Santa Ynez Valley Star • May 20 - June 2, 2025

New Chumash museum now open to the public

A journey 20 years in the making reaches its apex as visitors enjoy exhibits and architecture next to Highway 246

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

After months, and for some, years, of anticipation, the newest building to be seen from Highway 246 now has out the welcome mat as the Chumash Museum and Cultural Center opened to the public on Thursday, May 15.

The opening culminates two decades of planning by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

“Twenty years ago, we were an advisory committee and now we’re a board,” said Museum Chairwoman Kathleen Marshall. “It has been a journey, but we appreciate it.”

The 14,000-square-foot facility, which is located on the corner of Highway 246 and Edison Street in Santa Ynez, showcases a portion of the tribe’s collection of more than 24,000 historically significant cultural items, including baskets, musical instruments, hunting tools, ceremonial items, and regalia — highlighting the richness and diversity of Chumash culture.

A huge part of the “journey” leading to the museum’s opening was obtaining the artifacts, which was

no easy feat, according to Marshall

“Unfortunately we’ve had to purchase all our items, because they were stolen from us,” she said. “It’s been quite a process and we’ve been purchasing from personal collectors for a while, just trying to get our collection up to open a museum.”

Another feature of the museum is its unique architecture, which was designed by the award-winning Jones & Jones Architects (also designed the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.), and is anchored by large dome structures

that pay homage to the Chumash people’s traditional dwellings, the tule ‘ap. Outdoors, the 3.5-acre cultural park features exhibits and over 11,000 California native plants, including nearly 100 species used by the Chumash.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Sports | Pg. 8 Pirates boys volleyball wins CIF Central Section DIII title

News Briefs

2

• Events in Santa Ynez Valley to honor Memorial Day

News Pg. 3

• Solvang City Council votes to retain Design Review Committee

Agriculture Pg. 6

• What could tariffs mean for California agriculture?

Community Pg. 10

• SY Airport Day shows off aircraft, encourages aspiring pilots

Community Pg. 12

• Participants run under sunny skies in this years Wine Country Half-Marathon

Arts & Nonprofits . . . . . Pg. 14

• Artists meet to encourage each other and inspire creativity

Arts & Nonprofits . . . . . Pg. 16

• Solvang Theaterfest kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with Pablo Cruise

Events Pg. 19

• Government meetings and events

El R ancho Market

Visitors to the Chumash Museum and Cultural Center explore the exhibits inside the museum. Photo courtesy of Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

NEWS BRIEFS

SOLVANG

Events in Santa Ynez Valley to honor Memorial Day

On Memorial Day weekend, citizens remember and honor all servicemen and women who gave their lives to protect us, our freedom, and way of life during all wars from the Civil War to the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

On Saturday, May 24, The American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 7139 will place American flags on veterans’ graves at the Mission Santa Ines, Chalk Hill, Oak Hill, and St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley cemeteries. At Oak Hill, over 900 veteran graves will be decorated starting at 9 a.m. The public is invited to view or assist this solemn observance and take down the flags on Monday, May 26, at 3 p.m.

VFW Post 7139 members will hand out Red Buddy Poppies at the front of Albertsons in Buellton from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25. The Red Poppies were first distributed after World War I to honor the servicemen and servicewomen who perished in that war.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, American Legion Post 160 will conduct short ceremonies at 10 a.m. in Chalk Hill, 10:30 a.m. in Mission Santa Ines, 11 a.m. in Oak Hill, and 11:30 a.m. in St. Mark’s-inthe-Valley cemeteries. VFW Post 7139 will conduct a hallowed VFW Memorial Day Ceremony at 12 p.m. in the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall. The ceremony will honor all veterans and their families. The ceremony will include The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band, Vandenberg Space Force Base and VFW Post Speakers,

Boy Scouts, and Flat Fender Club vintage military vehicles. A free barbecue luncheon hosted by the SYV Elks Lodge will follow the program in the American Legion Wing.

The Memorial Day remembrance includes a 235-year span in some 60 military actions that claimed 1.4 million lives. Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens be aware of, and recall on special occasions the deaths of their fellow countrymen during and after wartime. All Valley veterans, residents, and their families are invited to come and join in these solemn events. For more information, contact Alvin Salge, VFW Post 7139 Adjutant at alvinslge@ymail.com or (805) 245-1763.

BUELLTON

Candidate filing still open for Buellton’s vacant District 4 City Council seat

The City of Buellton is accepting candidate applications for the District 4 City Council seat, left vacant following David Silva’s election as Mayor on Nov. 5, 2024.

The filing period began Monday, May 5, and eligible residents of District 4 who are registered voters and interested in serving the remainder of the four-year term may obtain and file nomination papers through May 30.

A Special Election to fill the seat will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26, and will be conducted exclusively by mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to all registered voters in District 4 beginning Monday, July 28. Voters may return completed ballots via the official drop box located in front of City Hall at 107 West

Highway 246. All ballots will be securely collected by county election workers.

Election results will be certified by Sept. 25.

Residents interested in filing to run for the seat should contact City Clerk Linda Reid at lindar@cityofbuellton.com to schedule an appointment during the filing period.

For more information, visit: cityofbuellton. com/government/special/Mail-In-BallotSpecial-Election.

SANTA YNEZ

County action clears path for return of Santa Ynez Valley’s popular studio tours program

The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is proud to announce that the Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a long-awaited policy change that restores the ability of artists in unincorporated areas, with the exception of Montecito, to open their private studios to the public for tours and limited art sales. The change will also benefit the local cultural nonprofits that utilize tours as a fundraiser to subsidize free community access.

“By uplifting local events, artists, and small businesses, we’re not just enriching our cultural landscape — we’re strengthening the fabric of Santa Barbara County,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Laura Capps.

For decades, artists in the Santa Ynez Valley, painters, sculptors, ceramicists, photographers, and more, invited the community into their home studios as part of an annual open studios event. The popular program attracted art lovers and offered a way to boost the

local creative economy, but it paused after it was determined that the model wasn’t viable because it didn’t comply with county zoning and land-use laws.

Following advocacy and input from the Arts Commission, the Office of Arts and Culture, and local artists, the County Planning and Development Department crafted new permitting procedures that now treat home-based art studios like other small-scale home occupations. In addition, the county created a new category for temporary cultural events that are exempt from permit requirements.

“I’m very proud that we were able to streamline this process and bring the Studio Tours back to the Santa Ynez Valley,” said 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, who has championed the initiative since 2017. Hartmann became involved after the program was shuttered due to permitting restrictions. “This has long been a signature event, both culturally and economically. I look forward to celebrating our talented local artists once again.”

Historically, the Santa Ynez Valley’s annual tour has spotlighted regional artists and raised funds for local institutions such as the California Nature Art Museum. The museum, which has helped to produce the event, offers free community programming and school group access. To better accommodate community-based initiatives and to support opportunities for groups like the museum, the county has established a new category of temporary cultural events exempt from permits. Tours that comply with the category restrictions will be exempted from broader permit requirements.

Solvang City Council votes to retain Design Review Committee

County fire personnel give report on ‘Water Wheel Building’ blaze at beginning of May

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

During its regular meeting on Monday, May 12, the Solvang City Council discussed the via bility of the Design Review Committee in the building permit process before ul timately deciding that the DRC should remain as a city committee.

Councilmember Elizabeth Orona was absent from the meeting.

The DRC was formed by the City Council in early 2021 as a successor committee to the Branding and Design Committee (BDC), and the Board of Architectural Review (BAR), which was disbanded in 2020.

However, in its Sept. 9, 2024, meeting, the council voted 3-2 to put a discussion item on a future meeting agenda on the possible elimination of the DRC. No reason was given, although some applicants had expressed to city staff that the DRC process was cumbersome and time-consuming.

In his report on the item, Solvang Planning and Building Manager Rafael Castillo stated that since the September meeting, changes in the city zoning ordinance had streamlined the application process and modified the role of the RDC. Among those changes were the codification of objective standards and elimination of sub -

jectivity, establishment of a pre-application reviews to give the DRC flexibility, and the elimination of the requirement for DRC to review residential projects for consistency with adopted Housing Element policies.

Also in late 2023, changes to the application process introduced checklists that outlined minimum requirements for applications, helping alleviate the adversarial atmosphere between applicants and the DRC when the paperwork is incomplete.

Castillo said with these changes, DRC has been able to give clear direction to applicants, and “highly” recommended that the committee be retained.

When Councilmember Claudia Orona asked Castillo about recent feedback on

the application process, Castillo said the checklist bring a “certainty” to the process with each side knowing what’s required.

Mayor David Brown stated he was one of the councilmembers in September who wanted the discussion on the RDC.

“I wanted to document the relevance, because the complaint came from a developer with difficulties in the process,” he said. “Now we’ve baked in codes, I’m for the DRC. It maintains our brand of why we’re the Best Little City in the West. I back keeping DRC.”

In public comment, Dennis Beebe wondered if, “with the state sticking its nose into our business,” the city shouldn’t give even more influence in design decision and touched on Brown’s “Best Little City in the West” reference.

“Do you think Solvang would have won that ‘Best in the West’ award if not for the decisions of the DRC?” he stated.

DRC Chair Esther Jacobson Bates spoke to advocate for the role of her committee and complimented Castillo and his staff for objectifying and making clear the elements of design.

“With that clarification, we don’t have that adversarial role that Rafael described earlier,” she said.

After public comment, councilmembers all voiced support for keeping the RDC. As Orona put it, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Infanti moved for the RDC to not be eliminated, with Orona seconding. The motion passed 4-0.

In other business:

During his Manager’s Report, City Manager Randy Murphy introduced Santa Barbara County Fire Battalion Chief

Tom Himmelrich and Station 30 Capt. Andrew Weddle to brief council on the May 2 fire at the “Water Wheel Building” on 2nd Street and Molle Way.

Himmelrich said the “Molle Incident” was first reported at 5:29 a.m. that morning when two callers reported smelling smoke in downtown Solvang. Station 30, located in the same building on Oak Street as the Council Chambers responded to the incident and arrived with the building in flames.

Himmelrich then said more engines were called, and four engines and one battalion chief answered the call. Answering questions from Infanti and Brown, he said the fire was currently under investigation and the building was a total loss.

Brown praised the firefighters for their efforts: “Thank you and your team for an awesome response and efforts to prevent damage to other buildings.”

After the item on the RDC, council voted to receive and file the Solvang Entitlement and Building Checklist.

Council unanimously passed a motion to change the name of the Measure U Citizens’ Oversight Committee to the Revenue Measures Oversight Committee.

Council agreed to table the discussion item on the city camping ordinance. The ordinance was amended in 2023 due to related court decisions in Idaho and Oregon, but those decisions have now been overturned. Brown suggested council postpone the item until they could properly review some “11th-hour” feedback from the county.”

With the fourth Monday of May being Memorial Day, the City Council will next meet on Tuesday, May 27, at 6:30 p.m.

the Solvang City Council on the fire that gutted the “Water Wheel Building” earlier in the month during the May 12 City Council meeting. Screenshot from YouTube

30th Security Forces honor heroes during National Police Week

Airmen, families, and community members at Vandenberg SFB unite to celebrate the service and sacrifice of military and civilian law enforcement

Staff Report

Defenders from the 30th Security Forces Squadron participated in a series of events in celebration of National Police Week, held annually in May to honor fallen law enforcement officers and recognize those who continue to serve.

Throughout the week, airmen, families, and community members gathered at Vandenberg SFB to take part in activities that highlighted the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of military and civilian law enforcement personnel. Events included a ruck march, shooting competitions, K-9 demonstrations, and a memorial ceremony to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Observed at military installations around the globe, National Police Week serves as a unifying tradition that strengthens the bond between law enforcement professionals and the communities they protect.

The 30th Security Forces Squadron’s participation reflects their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the base and its mission, while honoring the legacy of those who came before them.

U.S. and Republic of Korea strengthen space alliance at Vandenberg SFB

Col. John “JP” Patrick’s visit underscores international cooperation and Vandenberg’s strategic role in advancing global space operations and security in the Indo-Pacific region

Staff Report

U.S. Space Force Col. John “JP” Patrick, commander of U.S. Space Forces – Korea, visited Vandenberg Space Force Base alongside members of the Republic of Korea to strengthen international cooperation in space operations.

The group posed for a photo outside Space Launch Delta 30 headquarters,

symbolizing the unity and growing partnership between the allied forces. The visit emphasized Vandenberg’s ongoing collaboration with international partners, highlighting shared strategic goals and a joint commitment to advancing global space operations.

The engagement further reinforces the role of VSFB as a critical hub for space security and international cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Col. John “JP” Patrick’s visit underscores international cooperation and Vandenberg’s strategic role in advancing global space operations Photo by U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Kadielle Shaw

Defenders from the 30th Security Forces Squadron host a Police Week Closing Ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base on May 17. The closing ceremony gave airmen, guardians and civilian attendees the opportunity to recognize and pay respect to law enforcement personnel and those who gave their life in the line of duty protecting our nation and their local communities. Photo by U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olga Houtsma

The updated code also aligns home occupancy permitting standards for artists with those of other home-based businesses and enables greater participation in community events such as studio tours. Per the new regulations, the permitting requirements and exemption criteria for home occupations, including art-based businesses, will be clarified and streamlined.

More information on the new policy is available here:https://santabarbara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail. aspx?ID=7360763&GUID=11A411AFDA32-4BCD-9872-C2237BBAFB73&Options=&Search=

To learn more about county-supported arts initiatives and opportunities, visit the Office of Arts and Culture’s website at www. sbac.ca.gov.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church schedules open house, and then nutrition lecture

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Santa Ynez will be the site of two public events over the next month.

On Friday, May 23, at 5 p.m., the church is holding a “Community in the Courtyard” open house to celebrate the opening of the roundabout on Highway 154 at Edison Street, and for people to get “re-acquainted” with members of the community. Music, food, beverages, and Vincent Wines.

On Saturday, June 14, Certified Clinical Nutritionist Nancy Dale will be lecturing June 14th at 10 a.m. on “How to Have a Healthy Lifestyle.” There will be a free luncheon to follow. To RSVP for this free event, text (805) 6806326.

Shepherd of the Valley Church is located at 3550 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez. For more on the church, go to www.sotvsy.org.

Santa Ynez High seeking two varsity head coaches for 2025-26 school year

Santa Ynez High School Athletic Director Josh McClurg has announed that two varsity head coaching positions are available for the 2025-26 school year.

SYHS is seeking head coaches for the boys wrestling and girls golf programs. Those interested or with questions, can contact McClurg at jmcclurg@syvuhsd.org

Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum to host closing reception for Channing Peake art exhibit

The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum will host a closing reception for “Breaking Boundaries: Full Circle Back to the Santa Ynez Valley,” an exhibition featuring artwork by renowned artist Channing Peake, on Saturday, May 31, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

“Channing Peake’s art captures the spirit of ranch life in the valley and the natural beauty that inspired his artistic legacy,” says Krissy Castillo, museum executive director. “The exhibit highlights his contribution to California art.”

Those who attend the reception will enjoy live music, wines from Peake Ranch Winery and food from Ellie’s Catering Company.

Local community members loaned their Peake’s artwork to the exhibition, which is ending after an eight-month-long run at the museum. “We are grateful for their contribution,” says Castillo. “Their pieces helped tell the Channing Peake story.”

A limited amount of Peake’s artwork is for sale, with all proceeds going to the museum.

Reception tickets are $15 for museum members and $30 for nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/43aB2na. For more information about the museum, go to www.santaynezmuseum.org.

BUELLTON

Candidate filing for Buellton’s vacant

District 4 City Council seat open through May 30

The City of Buellton is accepting candidate applications for the District 4 City Council seat, left vacant following David Silva’s election as mayor on Nov. 5, 2024. The filing period began Monday, May 5, and eligible residents of District 4 who are registered voters and interested in serving the remainder of the four-year term may obtain and file nomination papers through May 30.

A Special Election to fill the seat will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26, and will be conducted exclusively by mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to all registered voters in District 4 beginning Monday, July 28. Voters may return completed ballots via the official drop box located in front of City Hall at 107 West Highway 246. All ballots will be securely collected by county election workers. Election results will be certified by Sept. 25.

Residents interested in filing to run for the seat should contact City Clerk Linda Reid at lindar@cityofbuellton.com to schedule an appointment during the filing period.

For more information, visit: cityofbuellton. com/government/special/Mail-In-BallotSpecial-Election.

LOS OLIVOS

Natural History Society to present event and book signing

The Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society will present a lecture on Underwater Photography of the Northern Channel Islands: A Marine Biosphere Tour will be on Thursday May 22!

“Underwater Photography of the Northern Channel Islands: A Marine Biosphere Tour,” is a talk and book-signing that will take place Thursday, May 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. The event is a free live and Zoom presentation and book signing with Richard Salas. The live event will be held at Stacy Hall, St. Mark’s in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos.

The marine waters of our Northern Channel Islands support more than 5,000 species of plants and animals. This stunning biodiversity is made possible by a complex environment of rocky intertidals, underwater reefs, giant kelp beds, sea caves, seagrass beds, and sandy seafloor, together with both cold and warm ocean currents. Richard Salas has been diving and photographing this underwater world since the 1970s. In this photographic tour, Richard takes us through a marine biosphere where we encounter marine life in its best light. We also see that humanity’s impact is an undeniable force, even in these pristine waters — while many new endemic species are discovered every year, others have disappeared completely. The striking power of Richard’s images conveys the unique vitality that resides in every organism he encounters.

Salas is a California native and graduate from Brooks Institute of Photography, where he was mentored by Ernest Brooks II and was first introduced to diving and underwater photography. Richard has worked professionally in digital media for over 31 years and his unique approach to bringing out the texture and depth of his underwater subjects is informed by years of experience in photography lighting of products and people. He has authored three coffee table books, including “Sea of Light: Underwater Photography of

California’s Channel Islands,” “Blue Visions: Underwater Photography from the Mexican Border to the Equator,” and “Luminous Sea: Underwater Photography from Washington to Alaska.” View Richard’s work at www.askphotography.com.

Book signing and light refreshments will be after the presentation.

Register for the Zoom as follows: us06web. zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BhhJjxwARImOLf4CDXHWZA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For more information, go to syvnature.org.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Deputies apprehend armed suspect while firefighters knock down fire

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended an arson suspect with a sword last week while Santa Barbara County firefighters battled the blaze set by the suspect. On Wednesday, May 14, at approximately 5:15 p.m., deputies responded with State Parks to the area of El Capitan Canyon Resort for a report of a suspect exhibiting odd behavior. As they were responding, the suspect, identified as 50-year-old Simon Khalili from Woodland Hills, attempted to flee in his vehicle onto a dirt access road where his vehicle became stuck. Khalili then fled on foot into the canyon.

Deputies paused their pursuit into the dangerous terrain and minutes later, a fire erupted in the brush where Khalili fled within State Parks property. Deputies learned that Khalili was possibly armed with a sword. Deputies along with County Fire briefly retreated to give County Air Support room for two water drops. Deputies developed a force protection plan where deputies shielded firefighters, allowing them to approach the fire on foot while the suspect remained an active threat. A Sheriff’s K9 unit arrived to assist while Air Support maintained observation overhead. At approximately 7:30 p.m., the suspect surrendered to deputies and was transferred custody to State Parks for the arrest. County fire stopped forward progress of the fire at 7:41 p.m., with an estimated 1.1acre burn area.

Khalili was booked at the Main Jail by State Parks for a felony charge of arson as well as misdemeanors including trespassing, brandishing a weapon, and negligent fire setting. He is being held on $75,000 bail.

AGRICULTURE

What could tariffs mean for California agriculture?

As with many things in life, the answer is often much more complicated than the question

By Matthew Viohl

It has been a whirlwind in the nation’s capital as the new administration moves forward on enacting its trade priorities. An April 2 announcement of steep global tariffs was followed a week later by a 90-day pause, except for China and a global baseline tariff.

But what are these tariffs exactly—and what could these measures mean for agriculture in California? As with many things in life, the answer is often much more complicated than the question.

At the most basic level, tariffs are an additional charge on imported goods. They can be referred to as import taxes or duties, although the two are technically a bit different. Tariffs are typically percentage-based and make no distinction between specific items, while duties tend to be more targeted and can be based on measures such as weight or quantity.

Let’s focus on tariffs, as that’s what is mostly making the evening news these days.

While a 90-day pause is indeed in effect for most countries, the U.S. still adopted a new 10% global tariff. The pause is merely for countries that were set to receive an even higher rate.

If you’re planning to buy machinery from Germany that cost $10,000 before the tariffs, the easy napkin math is that it would now likely cost an extra $1,000 to purchase following the implementation of the new tariffs. Whether buying direct or through a retailer or wholesaler, those costs are typically passed along to the consumer.

This is why tariffs are often referred to as a tax. American businesses that import goods are having to pay the new tariffs up front— usually not the country that ships them in. And if you import something that now costs 10% more, the only way to make up for lost profits is to sell that item domestically at a higher cost.

Tariffs used in this wide-ranging manner

are seen as a protectionist action that can lead to a boost in domestic production. As the costs of importing goods go up, the hope is that businesses and consumers will instead turn to American-made and -grown options that are now less expensive compared to now costlier imports.

What does all this actually mean for California agriculture? As the nation’s leading agricultural exporting state—with more than $24 billion in agricultural products sent to overseas markets in 2023—trade is a critical component of what keeps our industry viable. It varies significantly by commodity. With more than 400 different types grown and produced in our state, there are some commodities that rely heavily on international markets, while others can get by on local and domestic options. Tree nuts, dairy products, wine and many fresh fruits and vegetables head to markets overseas, especially to our northern and southern neighbors.

Some sectors, such as citrus, certain table

grapes and tomatoes, have struggled with unfair trade practices from other countries for years. It is already difficult for many California producers to compete with the significantly lower production costs found in other countries. Add on illegal dumping during our peak harvest periods? You will certainly find areas where strategic trade measures could go a long way in protecting American agriculture.

In a vacuum, tariffs would give domestic producers the upper hand in selling their products here. However, the main sticking point is reciprocal tariffs. Other countries seldom sit by idly while other nations increase tariffs against them. Most tend to implement their own counter tariffs or other trade measures to protect their interests.

When two countries or more get into varying countermeasures, you typically end up with a trade war. It is difficult to say if we are in one right now, but it might be safe to say we are with China, as both countries have adopted tariff rates in excess of 120%.

For the rest of the world though, we now sit in a fast-moving period of transition. The administration is currently working closely with several countries that have approached the U.S. to negotiate new trade deals with the hopes of reducing our trade deficits.

The threats of tariffs do indeed serve as a strong tool when it comes to negotiating on trade. Whether one supports the administration’s approach or not, it has undoubtedly led to significant shifts in behavior from countries around the world.

It remains to be seen what the next steps will look like. Three months is a blink of the eye in the trade world, so it seems likely that an additional delay might be necessary to fine tune these purported trade deals. Policymakers, businesses and consumers are all watching closely, as the next steps will likely shape global trade for years to come.

Matthew Viohl is a director of policy advocacy for the California Farm Bureau. He may be contacted at mviohl@cfbf.com.

The Port of Oakland remains a key gateway for California agricultural exports, which face challenges and uncertainty as other countries retaliate in response to the Trump administration’s tariffs. Photo Courtesy of the Port of Oakland

SPORTS

Two SYHS student-athletes sign with colleges

Volleyball player Ben Stuerman going to Simpson, while wrestler Santino Alvaro picks Southern Oregon

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Two senior student-athletes from Santa Ynez High School are make plans for the next level.

Joined by their families, teammates, and friends, volleyball player Ben Stuerman and wrestler Santino Alvaro made their intentions known during a signing ceremony on the SYHS campus May 6. Both are headed for similar destinations: smaller NAIA schools on the West Coast.

Stuerman, team co-captain of the Pirates’ boys volleyball team that just won the CIF Central Section Division II championship, is going to Simpson University in Redding, California.

Stuerman, who also played water polo at SYHS, said he got on Simpson’s radar thanks to a couple of former teammates on Flight Academy, his club volleyball team.

“A couple of guys, my very best friends, were up there and said the coach was asking about me constantly,” he said. “I met with the coach (Steven Brasher), and he was really great. Plus, it’s a Christian school and I’m very religious, so that was awesome, and it seemed to good to be true.”

However, it was a visit to the Simpson campus that clinched it for Stuerman.

“I went up and had an amazing tour, and an amazing practice with the team,” he said. “The teammates were awesome, and the area was just really pretty. Af -

ter that everything just kind of fell into place I had no doubt after the visit that I would be going there.”

Simpson is an NAIA school that competes in the California Pacific Conference with four other in-state college programs. The Red Hawks finished 7-17 overall this season, although they were .500 (4-4) within the CalPac.

Stuerman said he plans to study kinesiology at the school and aspires to be a firefighter after graduation.

Alvaro, meanwhile, is coming off a high-school wrestling career that saw him win back-to-back

CIF Central Section titles, having won the 126-pound championship this past February. He will continue wrestling at Southern Oregon, a public university in Ashland, Oregon.

Alvaro had been hearing about

SOU for awhile from a personal connection.

“My sister’s boyfriend went to school there, and she was always telling me how nice it was, and she took me for a visit,” Alvaro said. “It was really nice, and there were a lot of things to do outside of school. It’s real outdoorsy there, and I really liked that.”

The interest in Southern Oregon, as it turns out, was mutual.

“I had contacted a number of schools about joining their program,” Alvaro said. “And Southern Oregon was the one school that got back to me very quickly and showed a lot of interest.”

Alvaro said as far as a major and field of study, he is still undeclared and plans to take general requirement classes his first year while he decides.

The wrestler will be joining an SOU program that finished ninth

in the NAIA Championships, it’s best finish in eight years. The Raiders had a 19-3 overall record in duals, including a 12-1 mark in the Cascade Collegiate Conference and a first-place finish in the conference championships.

Before Alvaro and Stuerman signed their letters of intent, they both took the time to thank their respective parents for their part in helping them along in this journey.

The parents of both were pleased with the schools that their sons selected.

“It’s great to see him reach this point — he’s been working toward this since he was 8 and started wrestling,” said Rudy Alvaro, Santino’s father. “We took him up to Southern Oregon and he like it right away; he’s gotten to know those guys up there and I think he’ll do well.”

With Santino ready to leave in a few months for SOU, the Alvaros are expecting more excursions up north.

“We’ll be taking trips, a lot of trips,” said his mother Isabella. “Me might even be looking at houses when we’re up there.”

For Stuerman’s parents, Shawn and Krista Sue, the process was made easier once Ben took a look at Simpson.

“It was a blast, but we just wondering what kind of school would be best for him, but once we went to Simpson we all knew that would be the best for him,” Shawn said.

“I actually went to school at Westmont [in Santa Barbara] years ago and was hoping he’d go there, too,” Shawn said laughing, “but they didn’t have a volleyball team, so that was out. However, we’re all very happy with Simpson.”

(Left) Santa Ynez High volleyball player Ben Stuerman is joined by his parents, Krista Sue and Shawn, during his signing ceremony at SYHS on May 6. Ben will be going to Simpson University in Redding, California. (Right) Santa Ynez High wrestler Santino Alvaro poses with his parents, Rudy and Isabella, during his signing ceremony at SYHS on May 6. Ben will be going to Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. Photos by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

Santa Ynez boys volleyball wins CIF Central Section Division II championship

Pirates to begin state playoff run after winning five-set game over Fresno’s Sanger West in title matchup

By Mike Chaldu

michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

The Santa Ynez High boys volleyball team, who once tasted consistent playoff success as a member of the CIF Southern Section, won its first championship as a member of the CIF Central Section with a five-set victory over Sanger West of Fresno on May 15.

After winning the first two sets, the Pirates then dropped the next two to force a decisive fifth set before prevailing 25-22, 25-20, 16-25, 19-25, 15-10.

With its playoff run, SYHS (21-3 overall) earned a spot in the CIF state tournament as the No. 2 seed in Division III. They will play a first-round game at home Tuesday, May 20, against El Toro. The Chargers, from the Orange County community of Lake Forest, are 18-15 with a 4-4 mark in the Sea View League. Gametime is 6 p.m.

The Pirates, who went 8-0 in winning the Mountain League title, found themselves as the No. 8 seed in the Central Section Division II bracket. The No. 1 seed was Arroyo Grande, also of the Mountain League, who were the defending section champs but lost to SYHS twice during the regular season.

After a first-round victory over McLane, another Fresno school, the Pirates faced off against AGHS, who had a bye, in the second round and advanced with a five-set win, taking the final set 15-13. SYHS then swept Central East, from (that’s right) Fresno to advance to the championship game against Fresno.

It was a return to glory for a program that was started up by current head coach Chip Fenenga in 1992. During his first stint as head coach, the Pirates won seven CIF Southern Section titles and made the finals 10 times. The program qualified for the playoffs 29 years in a row and set CIF records with 19 consecutive league championships, 208 straight league wins and four straight CIF-SS titles.

Fenenga was returned as coach of the boys volleyball team in 2023, and his team captured the Central Section title in his second season back.

Boys golf team finishes second in CIF Division III tournament

Santa Ynez High’s streak of four straight CIF Central Section golf championship, spanning the fall girls season and spring boys season, was broken on May 13 as the boys team finished as runner-up in Division 3.

In the Central Section CIF Division 3 Championship at Tulare Golf Course, the Pirates placed second of 22 teams, shooting 416. Mission College Prep won the tournament with a score of 410.

The Pirates were led by senior Brayden Mlodzik with a 76. Brayden tied for third individually and was to compete Monday, May 19, in the section championship at Cypress Ridge Golf Course.

Other SYHS golfers in the Central Section tournament included Cody Armenta (82), Seb Perez (85), Ernesto Suarez (85), Max Andrade (88), and Cameron Celestin (90).

Beach volleyball loses in CIF Central Section Division I semifinal

The Santa Ynez girls beach volleyball team reached the semfinals of the CIF Central Section Division I tournament, where they lost to Bakersfield Christian 2-1.

Head coach Melissa Rogers’ team finished the season at 15-7 overall and 6-2 in the CCAA Mountain League, placing second behind Arroyo Grande, who would defeat Bakersfield Christian in the Division I final.

Baseball squad falls in Division 4 first round to Lemoore

The Santa Ynez High baseball team fell in the first round of the CIF Central Section Division IV playoffs, 4-0 to Lemoore on May 16.

The Pirates, who finished the season 1111 and were 6-6 in the Ocean League (in a three-way tie for second place) were seeded No. 16 in the bracket and mustered just two hits against the top-seeded Tigers.

Individual standouts for the Pirates on the season included sophomore Jaxson Glover, who led the team in all three Triple Crown categories with a .382 batting average, 3 homers, and 27 RBI. Freshman Elijah Roberts led the team with 22 runs scored and 21 stolen bases.

The pitching staff was led by senior Tate Minus who had a 4-6 record but posted a 1.59 ERA on the season and 77 strikeouts. Senior Kurran Kays went 5-3 with a 2.58 ERA and 34 strikeouts.

(Left) The Santa Ynez High boys volleyball team celebrates earlier this season after a win. The Pirates won the CIF Central Section championship on May 15 and will begin CIF state playoff tournament tonight, May 20, against El Toro. Star file photo (Right) The Santa Ynez High boys golf team is shown with their CIF Central Section Division III second-place plaque at the section championships in Tulare. The Pirates placed second among 22 teams competing, six shots behind champion Mission Prep. Contributed Photo

Valley Star

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COMMUNITY

SY Airport Day shows off aircraft, encourages aspiring pilots

Flight instruction scholarships given to three, while attendees look over various planes on the tarmac

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Despite cloudy skies that followed overnight rain, the Santa Ynez Airport drew a sizable crowd to its annual Airport Day on May 17.

Those who came to the free event at Kunkle Field off Highway 246 were greeted by a sea of aircraft on the runway, about 44 total, with pilots on hand to discuss their planes to curious onlookers.

And as in past years, the day was highlighted by the awarding of three aviation scholarship given to flight students in the Santa Ynez. The recipients were Kyle Mahon, Cristian Sotelo, and Jonas Weinman, and they were presented with their scholarship on the lawn in front of the airport office by Bill Krauch, longtime member of the Santa Ynez Airport Authority.

“We have three candidates who have been pursuing their aviation careers at their own expense,” Krauch said. “We expect this scholarships to expedite the process for them to become commercial pilots.”

Krauch also introduced two important members of the scholarship team: Jerry Long, who is the chief fundraiser for the scholarships, and Ryan McGill, a commercial airline pilot who oversees the students’ instruction.

One of the three scholarship winners, Mahon, has been an employee of the airport for two years and has had aviation in his blood.

“My father and grandfather were pilots and I’ve always just been around it,” he said. “I tried to be around it as much as possible, and one day I came to the airport to ask if they were hiring, they said they were, and I started working here. I’ve just met a lot of amazing people.”

Mahon hopes to use his scholarship to be a corporate or airline pilot for his career.

“I don’t know which way I will go on that right now, but I’ll just use this money to my advantage and see where it takes me,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sotelo has much of his training done and is close to getting his private pilot’s license.

tion, but he said it was really piqued a few years ago.

“I’ve always loved planes, and I’ve always loved airports and everything,” he said. “But it really struck probably when I was around 15 years old and I went up on a ‘discovery’ flight as a passenger and really got hooked after that.”

Weinman is hoping to become a commercial pilot after all his training is done. “Yeah, I’m definitely looking at a career in the airlines,” he said.

While the aspiring aviators were getting their scholarship, down at the runway, many pilots, professional and otherwise, were engaging with crowd members on their planes.

One such plane stood just by the steps down to the tarmac; it was on display for a cause. The aircraft was part of SafeLaunch, an anti-drug program based in Santa Barbara that provides “parents and decision makers with information and support that they need to prevent adolescent drug and alcohol use before it starts,” as its website, safelaunch.org, states.

Co-founder Ron Cuff, a retired Naval aviator, was manning the group’s table in front of a white plane that doubled as a canvas of sorts as kids were invited to paint on the side of the plane, which in the window had names of youths who died from drugs. Cuff also present youths with a card containing an anti-drug pledge which he had the youths recite aloud.

“This is our 71st aviation event overall, and we’ve been to this event [in Santa Ynez] four or five times now,” Cuff said. “We have our presentation here at the table, showing how companies try to market drugs to kids with deceptive advertising. I’m all for free enterprise, but not when you try to advertise drugs and alcohol and poison our kids with it. There’s a limit to ‘free enterprise’”

“I’m getting the license pretty soon,” said Sotelo, who wants to pursue a career with the military or with Cal Fire. “I’m definitely toward the end of that with 40 hours done and a couple more to go, and the scholarship will go toward that. There more training for that and after that getting my instrument rating.”

While the other two recipients are working toward their licenses, Weinman has already ob-

tained his, and his scholarship will go toward getting his instrument rating.

“The instrument rating is an attachment onto my private pilot’s license, which allows me to fly in clouds and in bad weather,” he said. “Basically, it’s being able to fly without being able to see anything outside and just going off your instruments.”

Weinman has long had an interest in avia-

Meanwhile, on the other end of the runway, another pilot used his plane to engage with people. Joey Hickox’s plane was red and white with the Chick-fil-A logo on the tail. The branding was appropriate as Hickox’s is the owner of the Chick-fil-A franchise in Santa Maria.

“I have my restaurant there, and I bought a plane and after about a year I had to repaint, so I got permission from corporate to put the logo on the tail and fly around with it,” he said. “I heard about this event and this is the first time I’ve been to this one. I love flying and was in the Air Force for 30 years, and was a good way to combine my job and my hobby.”

(Top) The Santa Ynez Valley Airport Authority awarded three aviation scholarships during its Airport Day on May 17. From left are Jerry Long of the scholarship committee, scholarship recipients Cristian Sotelo, Jonas Wienman, and Kyle Majon, Airport Authority member Bill Krauch, and scholarship committee member and instructor Ryan McGill.

(Bottom) Joey Hickox, owner of the Chick-fil-A franchise in Santa Maria, shows off his Chick-fil-A-branded plane at the Santa Ynez Airport Day on May 17. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

Ballard resident Camryn Kemp returns home after mission

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints member served in areas of northern Colorado and Wyoming

By Joanne Clark Special to the Star

Camryn Kemp, 21, of Ballard recently returned home from an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Colorado Fort Collins Mission in the north–central part of the state.

Throughout her mission, she served in five areas: Longmont, Johnstown, Fort Collins, and Longmont/Lyons/Estes Park, all in Colorado, and Casper, Wyoming.

Camryn is the daughter of Dr. Daryl Kemp and his wife, Tiffany, and has two sisters. The Kemp family has lived in Ballard for 30 years. Camryn attended Ballard School through the fifth grade, was subsequently homeschooled, and then graduated from Heartland Charter School in 2022.

When asked why she decided to serve a mission, Camryn replied, “Before my mission, I had a belief in God and in Jesus Christ. I saw that it made those around me happy, and I knew it could make me happy too. I had experiences before my mission that helped me see that Christ could change my life.

“I chose to serve because I wanted others to

know that God is real and that He loves them. I wanted others to know that they are not alone.”

Besides teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people in the areas she served, Camryn actively shared the love of Christ by doing various kinds of service.

She and other missionaries like her were involved at a food bank for the community, clearing out the building and organizing food storage; cleaning up and preparing for an outdoor camp where a pioneer reenactment was to take place; doing yard work for a community resident; helping to set up and running activities for an event to honor first responders; clearing and cleaning out pastures for incoming horses at a horse boarding ranch; and, when called upon, going to hospitals and praying with families whose loved ones were in critical care units with life-threatening health conditions to offer comfort.

Camryn said she loved interacting with many different people in many different circumstances, stating that “Missionary work is the best work!”

“During my mission, I met my best friend, Jesus Christ,” she said. “He changed my entire life. He has changed my life and changed my world. I love Him.”

Camryn is presently working, trying to continue serving in the community, and preparing to go to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, this fall.

Camryn Kemp has recently returned home from a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She will begin attending Brigham Young University in the fall. Contributed Photo

Participants run under sunny skies in this years Wine Country Half-Marathon

Josef Gertner wins men’s race for third straight year, while LAPD Sgt. Amanda Lankford takes women’s race

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Amanda Lankford, a Simi Valley resident and sergeant in the Los Angeles Police Department, said she wanted to give herself a Mother’s Day present, so on May 10, the day before Mother’s Day, she came up to Solvang and ran in the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon.

Then, she got a bonus present: A first-place finish in the women’s race as she broke to tape at 1 hour, 30 minutes, and 46.12 seconds, 1:46 before her closest finisher.

Lankford was one of 1,639 runners to compete in the annual 13.1-mile race, which takes participants from Solvang up to Los Olivos and back, ending at the finish line on Copenhagen Drive.

“This race has been on my bucket list for a while,” Lankford said after the race. “It’s a Mother’s Day present to myself, and a chance for me and my family to enjoy Solvang. I wasn’t necessarily expecting to win, but it was great that I had a good showing.”

After Lankford, Heather Montgomery came in second at 1:32:31.45, and Lisa Gibbs rounded out the top three with a time of 1:33:40.45.

Lankford said she really enjoyed the race, though the conditions weren’t quite what she expected.

“It was warmer than I thought it would be,” she said. “But I got through it. Plus, it was just a beautiful course; this area has a lot of scenery.”

The race conditions were warmer than usual for most of the contestants. While past Wine County Half-Marathons were run under a cloud cover and cooler temperatures, this year’s edition saw the race start under sunny skies, which remained throughout.

Before Lankford won the women’s race, the men’s race saw a familiar face breaking the tape: Josef Gertner of Orcutt, who finished in 1:13:49.16, winning the race for the

In addition to the men’s and women’s races, the event also had the relay, where two runners could complete the course, with the switchover in Los Olivos, where the course turns back toward Solvang.

In the relay, the team of The Bros finished first with a time of 1:33:05.58, followed by KiBri at 1:36:01.99 and Will Run FASTER for Wine at 1:37:43.06.

After the race, participants were treated to the Wine and Musical Festival at Solvang Park, just a short walk from the finish line, featuring wine, food, and live music, as well as a photo area and booth along the concourse for running needs.

One of the booths was manned by representatives of the Golden State Challenge, a program where runners can track their performances over a group of running events in California, of which the Wine Country Half Marathon is one, in order to “experience the diverse beauty of the Golden State one stride at a time,” according to the GSC website (goldenstatechallenge.com).

“We do this to highlights the events here in California,” said Gretchen Schoenstein, community lead for the GSC. “We started in Huntington Beach in February, and this (Wine Country) is the second one, with the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco to follow [on May 18]. We have three of them in Northern California and five down in Southern California.”

Schoenstein said the Challenge ends in November at the Golden Gate Half Marathon & 5K in San Francisco.

third straight year.

“I ran a little faster last year [1:11:19], so it’s a kind of disappointing for me,” Gertner told race announcer Angela Warren after he crossed the finish line. “However, it’s just beautiful out here, and the organizers do a wonderful job of getting this together, so thanks to them for that.”

Rounding out the top three for the men were Matt Scurria (1:13:33.52) and Chris Gregory (1:16:55.10).

Gregory, from Carpinteria, has been a yearly presence in the Wine Country race with this year’s being his fifth by his count, and his finished first in 2022.

“It’s kind of my baseline, you know,” he

said. “Every year, no matter what’s going on in my life, I tell myself ‘I’m going to do the Wine Country race this year.’”

Gregory has had a lot going on in his life in the past year. He got married shortly after last year’s race and he and his wife Meredith had a baby girl, Luna, afterward. He also had to recover from an injury.

“A month after last year’s race I suffered a stress fracture,” Gregory said. “So, I was out for the rest of the year and have been coming back slow.”

Gregory said the Wine Country race was his third race of the year, “although one of them was a stroller race with Luna, so I don’t know if that counts.”

“The Golden Gate one is really cool because you get to run across the Golden Gate Bridge if you do the half,” she said. “To qualify for the Challenge, they just have to do two of the races to get a prize, three to get another prize, and four to get a special medal.”

With the Bay to Breakers having been held last Sunday, May 18, the next race in the Challenge will be the Napa to Sonoma race on July 19 and 20, with subsequent races in Huntington Beach (Sept. 14), Long Beach (Oct. 4 and 5), Malibu (Nov. 16), and the Golden Gate event on Nov. 2.

As for the next Wine Country Half Marathon, organizers are already preparing for the next one on May 9, 2026, and runners can already register by going to www. santabarbarawinehalf.com.

(Top) Josef Gertner of Orcutt crosses the line as the top finisher in the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon for the third year in a row on May 10 in Solvang. His winning time for the 2025 race was 1:13:49.16.(Bottom) Amanda Lankford of Simi Valley crosses the finish line as the top women’s finisher of the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon in Solvang on May 10. Lankford’s winning time was 1:30:46.12. Photos by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

Touch a Truck event brings smiles and giggles to Valley children

More than 1,200 people come to Bethania Lutheran Church to see, and get in, various vehicles

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

The weather was cool and cloudy and threatened rain, but that did not deter the over 1,200 people who attended the 9th annual Touch a Truck fundraiser at Bethania Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3. Throngs of excited children explored all the different vehicles that were on display in the three parking lots behind the church. It was a day of family fun and exploration.

On display were earthmovers, a garbage truck that seemed to be a favorite, vehicles from the fire department, the SWAT team, the police department, emergency and rescue vehicles, construction, safety, and farming equipment, a PG&E truck, the Solvang Trolley, Dennis Beebe’s 1942 Ford-built Jeep, and colorfully decorated food trucks, to name a few.

Children excitedly climbed into the driver’s seat, anxious to explore the inside of vehicle after vehicle under the guidance of friendly professionals who spent time explaining to the children the different gadgets. Periodically horns honked, sirens screamed, buttons were pushed, and loudspeakers on police vehicles conveyed the voices of delighted children. Families with sensitive ears could attend during the designated “No Horn” hour from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The family-friendly event also featured a range of entertainment, including face

Chris Brown. “It was one of our preschool parents who brought the idea of this event to us, and I thought it would be a great fundraiser. My hope this year is to raise $20,000. All of our sponsors are community members, and all of our trucks are community businesses. It’s a great representation of the community coming together. We would like to thank all of our sponsors, participants, and community members who came out to support our school.”

“We are very excited to open our doors to the community with our annual Touch a Truck event,” said Lola Gonzalez, one of the 100 volunteers who helped with the event. “We are also happy that we’ve had over 1,000 people attend the event. We had more vehicles this year for the kids to enjoy, and we have wonderful raffle prizes. Each preschool classroom comes up with a themed basket to be raffled off, and they are beautiful.”

“It was a big team effort from parents and our wonderful staff,” said Cat Uhl, chairperson for the event. “Our community family helped, sponsoring businesses and vehicle participation. We had more and different trucks this year, thanks to Valley networking. I am looking forward to another successful year. It’s fun to see the kids’ excitement. I was on the committee for four years, and this is the first time being the chairperson for the event.”

painting, custom helmet fittings, raffle prizes, and concession stands.

“One of my favorite events we do in the

year is the Touch a Truck event. It brings people of all ages in the community together for such a fun time,” said Pastor

“It is amazing to see even 1-year-old children so enthralled in touching these enormous vehicles, pushing all the buttons, and climbing all over these giant machines. Even at that age, big trucks are magic to their imagination. It was wonderful to see the joy in the children’s faces,” said Jennifer Bennett.

All of the proceeds benefit Bethania Preschool and After School programs.

(Top) Kids play on Dennis Beebe’s 1942 Ford-built Jeep during the Touch a Truck event May 3 at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang. (Bottom Left) One-and-a-half-year-old Julio Carrillo enjoys a romp on a CAT during the Touch a Truck event May 3 at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang. (Bottom Right) Romeo Alexander Rubio, 2, explores a paramedic truck during the Touch a Truck event May 3 at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang. Photos by Devyn Marseilles

ARTS & NONPROFITS

Artists meet to encourage each other and inspire creativity

Interior designer/artist Patti Baldiviez’s group collaborate on projects in their Santa Ynez Valley creative space

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

Interior designer and artist Patti Baldiviez had the idea of bringing a group of fellow artists together with the purpose of setting aside a creative space in which they would make time for their art and encourage each other to improve their skills and share techniques and ideas in a very collaborative setting.

“Our group was formed almost two years ago out of a need to support other artists’ practices here in the Santa Ynez Valley,” said Baldiviez. “We came together really quickly with this strong intention in mind. I mentioned it to a couple of acquaintances that I knew were artists to see if there was an interest in forming a group, and each of them jumped at the idea. The accountability and support of a group can really create an inspirational and productive environment in which to thrive.”

The group meets on Monday mornings for three hours. They are Baldiviez, Linda Small, Christine DiPego, Susan Buchanan, and Karen

Young. They come from different backgrounds and get together to honor their art practice. Each of them brings a different artistic background and style.

“As in art, there is no uniformity to our individual styles. We can all say we have been artists all of our lives,” said Baldiviez. “Each of us participating in our art group has had a life-long passion of including art in everyday life. One of our members said it best, ‘There was no back up plan for my life. It was art or it was nothing.’”

The group’s meeting is definitely a collaborative effort.

“Each time we meet, we bring what we want to work on that day. Generally, we work on watercolor, small acrylic paintings, and all forms of mixed media. We specifically bring anything that is easy to transport and somewhat quick to dry, so it can be transported back home at the end of our art session,” said Baldiviez. “We discuss ideas and offer each other input, share art books and techniques. We have also worked on collaborative pieces, where one of us starts a piece, usually on watercolor paper, and each week another one of us takes it home to add to it. We pass it along until each one of us has added our unique artistic input, in our own style, using whatever medium we choose, and then we have a completed art piece.

“For our summer project, we have started

gathering things that would be conducive to making our own brushes as a group endeavor. This type of brush is considered a mark-making brush, and the beauty of the brush comes from driftwood collected at our Central Coast beaches. We then create a brush tip that can be used to create different effects in our art.”

Finding a space to meet every week has been difficult, but that has not deterred them.

“It has been difficult to find a space to meet every week, so we have been careful to keep our group small for this reason,” Baldiviez said.

“Initially we met at the Mission for a couple of sessions, but unpredictable weather and wind made that hard to continue outdoors. Next we moved to one member’s home, who had a beautiful working space on an open veranda, but that became a lot for one member to be the weekly host in her home. For the last year, we have found another local meeting place that has worked out beautifully, for now. Unfortunately, the space would not be sufficient if the group were to expand, but we would welcome more artists if we had a larger space.”

Several members of the group are currently showcasing their art at CrossHatch Winery in Santa Ynez.

“Michelle Vautier, the owner, has been gracious enough to plan two artist receptions for us since the start of the gallery show,” Baldiviez

said. “Bringing art and wine together has created an experience for local visitors who come to her relaxing venue in the heart of Santa Ynez. There are three of us from our group displaying works there that include mixed media, oil painting, and photography.

“In addition, two artists from Santa Barbara are currently showing mixed media and acrylic works on canvas. Michelle has been so supportive of local artists and has said that art is one of the foundations of Crosshatch, as evident in her wine labels. I encourage people to get in to enjoy this eclectic art show soon, as it will be changing again sometime early summer.”

Baldiviez said the members of the group enjoy creating something with peers.

“Being a part of an art group is a valuable experience, especially if one is serious about sharing their passion for art making,” Baldiviez said. “In a group setting, that passion can be manifested and supported in so many ways. Getting our pieces out into the community is a very vulnerable experience, but as we encourage each other, we are able to make the experience a positive one, and our art gets out into our community and beyond.”

CrossHatch Winery is at 1090 Edison St. #104, Santa Ynez.

For more information, email Pbidsales@ gmail.com.

(Left) “Cowgirls” is an art project by Patti Baldiviez. (Center) These pieces by Christine DiPego are inspired by the luminous and iridescent vessels of the ancient Etruscan and Roman civilizations. (Right) “Collage” is a work by Susan Buchanan. Photos by Devyn Marseilles

Perfumer Susan Farber has a nose for notes

Owner of Sol Aromatics conducts multiple scentmaking workshops at different locations in Santa Ynez Valley

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

Susan Farber, the owner of Sol Aromatics, is a natural perfumer and certified aroma therapist as well as a licensed marriage family therapist.

She has been making natural perfumes with ingredients and distillers sourced from all over the world, along with materials she grows in her own aromatic garden. She has been teaching workshops since 2016, but she has been making perfumes since she was 8 years old.

“My mother gave me a perfume kit, and as an only child, I played with it for hours,” she said. “That’s when I got really obsessed with the smell of violets.”

Among the variety of flowers and herbs she grows in her garden at home, she says that her favorite scent is still violets.

“I’ve always been a creative person and was always encouraged by my parents,” she said. “My father was a professional studio singer and my mother owned a plant store and had a green thumb.”

Farber’s studio is filled with an amazing number of bottled scents sitting on shelves, in closets, and in other areas around her home.

“I do my own extractions, bottle them, and use them in my natural perfume workshops,” said Farber, displaying her collection. She says her passion blossomed when she moved to the Valley 11 years ago. She attended an event at the former C Gallery in Los Alamos to have a custom perfume made by perfumer Sarah Horowitz. She fell in love with the process and asked Horowitz where she could learn how to make perfume.

“Her studio was in Thousand Oaks, which I attended, and I asked her where I could learn how to make natural perfumes, not synthetic, and she recommended Mandy Aftel, who interestingly enough was a psychotherapist as well,” she said. “I went to her workshops in Berkeley and started

teaching a modification of her workshop, which has evolved over the years. During the pandemic, I studied over the internet under an Israeli perfumer, Ayala Moriel. I studied with her for three years, with people from all over the world. In her workshops, I learned about tincturing, old-world perfume practices, and fragrance families. I learned how to make perfumes of different fragrance families. She also taught me how to create a natural version match of a famous perfume. This is one way perfumers learn to improve and develop their skills.”

She soon became passionate about obtaining essences from distillers from all over the world and also finding new materials to tincture.

“I also make natural incense,” Farber said. “I made one called ‘Open Your Heart’ after a breakup to open my heart again. I use incense and essences to create a positive mind and healing space in my psychotherapy practice.”

Farber is now passing her expertise to others.

“I’ve been doing workshops since 2016,” she said. “The experience of making your own perfume is designed to awaken your sensorial creativity and to stir olfactory

memory. Our sense of smell is deeply connected to emotion and memory, making scent a powerful way to honor meaningful bonds. You work with a curated palette of natural essences to craft a personalized perfume — one that reflects your memories, inspirations, and connections.”

Describing a fulfilling experience she had in one of her workshops, Farber related a Mother’s Day story.

“In one of my previous Mother’s Day workshops, I had three generations of women from one family attend,” she said. “They co-created a single perfume together, not three individual scents. It was a moment when all three generations came together as a unit and created something that each of them loved and shared. That is such a powerful experience as a psychotherapist.”

Farber has workshops at different locations around the Santa Ynez Valley.

“I’ve held yearly workshops at the California Nature Museum since 2017. At one of these workshops, which was in conjunction with a Yosemite photographic exhibition, I incorporated conifer oils and found a distiller of Yosemite pine needles and incorporated his oils into the workshop. It brought to life the entire experience,” she said. “I’ve also

given workshops at the Windmill Nursery, and I held a Mother’s Day workshop at the Strange Family Tasting Room in Los Olivos. I will be holding a workshop at Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm on Saturday, June 21.

“I take special care sourcing high-end oils and I evaluate them. I source exquisite oils to provide the best aromatic experience for attendees. Please don’t wear perfume to the workshops. At these hour-long workshops, the attendees will receive an informative booklet about perfume making, your personal perfume recipe, and a vial of your perfume to take home.”

Last December, Farber opened an e-commerce store to sell her perfume and incenses and for private perfume-making experiences such as birthdays, bridal showers, and bachelorette parties, to name a few.

“At the heart of Sol Aromatics is an appreciation for the sense of smell and its ability to evoke memory, stir emotion, and foster positive states of being,” she said.

For more information on her upcoming workshop at Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm on June 21, or for more information, call (805) 886-5538, email SolAromatics@ gmail.com or visit SolAromatics.com.

Perfumer Susan Farber’s studio is filled with an amazing number of bottled scents sitting on shelves, in closets, and in other areas around her home. Photo by Devyn Marseilles

Solvang Theaterfest kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with Pablo Cruise

Beloved rock band’s May 24 concert the first of several show at the venue this summer Staff Report

Solvang Theaterfest is excited to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with the iconic sounds of Pablo Cruise, performing Friday, May 24, at 7 p.m. on the open-air stage in the heart of Solvang. Known for its breezy California rock hits like “Love Will Find a Way” and “Whatcha Gonna Do?”, the band brings an energetic start to the weekend.

Local favorite Out of the Blue will open the evening with a set full of crowd-pleasing rock classics, making it a night to remember under the stars. Tickets are on sale now atwww.SolvangTheaterfest.org.

“This Memorial Day weekend concert is a perfect opportunity to kick off the summer with great music and even better company,” said Chantel Green, executive

director of Solvang Theaterfest. “It’s one of many highlights in our already packed season.”

Following a successful start to the season, Theaterfest’s “Music in the Garden” series continues with intimate Sunday afternoon shows featuring local and touring talent across a variety of genres, including:

• Doublewide Kings – Roadhouse Rock & Roll, June 8

• Jeffrey East – Nashville-Inspired Soul, June 22

• The Storytellers – Americana Roots, July 13

• Left On Tenth – Indie, Funk, Reggae, Rock, July 20

• The Molly Ringwald Project – Totally ‘80s, Totally Awesome, July 27

• Doctor Wu – A Steely Dan Tribute, August 10

• Soul Majestic – Soulful Reggae Vibes, August 24

The season continues with exciting fall performances, including Mat Kearney on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and One Night of Queen featuring Gary Mullen & The Works on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Stay

tuned for more exciting shows coming soon, including comedian Orny Adams on Sept. 13 — tickets available June 3.

In addition, PCPA’s summer productions will be lighting up the stage at the Solvang Festival Theater from June 19 to Sept. 7 with performances showcasing the incredible talent of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre. Be sure to check their schedule at www.pcpa.org for upcoming shows that are sure to impress!

Solvang Theaterfest is also proud to introduce Lacie Stricklin as its new House Manager. Lacie continues to run the Valley Glee and Junior Theater programs through Arts Outreach, bringing the next generation of theater talent into the community. A proud descendant of one of the original settling families of Lompoc, Lacie’s deep ties to the Santa Ynez Valley are matched by her passion for nurturing young performers and cultivating creative expression. Her ongoing dedication to the youth arts in the area makes her an invaluable member of the Solvang Theaterfest team.

Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome

Linda Preston, a returning house manager with over 25 years of volunteer service to the theater. This is her second year back in the house manager role after a dedicated history of supporting the theater’s events and operations. Linda’s wealth of experience and ongoing commitment to Solvang Theaterfest make her an invaluable part of our team, and we are grateful to have her continue her work with us. Linda’s involvement is a testament to the dedicated volunteers in our Red Coats program, who help ensure that every show runs smoothly and that our guests enjoy a memorable experience.

For tickets, full calendar details, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.SolvangTheaterfest.org.

About Solvang Theaterfest

Solvang Theaterfest is a nonprofit organization that celebrates community, creativity, and live performance in the Santa Ynez Valley. With a 700-seat outdoor venue, the theater hosts a variety of performances and events, offering memorable experiences under the stars.

The Solvang Festival Theatre will be host to several performances this season, with concerts and PCPA performances slated through the fall. Contributed Photo

Roll Hall of Famer, SYV resident

Concert to feature the music of Rock and

Santa Barbara Records and The Granada present ‘Locals & Legends: Celebrating the Music of David Crosby’ Staff Report

The Granada Theatre, a cornerstone of Santa Barbara’s vibrant performing arts scene, and Santa Barbara Records are proud to present an evening dedicated to community and local artistry while celebrating the music of David Crosby, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a resident of the Santa Ynez Valley at the time of his passing in 2023.

Various singer-songwriters and seasoned performers will perform at this event celebrating the full circle of Santa Barbara’s music scene. “Locals and Legends: Celebrating The Music of David Crosby” will take place on Saturday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Santa Barbara Records, a local record label dedicated to uplifting Central Coast talent, will showcase an exceptional lineup of artists, including Glen Phillips, Chris and John Beland, Shawn Thies, Jonathan Firey, and Kathleen Sieck. These musicians will take the stage at The Granada, joined by an all-star band and the Santa Barbara Symphony, under Music and Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, performing Crosby’s iconic songs and original works from some of the region’s finest musicians.

The evening features special guests who have played pivotal roles in Crosby’s musical

legacy. James Raymond, Crosby’s son and longtime musical collaborator, and Steve Postell, Crosby’s music director and guitarist, will take the stage to perform some of the legendary musician’s most beloved songs. Vocalists Miriam Dance and Lois Mahalia will lend their powerful voices, adding new depth to Crosby’s timeless catalog. Backed by an allstar band composed of some of Santa Barbara’s most accomplished musicians, this unique collaboration with symphonic arrangement is a concert experience created by and for the Santa Barbara community.

“Locals & Legends is more than a concert — it’s a showcase featuring our region’s prolific musical landscape, spotlighting legendary and emerging artists while celebrating David Crosby’s roots in Santa Barbara,” said Tariqh Akoni, producer and director of A&R at Santa Barbara Records while concurrently serving as music director for the show. “This night is a true community collaboration, bridging generations through the music that shaped our past and the artists who will define our future.”

Sponsored by the Manitou Fund/Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley, The Hazen Foundation, The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, a field of interest fund of the Santa Barbara Foundation, and Davis Fansler, this one-night-only event is a night to honor where we come from, who we are, and the sounds that unite us.

For more information on the theater and its upcoming shows, please visit www.granadasb. org.

Jeff Pivar and David Crosby perform in 2001 at the Valley Music Festival, which Crosby and his wife Jan put on to raise money for music and arts in local schools. A May 24 concert at Santa Barbara’s Granada Theatre will celebrate the music of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Crosby. Photo by Joanne A. Calitri

opened it to the public.”

Although the museum had been open for a short time on the morning of May 15, Marshall marveled at the reactions she heard from visitors.

“The expressions we see when they walk in here [to the entrance] is something to see,” she said. “I just heard someone come in here and then say ‘this is unbelievable.’ It’s reactions like that I like to hear.”

While the museum opened to the public for the first time on May 15, Marshall said it had already been open and enjoyed by tribal members for a time.

“We had our grand opening for the tribal members a few weeks ago,” she said. “Opening the doors and seeing their emotions, their tears, their family unity, has been amazing. Clearly it was important for the tribal people to see it first. It was important to let them have their time with it before we

Now that the museum is open to the public, Marshall is planning how to make it a destination for people in the Valley and beyond.

“Well, we’re looking to host school groups on visits and field trips,” she said. “We’ll probably start contacting schools at the beginning of the next school year. We’ll be closed to the public in the middle of the week, so we can bring those groups in on those days.

“We also want to bring in events and outside attractions, like basket weavers and flint nappers, or do an art show. The doors are wide open, and we have all kinds of things in mind. We’ll see how it plays out.”

Early on May 15, a good crowd came through to see the exihibit and explore the outside park, and reviews were very positive.

Tony Amastres and his wife Krista, of Goleta, said they had been driving by the building for months and wondered when it would open.

“We were at the golf course and someone

told us it was opening today,” Tony Amastres said. “So, we came up to see if that was true, and it was.”

The Amastreses were very pleased with what they saw.

“It’s fantastic. It’s a great thing to have here,” Tony said. “I look forward to coming back, and bringing some other people we know in Goleta.”

Tony Amastres said he enjoyed the walkthrough main exhibit.

“I love the way that it transitions from the ancient history to, for lack of a better word, current era and the mission history,” he said. “It obviously has a lot geared for kids, but if you really sit there and dig through it, you get a ton of information.”

Meanwhile, Courtney Connolly of Grover Beach, was getting ready to go into the museum with her kids Ortiz, 4, and Orla, 2, who go to Acorn Village Forest School in Santa Ynez Valley.

“I’ve been waiting for it to open ever since

I’ve been driving past it, and I saw it was opening day, so I decided to check it out,” she said. “I’m planning to get a membership so the kids and I can do some stuff together, and then I can come by myself and actually digest all the stuff.”

Reactions like that are what pleases Marshall and hopes they bring more people to the museum.

“We’re honored to have this, and I think people are really going to have a great experience, walking in our footsteps for a little bit,” she said. “I’d just like to tell them, ‘Come visit and learn about our people. You will learn so much about who we were and who we are.’”

The museum’s hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and tickets are available for purchase at www. sychumashmuseum.org. Admission is $15 for adults (18-64), $12 for seniors (65+), $12 for teens (13-17), $10 for children (3-12), $12 for military members (with ID) and free for toddlers (2 and under).

Visitors to the new Chumash Museum and Cultural Center can see valuable artifacts, engrossing exhibits, and some beautiful architecture. Photos courtesy of Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

TUESDAY, MAY 20

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

County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara For more info: countyofsb.org

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD, 5:30 P.M.

Board Room, Administration Office, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, 2975 Mission Drive, Solvang For more info: www.syvuhsd.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

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

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

THURSDAY, MAY 22

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 27

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30 P.M.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, 9 A.M.

123 East Anapamu Street, Room 17, Santa Barbara

For more info: countyofsb.org

LOS ALAMOS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, 6 P.M.

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

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

County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara

For more info: countyofsb.org

EVENTS

THURSDAY, MAY 22

WORKSHOP WITH BRAD SICOFF, SYV WEALTH ADVISOR, 4 TO 5 P.M.

Retirement planning and investments are two topics you may want to know more about. Join us for this free, one-hour, educational workshop with Brad Sicoff, president at SYV Wealth Advisors in Santa Ynez to develop a plan that works for your lifestyle.

At SYV Wealth Advisors, 1050 Edison St., Santa Ynez

For more info: syvwealth.com

FRIDAY, MAY 23

Three Dog Night brings its four decades of hits along with some new ones to the Chumash Casino and Resort on Friday, May 23. Photo courtesy of Chumash Casino and Resort

THREE DOG NIGHT AT CHUMASH CASINO, 8 P.M.

With a music career spanning 4 decades, Three Dog Night have certainly earned the right to be one of America’s most iconic bands. With a vast back catalogue of smash hits like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala,” and “One,” it would be easy for Three Dog Night to rest on this legacy, however, this band is not one for taking a break and are always looking for new ways to increase their audience.

Three Dog Night have enjoyed 12 albums reaching Gold status, 21 Billboard Top 40 songs and three US number ones, as well as a UK number one! They will be featuring their impressive back catalogue as well as presenting their brand new work to

CALENDAR

audiences across the U.S.!

Tickets are priced at $49, $59, $69, $74, $79.

At Chumash Casino and Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez For tickets/more info: tickets.chumashcasino.com/ Events/2025/5/23/three-dognight-85236

SATURDAY, MAY 24

SOLVANG THEATERFEST: PABLO CRUISE, 7 P.M.

Get ready for a musical night to remember at Solvang Theaterfest Pablo Cruise — where unforgettable live performances come to life in a welcoming, accessible space made for everyone!

Since their debut in 1975, Pablo Cruise has been serving up feel-good, sun-soaked hits with a laid-back, genuine vibe. Their name says it all — “Pablo” for that down-to-earth realness, and “Cruise” for the chill, easygoing groove that makes their music so irresistible!

Their smooth, catchy tunes like “Whatcha Gonna Do When She Says Goodbye?” and “Love Will Find A Way”shot them to fame, earning them top 10 hits and millions of fans worldwide. From rocking the stage at Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” to breaking Elvis Presley’s attendance record at the Sahara Tahoe — these legends have done it all!

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

For tickets/more info: solvangtheaterfest.org/show-listing

SUNDAY, MAY 25 PAINTING IN THE ORCHARD AT ROCK 12 DISTILLERY, 10:30 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.

Are you looking for something unique to do in Santa Barbara County? Why not join us at the picturesque Rock 12 Distillery Orchard to grab a cocktail and a paintbrush?!

Our painting classes provide a beautiful, stress-free environment that will both inspire your creative spirit and indulge the wine-lover in you. Don’t consider yourself an artist just yet? Don’t worry. Our trained artist will

walk you through the entire painting process step-by-step. No previous painting experience necessary. You’ll be amazed at what you can create in just a few hours — even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush in your life!

$89 per person — includes a classic Rock 12 Tasting (three whisper pours of your spirit of choice, followed by a seasonal cocktail) and all the supplies necessary to create your landscape painting.

At 6605 Highway 246, Lompoc For tickets/more info: artspotonwheels.com/events/painting-inthe-orchard-at-rock-12-distillerymay-25/

MOTORS FOR MUZZLES CLASSIC CAR SHOW, 3 P.M.

We are so excited for this free public, family friendly car show fundraiser for BeLoved Animal Rescue! It is happending at Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez.

This event includes a car show for all makes and models, a pinup contest, mustache contest, live music, silent auction, and food and drink from various vendors.

Car show registration is open ($25 in advance, $35 same day), and the trophies are awesome and custom-made for the show.

Register your car at form.jotform. com/250994599959183

At Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez For entry or more info: email Motors4Muzzles@gmail.com

MONDAY, MAY 26

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY, 12 P.M.

VFW Post 7139 will conduct a hallowed VFW Memorial Day Ceremony at 12 p.m. in the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall. The ceremony will honor all veterans and their families, and include The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band, Vandenberg Space Force Base and VFW Post speakers, Boy Scouts, and Flat Fender Club vintage military vehicles. A free barbecue luncheon hosted by the SYV Elks

Lodge will follow the program in the American Legion Wing. The day will start off with American Legion Post 160 conducting short ceremonies at various cemeteries: 10 a.m. in Chalk Hill, 10:30 a.m. in Mission Santa Ines, 11 a.m. in Oak Hill, and 11:30 a.m. in St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley. At Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang

THURSDAY, MAY 29

MATTEI’S TAVERN SEAFOOD BOIL, 4 P.M.

Celebrate the Memorial holiday with our third annual Seafood Boil on the Hartley Lawn at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern! Kick off summer with a festive afternoon of fresh seafood, live Bluegrass music, and lawn games. Bring your friends and family, sip local wines, and soak up the sunshine. Feast, laugh, and make memories in great company!

Ticket prices are $140 per adult and $68 per child (ages 5–12). Pricing includes a 22% gratuity. Alcoholic beverages sold separately.

At Mattei’s Tavern, 2350 Railway Ave., Los Olivos For more info:

SATURDAY, MAY 31

CONCERT IN THE VINES, 5 P.M.

As part of Gainey Estate Vineyards Concert in the Vines series, please join us for the ultimate Johnny Cash experience with Cash’d Out playing live on May 31.

Join us for a special evening nestled under ancient oaks and with sweeping 180 degree views of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Bring a picnic or enjoy our food offering for the evening, buy a bottle or glass of awesome wine and enjoy music created by one of the legends of American music known around the world for his traditional ballads, spirituals, gospel, bluegrass, country, blues, folk, rockabilly, rock ’n’ roll, and rock. Tickets are $35.

At Gainey Estate Vineyards, 3950 Highway 246, Santa Ynez For more info: gaineyvineyard.com/ wine-club/events/concert-in-thevines