Whenever a town holds a Christmas parade, you can just about bet at least a few of the entries going down the route will take on the persona of The Grinch, the character famous for trying to “steal Christmas.”

The Solvang Julefest Parade, which starting late morning on Dec. 6 was no different as at least a couple appeared at the parade dressed in the green, furry costume recognizable as The Grinch.

But, then there was a third moving along Mission Drive on this sunny Saturday, but this one was a little different: This one had four legs, and with the green fur came a couple of long horns painted like candy canes.

Jesse Taylor has made a habit of entering local parades with his prized steer, but this year he decided to get it into the Christmas spirit. Ergo, the bright green dye job on the fur and paint job on the horns.

“Well, I ordered a Grinch costume to wear today, but it didn’t get delivered in time, so I figured I’d turn the animal into The Grinch,” Taylor said. “It’s definitely getting noticed.”

Taylor’s entry, dubbed “Beefer the Grinch-Cow” was one of 48 for the parade, which was held under sunny skies and witness by a huge crowd lined along the streets as the entries started west down Mission Drive, with a left at 4th Place, another left at Copenhagen Drive, east down Copenhagen, and a left at Alisal Road and back to the staging areas at Mission Santa Ines and the Veterans Hall.

As usual, there was quite a mix of entries walking or motoring down the route, including vehicles (vintage, classic, military, and cycles ridden by the Nimbus Motorcycle Club), performers (Ua Noe Polynesian Dance, Pacific Flips Gymnastics, Fossemalle Dance Studio), school groups (Santa Ynez High cheer and boys basketball, SYV Family School, Lucky Clover 4-H, Mechapirates SYHS Robotics team) and much more.

And, of course, the parade’s last entry came through with a big “Ho, Ho, Ho” as Santa and Mrs. Claus made their usual appearance in a vehicle that included wodden likenesses of his famous reindeer.

Meanwhile, the Vikings of Solvang were there riding their Viking ship and throwing candy out to the kids watching (as did many other entries). and decided once around the route wasn’t enough, as they went Mission a second time and completing a second lap around the parade route.

“We were going up Alisal to the end of the route, and we had some candy left, so we figured ‘why don’t we just stay in the parade?’” said Joe Tyson, the Viking chief for 2025. “So, once we got to the intesection, somebody let us in and we took a left to get back in the parade. We’d actually did it a few times in the past, so it was no big deal.”

After the parade was done, award were giving out the best entries, they were: Best Family Group — Pirate Youth Football and Cheer; Best Musical — Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band; Best Equestrian/Animal — Lucky Clover 4-H; Sweepstakes — Santa Ynez Valley Family School.

The parade, and the Solvang tree-lighting ceremony the previous set the Solvang Julefest in full swing. For a list of activities and events through December and into January, go to solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/

Full list of parade entries:

#1 SBC Fire Dept- Engine & Fire Truck 30
#2 American Legion Post 160- HONOR GUARD
#3 Flat Fender Friends
#4 41 Mack Fire Truck
#5 Boy Scouts- Solvang City Banner
#6 Santa Ynez High School Cheer
#7 Pirate Youth Football and Cheer
#8 Vikings of Solvang
#9 Danish Maid 2025
#10 Solvang Elementary School
#11 Lemos Feed & Pet Supply
#12 Premier Heating & Air
#13 Parties and Paint by Kate LLC.
#14 Ua Noe Polynesian Dance
#15 KIZA Internet

#16 Pacific Flips Gymnastics
#17 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
#18 LUCKY CLOVER 4-H
#19 Old Mission Santa Ines
#20 Fossemalle Dance Studio
#21 SYHS Boys Basketball Team
#22 Santa Ynez Pet Hospital
#23 The Zee & Georgie Jingle Brigade
#24 Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church
#25 SYV Humane Society/ DAWG
#26 Solvang Senior Center
#27 Solvang Theaterfest
#28 Solvang Spice Merchant
#29 Santa Ynez Valley Family School
#30 Highline Adventures
#31 Krampus
#32 Santa Ynez Valley Transit
#33 Mechapirates SYHS Robotics Team
#34 Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band
#35 California Nature Art Museum
#36 Julia Tipolt State Farm Insurance

#37 Growing Goodness: A Nordic Yule
#38 Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA
#39 Rick & Ninni Lemus- Buellton Self Storage
#40 Krazy Country 105.9
#41 Sanger Family of Wines
#42 BEEFER THE GRINCH-COW
#43 Morgantini Christmas tree farm
#44 Paula Albrecht- 1961 Corvette & Yellow HotRod
#45 Nimbus Motorcycle Club
#46 Padilla Tile & Construction
#47 Hidden Wings
#48 Santa Claus

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Good things come to those who wait”is an appropriate adage for the Christmas season, as many count down the days to when they can open their pres- ents; however, it was also apt for this year’s Winter Fest in Buellton, but for different reasons.

During the annual event on Sunday, Dec. 7, which capped a four-day period of Christmas events all over the Santa Ynez Valley, folks arriving to River View Park to enjoy the “20 Tons of Snow” — a trademark of the Winter Fest — came upon workers from the snow supplier halfway through spraying the white stuff on the corner of the park lawn as a line formed.The ice company that supplied the snow was held up at a previous assignment, according to Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland. 

Fortunately, the crew was able to complete the “20 ton” layer pretty quickly and locals were able to enjoy their own temporary winter wonderland for the evening. 

Later, the lighting of the now-permanent tree in the middle of the park also hit a snag. As Buellton Mayor David Silva and Councilmember Carla Mead counted down to the lighting, when it hit zero, the tree stayed unlit. As someone tried to fix the connection, Silva did what he called his “best crowd work,” and then led a sing-along of “Jingle Bells,” and in the middle of that, the lights came on, revealing a colorful display with Santa and Mrs. Claus, present to pose for pictures, applauded. 

Despite those two hiccups, the Winter Fest was considered a success. Attendees not only enjoyed the snow and the tree-lighting, but also a small amusement area with a few rides, including a small train on wheels that went through the park, rows of vendor booths, and good grub offered by some food trucks that rolled in. 

“Despite the temporary problem with the lights, I think this Winter Fest is going well, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” Silva said. “There were a lot of events going on all around the Valley, and we wanted to close the weekend with something that our Buellton locals could get together for.” 

The Winter Fest was put on jointly by the Buell- ton Chamber of Commerce, Buellton Parks and Rec, and SYV Community Outreach. 

The weekend saw a couple of other tree light- ing events, as well as the Solvang Julefest Parade, starting on Thursday, Dec. 4, which heralded the start of the holiday season. 

On Friday, Dec. 5, Solvang kicked off its Julefest monthlong holiday celebration with its annual tree-lighting ceremony, drawing a huge crowd to Solvang Park. Those in attendance were treated to a concert from the Santa Ynez Valley Wind Ensemble, performances from the Fossemalle Dance Studio, singers from the Joyce Michaels Voice Studio, and musician Dewey Roberts. 

Father and daughter Dean Klitgaard and Susan Lee, both of the Solvang Visitors Center, again served as emcees for the ceremony.The two addressed the crowd on the Danish customs and terms like “hygge,” defined as a quality of coziness and comfort that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Klitgaard also reminded the crowd the correct pronunciation of Julefest (that’s “yoo-la-fest” not “jewel-fest”), and he and Lee conducted a crowd chant where half yelled “yoo- la” and the other half yelled “fest.” 

Finally, Klitgaard and Lee led the crowd in a countdown that ended with the lighting of the tree, which cycled through different colors as the crowd cheered. 

Of course, the tree-lighting is just part of the annual Julefest, which lasts until the Christmas tree burning at the mission on Jan. 9. For a schedule of event, go to solvangusa.com/things-to-do/ solvang-julefest/. 

The run of holiday events began on Thursday, Dec. 4, as the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce held it tree lighting on Sagunto Street. The event featured the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band playing outside on its bandwagon, while the Fossemalle Studio dancers performed inside the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. Those attending were also welcome to stop in the local stores, and food and drink was offered inside the museum, and horse carriage rides were offered through town before the crowd gathered at approximately 5:30 to light the 55-plus-foot tree. 

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Amid a few other items of business, the Buellton City Council took the first step in establishing a more thorough ordinance on the planting and care of trees on public property, at its Thursday, Nov. 13, regular meeting.

The meeting, the City Council’s only one for the month of November, included Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis attending remotely from home because of what was termed a “contagious illness.”

The meeting was also marked by a proclamation from the council recognizing National Native American Heritage Month. In the Council Chambers audience were several members of the Valley’s Chumash community. Some also spoke to council, among them Chris Stephenson, who spokes of the tribe’s work with the Buellton Rotary to put on a wellness event in town.

“We were able to share our cultural healing ideas with the public,” he said. “They were given to us to share. You guys have given us that opportunity to do so. We thank you.”

Mayor David Silva then read the proclamation, which culminated with “Today, as we honor National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the enduring spirit, wisdom, and contributions of Native peoples — past, present, and future.”

The council moved Item 8, business item Deep Dive: Tree Policies, Procedures, and City Ordinance Information up in the agenda because of its relevance to Item 6, the tree planting ordinance. City Manager Scott Wolfe said he moved it up because he wanted the council to discuss existing policy on the planting of trees on public property. Planning Director Andrea Keefer, who presented the report, said it was to “let council know policy, and see if you want to change anything.”

The crux of the questions and discussion was that the current policy on trees was rather broad and seemed to be based mainly on guidelines rather than requirements. Councilmember Carla Mead noted that there was a list of acceptable trees to be planted in the city, and that she didn’t realize the list existed. Councilmember Hudson Hornick referred to a guideline that a tree be planted at least 50 feet from a structure and believed that was too long. “Fifty feet is a couple doors down in my neighborhood,” he said.

Lewis said she was fine with guidelines in the policy, as long as they were considered suggestions. “I’m against anything leaning toward requirement,” she said. “I’d lean away from telling people what to do.”

Silva, however, express a caveat toward that thinking. “I don’t like the idea of ‘should,’ when many think it means ‘I don’t have to.’”

From there, council went to Item 6, which covered not only the planting and care of trees, but the removal of trees on private property that invade and can possibly damage public property.

Wolfe said a new tree ordinance is part of Buellton’s effort to get designation as a Tree City USA, a program that sets the framework necessary for communities to manage and grow their public trees.

“We have a template from National Arbor Day Foundation for our ordinance,” he said. “To get a Tree City USA designation, the city must have tree ordinance; our code doesn’t have that.”

Wolfe also said that a tree and landscape committee is being formed with the Planning Commission toward getting that designation.

During discussion, Hornick asked whether the removal of trees on private property could have a conflict of jurisdiction between the planning and public works director. Wolfe said there would be no conflict, as with a tree being on private property, it would be the responsibility of the public works director.

Silva said in the case of removal, a requirement that the tree be replaced should be included. Wolfe said that was not on the current proposed ordinance, but it could be added by council at the second reading.

Ultimately, Lewis moved to approve the ordinance, with Hornick seconding, and the item passed 5-0. The item was a first reading of the ordinance, which means it will be back before council in the next meeting to be officially approved.

In other business:

The council OK’d consultant contracts for Sargent Town Planning, Atlas Planning Solutions, and Circlepoint for further research into the city’s General Plan update. Circlepoint’s contract was for a community survey on uses for the Hundred Hills school site by the library for $5,855, a cost that did not sit well with Councilmember John Sanchez.

“We’re pending money on something that we don’t know what will happen in five years,” Sanchez said. “It’s a changing thing by the day. And we’re spending money for consultants on this?”

Wolfe replied that the survey was being done to see what the public wanted to do with the land. In the approval of the Hundred Hills School site earlier this year, many residents expressed their objections to them not being informed of details of the use of the former Wilhelmsen property.

“Not keen on throwing away money,” Hornick answered. “However, the public feels they are not involved of the process, and we need to let them know they’re being informed, and a part of this process.”

Ultimately, after Silva moved to approve the item, and Hornick seconded, the item passes 4-1 with Sanchez dissenting.

The next Buellton City Council meeting will be on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m.

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In a further step toward the Santa Ynez Valley Community Connector trail, more familiarly known as the River Trail, the Solvang City Council approved a $30,000 payment to help find pathways and connectors through the project’s segment through Solvang during the council’s regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 24.

The River Trail project proposes the development of a 10-mile Class I multi-use path connecting Camp 4, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (SYBCI) Reservation, Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Buellton

SBCAG requested a $30,000 contribution from Solvang to support the regional planning phase. City staff strongly recommends participating in this valley-wide effort, as the project aligns with the City’s Active Transportation Plan and General Plan goals to enhance multimodal connectivity for residents and visitors. 30% Conceptual Design and Public Outreach The 30% Conceptual Design will include:

• Engineering and surveys to meet design objectives

• Development of corridor strip maps and segment design options

• Typical cross-sections and right-of-way impact analysis

• Identification of ADA requirements, utilities, and structural needs

• Project cost estimates by segment and overall

After giving the item report, Solvang Public Works Director Bridget Paris introduced Michael Becker of SBCAG, who gave a presentation on the River Trail and Solvang’s role in it.

Becker began by describing the trail as something that can be a transportation resource, recreation resource, and tourist attraction. Becker recalled a personal observation that brought about the idea of a trail while staying at Buellton’s Flying Flags RV Park with his family for his daughter’s birthday.

“While were there, I saw all these RVs with bicycles attached to them, and I figured every one of them went to Solvang at one point while they were there,” he said. “And I thought ‘wouldn’t it be great if they could go there and back on bicycle.’”

Becker said the $30,000 would give Solvang “some skin in the game,” to find some solutions.

During council questions, Councilmember Mark Infanti asked how they would go about finding connectors and paths through Solvang.

“The biggest question for Solvang: any path has to go through city streets, $30,000 is nice, but it’s going to cost a bloody fortune. How do we work on that?” Infanti said.

Councilmember Elizabeth Orona brought up grants sought by Solvang in the past that were rejected, and asked why there was trouble getting them.

“The problem with that is the state program where we would get most of our money focuses on disadvantage communities, and this area doesn’t have many disadvantaged communities,” Becker said.

During Public Comment on the item, two people spoke.

Dennis Beebe noted that talk on the project is focused on constructions costs, but no one is talking about who’s going to do maintenance once the project is done.

And Mike Hecker, who is a “life-long” bicycle rider and said he is very much in demand as a bicycle race announcer, strongly advocated for the project to encourage bike riding.

“In my travels as an announcer, I see outstanding, beautiful bike paths — all sorts of people enjoying them,” he said. “The reason we don’t have kids riding bikes here is there’s no infrastructure. We’re here in Solvang, the Danish capital of the U.S., and we have 50% of people in Copenhagen — your sister city! — commuting solely by bike. Embrace the bicycle, like Denmark. Stop jabbering!”

When the item went back to council, Mayor David Brown asked City Manager Randy Murphy if there were funds available, and Murphy assured that their were.

With that, Elizabeth Orona moved to approve the funding, with Claudia Orona seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

The City Council will meet next on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. It will be the last meeting of the year, as there will be none on Dec. 22.

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With the way Von Gordon has been playing golf while a student at Santa Ynez High School, one might think he’s been at it since he was a little kid. Not quite so.

“So, yeah, I started it up in 2020,” he said. “I think tail end of 2019 or 2020, I started golf; and you know I played baseball, but when COVID hit, it just shut down baseball. Then I started playing more golf and I fell in love with it.”

That led to team MVP honors at SYHS as a freshman and sophomore, helping the Pirates capture back-to-back CIF Central Section titles in 2023 and 2024, success in several junior tournaments, and a berth in the U.S. Junior Amateur tournament in 2025, and now acceptance into a university that has seen incredible success in many of it sports over the past few decades.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, Gordon signed his letter of intent to the University of Oregon to play golf for coach Casey Martin, a former PGA player, at a short signing ceremony in the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

“Going to play a college sport, no matter what level, is an unbelievable challenge to meet,” said SYHS Athletic Director Josh McClurg in introducing Gordon. “It’s even bigger when you play for a power 25 school in every sport. It takes a ton of hard work, which I know Von has put into it.”

Before signing his LOI, Gordon paused to thank the people that supported him throughout his journey.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s supported me, and made this possible,” he said. “Thanks to Mom and Dad, love you guys; I want to thank the friends supporting me and always having my back. I appreciate that.”

Gordon was joined at the ceremony, which happened during the school’s lunch hour, by his mother, brother, and a multitude of friends, most of whom were wearing the (usual) Ducks colors of kelly green and gold.

After signing, Gordon described the recruiting process that eventually took him to Oregon.

“It took a while and there were other school that came in and out of the picture,” he said. “But at the end with my offer from Oregon, and connection with the golf coach, it was just green lights all throughout with the coach and the program.”

Gordon will be going to a program which has become a national power in golf under Martin throughout its time in the Pac-12 and now the Big Ten. Martin, a former PGA Tour player now entering his 20th season as Ducks coach, has led the team to 11 NCAA Championship appearances, including winning the 2016 NCAA title and finishing runner-up in the 2017 championships. Among his former players is 2023 U.S. Open Champion Wyndham Clark.

Martin said he is excited to have Gordon begin his Oregon career.

“Von is sort of a late bloomer and shifted to golf a few years ago. He had a terrific summer,” Martin said on the goducks.com website. “I watched him several times and feel like he will have an immediate impact on our program. He has a great golf swing and works so hard. I can’t wait to have him on the team.”

Gordon is just as excited to be going to the campus in Eugene, where he plans to major in business.

“I’m just looking forward to the whole atmosphere,” he said. “The football program and the athletic culture — it’s just really exciting because there’s so much energy and so much effort that goes into it.”

But for now, Gordon can concentrate on his senior year and his boys golf season coming up in the spring.

“It’s really good to have this decision made, and the weight off my shoulders,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to finishing my last year here [at SYHS].”

Among many others to join Gordon at the ceremony was his mother Amy — she said Von’s father Rob, a professional photographer, was on assignment in Lanai — and she expressed gratitude to the community and the role it played in her son’s journey.

“Von is dedicated and self-motivated, but he been helped by so many people,” she said. “I think being at Alisal (Golf Club) and having this special community and having found golf has been such a blessing in his life. I just can’t thank the community enough.”

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For the 14th time in Solvang, and third time on Thanksgiving morning, the Solvang Parks and Rec Department held the Turkey Trot on Nov. 27 at Sunny Fields Park, giving a huge numbers of participants a chance for an active start to the holiday.

The number of participants looked to be around 200, although it didn’t reach the number of last year’s 225, Elisa Monroy of Solvang Parks and Rec was pleased with the number.

“I think it’s a great turnout,” Monroy said as she set up water tables for those who would need a little refreshment. “Last year was our best turnout yet, so it’s a high bar, but we have a good crowd and good weather, so it should be fun.”

And fun is what a lot of people have at the event. The Turkey Trot wasn’t considered a race, but just a chance for locals and visitors to get a little exercise. Participants ran up to nine laps (which would earn them a medal) around the park’s huge grass field, dropping a penny (all supplied by Parks and Rec) in a bucket at the start/finish line to keep track.

Longtime Parks and Rec staffer Fred Lageman again contributed to the atmosphere as the emcee, counting down to the start of the run, and then keeping the participants going by serving as DJ and putting on tunes to keep the runners upbeat and energized.

For some it was a chance to do a serious run, but for most it was just a leisurely run or stroll. Some did the course with their kids in strollers. Some did it with their dogs. Some ran or walked with costumes or clothing carrying the Thanksgiving theme.

While the event wasn’t considered a race, it was noted when Los Angeles-area resident Atticus Li became the first to finish his nine laps.

“I’m up here for the holiday; my family has a house up here, and I like to take the opportunity to go on a good run,” Li said after finishing up. “I’m always super-excited to come up here and do this run. Every time I come up here, it’s a really good community vibe.”

The vibes were really good for the Peng-Shah family from San Francisco — father Tien, mother Rupal, and children Leela and Arjun — who all ran the course wearing identical blue “Mehta Family” T-shirts.

“That’s my wife’s side of the family,” Tien said. “There’s about 30 of us and they had shirts made, so we wore them here so we find each other.”

Rupal Peng-Shah said she did a little running back home, but was excited for this one.

“It’s my first 5K,” she said. “I wanted to do it right here for Thanksgiving.”

When asked about the rest of her holiday weekend, Rupal said, “Oh, probably just watching football and eating dinner, then maybe a wine-tasting tomorrow.”

A returning runner from last year was Ethan Moore, recognizable by running in his inflatable turkey costume covering the lower part of his body. In addition to running in the sometimes uncomfortable costume, he spent some of the run carrying his young relative, Gabriel Moore.

“As usual, I had a good time, but this guy [Gabriel Moore] got a little tired so I had to pick him up.”

Meanwhile, quite a few runners maneuvered the course with their four-legged canine friends, including Johnny and Liz Deim from Santa Ynez, who had their dogs Crosby and Felix with them.

“I think he definitely ran some of the race on his own,” Liz Deim said pointing to Crosby. “I just had to keep up.”

This was the first time at the Turkey Trot for the Deims.

“We had heard about it in the past, so we decided ‘hey, let’s do it,’” Liz said. “Also it was a chance to do something for charity and something for the holiday. Now we can get ready to spend Thanksgiving with some friends in Los Olivos.”

“I feel like we’ve earned a big turkey dinner,” said Johnny, with a laugh.

Meanwhile, the race also had a local dignitary, as David Silva, the mayor of neighboring Buellton, and his husband Jason Stone took part in the run for the first time.

“Yeah, we did not set a personal record out there today,” Silva said after completing the run. “It was about 3.2 miles more than what we are used to. We left everything out there on the field [laughing].”

However, for Silva, it was more than just the run.

“For Solvang Parks and Rec to put this on, it’s just great,” he said. “It’s just what small-town living is all about. To see the serious runners, but also the ones of all ages and skills sets. And it benefits local charity, so that’s another good thing.”

Ultimately, like all the other participants, Silva had a big holiday dinner to look forward to.

“I’m ready for the meal,” he said. “The Catholic guilt is gone for any calories.”

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On Friday, Nov. 7, the Santa Ynez High football team got to do something it hadn’t done in 15 years — host a CIF playoff game as the Pirates took on the Dos Palos Broncos of the West Sierra League in the Central Valley in a Central Section Division IV game at Rio Memorial Field. 

However, the contest would end up being the end of the season for the No. 6-seeded Pirates as they fell to the 11th-seeded Broncos 14-0. The loss not only meant elimination for SYHS, but was the first time since 2019 the Pirates had been shut out in a game. 

The game was not an offensive masterpiece as the Pirates gained 212 yards of offense, a season low. While offensive statistics for Dos Palos were not provided, the Broncos were able to move the ball at times, and while able to score the two touchdowns, had other scoring chances foiled by an opportunistic Pirates defense. 

SYHS forced three turnovers on the night, with Diego Pulido getting an interception to stop a DPHS scoring threat just before halftime, and Greyson Foy and Levi Snow had fumble recoveries. Also, Ayden Finley blocked a Broncos field-goal attempt in the third quarter to prevent another DPHS score. 

However, the Pirates were partly done in by a familiar bugaboo: Penalties. At least one of the Broncos’ scoring drives was helpled by flags thrown against SYHS. In the second quarter — after the Broncos had a touchdown called back on a penalty — DPHS’s Jesus Bon kicked a field goal, but a Pirate defender was called for rough- ing the kicker. The Broncos decided to accept the penalty and take the field goal off the board, and a couple plays later, DPHS’s Andre Flores ran it in from the 1-yard line and with the extra point, the visitors had a 7-0 lead. 

On their next drive, the Pirates thought they had a potential game-ty- ing TD when Jude Pritchard hit Jaxson Glover with a 35-yard scoring pass, but SYHS was called for an illegal man downfield penalty to negate the score. That drive ended when Pulido missed what would have been a school-record-tying 47-yard field goal. 

The Broncos added to their lead in the third quarter when quarterback Quinton Herrera threw a 62-yard TD to Bon, who added the extra-point to make it 14-0, where the score would stay until the final siren. 

The game was a disappointing end to the season for the team and head coach Josh McClurg, who was frustrated at the penalties that hurt his team.

“We just killed ourselves tonight,” McClurg said. “I’ve been telling these guys all year not to lose their composure, and tonight we kept getting these unsportsmanlike-conduct flags, which I have to say about 90 percent of them were warranted. They just need to learn they can’t keep taunting or they’ll get called on it.” 

Despite the ending, the coach had a lot of praise for the team and how they rose above expectations this year. 

“I’m very proud of these guys, proud of the work they did to get here,” McClurg said.“For instance, with our defense, at the beginning of the year, we didn’t know what we had, and they really stepped up and improved, and they kept us in the game tonight.” 

The Broncos went to lose to third- seeded and undefeated McLane High of Fresno 46-7 in a Division IV quarterfinal on Nov. 14. 

Girls tennis duo advances to CIF Individual Tournament 

The Santa Ynez High girls tennis team is out of the team playoff for this year, but one of its doubles teams qualified for the CIF Individual Tournament at Garces Memorial High in Bakersfield last weekend, Nov. 14 and 15. 

Keegan Withrow and Haley Townes breezed through their two matches in qualifying on Nov. 9, defeating Atascadero’s No. 2 team of Castorinas and Carbona 8-0 in Round 1, and then AHS’s No. 1 team of Sanchez and Luchetti 6-0, 6-2. They are the No. 9 seed in the CIF tourney; results were not available at press time. 

SYHS’s Danielle Hyland won her first match against Morro Bay’s Maggie Apple 8-6 and lost her second match 4-6, 2-6 to SLO’s Zoe Stackhouse. She did not advance to CIF. 

Girls water polo falls to top seed in CIF-CS Division III 

After defeating Exeter in the first round of the CIF Central Section Divi- sion III playoffs, the SYHS girls water polo team got to face Sierra Pacific, the division’s top seed in the second round. There, the Pirates’ season came to a close with an 8-3 loss to the Golden Bears from Hanford. 

Angelina Lefemine, Eleanor Murphy, and Paige Reynolds got the goals for SYHS, who finished the season at 13-11, including a 3-3 mark and third-place finish in the Sunset League. 

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Eleven days after the Buellton City Council offered to increase its financial pledge to the Santa Ynez Valley aquatic center project from $450,000 to $500,000 — but only if Solvang agreed to do the same — the Solvang City Council voted to meet that challenge during its Nov. 10 regular meeting. 

The aquatic center, which will be built on the Santa Ynez High School campus, is a joint undertaking involving the cities of Buellton and Solvang, the Santa Ynez Valley Aquatics Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District (SYVUHSD), and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. 

The issue of the money pledged by each of the cities has become something of a tennis match between the two City Councils as they settle on an identical amount the two cities can pledge toward the project. 

Earlier this year the Solvang City Council approved Resolution 25-1281 that expressed support for SYVAF’s effort to provide the new and improved aquatic facility on the SYHS campus. This support was further in evidence with the adoption of the FY 25/26 City budget that committed $450,000 of Measure U funds upon project groundbreaking along with a few other conditions: That the pool serve youth, adults, families and seniors on a permanent basis; that the pledge will expire on June 30, 2028, if it is unutilized; and that the pledge will be withdrawn if the project becomes unviable. 

The issuing of another $450,000 pledge from the Buellton City Council was on the agenda during its regular meeting on Oct. 30. 

Instead of approving that amount, Buellton councilmembers floated the idea of increasing the pledge, with Mayor David Silva suggested a $500,000 figure so that the cities’ total pledge could be for $1 million, and said the idea was contingent on Solvang agreeing to the figure. 

Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy was at the Buellton meeting as an advocate for the aquatic center, and told that council he would bring it to the Solvang councilmembers, which he did for the Nov. 10 meeting. 

Murphy told the councilmembers that in addition to the cities increasing the pledge to the aquatic center project, their actions could spur the other partners, and outside interests, to donate more also. 

“A number of people in the community have donated, and we have a third of the money needed to get it built,” said Murphy of the $13.7 million project. 

When asked by Mayor David Brown whether the head of the Measure U committee was informed of the increase, Murphy said, “I talked with the head, and he said it was consistent with their aim.” Councilmember Elizabeth Orona asked whether the entire Measure U budget was earmarked for this. Administrative Services Director Wendy Berry said there was still a surplus after the pledge, which she later disclosed was $240,000. 

Lisa Palmer, board president of the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation, spoke about the project during Public Comment, just as she did at the Buellton meeting. 

“Thank you to the council, and Mr. Murphy, for your support of the aquatic center,” she said. “When Buellton met, that was organic on their end, and I’m grateful. We are in talks with Chumash about them increasing participation, and since the Buellton meeting, we’ve had two $50K grants come in.” 

After the item went back to council, Elizabeth Orona still expressed reservations about increasing the amount and the timing of it.

“I just wonder if there’s a timeframe to the challenge [from Buellton]; I think we need to get through a couple of retail seasons to make sure we can do this, and I’m slightly concerned about pledging more 

than we did to the Senior Center,” she said. “If we don’t do something now, we are still supporting the project. There’s no compelling reason to do it now—we can do it more leisurely.” 

However, Councilmember Mark Infante believed this was the right time to act. 

“It’s not this year’s or next year’s budget,” he said. “It’s a pledge to support, if the money’s not there at the end, nothing happens. It’s a pledge to support, it’s not something we need to worry about this year. Therefore, I would move to approve the $50K to the pledge.” 

Elizabeth Orona remarked they should make sure Buellton votes to increase also, with Murphy saying he believed they would do so at a future meeting. 

With Infante’s motion still on the record, Councilmember Claudia Orona seconded and the item passed 4-1 with Elizabeth Orona voting no. 

The Solvang City Council will next meeting on Monday, Nov. 24, at 6:30 p.m. The council will meet for its last meeting of the calendar year on Monday, Dec. 8. 

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The Veterans Day holiday was commemorated in the Santa Ynez Valley this month, with multiple events to honor the people who have served in the armed forces.

A week of celebration culminated in the annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the aptly named Solvang Veterans Hall on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7139 Commander Alvin Salge (Air Force) welcomed a packed house to the Veterans Hall for the ceremony and directed the crowd outside for the flag raising, led by American Legion Post 160 Commander and Marine Corp Sgt. Jeff McKeone, performed by Legion members Lance Brown (Navy) and Alejandra M. Sanchez (Navy). Bugler Michael Roberts played “To the Colors” and taps during the raising.

After the audience returned to the hall, Salge made his opening remarks, reminding the crowd why they were there.

“Remember that when veterans signed up for military service, they pledged to protect the United States even willing to give their lives if necessary,” he said. “Today we honor and salute all veterans who answered the call to protect us and our freedom.”

Col. Michael Jewell, vice commander of Space Force Launch 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, was the keynote speaker.

Noting that the U.S. Military has been an all-volunteer force since 1973, Jewell began by thanking the veterans in attendance “regardless of how long you served: four years, 20 years, or 30 years, thank you.”

“No matter your job, how long you served, if you were guard or reserves, you made an impact,” Jewell continued. “As President Ronald Reagan once said: ‘Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem.”

Jewell went on to note the sacrifices veterans make to serve their county, and reminded the audience that their efforts don’t always come in times of war.

“The wartime efforts that our veterans have been a part of are widely known, but our military also answers the calls for help, leading to great feats of humanitarian aid,” he said, citing instance such as the Berlin Airlifts in the late 1940s, and the military delivering aid to Turkey earlier this year after a devastating earthquake.

Later, the attendees hear from the featured speaker, Marine Corps veteran Steven Kester, who told of his experiences in the Vietnam War after enlisting as an 18-year-old in 1968.

“My family includes a long line of warriors,” he said, mentioning his grandfather, father and two uncles who fought in World War II, and two uncles who saw action in Korea. “Military service is what my family did.”

Kesler went on to recount three specific experiences that shaped his time in Vietnam after he was assigned to Lima Company as a radio operator for the artillery unit.

The first incident involved him hitching a ride on a helicopter during a supply run and then unceremoniously getting kicked off the copter, leaving him with a unit didn’t know what to do with him.

“As it turned out, the FO was not in need of a radio operator so it was settled that I would be the radio operator for the Artillery Scout,” Kesler said. “The principal problem with that was the physical location of the artillery scout. He was positioned on a ridgeline with the Point Platoon about 500 meters outside the company perimeter.”

The second incident happened about a month later when his battalion suffered losses in a battle at a valley named Hiep Duc, and he was tabbed to replace the injured artillery scout. The third incident later was when his unit was doing recon patrols and the spotting of people working on a rice paddy became a sudden firefight, one he just barely escaped without injury.

While suffering from a second bout of malaria, Kesler was transferred stateside, to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, where his stint met an ironic end.

“While there I was injured playing basketball. Tore all the ligaments in my right ankle,” he said. “It was operated on, but only partially successfully. After three months in a full leg cast, my time on active duty came to an abrupt end, and I was medically discharged.”

In addition to the speakers, the ceremony also included a proclamation from Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti, invocation and benediction from Bethania Lutheran Church Pastor Chris Brown, and musical performances from the Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, directed by David Torres, and the Santa Ynez Wind Ensemble, led by Sharon Jeskey.

The Veterans Hall Ceremony wasn’t the only event during the week in the Santa Ynez Valley. Seven days earlier (Nov. 4), the Santa Barbara County Veterans Foundation held its third annual Salute to the Vets event, starting with a parade down Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez, and a gathering at the Maverick Saloon on that same street that including live entertainment, the arrival of three skydivers, vendors, and more.

Meanwhile, in the middle of the week, Wednesday, Nov. 8, to be exact, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School welcomed veterans into classrooms, providing students the unique opportunity to engage with local heroes and hear their stories first-hand. Veterans from across the armed services visited classrooms and shared their personal stories, experiences, and valuable insights with students.

SYVUHS Interim Principal Torina expressed his enthusiasm about the event, saying, “We are honored to have our local veterans visit our school and interact with our students. Students gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who have served in our armed forces and the values of service, integrity, and dedication that our veterans embody.”

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District Superintendent Andrew Schwab, an Army veteran himself, said, “We are very grateful to be able to connect our students with local veterans and have the opportunity to learn about the importance of Veterans Day in a meaningful way.”

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The fifth annual Buellton Fall Festival returned to the Avenue of the Flags in Buellton the weekend of Nov. 7-9, turning the area north of 246 and west of 101 into a three-day event that was a music festival, street fair, shopping bazaar, and a “restaurant row” all in one. 

And according to Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland, it was the most successful one yet. 

“I talked to Andres (Nuno) from En Fuego Events, and he said we had our biggest year yet for this event, though we don’t have specific numbers,” Vreeland said. “It really worked out well for us with the weather and the bands we’re just great. Plus, I’m hearing from the city, that the Fall Fest helped outside the event with people spending money at businesses and staying in hotels.” 

The family-friendly, free-admission event featured a carnival with rides and games, over 40 bands on two stages, and over 60 food and merchant vendors. 

This year, each night was split into themes with like-minded bands playing for the crowds. 

On Friday, it was an ’80s and ’90s Dance Party on the Rio Vista Chevrolet Main Stage featuring local favorite, The Molly Ringwald Project, with its renditions of 1980s tunes. Also playing were the 90s Babies, Smelly Cat, and The Last Decade to represent the 1990s.

Saturday brought the “Funk ’n’ Rock the Block Party,” with Nautical Thrust, The New Vibe, and False Puppet, going into Reggae Night on Saturday evening with local band Cornerstone, and reggae legend and icon Pato Banton, a Grammy-nominated reggae legend who has recorded and toured the world with The English Beat, Steel Pulse, UB40, and Sting, among many others. The audience was treated to the headliner a little bit early, as Banton joined Cornerstone for a couple of songs at the end of that band’s set. 

Then Banton took the stage with his own band, giving the crowd the upbeat, positive, energetic, and family-friendly show he’s known for to close out the second evening. 

Sunday started with Fiesta Sunday, featuring Traviesos Jr., Equipo Marcado, and Equipo Elite, whose energetic playing turned the entire lawn in front of them into a huge outdoor dance floor. The fest ended with Country Night, featuring the Jimi Nelson Band, and local favorites Agin Brothers and Territorial Law, and Jayden Secor. 

The event was co-sponsored by the City of Buellton, Discover Buellton, the Buellton Arts and Culture Program, and Rio Vista Chevrolet, and was put on by En Fuego Events, a well-known event organizer in these parts. 

While the music was going on from two stages, there was a lot happening outside of that also. Off to the right was the carnival, featuring midway games and, of course, numerous rides, some with thrilling names like Star Dancer, Kamikaze, and Sea Ray. 

Also, for those clamoring for a bite to eat, several food trucks were parked along the avenue with all sorts of delicacies, whether its burgers, tacos, hot dogs, or noodles. There was even a local vendor from nearby Solvang fixing that town’s signature dish, the aebleskiver.

“I don’t actually have a restaurant there or anything,” said 

Thorn Kinersly, who was working at his first Fall Fest and serving up the “pancake balls.” “I was able to acquire the recipe for this one, and I’ve been serving it for people. I like to bring this around to different places. I’ve taken this as far as Oregon.” 

The Fall Fest was a destination for folks in the Valley, as, in its fifth year now, it’s becoming a bit of a staple in the area. But it has been drawing people from surrounding areas also. 

“We just got here and it’s our first time, but it seems really fun, it’s like a street fair,” said Kalli Brinson, who came with her husband, Shawn, and young son, Zane. “Just thought it would be a great place to hang out and have some fun as a family.” 

Back to the bands, while many of the big names and crowds drifted to the bigger Rio Vista Chevrolet stage on the south end, the smaller stage had its share of young hungry music groups trying to make a dent. 

One of them was a trio called Simeon, Werre, and Matthes played their brand of what guitarist/lead singer Chris Simeon calls “soul rock.” 

“I live in Oxnard, and play around there, but we got a chance to come up here and it’s been great,” said Simeon, whose band- mates are, of course, (Dave) Werre and (Sean) Matthes. “Actually, we haven’t been together that long. I think it’s been just a few weeks ago we were jamming, it felt good, and now we’re giving it a shot. It’s just a matter of getting gigs. 

“But we got a good vibe here from the crowd, and hopefully we’ll be back.” 

And the Fall Fest should be back in 2026, most likely the first or second weekend in November. 

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