A coalition of organizations that serve the local homeless population is asking for donations to help with its Dec. 21 candlelight vigil at Santa Maria City Hall. The vigil, titled The Longest Night, happens on the shortest day of the year, explained lead coordinator Denise Manriquez, to serve as a reminder of the elements that […]
Joe Payne
Posted inNews
Wishes DO come true: Local nonprofits share the donations they need most
There are only a few days left in the year, all the precious hours that remain to give one last tax-deductible gift to your favorite local nonprofit. Organizations are in need this year, they told us. In the hopes of connecting benevolent readers and some of Northern Santa Barbara County’s nonprofits in need, the Sun’s […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Lady of Los Olivos: Theodora Stephan’s Global Gardens produces organic boutique olive oil from the Central Coast
It was already dark just before 6 p.m. as we cruised down the rural Los Olivos road, but thankfully it was glowing at Global Gardens. The long, pale branches of the olive trees there were festooned with bright holiday lights, wreathing the picnic area of Theodora “Theo” Stephan’s farm stand property with a welcoming shine. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Don’t let the hectic holiday season keep you from taking in some live music
Everybody’s busy during the holidays, I get it, and live music isn’t at the top of everyone’s list of priorities. But why? For starters, we’re all inundated by holiday and Christmas music from the moment Thanksgiving ends. Stereo systems blare generations of “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night,” from Elvis’ iconic interpretations to Ariana Grande’s dance […]
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Spotlight on: IBEW 413, Angel Tree fundraiser
Chris Scott, electrical apprentice
Chris Scott has known of the Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree toy drive for years, ever since he worked at Best Buy, which would help donate toys. But last year, the now five-year apprentice electrician made his first donation to the program as a father, which changed his perspective on the program. “We were looking […]
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Retiring county supervisor Janet Wolf receives honors
The beginning of the the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Dec. 11 meeting included a fair share of honors, thanks, and some held back tears for 2nd District Supervisor Janet Wolf’s last day on the dais. Wolf, who retires from the board after three four-year terms, was celebrated by nonprofit organizers, fellow supervisors, and […]
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Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approve recommendation to purchase Blackhawk helicopter
The prospect of adding a Blackhawk helicopter to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s fleet of emergency response aircraft was met with unanimous approval from the county’s Board of Supervisors, despite the $4.7 million price tag. At the board’s Dec. 11 meeting, county Fire Department Interim Chief Michael Dyer delivered a presentation to the board, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Melting pop: Complicated Animals bring their indie pop and Brazilian bossa nova fusion to Naughty Oak in Orcutt
It’s been a nonstop year-and-a-half for Complicated Animals, ever since the indie pop fusion duo moved to California to pursue music together. Monica da Silva and Chad Alger have played at venues up and down and across the state, da Silva told the Sun on the way to a gig in Pismo Beach in late […]
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Spotlight on: Angel of Hope memorial
Suzanne ‘Sam’ de St. Jean, coordinator
Every year since she lost her son to a motorcycle accident in 2012, Suzanne “Sam” de St. Jean returns to the same place at the Santa Maria Cemetery in early December. It’s not where her son is buried, but the Angel of Hope statue is there, and so is a brick with his name on […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
County Arts Commission to hold holiday mixer
The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission and the Fourth District Arts Commissioner have invited members of the community to a holiday mixer event in Orcutt. The event is a chance to connect, view art, and get to the know the district’s commissioner. The Arts Happy Hour begins at Core Winery on Dec. 13, and runs […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
MUSIC: Sound of the season: Local ensembles prepare artful holiday concerts with orchestras, choirs, and more
The ring of church bells, warm brass harmony, and choral singers’ high melodies all conjure a certain time, place, and feeling—the holidays. With centuries of traditional celebrations around Christmas and New Year’s, musicians have added ornaments and tunes of their own to the cultural zeitgeist each year. But even when trying to write the next […]
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Political Watch
• Gov. Jerry Brown announced his appointment of Joshua Groban, 45, to the California Supreme Court on Nov. 14 to fill the vacancy left by retiring Associate Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar. “Josh Groban has vast knowledge of the law and sound and practical judgement,” Brown stated. “He’ll be a strong addition to California’s highest court.” […]