The new year brings some questionable policy changes to Californians, most notably to the medium- and low-income families in every community. First is the new minimum wage law that applies to national fast-food businesses. CalMatters reports that “California-based fast-food workers for chains with 60 or more locations around the nation will earn at least $20 […]
The harder policymakers try to help us, the worse everything gets; 2024 is no exception
Posted inOpinion
Cuckoo’s nest
When the rooster crows, it gets kicked out of a Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting! On Jan. 9, during a hearing about future rooster regulations, the cacophony was a little too loud, upsetting the delicate balance of debating deeply held convictions with decorum. Instead of simply enjoying the peaceful boredom of facilitating discussion […]
Posted inNews
Savie Health and SEE International partner to offer free vision care to uninsured patients in North County
Savie Health opened its doors in Lompoc almost two years ago as a free health care clinic that provides primary care for people without insurance. In that time, the clinic’s seen almost 900 patients who don’t have insurance, Savie Executive Director Eryn Shugart told the Sun. To expand its services, Savie partnered with Surgical Eye […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: January 11, 2024
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) joined a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that calls on the Biden administration to increase efforts to deliver life-saving aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, renew the humanitarian ceasefires that previously helped facilitate safe delivery of that aid, and secure the release of the remaining hostages, […]
Posted inNews
Krishna Flores challenges 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson in primary
Krishna Flores decided to join the Santa Barbara County 4th District supervisor election to give voters a choice in the March 5 primary elections, she told the Sun. “I’m a newcomer. I’ve never run for public office before, and this whole process is new to me. Having said that, I’ve learned so much in the […]
Posted inNews
Buellton Planning Commission names new officers, addresses local gossip
With the new year comes new chairs for the Buellton Planning Commission, which filled two vacant leadership roles during its first hearing of 2024. Former Chair Patty Hammel delivered a brief farewell speech, after announcing her decision to retire early. Hammel’s term as planning commissioner was originally set to expire in December 2024. “It’s just […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Obliterate your comfort food cravings at Savory & Sweet Eats
Boulevard of broken bread Call (805) 819-0915 for more info on Savory & Sweet Eats, located at 1412 Burton Mesa Blvd., Lompoc. The eatery posts frequent updates about its menu offerings on both Facebook and Instagram. Behind the tirades of F-bomb raids, Gordon Ramsay is less intimidating than his TV persona when the cameras aren’t […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approves new rooster ordinance
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 (with 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson dissenting) to approve an ordinance that regulates the number of roosters on private properties to address noise complaints and illegal cockfighting concerns. “When I was asking [my predecessor] about things that were tough on this board, he said, ‘You are […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc extends deadline on space center negotiations
The fate of a proposed space education center in Lompoc remains up in the air, as the city recently granted its developer an extension rather than opting to abort the project. Pale Blue Dot Ventures has been in an exclusive negotiation period with the city since 2019 with the hope of purchasing 82 acres of […]
Posted inNews
Cuyama water lawsuit moves forward as Bolthouse, Grimmway drop out
The Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basin adjudication is scheduled to begin on Jan. 8 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, but Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms are no longer plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Originally filed in 2021, the adjudication calls for a judge to rule on how much water everyone can pump from the basin, which […]
Posted inNews
Previous Oceano Community Services District general manager Paavo Ogren takes the reins again
A familiar face is returning to the Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) in 2024. On Jan. 1, OCSD’s previous general manager, Paavo Ogren, took over as interim general manager from General Manager Will Clemens, who retired on Dec. 31. Clemens told the Sun that Ogren was the perfect candidate to take over for him and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Hanna’s dishes out Mexican fusion in Arroyo Grande
A grand addition to Grand Avenue Call (805) 904-6876 for more info on Hanna’s Mexican Fusion Restaurant, located at 1412 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande. Follow the eatery’s Instagram page for updates on both its new brick-and-mortar and its food truck, @hannas.street._.tacos. When SLO local Cesar Cortes and his family embarked on running a taco […]