With the City of Solvang’s designation as the “Danish Capital of America,” many locals have taken interest in President Donald Trump’s recently stated desire to make Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, to become part of the United States, arguing that Greenland is vital to U.S. security.

That idea has prompted opposition from Greenland itself, and many others worldwide, including the U.S.

On Saturday, Jan. 31, local demonstrators showed up at Solvang Park to protest the U.S. administration’s potential attempts in a rally titled “Hands Off Greenland! Solvang Stands With Denmark” — a community rally to affirm respect for national sovereignty, democratic values, and the longstanding cultural ties between Solvang and Denmark.

Solvang resident Peter Wright and Santa Barbara County resident Gary Caris were the main organizers of the event, but the person who got the ball rolling on it was a pastor from Simi Valley.

Rev. Jim Burklo is the pastor of the United Church of Christ of Simi Valley and former Senior Associate Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at the University of Southern California, and has been a supporter of progressive causes.

When thinking about the situation in Greenland, Burklo said at the rally he thought Solvang would be a great location, knowing about the origin of the town founded by Danish settlers in 1911.

“This [Greenland] issue comes up and I’m thinking what can I do about it, and I’m thinking, of all places, Solvang would be a great place to hold something like this, with our affection for Denmark and our opposition to this invasion,” Burklo said. “So, I didn’t know anybody here, but I was able to call Peter and Gary, and they did most of the work.”

Carig maintained that while members of the Santa Ynez Valley Democratic Organization have helped to organize the rally, this demonstration was “a grassroots response to the widespread distress felt across the community. It
is for Solvang and for anyone who supports the rights and integrity of both Denmark and Greenland.”

“Of course, our town has close ties to Denmark,” Carig continued. “This is something that’s bringing the community together, not necessarily a left or right issue.”

During the event, protesters lined up with signs along Mission Drive in front of Solvang Park. Many displayed the sign given out by organizers that said, “Hands off Greenland! Solvang Stands With Denmark,” although some brought their own signs with sayings like “Greenland is not for sale,” and “LE’GO Greenland and Denmark,” alluding to Denmark’s famous toy building blocks.

As the group demonstrated, many motorists honked in support, although Burklo admitted a few gave “one-fingered salutes” from their vehicles.

Later on, a group of singers accompanied by Lompoc resident Bill Carlsen on guitar, led the crowd in songs like “We Shall Overcome,” and “We Shall Not Be Moved,” and also versions of “This Land is Your Land” and “Hallelujah,” with modified lyrics from Carig (“with apologies to Woody Guthrie and Leonard Cohen”) with references to Trump and the Greenland issue.

One attendee to the event was Karen Johnson, a retired first-grade teacher who had taught in the College District and at Solvang Family School.

“We want to support Greenland and Denmark, because of the Danish roots here, but because it’s really important,” she said. “I have a couple of Danish friends who couldn’t be here today, they had go up north, but they thanked us for being here in support of Denmark. And they were a country that helped in World War II and many do not know that they did a lot to hide Jewish people from the Nazis during that time, so, yeah, they need to be stood up for.”

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February is here and soon to follow is Valentine’s Day, the time for couples, young and old, to celebrate their love and their good times together.

And with that usually comes a night out, and many restaurants and establishments are getting ready to serve those people who choose to celebrate. It could be a fancy eatery, a bar-type atmosphere, or a good old-fashioned barbecue place like Whiskey ‘N Rye in Solvang.

Joe Padilla, the chief operating officer for Whiskey ‘N Rye, located at 442 Atterdag Road, admits his place isn’t the one people would think of for a romantic night out, but he is still expecting a big crowd on Feb. 14, which happens to fall on a Saturday this year.

“We’ve always had good business on Valentine’s Day,” said Padilla, whose restaurant has been at its current location for three years. “We don’t do any specials for Valentine’s or anything, but we think our menu is strong enough on its own.”

That menu a robust list of cocktails, BBQ, vegetarian and even vegan options. Cozy in at Whiskey ‘N Rye and enjoy items including the Loaded Mac N Cheese, a Sampler Trio with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork tossed in Carolina Gold BBQ sauce, and Smoked Spaghetti Squash with Squash noodles tossed with hickory smoked tomato, garlic, shallots, basil, spicy chili flakes.

But Padilla said drawing customers is more than just the food.

“One thing we always stress in hospitality,” he said. “We want to have the absolute best service and filling all the diners’ needs to give them that full experience on a special day.”

It’s a strategy no doubt many other restaurants share no matter the atmosphere or cuisine. One of those is Pico, located at 458 Bell St. in Los Alamos, which describes itself as “Upscale comfort food made with local ingredients, sourced from farmers committed to organic, regenerative, and humane practices. [A] historic dining room with the charm of fine dining, your grandmother’s favorite recipes, edible gardens, and a small town vibe.”

With reservations available on Feb. 14 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., couples can enjoy a four-course dinner featuring house favorites such as the Avocado Crudo, Finley Warm Broccolini and Kale Salad, Kiani Preserve Filet Mignon with Mighty Cap Mushroom Demi and Flourless Chocolate Cake — all made with the freshest seasonal ingredients from neighboring farms and ranches. Go to www.losalamosgeneralstore.com/special-events to get a reservation.

And there are other special events for Valentine’s Day in The Valley. Among them:

Romance at the Ranch, Alisal Ranch, Feb. 13-15

Searching for a unique romantic experience this Valentine’s Day?  Nestled in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Ranch is the perfect California resort destination for a dreamy getaway. Whether you’re joining us for our exclusive “Romance at the Ranch” package or celebrating at home, we’ve got some heartwarming ideas to spark romance, ranch-style. Our 2-night “Romance at the Ranch” package from Feb 13-15, is thoughtfully curated to add a western-style magic touch to your love story. Here’s what you can expect at our luxury dude ranch:

Welcoming gifts: Flowers, champagne, and chocolate in your room ready to celebrate your arrival in true romantic fashion.

Outdoor adventures: Two activities per night like horseback rides, golf sessions, and more.

Wine-Country flavors: Get a taste of ranch life with fun classes like wine tasting and cheese pairing. 

Learn more about our Romance at the Ranch package.

Plenty on Bell Three Course Prix Fixe Dinner on Friday, Feb 13.

Plenty on Bell, at 508 Bell St. in Los Alamos, jump the gun a bit, opening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a dinner                                    

on Friday, Feb. 13, which includes a glass of wine or Champagne. Go to plentyonbell.com

Chocolate and Wine-Tasting Pairings at Sunstone Winery, Feb. 13-15

Celebrate love and indulgence this Valentine’s Day weekend at Sunstone Winery with our guided Wine & Chocolate Pairing Experience. From Feb. 13-15, savor the romance of perfectly paired wines and handcrafted chocolates from the renowned Twenty-Four Blackbird in an intimate and enchanting setting.

These exclusive tastings will be offered throughout the day, with limited spots available. The cost for this romantic and delectable experience is $50 per guest. Go to sunstonewinery.com/

Valentines Wine & Truffle Weekend in Santa Ynez with Live Music at Brander Winery & Vineyard, Feb. 14-15

Includes artisan chocolates from Jessica Foster Confections, a flight of five signature Brander wines, and music from Hayli Carleton (Saturday) and Lindsey Marie (Sunday). For more info, go to www.brander.com/winery-events/

Looking for more, see www.opentable.com/events/valentines/region/santa-ynez-valley

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Buellton resident Joe Chavez will be the first to tell you he has traveled a difficult road over the past decade or so, but he is very pleased with where it has taken him.

“I lived in Ventura County with my mom, and then she passed away and I was evicted from the home,” he said. “After that, I spent about eight years as an unhoused person.”

However, after coming to Santa Barbara County, Chavez said he was able to get assistance from, among others, the local branch of People Helping People.

“I spent a lot of time trying to get help getting back on my feet, but couldn’t find it in Ventura County,” he said. “I came up to Santa Barbara County and was able to get help getting a place to live, and now here I am.”

“Here” is the Village Senior Apartments in Buellton, located at 332-334 Valley Vineyard Circle, off McMurray Road. Chavez, who’s lived at the complex for the past few months, spoke about his experience during a ribbon-cutting at the complex, the latest in the efforts to supply affordable housing for seniors and veterans.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), which facilitated the project, celebrated the grand opening of Village Senior Apartments on Wednesday, Jan. 28, with an afternoon event at the complex. The newly completed community offers 50 units of affordable housing, including options for seniors, senior veterans, and formerly unhoused senior veterans, with 13 units specifically designated for veterans.

Buellton Mayor David Silva, Santa Barbara County Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, and local affordable housing leaders joined CEDC leadership, including CEDC Board President Aiza Galdo, as speakers during the event. Representatives for for State Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limon; Congressman Salud Carbajal, CA-24; and Assemblymember Gregg Hart also were on hand to offer certificates of achievement.

“We’re excited to open the doors of Village Senior Apartments and welcome more than 50 seniors into their new homes,” said CEDC Chief Executive Officer Victoria Brady. “This community was built with care, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe and beautiful place to belong. Seeing our residents begin this new chapter surrounded by neighbors and support truly reflects what CEDC is all about.”

Brady also credited McCarthy Construction for building the project “ahead of schedule and under budget.”

Silva, who lives in the complex next to Village Senior Apartments, spoke about how he was able to witness the progress of the complex up close.

“I remember when I saw the first shovel go into the ground and I thought ‘Oh boy, here we go'” he said. “The work that comes between the shovel in the ground and this moment is very often undervalued and under-celebrated.”

Silva also recounted the efforts the city made with community members and organizations, as well as CEDC, to get the project off the ground.

“We worked so closely with this team about outreach and communication. We went to weekly Zoom meetings and there were tense conversations,” he said. “I’m so grateful for the community partnerships with SYV Outreach and People Helping People to help us find people in this community that needed these housing resources, and make sure this worked for the city of Buellton.”

According to the CEDC, Village Senior Apartments provides thoughtfully designed affordable homes where seniors can live with comfort, dignity, and independence. Designed specifically for senior living, half of the homes include mobility features. Each residence includes central air conditioning; durable, easy-to-clean surfaces; modern kitchens with Energy Star–rated appliances, ample storage, and a private balcony.

The two-story community encourages connection and well-being with elevator access, multipurpose gathering rooms, supportive social services, EV charging stations, and landscaped courtyards featuring gardens and shaded seating. On-site solar panels help keep utility costs low for residents. Built to California Green Building Standards and GreenPoint Rated, the fully ADA-accessible community reflects CEDC’s commitment to
sustainability and long-term resident quality of life. Units are still available for individuals earning at or below 50% area median income (AMI).

Residents will have access to free confidential supportive services as well as an onsite coordinator who will develop and provide social, educational, and recreational programs and workshops through collaborations with volunteers, local nonprofits, government and community resources.

“CEDC is proud to celebrate the completion of Village Senior Apartments, which will provide much-needed affordable housing for seniors in Santa Barbara County,” said Derrick Wada, director of real estate development for CEDC. “This milestone reflects the power of collaboration between local, state, and federal partners who share our belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, secure, quality housing to grow and thrive.”

This project is the latest in the efforts to put more affordable housing in Buellton. Village Polo Apartments, located just a short walk away from Village Senior Apartments, was opened in August 2025, and includes a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments that are reserved for households earning between 30% and 60% of Buellton’s median income. That complex was developed through the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara (HASBARCO)

The Buellton Garden Apartment, a project being done through People’s Self-Help Housing and located at 10 and 12 McMurray Road (behind the Albertson’s shopping center), had its deadline for applications pass on Feb. 3 and will be conducting a lottery for prospective residents this Tuesday, Feb. 10. The complex hopes to starting moving people in sometime this summer.

The grand opening event is co-hosted by Legacy Builder Sponsor McCarthy Companies, which also provided preconstruction and general contracting services for Village Senior Apartments. Additional sponsors include Rural Community Assistance Corp, Office42, Sean Leonard, and Y&M Architects.

And with the efforts of those business and organizations bearing fruit, people like Joe Sanchez can enjoy the pleasure of their own place to live.

“This place is wonderful,” he said as the ribbon-cutting event came to its conclusion. “It beats living under a bridge.”

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The Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge recently announced its choice for December Student of the Month, and the honoree is Santa Ynez High senior Danielle Hyland.

Danielle is known an exceptional student whose academic drive, leadership, and compassion make her a standout in every setting. She is an only child who was adopted from China at the age of 3, and she has proudly called the Santa Ynez Valley home for many years.

Danielle speaks warmly about her close-knit family and the steady support she receives from her parents. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Tillie and Bailey, and she brings a wide range of talents and interests to everything she does — from seven years of dance and violin to basketball, track, and eventually discovering a true love for tennis in eighth grade.

One of the achievements Danielle is most proud of is her leadership as president of the SYV Medical Club. She recognized that students interested in health care didn’t yet have a space on campus to explore careers, connect with peers, and learn from professionals. So she helped build that community herself — organizing projects and guest speakers and creating real opportunities for students to envision futures in medicine and service.

Danielle’s commitment to helping others extends far beyond the classroom. She is a tennis co-captain, a CIF individual competitor, and a member of last year’s CIF Central Section championship team. She also works as a waitress at the Copenhagen Sausage Garden in Solvang, balancing her job with school and athletics. Perhaps most remarkable is her nearly 200 hours of volunteer service at Cottage Hospital, where she has been able to observe health-care professionals firsthand. Those experiences have strengthened her desire to become a nurse and reinforced her passion for caring for people in meaningful, practical ways.

After graduation, Danielle plans to pursue college — either beginning at SBCC or attending a four-year university such as San Diego State, Cal State San Marcos, or Cal State Long Beach — with the goal of entering the nursing field. She is excited to build a career where she can help people, comfort those in need, and make a real difference in her community.

And if Danielle could share one piece of advice with younger students, it would be this: Don’t let anyone stop you from believing in yourself. Have confidence, stand up for yourself, give yourself grace, and remember that perfection isn’t the goal — growth is.

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Holding its first meeting of the year, the Solvang City Council on Tuesday, June 12, spent a while talking with staff about how they can properly interpret and enforce the upcoming draft ordinance on city signage.

Community Development Director Rafael Castillo introduced the discussion item Discussion and direction on Draft Title 11, Chapter 13 Sign Ordinance Amendments, with the councilmembers seemingly frustrated at times over what they would be able to enforce.

Castillo said in his report the city staff has prepared a working draft of comprehensive, content-neutral sign ordinance amendments intended to modernize regulations, improve legal defensibility, streamline permitting, and preserve Solvang’s character, with the goal of adoption in Spring 2026 alongside a companion sign handbook. He requested City Council direction on:

two key policy issues needed to refine the draft:

The appropriate level of review authority for permanent signs, whether all permanent signage should be approved administratively by staff, remain entirely under Design Review Committee approval, or proceed as currently drafted allowing staff approval of blade/suspended signs only with all other permanent signage reviewed by the DRC.

The maximum amount of permanent signage allowed per business, whether to maintain the proposed cap of up to 20 square feet or building frontage (whichever is less) inclusive of all permanent signage, modify the standard to be based on linear frontage as recommended by the Planning Commission, or provide alternative direction.

Based on Council input, staff will finalize the draft ordinance and return it to the DRC and Planning Commission for formal recommendations prior to City Council adoption.

At its special joint meeting with the Planning Commission on March 13, 2025, city staff received direction on proceeding with proposed sign ordinance amendments. City staff has commenced amending the sign ordinance based on comments and feedback received from the workshop and its November meeting with the City Council.

Staff has taken the draft sign ordinance to the Design Review committee in three sections to receive input and discussion. The DRC discussed the sign ordinance at its June, August, and October meetings of 2025. The

Planning Commission has reviewed a draft of the draft revisions at its November 2025 meeting and provided additional comments on the draft ordinance.

Discussion on City Council was on two points: whether sign approvals would be done by city staff, by the city’s Design Review Committee or approvals would fall under draft ordinance, which allows blade/suspended signs to be reviewed and approved at a staff level, and all other permanent signage needs to be reviewed and approved by the DRC.

The second topic was maximum signage and whether to keep at the current policy that allows a total of 1 square foot of signage per linear feet for “dominant” building

frontage, and ½ square foot per linear feet of “subordinate” square footage for permanent signs, or just have it at a max of 20 square feet.

When Mayor David Brown asked for guidelines on the discussion, Castillo said that review for signage was limited to “time, place, and manner,” but not content, a policy necessitated by Supreme Court cases like Reed v. Town of Gilbert, which protected free speech on signs.

Councilmember Elizabeth Orona than asked “So signs are exempt from color governance?” When Castillo confirmed that they were, she answered, “That’s a big departure. We have a color palette. We have no method to find aesthetic consistency between a sign and building.”

City Counsel Chelsea O’Sullivan explained, “This is a whole other thing in case law. All content restriction is struck down. We’re trying to come up with something realistic.”

Elizabeth Orona wondered if the city design book that’s currently being worked on could leverage sign design to be more consistent

Castillo suggested while they can’t reject anything on content, they can mentioned to prospective business that the designs in the book are “preferred” and people would fall in line with that.

“Anything you can do to streamline is ideal,” Brown replied. “Call it a brand book or preferred methods. If you called it the standards, they would follow.”

Later, during Public Comment, Esther Jacobsen Bates, chair of the DRC, called in by Zoom (though speaking as a private citizen) said she thought all the approvals should fall to the DRC.

She also brought up the subject of murals in town, which she believed were a category unto themselves and should be reviewed by the DRC.

“DRC should be authority on that,” Jacobsen Bates said. “Have shared mural standards, and recognize that not every wall needs to have a mural, and we should review those carefully.”

Ultimately, the council gave direction to determine maximum signage by linear feet, give the DRC authority on the murals, and keep approval authority as it is in the draft ordinance.

Castillo thanked the council and said, “It’s been a long journey and you will see the final draft soon; I should get this in your hands by March.”

The City Council will meet next on Monday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m.

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PART TWO OF TWO

The Santa Ynez Valley spent 2025 maintaining a lot of traditions, welcoming its usual crowds of tourists while trying to keep the things that make the area livable for its residents. Longtime annual events like Danish Days, the 4th of July fireworks show, and Julefest continued to roll along, while newer yearly staples like Buellton’s Fall Fest, the Holiday Lights Festival and the Viking Classic Car Show in Solvang solidified their footprints into the local culture. Cities also saw some transition, and people looked to the future with projects taking shape and (hopefully) moving slowly but surely. Here’s a look at 2025 for the Santa Ynez Valley, from Month 7 to 12.

July

The seventh month of the year kicked off with, of course, the Fourth of July parade and the annual fireworks show at Mission Santa Ines. The parade came off beautifully over sunny skies, taking on the theme of “Anything is Possible in America,” to celebrate the country’s 249th birthday. The day and evening was topped off by the city’s annual fireworks show that night after attendees enjoyed activities, food, and live music until the sun went down, and local pyrotechnician Kief Adler took care of the fireworks.

Also during the month, Highline Adventures, the outdoor park between Buellton and Solvang, introduced its new feature, Skynet Playground, an elevated netted zone designed for safe climbing and bouncing for all ages. Meanwhile, the Buellton City Council approved the establishment of a private school, Hundred Hills School, by the new library, after a contentious meeting with both advocates and opponents speaking out.

August

The month began with the naming of Santa Ynez High student Addie Madrid as 2025’s Danish Maid, who would preside over the city’s Danish Days festival in September. Addie, 17, was the fourth in her family to earn the title, after her grandmother, mother, and older sister served as Danish Maids.

Santa Ynez High made news by announcing a new sport, girls flag football would be making its debut in the fall, with Hannah Wright and Maddie Quiroga, both SYHS grads serving as co-head coaches. With school also opening for session in August, the SYHS football team began its season with a big win over Dos Pueblos. In other news, national politics was at center stage on Aug. 16, as local protesters in Solvang took part in a nationwide “Protect Our Checks” demonstration against President Trump’s proposed policies on Social Security.

September

Like every year, September is noted for its annual Danish Days, a three-day festival celebrating the city’s culture. As Danish Maid Addie Madrid presided, crowds enjoyed several activities, including folk dancing, and, of course the popular aebleskiver eating contests held on Saturday and Sunday. Another local staple, the Cars and Cowboys car show, found itself at a new site, Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, and offered many great vehicles to view and good food, all to raise money for Buellton’s Meals on Wheels.

Also in September, two local citizens took on important jobs. Carla Mead was sworn in as Buellton’s new City Councilmember after winning a special election in August, and Tori Martinez was promoted to SYHS principal — with Kimberly Sheehan remaining as district superintendent.

October

Santa Ynez Valley communities ended the month with frights and fun, as Solvang again put on its latest haunted house production at the Solvang Festival Theater for the second year in a row, while Santa Ynez had it’s own program on Sagunto Street, featuring a costume contest and movie viewings. All this after a month of pumpkin patches doing business and businesses putting up their displays for the Scarecrow Fest.

Meanwhile, another event that’s becoming an October staple, the Viking Classic Car Show, took place for the third year with 250 entries being displayed on Solvang streets. Also, Solvang, nearing 40 years as an incorporated city, held its State of the City address, noting its dedication to tourism, but also that it needs to serve the people who are there year-round.

November

Buellton celebrated its big (and getting bigger) annual event, the Fall Fest for the fifth time, which according to organizers was the most successful one yet. Avenue of Flags was awash with carnival rides, food booths, vendors, and activity. Oh yes, and music too, as two stages provided live entertainment all day for three days, with reggae legend Paco Banton a highlight on the Saturday night show.

A couple of other annual events happened also: Veterans Day came and a ceremony was again held at the Solvang Veterans Hall honoring those who served, while a crowd looking to start off Thanksgiving morning on an energetic note took part in the Turkey Trot at Sunny Fields Park in Solvang. In other news, the effort to get a new aquatic center built on the campus of SYHS got some help and both the Solvang and Buellton City Councils pledged money toward the effort.

December

The last month of the year arrived, and for Solvang, that meant Julefest, the weeks-long celebration of Christmas and New Year’s. The city got it kicked off with its tree lighting on the first Friday of December, with the usual holiday entertainment, and its Christmas parade the next day. However, Solvang wasn’t the only city doing Christmas stuff: Santa Ynez, Buellton, and Los Olivos had their own trees lit, with Buellton really doing it up with its Winter Fest that offered a large patch of manmade snow, along with rides, food, Santa, and the adjacent Holiday of Lights at the SYV Botanical Garden.

Later in the month, the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church reminded us of “the reason for the season,” with its annual Solvang Nativity Pageant, retelling the story of Christ’s birth, and then Solvang rang in the New Year a little early on the afternoon of Dec. 31 with the Copenhagen Countdown, as the crowd celebrated 2026 at 3 p.m., the same time it hit New Year’s in Copenhagen, Denmark, amid a spirited concert by local band favorite The Molly Ringwald Project.

Here’s wishing a fantastic 2026 to all in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The post Another trip around the sun for the Santa Ynez Valley: Part Two appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

As we close out 2025 and look ahead to the year before us, I am grateful for the people who make Solvang what it is and optimistic about where we are headed. Our city of just over 6,000 residents continues to welcome millions of visitors each year, drawn by our Danish heritage, walkable downtown, and small-town charm. Balancing life as both a close-knit community and an international destination is a responsibility we take seriously.

This past year, Solvang made steady progress on priorities that matter to residents and businesses alike. We continued to invest in public safety and emergency preparedness, advanced long-range planning, and strengthened partnerships across the Santa Ynez Valley and the region. We also placed renewed emphasis on clear communication, sharing regular updates via the city’s newsletter and public meetings to keep residents informed and engaged. A well-informed community is a resilient one.

As we move into 2026, my vision is guided by one central goal: to secure and strengthen the Solvang brand for the next three generations.

Solvang is known worldwide for its Danish identity, distinctive architecture, and sense of place. Visitors from across the country and around the globe experience something here they cannot find anywhere else. That recognition is the result of intentional choices made over decades by residents, business owners, and community leaders who understood the value of preservation. Celebrations like Julefest remind us that our heritage is not just a backdrop, but a living part of daily life. Preserving our brand does not mean standing still. It means making thoughtful decisions about growth, design, and infrastructure so that Solvang remains authentic, welcoming, and functional long into the future.

Like many California cities, Solvang faces increasing state mandates alongside our local needs. In 2026, we will continue important conversations about land use, including the Urban Growth Boundary, and how best to plan for future needs while preserving our village character. A central part of this work is ensuring our infrastructure can support both residents and visitors for decades to come, including long-range planning for our waste-water system, an essential investment in public health, environmental protection, and future growth capacity. Public safety and emergency preparedness remain equally critical. The city will continue updating emergency plans, strengthening regional coordination, and investing in training and readiness so we are prepared to respond to emergencies large and small.

Solvang’s downtown is the heart of our community and economy. Continued attention to mobility, accessibility, and safety supports both local quality of life and the visitor experience. The city will continue advancing efforts to strengthen our downtown through coordinated investment and collaboration with the business community. Ongoing work toward a Business Improvement District reflects a shared commitment to maintaining a vibrant, clean, and welcoming downtown that benefits businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

Tourism will always be a corner stone of Solvang’s economy. Our hotels, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions provide jobs, generate revenue, and help fund essential city services. At the same time, long-term resilience means continuing to strengthen and diversify our economic base. We will continue to support local businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and engage with the business community to ensure Solvang remains economically vibrant. A balanced economy helps smooth seasonal fluctuations, supports workforce stability, and ensures Solvang remains a place where families and small businesses can thrive.

A thriving city is one where families feel supported and young people see opportunity. We will continue prioritizing parks, recreation, youth programs, and family-oriented community events that bring people together and strengthen local connections. Planning for Solvang’s future also means investing in quality-of-life amenities, including continued work on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to guide improvements to parks, trails, and recreational facilities.

The year ahead will bring both opportunities and challenges, but what gives me confidence is Solvang’s strong sense of stewardship and shared responsibility. Our residents are engaged, our Solvang Mayor David Brown business community is invested, and our city team is committed to thoughtful, transparent governance. Since its founding, Solvang has been shaped by people who understood they were caretakers of something special. For those who call Solvang home, that stewardship shows up in civic engagement, neighborhood pride, and deep respect for our history. For those who visit, it is reflected in a community that values authenticity, hospitality, and a sense of place.

As we enter 2026, I invite residents to stay engaged and continue shaping Solvang’s future, and I welcome visitors to experience what makes our village unique. Our heritage, walkable streets, local businesses, and community spirit define us. Together, we can ensure Solvang remains a place people are proud to live in and eager to return to for generations to come.

The post Stewarding Solvang’s future: A vision for 2026 and beyond appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Staff Report

The 34th Annual Solvang Tree Burn, which usually signals the end of the city’s holiday Julefest celebration and scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9, has been canceled because of the flooding on the lawn next to Mission Santa Ines, the site of the burn.

“Due to extremely poor field conditions caused by recent rainfall, the 34th Annual Solvang Tree Burn has been cancelled,” reads an email sent by the City of Solvang. “After careful evaluation, it was determined that current conditions present significant concerns for participants, staff, and emergency personnel.

“In addition, this event requires extensive logistics and coordination among multiple agencies. To allow adequate time for planning, staffing, and safety preparations, a decision needed to be made sooner rather than later while continuing to monitor field conditions. Unfortunately, conditions have not improved to a level that would allow the event to proceed safely. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.”

The city said people can drop off their decoration-free Christmas tree at the Tree Burn site through Friday, Jan. 9. The trees will be hauled away for chipping.

This is the second time in four years Solvang has had to cancel the tree burn event because of rainy weather. In 2023, the grass area on the east part of the mission’s parking lot was extremely wet after heavy rains in two days preceding it.

The tree burn and resulting bonfire, when held, has given community members a chance to get rid of their Christmas trees after the holiday, while also providing a training opportunity for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and a chance for the department to advocate for fire safety. The event has also included live entertainment along with refreshments for purchase.

The tree burn will be back next year, weather permitting, presumably on Jan. 8, 2027.

The post Solvang cancels Friday’s Christmas Tree Burn appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

During its regular meeting, the last one of the calendar year, the Solvang City Council passed an item authorizing city engineering firm Tetra Tech to study the possibility of making Fredensborg Canyon Road in the north part of Solvang a one-way road.

Also, with the new year approaching, the council also re-evaluated its members’ committee responsibilities and needed to appoint a new mayor pro tem. Councilmember Claudia Orona had that role in 2025, but city policy requires the council to appoint a new one at the start of a calendar year.

City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan, participating in the meeting on Zoom, reminded the council that members Claudia and Elizabeth Orona, Mark Infanti, and Mayor Dave Brown had all been mayors pro tem in the past and according to city policy can’t serve in the position again unless all members have served at least once. That left the newest councilmember, Louise Smith, who was appointed last January as the default choice.

Smith said she would like to serve in that position, but that city policy also says that a councilmember must serve at least a year before taking the position; O’Sullivan said the rule of everyone getting the position at least once supercedes the one-year requirement.

After that, Infanti moved to appoint Smith as MPT, with Brown seconding, and the motion passed 5-0.

Then Brown said council needed to decide on seating arrangement on the dais for 2026. While everyone said they were content to sit in the same seats, Brown pointed out that the MPT should sit next to the mayor, which would require Smith, currently at far right to switch seats with Claudia Orona (second from right) effective the first meeting of 2026. The new arrangement will also have the councilmembers sitting in order of district number — Infanti (1), Claudia Orona (2), Smith (3), and Elizabeth Orona (4) — with Brown in the middle.

Finally, the council was required to set the committee representatives, and agree to keep them unchanged from last year. In the appointment of two members to the Ad Hoc Budget Committees, Infanti suggested keeping Elizabeth Orona and Smith on the committee, but O’Sullivan suggested they should make at least one change to keep each committee distinctive from the year before. With that, Orona offered to step down and Claudia Orona agreed to take her place on the committee with Smith.

After that, the council heard the item on Fredensborg Canyon Road, one that extends from Chalk Hill Drive near Hans Christian Andersen Park to Viborg Road.

Public Works Director Bridget Paris gave the report and said the city is currently in the design phase of the Fredensborg Canyon Road MPT Project. During a community event, a community member brought an idea to city staff suggesting an alternative to constructing significant infrastructure specifically, a retaining wall to widen the right-of-way, to adequately accommodate both two-way traffic and the multipurpose trail. The suggestion proposed using the existing right-of-way instead, which would require converting Fredensborg Canyon Road between Chalk Hill Road and Viborg Road from two-way traffic to one-way operation.

In response, staff requested a proposal from Tetra Tech to modify the scope of their existing agreement to evaluate this alternative. The scope modification removes previously scoped construction administration services and adds new tasks to perform an operational traffic analysis and develop conceptual design options reflecting the one-way conversion concept.

Tetra Teach proposes additional services for lump sum of $30,600, funded through reallocation funds previously budgeted for construction admin services ($33,932), would leave remainder of $3,332 to be retained for optional tasks under project’s existing agreement.

During council questions, Brown was asking what direction a one-way road would go on Fredensborg Canyon, with Paris saying that might depend on plans to make the road a part of the pedestrian and bike trail planned for the area. Brown said he believed the road should go south, toward Chalk Hill Road, for safety and emergency exit purposes.

“It’s a question of direction during an emergency,” he said. “I don’t think they’re hurrying to go in, they’re hurrying to go out.”

Infanti asked if staff consulted police or fire on a possible one-way road and how it would affect them.

“We haven’t spoke to them,” Paris said. “In an emergency, you can go in any direction; it would be a good location for local fire station.”

In public comment, Solvang resident Dennis Beebe said the council is missing the point on what needs to be studied.

“The reason we’re considering this is cost, and we need more analysis either way, north and south,” he said. “However, the biggest problem on Fredensborg is speeding, and this isn’t addressing that.”

When the item went back to council, Elizabeth Orona addressed Beebe’s comments and said she believed if they made it part of the trial and there were pedestrians there all the time and active, drivers will slow down. Paris said, “When you narrow the road, they’ll slow down as well. I hear analysis both ways.”

Ultimately, Infanti moved to approve the amendment to include scope of work, to see impact to speed, emergency response or residents being impacted, and determining north or south direction. Claudia Orona seconded and motion passed 5-0.

The Solvang City Council will meet next on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

The post Solvang requests study into making Fredensborg Canyon Road a one-way street appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Whenever a town holds a Christmas parade, you can just about bet at least a few of the entries going down the route will take on the persona of The Grinch, the character famous for trying to “steal Christmas.”

The Solvang Julefest Parade, which starting late morning on Dec. 6 was no different as at least a couple appeared at the parade dressed in the green, furry costume recognizable as The Grinch.

But, then there was a third moving along Mission Drive on this sunny Saturday, but this one was a little different: This one had four legs, and with the green fur came a couple of long horns painted like candy canes.

Jesse Taylor has made a habit of entering local parades with his prized steer, but this year he decided to get it into the Christmas spirit. Ergo, the bright green dye job on the fur and paint job on the horns.

“Well, I ordered a Grinch costume to wear today, but it didn’t get delivered in time, so I figured I’d turn the animal into The Grinch,” Taylor said. “It’s definitely getting noticed.”

Taylor’s entry, dubbed “Beefer the Grinch-Cow” was one of 48 for the parade, which was held under sunny skies and witness by a huge crowd lined along the streets as the entries started west down Mission Drive, with a left at 4th Place, another left at Copenhagen Drive, east down Copenhagen, and a left at Alisal Road and back to the staging areas at Mission Santa Ines and the Veterans Hall.

As usual, there was quite a mix of entries walking or motoring down the route, including vehicles (vintage, classic, military, and cycles ridden by the Nimbus Motorcycle Club), performers (Ua Noe Polynesian Dance, Pacific Flips Gymnastics, Fossemalle Dance Studio), school groups (Santa Ynez High cheer and boys basketball, SYV Family School, Lucky Clover 4-H, Mechapirates SYHS Robotics team) and much more.

And, of course, the parade’s last entry came through with a big “Ho, Ho, Ho” as Santa and Mrs. Claus made their usual appearance in a vehicle that included wodden likenesses of his famous reindeer.

Meanwhile, the Vikings of Solvang were there riding their Viking ship and throwing candy out to the kids watching (as did many other entries). and decided once around the route wasn’t enough, as they went Mission a second time and completing a second lap around the parade route.

“We were going up Alisal to the end of the route, and we had some candy left, so we figured ‘why don’t we just stay in the parade?’” said Joe Tyson, the Viking chief for 2025. “So, once we got to the intesection, somebody let us in and we took a left to get back in the parade. We’d actually did it a few times in the past, so it was no big deal.”

After the parade was done, award were giving out the best entries, they were: Best Family Group — Pirate Youth Football and Cheer; Best Musical — Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band; Best Equestrian/Animal — Lucky Clover 4-H; Sweepstakes — Santa Ynez Valley Family School.

The parade, and the Solvang tree-lighting ceremony the previous set the Solvang Julefest in full swing. For a list of activities and events through December and into January, go to solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/

Full list of parade entries:

#1 SBC Fire Dept- Engine & Fire Truck 30
#2 American Legion Post 160- HONOR GUARD
#3 Flat Fender Friends
#4 41 Mack Fire Truck
#5 Boy Scouts- Solvang City Banner
#6 Santa Ynez High School Cheer
#7 Pirate Youth Football and Cheer
#8 Vikings of Solvang
#9 Danish Maid 2025
#10 Solvang Elementary School
#11 Lemos Feed & Pet Supply
#12 Premier Heating & Air
#13 Parties and Paint by Kate LLC.
#14 Ua Noe Polynesian Dance
#15 KIZA Internet

#16 Pacific Flips Gymnastics
#17 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
#18 LUCKY CLOVER 4-H
#19 Old Mission Santa Ines
#20 Fossemalle Dance Studio
#21 SYHS Boys Basketball Team
#22 Santa Ynez Pet Hospital
#23 The Zee & Georgie Jingle Brigade
#24 Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church
#25 SYV Humane Society/ DAWG
#26 Solvang Senior Center
#27 Solvang Theaterfest
#28 Solvang Spice Merchant
#29 Santa Ynez Valley Family School
#30 Highline Adventures
#31 Krampus
#32 Santa Ynez Valley Transit
#33 Mechapirates SYHS Robotics Team
#34 Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band
#35 California Nature Art Museum
#36 Julia Tipolt State Farm Insurance

#37 Growing Goodness: A Nordic Yule
#38 Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA
#39 Rick & Ninni Lemus- Buellton Self Storage
#40 Krazy Country 105.9
#41 Sanger Family of Wines
#42 BEEFER THE GRINCH-COW
#43 Morgantini Christmas tree farm
#44 Paula Albrecht- 1961 Corvette & Yellow HotRod
#45 Nimbus Motorcycle Club
#46 Padilla Tile & Construction
#47 Hidden Wings
#48 Santa Claus

The post Saturday parade part of weekend kickoff for Solvang Julefest appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.