Raising your own salary is never a good look. But it’s something we task many elected decision-making bodies with, from city councils and community services districts to boards of supervisors and sometimes even the Legislature—although not in California. In California, our legislators’ salaries are determined by an independent commission. I bet that the Santa Barbara […]
Eyebrow raise
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SEEAG expands its education and outreach efforts with new office in Orcutt
It takes about nine months for a lemon to go from a flower to a harvestable fruit. That’s one of Caitlin Paulus-Case’s favorite lessons to teach students, helping them put into perspective how much time and effort goes into the food they consume. “By the time that it reaches your fridge, just the amount of […]
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Political Watch: March 6, 2025
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) joined congressmen from Washington state, Texas, and New Mexico in introducing the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act to improve the nation’s aerial firefighting capabilities through expanded use of excess military aircrafts and parts, according to a Feb. 20 press release from Carbajal’s office. The bipartisan legislation would reauthorize military […]
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Santa Barbara County forms task force to address illegal street vendors
Since January, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services has issued 137 citations to illegal food vendors who operate on sidewalks or the side of the road. But the citations don’t do much, according to Gina Fischer, 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann’s chief of staff. “They can legally refuse to sign civil citations,” Fischer told the […]
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Solvang seeks input on design standards amid housing mandates
Maintaining the look and feel of a quaint fairy tale village without clashing with state housing directives is among the goals leading Solvang officials down a regulations rabbit hole. The Solvang Planning Commission and Design Review Committee (DRC) are inviting the public to provide input or seek clarity on the topic at a joint workshop […]
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Santa Barbara County supervisors increase salaries 48 percent, push back on Andy Caldwell
After reaching out to what he said was 70,000 to 80,000 Santa Barbara County residents about the Board of Supervisors’ proposed salary increase, Andy Caldwell told supervisors that they didn’t have the “consent of the governed.” “Think of the people who are struggling with inflation right now. What you are doing is a slap in […]
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Ticket to ride: Santa Maria’s regional bus service accelerates toward zero-emission fleet, additional Central Coast routes
Ride SMRT For more information, including a ride guide, route maps and schedules, fare information, and other rider tools, visit the Santa Maria Regional Transit website. Without a car of her own, lifetime Santa Maria resident Faith Collar relies on public transit nearly every day to get to and from Allan Hancock College. She’s been […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Brix Wine Bar makes a splash in Shell Beach
For après-beach and beauty Brix Wine Bar & Bottle Shop, located next to Fringe by Jasi & Co. hair salon at 753 Shell Beach Road in Pismo Beach, is open Monday and Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m., Sunday from 1 to 8 […]
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Farm-to-jar juice vendor Kimberly Zimmerman is living The Juicy Life
Special delivery For more info on farm-to-jar juice vendor and yoga instructor Kimberly Zimmerman’s business, The Juicy Life, visit thejuicylifeyoga.com. Zimmerman will be among the featured food and drink professionals participating at this year’s Santa Barbara County Women Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration, set to run March 6 through 9. Visit sbwomenwinemakers.com to find out more. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Apple Cider Vinegar is an infuriating tale of deception
Apple Cider Vinegar What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix I was familiar with Australian wellness guru Belle Gibson. Not because I’m a follower of alternative medicine influencers, but because of the wake of her scandal and the many podcasts that followed. Gibson claims to have survived brain cancer, claims to still […]
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Flow is a gorgeous and poignant animated story about cooperation
Flow What’s it rated? PG When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Max Latvian Gints Zilbalodis (Away) directs this two-time Oscar-nominated animated feature he co-wrote with Matiss Kaza and Ron Dyens about a group of disparate animals trying to survive a flood. There’s no dialogue at all, just incredibly beautiful animation and visual storytelling about animals that […]
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The Monkey is a blood-splattered black comedy
The Monkey 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 Writer-director Osgood Perkins (Longlegs) adapts for the big screen Steven King’s 1980 short story about a supernatural murderous mechanical monkey inherited by twin […]