In his first address as mayor, David Silva tells audience past year, upcoming plans promise ‘fabulous’ future
Every year at the end of the Buellton State of the City address, the speaker tries to sum up in one or two words how things are going for the city.
This year, Mayor David Silva, who took office last December, got to give the address for the first time at the Santa Ynez Marriott on June 26 and gave his take on the state of Buellton: “Fabulous.”
Leading up to that, Silva began his speech by highlighting some of the new construction in town. Buellton is awaiting the completion of two housing developments: Polo Village Apartments off McMurray Road, and Buellton Garden Apartments being built behind the Albertston’s shopping center.
He also talked of the new Cottage Medical Building, which will take over the old Parks Plaza Theater space on McMurray. While many were hoping to open up the building as a theater again, Silva said the medical center will be a valuable entity in the city.
“Things like a movie theater are like candy, a sweet thing you enjoy,” he said. “But think of the Cottage building as a vegetable, something that’s good for you.”
Silva also praised two additions on the old Wilhelmsen property on Dairyland Road: The new Buellton Library that opened in February, and right next to it, the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum, a work in progress that the city agreed to partner with.
“The library has been years in the making, thanks in part to the tenacity, the grit, and sometimes the intimidation of our former mayor Holly Sierra,” he said. “And I always get the questions ‘what can families do together around here, and we have this Children’s Museum, thanks to Ashley Jenkins, who’s gotten it going. I’m excited to see where it goes.”
Silva also spoke proudly of his and his fellow councilmembers community engagement “We have made a point to talk to the residents in the area and find out their concerns,” he said. “Just this week, we had two town halls, and I conduct a coffee with the mayor meet-up, electronically we offer Buellton Engage, which keeps everyone up-to-date on our projects.”
Moneywise, Silva said that Buellton was doing good, with the Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) being the top revenue provider, and the per capita sales tax, which he called “a small, but mighty economic driver.”
Other things Silva was happy to touch on included the addition of a motorcycle officer to patrol Highway 246, where speeding has been a problem, the city’s effort to fund nonprofits, and the 1,000 Tree Initiative, a campaign to bring more foliage to town.
Despite challenges faced, like inflation, state and federal economy, and state mandates, Silva said Buellton’s in a good place.
After the address Silva fielded questions from the audience. The first was about the proposed bike trail that would link the communities of Buellton, Solvang, and Santa Ynez. Silva said the project got a grant from Assemblyman Gregg Hart’s office and was hoping to get partnerships with the Chumash tribe.
Another asked about finding things to do for kids and families. Silva said that’s not something the council can fix by itself.
“There isn’t anyone who doesn’t recognize the need for activities for young residents to do,” he said. “But that’s something that residents, business owners have to come up with. If anyone has ideas, we’re there and we can partner with them.”
Despite the announcement of the new motorcycle officer on 246, Silva fielded questions about traffic issues on the highway, including the “carmageddon” that’s been happening because of road work on the highway and McMurray Road.
“We’ve been trying to slay that dragon for a while,” he said. “Problem is, when you’re talking to Caltrans which is in charge of that road, they tend to work in decades and things don’t get done fast, and it gets exhausting having to keep dealing with them.”
Finally, someone asked Silva what residents can do for councilmembers and other officials to help the city.
“Just trust the process in our council,” Silva replied. “We like to keep open communication. If your ideas are better that ours, communicate that with us.”
Before the address, Silva and Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis accepted the city’s annual Beautification Award on behalf of the city’s new library.
Also, the Vincent B. Evans Award, named for the long-time owner of Pea Soup Andersen and honoring a resident for his service to Buellton, was given to Dan Vreeland, co-owner of Jim Vreeland Ford. The presentation had even more meaning because he received the award from Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland, the emcee of the program — and Dan’s wife — and good friend and Chamber Board President Tessi Martinez.
