Training a dog is 70 percent about teaching the human and 30 percent about teaching the canine, Ember Leash Dog Training owner Skylar McClellan said. “It’s about consistency and bringing everybody together so that they are all being as consistent as possible with the way that they’re responding to their dog’s behaviors,” McClellan noted. “When […]
Emma Montalbano
Posted inNews
Care behind bars: Wellpath begins negotiations with county over jail health care, despite bankruptcy and personnel concerns
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently decided to allow the Sheriff’s Office to negotiate a new shorter-term contract with the current jail health care provider, despite voicing concerns about the company’s money troubles and ability to offer quality care. “Performance is the best indication of future results,” 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson told […]
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Community support fuels expansion of Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit
Before Santa Barbara County Deputy James Carovano reports for duty, he gets his partner ready for patrol by helping him put on his vest and opening the car door for him. His partner, Obi, is a 2-year-old German shepherd, trained in patrol, urban tracking, and narcotics detection. Carovano and Obi recently joined the Santa Barbara […]
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Lompoc YMCA Teen Activity Program continues to grow and empower local students
With more than 930 students involved, the Lompoc Family YMCA’s Teen Activity Program continues to grow and aims to provide a safe space for local teens to explore passions, build confidence, and prepare for the future. The Lompoc Family YMCA offers services like gym memberships, child care, and youth sports leagues. Nearly two years ago, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Lifelong Santa Maria resident advocates for community needs through volunteering
Fueled by deep passion rather than deep pockets, lifelong Santa Maria resident Sara Macdonald has devoted countless hours to volunteering and advocating for her local community. Macdonald currently serves in several volunteer roles, including president of the Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast regional representative for the California Poor People’s Campaign, and vice […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Air Force veteran now serves the local community through homemade sourdough
Bread and butter To see Urban Homesteadings’ offerings and place an order, visit urbanhomesteadings.com. For more updates and information, go to @urban_homesteading_with_cait on Instagram. For Urban Homesteadings owner Cait Casey, one of the greatest gifts of sourdough-making is that it can’t be rushed. In fact, from start to finish, one of her homemade loaves takes […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Strange Family Vineyards opens new tasting room in Los Olivos, blending wine, botanicals, and family values
Bubbles and botanicals Call (805) 315-3662 or visit strangefamilyvineyards.com for more info on Strange Family Vineyards. The tasting room, located at 2933 Grand Ave. in Los Olivos, is open seven days a week. Reservations are recommended but not required. Born from a desire to reconnect with the land and grow something meaningful, Strange Family Vineyards […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local printmaker celebrates the state’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems in her California Wilds show at Lompoc’s Cypress Gallery
Prints to ponder The Lompoc Valley Art Association features block prints from local printmaker Angelina LaPointe until Jan. 26. Visit lompocart.org to find out more. The gallery is located at 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc. More of LaPointe’s artwork can be found on her Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/TheSidecarPress. With every deliberate carving and layer of […]
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Home base: Local students could soon earn four-year degrees at Allan Hancock College—but the program awaits CSU approval
For the 12 years Kevin Walthers has been with Allan Hancock College, he has tried to work with the California State University System to make obtaining four-year degrees an opportunity for students on the Santa Maria campus. He’s so close to making that long-awaited dream a reality. Hancock recently received provisional approval from the California […]
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Lompoc Unified School District invites the community to celebrate Dia de los Muertos
Marigolds, colorful paper banners, traditional foods, candles, and memories. These and other meaningful elements will come together to create a community altar at this year’s Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD) Dia de los Muertos event. The district invites community members to celebrate their ancestors and culture on Nov. 2 from 2 to 7 p.m. at […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
NEW FLICKS: Find Me Falling
Find Me Falling What’s it rated? TV-14 When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Harry Connick Jr. stars as John Allman, a grumpy, failing rock star looking for solace on the beautiful island of Cyprus, in this witty and charming second-chance romance. Allman escapes to a quaint house at the top of a cliff after a […]