Santa Barbara County News and Events

Dense Fog Advisory issued December 12 at 3:02AM PST until December 12 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

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* WHAT…Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.

* WHERE…Los Angeles County Beaches, Los Angeles County Inland
Coast including Downtown Los Angeles, Malibu Coast, Santa Barbara
County Southeastern Coast, Ventura County Beaches, and Ventura
County Inland Coast.

* WHEN…Until 10 AM PST this morning.

* IMPACTS…Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.
If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you.

The post Dense Fog Advisory issued December 12 at 3:02AM PST until December 12 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA appeared first on News Channel 3-12.

10 great cannabis films that aren't dumb comedies

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Rory Cochrane holding a bong, talking to another student, in a scene from Dazed and Confused.

Gramercy Pictures // Getty Images

 

There’s a unique pleasure to enjoying silly stoner comedies like “Half Baked” while under the influence, but critics don’t traditionally regard these movies as cinematic classics. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t exceptions to the rule.

To help you find some of these higher-brow cannabis films, Stacker surveyed the history of stoner movies, from “Dazed and Confused” to “The Beach Bum,” and picked 10 movies to spotlight due to their skillful filmmaking and unexpectedly thoughtful storytelling. IMDb user scores and Metascore, as of Dec. 10, 2025, provide context on popularity and critical reception.

Some of these movies, like “Koyaanisqatsi” and “Waking Life,” utilize unconventional filmmaking techniques to pose heady philosophical questions. Others, such as the cult-classic comedy “Friday,” combat negative stereotypes about Black Americans while simultaneously capturing the hilarious misadventures of kicking back with your best friend. Either way, you’re bound to have a good time no matter what state you find yourself in—there are plenty of stoner-friendly films worth a watch for high and sober moviegoers alike.

So sit back, relax, and read on to find out where your favorite artsy stoner movie ranks on this list of 10 of the best cannabis films that aren’t dumb comedies.

A scene from the film Koyaanisqatsi, with two middle-aged men walking down a busy New York City street.

American Zoetrope

Koyaanisqatsi (1982)

– Director: Godfrey Reggio
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 72
– Runtime: 86 minutes

“Koyaanisqatsi” is the first installment in director Godfrey Reggio’s “The Qatsi Trilogy,” which encompasses three non-narrative films. Named for the Hopi word meaning “life out of balance,” the movie uses slow-motion and time-lapse footage to demonstrate how humanity has grown apart from nature through technology and modern civilization. If you tend to get existentialist when you’re high, “Koyaanisqatsi” is the cannabis movie for you.

Anthony Rapp and Adam Goldberg talking outside in a scene from Dazed and Confused.

Alphaville Films

Dazed and Confused (1993)

– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 82
– Runtime: 103 minutes

“Dazed and Confused” follows several teenagers on their last day of school in Austin, Texas, in 1976. From hooking up to confronting bullies to smoking a lot of weed, critics and audiences have praised the characters’ romp for their authentic portrayal of te

7 moments of Asian American and Black American solidarity

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Frederick Douglass portrait; excerpt from speech; Lim Lip Hong Family Portrait from Chinese Exclusion Act investigative file

Photo illustration by Elizabeth Ciano // Stacker // MPI // Getty Images; NARA; Library of Congress

 

“Divide and conquer” is a maxim that has proven effective in numerous scenarios—such as negotiations and computer programming, for example. But, more insidiously, it has also been used to cement social hierarchies.

Wealthy colonial Americans used the perceived superiority of one race over another to disrupt the solidarity of those in lower income brackets and retain their hold on economic systems. During the early 1900s, labor groups of different ethnicities were often introduced on plantations to prevent strikes and maintain low wages, according to Ronald Takak, a pioneer of ethnic studies.

Fast forward a century to 2020, when the same tactic put Asian Americans and Black Americans on opposing sides of a fabricated struggle. In reality, however, interracial solidarity was the foundation for many freedoms taken for granted today.

Drawing on research from university history departments and local news publications, Stacker compiled a list of seven moments in history where Black and Asian solidarity in America made civil, labor, and economic freedoms possible.

That solidarity has fueled the urgency for those in power to sow dissent, just as it did in 2020. With the death of George Floyd and the prevalence of police brutality against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, videos of anti-Asian violence perpetuated by Black Americans began increasing on social media sites. Given the rise of violence and discrimination against Asian Americans during the pandemic, some called on police and city officials to get tougher on crime, just as protests calling for the opposite were happening.

But those videos didn’t show the bigger picture. Research indicates that the majority of hate crimes against Asian Americans are committed by white people. A study released by the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans found that fringe social media accounts were actively pushing media surrounding Black people committing hate crimes against Asians, spreading fear and division between two underrepresented groups, and manipulating the narrative surrounding hate crime statistics.

Disinformation like that contributes to the “model minority” myth, which paints Asian Americans as successful and contrasts their “progress” to minimize the role of racism in explaining the state of Black Americans, creating a wedge between the two communities. Since 2020,

Can an economic downturn actually boost healthy habits? 70% of Americans say yes: Here’s why

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A man walking through the city during autumn.

alexkich // Shutterstock

 

If the economy dips, healthy habits may actually rise. According to results of a new Hims study, 70% of Americans agree that an economic squeeze nudges them toward healthier habits that support lower spending. Think: outdoor exercise (fresh air is cheaper than a gym membership), fewer pricey cocktails, and a whole lot of home-cooked meals.

In addition to economic slumps inspiring people to look for ways to save money, 85% of respondents agree that these periods impact their health habits and routines — both for better and for worse.

Let’s start with what’s better. As mentioned, respondents are getting outside more, drinking less alcohol, and cooking more meals at home. They are also buying more nutrient-rich foods to get the most out of their money and being more intentional about what they eat.

However, while 70% of respondents associate economic slowdowns with positive personal health outcomes, 61% say that money being tight hurts their health. Specifically, they are eating less expensive foods, which tend to be less healthy; they don’t sleep as well and are stressed; and they’ve postponed or canceled doctor’s appointments.

Only 15% of Americans say the economy has had no impact on their health habits.

Economic Health

More Americans say there are more health benefits than drawbacks in a difficult economy. Here’s a look at what gets better, and what gets worse, according to the results.

Q: In what ways, if any, has the downturn in the economy impacted your health? Select all that apply.

Positive Impact on Health

  • 25% I’ve cut down on eating out at restaurants
  • 23% I’ve cut down on unessential foods, like dining out, alcohol, and treats
  • 19% I’ve had to plan meals more carefully, which has made me consider what I eat more
  • 18% I’ve focused more on buying nutrient-rich foods to get the most out of my money
  • 17% I’ve exercised outside more—fresh air is cheaper than a gym membership

Negative Impact on Health

  • 19% I’m eating less expensive foods, which tend to be less healthy
  • 19% I’m stressed, can’t sleep, or both
  • 16% My mental health has deteriorated
  • 15% I’m cutting corners on good health habits to save money
  • 12% I’ve had to cancel or postpone doctor’s appointments
  • 11% I’ve had to quit a gym membership or fitness classes to save money
  • 11% I’ve had to take a less comprehensive healthcare plan

Wellness Is (More) Recession-Proof

In an article published in the MIT Press Reader, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Mary Davis, Ph.D., outlines research that supports the idea that recessions spark healthier behaviors due to the sheer financial pressure. “The upside of a down economy is that you have less money to do bad things,” she writes.

People often cut alcohol, cigarettes, and excess food, just to name a few unhealthy habits. Financial constraints also incentivize people to walk more to avoid the cost of gasoline, and,

How to handle holiday stress and family pressure around food and body image

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A family praying over their holiday dinner.

LightField Studios // Shutterstock

 

The holidays are often portrayed as joyful and relaxing, but for many people, they’re anything but. From packed schedules and family expectations to endless conversations about food, weight and appearance, this time of year may bring emotional strain instead of comfort.

LifeStance Health explains why the holidays can be stressful and explores ways to set emotional and conversational boundaries that may support emotional well-being for some individuals during the season.

Why holidays can feel stressful

Even though the holidays are meant to bring people together, they often magnify existing stressors. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Heightened expectations: Pressure to feel festive, give perfect gifts or host the ideal gathering can create anxiety and guilt.
  • Unresolved family dynamics: Being around relatives can bring up old conflicts or emotional triggers.
  • Financial and time stress: Travel, shopping and social obligations can overwhelm even the most organized person.
  • Food and body image sensitivity: When gatherings center around meals, people who struggle with disordered eating or body image concerns may feel anxious or exposed.

The combination of emotional expectations and sensory overload may activate the body’s stress response, leaving many people feeling drained or tense.

Why holiday food traditions can be emotionally challenging

In many families, food is a form of love and connection. But for individuals sensitive to body image or eating issues, being surrounded by abundant food, commentary about diet or pressure to “try a little of everything” may become distressing.

Common triggers include:

  • Unsolicited comments about weight or appearance
  • Conversations about dieting or “earning” indulgence
  • Social comparison or feeling watched while eating
  • Guilt or shame about breaking routine eating patterns
  • Family pressure to eat foods because they are traditional or homemade

Recognizing these experiences as valid is often the first step toward protecting your emotional well-being during the holidays.

How to handle holiday family gatherings without feeling overwhelmed

Anticipating uncomfortable or intrusive questions about your lifestyle, appearance or choices can create anxiety before events even begin. Preparing emotionally may help you feel centered and empowered. Consider these strategies:

  1. Acknowledge your emotions. It’s normal to feel uneasy before a family gathering. Recognize feelings of stress or vulnerability without judgment.
  2. Set boundaries. Identify topics you prefer to avoid, such as your body, relationships or career, and decide in advance how you’ll respond. Phrases like, “I’d rather not talk about that” may gently steer conversations elsew
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