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 […]
More cities should do what Ojai just did, and outlaw ‘torture breeding’
Posted inOpinion
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 […]
Posted inOpinion
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 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Scrooge and other holiday characters take center stage during the Great American Melodrama’s seasonal show
The Great American Melodrama in Oceano presents its annual production of The Holiday Extravaganza, which opens on Nov. 15 and is scheduled to run through Dec. 31. The three-act show includes the venue’s traditional retelling of A Christmas Carol, a fairy tale spoof segment, and a holiday-themed vaudeville act. During A Christmas Carol, miser Ebenezer […]
Posted inNews
Guadalupe’s first cannabis dispensary, Root One, is open for business
By opening its doors in Guadalupe, Root One became the first cannabis dispensary to serve the Santa Maria Valley. “It’s been great to see this multiyear mission come to fruition and for us to be so welcomed by the community, which has been the best part so far,” said Austen Connella, the owner and CEO […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: November 7, 2024
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) announced another $1.7 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to prevent roadway deaths and protect pedestrians and cyclists on the Central Coast, according to an Oct. 31 statement from Carbajal’s office. “Part of revitalizing our infrastructure and improving our roads and highways is making sure […]
Posted inNews
Dana Reserve annexation proposal goes before SLO County LAFCO on Nov. 14
The Dana Reserve inches closer to reality after the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors approved a property tax agreement with the Nipomo Community Services District (NCSD) on Oct. 22. Following a back-and-forth negotiation between the NCSD and county, the two finally came to an agreement after negotiating over their conflicting property tax policies. […]