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.
Santa Ynez Paint
A famously friendly region, the Santa Ynez Valley fosters communities that care and businesses with a heart. Honoring that model, the folks at Santa Ynez Paint offer quality products at competitive prices, deliver old-fashioned customer service and give back with gusto. Established nearly 30 years ago, Santa Ynez Paint is the only store in the Valley… Continue Reading
PETROS “California-Hellenic Cuisine” in Los Olivos
The Santa Ynez Valley got a taste of something different when Chef Petros Benekos opened his Greek restaurant in Los Olivos in June. The words “great” and “Petros” linked up and spread like wildfire. And for good reason. First, there was the stunning interior transformation of the Fess Parker Wine County Inn & Spa lobby… Continue Reading
PAWS Park Unleashed!
On August 1, 2009, 36 large and 12 small dogs gathered to celebrate the opening of their very own off-leash park in the suburbs of Buellton. On hand with the canines and their people were a half dozen dedicated dog-lovers whose hard work and tenacity made PAWS Park a reality. After more than two years… Continue Reading
Our World of Oceans
For 20 years, Solvang’s Richmond Productions has refined the art of marine videography, capturing breathtaking footage both above and below the surface of the world’s oceans. Though their company covers subjects as diverse as winemaking and air quality, owners Earl and Kay Richmond have committed their formidable energies to filming, sharing and preserving the wonders… Continue Reading
The Lavender Lady
A banker turned farmer, Cheryl Wagner laughs that she still gardens green stuff, though her current crop offers a marked improvement in the fragrance department. As proprietor of Andre Organic Lavender, Wagner cultivates nine varieties of the pungent perennial for both culinary and topical purposes. “I worked with Rona Barrett when she had her lavender… Continue Reading
Beauty Care for Women and Children
As the great granddaughter of one of Solvang’s founding fathers, Kimberly Skytt Storey intends to keep the family tree firmly planted in Santa Ynez Valley soil. She has always loved the area, but with the birth of her daughter, Sophia, now four, she appreciates her hometown even more. “I’m here forever,” Storey declares. “I don’t… Continue Reading
From Figueroa Mountain
Chia — long valued by early Native Americans, the health benefits of Chia seeds have become mainstream news. This year, various magazine articles touted the benefits of Chia seeds: keep you full, excellent source of nutrients and inexpensive to boot. The only thing that came to my mind were Chia Pets. Little did I know… Continue Reading
Classic Organic
One of the many joys of living in the Santa Ynez Valley is the drive home. Once I realize I’m back in sight of this beautiful place, a sense of calm always comes over me. A few months ago I noticed some new signage off the 101, close to the Nojoqui Park turnoff. “Classic Organic–FRESH… Continue Reading
16,000 Mornings and Counting
She’s 80-something, still active and she’s amazing,” declares Steve Lykken, describing his friend Grace Cota. “Do you know anyone who’s worked 45 years with no days off, no vacation? She should have a presidential award!” Lykken’s praise for the vibrant octogenarian is well deserved, for Cota rises at one o’clock every morning to deliver the… Continue Reading
Designs in Gold
Offering more diversity than the name implies, Designs in Gold serves as a marvelous emporium for antique, estate and commercial jewelry, as well as what owners Jim and Ginger Cleland call “sculptures in precious metal and gemstones.” The latter, meticulously crafted by Jim, are wearable works of art that wink, nod, spin and often even… Continue Reading