A Family Affair What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Zara (Joey King) is desperate to be taken seriously by her boss, superstar actor Chris Cole (Zac Efron), but he still treats her like an assistant, despite his promises to help her become a film producer. Zara lives with her mom, Brooke […]
NEW FLICKS: A Family Affair
NEW FLICKS: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F What’s it rated? R When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix The heat is on … again. In this fourth entry into the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, Detroit Det. Alex Foley (Eddie Murphy) returns to Beverly Hills after the life of his semi-estranged daughter, Jane (Taylour Paige), is threatened. As he […]
Twisters spins an engaging yarn
Twisters What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) directs this action-adventure about Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a retired tornado-chaser and meteorologist who’s persuaded by Tyler (Glen Powell), a reckless […]
Solvang adopts residential water disconnection policy
Homeowners and renters who fail to pick up their water tabs on time in Solvang are subject to a new protocol, designed to establish clear guidelines on course correction rather than muddying ones. City staff’s goal behind the initiative, adopted by the Solvang City Council during its July 22 meeting, was to reformat some aspects […]
Santa Maria City Council wants more action to resolve homeless encampments
Facing an increased population of individuals experiencing homelessness, multijurisdictional conflicts in managing the Santa Maria riverbed, and higher volumes for service near its new interim shelter, the Santa Maria City Council wants changes. The City Council heard an update about the city, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County’s efforts to resolve encampments in […]
The Amigos sets the tone at Nipomo gala with live jazz and swing
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center’s 2024 Gala will include live music from local jazz and swing act The Amigos, dinner from Cool Hand Luke’s of Santa Maria, a no-host bar, poker games, and more festivities for guests to look forward to. The 1920s-themed event will take place at the Edwards Barn, located at 1095 Pomeroy Road, […]
Entry period for New Times Music Awards closes Aug. 5
Local musicians are invited to compete in the 2024 New Times Music Awards before the contest’s entry period closes on Monday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m. Participants can enter their songs online at newtimesslo.com. All entrants must reside primarily in San Luis Obispo County or northern Santa Barbara County. This year marks the 16th year […]
Badge wearers and bandits of the Wild West face off with gusto in Gunsmokin’
Where there’s smoke … Gunsmokin’ premiered on July 12 and is scheduled to run through Sept. 7 at the Great American Melodrama, located at 1863 Front St., Oceano. Call (805) 489-2499 or visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets or more info. Tickets to performances of Gunsmokin’ can also be purchased in person at the theater’s box office, […]
55 Fiction 2024: The winners of our annual short story contest are in!
Tiny tales: A hallmark of the 55 Fiction stories submitted to our annual short story contest is the “surprise” at the end that ties the preceding sentences together. They show up in stories about murders, love, food, animals, cars—really, you can craft a tiny twist into any tall tale. We’re here to publish the best […]
Give our firefighters the wages they deserve
This past week proves to be the perfect time for this letter. Why? The sky was dull with smoke and ashes cover everything. Fire! A big one and out of control. We’ve all seen the convoys of firetrucks and support equipment … some staged at our local Elks rodeo grounds. Firefighters from all over the […]
The kerfuffle over the Ten Commandments in public view is totally unnecessary
The Ten Commandments have existed for centuries. Early on, people realized that there should be a set of common-sense rules to guide civilization. The basis of our Constitution and public laws are found in those guiding principles. For people to coexist in harmony they must become familiar with them at an early age. Some states, […]
Sweet and savory collide at Boba Grande in Orcutt
Pearl paradise Visit bobagrandesantamaria.com or call (805) 623-8898 for more info on Boba Grande, located at 1130 E. Clark Ave., suite 130, Orcutt. The shop is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. As its name suggests, Boba Grande doesn’t fall short for fans of milk teas in generous portions. The new Orcutt shop’s […]

