Last week’s $450,000 pledge by the Buellton City Council toward construction of the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Complex was accompanied by a gauntlet toss: If Solvang would increase its June $450,000 pledge another $50,000, Buellton would do the same.

That would bring the total combined pledge from the cities to an even $1 million.

Monday, Solvang City Council members voted 4-1 to rise to that challenge, With Council Member Elizabeth Orona casting the lone dissenting vote, Solvang pledged an additional $50,000 in Measure U funds to the project.

They further challenged the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and other project beneficiaries to chip in or increase their pledges as well.

“The idea is that by the cities contributing half a million each, that the county and tribe wou

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