote is easy and can be done by visiting SBCVote.com.

Poll workers attend training before Election Day and are prepared to set up and close the polling place, help voters through the voting process, and protect ballots and voting equipment. The election workday begins at approximately 6 a.m. and ends at approximately 9 p.m.

Being a poll worker is a great way to get involved, help the voting process, and contribute Scholarship Foundation extends to the community while earning extra money. application deadline to Feb. 18 County students now have 18 more days Positions are available in Santa Maria, to apply for financial assistance during the Orcutt, Lompoc, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa coming academic year from the Scholarship Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, and Montecito.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Put in your application now to be a or, if you already work for the County, be part of the Santa Barbara County Employee Election Worker Program.

For more information, go to SBCVote.com, contact Santa Barbara County Elections at (800) 722-8683, or email poll1@countyofsb. org

Water Wise Video Contest challenges county high school students

Every year, students compete to create entertaining and informational 30-second videos that convey the importance of water use efficiency in Santa Barbara County. The contest theme, “Tips for an Inspired Water Wise Garden” was selected to highlight the ongoing importance of sustainable outdoor water use, especially in drought-prone Santa Barbara County.

County Water Agency Manager Matt Young comments, “This is a fun, educational contest that we look forward to every year.

We are excited to carry this long-standing program into its 25th year and we can’t wait to see the amazing videos created by our local high school students.”

The contest meets several California State Department of Education Content Standards, including implementing world languages. Up to six videos, three English and three Spanish, may be submitted per school. The winning videos will receive prizes and may be aired on local TV and in movie theatres.

While the County Water Agency and water providers arrange for monetary prizes to the winning schools, local private sector sponsors provide awards for the students: • First Place (English): $500 provided by Carollo Engineers.

• First Place (Spanish): $500 provided by La Buena 105.1 FM. • Second Place: $250 provided by Geosyntec.

• Third Place: $150 provided by Ewing Irrigation.

• People’s Choice Award (voted by the public on the WaterWiseSB YouTube Channel): $500 provided by Dudek.

In order to be eligible to win prizes, student participants must submit their videos and completed Application Packet online by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 8. The student winners will be publicly announced in May 2024.

The County Water Agency and local water providers thank our community sponsors for their generous support.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

5

Kristin Smart's family files lawsuit against Cal Poly Complaint claims negligence during first days of disappearance

By Camille DeVaul camilledevaul@santaynezvalleystar.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Nearly 28 years since the disappearance of 19-year-old Cal Poly student Kristin Smart, her family is filing a lawsuit against the university.

Kristin went missing on Memorial Day weekend in May of 1996 after attending an off-campus party. She was last seen walking back to her dorm with Paul Flores. Since her disappearance, Flores has been the center of police investigations, and in 2021, he was arrested for the murder and disappearance of Kristin alongside his father, who was accused of helping his son hide her body.

In October 2022, Flores was found guilty of Kristin's murder, while his father, Ruben, was found not guilty of helping his son. Flores was sentenced to serve 25 years to life in prison in March 2023. To this day, the whereabouts of Kristin's remains are unknown.

The lawsuit filed by Kristin's parents and siblings on Thursday, Jan. 18, claims that California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is partially responsible for her murder on the grounds of negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and wrongful death.

The complaint document opens with the Smarts saying the university "did not begin to understand the multitude of failings by Cal Poly until May 2023."

In May of last year, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong publicly apologized to the family for the first time on record, saying, "We recognize that things should have been

Stan and Denise Smart, parents of Kristin Smart, with their daughter Lindsey (Stewart) on the left and son Matthew on the right, holding a photo of Kristin. Photo courtesy of the Smart Family.

done differently — and I personally wish that they had."

The complaint continues to describe how Cal Poly allegedly breached its legal duty when it did "not pursue a missing person case promptly, did not interview witnesses timely, did not seal the primary suspect's dorm room as a crime scene, allowed the suspect's room to be sanitized and cleaned before it was searched, and did not search the suspect's room until 16 days after Kristin disappeared."

The document also claims that before Flores killed their daughter, multiple reports had been made about Flores's "threatening, stalking, and harassing behavior."

The Smart family claims in the suit that if the university had properly acted on the reports and investigated, Flores would not have been on the campus with Kristin, therefore preventing her murder.

In the years following Kristin's disappearance, Flores left Cal Poly for various jobs

throughout the state, primarily in Southern California. Several witnesses have been brought forward alleging Flores raped and assaulted them. The lawsuit also claims that if Cal Poly looked harder into Flores from the beginning, these other assaults and rapes could have been prevented.

The lawsuit further explains that these mishandlings by the university have caused the family "decades of trauma and emotional distress caused by knowing that Kristin's murderer was still free and that her body was still hidden, and that her murderer could hurt other women."

The Smart family says they did not begin to put together the lawsuit against Cal Poly until after the president's public apology which they say, "It was at this point that the Smart family began to understand Cal Poly's failings."

According to the lawsuit, Cal Poly still has not provided the family with the full inves-

tigation file, and that on Sept. 15, 2023, the university responded stating, "we have determined that all four claims were and have not been timely presented after the relevant event or occurrence within the time period required by law."

The day following the off-campus party where Kristin was last seen, her friends reported her missing to the university's campus police. However, because it was a holiday weekend, they wanted to wait until after the Memorial Day weekend was over to take their missing person report. At that time, the campus police suggested Kristin had left town or gone camping with friends. It wasn't until four days after her disappearance that campus police began to investigate. They did not search Flores's dorm room until 16 days after Kristin's disappearance, despite multiple people claiming he was the last person seen with her. However, it took the university 31 days to conduct a formal investigation of his room with a crime scene investigator.

The lawsuit further details Flores's aggressive behavior and multiple filed reports against him at the campus and following Kristin's disappearance.

Two of those reports detailed in the lawsuit claim that in December 1995, a female Cal Poly student filed a police report stating Flores had been harrassing her and climbed the trellis of her apartment to spy on her.

Again, in March 1996, more Cal Poly students filed police reports saying Flores had been stalking them, and again, Flores was found trying to break into their apartment by climbing their balcony.

While the lawsuit does not specify an amount in damages, the lawsuit says, "Cal Poly's failures are indefensible, and it must be held accountable to prevent this cycle of callous negligence from ever occurring again."

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FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

Fire Safe Council board member supports Hartmann for 3rd District supervisor Dear Editor, County government has many functions, and we don’t normally expect our public officials to care equally about all of them. But then there’s Joan Hartmann.

As a board member of the nonprofit Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council and a former wildland firefighter, I have been amazed that Supervisor Hartmann has found time to sit on our board and contribute her enthusiasm and energy to addressing one of the biggest problems many county residents face each summer, i.e. the threat of wildfires. This is a problem that cannot be solved simply by waiting for fire engines to show up and save homes. It takes responsible government planning, focusing necessary fire department resources on wildfire defense and prevention, and citizens taking responsibility for making their own homes and neighborhoods defensible.

Joan has been uniquely able to serve as a bridge between interested citizens and county fire and planning personnel. During Joan’s tenure, we have seen significant increases in County funds for wildfire protection, including two wildland fire crews, a brush crew, and a state-of-the-art fire-equipped Blackhawk helicopter. Joan has also helped us get state and federal funding and staffing for Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council programs such as neighborhood chipping, controlled grazing, and developing Fire Wise communities.

If you are concerned about protecting homes and protecting our

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

beautiful but highly flammable county brush lands and grasslands, support Joan Hartmann for four more years as 3rd District County Supervisor.

Philip Seymour Santa Barbara Hartmann has helped county in numerous areas Dear Editor, I’ve been a resident of Lompoc for a long time, and seen my share of county supervisors mostly ignoring our needs. Until Joan Hartmann came along.

When Lompoc was moved into the 3rd District, Joan took us on like her long-lost favorite child.

This is just a taste of her successes: Economic vitality: Advocated for creation of county-wide regional broadband to attract state and federal funds; helped secure over $2 million for the Lompoc Theater Project Youth Well-Being: Secured $100,000 for the C4 community program in Lompoc; developing a workforce pipeline for local students Health and Public Safety: Promoted co-response team combining police with trained mental health workers; working with the district attorney on a Lompoc-based Restorative Justice Program Homeless: Established Rainbow Village to provide individual shelter for long-term unhoused; helped find $6 million to move people out of Lompoc and Santa Maria riverbeds Housing: working towards a regional housing strategy allowing middle-class workforce to live within 20 miles of their jobs Fire and emergency prepared-

CORRECTION The Letter to the Editor "In rooster-keeping ruling, Supervisor Hartmann shows commitment to constituents" on page 18 of the Jan. 16 issue of the Santa Ynez Valley Star was written

by Susan Ashbrook of Lompoc. The letter was credited to an another person who did not have any involvement in the letter.

ness: Carried out a two-year, $4 million fuel reduction program in Lompoc Valley; sits on Fire Safe Council, which just awarded a $330,000 grant for Lompoc Valley Community Wildfire Protection Plan Seniors: Chairs the Adult & Aging Network, focusing on senior housing, in-home support services and transportation for seniors Veterans: Added new staff to the county's Veterans' Service Office to assist veterans with the services they are entitled to Even our Lompoc mayor, who is also running, doesn’t have this record. So why would we vote for anyone else to serve us on the Board of Supervisors?

Janet Blevins Lompoc

Hartmann is a problem-solver for Santa Barbara County Dear Editor, Our community has been so fortunate to have Joan Hartmann as our 3rd District county supervisor.

We are even more fortunate that she is running again to continue her work on behalf of the center (really, the heart!) of Santa Barbara County.

Joan is a problem-solver of the first order, and that has been apparent if you live in the Santa Ynez Valley. Joan has worked closely with our community to address the nightmare of Highway 154, meeting regularly with locals and serving as chair the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments State Route 154 Safety Committee. Her efforts have brought real changes to our most dangerous road, starting with installation of safety cameras to monitor patterns and identify best mitigation strategies.

As a long-time Buellton resident, Joan knows first-hand the fire risk we all face. She serves on the Fire Safe Council Board, which works with neighborhoods to create Fire Wise Communities to help them get organized, identify their particular risks, and work together to

mitigate them.

Not everything here is about danger. Joan has led the charge to create the county’s first Recreation Master Plan, which will coordinate resources to expand and enrich recreation for residents and visitors alike. The Refugio Trail and Santa Ynez Valley River Trail expansions are just two examples. She was also able to have shade structures installed to protect the playground at Santa Ynez Park.

If you value a hardworking local official trying to improve our quality of life, vote to re-elect Joan Hartmann as 3rd District county supervisor.

Bill Connell Santa Ynez

Buellton vice-mayor: Hartmann a guiding voice for Santa Ynez Valley To the editor, With the election nearing, I am grateful to be able to support 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann. As vice-mayor of Buellton, I rely on her to be an advocate on the Board of Supervisors who is always willing to problem-solve our community’s challenges. As our supervisor, Hartmann is deeply responsive to the residents of Buellton, and has been a guiding voice for a thriving, vibrant, and kind community here in the Valley.

I appreciate that at the heart of Supervisor Hartmann’s goals is a voice for equality, dignity, and respect that is often lost in public office. Joan has always been at the front lines fighting for funding for our seniors, for resources for our schools, and for safety and respect for our most vulnerable communities. She has been integral to the de-escalation of hateful language and rhetoric and has the incredible skill of bringing together differing parties and finding common ground from which to draw compromise and action.

The greatest part of Supervisor Hartmann’s leadership is that it is authentically rooted in a place of

service, as she considers how she can help each of us on a day-today basis. I am proud to have Supervisor Hartmann represent me, my community, and my district at the county level, but most importantly, I am proud to have a leader who cares about her hometown and shows up for each of us every day.

On March 5, please vote for Joan Hartmann, who leads from an authentic place of service to her community.

David Silva Buellton Hartmann brings respectful, considerate leadership to county In my 11 years as an administrator with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, I had the opportunity to work with many members of the County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Joan Hartmann is among the very best.

As a county administrator in the past and as a current 3rd District resident, I find that Joan Hartmann demonstrates leadership in the best sense of the word. She asks probing questions, listens attentively, and provides thoughtful responses.

Supervisor Hartmann explains her reasoning and the considerations that led to her votes. She is exceptionally respectful and considerate of all residents, speakers, and county staff.

Joan Hartmann brings people together to discuss thorny and controversial issues. A Jan. 29 meeting on proposed rezoning of Glenn Annie Golf Course is a recent example. She listened to all concerns and offered information to help everyone understand the challenges we face.

When bringing issues to Supervisor Hartmann, I felt heard and understood. I found her to be fair and focused on what is best for the county. I fully support Joan Hartmann for District 3 County Supervisor and encourage other to join me in voting for her on March 5.

Susan Klein-Rothschild Goleta

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

7

EDUCATION Dunn, Thacher, Cate schools come away with top placements at second annual MLK Speech & Debate Invite Dunn students placed first in Debate and Interpretive categories Staff Report

LOS OLIVOS — In Dunn School’s second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational on Jan. 12 and 13, the host school came away with two first-place finishes in the high school division.

Senior Alex Grenier ran away from a field of 14 talented students to capture first place in the Spontaneous Argumentation (SPAR) competition on Friday, and freshman Husna Balaven scored a first-place finish with the best high school interpretive speech on Saturday. Including middle school, Dunn led the field with seven total medals.

Thacher also had two first-place finishes in the high school division, as Eli Bouganim’s speech won the Original Oratory category, and Ethan Smallwood placed first in the Extemporaneous category. Cate’s Andrew Sheshanoff just edged out Smallwood (second) and Dos Pueblos’ Aaron Xie (third) in the Impromptu competition. Less than two points separated the Impromptu place winners.

Additional Cate place winners include Ben Elkin (second) in Extemporaneous, Kaitlyn Dai (second) in SPAR and Tree Payne (second) in Interpretive. Xie also placed third in Extemporaneous. Dunn senior Matthew Musson placed third in SPAR. In the middle school division, Dunn eighth-grader Jacie Dingman was first in Original Oratory, fol-

lowed by Dunn sixth-graders Alaia Baillergeon (second) and Lily Rioux (third). Dunn sixth-grader Dante Scroggin was first in Interpretive.

The Family School in Los Olivos swept the Elementary School division with Matin Balaven taking first and Ella Sweeney taking second in Original Oratory and Miles Sgro placing first in Interpretative.

This is the third speech and debate competition of the current school year held at Dunn, which kicked off its campaign to become the premier destination for speech and debate with the first MLK Invitational last January. Each event has had a separate theme, and this past weekend’s competition celebrated the spirit and legacy of Dr. King’s work in the civil rights movement.

Each speech and debate event at Dunn has been and will continue

Dunn School's Husna Balaven (left) and Cate School's Tree Payne finished 1-2 in the high school Interpretive category at the Dunn MLK Speech & Debate Invite. Contributed Photo

to be open to all Central Coast and Santa Barbara County schools. For more information, please contact JD Scroggin at communications@ dunnschool.org.

To access photos of the event, please click here, and for identification, cutline or caption details, please contact jscroggin@dunnschool.org or (805) 686-0649.

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FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

SPORTS

Lady Pirates hoops squad stays undefeated in Ocean League

Santa Ynez's Lexi Molera guards an Atascadero player during the teams' game on Jan. 26. Molera led the Pirates with 12 points and was credited for a crucial shot block by head coach Jennifer Rasmussen as the Pirates prevailed 44-38.

SYHS on the verge of first girls basketball league title since 2011

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

T

he Santa Ynez girls basketball team not only stayed undefeated in Ocean League play on Jan. 30, but they gained a game on its closest pursuer with a 47-34 win at Templeton.

Rylan Agin led the Lady Pirates with 19 points, while Helina Pecile had 10 points, 11 rebounds and six steals. Kayla Morrell also had 10 points and added seven boards.

With the win, SYHS stood at 6-0 in the Ocean League (156 overall) going into its Feb. 2 against Lompoc. That gave them a two-game lead over second-place

Templeton (4-2, 14-8) with two games left in the season.

"The girls came out determined and poised in a rough game against Templeton," Pirates head coach Jennifer Rasmussen said.

"They were patient and used the clock to keep the lead and take the victory, moving the girls closer to a league title. The last time the SYHS girls' basketball team won league was in 2011."

On Jan. 26, Santa Ynez defeated Atascadero at home, led by Lexi Molera, who led the team with 12 points and was credited for a crucial shot block by Rasmussen.

The Pirates had a sizable lead for most of the game, but the Greyhounds made a late run in the final second to make it close.

"I got a little nervous at the end, but I thought we put on a good performance tonight," Rasmussen said after the Atascadero

Santa Ynez High boys soccer player Spencer Silverman controls the ball while staving off a Morro Bay defender on Jan. 26. Silverman had a goal in the Pirates' 6-1 win. Photos by Mike Chaldu

game. "We had a chance tonight to work on our fundamentals and practice the full-court press tonight; go for those steals."

The Lady Pirates close out the regular season tonight, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m., and will start the playoff Feb. 14 against a team to be determined.

Five days earlier, Santa Ynez win able to get a win, beating Morro Bay at home, 74-53. Ikenna Ofiaeli had 23 points and eight rebounds. Jayden Mendoza (15), Jude Pritchard (11), Peter Zahoudanis (11) all scored in double figures against the "other" Pirates.

SYHS closes out the regular season with two road games: against Mission College Press (Feb. 6) and San Luis Obispo (Feb. 9). Game time for both is The Santa Ynez boys basketball 6:30. team ran into nationally ranked St. Joseph for the second time this season and lost 103-41. That dropped the Pirates to 0-5 in the Mountain League and 11-14 The Pirates boys soccer team overall pending the Feb. 2 game kept its slight lead in the Sunagainst Arroyo Grande. Despite set League with a 4-3 win over the loss, Jude Pritchard (13) and Atascadero on Jan. 30. Spencer Mason Skidmore (12) had double Silverman and Jonathan Jimenez figures against the Knights, who had two goals apiece to lead last week were ranked 39th in the SYHS, which now stands at 5-1 nation by maxpreps.com. in league (11-6) still one-half

game ahead of Templeton (4-1, 10-6-2).

The Pirates played Templeton last Friday (Feb. 2) and close the regular season at Lompoc on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Charlotte Lewis had consecutive hat tricks in two recent Santa Ynez wins, scoring three goals apiece in victories over Morro Bay on Jan. 26 (6-1) and Templeton on Jan. 30 (3-1). The senior midfielder has 18 goals in the Pirates' 20 games so far.

Santa Ynez is 5-1-1 in the Sunset League and 8-11-1 overall pending last Friday's game against Lompoc. They close out the regular season with games tonight at Paso Robles and Thursday, Feb. 8, at home against Orcutt Academy.

Game time for both is 6 p.m.

BOYS SOCCER

GIRLS SOCCER

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10

FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

ARTS & NONPROFITS

Ground broken on new affordable housing project in Buellton People's Self-Help Housing development Buellton Garden Apartments to rise on McMurray Road Staff Report

BUELLTON — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) broke ground Jan. 9 on its newest affordable housing in the Santa Ynez Valley: Buellton Garden Apartments.

Located at 10 and 12 McMurray Road in Buellton, near essential services, this new development is comprised of 89 units. Including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for low-income households, it features a welcoming community room, well-resourced learning center, and onsite supportive services for residents.

“We are thrilled to bring more affordable housing to the community members of the Santa Ynez Valley with our first-ever project in Buellton,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO and president. “We look forward to watching this site develop and come to life over the next couple years. It’s been a long time in the making, and we are grateful to officially have shovels in the ground.”

Elected officials from Buellton and Solvang, congressional representatives, community partners, and People's SelfHelp Housing project staff participate in the groundbreaking Jan. 9 of the Buellton Garden Apartments complex on McMurray Road. Contributed Photo

Attending the sun-filled event were dignitaries throughout the Santa Ynez Valley, including elected officials from the cities of Buellton and Solvang, representatives from the office of Senator Monique Limón, community partners, and PSHH project staff.

“I know I’m speaking on behalf of the senator when I say thank you to People’s SelfHelp Housing well as city and county and all the folks and the team that takes to make this happen,” said Benjamin Peterson, from the office of Limón. “The state increasingly recognizes the need we have for affordable housing, and for housing in general. And for her

part, she’s been proud to vote for state budgets that allocate funding as it’s available to the Housing and Community Development department for projects such as this.”

Buellton Garden Apartments is coming together through a collaborative effort with the City of Buellton and numerous community partners. Funding support was provided by California Community Reinvestment Corporation, California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, Wells Fargo, Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County, County of Santa Barbara, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing and

Community Development, and California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. The site was designed by Ravatt, Albrecht & Associates, Inc., with engineering from DPSI, Inc. About People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) Founded in 1970, PSHH is the longest-serving nonprofit affordable housing organization on the Central Coast. With a mission of building homes and providing services to strengthen communities and change lives, PSHH serves low-income households, working families, seniors, veterans, farmworkers, those living with disabilities and the formerly homeless. It also provides homeownership opportunities through a self-help, “sweat equity” program that has seen over 1,200 homes successfully completed. PSHH has a presence in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Monterey counties, manages over 2,000 rental units, and employs over 200 staff members. PSHH acknowledges the indigenous people of the territories that our organization occupies, including the Chumash, Salinan, Yokuts, Kitanemuk, and Tataviam people.

To read the full land acknowledgement, visit pshhc.org/IDEA. For more information about the organization, visit pshhc.org, email info@pshhc.org or phone (805) 781-3088.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

11

Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic to host annual Give Kids A Smile event Last year's event provided nearly $6,000 of dental services to 23 children at no cost to their families Staff Report

SANTA YNEZ — The Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic (SYTHC) will hold its fourth annual Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) event from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the clinic, located on the reservation at 90 Via Juana Lane in Santa Ynez. The event provides children ages 1-12 with free dental work, including exams, cleanings, and more.

As one of SYTHC’s biggest events of the year, the clinic’s Dental Department will provide dental care for any local child regardless of income or insurance status. Children will receive a comprehensive oral examination (including X-rays when appropriate), teeth cleaning, oral health education, and dietary recommendations. Any treatment that is diagnosed during the exams will be completed at follow-up visits

throughout 2024.

The event will be staffed by SYTHC dentists, registered dental assistants and dental hygienists. During last year’s event, nearly $6,000 of dental services were provided to 23 children at no cost to their families.

“Our dental department looks forward to hosting this event every year because we are passionate about providing quality oral healthcare for all children,” said Dr. Mike Savidan, dental director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Pre-registration is required to participate and openings are limited. If you are interested in your child participating in the Give Kids A Smile event, please call the SYTHC at (805) 688-7070 to register.

GKAS is a national program launched in 2003 by the American Dental Association (ADA), with the goal of providing no-cost care for thousands of children at hundreds of locations nationwide. With February being National Children’s Dental Health Month, each year during the first week of the month, dental offices across the country

partner with the ADA and celebrate with their own GKAS event, providing much-needed free dental treatment to underserved children in their local communities.

Located on the Santa Ynez Reservation at 90 Via Juana Lane in Santa Ynez, SYTHC accommodates more than 20,000 patient visits per year, has an active patient population of over 7,400 and employs 70 team members.

The staff specializes in the highest standards of quality health care through modern medicine and cultural traditions. While the clinic’s comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health services are available to Chumash Community Members, the clinic also treats non-native patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds with unique needs. The facility accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal and most major insurance plans.

The clinic is a not-for-profit organization under the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) guidelines and receives funding through various grants, including grants from the Indian Health Ser-

Dr. Mike Savidan, dental director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, treats a young patient at the Tribal Health Clinic. The clinic will be holding its fourth annual Give Kids A Smile event on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Contributed Photo

vice (IHS). The clinic has achieved a-like Medi-Cal/Medicare facility. mature contractor status with IHS For more information, contact and the Bureau of Indian Affairs SYTHC at 805-688-7070 or log on and is certified as an FQHC look- to www.sythc.org.

12

FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

SPOTLIGHT

Love is still in bloom for Solvang couple on Valentine’s Day Steve and DeDe Wood first met in Manhattan Beach and recently celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

E

very day is Valentine’s Day at the Wood residence. DeDe and Steve Wood celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on Jan. 14. They are both 80 years young.

They recently moved into their new home in Solvang, which DeDe designed, along with their standard poodle, Natalie Wood (their previous dog was named Holly Wood).

DeDe had lived in the Valley, where she raised her two daughters, Megan and Mindy, but moved to Manhattan Beach in 1984 to open up a design store. That’s where she met Steve Wood, who was a supervisor of lifeguards for all of the beaches in Los Angeles, which is a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

“I had just purchased a house and I was looking for someone to help me decorate the interior of my new home,” said Steve.

“A friend recommended me to DeDe’s store in Manhattan Beach. We liked each other right away.”

“I thought Steve was pretty darn handsome, but I wanted to keep things on a professional basis,” said DeDe. “Steve eventually asked me to accompany him to a fundraiser and that was our first date. My children were mostly grown at the time, so we dated sporadically at first.”

Steve said that the daughters, however, would give their OK. “DeDe’s daughters are very smart and outspoken, and at the time, when we were dating, they came forward and told DeDe that they approved of the new man, and I was very flattered. It meant a lot to me to have their approval,” said Steve.

During their courtship, an opportunity arose that they couldn’t turn down.

“I had a friend who owned some oceanfront property on the Strand in Manhattan Beach. She wanted to rent it out for two years,” DeDe explained. “She offered the

Steve and DeDe Wood are shown along with their dog Natalie Wood in the front doorway of their new home in Solvang.

Photo by Pamela Dozois

house to us at such a low rent, it was impossible to resist. Living on the beach in this fabulous location gave us the opportunity to live together with the kids and get to know each other even better. It was an opportunity of a lifetime that was given to us. It was an apartment and a house, so there was plenty of living space for Steve and me, as well as the kids. It was like having a two-year honeymoon before the wedding. We had a great time living there.”

Steve recalled an occasion while living on the beach when he joined a group of surfers

in a paddleboard race.

“Once a year there is a paddleboard race from Catalina Island to Manhattan Beach Pier, which was basically in front of our house. I was 49 years old and we were living on the Strand," recalled Steve. "I thought how appropriate and fun it would be to take part in that event, and be able to drop my board on the sand and walk straight across the beach and into my home. I was proud that I finished the race but I was far from coming in first place. DeDe greeted me on the beach as I stepped off my board, glad

to be on land again and in her welcoming arms.”

After the two-year lease on the house had expired, the couple decided to move to the Valley and get married. That was in 1993. They just wanted it to be a low-key affair.

“We decided together to just do it,” said DeDe. “The girls were in their early 20s, so we didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.

Steve just swept me off my feet and we decided to do it. We were married at the City Hall in Lompoc and our friend Joan Speirs stood up for us.”

And to say it was “low-key” is an understatement.

“We were married in a little room next to a Coke machine, and have lived happily ever after,” she said with a smile.

They both love the Valley and North Santa Barbara County. Steve said, “We feel lucky to live here.”

“Dede designed three homes in the Valley before I met her and we designed four homes from the ground up as owner/builders, all in north Santa Barbara County," he said. "She has helped dozens of people remodel their homes and helped them improve both the interior and the exterior of their homes. In my estimation, she is a celebrity in her field.”

Steve has been retired for 24 years but has remained active, doing a 1,000-yard swim three times a week to stay in shape. Every Wednesday, local old surfers get together at Refugio Beach and tell stories about their experiences surfing up and down the California coast.

“He’s still as handsome as the day we met,” said DeDe. “He brings me coffee every morning with the perfect amount of cream and after dinner, he says, ‘Go take a bath and I will take care of the dishes.’ He is as kind and nice and generous as he is good-looking.”

During their time together, the couple has traveled around the world and they also travel extensively with friends, staying in Italy and France, and hope to continue to do so.

Their family has grown with the addition of five grandchildren. William, Claire and Caroline Yager, and Grant and Clayton Davidson.

They are looking forward to adopting two new kittens, which are yet unnamed, but when named, they are certain to end in Wood.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

STAR LIFESTYLE

When the urge to go becomes a little too urgent

GOOD MEDICINE

By Dr. Hyun K. Lee

A

ging is a fact of life that brings with it a variety of problems and situations you didn’t live with in your younger days. Some come suddenly and others creep into your life slowly, but even though we can’t escape aging, we can still fix some of the problems that commonly come with it.

Many patients have problems with urinary incontinence, which is a problem of

either urinating too often or not being able to hold it and having “accidents.” The main reason for this issue is that the bladder holding muscle is weak due to weakened kidney function.

The bladder serves as a holding tank for surplus fluids in the body. Though considered waste materials by many, urine, in fact, is essential fluid for your body. More than just water, it has been purified through your organs and infused with nutrients and minerals that are the mainstay of your body. It sits in your bladder ready to be used if needed and is eliminated when more fluids arrive.

The kidneys take this fluid and circulate it to the organs that require it. When kidney function is weak, our body becomes unable to recycle the water in the reserve tank. Over time, your organs and bones become weakened due to the loss of nutrition and minerals which leads to a variety of other problems like osteoporosis.

Other symptoms of weakened kidney

function are: weakened body and spirit, being easily tired, lack of motivation, reduced sexual energy, and hair loss.

Western medicine usually prescribes drugs and surgery to fix this condition.

Happily, incontinence and weakened kidney function are easily remedied with acupuncture and various Korean constitutional herbs. Constitutional herb combinations help bladder function and acupuncture helps the lower abdomen area to relax.

Taking these herbs increases holding energy.

Though many people might put incontinence down to aging, it is something that can be easily fixed. It’s important not to ignore or live with a problem if it can be improved or remedied naturally.

Dr. Lee’s office is located at 175 McMurray Road, Suite G, Buellton. The clinic is held every Wednesday only. Dr. Lee also has an office in Los Angeles. To make an appointment in the Buellton office, call 805-693-5162.

13

14

FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

COMMUNITY

Solvang museum gets new name for new era

Store & Visitor Services Manager Sheila Francis shows off the front desk area of the California Nature Art Museum (fka the Wildling Museum) during a reception Jan. 18 in Solvang. Photo by Joni Kelly

The Wildling Museum on Mission Drive is now the California Nature Art Museum

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

For many coming into Solvang from the eastbound Highway 246 (which doubles as Mission Drive in town) since 2013, a familiar site on the north side of the city's main street was the Wildling Museum.

The museum was originally founded by local artist Patti Jacquemain in 2000, and has grown and changed over the years, moving from Los Olivos to Solvang in 2013. No matter where the location, it has served the local community and tourists from all over the world, sharing the natural beauty found throughout California and beyond by a vast array of artists and their creative visions.

However, as the museum enters its 24th year, museum officials and board members decided a new name was in order to more clearly define what the museum was about, and on Jan. 18, a reception

was held to christen its new name — the California Nature Art Museum.

“This is a very exciting time for our organization as we look forward to the future as California Nature Art Museum. The new name better reflects who we are and what we do,” said California Nature Art Museum Executive Director Stacey Otte-Demangate, “And the exhibits and educational programs we offer reinforce that, allowing our community and visitors to experience the beauty of art, and the nature all around us which inspires it."

Of course, the Wildling name won't disappear from the Mission Drive museum; it'll just move inside. The main gallery will now be called the Wildling Gallery.

Former Museum Board President Kevin Patterson began the proceeding by telling the audience a little bit

about the facility's history: How it opened in 2000 in the Kenan Parkway House in Los Olivos, moved to another site nearby and then were able to secure the current site.

"Through all those physical changes, the name remained the same — the Wildling," Patterson said. "This unique identifier was both memorable and presented challenges.

Who was 'Mr Wildling'?"

It was then, Patterson said, that the museum board made steps to move forward.

"So, in the fall of 2020, After much robust discussion, the advisory Council recommended we take a next step in our progression: a name change," he said. The board at a strategic off-site later that year agreed and voted to change the name, which was ultimately, the California Nature Art Museum that you see today."

Allan Hancock College President Kevin Walthers, who is the current museum board president, praised the museum and repeated Patterson's view that the name change was going to be a good idea.

"I think the new name change is going to be important to really get into people's minds so that they know what's happening in this space," he said. "We're just looking forward throwin the project in gear and making it better."

Later on, Jacquemain, the founder of the museum spoke, remembering how the idea of the museum was hatched.

"I don't know why, but I got this idea that, living in Santa Barbara, such a gorgeous place, and we need

something to get more people appreciating this goshdarn beauty in this area," she said.

After mentioning the idea to her her husband Dave, who was supportive, Jacquemain said she called 12 friends to meet for lunch.

"I told them my idea, that we should have a museum or something that allows people to appreciate the beauty of an area through art," she said. "And then one of my friends at the lunch, Bruce McCurdy, one of my former professors at UCSB, said 'Patty, you've been talking for two hours now; here's my advice, set another lunch meeting for a month from now, and those of us who are interesting will show up, and those who aren't interested won't come back.'

"So I set the meeting, and about 10 or 11 from the group showed up. And that's how the museum began."

Since it opened, the Museum has hosted and/or organized over 100 shows including the awe-inspiring works of nationally renowned artists like Ansel Adams, Georgia O’Keeffe, Maynard Dixon, and Carl Oscar Borg, to name a few, as well as regionally respected artists like Ray Strong, dedicated to bringing awareness to specific wilderness areas.

The first-floor Wildling Gallery features larger shows but can also be subdivided into different exhibitions.

The second-floor Valley Oak Gallery is dedicated to telling stories of the tri-county area (Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo) or issues relevant to our region.

A permanent feature there is the stunning wall mural

A worker is shown putting up new signs on the front of the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum) on Mission Drive in Solvang.

Photo by George Rose

executed by local artist John Iwerks which serves as an excellent educational tool about local oak habitats and is utilized by school groups.

The third-floor George and Barbara Goodall Education Center features hands-on activities like nature journaling, animal origami and more, soon to be further developed by new assistant director, Rachel Metz.

Other speakers at the reception, included local mayors Mark Infanti (Solvang) and Dave King (Buellton) who both delivered proclamations that would be repeated at their respective City Council meetings, as

well as representatives for State Senator Monique Limon, Assemblyman Gregg Hart, and 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann.

Refreshments were served on the first floor of the museum, including a cake celebrating the new identity.

The California Nature Art Museum is open weekdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Tuesday and Wednesday) and weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is supported by the generosity of its sponsors and members.

For more information about California Nature Art Museum please visit www. calnatureartmuseum.org.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

15

HISTORY

February: A short month with a lot of holidays

HOLIDAY HISTORY

F

By John Copeland

or being the shortest month of the year, February certainly has a lot of “holidays.” It is also the only month of our calendar not named for a God, a Roman emperor or a number. It was named for the Roman festival Februa, a monthlong festival of purification and atonement.

The festival of Februa is very old, older even than Rome. It was originally an old Sabine festival honoring their god Februs, god of the underworld. The Sabines were a pre-Roman tribe that lived in the Apennine Mountains of Italy and were conquered by the Romans.

Rome merged Februs with Pluto. No, not Mickey Mouse’s — Pluto was the Roman god of the Underworld and the Dead.

On Feb. 2, while the Romans were beginning to festively purify themselves, other cultures were celebrating a fire goddess and sheep (I know that sounds a little scary). During the Middle Ages, Feb. 2 was the time for blessing church candles, celebrating bears, and later still, groundhog meteorologists. Each of these observances have Feb. 2 in common. Now, when you stop and think about it, all these events seem random and unrelated; truth is, they are not!

Feb. 2 is a cross quarter day. During the year, our seasons are marked by both quarter days and cross quarter days. They are some of the oldest holidays still widely recognized around our planet. They are at least as old as New Year's and possibly older.

Quarter days are astronomical events marking the winter and summer solstices, and spring and vernal equinoxes. Cross quarter days fall midway between the quarter days.

The quarter days are Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day), May 1 (May Day), Aug. 1 (Gule of August) and Oct. 31 (Halloween).

Feb. 2 is the first cross quarter day of the

year and it heralds the triumph of spring over winter and birth over death. This was a big day in early cultures as revealed by the many festivals associated with Feb. 2.

For ancient Celts, it was the festival of Imbolc, celebrating that ewes were soon to give birth to lambs, a sure sign that spring is not far off. In ancient Gaelic the word "Imbolc" literally means “lamb’s milk.”

Feb. 2 is also Brigid’s Day. Brigid, was a Celtic fire goddess that was so popular with the common folk, she was embraced by the church and canonized as a saint.

Brigid represents the light half of the year, and the power that will bring people from the dark season of winter into spring.

Feb. 2 is also Candlemas, when the candles that would be used in the church during the coming year were blessed.

This custom lasted in England until Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans banned the practice. However, the symbol of lighted candles had a strong hold on common folk and was not entirely cast aside. Traces of this festival held on until recently in the British Isles like little lights that refused to be blown out.

That brings us to the groundhog. Well, originally, it wasn’t a groundhog. European folk traditions marked Feb. 2 as the date bears emerged from hibernation to inspect the weather and if they returned to their lairs it meant that winter would continue for another 40 days.

In colonial days, German immigrants brought their traditions with them. Finding no bears but lots of groundhogs, or woodchucks, they adopted them to fit the lore. It’s one of the early examples of job outsourcing — the

bears lost their weather job to a woodchuck. According to legend, if a groundhog sees its shadow on this day, there will be six more weeks of winter.

Feb. 10 is Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than 20 percent of the world’s population. It is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian nations. It’s considered a time to honor ancestors and to be with family. The Lunar New Year usually sparks a rush of travel that the New York Times has called the world’s largest annual human migration.

The Lunar New Year is based on the ancient Chinese lunar calendar, and it falls on the second new moon after winter solstice, which always occurs between the Jan. 21 and Feb. 19, so unlike Jan. 1, which begins our

year, the date of the Lunar New Year moves from year to year. This year, 4722, in China, is the Year of the Dragon. Dragon years are about opportunities, changes, and challenges.

The Super Bowl will take place on Sunday, Feb. 11.

It marks the second time since 2003 that the Super Bowl has not been held on the first Sunday in February.

We d n e s d a y, Feb. 14, is Valentine’s Day, a very popular holiday.

According to U.S. florists, 110 million roses, most of them red, will be given to sweethearts across America on Valentine’s Day. We will also exchange about 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards. Americans will also buy more than 58 million pounds of chocolate and a lot of that will come boxed in 35 million heartshaped boxes. You still have time to pick up a card, order a bouquet of flowers or chocolates for your sweetheart.

This is what lays in store for us in just the first half of February. Up ahead are Lincoln’s Birthday (Feb. 12), Washington’s Birthday (Feb. 22) and President’s Day (Feb 19). It is also Black History Month and Heart Health Month.

2024 is a leap year and Saturday, Feb. 29, is Leap Day. What’s the big deal about leap years? If there were no leap years, eventually February would be a summer month for the Northern Hemisphere and a winter month in the Southern Hemisphere.

That's because the Earth's trip around the sun takes roughly 365 and one-quarter days. Keeping a calendar in sync with the year’s season is something that humans have struggled with for as long as there have been calendars. This month, we make the every-four-year adjustment.

16

FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

(From left) Santa Barbara County District 3 Supervisor Joan Hartmann and her challengers Jenelle Osborne and Frank Troise take part in the District Supervisors Forum Jan. 30 at St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Espicopal Church in Los Olivos.

Photo by Mike Chaldu

LOS OLIVOS FORUM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

I despise this format," Troise said. "I hate canned questions that remind me of when I was in fourth grade. Memorize an answer, come up with a snarky joke, say something derogatory about my competition — I'm not going to do it. Because you know what's missing: A conversation; were not having a conversation."

With that said, Troise said he would not be using notes when giving his answers at the forum.

The next question posed to the candidates was what was the biggest hurdle to getting housing in the Valley.

Osborne said it was lack of supply, "and we all know that there is this huge demand, but there's a lot happening that is causing that pipeline to be flowed down."

Osborne also said the state housing mandate hinders development efforts, but an effort

still has to be made to get in the housing that's needed.

"My approach would be to be considerate of the communities, really assess what's missing in that housing market, and then bring them to the table to decide how we're going to build it rather than just say you're building this house."

Hartmann, however, said the biggest hurdle is cost.

"In 1983, it cost four times your annual income to buy a house; today, it's 20 times your annual income," Hartmann pointed out. "I checked this morning and the median price for a home in the Santa Ynez Valley is $2.3 million, and that's 29 percent more than last year. It really tears apart the fabric of our community because the need is not so much on the high end."

"I serve on a state agency with Miss Osborne, and we're already working for the next housing online to identify where is appropriate to build new housing and where not."

Other questions submitted dealt with homelessness, the County Enterprise Agricultural Ordinance, whether to extend the license of Diablo Canyon Power Plant — which Osborne pointed out supplied 10 percent of the power for California — among other topics.

Each candidate gave a closing statement.

Hartmann begans hers by noting trust has "been in serious, serious decline," but pointed out that "60 percent of our population still has trust in local government.

"I want every day to build on that trust," she continued, as she named off the endorsements she has received from fellow elected officials like U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, State Senator Monique Limon, and Assemblymember Gregg Hart.

"If you can trust them, you can trust me," Hartmann said.

Osborne her biggest asset for this job is her nonpartisanship, which she said comes in handy for a district that's thought of by many as a "swing vote."

"I'm non-partisan," she said. "I don't belong to either party. I run Lompoc from the same position of 'I'm there to compromise.'"

"So, if you'd like a different voice, if you'd like someone from a modern position, someone who's not swayed by enabling your ideological platform, I'm your choice."

Troise began his final statement the same way he did with his first anwer of the forum: "We're not here tonight because you're happy!"

"Do you want somebody who's going to work collegially with the Board of Supervisors?," he asked. "You feel that process has worked for you? Do you feel now based on what you've learned tonight that you can walk to your car safely? Have a solution in place for homelessness? And ask yourself the harder question and look at our records. We've all been very, very public about this. Who at the end of the day?"

The District 3 supervisorial election will be March 5, the day of the California Presidential Primary.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

17

BUSINESS

Jr. Entrepreneur Fair returns to Solvang Veterans Hall Event that was launched a year earlier draws a larger crowd of young vendors the second-time around

By Mike Chaldu michael@ santaynezvalleystar.com

I

n January 2023, the Solvang Parks and Recreation Department created an event to let school-age kids and teens sells their products, homemade or otherwise, to make some money and learn a little bit about business.

One year after that first Jr. Entrepreneur Fair, the second edition took place Jan. 26 at the same site, Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, presented by the Parks and Rec Department and sponsored in part by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to some long-term planning, the fair was able to draw a few more vendors.

"Last year we had about 20, but tonight I counted 28 tables for this," said Parks and Rec Director Jenny McClurg. "Over the summer, we did classes — junior entrepreneur workshops — teaching them how to open a business, create a business plan, marketing, pricing, things like that."

iful Beaut ine t Valen s Gift

Finn Curtis was at the Jr. Entrepreneur Fair in Solvang displaying his homemade periodical The Santa Ynez Way, as well as his campaign to reopen the long-dormant Parks Plaza Theatre in Buellton.

Also, McClurg is planning to make the fair more than an annual event.

"We're planning on doing another one of these in the summer, and hopefully, one during Julefest [in December]."

Two vendors who were back from last year's fair were brothers Matteo and Benny Pena, who were selling trading cards and other collectibles at their table.

Matteo said he and his brother attended the workshops last summer.

"Yeah, that was pretty helpful for us," he said. "Just learning about checking accounts, banking accounts, and investing in your business, not wasting the money that you make from it."

Leading up to the fair, the

brothers were learning the finer points of their business in getting the inventory on the table.

"We usually go down to a collectibles store in Santa Barbara, and we'll buy and trade with the people there," Matteo said. "It's good because you really learn to negotiate and figure out how to eventually get the highest profit."

While a few at the fair had experience with the event, there were still some first-timers trying their hand at selling.

Ten-year-old Olivia Miller heard about the fair just a couple weeks earlier at Solvang School, where she is a fifth-grader, and decided to try her hand at selling the beaded bracelets she makes as a hobby.

Many Items le on Sa

A Store Full of Enchantment, Whimsy, Delight & Sparkle!

1607 Mission Dr. # 109/110, Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 697-7869 Fairyandfrog@aol.com

Meah Santana stretches out a sample of her homemade slime, which she had on sale during the Jr. Entrepreneur Fair at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall.

"My grandma had an old bead set that she hadn't used because she couldn't get them onto the string she had," Olivia said. "One day, I picked them up and saw that it was the wrong string for those beads, so I found the correct string and was able to complete them.

"After that, my mom took me to Michael's to get some new beads, and I've been making these ever since."

As for the business, Olivia seemed to be pleased with her first try at selling.

"I've sold two or three so far, so I'm doing pretty good," she said.

While most at the fair had tangible products to sell, brother and sister Finn

and Maisy Curtis, both 14, had something else — a cause.

In addition to displaying copies of The Santa Ynez Way, monthly magazine Finn prints out himself, they were also publicizing his campaign to reopen the Parks Plaza Theatre in Buellton, which closed in 2021. Recently, a proposal for an In-And-Out Burger drive-thru on the site was rejected by the Buellton City Council.

Maisy said they came up with the idea about "two, three weeks ago," although Finn said it probably started a little earlier than that, "sometime late last year."

"Finn was interested in

that at first because he's big into movies and Disney and is really interested in getting the theater back," Maisy said. "But all of us — me, Finn, our mom and grandma, have all helped with it since."

Finn said the feedback they were getting at the fair was mostly positive.

"We're doing this tonight, and we've got a conversation going on [social media app] NextDoor, where people were sharing our ideas and stuff.

"And now, with the InAnd-Out not an option, and I'm seeing how the location is getting cleaned up and put back on the market, I'm pretty hopeful with how people's reaction is."

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FEBRUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 19, 2024

TRAVEL

Local missionary returns from assignment in Italy Kiana Paulson returned home in November from her Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

T

wenty-year-old Kiana Paulson, the daughter of Jon and Shelise Paulson, recently returned home from her 18-month mission assignment for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in and around Rome, Italy. She left Santa Ynez Valley in May of 2022 and returned this past November.

“I served in Catania, Sicily, Castellammare di Stabia near Naples, Ladispoli, which is near Rome, and Bari which is located in the southeast coast of Italy,” said Paulson.

Most of the tens of thousands of missionaries with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are young people under the age of 25. They serve in over 400 missions throughout the world. These young missionaries receive their assignments from church headquarters and are sent only to countries where governments allow the church to operate. They do not request their area of assignment and do now know beforehand whether they will be required to learn a language, according to information on the church's website.

Missionary work is voluntary. The missionaries fund their own missions, except for their transportation to and from their field of work, and are not paid for their services.

“I decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because I

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary Kiana Paulson is shown at a colorfully decorated street in Italy during her 18-month mission. Contributed Photo

wanted others to feel the joy I feel through my Savior," Paulson said.

"He has always played a major role in my life. As I come to seek Jesus in my life and do things to help me draw closer to Him, I feel more peace and happiness than I can describe. So, I decided to put my life on hold for 18 months so I could help others find the same peace, joy, and happiness through Jesus Christ."

Prior to going to their assigned area, missionaries spend a short time learning how to teach the gospel in an orderly and clear fashion, and, if necessary, begin to learn the language of the people

they will be teaching.

“During my time as a missionary, we focused on helping others come closer to Christ," Paulson said. "We tried to follow the example of our Savior, to do what is said in Hebrews 12:12, ‘Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.’ We did various service projects, such as painting schools, teaching a free English course in the community, and helping people on a one-on-one basis.

Additionally, we taught people in their native Italian language about Jesus Christ and how they can feel His presence more in their lives.

“I felt so honored to be a part of

someone’s spiritual journey. It was amazing to see the change that would occur in people and to see the light come into their lives.”

Although her purpose was to be purely serving others for 18 months, Paulson said she also benefited greatly from the experience and learned many important lessons.

“The first was to love people where they are at. Being in a foreign country with a whole different perspective of life was at first very surprising and sometimes hard,” she said. “I had to find patience and acceptance as I navigated through an unknown

culture. But, as I opened my heart and asked God to help me to understand the Italian people, I was filled with overwhelming love for them to the point where every day spent in America is slightly painful without them.

“A second lesson I learned was that ‘God is good’ (Nahum 1:7).

There were moments of my mission that were frustrating and I often felt homesick, but as I turned to God and asked for help, I often would be blessed with a friend who would do an act of kindness for me, or hear something that gave me peace.”

Paulson also touched on some other memorable experiences.

“I also experienced many miracles on my mission, where I felt led to be at a certain place and at a certain time,” she explained. “One of those miracles was our friend Maria Antonia. As missionaries, we prayed every day to meet people who needed to hear a message about Christ. God answered our prayers through Maria Anotonia, a friend of a member from the local church congregation. Although she was religious before we met her, she told us that she often felt blocked in her spiritual progression. We worked with her and taught her more about how to come closer to Christ. A few months later, she was baptized.

It was amazing to see her progress, and she later thanked us for teaching her how to spiritually progress. She told us that baptism was one of the best decisions she had made in her life.”

Paulson treasured her time abroad.

“Serving a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 18 months in Italy was one of the best things I’ve ever done," she said in conclusion. "Not only did I help others come closer to Christ, but I did as well.”

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

ly and comforting therapy dog.

Reservations appreciated; call the THURSDAY, FEB. 8 library to reserve a spot: (805) 688BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 4214. The program will continue 6 P.M. on the first Wednesday of each At Council Chambers, 140 West month. ARF! is a literacy program Highway 246, Buellton that gives children the opportunity For more info: cityofbuellton.com to improve reading skills in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.

MONDAY, FEB. 12 At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, Drive, Solvang

6:30 P.M.

At Solvang City Council Cham- FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 9-10 bers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang For more info: cityofsolvang.com TUESDAY, FEB. 13

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 9 A.M.

County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara For more info: countyofsb.org Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District, 5:30 p.m.

At Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Administrative Building, GARAGISTE WINE FESTIVAL 2975 East Highway 246 Santa Ynez FRIDAY For more info: syvuhsd.org RARE & RESERVE TASTING WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14

– $89 | FEB. 9 | 6:30 TO 9 P.M.

CALENDAR Grand Tasting – $79 | Feb. 10, 2 to 5 p.m.

Find your favorites amongst our lineup of artisan winemakers who will be pouring over 150 different wines from 2-5pm. Includes unlimited tastes, complimentary cheese & charcuterie and bottled water, and a souvenir Stolzle crystal wine glass. Artisan vendors will also be on hand for your sampling and shopping needs.

Designated Driver Admission – $10 | Feb. 10 Sometimes you have to take one for the team. Please enjoy visiting with our other artisan vendors.

Our “All Wine” Silent Auction will be going from 1-4pm and is the ONLY way guests can take home these amazing wines. Don’t miss out on these unique bottles and special offerings from your favorite wineries! All proceeds from the auction support the Garagiste Scholarship Fund at Cal Poly SLO. At Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang For tickets and more info: www. my805tix.com/e/garagiste-solvang-2024

SANTA YNEZ COMMUNITY Start the weekend off right by tast- THROUGH FEB. 19 SERVICES DISTRICT, 5:30 ing the best of the best! Attendees CALIFORNIA NATIONAL P.M. will get to experience the most PARKS: STORIES OF WATER At Community Services District special wines our Garagistes have Building, 1070 Faraday St. to offer – Only available at this For more info: sycsd.com event! No Repeats! – along with a traditional Santa Maria-style BBQ THURSDAY, FEB. 15 dinner buffet provided by local fave SOLVANG DESIGN REVIEW Plemmons Catering at The Swiss COMMITTEE, 5 P.M. and sweet treats by Solvang Bakery.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang SATURDAY For more info: cityofsolvang.com EARLY ACCESS – $105 |

EVENTS TUESDAY, FEB. 7

SOLVANG LIBRARY READ TO A DOG, 4 P.M.

With the assistance of Santa Barbara Therapy dogs, a monthly ARF! program is coming to Solvang Library. Children ages 4 and up can sign up for a one-on-one session to read aloud to a friend-

FEB. 10, 12:30 TO 5 P.M.

Find your favorites amongst our lineup of artisan winemakers who will be pouring over 150 wines. Includes: extra 1.5 hours Early Access tasting with a limited crowd for a more personal experience, plus (3) hours at the Grand Tasting; complimentary cheese & charcuterie and bottled water, and a souvenir Stolzle crystal wine glass. Only 70 tickets available.

The California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum) is pleased to announce its third juried exhibition, "California National Parks: Stories of Water," a showcase of fine art inspired by the nine national parks located within the state of California. This exhibition will be on view through Feb. 19 at the Wildling Museum. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Thursday, and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday; and close on Tuesday The goal of this exhibition is to bring awareness to the wealth of national parks to be found in California as well as the various forms of water that can be found in them, or evidence of a lack of water. Lakes, waterfalls, dew, rain, and fog are just some of the ways water

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

makes its mark throughout these parks. And the impacts of a lack of water are equally important, as persistent drought is a major issue in California.

At Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang For more info: wildlingmuseum.org

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WINE WEDNESDAYS IN BUELLTON, 4 TO 8 P.M.

Please join us for an evening out with family fun for all in Buellton, hosted by Esfuerzo Wines and The Birria Boyz. This event will take place each Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Each week we will have guest food vendors, live music and much THROUGH FEB. 23 more to be announced. We hope to WINTER READING see you there!

PROGRAM, STARTING At 140 Industrial Way, Buellton JAN. 2 For more info: info@esfuerzowine.

On Jan. 2, the all ages Winter com Reading Program, "Warm Up with a Good Book," will begin. For eight SPORTS AND weeks, every time you read a book, RECREATION you can drop a ticket into a box (at all the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley libraries) for a chance to win one of ONGOING the weekly prizes for children (0- PICKLEBALL, TUESDAYS 12), teen (13-17) or adults (18 and AND THURSDAYS 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M. over) For more information: goletavalley- Pickleball — part Ping-Pong, part library.org/about/santa-ynez-val- badminton, lots of momentum — is one of the fastest-growing sports in ley-libraries the country. The games can be fastONGOING TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS paced and deliver a good workout.

STORYTIME AT SOLVANG 2 person teams/ or singles. All are LIBRARY, 10:30 A.M., welcome!

TUESDAYS AND At Buellton Rec Center, 301 SecWEDNESDAYS ond St., Buellton Join us indoors on Tuesday and For more info: buelltonrec.com Wednesday mornings.

Come to enjoy songs, stories, move- DROP-IN ADULT ment, and a warm welcome. Please BASKETBALL, YEAR make a reservation at cityofgoleta. ROUND, MONDAYS, org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library WEDNESDAYS AND At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission FRIDAYS 6 TO 7:15 A.M. Drive, Solvang Start your day with a pick up game For more info: Solvang Library of basketball with friends.

(805) 688-4214 At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton WEDNESDAYS For more info: buelltonrec.com

SOLVANG FARMERS MARKET, 2:30 TO 6 P.M.

Each week, the farmers in the marketplace display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard. Seasonal diversity is available year-round rain or shine.

Come. Shop. Socialize. Certified — the only way to buy! Join us in downtown Solvang every Wednesday on First Street, between Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Copenhagen Drive.

OPEN BASKETBALL, ONGOING, MONDAYS, 7:30 TO 9:30 P.M.

Start your day with a pick up game of basketball with friends.

At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton For more info: buelltonrec.com

FOR INFO ON THESE AND OTHER PROGRAMS, GO TO BUELLTONREC.COM