



Welcome to the Kids + Pets issue! This issue is always one of our favorites to create, but this year, it’s extra special. Our own family grew from four to five this summer, and life in the DeMarcus household has never been more full! With a 7-year-old, a 4-year-old, a nearly 2-month-old, and our beloved dogs in the mix, our days are delightfully chaotic and bursting with energy. So when it came time to put together this August issue, we poured in plenty of love—and firsthand experience.
This season, we’re celebrating the everyday magic that kids and pets bring into our lives. From sticky popsicle fingers to muddy footprints, these are the memories that make summer so special. We kick things off with a refreshing homemade popsicle recipe the whole family will enjoy (“Summer is Popsicle Season,” p. 28), then take you inside Santa Ynez Valley Family School to discover how they’re nurturing curiosity and connection through an intentional, heart-centered curriculum (“Where Connection Leads the Curriculum,” p. 14).
If your little ones are curious kitchen helpers, they’ll love getting their hands on our next recipe—homemade animal crackers that are simple, clean, and so much better than store-bought (“Whisking Up Confidence,” p. 32). We also had the joy of spending time with Flying V Apiaries, where we learned about their fascinating hive residents and the sweet side of animal care (“Not Your Average Pet,” p. 20).
As we begin to wrap up the issue, we look ahead with the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum, exploring its playful mission and bright future (“Messy Hands, Open Minds,” p. 24 And finally, because no summer is complete without a little whimsy, we offer a simple way to elevate your drinks with creative, kid-friendly ice cubes (“Creative Ice Cubes for Summer,” p. 38).
No matter what your household looks like, we hope these stories bring a smile to your face and a spark of inspiration to your home. Our valley is brimming with remarkable kids, passionate educators, and creative businesses—all working together to shape a vibrant future. Let’s continue to support, uplift, and believe in them.
Here’s to the joy of little feet, wagging tails, and the love they bring into our lives.
Go Pirates!
Cheers,
PUBLISHER
Sara DeMarcus | sara.demarcus@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Matt DeMarcus | matthew.demarcus@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Drew Stephens
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sara DeMarcus, Matt DeMarcus, Linda Ditch, Angela Broockerd, Bailey Hall
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Erica Olesen, Janie Jones, Amber Dolyak Photography, Matthew Curry, Matt DeMarcus
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
SARA DEMARCUS, PUBLISHER @SANTAYNEZVALLEY_CITYLIFESTYLE
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1: A couple of shoppers enjoying the Artisan Market at Buttonwood Winery. 2: Congratulations to the 2025 Christian Academy 8th-grade graduating class! 3: A moment from the Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo. 4: The Golden Flame traveling hat bar by Flame Kissed Hats! 5: A moment from the Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo. 6: The owners, Alexandra and Jeff, of the new local mini market, SYV Pantry. 7: Rancho San Marcos Golf Course is open. Check out that view!
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A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
The Solvang Chamber invites the community to enjoy live, free concerts every Wednesday in August from 5:00–8:00 PM at the Solvang Park Gazebo. Featuring Nataly Lola & Ghost Monsters (Aug 6), The Waymakers (Aug 13), Kelly’s Lot (Aug 20), and Soul Kool (Aug 27), attendees are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, food, and drinks. Don’t miss the best local talent in the valley!
Photography
Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA) presents a stellar August lineup: Something Rotten! starts August 1 at Solvang Festival Theatre, an uproarious musical romp. In Santa Maria, Songs for Nobodies —featuring Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, and more— runs August 14, 17, and 23 at the Marian Theatre. Grab your tickets now and enjoy world- class theatre all month long!
Photography by www.pcpa.org
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Schools across the Santa Ynez Valley are kicking off the new school year on various dates throughout August. Families are encouraged to double-check school calendars and begin shopping for supplies early to avoid the last-minute rush. Whether it’s backpacks, lunchboxes, or pencils, now’s the time to get prepared. Don’t fall behind—set your student up for a successful start!
HOW SYV FAMILY SCHOOL NURTURES BIG-HEARTED LEARNERS THROUGH NATURE AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Tucked into the rolling landscape of Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley Family School (SYVFS) is more than a classroom—it’s a living, breathing community shaped by connection, creativity, and care. Since its founding in 1974, the independent, nonprofit school has held steadfast to a vision of education that sees each child as a whole person: curious, capable, and profoundly unique.
ARTICLE BY SARA DEMARCUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA OLESEN
“Santa Ynez Valley Family School was founded on the belief that education should be deeply personal, rooted in connection, and responsive to the individual needs of each child within a group setting,” says Head of School, Julianne Tullis-Thompson. “That vision continues to guide everything we do.”
That belief is woven into every aspect of the school’s structure, from the differentiated instruction to the multi-age classroom model. “At the heart of our approach is the understanding that each child is a unique individual, and our job is to help them discover how they can thrive and truly belong,” she adds.
SYV Family School’s multi-age classrooms are intentionally designed to nurture both empathy and leadership. Older students step into mentorship roles, guiding younger peers through routines, modeling respectful communication, and helping navigate both academic and social challenges. Weekly “buddy time” between classes—pairing older and younger students—deepens these connections. “These relationships grow over the year,” TullisThompson explains. “It’s a simple structure with a powerful impact: students come to understand that their presence matters to someone else, and that leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about care.”
“EACH CHILD IS SEEN, SUPPORTED, AND INVITED TO THRIVE IN COMMUNITY.”
This same relational focus drives the school’s social-emotional learning program. “Each week, we introduce a new concept or skill at our K–5 Monday morning assembly,” she says. “Through read-alouds, class conversations, and teacher-led activities, these concepts are explicitly taught in age-appropriate ways.” Over time, this shared language becomes second nature.
A strong foundation in English Language Arts is another key pillar of the academic program. Early literacy instruction includes research-based phonics and decoding strategies. As students progress, they engage in
structured writing workshops that emphasize both voice and form. Students learn to express original ideas clearly while developing grammar, spelling, and composition skills. By the upper grades, students write across genres and read with increasing depth, preparing them to tackle middle school with confidence.
Nature is also an integral part of the teaching at SYVFS. “Our curriculum is deeply rooted in the natural world,” says Tullis-Thompson. “Through regular hikes and science projects, students develop an ongoing relationship with their surroundings.” Activities like composting, maintaining a worm bin, or caring for a
classroom pet teach ecological responsibility in hands-on ways. Even everyday lessons conducted outside—such as reading, math, and journaling—foster a quiet reverence for the land.
Extended outdoor adventures, a beloved tradition at SYVFS, offer a blend of academic inquiry and character development. “Students practice perseverance, collaboration, and self-assessment,” Tullis-Thompson explains. “They journal and create reflective art, study local ecology, and build collaborative forts that encourage problem-solving and exploration of basic engineering principles. These moments nurture creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of interdependence.”
Unstructured playtime in the school’s natural surroundings is equally important. “It offers children the freedom to process their thoughts, emotions, and social experiences in a relaxed, low-pressure environment,” TullisThompson says. “Nature naturally supports self-regulation and mindfulness. That’s why our teachers are intentionally present—not to direct the play, but to support learning as it unfolds organically.” This philosophy aligns with the work of psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who emphasizes the importance of free play in developing emotionally resilient and socially capable children.
Through connection to community, nature, and themselves, children of SYV Family School not only gain knowledge but also develop resilience, curiosity, and a grounded sense of belonging that enables them to thrive in and beyond the classroom.
ARTICLE BY MATT DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER DOLYAK PHOTOGRAPHY
When most kids dream of pets, they imagine dogs to cuddle or kittens to chase. But for one Santa Ynez-based beekeeper, his “pets” number in the thousands—and they all have wings.
Flying V Apiaries isn’t just a honey company. It’s a buzzing ecosystem rooted in stewardship, science, and a surprising amount of heart. Founded by Dakota Votaw, who first suited up in a bee suit as a college student in North Carolina, the business now spans the Central Coast of California and the wildflower-filled fields of northern Minnesota. While most of us were spending the summers of our youth at camp or the beach, he was out in the beeyards, dodging stingers, learning the rhythm of the hive, and unknowingly falling in love with one of the oldest professions in the world.
Today, Flying V Apiaries treats bees less like livestock and more like beloved, high-maintenance pets. They are relocated seasonally between the Santa Ynez Valley and Minnesota to ensure healthy forage, protection from pests like
the destructive varroa mite, supplemental nutrition, and shelter in warmer climates for winter.
“We go to sleep thinking about what we’re going to do for our bees the next day,” Dakota says. “It honestly never stops.”
During peak honey season, their care becomes a full-time hustle. Bees don’t take weekends off, and neither does the team. From adding honey supers at just the right time to operating a stainless-steel extraction line that spins honey straight from the comb, every step is rooted in timing, intuition, and respect for the hive. The result? Small-batch, hyper-local honey that tastes different with every season—and tells a story in every jar.
If the idea of bees as pets still sounds farfetched, consider this: they recognize their
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keeper’s scent, communicate through intricate dances, and work tirelessly to support not just their colony, but the entire ecosystem around them. In an era of instant gratification, bees model something different: dedication, collaboration, and purpose.
For families, Flying V Apiaries is more than just honey. It’s an invitation to explore the fascinating world of pollination, agriculture, and the incredible creatures that quietly help our world thrive. Whether it’s planting
a pollinator garden or simply reading a honey label more closely, we can all take a cue from the bees: work hard, stay connected, and care deeply.
You can find Flying V Bees honey at various locations in the Santa Ynez Valley, like SYV Pantry, Highline Adventures, and The Yard. For more information, please get in touch with Flying V Apiaries on Instagram (@flyingvbees) and www.FlyingVbees. com , coming soon.
There’s something magical about watching kids discover the hum of a honeybee. Learning about bees early helps children appreciate nature, food systems, and sustainability. From visiting a hive to planting a pollinator garden, simple experiences spark lifelong curiosity. A little bee knowledge goes a long way—planting the seeds for future stewards of our planet, one buzz at a time.
The Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum is redefining what it means to be a “children’s museum.” The name might be the only traditional thing about it. With a planned opening this fall, this entirely outdoor, screen-free haven is a joyful hybrid— part botanical garden, part science camp, part adventure playground—crafted for curious minds and busy little hands.
Founded in 2020 by local mom of three, Ashley Jenkins, the museum emerged from a very real need. “We’re building something we couldn’t find here,” Ashley shared. “A place where kids can just be—exploring, digging, creating, discovering—all in their own way and at their own pace.” Like many parents in the Santa Ynez Valley, Ashley struggled to find engaging, local opportunities for her kids that didn’t involve long car rides or full waitlists. Her answer? Build a space from the ground up—literally.
The numbers speak volumes. American children now spend more than 1,200 hours per year in front of screens and only about six hours in unstructured outdoor play. The Santa Ynez
From Mud Kitchens to Dino Digs, the SYV Children’s Museum Makes Space for Wonder
ARTICLE BY SARA DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW CURRY & MATT DEMARCUS
Valley Children’s Museum exists to reverse that trend. Every inch of the space is designed to inspire freedom, creativity, and connection with nature. From a full-size truck that kids are invited to paint, to a mud kitchen, sensory garden, and the beloved “Dino Dig” excavation pit, playtime here is anything but passive.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the museum’s design. Several board members and staff members have both professional and personal experience working with children who have sensory processing challenges or special needs. The all-outdoor format was a conscious choice to help reduce overstimulation and provide calm, natural settings where children of all abilities can thrive. Low-sensory nooks, wide paths, and hands-on, open-ended activities create a space that truly welcomes everyone.
While the museum’s primary target audience is children aged 0–12, plans are already in place to involve program assistants, volunteers and staff, as well as to expand after school educational programming. Local partnerships with schools, homeschool groups, and organizations like Hidden Wings further strengthen the museum’s connection to the broader community.
Although pets aren’t currently part of the museum’s permanent features, the team has exciting plans to introduce animal-focused programming, including visiting farm animals and potential beekeeping demonstrations. These additions will deepen children’s understanding of local ecosystems, agriculture, and empathy through direct interaction with living creatures.
With five exhibits already complete and five more in the works—including a water feature, STEAM zone, and a hilltop slide that adults can ride the museum has quickly become a family favorite across the Valley during the museums monthly second Saturday Play Days.
Backed by enthusiastic support from the Buellton City Council, local businesses, and generous volunteers, the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum is more than just a place to play—it’s a place where kids grow, families connect, and community comes alive.
The Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum hosts a free “Play Day” every second Saturday (10 AM–12 PM) at their outdoor site, located at 202 Dairyland Road, Buellton, CA. No registration required—just come to play, explore, and create!
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
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• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
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1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
8/22/2025 @ Dos Pueblos
8/29/2025 @ Lompoc
9/5/2025 San Marcos (H)
9/12/2025 @ Mission Prep
9/19/2025 Nipomo (H)
9/26/2025 Santa Maria (H)
10/3/2025 Atascadero (H)
10/17/2025 @ Pioneer Valley
10/24/2025 @ San Luis Obispo
10/31/2025 Righetti (H)
8/14/2025 Bishop Diego
8/21/2025 Templeton
9/9/2025 St Joseph
9/11/2025 Atascadero
9/15/2025 Laguna Blanca
9/23/2025 Arroyo Grande
9/30/2025 San Luis Obispo
10/23/2025 Mission Prep
Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with this fun and refreshing infused ice recipe Not only is it a great way to stay cool, but it also adds a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS AUGUST 2025
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Downtown Solvang: First Street, Solvang | 2:30 PM
Nestled under Solvang’s iconic Danish clock tower every Wednesday from 2:30–6 PM, the Solvang Farmers Market showcases Certified Santa Barbara County growers offering vibrant, seasonal produce, fresh flowers, artisan breads, cheeses, and the community’s warm, small-town charm rain or shine.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Solvang Music In the Park
Solvang Park Gazebo | 5:00 PM
Music in the Park continues every Wednesday evening through August 27, 2025. From 5–8 PM, this free, family-friendly series offers eleven diverse live performances—ranging from rock and blues to country and jazz—with lawn chairs, picnics, and community camaraderie.
AUGUST 16TH
Farm-to-Fork Dinner at Roblar
Roblar Winery: 3010 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez | 5:00 PM
Enjoy a farm-to-fork prix fixe menu by Executive Chef Terri Buzzard, expertly paired with Roblar wines. Dine among the barrels inside the winery as Winemaker Max Marshak shares insights into his craft. An elegant evening celebrating food, wine, and place.
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AUGUST 16TH
35th Cowboy Ball
Celebrating SYV Therapeutic Riding
Camp Carmina: 5009 Zaca Station Rd, Los Olivos, Ca | 5:00 PM
This event will feature a plated dinner by High on the Hog Catering, live music, a live and silent auction, an open bar with wine from Sunstone and beer, a fabulous cake auction, a therapeutic riding demonstration, and lots of fun. Funds raised support the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program’s student programs, horse care, student scholarships, facilities, and more.
AUGUST 22ND & 29TH
SYHS 2025 Pirate Football Season Kicks Off
Check Schedule for Location | 7:00 PM
The 2025 SYHS Pirate Football season begins with an away showdown at Dos Pueblos High on Friday, August 22 at 7 PM, followed by the home opener on August 29 at 7 PM versus Lompoc High at Pirate Stadium. Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the Pirates—Go Pirates!
AUGUST 31ST
Sunstone Winery Labor Day Weekend Summer Nights White Party
Sunstone Winery: 125 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez | 6:00 PM
Sunstone Winery invites guests to don white attire and enjoy live music, specialty wine cocktails, and gourmet bites in an elegant, al fresco setting at the Summer Nights White Party, with food by Get Shucked Oysters.
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