Trees and mountains come in many forms at Solvang’s California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM). Paintings. Photographs. Yoga poses. Unlike the various artworks that occupy the museum’s walls, Santa Ynez-based yoga instructor Lori Shirran’s new program takes up the two-story venue’s floorspace. “Right now we’re in the upper gallery. Depending on the number of participants—when we […]
Category Feature
Posted inOpinion
Squeaky, squeaky
How will Buellton’s 4th District voters choose between their two candidates in August’s special election? Former Mayor Dave King and newcomer Carla Mead seem pretty similar when it comes to policy—and they both seem to think they’ve got what it takes to get Caltrans to pay attention to some of Highway 246’s biggest safety issues, […]
Posted inOpinion
A look at the perils facing our liberties and freedoms: the California doom loop vs. the original No Kings movement
I have written previously about California’s war on energy, which is destroying our economy. Yet, the war on energy is but one facet of the war on our liberties and freedoms. I sat in on a meeting decades ago with members of the Santa Barbara County Cattlemen’s Association as they listened to a warden of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Gallery Los Olivos hosts Deborah Kalas exhibition showcasing birds from Santa Ynez Valley, across country
Spreading her wings Find Deborah Kalas on Instagram and Pinterest or at deborahkalas.com. Located at 2920 Grand Ave., Gallery Los Olivos is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit gallerylosolivos.com or call (805) 688-7517. Lying on her stomach in mud, Deborah Kalas shivered for hours as she photographed American avocets […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Superman finds Clark Kent struggling with an identity crisis
Superman What’s it rated? PG-13 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, Fair Oaks Theatre Writer-director James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad) helms this new take on Superman and other characters from the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Lompoc’s Pali Wine Co. triples operating grounds, announces 20th anniversary celebration for August, adapts appointments for tastings
Pali Wine Company’s 2024 Market Price orange wine blend bursts with pineapple, mango, and tangerine. The 2023 P.C.H. rosé of pinot noir has a zip of acidity and a refreshing wave of delicate red fruit flavors. The 2021 Jetty red wine offers up raspberries, strawberries, and cherries. You’re invited Pali Wine Co. will celebrate 20 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Chumash illustrator John Khus highlights cultural heritage, fight for social justice with colorful imagery
When pen meets pad Chumash artist John Khus has been keeping the spirits of his Central Coast ancestors alive for more than four decades. You can find him on Instagram @john.khus. A faceless Statue of Liberty with flowing, black hair dons a colorful array of Indigenous tattoos. The white “Be Human” book she holds in […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Jurassic World Rebirth is predictably derivative but entertaining
Jurassic World Rebirth 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 Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) directs this new installment in the Jurassic Park franchise. Written by David Koepp (Jurassic […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Lompoc’s Wild West Pizza selected as finalist for National Real California Cheese Pizza Competition, honored for dedication to community service
Real cheese, real ingredients Wild West Pizza is open from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Located at 1137 N. H St., suite W, the Lompoc mom-and-pop pizza shop is known for its unique pies. It can be found on Instagram @wildwestpizza and online at wildwestpizza.menu. […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: July 10, 2025
• On July 3, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) released a statement on the passage of the Republican reconciliation bill. Carbajal voted against the bill, while opposing its unprecedented cuts to essential programs like Medicaid and food assistance, according to Carbajal’s office. In his statement, Carbajal said the bill “puts billionaires first and working […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum and Children’s Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County merge
New kid on the block Located at 705 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria, the new Children’s Resource and Referral Discovery Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit crrsbc.org or smvdiscoverymuseum.org. The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum and Children’s Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County […]
Posted inOpinion
Easy-peasy?
Fire season is here, y’all. With more than 80,000 acres burned in the Cuyama Valley and on the Carrizo Plain National Monument since before July 2, and a number of other starts since summer began, now is the time to be careful. That means: Be done with the fireworks, people. I can still hear the […]
