Santa Maria Sun / News

Cover Story

Dry flow: The steelhead recovery effort starts below Bradbury Dam, but the water isn't always on

A low-hanging mist is strung out between the summits directly above the gray-blue expanse of Lake Cachuma. From the Bradbury Dam overlook, you can only see the side of the lake that butts up against a 2,976-foot-long, 206-foot-high, rock-covered slope of a wall with a road running along its top and a gigantic cement structure of gates on one end. Remnants of last night’s rain cling to the vegetation on both sides of the fenced vista point, and a tall, thin man looks out at a portion of the lake. What he sees this March 26... [ Read Article ]

• The community gets tuberculosis information
• The Bureau of Reclamation stops state water flow into Cachuma
• A state grant boosts the county's mental health services
• Former Sheriff's Department employees are indicted for alleged use of excessive force
• Nipomo continues talking water
• Champion Center will provide treatment for emergency and military personnel
• Latino Outreach Council presents an inaugural Fiesta Latina
• Community Notebook 4/17-4/24
• Political Watch 4/17/14
• Hobnobbing with Helen

• Spotlight on: Ozzie's Premium Yogurt and Gelato

• Righetti High folklorico took the stage at Ethel Pope
• Library's Night of a Thousand Stars celebrates 24 years
• Discovery Corner: Hunt for Easter eggs at the museum

Santa Maria Sun / Opinion

Commentary

Farmers fear oil and water do mix

Recently, applications to drill thousands of new oil wells in Santa Barbara County are being turned in at record rates (7,700 by just one company). These wells plan to go after heavy crude using extreme techniques that pose a risk to residents and other businesses. We can get an idea of what the future might hold by looking at our neighbor Kern County where thousands of pump jacks dot the landscape, and farmers are suing ... [ Read More ]

• Canary: Feathers and scales

• This weeks letters

• What is your favorite type of endangered animal and why?