Santa Ynez Valley resident Anna Lincoln submitted a photo of her pug Magda dressed in her Santa outfit. Meanwhile, Cindy Lou Who, Santa Claus and a friendly Grinch took pictures with shoppers at El Rancho Market on Dec. 16.

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The Christmas cocoa stand at Recovery Ranch in Santa Ynez was in hot water with code enforcement of the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development department as they were operating a commercial operation in a residential zone, according to county officials.

“We received an anonymous complaint that Recovery Ranch was operating a commercial business in a residential zone, and while we understand they were trying to do something good in the community, we have to follow county code. They have 30 days from receiving their notice of violation which I believe was yesterday, to either cease the operation or have the property rezoned,” said Dr. Glenn Russell, planning director.

The cocoa stand has become a community favorite event as they offered holiday treats and pictures with Santa Claus. The Recovery Ranch is a rehabilitation facility in Santa Ynez for men that struggle with addiction and alcoholism. They come to the ranch to receive treatment and more than just a sober living home, once they graduate the program have job opportunities with several of the businesses created such as Ranch Wash, Ranch Hands, Ranch Outreach and more as they continue their journey in recovery.

There has been an outpouring of support for the holiday activity from many people in the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding areas.

“So sad that you had to close down. You all bring so much joy and Christmas cheer to the valley every year,” said Cyndy Allen on their Facebook page.

“Having such a wonderful event closed down is heartbreaking. Praying that everything can get resolved and the Cocoa Stand can reopen soon,” wrote Lisa Bondietti.

Russell said they are happy to talk to the Recovery Ranch to help them work through solutions.

“We can work together and help them understand the different kinds of permitting and it’s unfortunate it had to happen but we have to be consistent with county code and enforce it no matter if someone is doing something they feel is good for the community,” Russell said.

For more information on Recovery Ranch log onto www.therecoveryranch.com.

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“We are thrilled to host these family-friendly activities for the community as part of the Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas this year. This day is a wonderful way to celebrate the season,” said  Yvonne Lowe, St. Mark’s Preschool director.

“All these gingerbread houses really embrace the Christmas spirit! We are so grateful for the community who come out to support Arts Outreach and St. Mark’s Preschool,” she added.

A message from the North Pole received at St. Mark’s indicates that Santa Claus will be visiting in the church parlor, providing a cozy place for kids to share their Christmas wishes with the jolly man. Diane Byington and her Solvang Conservatory students accompanied by St. Mark’s music director Beverly Staples will be providing seasonal music to enhance the merriment. In the church courtyard, there will be opportunities for children to create and decorate Christmas ornaments and prepare an angel halo for the 5:45 p.m. procession leading to the Los Olivos Christmas Tree lighting at the flagpole just one block away.

Now in its fourth year, Gingerbread Wonderland is a popular family-friendly gathering as part of annual Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas festivities. Over 100 houses are expected to be on display this year; with an anticipated 60 houses decorated by student artists from Ballard School, The Family School, Los Olivos School, Oak Valley School, Santa Ynez Charter School, Santa Ynez School, Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy and Solvang School.

For those who would enjoy some delicious food and beverages during Gingerbread Wonderland, the courtyard at St. Mark’s will have complimentary coffee, hot apple cider as well as baked goods and food available for purchase. The Rev. Dr. Randall Day, St. Mark’s Priest and Rector remarked,

Additional activities of Olde Fashioned Christmas include local craft people and artisans showing their creations for sale at the Artists Bazaar, located nearby at the Los Olivos Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Avenue from Noon-7:00 p.m. For complete details on all December 3, 2016, festivities, visit www.losolivosca.com/los-olivos-olde-fashioned-christmas/

For more information on participating in, supporting or attending Gingerbread Wonderland, contact Yvonne Lowe, St. Mark’s Preschool Director at (805) 688-1815 or Sandie Mullin, Arts Outreach Executive Director at (805) 688-9533.

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