As of July 1, several new California laws are now in effect, ushering in changes that touch on everything from consumer rights and student mental health to workplace protections and gas taxes. 

Easier Subscription Cancellations

Consumers will now find it simpler to cancel subscription services thanks to Assembly Bill 2863, which requires businesses to offer the same cancellation method used to initiate the subscription. The law aims to reduce frustration over hard-to-navigate cancellation systems, a common complaint among Californians.

Short-Term Rental Fee Transparency

For those booking vacation homes, AB 2202 now mandates that platforms like Airbnb disclose all cleaning fees and penalties before a reservation is made. Hosts must also clearly list cleaning tasks expected of guests, ensuring greater transparency and fewer surprise charges.

Mental Health Resources for Students

Under Senate Bill 1063, all public schools serving grades 7 through 12 must print the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and a QR code linking to county-specific mental health resources on student ID cards. This change is part of a broader effort to support youth mental health and prevent suicide.

CARE Act Transparency

New updates to the CARE Act, which provides court-ordered treatment for individuals struggling with mental health, require courts to keep petitioners informed about the individual’s treatment progress. The law, originally passed in 2022, seeks to provide compassionate care while maintaining accountability and oversight.

Retail Theft and Online Marketplaces

Cracking down on retail theft, AB 2943 and SB 905 increase penalties for crimes like vehicle break-ins when items are intended for resale. Additionally, online marketplaces must now verify the identity of third-party sellers and report suspicious activity to law enforcement, a response to growing concerns over stolen goods being sold online.

Bar Safety Enhancements

Bars across the state must now offer drink lids upon request and post signage warning patrons of drink spiking. Signs must read:

“Don’t get roofied! Drink lids and drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.”

New Protections for Domestic Workers

With the passage of SB 1350, domestic workers — such as nannies and house cleaners hired through agencies — are now covered under Cal/OSHA workplace protections. However, the law does not apply to individuals who hire household help directly for personal use.

Gas and Cannabis Tax Adjustments

The state’s gas tax has increased from 59.6 cents to 61.2 cents per gallon, part of an annual inflation adjustment. Cannabis taxes have also been adjusted, though specifics vary by locality.

Minimum Wage Hikes in Select Cities

Several California cities, including Los Angeles, have raised their minimum wage as of July 1. Local rates now exceed the state minimum, which remains at $16 per hour, depending on the size of the business.

Other Key Changes:

• Pet Insurance Transparency: Insurers must now explain premium increases and reductions in coverage to policyholders.
• Fertility Treatment Coverage: Most insurance plans are now required to cover fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Food Delivery ID Requirements: Delivery platforms must provide customers with a photo and the first name of their delivery person.
• Bounty Hunter Licensing: AB 2043 mandates that all bail fugitive recovery agents — commonly known as bounty hunters — must be licensed in California.

For full details on how these laws may impact you, visit the California Legislature’s website or contact your local city or county government.

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By Mike Chaldu

michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

In a marathon meeting on Thursday, July 10, the Buellton City Council approved a water- and sewer-rate increase, its first since 2016.

The increase came after a process that began in 2024, when the City Council approved the contract for the Water and Wastewater Rate Study with Willdan Financial. The water and wastewater rate study provides a comprehensive analysis that will ensure that the cost of service will not exceed either the cost of providing the service or the proportional cost of the service attributable to a particular parcel.

The prior formal rate studies were completed in 2016 and 1996, with a small increase in 2016. The city’s operational costs for both water and wastewater have not been sustained through the existing rate structure and have required transfers from those fund reserves. As part of the study, staff worked closely with Willdan Financial and had several meetings with the Rate Committee, consisting of Mayor David Silva, Councilmember Hudson Hornick, and staff, to ensure that the direction of the study and the growth projections and financial assumptions were sound. The Final Water and Wastewater Rate Study (Exhibit A) includes a detailed analysis, including cost of service allocation, of how the rates were calculated.

The City Council passed over Willdan’s recommended rate increase schedule, which called for steep increases starting on Aug. 1, in favor of a schedule that, while costing more in the long run, delayed the first increase until Nov. 1. In the meantime, council directed staff to find way to get supplemental income to help increase the reserve water and sewer funds.

Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis was the first to suggest the Alternative 2 schedule, calling it more “compassionate” and instituting a more gradual increase over five years for the ratepayers.

“I like the idea of stretching it out, the idea of incremental increases, even with more to pay in the long run, it gives us a runway. It doesn’t come as a shock to the system,” Lewis said.

Hornick agreed with that assessment, and pointed out it comes after years of no rate increase.

“It puts everyone on notice,” he said about the Nov. 1 date. “We’re letting them know, we had a great run, but now it’stime to pay the piper.”

The item passed on a 3-1 vote, with Councilmember John Sanchez opposing.

“I want to use the recommended schedule and get these rates in,” Sanchez said before the vote. “We’ve been talking about how we are in this mess because councils didn’t install any increases in the past, and now we’re going to delay it three more months.”

With the approval, starting on Nov. 1, rate payers can expect an increase from the current $101.72 per month to $135.63. After that, the rates will go up each year through 2030, when the rate will increase to $214.35. City Manager Scott Wolfe reminded council that the rates will be reviewed and can be lowered on a year-by-year basis.

City Manager Scott Wolfe and City Attorney Greg Murphy held off on discussion of the item because, as part of the Proposition 218 process of review, city ratepayers had an opportunities to submit written protests of the increase thatwould have delayed the agenda. However, only 97 protests were submitted, well short of the 1,084 required, which represented 50% + 1 of the Buellton ratepayers.

The item brought in several speakers during Public Comment, all of whom were unhappy with the increase, thoughsome admitted it was needed.

“I understand it needs to happen, but it’s a hard pill to swallow,” said Troy Morehouse. “Ninety-three percent in 35 days, and next year 171 percent [quoting the orginal rate schedule that wasn’t adopted]? That’s ridiculous.”

Morehouse also took to task the failure of past City Council to implement more reasonable increases in the past decade, saying the current council was “asking us to pay for the sins of our fathers.”

Daniel Durbiano also opposed the original rate hike, though he understood the tough spot the councilmembers were in.

“I’ve spent 22 years in public works, so I have intimate knowledge of this,” he said. “This is one of the most contentious things a City Council has to deal with. I’m for an increase but not like this. Don’t ask us to take this balloon payment.Do it a little more compassionate.”

Fortunately, councilmembers did take the suggestions for a more gradual increase, and staff is expected to provide suggestions for supplemental revenue to replenish the water fund at a later meeting, probably in September.

The City Council meets next on Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m.

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Now entering its sixth month of operation in its new location on Dairyland Road, the Buellton Library was the topic of discussion during the Buellton City Council meeting on Thursday, June 26. Or, that is, the conference rooms in the facility.

Both business items on the meeting agenda concerned the two conference rooms in the library building: Meeting Room 1, which is next to the main entrance and being used mostly by the Friends of the Buellton Library as a used-book store, and Meeting Room 2, which is located next to the main section of the library, and looks out on the south lawn and patio.

The first business item dealt with guidelines for potential rental opportunities for the rooms. City staff put together a draft room rental application for review by council. Public Works Director Rose Hess said the sample application was based on the templates from CJPIA, the City’s insurance and risk management agency, as well as applications from other similar publicly owned rental facilities in the area, and staff was seeking input on the rules and regulations, hours of availability, and rental fees contained in the document.

Councilmember Hudson Hornick started off council questions asking about the possible noise coming from the room if the room was rented out for a party. The application banned “amplified music” in the room, but allowed bluetoothspeakers, which Hornick had an issue with, saying that bluetooth speakers are just as loud as regular speakers.

Councilmember John Sanchez inquired about providing trash receptacles for big events, and how they would dispose of it. Hess said any trash could be stored away for eventual weekly pickup from the county.

However, a big sticking point with the entire council was the proposed rental fees for the rooms. The sample application quoted prices of $500 per hour to rent the space for Buellton residents or business ($1,000 for out-of-towners) and a $1,000 cleaning deposit. All the councilmembers thought that as too high, with Mayor David Silva noting that nearby River View Park charges $40 per hour with a $100 deposit. Hess said the prices were based on rental costs in other cities and municipalities, but could be changed.

From there, councilmembers also speculated about what kind of events should be held in the conference rooms. While parties were discussed earlier as possiblities for the space, Silva expressed his desire for the rooms to be used for groups’ community meetings.

“We have River View Park, with space and playgrounds to accomodate those kinds of events,” the mayor said. “I don’tthink a birthday party lends itself for library purposes.”

Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis agreed, saying, “The library I envision more for professional meetings; the park is more designed for kids to go crazy and have fun.”

City Manager Scott Wolfe told county that he and Hess could “tighten up” the application with more specific guidelines reflecting the council’s input, and they could submit a revised application for a future meeting.

The second business item dealt specifically with Meeting Room 1, which has been used by the Friends of the Buellton Library, mostly as a used-book store to raise funds for the organization, and, in turn, the library.

The original plan, as explained by Wolfe, was to devote most of the room space to FOBL, and partition off the other part to create a smaller conference room. However, FOBL has used the remaining part of the room as a children’s “play area” with toys and games, and would like to keep the room open with the entire space belonging to FOBL.

During public comment, Former Buellton Mayor and County Library Advisory Board Member Judith Dale requested that a wall not be put in.

“I’m very against building the wall,” she said. “A wall can structurally interfere with the room, and really limits what can go on.”

Speakers Ashley Sloan and other former Buellton mayor, Holly Sierra, who’s now FOBL president, echoed Dale’sthoughts, with Sierra saying FOBL would be happy to offer the space if someone requested it for a meeting.

The four councilmembers were in agreement opposing a wall in the room, with Silva saying the $15,000 it would cost for installation were better spent elsewhere.

Since it wasn’t an actionable item, Wolfe said he would bring a request to keep the room intact and under the autonomy of the FOBL and put that on a future meeting agenda.

The City Council will meet next on Thursday, July 10, at 6 p.m.

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The Solvang City Council voted to extend its agreement with the City of Goleta to operate the city’s library, despite a greatly increased cost, during its regular meeting on Monday, June 23. Councilmember Elizabeth Orona was absent from the meeting.

In introducing the item, the first discussion item of the night, City Manager Randy Murphy explained the library situation in his report.

Goleta has been operating the library since 2019, when Santa Barbara County divested itself of that responsibility. The libraries operated by Goleta (considered the county’s Library Zone 4) include its own, Solvang’s, Buellton’s, and the ones in the unincorporated areas of Santa Ynez and Los Olivos.

The current five-year agreement for library management was set to expire June 30, one week after the meeting, and Murphy recommended council approve the deal for another year, albeit at a sizable increase: $284,855, which would bea nearly $100,000 hike from the previous agreement.

“We’ve been working under an agreement where they didn’t have any inflators [to increase the price], and they’ve been a good partner,” Muphy said. “Our finance staff has been in discussion with their finance staff, and have determined that this is a legitimate amount.”

Murphy also pointed out that the $284,855 amount was in the budget that the council had approved earlier in the meeting as part of the Consent Calendar.

However, councilmembers had their concerns about the larger price tag.

“A hundred thousand dollars, that’s a big nut,” Mayor David Brown said. “That’s almost a 50% increase; I’m trying to justify it.”

Goleta Director on Neighborhood Services Joanne Plummer, whose department includes the libraries explained earlier that both Goleta and Solvang had the right to renegotiate terms after each year, but during the first five years a number of factors hindered that.

“Right after the first agreement started, we had COVID, and after that there were changes in the leadership on both sides, and the sides were only recently able to get together and talk about another agreement,” she said.

Plummer said in the last five years, the libraries were working under increased costs under the same budget and operating at a loss.

“The last few years, we’ve been taking money out of reserves, and operating in the red,” she said. “We can’t keep operating under the current terms; we need to increase the cost.”

Councilmember Mark Infanti noted that Solvang’s library space is too small and asked who would foot the bill if the city found a bigger space to move into. 

“The city (of Solvang) would cover the cost of moving into a new facility,” Plummer said. “We would need to review the new space and determine what staffing would be sufficient, so there could be an increase there.”

Councilmembers Claudia Orona and Louise Smith both expressed the need for more information about the libraries, with Orona inquiring about staff size and the number of visitors to the Solvang Library, as well as the satellite locations in Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Smith mentioned that libraries are offering numerous services other than just books, and wanted to know what the Solvang location had to offer in that area. Plummer said that could be found in the libaries’annual report.

Murphy reiterated that he felt the agreement was fair.

“The finance staff pored over this and determined it’s a legitimate increase,” he said. “The only way to cut expenses, is we could cut hours, but we’re already not open on Sundays and Mondays. I recommend approving it now to keep the library open.”

Eventually, Infanti, who serves on the city’s Library Committee, move to approve the contract, with Smith seconding, but not before Brown requested a report on the library’s progress in the future. Plummer assured council that was in the agreement and she could return in October for that report.

The council voted 4-0 to approve the agreement.

In other council business:

In a public hearing, the council unanimously adopted a resolution amending the appropriation limit for fiscal year 2025-26 to $26,362,892 for the General Fund. The number was determined by a calculation called Growth Factor that took into account per capita personal income and population change.

However, City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan reminded that notice of the public hearing was posted on June 12, 11 days before the meeting when the requirement for it to be posted is 15 days prior. Because of that, the item would remain for public review until the next could meeting, and it could be ratified then.

Council unanimously approved a agreement with SaberDome Corporation dba Lanspeed for information technology managed services in the amount not to exceed $7,937.72 per month plus any reimbursable expenses and service charges actually incurred and invoiced, for a total contract amount not to exceed $105,252.64.

Staff recommended the renewel with based on past experience, cost and software.

The City Council will next meet on Monday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m.

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Beginning in July, the Clean Air Express fares will be:

• Monthly Pass: $170 (up from $160)
• 10-Ride Ticket Book: $57 (up from $54)
• Single Trip Cash Fare: $8 (up from $7)

Passengers using the Tap to Ride contactless payment system will continue to receive discounted fares: 

• Single Trip via Tap to Ride: $7 (always $1 less than the cash fare)
• Daily Fare Cap: $11.40 (equal to the cost of two one-way trips using a 10-ride ticket)

This marks the second of three annual fare increases approved by the SBCAG Board of Directors in December 2023. The phased approach is designed to give riders time to adjust while maintaining the service’s quality and reliability.

“Fare increases are never easy,” said SBCAG Director of Multimodal Programs, Aaron Bonfilio. “We’ve taken a phased approach to help riders gradually adjust while ensuring the Clean Air Express remains the dependable, high-quality service they count on.”

Bonfilio emphasized that public transit remains cost-competitive when compared to the rising expenses of owning and operating a personal vehicle. “For many commuters, Clean Air Express is a smart financial decision – saving on gas, maintenance, and wear and tear – without the stress of driving every day.”

In addition to the fare adjustments, SBCAG has introduced upgrades to improve the rider experience, including the Tap to Ride contactless payment system that makes it easier to pay and track fares. The Clean Air Express also expanded its service in April with the addition of midday trips, offering riders more flexibility. The new schedule has been well-received by passengers seeking options beyond traditional morning and evening commutes.

For more information about Clean Air Express, visit www.cleanairexpress.com, email info@cleanairexpress.com, or call (805) 692-1902.

The next and final fare adjustment as part of this series will occur in July 2026. 

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On the evening of Sunday, June 8, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office answered a call for help from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, deploying 32 deputies to Los Angeles to assist with civil unrest that has gripped the region in recent days. The officers, drawn from the department’s Sheriff’s Response and Special Enforcement Teams, arrived in downtown Los Angeles late Sunday night and worked into the early morning to provide building security and public safety support.

They join a growing force of law enforcement and military personnel now operating in the greater Los Angeles area in response to escalating tensions, protests, and violent disturbances sparked by federal immigration enforcement actions and broader frustrations with government authority.

Sheriff Bill Brown emphasized that the deployment is strictly a mutual aid agreement and not linked to federal immigration enforcement.

“Members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are not engaged in immigration enforcement activities in Los Angeles,” Sheriff Bill Brown said. “But rather our role is to assist allied law enforcement agencies and help them ensure the safety and security of their communities in response to these violent disturbances.”

Brown condemned the violence that has erupted, noting that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the situation in Los Angeles and elsewhere has deviated far from lawful demonstrations.

“The events unfolding in Los Angeles, other cities in California, and across the nation are far from peaceful First Amendment protests,” Brown said. “We are witnessing destructive attacks on private property and targeted attacks on law enforcement officers, both of which are completely unacceptable. Our agency remains committed to ensuring public safety and supporting our law enforcement partners and the Southern California community. Over the past 15 years, Santa Barbara County has repeatedly benefited from mutual aid resources from both the city and the county of Los Angeles during our front country wildfires, and we are reciprocating with our support in their time of need.”

The call for mutual aid follows a week of rising violence and political division. On Saturday, June 7 a protest near a Home Depot in the city of Paramount began peacefully but spiraled out of control as reports emerged that federal agents were staging immigration enforcement operations in nearby office spaces. Social media footage showed tear gas, looting, and burning vehicles. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and attempted to disperse the crowd.

By that night, similar unrest reached downtown Los Angeles, with the LAPD declaring an unlawful assembly and warning protesters of arrest if they did not disperse.
The situation escalated further on Sunday when the federal government, under a directive from President Donald Trump, deployed National Guard troops from California’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to protect federal property and law enforcement personnel. According to U.S. Northern Command, around 300 soldiers were initially deployed, with the potential for more.

Citing recent threats to immigration detention centers and attacks on federal officers, the White House invoked a rarely used federal statute — 10 U.S.C. 12406 — to justify the use of military personnel in domestic operations. The order allows the National Guard to be used for up to 60 days or longer at the Secretary of Defense’s discretion.

Simultaneously, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the results of an extensive enforcement sweep in Los Angeles. According to a June 8 press release, agents arrested more than a dozen undocumented immigrants described as “the worst of the worst,” including individuals with convictions for violent crimes such as murder and sexual assault.

“These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on our streets,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers who are making our communities safer.”

The ICE statement — and the timing of the arrests — has inflamed public sentiment. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the federal actions and warned of the toll they are taking on already anxious immigrant communities.

“This morning, President Trump deployed the National Guard into Los Angeles,” Bass wrote in a social media post on Monday, June 9. “The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real. It puts our neighborhoods at risk. This is the last thing we need.”

Bass emphasized that the city stands with all its residents, regardless of immigration status, and urged demonstrators to remain peaceful. Still, as the violence mounted, she made clear that criminal activity would not be tolerated. “ANYONE who vandalized Downtown or looted stores does not care about our immigrant communities,” she added in a June 10 post. “You will be held accountable.”

The deployment has ignited a renewed debate about the role of federal authority in local jurisdictions, particularly in California, where state leadership has long pushed back against federal immigration policies.

Governor Gavin Newsom called the federalization of troops a dangerous precedent. “The federal government is now turning the military against American citizens,” Newsom said in a televised address. “This is unprecedented and threatens the very core of our democracy.”

Monday, June 9, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that 700 active-duty U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton would also be deployed to Los Angeles, citing ongoing threats to federal facilities and law enforcement. Hegseth defended the decision, saying, “We have an obligation to defend federal officers — even if Governor Newsom will not.”

In contrast, many Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez residents remain uneasy about the militarization of California’s largest city. Local leaders and advocacy groups have expressed concern about the broader implications for civil liberties and public trust in government institutions.

Despite the tension, Sheriff Brown reiterated the professionalism and limited scope of Santa Barbara’s involvement.

“We hope for a swift restoration of order in Los Angeles,” Brown stated. “Allowing all law enforcement personnel to return to their homes safely.”

As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes remain on Los Angeles — where the clash between local control, federal enforcement, and public unrest may define the next chapter in the ongoing national conversation about justice, immigration, and civil order.

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The many movers and shakers in the region gathered at Craft House at Corque in Solvang to discuss the economic direction on Thursday, June 5, at the 2025 Santa Ynez Valley Economic Summit.

For the second straight year, Danna Stroud, community-based solutions regional manager at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), was the keynote speaker for the event, talking about the job situation statewide. Other speakers included Solvang Mayor David Brown, Santa Barbara County Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Buellton City Manager Scott Wolfe, EconAlliance CEO Janelle Osborne, and Santa Barbara Vintners CEO Alison Laslett. There were also two three-person panels who took time to field questions from the audience.

Brown took the floor first to talk about Solvang, and said the city had a unique position in the area as a tourist destination.

“We are a town of 6,000 that draws 5 million tourists a year,” Brown said. “The town offers an immersive experience of an earlier time and is on the national radar.”

Brown pointed out the attention Solvang has gotten with travel columns and awards, such as the “Best Small Town in the West” it earned from online voters in the USA Today/10Best travel series. Solvang was also in the top 5 for the series categories of “Best Small Town Food Scene” and “Best Main Street”

While Brown painted a positive picture of his city, he said there are still issues it needs to confront.

“Our housing is still our most urgent issue,” he said. “We need more units and its tougher to do it without extending the Urban Growth Boundary.”

Brown said the town needs to become more water-independent, and transportation needs to be addressed, as Solvang has a main thoroughfare, Mission Drive, that doubles as a state highway and for many is the only way in and out of town, with Brown admitted can be a concern if there is an evacuation situation.

However, the mayor said the situation still looks rosy in Solvang. “We will continue to build a vibrant and solid future.”

Later on, Wolfe took the podium to talk about Buellton’s state and its role in the Valley.

“Buellton has really involved in the six years that I’ve been here,” he said, pointing out a public arts program, a new library that opened this year, and an expansion of social services.

Wolfe likened Buellton’s situation to a fictional town in a family-favorite animated movie.

“If you all have ever seen the movie ‘Cars,’ they have the town of Radiator Springs, that died when the highway went past it,” Wolfe explained. “Well, that was Buellton in 1968. The highway moved a few blocks away, but there was an area [Avenue of Flags] that needed to be redeveloped.”

That was done partly thanks to the Pea Soup Andersen’s restaurant that has been closed for a few years now, but will be replaced by a development that will include a new Pea Soup Andersen’s. Wolfe also pointed out a flags project on Avenue of Flags, and a proposed hotel, market, and coffee shop in the lots next to the Sideways Hotel and Flying Flags RV Resort.

“Buellton is in a big shift,” Wolfe said, “and has gone through bigger changes in the last three years than in the previous 50.”

Brown, Wolfe, and Hartmann also conducted a panel discussion on needs for the area, and much of it centered on providing activities for children and teens.

To that end, Wolfe mentioned a bowling alley project that the city has been trying to get off the ground for multiple years and multiple owners. While pointing out the agreement the city made in partnering in the developing Children’s Museum, he said that most of the efforts to bring in activities would be through the private sector.

Hartmann said while they were always looking at stuff to add, there were activities that families could enjoy if they know where to look and pointed out the zipline attraction that operates near Buellton and Highway 146. Brown said that Solvang’s population tends to skew older, so they are always in search of activities that seniors can take part in.

The three also discussed the issues of transportation, keeping homes protected against possible fire, and affordable housing, which Brown and Wolfe both agreed was difficult for having to deal with the state government and codes.

A second panel made up of Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland, Visit SYV CEO Shelby Sim, and Anna Ferguson Sparks of Stilletto Marketing, which serves Solvang, discussed tourism issues.

Sim, who defined his job as putting “heads in beds” at local hotels, said this year was going better than 2024. “Nature helped us out this year,” he said, describing the lack of heavy rain that hindered tourism at the beginning of 2024. “Los Angeles has been a great source for visitors who want to come up, and we get 85% of our visitors from Southern California.”

Vreeland recognized the double-edged sword in Buellton of citizens wanting less distractions in town, but then pointed out that the Transient Occupancy Tax, paid mostly by tourists, represents 38% of the city budget.

“Some complain, but we want them to come in here,” she said. “We have to deal with it, but we are measuring our success with tourism.”

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The Solvang City Council, in its Monday, June 9, regular meeting approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management to activate a new emergency mapping platform.

City Management Analyst Olivia Uribe-Mutal introduced the item and said approval would allow the city to participate in ReadySBC.com, which provides alerts and information in times of emergency and the platform known as Genasys EVAC.

Uribe-Mutal described Genasys EVAC as a “zone-based emergency response tool” that enhances the ability of public safety agencies to plan, coordinate, and communicate protective actions during emergencies. Santa Barbara County selected Genasys EVAC as a countywide tool to complement existing alerting platforms, such as Everbridge, and to streamline multi-jurisdictional coordination.

The platform is composed of an internal user interface for first responders and emergency managers to access real-time decision-support data including hazard overlays, population metrics, evacuation sites, and critical infrastructure; and A public-facing map accessible via the ReadySBC.org website and the Genasys Protect mobile application, displaying live evacuation statuses, road closures, and shelter information. The system enables rapid, zone-based communication during emergencies and is designed to ensure

“The Genasys EVAC is a significant step forward for those of us in emergency management,” Uribe-Mutal said. “Solvang will be able to manage and update its own emergency zones. We’ll be able to gain additional support and improve our situational awareness in rapidly evolving events. We’ll also be fully integrated with the county during these events.”

This will be a no cost to the city, Uribe-Mutal pointed out, as it is covered by a Homeland Security grant through fiscal year 2027-28, and will allow Solvang to keep control of its own data on the system.

In discussions with Santa Barbara County Emergency Manager Stacy Silva, there was confusion over maps. The council has just approved the Fire Severity Zone Map (FSZM) from the state as part of the Consent Calendar, and Councilmember Mark Infanti noted that the zone where he lives has a yellow (or moderate fire hazard) marked on part of his parcel and asked if he would be getting an alert. Silva however, told the council that the county system had nothing to do with that map and emergency zones would be determined locally for the purposes of the specific incident.

After Silva completed an overview of the system, Mayor David Brown asked if ongoing training for the system would be the responsibility of the county or city and what would the cost be when the grant ran out. Silva said the city would be responsible for the training, but then City Manager Randy Murphy said any costs after the grant would be negligible.

Ultimately, Infanti moved to approve the MOA with Councilmember Elizabeth Orona seconding, and the motion passed 5-0.

In other business, council approved the awarding of a project to replace deteriorating pipes in the Nyborg Estates neighborhood to Tierra Contracting Inc. The item contained a dispute because out of the 13 bids, Tierra actually submitted the second lowest, with Joseph Engineering getting the low bid.

However, Facility Director Jose Acosta said Joseph’s application wasn’t complete at the bid deadline, so they went with the next lowest.

Crystal Joseph, the owner and vice president of Joseph Engineering, was at the meeting and during public comment, said the application was incomplete due to a clerical error but was still the lowest bid, and asked if council could delay the item.

City Counsel Chelsea O’Sullivan and Murphy said the council had the right to waive the decision on the bid but weren’t required to. The council opted to approve the Tierra bid after Elizabeth Orona commented that Acosta “took the lowest from your perspective.”

To begin the meeting, council welcomed Scout Leo Brownstein from Troop 33 in Santa Barbara to conduct a presentation on flag etiquette as part of his Eagle Scout Project. Brown said he thought a presentation like this would be a great idea when he from a constituent about seeing some flags not at half staff during the mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter, who died last December.

After receiving a proclamation from the city, Brownstein made his presentation with the help of fellow Scouts Nathan and Noah Cortez from Troop 87 in Orcutt, who displayed the proper way to fold a flag.

The City Council will meet next on Monday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m.

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While a three-day weekend in May was celebrated and enjoyed by folks all over the Santa Ynez Valley, speakers and participants gathered at Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall on Monday, May 26 — Memorial Day — to remind the Valley what the day really meant.

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony that started at noon at the hall was the culmination of a whole weekend of activities to celebrate those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.

“Today we honor all veterans who gave their lives in service to our great nation,” said Jeffrey Willis, commander of VFW Post 7139, former U.S. Marine sergeant, and emcee of the ceremony. “These are the real heroes of America. The Americans we honor today are not exclusive to any gender, race, or religion.

“We are gathered today so that we can remember their sacrifices and celebrate the fact that throughout our history, this great country produces such men and women of honor. We will not forget them.”

At the beginning of the ceremony, everyone came outside to see the raising of the American flag, done by Scout Troop 41 members Ronna Gundry (Scout leader), Quinn Tiffany, Spencer Snodgrass, and Zaden Sherieff. VFW Post 7139 member Chris Neilsen placed the wreath in memory of veterans who died in war, the American Legion Post 160 Honor Guard did a gunfire salute, and bugler Michael Roberts played taps.

An added bonus to the ceremony was a flyover during the flag-raising and wreath laying, courtesy of Jerry Long of the Santa Ynez Airport.

Once inside, the audience listened to speakers Lt. Col. Jeremiah Alefosio, 30th Logistic Readiness Squadron Commander at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and U.S. Air Force Col. Kenneth Spaar, a Solvang resident. Both reiterated the importance of remembering those who died in battle, and reminded the audience that many of those are servicemembers who served voluntarily, not because they were drafted.

Also, on hand to provide musical performances were the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band, led by Kay Dominguez, and the Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, directed by Hyejin Jung.

In fact, a touching moment occurred during the Chorale’s final number “God Bless America,” when Jung, while leading her singers, suddenly turned around to face the audience members and starting directing to stand up and sing along with them. Most complied, bringing the song to a rousing finish.

“We came up with the idea a few days ago,” Jung said after the ceremony. “We just thought it would be so great to have everyone join in for this song.”

After the ceremony, the audience members and participants were treated to a tri-tip sandwich lunch barbecued by members of the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge, and served by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The ceremony was culmination of a weekend full of activities honoring fallen veterans. On Saturday, May 24, volunteers, in conjunction with he American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 7139, placed American flags on veterans’ graves at the Mission Santa Ines, Chalk Hill, Oak Hill, and St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley cemeteries.

Also, VFW Post 7139 members handed out Red Buddy Poppies at the front of Albertsons in Buellton on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The Red Poppies were first distributed after World War I to honor the servicemen and servicewomen who perished in that war. 

And before the Memorial Day on Monday, the American Legion Post 160 stopped off at all the local cemeteries to conduct short ceremonies.

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The Buellton City Council began discussion of budget consideration for the Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27 Biennial Budget with some salary concerns being moved ahead to the next meeting.

The council was down to three in this meeting with Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis absent.

Ultimately, some items on the Employee Salary and Benefit Assumptions were moved to the next meeting.
The items of Cost of Living Increase, Medical Increase ($600 per month), Housing allowance ($750 per month), Pay Adjustment to Department Heads (10%), and Accounting Technician change from Full-Time to Part-Time were direct to be brought back as resolutions, while Pay Adjustment to Lead Field Worker and CPO (5%) and New Position: Administrative Analyst were directed to be put on the Consent Calendar for the next meeting.

In other business:
During Council Member Contents and Items, Councilmember Hudson Hornick asked about the possibility of Buellton contributing money toward the proposed new Aquatic Center at Santa Ynez High School.

Hornick said he heard that the City of Solvang was behind on funds, and that maybe Buellton could help out since city residents will be getting use out of that.

City Manager Scott Wolfe replied that the plan was for Buellton to contribute once the center was completed, by way of managing the operations. Also Wolfe pointed out that the two cities have been negotiating along with the Aquatics Center organization, and the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District.

Wolfe also said he had been planning to open up an agenda item for discussion after the current budget had been finalized, but said he could get something on there after July 1.

Hornick also suggested the idea of increasing hours at the library and finding a way to expand the book selection. He also expressed concern that the library still didn’t have a panic button to keep the facility safer.

Wolfe replied that an increase in hours has been discussed, but also disclosed that the city has been keep money in reserve for the library in the event that they decide to break away from the Goleta Valley Library System and they need to operate in the interim before finiding a new partner.

Wolfe did say he would get the process in motion to install a panic button for the library.

The council also heard from Finance Director Shannel Zamora on a Public Hearing on Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts.

Government Code Section 3502.3 requires public agencies to annually present the status of job vacancies and efforts related to recruitment and retention before the governing board in a public hearing. This hearing must occur at least once per fiscal year and, if a budget is being adopted, before final budget adoption. Additionally, if a recognized employee organization requests it and the vacancy rate in a bargaining unit equals or exceeds 20% of authorized full-time positions, specific data must be disclosed during the hearing.

Zamora reported that the city had 20 full-time positions and one vacancy for a 5% vacancy rate.

Recruitment and retention efforts include advertising job openings on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and the city website to reach a wider and more diverse pool of candidates; remote work flexibility (where applicable); authorization of a 3.94% cost-of-living adjustment for FY 2024-25; authorization of a 5.0% cost-of-living adjustment for the upcoming FY 2025-26; and Providing employees with incentive pay and offering opportunities for professional certifications, licenses, bilingual skills, continuing education programs, and specialized training.

Factors identified as potential obstacles included budgeted compensation below market median for key classifications; related challenges due to city’s size, geographical location, and limited candidate pool; and high housing costs, challenges for relocation and settling for current staff and potential candidates.

Council received and filed the report and Silva thanked Zamora for the info.

The next Buellton City Council meeting will be Thursday, July 10, at 6 p.m.

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