As everyone who pays attention to California politics knows, elections are never resolved on Election Day. It’s always weeks and sometimes months before the final tally is complete. But initially, it appears that Democrats are satisfied with the pitiful condition of our state and county as they continue to support politicians who couldn’t care less […]
It will be another few weeks before we learn our next leaders, candidates for local, state, and federal races
Posted inOpinion
Noise is pollution, too
The recent weeks of quiet, with no roar from dune buggies, brought forth a realization. Living 2 miles from the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, parts of Oceano and the Nipomo Mesa bear an undiscussed, invisible physical toll. When coastal wind carries engine roars into our yards and homes, it does more than disturb […]
Posted inOpinion
USS Arizona holds part of Arroyo Grande history
There was something terribly morbid and terribly wrong about the report of FBI Director Kash Patel’s VIP snorkeling dive on USS Arizona. It’s yet one more example of this administration’s casual indecency. I take it personally, and this is why. Two sailors who died on the Arizona were from my hometown, Arroyo Grande, population 1,090 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Giant puppets made in Lompoc are heading to World Cup watch parties in LA
Most people have never been the puppeteer inside a 12-foot-tall puppet, but Jennifer Racusin has. “You are completely surrounded by fabric, and you have this big, heavy wooden thing attached to you,” Racusin recounted. “You don’t feel like yourself at all because you’re hidden inside of this thing. … You kind of become whatever it […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc Pops presents a patriotic tribute
Celebrate the Fourth of July a little early with the Lompoc Pops Orchestra’s recognition of America’s 250th birthday. The group’s performance on June 21 will honor those who have served the country through tributes to the nation’s Broadway, Hollywood, opera, and Americana traditions. “The program will feature familiar patriotic favorites, stirring selections, and a special […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A comedy festival for charity promises laughs in Santa Ynez
After a sold-out debut year, the Corkscrew Comedy Festival is returning to the Santa Ynez Valley from June 18 to 20 starting at 7 p.m. each night. Three venues are set to host the locally produced festival. This year’s event is a fundraiser for Atterdag at Home Meals on Wheels, which delivers nutritious food to […]
Posted inUncategorized
Balls Up offers big dumb mismatched buddy comedy vibes
Peter Farrelly (Green Book) directs this script by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese about product inventor Elijah DeBell (Paul Walter Hauser)—who dreams up a condom that fully covers male genitals, which he calls The Testicle Sentinel—and salesman Brad Lewison (Mark Wahlberg), who with Elijah is tasked with pitching the product to Brazil’s Travel Ministry as […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Boroughs is Stranger Things for retirees
The BoroughsWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix Last year The Thursday Murder Club saw some older stars solve a mystery in their retirement home, and now The Boroughs does the same—but with a very Stranger Things twist. Sam, played by the always epic Alfred Molina, has come to the “idyllic” community […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Memory of a Killer chronicles a hitman experiencing dementia
Memory of a KillerWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Hulu Based on the 1985 Belgian novel and 2003 film De Zaak Alzheimer, this TV series follows Angelo Doyle (Patrick Dempsey), a contract killer trying to keep his family life separate from his life of crime while experiencing early signs of dementia. He […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A crowd favorite at the Route One Farmers Market offers cookies, cheesecakes, pies, and more
Tamara Warren has a selectively superb memory. When it comes to her passion for baking, she has muscle memory. Anything else, and it can get a little murky. The baker doesn’t keep an ingredient list or measure anything out. Recently she debuted a banana chocolate chip cookie, and somebody asked her what’s inside. “I was […]
Posted inPride
Pride is alive: Drag queens, PCPA, dance, wine, brunch, and more celebrate the season
June means one thing for the LGBTQ-plus community across the Central Coast and beyond: It’s Pride Month! That translates to events in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo that celebrate the season, including drag shows, concerts, and even plays. For our annual Pride issue, Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood talks to PCPA about Pride Nights […]
Posted inPride
PCPA pairs performances with pre-show Pride Night festivities
Dressing for the occasion takes on a whole new meaning during the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) Pride Night events. Audience members are encouraged to don attire that may get them mistaken for cast members, Event and Development Coordinator Lolly Tolan explained. “You can’t go wrong with a cowboy hat and bolo tie,” Tolan (whose pronouns […]
