The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 13 was filled with lengthy public comment, largely related to a proposed hiking and biking trail between the cities of Guadalupe and Santa Maria. The speakers that day requested that the trail be placed on the supervisors’ next possible agenda. “When you think about Guadalupe’s […]
Residents speak in favor of proposed trail between Santa Maria, Guadalupe
Posted inNews
Guadalupe City Council bans commercial cannabis businesses for now
Another Central Coast community will not allow commercial cannabis businesses to operate within its borders as of Feb. 13. The Guadalupe City Council voted to ban all but medical deliveries of the plant at its meeting that night. The urgency ordinance passed unanimously and prevents city staff from being forced to issue recreational permits and […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria men arrested in alleged human trafficking case
Three Santa Maria men were arrested at an unspecified motel in the city on Feb. 19 after a minor, who was allegedly being pimped out, escaped the motel and called the Santa Maria Police Department for help from another location. Santa Maria Police Sgt. Michael McGehee said officers immediately responded to the call. Gabriel Campos-Lopez, […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office investigating fatal shooting at Chumash Casino
Gunshots rang out across the Santa Ynez Valley in the early hours of Feb. 20. When the sun rose a few hours later, one man was dead. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Public Information Officer Kelly Hoover told the Sun that a security officer at the Chumash Casino had shot a yet-to-be-identified male subject at around […]
Posted inOpinion
Walls forever
The plans by President Trump to “build the wall” is the present-day continuation of this effort to control the very porous 2,000-mile U.S. and Mexican border, which began in 1994 with the George H.W. Bush administration. It was continued by the 1996 Republican Congress and President Bill Clinton. At that time three walls were funded […]
Posted inNews
Spotlight on: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods is set to celebrate its grand opening at Enos Ranch (775 E. Betteravia Road) in Santa Maria on Friday, Feb. 23. The major retail chain announced that it planned to host a “three-day celebration” at its newest store and that former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and broadcaster Don Sutton will make an […]
Posted inNews
Dream come true: Local brides see their dream dress become reality with tailor-made service in Santa Maria
A low whirring accompanied the soft “chug” sound that Blanca Silva’s sewing machine made as her hands carefully guided white fabric under the pulsating needle and thread. Afternoon sunlight poured in through the big, open windows of her shop on Santa Maria’s Main Street, Blanquis Bridal, as the local seamstress made some routine touches to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Bottlest’s winter menu will cure you of the seasonal blues
If the allure of bone-in veal short ribs on a delicate bed of celery root puree isn’t enough to pique your palate, then you should probably stop reading this column and give up food altogether because I don’t think anyone can help you. If, on the other hand, you’re screaming for your smelling salts because […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Historian to sign books at Los Alamos winery
On Feb. 18 Historian Marc Wortman, author of three history books based in the Civil War, World War I, and World War II eras, will talk about the inspirations behind each book and the decisions sitting presidents made in times of war. An award-winning documentary inspired by Marc’s first book, The Millionaires’ Unit, is having […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local student artwork sought for public display
The Santa Barbara County Alliance for Arts Education is partnering with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission to display artwork created in local schools. A countywide exhibition will highlight the work of local students, schools, and teachers with the theme “Come Together.” Students and teachers can callaborate and are encouraged to submit entries that interpret […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
High school students compete in poetry competition
High school students from schools across the county are set to compete in the Santa Barbara County Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition on Feb. 15 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Poetry Out Loud (POL) is an opportunity for high school students to learn poetry, perform, and win prizes. The California state champion will travel to […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Valley Art Gallery’s new Orcutt digs features bold work from Heidi Gruetzemacher
Heidi Gruetzemacher has traced out the path to the heart and nailed it to the wall. Her explorations on the topic are highlighted in Hearts Desire, an exhibit currently featured at the Valley Art Gallery. Back in September, the gallery moved from its previous home down Clark Avenue to a new-to-them space in Old Orcutt, […]
