As if the campaign for Santa Barbara County’s 3rd District supervisor wasn’t already a little weird—with Frank Troise holding his own candidacy hostage by threatening the other two candidates to agree to his budget terms or else he’ll continue running—the race’s finance filings are weirder still. Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne, who surprised everyone with her […]
Grassroots, shmassroots
Posted inNews
SYV Pride hosts new fundraiser to grow its Pride activities and youth scholarship program
Santa Ynez Valley (SYV) Pride’s first fundraiser outside the month of June will help fund the nonprofit’s Pride parade and festival and its youth scholarship program. The Love Above All Ball is a black-tie event on Feb. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Vega Vineyard and Farm—9496 Santa Rosa Road—which features a silent auction, […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: February 1, 2024
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) marked 20 years since the launch of Santa Barbara’s safe parking program—the first in the nation—by announcing bipartisan legislation to unlock federal dollars for similar programs designed to offer a “critical lifeline” to people experiencing homelessness, according to a Jan. 25 statement from Carbajal’s office. The Naomi Schwartz […]
Posted inNews
Strauss Wind Energy Project begins operating in Santa Barbara County
After years of going through the Santa Barbara County planning process, the Strauss Wind Energy Project is officially running—generating enough electricity to power about 40,000 homes, said Errin Briggs, supervising planner for the Energy, Minerals, and Compliance Division of the county Planning and Development Department. “I think it’s just really impressive that they were able […]
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State Parks increases number of campers allowed at Oceano Dunes
After months of advocating for State Parks to bring camping reservations back to pre-pandemic levels, the Friends of the Oceano Dunes is pleased that the number of units available to overnighters at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA) recently increased to 500. The group is also looking forward to working with State Parks […]
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Incumbent Joan Hartmann leads fundraising for 3rd District race
Third District Santa Barbara County supervisor candidate Jenelle Osborne is heading into the March 5 primary election with only $100 in her coffers, according to campaign finance filings. She’s raised the least among the three candidates, so far. “I got into the race late so I didn’t start funding or did any appeals for funds, […]
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Hancock’s first rodeo
Spring roundup Contact ahcrodeo@gmail.com or (805) 357-6324 for vendor or sponsor information, or if you are interested in volunteering to help Allan Hancock College host its first college rodeo. Gates open at 5 p.m. at the Elks Rodeo Grounds on March 14 and 15, and the college rodeo begins at 6:30 p.m. each day. Paloma […]
Posted inFood & Drink
New tasting room in Los Olivos showcases Donnachadh Family Wines, made with grapes from their Sta. Rita Hills vineyards
By the glass, flight, bottle Call (805) 699-5802 or visit donnachadh.com for more info on Donnachadh Family Wines and its new tasting room, located at 2938 San Marcos Ave., No. 101, Los Olivos. The venue is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. One mascot found in a new […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local photographer captures vistas from a kayaker’s perspective, highlights conservation projects
Paddle up Visit chuckgrahamphoto.com for more info on photographer and author Chuck Graham and his new book, Paddling into a Natural Balance: Stories of Kayaking & Conservation Around Channel Islands National Park. The author plans to recount some of his kayaking stories during his lecture on Jan. 26 at 4:30 p.m. at the California Nature […]
Posted inOpinion
Affordable housing is a foundation for strong communities
A crucial concern that directly impacts our citizens’ well-being lies in the heart of our community: affordable housing. As the CEO of the SLO County Housing Trust Fund, a nonprofit affordable housing revolving loan fund, I want to share the significance of this challenge and advocate for its role in shaping our community’s future. Here’s […]
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc City Council ignites discussion about ‘safe and sane’ fireworks program finances and enforcement
On Jan. 16 the Lompoc City Council reviewed a report on the safe and sane fireworks program, specifically the “Finances and Options for use of Surplus Fireworks Program Funds.” In order to acquire a permit to sell safe and sane fireworks in Lompoc, the applicant must pay a 4 percent surcharge, and according to the […]
Posted inOpinion
Rule the roost
Breeding flocks need one rooster for every 10 hens to be successful. You know, fertile eggs, baby! As in eggs that can produce little chickee chicks. With Santa Barbara County’s new rooster regulations, you can’t really breed a flock of more than 10 hens on less than 1 acre, 20 chickens on 2 to 5 […]