COVER STORY —Preserving History while Building a Future If old houses could talk, they might tell of family dinners, lonely spells, or maybe the pleasures of a fresh coat of paint. Inanimate, yet imbued with the spirit of those who have lived in them, these grande dames grace local neighborhoods with their rich histories and [...]
Recently named one of the decade’s top 30 inspirational photographers by Photo District News magazine, Jose Villa documents weddings with the flair of an editorial photographer. His unorthodox approach, coupled with an artistic eye and commitment to shooting exclusively on film, yield photographs radiant with detail and the frisson of unguarded moments captured. Villa shoots [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
COVER STORY —Henning Sorensen and his daughter Susie have celebrated Danish foods and traditions in their family restaurant for 45 years. A century ago, Danish immigrants founded Solvang on a windswept plain they dubbed “sunny fields.” Within a year, they had erected a hotel, store, barn, two houses and, serving as the symbolic heart of [...]
BUSINESS PROFILE Hidden in plain site at the corner of Highway 246 and Edison Street, Valley Oak Industries has been serving local contractors and homebuilders for 26 years. Often referred to simply as Valley Oak, the family-owned business specializes in handcrafted products for both residential and commercial construction projects. Valley Oak comprises a complex of [...]
On a shady lane in Buellton, a family-owned brewery brings a new wave of stylish beers and convivial fun to the Santa Ynez Valley. Called Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, it offers handcrafted brews, savory snacks served in a cozy pub and a customized brewing system complete with ringside seats. Jim and Jaime Dietenhofer, the brewery’s founding father-and-son [...]
Founder Paul Squibb instituted a “needs not wants” policy in 1932 and the phrase became a core philosophy for the school, proving its worth to generations of students. Natural wonderland. Working ranch. College preparatory school. Rarely mentioned in a single sentence, much less united in a dynamic enterprise, these terms accurately describe a venerable institution [...]
