“It’s sort of a hybrid of autobiography and documentary in comic book format,” Claytor said. “The collected version of the first four series is equivalent to each day in my life. Some are contemplative, some are humorous some have more subtlety to them.”

Though Claytor now lives in San Diego and attends San Diego State University, where he is earning a master’s degree in Fine Art and Multi-Media, his roots began in Santa Ynez. 

“I am a Santa Ynez Valley native and grew up there and I wanted to stop in my hometown. I look forward to seeing family and friends.”

Claytor writes in comic layout because of its loose and creative format.

“I’ve been drawing my entire life, writing and illustrating cannot exist without the other in comics,” Claytor said. “Comics is a medium that is right for exploration, there is still a lot of room for experimentation. It’s a really exciting medium to be working in right now. Comics don’t have any limitation, you can do anything you want.”

For more information regarding the book signing or Claytor’s comic book company, Elephant Eater Comics, call the Book Loft, 1680 Mission Drive Solvang, at 805-688-6010 or visit www.elephanteater.com

Rancho Wild Fire Contained but Burned 482 Acres

 

The fire that started on July 1, on Paradise Road off Highway 154 was declared fully contained on July 3 at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The Rancho Fire scorched 482 acres. Fire fighters faced obstacles including high temperatures that reached into the 90’s, winds and steep terrain.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the U.S. Forest Service.

“The cause of the fire was determined to be human caused, but remains undetermined,” said an unnamed investigator with the U.S. Forest Service in a statement released to the public. “Two possibilities were investigated, one possible vehicle traveling at an excessive speed, hitting a dip in the road, causing the under carriage to gouge the pavement and perhaps causing a spark that ignited the vegetation. [the second possibility] was a suspicious substance that was found at the point of origin, which could have started the fire.”

Joe Pasinato, fire information officer with the U.S. Forest Service, praised how firefighters handled and put down the blaze.

“Firefighters did excellent in the initial attack stages of the fire, aerial resources and ground resources from both the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the U.S. Forest service were on scene within minutes of the fire’s start,” Pasinato said.

No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

 

Homeowner’s and Renter’s Assistance Available for Those Who Qualify 

Assembly member Pedro Nava is providing his constituents with homeowners and renter’s assistance. According to a statement released on June 29, by Nava’s office, each year California provides elderly and disabled homeowners and renters who either paid at least $50 in rent or lived in their own home and made less than $42,770, with the opportunity to receive up to $347.50 in assistance.

“I am pleased to offer this service to my constituents,” Nava said. “Many individuals are not even aware that this program exists. It is a real benefit to those who qualify.”

To qualify an individual must be at least 62-years-old, blind or disabled. Nava’s office will be providing the Homeowner and Renter Assistance Claim Forms and offering free filling assistance. October 15, is the deadline for submitting claims. The forms must be filed with the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). To obtain a free from or receive complimentary filing assistance contact Nava’s Santa Barbara or Ventura County District offices at 805-564-1649 or 805-453-9808.  

 

Full-Time Urological Services Now Available in Solvang

After practicing Urology in Santa Barbara for over 30 years, Dr. Bruce Bucklew has moved his office to the Valley and is welcoming new patients.

“There was a need for a full-time urologist, and since I was going to be living here, it made sense to practice [here],” Bucklew said. “It offers me an opportunity to help patients who now don’t have to travel long distances for care.”

Bucklew offers various services that include in-office diagnostic procedures, ultra sound and prostatic biopsies. Early detection of Prostate Cancer is also of special interest to the office. Bucklew is a board certified doctor by the American Board of Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His office accepts most forms of insurance including Medicare. For more information call 805-686-5658 or stop by his office located at 2030 Viborg Street, Solvang.