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Cannabis conundrum: Santa Barbara County looks at new cannabis tax models after revenue transparency and forecast concerns

When Santa Barbara County opened the doors to legal cannabis operations in 2017, officials designed a tax system without precedent. “There was no model to work from because we were the first ones in the boat,” 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino said.  During this time, consultants presented the county with two options: taxing the gross […]

Posted inOpinion

Dollar bills, y’all

The cannabis industry isn’t what it was cracked up to be in California.  With bigtime dispensaries like MedMen going down, legal grow operations not raking in the amount of money they were projected to, and a thriving illegal market—what gives?  Hey, word on the street is that it’s still illegal at the federal level, which […]

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Creating space: The Santa Maria Valley lacks dedicated places for the LGBTQ-plus community

In the early days of the Allan Hancock College Pride Alliance, students wrote on name tags preferred names and pronouns, with the understanding that the names would only be used during meetings for safety reasons, said Jackie, a student and Pride Alliance member.  The student organization is dedicated to helping LGBTQ-plus students through events and […]

Posted inOpinion

Pathetic and apathetic

Who do we blame for voter turnout? The election itself or voter apathy or both? I’m going to say both. And Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne might just agree with me.  She challenged 3rd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann in the primary alongside Republican Frank Troise. Hartmann won, according to the uncertified election results, […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Firedance Academy showcases Irish dance at Buellton Wine and Chili Festival

Green day The Buellton Wine and Chili Festival takes place on Sunday, March 17, from noon to 4:30 p.m., at the Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground, located at 180 Ave. of the Flags, Buellton. Visit buelltonwineandchilifestival.com for more info. As part of the festival’s live entertainment lineup and in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, […]

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Boundary lines: Santa Barbara and SLO counties work together to address Santa Maria Riverbed homeless encampments

Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are teaming up to address a growing number of homeless encampments in the Santa Maria Riverbed.  A $6 million grant Gov. Gavin Newsom awarded to Santa Barbara County in 2023 aims to clean up encampments, including in the Santa Maria Riverbed between Santa Barbara and SLO counties that’s […]

Posted inOpinion

Politics not commitments

It sounds like San Luis Obispo County wants the Santa Maria Riverbed cleanup remnants to land squarely in the lap of Santa Barbara County.  And by cleanup, I really mean clear-out. As in, a clear-out of the miniature cities that have popped up in the riverbed since last year’s flooding pushed them out, visible from […]

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