Alright, so I got the VANOS problem beat!
Turns out it was electrical. When I disconnected the solenoid I got a code for the tank evap valve, which is right next to the VANOS solenoid. Curious, I investigated and followed the wires into the wiring plenum on top the bank 1, where I found the wires for the two solenoids were smashed between the plastic housing and its lid, where they had rubbed over time enough to short together. I wouldn't have noticed before, because I bought this car with a blown engine so had never seen it running.
I suppose the ecu was talking to the tank solenoid and incidentally activating/deactivating the vanos solenoid, and vice versa. I fixed the wire issue and the light went off and has stayed off. The car runs great now.
I went and had the state inspection passed yesterday, and registered it this morning. Hooray!
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