Looking for a job?
Lamps as art
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to host hiring events- A3
Columnist Elizabeth Stewart shines a light on the history of decorative lamps - B2
Our 166th Year
75¢
MON DAY, A PR I L 4 , 2 02 2
Solvang LEGO competition has a winner
KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS
At left, passersby take a look at Chris Wight’s entry of a Viking ship complete with windmills during the first annual LEGO Building Competition in Solvang on Sunday. Mr. Wight was awarded first-place and a grand prize of $5,000. At right, Windmills such as this proved to be an inspiration for entries such as Mr. Wight’s.
By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
Christopher Wight took first place in Solvang’s first LEGO building competition. Mr. Wight’s previous LEGO craftwork 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. On Sunday, Mr. Wight’s first-place creation was a viking ship with the Danish mill bakery on top. The first place prize was $5,000 cash. “On Saturday the competitors were given a tour of the town and all the Danish bakeries. He really interpreted and took in everything and soaked up all the little information and reflected that in his artwork. When he was building, locals were giving him information on the town, they told him about the Nisse or small gnomes and he included one as well,” Karen Conway, Program Manager for Cogs & Marvel, told the News-Press
on Sunday. Cogs & Marvel was the organizing company for the event. In second place was Bill Vollbrecht, who created the replica of the chef and his daughter featuring Danish pastries. The second place prize was $2500 cash. Mr. Volbrecht is a former Master Model Designer and LEGOLAND Parks designer. The third place prize of $1000 cash was awarded to Tiffeny Thompson of Bakersfield. Ms. Thompson recreated a busy Danish village which included four different bakeries. On Sunday at 11 a.m., all competitors were required to bring their completed projects to Copenhagen St., where they were placed on display before the judging began at noon with four judges and one special guest judge, Allyson Gail. Ms. Gail is the Event Manager and LEGO coordinator for the competition. Ms. Gails’ work has been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Brick Brothers by LEGO. The Danish-rooted town of Solvang
Bill Vollbrecht’s second placewinning entry was inspired by the abundance of bakeries in Solvang.
played home to the building competition of the Danish block brand, serving as the inspiration behind the two-day family friendly competition, pitting some of the top LEGO builders in Solvang and the surrounding area against each other. Kid-favorite LEGO blocks were originally made of wood; Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen created the first version of the building blocks in the 1930s. Denmark is still home to the original LEGOLAND and LEGO House. “I am inspired by the creativity of each artist and how they interpret Solvang as a town and the bakeries individually. They are all so different. Families are coming along and seeing the projects. We had a lot of people come through yesterday as well and the ones still in town will get to see the finished projects,” said Ms. Conway. Competitors created their own unique takes on Solvang’s five fabled Danish bakeries. Projects include replicas of bakeries around town, lifesize replicas Please see LEGOS on A4
Multiple injuries reported at Deltopia Santa Barbara Zoo celebrates children By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
COURTESY PHOTOS
At left, the Santa Barbara Couty Fire Department responds to a crowded street in Isla Vista. At right, overcrowded balconies are frequently a feature of Deltopia. STAFF REPORT
At 5:48 p.m. Saturday, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department reported a multicasualty incident (MCI) stemming from Deltopia, Isla Vista’s annual, unsanctioned party that frequently features heavy crowded streets and balconies. The yearly event also results in the closing of Isla Vista beaches due
FOLLOW US ON
to an infamous incident several years ago in which copious amounts of trash and debris, including human waste, had to be removed from the waterfront. Saturday’s medical response involved multiple severe trauma victims associated with the heavy crowds. “By declaring an MCI, first responders and the hospitals are able to triage and
6
66833 00050
3
email: news@newspress.com
email: kzehnder@newspress.com
LOTTERY
i n s i de Classified.............. B4 Life..................... B1-2 Obituaries............. A4
transport multiple (victims) to different hospitals more efficiently,” reported Capt. Daniel Bertucelli, PIO for Santa Barbara County Fire The MCI was rescinded at approximately 7:27 p.m. on Saturday, as call volumes had dropped to a reasonable level.
On Sunday, the Santa Barbara Zoo celebrated El Dia del Niño, or Children’s Day, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. El Dia del Niño is a holiday originating from Mexico. “The Zoo is very inclusive so we try to celebrate a variety of different cultures.” David Velazquez, Director of Business Operations for the Santa Barbara Zoo, told the NewsPress. El Dia del Niño is one of the most popular celebrations at the zoo, and recognizes the importance of children in our society. The day featured Latin music, a children’s talent show, delicious food and activities. El Pecas also performed live music and community partners such as parent group PEP and the Police Activities League were on-site as well. “This is our annual event.
We celebrate by having latin music that we play up at the hilltop. It is an event that the latin community attends. We have different booths. We have conservation partners and we talk about what we do inside our walls. We are more than just a zoo. We also have bounce houses and cakes. It is just a fun day at the zoo,” said Mr. Velazquez. The event included a variety of activities for children, including a large bounce house, face painting and train rides. “One thing that is different is the covid impact. We are still practicing our timed entry, and it has broken up the day, and it creates a much better guest experience. It allows guests in gradually, less waiting in long lines and fewer wait times. The timed entry creates a much better experience for both staff and guests,” said Mr. Velazquez.
Sudoku................. B3 Sports .............A2, B4 Weather................ A4
Saturday’s SUPER LOTTO: 3-5-13-17-41 Mega: 14
Sunday’s DAILY 4: 5-5-0-6
Friday’s MEGA MILLIONS: 26-42-47-48-63 Mega: 21
Sunday’s FANTASY 5: 10-15-22-35-39
Sunday’s DAILY DERBY: 08-11-09 Time: 1:46.40
Saturday’s POWERBALL: 6-28-47-58-59 Meganumber: 18
Sunday’s DAILY 3: 8-7-2 / Midday 8-1-3