Solvang, California has always been a little different.
The “Danish Capital of America”, located in the valleys of the wine country, is also regularly voted as one of the most Christmas places in the United States.
But between the windmills and pastries, there is an air of rebellion brewing.
Solvang City Council voted unanimously to challenge the case CaliforniaThe latest Stay home orders. It won’t enforce things like ban eating outdoors.
The city says the emergency proposal aims to protect small businesses in a city dependent on tourism, especially during the holiday season.
Deputy Mayor Claudia Orona denied that Solvang was making a revolution.
“We are not calling on companies to break the law,” she told Sky News.
Solvang’s deputy mayor, Claudia Orona
“As a city, we believe that instead of levying and enforcing fines, we know that companies take responsibility and follow instructions and laws and our role is better directed to look for resources for education and safety.”
The city streets are usually bustling with tourists at this time of year.
On Copenhagen Road, along from the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, the numbers were low on Tuesday afternoon.
The so-called “Danish Capital of America” is regularly voted the most festive place in the United States
A handful of people sip their coffee and nibble at tables set up in the middle of a road that is now closed to traffic.
The mood among businesses is a cautious welcome to the city move.
The David Watts family opened Jule Hus, a year-round Christmas shop, more than 50 years ago.
“We cannot stop thinking about ourselves and rely only on the government’s thinking,” he said.
The city streets are usually busy at this time of year
“Of course, they can provide facts, statistics and suggestions. If we lean on unfair and unproven actions, we open ourselves up to more.”
The city indicated a decline Covid-19 Case numbers as justification for her action, but the surrounding county has it I mentioned record numbers this week.
And with Los Angeles only a two-hour drive away, there are concerns that an increase in visitors may increase the risk of the disease spreading.
Solvang says it wants to support the business during the holiday season
Michael Cope, owner of the High Roller Tiki Lounge, described the sights in town on Saturday.
“I just blew up with people. We were swept up with people who think everything is open. I tried to make it clear that this isn’t Las Vegas yet,” he said.
He faces losing his alcohol license if he breaks state rules, which he is unwilling to risk.
It is a symbol of the feeling in this little corner of California. They want to remain open, but not at any cost.
“Food practitioner. Music junkie. Avid troublemaker. Hipster-friendly creator. Social media lover. Wannabe pop culture fanatic.”
