It doesn’t happen often, but it happened recently: The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA) south of Arroyo Grande Creek was closed to off-highway vehicles and became a safe place for pedestrians. But the closure was temporary. The Oceano Dunes re-opened May 21 to off-road vehicles. Why was the Oceano Dunes closed to vehicles? […]
Oceano and endangered species deserve a peaceful safe beach
Posted inOpinion
There’s more to the seabirds story
Mr. George Hansen makes the stretch that birds died because we use gasoline in our cars (“Dead seabirds are the harbinger of a preventable future,” May 28). A few other things to consider: 1) He may want to discard his wetsuit, flip-flops, and sunglasses, which may also contain petroleum. 2) Elevated seawater temperatures may be […]
Posted inLetters To The Editor
The Oceano airport needs to evolve
Oceano is a community divided—literally—by a land-heavy, low-utility, extremely costly fixed-wing airport: Oceano Airport L52. So, is closure the best option? We think not. We propose modernization over maintenance. It’s an option that will take us past the same tired story of Oceano being abused by wealthier interests with a blind eye to the environment […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Maverick Saloon hosts Pride-themed karaoke nights for the fifth year in a row
Calling all singersPut yourself out there at the Maverick Saloon during gayraoke on Tuesday nights in June at 8 p.m. located at 3687 Sagunto St. in Santa Ynez. Follow karaoke DJ Sam Silva on Instagram @samcrazypants. For more information about Santa Ynez Valley Pride activities, visit syvpride.org or check out @syv.pride on Instagram. Standing in […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Celebrate Pride Prom in Buellton
Disco. Glitz. Grunge. Y2K. It’s Pride Prom Through the Ages. The Tavern at Zaca Creek in Buellton will host the event on June 12, which benefits Santa Ynez Valley Pride and House of Pride and Equality. Pride Prom is meant to give members of the LGBTQ-plus community a safe space to show up as their […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Ynez performers present An Invitation to Dance
In its 37th season, the Santa Ynez Valley Performing Arts Company is proud to present An Invitation to Dance. Summer performances will be held at the Santa Ynez High School Little Theater on June 17, 18, and 20 starting at 7 p.m. each night. “This presentation showcases the elegance and refinement of ballet and lyrical, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Backrooms brings a YouTube sensation to the big screen
YouTuber Kane Parsons (aka Kane Pixels) directs his script co-written with Will Soodik (Ash vs Evil Dead) about Clark (Chiwetel Ejiolfor), a failed architect in therapy who owns a floundering furniture store. When Clark disappears into another dimension through a portal in the rear of his store’s basement, his therapist, Dr. Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve) […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Crash asks, did a teen intentionally crash, killing her boyfriend?
The CrashWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix Mackenzie and Dominic were high school sweethearts. He was a couple of years older, but they were tied at the hip from day one, according to those who knew them. Mackenzie was just finishing up high school, but the two were already living together. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Nemesis is campy, melodramatic crime drama fun
NemesisWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix Created by Courtney A. Kemp and Tani Marole, this series feels like a real ’80s throwback. I almost abandoned the first episode midway because the dialogue was so cheesy and melodramatic. It follows workaholic LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division Lt. Isaiah Stiles (Matthew Law), who’s haunted by […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A Guadalupe butcher cuts up quality meats for barbecuers on the Central Coast
Ernesto Valle used to be known as the guy who cuts meat in the middle of nowhere. He opened Lobo Butcher Shop in Guadalupe four and a half years ago when the economy was still hurting from the pandemic. “For a couple months, I thought I was going to shut down in my first year,” […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Summer Guide 2026: All the fun in the sun
Summer is nearly here, even if it doesn’t quite feel warm enough yet. I can smell the heat on the wind that continues blowing along the Central Coast, bringing with it the promise of sunny freedom. With that warmth comes a long list of events—outdoor concerts, kids camps, food and wine festivals, art classes, and […]
Posted inNews
Flying Goat Cellars sues county over wine district fees
A local winery asked a federal court to weigh in on its clash with Santa Barbara County for collecting mandatory fees that support a newly created wine business improvement district. The dispute is at the center of a civil lawsuit Flying Goat Cellars co-owners Norm Yost and Kate Griffith filed against the county on May […]
