Every episode I ask my guests to name people who they have come to respect or admire in this community. In Episode 1, Allan Jones mentioned that Boyd Bettencourt played a significant role in the planning commission several decades ago, which shaped our community through its zoning laws.  And while Boyd is no longer with us, Allan recommended I speak with his wife Claire.  

Claire Bettencourt was born on the Old College Ranch, which her family purchased in 1923. At 95 years old, she’s seen this community grow from mostly dairy farms and cattle ranches to vineyards and thriving towns.  With tremendous foresight and a touch of boldness, the Bettencourts planted the first commercial vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.    

Since the 50’s, the Bettencourts helped shape the community through their work with the Farm Bureau, 4H, and the Planning Commission.  Claire and I look back on her life in the Santa Ynez Valley in our wide-ranging conversation.