In the second or third grade, Alicia Blanco took cover in her elementary school classroom amid the chaos of a shooting threat. Her family had just moved to Santa Maria from Mexico, and Blanco, now 16, didn’t realize how frequent lockdowns would become at school. “People would just be messing around. I thought it was […]
Madison White
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
See All That Remains by Ojai painter Tom Pazderka at Hancock’s gallery
Artist Tom Pazderka’s solo exhibition will be up at Allan Hancock College starting on Aug. 24. Wander into the Ann Foxworthy Gallery (Building L) to see his work through Oct. 2, and don’t miss the reception on Sept. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. Pazderka titled the show All That Remains, combining paintings from two […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Buellton Rec brings new theater classes for kids
In the spring, Buellton students put on a production of Annie (pictured), but opportunities for singing and dancing are far from over. This fall, elementary students are invited to sign up for drama workshops made possible by a partnership between Buellton Rec and the Adderley School for the Performing Arts. “Classes use a method where […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Groundstar Vineyard is the first in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA to achieve regenerative organic certification
Great wines are made in the vineyard. But what exactly happens in the vineyard? What turmoil does the soil experience? How many chemicals are sprayed on the grapes? Are farmworkers treated well? “I think consumers really aren’t given the full story,” Chiara Shannon told the Sun. Over the two decades she’s spent in the wine […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria City Council votes for a pay raise
For the sixth time in four decades, City Council members in Santa Maria got a bump in their salaries. They’ll make an extra $341 per month starting in December. The Santa Maria City Council voted 3-2 on Aug. 4 to approve the increase. Mayor Alice Patino will earn around $2,298 per month and the rest […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A Lompoc painter beautifies city streets one window at a time
A leprechaun sipping beer. Pets piloting an airplane. A slice of pizza riding waves. Jessica Manzanares’ painting résumé is eclectic. Her work isn’t confined to canvas or a sketch pad. It’s been displayed for all to see on the windows of businesses in places like Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, and Santa Maria. “I like to think […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
One donor gives millions to Lompoc Theatre Project renovations
A recent $6 million contribution to The Lompoc Theatre Project became the largest private donation in the organization’s history. Now only around $5 million remains before the full $18.9 million is raised. Santa Barbara philanthropist Cheryl Goldberg (pictured on the left) gave the sum, with $5 million going toward restoration and $1 million establishing a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Environmental nonprofit accepts applications for next year’s residency program
White Buffalo Land Trust’s call for artists is open through Aug. 30 for 2027 residencies. The program asks the selected artists to explore how creativity and ecology intersect. “Through this residency, we are creating space for artists to spend meaningful time with the land and the people who steward it and to interpret what they […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Visit Grover Beach’s only tasting room as the owners take to the skies for a new chapter
Millions of orange and black butterflies have taken flight from the designated grove of eucalyptus trees off Highway 1 in Pismo Beach. A hair south of the sanctuary, one Shell Beach couple realized it was time for a new adventure of their own. Partners Julie Garcia and Ercilia Martins bought Grover Beach’s Monarch Grove Winery […]
Posted inNews
County leads the state in publicly funded child care expansion
A recent statewide report highlights Santa Barbara County’s heightened response to unmet child care needs. The publicly funded services are provided at reduced or no cost based on household size and income. The California Budget and Policy Center, a nonpartisan research nonprofit, released findings in July from a study about the state’s strategies for increasing […]
Posted inNews
Old Orcutt Kwik Stop takes care of gas, convenience needs, and auto repair
Clients drive all the way from Ventura to one trusted auto repair shop in Orcutt with bright red and yellow signage flagging the corner lot. The reason is superb customer service. Old Orcutt Kwik Stop owner Ghais “Gus” Sweed is always working. Sometimes 18 to 20 hours a day. He bought the well-established business last […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
After gaining decades of experience nationwide, PCPA’s new artistic director heads back to Santa Maria
Full season aheadBuy tickets for upcoming productions at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre online at pcpa.org. Season 63 kicks off with La Comedia of Errors running from Sept. 10 to 27. As Valerie Rachelle prepares for her return to the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA), she can’t help but notice a few coincidences. The actor and director […]
