To Valeria, getting a driver’s license meant freedom. But compared to most teens living in the United States, her definition of freedom was a bit different. It was her senior year of high school, and Valeria (last name omitted by the Sun at her request) didn’t care about getting away from her parents or skipping […]
Undocumented and unprotected: Local DACA recipients deal with Trump Administration’s announcement to rescind the program
Posted inNews
Santa Maria road work will cause delays through October
A series of road construction projects in Santa Maria is slated for the coming weeks, and because much of the work will be done on busy streets, local drivers will need to practice patience. The city’s annual street maintenance chip sealing program began on Sept. 11, and this year’s affected roads include West Cook Street, […]
Posted inNews
County supervisors debate climate change during meeting
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was presented the progress report from the county’s 2015 Energy and Climate Action Plan at its Sept. 12 meeting, and the supervisors used much of their designated comment time to reiterate their stances on climate change and how best to tackle it. Fourth District Supervisor Peter Adam directly […]
Posted inNews
Highway 101 crash during heavy rain kills 12-year-old girl
A 12-year-old Encino girl was killed in a crash on Highway 101 near Buellton on Sept. 10, just after the National Weather Service issued warnings of severe thunderstorms and flash flooding to Santa Barbara County. Erasmo Vargas, 35, lost control of his 2003 Lincoln Navigator at about 10:55 p.m. while driving southbound on Highway 101, […]
Posted inNews
Where’s the beef? Central Coast chefs, hell-bent on sustainability and community sourcing, have a tough time getting their hands on local beef
As she swings around a tight curve in her John Deere Gator, rancher Katie Parker-McDonald’s eye is keenly trained on the horizon, trying to spot one of her elusive cattle. By now, she could probably drive this route blindfolded; these are the same narrow dirt paths she’s navigated since she was a child. As we […]
Posted inNews
California EPA investigating protections on widely used pesticide
The California Environmental Protection Agency announced Aug. 18 that two environmental agencies are pursuing health protections on chlorpyrifos, a widely used pesticide, which could lead to increased statewide restrictions on chlorpyrifos use. After scientists at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) discovered possible public health risks associated with chlorpyrifos, the department released an updated […]
Posted inOpinion
Build the wall
The Democrats refuse to secure our southern border with a wall (which would include electronic surveillance and other methods—not necessarily a solid wall). Why are they so intent on letting massive amounts of drugs into the United States and giving an easy pathway for ISIS and other terrorist groups to infiltrate our country?
Posted inOpinion
Dirty oil campaign
My friend in Orcutt recently received a letter from AERA asking for support to add 296 high pressure and temperature oil wells and waste-water injection wells to their facility upstream from Los Alamos in Cat Canyon. AERA is a limited liability oil company, created by Exxon/Mobile and Shell Oil, to extract oil locally while limiting […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria police investigate possible gang-related shooting
The Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) initiated an investigation into an attempted murder on Sept. 11, after a man was shot and injured on the 900 block of West El Camino Street in Santa Maria early that morning. Police say the shooting, which was Santa Maria’s second in eight days and third in less than […]
Posted inOpinion
Who makes your favorite steak?
George Mantoura jewelry designer “My wife. The seasoning, it’s incredible. I’m not entirely sure what’s in it, but it makes me run home for food.” Melissa Savage front desk manager at the Santa Maria Inn “It has to be the Century Room at the Historic Santa Maria Inn. They’re going to think I’m plugging it […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Ciao, bella! Pizzeria Bello Forno is a welcome addition to Orcutt
At Bello Forno in the bright lights and with laughter coming from inside, it feels as refreshing as the crisp night air. Summer is winding down, but there’s still a touch of mild heat as people make their way into the new eatery. I instantly feel some kind of connection. The decor, the furniture, the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Elverhøj Museum presents the Living History Festival
Solvang’s history and cultural roots are featured as part of the Living History Festival happening Sept. 16 through 17 at the Elverhøj Museum. Artisans, storytellers, and craftspeople will demonstrate their skills and entertain visitors. The free event is held in conjunction with the town’s Danish Days festival. “There will be hands-on activities for all ages […]