If I were a state or local government employee in California, I would be concerned about my future retirement plan. Many local governments are suffering budget deficits; we read about these budget shortfalls regularly as revenue (tax-based funds) decreases and expenses increase. The Independent Institute’s website says, “Legislative analyst Gabe Petek, in his overview of […]
Sinking ship: Politicians are swamping the state’s financial future
Posted inOpinion
The surprising freedom of an electric car
As a mother of two young kids, I didn’t expect my first electric car purchase to bring me this much joy—or this much peace and quiet. But our new Hyundai IONIQ 5 has done exactly that. First, the silence. No engine roar, no rattling—just smooth, almost magical acceleration. My kids actually asked if the car […]
Posted inOpinion
We still have more work to do to protect the Earth
When I attended the very first Earth Day in 1970 as a college student, the air was choked with smog, Rachel Carson had alerted us to the harms caused by DDT, and the heartbreaking massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara polluted miles of ocean and killed thousands of birds. Environmental consciousness was […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
In a new podcast, two Santa Maria locals inspire listeners to dream big
Nevada Gibson’s second memory with Daniel Black is their “iconic” slap fight at Pacific Christian School after playing together during recess in third grade. “For some reason we just started slapping the heck out of each other, like, in the face,” Gibson said in between laughs. “We got in trouble. We had to sit on […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Comedian Bill Engvall to perform at the Chumash Casino
Bill Engvall is heading to Santa Ynez for a night full of laughs. The tried-and-true comedian and TV host is headlining the Chumash Casino on April 24. He’s known for clean commentary on marriage, parenthood, and everyday life. The show will be held in the Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. After getting his feet wet […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Pico Los Alamos hosts dinner and a show
Los Alamos Theatre Group’s 14th original stage production is set to run from May 7 to 10. Bell Street restaurant Pico Los Alamos is the host, offering a social hour and three-course meal to accompany the performance. Taking place over the course of one chaotic day, Audition: Showtime! follows Hollywood expats who produce a talent […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Outcome follows a Hollywood star forced to atone for his past
Jonah Hill (Mid90s) directs this screenplay he co-wrote with Ezra Woods about Hollywood star Reef Hawk (Keanu Reeves), five years sober and on a break from acting, who receives a panicked call from his “crisis lawyer,” Ira Slitz (Hill), who tells him someone is blackmailing him with some dirt from his past. Desperate to maintain […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Anaconda is a fun meta reboot of the 1997 film
AnacondaWhat’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Jack Black and Paul Rudd—what could go wrong with such a jovial and charming duo? The two play childhood friends Doug (Black) and Griff (Rudd), whose adult lives have proved less than satisfying. When Griff gains the rights to their favorite ’90s flick, Anaconda, the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel is streaming on Netflix
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel What’s it rated? R When? 2026 Where’s it showing?Netflix Ben Feldman (Bug Out) directs this documentary filled with archival footage and images as well as contemporary interviews with Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Jack Irons, and others. The doc’s focus, guitarist […]
Posted inEats
Bring your family, friends, and pets to Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop
After a hot day by the pool or a sandy afternoon on the beach, Old Orcutt residents have a new place to cool off before heading home. Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop opened on March 14 after three years of planning and construction. It sells classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry along with rotating dairy-free […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Crafting community: Lompoc’s monthly Art Walk brings artists, businesses, and residents together
Walk the walkFor all things Lompoc Art Walk, scan the QR code or visit the lonelyploversocialclub.com. Follow @thelonelyploversocialclub on Instagram for updates. Check out the event in downtown Lompoc on the first Thursday of every month. Start at the Cypress Gallery (119 E. Cypress Ave.) at 5 p.m. There’s nothing to do in Lompoc. Right? […]
Posted inNews
County declines tax exchange offer tied to proposed Orcutt annexation
Going against an independent arbitrator’s opinion, Santa Barbara County recently rejected a property tax exchange offer from the city of Santa Maria after a year of negotiations. Mediation between the county and the city over the agreement—necessary for the Richards Ranch development project in Orcutt to move forward with a 44-acre annexation application—began during the […]