Sun Staff

letters@newtimesslo.com
Posted inSpecial Issues

Education Today 2026

A new after-school program for some Santa Maria-Bonita schools and the state’s new on-campus cellphone rules
by Sun Staff

Aug. 13 is the first day of school for Santa Maria Valley students, which can mean so many things—a new school, new friends, new subjects to be interested in. For some local youth, it will also mean the chance to participate in a new after-school program with Think Together. For our annual Education Today issue, […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

The Return of Downtown? Santa Maria’s aim for a more pedestrian-friendly downtown and other stories that have been around since the Sun’s first issue

by Sun Staff

Some stories stick. They unfold slowly over time and are a constant source of news. We’ve been covering some of those in the Santa Maria Valley since this paper was founded in 2000. For 26 years, Sun reporters have watched and written about Santa Maria’s downtown—complaints about how the mall killed it, how the city […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Weddings Issue 2026: Hot air balloon proposals, limos and trolleys for the big day, natural floral arrangements, and officiants

by Sun Staff

What is a wedding, really, other than a giant celebration—a party from beginning to end, from the engagement through the goodbye song at the end of the big night. In our annual Weddings issue, we’re including things that can help you put that party together. Hot air balloons in which to pop the question and […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Volunteers 2026

by Sun Staff

Volunteers are almost always how hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails get built, and Lompoc is no exception. With the aim of developing six new public trails in the Lompoc Valley, the city Trails Committee (aka the Lompoc Hike and Bike Club) needs some help, especially from anyone with excavator experience. For our annual Volunteers […]

Posted inNews

See ya: A look back at 2025’s headlines in northern Santa Barbara County

by Sun Staff

This past year was full of headlines about the Trump administration, federal job cuts, and increased immigration enforcement. But through all of that national news, northern Santa Barbara County was still humming along, impacted by the new federal polices and national politics and continuing with business as usual. The biggest, most consistent headlines were about […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Holiday Guide 2025: ’Tis the season for gifts that mean something, festive fun, and giving back

by Sun Staff

What happened to 2025? It’s almost over! As the holidays draw near, maybe some of their special magic can bring us together in the spirit of the season. We’ve included some events, opportunities, and ideas that could help in our annual Holiday Guide! This includes places full of lights and sights—from Buellton to Paso Robles—and […]

Posted inNews

Protests and partisans: Locals weigh in on Proposition 50, California’s attempt to redraw congressional districts

by Sun Staff

Come Nov. 4, all eyes will be on California when eligible voters cast their ballots containing only one item—Proposition 50. The measure would authorize temporary use of new state congressional district maps through 2030, directing the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to resume its map-drafting duties in 2031. Spearheaded by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Proposition 50 is […]

Posted inOpinion

‘American silence is a crime’

by Sun Staff

With so many humanitarian atrocities continuing to happen here locally on the Central Coast, in our state, across the United States, and globally, I’ve spent many sleepless hours pondering how I’ve become so disillusioned and frustrated with Americans. Until this year, I’ve been proud to be an American and part of our society that I […]

Gift this article