The Center for Biological Diversity intends to sue the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to force the agency to update its plan for the Santa Ynez Unit’s offshore oil platforms—the latest in a series of increased efforts to prevent resumed operations. “The platforms and pipelines have outlived their expected lifespans; and oil production […]
Environmental groups ramp up efforts to prevent Sable resuming oil operations
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Guadalupe violates water board permits due to clogged sewage filters
A recent sludge buildup at Guadalupe’s sewage treatment plant put the city in deep water with a regional authority, which prompted a plan for course correction. During its Sept. 24 meeting, the Guadalupe City Council reviewed two interrelated proposals to dredge the plant’s filtering system ponds and improve the site’s maintenance procedures. Approved unanimously by […]
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Santa Barbara County Planning Commission delays cannabis odor discussion to November
The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission pushed back its discussion on a cannabis odor ordinance until November to give more residents the time to understand and form their own opinions on the county’s proposed plans to improve mitigating the plant’s skunky smell. “I feel like where we are is we just got inside the ballpark, […]
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Unhoused pet families
A black-and-white kitten emerged from a makeshift fence made of blue tarp and wooden posts as Chris LaBossiere announced her arrival. “Hi … it’s Chris and Claire from C.A.R.E.4Paws,” LaBossiere said as she walked toward the encampment. Fellow volunteer Claire Sheehy stayed a few steps back. The resident pushed the tarp back as she came […]
Posted inOpinion
The Sun’s North County coverage is appreciated
Thanks to the Santa Maria Sun for its continuing coverage of events germane to Lompoc. Your Sept. 19 issue alone has three pieces of import, not to mention the cover. Your reporting that encompasses the entire North Santa Barbara County is much appreciated. Keep it coming! Barry Marks Lompoc
Posted inOpinion
Totalitarianism, fascism, and authoritarianism are not games
I don my team’s colors and make sure things are tucked in right. It’s game day. Off to meet with my fellow participants to strategize where to be to watch the game. We all compare our newest gear and are energized by the prospect of the past and future meetups of our team. We all […]
Posted inOpinion
Who’s got the dough?
Maintaining a city is hard. It costs money. It requires people. They need public safety services, recreation, parking, walkable spaces, city streets, and more—all of which require infrastructure, maintenance, and money. Lots of it. So why would a city willingly agree to reduce the fees it charges housing developers to pay for all of that […]
Posted inNews
Guadalupe’s new recreation services manager increases activities for locals
As someone who never considered herself a sporty person growing up, Annis Barajas wanted to offer Guadalupe residents more than sports when she joined the Recreation Department six months ago. “Guadalupe has [always] been super strong when it comes to sports,” said Barajas, the recreation services manager. “I wanted to have options for people who […]
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Political Watch: September 26, 2024
• Bipartisan legislation to reduce wildfire risk, written by U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), was unanimously approved by the House Natural Resources Committee, according to a Sept. 19 statement from Carbajal’s office. The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act would reduce procedural steps for removing hazardous vegetation near power lines—cutting red tape to allow for […]
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Lompoc City Council tables electric rate increase
Concerns about how proposed utility rate increases would impact small businesses and/or residents with low- or fixed-incomes halted the Lompoc City Council’s vote on making the needed changes. “For me, personally, I know we have to do this, but I’m just having some struggle. I wish there was more nuance. I know it’s just a […]
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Santa Maria deems new infant care a ‘vital need’ amid countywide shortage
Poised to neighbor the Santa Maria Airport, a proposed child care center recently managed to stick the landing with city officials. During the Santa Maria Planning Commission’s Sept. 18 meeting, city staff vouched for the upcoming Wings Infant Center, described in the staff report as a development to help tackle Santa Barbara County’s child care […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Capuno’s Lutong Bahay serves up Filipino food from the heart in Santa Maria
Dine in, take out Capuno’s Lutong Bahay is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2025 S. Broadway, suite B, in Santa Maria. Eat there, take it to go, or order catering for your event. Find a menu […]