Facing grant deadlines and increased costs, the Guadalupe City Council voted 4-1 (with Councilmember Eugene Costa Jr. dissenting) during its June 11 meeting to approve a bond measure for the Nov. 5 ballot that would help fund the Royal Theater renovation project. The project proposes to revitalize the historic site (built in 1940) with a […]
Section Feature
Posted inFood & Drink
Sellers of cookware, cookbooks, and more set up shop at 11 local wineries
Trail blazing For more info on Makers Market Crawl’s participating wineries located along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, visit foxencanyonwinetrail.net. The Makers Market Crawl will include festivities at 11 featured wineries between Los Olivos and Santa Maria on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21. Built to last generations, some skillets and pans available at […]
Posted inOpinion
Demanding deadlines
Before putting tax measures on the ballot, most cities get the word out and gauge public sentiment. But that didn’t happen in Guadalupe. The City Council recently voted to put a bond measure on the ballot to raise funds that will help pay to revitalize Guadalupe’s historic theater. And while the city may have had […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Great American Melodrama’s Pirates of Pismo-A-Go-Go is a hilarious adaptation of The Pirates of Penzance
Gangs and surf Pirates of Pismo-A-Go-Go is showing at The Great American Melodrama through July 6 on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 6 p.m. For more information, visit americanmelodrama.com. The age-old battle that young people must face—exploring the freedom of adulthood or remaining […]
Posted inOpinion
Big bucks
After almost getting shut down by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District last year for noncompliance, one cannabis company agreed to pay more than $1.3 million for its polluting ways. Central Coast Agriculture will now hold the incredible title of paying more than any other for violating air pollution regulations in the county—even […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Elverhoj Museum hosts intimate dialogue and demo with five artists
Get a closer look Call (805) 686-1211 visit elverhoj.org for more info on Under the Same Sun, a group exhibition of contemporary artworks from five participating artists, on display at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang through July 7. The museum is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang. With an upcoming artist […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Thinly sliced tri-tip is the star of Oakie Smokie BBQ’s cheesesteaks, nachos, and quesadillas
Summer grubbing For updates on Oakie Smokie BBQ’s summer pop-up series and what kinds of menu offerings patrons can expect each Friday, call (805) 332-7226 or follow the Santa Maria-based company’s Facebook page. Thanks to his locally inspired spin on a traditional cheesesteak sandwich, Santa Maria chef Jesse Carlon’s tribute to the Philadelphia staple is […]
Posted inNews
Fast track: Santa Barbara County has two years to spend a $7.9 million state grant to address vehicular encampments
More than 1,000 Santa Barbara County residents experienced homelessness for the first time in 2024—a jump from 849 in 2023, according to the county’s Point-In-Time Count. Santa Barbara County Homeless Assistance Program Manager Kimberlee Albers told the Sun that the majority of these folks are often seniors or families with children falling out of housing […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Solvang’s Ramen Kotori celebrates five years in business
Oodles of noodles Ramen Kotori in Solvang is open for patio dining and takeout Wednesdays through Sundays, from noon to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 8 p.m. Call (805) 691-9672 or visit ramenkotori.com for more info. The restaurant is located at 1618 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. There are many reasons to stop at Ramen Kotori in […]
Posted inOpinion
Pay to stay
Is there a limit to how high we can raise taxes, even on tourists? Every four years, it seems like local municipalities devise a way to increase sales tax or transient occupancy tax (TOT). Boy, public safety sure could use a boost, or the roads sure could use an influx of funding, or it’s not […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Pride Issue 2024
Out and about: Our Pride issue highlights a social group for older members of the LGBTQ-plus community and the need for the Pride in Mental Health Act
With this year’s annual Pride issue, we’re taking a little time to focus on support systems for the LGBTQ-plus community—what exists and what needs to exist. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor talks to the Pacific Pride Foundation about a program it’s expanding into North County intended specifically to provide a sense of community that may be […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A Lompoc artist holds clown collage exhibit at Eye on I
In the eye of the beholder To find out more about Lompoc-based artist Jasmine Gonzalez, visit maniccreativeart.com. The mixed media artist’s new collage exhibit at Eye on I opened in early June and will remain up through the end of the month. Eye on I is located at 131 N. I St., Lompoc. While horror […]
