October is both Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For that reason, this issue is dedicated to both. Inside you will find a story about one organization that helps survivors leave dangerous, volatile situations and one about new mammogram technology at a local hospital. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with Domestic Violence […]
Taylor O'Connor
Posted inNews
Marian Regional receives new mammogram technologies to detect breast cancer at earlier, smaller stages
Thanks to an anonymous donor, Marian Regional Medical Center recently acquired new mammogram technologies to detect breast cancer at earlier stages. The first is 3Dimensions Mammography System, available at Mission Hope Breast Imaging Center, takes high quality, clear images, from which radiologists can detect smaller cancers that would have slipped through the previous system, radiologist […]
Posted inNews
Candidates for the 37th Assembly District race describe what they will do if elected
Second District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Gregg Hart will face off against environmental attorney and previous county Supervisor Mike Stoker for a seat in the state Assembly to represent California’s 37th District. After redistricting, the new 37th District now encompasses all of Santa Barbara County and southern San Luis Obispo County, prompting both candidates to […]
Posted inNews
Chumash advocate for new state sports betting bill
Two gambling propositions on California’s ballot this November created a more than $400 million campaign showdown—the most expensive in U.S. history, according to NPR—and united more than 60 state Native American tribes against one of the measures. The two propositions, 26 and 27, both focus on sports betting expansion in the state, but Proposition 27 […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc pays $260,000 to address toxic wastewater problem
The Environmental Defense Center (EDC) sued the city of Lompoc after it reported discharging toxic pollutants into San Miguelito Creek and the Santa Ynez River more than 3,000 times over a 20 year period, EDC Senior Attorney Alicia Roessler told the Sun. Lompoc recently agreed to pay a little more than a quarter million dollars […]
Posted inNews
A Santa Barbara County law enforcement program for youth offers new scholarships
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse was founded to help the Sheriff’s Office maintain efficiency, improve morale and effectiveness, and help come up with solutions to the issues surrounding law enforcement. As board Chairman Richard Kline explained, the 501(c)3 nonprofit raises funds to supplement equipment and training for the office. Thus far, the posse […]
Posted inNews
Election requirements spark debate at Santa Ynez Airport
The Santa Ynez Valley Airport Authority decided against holding annual elections this year, frustrating some community members and raising questions about its voting laws. Santa Barbara County owns the airport, and it’s operated by a board of nine elected volunteers who oversee around 260 members made up of airport users and non-users. Board members also […]
Posted inNews
Redistricting changes could come before voters in 2024
Voters could get an opportunity to make changes to Santa Barbara County’s redistricting process in the near future, based on recommendations from the people who sat on the redistricting commission in 2021. “As with any new process, there were many opportunities for learning and understanding the challenges to potentially improve the process for the next […]
Posted inNews
Social justice nonprofit CAUSE hosts annual fundraiser in honor of community activist Carmen Ramirez
Carmen Ramirez was a trailblazer in the social justice realm of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. She was the first Latina woman to be elected to Oxnard’s City Council, and the first Latina woman to serve on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. She also helped Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) […]
Posted inNews
Guadalupe discusses eligibility list for denied cannabis applications
The SLO Cal Roots and Element 7 cannabis dispensaries will eventually open their doors in Guadalupe, filling the city’s two permit spots after a 4-1 approval at an Aug. 16 City Council special meeting. Element 7 was originally given a permit slot on April 26 with a 3-0 vote, but the council decided to have […]
Posted inNews
Rent stabilization activists hire attorney and host candidate forum
Local, county, state, and federal candidates spoke about rent stabilization at Santa Maria’s Casa Grande Mobile Home Park on Sept. 12. “The forum is to win support for mobile home issues from the candidates. The specific issue we are pressing forward on is rent stabilization,” Rancho Buena Vista mobile home resident and North Santa Barbara […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County wants to improve overdose prevention services as it faces a record-breaking year of opioid-related deaths
A paramedic pumps nasal spray into an unconscious person’s nose while placing a ventilation bag over their mouth to get them to breathe. In less than half a minute, they’re conscious and animated, with open eyes. “There’s no question in my mind when this person is not breathing and I give them this—and 20 seconds […]
