Santa Barbara County Fair Guide 2023

Jul 6-16, 2023 / Vol. 24 / No. 19
Insurance companies are sending letters to homeowners across the state informing them that their homes will no longer be covered due to fire risk. With provider options shrinking and rates increasing, the state is offering residents who can’t find coverage the FAIR Plan. However, it can cost up to $5,400 a year for the policy […]

Cover Story

Too much risk

Stay informed For more information on insurance options and what to do if your carrier drops, visit uphelp.org. For more information on the California FAIR Plan visit cfpnet.com. Nicole Pratt couldn’t believe her eyes when she read the letter from her insurance company. Kemper said it was dropping her home insurance.  “We have lived and…

Octagon Barn holds Bootleg Ball to benefit the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center

On Saturday, July 15, the historic Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo will host the Bootleg Ball, a roaring ’20s-themed fundraiser with live jazz music, casino games, auctions, craft cocktails, wine, beer, and more. Proceeds of the event will benefit educational programming offered by the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center.  Visit dunescenter.org for more info on the…

BINGEABLE: Beef

Beef What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Netflix Amy (Ali Wong) and Danny (Steven Yeun) have more in common than either one could ever guess—namely, short fuses and a deep need for revenge. When road rage gets the better of the two strangers, the snowball that forms soon grows out of control. …

Supervisors amend county code to better protect renters

Toni Leon told the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors that she had an eviction notice taped to the front door of her apartment on March 16.  During the last few months, Leon said, she’s been looking for alternative housing that would meet her needs. As an elderly woman who has a medical issue, she’s…

County Planning Commission rejects appeal of Calynx cannabis cultivation

An appeal filed against the Calynx cannabis project in Cat Canyon was recently shot down by the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission. Lisa Bugrova, of The Lise Consulting, spoke at the Planning Commission’s June 28 meeting on behalf of the applicant Lawrence Epstein, whose proposed 2.52 acre cannabis operation was approved by the county last…

SYV Pride receives state, local recognition for LGBTQ-plus advocacy

Through months facing community backlash, advocating for the LGBTQ-plus community on local and international levels, and a second Pride flag theft in Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley (SYV) Pride came out on the other side with a very successful Pride month, Vice President Alyce Barrick said.  “This has probably been the most emotionally fulfilling month…

Political Watch: July 6, 2023

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein (both D-California) announced that California was awarded more than $1.8 billion in funding for broadband access through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, a key component of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to a June 26 statement from Padilla’s office. BEAD is a federal grant…

Ditch meat and save the climate

A new study reveals that the surge of disastrous wildfires in California is almost entirely due to the changing climate. So as Independence From Meat Day (July 4) draws near, let’s help to tame the flames with planet-friendly vegan food. Animal agriculture is a leading driver of the climate catastrophe. It’s responsible for copious amounts…

On your own

“You’re in good hands.” “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” “Let Prudential be your rock.” “Nationwide is on your side.” Man, all of these insurance company slogans are so reassuring. They really care! Do they, though? Capitalism says they only care as far as their bet to make a dollar rather than lose…

NEW FLICKS: Asteroid City

Asteroid City What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Now in their fifth go-around as co-writers, director Wes Anderson has reteamed with Roman Coppola (The Darjeeling Limited, Moonrise Kingdom, Isle of Dogs, The French Dispatch) to pen this meta story about Tennessee Williams-esque playwright…

Gallery Los Olivos presents Imaginings: An Exploration of Whimsy

A new duo show debuted at Gallery Los Olivos in early July and will remain on display through the end of the month. The exhibit, titled Imaginings: An Exploration of Whimsy, highlights a collection of oil paintings by Carol Simon and watercolor and ink works by Cathy Quiel. According to press materials, Simon is a…


Recent

Gift this article