Ride SMRT For more information, including a ride guide, route maps and schedules, fare information, and other rider tools, visit the Santa Maria Regional Transit website. Without a car of her own, lifetime Santa Maria resident Faith Collar relies on public transit nearly every day to get to and from Allan Hancock College. She’s been […]
Section Feature
Posted inOpinion
Eyebrow raise
Raising your own salary is never a good look. But it’s something we task many elected decision-making bodies with, from city councils and community services districts to boards of supervisors and sometimes even the Legislature—although not in California. In California, our legislators’ salaries are determined by an independent commission. I bet that the Santa Barbara […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Orchids After Dark shines a light on local wine-produced paintings and DJ sets
Orchid kindred For more info on the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show and Orchids After Dark, held March 7 through 9, visit sborchidshow.com. Both events will be at Earl Warren Showgrounds, located at 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara. Intricate floral arrangements at the 77th annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show will take on a new […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria students marched toward City Hall to protest immigration enforcement tactics
School bells didn’t dictate about 300 students’ early departure from local campuses, recalled Cesar Vasquez, the 17-year-old organizer of a Feb. 18 walkout. The recent rally called for certain protective parameters between Santa Maria residents—documented or not—and officers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Students from middle schools and high schools in Santa Maria and […]
Posted inOpinion
Defend the future
Droves of local residents are speaking up in fear of the past repeating itself, in opposition to a present danger, and in defense of the future. They’re speaking out at local government meetings, making demands and expressing concerns. Their public comments and protests are not falling on deaf ears, but local leaders’ hands are tied. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Trilogy Art Group holds spring exhibit at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts
March gladness The Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande will debut its new exhibit of artworks by members of the Trilogy Art Group on Saturday, March 1. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, March 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. The show is scheduled to remain on display through Wednesday, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Weddings Issue 2025
This year’s annual issue highlights the latest trends and revamped traditions in flowers, videography, and gowns
This year’s Weddings Issue celebrates the couples who say “I do” to current trends and their own sense of style as they prepare to say “I do” to each other. Staff Writer Emma Montalbano gathers insights on floral styles, including organic designs and “grounded meadows” [6]; New Times Staff Writer Libbey Hanson, from our sister […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Monkey is a blood-splattered black comedy
The Monkey What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Full price What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Writer-director Osgood Perkins (Longlegs) adapts for the big screen Steven King’s 1980 short story about a supernatural murderous mechanical monkey inherited by twin […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Farm-to-jar juice vendor Kimberly Zimmerman is living The Juicy Life
Special delivery For more info on farm-to-jar juice vendor and yoga instructor Kimberly Zimmerman’s business, The Juicy Life, visit thejuicylifeyoga.com. Zimmerman will be among the featured food and drink professionals participating at this year’s Santa Barbara County Women Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration, set to run March 6 through 9. Visit sbwomenwinemakers.com to find out more. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Santa Maria local Juliana Neel takes on new leadership role at Talley Vineyards
Talley chart Call (805) 489-0446(805) 489-0446 or visit talleyvineyards.com to find out more about Talley Vineyards, located at 3031 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande. Imagine a cozy blanket in wine form. That’s what makes Talley Vineyards’ 2022 grenache perfect for cold, stormy nights, according to the local winery’s new tasting room manager, Juliana Neel. “[It’s] pure […]
Posted inNews
Protesting the president: Santa Maria residents participate in the nationwide demonstrations against the Trump administration
Dozens of protesters converged at the intersection of Broadway and Cook streets in Santa Maria on President’s Day. Some arrived with text-heavy banners in hand, while others laid out blank posters on the lawn outside of Santa Maria City Hall to mark with colored Sharpies. “Nobody elected Musk,” “Democracy not oligarchy,” “Fight against fascism,” “This […]
Posted inOpinion
Re-encampment
Is re-encampment the same as an oil pipeline restart? Can’t unhoused people just get a waiver to restart their lives in the Santa Maria Riverbed? After all, the system that aims to provide resources, housing, and help to these folks isn’t quite working for them. So we should all collectively shrug, right? Live and let […]