Santa Ynez Valley, CA May 2026

LET’S GO GIRLS

Not

Let’s Hear It For the Girls

This issue feels especially meaningful to me—for reasons both personal and profound.

For the first time, I’m experiencing our community through the lens of raising a daughter. After years of raising my two boys, welcoming a baby girl into our family has quietly yet profoundly shifted something. It’s a new awareness of the example we set, the values we model, and the world we’re shaping for her.

Our Ladies Issue has always celebrated the women who define this community. But this year, it feels more personal. I find myself thinking not just about the stories we tell, but about the reality behind them—the early mornings, school drop-offs, full days of work, and the constant recalibration it takes to be present in all the places that matter.

Here in the Santa Ynez Valley, that rhythm is familiar. Women are building businesses, supporting families, and holding it all together—often in the in-between moments no one sees, where the balance isn’t perfect, but the effort never stops. There’s a quiet honesty in that, and a strength that doesn’t ask to be recognized.

You’ll see that spirit reflected throughout this issue. From women reimagining how they serve this community to those building businesses with intention, to the moments when philanthropy and connection come together in meaningful ways.

As I look at my daughter, I think about the kind of world she will grow into—and the example she will follow. A life well made isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about showing up, staying grounded, and creating something meaningful over time.

Because in the end, a life well made isn’t just built—it’s lived, one intentional moment at a time.

To the women shaping our community—and to those showing up every day, whether anyone sees it or not—thank you.

Go Pirates!

Cheers,

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Sara DeMarcus | sara.demarcus@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Matt DeMarcus | matt.demarcus@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lena Ibarra

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sara DeMarcus, Grace Galloway, Matt DeMarcus, Kali Kasorzyk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matt DeMarcus, Lena Ibarra

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

SARA DEMARCUS, PUBLISHER

inside the issue

Ecomama

Wine,

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1 – 7: Guests gathered for an afternoon of wine, fashion, and philanthropy at Wine, Women, and Shoes.

Dive Deeper with a Local Expert

For 30 years, we have helped clients navigate changing markets with clarity, confidence and poise. With more than $2 billion in assets under management, we are proud to be the largest locally based wealth management team on the Central Coast. We believe trust is built face to face, by listening closely, understanding what matters most, and using our decades of experience and expertise to craft strategies that can adapt and grow so you reach your goals with confidence.

We invite you to dive in and experience a new world of financial management.

Veggie Rescue’s Sweet 16 and 5 Million Pounds Rescued

Veggie Rescue’s Sweet 16 Celebration offers an inspiring evening rooted in community, sustainability, and local impact. Hosted at Bernat Vineyard and Café Farm in Los Olivos, the event features locally sourced cuisine, live music, a live auction, and a paddle raise. Proceeds support Veggie Rescue’s mission of rescuing farmfresh surplus food and delivering it to nonprofits serving those in need. Los Olivos; veggierescue.org

Photography by veggierescue.org

Reliable Pest Protection with O’Connor Pest Control

O’Connor Pest Control provides comprehensive, locally trusted pest management services throughout the Santa Ynez Valley, with a reputation built on responsiveness and long-standing community relationships. Known for effective, environmentally responsible treatments, the company offers residential and commercial solutions tailored to each property. Owner Brian O’Connor leads an experienced team committed to reliable, high-quality service. 1150 Mission Dr., Solvang; 805-925-8711; oconnorcentralcoast.com

by @oconnorpestcontrol

Scan to read more

Offering hearing tests and hearing aid sales programming/maintenance, both in the office and from the comfort of your own home. We work with all the top hearing aid manufacturers.

Complimentary hearing screening and otoscopic exam

Tinnitus evaluation and sound therapy management

Custom ear protection for shooting, hunting, & recreational noise exposure

Hearing aids at no cost to all CenCal Health members

Contracted with Medicare

Dr Melissa Alexander has become one of the top audiologists in the Los Angeles area. She is passionate about providing highly individualized care and educating her patients on the latest hearing devices, including digital hearing aids, invisible hearing aids, sound therapy for tinnitus management, and Bluetooth technology. www.alexanderaudiology.com

Modern Dental Care with a Personalized Touch in Solvang

Downtown Dental Solvang provides modern, patient-centered care in a thoughtfully designed setting focused on comfort and ease. Now located in Dr. Catherine Streegan’s former office, the practice continues a trusted legacy while introducing a refined patient experience. Led by Dr. Robert A. Brugnone, the team offers comprehensive preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services with an emphasis on personalized care and long-term oral health. 2027 Village Ln. #201, Solvang; 805-688-6495;  downtowndentalsolvang.com

Photography by downtowndentalsolvang.com

May 2026 Teacher of the Month Stephanie Lewis

Kindergarten Teacher at Santa Ynez Elementary

ARTICLE BY SARA DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A Toast to Friendship House

Wine, Women & Shoes brings the valley together to support Friendship House and families navigating memory loss.

When women gather with purpose, communities grow stronger. Each spring in the Santa Ynez Valley, Wine, Women & Shoes brings that spirit to life—an afternoon of friendship, fashion, and philanthropy in support of Solvang Friendship House.

The lively event has become a beloved local tradition, inviting guests to sip wines from local wineries, explore curated shopping and fashion experiences, and connect with friends. But beyond the festive atmosphere, the gathering supports a cause that touches many families across the valley.

“When women in our community come together, incredible things happen—and Wine, Women & Shoes is a beautiful example of that,” says Executive Director Tammy Westwood.

Solvang Friendship House is a nonprofit residential community dedicated to serving seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, providing specialized care in a warm, home-like environment where residents can live with dignity, purpose, and joy. For many families in our community, the mission of the Friendship House is deeply personal.

Beyond its residential homes, the organization offers adult day services, respite care for family caregivers, and educational resources for families navigating the challenges of memory loss. Friendship House serves seniors and

families throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding communities, including many who rely on financial assistance to access specialized dementia care.

“Wine, Women & Shoes is such a special event because it brings together the incredible women of our community for an afternoon of friendship, fashion, wine, and philanthropy,” Westwood explains. “Many women in the Santa Ynez Valley have experienced the impact of Alzheimer’s disease through a parent, spouse, or loved one. This event creates a space where women can gather, celebrate one another, and make a meaningful difference together.”

Funds raised through the event help support the care and enrichment programs offered to residents, many of whom are living with advanced memory impairment. Daily experiences such as music, art, gardening, and social activities provide moments of connection and joy while supporting residents’ emotional well-being.

Importantly, the fundraiser also helps Solvang Friendship House continue offering financial assistance to seniors who might otherwise be unable to afford specialized dementia care, ensuring local families have access to compassionate support when they need it most.

For those attending, the afternoon offers more than wine and style. It’s an opportunity

“When women in our community come together, incredible things happen—and Wine, Women & Shoes is a beautiful example of that.”

to celebrate friendship while supporting a mission rooted in compassion. “I hope guests leave feeling both uplifted and empowered,” Westwood says. “Wine, Women & Shoes is about celebrating the strength, generosity, and compassion of women in our community. Together, we are helping ensure that those living with memory loss are cared for with dignity and love right here in the Santa Ynez Valley.”

In a community where women have long played a vital role in caring for others, Wine, Women & Shoes is a joyful reminder of the difference a single afternoon can make. This year, Wine, Women & Shoes is being held at Ecomama Farms on May 9, 2026, from 11 - 3 pm. Tickets and more information are available at winewomenandshoes.com/solvang.

FROM CHILDBIRTH TO MIDLIFE, GUIDING WOMEN THROUGH EVERY STAGE.

WHAT CHANGES, WHAT DOESN’T

ARTICLE BY GRACE GALLOWAY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“THE QUESTIONS MAY HAVE CHANGED, BUT THE RELATIONSHIP OFTEN HASN’T.”

Dr. Susanne Ramos has a rare perspective on time.

She has delivered babies who are now adults, and today she sits across from their mothers again, having a very different conversation. It’s no longer about due dates or ultrasounds. It’s about why they’re exhausted despite sleeping, why they feel unlike themselves, and why their bodies have changed in ways no one prepared them for.

In the Santa Ynez Valley, where families often stay rooted for decades, that kind of continuity isn’t unusual. What is rare is the depth of trust that builds over time—when the same physician who once guided a patient through childbirth is now helping her navigate midlife. For some women, that relationship spans nearly every chapter of adult life.

Over more than three decades as an obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Ramos built her career caring for women through pregnancy, childbirth, and the early years of family life. But in recent years, a clear pattern began to emerge. Women were returning, not for obstetric care, but for help navigating midlife.

“They were dealing with fatigue, brain fog, disrupted sleep, weight changes, and sexual health concerns,” she says. “And many felt like their symptoms were being dismissed as ‘just aging.’”

Many arrive after years of being told their symptoms are simply part of getting older. One patient described feeling “fine on paper, but not like myself anymore,” a sentiment Dr. Ramos says she hears often.

“WOMEN SHE HAD CARED FOR FOR YEARS WERE RETURNING WITHOUT ANSWERS — AND SHE KNEW THEY NEEDED MORE THAN REASSURANCE.”

That gap in care became difficult to ignore. Women she had cared for for years were returning without answers, and she knew they needed more than reassurance.

Dr. Ramos expanded her practice to create the Ramos Women’s Wellness Center, focused on helping women better understand and manage the hormonal transitions of perimenopause and menopause with the same level of attention they received earlier in life.

At the center, that expanded approach is supported by a collaborative team. Nurse Practitioners Andrea Strand and Kirsten DiBenedetto work alongside Dr. Ramos, bringing additional expertise in hormone therapy, preventive care, and women’s health. Together, they provide a more comprehensive and individualized model of care—one that allows patients the time, attention, and guidance many have been missing.

“Delivering babies gave me a deep respect for the strength of the female body,” she says. “But the changes women experience later in life can be just as significant—and they deserve just as much attention.”

At her practice, care is direct, informed, and individualized.

Some patients seek relief from hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, or low energy. Others want a clearer understanding of how hormonal changes are affecting long-term health, including bone density, cardiovascular risk, and cognitive function. “I just want to feel like myself again,” is how many describe it.

Treatment plans reflect those goals. For some, that includes hormone therapy. For others, it may involve targeted care for intimate health and overall wellness that supports energy and longevity. Finding the right approach can take time and often requires a level of attention many women say they haven’t experienced elsewhere.

Among those options is MonaLisa Touch®, a non-surgical treatment designed to improve comfort and address common symptoms associated with menopause—an area of care that has historically been overlooked.

To further specialize in this stage of life, Dr. Ramos pursued certification through The Menopause Society, focusing on evidence-based approaches to midlife health. That expertise is increasingly relevant as more women seek care that goes beyond surface-level solutions.

“When I first began practicing, menopause and hormonal health weren’t openly discussed,” she says. “Today, women are far more informed and proactive.”

Patients now come prepared with questions about hormones, metabolism, sleep, and long-term wellness. Just as importantly, they’re more willing to talk openly about symptoms that were once endured in silence.

“When women feel comfortable having these conversations, we can actually address what’s going on and improve how they feel day to day,” she says.

In a community like the Santa Ynez Valley, where relationships often span decades, that work carries added meaning.

It’s not unusual for Dr. Ramos to care for a woman through multiple stages or even across generations. That continuity allows for a deeper understanding of each patient’s history, lifestyle, and priorities—something that can be difficult to replicate in more transactional models.

At the Ramos Women’s Wellness Center, that long-view perspective shapes everything.

The focus is not only on addressing symptoms, but on helping women feel clear, capable, and comfortable in their bodies again—whether that means sleeping through the night, thinking more clearly, or simply feeling like themselves.

For Dr. Ramos, it’s a natural evolution of the work she’s been doing all along. The stage of life may change. The level of care doesn’t.

For more information about Ramos Women’s Wellness Center, visit ramoswomenswellness.com or call (805) 898-4443.

A Life Well Made

Three local business owners share the perspective, purpose, and quiet wisdom shaping their work

A life well made is built with intention, creativity, and care—qualities that define the Santa Ynez Valley itself. Across style, real estate, and artistry, these women have shaped businesses that reflect both personal purpose and a deep connection to place, supporting their families, clients, and community while contributing to the character and spirit that make this valley so special.

ARTICLE BY MATT DEMARCUS

Natascha Ruiz

Owner of Flame Kissed Hats

WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST?

The Santa Ynez Valley and the people who call it home. It’s where I first understood what “home” really means. I was raised here, left at 16, and spent years living abroad—but this community always stayed with me. I’ve always been drawn to the grounded, intentional way of life here, and the people who value connection, creativity, and authenticity.

WHAT DOES OPENING YOUR FIRST STOREFRONT HERE MEAN TO YOU?

It feels like coming full circle. I started Flame Kissed as a mobile venture, but opening a storefront in Los Olivos brings it

to life more fully. It’s more than a shop—it’s a space where people can slow down, connect, and be part of the creative process. Building something so unique and meaningful in the place that raised me feels incredibly special.

WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE MISUNDERSTAND ABOUT TRULY CUSTOM WORK?

People often think it’s just about choosing details, but true custom work is deeply collaborative. We design alongside the client—translating their vision into something tangible—while guiding fit, proportion, and materials to complement them. It’s intuitive, personal, and rooted in craftsmanship.

“Building something so unique and meaningful in the place that raised me feels incredibly special.”

Traci Lynn Filippin

Owner of Traci Lynn’s Consignment & Boutique

WHAT DO YOU WANT SOMEONE TO FEEL THE MOMENT THEY WALK INTO YOUR STORE?

Welcomed, appreciated, and completely at ease. I’ve created a space that feels more like an experience than a store—where women can relax, have fun, and truly be themselves. I want every person who walks in to feel comfortable, confident, and inspired.

WHAT’S A LESSON THAT’S QUIETLY SHAPED HOW YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS?

The power of genuine connection. I’ve always been a people person, and I truly love helping others feel seen, accepted, and valued. It’s never just about the clothing—it’s about how you make someone feel. When you take the time to listen, be present, and genuinely care, it creates trust and lasting relationships. I give my full energy to that experience because I’m deeply grateful for every customer who walks through the door. To me, exceptional service isn’t extra—it’s everything.

Kristina Novak

Founder of Monument Global Estates

WHAT KIND OF PERSON THRIVES IN THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY?

Someone drawn to the Valley’s natural beauty and slower pace—who enjoys an active, outdoor lifestyle and values a close-knit, community-centered way of living. It’s a place where people prioritize connection, space, and quality of life.

WHAT’S SOMETHING CLIENTS DON’T REALIZE MATTERS—UNTIL YOU SHOW THEM?

Beyond the home itself, it’s the surrounding environment—neighboring properties, land use, and overall upkeep—as well as location-specific inspections that can significantly impact long-term value. Understanding the full picture is essential to making a confident, informed decision.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE THAT’S SHAPED HOW YOU SHOW UP, BOTH IN BUSINESS AND AT HOME?

Lead with authenticity. It builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a foundation for longterm success, both professionally and personally.

BEAUTY

GROWN AT WINDMILL NURSERY

A 5-acre, family-owned nursery offering plants for beauty, nourishment and home.

Open Tues - Sun

9 am - 4 pm 925 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, CA

Closer than you think.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

COM MUNITY-NOMINATED WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES SHAPING

THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY THROUGH CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION

ARTICLE BY SARA DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

LET’S GO

GIRLS

In the spirit of celebration, and a little well-earned spotlight on the women leading the way, we invited our social media community to nominate their favorite woman-owned businesses across the Santa Ynez Valley. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of heartfelt nominations pouring in. From wellness and retail to creative services and artisan food, these businesses reflect the energy, resilience, and community impact shaping the Valley today.

SANTA YNEZ SOURDOUGH

In the heart of Santa Ynez, Amanda Rogers has turned her passion for artisan bread into a beloved local craft. What began during the pandemic as a single daily loaf quickly became Santa Ynez Sourdough, a homebased bakery producing hand-shaped, 100% organic sourdough loaves, bagels, and focaccia that sell out weekly. Certified under an SB County Cottage Food permit with California food-handler credentials, Amanda rises before dawn on Tuesdays and Thursdays, mixing and nurturing dough by hand to deliver fresh, soulful bread to her community.

Her creations can be found via preorder pickup or on the shelves at local favorites like Motley Crew Marketplace and SYV Pantry, where her bread often disappears by day’s end.

With a focus on quality and organic ingredients, SY Sourdough stands as a testament to creativity, resilience, and the way one woman’s craft can nourish a community.

SHIFT STUDIO

Founded by Valley native Brigette Braly, SHiFT Studio is a calm, nurturing space where movement, recovery, and community intersect. After returning home and recognizing the need for a holistic wellness hub in the Valley, Brigette opened the downtown SY studio in 2023, bringing together practices that support both physical and mental well-being.

Today, SHiFT offers a thoughtful blend of yoga, meditation, and breathwork alongside restorative therapies, including infrared sauna, cold plunge, massage, and skin treatments. With a team of experienced instructors and wellness practitioners, the studio welcomes individuals of all experience levels to slow down, reconnect, and build sustainable practices for everyday life.

SHiFT has become a gathering space where neighbors move, breathe, and grow together— reflecting Brigette’s vision that wellness is most powerful when it is shared within a supportive community. Find SHiFT Studio at 3563 Numencia Street #103 in SY.

CONTINUED >

KAYLA’S KIDZ

Nestled in Buellton and beloved across the Valley, Kayla’s Kidz Children’s Thrift Shoppe is more than a shop; it’s a community treasure built on sustainability, care, and connection. Owner Kayla Perez, a longtime Valley resident and entrepreneur, opened Kayla’s Kidz to offer repurposed, high-quality, and affordable clothing, shoes, books, and more for babies, children, and teens. From hand-selected racks to thoughtful touches like a “free bin”, the shop fosters joy and generosity in every visit.

Since its opening, Kayla’s Kidz has expanded into a larger storefront on Highway 246 and become a meeting place for local families, conscientious shoppers, and eco-minded neighbors alike. Whether pairing practicality with sustainability or creating a welcoming space for growing families, Kayla’s Kidz embodies community spirit with heart and purpose.

VIVE MARKETING COLLECTIVE

Vive Marketing Collective is a boutique branding and marketing agency serving the SYV. Founded in 2025, Vive strives to bring a fresh, collaborative approach to branding and digital storytelling for local entrepreneurs. Vive focuses on helping businesses clarify their message, elevate their visuals, and show up confidently online. Their strength lies in partnership, walking alongside clients as they refine their voice and expand their reach.

In a region fueled by small businesses and a creative spirit, Vive represents a new generation of women building together, supporting one another, and shaping what modern marketing looks like in the Valley.

BLISSFUSION SANTA YNEZ

For Rebecca Cramer, wellness is not a passing trend; it is a practice rooted in knowledge, balance, and intentional care. Located within the Chumash Casino Resort Spa, Blissfusion SY offers an integrative approach to health designed to help clients feel stronger, more energized, and supported from the inside out. Rebecca combines modern wellness therapies with personalized guidance, offering services such as IV nutrient infusions, NAD therapy, functional lab testing, hormone support, and medically guided weight-loss programs. She also provides carefully selected supplements, including Thorne products, helping clients create thoughtful routines that support long-term vitality.

At the heart of Blissfusion is Rebecca’s belief that true wellness begins with understanding how the body functions as a whole. By blending advanced diagnostics with accessible therapies, she empowers clients to take a more active role in their health journey.

MAY 2ND

SYV Touch A Truck

SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Bethania Preschool: 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang | 9:30 AM

Touch-A-Truck returns to Bethania Lutheran Church as a family-friendly fundraiser benefiting Bethania Preschool. Children can climb aboard and explore construction, safety, and specialty vehicles, with activities including face painting, raffles, and concessions. A designated “no horn hour” ensures a quieter experience for younger guests. This hands-on community event brings learning, fun, and local support together.

MAY 2ND

Buellton Brew Fest

River View Park: 151 Sycamore Dr., Buellton | 11:30 AM

Buellton Brew Fest is a 21+ celebration featuring 55+ breweries, wineries, and spirits, plus food trucks, games, and live entertainment. Enjoy music from Country Nation, Will Breman, and DJ Peete, along with a best-dressed contest. With designated driver passes and local shuttles available, it’s a lively, community-focused event for craft beverage lovers. Tickets: buelltonbrewfest.com

MAY 2ND

St Mark’s in-the-Valley Spring Classic

St. Mark’s in-the-Valley: 2901 Nojoqui Ave, Los Olivos | 5:00 PM

The Spring Classic returns with an elegant evening of dinner, live music by Caroline Duggan, and a spirited auction led by Andrew Firestone. Guests can bid on exclusive experiences while supporting St. Mark’s in the Valley’s mission to serve the community. Proceeds help provide no-fee access to spaces for more than 85 local groups and events, sustaining connection and outreach.

MAY 4TH, 15TH, 17TH, & 22ND

SYV Youth Rec Queen Events

SYV Youth Recreation launches its 2026 campaign supporting Youth Recreation Queen Myah Dunn, with a series of community fundraising events. Highlights include a May 4 luncheon at Gainey and May 22 NY BBQ Dinner and Auction at Solvang Memorial Hall. Proceeds support local youth programs and recreational opportunities. Visit syvyouthrec.org for all details.

MARKETING & DESIGN

MAY 9TH

CONTINUED

Wine, Women, and Shoes

Benefiting the Friendship House

Ecomama Farms: 3870 Baseline, Santa Ynez | 11:00 AM

Wine, Women & Shoes returns to Ecomama Farms for a stylish afternoon benefiting The Friendship House. Guests enjoy wine tasting, designer shopping, a seated lunch, and lively entertainment including auctions, raffles, and a fashion show. With signature “Sole Men” and a picturesque Santa Ynez setting, the event blends fashion, philanthropy, and fun. More winewomenandshoes.com

Throughout the SYV | 6:00 AM

The Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon & Half Relay returns as a scenic, destination race through the Santa Ynez Valley, combining fitness, wine country views, and community spirit. Participants can run solo or as a relay team, followed by a festive postrace celebration. Save the date and register for this popular annual event. santabarbarawinehalf.com