DECEMBER 3 – DECEMBER 16, 2024
SANTA YNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM
Making Communities Better Through Print.™
Solvang’s Turkey Trot personifies the term ‘fun run’ Record number of participants turn out Thanksgiving morning as 5K run/walk is held for the 13th year
INSIDE
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
M
uch of the crowd waiting to take part in Solvang Parks and Rec’s 13th annual Turkey Trot could be found in the usual running attire shorts, tank tops, T-shirts, maybe a headband or a few, but many chose a more festive choice of garb for the event, that was held on Thanksgiving morning for the second time. Among the record crowd of approximately 225 participants were some who got a little creative with their jogging threads, making the event a real fun run. One group in particular stood out as they seemed to be getting a head start on the Christmas celebration. Sara Mountin, who lives in Vandenberg Village near Lompoc proper, and several relatives, many visiting from Utah, were decked out in red and black sweatsuits with a likeness of Santa Claus on the back. “I had a lot of family coming and we decided to do something different, coming here and having
Spotlight | Pg. 12 The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery holds grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony News Briefs . . . . . . . . . Pg. 2 • Applications sought for Solvang City Council 3rd District seat News . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 3 • Solvang City Council moves forward with proposed zoning changes Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 6 • LEFT AND RIGHT: Trump’s victory shows the shift among American voters Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 8 • Pirates boys and girls basketball teams off to successful starts
The Trot Squad was one of a few groups who did the Turkey Trot together. Here they are posing next to the inflatable turkey overlooking the course at Sunny Fields Park. Photo by Mike Chaldu
a little fun with the costumes,” Mountin said. “We ended up finding these at Walmart and ordered a bunch of them. “It’s just a good way to enjoy the day, and get some exercise before the big meal.” That was the idea the Solvang
Parks and Rec staff had when they decided last year to start holding the event on Thanksgiving morning starting last year. “The turnout has been outstanding; it’s the largest we’ve ever had,” said Solvang Park’s and Rec Director Jenny McClurg.
“This isn’t a competitive race at all — we’re not entering times or naming a winner, people can go the whole 5K, or just part of it. We’re just having people get together and have a good time.” Longtime Parks and Rec staffer CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
Community . . . . . . . . Pg. 16 • Coffee seems to be in new business owner’s DNA Arts & Nonprofits . . . . . Pg. 17 • Fossemalle Dance Studio welcomes former ballet mistress Miss Linda Giancaspro Lifestyles . . . . . . . . . Pg. 18 • Winter solstice ushers in our Christmas ‘festival’ Calendar . . . . . . . . . Pg. 23 • Government meetings and events