For the second time in six years, Lompoc is asking voters to choose between Jim Mosby and Jeremy Ball. The two City Council incumbents previously squared off in 2020 for the 4th District seat, which Ball won. Mosby’s successful run for mayor against Jenelle Osborne in 2024 put him back on the dais—where he’s served […]
Jeremy Ball
Posted inNews
Tie vote blocks Lompoc from censuring Steve Bridge
Three hours into the Lompoc City Council’s Sept. 15 meeting, Councilmember Steve Bridge asked his peers to remember the oath they recite in unison ahead of every agenda. It’s the same oath many schoolchildren have already memorized by kindergarten. “We started today the way we start every meeting. We stood up and said the words—the […]
Posted inOpinion
A dramatic political shift could come to Lompoc with the upcoming election
The 2026 election in Lompoc could result in a dramatic change of political direction in our city. First, the election for mayor pits two former foes for the seat. In 2020 they faced off for the council District 4 seat, and Jeremy Ball won handily by a 600-vote margin. Then in 2024 Jim Mosby, who […]
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc City Council may address its long-brewing political scandal, or is it just electioneering?
So, what’s the Lompoc scandal in question? City Councilmember Steve Bridge faces “20 felonies and five misdemeanors. The charges include allegations of forgery, grand theft, fraudulent claims, identity theft, misappropriation of public funds, and fraudulent use of a contractor’s license number,” (Santa Maria Times, Aug. 13). During the Aug. 18 meeting, City Council members discussed […]
Posted inNews
Damage control: In light of Steve Bridge’s felony charges, Lompoc considers censuring him
Two days before Lompoc City Councilmember Steve Bridge’s arraignment in late 2025, one of his peers on the dais asked him to step down from his role as an elected official. When Bridge—who pled not guilty to forgery, identity theft, and misusing city funds—showed no sign of resigning, Councilmember Jeremy Ball motioned for the council […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc changes how it bills wastewater customers
A new method of calculating wastewater rates caused a slippery debate at the Lompoc City Council meeting on July 21. Residents and businesses will still be paying based on water usage, Management Services Director Bob Cross explained, and customers who see an increase in cost would’ve seen one under the previous calculations, too. “I think […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc voters came up short at the polls for a special road repair tax
As much as people in town want the potholes fixed, Lompoc’s attempt to pass a special sales tax for road maintenance failed. It would’ve brought in roughly $3.75 million annually. In January, the City Council discussed putting a tax measure on the primary election ballot. The Sun reported that a half percent special sales tax […]
Posted inOpinion
It will be another few weeks before we learn our next leaders, candidates for local, state, and federal races
As everyone who pays attention to California politics knows, elections are never resolved on Election Day. It’s always weeks and sometimes months before the final tally is complete. But initially, it appears that Democrats are satisfied with the pitiful condition of our state and county as they continue to support politicians who couldn’t care less […]
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc City Council has a potentially costly rebate program audit and investigation on its hands
The city of Lompoc, like almost every other government from the federal level down to small towns like ours, has a problem managing how tax money is distributed to folks applying for rebates, grants, or any other form of government subsidy. This time it’s Lompoc’s conservation rebate program that’s being examined for what some think […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Crafting community: Lompoc’s monthly Art Walk brings artists, businesses, and residents together
Walk the walkFor all things Lompoc Art Walk, scan the QR code or visit the lonelyploversocialclub.com. Follow @thelonelyploversocialclub on Instagram for updates. Check out the event in downtown Lompoc on the first Thursday of every month. Start at the Cypress Gallery (119 E. Cypress Ave.) at 5 p.m. There’s nothing to do in Lompoc. Right? […]
Posted inOpinion
A new Lompoc tax for streets, sidewalks, and alleys is needed
Lompoc is probably the pothole paradise of the county. The city staff estimates that there is a maintenance backlog of more than $70 million needed to bring all city streets up to acceptable service levels. I live on a cul-de-sac that is just one block long. There are well over a dozen potholes on our […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc could fix its streets with proposed sales tax measure
Lompoc City Council members took the next step toward placing a half percent special sales tax measure dedicated to road and sidewalk maintenance on the ballot. The decision was informed by the city’s first FlashVote survey that asked respondents about city improvements and the tax measure. On Jan. 6, the council voted 3-2 to move […]
