The House Committee on Natural Resources voted on July 12 to clear HR-1157, a bill that would allow the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to take a 1,400-acre parcel called Camp 4 into federal trust. Camp 4 has created tension between the tribe—which already owns the land but claims it’s necessary to put into […]
BRENNA SWANSTON
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A place to grow: Locals without enough space at home find a plot of their own at the Santa Maria Community Garden
Nestled in the corner of Alice Trefts Park in Santa Maria sits a slice of heaven for those with green thumbs: the Santa Maria Community Garden. On a sunny Thursday afternoon, you might find Deanne Woodward strolling among the garden’s blooming flowers and burgeoning greens, tending after her own plot and potentially her boyfriend’s, as […]
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So much wine, so little time: Sip your way through the rest of summer with wine parties on the Central Coast
Hey guys. I’ve got some bad news: Summer is one-third over. If you’re anything like me, that news brings to mind a flurry of panic: But my body’s still not summer ready! or But I still haven’t started on that summer reading list! or But what happened to all that wine tasting I was going […]
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Local voices respond to police-involved shootings
July 5: A police officer shot and killed 37-year-old Alton Sterling, a black man, in Baton Rouge, La. Involved officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II have been placed on paid administrative leave while the Justice Department investigates the shooting, the Advocate reported. July 6: Police officer Jeronimo Yanez shot and killed 32-year-old Philando Castile, […]
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MS-13 gang indictments include 10 first-degree murder counts
The Santa Barbara criminal grand jury issued two separate indictments against 17 MS-13 gang members on July 8, according to a press release from the Santa Barbara County District Attorney (DA). The indictments cover the suspected MS-13 members and associates who were arrested during Operation Matador, the March 3 Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) operation […]
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Natural gas regulations may affect La Goleta site
La Goleta natural gas storage field may see some regulation changes under new permanent rules introduced by the Department of Conservation (DOC) on July 8. These new rules will replace the strict emergency regulations placed on gas storage facilities in February, following a massive methane leak at Aliso Canyon in Los Angeles County. Those emergency […]
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Lompoc organization to provide resources for local caregivers
Lompoc caregivers will start receiving more resources to help them assist their senior loved ones with household tasks and personal care, thanks to the Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVCHO). LVCHO is aiming to assist caregivers through an awareness campaign called Caring Together Lompoc, a caregiver resources hub, and targeted education and outreach programs. These […]
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Lake Cachuma releases water to recharge Santa Ynez groundwater resources
Lake Cachuma’s Bradbury Dam began releasing water into the Santa Ynez River on July 12, per the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District’s request. The released water will recharge groundwater basins along the river, which provide water for cities, towns, and farms in the area. The release—which is expected to last about two months, according […]
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Wait–why am I eating this? A critical analysis of the foods Instagram keeps convincing me to buy
I’m a privileged social media-addicted millennial, and as such I often find myself doing stuff for basically no reason except that I keep seeing other people doing it on Instagram. I wear high-waisted pants and I use Snapchat and I eat acai bowls and I drink kombucha and sometimes I say “v.” instead of “very”—why? […]
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The white girl’s guide to pan dulce
This week’s Eats idea—an exploration of Mexican pastries—came at the suggestion of my editor. But you, my dear reader, deserve full disclosure: I know close to nothing about Mexican baked goods, and though I did my best, I’m not sure I can provide you with the most cultured analysis of them (hence this article’s title). […]
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Environment beats economy in Orcutt Hill oil debate
Pacific Coast Energy Company had big plans for Orcutt Hill. Since February of 2014, the company had been pushing to add 96 new cyclic steaming wells to the site, which would have doubled the number of wells on Orcutt Hill. For a while, the plans ran smoothly—Pacific Coast Energy (PCEC) gave a presentation to the […]
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Grand Jury report puts spotlight on ethics at Lompoc school district
A Santa Barbara County grand jury investigation into the Lompoc Unified School District’s (LUSD) Board of Education has revealed inadequate financial controls and oversight of staff, as well as an apparent conflict of interest. The grand jury began its investigation in response to complaints regarding a “perceived conflict of interest” involving LUSD board member Bill […]