Cover Stories
Health officials say restrictions are still necessary to maintain public health, despite major improvement in hospitalization rates
In both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, COVID-19 hospitalization numbers are at their lowest since early in the pandemic. But this metric, widely regarded as one of the most accurate for measuring COVID-19 impact in a community, is no longer considered in the state’s reopening system. Some public officials, such as Santa Barbara…
Phillips 66 refinery employee appointed to APCD hearing board in 6-5 vote, leading to concerns about potential conflict of interest
For the last two decades, Cal Poly environmental engineering professor Yarrow Nelson has served as a member of the SLO County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) hearing board, using his background in scientific research to help the district navigate air pollution conflicts and emergencies, including the ongoing dust mitigation efforts at the Oceano Dunes. But…
Healing Justice Santa Barbara promotes voter empowerment through new campaign, Art is Activism
Described as a visual representation of solidarity, a new virtual, multimedia campaign from Healing Justice Santa Barbara—a countywide, Black-led and Black-centered organizing collective—urges viewers to act with urgency and intention while voting in upcoming local, state, and federal elections. The primary goal of the project, like the collective’s other initiatives, is to “uplift the most…
Since 1979, Tom’s Burgers has served meals with an ample helping of community outreach to the Lompoc Valley
The words on the window to the left of the Tom’s Burgers entrance, and on the window to the right of it, read, “Lompoc Strong.” Those words signify a commitment the business has made to the Lompoc Valley since opening its doors in 1979. On an unseasonably balmy mid-October day, Jenn Villareal, Tom’s Burgers manager,…
Visit five different destinations of live performances during SMCT’s Drive Up Theatre Spooktacular
”You may be wondering why I’m sitting in an empty theater. Perhaps it’s because I like large, dark, empty spaces,” a mysterious, masked vigilante tells viewers during a YouTube promo for Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s (SMCT) next production. “Unfortunately, due to coronavirus, the Santa Maria Civic Theatre is currently empty and dark,” the Caped Crusader…
Coalition of Arts Leaders addresses exclusion of performing arts in state, county reopening plans
Thirty-eight leading members of the Central Coast Coalition of Arts Leaders have signed a letter urging state and county elected leaders and health department officials to prioritize the performing arts industry in COVID-19 guidelines and reopening plans. “It’s not like you can order Beethoven’s 7th for curbside pickup,” Anna James Miller, co-founder of the coalition…
Ann Foxworthy Gallery showcases artist and photographer Marcos Dorado with first virtual exhibit
The Ann Foxworthy Gallery at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria presents its first virtual exhibition, a showcase of works by artist and photographer Marcos Dorado, which premiered online on Monday, Oct. 19, and is scheduled to run through Friday, Dec. 4. Visit hancockcollege.edu/gallery to access the show. “Marcos focuses on the human side of…
Party hardly
I love nothing more than the drama of a good ol’ local government meeting. But what I can’t stand is when someone on a dais doesn’t get the opportunity to respond to an allegation. Solvang City Council meetings seem to be a place where the community gathers to pile on City Councilmember Chris Djernaes. The…
Vote yes on Prop. 15 if you care about our future
I am very unsure about the future of my education right now. The only thing I do know is that we will need more funding for our schools and communities as we move past COVID-19. Proposition 15 is one of the only solutions that could help us get funding to get through this crisis. I…
Lompoc City Council member receives funds from city homebuyers loan program
I have been following Lompoc politics for about 30 years; anytime an elected official had a monetary interest or conducted business with the city, he/she would always recuse themselves from any discussion pertaining to their business interest. I have also been following City Council meetings closely for the last six years; Councilman Victor Vega hasn’t…
Things are looking sunnier for Central Coast tanning salon owners who are finally getting back to business
Cristin Nightingale, owner of Sunkissed Tanning Salon in Santa Maria, had always wanted to own her own salon, “even since high school.” In mid 2019, she decided to take the leap. “It was a long process,” Nightingale recalled. “I had to find the spot, get the [tanning] beds, decorate it, and all that fun stuff.”…
Political Watch: October 22, 2020
• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Oct. 16 the release of more funds for the state’s fifth round of Homekey awards, a program that allows jurisdictions to purchase and rehabilitate housing and then convert it into permanent housing to address homelessness. According to the governor’s office, with the Oct. 16 awards, “the state has now provided…
Rideshare companies dump $180 million into Yes on Prop. 22 campaign; drivers urge a no vote
Proposition 22 on this year’s California ballot reexamines whether gig workers for app-based transportation and delivery are independent contractors or if they’ll continue to be categorized as employees, which state law currently requires. The proposed law—created by Uber, Lyft, Instacart, and Doordash—would exempt app-based transportation and delivery companies from providing employee benefits to certain drivers…
Propositions 20 and 25 would impact sentence lengths, DNA collection, parole, and cash bail system
California voters will have the opportunity to vote on criminal justice reforms through two separate measures on the ballot this November: Propositions 20 and 25. Proposition 20 would restrict access to parole for some nonviolent offenses, increase penalties for certain theft-related crimes, and add opportunities for DNA collection. The fiscal result would be higher law…
County supervisors vote to target large gatherings with administrative fines
After a COVID-19 update on Oct. 20 discussing outbreaks in Isla Vista, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted to pass an ordinance allowing the county to levy fines against large gatherings and businesses that don’t comply with public health orders. UC Santa Barbara issued an emergency notification on Oct. 16 stating that the…
PETA protests Solvang Trolley, owners blame City Council member
The Solvang Trolley and Carriage Company is again at odds with City Council member Chris Djernaes, as the business’s owners claim Djernaes is the reason PETA protested outside their business on Oct. 10. Protesters stood outside of the Solvang Trolley on Copenhagen Drive, speaking into a megaphone and holding signs that read “Honor Hazel with…
Congressional candidates Carbajal, Caldwell face off in virtual debate
U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, the 24th Congressional District incumbent who represents San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, faced off against challenger Andy Caldwell in an Oct. 17 virtual debate, which aired on KEYT Channel 13. The opponents gave their takes on COVID-19 recovery, Diablo Canyon decommissioning, immigration, and police reform. Debate moderator Scott Hennessee…
