• State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and state Sen. Monique Límon (D-Santa Barbara) are calling on textbook publishers to diversify their instructional materials and work with the task force they co-chair, a special Task Force on Inclusive Education. “As our nation grapples with book bans and literary exclusions, it is critical we ensure […]
Political Watch: June 29, 2023
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County to implement ‘death penalty’ for late cannabis tax payment
Cannabis businesses that don’t pay their quarterly taxes or file the accompanying report within the 30-day grace period could lose their license to operate in Santa Barbara County starting in August. “It’s that severe,” Deputy County Executive Officer Brittany Odermann told the Board of Supervisors on June 27. “You are late. … You cannot renew.” […]
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Study examines the future of Oceano Dunes with OHV ban
An independent study is attempting to dust off an image of the Oceano Dunes’ future should off-road vehicle (OHV) use be permanently reduced or stopped at the state park. Called the Oceano Dunes Stewardship Study, the 105-page document released on June 1 detailed 20 recommendations as a blueprint for prospective development, management, and promotion of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Great American Melodrama presents Under the Boardwalk
A whimsical rivalry between two groups of beach dwellers is explored in the Great American Melodrama’s latest production, Under The Boardwalk, which opened in late May and is scheduled to run through mid-July. According to press materials, the plot of the show, set at Pismo Beach, follows an “unthinkable” romance between a clam and a […]
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Corazón del Pueblo hosts book reading of The Sign Catcher
A special book reading of violence prevention activist Otilio Quintero’s autobiography, The Sign Catcher, will take place at the Santa Maria Town Center on Friday, June 23, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event is hosted by Corazón del Pueblo, also known as the Cultural and Creative Arts Center of the Santa Maria Valley, and […]
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Classical School of Ballet presents Dancefest 2023 in Lompoc
Save the dates Performances of Dancefest 2023 will be held at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium on Friday, June 23, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 24, at 3 p.m. Tickets to the show are $15 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. Call (805) 736-4646 or visit classicalschoolofballet.net for more info. The Lompoc […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. launches first nonalcoholic IPA
At the mountains of gladness For more info on Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., visit figmtnbrew.com. The California-based brewery’s tasting rooms are located in Buellton, Los Olivos, Santa Barbara, and Westlake Village. reating the right flavors that mirrored the distinct attributes of an IPA in Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.’s first nonalcoholic beverage proved to be both […]
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Santa Maria drafts policy to address cyberbullying within local sports groups
Youth sports leagues that use Santa Maria facilities will be subject to a zero tolerance policy on cyberbullying if a proposed city ordinance moves forward. Pitched by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Commission, the protocol is primarily geared toward adults involved with youth sports groups rather than its participants, as it was drafted in […]
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Supervisors request deeper dive into postpartum visitation programs
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors directed the Public Health Department during its June 16 budget hearing to look into potential ways to keep afloat a program serving infants and new families. Santa Barbara County’s budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year is $1.48 billion, a 6.4 percent increase from the previous year. About 34 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
NEW FLICKS: Extraction 2
Extraction 2 What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Netflix This sequel, again directed by Sam Hargrave, takes up right were the first film left off, with Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) grievously wounded after his last mission. It’s unclear if he’ll ever be able to work again as a mercenary, so he travels […]
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NEW FLICKS: Extraction
Extraction What’s it rated? R When? 2020 Where’s it showing? Netflix Stuntman Sam Hargrave directs this action thriller about Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), a mercenary-for-hire who specializes in rescues. This time around, he’s been tasked with finding and returning Ovi Mahajan (Rudhraksh Jaiswal), the son of imprisoned Indian drug lord Ovi Mahajan Sr. (Pankaj Tripathi) […]
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The Flash has enough humor and action to overcome its faults
The Flash What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Glen? Full price What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Fair Oaks Theatre, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Andy Muschietti (It, It Chapter Two) directs this time-traveling sci-fi adventure about Barry Allen, aka The Flash (Ezra Miller), who uses […]