A crucial concern that directly impacts our citizens’ well-being lies in the heart of our community: affordable housing. As the CEO of the SLO County Housing Trust Fund, a nonprofit affordable housing revolving loan fund, I want to share the significance of this challenge and advocate for its role in shaping our community’s future. Here’s […]
Affordable housing is a foundation for strong communities
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc City Council ignites discussion about ‘safe and sane’ fireworks program finances and enforcement
On Jan. 16 the Lompoc City Council reviewed a report on the safe and sane fireworks program, specifically the “Finances and Options for use of Surplus Fireworks Program Funds.” In order to acquire a permit to sell safe and sane fireworks in Lompoc, the applicant must pay a 4 percent surcharge, and according to the […]
Posted inOpinion
Rule the roost
Breeding flocks need one rooster for every 10 hens to be successful. You know, fertile eggs, baby! As in eggs that can produce little chickee chicks. With Santa Barbara County’s new rooster regulations, you can’t really breed a flock of more than 10 hens on less than 1 acre, 20 chickens on 2 to 5 […]
Posted inNews
One805 reflects on funding year-round counseling services for firefighters, new equipment purchases for first responders
One805 launched as a nonprofit supporting Santa Barbara County first responders after the 2017-18 Thomas Fire and 2018 Montecito mudslides. “First responders are an essential part of our community, and part of our mission is to encourage people to understand that they need us to appreciate them and help them, and that it’s not an […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: January 25, 2024
• U.S. Reps. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and Val Hoyle (D-Oregon) recently introduced comprehensive housing legislation to implement a range of housing and homelessness policy solutions to make affordable housing more accessible for working families across the United States and combat the increase in the number of children and families experiencing homelessness, according to a […]
Posted inNews
Santa Ynez high school district superintendent announces departure
The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District has two leadership positions to fill after Superintendent Andrew Schwab announced that he will be leaving the district in March. The high school is still searching for a permanent replacement for principal. “The opportunity presented itself to lead a 2,300-student unified K-12 district in the Central Valley […]
Posted inNews
Solvang discusses potential wastewater connection with Los Olivos
Two neighboring communities in the Santa Ynez Valley are looking into possibly aligning their wastewater lines, while some locals worry the project would lure unrelated developers to stream in with it. In early January, the city of Solvang received a request from the Los Olivos Community Services District (LOCSD) to consider exploring the potential impacts […]
Posted inNews
County forecasts balanced budget, despite 3rd District supervisor candidate’s deficit concerns
Santa Barbara County refuted allegations from 3rd District supervisor candidate Frank Troise that the county would be facing a $15 million to $20 million deficit for the next three to four years. Kelsey Gerckens Buttitta, Santa Barbara County’s public information officer, told the Sun that the county is forecasting a balanced budget for its upcoming […]
Posted inNews
Rooster rules
Eduardo Ramos began raising chickens at his Cebada Canyon home when he bought the property a little more than a year ago, Ramos told the Sun. “I did extensive research before acquiring the property and saw that this is the right place to keep my fowl because of zoning,” he said. “Then I started hearing […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Take advantage of this year’s $20.24 specials with local Dine Out Santa Maria Style promo
Yearly tradition Visit santamariavalley.com for more info on Santa Maria Valley’s 2024 Restaurant Month and Craft Cocktail Contest. Sugar. Spice. Everything nice. Maybe a little gin, vodka, and vermouth. Shaken, of course. While recipes both classic and classified are available year round, there are far more than just three ingredients on display throughout this year’s […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BINGEABLE: The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks What’s it rated? TV-14 When? 2023-2024 Where’s it showing? Max Anyone who has seen the horror flick Orphan is familiar with the concept—a well-intended family adopts a child from a foreign land who proves to be a sinister adult posing as a child. Natalia Grace was a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BINGEABLE: Fool Me Once
Fool Me Once What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Based on Harlan Coben’s 2016 novel of the same name, this British miniseries follows Maya Stern (Michelle Keegan), a former soldier with a tarnished record whose husband, Joe Burkett (Richard Armitage), is murdered before her eyes. While trying to pick up the […]
