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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By Pamela Dozois

Contributing Writer

Catherine Streegan, DMD, celebrated 30 years of practicing dentistry in the Santa Ynez Valley last October with a picnic at Sunny Fields Park. She invited all her patients, vendors, past employees, and dental offices in the Valley. She treated them to gifts, Mexican food, desserts she made and and a live Mariachi band. Known for her gentle touch, some of her patients even fly in from other states to have their dental work taken care of.

Streegan, or Dr. Cathy, as she wishes to be referred to, grew up in the Philippines, the fourth of six children. Her family was in the furniture business but the business world was not for her. Even as a young child, her dream was to become a dentist.

“When I was between 6 and 8 years old, I went to my first dental appointment, told my mother that I wanted to be a dentist, and I never looked back,” she said. 

Dr. Cathy initially came to the United States as a Rotary exchange student in Seattle, Washington, when she was 16 years old.

“I felt it was a turning point in my life,” she said. “Every time we went on a field trip, we were accompanied by two chaperones who happened to be dentists. Even the Rotary District governor was a dentist. I told them I had a dream of becoming a dentist, and they advised me to continue my studies in that direction. So, I did, graduating with a degree in dentistry from Centro Escolar University in the Philippines.

“I kept in touch with them during my studies. One of the things I will always remember is a letter I wrote to Dr. Richards in Seattle saying that I was afraid to start my clinical (working on patients) because I was afraid of hurting them. His answer was that I was going to be a very good dentist because I would be very careful and try very hard not to inflict pain. And I have held onto that ideal to this very day, and this is why I believe that I attract the most fearful patients in the Valley.” 

After graduating in the Philippines, at 25, Dr. Cathy returned to the United States to further her studies at UCLA. In order to practice dentistry in the U.S., she said she needed to have additional education to pass the Dental Board, which took her a few years. It was there that she met her first husband and moved to Santa Barbara County where she worked for a short time and then bought a practice in Solvang.

“In the beginning of my practice, I worked long hours and I was beginning to feel burned out within the first year,” she said. “I was open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. working six days a week. I didn’t know any better, I just felt like I had to work that hard to support my family and be successful. With the advice I received from a mentor, I limited the number of hours from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., four days a week. I discovered that I had a balance between office, home, and family life and could sustain it up to this day.”

“Some of the best advice I have ever received is to begin with the end in mind,” she explained. “We are all energy, and in dentistry, it requires a lot of energy both for the giver and the receiver. We must find a balance in all things. By finding a balance in my practice I became a better mother, spouse, and person.”

Dr. Cathy had two children with her first husband, both girls, Cedar and Sazan. She met her second husband, Chris Catani, on an unexpected “love boat” cruise, and she has been married to him for 26 years, and they have a son, Mario.  

Dr. Cathy says her favorite passion is cooking and entertaining her friends. She also loves to decorate her house. In addition to her many interests, she enjoys buying houses and fixing them up, either for resale or to rent.

“My family has been in the furniture business in the Philippines and in Indonesia for 50 years, so I guess I have inherited the love of decorating from them,” she said. “But my most favorite pasttime is to go ‘glamping’ in our 16-foot Airstream and take our electric bikes.”

Dr. Cathy believes in giving back to the community she so loves. She is currently on the boards of the Atterdag Village and the Solvang Theaterfest. She is also president of her Homeowner’s Association and treasurer of her office’s Village Lane Association. 

“I have been so blessed in my life to have lived in the Valley,” she said. “I have been blessed to have a wonderful loving husband, three successful children and the best community in which to raise them, the best patients, and all the wonderful friendships I have made here in the Valley. I hope to continue to ‘pay it forward.’”

Dr. Streegan’s office is at 2027 Village Lane, Suite 201, Solvang. For more information, call 805-686-2492.

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for the Santa Ynez Valley Star

CALIFORNIA — On Thursday, April 28, Gov. Gavin Newsom told the L.A. Times editorial board he is reconsidering the closure of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in San Luis Obispo.

The power plant stands as California’s last nuclear power plant. Planned to begin decommissioning in 2025, Newsom said the state is now looking to seek out a share of $6 billion in federal funds for nuclear reactors facing closure. In 2021, the plant in Diablo Canyon generated 6 percent of the state’s power.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced they were accepting applications for their $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit Program. The funding is an effort to prevent at-risk nuclear facilities from premature closure while supporting Biden’s clean energy goals.

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) guidance for receiving the funds includes “… nuclear power reactors that are expected to shut down due to economic circumstances …”

Additionally, the DOE says the investment is meant to avoid premature retirements of reactors and to preserve jobs.

Per Newsom, the state has until May 19 to submit its application to receive the funds. State officials would later decide their final plans on whether or not to pursue the option. However, it was clarified by a spokesperson for the governor that he will still seek to close the facility long-term.

Diablo Canyon Power Plant began providing power in 1985. Six years ago, PG&E agreed to close the plant.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, there were 93 operating nuclear reactors in the United States at the end of 2021. However, in 2021 alone, there were 23 nuclear reactors shut down at 19 different sites in various decommissioning stages.

A 2013 economic impact study conducted by PG&E and Cal Poly stated the power plant directly provided over 1,483 local jobs — not including employment produced from contracted work. Locally, those jobs equate to a total payroll of $202,520,307.

The California governor told the L.A. Times he has been thinking about extending the power plant’s operation since before August 2020 — when the state experienced rolling blackouts during a heatwave that prevented solar farms from operating.

PG&E has declined to comment on how federal funds may be used to keep Diablo open. However, it was previously reported the operation of the plant past 2025 would require billions of dollars to comply with new regulations.

California State Sen. John Laird, whose district includes San Luis Obispo County, said of the developing news, “The shuttering of Diablo Canyon has been years in the making, with hundreds of millions of dollars already committed for decommissioning. Along with the residents of the Central Coast, I am eager to see what the Governor and federal officials have in mind.”

This is a developing story; we will update as more information is available.

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On the heels of raising the hourly minimum wage to $17 for nontipped positions at its properties, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians will host job fairs on Tuesday, January 11 at the Dick DeWees Community Center in Lompoc and on Thursday, January 13 at the Santa Maria Inn. 

While California instituted its new minimum wage of $15 an hour on January 1, the tribe raised wages for entry-level, nontipped positions to $17 an hour in December, along with reviewing and increasing compensation for employees throughout the enterprise. 

“We have reassessed our compensation offering to attract quality candidates for open positions throughout the organization,” said John Elliott, CEO for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “For entry-level, hourly positions, raising the minimum wage to $17 per hour will improve our ability to hire team members in crucial areas, such as custodial, hotel operations and food and beverage.” 

Full-time employees are offered competitive pay and a host of benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) with a matching-funds program, tuition reimbursement and free shuttle service to and from the Chumash Casino Resort for Lompoc and Santa Maria residents. 

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is one of the largest employers in Santa Barbara County with a workforce of nearly 1,800. It owns and operates the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, two Solvang hotels – Hotel Corque and Hadsten House – Kitá Wines in Lompoc and offices in Buellton, while also running the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic and tribal operations on its Reservation. 

The job fair in Lompoc will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 11 at Dick DeWees Community Center. The Santa Maria-area job fair will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 13 at the Santa Maria Inn. 

Applicants are asked to arrive five minutes prior to their appointment, dress appropriately and bring a valid ID. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but candidates with appointments will be given priority. To schedule an interview, visit https://www.chumashcareers.com/were-hiring.

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By Laurie Jervis

Contributing Writer

Gleason Family Vineyards has announced its acquisition of Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard, a 106-acre property on Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang.

Gleason Family Vineyards also owns Refugio Ranch Vineyards and Roblar Winery & Vineyards, as well as Roblar Farm, an organic produce farm.

In 2004, Kevin and Niki Gleason purchased a 415-acre cattle ranch off South Refugio Road along the northern edge of the Santa Ynez River. In 2006, the couple planted 26 acres of vines and, in 2008, released their first vintage from the estate as Refugio Ranch Vineyards, according to information released in a statement Thursday morning.

In 2017, the Gleasons bought Roblar Winery and Vineyards, Royal Oaks Wines and a former horse ranch called Royal Oaks Ranch. In 2018, that ranch was planted as an organic produce farm — now known as Roblar Farm.

Karen Steinwachs, Buttonwood’s winemaker for 14 years and one of Santa Barbara County’s pioneering women winemakers, will remain part of Buttonwood’s winemaking team, and the property’s winery will continue to operate, according to the statement from Gleason Family Vineyards.

The late Betty Williams, a founder of The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County who was well-known for her devotion to land preservation and community planning, founded Buttonwood in 1968 as an equestrian facility, according to the website.

Williams served on the Santa Ynez Valley General Plan Advisory Committee that helped shape Santa Barbara County’s General Plan for the Santa Ynez Valley.

Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard features outdoor tasting in a sprawling, shaded garden area adjacent to fruit trees.
By Laurie Jervis

Focused on organic produce before it was common, Williams planted organic fruits and vegetables on her property, and, in 1983, started to plant the vineyard.

Buttonwood’s historic, sustainable vineyard showcases Bordeaux-style wines.

The vineyard has evolved over time, and small blocks of grenache blanc, chenin blanc, grenache, syrah, sauvignon musqué and malbec have joined the original plantings of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, sémillon and sauvignon blanc. The entire vineyard is own-rooted.

Bret Davenport, president and managing partner of Buttonwood along with his wife, Barry Zorthian, and partner, artist Seyburn Zorthian, has continued Williams’ vision for the property.

Williams and Davenport first partnered in 1983 with the planting of the vineyard, followed by the building and bonding of the winery in 1989.

Seyburn Zorthian has designed all of Buttonwood’s labels since its founding, working from her studio on the property since the early 1970s.

The Gleason Family Vineyards’ winery facility on the Roblar Winery & Vineyards property at Roblar Avenue and Highway 154 in Los Olivos will serve as the winemaking hub for all three brands, led by head winemaker Max Marshak, according to a statement released Thursday.

Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard includes a 42-acre estate vineyard, winery, tasting room and gardens, a two-acre orchard, small hop yard for the brand’s “Hop-On” hopped wine, and 10 acres of rotated seasonal produce.

“It’s been fascinating to review our family’s 50-plus years here on Buttonwood Farm,” said Davenport.

“We’ve observed the evolution of our wine region, partnered with wonderful people to create special occasions with the land as the backdrop, and enjoyed the wine and food that we grew. My partners and I feel that we are handing over the Buttonwood legacy to the right people, who share our philosophy of preserving the intrinsic character of this special land. We look forward to seeing this new chapter in Buttonwood’s history unfold.”

Kevin Gleason agreed. 

“Buttonwood farm and vineyard property is iconic, and the family behind it has such deep roots in this wine region, and in the area’s agricultural community,” he said. “As a family-owned and operated group, this resonated highly with us, and we look forward to becoming new stewards for this land to continue to prosper and evolve.”

Matthew Bieszard, general manager of Gleason Family Vineyards, called Buttonwood a good fit for the company’s existing portfolio due to Buttonwood’s “ideal positioning within the Santa Ynez Valley wine region,” the farm component of the property and the “hospitality for which Buttonwood is well known.”

Buttonwood Farm Winery and Vineyard’s tasting room is currently open for outdoor-only wine tasting and bottle purchases from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations for tasting are recommended.

Laurie Jervis tweets at @lauriejervis and can be reached via winecountrywriter@gmail.com. The opinions expressed are her own.

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By Pamela Dozois

Contributing Writer

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

Torrie Smith is no newcomer to the Valley. She was born and raised in Santa Ynez and opened a store called Loom Boutique in August 2020. 

Tucked away on the corner of Edison and Madera streets, Loom Boutique not only sells a variety of clothing, jewelry, apothecary and beauty products, but it also shares its location with the Lash & Tan Day Spa, which is independently owned by esthetician Tori Simons.

“During 2020’s unexpected events, I was working at my previous retail job in Los Olivos. It may have seemed crazy of me to leave a safe and steady job to open a brand-new business, when so many were unemployed,” said Smith. “But about six months into the pandemic, I realized that I couldn’t control the craziness in the world, but I did have full control over my own life and how I was going to live it. And for me, that meant following a dream I never thought would be fulfilled and starting my own women’s clothing boutique.

“I was always interested in fashion from a very young age, so it was a natural expression of my passion to open a boutique where I could use my creativity to support the Valley and those who live here.” 

Simons presented Smith with the opportunity to open her own store in the same space as her day spa, which Smith initially turned down because of a lack of self-confidence, but with a little encouragement she soon changed her mind. With savings of her own and a small loan from her grandfather, Smith started slowly with only three racks of clothing and put the earnings back into the business to expand her lines of merchandise and grow her business.

“Growing up in this small town, I’ve learned that connections and relationships with others can greatly affect your life,” said Smith. “Tori Simons, the owner of Lash & Tan Day Spa, who I know because my mom has worked at Santa Lucia Farm since I was in second grade, presented me with the opportunity to open my store in the same space as her day spa. Her fiancé is a co-owner of Santa Lucia Farm, hence why I believe connections and relationships are a big influence on our lives. 

“During the pandemic, day spas were not able to operate but retail was allowed to be in business,” she continued. “Therefore, it helped both of us to have an operating business in the rental space.” 

Smith says she likes daytime, casual and comfortable wear that can be dressed up if need be. All the jewelry she carries is made by local artisans and all the beauty products are clean products. A good number of items are made in the United States and some are imported.

Over the past year many people have asked Smith how is it that she owns her own business at such a young age of 24.

“Basically, I would say that when I was presented with the opportunity originally, I didn’t believe in myself, and I turned it down,” she said. “But my parents and my fiancé believed that I could do it. With their support I took a leap of faith and I wake up every day thankful that I did. 

“I encourage anyone who has a dream they think is unreachable to go after it because you will surprise yourself. Plus, as a bonus I get to meet some pretty interesting people. I get excited to come into work every day. Isn’t that the best way to live one’s life? That’s why going after what you love is what you’ve got to do.”

Loom Boutique is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Sundays. It is located at 1050 Edison Street, Suite B, Santa Ynez. 

For more information, call 805-245-0405, email shoploomboutique@gmail.com or visit shoploomboutique.com. Loom Boutique is also on Instagram and Facebook.

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Economist, Solvang Chamber of Commerce

Spending by consumers seems likely to continue to grow in 2022. The rate of growth is expected to be slower than in 2021, as predicted for the United States by The Conference Board.

Real consumer sending in 2021 is expected to be 7.9 percent greater than its negative growth of 3.8 percent in the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Growth of 3.3 percent is expected in 2022, and growth of 2.7 percent in 2023.

Yearly rate of hotel occupancy in the U.S. is expected to be 54.7 percent in 2021, growing by 13.0 percent in 2022 and nearing full recovery in 2023. Estimates are from STR and Tourism Economics.

Revenues from all sales of luxury wines to consumers in the U.S. are expected to regain in 2021 part of 7.2 percent lost in 2020 because of oversupply and the COVID-19 pandemic. Full recovery is expected in 2022, according to Silicon Valley Bank. Wine Institute reported good quality and drought restricted volume of the California crop of wine grapes in 2021. California produces about 80 percent of the wine in the U.S., according to Wine Institute.

Resales of single-family homes in California are expected to decline 5.2 percent in 2022, as estimated by California Association of Realtors. Median price is forecasted to rise 5.2 percent to $834,400.

Please see websites of The Conference Board, STR, Silicon Valley Bank, Wine Institute, and California Association of Realtors for details.

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By Pamela Dozois

Contributing Writer

Devine Supply is the newest boutique in Santa Ynez, which is becoming a fashion hub for the Valley lifestyle. Devine Supply opened Sept. 1. It is a family affair, owned and operated by the Devine ladies, mother Vicki and daughters Kat and Sabrina.

“We all co-own the store and we work at it together,” said Kat Devine.

The three Devine ladies who own and operate Devine Supply are, from left, Sabrina, Vicki and Kat.

“It’s been my mother’s dream to own a boutique for as long as I can remember,” she continued. “My sister has worked in retail for five years so she brings with her that kind of experience. I’ve worked as an interior designer for the past five years. We all have different skill sets, so we each focus on different aspects of the business. It’s a 100 percent team effort. We all had the skill sets combined to make this happen and when this space became available, we just went for it.”

And it wasn’t just the Devine ladies who contributed to the start of the business, according to Kat.

“My dad has been involved hands-on since the beginning and my husband-to-be, Jordan Kepler, helped with the carpentry. It took about three months to remodel the space to match our aesthetic,” she said.

The Devine family owned a horse farm in Northern California. They moved as a unit to the Valley about four years ago. 

“We love Santa Ynez so much, that’s why we all moved here together,” said Devine. “We each live close to the shop in Santa Ynez, so it’s very convenient.”

Devine Supply caters to both men and women in a style that represents the Valley lifestyle.

“We go to the Los Angeles Merchandise Mart and we work with smaller batch brands which we source from around the world,” Devine said. “We want our store to carry really unique things and our focus is on sustainability. Many of the things we offer are made by local artisans with many of our goods made in the USA.”

Besides clothing for men and women, Devine Supply also carries home goods such as pillows, blankets, art, jewelry and unique objects d’art. Kepler, who was a champion in the “Forged in Fire” television series, makes handmade knives, which are displayed in the men’s section of the boutique. The boutique also offers a unique skincare line which is organic and eco-friendly. 

“We do have some vintage, rustic, western accents which pair well with our new lines of clothing,” Devine said. “We also have some Native American jewelry. We collaborated with Charlotte Becerra, owner of Charlotte’s Santa Ynez to acquire some fine pieces.”

Devine said she and her family are excited to serve Santa Ynez Valley customers.

“We really wanted our shop to cater to the lifestyle and the people who live here in the Valley. It is important to us to create a welcoming shopping experience,” she said. “You can probably catch the five of us and our two cattle dogs, Skylar and Drover, at the shop on any given day. This is truly a family affair.

“We are all very invested in Santa Ynez as a town, a lifestyle and in our business. We want to evolve with the future of Santa Ynez while remaining true to its heritage.”

Devine Supply is at 1050 Edison St., Suite D, Santa Ynez. The business is open every day except Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 805-691-9173.

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By Pamela Dozois

Contributing Writer

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

Tucked away on a little street in Santa Ynez is a gem of health, serenity and well-being: a yoga studio called The Juicy Life. It opened July 1, 2017, and has survived the many lockdowns and mandates throughout 2020 and 2021.

“It was not an easy thing to stay open through the last year and a half,” said Kimberly Zimmerman, studio owner and yoga Instructor. “That is why we want to celebrate and let people know that we are still here and eager to serve.”

The Juicy Life owner Kim Zimmerman makes seasonal, local, organic cold-pressed juices with weekly milkman-style deliveries to homes from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria.

Besides offering yoga classes, The Juicy Life is also developing new offerings for the community such as Ecstatic Dancing, which is a free-style, semi-guided dance experience which evokes joy and energy; and Full Moon Ceremonies, which involve crystal sound bowl healing with Biance Zable, ceremonial cacao offerings on the Sundays closest to the full moon and strength training classes.

“We are also working on a co-operative where instructors in all types of healing can develop their businesses and serve the community in a supportive environment,” said Zimmerman, a graduate of The Institute of Integrated Nutrition.

“I’ve always had a desire to be of service and yoga is my passion,” she continued. “I had already been teaching at various locations in the Valley. When this awesome little space became available, I felt called to open up to help people grow, heal and support one another. We’re working out but there’s so much more we do here with healing, personal support and community. We’re not only getting strong and more flexible but we are also connecting to our vital life force.”

Alex Glover teaches High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday and Friday mornings. Melissa Moore teaches HIIT classes from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday mornings.

“I’ve worked with Kim for the last couple of years as manager. I was first a client then came on board to help run the business,” Glover said. “At the time I was exploring yoga and realized I wanted to deepen my practice and found The Juicy Life studio. I realized it was going to be a big part of my life moving forward. That’s when I began to help Kim manage the business and started leading the Juicy HIIT classes twice a week. 

“HIIT are high energy, strength training classes, which are fun with loud music and held in a supportive environment. At the end I take 10 minutes to do some cool down, stretching, breath work or mindfulness meditation.”

The Juicy Life also makes seasonal, local, organic cold-pressed juices with weekly milkman-style deliveries to homes from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria and all spots in between. The juice is also sold in the studio so participants can enjoy some juice after working out.

The Juicy Life makes its nutritious drinks at a commercial kitchen in Solvang.

“The reason we use local produce is to have a low carbon footprint lowering the carbon emissions which are required to transport the produce,” Zimmerman said. “It also helps out our local farmers. We also use glass jars, not plastic bottles, in order to cut down on waste. We process our juices with minimal heat and oxygen exposure to preserve the taste and nutrients.”

Juicing extracts the juice from fresh fruits or vegetables. The liquid contains most of the vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals (phytonutrients) found in the fruit, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Juicing increases vitamins and minerals in the body, can help with weight loss, increasing energy, decreasing inflammation and overall keeping the body healthy.   

The Juicy Life also holds events called “Stretch & Sip” yoga and juice pop-ups and “Juice Flight Tastings” once a month, partnering with various venues in the Valley such as the Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang and the Skyview Hotel in Los Alamos.

The Juicy Life is at 3595-B, Numancia Street, Santa Ynez. 

For more information and class schedules, visit thejuicylifeyoga.com, stay up-to-date on instagram@thejuicylifecompany or call 805-724-4488.

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 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

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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