For dozens of Refugio State Beach’s visitors on May 18, stepping into the ocean was a solemn act of remembrance. Local environmental groups co-hosted a morning paddle out that Sunday—one day shy of the 10th anniversary of the Refugio oil spill. Three offshore oil rigs connected to the May 19, 2015, disaster were within eyesight […]
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Posted inSpecial Issues
Pride Issue 2025
Celebrate the season with wines that support advocacy organizations and local establishments that support the community
It’s officially Pride Month, and despite the national politics surrounding certain LGBTQ-plus issues, the community is ready to celebrate with events across the Central Coast. As part of our annual Pride issue, Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood speaks with a handful of wineries that are contributing a portion of wine proceeds to support local LGBTQ-plus […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Pop a cork: Vintners across Santa Ynez, Santa Maria, and Lompoc valleys celebrate Pride with wine-based fundraisers
Since its inception, Los Olivos’ Future Perfect Wine hasn’t let a year go by without donating one of its wine’s proceeds to a cause close to owner and winemaker Sunny Doench Stricker’s heart. “I have released a Pride rosé every year since the tasting room has been open, and we just celebrated our fourth anniversary […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Pride parties: Local businesses attempt to bring LGBTQ+ nightlife to the Central Coast for Pride month and beyond
Time and place Chido Bar is located at 221 N. Broadway in Santa Maria. For more information, visit facebook.com/ChidoBarSantaMaria or call (805) 631-5007. For more information about Libertine Brewing, visit libertinebrewing.com or call (805) 548-2338. The venue is located at 1234 Broad St. in SLO. To find more Pride events happening during the month of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Stage direction: Great American Melodrama artists and operators reflect on the quirky theater’s 50th anniversary
Flanked by unmarked gravestones, vampire coffins, and headless mannequins, scenic carpenter Martin Ramirez stands inside a two-story building on the north end of the Great American Melodrama’s parking lot. He’s one of the employees who breathes fresh life into the theater’s archive department on a regular basis. His workspace across from the theater preserves oodles […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Summer Guide 2025
There are parades, and then there are Fourth of July parades. Lucky for you, we feature both and more in our annual Summer Guide. You can find events for feasting, drinking, holidays, art, artisans, and whiling away the summer days. You can find things for your kids to do while you’re at work or things […]
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Free to Roam: Santa Barbara County doesn’t always pursue active felony warrants
Community action If anyone in the county knows the whereabouts of a wanted person, the Sheriff’s Office advises that they call the Santa Barbara Jail at (805) 681-4260. As of early April, more than 1,800 people are wanted on active felony warrants in Santa Barbara County, according to data from the Sheriff’s Office. Fifth District […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Troll in our midst: Solvang gets a permanent installation from Danish artist Thomas Dambo
Arts and anniversary To celebrate 25 years, the California Nature Art Museum is currently showcasing artwork from its permanent collection, which includes almost 150 pieces that have been collected over the years. To learn more, visit calnatureartmuseum.org/exhibitions. To learn more about Danish artist Thomas Dambo, visit thomasdambo.com. Lulu Hyggelig snuck out of her tower every […]
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Asking for more: Farmworkers and allies push for a countywide $26 minimum wage
The sounds of shrieking roller coaster riders clashed with protesters’ drums, tambourines, and chants at this year’s Santa Maria Strawberry Festival. On April 27, community members of various ages gathered outside of Santa Maria Fairpark to rally for a Santa Barbara countywide $26 per hour minimum wage for farmworkers. Alianza Campesina de la Costa Central, […]
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Avoiding disaster: Santa Maria aims for de facto moratorium on new battery energy storage facilities
Santa Maria aims to keep battery energy storage system (BESS) projects out of the city with a new set of rules still waiting for final approval. The overlap between specific industrial areas where BESS facilities are allowed and spaces near residential or agricultural uses where they will be banned will make the city’s sign-off impossible, […]
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Diverted from jail: Judge grants convicted arsonist mental health help instead of sending him to trial
Exiting his Orcutt garage, Rockie Daren Ginter already had his hands raised as he approached Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies on the morning of his arrest. Owned by Ginter’s parents, the house on Genoa Way was emitting flames and black smoke, according to court documents. Ginter allegedly told deputies about the voices in his head […]
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Beyond bars: County supervisors approve North County jail expansion set to cost more than $165 million
The county Board of Supervisors’ decision on the Northern Branch Jail expansion will impact future boards, sheriffs, county staff, and community members, Sheriff Bill Brown said at the April 1 meeting. In a 3-2 vote (with 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson and 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino dissenting), the board decided to build 1.5 new […]