A mask for you, a mask for meCatch Joe Cerny showing his masks for sale at upcoming Lompoc Art Walks. Follow him on Instagram @jozo_masks to see his new projects. Facing his fear of failure, Joe Cerny said he’s “so over” being scared of trying new things that might turn out to be embarrassing. Last […]
Madison White
Posted inNews
Lompoc is auditing its rebate program after fraud allegations
Rebates for turf landscaping and water leak detection are under the microscope in Lompoc, including those received by the current city manager. The city plans to pay for a third-party audit of applications to water and energy conservation rebate programs going back at least two years. On April 21, City Council members continued a discussion […]
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A new live-actionrole-play chapter in Santa Maria extends a sword to prospective participants
In a land not so far away, mortals of all ages build friendships while running around the park swinging harmless weapons and defending themselves with handmade shields. Though it’s a pretend world, their bonds are quite real. Dean Scott often spends his Sundays with friends competing in live-action role-play (LARP) games. They pretend to be […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Old Orcutt Yarnery is accepting sign-ups for classes and a weekend retreat
Whether you’ve never held a knitting needle or you’ve fashioned plenty of garments, the Old Orcutt Yarnery has a spot for you. Seats go quickly for trainings, but the shop released a docket filled with opportunities through the fall. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the help desk is open. Owner Lisa Long and her team are […]
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Cypress Gallery hosts an artist reception for its duo exhibit
The latest show at the Cypress Gallery, titled Evolving, is made possible by the work of C. Wood and Chuck Klein. They’ll meet with the public on May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. for a reception at the gallery. Wood’s work is nonrepresentational. Life is short, so she wants to keep trying new styles. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
From fine dining to delicatessen delights, Tony Minniti knows how to please a crowd
Before discovering Tony’s on Palisade, Craig Diamantopoulos was indifferent about driving with his wife to her doctor’s appointments. She commutes from their home in Lompoc to the Marian Regional Medical Center campus in Santa Maria. But for months now, Diamantopoulos has insisted on making the trek with his wife so he can grab a bite. […]
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Santa Maria-Bonita brings on a statewide nonprofit to run after-school programs
Two local groups will continue providing after-school enrichment for elementary and middle school students in Santa Maria, but a statewide organization will soon be in the mix, too. Santa Maria-Bonita School District board members voted 4-1 on April 15 to approve three-year contracts with the Boys and Girls Club of the Central Coast, the Santa […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A local director presents Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s last show of the season
A 20-year drought. No private bathrooms. Corporate greed. That’s the dystopian recipe for Urinetown. Not your average musical, the fast-paced dark comedy with over-the-top characters prompts real questions about the shortcomings of bureaucracy and how society manages precious resources. It’s No. 1Urinetown runs from May 15 to 31 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Visit smct.org […]
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Experience the work of a Danish violinist in Solvang
Musician and composer Mads Tolling will show off all that a violin can do on the Elverhoj Museum’s patio. The May 9 performance starts at 7 p.m. in Solvang, and doors open half an hour prior. The two-time Grammy award winner is originally from Copenhagen, Denmark. Tolling was part of The Turtle Island Quartet and […]
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Allan Hancock College students display artwork on campus
Local fine arts students proudly present their creativity at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery through May 7. The Allan Hancock College gallery is located on campus in Santa Maria, and the show is free of charge to the public. “The exhibition brings together work from students across a variety of disciplines and media, highlighting the creativity, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Pick up your next sourdough loaf from a new Santa Maria farm stand
Ready to be slicedFind everything you need to know about Elizabeth Nunez’s business on Instagram @homemade_heritage_. Customers receive the farm stand address after placing an order online. Homemade Heritage will also be at the Old Town Orcutt summer farmers market starting May 20. Making sourdough is a little bit like teaching first grade. “It’s a […]
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County supervisors discuss balancing budgets to quell deficits
Trying to work its way out of the red, Santa Barbara County is considering almost $71 million in reductions for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Multiple departments are facing layoffs and program reductions if the board approves the budget in June. On April 13, the Public Health and Social Services departments presented financial plans to the […]