This past year was a bit of a rough one. Starting in Guadalupe—the littlest city that could, but only if the deadline is tomorrow and staff has to overnight something to a state agency after City Council approves it tonight. Talk about last minute! That city is flying by the seat of its pantaloons. The […]
Hopes and dreams
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The Lompoc Parks and Recreation Division offers new Food Truck Collective for its mobile businesses
Whether it’s sipping on a sweet agua fresca, munching on smoky roasted corn, or chowing down on a juicy burger and crisp fries, Lompoc residents can find a variety of goodies at the city’s new Food Truck Collective. “This is a great opportunity for families to come out to experience some of the wonderful food […]
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Political Watch: December 26, 2024
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) called out House Republicans for “dragging their feet” on finalizing government funding for the current fiscal year, leaving more than $14 million in funding specifically designated for Central Coast projects in limbo, according to a Dec. 18 statement from Carbajal’s office. “Republican leadership in Congress has spent months […]
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Turn around: A peek back at 2024 in northern Santa Barbara County
In a year overshadowed by a contentious presidential election full of surprises, northern Santa Barbara County still managed to make its fair share of headlines. Local elections had their own drama in places like Lompoc and Santa Maria, where some incumbents held their own while others were voted out. The Lake Fire broke out near […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A soup box to stand on: The ramen, shave ice, tater tots, chicken wings, and vanilla lattes that defined 2024
After looking back at my foodie adventures over the past 12 months, I feel so grateful for the outpouring of winemakers, chefs, and business owners who invited me to their places of work for savory grub, sweet treats, soft and hard drinks, and warm conversation. In summing up this year’s most memorable occasions, I’d be […]
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Farm stays, camping, events approved as part of Ag Enterprise Ordinance
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the first-of-its-kind Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance, closing years of time and effort poured into one document. “The AEO [Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance] supports the continuation of farming and ranching on agricultural lands,” Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann told the Sun. “It will allow for activities […]
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Restoring resources: While repairing damage from Lake Fire suppression efforts, the Forest Service and the Chumash protect Indigenous cultural sites
Chumash Fire Department Capt. Quntan Garcia placed a stalky beige plant into my hand and slowly trickled water from his Kirkland water bottle over it. My hands were slightly coated with dust after spending a dry October day outside on Sierra Madre in Los Padres National Forest. “This is soap plant,” he explained as he […]
Posted inFood & Drink
New book Sideways Uncorked is an ode to the 20-year-old movie that made pinot noir a star
For wine and film aficionados Order copies of Sideways Uncorked via publisher Applause Theatre & Cinema Books at applausebooks.com and meet authors Kirk and Mira Advani Honeycutt at upcoming book-signing events in Paso Robles—Dec. 21, 1 to 3:30 p.m., at Spare Time Books; Dec. 21, 4 to 8 p.m., at Tudor Wines; Dec. 27, 1 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BINGEABLE: Black Doves
Black Doves What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Created by Joe Barton (The Lazarus Project, Giri/Haji), Black Doves is a compelling action thriller about international espionage and political intrigue. The storyline, as it moves back and forth in time to offer the characters’ backstories that give context to their present actions, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BINGEABLE: The Day of the Jackal
The Day of the Jackal What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Peacock Ronan Bennett (Public Enemies, Top Boy, Gunpowder) created this spy thriller loosely based on Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel of the same name. It follows The Jackal (Eddie Redmayne), a ruthless assassin, and Bianca Pullman (Lashana Lynch), the relentless intelligence officer […]
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Carry-On is implausible nonsense but thankfully free with your Netflix subscription
Carry-On What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Glen? Stream it What’s it worth, Anna? Stream it Where’s it showing? Netflix Jaune Collet-Serra (Orphan, Unknown, Non-Stop) directs this screenplay by T.J. Fixman about a mysterious terrorist known only as Traveler (Justin Bateman) who blackmails LAX TSA agent Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) into allowing a dangerous […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Floral design students and teachers from Santa Maria and Nipomo contribute to Rose Parade
On Dec. 7, more than 100 floral design and advanced floral design students and teachers from Santa Maria High School, Pioneer Valley High School, and Nipomo High School’s FFA programs joined forces with Kiwanis International and the Phoenix Decorating Company to help prepare floats for this year’s Rose Parade in Pasadena, aka the Pasadena Tournament […]