A common argument for continuing driving and off-roading on the Oceano beach and dunes is that if vehicles go away, then the off-highway vehicle (OHV) funds that protect the snowy plover will go away too. Probably, yes, some of it will go away. But so would the biggest threat to the snowy plover and the […]
The Oceano Dunes is paid for by your gas taxes
Posted inOpinion
Oceano Airport deserves facts, not guesswork
The recent letter from the Oceano Beach Community Association calling for Oceano Airport to be converted into a vertiport is putting the cart before the horse (“The Oceano Airport needs to evolve,” June 4). Before Oceano abandons another public asset, we should examine the facts. The authors, who have no aviation experience, argue that the […]
Posted inOpinion
Why don’t the people vote?
No interest in a primary election? Not enough Vote for Me flyers from candidates? Does it take massive advertisements from and about candidates to alert the voters to vote? Are voters unaware unless there is a contest generating ads on radio, TV, or in our mailboxes that there is an election and they should care […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A Santa Maria nonprofit adds to its 10th summer of no-cost arts courses for students
Youth Arts Alive isn’t marketed as a summer camp, but it meets similar standards for families looking for one. Kids could be entertained in classes with professional artists from 10 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. four days a week. Alternatively, some kids want to only take guitar lessons or crafting workshops, the nonprofit’s founder […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Explore the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum in a new light
Just after celebrating its one-year anniversary, the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center is offering new experiences including a self-guided audio tour, a free event series, and a gallery of paintings by Christopher Evans. “As the museum enters its second year, it remains a place for learning and cultural connection, strengthening its overall visitor […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Watch a summertime wrestling adventure at PCPA
An ancient grudge, a bright pink mask, and a high-stakes wrestling ring all play big roles in Luchadora!, the latest production at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). Community members can experience the adventure at the Marian Theatre from June 18 to July 3. Watch as protagonist Nana Lupita secretly trains with help from a mysterious […]
Posted inSun Screen
Disclosure Day is epic summer popcorn movie fun
Steven Spielberg (Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raider of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan) directs his story scripted by David Koepp (Jurassic Park, Carlito’s Way, Mission: Impossible) about the moment the public finally see evidence proving we are not alone in the universe. (145 min.) Disclosure DayWhat’s […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a comedy-drama about a new mom in need of money
Margo’s Got Money TroublesWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Apple TV+ Margo’s a college freshman who wants to be a writer. Cue crush on her professor, a totally not cool affair, and an unplanned pregnancy. Her professor, Mark Gable (Michael Angarano), wants nothing to do with her or the baby, and her […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Wrecking Crew! screens at Bay Theatre for an Infinite Music™ fundraiser
The Wrecking Crew!What’s it rated? PG When? Monday, June 22 Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre of Morro Bay Denny Tedesco (Immediate Family) directs this incredible 2008 music documentary about a group of seasoned Los Angeles session musicians called The Wrecking Crew who worked with a who’s who of the music world and appeared on […]
Posted inFood & Drink
West Coast schools shined at Allan Hancock College’s annual wine festival
Frank Perez’s favorite memory from his first year studying winemaking was when he and his classmates bottled their 2025 vintage. The April day was a master class. It illustrated how big of a team it takes to make a bottle of wine. “It started the day before. We were sterilizing or filtering a lot of […]
Posted inNews
Ride on: After being closed for more than a month the Oceano Dunes reopened to vehicles and camping
For SunBuggy Fun Rentals owner Randy Jordan, when the Oceano Dunes reopened to vehicle traffic and campers on May 21, it meant his business could start renting out ATVs, dune buggies, and side-by-sides again. “I think it’s great, and I think you really know how much you’re going to miss something when you have to […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County’s 5th District heads to a November runoff
For the first time in years, the race for 5th District Santa Barbara County supervisor will extend to the general election. Initial vote counts for the June 2 primary put Ricardo Valencia and Maribel Aguilera on the November ballot, with Cory Bantilan out of the running. Count totals released on June 8 show Valencia with […]
