Santa Ynez Valley Star • March 6, 2026

MARCH 06–MARCH 16, 2026

‘Big Banana Car’ makes weekend pit stop in Buellton

Michigan resident Steve Braithwaite stopped in Santa Ynez Valley as part of nationwide tour with fruit-shaped vehicle

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

S“omewhere in the world a huge banana is speeding down a lonesome highway,” is the message on the home page of a website at bigbananacar.com. On the weekend of Feb. 21-22, that “somewhere” was Buellton.

For those who saw the long yellow vehicle traveling around Buellton streets, the banana car is the creation of one Steve Braithwaite, a 65-yearold Manitou Beach, Michigan, resident originally from Oxford, England. “I’m a hot rodder, but I stopped going to hot rod shows,” said Braithwaite, his British accent still intact despite being in the U.S. for 40 years. “However, I was watching the British version of ‘Top Gear’ and they had the world’s fastest garden shed, and then not too long after, a drivable street-legal couch. So I started to think ‘what can

I build that’s ridiculous?’” Inspiration suddenly struck while waiting in line at a gas-station mini-mart. “I was in line at checkout and saw

a bowl of fruit, and the long banana was in there and I picked it up and started envisioning how it would look on wheels,” Braithwaite recalled. “I got

so caught up in that, I didn’t realize the people in front of me already left and the rest were waiting for me to go up and pay for my stuff. But that’s when

Pirates girls fall just short in CIF section final

Santa Ynez High runners-up for second straight season after narrow loss to Rosamond in Division V nail-biter

By Mike Chaldu

michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

One would be hard-pressed to find a more evenly matched CIF championship game than the one that occurred the morning of Saturday, Feb. 28, at Selland Arena in Fresno.

The CIF Central Section Division V girls basketball final saw the Santa Ynez Pirates, seeded No. 5, go up against the No. 3 seed Rosamond Roadrunners.

SYHS was returning to a section title game after being runners-up last year, while Rosamond was looking to win its third straight section championship.

Kicking off a stretch of six title games in Fresno on the day, the two teams battled in a contest that was extremely close for the entire 48 minutes. The end of the first period: tied. Halftime: tied. End of the third period: Santa Ynez up by one.

Then with less than a minute left in the game, the Pirates found themselves with the ball down by two. Two 3-point attempts missed, and then with

1.5 seconds left, SYHS couldn’t get the shot off an inbounds pass, and Rosamond earned that third straight title with a 43-41 victory.

swings there where we could have taken control, but they battled back, and we battled back, just back and forth like that all game.”

From there it was nip-and-tuck as the score was deadlocked six times, and neither team held a lead of more than six points at any time of the game.

I got the idea.”

Braithwaite was able to acquire a 1993 F-150 pickup that eventually become the Big Banana Car.

“I built the Big Banana Car over a two-plus-year period starting in 2008 and, with the help of a close group of friends, finished the car in the spring of 2011,” he said.

The result is a vehicle that fits its name: Long, yellow, and a paint job that depicts a real banana, including touches of green that mimic the fruit’s aging process. The driver’s seat is at the very front, with three passenger seats in single file behind it, and the banana “stem” curving upwards in the back.

Braithwaite left his home back in November 2025 and has been making stops at various cities, offering free rides in his unique set of wheels to anyone who asks.

“I’ve been driving around the country and people ask why I do this,” he said. “Once I rode a motorcyle across India, which is a silly thing, but it inspired me to do an ‘RTW,’ which means ‘round the world, and do it in the banana car.

“It’s a two-part plan. First, build the car, and I’ve done that, and go around

Pirates head coach Jennifer Rasmussen commented on the close back and forth of the game after arriving back from Fresno on Saturday evening.

“It was such a difficult game, we had plans to pressure them on defense, but really didn’t do that,” she said. “We had

The Roadrunners got off to a quick start in the first period, scoring the first six points before senior forward Rylan Agin hit a three-pointer to get the Pirates on the board, and Elena Sleiman and Jazmine Juarez scored baskets to put SYHS up 7-6.

After the teams came out of halftime tied at 20, Agin again hit a 3-pointer for the first points of the second half and the Pirates were able to lead 30-29 at the end of the third. SYHS was able to build a 34-31 lead with 6:40 left in

NEWS BRIEFS

Beautification Award winners for 2025 awarded by the Rotary Club of Solvang Winners of the Rotary Club of Solvang’s Beautification Awards for 2025 receive accolades at the club’s Feb. 24,meeting for their outstanding contribution and improvement to properties in the Santa Ynez Valley.

From left: James Bier, Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center — Best Civic Construction; Art Kaslow, Rotary Chair; Victoria Gutierrez, The Marlo Hotel — Best Commercial Remodel, Solvang; Cristian Vasquez, Vasquez Construction; Lorena Orona, Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor — Best Retail Remodel; Denise Johns, 2010 Kanin Hoj, Solvang — Best Residential Remodel; Juan Carlos Aragon, Evoulution Landscaping; Jack Martin, 1208 Cuesta St., Santa Ynez — Best Real Estate Remodel; Hon. Clau Orona, Sal Orona Sr, and Sal Orona Jr. Not pictured: Charles and Paula Greenwald for 2427 Janin Way — Best Residential Reconstruction.

SANTA YNEZ

Chumash announce $250K donation to Santa Ynez Community Aquatics Complex

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians recently presented the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation with a $250,000 donation to help the nonprofit reach its goal of bringing a state-of-the-art pool facility to students and the local community. The recent check presentation brought together members of the tribe, SYV Community Aquatics Foundation, and Santa Ynez High School, symbolizing a major step forward in bringing the ambitious, collaborative project to the valley.

“Our tribe is proud to support projects that focus on promoting wellness, helping student-athletes or benefitting the community,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “This one project does all the above. We’ve been longtime supporters of this effort to create an elite aquatics complex in Santa Ynez because we believe it would be a valuable resource for the entire community.”

Since the SYV Community Aquatics Foundation’s fundraising campaign began, the goal has been to build a modern aquatic facility to replace the deteriorating 50-year-old pool, which is beyond repair and no longer meets disability-access standards or sanctioned competition requirements.

The future Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Complex, an outdoor, two-pool facility planned for the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School campus, will expand access to

swim lessons, competitive aquatics, recreation and wellness programs for students and residents across the valley, addressing a long-standing regional need for safe, modern aquatic facilities. The complex will feature a 35-meter competition pool, a 25-yard active-living pool, changing rooms, a splash pad and a multipurpose classroom and recreation area.

“We want to thank the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians for their continued support of their local community and schools,” said Kim Sheehan, Superintendent for the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District. “When schools have high-quality facilities, success follows, including athletic success, and in turn, we see those involved students achieving academically at the highest levels. One of our goals is to ensure 100% of our students are involved in an activity outside the classroom, by connecting to our school and contributing to our strong culture. That translates to lifelong learning and a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically.”

The campaign for the two-pool community aquatics complex has raised just over $5 million, marking major progress with more than onethird of the project’s $13.7 million campaign goal reached to replace the aging pool and serve both students and residents.

Lisa Palmer, board president and campaign chair for the SYV Community Aquatics Foundation, says the tribe’s support reflects a shared belief that this project will have lasting benefits for students, families, seniors and the broader community.

“We are deeply grateful to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians for their continued leadership and generosity,” Palmer said. “We are honored to recognize their partnership through the scoreboard naming rights and grateful for their role in helping make this vision a reality. This commitment not only helps move the project forward but also sends a powerful message about the importance of investing in a shared community space that will serve all residents for generations to come.”

The Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation continues to advance fundraising, design and public-private partnerships in support of the project, with construction targeted for 2027 once full funding is secured. For more information about the SYV Community Aquatics Complex or to learn how to get involved, visit syvaquatics.org

Pressley Melville named to Dean’s List at Biola University

Pressley Melville was named to Biola University’s Dean’s List for academic excellence.

Melville, a business administration major from Santa Ynez, was one of approximately

1,700 students who were named to the Dean’s List in fall 2025. Biola students are placed on the Dean’s List to honor those with a GPA of 3.6 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credits and whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.2.

“Inclusion in Biola University’s Dean’s List is reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional performance in their academic studies. This honor signifies hard work, engagement, and investment in scholarship,” said Senior Associate Provost Dr. Tamara Anderson. “These attributes are the building blocks of continued success, not only in the classroom, but in the workplace and in the student’s personal lives. We celebrate these students and their achievement, looking forward to their future accomplishments.”

Founded in 1908, Biola University is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 5,000 students at its Southern California campus and around the world, Biola’s eight schools offer more than 250 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

SB COUNTY

County OEM launches Hazard Awareness Map to strengthen preparedness and reduce risk

The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management has launched the new Community Hazard Awareness Map, a public resource designed to help everyone better understand and prepare for natural and human-caused hazards affecting Santa Barbara County.

Built primarily from information in the countywide 2022 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, this map transforms technical hazard data into a dynamic, publicfocused experience. Displaying this information in an accessible, user-friendly platform helps users explore hazard risks in their area, such as flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other potential threats.

“This map empowers our community with actionable knowledge,” said Kelly Hubbard, director for the Office of Emergency Management. “Anyone can now visually expand their familiarity with local hazards and make informed decisions that protect lives, homes, and our shared future.”

At a time when communities are facing more frequent and severe climate-related events, a new map highlighting local hazards provides an essential, place-based snapshot of risks facing the region. In 2021, the county completed a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) that analyzes how climate-related hazards may impact people, infrastructure, ecosystems, and community services. This assessment found that sea levels are projected to rise by 6.6 feet and there will be 8 times more extreme heat days all by 2100, just a few of the

findings that further highlight the need for action.

“The Community Hazard Awareness Map offers residents a clearer picture of what climate-related challenges mean close to home. Now is the time to tap into this informative resource and take steps to prepare,” added Hubbard.

The Community Hazard Awareness Map is available to the public at ReadySBC.org in the Maps section. Community members are encouraged to explore the map, learn about local hazards, and take steps to prepare themselves and their families.

Last summer the County Office of Emergency Management, along with various public safety partners, launched the Emergency Zones Map to help people during real-time emergencies access information on evacuations, shelter in placeorders, and other protective actions. With the new Community Hazard Awareness Map, the community now has a comprehensive tool to identify potential hazards and get prepared ahead of emergencies.

SANTA BARBARA

Angels Foster Care of Santa Barbara Welcomes Dr. Jacqueline McDonough as new executive director

Angels Foster Care of Santa Barbara, California, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nurturing foster care for children in need, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Jacqueline McDonough as the new executive director. With deep expertise in organizational leadership, trauma-informed care, and change management, Dr. McDonough is poised to lead the organization into a new chapter of growth and innovation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jacqueline McDonough as our new executive director,” said Lori Baur, president of the board and long-time Angels supporter. “She brings an exceptional mix of energy, insight, and drive, along with a deep commitment to our mission. We are incredibly excited about the vision and leadership she will bring to the organization and look forward to the impact of her ideas as we move into this next chapter.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Jacqueline to the Angels team. She comes with top experience and education, but just spend a little time with

STAR NEWS

Solvang City Council moves forward amended ordinance limiting short-term rentals

Council also hears from local grant funding applicants and gets report from new county fire chief

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Advancing a proposal to tighten up the ordinance dealing with short-term rentals in the city, the Solvang City Council approved the first reading of the amended ordinance during its regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 23.

During the meeting, the council also heard a presentation of the Santa Barbara County Fire Public Safety Annual Review, and also got to hear from local applicants for the city’s 2026 funding grants.

The meeting began with Mayor David Brown introducing young resident Carter Levine, who got to serve as Mayor for the Day, an annual honor for a lucky youngster. Carter was able to pound the gavel to start the meeting and then led the council and audience in the Pledge of Alliance before going to sit with her mom in the audience.

The first order of business for the council was the 2025 SBC Fire Public Safety Annual Review, presented by recently appointed Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Garrett Huff, who also introduced the department’s new Public Information Officer Capt. Mike Gray.

During the report, Huff hailed the recent opening of the Regional Fire Communication Center, which changes the manner of which first responders are dispatched.

“What it means for the county is that we dropped all jurisdictional boundaries,”

Huff said. “Before, the dispatch would depend on which agency had jurisdiction, but now, say there’s a call in the county area, but a Santa Barbara city engine happens to be closer, we would send that. It drops all the borders.”

In a review of the annual stats, Huff said Solvang produced 690 calls in 2025, which was pretty consistent with the previous year. He also elaborated on some notable local fires in 2025, especially that of the Hans Christian Anderson Square buildings on 1st Street and Molle Way. He said the Molle Fire, as it’s called, and the fire that gutted the former Sear Steakhouse on second street was still under investigation.

The council then conducted a public hearing on Ordinance No. 26-0390,

which regulates the zoning for shortterm rentals.

In 2025, the City Council directed staff to revise the ordinance, which was enacted in 2016. Since then, technological changes and the growth of online rental platforms exposed gaps in the ordinance, due to lack of enforcement, limited investigations, and lack of oversight and cap on STR permits.

Community Development Director Rafael Castillo said the amendments proposed in 2025 and approved by the city’s Planning Commission in its Jan. 5 meeting modernizes regulations, strengthens enforcement, and largely restricts short-term rentals to the Village Mixed-Use zone with limited exceptions. City staff brought the item back to coun-

cil throughout 2025 to ensure direction of ordinance changes.

During questions, Brown asked about enforcement and why STR citations that involved fines were changed to misdemeanors. City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan said the misdemeanor designation is a default that gives the city option on further actions against violators, including fines. Castillo said the city was counting on voluntary compliance from those with STRs.

Also notable was the amendment putting a cap on 40 STR permits, a number Castillo noted was agreed upon by the council at an earlier meeting.

Councilmember Elizabeth Orona asked about the list of permits and who would be managing it. Castillo said city staff would manage the list, and it would be put online for easy access to manage. He also said once the list hit 40, staff would begin a waiting list for a permit.

In Public Comment, Solvang resident Suzie Townsend questioned whether restriction was warranted and defended the STR model.

“If we are truly ‘modernizing’ this ordinance as this city like to use this terminology, we need to recognize that this [STRs] is an increasingly popular option for tourists,” Townsend said. “Severly limiting these options, and 40 is very limiting, does not modernize the policy, but puts us behind current traveling trends.”

Townsend added that limiting STRs could negatively affect Solvang’s economy.

“Limiting the number of homestays in Solvang, where people would be within walking distance of business, would cost our city revenue that would got to Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Buellton, and those who prefer the home-stay would spend their money in

those communities.”

Ultimately, Elizabeth Orona moved to approve the first reading of the ordinance, with Councilmember Mark Infanti seconding, and the item passed 5-0.

The next item, a Discussion Item, was to receive the fiscal year 2026-27 FY 26/27 Grant Funding Summary. Brown recused himself from the item, disclosing that his wife’s employer is one of the applicants for city grants in 2026. Introducing the item, Administrative Services Director Wendy Berry said the purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to eligible organizations whose programs and services align with the City’s goals and serve the Solvang community. After an application period from Dec. 1, 2025, to Jan. 30, staff conducted two mandatory informational meetings in January, reviewing eligibility requirements, application procedures, required documentation, and deadlines.

Upon review, staff found seven applications to be complete, and therefore eligible for grants. They were identified as Atterdag at Home ($20,000 requested), Nature Track ($5,000), SYV Humane Society ($25,000), SYV Fruit and Vegetable Rescue ($12,500), SYV People Helping People ($30,000), Solvang Arts and Music Foundation/ Solvang School Education Foundation ($10,000), and Solvang Rotary Foundation ($25,000).

Five of the seven applicants were on hand during Public Comment to state their case (Atterdag at Home and Nature Track were absent) for grants.

After Public Comment, Infanti moved to receive and file the report with Elizabeth Orona seconding, and the item passed 4-0

The City Council will next meet on Monday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m.

Buellton City Council approves license for farmers market

Debut of weekly event is scheduled for March 16 on medians 2 of 3 on Avenue of Flags

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

Those in Buellton desiring to have a weekly farmers market in town are about to have their wish come true.

In its regular Thursday, Feb. 26, meeting, the Buellton City Council approved a license agreement that give the green light to a weekly farmers market to be held every Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. on medians 2 and 3 on Avenue of Flags, the same general area as the annual Fall Fest. However, the only traffic modification would be the closing of the cross street between the two medians during the farmers market; Avenue of Flags would remain open to traffic.

The City Council voted unanimously to grant the license after the market organizers were granted a Conditional Use Permit by the Buellton Planning Commission during its Jan. 5 meeting.

Planning director Andrea Keefer said the license fee to the city would be just $1, recognizing that Browning and her family

would bear most of the expenses and do the planning and vendor management for the market. The city had long desired a farmers market on Avenue of Flags, but recognized that staffing and logistical challenges did not make feasible the city staff operating the event themselves.

Brenda Browning, whose family operates several farmers markets across Southern California, including one in Los Alamos, is going to operate the Buellton market and already has plans set for the inaugural one.

“We’re at maximum capacity [for vendors] and I have the local band Out of the Blue ready to play the first day,” said Browning, who was at the meeting to make her presentation and take questions from council. ““We’ve had overwhelming positive feedback.”

Plans for the market are to operate from 2 to 6 p.m. every Monday, with the option of extending to 7 p.m. in the summer months.

During council questions, Councilmember Hudson Hornick addresses the noise issue if live bands were performing, as will be the case March 16.

“Would it be as loud as Fall Fest,” he asked. Keefer answered that legally it could be, although it probably wouldn’t reach that level. She also said the noise would be regulated by the Planning Commission’s CUP.

Councilmember John Sanchez asked if local youth and civic groups would be able to do activities there, citing Girl Scouts coming to sell cookies or the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation having a both as examples. Browning assured that wouldn’t be a problem as long as they informed organizers ahead of time.

Vice Mayor Carla Mead asked about people bringing dogs into the market, to which Browning replied that dogs were not allowed due to county regulations. However, Browning added that signage would be added and very conspicuous during the market to make any pet owners aware of the policy.

Mayor David Silva asked about the parking issues, with nearby businesses possibly having concerns about the median parking lot filling up during business hours. Keefer told Silva she felt there were enough parking spaces to accommodate the market customers and it wouldn’t be a problem.

When Silva said organizers should still consider consulting with nearby businesses to clear up any concerns, Browning said she has talked to local businesses like Olivera’s Garage and the 76 gas station, with Olivera’s even offering its bathroom and water station for use during market hours.

Sanchez asked about keeping the vendor

list full, and Browning answered that there always tended to be a dropoff after a market’s been operating for a little while, but others fill the space, and she would be handling that so the city didn’t have to.

After that discussion, Elysia move to approve the license with Sanchez seconding and the motion passes 5-0.

The City Council will meet next on Thursday, March 12, at 6 p.m.

Sen. Schiff visits Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, touts restoration of critical access status

Schiff led bipartisan effort to restore hospital’s critical access designation, preserve access to federal dollars

On Feb. 19, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) toured Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, which recently had its critical access designation restored following the enactment of Senator Schiff and late Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s (R-Calif.) legislative fix that was signed into law last month. The critical legislative fix secured by Schiff preserves federal funding and investments for the hospital, allowing it to continue providing

critical health care services.

“Every community in California deserves access to a hospital and quality medical care, and I’m proud to have passed legislation to restore the critical access designation for Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital,” Schiff said.

“As a result, critical services will continue to be available, and even expanded, for patients across the Santa Ynez Valley community. Rural hospitals like this one are a literal lifeline for communities, and I will continue fighting to ensure they have the federal resources they need.”

While touring the Santa Ynez Valley College Hospital, Schiff met with hospital leadership to hear about how the medical center serves the Santa Ynez Valley community and how it is a lifeline for many to have access to reliable health care services.

Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara honors Santa Ynez High student artists

Six seniors who earned scholarships in January competition get their own February exhibition in Los Olivos

Staff Report

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara honored six student artists during a reception and exhibition at Fess Parker Winery in Los Olivos on Thursday, Feb. 12. All are seniors at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School who took part in the Foundation’s second annual Santa Ynez Valley Art Scholarship Competition on Jan. 22. Each will receive a college scholarship.

“We are pleased to celebrate these remarkably talented young artists, whose evident skill and creative energy are a testament to the guidance they have received from parents and teachers alike,” said Melinda Cabrera, president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation. “Our thanks to the folks at Fess Parker Winery and to the generous donors who make these wonderful scholarships possible.”

The Scholarship Foundation invited seniors at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School to submit a portfolio of original work for its art competition on Jan. 22, with 15 student artists participating. A panel of prominent local artists judged the submissions in the school’s boardroom — Renée Kelleher, Karen McLean-McGaw, and Ginny Speirs.

Selected as winners were Caralyn Barber (Children’s Creative Project Art Scholarship), Emma Johnson (Hazen Family Foundation Art Scholarship), Alex Molera (Hazen Family Foundation Best of Show Art Scholarship), Stephanie Rondan (Towbes Foundation Art Scholarship), Anelly Tovalin (Carver Family Art Scholarship), and Devin Van Schmus (Towbes Foundation Art Scholarship). Each will receive a college scholarship in the amount of $3,000 or $3,500.

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara is the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships, having cumulatively awarded in excess of $167 million to some 64,000 county students since its founding in 1962. A nonprofit organization, the Scholarship Foundation also provides free financial aid advising services. For additional information, visit www.sbscholarship.org

her, and you will learn about her superpowers of connecting, hard work, and focus on the young foster babies and toddlers we serve,” said Meichelle Arntz, founder and current board member of Angels Foster Care of Santa Barbara.

McDonough brings a wealth of experience in creating sustainable organizational capacities and implementing effective change strategies that enhance services and support for underserved populations. Having dedicated years to improving organizational outcomes and fostering a culture of resilience, Dr. McDonough will leverage this expertise to further strengthen the mission and vision of Angels Foster Care.

“I am incredibly excited to join Angels Foster Care and to work alongside such a dedicated team,” said McDonough. “The organization’s commitment to trauma-informed

care aligns perfectly with my passion for creating safe, supportive environments for children. Together, we will learn, grow, and build a brighter future for the children and families we serve as the only Family Fostering Agency remaining in Santa Barbara County that works specifically with children ages 0-5 on reunification with birth parent/s as the priority; however, adoption does provide intentional continuity of care for each child placed with a resource family and highlights the greater impact on children served by Angels.”

McDonough holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and has a proven track record of driving positive change within nonprofit organizations. Through innovative programming and by embracing a trauma-informed approach, Dr. McDonough aims to enhance and uphold the organization at Angels Foster Care, ensuring that each child

receives the compassionate care they deserve.

Under Dr. McDonough’s leadership, Angels Foster Care is preparing for continued care, sustainability, and significant growth. Strategic approaches are already underway to expand outreach efforts, enhance training for foster parents, build resources for families, guide post-adoption and reunification services for families, and develop community partnerships that will bolster the organization’s capacity to serve children and families in Santa Barbara County.

For more information about Angels Foster Care, please visit Angelsfostercare.org, call at (805) 884-0012, or emailingus at info@ angelsfostercare.org.

Two suspects arrested in scam targeting elderly resident Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two suspects Tues-

day after intervening in an attempted scam that targeted an elderly Santa Barbara resident and sought tens of thousands of dollars under false pretenses.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, at approximately 11:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call for assistance regarding a suspected scam. The elderly victim reported that on the evening of Monday, Feb. 23, she withdrew $25,000 in cash and handed it to a courier she believed to be a deputy U.S. marshal. The suspect contacted her again the following day demanding an additional $25,000. The victim reported the suspects claimed her Social Security number and other personal identifying information had been compromised. The suspects told the victim they were attempting to prevent further exposure of her information and instructed her to provide a financial payment and implied adverse consequences if payment was

not provided.

Deputies contacted two suspects when they arrived to collect the additional money. The suspects were identified as 21-year-old Khushal Singh of Tracy, and 21-year-old Guprakash Singh of Sacramento. Both were arrested and booked for felony violations including false personation, attempted grand theft, attempted financial elder abuse, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set at $50,000 for each suspect. The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that government agencies will never request payment in cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, nor will they send couriers to collect money. Residents are urged to be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting personal information or urgent financial transactions.

Anyone who receives similar calls is encouraged to hang up immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement.

Trio of captains hopes to elevate Pirate baseball in 2026

Two established stars joined by transfer pitcher as Santa Ynez readies for season

By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com

The three captains for the Santa Ynez High baseball team made an impact on Tuesday, Feb. 24, for the Pirates in their 12-0 win over Santa Clara to open the season.

Returning junior Jaxon Glover, one of the team’s best hitters last year, belted his and the team’s first home run and drove in four runs. Diego Pulido, another solid presence on the team, went hitless, but still got on base often enough to score three runs.

However, it was player who wasn’t even with SYHS last year who made the biggest impact.

Pitcher Tristan Jeckell no-hit the visiting Saints while striking out 16 batters. The only thing keeping him from a perfect game was one hit batsman.

It was quite a debut for Jeckell, who transferred to SYHS this year from Santa Barbara High. Thirdyear head coach Craig Gladstone said the opening game shows he could be quite an addition.

“I have a lot of friends in Santa Barbara, and heard a lot about him when he was playing JV,” Gladstone said. “He’s a kid with a live arm, but had trouble with control, but we found a couple things we were able to tweak and he really looked good, obviously, in our season opener.”

For Jeckell, he thrilled to be back and be playing with a lot of players he played with and got to know well before coming, and just having fun again.

“I didn’t love it over there [at SBHS],” he said. “I didn’t agree with having to play JV. However, I

the world, which I haven’t done yet, but I have driven all over this country, and been in every state except Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont in the Northeast, and Oregon, Washington, and Idaho in the Northwest.”

In his travels, he’s been part of two Christmas parades, and even went south of the border for part of the trip.

“Everyone down there was really nice, even the countless number of cops who pulled me over,” Braithwaite said.

For his stay in Buellton, Braithwaite was able to find a couple in Solvang as “couch-surfing hosts,” and was able to display his car in the parking lot of McDonald’s on McMurray Way.

had friends here that I grew up with, and when they told me about the program, I just wanted to hang out here and have fun playing again.”

When Jeckell looks to have success on the mound, he’ll be seeing Glover most likely as his batterymate. Glover will also have an interesting workload while serving as the team’s bullpen closer.

“I didn’t pitch much last year,” Glover said. “Last summer I was with the team that already had a lot of catchers, so I developed more as a pitcher, getting my velocity up to the 90s. So I should be able to do

Free rides were available, although Braithwaite admitted things were slow.

“I think it might have been because of the recent rainy weather,” he said.

This reporter took Braithwaite up on the offer for a ride and took his seat, which reminded one of a seat on a thrill ride. The five-minute drive to Highway 246 to Avenue of Flags and back to McDonald’s offered plenty of attention from fellow motorists, with honks and positive “thumbs-up” gestures in ample supply.

After leaving Buellton on Feb. 23, Braithwaite headed to Salinas and Monterey County. If you would like to follow his progress, you can go to his Facebook page, where he claims to have 38,000 followers, at www.face book.com/BigBananaCar/. He said

the game, but then Rosamond went on an 8-0 run to gain a lead it would not relinquish.

Rasmussen felt that the main problem was that her players strayed from their game plan for the contest.

“We couldn’t get the ball inside the paint, and we kept taking outside shots that wouldn’t go in,” she said. A look at the scoresheet bears that out: SYHS attempted 20 3-point shots and made only four, and shot just 30 percent from the field (16-of-53).

Rasmussen said another factor in the defeat was the discrepancy in foul shots: The Pirates had just six shots from the foul line (making five) to the Roadrunners 24.

“[The referees] were calling them on us, but there were some on there side that should have been called,” she said. “Right before halftime, there was contact that wasn’t called and that would have sent us to the line right before the half. There was that technical mistakes with the shot clock and I think the girls let it get to them.”

Despite all that, Rasmussen and the coaching staff had a lot of pride in the team’s effort.

“They should be proud,” she said. “We told them after that anything negative that happened today doesn’t take away from the performance they had that got them here.”

kicker during football season, but right now is one of three seniors on the team and looking to issue the leadership as a team captain.

“Just like with the other two captains, my responsibility is making sure everyone’s accountable and be respectable,” he said. “I think we really can do well in league and go far as a team.”

Pulido did his part in the Pirates’ second game of the season on Feb. 28, going 2-for-3 with two RBI in a 12-2 win over Nordhoff. Glover and sophomore Kyle Heiduk added two RBI apiece, while sophomore Elijah Roberts added another strong pitching performance allowing just five hits and two runs while striking out seven.

While Gladstone believes the Pirates will have tougher competition the farther they get into the season and Ocean League play, he believes they’ll be up to it.

“We lost nine seniors from last year and we’re young,” he said. “However, I think we’ll be more talented, and have a chance to win league this year. I’m excited about the farm system, the JV, and the players we’ll have not just this year, but the next.”

What Gladstone really likes is the vibe that this year’s team seems to have.

well closing this year.”

After high school season, Glover, who said he has decided to just play baseball in his senior season, has a busy summer getting his name out there for any future opportunities.

“This summer trying out for Area Code Games team, and I’m signed up for a couple of Prep Baseball Report Superstar Showcases,” Glover said. “And I’m also doing scout team for the Dodgers in LA. Got a fun season planned.”

Pulido is known for his football exploits as

he would like to continue on up to the Pacific Northwest, but that’s dependent on finding some more “couch-surfing hosts” up that way.

Braithwaite also has his website, bigbananacar.com/, where you can find his social media links, read up on the history of the car, and even purchases merchandise to support his trip.

While Braithwaite is currently enjoying the “fruits” of his labor in building the banana car, he said he has another vehicle that is “85 percent finished.” He doesn’t offer many details on the new wheels except that its a “diesel punk” vehicle called the Starfield Dragonwing Intergalactic Speedster. So, who knows, we might by seeing it sometime in the future in the Santa Ynez Valley.

“The captains showing a lot of leadership,” he said. “The team now is mostly kids who want to play college ball, and they’re putting the work in. It’s like Disneyland coming to the field these days.”

Santa Ynez, now 2-0 pending games against Lompoc on Tuesday and Santa Clara again, this time in Oxnard, on Thursday will return home Monday, March 9, against Channel Islands, and then have road games against Bishop Diego on Tuesday, March 10, and Dunn School on Saturday, March 14.

The Pirates’ effort was led by Agin, who tallied 15 points and grabbed four rebounds in the contest. She actually made all four of the Pirates 3-pointers in the game, and had a chance for a game-winner near the end, but the shots wouldn’t drop, before the unsuccessful shot to tie at the buzzer. After the game, she won the Fighting Spirit award given to each team’s player of the game.

“Rylan was kind of deflated afterward, but I told her to keep her head up,” Rasmussen said.

“She played great.”

Helina Pecile added 11 points and a team-high nine rebounds despite being in foul trouble. She eventually fouled out with 52 seconds left.

The Pirates earned their spot in the championship game with a couple of road wins in the playoffs, including one over the division’s top seed.

On Friday, Feb. 20, SYHS knocked out No. 1 Coalinga High, overcoming a halftime deficit to defeat the Horned Toads 62-55. Coalinga, whom Santa Ynez beat in the

second round of the playoffs in 2025, came in as co-champions of the West Sierra League with a 23-8 overall record, but the Pirates were able to overpower them in the second half to erase a nine-point halftime deficit.

“I thought we controlled most of the game, but we had a letdown in the second quarter, which I don’t know why, but we have one quarter when we let down a bit,” Rasmussen said. “At halftime, I just stressed one basket at a time and just stop them and then score, and when we came out for the second half, that’s what we started doing, and we just played great team ball like we did to start the game.”

The Pirates allowed just eight points in the third quarter, which ended with them down just 39-37, and then scored 25 in the final quarter to overtake the Toads for the win.

Pecile was the top scorer for SYHS with 16 points, while Agin added 14, and Juarez 11. Pecile and Elliette Rasmussen brought down 7 rebounds each to tie for the team lead.

Before beating Coalinga, the Pirates traveled all the way up to Bishop on Feb. 18 and defeated host and No. 4 seed Bishop Union 47-25. Santa Ynez received some more bad news on Sunday when the Pirates were left out of the CIF State Tournament pairings. That ends the season for Santa Ynez at 15-11, including a 4-6 record in the Sunset League.

SPOTLIGHT

CALENDAR

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

MONDAY, MARCH 9

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL, 6:30 P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, 5:30 P.M.

At Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Administrative Building, 2975 East Highway 246 Santa Ynez

For more info: syvuhsd.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, 9 A.M.

At Betteravia Government Center, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria

For more info: countyofsb.org

LOS OLIVOS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, 6 P.M.

At St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Stacy Hall, 2092 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos

For more info: www.losolivoscsd.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL, 6 P.M.

At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 9 A.M.

At Betteravia Government Center, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria

For more info: countyofsb.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

SOLVANG DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE, 5 P.M.

At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang

For more info: cityofsolvang.com

BUELLTON PLANNING COMMISSION, 6 P.M.

At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton

For more info: cityofbuellton.com

EVENTS

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

GRAND TASTING 2026: FANTASTIC WINES & FABULOUS FOOD

Join Women Winemakers & Culinarians Foundation for a vibrant celebration of women in wine and food on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the beautiful 27 Vines in Santa Ynez. Set among budding vineyard rows, charming casitas, and rolling lawns, this outdoor tasting brings together dozens of talented women winemakers, chefs, and specialty food purveyors from across Santa Barbara County. Shuttle service is provided. Guests will be transported starting at 10:45 a.m. from Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road, just a five-minute ride to the venue. At 27 Vines, Santa Ynez For more info: sbwomenwinemakers.com/wwcf-events/ FRIDAY, MARCH 13

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY ECONOMIC SUMMIT, 3 TO 5 P.M.

The annual Santa Ynez Valley Economic Summit will take place on Friday, March 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall. The keynote speaker for this prestigious event will be 37th District Assemblymember Gregg Hart.

In addition to Hart, the event will host an Economic Trends Panel, with esteemed guest speakers who are influential figures in their respective fields, including Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy, People Helping People Executive Director Erika Flores, Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Buellton Mayor David Silva, Buellton City Manager Scott Wolfe, and Santa Ynez Valley Foundation Executive Director Esther Bates.

These distinguished speakers will share their expertise, providing valuable perspectives on crucial aspects like housing, nonprofits,

The Santa Ynez Valley Futbol Academy (SYVFA) Girls 2012 (U14) Kickers youth soccer team, led by Coach Karlin Ladera, defeated Cal Elite of Palmdale 3-0 on Feb. 22 to win the Cal South State Cup in San Bernardino, the first SYV team, boys or girls, to win the honor. This follows a fall season in which the Kickers won the Coast Soccer League Central Coast Division with a 9-0-1 record.

For Coach Ladera, owner of Premier Toca, which runs kids soccer camps and clinics in SYV, this winning year is bittersweet. After two decades of coaching girls club soccer teams here in SYV, this will be his last year coaching. “I am super proud of the team and all the hard work and effort they have put in to achieve our team goals in both League and State Cup,” he said. “This team exemplifies, always play with Aloha and for the glory of God!” Next up for the Kickers is the Ventura Spring Cup (March 14-15) and SLO Spring Classic (April 18-19).

quality-of-life issues, state government and community impacts and downtown Solvang business and BID update. Ticket prices to the event start at 39.19 and can be purchased online athttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/ santa-ynez-valley-economic-growth-summit-tickets-1983280374990?aff=oddtdtcreator

At Solvang Veterans Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang

For more info: solvangcc.com/events/santa-ynez-valley-economic-summit-3/

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

BUELLTON WINE & CHILI FESTIVAL, 12 TO 4:30 P.M.

Come sample from more than 30 wineries, craft breweries, seltzers, ciders, and spirit companies, and you also get to sample chili and salsa from over 20 cooks!

There will also be a wide variety of merchants and food vendors on site! Live entertainment including DJ FIU! This event is located at the majestic Flying Flags RV Resort and next door to Sideways Inn! Admission is $65 for a Hot Chili Ticket (21 and over) and $25 for a Mild Chili Ticket (under 21), with no alcohol consumption. Children under 6 are admitted free. At Flying Flags RV Resort, 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton

For more info: buellonwineandchilifestival.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER AT PLENTY AT BELL

Plenty on Bell is offering a St. Patty’s Day Dinner featuring solid Irish favorites – corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Guinness – plus live music. Meals are created by Chef Jesper, European Chef extraordinaire, and the first cChef to cook in Los Alamos 26 years ago. At Plenty on Bell, 508 Bell St., Los Alamos

For more info/reservations: www.plentyonbell. com

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

THE MOTHER & SON LUAU, 5:30 TO 8 P.M.

The Solvang Parks and Rec Department presents the Mother & Son Luau will be on Friday, March 20 at Solvang Veterans Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a pizza dinner at 6:30 p.m. Price is $40 for mother-son pairs and $15 for any additional sibling. Tickets can be pre-pur-

chased at cityofsolvang.com. Tickets available March 1, and attendees are encouraged to buy early as tickets will not be available at the door

At Solvang Veterans Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang

WEDNESDAYS

SOLVANG FARMERS MARKET, 2:30 TO 6 P.M.

Each week, the farmers in the marketplace display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard. Seasonal diversity is available year-round rain or shine. Come. Shop. Socialize. Certified — the only way to buy! Join us in downtown Solvang every Wednesday on First Street, between Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Copenhagen Drive. WINE WEDNESDAYS IN BUELLTON, 4 TO 8 P.M.

Please join us for an evening out with family fun for all in Buellton, hosted by Esfuerzo Wines and The Birria Boyz.This event will take place each Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Each week we will have guest food vendors, live music and much more to be announced. We hope to see you there!

At 140 Industrial Way, Buellton For more info: info@esfuerzowine.com

SPORTS

AND RECREATION ONGOING

PICKLEBALL, TUESDAYS AND

THURSDAYS 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M.

Pickleball — part Ping-Pong, part badminton, lots of momentum — is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The games can be fast-paced and deliver a good workout. 2 person teams/ or singles. All are welcome!

At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton For more info: buelltonrec.com

DROP-IN ADULT BASKETBALL, YEAR ROUND, MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS 6 TO 7:15 A.M.

Start your day with a pick up game of basketball with friends.

At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton FOR INFO ON THESE AND OTHER PROGRAMS, GO TO BUELLTONREC.COM