Santa Ynez Valley Star • January 16, 2024

JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

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Pea Soup Andersen's restaurant closes in Buellton Uncertainty surrounds sudden shuttering of establishment that had been in business for 100 years

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

News | Pg. 3 Solvang Christmas Tree Burn spells end to Julefest

R

esidents, diners, city leaders, and more in Buellton are still trying to make sense of the sudden closure of longtime city landmark Pea Soup Anderson's restaurant on Highway 246 and Avenue of Flags.

Reports of the closure started coming in on social media on Tuesday, Jan. 9, and a post in the blog "The Restaurant Guy" on santabarbara. com said the closure was confirmed

by Pea Soup Andersen's sister location in Santa Nella in Northern California. That restaurant's management said said the Buellton property was sold and will be redeveloped and that an all-new Pea Soup Andersen’s will open in the future, according to "The Restaurant Guy." Before the most recent sale, the restaurant was owned by Milt Guggia Enterprises, which still owns AJ Spurs restaurants in Buellton and Grover Beach, as well as four restaurants in Santa Maria.

The restaurant also had an adjacent hotel, the Pea Soup Andersen's

INSIDE

News Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 2 • Jr. Entrepreneur Fair returning to Veterans Hall on Jan. 26 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 8 • SYHS girls wrestling team earns historic victory Community . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 12 • Community pays tribute to local musician at benefit Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 14 • St. Mark’s holds annual Boar’s Head Festival Arts & Nonprofits . . . . . . Pg. 15 • Solvang Theaterfest’s 50th anniversary concert lineup kicks off with Scotty McCreery on April 4 Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 16 • Coughing lingers after other cold, flu symptoms subside

The Pea Soup Andersen's Restaurant was abruptly closed by its new owners just a few months before its 100th anniversary. Contributed Photo

Inn; however, the separately owned Wednesday, Jan. 10.

"The neighboring restaurant with a hotel was not part of the sale and "Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn located similar name, Pea Soup Andersen's is still operating, as confirmed by in Buellton, California is open and Restaurant, recently closed for a press release sent by the inn on welcoming guests," the release said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Food & Wine . . . . . . . . . Pg. 17 • Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks return on Jan. 21 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 18 • In rooster-keeping ruling, Supervisor Hartmann shows commitment to constituents

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JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

SANTA YNEZ/WASHINGTON Santa Ynez Valley couple appears in court over Jan. 6 Capitol breach charges

NEWS BRIEFS

The Solvang Parks and Recreation Department will be holding its second Jr. Entrepreuner Fair on Friday, Jan. 26, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall.

The Parks and Rec Department bills the event as "a showcase of kid-run businesses selling their products and services!"

The fair, which is sponsored in part by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, was started up last year by Parks and Rec, with approximately 20 youths setting up tables to sell their products. Items sold varied from jewelry, plants, and artwork, to trading cards and sports memorabilia, refreshments and homemade Kinetic sand and "slime."

Any budding entrepreneurs who wish to sell their products have until Jan. 24 to register. For more information, go to cityofsolvang.com or call (805) 688-7529.

Local residents Karen Jones, currently vice president of the Santa Ynez Community Services District Board, and her husband Robert made their first court appearance Jan. 2 in the case involving their alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach.

The couple appeared remotely before a judge in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia. According to court records, they waived the right to a preliminary hearing and were released from federal custody on their own recognizance. They did not enter a plea.

Santa Barbara County-based attorney Robert Sanger was listed as representing the couple.

On Jan. 6, 2021, supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol during a joint-session of Congress to count Electoral College votes and formalize President-elect Joe Biden's election victory over Eric Yang was the Trump the previous November. first baby of 2024 to According to an arrest warrant from Dec. be delivered at Santa 14, both Karen and Robert Jones were charged Barbara Cottage with counts of entering and remaining in a Hospital, arriving at restricted building or grounds, disorderly and 3:48 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1. His parents disruptive conduct in a Capitol building and are Alyssa and Seng restricted grounds, as well as parading, demonYang of Lompoc. strating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

Contributed Photo In the warrant, FBI officials say they confirmed the identities of the local couple Cottage Health through cell phone data, as well as airline re- welcomes 2024 New Year’s baby Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed cords that showed them flying to D.C. from its first baby of the new year, right on New Los Angeles on Jan. 5.

Year's Day. Alyssa and Seng Yang of Lompoc welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Eric Yang, Jr. Entrepreneur Fair returning to into the world at 3:48 am on Monday, Jan. 1, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Veterans Hall on Jan. 26

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SOLVANG

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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:

Weighing 5 pounds and 15 ounces and measuring 19 inches, Baby Yang is already captivating hearts with his arrival.

Baby Yang's arrival marks not just the start of a new year but the beginning of a new chapter in the Yang family’s lives.

Sheriff ’s Office announces Gary Warkentin as new chief administrative officer

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office has announced the selection of Gary Warkentin as its new chief administrative officer (CAO), an executive-level position that leads the agency’s Operations Support and Financial Support Divisions.

These two divisions include the various bureaus and units responsible for providing the agency’s human resources, training, public safety dispatch, criminal records, judicial services, contract services, financial services, systems & technology, and special services functions. Warkentin began his Sheriff ’s Office service on Monday, Jan. 8.

Warkentin brings with him over two decades of experience in a wide variety of positions with the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Defense University and the Department of Defense. His most recent role as chief of staff in the DoD’s Performance Improvement Directorate showcased his ability to facilitate effective decision-making and project management, and to execute strategic initiatives with a broad impact.

Throughout his career, Warkentin served in a variety of other important positions, including as an Air Force firefighter, as a first sergeant in Air Force Special Operations, as a group practice manager at a federal medical center, as executive assistant to the president of the National Defense University, as a supervisory program manager for the Department of Homeland Security, and as the chief of the Audit Management Division for the Department of Defense. His experience in these critical roles, coupled with his proven commitment to excellence, makes him an invaluable asset to enhance the administrative, financial, and operational support functions of the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office.

Warkentin holds a Master of Science in health sciences, emergency and disaster management from Trident University, and six additional college degrees. He is also the recipient of numerous federal military and civilian awards, decorations and medals. His unique blend of education and professional experience

will help the Sheriff ’s Office address many different public safety challenges. Specifically, his exceptional background in legislative and regulatory compliance, personnel management, team building, strategic thinking, and policy development will be invaluable in his overseeing the Support Services Branch.

“Gary’s appointment brings a wealth of knowledge, analytical thinking and strategic expertise to the Sheriff ’s Office, and to the people of Santa Barbara County," Sheriff Bill Brown said. "His impressive array of military, educational, and public service achievements made him the ideal candidate to be our next chief administrative officer. I have no doubt that his leadership and expertise will contribute significantly to the continued success of the Sheriff 's Office. We eagerly welcome him and look forward to his positive impact on our organization."

Santa Barbara Foundation welcomes four new trustees

ADAM GEORGE

ALEXANDRA ALLEN

KIAH JORDAN

LOIS MITCHELL

The Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) welcomes four new trustees to its board effective Jan. 1. SBF's incoming board members are Innovative Produce owner George Adam and attorney and house counsel at Main Street Produce and Freshway Farms Alexandra Allen, both of Santa Maria, and certified financial planner and founder of Impact Family Office Kiah Jordan of Santa Barbara,and philanthropic consultant and former President of the Orfalea Foundations Lois Mitchell from Carpinteria.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

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STAR NEWS

Solvang Christmas Tree Burn spells end to Julefest Crowd enjoys big bonfire to renew tradition after last year's cancellation

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

U

nlike last year, when major storms and resultant flooding caused cancellation of the event, crowds were able to gather this month at Mission Santa Ines in Solvang for the annual Christmas Tree Burn.

The burn, which signals the end of the city's month-and-a-half long Julefest and the holiday season in general, went off without a hitch on Friday, Jan. 5, on the lawn across the parking lot from the mission.

"It's great to have this back," said Jenny McClurg, Solvang Parks and Rec director. "It was disappointing to have to cancel it last year, but the weather has cooperated and everyone seems to be having a good time."

The Parks and Rec Department provided games to be played before the burn, and attendees were able to get some eats from the food truck belonging to Rudy's Mexican Restaurant in Buellton.

Those arriving at dusk to the mission grounds were met with a sizable pile of discarded Christmas trees, a pile that was still being added to as the Santa Barbara County Fire Department personnel from Station 30 arrived to conduct the burn.

Joe and Sharon Filipko were awaiting the show along with their grandchildren Vienna Cervantes, 6; and her sisters Lola, 4; and Santina, 18 months. They were standing near the big pile of trees they contributed to a few minutes earlier.

"We live right across the street, so we just dragged the tree over and added it to the pile," said Sharon Filipko. "We're all pretty

A Santa Barbara County Fire firefighter lights a small group of trees as a fire-safety demonstration before the Christmas Tree Burn at Mission Santa Ines. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

excited, the kids especially, after having to miss it last year."

Another person who added to the pile of trees was Jesse Van Noy, who brought his all the way down from Avila Beach, coming with some friends to enjoy the fiery spectacle to come.

"We try to get down here for this as many times as we can; I think I've been to two or three of these so far," he said. "I'm glad to be here; I think it's a really good thing they put on."

Van Noy was able to get his tree up near the top of the pile, although he needed a couple of tries for it to stick up there.

"Hey, those things are heavier than they look," he said.

The burn also brought in attendees who were from out of town, some of whom didn't know it was happening until hearing

about when they were in town.

Amanda Meadows of Orange County came in with her husband Jake, children Autumn, 9; Silas, 7; Winnie, 5; and Sadie, 1; and Amanda's grandparents (from Sacramento) Justin and Judy Petsas.

"We came up to visit and found out about this," Amanda said as they waited for the sun to go down and the burn to commence. "We've been enjoying the area; we took the kids to the Santa Barbara Zoo, and I got to meet Monty Roberts [the Solvang horse trainer and owner/ operator of Flag Is Up Farms]. I'm really into riding horses, so that was the highlight of the trip for me."

The tree burn was a great topper to the trip, the kind of event the family never thought they'd come across.

"We don't have anything like this where we live," Jake Meadows

said. "We just leave the tree on our curb for the trash guys to pick up and be done with it."

While the burn was an unforeseen attraction for the Meadows and the Petsases, for the Molina family of Ventura, it was a destination.

Gabriel and Blanca Molina made the trip up to the Valley with their children Gabrielle, 17; Matthew, 7; and Adeline, 2.

"We decided to take a day trip; went to the Santa Barbara museums, and then continued it up here," said Gabriel Blanca. "We come to Solvang quite a bit and love to visit the downtown, and we decided to check out this event for the first time."

The program began with a ceremonial (and respectful) flag-burning conducted by the Boy Scout Troop 41, who cut up the worn

flag before tossing the pieces into a small fire pit.

After that, the county firefighters gave a fire-safety demonstration, explaining the dangers a dry Christmas tree can pose and then lighting up three trees set up apart from the big pile to show just how fast a tree fire can ignite and spread.

After that, it was time for the main event.

The firefighters went slowly around the pile of trees lighting strategic spots along the bottom of the heap, and in no time at all the flames started shooting up into the sky amid the "oohs" and "aahs" of the crowd. The onlookers also gradually backed away from the pile as the heat got progressively more intense.

As the fire settled to a steady burn, Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Andrew Wedel, who's been with the department for 17 years — seven of them with Station 30 — could be pleased with another successful burn.

"Very pleased with how this turned out, and pleased with the crowd," Wedel said. "We do this partly to show how careful you have to be with the trees and fire, but it's also a time for the community to get together and have a good time, and we've had that tonight."

Wedel estimated that the fire would burn out by "about 8:30 or 9 p.m.," which would have meant two and a half or three hours since the fire was started just before 6 p.m.

As far as the aim of educating people about fire dangers, Wedel felt that part of the event has been a success.

"We haven't had to answer a call about a tree catching on fire this year, and we haven't had much at all over the past few years," Wedel said. "So, I guess the people are listening."

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JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments elects new leaders for 2024 Supervisor Steve Lavagnino wide project for both North and South he said. "This project requires sigelected chair, Santa Barbara County," nificant attention and resources, and I am fulMayor Randy Rowse becomes ly committed to securing the necessary funds for this project that will get it to the finish vice chair. line.

Staff Report

F

ifth District County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino was unanimously selected to serve as 2024 chair and Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse as vice chair of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Board of Directors. The board also established their meeting schedule for the remainder of the year.

SBCAG is a regional planning agency that aims to find solutions for sustainable transportation, housing and an equitable quality of life across Santa Barbara County. Its governing board consists of all five county supervisors plus one representative from each City Council — an agency uniquely poised to provide a forum for regional collaboration and to create transformative regional change.

Santa Ynez Valley mayors Mark Infanti (Solvang) and Dave King (Buellton) both currently serve on the SBCAG Board of Directors.

As chair, Lavagnino is dedicated to prioritizing the completion of the Highway 101 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) project, which is vital to the entire county.

"The 101 HOV project is a crucial county-

“In addition, I am passionate about driving progress on transportation priorities in North County to meet the transportation demands throughout the region."

Under the leadership of Executive Director Marjie Kirn, SBCAG is not only focused on the Highway 101 HOV project but also on updates to the Measure A Strategic Plan and Connected2050, which guides transportation and land use decisions in the region for the next 30 years. These efforts aim to reduce congestion, enhance mobility, and promote sustainability.

In 2024, SBCAG will also conduct the State Route 166 Comprehensive Corridor Study to identify infrastructure improvements and safety enhancements on this important east-west route, and addressing Unmet Transit Needs to improve transit options for underserved populations in the region.

"We are excited to enter the new year with a strong focus on our high-priority projects at SBCAG," Kirn said. “We are committed to working collaboratively with our Board of Directors and member cities and county to ensure that we are addressing the most pressing transportation challenges facing our region.”

STEVE LAVAGNINO

MAYOR RANDY ROWSE

The first Board of Directors meeting in the new year will take place on Thursday, Jan. 18. The board will conduct a one-hour workshop on the Measure A Strategic Plan.

This core document serves as a blueprint for implementing voter-approved projects and programs contained in the Measure A Investment Plan such as the Highway 101 HOV project.

"As we welcome the new year, it is necessary that we push forward in securing the necessary funding for the Santa Barbara segment of the Highway 101 HOV project. The regional collaboration needed to meet the escalating transportation demands of our region and its visitors is a complex challenge, but SBCAG is committed to finding solutions," Rowse said.

SBCAG provides planning, project management, grant administration, alternative transportation commuter services and pursues transportation infrastructure funding opportunities for the benefit of all residents of Santa Barbara County.

SBCAG board meetings take place on the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. unless communicated otherwise. The next meeting takes place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, in Santa Barbara at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors hearing room located at 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara.

SBCAG directors also serve on the North County and South Coast Subregional Planning Committees according to their respective city or county district. The subregional planning committees meet in-person on the second Wednesday of each month. The North County committee will convene at 10 a.m. at the City of Solvang Council Chambers and the South Coast committee meeting at 1:30 p.m. at SBCAG offices located at 260 N. San Antonio Road, Santa Barbara, in the Wisteria Conference room.

The public is encouraged to view details on participation, upcoming meetings, and to subscribe to agenda notifications at www.sbcag.org.

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5

New Year brings new laws, policies affecting farmers Trucking laws continue to concern farmers

By Caleb Hampton California Farm Bureau Federation

CALIFORNIA — With the New Year comes a slew of new state and federal policies designed to change the way farms and ranches in California operate.

As of Jan. 1, several new laws and regulations will affect agriculture, natural resources and transportation.

Recent criticism of California’s water-rights system by environmental groups led to the introduction last year of three water-rights “reform” bills in the state Legislature, one of which became law.

Senate Bill 389, authored by state Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, gives the California State Water Resources Control Board authority to investigate whether rights of a water user are valid and impose sanctions for unauthorized diversions.

State law already allowed the water board to investigate the claims of water users in California and take action against unauthorized diversions. California Farm Bureau senior policy advocate Alexandra Biering explained that SB 389 “simply clarifies the water board’s powers.”

While state law previously enabled the water board to investigate water rights only at the request of another water-rights holder, the new law allows the water board to investigate water rights at will. The bill also clears up a gray area in the state water code, authorizing the water board to investigate California’s most senior water rights: pre-1914 and riparian rights.

Biering said the bill includes provisions to ensure water rights are not investigated frivolously but “only when truly necessary.”

California farmers may have greater access to useful technolo-

gies in the coming year. Signed in October, Assembly Bill 1016 authorized California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation to modernize the certification process for farmers to use drones to spray pesticides and beneficial biological treatments on their farms.

The bill was authored by Assembly Member Reggie Jones-Sawyer, D-Los Angeles, and sponsored by the California Farm Bureau. It was spearheaded by San Diego County farmer Al Stehly after he encountered a burdensome regulatory process when trying to get certified to use drones to apply pesticides on his vineyards.

Farmers worldwide have used drones to improve worker safety, lower costs, conserve water and increase crop yields.

“The technology allows you to use (applications) in areas where you previously couldn’t because it’s so targeted,” said Christopher Reardon, government affairs director for the California Farm Bureau. “This bill is a very good thing.”

Farmers will likely see changes to property insurance options this year, though not immediately. Another bill sponsored by the Farm Bureau, Senate Bill 505, will take effect “on or after” July 1.

The bill, authored by state Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, was created to improve commercial property insurance options for people who have lost coverage due to wildfire risk.

In recent years, cancellations of insurance policies in fire-prone areas have dealt a blow to farm businesses. Without insurance, farmers and ranchers may not be eligible for the loans they need to purchase the properties, structures or equipment they need to run their business.

Many farmers whose policies were non-renewed have sought coverage under the California FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort. However, FAIR Plan

policies are intended only as a temporary option. The policies are expensive and do not provide comprehensive coverage.

To help policyholders leave the FAIR Plan, the program has a clearinghouse where insurance companies can browse policies and make coverage offers. Currently, the clearinghouse lists only residential policies, not commercial ones, preventing farmers from bringing all their properties back under the same, competitive insurance policy.

Under SB 505, commercial policies will be added to the FAIR Plan clearinghouse.

Last year, after several major insurance companies stopped or limited their writing of new policies in California due to wildfire risk, state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced California will loosen some regulations in exchange for a commitment from insurance companies to provide coverage to property owners in fire-prone areas.

The insurance commissioner estimated it would take at least a year to reform the state’s regulatory requirements. “This isn’t going to happen overnight,” Reardon said, adding that the state government has “made a commitment that the (insurance) companies will be back.”

Several regulations from the California Air Resources Board will impact trucking operations this year. The mandates are part of a broader effort announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2020 to reduce vehicle emissions.

The Advanced Clean Fleets regulation was adopted last year. The landmark rule will phase out most diesel trucks in California over the next two decades, beginning this year. It also applies to tractors that weigh more than 8,500 pounds.

All companies with 50 or more vehicles or at least $50 million in annual revenues and to all federal agencies, such as the U.S. Postal

Service, are subject to the rule.

Agricultural and trucking industry groups raised concerns that the rule could have unintended consequences if the electrical grid, vehicle technology or charging infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles are not in place before companies are forced to transition.

“We are extremely concerned that the proposed ACF rule will be unworkable in the real world and could result in compromising the delivery of essential goods and services to Californians,” a coalition of commercial, transportation and agricultural organizations, including the California Farm Bureau, wrote in a letter to the air resources board.

For now, business owners can continue to operate their diesel trucks, but the rule requires that fleets start phasing in zero-emission vehicles this year either by replacing any decommissioned trucks with electric vehicles or by converting at least 10 percent of their fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2025.

“There is a big infrastructure problem,” said Katie Little, senior policy advocate for the California Farm Bureau. “There isn’t even enough charging capacity in urban areas let alone rural areas.”

Little added that shipping delays caused by insufficient infrastructure could be disastrous due to the nature of agricultural freight. “We can’t have tomatoes, milk or livestock sitting in the sun,” she said.

“Our goods are perishable.”

The rule includes exemptions for infrastructure and supply delays, but the burden is on the business owner to apply for a waiver.

Another new rule from the air resources board, called Clean Truck Check, is aimed at ensuring heavy-duty vehicles are properly maintained and not producing more emissions than they should.

This rule went into effect Oct. 1.

It requires vehicle owners to enter their vehicles in a Clean Truck

Check database and pay an annual fee of $30 per vehicle.

As of Jan. 1, all trucks in California must have proof of compliance with the rule to continue operating. Beginning in July, the rule will require vehicle owners to conduct emissions testing, similar to a smog test, every two years.

Agricultural vehicles must get tested every year.

In addition to legislative and regulatory changes, California entered the new year with a record $68 million budget shortfall.

Reardon said funding for agricultural programs could be sacrificed as the governor and Legislature are “going to have to make real cuts this year.”

He added that initiatives such as the Healthy Soils Program that are meant to help farmers transition to climate-friendly practices could be in the crosshairs.

“A lot of the programs that (the California Department of Food and Agriculture) oversees could be in jeopardy,” he said.

At the federal level, as of Jan. 1, farm employers who hire H-2A workers must pay the workers a higher wage after the U.S. Department of Labor announced it was raising the Adverse Effect Wage Right, or AEWR, for the program.

The AEWR is the minimum hourly rate for agricultural guestworkers. In California, the rate increased from $18.65 to $19.75.

The state’s overall minimum hourly wage for all employees also increased Jan. 1, rising from $15.50 to $16.

Amid a nationwide labor shortage and increasing reliance on the H-2A program, farm groups have raised concerns about the cost of the program to farmers.

“As wage rates continue to rise along with the demand for farmworkers, farm families are being forced to take a hard look at their balance sheets just to stay afloat,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said.

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JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

NEWS BRIEFS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

The new trustees join incoming board chair Matt Rowe, incoming vice chair Angel Iscovich, MD, treasurer Danna McGrew, incoming secretary Michael Pfau, chair emeritus Steve Hicks, as well as Phil Alvarado, Dr. Richard Beswick, Pamela Gann, Rafael Gonzalez, Pamela Macal, Robert Nakasone, Ernesto Paredes, Susan Richards, Lynn Scarlett, Alexander Simas, Tracy Stouffer, and Zohar Ziv. “We are thrilled to welcome George, Alexandra, Kiah and Lois to our board,” explained SBF president and CEO Jackie Carrera. “Their experience in the community and expertise in agriculture, investing and finance, law and philanthropy will expand and deepen the Foundation's ability to respond to our region’s most pressing challenges.”

SBF thanked outgoing trustees Rev. Randall Day, James Rogers, and Ginger Salazar for their years of service to the community as members of the foundation’s board.

Immediate past board chair Steve Hicks completed his term as chair on Dec. 31, and will remain an officer in the role of chair emeritus of the board of trustees.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

County transitions from High Fire Season; bans lifted

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department has transitioned from a High Fire Season to a Winter Preparedness Level.

County Fire Public Information Officer Captain Scott Safechuck made the announcement on Jan. 3.

With this transition, the ban on permit burning within State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) under the jurisdiction of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department has been lifted. Individuals holding valid burn permits may now resume permitted burning in Santa Barbara County. Please note: These permits are issued solely for burn piles and are not intended for the burning of standing vegetation.

Prior to the issuance of a permit, all burn sites and piles will be inspected by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department to ensure compliance with the appropriate permit conditions. Permittees must contact the fire department prior to starting any permitted burn. As a reminder, all permit holders are responsible for complying with all permit rules and guidelines.

Property owners and permit holders could be held liable for any uncontrolled burn on their property that requires fire department intervention. Non-compliance could result in a ci-

tation and/or full cost recovery.

Burn days are determined by the time of year and prevailing weather conditions. Burning is preferred during the winter months when fuel moisture levels are high and temperatures are low. Predicted high winds can suspend burning. Burning is never allowed on Sundays or holidays. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Air Pollution Control District work closely together to determine appropriate days for permit burning.

Each day, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department announces on a recorded phone line whether permit burning is allowed. The public can ascertain if it is a permissive burn day by calling (805) 686-8177 or by visiting the department website at www.sbcfire.com/ permit-burning.

Although the risk of fire has decreased considerably, the possibility of wildfires during the winter months in Southern California still exists. Santa Barbara County residents are encouraged to continue reducing flammable vegetation around their structures, property, and roads. Through the Ready! Set! Go! Program, landowners have the opportunity to be educated about issues concerning defensible space and vegetation removal. For information on the Ready! Set! Go! Program, please visit www.sbcfire.com.

County residents urged to report any storm damage

Santa Barbara County residents are encouraged to submit information on property damages sustained as a result of the December 2021,2023 storm.

To submit fill out a storm damage report found online at countyofsb.org/.../December-20-21-Storm-Recovery The info compiled will assist the county in understanding the extent of local impacts & advocate on behalf of the community for state and federal assistance. This form is not an application for financial assistance, nor does it indicate that assistance is currently available.

Volunteers needed for 2024 Homeless Point-in-Time Count

The Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care (CoC), in partnership with the County of Santa Barbara and The Santa Barbara Alliance for Community Transformation (SBACT), invites volunteers to participate in the countywide 2024 Homeless Point-InTime Count from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24. The Point-In-Time Count is the annual count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a given day.

Teams of volunteers will canvas assigned

routes throughout Santa Barbara County and will briefly document who is experiencing homelessness. This information is used to plan local homeless assistance systems, justify funding, and raise public awareness.

All volunteers are required to attend a training session. In this one-hour session, volunteers will learn more about the importance of the count, review canvassing best practices, explore the Point-In-Time survey tool, FAQs and more. To make this training as accessible as possible, online trainings are offered on varied days and times between Jan. 16-19. In-person training opportunities in Isla Vista, Lompoc, and Santa Maria will also be available, with days and times announced in January. Only one training in-person or virtually is required. To volunteer, please sign up at countyofsb.pointintime.info/. Volunteers can register as individuals or in teams. The final day to sign up to volunteer is Jan. 19.

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.

Zip Books programs returns to local libraries

Your local library staff is excited to welcome back the popular Zip Books program, which allows patrons with a Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card in good standing to request books or audiobooks to be mailed directly to their home from Amazon. Zip Books are purchased with grant funds made available through the California State Library. For the 2023-24 fiscal year period, the City of Goleta’s Library Services Division was awarded $17,607 in California Library Services Act funds to purchase books and an Amazon Prime membership.

Sharon Nigh, library assistant and Zip Books coordinator, said, “The Zip Books program is a wonderful resource. It allows patrons access to the books they want for free even if they are not currently owned by the library.”

To be eligible for the Zip Books Program, requests must meet these criteria: • Title is not already owned by the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang Library, Buellton Library, Bookvan, or other Black Gold Cooperative member libraries.

• Title must be available from Amazon or an Amazon bookseller for less than $50 in print or large print formats, or less than $75 in book on CD format.

• Requests are limited to two books per household per month.

• If the requested title is already in the Black Gold system, a courtesy hold will be placed on the item.

A change to this year’s program is that Zip Books now have a due date. They are due back three months from the date they are requested. When you’re finished with your Zip Books, simply return them to your home library in-person at the circulation desk so that they can be checked in. Please note that Zip Books returned in the book drops will not be checked in, and the full cost of unreturned Zip Books will be charged to borrowers' accounts. The library is also accepting returned Zip Books from prior program years.

The Zip Books Request Form is available on the Library website at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org/ZipBooks. Questions may be sent to zipbooks@cityofgoleta.org.

Explore GoletaValleyLibrary.org for upto-date information about our services, programs, and events.

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JEAN J. BARNES 1934 - 2023 J ean J. Barnes passed away on December 26, 2023, after a brief illness and a long life, but her joie de vivre lives on in our hearts.

She was born Jean Felice Jordan, on June 12, 1934 in Los Angeles, to Frances (Dodson) and Wendel Jordan.

In her early years, she and her mother and aunt Thelma moved to pre-war Honolulu. She was seven when she saw Japanese planes attack Pearl Harbor (including her mom’s and aunt’s workplace at Hickam Field) on December 7, 1941.

A few years later, her mother married Dr. Francis K. Sylva, a dentist, banker and Territorial Senator in Hawaii who chaired the creation of Honolulu International Airport. Jean spent time during her childhood between Los Angeles and Hawaii, graduating from Punahou in 1952. She attended Stanford University as an art major, where she met and married Bryant Turner Schley (“Turner”), and lived in Palo Alto, CA. It was there that she began what she considered to be her most important role in life, that of a mother, giving birth to her first two children. After Turner obtained his graduate degree from Stanford, they moved to the Santa Ynez Valley, to be near Turner’s family. In the Valley, she was blessed with a third child and raised all three. In 1974, Jean married James T. Barnes (a Solvang attorney) and was married to him until his death in 1990.

She loved to be with people and loved hosting gatherings.

Jean would give you the shirt off her back and wanted to ensure that everyone felt included. She loved comedy and had a very contagious laugh – while watching Carol Burnett shows and Pink Panther movies, we enjoyed listening to her infectious laughter just as much as we enjoyed the shows themselves. She made many friends at Atterdag and enjoyed their company.

Jean leaves behind her children, Mike Schley (Santa Barbara), Caryn Hofer (Los Angeles) and Diane Senger (Fort Mill, SC) and their families: Mike: Wife Nancy Schley, children Nathan Schley (and his wife Ana, children Oskar, Abigail and Lilia) of Santa Barbara; Erica Schley of Arcadia, CA (children Mariam, Abdurahman and Laila Aly); and Samuel and Reeves Schley of Santa Barbara. Caryn: Husband Ralph Hofer and children Kurt Hofer (wife Emily and children Charlotte and Sofia) of Altadena, CA; and Scott Hofer (wife Kylie and son Henry) of Cohasset, MA. Diane: Son Ben Senger of San Diego, CA. Jean’s family is grateful for the care that she received at Atterdag Village and would like to thank Dr. Gustavo Dascanio for his dedicated care over the years.

Jean loved the lifestyle and community of the Santa Ynez Valley and remained there until her passing. She pursued many passions, including horsemanship, art, and music. She was an avid horsewoman and trail rider and was very active in the Santa Ynez Valley Horse Show Association and 4-H. She was active in the St. Mark’s in the Valley church choir and in community theatre. She loved to paint and continued to draw horses into her later years and passed along her passion for the arts to her three children, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Her main passion, other than being with her family, was rescuing and caring for animals. She cared for many rescue animals throughout the years: dogs, cats and horses.

She was a voracious reader, with a quick wit and a love for history and trivia. We were fascinated by how many Jeopardy questions she could answer even before the contestants buzzed in.

Out of respect for Jean’s love of animals, please consider a gift to the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society.

8

JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

SPORTS

SYHS girls wrestling team earns historic victory Lady Pirates beat SLO for program's first-ever league dual-match win

45-45 with 30 seconds left," said girls basketball head coach Jennifer Rasmussen. "Kylie LaPointe led us with 11 points in the first quarter and came up with the go-ahead bucket in the fourth quarter from a pass from teammate Rylan Agin.

We were able to hold on to the lead and take our first league victory."

The Lady Pirates played Templeton last Thursday ( Jan. 11), and will return to the SYHS gym to play Lompoc tonight, Jan. 16, at 6:30 p.m., and will travel to Pioneer Valley on Friday.

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

T

he Santa Ynez High School girls wrestling team reached a huge milestone on Wednesday, Jan. 10, with a 3621 victory over visiting San Luis Obispo High.

That result was the first-ever league dual match win for the Lady Pirates since establishing a girls team in 2021.

"It is exciting to have large enough numbers in our program to be competitive in dual matches and we look forward to becoming more competitive as we continue to grow and develop," said SYHS girls wrestling coach Chantalle Castellanos after the match.

The night saw the girls, boys JV, and boys varsity compete against SLOHS in the Pirates' gym.

In the historic girls match, Malia Ortiz (117 lbs.), Ariela Contreras (127), and Kylie Franson (157) all won by pinfall, while Allison Zepeda (137), Anelly Tovalin (142), and Elizabeth Ramirez (147) picked up wins by forfeit.

Next, the boys JV wrestled six matches total, with remaining weight classes either having one or double forfeits and Santa Ynez beating SLO 36-24.

In boys varsity, the Pirates beat the Tigers 45-30, with 10 matches wrestled and just four being decided by forfeit.

Winning by fall for the Pirates were Ben Flores (152), Hayden Pahler (159), Kaj Kretzschmer (167), Fernando Nunez (177), Jonathan Hansen (192).

Andrew Badger (128) won by major decision (13-4), Santino Alvaro (134) won by tech fall (18-3), and Anthony Herrera (287) won

Football releaguing

against a formidable opponent at St. Joseph, and they go on the road again Tuesday, Jan. 16, to play Arroyo Grande at 6:30 p.m. After playing a non-league game at home Wednesday, Jan. 17, against SLO Classical Academy (starting 6 p.m.), SYHS will play Mission Prep at home Friday, Jan. 19 at 6:30.

The Central Coast Athletic Association (CCAA) announced a change in its football landscape for the upcoming 2024 season, with Santa Ynez High moving to the five-team Sunset League.

The football teams will be organized into three distinct leagues: the Mountain League, the Sunset League, and the Ocean League, marking a departure from the previous eight-team Mountain League and seven-team Ocean League alignments. The new league setup aims to enhance competition, foster rivalries, and create a more dynamic football season.

Girls basketball

League Breakdown

The Lady Pirates won their Sunset League opener on Tuesday, Jan. 9, beating Atascadero 47-45.

Kylie LaPointe led the way for SYHS with 16 points, and added 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists.

Rylan Agin added 12 points, and Helina Pecile pulled down 14 rebounds to go with her 7 points.

We came out strong tonight in Atascadero, pulling ahead 25-10 in the first quarter. We were not able to keep the lead, but were able to pull off the win, after being tied,

• Mountain League: Arroyo Grande, Lompoc, Mission Prep, Paso Robles, St. Joseph • Sunset League: Atascadero, Pioneer Valley, Righetti, San Luis Obispo, Santa Ynez • Ocean League: Cabrillo, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Santa Maria, Templeton The Mountain League stands as the highest-tier league, the Sunset League occupies the middle tier, and the Ocean League completes the lineup.

(From left) Santa Ynez girls wrestling head coach Chantalle Castellanos, Lady Pirate wrestlers Kylie Franson, Malia Ortiz, and Sinai Lara; and SYHS girls wrestling assistant coach Darlene Athie are shown between matches during the California Girls Invitational Tournament at Morro Bay High School on Jan. 6. Contributed Photo

by forfeit.

"With league wins over St Joseph and now San Luis Obispo, we are gaining momentum and looking ahead to our dual next week against Lompoc," said boys wrestling head coach Raul-Omar Sandoval.

A few days earlier, on Saturday, Jan. 6, Santa Ynez sent three of its girls wrestlers to compete at the California Girls Invitational Tournament at Morro Bay High School. Representing the Lady Pirates were senior Kylie Franson, junior Malia Ortiz, and sophomore Sinai Lara.

Lara finished sixth in the 105 bracket, which was her first varsity tournament placing. She won one of her four matches, which was by major decision (15-1), and lost by fall to Arroyo Grande's Natalia Gonzalez in the fifth-place match.

Ortiz placed second in the 115 weight class, winning three matches by fall to get to the first-place match. There, she dropped a 9-4

decision to Ruby Ortega of Bakersfield Centennial.

Franson placed sixth in the 155 bracket, winning by fall in the second round, and by a 7-2 decision in the consolation third round.

She lost by fall to Pioneer Valley's Valeria Beltran in the fifth-place match.

Boys basketball The Santa Ynez boys basketball team came back from winter break on Friday, Jan. 5, and defeated Orcutt Academy 50-45 in a nonleague game.

Lucas Ollenburger (12 points, 12 rebounds), and Ikenna Ofiaeli (11 pts., 11 rebounds) had double-doubles for the Pirates, while Jude Pritchard added 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Jayden Mendoza scared 10 points.

The Pirates (9-8 overall at this writing) opened its Mountain League schedule last Friday

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10

JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

COMMUNITY

Chumash museum wins Sustainable Innovation Award U.S. Green Building Council – Los Angeles lauds soon-to-be open center for water conservation design Staff Report

SANTA YNEZ — The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, which is slated to open in 2024, was recently honored for its water conservation design and efforts during the 13th Annual Sustainable Innovation Awards, presented by the U.S. Green Building Council — Los Angeles (USGBCLA).

The Sustainable Innovation Awards affirm a project team’s commitment and leadership to create a sustainable environment for all. The awards are merit-based, for built and designed (unbuilt) projects, that go above and beyond in demonstrating innovation, sustainable strategies and exemplary performance in the fields of sustainability, occupant health and community engagement.

USGBC-LA recognized the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center for its innovative use of greywater and blackwater systems. Water is reused throughout the museum site for toilet flushing and irrigation, in turn reducing the need for potable water by 100 percent. USGBC-LA noted the museum’s use of highly efficient irrigation controllers that help maximize water conservation in the Santa Ynez Valley’s distinctive arid climate and also praised the project’s water-efficient landscaping, which incorporates drought-resistant native plants.

The award is especially significant for the Santa Ynez Chu-

Walkways and landscaping are shown by the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center. (Right photo) (From left) Rick Fochtman, executive vice president for Bernards; Nick Gianis, museum operations manager for the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center; and Nicole Sandoval, LEED Green associate/sr. project manager for Bernards, pose for a photo after the Chumash Center won a Sustainable Innovation Award at the 13th Annual Sustainable Innovation Awards, presented by the U.S. Green Building Council – Los Angeles on Dec. 7, 2023.”

Contributed Photos

mash Museum and Cultural Center because its water conservation project was one of 30 projects submitted for this category. This recognition is a testament to the tribe’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.

“Water has always been valued as a precious resource within our tribe,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “We are proud to be recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council — Los Angeles for our ambitious water conservation project. This environmental achievement is a product of the proactive collaboration between the tribe and the museum’s architects and is an example of our commitment to being good stewards of our ancestral land. We look forward to introducing our beautiful, one-of-a-kind facility to the public when we open our doors

later this year.”

The 14,000-square-foot Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center features architecture reflecting Chumash culture, including a Welcome House, Heritage House, Traditional Tule House, Samala Language House and a Tomol House that symbolically combine to represent a village. The 3.5-acre adjoining cultural park features over 11,000 California native plants, including over 140 species, used by the Chumash.

The museum was designed by the Seattle-based, award-winning firm Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects, and the project was managed by Summit Project Management of Culver City. Bernards, a California-based construction company, provided general contracting and construction services and submitted the museum project to USGBC-LA for award con-

sideration on behalf of the tribe.

In all, 17 projects were awarded, from cultural and financial institutions to retail distribution infrastructure and affordable housing.

“We are incredibly proud to have seen the scope and impact of our community engagement, education and policy work grow so much over the past year, expanding our initiatives around wildfire defense, indoor air quality and water conservation while more than doubling the number of people participating in our training programs,” said Ben Stapleton, Executive Director for USGBC-LA. “The increasing scope and scale of the climate crisis demands more innovative solutions. We look forward to extending our impact in 2024 to issues around extreme heat, clean construction and workforce development to create a more sustainable, resilient

and equitable region for all the people of California.”

USGBC-LA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and member-based organization whose mission is to transform Southern California’s built environment into a more sustainable, resilient and equitable region for all. The nonprofit leads by inspiring leaders throughout our communities to take action on climate change, public health and environmental justice while educating, developing and empowering a diverse talent pipeline through training, mentorship and direct-to-community programs. USGBC-LA connects by merging interdisciplinary perspectives and collaborations to create positive systemic change, and advocates through promoting innovative, impactful policy solutions that address the most urgent environmental and social challenges of our time.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

11

Los Alamos Market owners retiring our time and effort.” or a hot dog cart.”

The Valencias sell the store on shop Valencia gives credit to his wife and After revamping the kitchen, they were Bell Street after five years of told that the market was being sold. They daughter for keeping the store going.

“I was the captain of the ship, but Domdecided to buy the market so that Los Alaownership mos residents could have a place where they inica and our daughter Marci deserve all

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

T

he Valencias have owned Los Alamos Market for a little over five years. But they recently decided to

sell it.

“When I bought the market my friends said that I didn’t buy a market, I bought a job," said Mike Valencia. "And they were right.”

“It was really interesting because originally this opportunity was sort of dropped into our laps,” he continued. “We had just opened ‘Ay Chihuahua’ in the back of Los Alamos Market, which was a little taco shop where locals and visitors alike could get a quick delicious, wholesome, and affordable meal for their families, just like my mother and grandmother used to make. It had been a long-time dream of mine to have a little taco

could buy their groceries, meat, and vegetables without having to go into Santa Maria or Solvang. It was a good idea, but a lot of work.

“Since we bought the store our family has increased with three more grandchildren,” Valencia explained. “I never missed one opportunity to spend with our grandkids or our family. But as I’ve always said, 'We may own the store but the store owns us.’”

The Valencias were retired before they bought the market and would like to go back into retirement once again.

“We have not been able to spend as much time with the new grandchildren as we did with the first four,” said Mike. “We’ve missed a lot, and we need to focus on spending more time with all our family. We would like to travel as well. I want to go back to being a human being, not a human doing, because the store is extremely demanding of

the credit for the store being a success,” said Mike.

Valencia is both happy and sad to be leaving.

“Leaving is bittersweet because of the relationships we’ve made with the community, but the good part is we will be able to focus on our own lives without all the work involved in running a market,” continued Mike. “Since we live in Los Alamos we will probably run into each other at community events in town.”

Valencia’s appreciation for his employees and the community is heartfelt.

“We would also like to thank all of our employees both past and present. They are the face of the business and they are like family to us,” said Mike. “We also want to express our gratitude and appreciation for the community’s support over the past five years which made the business successful and

Pictured are Dominica, Mike, and their daughter Marci Valencia at the opening of the Los Alamos Market five years ago. They are retiring this month and the store will be under new ownership. SYVS File Photo

allowing us to have this experience. We could say thank you, but it’s not enough.”

The market will be under new ownership in the middle of January.

12

JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

Community pays tribute to local musician at benefit Friends, fellow players, held event for drummer LP of The Molly Ringwald Project two days before his death

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

L

ost Chord Guitars in Solvang held a tribute benefit for local musician and drummer with The Molly Ringwald Project, LP (Lasse Plum Bertelsen), on Wednesday night, Dec. 27. He had been battling stage 4 prostate cancer since he was diagnosed in May of 2019.

Sadly, LP passed away on Friday, Dec. 29, at Serenity House in Santa Barbara, at the age of 52, just two days after he was able to view the concert given for him on YouTube.

“To know Lasse is to love him, and we’re now wanting to demonstrate our love to him by helping him in any way we can during this challenging time,” said Sarah Sheppard, LP’s stepdaughter, and organizer of the GoFundMe page started for his benefit.

The Central Coast music community came out in force to pay tribute to their friend and fellow artist in his time of need.

The evening’s music event was arranged by Chris Pelonis, the owner of Lost Chord Guitars, and also a long-time friend and fellow musician of LP. But Pelonis said the event was spearheaded by Carly Farmer and Ben Jordan, who took care of all the details involved in putting on the concert.

More than 25 musicians of all genres performed throughout the evening paying tribute to LP. The small, acoustically perfect room at Lost Chords Guitars was filled to capacity with people standing shoulder to shoulder to hear the various performances and send love and support to LP, who was linked up to the livestreamed event on YouTube. LP was able to enjoy the event along with the many people who attended.

The event can still be seen on the YouTube channel @chrispelonis.

The evening began with a presentation of Mintang ( John) Fitzpatrick’s Infinite Grapelings accompanied by pianist Matt McCarrin, artist in residence at Shepherd of the Valley Church, in the reception area where concert attendees gathered before the event to enjoy a glass of wine.

When all was set on stage, Pelonis

LP (Lasse Plum Bertelsen), local musician and drummer with The Molly Ringwald Project, passed away Dec. 29, two days after a tribute benefit for him was held at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang.

Chris Pelonis, owner of Lost Chord Guitars, opened the benefit for local drummer LP by singing two songs: “I Can Only Imagine” and “I Will Trust in You.” LP was able to view the event remotely on YouTube. Photo by Devyn Marseilles

Teresa Pico on guitar sang a couple of songs for LP during the benefit at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang. Photo by Devyn Marseilles

The T-Bone Ramblers performed several lively tunes during the benefit for LP at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang. Photo by Devyn Marseilles

opened the event by singing two songs, “I Can Only Imagine” and “I Will Trust in You,” followed by Teresa Pico on guitar and the T-Bone Ramblers. The merriment continued with a string of appearances by LP's friends and musicians who had played with him over the years, including The Molly Ringwald Project, Lesley Lembo, Gary Foshee, Tony Martinez, Liz Brumfield, and more. His 19-year-old son, Lane, was also in attendance.

The number of people who attended the event could not be estimated because there was standing room only throughout the evening, which wrapped up by 11 p.m.

“When we found out about LP’s problem, Carly Farmer, my manager, approached me to put on an event for LP," Pelonis said. "That was several months ago and at that time a lot of people were trying to put something together in a larger venue

than mine, but none of them came to fruition. So, a couple of weeks ago Carly asked me again to do something. I was on tour in Hawaii, so Carly spearheaded the entire event. Carly and Ben Jordan took care of all the details and I provided the venue and the stage.”

Fitzpatrick was one of many moved by the event.

"What impressed me most was the outpouring of love and support from the Central Coast music community and of course our Valley," he said. "The highlight for me was when LP FaceTimed us to say how much he was enjoying the event and how much he loved all of us. When we saw him and heard his voice, the mood in the room just shifted. It transformed from a tribute to a thoroughly joyous celebration ... a beautiful reminder of what communal love and support means to each of us.

“First and foremost, I know that LP’s Christian faith was really strong. I went to visit him on Thursday, Dec. 28, at hospice and played him a song that I had written for him called 'There is a Place.' He joined me, playing percussion on his body. When I was finished he asked me to play it again, which I did. In typical LP style, he just wanted to get it right. He was funny and happy when I was there, and deep for sure.

He made some jokes. He sadly passed away the following day, but he did get to see the tribute.”

LP leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Stacey. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and Papa.

“It was beautiful to see our community come together for LP. Small towns are just that way,” said Pelonis.

To further contribute to LP’s family, visit Venmo@Stacey-Bertelsen.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

13

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes quilts for the needy Fourteen full-size quilts made this year, the project's 30th, for the Good Samaritan Shelter in Santa Maria

T

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

his past December marked 30 years of the annual quilt making Christmas project held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Solvang. This tradition began under the direction of then Bishop Tom Johnson.

Once a year, at the beginning of the Christmas season, members of the church gather together to handmake quilts to give as gifts to various organizations where there is a need.

This year, 14 full size quilts, baby quilts, and knitted infant hats were given to the Good Samaritan Shelter in Santa Maria.

“Kriss Agin and Kelli Johnson, long-time Valley residents, have been the creative and driving force behind this project from the beginning," said Joanne Clark, public relations church member and nursery leader in her ward. "Dedicated and knowledgeable, they have taught many who had never quilted before to become proficient enough to return each year to practice their skills and join in the fun.”

Johnson said the making of the quilts is usually a weekend activity.

“Usually, there are anywhere from 30 to 50 people involved in the quilt making process,” she said. "We do a Friday night get-together from 5 to 9 p.m. then an all-day session on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. once a year in the cultural hall at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Janin Acres. At times, people take them home to finish. One year we had a goal of 50 quilts to provide for all 50 women and children in a shelter and that took about 10 days to complete.”

Agin remembered that time they topped 50 quilts.

“That year, it had been decided to give the quilts to the women’s shelter in Santa Maria.

When it was discovered how many women there were, I brought up the thought that there must be children as well, and sighted that if we made quilts for the mothers they would give them to their children,” she said.

“When they made an inquiry about how many women and children there were the number was 52. So, the goal was set to make enough and it was accomplished! That year

Kelli Johnson (left) and Kriss Agin have been the creative and driving force behind the quilt project from the beginning

Ivan Panpoja from the Good Samaritan Shelter receives the quilts made by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Solvang. Contributed Photos

Dean and Jan Klitgaard fix the meal every year for those taking part in the quilt project.

we had both members and non-members of our church coming to Solvang from Lompoc and Santa Barbara.”

“Sometimes a youth group, a family, or group of friends will make quilts ahead of time or after the event to finish on their own. It takes about two to three hours to finish a quilt depending on how many people work on it at once,” explained Johnson. “The great thing is it is very simple so that even children can participate.

There are no requirements to complete the quilt. You can stay for an hour or work all day.

We have people who volunteer to ‘finish’ the quilts which means checking them over and sewing up the edges after the tying is done.”

Johnson said that over the years the quilts have gone to many organizations, including People Helping People, Transition House, the Paradise Fire victims, homeless shelters around the county, homes for abused women/children and specific families in need. This year their quilts were delivered to the Good Samaritan Shelter in Santa Maria. Quilters are asked to donate to cover materials but she said it is not a requirement.

“Work or pay, we need everyone!” she said.

Johnson and Agin have overseen the quilting project for all 30 years.

“We buy the materials, organize the timing, and teach the quilters. We are there the whole time," Johnson said. "We have been

lunch with her West Virginia meat sauce and homemade coleslaw, topped off with her Texas sheet cake.”

The Klitgaard said they are happy to do their part for the project.

“It is a wonderful project that brings us closer together, having fun while helping others,” said Jan Klitgaard.

“The project is a unifier," said Dean Klitgaard. "It brings us together with the community. The community benefits and we benefit from doing service.”

“I love this project," said Clark. “Quilting day is always festive and an enjoyable ending with the happy knowledge that many will have a nice new warm quilt for the holidays.

We have participated for all 30 years and will continue to do so. It is such a great feeling to do something for someone else. And when you can do that with friends in a festive atmosphere it makes great and meaningful Christmas memories.”

Dean Klitgaard is very active in the community with his position in the Visitor’s Center in Solvang. You will find him there greeting tourists and playing his accordion.

The Good Samaritan Shelter provides emergency, transitional, and support services to the homeless and those in recovery throughout the greater Santa Maria Valley and Central Coast.

helped along the way by a scout who made his Eagle Scout project creating 15 quilt stands which has made the job easier. Jan and Dean Klitgaard always provide a free lunch on the Saturday, and everyone brings goodies to share and we typically play Christmas music.

We look forward to this project every year.

It's a great way to not only help someone else, but to spend time together doing something worthwhile.”

Clark explained the process they use to make the quilts.

“The quilts are two bedsheets with batting in between. This is tacked on to a wooden quilt frame which is supported about waist level by the quilt stands. Then a pattern is established using the quilting string which is tied. Then the edges are machine hemmed, making a warm and durable quilt,” Clark said.

“The quilt frames used to be balanced on the backs of folding chairs until Ken Ross made stands for the frames as a Boy Scout Eagle Project, making it much easier to get the work done.”

“There is always Christmas music playing and people bring holiday treats to share,” Clark continued. “About the third year, Jan Klitgaard thought it would be helpful to supply lunch so people didn’t have to leave to feed their families. So, Jan and Dean Klitgaard have hosted the anticipated hot dog

14

JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

SPOTLIGHT

St. Mark’s holds annual Boar’s Head Festival Part celebration, part performance, event signals the closing of the Christmas season

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

T

he Boar’s Head Festival and Feast is the final gift of the Christmas season, held annually at St. Mark’s-Inthe-Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos.

It is a celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany and was held on Saturday, Jan. 6. The festival has been held at St. Mark’s since 1977, and each year it is well attended by members of the congregation and guests who come to enjoy the closing of the Christmas season with pageantry, song, and dinner.

The history of the Boar’s Head reaches back into day of the Roman Empire, based on a Boar’s Head Festival Introduction from the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, in Palm Beach, Florida.

The Boar was the first dish served at great Roman feasts. In Norman England, the Boar was the sovereign of the great forests, a menace to man and a symbol of evil. Legend is that an Oxford University student, while strolling in the forest reading the works of Aristotle, was charged by a wild and raging boar. The student, quick thinking, thrust his volume of Aristotle into the throat of the boar, putting an end to this deadly threat.

After the telling of this tale, the head of the boar was borne into a feast at Oxford.

The celebration for the student’s life came to represent the overcoming of brute force with reason.

When the church adapted the festival, it gained a new, profoundly Christian significance; the Boar’s Head, symbolic representation of evil, is overcome by good through the teachings of Christ (symbolized by light).

Thus, Christ becomes the snare for evil.

The festival was a popular Christmas event of the great manor houses of England in the 17th century. The custom of the Boar’s Head and Yule Log was carried to colonial America.

The ceremony serves as an offering of praise to Jesus Christ of His Epiphany to recall us to the great gift of love given to us and to all at Christmas.

The festival at St. Mark's began with mem-

Bagpipers (top), angels (bottom left) and the Ruler of Misrule (Barbara Young, bottom right) were all part of the Boar’s Head Festival at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church. Photos by Devyn Marseilles

bers of the Central Coast Pipes & Drums marching up the center aisle of the church playing bagpipes, followed by the Yule Sprite, carrying the Yule candle ahead of Father Christmas.

Interim Rector Rev. Scott Claassen welcomed the congregation and explained the meaning of the Boar’s Head Festival.

“We gather this evening for an enjoyable celebration of the birth of Jesus at the end of this Christmas season, marked by the Feast of the Epiphany," he said. "The traditional English boar’s head dates back to the 1300s at Queen’s College, Oxford. Boars menaced villagers in Norman England; the serving of the boar symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The festival is held this year on The Feast

of the Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas, the day the Three Kings are said to have arrived in Bethlehem.”

Claassen then went on to tell the story of the origin of Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, a real fourth-century bishop known as Saint Nicolas of Myrna.

“Father Christmas is here to remind us that the real Santa Claus was a saint who loved Jesus and did good and unusual things, because of this love,” he said.

The Yule Sprite then came to remind us of our Christmas memories and of all the Christmases to come. She then placed the candle in the stand as those attending sang the traditional carol, “Angels We Have Heard on High,” while a dozen or more little an-

gels, two white standard poodles (Rusty and Hurley) portraying the sheep, and shepherds walked up the aisle and seated themselves around the altar.

Claassen then read from the Gospel of Matthew telling the story of the three Magi who followed a star to Bethlehem bringing the newborn baby Jesus gifts of gold (symbolic of his kingship), frankincense (symbolic of his high priesthood), and myrrh (his suffering and death) and ultimately outwitting Herod.

While the congregation sang “We Three Kings,” the three kings played by Sean Duggar, Patrick Henry, and Cailen Conroy arrived bearing gifts.

Then Claassen spoke of the Good King Wenceslas (Sean Conroy), who along with the Page (Kate O’Neill) recognized the need of a poor person (Pedro C.) and responded to that need. The audience sang “Good King Wenceslas.”

The time had arrived for the feast to begin, but not before The Ruler of Misrule, played by Barbara Young, arrived on the scene, shaking her bell and waving her wand, interrupting the event with wild comments and questions, making everyone laugh. She was invited to join the guests at dinner and the Steward of the Feast (Priscilla Higgins) beckoned the Boar Bearers (Brad and Chloe Hinnrichs) to carry the boar’s head down the aisle as the congregation sang the “Boar’s Head Carol.” Young, who has played the Ruler of Misrule for many years, will be handing over the bell and wand next year to another, yet unnamed, as she is retiring from performing at the age of 95.

Everyone then proceeded to Stacy Hall to enjoy a feast of pork, potatoes, red cabbage, and applesauce along with wine or beer and a plethora of desserts. The Rev. Chuck Stacy, after whom the hall was named, was seen at one of the tables enjoying the festivities.

Following dinner, the traditional singing of “The 12 Days of Christmas” was acted out by guests at each table. The evening closed with the annual singing of “Silent Night” and all the guests helped with the clean-up.

The church offers a sincere thanks to those who worked for days arranging this event and Chef Mike for roasting the pork and preparing the side dishes, which were enjoyed by all.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

15

ARTS & NONPROFITS

Solvang Theaterfest’s 50th anniversary concert lineup kicks off with Scotty McCreery on April 4 Shows by Pablo Cruise & Jim Messina, and Mad Caddies to follow this spring, with more to be announced

promise an unforgettable evening of music and memories.

S

Pablo Cruise & Jim Messina April 11, 7 p.m.

Two legendary acts come together for a night of iconic rock and roll. Pablo Cruise, known for its infectious melodies, coheadlines with Jim Messina, a founding member of Buffalo Springfield and Loggins & Messina. This collaboration promises a musical journey through the decades, celebrating the very best of classic rock.

Scotty McCreery April 4, 7 p.m.

American Idol winner and country music sensation Scotty McCreery takes the stage to serenade fans with his chart-topping hits. Known for his rich baritone voice and heartfelt lyrics, McCreery's performances

Mad Caddies May 3, 7 p.m.

Ska-punk pioneers Mad Caddies bring their unique blend of reggae, punk, and swing to the Solvang Festival Theater stage.

With their energetic live performances and genre-defying sound, Mad Caddies are set to deliver a high-octane show that will have audiences on their feet. The show also includes special guests Bad Cop Bad Cop.

Staff Report

olvang Theaterfest, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, is excited to announce a series of electrifying performances live onstage at the Solvang Festival Theater. With an array of talent spanning multiple genres, these one-nightonly shows are set to captivate audiences this spring.

(Left) Rock legend Jim Messina will team up with Pablo Cruise on April 11 for a concert at the Solvang Festival Theater (Right) American Idol winner and country music sensation Scotty McCreery will begin the Solvang Theaterfest's 50th Anniversary with an April 4 show.

Don't miss these incredible shows, featuring some of the most talented artists in the industry. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets early for what promises to be an unforgettable series of

performances. For tickets and info, go to solvangtheaterfest.org Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as additional shows will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

'Poetry in Paper' debuts at Elverhøj Museum of History & Art Artist Karen Bit Vejle will demonstrate psaligraphy, the art of drawing only with scissors and paper Staff Report

K

aren Bit Vejle, an internationally acclaimed psaligrapher, is being honored with an exhibition at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. The debut of "Poetry in Paper" will be celebrated with an opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. The public is invited and refreshments will be served, with no charge for admission.

Translated literally, psaligraphy is the art of drawing with scissors and paper. Works are formed from a large, continuous piece of paper and cut with only a small pair of scissors. It is a slow art of painstaking patience that demands the utmost concentration and a steady hand.

Vejle creates images of air and paper. Her magical cuttings are rooted in a tradition that has known a long journey through history, beginning in the first century,

ently throughout the world, but is particularly rooted in Chinese and other Asian cultures, and also in Bit’s native country of Denmark.

This exhibition takes the viewer into a rare artistic experience as Vejle tells magical stories with her scissors. There is a great degree of humor in her world of imagery; humor and the ability to identify joy in small things. Just as often, though, she confronts serious themes intended to cause involvement and reflection.

Her works are captivating, evoking both astonishment and inspiration.

Exhibition programming will include a paper-cutting workshop with celebrated Danish artist Torben Jarlstrøm Clausen at the Museum on March 3 at 11 a.m. To register visit, www.elverhoj.org. Space is limited.

"Poetry in Paper" is a traveling exhibit sponsored by An example of the art of psaligraphy is shown in these works. Psaligraphy the National Foundation of Danish America and Scanartist will have an exhibit of her psaligraphy art at the Elverhøj Museum of Design. Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is located History & Art in Solvang. at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. Hours are Thursday when paper was first invented by the Chinese. In fact, through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no the Chinese started cutting in paper before they used it charge for admission, but a $5 donation is suggested. for writing. The art of psaligraphy has developed differ- For more Information, call visit elverhoj.org.

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JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

STAR LIFESTYLE

Coughing lingers after other cold, flu symptoms subside

GOOD MEDICINE

By Dr. Hyun K. Lee

W

ith fall and winter comes the cold and flu season, and with these illnesses occasionally comes the problem of coughing, which tends to linger long after your other symptoms have subsided. With some strains of viruses that have been going around this year, a lingering cough seems to be prevalent, some lasting weeks and in others months.

Coughing is due to weakened lung energy.

The kidneys and lungs control the water distribution in the body; the kidneys act more like a piping system for water, while the lungs control water via something more similar to a process of steam and evaporation.

When colds, flu, allergies, or even weather cause a cough, it occurs because the lungs’

“steaming process” we will term it, becomes heavy and sticky and is not able to evaporate into the rest of the body. Lungs become congested and you are then left with phlegm and the like. In truth, phlegm is filled with nutrients and this substance is what would circulate through your body to nourish it. But, as you can easily tell, circulation of this product becomes impossible due to its thicker, stickier texture. Because it has become a generally useless product for

the body, gathering in the lungs, your body works to expel it through coughing and a runny nose. Though it can be annoying and cause discomfort, we should be thankful for the cough, which is working to save us from a bigger, more serious situation like pneumonia.

Happily, with Korean Constitutional herbs, the fix is fast and easy, especially if caught early. In its early stages, a cough’s root is focused in weakened lung energy. If

left for a long time, other organ weakness is involved. Depending on the organs involved, a number of herbs are prescribed, and mixing a few recipes of herbs together, the patient is instructed to drink the mixture and usually within 20 minutes, the cough is gone for good. For patients with chronic cough, it can take up to a day or two to see lasting results.

After the cough is eliminated, the lungs return to normal and assist the other organs back into balance, like a domino effect.

However, it is very important for the patient to continue to boost his or her immune system after the elimination of the cough.

Taking immune boosting constitutional herbs, eating the proper food, getting plenty of rest, limiting stress, and generally taking care of yourself is imperative.

After a tough cold or flu, it is comforting to know there is something out there that’s an easy and natural solution, especially one that will assist your body in getting back on the road to lasting health.

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.

This is the time for best buys on winter apparel FASHION CHATTER

By Sue Manning

A

lthough it is still “officially” winter in Solvang, the fashion world is buzzing about 2024 spring and summer. It is not that you can’t stay up to date on gorgeous winter fashions, as this is the time you will get the best buys on winter apparel.

Retailers need to clear out winter merchandise to make room for the fashion trends for the season ahead.

Yes, we have bought for spring and I am going to the clothing market in San Mateo for summer in January; that is why you can save 50 percent off selected winter ladies apparel right now at Elna’s Dress Shop.

I think you should wear whatever you want; just wear it for yourself. If you feel comfortable with a style, go for it!

Remember, our staff — Sue, Carol, Sandy and Selina —are experts when it comes to coordinating a look and extending your wardrobe, and this service is free! We want you to enjoy what you wear and wear it with pizzazz. If you have any items of clothing that you’re having a hard time coordinating, bring them in, we like a challenge!

Denim is always in style, and quite frankly, I think everyone has something denim in their clothing apparel.

We immediately think of jeans and jackets — we have denim pants in Slimsation by Multiples and French

Dressing.

I would like to give a big thanks to everyone who supported Elna’s Dress Shop this past year. You really make our season brighter. We have made so many wonderful friends from my customers, and we are so glad we can carry on the tradition of assisting you with your clothing choices and Danish costumes.

Elna’s Dress Shop is located at 1673 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. Any questions, call the store at (805) 6884525. Also like us on our website at www.elnas.com. You can also like us on Facebook.

We are open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Tuesdays.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

17

FOOD & DRINK

Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks returns More than two dozen restaurants, and wineries and tasting rooms, to take part in annual two-week event

N

Staff Report

ow in its 14th year, Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks has long added a particularly tasty reason to experience the region's creative culinary culture. Santa Ynez Valley’s annual festival of flavor will be no exception this year.

From Jan. 21 to Feb. 3, Restaurant Weeks will showcase the region’s culinary bounty — and being that this is the Santa Ynez Valley, the perfect wine pairings — with a variety of special three-course prix fixe price menus.

More than two dozen restaurants will participate this year, each offering curated,

chef-driven, three-course menus at prices of $30, $40, or $50, plus tax and gratuity. More than two dozen of the region’s wineries and tasting rooms will also participate at various levels, offering two-for-one tastings, special tasting flights, and discounts on bottle purchases.

Those who partake in Restaurant Weeks will get a taste of why the Santa Ynez Valley’s reputation as a culinary-driven destination continues to grow. Its imaginative chefs, deep agricultural roots, collaborative culinary culture, and cuisine that ranges from contemporary, innovative farm-to-table fare to traditional Scandinavian feasts, will be on full display.

Michelin-rated gems such as Bar Le Côte in Los Olivos, Bell’s Los Alamos, Coast Range, and peasants FEAST in Solvang will be on this year’s Restaurant Weeks menu. But with long-standing wine country favorites such as Hitching Post 2 in Buellton, Pico in Los Alamos, Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café,

CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE.

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

(805) 466-2585 OR EMAIL ADS@SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

Food from peasants FEAST in Solvang, Hitching Post 2 in Casmalia, and Los Olivos Wine Merchants will be available via specially priced three-course meals during Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks begining Jan. 21. Contributed Photos

splashed with newer experiences like Vega Vineyard & Farm and Whiskey ’N Rye, there is so much more to explore.

For the latest updates on Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks, including menus and participating restaurants, wineries, and tasting

rooms, visit www.DineSYV.com or follow Visit the Santa Ynez Valley on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

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JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 5, 2024

RESTAURANT CLOSES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

redevelopment; however Pea Soup Andersen's Inn is independently owned and operated, and remains open.

"Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn has a rich history within the Santa Ynez Valley dating back to its establishment in 1969 by the original owners, Daryl Nielsen and Vince Evans. The hotel is still managed by the Nielsen family, who have dedicated 55 years to maintaining the high standards and traditions of Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn. "Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn looks forward to what the future holds for their Buellton neighbor."

Meanwhile, the Buellton City Council held its first regular meeting of 2024 on Thursday, Jan. 11, and addressed the restaurant's situation at the end of the meeting.

"I can confirm that Pea Soup Andersen's has closed," said City Manager Scott Wolfe in giving his report.

"We cannot confirm who has purchased the building and what their intentions are. We'll have to wait and see."

Wolfe said any new developments concerning the Pea Soup Anderson's property would be highlighted on Buellton's Community Engagement webpage at Buellton.civilspace.io Councilmember John Sanchez pointed out that the restaurant site has been designated a historical landmark, and asked Wolfe if the City Council could make sure the building isn't torn down.

"The Pea Soup Andersen building has been designated as a local historical landmark; that does not necessar-

ily preclude the building from being removed," Wolfe said.

"In fact, I assume anything other than extension or continuation of the existing Pea Soup Andersen's would require removal of the building.

However the landmark ordinance we have gives City Council some discretion to ensure there’s some recognition of the building."

Buellton Mayor Dave King, however, said he remembers when the landmark ordinance when it was adopted and why.

"When we had the ordinance not precluding being taken down," King said. "It was because that building might not come up to modern standards."

If the building were, in fact, to come down, it would spell the end to a local business and location that would have reached its 100th anniversary on June 13 of this year.

Pea Soup Andersen's started out when Anton and Juliette Andersen purchased a small parcel of land and building from William Budd, brother of city namesake Emily Buell, and opened a restaurant. Because electricity had just reached the area and the Andersens had just acquired an electric stove, the couple called the new place Andersen's Electrical Cafe.

Anton and Juliette began their new venture by serving simple, wholesome foods like hot cakes and coffee, ice cream sodas and such, to highway travelers. Their first customers were the salesmen, tourists and truck drivers who drove the main highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

However, soon their most popular dish was the split pea soup made from an old family recipe, one that

would become the restaurant's new name and identity.

Their son, Robert, returned to the family business after graduating from Stanford in the 1930's. Robert was by all accounts a very forward-looking man. When he returned to Buellton, Robert established the billboards for which the restaurant became known.

In the early 1930s a cartoon appeared in the old "Judge" magazine.

It was one of a series by the famous cartoonist Forbell, under the heading of "Little Known Occupations."

The cartoon showed the little known occupation of splitting peas for pea soup, with two comic chefs standing at a chopping table, one holding a huge chisel, splitting peas singly as they came down a chute.

Andersen obtained permission to use the idea for advertising. He even adopted his nickname "Pea Soup," the eventual trademark and official name of the family business. In 1941, Robert married Rosemary Mohan.

She immediately became active in the family business and opened a gift shop which remains today filled with wonder for children and adults alike.

In 1965, Robert "Pea-Soup" Andersen decided he needed a break from the high-paced family business and sold the Buellton restaurant to Vince Evans, larger-than-life personality.

Vince and his wife Margery moved to a 900-acre ranch south of Buellton in 1959. They raised cattle, grew alfalfa and operated a feed store. When he purchased Pea Soup Andersen's, he jumped into his newest adventure with the same high energy and enthusiasm that he displayed for many other ventures.

The business thrived under Evans' hand. By then the restaurant was

Pea Soup Anderson’s, which opened on June 13, 1924, as Andersen’s Electrical Cafe has been a culinary destination for local, as well as for folks traveling on Highway 101. Contributed Photos

purchasing 50 tons of peas each year, enough for three-quarters of a million bowls of soup! He built an aviary and filled it with parrots, he installed a train for children to ride that went from the restaurant to the area where the motel now stands, and even had a miniature wild animal park for two years. He also expanded the Pea Soup Andersen's empire and opened the Santa Nella location in 1976.

Vince had expansive dreams and the energy to make the dreams a reality. Unfortunately, neither dreams nor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

In rooster-keeping ruling, Supervisor rooster-keeping operations where hundreds Hartmann shows commitment to constituents of birds are kept close together. The noise is inescapable at all hours. The traffic is an inDear Editor, creasing problem on our narrow roads. And I cannot speak highly enough in praise of the associated criminal activity is a threat to Supervisor Joan Hartmann and her commit- law abiding families. (There is a strong corment to the residents of Santa Barbara Coun- relation between these operations and cockty’s 3rd District. fighting — why else would you have hundreds We live in an amazing place, but it comes of roosters living close together, when they arwith challenges. Rural residents are facing in- en’t raised for food and they aren’t needed for creasing threats from illegal activity, especially egg laying hens?)

Some of us approached Supervisors Hartmann and 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson for help. Hartmann’s response was amazing. When it turned out that the law wasn’t there to address the problem, she worked with staff to create a new law that will limit the size of non-commercial rooster operations.

She made sure to exempt commercial poultry farms as well as 4-H and FFA project participants.

While Nelson sided with the rooster keep-

energy could change the cards fate dealt him. On April 23, 1980, Vince, his wife Margery and their 21-yearold daughter, Venetia, were tragically killed in a small plane crash just minutes from the Santa Ynez Valley airport.

After the death of the Evans family, Pea Soup Andersens went through multiple ownership changes. Guggia, a Central Coast restaurateur, purchased Pea Soup Andersen's Buellton in 1999 and Pea Soup Andersen's Santa Nella in 2007.

ers — even when they shouted threats at the Board of Supervisors for reining in their activities — Hartmann held firm and shepherded through an ordinance that will protect legitimate poultry farms as well as rural residents.

We need leaders who will put in the time to help their constituents, and do what is necessary to protect law abiding business people and community members.

Diane Curriden Solvang

SANTAYNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS TUESDAY, JAN. 16 SANTA YNEZ VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, 5:30 P.M. At Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Administrative Building, 2975 East Highway 246 Santa Ynez For more info: syvuhsd. org WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17 SANTA YNEZ COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, 5:30 P.M. At Community Services District Building, 1070 Faraday St. For more info: sycsd.com THURSDAY, JAN. 18 SOLVANG DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE, 5 P.M. At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang For more info: cityofsolvang.com BUELLTON PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M. At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton For more info: cityofbuellton.com

Hearing Room, Fourth Floor, 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara For more info: countyofsb.org

CALENDAR

this session, she will focus on handwriting analysis, both for session participants as well as historical figures. What does your handwriting reveal? Bring WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24 your questions! (Fun fact: LOS ALAMOS Monday, January 23rd is COMMUNITY SERVICES National Handwriting DISTRICT, 6 P.M. Day and John Hancock’s At LACSD Board Room, birthday!)

82 Saint Joseph Street, At: Solvang Library, 1745 Los Alamos Mission Drive, Solvang For more info: losalam- For more info: (805) 688oscsd.com 4214 THURSDAY, JAN. 25 BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M. At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton For more info: cityofbuellton.com MONDAY, FEB. 5 SOLVANG PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M. At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang For more info: cityofsolvang.com TUESDAY, FEB. 6 SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 9 A.M. At County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor, 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara For more info: countyofsb.org

MONDAY, JAN. 22 SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30 P.M. At Solvang City CounEVENTS cil Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang For more info: cityofsol- SATURDAY, JAN. 20 THE MAGIC OF vang.com HANDWRITING WITH DEBBIE JENAE, 2 TO 3 TUESDAY, JAN. 23 P.M. SANTA BARBARA Join us for another fasCOUNTY BOARD OF cinating presentation SUPERVISORS, 9 A.M. At County Adminis- by Master Handwriting tration Building Board Analyst Debbie Jenae. In

JAN. 21 TO FEB. 3 SANTA YNEZ VALLEY RESTAURANT WEEKS Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks returns Jan. 21 to Feb. 3, with a variety of special prix fixe price points that showcase the region’s culinary bounty — and the perfect Santa Ynez Valley wines to pair with it. Participating Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks restaurants will feature curated, chef-driven three-course prix fixe menus at price points of $30, $40, or $50, plus tax & gratuity. Participating wineries and tasting rooms will also participate by offering two-for-one tastings and discounts on bottle purchases.

Participating restaurants, hours of operation and menus are subject to change.

For more info: visitsyv. com/restaurant-weeks/ FRIDAY, JAN. 26 STORIES OF KAYAKING & CONSERVATION AROUND CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK, 4:30 TO 6 P.M. Join us for an inspirational and educational lecture and book signing with Chuck Graham at

the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum) in the Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery. His newest book, "Paddling Into a Natural Balance," will be sold onsite for $40, pre-tax. Tickets are $5 for members, and $10 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased through the Register button below. Chuck Graham is a freelance writer and photographer based in Carpinteria. He has been a beach lifeguard there for 30 years and has led kayak tours around the Channel Islands since 1998. His work has been published in Backpacker, BBC Wildlife Magazine, National Geographic, Men’s Journal, Natural History, American Forests, High Country News, and Westways.

At: California Nature Art Museum (Wildling), 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang For tickets/more info: wildlingmuseum.org/ programs-events

running their own booth, selling their creations, or providing services, they can be a part of the excitement! To participate, make sure to register by Jan 24. Call (805) 6887529 to secure a spot.

At Solvang Veterans Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang For more info: cityofsolvang.com or call (805) 688-7529

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7 SANTA BARBARA THERAPY DOGS AT THE SOLVANG LIBRARY 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 friendly and comforting therapy dog. Reservations appreciated; call the library to reserve a spot: (805) 688-4214. The program will continue on the first Wednesday of each month. ARF! is a literacy program that gives children the opportunity to JUNIOR ENTREPRENEUR FAIR, 5 improve reading skills in a safe and nonjudgmental TO 7 P.M. Attention parents, teach- environment. ers, and young innova- At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang tors!

We’re thrilled to invite all young minds with big THURSDAY FEB. 23 ideas to participate in this WINTER READING PROGRAM, STARTING incredible event.

WHY JOIN? This is not JAN. 2 just a fair; it’s a platform On Jan. 2, the all ages for young business enthu- Winter Reading Prosiasts to shine! Whether gram, "Warm Up with a your child has a passion Good Book," will begin. for crafts, technology, or For eight weeks, every services, this is the perfect time you read a book, you opportunity to showcase can drop a ticket into a box (at all the Goleta & their talents.

SELL AT THE FAIR: Santa Ynez Valley librarIf your child dreams of ies) for a chance to win

one of the weekly prizes for children (0-12), teen (13-17) or adults (18 and over) For more information: goletavalleylibrary.org/ about/santa-ynez-valley-libraries

ONGOING TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS STORYTIME AT SOLVANG LIBRARY, 10:30 A.M., TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS Join us indoors on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Come to enjoy songs, stories, movement, and a warm welcome. Please make a reservation at cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/ goleta-valley-library At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang For more info: Solvang Library (805) 688-4214 WEDNESDAYS 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.

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

19

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 more to be announced.

We hope to see you there!

At 140 Industrial Way, Buellton For more info: info@esfuerzowine.com

SPORTS & RECREATION ONGOING PICKLEBALL, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M. Pickleball — part PingPong, part badminton, lots of momentum — is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The games can be fast-paced and deliver a good workout. 2 person teams/ or singles. All are welcome!

At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton For more info: buelltonrec.com DROP-IN ADULT BASKETBALL, YEAR ROUND, MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS 6 TO 7:15 A.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 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: go to buelltonrec.com

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