• U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) recently introduced the Empowering Striking Workers Act, which allows striking workers to be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. According to Schiff’s office, the bill supports workers who exercise their legal right to collectively bargain and improve their working conditions. Workers would be eligible for benefits the day a lockout […]
Political Watch: September 18, 2025
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A $9.5 million grant aims to boost the Central Coast space industry
The state of California awarded a $9.5 million grant to a group of regional organizations aiming to help the Central Coast become a leader in the space industry. The group plans to use the grant for Space Vandenberg, a program that will fund innovation, education, and infrastructure to improve economic growth. One of the key […]
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Hancock, Cuesta colleges could lose funding designed to help Latino students
Of the 171 Hispanic-Serving Institutions throughout the state, two of them are right here on the Central Coast. But an executive order from the White House is now posing a threat to the funding that schools like Allan Hancock and Cuesta colleges can receive from the grant program. On Aug. 25, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla […]
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Guadalupe disbands Royal Theater committee, prepares to appoint a new Brown Act board
Elected officials in Guadalupe recently decided it was time for the Royal Theater Capital Campaign Committee’s final curtain call, less than a year after it was formed. Appointed by the City Council and dedicated to raising money toward renovating Guadalupe’s historic Royal Theater, the 14-member committee was started in January as a Brown Act body. […]
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Practice paradox: Orcutt youth football coach sues Central Coast league after his team was disqualified from competition, he was suspended
After John De Marco received a five-year suspension from coaching, he took the Central Coast Youth Football League (CCYFL) to court, seeking a trial by jury to examine the incident that kicked off the conflict earlier this summer. On Aug. 17, seven young footballers from the volunteer coach’s team—made up of 24 kids total, between […]
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Political Watch September 11, 2025
• U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-California), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) co-authored a recent letter that urges for Jared Wise’s employment with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to be terminated. The letter cites Wise among those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He was charged with multiple felony offenses, including […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Freaky Tales is an entertaining anthology action comedy set in 1987 Oakland
Freaky Tales What’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? HBO Max Co-written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel), Freaky Tales tells four interconnected stories all set in real locations and connected to historical events in 1987 Oakland. “Strength in Numbers: The Gilman Strikes Back” depicts young punk rock fans […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Katrina: Come Hell and High Water chronicles the multiple failures of the hurricane response
Consisting of three episodes—“We Gonna Ride It Out Like We Always Do” directed by Geeta Gandbhir; “Shelter of Last Resort” directed by Samantha Knowles; and “God Takes Care of Fools and Babies” directed by Spike Lee—this new documentary miniseries explores the New Orleans tragedy on its 20-year anniversary. (three approximately one-hour episodes) Katrina: Come Hell […]
Posted inArts
Hancock College graduates’ art exhibit is on display at the Foxworthy Gallery
Art created by two Allan Hancock College alumni is featured at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery on campus until Oct. 2. The exhibit, called Made in Santa Maria, highlights the professional accomplishments of Ruben Espinoza and Aaron Cribbs, who both started their careers at Hancock’s art program. Espinoza and Cribbs will be talking about the exhibit […]
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Lompoc committee is accepting art submissions for exhibits at libraries
Central Coast artists can submit samples of their work for a chance to be displayed in two galleries at Lompoc libraries. The Lompoc Public Library Art Advisory Committee will evaluate the submissions during its meeting on Sept. 18. The committee is looking for representative bodies of work, consisting of at least six original pieces that […]
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Santa Barbara County upholds a Ballard homeowner’s permit to build new bathrooms, delayed by a neighbor’s appeal
Fire hazards. Height violations. Improper noticing. Claims tied to a Santa Ynez Valley resident’s appeal of a neighboring family’s permit to add two new ground-floor bathrooms—together totaling 150 square feet—to their home didn’t hold water during a Santa Barbara County Planning Commission review. “When I first got this, I thought, why is this even before […]
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Santa Maria PD to issue citations for the state’s new parking law
For the past nine months, the Santa Maria Police Department has issued warnings for vehicles violating a new state parking law. The officers will begin ticketing individuals later this month with $100 citations. The “daylighting” law, AB 413, prohibits drivers from stopping or parking vehicles within 20 feet of corners, intersections, and crosswalks, even if […]
