Typically found in veterinary offices and animal shelters, a pet microchip scanner can quickly help someone who’s found a stray animal—if it’s been microchipped—arrange a reunion with its owner. Although its availability is limited by working hours, staffing, and other factors tied to locations that carry scanners, the Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation (SBACF) is […]
Buellton
A Lompoc jam maker’s hobby is now a vibrant business
Rachel Alcocer’s peach cobbler jam flew off her metaphorical shelves this year. It’s one of her seasonal flavors, and she can only make it when peaches are growing on her tree. “I like to do the seasonal fruit in the area,” Alcocer said. “I like to do the stuff that’s available to me because it’s […]
Cities receive grants for bicycle safety workshops
Thousands of students in Santa Barbara County will continue receiving bicycle education and free safety equipment thanks to grants from the state. Buellton is one of five cities in the county that won funds from the California Office of Traffic Safety for this year’s grant cycle. Buellton’s funds total more than $47,000. The nonprofit MOVE […]
Buellton Planning Commission green-lights farmers market project
While Guadalupe gets ready to debut its first farmers market by February, Buellton officials are eyeing March as a potential start date to begin one of their own. On Dec. 4, the Buellton Planning Commission granted Brenda Browning a conditional use permit that will allow vendors who participate in her proposed farmers market to set […]
Make DIY ornaments at Community Clayworks
On Dec. 6 and 7, a Buellton ceramics studio is hosting its annual make-your-own holiday ornament sessions. The classes run from 2 to 4 p.m. each day at Community Clayworks and are open to participants ages 5 and older. Visitors can make four ornaments in shapes like penguins, llamas, and sugar plum fairies. Artists can […]
Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden decks out for its annual Holiday Lights Festival
The gifting treesThe Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden will host its Holiday Lights Festival on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, between Dec. 5 and 21 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. For tickets and more info on the event, visit syvholidaylights.com. The garden is located at 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton. Gray pines. Blue oaks. Warm and cool […]
Solvang ups pledge to Santa Ynez aquatics center
The Solvang City Council greenlit an additional $50,000 to support the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Complex. With the council’s Nov. 10 approval, the city’s contribution has increased to half a million dollars since June, which will be released when construction begins. The decision came after a friendly challenge from Buellton. The cities have engaged […]
Buellton refreshes its tree policies while pursuing Tree City USA status
There are plenty of guidelines and recommendations for developers related to tree upkeep in Buellton, but not enough enforceable do’s and don’ts, some city officials recently argued. “I don’t like the fact that, … ‘Should’ leads to ‘I don’t need to,’” Buellton Mayor David Silva said at the council’s Nov. 13 meeting. The city is […]
A professional dancer brings his experience to Buellton with a performing arts space
At 17 years old, Jesus Solorio packed up his car—with his mom’s permission—and moved to LA to pursue professional dance. The Paso Robles native remembered settling into an apartment, ready to start a new chapter in his life. After a couple of touring jobs, including one with Disney, Solorio got picked up by Royal Caribbean […]
Buellton Planning Commission reinstates former 4th District representative
With new blood on the Buellton City Council after August’s mail-in election, a familiar face returns to the Planning Commission. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue serving,” three-year Buellton resident Daniel Contreras told the Sun. “Having previously served on the commission, I look forward to building on the experience.” In early 2024, the […]
Carla Mead leads Buellton City Council vacancy election with 60 percent
Determining who will take the Buellton City Council’s vacant 4th District seat rests on the results of the August vote-by-mail special election. While those results are set to be certified by Sept. 12, the city’s semi-official reports show candidate Carla Mead in the lead with 60 percent of the votes. According to an Aug. 29 […]

