Lisa Long learned how to knit at a Del Taco 15 years ago. At that point in her life, her routine was a long cycle of working, cooking dinner, studying for her degree, and falling asleep in the early hours of the morning. She needed to reactivate her creative brain. “I called a friend of […]
Madison White
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Barbara County opens free public art workshop series
In March the county launched Make It: Building a Public Art Practice to help artists of all experience levels plan community-based projects. They’ll receive guidance about all the practical questions that arise when creating public art. The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, an umbrella for creative programs within the county, is offering […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Submit drawings to Buellton’s community art project
Into the Forest is the theme meant to inspire local artists as they create work for Buellton’s newest community banner project. The nonprofit Hearting Arts, led by Kristin Neperud Merz, helps boost art programs in the city. Artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit their pieces before April 19 to be […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Fika Coffee Company brings Swedish heritage to Lompoc
Elizabeth Hudson quit her day job last year to follow a longtime dream of running a coffee business. Her husband was 100 percent in. “We retired the 9-to-5 and started a 24/7 instead,” Hudson said with a laugh. “It’s been a blessing. It’s been my dream job.” The Lompoc couple founded Fika Coffee Company, a […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc to rebuild stage at Ryon Park
By the end of the year, Lompoc residents are scheduled to have a new stage at Ryon Park for community gatherings and performances. City Council members unanimously approved the project at the Feb. 17 meeting. The Ryon Park stage has deteriorated below accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the staff […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc photographer captures all of life’s special moments
The Central Coast is darn close to a photographer’s dream setting, so scouting locations is one of the most fun parts of the job for Amanda Booker. “I just love this area. There’s so much to offer,” she said. “Basically anything a client envisions, you can find here.” Book BookerAmanda Booker takes photos for couples, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series hosts its last shows of the season
To conclude its 45th season, the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series is preparing for two more shows at St. Mark’s Church in Los Olivos. The organization’s quest is to deliver world-class music to the valley. “Our concerts enrich, educate, and inspire audiences throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding communities, with complimentary tickets available to […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Presqu’ile Winery’s tasting room debuts an art vending machine
The next time wine tasters visit Presqu’ile Winery, they can collect artwork from a coin-operated mini print vending machine. It’s the latest effort from the winery to involve creativity with its food and wine offerings. Created by artist Ana Inciardi, the machine is the first of its kind at a winery in the U.S., according […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Orcutt Bakery calls dibs on the dessert table
For any occasionThe Gerbers deliver from San Luis Obispo to the Santa Ynez Valley. Place online orders for Orcutt Bakery goods by visiting orcuttbakery.com. Call (805) 938-9140 with questions, and see the treats for yourself at 4869 S. Bradley Road, suite 112, in Orcutt. After Danielle and Shawn Gerber spend hours baking and decorating a […]
Posted inNews
Solvang inventories city curbs to aid future parking enforcement
Sidewalk edges in Solvang appear in many colors: red, yellow, white, and green. They signal no parking zones, 15-minute limits, and loading areas. Solvang wants to keep track of what all the colors mean, but some of the paint has faded over the course of many years. Curb markings have been installed under different city […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc Teen Center offers financial, academic, and social support
Once the school bell rings every afternoon, between 20 and 40 middle and high schoolers walk through the doors of the Lompoc Teen Center on N. H Street. Staff offer rides to the center after school and back to students’ homes in the evening. Since 2022 the Teen Center has focused heavily on academics and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria’s Inspirational Art Center knows how to throw a party
Alisha Muller lives for “mirror moments.” She can create them in just five minutes, using paint, sponges, brushes, and a touch of glitter. Her clients, most often children, climb onto a tall director’s chair and choose a design from Muller’s face painting samples. Then they try to sit still, anticipating their transformation. Ready to party?Book […]
