Interested in learning more about the transgender lifestyle and the transitioning process? Tranz Central Coast, a local support group for transsexuals, and local trans activist Jessica Lynn are holding a free seminar on transgender surgical options July 19 at the San Luis Obispo County Library. During the seminar, which will take place in the library […]
AMY ASMAN
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Learn more about Huntington’s disease
In 2008, Melissa Billardi’s oldest son received a life-altering diagnosis: Huntington’s disease. A neurodegenerative genetic disorder, Huntington’s affects muscle coordination, causes psychiatric problems, and ultimately leads to death. “The brain is basically being killed off slowly. It’s a slow, progressive, horrible way to go,” Billardi said of the disease, which typically becomes noticeable in mid-adult […]
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Sea lions make a big splash at the Santa Barbara County Fair
The irresistibly catchy chorus of Will Smith’s late-’90s hit “Getting’ Jiggy Wit It” is bouncing out of the built-in speakers of an attraction near the front gates of the Santa Maria Fairpark. It’s not the kind of music passersby would expect to hear at the Santa Barbara County Fair, and it becomes even more unusual […]
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Santa Barbara County gets its first-ever conservation bank
The view from the passenger seat of the SUV I’m riding in is absolutely breathtaking: Two sandy, chaparral-covered hillsides converge into a sharp V through which w aves of green vineyards and golden brown hills are visible. We’re making our way up to a grassy plateau among the Purisima Hills for a barbecue. This might […]
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County officials pave the way for more affordable housing
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently approved some changes and updates to the county’s comprehensive plan that will encourage the development of more affordable housing. In a report presented to the board on July 1, staffers explained that the county has an adequate supply of housing for all income levels for the 2015-2023 […]
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Community Corner: Old Orcutt celebrates 4th with a mob of a different flavor
Eating ice cream on the Fourth of July is about as American as it gets, according to the folks over at the Old Orcutt Merchants Association. With that concept in mind, association members are inviting Central Coast residents to celebrate the country’s birthday by attending cash mobs July 4 and 5 at Doc Burnstein’s Ice […]
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Engineers change at the Santa Maria Public Works Department
Shad Springer, a seven-year employee with the city of Santa Maria, is now the acting director of the Public Works Department. His first day in the position was Monday, June 30. Prior to that, Springer worked under former director David Whitehead as the principal civil engineer. Whitehead retired on June 27 after 22 years with […]
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The historic Lompoc Theatre is in escrow
The Lompoc Theatre is changing hands again, and this time for good—hopefully. Members of the Lompoc Theatre Project recently announced that the theater—which once served as a place for locals to view vaudeville, local dramatic productions, and movies—went into escrow on May 12. The property, including the theater and commercial office space, is still owned […]
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Manzanita Nursery in Solvang specializes in native drought-resistant plants and trees
The small emerald leaves of the yerba buena plant smell like a cup of delicious mint tea. The aromatic shrub, which translates from Spanish to English as “good herb,” is one of hundreds of native plants for sale at Manzanita Nursery in Solvang. Assistant manager Nick Giese showed off the nursery’s living wares—a colorful patchwork […]
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Time to sign: Hancock athletes commit to next step
Allan Hancock College student athletes Kristine Ramos (center left) and Justine Roland (right) both signed on to play college ball on June 19. Ramos will play softball for St. Mary College in Kansas and Roland will play basketball for Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, Calif.
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Community Corner: Focusing on the family at Marian
Beginning in July, Santa Maria’s Marian Regional Medical Center will have a family medicine residency program, thanks to a $75,000 donation from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. The three-year postgraduate program is designed for physicians interested in specializing in family medicine. It will include six residents per year for a total of 18 residents and […]
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CAUSE leaders say they’ll continue to pursue voting changes in court
Everyone thinks they’re winners in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court case Putney v. Garietz, et al. based on the press releases recently sent out by the opposing sides. On June 17, an email from the city of Santa Maria said Judge James Rigali dismissed a petition filed by Hazel Putney and the Central Coast […]