By Mike Chaldu

michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

A roomful of public servants, business owners, and other pillars of the community were on hand to hear about the City of Solvang’s challenges and successes over the past year during the latest annual Solvang State of the City address.

The event was held Wednesday, July 9, at the Craft House on Corque in Solvang. 

Gregg Hart, the State Assemblyman for the 37th District and a former Santa Barbara County Supervisor, was the keynote speaker, while Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy gave his first public address in his role. Other speakers included Solvang Chamber of Commerce CEO Tracy Beard, Solvang Mayor (and emcee) Mark Infanti, Montecito Bank & Trust President and CEO George Leis, and Solvang Chamber of Commerce President Rene Martinez. Before the address, VFW Post 7139 Commander Alvin Salge led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Chris Brown of the Bethania Lutheran Church gave the invocation.

After introducing the Solvang City Council and several city officials — as well as the just-arriving District 24 Congressman Salud Carbajal — Infanti brought Hart, whom he described as “the individual who goes to Sacramento and fights for the people in this area,” on stage for the keynote address.

Hart began by praising Beard for all she does with the Chamber and describing his feelings when Beard approached him about speaking at the State of the City.

“I was thrilled beyond belief, because Solvang is so special,” Hart said. “You have the architecture, you have the history of this community, you have the commitment of the residents to protect and preserve the heritage you have. It’s something that’s very unique.”

Hart pointed out the small businesses that comprise Solvang and give the city that “special” small-town atmosphere.

“There are so many places that look the same as I travel across the country — a real homogenization of cultures, the same stores, the same malls, that makes it a little less interesting,” he said. “And yet here in Solvang, you’ve been able to maintain, support, and foster unique businesses, that make the experience of coming to Solvang special, and interesting.”

After speaking of Solvang’s uniqueness, Hart then moved on to problems facing the state overall, and how the unique and different communities must work together to solve them.

“There are always differences of opinion, as Mayor Infanti mentions to me, through local, county, state and federal governments,” Hart said. “We have challenges that affect every community, and we need to work together to solve them.”

According to Hart, one of the major challenges facing the state is the housing crisis, which he called “profound,” and relayed an experience of his that showed how it’s affecting Santa Barbara County.

“I was at a grocery store in Santa Barbara recently,” Hart said. “One of the checkers helping out mentioned that she lived in the San Fernando Valley, and would be called occasionally to cover shifts at the store.

“She said they couldn’t get anyone from Santa Barbara to fill the shifts because people couldn’t afford to live and work there. So, they would bring her up, put her up in a hotel across the street, and pay her time and a half just to keep that store open.”

To further support his point, Hart said that 30 years ago, the average salary was $60,000 a year, and the average cost for a house was $200,000. Today, he said, the average salary is $85,000, but the average cost for a house has gone up to $800,000.

“That’s why we have a housing crisis,” he concluded. “The price disparity is dramatic, and that’s because our population increased greatly and we haven’t built the housing to meet that demand.”

Hart mentioned another big topic, locally and statewide, is water.

“We’re seeing water differently this year than last year,” he said. “We’ve had one of the most devastating periods of drought in history, and we’ve seen the most explosive increase in water supply this year than we’ve ever seen.”

What it means, according to Hart, is that residents can expect more swings from one extreme to another as far as weather, and established methods of storing water are no longer relevant.

“We have to redesign infrastructure that we have for storing and keeping water,” he said. “And Santa Barbara County is doing a good job with that.”

In summary, Hart said things haven’t changed all that much as far as what issues people in the state are concerned about.

“If you look back at the headlines from 100 years ago,” he said. “They would be talking about housing, water, and transportation. Basic infrastructure issues.

“Mainly, we’re not going to be able to solve the issues, we’ll just have to manage them.”

Later, City Manager Randy Murphy, who was hired earlier this year and was taking part in his first State of the City, came up to give his address.

Murphy began his speech by reminding the audience that then went to say how he was learning about Solvang bit-by-bit, he wasn’t that unfamiliar with the town.

“When I was a kid, my uncle worked at Vandenberg, so we would come up to visit him and his family quite a bit,” Murphy said. “My mother spent her teen years in post-war Germany, so she liked to go to Solvang because it reminded her of the town in Germany where she lived.”

Murphy gave his address, bolsterd by a powerpoint presentation focused on developments just in Solvang over the year.

In explaining his management style, Murphy told a story about a young married couple and how the husband noticed when the wife cooked the roast, she cut the ends off it before putting it into the oven.

“So the husband asks ‘why did you cut the ends off'” Murphy recounted. “She answered ‘because my Mom always did it that way. I’ll ask her why. So when she asked her mom, the mom said ‘because my mom always did it that way, I’ll ask her.’

“Then, when the first mom asked her mom why she cut off the ends of the roast, the answer was ‘I had to do that so it would fit in the pan.'”

Murphy’s point to the story was that there should be a reason why something is done the way it is — not just because “that’s always how we’ve done it” — and that’s the mindset he always wants his staff to have.

Murphy went over the events that happened in Solvang during the year 2023: The early-year rainstorms (praising city staff and workers for their work in fixing the damage), the Memorial Day ceremony, the hiring of a city manager and marketing firm, and the 4th of July parade.

Murphy also mentioned current projects in Solvang, including a new Solvang Senior Center, a Lucca Italian Market at the corner of Mission and Alisal Road, and multiple hotel projects.

Financially, Murphy pointed out some plusses at the moment: No debt for the city currently, the city recruting for new positions, an expected increase of tourism with the hiring of new marketing partners, and new agreements being negotiated with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department and its labor union.

So the State of the City: “We’re doing very well,” Murphy concluded.

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By Mike Chaldu

michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

In its regular meeting on Monday, June 26, the Solvang City Council approved the six-month hiring of a new marketing firm, but not before some heated between members of the council.

Item 6e was for Discussion and possible action regarding whether to direct staff to engage Tom Jones & Associates Inc. (TJA) for Tourism Marketing Services in the amount not to exceed $108,000 for the term July 1 to Dec. 31 of this year.

TJA CEO John Sorgenfrei came to the podium to give his presentation and was joined remotely by his Social Media Manager Claudia Torkelson

Sorgenfrei began by saying that although he might be looked upon as a vendor, he would be more of a partner during his time working with the city. He also pointed out he was well aware of the fact that Solvang is one of the state’s most dependent cities on the Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT), and also pointed out his experience of working with other Central Coast communities such as Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, and Avila Beach.

He laid the five things he would concentrate on for Solvang’s marketing plan: Audit of current creative assets; production of new photography, copy, and videos when needed; overhaul of the city website; social media enhancement; a highly targeted fall advertising campaign; and a revised long-term marketing plan after six months.

The entire package would cost the city $108,000, according to Sorgenfrei

Sorgenfrei also said he would have no problem working with Stiletto Marketing (PR and advertising) and Islett Agency (social media), both of whom the city hired last month.

Then, Torkelson, on Zoom, explained her ideas to improve social media for Solvang: Weekly blogs, expanding to different platforms, partnering with influencers, and running social media ads.

After Sorgenfrei was done, and it was time for council comment, Clarke spoke, it was clear that he was an advocate for TJA to work with the city.

“My wife and I spent a couple days in Pismo Beach during the pandemic and I talked to people there who really sold me on you,” he said to Sorgenfrei. “I’m very impressed and I’m glad you’re here. You come from the Central Coast and you know this market. I think you can help Solvang.”

However, Councilmembers Elizabeth Orona and Claudia Orona, were each hesitant about bringing on another marketing agency when the city still does not have a marketing manager in place.

Claudia Orona asked City Manager Randy Murphy who was going to manage the contract.

“It would have to be me,” said Murphy, who didn’t seem to think it would be a problem. “TJA makes sense, they’ll help us answer these questions.”

When Elizabeth Orona again state her concern about the lack of a marketing manager, Sorgenfrei said, “I look forward to working with your city manager; I’m very flexible.”

Claudia Orona asked Sorgenfrei, how he would make Solvang seem special to tourists compared to his other clients like Pismo Beach and Avila Beach.

“It would be that it’s a Danish village,” Sorgenfrei answered. “It’s special to me. I’ve been coming here since I was a child. It’s unique; it’s a piece of Europe that you can’t find anywhere else without getting on an airplane.”

He also said the area is also unique as a wine destination.

“For wine, it’s got legs,” Sorgenfrei added. “It’s still remembered for [the movie] ‘Sideways’; it’s world-renowned for pinot noirs. Its uniqueness as a destination is why people will come.”

However, Elizabeth and Claudia Orona continued to voice concerns about the lack of a marketing manager, pointing out that’s what led to the city ending its deal with a previous marketing company, the Abbi Agency.

“Our comments are not reflective of your ability,” Elizabeth Orona told Sorgenfrei. “We did not execute on our side.”

It was at this point that Clarke was noticeably annoyed, and when Claudia Orona told Sorgenfrei “we just don’t want to make the same mistake twice,” Clarke audibly exclaimed “Oh, my God.”

Then, after Mayor Mark Infanti recommended approval of the contract saying “TJA has the experience, can look at our website and tell us what we need. Give them six months,” Clarke commented “This is killing me.”

As Infanti tried to calm him, Clark then continued: “People that I’ve talked to that I respect recommend him. I get upset you don’t give him the respect

He’s getting this pushback.”

Clarke then said a few minutes later, “we’re looking a gift horse in the mouth; we’re playing games with this man.”

To that Claudia Orona answered: “It’s not a game, it’s over $100,000 of taxpayer money.”

Finally, Infanti motioned to approve the contract with an emphatic second by Clarke.

The motion passed 3-2, with Councilmember David Brown siding with Infanti and Clarke, and Elizabeth and Claudia Orona voting no.

The next council meeting will be Monday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m.

The post Solvang council OKs six-month deal with marketing firm appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

After listening to about two hours of public comment in its regular meeting Monday, April 24, and two months after rejecting a similar, more expanded proposal, the Solvang City Council voted to allow banners representing Pride Month to fly for two weeks on city light poles in June.

The motion on the item passed 3-2, with Mayor Mark Infante, Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth Orona, and Councilmember Claudia Orona, voting yes. Councilmembers Robert Clarke and Dave Brown were opposed.

However, later in the meeting, the council voted to ban all non-city banners for display after the already-approved Pride banner and Solvang Theaterfest banner are displayed this year.

The application for the banners was submitted by Kiel and Matthew Cavalli, the same applicants whose proposal was voted down at the Feb. 27 City Council meeting. In that application, Matthew Cavalli, the executive director of the Rainbow House nonprofit wanted to fly the banners during the entire month of June, and also suggested a couple of crosswalks in town be painted in rainbow colors.

The application approved by council on April 24 did not involve any crosswalks and cut the length of time the banners were up to a two-weeks period that included this year’s Pride Parade on June 24 in Solvang.

The vote followed a public comment that lasted approximately two hours and included more than 50 speakers. Due to the sheer volume of people ready to comment on the agenda item, Mayor Mark Infanti proposed that it be moved to the start of the meeting, and public comments be limited to two minutes (instead of the usual three) for each speaker. The council agreed to that proposal.

An undercurrent to the public comment was the discovery of email comments reportedly made by Clarke to a local conservative group concerning the proposal that was up for vote. 

A Sunday, April 23, article in the Santa Barbara Independent reported that in email exchanges with the group Santa Ynez Valley Common Sense, Clarke called his fellow councilmembers “bozos” for bringing back a vote on the banner subject and said the council was “bowing to a tiny woke mob.” 

While Clarke was opposed to this year’s banner proposals, he had voted last year to approve the Pride Parade and Event in Solvang, but had expressed concern about performers in drag being a part of it.

Some speakers on Monday night alluded to Clarke’s email comments while voicing support for the banners, while other speakers defended Clarke, saying the reported comments are not indicative of his character.

Matt Cavalli, who was the applicant for the banners project, answered claims that Solvang was still a welcoming community despite the denial of his application in February.

“The fact is systematic homophobia and racism is not just visible, but encouraged within the council and its communication,” Cavalli said. “Last June, we were told it was OK to be visible on one weekend. You cannot say this town is welcoming and kind unless you have been in my shoes walking down the street while spat upon —

told that I was not welcome and called slurs I will not repeat.

“Banners did not cause the divisiveness, people did.”

Most of those opposed to the proposal cited the city’s banner policy, which limits the display of banners to those that directly support tourism for Solvang, not those that promote a political or religious agenda.

“I thought this issue had been put to bed,” said Jesse Bengoa, who spoke out against the earlier banner and crosswalk proposal at the Feb. 27 meeting. “You allow this, and you’re setting a precedent, and you’ll have to consider this for someone who wants to support the 

March for Life or Second Amendment Day. Vote this proposal down, and keep politics out of Solvang.”

However, there were plenty in public comment who were in favor of hanging the banners.

“This place has been a welcoming place. They want to welcome a group which my son is a member of,” said Steve Cox. “This is a chance to show grace and hospitality. No one is asking anyone in this town to replace 805 ale with Bud Light. Just show a little welcoming for a little while.”

Others bristled at the thought that the subject of sexual persuasion is considered a political issue.

“My family’s not a political matter. Banners show this is an accepting place,” Maria Bell said. “When traveling, my family looks at how accepting a town is of its gay community; it’s a matter of safety. It’s not something a straight white man has to do. It’s a decision like this that makes people decide if this is a welcoming community.”

After public comment, Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth Orona moved to approve the item, with Councilmember Claudia Orona seconding.

“I’ve looked at all the emails we’re trying our best to listen trying to move forward in the most positive way we can,” Elizabeth Orona said. “They’ve adjusted their app modified makes it easy to align with others we’ve accepted. Uncomfortable for many people who don’t understand the community, but that is the point. We need to move forward and accept some change and discomfort.” 

Before the vote on the banner item, Clarke defended himself against the claims he’s opposed to the Pride movement in general.

“Sorry, folks, I don’t understand, and I’m not a bad person for not understanding, drag shows, and I’m not a bad person for thinking there’s a lot of politics involved.” he said. “But the hate, the vitriol, that I’ve received via email, stalking, my trash was gone through, my recycling bin was gone through on Thursday night. I don’t understand every single point of this aspect. I’ve never said we shouldn’t have a gay pride parade, never ever ever said we should not have a festival. I just had a problem with turning over an entire town to something that’s considered political.”

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By Mike Chaldu

michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

The search for a permanent city manager in Solvang is apparently over.

According to documents filed with the Monday, April 10, City Council meeting agenda, the council has selected Randy Murphy, currently the general manager of the Hidden Valley Lake Association, a homeowners’ group in Northern California. Murphy has more than 30 years of management experience, more than 20 of them in the public sector.

The city manager position had been open since the resignation of Xenia Bradford in September 2022. After her departure the City Council retained the executive recruiting firm Ralph Andersen & Associates to conduct a recruitment for the position. The council interviewed a number of candidates before deciding on Murphy.

Brad Vidro, a former Solvang City Manager himself, has been serving as interim city manager since October 2022.

The City Council will put the hiring up for approval at the regular meeting on Monday, April 10.

If approved, Murphy will start at his new position on April 28, with the employment agreement lasting for three years, through April 27, 2026, with compensation of $190,000 per year.

Murphy has been the GM of the Hidden Valley Lake Association since June 2019. Hidden Valley Lake is a gated subdivision in Lake County, located 97 miles north of San Francisco, and 114 miles west of Sacramento.

Before starting with the HVLA, Murphy held administrative positions with several cities in California, including Benicia, Oroville, and Tulare.

This story is developing and will be updated.

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By Mike Chaldu

michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

In an item that elicited a good amount of public comment, the Solvang City Council voted to deny a proposal to display pride banners and rainbow-colored crosswalk on two of the city’s intersections to mark Pride Month in June as well as the second Pride Parade and Festival in Solvang on June 24.

During the regular council meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, Kiel Cavalli asked the council to approve his request to have pride banners hung on the city streetlights and the crosswalks on two Copenhagen Drive intersections (1st and 2nd streets) to be painted in rainbow colors during the month of June.

Kiel Cavalli and his husband Matthew are founders of the Rainbow House nonprofit and own the children’s toy shop ONEderChild at Copenhagen and 2nd Street.

The decision facing the council about the proposal is whether the pride banner is allowed under the city’s Banner Policy, which reads: “The purpose of the Streetlight Banner Program is to assist in the advertising and promotion of destinations or events that support tourism in the City of Solvang. Approved as part of the Streetlight Banner Program are City of Solvang sponsored “Special Events” and designs promoting Solvang’s Danish theme. This program is NOT intended to support political or religious purposes or purposes primarily involving private financial gain that do not promote tourism or the City of Solvang.”

Public Works Director Rodger Olds told the council the issue was “Is this proposal for promoting tourism for Solvang? Can it be defined to support political or religious views? We feel it is promoting the city?”

Councilmember Robert Clarke pointed out the the applicants sold pride flags in their store, which could be considered against the “financial gain” part of the policy.

Councilmember Claudia Orona asked Olds what other banners have been placed on the streetlights, and Olds ran off a list of entities, including city events like Julefest and the Scarecrow festivals, but also the Elverhoj Museum and PCPA.

In public comments, Kiel Cavalli, the applicant, was the first to speak, explaining his reasons for the request.

“Your approval of the banners and crosswalks would send a message to the community and beyond that the city of Solvang sees us, hears us and supports us,” he said.

After Cavalli spoke, Jessie Bengoa was next at the podium to express her opposition at the proposal. Describing herself as a brand marketing executive, local property owner and fifth-generation Solvang resident, Bengoa focused on Solvang’s identity.

“I am not here in any capacity whatsoever to judge or admonish the LGBTQ+ community, and I think that’s important to say,” she said. “That said, our town has a culture, it has a heritage. We have a brand that’s unique. It’s the first rule of branding to know who you are and unwaveringly stick to it. You don’t confuse, you don’t divide, you don’t alienate visitors or potential visitors by suddenly waging a woke campaign that not inclusive — it’s divisive.”

Damian Kriteman, who said he’s Solvang resident since 2012, was also opposed to the idea on many fronts, claiming that it is a political declaration and sets a precedent for other political causes, the applicant has much to gain financially from it, and it can bring civil lawsuits.

“This application fails every policy in place,” he said. “There is no choice but to deny.”

Speaker Charlotte Becerra brought up another issue, this one having to do with the colored crosswalks: They could spook the horses that sometimes come through town, and the horses that drive the Solvang Trolley.

“Horses don’t have detailed eyesight; they could see the stripes and balk,” said Becerra, whose husband Ramon is a noted local horseman. “If horses are spooked and someone is injured, who is liable?”

Among those supporting the proposal was Pastor Chris Brown of Bethania Lutheran Church, who reacted to some of the comments from speakers before.

“I’m hearing some comments, and we can talk about Solvang being a welcoming place,” Brown said. “But just last year, a couple of young individuals took two pride flags down and the filmed themselves burning them and saying that was gay people’s futures. So we can’t say Solvang is a welcoming place when our own citizens are making it feel dangerous for a portion of our society. It is important for us to show that we see people who historically have not been seen.” 

David Silva, who spoke after his husband Jason Stone, disagreed with the idea the pride symbols were a political statement.

“My existence is not a politicial statement; it’s who I am,” Silva said. “I have a right to exist, and I have a chance to say Solvang stands with its gay community; we spend money, we’re here.”

As the issue moved back to council, Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth Orona wondered if the crosswalk modificiations could be made at intersections where horses wouldn’t necessarily walk by.

“Come back with a different location,” she said. “Reapply where it’s not a safety issue with the horses or trolley.”

Councilmember Claudia Orona said she believed the banner policy should be looked at.

“Banners promoting Solvang events are fine,” she said. “I don’t think it falls under political, but banners like PCPA or Wildling [which have been displayed] aren’t expressly for the city.”

Ultimately, Clark, Mayor Mark Infanti, and Councilmember Dave Brown decided that the proposal wasn’t in line with the policy.

“The proposal, the symbolism doesn’t advance what you think it does,” Brown said in making a motion to deny. “I don’t think it meets the tourism and economic advantage it claims.”

Clarke seconded Brown’s motion after taking issue with public comments saying that Solvang wasn’t a welcoming community.

“When people want to disparage this town; I take offense to that,” said Clarke, who noted he voted to approve last year’s pride parade. “This is the friendliest God d— town I’ve ever been in. Everybody is welcoming to everybody.”

The motion to deny passed 3-2, with Elizabeth and Claudia Orona both dissenting.

The next Solvang City Council meeting will be Monday, March 13, at 6 p.m.

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publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

After almost two years of the busiest street in Solvang being closed to vehicle traffic, the Solvang City Council decided to change their minds about reopening it February 1 and instead will explore options to enhance the closure.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March of 2020, the council at the time relaxed outdoor dining and seating for local restaurants and wine tasting rooms by granting temporary encroachment permits into the street. The decision allowed patrons to be able to socially distance, and eateries and beer and wine establishments were able to survive indoor dining restrictions. 

The council had previously said they wanted a goal of the road being open to vehicles by February 1, and staff presented various options to them from fully open to a modified version with one-way traffic. With the road being closed it impacts 1 ADA parking spot, 59 standard parking spaces and four motorcycle spaces, according to the staff report.

“I have a bias as we benefit from Copenhagen being closed, but I will say that it has been a savior to our business,” said Michael Lewellen, son of the late Royce Lewellen and now a managing partner to the well known wine label. 

Longtime bakery owner Bent Olsen said the idea of closing Copenhagen to through traffic was not new and has been talked about since 1980. 

“Solvang has come a long way and never looked so good. I think you’re on the right track to keep it the way it is and look forward to making it better,” Olsen said. 

Councilman Mark Infanti brought up concerns of being able to access Parking Lot 2 (located behind the visitor’s center), and if they closed the street for good, who would pay for the improvements. 

Councilman Robert Clarke said all he has heard from visitors and locals is they would prefer to sit outside especially given the latest variant, and said he felt it was necessary to keep Copenhagen closed “for as long as it’s appropriate and we will see where it goes,”. 

Another speaker in favor of keeping the street closed is Rene Kaerskov, owner of several downtown businesses such as the Danish Mill Bakery and the Copenhagen House. 

“In Denmark major shopping areas are closed for pedestrian activity. I also believe it increases the public appreciation of the Danish architecture. Let’s not forget there are plenty of cities competing with us for tourism. Your own survey says the majority of residents and businesses want to keep it closed,” Kaerskov said. 

He also said concerns about costs should be paid for by the business owners, and the city can gain revenue for charging to use the public space. 

“No one gets free real estate,” Kaerskov added. 

Valley resident Dennis Beebe said he was in favor of the closure, but to make it prettier as in his opinion the pergolas are ugly, which prompted giggles from the audience. 

Infanti then asked Olsen to address his area as it is located off Mission Drive, and whether he’s in favor of keeping outdoor dining.

“The bumpers we have are not good looking. If we are allowed to keep it this way with outdoor seating, we will definitely do something to make it more attractive,” Olsen agreed. 

The motion to keep the street closed passed unanimously, and staff will bring the subject back to council when they have more information on costs and traffic impact studies. They also said they are willing to hear ideas from the public on how to improve it as well. 

Reorganization of the council also occurred at this meeting with Infanti being appointed as Mayor Pro Tem; they also designated council members to various committees. 

The Solvang City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Council Chambers located at 1644 Oak Street. To view upcoming agendas and minutes visit www.cityofsolvang.com. 

To watch this meeting as well as other topics discussed on the agenda such as the Grant Funding Policy Update visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD3-pfEv0Ig. 

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The ninth annual World Polio Day was celebrated Oct. 24 by Solvang Rotary Club and other clubs around the world. The City of Solvang issued a proclamation on Oct. 11 at its City Council meeting recognizing the club for its fundraising efforts towards the international PolioPlus Campaign. 

Rotary International launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1985 to eradicate polio. Polio is a virus that spreads by person-to-person contact, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances leads to paralysis. Polio mainly affects children under the age of 5. Partners in the eradication effort include Rotary, the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

Since 1988, there’s been a worldwide reduction in polio cases of 99.9%. According to the Rotary Club, although cases are down, if the global campaign ceases because of lack of funds, it would take less than 10 years for polio to return to pandemic levels. As many as 200,000 new cases of polio each year would exist in countries which have long been free of the disease, the organization said. It is estimated, a polio-free world will save the global economy $40 billion to $50 billion in health costs within the next 20 years. 

Solvang Rotary Club encourages all citizens to join in the fight for a polio-free world. For more information or to donate, go to endpolio.org

Rotary International has grown to 1.3 million members comprised of professional and business leaders in over 33,000 clubs in 172 countries. In the Santa Ynez Valley, there are 100 Rotary Club members in four clubs; Buellton, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley and Solvang. These clubs are part of Rotary District 5240. For more information or to learn how to get involved, go to the district website: rotarydistrict5240.org or the Solvang Rotary Club website at: solvangrotary.com

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By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor 

The Solvang City Council has taken steps to fill some jobs left empty by forced layoffs last spring at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday night, the council agreed 4-1 to hire a public works maintenance worker, a parks maintenance officer, an assistant planner and a city clerk. An office assistant would be boosted from part time to full time.

Shortly after the shutdown last spring, the city axed 12 positions, citing the expected loss of transient occupancy tax, or bed tax paid by people who stay in local hotels. 

“Today’s recommendations are the first step in rebuilding the city organization for post-COVID operations,” City Manager Xenia Bradford said Monday.

Solvang is one of the top cities to receive transient occupancy tax, estimated at $500,000 a month, Bradford said. That revenue disappeared during the most stringent shutdown orders in the past year.

Bradford’s initial recommendation did not include the city clerk slot returning at this point, but Councilman Mark Infanti said he wanted to bring back that position full time now and not later.

The abrupt layoffs of both at-will and union employees in March 2020 led to an unfair labor practice charge from Teamsters Union Local 986 representing Solvang workers. 

“Is the union cool with this? Is this compatible with what the processes are?” Councilwoman Claudia Orona asked. 

“I would say that as a result of the actions that were taken in 2019-2020, the union was not OK with that,” City Attorney Dave Fleishman said. “They did file an unfair labor practice charge against the city. We are working to try to resolve that with the union.” 

A vacancy policy, adopted in October 2019 and reversed by a unanimous vote Monday night, required an analysis of each empty city position and council approval to fill the job.

Remaining mum about specifics, Fleishman said the matter remained “in a holding pattern,” with ongoing discussions taking place between city and union officials.

Teamsters representative Jeff Lee welcomed talks about rehiring employees, contending the city remained “on course to hopefully try and reverse some of the wrongs that had been done.”

“I just want to say I’m glad to see that the council is considering a reversal of the previous council’s vacancy policy and considering to bring back positions,” Lee said. “Of course that’s good. The union’s very happy with the council’s consideration of doing that.”

Other residents supported hiring employees for those empty slots. 

Nancy Emerson favored filling vacancies, noting that the city manager has done that role along with other jobs that had been left vacant. 

Resident Julie Glendenning agreed that Bradford has been forced to fill too many roles. 

“I don’t feel we have the proper checks and balances, especially in financial areas,” Glendenning said. 

Lee also questioned why the former council looked to city staff to save money rather than trimming the costs of its then-city attorney, Chip Wullbrandt from Price Postel & Parma.

“When the March 2020 state of emergency was declared, I feel like rather than removing 12 full-time positions, I would have liked to have seen the attorney at the time reduce their expenditures to offset the massive deficit that the city was facing,” Lee said. 

Wullbrandt resigned in mid-December before his expected firing, and the new council rehired Fleishman, who had done the job with his partner, Roy Hanley, for two decades. 

Last month, the council approved Jan. 22 invoices totaling another $23,254 for Wullbrandt, putting his total cost at $738,000.

After a closed session meeting Monday night, the council voted unanimously to hire Fleishman, from the firm Richards, Watson and Gershon, for the permanent city attorney job, with the formal contract to be brought back at a future meeting.

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.

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The Solvang Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 100th anniversary of serving Solvang. The city presented the chamber with a proclamation recognizing its history and contributions at the Jan. 11 City Council meeting.

The Solvang Chamber started as the Solvang Businessmen’s Association (SBA), which was created 10 years after the town was founded in 1911. The group that met in Dania Hall included A.E. Fauroso, M.L. Baker, H.C. Hansen, T. Austed, Mr. Harsen, Marcus Neilsen, S.H. Lyons and Albert Rasmussen. Many of these names continue to be part of Solvang today.

The SBA was founded to encourage tourism, foster industries, assist in agricultural enterprises, encourage the establishment of new enterprises, and in general to promote the welfare and the interests of the town of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley.

Todays’ chamber of commerce continues that legacy under the direction of executive director Tracy Lavery-Beard and chamber president Jack Williams.

“It’s such an honor to be the executive director of a chamber that has been working for the businesses and the town of Solvang for 100 years,” said Lavery-Beard. “From its beginnings as a small group of businessmen, the mission remains virtually the same — promote and support Solvang and the greater Santa Ynez Valley.”

“I agree with Tracy,” said Williams. “The chamber is the go-to resource for a wide range of services for Solvang, from answering tourist questions to assisting local businesses in acquiring COVID relief grants and loans.”

Today, the Solvang Chamber is the clearinghouse for a wide range of services needed by today’s businesses in this fast-moving and challenging environment.

“We have a four-legged approach,” said Lavery-Beard. “First is representation, where we take local issues to the city, county and state levels. Next is economic development to help promote, support and strengthen business in Solvang. Third is education to ensure our members and interested others receive information and training on topics that directly affect our Solvang business community. And finally, we provide a wide range of resources, such as being part of the local Economic Development Collaborative and SBA loan center.

“I look forward to 2021 and helping the chamber, the town of Solvang, as well as the greater Santa Ynez Valley prosper.” 

For more information on the chamber visit www.solvangcc.com. 

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Noozhawk North County Editor

Renewal of the Santa Ynez Valley’s tool to attract tourists received support from the Solvang City Council on Jan. 12.

Council members voted unanimously to support extending for six years the Santa Ynez Valley Tourism Improvement District.

The district assesses a small fee per hotel room rented and uses the revenue to fund Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, or Visit SYV.

The organization markets the valley’s six diverse communities — Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Ballard and Los Alamos — plus holds educational classes on tourism and customer service for local industry workers.

About 93% of hoteliers supported extending the tourism improvement district. To be approved, the district needs more than 50% support from hoteliers. 

“We need this program to compete in the marketplace and not be ignored or overlooked,” said Shelby Sim, Visit SYV chief executive officer and president.

Santa Barbara County, the city of Buellton and local hoteliers urged the renewal.

“Visit Santa Ynez Valley is extremely relevant, extremely important, and has shown extraordinary dedication, flexibility, sensitivity and resiliency during this pandemic,” said Linda Johansen, a partner in two valley hotels and a charter member of Visit SYV. “We have risen to the occasion. We are responsible, and we are completely transparent in our efforts. Visit Santa Ynez Valley is vital to help sustain our share of the tourism market along the Central Coast. This new six-year contract will ensure that all six communities in the Santa Ynez Valley are represented and marketed effectively and efficiently at no cost at all to us.”

The annual assessment of $3 per room per night may increase to $3.50 in 2024, under the plan. 

For the first year under the renewal, it’s expected that the district could raise $900,000.

Dave Pollock, owner of ForFriends Inn, said Visit SYV provides a vital voice for smaller hotels.

“Visit SYV provides information to hoteliers,” he said. “The information and the support that they provide is more relevant and more timely than that which is offered by state and national entities.”

He also noted that the organization gives back to the community and hosts events.

“This is a good investment into an important organization that’s run by good and professional folks,” Pollock said, urging the council to support the renewal. 

Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Lompoc have tourism improvement districts along with San Luis Obispo County.

Originally formed in 2010, the tourism improvement district was renewed the first time in 2015 for six years. 

The newest renewal takes effect July 1 and runs through June 30, 2027.

In other matters, the City Council:

• Appointed Solvang planning commissioners, with each council member picking someone to serve. Selected unanimously were Aaron Petersen, Jack Williams, Joan Jamieson, Scott Gold and Justin Rodriguez.
• Discussed renaming the Branding and Design Committee — the former Board of Architectural Review — as the Design Review Committee. With limited candidates, the council agreed to extend the filing period for applications and make appointments at the Jan. 25 meeting. The council also debated defining the Santa Ynez Valley for possible future members who may not live in the city.

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

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