The kids in our program range in age, from fourth-graders to high school seniors. They will be competing at the State shoot in four different categories, Rookies, grades second through fifth; Intermediates, grades sixth through eighth, Junior Varsity and Varsity are ninth through twelfth graders. They will be competing to attend the Grand American in August as the State Champions.

This weekend the kids were shooting to earn a spot on the junior’s Central Zone Team and shoot at the State Shoot against the other two zones, Northern and Southern Zones, for the State Champs. The team consists of two juniors, ages 15 to 18;  two sub-juniors, ages under 15 and one more Junior or sub-junior depending on score shot. There were 42 junior shooters competing for five spots on the junior team. The kids shot 200 rounds from 16 yards. Two sub-juniors from Santa Ynez made the Central Zone Juniors Team; Hunter Jacobsen shot a 195 out of 200 and Jake Wilks shot a 191.

The boys will compete Friday night during the state shoot in Kingsburg against the other zones.

Jake also won the “D” class award with his 191, beating out 35 other shooters for the win.

Those kids attending from Santa Ynez Valley Sportsmen’s Association’s Scholastic Clay Target Program were Hunter Jacobsen, Adrien Doiron, Jake Wilks, Matt Hicks, Brian Bramsen, Connor Wolford, Anthony Holmes, Allan Bramsen, Kevin Crowell, Ashley Carroll, Wyatt Caldera, Cole Castagna, Timmothy Wallis, Jordan Puccinelli, Jackson Tomasini, Brittni Tomasini, Adam Clay, Garrett Fanning, Justin Mortensen, Levi Roman, Bryce Hutchinson, Trey Mercado, Tonya Martinez, Tanner Lockwood, and Tutt Baker. 

 

 

Santa Barbara County Cattle Women

On a beautiful spring day, the Santa Barbara County Cattle Women met for their annual ranch meeting. It was held at Rancho Tinsquaic, and our hostess was Janet Kraus who is a direct descendent of Benjamin Foxen, who obtained the land from a Mexican land grant.

A tour of the house and along with the history of the ranch was provided. It was hat day and members were fined for not wearing a hat (no visors or ball caps). Prizes went to Hattie Feazelle (funniest), Brandy Branquinho (vintage), Joann Whorley (prettiest), and Judy Ahmann (best beef promotion).

We enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by Bruce of Bruce’s Catering of Lompoc. Members brought appetizers, salads and desserts.

Special guest included Judy Ahmann; President Calif. Cattle Women, Anna Negranti; So. Director of CCW and President of San Luis Obispo Co. Cattle Women, Colleen Hayes; first Vice President SLOCCW. Judy delivered a talk on the challenges facing the cattle industry with the drought that California has suffered this year.

The day ended with members finding the results of our recycled treasure sale.

In August we will be cooking and serving dinner to the Buellton Senior Center and in October, we will do the same for the Solvang Senior Center.

By Barbara Wilson

 

Santa Ynez High School’s Raw Talent Show Proves to be a Big Hit

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School hosted its annual Raw Talent Show on Tuesday, May 5, which was hosted by Mr. Haws and his ASB members. This show gave proof that the young Valley students are filled with exceptional talent. The opening act began with Joaquin Velasco, in his rap about “Our Town.” Thalia Kostman wowed the crowd with her amazing voice as she sang entirely a cappella. Natalie Sheen dedicated a song she sang to her older sister, Megan.

Some of the students did a “Celebrity Jeopardy” skit from SNL. Jake Shaeffer and Matt Smitley sang the famous Oasis song,” Wonderwall.” The crowd sang along and held cell phones in the air.

Mason Vanvalen played the guitar, sang and composed his own music. The crowd loved him so much that they demanded an encore from him. Another guitarist and composer, Brent Curriden entered the stage with his shoes off. He performed a song from the group Bright Eyes. He also performed his own song, “Barefoot.” Julian Bandura, Chase Meyer and others performed their garage band music, with enthusiasm and proved to be quite the entertainers and the crowed went wild. The show ended with the band performing another song, along with Brent Curriden that once again, proved to be the highlight of the night.

The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School can proudly say that their school as an abundance of “Raw Talent”.

 

 

Santa Ynez Valley Lassoes 11th Consecutive Rodeo Queen Title

Los Olivos resident Samantha Garley was named the 64th Annual Elks Rodeo Queen Contest winner after she and her Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation sponsor raised $262,564.

“We were incredibly proud knowing how hard she worked throughout the whole campaign and grateful to be part of the Valley community because of their support for the youth,” said Samantha’s mother, Catherine Garley.

Samantha was out in the community everyday on her road to the prestigious title, selling tickets for the Harley Davidson and Chevrolet Silverado that were raffled off during the weekend’s rodeo, Catherine said.

Having been a part of youth recreation sports all her life and having grandparents who are active in the Elks Lodge, Samantha is no stranger to the culture of community involvement. Working hard to earn her title, Samantha maintained her academics and sports participation throughout the campaign, which included over 10 official appearances in April and May. In addition to the raffle tickets and fund-raising events, Samantha educated the community on youth recreation and its importance to the community.

Her title stretches the Valley’s run to 11 consecutive years.

“Every year is a different year, so you’re never entirely confident. But I think she felt that she had worked as hard as she possibly could,” Catherine said.