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…
Where there’s smoke … Gunsmokin’ premiered on July 12 and is scheduled to run through Sept. 7 at the Great American Melodrama, located at 1863 Front St., Oceano. Call (805) 489-2499 or visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets or more info. Tickets to performances of Gunsmokin’ can also be purchased in person at the theater’s box office,…
Local musicians are invited to compete in the 2024 New Times Music Awards before the contest’s entry period closes on Monday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m. Participants can enter their songs online at newtimesslo.com. All entrants must reside primarily in San Luis Obispo County or northern Santa Barbara County. This year marks the 16th year…
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center’s 2024 Gala will include live music from local jazz and swing act The Amigos, dinner from Cool Hand Luke’s of Santa Maria, a no-host bar, poker games, and more festivities for guests to look forward to. The 1920s-themed event will take place at the Edwards Barn, located at 1095 Pomeroy Road,…
Facing an increased population of individuals experiencing homelessness, multijurisdictional conflicts in managing the Santa Maria riverbed, and higher volumes for service near its new interim shelter, the Santa Maria City Council wants changes. The City Council heard an update about the city, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County’s efforts to resolve encampments in…
Homeowners and renters who fail to pick up their water tabs on time in Solvang are subject to a new protocol, designed to establish clear guidelines on course correction rather than muddying ones. City staff’s goal behind the initiative, adopted by the Solvang City Council during its July 22 meeting, was to reformat some aspects…
Twisters What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) directs this action-adventure about Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a retired tornado-chaser and meteorologist who’s persuaded by Tyler (Glen Powell), a reckless…
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F What’s it rated? R When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix The heat is on … again. In this fourth entry into the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, Detroit Det. Alex Foley (Eddie Murphy) returns to Beverly Hills after the life of his semi-estranged daughter, Jane (Taylour Paige), is threatened. As he…
A Family Affair What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Zara (Joey King) is desperate to be taken seriously by her boss, superstar actor Chris Cole (Zac Efron), but he still treats her like an assistant, despite his promises to help her become a film producer. Zara lives with her mom, Brooke…
Despite early concerns regarding voter confusion, the Lompoc City Council voted 3-2 (with councilmembers Jeremy Ball and Dirk Starbuck dissenting) during its July 16 meeting to leave two measures on the November general election ballot that would discontinue public use of 82 acres of city-owned land that includes Ken Adam Park. “I think that when…
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) is one of nearly 100 House Democrats cosponsoring new legislation that would repeal an antiquated federal law that has been raised by conservative voices as the potential foundation for enacting a federal ban on abortion nationwide, according to a July 18 statement from Carbajal’s office. The legislation introduced…
While July is coming to an end, and with it local Recreation and Parks Month celebrations, Recreation Services Manager Dennis Smitherman encourages residents to use Santa Maria’s parks and take advantage of its recreation and parks programming. “Recreation and parks have such a huge impact on the community,” Smitherman said. “The first is [socializing] and…
Homelessness is not an issue that the majority of Santa Maria’s City Council seems interested in tackling, solving, or taking a bite out of. To me, it simply sounds as if Mayor Alice Patino would simply like for it to just go away. Patino, by the way, is running for mayor, again. She doesn’t seem…
Pearl paradise Visit bobagrandesantamaria.com or call (805) 623-8898 for more info on Boba Grande, located at 1130 E. Clark Ave., suite 130, Orcutt. The shop is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. As its name suggests, Boba Grande doesn’t fall short for fans of milk teas in generous portions. The new Orcutt shop’s…
The Ten Commandments have existed for centuries. Early on, people realized that there should be a set of common-sense rules to guide civilization. The basis of our Constitution and public laws are found in those guiding principles. For people to coexist in harmony they must become familiar with them at an early age. Some states,…
This past week proves to be the perfect time for this letter. Why? The sky was dull with smoke and ashes cover everything. Fire! A big one and out of control. We’ve all seen the convoys of firetrucks and support equipment … some staged at our local Elks rodeo grounds. Firefighters from all over the…
