The Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring “California Wilds”, an art show by Angelina LaPointe, from Jan. 2-26, 2025.

LaPointe is a printmaker living and working in Lompoc California. She studied printmaking and book arts at UC Santa Barbara’s College of Creative Studies. In 2014, she founded Sidecar Press, a letterpress studio where she creates block prints ranging from invitations to installations on a 129-year-old Chandler and Price letterpress.

LaPointe’s work draws on influences from print traditions, pop culture images, and art historical references. Her block print technique is based on the century’s old Japanese key block method, also looking to early 20th-century Art Nouveau design and the groundbreaking prints of the Russian Avant-Garde movement. She combines influences ranging from“full-color old-school” tattooing to xeroxed punk posters, to the 1970s science books that inspired and informed her childhood. Combining these varied visual languages builds a sense of familiarity and nostalgia in her work that appeals to a broad audience. She seeks to make work that is beyond its time and finds a place in the hearts and homes of her collectors.

“California Wilds” is a collection of prints that illustrate the states diverse and beautiful animal life displayed against the backdrop of its distinctive landscapes. 

“Our state contains so many iconic plants and creatures forming diverse and fascinating ecosystems,” LaPointe said.”Whether I’m printing a kelp forest or a rural road I strive to transport the essence of these spaces into viewers homes and lives.”

You can meet the artist, enjoy light refreshments, and visit the coloring table at a closing reception that is open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m.   

The Cypress Gallery is at 119 East Cypress Ave. in Lompoc, across from the Lompoc Museum. The Lompoc Valley Arts Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, committed to expanding and supporting access and exposure to the arts in the Lompoc and Santa Ynez Valley. LVAA sponsors arts programs, events, communications, and other efforts that mutually benefit artists, businesses, residents, and visitors to the valley. To learn more about the arts in the valley, visit our website lompocart.org, and like our Facebook page “Cypress Gallery.”

The post Lompoc’s Cypress Gallery to show ‘California Wilds’ exhibit appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Alma Rosa Winery, a leading wine producer of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône variety wines from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA, announced today that General Manager Debra Eagle will retire at the end of the year, after nearly seven years with the winery and over three decades in the wine industry.

“Debra’s past seven years with Alma Rosa have been game changing, as she has helped elevate our wines and our brand to the top of our region and among the top wines in California,” says Bob Zorich, proprietor of Alma Rosa Winery.

Debra has left an indelible mark on the Alma Rosa estate and the region. Through strategic hirings, including winemaker Samra Morris and consulting winemaker Tony Biagi, and incorporating the highest level of site-specific viticulture, the wines have been recognized with excellent wine critic reviews and press coverage. During her tenure, she also expanded Alma Rosa’s hospitality programming by relocating the winery’s tasting room to an indoor/outdoor space in trendy downtown Solvang, while introducing private guided experiences at the winery’s historic El Jabali estate vineyard.

With the encouragement of the Zorichs to create an event that would benefit mental health nonprofits, Debra launched the winery’s annual Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction in 2020. Over the last five years, this annual community event and cause marketing campaign has raised over $955,000 for two organizations: Santa Barbara County’s Mental Wellness Center and OneMind.

Born and raised in Northern California, Debra earned a B.A. in economics from Mills College and an MBA from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. Before joining Alma Rosa in 2018, she spent more than 25 years directing sales and marketing for both new and iconic wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Debra first entered the wine industry in 1994 at Kenwood Vineyards, overseeing international sales and marketing. She was then director of marketing for Robert Mondavi Winery from 1997 to 2001, followed by three years as director of marketing for Sutter Home. From 2004 to 2008, Debra worked closely with Bill Harlan and Don Weaver to launch BOND, and from 2009 to 2014, she served as general manager of Hestan Vineyards, relaunching the brand and overseeing the construction of its downtown Yountville building and tasting room. She then served as general manager of BR Cohn Winery in Sonoma County and director of business development (international) for its parent company, Vintage Wine Estates.

In retirement, Debra plans to travel frequently to Europe, where she lived from 1987-1993, and spend time with her ever-growing family — six children (three of which are in the wine industry), their spouses, and 10 grandchildren. She also plans to continue her intellectual exploration through courses at her alma mater, University of California, Berkeley.

The team at Alma Rosa remains committed to continuing to build upon the winery’s recent achievements and accolades under Debra’s leadership and in its mission of crafting exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône varietal wines from its El Jabali estate vineyard and select vineyard partners in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

About Alma Rosa Winery

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

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

The post Alma Rosa Winery GM Debra Eagle retires after over 30 years in the wine industry appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

As the sun began to sink into the west, the little town of Los Olivos became awash with twinkling lights, silvery decorations, sparkling balloons, crowds of people shoulder to shoulder, and so many children all eager to take part in the annual Olde Fashioned Christmas event, which was held on Saturday, Dec. 7. The annual event kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas tree after dark, in the middle of town.

Early in the day, guests were able to wander through the many shops that were offering great holiday deals, drop by the many tasting rooms for a glass of wine, enjoy some tasty treats, and partake in an Olde Fashioned Christmas, one to remember. The local jazz band belted out Christmas tunes for all to enjoy. Figueroa Mountain Brewery hosted a holiday market and crafts, a kid’s cookie decorating table, hot cocoa, and free photos with Santa.

Later in the day, St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church hosted a Gingerbread Wonderland where local artisans and school children displayed their works of art on tables for guests to view up close. The smell of popcorn, roasted walnuts, and live music wafted through the air as people explored the town, enjoying all the fun things that were offered.
 
The highlight of the Olde Fashioned Christmas event is the lighting of the new 35-foot Christmas tree. As people slowly made their way from all directions toward the middle of town, the St. Mark’s Choir sang Christmas carols while everyone joined in singing along. Keith Saarloos, the master of ceremonies, regaled the crowd with a fable about how the Los Olivos Christmas tree came to find a home in the middle of town and then thanked the many people who had contributed financially to acquiring this year’s new, larger tree.
 
Saarloos then called all the children to gather around the tree, and placing their hands on it, they were told to make a wish, not for themselves, but for someone else. Silence stirred, then the countdown began: 10, 9, 8 …3, 2, 1, and suddenly the tree was alight with an array of colors as shouts and whoops arose in the night. 

The spirit of Christmas was alive in Los Olivos and continued into the evening with dancing and music.
“This is our favorite event of the year,” said Alice Berg, president of the Los Olivos Rotary. “We love giving out cookies and cocoa to the community; it gets us all into the holiday spirit.”

The event was sponsored by the Los Olivos Chamber.

The post Los Olivos kicks off the holiday season with an Olde Fashioned Christmas appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

With the Christmas tree lighting done the night before, and Solvang’s Julefest celebration now in full swing, parade entries came down Mission Drive in Solvang, turned down 4th Street and back toward Copenhagen Drive as the Solvang Julefest Parade came through again.

Forty-seven entries gave the audience a little bit of everything. There were your usual floats, many modeled off the Julefest’s 2024 theme of “Gingerbread Dreams.” There were musical and dance performances. There were animals, some regular house pets, one as unusual as a “rein-steer,” escorted by a cowboy-type Santa.

And, as always, there were one or two out of the box. Randy Hargreaves, owner of Solvang Skate Shop and his skateboarding colleagues went down the route with the portable ramps to perform tricks in front of the enthusiastic crowds. Along with them was a friend, John Johnson, riding a motorcycle. When the group made it to the intersection of Mission and Atterdag Road, the group announced it had something special planned.

As Johnson idled his motorcycle in the middle of the intersections, Hargreaves put the portable ramp right next to the vehicle — and about a minute later came speeding up, hit the ramp and went over the cycle’s seat, right behind Johnson to big cheers from the crowd. (And, for good measure, Robby did it one more time).

Fun moments like that is what keeps people coming back every December for Julefest, which is a month-plus celebration of the holiday season, beginning with the tree-lighting in early December and ends with the Christmas tree burning at the mission in early January.

And many of those people aren’t just from the Valley, many come from out of town and just to see the parade.

“We came for the first time last year from LA,” said Victor Tapia, who was there with his family, him and his wife Leilani wearing matching Grinch tops as they waited for the parade to start. “We liked it so much, we decided to come again. Maybe make it a yearly thing.”

One family that has made it an annual trip was the Phipps family from Orange County.

“I think my husband and I first came up here in 2008,” said Susan Phipps, who taking photos in front of the Christmas tree in Solvang Park with husband Michael and their daughter Kinley, 12. “Then Kinley was born and she was just a few months old when we first brought her up here, and we’ve been coming ever since.

“It’s a nice little town and they go all in with the Christmas decorations ever year. It’s really good.”

The audience members aren’t the only ones to enjoy the festivities.

Santa Ynez Valley Family School had a gingerbread house-styled float in this year’s parade that the students helped decorate, making them happy to be so invested in the project, according to Head of School Julianne Tullis-Thompson.

“We got kids to color some cups and put them upside down to resemble gumdrops,” she said. “They did such a great job. And we were able to get a bunch of pencils, and we had students walk the route and give them out when other throwing candy to everyone.”

And then there was Padilla Tile & Construction, whose owners and staff had their own gingerbread house, which they put on the back of one of the business’ truck.

“We decided to start getting involved in events like this,” said the business’ owner Roger Padilla. “We started off with the Danish Days parade in September, and this is our first Christmas one. It’s worked out well.”

“I think we just wanted to be more a part of the community and help out more of the causes locally,” said Roger’s wife Ashley, who was on the back of the float with their kids waving to the crowd. “We all grew up around here, so we want to get more involved.”

There was an added incentive for the Julefest Parade in that the city gave out awards afterward for the best entries in five categories. The winners were:

• Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital = Best Family/Group Award
• Fossemalle Dance Studio = Best Musical Award
• Bethania Lutheran Church, Preschool, and Afterschool = Sweepstakes Award (Best Overall) 
• Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery = Best Miscellaneous Award
• Soto Gutierrez Family = Best Equestrian/Animal Award

For more information on the Julefest events for the rest of the month, go to solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/

The post Julefest participants put on a show for parade watchers appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Alison Height is the owner of the Los Alamos Coffee And Tea, a quaint new establishment where locals and visitors can meet and enjoy a pastry and coffee or a cup of tea. It opened on her birthday, Sept. 14, to a great deal of fanfare from locals, guests, and family members who welcomed the new addition to the town.
 
A Santa Barbara County local who grew up on Drum Canyon, Height was introduced to the coffee business at a very young age by her mother, who owned a coffee shop in Lompoc called Coffee Bean & Things in the ‘90s where she also helped out.
 
“My mother married the coffee roaster, so coffee seems to be in my blood,” said Height.

Height attended Dos Pueblos High School and subsequently Santa Barbara City College, with her focus on nursing. But while there, she was asked to run the two coffee shops on the West and East campuses, which she did for a couple of years.

“I tried my best to get away from coffee and ventured back into the medical field. I became a certified phlebotomist and worked as a respiratory technician in a private pulmonary office of heart and lung doctors for about three years,” she said. “Wanting to expand my horizons, I then became a preschool teacher, having acquired my teaching credentials at night school. I taught for four years at The Learningden Preschool in Santa Barbara and more recently at Bethania Preschool.”

Height explained how she became a resident of Los Alamos.

“My husband and our three children were living in a cute little cabin on the Kinevan Ranch off of West Camino Cielo Road in the Los Padres National Forest,” she said. “It was on 28 acres of pure bliss and a pioneer woman’s dream. We chopped our own wood and made our own bread and life was lovely. We lived there for eight years but the owner decided to sell and we couldn’t afford the asking price and to our surprise, there were no other houses in our price range to purchase or even to rent.

“We had talked many times about leaving the mountain and trying something new and this event catalyzed us into motion. We eventually found the cutest little magical place located in Los Alamos and as soon as we saw it, we felt immediately at home, like this was the place where we were meant to be.”

While walking the seven blocks through town, Height said she noticed there was something missing.

“On one of my walks I noticed there was no coffee shop in town; no local hang-out spot where I could take the kids and casually hang out with a cup of coffee,” said Height. “I then noticed a house on Bell Street that looked unlived in and out of curiosity, I peered through the window. To my surprise, I saw an espresso machine and a turn-key coffee shop operation inside. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and my ‘coffee’ blood started to boil with excitement.

“I spent the next few weeks trying to find out who owned the property and, with the help of a neighbor, I contacted the owner and we were able to negotiate terms and the Los Alamos Coffee And Tea shop was born.”

Gathering her dreams and ideas, Height said she has a lot of plans for her new establishment.

“My biggest goal is to create a family-oriented, casual, community gathering spot where people can meet up, read a book or a newspaper, or do some work in a relaxed environment,” she said. “There is outdoor seating in every garden space, an indoor lounge with a gift shop, and later there will be a children’s play zone with specialized furniture for kids to enjoy.”

And soon there could be more than just coffee and tea, according to Height.

“I also have plans to obtain an additional food permit to be able to prepare ‘light fare’ food on the premises,” she said. “I envision breakfast burritos, sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards, all to-go items. Early next year, I would like to launch an ‘Afternoon Tea’ service on the weekends which would include a pot of tea, finger sandwiches and petit fours.”

Height recalls fondly the time she spent working at her mother’s coffee shop.

“My favorite thing about owning a coffee shop is the camaraderie — people dropping by every day, some just to say hello, others sharing their day,” she said. “I remember what it was like working at my mother’s coffee shop and seeing the friendly faces of people coming in and the community connections and friendships that were created. That’s basically my goal — to offer people some delicious coffee, provide great customer service and to be of service to the community.”

And Height isn’t doing it alone.

“My husband is a great help and is very supportive of me and this venture. He is my rock,” she said.
 
“I don’t know how this happens, but I always seem to find my way back to coffee,” said Height, smiling. “But I’m very happy to be here.”

Los Alamos Coffee And Tea is at 315 Bell St., Los Alamos. Hours of operation are Wednesdays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call (805) 448-4293 or visit on Facebook and Instagram @losalamoscoffeeandtea or email alison.height@hotmail.com.

The post Coffee seems to be in Ali Height’s DNA appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society & DAWG has once again captured hearts and the Harvest Cup at the annual SYV Scarecrow Fest, sponsored by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce. This marks the second consecutive year the organization has won the coveted award, delighting the community with their creative and meaningful scarecrow displays. 

Last year, their scarecrow couple stole the show with a charming wine date. This year, the couple took their relationship to the next level by tying the knot! Their wedding-themed display, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Humane Society, featured the happy couple as bride and groom, supported by a dashing best man and a lovely maid of honor. 

“This contest is a fun way to bring attention to the services we offer, like our low-cost spay and neuter clinic with our veterinarian, Dr. Shana Shank, and training courses led by our talented on-site dog trainer, Serica Morgan,” said Carla Mead, chair of the board for the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society & DAWG. “We hope that by putting our work in the spotlight, we can continue helping pets find their forever homes and make our community a safer, happier place for animals and people alike.” 

Mead also expressed her gratitude to the organization’s dedicated staff: “I want to thank our amazing team, who put their hearts into caring for the animals every single day. Their dedication and hard work inspire me and keep our mission moving forward.” 

After winning the Harvest Cup again, and a successful trunk-and-treat the weekend before Halloween, SYVHS & DAWG will celebrate in December with the Homes For The Howl-idays Winter Wonderland Fundraiser and Adoption Event to take place on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Plenty of adoptable dogs and cats will be on hand to find a forever home, and Santa Claus will make an appearance with pets and humans alike getting the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Ol’ St. Nick. There will also be a bake sale and a hot cocoa bar if you want refreshments. The event will be from 2 to 5 p.m. at the SYVHS & DAWG facility at 111 Commerce Drive in Buellton.

SYVHS & DAWG is proud to be 100 percent donor-funded, relying on the generous support of the community to continue its life-saving work. To learn more about donating, adopting, fostering, volunteering, or the services offered, visit syvhumane.org or call (805) 688-8224. 

The post Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society & DAWG wins SYV Scarecrow Fest for the second year in a row  appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fellow artists added their praise to Alvarez.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery holds grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Much of the crowd waiting to take part in Solvang Parks and Rec’s 13th annual Turkey Trot could be found in the usual running attire shorts, tank tops, T-shirts, maybe a headband or a few, but many chose a more festive choice of garb for the event, that was held on Thanksgiving morning for the second time.

Among the record crowd of approximately 225 participants were some who got a little creative with their jogging threads, making the event a real fun run.

One group in particular stood out as they seemed to be getting a head start on the Christmas celebration. Sara Mountin, who lives in Vandenberg Village near Lompoc proper, and several relatives, many visiting from Utah, were decked out in red and black sweatsuits with a likeness of Santa Claus on the back.

“I had a lot of family coming and we decided to do something different, coming here and having a little fun with the costumes,” Mountin said. “We ended up finding these at Walmart and ordered a bunch of them.

“It’s just a good way to enjoy the day, and get some exercise before the big meal.”

That was the idea the Solvang Parks and Rec staff had when they decided last year to start holding the event on Thanksgiving morning starting last year.

“The turnout has been outstanding; it’s the largest we’ve ever had,” said Solvang Park’s and Rec Director Jenny McClurg. “This isn’t a competitive race at all — we’re not entering times or naming a winner, people can go the whole 5K, or just part of it. We’re just having people get together and have a good time.”

Longtime Parks and Rec staffer Fred Lageman contributed to the atmosphere as the emcee, counting down to the start of the run, and then keeping the participants going by serving as DJ and putting on songs all throughout the event. Meanwhile, Recreation Clerk Elisa Monroy and the department’s newest employee, Recreation Coordinator Jalen Gragston, were on the move handing out water to those who wanted it, and giving medals for kids and adults who completed a lap.

As McClurg said, there were no winners named, although Santa Maria resident Richie Ortiz did happen to complete the 5 kilometers before anybody.

“It’s great to come out here and do this,” Ortiz said. “Along with this and the half-marathon earlier this year, Solvang puts on some good events.”

Also at the event was Ivan Becerra, who coaches aspiring runners with IB1 Training, based at Sunny Field Park.

“I came to see some of my students who are running in this,” he said. “We knew this was coming on Thanksgiving andwe got quite a few in our program to show up and do this.” 

Keeping with the informal nature of the run, many participants did the 5K with their dogs, while others pushed their very young kids along in strollers, while many runners were shown to be part of a larger group with corresponding running wear.

Oscar Diaz of Santa Ynez came to the Turkey Trot with his family, and they were noticeable with their bright orange T-shirts. Oscar’s shirt showed a list that was probably his planned informal schedule for the day: “Run. Turkey. Beer. Nap.”

“I had a great time doing this,” Diaz said as he relaxed post-race with his daughter Andrea, who is on the Santa Ynez High track and field team, competing in the high jump. “This is just a cool thing to do and brings some team spirit. Now we can go home and have a nice Thanksgiving dinner.”

Also teaming up for an enjoyable morning was the Trot Squad group, some of whom wore special T-shirts made for the occasion. Part of the group was Derek Ferguson, who along with his wife Samantha, moved to Orcutt from Washington, D.C.

“We been in some running events before and wanted to get started out here,” he said. “We found some new friends out here and decided to do this. It’s been a lot of run.”

Of course, with the run over, Ferguson was looking forward to the meal late that day, but he had something else in mind first.

“We’re going over to [downtown] Solvang to find a place where I can have a beer,” he said.

The post Solvang’s Turkey Trot personifies the term ‘fun run’ appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has announced that its annual Chumash Charity Golf Classic raised $135,000 this year, with proceeds split among People Helping People in the Santa Ynez Valley, Hillside House in Santa Barbara and the Cabrillo High School Aquarium in Lompoc.

The tribe’s annual tournament, which spans three days, was held Sept. 24-26 at the River Course at the Alisal in Solvang.           

“It’s our great honor to provide needed funds for these three worthy organizations and their ongoing projects through another successful Chumash Charity Golf Classic,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

People Helping People, which has launched a capital campaign to fund a major construction project at its headquarters in Solvang and expand its services, received $75,000 in proceeds from the charity event. Hillside House and the Cabrillo High School Aquarium, which were selected by Chumash Enterprises employees as beneficiaries, each received $30,000.

People Helping People (PHP), which serves the Santa Ynez Valley, is dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos, and surrounding communities by addressing emergency and basic needs, furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services, and acting as a catalyst for positive community change. PHP will use these funds to assist with an expansion project.

“The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians inspires us all to build a compassionate community, care for our neighbors and give generously,” said Erica Flores, chief executive officer for People Helping People. “With a heart full of gratitude, People Helping People is honored to receive this leadership gift towards our critical capital project and expansion of our Solvang Service Center in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, serving those with the greatest needs. This gift reflects our shared values and deepens our longstanding relationship. Our connected histories with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians spans across three decades and is strengthened by our collective belief that we can do the most good, for the most people, when we do it together.”

Hillside House offers residential services for people with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission of Hillside House is to provide a home that supports residents’ efforts to maximize their physical, cognitive, social and emotional abilities so they can attain their highest level of independence in an environment where people are treated with dignity and respect. The organization will use these funds to help hire much-needed direct care staff.

Cabrillo High School Aquarium promotes cross-curricular, hands-on education and strives to emphasize its message of global marine awareness. A student-run facility, the program prepares students to go out into the world in their chosen careers. Students are also able to receive scholarships to continue their studies in marine science and environmental fields. The school’s aquarium program will use these funds to support Phase 2 of the aquarium’s long-term expansion project, which includes six new displays, the development of an all-new gallery annex and increasing the facility’s exhibit floor space by nearly 50 percent.

Since its inaugural event in 2005, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ annual golf tournament has raised more than $2 million for local charities and nonprofits. Past beneficiaries have included Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County, Lompoc Family YMCA, Unity Shoppe, the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter, Good Samaritan Shelter, local schools, local museums, and more.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $30 million to hundreds of groups, organizations andschools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. For more information and to access applications, please visit chumash.gov/foundation or call (805) 688-7997.

Feature Image: Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (fourth from left); Erica Flores, chief executive officer for People Helping People (fourth from right); and staff and board members for People Helping People pose for a check presentation photo outside of People Helping People in Solvang on Monday, Nov. 4. The Chumash Charity Golf Classic, held in September, raised a total of $75,000 for PHP. Photo Courtesy of Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

The post Chumash Charity Golf Classic raises $135K for three Santa Barbara County nonprofits appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School office staff and administration has chosen SYHS senior Lucas Malloy as the Santa Ynez Valley Elks October Student of the Month.

Lucas is a senior who loves guitar, piano, and banjo. He is also a state lifeguard and loves anything around the ocean, including surfing. One of his favorite classes is advanced auto repair, and he is also in the yearbook class. Lucas is also taking two concurrent enrollment classes, English and economics, that are offered in partnership with Allan Hancock College. He also loves his family farm and the pigs, horses, cows, and chickens.

In addition, Lucas is a recipient of a scholarship to become a pilot at the Santa Ynez Airport. He just completed his first solo flight on Thursday, Sept. 26, and is preparing for his cross-country flight this month.

On top of all those commitments and accomplishments, Lucas maintains an excellent GPA and hopes to attend Hancock College so he can work simultaneously on completing his flight school. Lucas wants to explore many other places as a commercial or private pilot but feels he will come right back to our community because he loves it here.

Lucas accomplished all this before his 18th birthday which is on the Nov. 16. So happy belated birthday and thank you for being a model of what it means to be a Santa Ynez High School student. We are so proud of your accomplishments and know your future is limitless.

Student of the Month is a program sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge. Students are recognized for their grades and school and community involvement. The Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.

Feature Image: Santa Ynez High senior Lucas Malloy (center) accepts the prize check for winning October’s Elks Student of the Month from Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Bonnie Rees (left) and Elks Scholarship Coordinator Pat Merritt. Contributed Photo

The post Lucas Malloy named Santa Ynez Valley Elks Student of the Month for October appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.