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.

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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.

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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

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Good things come to those who wait”is an appropriate adage for the Christmas season, as many count down the days to when they can open their pres- ents; however, it was also apt for this year’s Winter Fest in Buellton, but for different reasons.

During the annual event on Sunday, Dec. 7, which capped a four-day period of Christmas events all over the Santa Ynez Valley, folks arriving to River View Park to enjoy the “20 Tons of Snow” — a trademark of the Winter Fest — came upon workers from the snow supplier halfway through spraying the white stuff on the corner of the park lawn as a line formed.The ice company that supplied the snow was held up at a previous assignment, according to Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland. 

Fortunately, the crew was able to complete the “20 ton” layer pretty quickly and locals were able to enjoy their own temporary winter wonderland for the evening. 

Later, the lighting of the now-permanent tree in the middle of the park also hit a snag. As Buellton Mayor David Silva and Councilmember Carla Mead counted down to the lighting, when it hit zero, the tree stayed unlit. As someone tried to fix the connection, Silva did what he called his “best crowd work,” and then led a sing-along of “Jingle Bells,” and in the middle of that, the lights came on, revealing a colorful display with Santa and Mrs. Claus, present to pose for pictures, applauded. 

Despite those two hiccups, the Winter Fest was considered a success. Attendees not only enjoyed the snow and the tree-lighting, but also a small amusement area with a few rides, including a small train on wheels that went through the park, rows of vendor booths, and good grub offered by some food trucks that rolled in. 

“Despite the temporary problem with the lights, I think this Winter Fest is going well, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” Silva said. “There were a lot of events going on all around the Valley, and we wanted to close the weekend with something that our Buellton locals could get together for.” 

The Winter Fest was put on jointly by the Buell- ton Chamber of Commerce, Buellton Parks and Rec, and SYV Community Outreach. 

The weekend saw a couple of other tree light- ing events, as well as the Solvang Julefest Parade, starting on Thursday, Dec. 4, which heralded the start of the holiday season. 

On Friday, Dec. 5, Solvang kicked off its Julefest monthlong holiday celebration with its annual tree-lighting ceremony, drawing a huge crowd to Solvang Park. Those in attendance were treated to a concert from the Santa Ynez Valley Wind Ensemble, performances from the Fossemalle Dance Studio, singers from the Joyce Michaels Voice Studio, and musician Dewey Roberts. 

Father and daughter Dean Klitgaard and Susan Lee, both of the Solvang Visitors Center, again served as emcees for the ceremony.The two addressed the crowd on the Danish customs and terms like “hygge,” defined as a quality of coziness and comfort that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Klitgaard also reminded the crowd the correct pronunciation of Julefest (that’s “yoo-la-fest” not “jewel-fest”), and he and Lee conducted a crowd chant where half yelled “yoo- la” and the other half yelled “fest.” 

Finally, Klitgaard and Lee led the crowd in a countdown that ended with the lighting of the tree, which cycled through different colors as the crowd cheered. 

Of course, the tree-lighting is just part of the annual Julefest, which lasts until the Christmas tree burning at the mission on Jan. 9. For a schedule of event, go to solvangusa.com/things-to-do/ solvang-julefest/. 

The run of holiday events began on Thursday, Dec. 4, as the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce held it tree lighting on Sagunto Street. The event featured the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band playing outside on its bandwagon, while the Fossemalle Studio dancers performed inside the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. Those attending were also welcome to stop in the local stores, and food and drink was offered inside the museum, and horse carriage rides were offered through town before the crowd gathered at approximately 5:30 to light the 55-plus-foot tree. 

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Amid a few other items of business, the Buellton City Council took the first step in establishing a more thorough ordinance on the planting and care of trees on public property, at its Thursday, Nov. 13, regular meeting.

The meeting, the City Council’s only one for the month of November, included Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis attending remotely from home because of what was termed a “contagious illness.”

The meeting was also marked by a proclamation from the council recognizing National Native American Heritage Month. In the Council Chambers audience were several members of the Valley’s Chumash community. Some also spoke to council, among them Chris Stephenson, who spokes of the tribe’s work with the Buellton Rotary to put on a wellness event in town.

“We were able to share our cultural healing ideas with the public,” he said. “They were given to us to share. You guys have given us that opportunity to do so. We thank you.”

Mayor David Silva then read the proclamation, which culminated with “Today, as we honor National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the enduring spirit, wisdom, and contributions of Native peoples — past, present, and future.”

The council moved Item 8, business item Deep Dive: Tree Policies, Procedures, and City Ordinance Information up in the agenda because of its relevance to Item 6, the tree planting ordinance. City Manager Scott Wolfe said he moved it up because he wanted the council to discuss existing policy on the planting of trees on public property. Planning Director Andrea Keefer, who presented the report, said it was to “let council know policy, and see if you want to change anything.”

The crux of the questions and discussion was that the current policy on trees was rather broad and seemed to be based mainly on guidelines rather than requirements. Councilmember Carla Mead noted that there was a list of acceptable trees to be planted in the city, and that she didn’t realize the list existed. Councilmember Hudson Hornick referred to a guideline that a tree be planted at least 50 feet from a structure and believed that was too long. “Fifty feet is a couple doors down in my neighborhood,” he said.

Lewis said she was fine with guidelines in the policy, as long as they were considered suggestions. “I’m against anything leaning toward requirement,” she said. “I’d lean away from telling people what to do.”

Silva, however, express a caveat toward that thinking. “I don’t like the idea of ‘should,’ when many think it means ‘I don’t have to.’”

From there, council went to Item 6, which covered not only the planting and care of trees, but the removal of trees on private property that invade and can possibly damage public property.

Wolfe said a new tree ordinance is part of Buellton’s effort to get designation as a Tree City USA, a program that sets the framework necessary for communities to manage and grow their public trees.

“We have a template from National Arbor Day Foundation for our ordinance,” he said. “To get a Tree City USA designation, the city must have tree ordinance; our code doesn’t have that.”

Wolfe also said that a tree and landscape committee is being formed with the Planning Commission toward getting that designation.

During discussion, Hornick asked whether the removal of trees on private property could have a conflict of jurisdiction between the planning and public works director. Wolfe said there would be no conflict, as with a tree being on private property, it would be the responsibility of the public works director.

Silva said in the case of removal, a requirement that the tree be replaced should be included. Wolfe said that was not on the current proposed ordinance, but it could be added by council at the second reading.

Ultimately, Lewis moved to approve the ordinance, with Hornick seconding, and the item passed 5-0. The item was a first reading of the ordinance, which means it will be back before council in the next meeting to be officially approved.

In other business:

The council OK’d consultant contracts for Sargent Town Planning, Atlas Planning Solutions, and Circlepoint for further research into the city’s General Plan update. Circlepoint’s contract was for a community survey on uses for the Hundred Hills school site by the library for $5,855, a cost that did not sit well with Councilmember John Sanchez.

“We’re pending money on something that we don’t know what will happen in five years,” Sanchez said. “It’s a changing thing by the day. And we’re spending money for consultants on this?”

Wolfe replied that the survey was being done to see what the public wanted to do with the land. In the approval of the Hundred Hills School site earlier this year, many residents expressed their objections to them not being informed of details of the use of the former Wilhelmsen property.

“Not keen on throwing away money,” Hornick answered. “However, the public feels they are not involved of the process, and we need to let them know they’re being informed, and a part of this process.”

Ultimately, after Silva moved to approve the item, and Hornick seconded, the item passes 4-1 with Sanchez dissenting.

The next Buellton City Council meeting will be on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m.

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In a further step toward the Santa Ynez Valley Community Connector trail, more familiarly known as the River Trail, the Solvang City Council approved a $30,000 payment to help find pathways and connectors through the project’s segment through Solvang during the council’s regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 24.

The River Trail project proposes the development of a 10-mile Class I multi-use path connecting Camp 4, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (SYBCI) Reservation, Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Buellton

SBCAG requested a $30,000 contribution from Solvang to support the regional planning phase. City staff strongly recommends participating in this valley-wide effort, as the project aligns with the City’s Active Transportation Plan and General Plan goals to enhance multimodal connectivity for residents and visitors. 30% Conceptual Design and Public Outreach The 30% Conceptual Design will include:

• Engineering and surveys to meet design objectives

• Development of corridor strip maps and segment design options

• Typical cross-sections and right-of-way impact analysis

• Identification of ADA requirements, utilities, and structural needs

• Project cost estimates by segment and overall

After giving the item report, Solvang Public Works Director Bridget Paris introduced Michael Becker of SBCAG, who gave a presentation on the River Trail and Solvang’s role in it.

Becker began by describing the trail as something that can be a transportation resource, recreation resource, and tourist attraction. Becker recalled a personal observation that brought about the idea of a trail while staying at Buellton’s Flying Flags RV Park with his family for his daughter’s birthday.

“While were there, I saw all these RVs with bicycles attached to them, and I figured every one of them went to Solvang at one point while they were there,” he said. “And I thought ‘wouldn’t it be great if they could go there and back on bicycle.’”

Becker said the $30,000 would give Solvang “some skin in the game,” to find some solutions.

During council questions, Councilmember Mark Infanti asked how they would go about finding connectors and paths through Solvang.

“The biggest question for Solvang: any path has to go through city streets, $30,000 is nice, but it’s going to cost a bloody fortune. How do we work on that?” Infanti said.

Councilmember Elizabeth Orona brought up grants sought by Solvang in the past that were rejected, and asked why there was trouble getting them.

“The problem with that is the state program where we would get most of our money focuses on disadvantage communities, and this area doesn’t have many disadvantaged communities,” Becker said.

During Public Comment on the item, two people spoke.

Dennis Beebe noted that talk on the project is focused on constructions costs, but no one is talking about who’s going to do maintenance once the project is done.

And Mike Hecker, who is a “life-long” bicycle rider and said he is very much in demand as a bicycle race announcer, strongly advocated for the project to encourage bike riding.

“In my travels as an announcer, I see outstanding, beautiful bike paths — all sorts of people enjoying them,” he said. “The reason we don’t have kids riding bikes here is there’s no infrastructure. We’re here in Solvang, the Danish capital of the U.S., and we have 50% of people in Copenhagen — your sister city! — commuting solely by bike. Embrace the bicycle, like Denmark. Stop jabbering!”

When the item went back to council, Mayor David Brown asked City Manager Randy Murphy if there were funds available, and Murphy assured that their were.

With that, Elizabeth Orona moved to approve the funding, with Claudia Orona seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

The City Council will meet next on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. It will be the last meeting of the year, as there will be none on Dec. 22.

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The Veterans Day holiday was commemorated in the Santa Ynez Valley this month, with multiple events to honor the people who have served in the armed forces.

A week of celebration culminated in the annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the aptly named Solvang Veterans Hall on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7139 Commander Alvin Salge (Air Force) welcomed a packed house to the Veterans Hall for the ceremony and directed the crowd outside for the flag raising, led by American Legion Post 160 Commander and Marine Corp Sgt. Jeff McKeone, performed by Legion members Lance Brown (Navy) and Alejandra M. Sanchez (Navy). Bugler Michael Roberts played “To the Colors” and taps during the raising.

After the audience returned to the hall, Salge made his opening remarks, reminding the crowd why they were there.

“Remember that when veterans signed up for military service, they pledged to protect the United States even willing to give their lives if necessary,” he said. “Today we honor and salute all veterans who answered the call to protect us and our freedom.”

Col. Michael Jewell, vice commander of Space Force Launch 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, was the keynote speaker.

Noting that the U.S. Military has been an all-volunteer force since 1973, Jewell began by thanking the veterans in attendance “regardless of how long you served: four years, 20 years, or 30 years, thank you.”

“No matter your job, how long you served, if you were guard or reserves, you made an impact,” Jewell continued. “As President Ronald Reagan once said: ‘Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem.”

Jewell went on to note the sacrifices veterans make to serve their county, and reminded the audience that their efforts don’t always come in times of war.

“The wartime efforts that our veterans have been a part of are widely known, but our military also answers the calls for help, leading to great feats of humanitarian aid,” he said, citing instance such as the Berlin Airlifts in the late 1940s, and the military delivering aid to Turkey earlier this year after a devastating earthquake.

Later, the attendees hear from the featured speaker, Marine Corps veteran Steven Kester, who told of his experiences in the Vietnam War after enlisting as an 18-year-old in 1968.

“My family includes a long line of warriors,” he said, mentioning his grandfather, father and two uncles who fought in World War II, and two uncles who saw action in Korea. “Military service is what my family did.”

Kesler went on to recount three specific experiences that shaped his time in Vietnam after he was assigned to Lima Company as a radio operator for the artillery unit.

The first incident involved him hitching a ride on a helicopter during a supply run and then unceremoniously getting kicked off the copter, leaving him with a unit didn’t know what to do with him.

“As it turned out, the FO was not in need of a radio operator so it was settled that I would be the radio operator for the Artillery Scout,” Kesler said. “The principal problem with that was the physical location of the artillery scout. He was positioned on a ridgeline with the Point Platoon about 500 meters outside the company perimeter.”

The second incident happened about a month later when his battalion suffered losses in a battle at a valley named Hiep Duc, and he was tabbed to replace the injured artillery scout. The third incident later was when his unit was doing recon patrols and the spotting of people working on a rice paddy became a sudden firefight, one he just barely escaped without injury.

While suffering from a second bout of malaria, Kesler was transferred stateside, to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, where his stint met an ironic end.

“While there I was injured playing basketball. Tore all the ligaments in my right ankle,” he said. “It was operated on, but only partially successfully. After three months in a full leg cast, my time on active duty came to an abrupt end, and I was medically discharged.”

In addition to the speakers, the ceremony also included a proclamation from Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti, invocation and benediction from Bethania Lutheran Church Pastor Chris Brown, and musical performances from the Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, directed by David Torres, and the Santa Ynez Wind Ensemble, led by Sharon Jeskey.

The Veterans Hall Ceremony wasn’t the only event during the week in the Santa Ynez Valley. Seven days earlier (Nov. 4), the Santa Barbara County Veterans Foundation held its third annual Salute to the Vets event, starting with a parade down Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez, and a gathering at the Maverick Saloon on that same street that including live entertainment, the arrival of three skydivers, vendors, and more.

Meanwhile, in the middle of the week, Wednesday, Nov. 8, to be exact, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School welcomed veterans into classrooms, providing students the unique opportunity to engage with local heroes and hear their stories first-hand. Veterans from across the armed services visited classrooms and shared their personal stories, experiences, and valuable insights with students.

SYVUHS Interim Principal Torina expressed his enthusiasm about the event, saying, “We are honored to have our local veterans visit our school and interact with our students. Students gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who have served in our armed forces and the values of service, integrity, and dedication that our veterans embody.”

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District Superintendent Andrew Schwab, an Army veteran himself, said, “We are very grateful to be able to connect our students with local veterans and have the opportunity to learn about the importance of Veterans Day in a meaningful way.”

The post Those who served: Veterans Day celebrated in Solvang ceremony appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The fifth annual Buellton Fall Festival returned to the Avenue of the Flags in Buellton the weekend of Nov. 7-9, turning the area north of 246 and west of 101 into a three-day event that was a music festival, street fair, shopping bazaar, and a “restaurant row” all in one. 

And according to Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland, it was the most successful one yet. 

“I talked to Andres (Nuno) from En Fuego Events, and he said we had our biggest year yet for this event, though we don’t have specific numbers,” Vreeland said. “It really worked out well for us with the weather and the bands we’re just great. Plus, I’m hearing from the city, that the Fall Fest helped outside the event with people spending money at businesses and staying in hotels.” 

The family-friendly, free-admission event featured a carnival with rides and games, over 40 bands on two stages, and over 60 food and merchant vendors. 

This year, each night was split into themes with like-minded bands playing for the crowds. 

On Friday, it was an ’80s and ’90s Dance Party on the Rio Vista Chevrolet Main Stage featuring local favorite, The Molly Ringwald Project, with its renditions of 1980s tunes. Also playing were the 90s Babies, Smelly Cat, and The Last Decade to represent the 1990s.

Saturday brought the “Funk ’n’ Rock the Block Party,” with Nautical Thrust, The New Vibe, and False Puppet, going into Reggae Night on Saturday evening with local band Cornerstone, and reggae legend and icon Pato Banton, a Grammy-nominated reggae legend who has recorded and toured the world with The English Beat, Steel Pulse, UB40, and Sting, among many others. The audience was treated to the headliner a little bit early, as Banton joined Cornerstone for a couple of songs at the end of that band’s set. 

Then Banton took the stage with his own band, giving the crowd the upbeat, positive, energetic, and family-friendly show he’s known for to close out the second evening. 

Sunday started with Fiesta Sunday, featuring Traviesos Jr., Equipo Marcado, and Equipo Elite, whose energetic playing turned the entire lawn in front of them into a huge outdoor dance floor. The fest ended with Country Night, featuring the Jimi Nelson Band, and local favorites Agin Brothers and Territorial Law, and Jayden Secor. 

The event was co-sponsored by the City of Buellton, Discover Buellton, the Buellton Arts and Culture Program, and Rio Vista Chevrolet, and was put on by En Fuego Events, a well-known event organizer in these parts. 

While the music was going on from two stages, there was a lot happening outside of that also. Off to the right was the carnival, featuring midway games and, of course, numerous rides, some with thrilling names like Star Dancer, Kamikaze, and Sea Ray. 

Also, for those clamoring for a bite to eat, several food trucks were parked along the avenue with all sorts of delicacies, whether its burgers, tacos, hot dogs, or noodles. There was even a local vendor from nearby Solvang fixing that town’s signature dish, the aebleskiver.

“I don’t actually have a restaurant there or anything,” said 

Thorn Kinersly, who was working at his first Fall Fest and serving up the “pancake balls.” “I was able to acquire the recipe for this one, and I’ve been serving it for people. I like to bring this around to different places. I’ve taken this as far as Oregon.” 

The Fall Fest was a destination for folks in the Valley, as, in its fifth year now, it’s becoming a bit of a staple in the area. But it has been drawing people from surrounding areas also. 

“We just got here and it’s our first time, but it seems really fun, it’s like a street fair,” said Kalli Brinson, who came with her husband, Shawn, and young son, Zane. “Just thought it would be a great place to hang out and have some fun as a family.” 

Back to the bands, while many of the big names and crowds drifted to the bigger Rio Vista Chevrolet stage on the south end, the smaller stage had its share of young hungry music groups trying to make a dent. 

One of them was a trio called Simeon, Werre, and Matthes played their brand of what guitarist/lead singer Chris Simeon calls “soul rock.” 

“I live in Oxnard, and play around there, but we got a chance to come up here and it’s been great,” said Simeon, whose band- mates are, of course, (Dave) Werre and (Sean) Matthes. “Actually, we haven’t been together that long. I think it’s been just a few weeks ago we were jamming, it felt good, and now we’re giving it a shot. It’s just a matter of getting gigs. 

“But we got a good vibe here from the crowd, and hopefully we’ll be back.” 

And the Fall Fest should be back in 2026, most likely the first or second weekend in November. 

The post Residents, visitors live it up at Buellton’s Fall Fest  appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Buellton City Council was in a giving mood during its regular meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23, as it granted funds to two arts programs in Buellton, and also pledged its share of money toward a new aquatic center on the Santa Ynez High School campus.

In fact, the council upped the ante by passing a motion to increase its pledge on the condition that the City of Solvang matches it. The aquatic center is a joint undertaking involving the cities of Buellton and Solvang, the Santa Ynez Valley Aquatics Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District (SYVUHSD), and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The item on the aquatic center was heard without Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis, who was recused due to her management position with SYVUHSD.

In introducing the item, City Manager Scott Wolfe explained that the proposed aquatic center would consist of a second pool, to be used as a recreation facility, to add to the current pool, which is used for competition but is currently not up to standards. A stainless steel pool structure was purchased by the Aquatics Foundation several years ago and is currently in storage awaiting a location to be constructed. Fundraising efforts are underway to raise in excess of $13 million needed to make the necessary improvements to the SYHS campus to install the new pool and renovate the existing pool.

The Aquatics Foundation has asked that Buellton and Solvang make pledge for funds at $450,000 to, as Wolfe put it out, “have some skin in the game.” Solvang had approved their $450,000, which would be paid upon the future groundbreaking of the facility, at a council meeting earlier this year.

The proposed facility, and Buellton contribution to it, were universally endorsed by public speakers and councilmembers, citing the benefits of a proper competition pool for local athletes, a place for people to take a dip and cool off on a warm day, and a nearby location where kids could learn to swim.

“When I grew up there was no pool, nothing,” said former Buellton Mayor Judith Dale in public comment. “Growing up, raising kids here, if I wasn’t working at UCSB, my kids wouldn’t have had a place to learn to swim. Please accept this pool.”

Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy was also present, speaking as a member of the fundraising committee for the pool. “We accepted the amount to encourage the Chumash and private entities to make donations. We had given $450,000 to the Solvang Senior Center, and I thought aquatic complex was worth that, too.”

During the discussion, Councilmember John Sanchez was the first to suggest that Buellton raise the amount of their pledge from the suggested $450,000 to $550,000

“It’s big value to have our skin in the game,” Sanchez said. “I would consider going to $550,000 so we would have more than Solvang. It’s a nice message to donors to show if they’re not messing around.”

Mayor David Silva said he would agree to that if Solvang also would, saying that both cities should pledge the same amount. After discussion among Silva, Wolfe, and Murphy, it was agreed that Buellton would pledge $500,000 toward the project to make it an even $1 million between the cities. Murphy said he would bring the increase to the Solvang City Council at a future meeting of theirs.

The motion by Silva to pledge the $500 million, with a provision suggested by Councilmember Carla Mead that Buellton be involved with the management and programming of the aquatic center, passed by a 4-0 vote, with Lewis recused.

Earlier in the meeting, the council passed a motion awarding funds to two Buellton arts programs.

Alison Firey of Buellton Parks and Rec introduced both programs, the first being the Buellton String Project, where local kids signed up to learn the violin or cello through instruction at the Buellton Recreation Center. With the presentation, the council and audience even got to see a brief concert as program instructor Mary Woodruff and 6-year-old Coco, whom Woodruff identified as the “youngest, and best” student in the class, played what Woodruff called the “Pepperoni Pizza version” of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”

While staff recommend a grant of $15,000 for the program, the City Council decided that was too low.

“This is the exact intent of the Arts and Culture Committee,” said Councilmember Hudson Hornick. “I think we should fund their full ask, more than staff recommends.”

With that Lewis moved to award $20,000, the amount request by Firey, and the motion passed 5-0

In the same item, Firey introduced the Buellton Mosaics Project brought by Veronica Medina and Stacy Curry, owners of Community Clayworks.

Medina and Curry, whose mosaic work on the wall of the Buellton Post Office is visible to motorists traveling into the city on Highway 246, proposed the creation of two new large-scale public mosaics celebrating native California wildflowers, continuing their mission to enhance the visual landscape of Buellton with vibrant and meaningful public art. The two requested $30,940, an increase over the $22,060 they received in 2024. One reason the pair gave for the increased amount of the request was that they felt they “lowballed” the worth of their work the previous year, an opinion Silva agreed with.

“We should be thoughtful about paying business a fair amount,” the mayor said. “We would like [the staff] to do the numbers, so we’re paying a business accurately.”

Silva moved to award the $30,940 request with staff directed to work with the applicants for a separate business item to discuss further disparity between the project as funded and the actual cost. The motion passed 5-0.

The City Council will next meet on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m.

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