Creation, reincarnation, and twin flames are all the makings of a great exploration of religion, life, and true love–or a children’s book, if you think like San Luis Obispo-based Rebecca Velasquez and her 8-year-old son, Wesley, who co-produced a story on these very topics that came out in May. Rebecca and Wesley sat down with […]
Soul connections: Local children’s book explores a higher power and twin flames
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
An evening of art: VTC artists pull big crowds as they hold their annual art show in Orcutt
Rebecca* is eager to show visitors at CORE Winery in Orcutt her works of art. Two of her pieces hang on the walls of the tasting room, which at the moment is crowded to near capacity. As she gets word that one of her paintings has sold, she reacts with joy and shock. “I’ve sold […]
Posted inOpinion
Due credit
I know I spend most of my time pecking at people, but hey, I’m a bird! It’s what I do. That’s why it’s always good to give some credit when it’s due, especially to those I’ve pointed my beak at recently. A couple of weeks ago I challenged the Santa Maria City Council and Mayor […]
Posted inNews
Spotlight on: Santa Barbara County Fair
Hold on to your cowboy hats, the fair is back in town. The annual event, now celebrating its 127th year, features the state’s largest junior livestock auction, big-name musical artists, and an assortment of local goods ranging from jams, jellies, pies, homemade quilts, floriculture, and photography at the Santa Maria Fairpark. “It’s going to be […]
Posted inNews
Dividing lines: Pair of competing ordinances aim to control supervisorial redistricting process
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and citizen activists traded barbs over two competing ordinances that aim to redraw the supervisors’ district boundaries. The conflict was pushed into public discussion during two separate hearings at the board’s regular meeting on July 2. At issue were the differing language and requirements found in the ordinances, […]
Posted inNews
SMAT bus driver involved in fatal collision will not face criminal charges
The Santa Maria city bus driver involved in April’s fatal collision with a bicyclist will not face criminal charges, according to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. Santa Maria resident Veronica Perez, 43, was seriously injured when she was hit by a Route 7 Santa Maria Area Transit (SMAT) bus just before 6 p.m. […]
Posted inNews
After slow start, fire season roars to life
The call came in around 8 p.m. on a Friday night and the worst fears were quickly confirmed. A wildland fire on the north side of Goleta, fanned by 40 mph wind gusts, was pushing down the mountains rapidly toward homes, neighborhoods, and the city proper. Fire crews, stationed nearby due to a Red Flag […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Blue Sky Center in Cuyama hosts visiting artists
The Blue Sky Center recently hosted its first residency program in the Cuyama Valley. With support from the Squire Foundation, the Santa Barbara County Department of Arts and Culture, and in collaboration with Explore Ecology and the Art From Scrap Creative ReUse Store, the center hosted five artist teams. In five Shelton Huts on its […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Great American Melodrama presents ‘Gold Fever’
The Great American Melodrama brings the Old West to life in its latest comedy production, Gold Fever at the Rough and Ready by Neil LaVine. Gold Fever joins The Mix Tape in the Melodrama’s summer repertory season. Both shows, featuring the same cast, will play on alternating nights throughout the remainder of the summer. The […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Arts Fiesta planned in Santa Maria
Youth Arts Alive, a Santa Maria free youth arts education program, presents its first Arts Fiesta event at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center on July 13 at 6 p.m. The Arts Fiesta will feature performances by Youth Arts Alive students in dance, music, and theater, as well as a display of the visual art […]
Posted inOpinion
Supreme Court nomination
Now that there is a vacancy in the Supreme Court of the United States, Americans and U.S. senators should be reminded that there is still a nomination for the Supreme Court that was never appropriately dealt with. Now is the time for Americans and senators to stand behind the nomination of Merrick Garland to be […]
Posted inOpinion
Library Shop does good work
Congratulations to the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library for 10 years of dedicated service to the people of the Santa Maria Valley through their operation of the Library Shop at the Santa Maria Public Library. I especially thank the 40 volunteers and shop manager, Nancy Marriott, who staff the shop and work to […]