SOLVANG
Solvang Brewing Company temporarily closed after Jan. 20 fire
The Solvang Brewing Company restaurant on 1500 block of Mission Drive is temporarily closed after a fire in the back part of the building caught fire, gutting the kitchen and causing minimal smoke damage in the bar/dining room area.
According to Santa Barbara County Fire PIO Scott Safechuck, county firefighters responded to a 1st alarm structure fire at the business at 8:24 p.m. on Monday night, Jan. 20. Crews were able to get the fire knocked down by 9:16. There were no occupants in the building.
Solvang Brewing Company owner Steve Renfro said a couple days later that the fire was caused by a bag of cleaning rags that spontaneously combusted while sitting behind the business.
“We had close early that night because it was slow,” Renfro said. “We cleaned up and left about 6:15 p.m. I got a call about 8:20 telling me the building was on fire, so I drove there. Later we looked at security footage and saw the rags catch fire.”
Renfro said that while the kitchen was heavily damaged and would have to be redone, there are no issues at the front of the building, and smoke damage in the dining room was “minimal.”
For now, Renfro, who has been cooperating with city officials on recovery, is planning to get the business open “on some level” as soon as possible.
“We can’t use the kitchen for a while, but we’ll still be able to serve drinks, and I’m looking into leasing a food trailer so we can serve food to our customers,” he said.
“This is devastating to all involved,” Renfro continued. “I just want to get operating on some level because we have a lot of good employees who we need to get back to work so they can pay their bills. Right now, I’m just trying to stay positive.”
Renfro has owned the business since 2010. Solvang Brewing Company also has a location in Lompoc.
SANTA YNEZ
Santa Ynez High School holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for new locker room
The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its brand-new, state-of-the-art locker room facility. The event occurred on Friday, Jan. 17, and tours of the new locker rooms were open to the public.
Several distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including SYVUHS District Board President Chris Johnson, Board Members Jose Juan Ibarra and Sheri Noble, Coach Jenn Rasmussen and Coach/Athletic Director Josh McClurg. These individuals have been instrumental in supporting students and student-athletes throughout the district. The event celebrated the district’s ongoing commitment to enhancing facilities and providing a supportive environment for students to excel both on and off the field.
The new locker rooms represent a significant investment in the high school’s facilities. They offer modern amenities designed to meet the needs of all students. With updated lockers, storage, showers, and team meeting spaces, the facility demonstrates the district’s dedication to fostering teamwork, school spirit, and equity in athletic resources.
“This new locker room is a testament to our commitment to our students’ growth and success,” said Johnson. “We are proud to provide a facility that not only meets the needs of our students but also reflects the pride and unity of our entire school community.”
“Quality facilities are important for the success of all our students,” stated SYVUHS Principal/Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Sheehan. “Thank you to the community for supporting Santa Ynez High School as a top-performing high school both academically and athletically.”
Santa Ynez High Alumni Reunion Luncheon scheduled for April 28
Santa Ynez High’s annual reunion luncheon is being held at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel in Buellton on Monday, April 28. The event is for those who graduated in 1975 or earlier. (50+ years). The luncheon, featuring chicken/veggie/salads will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch being served at noon.
Cost is $50 per person, with check submitted by March 28th so the Marriott can get a headcount. Email susanbott@aol.com to receive a sign-up sheet or ask any questions.
The idea for and all-class reunion was hatched in 1981 when Ed Christianson and Dennis Fitzgerald (Class of 1931) decided to celebrate their 50th class reunion by having a luncheon with their classmates and spouses. There was 19 in the class. The lunch was a huge success.
The following year (1982), Ed’s wife Dorothy Doty Christianson was celebrating her 50th reunion, when asked what she would like to do, she said she would like to have the lunch also but to include all previous year’s graduates that would like to join them and that started to annual all class luncheon.
SYV Therapeutic Riding Program welcomes new Board President Tara Barnicoat
The Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program has announced the appointment of Tara Barnicoat as its new board president. Barnicoat brings over a decade of experience in secondary education and college counseling, as well as a strong background in volunteer program management and board service.
Barnicoat’s connection to the program spans decades, having started with the organization in high school. Her mother, Tina McEnroe, was a founding board member and prior board president, as well as interim executive director.
“I am honored to take on this leadership role and continue the legacy of my mother and other dedicated board members,” said Barnicoat. “I am committed to supporting the program’s mission to provide equine-assisted activities to individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.”
The program extends its gratitude to outgoing Board President Vicki Wedmore, who will remain active on the board and continue her volunteer grant-writing efforts.
The organization also welcomes new board members Brian Robinson of Terrain Consulting and Shannon Sadecki, a parent of a student and advocate for Dup15q chromosomal syndrome awareness. The current board consists of Tracy Hoyt Savage as treasurer, Marie Stoll as secretary, and board members Amy Hotchkiss, Jillian Knight, Vicki Wedmore, and Karla Zuehlke.
The Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program currently serves 61 students weekly, with a waiting list of over 20 individuals. The program relies on grant funding and community support to continue providing services to those in need.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to serve the Santa Ynez Valley community and are grateful for our dedicated staff and volunteers who make this program possible,” said Barnicoat.
For student programs contact Program Director Kim Dotzler, and for volunteering or donor support contact Director of Community Engagement Morgan Kastenek. For more information about the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, please visit syvtherapeuticriding.org
BUELLTON
AgWest Farm Credit awards Buellton Community Garden $4,000 grant
The Buellton Community Garden is pleased to announce it has been awarded $4,000 through AgWest Farm Credit’s Rural Community Grant program. The funds will be used to purchase garden tools.
Buellton Community Garden (BCG) offers 46 raised gardening beds, with two of them ADA compliant.
The garden is operating under the Buellton Community Educational Foundation’s nonprofit umbrella.
“We are so grateful to AgWest for this generous Rural Community Grant, and we look forward to continuing a working relationship with the staff,” said Greg Erickson, BCG’s president.
“We also want to thank Jessica Gasca, owner of Story of Soil Wine and a member of the AgWest Local Advisory Committee. She sponsored the garden and led to the connection with AgWest employees Bethany Filter and Michelle Tabisola.”
Filter is AgWest’s senior vice president portfolio manager, and Tabisola, relationship manager III vice president.
Erickson, with his wife, artist Annie Yakutis, is a co-founder of the garden.
AgWest’s Rural Community Grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for projects that improve rural communities within Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. This includes efforts such as building or improving facilities; purchasing necessary equipment to facilitate a local program; and funding capital improvements which enhance a community’s infrastructure, viability and prosperity.
For more information about the Rural Community Grant Program, visit AgWest Rural Community Grants.
LOS OLIVOS
‘A Winter’s Night at the Races’ fundraiser set for Feb. 8
Come check out the ponies at “A Winter’s Night at the Races,” a unique fundraiser presented by the Los Olivos Rotary Club on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at St. Mark’s in the Valley located in Los Olivos.
This fun-filled evening kicks off with cocktails and hearty hors d’oeuvres while attendees have an opportunity to select their winning horse for the betting to follow. Then pre-recorded races begin, and the horses are off and running. Racing “fever” ensues, and the excitement runs high.
Tickets to A Winter’s Night at the Races are $100, which includes hearty hors oeuvres, cocktails, wine bottles on the tables, and “funny money” for betting on the ponies.
Once the races have concluded, special prizes will be given to the three attendees who end up with the most winning “funny money.”
In true horse race spirit, attendees are encouraged to come dressed for the races. The most unique Kentucky Derby-style hat will be awarded a prize. There may be a few other “surprises” as well for special racing enthusiasts.
All proceeds from “A Winter’s Night at the Races” will fund the Los Olivos Rotary Club’s projects for deserving organizations in need. A few of the community organizations supported by the Los Olivos Rotary Club include the Santa Barbara Food Bank, SYV Botanic Garden, Arts Outreach, Veggie Rescue, the Valley Christmas Basket Program, Stuart Gildred YMCA, Nature Track, 4-H Clubs, and Hidden Wings. The club has supported more than 20 organizations in the past year.
SYV community potluck to help LA fire victims
The Santa Ynez Valley Grange will host a community potluck dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, to benefit fire victims in the Los Angeles area.
“Come with a dish to share with your neighbors, and some money to share with our LA neighbors who are suffering from the recent fires,” said Grange President Steve Berg. “All proceeds will go directly to World Central Kitchen and the Open Air Worker Emergency Fund by Inclusive Action,” which are nonprofit groups based in Los Angeles.
“Not only do we want to support our LA neighbors after the catastrophic fires, we want to offer a relaxed event where local folks can meet up and perhaps even discuss their own fire response plans,” added board member Carey McKinnon. “A strong community is a connected community!”
Individuals and families will be also able to learn more about Grange membership at the event.
The dinner and a cash bar for wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be held at the Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave. in Los Olivos. All ages are welcome.
Donations by cash, check, or credit card will be accepted.
Families with last names beginning with A to G are asked to bring appetizers; H-M, side dishes; N-S, main dishes; and T-Z, desserts.
To learn more about World Central Kitchen, go to worldcentralkitchen.org for the Open Air Worker Emergency Fund, go to inclusiveaction.org/workeraid
For more information on the event, email syvgrange@gmail.com
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Draft Recreation Master Plan published; comment period lasts until Feb. 24
The County of Santa Barbara, Community Services Department, Parks Division (County Parks) has published the Draft Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan, available at Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan, additional information on the project can be found at sbcrecplan.com. Comments on the Draft Plan are welcome until 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24.
The Recreation Master Plan’s goal is to enhance the quality of life and leisure experience for Santa Barbara County residents of all ages. It fosters new parks, trails, and recreational facilities in unincorporated communities throughout Santa Barbara County in strategic coordination with other public recreation providers in the county, such as cities and special districts.
The County is also preparing a Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the Draft Plan.
If you are interested to hear more about the Program Environmental Impact Report, a virtual environmental scoping meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. Please visit countyofsb.org/1214/Recreation-Master-Plan for more information.
If you would like to make a comment on the Draft Recreation Master Plan or the scope of the Program Environmental Impact Report please submit your comments by 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, via email to RecPlan@countyofsb.org or mail to Jeff Lindgren, Deputy Director of Parks Division, Community Services Department, Parks Division, 123 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara.
The Recreation Master Plan is a long-range plan to fund and construct public parks, trails, and facilities to meet recreation needs. The Draft Plan proposes capital improvements, programs, funding, and implementation strategies for the unincorporated area over about 20 years. It includes the proposed Recreation Benefit Project (RBP) Program, allowing private developments to contribute to the public recreation system. The County also proposes amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinances to support the Recreation Master Plan and the RBP Program.
The Draft Recreation Master Plan is the result of over two years of community engagement, with nearly 8,000 survey responses and 86 outreach events. The County thanks all contributors, including the multi-jurisdictional steering committee, local cities, districts, and community partners.
SANTA BARBARA
Theatre Group at SBCC to show ‘Robin Hood’
The Theatre Group at SBCC will be showing “Sherwood: The Adventures Of Robin Hood,” directed by Katie Laris, Feb. 26 to March 15 in the Garvin Theatre.
Packed with thrills, romance, laughter and immortal characters like Little John, Friar Tuck and Maid Marian, “Sherwood: The Adventures Of Robin Hood,” tells the enduring story of a hero of the people who is up for any challenge to best the rich and ridiculous, whether in tests of wit or weaponry. This new adaptation, crafted by theatrical superstar Ken Ludwig, is a fast-paced, frothy, and funny story sure to please the whole family. So get ready to duck a quarterstaff or two — you won’t want to miss a moment of the swashbuckling fun!
“Sherwood: The Adventures Of Robin Hood,” will feature: Adrian Arias, Rachel Jordan Brown, ElleDeja Connolly, Justin Davanzo, Tyler Gilbert, Brian Harwell, Charlotte Hecker, Adam Hibberd, Emiliana Jasper, Zachary Johnson, Alex Keever, Will Muse, Sean O’Shea, Avery Resnick, Even Roush, Jenna Scanlon, Nicholis Sheley, Raymond Wallenthin, and Isabel Watson.
Performances are Feb. 26 to March 15, in the Garvin Theatre, SBCC West Campus, 900 block of Cliff Drive
Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.,
Previews are on February 26 & 27 zt 7:30 p.m.
The Sunday, March 2, 2 p.m. performance will be live-captioned for the hearing-impaired.
Ticket prices: Previews $20 general/$17 seniors and SBCC Staff/$10 students,
Friday and Saturday evenings $29 general/$25 seniors and SBCC Staff/$19 students, Thursday evening and Sunday matinees $27 general/$22 seniors and SBCC Staff/$16 students. Tickets can be purchased online at theatregroupsbcc.com or by calling the Box Office at (805) 965-5935.
