February flair Gallery Los Olivos presents New Perspectives, a group exhibition scheduled to open on Feb. 1 and remain on display through Feb. 28. The exhibit showcases artworks by Ann Wirtz, Susan Kounanis, Christine Marie, Wendy Brewer, Debbi Green, Deborah Kalas, Chuck Klein, and Garrett Speirs. To find out more about New Perspectives, visit gallerylosolivos.com. […]
Section Feature
Posted inOpinion
Hot and bothered
If things weren’t spicy in Buellton before the November election—with a sitting City Council member running against the sitting mayor—they are now. The council is split down the middle, with two council members on one side and the newly elected mayor and another council member on the other. They couldn’t decide on who to appoint […]
Posted inNews
Care behind bars: Wellpath begins negotiations with county over jail health care, despite bankruptcy and personnel concerns
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently decided to allow the Sheriff’s Office to negotiate a new shorter-term contract with the current jail health care provider, despite voicing concerns about the company’s money troubles and ability to offer quality care. “Performance is the best indication of future results,” 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson told […]
Posted inOpinion
Slow claps all around
The Santa Barbara County jails’ health care contractor has paid the county back $1 million since 2017. Why? Well. The California Forensic Medical Group—aka Wellpath—hadn’t employed all the staffers it was contracted to employ and was paid for it anyway. That $1 million in credits is Wellpath’s way of reimbursing the county for unfilled positions. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Fess Parker celebrates 25th anniversary of boutique label Epiphany Cellars
Boutique and chic To find out more about Fess Parker’s boutique label, Epiphany, call (805) 686-2424 or visit fessparker.com. Epiphany Cellars is located at 2974 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. One couple’s honeymoon plans set in motion the creation of Epiphany Cellars, a Santa Barbara County-based boutique label celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Had Tim […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Nipomo’s Gallery at Monarch Dunes showcases paintings and photos from Trilogy residents
Dune patrol The Gallery at Monarch Dunes will host an opening reception to celebrate the Trilogy Art Group’s Winter Showcase on Friday, Jan. 24, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The show will remain on display until sometime in March. The gallery is open to the public each Saturday, from 1 to 3 p.m., and is […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Saloons and grills ring in 2025 with Craft Cocktail Contest and Dine Out Santa Maria Style
Telltale cocktails To find out more about the Santa Maria Valley’s 2025 Craft Cocktail Contest and Dine Out Santa Maria Style program, visit santamariavalley.com. Working under a certain constraint ended up paying off for Naughty Oak Brewing Company in 2024, when the Orcutt staple took home a top award for its first-time entry in Santa […]
Posted inNews
County targets cannabis odor with proposed ordinance changes
With more than 3,700 complaints about cannabis odor since 2018 and zero enforcement, the time is right to make a change, 2nd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps said during the board meeting on Jan. 14. “We know what works. The complaint system hasn’t worked. Folks are fed up, and we do have an […]
Posted inOpinion
Green with anger
Santa Barbara County is finally doing something about an issue that’s garnered 3,700 complaints since 2018, and zero enforcement. Can you guess what got residents so fired up that they sent what amounts to almost two complaints a day to their elected officials over the past six years? Here’s a hint: It’s green. It’s legal. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Always greener: Central Coast resident Lou Ferrigno talks about his new movies, chess, and of course, The Incredible Hulk
Expiration dates. Stock prices. Autocorrect suggestions. Too many things warrant double-checking, but the fine print on the back of jerky packs wasn’t one of them for Lou Ferrigno until recently. “I play a cannibalistic pig farmer who makes jerkies out of people,” Ferrigno said about his new role in an upcoming horror flick, The Hermit. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local author Froggy Phevoli writes Side Effect, a young adult sci-fi story
Get your copy You can buy a copy of Froggy Phevoli’s book, Side Effect, on Amazon at amazon.com/Side-Effect-Froggy-Phevoli/dp/B0DJVJBPD1. Zack Connor can read minds, but the 16-year-old’s superpower comes with a downside. Whenever he reaches into someone’s thoughts, his own thoughts are revealed. He doesn’t know where his power comes from, and his overbearing mother, Carol, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Volunteers 2025
With 2025 just getting started, some people are choosing to do what they do best: volunteer. The work that volunteers do in their spare time accomplishes so much in the region, from dishing out food that serves houseless residents a meal to making sure students can cross the street safely before and after school, the […]