Elovitz announces candidacy

Leo Elovitz, who was appointed as the temporary replacement for current councilman John Connolly, intends on seeking a seat on the Buellton City Council in November, which pits him against mayor Holly Sierra and vice mayor Dave King, who are up for re-election. “At stake is our community’s prosperity and quality of life,” said Elovitz, who served from January through June 2012 as interim city council member while councilman John Connolly was away serving in the military. “Buellton can no longer afford deficit spending and indifference to planning for successful economic development,” he continued.

“Our city needs council members who do their homework, are factual, open-minded and welcoming to public input.” For more information about the candidate, visit elovitz4council.org.


Blood drive

The Vikings of Solvang will be holding its annual Blood Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Solvang School Gym’s lower campus. All blood drawn will be coordinated through the United Blood Services. Participants will receive a voucher for a complimentary dinner at a participating Solvang restaurant valid for two days from issue. Please make an appointment in advance, by calling (800) 715-3699 or online at www.blood4life.org.

For further information, call Max Hanberg at 688-6012.


Santa Ynez meeting

Santa Ynez will host an informational “Let’s get it going mixer” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at the SY Valley Historical Museum. For more details, email santaynezchamber@gmail.com.


Open house, barbecue

Shepherd of the Valley Preschool will host an open house and barbecue dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at 3550 Baseline in Santa Ynez. Parents are encouraged to meet the teachers, see the curriculum and directed activities.


Coalition grant

The Santa Ynez Valley Youth Coalition has been selected as one of 57 coalitions nationwide and five coalitions in California to receive a five-year Federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grant, the office of National Drug Policy announced.

The DFC Program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate citizen participation in local drug prevention efforts. Coalitions are composed of community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, health care and business professionals, law enforcement, the media and others working together at the local level to implement local solutions.


Softball meeting

The Santa Ynez Valley Girls Softball Association Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in room 126 at Oak Valley School. All are welcome to attend. The agenda includes filling board positions and forming league committees. Email lmelby@syvgsa.org for more information.


An affair to remember

The 11th annual “A Western Affair” is on the horizon for Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Hearst Ranch in Old San Simeon Village. The event celebrates Western heritage while benefitting the California’s Rangeland Trust.


Car show, swap meet

The 10th Annual Santa Maria A’s All Ford Car Show and Swap Meet is slated for Saturday, Sept. 8, in Old Town Orcutt at the Orcutt Union Plaza, 201 S. Broadway St.

The swap meet opens at 7 a.m. followed by the show at 8 a.m. Admission is free. The day includes live music, prize raffles and breakfast. The event benefits the Allan Hancock College Automotive Program scholarships. For more information, contact Curt Warner at (805) 478-1231 or Jay McCord at 598-8133.


Pet fair

“A Cause 4 Paws,” the 11th Annual Pledge Walk, Pet Fair & BBQ is set for Sunday, Sept. 9, at Pioneer Park in Santa Maria. Check-in is from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by the walk at 10:15. Barbecue tri-tip sandwiches will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit 222.sbcanimalcare.org or call (805) 260-2386.


The Old Days

The 66th annual Los Alamos Old Days Celebration is Friday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Sept. 30, with fun for the whole family in the heart of this traditional old-west style community. This year’s theme is “136 Years of History.” Admission is free and the entire public is invited to join residents and visitors who gather each year to honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western heritage. Los Alamos is located at the intersection of US Highway 101 and State Route 135 (Bell Street).


What’s cooking

Arts Outreach invites interested male chefs to cook up their favorite recipes at the 21st annual fundraiser, “Real Men Cook.” This year’s event is set from 6-10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20, at Flag is Up Farms in Solvang. Tickets are $60 in advance, $65 at the door.

Real Men Cook is a fundraiser for the Santa Ynez Valley nonprofit arts organization Arts Outreach that is dedicated to “bringing art to life and life to art.” Activities include elementary school classroom workshops and on-going art curriculum led by artists-in-residence; summertime Arts and Drama programs; after school Arts; semi-monthly Elder Arts entertainment; and the annual Applause Young Artists program.

Those interested in taking up the challenge can call Arts Outreach at 688-9533 or obtain an entry form at www.artsoutreach.com.


Fighting cancer

The American Cancer Society is inviting community members to band together and create or join a team for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Santa Ynez at 9 a.m. on Oct. 6 at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, 2975 E. Highway 246.

To learn more or to get help, call anytime day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.


Lompoc art

Lompoc Valley Art Association announces a call for entries for their fall show. Area artists 16 years and older are invited to submit an entry to a judged show that will run from Sept. 25 to Oct. 28. The prospectus is available online at lompocvalleyartassociation.com or at Cypress Gallery, 119 E. Cypress Ave. in Lompoc, Tuesday through Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded, first place will receive $300. Awards will be presented at a reception at Cypress Gallery on Saturday, Oct. 6, between 2 and 4 p.m. Entries are due on Monday, Sept. 24.