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 that touches every corner of our state, from urban centers to small towns like Solvang. As much as we might wish for local autonomy, California’s aggressive housing policies make one thing clear—change is coming, whether we’re ready for it or not.

For Solvang, the challenge is stark. How do we meet state mandates while preserving the unique charm that defines our town? How do we balance growth with our commitment to a Danish-inspired aesthetic that draws visitors and residents alike? The answer lies in a new zoning amendment that will give Solvang more control over its destiny. This proposal isn’t just a compliance measure; it’s an opportunity for Solvang to embrace thoughtful, measured growth while maintaining its identity.

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The Reality of the Housing Crisis

The housing shortage in California is no secret. The lack of affordable and accessible housing has driven costs to astronomical heights, forcing families to make impossible choices and pushing essential workers farther from the communities they serve. The state has responded with aggressive (and controversial) legislation like SB-9, which overrides local zoning laws to allow increased density in single-family neighborhoods. While well-intentioned, SB-9 leaves towns like ours vulnerable to unregulated development that could fundamentally alter the fabric of our community.

The people of California have made their priorities clear. Housing is a critical issue, and the state is targeting it with every tool at its disposal. For Solvang, resisting these changes isn’t an option. The mandates are here, and failure to comply comes with severe consequences—legal challenges, loss of funding, and a state-imposed housing plan that would strip us of what little control we have left. Instead of fighting the inevitable, we must embrace a solution that works for Solvang.

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Rezoning: A Local Solution to a Statewide Problem

The proposed zoning amendment, nearly all but approved this week (I am still confused if was or not), is more than a bureaucratic adjustment; it’s a proactive measure to protect Solvang’s character while meeting state housing goals. By consolidating and updating zoning categories, this amendment allows us to align with the 2045 General Plan and the state’s housing requirements in a way that reflects our values.

The key advantage of rezoning is control. Instead of leaving our future in the hands of individual developers acting under SB-9, rezoning allows us to guide growth strategically. We can designate areas for higher-density housing where it makes sense—near walkable amenities, transit, and existing infrastructure—while preserving the low-density neighborhoods and open spaces that define Solvang’s charm. This amendment ensures that growth happens on our terms, not the state’s.

The new zoning plan also incorporates thoughtful design standards, ensuring that new developments respect Solvang’s unique aesthetic. Under the amendment, we can enforce guidelines that maintain our Danish-inspired architecture and village feel, even as we accommodate new housing. This isn’t about sacrificing Solvang’s identity; it’s about adapting it to meet modern needs while staying true to our roots.

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A Progressive Mandate with Local Benefits

Living in a state like California means understanding that progress often comes with challenges. The housing crisis has forced every community to reexamine its role in solving a statewide problem. For Solvang, this rezoning amendment is a chance to lead by example—to show that small towns can meet housing mandates without losing what makes them special.

This isn’t about politics; it’s about pragmatism. The state has set the course, and we have an opportunity to shape how Solvang navigates it. By adopting this zoning amendment, we can demonstrate that we’re serious about addressing housing needs while preserving the heart of our community. It’s a balancing act, but it’s one that we can achieve with careful planning and a commitment to protecting what we love about Solvang.

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The Future is in Our Hands

California’s progressive housing policies aren’t going anywhere. Elections have consequences, and the voters have made it clear that housing is a priority. Solvang can’t afford to ignore this reality. But by embracing this zoning amendment, we’re not just complying with state mandates—we’re taking control of our future.

This amendment allows us to grow thoughtfully, to meet the needs of today without compromising the values that have guided us for generations. It’s a chance to ensure that Solvang remains a place where families can live, work, and thrive, all while maintaining the charm and character that make our town unique.

The housing crisis is a problem we all must face. But with this zoning amendment, Solvang can show that even in a small town, progress and preservation can go hand in hand. Let’s take this opportunity to lead, to adapt, and to ensure that Solvang’s best days are still ahead.

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Brian Carrillo is a seasoned expert in building and construction and is the president of (Joint-tek a consulting firm specializing in seismic expansion joint systems), with over 40 years of experience working on large-scale commercial and public projects across the Western United States.  Brian is a dedicated advocate for responsible development and preserving the unique charm of the Santa Ynez Valley. He actively engages with the community through his roles  with the Santa Ynez Citizens Council (SYVCC) , Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, the Santa Ynez Valley Western Historic Foundation, and as a board member of the Mission Oaks Homeowners Association. Brian is also expanding his service efforts through involvement with the Solvang Rotary Club.

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 from the fast-paced, impersonal nature of urban life, providing a haven for residents and visitors alike. However, the unchecked growth of large-scale developments and the push for overdevelopment in the area threaten to change this peaceful landscape, turning it into another overrun, overcrowded corridor like Santa Maria, Lompoc, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Ventura, or even Los Angeles.

 The Strain of Unchecked Growth

The towns that make up the Santa Ynez Valley each have their own distinctive character and charm. Solvang is known for its Danish-inspired architecture and unique tourist attractions; Buellton is the gateway to wine country with its welcoming atmosphere and easy access to major highways; Santa Ynez offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with stunning agricultural landscapes; Los Olivos provides a haven for art lovers and wine enthusiasts; Ballard retains its agricultural roots and small-town feel; and Los Alamos is a quirky, up-and-coming town with a rich history. These towns, though diverse, share one thing in common—they are small, close-knit communities that have managed to retain their character despite the pressures of the growing urban sprawl around them.

However, the increasing trend of large-scale developments threatens to overwhelm these communities. When big developers target the Santa Ynez Valley, they often see a blank canvas for expansion. Housing projects, shopping centers, and sprawling commercial spaces, while potentially providing economic growth, can have devastating consequences for the towns they transform. The infrastructure in these small towns was never designed to handle the kinds of traffic, utilities, and population increases that come with large developments. More roads, more cars, more buildings—these things put pressure on systems that were built to accommodate only a small fraction of the growing demands. The inevitable result is congestion, limited resources, and a fundamental change to the small-town atmosphere.

Take, for example, Buellton, which sits at a major crossroads between Solvang, Santa Ynez, and the Santa Barbara area. Already experiencing increased traffic and the expansion of its commercial footprint, Buellton faces the danger of becoming another overbuilt town like those to the south. The infrastructure, especially in terms of roadways, is not equipped for the volume of traffic that further development would bring. Adding even more developments to this already crowded town would only exacerbate the problem, leading to gridlock, traffic accidents, and a loss of the very charm that attracts visitors and new residents in the first place.

Similarly, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Ballard all face the risk of losing their quaint, rural appeal as more projects are pushed forward. These towns are known for their agricultural beauty and small-town pace, but as developers eye the land for large-scale residential and commercial projects, these communities may find themselves at a crossroads: fight to protect their identities or risk becoming just another suburban sprawl. The rural, historical aesthetic that defines these places could be lost to bland, mass-market buildings that offer little in terms of community cohesion or charm.

Solvang: A Tourist Town Under Siege

Solvang, in particular, is a shining example of what could be at stake if unchecked development continues. Known for its Danish-inspired architecture, bakeries, and boutique shops, Solvang is a unique tourist destination that draws thousands of visitors every year. Its charm is not just in its quaint buildings or the picturesque streets but in the sense of nostalgia it evokes—a feeling of being transported to a different time and place. The town relies on tourism, and its success is inextricably tied to its ability to maintain its charm and historical character.

However, if the town allows too many large-scale developments, it risks losing the very essence of what makes it so special. New developments could turn Solvang from a peaceful retreat into a bustling, overcrowded tourist trap. More housing developments, shopping centers, and commercial spaces would bring more cars and people, changing the very atmosphere that attracts visitors. Already, the town struggles with parking and traffic during peak tourist seasons; adding more projects could only worsen the problem, creating an environment where residents and visitors alike feel squeezed out of the spaces that once felt welcoming.

The Threat to the Santa Ynez Valley’s Way of Life

The fundamental issue with overdevelopment is not just about the buildings—it’s about the loss of a way of life. The Santa Ynez Valley is unique, and what sets it apart is its ability to blend modern amenities with a deep sense of history, agriculture, and natural beauty. These towns have been built over generations by families and individuals who value their close-knit communities and the lifestyles they offer. What many developers fail to understand is that these small towns are more than just real estate—they are living, breathing communities that thrive on connection, tradition, and the preservation of a unique way of life.

Unchecked growth brings with it the risk of erasing what makes these towns different from the overcrowded, sprawling urban centers of Santa Maria, Lompoc, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles. These places, once known for their wide-open spaces and small-town charm, are now overrun with traffic, pollution, and the overwhelming presence of commercial developments that cater more to tourists than to the needs of residents. If we allow similar development to consume the Santa Ynez Valley, we will lose what makes it so appealing.

 The Fight to Protect the Valley

It’s crucial that residents of the Santa Ynez Valley fight to protect the charm and character of their towns before it’s too late. Developers should be held accountable for the impact their projects have on the community. There must be careful planning, transparency, and a focus on sustainability—both in terms of preserving the environment and in maintaining the quality of life for residents. It’s possible to balance growth with preservation, but it requires a commitment to protecting the small-town atmosphere that makes this region so special.

The fight to preserve the Santa Ynez Valley is not just about resisting growth; it’s about ensuring that growth, when it does happen, is in harmony with the existing communities. It’s about stopping the unchecked development that threatens to transform these unique towns into replicas of the larger, more commercialized cities around them. Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Ballard, and Los Alamos deserve to retain their individuality, charm, and sense of community.

The time to act is now. We must fight to protect these towns and their way of life, before they are lost to the pressures of unchecked growth. If we don’t, the Santa Ynez Valley could become just another victim of the sprawling development that has already overtaken so many other parts of California. Let’s ensure that these small towns remain as they are—unique, charming, and worthy of preservation for generations to come.

Author: Brian Carrillo

Brian Carrillo is a seasoned expert in building and construction and is the president of (Joint-tek a consulting firm specializing in seismic expansion joint systems), with over 40 years of experience working on large-scale commercial and public projects across the Western United States.  Brian is a dedicated advocate for responsible development and preserving the unique charm of the Santa Ynez Valley. He actively engages with the community through his roles  with the Santa Ynez Citizens Council (SYVCC) , Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, the Santa Ynez Valley Western Historic Foundation, and as a board member of the Mission Oaks Homeowners Association. Brian is also expanding his service efforts through involvement with the Solvang Rotary Club.

 

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 the city for a 109-unit high-density development high above Alamo Pintado Road and Old Mission Drive.  This inappropriate mammoth proposal brazenly seeks to avoid needed on-site parking and will significantly strain our infrastructure and irrevocably alter the small-town charm Solvang residents hold dear. But the greater issue? This developer is taking advantage of our city’s repeated planning failures in order to ram this development down our throats. It’s time for our leaders to act responsibly to follow the law and stop the illegal development application and minimize costly legal battles against the City.

For over two years, residents have collaborated closely with the City to shape a balanced Housing Element of Plan Solvang that addresses affordable housing needs while safeguarding Solvang’s resources, gateways, and historical appeal. Site C of the plan, the area in question, has been central to this discussion due to its high visibility at Solvang’s main entrance and the unique concerns that come with high-density development on steep land. Despite extensive public input and the City’s own recommendations to restrict development to the flatter sections, this proposal covers steep areas, includes large, two and three-story buildings, infringes on set-back limits and disregards our carefully crafted guidelines.

This troubling situation emerged because Solvang’s Planning Department failed to submit a certified Housing Element by the state’s deadline, leaving us out of legal compliance with State law from June 2023 until February 2024. This oversight allowed the developer to exploit the “Builder’s Remedy,” a legal loophole that bypasses local zoning restrictions and ignores recommendations for limited development on Site C. How did we get here? Through a combination of inadequate staffing, poor oversight, and a lack of urgency from the City Council.

The story behind this failure is alarming. Since 2020, key planning positions have been unfilled or managed by temporary hires, with a turnover rate that speaks to deep organizational issues. Instead of taking timely action itself, the City relied on a costly Sacramento consultant whose scope of work, fees, and timeline were unclear and ultimately inadequate. Despite paying over $800,000 for their services, crucial errors and delays persisted. Our residents watched this play out with frustration, witnessing a revolving door of temporary and overburdened City staff and ineffective management while the Council remained unengaged.

The City’s Housing Element submission, having been hurriedly prepared and fraught with errors, was submitted to the State the day before the 2/15/23 deadline for approval. It fell flat. And while the 120 day deadline grace period given by the State to correct the submission ticked down, the City planning staff shortfall and overburden went unnoticed by Council. The Planning Manager resigned, citing burnout, and the job lay empty for 3 months as the State deadline passed on June 15, 2023. This failure in leadership directly led to the current debacle. Now, we face a developer’s application that includes unauthorized easement access over private property whose owners were never given notice as required by State law; an incomplete and illegal application that should never have been processed by the City

It is time for Solvang’s City Council to wake up. Continuing down this path will only lead to further degradation of our town’s infrastructure, greater risks to public safety, and significant taxpayer expenses in defending lawsuits we could have avoided with responsible action. Instead of fearing litigation from developers, it’s time to protect our community from unchecked development that undermine years of public input and planning.

This Council needs to consult its legal counsel immediately and demand a full review of the facts surrounding the legality of the Alamo Pintado Lots application. Rather than yielding to pressure and allowing illegal applications to proceed, we must stand firm for what Solvang represents. With each failure to act, we risk losing not only Solvang’s unique charm but also the public’s trust in our city’s governance.

The Council must:
1. Investigate the noncompliant aspects of the Builder’s Remedy application, assess its legality, and require a NEW, COMPLETE AND CORRECT SUBMISSION
2. Seek mediation to find a resolution to realign Solvang’s development with the City’s adopted Housing Element plan
3. Hold a public session to address citizens’ questions on the Council’s oversight failures and to detail steps to prevent similar issues in the future.

The path forward is clear: Solvang’s leadership must finally act in the best interests of its residents, or else risk being remembered as the council that let Solvang’s cherished identity slip away.

Brian Carrillo – Concerned Citizen of Solvang and the Greater Santa Ynez Valley

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

 

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11-07-2024

Follow Up  Comments:

To those who wonder why I’m speaking out now, let me say this: while this project has been a “hot item” for some time, it has not yet been approved. And in that lies our opportunity and our responsibility. I respect the hard work and dedication that many in our community have already put into opposing this project, but if we step back now, we’re allowing the Wildwood development to march forward unchecked under the Builder’s Remedy—a loophole that ignores our zoning laws, disregards local voices, and dismisses Solvang’s carefully planned Housing Elements. If approved in its current form, this project will permanently alter the character of our community and diminish the quality of life for all who call Santa Ynez Valley home.

The Builder’s Remedy, which Wildwood is attempting to use, allows the developer to override local planning and zoning regulations, significantly limiting our say in how this development impacts our community. This path allows developers to sidestep crucial guidelines outlined in Solvang’s General Plan, including reasonable density limits, environmental protections, and infrastructure planning. For a project on a site with steep slopes, high visibility, and limited access, this is a recipe for disaster. We’re not saying no to all development; we’re saying no to a plan that recklessly disregards the city’s established Housing Elements. We want a project that respects the character of our area, considers traffic and pedestrian safety, preserves our scenic views, and follows the guidelines we’ve fought so hard to establish.

Why Now?

Some might wonder why we’re speaking up so strongly now. Simply put, because this is our window of opportunity. If we don’t fight this project before it’s approved, our ability to influence its scale, design, and impact becomes extremely limited. The City Council and Planning Department need to hear from us now—before irreversible decisions are made. This is our chance to ensure the future of our town is guided by its residents, not outside developers exploiting a legal loophole.

What’s at Stake

This project, as currently planned, would primarily affect Mission Oaks residents, but the impact would reverberate throughout Santa Ynez Valley. Increased traffic, overburdened infrastructure, and changes to the community’s aesthetic and environmental footprint would affect all of us. Mission Oaks residents stand to lose the most in terms of access, privacy, and property value, but make no mistake—this project impacts everyone in Santa Ynez Valley. And we need to rally together, both to support those directly affected and to protect our community as a whole.

The Importance of Community Support

To those who have been tirelessly opposing this project, I say thank you, and let’s keep going. But to those who may not yet have raised their voices, now is the time. We need community members to join the Santa Ynez Valley Citizens Council (SYVCC), contribute their time and voices, and even consider donating to help fund the legal fight that may be necessary to protect our rights and values. The City needs to know that we are united and that we won’t stand by as our community’s character and integrity are compromised. Together, we can ensure that any development on this site is scaled down, adheres to local guidelines, and respects the community we’ve worked so hard to build.

Join Us

This is not just a fight for one neighborhood—it’s a stand for the future of  the Santa Ynez Valley. Let’s remind the City of  Solvang that we’re here, that we care, and that we’re ready to protect our community. Join the SYVCC, donate, and make your voice heard. Our town’s future is in our hands.

Brian Carrillo – Resident of Mission Oaks, Volunteer, SYVCC

For more information on the Wildwood (Alamo Pindado ) development 

• Op-Ed on the Mayoral Candidate Forum in Solvang
• Embracing Change in the Santa Ynez Valley: A Balancing Act of Growth and Community Charm
• Local Developers Are Trying to Mislead Us: Here’s How Starbucks Contributes to Our Communities
• September
• Fingerprints