Santa Ynez Valley Star • July 15 - August 5, 2024

16 – AUGUST 5, 2024

Santa Ynez Valley keeping an eye on the Lake Fire

Blaze that started July 5 at Zaca Lake has spread to over 36,000 acres; evacation orders given in some areas

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Alayer of smoke and ashes settled over the Santa Ynez Valley in the second week of July as fire crews have battled a blaze that started in the Zaca Lake area and continues to burn on the northern edge of the Valley.

Dubbed the Lake Fire, it was first reported Friday, July 5, and has grown to 36,707 acres and is at 16 percent containment, according to the latest incident update by Cal Fire (www. fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/5/lakefire) at 1:20 p.m. Friday, July 12.

With the growth, the Lake Fire is now split into a North and South Zone as the fire expands in acreage and personnel. The fire remains under Unified Command, with two fire camps to support firefighting efforts, with 3,034 personnel currently assigned to fight the fire.

An excessive heat warning continues with temperatures reaching 106 degrees on the fire line yesterday.

A cause for the fire has not yet been determined, but the investigation continues.

As of July 11, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office had Evacuation Orders out for the following:

• The area east of La Brea Creek and Forest Route 10N06, south of the Los Padres National Forest boundary, and north of the Sisquoc River

• Woodstock (Areas north of Calzada Avenue, east of East Oak Trail Rd., west of Happy Canyon, and south of the Sisquoc River)

Spotlight | Pg. 12 Solvang celebrates the Fourth of July

News Briefs . . . . . . . . . Pg. 2

• Nomination period for local elective offices in Nov. 5 election now open News . .

Pg. 3

• Buellton mayor: City is ‘going places’ and going strong

Community .

. . . Pg. 9

• Solvang Danish Days Foundation names Kaeley Reid as 2024 Danish Maid

Arts & Nonprofits Pg. 14

• Chantal Green chosen as executive director of Solvang Theaterfest

Food & Drink . . . . . . . . Pg. 17

• ‘La Paulée’ combines old-world tradition with Santa Rita Hills new-world hospitality

• SB Ranger area (remote forest area east of Goat Rock)

• Parts of the Figueroa Mountain area as follows: south of Tunnel House at Sisquoc River, east of Figueroa Creek, north of the

• Goat Rock Areas (Area of Goat Rock, east of Figueroa Creek, north of the U.S. Forest Service entrance at Happy Canyon Road, and south of Cachuma Mountain)

Travel Pg. 18

• Linda Johansen’s 75th birthday was a family affair

Calendar Pg. 23

• Government meetings and events

Smoke and flames from the Lake Fire can be seen in an area near Zaca Lake. The fire, which started on July 5, was at 16 percent containment on July 11. Photo by Brian Sexton, U.S. Forest Service

NEWS BRIEFS

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

Nomination period for local elective offices in Nov. 5 election now open

The nomination period to become a candidate for local elective offices opened on Monday, July 15, and runs until Aug. 9 at 5 p.m. The deadline can be extended if an incumbent does not file. In that case, the deadline is Aug. 14 at 5 p.m.

Residents interested in running for office are encouraged to contact their respective City Clerk's Office early for information about required paperwork and filing deadlines. The City Clerk offers hour-long appointments to discuss the prospect of running for office with any interested resident.

In both Solvang and Buellton, the mayor's seat and two seats on the City Council are up for election on Nov. 5.

For Solvang, the council seats to be contested are District 1 (currently an at-large seat held by Claudia Orona) and District 2 (currently an at-large seat held by Robert Clarke). Both are four-year terms to end in December 2028. The office of mayor, currently held by Mark Infanti, is up for a two-year term ending in December 2026.

For Buellton, the two City Council seats up for grabs are District 2 and 3 (those seats are currently held by at-large Councilmembers Elysia Lewis and John Sanchez), both four-year terms ending in December 2028. The mayor's seat, currently held by Dave King, is a two-year term to end in December 2026.

To be eligible to run for office in Solvang, a candidate must be a registered voter in the City of Solvang and for councilmember, in the District of office at the time nomination papers are issued. In the case of City Council seats, all

candidates must reside within the boundaries of the district they run for.

For more information, go to the city websites: cityofsolvang.com and city of buellton.com.

For questions about in-person voting, ballots, voter pamphlets, and voter registration, contact the Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters, (800) 722-8683, or visit the County's Elections webpage at www.countyofsb.org/164/Elections.

SOLVANG

The Book Loft to host book signing on Wednesday

The Book Loft in Solvang will be hosting a book signing for Ryan Claytor, author of “One Bite at a Time — The First 20 Years of Elephant Eater Comics,” from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17.

"One Bite at a Time" is an oversized, hardcover art book featuring 20 years of art, illustration, and design by Ryan Claytor. The theme of process runs heavily throughout as Claytor pulls back the curtain on his artistic methods, showcasing many behind-the-scenes images that led to each finished work of art.

Meet Ryan Claytor:

"I'm a comics artist and university professor. My award-winning books include 'A Hunter's Tale,' 'Coin-Op Carnival,' my autobiographical comic series 'And Then One Day,' and many more successfully self-published works dating back to 2004.

"When I'm not illustrating comics, I enjoy designing watches for London-based Mr. Jones Watches, as well as designing custom neon signs ... and sometimes making fancy pancakes for my son."

The Book Loft is located at 1680 Mission Drive in Solvang. You can reach the bookstore at (805) 688-6010 or through its website at www.bookloftsolvang.com.

Friendship House prepares to serve as cooling center during heat waves

As the Friendship House in Solvang prepares to navigate the challenges of extreme summer temperatures, it has announced its recent acquisition of new generators to ensure the comfort and safety of our residents and the surrounding community.

With a commitment to providing reliable support during weather emergencies, the Friendship House facility has installed powerful generators capable of maintaining essential services even during power outages. These generators will play a crucial role in its capacity to operate as a designated cooling center, offering a refuge for community members in need of relief from oppressive heat.

"Our top priority is the well-being of our residents and the broader community," said Tammy Westwood, executive director of Friendship House. "With the help of our generous donors we were able to invest in these generators, we are better equipped to provide a safe haven during extreme weather conditions, ensuring that everyone has access to a cool and comfortable environment."

As temperatures rise, Friendship House is committed to serving as a beacon of support for vulnerable populations, offering a place where individuals can seek respite from the heat in a secure environment. Whether it's providing hydration stations or simply a cool place to rest, our doors are open to those seeking relief.

For more information about our services or to inquire about our cooling center availabili-

ty, please contact tammy@solvangfriendshiphouse.com or call (805) 688-8748.

Friendship House (880 Friendship Lane, Solvang) is a leading provider of compassionate memory care and support for seniors in the Santa Ynez Valley. With a focus on enhancing quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments, we offer a range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each resident. Our commitment to excellence extends to our community outreach efforts, ensuring that we remain a trusted resource for individuals and families alike.

Classic Car Show registration open through Aug. 12

Registration is now open through Aug. 12 for the Viking Charities Classic Car Show in Solvang on Saturday, Oct. 19.

The second annual show is open to cars, trucks, and motorcycles made before 2000 as well as motorcycles with sidecars of any year. There is also a Specialty Class for vehicles that don’t fit the other classes.

The show is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on picturesque Copenhagen Drive in downtown Solvang. Admission is free for spectators; registration is $60 per vehicle.

On Friday evening, Oct. 18, a gala dinner of Santa Maria-style barbecue will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline Pumps & Petroliana in Buellton. For $100, those attending will receive the meal, prepared by the Vikings Barbecue Team, as well as dessert, wine, beer, soft drinks and an open bar. Also included in the evening are silent and live auctions.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, as are a limited number of vendor spaces

STAR NEWS

Buellton mayor: City is ‘going places’ and going strong

Dave King gives State of the City address, highlights upcoming development projects, economic condition

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Buellton Mayor Dave King gave his annual State of the City address on Thursday, July 11, at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott and, fortunately he had some good news to share.

“The theme of this year’s address is that ‘We are going places,’” King said after introducing many City Council and staff members in the audience. He introduced City Manager Scott Wolfe as the man who “keeps us out of trouble” and praised recently retired Planning Department Secretary Clare Barcelona, who King said “knew more about the City of Buellton than I’ll ever know.”

He then talked about some of the things Buellton had on its journey to “going places.”

The mayor started off by mentioned the capital projects the city had built or were getting ready to build. Among them were upcoming apartment complexes near Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Albertson’s supermarket, and Tractor Supply Company. King said the construction of those complexes should satisfy the state housing mandates.

However, King was especially enthusiastic about the projects that would benefit youth and families. He mentioned a canopy-like structure over the playground at Village Park that was recently completed and allows kids to use the play equipment in the shade during the hotter times of the year, as well as a new inclusive swing set. King also expressed optimism

toward the development of the Waypoint Center, a proposed bowling alley and entertainment center proposed for the lot behind Steve’s Tire and Auto Repair on Highway 246 and east of the Albertson’s shopping center.

“When I moved here in 2004, I immediately noticed there wasn’t anything for kids to do in this town. Hopefully this will be one of them,” King said to applause.

The mayor alluded to other positive developments, like getting two

CHP motorcycle officers on Highway 246 to discourage speeding, community events like the BBQ Bonanza (which is coming on July 27) and Fall Fest, and a $425,000 state grant the city received for the Santa Ynez Regional River Trail Project, which is meant as an alternate path for horse and bike riders to go from Buellton to Solvang, and maybe even beyond.

“This has been a project that [former Buellton mayor] Holly Sierra and I have been working on

for awhile,” King said. “The trail is intended to reach Solvang, and we’re going to try to get it all the way to Highway 154. This would be a good thing, because I wouldn’t take an 8-year-old on his bike down [Highway] 246.”

King then broke down the city’s economy pointing to a pie chart on the screen showing where the money is going — the general fund showed a balance of $9.5 million.

“If you look on there, you see we have almost $10 million in our

general fund, which is pretty good for a town of 5,000,” he said.

From that, King identified the biggest challenges Buellton had facing it, none of which are exclusive to the city.

“Inflation, weak economy, and state mandates, but then, every city, state, and the nation as a whole are dealing with that,” he said.

For the city to tackle those challenges, King pointed to a couple of measures that will be before city

Buellton Mayor Dave King highlights future city projects during the Buellton State of the City address Thursday, July 11, at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott. Photos by Mike Chaldu

Buellton City Councilmember John Sanchez approaches the lectern after being named winner of the Vincent B. Evans Award at the Buellton State of the City address.

Vega Vineyards owner Jimmy Loizides, with his wife and co-owner Karen, speaks to the audience after the winery was named winner of the 2024 Beautification Award on July 11 at the Buellton State of the City address.

Kathy Vreeland, emcee of the Buellton State of the City address and Buellton Chamber of Commerce executive director, speaks during the event July 11 at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott.

in Solvang Park.

To register a vehicle, purchase dinner tickets, become a sponsor or vendor, go to www.VikingsofSolvang.org/carshow. For more information, email vikingcarshow@gmail.com.

The car show is a fundraiser for the Vikings of Solvang, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed in 1974 to help meet the medically related needs of people in Santa Barbara County and improve the quality of local lives. For more information, go to www.vikingsofsolvang.org.

LOMPOC

Cypress Gallery and Gallery Los Olivos.

VANDENBERG SFB

Wall Beach closed until Oct. 1

Wall Beach will be closed for the remainder of the Plover nesting season due to a maximum reached on violations and will reopen Oct. 1.

Beach restrictions are enforced annually on all three Vandenberg beaches (Surf, Wall, and Minuteman) from March 1 through Sept. 30 to protect the Western snowy plover, listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and its nesting habitat.

Seasonal beach violations are limited to 10 for Wall Beach, and 10 for Minuteman Beach. Entry into any posted closed area counts as a violation. If the specified violation limit is reached at a particular beach, that entire beach will be closed for the remainder of the nesting season.

Violators of beach restrictions can be fined up to $5,000 in federal court. Violators of the Endangered Species Act (e.g. crushing eggs or chicks) can face fines up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to one year.

the installation of horizontal dowels below the roadway. The insertion of vertical dowels 40 feet deep below the highway has stopped surface movement and further cracking of the pavement. In addition, inclinometers have been inserted into the slope to monitor sub-surface movement.

The primary detour/alternate route during this traffic control is U.S. Highway 101 and State Route 246. Once one lane is reopened, the public can expect the potential for extended delays through this work zone, depending on the number of travelers who select this route.

Caltrans Quickmap is a useful tool for route planning and monitoring of expected traffic delays before traveling.

It is not known at this time when Highway 154 will fully reopen. Upon completion of the drilling, Caltrans will monitor pavement conditions before making any determination about fully reopening the highway. In addition to stabilizing the slide, extensive pavement damage must be repaired before additional lanes can be reopened.

ive care to those in the midst of severe mental health episodes. This 24-hour stabilization service is designed to address immediate psychiatric needs, offering a safe environment where individuals can receive intensive treatment and support.

"The designation of our CSU as an LPS facility marks a significant step forward in our ability to provide comprehensive mental health services to our community," said Toni Navarro, Director for the Department of Behavioral Wellness." Our goal is to stabilize individuals quickly and effectively, reducing the need for hospitalization and helping them return to their lives and communities as soon as possible."

The CSU's enhanced capabilities will allow for a more robust response to mental health crises, ensuring that individuals receive timely and appropriate care. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of Behavioral Wellness to improve mental health outcomes and support the well-being of all residents.

Three artists open new 'Patterns, Spaces and Places' in Cypress Gallery

Neil Andersson, Deborah Breedon, and Chuck Klein, a talented trio of longstanding valley artists are featuring their unique styles in painting and fine woodworking at the Cypress Gallery in Lompoc.

This Summer exhibit showcases these artists’ work and how they explore the founding principles of artistic expression in "Patterns, Spaces and Places." How these principles are explored is the challenge these three artists set for themselves both as individuals and in collaboration. An example of exploring in collaboration is when Andersson and Breedon each created a painting by exchanging color palettes. Andersson received his MFA in painting from the School of the Art institute of Chicago, and is a renowned jazz guitarist. Breedon was an art instructor at SBCC’s Continuing Education for over a decade. She still teaches privately. Klein is a fine woodworker and is a native of Santa Barbara. Working from local dead wood stock and focusing on natural forms, he has contributed to the arts community. All three artists show at

“We have a responsibility to protect species determined to be threatened or endangered as stewards of our environment on Vandenberg. Compliance with environmental regulations is also a fundamental enabler of launch operations activities on Vandenberg as defined in our agreements with Federal and State agencies,” said Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. "It is disheartening that despite posted regulations, 10 beachgoers failed to follow the rules, resulting in the closure of one of our best base beaches for everyone."

To ensure continued access to these beaches, observe and read the posted signage to avoid violations and future beach closures.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Highway 154 reopens with one-way reversing traffic control

One-way reversing traffic control utilizing a temporary signal allowed the opening of Highway 154 between San Antonio Creek Road and Painted Cave Road, starting Thursday, July 4.

The highway had been closed on Saturday, June 22, due to landslide activity that caused major roadway cracking extending across all traffic lanes. This temporary signal will provide public access with one-way alternating traffic in both the eastbound and westbound directions.

A drilling operation, as part of a grouted dowel stabilization approach, continues with

The cracking of the roadway occurred within the work zone of an ongoing emergency project to repair a slip-out due to winter storms this past season.

Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Crisis Stabilization Unit receives LPS designation

Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) is proud to announce its recent designation as an LPS (Lantermann-Petris-Short) locked facility. This important achievement enables the CSU to provide critical stabilization services for individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis, with the aim of avoiding the need for inpatient acute hospitalization when the crisis may be resolved within the stay at the CSU.

The CSU provides individuals in severe distress with up to 24 hours of supervised care to assist with deescalating the severity of their crisis and/or need for inpatient acute hospitalization. The primary objectives of this level of care are prompt assessments, stabilization, and/ or a determination of the appropriate level of care. Current literature supports that crisis residential care is as effective as other longer psychiatric inpatient care at improving symptoms and functioning. SAMHSA shares of the main research outcome of 23-hour observation beds is the avoidance of unnecessary hospitalizations for persons whose crisis may resolve with time and observation (SAMHSA, 2012).

As an LPS designated facility, the CSU is now equipped to offer secure and support-

The Behavioral Wellness toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 868-1649 for assistance in receiving services. To learn more about County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, please visit http:// countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.

Zoom presentation of ‘Understanding Medicare’ set for July 31

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) will sponsor free virtual presentations for people interested in better understanding Medicare benefits. Understanding Medicare information will be presented Thursday, July 31, at 2 p.m.

“HICAP is offering the presentations to help beneficiaries and caregivers better understand this comprehensive health care program,” announced Tamara Broder, HICAP program manager.

Topics will include a comprehensive introduction to Medicare, including Medicare coverage, supplemental insurance, Part D prescription coverage, Medicare and employer group health plans, and retiree health plan considerations.

HICAP offers free, unbiased Medicare information and counseling. HICAP does not sell, recommend, or endorse any specific insurance products. HICAP services are provided through the local Area Agency on Aging. For more information on HICAP presentations contact HICAP at (805) 928-5663 or (805) 434-0222, hicap@centralcoastseniors.org or www.CentralCoastSeniors.org. Registration is required.

"In the Sunshine," a painting by Deborah Breedon, will be part of the "Patterns, Spaces and Places" exhibit at Lompoc's Cypress Gallery. Contributed Photo

City Council gives go-ahead on looking into new anti-camping ordinance

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

The City of Solvang may be walking back a 2023 ordinance that updated its anti-camping rules, thanks to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that negated the reason for that updated ordinance.

In its Monday, July 8, meeting, the four-person City Council (Councilmember Elizabeth Orona was absent) gave City Manager Randy Murphy and staff the goahead to pursue a new ordinance that would allow the city to better enforce a camping ban in town.

On June 28, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) reversed and remanded the Ninth Circuit Court’s decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson and reversed the Ninth Circuit’s prior decision in Martin v. Boise on which City of Grants Pass v. Johnson relied.

The Boise and Grants Pass decision were the impetus for council to adopt Ordinance 23-0369 at its Oct. 9, 2023, meeting, updating the city’s anti-camping rules to make it more compliant with those court cases regarding enforcement related to camping on City property. Unfortunately, Murphy noted in his report, the Sheriff’s Office advised that, in County Counsel’s opinion, the updated ordinance still ran afoul of the Ninth Circuit Court rulings that limited local jurisdictions’ ability to regulate camping in public spaces and that the Sheriff’s Office would not enforce the ordinance.

“In light of these new developments, we are working with the Sheriff’s Office and other local partners on how to approach enforcing our anti- camping ordinance,” Murphy said. “As it stands now, our ordinance

allows camping for 24 hours, so I thought it best to bring it back and get direction.”

However, Councilmember Dave Brown wondered about the need to again change the ordinance and felt the one approved in October should be enforceable.

“This is our ordinance, we hired the sheriff to enforce the laws we pass,” Brown said. “I think it’s incumbent upon them to help enforce those laws — that’s what we pay them for.”

Murphy replied that the ordinance as written allows camping for 24 hours, and the recent Supreme Court decision gives them a chance to bring the ordinance closer to what it was before.

City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan pointed out that part of the enforcement problem was having to distinguish between voluntary homeless and involuntary homeless (like those who are outside because the shelter are full, for example), which has been negated by the SCOTUS decision.

“We don’t have to jump through those hoops to enforce the anti-camping ordinance anymore,” she said. “But there is still language in the current ordinance that deals with involuntary homeless; future edits to the ordinance could leave that out.”

In commenting on the homeless issue, Councilmember Robert Clarke made the point that “30 percent” of homeless in the

country live in California, saying “If you build it, they will come.” Councilmember Claudia Orona said “while you don’t want to punish someone when the only place they have to sleep is the ‘green belt’ on Mission, but you don’t want to encourage it either. I’m wondering we want to look at having zero-tolerance for it in certain areas.”

Mayor Mark Infanti said, “What we heard from the Sheriff’s Department is that they asked the homeless here in town if they wanted to move to quarters in Lompoc that has the facility and they said no.

“Now, if we go back to the anti-camping ordinance, we can say ‘you can move there, or you can move someplace else, but you can’t stay here.’”

There was no motion required with this item, so the councilmembers directed Murphy to talk to the Sheriff’s Department and possible the District Attorney’s Office about amending the ordinance.

In other business, the council adopted amendments in the City of Solvang 2045 General Plan, but had to take a few extra steps to do so because of Elizabeth Orona’s absence, Clarke and Claudia Orona having

to recuse themselves from separate amendments, and Brown’s objection to one of the Land Use amendments.

Brown took issue with a change on the property of Mission Santa Ines. The property’s agricultural designation is being proposed as Open Space/Recreational. However, there is a blue square in the center of the property noting Public/Institution, which refers to the church. Staff said the square does not represent the full area that the church, accessory buildings, and parking lot cover. City staff recommended that this designation extend the blue color to the developed portion of the property.

Planning Director Rafael Castillo said the change was made because the mission property was “a quasi-public meeting facility, for all intents and purposes, a church, it has no commercial value, and it functions basically as a state park, it’s a tourist destination, but it’s basically an institutional facility owned by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Brown disagreed, saying “The state park is actually the gristmill property, not the mission itself. To call it any kind of public use on private land just doesn’t make sense to me. I wouldn’t offer the same designation to Bethania church.”

Only Brown, Infanti, and Clarke voted on the Land Use change as Claudia Orono had to recuse herself because of her ownership in an affected business. Brown voted no, which, nixed the motion since at least three yes votes were required, but was convinced to vote yes on a revote to pass the item. After that, Clarke recused himself on an amendment for an Alisal Road property, with Orono returning, and that motion passed by a 3-0 vote.

The City Council will meet next on Monday, July 22, at 6:30 p.m.

(From left) Solvang City Councilmembers Robert Clarke, Mayor Mark Infanti, and Dave Brown discuss a proposed land-use change for the Mission Santa Ines property during the City Council meeting on Monday, July 8. Screenshot from YouTube

Farmers work to save heat-stressed crops and livestock

Farmers irrigating fields more, adding misters and fans to cool livestock, and shortening daytime work

By Ching Lee California Farm Bureau Federation

CALIFORNIA — Crops and livestock across the state continue to take a beating as California farmers work to reduce impacts of a lingering heat wave that has increased their costs and jeopardized production.

With prolonged triple-digit temperatures pummeling the state’s key agricultural regions — topping 110 degrees in some areas — farmers are irrigating fields more frequently, deploying misters and fans to cool livestock, and shortening daytime work for agricultural employees or working after sundown.

Merced County dairy farmer Bob Borba said milk production could drop 15 percent to 20 percent when there are consecutive days of high heat as cows eat less. Hot weather also reduces cow fertility and breeding, throwing off the dairy’s calving schedule. Cows that calve in sweltering conditions will be more stressed, he added.

“Dairy cows have a hard time with heat,” Borba said.

Even so, dairy farms have come a long way in the past 20 years in how they protect their animals from extreme weather and keep them more comfortable during heat waves.

The barns themselves have changed, with open corrals under roofs to provide shade from the sun. They’re also equipped with fans and misters or soakers that spray cows regularly with water to cool them off.

What’s more, dairy nutritionists typically change the herd’s diet to a ration with more calories and fiber to compensate for the animals’ reduced feed intake during sustained high-heat events, said Rubia Branco Lopes, University of California Cooperative Extension dairy advisor for Tulare and Kern counties.

Keeping the cow’s diet high in fiber is important, she said, as it reduces the risk of ruminal acidosis, or grain overload, which could lead to increased risk of lameness and mastitis.

Heat stress also affects the cow’s immune system because the animal is doing all she can to reduce her body temperature, increasing stress. This will decrease her fertility, she said.

While keeping shade and water on the an-

imals remains important, Branco Lopes said shading water troughs and feed bunks will encourage them to drink and eat. Dairy farmers should also check the nozzles on sprinklers or misters to ensure they’re working properly, she said.

“It’s little things, but in the end, they’re important,” Branco Lopes said.

Borba said even though improved health and farm conditions have allowed dairy cows to better handle extreme heat, there will still be some mortality. His concern, he said, is with the state’s limited rendering capacity to keep up with livestock carcasses.

Persistent, scorching temperatures can put crops such as table grapes at risk. At Mirabella Farms in Fresno County, grower Philippe Markarian said he was working to prevent damage to the fruit. But he said he anticipates some crop loss.

“The vines will be under a significant amount of stress,” he said.

Last week, most of the varieties Markarian grows were going into veraison, when the grapes begin changing color and ripening. With highenough heat, the berries will cook on the vine, especially if they’re in direct sunlight, making the fruit unsalable.

Markarian said he was increasing irrigation to help the vines weather the heat. He was also experimenting for the first time with applying a polymer coating designed to prevent vine stress

by mitigating transpiration, helping the plants regulate their internal temperatures.

He typically begins picking Flame Seedless — the first variety to come off each year — around July 10-14, but heat stress on the plant will delay harvest, he said.

Other permanent crops such as walnuts may also sustain damage from the heat. With triple-digit temperatures continuing, Stanislaus County grower Jake Wenger said there is always concern the nuts will get sunburn. Walnuts exposed to direct sunlight may turn black as the heat cooks the kernels inside the shells.

To prevent sun and heat damage, he said he applies a white clay film on the foliage and nuts, particularly trees on the edge of orchards and at the tops of canopies that receive the most direct sun. Even with these measures, he said he expects some sunburn damage.

In a crop progress report this month for Blue Diamond Growers, Mel Machado, vice president of member relations for the cooperative, said almond growers are increasing the frequency and volume of irrigation.

Fresno County farmer Donny Rollin, who grows almonds and pistachios, said he’s doing his best to keep his trees well hydrated. Because he irrigates in sets, he said, the challenge is timing his watering rotation around orchards so that all his trees are adequately irrigated.

For Dave Vierra, who grows fresh-market fruits and vegetables in Yolo County, the grow-

ing season is still early enough that the heat won’t be too detrimental to his crops. He said he expects “minimal loss” on his watermelon, which might get a bit sunburned. His sweet corn will fare OK, he said, as will his tomatoes, which are still on the green side, with the plant’s huge canopy to protect the fruit from sunburn.

With high heat, there is concern of increased pest pressure, especially mites, worms and moths, all of which he’s monitoring for in his corn crop, he said.

Perhaps his biggest heat-related impact so far is on sales, especially at farmers markets, which have seen attendance drop. To maintain his presence, he said he continues to participate in all his usual markets. His on-farm fruit stand also remains open, he said, though sales have not been as severely impacted as at farmers markets. He credited the installation of shade and misters at his fruit stand for keeping customers and employees comfortable.

One bright spot has been watermelon sales, which he said benefited from the heat. Sweet corn and watermelon are typically big sellers during the summer, but he said sales of sweet corn have been sluggish due to higher prices at the retail level.

“It’s an interesting landscape at the moment, to say the least,” Vierra said.

With harvest crews working fewer hours due to the heat, he said there’s more spoilage in the field. Sweet corn is picked at night, with crews typically done by 9 a.m., he said.

Trying to keep crops cool through the heat will add to his costs, Vierra said, noting the increased energy used for cold storage and other cooling equipment. Because they are running full throttle, he said, they tend to need repair.

“We rarely get out of a heat wave like this without some sort of equipment failure,” he said.

Excessive heat can also cause yield losses for field crops such as rice, especially during flowering, as the heat can hurt the pollen. But Luis Espino, UCCE rice farm advisor for Butte and Glenn counties, said the rice plant has not yet reached that vulnerable stage.

In the past, panicle blanking, or empty kernels on the rice panicle, was more common due to nighttime temperatures dropping below 55 degrees for consecutive days in mid-July, causing the flowers to not fertilize. But in recent years, high daytime heat tended to be the more likely culprit for blanking.

“It just desiccates the pollen,” Espino said. “The flowers open, and that pollen just it cooks.”

During heat events, dairy farmers help keep cows cool with fans and water misters while providing shaded water troughs and feed bunks. Photo by Ching Lee

Community Voice: Saluting our four-legged firefighters

By Caleb Silverberg for the Santa Ynez Valley Star

Athick, dark grey blanket of smoke hangs over the Santa Barbara Mountains, contrasting with the eerie orange hue of the setting sun over Highway 154. Nestled in the San Marcos Foothills, I find peace in observing numerous sheep grazing on dry grass and local flora.

Above Santa Barbara, a short hike from “The Bridge to Nowhere,” lies a community of nearly 400 sheep. These animals are more than just a roaming petting zoo; they play a crucial role in managing the vegetation of the mountains, safeguarding Santa Barbara from its greatest threat: wildfires.

In recent days, the devastating Lake Fire has swept through the Santa Ynez Mountains near Highway 154. To prevent the fire from spreading to Santa Barbara, the sheep have diligently trimmed the brush and native grasses that can turn the city’s backcountry into a tinderbox.

Beyond their firefighting role, these hardworking animals benefit local ecosystems, supporting grasshopper and owl populations through their meticulous grazing.

As a docent, I have had the privilege of spending time with the herd, providing information and answering questions for hikers and visitors who come to learn about their vital role in wildfire prevention.

With a wildfire burning just 30 minutes north of their grazing area, I join the Santa Barbara community in expressing

gratitude to the sheep for their invaluable service.

Caleb Silverberg will be a senior this com -

Supreme Court overturns Chevron doctrine

IThe court’s

Staff Report

n a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has significantly curtailed the power of federal agencies to interpret laws, mandating that courts must now rely on their own interpretations of ambiguous statutes. This decision, which will have broad implications across various sectors, overrules the 1984 Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council decision that

established the Chevron doctrine. The doctrine previously required courts to defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations of ambiguous laws. The court’s 6-3 ruling, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, deemed this doctrine “fundamentally misguided.”

Justice Elena Kagan, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented, warning that the ruling would cause significant disruption to the legal system. The original Chevron decision had become a cornerstone of federal administrative law, referenced over 18,000 times by federal courts.

The case arose from challenges to a

National Marine Fisheries Service rule requiring the herring industry to bear the costs of onboard observers monitoring catches. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeals focusing solely on the Chevron question. Chief Justice Roberts argued that the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) requires courts to decide legal questions independently, without deferring to agency interpretations.

Concurring opinions by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch emphasized that the Chevron doctrine was inconsistent with both the APA and the constitutional separation of powers. Justice Kagan, in her dissent, argued that

agencies, with their technical expertise, are better suited to interpret regulatory laws and that the decision undermines decades of established legal precedent. The ruling is part of a broader conservative effort to reduce the power of federal agencies, seen also in recent decisions affecting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Securities and Exchange Commission. While some applaud the decision for preserving the separation of powers, others, like the Southern Environmental Law Center, criticize it as a “recipe for chaos,” predicting inconsistent interpretations of federal laws by judges lacking agency expertise.

ing school year at Midland School in Los Olivos and is a guest writer for the Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Midland School student Caleb Silverberg is shown with a group of sheep in the San Marcos Foothills. Silverberg credits the sheep with grazing on the dry grass and local flora, helping the efforts to stop the Lake Fire. Contributed Photo

6-3 ruling, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts

Solvang Danish Days Foundation names Kaeley Reid as 2024 Danish Maid

Santa Ynez High junior to preside over 87th Annual Solvang Danish Days in September

Staff Report

The nonprofit Solvang Danish Days Foundation has officially announced the festival’s 2024 Danish Maid, Kaeley Reid, who is set to preside over this year’s 87th Solvang Danish Days (www.SolvangDanishDays.org), Friday through Sunday, September 20 through 22.

Kaeley, 16, is currently a junior at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. She has enjoyed cheerleading for the football team and stays busy with her classes, the majority of which are honors and AP classes.

She has spent most of her life in Valley, attending Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Preschool, moving on to Solvang Elementary and, after a brief time living in South San Francisco and attending elementary and middle schools there, returning to the Valley and attended Jonata Middle School.

“As this year’s Danish Maid, I can’t wait to represent Solvang and present our Danish history and culture to both locals and visitors, some of which travel from all over the world to join in our annual Danish Days festivities,” Kaeley said.

“I am happy to give back to the community I hold so dear and most importantly, I will be honoring the memory of my grandparents, who left me too soon. I know they will be smiling down on me.”

Kaeley’s Danish roots stem from her maternal grandfather, Hans “Farfar” Birkholm (1946-2019), who was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Hans moved to Solvang with his family in 1957, and while attending Santa Ynez High School, he met his future wife and Kaeley’s grandmother, Denise “Nisie” Birkholm (1951-2018). Hans and Denise raised three children in Solvang, including Kaeley’s mother, Karine Birkholm-Reid, who was the 1998 Danish Days Maid.

Kaeley's grandparents were instrumental in the organization and growth of Solvang Danish Days. Hans was one of the original Solvang Danish Days Foundation Board

members, and Denise was credited with numerous duties which kept the festival running each year, until she passed away in 2018. Kaeley’s family has been involved in Danish Days weekend for decades, and she experienced her very first Danish Days festival when she was just nine months old.

As she got older, on Saturday and Sunday mornings of the festival weekend, Kaeley would help her grandfather and her father in the breakfast tents, learning how to make the ever-popular aebleskiver, while Kaeley’s dad, Peter Reid, would help with the early morning tasks in the tents.

“Once we were done with breakfast duties, I would gather with all of the event workers for lunch in the Solvang Festival Theater garden, and dance with my friends before getting to participate in the Danish Days Parade on my Farfar’s golf cart,” Kaeley reminisced. “On Sundays, I would walk in the Children’s Parade, tossing candy from the back of a cart that was usually driven by my mother.”

Kaeley noted that her mother, Karine, has always held the family’s Danish traditions and culture near and dear, and that after

her mother graduated from high school, she moved to Denmark for a year to attend a Danish folk school in Helsingør.

“Having the honor of being this year’s Danish Days Maid means the world to me. I would love to carry on the family tradition, and follow in my mom’s footsteps," Kaeley said. "My parents have always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and this is a big one.”

Solvang Danish Days, California’s premier Danish culture and heritage festival, has grown and evolved since its humble beginnings in 1936, when a one-day celebration commemorating the 25th anniversary of Solvang’s 1911 founding was first conceived.

Solvang Danish Days is now a weekend-long event that includes authentic food, music, dancing, parades, live entertainment, and family activities. The 2024 Solvang Danish Days theme, “Det Dansk, Det Dejligt” (“It’s Danish, it’s delightful!”), will be highlighted during this year’s returning event weekend.

More information about Solvang Danish Days including a brief history of the event, 2024 event weekend schedule and details, parade applications, and contact information, is or will be available at www.SolvangDan-

ishDays.org. Solvang Danish Days is also on Facebook and Instagram at facebook.com/ SolvangDanishDays and @DanishDays. Aebleskiver Breakfast tickets and “Dane For A Day” ticket bundles for the 2024 event weekend are currently on sale at solvang-danish-days-2024.eventbrite.com.

About the Solvang Danish Days Foundation

In early 1995, the Solvang City Council approached Santa Ynez Valley residents from long-established, local Danish families and other interested groups, about possibly setting up a nonprofit foundation — Solvang Danish Days Foundation — to formally plan and organize the increasingly popular, annual Danish Days festivities. The original Solvang Danish Days Foundation board members were Ken Andersen, Brenda Anderson, Hans Birkholm, Max Hanberg, Howard Petersen, David Rasmussen, and Henry Skytt. The foundation members meet throughout the year to ready each year’s celebration. Donations and volunteers for the event are always welcome; go to www.SolvangDanishDays. org. for more information.

Kaeley Reid, 16, a junior at Santa Ynez High, is the 2024 Danish Maid. Photo by Mike Mesikep Photography

Kaeley Reid (right) is shown with her mother Karine Birkholm-Reid at last year's Danish Days. Kaeley will serve as the 2024 Danish Maid 26 years after her mom did the same in 1998. Contributed Photo

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, UCSB host panel discussions on NAGPRA

Law regulates the respectful return of Native American remains and cultural items to descendants and tribes

Report

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians partnered with UCSB on Thursday, June 27, for a free, one-day NAGPRA/CALNAGPRA workshop in the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom to help California Native American tribes, museums, institutions, and universities navigate recent updates to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

NAGPRA, a U.S. federal law enacted on November 16, 1990, regulates the respectful return of Native American remains and cultural items to lineal descendants and culturally affiliated American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages and Native Hawaiian organizations.

The workshop featured panel discussions on both state and federal repatriation laws, requirements, responsibilities, and best practices when working with tribes. Participants learned more about the recently updated NAGPRA regulations and how institutions and Native American tribes can work together for a more seamless repatriation process of funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony to tribes.

Topics of conversation included repatriation deadlines, consultation, what tribes are included, repatriation statements, contact lists, and past examples of positive and negative repatriation experiences.

“Discussions and workshops are important and help build productive relationships between tribes and institutions,” said Nakia Za-

valla, cultural director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Events like these ultimately make repatriation a smoother process.”

UCSB partnered with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to host the workshop.

“We are in a new era where repatriation and tribal expertise are finally at the forefront of conversations at museums and universities across the country,” said Dr. Hugh Radde, repatriation coordinator for UCSB. “UCSB is extraordinarily proud to co-sponsor this important event with Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, which allows practitioners to come together to learn about NAGPRA, network with colleagues, and develop relationships with tribal community members.”

Earlier this year, revisions to NAGPRA went into effect to help expedite the repatriation process. These revisions grant tribes the right to decide what cultural objects are displayed and retained by institutions across the country, rather than what has often been an

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institution's unilateral power over its collections. The NAGPRA updates emphasize the requirement of all federal agencies, museums, institutions, universities, colleges, state agencies, and local agencies that receive federal funds, to identify all Native American human remains, funerary items, and objects of cultural and sacred significance in their collections, to research the tribal owner(s), and to repatriate them.

The Federal Register, which is the official journal of the federal government of the U.S. that contains government agency rules, proposed rules and public notices, summarizes these revisions as the following:

This final rule revises and replaces definitions and procedures for lineal descendants, Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, museums, and federal agencies to implement the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990.

These regulations clarify and improve upon

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY/STATE/ZIP:

TELEPHONE: EMAIL:

CREDIT CARD: EXPIRATION/CCV:

SIGNATURE:

the systematic processes for the disposition or repatriation of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony. These regulations provide a step-by-step roadmap with specific timelines for museums and federal agencies to facilitate disposition or repatriation. Throughout these systematic processes, museums, and federal agencies must defer to the Native American traditional knowledge of lineal descendants, Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. For more information, visit www.federalregister.gov/ documents/2023/12/13/2023-27040/native-american-graves-protection-and-repatriation-act-systematic-processes-for-disposition-or.

“Our tribe is encouraged by the recent movement we’ve seen as a result of these new NAGPRA rules, and we hope it continues,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “We have dedicated, knowledgeable members of our community who have worked closely with universities on past repatriation efforts, and they’re looking forward to consulting with institutions and museums on their exhibits going forward.”

The event featured speakers and participants from various agencies and institutions, including Zavalla; Rudde; Kathleen Marshall, elders councilmember for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians; Dr. Wendy Teeter, cultural resources archeologist for the Chumash; Buffy McQuillen, tribal historic preservation officer for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria; Melanie O’Brien, program manager for the National NAGPRA Program; Allison Fischer Olson, repatriation coordinator for UCLA; Alexandra Lucas, repatriation coordinator for Cal- Berkeley; and Michelle Carr, chief council for the Native American Heritage Commission.

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians partnered with UCSB at the Chumash Casino Resort for a workshop on recent updates to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Contributed Photo

'California,

ARTS & NONPROFITS

Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland' now showing at California Nature Art Museum

Single-artist show featuring 21 pieces from textile artist Julia Laraway will be viewing through Jan 13, 2025 Staff Report

The California Nature Art Museum has opened its upcoming 2024 summer exhibition, "California, Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland." The exhibit was put on view on July 14 and will run through Jan. 13, 2025, featuring new and recent works by artist Julia Laraway.

"The Western Oak at the San Marcos Foothills" is just one of the quilts shown at the California Nature Art Museum as part of textile artists Julia Laraway's exhibit "California, Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland."

travelers in life, and they share their home with all of us, often to their detriment.

“The California Nature Art Museum’s commitment to putting our environment in front of us so we can see the natural world through the eyes of artists is a gift, and I am incredibly grateful to be sharing my quilt pieces at this museum.”

Laraway found her way into quilt-making many years ago by the side of her mother and has always loved the sound of the sewing machine, the smell of a hot iron on fabric, and the bright threads that give each piece its texture and form. Her hope and the hope of the museum is that this celebration of local species will inspire interest and passion for a habitat that has already lost up to one-third of its space in California due to agriculture and urban development.

"Over the course of my quilting life, I have found inspiration in the waves I watched as my husband surfed, the colors and lines of

the land, the sea, the sky, as well as our fellow creatures with whom we share our world," she said. "As humans push farther and farther into woodlands, mountains, and grasslands, the animals and plants being forced from their homes have become my prime focus as I quilt. I hope these depictions of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and insects will spark a curiosity about their lives and how our worlds intertwine."

"We were delighted to be introduced to Julia's work and as soon as we saw the quality of her quilted wall hangings and her subject matter, we knew immediately they would be a great fit for a museum exhibition here at CalNAM,” said Stacey Otte-Demangate, executive director for California Nature Art Museum. “We strive to show a variety of art forms, and fabric art is a favorite of so many."

For more information about California Nature Art Museum please visit www.calna-

Solvang’s 4th of July Parade filled with ‘Life, Liberty, & Love’ SPOTLIGHT

Seventy-five parade entries go down Mission Drive on holiday; celebration, fireworks show held later at mission

The streets of Solvang were filled to overflowing with people from near and far anxious to take part in the 29th annual 4th of July Independence Day parade whose theme was “Life, Liberty, and Love.” The day was hot, but that did not deter the exuberant crowd from cheering the 75 entries that took part in this year’s parade.

The parade started promptly at 11 a.m. with Alan Satchwell playing the national anthem on his trumpet. The parade itself lasted for almost two hours as Master of Ceremonies Allan Jones, dressed as Uncle Sam, kept things flowing smoothly.

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

Leading it off was the Color Guard from the American Legion Post #160. They were followed by Andrew Wedel, Captain of Fire Station 30, The American Legion Flag Car, and the Solvang Rotary. This year’s Grand Marshal was World War II hero Jim Kunkle, who rode in a Jeep from the Flat Fender Friends. The Lucky Clover 4-H entry held 20 people waving to the crowds as they passed by, followed by a horse trolley containing members of the Solvang Senior Center. Members of the VSFB Jets Gymnastics Team, cheerleaders from the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, and members of the SYHS football team, both varsity and ju-

nior varsity were out in full force. The Santa Ynez Valley Woman of the Year, Judy Canby, was seated in in a Camaro convertible, while newly named Danish Maid Kaeley Reid rode in a 1958 Ford Fairlane Skyliner. Twenty Capuchin-Franciscan monks were next, walking with the San Lorenzo Seminary float followed by members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. Representatives were in attendance from local schools, churches, businesses, senior groups, dignitaries, and dance studios, such as the Garcia Dance Studio, which had 60 of its colorfully dressed members dancing through the streets. There were equestri-

ans from local riding groups on horseback, skateboarders doing jumping tricks, Charros of Santa Ynez riding their beautiful dancing horses, marching bands, drum lines and brass sections, rows of antique cars, Corvettes, Jeeps, and vintage automobiles, all of which made for a colorful and patriotic parade. Candy was tossed from the floats to the children watching the parade, Veggie Rescue passed out bags of mini carrots, and float participants doused the spectators with water from Super Soakers. There was only one slight mishap when a man riding a motorized bicycle miscalculated and landed, unharmed, on the ground.

Photos by Devyn Marseilles

Winners

The Rotary Club of Solvang, who sponsors the annual event, listed this year’s entry winners in numerous categories as

The Sweepstakes winner this year was the Garcia Dance Studio; Best Use of Parade Theme: Flat Fender Friends; Most Patriotic: Sons of the American Revolution; Most Original: The New Generation Cowgirls; Most Amusing: Alisal Ranch, CJ Jackson; Most Unique: Solvang Skate Shop; Most Creative: Growing Minds Farm Education; Best Band: Salinas Charreria Western Wear; Best Singing Group: Flannel 101, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.; Best Family Group: California Tacos; Best Church Group: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Best Senior Group: Atterdag Village; Best Animal Group: Rancho Los Pinos #1; Best Wagon Group: Berman and Imani Families; Best Wagon, Single: Ramon Becerra; Best Automobile Group: Vapor Trail Vettes; Best Automobile, Single: Dan Hoagland’s 1958 Ford Fairlane “Skyliner”; Best Automobile, Restored: Chevelle, driving Buellton Mayor Dave King; Best Automobile, Antique: The Hall family in Grandpa’s 1950 Ford Pickup; Best Automobile Antique Group: Santa Maria Model A’s Ford Group; Best Fire Engine: Somerset Farm; Best Equestrian Group: Cuadras Unidas del Valle de Lompoc; Best Equestrian, Single: Red Bronco, Jim Vreeland Ford; Best Viking Ship: Vikings of Solvang; Best Color Guard: American Legion Post #160; Best Street Sweeper: SP Maintenance Services; Best Sport Group: SYHS varsity and JV football teams; Best Military Group: Grand Marshal Jim Kunkle and family; Best Walking Group: Friends of the Library; Best Dancing Group: Gymnastics North Lompoc; Most Energetic: Veggie Rescue; Best Group for a Cause: SYV Humane Society and DAWG; Best School Group: Santa Ynez High Cheerleaders; Best Youth Group: Lucky Clover 4-H; Best Audience Participation: Nielsen Building Materials; Best Dog: Driving Miss Daisy; Best Candy Thrower: Bethania Lutheran Church; Best Train: Somerset Farm; and Best Trumpeter: Alan Satchwell.

Solvang Rotarians, Lt. [Mark] Valencia of Solvang Sheriff's Office, and Candice Libera and staff at the City of Solvang for their efforts in making this another memorable event,” said Jones.

“All I can say is 'Happy Birthday, America,' the greatest country in the world,” said Bob Brown, a visitor from Los Angeles waving a flag.

The celebrating was far from over after the parade, as crowds moved over to Mission Santa Ines for the 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Show, presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club, that lasted from 12 p.m. through the fireworks show that started a little after 9 p.m. Before sundown, the front lawn of the

trucks and vendors, kids rides and activi ties, and a stage for live musical entertainment featuring the acts Paradise Kings, We Are Not Horses, and DJ Peete. On the grassy bluff east of the entrance, folks were staking out good spots for the nighttime show.

The event drew it's typical huge crowd to the mission.

"I figure we're drawing about 5,000 to 6,000 for this event," said Scott Evans, SYV Rotary Club member and event coordinator. "I believe this is one of the biggest fireworks shows in the area, and we do it because we have the people who are willing to help out and put this on."

Rotary Club member and former Dis-

trict Governor Deepa Willingham pointed out that the 4th of July Celebration is a big fundraiser for the organization.

"The money we make goes back into the Valley, particularly for our high school students to expose them to the cultures of other countries," she said.

As nightfall hit, the fireworks, prepared and shot off by Keif Adler, were getting set.

SYV Rotary Club President Scott Jones thanked the crowd for coming. After that, Hendrix Farriss and Cooper Haws led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Georgey Taupin sang the national anthem, before the fireworks show commenced, putting a capper on another 4th of July holiday.

Mike Chaldu contributed to this story

Chantal Green chosen as executive director of Solvang Theaterfest

Santa Barbara native, Cabrillo High grad is familiar with theater as a staff member and patron

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

The new executive director of Solvang Theaterfest is Chantal Green, its former assistant director. She has been working for Solvang Theaterfest for the past three years and is well acquainted with the inner workings of the organization.

Born in Santa Barbara and raised in Lompoc, Green attended Cabrillo High School and became deeply involved in sports, playing soccer, was on varsity track and enjoyed choir and drama. She attended Santa Barbara City College for two years then moved on to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where she graduated with a degree in restaurant resort management with a minor in business.

“I had a great childhood,” said Green. “I grew up camping at local beaches every summer, and played a lot of sports. My parents were both teachers; my dad taught history at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School for 35 years, and my mom was a kindergarten teacher in Lompoc who mainly taught English as a second language (ESL) classes for low-income students. Sadly, she passed away last year. She was originally from Chile and immigrated to the United States to escape from the socialist/communist political party in power at the time. I am fortunate to still have many relatives in Chile and have been able to visit them throughout the course of my life.”

After college Green moved back home to Lompoc.

“After graduating, I worked for Terravant Restaurant, first as wine club manager and house manager for four years and then went to the corporate offices in Buellton and worked as an executive assistant, transitioning into sales, marketing, and production management where I worked for 11 years,” said Green. “When Terravant

up and coming into Solvang to Theaterfest to watch so many plays. I can truly say that never once when entering Theaterfest did I ever think that one day I would be running it.”

However, Green emphasizes that running Theaterfest is a family affair. Her family is very involved in helping her to accomplish all that needs to be done. Her father is a Theaterfest sponsor and does everything from pouring drinks to grilling hot dogs. Her husband, Casey Birthisel, her partner of 18 years, and daughter Cali, 10, also volunteer their time and help her with whatever needs to be done. “They are always there for me,” she said.

After her recent promotion, Green is putting together a performers' lineup for next year.

“I am excited to put together my own 2025 season productions for Theaterfest, which will include the Queen cover band sometime next year and I have a lot of other exciting ideas that I hope will come to life,” she said. “One is ‘Movie Night’ at Solvang Theaterfest where we will be showing some cult movie classics like ‘The Princess Bride,’ among others. This year we are also going to do a Theaterfestival where the street in front of the theater will be closed to accommodate street vendors, games, jugglers — a really big event we hope to do on an annual basis.”

was sold, the new owners from back east didn’t see eye to eye with those of us who had been running the business for years, so we parted ways. That’s when I started working at Theaterfest.”

Green cites work ethic as one of her strongest traits.

“I’ve always been a self-starter,” she said. “If something needs to get done, I’m the one who always says, ’I’ll do it.’ That’s the way I’ve always been. To quote the old adage, ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person,’ and I seem to have always been the busiest person.

"When I was in school in Colorado

I worked at the Fort Collins Marriott Hotel and was in charge of organizing and preparing for the banquets that were daily events. It was a very hectic environment, which required being on my toes and in charge of most of the details. If a cake needed cutting, I would cut the cake — whatever I saw that needed to be done, I was on top of it. It’s just part of my nature, I guess, and I love entertaining.”

Green recalls as a youth attending many of the plays that PCPA staged at Theaterfest.

“My parents were always big supporters of the arts,” she said. “I remember dressing

Ashley Esdaile will be taking over Green's former position as the new assistant director of Solvang Theaterfest. She has been with Theaterfest for a year working as a bookkeeper. Green said that Esdaile is very versatile and eager to help with all the events. She does a lot of the ticketing set-up and processing, and marketing.

“We work well together and as a team we hope to make this theater an ongoing success and to incorporate new energy into the mix,” she said.

“We are always looking for people to join our volunteer program with the added benefit of seeing some great shows,” said Green. “If you're interested, just give us a call.”

For more information, visit www. solvangtheaterfest.org or call (805) 6861789 or info@solvangtheaterfest.org.

Ashley Esdaile is the new assistant director of Theaterfest, taking over new Executive Director Chantal Green's former position. Contributed Photos

Chantal Green is the new executive director of Solvang Theaterfest, being promoted from the venue's assistant director.

Because nature will blow your mind this October

take place at Camino Real Cinemas at the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta, being that it's the newly announced home of this year's festival.

This year's NatureTrack Film Festival poster will feature artwork by the late renowned local artist Chris Potter with a portrait of Potter's Point, the bluffs recently renamed in Potter's honor by the City of Goleta.

The poster was revealed by Potter's wife, Julie Beaumont Potter, on Thursday, July 11, at the El Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta, alongside NTFF Managing Director Gareth Kelly, and others.

“Chris and I have always loved to support local nonprofits,” said Beaumont Potter. “When the NatureTrack Film Festival reached out to me, it was an honor to have them use the portrait by Chris of his favorite spot for their poster. What Chris cherished the most was nature!”

It was fitting for the poster reveal to

“We couldn't think of a better image for this year's poster than Potter’s Point,” Kelly added. “We know Chris meant so much to the local community and we’re thrilled to honor his life and his work in this way.”

The sixth edition of the NatureTrack Film Festival takes place Oct. 11-13 and promises to be the biggest and best yet with a record number of film submissions received from over 30 countries including world, U.S. and California premieres. The full film program will be announced in late August.

Notable sponsors for this year's festival include the Natalie Orfalea Foundation, Yardi, UCLA Health, El Rancho Marketplace, the City of Goleta, Go Goleta, Visit SB, Cox Communications, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Mechanics Bank.

NatureTrack is also looking forward to the recently announced NatureTrack Foundation Summer Screening Series at El Cap-

itan State Campground Amphitheater. Early Bird All-Access VIP Passes are on sale now for the NTFF.

Perks of VIP Passes include;

Priority seating at The El Capitan Summer Screening Series (July 6-Aug. 14)

Priority entry to the Film Festival Opening & Closing Night

Priority entry to all film screenings

Access to all festival parties and panels

Access to VIP Festival Lounge

Festival swag bag

With the goal to "Ignite Passion for Nature Through Film," the 2024 festival will showcase over 50 films from around the world that focus on nature, share a passion for environmental stewardship, and celebrate outdoor adventure. The festival will feature an opening night party, filmmaker panels, tributes, special guests, and more!

For more information about the festival, including film submissions, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales, please visit the newly revamped website: www. naturetrackfilmfestival.org

The poster for this year's NatureTrack Film Festival features the work of late local artist Chris Potter, who recently had a group of bluffs named in his honor. Contributed Photo

DRINK

Taste of Americana: Recipes for back to school

Barbie Butz Columnist

It’s hard to believe it’s almost August, the eighth month of the year. But I look at August as one more opportunity to celebrate summer before fall officially arrives on Sept. 22.

Since school starts this month for most school districts, why not throw a “Back to School” or an “Off to College” party for the students in your family?

Start a new tradition by writing out the menu and recipes for the kids who like to cook and someday they too, may throw a party for the next generation using your menu!

The recipes this month were found in a 2003 cookbook compiled by Professional Home Economics and Family and Consumer Science Teachers of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.

Bake ’n’ Take 4th of July BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

• 1 rack baby back pork ribs

• 3 cups apple juice

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 (16 ounce) jar barbecue sauce (your favorite)

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Directions:

Parboil ribs in apple juice, cider vinegar, and garlic powder for about 45 minutes. Place ribs in a 9×12 baking dish and cover with barbecue sauce, minced garlic, and brown sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Cut into serving-size portions. Serves 6-8

Whiskey Marinaded Steak with Roasted Onion Sauce

Ingredients: Marinade

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey

• 1/3 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon A-1 sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

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pepper. Roast on baking sheet 30 minutes or until soft. In a blender, combine roasted onion with remaining ingredients and blend into a sauce. Pour over barbecued steaks or serve on the side. Serves 4

Bourbon Chicken

Recipe from New Orleans Cajun Cooking School

Ingredients:

• 12 pieces chicken

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste

• 2 cups onion, chopped

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1 bunch scallions, chopped

• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

• 2 cups chicken stock, divided

• Dash Kitchen Bouquet

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 ounces bourbon

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 3 cups rice, cooked

• 2 teaspoons pepper, freshly ground

• 1 tablespoon red onion, minced

Directions:

Mix all marinade ingredients together. Place desired cut of steak in marinade and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight, if possible. Grill steaks and serve with onion sauce.

Ingredients: Roasted Onion Sauce

• 1 sweet onion, cut into 8 wedges

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2/3 cup beef broth

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 4 teaspoons cracked black pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat onion wedges with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake 45 minutes. Meanwhile, saute chopped onion in butter. Add scallions, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, Kitchen bouquet, and sugar, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add bourbon and cook 5 minutes more. Dissolve cornstarch in remaining 1/2 cup chicken stock and add to thicken the sauce. Pour sauce over chicken and return to oven. Bake 30 minutes more. Serve with rice. Serves 6

Note: Try substituting pork chops for the chicken. This is a great sauce to be creative with.

Happy August. Cheers!

NAME: ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP: TELEPHONE:

EMAIL: CREDIT CARD: EXPIRATION/CCV: SIGNATURE:

‘La Paulée’ combines old-world tradition with Santa Rita Hills new-world hospitality

The 2024 event will provide ample opportunities to toast Hitching Post’s Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini

Staff Report

Every winemaker and winegrower believes a bottle is meant to be shared; shared with each other and guests, with food and most importantly around the table. For centuries, the vignerons and workers of Burgundy commemorated the end of harvest with a celebration called “La Paulée.” It’s the modern-day version of “BYOB” where winemakers and guests share a special bottle to be enjoyed together — wine, a meal, conversation, camaraderie, “joie de vivre”!

In the spirit of Burgundy’s legendary harvest celebrations, La Paulée has become a cherished tradition at the annual Wine & Fire celebration in Sta. Rita Hills. Guests and winemakers gather together to share wine, stories and a meal in an intimate, yet casual, setting. Though

celebrating before harvest rather than after may be a break in tradition, it’s an event not to be missed.

This pre-harvest banquet will be held Aug. 16 at Babcock Winery during the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance “Wine and Fire” weekend. The evening kicks off with a sparkling wine reception, setting the tone for a night

dedicated to celebrating the joy of wine, food, and friendship. The evening lauds Vintners of the Year Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley, whose remarkable contributions to the winemaking community, particularly through Hitching Post wines, have left an indelible mark. High on the Hog catering will create a delicious BBQ dinner to follow the reception, as appropriate for

the gentlemen behind Hitching Post wines. Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance member wineries will host tables and bring wines in the La Paulée tradition, and guests are encouraged (but not required!) to bring their special bottles to share as well. Wines shared do not need to be from Sta. Rita Hills, or even Pinot Noir. Adding as a Sideways twist, the first Hitching Post wine made in Frank’s garage was a Merlot!

The event is wine country casual with lots of mingling and table hopping. There are sure to be plenty of stories told as Frank and Gray are honored and presented with the Vintners of the Year award.

Tickets to La Paulée are available on the event website at https://www.staritahills.com/ wine-and-fire-2024, with early bird pricing available until July 15.

The Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance is a nonprofit 501(c)6 trade organization formed in 2001 to promote and educate the vineyards and wineries of this unique American Viticultural Area.

Gray Hartley (left) and Frank Ostini of Hitching Post Wines will be the guests of honor at the “La Paulée” celebration on Aug. 16. Contributed Photo

Linda Johansen’s

TRAVEL 75th birthday

affair

Local traveler

and philanthropist

got to enjoy a trip to Ireland and quality time with her new grandson was a family

By Pamela Dozois and Linda Johansen

“There is something to be said about turning 75 that feels a bit like liberation,” said Linda Johansen, world traveler and local philanthropist.

“My birthday wish was to go on a family vacation with my immediate family of six including my only grandchild Canon, who was 6 months old. I told my children they could pick out any destination they wanted and the stipulation was, that I was not going to make any arrangements for the trip at all, because that has been my career for over 50 years,” said Johansen. “I relayed again to them that I didn’t want to be responsible for one thing except paying the bill and handing over my credit card when the time was right!”

Her sons and daughter-in-law agreed and invested countless hours and months in the planning.

“They decided Ireland was the perfect spot for us because we all love beer, especially Guinness, whiskey, and fresh seafood,” said Johansen. “My youngest son and wife were scheduled to attend a wedding outside of Dublin as well so that all figured into the choice of venue. So, from Jan. 16, which is my actual birthday, up until the day before we left on our trip, my youngest son Adam and his wife Mariah were attending to trip details along with suggestions from my son Erik.”

The Johansens set out on their journey to Ireland, but not without a minor delay inconvenience.

“Because of the Memorial Day weekend, travel was difficult and unreliable at best,” Linda said. “We opted to leave Santa Barbara Airport at 5:15 a.m. That meant we shuttled to the Santa Barbara Airport at 3 a.m., which was not optimal but it gave us the assurance of not misconnecting with our flight to Dublin. Thank heavens the kids changed the flight as it was over three hours late that day.”

However, once the trip started, it was a great experience.

“What a wonderful belated 75th birthday celebration! Two weeks in Ireland in May!,” Johansen said. “It was truly magical and wonderful from start to finish and the kids did an amazing job at coordinating all the specific details of the trip.”

And the weather mostly cooperated, also.

Johansen talked about her family’s stay in Dublin with enthusiasm.

“We stayed in the lovely Leonardo Hotel in Dublin where we bunked for two nights in three separate rooms,” she said. “We enjoyed a few pubs that the kids had researched for having awesome Guinness, Irish beer, and whiskey. We enjoyed amazing Irish stew at the

Brazen Head restaurant in

Special to the Santa Ynez Valley Star

In Galway, Ireland, shown from left, are Linda Johansen, baby Canon, Mariah, Danny, and Erik. Not pictured is Adam, who is taking the picture.

the Temple Bar neighborhood close to our hotel and loved delicious coddle at Hairy Lemons as well as visiting the Christchurch Abbey, which was directly across the street from our hotel, and was the beautiful view from my room.”

Their next stop was Galway about a 2½ hour drive from Dublin.

“Once we navigated out of Dublin, the roads were easier and the scenery was so beautiful,” said Johansen. “We stopped at Sean’s Bar in Athlone, which is the oldest bar in Ireland and possibly the world’s oldest operating bar recorded for 1,000 years. We tossed back a few pints enjoying all the staff, other guests, and the amazing memorabilia.

“After a short drive from Athlone, we stopped for lunch at Moran’s Oyster Cottage, outside of Galway, established in the 1760s. They specialize in seafood and we practically ordered one of everything. It was the most incredible meal.”

After that Johansen got a special treat.

“In Galway we had our first spacious and lovely VRBO rental for two nights. We visited the Spanish Arch and a few castles and got to experience my first birthday surprise that the kids arranged and paid for themselves.

We had a 15-minute drive on the outskirts of Galway to Glenlo Abbey for my surprise high noon champagne and tea luncheon that was absolutely incredible,” said Johansen. “We all enjoyed it so much and it was such a lovely surprise and something I really enjoy experiencing when I’m traveling. It was a stunning former castle converted into a five-star property.”

En route to Killarney from Galway, they had lunch at The Ivy Cottage and then visited the imposing Cliffs of Moher.

“I don’t care how many times I have seen them, they are absolutely stunning and again our day was bright blue skies but windy as always hiking to the cliffs. You simply can’t come to Ireland without visiting the Cliffs of Moher,” she advised.

A good time was had by all in Killarney.

“The boys went golfing at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, and Mariah, Canon, and I experienced the carriage ride through the stunning Killarney National Park to the Castle,” Johansen said.

The family enjoyed their day at another Irish village later.

“The boys had a distillery tour at Dingle, an hour or so from Killarney so Mariah, Canon

and I walked the very charming seaport village and went to the quaint local aquarium at the edge of the town. Dingle was one of the most picturesque villages, so charming and one I hadn’t visited before,” Johansen said.

Leaving Killarney en route to Cork, the group stopped off at Blarney Castle, where the famous Blarney Stone is located.

“The Blarney Castle and grounds are so lovely. This is another point of interest in Ireland that you shouldn’t miss. The history behind Blarney Castle is fascinating, and the lore of kissing the Blarney Stone which has been done for over 200 years, is powerful,” said Johansen. “However, once your trek the inside of the dark, steep stairwells, to get to the Blarney Stone, and see what you have to do to kiss it, you are good with doing it just once. You have to get down on your back and lean back over the wall to kiss the stone upside down to receive the powers of the gift of eloquence.”

It was back to Dublin for their last two nights in Ireland and Johansen’s final birthday surprise.

“Our last two nights were spent in Dublin, and my last surprise was a tour of Bru Na Boinne, Newgrange, and Knowth, which

are UNESCO-recognized prehistoric monuments in the Boyne Valley,” she said. “It was incredible and we were able to enter a passageway to a chamber where the light would shine in to illuminate it during winter solstice for the Neolithic people in Ireland. That was a fascinating tour.”

Looking back, Johansen considered it a pretty smooth trip.

“Travel isn’t for the faint at heart I will say, when it goes well it is just amazing, but when it falls apart, you are definitely on your own, so you’d better know how navigate it all and what your rights are as a passenger for the airline on which you are traveling,” warned Johansen.

“I was so grateful that on this trip, I did nothing at all except to present my credit card,” she added, laughing. “I was just a fellow passenger and it was so nice.

“Also, I would like to point out in my new role as a first-time grandmother at 75, it isn’t easy, but by far the most important thing in my life compared to having my own boys,” said Johansen.

NOTE: This is a shortened version of the story. The entire original story can be found on www. santaynezvalleystar.com

Linda Johansen and family saw several unforgettable sights in Ireland. Contributed Photos

southern end of Cachuma Mountain, and west of Los Padres National Forest areas

• All areas from Figueroa Mountain Road at Junction Camp (including Tunnel Rd) to Chamberlin Ranch and all areas from Zaca Lake Road at Foxen Canyon Road north to the Sisquoc River including east of Foxen Canyon Road to the 9000 block. Areas under an Evacuation Warning as of July 11 are:

• Area east of Kelly Canyon, north of Sisquoc River, west of La Brea Creek and Forest Route 10N06, and south of the Los Padres National Forest.

• Area starting at the south end of Cachuma Creek, northeast of Santa Cruz Creek to Santa Cruz Peak, west through Grand Spring, and to the northern part of Cachuma Creek.

• Area east and north of Alisos Rd (L-shaped road), west of Cachuma Creek, and south of the US Forest Service entrance at Happy Canyon Road.

• Area east of Highway 154, north of Armour Ranch Road/Secretariate St, west of Alisos Rd, and south of the Woodstock area.

• Areas north of Zaca Creek Road to Rancho Sisquoc and south of the Sisquoc River

• Area east of Figueroa Mountain Road, north of Highway 154, west of Calzada Ave/W Oak Trail Rd and south of Woodstock Rd.

A shelter had been set up at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall at 1745 Mission Drive in Solvang, but the American Red Cross closed the shelter on Thursday.

“We determined that the need was not there for the shelter at the moment, but have all the

BUELLTON

voters on Nov. 5.

The first is Measure C, which would amend the city’s General Plan to expand the Urban Growth Boundary, give the city the option to extend the city limits up to 123 acres.

“Passing this measure will allow to keep control on what can be built in this city,” King said. “Mainly, so we can keep control and prevent anyone from building any high-rises here.”

The second is Measure D, which would increase the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 12 percent to 14 percent. The tax, of course, would be levied on those stay-

personnel ready to go to open up a shelter again if conditions warrant it,” said Taylor Poisall, regional communications director for the Red Cross. She said that shelter had hosted one overnight evacuee, and five that had come in for various services but did not stay overnight.

Anyone impacted by the Lake Fire and needing sheltering assistance can call the Red Cross at (805) 678-3073, or those who need any additional information can call the Santa Barbara County Call Center at (805)

The area the fire originated from is approximately 15 miles north of Los Olivos and approximately 20 miles east of Los Alamos. The blaze was also getting closer to the former Neverland Ranch, which was Michael Jackson’s residence, and the Midland and SYV Family schools.

The fire is apparent to residents, visitors, and businesses in Los Olivos, the nearest town to the fire, but there have been no evacuations warning according to residents, although information has been posted to a portable bulletin board sitting on the corner of Grand Avenue and Alamo Pintado Avenue.

“We can see the smoke and the firefighters around town, but we haven’t had any warnings yet,” said a Los Olivos resident who was checking out the information on the board and chose not to be identified. “I’m just going about my day like everyone else here. I guess I’m just like Nero — fiddling while the area burns.”

Over at the Firestone Walker Brewing Company, two patrons at the bar said they haven’t gotten any evacuation warnings, but it has affected their work.

Terry Albrecht, who is a contractor said he had equipment he couldn’t get to because its stored in Woodstock, one of the evacuation areas.

ing in Buellton’s hotels.

“This is not going to be paid by the residents of the City of Buellton. This would be people that come to visit here and stay in our hotels,” said the mayor, who pointed out that the increase would give the city an additional $600,000 a year.

At the end of last year’s State of the City address, King summed up his speech with his answer to how Buellton’s doing, saying “Damn good.” This year, he replaced that answer with “Better than ever.”

The State of the City event was marked by the annual announcement of two awards: the Beautification Award and the Vincent B. Evans Award.

The Beautification Award is given to a local business that, in the words of event emcee

“I can’t get up there to get my tools because that’s the fire area,” he said. “So we’re just taking it easy here.”

Albrecht, who lives in Buellton, and his co-worker Tom Reviea, of Los Olivos, said they haven’t heard any indications of an evacuation.

“I think we’ll be fine,” Reviea said. “They have trees and grass that burn efficiently, but no chaparral, which tends to be a bigger problem with fires like that.”

Although evacuations haven’t been ordered, the fire is affecting business at Firestone Walker, according to employee Sherri Bjorklund.

“We’ve had our business practically cut in half,” Bjorklund said. “However, the firefighters have been really good at updating us on conditions, and the info they gave us today looked good as far as them making progress.”

Meanwhile, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Watch for Santa Barbara Coun-

and Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland “is awarded to the business that ... has just put a lot into their business to beautify it, to make it look nice, and to just make us proud.”

She then presented the award to Vega Vineyards, located on Santa Rosa Road in Buellton. Vega owners Jimmy and Karen Loizides were on hand to accept the award.

“Thank you so much for this. This means a lot to us because we have put our heart and soul into it,” said Jimmy Loizides. “We’ve put everything we have and we owned into this property, so it’s been a labor of love that seems to be working.”

Next, the Vincent B. Evans Award, given to “recognize an individual in this community who has given all of themselves and re-

ty to be in effect until conditions improve, and Santa Ynez Valley was added to the watch on Thursday.

The firefighting efforts are under the Unified Command with California Complex Incident Management Team 13, led by Incident Commander Joshua Boehm, and including USFS Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara County Fire and Cal Fire, according to LPNF officials. Cooperators working on this incident include Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Management, Santa Barbara County Department of Public Works, the Chumash Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol, and California Office of Emergency Services.

More information on the fire and evacuations can be found at www.countyofsb. org/4275/Lake-Fire-Incident---July-5-2024 or by calling the Santa Barbara County Call Center at (833) 688-5551.

The Santa Ynez Valley Star will continue to update this story.

ally carries Buellton in their heart,” according to Vreeland. The award is named after Vincent B. Evans, who owned Pea Soup Andersen’s restaurant and was a pillar in the community.

Buellton City Councilmember John Sanchez was named the recipient of the award. Before serving on the City Council and a number of city committees and organizations, Sanchez spent 37 years as an employee of the city.

“I’m really honored to get this, because when I came to Buellton, I had people tell me stories about Vincent B. Evans,” Sanchez said. “They told me Evans really changed Buellton, and to have my name on this award and be a part of that history is something.”

A Chinook helicopter takes off from Santa Ynez Airport to fight the Lake Fire on Thursday, July 11. Photo by Mike Chaldu

Solvang’s 4th of July Parade Highlights

EVENTS

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

TUESDAY, JULY 16

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

Betteravia Government Administration Building, 511 Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria For more info: countyofsb.org

NOTE: After this meeting, the Board of Supervisors will be on recess until Tuesday, Aug. 20

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

SANTA YNEZ COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, 5:30 P.M.

At Community Services District Building, 1070 Faraday St. For more info: sycsd.com

THURSDAY, JULY 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

MONDAY, JULY 22

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30 P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang For more info: cityofsolvang.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

LOS ALAMOS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, 6 P.M.

At LACSD Board Room, 82 Saint Joseph St., Los Alamos For more info: losalamoscsd.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M.

At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton For more info: cityofbuellton.com

MONDAY, AUG. 5

SOLVANG PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang For more info: cityofsolvang.com

EVENTS

THURSDAY, JULY 18

'BLOOD FROM A STONE' BOOK SIGNING AND WINE TASTING, 6 TO 8 P.M.

Join us at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House for the "Blood from a Stone" book signing, author talk, wine tasting, and more.

6 p.m.: Wine tasting, popcorn bar, and more! Featuring wineries: Story of Soil, Dragonette, Future Perfect, Artiste, Seagrape, and Cote of Paint. 7 to 8 p.m.: Author Talk by Adam McHugh, featuring Q&As and book signings.

Adam McHugh’s new book, "Blood from a Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought me Back from the Dead," tells his story alongside the 200-year story of wine in Santa Barbara County. Men’s Journal included it in its Best Wine Books of 2023. The Andre Simon Book Awards in London named it one of the year’s best food and wine books.

At Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House, 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez

For tickets and more info: www. santaynezmuseum.org/adammchugh-book-signing/

SOLVANG THEATERFEST: 'THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG,' 8 P.M. (EIGHT SHOWS THROUGH JULY 28)

The PCPA production "The Play That Goes Wrong" is an Olivier Award-winning smash hit farce and global phenomenon that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter! Welcome

to opening night of the Comley University Drama Society‘s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to disastrous. Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes. Play runs through Sunday, July 14, and then Thursdays through Sundays until July 28. Play by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields

At the Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang

For tickets and more info: pcpa. org/events/the-play-that-goeswrong-solvang-2024-07-12-800pm/seats

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 20-21

FOXEN

CANYON WINE TRAIL MARKET CRAWL

Join us July 20-21 for a collaborative artisan experience along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail! Weekend includes 11 vineyards, 11 makers markets, 80-plus vendors, live music, yummy food, wine specials, free yoga classes, DIY activities, spa treatments, free kids craft at each vineyard, book signings, giveaways, and much more. This is a free event for the entire community to attend, andalso pet-friendly. Select activities, food, wine etc will be available for purchase. It’s one for the books. For more info: www.popupproject. org/?mc_cid=56914e0ef1&mc_ eid=cb709d44a8

SATURDAY, JULY 20

historic 1891 Barn. Grab your friends and come for live music, a sumptuous barbecue with all the fixin’s and, of course, plenty of wines from Gainey and Evan’s Ranch Vineyards. Magnum prizes will be awarded for best boots, hats, and buckles for female and male. Cost is $72 for Wine Club members, $90 for non-members. At Gainey Estates Vineyards, 3950 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez For tickets and more info: shop. gaineyvineyard.com/low-country-hoedown-july-20th-p302. aspx

SUNDAY, JULY 21

CALIFORNIA NATURE ART MUSEUM & COMMUNITY CLAYWORKS, 3 TO 5 P.M.

Join an art workshop, creating bee baths for the home garden. Participants will learn to sculpt an open, flat flower with elevated petals throughout to create safe landing spots for the bees, as well as paint their pieces with colorful underglazes. Completed bee baths will be taken back to the Community Clayworks studio for firing and clear glazing, and approximately two weeks later, will be available for pick up in-person at the museum or can be shipped by request (for an additional fee).

The class fee for this workshop is $55 for (CalNAM) members and $65 for (CalNAM) non-members, per participant, all supplies included. Advance registration is required, 16 attendees max. This class is best suited for ages 15 and over.

Tickets can be purchased at crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_151c3146-9973-11e7-afbe-024e165d44b3&WidgetId=423230464.

FRIDAY, JULY 26

LIVE recreates the electrifying stage show of one of the greatest performers of all time. From iconic dance moves like the moonwalk to timeless hits like “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” and “Beat It,” the spot-on show brings all the Gloved One’s staples to life. Dance and sing along during the special Jackson 5 segment featuring classics like “I’ll Be There,” “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and more. Dazzling lighting and effects, plus the MJ LIVE dancers and a live band, make this show a truly spectacular fitting of the King of Pop. Tickets prices are $35, $45, and $50.

At Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez For tickets and more info: www. chumashcasino.com/entertainment

SATURDAY, JULY 27

ARTISAN'S MARKET, 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

Artisans Market PARc Place in Solvang happens on the Last Saturday of every month. PARc Place, is located in the heart of downtown Solvang, directly across from Solvang Park, and offers a variety of wine-tasting rooms, artisanal cheese, gelato, and boutique retail shopping in a sunny interior courtyard.

There is a newly renovated beer taproom adjacent to the parking lot.

At PARc Place, 1623 Mission Drive, Solvang

SUNDAY, JULY 28

MUSIC IN THE GARDEN: LAO TIZER BAND FEATURING ERIC MARIENTHAL, 3 P.M.

LOW COUNTRY HOEDOWN, 4 TO 8 P.M.

Gainey Estates Vineyards hosts its third annual Hoedown at its

MJ LIVE, MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT, 8 P.M.

As the No. 1 Michael Jackson tribute show in the world, MJ

"Jazz Group of the Year” nominee The Lao Tizer Band feat Eric Marienthal make their debut at Solvang Festival Theater’s “Music In The Garden” series in support of their forthcoming Summer 2024 album and video release "Amplify." Joining Lao for the concert are Grammy-winning sax legend Eric Marienthal (Chick

Gainey Estates Vineyards will be hosting its Low Country Hoedown on July 20. Contributed Photo

Corea, Rippingtons), American Idol star Elliott Yamin, drum phenom Tony Austin (Kamasi Washington) and Rolling Stone 2022 Bassist of the Year nominee, Anthony Crawford (Alan Holdsworth, Erykah Badu). Please join us as the group takes you on a high-energy musical ride through a variety of flavors and styles with an allstar cast of musicians in this beautiful Summer setting.

At Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang

For tickets/more info: solvangtheaterfest. org/show-details/the-lao-tizer-band-feateric-marienthal

THURSDAY, AUG. 1

'ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL' EXHIBIT, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

This August brings visitors to Gallery Los Olivos with new paintings from local artists’ Sheryl Knight and Linda Mutti. The two accomplished painters bring art lovers to colorful landscapes and the beloved scenery of California with the new exhibit. Both Central Coast women are award-winning and will be sharing their works at the Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Aug. 1-31.

Knight and Mutti have been painting together for more than a decade. While remaining good friends they both have explored their passion for capturing beauty on linen and paper using multiple forms of expression with mediums including plein air painting with oils, pastels, and gouache. At Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos

For more info: www.gallerylosolivos.com

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) 6884214

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 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

MUSIC IN THE PARK SERIES, 5 TO 8 P.M.

Come down to Solvang Park for the annual Music in the Park, presented by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, a family-friendly event to entertain locals and tourists on those nice summer nights. Held Wednesday, bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets & baskets with food you’ve prepared, or enjoy a tasty meal from a Solvang restaurant nearby.

JULY 17: Sound Investment — From classic rock to pop hits through the decades to the occasional country crossover, we’re the band that plays music that makes you want to DANCE.

JULY 24: Christian and Company — Christian Love, the son of Beach Boys founding member and lead singer Mike

Love, is making waves in the music world with the release of his debut album, “Only Alibis.” With a distinctive blend of indie rock and pop, the emotion-fueled album is proof of Christian’s inimitable style and moving lyrics.

JULY 31: Nataly Lola & Ghost Monster — Nataly Lola is a California award-winning singer-songwriter, composer and independent recording artist. She is enjoying considerable popularity while performing regularly at a large number of prestigious venues on California’s Central Coast. For over 15 years now, she has been singing her heart out while playing her guitar and ukulele, performing over 200 gigs per year.

At Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: solvangcc.com/events

SPORTS AND RECREATION

ONGOING PICKLEBALL, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M.

Pickleball — part Ping-Pong, 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: buelltonrec.com

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

The band Sound Investment will be playing at Solvang Park on July 17, one of three acts playing through July during the Music in the Park series. Contributed Photo

Grand Finale Sponsor

City of Solvang

Active Military Sponsor

Santa Barbara County Veterans Foundation

Platinum

Visit Santa Ynez Valley

Buellton Visitors Bureau

C&D llp

Allan Hancock College

• The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

• Barca & Barca Financial Network

• Charlottes of Santa Ynez

• DMH Properties

• EVXP (My Electric Vehicle Experience)

• Mechanics Bank

• Pacific Beverage Company

Henry & Dundie Schulte

Childrens Free Admission Sponsor

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation

Trade Sponsors

Cal-Coast Machinery, Inc.

EVXP Electric Vehicles

Firestone - Walker Brewery

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

Nielsen Building Materials, Inc.

Rod and Hammer SLO Stills

• Brick Barn Winery

• El Rancho Market

• First Bank

• Hometown Insurance -Randy Jones

• Vreeland Ford Gold +

• Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital

• Kelly Hunziker (Edward Jones)

• US Bank