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Solvang discusses copyright protections for city assets

Over the past four months, conversations surrounding Solvang Mayor David Brown’s tourism app—an independent business venture not affiliated with the city—warranted his recusals from several public hearings. His latest departure from the dais was during the Solvang City Council’s June 22 meeting, when his peers took part in a discussion about increasing copyright protections for […]

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Secret Solvang tour guides show visitors and locals the best spots in town

From the professionalsFor more information about booking Secret Solvang tours, visit secretsolvang.com. Follow @secretsolvang on Instagram and TikTok for all the behind-the-scenes fun. Email info@secretsolvang.com with questions. Secret Solvang, an infamous Instagram and TikTok page, went viral for revealing all the charming bits of a town that some people view as two-dimensional. ā€œI think people […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

The Elverhoj Museum celebrates the 100th birthday of a Danish American painter

Artwork by Roland Petersen is up at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art through Aug. 9. The Danish-born American artist is best known for his Picnic series, defined by geometric abstractions and striking colors. ā€œThis exhibition celebrates Petersen’s 100th birthday and honors a remarkable life in art that continues today through his ongoing dedication […]

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Solvang officials submit to new financial reporting after phone app backlash

Complaints from some Solvang officials about being blindsided by Mayor David Brown’s new side venture prompted an update to the City Council’s ethics code. While Brown informed city staff about his plans for Solvang Passport—a mobile phone app he created that promotes specific tourism destinations and businesses in town for a monthly fee—in late 2025, […]

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Solvang to explore contracting with Lompoc PD for law enforcement

Since 2015, Solvang’s law enforcement costs have doubled, increasing from about $1.5 million to $3.4 million. ā€œThat’s 107 percent increase over the last 10 years for the same baseline services,ā€ Assistant City Manager Olivia Uribe-Mutal told the Solvang City Council during its May 26 meeting. ā€œOver that same time, the city has experienced consistent concerns […]

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The Maverick Saloon hosts Pride-themed karaoke nights for the fifth year in a row

Calling all singersPut yourself out there at the Maverick Saloon during gayraoke on Tuesday nights in June at 8 p.m. located at 3687 Sagunto St. in Santa Ynez. Follow karaoke DJ Sam Silva on Instagram @samcrazypants. For more information about Santa Ynez Valley Pride activities, visit syvpride.org or check out @syv.pride on Instagram. Standing in […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Los Padres ForestWatch hosts a dinner that connects people with the land

Save a seatBuy tickets to The Wilderness Table by visiting forestwatch.org. The June 7 dinner runs from 4 to 8 p.m. at Larner Vineyard (955 Ballard Canyon Road in Solvang). For more on the food and beverage providers, visit larnerwine.com, rock12distillery.com, and highonthehogcatering.com. One summer evening, 50 strangers will have the luxury of breaking bread […]

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Solvang bans public urination, defecation

Constant giggling bled into the Solvang City Council’s discussion of a recent incident that inspired officials to formally ban public urination and defecation within city limits. A sighting of the latter specifically prompted the legislation, City Manager Randy Murphy explained. ā€œI don’t think ā€˜number one’ was the issue here,ā€ Murphy said at the council’s May […]

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