Paddle on over to the California Nature Art Museum for an exhibit under the sea. It’s hanging at the museum until July 20. Four artists contributed work celebrating the dynamic ecosystems that are touched by the saltwater spray. Ocean Forests: Our Coastal Communities highlights giant kelp, the largest marine plant on the planet. Each stalk […]
Santa Barbara County
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria middle schoolers put their creativity on display
Junior high students in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District are proud to present their artwork for one weekend only at the city’s public library. Expanding Perspectives is displayed inside Shepard Hall. Community members are invited to opening night on May 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibit is also open to the public on […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Monster Masks: A Lompoc artist leans into the creep factor with the help of a 3D pen and his love of characters
A mask for you, a mask for meCatch Joe Cerny showing his masks for sale at upcoming Lompoc Art Walks. Follow him on Instagram @jozo_masks to see his new projects. Facing his fear of failure, Joe Cerny said he’s “so over” being scared of trying new things that might turn out to be embarrassing. Last […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc is auditing its rebate program after fraud allegations
Rebates for turf landscaping and water leak detection are under the microscope in Lompoc, including those received by the current city manager. The city plans to pay for a third-party audit of applications to water and energy conservation rebate programs going back at least two years. On April 21, City Council members continued a discussion […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County passes ‘symbolic’ ICE safeguard policy package
Whether a new Santa Barbara County initiative helps alleviate or worsen residents’ concerns about local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity was up for debate at the Board of Supervisors’ April 21 meeting. “We have people out there who are becoming constitutional scholars on both sides on what is lawful and what is not,” 4th […]
Posted inNews
A new live-actionrole-play chapter in Santa Maria extends a sword to prospective participants
In a land not so far away, mortals of all ages build friendships while running around the park swinging harmless weapons and defending themselves with handmade shields. Though it’s a pretend world, their bonds are quite real. Dean Scott often spends his Sundays with friends competing in live-action role-play (LARP) games. They pretend to be […]
Posted inLetters To The Editor
It’s not wise to cut the Sheriff’s Office’s budget
First let’s stipulate that the primary duty of government is to ensure the safety of the public and provide a robust utility infrastructure and a serviceable road system. Public safety includes a police function, district attorney, jails to house those convicted of violating the laws, fire protection, and emergency medical service. Everything else government does […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Old Orcutt Yarnery is accepting sign-ups for classes and a weekend retreat
Whether you’ve never held a knitting needle or you’ve fashioned plenty of garments, the Old Orcutt Yarnery has a spot for you. Seats go quickly for trainings, but the shop released a docket filled with opportunities through the fall. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the help desk is open. Owner Lisa Long and her team are […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Cypress Gallery hosts an artist reception for its duo exhibit
The latest show at the Cypress Gallery, titled Evolving, is made possible by the work of C. Wood and Chuck Klein. They’ll meet with the public on May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. for a reception at the gallery. Wood’s work is nonrepresentational. Life is short, so she wants to keep trying new styles. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
From fine dining to delicatessen delights, Tony Minniti knows how to please a crowd
Before discovering Tony’s on Palisade, Craig Diamantopoulos was indifferent about driving with his wife to her doctor’s appointments. She commutes from their home in Lompoc to the Marian Regional Medical Center campus in Santa Maria. But for months now, Diamantopoulos has insisted on making the trek with his wife so he can grab a bite. […]
Posted inNews
County endorses Gregg Hart’s jail accountability bill
Resolving some residents’ misunderstanding of state Assembly Bill 2257 was a key issue for both supporters and detractors of the proposed legislation during the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ April 21 hearing. “This was pulled by quite a few members of the board. I personally pulled it for a couple reasons,” 4th District Supervisor […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria-Bonita brings on a statewide nonprofit to run after-school programs
Two local groups will continue providing after-school enrichment for elementary and middle school students in Santa Maria, but a statewide organization will soon be in the mix, too. Santa Maria-Bonita School District board members voted 4-1 on April 15 to approve three-year contracts with the Boys and Girls Club of the Central Coast, the Santa […]