A proposal from the federal government to industrialize the ocean along the Central Coast and Humboldt coastlines with hundreds of 700-foot-tall floating wind turbines would set a precedent that ocean industrialization is acceptable, destroy the character of the Central Coast, and kill ocean wildlife. The Pacific Ocean is home to mammals, birds, and countless varieties […]
Protect the ocean from industrial development
Posted inOpinion
Can growth and preservation coexist in the Santa Ynez Valley?
The Santa Ynez Valley, long celebrated for its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and historic small towns, is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Across Buellton, Solvang, and neighboring communities, development is accelerating at a pace unseen in decades. More than 630 new residential units and more than 245,000 square feet of commercial and institutional projects are in […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Always greener: Central Coast resident Lou Ferrigno talks about his new movies, chess, and of course, The Incredible Hulk
Expiration dates. Stock prices. Autocorrect suggestions. Too many things warrant double-checking, but the fine print on the back of jerky packs wasn’t one of them for Lou Ferrigno until recently. “I play a cannibalistic pig farmer who makes jerkies out of people,” Ferrigno said about his new role in an upcoming horror flick, The Hermit. […]
Posted inOpinion
Green with anger
Santa Barbara County is finally doing something about an issue that’s garnered 3,700 complaints since 2018, and zero enforcement. Can you guess what got residents so fired up that they sent what amounts to almost two complaints a day to their elected officials over the past six years? Here’s a hint: It’s green. It’s legal. […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc YMCA Teen Activity Program continues to grow and empower local students
With more than 930 students involved, the Lompoc Family YMCA’s Teen Activity Program continues to grow and aims to provide a safe space for local teens to explore passions, build confidence, and prepare for the future. The Lompoc Family YMCA offers services like gym memberships, child care, and youth sports leagues. Nearly two years ago, […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: January 16, 2025
• The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians received a $1.4 million grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help with the planning and community engagement efforts for an 8.7-mile path that would connect the Santa Ynez Reservation with Buellton, Solvang, and other parts of the valley. “Our tribe is thankful for receiving this grant […]
Posted inNews
Supervisors to vote on wine business improvement district in February
Santa Barbara County Vintners Association members clapped as the Board of Supervisors set a final public hearing date for forming a wine business improvement district in the county. “I couldn’t afford a marketing agency. I don’t have a tasting room. I have to do it all myself,” Karen Steinwachs from Seagrape Wine Co. told the […]
Posted inNews
Solvang swears in new councilmember, Buellton delays decision after gridlock
After their new mayors were sworn in, Solvang and Buellton were each left with a single vacant city council seat to fill. Solvang Mayor David Brown and Buellton Mayor David Silva both left behind mid-term vacancies as former city council members when their mayoral terms began. To avoid holding a costly special election, both governing […]
Posted inNews
County targets cannabis odor with proposed ordinance changes
With more than 3,700 complaints about cannabis odor since 2018 and zero enforcement, the time is right to make a change, 2nd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps said during the board meeting on Jan. 14. “We know what works. The complaint system hasn’t worked. Folks are fed up, and we do have an […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Saloons and grills ring in 2025 with Craft Cocktail Contest and Dine Out Santa Maria Style
Telltale cocktails To find out more about the Santa Maria Valley’s 2025 Craft Cocktail Contest and Dine Out Santa Maria Style program, visit santamariavalley.com. Working under a certain constraint ended up paying off for Naughty Oak Brewing Company in 2024, when the Orcutt staple took home a top award for its first-time entry in Santa […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Nosferatu delivers a creepy gothic parable of disease
Nosferatu 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, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Writer-director Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman) helms this retro iteration of the classic vampire tale focusing on Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), who’s haunted […]
Posted inOpinion
Hack the system
In Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors news, the changing of the guards is complete! Second District Supervisor Laura Capps took the chair’s gavel from 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, and new 1st District Supervisor Roy Lee took his seat on the board on Jan. 7. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to […]