Following up on its 2011 endorsement of cameras in all county patrol vehicles, the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury is recommending law enforcement allow public access to recordings obtained during incidents or arrests. In a report released June 1, the jury examined government code regarding citizens’ ability to view or listen to recordings captured by […]
JEREMY THOMAS
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Bill would hush state officials’ opposition to tribal fee-to-trust
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is formally opposing a bill in the state legislature that could impact the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ bid to annex 1,400 acres of tribal property under the federal fee-to-trust process. Since last year, the tribe members petitioned lawmakers for legislation allowing them to transfer property they […]
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Born to race
Santa Ynez Valley thoroughbred breeders and trainers get horses ready for the big time
Since 1976, Russell Drake has managed River Edge Farm in Buellton, at one time the No. 1 breeding farm for thoroughbred racehorses in California. In his plush office, photos of horses and their proud owners standing in the winner’s circle fill nearly all the space on his walls. Most of the champions—about 90 percent—were bred […]
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Growing opportunity
A Los Olivos school teaches self-reliance and life lessons through organic farm
Tucked away in the tawny-colored hillsides off Figueroa Mountain Road, just a quick jaunt from Michael Jackson’s old Neverland Ranch, rows of elephant garlic, tomatoes, and orchard peaches thrive in the near-summer heat. This plot of fertile land isn’t your typical garden. But, then again, the Midland School in Los Olivos isn’t your typical school. […]
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Top-secret space plane to land at Vandenberg
The unmanned X-37B military space plane, engaged in a top-secret Air Force mission for the past 15 months, is expected to land at Vandenberg Air Force Base by mid-June, base officials said. According to a statement issued by Vandenberg, preparations are underway for a landing at the base, though the exact date and time will […]
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Lompoc clarifies sex offender residency laws
A new city ordinance took effect in Lompoc on June 1, intended to reinforce Jessica’s Law requirements and keep registered sex offenders from living near places where children congregate. The Lompoc City Council passed the ordinance on April 17, in response to a similar clarification of sex offender residency laws taken up by the Santa […]
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Congressional candidates Capps and Maldonado move on to a November runoff
The anticipated showdown between two Central Coast political heavyweights for the 24th U.S. Congressional District became reality when polls closed June 5, as Rep. Lois Capps and Abel Maldonado finished first and second, respectively, in primary voting. In a closely watched race, the incumbent Capps, who has represented the district since 2003, fared well in […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Requiem for a team
After 65 years in Santa Maria, the Indians relocate to SLO County
One baseball era in Santa Maria is over, while another, 50 miles up the highway, is just beginning. The Indians, founded in 1944 and the oldest semipro franchise in California, are saying goodbye to Santa Maria, and hello to San Luis Obispo County, where they’ve been resurrected as the North County Indians. The Indians announced […]
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In hot water?
The state’s accusing a Santa Barbara couple of fraud in countywide cleanups
The husband and wife owners of a Santa Barbara environmental firm are facing felony charges after the California Attorney General’s Office accused them of overcharging and defrauding the state’s water quality agency. On May 10, the Attorney General’s Office filed a criminal complaint in Santa Barbara County Superior Court against Kurt and Julie Hayden, co-owners […]
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Santa Maria high school superintendent leaving?
The superintendent of the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District could be vacating his post for another job at the end of the school year. Doug Kimberly told the Sun he was on a short list of candidates for a superintendent position at an unspecified district in Southern California, though the decision hadn’t been […]
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An inmate’s suicide prompts the grand jury to make safety recommendations for Santa Barbara County jail
The Santa Barbara County Grand Jury is recommending changes to the county jail’s safety procedures, in response to the 2011 suicide of an inmate housed in isolation. Last July, jail guards discovered 29-year-old Juan Rodriguez-Zepeda asphyxiated in his “safety cell,” a plastic bag tied over his head with fabric torn from his mattress. The inmate […]
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Washington or bust
The candidates for the new 24th congressional district face off to see who’s best to represent
The rules have changed. With redistricting drastically changing the shape and political makeup of the 24th U.S. Congressional District, combined with the state’s new open primary laws, the June 5 election has all the makings of a classic showdown. Four candidates are vying for a shot at moving on to November’s general election. Only two […]