• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) highlighted new authority spelled out in this year’s annual defense policy bill that allows the Space Force to share more of the upkeep costs for their bases and launch ranges with the commercial space companies using military-owned ranges, according to a Dec. 21 statement. As a senior member […]
Political Watch: December 28, 2023
Posted inNews
Solvang committee re-evaluates juice bar signage after improper analysis
A local smoothie shop’s six-month journey toward displaying a new wall sign didn’t go as smoothly as its owner hoped, thanks to initial backlash from the Solvang Design Review Committee (DRC). Miguel Limon, owner of Sano Pecado in downtown Solvang, requested permission from the DRC in May to put up new signage at the juice […]
Posted inFood & Drink
New local outlets for lunch, dinner, dessert, and wine dominate 2023
Ribbon cuttings for new eateries along the Central Coast weren’t in short supply over the past 12 months. When I looked back on the Sun’s food and wine stories of 2023, I was reminded of the contagious enthusiasm some of my interviewees exuded while gushing about their dreams of owning their own restaurant or tasting […]
Posted inNews
Judge rules in AMR’s favor in ambulance services lawsuit against the county
Santa Barbara County’s current ambulance provider, American Medical Response (AMR), can continue serving the community until July 2024 after a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge ruled in the company’s favor. Earlier this year, AMR sued Santa Barbara County for its decision to make the County Fire Department the new ambulance provider starting in March […]
Posted inNews
What a year!
January kicked us off with a rush of floodwater, and the rain didn’t stop until April. Certain areas of Santa Barbara County are still dealing with the ramifications from all that water and concerned about what the rainy season ahead has in store. The tension that started the year continued throughout the year, with fights […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Get the inside scoop on Orcutt Ice Cream Kitchen
Ice to meet you Visit orcutticecreamkitchen.com for more info on Orcutt Ice Cream Kitchen. The mobile business’s next pop-up event will be held on Friday, Dec. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Naughty Oak Brewing Company, located at 165 Broadway St., suite 102, Orcutt. Chopped nuts. Chopped chocolate. Chopped marshmallows. Without this holy trinity […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
NEW FLICKS: The Family Plan
The Family Plan What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Apple TV Plus This is the sort of lightweight predictable fare that critics despise but that casual viewers love—especially in the run-up to awards season. There’s plenty of “important” films to see, but can’t we all lighten up a little? Sometimes you need […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
NEW FLICKS: The Lesson
The Lesson What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Various streaming services TV director Alice Troughton (The Living and the Dead, Baghdad Central) helms this tricky, sophisticated thriller about ambitious young writer Liam Sommers (Daryl McCormack), who’s hired to tutor Bertie Sinclair (Stephen McMillan) as he gears up for university. Liam jumps at […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Maestro is an engaging examination of a problematic relationship
Maestro What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Glen? Full price What’s it worth, Anna? Full price Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo, Downtown Centre of San Luis Obispo (and Netflix) Bradley Cooper directs himself as conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein in a screenplay by Cooper and Josh Singer that chronicles Bernstein’s lifelong […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Great American Melodrama’s Grave Mistakes opens in January
While performances of The Holiday Extravaganza will be held through Dec. 31 at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano, tickets are currently available in advance for the company’s next production, Grave Mistakes. The upcoming show is scheduled to open on Jan. 26 and run through March 16. The play’s plot follows Ray, who falls in […]
Posted inOpinion
We are doing nothing to prevent further harm in Gaza
Like many people, I have been disturbed by the events in Gaza. I always viewed the occupation of Gaza as wrong, but I did not understand the extent of the harm imposed upon Palestinians until the recent events unfolded. I am ashamed of being European because European governments are doing absolutely nothing, and I am […]
Posted inOpinion
Don’t exacerbate the crisis, support the Dana Reserve project in Nipomo
It’s no secret that housing has been a hot topic issue in California. Headlines repeatedly call out the skyrocketing prices, the frustration of the younger generations, and the need for more inventory. The answer to these challenges isn’t complicated: build more houses. However, as we’ve seen in multiple articles in the Sun, a vocal group […]