By Christine Souza 

California Farm Bureau Federation

Reacting to the emergency suspension of an herbicide used to control weeds in vegetable crops, farmers and agricultural representatives are asking for more guidance as the sector considers effective alternatives, disposal of existing inventory and potential liability issues.

Unlike typical pesticide cancellations that allow for a phase-out period, the Aug. 6 action by the US Environmental Protection Agency immediately restricts the use, sale, distribution and transportation of Dacthal, the trade name for dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, or DCPA.

This is the first time in 40 years the EPA has used its emergency authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act to suspend use of a federally registered pesticide due to concerns about potential health risks.

San Luis Obispo vegetable grower Tom Ikeda reacted to the EPA decision to ban the herbicide, which he said is used by growers as a preplant treatment in crops including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and onions. “Basically, the agency said, ‘Stop using it,”’ he said.

“In talking to people in my area, they want guidance on what to do with stocks of this material,” Ikeda said. “We’re waiting to see what’s going to come of it because there’s probably tons of product out there that people are wanting to know how to dispose of.”

Since the EPA issued the emergency suspension early last month, it released a frequently-asked-questions document with more information on the path forward. It included a clarification that growers may transport existing inventory of Dacthal to return stocks of the herbicide to the retailer or the registrant.

“The EPA has finally provided needed information for growers who have used DCPA in the past,” said Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau. “Hopefully, a solution can be worked out soon to remove existing stock from farms and return to the manufacturer for refunds and proper disposal.”

A use assessment conducted by the EPA last spring found that DCPA applications were made primarily to broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and dry onions, and mostly in California.

In California, 192,900 pounds and 188,200 pounds of DCPA were applied in 2021 and 2022, respectively, according to a report prepared for the state by the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California, Davis.

As a top vegetable producer, Monterey County led California counties in applications of 79,000 pounds of DCPA in 2022, with most of the herbicide treatment applied prior to planting broccoli.

“The biggest concern we’re seeing here in Monterey County is for our onions and our broccoli crops, and how those are going to be managed going into the future to control weeds,” Groot said.

With the use of Dacthal suspended, there are only a few alternatives available to growers, Groot said, noting that these materials require more frequent applications and may involve harsher chemicals.

Soon after the EPA issued the emergency order to remove DCPA from the market, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation announced it is working to support the availability of alternative pesticides to control weeds in affected crops.

DPR said it will prioritize applications for full registration of alternative products. In addition, it is providing assistance to stakeholders to make alternatives available through an emergency exemption for special local needs under FIRA.

The Dacthal ban has introduced liability concerns for growers. Groot said some buyers and shippers are asking growers for assurances that the herbicide was not used on crops purchased, which could lead to the rejection of products even if the herbicide was legally applied before the ban.The situation creates potential contractual disputes and financial losses for farmers, he said.

The EPA and others noted the suspension of Dacthal is not a food safety issue. EPA said it has not identified risks from consuming foods with residues due to use of DCPA on crops as allowed by registered labels.

The California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association, which represents agricultural commissioners in every county, also said the ban is not related to food safety concerns.

“(Dacthal) is typically applied at the same time the crop is being planted and is not used on vegetable plants during the growing cycle. As such, DCPA is not considered a food safety concern for consumers,” the association said.

Any applications of DCPA on commodities listed on the product label prior to the suspension by the EPA were legal and subject to strict residue tolerances to ensure the safety of consumers, the association added.

In response to the EPA’s emergency suspension of the herbicide, the association has notified California farmers that they must immediately discontinue use of DCPA products, and that agricultural commissioners will enforce the ban to ensure compliance. This includes physical inspections of farming businesses to make sure pesticide regulations are followed.

American Vanguard Corp., the registrant and sole manufacturer of DCPA, voluntarily stopped sales of the affected products in April. The company submitted cancellation requests to the EPA for federal registrations of the products due to the agency’s assessment that DCPA is harmful, particularly to pregnant women and developing fetuses.

In a statement, the company said it “continues to question EPA’s conclusions in support of the suspension,” adding that the EPA decision is based on test results of one study provided by the company that showed an effect on fetal rodents at certain dose levels. The observed effect was extrapolated to indicate a potential effect upon humans, the company added.

American Vanguard is working with state and federal authorities on a product return program that includes tracking of the remaining stock of DCPA products and removal of the banned herbicide from distribution channels.

Feature image: Broccoli, shown here growing in the Salinas Valley, is one of the crops potentially affected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to ban an herbicide used to control weeds in vegetable fields. The herbicide,  Dacthal, has commonly been used in fields for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and dry onions in California. Photo courtesy Ag Alert file.

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The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission has unanimously endorsed the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance, advancing it to the Board of Supervisors for final approval. This ordinance seeks to assist struggling farmers and ranchers by providing alternative income opportunities while maintaining a focus on agriculture.

The ordinance proposes several new uses for agricultural lands, including campgrounds, farmstays, equestrian facilities, and educational events. These options aim to diversify revenue streams for agricultural operations.

Recent public hearings revealed varied opinions on specific provisions. Concerns were raised about setback distances from neighboring properties, with suggestions ranging from a universal 100 feet to 1,000 feet for row crops and 400 feet for vineyards and orchards. 

Composting regulations also sparked debate; some favored increasing the allowed volume to 1,000 cubic yards, while others opposed composting altogether.

Commissioner John Parke recommended several changes to address these concerns. He supported the proposed setbacks of 100 feet generally, 200 feet from commercial crops, and 400 feet from residences, with flexibility for agreements with neighbors. Parke also proposed limiting campsites to 15 on properties between 40 and 100 acres and removing an agricultural enterprise overlay along Highway 135, though overlays east and west of Santa Maria and around Lompoc remain.

Additional provisions include a quiet time mandate in campgrounds starting at 9 p.m. and closing times for winery tasting rooms at 8 p.m. for permits lacking specific hours. The ordinance permits up to 25 event days annually and 10 days per month for small-scale events like bicycle races and trail runs.

The Board of Supervisors will now review the ordinance, with options to adopt, revise, or reject it, determining its impact on the county’s agricultural landscape.

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office released its 2023 Agricultural Crop and Livestock Report on June 18. This statistical report summarizes the acreage, production, and gross production value of Santa Barbara County agriculture.

Agriculture continues to be Santa Barbara County’s largest producing industry with a gross production value of just under $1.876 billion, a decrease of 2.8 percent when compared with 2022. 

It is important to note that the values represented in this report reflect the gross value of agricultural commodities grown in Santa Barbara County, and do not consider costs associated with labor, planting, irrigation, and distribution among other production activities.

Strawberries remained the top crop in Santa Barbara County, and have been the No. 1 crop each year since 2002, with a gross value of $775.282 million, a decrease of 4.4 percent from 2022. The 2023 atmospheric rivers caused a decrease in production, which in turn had a significant economic impact from crop losses.

“We saw a decrease in our fruit values from berries to avocados this year primarily because of the January 2023 storms that brought significant amounts of rain to our area. New countries entering a very competitive market also led to price reductions in avocados,” said Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Jose Chang.

Nursery products moved to the second most valuable crop at $122,301,000. This was a 28-percent increase for the group which primarily represents cut flowers and potted plants. Product stabilization, market demand, and increased production led to the overall increase.

Wine grapes remained at the third spot at $98.562 million with an increase in value of 2.3 percent.  The weather in the 2023 growing season contributed to an increase in value for wine grapes due to a long blooming period, whichcombined with better soil conditions created higher yields and quality. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc were the three most harvested varieties with the highest gross value. 

Broccoli moved up to the fourth spot with a value of $86.737 million. Cauliflower moved down to the fifth spot with a total value of $84.078 million a decrease of 13 percent, due to a decrease in production and market value.

Livestock production values saw a 14 percent increase from 2022. This was due to ranchers retaining more pasture and range from the rainy season, along with higher sales from inflation and demand for beef.

The fruits & nuts category represented 50 percent of the county’s gross production value with $932.467 million owing it to strawberries. Vegetable crops represented 33 percent of the total gross production value with $615.524 million. Nursery products represented 7 percent of total gross production value with $122.301 million, followed closely behind by wine grapes representing 5 percent of total gross production with $98.562 million.

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By Pamela Dozois

The Movement 2023 will be held for the sixth year on June 16-18. This annual event is held at the California Horse Center on Flag Is Up Farms in Solvang.

Since 2018, Monty Roberts and other leading experts have been coming together at The Movement event to demonstrate and share their latest discoveries. The Movement is inspired by a love for horses, the ambition to impact their lives as positively as they impact ours, and the belief that together we can drive positive change.

“A movement started in the horse industry when horse owners began to have a clearer vision of how horses affected humans in positive way,” said Debbie Roberts Loucks, who manages the event. “Inspired by how interchangeable the lessons from herd behavior were, I’ve watched trainers, teachers, mothers, and managers become better communicators, leaders, and influencers for good. This year’s presenters are each amazing in their industries and they all have a vision of a better world, inspired by incorporating horses in their own story. They come to share that vision and build on it with participants who will take home a life-changing plan. Leaders may inspire, but only when people choose to act does a vision become a movement.” 

This year’s event will feature the starting process of horses, groundwork, ridden work across disciplines, riding a mountain trail course, and working equitation. From holistic health and hoof consults, to bodywork for the horse and for the rider, it’s all about health, happiness, and horses. 

“This unique event helps you better understand problem solving using violence-free training methods,” said Loucks. “People come and spend time with like-minded people absorbing what non-violent communication can be and enjoy discussions with Monty and students from around the world.”

A wine and charcuterie evening will return and lunches are included on Roberts’ renowned farm. 

 “Horses have unprecedented healing power and they help us learn, lead, and live better,” said Loucks. “Those who make the journey experience outstanding humans and horses who change the world, one heart at a time.” 

Flag Is Up Farms is at 901 East Highway 246, Solvang.  

For more information, call (949) 632-1856 or email debbie@montyroberts.com.

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Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary was founded in 2007 by C.C. Beaudette-Wellman and is an all-volunteer organization. It is dedicated to providing rescue for abused and neglected horses in the Santa Ynez Valley. They offer refuge, rehabilitation, sanctuary, public education, and an equine-based therapeutic program for at-risk youth. 

In 2020 Happy Endings rescue program expanded its services to include horses in the community who were suffering during the pandemic due to COVID-related hardships.

“Thanks to the generous donations of Jacobsen Hay and Feed, we were able to feed 13 Belgian horses who would have otherwise not have been sufficiently fed,” said Beaudette-Wellman. 

In 2021 Happy Endings received generous grants from a few different foundations, which allowed them to help feed 44 horses belonging to 40 different individuals, approximately 80 percent of whom were seniors.

“We also received 120 bales of hay from Jacobsen and 55 bales from private individuals,” added Beaudette-Wellman. “Farmers Warehouse donated 80 bags of equine senior feed. Throughout the year, we teamed up with Care For Paws to distribute animal feed at the Santa Ines Mission alongside People Helping People who distributed food for those in need.”  

In 2022, with much less funding, explained Beaudette-Wellman, Happy Endings still fed 19 local horses belonging to 12 local individuals.

“We received a couple of grants and used our private donations to match those funds,” she added.

“In 2023 we have obtained some funding and are targeting seniors in need who are struggling to support themselves in the face of steep inflation,” continued Beaudette-Wellman. “For those living on fixed incomes, the increased cost of everything is creating extreme hardships, so we are here to eliminate some of that stress by helping to feed horses in those families.”

In order to ensure recipients of their program are truly in need, Happy Endings conducts on-site visits, and checks personal and veterinary references. They also confirm that the horses are in generally good condition, that abuse or neglect are not factors, and determine that there are no seriously underlying health issues before they accept them as recipients. When all of the conditions are met, Happy Endings provides hay, equine senior feed, necessary farrier needs, and non-surgical veterinary care, within reason.

Bonita Sargeant is Happy Endings’ grant writer and heads up the Rescue Program and also volunteers to care for the horses.

“I have horses on site and horses in foster care,” said Beaudette-Wellman. “I have horses in Buellton, down the street at the neighbor’s ranch and in Santa Ynez, all cared for by Happy Endings and their volunteers.

According to Beaudette-Wellman, higher expenses had made the sanctuary’s job more difficult.

“Last year, at this time, one bale of hay was $24. I just ordered some hay and it is now $39.99, which will last one horse five days. That’s almost double the price,” she said. “The prices of everything have gone up from food to medicine, veterinary costs, even gas for the truck. There is not one single thing that hasn’t gone up in price that I know of. If you would like to contribute funds to offset some of these sky-high prices, we would be most grateful.”

Beaudette-Williamson said her facility provides a safe place for people to place their horses if they can’t care from them.

“It is well-known in the rescue world that people give up their animals because they can’t afford to keep them, so they either euthanize them or place them in shelters. For the most part, placing horses in a rescue facility is next to impossible. Some will only accept horses with financial support attached, such as a trust fund,” she explained. “Lately, it has been rather problematic with people creating fraudulent rescue facilities, asking for donations, and applying for grants, but they are not legitimate. They take the money and the horses are sold to ‘kill buyers’ and transported to either Mexico or Canada, who then buy them by the pound. We want to support people who want to keep their horses in their loving homes so that’s why we started this program.”

If horses are neglected, Beaudette-Wellman will try her very best to find foster homes to place them; if she can’t or the owner is unwilling to relinquish, the case gets sent to Animal Services.

“But it takes a lot of money to rescue these animals and rehabilitate them properly, so we rely on grants from foundations and caring individuals from our community,” she said. “During the COVID period we were unable to hold our annual fundraiser, ‘Rock for Horses.’ But, this year, our event will be happening in early September. So please come join us for a fun-filled evening.” 

Happy Endings invites all seniors with horses, if they are struggling financially, to call Happy Endings at (805) 448-7138 and take advantage of its Rescue Program now. Their funding is limited, so please don’t delay if you need help.

“We are very humbled to be of service to our community and will continue, by the grace of God, to do so,” said Beaudette-Wellman in conclusion.

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

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Noozhawk North County Editor

The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort in Solvang has proposed adding 40 glamorous camping units, a plan that could involve several hurdles such as annexing land into the city and overcoming a previous effort to limit growth.

The resort, which sits inside the city limits, wants to annex about 10 acres adjacent to its current land to add glamping units, or outdoor camping with amenities such as full restrooms.

The proposed addition to the city’s boundaries may be a bit bigger to include existing employee housing and accessory structures.

The presentation during the Oct. 25 meeting of the Solvang City Council involved a conceptual review of the proposal before the council’s unanimous vote to direct staff to work with the applicant to iron out details.

“I think it’s worth exploring, seeing as how it gets harder and harder to make a living as a farmer,” Councilwoman Claudia Orona said.

Councilman Robert Clarke noted the benefits that Alisal has brought to Solvang through the years in transient occupancy tax revenue.

“Solvang needs the Alisal Ranch more than the Alisal Ranch needs Solvang because you guys have a been a gold mine for the city,” Clarke said. “It’s your property. You already own it. It’s surrounded by the rest of your property.”

Alisal’s owners and managers said they looked to the future and recognized the need for additional rentals and a need to be looking at delivering the experience that millennials want.

“The idea of this is to take the existing operation and to expand to give us the capacity that we presently don’t have because we’ve maximized our utilization,” said C.J. Jackson, representing the Alisal owners. “This is not an attempt to expand out. It is an attempt to attract a complimentary market segment.”

Annexed land would continue to be zoned for agricultural with a guest ranch overlay to match the existing Alisal site.

Steve Fort, senior planner with Suzanne Elledge Planning and Permitting Services, said they anticipate needing an amendment to the existing conditional use permit, design review, General Plan and zoning amendments and more.

The land annexation hurdle would require negotiations with Santa Barbara County regarding the loss of tax revenue and would need approval from the Local Agency Formation Commission.

In addition to the glamping units for guests, the concept proposes reception, dining, saloon and parking areas.

The applicant would have to deal with Solvang’s urban growth boundary, adopted in June 2020 by a prior City Council. Urban growth boundaries typically require voters to approve changes to a city’s boundaries.

“We’re aware that the growth boundary does allow for annexation of ag-zoned lands and continued ag uses and that those types of uses are consistent with the urban growth boundary,” Fort said.

City Attorney Dave Fleishman, who did not work for the city when the prior council approved the urban growth boundary, said the fact that the land is zoned for ag use and would retain that after annexation may not trigger the urban growth boundary requirement for voters to approve or deny the addition to the city.

“I don’t think it necessarily requires a vote of the people. Certainly it is consistent with the express language,” Fleishman said, adding that he would research the issue further if the council directed staff to pursue the issue.

Clarke, the only council member from the previous panel, said he voted for the urban growth boundary to protect farmland from becoming apartments at the entrance to the city.

“I didn’t want to see a Trump Tower at the bottom of the hill. That name was floating around,” Clarke said.

If the annexation of the land into the city doesn’t succeed, another option would involve seeking a conditional use permit from Santa Barbara County, Fort said, adding that Alisal still would need to negotiate for purchasing water and wastewater services from Solvang.

Alisal leaders estimated that the project could generate about $700,000 a year in transient occupancy tax.

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

The local cowboy tradition goes back more than two centuries, and a tradition of honoring those who have kept that spirit alive is in its 37th year at the annual Vaquero Show and Sale. This year’s event takes place Nov. 12-14 at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum with a lineup of cowboy fun. 

This year’s “Vaquero of the Year” is John McCarty, a renowned horse trainer and former head cowboy for the Hollister Ranch for more than 40 years. 

“I am grateful to the SY Historical Museum for recognizing the value or the vaquero tradition and looking forward to celebrating this honor. I join this in good company of those chosen before me,” McCarty said humbly. 

McCarty grew up in Southern California and came from a family that raised thoroughbred horses. He says that he was pretty much “born on a horse” and knew at a young age riding the range and herding cattle would be his full-time career. 

McCarty worked his way from being a ranch hand doing chores to breaking young foals and eventually becoming manager of the cattle operation. 

The cattle operation at Hollister has been in existence since the mid-1700s and is the primary agricultural use on the ranch. 

He left the ranch four years ago to become a horse trainer at his facility on Drum Canyon between Buellton and Lompoc. His professional “Reining/Cow Horse” training is flourishing and clients from throughout the West are sending him their young horses to get them started properly. McCarty fully prepares the horses for their future jobs, either out on the range gathering cattle or in the competitive show arena.

The Vaquero Show will be an action-packed weekend of entertainment and fun as artisans and collectors from across the United States will show their hand-crafted goods including saddles, bridles, bits and spurs, as well as Western art including original paintings and sculpture.

The weekend kicks off with a gala dinner and “pre-party” from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12. New this year is the pig roast and barn dance Saturday evening (time TBD) at Pork Palace near Buellton. 

The fun continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday with a vendor showcase and roping demonstrations throughout the day. 

For more information about the Vaquero Show and Sale or to buy tickets, call 805-688-7889 ext. 104 or go to www.santaynezmuseum.org.

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By Pamela Dozois

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos held its annual Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, Oct. 3. This event is held near the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4), honoring his love of all creatures, great and small.

Chairs and benches were arranged on the lawn accommodating the more than 50 people who arrived with their animals for this brief outdoor service. Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and singer Adam Phillips, founder/director of Santa Barbara Folk Orchestra, entertained the group in song. He performed on various instruments, such as guitar, a soothing wooden flute, and the Scottish smallpipes, which are a bellows-blown bagpipe with a softer and more mellow sound than the better-known Highland bagpipe. 

Rev. Randall Day, priest and rector of St. Mark’s opened the service by reminding everyone how important animals have been to us during the struggles of late. 

“These creatures are our companions and friends and have been especially important to us in these times of being distant from other people,” he said. “Our animals remind us we are alive and demonstrate unconditional love – and also draw us into the wonder of the world around us. Quite often they can teach us to slow down, reorder our priorities and live in the moment.”

Day then asked for volunteers to read aloud the first and second readings. One attendee read Isaiah 11: 6-9 followed by a group prayer of Psalm 104-1, 10-15, and a second reading from The Brothers Karamazov by another attendee. He then led everyone in prayers extoling God’s love of all living things.

Then Day individually blessed each of the animals who attended, dogs and cats and one white umbrella cockatoo, laying on hands and praying for each individual animal. He then invited the people to name aloud their animals at home and to pray together, saying “Fellow creatures, friends, and companions: May God your Creator and preserver bless, defend, heal, and keep you, this day and always. Amen.”

A final blessing was delivered stating, “May God the Creator of all that is, God the Redeemer of all Creation, and God the life-giving Spirit, bless you now and forever. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”

Following the closing, Day paid tribute to a long-time Solvang resident, Hazel Mortensen, who died last Sept. 26, 2020 at the age of 85. A staunch animal-rights activist, Mortensen’s mission in life was to advocate for abused and neglected animals. During her last months she launched a community fundraiser in partnership with Santa Ynez Feed and Milling and Quinn Spaulding to help purchase bags of dog and cat food for local residents in need of assistance with their pets during last year’s COVID-19 crisis. In total, she stayed faithful to the cause for nearly 50 years.

“So many people have just disappeared from our lives this past year so I wanted to include Hazel in this year’s bulletin to let those who didn’t know already of her passing,” Day said.

He also thanked a previous wedding party for their donation of water left over from their wedding, which was used at this event. 

For more information, contact Rev. Day, Valerie Cantella, or visit www.SMITV.org.

A Prayer by St. Francis

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen 

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Staff Report

The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort has partnered with Los Angeles-based fashion designer Heidi Merrick to launch her latest collection, Autumn Winter 21/22 RNCH Collection. 

Inspired by Merrick’s own ranch living and her time spent vacationing at The Alisal, the exclusive collection contextualizes the warm tones, earthy textures and relaxed sophistication of the California ranch lifestyle.

“The Alisal beautifully represents the values this year has impressed on me: family dining, horses, nature, good friends, hard work and all the things ranch life can bring,” Merrick said.

A long-time fan and friend of The Alisal, Merrick not only took inspiration from the property for her new collection, but also selected the ranch as the location to celebrate her launch on Sept. 16 with her closest friends and family, including a stunning fashion show on the Creekside Lawn featuring The Alisal’s own wranglers and horses, followed by a private, sit-down dinner by the property’s Director of Culinary Operations and Executive Chef Anthony Endy.

“It’s an overwhelming gift to have my show at The Alisal,” Merrick said after her show. “The Alisal has been a great inspiration to me ever since my first fly fishing experience years ago and I’ve been fortunate to come back several times with my family. I just love that I get to debut this new collection at the place that inspired it all.”

Following the success of her SRF line, which celebrates California’s coastal culture, the Autumn Winter 21/22 RNCH Collection is an ode to the simplicities and beauty of California ranches. The new collection includes branded RNCH ALISAL casual wear for both adult and kids including crewnecks, hoodies, tees, baseball caps, trucker hats and a tote. 

In addition to The Alisal-inspired pieces, Merrick’s new line also includes a full luxury line which includes a sweater collection and elegant ready-to-wear items with relaxed silhouettes made of textiles such as silk, moire, denim and wool.

“We are always thrilled when someone leaves the ranch inspired to implement some of the property’s lifestyle into their everyday life,” said Kathleen Cochran, the resort’s general manager. “The passionate spirit, wonderous beauty, and timelessness of The Alisal is captured in the textures and colors of Heidi’s latest collection. The Alisal is honored to be a part of this wonderful line and to be the host of the celebration.”

Select items from the new Autumn Winter 21/22 RNCH Collection are now available for purchase at The Alisal’s Mercantile, with more pieces to come later this fall on-property and online.

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By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

Getting names mixed up happens, but having your name mixed up with a famous person doesn’t happen all that often. For Buellton-based custom saddle maker Brad “Cash” Cooper, it happened when his famous client Michael Keaton accidentally confused him with the actor Bradley Cooper. 

The story started when Keaton, known for his title-role performances in “Beetlejuice” and “Batman,” contacted the well-known saddle maker to create a custom saddle for his horse. 

“I took a deposit from Mr. Keaton and then didn’t hear from him for several months, so I figured he got busy and then he contacted me to tell me this funny story about his messages with Bradley Cooper,” Cooper said. 

The story was so funny Keaton ended up telling it on a recent appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” while promoting his role in “The Protege” and reprising his role as Batman in “The Flash.” 

Keaton says he contacted the saddle maker because he wanted to have something custom-made. The actor says he isn’t an extravagant person, but decided to treat himself to a new saddle to use on his ranch in Montana. After speaking with the saddle maker, he then started emailing him to convey what styles he liked and sizing for the saddle horn and was getting strange responses. 

“‘Yeah, okay. Ha, ha!’ with an exclamation point right,” he said to Meyers. 

After a while, Keaton said, he would check in again and get a “Sure, whatever,” response and Keaton wanted to get the saddle wrapped up and got back a response, “Who is this?”

“What are you talking about ‘Who is this?’,” Keaton said. 

Keaton came to find out he had been corresponding with the actor Bradley Cooper, not the saddle maker Brad “Cash” Cooper. 

“I thought that was pretty funny,” Cooper the saddle maker said with a laugh. “After we got straightened out and all the details sorted through, that saddle turned out to be one of the best ones I’ve done.” 

“Cash” Cooper started working with leather at the age of 12 when his father gave him a leather bag making kit. 

“I loved it so much and kept making things until I had to get a job to buy a pickup, so I decided to make it my job,” he said. 

There was a saddle shop down the street from him in Dublin, Texas, owned by Wendy and Calvin Allen. Wendy is known as the “Queen of Saddles” and Cooper worked in her shop for four years apprenticing and learning the trade. 

“I covered stirrups every day for a year,” he said. “Few people got to actually go into the saddle shop, and when I finally got to go through those doors I knew it was a big deal to work with Wendy.” 

Cooper added that his learning happened before the likes of YouTube, and he learned his craft the old-fashioned way: By reading books and studying under legends in the industry. 

Cooper then moved to Austin, Texas, and worked for the Steiner family at Capitol Saddlery. The business has one of the most iconic buildings in the area, with the cowboy boot in lights on the side of the structure, and has a long history of first being a firehouse, then a world famous saddle and boot making shop owned by rodeo star T.C. “Buck” Steiner. 

“I was fortunate work for the Steiner family and learn from their leather craftsman as well,” Cooper said. 

He ended up going to a management training school, which offered an opportunity to manage Tandy Leather in Ventura. 

“When I went to rent a moving truck, the guy looked at me funny and said ‘Are you sure you want to move to California?’,” Cooper said. “I think it cost me $30 to rent the truck because a lot of people move the other direction.” 

So, in February of 2011 he moved to Ventura and two years later moved to Buellton to open his own shop, Cooper Saddlery. 

Cooper said it takes him about a month to make a saddle from start to finish. The longest he’s worked on a saddle is 90 days straight.

“Some people give me free rein and others want to be involved in every step of the way, which is great too because I want to make sure people love what they get,” Cooper said. “Saddle making and all leather work is more than just cranking out the same thing over and over, it’s an art to me.”

Cooper added working with Keaton was fun because he got to send him samples of designs and almost ran out of scrap leather before Keaton chose a design that Cooper thought he wouldn’t like at all. 

As COVID-19 hit, he said it allowed him time to catch up on all the orders backlogged, but after fixing almost every saddle in the Valley just about, Cooper slowed down and decided he wanted to ride more and play with his music group, the Cash Cooper Band. 

“I love the Santa Ynez Valley. It has allowed me to grow my craftsmanship and be a singing cowboy which I’ve always wanted,” Cooper said. “I even joined the wrangler team at The Alisal earlier this year, so on the weekends I get to show people around the ranch and ride too.”

Cooper has also expanded his business to teach people how to work with leather and does classes regularly. Follow his Instagram page to learn when more classes will be offered this fall and winter. 

“My girlfriend Sarah and I also have a falconry business and we do horse training on our little place ‘Thunder Cloud Ranch,’” Cooper said. “I love being busy.”

To see more of Cooper’s work visit either his Facebook or Instagram page. 

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