Connecting the dots, learning colors, and solving jigsaw puzzles are some of the activities kids now have access to on bilingual learning computers at the Santa Maria Public Library. The computers provide safe, engaging educational content for ages 2 to 12. Set up in the children’s area on the first level of the library at […]
New children’s computers with educational games are at the Santa Maria library
Posted inCanary
Color and whimsy
A fairy-tale Danish “village” has Solvang’s policy preferences all twisted up. Nine cottage-style hotel units went a little off-script during the construction process, and Solvang put a stop to developer Ed St. George’s dreams. Apparently, he got a little too slap-happy with the half-timbers for the city’s liking. Too much wood! St. George didn’t take […]
Posted inCommentaries
Congress should be held accountable for not producing a budget on time
Government “shutdowns” have occurred numerous times over the last few decades due to a lack of an approved budget, but the politicians we elect to provide funding have never been held accountable. It’s time for a change, but how? Based on an email recently sent by Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), it appears that the […]
Posted inOpinion
Get ready to vote in the upcoming special election
The League of Women Voters urges all eligible voters to get ready to vote in the upcoming special election on Nov. 4 by registering to vote, studying fact-based information on Proposition 50, and casting an informed vote. Vote-by-mail ballots for the Nov. 4 election will be sent to all active registered voters in early October, […]
Posted inOpinion
Mail-in ballots are at risk of being hijacked
We have an upcoming election aimed at combating rigged elections. Our ballots and envelopes are mailed to everyone, unsecured, and are returned to unmanned ballot boxes. The instructions advise, “It’s OK to re-seal (the envelope) with tape.” The ballot instructions for voting advise, “If you make a mistake, mark an X over the oval filled […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A Santa Barbara artist displays four mediums of work inspired by his Brazilian culture
In Paulo Lima’s mind, a rusty piece of wire in the middle of the street was a great topper for one of his sculptures. Even though he thought the metal had been run over by a car, it didn’t matter. “I picked it up in the middle of the street, like, ‘Oh my God. This […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria hosts Día de los Muertos community festival
Celebrate the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead with cultural activities and crafts at Santa Maria’s 15th annual Día de los Muertos Festival. The Fine Arts Complex at Allan Hancock College will be transformed into a vibrant festival for Día de los Muertos on Oct. 26. Hosted by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Find vintage wonderland at Flying Miz Daisy’s market in Solvang
The Flying Miz Daisy vintage market returns to Solvang on Oct. 25 at Mission Santa Inés. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission and parking are free. Visitors can shop from more than 60 vendors for vintage goods, architectural salvages, garden décor, clothing, jewelry, and more. There’ll also be music and […]
Posted inSun Screen
In The Lost Bus, a school bus driver navigates the 2018 Camp Fire to save his passengers
Co-writer Paul Greengrass (United 93, Green Zone, Captain Phillips, News of the World, and three of the Jason Bourne franchise films) directs this screenplay he wrote with Brad Ingelsby (Out of the Furnace, Run All Night, Mare of Easttown) based on a segment of San Francisco Chronicle journalist Lizzie Johnson’s 2021 nonfiction book Paradise: One […]
Posted inSun Screen
Play Dirty follows professional thief, Parker, on another criminal misadventure
Play DirtyWhat’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Prime Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, The Nice Guys) co-writes and directs this heist flick based on the Parker book series by Richard Stark (aka Donald E. Westlake). In this go-around, we’re dropped into the middle of the story as professional thieves Parker (Mark […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Steve is a sobering drama about a determined headmaster struggling to keep his school afloat
SteveWhat’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix To say that Steve (Cillian Murphy) has a difficult job is an understatement. The young men in his care are difficult at best. They’ve been institutionalized young and all carry their own unique baggage. Steve himself battles his own demons after an accident left him […]
Posted inFood & Drink
With a reputation for barbecue and whiskey, a Solvang eatery is set to debut a new restaurant
On its face, Whiskey ’N Rye Smokehouse is a classic barbecue joint. However, Don Conner opened the restaurant with the idea to serve a lot more than ribs and brisket. “Our primary focus is smoking and grilling more so than just meats,” Conner said. “We try to incorporate a little flare of barbecue into all […]