A former Buellton employee now serving on the City Council and earning the title of the community’s biggest cheerleader accepted an award recognizing his dedication over several decades. 

Councilmember John Sanchez received one of two awards announced Thursday morning at the State of the City presentation organized by the Buellton Chamber of Commerce.  

The Vincent B. Evans Award recognizes an individual who “really carries Buellton in their heart,” said Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the Buellton Chamber of Commerce. 

“He just did so much for our community,” Vreeland said of the late Evans, who previously owned and operated Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton including creating a small animal park at the site to attract visitors and attention to the small community.

The annual award recognizes a resident dedicated to Buellton like Evans, Vreeland said. 

Sanchez served the community while working first for the community services district and later the city once Buellton incorporated in 1992, putting in 37 years. 

“As an employee for 37 years, this individual loved what they did and enjoyed fixing any problem that would arise. I’m pretty sure he knows where every pipe is located, every sprinkler head exists and where one can find power throughout the city,” Vreeland said. 

“He probably knows more about sewage than any of us care to know,” Vreeland added. 

Sanchez retired from the city and a day later took the oath of office to serve on the City Council.

“He’s the city’s biggest cheerleader and is so proud to live and work here,” she added. 

As he sat with his wife, Karen, and Mayor Dave King, unknown to Sanchez, his children and grandchildren snuck into the room to see him accept the award. 

“It’s an honor to be part of the history of Buellton,” Sanchez said. “Thank you for the support. I’m really proud to be a part of this.”

During the event, Vega Vineyard & Farm received the Beautification Award recognizing businesses for efforts to make their sites “look nicer and make us proud,” Vreeland said.

Owners Jimmy and Karen Loizides purchased the former Mosby Winery and since have executed their vision for the business. 

“Vega Vineyard has gone through an amazing transformation where they have created a destination wine-tasting experience,” Vreeland said. 

In addition to wine tasting, the facility offers a complete menu with many items prepared with ingredients grown on the property, delivering what Vreeland called “truly a farm to table experience.”

They also host events, let visitors feed their farm animals, and created a new area for children to play and more.

“They’ve truly transformed the property into something magnificent for us all to enjoy,” Vreeland said. 

Loizides and his wife accepted the award.

“It means a lot to us because we have put our heart and soul into it… It’s been a labor of love and it seems to be working,” he added. 

Vega also will host the 2024 Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival this fall, Vreeland added. The 40th annual festival will take place Oct. 19, with tickets available for purchase by clicking here.