Four local manufacturing companies have come together in support of the Northern Santa Barbara County job market and to continue growing the field of machinists. Allan Hancock College has received a pledge of $120,000 in cash and equipment to go toward hiring a full-time faculty member in the school’s machining and manufacturing technology program. The […]
ALLEN ACHTERBERG
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Athlete of the Week: Dana Bouquet
After years of dedication and excellence to sports on the Central Coast, high school senior Dana Bouquet, a St. Joseph Knight, signed a letter of intent to Notre Dame to play softball. She did so in front of family, friends, and schoolmates during a signing ceremony inside the St. Joseph Gymnasium. The local star athlete […]
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Random acts of kindness
A Righetti High School club recently visited some local military veterans in observance of the 2012 Veterans Day celebration . The Random Acts of Kindness group, which began just this year, is out to make a difference. Comprised of 15 to 20 members, the club’s goal is to provide a positive presence in support of the […]
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Spotlight on: Old Town Garden Center
Tucked in the heart of Old Orcutt is Old Town Garden Center, a nursery owned by husband-and-wife team David and Veronica Curiel. The duo recently opened a second location in Nipomo. Armed with a strong background in landscaping as owners of Groundworks Landscape Co., the Curiels’ mission is to help homeowners who enjoy getting their […]
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Spotlight on: Paragon of Santa Maria
Fighting to keep enough space for its expanding roster of students, Paragon of Santa Maria has moved locations to 1775 S. Broadway. By upgrading from a 2,600-square-foot to a 5,000-square-foot arena—almost double the size—Paragon intends to not only accommodate its current students but also recruit more by offering new venues to help keep people fit, […]
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Honoring the dead
The annual gathering inside the Santa Maria Town Center mall honoring people who have passed as part of Dia de Los Muertos was quite a success this year. Many visitors attended the celebration to see the altars created for loved ones who are no longer with us. The early November holiday has its roots in […]
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Spotlight on: Parkway Café
David Sowell, owner
Back from a summer-long hiatus, Parkway Café is again open for business. Now under new ownership, the small, hidden café intends to build upon its former glory and introduce some new items to its menu and new options for customers. Owner David Sowell and his wife Melissa decided to reopen the shop as a convenience […]
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Athlete of the Week: Chris Hammell
What are the secrets to success as you bring home the gold medal and become the Black Belt World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? “A positive attitude, supportive family, good food, and wine” explained the newly crowned world champion. Chris Hammell 40, a local and manager of Bien Nacido Vineyards took gold in the biggest event […]
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Fill bowls and fill stomachs
Everyone can relate to the feeling of hunger; some know it as a constant struggle in their daily life. In efforts to defeat hunger, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County will be host to its 11th annual Santa Maria Empty Bowls charity fundraiser event at the Santa Maria Fairpark on Oct. 24, from 11:30 a.m. […]
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Spotlight on: The Family Thrift Store
Renee Chavez, owner
Some of us enjoy sifting through clutter, always looking for a bargain buy. Treasures can be found—with persistence and luck—whether we intend to resell the find, use it, or cherish it. During a time when frugality is a must, savvy shoppers might be looking for the best deals on eBay. But stepping foot into the […]