Local historian James D. Cain will sign copies of his book, Ella Young Remembered, during a special event, hosted by the Oceano Depot Association, at the Oceano Train Depot on Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During his time as a school teacher in Santa Maria, Cain became interested in Young—a famous […]
Oceano Depot Association holds book signing and artifact display
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Elverhoj Museum hosts intimate dialogue and demo with five artists
Get a closer look Call (805) 686-1211 visit elverhoj.org for more info on Under the Same Sun, a group exhibition of contemporary artworks from five participating artists, on display at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang through July 7. The museum is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang. With an upcoming artist […]
Posted inOpinion
We’ve come close to an actual dictator in the Oval Office
The May 18, 2024, issue of The Economist reflected upon the vulnerability of the United States to becoming a dictatorship. But while the writer’s focus was on another Donald Trump presidency, I think our closest encounter with dictatorship was in our not-so-distant past. A “dictator” is defined as a leader who has absolute power, […]
Posted inOpinion
Has your family’s standard of living improved in the last four years?
Your standard of living is defined as the degree of wealth and material comfort available to a person or community. Your quality of life is similar, the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group: the things that are needed for a good quality of life. Inflation is a general increase […]
Posted inOpinion
Big bucks
After almost getting shut down by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District last year for noncompliance, one cannabis company agreed to pay more than $1.3 million for its polluting ways. Central Coast Agriculture will now hold the incredible title of paying more than any other for violating air pollution regulations in the county—even […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP and Collective Cultures Creating Change host annual Juneteenth celebration in Lompoc
Guadalupe Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Michael Cash will be recognized as the first and only African American police chief in Santa Barbara County during this year’s Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP and Collective Cultures Creating Change’s Juneteenth celebration. “I’m very honored and humbled to be even thought of in that sense. I’m very much […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: June 13, 2024
• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California), Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), and Peter Welch (D-Vermont) led senators in calling on the Biden administration to finalize the proposed mental health parity rule released in 2023, according to a June 6 statement from Padilla’s office. The senators emphasized that these rules will hold insurers accountable and ensure they follow […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc cannabis manufacturer to pay Air Pollution Control District $1.3 million for air quality violations
The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) will secure one of the largest settlements in its history after Central Coast Agriculture agreed to pay $1.3 million for air quality-related notices of violations. “The magnitude of this settlement reflects the significance of the violations and the amount of emissions over three years,” APCD Executive […]
Posted inNews
Solvang adopts joint powers agreement to regulate eastern groundwater basin
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]