Aug 1-11, 2024

Aug 1-11, 2024 / Vol. 25 / No. 23
Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino refers to continuity in city leadership as the main reason she’s running to retain her post at the head of the city. It would be her fourth term as mayor and her seventh on the council if she gets reelected in November. Longtime Santa Maria Joint Union High School District […]

Cover Story

Dirty Cello headlines outdoor festivities in Solvang and Cambria

Known for bending genres and its high-energy, string-driven performances, San Francisco-based ensemble Dirty Cello is heading to the Central Coast for two back-to-back performances.  The five-piece band, led by cellist Rebecca Roudman, will be in Solvang on Wednesday, Aug. 7, and in Cambria on Thursday, Aug. 8. As part of Solvang’s Music in the Park…

Orcutt Mineral Society holds 56th annual Rainbow of Gems Show

Several vendors of jewelry, gems, minerals, and more will sell and display their wares during the 56th annual Rainbow of Gems Show at Nipomo High School on Aug. 2, 3, and 4.  This Central Coast tradition, organized by the Orcutt Mineral Society, features unique selections of collectible rocks, fossils, and crafted stone merchandise. Admission and…

BLAST FROM THE PAST: The Fifth Element

The Fifth Element What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 1997 Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 1 and Friday, Aug. 2, at 7:00 p.m. Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, Léon: The Professional, Lucy) directs this sci-fi adventure set mostly in the 23rd century, about Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a flying-cab driver and former…

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Field of Dreams

Field of Dreams What’s it rated? PG When? 1989 Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre on Monday, Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m. Phil Alden Robinson directs this family fantasy drama about struggling Iowa corn farmer Ray Kinsella, who lives with his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan), and their daughter, Karin (Gaby Hoffman). We learn that Ray…

Santa Barbara, SLO counties begin Santa Maria Riverbed encampment cleanup

Santa Barbara County 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson has supported efforts to resolve homeless encampments since he took office in 2021. However, he said that because multiple jurisdictions oversee portions of the Santa Maria Riverbed—including Caltrans, Santa Maria, and SLO County with the majority—it’s been difficult to facilitate any cleanup of the area.  “It’s been…

Buellton sets road access boundaries on condos project

In the eyes of some Rancho de Maria residents, a recent ruling that limits road access between the Buellton neighborhood and an upcoming housing development to emergency use or by permit could use less leeway. Greenlit by city officials in 2018, the Hub project—which will bring new condos to a 17-acre site west of Rancho…

Local chef Don Carr curates elaborate private dinners across the Central Coast

Intimate inspirations Visit inspireddiningevents.com for more info on Don Carr’s private chef experience services. The unparalleled bliss that comes with enjoying a gourmet meal without lifting a finger or washing a single dish isn’t restricted to those who dine out, thanks to private chefs like longtime local Don Carr. “We’re basically a traveling restaurant,” Carr…

Lake Fire 92 percent contained, restorative efforts begin

Midland School faculty and animals returned to campus after the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office lifted evacuation orders for the 2024 Lake Fire.  “By the end of the fire, we did not have any structures that burned, which was great,” Head of Midland School Hannah Nelson told the Sun. “Looking at maps, a fair bit…

Wild country

Kudos to all the firefighters and other personnel who worked so hard to get the Lake Fire under control and prevent it from spreading more.  The 38,000-acre fire patchworked its way through the forest, left homes (but not property) relatively unscathed, kept campgrounds and trail systems fairly intact, and didn’t turn into the megafire that…

Political Watch: August 1, 2024

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla wrote to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Department of Commerce to express their strong support for swiftly designating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary while facilitating the development of offshore wind energy, according to a July 26 statement from Carbajal’s…

Nonprofit affordable housing developer celebrates Buellton senior housing project groundbreaking

Buellton Village Senior Apartments is ready to break ground after nearly a decade of delays.  The affordable housing development features 50 units dedicated to serving seniors and senior veterans, which was proposed by Ventura-based nonprofit affordable housing developer and services provider Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, said Derrick Wada, Cabrillo’s director of real estate development.  “There…

Harris should look to history for VP pick

All Americans—not just Democrats—should be eternally grateful to President Biden for his success in defeating Donald Trump in 2020. We applaud his forbearance in turning over this task now, four years later, to his inspired choice for vice president, Kamala Harris. Democrats are already uniting behind Harris and will make every effort to elect her…


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