Editorials

Elections Have Consequences: Why Rezoning is Solvang’s Best Path Forward

Opinion: Brian Carrillo Following this week’s City Council meeting I am reminded again that in California, elections have their consequences. The voters have spoken, time and again, affirming a progressive mandate to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: housing. The housing crisis isn’t just a political talking point; it’s a reality…


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Editorials, Uncategorized

Why I Love the Santa Ynez Valley and Why We Must Protect It

Editorial – Brian Carrillo, Solvang There’s a special place in the heart of California where time seems to slow down, where natural beauty is in abundance, and where the spirit of community is alive and well. That place is the Santa Ynez Valley, and it’s a land we love deeply. From the rolling vineyards and…

Editorials

Protecting the Charm of the Santa Ynez Valley: The Impact of Unchecked Growth on Small Towns

California’s small towns, particularly those nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, are renowned for their charm, community spirit, and unique character. Towns like Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Ballard, and Los Alamos have long been cherished for their tranquil atmosphere, natural beauty, and historical significance. These towns offer a rare escape…

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Editorials

Solvang Must Step Up to Protect Its Future and Avoid Costly Litigation

11-06-2024 The City of Solvang has “Huge” problem. And it’s time to face it head-on, before we lose more than our town’s unique character, and risk sacrificing our credibility and financial stability. On October 6, 2023, Alamo Pintado Lots, LLC, headed by former Solvang resident and Oakland attorney Josh Richman, submitted a preliminary application to…

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Recent News

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Business and Self Development, Coming Up

Finding Your Flow: Harnessing Personal Rhythm for Positive Community Change

Finding and connecting with our personal rhythm is essential for enhancing our effectiveness in driving positive community change and activism. My journey as a martial arts student taught me the profound impact of achieving inner balance to navigate the imbalances around us. In tai chi, I discovered how to harmonize the energy in my environment…

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Editorials

Op-Ed on the Mayoral Candidate Forum in Solvang

Solvang, CA — Following last night’s League of Women Voters Mayoral Candidate Forum, it has become painfully clear that the future of Solvang hangs in the balance. While candidates Dave Brown and Jamie Baker presented their views on critical issues such as water management, the Wildwood Project, and the budget, their glaring failure to address…

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Editorials

Local Developers Are Trying to Mislead Us: Here’s How Starbucks Contributes to Our Communities

At a recent community development meeting in Buellton, California, a local developer suggested that only small, independent businesses contribute to the local economy. As a grateful customer of Starbucks, I have to respectfully disagree. It’s easy to paint large corporations as faceless entities, but when it comes to community impact, Starbucks is an active contributor to…

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Fiction, Humor

Scientists Discovers Something Kinda Alarming About Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris: She Should Not Actually Exist

Political Humor by Brian Carrillo —- In an extraordinary turn of events that has left the scientific and political community both perplexed and mildly entertained, researchers have made a shocking discovery: Presidential candidate Kamala Harris should, according to the laws of quantum physics, not actually exist. In other words, Kamala may actually be a ghost!…

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I say push back on main stream media and celebrate what's most important to you. Don't let them drive your personal narrative.
Business and Self Development, Coming Up, Random Thoughts ad Muses

Embracing Your Personal Narrative: A Path to Authenticity

Unfortunately, mainstream media often dictates the narrative, urging us to conform to predefined norms and ideals, it becomes crucial to reclaim our individual stories. Pushing back against these external pressures and celebrating what truly matters to us is not merely a rebellion but a profound assertion of our inner truths and values. Each of us carries…

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Editorials

 The Builder’s Remedy: A Threat to Solvang

The Builder’s Remedy: A Threat to Small Towns The “Builder’s Remedy” is a California law designed to address the housing crisis by pushing for more affordable housing. However, in small towns like Solvang, this provision can lead to problematic outcomes. Currently, Solvang faces a significant challenge with a proposed massive apartment complex under this law….

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