“You’re in good hands.” “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” “Let Prudential be your rock.” “Nationwide is on your side.” Man, all of these insurance company slogans are so reassuring. They really care! Do they, though? Capitalism says they only care as far as their bet to make a dollar rather than lose […]
Category Feature
Posted inOpinion
Politicians allowing ‘broken windows’ has led to a surge in quality-of-life crimes
Back in September 2017 in a locally published commentary, I observed “Broken windows; Lompoc is full of them”; this commentary was based on a theory by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George Kelling in 1982 that used broken windows as a metaphor for disorder within neighborhoods. Expanding on the theory, they wrote, “If the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Emma Enchanted
PCPA offers fresh, charming take on Jane Austen’s Emma, under the stars in Solvang
Sunset showings The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents its production of Emma at the Solvang Festival Theater through Sunday, July 2. The company’s next production, Bright Star, will open at the outdoor venue on Friday, July 7, and run through Sunday, July 23. Visit pcpa.org or facebook.com/pacificconservatorytheatre for tickets and show times. For more info, […]
Posted inNews
Former Allan Hancock College instructor is charged with sexual assault
A former Allan Hancock College instructor is facing criminal charges of committing sexual assault. The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office accused Kevin Daily, 29—an engineer and one-time instructor of industrial technology at the Santa Maria community college—of rape by use of drugs and unlawfully manufacturing a firearm and an assault weapon, according to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Gomez Candies dishes out candy grapes and pineapple rings in Lompoc
Get in line, online For candy grape and candy pineapple order inquiries or more info on Gomez Candies, visit tiktok.com/@gomezcandies_ or facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093170621974. A viral trend inspired local candymaker Alyssa Gomez to create a spiral blend. “I saw a lot of people doing it on TikTok, and my nieces wanted me to try it,” said Gomez, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a mind-blowing visual feast with ample action, heart, and humor
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse What’s it rated? PG What’s it worth, Bulbul? Full price What’s it worth, Caleb? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Fair Oaks, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Editor’s note: New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal and Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wrote Sun Screen this week while Glen and […]
Posted inNews
Pipeline takeover
ExxonMobil-affiliated companies take ownership of the Plains oil pipeline, environmentalists concerned for future
Santa Barbara County’s ongoing discussion about what to do with the oil pipeline that spilled oil onto the Gaviota Coast continues with ExxonMobil’s proposal to take over ownership. While the county Planning Commission approved the application in a 3-1 vote, environmental groups vowed to appeal the decision to the Board of Supervisors, citing concerns that it will eventually lead to the pipeline’s restart. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor writes about the conversation and what comes next.
Posted inOpinion
Bud Light’s ad campaign and subsequent backpeddling was explosive on the front lines of the culture wars
As an aficionado of both beer and the culture wars, the recent Bud Light marketing fiasco has been real catnip for me, and I just couldn’t resist jumping in. To recap: Bud Light employed “influencer” Dylan Mulvaney, a transgendered woman, as a spokesperson to promote their beer and even created a special can depicting Mulvaney […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Flash has enough humor and action to overcome its faults
The Flash What’s it rated? PG-13 What’s it worth, Glen? Full price What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Fair Oaks Theatre, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Andy Muschietti (It, It Chapter Two) directs this time-traveling sci-fi adventure about Barry Allen, aka The Flash (Ezra Miller), who uses […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. launches first nonalcoholic IPA
At the mountains of gladness For more info on Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., visit figmtnbrew.com. The California-based brewery’s tasting rooms are located in Buellton, Los Olivos, Santa Barbara, and Westlake Village. reating the right flavors that mirrored the distinct attributes of an IPA in Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.’s first nonalcoholic beverage proved to be both […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Classical School of Ballet presents Dancefest 2023 in Lompoc
Save the dates Performances of Dancefest 2023 will be held at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium on Friday, June 23, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 24, at 3 p.m. Tickets to the show are $15 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. Call (805) 736-4646 or visit classicalschoolofballet.net for more info. The Lompoc […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Take a tour of Indo-Chinese cooking through Calcutta’s iconic Bar-B-Q restaurant
Around the world Visiting Calcutta? Check out Bar-B-Q. Call +91 (033) 3028-8689 to reserve a table, or walk into the restaurant on 47 Park St., Calcutta, from noon until 10:45 p.m. on weekdays, and until 11 p.m. on weekends. My love for regional Chinese food is insatiable and never-ending. I’ve demolished fair portions of it […]
