BUELLTON

Lompoc man arrested for attempted murder after shooting in Buellton

A Lompoc man has been arrested for attempted murder following a shooting in Buellton. 

On Friday, Nov. 8, at approximately 8:55 p.m., deputies responded to Valley Station Drive for a report of a disturbance. When deputies arrived, they learned that the suspect, 35-year-old Sergio Martin Lopez Hernandez from Lompoc, yelled obscenities at the victim, drew a firearm from his waistband, fired several rounds towards the victim before driving away at a high rate of speed in a black Ford F150. The suspect and the victim are familiar to one another, and no one was struck by any of the rounds fired into the occupied residence. 

While deputies investigated at the scene, a be-on-the-lookout was broadcast to area units. At approximately 9:10 p.m., California Highway Patrol located the suspect in his vehicle in the parking lot of the Lompoc Home Depot. Deputiesresponded and eventually arrested Lopez Hernandez. Inside his vehicle, deputies discovered a loaded firearm with the serial number filed off. Lopez Hernandez was booked at the Northern Branch Jail for attempted murder (felony), altering identifying marks on a firearm (felony), shooting at an inhabited dwelling (felony), driving under the influence (misdemeanor), and carrying a loaded firearm in public. He is being held on $1,000,000 bail. 

City soliciting applications for Planning Commission vacancies

The City of Buellton is soliciting applications from individuals desiring to be considered for three positions on the City’s Planning Commission.

Unless otherwise specifically provided by law, or by ordinance or resolution of the City Council, all members of boards and commissions of the city shall, during their incumbencies, be bona fide residents and registered voters of the city. No member of any board or commission shall be a city employee, nor shall any person be a member of more than one board or commission at any one time. Planning Commissioners are appointed by the City Council. Councilmembersrepresenting Districts 1 and 4 will each choose a new Planning Commissioner, with terms of office expiring December 2026. The mayor will also choose a Planning Commissioner, with term of office expiring December 2026.

As provided in Chapter 2.36 of the Buellton Municipal Code, as amended on Sept. 12, the Planning Commission makes certain decisions on land use planning-related matters and shall also advise the City Council on all matters subject to the jurisdiction of the City Council pertaining to land use planning related matters. Applications reviewed include, but are not limited to, general plan amendments, zone changes, subdivision maps, conditional use permits, and development plans for a variety of residential, commercial, industrial, mixed use, and public projects. The Planning Commission also serves as the city’s Tree and Landscape Advisory Board and makes recommendations regarding certain aspects of tree care and landscaping in the city.

Persons desiring to be considered for an appointment to the commission should submit an application to the City Clerk. Application forms are available on the City’s website at www.cityofbuellton.com and at Buellton City Hall, 107 W. Highway 246, P.O. Box 1819, Buellton, CA 93427. Applications will be received until close of business on Dec. 2. 

Additional information regarding the appointment and/or concerning the duties and responsibilities of the commission can be obtained by contacting City Manager Scott Wolfe at (805) 688-5177 or by email at scott@cityofbuellton.com.

SOLVANG

Craft House at Corque to host Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 28

Come join us at the Craft House for Thanksgiving dinner!

Leave the prep, the cooking and the cleanup to us! Enjoy a buffet of traditional Thanksgiving favorites with some delicious Craft House additions.

Admission for the dinner is $74 for adults, $29 for children and free for children 2 and under.

A 20 percent service charge is to be shared amongst the staff for their work as well as 8.75 percent sales tax that will be added to your final bill.

The menu for this year is not yet finalized, but the Craft House says the menu you see in the photos is from last year,but is a good guideline for what this year’s menu will be like.

Deposit will be refunded to the original form of payment upon your arrival to your reservation. Deposits for any reservation that does not cancel at least 48 hours prior to your reservation will not be refunded. Those who choose tobook tickets can do so in the 12, 12:15, or 12:30 p.m. window.

To get tickets or for more info, go to www.exploretock.com/craft-house-at-corque-solvang/.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

Fossemalle Studio dancers to make holiday appearances

As the holiday season is fast approaching, the dedicated Fossemalle Dance Studio dancers have been invited by several entities to spread joy and happiness with a series

of uplifting performances of ballet and tap choreographies.

Their first appearance will be on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the Santa Ynez Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held in the beautiful courtyard of the Santa Ynez Museum or in the elegant Carriage House in case of rain. 

The next evening, Friday, Dec. 6, at 5.30 p.m., the same dancers will contribute to the Solvang Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Solvang Park. Fossemalle has contributed to this magical event for more than three decades.

Saturday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m., over 50 students, ranging from 6 years to adults will be a part of the Solvang Christmas Parade with a delightful float filled with colorful dance characters. A sight not to be missed!

Finally on the same day, the final performance will be at the Festival of Lights at the Botanical Garden at 6:30 p.m.

All these performances are incredible opportunities for our dancers to enhance and refine their technical and artistic skills learned in the classroom.

We are most proud of our dancers’ commitment and dedication to their craft. Each of our dancers will eagerly await the audience applause and cheering, reinforcing their drive to do their best and provide a joyful entertainment for the holiday.

For more information, contact the Fossemalle Dance Studio at (805) 688-8494

SANTA YNEZ

Coroner’s Bureau IDs suicide at Main Jail as Santa Ynez woman.

The Coroner’s Bureau has completed notification to the family of the incarcerated person who died of an apparent suicide at the Main Jail on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The decedent is 41-year-old Cecilia Michelle Covarrubias from Santa Ynez. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.

At approximately 4:50 p.m. on Nov. 13, custody deputies found Covarrubias unresponsive in the cell. Custody staff along with WellPath medical staff began life-saving measures. County Fire and American Medical Response (AMR) were summoned and responded to the jail facility. Paramedics continued life-saving measures, but the incarcerated person was beyond resuscitation and was pronounced deceased approximately 40 minutes later. She had been booked at the jail on Tuesday, Nov. 8, by the Sheriff’s Office for felonies including assault with a deadly weapon, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety of others, and driving under the influence of drugs and was being held with a bail of $75,000. Covarrubias was housed in a single-person observation cell within the Inmate Reception Center.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide additional updates as they become available.

LOS OLIVOS

Counter tenor John Holiday, pianist Kevin Miller in recital at St. Marks-in-the-Valley on Dec. 1

The Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series proudly announces the second concert of their 2024-25 season, featuring world-renowned counter tenor, John Holiday, collaborating with celebrated pianist, Kevin Miller, at St. Mark’s-in-the-ValleyEpsicopal Church at 2901 Nojoqui Ave. in Los Olivos. This concert will take place on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m.

“This is an incredible coup for the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series,” said Artistic Director Dr. Robert Cassidy. “John Holiday is a rising star in the music world with his distinctively sweet counter tenor voice, commanding a wide amount of repertoire, from baroque to spirituals, and modern music. With his prize in the 2020 NBC singing contest “The Voice”, to his recent appearances with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and on NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts”,Holiday has developed an immense following.  We are so fortunate to have him and the talented Kevin Miller performing for us in this one-night only presentation. Get your tickets NOW, this concert will sell out!”

SANTA BARBARA

Gem Faire Returns to the Earl Warren Showgrounds

Just in time for holiday shopping! Gem Faire, America’s Premier Jewelry & Bead Show, returns to the Earl Warren Showgrounds from Dec. 13-15. The venue is located at 3400 Calle Real in Santa Barbara. Hours are Friday, 12 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no admittance after 4pm Sunday). Admission of $7 is valid for the entire weekend.

Explore the unique and amazing variety of holiday gifts that fit every budget. Shoppers will find the largest selection of fine jewelry, crystals, gems, beads, minerals, fashion accessories, and much more. Take advantage of buying directly from the importers and wholesalers.  From loose gemstones, raw minerals, and millions of bead strands, to finished jewelry, supplies, and tools — find them all under one roof. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring-sizing service is available while you shop.

Mark your calendar: Gem Faire will be in Santa Barbara for three days only. Buy quality gems, jewelry, and beading supplies directly from the source right in your town only at Gem Faire. For more information, visit www.gemfaire.com or contact Gem Faire, Inc. at (503) 252-8300 or email info@gemfaire.com.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Forum on TRUTH Act, access to immigration authorities set for Dec. 10

Santa Barbara County residents are invited to participate in a community forum about a California law called the TRUTH Act and the access local governments may provide to federal immigration authorities.

The TRUTH Act Forum will take place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building Board Hearing Room at 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria. The public may participate virtually, or in person.

Information on methods of participation can be found online at the following website: ca-santabarbaracounty.civicplus.pro/2836/Board-of-Supervisors-Methods-of-Particip

The TRUTH Act’s longer name is the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act. Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 2792 into law on Sept. 28, 2016. It pertains to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency and its access to individuals who have come in contact with law enforcement. The TRUTH Act requires local governing bodies, in which local law enforcement has provided any ICE access to an individual, to hold a community forum to receive and consider public comment.

At the forum, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office plans to share data it maintains regarding the number and demographic characteristics of individuals to whom the agency has provided any ICE access, the date ICE access was provided, and whether the ICE access was provided through a hold, transfer, or notification request or throughother means. Data may be provided in the form of statistics or, if statistics are not maintained, individual records, provided that personally identifiable information shall be redacted.

For the year 2023, ICE made inquiries or requests for access to 141 inmates, 108 of which did not qualify per SB54 as exceptions to the TRUST Act and, accordingly, no response was provided to ICE. The remaining 33 inmates qualified for notification per SB54 as exceptions to the TRUST Act, and responses were sent to ICE. Of these 33 inmates, only five were re-arrested by ICE officers after they were released from Sheriff’sOffice custody.

In accordance with Government Code section 7283.1(d), notification of the forum was formerly provided to the public Oct. 15, by a newspaper of general circulation adjudicated by the Santa Barbara Superior Court. Additionally, notification was provided via the Sheriff’s Office social media platforms as well as posted to the Sheriff’s Office web page.

Anyone interested in the matter is invited to speak in support or opposition. Written comments are also welcome and can be sent to: Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, c/o Clerk of the Board, 105 East Anapamu Street, 4th Floor, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, or contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240 for alternative options. Written comments can also be emailed to sbcob@countyofsb.org.

Set-Hearing Materials are available online now, County of Santa Barbara – File #: 24-01013 (legistar.com)

The posted Agenda for the Dec. 10, meeting, Board Letter, and related documents for this item will be available on the Thursday prior to the hearing at santabarbara.legistar.com/calendar.aspx.

On-site Spanish translators will provide interpretation services for Spanish-only speaking individuals throughheadsets available for real-time interpretation of the TRUTH Act forum. Spanish translators will also be available to interpret public comments that may come in in- person or via Zoom.

Please contact the Clerk of the Board’s Office at (805) 568-2240 for general questions with the following:

  • Participating in the meeting telephonically or electronically
  • A disability-related modification or accommodation
  • Any issues attempting to access the hearing telephonically or electronically 

Residents may watch the live stream of the Board meetings in the following ways:

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisor meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.

Scholarship Foundation begins accepting applications for 2025-26

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has begun accepting applications for financial aid during the 2025–2026 academic year. Eligibility requirements and application instructions are available online at sbscholarship.org. 

The Scholarship Foundation received 3,619 applications during its recently concluded scholarship awards cycle. InMay, the organization awarded more than $7.1 million in scholarships to 1,787 Santa Barbara County students. Scholarship awards for undergraduates at four-year schools averaged $3,301; graduate student awards (excluding those for medical school) averaged $6,251. The Scholarship Foundation also supports students pursuing vocational training. Eligible students may receive up to five years of undergraduate funding and four years of medical/graduate-level funding. The primary criteria for award selection are financial need, academic achievement, and motivation.

The deadline to apply for financial aid from the Scholarship Foundation is Feb. 19, 2025. 

“The Scholarship Foundation remains an indispensable resource for students and families in our community. Inaddition to scholarships, our organization provides free financial aid advisory services countywide,” said Scholarship Foundation President and CEO Melinda Cabrera. “I would encourage anyone in need of assistance with our application or related state and federal forms to contact the Foundation’s Programs team. We are immensely proud of our efforts on behalf of area residents seeking to better themselves through college or vocational study.”    

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara is the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships, having cumulatively awarded in excess of $150 million to some 62,000 county students since its founding in 1962. Anonprofit organization, the Scholarship Foundation also provides free financial aid advising services. For additional information, visit sbscholarship.org.