Ten years ago, a new computer-based test for California students replaced the paper-reliant standardizing testing and reporting program. Called the Smarter Balanced assessments, the tests measure third through eighth graders’ and 11th graders’ knowledge of the state’s English language arts and math standards. Students served by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO)—those who can’t […]
Central Coast county education offices look at metrics beyond the California Smarter Balanced assessment for student success
Posted inFood & Drink
Advocates organize to bring more food access to North Santa Barbara County with a Guadalupe farmers market
Although Guadalupe is surrounded by agricultural fields, what they produce doesn’t often make its way into local households. “We find ourselves in this position in North Santa Barbara County and Lompoc where food is grown all around us,” said Shelby Wild with Route One. “There’s very few, if any, opportunities in those communities where people […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Winner chronicles the true story of NSA translator Reality Winner, imprisoned for releasing classified documents
Winner What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Hulu This black comedy may be based on a true story, but it was new to me despite only happening eight years ago in 2017. Emilia Jones plays Reality, a young woman whose big brain and big dreams want more than her little hometown life […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Shark Whisperer documents the work of controversial marine conservationist Ocean Ramsey
Shark Whisperer What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Depending on who you ask, Ocean Ramsey is either a serious marine conservationist with an unorthodox approach or a crazy woman and self-aggrandizer who risks her life for online clicks and likes. Netflix’s new documentary—co-directed by Harrison Macks, James Reed (My Octopus Teacher), […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Naked Gun is silly fun
The Naked Gun What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Anna? Stream it What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Akiva Schaffer (Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers) directs and co-writes this fourth installment of the Naked Gun franchise. Following in the footsteps of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
See Merry Wives of Windsor during Central Coast Shakespeare Fest
The Central Coast Shakespeare Festival is back on its stunning outdoor stage at Filipponi Ranch in San Luis Obispo to present The Merry Wives of Windsor every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through Aug. 10. Sir John Falstaff (played by Mark Kassen), Shakespeare’s rotund, vain, often drunk knight, is reduced to a buffoonish, good-natured suitor […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
CalNAM celebrates 25 years with exhibition from its permanent collection
The California Nature Art Museum pulled 25 works of art from its permanent collection of 150 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Curated by former board chair Peter Adams and his wife, Becky, the show features work from local artists such as John Iwerks, Nell Campbell, and museum founder Patti Jacquemain, as well as artists from […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Explore Ecology and One Cool Earth show Central Coast students the value of a garden-to-table lifestyle
Reading. Writing. Arithmetic. Cauliflower. Alongside the three Rs, growing minds are learning the ins and outs of growing food at local schools with gardening programs like Explore Ecology. “I think one of my favorite things to grow with kids is cauliflower, which may sound like one of those vegetables that a lot of times they’ve […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Great American Melodrama turns 50 with a special show mixing melodrama with vintage, contemporary vaudeville
Get your tickets for the 50th The Great American Melodrama presents its 50th Anniversary show that will mix traditional melodrama, vintage vaudeville, and contemporary vaudeville at its Oceano theater (1863 Front St.) from Friday, Aug. 8, through Saturday, Sept. 20. Purchase tickets online at americanmelodrama.com or call (805) 489-2499. Melodrama may have enjoyed its theatrical […]
Posted inOpinion
Newsom’s mid-decade redistricting is dangerous gerrymandering and political revenge
Gov. Newsom has proposed mid-decade redistricting to redraw California’s congressional lines—not to serve the people, but to play political revenge games with Texas. This is gerrymandering, plain and simple. And a dangerous step backward. Californians fought hard to end the days of shady, backroom map deals. In 2008, we passed Proposition 11 to create the […]
Posted inOpinion
Congressman Salud Carbajal and two colleagues are trying to initiate immigration reform
Back in July I said, “the immigration laws need to be updated, but simply resisting enforcement of existing law with endless conversations, waving signs, yelling and screaming, harassing enforcement officers, burning public property, and stopping traffic isn’t helpful and produces no meaningful results,” (Start assisting in immigration issues,” July 10). And “legislators could start with […]
Posted inOpinion
Gold stars
It’s almost back-to-school time, and I’m jumping the gun by handing out gold stars this week. It’s rare that I get to give so many accolades! First up, North County schools are growing their own gardens thanks in large part to Explore Ecology and One Cool Earth. These nonprofits help establish and run the gardens […]