Protecting seniors means discriminating against everyone else, according to Nick Ubaldi with Harmony Communities, the company that’s now managing Del Cielo Mobile Estates—the once 55-and-older mobile home park in Orcutt. I say once because Ubaldi said it is no longer. Not only is it now an all-ages community, Ubaldi said in a statement, the park […]
Legal shenanigans
Cal Poly student-created Social Spark promotes connection amid loneliness epidemic
Amid an epidemic of loneliness, recent Cal Poly graduates are working to combat social separation through a new app that promotes in-person human connection—Social Spark. Created by CEO Sam Moberly through the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Social Spark has helped to connect more than 3,000 members from the Bay Area to LA […]
Political Watch: November 14, 2024
• The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) recently awarded $22 million in grant funding for the Ortega construction project in the Summerland area, a regional project that will allow for more passenger train trips, according to a statement from Santa Barbara County 1st District Supervisor Das Williams’ office. The grant awards were a part of […]
Rings, earrings, and botanical illustrations sum up Santa Maria artist Kristen Bates’ latest outpouring
On and off the grid Check out Santa Maria-based artist Kristen Bates’ artworks online on her Facebook page. Bates’ works will be available for sale in-person at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art on Nov. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find them […]
More cities should do what Ojai just did, and outlaw ‘torture breeding’
Bravo to Ojai for adopting a groundbreaking new law—an ordinance protecting companion animals from unethical breeding—making it the first U.S. city to ban “torture breeding.” This cruel practice involves intentionally breeding animals to have distorted physical features—such as grotesquely flattened faces and disproportionately long spines—which lead to a lifetime of suffering. Ojai’s law will […]
The Santa Ynez Valley needs responsible development, not to cater to out-of-town developers
The Santa Ynez Valley has long captivated residents and visitors alike with its stunning landscapes and vibrant community spirit. However, as we face an onslaught of development projects, the need for a critical examination of these changes is more pressing than ever. While growth can be beneficial, we must be wary of the motivations behind […]
Calm down!
By the time you read this, you’ll either be crying, laughing, curled up in the fetal position, clapping, or losing your mind. It really depends on who wins and who you voted for in the presidential election. I don’t know what’s going on yet, because it’s 3:30 p.m. on Election Day and we’re about to […]
Bien Nacido’s new vineyard director oversees incoming era of redevelopment
Between the vines Find out more about Bien Nacido at biennacidoestate.com. The Bien Nacido Vineyard is located at 4705 Santa Maria Mesa Road, Santa Maria. Its sister vineyard, Solomon Hills, is located at 5550 Telephone Road, Santa Maria. One of Santa Maria’s top vintners is dotting its i’s with a new set of eyes. As […]
NEW FLICKS: Don’t Move
Don’t Move What’s it rated? R When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Brian Netto (Delivery: The Beast Within) and Adam Schindler (Intruders) co-direct this psychological horror thriller about Richard (Finn Wittrock), a serial killer who injects a paralytic agent into his next victim, Iris (Kelsey Asbille), a mother who lost her child. She’s forced to […]
NEW FLICKS: Woman of the Hour
Woman of the Hour What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Netflix True crime fans likely already know the name Rodney Alcala and his incredibly vile acts in the ’70s. If you’re like me, you’ve even watched clips of The Dating Game episode he was on. This version of the story adds a […]
Chasing Chasing Amy explores the complexity of queerness in America
Chasing Chasing Amy What’s it rated? Not rated What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? The SLO Film Center at The Palm Theatre In his feature film debut, writer-director Sav Rodgers, a queer kid who grew up in Kansas, helms this documentary that explores the complicated legacy […]
Nipomo’s Gallery at Monarch Dunes hosts Fall Showcase
Several original artworks from a pool of 19 participating artists are on display as part of the Gallery at Monarch Dunes’ Fall Showcase, which premiered in early November. The exhibit will open to the public on Nov. 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. each day. The show’s featured artists are residents […]

