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Domoic acid sickens Central Coast marine mammals, raises human health concerns

Mouth foaming. Lethargic and erratic behavior. Muscle spasms. Seizures. Death. Up and down Central Coast beaches, sea lions are suffering the effects of domoic acid poisoning—a neurotoxin produced by a harmful algal bloom that comes around every few years, possibly because of climate change and runoff impacts, Dr. Sam Dover told the Sun.  “Sea lions […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

NEW FLICKS: It’s Just a Lifetime: A Portrait of Craig Nuttycombe

It’s Just a Lifetime: A Portrait of Craig Nuttycombe What’s it rated? Unrated When? Saturday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. ($33.98 at my805tix.com) Where’s it showing? The Cambria Center for the Arts (1350 Main St.) Tim Ursuliak and Carman Cookson-Hills co-direct this documentary about retired handyman, local musician, and irascible character Craig Nuttycombe, who in […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

NEW FLICKS: Land of Bad

Land of Bad What’s it rated? R When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix William Eubank (The Signal, Underwater) co-wrote and directs this action thriller about drone pilot Capt. Eddie Grimm “Reaper” (Russell Crowe), supporting a Delta Force team sent to rescue a CIA spy held by Abu Sayyaf terrorists. After a brutal firefight with the […]

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The Instigators is an amusing mismatched buddy flick

The Instigators What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee Where’s it showing? Apple TV Plus Doug Liman (Swingers, The Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow) directs this crime comedy about two hapless robbers—Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck, who co-wrote the script with Chuck MacLean)—who find themselves on […]

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Elverhoj Museum showcases contemporary ceramics in new exhibit

Prolific ceramicist Marianne Steenholdt Bork is the featured artist of the Elverhoj Museum’s new solo exhibition, titled The Lion Has to Be Happy: Contemporary Danish Ceramics. The exhibit opened on Aug. 10 and is scheduled to remain on display through Oct. 27. According to press materials, the featured ceramicist’s works “invite viewers to a world […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Allan Hancock College acquires world-class piano for Boyd Concert Hall

Two Festival Mozaic musicians helped christen Allan Hancock College’s newest addition to Boyd Concert Hall. Earlier this summer, the college purchased a new concert piano, valued at $175,000, with funds from the estate of late piano instructor Patricia “Patty” Boyd. In late July, pianist Susan Grace played the Steinway D concert piano during a Festival […]

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California Nature Art Museum’s walls are draped with quilted scenes of wildlife

Natural habitat Call (805) 688-1082 or visit calnatureartmuseum.org for more info on the California Nature Art Museum, located at 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang. California, Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland opened in mid-July and will remain on display through January 2025. The California Nature Art Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on […]

Posted inOpinion

How about a new set of ‘commandments’

In response to Mr. Ron Fink proposing that the Ten Commandments be displayed “in every school, library, courthouse, and city hall in the United States” (“What’s the fuss?” July 25): I can only reply that many citizens, myself included, resent being subjected to archaic and divisive Christian orthodoxy and dogma. How about a new set […]

Posted inOpinion

Democrats are sporting fresh faces and ample energy heading into Electoral College decisions

Last August, my commentary concluded with this observation: “One thing is certain: By next August, both parties will have completed their primary elections … and named their nominees. We already know the stakes in 2024: Nothing less than the future of our democracy, the security of our planet, and the conditions under which our nation […]

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