Post it American Legion Post 534 is hosting its first pop-up craft fair in Old Town Orcutt on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info or to participate in the fair as a vendor, text co-organizer Maryann Johnson at (805) 863-7967. It’s never too early to get a head start […]
Section Feature
Looking to the future: Diana Perez faces Alice Patino for Santa Maria mayoral race
Alice Patino threw her hat in the ring for a fourth term as Santa Maria mayor “to keep the continuity going.” “I want to continue to represent the interest of the communities in Santa Maria,” Patino said. “It’s important for Santa Maria to have a voice at the regional and state level of issues that […]
Local chef Don Carr curates elaborate private dinners across the Central Coast
Intimate inspirations Visit inspireddiningevents.com for more info on Don Carr’s private chef experience services. The unparalleled bliss that comes with enjoying a gourmet meal without lifting a finger or washing a single dish isn’t restricted to those who dine out, thanks to private chefs like longtime local Don Carr. “We’re basically a traveling restaurant,” Carr […]
Cold, hard facts?
Homelessness is not an issue that the majority of Santa Maria’s City Council seems interested in tackling, solving, or taking a bite out of. To me, it simply sounds as if Mayor Alice Patino would simply like for it to just go away. Patino, by the way, is running for mayor, again. She doesn’t seem […]
Sweet and savory collide at Boba Grande in Orcutt
Pearl paradise Visit bobagrandesantamaria.com or call (805) 623-8898 for more info on Boba Grande, located at 1130 E. Clark Ave., suite 130, Orcutt. The shop is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. As its name suggests, Boba Grande doesn’t fall short for fans of milk teas in generous portions. The new Orcutt shop’s […]
55 Fiction 2024: The winners of our annual short story contest are in!
Tiny tales: A hallmark of the 55 Fiction stories submitted to our annual short story contest is the “surprise” at the end that ties the preceding sentences together. They show up in stories about murders, love, food, animals, cars—really, you can craft a tiny twist into any tall tale. We’re here to publish the best […]
Badge wearers and bandits of the Wild West face off with gusto in Gunsmokin’
Where there’s smoke … Gunsmokin’ premiered on July 12 and is scheduled to run through Sept. 7 at the Great American Melodrama, located at 1863 Front St., Oceano. Call (805) 489-2499 or visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets or more info. Tickets to performances of Gunsmokin’ can also be purchased in person at the theater’s box office, […]
Santa Maria City Council wants more action to resolve homeless encampments
Facing an increased population of individuals experiencing homelessness, multijurisdictional conflicts in managing the Santa Maria riverbed, and higher volumes for service near its new interim shelter, the Santa Maria City Council wants changes. The City Council heard an update about the city, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County’s efforts to resolve encampments in […]
Gallery Los Olivos’ July exhibit showcases ag worker portraits in oil
Unsung upholders Pillars 2024, a solo exhibition of oil paintings by Santa Ynez-based artist Bobby Williams, opened at Gallery Los Olivos in early July and will remain on display through the end of the month. Visit gallerylosolivos.com for more info. The gallery is located at 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Rows of crops and figures […]
Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance holds Wine and Fire festivities in Lompoc and Buellton
Wines that spark Visit staritahills.com for more info on the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance and its upcoming Wine and Fire 2024 program, with events happening Aug. 15 through 18. Leos aren’t the only fire signs worth celebrating this August, as several local venues fall under the banner of Wine and Fire 2024. Hosted by […]
Protecting Midland: Los Olivos boarding school evacuates as the Lake Fire continues to spread
Following the fire Visit readysbc.org to sign up for Lake Fire alerts or download the Watch Duty app for more, up-to-date information. Before Midland School received mandatory evacuation orders for the Lake Fire, Midland Dean of Academics Ellie Moore drove back to the property several times to retrieve photos and memorabilia from fellow faculty members’ […]
Line of fire
Our country’s celebrity obsession hit a new low earlier this month. If it please the court of readers, I’d like to submit these exhibits regarding the Lake Fire. Exhibit A: “The battle to save Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch from destructive Lake fire” is the headline for an LA Times July 12 feature-length piece. Exhibit B: […]

