Posted inOpinion

It’s all politics

I am 70 years old, and I want to retire. I can financially live on my Social Security income with supplements from my savings. I planned and saved for this. But now I’m fearful and not sure if Social Security will be around much longer. Is talking to others about Social Security political talk? Is […]

Posted inOpinion

Is supporting noncitizens economically sound?

What are the impacts to American citizens from creating a sanctuary state or city? Providing sanctuary for immigrants who enter our country without following the proper protocols is costly in many ways to persons who are American citizens either by birthright or naturalization. Politicians aren’t noted for looking ahead to see what might happen if […]

Posted inOpinion

Spanked for the audacity

Sable Offshore Corporation is heading for troubled waters—giant waves that most of us could see from a few miles away. The California Coastal Commission is pissed at the oil company for work it’s been doing to fix its old, janky pipeline that spilled oil all over Refugio Beach in 2015, work the company insists it […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Local woman’s ‘hard work pays off’ through desserts and determination

Treat yourself Rositas Manzanitas, now based in Guadalupe, can be found on Instagram @rositas.manzanitas. Since September of 2024, when she launched her treat-making business, Rose Angulo has overcome homelessness, moved into her first-ever apartment, taken classes at Allan Hancock College, and secured a job at a local preschool, all while selling homemade desserts and taking […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer chronicles the botched investigation into a series of missing and murdered women

Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix The Gilgo Beach serial killings haunted the Long Island community for years. What was once just a 911 call followed by a missing person unfolded into a multitude of slayings, one uncovered after the other spanning 15 years […]

Posted inNews

Political Watch: April 17, 2025

• On April 3, Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) recognized Tere Jurado with the 2025 California Woman of the Year award as part of an annual celebration of women’s leadership. According to a release from Hart’s office, he presented Jurado with the award in a standing-room-only ceremony attended by family members, friends, and special guests, […]

Posted inNews

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office pins increase in liquor law violations on Isla Vista

The number of liquor law violations reported in the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office’s coverage areas nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024, according to newly released statistics. Chief Deputy Brad Welch, who helped compile the report, said the 89.7 percent increase—from 573 violations in 2023 to 1,087 in 2024—correlates with an increase in enforcement, specifically […]

Posted inNews

Santa Barbara County Planning Commission approves road widening attached to Rancho Luis development

Widening a road as part of a proposed Santa Ynez Valley ranch expansion is a focal point for neighbors of the rural site.   To move forward with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s approval, the development plan for Rancho Luis—an existing ranch on track to become a certified animal boarding and equestrian training facility—includes […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

The Amateur follows a CIA analyst out to avenge his murdered wife

The Amateur What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande James Hawes (One Life) directs this vigilante spy thriller about Charlie Heller (Rami Malek), a CIA cryptographer who defies his superiors to avenge the death […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Santa Maria Philharmonic, Allan Hancock College Singers collaborate for upcoming concert

To close out the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2024-25 season, the orchestra welcomes a guest ensemble for a concert—The Sacred and The Profane—that explores the range of human expression on May 3 at Grace Baptist Church.  The orchestra will perform a ballet suite from early 20th century composer Darius Milhaud, La Creation du Monde, which […]

Gift this article