EDITOR’S NOTE: Shortly after this story was published, the A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery was closed. A statement from Art Alvarez’s lawyer said, “The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery of Solvang was forced to quit due to a lease agreement that was only benefitting the landlord and not the lessee.”

The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery was overflowing with guests, with over a hundred people attending the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Art Alvarez’s new art gallery on Saturday, Nov. 23. They were all there to celebrate and support Alvarez in his new endeavor.

Guests included dignitaries such as Mayor Mark Infanti, Mayor Pro Tem (and Mayor-Elect) David Brown, and City Manager Randy Murphy of Solvang, who all helped Alvarez with the ribbon cutting.

Guests enjoyed wine and charcuterie while perusing the works of award-winning artists. On display were the oil paintings of Joel Phillips; pastels by Kris Buck; watercolors by Karen McGraw; sculptures by Pat Roberts; Disney-inspired oil, pastel, and watercolor prints by Devyn Samara; panoramic architectural ink and watercolor prints by George Rosu; and of course, the distinguished Disney originals by Alvarez himself. All but two of the artists were in attendance to talk to the guests about their work. Unfortunately, Buck and McGraw were unable to attend due to a traffic pile-up on Highway 101. The gallery also displays a collection of vintage airbrushes, an array of Disney memorabilia, and pencil art. 

Alvarez, who previously had another gallery in Solvang, which was off the beaten path and not a good location for an art gallery, was approached by Ed St. George, who was looking for an artist to create historic murals for his buildings. 
“When Ed approached me with his idea of creating historic murals for his buildings and realized I was a former Disney artist, he said, ‘I have a spot for you!’ And that spot was in his newly acquired building, located on Alisal Road near Copenhagen Street,” Alvarez said. “When I saw the space, I jumped at the offer. It is the perfect spot for an art gallery. I didn’t want to create one of those sterile galleries where people are reluctant to enter. I wanted to create one that is warm and inviting. And this is it. I had a soft opening in September, and we’ve had a ton of traffic.”

As Alvarez cut into the red ribbon in front of his new gallery, he spoke to the attending crowd, saying “This is a dream come true. Over the years I have visited thousands of art galleries, all the while dreaming of having one of my own. But what makes it super sweet for me is opening one in my hometown.” 

Both guests and artists were eager to extend their well wishes to Alvarez.

“Art is a great contribution to our city,” said Infanti. “He had another gallery down a pretty little laneway, but it was out of the way, and he didn’t get enough foot traffic. This building used to belong to David Rasmussen, and when he sold it, the new owner divided it into several small shops, and Art had the opportunity to move here and become much more obvious to the public. And it’s been wonderful. I want to say to Art, congratulations, and wish him the best of luck.”

Fellow artists added their praise to Alvarez.

“I am honored to be working together with Art, to be showing my work in the company of so many fine artists,” said Phillips.

“It is a joy to exhibit my work in Art’s new gallery. The paintings and drawings he’s included appeal to all ages and to many different art aesthetics,” Samara said. “I especially enjoyed seeing the kids’ faces light up as they passed the gallery and saw some of their favorite Disney characters on the back wall. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to be exposed to a variety of different types of art and broaden their creative education. All of the artists here are so talented and I feel privileged to be in their company.”

“The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery is a beautiful addition to downtown Solvang. It elevates the experience for visitors and locals alike. It is very inviting,” said Ester Jacobsen Bates, one of the guests who attended the opening. “Not often do you get to meet the artists and learn the stories behind their art.”

“It’s been a long time since we’ve had a true and inviting art gallery in Solvang. It’s warm, inviting, comfortable, and easily accessible,” said Roberts. “It is nice for the artists too, because of the increased foot traffic they will get in this location.”

“I used to sell my prints to Rasmussens in 1975, and off and on over the years,” said Rosu. “I go out almost every weekend selling my prints at various art festivals all over the United States. I’ve known Art since the 1980s. We used to hang out but lost touch over the years. I was in Solvang recently and saw a sign for his gallery, and one day I caught him in and rekindled our old friendship. He asked me to exhibit my art in his gallery, and I immediately said yes. I am honored to be exhibiting in Art’s new gallery. He is a genius.”

The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery is located at 461 Alisal Road, Solvang. For more information, call (805) 691-9058.

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Amanda Russell’s childhood dream was to become a ballerina, and her mother made sure to provide her with whatever she needed to fulfill that dream. And through hard work and dedication, that dream has been fulfilled. She was recently asked to join the staff at Fossemalle Dance Studio in Santa Ynez as a new dance teacher.

“I was basically raised at Fossemalle Dance Studio having started dance classes when I was 5 years old,” said Russell.“My first ballet dance performance was in 2011, and I wore an angel costume with wings and held a little candle. I was in awe of the older dancers and was determined to learn ballet no matter what.

“My mother raised me by herself since I was 2 and she never failed to keep me in dance classes, working several jobs so she could support my passion,” said Russell emotionally.

In time, Russell added jazz, tap, and hip-hop into her curriculum of classes. She began performing in the Christmas tree lighting dances featuring tap and ballet. The opportunities only grew as she moved into the advanced dance classes. 

While attending Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, she taught basic ballet and tap as a side job at the Buellton Rec Center, taking her inspiration from Fossemalle’s classes, which she continued to take. She also occasionally stepped in as a substitute teacher at Fossemalle Dance Studio.

“I was privileged to have the opportunity to perform at the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley in celebration of the life of Marta Becket, performer, artist, and friend of Christine’s,” she said. “That was a wonderful experience.”

Russell continued to pursue her passion for dance by applying for intensive workshops and auditioning for stage performances. 

“I auditioned with the American Ballet Theater for an intensive workshop and was selected to go to Texas, but I had to decline. But that summer, I auditioned for ’42nd Street’ with Arts Outreach and tapped my heart out. That was the start of my career,” she said. “I continued doing theater at the high school with Jeff McKinnon until I graduated. I would do theater at the high school and then come after school to take dance classes. Those times were hard because of Covid. We had to dance outside and ultimately do our annual performance on Zoom. Miss Fossemalle made sure the stage outside was clean and dry and safe for the dancers.”

Russell would continue her passion for dance as she furthered her education.

“After graduation, I went to Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) intending to study animal science, but quickly shifted my focus back to theater, a field I had experienced, been involved in, and enjoyed in high school,” she said. “I was a part of two SBCC Theatre Group productions which led me to audition for various theater programs throughout the country. I was accepted at three places: Emerson in Boston, Marymount in Manhattan, and at the equally prestigious Pacific Coast Performing Arts Program (PCPA), and I chose PCPA to be close to home and to the beach.”

Due to her heavy dance background, Russell was granted several professional opportunities at PCPA while still a studentin their rigorous acting program. She was an ensemble swing for “Cinderella” (2022), ensemble member and Dance Captain for “BrightStar” (2023), ensemble member and Assistant Choreographer for “Elf” (2023), Assistant Choreographer for “Little Shop of Horrors” (2024), and ensemble member/co-choreographer for “The Clockmaker’sDaughter” (2024). Upon graduation, PCPA granted Russell the Kobelt Family Dance Scholarship in recognition of not only her diligence and commitment to each production but also her knowledge and expertise in the art of dance.

“I was in their two-year acting program and graduated in May of this year. While I was a student there, I was fortunate to be a part of several productions, mostly because of my dance background. I was even given the opportunity to be dance captain as well as assistant choreographer in ‘Elf’ the musical. I loved working with George Walker, the lead in the musical as well as the director/choreographer, and Keenon Hooks, who recognized my dancing skill and asked me to assist him in creating several productions. They both were such great mentors to me.”

After graduation, Russell was asked by Fossemalle to perform in the studio’s anniversary showcase, which included many former dancers from around the country who had graduated from Fossemalle’s Dance Studio. 

“From March through June, I danced at Fossemalle’s Dance Studio, preparing for her 35th Anniversary show which took place in the Little Theater at the high school,” she said. “Christine asked me if I wanted to be in more of the dance productions and I was slightly overwhelmed but thrilled. Christine then asked me to come and be part of the staff.

Fossemalle said she feels proud to have her former student return as a teacher. 

“I knew her passion for performance and dance was strong. I had worked with her before, and I knew of her dedication and dependability and I wanted her to become part of our team,” said Fossemalle. “It makes me feel so special that I have Sonia Ibarra-Corona, who I taught since she was 4 years old and now Amanda Russell, who I taught since she was 5, both now teaching dance with me at the studio with passion and love, sharing the art of dance with the next generation. It’s like passing on my legacy.”

Russell started teaching jazz and tap in September at the studio for beginners and will be adding an adult tap class using her experience training actors how to tap at PCPA.

“I am honored to join the women who shaped my life,” Russell said. “I have come full circle, back to the beginning, and back to my dance home. And I am thrilled to be a part of the team.”

For more information, call Fossemalle Dance Studio at (805) 688-8494.

Feature Image: Amanda Russell (right), shown here with studio founder Christine Fossemalle, is a new dance teacher at Fossemalle’s Dance Studio. Photo by Devyn Marseilles 

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Jan Finley officially opened her new real estate office, EXP Luxury Realty at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Aug. 22 under her own brand, the J. Finley Group. 

She has been in the real estate business for 24 years, previously working for Steve Golis, a successful commercial broker in Santa Barbara, where she acquired most of her real estate experience, for which she says she is “forever grateful.”

Finley and her husband, Father John Finley (attached to the altar of St. Athanasius Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara) moved to the Valley in 2007.

“I was working in Santa Barbara and I continued to commute, but that got old very quickly, so I joined Coldwell Banker in Los Olivos,” Finley said. “But, in truth, I always wanted to own my own real estate office.”

Originally from Washington state, Finley moved to Santa Barbara in 1970. She initially worked for Nordstrom Santa Barbara for eight years ending as the store information manager, which she says she loved. When she left to take a break from the corporate world she found a job working in an entirely different environment.

“I accepted a position with the County Education Office, where I worked with children with severe mental and physical challenges,” Finley said. “It was a rewarding experience, but my interests were in technology. As a favor to a friend, I was asked to help open a new real estate office in Goleta, as their admin and technology director. After watching the commercial agents, I decided that’s what I wanted to do as it was more business-minded.”

That began her path in real estate.

“I took a position as an admin and leasing agent for another boutique commercial real estate office,” Finley said. “With the experience I’d gleaned along the way, I moved on and took another position with the Golis Multi-Family team andfrom there I joined Coldwell Banker in Los Olivos to be closer to home.”

However, Finley had one ultimate goal in mind.

“With the Nordstrom customer service values engrained in me, I knew that I wanted to open my own office,” she said. “I had been with the best-of-the-best real estate companies and I knew I wanted to create an office culture and team where everyone shares the same core values and where we can have fun and provide the best customer service for our clients. I was enabled by EXP Luxury Real Estate to open my own office. I knew I had found my place, that my affiliation with EXP Luxury Real Estate would enable me to attain my dream working environment.”

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting was held with community leaders, local business owners, friends, and family in attendance. 

“We had a wonderful celebration. Artiste Winery & Tasting Studio generously donated the wine for the event and Lynne Alexander with Board Appetit donated huge charcuterie boards filled with an array of delicious goodies for everyone to enjoy,” said Finley. “Standing in my own office surrounded by friends and family I realized that my dream had come true.”

The Finleys have three children, all married, and eight grandchildren, all living just over the hill in Santa Barbara.

“I feel very blessed to have all my family so close by, my mother and siblings as well,” said Finley. “I am also grateful to all my clients for their trust and support which allows me to live my dream. I love living in Santa Ynez and now having an office in the middle of town, amid the business community, brings me great joy. I have to say, I’m living my best life.” 

The J. Finley Group office is located at 3568 Sagunto St., Suite J, in Santa Ynez, and can be reached online at janfinleyrealestate.com

Feature Image: Jan Finley is shown surrounded by friends and family by her new J. Finley Group real estate office at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Aug. 22. Contributed Photo

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Regina Jensen’s “Good-as-New” store, where people can shop for clothing, books, or a gift, on the honor system, is holding an outdoor-only sale from 2 p.m. until dark on Sunday, Nov. 24, and again on Sunday, Dec. 22, just in time for Christmas. 

The store is run on the principle of what Jensen calls Radical Trust, whereby shoppers can pick out what they want or need and pay for them “Farmstand Style” by dropping cash (exact amount only) into a secured lockbox, or by a local check.

“People can acquire even less expensive items and bundles that can be used for Christmas gifts for friends and family and can easily be returned locally for something else,” said Jensen. “The prices are extremely reasonable; buy one item and pick two more items from the ‘gratis’ box. Visitors can also pick one item from the ‘gratis’ box without making a purchase.”

Some of the items for sale are new and unused books, bundled and exchangeable, which came from a bookstore that was closing; new kitchen items; new to nearly new women’s shoes, sizes 7 1/2 to 9; men’s footwear, work and outdoor, nothing “fancy”; women’s jewelry, priced to sell, packaged for Christmas; women’s clothing, unused Victoria’s Secret bras, sizes 36/34 C or thereabout; new kids toys; medium to large succulent outdoor plants; and many personal items, to mention just a few.

Jensen’s closet-size “Department Store” is filled with almost new items for the bargain hunter and is a not-for-profit enterprise. 

“All proceeds, after expenses are paid, go to Maria at Monique’s Hair Salon around the corner from my shop,” said Jensen. “She distributes these funds to needy Hispanic families in the United States and Mexico, her first culture of concern.” 

The Good-as-New shop is at 1669 Fir St., in Solvang, behind the ACE Hardware store. It is a tiny house between the shoe repair shop and the laundromat and in front of the hair salon. The address doesn’t appear on the building.

Feature Image: Regina Jensen is shown in front of her Good as New store in Solvang shortly after its opening. Her business will be holding outdoor sales on Nov. 24 and Dec. 22. Star File Photo

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The Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church will be the new location for the annual Solvang Christmas Nativity Pageant, which will be held for one day only, on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 5 p.m. The pageant has historically been held at Solvang Theaterfest, under the guidance of Janette Swanson, but a new venue had to be found, and the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church grounds were offered.

“Janette Swanson has been organizing the event for the past 40 years,” said Autumn van der Linden, the office manager of the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church. “There was no pageant held last year, as Swanson just couldn’t do it any longer. She had to do a lot of fundraising throughout the year, getting sponsors from the community, which allowed the event to be ‘free of charge’ to the public.” 

Swanson had sent out a mass email hoping to find someone who was interested in picking it up.

“I had just started working at the church as office manager, and I received an email in August of 2023 from Janette Swanson, who I did not know at the time, asking if anyone was interested in taking over the annual Solvang Nativity Pageant and that they should contact her,” van der Linden said. “My first thought was that I hoped someone would step up and take it over, as I have a heart for Christmas and hoped my two children would one day be a part of the pageant. It doesn’t feel like Christmas without a Christmas pageant and seeing all the kids participating.”

But van der Linden couldn’t let the idea of getting involved out of her mind. She had been involved in leading Christmas choirs in her hometown, and she was tempted to reply to the email.

“I asked people what they thought, and everyone said it was a huge job, and since I had just arrived in the Valley and knew very few people, I should pass. Sadly, there was no Nativity Pageant last year,” she said. “But in February 2024 I received another email from Janette, and I decided to take on the project. Since then, Janette and I have met a few times, and she has given me contact information and basically the whole show in a binder. After praying about it, I knew in my heart that I was not so interested in fundraising that was required to put on the pageant as I was in sharing the story of the Nativity with the community. So, I got to work.”

She started with the information that was in the binder Swanson had given her.

“The cost of renting Theaterfest was $7,000 a day, and I just couldn’t afford that, plus the politics involved in fundraising was something I didn’t want to become involved in,” she said. “I asked the church elders if this was something they would be interested in hosting, and they agreed to have the pageant held on the property. Ruthy Gallo, the children’sministry director, agreed to help me with the event and without her help and support, I would not have agreed to take on this project.”

Van der Linden has been busy recruiting for the program.

“I’ve sent out a flyer to all the schools and churches inviting any preschool through fifth-grade children who want to join in the choir,” she said. “They can show up on Tuesday, Dec. 3 or 10, at 3:30 p.m. There will be a final rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. Rehearsals will be held in the main sanctuary at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church. Costumes will be provided for the performance. Adults and teens who wish to join the adult choir are welcome as well. Rehearsals will be on Saturday, Nov. 30, and Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.

“Alan Satchwell will be the choir director for the adult choir. All are welcome. If you are unable to make it to rehearsals, that is OK. We would still love to have you sing with us on Dec. 15. Simply email autumn@syvpc.org to let us know. It’sall traditional Christmas music, which almost everyone knows.”

Members of Arts Outreach’s Valley Glee Club will be performing. Ballet dancer Lauren Thill will be dancing to the strings of harpist Emma Tesdahl. And Santa Barbara Strings, an eight-piece stringed group directed by Mary Beth Woodruff will also be performing at the pageant.

“Besides the musical entertainment, there will be live animals in the garden from 4 to 5 p.m.,” van der Linden said.”Many local 4-H kids will be bringing their animals, and Seein’ Spots Farm will also be bringing their rescued donkeys and mules, and we may possibly have a camel from Atascadero joining us. Everyone will be able to mingle and pet them as well.

“There will also be an opportunity to take photos in front of a Bethlehem backdrop, which could make great Christmas cards.”

The Nativity Pageant will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. in the main sanctuary with C.J. Jackson as narrator. 

“The event is free of charge and open to the public. Attendees can come in costume if they like, dressed as their favorite Christmas biblical character,” she suggested. “The event will be held indoors, so no need to bring blankets or chairs.”

Following the pageant, there will be Christmas crafts for the children to make, food and refreshments available for purchase, and a Christmas Marketplace for adults who wish to do some Christmas shopping. Cash only — no credit cards please. 

“God has illuminated the path every step of the way, and I know He’s going to make this an amazing community event,” said van der Linden. “Come — it’s free, bring your friends and all your kids and enjoy being a part of the Christmas spirit and the ‘reason for the season.’”

For more information, email autumn@syvpc.org or call (805) 688-6323 between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church is at 1825 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang. 

Feature Image: A Nativity scene from last year’s “A Night in Bethlehem,” which was held last year at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, is shown. Pictured from left are Greg Millikan, John Donati, Rob Wolf, Dennis Hartman, and Joyce Millikan. Contributed Photo

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A new market recently opened in Los Olivos — the Gandolfo Family Market and Deli. It is jointly owned by brothers Greg and Dave Gandolfo, whose father, Charles, has owned the property on Grand Avenue for over 50 years. During that time, he leased it out to a variety of people, as he had no interest in it other than being a landlord.

The previous lessee had a convenience store for 14 years, and during that time, the family had talked about starting a business as a family. So, when their lease ran out, the Gandolfos decided it was time to open up a family market, and they had a ready and willing family member to run the new business — Carly Gandolfo, the store manager, who is the daughter of Dave Gandolfo. She graduated from San Diego State University in 2022 with a degree in hospitality.

The Gandolfos were longtime residents of Santa Barbara, dating back generations, and of the Santa Ynez Valley.

At 84, Charles, the family’s patriarch, was born in Santa Barbara as were several generations before him. His ancestors were from Sestri Levante, (Genoa) Italy. He and his wife, Bea, have been married for 65 years and raised three sons, John, David, and Greg, in the Valley. Charles owned a construction company and built eight of the original wineries in the Valley, including Gainey and Roblar.
 
“My dad [Dave] was raised in the Valley, met my mom, Jayme, at Cal Poly, married and moved to Idaho, and started a dairy farm. So, I was born and raised in Idaho, but went to college in San Diego,” said Carly Gandolfo. “My parents still live in Idaho on their cattle ranch, but my dad visits the store every month to see how things are going.”

Carly is thrilled to be a resident of the Valley.

“Moving to California was always a dream of mine, having spent a month every summer visiting my grandparents here in the Valley,” she said. “I loved San Diego, but I never felt like it was home. The Valley feels like home because everything that I love about San Diego and Idaho, I found here in the Valley. It’s Western, it’s coastal, and it’s a small town; everything I love, plus my family is here.”

Carly has been in the area for a little more than a year.

“I moved to the Valley in July 2023 with my boyfriend, Carsen Gentes. He loves it here as well. He’s really into mountain biking, and this is the place for that sport,” she continued. “While waiting for the store to open I took the opportunity to work at the Carhartt Tasting Room and the Olive and Lavender Farm to familiarize myself with the town and its residents. I was fortunate to meet many of the locals, which was a nice way to get to know the community and for them to get to know me.”

The market property needed renovations that took nearly five months to accomplish, which included acquiring permits from the county.
 
“There was a lot of work to be done to get the store ready for opening,” explained Gandolfo. “So, my uncle Greg and his wife Sarah, both teachers at the Santa Ynez Valley High School, did a lot of the work restoring the premises. It took nearly five months to get the place in order, which included a new roof and, of course, acquiring permits for the building. We opened on May 28.”

“Our focus is on the deli, which provides sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie, but we also sell our deli meats by the pound,” she said. “Our specialty is tri-tip sandwiches, which people seem to love but are only available on Fridays and Saturdays. Tommy Palmer does the barbecuing, which he has done forever. Oscar Castillo is our chef and curates most of our menu. He is extremely conscious about what products go into our sandwiches.”

“We try to carry products that you can’t find everywhere. Our cheeses are from around the world, and our meats are from some of the top producers in the country — no additives, no preservatives — all extremely clean products. We also carry locally sourced fruits and vegetables and have a license to sell beer and wine, which you can enjoy on our outdoor patio.”

Running her fledgling business, Gandolfo keeps an ear out on public input to improve the market.

“I’m always listening to people to get their ideas about what we need for our store and the community as a whole,” she said. “A lot of the tasting rooms said they needed a quick bite for their customers, so we provide that.”

Gandolfo has plans for the future of the new market and a little Yuletide surprise.

“Eventually I would like to feature some boutique winemakers in the store and have them come in and pour on Saturdays,” she said. “I would also like to create a little winter wonderland theme on the property next to the market on the weekend of the Christmas Tree Lighting in Los Olivos, which is on Dec. 7, serving hot chocolate, a visit from Santa, something for the kids, and wines by the glass at the store for the adults.”

Gandolfo said she has had a great experience with her new undertaking.
 
“I love running the store,” said Gandolfo. “It has been challenging at times, but it’s great to be doing something for the community. We are looking to grow and plan on being a part of this community for a long time to come. We are very family-based, and we all work together to make this business a success.”

“My grandfather has always been the kindest, most generous, hard-working man and has one of the best reputations in the Valley, so I have a lot to live up to,” she said in closing.

The Gandolfo Family Market and Deli is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Deli hours are Monday and Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
The market is at 2948 Grand Ave, Los Olivos. For more information, call (805) 697-7183 or visit them online at Gandolfo Family Market and Deli: gandolfofamilymarket.com.

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Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary held a sold-out fundraiser, “Rock for Horses” on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Buttonwood Farm Winery and Vineyard in Solvang.

The sanctuary was founded in 2007 by C.C. Beaudette-Wellman. It is an all-volunteer organization, dedicated to providing rescue for abused and neglected horses in the Santa Ynez Valley. It has expanded the rescue program to assist senior citizens who are struggling to feed their horses. Their programs include rescue, rehabilitation, adoptions, public education, sanctuary, and an equine-based therapeutic program for at-risk youth called the Horse Angels Program. 

The setting for the event was in the outdoor garden at Buttonwood surrounded by peach orchards, olive trees, and vineyards. Twinkling lights were scattered throughout the garden with wooden tables dressed with foliage. 

“There was another animal fundraiser scheduled on the same weekend that we had initially planned ours, so we had to postpone our fundraiser until October,” said Alexandra (Aiya) Wellman, Beaudette-Wellman’s daughter.

As guests entered the garden, mostly dressed in Western wear, they were greeted warmly by Beaudette- Wellman. Guests mingled, enjoying Buttonwood wines, and perused the silent auction items. Music was provided by Bad Habit.

“We’re here to help save the horses and have a good time and eat some great food,” said Karen and Thad Miller upon entering the event. 

The guests were treated to a dinner of top sirloin, chicken, and vegetarian enchiladas. The catering was a community effort. Frank Kelsey Jr. and Sr. handled the barbecue; Christine Cunningham made her famous enchilada casserole, sponsored by Rio Vista Chevrolet; Craig from Hook’d restaurant (at Lake Cachuma) donated the watermelon salad, which was prepared by Blair Millar; and Catering by Kelli sisters Kelli Davidson, and Kris Krebs prepared a variety of appetizers and desserts created especially for the event.

“We do this for the love of the organization who cares so deeply for horses,” said Davidson. “My sister and I are both equestrians, so this event is near and dear to our hearts. It is a labor of love.” 

When guests were seated, Beaudette-Wellman gave a short speech thanking everyone for coming and announcing their Volunteer of the Year. 

“It’s mind-blowing how our community has stepped up in a way that warms my heart and tonight is a perfect example of a community effort and that it takes a village! This community’s generosity is staggering and most humbling,” said Beaudette-Wellman. “This year I would like to present the Volunteer of the Year Award to Stephen Blake Harris who has stepped up beyond all imagination and has always risen to the challenge to take on more responsibilities and is well on his way to becoming a wonderful horseman.”

Beaudette-Wellman thanked all those who donated their time, talents, and auction items as well as Neil Schmidt, manager of Buttonwood, and Buttonwood Property Management Inc., for offering the venue. She thanked the late Betty Williams for her devotion to nurturing Buttonwood throughout the years. She also thanked God for “giving me the ability to save lives, and the emotional fortitude to see the worst of humanity at times. It is completely through Him that I am able to do any of this,” she said. She also thanked her husband and daughter for “helping me in this journey. I would not be able to do this without your love and support.”

Beaudette-Wellman continued, describing how Happy Endings contributes to the community and thanking her board and volunteers for their continued help and encouragement.

“Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary was Founded in 2007 as a 501 c (3) to heal and give sanctuary to animals who need assistance or have no hope of a decent life. We nurture children through our free programs to create new generations of animal lovers and caregivers, as well as educate the public on the proper care and respect for all animals. We teach children to be humanitarians through the vision of our foundation. We believe that through careful nurturing and love, all animals and humans can live a peaceful existence provided with the proper resources, information, and motivation. We are most grateful for the gift of compassion and the opportunity to be of assistance to those in need. We will continue with a strong and determined mission to give children the opportunity to explore infinite possibilities, restore broken hearts, encourage the discouraged and heal the hurting for humans and animals alike,” she said. “And thank you to my amazing board members for helping me every single day and encouraging me when I need it and my incredible volunteers for without them I would be crippled! I am grateful that we have become family! I would also like to thank all my dear friends who lift my spirits, and encourage, and help me, you are my Angels.  This whole event is filled with love from all of you, thank you. It doesn’t get any better than that,” she said in conclusion.

The event raised more than $20,000 for the horses and the various programs the sanctuary offers.

Throughout the evening, Courtney Maland of Sunken Treasure SYV was available and happy to oblige, free of charge, those wishing a chair massage.

“This is the fifth-year volunteering chair massages for those who are in need,” said Maland, massage therapist, intuitive bodyworker, and energy alchemist. “I love being here and I love the people and giving back to my community. C.C. used to be my neighbor, so I love to help out.”

The time and effort Beaudette-Wellman has put in to help horses and other animals was not lost on one person very close to her.

“My mother is the most selfless human I have ever known,” said her daughter Alexandra. “All my life I can remember she has dedicated her life to rescuing animals. She did wildlife rescue for 30 years but now focuses on domestic horses. She remains as dedicated today as she was 45 years ago.” 

For more information about the organization and the many programs Happy Endings offers, visit HappyEndingsAnimalRescueSanctuary.org.

Feature image: Fundraiser held at Buttonwood Farm and Winery for C.C. Beaudette-Wellman’s rescue program.

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Lloyd Sorensen has led, by all measure, an incredibly exciting and adventurous life — in the air, on land, and on and under the sea. 

A 445-page book titled “Three Oceaneers” documents 25 years of his work and adventures as an underwater diver along with his two lifelong best friends, Dave Schiefen and Richard Hegeman. One of Sorensen’s many adventures included working as a diver on the “top-secret” Project Jennifer, the codename applied to the CIA project that salvaged part of a sunken Soviet submarine in 1974. The Soviet ballistic missile submarine sank off the coast of Hawaii on April 11, 1968. In July 1974, salvage operations conducted from the Hughes Glomar Explorer recovered the forward 38 feet of the submarine. The recovered section included two nuclear-tipped torpedoes, various cipher/code equipment and eight dead crewmen.

Sorensen was born in 1938 in Santa Cruz. His father worked in highway construction all over California, so the family was constantly moving. By age 3, his family had moved 10 times. His mother insisted on living in one place and owning a home. His father found a house in Oakland Hills and with a $10 down payment, it was purchased.

He graduated from high school in Oakland in 1956 and attended junior college for a short time, working part-time at Continental Can Company, making beer cans to earn money to continue his education.  One of his high school friends went on to attend the California Maritime Academy (CMA) and Sorensen became interested in the CMA, soon applied and was accepted. The CMA was a three-year, 24/7, quasi-military program, which included ocean deployment on a ship converted for the purpose of teaching and included classrooms. Sorensen maintained records of his ocean deployments while at CMA. As a student, he traveled to numerous ports in the United States and foreign countries and logged in more than 25,000 miles.

Sorenson graduated from the CMA in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering. Before receiving his degree, he was required to pass the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Engineers exam, which he did, earning him a third assistant license for steam or motor vessels of any horsepower. Then he became a member of the Marine Engineers Union. He soon moved to New York City to live with a friend, and soon went to the local union hall to register for upcoming jobs and to his astonishment, a position was open on a freighter leaving that night! Sorensen was on his way to South America. 

Upon his return from South America, he served on the SS United States Cruise Liner and traveled to Europe from March 28, 1961 to April 12, 1961.

“The SS United States was the most luxurious, fastest, and largest ship at the time. It took only five days to cross the Atlantic from New York to France,” said Sorensen. “But that was just one of many I worked on.”

Sorensen continued to ship out from New York City on several merchant ships to South America through August 1961. He happened to be in Santa Barbara for Old Days and was introduced to Sharon Anne Nelson, a TWA flight attendant out of Los Angeles who lived in Santa Monica.  Lloyd and Sharon soon became a couple and were married in Portland, Oregon, her hometown, six months later, on Feb. 17, 1962. After their wedding, they moved to Oakland, California, and Sharon was transferred from Los Angeles. She flew domestic flights out of San Francisco, until air turbulence during a flight caused her to take a rough fall and a subsequent examination revealed she was three months pregnant. No more flying; she was grounded.

They have now been married for 62 years. They have two children: a son, Stephen Lloyd and a daughter, Kristen Anne.

From 1962 to 1965, the Sorensens lived in Oakland. He worked as a tugboat skipper moving barges around the San Francisco Bay. He left the operations after his tugboat sank when it was hit by a ship. Fortunately, he was not on the tugboat, but on a barge being moved by the tugboat.

“When he worked on the tugboat, he was gone two days and nights a week and was then home for three days,” said Sharon.

By 1965, Hegeman and Schiefen, Sorensen’s classmates and friends from the CMA, were already working for General Motors Sea Operations. He joined them at General Motors in May 1965 and moved his family to Goleta. Sorensen, Schiefen, and Hegeman all started as engineers aboard a research vessel and were also trained as divers to support underwater work. They assumed roles as project engineers and program managers. The GM engineering services were performed in support of government projects which were highly classified in nature. 

“General Motors had a sea operations division: The Santa Cruz Acoustic Range Facility (SCARF), a research vessel called the Swan. It was a mine sweeper that was converted into a research vessel,” Sorenson said. “Dave was the first one to sign on, then Dick came on second and I came on third, as engineers on the ship. Part of it involved installing underwater sounding equipment for the Navy, which they needed. A system on Santa Cruz Island put an instrument on the bottom of subs and ships for noise trials. I got a Rolex watch after 1,000 dives.”

An article about SCARF in a Santa Barbara Marine Museum newsletter explained that bottom-mounted sensor arrays in 4,000 feet of water tracked submarine and surface ship movements. As submarines transited by the vertical string of hydrophones, noise measurement information was gathered. Underwater cables transmitted the information to the shore station, and an Underwater Communications System (UQC) allowed the shore station (located on the south side of Santa Cruz Island) to communicate with the submarines. This monitoring was vital in recognizing submarines’ vulnerabilities and recommending corrective actions to reduce radiated noise. The entire shore facility and its in-water system were removed in 1990, and the area was returned to its natural state.

“But one of the most interesting jobs I had was on the Hughes Glomar Explorer, a top-secret CIA project that salvaged part of a sunken Soviet diesel-electric submarine K-129 in 1974. The cover story was we were mining for magnesium nodules,” Sorensen explained. “When we pulled it up there were bodies on board, so we buried them at sea. There were also three warheads on the sub, and when it was lifted out of the water the left part of the sub broke and fell back into the sea. The recovery machine was called the Clementine.”

Sorenson, fortunately, was able to avoid that kind of catastrophe.

“We had a really strict diving program with General Motors, so no one was ever injured in our group,” continued Sorensen. “They even had a doctor, Dr. Geer, who made sure we were always in good health. The divers covered for each other when the sharks appeared. One guy would do the work and the other two divers would keep the sharks away using Billy-clubs.”

And all of it was done top-secret.

“There have been a lot of books and stories written about that job, but that was long after the job was over. The CIA kept it under wraps for years, but then the story finally came out,” he said. 

Sharon remembers that time well.

“One of the benefits when he was diving around Santa Cruz Island in his spare time was the lobsters. They would dive for lobsters, abalone, and all kinds of fish. We were eating well when we hadn’t any beef on hand,” Sharon recalled.

“I’ve been around the world putting in sound systems – 166 ports around the world,” her husband stated.

“I went on some of the trips with him, but a lot of the assignments were secretive, so I just stayed home with the kids and didn’t ask questions,” continued Sharon. “He was gone six months out of the year. It took a little adjustment on my part when he came home, as you can imagine.” 

In 1982, Sorensen and several members of the underwater team left General Motors and formed their own company. They continued to perform sensitive operations laying underwater fiber optic cable throughout the world.

“When General Motors decided to cancel their program, 14 of us started MariPro Corp. and took on one of the contracts with the Navy, who was our basic customer,” Sorensen said.

MariPro’s offices were located in Santa Barbara on the airport property in a building outside of the airport. In 1968, Sorensen commented to his wife that he was going to learn how to fly, something he had wanted to do since he was a boy. He did just that and then bought a 1948 Cessna 140, which he flew from the Santa Ynez Airport to Santa Barbara.

“The timing was exactly the same as driving, by the time you take the plane out of the hangar and eventually get it in the air,” commented Sorensen. “But I did that for years. I logged 900 trips to work alone.”

During his career, Sorensen logged more than 1,500 underwater working dives in support of projects around the world, and numerous recreational dives. He retired from MariPro in 2010.

“He remained working for an extra 10 years because he enjoyed the work and working with his friends so much,” said Sharon. “The three of them are the best of friends to this day. They got to travel around the world together; they did work for the United Nations, and installed eight sounding systems around the world, initially to detect nuclear testing. They worked on Amchitka Island in the Aleutian Chain of Islands in southwest Alaska, a part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. They spent their lives together. They’ve been friends since school.”

“It was cold, diving off Amchitka,” Sorensen recalled. “You had to dive in dry suits, but they don’t look anything like they do now.”

Sorensen reflected on his life.

“I’ve lived a life well spent. But I never learned to cook because I’ve always had someone to cook for me,” said Sorensen, smiling. “Kidding aside, I’ve been very blessed. I have been married for over 60 years to my beautiful wife, have two wonderful children, a son and daughter, no grandchildren yet, just grand dogs, and I’ve traveled the world.

“When I was in the Merchant Marines one day it occurred to me that I was enjoying the fruits of my labor while I was young, seeing that most of the passengers on these freighters were old people. So, I said to myself, ‘That’s not right — you should be able to travel when you are young.’ I have been very fortunate to be able to see the world during my whole working life.”

When asked what his favorite place was that he’d visited, he said, “I think my favorite place in the world is Kauai, Hawaii — but there have been so many beautiful places I’ve seen in my life, it’s hard to choose just one.”

Note: Eusebio Benavidez contributed information for this article.

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Local artist Michelle Juliet Feldman is holding an art exhibit at the Los Olivos General Store from now through Nov. 10. Her exhibit includes unique landscapes that capture the hills, oaks, and light that are a special part of the Santa Ynez Valley, as well as abstract seascapes inspired by the Santa Barbara coast. The exhibit includes original oils on panel and rice paper. Most notably, there are exclusive prints of the Landscape Series printed on a special, archival rice paper, produced in her studio and only available through local exhibits.

Feldman received a BA degree in design from UCLA and studied printmaking at Tulane University. After successfully establishing her first stationery store, Honey Paper, in Los Olivos, she rebranded and opened a store in Solvang, The Giving Ink, a name that reflects her vision of art as a powerful medium to connect to the community. After the COVID pandemic, as a single mom, she said it became overwhelming for her to raise her twin children and run a business the way she wanted.  

Since the closing of her Solvang store, Feldman has blossomed from her love of paper and design to painting and printmaking, along with her passion to use art as a way to connect people and heal herself. 

“When I was a child I loved to draw and create art, and it was never supported,” said Feldman. “I never felt like I was good enough. And I struggled under that shadow most of my life.”

“I had a nest egg from the sale of my store in Solvang and began to create maps for weddings, wineries, and other commercial establishments. But I realized I was creating for clients, not for myself,” she said. “I felt the urge to pick up a paintbrush, and it felt good. Because I had so little faith in myself, I began to paint in secret, literally, in the darkness. I recognized that what I was doing made me feel good about myself and that it was something I should do more of. So, I began painting landscapes that were inspired by our local surroundings. It became like a kind of meditation which allowed me to look inward and connect with my inner self and my environment — a healing of sorts.”

It wasn’t just a solitary venture for Feldman, though.

“At the same time, I was fortunate enough to be invited into a small group of people to take art classes, which are given by a very well-known and accomplished classically trained artist and oil painter. I began taking her classes where she taught classic realism still life,” she explained. “She is teaching me the tools and skills I need to execute the kind of art I am interested in painting. All of this happened at the same time and both my art and I have blossomed since then, with my show at the Los Olivos General Store. The exhibit opened at the beginning of the year and has resonated with locals as well as visitors to the degree that it has surpassed sales of any artist previously in that space.”

Feldman said she built a little studio in her home, which allows her to be with her children, who turned 14 years old this month, and flexible to their needs. But she really misses her shop, the connection to her customers and the social aspect of owning a store.

“My store was a part of my passion for art, for things that are meaningful and beautiful and creative,” she said. “I miss the social interaction. But the shop required me to do things for other people, thus it was called The Giving Ink. But my art, I do for myself. It became a journey inward to connect me to my authentic self. I’m now living my life using all of my senses to create and live a full life. I wake up every day and think ‘This day is awesome,’ which is something I never did before.” 

Feldman has been hard at work on several series of paintings, which are showcased on her website. These include Seascape Series, a reflective journey that seeks calm and clarity; Landscape Series, a celebration of nature’s beauty presented through oil on panel and rice paper; a Classic Realism Still Life Series, an exploration of how we perceive and translate the world onto a two-dimensional surface; Etching Series, dry point engravings of inspirational quotes and images, hand-painted to infuse personal touch and heart into each piece all of which is available online.

“I am so grateful to live in this beautiful Valley where I am continually inspired by the landscapes and to the Los Olivos General Store for their support in featuring my work,” she said.
 
Looking to the future, Feldman says she envisions hosting local exhibits, expanding online sales, and facilitating intimate workshops in her home to strengthen community ties.

The Los Olivos General Store is at 2900 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

For more information, email hello@thegivingink.com, on Instagram @thegivingink_mjuliet, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Feature image: “Letters” is a print by Michelle Juliet Feldman.

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The 14th annual SLOPOKE Art of the West Exhibition and Sale was held Sept. 27-29 at Flag Is Up Farms in Solvang. This was the eighth year the event was held at Monty and Pat Roberts’ thoroughbred horse ranch. 

Tom and Debbie Loucks who now operate the California Horse Center on Flag Is Up Farms welcomed the 30 painters, sculptors, and a photographer who exhibited more than 300 works of art in their beautifully renovated event barn.

“It is a perfect venue for this first-class art show, a reception, or convention,” said Tom Burgher, president of Entreprise LLC, which produces the Annual SLOPOKE exhibit.

The SLOPOKE opened Friday evening, Sept. 27, to the foot-tapping original music of Chris Murphy and the Silver Mountain String Band from Los Angeles.

The 2024 SLOPOKE featured artist and awards judge who juried the award-winning art was nationally renowned wildlife artist Ezra Tucker, who started his fine art career in Solvang, where he and his wife Nancy raised their three children until 1999 when they relocated to Monument, Colorado.

Photos by Devyn Marseilles

The artists selected for awards include Lisa Skelly, who won Best of Show for her painting “Rock Steady”; Ariel Anton, who won Best Painting for her oil on canvas titled “Saving Some for Later”; and Pat Roberts, who received Best Sculpture for her narrative bronze “Javalina Havoc.” Each received the coveted silver SLOPOKE western belt buckle.

Three other artists received sponsored awards: Rick Hill received the Best Wildlife/Animal Art award, sponsored by Art of the West magazine for his colored pencil painting “Team Work”; Lee Rue received Best Figurative Art award, sponsored by Western Art Collector magazine for “A Place Called Home”; and Barbara Freund was the first recipient of a new award category of Best Depiction of the 21st Century West, sponsored by Southwest Art Magazine for her painting “21st Century Chuckwagon.” 

The People’s Choice Award sponsored by Western Art and Architecture magazine was awarded to Kelly Lewis at the close of the SLOPOKE on Sunday.

“The voting included patrons and artists and was surprisingly tight across all 30 artists,” said Burgher. “People were impressed with the quality and attractiveness of the art in this year’s SLOPOKE. Each of these artists receives a full-page advertisement in a future issue of these fine art journals.” 

Finally, in a gesture of gratitude for Tucker’s service as awards judge, Burgher presented him with a specially minted SLOPOKE belt buckle of a different design from those awarded to the artists.

Next year the 15th Anniversary SLOPOKE is scheduled for Sept. 26-28, 2025.

“Mark the date on your calendar now so you don’t miss this spectacular event next year,” said Burgher. “We already have 11 artists seeking acceptance for SLOPOKE 2025, so artists who want to exhibit should request an application now at slopokeartshow.com.”

Feature image: SLOPOKE 2024 artists and their assistants pose outside the California Horse Center event barn at Solvang’s Flag Is Up Farms on opening night.

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