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 […]
Explore Ecology and One Cool Earth show Central Coast students the value of a garden-to-table lifestyle
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]

