Coming to the Viking Charities Classic Car Show, one is expected to see a wide variety of cars and other vehicles, mostly of the ‘classic’ variety, but sometimes you come across something a little different.

So it was as this reporter was going down Copenhagen Drive in Solvang shortly after arriving, and someone stopped to ask me where the “rat-rods” were. Not only didn’t I know where they were, I didn’t know what they were and I politely told the person I hadn’t seen them.

However, after walking just half a block, I found three of the so-called “rat-rods” parked right next to each other, and the owner of one of them, Ray Venegas from Chino Hills, was more than happy to enlighten me.

“In the 1940s and ’50s, people were putting together and racing jalopies,” Venegas explained. “But then that died out, and so the ‘rat-rod’ guys came along, the cars with big engines and they put their own stuff on it.” 

Venegas used as an example the cars they brought to the show: “If you want to put a cat on [the front bumper] you can. Ifyou want to show off a gold-plated engine [pointing to another rat-rod] you can do it. You can do whatever you want with it.”

Mark Goodacre of Temecula, who along with Venegas belongs to a Southern California car club called the 5150s, elaborated on the rat-rod concept.

“It’s just everyone doing something a little different with their car; with rat-rods there are no two completely alike,” Goodacre said. “And there are no big rules to follow; in fact, I call my car ‘Defiance,’ because I’m defying the rules.”

And so it was on this October day as everyone seemed to have a story about their car, and enjoyed hearing others.

This was the second year, the annual car show in Solvang was put on by the Vikings of Solvang, a noted community group, who took it over after the organizers of the Wheels ‘n’ Windmills decided to retire that particular event.

All money raised from the show and the gala dinner the night before goes to the Vikings of Solvang Endowment Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization which provides funding for the medically related needs of qualified individuals and health care organizations in the Santa Ynez Valley and throughout Santa Barbara County. Some of the money also goes toward the Vikings’ annual Christmas party for underpriviledged kids, coming in December.

Anyone walked through the streets of downtown Solvang got to see a eclectic mix of vehicles.

Dave Lazarro of Buellton had on display his white 1999 Pontiac Trans Am, with a Daytona 500 logo on the door.

“I found this one in Pennsylvania,” said Lazarro, who said he usually likes to buy Trans Ams. “It was built as a pace car, but it’s not the pace car for NASCAR races — there’s only two of those.”

“I like to show this off all over the area, from Paso to Carpinteria,” he said.

A little farther down the street was a pink 1957 Ford Thunderbird owned by Holly Foley of Fremont, who had the backseat and rear decked out in all sorts of artifacts of the time, like Barbie dolls, lunch pails, and Coca-Cola souvenirs.

“Some people use props on their cars for these things, and I just wanted to put some stuff up there that represents the car’s year,” Foley said. “The only problem is people see that there and they think the stuff’s on sale, and I have to tell them ‘no, it’s just for show.'”

Foley estimated she goes to about 80 car shows a year, but this was her first time at the Solvang one.

“I found out about it on a car website somewhere,” she said. “I’m really liking it here. Hey, you got the best pastries.”

The entries were rated by a panel of judges in several categories and awards were handed out in an afternoon ceremony at Solvang Park. The winners included:

Class AA – Modified – T-Bucket/Hot Rod (Open) to 1948: Winner – Victor Velasco – Yellow 1923 Ford T Bucket; Runner Up – Mary Jones – Red 1927 Ford T Bucket

B – Stock – 1955-1957 Chevy: Winner – Hank Baier – 1955 Chevrolet 210

BB – Modified – Hot Rod (Coupe/Sedan) to 1932: Winner – Tildon Courson – Red 1930 Studebaker Dictator Club Sedan

C – Stock – 1960-1999 GM (Excl. Class F): Winner – Mel Tomlinson – Blue 1969 Chevy Impala SS

CC1 – Modified – Hot Rod Coupe 1933-1948: Winner – Mike Zapata – Sunset Orange Pearl 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

CC2 – Modified – Hot Rod Sedan 1933-1948: Winner – Byron Beaver – Green 1937 Ford Tudor Humpback Sedan

CG – Modified – Mercury Cougar ( to 1999): Winner – Georgina May – Blue 1967 Mercury Cougar

D – Stock – 1960-1999 Ford/Mopar/Other (Excl. Class F): Winner – James Mintie – Blue 1969 Mercedes 280SE

DD – Modified – 1949-1959 All Makes (Excl. Class FF): Winner – Tina Almazan – Blue 1951 Ford Shoebox

EE – Modified – 1960-1999 All Makes: Winner – Merle Heggen – Blue 1969 Chevy Nova

F – Stock – 1964-1999 Camaro/Challenger/Cuda/Firebird/Mustang: Winner – Neal McCarter – Turquoise 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

FF – Modified – 1955-1957 Chevy: Winner – Jerry Fults – Blue 1957 Chevy 210

G – Stock – Corvettes to 1999: Tom Jordan – Nassau Blue 1966 Chevy Corvette Stingray

GG – Modified – Camaro/Challenger/Cuda/Firebird/Mustang to 1999: Winner – Dan Lazzaro – White 1999 Pontiac Trans Am

H – Stock – Trucks, El Camino, Ranchero to 1999: Winner – Steve Donovan – Turquoise 1962 Ford F-100

HH1 – Modified – Trucks to 1949: Winner – Mike Murphy – Tan 1934 Ford Pickup

HH2 – Modified – Trucks, El Camino, Ranchero to 1950-1999: Mike Buckels – Winner – Aqua 1965 Chevy El Camino

I – Stock – Sports Car (Foreign or Domestic) to 1999: Winner – Daniel Redmon – Gray/Blue 1957 Mercedes 190SL

II – Modified – Sports Car (Foreign or Domestic) to 1999: Winner – A.C. D’Augustine – Red 1965 Ford Cobra

MS – Modified – Military Vehicles to 1999: Winner -Dennis Beebe – Tan 1942 Ford GPW (Jeep)

RS – Modified – Rat Rods (any year): Winner – Robert Wong – Copper 1936 Ford Pickup Rat Rod

Feature image: A row of rat-rods is shown on Copenhagen Drive in Solvang during the Viking Charities Car Show in Solvang on Oct. 19.

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A week after getting back into the win column, the Santa Ynez High football team began league play on Oct. 4, and renewed a rivalry.

For the first time in more than two decades, the Atascadero and Santa Ynez football teams faced off as league opponents, this time as competitors in the new Sunset League. And in a game with tons of offense, Atascadero outlasted SYHS by a 42-34 score.

The Pirates (2-5, 0-1 in the Sunset League) were effective on offense during the evening, piling up 489 yards. Quarterback Jude Pritchard completed 25 of 43 passes for 234 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed for 92 yards, including a 46-yard TD run on a quarterback draw.

SYHS running back Griffin Bruner became the first Pirate with a 100-yard game on the ground this year, rushing for 118 yards and two TDs. Greyson Foy and Mason Skidmore also had scored for SYHS.

However, Santa Ynez could not stop Atascadero’s powerful rushing attack, gaining 346 yards on the ground. In fact, the Greyhounds only passed the ball four times all night, though one of them was for a touchdown. 

The Greyhounds held a 42-27 lead with less than four minutes left, but the Pirates nearly caught them at the end. SYHS went on a 78-yard drive and Bruner scored his last TD with 48 seconds left. Santa Ynez was able to recover the ensuing onside kick and take it down as far as Atascadero’s 19-yard line, but after a penalty, Pritchard attempted a Hail Mary pass to the end zone that receiver Max Andrade had a hand on, but could not bring down, resulting in an incompletion to end the game.

A week earlier, the Pirates were able to get their second win of the season on Sept. 27, rolling up 519 yards of offense in a 38-14 win over Santa Maria.

After a scoreless first quarter, a Saints punt had the Pirates starting at their own 8-yard line. SYHS moved it to the 37, and that’s when Foy took the ball and ran it 63 yards for the touchdown for a 7-0 lead. Later, Pritchard, who completed 21 of 26 passes for 217 yards, hit Andrade with a 29-yard scoring pass, and just before halftime, Austin Willis — taking over the kicking duties for an injured Diego Pulido — hit a 38-yard field goal to make it 17-0.

Santa Ynez put it away with three touchdowns in the third quarter, with Willis, Bruner, and Skidmore (reception) getting into the end zone.

The Pirates had a bye last Friday, Oct. 11, and return home this Friday night, Oct. 18, against Pioneer Valley. They will then host San Luis Obispo on Oct. 25, and wrap up the regular season at Righetti on Nov. 1.

Lady Pirates tennis plays ‘First Serve’ tournament in Huntington Beach

The Santa Ynez High girls tennis team took a break from Mountain League play to take part in the USTA Pete Brown “First Serve” Tournament on Oct. 5 in Huntington Beach. Santa Ynez and St. Joseph were the only two Central Coast schools in the eight-team field, and they ended up in the final, with the Knights beating the Lady Pirates 5-1.

In the tournament for Santa Ynez, Keegan Withrow was 4-0, while Haley Townes, Natalie O’Shaughnessy, and Danielle Hyland each won three of their four matches.

The team defeated Edison 4-2, La Quinta 5-1, and Whittier Christian 6-0, on its way to the final.

The Lady Pirates faced St. Joseph again on Thursday in an official Mountain League match. They face San Luis Obispo at home on Oct. 15, and travel to Morro Bay on Oct. 17, before playing in the CCAA Mountain League Prelims and Finals on Oct. 23-24.

Phelan does well at CCAA mid-season cross country meet

Seventy-nine female cross country runners came to the Cuesta-Fairbanks course for the CCAA mid-season meet in San Luis Obispo and Santa Ynez’s Brooke Phelan scored third overall and first place as a junior runner. According to assistant coach Gary Semerdjian, Brook mentioned that the hills were a challenge and that this might be the most difficult course to run on the Central Coast.

The cross country team will travel to Santa Maria to compete in the Waller Park Goose Chase, and on Oct. 25-26, they’ll go south for the Mt. SAC Inviational. League finals and CIF competitions will happen in early November.

Pirates girls golfers place third in latest Mountain League tournament

The Santa Ynez girls golf team played in the fourth Mountain League girls golf tournament today at Cypress Ridge golf course (par 72) in Arroyo Grande. The Pirates placed third with a score of 486, behind Arroyo Grande (393) and San Luis Obispo (480). Mackenzie Phelan was the low score for the Pirates with an 89.

The remaining golfers for Santa Ynez were Kacy Caplan (95), Addison West (97), Katherine Becerra (100), Sierra Freedman (105), and Savannah Hudley (110).

Feature image: Linemen for Santa Ynez (white) and Atascadero line up before the snap before their game in Atascadero on Oct. 4. The Greyhounds beat the Pirates 42-34 in the Sunset League opener for both teams.

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For the third straight year, the Red River Ranch in Los Olivos saw its lawn became of sea of cars, from antiques, to race cars, to sleek sports cars, wood-paneled wagons, and some of the old classics, just to name a few. And in the middle was the attention-getter: A sleek, black set of wheels fresh out of the Batcave.

That’s right! For the first time, the original Batmobile — the one designed for the TV show by the late, renowned Hollywood car creator George Barris — front and center at the third annual Cars & Cowboys Car Show on Saturday, Sept. 28.

A healthy crowd descended upon the ranch owned and operated by Al and Denise Frink and enjoyed not only the cars, but food and drink, a show by musician Rich Freeman, a live auction, and music provided again by the Motown sound of the Blue Breeze Band.

And 100 percent of the proceeds went to a worthy cause: the Santa Ynez Valley Meels on Wheels program.

Pam Gnekow, CEO of Santa Ynez Valley Outreach, the organization that run the local Meals on Wheels, addresses the crowd just before the auction part of the event to thank everyone for coming and to explain the necessity of Meals on Wheels.

“I can’t tell you what this means when you see these cars, see these people,” Gnekow said. “I see my friends, I see new friends made since this car shown started.” She then turned to Al and Denise Frink who have held the Cars and Cowboys and said “we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you so much!”

Gnekow went to explained how the Meals and Wheels serves up to 409 meals a day for local seniors, how the City of Buellton helped her find a new building and Santa Barbara County provided money for remodeling. And then she summed up why Meals of Wheels is such an important service for the Valley.

“We gave over 1.9 million pounds of food last year through the program,” she said. “And I still get questioned, ‘do people really need more food,’ and that just burns me, when anybody would stand in line for an hour to get some produce from us, which is what happens.

“So is there enough food? I’m gonna say no. As long as people are standing in line, as long as senior need to be fed we’re going to keep doing it.”

After that address, Gnekow explained how she was able to find a new auctioneer for the live auction about to happen.

“When I was thinking about an auctioneer for this, I thought I’d just really like to have a woman do this,” Gnekow said. “So I started looking, and someone told me there was this real badass woman from Arkansas [actually, Oklahoma] and I contacted and asked her if she would do it, and she said yes.”

With that, Carla Harrison a Cal Poly SLO graduate who now lives in Soper, Oklahoma, (Gnekow later corrected that publicly) took the stage and conducted the subsequent auction of goods, services, and experiences donated by local businesses.

Commenting after the auction, Harrison said she got interesting in calling auctions because her dad did that at livestock shows. She also said she was very receptive from the start to the idea of doing Cars & Cowboys when Gnekow asked her, but a little divine intervention ultimately convinced her to say yes.

“I was close to committing to it, but still wasn’t completely sure, so I prayed on it and then got my Bible,” Harrison said. “I opened the Bible to a random page, and it opened to the book of Numbers, like numbers I’d be yelling out at the auction. It was right then that I had to say yes.”

While the auction was going on in the big tent set up on the Red River Ranch property, there were still people admiring the multitude of cars on the lawn. Two Orange County residents were looking at some of the vehicles, one of was familiar with the property.

“My family’s good friends with Al Frink,” said Brooke Garcia of Newport Beach. “We’ve known him for a long time and they’ve invited us up here a few times and it’s a beautiful place.”

Garcia’s boyfriend Hunter Hesslin, said he enjoyed looking at the cars, but wasn’t as much of an automobile buff as his father.

“Yeah, my Dad is big into cars, so I’m here taking some photos for him,” he said. “I was thrilled to see the Batmobile here like everyone else, but the one I really liked is the Lamborghini they have here.”

Some of the cars had the owners/drivers standing by to talk shop with the attendees. Brian Bolton, who was born in the UK but now lives in Ballard, was showing off his 1968 Land Rover Series 2A, along with his brother-in-law John Harrison.

“This is a 1968, but it evolves from a 1948, which was the first utility vehicle,” Bolton said. “It was a non-runner [non-operational] in England, but we were able to fix it and register it as operational here. It only goes about 45 mph tops, but I use it every two or three days to tow things or just drive it around; fortunately there’s not a lot of traffic where I live.”

While Bolton had his vehicle for this show and even put a rope around the front bumper (“just for the hell of it,” he said), he said he doesn’t bring the Land Rover out for just show too often.

“It’s not about showing; it’s about the experience with the vehicle,” he said. “When I drive it, I see my dad and the feel of it. It’s a connection.”

Those attending the Cars & Cowboys Car Show on Sept. 28, got to see all kinds of cars on the Red River Ranch property. Photos by Mike Chaldu.

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What was meant to be a safety and informational meeting held by Caltrans officials on the upcoming improvements for Highway 154, most notably a roundabout planned for the highway and Foxen Canyon, turned contentious at times as the residents voiced their displeasure with traffic conditions, the slow process for improvements, and, for some, the idea that the roundabout was the best solution.

Caltrans held the meeting on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 3, at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopalian Church to explain the timetable for the project that would place a roundabout at the intersection of Foxen Canyon Road and Highway 154 to help slow down traffic on the 154.

Caltrans District 5 official John Olejnik welcomed a packed room to the meeting and pointed out they wanted to keep the dialogue open and have discussions about the roundabouts that began last December.

“We’re making an effort to be as transparent and open as possible, and to that end we’re meeting tonight,” he said.

Olejnik then introduced Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, who mentioned the presence of other elected officials in the Valley, such as Buellton Mayor Dave King and Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti. Also present was Carson Link, representative for State Senator Monique Limon.

Hartmann spoke of the timeline of getting to this point, as the process began when she was getting complaints about traffic accidents at Foxen Canyon and 154, which led to a neighborhood meeting in June of 2023, and again in December 2023, where Caltrans suggested multiple options to improve conditions.

“But now [Caltrans] have gone further and they’re going to propose a project for us,” she said. “And I think what you’ll find is that they’ve really taken to heart the community concerns.”

After Hartmann finished her introductory address, Olejnik and Project Manager Ben Jensen began the presentation for the Foxen Canyon/154 roundabout.

Olejnik said the roundabout was decided on after an online survey last year, which drew 375 reponses, showed that andusing flashing beacons to warn driving of potential cross-traffic were the most popular options.

Olejnik said a traffic safety investigation conducted by Caltrans determined that a 4-way stop would not be effective because of the traffic delays it would cause on the surface streets.

Later in the presentation, Jensen gave the timeline and said with project planning, design and environmental documentation, and permit process, the bidding and start of construction would probably not begin until 2027 or 2028, with a projected completion in 2030. The projected cost was given as $5 million to $10 million.

The floor was opened to questions from the audience and there were plenty.

One person asked about fixing the situation at Roblar Avenue, which is farther south on 154.

“We definitely need a 4-way stop there,” she said. “Here’s what you guys need to know, because I don’t know if you live here or not, but it’s a 20-car backup because some are afraid to cross over, and then you have people going too fast (on 154), and you get accidents like [the previous day] when a poor girl got here car crunched in a T-bone.

“Please explain why you can’t just put a 4-way stop in there like, tomorrow.”

Olejnik said they were conducting an investigation to see what was going on at the Roblar intersection, to which the resident answered back “Everyone in this room is telling you what’s happening.”

Another person who said he lived on the corner of Steel Street, next to Foxen Canyon Road said while a 4-way stop would help on 154, the cross streets would be backed up.

“The gridlock’s going to be like Solvang,” he said. “I won’t even be able to get out of my driveway. So why don’t you guy put in a control signal with speed bumps or breaker bumps alerting someone there’s going to be a signal there.”

Throughout the Q-and-A session many more issues were brought up, including the presence of semi-trucks on 154 and how to discourage those drivers from using that road; lowering the speed limit on stretches of 154; and how to speed up the process of highway construction. Many also had complaints that Caltrans was not doing a good enough job of keeping residents informed of road conditions and projects.

In many cases, comments got critical and somewhat heated, which prompted King, the Buellton mayor, to speak on behalf of the Caltrans officials.

“I feel your pain, I get what you’re saying,” said King, who serves on the county’s Highway 154 Safety Committee and is a retired California Highway Patrol officer. “I wore the same uniform as the two guys in the back. I worked 154 a lot and have probably written a ticket to one or two of you.”

“There’s couple things you have to take into consideration,” King continued. “Caltrans has to go by a set of rules that the state makes … they have rules that are set forth by them by the state of California and the legislator.”

What that means, King explained, is that many of the suggestions made during the meeting can’t be done immediately.

“You can’t just throw a stop sign on the road because you’ve perceived there’s a problem there,” he said. “Because these guys, once again, and this has not been said during this whole meeting, these guys have to go by a set of rules.”

For more information on Caltrans and their projects, go to dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5.

Feature image: John Olejnik, from Caltrans District 5, gives a presentation explaining the proposed roundabout on Foxen Canyon Road and Highway 154 during a safety meeting with Los Olivos residents on Thursday, Oct. 3. Photo by Mike Chaldu

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On Friday, Sept. 27, many Solvang elected officials, businesspeople, and residents gathered at the Craft House on Corque to hear Mayor Mark Infanti give the State of the City award. The audience was also treated to a keynote speaker — Jesper Kamp, who is the Danish Consul General for Silicon Valley and spoke of the business relationship between the U.S. and Denmark.

Another dignitary was Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alvin Salge who stepped down as commander of the VFB Post 7139 in Solvang earlier this year after a long tenure. He was given a proclamation during the luncheon (one that was read in the Solvang City Council meeting four days earlier).

Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti read the proclamation, which stated that Salge “has exemplified courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment during his service in the United States Air Force, defending the principles of freedom and democracy that we hold dear,” and “has served as a beacon of inspiration by community involvement, leadership roles, and volunteering efforts” for Solvang.

Infanti summed up by proclaiming that day Friday, Sept. 27, as “Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7139 Alvin Salge Day,” in Solvang.

Salge spent a distinguished, highly-decorated 20-year career in the United States Air Force, during which he served as a Weapons Systems and Electronic Warfare Officer in F-4 Fighter Aircraft. Lt. Col Salge flew over 200 combat missions in Vietnam, and spent tours in Germany, Iran and at staff positions in Hawaii and at the Pentagon.

After Salge’s presentation, the program went to the keynote speaker Jesper Kamp, who is Denmark’s consul general to Silicon Valley, an appropriate choice for a city known so well for its Danish heritage.

Kamp stressed the friendship the two countries have had for decades and how it benefits both sides.

“Denmark has been the strongest ally to the U.S. over the years,” he said. “It’s amazing how the nations have worked tirelessly to maintain this.”

Throughout his presentation, Kamp pointed out ways the U.S. and Denmark have worked hand-in-hand and how Denmark has assisted this country. Examples, as he pointed out in a graphic on the screen, include internationalizationof Danish research and education, helping companies scale globally, navigate technonlogical opportunities, and introduce innovative Danish solutions to the U.S. market.

As his next slide said: We are part of a bigger picture … and of a bigger team.”

“These show what can happen when two nations come together in friendship and cooperation,” he said. “As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, let’s us continue to build on the successes of the past, and what we can create in the future.”

After Kamp’s address, it was time for Mayor Infanti to give, of course, the State of the City for Solvang. Before his speech, however, Infanti called Kamp back up to the podium. Infanti told Kamp he was into woodworking and then gave Kamp an oak platter as a gesture of appreciation.

“I was able to laser the name ‘Solvang’ onto it in the hopes it will remind of our little town you spent some time in,” the mayor said as he gave the platter to an appreciative Kamp.

Infanti began his address by listing the city staff and explaining what they do. He then noted it was a small staff and that there is another list of employees who work for the city

“Those are contract calls,” Infanti said. “Those are the things that we don’t have enough staff to do. So we have to go out and get contracts to get certain things done.

“And so, I wanted to make a point that we are handling our city the best we can, and we still don’t have enough people to do everything we need to do.”

Infanti also pointed out the city finances this past year, noting that revenues surpassed expenses by $354,961, there was cause for concern.

“Expenses are going up, but revenue has not,” he said. “Shortly that’s going to be a problem.”

To that end, Infanti put in his endorsement for Measure E-2024, the city measure in the Nov. 5 election that would raise the Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 12 percent to 14 percent.

Infanti went on to listed some of the projects the city looked to complete in 2025: Alamo Pintado road repair and various sidewalk and asphalt repair. Also, he mentioned new businesses he’s expecting. There are two hotel on Mission Road expected to open soon, as well as an apartment complex on Copenhagen, a combo market/deli/coffee shop on Mission, and a Medical Clinic/Cancer Center on Windmill.

Oh, and Infanti also mentioned the apartment complex on “Site C,” the lot on the corner of Alamo Pintado Road and Old Mission Road. That polarizing project is known as Wildwood.

After Infanti’s address, City Manager Randy Murphy took the podium to answer city-related questions from the audience. Among them:

• Asked the timeline for the Alamo Pintado Road repair, Murphy said it would be up for reveiw in January.
• When someone asked where they could find out about new project being built, Murphy said there was a page on the city website (cityofsolvang) that shows what works are in progress.
• One audience member brought up the permitting process from local builders and how its causing a lot of builders to abandon Solvang because it’s a slow process. “Codes are definitely antiquated, and previous regimes failed to update them,” he said. “How are going to keep people building in this town?”

Feature image: U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alvin Salge (center, holding proclamation) poses with (from left) Art Kaslow, Alejandra Sanchez, Jeff McKeone, and Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti after being honored at the State of the City on Sept. 27. Photos by Mike Chaldu

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Halloween will be upon us in a little over two weeks, on Thursday, Oct. 31, and until — well, even beyond that — there are plenty of scary, not-so-scary, and just plain fun activities for Valley residents to enjoy.

One staple of the season has been the Haunted House put on by Solvang Parks and Recreation, which is coming back on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, with the theme “Lost Shadows.” One difference, though: Instead of happening at the Parks and Rec building, it will move across 2nd Street and be staged at the Solvang Festival Theater.

The attraction is open from 6 to 9:30 p.m., with a kid-friendlier event from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. The Festival Theater is located at 420 2nd St. in Solvang.

Also, if you’re in Solvang this month walk around and find multiple displays in front of businesses for the Scarecrow Fest. During the month-long Scarecrow Fest, which concludes on Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31), Solvang businesses and organizations will participate in the contest by featuring a scarecrow of their own creation posted at their location. The 2024 festival includes the use of QR codes and a digital voting system, as well as using traditional paper maps and ballots. See SYVscarecrows.com for more information.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, get ready for a hauntingly good time at Zaca Mesa Vineyards (6893 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos) for the Spooky Paella Pop-Up. The event goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music from the talented Cary Park, delicious food from Vin X Food & Wine Events, Zaca Mesa & TREAD wine, spooky-themed goods from Perfectly Weird Shop, and tarot readings. Enjoy a delightful array of our wines as you relax in the atmosphere and kick off spooky season in style. Walk-ins welcome, or make a reservation! For more info, go to zacamesa.com/upcoming-events.

The SYV Humane Society & DAWG animal shelter (which won the Harvest Trophy last year for best Scarecrow Fest display BTW) is hosting a special Halloween Trunk or Treat Adoption Event and Haunted Vet Clinic from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. The shelter on 111 Commerce Drive in Buellton invites the public to come for “trunk or treat” and maybe adopt a four-legged friend in the process. 

The Humane Society also appreciates help and donations for decorations, purchasing a “trunk or treat” space, and food trucks and trailers to join in the event at no cost. For more info, call (805) 688-8224 or email info@syvhumane.org.

Still need to get a pumpkin for Halloween? The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch is back at its usual spot at 1035 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang. The patch is offering hundreds of pumpkins for sale, and while you’re looking, take a trip through the 14-acre corn maze, which has a new wrinkle this year: a scavenger hunt. There’s also a kids maze and refreshments offered while you look for that perfect gourd.

Another pumpkin-hunting option is Summerset Farm (3450 Baseline Ave, Santa Ynez). For over 18 years Summerset Farm has been providing the Santa Ynez Valley with a classic Pumpkin Patch experience. From Cinderella Pumpkins, to White, Blue, Green, traditonal Jack O Lantern, Peanut, and several other varieties. You can find mini pumpkins as well as giant statement piece pumpkins to adorn your doorstep, wowing all who visit. They also offer a general store and a sunflower maze to stroll through.

And the festivities don’t stop at Oct. 31 — the weekend after, Saturday, Nov. 2, will be a celebration of Dia de Los Muertes Day at the Flying Flags RV Park in Buellton. Join the fun for a day of festivities for Dia de Los Muertes — or “Day of the Dead” — with live music, food and activities. Also that evening, Sunstone Winery (125 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez) is holding a Haunted Ball, an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and hauntingly good vibes. This year’s theme is “Masquerade,” so attendees are asked to wear their best masks. Shuttle service will be available between Santa Barbara and Sunstone. For more info go to sunstonewinery.com/event/2024-haunted-ball-at-sunstone.

However, you choose to celebrate, have a happy, and safe, Halloween.

Feature image: The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch on Alamo Pintado Road is back selling pumpkins big, little, and in-between through Oct. 31. Star File Photo

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Ashley Jenkins continues to beat the drum for the work-in-progress Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum at the former Willemsen property on 202 Dairyland Road in Buellton.

The founder and board president hosted the latest fundraising event on Sept. 14, a Carnival event with several games for all ages, free tacos, and a silent auction for various prizes, as well as a separate option for a lot of homemade desserts.

During her speech, Jenkins brought up a shining example of what keeps her going in her effort to bring the museum to fruition.

“There is one kid here tonight, over at that table,” Jenkins said, pointing toward young Paul Ortiz, who stood out with his Santa Ynez youth football jersey and a matching orange cast healing a forearm injury. “He wroter me a letter recently, and it was the cutest thing in the world and he did it all with a broken arm.”

Jenkins then displayed the letter: “It says ‘Hey, thanks for what you’re doing. Thanks for making a cool place for me to play, and thanks for giving me a safe place, a fun place.”

She then invited Paul over to join her and display the letter amid audience applause.

“It is because the kids appreciate it,” she said, answering her own question of “Why keep doing it”?

The Carnival event drew quite a crowd, offering plenty of fun exhibits, and a few improvements over last June’s event, thanks to some donated funds.

“We were able to raise money to put a shade over our Dirt Zone, which is one of our most popular exhibits,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins also noted that Rachel Van Pelt raised funds for an “ant hill,” an artificial mound with a grass covering.

“We want to make a bigger one with a tunnel through it so kids can crawl through,” said Jenkins, who praised Van Pelt for the funding, and Coastal Landscape for providing the hill.

Other improvements noted by Jenkins included a gazebo given to the museum by the Solvang Senior Center, and a new sandbox that marks a permanent home for the “Dino Dug” exhibit thanks to 805 Concrete.

“I love that we can show everyone where the money’s going into,” Jenkins said.

Later on, more money was raised thanks to the event’s Dessert Auction, where attendees bid on various goodies like cakes, pies, cookies, and more.

And near the end of the event, they had “Chicken Crap Bingo.”

Volunteer Amy Yeung brought her chicken, Miss Gandolph, to participate in a game where people bought squares on a grid; then, Miss Gandolph was put into a pen with the numbers on a bigger sheet on the ground, and whatever number Miss Gandolph “did her business” on would be the winner.

It was a good idea in theory, but unfortunately Miss Gandolph didn’t seem to want to relieve herself. It’s still unclear whether Miss Gandolph ever determined a winner.

The Children’s Museum was an idea welcomed by many parents at the event.

Mike and Brooke Volpe, attended the fundraiser with their children, Zackary, 10, and Katelynne, 8. The family recently moved from Dublin, California, to Solvang, where Brooke was in the process of opening a fitness business.

“One of the moms in the Fit for Moms business I’m starting is a volunteer here and suggested I come to this,” she said. “It’s a great place for everyone, and it’s good for all ages.”

Mike Volpe was equally impressed.

“I like how they’re blending science and art and bringing both together in the same museum,” he said. “And since I’m a history geek, I hope there’s some history mixed in too. But anything that get kids into learning is great.”

Jenkins hopes that attitude spreads across the Santa Ynez Valley

“We’re building more than a playground, though,” she said while addressing the crowd. “We’re building a resource for the whole community.”

Jenkins mentioned three ways to for people to help: Spread the word, take your story back into your communities and tell them about it; Volunteer with the museum, whether you can spare a couple hours a year, or a couple hours a month; and third, giving monthly, giving today, giving into the future.

You can donate on the museum website syvchildrenmuseum.com using the Donation button or visit their Amazon Wishlist to see some of their current needs. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram @SYVchildrensmuseum.

Feature image: Santa Ynez Children’s Museum found and Board President Ashley Jenkins displays a letter she received from Paul Ortiz (left, in SY Pirates jersey) thanking her for her efforts, at the Children’s Museum Carnival fundraiser on Sept. 14.

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Santa Ynez High School held its Homecoming the weekend of Sept. 13 and crowned Queen Malia Ortiz and King Angel Gonzalez during halftime of that night’s football game between SYHS and Mission Prep High School of San Luis Obispo.

Ortiz and Gonzalez received the honor each among a field of eight candidates. The King and Queen were paired up and driven to the field in a classic car or pickup and each was individually introduced while being escorted by family members before lining up on the sidelines for the big announcements.

Homecoming Princesses were Gigi Demeure, Grace Vazquez, Haylee Fox, Kimberly Medina, Nataly Davalos, Sofia Tinajero, and Sophia Merz. Homecoming Princes were Aaron Figueroa, Dylan Ross, Hayden Blunt, Ilan Torres, Jack Fisher, Kurren Kays, and Luca Clifton.

The Pirates football was defeated by the visiting Royals 30-13 in the Homecoming game.

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A season that started with an impressive win over Dos Pueblos more than a month earlier continued to take a downward turn Sept. 13 as the Pirates suffered a 30-13 Homecoming night defeat to Mission Prep.

Santa Ynez followed that up with a 13-7 loss at Nipomo on Sept. 20 in a game that saw some key Pirates players on the sidelines. That loss dropped SYHS’s record to 1-4 (pending last Friday’s result at Santa Maria) as it prepares to start Sunset League play on the road at Atascadero this Friday, Oct. 4.

The game against Mission Prep seemed to follow the script of the previous two losses against San Marcos and Lompoc: Keep the game close, or even have a lead, into the second half, but let the game get away late.

Santa Ynez High quarterback Jude Pritchard carries the ball during the Pirates’ Sept. 13 Homecoming game against Mission Prep.

The visiting Royals jumped out to a 10-point lead in the second quarter, but the Pirates struck with 36 second left in the first half when quarterback Jude Pritchard hit receiver Luke Gianis with a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 10-7 at halftime.

After all the Homecoming halftime festivities, Pritchard was able to hit Gianis again for a score, this time from 15 yards out, to give the Pirates a 13-10 lead with 8:49 left in the third quarter.

The two touchdowns underscored a big night for Gianis, who had 9 catches for 114 yards to lead the team. Pritchard also put up some impressive numbers on the night, completing 24-of-28 passes, with no interceptions, 285 yards, and the two scores.

Mason Skidmore also emerged as a receiving target, catching 5 passes for 62 yards.

Diego Pulido, probably the Pirates’ best all-around player at kicker, receiver, and defensive back, had 4 receptions for 60 yards, but unfortunately had to come out with an injury after being tackled and didn’t return.

After the SYHS go-ahead TD, it was all Mission Prep. The Royals took back the lead at 17-13 with a touchdown run in the third quarter, and then scored twice more in the fourth for the final margin.

Santa Ynez High defenders Sebastian Perez (left) and Asa Radelfinger (right) bear down on a Mission Prep ballcarrier Sept. 13 during the Pirates’ Homecoming game.

Pirates head coach Josh McClurg was left shaking his head at another second-half fade.

“I don’t know what it is, but we’re just not finishing,” McClurg said. “We play them tough to begin with, give ourselves a chance to win, but then can’t close it.”

“This is probably the best team we’ve played this year,” the coach added. “But, we still need to do better in the second half.”

McClurg did have praise for Gianis and the offense.

“We did make some progress offensively, which was good,” he said. “And Gianis really stepped up with us gearing the offense toward him tonight.”

The next week against Nipomo, Santa Ynez struggled again. Of course, the Pirates had to play without three key players due to injury: Pulido, Pritchard and Max Andrade, a leader on defense.

The game between the Pirates and the Titans was short on points although both team were able to move the ball, with Santa Ynez gaining 362 yards of offense, and Nipomo 302 yards.

However, Nipomo was able to get into the end zone with touchdowns in the second and fourth quarters, while Santa Ynez was held scoreless until the fourth, when Griffin Bruner scored on a short run late in the game.

The Pirates will play their first Sunset League game this Friday night, 7 p.m. at Atascadero. It will be their third straight road game. After a bye week Oct. 11, SYHS will return to Rio Memorial Field for two straight home games, against Pioneer Valley on Oct. 18, and San Luis Obispo on Oct. 25, before traveling to Righetti to close out the regular season.

SYHS girls tennis and girls golf teams start Mountain League play

The Santa Ynez girls golf team played in the second Mountain League tournament of the season Sept. 24 at the par-73 Rancho Maria Golf Club. The Pirates placed second of five teams (behind Arroyo Grande), with Mackenzie Phelan leading the Pirates with an 83, the third lowest score on the day. Gigi Gunasayan and Cece Lewis of Arroyo Grande tied for the medalist of the match each scoring 76.

Other Santa Ynez scores were: Addison West, 101; Kacy Caplan, 103; Katherine Becerra, 108; Sierra Freedman, 108; and Savannah Hudley, 126.

The Pirates also placed second Sept. 16 in the first Mountain League tournament (again to Arroyo Grande). Phelan again led SYHS with an 88.

Girls tennis gets first Mountain League win

The Santa Ynez High girls tennis team just started its Mountain League schedule, and, after losses to Lompoc and Arroyo Grande, got into the win column Sept. 24 with a 6-3 victory over St. Joseph.

The Lady Pirates swept doubles to start the match as Keegan Withrow/Haley Townes won 8-7, (10-8); Kate Mazza/Natalie O’Shaughnessy won 8-0; Violet Quinney/Rylee Arellano won 8-6. In singles, No. 2 Townes (7-6 [9-7], 7-5), No. 4 O’Shaugnhnessy (6-4, 6-4), and No. 5 Danielle Hyland (6-1, 6-1) were victorious.

“Haley Townes played a great singles match to clinch the last win against St. Joe’s,” SYHS head coach Jennifer Rasmussen said. “She was down 1-4 in the first set and came back to win in a tie-breaker 9-7, and down 0-3 in the second set, pulling out a 7-5 win.” 

Rasmussen also praised Townes and Withrow for their doubles victory.

“Keegan and Haley also played from behind in their first match of the day. They fell behind 0-5, but battled back tie it at 7 all, which lead to a 10-point super tie breaker,” the coach said. “They pulled off the victory, which gave the girls momentum going into singles up 3-0!”  

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The Solvang City Council met for its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, hearing from a representative of the League of California Cities, and discussing a staff study on business performances on event weekends compared to non-event weekends.

But to start off the meeting, council issued a proclamation honoring a respected city individual: Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alvin Salge, a well-known veteran and longtime VFW Post 7139 commander before stepping down from his post earlier this year.

Mayor Mark Infanti read the proclamation, which stated that Salge “has exemplified courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment during his service in the United States Air Force, defending the principles of freedom and democracy that we hold dear,” and “has served as a beacon of inspiration by community involvement, leadership roles, and volunteering efforts” for Solvang.

Infanti summed up by proclaiming Friday, Sept. 27, as “Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7139 Alvin Salge Day,” in Solvang. Sept. 27 also happened to be the date of this year’s Solvang State of the City addressed, and Infanti said the proclamation would be repeated there.

Next, the council listened to a presentation from Dave Mullinax, the regional public affairs manager for the League of California Cities, an association that advocates for the right of most of the state’s 482 cities.

“No matter how well you do your jobs, we’re going to be impacted by the decisions of the state,” Mullinax said. “We’re lobbying for your interests.”

Mullinax was there to update the council on the legislative actions of the lawmakers in Sacramento and identified three important propositions: Proposition 4 (state bonds for safer drinking water and wildfire prevention), Proposition 5 (bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure with 55 percent approval) and Proposition 36 (allows felony charges and increases sentences for certain drug and theft crimes; meant to counter Proposition 47 that passed in 2014).

But Mullinax said the big thing cities would have to deal with is the state’s mandates on affordable housing.

“We asked the governor [Gavin Newsom] to veto a lot of housing bills, but he signed them all,” Mullinax said. “We have to be vigilant about RENA; if you’re not in compliance on the deadline, Builders Remedy kicks in and the state will levy $50,000 fines monthly while you’re not in compliance.

“So stay out front of it, get it done, or there will be consequences.”

City Councilmember Robert Clarke thanked Mullinax for his insight and said, “I wish more residents were here right now [to hear this], how we’re between a rock and a hard place. The state can be vicious if you’re not compliant.”

Clarke also asked about the objectives of newly elected leaders going to Sacramento: “Do you feel that they go up there to truly represented their districts, or do they just figure, now that they’re in Sacramento, they can just get on the train.”

“In my opinion, everyone at first wants to be Jimmy Stewart in ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,’ and fight the good fight,” Mullinax answered. “But then special interests can get in their ear, and suddenly it’s easier to just make that money.”

The Consent Agenda was eventually passed, but not before Item 6-f, to approve up to $180,305 for the Solvang Park Lighting Project, was pulled for discussion.

Claudia and Elizabeth Orona both had questions about costs and necessity. Solvang Parks and Recreation Director Jenny McClurg explained the project.

McClurg said that the project will put underground cables in for the lighting at Solvang Park, where the holiday light show happens during Julefest.

“It’ll be underground cabling and new lights,” she said. “Before we’d been hanging up the lights up above in the trees, and we’ve had problems with people clipping those.”

McClurg also said the project would allow the city to stage light shows for other holidays and special events. She also said there would be a one-time fee of just under $119,000 for installation, and it would cost $61,000 a year for maintenance, which would be minimal.

With that info, the council moved to approve the item (the rest of the Consent Agenda passed earlier), and it passed 5-0.

In Discussion Items, Solvang Marketing and Events Coordinator Candice Libera presented her report on Special Events Weekends impact on businesses compared to non-special event weekends.

The report, which had been requested by City Council, consisted of 18 responses from the Village Mixed-Use District: Four retail stores, three bakeries, four wineries, four lodging, and two restaurants.

Libera said that the results were mixed, which she expected.

“Lodging, bakery, and restaurants tend to have increases,” she said. “Wine retail is most volatile. Events impact businesses very differently.”

Libera cited other impacts, such as businesses’ abilities to display themselves when more people are brought to town, and using social media posts and campaigns to their benefit.

“Ultimately, leveraging these opportunities can significantly boost our visibility and appeal on a national and international scale, positively influencing future revenue for the city,” Libera said in the report.

Ultimately, councilmembers felt the feedback wasn’t as much as they’d like, and more engagement is required from businesses for the survey. Councilmember Dave Brown suggested that survey could be mailed to business with the license renewals when they are up.

The next City Council meeting will be on Monday, Oct. 14.

Feature Image: U.S. Air Force veteran and former VFW Post 7139 Commander Lt. Col. Alvin Salge addresses the Solvang City Council after it honored him with a proclamation during the council’s Sept. 23 regular meeting. Screenshot from YouTube

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