Special Issues
Posted inSpecial Issues

Combating stigma

CAPSLO’s Teen Wellness Program is increasing efforts in high schools to address student mental health
Avatar photo by Libbey Hanson

Help out CAPSLO is hiring 50 student ambassadors for both SLO and Santa Barbara counties for its Teen Wellness Program. Applicants must be 13 to 18 years old and have an eagerness to address the mental health crisis. Ambassadors will dedicate three hours per week to the program.  To apply, visit forms.gle/rjs2Y63dqechTNC29. Since the COVID-19 […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

55 Fiction 2024: The winners of our annual short story contest are in!

The world’s shortest stories, with a twist
by Sun Staff

Tiny tales: A hallmark of the 55 Fiction stories submitted to our annual short story contest is the “surprise” at the end that ties the preceding sentences together. They show up in stories about murders, love, food, animals, cars—really, you can craft a tiny twist into any tall tale. We’re here to publish the best […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Winning Images 2024

Local photographers share their view of the world for our annual photography contest
by Sun Staff

Amateur photographers from across the Central Coast entered our annual Winning Images photo contest, sharing their carefully crafted view of the world with us. Our judges narrowed down the entries to three winners in each category and an honorable mention based on the composition and uniqueness of each photo, among other qualities. Catch this year’s […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Pride Issue 2024

Out and about: Our Pride issue highlights a social group for older members of the LGBTQ-plus community and the need for the Pride in Mental Health Act
Avatar photo by Taylor O'Connor and Bulbul Rajagopal

With this year’s annual Pride issue, we’re taking a little time to focus on support systems for the LGBTQ-plus community—what exists and what needs to exist. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor talks to the Pacific Pride Foundation about a program it’s expanding into North County intended specifically to provide a sense of community that may be […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Connection, socialization

Pacific Pride Foundation’s Lavender Elders program is designed to bring older LGBTQ-plus folks together
by Taylor O'Connor

Get together Visit pacificpridefoundation.org to learn more about Lavender Elders and other programs that Pacific Pride Foundation offers. While there are many options for the LGBTQ-plus community to get together during Pride Month in June and throughout the year, it can be challenging for older community members to have that experience.  “Things like going to […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Overdue breakthrough

The Pride in Mental Health Act hopes to make accessible mental health care services for LGBTQ-plus youth the law
Avatar photo by Bulbul Rajagopal

 A host of Democrats across the United States are trying to bolster access to mental health care and support for LGBTQ-plus youth.  U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-California), the first Black and openly gay senator to serve in the Senate, introduced the Pride in Mental Health Act on March 14—a day after the Oklahoma medical examiner […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Summer Guide 2024

Avatar photo by Caleb Wiseblood

It feels like winter’s still here, doesn’t it? Spring came, but that Central Coast weather hasn’t seemed to come alive just yet. It almost feels like summer will never come, but it will, and with it will come the sun—hopefully. Even if the sun never comes out, though, we’ve got the fun locked down in […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Weddings Issue 2024

In this year’s annual issue, you can find the latest dress fashion, traditions and where they came from, and the vintage cake trend
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Taylor O'Connor, Bulbul Rajagopal and Glen Starkey

Wedding season is almost here, and we’ve got some information for those of you still trying to decide what to do for yours. In this year’s annual Weddings Issue, Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with wedding dress purveyors and planners about what’s on-trend in bride and bridesmaid fashion; Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey from the […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Unique expression

Central Coast wedding planners and dress shop owners say wedding fashion is both classic and changing
by Taylor O'Connor

Call the pros Check out Moondance Bridal’s styles or book an appointment at moondancebridal.com. Reach out to Perfect Timing by Danette Castillo through perfecttimingbydanettecastillo.com and Brenda Cali at Gatherings for Good through gatheringsforgood.com. Weddings are about fashion, style, and individual expression as much as they are about bringing two people together. Every person getting married […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Kinda your grandma’s cake

Vintage-style cakes are taking over weddings with their intricate piping and callback to yesteryears
Avatar photo by Bulbul Rajagopal

Take the cake Find SeaBreeze Cupcakes & Sweet Treats at 3001 Broad St., SLO, or call (805) 242-6588.  Drop by Arroyo Grande Bakery at 1231 E. Grand Ave, Arroyo Grande, or call (805) 489-1141.  Place your order from Bri’s Sweet Retreat at (559) 908-9462(559) 908-9462 and pick it up at 1525 25th St., Oceano.  The […]

Posted inSpecial Issues

Tradition, superstition

Odd wedding traditions and superstitions explained
Avatar photo by Glen Starkey

Most of us know a white bridal gown signals purity and innocence, but why do brides carry a bouquet?  Why are wedding cakes tiered?  Why isn’t the groom supposed to see the bride before the ceremony?  Why does the bride’s father walk her down the aisle?  Why, why, why do weddings have so many specific […]

Gift this article