For constant updates on fires in Santa Barbara County
For constant updates on fires in San Luis Obispo County
check out CAL FIRE SLO’s social media:
Calif.- A fire broke out at an abandoned three-story building at the intersection of Molle Way and First Street in Solvang Friday
Fire crews were dispatched around 5:30 a.m
and arrived to find the building fully involved shared the Santa Barbara County Fire Department from the scene
Crews worked to ensure the flames did not reach nearby structures and evacuated people in the area before the fire was successfully knocked down at 7:19 a.m
detailed the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
Streets were closed in a one-block radius during the response and while people were able to reenter nearby buildings
the streets around the incident are expected to remain closed for overhaul using heavy equipment explained the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
The image below shows the building still smoldering later Friday morning
According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
the exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation
Andrew is a Digital Content Producer and Assignment Desk Assistant for News Channel 3-12. For more about Andrew, click here.
News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation
Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here
If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Community Guidelines
FCC Public File
EEO Public File Report
FCC Applications
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Six units and a strike team are on the scene in Solvang after an abandoned building caught fire early Friday morning
firefighters were called to a three-story abandoned building in the area of Molle Way and First Street
#MollyInc. Photo Update: PIO responding. pic.twitter.com/kGbLJS0Ckz
The incident has since been upgraded to a third alarm as containment efforts are underway
We will continue to share updates as they become available
USA Today recently named two California cities the Best Small Towns in the West, including the No
Solvang
the Denmark-themed town in the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
was awarded first place in the publication's annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards
In the Sonoma Valley, another wine-lovers destination, Healdsburg
Here's what to know about USA TODAY's 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards survey
USA TODAY described the town as ideal for families
To that end, Solvang came in at No. 5 in a different category, Best Small Town Food Scene
town that makes you feel like you've been transported to a totally different country — Solvang is just that
and even the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art," USA TODAY wrote
Why was Healdsburg listed as the third-best small town in the West by USA TODAY?USA TODAY described Healdsburg
and those seeking small-town boutique shopping
"With award-winning wineries, farm-to-table dining, and a walkable town square filled with tasting rooms and boutiques, it is a picturesque retreat," USA TODAY wrote. "Outdoor enthusiasts can bike through vineyards or enjoy the Russian River's recreational offerings
making Healdsburg the perfect destination for both relaxation and exploration."
In previous years, Healdsburg was recognized as having one of the best small town food scenes in the nation by USA TODAY
How was the list put together?The 10 small towns — each with a population of fewer than 25,000 — were selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the region for their diverse offerings
For a complete rundown of the best small town in the West, visit here
Official Social Media Accounts
To Our Stakeholders
Marubeni Management Philosophy
Vision for the Marubeni of the Future
Company Profile
Directors, Audit & Supervisory Board Members, and Executive Officers
Mid-Term Management Strategy
Organization
Japan and Overseas Offices
Corporate Governance
Major Group Companies
Our History
Marubeni Collection
Lifestyle Division
Food & Agri Business Division
Metals and Mineral Resources Division
Energy & Chemicals Division
Power & Infrastructure Services Division
Finance, Leasing & Real Estate Business Division
Aerospace & Mobility Division
IT Solutions Division
Next Generation Business Development Division
Next Generation Corporate Development Division
Pursue Digital Transformation with Marubeni
Marubeni Group by the Numbers
Management Policy
Earnings Releases & Financial Information
Stock Information
Sustainability Website
The Marubeni Group's Social Contribution Activities
Advertisements and Videos
Advertisements
Marubeni Institute
Company Profile
Print
Marubeni has entered into a partnership agreement with Solvang ASA (hereinafter
and commenced joint operation of an ammonia carrier “MV Clipper Neptun”
Overview and Distinguishing FeaturesSolvang is a leading player in ammonia seaborne transportation with a 10% share in the global volume of shipments and extensive knowledge and experience in the field
Marubeni formulated its long-term climate change vision in March 2021 and has positioned its green strategy as one of the basic policies for enhancing corporate value in its Mid-Term Management Strategy
As a pioneer in establishing a low-carbon ammonia supply chain from development and manufacturing to sales
Marubeni has been contributing to Japan’s energy security and developing businesses to decarbonize the country
With Marubeni’s participation in the field of transportation of ammonia
a clean energy source for which demand is expected to grow
we will contribute to the stable supply of ammonia around the world
BackgroundThe Japanese government anticipates that domestic demand for low-carbon fuel ammonia will reach three million tons in 2030 and 30 million tons in 2050
and has set a goal of establishing a domestic and overseas supply chain through Japanese companies of 100 million tons of ammonia by 2050
with the volume of ammonia seaborne transportation set to increase in the near future
Marubeni will deepen its knowledge of ammonia transportation and contribute to the establishment of a global low-carbon fuel ammonia value chain and global climate change mitigation measures in the medium to long term
Back
And the 2025 award for "Best Small Town in the West" goes to Solvang
A USA Today panel compiled a list of the 10 best small towns in the region and asked its readers to rank them all
“The Danish Capital of America” came out on top
USA Today’s 10 Best also awarded Solvang the No
saying “Solvang is one of California's most unique towns
and legendary wines from the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley.”
Pismo Beach came out on top for the "Best Small Coastal Town in the US."
The California Nature Art Museum in Solvang is currently housing a sculpture of a huge troll
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is visiting from abroad with his team to complete the piece
"I always hope that when people come and see my work that they will understand like how many big and amazing things that we can build from our trash," Dambo said
it's made from old wine barrels and from pallets and from construction timber that came from the local landfill and then some dunnage wood from the local hardware store and all of that together has become this sculpture."
Dambo has made more than 150 trolls and they can be found around the world in 17 countries
His troll in Solvang is slated to go on display this Sunday
Firefighters worked to put out a fire that broke out at a Solvang restaurant Monday night
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reports the call came in at 8:24 p.m
for the fire at Solvang Brewing Company on the 1500 block of Mission Drive
Fire officials say they searched the building but did not find anyone inside
According to hours listed on the restaurant’s website
the business is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Flames were knocked down after about 50 minutes and were reportedly contained to a portion of the attic and outside of the building
The cause of the fire is under investigation
Calls to the restaurant did not go through Tuesday morning
The Solvang Brewing Company restaurant on 1500 block of Mission Drive is temporarily closed after a fire in the back part of the building caught fire
gutting the kitchen and causing minimal smoke damage in the bar/dining room area
According to Santa Barbara County Fire PIO Scott Safechuck
county firefighters responded to a 1st alarm structure fire at the business at 8:24 p.m
Crews were able to get the fire knocked down by 9:16
Solvang Brewing Company owner Steve Renfro said a couple days later that the fire was caused by a bag of cleaning rags that spontaneously combusted while sitting behind the business
“We had close early that night because it was slow,” Renfro said
“We cleaned up and left about 6:15 p.m
I got a call about 8:20 telling me the building was on fire
Later we looked at security footage and saw the rags catch fire.”
Renfro said that while the kitchen was heavily damaged and would have to be redone
there are no issues at the front of the building
and smoke damage in the dining room was “minimal.”
who has been cooperating with city officials on recovery
is planning to get the business open “on some level” as soon as possible
“We can’t use the kitchen for a while
but we’ll still be able to serve drinks
and I’m looking into leasing a food trailer so we can serve food to our customers,” he said
“This is devastating to all involved,” Renfro continued
“I just want to get operating on some level because we have a lot of good employees who we need to get back to work so they can pay their bills
I’m just trying to stay positive.”
Solvang Brewing Company also has a location in Lompoc
Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress
A woman was airlifted to the hospital after crashing into a building in Solvang on Friday
the vehicle was traveling between 35-40 mph when the driver crashed through a fence and into the building
Fire officials say the woman suffered major injuries
Her teenage passenger was reportedly uninjured but taken to the hospital by ambulance
The building sustained some exterior damage
Calif.- A large fire broke out Thursday night at a vacant restaurant that used to be the site of Sear Steakhouse on Fourth Place near Copenhagen Drive.The second-alarm fire was first reported at approximately 8:03 p.m
Video on social media shows a large plume of smoke and flames that could be seen blocks away
Firefighters were able to knock the fire down by 8:20 p.m
and prevented flames from spreading to adjacent buildings
according to public information officer Karen Cruz-Orduña of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.People in the nearby Osteria Grappolo restaurant were evacuated while firefighters got the blaze under control
Crews are expected to remain on scene for a few hours for mop up and overhaul
No one was injured in the fire and the cause is under investigation
Solvang will soon have its own "troll" installed at the California Nature Art Museum
Renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo has been commissioned to create what the museum calls in a press release "its most ambitious project to date": the first permanent giant troll in California
Museum officials say Dambo is known for using recycled materials to create large
adding in a press release that the commissioned project "will quickly become a major visitor attraction in the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond."
California Nature Art Museum Executive Director Stacey Otte-Demangate told KSBY that organizers hope the art piece will be a staple of the Central Coast
"I think it's going to be such an amazing tourist attraction for our whole community
People travel all over the world to go find his trolls
He creates troll maps so people can find them
and I think it's just going to be a real boon
to our whole community," Otte-Demangate said
The museum has reportedly raised $120,000 to build the troll and still needs another $180,000 to complete the campaign
Officials say they are also looking for dozens of old pallets and barrels to assist in the troll's construction
The California Nature Art Museum has more information about the upcoming project on its website
Known as the "Danish Capital of America," Solvang's cuisine and architecture have turned it into a popular tourist destination
And while the temperature in December rarely dips below 70 degrees in central California, Solvang has continued to earn spots on lists like "The Most Magical Christmas Towns in the US."
With Christmas just around the corner, I decided to plan a weekend in Solvang — and was transported to Europe
Founded in 1911 by three Danish immigrants, Solvang was christened with the Danish word for "sunny field" (very appropriate for the Golden State) and attracted Danish settlers from the US and abroad, according to Elverhøj
Denmark has long been a leading force in wind power and renewable energy, and at one point there were thousands of windmills scattered across the country
Solvang pays tribute to that history with its own windmills
You'll find four within four blocks of each other
and they make for popular photo opportunities for tourists
while another makes a picturesque backdrop for the town's brewery
Solvang is all about "hygge," which is not so much a Danish word as it is a national mood
Hygge is about embracing coziness and warmth
like a cup of hot chocolate with your family or cuddling on the couch while watching "The Holiday."
Walking around Solvang at night and seeing its windmills light up the little town
I couldn't help but think of that word and feel its spirit — even in my sundress and flip-flops
The charming inns and small boutique hotels are named after the likes of Hamlet and King Frederik or Danish towns like Copenhagen
Everything from the restaurants and shops to the public restrooms and bus stops has Denmark's distinct bindingsvaerk architecture
making you feel like you're in a different era — or at least outside of the US
though I did spot a Subway and Domino's with very subtle signage
who came along on my trip after Thanksgiving
We made it our mission to find all the imitations of famous Danish landmarks recreated in Solvang
which pays tribute to Danish author Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale of the same name
a re-creation of the 17th-century tower that still stands in Copenhagen
done in the style of a 1915 Danish streetcar
And a number of buildings featured wooden storks — a symbol of happiness — on their rooftops
I have yet to visit Denmark, so I loved spending the weekend trying the Danish food in Solvang
I decided to have lunch at Solvang Restaurant
where my family tried the ham and Tilsit cheese sandwich
and ate the Flaeskesteg (roast pork stuffed with prunes) and Frikadeller (pan-fried Danish pork meatballs) — two words I'd never heard of before this trip — along with the Wienerschnitzel
Our plates often came packed with red cabbage and potatoes and were always loaded with gravy
The food at Bit O'Denmark was especially delicious
and the gravy was so good I want it at every Thanksgiving dinner
Five authentic Danish bakeries are within five blocks of each other
making it extremely easy (and tempting) to indulge in the many incredible pastries on offer
The Kringle Slice was so perfectly flaky that it instantly melted on my tongue
while the Princess Mocha had a crunchy and sweet stroopwafel base with a deliciously light mocha cream stuffed inside
fluffy Danish desserts often topped with raspberry jam and powdered sugar
They're a lot like doughnut holes but better
Solvang Restaurant is well-known for its version of aebleskivers
and there's almost always a line of people waiting to grab some from its to-go window
According to the bakery's website, members of the Kardashian clan are regulars
and Kris have all posted their gingerbread houses on social media
Solvang Bakery sells customized gingerbread houses
along with those you can decorate yourself
You can also buy individual gingerbread men (I tried one
traditional Danishes in a variety of flavors
The only thing there might be more of in Solvang than pastries are the hundreds of stockings
and Nutcrackers you can find for sale throughout the year
It seemed like every other window I walked by had a display of smiling Santas
every shop blasted either the "Frozen" soundtrack or Christmas carols
Walking into Jule Hus — which has been open for more than 50 years and celebrates Christmas every day — felt magical with over a dozen Christmas trees
The store was full of people happily debating which ornaments to buy for themselves or their loved ones
"We're always in the spirit here," I heard one of the store's employees tell a customer
Santa's Village is held in the town's main park every Saturday in December
and there are holiday food tours every weekend
there were already Christmas trees sprinkled throughout the town
the town sparkled with fairy lights strung through the trees and across storefronts
The "Nisse Adventure" is part of Julefest and is another feature of Solvang that gives the town some of that European Christmas magic (and lets you win special prizes)
I couldn't help but yelp with excitement when I spotted the nisse relaxing on this tree in the backyard of the Elverhøj museum
I loved how much Solvang is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen
Just look at this entrance to the park bearing his name
There are also references to his fairy tales throughout town
from the Little Mermaid statue to beautiful murals of "The Princess and the Pea" and "Thumbelina" on the walls of Solvang Restaurant
which was mentioned in numerous travel blogs I read about Solvang
The boutique hotel — which has only 12 guest rooms — felt like an intimate bed and breakfast
each room is decorated with a distinctive decor and ambiance
Mine had lovely blue-and-white printed wallpaper that made the room feel light despite being on the first floor
Paula's Pancake House seemed to be the most popular restaurant in Solvang
as there was always a huge crowd waiting to try the restaurant's famous Danish pancakes
As an enormous pancake was set before me in the old-school diner-style restaurant
My pancakes — topped with fresh strawberries and even fresher whipped cream — were thin and crispy
Each bite immediately transported me back to a breakfast I'd had over 10 years ago in Amsterdam
So much about Solvang reminded me of trips to Europe
and I have no doubt it's one of the most Christmas-loving places you'll find in the US
The affordable shops and free holiday activities are perfect for families
while the delicious food and 15 different wine-tasting rooms could definitely keep you occupied on a weekend away with friends
Several wildfires are burning in Southern California
Thousands of homes were destroyed by the flames and more than 150,000 people have evacuated
KSBY News spoke to people from Los Angeles County who chose to evacuate in the Santa Ynez Valley as the devastation from the wildfires continues to impact thousands of lives
“We just needed to get out before we got any evacuation warnings,” said Amy
Amy told KSBY News she decided to quickly pack her bags to escape the wildfires surrounding her community in Los Angeles County
The Palisades Fire and Kenneth Fire are not too far from where she lives
She told me it was taking a toll on her and her husband’s health
“We're getting a lot of smoke in our apartment and we're on the top floor,” said Amy
My husband's dealing with a health issue as well
so it's just impacting the way he was handling the day.”
While thousands of people have been displaced from the wildfires
Amy tells us she has family and friends who have lost everything
“Driving through the thick of it—just like really hits you differently,” said Amy
It's really depressing to see that and to know how many
I have lots of friends that lost homes and family members that lost homes and hearing their stories has been heartbreaking.”
is staying in Solvang with his family and says wildfires in California are quite common
“We see this almost every year,” said Decker
But this time it was in areas that are bad
I saw the Getty Center as the fires raging towards the Getty Center
Just thinking of all that art that would get destroyed
All the homes that were in Palisades that were just obliterated.”
says he chose to get away from the area due to the conditions
Christmas is over now it’s time to throw away the trees — or burn them
Friday night was the 33rd annual Christmas Tree Burn in Solvang
Hundreds of community members all threw their Christmas trees into a pile to be burned by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
It’s one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the Central Coast as hundreds looked on in a tradition that brings the holiday to a close
"Like 15 seconds!" Henry Sweeney and Mason Elliott said in unison
That's how long they lasted up at the front of the crowd for the Christmas tree burning
along with hundreds of other locals and tourists
gathered around a large pile of Christmas trees
and it was just a way to get rid of our tree and make it easy," said Marco Gomez
"As you can see we got a few accumulated already
The pile of trees was lit just before 6 p.m
fire officials demonstrated some fire safety tips for the crowd
"We want to show the importance of fire safety in and around your home," said Cpt
Time Gailey with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
"Make sure that you get the tree out of the house if it's still in the house before it gets too dry," said Gailey
Event organizers anticipated around 1,500 people to attend the event
and then obviously we want to show people how to be safe with their Christmas tree," said Jenny McClurg
Gailey says that if you don't have a tree-burning ceremony like this near you
there are other alternatives to getting rid of your Christmas tree
"We encourage families to just use the green waste bin," said Gailey
"Or if they have the ability to mulch the tree
they can also use a mulcher and use that as ground cover."
Authorities are investigating after a structure fire in central Solvang prompted a nearby evacuation Thursday evening
Santa Barbara County Fire officials say they were called to 4th Place and Copenhagen Drive at 8:04 p.m
firefighters were reportedly met with smoke and fire coming from the vacant building that used to be Sear Steakhouse
Cause is under investigation. CT. 8:04 p.m. (3/3) pic.twitter.com/iO3aXd9cbG
Although officials say the fire did not extend to adjacent buildings
patrons and staff in the nearby Italian restaurant Osteria Grappolo were evacuated
The cause of the blaze is reportedly under investigation
Three candidates are vying for the mayoral seat in Solvang – Jamie Baker
results show that Brown is in the lead with 60.71% of voters in his favor
Baker is the current runner-up with 25.41% of votes; 13.49% of voters are in favor of El Amin so far
County representatives report that 0.39% of ballots had a write-in candidate
Nearly half of the total ballots have been counted
Baker said his priorities as mayor would be water
maintaining city revenue to avoid raising taxes
and revitalizing the city’s arts and culture scene
he would seek to improve traffic flow through downtown and renegotiate city contracts
El Amin did not respond to KSBY's requests for an interview
Click here for more election results.
especially if you’re the type who loves the New Orleans-themed parts of Disneyland or the aesthetic stylings of beat-up mini golf courses
But it has been a long time since anyone would call it trendy; the Danish royal family hasn’t even visited since 2011
Here are all of the best things to do in the revitalized Solvang
the dozens of ostriches and emus are pretty gross
and they’re so weird looking and huge and used to being fed by gawping humans—when else will you get this damn close to one
We all get to be rubes and marks every once in a while
The gorgeous oak woodland park spans 85 acres
with plenty of picnic tables and places to toss a blanket
It's a quick mile-long trail that hops back and forth across a lovely creek before it runs into the 80-foot waterfall
a mossy cascade of clear water down jagged rock
Pork Chop Schnitzel at Peasants Feast | Photo by Ben Mesirow for ThrillistEat, drink, and sleep: Where to eat in SolvangAny discussion of Solvang’s new guard has to start with Peasants Feast
The married couple ownership duo of chef Michael Cherney and general manager Sarah Cherney opened their dream restaurant at perhaps the worst possible time in recent history
and a visit to Peasants Feast immediately clarifies how they did—the food is spectacular
and a rotating specials board using fresh ingredients
They lean on interesting riffs on classics like Pastrami Smoked Salmon or Solvang Hot Chicken
and if you happen to catch a sandwich or taco made with local fish
which more than lives up to the lofty standard set by their lunch menu
but early highlights include mainstays like a Pork Chop Schnitzel and an unorthodox and delicious Sunflower Seed Risotto
But Peasant’s Feast isn’t the only excellent restaurant in town. Another pandemic opening has been pushing the scene forward: the modern Central Coast-style steakhouse Coast Range
Anything from their excellent grill is worth a try
and all of the steakhouse classics are well-executed
but don’t overlook their more adventurous and often rotating sides and appetizers
The Fritto Misto comes with Thai Chili Sauce and Furikake Aioli
the Creamed Corn comes with Jalapeño and Cotija
and the Ahi Tuna Crudo gets a hit of habanero mixed in with Yuzu Kosho
with a cocktail list divided into sections of takes on classics like Negronis
Photo by Ben Mesirow for ThrillistWhere to drink in SolvangIf you want to enjoy Coast Range’s food in an even more casual setting, Draughtsmen Aleworks is just next door and has a special bar menu from the neighboring restaurant
or a Brat Dog with housemade sauerkraut to go with Draughtsmen’s very solid beer
The brews run the stylistic gamut from a Rice Lager to an Imperial Russian Stout
but they lean on the lighter side of the alcohol by volume spectrum
a finer touch well suited to a long evening hanging out and playing games on their stylish and expansive patio
Morning drinkers have choices too—Good Seed Coffee Boutique opened a few years ago with an outstanding espresso drink program featuring their own beans
They also have a selection of organic baked goods and a particularly excellent selection of long-fermented heritage-grain sourdough bread
which they serve as toast or as whole loaves available for pre-order
It sounds a little bit like hipster mad libs
many of which are available for rent through your app of choice
and the area is also awash with adequate hotels and motels
most of which carry the standard Danish facade over totally average and mostly acceptable interiors
But in its class, The Landsby is a rare standout. They’ve taken the Scandinavian thought but pushed it toward minimalist modern design, with blonde wood and white walls, dark accents, and a big outdoor courtyard. Mad & Vin
and the lobby bar stays open until 11 pm on weekends—one of the later last calls in the sleepy town
the for-purchase bottle of wine they cleverly stock in the mini bar is solid and generally reasonably priced
And more hotel renovations are underway—in the next couple of years
the lodging options could look very different
Ventura County’s Mountain wildfire and other Southern California blazes have focused new attention on fire preparedness
The City of Solvang is looking at what’s being done
and what can be done to prepare the community for disasters
The more we think about it ahead of time and take steps to prepare
the more we are ready," said Olivia Uribe Mutal
who is the City of Solvang’s Public Information Officer
"It's really about emergency responders doing the groundwork
and then us taking steps as individuals to protect ourselves
While the theme of the community meeting is wildfire preparedness
the idea is to ready for all kinds of disasters
The Town Hall is at 5:30 Tuesday night at Solvang City Hall
The city is hoping to get a federal grant to develop a comprehensive disaster plan.