We seem to have forgotten something important in our public life. The world is serious, but it is also absurd. We are surrounded by real problems, real responsibilities, and real consequences. Yet somewhere along the way we convinced ourselves that the only respectable way to face them is with a furrowed brow and a lecture. […]
Life is serious, but we can solve more problems with humor
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A nonprofit’s residency program merges creativity and nature
Somewhere on the 1,000-acre Jalama Canyon Ranch, there comes a point when the oak canopy clears, giving way to manzanitas. Standing on a ridgeline among vegetation and rolling hills, the vista reveals the ocean in one direction and the Santa Ynez River in the other. The scene at the Lompoc ranch is like a microcosm […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc library organizes bilingual story times
Books and Bubbles is returning to Ryon Park in Lompoc on Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m. The bilingual story time is geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, with games, singing, and bubbles. The upcoming theme, pajama story time, is a first for the program, run by the Lompoc Public Library. Representatives from Sleep in Heavenly Peace, […]
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Gallery Los Olivos artists participate in a communal exhibit
The annual group show at Gallery Los Olivos will be featured through January 2026. It’s an optional show for artists who are members of the gallery and will showcase a wide variety of work including photographs, paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The show is called a Winter Celebration to encapsulate the diversity of media. “We try […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Jay Kelly is a heartfelt examination of fame and regret
Co-writer and director Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale, Marriage Story) helms this dramedy written with Emily Mortimer about a famous film star named Jay Kelly (George Clooney) who in the twilight of his career reflects on his life. Always at his side is his devoted but harried manager, Ron (Adam Sandler), who’s constantly […]
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Sorry, Baby is a dark comedy exploring the continuing trauma of sexual assault
Sorry, BabyWhat’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? HBO Max This contemplative film offers up a slice-of-life story, one that focuses on Agnes, who’s played by the filmmaker Eva Victor. Agnes is a professor at the same rural arts college where she and her small group of friends attended. Lydie (Naomi Ackie) has […]
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The Last Frontier is a slow-burn thriller with moments of gripping action
The Last FrontierWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Apple TV+ Created by Jon Bokenkamp and Richard D’Ovidio (The Blacklist), this action thriller series has an interesting premise. Can small-town Deputy U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick (Jason Clarke), with limited resources and a harsh locale, locate fugitives from a downed prisoner transport plane? Among […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Solvang’s new Thai eatery
Growing up, food was a memorable part of Preaw Chamchoi’s life. She remembered watching her dad and grandmother working in the kitchen, and when she was in school, her dad rewarded good grades with going out to eat. She said it worked. “After the semester, we get to go celebrate,” Chamchoi said. “It’s almost like […]
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Topped out: After two decades of serving the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Garrett Huff is now in charge
Memories of sitting at the bottom of a pool flow back when Templeton resident Garrett Huff reflects on practicing for water rescue missions early in his career as a paramedic and firefighter. “We had to do what they call dunker training,” Huff explained. “You’re strapped into a [simulated] helicopter, and they push it into the […]
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Guadalupe irons out rules to open farmers market in February
A Sunday stroll through LeRoy Park in Guadalupe will take on a whole new meaning once the city’s first weekly farmers market comes to fruition early next year. “We had anticipated January, but we are going to be pushing it out to February,” Guadalupe Business Association President Judy Wilson told the City Council at its […]
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More RV campsites opening at River Park
A couple dozen new campsites will open soon at River Park in Lompoc. City Council members voted on Nov. 18 to establish the campground’s rules and fees, which are expected to help the park stay afloat financially. In 2022, the city renovated nine RV sites at the park. Later this month, 26 additional spots are […]
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Solvang reserves $30,000 for 10-mile River Trail project’s design phase
To help fund workshops and other outreach efforts for public input about a proposed 10-mile bike and walking path through the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang recently agreed to set aside $30,000. “We don’t want to step on toes. We want to learn from the community and see what works best,” Michael Becker, planning director for […]