Melissa Bagley tries not to start her workdays before 6 a.m. If everything goes to plan, nine hours later she’ll be heading out the door to deliver dozens of freshly baked cookies, decadent cakes, and soft loaves of bread that customers ordered from her business, La Dolce Vita. During her childhood, baking was a big […]
Orcutt
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Oak Folk Studio combines kid-friendly yoga, improv, painting, and more in Orcutt
Movement and mindfulness go hand in hand at Oak Folk Studio, where self-expression takes on many forms for many ages. Since its soft opening in November, the eclectic Orcutt venue has hosted kid-friendly classes in art, performing arts, and yoga. “I feel like they all kind of weave together,” founder, owner, and instructor Katlin Majewski […]
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Olive Grove Charter School approved for five more years
Superintendent Meg Rydman’s fondest experiences at Olive Grove Charter Schools are seeing students at their graduation ceremonies. With the charter school’s Santa Maria location set to continue educating through June 2031, she’ll have the opportunity to see future classes graduate there, too. The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) approved Olive Grove’s renewal […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A Santa Maria couple celebrates one year of their signature hot sauce, Hot Lil Mama
Michael and Diana Muranaka quote their favorite movie, Bridesmaids, to each other so often that one scene inspired the name of their hot sauce company. The scene follows a police officer who stops Kristen Wiig’s character and recognizes her from a sign at her bakery. “You’re Cake Baby,” the officer said, referencing the name of […]
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County Planning Commission approves 99-unit affordable apartment complex in Orcutt
Described as a win-win project by some local officials, an affordable housing development set for East Foster Road in Orcutt will cause the surrounding area to lose its “overall character,” in the eyes of one homeowners association. “We absolutely understand the need for more affordable housing. Our concern isn’t about who will live there,” Edgewood […]
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Righetti High senior spruces up OASIS Senior Center during his Eagle Scout service project
Ansh Vinchhi recently joined the roughly 4 percent of scouts in the country who achieve Eagle Scout ranking, the highest achievement in the program. He demonstrated that he is trustworthy, helpful, brave, kind, and all the other characteristics that scouts should exemplify, as outlined by scout laws. The Ernest Righetti High School senior celebrated his […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Orcutt Chalk Festival to be held on Broadway Street
Families and artists are invited to the annual Orcutt Chalk Festival on Sept. 27 along Broadway Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists will transform the sidewalk and street into colorful artwork. The theme of this year’s festival is the Central Coast. Squares are available for artists to reserve online, and there are awards […]
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Practice paradox: Orcutt youth football coach sues Central Coast league after his team was disqualified from competition, he was suspended
After John De Marco received a five-year suspension from coaching, he took the Central Coast Youth Football League (CCYFL) to court, seeking a trial by jury to examine the incident that kicked off the conflict earlier this summer. On Aug. 17, seven young footballers from the volunteer coach’s team—made up of 24 kids total, between […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A bluegrass and rock concert benefits Santa Barbara County children in emergency foster care
Join the Bullfrogg Blues Band at the Party with a Purpose concert benefiting Santa Barbara County children entering emergency foster care. The Blast Stockyard in Orcutt is hosting the event from 4 to 8 p.m. with food from Blast 825 Brewery. Guests can expect “a soul-shaking, feel-good evening of live music, local eats, and big-hearted […]