Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley is a river valley located in Santa Barbara County, California, between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains. The valley has a population of about 20,000 residents living in the communities of Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Buellton, Los Alamos, and Ballard.
Culture
The 2004 film Sideways was set (and shot on location) in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, visits from tourists looking to recreate the experiances of the fictional characters Miles and Jack, have become common. Fans of the movie can often be seen making a pilgrimage from the Buellton Days Inn to the Hitching Post restaurant.
Politics
The valley is largely conservative. The valley is usually considered part of northern Santa Barbara County and would be included in the proposed Mission County. Numerous Smart growth-type coalitions have formed such as Preservation of Los Olivos (POLO), Preservation of Santa Ynez (POSY), WeWatch, and the Santa Ynez Valley Concerned Citizens. These groups' stated mission is the preservation of the Santa Ynez Valley. Their main focus is on opposing the Chumash tribe's Chumash Casinio expansion plans through lobbying of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Secondary focuses have been directed against Fess Parker's proposed plans for development.
Economy
The economy of the Santa Ynez Valley is driven by agriculture (particularly viticulture), the equine industry, and tourism.
Agriculture
The wine industry is a major part of the Santa Ynez Valley's economy. The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association lists over 70 wineries and tasting rooms on their website. Besides grapes, the valley also has numerous apple farms, many of them with roadside apple stands or "pick your own" programs.
Equine
Horses are seen throughout the valley and a historic Western atmosphere is kept alive. Notable ranches include Monty Roberts' Flag Is Up Farms, River Edge Farm (thoroughbreds), and the nationally-known Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center.
Tourism
Tourists often visit the valley for its attractions including numerous art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and antique stores as well as resorts such as the Alisal Guest Ranch, Lake Cachuma, PCPA's Theatrefest, and the Chumash Casino. Because of good weather year round, many participate in outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Los Padres National Forest or bicycling throughout the valley (seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong trains in the valley annually).
Education
- Allan Hancock College: Solvang Campus
- Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
- Refugio High School
- Olive Grove High School
- Dunn School
- Midland School
Notable Residents
Notable present or past residents include
- Robert Carradine
- Jimmy Connors
- Jake Copass
- David Crosby
- Bo Derek
- Bob Eubanks
- Brooks Firestone
- Richard A. Harris
- Dan Henry
- Michael Jackson (Neverland Ranch)
- Ed Joyce
- Kelly LeBrock
- Fess Parker
- Ronald Reagan (Rancho del Cielo)
- Monty Roberts
- Doc Severinsen
- Bernie Taupin
- Noah Wyle
External links
- Current weather
- Santa Ynez Valley Visitors' Association represents all six communities.
- Santa Ynez Valley News is the local newspaper.
- SYV-Online serves as a community webportal.
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