Many Democrats may not realize that their loss in 2024 was sealed by two Faustian bargains that they struck in 2020 to win that election. A “Faustian bargain” is, in its broadest sense, the making of a deal that promises immediate rewards, but at a painful cost that must be paid later. Going into the […]
Democrats are paying now for their 2020 deal with the devil
Math and signs
At least one person made a salient point at a recent Santa Barbara County ad-hoc committee meeting about farmworker conditions, specifically when it comes to the concept of implementing a $26 minimum wage for farmworkers in the county. “Say I’m Driscoll’s. I could buy from Santa Barbara County, I could buy from our neighboring counties, […]
SLO County’s Democratic Party state leaders defend seats in early vote count results
From Assembly to Congress, Democratic Party state leaders representing the Central Coast appear to be holding onto their seats, according to preliminary results of the general election. In the 30th District, which spans parts of San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz counties, incumbent Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) comfortably led with 64.4 percent of […]
Most Santa Maria City Council incumbents lead in their races
With the exception of the 2nd District, Santa Maria City Council incumbents are leading their respective races, according to preliminary election results. Alongside the citywide mayoral election, voters in the 1st and 2nd Districts cast their ballots with the city’s looming budget deficit, the ongoing downtown revitalization plan, and firefighter wages at the forefront of […]
Del Cielo mobile home park owners sue Santa Barbara County
The owners of an Orcutt senior mobile home park sued Santa Barbara County after the Board of Supervisors passed a temporary moratorium to prevent conversions from senior parks to all ages during its Nov. 5 meeting. “We believe this ordinance is unjust and attempts to force us to violate federal law,” Nick Ubaldi told the […]
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors table Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance decision until December to fine tune last details
The agricultural enterprise ordinance could be Theodora Stephen’s ticket to creating farm stays on her small olive oil operation in Santa Ynez. “Rents are now completely out of control for business establishments, and we need to diversify our revenues,” Stephen wrote in a public comment letter to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors ahead […]
Local culinary instructor Pascale Beale celebrates 25 years of teaching and new cookbook release
Between the lines Find out more about Santa Barbara-based cookbook author and cooking instructor Pascale Beale at pascaleskitchen.com. Beale’s current book tour, to celebrate the release of Flavour, includes events in Solvang, Los Alamos, Santa Barbara, and other areas. Hundreds of recipes. Eleven cookbooks. Two letters to Julia Child. Santa Barbara chef Pascale Beale is […]
Reef protection: The Gallups paint underwater life to highlight its need for our help to stay alive
How deep is your love? Call (805) 688-1082 or visit calnatureartmuseum.org for more info on the California Nature Art Museum, located at 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang. The museum’s latest duo exhibition, A Deeper Love: Paintings Inspired by Coral Reefs, opened in mid-September and is scheduled to remain on display through Feb. 24, 2025. The California […]
BINGEABLE: Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter
Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Cathy Terkanian was a young mother, only 16 at the time of her daughter’s birth. Despite wanting to raise her child, Cathy’s mother convinced her to place her up for adoption when she was 9 months old. After a […]
BINGEABLE: This is the Zodiac Speaking
This is the Zodiac Speaking What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix I know: “Not another show about the Zodiac Killer!” I get it. This unsolved case has been hashed and rehashed since the crimes happened in Nor-Cal in the late ’60s, but I have to say, this series grabbed my […]
Heretic thrills as it dissects faith
Heretic What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Co-writers and directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (co-writers of A Quiet Place) helm this psychological horror thriller about two young Mormon missionaries—Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) […]
Oceano Seabreeze Market showcases local artisans, crafters, and vendors
Discover Oceano will host its next Oceano Seabreeze Market on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Oceano Train Depot. Attendees of the upcoming event will have the chance to buy or browse selections of handcrafted goods and other items from local makers, artisans, curators, and other participating vendors of […]

