When it comes to taking in a new piece of information, there’s something about putting pen to paper that just hits differently, compared to typing something on a laptop, tablet, or phone. While there’s no shortage of ways to replicate notepad-style note-taking via apps and websites nowadays, the small joys get lost in translation: gliding…
For the past nine months, the Santa Maria Police Department has issued warnings for vehicles violating a new state parking law. The officers will begin ticketing individuals later this month with $100 citations. The “daylighting” law, AB 413, prohibits drivers from stopping or parking vehicles within 20 feet of corners, intersections, and crosswalks, even if…
Instances of theft and vandalism in early 2025 prompted Solvang officials to consider rebooting the city’s surveillance camera operations. After months of consulting with local law enforcement and a camera contractor, Solvang is set to expand its city-run video surveillance—currently limited to City Hall and a handful of water wells—to cover various corners of downtown…
Fire hazards. Height violations. Improper noticing. Claims tied to a Santa Ynez Valley resident’s appeal of a neighboring family’s permit to add two new ground-floor bathrooms—together totaling 150 square feet—to their home didn’t hold water during a Santa Barbara County Planning Commission review. “When I first got this, I thought, why is this even before…
• U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-California), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) co-authored a recent letter that urges for Jared Wise’s employment with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to be terminated. The letter cites Wise among those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He was charged with multiple felony offenses, including…
Halcyon’s former Temple of the People Guardian-in-Chief Eleanor Shumway died on Aug. 12 at home in Arroyo Grande. She was 92. The leader of the local Theosophical Society for 32 years, Shumway was the only guardian-in-chief who lived to retire and witness her successor head the century-old Temple of the People. To her family, Shumway…
Happy Pedestrian Safety Month! Did you know that was a thing? I didn’t. But I’m not a pedestrian. Well, this winged wanderer just got another reason to be glad I’m neither a driver nor a walker. Local police are starting to enforce a new law this month, one that went into effect in January. The…
On Aug. 25 Israel attacked Nasser Medical Complex, the largest health facility in southern Gaza, and murdered 20 innocent people. They used what is called a “double tap.” First they attacked the fourth floor stairway of the hospital with a drone strike, killing two and injuring dozens. The attack gathered rescuers, aid workers, doctors, and…
The Central Coast doesn’t have a housing shortage—we have an affordability shortage (“The Central Coast desperately needs to build its way out of the housing crisis,” Aug. 14). A quick look at today’s housing market tells the real story. On Aug. 4, 2025, Zillow showed 1,407 homes and lots priced over $1 million in our…
There have been numerous times that Pismo Beach author Wendelin Van Draanen thought she’d written her last novel, but she keeps thinking of plot ideas—more than 30 to date. Her latest novel, The Steps, was released on Sept. 2. Plus, Van Draanen has another book coming out in the fall of 2026, and she’s working…
Central Coast artists can submit samples of their work for a chance to be displayed in two galleries at Lompoc libraries. The Lompoc Public Library Art Advisory Committee will evaluate the submissions during its meeting on Sept. 18. The committee is looking for representative bodies of work, consisting of at least six original pieces that…
Art created by two Allan Hancock College alumni is featured at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery on campus until Oct. 2. The exhibit, called Made in Santa Maria, highlights the professional accomplishments of Ruben Espinoza and Aaron Cribbs, who both started their careers at Hancock’s art program. Espinoza and Cribbs will be talking about the exhibit…
Consisting of three episodes—“We Gonna Ride It Out Like We Always Do” directed by Geeta Gandbhir; “Shelter of Last Resort” directed by Samantha Knowles; and “God Takes Care of Fools and Babies” directed by Spike Lee—this new documentary miniseries explores the New Orleans tragedy on its 20-year anniversary. (three approximately one-hour episodes) Katrina: Come Hell…
Freaky Tales What’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? HBO Max Co-written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel), Freaky Tales tells four interconnected stories all set in real locations and connected to historical events in 1987 Oakland. “Strength in Numbers: The Gilman Strikes Back” depicts young punk rock fans…
HostageWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) is a powerful woman, one who won’t let the world see her feathers ruffled, even when faced with the harsh reality of a kidnapped husband. She’s also got French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) to deal with, and Vivienne…
The Chapman Estate, a fixture on the bluffs of Shell Beach overlooking the Pacific since 1930, is home to a koi pond, a colorful begonia house, a windmill, and the Tudor-style abode. “This is what we’re working to preserve. It’s worth saving, and it’s worth opening the doors to let people see,” volunteer Lillian Jewell…
