Since the 1970s, Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) has held an annual bowl-a-thon. The nonprofit serves San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties with the aim of reducing stigma around mental health and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness. “I think the idea was that it was unique,” TMHA Executive Director Jill Bolster-White […]
Santa Barbara County
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Indivisible Lompoc members use arts, crafts to stand up for their beliefs
Artistry has been intertwined with social justice activism for hundreds of years. Quilt patterns gave signals to slaves escaping through the Underground Railroad, one Lompoc resident said. Red knit caps symbolized resistance in Norway during Nazi occupation, another told the Sun. Calls for actionFor more information about joining Indivisible Lompoc’s events, visit indivisiblelompoc.org or follow […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Indah Gallery presents a site-specific multimedia exhibit
Roy Vessil’s art will be up at the Indah Gallery in Santa Ynez through April 5. There’s an opening reception for the show, titled Galls and The Secrets of the Universe, on March 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. The show is “an absurd mythos theory of the humble oak gall,” Vessil described in press […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Everyone’s welcome to a family dance in Santa Maria
Gather the whole family for some two-stepping and disco moves at the Japanese Community Center on March 28. The theme for this year’s dance is Under the Sea. “Families are invited to dance, play, and connect at this ocean-themed, family-friendly rave,” according to the city. “Enjoy high-energy music, interactive fun, and dazzling lights in a […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Culture food trailer wants to give you the best smashburger you’ve ever eaten
During the busiest shifts at his food trailer, Willie Galvan can crank out a smashburger in 10 or 11 minutes. When there’s no line, he can do it in five. “The buns take longer to toast than the burgers,” the Santa Maria native said. After an order comes in, he toasts the buns and heats […]
Posted inNews
You can stay here: Solvang may stop new short-term rentals in suburban neighborhoods
From a zebra-themed bed and breakfast to a permitted treehouse in someone’s backyard, Solvang resident Max Hanberg has booked some pretty wild vacation getaways in his lifetime. He and his wife were already frequent users of Airbnb and Vrbo by the time they began using both platforms to list a short-term rental of their own […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County supervisors approve overtime, equipment to deal with unlawful food pop-ups
One freezer. Two steel storage containers. Six months of designated overtime. To improve and increase its enforcement efforts against unlawful food pop-ups across Santa Barbara County, Environmental and Health Services (EHS) recently asked the county Board of Supervisors for an extra $42,000. More than 75 percent of the sum will fund overtime hours for up […]
Posted inNews
New affordable senior housing is coming to Santa Maria
The city of Santa Maria is one step closer to breaking ground on 85 new senior housing units at the corner of Broadway and Stowell Road. A new three-story building will sustain 54 units, and an additional 31 will be added to the existing Vandenberg Senior Residence property. Apartments will be available for people 55 […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc Valley Chamber aims for a reset
Calling all to LompocTo learn more about goings-on at the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit lompoc.com or call (805) 736-4567. Its new office is located at 109 S. H St. next to Certain Sparks Music. In 2009, the Air Force brought Melanie Lindley to Lompoc. She discovered a love for the area and decided […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Discovery beckons all ages and experience levels to the Old Orcutt Yarnery
Lisa Long learned how to knit at a Del Taco 15 years ago. At that point in her life, her routine was a long cycle of working, cooking dinner, studying for her degree, and falling asleep in the early hours of the morning. She needed to reactivate her creative brain. “I called a friend of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Barbara County opens free public art workshop series
In March the county launched Make It: Building a Public Art Practice to help artists of all experience levels plan community-based projects. They’ll receive guidance about all the practical questions that arise when creating public art. The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, an umbrella for creative programs within the county, is offering […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Submit drawings to Buellton’s community art project
Into the Forest is the theme meant to inspire local artists as they create work for Buellton’s newest community banner project. The nonprofit Hearting Arts, led by Kristin Neperud Merz, helps boost art programs in the city. Artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit their pieces before April 19 to be […]