As news broke of the horrendous and terrifying Equifax hack, which has exposed the private information of more than 143 million people, I was struck by one persistent and nagging thought: Those hackers are in for a helluva surprise when they try to do anything with my crappy financial history. Here’s my financial picture: I’m […]
Money matters
Posted inOpinion
Diablo needs to close
The San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace (MFP) applauds PG&E for its decision to close the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant. However, our organization asserts that it would be in the best interests of the ratepayers and the citizens of California if the shutdown date was moved forward to 2019-20, rather than the 2024-25 dates proposed […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc Fire Department appoints new chief
Lompoc announced on Sept. 15 that fire service veteran Gerald Kuras was chosen to lead the Lompoc City Fire Department. The announcement comes about six years after Kuras’ retirement from fire service in 2011. Kuras, 63, will take the place of former Lompoc Fire Chief Kurt Latipow, who retired from the force in May, and […]
Posted inNews
Cabrillo High School principal on administrative leave has history of sexual misconduct allegations
Jeff Wagonseller, the Cabrillo High School principal placed on administrative leave by the Lompoc Unified School District on Sept. 14, was accused of sexual misconduct with a 16-year-old student while a basketball coach at Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada nearly two decades ago. Wagonseller resigned from the Catholic high school shortly after the allegations […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria man sentenced to 10 years for meth trafficking scheme
A Santa Maria man was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Sept. 13 by a federal judge in Montana for possessing and plotting to traffic more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine through several states. Keith Coffin, 32, pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, after he […]
Posted inOpinion
What is the best wine to drink after a long heat wave?
Danielle Taylor musician “I like a delicious rosé.” Brian Kimble musician “Pinot noir.” Jerry Rucks electrician “Chardonnay.” Elisha Partin assistant tasting room manager “Riverbench’s 2015 rosé; it’s the perfect picnic wine.”
Posted inFood & Drink
Chef’s table dinner at The Bear and Star in Los Olivos was an inviting and exciting experience
Well, lucky me! The restaurant has been open for months, I’ve written a lot about their sustainability practices—and now I finally had a chance to have a big, filling meal at The Bear and Star in Los Olivos. By now, you’ve probably heard the story of how the venue makes sustainability and local sourcing a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Panthers go to Washington: Pioneer Valley’s marching band is raising funds for performance in U.S. Capitol next year
The Pioneer Valley Marching Panther PRIDE Band got some great news earlier this year—they were selected from among dozens of high school marching bands to represent the state of California in a Memorial Day parade in Washington, D.C., next year. Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino nominated the band, Pioneer Valley High School Director of Bands […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Nipomo hosts art walk
The Nipomo Chamber of Commerce invites the public for an evening of art and community during the Olde Towne Nipomo Art Walk. The event, which starts at 5 p.m., will feature live painting demonstrations, discussions, viewings, and arts and crafts vendors. Nipomo’s Old Town Brew will also serve beer and wine. Participants can start at […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria Arts Council urges public participation in City Council meeting
The Santa Maria City Council will vote on the Santa Maria Arts Master Plan and a public art funding ordinance on Oct. 3, and the Santa Maria Arts Council is asking for the public to show up and share their opinions. “We ask you to step forward and speak on behalf of this ordinance that […]
Posted inNews
Spotlight on: Cubanissimo
One of the Central Coast’s most beloved food trucks has set up shop in Orcutt, and its owners say they aim to offer patrons a little slice of Cuba. “It’s all about the experience,” Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House & Cafe owner Arqui Trenado told the Sun. “And I think it’s two different parts.” The first? […]
Posted inNews
FBI: Santa Maria bank robber connected to string of heists
The same man suspected of robbing Coast Hills Credit Union in Santa Maria on Sept. 6 is connected to at least eight other similar incidences since April of this year, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “He’s had a pretty busy summer,” the bureau’s LA Field Office Public Information Officer Ann Parillo told […]