• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) recently announced the five regional winners of this year’s Congressional Women of the Year Award in the 24th Congressional District. “The 2025 Women of the Year winners represent the very best of our region—leaders, educators, advocates, and public servants who have dedicated themselves to uplifting others and driving […]
Political Watch: May 15, 2025
Posted inNews
Buellton restricts the size of secondary housing units
The Buellton City Council decided to restrict the size and height of accessory dwelling units at a meeting on May 8. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a completely independent residence with its own kitchens and bathroom, Associate Planner Cara Miralles told the council. She said ADUs can be attached to the main house or […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County Planning Commission supports new zoning to protect 11 senior mobile home parks
Six months after issuing an urgency order to stop mobile home parks for seniors from broadening to welcome all ages, Santa Barbara County is one step closer to something more permanent. Adopted last November by the Board of Supervisors, the temporary moratorium expires on Oct. 25. The board’s intent was to put protections in place […]
Posted inNews
Richards Ranch asks LAFCO to bar Bob Nelson from annexation hearings
A local developer’s lawsuit against Santa Barbara County didn’t delay a recent study session tied to 44 acres of proposed housing and commercial real estate in Orcutt. In a letter dated May 5, attorney Beth A. Collins asked the Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) to postpone its May 8 workshop centered on the Richards Ranch […]
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Free to Roam: Santa Barbara County doesn’t always pursue active felony warrants
Community action If anyone in the county knows the whereabouts of a wanted person, the Sheriff’s Office advises that they call the Santa Barbara Jail at (805) 681-4260. As of early April, more than 1,800 people are wanted on active felony warrants in Santa Barbara County, according to data from the Sheriff’s Office. Fifth District […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Ashley and Nik Ramirez’s journey to their Buellton restaurant, Na Na Thai
Thai-m to eat Na Na Thai is located at 225 McMurray Road, unit E, and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. Check out @na_na_thai on Instagram and find the menu at nanathaisyv.com. When it comes to ingredients like monosodium glutamate, Ashley and Nik Ramirez don’t let misconceptions prevent them from trying […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Coming of age classic Breaking Away screens at the Palm Theatre on May 22
Breaking Away What’s it rated? PG When? 1979 Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo, May 22 at 7 p.m. Directed by Peter Yates (Bullitt, The Dresser) and written by Steve Tesich (American Flyers) based on his college experiences at Indiana University in Bloomington, this big-hearted film is simply one of most […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Your Friends & Neighbors chronicles a man’s fall from grace as it skewers the rich
Your Friends & Neighbors What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Apple TV+ Jon Hamm stars as Andrew Cooper (known as “Coop” throughout the series), an affluent hedge fund manager who finds himself pushed out of his firm and a bit adrift. His ex-wife, Mel (Amanda Peet), and kids live in the house […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Four Seasons traces the travails of three couples’ relationships
The Four Seasons What’s it rated? TV-MA What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Netflix Based on writer-director-actor Alan Alda’s 1981 film of the same name, this miniseries follows three couples—Jack (Will Forte) and Kate (Tina Fey), Nick (Steve Carell) and Anne (Kerri Kenney), and Danny (Colman […]
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Solvang shelves quail-inspired remodel of Skytt Mesa’s rainwater drainage
Reports of baby birds trapped in a storm drain prompted Solvang’s city staff to consider a neighborhood-wide retrofit in the Skytt Mesa area—one that would reduce the space between Skytt Mesa’s existing rainwater grate bars to help prevent small critters from falling through the gaps. After a preliminary study, staff revealed the project’s estimated price […]
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Santa Maria Police Department welcomes new Chief of Police Christopher Williams
No car left a more lasting impression on Christopher Williams than the police cruiser that would pull up outside of his elementary school. It was an arresting sight that caught many students’ attention, recalled Williams, whose eyes were frequently glued to the vehicle and its badged driver—who happened to be his father. “My dad was […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Troll in our midst: Solvang gets a permanent installation from Danish artist Thomas Dambo
Arts and anniversary To celebrate 25 years, the California Nature Art Museum is currently showcasing artwork from its permanent collection, which includes almost 150 pieces that have been collected over the years. To learn more, visit calnatureartmuseum.org/exhibitions. To learn more about Danish artist Thomas Dambo, visit thomasdambo.com. Lulu Hyggelig snuck out of her tower every […]