The decision to switch ambulance providers in Santa Barbara County was the single most important vote Bob Nelson has made as a supervisor, the 4th District representative told the Sun. “I can’t imagine too many more votes I’ll have that will have more consequences than this. It really means a new era of public safety…
The U.S. Department of Labor found that Santa Maria labor contractor Rancho Nuevo Harvesting Inc. violated H-2A agricultural worker program regulations and ordered the company to pay more than $1 million in back wages and penalties. The H-2A agricultural worker program allows agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of workers to bring nonimmigrant, foreign workers…
Without police departments of their own, four cities along the Central Coast depend on the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services. The current contracts between Solvang, Buellton, Goleta, and Carpinteria and the Sheriff’s Office expire on Sept. 29, leading each city to consider new terms laid out by the county before entering…
Environmental organizations recently appealed a federal judge’s ruling in favor of the U.S. Forest Service’s Pine Mountain chaparral removal project to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Known as the Reyes Peak Forest Health Project, the Los Padres National Forest project would remove chaparral and trees across 755 acres that extend along Pine Mountain…
• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) announced the Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Community Inclusion act, legislation that would help make sure the federal government accurately recognizes the experiences and needs of members of MENA communities, according to a Sept. 22 statement from the senator’s office. This bill would help make…
Between now and mid-October, locals can give their two cents on a multi-year economic plan for the Central Coast designed to bring in and support a wide range of industries throughout the region. The plan was developed by the Regional Economic Action Coalition (REACH), a nonprofit organization with the goal of growing economic prosperity in…
It sounds like the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is taking the four cities it contracts with for a ride! Must be nice to be able to increase the rates that cities pay for through their respective contracts but not really give them the data they’re asking for. This issue first came up as part…
Ten years ago, when the Sierra Club joined with marine sanctuary advocates in advocating for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, we were all very clear: There is a “doughnut hole” in California’s marine sanctuaries. The Channel Islands sanctuary covers that environmental gem off the Santa Barbara Channel; the Monterey Bay sanctuary reaches down to…
Although neither a birder nor an ornithologist, I am a fan of The Canary opinion column in the Santa Maria Sun. It’s snappy and entertaining. But recently it bordered on the bird-brained (Aug. 24, “On the record”). This bird looks and sounds yellow. It ought not to quake and quiver. Refuse to be caged by…
Back in time The Lost City Celebration, commemorating the centennial of The Ten Commandments, kicks off on Oct. 6 at Edwards Barn in Nipomo, 1095 Pomeroy Road, with a VIP dinner. On Oct. 7, the centennial will be honored during the Central Coast Entertainment Expo at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo…
Cambria-based concert violinist Brynn Albanese will perform at Temple Beth El in Santa Maria on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 3 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Temple. Admission is $18 in advance or $25 at the door (cash and checks will be accepted at the door, but not credit or debit cards). Doors…
Authors, bloggers, screenwriters, and other writers in various fields—whether they’re established or aspiring—are invited to attend the 39th annual Central Coast Writers’ Conference, an upcoming one-day expo of writing workshops. The goal of the event is to “provide a nurturing yet challenging environment for creatives to take their craft to the next level,” according to…
Golda What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Glen? Full price What’s it worth, Anna? Full price Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo Guy Nattiv (Strangers, The Flood, Skin) directs Helen Mirren as Golda Meir, Israel’s fourth prime minister, who led the country from 1969 to 1974, including through the 1973…
El Conde What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Netflix Pablo Larraín (Spencer, Jackie, Neruda) directs this comedy-horror-historical satire that reenvisions fascist Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet (Jaime Vadell) as a 250-year-old vampire who says he’s finally ready to die, much to the delight of his wife, Lucia (Gloria Münchmeyer), and his five greedy,…
Expend4bles What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Fair Oaks Arroyo Grande, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Scott Waugh (Act of Valor, Need for Speed) directs this fourth installment in the Expendables franchise, a series of comedic action flicks about a group of mercenaries. Its gimmick has…
On call Visit lasagnalove.org/request if you need piping hot lasagna delivered to your doorstep. Volunteer to cook and deliver lasagnas at lasagnalove.org/get-involved. Keep up with Lasagna Love on Instagram @wearelasagnalove. If you got your heart broken or lost your job and don’t know how to cover rent, you should definitely have some lasagna. That’s California…
