In an alternate reality devoid of COVID-19, June 20 would have marked the eighth annual Solstice Sundowner Benefit Party—traditionally hosted by the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang every summer to celebrate each year’s longest day. Although the fundraiser was inevitably canceled this year, all of the event’s sponsors—including Alisal Guest Ranch and […]
Elverhoj Museum of History and Art reflects on traditional Solstice Sundowner fundraiser over the years
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Dana Adobe and Cultural Center’s new exhibit showcases paintings by the late Milford Zornes
The Dana Adobe and Cultural Center will open its upcoming paintings exhibition, All About Trees, on July 15. This group show will showcase about 20 to 25 different paintings and will remain on display at the center through Sept. 25. The exhibit’s special featured artist is the late regional painter Milford Zornes (1908-2008), known for […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
County Arts Commission, Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation launch artist awards
The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission announced it will award up to 20 stipends of $500 each to local artists who have created work in response to circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Arts Commission is partnering with the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation to present these awards “in recognition of artists’ essential social contributions,” according […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Tastry takes small wineries to the next level, while making the Central Coast the epicenter of wine innovation
Katerina Axelsson was tinkering in a wine lab when she unlocked the flavor matrix for wine. She’s always been fascinated by human biology—particularly biotech—and relocated from Southern California to Cal Poly to pursue a chemistry degree, before getting a master’s degree in bioinformatics. So naturally, data science professor Alexander Dekhtyar, who oversaw Axelsson’s master’s program, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Solvang’s newest restaurant opened during the pandemic and is serving up locally sourced deliciousness to-go or for the patio
The first time in three years that chef Michael Cherney saw someone eat the food he prepared was on the patio of his new restaurant in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. “They were eating a grilled cheese sandwich, and they were pulling it apart and the cheese was all gooey,” Cherney said. “I’ll never […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Yosimar Reyes headlined HOPE’s virtual Poetry Night, one of several Santa Maria Pride events online this year
COVID-19 couldn’t keep the House of Pride and Equality (HOPE) from hosting its annual Santa Maria Pride festivities—albeit online through Facebook Live and Twitch in place of traditional gatherings this year. “It’s the government, they’re after me!” California-based poet and activist Yosimar Reyes said for levity’s sake after some moments of technical difficulty during HOPE’s […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department partners with Leadership SMV on new mobile observatory
It was as if the stars aligned when Leadership Santa Maria Valley (SMV) first pitched its community observatory concept to the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, which is currently in the process of modifying its mobile nature trailer to include said observatory. Emily Kitts, co-chair of the program’s Observatory Committee, described the project’s early […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Dana Adobe and Cultural Center updates health-related procedures for 2020 Summer Day Camp
Registration to join the Dana Adobe and Cultural Center’s (DACC) 2020 Summer Day Camp closes on Monday, July 13, or earlier if the camp reaches its capped limit of 30 children before then. The camp is open to ages 8 through 13 and will take place on Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31, from […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
PCPA seeks applicants for stage technician training program
The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) is now accepting applications for its two-year Technical Theatre Training Program. The deadline to apply is Sept. 15, and classes will begin on Oct. 5. Students in the program will train and work alongside PCPA’s professional designers, technicians, directors, and actors in an intensive, vocational setting. Stage lighting, sound, props, […]
Posted inOpinion
CANARY: Freedom to breathe
Good job, guys! Way to keep the pandemic at bay! Oh wait, actually, we haven’t done that. Santa Barbara County, which blamed its high numbers on the Lompoc federal prison a month ago, is currently on a state watch list because its COVID-19 numbers are increasing at an uncomfortable rate. And, as an added bonus, […]
Posted inOpinion
Not for Solvang City Council
I grew up around policemen who were friends and colleagues of my dad. He was “on the job” for 33 years, a superior officer, in every sense, with the NYPD. I think I know something about good cops, effective policing, and fine character. I have met and spoken with Jim Thomas, a former sheriff now […]
Posted inOpinion
Is there a problem with the Lompoc Police Department’s use of force? No!
There has been a lot of conversation, many demonstrations, and some riots across the nation in the past few weeks because of the use of deadly force by police. On June 16, Lompoc Police Chief Joseph Mariani provided the Lompoc City Council with a briefing concerning use of force policies in our city. He began […]