Agenda — Solvang City Council, April 24, 2023

AGENDA

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023 - 6:30 PM REGULAR MEETING
VIRTUAL & IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, 1644 OAK STREET, SOLVANG, CA 93463 City Council:

Mark Infanti, Mayor
Elizabeth Orona District 4
David Brown District 3
Robert Clarke at-large
Claudia Orona at-large
PARTICIPATING IN THE MEETING - City Council meetings will be in person and conducted by video/teleconferencing through Zoom. Meeting will also be broadcast live on Channel 23 and streamed on the City’s website, Vimeo, and YouTube.

To join by Zoom, visit https:// zoom. us/j/3066529195. If you wish to speak, please use the “raised hand” symbol.

To join by phone, call (888) 788-0099 and enter Meeting ID: 306 652 9195#. The phone line will be open starting at 6 p.m.
6:30 PM REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS AND CEREMONIAL ITEMS

PRESENTATIONS
a. Central Coast Community Energy Annual Presentation
AGENDA AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS – Available for viewing 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. at City Hall, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang, and on the City’s website https://www. cityofsolvang. com/agendacenter. Additional writings that are distributed to a majority of the City Council after the posting of the agenda will be made available at City Hall and on the City’s website.

AGENDA POSTING NOTIFICATION - Subscribe to receive email or text message notifications when agendas are posted online through “ Notify Me” at: https://www.cityofsolvang. com/List.aspx PUBLIC COMMENT - The public is encouraged to address the City Council in-person, virtually, or in-writing on agenda and non-agenda items. If provided in writing, comments must be submitted to the City Clerk at cityclerk@cityofsolvang. com by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before the meeting to be considered. Your comment will be recorded and distributed appropriately. Comments on agenda items will be heard at the time each item is considered, including non-agenda items. In-person speakers will be invited to make public comments first.

Virtual speakers will follow.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT - If, as a participant of this meeting, you need special assistance the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the City Clerk at either ( 805) 688-5575 x206 or cityclerk@cityofsolvang. com. 72- hours’ notice is requested 1 1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS – NON- AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS This section is intended to provide members of the public with the opportunity to address the Council on items not on the Agenda and on Consent. This section is limited to 30 minutes. Each speaker will be afforded three minutes and may speak only once. State law does not allow the Council to discuss or take action on issues not on the agenda, except to briefly respond or to ask Staff to follow up on such items.

2. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND ADVANCE CALENDAR
Informational Report

3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Comments and requests from City Council Members. No action will be taken at this meeting.

4. CONSENT ITEMS
Consent is designed for routine; administrative city matters and is approved by roll call vote with one motion.

These items are discussed only on request of council members. Members of the public were afforded an opportunity to speak on Consent items during the Public Communications portion of this agenda. a. Approve Order of Agenda as Presented
b. Approve City Council Minutes March 27, 2023, March 30, 2023, April 10, 2023………………….. 30 c. Adopt resolution No. 23-1215 establishing a monthly stipend for members of the Design Review Committee ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 43
d. Approve Amendment 7 to the Agreement with Meridian Consulting LLC to an expanded scope of Services to the Sixth Amendment for completion of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents required for the USDA Grant Application, for the WWTP Water quality project; for the additional amount not to exceed $ 3,000 and authorize the Mayor to Execute on behalf of the City………………………. 46 e. Approve Quarterly Financial Reports…………………………………………………………………….. 49 f. Receive and file Santa Barbara County Fire March 31, 2023 quarterly reports………………….... 59

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None

6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion and possible action regarding the Rainbow House Inc. Streetlight banner application……………………….………………………………………………………………………… 66
b. Discussion and possible action regarding Streetlight Banner Guidelines and Application..259 c. Discussion and possible action regarding the Tourism Advisory Committee vacancy and to provide direction to Staff…………………………………………………………………………….278 d. Discussion and possible action on formation of an Ad Hoc Finance Subcommittee to review budget, investment, financing, and grant funding related issues…………..…………..281

7. AB1234 REPORT OUT AND COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS

8. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda 2023- 04-24 CC 2
of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing revised notice was posted at the City of Solvang City Hall bulletin board at 1644 Oak Street, Solvang, CA and on the City of Solvang website not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, per Government Code 54954. 2.

Dated this 20th day of April 2023
3 Presentation to City of Solvang

04.24.2023
Jeff Railsback
Customer Accounts Manager
4 CCA
Community Choice Aggregation
Investor- Owned Utility Customers
Purchases electricity on behalf
of local communities; develops
programs, rebates, and
incentives
Delivers electricity, maintains
infrastructure, and handles
billing
Benefits from local control,
competitive rates, and clean
energy as well as CCA
programs, rebates, and
incentives
5 Our Formation
20 17
MBCP founded by
Counties of Monterey,
San Benito, Santa Cruz
2020
Service expands to
Cities in San Luis
Obispo County
2021
CCCE service
expands to County of
Santa Barbara
6 Member Agencies infive counties
34 400,000+
Customers
1billion
Investment in renewable energy
26 million in customer programs
7 Enrollment in communities
94%
5000 GWh
Electricity delivered in 20 22
45,049
Customers in unicorporated Santa Barbara
County and Buellton enrolled in 20 21/20 22
8 Clean and Power03 Renewable
Our Commitment
Control01 Local Rates02 Competitive
Community Reinvestiment04
9 Control01 Local
10 COASTAL CITIES
Marina
Sand City, Seaside
Del Rey Oaks*

PENINSULA CITIES
Carmel*
Monterey
Pacific Grove*

SALINAS CITIES
Greenfield
Gonzales*
Soledad

SAN BENITO CITIES
Hollister*
San Juan Bautista

SANTA CRUZ CITIES
Capitola*
Scotts Valley
Our Governance

SLO CITIES
San Luis Obispo*
Morro Bay

SLO NORTH CITIES
Paso Robles*
Atascadero

SLO SOUTH CITIES
Arroyo Grande
Grover Beach
Pismo Beach*

SB COUNTY CITIES
Guadalupe
Solvang *
Buellton

SB COUNTY CITIES
Goleta
Carpinteria *11
Rates02 Competitive
12 Average Residential Savings
Average approximate
difference between PG&Eand
CCCE residential generation
rates in 2022
18%
Small to medium commercial*
customers savings after March
2022
2 % t o 19 %
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
2018 2020 2022
Because our IOU imposes an additional demand charge that we do not, we cannot provide a percent savings for large commercial and agriculture accounts. 13 Clea n & Renewable Power03
14 Procurement Targets
2030 Planned Resource Mix 2025 2030
60%
47% 43% 10 %
Solar Wind Geothermal
100%
15 102 MW
Solar + Storage
575 MW generation
183 MW storage
150 MW solar only
Standalone
Storage
Geothermal
98 MW
Wind
33 MW
9 5 4 1
Procurement Mix
Executed
contracts for 19
renewable
energy projects
16 Projects Online in 2022
Coso Geothermal
66 MW Generation
11% Annual Load
January 2022
Slate Solar + Storage
68 MW Generation
34 MW Battery Storage
4% Annual Load
March 2022 Mammoth Casa Diablo IV
7 MW Generation
1% Annual Load
July 2022
22%
Annual
Load
234 MW
46 MW Rabbitbrush
Solar + Storage
60 MW Generation
12 MW St o r a g e
3% Annual Load
October 2022
Mountain View Wind
33 MW Generation
3% Annual Load
July 2022
17 Why electrify?
Transportation accounts for 41% of CA
emissions. Gas appliances account for 12%.

Reduce GHG Emissions
Gas appliances impact indoor air quality and
public health. Diesel exhaust is linked to
multiple serious conditions.

Better Health Outcomes
Every CCCE customer is on a pathway to
carbon- free energy by 2030. Switching from
gas to electric vehicles and appliances helps
our region finish the job.

Make an Impact
18 Community Reinvestment04
19 FY21/22: Community Reinvestment
Electric School Bus

1.4M awarded to schools
Est. 148 mT CO2 emissions
avoided each year

2.4M awarded to customers
Est. 2,500 mT CO2 emissions
avoided each year
600K+ awarded to
affordable housing
Est. 170 mT CO2 emissions
avoided each year
Electrify Your Ride New Construction
Electrification
20 Residential Programs
Service Description Price
Electrify
Your Ride
Plug- In, Battery, Motorcycles,
Leased, Used, Chargers and
Readiness
1,000-$4,000
Electrify
Your Home
HVAC, Heat Pump Water
Heater, Panel Replacement $ 450 -$4,000
New Construction
Electrification
Fully electric Accessory Dwelling
Units $ 5,000
21 Member Agencies
5,000 -$ 100,000 per unit
Electrify Your Fleet
Up to $ 10 0 ,0 0 0 ; additional funds to Plan
Your Fleet
Charge Your Fleet
100, 000 budgeted for third- party
implementation
Reach Code Program
22 Businesses
15,000 -$ 100, 000, designed to cover
between 70% - 100% of project
Ag Equipment
2,500 per affordable or farm worker
housing unit
New Construction Electrification
Up to $150, 000 for DCFC Level 3 Chargers
Electrify Your Ride
23 Underserved Communities
Broadband initiative, support for
contractors
Workforce Development
Farmworker
Housing+ Transportation
Income - qualified customers eligible for
extra $1,000 EYR + EYH rebates
Additional Incentives
24 3CE Energy Programs in City of Solvang
Total Investment: $344,000
Central Coast
Incentive Project
FY 20/ 21
Electrify Your Ride
FY 20/ 21
FY 21/ 22
24,000 $ 303,000 $ 41,000 $ 262,000
25 3cenergy.org
26 CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon and infographics & images by Freepik Thanks
Do you have any questions?
3CE.org
info@3CE. org
27 CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon and infographics & images by Freepik Insert Power Source Map
28 Meeting Date Agenda Item Agenda Dept
8-May Solvang Skytt Mesa LLMD Annual Assessment Public Hearing Public Works 2022 Annual Visit SYV Report Discussion City Manager
Mintier Harnish Amendment 6 Consent Public Works
Transportation Plan List of Projects update Discussion Public Works Planning Commissioner resignation Discussion Planning
22-May June as Pride Month Proclamation Clerk
Wastewater treatment Plant project update Discussion Utilities 12-Jun Juneteenth Day 2023 Proclamation Clerk
Modifications to existing 2 yr financial Plan Reso Discussion Administration 26-Jun Annual Contract Renewals Various
Teamsters Union Local 986 2023-24 MOU City Manager
Future Meetings Outdoor Dining Policy Discussion Direction Measure U Oversight Committee Appointment Discussion City Clerk Residences as a primary use in the TRC Zone Discussion Planning General Plan Planning
Finance Department reorganization Discussion Administration Grant Funding Applications review Discussion Administration Janitorial Services Discussion Public Works
Annual Creek Inspections Discussion Public Works
Homeless encampment solutions Discussion City Manager
Dude Solutions / Brightly Consent Public Works
Ring Central Master Services Agreement Consent City Manager Scramble Crosswalk Discussion Public Works
RFQ Interim Financing WWTP Administration Discussion Administration City Council protocols Discussion City Manager
Meeting Date Agenda Item Agenda Action
N/A
Agenda Item Agenda Action
January Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Discussion Administration January Brown Act Training City Attorney
February Measure A 5-Year Local Program of Projects Public Hearing Public Works February Mid-Year Budget Adjustments Administration
February ( even
years) Council Budget Goal Setting Public WorkshopCity Manager March Housing Element and LEAP Grant Annual Report Public Hearing Approve March SB1 RMRA project List Public Hearing Public Works March Investment Policy Annual Review Discussion Administration March Solvang Skytt Mesa LLMD Annual Assessment Public Hearing Public Works March FTA 5311 Grant Agreement Consent Approve
March TDA Grant Funding Consent Approve
May Preliminary Budget Administration
Oct/ Jan/ April/ July Quarterly Financial Reports Discussion Administration June Two-Year Financial Plan Development or Supplemental Budget adoption Discussion Administration
June Capital Improvement Program Discussion Public Works June/ July Amend Appropriation Limit Public Hearing Adopt July AB 1600 Report Discussion Approve
November Stormwater Management Program Annual Report Consent Public Works December Appointment of Mayor pro tem Discussion City Clerk December Council selection of representatives to Committees and Agencies Discussion City Clerk
December ( even
years) Appointment to Boards, Commissions, Committees Discussion City Clerk Council Requested Agenda Items
Annual Reports

CITY COUNCIL ADVANCE CALENDAR
29 March 27, 2023
Monday
Special Closed Session – 5:30 p.m.

Regular Meeting – 6:30 p.m.
5:30 PM CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Infanti called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang, California 93463.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Mark Infanti, Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona; Councilmembers David Brown, Robert Clarke and Claudia Orona ( arrived at 5:41 p.m.)
Staff: Interim City Manager Bradley Vidro, City Clerk Annamarie Porter

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council member Brown led in the Salute to the Flag.

1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS ON CLOSED SESSION
Denise El Amin spoke regarding the City Manager position.

There were no other public comments on this item.

2. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – 5:30 p.m.
a. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT - pursuant to Gov. Code § 54957( b)(1) Title:

City Manager
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – 5:34 p.m.

3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
It was noted that City Council met in Closed Session and there was no reportable action.

4. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 5:34 p.m.

MINUTES

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL

SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
30 6:30 PM REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Infanti called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang, California.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Mark Infanti; Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, Councilmembers David Brown, Robert Clarke and Claudia Orona
Staff: Interim City Manager Bradley Vidro, City Attorney David Fleishman, City Clerk Annamarie Porter, Public Works Director Rodger Olds, Utilities Director Jose Acosta, Administrative Services Director Wendy Berry, Planning Manager Sophia Checa

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS AND CEREMONIAL ITEMS - None PRESENTATIONS - None

1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Denise El Amin spoke about transparency.

Supporting Pride: Laura Ishikawa, Kiel Cavalli, President, Rainbow House Inc, Liz Marks, Harry Mullin, Sandie Mullin, Ava Talley & Jules Bianco, Vera Sieck, Meighan Oritinhoper, Amy Rioux, Alisa Bondurant, Kristin Flickinger.

Tony Trad, Owner, Tony’s Smoke Shop, outdoor smoking in the TRC.

Vashti Wilson, spoke about fiscal responsibility.

There were no other public comments.

2. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND ADVANCE CALENDAR
Interim City Manager Vidro spoke about increases in State water allocations and addressed items to be included in the next City Council agenda.

3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Councilmember Claudia Orona spoke about the need to have clear directions in terms of the City’s goals for tourism and marketing.

Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona expressed concerns that the subject will not be considered by Council until the end of April and commented on the urgency of the situation and unresolved items including an invoice audit.

Councilmember Clarke noted that the City currently has no ad agency, no marketing manager and a TAC; suggested doing a complete reset, suspending the TAC, indefinitely, until pending issues can be resolved, including hiring a Marketing Manager; discussed the matter of honoring Pride month and felt that Solvang does not need banners or sidewalks painted for an entire month. 31 Councilmember Brown requested adding a discussion of the TAC, the possibility of suspending it until there is an established plan and a Marketing Manager to the next City Council agenda and there was City Council consensus to do so.

Mayor Infanti stated he was advised by horse handlers that having a rainbow- painted crosswalk would be dangerous for horses, as they do not see colors the way we do and can be a safety issue.

Councilmember Claudia Orona requested adding a discussion regarding the possibility of having a smoking lounge in the City and there was City Council consensus to do so.

4. CONSENT ITEMS
a. Approve Order of Agenda as Presented.
b. Approve City Council Minutes:

February 27, 2023, March 6, 2023, March 13, 2023, March 17, 2023, March 21, 2023 c. Receive and file Sheriff’ s February Report
d. Accept as complete PW 148 Second Street Drainage and Parking Lot 5 Improvement, authorize final payment to V. Lopez & Sons, and authorize the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion e. Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 23-0364, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Solvang, California Amending Section 1-11-2 of Chapter 11 (Conflict of Interest), Title 1 administration) and adding a new Chapter 6 (Measure U Citizens’ Oversight Committee) to Title 2 Boards and Commissions) thereby codifying the Measure U Citizens’ oversight committee established by Resolution No. 23-1207 pursuant to Ordinance No. 22-0363, a Transaction and Use Tax Ordinance
f. Adopt Resolution No. 23-1210 Approving & Adopting the Title VI Program Update for the Santa Ynez Valley Transit System
Mayor Infanti invited public comments.

Denis El Amin spoke about the process for public comments and the oversight committee.

There were no other public comments.

Motion by Councilmember Clarke, to approve Consent Items, as presented, seconded by Councilmember Claudia Orona, and carried 5-0.

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public Hearing to consider Introduction for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 23-0365 amending Chapter 7 (Pedicycle Rentals) of Title 4 (Business Regulations) of the Solvang Municipal Code regarding pedicycle permits and making a determination of exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act
Planning Manager Checa presented details of the report and noted the proposed process will make it less burdensome for City staff and business owners.

Mayor Infanti opened the public hearing.

There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Infanti closed the public hearing.

Discussion followed regarding the new process, going forward, the amount of liability coverage and fees. 32 Motion by Councilmember Brown, to introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 23-0365 amending Chapter 7 (Pedicycle Rentals) of Title 4 (Business Regulations) of the Solvang Municipal Code regarding pedicycle permits and making a determination of exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act, seconded by Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, and carried 5-0.

6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion and possible action to receive Water Drought Policy Ad Hoc Committee Report and to provide direction to Staff
Utilities Director Acosta provided details of the report; addressed consideration by and recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee; discussed enhancement of the City’s conservation program and outreach and availability of a usage calculator.

Discussion followed regarding current trends in water consumption, replenishment of groundwater levels, encouraging ADUs and focusing on incentives instead of penalties.

Mayor Infanti invited public comments.

Denise El Amin thanked the City for their efforts.

Frank Smithson was grateful for Mike Matthew’ s help.

There were no other public comments.

Motion by Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, to receive the Water Drought Policy Ad Hoc Committee Report, direct Staff to return with a resolution placing the City back into Stage 1 of the drought policy, to work on modification of the ordinance and return to City Council with language for an ordinance at a future date for consideration and adoption, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried 5-0. b. Discussion and possible action to Adopt Resolution No. 23-1211 Adopting the SYVT ZeroEmission Vehicle Transition Plan Public Works Director Olds introduced the item and deferred to City Consultants for a presentation.

Consultant Chambers, Moore and Associates, narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the SYVT Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition Plan.

Discussion followed regarding calls for more service, the point- of-pay application for non-cash transactions, promoting Google Transit, availability of funding, ridership, the small sample size, questions that appear to conflict with each other within the survey, micro transit ( on-demand service), indicators supporting enhancements and other changes to the service will increase ridership, marketing and outreach.

Mayor Infanti invited public comments.

Jim Moore addressed the survey sample size.

There were no other public comments.

Motion by Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, to adopt Resolution No. 23-1211 Adopting the SYVT ZeroEmission Vehicle Transition Plan, seconded by Councilmember Claudia Orona, and carried 4-1, with Councilmember Clarke, opposed.
c. Discussion and possible action to Adopt Resolution No. 23-1209 Approving the Annual Investment Policy for the Fiscal Year 2022/ 23
33 Administrative Services Director Berry presented details of the report.

Discussion followed regarding tracking CD rates, implementing monthly reporting of performance and diversifying the portfolio.

Mayor Infanti invited public comments.

Denise El Amin spoke about keeping money in the City.

There were no other public comments.

Motion by Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, to adopt Resolution No. 23-1209 Approving the Annual Investment Policy for the Fiscal Year 2022/23, seconded by Mayor Infanti, and carried 5-0.

7. AB1234 REPORT OUT AND COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS
Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona reported attending the recent SBCAG meeting and the Management GSA meeting.

8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Annamarie Porter, City Clerk
34 March 30, 2023
Thursday 11:00 a.m.
11:00 AM CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Infanti called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber, 1644 Oak St, Solvang, California.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Mark Infanti, Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona; Councilmembers David Brown, Robert Clarke, Claudia Orona
Staff: Interim City Manager Bradley Vidro, City Clerk Annamarie Porter

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Clarke led in the Salute to the Flag.

1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS ON CLOSED SESSION
Denise El Amin.

2. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – 11:03 a.m.
a. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT - pursuant to Gov. Code §54957(b)(1) Title:

City Manager
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – 11: 34 a.m.

3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
Interim City Manager Vidro announced that there was no reportable action.

4. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 11:34 a.m..

Respectfully submitted:

Annamarie Porter, City Clerk

MINUTES

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL

SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
35 Monday, April 10, 2023
Special Closed Session – 5:30 p.m.

Regular Meeting – 6:30 p.m.
5:30 PM CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Infanti called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang, California 93463.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Mark Infanti, Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona; Councilmembers David Brown, Robert Clarke, Claudia Orona
Staff: Interim City Manager Bradley Vidro, City Attorney David Fleishman, City Clerk Annamarie Porter

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona led in the Salute to the Flag.

1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS ON CLOSED SESSION
Denise El Amin spoke regarding spending taxpayer monies.

There were no other public comments.

2. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – 5:34 p.m.
a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Existing Litigation - pursuant to Gov. Code 54956. 9(d)(1)
Name of Case:

City of Solvang — Petition to Change Water- Right Permit 15878 ( Application No. A022423), under protest by California Trout and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’ s National Marine Fisheries Service, and comment by California Department of Fish and Wildlife RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – 6:03 p.m.

3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
City Attorney Dave Fleishman stated there was no reportable action.

4. ADJOURNMENT
The Special Closed Session was adjourned at 6:04 p.m.

MINUTES

SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL

SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
36 6:30 PM REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Infanti called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang, California.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Mark Infanti; Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, Councilmembers David Brown, Robert Clarke, Claudia Orona
Staff: Interim City Manager Bradley Vidro, City Attorney David Fleishman, City Clerk Annamarie Porter, Public Works Director Rodger Olds, Utilities Director Jose Acosta, Administrative Services Director Wendy Berry, Planning Manager Sophia Checa

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Brown led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS AND CEREMONIAL ITEMS
a. DMV Donate Life Proclamation
Scott Burns received the proclamation.
b. Fair Housing Month Proclamation
Elizabeth Breen received the proclamation.
c. National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation Representatives of North County Regional Crisis and Child Protection Center, and West Santa Ynez Valley, People Helping People received the proclamation d. Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation A representative of North County Regional Crisis and Child Protection Center, received the proclamation.

PRESENTATIONS - None
Mayor Infanti requested to consider Item No. 6.A. at this time and ordered so, without objection.

6.a Discussion and possible action to approve City Manager Contract City Attorney Fleischman presented details of the selection process and proposed contract for the new City Manager, Randy Murphy and announced some of the details in the employment agreement.

Mayor Infanti invited Mr. Murphy to the podium.

Randy Murphy expressed excitement about serving the City; spoke about his passion for public service and thanked City Council for considering this item early, as he has a seven- hour drive home.

Mayor Infanti invited public comments.
37 Denise El Amin welcomed the new City Manager.

Sheila Benedict, via Zoom, advocated Mr. Murphy.

Vashti Wilson, via Zoom, cautioned the City regarding Mr. Murphy.

There were no other public comments.

Councilmember Claudia Orona spoke about the public deserving good public servants; noted this has been a long, painstaking process and after much weighing of the pros and cons, it was decided that Mr.

Murphy was the best candidate and urged the public to support him and his staff going forward.

Motion by Councilmember Brown, to approve the City Manager contract with Randy Murphy, seconded by Councilmember Claudia Orona, and carried 5-0.

City Council returned to Item No. 1.

1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Denise El Amin spoke about the waste plant. on it so that it can be complaint with State requirements.

Susan Lee, Solvang Visitor Center, shared recent statistics.

Dr. Cynthia Mathews supported Pride.

Patrick Henry, President, Alamo Pintado Village HOA, spoke about the recent overflow of the Alisal River.

Sarah Holt, Member of the Alamo Pintado Village HOA, noted debris along the Alisal River.

Mr. Beebe referenced Item No. 4.f.; noted in exhibit A, benchmark year needed to be established.

Linda Rasmussen spoke against the development at 425 Fifth St.

Louise Smith, via Zoom, spoke about continuing the investigation regarding the marketing invoices.

Mathew Cavalli, Executive Director, The Rainbow House, asked that City Council reconsider Pride banners.

There were no other public comments.

2. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND ADVANCE CALENDAR
Interim City Manager Vidro addressed items to be included in the next City Council agenda.

3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona thanked Ms. Lee for the data on the Solvang Visitor Center; requested verification from the County regarding the Alamo Pintado River cleanup as to whether they have completed their work; asked for an update on the City’s Wastewater Management; commented on the benchmark years relative to Item No. 4.f. (2019 or 2020); suggested rather than referring to an audit of The Abbi Agency invoices that it be relabeled as “An assessment and a reconciliation of the contract performance” and spoke in support of reconsidering The Rainbow House application for Pride banners during Pride month.
38 Motion by Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, to direct staff to place consideration of The Rainbow House revised application for flying Pride banners during Pride month on an upcoming agenda, seconded by Mayor Infanti, and carried 4-1, with Councilmember Clarke, opposed.

Discussion followed regarding the crosswalk and the Banner Program guidelines.

Interim City Manager Vidro confirmed staff will bring back The Rainbow House application for banners and the Banner approval process.

Mayor Infanti indicated he would like a report on what it would take to educate residents living in the area of the Alamo Pintado River not to dump debris in the area and what is the City’s responsibility for keeping it clean.

Interim City Manager Vidro reported the County is responsible for the floodways.

Mayor Infanti reported the loss of Lammy Johnstone, a Solvang resident who was very involved with the City; noted there will be a service in her honor, and called for a moment of silence in her memory.

Mayor Infanti addressed meetings with the Joan Hartman, Third District Supervisor along with the Mayor of Buellton, the CEO of the Chumash Tribe and SBCAG staff discussing a pedestrian and bicycle trail from Buellton to Solvang on the southside of the river. He noted there are a lot of moving parts, and the project involves a lot of property. Additionally, he referenced the tax Measure A revenue and spoke about impacted areas in Solvang that will benefit from Measure A revenue, including the upcoming Santa Ynez River Bridge update, a bicycle path from the high school and circulation improvements.

4. CONSENT ITEMS
a. Approve Order of Agenda as Presented
b. Approve City Council Minutes March 30, 2023
c. Approve March 2023 Warrants
d. For second reading Adopt by title only Ordinance No. 23-0364, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Solvang, California Amending Section 1-11-2 of Chapter 11 (Conflict of Interest), Title 1 administration) and adding a new Chapter 6 (Measure U Citizens’ Oversight Committee) to Title 2 Boards and Commissions) thereby codifying the Measure U Citizens’ oversight committee established by Resolution No. 23-1207 pursuant to Ordinance No. 22-0363, a Transaction and Use Tax Ordinances.
e. For second reading Adopt by title only Ordinance No. 23-0365 amending Chapter 7 (Pedicycle Rentals) of Title 4 (Business Regulations) of the Solvang Municipal Code regarding pedicycle permits and making a determination of exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act. f. Adopt Resolution No. 23-1213 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Solvang, California, declaring Stage One Drought conditions
g. Approve Cooperative Agreement with the Santa Ynez Valley Senior Advisory Council dba Solvang Senior Center for use of Veteran’ s Hall during Construction of new Senior Center facility Regarding Item No. 4.f., Utilities Director Acosta, stated the benchmark year as 2019 in the resolution.

There were no public comments on this item.

Motion by Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, to approve Consent Items, as amended to include 2019 as 39 the benchmark year for Item No. 4.f., seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried 5-0.

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public Hearing to consider Adopting Resolution No. 23-1212 Approving the FY 2023- 24 List of Projects to be funded by the SB 1 Road Repair and Accountability Act Public Works Director Olds narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the list of projects to be funded by the SB 1 Road Repair and Accountability Act.

Discussion followed regarding projects funded under Measure A, projects to be funded by FEMA and road improvements.

Mayor Infanti opened the public hearing and invited public comments.

Denise El Amin asked how the City prioritizes the roads.

Jim Richardson spoke about SBCAG fronting the City $600,000 in 2015.

There were no other public comments and Mayor Infanti closed the public hearing.

Motion by Councilmember Brown to adopt Resolution No. 23-1212 Approving the FY 2023-24 List of Projects to be funded by the SB 1 Road Repair and Accountability Act, seconded by Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, and carried 5-0.

6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion and possible action to approve City Manager Contract This was heard before Item 1 above.
b. Discussion and possible action to Adopt Resolution No. 23-1214 adopting the 2023 City of Solvang Annex for Identifying Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies and integrating by reference into the Safety Element of the General Plan and approving the Santa Barbara County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Interim City Manager Vidro presented details of the report.

There were no public comments on this item.

Motion by Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, to adopt Resolution No. 23-1214 adopting the 2023 City of Solvang Annex for Identifying Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies and integrating by reference into the Safety Element of the General Plan and approving the Santa Barbara County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and carried 5-0. c. Discussion and possible action regarding the Tourism Advisory Committee and the Marketing and Events Manager position to provide direction to Staff.

Interim City Manager Vidro presented details of the report.

Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona referenced the job description for the Marketing and Events Manager position; felt that some things are missing from the job description; stated that challenges have exposed some gaps, specifically technically related to the management of the City’s website and social media platforms and wondered whether that will be the responsibility of the Marketing and Events Manager or whether the City has the resources to ensure they are appropriately cared for and managed.

Discussion followed regarding the TAC’s recommendations for short- term social media and public 40 relations providers, oversight of the short-term contracts by the City Manager until a marketing manager is hired; the potential resignation of the TAC Chair and the need to conduct an assessment and a reconciliation of The Abbi Agency contract performance to deliver to the TAC.

Mayor Infanti invited public comment on this item.

Denise El Amin spoke about the City’s need for a TAC.

Brenda Ball spoke about her involvement in Solvang tourism.

There were no other public comments on this item.

Councilmember Clarke suggested starting from scratch, keeping social media active, disbanding the TAC, for an ad hoc committee of Councilmembers to consider serious professionals on the TAC including one hotel manager and one merchant on Copenhagen with hotel and marketing experience.

Councilmember Claudia Orona spoke about the possibility of bringing back the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau ( SCVB); stated she is skeptical about hiring consultants without having contract oversight; commented on hiring a marketing manager that is familiar with the City and marketing principles and addressed the possibility of the City providing some marketing services, in-house.

Councilmember Clarke noted that the Solvang CVB charged $ 880,000 to promote Solvang for one year.

Mayor Infanti added there were many other issues of concern with the SCVB.

Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona understood that some businesses do their own marketing; wondered whether marketing is the City’s area of expertise; spoke about the importance of getting reporting data on the efficiency and effectiveness of the dollars spent and suggested taking small steps for PR and social media and getting really serious about hiring a marketing manager who would bring in expertise and establish/ manage partnerships with other entities including the TAC. She stressed the importance of doing an assessment in terms of content, budget and reporting and of doing something for businesses and Solvang tourism and suggested the possibility of scheduling a study group/ workshop with the TAC, Councilmembers, industry experts, staff and the public to set priorities and develop a marketing plan.

Mayor Infanti pointed out it will take time to hire a marketing manager; noted the need to do something during peak seasons; agreed with the TAC’s recommendations to hire short- term social media and public relations providers until June 30, 2023, while the City finds a marketing manager and an events manager and keeping the TAC.

Councilmember Claudia Orona spoke about the City’s target audiences; felt the City does not need to spend a lot of money on print media; discussed maintaining a well- kept city; addressed the need for a marketing manager who will develop a marketing plan and be accountable for it.

Councilmember Brown talked about there being a long game and a short game; discussed the possibility of delegating the assessment of contracts to the City Manager; agreed with the concept of a work study with the TAC; addressed the possibility of suspending the TAC, temporarily and of the City Manager generating an RFP and suggested hiring a contractor rather than another employee to manage marketing functions.

Discussion followed regarding hiring a consultant to provide professional direction, the possibility of someone consulting for the City on a volunteer basis and hiring a marketing expert.

Motion by Councilmember Clarke, to approve the TAC recommendation to accept the proposal by Islett Agency for social media at $3500 per month, and with a contract ending June 30, 2023, and accept the 41 proposal by Stiletto Marketing for public relations, with a contract ending June 30, 2023, and that they report to City Council at every City Council meeting until expiration of the contract, seconded by Mayor pro tem Elizabeth Orona, and carried 5-0.

Discussion followed regarding hiring a Marketing Manager, under the new City Manager, keeping the TAC versus forming a SCVB, addressing the leaving of the Chair during the last TAC meeting Motion by Councilmember Claudia Orona, to direct staff cancel the next regular meeting of the TAC and schedule a marketing planning workshop with City Council, the TAC, local marketing experts and the public to discuss strategies for long-term marketing plans and consider an assessment on the current state of marketing efforts, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried 5-0.

There was City Council consensus to postpone the hiring of a new Marketing Manager until the new City Manager is on board.
d. Discussion and Possible action to Approve the purchase the Real Property located at 410 Second Street for Santa Ynez Valley Transit (SYVT) office use and future City uses Public Works Director Olds presented details of the report.

Discussion followed regarding inspections and costs for inspections.

Mayor Infanti invited public comments.

Denise El Amin spoke against the purchase.

There were no other public comments.

Motion by Councilmember Brown, to approve the purchase of the Real Property located at 410 Second Street for Santa Ynez Valley Transit (SYVT) office use and future City uses and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to complete the purchase, seconded by Councilmember Claudia Orona, and carried 5-0.

7. AB1234 REPORT OUT AND COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS - None

8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Annamarie Porter, City Clerk
42 CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM 4.c
Meeting Date: April 24, 2023
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution No. 23-1215 establishing a monthly stipend for members of the Design Review Committee
PREPARED BY: Sophia Checa, Planning Manager
DISCUSSION:

The Design Review Committee was established on January 25, 2021 through Ordinance Number 21- 0347. The Design Review Committee Section of the Solvang Municipal Code states, “ Any compensation of the design review committee members shall be fixed by resolution of the city council.” Unfortunately, the compensation amount was not fixed by resolution by the City Council when the Design Review Committee was established. Therefore, City Staff are bringing this item to the City Council to consider, since the Design Review Committee Members have been receiving a $100 per meeting stipend when they attend meetings.

ALTERNATIVES:

The City Council could reject the request to adopt Resolution No. 23-1215 establishing a monthly stipend for members of the Design Review Committee.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no additional fiscal impact for this item. The stipends for the Design Review Committee are already budgeted.

ATTACHMENTS:

A – Resolution No. 23-1215
43 RESOLUTION NO. 23-1215

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA

ESTABLISHING A MONTHLY STIPEND FOR MEMBERS OF THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the City Council established the Design Review Committee (“ DRC”) in 2021 by Ordinance 21-0347; and
WHEREAS, the members of the DRC dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to the duties set forth in Ordinance 2021- 0347; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it appropriate to provide a monthly stipend to compensate DRC members for their service.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLVANG DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and are adopted as findings in support of this Resolution.

SECTION 2. The City Council hereby establishes a monthly stipend of $100 for each DRC member, effective immediately, and payable at such times as determined by the City’ s Finance Department.

Past payments to DRC members of such a stipend are hereby ratified.

SECTION 3. This Resolution is effective immediately upon adoption.

SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and shall cause a certified copy to be filed in the book of original resolutions.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 24th day of April, 2023.

Mark Infanti, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:

Dave Fleishman, City Attorney Annamarie Porter, City Clerk Attachment A
44 STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss

CITY OF SOLVANG )
I, Annamarie Porter, City Clerk of the City of Solvang, California do hereby certify that Resolution No. 23-1215 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Solvang at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the 24th day of April, 2023, and thereafter signed and approved by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk, and that said resolution was adopted by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Annamarie Porter, City Clerk
45 CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM 4.d
Meeting Date: April 24, 2023
SUBJECT: Approve Amendment 7 to the Agreement with Meridian Consulting LLC for an expanded scope of Services for Completion of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documents required for the USDA Grant Application, for the WWTP Water quality project, for the additional amount not to exceed 3,000, and Authorize the Mayor to Execute on Behalf of the City PREPARED BY: Jose Acosta, Utilities Director
DISCUSSION:

At the November 28, 2022, meeting Council approved for Meridian Consultants to be contracted as the consultant to complete the CEQA and NEPA environmental documentation requirements, needed to submit a funding request through the USDA grant application process for upgrades to the Solvang Wastewater Treatment Plant. The estimated budget to complete the scope of work was originally identified as $87,300. The breakdown includes $ 29,520 to complete the CEQA documentation and 57,780 to complete the NEPA documentation. Both environmental documents are being worked on for completion. An additional subconsultant was necessary to meet the environmental requirements. The attached amendment number 7 to the Professional Services Agreement with Meridian includes their proposal which outlines the scope and fees to complete the CEQA and NEPA.

The additional fees of $3,000 are required to include the services of Pax Environmental ( PAX) to coordinate and conduct the meetings with United States Fish & Wildlife Service ( USFWS). PAX is also compiling and completing correspondence with USFWS for the environmental mitigation measures requested and required by USFWS. PAX will be retained by Meridian to assist and complete these portions of the work identified by USFWS.

ALTERNATIVES:

The City Council could not approve the amendment, delaying the completion of the environmental portion of the USDA grant application.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The fiscal impact would be an increase of $3,000 in the WWTP Capital Expense Budget to the WWTP Grant Writing Services project.

ATTACHMENTS:

A- Meridian Consultants LLC Amendment 7 & Scope of Services 46 AMENDMENT NO. 7
to the agreement with

MERIDIAN CONSULTANTS LLC
WWTP Water Quality Project)
THIS SEVENTH AMENDMENT is made and entered into this 24th day of April, 2023, between the CITY OF SOLVANG, a municipal corporation and Charter City (" City") and MERIDIAN CONSULTANTS LLC, a California Limited Liability Company (" Consultant"). In consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions set forth in the original Agreement dated, April 8, 2019, the First Amendment dated November 12, 2019, the Second Amendment dated January 19, 2021, the Third Amendment dated November 11, 2021, the Fourth Amendment dated December 13, 2021, the Fifth Amendment dated May 9, 2022, and the Sixth Amendment dated November 28, 2022, the parties agree to an expanded scope of Services to the Sixth Amendment for completion of the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents required for the USDA Grant Application, for the WWTP Water quality project; for the additional amount not to exceed $ 3,000.

The scope of services and fees are described in the attached Exhibit 1.

All remaining portions of the original agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

CITY OF SOLVANG MERIDIAN CONSULTANTS LLC
Mark Infanti, Mayor Joe Gibson, Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Dave Fleishman, City Attorney
ATTEST:

Annamarie Porter, City Clerk
47 April 3, 2023
City of Solvang
411 Second Street
Solvang, CA 93463
Attn.: Jose Acosta, Utilities Director
Re: Proposal for Professional Services
City of Solvang Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements CEQA & NEPA Compliance
Dear Mr. Acosta,
Meridian Consultants, LLC is requesting this amendment to our existing contract with the City of Solvang to complete the environmental compliance efforts for the City’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) upgrades and improvements. This amend provides for the us to assist the City in completing Section 7 Informal Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ( USFWS).

The Scope of Work for this effort involves Pax Environmental ( Pax) conducting meetings and correspondence with the USFWS, City of Solvang, and Meridian Consultants to revise and complete the USFWS informal consultation for the Solvang WWTP Upgrades Project. As part of this work, Pax will make the requested revisions to mitigation measures, including project mapping and impact acreages. We assume this effort will result in a Letter of Concurrence from the USFWS.

The estimate not-to-exceed budget to compete the scope of work identified for the USFWS Section 7 work is $3,000.00; this includes efforts completed by PAX to coordinate with USFWS to date that were not previously part of the scope of work. This will bring our overall contract in $90,300.00.

Your immediate attention to this request is appreciated so that we may continue to support the City.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Please contact me if you have any questions via email at jgibson@meridianconsultantsllc. com or by phone at 805-279-0601 ( cell).

Sincerely,
Meridian Consultants LLC
Joe Gibson
Partner
Exhibit 1
48 Item 4.e
49 50
51 52
53 54
55 56
57 58
Basic Incident Date Original ( Fd1. 3):

Apparatus:

Santa Barbara County Fire Department
4410 Cathedral Oaks Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
805- 681- 5500
Solvang - Incidents by Unit and District
Incident District/Zone Total Incidents
Apparatus ID: ME30
24 1
30 165
31 27
32 39
38 2
Total: 234
Total: 234
Report Filters
is between ' 1/ 1/2023' and ' 3/31/ 2023'
Report Criteria
Is In E30, ME30, E330, E230
Description
Solvang - Incidents by Unit and District
PM1 of 1 Printed On: 04/18/2023 03:49:34
Agenda Item 4.f
59 Santa Barbara County Fire Department
4410 Cathedral Oaks Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
805- 681- 5500
Solvang - Response Time Report
Incident Date
FD1.3)
Incident Primary Station
FD1.4)
Fire Incident Type Response Mode To Scene Response
Time
Incident District/Zone: 30
01/07/2023 30 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency 01/12/2023 30 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency 01/14/2023 30 Dispatched and cancelled en route Non-Emergency 01/24/2023 30 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency 03/03/2023 34 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency 03/06/2023 30 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency 03/09/2023 30 Dispatched and cancelled en route Non-Emergency 03/18/2023 31 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency 03/19/2023 32 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency 03/29/2023 30 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency 02/02/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:00:56
02/18/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:01:51
02/10/2023 30 Public service assistance, other Non-Emergency - 0:02:39 01/13/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:02:45
02/08/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:02:49
01/09/2023 30 Public service Non-Emergency - 0:02:50
01/15/2023 30 Gas leak (natural gas or LPG) Emergency - 0:03:04 03/18/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:05
03/23/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:09
02/10/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:13
02/17/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:19
01/01/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:21
03/22/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:31
01/02/2023 30 Motor vehicle accident with no injuries. Emergency - 0:03:35 01/04/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:39
01/15/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Non-Emergency - 0:03:41
02/01/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:45
02/19/2023 30 Smoke detector activation due to
malfunction
Non-Emergency - 0:03:47
03/16/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:48
01/09/2023 30 Public service Non-Emergency - 0:03:49
PM1 of 6 Printed On: 04/18/2023 03:56:34 60
Incident Date
FD1.3)
Incident Primary Station
FD1.4)
Fire Incident Type Response Mode To Scene Response
Time
03/09/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:52
03/28/2023 30 Service call, other Non-Emergency - 0:03:54 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with
injury
Emergency - 0:03:59
03/26/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:03:59
02/25/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:00
02/01/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:00
01/26/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:00
01/28/2023 30 Public service assistance, other Emergency - 0:04:02 01/06/2023 30 Passenger vehicle fire Emergency - 0:04:03 01/23/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:06
02/10/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:08
01/26/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:09
01/28/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:10
02/07/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:14
02/24/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:14
03/17/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:14
03/23/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:22
03/12/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:24
02/04/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:24
03/03/2023 30 Smoke detector activation due to
malfunction
Non-Emergency - 0:04:25
02/01/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Non-Emergency - 0:04:26
01/10/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:29
02/10/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:31
03/17/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:36
02/07/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:39
03/11/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:41
02/24/2023 30 Building or structure weakened or
collapsed
Non-Emergency - 0:04:43
02/01/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:44
01/12/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:52
03/25/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:52
03/22/2023 31 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:53
01/21/2023 30 Assist police or other governmental agency Emergency, Downgraded to NonEmergency0:04:53 02/19/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:53
03/12/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with Emergency - 0:04:53 PM2 of 6 Printed On: 04/18/2023 03:56:34 61
Incident Date
FD1.3)
Incident Primary Station
FD1.4)
Fire Incident Type Response Mode To Scene Response
Time
injury
01/09/2023 30 Severe weather or natural disaster, other Emergency - 0:04:57 03/25/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:58
01/18/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:04:59
02/11/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:01
02/04/2023 30 Public service assistance, other Non-Emergency - 0:05:04 01/29/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:08
03/18/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:09
02/09/2023 30 Assist invalid Non-Emergency - 0:05:10
01/11/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:11
02/05/2023 31 System malfunction, other Non-Emergency - 0:05:15 02/16/2023 30 Medical assist, assist EMS crew Non-Emergency - 0:05:16 01/02/2023 30 Smoke scare, odor of smoke Emergency - 0:05:21 03/19/2023 30 Smoke detector activation, no fire -
unintentional
Emergency - 0:05:22
01/03/2023 30 EMS call, party transported by non-fire
agency
Emergency - 0:05:25
03/02/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:26
01/27/2023 30 Emergency medical service, other Emergency - 0:05:27 02/27/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:30
03/09/2023 30 Smoke detector activation due to
malfunction
Non-Emergency - 0:05:31
02/01/2023 30 System malfunction, other Non-Emergency - 0:05:33 01/01/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:34
01/06/2023 30 Alarm system sounded due to malfunction Emergency - 0:05:34 03/06/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency, Downgraded to NonEmergency0:05:38
01/01/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:39
01/09/2023 30 Service call, other Non-Emergency - 0:05:40 03/21/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:41
02/07/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:45
01/16/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:45
03/27/2023 30 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency - 0:05:49 01/06/2023 30 Smoke detector activation due to
malfunction
Emergency - 0:05:51
02/28/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:05:51
03/28/2023 30 Passenger vehicle fire Emergency - 0:05:56 01/12/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Non-Emergency - 0:06:00
02/14/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:06:08
01/18/2023 30 Medical assist, assist EMS crew Emergency - 0:06:12 01/07/2023 30 Emergency medical service, other Emergency - 0:06:13 03/08/2023 30 Public service assistance, other Non-Emergency - 0:06:14 02/07/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Non-Emergency - 0:06:15
01/23/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with Emergency - 0:06:15 PM3 of 6 Printed On: 04/18/2023 03:56:34 62
Incident Date
FD1.3)
Incident Primary Station
FD1.4)
Fire Incident Type Response Mode To Scene Response
Time
injury
02/03/2023 30 Public service Non-Emergency - 0:06:17
01/25/2023 30 Public service assistance, other Non-Emergency - 0:06:21 02/02/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Non-Emergency - 0:06:24
01/10/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:06:29
03/05/2023 30 Alarm system sounded due to malfunction Emergency - 0:06:34 03/25/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:06:35
02/04/2023 30 Unintentional transmission of alarm, other Emergency - 0:06:37 01/13/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:06:49
02/03/2023 30 CO detector activation due to malfunction Emergency - 0:06:53 02/09/2023 30 Assist invalid Non-Emergency - 0:06:53
01/28/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:06:59
01/05/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:06:59
01/06/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:07:00
02/21/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:07:06
03/04/2023 30 Alarm system activation, no fire -
unintentional
Emergency - 0:07:07
EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with
injury
Emergency - 0:07:11
02/18/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:07:20
03/05/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:07:22
01/20/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:07:26
03/24/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency, Downgraded to NonEmergency0:07:32
01/27/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:07:33
03/20/2023 31 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:07:46
02/14/2023 30 Smoke detector activation due to
malfunction
Non-Emergency - 0:07:49
03/18/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency, Downgraded to NonEmergency0:08:08
03/09/2023 30 Removal of victim(s) from stalled elevator Non-Emergency - 0:08:09 02/18/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:08:10
02/24/2023 30 Public service Non-Emergency - 0:08:10
03/10/2023 30 Chimney or flue fire, confined to chimney or flue
Emergency - 0:08:15
02/08/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:08:18
01/05/2023 30 Power line down Emergency - 0:08:24
03/06/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:08:26
03/27/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:08:29
03/08/2023 30 Overheated motor Emergency - 0:08:39
03/13/2023 30 System malfunction, other Emergency - 0:08:41 03/01/2023 30 Smoke detector activation due to
malfunction
Non-Emergency - 0:08:43
03/13/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:08:44
PM4 of 6 Printed On: 04/18/2023 03:56:34 63
Incident Date
FD1.3)
Incident Primary Station
FD1.4)
Fire Incident Type Response Mode To Scene Response
Time
01/28/2023 30 Emergency medical service, other Non-Emergency - 0:08:49 01/24/2023 30 Assist invalid Non-Emergency - 0:08:53
02/21/2023 32 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:08:54
03/09/2023 30 Public service assistance, other Non-Emergency - 0:08:56 01/11/2023 30 Public service Non-Emergency - 0:08:59
03/10/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:09:02
01/15/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:09:06
01/16/2023 30 Outside equipment fire Emergency - 0:09:36 03/26/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:09:36
01/04/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:09:38
03/09/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Non-Emergency - 0:09:43
03/26/2023 31 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:09:52
03/13/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:10:08
03/22/2023 31 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:10:17
03/27/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:10:20
03/21/2023 30 Motor vehicle accident with no injuries. Emergency - 0:10:23 02/03/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:10:31
01/23/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:10:41
01/10/2023 30 Building fire Emergency - 0:10:51
01/13/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:10:57
01/27/2023 31 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:11:39
01/18/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:11:49
01/03/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:11:50
02/06/2023 30 Motor vehicle/pedestrian accident (MV
Ped)
Emergency - 0:11:54
03/21/2023 30 Gas leak (natural gas or LPG) Emergency - 0:11:58 03/20/2023 30 Dispatched and cancelled en route Emergency, Downgraded to NonEmergency0:12:15 03/14/2023 30 Hazardous condition, other Emergency, Downgraded to NonEmergency0:14:09 02/03/2023 30 Public service assistance, other Non-Emergency - 0:14:20 03/31/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Non-Emergency - 0:14:38
02/24/2023 30 Public service Non-Emergency - 0:14:47
02/05/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:15:06
01/05/2023 30 Public service assistance, other Non-Emergency - 0:15:36 01/25/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency - 0:16:04
01/07/2023 31 Public service assistance, other Non-Emergency - 0:20:44 03/30/2023 30 Vehicle accident, general cleanup Non-Emergency - 0:24:42 01/09/2023 30 Public service Non-Emergency 0:00:00
03/02/2023 30 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
Emergency 0:00:00
Report Filters
PM5 of 6 Printed On: 04/18/2023 03:56:34 64
Basic Incident Date Original ( Fd1. 3):

Incident District/ Zone:
is between ' 1/ 1/2023' and ' 3/31/ 2023'
Report Criteria
Is In 30
Description
Solvang - Response Time Report
PM6 of 6 Printed On: 04/18/2023 03:56:34 65

CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item: 6.a
Meeting Date: April 24, 2023
SUBJECT: Discussion and possible action regarding the Rainbow House Inc.

Streetlight Banner application.

PREPARED BY: Wendy Berry, Administrative Services Director DISCUSSION: On February 27, 2023, this item was brought before the Council for consideration for approval of Streetlight Banners and a temporary modification to crosswalks in two locations, Copenhagen and First Street and Copenhagen and Second Street in support of Pride Month during the month of June. At that meeting, City Council voted 3-2 to oppose the proposed banner design and crosswalk modification installations. The applicant changed the banner to make the banner more in line with the Solvang’s Danish theme and reduced the time the banners are displayed from one month to two weeks.

At the April 10, 2023 meeting, the applicant requested to bring the streetlight banner discussion back to Council after a revised banner image was shared with City staff and Council. A consensus of the Council agreed to bring only the Streetlight Banner application and design, not the crosswalks back before City Council for reconsideration.

Banner Policy: The purpose of the Streetlight Banner Program is to assist in the advertising and promotion of destinations or events that support tourism in the City of Solvang. Approved as part of the Streetlight Banner Program are City of Solvang sponsored “Special Events” and designs promoting Solvang’s Danish theme. This program is NOT intended to support political or religious purposes or purposes primarily involving private financial gain that do not promote tourism or the City of Solvang. All organizations wishing to participate in the program must submit an application which includes their banner design and be approved by the City prior to installation. The City encourages events promoting various holidays and seasons throughout the year. A calendar is maintained on a yearly basis by the City so that all events, new and existing, can participate in the Streetlight Banner Program. Banners are usually displayed for a season or length of an event. Specific events, historically scheduled for annual times of the year will have first priority. Should an overlap occur in a specific time period for new applicants, the City will make every reasonable effort to accommodate applicant.

Approval Process for New Applicants: New organizations wishing to participate in the banner program may have their banners on display for a minimum of 1 month with a maximum of 3 months.

You are allowed a total of 10 streetlight banners to be displayed. Every attempt will be made to ensure all 10 banners are displayed. New applications will be reviewed by the City to determine eligibility criteria.

ALTERNATIVES:

1. Select a design and approve the application as presented.

2. Deny all or part of the application and provide staff direction accordingly.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The City will receive a $125 banner application fee
ATTACHMENTS:

A. City Banner Guidelines and Revised banner Application B. Revised Design
C. Public Comment
66 Attachment A
67 68
69 SOLVANG
PRIDE

ALLE VELKOMNE
Design 1
Proposed Street
banners for the last 2
Meeksof June!
8 total
Yellow is just to show contrast. SOLVANG
PRIDE No yellow background for
banner.

Design 2

ALL WELCOME
Attachment B
70 Attachment C

PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED
71 72
April 14, 2023
Kathleen Schaffer
3130 Riley rd
Solvang, CA 93463
City Council Members
Solvang City Council
1644 Oak Street, Solvang, CA 93463
Council@cityofsolvang. com
Dear City Council Members,
Thank you all for serving our community. City councils can help shape the community and consider its collective needs. As elected officials, reaching a consensus on community goals and legislating laws that accurately represent the needs of the whole constituency is crucial. I am grateful to all of you for taking this work seriously because we are so glad to live here.

We have loved the City of Solvang for many years as frequent visitors. We have learned about the Chumash people and how the Danish settlers added another dimension to the valley’ s rich history. It must have been a significant change for the Chumash to have Danish people move into the region centuries later with strange customs and traditions. The Solvang region survived these changes and became more tolerant and inclusive as the two groups cohabitated.

Throughout history, communities evolve as demographics shift and the needs of the whole community change; it is a natural progression. Tolerance and inclusion are both part of Danish and Chumash cultures. Denmark was one of the first nations to legislate into law same-sex unions in 1989. The Chumash people eventually tolerated settlers in their homeland and learned to live with them peacefully.

Solvang has experienced many changes in the last century and will continue to grow and evolve. One of these many changes is to address the needs of Solvang’ s LGBTQ population. As a resident of Solvang, I would like to support my LGBTQ neighbors and friends and welcome their pride festivities. I would appreciate the banners and crosswalk project Rainbow House has proposed to be accepted as part of the Pride Celebration this June.

The City of Solvang has a welcoming and warm community that prides itself on its Danish heritage. Our sister city Aalborg, Denmark, has a long tradition of showing support and inclusion to its LGBTQ community members.

The Chumash “ believed that disease resulted from problems with a person' s spiritual state, so they concentrated on healing the spirit.” We should consider the Chumash traditions and customs example and heal our community’ s spiritual state. We should come together as a community and support our LGBTQ neighbors.

As previous generations have done historically in our region, we should continue welcoming all people to our community. We should take this opportunity to be proud of our collective heritage and model this inclusive and tolerant behavior for our children.

Solvang will continue to grow and evolve long after we are gone. As a community, we can take this small step to guide Solvang into the future with thoughtful leadership.

Sincerely,
Kathleen Schaffer 73
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proclaimed that June is Pride Month – “ the City of Solvang accepts and welcomes people of all backgrounds and believes a diverse population leads to a more inclusive and vibrant community” – then promoting our support for both our local LGBTQ+ community and for those around the world ( especially in Denmark) would be a positive marketing initiative (thus, assisting in the advertising of events that support tourism in the City of Solvang.) Further, the Banner Policy states, “ This program is NOT intended to support political or religious purposes or purposes primarily involving private financial gain that do not promote tourism or the City of Solvang.” To be clear, to say that banners promoting Christmas don’t violate the religious” restriction in this policy is ridiculous. More important, since the City of Solvang doesn’ t promote political agendas and proclaimed its support for the inclusivity, diversity, freedom from discrimination and many contributions of the local LGBTQ+ community, it would make sense to promote all the facets of our City’s proclamation through streetlight banners.

Again, given the City’s proclamation to promote a positive attribute of the community, there can be no valid argument that banners celebrating our community’ s diversity and inclusivity create any specific “ private financial gain”. To the contrary, just like banners celebrating our Danish heritage or the Christmas holiday, the financial gain would be reaped community- wide:
restaurants, wineries, bakeries, shops, events, etc.…
As far as the Banner Application goes, there is no valid, reasonable excuse to reject this application; on its face, the proposed banners support the brand, intentions, purpose and overall marketing of and for the City of Solvang: It assist( s) in the advertising and promotion of destinations or events that support tourism in the City of Solvang.”
It is also essential to note that Denmark is a global leader in LGBTQ acceptance: Denmark has embraced diversity and inclusivity faster and more broadly that any other country, making it a more accepting and tolerant society. We should therefore follow Denmark's lead and promote the same values in our own community, making our community more vibrant and accepting, and therefore, aligning more closely with our Danish heritage.

In conclusion, we urge the council to approve the application for Pride banners 76 and rainbow crosswalks). They would not only add color and vibrancy to our city but also send a strong message of acceptance and inclusivity. Let’ s embrace Denmark’ s world-leading spirit of openness and acceptance, and make Solvang a more welcoming and inclusive city for all.

Thank you for your time, your service and your consideration.

Sincerely,
John and Tracy Porter
Solvang, CA
77 From: Debbie Donley
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Banners for all !
Date: Monday, April 17, 2023 9: 10: 21 PM
Hello city council members,
I’m writing to support the Pride banner petition.

I’ve been a Valley resident/ teacher/ artist for over 45 years.

And most proudly a mom and grandmother to lovely gay family members who offer creative diversity and joy to the community.

Thanks for your support as we move in a direction of expansion and openness.

Solvang resident
Debbie Donley
78 From: Humberto Amezola
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Bring back the banners
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 9: 19: 27 PM
To whom it may concern,
I was born in Santa Barbara CA, raised in the beautiful paradise known as the Santa Ynez Valley. Lived, loved, cried, rejoiced and every other emotion you could think of from 1982 until I met my future wife and moved in 2008.

That’ s over a quarter of a century that I was blessed to live in a place that cradled me and kept me safe and offered me a great life. What I would hope to see happen is that everyone and I mean EVERYONE gets to experience that same lifestyle, regardless of who they love, how they see themselves or what colorful flag they love to fly in those great spring winds. The Santa Ynez Valley really is one of the greatest places to live. Please let all humans enjoy it because I guarantee that if you nurture everyone there correctly, they can and will change the world. Thank you for your time.

Humberto Amezola
SYV Pirate class of 2000
Sent from my iPhone
79 From: Humberto Amezola
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Bring back the banners
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 9: 19: 27 PM
To whom it may concern,
I was born in Santa Barbara CA, raised in the beautiful paradise known as the Santa Ynez Valley. Lived, loved, cried, rejoiced and every other emotion you could think of from 1982 until I met my future wife and moved in 2008.

Humberto Amezola
SYV Pirate class of 2000
Sent from my iPhone
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From: kaila rayne
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: FOR Pride Banners and Crosswalks
Date: Monday, April 17, 2023 7: 52: 35 PM
Hello,
My name is Kaila Perry and I moved to Solvang November 2022 after living in Santa Barbara for 9 years. Before I get any further, I would like to say that I am FOR pride banners and rainbow crosswalks.

As a UCSB alum and former teacher, I’d love to give a little history lesson. In 1933, same- sex activities were legalized in Denmark. In 1989, Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex partnerships and discrimination based on sexual orientation was outlawed in 1996. The Copenhagen Pride Celebration has streets filled with banners and people dressed in rainbows and other inclusive decorations. It is a month long celebration in a country that has paved the way for the LGBTQ+ community.

For a city that is modeled after a Danish town and claims such deep Danish heritage, Solvang is doing a great disservice to the legacy it’s supposed to represent. If you say pride banners are not “ on-brand” with Danish heritage, what is really being said is pride banners are not “ on-brand” for a political and spiritual majority in SYV. Pride banners are not “ on brand” for a group of people who are scared of a community they don’ t understand and are unwilling to understand because of how they were raised and what religious views they hold.

Have you seen the comments on the Solvang V-day post with the two men embracing? While mostly positive comments, you can very clearly see a large amount of people who say being LGBTQ+ is “disgusting” and make threats against peoples lives and tell the community they “ need to find god”. You may say that’ s not representative of this valley, but I guarantee that LGBTQ+ adults and youth face it everyday here.

FULL support during Pride Month shows the community that the governing parties support every community in this town. Pride isn’ t just about LGBTQ+, it’s about inclusivity as a whole.

As a teacher, I saw students start to flourish in the classroom when they felt like they were free to be who they are without judgement or fear of bullying. The students never had direct conversations with the teachers about these topics but rather felt their support through a rainbow flag hung up in a classroom. Just hanging up a flag meant ALL students were loved and this silent support makes all the difference. I surely don’ t need to go into child and young adult suicide or bullying statistics to prove why supporting ALL youth matters.

The proposed banners clearly say “ All Are Welcome”, and there shouldn’ t be a debate about whether this message is appropriate or “on-brand”. This is not a political statement, this is an ethical one. As the city council, you have a job to represent ALL citizens of this town. Representation matters.

Representation saves lives.

Sincerely,
Kaila Perry
82 83
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ignorance?
I implore you to be BRAVE and to do the right thing and approve the amended petition for the Pride Banners and amended Rainbow Crosswalk proposal.

This is NOT about being " WOKE"! This is NOT " POLITICAL"! This is about common decency, loving and supporting your fellow human, and showing all that visit Solvang that it is in fact, a loving and welcoming town for ALL.

For those of Solvang who opposed and purport to be Christians, heed this:

When you die, God is not going to ask you about someone else. He won't ask you about the two men down the street who got married. He won't ask you about the girl who had an abortion. He won't ask you about the atheist that lives on the corner. He won't ask you about the woman who feels more comfortable living as a man.

He will ask you how you loved those people
as He called you to do.

And some of you didn' t.

Tolerance is not love. It's just disdain disguised.

Disdain is not love.

We are just asking for your support - not your tolerance.

Thank you for your kind attention and reconsideration,
Toni B
Proud mom
86 87
Misused prescription opioids
Please show our LGBTQ youth and members of our community that you care about their lives by voting yes.

Best,
Trish Hecker
pronouns: she/ her
805.896.1170
trishhecker@gmail. com
88 89
From: Casey Hynes
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: In Support of PRIDE Banners
Date: Monday, April 17, 2023 8: 27: 41 PM
Hello,
I am writing as a local Valley educator and Solvang resident in support of the proposed Pride banners. Our Valley can be a warm and welcoming place, but denial of Pride events sends the message that it is only warm and welcoming towards a fraction of our diverse population. Denial of LGBTQIA+ visibility marginalizes a hefty number of our town’ s residents — including its children — and tourists.

Ilook forward to seeing how else this Valley can send the message that we welcome all.

Kindly,
Casey Seaford
90 91
92 From: Lisa Gildred
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: In Support of Rainbow banners
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 9: 04: 05 AM
I would welcome rainbow banners for a period of time here in Solvang. It’s time to be a city of inclusion instead of exclusion!
Sadly, we have lost too many residents of this valley due to the narrow mindedness of a small few. Let’ s change the narrative!
Sincerely,
Lisa Gildred
Sent from my iPhone
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From: c Contreras
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride Banner Support
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 4: 17: 42 PM
Hello, I am a longtime Valley resident and have lived in Santa Barbara County for decades. I support the Pride Banner Project and hope that City Council will reconsider their previous denial of the pride banners. As a kid I traveled to Solvang with my family and always appreciated the welcoming nature Solvang had to offer. Now as a resident, I am hopeful kids like the one I once was can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere by seeing representation of all backgrounds and that includes seeing a community that is willing to support ALL backgrounds and identities by displaying the banners from this project. I am hopeful City Counsel will stand with with the right side of history, if for nothing more than to support the income LGBTQ patrons bring. This banner project has received lots of attention and could reflect negatively on this cute welcoming town of Solvang, as being homophobic and transphobic. I hope that you choose to accept this banner project, as it can only help the city of Solvang.

Best regards,
Corinne Contreras
105
From: Melissa
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride Banner Support
Date: Sunday, April 16, 2023 12: 49: 51 PM
I am a resident of Solvang and am emailing to voice my support for the LGBTQ+ community and the passing of banners for pride. I have lived at 2110 adobe canyon for two plus years and am a small business owner as well.

There is no room for anything other than love and I hope the city council agrees. We are stronger together.

Kindly,
Melissa & Paul Kanarek
Sent from my iPhone
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From: suzi trubitz
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride Banners
Date: Sunday, April 16, 2023 12: 38: 50 PM
I believe you should allow the Pride Banners just as you approved every other banner that has applied Ithink it shows inclusivity for all
Also it would be good for businesses and generate feelings of acceptance Please reconsider your vote on this matter and make it a YES Suzi Trubitz
Solvang resident
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Aniesa Ballinger
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride Banners
Date: Monday, April 17, 2023 8: 37: 25 PM
Dear Council Members,
I write to express my support for the Solvang Pride banners and rainbow crosswalk. Ithink they are welcoming and display an attitude of hospitality and inclusion. I have two young children and I would be proud to have such messages on display in my community.

I recently took a trip to a small town in British Columbia and loved their rainbow crosswalk. It was cheerful and friendly. Itook pictures of my kids walking across it. Having one in Solvang will be welcomed by tourists of all stripes. The classy looking proposed banners add to the cheerful Pride theme, while remaining Danish in design and character.

Please approve the proposed application.

Best regards,
Aniesa Ballinger
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Geri Hirsch
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride Banners
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 1:10: 40 PM
Hello! I hope you give full support to the LGBQT community in your upcoming votes including pride banners.

Inclusivity matters! Let’ s show our children what’ s right.

Best,
Geri
114
From: sara Hershkowitz
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride Banners
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10: 09: 46 AM
Dear City Council of Solvang,
I am writing as a resident and member of the community here in Solvang and Santa Ynez.

The business I run with my husband here depends on ALL humans and ALL tourists being actively welcomed warmly, regardless of skin color or sexual preference. Displaying the rainbow flag and Pride banner tells tourists that this is a community that is warm, loving and accepting to all. How could this ever hurt our community? It is the denial of this that harms our community and especially our businesses.

What hurts our community is to pretend that family values and Danish heritage somehow exclude LGTBQ visibility.

They do not, as Denmark is proudly one of the first countries in the world to legalize gay marriage.

Thank you for listening to the voices here in the community pushing for love and tolerance and LGTBQ visibility. It only helps us all.

Pride banners must please be permitted.

Solvang needs to move forwards not backwards into a homophobic past.

Sincerely
Sara Hershkowitz
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Jessy Verkler
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride month and banners
Date: Sunday, April 16, 2023 4: 12: 16 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I moved to Solvang in 2011 to run my parents’ lodging business. Since then, I purchased my own lodging business in Solvang and live in Solvang with my husband and his children. In the 12 years running a tourism based business, I noticed that the trend of tourists spending nights in Solvang has shifted from overseas visitors to visitors from just hours away. These visitors are higher end spenders who come in from Los Angeles and San Francisco. This change started happening 6-7 years ago. That was around the time the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau brought in the Travel Advisory Group to certify lodging businesses to conduct welcoming practices to the LGBTQ+ community. Not only did this place the town in an important marketing space and help the LGBTQ+ community feel safe, but it also gave us the ability to increase our revenue. The LGBTQ+ community, in 2021, surpassed 1.4 trillion dollars in spending. Pride month is a crucial month for LGBTQ+ travel and spending. The Pride banners would create a welcoming feel to our Pride visitors and those living in our community. Solvang is a lovely town that is known to be welcoming to guests, having the banner up, during a month designated to support and welcome those in the LGBTQ+ community is consistent with what Solvang is and is important to businesses in town, as well.

With the low occupancy due to weather in the early months of this year, we need the summer to start well, and creating a space that encourages visitors from the LGBTQ+ community would be consistent with what Solvang is and bring in important revenue this town needs. With approximately 65% of our general fund coming from our occupancy tax, it is crucial to ensure that our all our lodging properties come in at 100% in June.

Please consider supporting the banners for Pride month. I believe our town needs them to be up.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jessy Verkler
Solvang resident
Owner of Atterdag Inn
Manager of Hamlet Inn
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From: Maria
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Proposed Pride Banners
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 5: 09: 46 PM
Dear Council,
I am writing in regard to the proposed hanging of Pride banners. I am writing in favor of the banners and the message of acceptance for ALL walks of life. This is a message the Solvang City Council could deeply benefit from sharing as the majority opinion shared and expressed amongst the Solvang, Danish, and whole of Santa Ynez valley all share. As a business owner in Solvang proper, the loud (primarily one) voice of negativity, intolerance and bias, has had a negative financial impact on our business as would be visitors voiced their concerns of coming after hearing what was said.

Please consider doing the proper thing and look at the actual DESIGN proposal, its non-profit community centered applicant, and the positive impact this message of acceptance spreads light on.

Cordially,
Maria Belle
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and driving a wedge further. Gay or straight isn’ t the issue. Our residents’ support for LGBT people isnt the issue. The issues are listed above and boil down to this - why does this one particular cause deserve to be so overtly celebrated when there are thousands of causes out there that would argue that their’ s is just as worthy as this one. Allow this to happen and how do you say no to any others? Vote this proposal down and don’ t allow ANY organizations with political ties or connotations to display their cause in our town.

Jessie Condit Bengoa
Solvang Resident
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From: Nina Comeaux
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Santa Ynez General in support of Pride flags
Date: Sunday, April 16, 2023 1: 45: 56 PM
Good afternoon to you all. I am taking the time to send this letter of support for Pride flags and decor throughout the valley. So many of our favorite businesses are owned and or operated by this community and we should embrace them and support them. This is such a simple thing to do but has such an impact on our community and its visitors.

Santa Ynez has a real chance here to take a stand and to demonstrate real inclusivity. Please seriously consider this proposal for displaying the Pride flag!
Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.

Nina Comeaux
Santa Ynez General
Manager and Supporter of All!
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JANET GARCIA

CJ TANNING & BOUTIQUE
www. cjtanningboutique. com
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From: Amy Freedman
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Support for The Rainbow House Inc." s Pride Proposal Date: Monday, April 17, 2023 7: 41: 23 PM
Dear City Council,
I am writing to express my concern and disappointment about the recent rejection of The Rainbow House Inc.'s Pride celebration proposal. I support The Rainbow House Inc.'s proposal to temporarily install banners and paint crosswalks in celebration of Pride Month. These temporary installations would serve as a powerful symbol of the city's commitment to promoting diversity and acceptance.

It is crucial to understand that sexuality and gender identity are matters of identity, not politics. It is important to recognize and honor the diversity of identities that exist within Solvang.

I strongly urge you to support the amended proposal put forth by The Rainbow House Inc. By doing so, we can send a message of support to the LGBTQ+ community and demonstrate our commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming city for all.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,
Amy Freedman
Staffords Chocolates
805-284-8905
Hug your kids & eat more chocolate!
139
From: Moira Gill
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Support for The Rainbow House Inc." s Pride Proposal Date: Monday, April 17, 2023 6: 51: 49 PM
I have lived in the Valley for thirty years. I own a house here and run a business. These recent bigoted attacks on gay people are Bad For Business. Keep biases away from Solvang. We want peace and civility, not prejudice. Make this right. Solvang should be open and accepting of ALL tourist dollars. Exclusion is bad and wrong. Fix this.

Moira Gill
1938 Old Mill Road.

Solvang.
140
From: Lisa Sueyres
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Support for The Rainbow House Inc." s Pride Proposal Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 4: 44: 52 PM
Dear Mr. Infanti, Ms. Orona, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Brown, and Ms. Orona, I am writing to express my concern and disappointment about the recent rejection of The Rainbow House Inc.'s Pride celebration proposal. I support The Rainbow House Inc.'s proposal to temporarily install banners and paint crosswalks in celebration of Pride Month. These temporary installations would serve as a powerful symbol of the city's commitment to promoting diversity and acceptance.

The arguments made against this proposal were illogical at best and hateful at worst. It is crucial to understand that sexuality and gender identity are matters of identity, not politics, as some opponents have tried to claim. Nor is it supporting one business over another— as far as I am aware, there would be nothing on the banners indicating any business. As an equestrian, I agree that safety around horses is extremely important— but the crosswalk proposal was amended to be safe. This is the only time a proposal of banners has been rejected, and the reasons are bogus and discriminatory. Show that you value and honor the diversity of identities that exist within Solvang.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,
Lisa Sueyres
141
142
From: Jamie Edlin
To: Public City Council Group
Cc: Daniel Schneider
Subject: Support Inclusion, please.

Date: Sunday, April 16, 2023 6: 33: 48 PM
Solvang City Council:

It’s difficult to believe that in 2023 I’m writing a letter to the City Council asking — no begging — the city to support diversity, equity and inclusion. In fact, there are differences in race, gender, sexuality and religion all around us. That is reality. Denying it, there is the risk of creating a hostile environment. That the rainbow painted crosswalks at our local high school — painted to celebrate “ No Place For Hate” — were removed by those who were somehow threatened by that which they don’ t understand is heartbreaking in this day and age. Operating on a platform of ignorance and fear is the antithesis of freedom.

From what I understand, “ PRIDE” is the only banner application the City Council has ever denied.

We have family, friends, neighbors, visitors...who are a part of the LGBTQ community, and they need to be assured that they are welcome in Solvang. Proudly flying the PRIDE flag welcomes diversity and promotes inclusion.

Make us proud!
Jamie Edlin
Daniel Schneider
Solvang California 93463
143
From: Pamela Andrade
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Support of the Pride Banners
Date: Monday, April 17, 2023 9: 51: 17 PM
Hi,
My name is Pamela Andrade and I am writing to share my support of the Pride banners in Solvang.

Solvang is where I grew up and I am raising my children here in the valley. My husband and I chose this place to raise our kids because of the welcoming and warm community. Having a rainbow banner showing that Solvang welcomes all and supporting our LBGTQ+ community makes sense, Solvang welcomes everyone.

As we grow and learn how to best support marginalized groups Solvang should jump at the chance. Be part of the change, stand on the right side of history. Don’ t waiver to the wrong side, history shows us that is never the right choice!
We look forward to seeing the council make the right choice and support this welcoming and inclusive message! Thank you,
Pam
Sent from my iPhone
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Pride Banners and amended Rainbow Crosswalk proposal.

For those of Solvang who opposed and purport to be Christians, heed this:

He will ask you how you loved those people
as He called you to do.

And some of you didn' t.

Tolerance is not love. It's just disdain disguised.

Disdain is not love.

We are just asking for your support - not your tolerance.

Thank you for your kind attention and reconsideration,
Toni B
Proud mom
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April 16, 2023
To The Solvang City Council:

It is plainly shameful that on a recent vote, the Pride banners and painted sidewalks were denied. There was not even a discussion of a compromise. Considering Robert Clarke is not an elected official but appointed and not by a majority of the council, his statements are particularly inappropriate. As a white, Christian male, does he even try and understand what those who are considered “ different” deal with within this community? Queer, Muslim, Black, Brown, Jewish – all have dealt with hateful comments, threats and more and don’t always find Solvang so welcoming.

The City Council has allowed Christmas decorations and more without consideration of other holidays celebrated within the community. Though this sitting elected council was not the one to approve the Pro-Trump rally that included language inappropriate for children to see let alone hear, it happened on Robert Clarke’ s watch. Robert Clarke, then an elected member, not only approved but attended this far-right event. The city allowed far-right extremists then but not a peaceful representation of a portion of your community now? With the more recent theft and burning of Pride flags by local high school students who then posted all on social media, how can you not see the hatred held by some in this community? It is your responsibility to be reasonable and allow those who do not fit into your tight little version of Solvang to be celebrated.

You hardly live up to the Danish values. Danes risked their lives to save the Jews in their country from certain death. It didn’t matter that they were different, the Danish people as a whole stepped up and did the right thing. Now as the representatives of a Danish town, you need to do the same.

Please show by a positive vote that those who you consider different are also celebrated and allow the banners to fly proudly in Solvang.

Susie Pierson
Santa Ynez resident and Solvang property owner
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From: Dawn LeFever
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Vote YES for Pride Banners please
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 10: 30: 11 AM
Dear City Council members,
As a resident of Solvang, I would like to voice my support for having Pride banners during the weekend of Pride festivities - frankly they should be up for the entire month of Pride. Ifeel strongly that showing support for Pride is neither political nor part of a “ woke” agenda. I believe it is a way to show Solvang welcomes everyone including those who have been silenced, forced to hide, or threatened simply by being their true selves. Ilike to believe that Solvang can be a place of compassionate inclusion, and showing that we support Pride and those it represents is a tiny yet important step.

Please vote YES for Pride Banners on April 24th.

Thank you,
Dawn LeFever
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Mark and Wendy Horvath
Mark C. Horvath
Owner/ Winemaker
Crawford Family Wines
1661 Mission Drive
Solvang, CA 93463
mark@crawfordfamilywines. com
805.698.3888
www.crawfordfamilywines. com
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From: Kim Andrade
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: We Support the Pride banners and painting of the crosswalks for Pride month Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 8: 37: 46 AM
Let’ s demonstrate inclusion for our community and tourists who visit. We can show that our community is a safe space for all people who are different - whether that be different race ethnicity country of origin, differently abled individuals and our LGBTQIA community.

Don’ t give in to the political pressures of a select few voices in the Valley - look how that backfired at the high school. Our youth and our community deserve better. You can lead the way by demonstrating inclusion in our town.

Thank you,
The Andrade Family
Oscar Kim Marina and Max
1262 Coast Oak Dr
Solvang 93463
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BLUE FOLDER ITEM
Blue folder items are additional back up material to administrative reports and/or public comments received after the printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and file.

City Council Meeting
April 24, 2023
Item 6.c
Discussion and possible action regarding the Rainbow House Inc.

Streetlight Banner application.

PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED
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From: seliah sanchez
To: Claudia Orona; Elizabeth Orona; Mark Infanti; David Brown; Robert Clarke; Public City Council Group Subject: Pride Flag Support
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 4: 41: 45 PM
Hello Council,
I’m writing this email to voice my support for the efforts being made by my fellow community members to display the Pride flag for the month. My husband and I purchased a home in Solvang in 2020 and our son attends SYHS.

While we are not apart of the LGBTQ+ community, we too feel pride when we see the rainbow flag as it represents how far our nation/world has come in inclusion of minority groups. Being newer to the valley, we’ re very disappointed that the course of our representatives seems to be on the fringe of being a detriment to our local businesses and ultimately also our property value. Please act responsibly with your decisions to serve all members or our town.

Thank you,
Seliah Sanchez
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From: Terry Lash
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: 3rd Gay Pride Request
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 11: 52: 48 AM
Dear City Council,
Please let it be known that our Community does not want a month long celebration of Gay Pride. The City Council needs to stand strong with their vote and not be bullied into changing their minds. Please listen to the Majority our Citizens.

With Respect,
Terry Lash
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From: Georgia Wiester
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Are you voting for what’ s best for the people of Solvang or trying to be woke? Date: Sunday, April 23, 2023 9: 16: 31 PM
Please don’ t play politics. We can be a Valley that respects everybody and not cave in to special interest groups and their threats, false accusations and bullying.

Sent from my iPhone
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From: Julie Bischoff
To: Public City Council Group
Cc:

Subject: Banner policy re Gay pride
Date: Friday, April 21, 2023 9:22: 46 AM
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
Please do not reverse your already twice made decision regarding the request for the Gay Pride banners to fly in the town of Solvang.

Your city charter is clear and should be abided by and not amended to placate a group with a political and controversial message.

A parade already occurs, but allowing gay pride to hang banners opens the door for every other group with an agenda. How could you say no to any group down the road? Please do not allow this action to occur. Ilive in Santa Barbara and it has always been wonderful to have visitors enjoy the non political And friendly atmosphere of Solvang.

Santa Barbara is no longer what it used to be tourist wise. Please stick with your decision.

Thank you.

Julie Bischoff
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who has requested special banners and as a result her business will benefit by potential foot traffic driven both to his and her business' s.

Thank you,
Rich Condit
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From: Patricia Nelson
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Banners
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 9: 01: 15 AM
NO Banners- this is political!
Let’ s keep our arms open to everyone who comes to visit Solvang all year long.

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From: Paulette True
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Banners
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 9: 20: 03 AM
Please do not allow rainbow banners to fly on the streets of Solvang. I believe these are political statements. Please keep your beautiful city free for everyone.

Thank you,
A concerned citizen
Paulette True
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From: Michael Myers
To: City Hall
Subject: Copenhagen Lord Mayor
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 5:59: 05 AM
In full agreement with her inclusive and welcoming message about LGBTQ citizens.

Hoping the Mayor and Council Members agree.

Michael Myers
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From: Linda Eberhard
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Flags
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 8: 27: 41 AM
Please continue to keep the city of Solvang the way it is with no LBGTQ Flags. This is a Danish Community that makes everyone feel welcome.

We come often bringing family and friends . In fact spent our 50th Anniversary in Solvang with our family and we appreciate the simplicity of this tourist town. Let’ s not make it political.

I urge you to vote No .. thank you
Linda Eberhard
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From: Paula Ross
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: I oppose political banner installations in Solvang Date: Sunday, April 23, 2023 7: 30: 35 PM
This application has already twice failed as it contravenes city code on political banners.

In Health,
Paula Ross
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From: Pat Roberts
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: I oppose political banner installations in Solvang Date: Sunday, April 23, 2023 7: 13: 07 AM
This application has already twice failed as it contravenes city code on political banners. Ifeel just as strongly as I did the first time this came to a vote that it infringes on our peaceful existence in this valley and does not belong nor should it be pushed on the community with a majority of its citizens opposing this.

Pat Roberts
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From: Loren Friday
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: LGBT+ flags
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 5: 31: 31 PM
I respectfully request that you stay the course and do NOT approve the display of the LGBT+ flags in your beautiful city. The potential impact of tourism to your unique Danish themed city could be a significant reduction on merchant business income as tourists see those flags and just keep on driving right out of Solvang. The LGBT+ population is extremely small when compared with the vast, vast majority that are not LGBT+. Please do not cave into the pressure and lies of this radical and immoral super minority.

Loren Friday
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From: Cody Gonsalves
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: LGBTQ flags and painted rainbow crosswalks
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 10: 15: 20 AM
Solvang City CouncilAs a lifelong valley resident i strongly oppose the proposal to politicize our beautiful rural town of Solvang by putting up LGBTQ flags and painting rainbow crosswalks. This overtly political display would only serve to divide our community and potentially drive away business. Also Ifind it disturbing that you have allowed a very small but I admit very vocal part of the valley community threaten and bully the council so much that this proposal is up for now it’s third consideration. Enough is enough! What private residents and business owners do with their own property is their choice but for the town to be immersing itself into identity politics is wrong. A yes vote on this proposal by this city council would not only be a disservice to the majority in the the community who don’ t want their town politicized but also show gross cowardice by the Solvang City Council. You as Solvang City Council members need to stand strong with the majority of the residents in your community and again for a third time reject this proposal and not be bullied into putting it on the agenda again.

Thank youCody Gonsalves
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From: Alisse Harris
To: Claudia Orona; Elizabeth Orona; Mark Infanti; David Brown; Robert Clarke; Public City Council Group Cc: Alisse Harris
Subject: LGBTQ+
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 6: 53: 42 AM
Dear Council Members and Mayor of Solvang:

I urge you to rethink your decision to support the LGBTQ+ in our community. Your actions have been shortsighted, divisive and will undoubtedly have long term effects.

Growing up in the Santa Ynez Valley had its perks. Low crime, expansive land, mild weather, good public schools, and above all- people who genuinely care for one another.

Your actions are more important than ever; a critical moment in society. Intolerance, hate, bigotry, spread of misinformation - all on display daily on the news and across various communities throughout America. We are not one of those. We express love through our care for the community with passion for the arts, wine, children, elderly, animals, food, nature, tourism, life and so much more.

Love and acceptance. We show this by celebrating all cultures throughout the year. Painting a rainbow crosswalk or hanging pride themed banners for a month that is recognized throughout the state and US is not going to inhibit tourism, feelings of inclusion or drive locals away. Plenty have already left for other reasons; the world looks different than it did even 5 years ago. But your actions to ignore such requests speak louder than words. We, as a community, must continue to actively push for love, kindness, acceptance and joy. We must seek opportunities to create a safe space for all, not just the residents and tourists that are least progressive and bark the loudest. We can celebrate Christian holidays and gay pride. We can honor our founders and great nation with 4th of July parades and various events throughout the year.

Please reconsider your decision and create an inclusive space for our entire community and visitors to thrive. Your actions do not reflect the community that I’ve grown up in and love deeply.

Thank you,
Alisse Harris
Alisse.Harris@gmail. com
805-708-7665
Alisse is on the move...

Sent from my iPhone
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From: Sari Domingues
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Monday agenda item
Date: Friday, April 21, 2023 9:33: 57 AM
Please vote “ No” on Rainbow House banner display. You have a thriving tourism and this is in your face display and will detour people from coming.

Sent from my iPhone
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From: Barbey Meyers
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Monday’ s Council Meeting
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 2: 14: 44 PM
Thank you for your preventing a very small interest group from labeling your town with a too-wide brush of its own limited/limiting viewpoint.

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From: Charlotte Leonard
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: No flags Only for God and Country!!!
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 8: 42: 08 AM
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Sabine and David Ovesen ( Ovesen Family)
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Oppose business logo on Rainbow House Banner
Date: Friday, April 21, 2023 4:53: 01 PM
Attachments: Letter of Opposition to Rainbow House Logo on banners Sabine Ovesen. docx Please Oppose business logo on Rainbow House Banner
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From: Georgia Cuxil
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Please vote no
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 8: 53: 38 AM
Ilove Solvang and I urge you to not allow the LGBTQ to get a foothold in the city. It would have a very negative effect on tourism and business. It could be the end of a fun and lovely city. Please keep Solvang non- political and moral. Georgia Cuxil
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Cindy Gough
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Please Vote NO
Date: Thursday, April 20, 2023 9: 30: 04 PM
Please vote NO on the banners.

This is political and wrong to hang personal agendas for all our citizens, visitors, & guests to try to figure out.This sends a confusing message !
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Diana Guerrero
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride banners
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10: 04: 35 PM
To whom this may concern,
I urge you to reconsider the pride banners and rainbow crosswalk request. As a local Solvang resident, County of Santa Barbara employee, and lesbian, denying this request was very hurtful and I do not feel welcomed in the very own community I serve and love. Please do not act based on hate and your own prejudices. Everyone should feel welcome and representation truly matters.

Thank you,
Diana Guerrero
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From: Rebecca Firth
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride Crosswalk + Flags
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 10: 54: 49 AM
Dear City Council Members,
Thank you so much for your service and for letting this motion come before you again. I sincerely hope that you will allow the ‘All Are Welcome’ flags and the rainbow crosswalk during Pride Month.

For context, myself and most of my extended family live in the Santa Ynez Valley. I’ve lived in Solvang for the past fifteen years, own a home near Sunnyfield and have raised my kids here.

As a white, heterosexual woman I have, yes, always felt welcome in Solvang. However, I know for many people that is not the case. I have a daughter that is half white/half Taiwanese that was told just several years ago to ‘go back to China’. We were in the middle of town when this happened. The woman that said this also spit on our car.

We cannot be myopic and think that our experience is that of everyone, because it’s not. People being treated differently because of their race or sexuality should be holy unacceptable to all of us. Our community is better than this.

We have the opportunity to truly let everyone know that they are welcome in this town. For the kids that are growing up here I can think of no greater message than inclusivity. As adults, we’ re sending the message that we won’ t tolerate bias, discrimination or hate (or burning Pride flags). And if you strictly want to look at it from an economic viewpoint, a loving, inviting community is much more welcoming to tourism than a closed, divisive one.

Some of the current messaging about rainbow flags being used to indoctrinate kids is one hundred percent false and it’s embarrassing that a grown adult sitting in public office would be spreading such falsehoods. I am horrified that we have someone representing our community that is speaking out this way.

This issue has gone far beyond the borders of our city. I hope you’ ll send the positive message to our community that Solvang is the welcoming place we claim to be by allowing the flags and crosswalk during Pride Month.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Firth
805.455.1498
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From: Daphne Dahl
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride flags
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 11: 11: 14 AM
As a person who loves visiting Solvang I implore you to disallow this political group from being able to promote their agenda that causes division among Americans. Solvang is a delightful place to visit. Please keep it that way Sincerely
Daphne Dahl
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From: Linda Stegman
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride flags on Mission St
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 1: 28: 21 PM
I have been a regular visitor to Solvang since I moved to Santa Paula in 1975 ( currently reside in Ventura.) Ilove your town and bring out of town guests when they are visiting. I am appalled that the Rainbow House, Inc is demanding that their flags be displayed on a Main Street In Solvang. They do not represent a large majority of people who go there and they will be offended by that. Thanks to the city council for voting no in the past on this issue and urge you to continue to resist pressure from the militant gay community. I am praying for the meeting on Monday evening.

Sincerely,
Linda Stegman
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From: Rebecca Friday
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Pride Flags
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 1: 58: 42 PM
Please don’ t allow rainbow flags in Solvang! A lot of people like me would avoid Solvang if there were flags like that. I hope you’ ll consider what has happened because of the recent Bud Light advertising.

Sincerely,
Rebecca
Sent by a follower of Jesus
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From: Karen Garrett
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Rainbow Banners
Date: Friday, April 21, 2023 4:21: 23 PM
Please do NOT allow banners, especially political in nature to be hung on the street lights on Mission in Solvang! Not the place to advertise one group or another. Let’ s keep the streets safe for all to enjoy. Thank you!
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Robert Clarke here.

I have forwarded your email to the city attorney. See my comments below.

In 2022 I voted to approve the parade and festival. I received many angry emails from some residents opposed.

This year I approve the parade and festival but not a month worth of banners and the anger I receive is sad.

But if I have broken any laws or rules then I will accept whatever punishment is due.

And the “ Juneteenth lady”, Vashti Wilson, was actually my appointment to the advisory committee, but did not know if whoever I was communicating with would know who I was referring to just by name alone.

I will let you know what he comes back with.

Robert Clarke
From: Robert Clarke
Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 2:22 PM
To:

Cc: Mark Infanti < mark.infanti@cityofsolvang. com>
Subject: FW: Support Pride Banners and Rainbow Crosswalks Can you read below and confirm if I have broken any specific laws or codes of conduct.

If I have, I am willing to take the heat, and whatever punishment comes, and make a public apology or whatever else is necessary.

It was not my intention to break any rules.
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What is sad is the people that I communicated with are getting emails with:

Its game fucking on”
You deserve what’ s coming to you”
Go F—k yourself”
From the guy who is going to shove your hate up your ass” Several residents have turned emails over to the Sheriff.

Please advise when you have time.

Robert Clarke
From: Toni B <
Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:25 PM
To: Mark Infanti < mark.infanti@cityofsolvang. com>
Cc: David Brown < david.brown@cityofsolvang. com>; Elizabeth Orona elizabeth. orona@cityofsolvang. com>; Claudia Orona
claudia. orona@cityofsolvang. com>; Robert Clarke < robert. clarke@cityofsolvang. com>; Annamarie Porter < aporter@cityofsolvang. com>; jacob.dizon@ksby. com; allwelcome@therainbowhouseinc. com
Subject: Fwd: Support Pride Banners and Rainbow Crosswalks Dr. Mayor Infanti:

I sent in my letter of support for the banners and crosswalks ( See below). To be sure I had a good read on the consensus of emails coming in that were for or against this agenda item, I read all of the emails and the responses. In particular, the responses from Mr. Clark to those 220
that opposed the agenda item. Many of his responses were not just inappropriate and unbecoming of a council member but blatantly exhibits his bias. In one email response to Keven Keating dated 2/26/23 at 10:22 a.m. he wrote, and I quote, " Even though your email to the City becomes public record, I deleted your name on the header and at the bottom and forwarded to several other conservatives. .. And I am urging many to come speak at the meeting. Of course when we oppose this silliness, we will get the wrath of the woke." This is in violation of City Council Protocols Rules of Conduct 6.4.6 which states that Packing of Audience- It is inappropriate for a Council Member to pack the audience for a specific agenda item." Isn't emailing conservatives and urging them to speak at the meeting, attempting to "pack the audience"? YES. Strike 1 Never mind his obvious disregard for Rules of Conduct, 6.4.2 and 6.4.5 in " limiting the discussion to items on the agenda" and also making " derogatory comments" to Mr.

Cavalli regarding the Kid's Drag show when that topic was not even an item on the Agenda.

In addition to his many derogatory comments in many of his email responses. Strikes 2 & 3 Everyone is entitled to their own personal beliefs but when you serve the public at large, one should attempt to do so without outright bias towards one group or another. I find it reprehensible that Mr. Clarke spoke of Vashti Wilson as the " Juneteenth lady" in reference to " caving to special interest groups and appointing her to the Tourism Advisory Board and it being a HUGE mistake." ( Email dated 2/26/23 at 2:38 pm -again to Mr. Keating). Mr.

Clarke can't seem to take his foot out of his mouth long enough to actually be a valuable member of the Council. He is there to serve his own agenda. Period. He then cries out that he will be called a bigot and rightly so! He can't make one decision ( voting for parade or appointing Ms. Wilson) and think he is absolved from being viewed that way if his words and actions align with bigotry. As I said, if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it's a duck - no matter how much it protests it is a swan.

I hope you address these concerns and advise as to how the misconduct will be dealt with.

Thank you for your attention to this matter,
Toni B
Proud Mom
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Forwarded message ---------
From: Toni B < s
Date: Tue, Apr 18, 2023 at 4:18 PM
Subject: Support Pride Banners and Rainbow Crosswalks
To: <council@cityofsolvang. com>
Cc: allwelcome@therainbowhouseinc. com < allwelcome@therainbowhouseinc. com> Dear City Council:

As a parent of children of the LGBTQ community and understanding the many obstacles and prejudices they face every day, it is imperative that they and their community as a whole, feel supported and welcomed.

I have read all of the emails opposing this request. I find it very interesting that Mr. Clark responded to many of those who wrote in against the proposal and responded in affirmation to them. I also find it concerning that the same people who wrote in, did not speak of having a member of their family who is in the LGBTQ community. They speak on it as if they know what experiences that community has had when it comes to acceptance or lack thereof. They spoke of tolerance and that is not the same as acceptance. Some of the people who wrote in and spoke of gathering a coalition of people together to oppose this were so obviously prejudiced and spoke of the LGBTQ community as if it was a dirty secret that must not be given too much or they may feel too welcome. And MAGA month Mr. Clark? Really? This is your response? Just plain nuts. Your own words define you. If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, its a duck!
The spurious claims that the banners are only approved if it economically supports all businesses and that pride flags or banners only support one or two businesses is an erroneous and illogical argument. Does every store sell Christmas items for JuleFest? That most certainly benefits some businesses over others. Mr. Cavalli' s store sells very few Pride items, but they are welcoming to all!
The proposed banners are a welcome for ALL! That is what the rainbow colors represent! People come to Solvang for many reasons. They eat, shop in the many stores, go wine and olive oil tasting, and showing support for "Love and Acceptance for ALL", should not threaten anyone.

I came of age in the fantastic 80's and had very close friends who struggled, hiding their true self because of prejudice and hatred towards them. Some went through very troubling times because of fear and lack of acceptance. One attempted suicide because they believed they 222
would never be able to live an authentic life as themselves. Thankfully with education and compassion, the world has come a long way since then in accepting the community. Some countries are more progressive than others ( Denmark). When you talk about our traditional values in the United States of America, our motto is in fact " The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave''. Is one really free if they still have to hide, if they still get discriminated against, if their identity is subject to ridicule, if their own community does not support them? Would you want your child to feel threatened, to feel unwelcomed, to be told they are going to hell and to watch their flag being burned because of a hate that is stoked by fear, by ignorance?
I implore you to be BRAVE and to do the right thing and approve the amended petition for the Pride Banners and amended Rainbow Crosswalk proposal.

For those of Solvang who opposed and purport to be Christians, heed this:

He will ask you how you loved those people
as He called you to do.

And some of you didn' t.

Tolerance is not love. It's just disdain disguised.

Disdain is not love.

We are just asking for your support - not your tolerance.

Thank you for your kind attention and reconsideration,
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Toni B
Proud mom
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Obviously up to this point the LGBT community has felt accepted by the Santa Ynez Valley to choose to settle here and raise families. NO rainbow banners and NO pride parades needed then or now to feel welcome.

Pride Banners represent sexual orientation and gender specifications.

There is no requirement or need to display this on our streets.

A RAINBOW SPARKS WONDER IN CHILDREN. Please, please think about this!
If I were to take my 5th grade son on a walk in downtown Solvang, and he sees and wonders what these rainbow flags represent, he will probably Google it and see the following ( see screenshot below). This display will likely lead children to learn about sexuality whether we are ready for it or not.

This is not a light matter. There is a bigger picture here. Please do not give in just to make this 1 community " happy" and get the heat off of the town. We can get through this together. You have our support. Please make the noble decision to deny this agenda item. Thank you for your time and consideration.

JANET GARCIA

CJ TANNING & BOUTIQUE
www.cjtanningboutique. com
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From: Karen Riggs
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Regarding flags
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 9: 13: 25 AM
I am sorry the LBGTQ+ are asking you to hang flags representing them in your community. Just say no please! The only flags that should go up on your polls are the ones that represent your city and their businesses. How would it look if you said yes to all that want to hang signs! It would be a big mess! If businesses want to support this community they might put a sticker on the door.

Sent from my iPhone
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From: Dale E Harmon
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Stand firm
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 8: 53: 31 AM
Continue to say no.

Dale Harmon 916-417-8613
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all, and that you will be voting ' yes' for this project next Monday.

Thank you for your consideration. I can only imagine that this has been an intense and difficult decision- making period for all of you. Thank you for your work! Meighan Dietenhofer
805) 452-3853
meighandietenhofer@icloud. com
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From: Nancy Crawford
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: We are all equal!
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 7: 24: 53 AM
It is not your responsibility to make one group of people in the Santa Ynez Valley more important than others! WE ARE ALL EQUAL!
This is the United States of America and this is why we exist! Please don’ t allow this segregation to pass!
Sent from my iPhone NVC
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From: Jenna Gonsalves
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: No to the paint and flags
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 1: 47: 09 PM
Council,
Sexuality and identity politics is not something to be displayed out on the streets of Solvang. Straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, cross dresser, drag queen and whatever else I’m missing is a private thing and needs to be kept to themselves. Your sexuality views don’ t need to become public and political, this is where division and problems appear. Solvang needs to keep its small town charm. I am 100 percent against the painting of the sidewalks and the raising of the LGBTQ flags, all it will do is cause division and I don’ tthink Solvang is ready for that level of problems. I’m surprised to see this is being voted on again. We are all equal and no one should need a flag flown or temporary paint on a sidewalk to feel any different. This problem is way beyond the paint and the flags.

Sent from my iPhone
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if you use cannabis to let loose? Hypocritical huh? Get with the times or be left behind. This council should do better a better job, tonight and in the future.

I’ll leave you with this. I bet you’ re all sweating and fearful of what your screwed up decision has unleashed. Frankly, you all deserve this ridicule and embarrassment, I just hope the national news picks this story up soon. Just imagine, if both the PRIDE AND the Bicycling Communities stopped coming to Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley? Social media will screw you guys up to no end, this is a guaranty.

Mr. Clarke, there’ s no room for bigotry in this world anymore. Please do the right thing and step down this evening.

To the rest of the City Council, do the right thing as well, no pun intended, become welcoming and inclusive to all and please keep those ideals in your mind as you vote on items in the future, or just move along.

Enjoy the ride,
Mike Hecker
I am a Lifelong Santa Ynez Valley Resident.

I am a loving father of 2 great kids that have been educated in private schools here in the Valley in an effort to raise them as their mother Trish, and I deem right and to keep them away from individual that practice questionable morals and ideals. I’m proud to say my kids have been raised with many beautiful values such as love, acceptance, tolerance and inclusiveness. Bigotry and selfishness are not on their list of values.

I’m a small business owner that works for other small business owners many of whom own retail or other tourism based businesses. Tourism drives our local trickle down economy.

I am THE SYV Bicycle Infrastructure Advocate.
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Put the banners up. Don't put the banners up. Doesn't matter, I already know what's in your heart, hate, and Iwant no part of it.

Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.

Once wewalk a week my girlfriend and I come toSolvang for breakfast atBrekkies, afterward, around and shop to support the local businesses.

Over dollarsat the past 5 years, including during the pandemic, we have spent thousands of these local businesses: Brekkies, Chomp, TheBook Loft, Valley Hardware, El Rancho, New Frontiers, Hats Unlimited, Parts Unknown, Solvang Knives, just to name a few.

I don't live inSolvang, so I don't get a vote at the ballot box, but I'll be voting with my feetand my dollars... somewhere else.

Vr, Rick MuellerCamarillo, Ca
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From: Rachelle Shanley
To: Claudia Orona; Elizabeth Orona; Mark Infanti; David Brown; Robert Clarke; Public City Council Group Subject: Banners
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 2: 50: 25 PM
Hello,
Gay people are wonderful. Ilove gay people.

Please keep Solvang apolitical and neutral. Solvang is already welcoming towards LGBTQ+ and we don’ t need banners and crosswalks to show it.

Thanks,
Rachelle
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From: Missy C
To: Claudia Orona; Elizabeth Orona; Mark Infanti; David Brown; Robert Clarke; Public City Council Group Subject: In support of June Pride Month
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 3: 37: 10 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear Solvang City Council Members,
I am writing in support of the proposed flag banners and sidewalks to be displayed during June in support of Pride Month. It’ s a sad statement on our town that such an inclusive gesture is hated so much and has generated so much hateful, bigoted, and threatening comments and emails.

Solvang is heavily dependent on tourism. If the city keeps denying motions that are meant to welcome and support groups that are anything other than white and straight, that definitely sends a message that we are not inclusive and those groups will spend their money elsewhere.

I would love for each of you to try to put aside your pre-conceived ideas about LBGTQ+ people.

Do you honestly thing their main agenda is to “ groom” our children? If so, what true hard facts do you have to support that concept?
Do you honestly think that rainbows are sending a message to try to indoctrinate people towards personally becoming a gay person? If so, what true facts do you have to support this.

Have you talked to any LGBTQ+ person about their own life and the extreme challenges they go through every day just to be accepted for who they are and to even feel safe. Not one of them will tell you that they willingly chose their gender identity, simply because it is so difficult.

LGBTQ+ rights are NOT political or political ideology! We are talking about basic human rights for a marginalized group that has historically been persecuted and is the target of ongoing hate, as evidenced by the Flag burning at St. Mark’ s last year and the outpouring of hate against any upcoming Pride displays in Solvang.

It’ s people like you who insist on this issue being political - please stop saying that.

It’ s the duty of our community to be inclusive and express empathy and compassion.

As a white people ( and I’m assuming you’ re straight) you have no right to judge any LGBTQ+ person’ s life experience.

Your position is based on ignorance and falsehoods.

Please consider being open- minded enough to consider the lived experiences of others.

Thank you for your time,
Missy Collier
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From: jeff thomson
To: Claudia Orona; Elizabeth Orona; Mark Infanti; David Brown; Robert Clarke; Public City Council Group; Brad Vidro Subject: Long Time Resident disappointed in the town I grew up in Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 3: 03: 14 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

City Council members:

My Name is Jeff Thomson, I am a 49-year resident of Solvang. I have never written an email to the council before, I know you are busy, and I usually roll with the city council to do the right thing. I went to Solvang School and SY High. Most of the time I am always super proud of my town and where I grew up. I have a 13-year-old daughter who I try to teach to be tolerant, caring of all people from different races, religions, and sexual orientations. I try to see the good in all people, and judge them for who they are, not what they are. I cannot for the life of me figure out the direction Solvang has taken in the last few months of being so close minded, intolerant, and Frankly stuck in a time warp socially and business wise to the realities of the world.

Here are a couple Key points where I feel you are letting down our community I saw the city council meeting a few weeks back, and you had a minor marketing person talk about always catering to your core demographic. I have worked in TV advertising for over 30 years and worked on over a billion dollars in Ad campaigns. Rule #1, don't ever exclude or offend any demographic! The businesses, hotels, restaurants and services of the community count on that revenue, and you're messing with that because of fear, and intolerance from a few vocal extremists in the community.

If you are looking at it from a strictly business close minded perspective, you are shooting yourself in the foot and hurting the tax revenue that we all count on to keep Solvang what it is.

Solvang should have taken a stronger position at the flag burning at St Marks, which was my church growing up. Solvang city council members should have kept out of the speed bumps being painted at the High School. It seems like a really minor ask for a few flags for a week in Solvang and a sidewalk being painted. Our town' s reputation has already been sorely hurt. My dad always taught me to admit when I was wrong, and if you are genuine and sincere people will forgive you. If you make the right steps for Solvang to truly be like Denmark, and be open and tolerant, people will remember that, not your past mistakes. It will also help Solvang remain fiscally sound and open to all people from all walks of life. Good Leaders have to make tough choices, be the kind of leaders our community is proud of.

Thank You
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From: Rebekah Horvath
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: Rainbows and Flags
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 3: 30: 47 PM
Good afternoon,
I am a lifetime Valley resident and Solvang resident for the last 10+ years. From my very first job at a T-shirt shop till now, with it’s warm residents and quaint charm, Solvang has always welcomed everyone from around the world along with their different religions, opinions and way of life. Why would we paint rainbows and fly flags for a specific group and their SEXUALITY and GENDER?? We already welcome them. The thought of obscuring our town for a select few is so disturbing to me. I worked at an establishment that had to have their sign redone twice and not have an open sign to keep with the aesthetic of Solvang. Why would we do this? Just to say we accept them here? This will cause ugly division instead of inclusion to our special town. I am 100% against the LGBTQ flags and rainbows in Solvang!
Keep politics out!!
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From: Devin Furlong
To: Claudia Orona; Elizabeth Orona; Mark Infanti; David Brown; Robert Clarke; Public City Council Group Subject: Streetlight Banners
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 3: 32: 27 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Councilmembers,
Stand proud! You are lucky to represent a diverse community. Please be an example to your constituents and support underrepresented minorities. We are all in some minority somewhere. https:// m.youtube. com/watch?v=vGAqYNFQdZ4
Please do not play games with the lives and safety of your constituents. Please search your hearts and humanity to find love and respect for all. Please approve this basic symbol of welcoming and trust or please stand down. Thank you.

Devin
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From: Kate Warren
To: Claudia Orona; Elizabeth Orona; Mark Infanti; David Brown; Robert Clarke; Public City Council Group; Brad Vidro Subject: Former resident and regular visitor disappointed in Solvang" s Pride decision Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 4: 04: 22 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

Dear City Council members,
My name is Kate Warren, I was a resident of Solvang/the Santa Ynez Valley for 6 years until very recently when we moved away temporarily to care for my elderly parents. We visit the valley regularly and enjoy retaining our connections to the community that we love.

I have been astonished and appalled to read about the Council’s decision not to display Pride banners in Solvang and am glad that the decision is being revisited. I am horrified to read of recent events in the valley such as the removal of the rainbow sidewalks at the high school and the burning of Pride flags at the church. I do not believe these activities represent the majority view of the community that I love.

When we moved to the valley, we valued the small town charm and old fashioned community spirit.

We were welcomed and quickly made friends with many good people. This spirit of welcome is incompatible with the messages of hate and intolerance being propagated by a few narrow minded individuals in the community – including those in local government. I believe that all should be welcome in Solvang and the surrounding area, and that any tourist destination’s success relies on welcoming strangers – all strangers. I am additionally very concerned about the impact of this hateful rhetoric on children in the community. Do you really believe we should be teaching children to exclude, hate, and harm each other?
I support the LGBTQ+ community and their efforts to encourage tolerance, open mindedness, and inclusion so that all feel welcome.

May I please ask the Council to revise its decision so that Pride is celebrated in Solvang, future incidents of hateful homophobia are condemned and discouraged, and the city avoids becoming a national poster child for hateful values.

I no longer vote in Solvang but if I did, I would not vote for Mr Clarke who should be asked to resign on the basis of his hateful messages. Shame on him, and shame on all of you if you don’t do better by all the residents of the valley.

Sincerely
Kate Warren
805) 245-9823
kate@brightconsultancy. com
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From: Chelsea Oftedal
To: Public City Council Group
Subject: In favor of Pride flags for Pride Month
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 4: 14: 40 PM
Good Afternoon Council- members,
My name is Chelsea Oftedal, and I have lived in the city of Solvang for 6 years now. I’m deeply disappointed in the string of anti-LGBTQ+ incidents that have occurred in the SYV over the past several months. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and I strongly support displaying pride flags in Solvang during the month of June to show that we are still a welcoming and inclusive place to visit for everyone. I hope that you will take this into consideration at your council meeting this evening.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Chelsea Oftedal
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From: Heather Ainsworth
To: Claudia Orona; Elizabeth Orona; Mark Infanti; David Brown; Robert Clarke; Public City Council Group Subject: pride flags
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023 4: 14: 47 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.

I was raised in the valley, attended Santa Ynez high, and I own a business in Santa Ynez. As a business owner I find it to be highly beneficial to be inclusive of all people. I am deeply bothered and offended by the behaviors of some of the council with regard to the display of pride flags, but more so the commentary made public by certain members.

Being gay or transgender in today' s America is becoming more difficult with the attitude circulating that gay and trans individuals are worth less in society than say, heterosexual individuals. Tell me when any heterosexual person ever made a conscious moral decision to be straight. The ludicrous allegation that by flying pride flags and celebrating certain individuals in our community will "turn our kids gay" is deeply disturbing.

For those that do not know this already, you are born the way you are and there is no way that society can make someone be gay. If I told you that you were gay, would you accept that and change your lifestyle? LGBTQ individuals are not gay by choice. Why would someone choose a lifestyle that is constantly degraded by some in society? The reason we celebrate pride month is to celebrate those people brave enough to be themselves in a society that is not always accepting. It is to celebrate the hard fought battle that the LGBTQ community has worked so hard toward, the idea that they will be able to live their best life free of bigotry.

As a tourist driven community, I would think it would be in the best interest for the city to embrace pride month with flags and the parade, and make a public apology for the atrocious language that has been used throughout this entire debate. A debate that really has no bearing on you as a straight individual. The only people who it affects are those from the LGBTQ community and their families and friends.

I can say that I am appalled that this has gone as far as it has. The new and younger generation is a lot more open minded than those of us who have opinions stemming from years of not accepting others for who they are. For Solvang' s sake, for the future success of your town, I would rethink how this has played out. Do flags flying during pride month mean so much to you that you want your bigotry spread all over the county, the state, and of course the world? This is not going to disappear magically, nor is it a meaningful hill to die on, or more accurately, to shoot one's local ecomomy and sense of community in the foot over.

Many tourists will consider this community an unatractive pariah and choose to go up the coast to Cambria, or some other community without this unenlightened attitude. Denmark is the most open country to the LGBTQ community in the entire world. Solvang makes it's living as their representative town in the United States, but is grossly misrepresenting the attitudes of it's mother country. They are a well educated society with a long history, which shows in their enlightened approach to social issues. Solvang is casting itself to the entire world as a Dino, as in dinosauric in it's thinking and as a DINO, or Denmark In Name Only village with no 257
similarity to it's mother country other than thatched roof buildings with cranes on top. Why is Denmark unafraid of different peoples? Well educated people consider bigotry, zenophobia, and homophobia beneath their dignity... as they know full well from their long history that it is truly the pathway to hell.
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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item: 6.b
Meeting Date: April 24, 2023
SUBJECT: Discussion and possible action regarding the Streetlight Banner Guidelines application.

PREPARED BY: Wendy Berry, Administrative Services Director DISCUSSION:

At the April 10, 2023 City Council meeting, the City Council asked for the Streetlight Banner Guidelines to be placed on the City Council agenda. This will provide the City Council the opportunity to review the guidelines for possible modification.

As background, on November 8, 2010, the City Manager brought the “Pole Banner Policy” to council to discuss and provide directions on establishment of a pole banner policy for the City of Solvang. The banners were historically handled by the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau. With the increase of interest in the banner program the City determined it would make most sense to develop a policy and allow outside users to request banners through an application process with the City of Solvang. The council directed staff to return with a policy for City Council consideration to include the following elements:

Specifications for the size, material and shape for the banners Design criteria for graphics/ test on banners
Location for special banners vs. regular banners
Prioritization criteria for selection of new banners
Application/ approval process
Maximum/ minimum duration of installation
Indemnification requirement
Fees
Throughout the years, the application and guidelines have been slightly updated to follow appropriate staff, update City logo, update of drop-off location, and general ease of configuration of the application and guidelines, but the eligibility language has remained the same.

The last review of the guidelines as at the March 28, 2011 City Council meeting, City staff brought the guidelines and policies to Council for approval of the Streetlight Banner Program and it was approved as presented. The staff report and minutes from that meeting are included as an attachment.

The current policy and process for new applications are as follows:

Banner Policy
The purpose of the Streetlight Banner Program is to assist in the advertising and promotion of destinations or events that support tourism in the City of Solvang. Approved as part of the Streetlight Banner Program are City of Solvang sponsored “ Special Events” and designs promoting Solvang’ s Danish theme. This program is NOT intended to support political or religious purposes or purposes primarily involving private financial gain that do not promote tourism or the City of Solvang. All organizations wishing to participate in the program must submit an application which includes their banner design and be approved by the City prior to installation. The City encourages events promoting various holidays and seasons throughout the year. A calendar is maintained on a yearly basis by the City so that all events, new and existing, can participate in the Streetlight Banner Program. Banners are usually displayed for a season or length of an event. Specific events, historically scheduled for annual 259
times of the year will have first priority. Should an overlap occur in a specific time period for new applicants, the City will make every reasonable effort to accommodate applicant.

Approval Process for New Applicants
New organizations wishing to participate in the banner program may have their banners on display for a minimum of 1 month with a maximum of 3 months. You are allowed a total of 10 streetlight banners to be displayed. Every attempt will be made to ensure all 10 banners are displayed. New applications will be reviewed by the City to determine eligibility criteria.

The application fee remains at $125. This is not adequate to cover the actual cost of processing applications, installation and removal.

Attached is an annual schedule of streetlight banner installations which includes the following banners:

City of Solvang ( Variety of Solvang related images, Danish Flag, Skal, Wine/Dine, etc.) City of Solvang ( Julefest)
Elverhoj Musuem ( promoting museum)
Solvang Chamber of Commerce ( promoting Music in the Park, Scarecrow contest & celebrating 100 years of doing business)
PCPA ( promoting theater/ shows at Solvang Festival Theater) PCPA has submitted a current application and was approved by staff. If the guidelines are changed, PCPA should be grandfathered in.

ALTERNATIVES:

A. Make no revisions to the current guidelines.

B. Make revisions to the guidelines that make it clearer for staff to approve or deny an application.

C. Make changes to the guidelines that Streetlight banners be allowed for only City of Solvang Sponsored events.

D. Revise the policy to only allow City Solvang themed banners FISCAL IMPACT:

The current application fee is $125.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. City Banner Guidelines and application.

B. Streetlight Banner Schedule
C. Staff report March 28, 2011 “Streetlight Banner Program” and minutes.

D. Staff report November 10, 2010 “Pole Banner Policy” and minutes. 260
Attachment A
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MONTH Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Julefest 10 10
Elverhoj 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Solvang/ Danish Flag
Solvang Advertisements
Chamber- Scarecrowfest 10 10
Chamber- Music in the Park 10 10 15 10 10 10 10 10
PCPA 10 10 10 10
Other
Other
Other
Annual-Seasonal/ Scheduled Lightpole Banners 2023
Attachment B
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Attachment D
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Attachment E
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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM 6.c
Meeting Date: April 24, 2023
SUBJECT: Discussion and possible action regarding the Tourism Advisory Committee vacancy to provide direction to Staff
PREPARED BY: Brad Vidro, Interim City Manager
DISCUSSION:

The Chair of the Tourism Advisory Committee, Vashti Wilson, has indicated she is resigning from the Committee. She would like to formally present her letter of resignation at the City Council meeting. It is included as attachment A. This leaves the Tourism Advisory Committee with six members. In accordance with the Solvang Municipal Code:
2-5-2 Membership.

A. Appointment. Each city council member shall appoint one (1) tourism advisory committee member selected from the qualified individuals who apply to the city council, which shall include incumbents.

The city council by majority vote may appoint up to two (2) additional members selected from the qualified individuals who apply to the city council, which shall include incumbents. The tourism advisory committee shall be comprised of no more than seven ( 7) members. The city council may appoint an alternate member from a participating organization to serve as a voting member during the absence of the first appointee.

B. Qualification. The tourism advisory committee shall represent a cross section of the community as it relates to tourism and represent as many of the following categories as possible: large hotel, small hotel, large retailer, small retailer, shopping center, restaurant, cultural- visual and/or performing arts, real estate, local attraction or a profession within the marketing community. Each tourism advisory committee member shall be a legal resident within the boundaries of one (1) of the following zip codes at the time of the member’ s appointment and during the member’ s tenure in office: 93463, 93464, 93427, 93460, 93440 ( Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez and Los Alamos).

C. Term and Vacancies.

1. The term of office for tourism advisory committee members shall be two ( 2) years. The term of all members shall expire on December 31 of each even year. Each tourism advisory committee member may be reappointed from term to term in the same manner as set forth in subsection A of this section.

2. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the same manner as set forth in subsection A and in the same manner as the original appointment.

Appointments to the TAC were made at the January 23, 2023 City Council meeting and per the Code are for a two year term. Vashti Wilson was Councilmember Clarke’ s appointment. Any replacement member would fill the unexpired portion of the term.

ALTERNATIVES:

1. The City Council could choose to leave the TAC with six members

2. The City Council could direct staff to advertise the vacancy to seek applications from community members with tourism related backgrounds.
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FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no increased fiscal impact from replacing a TAC member.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Letter of Resignation from Vashti Wilson
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Vashti T. Wilson 280

CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item: 6.d
Meeting Date: April 24, 2023
SUBJECT: Discussion and possible action on formation of an Ad Hoc Finance Subcommittee to review budget, investment, financing, and grant funding related issues.

PREPARED BY: Wendy Berry, Administrative Services Director DISCUSSION: On June 27, 2022, the City Council adopted a two-year financial plan for fiscal years 2022/ 2023 and 2023. 2024. A biennial financial plan improves efficiency in the budget process by limiting the time spent on budget preparation and requires strategic planning over a two-year period.

In past years, the City Council would establish an Ad Hoc Finance Subcommittee whose purpose was to assist with the development of the budget recommendation to the full City Council. The subcommittee would meet on an as needed basis. Historically, the Ad Hoc Committees members are appointed in January of each year. January 2019 was the last time the Ad Hoc Finance Subcommittee was established. That subcommittee included two members, one being the Mayor and one other Council Member that would work along with the City Manager and staff to create a budget proposal for full City Council consideration.

Due to a multitude of staffing changes, staff is requesting the City Council establish an Ad Hoc Finance Subcommittee for input on grant funding, the proposed budget and financing options for the Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade.

ALTERNATIVES:

The Council could elect not to establish a Finance Ad Hoc Subcommittee FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact
ATTACHMENTS:

No Attachments
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Solvang City CouncilApril 24, 2023

Solvang City Council
April 24, 2023