Forbidding driving on some areas of the Oceano Dunes will definitely benefit the lungs of Mesa residents who are breathing the dangerous PM10 being generated at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. However, it will not help the lungs of people like me who live, do business, and/or vacation on Pier Avenue and in […]
Oceano needs a break from vehicles
Posted inOpinion
America’s self-imposed financial conundrum
Just think about these numbers. Our federal government outlays for 2017 are $3.980 trillion, while the tax income revenues for 2017 is $3.315 trillion. That is a deficit of $665 billion for this year alone. The total federal debt is $20 trillion after eight years of President Barack Obama. Each year we have had a […]
Posted inOpinion
Put your money where your mouth is
I wish to first preface: I love sports, I am a minority, and I am not a veteran. Recently, NFL player Chris Long pledged his entire 2017 salary to benefit educational inequality. Chris Long has put his “full wallet” where his mouth is, instead of pennies where his “full mouth” is. While so many pro […]
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc residents concerned over cannabis referendum
Following a series of one-sided hearings on a proposed cannabis use ordinance in Lompoc, many locals are very concerned at the policy that was adopted by council members Jim Mosby, Jenelle Osborne, and Victor Vega. Following a campaign promise in 2016, Councilwoman Osborne led the crafting of the ordinance over the last several months. The […]
Posted inNews
Republican push: In the age of Trump, local GOP members and candidates organize in preparation for the 2018 elections
The crowd buzzed under a long, shady barn in Los Alamos. An old flatbed truck served as an impromptu stage where a performer strummed an acoustic guitar and sang cowboy songs. Attendees sat or stood, eating catered food and sipping drinks, chatting while they waited for the scheduled speakers on the warm August afternoon of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Orcutt’s Old Town Mexican Cafe delivers on flavor
There is good news for restaurateurs and chefs on the Central Coast. If you put soup on your menu, I guarantee you will have at least one loyal customer who will order it every time: me. I won’t bore everyone with too many details (as I have before) about why I think soup is the […]
Posted inNews
Festival of Frill: Get some decorating tips from a Christmas tree pro and more in our annual Holiday Guide
“You have to start with a Hallmark Christmas movie,” Leigh Collier says without a trace of irony in her voice. She laughs as I audibly groan, a moment that describes our friendship perfectly. On this particular Monday at the end of October, Marry Me at Christmas kicks it all off. It’s a new release, fresh […]
Posted inOpinion
What do you have planned for the holidays?
Rod Gibbs retired engineer/tutor “I’m going to be playing with my children.” Ulises Perez student/server “I’m going to LA to spend time with my mom’s family.” Annalise Ketz student/tutor “For Thanksgiving I am going to be spending it with my family. And two days after that, I’m going to be at the Santa Maria Applebee’s; […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Holiday Guide 2017
Christmas obsession: When it comes to filling a house with holiday cheer, it’s all about excess and magic!
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Gillian Wilks
Last year, as a sophomore on the Santa Ynez High School varsity volleyball team, Gillian Wilks admits she “barely said anything” all season. At the time she was more comfortable letting the juniors and seniors on the team lead the way. “I observed how the seniors would play, and what I could do to make […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local cross country standouts compete in CIF Southern Section races in Riverside
Rather than go to school with their peers on Nov. 9 and 10, top cross country runners from six Santa Maria-area high schools hopped onto team vans or buses, and headed south. Though they had slightly different starting points, the runners shared the same destination: Riverside City Cross Country Course. There, they were joined by […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Chef Steven Snook shines at First and Oak in Solvang
For months now I’ve had First and Oak on my list of must-try spots, and I finally broke down on a chilly Tuesday night and ventured out to Solvang to see what everyone’s been talking about. It turned out to be one of the best dining experiences of my entire life. First and Oak’s concept […]
