For some people, rifling through others’ belongings and finding a steal produces an exhilaration that keeps them coming back for more. Such people are called thieves. But there’s another class of people that fits that description—they’re called yard sale shoppers or flea market enthusiasts. They love to rummage through boxes on someone’s lawn or browse […]
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Party people
Candidates stay up late to see the results of their efforts
The parties were colorful, the races were tight, and the candidates were, for the most part, composed. June 8, 2010, marked the potential for change in Northern Santa Barbara County, considering several key positions were up for grabs, including D.A., Assembly member, and a couple of county supervisor seats. While the results trickled in over […]
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Thirty-three and the third degree
Candidates for California’s 33rd Assembly District speak out on immigration, oil drilling, medical marijuana, and the state of the economy
Stretching up the California coast from Lompoc and Vandenberg Air Force Base to the northern boundary of San Luis Obispo County, the state’s 33rd Assembly District is a land of contrasts and unique challenges. Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) has represented the district since first elected in 2004. However, Blakeslee is set to term […]
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Two for the 5th
Fifth District Supervisor candidates Steve Lavagnino and Alice Patino go on the record
[image-2] It’s that time again: The posters are up, the TV and radio ads are running, and election season is upon us. One of the choices voters in Northern Santa Barbara County will have on the June 8 ballot will be for 5th District County supervisor. Current 5th District Supervisor Joe Centeno is retiring after […]
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Jury duties
Exactly how capable are grand juries of affecting change?
“Water, water, everywhere, and all the boards did shrink; water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” So goes the infamous line from English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The words could also be applied to recent goings-on within the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, according to findings in a […]
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In with the old
Supporters of historic preservation incentives argue that the benefits are less about simply preserving the past and more about generating money for the future
The road through the Foxen Canyon wine country is much what you would expect it to be: shaded by the protective reach of trees as it winds through a stunning landscape of hills and vineyards. It will run you straight through to the Santa Ynez Valley if you’ve got the time to take the long […]
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County HIV programs feel the squeeze
Cuts to prevention and education programs could lead to a surge in new infections, officials say
When Curtis Greenhaw tested positive for the HIV virus in 1982, he—like many others living in San Francisco at the time—considered his diagnosis a death sentence. Today, at 49, Greenhaw expects to live a long, normal life, working as a volunteer and test counselor at Pacific Pride Foundation, a resource center for HIV-positive clients in […]
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Expressive squeegee
A Santa Barbara painter fills the walls of the Steynberg Gallery
If Santa Barbara painter Henry Rasmussen’s canvases could talk they’d have an odd pack of stories to tell—of being perforated with an old pen, brushed with acrylics and oil sticks, spray painted, splashed with thinner, squeegeed, sanded and scraped, sewn into, and carved with a kitchen knife. It’s a fairly violent working method for an […]
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Do your civic duty! Get honey! Stay healthy! Earn money!
Local beekeepers have plenty of reasons why you should join their ranks
Jeremy Rose isn’t entirely sure why he’s always been so fascinated by bees. He said he first got interested in the practice when a beekeeper removed a hive from a neighbor’s house. Or maybe it was the time in fourth grade when a swarm chased him and his friends off the playground. “I thought that […]
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Mind the gap
Closed door county-level retirement talks draw criticism, skepticism, and some argue�
The decision involves a $15 million chunk of Santa Barbara County’s estimated $39 million deficit for 2010. Its implementation will significantly impact county taxpayers and employee pensions for at least the next 17 years. An influential Board of Supervisors’ meeting to discuss its finer points happened behind closed doors, a move some contend occurred in […]
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To wit
A clown and two cartoonists walk into a bar … or, actually, they just talk about the lighter side of a sometimes dark life
Once upon a time, there was a land with an unlikely ruler who came to power, and the jesters rejoiced for he carried with him fodder for their voracious wit. Even the comics of mediocre humor showed talent in shining light on the follies of the misguided leader. When the ruler spoke, people leaned in […]