The Santa Barbara Planning Commission recently heard both sides of a contentious land use debate over whether a proposed vegetable greenhouse would be misused for growing cannabis. The Aug. 5 meeting ended in a vote to continue the discussion at the commission’s Sept. 4 meeting. The hearing was requested by Stephen Jacobs, who asked the […]
County Planning Commission hears appeal of contentious land use permit
Posted inNews
Guadalupe passes strict tobacco control regulations
Guadalupe now has one of the most stringent tobacco control ordinances in Santa Barbara County, and it’s going into effect at the end of this month. Through the new ordinance, which Guadalupe City Council passed on July 28, retailers will have to obtain licenses to sell tobacco products. The sale of flavored tobacco—including menthol—is banned, […]
Posted inNews
California representatives ask Congress to pass HEROES Act with Bureau of Prisons funding
It’s been nearly three months since the House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, a $3 trillion stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact. But this aid can’t be delivered until the HEROES Act also passes through the Senate, a process that U.S. Rep. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Demand for locally sourced meat rises as the Central Coast feels the pinch of nationwide shortages
Finding good local meat right now makes one feel like a pirate searching for pieces of eight and buried treasure. Demand is up, impacting the ability to process local supply, thanks in part to the coronavirus’ impacts across the state. J&R Natural Meat and Sausage’s butcher shop has been holding the line as one of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A day of reflection, relaxation, and poetry at Sycamore Mineral Springs, inspired by ‘Ghost of Tsushima’
I can’t seem to get Ghost of Tsushima (2020) out of my head, so I’m taking it with me—in spirit at least (get it?) to the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa in Avila Beach, where I’ve booked a room for the night as a week-early birthday gift to myself. Since renting one of the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Designers, directors, and actors lend their unique perspectives to PCPA’s Community Enrichment workshops
Although the Marian Theatre’s doors remain closed, scenic artist Abby Hogan recently shed some light on a crucial aspect of the venue that often gets overlooked and, quite literally, walked all over—the stage floor, that is. Hogan planned to host Painting Floors the PCPA Way on Wednesday, Aug. 5, as part of PCPA Plays On: […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Nipomo-based artist group announces new virtual show and sale for September
Between Saturday, Sept. 5, and Monday, Sept. 7, the community will be able to view and shop from a new virtual art show and sale at nipomoartists.com. This collaborative website was formed by a group of Central Coast artists hoping to exhibit and possibly sell their works online amid gallery closures during the course of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Gallery Los Olivos’ online exhibit showcases local landscapes from Terri Taber, Carol Talley
During the month of August, Gallery Los Olivos’ new website, Gallery Los Olivos Online, will be exhibiting landscapes by local painters Terri Taber and Carol Talley. Visitors of the site can view more than 20 different paintings from each artist, which are also available for sale. Deliveries are free to buyers within Santa Barbara and […]
Posted inOpinion
CANARY: Suspicious seeds
Order anything from China lately? How about a pair of pumpkin stud earrings? Just kidding! They’re just seeds. Seeds you didn’t order. And they’re showing up in your mailbox after you order random stuff online. And they come labeled as jewelry such as “pumpkin stud earrings.” At least the package that arrived on Mike Brown’s […]
Posted inOpinion
COVID-19 response requires focus on safety, equity across all school reopening plans
The long-awaited answer about what schools will look like in the fall was delivered on July 17 when Gov. Newsom announced all public and private schools in counties on the state’s monitoring list, which includes Santa Barbara County, must open via distance learning. This includes all public, private, and charter schools serving students from transitional […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: August 6, 2020
• On July 29, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) released a statement following the House’s passing of two pieces of legislation aimed at supporting the child care sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Carbajal’s office, the legislation provides grants for child care providers to use on staffing, training, and cleaning costs as needed […]
Posted inNews
Nipomo High School ag teacher wins national education award
When COVID-19 forced schools to close in March, Rosemary Cummings and her Nipomo High School agriculture students missed out on the most exciting time of their year. Usually on weekends between March and May, Cummings and 50 or more students travel to compete on college campuses across the state as part of the Future Farmers […]