January 13: There will soon be expanded train service along the south coast, but it won’t be from Metrolink. The News-Press reports the plan to extend Metrolink service to Goleta has now been put off, and there’ll be an additional Amtrak run from Los Angeles instead. Authorities held meetings over the past two years to advance the Metrolink proposal but last October the Federal Railroad Administration provided a grant of $27 million to restore train service to pre-covid levels. That prompted officials to change the plan to simply add another Surfliner run from LA to San Luis Obispo, eliminating the need for the Metrolink service. The new line could start running as early as April.
January 12: Thousands of people turned out for anti-fascism protests in Santa Barbara and Ventura Saturday. The impromptu demonstrations were called after the shooting death of a woman at the hands of an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week, and the US invasion of Venezuela. Participants chanted and waved signs along upper State Street, and there was a small presence of demonstrators in Carpinteria as well .
January 13: South coast music fans are mourning the loss of Bob Weir. The Grateful Dead founding member passed away Saturday at age 78, prompting a flood of tributes and homages from all over the world. A tribute concert is planned at Ventura Music Hall January 18.
January 14: Train service has been restored west of Goleta. A section of track was weakened by storm damage two weeks ago, and an accident during repairs kept the tracks closed longer than expected. Trains are now running unobstructed between Carpinteria and San Luis Obispo.
January 8: The base at Vandenberg may soon become home to one of the world’s largest rockets. Noozhawk reports the military has issued a call for bids to do work on the Super Heavy rocket and Starship, which are SpaceX’s two biggest vehicles. The report says base officials have set aside a large area called Sudden Flats for the proposed development and launch facility. The first mega-rocket is a long way from launching from California. Bids have to be reviewed and a contractor chosen before work can begin.
Ongoing: Registration for winter workshops. Jan. 8: “Classic Rincon” exhibit. 865 Linden Avenue, call 805-684-7789.
Ongoing: Improv, Tuesdays 7pm, $10 at the door. Jan. 15: “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” 6:30pm Jan. 17: Led Zepagain 7pm Jan. 24: “The Princess Bride” for Rob Reiner 7pm 4916 Carpinteria Ave., tix available at thealcazar.org
Ongoing: Carpinteira Songwriters Circle Thurs. 4pm Babies Are the Best, Wed. 9am. Conversational Spanish, Tues. 2pm. 5141 Carpinteria Ave., carpinterialibrary.org.
LIVE MUSIC
Jan. 14 Vinnie Berry, Corktree Cellars 6pm Jan. 15 Kyle Brown, Corktree Cellars 6pm Jan. 17 Led Zepagain, Alcazar Theatre 7pm