A 20-year drought. No private bathrooms. Corporate greed. That’s the dystopian recipe for Urinetown. Not your average musical, the fast-paced dark comedy with over-the-top characters prompts real questions about the shortcomings of bureaucracy and how society manages precious resources. It’s No. 1Urinetown runs from May 15 to 31 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Visit smct.org […]
Santa Barbara County
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Experience the work of a Danish violinist in Solvang
Musician and composer Mads Tolling will show off all that a violin can do on the Elverhoj Museum’s patio. The May 9 performance starts at 7 p.m. in Solvang, and doors open half an hour prior. The two-time Grammy award winner is originally from Copenhagen, Denmark. Tolling was part of The Turtle Island Quartet and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Allan Hancock College students display artwork on campus
Local fine arts students proudly present their creativity at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery through May 7. The Allan Hancock College gallery is located on campus in Santa Maria, and the show is free of charge to the public. “The exhibition brings together work from students across a variety of disciplines and media, highlighting the creativity, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Pick up your next sourdough loaf from a new Santa Maria farm stand
Ready to be slicedFind everything you need to know about Elizabeth Nunez’s business on Instagram @homemade_heritage_. Customers receive the farm stand address after placing an order online. Homemade Heritage will also be at the Old Town Orcutt summer farmers market starting May 20. Making sourdough is a little bit like teaching first grade. “It’s a […]
Posted inNews
Checkout aisle: New housing restrictions impact long-term motel tenants on one corridor in Buellton
There’s at least one framed photo in 34-year-old Cesar Garcia’s living room that tends to elicit a physiological reaction from first-time visitors. Within days of departing from the White House, Joe Biden posed with Garcia in early 2025 for a selfie at Mission Santa Ines—where the Buellton resident has regularly attended Sunday mass since he […]
Posted inNews
County supervisors discuss balancing budgets to quell deficits
Trying to work its way out of the red, Santa Barbara County is considering almost $71 million in reductions for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Multiple departments are facing layoffs and program reductions if the board approves the budget in June. On April 13, the Public Health and Social Services departments presented financial plans to the […]
Posted inNews
County Planning Commission sends ban on future oil drilling to supervisors
Most of the oil produced in and around the Santa Maria Valley is considered “heavy.” It’s not refined into gasoline or jet fuel. Rather, it’s often used to make products like asphalt—but maybe not for very much longer. “That’s what we specialize in, as most of the oil production onshore in Northern Santa Barbara county […]
Posted inNews
County Behavioral Wellness Department combines services at a new Lompoc outpatient clinic
Seeking mental health help and resources for substance use disorder can be daunting. The county is trying to make the process a little easier at the Lompoc Behavioral Wellness Service Center. Adults and youth in the valley can now access resources for mental health and substance use all under one roof. The county’s new Lompoc […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Comedian Bill Engvall to perform at the Chumash Casino
Bill Engvall is heading to Santa Ynez for a night full of laughs. The tried-and-true comedian and TV host is headlining the Chumash Casino on April 24. He’s known for clean commentary on marriage, parenthood, and everyday life. The show will be held in the Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. After getting his feet wet […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Pico Los Alamos hosts dinner and a show
Los Alamos Theatre Group’s 14th original stage production is set to run from May 7 to 10. Bell Street restaurant Pico Los Alamos is the host, offering a social hour and three-course meal to accompany the performance. Taking place over the course of one chaotic day, Audition: Showtime! follows Hollywood expats who produce a talent […]
Posted inEats
Bring your family, friends, and pets to Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop
After a hot day by the pool or a sandy afternoon on the beach, Old Orcutt residents have a new place to cool off before heading home. Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop opened on March 14 after three years of planning and construction. It sells classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry along with rotating dairy-free […]
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? […]