Santa Ynez Valley News

01/03/2026

Blustery, wet conditions are forecast to continue through Tuesday, then shift to dry conditions on Wednesday and should persist through mid-January as the Eastern Pacific High moves eastward toward the Central Coast.

Blustery, wet conditions are forecast to continue through Tuesday, then shift to dry conditions on Wednesday and should persist through mid-January as the Eastern Pacific High moves eastward toward the

01/03/2026

Two Santa Barbara County Fire stations in Orcutt, and one in Buellton, will now have access to “jaws of life” rescue equipment, after County Fire received grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Two Santa Barbara County Fire stations in Orcutt, and one in Buellton, will now have access to “jaws of life” rescue equipment, after County Fire received grant funding from the

01/01/2026

To countdown the end of the year, we have been re-sharing some of our most read stories since last January. Start off your 2026 with a look back at some of our most popular stories from 2025.

To countdown to the end of the year, we have been re-sharing some of our most read stories since last January. Start off your 2026 with a look back at

01/01/2026

Happy New Year's Eve! We hope you enjoy your celebrations, and join us in our celebration of 2025 by reading some of our most read stories of the past year. This story, from July, focuses on the debate over use of public land in Buellton to build the Santa Ynez Valley Waldorf Hundred Hills School.
"The City of Buellton is weighing a proposal to convert a portion of the city-owned Willemsen property into a private educational facility known as the Santa Ynez Valley Waldorf Hundred Hills School.
But the decision isn't clear after much debate.
At the center of the discussion is a conditional use permit application submitted by Whitney and Sundeep Chanana of Horatio Partners, LLC, in partnership with the City, which owns the land, to erect four classroom yurts, one administration building (also usable as a classroom), and a separate restroom yurt."
Read the story on SYVNews.com, story link in comment section below.
Contributed Photo.

01/01/2026

The Buellton City Council voted to delay further action on an ordinance that would require certain motel properties to operate exclusively as short-term rentals while the city awaits guidance from the state.
Ordinance No. 25-06, which would amend the Buellton Municipal Code to remove long-term housing status from motel units along Avenue of Flags, was continued to an undetermined date without public testimony, following a brief discussion led by City Manager Scott Wolfe during the Nov. 13 meeting.
Read the story on SYVNews.com.
Story link in comments below.

01/01/2026

Rain, heavy at times on New Year's Eve into New Year's Day, will decrease to drizzle Thursday night through Friday morning. Total rainfall during this period is predicted to range from 1.50 to 3 inches, with higher amounts likely in the Santa Lucia …

Rain, heavy at times on New Year's Eve into New Year's Day, will decrease to drizzle Thursday night through Friday morning. Total rainfall during this period is predicted to range

12/31/2025

Wrapping up 2025, the Santa Ynez Valley News revisits eight of the year's most-read stories from educational triumphs to infrastructure advances.

12/31/2025

As 2025 ends, the Lompoc Record is highlighting some of its most-read stories from the year. The story that drew the most readership overall was the disappearance and subsequent discovery of the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.

As 2025 ends, the Lompoc Record is highlighting some of its most-read stories from the year. The story that drew the most readership overall was the disappearance and subsequent discovery

12/30/2025

While Volkswagen began turning out the first of what would become its iconic buses, Ernst Pedersen’s made-to-order iron work was outgrowing the shop at what was once Homer Roth Ranch on Refugio Road.

While Volkswagen began turning out the first of what would become its iconic buses, Ernst Pedersen’s made-to-order iron work was outgrowing the shop at what was once Homer Roth Ranch

12/30/2025

Letters: “Peace on Earth” is more than words we speak during the holidays. It is the reason for which we were born. It can only be realized if we believe in peace, and do our part to make it real.

Letters: “Peace on Earth” is more than words we speak during the holidays. It is the reason for which we were born. It can only be realized if we believe

12/30/2025

We are a little more than two days away from the arrival of 2026. To celebrate 2025, we are re-sharing some of our most read stories of the past year. This story, from May, focuses on the impact of a fire that severely damaged a major landmark in downtown Solvang.
"Solvang officials are celebrating the quick work of firefighters, and considering the future of a village commercial site after a major structure fire gutted it Friday.
At about 5:30 a.m. Friday, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to a smoke check at 425 I St., just around the corner from its Oak Street station. Upon arriving, firefighters saw flames, called a second alarm, then later a third alarm calling for outside assistance as the extent of the fire in the unoccupied building became evident, City Manager Randy Murphy said."
Read the story on SYVNews.com.
Link story in the comment section, below.

12/30/2025

The all-league football selections for the 2025 season.