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 […]
Newsom’s mid-decade redistricting is dangerous gerrymandering and political revenge
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 […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Education Today 2025
Explore Ecology and One Cool Earth want students to take another look at vegetables, especially the bland yet divisive cauliflower. “Getting to grow it in the garden, it’s like this little baby that they get to check on every so often,” Explore Ecology Garden Program Director Genevieve Schwanbeck said. For our Education Today issue, Senior […]
Posted inUncategorized
My805Tix
My805Tix Is Your Local Marketing Partner Sales Presentation (PDF) Opportunities include: Key Features Sell More Than Tickets Covid-Ready Event Ticketing & Social Distancing Solutions For more information email info@my805Tix.com
Posted inFood & Drink
Cal Poly’s Strawberry Center shares research with farmers during July field day
In eight years, the cost of growing strawberries in California has increased by 40 percent. In 2016, farmers spent about $62,000 per acre of the red berry. By 2024, they were paying $105,000, according to Mohammad Amir Aghaee, who leads the entomology program at the Cal Poly Strawberry Center. “When you have a situation like […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Netflix miniseries Untamed follows a National Parks Service agent investigating a brutal death
Untamed What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix National Parks are beautiful, but all hold deadly secrets. Entire podcast series are based on true stories of missing people, murder, and nefarious acts that happen within park borders. Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) is a troubled man, prone to drink and anger. It takes […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Apple TV’s Stick follows a washed-up pro golfer as he grooms a promising kid for a pro career
Stick What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Apple TV+ Created by Dan Keller (Machine Gun Preacher, Ford v Ferrari), this engaging comedy TV series puts Owen Wilson center stage as Pryce Cahill, a pro golfer reduced to golf lessons and selling golf clubs. He and his old caddy, Mitts (Marc Maron), also […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a study in retro idealism
The Fantastic Four: First Steps What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Arroyo Grande, Fair Oaks Matt Shakman (Cut Bank, WandaVision) directs this reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise about four superheroes—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Focus on LGBTQ-plus literature with the Rainbow Reads Book Club
Rainbow Reads Book Club Saturdays made a comeback this summer at the Santa Maria Public Library. In June, members discussed No Gods, No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbull. In July, The Pairing by Casey McQuiston. On Aug. 9, members will talk about Samuel Burr’s The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers at 3 p.m. inside the Learning Loft. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Something Rotten! heads to the Solvang Festival Theater
The PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre joins the Bottom brothers on a “riotous quest to outshine Shakespeare” at the Solvang Festival Theater with Something Rotten!, a musical showing through Aug. 23. Nick and Nigel Bottom aim to pen the world’s first musical, targeting Shakespeare as the bard to beat, but along the way the Bottom brothers […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Solvang’s nature and art museum displays William Neill’s photos in Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone through August
Valley magic Located at 1511-B Mission Drive in Solvang, the California Nature Art Museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Monday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. William Neill’s Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone exhibit is on display until Aug. 31. For more about the exhibit, visit […]