Santa Maria declared an impasse in its negotiations with the Firefighters Union Local 2020 on April 12. The city and the union—which represents 57 firefighters, captains, engineers, and fire inspectors—first entered negotiations in November 2023 before the contract expired in December, city Public Information Officer Mark van de Kamp said in a statement. After three […]
Santa Maria declares impasse with its firefighters over new contract
Posted inNews
County resource constraints prevent better jail health care, according to sheriff
During a special meeting to discuss jail health care, Santa Barbara County residents and the Board of Supervisors expressed concerns about care transparency, inmates’ access to timely care, and continued care for individuals once they leave the jail system. While the Sheriff’s Office shared ongoing efforts to address these concerns, jail staffing shortages, inadequate infrastructure, […]
Posted inNews
Aquarium science: A Cabrillo High School CTE program that involves octopus and hands-on training is expanding
A 1-year-old octopus gently wrapped one of its tentacles around Jenna Gorndt’s fingers as the Cabrillo High School senior lightly touched the top of its aquarium. “I think it’s cool, having an animal that can recognize you when you’re trying to interact with her, because most animals, they aren’t going to be this excited to […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
New Flicks: You People
You People What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Netflix Kenya Barris (Black-ish, #BlackAF) directs this script co-written with Jonah Hill about a new couple, Ezra Cohen (Hill), who’s white and Jewish, and Amira Mohammed (Lauren London), who’s Black and Muslim. Their problem is their respective families—his are cringy tone-deaf liberals falling all […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Bingeable: Apples Never Fall
Apples Never Fall What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Peacock Liane Moriarty is an author known for her twisty tales, and Apples Never Fall isn’t her first work to hit the big screen. She also wrote Big Little Lies, which packed a punch with its star-studded cast. Apples Never Fall also has […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Monkey Man is an action-packed revenge and justice tale
Monkey Man What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Glen? Full price What’s it worth, Anna? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Regal Arroyo Grande Dev Patel stars in and directs this screenplay he co-wrote with Paul Angunawela and John Collee about a young man, Kid (Patel), who earns a meager […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Korean corn dogs, mochi doughnuts, and boba meet at Seoul Street
Take the high road Call (805) 623-5911 for more info on Seoul Street, located at 230 Betteravia Road, suite D, Santa Maria. Formerly known as Mochilicious Society, the eatery is owned by Teresa Choi, who also operates MilkT Society boba shops in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo. Choi plans to rebrand both locations under […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Oceano Train Depot hosts free exhibits during Model Rail Days 2024
The SLO Model Railroad Association presents Model Rail Days 2024 at the Oceano Train Depot with six days of activities on April 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. The venue will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The upcoming program will include free exhibits of working model […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Activist and artist Favianna Rodriguez leads local poster workshop
The Oceano Community Center will host a free climate justice poster-making workshop with acclaimed artist and social justice activist Favianna Rodriguez on Sunday, April 14, from noon to 3 p.m. The program is organized by the Electrification for Everyone initiative—a partnership between R.A.C.E. Matters SLO County, Diversity Coalition SLO County, Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Great American Melodrama’s The Fish Whisperer deserves loud lauding
Hook, line, and sinker The Great American Melodrama presents its production of The Fish Whisperer through May 11. The two-act show, which opened on March 22, is followed by the Melodrama’s new vaudeville revue, Maestrolio. The theater is located at 1863 Front St., Oceano. Call 1-(805-489-2499 or visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets and more info. When […]
Posted inOpinion
Homelessness solutions require broad agreement
Most people can broadly agree on a few things about the homeless. It is distressing to see them. They make an awful mess. Some of them are dangerous. They devalue our cities and neighborhoods. They reduce our collective quality of life. Beyond these areas of broad agreement opinions diverge. Consensus is lost. Possibilities are limited. […]
Posted inOpinion
We must end our addiction to fossil fuels
Seventy-five years ago, the legendary California Zephyr debuted with “modern” passenger train service from Chicago to Oakland. As a child, I often watched from my bedroom as the orange-and-silver Zephyr locomotive roared by our Redding home. In the 19th century, iron rails literally stitched our continent together. In 1875, the narrow-gauge Pacific Coast Railway reached […]
