

Cover Story
Hearst heist
Hear all about it Meet author Roger Rapoport and catch a talk about his new book—Searching for Patty Hearst, which will be released on Jan. 16—at the San Luis Obispo public library on Jan. 31. For more information, visit pattyhearst.com. Almost 50 years ago, Patty Hearst’s kidnapping captivated viewers across the country. Roger Rapoport covered…
Inmate death highlights ongoing need for mental health care
A 61-year-old inmate jumped from the second floor of a housing unit at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail Intake and Release Center and later died at Cottage Hospital, where he was being treated for his injuries, according to a Dec. 31 statement from the Sheriff’s Office. “Although this appears to be an apparent suicide,…
Political Watch: January 4, 2024
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), along with several colleagues, advocated for a new law to strengthen the cybersecurity practices for the United States’ nuclear weapons system, which was signed by President Joe Biden. Reports from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published in September 2022 and June 2023 found that the National Nuclear System…
CASA Santa Barbara County wants to recruit more volunteers so it can help more children in the foster care system
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County served an estimated 509 children going through the court system in 2023, Executive Director Kim Colby Davis said. CASA becomes involved in a child’s life after the court and county social workers have decided that they need to intervene for the child’s safety and well-being.…
Sleight of hand
Oceano is hoping for a brand new 2024. The little town in southern San Luis Obispo County is hoping that its Community Services District will finally pull itself together, that the governing board will do more than bicker, and that its new leaders will move forward into a more civil era of policymaking. I wouldn’t…
In response to his recent signing of the Orphan Well Prevention Act, AB 1167
My question is how do we enforce that law? What good are laws, rules, regulations, codes if there is no enforcement mechanism? Without consequences for noncompliance, laws are ignored. We don’t need new laws. We need the old ones enforced. If the old ones failed because of noncompliance, what can we expect from the new…
Songwriters at Play pays tribute to Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson
A lineup of multiple musicians will perform covers of songs by Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson during two upcoming concerts. The first will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, at the High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang, and the second will take place on Sunday, Jan. 14, at the Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre…
Poor Things delivers a Frankenstein-esque coming of age story
Poor Things What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Glen? Full price What’s it worth, Anna? Full price Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo Director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Favourite) helms this wacky Frankenstein-inspired black comedy about brilliant but unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin “God”…
Flower City Ballroom presents Sgt. Pepper, live in concert
A local venue is bringing a prolific Beatles tribute band to Lompoc for a one-night concert. On Thursday, Jan. 19, Sgt. Pepper will perform at the Flower City Ballroom from 8 to 11 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend the upcoming show. Tickets are $15 in advance at my805tix.com…
BINGEABLE: Murder at the End of the World
Murder at the End of the World What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Hulu Created by Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling, this cyberpunk murder mystery stars Emma Corrin as Darby Hart, an amateur sleuth who gained notoriety uncovering a serial killer and writing a book about it. She’s subsequently invited—along with eight…
BINGEABLE: Deadloch
BINGEABLE: Deadloch What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime In a sea of police procedurals, a show like Deadloch is a welcome blend of familiar and funny. Placed in Tasmania, Deadloch features Kate Box as Dulcie Collins, a policewoman who gets pulled into a murder investigation when people start showing…
Hanna’s dishes out Mexican fusion in Arroyo Grande
A grand addition to Grand Avenue Call (805) 904-6876 for more info on Hanna’s Mexican Fusion Restaurant, located at 1412 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande. Follow the eatery’s Instagram page for updates on both its new brick-and-mortar and its food truck, @hannas.street._.tacos. When SLO local Cesar Cortes and his family embarked on running a taco…
Previous Oceano Community Services District general manager Paavo Ogren takes the reins again
A familiar face is returning to the Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) in 2024. On Jan. 1, OCSD’s previous general manager, Paavo Ogren, took over as interim general manager from General Manager Will Clemens, who retired on Dec. 31. Clemens told the Sun that Ogren was the perfect candidate to take over for him and…
Cuyama water lawsuit moves forward as Bolthouse, Grimmway drop out
The Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basin adjudication is scheduled to begin on Jan. 8 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, but Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms are no longer plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Originally filed in 2021, the adjudication calls for a judge to rule on how much water everyone can pump from the basin, which…
Lompoc extends deadline on space center negotiations
The fate of a proposed space education center in Lompoc remains up in the air, as the city recently granted its developer an extension rather than opting to abort the project. Pale Blue Dot Ventures has been in an exclusive negotiation period with the city since 2019 with the hope of purchasing 82 acres of…






