Note: Though we’ve printed quarterly issues since 1999, we’ve digitized from the current issue back to Spring 2008. Older issues have not been digitized for display on our site.
Looking to the Future
COVER STORY —Solvang’s Danish-American generations in 2011 Often described as more Danish than Denmark, Solvang retains the flavor of its founders’ culture a full century after its inception. Graceful windmills, Old World architecture, and the aromatic drift of Danish foods— from meaty frikadeller to fresh pastries—serves as a reminder of the town’s origins and enduring… Continue Reading
A New Stage for Platinum Performance
Business Profile —Taking a cue straight from the horse’s mouth, the Herthel family of Los Olivos transformed a strictly equine enterprise into one that benefits bipedal patients as well. From their world-renowned veterinary practice, Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center, the Herthels launched a line of products that improve the health of pets and their people,… Continue Reading
Pattibakes
Business Profile —Man (and woman, of course) does not live by bread alone, as the saying goes, and Patti Wicks takes those words seriously. She is the Patti behind Pattibakes, a Valley bakery known for its spectacular cakes and cupcakes— and muffins, and tarts, and coffee cakes, and cinnamon rolls and cookies and pies and… Continue Reading
LEONARD CUSTOM WORKS
Business Profile Purveyors of Fine Woodworking When Matt Leonard founded his general construction company nearly a decade ago, he brainstormed a name that would describe the services he offered. Wisely, he selected Leonard Custom Works, Purveyors of Fine Woodworking, an ideal choice for a business that provides everything from basic framing to elegant furniture. Leonard… Continue Reading
Our Pets and the Holidays
With the holidays fast approaching, we’ll need to take a bit of extra time to make sure our homes are pet safe and friendly. It’s easy to forget that our pets can get into tricky situations when it comes to Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. If we take a moment to plan ahead we can reduce… Continue Reading
From Figueroa Mountain
The California Turkey Vulture Returning home one evening I noticed a dead pine tree with several large black “lumps.” As I drove closer, I realized the “lumps” were actually several roosting turkey vultures. I thought they’d make an interesting photo, so as soon as I got home I grabbed my camera and drove right back… Continue Reading
Dr. Fred Emerson: Birdman of the Santa Ynez Valley
There are 27 binoculared people walking along a path—chattering, rattling and clattering—seemingly sure to scare the locals. Suddenly, as if on cue, a pair of small creatures takes wing from a nearby live oak and fly toward the people, landing nearly at the feet of the crowd and striking a pose. About five inches long,… Continue Reading
Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary
Dogs, horses, and other domestic pets that have not lived fairy tale lives can still find happy endings under the watchful eye of C.C. Beaudette-Wellman, a proverbial animal fairy godmother. The founder of Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary (H.E.A.R.S.) in Santa Ynez, Beaudette-Wellman has made it her mission to care for domestic cast-offs—animal victims who… Continue Reading
All Smiles in Buellton
Business Profile Buellton dentist Adam Haws, DDS, recalls watching his father, Karl, working at his dental practice in Santa Barbara. “He always came home happy. In fact, after 55 years he still practices two days a week. I don’t think he’ll ever retire,” says Haws. Voted the “Best Dentist in the Santa Ynez Valley” in… Continue Reading
Everyday Heroes
COVER STORY Richard and June Christensen The lucky individuals who live in the Santa Ynez Valley share a profound kinship with the land and a strong bond with their community. From the Danes who founded Solvang in 1911 to locals helping a neighbor in need, the people of the Valley have always taken care of each… Continue Reading