Hospitals and emergency departments are going to “fail miserably” if Santa Barbara County implements new state legislation without giving the county’s health systems enough time to set up the support needed to manage a potential influx of patients, Denise McDonald told the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12. “There’s nothing harder for an ER [emergency […]
No beds available
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria-based poet leads poetry facilitation groups
Dot your calendar Visit dotwinslow.com for more info on local poet Dot Winslow, who currently hosts monthly poetry facilitation groups at the Santa Maria Public Library and the Orcutt Area Seniors in Service (OASIS) Center. The library group is open to adults ages 18 and over and is free to attend. Admission to join Winslow’s […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria adopts hybrid land use alternative for general plan
The Santa Maria City Council voted 3-2 (with Councilmembers Gloria Soto and Carlos Escobedo dissenting) to adopt a land use alternative for the city’s general plan that will look at 985 acres east of the city for potential annexation, identify infill development within city limits, and provide direction to study a new area to the […]
Posted inNews
County Planning Commission OKs Los Alamos cannabis shop
With an address across the street from a popular bar, an upcoming dispensary in Los Alamos raised more concerns about jaywalking than smoking from one member of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission. “Bell’s a wide street and it doesn’t have much lighting, and I think you’re going to get a lot of jaywalking back […]
Posted inNews
County’s pilot farmworker resource program looking for new funding sources
In the first five months of operating, Santa Barbara County’s pilot Farmworker Resource Program connected with more than 3,500 farmworkers. “This could now be the model for the state, getting boots on the ground, connecting people with needs to … our resources. It’s not fiscally conservative to have a bunch of programs and have nobody […]
Posted inOpinion
America’s on a dark path
So now the Biden administration has bypassed Congress to provide military support to a religious state in a street fight with the terrorists of Hamas, who are funded by a religious republic, but that same administration is somehow unable in a similar manner to provide military support to the democratic secular state of Ukraine in […]
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc’s recent General Plan Housing Element update is little more than a ‘paperwork drill’
Like all local governments in the state, Lompoc has been in the process of completing an eight-year update of the General Plan Housing Element; but this time it’s different. As the consulting firm made its presentation to the City Council on Nov. 21, its representatives informed the council that “the state’s big push, because of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
12th annual Jingle Jazz Holiday Party features local bands, lunch festivities
The Basin Street Regulars presents its 12th annual Jingle Jazz Holiday Party at the Pismo Beach Veterans Hall on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets to this holiday event—which features live music from the Riptide Big Band and the Jingle Belles, lunch, and Champagne—are available to purchase in advance at my805tix.com. Thanks […]
Posted inOpinion
Good news, bad news
Great news, everyone! Santa Barbara County’s farmworker resource pilot program is a success! Why? Well, according to a Dec. 14 presentation, it connected with more than 3,500 farmworkers from July to November—helping them fill out forms for CalFresh and Medi-Cal, get school supplies, and learn financial literacy. “This could now be the model for the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local Boys & Girls Clubs juror art contest, select regional qualifiers
National treasures In conjunction with the 2023-24 Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Arts Contest, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast is currently hosting a kids art showcase at the Santa Maria Town Center. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 19. A reception to celebrate the Mid Central Coast […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Stocking stuffers for the music lover in your life
If you’re like me and have friends who play the guitar or bass, shopping for the perfect gift can sometimes be overwhelming and beyond budget. But you don’t have to get them the instrument they’ve always wanted: There are easier (cheaper) ways to give. Here are some recommendations and places to get practical stocking stuffers […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Central Coast pet stores offer gifts and treats for locals’ furry friends or scaly babies this holiday season
Go pet shopping Tails has two locations: 317 Town Center East in Santa Maria and 745 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo. Get more info at tailsinslo.com. Find That’s FETCH! At 3564 Skyway Drive in Santa Maria, reach the store at (805) 361-0802, or visit online at thatsfetch805.com. Tropics Aquarium Professionals is located at […]