Santa Ynez Valley Star April B 2022 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

April 19, 2022 - May 2, 2022

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Nonprofit continues to help kids at play in valley Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation has a long history of funding youth projects By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

ith so many new families having moved into the Valley over the past few years, they may not be aware of all that the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation has accomplished to make this Valley the wonderful place in which we all live. Over the past 67 years, Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, (formerly known as the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Recreation) has raised more than $3 million to provide youth in the Valley with sporting facilities in the schools, numerous youth programs, and has contributed financially to many of the nonprofits in the Valley who create a space for our youth to thrive. In 1955, a group of Valley leaders wanted to build a pool in the high school. They decided to use the Santa Maria Rodeo Queen Contest as a means of fundraising to accomplish this goal. The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Contest was a fundraising event for each community to raise money for youth recreation. Over the next 10 years, the group raised

Photo contributed SYV Youth Recreation President Frank Kelsey (left) and 2022 Rec Queen Mercedes Diaz are shown by the sand volleyball courts at Sunny Fields Park in Solvang. The courts are one of many recreational sites and projects brought to life by the nonprofit.

Photo by Mike Chaldu Two youths ride their scooters in the skatepark at Hans Christian Andersen Park in Solvang. The skatepark is one of many projects seen through by Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation.

enough money through the contest to build a swimming pool at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. After the pool was built, the Queen Committee decided to continue to build facilities for youth recreation in the Valley. Between 1965 and 1971, they began to construct new tennis courts throughout the Valley. They also built Elks Field at Solvang School, a complex used for baseball, soccer, and other field sports. Beginning in 1971, Frank Kelsey took over the responsibilities of the Queen Contest Campaign. He is the president of the nonprofit organization Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, which relies on volunteers, funds raised in its annual Queen Campaign, and business donations along with goods and services for its many youth projects. In 1978 the Queen Committee incorporated into a 501c3 under the name Santa Ynez Valley Elks Recreation. They didn’t have an Elks Lodge in the Valley until 1982. From funds raised each year through the Elks Queen Contest, they were able to build Elks Field #2 at the high school for softball, soccer, and other field sports, as there became a need for such a complex at the high school. “Our next major accomplishment was the Pony/AYSO complex at College School NONPROFIT CONTINUED TO PAGE 23

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State group: now’s the time Santa barbara county to apply for county grand jury Recipient of two caltrans California Grand Jurors' Association District 5 grants seeking applicants to serve one-year term starting in July Staff Report

he California Grand Jurors’ Association (CGJA) has issued its annual call for citizens who want to make a difference as a local government watchdog to apply for service on their respective county’s 2022-2023 civil grand jury. “If you apply and are selected as a civil grand juror, you have an opportunity to make an important difference within your community by helping your county, cities, schools, and special districts be more efficient,” said Lou Panetta, CGJA president. “You’ll also learn more about local government operations and get a chance to build long-lasting friendships with your fellow jurors.” The annual selection process often starts with an informational session to learn about the requirements and responsibilities of being a civil grand juror. Interested volunteers fill out applications with their Superior Court that confirm they are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, reside in the county where they’re

applying, and are fluent in English. If selected as a civil grand juror, applicants must have sufficient time to work throughout their year of service. Those impaneled by the court as grand jurors will serve a oneyear term, beginning July 1, 2022, in most counties. Some CGJA county chapters work closely with the Superior Court’s presiding judge to assist with recruitment, orientation, and vetting the applicants. Over the years, more than 100,000 Californians have been civil grand jurors and each year, the state’s 58 county civil grand juries issue more than 500 reports, most of which can be viewed at the county’s court website . To learn more about California’s civil grand jury system, the CGJA has just published the 4th edition of “California Civil Grand Juries: History, Law and How they Operate,” available as a free download at https://cgja.org/ californias-civil-grand-juries-0

For more information, go to https://www.cgja.org .To apply to serve as a juror, check out the website of the Superior Court in your county.

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Agency awarded $2.34 million in state, federal funds for transportation projects Staff Report

altrans District 5 announced April 5 it has been awarded a total of eight Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants totaling $2.34 million in state and federal funds to plan sustainable transportation projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the state highway system, enhance access to safe walkways and bike paths, and increase natural disaster preparedness. Santa Barbara County will benefit from two of those grants: n $125,000 to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) for its Coordinated Public Transit — Human Services Transportation Plan. n $300,000 to the Monterey County, San Benito County, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County and Santa Cruz County regional transportation agencies for the California Central Coast Sustainable Freight Study. “These grants are funding the planning for sustainable and more resilient transportation projects that will prepare the state for rising sea levels, wildfires and other climate related impacts,” said Caltrans Interim Director Steven Keck. “By collaborating with local communities, we are working together to achieve both our climate goals and an equitable transportation infrastructure for people who rely on transit and intercity bus service.” In the other grants, Caltrans District 5 was allocated:

n $448,800 to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) for climate change and safety for its Climate Adaptation, Vulnerability Assessment and Transportation Priorities Report. n $394,844 to the City of Salinas in Monterey County for the Outreach and Implementation for its Active Transportation Plan. n $338,000 to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) for its Transportation Equity Action Plan. n $296,000 to San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) for a county-wide Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Program. n $221,325 to the City of Arroyo Grande for its Active Transportation Plan. n $220,082 to Monterey County for its Zero Emissions Shared Mobility Study. Caltrans awards transportation planning grants each year through a competitive process to encourage local and regional projects. Applications are evaluated on how they further state transportation goals by identifying and addressing statewide, interregional, or regional transportation deficiencies on the highway system. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. For more information about transportation projects funded by SB 1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov.

For a complete list of planning grant project awardees, go to dot.ca.gov/-/media

April 19, 2022 - May 2, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3

Lego builders show off their mastery, brick by brick, in Solvang

By Mike Chaldu

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city known for and inspired by its Danish heritage, Solvang put one of Denmark’s most famous products on center stage earlier this month, holding its first Lego building competition. The contest pitted some of the top Lego builders and enthusiasts against each other as they constructed their own takes on Solvang’s five fabled Danish bakeries and iconic, storybook imagery and landmarks. The competition began on Saturday, April 2, as 10 Lego builders were stationed at different locations around downtown Solvang to begin their projects, with onlookers free to observe. On Sunday, April 3, the contestants moved to a spot on Copenhagen Road to finish up and display their projects for the event’s judges. At the end of the competition, awards were given out for first, second, and third place. The first-place winner, receiving a cash prize of $5,000, was Chris Wight of Oak View, who combined two major themes of the competition, building a Viking ship with a small bakery on it. “Solvang celebrates Danish culture, and I’m actually Norwegian, but I think we’re all Vikings,” Wight said. “So I did this as a tribute to all Vikings.” Then, Wight, whose Lego expertise has helped with projects for the LA Auto Show, and the construction of an oversized model of the neurology wing at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, decided to incorporate another aspect of the event’s theme. “The bakeries in town are also a theme, so I decided to do something out of the box and and put a bakery on the ship,” he said. Wight also had other small references to Solvang and Denmark in his work, installing

Photos by Mike Chaldu Chris Wight of Oak View puts the finishing touches on his Viking ship, with a bakery on board, April 3 at the Lego building competition in Solvang. Wight's work won the first-place prize.

Oceanside's Bill Vollbrecht said his Lego creation, which won second place in the Solvang Lego building competition, showed a baker passing the business onto his daughter.

For her project at Lego building competition in Solvang, Bakersfield's Tiffeny Thompson created a block with four of the city's best-known bakeries. Her project won the third-place prize.

a Lego stork at the top of the mast to serve as a weather vane, and putting a small scene from “The Little Mermaid,” referencing a story by the

famed Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The second- and third-place winners modeled their Lego project on the bakery aspect of

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the theme. Second-place winner Bill Vollbrecht of Oceanside, who got a $2,500 cash prize, created a Lego likeness of two bakers preparing their life-size Danish pastry creations. “Since it was a bakery theme, I did a lot of research, and I ate a lot of pastries,” said Vollbrecht, laughing. “One thing I noticed is that many of these bakeries have stayed in the family for multiple generations, so this project represents a baker handing down the business to his child.” Vollbrecht, who previously a master model designer and worked at Legoland as a themepark designer, estimated he used about 10,000 Lego pieces for his work. Third place went to Bakersfield’s Tiffeny Thompson, who received a $1,000 cash prize for her street scene representing four of Solvang’s best know bakeries. For the project, she used many pieces that have been in her collection for years. “I used a lot of original Legos,” she said. “In fact, many of the window panels on the front of these building are original pieces that aren’t even made by Lego anymore.” Thompson said she has been building with Legos since she was 3 years old, and she currently maintains a display at the Golden Empire Club model train museum in Bakersfield. The other contestants in the building competition were: he ten Solvang competition participants were Zack Macasaet, who was featured on Season 2 of the FOX competition series “Lego Masters, Mariann Asanuma, the world’s first female, freelance LEGO artist; Gwyneth Kozbial, a writer for the BrickNerd website; Mark Brower, a double-decade music industry veteran and radio DJ-turned LEGO craftsman; and LEGO BUILDERS CONTINUED TO PAGE 23

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‘Campus 36’ proposal comes before buellton planning commission

Developers want to build a mixed-use complex by Industrial Way By Mike Chaldu

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he Buellton Planning Commission held its regular meeting April 7 and spent most of it involved in a conceptual review of a mixed-use project proposed to be built near the southern terminus of Industrial Way in Buellton. The “Campus 36” project (formerly know as the HUB, or BUE-17) is a mixed-use project (business and residential) proposed for the property off Industrial Way to the west, and next to Zach Creek Golf Course and the Rancho de Maria housing development to the east. Campus 36 is the brainchild of property owner Ed St. George, who envisions a research facility with housing for employees. The applicants for the project are Lonnie Roy and Gavin Moores, who was the original developer on the project but is now a consultant. To start, City of Buellton Contract Planner Irma Tucker gave a general description:

The project is slated for a 22-acre parcel with a building space of 135,157 square feet and industrial business support services of 75,918 square feet. Tucker said the project’s zoning would be classified as M (industrial) and OS (open space). When broken down, the project showed 63,200 square feet for business and industrial use, and 116 dwelling units, totaling 129,199.5 square feet of residential space. After Tucker’s presentation, the commission welcomed Julie McGeever, a project manager with Ed St. George, who expanded on the project’s concept and the thinking behind it. First off, McGeever told the commission the potential they saw for the area around Industrial Way, which now boasts a Firestone Brewery location as well as multiple wineries. “Younger people are flocking to the area,” she said. “What’s going on in Industrial Way is fantastic.” Among the many slides shown in the presentation was one that showed St. George’s “vision,” which included “a true live work campus, an incubator for research and development, a campus that will continually contribute to the economy” and “retention

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of emerging talent on the Central Coast” among other things. However, on the other side of the discussion were the concerns of residents in the nearby Rancho de Maria housing development, many of whom were at the meeting. McGeever said at the meeting the developers recognized the homeowners’ concerns. “We have reached out to the HOA,” she said. “We’re still trying to get a meeting. We have talked to at least six people from the area, and they have concerns about outdoor entities and they don’t want to be taken advantage of.” After the presentation, McGeever and St. George listened to comments from the commission. Bob Blokdyk overall liked the presentation and idea, but felt the project could have been more on the business side. He also wanted to make sure there would be access to the river trail if the project is built on the developers’ desired location. Aaron Liggett said he appreciated the presentation and the vision of the project, but asked St. George if the project was going to be regulated, and would he require employees to live at the development.

“I have addressed that and it’s legal,” St. George said. “As far as the applicants, I would be pleased if they were involved in their campus.” As far as the other commissioners, Marcilo Sarquilla had high praise for the project; Art Mercado said he liked the concept, but felt the project was too big for the area, and Commission Chair Patty Hammel shared concerns of the residents about traffic and access for Rancho de Maria and said lack of affordable housing would be a “deal breaker.” Three residents spoke on the project during public comment, including Barbara Mitchell, who identified herself as the vice president of the Rancho de Maria HOA. “Of course, my concern is a lot of traffic coming through our area, and people walking through,” she said. “Our neighborhood is a well-kept secret and I like that.” The commissioners thanked the developers for their presentation, and for the most part praised the project but advised them to listen to and address the nearby homeowners’ concerns. The Planning Commission will meet next on Thursday, April 21.

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Solvang City Council approves trio of funding requests Council also OKs new city map, paving way for district-based elections By Mike Chaldu

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he Solvang City Council met for its regular meeting on April 11, starting off by officially making the change to district-based elections to determine its members and ending the meeting by approving three out of four funding requests. The fourth was tabled because a councilmember chose to grant that funding request out of his own pocket. A half-hour into the meeting at the Solvang council chambers, the council members went through the formality of adopting a district map that was selected during the previous meeting. In that March 28 meeting, the council decided on the Orange Clockwise map, a revision of the earlier Orange map that was proposed at an earlier meeting. On April 11, Mayor Pro Temp Mark Infanti, who was a huge supporter of the Clockwise map, made a motion to accept it, which was seconded by fellow Councilmember Claudia Orona. The motion passed 5-0. The adoption of the map officially ushered in the city’s switch to a district-based election (replacing the at-large method) starting with next November’s vote, where city districts 3 and 4 will be contested. Districts 1 and 2 will be contested in 2024. Later in the meeting, the council’s attempt to pass the Consent Agenda hit a snag when Infanti pulled item 4E from the agenda. The item had to do with the city sending a 30-day marketing services contract termination notice to Cogs & Marvel, the marketing firm that has put on events for the city. Infanti was not pleased with how the situation was handled. “The item states that the Tourism Advisory

File photo A funding request by the Solvang Festival Theater for $100,000 payments for the next three years was approved, along with two other funding requests, by the Solvang City Council on April 11.

Committee suggested this cancellation, and they did not,” Infanti said. “I confirmed that with [TAC member] Max Hanberg, and he said it was silly to do this without having a replacement lined up.” “And what’s concerning to me is that I got a call from [Cogs & Marvel Executive Director] Scott Shuemake, who said he talked to the city manager Tuesday and the termination item was put on the agenda Wednesday,” the mayor pro tem continued. “He had not even been told, he found out when a member of the press called to ask him about it. “That’s the rudest thing I’ve heard, that you want to terminate the contract and not even let the person know.” Infanti proposed that the contract not be terminated at this time. After the council voted 5-0 to pass all the other consent agenda items, Infanti then moved to not approve Item 4E, and that motion passed 3-2 with Orona and Mayor Charlie Uhrig dissenting. The council ended the night by discussing four funding requests:

One by the Solvang Festival Theater for $100,000 in each of the next three years A proposed fee waiver for Development Plan review the new Senior Center Facility project in the amount of $7,900 An offer for the city to become a “Grand Sponsor” for the 4th of July 2022 Fireworks and a request to contribute $25,000 toward the event A request by the Santa Ynez Pirate Football League to waive a fee for a highway banner in the amount of $450 The plan originally was for the council to vote on each request separately, but the councilmembers agreed to hear them all and vote on them together. Members of the Solvang Theaterfest organization were in attendance to advocate for their funding request, among them Theaterfest Board Member Chris Nielsen. “Why this is important is that we need to create activity outside of PCPA,” Nielsen said. “Getting those activities requires that funding to get the calendar loaded.” However, Councilmember Robert Clarke

was hesitant about approving all of the requests, especially the Theaterfest. “The only way I can support giving money to Theaterfest is if they expanded fall and autumn,” he said. “What I’m worried about is what groups are going to ask for money two months from now. Only way I can support the theater funds is if they have the expansion.” Clarke was able to take one request off the board, saying that he supported the $450 request from the Pirate Football League, but didn’t want the city to pay for it. Therefore, he agreed to write a check himself to cover that cost. In contrast to Clarke’s doubts, Orona clearly supported the funding requests. “I don’t see why we wouldn’t pay any of these organizations when we’re paying $600,000 to a marketing company just for the sake of raising [the transit occupancy tax],” Orona said. “What’s the point of raising the TOT if we don’t show up when our community needs us.” With the Pirate Football League request eventually tabled because of Clarke’s promise to cover it himself, Thomas moved to approve the other three requests. That motion passed by a 4-1 vote with Clarke dissenting. In other council activity: The council unanimously passed the item to approve Resolution No. 22-1166, confirming and levying assessments for the Solvang (Skytt) Mesa Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District. City Engineer Rodger Olds said the tax assessment would be set at $1,296 per lot, the same amount as in 2021, and two new street lights would be installed in the area at a cost of $25,000, according to PG&E. The council also unanimously passed the SB1 Road Maintenance Project List for the fiscal year 2022-23. The next Solvang City Council meeting will be Monday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m.

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Childhood love of books leads to a career in publishing Moroccan Tree Goat.”

Louis Force Torres, who grew up in Solvang, opened Polyverse Publications and helps local authors

He’s also worked with local philanthropist Teri Harmon (“The Sacrificial Deal”) and Brooks Firestone (“The Valley Animal Series, Evensong”).

By Pamela Dozois

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

Coming in 2022 is a book titled “Nothing

ouis Force Torres has had a love affair with books since childhood. It’s no surprise then that he opened a publishing company called Polyverse Publications in January 2021. His aim is to help authors get their books published and on retail shelves. “I grew up in Solvang, which is a storybook town on its own,” said Torres. “My family encouraged me to read at a very young age and that interest was furthered by the many teachers I’ve had in the Santa Ynez Valley.” Torres attended Solvang School and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and graduated from Cogswell College with a degree in digital art and design. “I’ve spent many hours in the Solvang Library and between the shelves at the Book Loft,” he said. “I’d spend the money I’d earned mowing lawns, painting fences, and doing chores on the next book that caught my eye. It was no surprise that I ended up with a career in book publishing. My mom worked at the Solvang Library and my father was a teacher at Santa Barbara High School for 42 years. I used to sneak into my father’s office and read his books.” It was that early interest in all kinds of books that sent Torres on his path. “When I was young, I would draw comics. I was an editor for the high school yearbook,” he said. “Then after college, I managed several companies before I began a career as the director of global publishing at the Adizes Institute in Carpinteria. Those five years were an education in international publishing. That’s when I became involved with the Independent Book Publishers Association, attending conferences and working directly with overseas publishers.”

But Words,” a mystery/suspense novel by Buellton resident Dustin Hoiseth, and a children’s interactive Christmas book titled “A Living Tree” authored by retired Santa Ynez Valley Union High School teacher Chip Fenenga, and his wife, Julene. “My goal with Polyverse Publications is to allow for more stories to be told while helping those stories gain recognition,” said Torres. In the future, Torres wants to found “Book Church,” a nonprofit organization focused on providing books to the underprivileged and help young authors get published. “I want everyone who wants to read to be able to do so and I want to help those who want to write to get published,” said Torres. Photo contributed Publisher Louis Force Torres is pictured in front of the many books he has published since he opened Polyverse Publications in 2021.

It was after that Torres opted to set out on his own.“After my time spent primarily on business books, I realized I wanted to be more creative and work with other genres,” said Torres. “I left the Adizes Institute to start my own publishing company, Polyverse Publications, to do just that.” Torres is presently a consultant for several other publishing companies while also running Polyverse Publications. He is very active in the book community, attending writer’s events, industry seminars, and has been a judge for the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Book Awards for three years. “I’m what is known as a hybrid publisher with a heavy focus on consulting,”

explained Torres. “As a hybrid publisher, I take the benefits from traditional publishing houses, small publishers, and vanity presses and combine them in a way that is accessible to authors. “Many authors have a book that they have written but they don’t know how to get it onto shelves in the retail market. Polyverse Publications offers editing, design, publicity. We help people envision their project as a completed work, and offer the right services to get it there.” Torres has also helped many local authors to get their books completed and published. Recently, his former third-grade teacher, Barbara Johnson, came to him with her children’s book titled “Amad the

“The idea came to me when I had a very young author, very driven, but who couldn’t afford the costs that come with book creation. I want everyone to have the opportunity to lay down on the floor with a good book, and travel to another time and place, which is something I still love to do.” Polyverse books are featured locally at the Book Loft, Heritage Goods & Supply, Gavin’s Books in Santa Maria, and Chaucer’s Books, Tecolote, and the Mesa Bookstore in Santa Barbara. For more information, visit polyversepublications.com/, call (805) 3090319, or email info@polyversepublications.com.

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Santa barbara zoo to celebrate life of its first director

Ted McToldridge passed away on March 21; celebration to take place April 29 Staff Report

celebration of the life of Ted McToldridge will take place Friday, April 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Zoo. “Ted dedicated his life to building the Santa Barbara Zoo,” said Rich Block, president/ CEO of the zoo. “His passion for animal care ran deep, and his vision and dream for what this place could be has truly become a reality that millions of guests from near and far get to enjoy today. Ted instilled in us the privilege we share working in the care and conservation of the animals at the zoo. He cherished his staff and animals so much and leaves a tremendous legacy for us all. He will be dearly missed.”

PEP20-03-01-027

Photo contributed Ted McToldridge headed the Santa Barbara Zoo for three decades. The zoo will hold a celebration of life for its former director, who passed away on March 21.

McToldridge led the organization through its early development, while often caring for the animals and maintaining the grounds himself. He remained at the zoo’s helm for more than three decades. Exceedingly resourceful, McToldridge managed to build a lot of the zoo with very little money. His creativity and eye for aesthetics are evident everywhere on zoo grounds, from lush landscaping, donated by local nurseries and Lotusland, to the original animal exhibits that he designed and built himself. The celebration will be held on zoo’s beautiful hilltop, at 500 Niños Drive in Santa Barbara. Friends and family of McToldridge, the McToldridge family, and the zoo are invited. No reservations are required, and casual attire is recommended. The McToldridge family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Santa Barbara Zoo in honor of Ted to continue his life’s work and pay tribute to his legacy.

April 19, 2022 - May 2, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

GENEALOGY TIPS

1950 Census release a big deal for family histories By Sheila Benedict Contributing Writer

n April 1, 2022, the 1950 U.S. Population Census was released. That conforms with the “72-year rule” for taking the United States Federal Census in order to protect information that could identify a person (92 Stat. 915; Public Law 95-416; October 5, 1978). The Constitution states that the United States Federal Population Census since 1790 is taken every 10 years (decennial) (U.S. Constitution. Article I, Section 2). Over the years, questions and information have evolved. For example, from 1790 through 1840, only the head of the household was listed by name and others by their gender, age bracket, and race using a slash mark of some type. Starting in 1850, all the family members in a household were named. Needless to say, every genealogist and historian is poised at their computer keyboard accessing this latest census. There is a way, at this time, to find the schedule a family might be listed on

using the Enumeration District Finder as that is what is needed to locate a family. One of the best places to use for help understanding and using what is needed to find the correct enumeration districts is the website of Steve Morse: stevemorse.org/census/arc1950edmaps. html. As a reminder, there are the other U.S. Census records including territorial and colonial censuses. In addition, many states have taken a census and varies in what years they were taken. A state or county site might help find the ones taken by a particular place. As an example, in California they took a state census in 1852 and also Colonial

Censuses were taken in 1796, 1797-98 there as well. Along with those, there is city directories and county histories that can add to and verify information in the census. Maine has a state census for 1837, Massachusetts for 1855 and 1865, and the list goes on. Some states have taken them into the 1900s as well. Genealogical research is a multi-faceted journey into one’s family and no one source will give all the answers. It can take a lot of sources to find the information that becomes the evidence needed to validate what has been located. Sometimes direct ancestral research comes to a stop and it is necessary to search collaterals, such as siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents, etc.,

and it is proven that when you do, more often than not, they will help find the direct ancestors that seem to be hiding somewhere. Good luck with the new resource, the 1950 U.S. Federal Population Census, along with all the others that we have discussed many times in this column. I would love to hear from some of you about your success and/or failure with the 1950 release. It will be interesting to find out about it so good luck to everyone! There are many reasons to wonder why people from everywhere decided to emigrate from their homes and often other family, and that will be the topic next month. Sheila Benedict is a professional forensic and family genealogist. She is the author of Research in California, which she wrote in 2015 for the National Genealogical Societies Research in the States Series and writes articles in a variety of genealogical society newsletters and magazines. All words are her own and may not be reproduced without permission. Emailbenedictresearchservices@gmail.com.

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Photo contributed Runners gather at the starting line during the 2021 Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon. The event returns to the spring this year in Solvang.

Chumash Casino announces new partnership with SB Wine Country Half Marathon

Mother's Day weekend running tradition returns to its customary spring date for the first time since 2019 Staff Report

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or the first time since 2019, the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon returns to its customary Mother’s Day Weekend and on April 4 announced a new partnership with Chumash Casino Resort as the presenting sponsor of the event. The partnership will stretch beyond the deep roots the resort has planted in the community to support one of the premier destination events in the Santa Ynez Valley, which will take place on May 7. “The Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon relationship is a great fit for Chumash Casino Resort,” said John Elliott, CEO for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Supporting a world-class event in our community that brings visitors and provides a platform for charity fundraising was an easy decision for us. We look forward to forming a strong partnership with race organizers as we welcome thousands of runners to experience wine country in May.” The 2022 Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon presented by Chumash Casino Resort will feature a scenic route that starts and finishes at Solvang Park, offering runners scenic views of

windmills, rolling hills, vineyards and 12 wineries before finishing on Copenhagen Drive in the heart of historic Solvang. Runners can choose the two-person half-marathon relay option for a shorter run with all the wine-tasting fun. After crossing the finish line, participants are invited to join family and friends to kick back, relax, sip and savor wines from 20 wineries at the post-race Wine & Music Festival in Solvang Park. “We are proud to partner with Chumash Casino Resort, the region’s leading entertainment destination,” said Phyllis Blanchard, director of partnerships. “Together, we will help runners enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. We are excited to work with Chumash Casino Resort to develop innovative ways to engage runners and support their journey through the entire Santa Barbara Wine Country experience.” Race weekend kicks off Friday, May 6, with a free fitness expo, from 1 to 7 p.m. in downtown Solvang. The expo is open to the public. More than 50 exhibitors will feature free nutritional samples, the latest in running gear and sports apparel, as well as a series of interactive clinics. All race participants must pick up their bib numbers and race packets at the expo. For more information about the event and to register, visit runsipsantabarbra.com. Further information about the Chumash Resort Casino is at ChumashCasino.com.

Farm Bureau launches ‘One-stop Shop’ for STEM educators

Program seeks to help educators incorporate agriculture into science classes Staff Report

he American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has launched a first-ofits-kind online platform for K-12 and STEM educators who seek to bring science to life through the lens of agriculture. The Food and Agriculture Center for Science Education supports educators who teach, coach or advise K-12 science coursework in public and private, formal and informal educational spaces through a three-pronged approach consisting of classroom resources, professional development and partnerships. “We’re pleased the Food and Agriculture Center for Science Education will enable us to continue supporting educators in meaningful ways with relevant resources and vital professional development,” said Daniel Meloy, executive director of the Foundation for Agriculture. “There’s such an incredible connection between science and agriculture and food production, and students everywhere can become inspired by making that connection.” The structure of the center provides science educators with a unique, immersive mix of valuable resources and professional development to seamlessly and fully integrate agriculture into classrooms at all levels of student development. The high-quality resources and professional development opportunities focus on core science disciplines while contextualizing the multitude of science principles found in agriculture.

April 19, 2022 - May 2, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

Examples of forthcoming content in the three areas include: Classroom Resources: Full units of instruction, curriculum, individual lessons and worksheets, references and more. This area focuses on creating and curating engaging, relevant, reliable and accurate resources that will equip science teachers to easily incorporate agriculture into the content they already teach to meet the Next Generation Science Standards. All materials will be open-source. Professional Development: Immersive, experiential, supportive and accessible opportunities focused on developing, empowering and equipping educators not only from a teaching perspective, but especially through knowledge of the agricultural industry and methods of instructing that lend themselves to teaching science through the lens of agriculture. Partnerships: A pathway for strategically aligning partners such as industry experts, trade organizations, land grant university researchers and educators to best support both the immediate and long-term needs of science educators. Materials already available include a full unit on genetics and heredity, a bundle of student materials and a teaching guide on how cattle interact with the ecosystem, and more. The center’s first professional development event, scheduled for April 28 at 2 p.m. PDT, is a virtual tour of “science through the lens of agriculture.” Educators will leave with free open-source materials ready for immediate classroom implementation. Registration is available now at https://www.onthefarmstem. com/events/webinar-042822. Learn more about the center and access the full library of resources at www.FoodAgSciEd.org.

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Duo pianists to perform at SB Music Club concert Tachell Gerbert and Bradley Gregory to play music composed by Emma Lou Diemer on April 23. Staff Report

he Santa Barbara Music Club will present a program of beautiful classical music performed by renowned artists on Saturday, April 23, at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu. Admission is free. Tachell Gerbert and Bradley Gregory, duo pianists, will perform Mozart’s delightful “Sonata in B-flat Major, K. 358” and Emma Lou Diemer’s handsome “By the Sea (2022),” the latter work written for them. Also, cellist Virginia Kron and pianist Betty Oberacker will interpret Beethoven’s majestic “Sonata No. 3 in

Contributed photo "By the Sea (2022)," written by Emma Lou Diemer, shown above, will be performed by duo pianists Tachell Gerbert and Bradley Gregory on April 23.

A Major, Op. 69.” Gerbert and Gregory have reputations as both concert performers and teachers. Winners

in the International Piano Duo Competition, they established their piano teaching studio in Thousand Oaks in 1986 and are active members

of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC). While working with Wendell Nelson at UCSB, they were introduced to the music of Diemer, as the “Variations: Homage to Ravel, Schönberg, and May Aufderheide” was written for Nelson and his wife, Marjorie. Tachell and Bradley have performed this dazzling composition in Italy and Japan as well as in the U.S. Also playing on April 23, will be cellist Virginia Kron, a frequent collaborator with UCSB’s Ensemble for Contemporary Music and pianist Betty Oberacker, a UCSD professor emritus, who is internationally renowned as soloist and chamber musician. For more information on the Santa Barbara Music Club and its concert schedule, go to sbmusicclub.org

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Contributed photo Santa Barbara Partners in Education has been rewarded a $10,000 grant from Cox Charities to fund its Job Readiness and Internship Program.

Cox charities awards $10,000 in local ‘impact grant’

Santa Barbara Partners in Education is first local nonprofit organization to be awarded Staff Report

anta Barbara Partners in Education (Partners) is the first recipient in Santa Barbara of a Cox Charities ‘Impact Grant’, a new program launched this year. The $10,000 award will support Partners’ Job Readiness and Internship Program, which hosts workshops and provides career coaching for local high school students ages 15-18. Upon completion of the 8-week training and career coaching program, students earn a stipend and are eligible for a paid internship with a local employer. The new Cox Charities Impact Grant program supports nonprofit organizations in Cox service areas that are focused on creating meaningful impact for K-12 students through STEM-based activities. “To say we were thrilled that we were selected for the Cox Charities Impact Grant award is a huge understatement,” said Chelsea Duffy, executive director for Santa Barbara Partners in Education. “This generous grant supports the recent expansion of our program and will allow us to connect more students across the county with training, mentorship, internships

and a source of income, with a special focus on STEM and other growing career pathways.” “We are committed to digital equity in our communities,” says Kirsten McLaughlin, market vice president for Cox Communications in Santa Barbara. “Programs like this one at Santa Barbara Partners in Education give students the tools they need to be set up for success in their future careers and provide the opportunity to make learning about science and technology fun and engaging. “This will continue the innovation required to pave the future in our local economy and we are thrilled to see what’s in store for our collaboration with the Partners in Education team, and for the students they support.” The Cox Charities Impact Grant was launched this year to support local K-12 educational programs. It’s one of the many ways Cox employees directly give back to the community. A philanthropic foundation, Cox Charities is led by a diverse advisory board of employees who oversee its giving programs and select nonprofits and community programs to support. Cox Charities is funded by employee donations that are then matched by Cox Communications to support its employees’ efforts to make an impact in their community. Employers who are interested in hosting an intern this summer can learn more and reach Partners in Education staff via partners.sbceo.org.

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New maune contemporary gallery hosts florida artist’s exhibit Justin Lyons' ‘Truth or Fiction’ to debut April 23 at State Street location Staff Report

aune Contemporary, Santa Barbara’s newest destination for modern and contemporary art, announces the opening of its spring exhibit, “Truth or Friction,” a solo show by Florida artist Justin Lyons. The exhibit will debut on Saturday, April 23, with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. “We are excited to bring one of our most thought-provoking artists to Santa Barbara,” said Heidi Maune, owner of Maune Contemporary. “Justin’s works always leave you wondering what the meaning is of a particular painting. Of course, he won’t tell the viewer the meaning and one is left to create their own ideas. His paintings are always fun and we think the community will enjoy the exhibition.” Lyons said he’s excited to show off his work in the city. “I love Santa Barbara, it’s such a beautiful place, and while I’ve visited a few times (a good friend lives there), I have never exhibited there,” he said. “My inspiration for ‘Truth or Friction’ was loosely based on the idea of personal revelations about one-

Contributed photos "Nobody's Famous" is a work in the exhibit of Florida artist Justin Lyons, which is to debut April 23 at Maune Contemporary in Santa Barbara.

self, and how we tend to put off truths we know are real to avoid frictions. I’m looking forward to sharing my art with a new West Coast audience, and hopeful that my work will resonate with the area - I have a suspicion it will.” Lyons is a self-taught contemporary artist from the Florida panhandle. He credits his intro-

"Killer Queen" is a work of Florida artist Justin Lyons, whose exhibit "Truth or Fiction" will debut April 23 at Maune Contemporary in Santa Barbara.

duction into the world of “street art” as the spark that led him to pursue his own form of artistic expression. It was during a latenight “wheatpasting” foray when Lyons realized art didn’t have to be limited to museums or to the stark white walls of galleries. “I discovered that art could also find its way into the urban

landscape and still be powerful,” Lyons shared. Producing art that was raw, expressive, loose, and risky, provided an outlet for his creative impulses. Inspired by the lives and work of Cy Twombly, Barry McGee, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lyons refined his process and worked to develop a style all his own that

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is both thought-provoked and thought-provoking. This maturation provided the foundation he needed to expand his audience beyond the streets. By 2012, Lyons’ art had been celebrated and awarded in venues and exhibitions beyond the urban landscape. A growing interest and appreciation for his art by collectors and galleries alike continue to inspire and fuel his passion for painting. Today his mediums include wood, acrylic, house paint, spray paint, oil stick, epoxy resin, and pencil. His inspirations are most often triggered by a word, phrase, or thought, which in association with the other elements within the work, intend to try and tell a story without giving away too much, letting the viewer interpret his own connection to the piece. For full details on the opening exhibit, visit www.maune.com. About Maune Contemporary Maune Contemporary specializes in limited edition and unique works by mid-career and renowned international artists whose work has been exhibited and found in the collections of museums worldwide. The Santa Barbara gallery is located at 1309 State St. Visit www.maune.com and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and Artsy.

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April 19, 2022 - May 2, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

FASHION CHATTER

For fashion lovers, spring cleaning is inevitable Customers can come and register for a drawing to win Slim-Sation pants By Sue Manning

Contributing Writer

e’re gearing up for a fashion adventure this season and what better place than Elna’s Dress Shop in Solvang to lead the way with our glamorous and fabulous take on style for you. Since spring is officially here, take a look at our new arrivals. We definitely can help with wardrobe planning, always keeping in mind what is best for you, our customer. Color, size, fit, versatility for work, casual or dressy. What makes a great fashion image? Proper fit, good color, and great proportion for your age, size and height. For “fashion lovers,” spring-cleaning is inevitable – we are ready to put winter dressing away. This is a good time to look over the clothes you didn’t wear and donate them to a charity. Out with the old and hardly worn, and in with

Contributed photo Elna's Dress Shop is located at 1673 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang and open Wednesday thru Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

the new seasons pieces. The classic pairing of black and white adds sophistication to black prints and graphic punch to knits and stripes. Also, black and gold is a striking combo and

can take you from work to an evening get-together. For spring you will be seeing matching floral bouquets, contrasting prints and textures, and Crayola-bright colors to mix-and-match

prints. We cannot forget the natural selection of beige and khaki and soft versions of brighter hues for prints, patterns and knits. What can I say about denim? Denim fabrics go with everything, and have continued for many years. You can’t go wrong with deep shades of indigo and/or navy denim. When in doubt, bring in your favorite pieces from home and our staff will assist in helping you build your spring wardrobe. Visit us soon, we will be giving away three pairs of our popular Slim-Sation pants and all you have to do to register for the drawing is to come in and try on a pair. No purchase necessary, winner need not be present to win. The drawing will be held April 30. Also, we’ve added new ladies apparel to our sale rack of 50% off regular prices. Come in now for the best selection.

Elna’s Dress Shop is open five days a week (Wednesday thru Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 1673 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, California. You can reach us by phone at (805) 688-4525.

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Colorful evening gala benefits Warrior Angels rescue Over $102,000 raised for group that has helped more than 600 girls, women, and families from Afghanistan By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

special evening immersed in Afghan and Ecuadorian traditions was held at the Sunstone Villa at Sunstone Winery on March 31. Two hundred and forty-two guests attended the event, which raised $102,570 for Warrior Angels Rescue, which has coordinated the evacuation and resettlement plans for more than 600 at-risk girls, women, and families from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The evening, which was a semi-formal affair, began at 6 p.m. with libations and hors d’oeuvres served on the patio. Ethnic cocktails such as an Ecuadorian Manabi Mule, Afghan Pomegranate Mocktail, beer from Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, and a variety of Sunstone wines awaited guests on arrival, along with Ecuadorian Fish Ceviche, Ecuadorian Bolon De Verde, which are fried plantains with cheese and Afghan Mantu, which are beef dumplings with mint yogurt. Guests were skillfully shuttled from the parking lot below up a steep road to the event by Junior Cervantes. Upon arriving, attendees could have their pictures taken as a keepsake by photographers Maxx Hennard and Jesse Natale of J North Productions. A multi-cultural bazaar featuring Turkish cotton throws, pottery, rugs, Moroccan lamps, and various object d’art were available for those who wished to purchase an item or two. Nearly all of the items in the bazaar, along with the lamps on each table and decorative rugs, were generously provided by Ibrahim Ciftcioglu from Motif Art Home Furnishing in Solvang. Guests were then directed to their seats, where they were served an Afghan and Ecuadorian cuisine inspired by Chef Felipe Salas (Ecuador), and Chef Timur Nusratty (Afghanistan), who developed the menu. Santa Ynez-based Chef Budi Kazali and Amy Trujillo did all the cooking and successfully pulled the entire dining experience together. The dinner consisted

Photos by Jesse Natale of J North Productions Valerie Edmondson Bolanos, founder of Warrior Angels Rescue, thanked everyone who supported their efforts to rescue girls and women from Afghanistan.

Samia Karimi of Ballet Afsaneh lit up the night with an exclusive ethnic and colorful dance performance.

of Ecuadorian Pescado Encocado, which is a local fish braised with coconut milk, Afghan Chalau, (basmati rice with cumin), Ecuadorian fragrant jasmine rice, farm fresh salad with mixed herbs, mangoes, fried garlic and tamarind vinaigrette, Afghan Qorma-e-sabzi, (a spinach stew) and Afghan chicken kebabs. Desserts followed with Baklava, and Lokum, (Turkish treats), coffee, and tea. In a speech given during dinner, Valerie Edmondson Bolanos, founder of Warrior Angels Rescue, thanked everyone for supporting Warrior Angels Rescue in

their efforts to rescue girls and women. She also thanked the many volunteers who organized the event in less than two months. She gave voice to a 16-year-old girl, still hiding in Afghanistan, who had sent her a text message describing the dire situation presently in Afghanistan. One of the brightest students, she said, who was a member of a STEM Team featured in Forbes Magazine in 2021, is now banned from school and feels imprisoned with no hope. Edmondson Bolanos also spoke about a young woman, a member of the Afghan

National Basketball team, a Girl Scout leader, and member of “Educate Girls Now,” who was targeted for educating girls. She is now free in Spain, having to pass through 17 Taliban checkpoints to freedom, where she is now able to pursue her dreams. She also spoke about building a school in Ecuador, which has granted safe harbor to 400 refugees from Afghanistan. The keynote speaker was Nargis Afzali Zadran, a recent evacuee herself, who is now the principal of Vida International School, one of Warrior Angels Rescue’s most meaningful initiatives. Following dinner, a rousing live auction led by auctioneer Jonathan Holiday, had bidders enthusiastically raising their paddles to bid on the four major items up for auction. A painting by Delmar León a Venezuelan-born artist, now living in the Santa Ynez Valley, was purchased by Susan Pomilia from Marin County. The next item was a scenic flight along the California coast and was purchased by Tom Stolpman from the Valley. A oneweek stay at Pikaia Lodge, in the heart of the Galapagos Islands was purchased by John and Janna Price. Unfortunately, the one-week stay at Worldmark Resort in Fiji was purchased by an over-zealous bidder who later reneged on the purchase. The event planners are now trying to locate the second-highest bidder on that item. Spontaneous auction items for two dinners for eight people at the Villa at Stolpman Vineyards were offered by Stolpman, owner of Stolpman Vineyards. They were won by local resident Mike Elliott of Elliott & Pohls Construction, and Tom and Junemarie Justus. Bidding on Fund-a-Need items raised $65,270 for teacher’s salaries, 33 Flights to Freedom from Islamabad to Madrid and food for Afghan families. To top off the evening, Samia Karimi of Ballet Afsaneh lit up the night with an exclusive ethnic and colorful dance performance which filled guests with the energy of cultures coming together for a great cause. DJ Hecktik provided his musical blending of personal favorites called the Heartbeat of Music creating a fusion of musical cultures which left a lasting impression on WARRIOR ANGELS CONTINUED TO PAGE 17

April 19, 2022 - May 2, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17 the listeners and provided music to dance away the evening. “Valerie, the founder of Warrior Angels Rescue, has been doing amazing work around the world for many years,” said Jeff Moorhouse, a pilot who volunteered with Warrior Angels Rescue during the mudslide in Montecito. “This event highlights all of the most pressing issues facing the Afghan people. We’re happy to help.” Praise for Edmonson Bolanos was in plentiful supply. “I think it’s incredible what Valerie is doing, “I’ve been to Afghanistan and have seen the poverty and its real. I’ve been around the world and I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it. Anyone who helps these people is wonderful.” The Gala Planning Committee consisted of Edmondson Bolanos, Alisa Bondurant (event chair), Meighan Dietenhofer, Deborah Karpinski, Michelle Castle, Budi Kazali, Ilan Ben-Yehuda, Patricio Tamariz, Debbie Goodwin, Fatemeh Farahmandfar, Ali Barati, and Sherry Olson. “There are no words to capture the gratitude and admiration I feel for our team who are 100 percent volunteers,” Edmon-

o WARRIOR ANGELS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Two hundred and forty-two guests attended the event which raised $102,570 for Warrior Angels Rescue.

Santa-Ynez-based Chef Budi Kazali, and Amy Trujillo did all the cooking and pulled the entire dining event together. Pictured from left are, Amy Trujillo, Michael Hoose, Pablo Diaz, Budi Kazali, Cynthia Miranda and Felipe Salas.

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son Bolano said. “In every crisis, we witness the deepest of human suffering, but we also see the most beautiful examples of our shared humanity. Each of you is a testament to what can be achieved through sheer will, empathy and caffeine. You are all extraordinary, ordinary humans. Together, we can move mountains.” “A special thanks goes out to our supporters throughout the past six months who have made our efforts possible,” said Edmondson Bolanos. “They are President Guillermo Lasso and the government of the Republic of Ecuador, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Oak Meadow Distance Learning School, Alltruists, Microsoft, Vida International School, Daversa Partners, Christopher and Cari Lochhead, Atrenet and Eric D. Hadar Family Foundation as well as the immense support from local businesses such as Sunstone Winery, The Giving Ink, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., and so many more.” For more information, email warriorangelsrescue@gmail.com.

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Summer project turns into new community farmstand With a little help from his boys, local rancher opens business on Alamo Pintado Staff Report

here is a new farmstand on Alamo Pintado called Turn Key Farms — A Growing Community. It opened to the public on Dec. 23, 2021. The owner, Veao Peterson said it was a Christmas gift to himself. Peterson is a sixth-generation cattle rancher from New Mexico. He moved to the Valley in 2018 to help the Fess Parker cattle ranch develop its feed lot and beef program. “Last summer, when my three boys — ages six, nine, and 12 — came to spend time with me in the Valley, I realized we needed a project,” said Peterson. “I leased a piece of land on Alamo Pintado with the idea of planting a garden. There existed a small mountain of chicken manure on the property and we spread it over a half-acre of land, creating a permaculture bed, and started planting seeds.” The project reminded Peterson of his own childhood, yet it’s a bit different. “Growing up in New Mexico, we always had a garden. I was raised around cattle, chickens, pigs, goats, and lambs. I showed in 4H my entire childhood,” he said. “But starting a permaculture garden, was another story. “I had the foresight to seek out someone who is an expert gardener, Mathew Givens, whose family has a certified organic farm in Goleta and a farm and farmstand on Santa Rosa Road in Buellton. Givens is a big part of my project. We work in a collaborative manner.”

Contributed photos The Peterson crew who built the Turn Key Farms farmstand on Alamo Pintado are pictured in front of their home. They are, from left, Rio, their father Veao, Trayd and Trip Peterson.

A colorful array of seasonal vegetables is available at the new farmstand in Solvang.

Peterson and his boys were looking for a trailer to purchase that fit their budget. They wanted to build the farm stand on the trailer. After searching high and low, they found one in the back of a junkyard for $700. “We found a trailer, but the tires were shot, bearings were seized, the deck was rotted and it didn’t have lights,” explained Peterson. “So, my sons and I went to work refurbishing the trailer, which is the foundation for the farmstand.” But that was just the beginning for the project. “We then located a small building, which had previously been used as an observatory,” Peterson said. “It had a telescope mount on the inside and when the dome was opened you could look into the night sky at the stars. “My sons and I converted it into a cold storage box which is now the focal point of the farmstand. All the lumber we used

to build a deck and the farmstand was salvaged from a railroad depot building built in 1889.” Building the farmstand is also a chance for Peterson to pass down lessons learned to the next generation. “My dad always taught me, if you can make do with what you have, you will never be without,” he said. “That’s also what I teach my boys.” The farmstand is phase one of a multiple phase project which eventually will include an agricultural experience for visitors. “The first thing we wanted to do was to create a place for our community to buy local food in season,” continued Peterson. “We are also a pick-up location for those who shop with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Interested consumers purchase a share (a ‘membership’ or a ‘subscription’) and in return receive a box

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of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. Locals can pick up their boxes of vegetables weekly at our farm stand.” “Phase two is to build a location on this land where people can come and have an agricultural experience. We will have 200 laying hens, goats, sheep, and pigs.” Peterson said the farmstand could be avenue to educate people about food and agriculture. “I want people to realize as consumers, they have control of what agriculture does and I would like to have a place where people can learn about the importance of regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices,” he said. “Most of all I’d like people to come and enjoy it. Visitors will be able to walk in the fields, visit with the animals and discover where food comes from. This is a work in progress.” Peterson also has a local meat business called Native Pastures Meat Co. All of the animals are raised in Santa Barbara County, and are free of antibiotics and hormones. The beef is finished on permanent pasture and organic grain. Visit the website at nativepasturesmeat.com. Peterson is also involved in agricultural construction. He builds raised garden beds, animal fencing, and shelters. “I would like to help people bring their country dream into reality,” said Peterson. Turn Key Farms is located at 2150 Alamo Pintado in Solvang and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The farm stand is run on the “honor system” so people can pick out their own vegetables and put the money in a secured box. They also accept Venmo. It also has picnic tables and shaded canopies for anyone to enjoy. For more information, call 805-325-9842 or visit on Instagram.

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Graduation night event to return to Santa Ynez High School

Organizers of 'Safe & Sober' celebration seeking donations, volunteers to help out Staff Report

he Santa Ynez Valley Union High School PTSA is seeking donations and volunteers for the school’s graduation night event to be held on June 3. The school’s Safe & Sober Grad Nite program will go from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.,

Saturday, June 4, at the transformed Old Gym and immediate outside areas. The event, which has an admission fee of $60 for each student, has been a staple at SYHS for 20 years, but this year’s edition will be the first at the school since 2019. The affair was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overnight party is put on by the parents of senior students with community support. Activities include outdoor games with a bungee

jump and LED games; a magician, DJ, caricature artist, air-brush tattoo artist, and hypnotist; blackjack, roulette, and craps tables; along with a gaming truck, music, food, prizes, a photo booth, and more. Organizers of the event are seeking community support, such as monetary donations, prizes of all kinds, and scholarships for students who need financial help to attend. Also sought are chaperones (adults over 21), and volunteers to help decorate, provide food

and drinks, and organize prizes, among other things. Grad nights are provided by a committed group of parents joining together with other community members to give their high school graduates a safe, sober, and spectacular graduation celebration. The two highest-risk nights for high school students are prom and graduation nights due to potential drug and alcohol use. Donations can be mailed to: SYVHS PTSA at P.O. Box 926, Santa Ynez, CA 93460. There is a Tax ID number. Donations or prizes can be left with Stephanie Aichinger in her office. Donation forms and letters can be received from Amanda Miller at abay203@gmail.com For more information, contact abay203@gmail. com or jacque@impulse.net

April 19, 2022 - May 2, 2022 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

Six veterans awarded long-awaited high school diplomas Operation Recognition's Class of 2022 honored at ceremony held by Santa Barbara County Education Office Staff report

ix veterans who were unable to finish high school — due to their military service or internment in a relocation camp — received their high school diplomas on Thursday, April 7, at a special graduation ceremony held by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO). The California Education Code authorizes the granting of retroactive high school diplomas to eligible veterans whose education was interrupted by military service in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or by internment in a relocation camp during World War II. At this milestone event, Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Salcido and members of the Santa Barbara County Board of Education presented six veterans with diplomas, four of which were awarded posthumously through family members who received the diploma on behalf of their deceased father or grandfather. The diploma recipients were: Marcos Ramirez Carrillo: represented by his daughters Molly Carrillo-Walker (College District School Board member) and Julia Cory Jesus Torres Jr. (attended Santa Barbara High School): represented by his daughter, Ana Torres Shukichi Hokedo: represented by his son,

Photo contributed The 2022 Operation Recognition Class included (from left) Guadalupe Lopez, Destiny Trigueros (representing Modesto T. Cardenas), Paul Hokedo (Shukichi Hokedo), Ana Torres (Jesus Torres Jr.), and Julia Cory and Molly Carrillo-Walker

Paul Hokedo (SBCEO employee) Modesto T. Cardenas (Santa Maria High): represented by his granddaughter Destiny Trigueros Guadalupe Lopez (Santa Maria High) Clark Hoyt, U.S. Army (did not attend ceremony) More than 200 people attended the ceremony, including large cheering sections filled with family and friends of each of the diploma recipients as well as countywide school leaders, public and law enforcement officials, veterans’ groups, and representatives from the Vandenberg Space Force Base led by Colonel Christopher Sheffield. Also

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in attendance were former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, former Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone, County Sheriff Bill Brown, Deputy District Attorney John Savrnoch, and County Supervisors Das Williams, Joan Hartmann, and Steve Lavagnino. “After the tremendous service you’ve given, and the sacrifices you’ve made, it is now our moment to provide a tangible acknowledgment of our gratitude in your honor, and in honor of your legacies,” Salcido said. “To those of you who are here on behalf of a veteran who is no longer with us, we are so deeply grateful that you have chosen to be

part of this milestone occasion in tribute to your loved one. Today, we are recognizing individuals who have served our country and then went on to serve their communities. Their life’s work reflects the very attributes represented by a high school diploma. That’s why it is essential that we acknowledge their achievements and hear and remember their stories — which have impacted us all.” The event included the UCSB ROTC Color Guard, the La Colina Junior High School Jazz Band, the Santa Barbara Bagpipe and Drum Corps, the Adelfos Ensemble, and San Marcos High School sophomore saxophonist Eliel Pozos Martinez. Special comments were delivered by guest speaker Dr. Roger Welt, a Vietnam veteran and retired Allan Hancock College vice president of student affairs. Welt served as a Vietnam War combat correspondent and went on to receive three Bronze Star medals, an Army Commendation medal, and a Combat Infantryman Badge. This is the second year that SBCEO has organized the Operation Recognition program and graduation ceremony. To date, SBCEO has awarded 13 veterans from our county with retroactive high school diplomas. For further information contact Camie Barnwell, Director of Communications, Santa Barbara County Education Office: cbarnwell@ sbceo.org / 805-696-0064 (mobile).

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Pirates’ beach volleyball upsets No. 1 San Marcos The victory marks another milestone in an eventful season for head coach Melissa Rogers Staff Report

n its first match back from spring break, the Santa Ynez girls beach volleyball defeated No. 1 ranked San Marcos in a league duel at Sunny Fields Park in Solvang. “The girls played with grit and their hard work paid off,” said Pirates head coach Melissa Rogers. “San Marcos is a great ball control team that plays solid defense. Putting balls away against them is a grind and steady transition play is required to earn points. The girls did a great job of controlling the ball and capitalizing on opportunities when available.“ Rogers said the Channel League duel came down to the No. 1 teams’ match, with Jayda Henrey and Gianna Pecile winning 21-19, 21-15. Hannah Allen and Cailin Glover “set the tone,” according to Rogers, with a 21-16, 21-15 win at the 3’s. At the 2’s spot, Kaki Allen and Sadie Lishman lost 20-22, 10-21. The win evened the Pirates record at 6-6 overall, 2-4 in league. The victory marked another big moment in an eventful season for Rogers, the first in which beach volleyball was a CIF-sanctioned sport. Another notable moment came on March 28, when the Pirates lost a tight match to visiting San Luis Obispo High 2-1. After that match, Rogers gave credit to her counterpart, whom she knew pretty well. “SLO is a talented young squad, coached by a talented young coach — my daughter Hannah,” she said. Hannah Rogers is a Santa Ynez High graduate who played collegiately at TCU and Cal Poly and now heads the Tigers’ beach volleyball team. “I knew it would be a tough matchup, as Hannah has coached every single one of my athletes and knows each of their games well,” Melissa Rogers said at the time. Cailin Glover and Hannah Allen teamed up for the lone Pirates win on the day, taking a 21-15, 21-19 decision, while Jayda Henrey and Gianna Pecile fell to SLO’s No. 1 team 21-16, 21-13. The

team match was decided by a tight match that went to three games, with Kaki Allen and Sadie Lishman suffering the defeat 24-22, 21-23, 15-12.

Boys Tennis

The Pirates came back from spring break strong, traveling to Vandenberg Village on April 12 and beating Cabrillo 17-1. Coach Nate Thompson said his players came through despite very windy conditions, with singles players Jacob Merrill, Noah Thompson, and Luke Lockhart going a combined 9-0. The win put Santa Ynez at 15-3 overall and 5-2 in the Channel League.

Baseball

The Pirates went into spring break on a winning note with a two-game sweep of Dunn School of Los Olivos. Santa Ynez beat the Dunn 8-3 on April 7 as Caleb Cassidy hit a grand slam to break the game open and Owen Hunt pitched 1.1 scoreless innings to get the save. “Great battle of crosstown teams,” said SYHS coach Warren Dickey. “I’m proud of the team for doing the little things — baserunning, defense, execution — that produced great results.” The Pirates were up 4-0 going into the sixth inning, when the Earwigs rallied, with key hits by Noah Waters and Theodore Anderson, to pull within one at 4-3. From there, Hunt came in to strand three runners. The previous, the Pirates beat the Earwigs 18-3. Cassidy excelled again, going 4-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs, while Jackson Cloud also had four hits, and Victor Heredia had a grand slam among his three hits. SYHS entered spring break with a 13-6 overall record, 4-5 in the Channel League.

Boys Golf

On April 12, the Pirates fell to the visiting Dos Pueblos Chargers 404-452 at the River Course at the Alisal in the 18-hole boys varsity golf match. According the SYHS coach Sara Ovadia, the conditions included wind gusts over 30 mph, “but the kids gritted it out on a tough day to be on the links.” Teddy Vigna and Michael Gentry of Dos Pueblos were the co-medalists of the match, each shooting 79. Rye Winans was the low scorer for the Pirates with an 84, a round highlighted by his

eagle 3 on the par 5, 521-yard 11th hole. The other scores for Santa Ynez were Brayden Mlodzik with an 88; Jackson St. Denis, 92; Owen Hirth, 93; and Cody Armenta, 95.

Track and Field

Sixteen athletes from Santa Ynez program competed at the Simi Valley Invitational March 25-26. There were three levels of competition for the athletes: Rated, Seeded, Invitational “This is not an easy meet to get into as they base it on marks from this season,” said head coach Ashley Coehlo. Pirates who medaled and/or had personal bests at the meet were: Dani Losson (1600m Rated - 6:43.79 PR); Kate Mazza (3200m Invitational 11:39.47 PR, 5th; 400m Seeded - 61.11 PR, 4th); Madison Dewett (Shot Put Rated - 25-9 PR; Discus Throw

Seeded - 92-7, 2nd); Giszelle Hrehor (Shot Put Seeded - 32-7 PR, 1st); Malia Ortiz (Discus Throw Rated - 71-4 PR); Chase Sylvia (Long Jump Seeded - 20-2, 1st); Zachary Liljenquist (400m Rated - 53.20 PR; 800m Invitational - 2:01.25 PR); Kassidy Finley (300m Rated 56.73 PR); Kate Mazza, Opal Vander Vliet, Dani Losson, and Kira Scheck (4x4 Relay Seeded 4:25.82 - 2nd).

Boys Volleyball

Santa Ynez had a strong match March 10, sweeping Cabrillo 25-17, 25-18, 25-21. Grant Fieldhouse had 11 kills and two digs, while Nick Fieldhouse had seven kills and three digs. Isaac Swolgaard and Diego Torres had four kills apiece. After their 25-18, 25-10, 25-19 win over Orcutt Academy on March 28, the Pirates stand at 8-11-1 overall, and 1-3 in the Channel League.

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o NONPROFIT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 (Upper Campus) in Santa Ynez,” said Kelsey. “Then our next major project was replacing the two tennis courts at the high school with a four-court tennis complex. “We also built the weight room and supplied all the Nautilus equipment that the high school needed at that time. We also made a large contribution toward the workout room in the new gym at Jonata School.” When Ballard School expanded from a one-room school to a K-6 campus, the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Recreation completed all of the outside recreation facilities for that school. They also improved the outdoor facilities at Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang elementary schools. They also contributed financially to the newly built Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez. Santa Ynez Valley Elks Recreation’s next project was to build batting cages with pitching machines at all of the grammar schools. They were also responsible for the construction of the Skate Park in Hans Christian Andersen Park. “It was one of the best projects we ever did, because kids were hanging out on the streets and we gave them a place to congregate,” Kelsey explained. However, the main inspiration for funding soon changed. “In 2007 the Elks Rodeo in Santa Maria decided to no longer have a Queen Contest,” Kelsey said. “The Santa Ynez Valley Elks Recreation decided to continue its Queen Campaign in the Valley even though it was no longer a contest — it would continue as a campaign.” And that would lead to a small change. “In 2010 we changed our name from Santa Ynez Valley Elks Recreation to Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation so that there would not be any confusion about our affiliation with the Elks,” Kelsey said. “Since that time, we have been able to maintain a yearly income comparable to what we raised when it was a contest. Since then, every dollar raised stays here in the Valley.” In recent years, Santa Ynez Valley Youth Rec has continued to construct facilities in the Valley, including the sports complex at Sunny Fields Park in Solvang that is called the Hanly/Moniot Field. They also paid for the construction of the FFA barn at the high school and then built the enclosure for the new spray booth for the Auto Shop at the high school as well. “We have reconstructed many of the orig-

inal projects, including the high school baseball field, the two-diamond softball complex, the tennis court at Los Olivos School, and the entire tennis complex at the high school,” continued Kelsey. “We’ve built a three-court sand volleyball complex at Sunny Fields where our high school teams compete and another sand volleyball court at Los Olivos School.” Besides construction projects, the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation has continually donated to youth recreational programs in the Valley such as Arts Outreach, Sober Grad Night, Junior Rifle Club and Pheasant Hunt, NatureTrack, annual youth basketball and swimming programs, Therapeutic Riding, Buellton BMX Track, the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum’s Wild West Camp for children, Friends of the Library, and various athletic teams at the high school, equipment for Youth Football League (YFL), the Robotics Team, and many more. “If you are new to our community and have kids, chances are they have played or will play on the facilities or participate in the programs that the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation has supplied,” Kelsey said. “Join us at our events and see how much fun we have raising money to make this a better place for our kids.” This year’s Queen Campaign takes place in the month of May with three events featuring Queen Mercedes Diaz. The first event will be held at noon on Sunday, May 8, (Mother’s Day), at Nojoqui Park, featuring a chicken barbecue and auction. The second event will be held on Monday, May 16, at Gainey Winery in Santa Ynez. It will feature a luncheon and an auction. The final event will be held on Friday, May 27, at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Solvang. It will feature a steak dinner and an auction. “This is not a one-man show. It happens with the help of a strong nine-member board of directors and numerous volunteers, all of our past Queens, and a tremendously generous community who have put the welfare of our youth at its forefront,” Kelsey said. “I would go so far as to say that we probably got $6 million worth of work done for our $3 million investment, thanks to the generosity of the people in this community.” For more information, visit www.syvyouthrec.org, follow the group on Instagram and Facebook or the SYV Foundation Community Events and Calendar at www. syvalleyfoundation.org/valley-wide-calendar or www.syvalleyfoundation.org/events-and-volunteer-opportunities.

o LEGO BUILDERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Photos by Mike Chaldu Lego builder Zack Macasaet, right, who's appeared on the Fox TV show "Lego Masters," shows off his windmill at the Lego building competition in Solvang.

The Lego project from Riche Levier of Los Angeles depicted a family coming to Solvang to enjoy a plate of aebleskiver and a warm cup of coffee.

life-long Lego builders and artists Courtney Jennings; Los Angeles’ Riche Levier, for whom the Solvang competition was his first; and Jonathan Turney, a member of TIELUG, California’s Inland Empire LEGO® User Group. Assembling the competition and participants, and serving as one of the weekend’s judges, was Lego artist Allyson Gail, whose food-famous work has been featured on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” “The Brothers Brick, by Lego,” and more. “I’ve been a Lego builder for years,” Gail said after the competition. “They brought me in to manage the event, and I think I provided a real technical and building skill perspective to it. Mainly, it was great

to see the way the contestants were able to represent Solvang with their works.” The building competition was planned and organized by Cogs and Marvel, a global creative agency, based in Dublin with a U.S. office in San Francisco. Cogs and Marvel representative Karen Conway said Solvang was an appropriate sight for the competition and said she hopes its the first of many. “I think we want to find a place that keeps to the roots of Lego, and having a town here that celebrates Lego’s Danish origins was great,” Conway said. “We definitely hope to make this a yearly thing.”

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