Santa Maria Sun / News

Cover Story

The drought has Southern Santa Barbara County scrambling to find water options

Read a previous Sun article about how area cattle ranchers are handling the drought situation in Santa Barbara County. The sound of a footstep is muffled in the soft, rain-dampened soil behind the Ellwood Ranch office. With each step, my boots sink into the dark-brown dirt, still wet from 2 inches of fresh rain. Groves of trees stretch out on all sides, and the Feb. 27 morning sun releases the scent of fresh mulch as water begins to evaporate. Small round oranges interlace with green leaves. Across the road, lemons do the same.... [ Read Article ]

• Santa Maria Valley Humane Society gets money to finish its 'Pet Project'
• U.S. Supreme Court sends Dennis Apel's case back down
• Hear what climate scientists have to say about the potential causes of California's drought
• Jack's Helping Hand offers families of medically fragile children the support they need
• Transitions-Mental Health Association hires a new program manager
• Hobnobbing With Helen
• Community Notebook 3/6-3/13

• Spotlight on: Hardy Diagnostics

• Drone sightings at the Dana Adobe caused by high school students
• New Tech High freshmen showcase WWI with museum

Santa Maria Sun / Opinion

Commentary

'The Biggest Loser' confirms its name

Lose weight and win a quarter of a million dollars. It’s a clear win–win, isn’t it? For 15 seasons, the hit show The Biggest Loser has named the person who sheds the most pounds its big winner. This season’s winner, Rachel Frederickson, showed viewers the darker side to the contest. She stepped onto the stage at the finale looking gaunt and on the verge of anorexia. The show’s trainers wer... [ Read More ]

• Canary: Supreme jerks

• This weeks letters

• Would you pay more for produce if farmers were able to reduce the amount of pesticides used on them?