Olive trees have been part of the Cuyama Buckhornās story since Ferial Sadeghian and her partner bought the property in 2018. They started remodeling the hotel and made a push to bring more drought-tolerant greenery to the 2 1/2 acres. āWe worked a lot to make sure that we are doing the right planting that […]
Madison White
SpaceX authorized to double Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently signed a decision allowing aerospace company SpaceX to increase rocket launches out of Vandenberg Space Force Base. The uptick is necessary to meet commercial and federal space launch requirements, according to the decision. SpaceX can increase Falcon 9 launches from 50 to 100 per year, including up to five […]
The Central Coast Weavers Guild offers diverse handmade goods at its 18th sale and showcase
DāElin Lohrās fascination with weaving began in high school. It was the late 1960s when there was a resurgence of the craft. Lohr then took classes with a friend at UC Santa Barbara, further developing a love for textiles and fashion. Weaving a communityThe Central Coast Weavers Guild is holding its annual sale and showcase […]
A 97-year-old artist keeps going by doing what she loves
In her nearly 97 years, Esther Serna Bartlett tried all sorts of new things because she wanted to know what they were like. Violin. Sculpture. Watercolors. Tennis. Ballet. āI think I was the oldest student,ā she said about the dance class she took in the late 1990s. āI wanted to know what ballet was about.ā […]
Playful glass pieces and knitted accessories fill up the Cypress Gallery
Joellen Chrones is the featured artist at the Cypress Gallery with her show, Hot Glass and Warm Fuzzies, until Nov. 23. Chrones presents her glasswork and wool fashion accessories. āThis exhibit celebrates the playful side of glass with functional and whimsical fused glass pieces, from cheerful bowls and bright platters to quirky wind chimes,ā according […]
A veteran uses his voice as a winemaker to spread awareness about mental health
Jason Mergenov first got the āCalifornia bugā at 22 years old when the military sent him for training to become a nuclear missile launch officer. He served in the military for 22 years, including time in Iraq. Using the G.I. Bill, Mergenov started studying winemaking at Allan Hancock College in 2012, which turned into his […]
County to build more infrastructure to help fuel its fleet with electricity
More electric vehicle chargers are coming to Santa Barbara County in the next few years for county and public use, with plans to install at least 180 new chargers by June 2028. āWeāre doing the best that we can to make charging stations available and to make them sustainable for us right now,ā county Energy […]
Behind the scenes of Studio of Performing Artsā Rocky Horror anomaly
The cult following of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one that Shannon Lowrie admits she didnāt understand when her studio first started performing it. āI thought, āI want to see what the deal is about this because I donāt get it,āā Lowrie told the Sun. āI just became obsessed with it.ā A lifelong singer […]
The Solvang Festival Theater lines up entertainment for fall
Shows at the Solvang Festival Theater continue this season with a diverse mix of live performances and community events. Eerie frights await those brave enough to enter the annual Solvang Parks and Recreationās haunted house. Walk through on the evenings of Oct. 24 and 25. Kid-friendly tours run from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and then […]
Vote for the Taylor Park mural design, then lend a hand painting it
Make your artistic voice heard by choosing from designs of tropical flowers, sunshine and a garden, or whimsical doodles for the city of Santa Mariaās next mural, which will be painted at Taylor Park in November. Vote online through the Recreation and Parks Department website until Oct. 28, according to the departmentās marketing coordinator, Karen […]
A Santa Maria couple celebrates one year of their signature hot sauce, Hot Lil Mama
Michael and Diana Muranaka quote their favorite movie, Bridesmaids, to each other so often that one scene inspired the name of their hot sauce company. The scene follows a police officer who stops Kristen Wiigās character and recognizes her from a sign at her bakery. āYouāre Cake Baby,ā the officer said, referencing the name of […]
Prescribed burn coming to Sedgwick Reserve to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire fuel
The county Fire Department will begin prescribed burns around the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos valleys with a nearly $1 million grant from Cal Fire. āItās one of the most effective and cost-effective ways to reduce fuel,ā Santa Barbara County Fire Marshal Fred Tan told the Sun. First, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department will […]

