Cover Story
Last Minute Gift Guide 2022
’Tis the season to spend some money on loved ones, friends, and possibly frenemies—if you’re into that kind of thing. But let’s not be boring. No socks, ok? Having trouble coming up with something else? We’ve got you covered with our annual Last Minute Gift Guide, which keeps the focus hyper local and very fun.…
NEW FLICKS: DISENCHANTED
NEW FLICKS: DISENCHANTED Where’s it playing? Disney Plus What’s it rated? PG Set 15 years after the events of Enchanted, former princess-turned-New Yorker Giselle (Amy Adams) returns to the screen with a full family in tow. She misses the easy, uncomplicated charm of her old life in fairy tale land and moves her husband (Patrick…
Route One launches mobile farmers market in Lompoc
A local produce carrier is hoping to redefine the farmers market scene in Lompoc. Route One, a nonprofit that hosts weekly farmers market events in Vandenberg Village, is extending its reach to multiple locations in the Lompoc Valley, thanks to a new custom-designed food truck. “Getting this truck ready to roll has definitely been a…
Altrusa raffles holiday trees and prizes to benefit local nonprofits and student scholarships
’Tis the season for televised holiday favorites, like Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. Characters from both winter essentials were recently sighted at the Santa Maria Town Center. A storefront on the mall’s second floor currently houses a couple dozen Christmas trees up for raffle to benefit…
The county Public Defender’s Office needs sleeping bags, warm clothes for its annual Sleeping Bag Drive
Hypothermia kills about 700 people experiencing homelessness in the United States annually, according to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. This year, Santa Barbara County counted more than 1,900 people who were homeless during its Point-in-Time Count. Although specific data about homeless, weather-related mortalities couldn’t be verified, Erica Bottorff—a holistic defense advocate at…
Winter Festival Market showcases local artists and crafters
Birchwood Garden Barn and Home in Nipomo presents the Winter Festival Market, which will be open on Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. The two-day pop-up boutique sale will feature items from more than 25 local crafters, artists, and other vendors. Each purchase during the…
Nipomo Library hosts Reading to Rover youth program
The Nipomo Library will host its next Reading to Rover event on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Children are welcome to come to the library and read books to two friendly therapy dogs during this program designed for preschool and elementary school students. For more info on the event and additional…
Rotary Club of Solvang donates $5,000 to Solvang Theaterfest
Earlier this year, the Rotary Club of Solvang teamed up with local nonprofit Solvang Theaterfest to co-produce a live comedy show at the Solvang Festival Theater. The September event featured prolific comedian Brian Regan and turned out to be a sold-out show, according to Solvang Theaterfest. The two groups split the proceeds. In late November,…
Policy over politics
Santa Barbara County 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart took his leave from the governing body on which he’s served for the past few years, stepping into the halls of the state Legislature during the first week of December and making room for Laura Capps to take his seat on the dais. She was sworn in…
Americans with Disabilities Act is a godsend
God bless those who brought the ADA to the forefront and passed this law. I did not know that mental disabilities were also is part of the disabilities act. Thank you for your story (“Neglected disabilities,” Nov. 24). I am one who has suffered mental disability for 63 years. It is very difficult with doctors…
The predicted Republican tidal wave of change in both houses of Congress fizzled out
On Nov. 8, voters delivered their verdict on the first two years of the Biden administration. Conventional wisdom pundits had predicted a “red tsunami”: The GOP only needed to flip a net of five seats to seize the majority in the House, and one seat in the Senate. Most observers had projected that they would…
County OKs first community workforce agreement
In an effort to hire more community members for large construction projects and set terms and conditions for project owners, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 (with 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson and 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino dissenting) to pass a Countywide community workforce agreement during a Dec. 2 special meeting. …
Buellton reevaluates In-N-Out
Traffic concerns are slowing down a fast food chain’s efforts to bring a new drive-through restaurant to Buellton. On Dec. 15, the Buellton Planning Commission will decide whether to grant the In-N-Out Burger corporation a conditional use permit to commandeer the site of the vacant Parks Plaza Theatre on McMurray Road. The Planning Commission originally…
County supervisors ease child care facility requirements
New child care operators will have an easier time beginning their programs as the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed amendments to revise permit requirements and standards for facilities. “This will afford operators of day care centers greater flexibility and options for running day care centers,” a staff report said. Now, small day…
Political Watch: December 8, 2022
• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that $240 million is available from the Encampment Resolution Fund grant program to close down encampments and get people into housing and shelter, according to a Dec. 1 statement from the governor’s office. This move is part of the $700 million, two-year program to assist projects serving people living in…
