Don’t let the size of J’s Burgers fool you. It’s a small joint, with some tables inside and a small counter and soda fountain. Nondescript, lacking any dominant decorating theme or over-the-top merchandising, J’s is a quiet space still growing after just four months of being open. But what J’s lacks in ornamentation they make […]
J’s Burgers has cheap burgers and other bites that don’t fall short on flavor
Posted inFood & Drink
Rebeccamendations
I guess I’m going through a black bean phase because I am also completely head over heels for the black bean tostadas at Natural Cafe (pictured). They are really refreshing and extremely filling but not too heavy. Pick them up at 2407 S Broadway, Santa Maria. 937-2735. Bob’s Well Bread is doling out these divine […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Burlesque performers coming to Santa Maria
Pin-Ups on Tour is partnering with local American Legion Post 56 for a WWII style vintage variety and burlesque show on Oct. 28. Julia Reed Nichols, founder and chief pin-up, said the event is about recreating the bawdy fun of Vaudeville theaters that sprang up throughout America before and after World War II. Nichols said […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc announces photography contest winners
The city of Lompoc Recreation Division announced the winners of its Lompoc Valley Photography Contest. The contest was open to all Lompoc Valley residents 5 and older, and was held on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center. In all, 70 photos were submitted for the contest. Winners along with first-place […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Fremont Theater in SLO hosts New Times Music Awards on Nov. 3
The ninth annual New Times Music Awards is set for Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Fremont Theater in downtown SLO. Five genre category winners are scheduled to perform and compete for the night’s Best Live Performance award, known as the “Newties.” Bands scheduled to perform include The Tipsy Gypsies, The Creston Line, 33 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Quiz night
Local pubs have started hosting quiz nights. Patrons can show up, overpay for an IPA, and then test their IQs on hard-hitting world trivia, like when did MC Hammer release the hit single, “U Can’t Touch This”? For the record, it was 1990. Do you want to know how I remember this? It’s obvious, I’m […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Central Coast Chordsmen hold a benefit barbecue for Youth in Harmony program
The classic image of the barbershop quartet is a uniquely American phenomenon, with the iconic straw hats, striped vests, and bowties. But the visual imagery is the easiest part of the equation—it’s the a capella harmony singing that is the real challenge. The Central Coast Chordsmen is a local chapter of the Barbershop Society, and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria Civic’s production of Young Frankenstein features a remarkable cast
There is probably nothing in the world Mel Brooks loves more than a great tap dance number. Young Frankenstein, currently showing at the Santa Maria Civic Theatre, has one of the most infectious of all of the musical numbers in productions based on hit Brooks’ films. “Puttin on the Ritz” is such a famous and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Wayne and Wendy Steller’s haunted house returns to Santa Maria
On a yard designed to look like a playground, strewn with maimed dolls and skeletons, a doll named Chucky from the Child’s Play movie is perched atop a slide, pushing down the disembodied parts of his companion, Bride of Chucky. It’s one of dozens of equally terrifying scenes on display at the home of Wendy […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Megan Vise and Kayla Pablo
The junior and sophomore, respectively, are the Spartans’ (14-3) two top singles players, and, on Oct. 19, they helped inch the team a step closer to a Los Padres League championship, edging out second place Cabrillo High School, 71-65. While Orcutt head coach Art Lopez called Vise, “pretty much the best player in the league,” […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria High School football finds its edge again after years of losing
When the Santa Maria High School football team notched its first league victory last season, it seemed like a routine milestone. But then head coach Dan Ellington checked the history books. “I didn’t realize, but that was the first league game Santa Maria won in five years,” the third-year Saints football coach told the Sun. […]
Posted inOpinion
Dirty business
There are some folks in the Santa Ynez Valley who have been digging a hole for years. They keep trying to put a fence around it with a sign that says “Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Keep Out.” While they’ve filled their hole with racism, contempt, a little bit of anger, and a lot […]