A contract to bridge four agencies in managing the Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin’s east sector is one step closer to sign-offs after two years of negotiations. During its June 10 meeting, the Solvang City Council reviewed a proposed arrangement between the city, the Santa Barbara County Water Agency, the Santa Ynez River Water […]
Solvang adopts joint powers agreement to regulate eastern groundwater basin
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Santa Maria goes to LAFCO to provide clean drinking water to Bonita Elementary
Bonita Elementary School students and staff are one step closer to drinking from campus water fountains again after the Santa Maria City Council approved an application to connect to the city’s water lines to the school during the June 4 meeting. “I want to make clear that the school does have clean drinking water available […]
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Fast track: Santa Barbara County has two years to spend a $7.9 million state grant to address vehicular encampments
More than 1,000 Santa Barbara County residents experienced homelessness for the first time in 2024—a jump from 849 in 2023, according to the county’s Point-In-Time Count. Santa Barbara County Homeless Assistance Program Manager Kimberlee Albers told the Sun that the majority of these folks are often seniors or families with children falling out of housing […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Thinly sliced tri-tip is the star of Oakie Smokie BBQ’s cheesesteaks, nachos, and quesadillas
Summer grubbing For updates on Oakie Smokie BBQ’s summer pop-up series and what kinds of menu offerings patrons can expect each Friday, call (805) 332-7226 or follow the Santa Maria-based company’s Facebook page. Thanks to his locally inspired spin on a traditional cheesesteak sandwich, Santa Maria chef Jesse Carlon’s tribute to the Philadelphia staple is […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BINGEABLE: A Man in Full
A Man in Full What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Charlie Croker (Jeff Daniels) thinks he’s got the world by the tail. He’s the biggest real estate developer in Atlanta after all, a man who travels by private jet, has the ear of politicians, and gets what he wants when he […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BINGEABLE: Under the Bridge
Under the Bridge What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Hulu Based on the book of the same name by Rebecca Godfrey and the true story of the murder of Reena Virk, this new series documents the sad and brutal tale of both Reena’s life and the aftermath of her murder. Reena was […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Eric is an eccentric ride through a man out to change himself
Eric What’s it rated? TV-MA What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Netflix Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady, Suffragette) created this six-part mystery-thriller miniseries about 9-year-old Edgar Anderson (Ivan Morris Howe), who goes missing one day on the way to school after a rancorous argument between his […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Connection, socialization
Get together Visit pacificpridefoundation.org to learn more about Lavender Elders and other programs that Pacific Pride Foundation offers. While there are many options for the LGBTQ-plus community to get together during Pride Month in June and throughout the year, it can be challenging for older community members to have that experience. “Things like going to […]
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Political Watch: June 6, 2024
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and the Biden administration announced new funding for two Central Coast school districts to support their purchase of 35 zero- and low-emission school buses for students, according to a May 29 statement from Carbajal’s office. Ventura Unified School District and Santa Barbara Unified School District are receiving $7 […]
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Guadalupe increases cannabis licensing renewal, inspection fees
Like many other jurisdictions, Guadalupe is working out kinks within its cannabis ordinance. The Guadalupe City Council unanimously voted during its May 28 meeting to increase pre-license, inspection, and annual regulatory fees for commercial cannabis businesses, and pushed staff to enforce a $3,000 community benefit fee that operators have yet to pay nearly a year […]
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Solvang’s new utility ordinance enforces against delinquent accounts
Looking to crack down on tenants who leave unpaid water bills behind after unceremoniously vacating their rentals, the city of Solvang is adjusting some of its utility protocols. In February, the Solvang City Council directed staff to research new ways to approach the enforcement of delinquent water and sewer utility accounts. Staff returned with a […]
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Board of Supervisors approve Transient Occupancy Tax increase ballot measure
Despite some residents’ concerns about increased taxes, impacts to the tourism industry, and multiple tax measures going before voters, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 (with 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson Dissenting) to put a Transient Occupancy Tax increase on the November 2024 general election ballot. “I really want to continue to […]