• As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers implementing new rules prohibiting hidden fees in a range of sectors across the U.S. economy, U.S Rep. Salud Carbjal (D-Santa Barbara) is pushing the federal agency to crack down on burdensome junk fees that can rack up thousands of dollars in additional costs for American renters, according […]
Political Watch: January 18, 2024
Posted inNews
Santa Maria city employees advocate for higher wages
Santa Maria city union employees planned to approach the City Council during its Jan. 16 meeting (after the Sun went to press) to advocate for a wage increase that keeps up with the cost of living. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 620 represents almost 50 percent of Santa Maria’s city employees, with members […]
Posted inNews
Buellton plans to amp up social media presence
With Facebook as its sole social media platform, the city of Buellton hopes to double its outreach efforts online with an upcoming Instagram account. During its Jan. 11 meeting, the Buellton City Council discussed the new approach and its social media policy in general. Prior to the hearing, the policy remained unaltered since its adoption […]
Posted inNews
Economic development is top priority for 3rd District supervisor candidates
This article was updated on Jan. 25 to include Santa Barbara County’s response. Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne joined the Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor race because she wanted to bring a different perspective to the table that elevates the voices and needs of mid-county residents, she told the Sun. “It’s been two years with […]
Posted inNews
Roadblocks to care
Get help Call the Independent Living Resource Center at (805) 462-1162 or visit ilre-trico.org to learn more. Long waits for in-home supportive services and a lack of rural transportation services are some of the many issues Santa Barbara County’s residents with disabilities and senior citizens face on a regular basis. A public health survey conducted […]
Posted inFood & Drink
New funding helps food access, gardening project grow in Cuyama
Blue Cuyama Blue Sky Center is located at 1000 Perkins Road, New Cuyama. Call (661) 413-3005 or visit blueskycenter.org for more info on the nonprofit. A local nonprofit is ringing in the new year—and the following two years—with some new funds to support its unique gardening program. Near the end of 2023, Blue Sky Center […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BLAST FROM THE PAST: Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane What’s it rated? PG When? 1941 Where’s it showing? Bay Theatre on Friday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. ($10 at my805tix.com) There’s a reason Citizen Kane frequently tops lists for the greatest film ever made. On a technical level, there’s its innovative lighting design, which is further highlighted by filming in black and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
NEW FLICKS: Good Grief
Good Grief What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Netflix Dan Levy writes, directs, and stars in this sad, sweet comedy that follows Marc (Levy) as he navigates the year following the unexpected death of his husband, Oliver (Luke Evans). Marc has his two besties, ex-paramour Thomas (Himesh Patel) and chronically flighty Sophie […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Beekeeper floats like a turd
The Beekeeper What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Glen? Stream it What’s it worth, Anna? Skip it Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande, Movies Lompoc David Ayer (Fury, Suicide Squad) directs this revenge flick written by Kurt Wimmer (Salt, Expen4bles) about a mild-mannered beekeeper named Adam Clay (Jason […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc Parks and Recreation hosts Father Daughter Dance
Locals have three opportunities to participate in Lompoc’s Father Daughter Dance, held at the Anderson Recreation Center on Feb. 2, 3, and 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 each evening. Doors will open each night at 5 p.m. for photo opportunities (portrait packages will be available for sale, separate from the admission price). Entry to the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Kenny Metcalf brings Elton John tribute to Santa Ynez
A touring tribute act is heading to the Santa Ynez Valley for an upcoming concert at the Chumash Casino Resort. On Friday, Jan. 26, Elton & The Early Years Band—musician Kenny Metcalf’s tribute to Elton John—will perform in the casino’s Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. Over the years, Metcalf has carefully curated his act to […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Volunteers for a CAUSE
Get involved For more information on volunteering with the Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), reach out to ana.huynh@mixteco.org. To learn more about Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), visit causenow.org. CAUSE Santa Maria is located at 120 E. Jones St., No. 120. Email zulema@causenow.org or daniel@causenow.org to learn more about becoming a […]