The Santa Ynez Valley is located in Santa Barbara County, California, between the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south and the San Rafael Mountains to the north. The Santa Ynez River flows through the valley from east to west. The Santa Ynez Valley is separated from the Los Alamos Valley, to the northwest, by the Purisima Hills, and from the Santa Maria Valley by the Solomon Hills. The Santa Rita Hills separate the Santa Ynez Valley from the Santa Rita and Lompoc Valleys to the west.
The valley has a population of about 20,000 residents living in the communities of Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Buellton, and Ballard.
Video Santa Ynez Valley
Culture
The 2004 film Sideways was set (and shot on location) in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, visits from tourists looking to recreate the experiences of the fictional characters Miles and Jack, have become common. Fans of the movie can often be seen making a pilgrimage from the Buellton Days Inn to the Hitching Post restaurant. Other movies that have been filmed in the Santa Ynez Valley include indie film "Flying Lessons" featuring Michael O'Neill, Maggie Grace, and Hal Holbrook, "Michael Jackson: The Untold Story of Neverland", "Uncorked" /Hallmark/Larry Levinson; "Bad Girls"; "It's Complicated"/Universal; Nitro Circus/MTV; "Inside Luxury Travel"; "The Othersiders"/Red Varden Studios;"More to Love"; "Back in Wedding Shape"; "You're Hired"; "Kathy Griffin Season 2"; and "Somewhere" Movie locations
Maps Santa Ynez Valley
Politics
The Santa Ynez Valley is part of Santa Barbara County's Third Supervisorial District, whose voters are registered 39% Democratic and 31% Republican; however, registered voters within the Valley's two incorporated cities, Buellton and Solvang, are approximately 31% Democratic and 45% Republican, reflecting the greater Valley's more conservative political constituency. The Valley, geographically located at the center of Santa Barbara County and partially surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest, is sometimes regarded as more politically aligned with northern Santa Barbara County and would have been included in the proposed Mission County under "Measure H," rejected by 81% of County voters in the June 6, 2006 Direct Primary election. Numerous smart growth-type coalitions have formed such as the Santa Ynez Valley Alliance, Preservation of Los Olivos (POLO), Preservation of Santa Ynez (POSY), WeWatch, and the Santa Ynez Valley Concerned Citizens. These groups' stated mission is the preservation of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Economy
The economy of the Santa Ynez Valley is driven by agriculture (particularly viticulture), the equine industry, and tourism.
Agriculture
The wine industry is a major part of the Santa Ynez Valley's economy. The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association lists over 70 wineries and tasting rooms on their website. Besides grapes, the valley also has numerous apple farms, many of them with roadside apple stands or "pick your own" programs. It is the location of the Santa Ynez Valley American Viticultural Area.
Equine
Horses are seen throughout the valley and a historic Western atmosphere is kept alive. Notable ranches include Monty Roberts' Flag Is Up Farms, River Edge Farm (thoroughbreds), and the nationally-known Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center. This valley is noted for having over 52 different breeds of horses, plus 28 veterinarians.
Tourism
Tourists often visit the valley for its attractions including numerous art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and antique stores as well as resorts such as the Alisal Guest Ranch, Lake Cachuma, PCPA's Theatrefest, and the Chumash Casino. Because of good weather year round, many participate in outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Los Padres National Forest or bicycling throughout the valley.
Education
- Allan Hancock College: Solvang Campus
- Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
- Los Olivos School
- Ballard School
- Olive Grove Charter School
- Dunn School
- Midland School
- The Family School
- Santa Ynez School
- College School (Charter School)
- Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy
- Jonata Middle School
- Oak Valley Elementary School
- Solvang Elementary School
Notable residents
Notable present or past residents include
See also
- California wine
References
External links
- Activities in the Valley
- The Danish Soul of That Town in 'Sideways'
- The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association
- Santa Ynez Valley Online Community
- The Santa Ynez Valley Alliance
- Preservation of Los Olivos (P.O.L.O.)
- Women's Environmental Watch (W.E. Watch)
- The Santa Ynez Valley News
- The Santa Ynez Valley Journal
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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