As the spring hits its peak, the Rancheros Visitadores will continue their annual tradition of parading through the streets of Solvang to old Mission Santa Inés on Saturday, May 3 at 2:30 p.m. Community members will gather to witness a blessing of the riders and a check presentation to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. More than 750 Rancheros from 37 states and six countries typically gather for this annual event.

Since 2012, in conjunction with their annual ride, the Rancheros Visitadores, in partnership with Wrangler, have raised funds for the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. As the largest contributor to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara funds a variety of research and supportive care programs at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, both in Santa Barbara and Solvang, to help residents on their journey with, through and beyond cancer.

Starting under the initiative and leadership of member Steve Beneto, Rancheros Visitadores have donated more than $1.73M to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara over the last 12 years. This year the Rancheros Visitadores raised more than $200K, breaking previous annual fundraising records on their way to surpassing $2M by May of 2027. Steve Beneto believed deeply that Rancheros Vistadores should support the Santa Ynez community that has been so welcoming to the annual parade and ride. 

Corky Ullman, El Presidente of the Rancheros Visitadores, explains, “Many of our members know first-hand the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings. Our collaboration with the Cancer Foundation ensures our local members, their family, friends and neighbors have access to a host of services to support them during their diagnosis, treatment andrecovery. We are pleased to support this community that welcomes us back each year.”

“Our partnership with the Rancheros Visitadores provides important funding for programs such as oncology nutrition, genetic counseling, and oncology social work both in Solvang and Santa Barbara. The donations from the members of the Rancheros Visitadores are critical to helping patients navigate a period of uncertainty in their lives, often helping them to reduce stress, manage side effects and focus on healing,” shares Lori Willis, Executive Director of the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara.

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara is tremendously appreciative for the continued support of the Rancheros Visitadores and looks forward to furthering our shared goal of making a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients in Santa Barbara County. 

About the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara 

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara works to deliver superior cancer care to everyone in Santa Barbara County and provides significant philanthropic support to the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. To learn more, visit the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara at cfsb.org. 

The post Rancheros Visitadores shatter fundraising record  appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Elaina Siler

Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs

Military readiness isn’t just about the individual in uniform; it’s about the strength and resilience of the entire family. This year, Natalia Serna, daughter of Space Launch Delta 30’s senior enlisted leader Chief Master Sgt. Jay Harris and Maria Tapia, embodies this crucial connection as the U.S. Space Force’s Military Child of the Year, recognized by Operation Homefront.

This prestigious award, presented annually for the past 17 years, recognizes the resilience, leadership, and commitment of military children across all six branches of the armed forces.

“I was completely shocked. Being nominated was an incredible honor, but finding out I had won felt surreal,” said Natalia. “I immediately thought of my family, my peers, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”

Natalia paved her path to this remarkable achievement with courage, adaptability, and unwavering spirit. Throughout her father’s deployments, she faced the challenges inherent to military life with grace, grit and determination.

“Military life isn’t easy — TDYs, long separations, and frequent moves require constant adjustment. Our daughter has handled each challenge with remarkable strength,” said Chief Master Sgt. Harris. “This award is an incredible honor and truly reflects the hard work, sacrifices, and heart our daughter has poured into her community and our family. For our family, it’s a moment to pause and celebrate not just her accomplishments but the journey it took to get here.” 

Natalia’s story resonated deeply with the judges throughout the multi-stage selection process. Her compelling essays and insightful interviews showcased not only her personal growth but also her passion for supporting other military youth and solidified her belief in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another.

“Natalia has great social skills,” said Tapia. “She is constantly embracing new experiences that cultivate connections that enrich her life.” Tapia credits their time in Germany as a pivotal experience for Natalia, familiarizing herself with the culture of six nearby countries local to Germany.

“She developed a strong desire to explore, travel, and seek new information and experiences that have helped her become a well-rounded teen,” said Tapia.

After attending seven schools in 11 years, the family says youth programs that support military kids as well as mentors who understand the constant changes that come with military life were highly impactful for this achievement. For Natalia, she is just getting started.

“Being named Military Child of the Year for the Space Force motivates me to amplify my voice and use it to support other military children,” said Natalia. “Whether it’s advocating for and creating spaces where military kids feel heard and supported, I want to be part of the solution.”

Natalia’s story serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of military children across the globe. Her message to current and future military children emphasizes their inner strength.

“You are stronger than you realize. Constant moves, deployments, and the uncertainty can be tough, but those challenges also shape you into someone resilient, adaptable and capable of achieving incredible things,” said Natalia.

She stands as a shining example of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community – values that will undoubtedly guide her toward a bright and impactful future.

“This award solidifies my passion for leadership and pushes me to find new ways to give back,” said Natalia. “Not just within the military community but beyond.”

The post Vandenberg Teen Wins U.S. Space Force Military Child of the Year Award appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

TUESDAY, MAY 6

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, 9 a.m.

County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara

For more info: countyofsb.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, 9 a.m.

Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building, 511 Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria

For more info: countyofsb.org

THURSDAY, MAY 8

Buellton City Council, 6 p.m.

At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

MONDAY, MAY 12

Solvang City Council, 6:30 p.m.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

TUESDAY, MAY 13

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, 9 a.m.

Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building, 511 Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria

For more info: countyofsb.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

Los Olivos Community Services District, 6 p.m.

Los Olivos Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos

For more info: losolivoscsd.com

THURSDAY, MAY 15

Buellton Planning Commission, 6 p.m.

At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

Solvang Design Review Committee, 5 p.m.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

EVENTS

SATURDAY, MAY 10

Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon, 7 a.m.

The only half marathon in the historic Danish town of Solvang, CA in the Santa Ynez Valley. Presented by Chumash Casino Resort. This exciting route takes you through the Santa Ynez Valley and finishes in Solvang with a post-race wine festival. Choose to run the half marathon on your own, or partner with a running buddy and join as a two-person relay to tackle it together!

Festivities start Friday, May 9, with a Garden Party and Race Expo, where you can pick up a race packet, at 1 p.m. After the race on Saturday, May 10, come to the Post-Race Wine Festival, where participants can celebrate their accomplishment with tastings from local wineries. Participants aged 21 and above can purchase tickets for this delightful post-race experience.

Race starts at Atterdag Road and Laurel Avenue, and finishes at Copenhagen Drive. Other race events located at Solvang Park

For more info: santabarbarawinehalf.com

Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum Play Day, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This free community event (donations welcomed) is designed to bring families together for hands-on activities, creativity, and outdoor exploration.

Why You Should Come:

• A fun and engaging outdoor activity for kids
• A chance to connect with other families in the community
• The opportunity to be part of building something special for the museum’s future

No registration is needed — just come ready to play, explore, and create!

And don’t forget, Play Days happen every second Saturday of the month, so mark your calendars.

At Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum, 202 Dairyland Road, Buellton

For more info: syvchildrensmuseum.com

St. Mark’s in the Valley Spring Classic, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

St. Mark’s in the Valley Episcopal Church is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved St. Mark’s Classic fundraiser, taking place on Saturday, May 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the church in Los Olivos. This highly anticipated evening directly supports the Episcopal church’s mission to serve as an open community center and arts venue, providing no-fee access to more than 85 community groups and organizations.

The Classic is a must-attend evening featuring a delicious dinner, provided by local catering group Jake Francis and Valley Piggery, and an exciting live auction, led by parishioner and always-entertaining auctioneer Andrew Firestone.Guests will have the opportunity to bid on an array of exclusive items and experiences, all while contributing to a vital cause. Last year’s event was a tremendous success, raising $185,000 (net)—and this year, organizers aim to break that record!

At St. Mark’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos

For more info: smitv.org/2025-spring-classic.html

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, TO SATURDAY, MAY 17

Los Olivos Dance Gallery shows at Festival Theatre, 6:30 p.m.

The Los Olivos Dance Gallery will perform on four consecutive nights in May at the Solvang Festival Theater. On Wednesday, May 14, will be the Junior Show; 

Thursday, May 15, will be the Intermediate Show; and Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, will see the Senior Show. All shows start at 6:30 p.m. Since 1994 area youngsters and adults have frequented the Los Olivos Dance Gallery (LODG), a local institution “where students learn to love dance”. Here, they explore the world of motion and music while experiencing the joy of work well done and the thrill of artistic achievement.

At Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second St., Solvang

For Tickets and Information Email: lodg@verizon.net 

SATURDAY, MAY 17

Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Alma Rosa Winery is continuing its commitment to mental health-related causes with its sixth annual Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction fundraising walk on Saturday, May 17. Funds raised from this event will support community services, research and treatment for anxiety and depression. The 10,000-step walk (approximately 4.5 miles) will take place at Alma Rosa’s beautiful 628-acre Sta. Rita Hills estate, located near Buellton.

To sign up, donate or start a fundraising campaign for the upcoming event, visit the link below for more information: runsignup.com/Race/CA/Buellton/PeaceofMind10000StepsintheRightDirection or almarosawinery.com/peace-of-mind

At Alma Rosa Winery, 7250 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton.

For more info: Go to above links or contact Brian Allard, (707) 695-5811, brian@almarosawinery.com

Santa Ynez Valley Airport Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come on out and explore all the planes on the runway and enjoy the spring weather with us! Dozens of aircraft ondisplay with pilots who can explain general aviation and their experiences. Aviation scholarships to be given to Santa Ynez youth ages 16-20. Solvang Rotary Club Barbecue Crew will serve up free hot dogs and hamburgers for all who attend!

At Santa Ynez Valley Airport, 900 Airport Road, Santa Ynez

For more info: santaynezairport.com

ONGOING

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS

Storytime at Solvang Library, 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Join us indoors on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. 

Come to enjoy songs, stories, movement, and a warm welcome. Please make a reservation at cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library

At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: Solvang Library (805) 688-4214

WEDNESDAYS

Solvang Farmers Market, 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Each week, the farmers in the marketplace display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard. Seasonal diversity is available year-round rain or shine. Come. Shop. Socialize. Certified — the only way to buy! Join us in downtown Solvang every Wednesday on First Street, between Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Copenhagen Drive.

Wine Wednesdays in Buellton, 4 to 8 p.m.

Please join us for an evening out with family fun for all in Buellton, hosted by Esfuerzo Wines and The Birria Boyz. This event will take place each Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Each week we will have guest food vendors, live music and much more to be announced. We hope to see you there!

At 140 Industrial Way, Buellton

For more info: info@esfuerzowine.com

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Drop-In Adult Basketball, Year Round, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 6 to 7:15 a.m.

Start your day with a pick up game of basketball with friends.

At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton

Ballroom Dancing, Ongoing, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to learn to dance ballroom or just brush up on your skills? Join Instructors David and Jo for an evening of fun. No partner needed and drop-ins are welcome! Adults only. Held in Room B.

At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton

Aerobic Tap for Seniors, Monday’s 10 to 11 a.m.

Tap dance to Broadway show tunes and get a great aerobic workout. Bring your tap shoes and level of experience! Each 75-minute class will include a preview, warm-up, aerobic workout and cool down. Held in Room A.

For info on these and other programs, go to buelltonrec.com

The post Santa Ynez Calendar of Events May 6 – May 17 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Guests are invited to enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping local wines by Steve Escobar while browsing and bidding on stunning handcrafted mini quilts. The event will also feature artist Dora Cary of orangedotquilts.com.

The tasting room, located at 236 North F St. in Lompoc, opens at 1 p.m., with a quilt preview, followed by the live auction at 2 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit Quilters Etc. For more information, visit quiltersetc.org.

The post Mini quilt auction at Gaviota Coast Wines set for May 4 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Technology in Schools Program, which provides grants to Santa Barbara County schools seeking to enhance classroom technology. The deadline to apply for funding for the 2025–2026 school year is April 30, and all applications must be submitted online at chumash.gov/foundation. Launched in 2015, the program has awarded more than $550,000 in grants, helping schools purchase new hardware, upgrade infrastructure, integrate high-tech resources, and enrich their curriculum. 

The most recent 2024–2025 recipients include Vista Del Mar Union School District, which received $8,255 to upgrade Chromebooks and its uninterruptible power supply; College School District, awarded $9,173.96 for a 3D printer and interactive whiteboard; Los Olivos Elementary School, which received $10,136 for MacBooks and AppleCare; and Santa Barbara Unified School District, which received $10,000 for digital projectors. Additional recipients include La Colina Junior High School, Orcutt Academy High School, Saint Louis de Montfort Catholic School, San Marcos High School, Lakeview Junior High School, and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, which used grant funds for tools ranging from robotics kits and laptops to interactive display boards and Esports equipment. The program was born from the success of the tribe’s 2015 charity golf tournament, where proceeds were donated as technology grants to four local schools. Inspired by that impact, the tribe established an ongoing initiative through its foundation to support the evolving technological needs of classrooms across the county. 

For more information or to apply, visit chumash.gov/foundation or call (805) 688-7997. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $30 million to schools, nonprofits, and organizations locally and across the country, continuing a long-standing tradition of community giving.

The post Chumash Foundation’s Technology in Schools Grant deadline approaching April 30 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Kenneth Kahn has been re-elected as Tribal Chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, marking his fifth consecutive full term leading the tribe’s governing body. The recent election also reaffirmed the leadership of Business Committee members Mike Lopez, Maxine Littlejohn, Gary Pace, and Raul Armenta, who will each continue serving two-year terms.

The Chairman and Business Committee oversee the legal, business, and policy affairs of the tribe while working to ensure the economic well-being of its members. Kahn, 48, was first elected to the Business Committee in 2003 at age 25, making him the youngest member ever elected to the board. Over the years, he served as Secretary-Treasurer and Vice Chairman before being elected Chairman in a 2016 special election. Beyond his tribal leadership role, Kahn serves on the California Truth and Healing Council and as Vice Chair of the Native American Rights Fund.

Returning as Vice Chairman, Mike Lopez enters his sixth consecutive term on the Business Committee. Lopez, who served a decade on the Santa Ynez Gaming Commission, also holds leadership roles with the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County.
Maxine Littlejohn, re-elected to her sixth term, continues as Secretary-Treasurer. A Business Committee member since 2000, she briefly left to serve on the Gaming Commission before rejoining the board in 2015.

Gary Pace, a longstanding figure in tribal leadership, begins his 12th consecutive term. He first joined the committee in 2004 following a special election and has helped guide the tribe through two decades of growth.
Raul Armenta returns for his sixth consecutive term after first joining the committee in 2016. Prior to that, he served nearly 20 years on the Gaming Commission.
Since the passage of the Indian Reorganization Act in 1934, federally recognized tribes like the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians have operated under self-governing constitutions. These governing systems, rooted in tradition and cultural identity, enable tribes to manage their own affairs while preserving their heritage.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, located in Santa Barbara County, remains the only federally recognized Chumash tribe in the United States. Its reservation was officially established in 1901.

The post Kahn, Business Committee re-elected to Santa Ynez Chumash Leadership Team appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The City of Buellton continues its year-long community art project, “Exploring the Ocean,” with April’s featured artwork now on display. Sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, this month’s selection includes vibrant pieces by local artists Lauren O., Alex H., and Olivia Uribe.

To view their original creations, visit: buellton.art/2025-april-ocean-art-feature.

This initiative is part of Buellton’s Art & Culture Program in partnership with the California Nature Art Museum, made possible through monthly sponsorships and strong community support.

The post April’s featured art in Buellton: ‘Exploring the Ocean’ appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The City of Buellton will begin accepting candidate applications on Monday, May 5, for the District 4 City Council seat, left vacant following David Silva’s election as Mayor on Nov. 5, 2024.

Eligible residents of District 4 who are registered voters and interested in serving the remainder of the four-year term may obtain and file nomination papers between May 5 and May 30.

A Special Election to fill the seat will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26, and will be conducted exclusively by mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to all registered voters in District 4 beginning Monday, July 28. Voters may return completed ballots via the official drop box located in front of City Hall at 107 West Highway 246. All ballots will be securely collected by county election workers.

Election results will be certified by Sept. 25.

Residents interested in filing to run for the seat should contact City Clerk Linda Reid at lindar@cityofbuellton.com to schedule an appointment during the filing period.

For more information, visit: cityofbuellton.com/government/special/Mail-In-Ballot-Special-Election.

The post Candidate filing opens May 5 for Buellton’s vacant District 4 City Council seat appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Former Buellton resident Victoria Bernard, a Dos Pueblos High School graduate, is one of six Baldwin Wallace University (Berea, Ohio) women’s wrestling student-athletes and one of 400 total women’s wrestlers across all levels of collegiate wrestling to be named as a National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American.

To qualify for Scholar All-American honors, a student-athletes must excel both on the mat and in the classroom by meeting one of the following academic and athletic criteria:

• A top eight placer at nationals and at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
• Competed in a minimum of 15 matches that are recorded in Trackwrestling and has at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average
• Was a national qualifier and has at least a 3.25 cumulative grade point average

Bernard, who carries 3.56 grade point average in creative writing, garners her first accolade. This season, she won seven matches, tallying three falls and one technical fall.

BW, who was in its inaugural season, finished the 2024-25 campaign with an overall record of 2-1. The Yellow Jackets finished fourth at the NCWWC Region 4 Championships.

The post Former Buellton resident named National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Solvang, affectionately known as “The Danish Capital of America,” has been voted as the number one “Best Small Town in the West” in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards, the results for which were publicly announced on Wednesday, April 9.

Solvang finished ahead of second-place Astoria, Oregon, and third-place Healdsburg, the only other California town to finish in the top 10

Solvang also came in at spot number five in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards category of “Best Small Town Food Scene.” Solvang was the sole California town represented in that category’s top 10, as well as the only Western town represented among the list’s top 10 winners.

In 2025, Solvang was nominated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors before being voted on by the public in three different Readers’ Choice Awards travel categories: “Best Small Town in the West,” “Best Small Town Food Scene,” and “Best Main Street.” The travel awards contest and online voting launched for the “Best Small Town in the West” and “Best Small Town Food Scene” categories on Monday, March 3, and online public voting ran through Monday, March 31. (Results for the “Best Main Street” awards category, for which Solvang is also competing, will be announced on Wednesday, April 16).

No stranger to the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Solvang, with a resident population hovering around 6,000, was one of the 10 Best Historic Small Town winners in the 2018 travel contest. Solvang was also one of the 10 Best winners for the same award category in 2016. In 2017, USA TODAY named Solvang as one of “10 great places to enjoy global Christmas traditions in the USA.” More recently, Solvang was nominated for the 2022 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in two different categories, “Best Historic Small Town” and “Best Small Town Cultural Scene,” securing seventh place in the 2022 winners’ listing for the latter category. In 2024, Solvang was voted second “Best Small Town in the West” in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The fourth through tenth place winners in 2025’s “Best Small Town in the West” category are: Cody, Wyoming; Grants, New Mexico; Sedona, Arizona; Bigfork, Montana; Breckenridge, Colorado; Jackson, Wyoming; and Moab, Utah.

Dog-friendly and ideal for kids, Solvang, known for its Danish-American vibe, architecture and design details, pastries and bakeries, and array of wine tasting options, also boasts dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants, and gourmet food purveyors. Solvang’s foodie destinations offer everything from elevated street cuisine — like locally-sourced fish tacos on hand-made tortillas, and comforting ramen noodles — to European-style pretzels and sausages, to Italian standbys or iconic Danish dishes, to elevated new-Californian fare in the form of MICHELIN-honored menus. Solvang visitors sip small-batch, locally-roasted coffee, shop for exotic, hand-bottled spice blends, or enjoy Tiki cocktails and craft beer, all part of a playful, indulgent, and one-of-a-kind, year ‘round shopping and playing escape.

The post Solvang Voted as ‘Best Small Town in the West’ in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.