Cover Story
2017, Polarized: Join the Sun as we look back on the year that was
What a year it has been! The Central Coast is a dynamic place, and 2017 saw a number of dramatic shifts that affected everyone. The historic drought continued in Santa Barbara County, despite last winter’s rains, exacerbating wildfire season—which still hasn’t ended. There’s been plenty to adapt to, not just change in the weather. Locals…
Thomas Fire close to containment as locals organize support
Since its start on the evening of Dec. 4, the Thomas Fire has caused irreparable damages—it’s killed a firefighter, destroyed 1,063 structures, and damaged another 267. It’s burned 272,800 acres so far in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties and cost more than $160 million to suppress as of the Sun’s press time. But after weeks…
Playing against the clock: Local teams fought for championships while individual athletes received recognition
Many on the Central Coast passed their time in 2017 sweating. Athletes trained, competed, tasted victory, and even fell short, but whatever they did, they pushed themselves. High school teams battled it out for championship titles while solitary athletes competed internationally. College students practiced hours together to maximize their skills as a team. Some saw…
Taste of time: Many things went wrong in 2017, but at least the food was good
We ate our feelings in 2016, and by 2017 we were stuffed. It was a year filled with changes all over society, some of which sent us right back to the comfort foods we’d promised to lay off of in January. For foodies in the Central Coast, the year had its share of amazing triumphs…
The Central Coast was a boom town for local artists in 2017
2017 was a year marked by political and social turmoil, and if there is one area of society that tends to shine during such times, it’s the arts. The Central Coast was no exception during this year, as local artists became community activists in the fight for public arts, and theaters and galleries continued to…
The Nature Conservancy acquires 24,000 acres near Vandenberg
The Nature Conservancy announced the purchase of 24,000 acres of coastal habitat along Santa Barbara County’s coast surrounding Point Conception and bordering Vandenberg Air Force Base on Dec. 22. The historic purchase was made thanks to a donation of $165 million from Jack and Laura Dangermond, conservationists and co-founders of Esri, based out of Redlands,…
Political Watch 12/28/17
• Gov. Jerry Brown (D) sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Dec. 20, requesting a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to help support ongoing recovery efforts in response to Southern California wildfires, including the Thomas Fire. In the letter, Brown pointed to low humidity, Santa Ana winds, and the thousands of evacuees in Santa…
Santa Maria man charged after alleged drunk driving incident killed two on Highway 154
A Santa Maria man was arrested on felony charges after he allegedly lost control of his car on Highway 154 on Dec. 17, causing a three-vehicle crash that killed two people and injured two more. Rigoberto Gracida, 30, has been charged with two felony counts of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury and…
DA’s Office files charges against Lompoc man for burglary during Thomas Fire
A Lompoc man is facing a felony burglary charge after the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office filed a complaint in superior court alleging he broke into a Montecito home in the path of the Thomas Fire. Adam J. Smith, 32, was scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 21 for residential felony (first degree) burglary…
Remember, that one time?
Can you believe how fast 2017 went by? It’s incredible! Could it be possible that time is actually speeding up? Probably not, but it sure seems like the news has never moved this fast, especially on the national scale. But there was plenty of seismic change on the local front as well. The Santa Ynez…
Songs across seasons: Local musicians played loud and proud during 2017
For many, music is more than background enjoyement, it’s a way of life. And plenty of those diehards call the Central Coast home. That’s why 2017 saw numerous concerts to attend every week, from orchestras to bar bands. Local music lovers filled seats with open ears, and talented homegrown musicians helped pack venues as successfully…
Humor: Rebecca questions the progress of feminism at her hair salon
Earlier this year, my boyfriend and I stopped by a hair salon so I could get a quick haircut. As summer approaches, I like to get my hair cut super short. Having long thick hair in the heat can feel like having Gollum profusely sweating and permanently clasped to the back of your head, so…
