A vandal, who politely included “please” while defacing a building, expressed apparent frustration at the stalled construction for a whimsical development in downtown Solvang. 

The white chapel building at the boutique hotel under construction at the corner of Mission Drive and Alisal Road has three simple words — “Finish This Please!” — with an artistic flourish under the lettering.

The words in black paint stand out against the white structure that currently sits behind a chain link fence at 1704 Mission Drive.

City of Solvang officials issued a statement on social media, vowing to nab the vandal or vandals.

“We are coordinating closely with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office to review available surveillance footage and identify those responsible,” the city statement said. 

“This type of behavior will not be tolerated. Vandalism is unlawful, costly to taxpayers and property owners, and undermines constructive civic dialogue.

“We appreciate our community’s partnership in helping keep Solvang safe, respectful and welcoming for all.”

Anyone with any information that may assist in the investigation, including photos, video or eyewitness accounts, can contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office or reach out directly to the city at pio@cityofsolvang.com, the city said. 

Anonymous tips to the Sheriff’s Office, which serves as the Solvang police department, can be submitted online.

The nine-unit hotel that boasts several small cottages plus a meeting room designed as a Danish chapel stalled amid a dispute between Ed St. George and Solvang after the developer veered from approved plans. 

The city issued a stop work order last summer citing violations of “federal, state and local laws.”

Months later, St. George filed a lawsuit in Santa Barbara County Superior Court against the city and employees. 

He asked the court to rescind the stop work order, contending the city had no legal or factual basis to halt construction. St. George also argued that the order put him in a Catch-22 situation.

The vandalism occurred as the city’s attorneys filed Solvang’s response to St. George’s complaint in Superior Court this week.

“According to petitioner’s own allegations, the city found that petitioner’s project deviated from the approved plans by failing to provide for disability and ADA compliant access, deviating from the approved electrical plans, eliminating the stormwater control plan, and deviating aesthetically from what was initially approved,” the city’s legal filing said. 

Solvang also contended that St. George did not exhaust his administrative appeal remedies, that the developer lacked a valid legal claim, and asked the judge to dismiss the case. 

A hearing in the case is scheduled for April 21 before Santa Maria Judge James Rigali.