Solvang City Council votes to write letter to state, asking for phased city reopening plan

SOLVNAG, Calif. - The Solvang City Council talked in a meeting Monday about how to help get the city's economy back up and running. They voted to write a letter to state officials, asking them to consider allowing the city to plan a phased reopening.

After over a month of the shelter at home order, several businesses are suffering across California and in Solvang. Several other cities and counties have also drafted letters to the state.

Most of the towns economy is in the tourism industry.

Hotels are mainly shut down except for essential travel. Retail shops are also closed. Restaurants who depend on tourists are struggling.

City officials said they want to be able to tell businesses what to plan for.

"What can we do, how can we set that up?" said Chip Wullbrandt, city attorney for the City of Solvang. "Can we have tables, you know, perhaps in the streets to provide social distancing? Should restaurants redesign in some way such as grocery stores have?"

Wullbrandt said that even if it's a slow process, the city would like to have guidance to start on a plan as soon as possible.

The Solvang City Council also voted to reopen city parks. The reopening of parks is still in line with the state shelter at home order.

City leaders emphasize they cannot reopen anything until the governor modifies his order.

Right now the whole Santa Ynez Valley, including Solvang, has just five cases. There have been no reports in weeks.