“Drugs and gangs, violence, oppression, child abuse, neglect, homophobia,” read one banner taped to a wall of the Veterans’ Memorial Center on Oct. 12, where dozens of young Santa Marians gathered for a Youth Town Hall to share their views on community violence. The banner, filled with negative words written in bright colors, was a […]
Youth Matters
Posted inNews
Pet advocates laud ban on commercially bred animals in pet stores
In an effort to prevent the animal cruelty that is often affiliated with commercial breeders, also known as puppy mills, California plans to ban pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits. Assembly Bill 485, approved by Gov. Jerry Brown on Oct. 13, will require pet stores to obtain all dogs, cats, and […]
Posted inNews
DA charges Camarillo man for allegedly defrauding elders
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office warned the public to protect its elderly population from potential fraudsters in light of a case currently in court. On Oct. 13, the office issued a news release stating authorities arrested Brett Lovett, 46, of Camarillo, and Robert Burlison, 64, of La Canada, following a 17-month investigation by […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria to require vendor permits in parks
Vendors hoping to make some extra cash in Santa Maria’s parks are now required to apply for permits through the city and, in some cases, pay annual fees of up to $273. All food and beverage trucks or bicycle vendors, fitness and training programs, educational classes, and merchandise sellers are no longer allowed in parks […]
Posted inNews
Supervisors argue over revenue, cuts, deficit in budget hearings
Budget talks in Santa Barbara County heated up as the Board of Supervisors grappled with the prospect of a deficit numbering in the tens of millions of dollars. Documents detailing the county’s five-year budget forecast—first made public in January—reveal that although the county is increasing in revenues on an annual basis, the earnings are offset […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Cesar Ayuso
When Santa Maria High School senior Cesar Ayuso started running cross country for the first time his sophomore year, neither he nor his Saints teammates knew what winning meant or felt like. But over the past three years, Ayuso has witnessed himself and his team grow from the ground up. With unwavering hard work and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Route to equality
Sports and politics have not been able to play nicely together in the sandbox lately. I find it strange that citizens act mystified or indignant when political issues taint sports and vice versa. It makes complete sense, at least to me, on a sociological level. Sports is a reflection of society, a thermometer for the […]
Posted inOpinion
What is your favorite style of beer?
Doug Dougherty executive director of Oasis “Mine is an India pale ale. I like the range and different flavors of hops. There are a lot varieties.” Gloria Vanhirtum hospitality “Mine is lager, personally. It’s perfect for people who don’t want anything heavy.” Mason Frakes realtor “That’s an awful question. I’d probably go with India pale […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Rebeccamendations
• Florianos 805 has excellent tacos, burgers, and more, but their ceviche (picture) is pretty incredible, too. Try it out at 1129 N. H St., Lompoc. • Rancho San Julian’s Pumpkin Patch is now open Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The ranch store […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Ca’ Del Grevino’s Cafe and Wine Bar offers fine dining in a casual package
For some reason this week, I have “Food Glorious Food” from the musical Oliver! stuck in my head. I’ve been singing it nonstop for two days (much to the “delight” of those close to me who have to endure my shaky singing skills). So I’m giving in and writing about some truly glorious food that […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Special Olympians to compete in divisional games in Santa Maria
Kristy Soriano, 39, was 9 years old when she first enrolled in a Special Olympics competition. Her sport of choice at the time? Track and field. “My parents got me involved,” the lifelong Santa Maria resident recalled to the Sun. “They thought it was a good way to exercise. I used to go down to […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Dino Maldonado
For Dino Maldonado, transferring from Ernest Righetti High School to St. Joseph High School two years ago and joining the Knights football team was like getting adopted into a new family. Maldonado rose to a top position in that family quickly—becoming the Knights’ starting quarterback as a junior and filling the big shoes of outgoing […]
