On the spot To find out more about Improv for Good and its lineup of monthly classes and periodic performance events, visit improvforgood.fun or email improvforgood@gmail.com. Striking gold in the world of improv is more about being off-the-cuff than thinking on your feet, according to Pismo Beach resident Thia Anlo, who once feared that the […]
Section Feature
Posted inNews
AMR gets ambulance contract for Santa Barbara County after lawsuit settlement
Fire chiefs across Santa Barbara County are unhappy with the county’s decision to settle a lawsuit with American Medical Response (AMR) and renew the ambulance provider’s contract. “Fire chiefs have consistently called for an EMS system that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and increases units on the street. Unfortunately, it seems like these concerns have largely fallen […]
Posted inOpinion
‘Lawfare’
There were no literal weapons in the recent skirmishes on battlefields at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors hearing room and Superior Court. Just sharp words, pointed memos, unassailable lawsuits. This was “lawfare.” Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson used that term to describe what American Medical Response (AMR) “deployed” to get its new four-year […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Art, music, and full body workouts collide at Krischana Tribal Fusion Belly Dance in Santa Ynez
Onstage and in studio To find out more about Krischana’s Tribal Fusion Belly Dance, visit krischanastribalfusionbellydance.com. The studio is located at 3595 Numancia St., unit 2, Santa Ynez. Owner and instructor Krischana Thompson will perform at the 2025 Tribal Flower Fest, set to take place at the Flower City Ballroom in Lompoc on Saturday, Feb. […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Health & Wellness 2025
In our annual issue, we talk ketamine-assisted and rapid-eye movement therapies and float pods
For this year’s issue of Health and Wellness, our writers delve into a deep state of relaxation, which can help set the stage for healing from trauma, anxiety, and more. That relaxation, called the theta state, can be achieved in a psychotherapist’s office or in a specialized pool of water and Epsom salt. Staff Writer […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Global Gardens chef Lisa Thomson spearheads organic olive oil tastings and cooking classes
Globe trot Call (805) 686-4111 or visit globalgardensonline.com for more info on Global Gardens, located at 3570 Madera St., Santa Ynez. Global Gardens chef and brand specialist Lisa Thomson will be among the featured foodies at this year’s Santa Barbara County Women Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration, set to run March 6 through 9. Visit sbwomenwinemakers.com […]
Posted inNews
Local school districts work to uphold students’ right to education amid concerns about ICE entering campuses
ICE information The local coalition, 805 Immigrants, operates a regional alert system to notify community members of confirmed ICE activity. Individuals can sign up by texting “alerta” or “alert” to (805) 870-8855. Federal laws entitle every child, regardless of immigration status, to a public elementary or secondary education, according to the United States Department of […]
Posted inOpinion
Zapped!
Testy and zesty. That’s a good way to describe some of 3rd District county Planning Commissioner John Parke’s exchanges on Jan. 29. With cannabis odor on the agenda and potential ordinance changes set to come back—again—to the commission, he managed to take over the entire discussion. His insistences left commission chair, 2nd District Commissioner Laura […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Central Coast Art League members showcase still lifes at Los Olivos General Store
Still life is for the living The Los Olivos General Store debuted the Central Coast Art League’s current group show in November 2024. The exhibit is slated to remain on display through March 3. For more info, visit centralcoastartleague.com. The Los Olivos General Store is located at 2900 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. In a garage-sized […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Cheers to the garagiste: Micro-wineries are ready to pour you a taste in Solvang
Hall of fame Solvang’s 11th annual Southern Exposure Garagiste Festival will hold its rare and reserve tasting on Friday, Feb. 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and its grand tasting on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. Both events will take place at Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, located at 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. […]
Posted inNews
Encampment risks: Those living in the Santa Ynez Riverbed are at risk for human trafficking, something local officials want to tackle
See something, say something To learn more about efforts to combat trafficking and exploitation across the county, visit kingdomcauses.org/httaskforce. To report possible cases of human trafficking, contact 911 for emergencies or email humantrafficking@sbsheriff.org for nonemergencies. The struggle to survive in a Santa Ynez Riverbed encampment can be brutal. “In order to have a tent to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Pony Cocktails + Kitchen sears and spikes its food and drink pairings to perfection
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere Call (805) 691-9187 to find out more about Pony Cocktails + Kitchen, located at 3558 Sagunto St., A, Santa Ynez. The restaurant is open daily (7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and Tuesday through Saturday (4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.) for dinner. What began as a Santa […]
