Plant puns, snacks, and social hour. Those are three things Christine Zuhlsdorf enjoys about being a member of the Lompoc Valley Botanic and Horticultural Society (LVBHS). “Plant people tend to be pretty happy people,” the nonprofit’s president told the Sun. “Unless you get someone going on gophers.” Or deer, another sore subject for gardeners, which […]
Madison White
Posted inArts
Hancock College graduates’ art exhibit is on display at the Foxworthy Gallery
Art created by two Allan Hancock College alumni is featured at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery on campus until Oct. 2. The exhibit, called Made in Santa Maria, highlights the professional accomplishments of Ruben Espinoza and Aaron Cribbs, who both started their careers at Hancock’s art program. Espinoza and Cribbs will be talking about the exhibit […]
Posted inArts
Lompoc committee is accepting art submissions for exhibits at libraries
Central Coast artists can submit samples of their work for a chance to be displayed in two galleries at Lompoc libraries. The Lompoc Public Library Art Advisory Committee will evaluate the submissions during its meeting on Sept. 18. The committee is looking for representative bodies of work, consisting of at least six original pieces that […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria PD to issue citations for the state’s new parking law
For the past nine months, the Santa Maria Police Department has issued warnings for vehicles violating a new state parking law. The officers will begin ticketing individuals later this month with $100 citations. The “daylighting” law, AB 413, prohibits drivers from stopping or parking vehicles within 20 feet of corners, intersections, and crosswalks, even if […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A local author with global reach releases a new young-adult mystery
There have been numerous times that Pismo Beach author Wendelin Van Draanen thought she’d written her last novel, but she keeps thinking of plot ideas—more than 30 to date. Her latest novel, The Steps, was released on Sept. 2. Plus, Van Draanen has another book coming out in the fall of 2026, and she’s working […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Businesses donate top-notch food, beverages, and dessert to to the Chapman Estate’s tenth annual Swingin’ by the Sea fundraiser
The Chapman Estate, a fixture on the bluffs of Shell Beach overlooking the Pacific since 1930, is home to a koi pond, a colorful begonia house, a windmill, and the Tudor-style abode. “This is what we’re working to preserve. It’s worth saving, and it’s worth opening the doors to let people see,” volunteer Lillian Jewell […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Flare whips up Korean fusion food and soju cocktails in Lompoc, filling a gap in the local food scene
When Cristian Cho moved from Los Angeles to Lompoc, he longed for LA’s diverse food scene. For seven years he worked as a manager at a sushi restaurant and eventually began planning the concept for his own restaurant to fill a gap in Lompoc’s market. Find the fusion flairFlare, located at 510 W. Ocean Ave. […]
Posted inArts
The Santa Maria Library’s Bookmobile now visits Bob Orach Park
The Santa Maria Public Library’s mobile library will now visit Bob Orach Park near Liberty Elementary School on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. instead of Armstrong Park. The Bookmobile, a van retrofitted with bookshelves and overhead lighting, makes 11 stops each week. Visitors can check out and return books, search for media in English […]
Posted inArts
Local artists’ paintings of La Purísima Mission are up at the Cypress Gallery
The Lompoc Ten’s latest exhibit, Impressions of La Purísima, is showing until Sept. 28 at the Cypress Gallery in Lompoc. The artists will attend a reception on Sept. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. to talk to visitors. Local painters formed the Lompoc Ten group more than a decade ago to discuss painting, build community, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The paranormal circus returns to Santa Maria with brand new horrific acts and comic relief
Creepy makeup, fake blood, coffins, vampires—and the horror circus hasn’t even begun. Before audience members take their seats for the Paranormal Cirque show, they have the chance to experience the haunt attraction that begins an hour prior to the show. “Scare junkies” won’t want to miss the chance to see performers up close and personal […]
Posted inNews
A Santa Maria nonprofit seeks donations for farm-working students who took part in a new arts and culture program
Amid the heat of Central Coast ICE enforcement this summer, leaders of Corazón del Pueblo knew they needed to help local students. Their goal was to develop a safe space for high schoolers, many of whom are the children of Indigenous migrant farmworkers or who are farmworkers themselves, Executive Director Esmeralda Garcia told the Sun. […]
Posted inNews
New on-demand service, increased fares take effect for Lompoc’s public transit
Additions to Lompoc’s public transportation system mean slight fare increases, which went into effect on Sept. 2. The new services are part of the city’s effort to address the evolving mobility needs of the community, City Transit and Airport Administrator Richard Fernbaugh said in an email interview with the Sun. The City of Lompoc Transit […]
