Greetings Valley Journal readers.
Allow us to introduce Kyle Abello to those of you who don’t know him. Kyle has lived in the Valley since he was four years old, attended local schools through high school, and matriculated at UC-San Diego, earning a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Humanities. Upon graduation, he returned to the Valley, established a private tutoring business, and in a short time was hired by the City of Buellton as Recreation Coordinator. His day job keeps him busy with a variety of activities; from planning and supervising kids’ camps to running adult trips to presentations for the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission, there’s seldom a dull moment.
One of Kyle’s favorite parts of his occupation is the tremendous and constant interaction with the community. Whether he is attending Chamber of Commerce mixers, city events, or school functions, “Being the Buellton Recreation Coordinator allows me to feel like I am smack dab in the middle of things; and that’s exactly where I intend to take this column, smack dab in the middle of the people, events, and activities going on in Buellton.
Joint Use Gymnasium Clears Funding Hurdle and Prepares to Break Ground
At a Special Buellton City Council Meeting on January 18, the Buellton Union School District’s request for supplemental funding for the Joint Use Gymnasium Project met with a favorable reception and a 5-0 vote to approve nearly $650,000 in addition to the $1 million previously pledged by the City. The remaining project costs of over $3 million will be made up from District monies and State grants.
Both council members and staff expressed their support for the gymnasium that will be the centerpiece of a Buellton Community Recreation Center, located on the Jonata Middle School campus at the corner of La Lata Dr. and Second St. The existing classrooms on that corner will be refurbished for use as community class and exercise rooms, restrooms, and other accessory uses to the main Joint Use Gymnasium. The term “joint use” stems from the cooperative agreement between the City and the District in the operation of the facility, an agreement which builds upon the already successful operation of the large grassy field adjacent to the District’s other School, Oak Valley Elementary. Basically, the District maintains priority use of the joint use facility during school hours for classes, assemblies, and sports practices; after school, on weekends, and during the summer, the City will have priority use to hold recreational classes, camps, adult sports leagues, and other community use.
City Park and Ride Completed on South Avenue of Flags
With 36 parking spots, bus shelter, and easy access onto highways 246 and 101, the City’s new Park and Ride is now completed. Located adjacent to Flying Flags RV Resort on the south Avenue of Flags, the Park and Ride was already full in the first days after opening. Said associate engineer with
Park and Ride on south Avenue of Flags MNS Engineers, “We wanted to design a facility that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing and would fit in with the community.” They certainly hit the mark. Whether you are a resident commuter or just a visitor, this newest addition to the City’s infrastructure should make your life and your travels just a little easier.
Local Automotive Business Moves to New Location
Booming business and growing space needs have prompted a move to a larger facility for Harmon Automotive (formerly Avenue Auto Care). Their new digs at the end of Industrial way give owner Dan Harmon and his son Matt plenty of room to work on the cars, trucks, and motor homes that need a little TLC to get them back on the road and performing well. In addition to excellent automotive service, they also offer U-Haul truck and trailer rental, and all service is guaranteed.
Repairs Completed at River View Park
Repairs to benches and paving at River View Park following the despicable vandalism over Thanksgiving weekend have been completed and the City welcomes the bench sitting public to once again enjoy the picturesque views of the river and mountains from a comfortable park bench. In addition to benches, River View Park boasts two playgrounds, horseshoe pits, group picnic areas, restrooms, event pavilion, basketball courts, and a large grassy play area. Located two blocks south of highway 246 on Sycamore Dr., the brand new River View Park is truly a Valley gem. For more information on how to reserve group areas for birthday parties or other events, please visit City of Buellton or call 688-7474.
SYV Botanic Garden Fundraising Campaign Gets Underway
The Buellton City Council recently approved an Agreement between the City and the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Foundation which will transform the two acres at the west end of River View Park into the Valley’s first botanic garden. The City will fund the infrastructure portion of the project, and the Foundation will be responsible for raising funds and in-kind donations for the landscaping and plants materials, as well as the installation and maintenance of the Botanic Garden. The Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden at River View Park will focus on native plants from different riparian zones throughout the Valley and will eventually mirror the plant life found in such places as the Sedgwick Reserve, Nojoqui Falls Park, and the Santa Ynez River channel. The operation of the Botanic Garden by the Foundation will include educational programs for schools and the general public, as well as community planting days and special events. This public/private partnership will be a valuable community project which benefits the City and the entire Valley.
For more information on the Botanic Garden and how you can get involved, please contact Chris Beebe at 6882115. Volunteers of all kinds are needed. Until the Foundation is issued a tax ID number from the IRS, W.E. Watch is accepting donations on their behalf. To make donations to the Botanic Garden, please send contributions made payable to W.E.Watch, P.O. Box 830, Solvang, CA 93464. The memo line of the check should read “Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden at River View Park.” .
Mr. Abello’s opinions and the opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of the publisher. Kyle Abello can be contacted by e-mail at kabello@ucsd.edu.