The Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commission recently released its annual crop report, detailing the production of fruit, vegetable, nut, nursery, and livestock crops throughout the county. According to the Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Guy Tingos, this report shows just how important agriculture is to the county. “Santa Barbara County is ranked 12th in the state of […]
Strawberries are on top again
Posted inNews
Supervisor Farr’s letter opposes Chumash fee-to-trust proposal
In a letter to an Alaskan congressman, 3rd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Doreen Farr again laid out her objections to a request by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to annex 1,400 acres of tribal property. The tribe is seeking to place land it owns near highways 154 and 246 in the Santa […]
Posted inNews
The next stop from Santa Maria could be Hawaii
Construction on the Santa Maria Public Airport’s 8,004-foot runway extension is complete; the extended landing strip is set to be operational by May 3, according to General Manager Chris Hastert. However, the new feature won’t be fully usable until later this month, after an instrument landing system is installed on the runway, which will help […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Hoppin’ beer festivals
I confess. This wine enthusiast never much liked beer—until just last year, that is, when I sampled a splendid flight of craft ales, stouts, porters, and bocks from assorted microbreweries. I dare say that the experience was hop-alicious! And, apparently, I am not alone in my ignorance of the recent “good beer revolution.” “Women love […]
Posted inOpinion
What kind of business does this town need?
Chuck Armenta student “A Sonics.” [image-2] Esther Bautista stay-at-home mom “A Starbucks in the mall.” [image-3] Adam Verduzco retail “Bridal places.” [image-4] Daisy Corona student “A Pink Berry.”
Posted inOpinion
Puppy love
A couple of months ago, my husband and I took our dog, Sadie, to the Laguna Lake dog park in San Luis Obispo. A woman we know from around town was there with her dog, and as we walked up to her, she smiled bemusedly and asked, “Why does your dog look like a deer?” […]
Posted inNews
Good Sam starts construction on a new permanent housing facility
Santa Maria’s Good Samaritan Shelter is one of the first homeless services agencies in the country to offer three stages of transitional housing, the nonprofit’s leaders announced at a groundbreaking ceremony on April 18. The shelter, in partnership with the county and city of Santa Maria, is building 16 units of permanent housing at its […]
Posted inNews
Spotlight on: Uncle Tom’s Salsa
The newest business venture in Los Olivos will soon have the town getting spiced up and saucy. (If your train of thought is somewhere around your taste buds, then you’re on the right track.) Full Steam Ahead is a tomato-less salsa crafted by Los Olivos native Thomas Palmer. Uncle Tom’s Salsa is a simple blend […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A carnival of concerts
No great celebration is complete until music is added to the mix. The Santa Maria Strawberry Festival, now in its 25th year, is celebrating the city’s beloved berry with carnival rides, entertainment, confectionary arts, demonstrations, and, of course, live music at the Santa Maria Fairpark in the middle of town. The Strawberry Festival has […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Timeless love
For all of its heart wrenching tragedy, its violence and hate, Romeo and Juliet has got to be the most deeply romantic story ever told. While the tale, in many forms, predates Shakespeare, it’s The Bard’s version that has become the most epic. Shakespeare penned the timeless story of two star-crossed lovers between 1594 and […]
Posted inOpinion
Money talks
Americans paid $1.46 billion for dreams of wining the Mega Lotto on March 30. Three lucky individuals did have the winning numbers, and will divide the $656 million. The dollar amount drew the nation’s attention. However, few of us noticed that Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, received a total compensation of $378 million last year (He […]
Posted inOpinion
Tips from a garage sale addict
OK, I admit I am a garage sale addict. But you must admit garage selling is the ultimate recycling: from your garage to mine. It’s also fun, and it’s like an intriguing treasure hunt! Here is the problem: Garage sale signs! If the signs are left up after the sale, it is confusing for us […]