AMY ASMAN
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The battle continues

Santa Barbara County government and community leaders partner to fight the LHCDC monster
by AMY ASMAN

The Bridgehouse—a shuttered emergency homeless shelter previously owned and operated by Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation (LHCDC)—could reopen and be serving Lompoc residents within a week’s time, according to Good Samaritan Services Executive Director Sylvia Barnard. “We’re waiting to sign a contract agreement with the county. We’re hoping to have [the shelter] reopened by […]

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Well-known anti-bullying expert will speak at St. Joe

by AMY ASMAN

On Feb. 27, St. Joseph High School officials will welcome Paul Coughlin—an internationally recognized anti-bullying expert and founder of the faith-based organization, the Protectors—to speak at a special assembly for the high school students and seventh- and eighth-graders from Pacific Christian and St. Louis de Montfort schools. Coughlin will discuss his four-part anti-bullying program and […]

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The road to Red Rock is clear

by AMY ASMAN

Here’s some good news for local camping and hiking enthusiasts: The road to Red Rock—a popular destination at the end of the Santa Ynez River—has been reopened to motorized vehicles. The Los Padres National Forest’s Santa Barbara Ranger District announced the reopening in a press release on Feb. 17. The road to Red Rock has […]

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A beacon of health

The new and improved Marian Regional Medical Center is almost ready to admit patients
by AMY ASMAN

Chuck Cova, president and CEO of Marian Regional Medical Center, is pushing a construction-grade piece of cardboard back into place over a stained-glass window with the wooden handle of a large, rectangular broom. It’s a windy Monday afternoon in Santa Maria. Cova, hospital spokeswoman Jessa Brooks, and I are standing in a courtyard between the […]

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Martin sentenced to 26 years to life in prison

by AMY ASMAN

Curtis Martin—the 25-year-old man who in September 2010 attacked a Santa Maria Denny’s employee for allegedly “being gay”—has been sentenced to 26 years to life in state prison. In January, Martin pleaded no contest to attempted murder and admitted to several special allegations, including that he used a deadly weapon, he’s served prison time for […]

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What do you do with a problem like LHCDC?

Northern Santa Barbara County leaders scramble to fill the holes left by the Lompoc Housing Community Development Corporation
by AMY ASMAN

The Lompoc Warming Center lives up to its name. It’s a cold, blustery weeknight in mid-January. As the winter daylight wanes, people slowly trudge through the center’s doors. Each person is bundled in a thick coat or parka and a fuzzy hat or gloves. [image-2] “It looks like we’re going to get some rain,” says […]

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Architectural firm assures SMBSB’s buildings are safe

by AMY ASMAN

A head architect for the Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD) presented, building by building, a report confirming the safety of the district’s buildings at a Board of Education meeting in January. The report was triggered, in great part, by a recent article published by investigative website CaliforniaWatch.org alleging there are “unresolved safety issues” at schools […]

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Local Catholic schools celebrate joint mass

by AMY ASMAN

In recognition of national Catholic Schools Week, more than 700 students, teachers, and administrators from St. Joseph High School, St. Mary of the Assumption, St. Louis de Montfort, and La Purísima Concepción Catholic elementary schools attended an all Catholic schools mass on Jan. 30 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria. Bishop […]

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