Artists in Santa Barbara County are invited to submit up to three pieces to the Lompoc Valley Art Association’s show, Art of Renewal, by Jan. 26. The exhibit is all about using repurposed materials to create something new. “This event celebrates both creative ingenuity and environmental responsibility, inviting local artists and art lovers to join […]
Lompoc
Posted inFood & Drink
A Lompoc jam maker’s hobby is now a vibrant business
Rachel Alcocer’s peach cobbler jam flew off her metaphorical shelves this year. It’s one of her seasonal flavors, and she can only make it when peaches are growing on her tree. “I like to do the seasonal fruit in the area,” Alcocer said. “I like to do the stuff that’s available to me because it’s […]
Posted inNews
See ya: A look back at 2025’s headlines in northern Santa Barbara County
This past year was full of headlines about the Trump administration, federal job cuts, and increased immigration enforcement. But through all of that national news, northern Santa Barbara County was still humming along, impacted by the new federal polices and national politics and continuing with business as usual. The biggest, most consistent headlines were about […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Take a look at the creative communities that shined in 2025
I’m amazed by how locals foster so many arts communities in northern Santa Barbara County. Creative circles come to life in small towns and bigger cities, rounding up eager residents and seasonal visitors. There’s not nearly enough space to capture all the impactful work we saw in 2025. I think back to the Lompoc muralist […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc artists and businesses host the first community Art Walk of the year
The monthly Lompoc Art Walk is planned for Jan. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s hosted by the Lonely Plover Social Club, an organization that supports local businesses and artists. “Our mission is simple but impactful: to celebrate and elevate Lompoc’s vibrant arts community,” according to the organization’s website. Residents, businesses, and artists come […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Let’s remember the people who served impeccable food and beverages last year
Allow me, the Sun’s Eats writer, to make a toast. We’ve made it through a quarter of the century, and that alone is worth a bit of cheer. Gathering around a table to break bread is one of life’s great pleasures, and it’s even better with a fun drink in hand and a spoonful of […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc Police Department’s Drone First Responder program is ready to take flight
Lompoc City Council members approved a deal for the Lompoc Police Department to buy and operate drones as first responders on calls. Officials hope deploying the drones will improve public safety and the department’s efficiency. At the Dec. 16 meeting, council members voted 5-0 for a two-year pilot period, which will cost $100,000 per year. […]
Posted inNews
At Santa Maria’s Neurofighters gym, boxers combat the progression of neurological conditions
Around 20 boxers filed into a studio on East Main Street on a Wednesday afternoon in December. Led by sisters Kristi Boasso and April Huckabey, the class warmed up with moves like marching in place, opening and closing their fists, and cross body punches. The oldies station was on, and a few participants sang along. […]
Posted inOpinion
Reflect on the most wonderful time of the year before 2026
Well, the Christmas parades are behind us; all the Christmas displays are up and running, and the Lompoc City electric division is counting more revenue from all those home-lighting themes. When I was young, Christmas morning was the long-awaited culmination of a boy’s hopes and dreams. We saw angels, mangers, tumbleweed snowmen, and Santa’s sleighs […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Cypress Gallery displays tributes to winter
To kick off 2026, artists of the Cypress Gallery are putting together a tribute to winter’s cozy and serene delights. Simple Pleasures will be up from Jan. 2 to 25. “As January brings some of the darkest and coldest days of the year, take a moment to find comfort in the simple pleasures that make […]
Posted inNews
Food patrol: The county aims to tackle unpermitted streetside vending with the help of a task force
Tensions were sky-high the night Lompoc Mayor Jim Mosby went viral on TikTok for protesting a taco stand located behind a Conserve Fuel station. “This is not legal,” Mosby told sidewalk vendors on the corner of North A and North H streets. “Where’s the refrigeration? What are your temperatures? You have no health permit.” He […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc City Councilmember Steve Bridge pleads not guilty to felony charges
Charged with embezzlement and misuse of city funds, Lompoc 1st District Councilmember Steve Bridge showed no intention of stepping down from the dais after one of his peers called for his resignation. “I will be found not guilty. Therefore, I’ll continue to support and represent every member of the community and District 1,” Bridge said […]
