SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
SANTA YNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM
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First couple’s visit to Santa Ynez elicits various reactions Bidens nearly weeklong stay in the area brings buzz both positive and negative
INSIDE
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
W
hile the Democratic National Convention was going on in Chicago during the third full week in August, one of its early notable speakers, who just happens to be president of the United States, was staying in the Santa Ynez Valley along with his wife and other family members. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden landed in Air Force One in the wee hours Tuesday morning, reportedly heading to the estate of Joe Kiani. Biden had spoken at the DNC Monday night, the first of the convention, to officially support his vice president, Kamala Harris, as the Democratic nominee for president in this November’s election. Biden had dropped his bid for re-election earlier this summer. Kiani is an Iranian-born American engineer, entrepreneur, and corporate executive who founded the medical technology company Masimo. In 2021, he was appointed by Biden to serve on
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First lady Jill Biden (left) poses for a photo with Book Loft employee Melanie Eckford-Prossor during Biden’s visit to the Solvang bookstore. Photo Courtesy of The Book Loft
the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Upon the first couple’s arrival, there was much speculation on the president making informal
appearances in the Valley. Rumors swirled of him supposedly having dinner at or visiting a few establishments in the area. However, verifiable media reports said that he stayed at Kiani’s property all
week until he was spotted attending Mass at Mission Santa Ines on Saturday evening, his last night in the area. He was joined by his children Hunter and Ashley. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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