SYV Star Intern

The local toy store ONEder Child has moved from Buellton to Solvang, and owners Kiel and Matt Cavalli say they’re getting much more traffic since the ending of their lease prompted the move.

“For business, it’s been the best move ever,” Kiel Cavalli said. “Our foot traffic is four times what it was in Buellton.”

The store on Copenhagen Drive aims to foster an inclusive environment for kids and parents alike. The Cavallis started the business in June 2017 because they noticed a lack of stores like it in the Santa Ynez Valley. The store’s motto is “One Life, One Love, One Community.”

“I grew up here, so when we started this business, I wanted to impact the community in a way that I felt it was lacking,” said Kiel Cavalli. “Being different was hard growing up, so I wanted people to have a space where they can come in and feel welcome.”

The store carries everything from toys to books to clothes to miscellaneous items such as salt lamps and key chains. The toys sold in the store have also been tested by the owners’ kids to ensure they are durable and high quality.

“We really tried to home in what we’re carrying so it’s not just stuff you can find at the next shop in town,” said Kiel.

He described the store as a “hands-on experience.” Kids who come into the store are able to play with all of the toys in the store to make sure they really love them before taking them home.

The Cavallis hope to continue to grow the business by connecting with the community and expanding the store to fit the community’s needs as time goes on.

“The goal is to make something that is sustainable for our kids so they can take over the business in the future,” Kiel said.

ONEder Child is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday at 1576 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang. To learn more, visit www.onederchild.com or follow the store on Instagram (@onederchild) and Facebook (@onederchild).

The post Local toy store moves from Buellton to Solvang appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Small Business Saturday is an important day for business owners in the Santa Ynez Valley as a majority of the shops in Santa Ynez, Solvang, Buellton, Los Olivos and Los Alamos are small businesses.

Matthew and Kiel Cavalli, owners of the ONEderChild children’s, women’s and maternity shop in Buellton, said they saw an increase in sales that day and felt very well supported by the community.

“We both come from corporate retail backgrounds and not having to deal with the madness of Black Friday, we actually shut the store down that day. … This is our first year as small business owners, so next year we only anticipate Small Business Saturday being even bigger and better,” Matthew Cavalli said.

The Home Connection in Solvang offers everything from furniture to Gorky Gonzalez Mexican pottery.

Small Business Saturday (SBS) was started in November 2010 to counteract Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when big stores have huge discounts. SBS encourages holiday shoppers to frequent small, local businesses instead. The event is sponsored by American Express, which distributes marketing materials that small business owners can use to increase exposure on social media and in other marketing campaigns.

“Times are changing, but by supporting our local stores, we also support the creation of jobs, support our local economy by generating tax income for our municipalities, and we support our local business men and woman who have invested in our communities,” said Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the Buellton Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

She encourages people to be a “tourist in their own towns” and explore the options in their own backyards.

“I would say business was up but it was also due to some of our locals that came in and bought. It was nice to see our friends and neighbors bringing guests into the store. We try and offer a lot of customer service with special orders, shipping and free gift wrapping, which they really love,” said Donna Andersen-Ineman of the Home Connection in Solvang.

The post Special day emphasizes shopping locally appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Santa Ynez Valley community has come out in force with helping their neighbors to the south that have been affected by the Thomas Fire burning in south Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. As people have been evacuated and the blaze has destroyed more than 1,000 structures and damaged 229 others, it has scorched more than 269,000 acres since the fire started on Dec. 4 near Santa Paula.

Many people in the valley have heard about all the families that have lost their homes in the weeks before Christmas, and stepped up to offer comfort and items in need.

“We wanted to host a hot chocolate stand to raise money for the families, but it was too smokey outside so we did a GoFundMe instead. It’s sad to think about all those kids who don’t have a home on Christmas, we wanted to help them,” said Kaidan Kurowski, 11, of Santa Ynez Valley.

Kaidan and his five siblings along with the help from their mother Brittany, set up a page and raised more than $1,300 in less than 24 hours and hit their goal of $1,500 in two days. The kids took the money and went on a shopping spree at Toys ‘R Us in Ventura and donated all the toys they could fit into their van and dropped them off at the Catholic Charities Ventura Community Center. Watch the video of them dropping off here.

The Kurowski kids at Toys ‘R Us.
Photo by Brittany Kurowski

Each of the older Kurowski kids said they had their own cart and liked getting to pick out toys and gifts for their age group. Kash said he made sure there were Nerf guns, while younger sister Kalei said her favorite toy she picked out was a tattoo machine.

“The staff at Toys ‘R Us were amazing, and the other customers that waited behind us patiently in line. As a mom it’s already daunting taking kids into a toy store, but I am really proud that none of my kids, even the younger ones, asked to take anything for themselves,” Kurowski said.

Kurowski said when they showed up at the Catholic Charities center the volunteers were so thankful. They plan on taking more donations that have shown up at her door even after their GoFundMe reached their goal.

The Kurowski kids raised $1,300 in 24 hours to purchase toys for fire victims of the Thomas Fire.
Photo by Brittany Kurowski

The Kurowski kids and volunteers at the Catholic Charities Ventura Community Center unloading $1,300 worth of toys for Thomas Fire victims.
Photo by Brittany Kurowski

Other Santa Ynez Valley businesses have also hosted fundraising or donation events at their locations such as Matt and Kiel Cavalli of ONEderChild Children’s Gifts and Consignment in Buellton.

“We are accepting clothing sizes newborn through 8 years old, and the valley has delivered. We also asked for diapers and wipes and have been provided with all that and more. People have dropped off formula, toys, and socks. One customer went to Costco and bought brand new pajamas,” Matt Cavalli said.

He added that multiple customers of theirs have given up their consignment balance for people to purchase clothes if they had older kids or needed more items than ONEderChild could provide.

Donations for Thomas Fire victims at ONEderChild in Buellton
Photo contributed

“We opted to keep donations in the store versus sending them out so the kids would have a sense of security in a fun mellow store. We pull the bins they need by size and help them shop and try on as if they were shopping in the store. The best part is that it’s all free,” Cavalli added.

Pilates instructor Allison Howie who owns Studio Joie de Vie in Santa Ynez took donations of clothes and everyday household items to the Unity Shoppe in Santa Barbara.

“This valley amazes me with all the people who are concerned for those that have lost their homes or have been evacuated,” Howie said.

The newest doggie day care Hollon’s Hounds that opened in November in Santa Ynez, has taken in 65 animals from the Thomas Fire and is either keeping them for their owners until their situations are stable or finding homes for the owners that can’t take care of their animals anymore.

“If anyone wishes to help we are accepting donations at the Tractor Supply in Buellton, we have an account set up there or you can donate through our Milton’s Mutts nonprofit. It’s a tragic situation,” said Breann Hollon, owner of Hollon’s Hounds and director of Milton’s Mutts.

This Great Dane puppy who’s middle name will be Cory after the fallen firefighter, found a new home with the Ayala family of Buellton through Hollon’s Hounds.

They need dog food, bowls, beds, toys or monetary support.

For more information find them on Facebook at Hollon’s Hounds.

Pollyrich Farms in Buellton was hosting a donation drive and will be taking items down to the fire victims on Monday if anyone has anything they would like to donate. They are located at 468 Ballard Canyon Road in Buellton.

Santa Ynez Valley resident Pam Fisher said she donated several bags of clothes to the donation drive at the bowling alley in Santa Maria.

Resident Matt Lamberton of Solvang has been collecting items to donate and making several trips to Santa Barbara to drop off at various charities.

Local chiropractor Jim Hazard is offering free chiropractic care for firefighters if they are able to make it to his office at 2027 Village Lane in Solvang. Contact him at 805-686-2064 if you are a firefighter and would like to get seen this next week.

Several ranchers and horse boarding facilities offered shelter for larger animals such as Nojoqui Horse Ranch in Gaviota. Horse trainer Amber Giorgi Mallea said they have room for several more, contact her at 805-325-1941 or through her website at www.nojoquihorseranch.com. Also contact Andrea at the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center at 805-588-4521 for available space.

Jacobsen Hay and Feed delivers feed for large animals at Earl Warren Showgrounds.
Photo contributed

The Santa Ynez Feed and Mill is accepting donations for pet and livestock feed and they have been taking loads down to the various fairgrounds in Ventura and Santa Barbara for those animals displaced. Jacobsen Hay and Feed has also been delivering hay and feed for large animals.

St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church has offered their facilities during the day if anyone would like to come rest, meditate, pray or use their wifi.

“You’ll also find water for your dog in the courtyard and, on especially hot days, there will be ice water for you, as well,” St. Mark’s staff wrote.

Catholic Charities is accepting donations of gently used clothing as well as new toys and clothing to be given as Christmas gifts to families displaced by the fires. Donations can be dropped off at Catholic Charities’ Ventura Community Services Center at 303 N. Ventura Ave. Ventura, CA 93001.

The charity has also established a special fund to help offset the cost of home repairs. Donations can be made to the Catholic Charities website.

The Salvation Army Ventura Corps has set up shop at the Ventura County Fairgrounds and is asking for donations of food and water as it works to help evacuees.

As the charity’s other chapters assist in various evacuation centers, Salvation Army is asking for monetary donations to support its work. Those wishing to donate can do so by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or visiting the organization’s website.

The United Way of Santa Barbara County and United Way of Ventura County, American Red Cross of Ventura County and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services have teamed up to create the Thomas Fire Fund. All proceeds will go directly to support the hundreds of residents displaced by the fires.

The post Santa Ynez Valley residents and businesses step up to help Thomas Fire victims appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

To submit an event for publication, email the information to news@santaynezvalleystar.com. To see more information online, go to www.visitsyvcom or www.santaynezvalleystar.com.

November

21

Christmas Light Display – Now through Christmas Day. Recovery Ranch, 3694 B. Tivola St., Santa Ynez. Miles of lights illuminate the property. The public is invited to come view the display while enjoying the Ranch Guys food trailer and hot coco stand. Visit www.therecoveryranch.com/events.

22

K’Syrah Holiday Cocktail Party – 6 p.m.-12 a.m. 478 4th Place, Solvang. Music, dancing, full bar and holiday drink specials. Ages 21 and over. Free admission, drinks for purchase. Visit www.kscateringandevents.com.

23

Thanksgiving Day – 12-7 p.m. The Bear and Star, 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Carving station, hot buffet, cold buffet and pie bar. $55/adult, $20/under 12 years old. Visit www.thebearandstar.com.

24

Turkey Trot – 10 a.m. Sunny Fields Park, 900 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang. $25. Register online at www.cityofsolvang.com.

Holiday Art Show Opening – Judith Hale Gallery at Solvang Antiques, 1693 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. Call 688-6222.

25

Small Business Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ONEderCHILD, 240 E. Highway 246, Suite 105 in Buellton.

Fall Open House – 12-3 p.m. Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos. Wine deals, vendors and live music by Danielle Taylor. Visit www.zacamesa.com.

Artists Reception – 12-4 p.m. Solvang Antiques, 1693 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. Call 688-6222.

“Star Boat” Book Signing – 3-4 p.m. The Book Loft, 1680 Mission Drive, Solvang. Meet the author, Roger F. Vanderlaan.

26

Gingerbread House Workshop – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, 252 E. Hwy. 246, Unit A, Buellton. $75. Registration in advance required. Call 693-0174.

30

50 Home Challenge Home Energy Meeting – 6-7 p.m. CHOMP Burgers, Fries and Shakes, 1693 Mission Drive, Solvang. Hear how the 50 Home Challenge is improving homes and communities through energy efficiency. For more information, call 805-568-3566.

December

1

Shop, Mingle and Jingle – Dec. 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17. Select shops, restaurants and tasting rooms will be offering discounts. Guests will be able to enjoy special events and entertainment while they shop. Visit www.solvangusa.com.

Solvang Julefest Photos with Santa – 4-6 p.m.; Tree Lighting – 5 p.m. Visit www.solvangusa.com.

TFDI Beggars and Ballers Winter Tour – 7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St., Buellton. $20/standing room or $25/reserved seating based on availability. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

Jewel’s Handmade Holiday Tour – 8 p.m. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Hwy-246, Santa Ynez. Ages 21 and up. Tickets start at $55. Visit www.chumashcasino.com.

2

Solvang Julefest Parade – 11 a.m.; Photos with Santa – 12:30-4 p.m. Visit www.solvangusa.com.

Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas – Artisan Boutique at the Grange-1-8 p.m.; Gingerbread Wonderland at St. Mark’s and Carolers, 4-8 p.m.; Summerset Farm and Dale’s Train, 4:30-8 p.m.; Tree Lighting, 6 p.m.

Annual Christmas Party – 5-8 p.m.; The Home Connection, 425 Alisal Road, Solvang. Enjoy 20% off items storewide during event. For more information, call 686-4553.

Candlelight Tours – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. 5 p.m. Meet at the Solvang Visitor’s Center, 1639 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. A costumed Tour Guide will share information on the history of Solvang, you will enjoy traditional Christmas Carols while experiencing the sights and sounds of Julefest. Free, space is limited.  Visit www.solvangusa.com.

Live Music in the Park (Wandering) – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 26, 28-30. 1-4 p.m. Live holiday music provided by musicians who will be wandering up and down Copenhagen Dr. Visit www.solvangusa.com.

Michael Shelton Performance – 8-10:30 p.m. The Good Life, 1672 Mission Drive, Solvang. Ages 21 and up. Contact info@thegoodlifecellar.com.

3

Buellton Winter Fest – Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Village, live music and a tree lighting ceremony. Visit www.buellton.org or www.buelltonrec.com for a schedule of events.

7th Annual Holiday Marketplace – 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511 Mission Drive, Solvang. Shop from over a dozen artisan vendors while enjoying free cider and cookies. Visit www.wildlingmuseum.org.

Every Day

Summerset Farm and Dale’s Nursery – 9 a.m. Hwy 154 at Baseline and Edison, Santa Ynez. Call 245-0989 or 895-7902.

Cachuma Lake Recreation – Wildlife cruises and boat rentals, fishing, nature walks and Nature Center. Visit www.countyofsb.org/parks.

Zaca Creek Golf Course – Perfect little 9-hole course, daily from sunrise to sunset. No tee times. Call 691-9272.

Every Sunday

Bethania Lutheran Church Services 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.– 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. A time of worship and prayer in an inclusive and progressive community. Call 688-7927.

Every Monday

Weight Room – 6-8 a.m. and 1:30-8 p.m. Buellton Rec Center, 301 2nd St., Buellton. $3. Call 688-1086.

Senior T’ai Chi – 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Creative Coloring – 1 p.m. every other Monday; Senior Issues – 1 p.m. every other Monday at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Every Tuesday

Knitting – 9 a.m.; Computer class 9:30 a.m.; Bridge and Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Every Wednesday

Yoga – 9:15 a.m.; Bingo – 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Knit and Crochet – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop After School Wednesdays – 2-5 p.m. 252 E. Hwy-246, Unit A, Buellton. Pre-registration and fee required. Call 693-0714.

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

Trivia Night – 7-9 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

Every Thursday

Chair Exercises – 10 a.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley – 12-2 p.m. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center is offering a support group for care givers and brain injury survivors. Visit www.jodihouse.org.

Every Friday

Pilates – 10:00 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Bingo – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Home School PE – 2:45-3:45 p.m. and Itty Bitty Sports – 4-4:45 p.m. Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. 686-2037.

Live music – 6 -8 p.m. at Carr Vineyards and Winery, 3563 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. Ages 21 and up. For more information visit www.carrwinery.com.

Karaoke – Eleven Wine Lounge, 3640 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Free.  Call 691-9134.

Every Saturday

Junior Golf Clinics – Zaca Creek Golf Course, 223 Shadow Mountain Drive, Buellton.  Free. Call 698-6224 or e-mail bob@oldeschoolgolfschool.com.

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

Coming Up – log onto www.cityofsolvang.com or www.buelltonrec.com to see the full schedule of programs and events from adult sports, youth sports, teen dances, field trips and excursions and more!

The post Nov. 21 – Dec. 4 Events Calendar appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

As fathers to two children, Kiel and Matthew Cavalli of Los Alamos wanted their work to be near their daughter and son. When the opportunity arose to purchase the former ONE Consignment store in Buellton, they jumped at the chance and officially took over in June.

The Cavallis renamed the store “ONEderChild Children’s Gifts and Consignments,” and they want it to be a welcoming space for all members of a family.

“We’ve had some dads come in looking for a gift for their kids, people from out of town needing shoes for a wedding, store regulars and first-timers that have really enjoyed the new space. If you want to bring your kids in and shop, we have toys for them to play with. All are welcome,” Matt said.

“We promote diversity and acceptance. We have items from many cultures, as there are many rituals that other cultures use to celebrate new life, from burning sage to worry dolls and special lotions,” Kiel added.

The store has been remodeled with an modern industrial vibe, and most of the furniture and racks were built by Kiel Cavalli and his father.

The store has been completely remodeled with an modern industrial vibe, and Kiel and his father built most of the furniture and racks.

“We loved visiting Maria (Bellefeuille, the former owner), and this environment felt so much like home we were really excited to step in and create a new opportunity and space for families to come in and shop, not only for consignment clothing but gifts and new clothes as well,” Kiel said.

Kiel moved to the Santa Ynez Valley at the age of four when his parents bought a property in Santa Ynez and built their house. He and his little sister Katie grew up attending Santa Ynez Elementary, Solvang Elementary and then Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. He graduated in 2001.

“I stuck around for awhile but then decided I needed to leave and experience other places. so I lived in Spokane, Washington, for a few years and moved to Santa Barbara, where I met Matt. I really just knew we were meant to be together, and here we are 10 years later,” Kiel said.

Matt grew up in Nipomo and graduated from Arroyo Grande High School and moved to San Luis Obispo to be a dance teacher at the Academy of Dance SLO.

“I taught at Allan Hancock College for a while and got to dance for Disneyland. It was so fun. After living in Texas for a few years after that, I moved home and worked at a retail clothing store where I met Kiel,” he said.

It was their experience working in retail, and especially after adopting their two kids, that really interested them in buying the children’s store to be involved in the kids’ community.

“Like our motto we have on the wall, ‘One Life, One Love, One Community’,” Matt added.

The store is keeping its consignment aspect, but the new owners have added new clothes, toys, shoes and gifts.

“Our prices are comparable to Amazon, and you don’t have to wait for two-day shipping,” Kiel laughed.

They have bigger product lines such as Melissa and Doug and Begin Again, but they also want to carry local products and feature handmade items. A popular item they have sold is a simple handmade jacket from a recycled Pendleton blanket and leather. It was made by a woman in Gaviota who sews in her free time.

They have a two-year lease on the current space but they already see the need for a bigger facility and have created a list of ideas they want to implement, for a parent meeting space, kids’ activities and more.

“We got tired of running to the grocery store for a quick gift for a birthday party. We wanted to bring in quality toys that will last and aren’t expensive,” Matt said.

They are also keeping the maternity and women’s section and adding unique items such as salt lamps and beach blankets.

“We have all of the consignment items from before and have large items like strollers and ‘pack and plays,’ so if someone is looking for something specific, call us and we can bring out what we have,” Matt said.

ONEderChild is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at 240 E. Highway 246 in Buellton. They encourage people to follow their social media sites to see specials and giveaways.

The post Consigment store becomes ONEderChild appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.