By Mike Chaldu
michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Unlike last year, when major storms and resultant flooding caused cancellation of the event, crowds were able to gather this month at Mission Santa Ines in Solvang for the annual Christmas Tree Burn.

The burn, which signals the end of the city’s month-and-a-half long Julefest and the holiday season in general, went off without a hitch on Friday, Jan. 5, on the lawn across the parking lot from the mission.

“It’s great to have this back,” said Jenny McClurg, Solvang Parks and Rec director. “It was disappointing to have to cancel it last year, but the weather has cooperated and everyone seems to be having a good time.”

The Parks and Rec Department provided games to be played before the burn, and attendees were able to get some eats from the food truck belonging to Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant in Buellton.

Those arriving at dusk to the mission grounds were met with a sizable pile of discarded Christmas trees, a pile that was still being added to as the Santa Barbara County Fire Department personnel from Station 30 arrived to conduct the burn.

Joe and Sharon Filipko were awaiting the show along with their grandchildren Vienna Cervantes, 6; and her sisters Lola, 4; and Santina, 18 months. They were standing near the big pile of trees they contributed to a few minutes earlier.

“We live right across the street, so we just dragged the tree over and added it to the pile,” said Sharon Filipko. “We’re all pretty excited, the kids especially, after having to miss it last year.”

Another person who added to the pile of trees was Jesse Van Noy, who brought his all the way down from Avila Beach, coming with some friends to enjoy the fiery spectacle to come.

“We try to get down here for this as many times as we can; I think I’ve been to two or three of these so far,” he said. “I’m glad to be here; I think it’s a really good thing they put on.”

Van Noy was able to get his tree up near the top of the pile, although he needed a couple of tries for it to stick up there.

“Hey, those things are heavier than they look,” he said.

The burn also brought in attendees who were from out of town, some of whom didn’t know it was happening until hearing about when they were in town.

Amanda Meadows of Orange County came in with her husband Jake, children Autumn, 9; Silas, 7; Winnie, 5; and Sadie, 1; and Amanda’s grandparents (from Sacramento) Justin and Judy Petsas.

“We came up to visit and found out about this,” Amanda said as they waited for the sun to go down and the burn to commence. “We’ve been enjoying the area; we took the kids to the Santa Barbara Zoo, and I got to meet Monty Roberts [the Solvang horse trainer and owner/operator of Flag Is Up Farms]. I’m really into riding horses, so that was the highlight of the trip for me.”

The tree burn was a great topper to the trip, the kind of event the family never thought they’d come across.

“We don’t have anything like this where we live,” Jake Meadows said. “We just leave the tree on our curb for the trash guys to pick up and be done with it.”

While the burn was an unforeseen attraction for the Meadows and the Petsases, for the Molina family of Ventura, it was a destination.

Gabriel and Blanca Molina made the trip up to the Valley with their children Gabrielle, 17; Matthew, 7; and Adeline, 2.

“We decided to take a day trip; went to the Santa Barbara museums, and then continued it up here,” said Gabriel Blanca. “We come to Solvang quite a bit and love to visit the downtown, and we decided to check out this event for the first time.”

The program began with a ceremonial (and respectful) flag-burning conducted by the Boy Scout Troop 41, who cut up the worn flag before tossing the pieces into a small fire pit.

After that, the county firefighters gave a fire-safety demonstration, explaining the dangers a dry Christmas tree can pose and then lighting up three trees set up apart from the big pile to show just how fast a tree fire can ignite and spread.

After that, it was time for the main event.

The firefighters went slowly around the pile of trees lighting strategic spots along the bottom of the heap, and in no time at all the flames started shooting up into the sky amid the “oohs” and “aahs” of the crowd. The onlookers also gradually backed away from the pile as the heat got progressively more intense.

As the fire settled to a steady burn, Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Andrew Wedel, who’s been with the department for 17 years — seven of them with Station 30 — could be pleased with another successful burn.

“Very pleased with how this turned out, and pleased with the crowd,” Wedel said. “We do this partly to show how careful you have to be with the trees and fire, but it’s also a time for the community to get together and have a good time, and we’ve had that tonight.”

Wedel estimated that the fire would burn out by “about 8:30 or 9 p.m.,” which would have meant two and a half or three hours since the fire was started just before 6 p.m.

As far as the aim of educating people about fire dangers, Wedel felt that part of the event has been a success.

“We haven’t had to answer a call about a tree catching on fire this year, and we haven’t had much at all over the past few years,” Wedel said. “So, I guess the people are listening.”

The post Solvang Christmas Tree Burn spells end to Julefest appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Staff Report

The Solvang Christmas Tree Burn, which was scheduled for Friday, Jan. 6, has been canceled, the City of Solvang announced Thursday afternoon. The cancellation came after Wednesday’s night’s rainy weather into Thursday morning caused conditions making it impossible to do the event at Mission Santa Ines.

“The rain has been a wonderful and long overdue necessity. But the heavy rains do come with consequences. One of them, unfortunately, is the cancellation of this year’s Tree Burn Event,” the city said in a press release. “Although some of the saturated trees may still be able to burn, the tree pile site at the Mission Santa Ines field has been inundated with water resulting in very large puddles, excessive mud, terrible footing and giant ruts from various vehicles driving directly to the pile to drop off trees causing unsafe terrain.”

The release said that while Friday’s weather is projected to be clear, the poor conditions remain in the field next to the mission, where the trees were to be burned. 

“We are all disappointed that this annual event will not take place this year,” the release continued. “We are working with Waste Management and the tree pile will instead be recycled into mulch. Trees can still be dropped off (due to excessive mud no vehicles, carefully walk it in from the parking lot) through the end of next week by January 13.” 

The city release ended by saying it looks forward to this community event returning next year with the right conditions, and thanked residents for their patience and understanding.

The Christmas Tree Burn was to signal the end of Julefest, the city’s monthlong celebration of the holidays. The festival start Nov. 26, and kicked into gear the first weekend of December, with the tree lighting and parade. 

The post <strong>Solvang Christmas Tree Burn Canceled</strong> appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Janene Scully, Noozhawk North County Editor 

Forced to take last year off, the Solvang Christmas tree burn returned the evening of January 8 for its 31st edition.

The event served as the fiery end to the Danish-themed city’s annual Julefest celebration that spanned more than a month.

Since Christmas, valley residents have offered up their trees, creating a big pile in a field near the Mission Santa Ines.

The 2021 tree burn did not take place because of COVID-19 concerns and public health guidelines in place at the time.

The City of Solvang and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department join forces to host the event, which also serves as a demonstration about the fire danger posed by dry Christmas trees.

It’s considered to be one of the largest fire safety demonstrations on the Central Coast.

The event also included music, a retirement of American flags led by Boy Scout Troops 007 and 41, and refreshments for sale before the grand finale of igniting the gathered trees.

Through the years, some residents have questioned the event’s effects on air quality and concerns about fire danger, not as much of a worry this year after significant rain fell in December.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

The post Solvang’s Christmas Tree Burn Fires Up After Year Off appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

The elves in Santa’s workshop must work well without supervision, because the holiday spirit will be everywhere in the Santa Ynez Valley the next two months as Buellton, Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez are holding their annual Christmas, Julefest and Winter Fest celebrations.

In addition to appearances by the jolly old soul, the festivities included plenty of food and music, an elf hunt, a Gingerbread Wonderland, multiple tree lightings, the Julefest Parade — and 20 tons of imported snow.

Starting with the Santa Ynez Tree Lighting traditions on Wednesday, Dec. 1, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for a visit and kids can drop off letters for Santa at the mailbox in front of the Santa Ynez Library. Fossemalle Dancers will be dancing and holiday carolers will be singing for the spectators. The tree lighting will be 5:45 p.m. and there will be various family activities at the Santa Ynez Historical Museum in the courtyard. For more info visit www.santaynezchamber.org.  

There will be fun for the whole family at Winterfest in Buellton, from snow to hot chocolate tasting.
Photo contributed

Buellton’s annual Winter Fest will take place on Sunday, Dec. 5. This one-of-a-kind experience is fun for the whole family, and a perfect way to kick off the winter holidays. Event-goers can start the day at Breakfast With Santa in the Buellton Rec Center from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a neighborhood parade. The parade starts at Jonata Middle School around noon and goes up Second Street around Oak Valley and back to Jonata.

The afternoon brings the Holiday Village at Village Park, located behind Tractor Supply. There will be 20 tons of snow along with vendors, music and live performances, and beer, wine and spirits. Winter Fest runs from 4 to 7 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7 p.m.

Last but not least is the Julefest celebration in Solvang. As one of the nation’s most Christmas-y towns, Solvang will present a refreshed lineup of Julefest offerings and extra holiday cheer in the form of new illuminated displays, celebratory scenescapes and settings in an effort to enhance the “hygge” holiday ambience already native to the city.

Plans are in place for the return of the Solvang Julefest tree lighting ceremony, tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, in Solvang Park, on the corner of Mission Drive and First Street. The ceremony is slated to include ballerinas encircling the Solvang Christmas tree, live entertainment, caroling and of course, the season-starting tree lighting. The return of the Solvang Julefest Parade is also in the works, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, with the parade route to be announced.

During Solvang Julefest, the village will once again host its now-annual Nisse Adventure, where participants join in a city-wide hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisse (Christmas elves), who will have hidden themselves throughout downtown Solvang. Elf-trackers may visit www.NisseAdventure.com, where they will find animated videos containing clues to the various hiding spots which the Nisse frequents. Once guests find each Nisse they scan a QR code to continue along the adventure, earning a special prize at completion.

As one of the nation’s most Christmas-y towns, Solvang will present a refreshed lineup of Julefest offerings and extra holiday cheer.
Photo contributed

On Saturdays throughout the Julefest stretch, town-wide Solvang Food Tours will be led by the foodie — and photo — experts at Eat This, Shoot That!, and the popular evening Candlelight Tours will return select Saturday nights (Nov. 27, and Dec. 4, 11 and 18), tickets for which include holiday-themed refreshments and a VIP Santa meet and greet experience. Either tour option presents a unique, educational, and entertaining way to explore the history-filled village on foot during the most festive of Solvang’s seasons. More information will be available at www.SolvangJulefest.org.

The post Holiday cheer will start spreading throughout the Valley soon
 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

publisher@santaynezvalleystar

The owners of the Solvang Trolley were not only renewed for their license, but the Solvang City Council directed staff to come back with a recommendation at an upcoming meeting to extend it for five years. 

“It’s been a really wild ride and would like to say thank you to everyone who wrote letters, came and spoke and gave us the time to listen to what we do,” said Clau Orona, owner of the Solvang Trolley.  “Thank you so much; today we saw democracy at work and demanded our public officials to listen and exercised petitioning our government, the support was heard.” 

Amy Parker of Solvang gifted the Orona family with this painting she did of the Solvang Trolley.
Photo by Raiza Giorgi

The Orona family has owned and operated the Solvang Trolley for 13 years, and before that there have been several owners dating back to the 1970s giving tours of the city on the “Honen,” which is the Danish style streetcar. The Honen was created when Axel Nielsen of Nielsen’s Market hired local blacksmith Kris Klibo to make a motorized, Danish style streetcar in 1964 that would pick up shoppers from the Solvang Lutheran Home to take them to Nielsen’s Market, and they would also deliver groceries around the Santa Ynez Valley. 

“We are just like any other business and do not get any special favor,” Orona said during public comment. “Yes we use the streets and my livelihood depends on this city. We answer questions about the town, especially who is open during the pandemic and I just want to help people have a great time while they are here. We have invited the council to come ride and you never have.” 

She then asked Councilman Chris Djernaes to get off his device and pay attention while she was speaking, as he as shown in many past meetings to be texting, on his computer and sometimes even walking off the dais when people are speaking. 

“We have never had to provide a full application every year, but I will do it,” Orona continued. “I also need to know not the day before it is due and I have provided a case study to see if we belong in town. The Solvang Trolley has been featured in many publications, spots on national and international TV.” 

In the packet the Oronas provided, they state their tours are enjoyed by 15,000-20,000 visitors per year. Their staff is trained on local and Danish history and folklore, and they visit museums and historical sites. They are dressed in Danish costumes and they operate when temperature and other weather conditions are favorable. Their draft horses are all rescues, and also rotated to ensure each is properly exercised. 

“The allegations that we squatted on the city lot and not paying rent are untrue,” Orona said. “We paid rent and are a benefit to the taxpayers, where the Cinderella Carriages came at an expense to the taxpayers.”

Orona’s mention of Cinderella Carriages referred to Julefest last winter when the City Council hired the outside carriage company from Riverside and paid them $7,300 to operate, and paid an additional $4,842 for their hotel rooms to stay. The City Attorney also stated he donated his stables to Cinderella Carriages to board their horses. 

“We are not a monopoly, and we have had competition in the past and people quickly find out it’s darn hard and the economy dictates how many conveyances can operate,” Orona said. 

Orona pointed out there are several other contributing factors to traffic congestion besides the trolley from closing Copenhagen Drive to companies who use the street to operate from the Solvang Surrey, to the Mokes and the pedicabs who do not require a special license to operate. 

She also asked Djernaes to recuse himself from voting as he was the one who sought out the Cinderella Carriage company. 

Public comment went for more than two hours with the speakers all in support for the Solvang Trolley. People stood up saying the Trolley’s historic significance was important to not only Solvang’s charm, but enhanced the business community with people coming specific for the trolley and patronizing other businesses. 

“The Danish Sisterhood urges you to support the Solvang Trolley,” said Marion Hallum. 

Former Solvang Trolley owner David Esdaile also said it was insulting and shameful to question if the Solvang Trolley was viable in Solvang. 

“This is a 24/7 commitment and everyone who has owned it has put blood, sweat and tears into it,” he said. “This business does more to preserve the heritage of Solvang and you should be doing everything in your power to preserve it. It benefits you running the city, and other businesses.”

Susie Pierson said Djernaes was embarrassing and she was appalled at the last meeting when he got up and left his seat while Orona was speaking and shook his head.

“Some of you are exhibiting bullish behavior and the Oronas are amazing people and please do what is right for Solvang and renew their license,” she said. 

Nancy Hunsicker stated on behalf of the large equestrian community in the valley that they all support the Oronas and the charm of the trolley serves as ambassadors to the horse community. 

During council comments, Councilman Robert Clarke said we wants to approve the contract and he represents his constituents. 

“I am sick of lumping this council in one voice and I support the trolley — it is a staple in this town,” Clarke said.

Councilwoman Karen Waite said she agreed and added the Cinderella Carriages was to try something new, but could see how that directly impacted the Oronas business. 

“I have never seen the vitriol from a single council member have this kind impact. I don’t want to get rid of the trolley, not a single point in time,” Mayor Ryan Toussaint said. 

He added he was the one who suggested a multi-year contract. 

Djernaes said he wanted to see the data and questioned why the Oronas only pay $75 for the license renewal. 

“They have a de facto monopoly and I feel there is room for more than one,” he said. “Do they pay the city? No, what is their contribution? Do they pay encroachment fees, sales tax, revenue share? I don’t know, and I don’t like monopolies.” 

The Solvang Trolley has a special license, not a contract or “franchise monopoly,” to operate within city limits, and the council must hold a public hearing before renewal according to the city ordinance. 

The current ordinance states, ”It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any type of conveyance for hire for which any animal or animals is or are the primary motive power, on any streets or roads owned and/or maintained by the city, without first obtaining, and thereafter maintaining in good standing, a license permitting such activities.”

The Oronas pay $75 per conveyance a renewal fee every year as they stated during public comment, and they also own and operate the Solvang Trolley Ice Cream shop in Solvang, which pays rent, sales tax, and other licensing and taxes. 

Djernaes then said he wanted to postpone a decision and started speaking to the crowd when Toussaint stepped in and said he was closing council discussion which irked Djernaes and they started shouting. Toussaint then started banging his gavel and hit so hard it broke. 

Toussaint then proposed the Solvang Trolley get a five-year renewal and City Attorney Chip Wullbrandt reminded the mayor he had to approve the license as is for one year and recommended bringing it back for an amendment. 

The license was then approved 3-1 with Djernaes saying “absolutely not,” and Councilman Daniel Johnson being absent. 

Djernaes then stormed off the dais, returned to collect his belongings and left the meeting. 

To watch the meeting in its entirety visit www.YouTube.com and search City of Solvang to see their meeting video history. 

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Julefest officially came to a close on Jan. 3 when a Friday night crowd got warm and toasty standing near the pile of Christmas trees that were set ablaze by members of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. 

The event is coordinated by the Solvang Parks and Recreation Department and supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. It is billed as one of the largest fire safety demonstrations and community holiday gatherings on the Central Coast.

It is also an annual tradition for many valley locals who return every year with their families to enjoy the evening, which includes refreshments and free entertainment. 

The past year has been busy for the various county and city fire departments as they worked during disasters that included the Cave Fire in Santa Barbara just before the holidays. 

The tree burn marked the official conclusion of Julefest, which is the more than a month-long celebration of the holiday season in Solvang. The many events included visits with Santa Claus, a petting zoo, Julefest Parade (visit our YouTube page for a fun video), night market stroll and weekend light shows, and the first Christmas drone show, “Aurora Dronealis,” on Dec. 21. 

Local businesses also participated in the third annual “Gløgg contest” during the Julefest Wine & Beer Walk Skål Stroll, with Wandering Dog and Wine Bar winning the contest.

Popular in Denmark around the Christmas holidays, Gløgg is loosely defined as mulled, spiced wine. It usually contains red wine, orange rind, cinnamon, raisins, blanched almonds, cardamom, cloves and honey as well as aquavit, rum or brandy in varying combinations.

This year’s events were put on by IDK Events of San Francisco.

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Dansk New Year invites locals and tourists to celebrate the New Year early from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Solvang as part of the Julefest event, and will entail a countdown to the Danish New Year, including a simulcast of the New Year’s Eve events taking place in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens. The clock strikes midnight in Denmark at 3 p.m. Pacific, and the daytime celebration will also feature holiday goodies, games, music and Danish tradition.

Before the Dansk New Year there is still one more opportunity to see Santa from 12 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 in Solvang Park. That day also features a one-of-a-kind drone light show called “Aurora Dronealis”, which will be the only holiday drone show of its kind in Southern California, during the month of December. The show will be launched from Lot 72 in downtown Solvang. VIP and general admission grandstand viewing is available for purchase. 

Other Julefest events continuing through the end of the month is the Nisse Adventures using NisseAdventure.com, clues will be provided to lead Nisse hunters to the elves’ various hiding spots. Once adventurers find a Nisse, they will scan a QR Code to continue the hunt and to earn a special prize at each hiding place. Nisse Adventure may be completed at guests’ leisure, but must be completed by January 3, 2020.

The post-Christmas holiday event continues until the annual Christmas Tree Burn and Fire Safety Demonstration from 5 – 7 p.m. on January 3, 2020; (www.SolvangJulefest.org/treeburn). The annual tree burn is held in the fields of Old Mission Santa Inés and supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, is one of the largest fire safety demos and community gatherings on California’s Central Coast. Coordinated by Solvang Parks & Recreation, the Tree Burn will include free, live entertainment and refreshments for purchase. For more information on this special Solvang event, call 805.688.7529.

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19

Tamale Making Party – 6 – 8 p.m. at Los Arroyos in Solvang – Interested in learning how to make tamales? Join in for this hands on demonstration with Dona Catalina. $25 per person, only 24 spaces available, no kids under 10. Contact Los Arroyos at 805-693-2994. 

20

Buellton Bookworms Club – 12:30 – 2 p.m. at the Buellton Library. Join the monthly discussions, this month’s title is “The Rosie Project”, by Grame Simsion. Call 805-688-3115 for more info. 

Parents Night Out – 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Gypsy Studios Art Spot. Kids Only Night provides art projects, pizza dinner and a kids movie, while you get a chance to go out! Free for Art Spot members, visit www.gypsystudiosart.com/art-spot-memberships/ for details. Ages 5 – 13. 

Felipe Esparza – 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino – Don’t miss this hilarious comedian at the Chumash Casino! Visit www.chumashcasino.com for tickets. 

Politics of Dancing – 8 – 11 p.m. at the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez. Come rocks out to music from the ’70s through the ’90s. 

21

Valley Clean Team – 8:15 a.m. – Meet at Zaca Station Road and Foxen Canyon Road to go in both directions along Foxen Canyon. Supplies are provided. Contact Bill Connell at wconnell@connellandersen.com for more info. 

Ornament Workshop – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Solvang Library – A free drop in craft for all ages, materials supplied and there are several instructions for different ornaments. Call 805-688-4214 for more info. 

Drone Light Show – 5 p.m. – Downtown Solvang – involve hundreds of unmanned aircraft flying in unison to create smoke-free and noise-free displays in the night sky. The show uses choreographed drones performing to music using the dark sky as the canvas for lights on the remote-controlled aircraft. Visit www.solvangjulefest.org for tickets and more details. 

22

Pet Photos with Santa – 12 – 3 p.m. at PAWS Park in Buellton. Suggested donation of $5 to support improvements and maintenance at the valley’s only dog park. Visit www.facebook.com/syvpaws for more information. 

21 & 22 

The Christmas Revels: A Venetian Celebration of the Winter Solstice – at the Lobero Theatre – The Christmas Revels is an exciting and heartwarming entertainment experience for every age and a favorite Santa Barbara holiday tradition created by and for our community for the past 12 years. Visit www.lobero.org for details. 

The Nutcracker – This beloved holiday tradition will delight audiences of all ages! State Street Ballet performs alongside students of the Gustafson Dance and the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra. Visit ticketing.granadasb.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=13712 for details. 

25

Christmas Day; Santa Barbara Zoo is open from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

27

SYV Cottage Hospital Nutrition Class – 11 a.m. – Noon – at the Cottage Admin Building 2050 Viborg Rd. Join Nutritionist Stacey Bailey as she gives free nutrition and diabetes education classes. This discussion is on Healthy Treats for the New Year. Call 805-694-2351 for more details. 

28

Valley Clean Team – 8:15 a.m. – Meet corner of 246 and Refugio Road to head toward the Mountain. Supplies are provided. Contact Bill Connell at wconnell@connellandersen.com for more info. 

Family Movie: Aladdin – 1 – 3 p.m. at the Solvang Library. December’s  film is the 2019 release of Disney’s “Aladdin” with Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, and Billy Magnussen. Run time is 128, rated PG. 

31

New Year’s Eve

Dansk New Year – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – This new Solvang Julefest celebration will essentially entail a countdown to the Danish New Year, including a simulcast of the New Year’s Eve events taking place in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens. The clock strikes midnight in Denmark at 3 p.m. Pacific, and the daytime celebration will also feature holiday goodies, games, music and Danish tradition. Visit www.solvangjulefest.org for details. 

New Year’s Eve Party – 9 p.m. through midnight at the Chumash Casino – Celebrate the end of 2019 and the start of 2020 at the Chumash Casino Resort with great music from The Boogie Knights and The Spazmatics! Visit www.chumashcasino.com for tickets. 

January

1

New Year’s Day; Santa Barbara Zoo is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

3

Solvang Julefest Tree Burn – 5 – 7 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Ines – Supervised by the SB County Fire Department, this is the largest safety demonstration in the county. There will be free, live entertainment and refreshments for purchase. Visit www.solvangjulefest.org for details. 

4

Valley Clean Team – 8:15 a.m. – Help with their toughest assignment. Need all sober hands on deck for: Santa Rosa Road – all 14 miles of it! (Gulp!!)  Meet at the bottom of Avenue of The Flags/Mosby Winery. Supplies are provided. Contact Bill Connell at wconnell@connellandersen.com for more info. 

Continuing Events

Mondays

Yoga, 9 a.m.; Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Arts and Crafts every third Monday; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Preschool Storytime – 11 a.m. – Buellton Library – Bring your preschooler to story time to help get them ready to read!

Divorce Care Recovery Seminar and Support Group – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy Library, 891 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; Louise Kolbert at 805-688-5171.

Tuesdays

Computer class, 9 a.m., Knitting, 9:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 11 a.m.; bridge and poker, 12:45 p.m.; Mah Jongg 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Preschool Story Time – 10:30 a.m. at Solvang Library. Bring your preschooler to story time to help get them ready to read!

Two-Step Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. – Industry Night and Karaoke Party. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.themavsaloon.com.

Pickle Ball – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome. 

Wednesdays

SYV We Support the Troops – 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers pack care packages on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. 805-245-4951.

Art Class, 9 a.m.; Book Club, 10 a.m. (call first); Bingo, 1 p.m.: Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Wiggly Storytime – 10:30 a.m. – Solvang Library – Short stories, songs, rhymes and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. 

Knit and Crochet – 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Healing Hearts Support Group – 2-4 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road. Free. To R.S.V.P. call 805-693-0244.

Solvang Farmers Market – 2:30-6:30 p.m., First Street between Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

Crafternoons – 3:45-5:45 p.m. Arts Outreach, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. Suite 9, Los Olivos. $10/child; 805-688-9533.

Lindy Hop Lessons – 7:10 p.m. for Beginner, low impact and 8 p.m. for Intermediate level. Classes are taught by Hannah Rasby at the Solvang Vets Hall. Cost is $5 per class. 

Thursdays

Sideways Inn Local’s Night Specials – 5 p.m.- 8 p.m., 114 East Highway 246, Buellton; 805-691-8088.

Chair Exercises – 10 a.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, Noon; Basic Cartooning, 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. 

Reading with Dogs – 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Solvang Library – Tail Waggin Tutors help young readers practice reading skills. 

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley – Noon-2 p.m., Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center offers a support group for brain injury survivors and caregivers; www.jodihouse.org.

Pickle Ball – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome.

Fridays

Nutrition Classes – 11 a.m. – SYV Cottage Hospital Conference Room – Instruction Stacey Bailey is a dietician and offers weekly courses in various topics. For more information call 805-694-2351. Bring your lunch and talk nutrition. 

Tai Chi, 9:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.; Pilates – 10:15 a.m.; Ukulele 11:15 a.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Bingo – 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Saturdays

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m.; 805-688-4515 or www.sbparks.org.

Junior Rangers Program – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154. Children 3 and up; under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult. $3/person. Nature Center admission is free. Visit www.clnaturecenter.org.

World Folk Dance – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec – Ages 8 – adults, learn dances from Scandinavia, England, Scotland, Italy and more. Family fun and free. 

Sundays

Brunch at The Landsby – 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. – They now accept reservations on Open Table app for the dining room and Mad & Vin patio starting at 7.30 a.m. For more info visit www.thelandsby.com. 

Fri – Sun 

Danish Christmas Market – from Dec. 3 through Dec. 26, trees and buildings along Copenhagen Drive between Atterdag and Alisal Road will be awash in more than 100 high-output LED lights ebbing and flowing, chasing and playing in a choreographed experience along the newly branded Danish Christmas Market. 

Coming Up

Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com, www.buelltonrec.com or www.visitsyv.com to see a full schedule of programs and events that range from adult and youth sports to teen dances, field trips, excursions and more.

The post Calendar of events, December 17 – January 4 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

The Solvang City Council continues to struggle with the provisions of the Brown Act, California’s law that governs public meetings, as two concerns were raised at its most recent meeting on Dec. 9.

During public comment, former Councilman Ed Skytt brought up the Nov. 25 meeting when Mayor Ryan Toussaint prevented Renaissance Antiques co-owner Julie Palladino from speaking, because her husband and business partner Ron Palladino had already spoken about the recent Solvang Fall Festival. 

Toussaint said since they represented the same business, she didn’t need to speak, although the California News Publishers Association said the action violated Julie Palladino’s First Amendment rights as well as the Brown Act. 

“Ms. Palladino should have had the right to speak at the meeting. Just because her husband and business partner spoke doesn’t mean she has the same opinion. The only way the council could have limited her from speaking is if she were to read the same exact statement as her husband or someone else in the crowd, but the council wouldn’t have known that until she started speaking,” said Jim Ewert, attorney for the  CNPA. 

After Skytt spoke on Dec. 9, Toussaint asked City Attorney Chip Wullbrandt whether his prior act had been a Brown Act violation, and Wullbrandt said he didn’t believe so. The Star has asked Wullbrandt to clarify his reasoning but has received no response.  Toussaint replied by email. 

“I’m really trying my best and am always trying to improve, but I’m not perfect so if I made a mistake then I wholeheartedly apologize to Julie,” Toussaint wrote. “She is also more than welcome to come speak at any council meeting or workshops as I highly encouraged that engagement several times that night and always encourage it. We want to make our events better for everyone and constantly improve,” he said. 

He did say he has reached out to Ms. Palladino to meet with her. 

Toussaint explained he had two speaker slips from Kenny “Esko” Lama and he pulled one of his as well. He also noted that Julie Palladino had written her opinions in a letter that had been published in several newspapers and received by the city.

The second issue of a potential Brown Act violation came during the City Manager’s report on Dec. 9, when acting City Manager Xenia Bradford sought the council’s direction on asking Cinderella Carriages of Riverside to come to Solvang for a trial run this weekend. 

Cinderella Carriages of Riverside. Photo contributed

Councilman Chris Djernaes said he had contacted the carriage company personally after Lama brought it to his attention. Djernaes said he wanted to use the company’s carriages during Julefest as a “cost-neutral” addition, with the carriage company returning ticket proceeds to the city as reimbursement for up-front costs. 

“It wouldn’t cost the city a thing, but the risk to them is not free. Who would compensate them for this risk?” Djernaes said. 

As soon as Djernaes stated figures near $30,000 for the carriages for the month, Wullbrandt chimed in and said he was on the edge of violating the Brown Act. 

“In the low thousands, this is within the city manager’s authority to say yes or no, but approval of this item is not an agenda item,” Wullbrandt said. “I am a little worried when you start getting into great detail about cost, including numbers like $30,000. I hadn’t heard that number.”

Djernaes again kept speaking, saying it was a “bizarre situation” that he was trying to get discussed as quickly as possible. 

“And I’m trying to keep you from violating the Brown Act,” Wullbrandt retorted. 

Toussaint said he was fine with looking into something new, and didn’t think anyone would be upset with Bradford later. 

This discussion came just two months after the council grilled the Orona family, owners of the Solvang Trolley, also known as The Honen, on their business model and whether it was the right fit for the city. 

The Honen has a special license to operate within city limits, and each year the council must hold a public hearing before renewing the license in June. This year, the hearing was delayed until Sept. 23, when the Honen owners were asked very detailed questions about their operations and Djernaes asked to see their books. 

“I am not fond of the Honen. It looks 1960-ish,” Djernaes said at that meeting. 

He said he was in favor of helping the Oronas expand their business if that meant updating city code to allow for a multi-year contract. 

He also asked Clau Orona if she had data on who rides the Honen and whether the company keeps of where they come from. 

Orona said she has 12 years of logs on the number of riders each day, the daily temperatures and anything that happened of note. 

Djernaes said he wanted to take a look on a spreadsheet. 

He was repeatedly rebuked by Councilwoman Karen Waite, who said it was not appropriate to ask for a private business entity’s books. She also scolded him for presuming that he knew how to run someone else’s business. 

The Honen’s license was renewed until June 30, 2020.

On the SYV Chat room on Facebook this week, Orona posted a Santa Ynez Valley News story about the council’s discussion of the Cinderella Carriages, and people chimed in about the council not supporting local business or following their own ordinances. 

The current ordinance (Ord. 85-23, 11-7-1985) states, ”It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any type of conveyance for hire for which any animal or animals is or are the primary motive power, on any streets or roads owned and/or maintained by the city, without first obtaining, and thereafter maintaining in good standing, a license permitting such activities.”

 “Cinderella Carriages have been contracted specifically for the Julefest event by the City directly” Bradford noted in an email to the Star. “Such service performed on behalf of the City is not subject to the license you are referring to.”

In the same email, Bradford wrote, “Solvang Trolley is required to annually apply for a license to operate their business on the streets of Solvang subject to Council approval. Any such business would be required to apply for the license to independently operate their business.”

The Cinderella Carriages are set to arrive and be part of the new St. Lucia Parade tonight, Dec. 13, Bradford confirmed. It wasn’t confirmed if the carriages will be at more events through the end of the month, and that question has yet to be answered by Bradford. 

“We operate at a loss most of the year and count on events like Julefest and the summer season to make up for that revenue. If the city is just going to hire out of towners every high season to compete with us without even giving a chance to the public to comment on the issue, what is preventing them from taking similar measures to push their own agendas?” Orona said. 

She stated in the Facebook discussion that the company was never asked whether they had other carriages available, even though they have several options. 

“We have horse and carriage rigs/drivers here in the valley plus our long time LOCAL horse trolley people! With a little thought and carefully supervised local resources this could be turned into a nifty fundraiser, no need to import out-of-towners,” wrote Nancy Hunsicker. 

Orona said she has been trying to contact the city to see if they can provide an option and they have yet to hear back. 

To see the entire council meeting and past meetings, visit www.YouTube.com and search City of Solvang. 

The St. Lucia parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on Alisal Road and will go down Copenhagen to Solvang Park. For more details visit www.solvangjulefest.org. 

Check www.santaynezvalleystar.com for updates to this story. 

The post Solvang council continues to struggle with open meetings law appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Hammer Museum – 7:45 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Meet at Solvang Vets Hall to experience the diverse collection of historical and contemporary works. Hosted by the Elverhoj Museum. Cost is $43 per person, visit www.cityofsolvang.com to register.

SYHS Board Meeting – 4 – 6 p.m. in the SYHS Board Room. Visit www.syvuhsd.org for agendas and minutes.

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Live Museum and Trivia – 6 – 9 p.m. at Fig Mtn Brew in Los Olivos. Check out the rest of the schedule on our website www.FigMtnBrewLO.com.

Lindsey Stirling Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour – 8 p.m. at the Arlington – she will bring back her successful holiday show featuring elaborate festive themes as well Stirling’s signature brand of dance routines and on-stage visuals. This year’s set list will feature an array of holiday classics including “I Wonder as I Wander,” “Santa Baby,” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” as well as some of Stirling’s original tracks. Visit www.axs.com/events/383256/lindsey-stirling-tickets for tickets.

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Jasper String Quartet – 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Santa Barbara Museum of Art – Winner of the prestigious CMA Cleveland Quartet Award, Philadelphia’s Jasper String Quartet is the Professional Quartet in Residence at Temple University’s Center for Gifted Young Musicians. Visit www.sbma.net for details.

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Free Nutrition and Diabetes Education – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at SYV Cottage Hospital – What are Blue Zones? – Contact  Stacey Bailey directly at 805-694-2351.

38 Special – 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino – Experience more than 4 decades of hits live, including “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl” and “Second Chance.” Don’t miss a night with the “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys”. Tickets available at www.chumashcasino.com.

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Rummage Sale – 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Bethania Lutheran Church 603 Atterdag Road Solvang – Come check out great home decor, goods and more at the Parish Hall.

Holiday Gift Market – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Koehler Winery – Find a curated assortment of talented Central Coast makers, creators, artists, hobbyists, crafters, bakers, and the like, selling their original creations, unique wares, and beautiful designs. Full of Life Flatbread will be selling food and wine tastings available for purchase. Bring unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Preregister at www.valleywellnesscollective.com/event/koehler-winery-holiday-gift-market/.

Turkey Bingo – 6 – 10 p.m. at Solvang Veteran’s Hall – Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost is $10 adults, $6 for 13 and under and extra cards are $5. Proceeds benefit the Solvang Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and Solvang Arts and Music.

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Turkey Drive – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brew in Buellton – Autumn Wind Militia Raiders Booster Club annual turkey drive. Call Adrian de Luna at 805-325-3269.

Free Nutrition and Diabetes Education – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at SYV Cottage Hospital – Holiday Eating Tips for Diabetics – Contact  Stacey Bailey directly at 805-694-2351.

Reindeer at the Zoo Arrive – Santa Barbara Zoo – Reindeer return to the Santa Barbara Zoo to celebrate the holidays. Winter-themed and holiday-related activities happening throughout the holiday season.  Visit www.sbzoo.org for details.

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Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Day Smash – 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at SB Zoo – Animal lovers are encouraged to get the kids out of the house this Thanksgiving and come to the Zoo for a smashin’ good time! Watch as the elephants, gorillas, and other Zoo animals play and interact with pumpkins. Visit www.sbzoo.org for details.

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Turkey Trot – 10 – 11 a.m. at Sunny Fields Park – No winners, all ages welcome and proceeds go to the Salvation Army – All participants receive a shirt, register for $20 at www.cityofsolvang.com or call 805-688-PLAY.

Julefest Begins – All day in Solvang – The return of the popular Nisse Adventure Hunt, VIP Candlelight Tours, Tree Lighting ceremony (Dec. 6), plus a parade (Dec. 7), Santa visits, holiday lights tours, and Walk, Shop, Mingle, Jingle. Learn more at www.solvangjulefest.org.

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Saturday Morning Cartoons – 9 – 11 a.m. at Parks Plaza Theater in Buellton – Join the Central Coast Film Society for a fun morning of classic cartoons from Popeye the Sailor Man, Betty Boop and more! Tickets are available at www.centralcoastfilmsociety.org or at the door.

December

The post Calendar of events, November 18 – December 2 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.