In the back of a darkened room, a light burns hotly into a small corner. Crouched near a desk is a man, his face flustered, with a look of searing fear and anticipation fixed in his eyes. He takes a deep breath, but before he can make a move, a sharp voice pierces the room. […]
REBECCA ROSE
Posted inNews
Santa Maria opens Bradley Road at Betteravia intersection
Santa Maria motorists have a new road and some new intersections to look out for. According to a press release from the city, a recently realigned portion of South Bradley Road opened to traffic on Feb. 24. Part of the ongoing Enos Ranchos project, South Bradley Road has two new signal intersections as well, located […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local musicians to perform European classics in Santa Maria
If you’ve ever wanted to hear traditional European songs performed on accordion, a pair of local musicians have you covered. Starting March 5, accordion player Chuck Osborn and singer Gale McNeeley will perform a series of intimate shows on the Central Coast as part of their One World, One Heart—A Celebration of the Music and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Japanese internment camp survivor shares heartbreaking stories to a packed crowd in Santa Maria
When Margaret Nakamura-Cooper was 11 years old, she looked down at her newborn cousin, nestled in a lettuce crate and wrapped in a towel. Even as a young child, she knew there was something deeply wrong about the conditions her family was living in. Cooper is one of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans who were […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Los Olivos winery welcomes master sommelier Will Costello
On Feb. 13, Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estates announced Master Sommelier Will Costello was joining the winery as Estate Brand Ambassador. Costello was named master sommelier in North America through the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2015. He currently serves as the Wine Director at Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas. From his current home […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Not without my anti-wrinkle cream
Rebecca will literally try anything to stave off the march of time
Hello, my name is Rebecca Rose, and I believe every lie the cosmetics industry tells me. I never thought I would be a woman fixated on wrinkles or stressed like a hostage negotiator over a few gray hairs. When I was 20, I had the privilege to scoff at beauty ads. “Ha!” I used to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Bedford Winery’s annual Mushroom Festival offers education and good eats in Los Alamos
Allow me to apologize for my disdain of mushrooms. I was forced to evaluate my lifelong dislike of one of the culinary world’s favorite ingredients on a short drive from Santa Maria to Los Alamos with my fiancé. We were headed there for Bedford Winery’s 11th annual Mushroom Festival on Saturday, Feb. 4. “Seriously, why […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Los Alamos celebrates Restaurant Week with more than just dinner
Restaurant Week is not for the lazy. At least, not until now. When I first heard news of the Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week, I’ll admit I was practically giddy. From Jan. 22 through 28, the annual event offered diners the chance to sample three courses from local restaurants for the bargain price of $20.17. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Slainte and Sake event at Niya in Orcutt serves up unique cocktail pairings
A subtle fog of anticipation rolled over the crowd as they waited, seated almost shoulder to shoulder with friends, loved ones, and complete strangers. They were boisterous, eagerly talking among themselves, sharing opinions about the weather, highway traffic, or how their kids were doing in school. Some of them shot anxious glances behind their shoulders […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
40 is the new bride
Rebecca figures out that weddings are a young woman’s game
There’s a famous scene in the Sex and the City movie where Candace Bergen tells Sarah Jessica Parker, “40 is the last age a woman can be photographed in a wedding dress without the unintended Diane Arbus subtext.” Well, I’m about to put that to the test. The comedic message in the line (and I’m […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Walk your weather blues away: Solvang’s Beer and Wine Walk is fun even in the rain
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” The unofficial creed of the U.S. Post Office heralds its unwavering commitment to duty despite punishing elements. I recently proved that the same can now be said of beer and wine enthusiasts like myself, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Northern Santa Barbara County wineries see a sunny 2017
Your Christmas tree is in a pile in the garage and you’re still trying to find the cellphone you lost during that New Year’s Eve party. But that was last year—it’s time to focus on what 2017 has in store. And whether you’re a fan of the many wineries in our area, or a newbie […]