Santa Ynez Valley Star • October 1 - October 14, 2024
Danish Days was awash with Danish flags and Viking helmets
Weekend highlights include aebleskiver eating, Lego building, juggling, dancing, and just overall fun
By Pamela Dozois and Mike Chaldu
The 87th annual Solvang Danish Days, a three-day cultural event, was held Sept. 20-22 in celebration of the establishment of Solvang by Danish Americans in 1911. The multiple weekend events were well attended and filled with fun, food, Æbleskiver Eating and Lego Building Contests, axe-throwing, street vendors, multiple festivities, parades, the Danish Maid, live entertainment, street dancing, and family activities, offering attendees a total Danish experience. The theme of this year’s event was “Det Dansk, Det Dejligt” — “It’s Danish, it’s delightful!”
One of the highlights of the event was the Danish Days Parade. Approximately 30 floats, festooned in Danish flags, with participants wearing colorful Danish garb, took part in the parade. The Color Guard was in the lead, ushering in the Danish Maid, Kaeley Reid, who was followed by the Nordhoff High School Rangers Marching Band. John Clark, riding in a vintage pink Thunderbird portrayed the celebrated author, Hans
Christian Andersen, wearing his top hat. He was followed by a group of young dancers from Cruz Dance Production performing the Mexican Hat Dance.
The Carlsberg Pilsner Beer Wagon passed by filled with members of the Solvang Village Band, while the Danish bakers float titled “Danish and Delightful” passed out Danish
cookies to the crowd. The parade continued with float entries by the Solvang Visitors Center, Bethania Lutheran Church, Viking Charities, the Vikings of Solvang Ship, Rio Vista, and Figueroa Mountain Brewery carrying a band playing rock and roll, along with the Figueroa Mountain Brewery’s colorful bus following behind.
Residents of the Atterdag Village of Solvang waved to the crowd while the Solvang Trolley played Judy Garland’s “The Trolley Song” from the 1944 film, “Meet Me in St. Louis.” A float featuring the Marguerite Daisy, Denmark’s national flower, came next with its members passing out small bouquets of daisies. Members of the
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Arts & Nonprofits | Pg. 14
Children’s book author, artist, captivates with color and creativity
News Briefs Pg. 2
• Suspects arrested for shooting outside Buellton
News Pg. 3
• Buellton Mayor King getting challenge from Silva in November election
Sports .
. Pg. 8
• Second-half woes continue for Santa Ynez football as Pirates fall to 1-4
Education Pg. 12
• Santa Ynez High honors its Homecoming royalty
Community Pg. 15
• Scarecrow Fest has businesses, organizations competing
Arts & Nonprofits Pg. 17
• Carnival serves as fundraiser, sneak peek for Children’s Museum
Calendar .
. . . . Pg. 19
• Government meetings and events
The Carlsberg Pilsner Wagon horses pulled the Solvang Village Band through town during the Danish Days Parade on Sept. 21. Photo by Devyn Marseilles
NEWS BRIEFS
BUELLTON
Suspects arrested for shooting outside Buellton
Two suspects have been arrested for a felony charges related to a shooting outside of Buellton last week. On Friday, Sept. 20, at approximately 8:56 a.m., deputies responded to a shooting that just occurred at an agricultural field in the 1000 block of Highway 246. When deputies arrived, they learned that a male and female suspect demanded money from several agriculture workers. When they were denied, they returned to their white BMW sedan and fired several gunshots from their vehicle into an unoccupied parked van. No victims were physically injured during this exchange.
Through their investigation, deputies identified the suspects as 29- year-old Stephanie Solis Garcia from Santa Maria and 43-year-old Jason Matthew Zepeda from Santa Maria. In the days that followed, deputies continued their investigation and authored a warrant for Garcia and Zepeda.
On Sunday, Sept. 22, at approximately 12:43 a.m., Garcia and Zepeda were located and arrested in 3000 block of Telegraph Road in Ventura in the white BMW. Both suspects were booked at the Main Jail on felony warrants. Garcia was booked for attempted robbery and conspiracy and is being held on $500,000 bail. Zepeda was booked for attempted robbery, vandalism, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, and conspiracy, and is being held on $500,000 bail.
Happy Endings Animal Sanctuary is holding a “Rock for Horses” fundraising event starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Buttonwood Farm Winery. The event includes dinner, a silent auction, beer, and wine. Music will be provided by Bad Habit.
Wear warm cowboy attire — no heels please.
Tickets are $75. Deadline for dinner tickets is Saturday, Oct 5. For tickets, call (805) 4487138 or visit givebutter.com/EvPdky
Happy Endings Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Buttonwood Farm Winery is at 1500 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang.
SANTA MARIA
Santa Maria man arrested for court bombing
Sheriff’s detectives have arrested 20-yearold Nathaniel McGuire from Santa Maria for exploding an improvised explosive device at the Santa Maria Courthouse on Wednesday, Sept. 25. At approximately 8:48 am on that day, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of an explosion at the Santa Maria Court House near Department 9
Sheriff’s deputies, along with Santa Maria Police officers, California Highway Patrol, fire, and medics responded to the scene where a male suspect, later identified as McGuire, had just entered the facility, threw a bag at the screening station, and the bag exploded in the hallway. Four victims were transported from the scene to an area hospital, and one victim arrived at the hospital on their own. Three
of the five victims seen at the hospital were physically injured with non-life-threatening injuries, including burns. All the victims were treated and have since been released by the hospital.
Immediately after throwing the backpack, McGuire ran to the southeast parking lot, where he was detained by a court security officer, a Sheriff’s deputy and CHP officers as he tried to enter his red sedan. McGuire was alone when he was apprehended and was wearing body armor underneath a jacket. He did not have any physical injuries from the explosion.
Responders established a perimeter of approximately five blocks around the court compound and evacuated the courthouse, surrounding homes, businesses and a school. The Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad responded to the scene. In the hours that followed, the Bomb Squad worked to render the scene safe and check for any additional, unexploded devices in the courthouse, the suspect’s vehicle and his residence. Roadways in the areas surrounding the courthouse and the suspects residence were closed for several hours and have since been reopened.
Through their investigation, detectives learned that McGuire’s motivation appeared to have stemmed from a recent arrest by the Sheriff’s Office on July 28 for firearms violations. In that case, McGuire was arrested for possession of a loaded and concealed revolver that was not registered to him. His arraignment for that arrest was schedule for Sept. 25 in Department 9 at the Santa Maria Court campus.
Detectives are working with SBC Fire investigators to explore if the suspect is associated with several recent arson fires, and they are in the process of serving search warrants for McGuire’s car and home. McGuire has been booked at the Northern Branch Jail for felonies including attempted murder, manufacturing an explosive device and use of an explosive device for attempted murder.
At a press conference earlier today, Under-
sheriff Craig Bonner said, “Although this is an ongoing investigation and we are exploring all possible angles, at this point in time, we believe this to be a local incident committed by a local individual, with a local grievance stemming from his arrest. We are not absolutely ruling out that there is something larger at play, but at this time we believe this is a local matter that has been safely resolved and there are no outstanding community safety concerns. We will be sharing his booking photo and are asking the public to contact our detectives with any information relative to this investigation.”
Anyone with information about McGuire that could assist in this investigation is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous tip line at (805)681-4171.
Film writer Gerald DiPego to give lecture on becoming a writer
Local Valley author and film writer Gerald DiPego (“Phenomenon,” “Message in a Bottle”) will address The California Writers Club Coastal Dunes branch at 2:15 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13 with a Q&A to follow. The event is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library’s Shepherd Room, and the gathering is free and open to the public.
DiPego said he has been asked to talk about how and why he became a writer, and what writing means to him — in a career that has spanned 50 years. Other speakers at the event include California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, author Mary Firestone, who wrote “Trusting the Dawn,” and best-selling fiction authors Lisa Sideris and Mara Purl. The Santa Maria Public Library is at 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria.
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE
VSFB lifts seasonal beach restrictions
All sections of Surf, Wall, and Minuteman Beaches on Vandenberg SFB were officially
STAR NEWS
Buellton Mayor King getting challenge from Silva in November election
Fellow City Councilmembers have ideas on housing, urban boundary, and keeping the small-town feel
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
After working side-by-side to govern the City of Buellton, incumbent
Mayor Dave King and Vice Mayor David Silva will run against each other for the city’s mayoral seat in the Nov. 5 election.
King was elected as Buellton’s second-ever mayor in 2022 after Holly Sierra termed out. That same year, Silva threw his hat in the ring and won the District 4 City Council seat as the council was transitioning into district representation.
No matter who wins the mayor’s race, the Buellton City Council will not look that much different. King and Silva are in the only competitive race on City Council as Elysia Lewis and John Sanchez, whose terms will expire for the city’s last two at-large seats, happen to live in the districts that are open, but both will be running unopposed, Lewis in District 2 and Sanchez in District 3.
Dave King
King said he feels like there were some things accomplished during his first term, but there are also things he still wants to do, and he wants to be in the mayor’s seat for them.
“There are many things we’re still pursuing as a city, and I’ve found during my time in the City Council and in the last two years as mayor, that I can get a lot more done when I’m mayor,” he said. “So, I just want to stay on this job and get more stuff done.”
One of the big topics in Buellton was, and still is, traffic along Highway 246, which is the main road through town, and that’s a topic
King, a retired California Highway Patrol officer, feels strongly about. The city, however, has been able to reach agreement with the CHP to station some officers in town to cut down on speeding. There’s also progress on narrowing the lanes on Highway 246 to control traffic on the east end of town.
“This is good because if we can get those lanes narrowed on the way out of, or into, town,” King said. “When people come upon a lane narrowing, they tend to slow down.”
King is also seeing signs of progress in capital projects.
“We’ve had the Waypoint bowling alley in the plans, and I’m hoping we can get that started in 6-8 months,” he said. “Also, the old movie theater was purchased and I’d like to talk to the owner about reopening.”
Those two projects are examples of what King wants for Buellton: More things to do for kids and families.
“I’d like to get some progress going on finding land for a baseball and soccer fields,” he said. “Good athletics facilities can brings in traveling teams for tournaments and the like, and bring more money into town.”
King has also touted the development of affordable housing to meet the state mandates, but worries that much of the housing
demanded by the state may be incongruous with Buellton.
“I think affordable housing is a good and necessary idea — if it’s done right,” King said, and then referencing the housing complex in progress behind the Albertson’s, “For instance [that complex] has apartments that will require way more parking than it has room for and it’s going to increase density and congestion.
“The state’s push for housing has unintended consequences when they try to forces construction in where it doesn’t fit.”
David Silva
For current Vice Mayor David Silva, the catalyst to pursue a run for the Buellton mayor’s seat came in the threat of Buellton’s Meals on Wheels program being taken away earlier this year.
“Seeing the possibility that could happen really got my attention. Over 400 seniors depend on that and it was very possible it could go insolvent,” he said. “And I just thought of my mother-in-law, who is a senior and has dementia, and what if someone just pulled away the resources she has?”
The City Council and Santa Ynez Valley Outreach were able to keep the program
afloat, but it gave Silva some thought.
“I thought to myself ‘we never should have let it get that close to being eliminated,’” he said. “We need to be proactively thinking of what the community needs, instead of being reactive, and I thought I would need to take the lead in that; and that’s what made me decide to run for mayor.”
During his time on City Council, Silva has claimed many accomplishments in addition to help keeping the Meal on Wheels rolling, such as funding a record number of inaugural community arts and cultural heritage events, securing funding for the Santa Ynez River Trail, investing in the library, and working to renew and preserve the city’s Urban Growth Boundary while providing thoughtful sites for future housing.
The Urban Growth Boundary is another important subject in the form of Measure C on the November ballot, which would extend the life of the UGB, and add 123 acres to it.
“I’m definitely for that, although it’s up to the voters whether it’s implemented,” Silva said. “We’re running out of space, so I think we can be proactive to add a small bit of land to the north.”
An additional goal he has is to balance the draw of tourists with local needs.
“I fell there’s a need to welcome the tourists, but with an investment and benefit to the locals,” Silva said. “That means creating things that both tourists and locals can enjoy, like splash pads and playground equipment.”
One last goal Silva has for this campaign is getting citizens more involved in the city.
“In campaigning I’m going door-to-door and have gotten some great ideas from people,” he said. “But I’ve also found a lot of people aren’t really engaged in the community.
“As an elected official, I feel I have to take on the responsibility of meeting this people and making them engaged.”
DAVE KING
DAVID SILVA
League of California Cities briefs Solvang City Council on state legislative actions
City
honors veteran and former VFW Post Commander Alvin Salge during Monday’s meeting
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
The Solvang City Council met for its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, hearing from a representative of the League of California Cities, and discussing a staff study on business performances on event weekends compared to non-event weekends.
But to start off the meeting, council issued a proclamation honoring a respected city individual: Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alvin Salge, a well-known veteran and longtime VFW Post 7139 commander before stepping down from his post earlier this year.
Mayor Mark Infanti read the proclamation, which stated that Salge “has exemplified courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment during his service in the United States Air Force, defending the principles of freedom and democracy that we hold dear,” and “has served as a beacon of inspiration by community involvement, leadership roles, and volunteering efforts” for Solvang.
Infanti summed up by proclaiming Friday, Sept. 27, as “Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7139 Alvin Salge Day,” in Solvang. Sept. 27 also happened to be the date of this year’s Solvang State of the City addressed, and Infanti said the proclamation would be repeated there.
Next, the council listened to a presentation from Dave Mullinax, the regional public affairs manager for the League of California Cities, an association that advocates for the right of most of the state’s 482 cities.
“No matter how well you do your jobs, we’re going to be impacted by the decisions of the state,” Mullinax said. “We’re lobbying for your interests.”
Mullinax was there to update the council on the legislative actions of the lawmakers in Sacramento and identified three im-
portant propositions: Proposition 4 (state bonds for safer drinking water and wildfire prevention), Proposition 5 (bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure with 55 percent approval) and Proposition 36 (allows felony charges and increases sentences for certain drug and theft crimes; meant to counter Proposition 47 that passed in 2014).
But Mullinax said the big thing cities would have to deal with is the state’s mandates on affordable housing.
“We asked the governor [Gavin Newsom] to veto a lot of housing bills, but he signed them all,” Mullinax said. “We have to be vigilant about RENA; if you’re not in compliance on the deadline, Builders Remedy kicks in and the state will levy $50,000 fines monthly while you’re not in compliance.
“So stay out front of it, get it done, or there will be consequences.”
City Councilmember Robert Clarke thanked Mullinax for his insight and said,
“I wish more residents were here right now [to hear this], how we’re between a rock and a hard place. The state can be vicious if you’re not compliant.”
Clarke also asked about the objectives of newly elected leaders going to Sacramento: “Do you feel that they go up there to truly represented their districts, or do they just figure, now that they’re in Sacramento, they can just get on the train.”
“In my opinion, everyone at first wants to be Jimmy Stewart in ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,’ and fight the good fight,” Mullinax answered. “But then special interests can get in their ear, and suddenly it’s easier to just make that money.”
The Consent Agenda was eventually passed, but not before Item 6-f, to approve up to $180,305 for the Solvang Park Lighting Project, was pulled for discussion.
Claudia and Elizabeth Orona both had questions about costs and necessity. Solvang Parks and Recreation Director Jenny McClurg explained the project.
McClurg said that the project will put underground cables in for the lighting at Solvang Park, where the holiday light show happens during Julefest.
“It’ll be underground cabling and new lights,” she said. “Before we’d been hanging up the lights up above in the trees, and we’ve had problems with people clipping those.”
McClurg also said the project would allow the city to stage light shows for other holidays and special events. She also said there would be a one-time fee of just under $119,000 for installation, and it would cost $61,000 a year for maintenance, which would be minimal.
With that info, the council moved to approve the item (the rest of the Consent Agenda passed earlier), and it passed 5-0.
In Discussion Items, Solvang Marketing and Events Coordinator Candice Libera presented her report on Special Events Weekends impact on businesses compared to non-special event weekends.
The report, which had been requested by City Council, consisted of 18 responses from the Village Mixed-Use District: Four retail stores, three bakeries, four wineries, four lodging, and two restaurants.
Libera said that the results were mixed, which she expected.
“Lodging, bakery, and restaurants tend to have increases,” she said. “Wine retail is most volatile. Events impact businesses very differently.”
Libera cited other impacts, such as businesses’ abilities to display themselves when more people are brought to town, and using social media posts and campaigns to their benefit.
“Ultimately, leveraging these opportunities can significantly boost our visibility and appeal on a national and international scale, positively influencing future revenue for the city,” Libera said in the report.
Ultimately, councilmembers felt the feedback wasn’t as much as they’d like, and more engagement is required from businesses for the survey. Councilmember Dave Brown suggested that survey could be mailed to business with the license renewals when they are up.
The next City Council meeting will be on Monday, Oct. 14.
U.S. Air Force veteran and former VFW Post 7139 Commander Lt. Col. Alvin Salge addresses the Solvang City Council after it honored him with a proclamation during the council’s Sept. 23 regular meeting. Screenshot from YouTube
Stuart C. Gildred YMCA celebrates 35 years
Facility holding a week of special events starting Friday, Oct. 5
The Stuart C. Gildred YMCA is proud to announce the celebration of 35 years of service in the Santa Ynez Valley. To mark this momentous occasion, the YMCA is hosting a week of special events from Oct. 5-12, including a $0 join fee for new members during the celebration week.
The festivities will kick off on Friday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m. with a rededication ceremony to honor the YMCA’s long-standing commitment to the community. Local leaders, members, and supporters are invited to join us in celebrating this milestone and reflecting on the YMCA’s impact in the Santa Ynez Valley.
The week will culminate on Saturday, Oct. 12, with a Community Open House featuring a Pumpkin Plunge for kids — a fun-filled event that invites children to plunge into the pool to retrieve their very own floating pumpkin.
“We are incredibly grateful to our members, donors, and the Santa Ynez Valley community for their continued support over the past 35 years,” said Katheryn Thompson, executive director of the Stuart C. Gildred YMCA. “This celebration is an opportunity to not only reflect on our history but also to look ahead to the future and the many ways we can continue to make a positive impact.”
The Stuart C. Gildred YMCA has been a cornerstone of health and wellness in the Santa Ynez Valley. Over the years, it has expanded its programs and services to meet the evolving needs of the community, providing opportunities for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Don’t miss this special week of celebration!
Dear Editor,
IWhether you’re a long-time member or someone looking to join, come see all the exciting programs and activities the YMCA has to offer. For more information about the event schedule or membership, visit www.ciymca. org/events/celebrating-35-years
The Stuart C. Gildred YMCA is part of the Channel Islands YMCA. The Channel Islands YMCA is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties, the Channel Islands YMCA impacts thousands of lives each year through programs and services designed to nurture the potential of every individual.
Letter: Supporting David Brown for Solvang mayor
am pleased to provide this letter of support for the candidacy of David Brown to be elected mayor of Solvang.
My wife and I have been residents and homeowners in Solvang for over ten years and greatly enjoy and appreciate the lifestyle our community provides. Having lived in other cities in California, we know that Solvang is exceptional and absolutely worth our efforts to maintain its special character.
I have known Dave for most of the time I’ve lived in Solvang and was particularly impressed with his leadership in the Boy Scouts, especially leading the effort to reconstruct the Scouts’ camp near Lake Cachuma after a devastating fire a few years ago. Dave’s commitment to the community is much broader than scouting with significant engagements in several other community organizations enriching the quality of life we all enjoy. As a longtime member of Solvang’s Design Review Committee (and, before that, its Board of Architectural Review) and Chair of the Elverhøj Museum Board of Directors, I am keenly
aware that the quality of the leadership from the mayor is particularly important and makes a huge difference in ensuring the quality of life which we enjoy is ensured. I believe Dave will provide that leadership. I wholeheartedly support Dave’s candidacy to be elected mayor of Solvang.
Respectfully submitted for your consideration,
Patrick D. Cavanaugh Solvang
About the Stuart C. Gildred YMCA
Staff Report
The Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA will be kicking off a week of event Friday, Oct. 5, ending Oct. 12 with an Open House that includes a “Pumpkin Plunge” for kids. Star File Photo
declared open by the base on Thursday, Sept. 19.
Seasonal restrictions are enforced annually on all three Vandenberg beaches from March 1 through Sept. 30 to protect the nesting habitat of the Western snowy plover, which is federally listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. To lift restrictions before Sept. 30, Vandenberg Western snowy plover biologists have documented the last Western snowy plover chicks on Vandenberg beaches have fledged, or left the nest, and are able to care for themselves without assistance from their parents.
Once numbered in the thousands, fewer than 2,400 breeding Western snowy plovers remain on the Pacific Coast, and Vandenberg SFB beaches are one of the few suitable breeding habitats remaining in the state.
Throughout the year, the Vandenberg environmental team collaborates closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other coastal land managers to manage, monitor, and assess the population and breeding success of Western snowy plovers on base beaches.
During the breeding season, Western Snowy Plover eggs hatch in approximately 27 days, and within hours, the chicks begin foraging for insects and other beach invertebrates. The chicks become independent after about 30 days. However, surviving those critical first two months presents a significant challenge, one that the Vandenberg environmental team actively monitors and protects.
A crucial aspect of the Vandenberg Western Snowy Plover management program is educating beachgoers on how to enjoy these areas while adhering to seasonal beach restrictions. During the 2024 Western snowy plover breeding season, Vandenberg beach keepers and volunteer Western Snowy Plover docents interacted with over 20,000 visitors at Surf Beach and Ocean Park.
Additional year-round restrictions will continue to be enforced on all beaches and can be found here www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Environmental/.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Flood Insurance Rate Map appeal period begins this week
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Santa Barbara County and the cities of Santa Barbara, Solvang, Buellton, and Carpinteria. These flood hazard determinations include adding or modifying Base Flood Elevations, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, and the regulatory floodway. Before the revised FIRM panels become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Sept. 19 to Dec. 18. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the revised flood risk information on the preliminary maps. These maps can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.
PUBLIC NOTICE School Board Vacancy
Pursuant to Education Code Sections 5090-5095, the Buellton Union School District Board of Trustees is seeking interested persons from Trustee Area #2 who may wish to be appointed to serve as a member of the Buellton Union School District Board of Trustees until November 2028. A map of the trustee area is available on the district website and included with the application.
Buellton Union School District has a board member vacancy that needs to be filled.
The qualifications are as follows:
Any person is eligible to be a Governing Board member, without further qualifications, if he/she is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter and not legally disqualified from holding civil office. (Education Code 35107)
A district employee elected to the Board shall resign his/her position before being sworn in or shall have his/her employment automatically terminated upon being sworn into office. (Education Code 35107)
Interested persons can obtain an application on the district website at buelltonusd.org or from the District Office of the Buellton Union School District located at 301 Second St, Room 1, Buellton, CA 93427. The deadline for submitting completed applications is 12:00 PM, Friday, October 4, 2024.
Questions should be addressed to Larissa Cortez at 805-686-2767 ext. 1.
Flood hazards are dynamic and can change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. These changes may affect future building standards or insurance requirements. The revised flood maps can also help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster-resilient communities. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements, and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.
If you live in the cities of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Solvang, and Buellton, please contact your local floodplain administrator for comments. If you would like to submit an appeal or comment regarding the preliminary map in the unincorporated parts of the county, you may contact the Santa Barbara County Flood Control & Water Conservation District at (805) 568-3440 (main line) or email fccontact@countyofsb.org.
For more information, please visit www. floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_ main.asp and www.countyofsb.org/2158/ FEMA-Remapping. You may also contact the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange toll-free: 1-877-FEMA MAP (1 [877] 336-2627) to ask about the National Flood Insurance Program, flood insurance, or flood hazard mapping. FMIX also connects customers with experts in subjects like modeling, GIS mapping, insurance underwriting and claims, and the HAZUS loss-estimation software.
County Fire awarded grant funding
for the Lompoc Valley Fuel Reduction Phase II Project
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD) is proud to announce a grant award for the Lompoc Valley Fuel Reduction Phase II Project, where SBCFD will serve as the lead agency. Funding for this project is provided by CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program. This multi-year project is funded as part of the State’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Strategy, in part with Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds administered by the California Climate Investments (CCI) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
This crucial project aims to enhance the safety and resilience of the Lompoc Valley and surrounding communities, an area with a significant history of large wildland fires, including the 1977 Honda Canyon, 2002 Sudden, 2010 Bear, 2014 Miguelito, and 2016 Canyon fires, among others.
The proposed treatments cover a total of 1,135 acres in the State Responsibility Area and include key efforts to create community defensible space around Vandenberg Village and Mission Hills.
The project will also involve 22.1 miles of roadside fuel reduction along San Miguelito Canyon Road, Harris Grade, Rucker, and Burton Mesa Roads, in addition to an 18mile fuel break ranging from Vandenberg Air Force Base to the outskirts of Buellton. This fuel break will have a width of 150 to 300 feet and is designed to protect communities, reduce fire ignitions, and limit the size and intensity of fires in the older age class fuel beds of the Lompoc Valley region.
“The Lompoc Valley Fuel Reduction Phase II Project is a critical step in our ongoing efforts to protect our communities from the increasing threat of wildfires,” said Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig. “This project will create defensible space, reduce roadside fuel, and establish fuel breaks, significantly reducing the potential for large and destructive fires in this high-risk area.”
Phase II also includes the maintenance, widening, and improvement of the Phase I treatment areas. Due to significant regrowth of vegetation spurred by the rainfall over the last two years, maintenance is critical to ensuring the effectiveness of the original treatments. Moreover, the project will contribute to reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions by limiting the potential for largescale wildfires.
The total grant funds awarded for the Lompoc Valley Fuel Reduction Phase II Project are estimated at $2,950,142.94.
Second-half woes continue for Santa Ynez football as Pirates fall to 1-4
SYHS girls tennis and girls golf teams start Mountain League play
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
Aseason that started with an impressive win over Dos Pueblos more than a month earlier continued to take a downward turn Sept. 13 as the Pirates suffered a 30-13 Homecoming night defeat to Mission Prep.
Santa Ynez followed that up with a 13-7 loss at Nipomo on Sept. 20 in a game that saw some key Pirates players on the sidelines. That loss dropped SYHS’s record to 1-4 (pending last Friday’s result at Santa Maria) as it prepares to start Sunset League play on the road at Atascadero this Friday, Oct. 4.
The game against Mission Prep seemed to follow the script of the previous two losses against San Marcos and Lompoc: Keep the game close, or even have a lead, into the second half, but let the game get away late.
The visiting Royals jumped out to a 10-point lead in the second quarter, but the Pirates struck with 36 second left in the first half when quarterback Jude Pritchard hit receiver Luke Gianis with a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 10-7 at halftime.
After all the Homecoming halftime festivities, Pritchard was able to hit Gianis again for a score, this time from 15 yards out, to give the Pirates a 13-10 lead with 8:49 left in the third quarter.
The two touchdowns underscored a big night for Gianis, who had 9 catches for 114 yards to lead the team. Pritchard also put up some impressive numbers on the night, completing 24of-28 passes, with no interceptions, 285 yards, and the two scores.
Mason Skidmore also emerged as a receiving target, catching 5 passes for 62 yards.
Diego Pulido, probably the Pirates’ best allaround player at kicker, receiver, and defensive back, had 4 receptions for 60 yards, but unfortunately had to come out with an injury after being tackled and didn’t return.
After the SYHS go-ahead TD, it was all Mission Prep. The Royals took back the lead at 17-13 with a touchdown run in the third quarter, and then scored twice more in the fourth for the final margin.
Pirates head coach Josh McClurg was left shaking his head at another second-half fade.
“I don’t know what it is, but we’re just not finishing,” McClurg said. “We play them tough to begin with, give ourselves a chance to win, but then can’t close it.”
“This is probably the best team we’ve played this year,” the coach added. “But, we still need to do better in the second half.”
McClurg did have praise for Gianis and the offense.
“We did make some progress offensively, which was good,” he said. “And Gianis really stepped up with us gearing the offense toward him tonight.”
The next week against Nipomo, Santa Ynez
struggled again. Of course, the Pirates had to play without three key players due to injury: Pulido, Pritchard and Max Andrade, a leader on defense.
The game between the Pirates and the Titans was short on points although both team were able to move the ball, with Santa Ynez gaining 362 yards of offense, and Nipomo 302 yards.
However, Nipomo was able to get into the end zone with touchdowns in the second and fourth quarters, while Santa Ynez was held scoreless until the fourth, when Griffin Bruner scored on a short run late in the game.
The Pirates will play their first Sunset League game this Friday night, 7 p.m. at Atascadero.
It will be their third straight road game. After
a bye week Oct. 11, SYHS will return to Rio Memorial Field for two straight home games, against Pioneer Valley on Oct. 18, and San Luis Obispo on Oct. 25, before traveling to Righetti to close out the regular season.
Mountain League play in full swing for girls golf
The Santa Ynez girls golf team played in the second Mountain League tournament of the season Sept. 24 at the par-73 Rancho Maria Golf Club. The Pirates placed second of five teams (behind Arroyo Grande), with Mackenzie Phelan leading the Pirates with an 83, the third lowest score on the day. Gigi Gunasayan and Cece Lewis of Arroyo Grande tied for the medalist of the match each scoring 76.
Other Santa Ynez scores were: Addison West, 101; Kacy Caplan, 103; Katherine Becerra, 108; Sierra Freedman, 108; and Savannah Hudley, 126.
The Pirates also placed second Sept. 16 in the first Mountain League tournament (again to Arroyo Grande). Phelan again led SYHS with an 88.
Girls tennis gets first Mountain League win
The Santa Ynez High girls tennis team just started its Mountain League schedule, and, after losses to Lompoc and Arroyo Grande, got into the win column Sept. 24 with a 6-3 victory over St. Joseph.
The Lady Pirates swept doubles to start the match as Keegan Withrow/Haley Townes won 8-7, (10-8); Kate Mazza/Natalie O’Shaughnessy won 8-0; Violet Quinney/Rylee Arellano won 8-6. In singles, No. 2 Townes (7-6 [9-7], 7-5), No. 4 O’Shaugnhnessy (6-4, 6-4), and No. 5 Danielle Hyland (6-1, 6-1) were victorious.
“Haley Townes played a great singles match to clinch the last win against St. Joe’s,” SYHS head coach Jennifer Rasmussen said. “She was down 1-4 in the first set and came back to win in a tie-breaker 9-7, and down 0-3 in the second set, pulling out a 7-5 win.”
Rasmussen also praised Townes and Withrow for their doubles victory.
“Keegan and Haley also played from behind in their first match of the day. They fell behind 0-5, but battled back tie it at 7 all, which lead to a 10-point super tie breaker,” the coach said. “They pulled off the victory, which gave the girls momentum going into singles up 3-0!”
Santa Ynez High quarterback Jude Pritchard carries the ball during the Pirates’ Sept. 13 Homecoming game against Mission Prep. Photos by Mike Chaldu
Santa Ynez High defenders Sebastian Perez (left) and Asa Radelfinger (right) bear down on a Mission Prep ballcarrier Sept. 13 during the Pirates’ Homecoming game
DANISH DAYS
Solvang Rotary followed with music played by the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz band and a tiled float created by Padilla Tile & Construction depicting Hans Christian Andersen’s classic stories. Students from the Solvang Charter School waved enthusiastically as an array of scooters fluttered Danish flags. Next came Highline Adventures, motorcyclists wearing Viking helmets, groups of people walking, and bringing up the rear, was an enormous Karoline Cow float which is one of the Danish Dairies’ most famous trademarks along with several
“cows” in costume.
Awards were handed out for a variety of categories:
• Bethania Lutheran Church — Best Family/ Group entry
• Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Band — Best Musical entry
• Carlsberg Beer Wagon — Best Equestrian/ Animal entry
• Solvang Visitor Center — Best Miscellaneous entry
• Nielsen Building Materials, “Karoline the Cow,” —Sweepstakes winner (Best Overall)
“It’s always fun to be Danish for a day,” hollered a young woman wearing a Viking
helmet, skipping down the sidewalk draped in a Danish flag that was blowing in the wind.
The parade on Saturday was not the only one for the weekend: On Friday evening, the first of the Danish Days, attendees were invited to take part in the Torchlight Parade, in which participants marched through town in a candlelight procession. On Sunday was the children’s parade with kids and their families going from Atterdag Road to Copenhagen Drive, and ending in Solvang Park.
On both Saturday and Sunday, the event saw the renewal of the annual Danish Days
Æbleskiver Eating Contest. Both days, competitions were held for those 16 and under, and then for contestants 16 and up, with anyone invited to sign up. There was a little twist this year: On Saturday, contestants were allowed to use their hands to feed themselves the delicious balls of pancake dough topped with with jam, but on Sunday, they were prohibited from using their hands. Saturday’s contests saw 13-year-old Clayton Johnson, from Santa Maria win the 16-and-under contest by downing 12 aebleskiver, while Maxi Von Wedczeck, 25, from Germany by way of San Francisco, won the adult version by eating 14 aebleskiver.
The adult contest included competitive eater Naader Reda, who downed 12 in the adult contest. Reda admitted he was “disappointed” in his performance, although he entered it on an informal basis, rather than a contracted competitor, but he said he is open to return.
On Sunday, 8-year-old Valerie Roylance, of Buellton, won the 16-and-under contest with six aebleskiver eaten, while Robbie Theis, 22, of Lompoc, and Lawrence Marston, of Buellton, who each ate 10.
Marston competed in the adult compe-
tition after his two children, Channing and Hunter, took part in the kids’ contest.
“I wasn’t really planning to go up there,” Marston said. “But then, my kids came over after being in their contest and convinced to go do it too.”
Another staple of Danish Days has been the Lego Building Contest (as Legos are a Danish product) between professional builders.
In this year’s contest, organizers assigned each of the three builders a specific windmill in town to base their work around.
Jesse Gros, of Venice Beach, captured firstplace honors for the second year in a row with his Solvang Brewing Co.-inspired windmill packed with Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley icons, landmarks, and nods.
The other participants were Suzanne Hansen (who tied with Gros for first place last year, who created a Hamlet Square-inspired windmill, with a Danish Christmas theme inside and out, and Chris Wight, with his build inspired by the big Alisal Road windmill.
Danish Days was an event that had a little
something for everyone. Kids were enjoying building at the Lego table or at the play area at the other end of Solvang Park. People of all ages were entertained by acts such as comedy jugglers Scott and Trink (aka Scott Meltzer and Katrine Spang-Hanssen), bands like Terry and the Ripleys on the park gazebo, or the Danish dancers on Copenhagen. And, anyone craving some aebleskiver (perhaps with a side of sausage) could go over to the outdoor kitchen and get a plate.
For all, the weekend definitely lived up to its theme, “It’s Danish, it’s delightful!”
Parade photos by Devyn Marseilles; Danish Days photos by Mike Chaldu
EDUCATION
Santa Ynez High honors its Homecoming royalty
Queen Malia Ortiz and King Angel Gonzalez are crowned during halftime festivities on Sept. 13
Santa Ynez High School held its Homecoming the weekend of Sept. 13 and crowned Queen Malia Ortiz and King Angel Gonzalez during halftime of that night’s football game between SYHS and Mission Prep High School of San Luis Obispo. Ortiz and Gonzalez received the honor each among a field of eight candidates. The King and Queen were paired up and driven to the field in a classic car or pickup and each was individually introduced while being escorted by family members before lining up on the sidelines for the big announcements. The Pirates football was defeated by the visiting Royals 30-13 in the Homecoming game.
Homecoming Princesses
Homecoming Princes
Santa Ynez High senior football player Luca Clifton is escorted by his parents during the Homecoming introductions at halftime of the Sept. 13 football game.
Homecoming candidates Aaron Figueroa and Kimberly Medina smile for the camera while being chauffered to the field for the halftime ceremony. Staff Report
Santa Ynez High senior Malia Ortiz is congratulated by other members of the Homecoming Court after being named Homecoming Queen on Sept. 13 during halftime of the SYHS football game.
Santa Ynez High senior Angel Gonzalez accepts the crown after being named Homecoming King during halftime of the Sept. 13 SYHS football game. He is being applauded by (from left) Malia Ortiz (about two minutes away from being named Queen), Haylee Fox, and Jack Fisher.
Santa Ynez High senior Grace Vazquez is escorted by her parents during the Homecoming introductions at halftime of the Sept. 13 football game.
Gigi Demeure, Grace Vazquez, Haylee Fox, Kimberly Medina, Nataly Davalos, Sofia Tinajero, and Sophia Merz.
Aaron Figueroa, Dylan Ross, Hayden Blunt, Ilan Torres, Jack Fisher, Kurren Kays, and Luca Clifton.
ARTS & NONPROFITS
Children’s book author, artist captivates with color and creativity
Bobbi Dooley Hunter has produced six children's books and two school mascot murals among her works
By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
Author, artist, teacher, muralist, and carver, Bobbi Dooley Hunter has been writing children’s books for 40 years. She is the author of six books to date, with two additional books ready for publication. She both writes and illustrates her books.
Hunter was born in Portland, Oregon, and grew up with two older brothers. When she was 8 years old, her parents relocated the family in two cars and U-Haul trailers from Oregon through California deserts to Scottsdale, Arizona, leaving snow behind and finding the hot sun.
She was born with the heart of an artist, and her parents knew and supported it. She attended the University of Arizona and pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
“While in college, the director of the school told me that I would never make a living as an artist, and advised me to become a stenographer instead,” she said. “When I told my father what he had said, my father was furious and had a stern talk with the director, telling him in no uncertain terms, ‘My daughter needs to pursue what she loves most, and that’s art.’ I will always be grateful to my parents for fostering my creative gifts and for their support.”
Fate, she said, brought her to California with a passion to find work in the art field.
“I immediately found work in advertising agencies,” she said, “but after four years the pressure and the stress got to me, so I took a job as a bus driver, a job I thought would be much calmer. I became involved with Arts Outreach, and Connie Rohde asked me to teach mural design in her classroom."
Hunter went on to teach art at Santa Ynez Elementary, Los Olivos Elementary, and Solvang Elementary schools for children in grades 1 through 8. She also became a sign painter/carver, a mascot artist for most of the local schools in the Valley, and a muralist, teaching students how to create huge, long murals on interior school walls. She’s painted water towers, oil derricks, equipment at Dunn School, and T-shirts for the Sedgewick Reserve’s Outdoor Classroom sessions, to name a few of her numerous projects.
“I love to paint, to create, and to teach art," she said. "Kids keep me young. While on scaffolding, painting interior and exterior walls, I thought up stories to illustrate for children. My goal was to educate with fun stories and brightcolored art. The art part is easier for me than the writing part.”
Hunter says she finds inspiration in varied places. Her first book, titled “The Legend of the African Baobab Tree,” was inspired by a trip she and her husband took to Botswana, Africa.
“My husband, Ken, and I saved for a twoyear trip, from 1975 to 1977, following the
equator overland, visiting other continents on a $6-a-day budget, carrying only our backpacks. I told my husband that if I was any older, the trip would have killed me,” she said. “In Botswana, we sat in a baobab tree. The people told us legends about living around the lonely trees on the wide desert plains. I knew it would be a good story, and soon my book, 'The Legend of the African Baobab Tree,' was born.”
“Baobab trees are most unusual,” she explained. “They grow separately, not in forests. They are located on the African plains; they are not very tall, but they are very, very broad. I was told that some of the trees are so big around that even 50 men holding hands could not surround the trunk. We climbed into one of them, which was three stories tall with ladders reaching up to access each level. After I saw the tree, I sat down and drew it, made notes, and when I got home, I drew the pictures and made it into story form.”
Hunter then went to the effort of getting it out into the public.
“After it was finished, I went to the Solvang Library and looked for children’s book publishers who would be interested in publishing my book,” she continued.
“I found one who paid me $5,000. It was sold all over the world. 'The Legend of the African Baobab Tree' book is in the Smithsonian Institute. But I didn’t receive 1 cent from those sales. So, eventually, I sent a reversion letter to the publisher asking him to relinquish ownership of my book. He refused at first, but eventually, he succumbed. He said he had 1,000 copies in his possession and would burn them, but I asked for them back. I retrieved them and got in touch with the Teddy Bear Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa, asking if they would be interested in them. The woman I spoke to said she would, so I sent them to the Foundation, and they were distributed to underprivileged children.” Hunter’s next book is titled "Scarecrows in the Garden."
“I love scarecrows, so I thought I’d do a book called 'Scarecrows in the Garden, the Alphabet Book A-Z,' with directions on how to build a scarecrow and the different crops that scarecrows protect," she said. "It’s an A-to-Z book about fruits and veggies, so children can see how plants grow before they are picked and eaten.
Author, artist, teacher, muralist, and carver, Bobbi Dooley Hunter has been writing children’s books for 40 years.
Bobbi Hunter sent 1,000 copies of her book "The Legend of the African Baobab Tree," to the Teddy Bear Foundation, in Johannesburg, South Africa, which were distributed to underprivileged children picture here holding up her book.
A month of Scarecrows: Annual Solvang fest has businesses, organizations competing
Find and vote for your favorite scarecrow display throughout the month of October
Staff Report
Solvang will welcome the new season in true fall style as the village kicks off the 15th Annual Scarecrow Fest and Contest on Tuesday, Oct. 1. During the monthlong Scarecrow Fest, which concludes on Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31), Solvang businesses and organizations will participate in the contest by featuring a scarecrow of their own creation posted at their location. The 2024 festival includes the use of QR codes and a digital voting system, as well as using traditional paper maps and ballots.
Locals, tourists, and area merchants may vote on the contest’s
website (www.SYVscarecrows.com)
for Solvang scarecrow winners in six different categories: Best Scarecrow Photo Op, Best Use of Recycled Materials, Best Use of Business Theme, Most Danish, Spookiest, and Most Humorous. Scarecrow maps will also be available on the website and inside local businesses, along with the corresponding QR codes.
Once this year’s Best Solvang Scarecrow has been chosen, the ultimate winner will be announced and celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Montecito Bank & Trust, located at 591 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang. The overall winner will receive the contest’s exclusive, handcrafted trophy, the “Harvest Cup” — made by famed blacksmith Hans Duus — which they may keep on display in their place of business until the conclusion of the following year’s contest. Santa Ynez Valley Humane So-
ciety was awarded the 2023 Harvest Cup. The mission of the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society is to serve our community by providing and promoting humane, compassionate, and conscientious care of companion animals.
“This is the 15th year that the [Scarecrow] contest is being celebrated in Solvang, and other Santa Ynez Valley towns have embraced the ‘Fest.’” said Tracy Beard, executive director of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce. “The more that each town gets into this, the better the experience for both locals and visitors, whose community involvement, and visits, respectively, benefit the local economy of the entire Valley.”
The six different Solvang Scarecrow Fest voting categories mentioned above were selected through a conscious effort to nurture friendly competition and community among
Solvang locals, to highlight the unique traits that Solvang possesses, and to encourage mindful, eco-conscious creativity. Past years’ Scarecrow Fests have received far-reaching publicity, with visitors coming from as far away as Alaska.
Questions about the 2024 Solvang Scarecrow Fest plans may be directed to the Solvang Chamber at mitzi@ solvangchamber.com. Updated information about this year’s Solvang Scarecrow Fest will continue to be posted at www.SYVscarecrows.com.
Poor circulation a huge factor for fibromyalgia sufferers
GOOD MEDICINE
By Dr. Hyun K. Lee
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disease with many symptoms. Western medicine focuses on each of the symptoms in order to find a medication or treatment for the ailment, which more often than not, misses the mark when it comes to relieving or curing fibromyalgia. On top of that, many of the medications prescribed eventually make fibromyalgia worse due to the fast buildup of toxins in the body.
Even though the problems fibromyalgia causes are lengthy, there is only one root cause of the symptoms: that of poor circulation, which causes weakening in all of the body’s organs.
As I have mentioned before in many of my articles, poor circulation leads to poor health. Nutrients are not as able to reach their destination as they would be in an individual with healthy blood flow. In addition to this, toxins that are ever-present are not able to be flushed out of the body as well, and become locked in your body, which leads to pain and inflammation. Let’s take a look at how circulation affects the common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Many people complain about a lack of energy and pain in their skin, joints, and muscles, especially in the mornings. When your body has been at rest and kept in a small number of positions, the lack of circulation is greater than it would be during the rest of the day when you’ve been moving about. Toxins become lodged throughout your body even more which makes you feel more pain and discomfort. Just like an old car, it can take a while to warm up in the mornings.
Chronic headaches are caused by the lack of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This also causes general memory problems as well as difficulty in holding on to short-term memory. Problems with eyesight also occur from lack of circulation to the eye area. If you consider
your eyes like a flashlight, blood serves as the batteries to it. When battery power lowers, the function of the flashlight declines.
Chest area pain and the lack of circulation throughout that area upsets the heart and lungs by causing constriction. From this, several of fibromyalgia’s symptoms occur. With all of the body’s organs inter-connected, one function can lower another’s. In this case, commonly, the kidney function is also disrupted by the tightness in the chest area. Lung function helps distribute nutrients to areas like the skin. When both the lung and kidney functions are bothered, edema can occur in both your upper and lower extremities. The lowered kidney function also causes bladder problems like cystitis and frequent urination.
Acid reflux is also a problem associated with tightness in the chest area. In this case, beneath the sternum, the stomach’s cardiac sphincter valve is tightened through the lack of circulation, and so causes a weakness in performance. Soon it begins to malfunction, which leads to acid problems.
Excessive sweating is also a byproduct of a disrupted lung function. With excess sweating comes the loss of nutrition. When this nutri-
tion isn’t reaching the internal areas of your body, it causes fatigue and a general lack of energy.
Another common set of complaints in female fibromyalgia sufferers is PMS and menstruation pain. This disease causes a weakness in all your organs. The liver function, which is responsible for blood retention in the body, becomes even weaker with the monthly loss of blood in the body. This also helps decline the kidney function even more.
As you can see, there is great suffering with this disease, but it is very possible to cure it naturally. Constitutional acupuncture relieves pain while opening the channels in your body to facilitate circulation. With the assistance of constitutional herbs and a proper diet, toxins will be flushed from your body, and healthy circulation will return. Once this is established, your organs can now rebuild their proper function to bring you back to a happy, healthy, pain-free existence.
Dr. Lee’s office is located at 175 McMurray Road, Suite G, Buellton. The clinic is held every Wednesday only. Dr. Lee also has an office in Los Angeles. To make an appointment in the Buellton office, call (805) 693-5162.
CASA of Santa Barbara County got creative with its display outside its Solvang office last year during the Scarecrow Fest and Contest. Star File Photo
Halloween traditions rooted in Celtic, Irish cultures
HOLIDAY HISTORY
By John Copeland
October is a month of changes in the world around us. Yes, we still have warm days, but the nights cool off faster, and the hours of daylight are growing shorter and the hours of darkness are increasing.
On Oct. 31, we celebrate Halloween with its witches, ghost, goblins and scary things that go bump in the night. On Halloween, we also cross into what our ancestors considered to be the dark half of the year.
Besides New Year’s, Halloween is one of the oldest holidays still celebrated today. A night of magic and mystery that originally celebrated the inextricable link between seasonal and life cycles. Halloween has not simply survived, it’s continued to thrive over its long history. Here in the United States, it’s one of our most popular holidays, second only to Christmas.
The origins of Halloween can be traced back directly to the ancient Celtic festival Samhain ( sow-in , the first part rhyming with cow). The Romans, the Christian Church, and ultimately, modern society have all had a hand in altering this holiday. Today, even the most contemporary traditions preserve traces of Halloween’s ancient past.
The Celts divided their year into eight major holidays and two seasons of light and dark. The season of light began May 1 on Beltane. The season of darkness began on Samhain, on the eve of Nov. 1, a magically potent time. The word Samhain translates, from ancient Gaelic as “summers end,” and in contemporary Irish Gaelic, Samhain is the name for the month of November.
For the Celts, Samhain was harvest’s end. It was also the end of the year and
the beginning of the new year. It was “in between” the two years and on this night, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its weakest allowing creatures of the night to mingle with the living.
Many scholars believe that the ancient Celts would disguise themselves with animal skins and masks and make lots of noise in an effort to ward off malevolent spirits. They also left gifts and treats outside their dwellings to pacify spirits on Samhain night. These are the customs at the root of today’s costume parties and trick-or-treating.
On Samhain, all household fires were extinguished. At dawn, brands were taken from the hilltop bonfires and used to rekindle the hearth fires. In relighting their hearth fires, the ancient Celts surely had a sense they were also kindling new dreams, projects, and hopes for the year to come.
By 43 BCE, the Romans had conquered nearly all of the Celtic lands. As conquerors, the Romans were surprisingly accepting of the beliefs of other cultures. In the course of the 400 years that they ruled “Celtic Europe,” two Roman festivals were combined in the Celtic celebration of Samhain.
The first was Feralia, commemorated the passing of the dead. The other was the festival of Pomona, Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona was an apple, which was a special fruit to the Celts: At the heart of the Celtic Otherworld grew an apple tree whose fruit had magical properties.
When Christian missionaries began converting the Celtic people, Pope Gregory I issued an edict to his missionaries. Rather than obliterate the pagan customs, Pope Gregory instructed his missionaries to use them.
This proved to be a brilliant concept and helped spread Christianity across Celtic territories. The combining of Samhain and All Saints Day into Halloween is an excellent example. All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows, was originally celebrated in late May. The evening before was All Hallows Eve, which in turn became Hallowe’en. Can you imagine trick or treating among the flowers in May?
Moving the holiday from warm springlike weather to chilly autumn, however, changed the whole nature of the celebration. The powerful symbolism of wandering dead was too strong for the human psyche to be satisfied with the abstract
Catholic feast honoring saints. Common folk continued to celebrate All Hallows Eve, but all the characters of the night were now evil, like witches.
In the melting pot of Colonial America, traditions continued to merge giving birth to a distinctly American version of Halloween. Colonial Halloween festivities featured the telling ghost stories and mischief-making of all kinds. By the early 19th century, Halloween was not universally celebrated.
In the mid-19th century, America was flooded with millions of Irish fleeing Ireland’s potato famine. Trick-or-treating came to America from Ireland, where children of tenant farmers would go to the lord’s or landlord’s manor demanding treats or they would play pranks.
Irish children would carry with them jack-o’lanterns made by hollowing out a turnip or sugar beet and carving them with facial features. These would be illuminated by a candle placed in the inside. The original idea behind this may have been to frighten off any supernatural forces that might be about.
Pumpkins are America’s contribution to Halloween. Big orange veggies are pretty odd as far as holiday symbols go, but there are actual historical reasons why we carve pumpkins for Halloween. In North America, pumpkins are more readily available and much larger than turnips or sugar beets making them easier to carve.
By the turn of the century, in America, Halloween parties for both children and adults were the most common way to celebrate the day. Somewhere between 1920 and 1950, the centuries-old practice of trick-or-treating door-to-door was revived and it has continued to grow. Today, Americans spend about $7 billion on Halloween. Halloween has managed to achieve a national status without the holiday standing of say, the 4th of July or Christmas. Halloween has endured because it allows its participants to both embrace and defuse their fears. From the ancient Celts seeking to appease the spirits that wandered the countryside on Samhain night to the little vampires and fairies trick-or-treating at your door, Halloween’s adaptability is the reason it remains, for over 2,000 years, the most bewitching night of the year.
Carnival serves as fundraiser, sneak peek for Children's Museum
Gathering on Buellton's Willemsen property offers games, exhibits, and desserts, to raise money for facility
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
Ashley Jenkins continues to beat the drum for the work-in-progress
Santa Ynez Valley Children's Museum at the former Willemsen property on 202 Dairyland Road in Buellton.
The founder and board president hosted the latest fundraising event on Sept. 14, a Carnival event with several games for all ages, free tacos, and a silent auction for various prizes, as well as a separate option for a lot of homemade desserts.
During her speech, Jenkins brought up a shining example of what keeps her going in her effort to bring the museum to fruition.
"There is one kid here tonight, over at that table," Jenkins said, pointing toward young Paul Ortiz, who stood out with his Santa Ynez youth football jersey and a matching orange cast healing a forearm injury. "He wroter me a letter recently, and it was the cutest thing in the world and he did it all with a broken arm."
Jenkins then displayed the letter: "It says 'Hey, thanks for what you're doing. Thanks for making a cool place for me to play, and thanks for giving me a safe place, a fun place."
She then invited Paul over to join her and display the letter amid audience applause.
"It is because the kids appreciate it," she said, answering her own question of "Why
keep doing it"?
The Carnival event drew quite a crowd, offering plenty of fun exhibits, and a few improvements over last June's event, thanks to some donated funds.
"We were able to raise money to put a shade over our Dirt Zone, which is one of our most popular exhibits," Jenkins said.
Jenkins also noted that Rachel Van Pelt raised funds for an "ant hill," an artificial mound with a grass covering.
"We want to make a bigger one with a tunnel through it so kids can crawl through," said Jenkins, who praised Van Pelt for the funding, and Coastal Landscape for providing the hill.
Other improvements noted by Jenkins included a gazebo given to the museum by the Solvang Senior Center, and a new sandbox that marks a permanent home for the "Dino Dug" exhibit thanks to 805 Concrete.
"I love that we can show everyone where the money's going into," Jenkins said.
Later on, more money was raised thanks to the event's Dessert Auction, where attendees bid on various goodies like cakes, pies, cookies, and more.
And near the end of the event, they had "Chicken Crap Bingo."
Volunteer Amy Yeung brought her chicken, Miss Gandolph, to participate in a game where people bought squares on a grid; then, Miss Gandolph was put into a pen with the numbers on a bigger sheet on the ground, and whatever number Miss Gandolph "did her business" on would be the winner.
It was a good idea in theory, but unfortunately Miss Gandolph didn't seem to
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Miss Gandolph is shown in her pen in front of many onlookers hoping to win the unusual game of bingo at the Children's Museum Carnival fundraiser on Sept. 14 in Buellton.
Santa Ynez resident Mike Morgan enjoys some cupcakes with his kids after winning them in the dessert auction of the Children's Museum Carnival fundraiser on Sept. 14 in Buellton.
BOBBI HUNTER
CONTINUED FROM PG 14
Look out for the little gophers on each page. I really want to educate children with some cute pictures and a good story.”
Hunter continued to describe how some of her other books came about. One, "Dinosaurs, Dreams, and Ice Cream," is inspired by a story by Barbra Goodyear Minar.
“I dedicated it to Barbra and her grandson, Christopher, who loved dinosaurs, and to my grandchildren and their wondrous imaginations,” she said. “Christopher loves dinosaurs, but they are big and scary. One night, the dinosaurs invited him into their world. Suddenly, he finds himself in a forest, solving a mysterious problem for them. Christopher bravely marches forward, looking for the dinosaurs’ stolen ice cream.”
“'Savannah’s Family Farm' was inspired by the fact that family farms are hard to find anymore. Big Ag has taken over,” she explained. “The story is about a mom and dad, their two children, and their dog, who grow all kinds of warm and cool weather
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
CONTINUED FROM PG 17
want to relieve herself. It's still unclear whether Miss Gandolph ever determined a winner.
The Children's Museum was an idea welcomed by many parents at the event.
Mike and Brooke Volpe, attended the fundraiser with their children, Zackary, 10, and Katelynne, 8. The family recently moved from Dublin, California, to Solvang, where Brooke was in the process of opening a fitness business.
"One of the moms in the Fit for Moms business I'm starting is a volunteer here and suggested I come to this," she said. "It's a great place for everyone, and it's good for all ages."
Mike Volpe was equally impressed.
"I like how they're blending science and art and bringing both together in the same museum," he said. "And since I'm a history
crops on their farm. The book teaches kids about where their food comes from and about farming techniques."
Hunter's work is admired by her audience.
“Bobbi is a fabulous, creative, local artist and writer who uses vibrant colors and great visual expressions in all her books,” said Maggie Le Pley, a friend of Hunter’s.
“I am excited to get my stories and art into the hands of children around the world,” said Hunter. “And one more lesson for those budding artists — you can make a living doing what you love, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
All of Hunter’s books are available locally at The Book Loft in Solvang, on Amazon.com, and at Bookshop.org. A
portion of the book sales are donated to your local bookstores through Bookshop. org only.
For more information, email bdhunter525@gmail.com.art. She is inspired by nature.
NOTE: This is an abridged version of the story. The complete story can be found at santaynezvalleystar.com.
geek, I hope there's some history mixed in too. But anything that get kids into learning is great."
Jenkins hopes that attitude spreads across the Santa Ynez Valley
"We're building more than a playground, though," she said while addressing the crowd. "We're building a resource for the whole community."
Jenkins mentioned three ways to for people to help: Spread the word, take your story back into your communities and tell them about it; Volunteer with the museum, whether you can spare a couple hours a year, or a couple hours a month; and third, giving monthly, giving today, giving into the future.
You can donate on the museum website syvchildrenmuseum.com using the Donation button or visit their Amazon Wishlist to see some of their current needs. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram @SYVchildrensmuseum.
(Left) Pictured are the six children’s books Bobbi Hunter has written. (Center) The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School is the home of the Pirates. Pictured is the mascot she painted. (Right) Hunter is not afraid of heights as she painted the Spartan mascot on the side of the Los Olivos Elementary School. Hunter has painted the mascots for most of the schools in the Valley. Contributed Photos
The Children’s Museum fundraiser had all kinds of activities. Photos by Mike Chaldu
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
TUESDAY, OCT. 1
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 9 A.M.
County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara For more info: countyofsb.org
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, 9 A.M.
County Engineering Building, 123 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara
For more info: countyofsb.org
SOLVANG TOURISM AND MARKETING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, 10 A.M.
At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang For more info: cityofsolvang.com
BUELLTON PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M.
At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton
For more info: cityofbuellton.com
MONDAY, OCT. 7
SOLVANG PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M.
At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang For more info: cityofsolvang.com
TUESDAY, OCT. 8
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 9 A.M.
Betteravia Government Administration Building, 511 Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
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, OCT. 9
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, 9 A.M.
Betteravia Government Administration Building, 511 Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
For more info: countyofsb.org
LOS OLIVOS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, 6 P.M.
Los Olivos Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos
For more info: losolivoscsd.com
THURSDAY, OCT. 10
BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M.
At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton
For more info: cityofbuellton.com
MONDAY, OCT. 14
SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30 P.M.
At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang
For more info: cityofsolvang.com
TUESDAY, OCT. 15
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 9 A.M.
County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara
For more info: countyofsb.org
EVENTS
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 5-6 CHUMASH INTERTRIBAL POWWOW, , 10 A.M. TO 10 P.M (SATURDAY), 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. (SUNDAY)
This annual gathering in Santa Ynez brings together over 300 Native American dancers and singers from tribes across Canada and the United States. Participants come to celebrate and compete in a spirit of unity and tradition.
Located at the corner of Meadowvale Road and Hwy 246, the Powwow is open to the public with a general admission fee of just $5. This family-friendly event features exciting dance and drum contests, along with a variety of arts and
CALENDAR
crafts and food booths. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets to comfortably enjoy the festivities. In addition to the competitions, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a rich array of traditional and contemporary Native American arts and crafts. Food booths will offer delicious, authentic cuisine, allowing attendees to savor the flavors of Native American culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a rich cultural celebration in the beautiful setting of Santa Ynez.
At Meadowvale Road and Highway 246
For more info: chumash.gov/ powwow
SUNDAY, OCT. 6
PRESQU’ILE WINERY TRITIP COOK OFF, 12 P.M.
This all-you-can-eat event features food trucks and a fun and friendly competition for recognition, prestige, and the community’s endorsement for the people’s choice honor. Santa Maria-style barbecue is a local tradition and will be served up by reigning champion Rollin’ Oak BBQ alongside Santa Maria BBQ, Whiskey Bent, Lobo Butcher Shop and Barbareño. Host Presqu’ile Winery will offer its fine wines by the glass and bottle and Executive Chef Julie Simon is preparing savory side dishes. Live music will enhance the festive atmosphere.
At Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presquile Drive, Santa Maria
For more info: presquilewine.com/ events/the-2nd-annual-presquilewinery-tri-tip-cookoff/
AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT WITH KATE HUDSON, 7 P.M.
Join us at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern for an exclusive concert experience featuring the one and only Night with Kate Hudson! This iconic actress and talented singer is hitting the stage with a mix of guitar-heavy tracks from her debut album, showcasing her powerful voice and rich rock & roll style.
It’s a night you won’t want to miss! Hudson's music is a mix of techno disco, intimate piano ballads, and modern rock, all showcasing her unique voice and passion for honest, emotional connection. Tickets are available at $125, $250, and $350 per person.
At The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, 2350 Railway Ave., Los Olivos
For more info: Call (805) 6954784 or email mat.itinerarydesigner@aubergeresorts.com
thousands of guests!
At Grand Avenue in Los Olivos For more info: losolivosca.com/ day-in-the-country/
SUNDAY, OCT. 13
KID CRAFT ART WORKSHOP AT THE MUSEUM, 3 TO 5 P.M.
SATURDAY, OCT. 12 DAY IN THE COUNTRY IN LOS OLIVOS, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
It's the 44th anniversary of Los Olivos Day in the Country, where our entire town celebrates how quaint and charming we really are! The day kicks off with the town parade at 10am, featuring local dance troupes, antique cars, horses, a Grand Marshal and more — find your spot on either side of our main Grand Avenue and enjoy this small-town treat! Afterward, enjoy roaming the more than 150 artisan vendors selling designer arts and crafts, pumpkin carving and Apple Pie Contest in the park, designated kids-zone amusements, live music, beer garden, local town shops, restaurants and tasting rooms, Wine Festival featuring award-winning Los Olivos wines and more. This family-friendly event is a true community celebration that we look forward to sharing together with
Join the California Nature Art Museum & Community Clayworks for a Kid Craft Art Workshop at the museum, creating Oak Woodland wind chimes. Participants will create a wind chime featuring falling oak leaves and/or tiny woodland creatures, and then paint their pieces with colorful underglazes. Completed wind chimes will be taken back to the Community Clayworks studio for firing and clear glazing, and approximately two weeks later, will be available for pick up in-person at the museum or can be shipped by request (for an additional fee). The class fee for this workshop is $45 for CalNAM members and $50 for non-members, per participant, all supplies included. Tickets can be purchased on our website, at calnatureartmuseum.org/ programs-events. Advance registration is required, 16 attendees max. This class is best suited for ages 5 and over.
At California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang For more info: Contact Rachel Metz at (805) 686-8315 orrachel@ calnatureartmuseum.org.
ONGOING
TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS STORYTIME AT SOLVANG LIBRARY, 10:30 A.M., TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS
Join us indoors on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Come to enjoy songs, stories, movement, and a warm welcome. Please make a reservation at cityofgoleta. org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang
For more info: Solvang Library (805) 688-4214
Actress Kate Hudson will be performing at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern on Sunday, Oct. 6, for an exclusive concert experience with a mix of guitar-heavy tracks from her debut album. Contributed Photo
