May December What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Netflix This is showing up on many critics’ best picture list, and for good reason: The performances are absolutely mesmerizing. The story focuses on a couple—Gracie Atherton (Julianne Moore) and Joe Yoo (Charles Melton)—whose notorious romance was tabloid fodder in 1992 when Gracie was […]
NEW FLICKS: <i>May December</i>
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Leave the World Behind drips with tension and dread
Leave the World Behind What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Glen? Full price What’s it worth, Anna? Full price Where’s it showing? Netflix Co-writer and director Sam Esmail (Comet, Homecoming, Mr. Robot) helms this thriller about a cyberattack. The story focuses on the Sandfords—mom Amanda (Julia Roberts), dad Clay (Ethan Hawke), and kids Rose […]
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Mesa Pines in Arroyo Grande grows affordable, native Christmas trees
In rural Arroyo Grande, a mulit-generational family-owned farm specializes in selling native Central Coast trees for Christmas at a reduced price to help SLO County families have a budget-friendly holiday season. Mesa Pines is run by Erin Riffle and his family who only plant and sell Monterey Pines to support California’s native plant life—and because […]
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Political Watch: December 14, 2023
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) announced on Dec. 8 $1 million in investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support improved passenger rail options for Central Coast residents. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which passed in November 2021, authorized the creation of a new rail program to support development of improved intercity passenger rail. […]
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Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast launches its first women’s recovery program
While Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast has been running a men’s recovery program for the past several years, there wasn’t an option for women, said Director Chris Rutledge. “Within our organization, we know there’s a demand for it, and we don’t currently have residential services for women,” Rutledge said. “During my time since 2017, we […]
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Political Watch: December 7, 2023
• Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) and State Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) presented a $750,000 check for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department to purchase a marine rescue boat, according to a Nov. 28 statement from Hart’s office. “The Conception dive boat disaster and numerous environmental emergencies have underscored the importance of enhancing emergency […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Woodin You Like to Party caters local events, gets festive with holiday charcuterie boards
Party invite Call (805) 868-1858 or visit woodinyouliketoparty.com to find out more about Woodin You Like to Party, a Santa Maria-based event planning and charcuterie company. Complimentary home deliveries of charcuterie orders are available to residents of the Santa Maria Valley area, while a delivery fee applies to customers in other cities along the Central […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
NEW FLICKS: Albert Brooks: Defending My Life
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Max Albert Brooks really hit my radar when I saw him in Broadcast News (1987) as the smart but uncharismatic TV news reporter Aaron Altman. Yes, I first saw him in Taxi Driver (1976), but he’s so good at playing a […]
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NEW FLICKS: The Boy Who Lived
The Boy Who Lived What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Max To say I’m a bit of a fanatic for all things Harry Potter (besides, that is, the author herself these days) rings true, so a film produced by Daniel Radcliffe that dives back into the time of filmmaking is a […]
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Dream Scenario examines the fickle nature of viral celebrity
Dream Scenario What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Glen? Full price What’s it worth, Anna? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria Writer-director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) helms this black comedy about Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage), an academic desperate for recognition despite being wholly without achievement. He lectures to college […]
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Righetti High School students reflect on Poetry Out Loud experiences
Five students from Righetti High School competed at this year’s Santa Barbara County Poetry Out Loud, which was held in mid-November at Allan Hancock College’s Boyd Concert Hall in Santa Maria. Featured poems in the competition included “To Have Without Holding” by Marge Piercy, recited by Righetti senior Natalie Lancor; “Stomp” by Nikki Grimes, recited […]
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Mars attacks in Orcutt Community Theater’s new holiday production
Orcutt Community Theater presents its production of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians at Klein Dance Arts Studio through Sunday, Dec. 17. Admission to the show, which opened in early December, is $20 and tickets are available to purchase in advance at my805tix.com or at the door. Based on the 1964 cult classic film of the […]