Charlotte Dicke Becerra’s journey, from the vibrant streets of San Francisco to the serene rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, is a testament to a life dedicated to passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to community service. Her profound impact on this idyllic corner of California is immeasurable, stemming from a deep-seated love for horses and a genuine desire to enrich the lives of those around her.
Charlotte’s story began in the Bay Area, where her early education at Crystal Springs Uplands School laid the foundation for her future academic pursuits. She further honed her intellectual curiosity by earning a B.A. in Latin American Studies at UC Berkeley. However, it was her lifelong passion for horses that would ultimately guide her to the Santa Ynez Valley, a place she now proudly calls home. Her husband, Ramon Becerra, often lovingly remarks, “If there is a heaven, Santa Ynez is the gateway,” a sentiment that Charlotte deeply shares.
She first experienced the valley’s enchanting allure in 1993 during vacations spent horseback riding and working at Mortensen’s Danish Bakery in Solvang. This initial exposure ignited a connection that would endure. Following her graduation, Charlotte ventured into the world of publishing. She acquired a niche magazine, Conquistador: The World of Spanish Horses, which solidified her passion for the industry. Her career progressed through various roles in circulation for magazines in San Francisco and Los Angeles, where she earned recognition as a respected voice, even lecturing on internet direct marketing at conferences across North America. Yet, the magnetic pull of the Santa Ynez Valley never waned. In 2003, Charlotte returned, drawn by both her equestrian pursuits and love.
The year 2007 marked a significant personal milestone as she married Ramon Becerra, a renowned horse trainer, and the following year, they welcomed their daughter, Katherine. Despite these joys, life presented unforeseen challenges. The 2008 financial crisis necessitated the closure of her two award-winning magazines, Peruvian Horse Quarterly and Conquistador. This turning point shifted her focus towards raising her daughter and supporting Ramon’s ventures, including managing his saddle shop, Santa Ynez Saddlery, for five years. In 2017, Charlotte launched a new entrepreneurial chapter, opening her own boutique, Charlotte’s of Santa Ynez.
A Legacy of Volunteerism and Community Impact
Beyond her professional and personal endeavors, Charlotte’s tireless work as a community volunteer truly defines her legacy. Inspired by the advice, “If you want to make a difference in your life, act locally,” she has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to numerous local causes with boundless energy and unwavering commitment. Her volunteer résumé is remarkably extensive, including service on the boards of the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club, and the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Association. She has been instrumental in organizing major community events such as Old Santa Ynez Days and the Fourth of July Festival & Fireworks.
Charlotte’s deep connection to local history is evident in her long-standing involvement with the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, where she served four years on the Board of Directors and continues to contribute as an advisor and a member of the Vaquero Show committee. Her commitment extends beyond mere participation; she consistently goes above and beyond in every role, infusing her work with creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and a genuine passion for making a positive impact.
A prime example of her dedication is her work with student scholarships. As Youth Service chairwoman for the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary, Charlotte recognized a critical need for skilled trades workers. She spearheaded a new scholarship program to address this, meticulously managing every aspect from program creation to working with educators, developing applications, presenting to classrooms, and even designing backpacks filled with essential personal protective equipment for recipients. Her thoroughness is also evident in her role managing logistics, volunteers, vendors, and permits for the Old Santa Ynez Days event. As a board member of the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce, which functions as the de facto town council, she dedicates countless hours to addressing the community’s needs.
Inspiring a Stronger Community
Chris Urquidez, board president of the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, which will honor Charlotte as a 2024 Champion of the Valley, states, “Charlotte exemplifies the heart of our community through her unwavering enthusiasm and hands-on commitment. Her tireless work with community events, nonprofit organizations, and scholarships for youth reflects a deep passion for making a difference, inspiring others to follow her lead.”
What fuels this profound dedication? For Charlotte, the answer is simple: “This Valley is one of the most special places that I have ever known. It’s not just its fairy tale beauty but the people who reside here; I have never lived in an area with such a strong sense of community. So, in a nutshell, I do it because this Valley is worth it.” Her profound love for the Santa Ynez Valley and its people is the driving force behind her remarkable contributions.
The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, since 1995, has been dedicated to honoring exceptional local volunteers like Charlotte Becerra, whose commitment enriches the region and its inhabitants. The foundation’s mission focuses on grant-making to support health and human services, seniors, arts and culture, youth development, and education. Furthermore, their robust College Scholarship Program empowers ambitious local students, with over 60 students benefiting annually. Charlotte Dicke Becerra’s recognition as a 2024 Champion of the Valley is a fitting tribute to a woman who has not only embraced the Santa Ynez Valley but has actively worked to make it an even better place for all.
