The Buellton City Council decided to restrict the size and height of accessory dwelling units at a meeting on May 8. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a completely independent residence with its own kitchens and bathroom, Associate Planner Cara Miralles told the council. She said ADUs can be attached to the main house or […]
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Political Watch: May 15, 2025
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) recently announced the five regional winners of this year’s Congressional Women of the Year Award in the 24th Congressional District. “The 2025 Women of the Year winners represent the very best of our region—leaders, educators, advocates, and public servants who have dedicated themselves to uplifting others and driving […]
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Santa Ynez Band of Chumash opens museum and cultural center
Come on in The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center is located at 3500 Numancia St. and open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for teenagers, seniors 65 and older, and active duty military members with identification; and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. […]
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Santa Maria Police Department welcomes new Chief of Police Christopher Williams
No car left a more lasting impression on Christopher Williams than the police cruiser that would pull up outside of his elementary school. It was an arresting sight that caught many students’ attention, recalled Williams, whose eyes were frequently glued to the vehicle and its badged driver—who happened to be his father. “My dad was […]
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Solvang shelves quail-inspired remodel of Skytt Mesa’s rainwater drainage
Reports of baby birds trapped in a storm drain prompted Solvang’s city staff to consider a neighborhood-wide retrofit in the Skytt Mesa area—one that would reduce the space between Skytt Mesa’s existing rainwater grate bars to help prevent small critters from falling through the gaps. After a preliminary study, staff revealed the project’s estimated price […]
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Lompoc police get a radio upgrade after decades of old technology
For the first time in more than 30 years, Lompoc police officers received new portable radios on May 5. Police Chief Kevin Martin said officers received more modern devices as part of a $4 million plan to replace the city’s three-decade-old radio network. “My biggest concern was the portables police officers were carrying,” Martin said. […]
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Buellton tasks Santa Maria-based contractor with public parking expansion
February marked the grand opening of Buellton’s new public library, while an expansive parking lot attached to the multi-year effort is still in the works. The project recently made headway when the Buellton City Council on April 24 awarded Santa Maria-based construction company V. Lopez Jr. and Sons a $1 million-plus contract to develop the […]
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Political Watch: May 8, 2025
• The California Legislative Central Coast Caucus, co-chaired by Assemblymembers Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) and Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) and vice chaired by state Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), announced its bill priorities for the 2025 legislative session on May 2. “From protecting our coasts from offshore drilling to protecting our homes from wildfires, this […]
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Santa Maria’s Mission Hope Cancer Center unveils new patient resource library
Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2023, Guadalupe resident Eileen Hongo underwent 20 rounds of chemotherapy, 35 rounds of radiation therapy, and other procedures as part of her treatment plan. Between her appointments at Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria, she formed strong bonds with fellow patients as well as physicians and other […]
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Asking for more: Farmworkers and allies push for a countywide $26 minimum wage
The sounds of shrieking roller coaster riders clashed with protesters’ drums, tambourines, and chants at this year’s Santa Maria Strawberry Festival. On April 27, community members of various ages gathered outside of Santa Maria Fairpark to rally for a Santa Barbara countywide $26 per hour minimum wage for farmworkers. Alianza Campesina de la Costa Central, […]
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Law enforcement targets drug sales to minors via social media
Local cannabis compliance detectives flag flame, cloud, and maple leaf emojis when browsing social media platforms. Keeping up with coded references to cannabis was a crucial component of a six-week investigation that led the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office to arrest Santa Maria resident Alexis Silviano Vazquez Guzman on April 22 on suspicion of selling […]
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Lompoc Theatre poised to break ground on long-planned renovations
On May 2, the Lompoc Theatre Project will break ground on plans that have been in the works for almost two decades: restoring a historic performance space with the aim of reinvigorating the city’s downtown. “We are actually doing it, and it’s important for people to be able to see what they’ve invested in and […]
