Helping others scope out the value of their earrings, necklaces, and rings is a daily occurrence for Courtney Hood, who began learning the ropes of her family’s business—CB Hood Diamond Co. in Santa Maria—from a young age. After graduating from Cabrillo High School in Lompoc, she enrolled at the Gemological Institute of America where she […]
Local appraiser Courtney Hood auctions off antique jewelry from her personal collection
Posted inNews
Santa Maria’s Central Coast Orthodontics celebrates 30th anniversary
Sunsets and cups of coffee are among the units the musical Rent suggests measuring a year in the life with. For local orthodontist Dr. Kirk Specht, the amount of patients he’s seen since opening his first office in Santa Maria helps sum up the past three decades. “It could be 6- to 8,000 maybe,” he […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: August 7, 2025
•On Aug. 4, U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced the adoption of a bipartisan resolution to celebrate National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 3 through 9). The resolution recognizes the vital role that farmers markets play in bringing communities together, supporting livelihoods, and enriching the lives of millions of Americans, from farmers […]
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Santa Barbara County Planning Commission green-lights Lompoc Valley apartment project for moderate income levels
To make way for 60 apartments and 87 hotel rooms proposed for the Vandenberg Village area, Santa Barbara County needs to approve the removal of about 3 acres of chaparral—or chaparral in name only, 3rd District Planning Commissioner John Parke explained. “I guess you could call it Burton Mesa Chaparral, but it really isn’t,” Parke […]
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Survivor of alleged sexual assault files suit against former Hancock instructor
Former Allan Hancock College instructor Kevin Daily, who’s facing trial for alleged sexual assault stemming from charges filed by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, is now being sued by the survivor of the reported abuse. Jacqueline Doe—the woman identified in the DA’s Office complaint from 2022—sued Daily on May 9 for sexual […]
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Gifford Fire scorches more than 82,000 acres east of Santa Maria
Less than a week after the Madre Fire was declared 100 percent contained, it was dethroned by the Gifford Fire as California’s largest wildfire of the year. Both wildfires impacted several areas along Highway 166, prompting evacuation warnings and orders across different parts of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. While the Madre Fire […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Central Coast county education offices look at metrics beyond the California Smarter Balanced assessment for student success
Ten years ago, a new computer-based test for California students replaced the paper-reliant standardizing testing and reporting program. Called the Smarter Balanced assessments, the tests measure third through eighth graders’ and 11th graders’ knowledge of the state’s English language arts and math standards. Students served by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO)—those who can’t […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Advocates organize to bring more food access to North Santa Barbara County with a Guadalupe farmers market
Although Guadalupe is surrounded by agricultural fields, what they produce doesn’t often make its way into local households. “We find ourselves in this position in North Santa Barbara County and Lompoc where food is grown all around us,” said Shelby Wild with Route One. “There’s very few, if any, opportunities in those communities where people […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Winner chronicles the true story of NSA translator Reality Winner, imprisoned for releasing classified documents
Winner What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Hulu This black comedy may be based on a true story, but it was new to me despite only happening eight years ago in 2017. Emilia Jones plays Reality, a young woman whose big brain and big dreams want more than her little hometown life […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Shark Whisperer documents the work of controversial marine conservationist Ocean Ramsey
Shark Whisperer What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Depending on who you ask, Ocean Ramsey is either a serious marine conservationist with an unorthodox approach or a crazy woman and self-aggrandizer who risks her life for online clicks and likes. Netflix’s new documentary—co-directed by Harrison Macks, James Reed (My Octopus Teacher), […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Naked Gun is silly fun
The Naked Gun What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Anna? Stream it What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Akiva Schaffer (Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers) directs and co-writes this fourth installment of the Naked Gun franchise. Following in the footsteps of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
See Merry Wives of Windsor during Central Coast Shakespeare Fest
The Central Coast Shakespeare Festival is back on its stunning outdoor stage at Filipponi Ranch in San Luis Obispo to present The Merry Wives of Windsor every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through Aug. 10. Sir John Falstaff (played by Mark Kassen), Shakespeare’s rotund, vain, often drunk knight, is reduced to a buffoonish, good-natured suitor […]
