SY Burrito anniversary

Santa Ynez Burrito will observe its third anniversary in business on Jan. 19 by offering its entire menu at half price, and then donating all the proceeds to People Helping People. The eatery is located inside the Rio Market at 1051 Edison St. in Santa Ynez and is open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

 

Lutheran Home gets 5 stars

The Solvang Lutheran Home, Inc. announced it has received a five-star rating from Medicare.

The Five-Star Quality Rating System, launched in December 2008, is used by Medicare to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily.

Nursing home ratings take into consideration a facility’s health inspections, staffing and quality measures.

 

Firefighter promoted

Santa Barbara City Fire Chief Ron Prince is pleased to announce the promotion of Captain Pat McElroy has been promoted to the rank of battalion chief following the retirement of Battalion Chief Christopher Blair in December.

McElroy began his career as a firefighter with the city of Santa Barbara Fire Department in 1981.

He was promoted to captain in 1990 then voted Firefighter of the Year in 1987 and 1995. He is a longtime Firefighters Association Member, and most recently served as board president, and as chairman of the Firefighters Political Action Committee.

In his new position, McElroy will supervise and direct the daily operations of the C-Shift fire crews.

 

State, H&R Block settle suit

Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. reached a $4.85 million settlement with H&R Block, which prohibits the company from marketing refund anticipation loans as early tax refunds. Brown filed suit against H&R Block in early 2006 regarding its marketing and sale of income tax refund anticipation loans and a related product called refund anticipation checks.

H&R Block continues to deny any wrongdoing. The settlement provides for up to $2.45 million in restitution for consumers who purchased a “Refund Anticipation Loan” or a “Refund Anticipation Check” through H&R Block between Jan. 1, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2008.

In addition, H&R Block will pay $500,000 in penalties and $1.9 million in fees and costs. Eligible consumers may write to the Attorney General’s Public Inquiry Unit at P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244-2550, or may send an e-mail at http://ag.ca.gov/contact.

 

Goleta raises user fees

Effective Dec. 1, 2008, all user fees Goleta charges for planning and building permits, returned checks, park reservations and business licenses were increased. After analyzing the fees, comparing its fees to those of other cities and receiving public input, the city council voted to raise the fees. To view all the new city fees, visit Goleta’s revamped Web site at www.cityofgoleta.org.

 

Ribbon-cutting for company

Santa Barbara Health Care, a medical equipment company, will celebrate its grand opening in Buellton with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Jan. 14 at 240 East Highway 246, Suite 100. The Santa Barbara-based firm is expanding its services to the Santa Ynez Valley, providing durable medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, commodes, bathroom safety equipment and patient lifts. The Buellton location has a display room and will house more equipment than the Santa Barbara store. The company provides free in-home assessments. Santa Barbara Health Care may be reached at (805) 693-8321, hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

2009 guide available

The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association invites members and the public to a networking meeting at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 13 at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel at 555 McMurray Road in Buellton. Complimentary refreshments, networking and presentation of the 2009 Visitors Guide will be available.

There will also be updates on the SYVVA 2009 schedule, trade shows, marketing programs and media relations.  For more information visit www. Santa YnezValleyVisit.com.

 

Buellton mixer slated

The Buellton Chamber of Commerce will hold its January mixer from 5-7 p.m. on Jan. 20 at Mother Hubbard’s restaurant at 373 Avenue of the Flags in Buellton (across from Pea Soup Andersen’s) with a community potluck and a “regift” exchange. The main course will be provided by the restaurant. Bring a dish to share and a gently-used or new unwanted gift to exchange for fun. Phone the chamber at (805) 688-7829 or the restaurant at (805) 688-3912 for more information.