Kindly allow me space in your paper to correct two flagrant fictions contained in Dan Dennis’s opinion piece of Aug. 1 (“The stakes are too high”). President Franklin Roosevelt’s Glass-Steagall law was passed in 1933; the Great Depression had been already raging since the collapse of the stock market in October 1929, four years earlier. […]
Opinions are one thing, but keep the facts straight
Posted inOpinion
Democratic Party’s style is to avoid democracy by simply anointing a candidate
What is democracy? Merriam-Webster defines it this way: “rule of the majority; a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.” Earlier this year there was a primary election where registered voters of each political party […]
Posted inOpinion
New normal
I’m a little confused about a recent Santa Barbara County Planning Commission decision about cannabis—mostly I’m confounded about Commissioner John Parke and his support of a processing project, something I assume he’s against. You know, he’s always talking about that odor. Cannabis smells impacting quality of life seem to niggle Parke like no other, insinuating […]
Posted inNews
Caltrans awards SBCAG a $480,000 grant to update Santa Barbara County’s bicycle maps
Bike maps help bicyclists identify and navigate routes throughout their region and understand a route’s classification—from multi-use trails to bike lanes on the street. However, Santa Barbara County’s mapping system is outdated by more than a decade, said Lauren Bianchi Klemann, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. “With roads and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Local chef Don Carr curates elaborate private dinners across the Central Coast
Intimate inspirations Visit inspireddiningevents.com for more info on Don Carr’s private chef experience services. The unparalleled bliss that comes with enjoying a gourmet meal without lifting a finger or washing a single dish isn’t restricted to those who dine out, thanks to private chefs like longtime local Don Carr. “We’re basically a traveling restaurant,” Carr […]
Posted inNews
Buellton sets road access boundaries on condos project
In the eyes of some Rancho de Maria residents, a recent ruling that limits road access between the Buellton neighborhood and an upcoming housing development to emergency use or by permit could use less leeway. Greenlit by city officials in 2018, the Hub project—which will bring new condos to a 17-acre site west of Rancho […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara, SLO counties begin Santa Maria Riverbed encampment cleanup
Santa Barbara County 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson has supported efforts to resolve homeless encampments since he took office in 2021. However, he said that because multiple jurisdictions oversee portions of the Santa Maria Riverbed—including Caltrans, Santa Maria, and SLO County with the majority—it’s been difficult to facilitate any cleanup of the area. “It’s been […]
Posted inNews
Looking to the future: Diana Perez faces Alice Patino for Santa Maria mayoral race
Alice Patino threw her hat in the ring for a fourth term as Santa Maria mayor “to keep the continuity going.” “I want to continue to represent the interest of the communities in Santa Maria,” Patino said. “It’s important for Santa Maria to have a voice at the regional and state level of issues that […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BLAST FROM THE PAST: Field of Dreams
Field of Dreams What’s it rated? PG When? 1989 Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre on Monday, Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m. Phil Alden Robinson directs this family fantasy drama about struggling Iowa corn farmer Ray Kinsella, who lives with his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan), and their daughter, Karin (Gaby Hoffman). We learn that Ray […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BLAST FROM THE PAST: The Fifth Element
The Fifth Element What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 1997 Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 1 and Friday, Aug. 2, at 7:00 p.m. Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, Léon: The Professional, Lucy) directs this sci-fi adventure set mostly in the 23rd century, about Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a flying-cab driver and former […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Deadpool & Wolverine is hilarious, action-packed, and full of heart
Deadpool & Wolverine What’s it rated? R 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 Shawn Levy (Cheaper by the Dozen, Night at the Museum, Free Guy) directs this new installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Orcutt Mineral Society holds 56th annual Rainbow of Gems Show
Several vendors of jewelry, gems, minerals, and more will sell and display their wares during the 56th annual Rainbow of Gems Show at Nipomo High School on Aug. 2, 3, and 4. This Central Coast tradition, organized by the Orcutt Mineral Society, features unique selections of collectible rocks, fossils, and crafted stone merchandise. Admission and […]