Questionable and inconsistent calorie counts on some food products’ packaging were at the heart of a multi-year civil suit filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court. That suit concluded in early June when Judge Thomas Anderle ordered the Kroger Company, which owns Foods Co. stores in Lompoc and Santa Maria, to pay $1.25 million in […]
Lompoc
Posted inNews
Lompoc changes zoning designations to make way for more housing
Three Lompoc properties along Ocean Avenue could be the sites for future housing developments thanks to the City Council’s decision on June 16. Council members approved zoning changes that turned commercial designations into high-density residential uses. In May, the city Planning Commission approved zone changes for around 3.88 acres of vacant land at 1308, 1316, […]
Posted inOpinion
The state supersedes local control when it comes to ADUs and your quality of life
All you people out there who worked hard all your lives to live in a single-family neighborhood or think you’re safe from increased congestion in a homeowners association (HOA) managed development, get ready for a relatively new state law that can impact your quality of life. On June 10, the Lompoc Planning Commission debated a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc invites the community to its 73rd Flower Festival
The annual hometown tradition and quintessential Lompoc experience returns to the valley from June 25 to 28. This year’s Flower Festival in Ryon Memorial Park also recognizes the country’s milestone birthday with a theme titled America in Bloom: 250 Years. “It is a long-standing community event honoring the region’s deep roots in the flower-growing industry,” […]
Posted inNews
County supervisors approve $9.2 million cut to Public Health Department
Santa Barbara County kicked off its final round of budget hearings on June 16 with a unanimous vote approving recommendations from Public Health Director Mouhanad Hammami to cut millions of dollars from his department. A structural deficit has plagued Public Health’s savings, but changes to federal and state policies regarding who qualifies for Medi-Cal “added […]
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 inMusic, Arts & Culture
Giant puppets made in Lompoc are heading to World Cup watch parties in LA
Most people have never been the puppeteer inside a 12-foot-tall puppet, but Jennifer Racusin has. “You are completely surrounded by fabric, and you have this big, heavy wooden thing attached to you,” Racusin recounted. “You don’t feel like yourself at all because you’re hidden inside of this thing. … You kind of become whatever it […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc Pops presents a patriotic tribute
Celebrate the Fourth of July a little early with the Lompoc Pops Orchestra’s recognition of America’s 250th birthday. The group’s performance on June 21 will honor those who have served the country through tributes to the nation’s Broadway, Hollywood, opera, and Americana traditions. “The program will feature familiar patriotic favorites, stirring selections, and a special […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A crowd favorite at the Route One Farmers Market offers cookies, cheesecakes, pies, and more
Tamara Warren has a selectively superb memory. When it comes to her passion for baking, she has muscle memory. Anything else, and it can get a little murky. The baker doesn’t keep an ingredient list or measure anything out. Recently she debuted a banana chocolate chip cookie, and somebody asked her what’s inside. “I was […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc Unified approves a plan for more equitable arts classes districtwide
Jackalynn Snow channeled her inner Cynthia Erivo from the film Wicked at the most recent Lompoc Unified School District board meeting. “Unlimited. With arts we are unlimited,” Snow sang during her presentation of the district’s strategic arts plan. Snow, the district’s visual and performing arts program specialist, hoped her rendition of “Unlimited” would bring people […]
Posted inNews
Flying Goat Cellars sues county over wine district fees
A local winery asked a federal court to weigh in on its clash with Santa Barbara County for collecting mandatory fees that support a newly created wine business improvement district. The dispute is at the center of a civil lawsuit Flying Goat Cellars co-owners Norm Yost and Kate Griffith filed against the county on May […]
