After a season in which it finished the season 22-4, going undefeated in the Mountain League, and winning CIF Central Section Division II  before losing in the California state semifinals, the Santa Ynez Pirates boys volleyball team saw numerous members selected All-Mountain League by the coaches, SYHS volleyball coach Chip Fenenga announced recently.

Sophomore right-side hitter Nate Biron was named the Mountain League MVP. He led the Pirates with 343 kills, 54 aces, and was the top passer on the team. Biron finished, according to the Max Preps website, as the fifth-most efficient hitter in the United States.

“Nate could do it all and was such a hammer from the right side for us this year,” Fenenga said. “He is competitive, athletic, and able to play multiple positions.“

All-League first-team awards went to senior Ben Stuerman, senior setter Manny Sanchez and sophomore outside hitter sophomore Anders Dietenhofer.

“Manny was the setter for this team and performed at an elite level all season,” Fenenga said. “He had almost 900 assists this year and was a team leader and captain.”

Deitenhofer was especially efficient and powerful as a hitter with 266 kills, 42 aces, and 227 digs. “At the end of the season, no one was hitting at his level and range,” the coach said.

Ben Stuerman was the senior team captain and physically the most dominant player for the Pirates leading the team in blocks with 28, while adding 300 kills. “Ben was asked to move from his middle position to outside and teams had so much trouble matching up to his strength, his block and effective hitting,” Fenenga said. “He also was one of Max Preps top 50 in the nation.”

All-league second-team recognition went to middles Jadon Bailey and Wyatt Minus. Wyatt primarily was a blocking force, at the net matched up against opponents top middles. He hit efficiently and was second on the team with 22 solo stuff blocks. Bailey had 115 kills and 18 stuff blocks. “Both of these athletes were forces in the middle that opponents had to honor,” according to Fenenga.

Pirates defensive specialist libero Will Losson was also selected to the second team. He led the Pirates with 256 digs and was the most effective server for the Pirates including a key run at Arroyo Grande in the fifth set of a regular season match with the Pirates down 13-10. Losson served an ace and the next four points for the win. Losson also gave the Pirates a 14-10 lead in the fifth set of the teams’ CIF Central Section second-round game 5 win, after being tied at 10-10.

Honorable Mention went to senior Griffin Bruner. He had 229 serves along with 12 aces and 68 digs. “Griffin was a key part of our run as a talented athlete, returning to play volleyball his senior year,” Fenenga said. “His impact as a server and defensive specialist was vital to our success. He is fast, smart and aggressive. He had some remarkable digs that sparked us against league rivals San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande.”

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By Dr. Hyun K. Lee

Quitting any addiction is usually a pretty daunting thought. It is automatically assumed that it’s going to

be a difficult journey, but when it revolves around an element that’s vital to everyone’s life, it seems even harder.

As far as addictions, it’s not the first that comes to mind, but addictions to sleep medicine are common, and people can be dependent on them for decades. Kicking the habit usually entails side effects like sleeping problems, anxiety, fear, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and depression, but quitting with the aid of Korean Constitutional Medicine can help you eliminate your addiction and all the side effects in about a week.

Sleeping problems can originate in a variety of ways inside the body, but the end result is always the

same — the lack of oxygen and nutrition to the brain.

The heart is usually the culprit for this, though the reasons vary per person. Your heart is like an engine,

and it “overheats” when it is overtaxed. It can overheat due to general stress, stress from the liver, and stress from the lungs. Whenever the heart is not doing its job, there is a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which results in sleep problems.

When a person has stress, the liver overworks itself and “overheats.” The liver is not able to provide enough blood support for the heart, which creates stress on the heart that results in the lack of support to the brain.

If imbalanced lung energy is at fault, it’s because lung energy, which is a cooling energy, has been weakened for some reason and is no longer able to “cool off” the overheating heart enough to balance its function. The imbalanced heart function again causes a lack of brain support.

Having low chi is also a common cause of lack of brain support, as all of the essentials are not being circulated upwards to the brain. Discovering where the problem originates — if it’s in the liver, the lungs, or low chi — is the key to rebalancing the body. Once the stress is taken off the organs, your heart is able to function happily again. Oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain is replenished, and your sleep patterns are thus restored. Both acupuncture and herbs assist this process and also eliminate the side effects that come with removing your dependency.

Wherever your addiction lies, acupuncture and herbs are usually very helpful tools in beating the habit.

Whatever road to non-dependency you take, it’s important to keep trying and find the avenue that’s right for you. Always have faith that success will be yours!

Dr. Lee’s office is located at 175 McMurray Road, Suite G, Buellton. Dr. Lee also has offices in Los Angeles and Paso Robles. To make an appointment, call (805) 693-5162 or (310) 666-8021.

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One of the blessings of living on the Central Coast is the weather, and Elna’s Dress Shop wants to create something that inspires, brightens, uplifts, and puts a smile on your face. If you are going to make one addition to your wardrobe this season, make it a print. From polka-dots, stripes, florals, or checks, every pattern offers a world of stylish possibilities.

This is added to some of the basic items you have in your wardrobe: a pair of black, navy, grey, white, and tan pants. Brown pants in the fall are also important. Also a basic is black dress and/or black skirt. Let’s not forget a pair of denim pants, skirt, or dress for all seasons: fall, winter, spring or summer.

Pick a basic piece of clothing that you feel is incredibly striking while also being understated and yet gives you
confidence. We will help you build a complimentary new piece of clothing to update your wardrobe.

A new season, as of Memorial Day, the first day of summer, brings in new styles. Elna’s Dress Shop is the place to come. If planning your wardrobe is something you have on your “to do” list, you must select clothes you haven’t worn for some time (say a year of more) perhaps it’s time to part with them. They are taking up valuable closet space for all the new “must haves” for the coming season. It is nice to air clothing out, as believe it or not, dust does settle in our closet.

Let us make suggestions, coordinating fashions with your lifestyle in mind. Wardrobe building is a free service at Elna’s. All local customers are entitled to a 10% discount. If you aren’t on our mailing list, come in and sign up. Our service includes a 25% discount the month of your birthday if on the list. Also, don’t forget the third Wednesday of each month is a 20% discount on all merchandise excluding Danish Costumes and already discounted clothing. You can call my cell number: (805) 570-3400.

Elna’s is open Monday, closed Tuesday, open Wednesday to Sunday. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 1673 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang.

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Alma Rosa Winery, a leading Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône variety wine producer from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA, announced today that the winery’s sixth annual Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction fundraising walk raised a total of $256,285, surpassing previous walks in both attendance and funds raised, and bringing the total amount raised to date to over $1.2 million. All proceeds raised benefit One Mind and Santa Barbara County’s Mental Wellness Center.

Alma Rosa Proprietors Bob and Barb Zorich launched the annual Peace of Mind fundraising walk in 2020 to support community services for mental health, as well as research on the causes, treatment, and potential cures for mental health diseases. On Saturday, May 17, around 275 participants gathered at the base of Alma Rosa’s 628-acre estate to participate in this year’s 10,000-step, approximately 4.5-mile walk across the hillside vineyards. Participants were greeted at registration with juice from Pressed Juicery, coffee from Starbucks in Buellton, and brain booster performance shots from Magic Mind, three of Peace of Mind’s official event sponsors.

Adding to the excitement, the Santa Barbara Rotary Club hosted a raffle offering attendees who registered as a group of five or more people the opportunity to win two free wine-tasting parties at Alma Rosa Winery. The event began with personal and inspiring speeches about the importance of mental health awareness and support from Alma Rosa General Manager Emeritus Debra Eagle, One Mind’s co-founder and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Brandon Staglin and Mental Wellness Center’s CEO Annmarie Cameron.

“Each year, we’re moved by the growing support for Peace of Mind and its meaningful impact on mental health awareness and care in the Santa Barbara County community,” said Bob Zorich. “To surpass $1 million raised is an important milestone for this 6-year-old effort. Thanks to the compassion, generosity, and unwavering spirit of our participants, partners, and sponsors, we are growing awareness and reducing the stigma while supporting mental health research and care in our community.”

While completing the course, walkers were fueled by complimentary snacks and beverages from Peace of Mind sponsors, including bars from David Protein, LMNT’s electrolyte drink mix packets, Leisure Project’s non-carbonated electrolyte refreshers, Culture POP’s probiotic sodas and water provided by Suzy Zimmerman State Farm Insurance. Sunscreen was provided by Vacation Sunscreen. At the summit of the Attente block, the highest point of the estate, participants enjoyed a splash of the Alma Rosa Brut Rosé before returning to the winery’s historic Ranch House nestled amid ancient oak trees for an intimate reception featuring a tasting of the latest releases from Alma Rosa’s Winemaker Samra Morris, as well as from other local wineries including The Hilt Estate, Peake Ranch Winery, Sanford Winery and Clementine Carter Wines. The reception also featured live music by local Santa Barbara duo Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, along with food available for purchase from Santa Barbara Food Connection. Richard Sanford, Alma Rosa Winery’s original founder, current winery ambassador and pioneering Central Coast vintner, was also present during the reception to mingle with guests.

The Zorich’s support of the walk is a part of their ongoing efforts to support mental health research, awareness and care in Houston and across the country. The winery is grateful to have received generous corporate donations from Rio Vista Chevrolet in Buellton, Wine Direct, The Towbes Group, CenCal Health, Acme Hospitality, Montecito Bank & Trust, SCI Specialty Construction, Garcia Architects, 1st Century Bank, C&D, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Sister Cities/Rotary Club. Over the last six years, the winery has raised over $1.2 million for One Mind and Santa Barbara County’s Mental Wellness Center.

For more information about Alma Rosa’s commitment to mental health awareness and support, please visit www.almarosawinery.com/peace-of-mind.

About Alma Rosa Winery

Alma Rosa Winery, a leading wine producer from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills, is dedicated to making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône variety wines that express the unique terroir of the appellation. Alma Rosa’s wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, reflecting the cool climate impact of the Pacific Ocean breezes that are funneled through the east-west transverse mountain range of the region. The winery was founded in 2005 by Richard Sanford, who was the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Sta. Rita Hills in 1971. Today, the winery is owned by Bob and Barb Zorich, who purchased the winery in 2014. In 2019, Samra Morris took the helm as winemaker and redirected the trajectory of the wines to be amongst the best in California.

For more information about Alma Rosa Winery, please visit almarosawinery.com.

About One Mind™

One Mind is at the forefront of a transformative movement in mental health, delivering innovative solutions to address critical gaps in mental health research, care, workplace wellness, and public perception. Guided by science and lived experience, we fund groundbreaking research, accelerate innovation, enhance workplace wellness, and engage the public to reshape mental health care and awareness. With science as our cornerstone, and people at the heart of what we do, our programs are setting new standards for effective interventions and redefining the future of mental health.

About Mental Wellness Center

With 78 years of service to the Santa Barbara community, Mental Wellness Center has been the leading provider of mental health support to adults, families, and youth. The organization instructs in mental health education to nearly 5,000 local students, operates a residential services program which is home to community members in seven residential sites, and serves individuals and families impacted by mental illness through support groups and social connection programs like its onsite recovery day program that sees hundreds of individuals, both housed and unhoused, living with severe mental illness.

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For the entire 2024-25 school year, the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge has sponsored a Student of the Month, chosen by the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School staff and administration. The final honoree of the year is Ben Stuerman, the Student of the Month for May.

Stuerman has gained recent attention as the co-captain of the Pirates boys volleyball team that won the CIF Central Section title and made it to the second round of the CIF state tournament. He was also on the SYHS water polo team, and even on the basketball team in the ninth and 10th grade.

In the classroom, Ben has also shined, compiling a 3.4 GPA, while serving as the yearbook class editor this year. He also earned scholar athlete honors, and was on the staff of the SYHS “huddle” for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as president this year.

Ben will be moving on to Simpson University in Redding, California, where he will continue his volleyball career and plans to major in kinesiology, with plans to become a firefighter, EMT, and paramedic, hopefully for Cal Fire.

This summer, when Ben has free time “for the first time ever,” he hopes to camp and hike in Yosemite National Park and climb Half Dome. He also loves to mountain bike, and is part of a mountain biking team in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Through it all, Ben has maintained his status as a good student and person.

“Ben is one of the kindest and most positive people on campus,” said SYHS Superintendent/Principal Dr. Kimberly Sheehan. “Ben loves living in the valley because of the close community and the great friends. He loves that everywhere he goes, he knows someone.”

One thing that drives Ben is his penchant for community service, and his faith. He has done two service trips to Mexico in high school, both building and helping people in a damaged community, and helping set up a senior
facility for events. He also helps his church locally to plan and set up many events and outreach programs.

“Community is very important to me, and I value strong bonds within it,” Ben said. “I have done many trips down to Mexico and those have consistently been huge parts of my life, seeing how third-world countries function
and get by with what they have.

“I’m someone who values faith, family, and personal growth. As a son and only child, I value the time I spend with my parents, whether we’re traveling, playing volleyball, working out, or taking care of our dog and chickens. Growing up in a small town where everyone knows each other has been a blessing, and our church community feels like a part of our family. My faith is at
the core of who I am. Weekly Sunday morning church, youth leadership, and mission trips have shaped me and deepened my connection to God.”

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This year’s awards include scholarships for 30 graduating high school seniors, 27 from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and three from Dunn School, recognized for academic achievement, personal growth, involvements, and big dreams. The Foundation also renewed scholarships for 20 college sophomores, continuing support that began when they were high school seniors.

“A scholarship is more than financial aid — it’s a vote of confidence,” said Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director of the SYV Foundation. “It tells a student their hard work, dreams, and potential are worth the investment.”

One student shared, “At the scholarship award night, I was overwhelmed by a strong sense of community here in the Valley.” Another recipient added, “Thank you for your belief in my potential and for helping me achieve my goals.”

This year’s graduating high school senior scholarship recipients are Jesse Arango, Jadon Bailey, Samantha Barboza, Eric Brians, Jazmin Briceno, Addison Bunke, Nataly Davalos, Jackson Elliott, Saira Fernandez, Aaron Figueroa, Adrian Garcia, Addison Godfrey, Sadie Godfrey, Adin Kokorowski, Kea Gonzalez-Lishman, Griffin Markee, Mykah Hardy Moniot, Kaitlyn Hicks, Ryder McClurg, Presley Miller, Malia Ortiz, Natalie O’Shaughnessy, Yasmin Ozkan, Tanner Rhodes, Meara Samaan, and Sofia Goretti Tinajero Suarez.

Two students, Kimberly Medina and Chloe Ann Perez, received the Walter L. Hanson Scholarship. Named in honor of Walt Hanson, editor and publisher of the local newspaper from 1929 to 1945, the scholarship recognizes students dedicated to careers rooted in service to others.

The David & Jan Crosby Scholarship celebrates creativity and artistic expression. This year’s recipients, Naomi Ferguson and Alison Willis, were chosen for embodying those values through their passion and commitment to the arts.

These scholarships are made possible through the Foundation’s deep roots in the Santa Ynez Valley and the generosity of local donors. With a longstanding commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos, the Foundation has awarded more than $7 million to local nonprofit organizations and over $1 million in scholarships, supporting nearly 400 students in pursuing their college dreams.

To learn more about the Foundation’s scholarship program and community initiatives, visit www.syValleyFoundation.org.

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The Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBC Fire), in coordination with Cal Fire, the Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs Association, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Forest Service Los Padres, the County of Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Management, and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), announces the start of the 2025 High Fire Season for all areas of Santa Barbara County, effective Tuesday, June 2.

With the onset of High Fire Season, SBC Fire will suspend all burn permits issued for residential burning and hazard reduction. Simultaneously, the department will increase the deployment of resources to respond to vegetation fires as needed throughout the county.

During the High Fire Season, it is critical for residents, workers, and visitors to exercise increased caution and prioritize fire safety at all times. SBC Fire emphasizes the following key public safety measures:

Vegetation management: Create defensible space

Property owners are urged to maintain defensible space by creating three key zones around homes and structures:

• Zone 0 (0–5 feet): Remove all combustible materials —leaves, mulch, wood piles, and other fuels — immediately around the home. Use non-combustible landscaping materials in this area when possible.

• Zone 1 (5–30 feet): Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less, remove dead plants and vegetation, and maintain space between trees and shrubs.

• Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Thin or remove excess vegetation, prune tree limbs up 6–10 feet from the ground, and reduce plant density to slow fire spread.

• Access Zones: Maintain vegetation clearance along driveways and private roads to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles. Trim overhanging branches to at least 13.5 feet above roadways and maintain at least 10 feet of horizontal clearance.

Maintaining these zones not only increases survivability during a wildfire but also improves firefighter safety and access.

Home hardening: Strengthen your structure

Flying embers can destroy homes up to a mile from the actual fire. Making small upgrades can significantly reduce your home’s risk.

• Install metal mesh screens (1/8-inch) on attic and crawl space vents

• Replace wood shake roofs with Class A fire-rated roofing

• Cover chimneys with spark arresters

• Use dual-pane, tempered glass windows

• Remove combustible fencing connected to structures

Prepare and Act Early

This three-step program helps residents understand what to do before, during, and after wildfire threats:

• Ready: Prepare your home and property before fire season by creating defensible space, hardening your home, and assembling an emergency kit.

• Set: Stay alert, know your evacuation zone, and be prepared to evacuate quickly if wildfire conditions worsen.

• Go: Evacuate early when told — don’t wait until the last minute. If you feel unsafe or conditions worsen, leave immediately. Never wait for official orders — early evacuation keeps you safe and allows firefighters to operate without added rescue risks.

More information is available in English and Spanish at: https://sbcfire.com/ready-set-go

Protect against wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke and ash contain small particles that can harm the lungs and heart. The best protection is to stay indoors, ideally in a well-sealed “clean air room” with a HEPA air purifier.

The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) provides the following resources:

• Hourly air quality updates: www.ourair.org/todays-air-quality/

• Guidance on creating safe indoor air spaces: www.ourair.org/clean-air-rooms/

• Air Quality Alerts via text message and/or email: https://www.ourair.org/air-quality-alerts/

SBC Fire urges all Santa Barbara County residents to remain proactive and engaged in fire prevention efforts throughout the High Fire Season. With community awareness and cooperation, we can collectively help reduce wildfire risk and enhance public safety.

The public is also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at readysbc.org. To download your wildfire preparation checklist and learn how to protect your home before fire season intensifies visit sbcfire.com/ready-set-go/

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The Santa Barbara Zoo is pleased to introduce Tamur (pronounced tuh-MOOR), a 5-year-old male Amur leopard, who arrived from the San Diego Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Amur leopards are the most endangered big cat on Earth.

Tamur’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter in the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education. The move was recommended by the AZA’s SSP, a collaborative program designed to maintain a genetically diverse and stable population of animals in human care, with the ultimate goal of supporting species conservation efforts worldwide.

“Welcoming Tamur is a powerful reminder of the critical conservation work we do here every day,” said Dr. Julie Barnes, vice president of animal care at the Santa Barbara Zoo. “The Santa Barbara Zoo is deeply committed to protecting endangered species like the Amur leopard. Every animal move is carefully planned with the future of the species in mind, and we’re proud to play a role in helping ensure their survival.”

While Tamur is still acclimating to his new habitat and may not always be visible, zoo guests are encouraged to stop by and welcome him during their next visit.

Farewell to Marta and Ajax

In related news, the zoo’s beloved Amur leopards Marta and her mother Ajax have recently departed Santa Barbara to contribute to the conservation mission at other AZA-accredited institutions.

Marta, born on Aug. 6, 2021, made history as the first Amur leopard born at the zoo in over 20 years. She now resides at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio, where she will play a crucial role in the genetic health of the population. Her mother Ajax, recognized as one of the most genetically valuable female Amur leopards in North America, also moved to a new home at the Nashville Zoo as part of the SSP’s ongoing efforts.

Tamur is generously sponsored by Premier Foster Feeders Marta Holsman Babson and Henrietta Holsman Fore. To learn more about how to support the zoo’s Amur leopards as an animal sponsor, please visit https://sbzoo.pivvit.com/foster-feeder.

About Amur leopards

Amur leopards are the most endangered big cats in the world. They have also been called the Korean leopard, Far East leopard, and Manchurian leopard, which echoes their historic range, spanning the Korean Peninsula into northeast China’s Jilin and Heilongjiang Provinces, and across the border into the Russian Far East and Amur River basin, from which the species now takes its name.

Just under 100 are estimated to remain in the wild, in a small area between Vladivostok, Russia, and the Chinese border, along with a few scattered individuals in China. Their threats include poaching, forest fires, development, and, at this point, inbreeding. Approximately 200 Amur leopards are in human care, primarily in zoos in North America, Europe, and countries of the former Soviet Union, and are part of globally cooperative conservation breeding programs.

Zoo Brew coming Saturday, June 7

The zoo will be hosting the return of Zoo Brew, the annual fundraiser that caters to beer and zoo lovers alike! Zoo Brew will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a VIP hour from 4 to 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at sbzoo.ticketsauce.com/e/zoo-brew-2025/ticketsere.

Guests are in for a “brew-tiful” day of sipping on a whole herd of beverages and interacting with the local brewers who crafted them, all while admiring the zoo’s hilltop ocean view. VIP ticket holders will also enjoy early entry and appetizers. This year’s event features 25+ beverage makers from California, including beer, cider, hard seltzer, wine, and more. Pub food, non-alcoholic beverages, and merchandise are also available for purchase.

General admission tickets are $75 per person and include unlimited beer tastings and a Zoo Brew 2025 commemorative tasting cup. VIP tickets are $110, and include all general admission perks, plus early entry/VIP hour (4 to 5 p.m.) and appetizers. All proceeds benefit the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. For ages 21+ only. For more information about Zoo Brew and to see participating partners, go to www.sbzoo.org/zoo-brew or call (805) 962-5339. 

The Santa Barbara Zoo strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please email the accessibility team at welcome@sbzoo.org.

About the Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m. General admission is $35 for adults, $25 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Buy online and save $7 per ticket. Parking is $11. The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA zoos are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great visitor experience, and a better future for all living things. With more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and is the public’s link to helping animals in their native habitats. Visit sbzoo.org.

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The Granada Theatre, a cornerstone of Santa Barbara’s vibrant performing arts scene, and Santa Barbara Records are proud to present an evening dedicated to community and local artistry while celebrating the music of David Crosby, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a resident of the Santa Ynez Valley at the time of his passing in 2023.

Various singer-songwriters and seasoned performers will perform at this event celebrating the full circle of Santa Barbara’s music scene. “Locals and Legends: Celebrating The Music of David Crosby” will take place on Saturday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. 

Santa Barbara Records, a local record label dedicated to uplifting Central Coast talent, will showcase an exceptional lineup of artists, including Glen Phillips, Chris and John Beland, Shawn Thies, Jonathan Firey, and Kathleen Sieck. These musicians will take the stage at The Granada, joined by an all-star band and the Santa Barbara Symphony, under Music and Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, performing Crosby’s iconic songs and original works from some of the region’s finest musicians.

The evening features special guests who have played pivotal roles in Crosby’s musical legacy. James Raymond, Crosby’s son and longtime musical collaborator, and Steve Postell, Crosby’s music director and guitarist, will take the stage to perform some of the legendary musician’s most beloved songs. Vocalists Miriam Dance and Lois Mahalia will lend their powerful voices, adding new depth to Crosby’s timeless catalog. Backed by an all-star band composed of some of Santa Barbara’s most accomplished musicians, this unique collaboration with symphonic arrangement is a concert experience created by and for the Santa Barbara community.

“Locals & Legends is more than a concert — it’s a showcase featuring our region’s prolific musical landscape, spotlighting legendary and emerging artists while celebrating David Crosby’s roots in Santa Barbara,” said Tariqh Akoni, producer and director of A&R at Santa Barbara Records while concurrently serving as music director for the show. “This night is a true community collaboration, bridging generations through the music that shaped our past and the artists who will define our future.” 

Sponsored by the Manitou Fund/Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley, The Hazen Foundation, The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, a field of interest fund of the Santa Barbara Foundation, and Davis Fansler, this one-night-only event is a night to honor where we come from, who we are, and the sounds that unite us. 

For more information on the theater and its upcoming shows, please visit granadasb.org

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Solvang Theaterfest kicked off with style on Memorial Day weekend with the iconic sounds of Pablo Cruise heard at the venue during it’s May 24 concert, and there are more shows on the way.

“This Memorial Day weekend concert is a perfect opportunity to kick off the summer with great music and even better company,” said Chantel Green, executive director of Solvang Theaterfest before the Pablo Cruise performance. “It’s one of many highlights in our already packed season.”

Following a successful start to the season, Theaterfest’s “Music in the Garden” series continues with intimate Sunday afternoon shows featuring local and touring talent across a variety of genres, including:

• Doublewide Kings – Roadhouse Rock & Roll, June 8
• Jeffrey East – Nashville-Inspired Soul, June 22
• The Storytellers – Americana Roots, July 13
• Left On Tenth – Indie, Funk, Reggae, Rock, July 20
• The Molly Ringwald Project – Totally ’80s, Totally Awesome, July 27
• Doctor Wu – A Steely Dan Tribute, August 10
• Soul Majestic – Soulful Reggae Vibes, August 24

The season continues with exciting fall performances, including Mat Kearney on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and One Night of Queen featuring Gary Mullen & The Works on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Stay tuned for more exciting shows coming soon, including comedian Orny Adams on Sept. 13 — tickets available June 3.

In addition, PCPA’s summer productions will be lighting up the stage at the Solvang Festival Theater from June 19 to Sept. 7 with performances showcasing the incredible talent of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre. Be sure to check their schedule at pcpa.org for upcoming shows that are sure to impress!

Solvang Theaterfest is also proud to introduce Lacie Stricklin as its new House Manager. Lacie continues to run the Valley Glee and Junior Theater programs through Arts Outreach, bringing the next generation of theater talent into the community. A proud descendant of one of the original settling families of Lompoc, Lacie’s deep ties to the Santa Ynez Valley are matched by her passion for nurturing young performers and cultivating creative expression. Her ongoing dedication to the youth arts in the area makes her an invaluable member of the Solvang Theaterfest team.

Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome Linda Preston, a returning house manager with over 25 years of volunteer service to the theater. This is her second year back in the house manager role after a dedicated history of supporting the theater’s events and operations. Linda’s wealth of experience and ongoing commitment to Solvang Theaterfest make her an invaluable part of our team, and we are grateful to have her continue her work with us. Linda’s involvement is a testament to the dedicated volunteers in our Red Coats program, who help ensure that every show runs smoothly and that our guests enjoy a memorable experience.

For tickets, full calendar details, and volunteer opportunities, visit SolvangTheaterfest.org.

About Solvang Theaterfest

Solvang Theaterfest is a nonprofit organization that celebrates community, creativity, and live performance in the Santa Ynez Valley. With a 700-seat outdoor venue, the theater hosts a variety of performances and events, offering memorable experiences under the stars.

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