Santa Ynez Stars - Part Three

Santa Ynez has several different kind of stars. The last two posts have discussed celestial stars and "star" flowers. It has at least one other sort of star: celebrities. Santa Ynez is only two hours north of Hollywood by car and also has a private airport that will accomodate large twin engine planes and some executive jets.

Maybe you recognize these two: John Corbett (Aidan from Sex and the City) and Bo Derek. Bo lived here in Woodstock Ranch until her husband John Derek died, then moved to another home in the Santa Ynez Valley. She and John are often seen in shops in one of the Valley's towns: Santa Ynez itself, Solvang or Los Olivos. I last ran into them at Home on the Range, a clothing/jewelry/home decor store at the corner of Edison and Sagunto in Santa Ynez.

Other resident actors include Noah Wylie, Cheryl Ladd, John Forsythe, Ed Ames and Fess Parker. "Resident" may be a misnomer as some have primary residences here and others have second homes. A few of these folks are mature enough that it's fair to describe their houses as "retirement homes."

Actress/model Kelly Lebrock and her husband Steven Segal had a home in the Valley. They split and Steven decamped. A remarkable horsewoman, Kelly has a local ranch with extensive equestrian facilities.

The music world has its representatives, too. David Crosby of Crosby, Still, Nash & Young lives in the Valley. A less recognizable name but a lyricist whose words are remembered around the world is Bernie Taupin, Elton John's composing partner.

During training season, Lance Armstrong can be spotted in the Valley. He and his team use the road over Figueroa Mountain as conditioning for the Tour de France or the Amgen Tour of California.

I'm sure other celebrities frequent the Valley but have managed to stay below the radar.