Consider for a moment how you were first able to commit the alphabet to memory, beginning your journey into literacy. Does the familiar tune “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” come to mind? The incredible potency with which music aids in learning can be easy to forget about, but José-Luis Orozco hasn’t forgotten. The musical artist, children’s […]
Jose-Luis Orozco performs a bilingual concert at Jimenez Elementary in Santa Maria
Posted inOpinion
Of politics and pot
So what do you do when you arrive at a showdown and the other party doesn’t show? You can throw your arms in the air, tip your cowboy hat, and strut in a slow circle, nodding at the audience with that look that says your opponent is chicken, without actually saying it because it’s implied […]
Posted inOpinion
Kudos to Lompoc for honoring Chumash
It was refreshing to read about the city of Lompoc honoring the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Native Americans on Arbor Day, by planting a tree in the “Recognition Grove” for their generous public service. Although the Chumash employ more than 1,600 workers, donated more than $18 million to more than 700 nonprofit organizations, and […]
Posted inOpinion
Communities need better emergency planning in case of nuclear meltdown
In your recent article, “Diablo Canyon evacuation plans inadequate, report says,” dated March 17, local emergency managers vigorously defended area emergency plans despite the fact that most reported not having plans in response to information requests just months before. The weather patterns in Central California on March 11 and 12, 2011, the day a tsunami […]
Posted inOpinion
Affordable, accessible services are vital to preventing pet suffering and overpopulation
In 2009, when I cofounded C.A.R.E.4Paws, I was still volunteering at the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter, working with the dogs. During my four-plus years as a volunteer, I saw my fair share of animals abandoned. It didn’t matter how many pets our volunteer team adopted out in a week; the shelter was always beyond […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Mallory Townsend
Home run-hitter. Base-stealer. The team’s best fielder. Mallory Townsend, a junior at Cabrillo High School, does it all on the diamond for the three-time defending Los Padres League champion Conquistadores. Townsend hit two home runs in a single game against Santa Ynez on March 22 en route to a 12-2 victory. The following game, she […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Staying on top: Santa Ynez High baseball, led by ace Zach Torra, aims to continue Central Coast dominance
Santa Ynez High School senior Zachary Torra is the last man standing. Torra, a starting pitcher for the Santa Ynez baseball team, is the only Pirates player who also played on the team that won a CIF Section championship back in 2014. A sophomore at the time, Torra didn’t have the usual underclassman role of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Eating Solvang: The best of Taste of Solvang 2016, according to one woman who tried pretty much all of it
View a slideshow from Taste of Solvang 2016. A food columnist who knows what she’s doing would narrow her field of coverage so she’s reviewing one meal—or at least one restaurant—at a time. But I have no idea what I’m doing, so this week we’re going to review the dining options of an entire city. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Preview: Taste of Solvang
Solvang dining has more to offer than just Danish pastries—though let’s be honest, Danish pastries play a big role. Staff Writer Brenna Swanston headed to Taste of Solvang on March 19 to sample the city’s best food and drink. See it all for yourself right here, and keep an eye out for the full review […]
Posted inNews
Land deal: Should Santa Barbara County have paid more for land it acquired through eminent domain for tiger salamander habitat?
How much is a piece of land worth? Compensation is the ultimate question when the government uses its power of eminent domain to seize private property for public use. Such a question was recently considered at California’s 2nd Appellate Court in the matter of a 15.69 acre piece of land near Lompoc that the county […]
Posted inNews
A mile beneath our feet: A massive natural gas leak in L.A. prompts the question–could it happen in Santa Barbara County?
The La Goleta gas storage field nestles between the city of Goleta and the ocean, only a couple hundred feet inland. To its north lies a residential community that families call home, and the Santa Barbara Airport. Goleta Beach Park, where people play, bike, sunbathe, and fish off the pier, sits just south of La […]
Posted inOpinion
What businesses would you like to see more of in Santa Maria?
Susanne Bredall caretaker “More natural-type stores, more natural food stores, natural clothing stores. And more things for kids that are healthy.” Sarah Buchanan cosmetics manager “I would like to see more bookstores, if we’re going to be honest. There’s nothing but used bookstores and it’s a tragedy.” Jered Scott photographer “More quality mom-and-pop shops, both […]