Neither of us are typically a “my favorite (fill in the blank) is” kinds of people. We might have current favorites of the moment, but how can we pick an overall favorite band, writer, visual artist, or even a favorite color for that matter? We can obviously tell you if we like something or not, […]
Team Starkey picks their favorite films of 2023
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Santa Barbara-based tutoring center expands services into Lompoc
With more than 64 percent of Lompoc Unified School District’s population considered socioeconomically disadvantaged and students in historically marginalized communities scoring below state learning standards in test scores, Connie Alexander and Audrey Gamble saw a need for additional educational support and services. Alexander and Gamble own and operate Gateway Educational Services, a tutoring center founded […]
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Political Watch: December 28, 2023
• 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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]