I’ve never really been one for a lot of fake corporate kitsch in restaurants. That cute rusty license plate from 1956 Montana hanging on the wall over your table was probably made in a Taiwanese factory anyway. But I have to say, the Black Bear Diner is pretty damn charming. The locally owned franchise, which […]
REBECCA ROSE
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Mollie Dobbs turns childhood acting bug into blossoming career
Actress Molly Dobbs, an Arroyo Grande High School graduate, is currently performing the role of Ellie in the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) production of Freaky Friday. She recently talked with the Sun about her career and her origins as a performer. Sun: How did you get started in theater? Dobbs: I grew up in […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria introduces ‘Talking in the Library’
A series of 17 short videos—in English and Spanish, featuring patrons of the Santa Maria Public Library discussing their experiences using the modern library system—are now posted online. The library users are featured in a new social media campaign to tell others in local communities the many ways that they find the library useful. The […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Women’s Guild hosts Christmas luncheon
St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church’s Women’s Guild is hosting the annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. Women over the age of 12 are encouraged to attend. The event will be held in the church’s decorated Stacy Hall. This luncheon, a Santa Ynez Valley tradition for more than 40 years, opens with a reception […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
HUMOR: Rebecca Rose ponders a certain piece of controversial sky art
It’s not every day that you look up in the sky and see a giant penis. That’s just what happened to residents of Okanogan County, Washington, on Nov. 16. Apparently, a pilot flying an A-18 Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island decided to get a little creative […]
Posted inNews
Right on the wall: Public murals in Northern Santa Barbara County are a legacy of community and art
The image is sparse, almost purposefully blank. On first glance, it’s just a bench, seemingly nondescript against a pink and white background that loosely begins to form the shape of a building. A cross peaks out from over the top. Artist Lori Slater, a former Lompoc resident who now lives and works in Cambria, painted […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Cugini’s in Santa Maria gets cannoli right
The other night, my fiance and I were at home re-watching a classic film from the 1990s, The Talented Mr. Ripley. Shot almost entirely in Italy, the movie features some exotic and breathtaking locations along the Italian coastline, including Ischia Ponte and Bagno Antonio in Ischia as well as the city streets of Procida and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Special Needs Network puts on a holiday play
On Tuesdays and Thursdays in November, the Minami Recreation Center in Santa Maria is filled with some special guests. The small group gathers to quietly rehearse a performance that is set to debut on Dec. 3, a holiday-themed production written by the show’s director. The participants, about a dozen of them in total, are all […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc hosts holiday fundraiser
The Friends of the Lompoc Library System is holding its annual Decorated Tabletop Christmas Trees Fundraiser with all proceeds benefitting the Lompoc Library System. The trees will be on display at the Lompoc Public Library, 501 E. North Ave. and the Village Library, 3755 Constellation Road, until 2 p.m. on Dec. 16 when the winner […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Holiday decorating contest announced
The city of Santa Maria launched the 21st annual Holiday Decoration Contest, which features the opportunity for residents to nominate a decorated residence, business, storefront, or church for top prizes. The Lights, Sights, Holiday Nights committee of judges will select the winning displays to be included in the Holiday Hall of Fame Tour map. In […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria hosts exhibit honoring California service members
The city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce invite the public to the opening of the Remembering Our Fallen exhibit honoring some of California’s men and women in the United States military. The exhibit includes Red Poppies, Home Town Heroes, Flag etiquette, and a Million Thanks […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Julefest in Solvang adds new activities
Solvang’s 2017 Julefest Holiday Celebration, which happens from Dec. 1 through Jan. 5, 2018, this year, will debut some new free activities including The Nisse Adventure, Solvang by Candlelight Walking Tours, plus free Live Music in Solvang Park. There will also be strolling musicians and carolers around the village. This year’s theme is A Danish […]