Nacho Figueras lived up to his reputation by playing his fiery brand of polo at the seventh annual Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic on June 23, leading the Piocho Ranch Team to an exciting 5-3 victory in the day’s featured match. Figueras scored 3 goals in the match against John Benitz’s Wildhorse Studios.

The event was hosted by Piocho Ranch-Happy Canyon Vineyard and was attended by more than 1,100 guests in one of the most beautiful venues in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The Polo Classic benefits Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP) in its delivery of basic-needs services to seniors and youth with limited resources.

A Bentley and a Rolls-Royce, both from Polo Classic sponsor O’Gara Coach Westlake, lead the Sheriff’s Mounted Unit, the American flag, and the parade of players onto the field at the Polo Classic.

In a match earlier in the day, sponsored by O’Gara Coach and featuring all female players, Team Bentley Westlake tied Team Rolls-Royce Westlake at a score of 3 to 3. This was the first time that the Polo Classic spotlighted women’s polo, which is experiencing rapid growth.

“The women’s match could not have gone better,” said Meghan Gracida, one of the players and player coordinator for the match. “Both teams played hard and played with class. We each feel grateful that we had the opportunity to play the sport we love for an amazing cause.”

Each year the Polo Classic conducts a hat contest, consistent with polo tradition. A guest Judge, Richard Mineards, was recruited to officiate. He is the Montecito Journal columnist who is well known for his coverage of Britain’s Royal Family.

In the most prestigious category, best ensemble, the prize was won by Valley celebrity Kelly LeBrock.

“The day was a huge success in two ways. We raised some much-needed funding but we also made many new friends as well as renewing many friendships,” said Dean Palius, PHP CEO. “This remarkable event would not be possible without a large cast of volunteers and PHP staff led by Event Coordinator Erica Valdés and Event Committee co-chairs Nancy Hunsicker and Mila Hart.”

“Additionally, throwing a party for 1,100 that involves horses and other athletes performing at a remote location requires a large investment in logistics, security, rentals, catering, and stage production. These expenses are underwritten by our generous sponsors.”

To view the full contingent of sponsors and patrons, visit www.syvpoloclassic.com.

To learn more about PHP, its programs, and ways to help, visit www.syvphp.org or call 805-686-0295.

The post Figueras’ star burns brightly at annual Polo Classic appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

June B Events Calendar Santa Ynez Valley Star

June

20

Boomers Summer Day Camp with Buellton Parks and Rec-June 20th-23rd. Daily to weekly sessions available. Visit www.buelltonrec.com for more information.

“Beauty and the Beast” Performance presented by PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theater-June 21st through July 2nd. No showings on June 22nd. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. Call 922-8313 for ticket sales.

21

Row by Row Sewing-8 a.m. Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, 252 East Hwy 246, Unit A, Buellton. Call 693-0174 for more information.

65th Lompoc Flower Festival-June 21st through June 25th at 10 a.m. Parade, Carnival and Live music. $4. Food and beverages available for additional purchase. Visit www.lompocvalleyfestivals.com.

Community Day-11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wildling Museum, 1511 Mission Dr., Solvang. Free Museum Day.

Ukelele Jim! Children’s Songs and More-12 p.m. Buellton Library, 140 W Hwy 246, Buellton.

Music Under the Stars featuring the Art Green and Tony Martinez-6:30-8:30 p.m. The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. The longest running live music event in the valley is taking place once again. Performances will be held every Wednesday from through September 13th. For reservations call 688-2886. Visit www.thevineyardhouse.com for a full list of events.

22

Living Trust Seminar-4-5 p.m. 1607 Mission Dr. Suite 107, Solvang. Seminar presented by the North County’s only State Bar Certified Estate and Trust Specialist Lana Clark. Learn how to determine if you need a trust, how assets are transferred outside probate and trust control and learn how to simplify an outdated trust. Free. Call to reserve a seat at 688-3939.

The History of Rancho Los Olivos Presentation and Book Signing by Joanna Bard Newton-5:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House, 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. $10 museum members, $15 non-members. Purchase tickets by calling (805) 688-7889 or visiting www.santaynezmuseum.org.

Dancers will perform an excerpt from “Don Quixote” at Fossemalle Dance Studio’s 30th anniversary celebration from June 22-24.

“An Invitation to Dance” Performance-June 22nd through 24th at 7 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley High School Little Theater. The Santa Ynez Valley Performing Arts Company, under the direction of Christine Fossemalle, will present its 30th Anniversary Celebration with this public performance. Tickets on sale now at Fossemalle Dance Studios, 3595 Numancia St, Santa Ynez. For more information, call 688-8494.

23

Movies in the Park “Secret Life of Pets”-7:30 p.m. Solvang Park, at the corner of Mission Dr. and First St. Free. Hot chocolate and popcorn available for purchase.

24

Battle of the Bars-10 a.m. Zaca Creek Golf Course, 223 Shadow Mountain Dr., Buellton. Four person 18-Hole scramble and silent auction benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. All bars are welcome. Minimum of 1 employee per team. $200 per team. Register by contacting Rebecca Lewis at (760) 625-6916 or rlewis@pga.com.

Book Sale-10 a.m.-3 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. For more information call 688-4214.

Movie Afternoon “A Dog’s Purpose”-2 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Free. For more information call 688-4214.

Bear Redell Performance Under the Stars-Mad and Vin Courtyard at The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., Solvang. Enjoy live entertainment every Saturday evening in the newly renovated courtyard. Bar menu eats and drinks available during the event. For more information call 688-3121.

6th Annual Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic-Piocho Ranch at Happy Canyon Vineyard, 1100 Secretariat Dr. Happy Canyon, Santa Ynez. For ticket sales visit www.syvpoloclassic.com.

26

That’s Entertainment by Buellton Parks and Rec-June 26th-30th. Ravine Water Park, 2301 Airport Rd., Paso Robles. Summer camp geared toward children ages 6-12. Daily to weekly sessions available. Visit www.buelltonrec.com for more information.

SYV Mindfulness Meditation Group-7:30 p.m. 1669 Fir Ave Suite #4, Solvang. Facilitated by Erin Pollaro, MS, LMFT. Donation based offering.

27

Nifty Balloons: The Magic Balloon Book-10:30-11:30 a.m. Starring Mr. Dave, the world-traveling balloon artist. With the help of his amazing book of many balloons, Mr. Dave tells stories, teaches science lessons, and even brings a giant balloon dog to life! At the end of the show everyone in the audience will learn to make a balloon doggie that they can take home! Ages 3 and up. Free. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. For more information call 688-4214.

Recovery Ranch Presentation by Santa Ynez Valley Youth Coalition-3:30-5 p.m. People Helping People, 545 Alisal Rd. #102, Solvang. A Quarterly Coalition Meeting.

28

Music Under the Stars featuring the Steve Ochoa Trio-6:30-8:30 p.m. The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. The longest running live music event in the valley is taking place once again. Performances will be held every Wednesday through September 13th. For reservations call 688-2886. Visit www.thevineyardhouse.com for a full list of events.

29

Kids Come and Stitch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, 252 East Hwy 246, Unit A, Buellton. Teaming with the Santa Maria Guild for a day of teaching youngsters to stitch. Free lesson. $5 supply kit. Contact (805) 693-0174 for more information or visit www.thecreationstation.com.

30

Parade Craft Workshop-June 30th through July 1st 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Every year for the past 13 years, Library patrons have joined us in making a fun walking entry for Solvang’s hometown Fourth of July Parade. This year we are making… huge foldout books! Materials provided, bring your imagination! Children 7 and under must be with an adult or teen. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

The Rincons Performance during the Solvang Summer Concert Series-5 p.m. Solvang Park, between First St. and Mission Dr. Free. Food and drinks available for purchase.

July

3

SYV Mindfulness Meditation Group-7:30 p.m. 1669 Fir Ave Suite #4, Solvang. Facilitated by Erin Pollaro, MS, LMFT. Donation based offering.

Every Day

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 Monday

Senior T’ai Chi – 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Class at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Adult Coloring – 2nd and 4th Monday every month at 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Senior Issues-2nd and 4th Monday every month at 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

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

Preschool Storytime-11:15 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Every Wednesday

Solvang Summer Concert Series-5-8 p.m. Occurring through August 16th. Solvang Park, between First St. and Mission Dr. The Series features musicians and bands of varied genres playing to crowds of both locals and tourists, who are invited to picnic in the Park during the family-friendly, evening concert events. Free. Food and drink available for purchase.

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

Yoga-9:15 a.m.; Bingo at 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.

Wiggly Storytime-10:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Every Thursday

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

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

Tail Waggin’ Tutors-3:30 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

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.

Live music – 5 to 7 p.m. at Carr Vineyards and Winery, 3563 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. For more information visit www.carrwinery.com.

Firkin Friday at Figueroa Mountain Brew – 5-10 p.m. at the Buellton and Los Olivos Figueroa Mountain Brewery locations. For more information visit www.figmtnbrew.com.

Every Saturday

Guided Nature Walk-10:00-11:30 a.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. All Ages. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

Junior Rangers-12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. Geared towards children ages 3 and up. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

“Going Batty”-Meet at Dusk. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. Talk and living exhibit of local bats. Watch them as they come out to feed. Seasonal event ending in September. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

“New Music” Concerts-3:30-7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The Crooked Path, 2885 Grand Ave. Listen to indie singer/songwriter Bent Myggen and his fellow musicians play his original Americana in a beautiful shaded garden.

Every Week

Crafting-Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 12-5:30 p.m. Buellton  Library, 140 W Hwy 246, Buellton.

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 June 20 -July 2 Events Calendar appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Pamela Dozois

PHP’s Polo Classic was hot, windy, fast, and furious. This year’s sold-out event was held at a new venue, the Piocho Ranch in Happy Canyon, owned by Tom Barrack.  More than 365 VIP tickets were sold and an estimated 500 people attended the Club Seating and General Admission section of the field.

The morning started off with a VIP Champagne Reception followed by a Preliminary Polo match spotlighting up and coming young, local, and international players, supported by seasoned professionals.  On the Blue Team were Alfonso Giannico, Tommy Costello, Athena Malin, and Hilario Figueras. On the Red team were Lucas Escobar, Luis Escobar, Nicolas Escobar, and Lizzy Peck.

Charlotte Bredahl-Baker then gave a stunning dressage demonstration.

“I rode Hamilton (Leo) in a freestyle to a Grease Medley and he was an absolute saint. He didn’t mind all the hoopla and was totally focused on me and our performance. I just love this horse,” said Bredahl-Baker. “What made this extra special for me was that Olivia Newton-John, who has been my idol for years, was at our table and watched my performance. I really wanted to do a good job for her and she approved.”

A VIP & Wine Club Luncheon followed. It was then time for the feature Polo Match of the day. The flag was presented and the National Anthem was sung by Shaken Reed. The field welcomed players from Team Piocho, Tom Barrack, Guillermo “Memo” Gracida, Jr., Nacho Figueras, and Sterling Giannico. On Team USA were Joel Baker, Remy Muller, Jesse Bray, and Felipe Viana.

Bo Derek threw the first ball. The game was fast and furious with one of the riders, # 1 on Team USA losing his seat as his horse ran into some hay bales. The rider landed on his feet and kept hold of the reigns so as not to lose his horse too. During half-time guests were invited out onto the field for a divot stomp, replacing the clumps of grass that had been churned up by the horses’ hoofs.

With the field now in order again, winners of the Hat Contest were announced. Charlotte Becerra won for Most Classic; Terrie Patterson won in the Most Creative category; Alicia Hart took home the Most Dramatic Hat award, and Nancy Chuda won for Best Ensemble sporting a beautiful vintage ensemble.

Play resumed and Team Piocho won the match 7 to 5.

“We out-did ourselves this year,” said Mila Hart, co-chair of the event along with Nancy Hunsicker. “All our VIP tickets were sold out before we advertised it and people kept calling for tickets. We added six more tables and we then had to turn people away. This was the best year ever!”

Following the game, awards were presented to all the players. They each received helmet bags. In honor of his late brother, Gracida presented the Carlos Gracida Sportsmanship Award to Bray. Bray also won the award for the Best String of Horses while Gracida’s horse, a 5-year-old thoroughbred, in his first season, won Best Horse. The horse was from Santa Ynez.

Members of Team Piocho took home this year’s trophy for winning the match.

“What a glorious day for one and all! I couldn’t think of a greater cause and what fun it was,” said Laurel Roberts of Flag is Up Farm.

Freddy Zepeda put the finishing touch to the day by coming to the rescue in his “mule”, offering a lift to the car, which was parked quite a long distance away. Zepeda, who grew up on the ranch, was a charming and delightful example of just how special this event was.

For more information on People Helping People visit their website at www.syvphp.org.

The post PHP’s POLO Classic breaks attendance records appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.