Residents in the Santa Maria Valley may have more local places to hike if Santa Barbara County moves forward with purchasing two pieces of property in Orcutt. During a county Planning Commission meeting on June 24, the commissioners unanimously determined that acquiring the two parcels—one directly south of Orcutt Hills Open Space and the other […]
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Orcutt couple takes over Oak Knolls Hardware
For more than 40 years, in a building that used to hold a movie theater, Oak Knolls Hardware has served as Orcutt’s local hardware shop, and the new owners of the establishment intend to keep it that way. Alyssa Honeycutt, who was born and raised in Orcutt, and her husband, Ben, officially took over as […]
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County grand jury examines increase in gang violence
Recent changes in state laws aimed at reducing California’s prison population and preventing kids from being incarcerated has local agencies at odds with how to best address an increase of gang activity in parts of Santa Barbara County. In a recent report on juvenile gang violence, the county grand jury found that the county’s Probation […]
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Lompoc opts out of county-led consortium aimed at addressing housing issues
He may have said it four years ago, but Santa Barbara-based U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal’s reference to Lompoc as the armpit of the county still reverberates in the minds of some residents, such as George Bedford, who referenced the remark while urging the Lompoc City Council not to join a county-led consortium during a recent […]
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Lompoc, Vandenberg Air Force Base enter into grant partnership
With Vandenberg Air Force Base likely to experience an increase in staff and resources as the federal government establishes a U.S. Space Force, the city of Lompoc is looking into a grant program that could benefit both the city and the base. Steven Greenberg with Bridge View Resources, a consultant working with the city on […]
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Solvang passes budget amid COVID uncertainty
As a city that relies heavily on people visiting its businesses for tax revenue, the city of Solvang has been rocked by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While businesses that were closed due to the public health crisis are beginning to open back up, uncertainty regarding the future of the virus and how it affects people’s […]
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Citizens begin effort to recall Solvang council member
Less than two years after being elected, Solvang Councilmember Chris Djernaes is facing a citizen-led recall attempt. Lammy Johnstone, who is leading the effort, recently filed a recall notice with the city that states, among other claims, that Djernaes isn’t respectful to residents and disregards the wishes of the voters. During the Solvang City Council […]
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Terracore pushes ahead with Cat Canyon proposal while others fall away
Despite low oil prices and a difficult local political climate, Terracore continues to move forward with plans to expand its operations in the Cat Canyon oil field. Over the last few months, two other companies have abandoned their plans to develop new wells in the oil field. Rick Rust, a representative from Aera Energy—which withdrew […]
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Solvang approves urban growth initiative
Following the adoption of a new ordinance, the city of Solvang won’t be able to expand beyond its existing limits for the next 20 years. At its June 8 meeting, the City Council approved an ordinance establishing this urban growth boundary after two residents led a successful campaign to push the initiative forward. With this […]
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Residents looking for answers after oak trees removed near Pioneer Park
Over the last 20 years, Walt Pavlakovich and his wife, Ginny, have routinely walked on well-worn paths that cut through the lot adjacent to Pioneer Park where they enjoy admiring the diverse ecosystem. “There’s sand dune environment with old growth chaparral, a big meadow with native wildflowers, all in this tiny little area right next […]
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Santa Barbara LAFCO begins search for new executive officer
Following the passing of its former executive officer, Paul Hood, in May, the Santa Barbara Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) has begun the process of looking for a new department head. Prior to his death, Hood led the commission—which is a state-created entity made up of officials from local cities, special districts, and the county—for […]
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Lompoc locks into pension debt payment plan following sales tax increase
With additional expected revenue coming in as a result of voters approving a sales tax increase earlier this year, Lompoc City Council is entering into a payment plan to aggressively pay off its pension debt. Over the past few years, the city has suffered from significant financial difficulty, much of which city officials attribute to […]