The Chapman Estate, a fixture on the bluffs of Shell Beach overlooking the Pacific since 1930, is home to a koi pond, a colorful begonia house, a windmill, and the Tudor-style abode. “This is what we’re working to preserve. It’s worth saving, and it’s worth opening the doors to let people see,” volunteer Lillian Jewell […]
Businesses donate top-notch food, beverages, and dessert to to the Chapman Estate’s tenth annual Swingin’ by the Sea fundraiser
Posted inNews
Solvang adopts downtown video surveillance policy
Instances of theft and vandalism in early 2025 prompted Solvang officials to consider rebooting the city’s surveillance camera operations. After months of consulting with local law enforcement and a camera contractor, Solvang is set to expand its city-run video surveillance—currently limited to City Hall and a handful of water wells—to cover various corners of downtown […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Hostage follows twin crises happening to the British Prime Minister and the French President
HostageWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) is a powerful woman, one who won’t let the world see her feathers ruffled, even when faced with the harsh reality of a kidnapped husband. She’s also got French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) to deal with, and Vivienne […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Flare whips up Korean fusion food and soju cocktails in Lompoc, filling a gap in the local food scene
When Cristian Cho moved from Los Angeles to Lompoc, he longed for LA’s diverse food scene. For seven years he worked as a manager at a sushi restaurant and eventually began planning the concept for his own restaurant to fill a gap in Lompoc’s market. Find the fusion flairFlare, located at 510 W. Ocean Ave. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Eenie Meanie is a car-chase-fueled B-movie romp
Eenie Meanie What’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Hulu In his directorial debut, TV writer Shawn Simmons (The Continental, Wayne, Mr. Pickles) helms this action-packed cars and crime comedy-drama about Edie (Samara Weaving), a reformed teenage getaway driver nicknamed Eenie Meanie. When her past employer, Nico (Andy Garcia), offers her the chance […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Night Always Comes follows a sister’s desperate attempt to protect her disabled brother
Night Always Comes What’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Nothing about Lynette’s (Vanessa Kirby) life is easy. She’s a bartender who’s barely scraping by, she’s got an older brother, Kenny (Zack Gottsagen), who needs care, and a mother, Doreen (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who seems to only be concerned with herself. Kirby’s […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Caught Stealing is gritty, funny, and often shocking
Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, The Whale) directs this comedic crime-thriller written by Charlie Huston (All Signs of Death) based on their 2004 novel about ex-baseball player Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) who inadvertently becomes embroiled in New York’s criminal underworld. (107 min.) Caught StealingWhat’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Full […]
Posted inArts
The Santa Maria Library’s Bookmobile now visits Bob Orach Park
The Santa Maria Public Library’s mobile library will now visit Bob Orach Park near Liberty Elementary School on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. instead of Armstrong Park. The Bookmobile, a van retrofitted with bookshelves and overhead lighting, makes 11 stops each week. Visitors can check out and return books, search for media in English […]
Posted inArts
Local artists’ paintings of La Purísima Mission are up at the Cypress Gallery
The Lompoc Ten’s latest exhibit, Impressions of La Purísima, is showing until Sept. 28 at the Cypress Gallery in Lompoc. The artists will attend a reception on Sept. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. to talk to visitors. Local painters formed the Lompoc Ten group more than a decade ago to discuss painting, build community, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The paranormal circus returns to Santa Maria with brand new horrific acts and comic relief
Creepy makeup, fake blood, coffins, vampires—and the horror circus hasn’t even begun. Before audience members take their seats for the Paranormal Cirque show, they have the chance to experience the haunt attraction that begins an hour prior to the show. “Scare junkies” won’t want to miss the chance to see performers up close and personal […]
Posted inOpinion
It’s up to you to be informed
We have received numerous questions from community members asking where the League of Women Voters stands on Proposition 50, the mid-cycle redistricting measure on the Nov. 4 special election ballot. The League of Women Voters of California will not take a position on Proposition 50. Voters may have received a mailer from “Protect Voters First” […]
Posted inOpinion
PCPA’s current show, Songs for Nobodies, is unforgettable
I have worked in the theater for 55 years and have never experienced a more moving performance than the one given by Bethany Thomas in PCPA’s current production of Songs for Nobodies. In this show, Miss Thomas plays Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, and Maria Callas. She also brings to life five […]