The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Bulbul? Full price What’s it worth, Caleb? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Editor’s note: Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal and Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wrote Split Screen this week […]
Thrilling new <i>Hunger Games</i> prequel leaves us hungry for more
A new state grant helps kick-start the Santa Ynez Regional Trail
Buellton recently received $425,000 in state funding to take a big step in connecting the Santa Ynez Valley through outdoor recreation. “We live in the valley in particular because we love the outdoors, but we’re not walking and biking because we don’t have the infrastructure to support that, and people really want that,” Santa Barbara […]
Political Watch: November 23, 2023
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and 75 other members of the New Democrat Coalition urged congressional leaders to schedule a vote on President Joe Biden’s supplemental request for security and humanitarian aid in support of Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza and funding to help […]
Soprano and pianist team up for concert at Shepard Hall
Local music instructor Nichole Dechaine (pictured) will be the featured soprano during the next entry of the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society’s Music at the Library series at Shepard Hall on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. Admission to the concert, which also features Dechaine’s frequent collaborator Beverly Staples on piano, is free, but pre-registration is […]
Solvang committee, residents weigh in on Merkantile lighting dispute
After two locals voiced their opposition to some proposed LED-illuminated signage in Solvang, city staff and the project applicant shed some light on the controversy at a recent public hearing. The proposal in question was brought before Solvang’s Design Review Committee (DRC) at its Nov. 16 meeting where it was ultimately approved, but not without […]
PCPA presents Elf: The Musical
Performances of Elf: The Musical, the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) latest production, will run through Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria. Adapted from the popular 2003 film, this local iteration of the stage musical includes songs by composer Matthew Sklar and lyricist Chad Beguelin. The show’s cast is led by George […]
Mother Shuckers is Nipomo’s prime seafood joint, specializing in oysters and a good time
Come out of your shell Enjoy oysters on the half shell and more at Mother Shuckers, 133 Thompson Ave., Nipomo. The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m. Karaoke nights take place Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. Keep up with Mother Shuckers on Instagram @mothershuckersnipomo and on Facebook at Mother […]
BLAST FROM THE PAST: The Sting
The Sting What’s it rated? PG When? 1973 Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo on Nov. 18 (1:30, 4:15, and 7 p.m.) and Nov. 20 (7 p.m.) George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Slaughterhouse-Five, Slap Shot) directs this seven-time Academy Award-winning film (including Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay, […]
NEW FLICKS: Fingernails
Fingernails What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Apple TV Plus What would you do to discover if the person claiming to love you is truly in love? What would you do to be assured you were really in love with your partner? In this Apple Original film, Anna (Jessie Buckley) and Ryan […]
The Holdovers delivers laughter and tears
The Holdovers 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 Santa Maria & RPX Alexander Payne (Election, Sideways, Nebraska, The Descendants) directs this dramedy set in 1970 starring Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, an unliked and ill-tempered history teacher at Barton Academy, […]
SLO REP brings the holiday cheer with the 10th annual performance of A Christmas Story
Experience the tradition Catch the show for yourself at SLO Rep (888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo) Nov. 17 through Dec. 23. For tickets and more information on show times, visit slorep.org/shows/a-christmas-story-2023. There may be no better showcase of the wonder, chaos, and downright absurdity of the holiday season than the iconic Warner Bros. movie […]
Off-centered cheer
Family gatherings for Oceano resident Lisa Price and her folks rarely followed the traditional route. Her dad wanted a party for his celebration of life. When he passed away, Price did just that. The family scattered his ashes at Pirate’s Cove and welcomed 100 people at Price’s house afterward with a taco truck and a […]

