Political history was made during the public comment period at the Lompoc City Council meeting on Dec. 2. It wasnāt the kind of history any city would be proud of. I have been commenting on the political scene in Lompoc for more than three decades in various publications. During this time, there have been numerous […]
Lompoc citizens deserve trustworthy leaders
Posted inOpinion
Life is serious, but we can solve more problems with humor
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. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A nonprofitās 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, […]
Posted inUncategorized
Gallery Los Olivos artists participate in a communal exhibit
The annual group show at Gallery Los Olivos will be featured through January 2026. Itās 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. āWe 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), whoās constantly […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Sorry, Baby is a dark comedy exploring the continuing trauma of sexual assault
Sorry, BabyWhatās it rated? R When? 2025 Whereās it showing? HBO Max This contemplative film offers up a slice-of-life story, one that focuses on Agnes, whoās 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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Last Frontier is a slow-burn thriller with moments of gripping action
The Last FrontierWhatās it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Whereās it showing? Apple TV+ Created by Jon Bokenkamp and Richard DāOvidio (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
Solvangās new Thai eatery
Growing up, food was a memorable part of Preaw Chamchoiās 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. āAfter the semester, we get to go celebrate,ā Chamchoi said. āItās almost like […]
Posted inNews
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. āWe had to do what they call dunker training,ā Huff explained. āYouāre strapped into a [simulated] helicopter, and they push it into the […]
Posted inNews
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 cityās first weekly farmers market comes to fruition early next year. āWe had anticipated January, but we are going to be pushing it out to February,ā Guadalupe Business Association President Judy Wilson told the City Council at its […]
Posted inNews
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 campgroundās 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 […]
