Michael Chaldu | Santa Ynez Valley Star https://santaynezvalleystar.com The only source for all news about the Santa Ynez Valley - local fresh news and lifestyle Tue, 22 Jul 2025 23:22:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-SYVS-Circle-Logo-32x32.jpg Michael Chaldu | Santa Ynez Valley Star https://santaynezvalleystar.com 32 32 195921705 Sydney Vogel named to Muhlenberg College Dean’s List https://santaynezvalleystar.com/sydney-vogel-named-to-muhlenberg-college-deans-list/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:00:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21332 Sydney Vogel of Santa Ynez and a graduate of Dunn School in Los Olivos, has been named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List while studying biology at Muhlenberg College. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, Muhlenberg College students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or better while taking three or more course units during […]

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Sydney Vogel of Santa Ynez and a graduate of Dunn School in Los Olivos, has been named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List while studying biology at Muhlenberg College.

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, Muhlenberg College students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or better while taking three or more course units during a semester.

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, four-year residential, liberal arts college in the city of Allentown, Pennsylvania, with nearly 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree-seeking students. The college’s curriculum and experiences are designed to open doors to new ideas, discoveries, friendships, and a lifetime of personal and intellectual growth.

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Skynet Playground the latest edition to Buellton’s outdoor adventure park https://santaynezvalleystar.com/skynet-playground-the-latest-edition-to-buelltons-outdoor-adventure-park/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21307 Highline Adventures, off Highway 246, offers attendees the chance to get outside, get active Jeff Hartman opened the Highline Adventures outdoor adventure park near Buellton in 2023 to give people more opportunities to get outside and active. Now, Hartman is looking to expand his customer base to families and younger kids, and in the process, he jokingly says, make “Skynet” known […]

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Highline Adventures, off Highway 246, offers attendees the chance to get outside, get active

Jeff Hartman opened the Highline Adventures outdoor adventure park near Buellton in 2023 to give people more opportunities to get outside and active.

Now, Hartman is looking to expand his customer base to families and younger kids, and in the process, he jokingly says, make “Skynet” known more than just being the name of the fictional computer system that threatened mankind in the “Terminator” movie franchise.

This “Skynet” refers to the park’s new Skynet Playground, a first-of-its-kind colorful, elevated netted zone featuring 10 enclosed adventure spaces designed for safe climbing, bouncing, and motor skill development, all while parents can relax or join in the fun. This expansion, which opened at the end of May, complements Highline Adventures’ existing adventure park, which features a variety of thrilling courses and challenges for teens and adults, according to Hartman.

Highline Adventures park owner/operator Jeff Hartman spends some time at the park’s new Skynet Playground, which opened at the end of May. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

“The Skynet’s been great for us because we can get the whole family out here and give them something to do,” Hartman said of the playspace, which is made for children as young as 2, as well as adults and older kids. “The zipline and adventure course I limit to ages 10 and up and between 75 and 275 pounds, and I was missing out on that younger kid demographic, which I can see clearly now, being the father of a 2-year-old and 6-year-old. I thought to myself we were missing out on whole families who have nothing to do out here.”

The Skynet is an elevated structure nestled between the adventure courses at the park, which is located just outside the Buellton city limits off Highway 246. Participants can ran back-and-forth between the “zones,” play games like basketball and volleyball (with added elevation), and even just jump up and down on the bottom like a trampoline.

“This netting is the same kind they’ve started to use in what they call ‘netparks’ in Europe, but are finally coming to the U.S.,” Hartman said. “The technology for the nets came from fishing netting, and it’s very strong and very bouncy, like a trampoline.”

Hartman also looks at the Skynet as more of a free-form activity, for the park attendees.

“With the zipline and adventure courses, we need to go through a little training and orientation, and have to supervise the whole process,” he said. “With the Skynet, I can just get the group and let them loose in there.”

The playground is the latest addition to the park, whose main feature is the zipline, which takes harnessed riders 1,000 feet above ground, giving them what Hartman calls “the best views in Santa Ynez Valley.”

Hartman is a “sixth-generation” Santa Barbara County native who graduated from Laguna Blanca School in Santa Barbara, and then went to the University of Colorado.

“I started a couple of action sports companies in Colorado before I moved back to Santa Barbara County in 2016,” he said. “I was some ag business for awhile but decided I wanted to do something else. My dad and his partner had the idea for zip course, and I added the adventure course and we submitted it to the county in 2020 and got approval in 2022.”

Hartman said his park is a response to those who wish for more activities to do in the Valley when they speak out at City Council meetings or events like the recent economic summit.

“Our mission is getting people outside and active, since we live in such a digital age and let them have fun things to do in a curated and safe environment,” he said. “They want something to do other that just drink alcohol — I mean, how much wine can you drink in a day. We say that you come to our park and be active and then do your wine tasting or have a Danish and do the Solvang experience after.”

In additions to folks just coming in to enjoy the park, Highland Adventures also is available for events, like birthday parties and corporate retreats.

“We have a clubhouse and lawn where people can gather and hang out between activities,” he said. “We’ve hosted parties and brought food trucks, and provided lawn games, seatings and other things.”

Hartman, who lives on the property with his wife Hannah, and daughters Pearl, 6, and June, 2, (with a baby boy on the way soon) said he is open to further new additions to the park, which he said is further encouraged by the ag enterprise ordinance passed the county last December.

“We’re looking at what we can do,” he said. “That ordinance was a great thing for ag zone parcels.”

But for the time being, Hartman’s happy providing a local destination to enjoy some neat outdoor experiences.

“We just encourage people to get out and active in a fun environment,” he said. “Our tagline is ‘Explore Through the Trees.’ You can come out as a family and activities for ages 2 years old to 100 years old, and have fun.”

Highline Adventures is located at 700 E. Highway 246, with the entrance to the access road just east of Ostrich Land. To book reservations or to get more info, go to highlineadventures.com.

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Planning Commission deadlocks on proposed private school, denying project https://santaynezvalleystar.com/planning-commission-deadlocks-on-proposed-private-school-denying-project/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:15:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21303 Debate over location of Hundred Hills School on Willemsen property comes to a head at meeting A Buellton Planning Commission item on the building of a proposed private elementary school consisting of “yurts,” or California Roundhouse buildings, on Dairyland Road, in the same area as the Buellton Library, ultimately led to a 2-2 vote from the commissioners, […]

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Debate over location of Hundred Hills School on Willemsen property comes to a head at meeting

A Buellton Planning Commission item on the building of a proposed private elementary school consisting of “yurts,” or California Roundhouse buildings, on Dairyland Road, in the same area as the Buellton Library, ultimately led to a 2-2 vote from the commissioners, technically denying the project, during the Thursday, July 3, meeting.

However, Commission Chair Shannon Reese said near the end of the three-hour meeting that the proposal will end up going before the City Council at some point.

The item was put on the Planning Commission after members of the public voiced their concerns about the school during a town-hall meeting in June.

After City Manager Scott Wolfe introduced the item requested a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the project, Contract Planner Irma Tucker made a presentation for the proposal, called the Hundred Hills School Project.

Speaking by remote, Tucker explained the Hundred Hills School would be a Waldorf-inspired school serving preschool through the fourth grade. The campus, on the topmost portion of the Willemsen Property at 202, 208, 212, and 218 Dairyland Road, would consist of four classrooms, one administration building, and one restroom, all of the California Roundhouse building style, more commonly know as “yurts.”

Tucker said the school would originally serve a maximum of 50 students, and the length of approved for the CUP would not exceed five years.

“Mainly, this would be an incubator site,” she said. “They want to establish their school on this site while searching for a more permanent location. The temporary use would allow the site to return to original use.”

Applicant Sundeep Chanana thanked the supporters of the project and also the detractors, noting the “subset who go out of their way to disrupt our Saturday get-togethers, post anti-school flyers, and spread misinformation,” and requested they take him up on his offer to meet.

Chanana lauded the benefits of the school, calling it “an unparalled educational opportunity for Buellton and mentioned he and his wife had offered to pay the city the full cost of the five-year lease upfront but that the offer was refused.

He also addressed concerns stated by residents, saying that the topography of the site would be unchanged with only minimal grading; the structures to be built would have the longevity of stick-built homes; and there would be only one pickup and dropoff zone and that pickups and dropoffs would be staggered to mitigate traffic. He stated 40% of the schools applicants were from Buellton, with scholarships being offered to Buellton residents.

Fellow applicant Whitney Chanana, thanked their supporters for being there. She told the commission addressed the neighbors to the project and stated they had listened to their concerns about parking, traffic, and architectural compatibility during the earlier town hall meeting. She asked the Planning Commission to consider the project on its merits, and give students and parents in a city with one elementary another option.

After the applicants’ presentations and a short recess, the meeting reached public comment, which elicits contributions from 32 people on the record, 18 of them stating opposition.

Most of the objections came from residents of the surrounding neighborhood who believed there would be a negative impact with traffic and noise because of the school. Others did not like the idea of city-owned land being used for a private school. Former Buellton Mayor Holly Sierra, speaking strictly as a city residents, “The property was supposed to be for the people of Buellton. While I’m not against the school, it shouldn’t be on this property. It should be for the people of Buellton, not a private school.”

However, the project did also have supporters that spoke out at the meeting. Some of those who spoke in favor of Hundred Hills School noted the lack of options for students in early education, most notably preschool, while others praised other Waldorf schools and said it would be a great experience for Buellton children.

“It is good for Buellton to have another option,” Ralph Kunz said. “My kids went to a Waldorf school, and when they were in college, professors said what great kids we have and how they have a different way of thinking. It’s important to consider it’s not for everybody, but it’s an opportunity for people if they want it.”

After public comment, commissioners expressed their final thoughts on the item. Commissioner Kasey Kump said that listening to all the input, he felt the project just didn’t fit in with the neighborhood, emphasizing that the decision was not a judgement on alternative education or private schools in general. Meanwhile, Vice Chair Marcillo Sarquilla saidthat while traffic concerns could be mitigated by shuttling students to and from the school, he felt that Oak Valley Elementary School in Buellton was adequately providing the needed services for preschool and kindergarten students.

Commissioner Brian Campbell was concerned that the project came as a surprise to many residents, but felt there were merits to both sides of the issue, while Chair Shannon Reese said that while she liked the idea of a small town like Buellton having just one school that everyone went to, she felt the project was appropriate for the zone, noting that uses such as schools and churches are routinely places in residential infill zones. She states she lives next to Jonata School, which is much larger and also uses collector streets, and she doesn’t find it has an adverse impact. 

Ultimately the commission voted twice, both times Sarquilla moving for disapproval, and both times resulting in a 2-2 deadlock with Sarquilla and Kump voted to disapprove, and Campbell and Reese voting not to disapprove. Wolfe announced that the vote actually meant the CUP was denied and the matter would go next to the City Council.

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Buellton City Council approves alternative water- and sewer-rate hike https://santaynezvalleystar.com/buellton-city-council-approves-alternative-water-and-sewer-rate-hike/ Sat, 19 Jul 2025 22:20:22 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21299 Councilmembers give ratepayers three extra months to brace for increase By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com In a marathon meeting on Thursday, July 10, the Buellton City Council approved a water- and sewer-rate increase, its first since 2016. The increase came after a process that began in 2024, when the City Council approved the contract for the Water and Wastewater Rate […]

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Councilmembers give ratepayers three extra months to brace for increase

By Mike Chaldu

michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

In a marathon meeting on Thursday, July 10, the Buellton City Council approved a water- and sewer-rate increase, its first since 2016.

The increase came after a process that began in 2024, when the City Council approved the contract for the Water and Wastewater Rate Study with Willdan Financial. The water and wastewater rate study provides a comprehensive analysis that will ensure that the cost of service will not exceed either the cost of providing the service or the proportional cost of the service attributable to a particular parcel.

The prior formal rate studies were completed in 2016 and 1996, with a small increase in 2016. The city’s operational costs for both water and wastewater have not been sustained through the existing rate structure and have required transfers from those fund reserves. As part of the study, staff worked closely with Willdan Financial and had several meetings with the Rate Committee, consisting of Mayor David Silva, Councilmember Hudson Hornick, and staff, to ensure that the direction of the study and the growth projections and financial assumptions were sound. The Final Water and Wastewater Rate Study (Exhibit A) includes a detailed analysis, including cost of service allocation, of how the rates were calculated.

The City Council passed over Willdan’s recommended rate increase schedule, which called for steep increases starting on Aug. 1, in favor of a schedule that, while costing more in the long run, delayed the first increase until Nov. 1. In the meantime, council directed staff to find way to get supplemental income to help increase the reserve water and sewer funds.

Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis was the first to suggest the Alternative 2 schedule, calling it more “compassionate” and instituting a more gradual increase over five years for the ratepayers.

“I like the idea of stretching it out, the idea of incremental increases, even with more to pay in the long run, it gives us a runway. It doesn’t come as a shock to the system,” Lewis said.

Hornick agreed with that assessment, and pointed out it comes after years of no rate increase.

“It puts everyone on notice,” he said about the Nov. 1 date. “We’re letting them know, we had a great run, but now it’stime to pay the piper.”

The item passed on a 3-1 vote, with Councilmember John Sanchez opposing.

“I want to use the recommended schedule and get these rates in,” Sanchez said before the vote. “We’ve been talking about how we are in this mess because councils didn’t install any increases in the past, and now we’re going to delay it three more months.”

With the approval, starting on Nov. 1, rate payers can expect an increase from the current $101.72 per month to $135.63. After that, the rates will go up each year through 2030, when the rate will increase to $214.35. City Manager Scott Wolfe reminded council that the rates will be reviewed and can be lowered on a year-by-year basis.

City Manager Scott Wolfe and City Attorney Greg Murphy held off on discussion of the item because, as part of the Proposition 218 process of review, city ratepayers had an opportunities to submit written protests of the increase thatwould have delayed the agenda. However, only 97 protests were submitted, well short of the 1,084 required, which represented 50% + 1 of the Buellton ratepayers.

The item brought in several speakers during Public Comment, all of whom were unhappy with the increase, thoughsome admitted it was needed.

“I understand it needs to happen, but it’s a hard pill to swallow,” said Troy Morehouse. “Ninety-three percent in 35 days, and next year 171 percent [quoting the orginal rate schedule that wasn’t adopted]? That’s ridiculous.”

Morehouse also took to task the failure of past City Council to implement more reasonable increases in the past decade, saying the current council was “asking us to pay for the sins of our fathers.”

Daniel Durbiano also opposed the original rate hike, though he understood the tough spot the councilmembers were in.

“I’ve spent 22 years in public works, so I have intimate knowledge of this,” he said. “This is one of the most contentious things a City Council has to deal with. I’m for an increase but not like this. Don’t ask us to take this balloon payment.Do it a little more compassionate.”

Fortunately, councilmembers did take the suggestions for a more gradual increase, and staff is expected to provide suggestions for supplemental revenue to replenish the water fund at a later meeting, probably in September.

The City Council meets next on Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m.

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Buellton City Council discusses intended uses for library rooms https://santaynezvalleystar.com/buellton-city-council-discusses-intended-uses-for-library-rooms/ Sun, 06 Jul 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21167 Councilmembers review sample rental application from staff, oppose splitting up one of the conference rooms Now entering its sixth month of operation in its new location on Dairyland Road, the Buellton Library was the topic of discussion during the Buellton City Council meeting on Thursday, June 26. Or, that is, the conference rooms in the facility. Both […]

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Councilmembers review sample rental application from staff, oppose splitting up one of the conference rooms

Now entering its sixth month of operation in its new location on Dairyland Road, the Buellton Library was the topic of discussion during the Buellton City Council meeting on Thursday, June 26. Or, that is, the conference rooms in the facility.

Both business items on the meeting agenda concerned the two conference rooms in the library building: Meeting Room 1, which is next to the main entrance and being used mostly by the Friends of the Buellton Library as a used-book store, and Meeting Room 2, which is located next to the main section of the library, and looks out on the south lawn and patio.

The first business item dealt with guidelines for potential rental opportunities for the rooms. City staff put together a draft room rental application for review by council. Public Works Director Rose Hess said the sample application was based on the templates from CJPIA, the City’s insurance and risk management agency, as well as applications from other similar publicly owned rental facilities in the area, and staff was seeking input on the rules and regulations, hours of availability, and rental fees contained in the document.

Councilmember Hudson Hornick started off council questions asking about the possible noise coming from the room if the room was rented out for a party. The application banned “amplified music” in the room, but allowed bluetoothspeakers, which Hornick had an issue with, saying that bluetooth speakers are just as loud as regular speakers.

Councilmember John Sanchez inquired about providing trash receptacles for big events, and how they would dispose of it. Hess said any trash could be stored away for eventual weekly pickup from the county.

However, a big sticking point with the entire council was the proposed rental fees for the rooms. The sample application quoted prices of $500 per hour to rent the space for Buellton residents or business ($1,000 for out-of-towners) and a $1,000 cleaning deposit. All the councilmembers thought that as too high, with Mayor David Silva noting that nearby River View Park charges $40 per hour with a $100 deposit. Hess said the prices were based on rental costs in other cities and municipalities, but could be changed.

From there, councilmembers also speculated about what kind of events should be held in the conference rooms. While parties were discussed earlier as possiblities for the space, Silva expressed his desire for the rooms to be used for groups’ community meetings.

“We have River View Park, with space and playgrounds to accomodate those kinds of events,” the mayor said. “I don’tthink a birthday party lends itself for library purposes.”

Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis agreed, saying, “The library I envision more for professional meetings; the park is more designed for kids to go crazy and have fun.”

City Manager Scott Wolfe told county that he and Hess could “tighten up” the application with more specific guidelines reflecting the council’s input, and they could submit a revised application for a future meeting.

The second business item dealt specifically with Meeting Room 1, which has been used by the Friends of the Buellton Library, mostly as a used-book store to raise funds for the organization, and, in turn, the library.

The original plan, as explained by Wolfe, was to devote most of the room space to FOBL, and partition off the other part to create a smaller conference room. However, FOBL has used the remaining part of the room as a children’s “play area” with toys and games, and would like to keep the room open with the entire space belonging to FOBL.

During public comment, Former Buellton Mayor and County Library Advisory Board Member Judith Dale requested that a wall not be put in.

“I’m very against building the wall,” she said. “A wall can structurally interfere with the room, and really limits what can go on.”

Speakers Ashley Sloan and other former Buellton mayor, Holly Sierra, who’s now FOBL president, echoed Dale’sthoughts, with Sierra saying FOBL would be happy to offer the space if someone requested it for a meeting.

The four councilmembers were in agreement opposing a wall in the room, with Silva saying the $15,000 it would cost for installation were better spent elsewhere.

Since it wasn’t an actionable item, Wolfe said he would bring a request to keep the room intact and under the autonomy of the FOBL and put that on a future meeting agenda.

The City Council will meet next on Thursday, July 10, at 6 p.m.

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Solvang City Council approves new agreement with Goleta for library management services https://santaynezvalleystar.com/solvang-city-council-approves-new-agreement-with-goleta-for-library-management-services/ Sat, 05 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21163 Santa Barbara County city to continue running local libraries despite concerns about higher price tag The Solvang City Council voted to extend its agreement with the City of Goleta to operate the city’s library, despite a greatly increased cost, during its regular meeting on Monday, June 23. Councilmember Elizabeth Orona was absent from the meeting. In introducing the item, the first discussion […]

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Santa Barbara County city to continue running local libraries despite concerns about higher price tag

The Solvang City Council voted to extend its agreement with the City of Goleta to operate the city’s library, despite a greatly increased cost, during its regular meeting on Monday, June 23. Councilmember Elizabeth Orona was absent from the meeting.

In introducing the item, the first discussion item of the night, City Manager Randy Murphy explained the library situation in his report.

Goleta has been operating the library since 2019, when Santa Barbara County divested itself of that responsibility. The libraries operated by Goleta (considered the county’s Library Zone 4) include its own, Solvang’s, Buellton’s, and the ones in the unincorporated areas of Santa Ynez and Los Olivos.

The current five-year agreement for library management was set to expire June 30, one week after the meeting, and Murphy recommended council approve the deal for another year, albeit at a sizable increase: $284,855, which would bea nearly $100,000 hike from the previous agreement.

“We’ve been working under an agreement where they didn’t have any inflators [to increase the price], and they’ve been a good partner,” Muphy said. “Our finance staff has been in discussion with their finance staff, and have determined that this is a legitimate amount.”

Murphy also pointed out that the $284,855 amount was in the budget that the council had approved earlier in the meeting as part of the Consent Calendar.

However, councilmembers had their concerns about the larger price tag.

“A hundred thousand dollars, that’s a big nut,” Mayor David Brown said. “That’s almost a 50% increase; I’m trying to justify it.”

Goleta Director on Neighborhood Services Joanne Plummer, whose department includes the libraries explained earlier that both Goleta and Solvang had the right to renegotiate terms after each year, but during the first five years a number of factors hindered that.

“Right after the first agreement started, we had COVID, and after that there were changes in the leadership on both sides, and the sides were only recently able to get together and talk about another agreement,” she said.

Plummer said in the last five years, the libraries were working under increased costs under the same budget and operating at a loss.

“The last few years, we’ve been taking money out of reserves, and operating in the red,” she said. “We can’t keep operating under the current terms; we need to increase the cost.”

Councilmember Mark Infanti noted that Solvang’s library space is too small and asked who would foot the bill if the city found a bigger space to move into. 

“The city (of Solvang) would cover the cost of moving into a new facility,” Plummer said. “We would need to review the new space and determine what staffing would be sufficient, so there could be an increase there.”

Councilmembers Claudia Orona and Louise Smith both expressed the need for more information about the libraries, with Orona inquiring about staff size and the number of visitors to the Solvang Library, as well as the satellite locations in Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Smith mentioned that libraries are offering numerous services other than just books, and wanted to know what the Solvang location had to offer in that area. Plummer said that could be found in the libaries’annual report.

Murphy reiterated that he felt the agreement was fair.

“The finance staff pored over this and determined it’s a legitimate increase,” he said. “The only way to cut expenses, is we could cut hours, but we’re already not open on Sundays and Mondays. I recommend approving it now to keep the library open.”

Eventually, Infanti, who serves on the city’s Library Committee, move to approve the contract, with Smith seconding, but not before Brown requested a report on the library’s progress in the future. Plummer assured council that was in the agreement and she could return in October for that report.

The council voted 4-0 to approve the agreement.

In other council business:

In a public hearing, the council unanimously adopted a resolution amending the appropriation limit for fiscal year 2025-26 to $26,362,892 for the General Fund. The number was determined by a calculation called Growth Factor that took into account per capita personal income and population change.

However, City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan reminded that notice of the public hearing was posted on June 12, 11 days before the meeting when the requirement for it to be posted is 15 days prior. Because of that, the item would remain for public review until the next could meeting, and it could be ratified then.

Council unanimously approved a agreement with SaberDome Corporation dba Lanspeed for information technology managed services in the amount not to exceed $7,937.72 per month plus any reimbursable expenses and service charges actually incurred and invoiced, for a total contract amount not to exceed $105,252.64.

Staff recommended the renewel with based on past experience, cost and software.

The City Council will next meet on Monday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m.

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Mayor trumpets development, engagement in Buellton State of the City address https://santaynezvalleystar.com/mayor-trumpets-development-engagement-in-buellton-state-of-the-city-address/ Sat, 05 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21159 In his first address as mayor, David Silva tells audience past year, upcoming plans promise ‘fabulous’ future Every year at the end of the Buellton State of the City address, the speaker tries to sum up in one or two words how things are going for the city. This year, Mayor David Silva, who took office last December, got to give the address for […]

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In his first address as mayor, David Silva tells audience past year, upcoming plans promise ‘fabulous’ future

Every year at the end of the Buellton State of the City address, the speaker tries to sum up in one or two words how things are going for the city.

This year, Mayor David Silva, who took office last December, got to give the address for the first time at the Santa Ynez Marriott on June 26 and gave his take on the state of Buellton: “Fabulous.”

Leading up to that, Silva began his speech by highlighting some of the new construction in town. Buellton is awaiting the completion of two housing developments: Polo Village Apartments off McMurray Road, and Buellton Garden Apartments being built behind the Albertston’s shopping center.

He also talked of the new Cottage Medical Building, which will take over the old Parks Plaza Theater space on McMurray. While many were hoping to open up the building as a theater again, Silva said the medical center will be a valuable entity in the city.

“Things like a movie theater are like candy, a sweet thing you enjoy,” he said. “But think of the Cottage building as a vegetable, something that’s good for you.”

Dan Vreeland, of Jim Vreeland Ford, poses with his wife, Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland (right) and Chamber Board President Tessi Martinez (left) after being named the Vincent B. Evans Award honoree during the Buellton State of the City addres on June 26. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

Silva also praised two additions on the old Wilhelmsen property on Dairyland Road: The new Buellton Library that opened in February, and right next to it, the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum, a work in progress that the city agreed to partner with.

“The library has been years in the making, thanks in part to the tenacity, the grit, and sometimes the intimidation of our former mayor Holly Sierra,” he said. “And I always get the questions ‘what can families do together around here, and we have this Children’s Museum, thanks to Ashley Jenkins, who’s gotten it going. I’m excited to see where it goes.”

Silva also spoke proudly of his and his fellow councilmembers community engagement “We have made a point to talk to the residents in the area and find out their concerns,” he said. “Just this week, we had two town halls, and I conduct a coffee with the mayor meet-up, electronically we offer Buellton Engage, which keeps everyone up-to-date on our projects.”

Moneywise, Silva said that Buellton was doing good, with the Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) being the top revenue provider, and the per capita sales tax, which he called “a small, but mighty economic driver.”

Other things Silva was happy to touch on included the addition of a motorcycle officer to patrol Highway 246, where speeding has been a problem, the city’s effort to fund nonprofits, and the 1,000 Tree Initiative, a campaign to bring more foliage to town.

Despite challenges faced, like inflation, state and federal economy, and state mandates, Silva said Buellton’s in a good place.

After the address Silva fielded questions from the audience. The first was about the proposed bike trail that would link the communities of Buellton, Solvang, and Santa Ynez. Silva said the project got a grant from Assemblyman Gregg Hart’s office and was hoping to get partnerships with the Chumash tribe.

Another asked about finding things to do for kids and families. Silva said that’s not something the council can fix by itself.

“There isn’t anyone who doesn’t recognize the need for activities for young residents to do,” he said. “But that’s something that residents, business owners have to come up with. If anyone has ideas, we’re there and we can partner with them.”

Despite the announcement of the new motorcycle officer on 246, Silva fielded questions about traffic issues on the highway, including the “carmageddon” that’s been happening because of road work on the highway and McMurray Road.

“We’ve been trying to slay that dragon for a while,” he said. “Problem is, when you’re talking to Caltrans which is in charge of that road, they tend to work in decades and things don’t get done fast, and it gets exhausting having to keep dealing with them.”

Finally, someone asked Silva what residents can do for councilmembers and other officials to help the city.

“Just trust the process in our council,” Silva replied. “We like to keep open communication. If your ideas are better that ours, communicate that with us.”

Before the address, Silva and Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis accepted the city’s annual Beautification Award on behalf of the city’s new library. 

Also, the Vincent B. Evans Award, named for the long-time owner of Pea Soup Andersen and honoring a resident for his service to Buellton, was given to Dan Vreeland, co-owner of Jim Vreeland Ford. The presentation had even more meaning because he received the award from Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland, the emcee of the program — and Dan’s wife — and good friend and Chamber Board President Tessi Martinez.

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Rodeo action adds to Old Santa Ynez Days enjoyment https://santaynezvalleystar.com/rodeo-action-adds-to-old-santa-ynez-days-enjoyment/ Fri, 04 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21175 PRCA competitors wow a packed crowd over two days of riding, roping, and wrestling at Chumash Arena People who came to check out the Old Santa Ynez Days on the weekend of June 21-22, also had the chance to witness some pro rodeo action as the 6th Annual Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo at the Chumash […]

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PRCA competitors wow a packed crowd over two days of riding, roping, and wrestling at Chumash Arena

People who came to check out the Old Santa Ynez Days on the weekend of June 21-22, also had the chance to witness some pro rodeo action as the 6th Annual Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo at the Chumash Arena at the corner of Meadowvale Road and Highway 246.

Professional riders, calf ropers, and steer wrestlers show their talents to a packed house at the Chumash property between 246 and Sagunto Street. Two grandstands, as well as the huge VIP tent, were nearly filled to capacity as the spectators enjoyed the action.

The big winners of the weekend, as reported by www.kirchmannmediagroup.com, were cowboys Jacek Frost, riding What’s Crackin’, and Rocker Steiner riding Kahlula, in the Big Bucks ProRodeo bareback horses event. Both had 87.5-point rides to split the win, with each cowboy earning $2,989.

A saddle bronc competitor tries to stay on his horse during the Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo in Santa Ynez on June 22. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

In saddle broncs, the bronc Keoki matched up with Jasper Frost for 86 points and $3,384. Queensland, Australia, cowboy Warwick Southern scored 83.5 on Big Bucks Rodeo’s Freckles for $2,594; Jake Barnes from Stephenville, Texas, also collected a check on Heart N Soul of Big Bucks ProRodeo string for fifth place.

The unridden bull, Jimmy Hoe, continues his streak after 11 trips during the 2025 season.

In addition to the rodeo events, the crowd was treated to flyovers by the Tiger Squadron, billed as “Southern California’s premier formation flying team,” as well as Kate and Tera Flitton, known as the Stellar Trick Riding Cowgirls, who performed between events.

Young competitors, meanwhile, got to try the mutton bustin’ competition and stick horse races.

Hailee Taylor, 18, of Buellton presided over the event as the newly crowned Miss Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo Queen for 2025-26.

Full results of the Old Santa Ynez Days rodeo (courtesy of prorodeo.com):

All-around cowboy: James Mann, $2,557, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling.

Bareback riding: 1. (tie) Jacek Frost Frost, on Big Bucks Rodeo’s What’s Crackin’, and Rocker Steiner, on Big Bucks Rodeo’s Kahlula, 87.5 points, $2,989 each; 3. Bradlee Miller, 86, $1,918; 4. Darien Johnson, 83.5, $1,241; 5. Kashton Ford, 80, $790; 6. Cole Franks, 79, $564; 7. Waylon Bourgeois, 78.5, $451; 8. (tie) Clayton Biglow and Colton Clemens, 76.5, $169 each. 

Steer wrestling: 1. Grant Peterson, 4.0 seconds, $2,811; 2. Jace Melvin, 4.7, $2,444; 3. Bryar Byrne, 4.8, $2,077; 4. Stan Branco, 5.5, $1,711; 5. Drew Madden, 5.8, $1,344; 6. James Mann, 7.7, $978; 7. Taite Stickler, 8.4, $611; 8. Brandon Green, 10.7, $244. 

Teammates try to lasso their animal during the team roping event at the Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo in Santa Ynez on June 22. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS

Team roping: 1. Cutter Machado/Dalton Pearce, 5.1 seconds, $3,316 each; 2. Chase Helton/Wyatt Hansen, 5.3, $2,926; 3. Blake Van Stavern/Stoney Boy, 5.5, $2,536; 4. Doyle Hoskins/Will Cowden, 5.6, $2,146; 5. Lane Lowry/Monty Joe Petska, 6.0, $1,951; 6. Mike Christensen/Trey White, 6.4, $1,755; 7. Ryan Bettencourt/Scott Gulley, 6.8, $1,560; 8. Derrek Hee/Chris James, 6.9, $1,365; 9. Yogi Davis/Gene Harry, 12.1, $1,170; 10. Preston Burgess/Cody Cowden, 15.0, $780. 

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Jasper Frost, 86 points on Big Bucks Rodeo’s Keoki, $3,384; 2. Warwick Southern, 83.5, $2,594; 3. (tie) James Mann and Q McWhorter, 81.5, $1,579 each; 5. Jake Barnes, 81, $790; 6. Denton Mars, 79.5, $564; 7. Lefty Holman, 79, $451; 8. (tie) Tucker Bourdet and Cameron Messier, 78, $169 each. 

Tie-down roping: 1. Macon Murphy, 8.7 seconds, $2,757; 2. Gator Goodrich, 8.9, $2,432; 3. Paden Bray, 9.7, $2,108; 4. Brushton Minton, 10.1, $1,784; 5. Roan Hudson, 11.1, $1,622; 6. Jason Andersen, 11.5, $1,459; 7. Cody Stewart, 11.7, $1,297; 8. J. Cody Jones, 12.0, $1,135; 9. Tyler Forsberg, 12.3, $973; 10. Caden Farquer, 12.7, $649. 

Barrel racing: 1. Makenna Shook, 14.91 seconds, $3,225; 2. Kathy Petska, 15.17, $2,580; 3. Emily Harryman, 15.31, $2,096; 4. (tie) Meghann Pearce and Christina Porter, 15.36, $1,451 each; 6. Ann McGilchrist, 15.49, $968; 7. Ally Wheeler, 15.51, $806; 8. Madison Camozzi, 15.53, $726; 9. (tie) Kayla Hurl and Maren Powers, 15.54, $605 each; 11. Shelby Bates, 15.56, $484; 12. Shy-Anne Jarrett, 15.57, $403; 13. Tarryn Lee, 15.58, $323; 14. Julie Ketscher, 15.63, $242; 15. Paloma Alvarado, 15.67, $161. 

Bull riding: * 1. Colby Demo, 85 points on Empire Rodeo’s Boots, $3,887; 2. (tie) Clayton Sellars and Mason Spain, 81, $2,769 each; 4. Colby Strickland, 73, $1,762; no other qualified rides. *(all totals include ground money).

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Solvang plans a big day on 4th of July https://santaynezvalleystar.com/solvang-plans-a-big-day-on-4th-of-july/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:59:10 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21169 Morning parade to be followed by Independence Day celebration and fireworks show at Mission Santa Ines Summer is in full swing and as we leave June the usual big, red, white, and blue party is almost upon us: the 4th of July Parade and Celebration will be happening this Friday, July 4, in Solvang. The day begins with the Solvang 4th […]

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Morning parade to be followed by Independence Day celebration and fireworks show at Mission Santa Ines

Summer is in full swing and as we leave June the usual big, red, white, and blue party is almost upon us: the 4th of July Parade and Celebration will be happening this Friday, July 4, in Solvang.

Solvang 4th of July Parade participants dressed as minutemen march down Mission Drive during the 2024 parade. This year’s parade in Solvang with start at 10 a.m. this Friday, July 4. Star file photo

The day begins with the Solvang 4th of July Parade, proudly presented by the Solvang Rotary Club. The parade has one small change, the starting will be 10 a.m. this year, an hour earlier than the starting time for the last few years. Starting at the intersection of Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Alisal Road, the parade winds its way through the heart of charming downtown Solvang, bringing patriotic spirit and community pride to life.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Anything Can Happen in America,” and it will be presided over by this year’s Grand Marshals Walter and Kay Alves. Santa Ynez Valley residents since 1959, the couple has been noted for their philanthropy and service for many entities in the Valley.

Rotary Club Parade Committee President Steve Palmer said he is expecting about 65 to 70 entries in this year’s parade.

“Things are going well in preparation,” Palmer said on Monday, June 30. “According to the forecast, it looks like it will be a little cooler, so we’re looking forward to that. Other than that, we want to remind people it starts at 10 a.m., earlier than in the past, so get here early.”

The parade promises a vibrant procession featuring gleaming classic cars, majestic horse troupes, energetic dance groups, and a rousing high school marching band. Don’t miss the creative floats from local businesses and organizations, showcasing the spirit and talent of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Parade-goers are encouraged to bring their flags, lawn chairs, and festive spirit, and line the streets early for the best view of this beloved hometown tradition.

Of course, after the parade, people can march over to Mission Santa Ines for the annual Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Show at Old Mission Santa Inès in Solvang starting at 12 noon. This event is presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club (not to be confused with its Solvang counterpart) and put on by En Fuego Events.

The event promises to have the largest number of merchant and food vendors on site in 2025, with tons of food options and a great selection of vendors to browse.  

An old-time firetruck with flags and a patriotic stuffed bear travels down Mission Drive in Solvang during the 2024 Solvang 4th of July Parade. This year’s parade will be on Friday, July 4. Star file photo

It’ll also have a large kids area with bounce houses, rides, crafts, and face painters! Beer, seltzers and wine will be for sale for guests 21+. There will be live entertainment with a DJ spinning music all day beginning at 12 p.m. 

The Fireworks Show, put on as usual by noted local pyro-technician Kief Adler, will begin promptly at 9 p.m. and it is suggested that viewers arrive very early this year as record attendance is expected.

The gates for the celebration at the mission open at 12 p.m., with admission is $15, and kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Active Military with ID will receive up to four complimentary passes. Any additional tickets must be purchased. All active military must show IDs at the entrance. 

Guests may bring in lawn chairs and blankets, but no outside alcohol or coolers. All bags/strollers/carts will be checkedupon entering. Only service dogs will be allowed

Parking Options: Handicap parking is available at the corner of Mission Drive and Alisal Road (look for signage), but there is no parking onsite at Old Mission Santa Inés. Solvang has free parking and there are three public parking lots.

• 1639 Copenhagen Drive

• 464 Alisal Road

• 1616 Oak Street 

All of Santa Ynez Valley Rotary’s profits from the event go to support local charitable causes. 

If the party at the mission isn’t your thing for the 4th, there are some other events scheduled:

Alisal Ranch will have a 4th of July Celebration that’s all about barbecue, fireworks, and community. From 4 to 8 p.m. on July 4th, Alisal Ranch’s Executive Chef Erik Sandven and the River Grill team will fire up a classic Independence Day buffet with live music, sweeping golf course views, and fireworks to cap off the night. Tickets are $65 for adults and $45 for children. Patio seating is limited, so be sure to reserve early by calling (805) 688-7784. This celebration is open to the public. Alisal Ranch is located at 1054 Alisal Road.

The 4th of July falls on a Friday this year, and Carhartt Cabin in Los Olivos will have its usual Friday night live music from 5 to 8 p.m. Come and dance the night away and enjoy a glass or bottle of one of their delicious wines and snack on some goodies from a local food truck. No reservations. No cover. Tip bucket made available for the band.

The artist is TBA, but the Cabin has hosted musical acts like Stacked, Teresa Russell, Terry and the Ripley’s, T-Bone Ramblers, Adrian Floy, Mercantile Sessions, Soul Cats, Out of the Blue, Knee Deep, Kelly’s Lot, The New Vibe, and Jayden Secor.

The skies will light up this July 4 at Mission Santa Ines for the 4th of July Celebration presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club. Star file photos

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Solvang Awards $450K Grant to Santa Ynez Valley Aquatics Complex https://santaynezvalleystar.com/solvang-awards-450k-grant-to-santa-ynez-valley-aquatics-complex/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=21074 Landmark investment jumpstarts construction of year-round public swim facility In a major boost for regional recreation and public health, the City of Solvang has awarded a $450,000 grant to support the construction of the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Complex — a transformative, once-in-a-generation project designed to restore year-round public swim access to the Valley. […]

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Landmark investment jumpstarts construction of year-round public swim facility

In a major boost for regional recreation and public health, the City of Solvang has awarded a $450,000 grant to support the construction of the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Complex — a transformative, once-in-a-generation project designed to restore year-round public swim access to the Valley.

The grant, which will be disbursed upon groundbreaking and is available for up to three years, represents a significant show of support for the capital campaign currently underway. Local leaders say the funding not only marks a pivotal step forward but also sends a powerful message to other potential donors across Santa Barbara County.

“This grant is not only a critical step forward — it’s a call to action,” said Lisa Palmer, Board President and Campaign Chair of the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation (SYVCAF). “We are deeply grateful to the City of Solvang for making this bold investment in the health and safety of our Valley. We hope it inspires matching contributions and additional support from public and private sectors alike.”

The need for a new facility has grown urgent since public access to the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School (SYHS) pool was discontinued in 2020. Since then, Valley residents have had no public swim options, and SYHS athletes have been unable to host CIF-sanctioned events due to the limitations of the current 60-year-old pool.

The proposed complex, to be built on the SYHS campus, aims to change that. Plans include a 33-meter competition pool to support student athletics, local clubs, and lap swim, alongside a 25-yard warm-water recreation pool designed for swim instruction, aqua therapy, fitness classes, and affordable community access.

“Access to a public pool isn’t a luxury — it’s essential,” said Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy, who also serves on the project’s Campaign Steering Committee. “Solvang is proud to be part of a regional solution that will benefit families, students, and seniors alike. We believe this investment will help build momentum and partnerships throughout Santa Barbara County.”

The Aquatics Complex will offer comprehensive programming for all ages and abilities, including learn-to-swim classes, rehabilitation services, senior wellness programs, and space for competitive events — filling a longstanding gap in the Valley’s recreational infrastructure.

To learn more about the project or to contribute, visit syvpool.org.

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