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Posted inSpecial Issues

Health & Wellness 2025

In our annual issue, we talk ketamine-assisted and rapid-eye movement therapies and float pods
by Sun Staff

For this year’s issue of Health and Wellness, our writers delve into a deep state of relaxation, which can help set the stage for healing from trauma, anxiety, and more. That relaxation, called the theta state, can be achieved in a psychotherapist’s office or in a specialized pool of water and Epsom salt. Staff Writer […]

Posted inNews

Encampment risks: Those living in the Santa Ynez Riverbed are at risk for human trafficking, something local officials want to tackle

by Emma Montalbano

See something, say something To learn more about efforts to combat trafficking and exploitation across the county, visit kingdomcauses.org/httaskforce. To report possible cases of human trafficking, contact 911 for emergencies or email humantrafficking@sbsheriff.org for nonemergencies. The struggle to survive in a Santa Ynez Riverbed encampment can be brutal.  “In order to have a tent to […]

Posted inNews

Care behind bars: Wellpath begins negotiations with county over jail health care, despite bankruptcy and personnel concerns

by Emma Montalbano

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently decided to allow the Sheriff’s Office to negotiate a new shorter-term contract with the current jail health care provider, despite voicing concerns about the company’s money troubles and ability to offer quality care.  “Performance is the best indication of future results,” 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson told […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Always greener: Central Coast resident Lou Ferrigno talks about his new movies, chess, and of course, The Incredible Hulk

Avatar photo by Caleb Wiseblood

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 inSpecial Issues

Volunteers 2025

by Sun Staff

With 2025 just getting started, some people are choosing to do what they do best: volunteer. The work that volunteers do in their spare time accomplishes so much in the region, from dishing out food that serves houseless residents a meal to making sure students can cross the street safely before and after school, the […]

Posted inFood & Drink

A soup box to stand on: The ramen, shave ice, tater tots, chicken wings, and vanilla lattes that defined 2024

Avatar photo by Caleb Wiseblood

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 […]

Posted inNews

Restoring resources: While repairing damage from Lake Fire suppression efforts, the Forest Service and the Chumash protect Indigenous cultural sites

by Taylor O'Connor

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 […]

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