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 the pressing traffic and safety concerns at the intersection of Alamo Pintado and Old Mission Drive cannot be overlooked.

As a resident and concerned community member, I found their discussions inadequate and concerning. The intersection of Alamo Pintado and Old Mission Drive is not just another spot on a map; it is a vital artery for our community, and the ongoing reports of near misses and accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists demand immediate attention. Yet, when this critical issue was raised, both candidates deflected rather than engage, revealing a troubling lack of urgency in their responses.

Baker proposed a collaborative approach to development, yet he failed to articulate any actionable plan to enhance traffic safety or address the ongoing risks that residents face daily. His suggestion to “unite different parties” was more of a platitude than a solution, leaving many questions unanswered. Meanwhile, Brown’s focus on fiscal responsibility and maintaining the town’s brand did not translate into a concrete commitment to ensure the safety of our roadways.

Even more alarming is their reluctance to challenge the ongoing Builder’s Remedy project (Wildwood). Both candidates skirted around the critical topic of halting the project based on its misalignment with Solvang’s character and the glaring deficiencies in the original application. The failure to secure signatures from all underlying property owners is not a minor oversight; it is a legal requirement that cannot be ignored. This lack of attention to detail raises serious questions about the integrity of the development process in Solvang and the candidates’ commitment to upholding the law and representing the community’s interests.

Moreover, we cannot afford to ignore the implications of allowing “monster projects” to advance unchecked. Solvang’s charm and character are what make it unique; these traits must be preserved. The candidates need to present robust plans to manage growth responsibly while prioritizing community safety and preserving the essence of what makes Solvang special.

In the wake of this forum, it is essential for us as a community to demand more from our leaders. We need candidates who are not only willing to engage with complex issues but are also prepared to take decisive action. It is time to hold our potential leaders accountable for their promises and ensure they prioritize the safety and character of Solvang over mere development profits.

As we move closer to the election, let us urge Brown and Baker to address these crucial issues head-on. Our community deserves candidates who will prioritize safety, transparency, and the preservation of Solvang’s unique charm in all their decision-making processes.

Brian Carrillo: Concerned Citizen of Solvang

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUM IN SOLVANG

For more information on the Wildwood (Alamo Pindado ) development 

The allure of the Santa Ynez Valley’s picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and vibrant community spirit drew me in from the bustling streets of Los Angeles and Orange County. With the promise of development comes a whirlwind of emotions—a mix of excitement and concern as we witness the unfolding plans that will shape our valley’s future.

The Landscape of Development

The Santa Ynez Valley is poised for significant change with a plethora of development projects on the horizon. Notable among these is the Chanin Winery on Industrial Way, which aims to enhance local tourism with wine production and tasting events. This project could attract visitors and provide economic benefits to the region, yet we must consider its implications on traffic and the rural charm we hold dear.

Similarly, the Hwy 246 Commercial Center Project, introduced by area Developer and Contractor heavy weight, Ed St. George, is set to introduce new retail and service-oriented businesses, contributing to local commerce. The development at 220 Avenue of Flags in Buellton, with its Art Deco flair, promises to revitalize the area, featuring a market/deli and a coffee shop.

However, the inclusion of a drive-thru with a 34 Foot High Stucco Coffee Pot has raised eyebrows, as residents worry about congestion and whether such an architectural style aligns with the town’s character. St. George also has big plans in nearby Solvang where he plans to build a large resort Hotel located  across from Mission Santa Ines, on Mission Drive, called the Mission Santa Ines,  and will include a  new 2 story, 50-room hotel, a small church and a cottage suite that will resemble a windmill.

St. Georges plans also include a smaller one-story boutique hotel of 32 rooms situated on Alisal Road, outfitted with eight nearby free-standing cottages

Elsewhere back in Buellton, The Buellton Garden Apartments  and Buellton Village Senior Apartments are vital additions, addressing the growing need for affordable housing, particularly for seniors. While these projects provide much-needed living options, they also pose questions about infrastructure strain and how they fit into our small-town narrative.

 Out-of-Town Developers and Local Concerns

One prevalent theme in a few of these developments is the involvement of out-of-town developers. Their lack of familiarity with the Santa Ynez Valley’s unique culture often raises concerns about the preservation of our community’s charm. Projects like the Alamo Pintado Apartments (Wildwood) in Solvang, pushed through under the state’s Builder’s Remedy, exemplify the tension between necessary growth and the desire to maintain the valley’s distinct identity.

While we acknowledge the necessity for development to accommodate our growing population and evolving needs, it is crucial to advocate for responsible planning that prioritizes community input. Local residents, represented by organizations like the Santa Ynez Valley Citizens Council (SYVCC), are actively working to ensure that growth aligns with our community values and preserves the characteristics that make our towns special.

 A Need for Inclusive Dialogue

With all these changes in the pipeline, it is imperative to foster an inclusive dialogue within our community. Residents must engage in discussions about what they want the future of the Santa Ynez Valley to look like. Will our quaint towns transform into replicas of the urban sprawl we sought to escape? Or can we strike a balance that accommodates progress while safeguarding our valley’s natural beauty and unique charm?

Projects like The Waypoint Bowling Alley, the Creekside Village Mixed Use Project, and the Buellton Hub represent opportunities for community gathering and recreation, enhancing our quality of life. However, these developments must be approached with caution and thorough consideration of their environmental and infrastructural impacts.

Preserving the Beauty of Our Valley

As we navigate these changes, we must not lose sight of what makes the Santa Ynez Valley a beloved destination. Our rolling hills, vineyards, and historic landmarks—like the retrofitting of Mission Santa Inés—must be preserved amidst the growth. The Anderson Pea Soup Project, with its focus on preserving local history while introducing new dining experiences, is a step in the right direction.

While growth is inevitable and, in many cases, necessary, it should never come at the cost of our community’s spirit. The beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley lies not just in its landscapes but in its people, traditions, and shared values. As residents, we must come together, voice our concerns, and engage in constructive discussions that lead to thoughtful, sustainable development.

The future of the Santa Ynez Valley is a collective journey. Together, we can embrace progress while ensuring that our small towns remain vibrant and true to their roots. Let’s make our voices heard and actively participate in shaping a future that honors the beauty and charm of our valley while welcoming the growth it needs.

Active  Development and Construction Projects : Santa Ynez Valley

Get involved in the Conversation.  Participate in the positive growth of our beautiful San Ynez Valley.   https://www.LoveSYV.com

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 our local economy in ways that are often overlooked.

Job Creation and Local Employment
Starbucks isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s an employer, providing local jobs to residents in towns like Buellton, Lompoc, Santa Maria and Solvang. For many, Starbucks offers a stable source of income, employee benefits, and the opportunity for career growth. They don’t just bring a paycheck, they invest in their employees with programs such as healthcare, tuition reimbursement, and personal development opportunities. How many local developers can claim that their projects provide long-term employment to locals in this way?

Community Engagement
In addition to offering a great cup of coffee to many people, including this writer, Starbucks has a strong tradition of giving back to the communities it serves, including towns across California. Their volunteer initiatives and local partnerships are proof of this. In California, the company frequently engages in community service and charity events, fostering a sense of connection between the corporation and local residents. If you’ve ever visited a Starbucks, you’ve likely seen flyers for charity events or local fundraisers they support. Independent businesses may play a key role in our small towns, but to dismiss Starbucks as having no positive impact ignores the real value they bring to our community.

Taxes and Local Economy
Let’s talk dollars and cents. Starbucks pays local taxes, which directly benefit our towns by funding public services, schools, and infrastructure. Whether it’s sales tax or property tax, these contributions stay within our local governments. Local developers might want to claim they’re the real champions of our economy, but when they’re putting up oversized apartment complexes and strip malls with tacky, gimmick-driven architecture, they often bring more strain on local resources than they admit.

The Real Culprit: Developers Trying to Buy Favor
Speaking of developers, let’s not forget that it is often these regional developers who are causing real issues in our local towns. Towns of Santa Ynez including Buellton and Solvang are facing threats to their charming, small-town feel from the very people trying to distract us from the truth. These developers want to put up super-sized apartment complexes and commercial properties that don’t fit the character of our region. They promise jobs and progress, but the reality is that their projects often increase traffic, strain local infrastructure, and push out the very community atmosphere we cherish.

The cookie-cutter, gimmicky architecture they propose—meant to look flashy and modern—just erodes the unique charm of our towns. Do we really want oversized buildings, crammed parking lots, and commercial zones that look like every other suburb across the state? Or do we want to preserve the character that makes the Santa Ynez Valley special?
Starbucks is far from the villain that some developers want to portray them as. They contribute to the local economy, provide jobs, and engage with the community in meaningful ways. The real threat comes from regional developers pushing large, ill-fitting projects that damage the character of our small towns. It’s time we look closely at who’s really benefitting from development and call out those who are trying to buy favor while doing more harm than good to places like Buellton and Solvang.