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 […]
Mesa Pines in Arroyo Grande grows affordable, native Christmas trees
Posted inNews
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. […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Psychic visions, family quarrels loom over Lida Sideris’ sixth mystery novel, Murderous Means
Loft opening Santa Ynez Valley-based author Lida Sideris’ books are available locally at the Book Loft, located at 1680 Mission Drive, Solvang, and Barnes and Noble, located at 894 Marsh St., building G, San Luis Obispo. On Saturday, Dec. 16, the Book Loft will host a book signing event with Sideris, who will sign copies […]
Posted inOpinion
Classical economics breeds greed
John Texeira’s letter (“Bidenomics led to inflation, increased costs for consumers,” Nov. 16) is an attempt to gaslight us about how our economy is doing. Inflation is down to about 3 percent. Europe is still dealing with 8 or 9 percent. Much of the inflation we have now is price gouging. We are at near […]
