publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

During the holiday season many shops in the Santa Ynez Valley are usually bustling with people getting gifts, people enjoying the many experiences from wine tasting to horseback rides, and restaurants full with reservations of families celebrating the holidays. 

However, in a year that has seen everything affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, things are different in 2020.

“I got laid off from my restaurant job and I am a single mom to four kids,” said Ella, whose name has been changed as she didn’t feel comfortable giving her name. “Luckily two of them are grown but I still can’t afford to get them gifts; I am barely getting by. I am so thankful to People Helping People for being there for me and my family during this hard time.” 

Ella has lived in the valley for more than 20 years and worked in the restaurant industry as a server. She said she was back at work until the last shutdown when her employer had to cut most of the staff. 

Ella is one of hundreds of people who will benefit from the Fulfill A Wish program through Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People and will be able to go on Friday or Saturday to pick out gifts for her family. 

“This is my first time volunteering for this event, and I have to say the community has really stepped up to make this holiday special for local families in need,” said Joe Tyson, PHP board member.

As volunteers were sorting and separating gifts, a car pulled up with several giant bags of toys, sports equipment and gift cards from Lemay Personal Fitness in Solvang.

“Our clients brought in these amazing gifts and we even got a few hundred dollars of cash, which we went to local shops to purchase more gifts which helps our locals too. Everyone wins,” said Katherine Lemay.

Roughly 477 people including 115 families, 86 teens, 162 kids, 14 babies and four expectant mothers were approved to participate in this year’s program, according to Mayra Ramos, program director for PHP. 

“We are up 62 percent from last year as we served 220 individuals,” Ramos said. “The good thing about this program is we are able to identify and help people with other needs from housing subsidies, access to state programs like CalFresh and Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC). We also help those who lost their job navigate unemployment.” 

Ramos said they are taking donations year-round, even after this year’s event ends as they stockpile for the future and are always in need of donations. 

Ramos said to visit www.syvphp.org for those who need ideas of what to donate or donate online. 

The post SYV People Helping People gift program to serve more than double the amount of people from last year appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Halloween and a full, blue moon came upon Saturday, Oct. 31, and Cachuma Lake had a fresh supply of 4,000 pounds of rainbow trout delivered right in time for the holiday. 

Three additional 4,000-pound releases are also slated for later this fall and spring of 2021, with fish ranging in size from half-pound “catchables” to 8-pound trophies. As in the past, the fish come from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms, Inc., in Paynes Creek, California.

By planting fish in the lake, County Parks hopes to encourage outdoor activity and a safe alternative to regular Halloween activities. Instead of trick or treating, catch a trout! The lake and shoreline offer fresh air and an abundance of space for proper social distancing while recreating. Skip the candy corn this year and enjoy the deliciousness of trout. 

Everything an angler needs is available for rent or purchase at the Cachuma Lake Marina and Boat Rentals, which also offers pontoons, outboards and kayak rentals, as well as one-day and annual fishing licenses. Fishing from shore in the recreation area or from a boat is open year-round with a valid fishing license. The lake level is just under 70 percent, providing sufficient depths for trout fishing.

Visitors are advised to check recreation area hours, and road and weather conditions in advance. They are also reminded to follow the rules and guidelines related to COVID-19 posted throughout the park.

For up-to-date fishing tips and summaries, check out the Cachuma Lake Weekly Fishing Report at www.countyofsb.org/parks/cachumafishing.sbc. For more information, contact the marina at 805-688-4040. 

For those who plan to bring their own boating vessels, note that due to the 30-day Quagga restrictions at the lake, boats must be inspected and tagged by Cachuma Lake staff at least 30 days prior to your visit.

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is a full-service campground offering year-round cabin, yurt, RV and tent camping, recreational activities, nature programs for all ages and of course, rainbow trout fishing! For camping reservations and more information, go to www.sbparks.org.

The post At Cachuma, Halloween welcomes no tricks, just trout appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Contributed

The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions, including joy, stress, sadness, and everything in between. For those preparing to navigate the holiday season after dealing with the recent loss of a loved one, this time of year can be even more difficult.

At Hospice of Santa Barbara, we understand that grieving during the holidays is an extremely difficult situation, so we are offering tips, workshops and community events to help during the grieving process.

Below are some tips to keep in mind this holiday season:

– Remember that not everyone grieves in the same way, and that it’s OK to be happy. Even when you’re grieving, it’s not unusual to laugh or smile when thinking about your favorite memories.

– Ask for what you need. Others don’t know what to say or do unless you tell them what would help most.

– Think ahead of time about what the holidays will be like without your loved one. You’ll be better prepared to deal with tough situations if you think in advance about how you’ll feel, rather than getting caught off guard.

– Spend time with family and friends. Surrounding yourself with those who also knew and cared about your loved one can help the healing process by creating a positive atmosphere in a safe, comfortable place.

– Create a new holiday tradition in memory of your loved one. Rather than being reminded of the things you used to do together, creating a new tradition can be a great way to move forward.

Hospice of Santa Barbara provides free professional counseling, support groups and patient care services. For more information, including volunteer opportunities, call 805-563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.

The post Help offered for people grieving at holidays appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

December brings plenty of fun-filled annual events to the Santa Ynez Valley. Here are just a few.

Saturday, Dec. 1

Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Los Olivos drips with holiday warmth and spirit all season long, and it starts with one festive day that all in the family will enjoy. Start the day at this year’s inaugural Holiday Market, an open-air shopping opportunity showcasing gift-able artisan goods by nearly two dozen artists and vendors.

Then go over to St. Mark’s In-The-Valley Episcopal Church and its Gingerbread Wonderland from 4 to 8 p.m., with gingerbread houses decorated by local artists and school children. More photo memories can be made in the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, where character meet-and-greets will entertain children from 4 to 8 p.m. Kids will love a ride on Summerset Farm & Dale’s Train at Lavinia Campbell Park, and a visit from Santa Claus downtown and at St. Mark’s. The town comes alive with the official lighting of the Los Olivos Christmas Tree.

Santa Ynez Christmas Tree Lighting, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

The Santa Ynez Valley’s holiday cheer begins with the lighting of the largest Christmas Tree in the valley. The evening begins with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in downtown Santa Ynez, and the atmosphere is filled with live entertainment and the smells of cookies and cider. Fossemalle Dance Studio will perform tap choreographies to get the audience in the holiday spirit along with the traditional ballet dance around the tree. The evening is capped with the lighting of a 75-foot redwood tree, offering an impressive start to Santa Ynez Valley’s holiday season.

Solvang Julefest, Dec. 1 through Jan. 4

All that gives Solvang its character — its small-town charms and Danish-American traditions — is made better and brighter during Julefest (pronounced yule-fest). This year will feature the return of the popular Nisse Adventure Hunt, free Candlelight Tours and the addition of VIP Candelight Tours.  The annual tree-lighting ceremony featuring local performers and Fossemalle dancers Dec. 7; the Solvang Julefest Parade led by the grand marshal, soon-to-be-retired Solvang City Manager Brad Vidro, on Dec. 8; and the Community Nativity Pageant on Dec. 15 will hearken back to holiday seasons gone by.

Visits from Santa Claus to Santa Village in Solvang Park on Dec. 1, 7, 8, 15 and 22 and the Holiday Lights Tour on Dec. 17 offer attendees memories that will last forever.

The Julefest Wine and Beer Walk, the “Skål Stroll!, Dec. 15-16 is a festive event unique to Solvang, and every Christmas list can be fulfilled during the Shop, Mingle & Jingle event Dec. 7-9, 14-16, and on Third Wednesday and Farmer’s Market on Dec. 19.

Weather permitting, the season will conclude with the annual fire safety demonstration and Christmas Tree Burn on Jan. 4.

Sunday, Dec. 2

Buellton Winter Fest, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The mild climate of the Santa Ynez Valley may never bring snow, but with a holiday village that piles up some 20 tons of snow for all to enjoy, the dream of a white Christmas is indeed possible at the Buellton Winter Fest.

The event begins with breakfast with Santa and ends with a spectacular light parade and the traditional Buellton Christmas tree lighting. In between, enjoy food trucks, vendors, holiday libations, and all the snow in the Holiday Village.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 8-9

SYV Master Chorale concerts, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8; 3 p.m. Dec. 9

Join the Santa Ynez Valley Master Chorale, Youth Ensemble and Orchestra for their 40^th annual Holiday Concert at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Drive in Solvang.

Started in 1978, the chorale has presented luscious works by Bach, Mozart, Handel, Schubert, Brahms and Beethoven as well as many outstanding contemporary composers.

This year, under Dr. Michael Eglin’s baton, Bach’s exuberant and dramatic Magnificat (written in Leipzig for 1723 Christmas vespers) will be the centerpiece of the concert followed by more contemporary and lyrical compositions and holiday carols.

The Valley Wind Ensemble, Mystique (a local girls’ a cappella group) and the chorale’s youth ensemble will contribute to the celebration with their own selections, and the youth ensemble will close the concert with a carol sing-along.

Tickets are $27 for adults and $22.50 for seniors (65 years and older) and youth (under 18 years). To buy tickets, visit www.syvchorale.org.

The post Special events ring in the holidays appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

With Halloween already celebrated, attention at People Helping People is focused on preparations for its Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday programs.

PHP coordinates valley-wide programs to serve those in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and staff and volunteers are already very busy requesting donations of turkeys and recruiting additional volunteers to distribute turkeys and gifts.

To make these programs successful, PHP needs assistance from community members.

At Thanksgiving, PHP expands its regular biweekly food program to distribute turkeys and all the fixings to approximately 275 low-income families and seniors.

“The Santa Barbara County Foodbank is always hard pressed to collect enough turkey donations for all the nonprofits it supports,” said Justin Wilkins, who is responsible for the food program at PHP. “We have not received turkeys from them in a number of years. Therefore, if we cannot acquire sufficient donated turkeys from the community, we are forced to expend precious funds or turn families away. It is truly heartbreaking when we have to tell someone we just don’t have enough.”

Donations of turkeys and other traditional accompaniments, “turkey Bucks,” or cash gifts for those items can be made at PHP’s Service Center at 545 North Alisal Road in Solvang. PHP staff has already arranged for freezer and storage space so that PHP can begin taking donations immediately. You may also call Victor at 686-0295 to arrange a donation or even a pick-up.

Even before Thanksgiving arrives, PHP must also begin planning for its 24^th annual valley-wide Christmas program named “Fulfill-A-Wish.” In the true spirit of the Christmas season, a large cast of PHP staff and volunteers partner with Toys 4 Tots to distribute toys, gifts and clothing to families throughout the area.

PHP is the only official organization in the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys designated by the Marine Corps Reserve to accept Toys 4 Tots donations.

More than $20,000 in goods and 30 volunteers are needed to help fulfill families’ most basic needs at Christmas. Last year, PHP’s Fulfill-A-Wish Program assisted 76 families, including more than 190 children.

PHP Associate Development Director Erica Valdés said that the overwhelming gratitude displayed by parents who are able to provide gifts on Christmas day for their kids makes the tremendous organizational effort worthwhile.

“It is a wonderful feeling to help so many celebrate who otherwise could not,” she said.

Many of those assisted are victims of domestic violence, single moms, and very low-income families working in the local service and agricultural industries, she added.

PHP will distribute Christmas gifts from the Fulfill-A-Wish Boutique, which this year will be at 141 E. Highway 246, Unit A, in the Buellton Park Center. The space is donated by JoAnn Taylor & The Lauren Company.

The Boutique, opened for the first time in 1995, will be decorated, stocked by volunteers, and be ready for operation on Dec. 21. On that day, families and individuals meeting the PHP eligibility criteria will be scheduled to visit the boutique and choose a limited number of gifts based upon the size of their family.

In addition to the hundreds of toys needed each year, the Fulfill-A-Wish program is especially in need of clothing for children, from infants to teens, and gifts suitable for teens. According to PHP staff, gift cards are a great option.

Individuals or groups interested in making a donation can receive a list of recommended items from PHP (805-686-0295 or marisela@syvphp.org), purchase any of the items on the wish list, and drop them unwrapped in one of the donation boxes around the community or deliver them to the People Helping People Offices at 545 North Alisal Road, Solvang.

Individuals and families can also help with a donation of wrapping paper or cash; placement of a donation box in a business; or by volunteering time.

For more information, call Marisela at 805-686-0295 or marisela@syvphp.org. Donations can also be mailed to PHP at P.O. Box 1478, Solvang, CA 93464.

The post PHP seeking help with Thanksgiving, Christmas programs appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

This week started frivolously with April Fools’ Day, also called All Fools’ Day or, as the French call it, April Fish. I know, April Fish, but you know the French always have to have their own spin to things.

No matter what you call April 1st, it is one of the most light-hearted days of the year.

Unlike many holidays we observe, the origins of the First of April’s tomfoolery are clouded in obscurity. Even today, historians and folklorists still debate how it started. Part of the problem is that it was only during the 18th century that detailed written references to April Fools appeared, but the custom was already well established throughout Europe and regarded as being of great antiquity.

I think it’s very curious that our April tradition of foolery became a part of the cultural fabric of so many European cultures without leaving a written record.

Holidays can be a bit like a layer cake. The outside is all colorful frosting and decorations, but when you dig in with your fork, you discover different layers with their own textures and flavors. Well, All Fools’ Day is like that. If you look at what our ancestors were up to at this time of year, a picture begins to emerge.

Nearly every culture in the world has had a festival around the spring equinox that celebrated the end of winter, the return of spring and the start of the year. The Romans, Persians, Babylonians and Hindus celebrated New Year’s with festivals that began on the equinox and ended on April 2. In fact, the ancient Roman calendar’s New Year’s Day was April 1. So it is likely that April Fools is a relic from these ancient festivities.

Even though April Fools’ Day has similarities with spring equinox festivals, there is no agreement about which festival our April foolery evolved from. One of the reasons is that many of the festivals were commoners’ celebrations, and aristocratic participation was pretty minimal. In the past, common folk were, for the most part, uneducated and did not leave written records. But folk traditions can run very deep within cultures, and it is clear that a day devoted to foolery has ancient roots.

The patron saint of All Fools’ Day, the Fool, was a prominent character in medieval Europe. Dressed in multicolored clothing, horned hat, and scepter, fools practiced their craft in public market squares and even in royal courts. Back then, it was the role of the court fools to put things in perspective with humor.

What is believed to be one of the earliest written connections to the day is found in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” in the story of the nun’s “Priest Tale.” Written around 1400, it concerns two fools and takes place “thritty dayes and two” from the beginning of March, which would make it April 1.

Then there are the French. One of the popular theories about the origin of April Fools’ Day occurred during the reign of King Charles IX, when Pope Gregory decreed adoption of a new calendar — the one we still use today, the Gregorian Calendar.

In 1564, France adopted the new calendar, moving the start of the year from the end of March to Jan. 1.

Those who stubbornly clung to the old Julian calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year during the week between March 25 and April 1 had jokes played on them. Paper fish were surreptitiously stuck on their backs and called Poisson d’Avril, or April Fish — which, even today, remains the French term for April Fools.

However, the calendar-change theory has problems as the origin of April Fool’s Day. The adoption of the Gregorian calendar did not occur immediately in France or anywhere else in Europe. It was a gradual process, spanning an entire century in France and even longer in other countries. Britain did not adopt the calendar until 1752, and long before this time April Fools’ Day was a well-established tradition. So confusion about changing of the calendar is not the whole story of April Fish. That is a “fish story” that has yet to be revealed.

Did you know that April Fools’ Day has a timeframe? Traditionally, no pranks are supposed to be played after noon. Any jokes played after that will bring bad luck to the perpetrator — something that is often overlooked today.

Although we can’t pinpoint how or when April Fools’ Day got its start, people the world over still celebrate it with glee. Pranks can be quite simple, such as telling a friend his shoe is untied, or very elaborate. On April 1, 2016, the restaurant reservation site Open Table promoted an app that allowed users to lick photos of food on their mobile devices to taste them.

Whatever the gag, it usually ends with the prankster yelling “April Fool!” when the victim falls for it.

The first of April, some do say

Is set apart for All Fool’s Day;

But why the people call it so

Nor I, nor they themselves, do know,

But on this day are people sent

On purpose for pure merriment.

— Anonymous

John Copeland is a filmmaker and television producer who has lived for 18 years in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he and his wife Shannon grow olives and make olive oil. He also works with MIT’s Experimental Study Group to teach undergraduate students in science and engineering the art of visual communication and storytelling.

The post April Fools, of course, but April Fish? appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The post Homes needed for four-legged houseguests, SB County shelters seeking foster homes appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Master Chorale is pleased to present their first concert under the direction of Dr. Michael Eglin.  They will be featuring works from composers Berlioz, Rutter, Vaughan Williams and many others.  This season offers a musical treat as the program includes a wide range of music from classical composers to more modern arrangements.  Several pieces will feature the Chorale’s talented Youth Ensemble and their singing will delight as well as warm your heart.  In the spirit of the holidays, they invite you to join them in a sing-a-long of your favorite carols.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors (65 years and older) and youth (under 18 years).  Tickets may be purchased at the Book Loft, El Rancho Marketplace, from Chorale members, at the door, online at www.syvchorale.org or by calling 805.350.4241.  Season’s greetings and we hope to see you there!

The post Celebrate the Christmas season with “Winter Wonderland” by the SYV Master Chorale appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.