Parades, Fireworks, & the Olympics
LIFE + CULTURE
EXPLORING SUMMERTIME IN THE SYV
Let Freedom Ring!
July 4, 1776. This date is one of the most significant dates in the history of the world. It marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, and the United States officially became its own nation. We celebrate America’s birthday in many ways including parades, festivals, fireworks, and barbecues. I must say, the SYV sure does know how to throw a birthday party! The 4th of July is one of my all-time favorite holidays. Most years you’ll find my family hanging out near The Good Life Craft Beer & Wine Cellar in preparation for the parade. Thank you to the Pirate Football team for providing a much-needed cool down with your super soakers!
This year is even more special for our country as Team USA prepares to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. When I say compete, I mean, “Bring Home the Gold”! Our Valley has been graced with many Olympic Athletes. If you have spent time with them, you know they think differently. They act differently. They carry themselves a certain way that most people don’t. The concept of “just being happy to be there” is something they do not know. Mr. Theodore Roosevelt said it best in his “Man In The Arena” speech:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
A sense of community is incredibly important, and I can think of none stronger than our own. America’s spirit is one of hope, and redefining what’s possible. In that spirit, Matt and I wish you and your family a happy and safe 4th of July!
Cheers,
SARA DEMARCUS, PUBLISHER @SANTAYNEZVALLEY_CITYLIFESTYLE
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Sara DeMarcus | sara.demarcus@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Matt DeMarcus | matthew.demarcus@citylifestyle.com
MARKET AREA COORDINATOR
Drew Stephens
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Matt DeMarcus, Sara DeMarcus
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Matt DeMarcus
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
SOLVANG ROTARY’S ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY PARADE STARTS AT 11 AM WITH A BBQ IN SOLVANG PARK TO FOLLOW.
SYV ROTARY’S ANNUAL FESTIVAL + FIREWORKS SHOW AT THE MISSION. FESTIVAL STARTS AT 12.
GOD BLESS THE USA!
Kelly Mahan Herrick is a Partner in Santa Barbara County’s #1 Real Estate Team, Calcagno & Hamilton Real Estate Group, and is the team’s expert on the Santa Ynez Valley, including Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, and Los Olivos. Kelly has extensive knowledge of our local communities and the evolving market, and her highly competent work ethic and professional reputation make her an integral part of the C&H team.
Kelly lives in Sycamore Ranch with her husband and family, and she finds joy and purpose helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with the utmost integrity, authenticity, communication, and approachability. 805-208-1451 | instagram @homesinsyv kelly@homesinsantabarbara.com
Kelly Mahan Herrick
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Omaha Beach, Normandy Beach. Thank you for your patriotism, Saarloos Family. 2: We’re proud of our country, our military, first responders, brave citizens, and our freedoms. 3: 100% organic sourdough bread made in Santa Ynez. 4: Los Rancheros Visitadores riding to Old Mission Santa Ines and gracing the streets of Solvang. 5: Not much compares to that “first-look” feeling! 6: Doobious Company performing at the Grand Opening of Off The Record Vinyl & Vintage. 7: Nothing cools you off on hot days like a glass of The Baroness GSM Rose!
Bluestone Beauty Collective: Curate Your Spa Experience In SY
Bluestone Beauty Collective is a collection of artists and vendors that are dedicated to creating a custom, all-inclusive experience, just for you. The collection includes:
• Hair by Courtenay - Hair Stylists & Makeup Artists
• Alter Ego Aesthetics - Makeup Artist
• Blooming Lotus - Sound Bath, Reiki
• MoonGlow Massage - Massage, Facials, Waxing
• Gypsy Canyon Jewelry - Permanent & Traditional Jewelry, Jewelry Repair Reach out today to book your experience!
Photography by @thebluestone.syv
Corner House Cafe: Terry Lawless of U2 Performing Live!
Your one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch, ice cream, fresh baked goods, and more. Terry of U2 just came off a 40-show engagement at the Sphere in Las Vegas and will be entertaining for all you dancers this summer! Rock on!Don’t miss Terry Lawless of U2 performing Live at the Corner House Cafe. Mark your calendar:
• July 13
• Aug 3
Corner House Coffee, 2902 San Marcos Ave, Los Olivos
Photography by @cornerhousecafelo
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Off The Record Vinyl & Vintage In Solvang
A vinyl record shop and vintage store offering a unique and welcoming space in Solvang to explore quality craftmanship and rare/timeless goods amidst the shared medium of music. Open every day from 10 - 6 pm at 446 Alisal Road (Jensen’s Copenhagen Square Upstairs).
Photography by @offtherecordvinylvintage
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4TH of JULY FIREWORKS
We asked SYV Rotary President, Joe Dugan, about the organization and the amazing things they’ve been doing for over 80+ years.
HOW LONG HAS THE FIREWORKS TRADITION BEEN HAPPENING IN THE VALLEY?
At least 25 years. We started at the high school for the first 10 years and once the artificial turf was installed, had to move them to the mission. The fireworks take a lot of work and planning, but we love the popularity it brings and all the money goes back to the community, so it’s a great event for everyone.
WHAT HAS BEEN A HIGHLIGHT FOR YOU WITH THE ROTARY?
The Rotary Club is a nonprofit that fills in the cracks for a community. For example, during the pandemic, when food was scarce for a lot of people, we gave $50,000 to food banks in the Valley.
HOW CAN THE READERS GET INVOLVED IN THE ROTARY?
They can join the rotary! We meet twice a month and we usually have a speaker and it is a fun way to make friends. You can always find a rotary sign telling which dates they’re meeting that month and everyone is welcome.
We’re always looking for new members who actually want to get involved. For instance, every April we go to Sunny Fields Park and refurbish all the equipment and then have pizza afterwards. It’s not just about working, but also forming lasting relationships and connections in our beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
ARTICLE BY MATT DEMARCUS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club
ARTICLE BY SARA DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
A DREAM DOESN’T BECOME A REALITY THROUGH MAGIC; IT TAKES GRIT, HUSTLE, AND A WHOLE LOT OF HARD WORK
GO FOR GOLD
Have you ever asked a child what they want to be when they grow up? If you haven’t, please do, the answers are delightful. I just paused writing this to ask my 6-year-old what he wants to be when he grows up… “President”. It’s safe to say that most
“YOU
and FIVB World Champion. Even earning the nickname, “God of the Beach”. The best in the world at his craft - can you imagine?
What is even more amazing than this accomplishment is how he got there. “I think it’s important to understand – and
GET THE AMERICAN SPIRIT WHEN YOU WALK INTO THE OPENING CEREMONY.”
adults today would agree that being President is the last thing they would want, however, the world of a child is so optimistic and full of hope. To be clear, this is not a political article. This is a story about being a dreamer and with enough hard work and dedication, an accomplisher.
Whether you’re interested in the arts, athletics, academia, or something in between, there is something magical about witnessing people accomplish their goals. Every four years, each Olympic qualifying country worldwide rallies around its athletes. It’s as though the world slows down and celebrates the greatness that each athlete brings. I grew up playing volleyball and was once a dreamer of representing our country at the Olympic level. For my sport, there is no honor larger than wearing those three letters on your chest and going for gold! Our Valley is fortunate to have one of volleyball’s living legends call the SYV home. Todd Rogers is an Olympic Gold Medalist (Beijing)
I understood this after the Olympics and winning gold - it wasn’t so much about the Olympics themselves, it was the process of getting there. It stands out in my mind: how often we went to the track, the weekly plyometric workouts, the road trips, sitting in the hotels and shooting the breeze about life and whatnot. Those things are the fondest of memories: the process to get to that point. Winning gold was just an addition to that process”, noted Rogers. In recent years David Goggins has popularized the phrase, “embrace the suck”. For those who think they can magically wake up one day and win an Olympic Gold medal, keep dreaming. The dayto-day grind and hard work, the reps that happen behind closed doors, and the literal blood, sweat, and tears are what separate the champions from the spectators. These are just a few things that make the Olympics so special. Most participants have worked their entire lives to compete in this arena.
As Todd reminisces on the opening ceremonies, “You get the American
CONTINUED >
Spirit when you walk into the opening ceremony. I remember walking in and thinking to myself, wow, there are all these countries here. We have 500-600 athletes and the other countries are here and everyone is celebrating being here. I think Russia and Georgia were at war at the time, but the athletes didn’t care. They are just happy to be there competing.”
One differentiator between American athletes and the rest is that our athletes expect themselves to be on the podium. On countless occasions, they have visualized the American Flag flying higher than the other flags and hold themselves to the highest standard to accomplish this. “When we won the gold medal and we’re standing on the podium and the American flag is the highest one, the Star Spangled Banner starts playing. It gives me chills every time... raising that flag and the gold medal is something not a lot of people get to do” explained Rogers. “I have always been someone who visualizes things. Growing up, people thought I was just daydreaming, but I put myself in certain situations and it helps me prepare for these big moments in championship games”, Todd added.
“I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SOMEONE WHO
VISUALIZES THINGS.”
The Rogers family has been in the SYV since 2002. “I was familiar with the Valley because I was born and raised in Santa Barbara. I met my wife, Mel, in ‘93 and we started dating. She was from the Paradise Road area and went to SYHS.” Todd has been involved in both the boys’ and girl’s beach volleyball teams at SYHS. Melissa is the current head coach of the girls’ beach team which boasts a 2nd place finish in CIF this past season.
Currently, as the head coach for Cal Poly’s Women’s Beach program, Todd is proud of finishing last year as the #3 team in the country, but, his competitive spirit is focused on winning a National Title.
NANCI PAIGE design
BRILLIANT DESIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF FORM AND FUNCTION
ARTICLE BY MATT DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Nanci Paige Design has been in practice since 2003. Owner and Operator, Paige Saltzman, has been combining elements of East Coast classicism with Southern California’s sensitivity to light and open, flowing spaces for homes around the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond. We wanted to ask her a few questions to see what trends she’s noticing, and how she loves being a Valley resident.
HOW HAVE DESIGN TRENDS CHANGED IN THE LAST FEW YEARS?
What’s happening in creative fields always reflects what’s happening in society. The last 5+ years have seen a shift towards simplicity and a stripping away. We’re stripping away excess detail, you’ll notice fewer accessories and even less color. Polished design is still sought after and beautiful, but it comes in a more organic form with the use of texture subtle layering and soft curves.
WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS FOR OUR VALLEY?
SYV embraces its ranch and farm culture and home interiors still reflect that, but people want a lighter, cleaner version. Less bulky furniture with smaller silhouettes, more earthy color palettes: a more muted green, a softer blue. Lighter floors, which I love.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT INTERIOR DESIGN IN THE SYV?
People feel blessed to live here. The Valley is a little treasure that we’d all like to keep secret. To be effective, designers become a small part of the family for a period of time. Having happy clients who love where and how they live makes a huge difference.
PAST. PRESENT. FUTURE. PIRATE ATHLETE
OF THE MONTH
July - Vince Casey
Vince has been a Varsity track and field team member for the last 4 years at SYHS. He played 2 years of Varsity Soccer and this year he came out and tried Varsity football for the first time. He excelled at football, became a starter, earned 2nd-team All-Mountain League Honors, and was selected for the upcoming FCA Central Coast All-Star Game. As a track and field athlete, Vince has re-wrote the record books. Vince has the school record in the long jump with a jump of 23’5”, 100 meters with a time of 11.03 (FAT), and with the 4x100 team with a time of 43.54 (FAT). Vince was a league champion in the long jump and triple jump this year. He was also a CIF D2 champ in the long jump, moving on to the CIF Masters meet and becoming the first CIF Masters champ in school history.
While Vince’s athletic accomplishments are unbelievable, his commitment in the classroom this year is just as impressive. His GPA for the first semester this year was 4.16 and for the second semester will be 4.0. He has taken on mentoring and coaching several junior high track athletes in the Valley, which shows a great commitment to giving back to his community. Vince has chosen to continue his track career next year at Mt. SAC College. Nominated by Josh McClurg: Head Varsity Football Coach + Athletic Director at Santa Ynez High School
Photography by Kenny Cress
Honor the Past. Represent the Present. Prepare the Future. Sponsored by the Freedom Fighter Family
Nominate A Pirate Here
Rock 12 Distillery: Family Owned. Locally Sourced. Small-Batch Distilled.
NOT YOUR AVERAGE FRUIT ORCHARD.
ARTICLE BY MATT DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Nestled in the Santa Rita Hills corridor off of highway 246 rests a tasting room that is quite a bit different than the myriad of wine tasting rooms our Valley contains. Rock 12 Distillery is a refreshing guided tour of hand-crafted spirits that are sure to cool you down this summer. The husband-and-wife team of Marko and Sarah Suput have brought their vision of spirit tasting to life with an amazing property to boot. The beautiful barn and tasting room set the mood with the industrial look, where they proudly display everything on site that helps make these wonderful spirits.
“WE ENDED UP LOVING FARMING, LOVING OUR ORCHARD AND TENDING TO IT, AND LIVING WHERE WE DO. WE’RE VERY ENAMORED WITH THE CENTRAL COAST AND THIS IS WHERE WE WANT TO BE. SO WE FOUND A WAY TO MAKE IT WORK.”
— SARAH SUPUT
Marco embraces the family tradition of being a 3rd generation distiller from Serbia. His decades of expertise are clearly distilled into each bottle they produce, fully embracing the craft from growing the fruit trees, to hand selecting the wines they chose to blend into their spirits.
Sarah is also elated to announce the release of their Apple Brandy in July. This is a 100% estate-grown and distilled process using more than 6 varieties of estate-grown apples fermented in their signature copper pot. The product is then aged in a newly charred American Oak barrel for six months, then transferred to a rye barrel, and finished in a port barrel for a smooth finish.
Private tastings. Orchard tours. Corporate events. No matter your special event, Rock 12 Distillery can help make it a memorable one. Their 11-acre orchard and farm are perfect for a private tasting, engagement party, corporate team-building event, or just an excuse for some friends to get together and enjoy a truly unique experience. Per federal guidelines, children are not permitted in the tasting room. They can visit the farm with supervision.
If you’re driving by and see their gate open, stop in and make a reservation at the tasting room in person (chances are, they can get you in right away). Otherwise, please fill out the reservation request on their website and someone will get back to you within 24 hours (generally within the hour).
Rock 12 Distillery 6605 CA-246, Lompoc, CA 93436
Contact us at: Sarah@Rock12Distillery.com (805) 264-6026 rock12distillery.com
AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. The expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur
Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farmto-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place or eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
realty report
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK
vacation VIBES
THESE EXOTIC COCKTAILS WILL TRANSPORT YOU TO PARADISE
Vacation time is just around the corner. We are dreaming of sitting on a secluded beach, sipping exotic cocktails with umbrellas in them. But why wait till vacation to enjoy a fun cocktail? These two easy and refreshing classics will instantly transport you to paradise.
Piña Colada
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 oz cream of coconut
• 2 oz light rum
• 3 oz pineapple juice
• Juice of ½ lime
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
• 1/2 cup ice
• Pineapple wedge for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Blend frozen pineapple and ice for a couple of seconds. Add in the liquid ingredients and blend until smooth. (To make thicker, add ice. Add pineapple juice if too thick.) Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Bay Breeze
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• Pineapple wedge & maraschino cherry for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Put desired amount of ice in glass, add vodka and pineapple juice. Top with cranberry juice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry and umbrella (of course).
events
Live Music Saturdays
The Good Life Craft Beer & Wine Cellar: 1672 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA | 8:00 PM
The Good Life is a bottle shop, tasting room, & bar specializing in local, small production wine and Independent California craft beer. They offer small bites and host live music every Saturday night featuring local performers. All guests must be 21+.
JULY 4TH
4th of July Parade
Downtown Solvang | 11:00 AM
The Solvang Rotary’s 4th of July Parade, marks the beginning of the Independence Day celebrations. In the parade you will enjoy numerous participants, including classic cars, lively horse troupes, dance groups, high school marching band, creatively designed floats from local businesses, and more! The parade route winds through the town, covering the majority of Solvang’s main streets.
JULY 4TH
4th of July Festival & Fireworks
Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA | 12:00 PM
The Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club is proud to present the Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Show at Old Mission Santa Inès in Solvang on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. This fireworks show is considered one of the best on the Central Coast! The event is from 12 – 10 p.m. Fireworks start at 9pm.
Sagunto St. • Santa Ynez
• CharlottesSY.com
Thurs - Mon at 11:00am @CharlottesSY
JULY 20TH – 21ST
Foxen Wine Trail Passport & Makers Market Crawl
Foxen Canyon Wine Trail Association | 11:00 AM – 4 PM
A collaborative artisan experience along the stunning Foxen Canyon Wine Trail for one weekend only. It’s your chance to sip, savor, and shop at all your favorite wineries! Each winery will be featuring different artisanal offerings, so you won’t want to miss a single stop along the trail. From handcrafted treasures to delectable delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
JULY 24TH
Tales From The Tavern: Paul Thorn
The Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez, CA | 7:30 PM
Every concert is filmed and recorded, alongside an interview with each artist. This provides an incredible archive of magical moments, stories, performances, and commentary. Having reached the 20-year milestone, Tales From the Tavern remains a vital force; a community-building program providing artists and audiences with richly rewarding experiences.
JULY 27TH
Concert In The Vines
Gainey Estate Vineyard: 3950 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA | 4:00 PM
Barrel House Wailers. Join Gainey for this 8-piece powerhouse collective from Ventura, California that seamlessly blends traditional style hot jazz and vintage blues with original compositions to create a sound that’s as timeless as it is electrifying. New Orleans themed food will be available.
