There have been numerous times that Pismo Beach author Wendelin Van Draanen thought she’d written her last novel, but she keeps thinking of plot ideas—more than 30 to date. Her latest novel, The Steps, was released on Sept. 2. Plus, Van Draanen has another book coming out in the fall of 2026, and she’s working […]
A local author with global reach releases a new young-adult mystery
Posted inNews
Write-handed: As colleges kick off their fall terms, local educators and students reflect on the lost art of taking notes by hand
When it comes to taking in a new piece of information, there’s something about putting pen to paper that just hits differently, compared to typing something on a laptop, tablet, or phone. While there’s no shortage of ways to replicate notepad-style note-taking via apps and websites nowadays, the small joys get lost in translation: gliding […]
Posted inOpinion
Central Coast has an affordable-housing lockout, not a market
The Central Coast doesn’t have a housing shortage—we have an affordability shortage (“The Central Coast desperately needs to build its way out of the housing crisis,” Aug. 14). A quick look at today’s housing market tells the real story. On Aug. 4, 2025, Zillow showed 1,407 homes and lots priced over $1 million in our […]
Posted inNews
Halcyon’s former Temple of the People leader, Eleanor Shumway, dies at 92
Halcyon’s former Temple of the People Guardian-in-Chief Eleanor Shumway died on Aug. 12 at home in Arroyo Grande. She was 92. The leader of the local Theosophical Society for 32 years, Shumway was the only guardian-in-chief who lived to retire and witness her successor head the century-old Temple of the People. To her family, Shumway […]
Posted inOpinion
It’s time for Americans to speak truth to power
On Aug. 25 Israel attacked Nasser Medical Complex, the largest health facility in southern Gaza, and murdered 20 innocent people. They used what is called a “double tap.” First they attacked the fourth floor stairway of the hospital with a drone strike, killing two and injuring dozens. The attack gathered rescuers, aid workers, doctors, and […]
Posted inOpinion
Crossy road
Happy Pedestrian Safety Month! Did you know that was a thing? I didn’t. But I’m not a pedestrian. Well, this winged wanderer just got another reason to be glad I’m neither a driver nor a walker. Local police are starting to enforce a new law this month, one that went into effect in January. The […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Businesses donate top-notch food, beverages, and dessert to to the Chapman Estate’s tenth annual Swingin’ by the Sea fundraiser
The Chapman Estate, a fixture on the bluffs of Shell Beach overlooking the Pacific since 1930, is home to a koi pond, a colorful begonia house, a windmill, and the Tudor-style abode. “This is what we’re working to preserve. It’s worth saving, and it’s worth opening the doors to let people see,” volunteer Lillian Jewell […]
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Solvang adopts downtown video surveillance policy
Instances of theft and vandalism in early 2025 prompted Solvang officials to consider rebooting the city’s surveillance camera operations. After months of consulting with local law enforcement and a camera contractor, Solvang is set to expand its city-run video surveillance—currently limited to City Hall and a handful of water wells—to cover various corners of downtown […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Hostage follows twin crises happening to the British Prime Minister and the French President
HostageWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) is a powerful woman, one who won’t let the world see her feathers ruffled, even when faced with the harsh reality of a kidnapped husband. She’s also got French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) to deal with, and Vivienne […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Flare whips up Korean fusion food and soju cocktails in Lompoc, filling a gap in the local food scene
When Cristian Cho moved from Los Angeles to Lompoc, he longed for LA’s diverse food scene. For seven years he worked as a manager at a sushi restaurant and eventually began planning the concept for his own restaurant to fill a gap in Lompoc’s market. Find the fusion flairFlare, located at 510 W. Ocean Ave. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Eenie Meanie is a car-chase-fueled B-movie romp
Eenie Meanie What’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Hulu In his directorial debut, TV writer Shawn Simmons (The Continental, Wayne, Mr. Pickles) helms this action-packed cars and crime comedy-drama about Edie (Samara Weaving), a reformed teenage getaway driver nicknamed Eenie Meanie. When her past employer, Nico (Andy Garcia), offers her the chance […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Night Always Comes follows a sister’s desperate attempt to protect her disabled brother
Night Always Comes What’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Nothing about Lynette’s (Vanessa Kirby) life is easy. She’s a bartender who’s barely scraping by, she’s got an older brother, Kenny (Zack Gottsagen), who needs care, and a mother, Doreen (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who seems to only be concerned with herself. Kirby’s […]
