Boutique and chic To find out more about Fess Parker’s boutique label, Epiphany, call (805) 686-2424 or visit fessparker.com. Epiphany Cellars is located at 2974 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. One couple’s honeymoon plans set in motion the creation of Epiphany Cellars, a Santa Barbara County-based boutique label celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Had Tim […]
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Nipomo’s Gallery at Monarch Dunes showcases paintings and photos from Trilogy residents
Dune patrol The Gallery at Monarch Dunes will host an opening reception to celebrate the Trilogy Art Group’s Winter Showcase on Friday, Jan. 24, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The show will remain on display until sometime in March. The gallery is open to the public each Saturday, from 1 to 3 p.m., and is […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Saloons and grills ring in 2025 with Craft Cocktail Contest and Dine Out Santa Maria Style
Telltale cocktails To find out more about the Santa Maria Valley’s 2025 Craft Cocktail Contest and Dine Out Santa Maria Style program, visit santamariavalley.com. Working under a certain constraint ended up paying off for Naughty Oak Brewing Company in 2024, when the Orcutt staple took home a top award for its first-time entry in Santa […]
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County targets cannabis odor with proposed ordinance changes
With more than 3,700 complaints about cannabis odor since 2018 and zero enforcement, the time is right to make a change, 2nd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps said during the board meeting on Jan. 14. “We know what works. The complaint system hasn’t worked. Folks are fed up, and we do have an […]
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Lompoc YMCA Teen Activity Program continues to grow and empower local students
With more than 930 students involved, the Lompoc Family YMCA’s Teen Activity Program continues to grow and aims to provide a safe space for local teens to explore passions, build confidence, and prepare for the future. The Lompoc Family YMCA offers services like gym memberships, child care, and youth sports leagues. Nearly two years ago, […]
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Local author Froggy Phevoli writes Side Effect, a young adult sci-fi story
Get your copy You can buy a copy of Froggy Phevoli’s book, Side Effect, on Amazon at amazon.com/Side-Effect-Froggy-Phevoli/dp/B0DJVJBPD1. Zack Connor can read minds, but the 16-year-old’s superpower comes with a downside. Whenever he reaches into someone’s thoughts, his own thoughts are revealed. He doesn’t know where his power comes from, and his overbearing mother, Carol, […]
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Solvang enacts new objective design standards as part of zoning ordinance
New zoning rules were among Solvang’s first enacted policies of 2025. The multi-layered ordinance includes a revised application route—in effect as of Jan. 8—with clear objective standards for developers to draw from that weren’t previously codified. Staff designed the new policy to provide project applicants with a strong starting point and allow proposals to bypass […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Air Force veteran now serves the local community through homemade sourdough
Bread and butter To see Urban Homesteadings’ offerings and place an order, visit urbanhomesteadings.com. For more updates and information, go to @urban_homesteading_with_cait on Instagram. For Urban Homesteadings owner Cait Casey, one of the greatest gifts of sourdough-making is that it can’t be rushed. In fact, from start to finish, one of her homemade loaves takes […]
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Strange Family Vineyards opens new tasting room in Los Olivos, blending wine, botanicals, and family values
Bubbles and botanicals Call (805) 315-3662 or visit strangefamilyvineyards.com for more info on Strange Family Vineyards. The tasting room, located at 2933 Grand Ave. in Los Olivos, is open seven days a week. Reservations are recommended but not required. Born from a desire to reconnect with the land and grow something meaningful, Strange Family Vineyards […]
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LAFCO approves SLO County’s takeover of Oceano fire services
San Luis Obispo County is officially responsible for delivering Oceano’s fire services now that the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved divestiture of those services from the Oceano Community Services District (OCSD). Following LAFCO’s Dec. 19, 2024, approval, the county, which has partnered with Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA), took over fire services on Jan. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local printmaker celebrates the state’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems in her California Wilds show at Lompoc’s Cypress Gallery
Prints to ponder The Lompoc Valley Art Association features block prints from local printmaker Angelina LaPointe until Jan. 26. Visit lompocart.org to find out more. The gallery is located at 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc. More of LaPointe’s artwork can be found on her Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/TheSidecarPress. With every deliberate carving and layer of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A soup box to stand on: The ramen, shave ice, tater tots, chicken wings, and vanilla lattes that defined 2024
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 […]