Austin, Texas, proudly boasts the mantra of being the self-proclaimed live music capital of the world and thus draws musicians from all over the globe like moths to a light, but despite this influx of talent, it’s fittingly a fifth-generation Texan who’s become one of the city’s musical fixtures. If Austin is the heart of […]
Beyond the city limits
Posted inOpinion
If you were a beer, what would you be?
Jason Torrez sales “Bud Light. I’m simple, and I’m light. I’m also cheap, but still satisfying—and always refreshing and the crowd pleaser.” Arlind Bettencourt retired engineer and physicist “O’Doul’s. I don’t drink alcohol, but I love beer, and O’Doul’s tastes good.” Katey Eckenrode Gymnastics Gym owner (left) “I’d probably be a Diet Dr. Pepper. I […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch 10-1
International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 46 recently announced its decision to endorse Santa Barbara City Councilman Das Williams for the 35th District Assembly. ILWU Local 46, which represents longshoreman and warehouse workers at Port of Hueneme, now joins a number of other unions already in support of Williams’ campaign, including the Santa Barbara […]
Posted inNews
Community Notebook 10-1
TUESDAY, OCT. 6 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Agendas are available at santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office […]
Posted inNews
All for oaks, oaks for all
Orcutt resident Sarah Schwab isn’t a typical high school student. Unlike most teenagers, who may spend weeks planning a killer birthday party, Schwab considered spending a good chunk of her special day—Sept. 28—advocating for 3,200 coast live oak trees at a planning and development workshop in Solvang. Schwab co-founded the Tree Amigos of Orcutt, […]
Posted inNews
Census report paints a revealing portrait of growing city
New data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Sept. 23 reflected the dramatic toll of the recession and foreclosures on Santa Maria, and showed the city bucking a national trend on immigration. According to the Bureau’s American Community Survey for 2008, the foreign-born population of Santa Maria rose from 32 percent in 2007 […]
Posted inNews
October: It’s not just for the pumpkins
The new mayor of Lompoc, Michael Siminski, will sign a proclamation to declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the Lompoc City Council Meeting on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Domestic Violence Solutions Executive Director Richard Kravetz will be there. The month will honor people who have fallen to domestic violence, as well […]
Posted inNews
Celebrate autumn and mental health at Growing Grounds Farm’s Harvest Festival
On Oct. 8, locals can bid farewell to summer and say hello to fall at the Transitions-Mental Health Association’s second annual Harvest Festival at Growing Grounds Farm in Santa Maria. Held in conjunction with Mental Illness Awareness Week, the festival will focus on celebrating the new season and good mental health. Harvest-goers will be […]
Posted inNews
Good news for state parks?
On Sept. 24, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled a plan designed to keep all state parks open without increasing cuts to the California Department of Parks and Recreation budget. According to a press release from the governor’s office, Schwarzenegger, in July, assigned the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Finance to develop […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc officials eye a potential electricityrate increase
Electricity prices could go up in the city of Lompoc pending a decision by the Lompoc City Council. A proposed rate increase is tentatively scheduled to go before the council on Oct. 6, according to city staffers. In an interview with the Sun, Lompoc Mayor Mike Siminski said there are currently two sets of […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria councilwoman to run for supervisor
Steve Lavagnino has some competition for the 5th District Santa Barbara Supervisor seat now that Santa Maria City Council member Alice Patino has announced her intention to run for the position being vacated by Supervisor Joe Centeno. In a release to the media dated Sept. 29, Patino said the focus of her campaign will […]
Posted inNews
Pacific Pride Foundation walks for life
Put on some tennis shoes and walk for a cause on Oct. 3 at the Pacific Pride Foundation’s 19th annual AIDS Walk at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara. Proceeds from the walk will go toward paying for HIV/AIDS services all over Santa Barbara County. The event—traditionally the foundation’s biggest fundraiser—is especially important this year […]
