In March the county launched Make It: Building a Public Art Practice to help artists of all experience levels plan community-based projects. Theyāll 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 […]
Santa Maria
Santa Maria agendizes hearing to discuss forming immigration ad hoc committee
For local high school student Lorena Martinez, real-time events have shown that the Santa Maria City Councilās pace in deciding whether to form an immigration ad hoc committee is too slow. āReal families are being torn apart. Children are living with fear and uncertainty. Parents are afraid to go to work. This is happening here […]
Multiple perspectives on issues surrounding immigration can be valid
In a statement I wrote on the recent events in Minneapolis, I said the tragic shooting deaths of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, were gut-wrenching tragedies. I also said the investigations into both should be allowed to conclude before judgement is cast, and I expressed concern that inaccurate and […]
Lompoc photographer captures all of lifeās special moments
The Central Coast is darn close to a photographerās dream setting, so scouting locations is one of the most fun parts of the job for Amanda Booker. āI just love this area. Thereās so much to offer,ā she said. āBasically anything a client envisions, you can find here.ā Book BookerAmanda Booker takes photos for couples, […]
Presquāile Wineryās tasting room debuts an art vending machine
The next time wine tasters visit Presquāile Winery, they can collect artwork from a coin-operated mini print vending machine. Itās the latest effort from the winery to involve creativity with its food and wine offerings. Created by artist Ana Inciardi, the machine is the first of its kind at a winery in the U.S., according […]
Orcutt Bakery calls dibs on the dessert table
For any occasionThe Gerbers deliver from San Luis Obispo to the Santa Ynez Valley. Place online orders for Orcutt Bakery goods by visiting orcuttbakery.com. Call (805) 938-9140 with questions, and see the treats for yourself at 4869 S. Bradley Road, suite 112, in Orcutt. After Danielle and Shawn Gerber spend hours baking and decorating a […]
Santa Mariaās Inspirational Art Center knows how to throw a party
Alisha Muller lives for āmirror moments.ā She can create them in just five minutes, using paint, sponges, brushes, and a touch of glitter. Her clients, most often children, climb onto a tall directorās chair and choose a design from Mullerās face painting samples. Then they try to sit still, anticipating their transformation. Ready to party?Book […]
Lompocās Sea-Stainable makes 100 percent natural pet snacks
Jesse Crouse-Tell doesnāt routinely eat the dog treats he makes, but the ingredients are 100 percent human grade. In the early days of his company, Sea-Stainable Pet Food, the business owner had to try his treats because he wanted to know how they tasted. āIāll take little nibbles of stuff here and there, just to […]
Central Coast residents are getting hooked on IV treatments to boost immunity and wellness
Three for IVMedSpa SLO is located at 867 Pacific St., suite 110, in San Luis Obispo. Visit medspaslo.com or call (805) 457-3244 for more information on its treatments. IV Hydration and Beyond is located at 1512 Park St. in Paso Robles. Call (805) 769-4001 or visit ivhab.com for more information. IV Beach House is located […]
Santa Mariaās immigrant resolution stirs backlash from elected officials, advocacy groups
Of all the tangents Santa Maria leaders veered into while discussing a resolution to support immigrants, nostalgia for the 1950s was one of the most disheartening, an Oxnard official stated. āPeople need to really think more critically about romanticizing that era,ā Oxnard City Council Member Gabe Teran said in a Facebook thread. Teran was referring […]
With many instruments in his toolbelt, a Central Coast musician passes his knowledge on to students of all ages
In kindergarten, Michael Nunez learned how to play the accordion. It was a popular instrument at the time, so his parents started him in group lessons. By the time he was in junior high, Michael was also playing drums, piano, and guitar. When his friends took interest in the instruments, he lent them a hand […]
PCPAās next show transports viewers back to the Wild West
A quiet, mysterious gunslinger settles in a Wyoming town, stirring up trouble for the characters of Karen ZacarĆasā Shane, presented by the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). The play, adapted from a 1949 novel by Jack Schaefer, opens at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria on Feb. 12 and runs until March 1. In a story […]

