Santa Ynez Valley Star • March 7, 2023

Another Winter Storm Brings Some Snow to the Valley

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

After dealing with the January storms that caused flooding and a lot of other damage in the area, the Santa Ynez Valley, along with the rest of the Central Coast, dealt with another storm starting on Feb. 23. This one wasn't quite as damaging for the Valley, but it definitely had its challenges: Difficult driving conditions, power outages, and, yes, even snow.

Most notably, snow fell on San Marcos Pass on Highway 154 and got heavy enough for Caltrans to close the road Feb. 23 between the State Route 246 and 192 junctions between 12:43 and 2:40 p.m. A California Highway Patrol report said that 30 to 40 vehicles were stuck in the snow at 12:50 p.m. Road and traffic conditions were also hazardous around Santa Barbara County: Highway 154 was closed temporarily again on Sunday due to a traffic collision. Highway 1 into Lompoc was closed last week because of erosion on the edge of

the road near Santa Rosa Road. Finally, traffic on Highway 101 got a little heavier because of the closure of the Grapevine on Interstate 5 due to the snow. However, that road was opened on Thursday.

Meanwhile, much of the Santa Ynez Valley lost power on Friday, Feb. 24, with some stores reportedly having to close temporarily until power was restored in the afternoon.

As far as rainfall, the local areas picked up quite a bit in the 24 hours between 8 a.m. Feb. 24 and 8 a.m. Feb. 25. Totals showed Buellton with 2.84 inches in that span (4.13 for the storm overall), Los Alamos with 3.40 (5.73), and Santa Ynez with 3.92 (5.52). Cachuma Dam picked up 5.38 inches in that 24 hours (7.33 for the storm), which necessitated a release from Bradbury Dam of 25,000 cubic

feet per second of water. The release brought about a rare site: A free-flowing Santa Ynez River all the way through Lompoc.

The storm subsided by Thursday, March 2, and the forecast is in the 60s and partly cloudy through this week.

Meanwhile, the Santa Ynez Valley Association of REALTORS® and the Santa Barbara Association

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San Marcos Pass on Highway 154 is shown covered with snow on Feb. 23 after the road was closed between State Route junctions 246 and 192. Photo Courtesy of Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire

Road closures, power outages also part of the package

Roof Catches Fire at Pea Soup Andersen's Restaurant

Santa Barbara County Fire crews were able to confine and put out a small fire that started on the roof of the Pea Soup Andersen's restaurant in Buellton just after midnight on Monday, Feb. 27.

According to Scott Safechuck of County Fire, flames were seen on the roof of the restaurant, located at 310 Ave. of Flags, by a passerby, who called 911 at approximately 11:40 on Sunday night. County Fire responded and confined fire to the southwest corner of the roof exterior and had it knocked down at 12:02 a.m. Monday, according to Safechuck.

The fire did not affect the Pea Soup Andersen's Inn hotel next door and no injuries reported. A restaurant employee who answered the phone Monday said the business was not affected either and was open for business. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Solvang Now Enforcing Against Prohibited Sign Types

The City of Solvang on March 1 started enforcing the 29 sign types that are listed as prohibited in the Solvang Municipal Code (found online at library.qcode.us/lib/solvang_ ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_11-chapter_13-11_13_5.

The city hired Community Service Officer Jennifer Calbillo, who will be working in the evenings, and on weekends and holidays. She is spent her first month going to each business to introduce herself, according to the city. According to the city, the prohibited signs seen the most in Solvang are portable commercial signs, like the sandwich board signs or A-frame signs, and neon or LED signs, which are not allowed in the Village Area except for specific situations like vacancy signs for ho-

NEWS BRIEFS

tels. Businesses will receive two warnings and then will be issued violations with citations.

Fifth Annual NatureTrack Film Festival Scheduled for October

The dates have been announced for the fifth annual NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF), a festival curated with a focus on nature and outdoor-related films.

This year the festival returns Oct. 6-8 with new co-directors, addition of a development director to the team, and a new location — Metropolitan’s Fairview Theatre in Goleta.

With the tagline "Igniting Passion for Nature Through Film," The program will include both feature-length and short films in a wide variety of genres and subjects including documentary, narrative, animation, experimental, conservation, outdoors adventure, student films, and more.

Sue Eisaguirre, founder and executive director of NatureTrack Foundation, announced the festival dates on Feb. 22. In addition to the three-day festival in Goleta, NTFF will screen the award-winning films in Los Olivos, where the festival all began, for a "Best of the Fest" one-day event the following weekend. Location for this event will be announced soon.

Leading the emerging film festival are the new Festival Directors, Mitchka Saberi and Francisco Lopez, and new Development Director Gareth Kelly.

Film submissions are open now on filmfreeway.com. The early deadline for submissions was March 5, and submissions will stay open until the last deadline of June 30th.

Clean Air Express Schedule Started on March 1; Early Trip Restored

Good news for Clean Air Express starting March 1. Thanks to feedback from customers, an early trip between Santa Maria, Buellton,

and downtown Santa Barbara will be restored. The new trip arrives downtown Santa Barbara before 7 a.m. and departs just after 4 p.m.

Additionally, pickup times for Santa Maria/Buellton routes serving Santa Barbara and Goleta will be adjusted to improve on-time performance.

Customers are strongly encouraged to visit www.cleanairexpress.com to view the new schedule and March 1 service adjustments.

Isabella Escobedo of Santa Ynez Makes Dean's List at Emerson College for Fall 2022

BOSTON — Emerson College student

Isabella Escobedo of Santa Ynez earned Dean's List honors for the fall 2022 semester.

The requirement to make Dean's List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for that semester.

Escobedo is majoring in media arts production and is a member of the Class of 2023.

Emerson College is a private school based in Boston. The College has approximately 4,161 undergraduates and 554 graduate students from across the United States and nearly 70 countries. For more

information, visit emerson.edu.

Santa Maria Strawberry Festival Seeks Vendors

SANTA MARIA – Plans for the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival are underway, and is seeking vendors for the event on April 28-30. If you are a vendor, a performer, or an artist then be sure to mark your calendars.

The Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival is a celebration of Santa Barbara County’s number one commodity. Attendees can expect the traditional favorites including carnival rides, strawberry tasting, and the children’s coloring contest. The festival is welcoming all businesses, big and small, to share their goods and services with an audience of tens of thousands of shoppers. The Center Stage is an opportunity to shine like a star. Performances are scheduled from noon until 10 p.m. daily. If you sing, dance, juggle, or can make a rabbit appear out of a hat be sure to fill out a performance application.

A new addition to this year’s Strawberry Festival is a Chalk Festival! The Fairpark is

Solvang City Council Denies Banners, Colored Crosswalks for Pride Month

Public comment split on proposal by founders of Rainbow House nonprofit

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

In an item that elicited a good amount of public comment, the Solvang City Council voted to deny a proposal to display pride banners and rainbow-colored crosswalk on two of the city’s intersections to mark Pride Month in June as well as the second Pride Parade and Festival in Solvang on June 24.

During the regular council meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, Kiel Cavalli asked the council to approve his request to have pride banners hung on the city streetlights and the crosswalks on two Copenhagen Drive intersections (1st and 2nd streets) to be painted in rainbow colors during the month of June.

Kiel Cavalli and his husband Matthew are founders of the Rainbow House nonprofit and own the children’s toy shop ONEderChild at Copenhagen and 2nd Street.

The decision facing the council about the proposal was whether the pride banner is allowed under the city’s Banner Policy, which reads: “The purpose of the Streetlight Banner Program is to assist in the advertising and promotion of destinations or events that support tourism in the City of Solvang. Approved as part of the Streetlight Banner Program are City of Solvang sponsored “Special Events” and designs promoting Solvang’s Danish theme. This program is NOT intended to support political or religious purposes or purposes

primarily involving private financial gain that do not promote tourism or the City of Solvang.”

Public Works Director Rodger Olds told the council the issue was “Is this proposal for promoting tourism for Solvang? Can it be defined to support political or religious views? We feel it is promoting the city?”

Councilmember Robert Clarke pointed out the the applicants sold pride flags in their store, which could be considered against the "financial gain" part of the policy.

Councilmember Claudia Orona asked Olds what other banners have been placed on the streetlights, and Olds ran off a list of entities, including city events like Julefest and the Scarecrow festivals, but also the Elverhoj Museum and PCPA.

In public comments, Kiel Cavalli, the applicant, was the first to speak, explaining his reasons for the request.

"Your approval of the banners and crosswalks would send a message to the community and beyond that the city of Solvang sees us, hears us and supports us," he said.

After Cavalli spoke, Jessie Bengoa was next at the podium to express her opposition at the proposal. Describing herself as a brand marketing executive, local property owner and fifth-generation Solvang resident, Bengoa focused on Solvang's identity.

"I am not here in any capacity whatsoever to judge or admonish the LGBTQ+ community, and I think that's important to say," she said. "That said, our town has a culture, it has a heritage. We have a brand that's unique. It's the first rule of branding to know who you are and unwaveringly stick to it. You don't confuse, you don't divide, you don't alienate visitors or potential visitors by suddenly waging a woke cam -

paign that not inclusive — it's divisive."

Damian Kriteman, who said he's Solvang resident since 2012, was also opposed to the idea on many fronts, claiming that it is a political declaration and sets a precedent for other political causes, the applicant has much to gain financially from it, and it can bring civil lawsuits.

"This application fails every policy in place," he said. "There is no choice but to deny."

Speaker Charlotte Becerra brought up another issue, this one having to do with the colored crosswalks: They could spook the horses that sometimes come through town, and the horses that drive the Solvang Trolley.

"Horses don't have detailed eyesight; they could see the stripes and balk," said Becerra, whose husband Ramon is a noted local horseman. "If horses are spooked and someone is injured, who is liable?"

Among those supporting the proposal was Pastor Chris Brown of Bethania Lutheran Church, who reacted to some of the comments from speakers before.

"I'm hearing some comments, and we can talk about Solvang being a welcoming place," Brown said. "But just last year, a couple of young individuals took two pride flags down and the filmed themselves burning them and saying that was gay people's futures. So we can't say Solvang is a welcoming place when our own citizens are making it feel dangerous for a portion of our society. It is important for us to show that we see people who historically have not been seen."

David Silva, who spoke after his husband Jason Stone, disagreed with the idea the pride symbols were a political statement.

"My existence is not a politicial statement; it's who I am," Silva said. "I have a

right to exist, and I have a chance to say Solvang stands with its gay community; we spend money, we're here."

As the issue moved back to council, Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth Orona wondered if the crosswalk modificiations could be made at intersections where horses wouldn't necessarily walk by.

"Come back with a different location," she said. "Reapply where it's not a safety issue with the horses or trolley."

Councilmember Claudia Orona said she believed the banner policy should be looked at.

"Banners promoting Solvang events are fine," she said. "I don't think it falls under political, but banners like PCPA or Wildling [which have been displayed] aren't expressly for the city."

Ultimately, Clarke, Mayor Mark Infanti, and Councilmember Dave Brown decided that the proposal wasn't in line with the policy.

"The proposal, the symbolism doesn't advance what you think it does," Brown said in making a motion to deny. "I don’t think it meets the tourism and economic advantage it claims."

Clarke seconded Brown's motion after taking issue with public comments saying that Solvang wasn't a welcoming community.

"When people want to disparage this town; I take offense to that," said Clarke, who noted he voted to approve last year's pride parade. "This is the friendliest God d--- town I've ever been in. Everybody is welcoming to everybody."

The motion to deny passed 3-2, with Elizabeth and Claudia Orona both dissenting.

The next Solvang City Council meeting will be Monday, March 13, at 6 p.m.

Re-Commissioning Diablo Canyon

By Blake Ashley Frino-Gerl

Last year it was acknowledged that Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant would not decommission its units by 2025 but rather be relicensed through at least 2030.

Pursuing the extension of the plant’s operations is due to the California Energy Commission determining the extension will "improve statewide electric system reliability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while additional renewable energy and carbon-free resources come online,” according to Suzanne Hosn, Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications at PG&E.

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel was convened by PG&E as a volunteer, non-regulatory group to engage and encourage open public communication through involvement and education. The organization is to engage with the community, and the public has taken the initiative to learn — both good and bad. The public “was informed of a crack in a weld causing a leak in the Unit 2 reactor coolant system that was discovered in October 2022 and reported to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in December 2022,” as stated in the comment area on diablocanyonpanel.org. The website states that PG&E claims the cause of the weld defect was fatigue.

In addition to the facilities needing updates, it is within 12 miles of a fault line. If an earthquake occurs without those safety upgrades, it is unknown what ramifications could occur.

A petition was created by the Mothers For Peace, Friends of the Earth, and Environmental Working Group organizations in opposition to a timely renewal of licenses. Renewal applications are supposed to be

submitted at least five years before their licenses expire. While these groups want those involved to abide by the law, they oppose the safety and environmental hazards that they see correlating with the power plant. In the petition, found at fingfx.thomsonreuters. com, it states that the NRC should not violate the law “in considering whether to grant PG&E’s request for an exemption from the timely renewal rule” because of their ineligibility due to the risks.

The petition also states that the NRC has no legal validity to give PG&E an exemption that could allow Diablo Canyon to keep running with expired federal licenses. The NRC postponed a decision on the exemptions until March, according to ewg.org. Therefore, by requiring PG&E to submit an updated and complete relicensing application, it will be rest assured that the NRC has sufficient information to reach a determination.

According to ewg.org, PG&E has admitted that the application was severely outdated and could not be updated or completed until late 2023 — a year before Unit 1 reactor license expires. Reflecting on that makes it appear that PG&E may have to close Diablo Canyon when its licenses expire in fall 2024 for Unit 1 and spring 2025 for the Unit

2 reactor. Therefore, it will stay closed until the NRC approves a new license renewal application. The NRC also acknowledged that PG&E requested an exemption from regulations that would require the reactors to shut down in 2024 and 2025 unless the licenses had been renewed by then.

In contrast, the Biden administration, along with state and federal governments, support nuclear plants for their significant source of energy to curb climate change. In November, such support was demonstrated when the U.S. Department of Energy approved funding of up to $1.1 billion to prevent closure of Diablo Canyon through a $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit program focused at helping struggling nuclear power reactors stay open.

As of now, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) still shows that the Unit 1’s license expires Nov. 2, 2024, and Unit 2 license ends Aug. 26, 2025. According to NRC Sr. Public Affairs Officer

Victor Dricks, PG&E has not filed a license

renewal application with the NRC. Hosn says PG&E requested that the NRC staff resume review of the License Renewal Application (LRA) previously filed in 2009 and suspended in 2016, or issue an exemption allowing the plant to operate until the NRC completes its review of a new LRA. On Jan. 24, NRC clarified the regulatory path will be for PG&E to submit a new LRA, but will be able to leverage previous work associated with the original license renewal application.

“PG&E intends to submit a new application by the end of 2023,” Hosn says. They are developing application materials and supporting documents for the filing.

“PG&E is committed to complying with current legislative policy to ensure the State of California has the option to keep DCPP online past the current expiration date of the licenses to ensure electricity reliability as California continues toward its clean energy future,” Hosn adds. Licenses need to be renewed to keep the DCPP running, so it just appears that the clock is ticking.

The Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant wants to be relincensed through at least 2030, instead of being decommissioned by 2025.. Reuters Photo

The power plant awaits its relicensing from the NRC

By L ee Pitts Columnist

Tmyself, or in this case, owned me, was the meanest show steer in existence I named him Abe in honor of my idol Abraham Lincoln, and I want to take this opportunity to apologize to our 16th President for desecrating his name in such a manner.

Abe was an Angus steer my teacher picked out for me and I learned my lesson right there to never let another person buy livestock for me, and in 40 years of trading cattle, I never did.

I don't want any Angus breeders getting

A One Man Steer

mad at me for implying that Angus have a disposition problem, but ancient Angus breeders will admit that Angus cattle 50 years ago could run a little 'hot' If there are any Angus breeders who question my loyalty to the breed may I remind them that ever y one of my show steers bought were four purebred Angus heifers and that I paraded all over by the time I was 17

Not only was Abe a bad actor, he was also a chronic bloater which meant I spent hours walking him until he released all the greenhouse gases bottled up inside him. And believe me, Abe had a carbon footprint bigger than Al Gore Speaking of footprints, Abe was the best kicker I've ever come in contact with

To get ready for the fair we had a practice

safety rope around Abe's neck just in case I couldn't control him To no one's surprise, Abe got away from me and drug my teacher around the bases before someone's father saved my teacher's life by cutting my brand new neck rope. But this only raised a far bigger problem: how were we going to catch Abe before he

scaled the fence to terrorize and torment the town? I had several rodeo contractors bidding for Abe's ser vices and Abe would have made

You can imagine how surprised ever yone was when Abe and I won the county fair showmanship contest but by then Abe had taken pity on me and stood as still and straight as a West Point plebe And I swear I didn't use any pharmaceuticals to subdue him I didn't even know such things existed but still that was the rumor around the barns. How else could I explain the magical metamorphosis?

W inning beef showmanship meant I

where the winners of the sheep, swine, beef, and dair y contests had to show each others animal You can imagine the fear that swept over the fairgrounds. I could certainly see it in the eyes of the tiny gal who'd won hog showmanship when we exchanged a lead -

ers was that Abe was a one-man steer, and -

cials relocated the ambulance from the rodeo grounds to the showmanship arena and calf

ropers had their ropes at the ready. showman who got P TSD, the aforementioned hog showman who became a vegetarian for life, and a dair y showman with chronic foot problems after Abe had walked all over his feet. (Actually, Abe may have saved that guy's life because he didn't pass the physical to go to the Vietnam Meat Grinder due to the

the winners took a turn around the rodeo arena at the big Saturday night rodeo, which was meant to be a big honor, but by this time,

were worried Abe would get loose and menace the midway So Abe was left tied up in his stall, and what should have been my most memorable moment turned into my worst nightmare

I had to wear white show pants

In summation, I lost $13 dollars for countless hours of sur viving Abe, cried the night before they hauled him away, and couldn't wait to buy my next steer.

Processing Grief : Takes as Long as It Takes

But you will never drift too far f rom our mind

We can rest in the assurance of seeing you again, One day we will embrace you again in love. Until then, we know God will keep you, Peaceful and loved in his arms above

This year the third of March marked my mother’s bedside and watched her leave this world. She fought cancer for 17

Where you once held a place

We will miss everything about you, Your smile, your laugh, your caring heart We don’t know how to carry on without you,

We will take comfort in your memory, As we reminisce of you, so special, so kind We love you so much and will do our best,

For those of you who have experienced this loss, I am sure you will agree that when a loving parent has passed, there is an all-encompassing quiet sorrow.

low truth that one person you ’ ve always trusted and who was always there for you is now gone who guided your steps, encouraged you, and you were not close to your passing parent, the sense of loss is still hard to describe An honest glimpse into your own mortality as the torch

passes on to the next generation

way to make the sorrow lesson quicker. I now know one thing about grief...it takes as long as it takes No steps to complete, no magical words or prayers can rush the process It just takes time It will get better with the support and prayers from friends and family. But truthfully, losing a parent is hard. I must say that milestones are the toughest, and holidays are not easy either Still, there is something about those dates that leave a permanent reminder that someone you love has died Dates that stand out as a day uniquely theirs, like Mother ’ s Day, the day they were born, and sadly the day they died.

Remembering and honoring my mother is so important to me I keep in weekly contact

mine He lost the love of his life Every day is a journey of sorrow for him, missing her presence in his world. I can’t imagine his loss, just like I can’t imagine the loss of a child, which he and my mother also experienced I came to the astounding realization that wherever you are in

your grief Own it! Take your time to deal with your loss and take the time to reminisce, hurt, cry, and even scream if it helps. Be decisive even when you don’t feel like it, and never give up; your loved one wouldn’t want that for you. Be careful of anyone, although well-meaning, telling you it ’ s time for you to move on or to get past it It takes as long as it takes, and you need to take just as long as you need. Don’t allow insensitive family and friends to dictate how you process your grief. I know my grief for my mother will get better with time -

one; if you need therapy, call one; and if you need a grief group, there are plenty around. Just remember to take care of yourself. Remember the beautiful memories you created with that person W hoever they are to you, your mother, father, spouse, child, sibling, dear family member, or friend Mourn them, remember them, honor them, and cherish their memor y by loving yourself.

Finally, be gentle with yourself; grief takes as long as it takes

Be kind to yourself and others

Jennifer Scales

Now

enrolling

New Students

in grades TK-8 for Fall 2023

Kindergarten is open to students turning 5 on or before September 1, 2023

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is open to students turning 4 on or before September 1, 2023

Solvang School offers the following:

 Expanded TK

 Spanish Dual Language Immersion

 Engaging Middle School Electives

 Music and art

Formerly

Octogenarian Sculptor Continues To Create and Inspire

Valerie Stevens, 88, of Solvang began doing her art seriously in her mid-40s, after a foundry visit in Oregon

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

Sculptor, Valerie Stevens, is 88 years old and still has her nimble fingers fashioning clay. She began sculpting seriously in her mid-40s. On a trip to Oregon, she was unexpectedly inspired to begin sculpting and she has not stopped since.

“On a road trip to Oregon with my husband, my stepson offered to give us a tour of his foundry in Joseph, Oregon,” said Stevens. “When I saw all the people busy working with clay figures that would then be turned into bronze, my fingers began to itch and I announced that I wanted some of that clay. That started me on a voyage of sculpting.

“I like the challenge of the work,” she said. “God gave me this particular talent and the challenge is to do my best and make the piece I’m working on as perfect as possible.”

It takes Stevens several months to finish a piece as she says she has to be “in the mood”, but she doesn’t like having things hanging around on her desk, so she works at getting

things done in a timely fashion.

She said she has tried potting, but her hands weren’t strong enough and the finished product was nothing but a round bowl — not particularly inspiring.

“When I went to that foundry it was the answer to that long-time desire I had: sculpting the human figure,” she continued. “It came pretty easily to me and I surprised myself. If

I made a mistake, I could easily correct it as the clay I use is oil-based. Regular clay is water-based, so it dries out rapidly. Oil-based clay remains pliable, so making corrections, even days later, is easy.”

Stevens very first venture into sculpting came quite unexpectedly, when she was in high school in 1952.

“My father owned a jewelry store in

Parkridge, Illinois. The Towle Sterling Company was sponsoring a contest for the Best Window Display featuring their new sterling silver flatware pattern called ‘Southwind,’" Stevens recalled. “I asked my father if he would like me to make a sculpture of a woman similar to the one on their brochure. He readily agreed, even though I had never done any sculpting before. Unfortunately, I had used a water-based clay and it cracked in numerous places as it dried. Because I couldn’t finish it due to all the cracks, my Dad sent them a photo of my first attempt at sculpting and they sent me a consolation prize — a sterling silver sugar spoon, which I still have.”

Stevens is a woman of many talents: Not only does she sculpt, but she paints and is a published author.

“I never knew I could write, but people would come to me asking for guidance in difficult life situations,” she explained. “I thought, there are all these 12-step programs, but why isn’t there something in the Christian churches that could help those struggling souls. I was going to Montecito Presbyterian Church at the time, and there were several 12-step programs but none with a Christian basis. So, I wrote one. I just think those things are God-inspired. My sister was the writer in the family and I was the oldest, so I thought if I

Valerie Stevens sits in her living room next to a sculpture of her daughter Kathleen titled “Morning Glory” and the photo of Kathleen that inspired it. Photo by Pamela Dozois

was inspired by the Lord to do something that could be used in Christian churches to help people, then I should do it. And they picked it up.”

Her book, “12 Keys to Freedom in Christ — A program of spiritual growth and discovery that promises New Hope for Troubled Lives” has been used by many support groups in the Santa Barbara area.

Stevens has been living at the Atterdag Village for the past year and she says she enjoys it very much. In one tiny room, Stevens has managed to create something like a tiny house, with one large desk for her computer, a living-room/bedroom area and table, an art studio that doubles as a kitchen table, a library, a tiny seating area along with and a small kitchenette, and a bathroom roughly the size of half of her living space. Her sculptures adorn the tables and walls.

“It’s like a tiny house with maid service and it handles all my needs,” she said.

Presently, Stevens is working on a sculpture of her middle daughter, Lynn. She saw a sketch of a woman in a particular pose, which she liked, and took a picture of her daughter in that pose.

“This piece is mostly finished except for the legs and the shoes,” she said. “I’ve made various pieces for family members over the years.”

She plans on taking the finished clay piece to a foundry in Burbank where it will be made into a bronze sculpture.

“It takes about a week until I can get it back,” she said. Recently, Stevens has been inspired by a photo of a ballerina for her next project.

Stevens continues to be an inspiration herself at 88 years of age and says she sculpts for her own pleasure and wishes that more people would follow their dreams and not be afraid to give them a try.

For more information, email v.stevens1@verizon.net

(left) Valerie Stevens’ first attempt at sculpting was in high school when she entered a competition sponsored by the Towle Sterling Company. Unfortunately, the clay cracked and she was unable to complete it for submission but received a consolation prize for her efforts. Contributed Photo (right) Valerie Stevens’ latest sculpture, which is nearly complete, is a gift for her middle daughter, Lynn. Photo by Pamela Dozois

Pirates Winter Teams See Seasons End in CIF's Second Round

Central Section Division III game to Hanford on penalty kicks. The game was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. SYHS finishes at 8-11-2.

Baseball

Baseball

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

After posting wins in their respective first-round CIF Central Section playoff matchups, four of Santa Ynez High's winter teams — boys and girls basketball, and boys and girls soccer — were all eliminated from the postseason in the second round.

Boys basketball

After a first-round win over Righetti, the Pirates traveled to Bakersfield for the next round and lost to West High 82-73.

Landon Lassahn led SYHS in the game with 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Caleb Cassidy added 20 points 18 boards. Jackson Ollenburger and Jaiden Mendoza scored 11 points each.

"That was a tough loss against a talented team," Pirates head coach Rod Caughell said. "We ended a great season at 20-9 [season record]."

Girls basketball

Like the boys, the girls basketball team

had to travel north and lost to Torres High of Madera 47-39 in the Division IV. The Pirates had a seven-point lead over the Toros with five minutes left in the game before the home team came back to win.

Helina Pecile posted a double-double for SYHS with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Jadyn Gardner had 5 points and 6 boards, Lexi Mera 5 points and 4 boards, and Elena Sleiman 9 boards.

The Pirates finished the season with an 1119 overall record.

I'm very proud of this young team," SYHS head coach Jennifer Rasmussen said. "They exceeded our expectations and competed with their heads high. We appreciate the support from our families, fans, school, alumni and our community! We are excited to start working hard this off season, and the girls now have a taste of what CIF if like for next year. This young team will be someone to watch out for."

Boys soccer

The Pirates kickers hosted Lompoc in its Division IV second-round matchup, and Erik Salinas got them an early lead, scoring off an assist from Tristan Amezcua three minutes into the game.

However, the Braves scored the tying goal with three minutes left before halftime and tallied a second-half goal to eliminate the Pirates 2-1.

SYHS finished the season with an overall record of 14-8-5. Lompoc would go on to defeat Riverdale for the CIF Central Section Division IV title.

Girls soccer

The Pirates lost their second-round CIF

The Pirates baseball squad beat Bishop Diego 4-1 on Feb. 21 to go to 2-1 on the season.

Tate Minus pitched a complete game five-hitter with 6 strikeouts and no walks. walks. Head coach Warren Dickey said Minus had some solid defense behind him.

Caleb Cassidy drove in 3 runs and scored once. Dylan Peters had a double and a run scored.

Softball

The SYHS softball team lost a high-scoring affair to Santa Barbara 12-8 on Feb. 17 Cierra Cloud had a home run and two-run single for the Pirates. Sydney Gills went 4-for-4 with a double, and Abby Hemming had three singles.

Track and Field

Santa Ynez traveled south to face Carpinteria and host Santa Barbara for an early season tri-meet. There were some strong performances from all three teams in the non-scoring meet. First-place finishers for the Pirates included:

• Daulton Beard: 200 meters, 23.99

• Gabriela Robles: High jump, 4'6", and pole vault, 9'6"

• Second-place finishers for the Pirates:

• Samara Perez: 100 meters, 13.95

• Ikenna Ofiaeli: 100 meters, 11.89

• Karina Zepeda: 200 meters, 29.96

• Chase Sylvia: Long jump, 20"1"

Santa Ynez High's Landon Lassahn goes up against two Righetti defenders during the Pirates' CIF first-round win over Righetti. SYHS fell to Bakersfield West in the second round. Photos by Mike Chaldu

Wine and Chili Festival Returning to Buellton

working on the details and look forward to a great event.

Ticket prices are as follows: Hot Chili Ticket (general admission for 21 and over) $55 in advance, $65 at the door: The Hot Chili Ticket is for all guests 21 and over. It includes a souvenir wine glass, unlimited wine, craft beer, and spirits tastings, live entertainment and more!

Mild Chili Ticket $30, $25 at the door: The Mild Chili Ticket is for all guests that are under 21. No alcohol.

Acts for live musical performances include:

waydjs.com DJ and and has played all over California and Nevada from weddings to night clubs and everything in between. For booking visit onewaydjs.com

Tex Pistols

be in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Lompoc.

Santa Barbara pickup: Figueroa Mountain Brewing (137 Anacapa St.) at 10:30 a.m.;

The Buellton Wine and Chili Festival is set to return Sunday, March 19, at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, located at 80 Ave. of Flags, from 12 to 4:30 p.m. More than 30 wineries, craft breweries,

Ghost Monster

This band boasts a rich and diverse catalogue spanning the entire spectrum of rock and roll from Cash to King, from Hootie to Petty, and everywhere in between. 2021 New Times Award winner Ghost Monster.

Tex Pistols, from Bakersfield and Ventura, aren't just another band. As their name implies, their sound is strongly rooted in Country, Rock and Roll, Southern Rock and Blues. Put it all together and you have what has evolved into their own style of hard edged Alternative Country. They are well known for their heartfelt vocals, tight harmonies and instrumental prowess. Seasoned veterans of the music industry, their depth and diversity becomes evident as they easily flow from Traditional Country favorites into Classic Rock and Blues songs that are guaranteed to get you on to the dance floor.

Those looking for safe transportation can jump on the Brew Bus for a ride to and from the event for just $25. Pickups will

Goleta pickup: M Special Brewing Co. in Goleta (Building C, 6860 Cortona Dr.) at 11 a.m.;

Santa Maria pickup: Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Santa Maria (560 E Betteravia Road #B) at 10:30 a.m.

Lompoc pickup: Solvang Brewing Co. in Lompoc (241 N H St.) at 11:15 a.m.

Also, attendees can check out the After Party Celebration at Sideways Inn Lounge, 180 Ave of Flags, in Buellton, right next door to the Flying Flags RV Resort. It starts at 4:30 p.m. and will include live music by Richard Diaz and Tony Martinez, 16 beers on tap and signature cocktails and plenty of great food.

For more information on the festival, go to https://buelltonwineandchilifestival.com.

COMMUNITY

Animal had been at the zoo for over 11 years and was known as the ‘tallest resident with an ocean view’

Santa Barbara Zoo announced that that lived at the zoo for over 11 of his 16 years, was humanely euthanized on Wednesday, Feb 15, af ter battling a degenerative joint disease (arthritis) Michael’s keepers and monitoring and treating Michael’s age-related health issues for near ly a year In recent weeks, despite theiricant dec line in his quality of life

“For over 11 years, Michael was Santa Barbara’s tallest resident with an ocean view,” shared Rich Block, president and CEO of the arrived at the zoo in December 2011, the quest to bring Michael to Santa Barbara began two years

Michael quickly became a much well as by countless guests He was and all animals. Michael’s c lose encounters with guests touched countless lives and created lifelong memories He brought a lot of heart to our community ”

At the age of 16, Michael was members were actively treating ongoing joint and hoof issues to help keep Michael mobile and comfortable Sof t surfaces were introduced cushion Michael’s aging joints, he received regular hoof trimming to help keep the bottom of his feet c lean and correctly shaped, and wasications to keep him comfortable

Considered to be the most genetic all y valuable male Masai gi-

Michael played an impor tant role in maintaining a healthy population for the species in institutions accredited by the Association of Z oos and Aquar iums He sired 11 c al ves dur ing his lifetime, the most recent being R ay mie, a male c alf born in Januar y 2022 who currentl y resides at S anta Bar baaccredited z oos once they matured to c arr y on his legac y and join herds of their own

“Michael has been an amazing animal to care for during his time at Santa Barbara Zoo,” shared Dr Julie Barnes, vice president of an-

imal care and health of the Santa Barbara Zoo. “Although ver y large, he was so gentle and engaging, and he was an excellent father to his calves He connected with thousands of visitors at the feeding deck, giving them the opportunity to mar vel and appreciate this iconic and unique species Additionally, his contribution to the population by siring 11 calves has been vital to the genetic health and sustainability of the population, which is now endangered in the wild.”

Michael arrived in Santa Barbara in 2011 from Parc Safari in Q uebec, Canada, and quickly became one of the zoo ’ s most beloved animals He had a large personality that mirrored his size, and delighted guests and caretakers for over in particular was one of his favor-

ite activities, and he would usually immediately come over whenever he saw a person with lettuce in the area Michael thrived at the Santa Barbara Zoo, leading an engaged and healthy life. He has been a fantastic ambassador for his species and counterparts in the wild.

Michael was considered a truly -

ly missed by ever yone in the zoo

extend a special thank you to all

who devoted so much care, time, Michael a long and healthy life

Adia, Audrey, and Raymie, who

the Santa Barbara Zoo are among

live at 28 North American zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

About the Santa Barbara Zoo daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m.; general admission is $25 for adults, $15 for children 2-12, and free for children under -

bara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA zoos are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great visitor experience, and a better future for all living things W ith more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wild life conser vation and is the public ’ s link to helping animals in their native habitats V isit sbzoo.org

Photo

Courtesy of Santa Barbara Zoo

March’s Mathematical Holiday: Of Pi, Pies, and Einstein’s ‘tip’

pocket for some change to tip him and came up empty.

of his theor y on how to have a happy life, which he quickly jotted down in German, on a piece of stationer y from the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

HOLIDAY HISTORY

By John Copeland

March hosts a number of special days familiar to many of us: St Patrick’s Day, Johnny Appleseed Day, the Spring Equinox and March 14, which is both the birthday of the father of modern physics, Albert Einstein, and also Pi Day, the mathematical constant that featured in some of Einstein’s equations

Humans have been contemplating pi for roughly 4,000 years. At some point, in the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diamefound to be handy for calculating a circle’s area, and humans found it useful in trigonometr y, physics, statistics, cosmolog y, and

As far back as 1900 B.C.E., ancient Baby-ured out that pi was slightly bigger than 22/7 Today, it is commonly taught in schools as 3.14, though enthusiasts can take the number out to as many decimal places as they ’d like. So far, computers have calculated 10 trillion digits OK, maybe that is a little over the top

Not long ago, on another March 14, I happened to be at the Massachusetts Institute of Technolog y ’ s Experimental Study Group. ESG is the oldest of the four freshman learning communities at MIT and over 50 years old In its small group setting, freshman stu-

of biolog y, chemistr y, humanities, mathematics, and physics as an alternative to the large lecture classes taken by their mainstream

relaxed environment for to learn and socialize A lounge hosts a complete kitchen and food often plays a part in the learning process of ESG.

I was aware of Pi Day, going back to my television series, “Bablylon 5 ” O utside of having pie ser ved at lunch at our studio, I had never before been somewhere that really celebrated Pi Day. On this day, MIT students -

ing pi-themed T-shirts or buttons But, the ver y best part of their celebration of pi was to be found in ESG’s kitchen area: pies and ones in the form of pizza pies.

and pie people. I am a pie person, cherr y being my favorite, and I can eat a lot of pie and

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even more pizza. So can 50 or so freshmen. In a short amount of time, there were only empty pie tins spread across the kitchen counters. It was a wonderful celebration, and for me, it resulted in true feeling of satisfaction and happiness consuming my share of pie, and that brings me back to Albert Einstein

there is so much more to know about Albert Einstein than just his work. In 1915, Albert Einstein published the theor y of general relativity, which has proven to be one of the best ways to understand the universe, black holes, time expansion, gravitational waves, and other discoveries.

theor y wasn’t exactly related to physics, his intellectual wheelhouse, nor was it carefully detailed in a scholarly publication

Einstein was in Tokyo on a lecture tour, and had recently been informed by telegram that he would be receiving the Nobel Prize. W hen a bellboy arrived at Einstein’s door to

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“A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness,” it said

On a second sheet, he wrote, “ W here there’s a will, there’s a way ”

to the messenger boy in lieu of a tip, and told him if he was lucky, the notes might become more valuable than a regular tip. His words,

comprehension of the universe, were prophetic

$1.56 million, making him one of the world ’ s for $250,000, according to the auction house )

It ’ s interesting that Einstein wrote such a thing, as much of his life was dedicated to arduous, intellectually revolutionar y pursuits.ness ” stand up after all these years? Happi-cess published in 2005, researchers reviewed 225 studies and concluded that happiness more often leads to success rather than the other way around So perhaps it was Einendowed him the happiness to work so diligently and accomplish so much? For myself, enjoying a piece of cherr y pie on March 14, will give me a dose of happiness

The owner of a Jerusalem auction house holds up a note on happiness written by Albert Einstein in 1922. The note, which Einstein gave to a courier in lieu of a tip, sold for $1.56 million Menahem Kahana/AFP/Getty Images

Acupuncture Takes Time, and Multiple Treatments, to Produce Results

GOOD MEDICINE

By Dr. Hyun K. Lee

Since Oriental medicine and acupuncture have now essentially become part of mainstream medicine, it is helpful for new or potential patients to understand, in advance, what will give them a really successful visit and outcome. Despite all the success stories you read about in the press, many people are still unaware of how Oriental medicine treatments actually work, and what to do to maximize their treatment success.

To be successful over the long term, and to effect a permanent cure, patients need to be aware that, unlike Western medicine, Oriental medicine and acupuncture are not one-off treatments, and even though after your first treatment, you might leave the doctor’s office feeling relaxed, happy, and totally cured, or the complete opposite, this is only a temporary state. In most cases, this feeling does not last more than a day or two.

Patients will all respond differently to their initial treatment. This is normal, and it will take several days for your system to feel the full effects of a treatment. But, in order to see your final result, you must continue with your treatment for at least two or three more sessions. After that, you will see the real and much more exact result.

Together with your physical treatment, in most cases, your doctor will also recommend that you take prescription Oriental herbs to help speed up and maintain your healing. These herbs are a very important part of your treatment and cure. They are not just an adjunct to your treatment, they are an integral, and vital, part of it, and will support your body’s ongoing healing response. Think about them as being like a Western doctor’s prescription — when you go to your Western doctor, you do not expect to see a good result if you don’t take what has been prescribed for you.

With Oriental medicine, the reward for being a compliant patient is that you will begin to see good results after your second or third treatment. For most acute patients, three sessions are all the treatment they will need to see

and maintain their cure. But chronic patients will take a little longer. Yet another reward for many patients, both acute and chronic, is that, after completing their Oriental medicine treatment, it is often possible for them to start to reduce the dosages of their Western medicine prescriptions, and, in some cases, to be able to discontinue them completely, with their Western doctor's approval.

Given the hectic pace of life today, in order to maintain healing over the long term and keep your immune system in top condition, it is always recommended that you eat a healthy diet, preferably organic, and check in with your Oriental practitioner every six months or so, to see that your system is staying in balance, and toxin and stress free.

The need to make one or two visits to your Oriental medicine practitioner, and take herbs, in addition to your treatment, is usually omitted in popular articles about acupuncture, cupping, tuina, and moxibustion. But, all these treatments, in order to be optimally effective, need to be performed two or three times, and often supported by oriental herbs, to maintain a permanent cure. But, unfortunately, this omission in the literature is frequently the cause of a new patient not understanding how acupuncture works, and mistakenly thinking that a single visit should bring about a good result. Not finding their condition responding, or completely cured with a single visit, some patients conclude that acupuncture and Oriental medicine just does not work for them. Had they continued for a couple more visits, their results would have been quite the reverse.

So, the takeaway is that acupuncture, and Oriental medicine do not work effectively with a single treatment. Two or three are usually the minimum requirement. In most cases, where recommended, the body should also be supported with Oriental herbs, and a follow-up visit every six months is also suggested, in order to continue to reap the full benefits of your health investment. Most patients, once they are healed, consider this is a small price to pay, to avoid the side effects of a quick fix for their symptoms, and to stay healthy, and pain free for the balance of their lifetime.

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

WINTER STORM

Continued from page 1

of REALTORS announced that flooding disaster victims eligible for up to $3,000 rent or mortgage payment assistance

Anyone in Santa Barbara County whose housing was impacted by the January 2023 storms may be eligible for financial assistance up to $3,000. Specifically, Santa Barbara County residents who faced displacement or whose homes were damaged or destroyed may qualify for relief provided by the Santa Ynez Valley Association of REALTORS®, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® and the REALTORS® Relief Foundation. Assistance is available for qualified applicants to assist with the following:

• Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the

flooding disaster, or;

• Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the flooding disaster, or;

• Hotel reimbursement due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the flooding disaster.

Residents who qualify may apply for reimbursement of one month’s mortgage, rent payment, or hotel reimbursement, or $3,000 — whichever is less.

The REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) was originally created by the National Association of REALTORS® in response to the 9/11 attacks, and has gone on to help several communities rebuild after disasters ranging from wildfires to hurricanes. Through its efforts, the RRF has helped more than 19,000 families stay in their homes.

To apply for disaster relief assistance, please visit www.sbaor.org/forms/adra/

NEWS BRIEFS

Continued from page 2

looking for artists to share their talents with festival attendees. An area in front of the convention center will be transformed into a gallery of strawberry themed masterpiec es. We know the little ones will be inspired

and want to get in on the fun too, a children’s chalk area will be available near the artists and is included with Festival admission. Applications are open and available on the Santa Maria Fairpark website (santam-

Santa Barbara County firefighters are shown at Pea Soup Andersen's in Buellton, where they had to put out a fire on Sunday night and Monday morning. Photo Courtesy of SBC Fire

Cars are shown blocking Highway 154 on Cold Springs Bridge after a multi-car collision on Sunday, Feb. 26.

Photo Courtesy of Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire

will be switching to Daylight Savings Time early Sunday, March 12. Remember to move your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night, March 11.

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

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

At County Administration Building, Fourth Floor, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara

For more info: countyofsb.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M.

At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

MONDAY, MARCH 13

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30

P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

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

At Betteravia Government Center, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria

For more info: countyofsb.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

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

At Community Services District Building, 1070 Faraday St.

For more info: sycsd.com

Los Olivos Community Services District, 6 p.m.

At St Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Stacy Hall, 2092 Nojoqui Ave, Los Olivos

For more info: www.losolivoscsd.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

BUELLTON PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M.

Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

Solvang Design Review Committee, 5 p.m.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

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

CALENDAR

At County Administration Building, Fourth Floor, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara

For more info: countyofsb.org

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

ONLINE BOOK CLUB FOR KIDS AT SOLVANG LIBRARY

For readers 8-11 years old. Join us to explore some great books! The group meets online twice this month.

The March book is "Song for a Whale," by Lynne Kelly.

Story: Twelve-year-old Iris is a tech genius — and she's deaf. When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, she invents a way to "sing" to him! Sign up online via the library webpage, or email Solvanglibrary@cityofgoleta. org to reserve a spot.

At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: (805) 688-4214

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY OF SANTA YNEZ VALLEY ANNUAL MEETING, 1 TO 2:30 P.M.

The public is invited! Featured speaker Elayne Klasson is the author of the National Jewish Book Award finalist and best-seller, Love is a Rebellious Bird. She is also a popular lifestyle newspaper columnist in the Santa Ynez Valley. Her new book, The Earthquake Child, is coming out this summer. After her talk, meet the new board members and officers and hear about the Friends of the Library's plans for the coming year.

At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: (805) 688-4214

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

BUELLTON WINE & CHILI FESTIVAL, 12 TO 4:30 P.M.

Join us for a "Sunday Fun Day" of wine, craft beer, seltzer, cider and spirits. More than 30 wineries, craft breweries, seltzers, cider, and spirits and plenty of chili and salsa will be at the event! Live entertainment and DJ FIU. Also includes lawn games, street faire vendors, and food. You can sample from any of the chili and salsa cooks on hand, and vote for your favorites! Make sure you mark your calendar for this annual event. We're looking forward to another great chili competition. If

you would like to participate as a contestant, vendor, or sponsor, please fill out the form below.

Get tickets at buelltonwineandchilifestival. com.

At Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, 180 Ave of Flags, Buellton

'BIRDS EYE VIEW: FOUR PERSPECTIVES' OPENING RECEPTION, 3 TO 5 P.M.

The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce "Bird’s Eye View: Four Perspectives," on view from March 18 to Sept. 4, featuring new and recent works by artists Chris Maynard, David Tomb, Shae Warnick, and Chester Wilcox. The public is invited to celebrate the new exhibition at a free opening reception at the Wildling on Sunday, March 19.

At Wildling Museum of Art & Nature, 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: info@wildlingmuseum. org, call (805) 688-1082, or go to wildlingmuseum.org

ONGOING

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS STORYTIME AT SOLVANG LIBRARY, 10:30 A.M., TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAY

Starting Oct. 18, Storytime is moving inside and expanding to both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Come to enjoy songs, stories, movement, and a warm welcome. Please make a reservation at www.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.

SATURDAYS VALLEY BREAKFAST, 8 A.M.

Get the day (and weekend) started right — with a good breakfast, conversation — maybe meeting some new friends on the last day of the year. Valley Breakfast every Saturday, no charge, serving 8 to 8:45 a.m.

Also, free take-home menu and farmer’s table At St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Avenue at Alamo Pintado Avenue, Los Olivos

SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS, 7:30 A.M.

Holy Grounds will be open Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are excited to share our family-friendly coffee shop with you and your kids on Saturdays! We are adding a cereal bar and breakfast grab bags to our menu just for your kiddos. Wear your PJs!

At Holy Grounds, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang

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