Santa Barbara County fined a Santa Ynez Valley hotel $31,000 for illegally disposing hazardous waste in an adjacent dumpster. “This settlement holds the hotel owners responsible for putting our environment, our communities, and our first responders at risk,” county District Attorney Joyce Dudley said in an Oct. 20 statement. “Even though the illegal conduct […]
County fines Solvang Hotel Group for illegally dumping chemicals
Posted inOpinion
We need affordable health care, not mailers
A bright pink mailer from Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham’s office arrived in my mail box. The headline says, “Breast Cancer Screenings – Early Detection Saves Lives.” It’s encouraging me to purchase a pink license plate where a portion of plate sales fund free breast exams and mammograms. I have a better idea, Mr. Cunningham: make sure […]
Posted inOpinion
New pet store law doesn’t go far enough
Kudos to Gov. Jerry Brown: Now that California’s pet stores will be required to sell dogs, cats, and rabbits from shelters or adoption centers, countless animals will have a chance to experience the love and companionship that they deserve. The new law, though, should raise a red flag about purchasing our animal companions from a […]
Posted inOpinion
Good Sam rocks
I live at the Good Samaritan Emergency Shelter due to some circumstances of bad luck. “Good Sam,” which is located in Santa Maria, is (and has been) a wonderful commodity to this city, county, region, and surrounding areas. The directors, managers, and staff have what I call a “cathedral of knowledge” readily available to share […]
Posted inOpinion
Black Lives Matter is not racist
“Racism” by definition involves having power over others. Black Lives Matter was born out of frustration and outrage at the ongoing systematic brutality, unpunished killing, and other shameful treatment of black people, particularly black men/youth. These actions have been widespread, deeply rooted in institutions, not just individuals. History speaks for itself in our shameful history […]
Posted inOpinion
Opera SLO–disrespecting our flag?
We recently attended Opera San Luis Obispo’s production of Madama Butterfly and were enjoying it until the final scene. That’s when we were stunned—appalled, really—to see the grief-stricken character Cio-Cio San grab the American flag off its pole (stage right), throw it onto the floor, then drag it as she sang. There were audible gasps […]
Posted inOpinion
Another Colorthon well done
Another Colorthon has just been concluded. Thanks to a very supportive community, the Lompoc Hospital Foundation was able to raise funds for the renovation of the Comprehensive Care Center. The venue at the La Purisima Mission proved to be a popular location, which drew more than 200 participants who enjoyed the morning walking and running […]
Posted inOpinion
Art and commerce are not mutually exclusive
The Santa Maria City Council needs to think about the big picture when it comes to the Public Art Master Plan ordinance, rather than the instant gratification of pleasing out-of-town developers. Besides, public art is more beneficial to developers than they might realize. Public art is free advertising for them. People will post photos of […]
Posted inNews
Allan Hancock College takes action in support of DACA and undocumented students
As the U.S. Congress battles over plans to revoke the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, students, faculty, and staff at Allan Hancock College are busy showing support for DACA recipients. Members of Hancock’s Academic Senate presented a signed resolution formally opposing DACA’s elimination to the board of trustees at a board meeting on […]
Posted inNews
County officials say Orcutt Greka fire caused by welding spark
The Santa Barbara County Fire department successfully extinguished a fire at a Greka Oil and Gas facility in Orcutt on Oct. 23, where an injection station pump was reportedly fully engulfed in flames. The fire was called in as a vegetation burn at about 10:30 a.m., according to the county fire department’s public information officer, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Beyond the Windmills at Elverhøj Museum reimagines work in the Berkus collection
Nicole Strasburg is consumed by a river. The artist, whose work is featured in a new exhibit at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, is working on an exhibit set to make its debut in a few months. Strasburg is currently in the middle of a collaboration about the Santa Ynez River. The influence […]
Posted inOpinion
What do you like to take photos of?
Yesenia Nava student “I like to take photos of flowers because they’re very pretty.” Jose Nava dad “I like taking photos of nature, mountains. Especially mountains. I like hiking, backpacking, when I’m out there trying to get away from everything.” Kevin Murdock dad/husband “My kids, mainly. I like closeups of animals and insects and things […]
