February marked the grand opening of Buellton’s new public library, while an expansive parking lot attached to the multi-year effort is still in the works. The project recently made headway when the Buellton City Council on April 24 awarded Santa Maria-based construction company V. Lopez Jr. and Sons a $1 million-plus contract to develop the […]
Buellton tasks Santa Maria-based contractor with public parking expansion
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Lompoc police get a radio upgrade after decades of old technology
For the first time in more than 30 years, Lompoc police officers received new portable radios on May 5. Police Chief Kevin Martin said officers received more modern devices as part of a $4 million plan to replace the city’s three-decade-old radio network. “My biggest concern was the portables police officers were carrying,” Martin said. […]
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Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council holds wildfire evacuation workshop in Lompoc
Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle. Squeeze the handle. Sweep from side to side. During a fire emergency, PASS is a helpful acronym to keep in mind before using an extinguisher for the first time. Attendees of an upcoming wildfire evacuation and survival workshop in Lompoc will have access to a fire extinguisher training session, […]
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Political Watch: May 1, 2025
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) announced on April 25 that he and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) reintroduced two bipartisan bills focused on addressing the effects of climate change on U.S. coastlines, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems. “The climate crisis is hitting our coasts hard—from eroding beaches and stronger storms to declining fisheries. […]
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Residents want Lucia Mar to align with Trump’s trans student executive orders
A barrage of community members presented the Lucia Mar Unified School District board with a somber choice—snap district policy around transgender students into federal compliance or face the threat of parental rights lawsuits. But other residents don’t agree with what the group is pushing for. “I don’t really think what they’re doing helps kids. Just […]
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Lompoc Theatre poised to break ground on long-planned renovations
On May 2, the Lompoc Theatre Project will break ground on plans that have been in the works for almost two decades: restoring a historic performance space with the aim of reinvigorating the city’s downtown. “We are actually doing it, and it’s important for people to be able to see what they’ve invested in and […]
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Law enforcement targets drug sales to minors via social media
Local cannabis compliance detectives flag flame, cloud, and maple leaf emojis when browsing social media platforms. Keeping up with coded references to cannabis was a crucial component of a six-week investigation that led the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office to arrest Santa Maria resident Alexis Silviano Vazquez Guzman on April 22 on suspicion of selling […]
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Asking for more: Farmworkers and allies push for a countywide $26 minimum wage
The sounds of shrieking roller coaster riders clashed with protesters’ drums, tambourines, and chants at this year’s Santa Maria Strawberry Festival. On April 27, community members of various ages gathered outside of Santa Maria Fairpark to rally for a Santa Barbara countywide $26 per hour minimum wage for farmworkers. Alianza Campesina de la Costa Central, […]
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The Accountant 2 revisits a neurodivergent math savant who violently solves a murder mystery
The Accountant 2 What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande, Fair Oaks Theatre In this sequel to The Accountant (2016), both director Gavin O’Connor (Warrior, Pride and Glory) and writer Bill Dubuque […]
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Painted Chair Raffle benefiting the Santa Maria Public Library runs through May 10
The second floor of the Santa Maria Town Center Mall will display book-themed artistic items from local artists through May 10 for the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library’s annual Painted Chair Raffle. Items include furniture, quilts, paintings, and more. The fundraiser benefits the Santa Maria Public Library. Raffle tickets are available for purchase, […]
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Santa Barbara County Education Office wraps up Battle of the Books
More than 250 fourth- through eighth-grade students participated in the 24th annual Santa Barbara County Education Office’s Battle of the Books. Participating elementary and junior high school students prepare for the year-round event by reading and often re-reading books from a designated list, according to the Education Office. They then battle against other teams to […]
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Local artist debuts new portraits and abstract series benefiting charities at Full of Life Flatbread
Peep the portraits To find Elizabeth Chaney’s work, including portraits and abstracts, visit simplyelizabethart.com. To view her series in person, visit Full of Life Flatbread at 225 Bell St., Los Alamos. While local artist Elizabeth Chaney considers herself quiet and introverted, she described her art as the opposite. “My art is my voice, and it’s […]