• On June 12, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) was forcibly removed from U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles, while “exercising his duty to perform congressional oversight in the federal government’s operations in Los Angeles and across California,” according to a statement from Padilla’s office. “[Padilla] tried to ask […]
Political Watch: June 19, 2025
Posted inNews
County Planning Commission recommends urban/rural boundary revision for Famcon’s Orcutt project
A rodeo arena, dog groomer, and trade school surround the rural 4-acre parcel where Famcon Pipe and Supply hopes to build a new Orcutt facility. Located outside of Santa Maria’s city limits near the Elks Event Center, the project’s proposed site raised “no objections from our immediate neighbors,” Famcon agent Gelare Macon told the Santa […]
Posted inNews
Local advocacy groups respond to reported ICE activity in Santa Maria
Four months after leading an ICE protest outside of Santa Maria City Hall, 17-year-old Cesar Vasquez adorned a cap and gown a few blocks away at Santa Maria High School’s June 12 graduation ceremony Vasquez said it was difficult for him and some of his peers to enjoy the accomplishment because of recent reports about […]
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Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce declares to close June 30
The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce will close June 30, according to a June 10 Facebook post from the chamber, which blamed the City Council’s decision to “abruptly and drastically cut funding.” “This is more than a budget cut. It’s the potential loss of a vital community pillar,” chamber President/CEO DeVika Stalling wrote. “We are […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club will host local wineries, eateries to raise funds for Old Days
Wine and dine On June 21, Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club will host Vine2Wine, Brews & Bites at 429 Leslie St. at 6 p.m. About two dozen wineries will fill glasses to pair with food served by local eateries. Tickets are available at my805tix.com for $65. Any remaining will be sold at the door on […]
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Guadalupe bus service will integrate into Santa Maria transit by July
Passengers of the Guadalupe Flyer can take advantage of free rides for a limited time this summer thanks to a consolidation of two previously separate bus fare systems. During its June 3 meeting, the Santa Maria City Council agreed to allow Guadalupe’s public transit service to integrate into Santa Maria’s network. Starting on July 1, […]
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Oil foil: A judge puts a temporary restraining order on Sable’s progress as environmental organizations sue to prevent another disaster
For dozens of Refugio State Beach’s visitors on May 18, stepping into the ocean was a solemn act of remembrance. Local environmental groups co-hosted a morning paddle out that Sunday—one day shy of the 10th anniversary of the Refugio oil spill. Three offshore oil rigs connected to the May 19, 2015, disaster were within eyesight […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The 1967 prison drama Cool Hand Luke screens in the Palm Theatre on June 13
Cool Hand Luke What’s it rated? PG When? 1967 Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo on Friday, June 13, 7 p.m. “Sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand.” Directed by Stuart Rosenberg, this 1967 anti-establishment film encapsulates the anti-authoritarianism of the ’60s. Set in the early 1950s, the film follows […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The 1986 coming-of-age classic Stand by Me screens in the Bay Theatre on June 16
Stand By Me What’s it rated? R When? 1986 Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre of Morro Bay on Monday, June 16, at 5:30 p.m. You’ve likely seen this 1986 coming-of-age drama, and if you’re like me, you’ve seen it more than a dozen times. Still, it’s a film that I would always say yes […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Phoenician Scheme is classic Wes Anderson
The Phoenician Scheme What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Regal Arroyo Grande Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou) directs his script co-written with Roman Coppola about shady international businessman Zsa-zsa Korda […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Ynez author releases Central Coast-based novel featuring characters based on real chefs
Santa Ynez Valley-based author Jamie Baker released his new novel, You Ate It, on May 25. The 368-page novel addresses school shootings, vigilante justice, drug addiction, sex, and politics. You Ate It tells the story of a teenager named Michael who has a big idea that makes him rich and lands him in Silicon Valley. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
PCPA offers summer performing arts classes for kids ages 8 to 18
The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) will host three week-long camps this summer at its Severson Theatre on the Allan Hancock College campus, located at 800 S. College Drive in Santa Maria. Campers will learn how to build confidence and find their voice while socializing and exploring the whimsical, musical world of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. […]