SOLVANG
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from a distance on 1st Street in Solvang as an abandoned building burned in the early hours of Friday, May 2. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo courtesy of Scott Safechuck/SBCFD
Fire breaks out at abandoned building on 1st and Molle
An early-morning fire engulfed an abandoned three-story building on the corner of 1st Street and Molle Way in Solvang on Friday, May 2. The building is Hans Christian Andersen Square, informally known in town as the “Water Wheel Building.”
Santa Barbara County Fire responded to a 5:29 a.m. for a structure fire, and firefighters arrived at the scene with the building already fully in flames. Originally a two-alarm fire, the incident was upgraded to a third alarm, with a strike team from the Operational Area being ordered.
“We went into defensive operations to keep
the fire from spreading to adjacent building,” said County Fire PIO Scott Safechuck in a video posted on X. “[We also] evacuated a block in either direction due to the fire conditions and the heat coming off the building.”
Safechuck reported the fire was knocked down at 7:19 a.m. County Fire said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
The property at 1st and Molle consists of three buildings that hosted a number of shops and a museum, but has sit abandoned for over a decade.
‘SYV Pride’ returns to Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country in June
Santa Barbara County nonprofit, Santa Ynez Valley Pride (www.SYVPride.org), is planning for the fourth annual Pride celebration to take place in the region’s various wine country towns, a multifaceted lineup of events spanning June 1-30, 2025.
“This year’s Pride theme, ‘Lead with Love,’ is about a bold and brave kind of love that requires action. It will ask us to stand up for all members of our community, especially our trans and immigrant neighbors,” said Lauren Lastra, president of SYV Pride. “It will require that we act with kindness in the face of adversity and that we garner strength and hope through community. It will empower us to create safe spaces throughout the Valley where folks can unapologetically be themselves and know that they belong here.”
Formed in 2022, SYV Pride’s mission is to create a safe, supportive, and empowering home for the local LGBTQ+ community in the Santa Ynez Valley through the education and celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. In June
2022, SYV Pride organized and successfully completed its inaugural Pride celebration held in varied locations throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.
Pride month (2025) with SYV Pride is blasting off on Sunday, June 1, with a Pride Brunch at Brave & Maiden Estate in Santa Ynez, followed by a disco-themed Pride kickoff event at the Future Perfect Wine tasting room in Los Olivos. Beginning Tuesday, June 3, continuing each Tuesday in June, the legendary Maverick Saloon in the town of Santa Ynez will host “Gayraoke.” On Thursday, June 12, Stolpman Fresh Garage hosts “All Colors of the Rainbow,” a wine event in Los Olivos.
The month’s main attraction arrives on Saturday, June 14, as the SYV Pride Parade (11 a.m.) will roll through downtown Solvang with floats, music, and more, ending with a family-centric Pride Festival at 12 p.m. in the center of town, in and around Solvang Park (corner of Mission Drive and First Street).
Festival attendees should expect a kid-friendly afternoon complete with bounce houses, face painting, vendor booths, a beer and wine garden, food vendors, and live music, including a performance by The Molly Ringwald Project and tunes by DJ Darla Bea.
The June 2025 SYV Pride celebration is open to the public with ticketed and non-ticketed events. Event updates will be announced on the SYV Pride website (www.SYVPride. org), and Instagram and Facebook feeds: @ SYV.Pride and facebook.com/SYVPride. Proceeds, in part or in whole, and donations from all events will benefit SYV Pride.
SYV Pride wishes to thank sponsors and supporters, including: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians; Farmacy Santa Ynez, Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden; Allan Hancock College; Lefty’s Coffee Co.; Rio Vista Chevrolet; and Carla & Jon Mead.
SYV Cottage Hospital earns prestigious 5-Star rating from the National Rural Rating System
Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital (SYVCH) is proud to announce that it has earned a 5-star rating from the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), which recognizes excellence and commitment in rural healthcare. SYVCH has also been named to the National Rural Honor Roll.
This designation is a testament to SYVCH’s dedication to delivering high-quality care and meaningful patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates hospitals based on rigorous stan-
dards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care and overall hospital performance.
“We take great pride in being a trusted source of care for the Santa Ynez Valley community,” said Katie Gorndt, vice president of Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it underscores the trust our community places in us and highlights our commitment to delivering exceptional care.”
The 5-star rating reflects SYVCH’s ongoing commitment to meet the unique healthcare needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital’s success in providing outstanding medical services, despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.
The 2025 National Rural Honor Roll honorees include rural hospitals that have met the highest standards for patient experience, based on cumulative ratings submitted by Oct. 31, 2024. This annual recognition reinforces NRHA’s commitment to supporting and uplifting rural health care facilities as pillars of their communities.
Since 1964, the not-for-profit SYVCH has provided high quality outpatient surgical services, inpatient care, comprehensive imaging, on-site laboratory, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, cardiac clinic and 24- hour emergency services to the community.
The National Rural Honor Roll was created to honor rural and critical access hospitals and clinics that consistently deliver exceptional healthcare, showcasing them as leaders in patient-centered care within their communities. Facilities included on the Honor Roll receive recognition for their dedication and excellence that sets them apart, demonstrating their commitment to patient well-being. For more information visit RuralRatings.US.
BUELLTON
Candidate filing now 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
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STAR NEWS
Solvang City Council hears grant-fund requests
Councilmembers also discuss direction of sign ordinance changes with planning manager
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
In a longer-than-usual regular meeting on Monday, May 28, the Solvang City Council heard from a dozen organizations asking for grant funds for fiscal year 2025-26, and also gave staff direction on changes for the city sign ordinance.
The meeting, which ran for 3 hours and 53 minutes, began with three proclamations, as the council honored retiring Sheriff’s Lt. (and de facto Police Chief) Mark Valencia, who is retiring, recognized Child Abuse Awareness and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and one on Drinking Water Week.
After a presentation from the city’s marketing consultants, and the consent calendar, Mayor David Brown asked to move up Discussion Item 8b up on the agenda, a motion the council unanimously passed.
Brown then recused himself because his wife was one of the people scheduled to request grant funds for her organization. Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Orona took over the gavel for the item as Brown stepped out. Speaking on remote from Huntington Beach, City Administrator Wendy Berry gave the report for the grant requests and said the grant fund request period lasted from Feb. 1 to March 31, workshops on Feb. 19 and March 11 to help with the paperwork.
Berry said city staff received 12 grantfund applications, but only four were actually complete. The city’s ad hoc committee gave a week’s extension to those applicants
who didn’t have all the paperwork.
The applicants were called up one-by-one by City Manager Randy Murphy. The grant request were as follows:
Atterdag At-Home Meals on Wheels: Director Karen Brown said the program, which was nearly discontinued in 2016, delivered over 25,000 meals last year and the number of seniors to serve are growing. Atterdag is asking for $20,000.
Bethania Food Distribution: Linda Marzullo said the operation has been going on for five years, but food is still needed. Marzullo said she asked for $2,000 last year but will probably ask for more.
Santa Ynez Valley Aquatics: Lisa Palmer said the mission of the foundation to bring aquatics access to all of the Valley, and is looking to build new aquatics center. Her group has raised $1 million, goal is $13.7 million by end of 2026.
SYV Fruit and Vegetable Rescue: New Executive Erin Shugart looking for $10,000 grant for group that provides fresh nutrient-rich food with minimal environmental impact.
SYV Historical Museum: Absent
SYV People Helping People: CEO Erica Flores asked for $15,000, saying Solvang is the heart of their operation. The group networks with family resource center to provide an emergency food pantry.
SYV Western Heritage Foundation: Kevin Murphy, president of nonprofit foundation formed to fund Santa Ynez Old Days rodeo and preserve ag and western heritage.
Solvang Chamber of Commerce: Linda Palmer, community outreach, asking $46,500 to fund new Solvang Safe program, which encourage businesses to help in emergency.
Danish Days: Co-Chair Cassandra Ferris, who organizes the Danish Days Festival
said the nonprofit relies on donations from public and city and use sponsorship. President Thomas Birkhold said grant fund helps them add bathrooms, PA system, table and chair rentals. the number increased from 2,000 to 6,000.
10. Rotary Club: Steve Palmer, Chairman of 4th of July parade with Valerie Kissell. “The 4th of July parade speaks for itself,” he said.
11. Viking Charities: Car Show Chair Greg Wietzman car show chair seeks funding for Viking Car Show, asking for $3,000. He said he’s asking for less this year, while eliminating beer garden and food vendors.
Claudia Orona said council has received the requests have been received, and Murphy said the requests would go back to the ad hoc committee and be discussed again at the June 9 council meeting.
Later in the meeting, Planning and Building Manager Rafael Castillo addresses the council on Item 8d, on Modifications to the Sign Ordinance.
Castillo recounted how city staff was directed in November to do a workshop on new design standards and held a joint Planning Commission and Design Review Committee Workshop on March 13, to discuss six key items:
• Objective Design Standards with the R-3 Lots and maintain control with DRC input over new projects.
• Incorporation of a “Design Handbook” including the use of approved color palettes.
• Use of A-frame Signs and Sandwich Board Signs within the Village/City.
• Additional Temporary Signage
• Use of Banner Signs in the Village
• Elimination of Content Based Regulation and replacement with objective standards.
Castillo told council he was looking for direction on which of those items to start work on.
Councilmember Elizabeth Orona, however, asked why there was no progress on any of those items, and Castillo answered that those items were established to come back and get direction over which took priority.
“Basically, I’m doing an overview, no redline changes,” he said. “we’re bringing the workshop to you and getting direction. We’re waiting to see if we get direction.”
Brown saw that and suggested Castillo concentrate on the A-frames and temporary sign to begin.
At the end, Murphy assured the council that they would properly be apprised of any changes in the future.
The next meeting for the Solvang City Council will be Monday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Solvang Planning and Building Manager Rafael Castillo discusses the city’s sign ordinance topics with City Council during the meeting on April 28. Screenshot from YouTube
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
Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center will open to the public on May 15
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has announced that the highly anticipated Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center will open to the public on Thursday, May 15. 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).
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.
The museum’s 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.), 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.
“Our tribe looks forward to sharing the deep history and culture of our people with the greater community,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Our museum guests are encouraged to explore this one-of-a-kind facility that has been a five-decade-long dream for our people. It holds not only artifacts and exhibits, but the spirit of our ancestors, the wisdom of those who came before us, and the richness of a culture that has withstood the test of time.”
The museum is located at 3500 Numancia St. in Santa Ynez and offers free parking. Annual memberships are available for purchase, and the museum also accepts donations, which support maintenance, creating new exhibits and funding educational programs for the community.
Before experiencing the museum, the tribe encourages you to visit the facility’s informative website, which can be found at www.sychumashmuseum.org.
Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum to offer tours for ‘Day on the Farm,’ May 16
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum will offer special tours as part of the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience’s “Day On the Farm,” on Friday, May 16, from noon to 5 p.m.
Visitors can explore the museum, including the historic Parks-Janeway Carriage House, while learning about the agricultural heritage of the Santa Ynez Valley. The event includes a tasting of Rancho Olivos olive oil in the open-air courtyard and an opportunity to sample and take home a free assortment of locally grown produce from a Babé Farms pop-up market.
Rancho Olivos farmers John Copeland and Shannon Casey, plus representatives from Babé Farms, will share stories about their farms and provide information about their agricultural and production practices.
For those interested in a more comprehensive experience, the museum will conduct “History of Agriculture” tours at 1 and 3 p.m.
Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online at the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience website, sbce.events/day-on-thefarm. Select the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum Tour option.
Eight farms and vineyards are participating in the May 16 Day on the Farm. Due to driving distances between locations, organizers recommend visitors select no more than three farms to visit.
Day on the Farm is sponsored by Heritage Farmland Touring Company, specializing in California and international travel tours to farmland sites.
Sydney Vogel recognized for academic excellence at Muhlenberg College
Academic awards are bestowed each spring at Muhlenberg College’s annual Honors Convocation — a formal academic ceremony designed to honor and celebrate leadership and scholarly excellence in the college community. This year’s convocation was held on Sunday, April 27, in Egner Chapel.
Sydney Vogel of Santa Ynez received the Novartis Endowed Science Scholars Program Award, given to a junior or senior science major who has achieved a 3.5 or higher grade point average in the major field of study and who has clearly indicated the intention to pursue postbaccalaureate work in the sciences leading to an advanced degree.
A graduate of Dunn School, Vogel is studying biology at Muhlenberg College.
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, four-year residential, liberal arts college in the city of Allentown, Pennsylvania, with nearly 2,000 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree-seeking students. The college’s curriculum and experiences are designed to open doors to new ideas, discoveries, friendships and a lifetime of personal and intellectual growth.
LOS OLIVOS
Perfume making event scheduled for Mother’s Day
Perfume maker Susan Farber, owner of Sol Aromatics, is holding a Mother’s Day perfume-making event from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at the Strange Family Tasting Room at 2933 Grand Ave., Ste. A, Los Olivos. Create cherished memories as you design your own artisanal fragrance with your mom, for your mom, or simply pay homage to Mother Earth. For pricing or more information, call (805) 886-5536, email SolAromatics@gmail. com, or visit SolAromatics.com.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
Santa Ynez Valley Transit announces updated bus schedules and expanded route stops
Santa Ynez Valley Transit (SYVT) is pleased to announce the release of updated
bus schedules effective May 5, designed to provide riders with a more reliable and convenient public transportation experience. The revised schedules include enhanced routing and the introduction of new and permanent stops to better serve the community’s needs. Among the key updates:
• New permanent stops at the Chumash Casino and the Tribal Health Clinic, offering easier access to two of the region’s most frequented destinations.
• A new stop at the Buellton Library, giving residents and visitors improved transportation options to this important community resource.
“These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to improving accessibility, reliability, and convenience for SYVT riders,” said Bridget Paris, the City of Solvang’s public works director. “We’re excited to make public transit work better for everyone in the Santa Ynez Valley.”
Riders can view the updated schedules and route maps at www.syvt.com or pick up a printed schedule on board any SYVT bus. For more information, please contact SYVT Customer Service at (805) 688-5452 or info@syvt.com.
SANTA BARBARA
Gem Faire scheduled for May 23-25
Gem Faire, billed as “America’s Premier Jewelry & Bead Show,” is set for May 23-25 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, located at 3400 Calle Real in Santa Barbara. Hours are Friday from 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday).
Admission of $7 is valid for the entire weekend, and children under 12 are admitted for free.
Customers can explore the largest selection of fine jewelry, crystals, gemstones, beads, minerals, fossils, and much more. They can buy direct from the importers and wholesalers. From loose gemstones, raw minerals, and millions of bead strands to finished jewelry, fashion accessories, supplies, and tools, find them all under one roof. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring-sizing service is available while you shop.
Gem Faire will be in Santa Barbara for three days only. Buy quality gems, jewelry and beading supplies directly from the source right in your town only at Gem Faire. For more information, visit gemfaire.com or contact Gem Faire, Inc. at (503) 252-8300 or info@gemfaire.com.
EDUCATION
Dr. Adam Bailey selected as next superintendent of Buellton Union School District
Current principal of Carter High School in Rialto will replace the retiring Dr. Randall Haggard on July 1 Staff Report
BUELLTON — The Buellton Union School District (BUSD) announced April 16 the appointment of Dr. Adam Bailey as its new superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. With over three decades of experience in education and leadership across California school districts, Bailey brings a proven track record of excellence, innovation, and student-centered leadership to Buellton. Bailey will succeed Dr. Randal Haggard, BUSD’s current superintendent, who will be retiring after nine years of dedicated service to the district.
Bailey currently serves as the principal at Carter High School in the Rialto Unified School District in San Bernardino County, where he oversees the education and well-being of approximately 1,900 students. His extensive career includes serving as an administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, an administrator in personnel services for the Riverside County Office of Education, and vice president of school development for Oxford Preparatory Academy. Throughout his career as a classroom teacher and principal, Bailey has focused on increasing student achievement, promoting a positive
school climate, and providing safe schools for students, staff, and families in each district he has served.
“Dr. Bailey is a visionary leader whose deep commitment to academic excellence and community collaboration will greatly benefit our students, staff, and families,” said Ryan Sullivan, president of the Buellton Union School District Board of Trustees. “His diverse experience at all levels of education will be an asset to our district.”
A dedicated educator, Bailey holds a Ph.D. in urban leadership from Claremont Graduate University, where he researched the factors that affect teachers’ job satisfaction and how they have a benefit to students in the classroom. Dr. Bailey earned his administrative and teaching credentials, a Master’s degree in educational administration and a Bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, San Bernardino.
“I am honored and excited to join the Buellton Union School District,” Bailey said. “I look forward to working with our outstanding Board of Education, students, staff, families, and community members to build on the district’s strong foundation and support every student’s success.”
Bailey’s appointment marks a new chapter of leadership for the district as it continues its mission of delivering high-quality education in a supportive, inclusive environment.
For more information, please contact the Buellton Union School District Office at (805) 686-2767 ext. 1.
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New Buellton Union School District Superintendent Dr. Adam Bailey (center) is shown with members of the district’s Board of Trustees — (from left) Brandon Gnekow, Elaine Alvarado, Jesse Skidmore, Ryan Sullivan, and Brandon Perkins — after being named to the position on April 16. Photo courtesy of BUSD
Nicholas Duran is Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge Student of the Month for April
A model of resilience and determination, SYHS senior has embraced football and the school’s CTE pathway
Staff Report
The Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge, in cooperation with Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, has named SYHS senior Nicholas Duran as the April Student of the Month.
Nicholas, known more familiarly as “Nico,” was announced as the winner during the Elks Lodge meeting on April 17 and received a $100 check.
Nico is a student that embodies resilience and determination, having excelled in the school’s special education program while embracing the warmth of the Valley community.
His high school journey has been punctuated by his newfound passion for football in his senior year — a testament to his adventurous spirit and ability to forge lasting friendships. Nico stated that “he decided to play football to try something new. He made a lot of friends and wishes he had played all four years. He said the summers were hot, but it was still fun.”
Off the field, Nico embraced SYHS’s Career Technical Education pathways, studying automotive mechanics, welding, and culinary arts, both at SYHS and through concurrent enrollment at Allan Hancock College. His aspiration to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and older brother as a welder at Hancock, reflecting his deep-rooted family values and commitment to his chosen career path.
Nico is the student that I might be the most excited to speak about all year,” said SYHS Administrative Assistant Alexa Tomasini. “Nico has worked very hard in our special education program.”
Outside of academics, Nico loves fishing and the beach. His dedication to community service further underscores his role as a valued citizen and a joy to have in any classroom setting. He has matured into an excellent man who everyone who knows him is so proud of.
If Nico could give his younger self advice, he would ask for more help for his disability and not be quiet. He would tell himself to do you and make good choices.
Nico is not just a student; he is a model of resilience, a testament to the power of perseverance and self-discovery. As he prepares for Allan Hancock College, we commend Nico for his unwavering spirit, his dedication to family, and his positive impact on all who have had the pleasure of knowing him.
Santa Ynez High School senior Nicholas “Nico” Duran accepts a $100 check from Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge Scholarship Coordinator Pat Merritt (left) and Exalted Ruler Jeremy Forman (right) on April 17 after being named April Student of the Month. Photo courtesy of the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge
Pirates boys volleyball team set to begin CIF playoffs; softball team goes on three-game win streak
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
Santa Ynez High boasts this year’s Mountain League individual Mountain League champion after the Pirates’ No. 1 player Bryce Wilczak defeated Grant Vanclef of San Luis Obispo 6-3, 6-3 in the finals of the Mountain League CCAA tournament at SLOHS on April 17.
Wilczak went into the tournament only losing one match this year, which came in the Pirates’ last team match of the season. With the win, he advances to the area tournament, also at SLOHS, on Friday, May 9, where the top players from the Mountain, Sunset, and Ocean leagues will play to qualify for CIF.
As one would assume, the Mountain League final pitted two of the best players in the league in Wilczak and Vanclef, a situation Wilczak was happy with.
“Grant’s a really good player, and that really helps me stay at the top of my game,” Wilczak said during practice in late April. “I think I sometimes have difficulty, and I don’t want to come off as arrogant, when I’m ‘playing down’ against a lower-ranked player. That wasn’t the case in the league final.”
In fact, while the final match was won in straight sets, the new champion said it wasn’t easy by any means.
“I think we had about nine deuces [40-40 score] during the match and I was able to win most of those,” Wilczak said. “It was a tough and well-played match.”
Wilczak nears the end of what’s been an unusual high school career. He was actually home-schooled in
Santa Ynez tennis player Bryce Wilczak wins individual Mountain League title
his past grades while concentrating on his tennis, and started becoming a “regular” student in this, his senior year. After graduation, he plans to go to Santa Barbara City College.
“I’m going to stay near home for a couple of years and play with the tennis team there,” Wilczak said.
“After that, I’m looking to go to Cal Lutheran and major in business management.”
Wilczak and the Pirates were able to earn a CIF Central Section playoff berth as a team; however, SYHS lost 5-4 to Reedley in the first round.
Wilczak (6-0, 6-2) and No. 2 Cooper Haws (6-7 [7-9], 6-4, 10-7) won their singles matches and teamed for an 8-5 victory in doubles, but four singles wins by Reedley clinched the match for it side.
In other Santa Ynez High sports action:
Boys volleyball: SYHS closed its Mountain League season out with a 25-17, 25-21, 25-23 sweep over
Arroyo Grande. The Pirates finished 8-0 in league for its first championship since 2017, after going 2-6 in 2024.
“I am super proud of the team effort to go from fourth last year first this year, “ said Pirates head coach Chip Fenenga.
Senior setter Manny Sanchez had 37 assists against the Eagles, while Nate Biron hammered 13 kills, Ben Stuerman added 10 and Jadon Bailey had 6.
The Pirates now enter the CIF Central Section Division II playoffs seeded eighth, and will play ninth-seeded McLane on Tuesday, May 6, at SYHS. If the Pirates win that match, then they will have a rematch against Arroyo Grande, who as the No. 1 seed has a first-round bye.
Baseball: SYHS split against Nipomo last week, defeating the Titans 9-5 at Nipomo on April 29, and then losing to NHS 9-1 on May 1
at SYHS. The Pirates stand at 4-6 in the Ocean League and 9-10 overall. SYHS will wrap up the regular season with games against Orcutt Academy on Tuesday, May 6 (away), and Thursday, May 8 (home).
Softball: The Pirates got their first win of the season April 15 with a 19-1 win over Morro Bay. Head coach Felicity Yanez credited sophomore starting pitcher Maleah Knightley for a superb outing, as she struck out a personal-high 9 strikeouts to earn the win.
The Morro Bay game started a bit of a trend, as SYHS won the next two games, 14-7 over Carpinteria on May 17, and 17-7 over Santa Maria on April 29, its first game after spring break.
The Pirates (2-7 in the Ocean League, 3-10 overall) will close out the regular season with its final home game, against Nipomo, on Tuesday, May 6, and the season finale at Morro Bay on Thursday, May 8.
Boys golf: SYHS played in the sixth Mountain League tournament on Friday, May 2, hosted by Mission College Prep at San Luis Obispo Country Club. The Pirates placed fifth of the five teams present with a 437. Templeton won the team competition with a 392.
Brayden Mlodzik was low man for SYHS with an 81, while Cody Armenta finished two shots behind him at 83. Other scores for the Pirates were Max Andrade, 88; Elijah Navarro, 92; Seb Perez, 93; and Cameron Celestin 96.
On Wednesday, April 30, SYHS defeated Cabrillo 449-488 in a non-league dual match at the par 72 Mission Club. Mlodzik had a team-low score of 83, with the other Pirates scores being Ernesto Suarez, 86; Seb Perez, 91; Cameron Celestin, 94; Elijah Navarro, 95; Max Andrade, 95; and Sebastian Jacobs, 100.
Santa Ynez High boys tennis player Bryce Wilczak poses with his parents John (left) and Janet (right), and Pirates head coach Jennifer Rasmussen after winning the Mountain League singles title in San Luis Obispo. Contributed Photo
Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce holds annual meeting
Organization looking forward to Santa Ynez Old Days and Rodeo coming in June
By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
The Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum on March 20. Linda Small, the executive director of the Chamber, presented a slideshow that reviewed what the Chamber accomplished in 2024 and some of the highlights of future events in 2025.
Emphasized at the meeting was the unveiling of a horse that was painted by local artist Maryvonne LaParliere and donated to the Santa Ynez Historical Museum and Carriage House.
Artistically painted wooden horses graze around Santa Ynez thanks to the work and collaboration between the Santa Ynez Chamber and community artists, a project that was conceived by the Chamber several years ago and which has been well-received by merchants and visitors alike.
The horse that LaParliere had originally painted was stolen from the corner of Edison and Hwy. 246 in 2023. The new horse now resides outside the Carriage House in the patio section of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum.
Other subjects covered in the slideshow were sponsored business workshops that took place throughout the year that are of interest to Chamber members and community issues affecting the Santa Ynez Valley. The Chamber purchased four trash receptacles that were much needed in the Santa Ynez township; the Chamber brought on 20 new members in 2024; the Chamber held four social mixers where Chamber members networked and showcased their businesses. Regarding marketing efforts, the Chamber placed ads promoting the Santa Ynez township in a variety of popular traveler and destination guides and created a full-color brochure with a map to promote Santa Ynez and its Chamber members. Brochures are placed in hotels and high-traffic locations; the Chamber produced a 2025 calendar highlighting historical town photos and partic -
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY AIRPORT DAY 2025
SATURDAY, MAY 17 TH 10:00AM TO 3:00PM
ipating Chamber members; the Chamber held a traditional Christmas tree lighting for the local community in early December and promotes special holiday activities throughout the season.
“The main efforts of the Chamber are to promote the township in order to increase town recognition and to build economic vitality,” said Small. “The Chamber is trying to get visitors and Valley locals alike to drive a little farther beyond Solvang to experience and discover all that Santa Ynez has to offer: excellent restaurants, unique retail shops, including high-quality Western clothing and jewelry, wine tasting rooms, and more.”
Emphasized during the meeting was the Chamber’s 2025 Old Santa Ynez Days, its largest event of the year, to be held Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22. The Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Old Santa Ynez Day Rodeo committee, has planned a fun-filled community event for Saturday, June 21, featuring vendors, kid activities, live music, a beer garden, food trucks, and more. The Santa Ynez Rodeo will be held both Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22.
For more information and tickets to the rodeo, visit www.syvrodeo.com. The Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) qualifying rodeo.
For more information, visit https:// santaynezchamber.org.
• Miniature Golf
• Go Karts
• Bumper Boats
• Bumper Cars
• #1 Arcade in Ventura County (Ventura County Star rating)
• Group and Birthday Parties
• “Niche” Snack Bar
• 80’s Music Day and Night
• VIP EXPERIENCEAll you can play, Arcade, Mini Golf, Go Karts, & all you can eat Italian Buffett
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Carriage House hosted the SYV Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting on March 20. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS
Buellton’s annual Brew Fest goes country
Crowds gather at River View Park for good beverages, delicious food, fun and games, and entertainment
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
After taking on a science fiction air last year, with the event being on “May the 4th,” this year’s Buellton Brew Fest, the 12th annual food, drink, and fun event at River View Park took on more of a “downhome” feel.
“Bust out those cowboys hats and boots,” organizers proclaimed in the lead-up to the May 3 event, and many in the crowd followed suit with western wear evident throughout the park. Along with that, the Burbank-based band Country Nation belted out several honky-tonk hits from the main stage, and behind the audience could be found a mechanical bull, where Brew Fest attendees could test their ability to last 8 seconds on the contraption.
Entertainment on the stage also included Santa Barbara-based musician Will Breman and Santa Ynez Valley local DJ Peete.
The “country” atmosphere of the event was proving to be a success, according to Buellton
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland.
“We’re getting a good turnout; it looks like we’ve got about 1,500 people here,” she said while enjoying the Country Nation concert.
“We brought in some new things this year, like the mechanical bull, and more things for photo ops. Also, while we have a lot of breweries here, we also have some vendors offering non-alcoholic drinks for those who want that.”
While the event would fall under a different theme (like last year’s “Star Wars” vibe), Vreeland speculated the country theme might not be going away.
“We had some fun with the ‘Star Wars Day’ thing last year, with the event being on May 4, people really seem to be enjoying this,” she said. “We might decide to stick with this and keep it to a country theme for the next few years.”
Of course, the main attraction of the Brew Fest is the number of breweries and beverage-makers setting up shop for the public. More than 50 breweries were in the lineup for this year’s event offering up their libations.
Local standouts like Firestone Walker and Figueroa Mountain were on the grounds, along with many others from the Santa Ynez Valley. One notable business there was Solvang Brewing Company, along with it offshoot brand Sunny Fields Cider, which was
serving its drinks along with some great news.
The SBC’s location on Mission Drive in Solvang has been closed since Jan. 20, when a fire gutted the kitchen and did a little damage to the smoke area. However, SBC Brewer Josh Sabin, who was manning the booth, said the location will be opening back up on May 15.
“It’ll be great to be back,” Sabin said.
Also at the Brew Fest was a booth for The Sports Bar at Chumash, an establishment at the top floor of the Chumash Casino, serving up its exclusive Valley Fog brew.
“We just opened last year, and we’re getting the word out about the bar,” said Assistant Manager Heather Gill. “We have a big screen TV and then a bunch of them along the walls, where you can watch a lot of games at once. We also have five small kitchens around so you can pick from five different kinds of food.”
There were more things folks could do aside from imbibing — in addition to the mechanical bull, games of cornhole and giant beer pong (substituting plastic trash barrels for red Solo cups) could be played, along with a rotating camera for anyone that wanted to take a revolving selfie.
Codie Blea and Jacob Powell, of Lompoc, were in a spirited game of giant beer pong (using volleyballs) with their friends Luis Hernandez and Garrett O’Reilly, also from Lompoc. Blea said coming to the Brew Fest
is a yearly thing.
“We always enjoy coming over here for this,” he said. “It’s just a chance to get outside and enjoy some refreshment. We always have a great time here.”
Also enjoying the atmosphere in the foodtruck area were longtime locals like Ron and Kim Williams, who were with Vickie and Matt Mendenhall, all sporting their best cowboy hats.
“I’m actually working the event, and it’s just good to see people coming to see what Buellton has to offer,” she said.
Across the table from the Williamses and the Mendenhalls were Vanessa Ando, Penny Patel, and Britney Carranza. The three were there to celebrate Ando’s birthday.
“We’re all from Santa Maria, and we thought this was an excellent place to celebrate Vanessa’s birthday,” she said. “Buellton’s always a lot of fun.”
The 2025 Buellton Brew Fest was presented by Rio Vista Chevrolet, with additional sponsors including Chumash Casino Resort, Mechanics Bank, Jim Vreeland Ford, Buellton Chamber of Commerce, Sable Offshore, Farm Supply Company, 805 Selfie Booth, En Fuego Events, GPM Pavement Management, UVA Design Studio, Allan Hancock College, 13 Stars Media, First American Title, and Marborg Industries.
This year’s Buellton Brew Fest had food, drink, great live music, and fun activities. Photos by Mike Chaldu/SYVS
Town horse finds safe home at Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society
Local artist Maryvonne LaParliere recreates wooden art piece, which will be displayed at Carriage House
By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
Several years ago, the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce put a call out to artists in the Valley to paint a series of wooden horses that would be displayed throughout Santa Ynez. The call was answered, and many local artists painted large wooden horses, which can be seen at various locations throughout the township.
One of the artists was Maryvonne LaParliere, who specializes in decorative painting, intricate hand-painted furnishings and décor, murals, trompe l’oeil, and fine and decorative art. She painted a colorful scene of the surrounding environs. It was displayed on the corner of Edison Street and Highway 246. Then in August 2023, it was stolen. This was the second piece of art she’d had stolen, the first being a mural she’d painted for Santa Barbara.
“I reported the theft to the police and put the information on all manner of social media, but it was never located, nor was the thief,” said LaParliere. “By October I had
heard nothing back, so I sent a letter to Linda Small, the executive director of the Chamber, as well as to every board member to express my disappointment, as I was still upset about the matter. Heather Bedford, the owner of Inkings, sent me a nice letter offering her horse to me. She had requested a horse to paint herself but had never gotten around to it, so she offered it to me to paint in compensation.”
LaParliere painted it over the course of a year, here and there, whenever she had time, using highend professional acrylic paint with three coats of primer and two coats of varnish to protect it from the elements.
In March, she received a call from Small asking how the project was coming along. Although LaParliere had just finished the piece, she was hesitant to donate it again. She wanted to make sure that it would be on display in a safe place.
“I wrote to Krissy Castillo, director of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House, my thought being to donate it to the museum, but she was on leave,” LaParliere said. “In March, she emailed me about the unveiling of my new horse on their patio, behind the wrought iron gate.”
An unveiling of the newly painted and donated “town horse” was held at the annual meeting of the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce on March 20 at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. The horse
now resides outside the Carriage House in the patio section of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum so passersby can see it in all its glory, and remain safe. Many of LaParliere’s art pieces are also in the homes of well-known celebrities.
“I was so happy to donate the horse, which I call ‘Lucky One,’ to the Museum and Carriage House,” said LaParliere. “Horse and Car-
riage, it’s perfect and protected.”
The Chamber was also happy to have another piece of art in the museum.
“The Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce is so pleased that we’ve been able to facilitate this donation of Maryvonne LaParliere’s beautiful pony ‘Lucky One’ to the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. It seems fitting to have had the pony
unveiling at our Chamber’s Annual Meeting of Members,” said Small. LaParliere is presently working on recreating one of Hans Christian Andersen’s papirklip pieces on a pillar upstairs in the newly reopened Hans Christian Andersen Museum.
For more information, visit laparliere.com, mv@laparliere.com or call (434) 962-3407.
Krissy Castillo (left), director of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House, and Maryvonne LaParliere are shown at the unveiling of the horse LaParliere painted and donated to the museum. Contributed Photo
RANCHEROS VISITADORES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
celebrities like Clark Gable, Walt Disney, Gary Cooper and Chuck Yeager. And in the 1970s, former actor and future President Ronald Reagan would make the traditional trek.
In this year reception at the mission, Father Donald Burke opened with his blessing to the riders.
“We ask you, Lord, to bless these Ranchero riders,” he said. “Bless them as they ride through the hills and valleys of the Santa Ynez Valley, but Lord, keep them safe.”
After the blessing, Amanda Martinez Combs sang a rousing rendition of the national anthem.
As in previous years, announcer Bill Feist announced the arrival of the riders as they came, and with it he added in a good
amount of good-natured joshing.
Especially when the group of “Mavericks,” members participating in their first ride and notable by the yellow hats they wore, arrived.
“We welcome the 2025 Maverick class,” Feist said, drawing laughs with his next line, “Welcome, gentlemen, half of you won’t survive the trial.”
As the riders settled with their horses on the lawn in front of the mission, a presentation was made and pointed out why the ride is such a fundraiser.
Rancheros Visitadores Corky Ullman led the presentation of a check of $200,000 to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. The check was presented to Lori Willis, executive director, and Stephanie Carlyle, head fundraiser.
Feist, who pointed out how many of the riders wear pink scarves to promote cancer awareness, said “This is what we do, and
this is why we do it. Thank you for letting us be a part of this.”
The afternoon culminated in the now-customary performance of Ranchero George Stillman playing “The Vaquero Song,” for “all past Rancheros.”
While there are riders like the Mavericks, who are just starting out, and others with a few years under their belt, Stillman is one who can boast of 25 years on the ride, and is happy to display his new commemorative pin for the milestone on his hat.
“Funny thing is, I didn’t start riding until later in life,” Stillman said. “I was surfing until I was 55, then some friends invited me up north to a ranch in Sun Valley. They said ‘hey, you want to do some roping,’ so I joined them and was roping for three days.
“I came back, bought a horse, then joined the Santa Barbara Straw Riders, and then the Rancheros,” he continued. “Now I’m on that horse six days a week.”
Another rider, Travis Baker of Morro Bay, said the ride went well.
“We came from Jackson Camp, and took about an hour to get here,” Baker said. “We had a great ride, just having a great time.”
Baker said the riders were going back to Jackson Camp for the night, and on Sunday would take the 26-mile trip to Janeway Camp near Cachuma Lake, where they would stay for a week.
Another rider, Jamie Hastings, who’s been part of the event since 2015, said it was another great experience.
“Seemed to go well as I could see; nobody got bucked off, so that’s good enough for me,” he said.
Hastings, who is originally from Paso Robles, but now lives in Clovis, said the ride is always an enjoyable part of the year.
“It’s my favorite week of the year,” he said. “Meeting up with your best friends is part of the deal, just a great time to get together.”
The Rancheros Visitadores ride on May 3 saw riders travel down Alisal Road in Solvang, Father Donald Burke (center) give the blessing, Amanda Martinez Combs (top, second from right) sing the national anthem, George Stillman (top right) sing “The Vaquero Song,” and a $200,000 donation (bottom center) to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. Photos by Mike Chaldu/SYVS