Solvang departments hail achievements in State of the City address

By Mike Chaldu · Fri Sep 04 2026

Speakers hail current successes, and cautiously look to the future

Residents, city officials, and business leaders got together in the banquet room at the Craft House at Corque in Solvang to hear the city's latest achievements and hopes for the future in the annual State of the City on Thursday, Aug. 27, presented by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce.

Unlike past years when the event would have a keynote or featured speaker, this year the city's various department heads had the chance to take the podium to tell the audience about the progress their staffs had made in the past year.

Brian Forster, who became executive director of the Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, thanked everyone for coming and highlighted the accomplishments of the Chamber, like welcoming new businesses, holding mixers and ribbon-cuttings, and launching the new Susan Williams Summer Music Series, and looked ahead to the upcoming Scarecrow Festival in October.

After that, Forster introduced Solvang Mayor David Brown, who began by telling the audience that when he addresses a crowd he likes to find the "lowest common denominator," a common connection we all have.

"The common denominator that I found here today is that I think it's safe to say we all have a beloved connection to this city," Brown said. "We want to assist with the legacy of Solvang, and make it the legacy we wanted."

However, Brown admitted that there are always complaints to be shared and they must be answered.

"The point is whether it's business or city endeavors, we're all here and have critics and opinions to share," he said. "My only request is you also offer a solution to the problem; give it a new perspective. Without a solution, that complaint just sounds like whining."

In wrapping up, Brown told of how he was looking for a definition of a mayor, and he came upon a quote from former New York City mayor Fiorella LaGuardia, who said the job "is like managing a cemetery. You have a lot of people under you, but no one's listening."

However, Brown jokingly said he has department heads under him who "not only listen, but actually do the real work so I can stand up here and take credit for their work."

Brown went on to describe the work done with city leadership, like exploring expansion of the urban growth boundary with the help of staff and a 13-member advisory committe, or looking at ways to improve the city's contract with the county sheriff's office and look at other options for law enforcement, and mentioned their efforts to taking over responsiblity of Mission Drive (also Highway 246) from Caltrans.

"They express the same underlying question: What do we want Solvang to look like in three, four generations," Brown said. "Have we planned for this, to leave a better, stronger Solvang for our children or grandchildren."

Eventually, Brown began the department presentation by introducing Community Development Director Rafael Castillo, who mentioned the improvements made in his department, with involves planning, building, and code enforcement.

"People always seem to be afraid of change, but not all change is bad," he said. "Sometimes, it's not change, but evolution."

Castillo mentioned that his department is making changes by updating the building code, much of which had been established in 1985, and the results have been positive.

"When I started here, it would take us about 151 business days to process permits in our community, so we streamlined some things," he said. "Now most take under 30 days. We can see that time is money and deadlines matter."

Other department heads would come up and mention their challenges and successes.

Parks and Recreation Director Jenny McClurg trumpeted her departments landscaping of open spaces and its "diverse range of programs."

And she was especially proud of teaming with the City of Buellton to establish a new aquatics program at the Santa Ynez High pool.

"We were able to make 11 hires to be lifeguards," she said. "We provided a place to cool off this summer for over 1,500 community members."

Utilities Director Jose Acosta mentioned how his staff is on-call 24 hours/seven days for any utility emergencies that come up. "Know that there at your disposal," he said. "We're the people who take care of things most don't think about until something goes wrong."

Acosta also said his department is working on improvements to the city's main water line to establish a more reliable system.

"Behind the community you see, is the infrastructure you don't," he said, summing up his department.

Others speaking included Administrative Services Director Wendy Berry, who showed how the city's dollars are spread out to pay for streets, water, and businesses, and said the challenge this year is keeping the city's revenue in line; Public Works Director Bridget Paris, who talked about her department's challenges in ADA compliance, managing SYV Transit, maintaining city facilities, and working special events; and Marketing Director Candice Libera, who told of city's continuing efforts to keep the tourism dollars coming in.

City Manager Randy Murphy wrapped it up by challenging residents to take the intiative to help city government and staff make Solvang the best city it can be.

"Being in Solvang is not a spectator sport, and the city should not maintain this alone," Murphy said. "There are a lot of keyboard warriors who are out there giving their opinions, but you need to really with us to improve things."

The Solvang State of the State was sponsored by the City of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (Diamond Partners); Allan Hancock College, Highway West Vacations, Montecito Bank and Trust, Santa Barbara Foundation, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, and Waste Management (Gold Partners); and Raidus Commerical Real Estate and Visit the Santa Ynez Valley (Community Partners).