I love to try new things. In my role here, I’m always looking to find the newest places to spotlight, hoping to give readers some fun fresh culinary ideas. But sometimes, I like to go back and visit the classics. That’s what brought me into Papa Napoli‘s in Santa Maria. I have some pretty fond […]
Papa’s best: Papa Napoli still delivers on classic Italian deli fare
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Making musicals: Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s returning music director preps students for Disney’s Peter Pan
The group of Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) students sits in rows, waiting for their que, eyeing the swish of Callum Morris’ wrist. Morris, the current interim music director for PCPA, guides the piano accompanist as acting intern Chynna Walker stands, singing the part penned for the title character of the upcoming production of Peter Pan […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Spooky business: Ghost hunting is a seriously scary business in Santa Maria for Central Coast Paranormal Investigators
Mitch Flores had his first paranormal experience when he was just 11 years old. “I had a paper route on the same path my mom and her friends would walk on a daily basis,” Flores said. “I went by this house and there was an old man standing in an upstairs window of the house, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A long and winding road: The Lompoc Ten celebrates its unique interpretations of Jalama Road
Jalama Road is a little more than 14 miles of some of the most scenic landscape on the Central Coast. The winding path of road, stretching from the whirring noise of Highway 101 to a quiet strip of Jalama Beach, tells a story of the true California, a diverse state born from agriculture, ranching, and […]
Posted inNews
Time to transfer? County special needs teachers and staff face tough decisions amid transition to high school district
For more than a decade Barbara Fuston-King has worked as a paraprofessional in local special needs classes, providing health and educational services to Santa Maria’s lowest functioning high school students. She currently works in a classroom at Santa Maria High School, where she, two other paraprofessionals, and a teacher work with 10 special needs students. […]
Posted inNews
Modest measures: Shedding light on the Nov. 6 ballot’s lesser-known propositions
When SLO County voters head to the polls Nov. 6, they’re going to have a lot of decisions to make. In addition to voting for candidates running for state and local offices, as well as local ballot measures, those voters will also have to decide whether to approve or shoot down 11 statewide propositions addressing […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Hallo-nope: Rebecca is done with scary movies
Halloween is finally over and I say thank goodness. Not because I don’t like the holiday or enjoy overdosing on novelty candy, believe me I do. But I’m finally through another season of marathon-watching scary movies. I watch my fair share of horror flicks throughout the year, mostly the artsy kind where the real monster […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Allan Hancock College unveils art by former professor
A painting created by retired fine arts professor Deborah West was unveiled at the Student Services building at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria during an Oct. 25 ceremony. West is a retired art and design professor who taught at Hancock for 28 years. The event featured a ribbon cutting hosted by the Art on […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc photography contest announces winners
Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County recently announced the winners of its 2018 photography contest, titled The Good Life on the Central Coast. The contest asked residents of Santa Barbara County to share images of life in their local communities. The competition was split into four categories: youth, adult, professional, and employee. Winners […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
PCPA hosts gala to coincide with Peter Pan debut
Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents An Evening in Neverland, an opening night gala and special performance of its latest musical, Peter Pan. The black tie event takes place on Nov. 10 and includes a red carpet, champagne reception, and hors d’oeuvres made by Scratch Kitchen. The Clap Your Hands Cabaret, which includes members who are […]
Posted inOpinion
Vote for Gloria Soto in Santa Maria’s 3rd District
Gloria Soto, 3rd District City Council candidate, will bring energy, vision, and smart city policies that will revitalize Santa Maria and reflect its new future. Gloria understands the immense need for more affordable housing in the city and will push developers to include affordable housing units in their new housing projects. No more off-setting projects […]
Posted inOpinion
Commentary 2: Support Hancock at the ballot box
If you’ve seen the voter guide, you know there are a lot of initiatives and elections on the November ballot. While all issues are important, the two items regarding Allan Hancock College are particularly significant this year. The first is the election of a trustee for Area 3, which encompasses Guadalupe and southern Santa […]