Cover Story
The Good Samaritan Shelter works with Lompoc and Santa Barbara County to provide Pallet sheltering for homeless in the community
Outside the Bridgehouse Homeless Shelter in Lompoc, 18 8-by-8-foot sheds sit on freshly laid asphalt in a circle. Beds, flowers, a bag of snacks, and water inside each welcome their guests. Picnic tables sit under the shaded middle of the neighborhood with potted plants scattered around. The white buildings—which will be painted purple, red, and…
The Maker’s Son in Los Alamos dishes out elevated comfort food in a rustic, nostalgic setting
Repurposed from a Roaring ’20s-era gas station, one of Los Alamos’ newest hot spots feels old in all the right ways. “The facility just has an authenticity to it,” said Don Conner, one of the operating managers at The Maker’s Son, which opened its doors to the public earlier this summer. “Legitimately, this building is…
Karole Foreman gives a powerhouse performance as jazz icon Billie Holiday in PCPA’s ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’
“Disappears into a role” shouldn’t be an easy compliment to throw around, but in Karole Foreman’s case, the phrase feels like an understatement when talking about her role as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. I can’t speak for the whole audience, but judging by the collective gasps during one scene,…
Gallery Los Olivos presents new group show, Three Viewpoints
A new trio exhibition, Three Viewpoints, premieres at Gallery Los Olivos on Thursday, Sept. 2. This collaborative exhibit showcases a collection of oil and pastel paintings by three local, award-winning artists, Morgan Green, Ellen Yeomans, and Carrie Givens. The show is slated to run through Thursday, Sept. 30. All three of the exhibit’s featured painters…
Santa Maria Concerts in the Park Series concludes with Steppin’ Out at Robert Acquistapace Park
Steppin’ Out, a Central Coast-based dance band, will perform during the final entry of the Santa Maria Concerts in the Park Series on Sunday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Robert Acquistapace Park. Admission to this outdoor event is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic lunches. For more info,…
Valley Art Gallery showcases beach paintings by local artist Taffy French-Gray
The Valley Art Gallery presents Life’s a Beach: Avila to Venice, a new solo exhibition at the Santa Maria Airport, which is scheduled to remain on display through the end of September. This exhibit showcases a collection of beach-themed landscapes, seascapes, and portraits by oil painter Taffy French-Gray, who will be present at the airport…
Conservation plan is not a land grab
The 30 by 30 plan is a big deal. The Biden administration’s recognition of the need to conserve 30 percent of the nation’s natural lands by 2030 to head off mass extinction and the worst effects of climate change entails a big plan, and it is an axiom of Newtonian political law that the announcement…
Seeking solutions
I don’t want to write about good news. It’s no fun! But this week I have no choice. I have no choice but to give the county a pat on the back for its efforts on homelessness. As San Luis Obispo County put forward a “safe parking area” on a dirt lot outside of its…
Why you should vote in the recall election
If Gavin Newsom does not receive more that 50 percent of the vote on Sept. 14, one of his opponents can become governor with as little as 5 percent of the vote. That’s right, a majority is needed to vote Newsom out of office, but a majority is not needed to choose his successor. The…
Political Watch: September 2, 2021
• California legislators released statements on the U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan, including those who were California residents. On Aug. 27, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) honored U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui and Cpl. Hunter Lopez of California, who were killed in a bombing. “Our hearts are heavy with the tragic news…
Santa Maria to experience temporary road closures and water shutoffs
Starting on Sept. 6, Santa Maria residents could experience temporary water service interruptions as the city replaces water line valves and other water distribution system facilities along Broadway. “This equipment is likely decades old and at the end of its expected life. We are going to go through different intersections and replace 51 valves,” said…
Carbajal requests millions of dollars in funding for local projects
Community projects from Santa Barbara to Cambria stand to gain millions of dollars in funding thanks to Congressman Salud Carbajal’s requests in House-passed appropriations bills. Earlier this year, the House appropriations committee announced it would accept requests from Congress members to fund specific projects in their communities. Each member could submit up to 10 projects…
County to target encampments as a way to address homelessness issues
On Aug. 31, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to move forward with a plan to get individuals out of homeless encampments by providing needed services and coordinating across cities and the county. Department of Housing and Community Development Homeless Assistance Program Manager Kimberlee Albers and Deputy Director Dinah Lockhart presented a…
Affordable housing, zoning density addressed by Guadalupe’s draft general plan
Guadalupe is planning for future population growth of more than 50 percent, and looking to accommodate that swell with higher density housing. The city released its draft 2021 general plan update in late August, and the City Council discussed it at an Aug. 26 meeting. The council gave staff direction to move forward with the…
The Santa Ynez Valley Riders hits the trails to enjoy the equestrian community
After months of lockdown and social distancing, Santa Ynez Valley Riders President Kathleen Rosenthal is eager to hit the trails once again and invites others to join the club, with half-priced memberships offered through the end of 2021. “It’s a good way to get outside and get exercise. It’s really good for your health; it’s…
