As of press time on Jan. 24, hundreds of cities, redevelopment agencies, and labor groups across California were still waiting to hear the outcome of S.B. 659, emergency legislation aimed at postponing the dissolution of more than 400 redevelopment agencies. The bill is the most recent Band-Aid slapped on the festering wound that is the […]
Spaces are still available for the Santa Maria Japanese Community Center’s language program. The infant and toddler playgroup meets Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Preschoolers ages 2 to 5 years old meet on Fridays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and adults and children ages 6 and older meet on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to […]
PG&E recently established the Bright Minds Scholarship program as a way to help people pursue a higher education. Approximately 10 scholarships of up to $30,000 each will be awarded, and any remaining awards will be $2,500 each. In order to apply, students must be at least 16 years old, a high school senior or graduate, […]
Planning to take a spring credit class at Allan Hancock College? Register online at hancockcollege.edu through Jan. 27. Classes begin the week of Jan. 23. New students and those without a user name and password must apply for admission to the college before registering for classes. Access to the online admission application is also available […]
The pounding of tribal drums resonated through the air at Tommie Kunst Junior High School on Jan. 11. Inside the school’s gymnasium, several hundred students craned their necks or stood on tiptoe to catch a glimpse of the frightening, golden-headed dragon prowling in front of the stage. The performance by Los Angeles-based Japanese Taiko drummers […]
Going through Alzheimer’s can be a lonely, frightening ordeal for people afflicted with the disease, as well as the families and caregivers who are responsible for around-the-clock care that can last up to a decade or more. Stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can lead to social isolation for both patients […]
Almost everyone knows how important teachers are to education, but there are plenty of other people working to make sure our children develop into well-informed citizens. There are parents and other family members, child-care providers, tutors, and community volunteers. And there are countless other individuals supporting children from behind the scenes at local schools—such as […]
After several months of speculation over the status of its properties, the now-defunct Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation has told the city of Lompoc it will no longer be able to run two homeless shelters. As of Jan. 17, homeless people living in Lompoc won’t be able to seek shelter and other services from […]
When you were a kid, did you spend lots of time outside climbing trees or exploring a nearby field or creek? If you answered yes, you’re officially old. Countless health and childhood education advocacy groups—including the Outdoor Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—are reporting that children are spending considerably less time […]
Despite receiving some forceful resistance from local officials, the Department of Transportation has started construction on a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Highway 246 and La Purisima Road. Drivers can expect delays in that area Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 3:30 p.m., Caltrans representatives said in a press release on Jan. 4. […]
Government watchdog and investigative website CaliforniaWatch.org recently released a report alleging “unresolved safety issues” at schools throughout the state, including some in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District. From 2000 to 2005, the now bankrupt contracting firm TurnKey managed more than a dozen projects for the district, worth approximately $62 million. The California Watch report cites […]
The local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is looking for people to walk, “scoot,” or roll for a good cause at its second annual 5K Central Coast Muscle Walk on Jan. 28 at Waller Park in Santa Maria. MDA officials expect more than 300 walkers and people using wheelchairs and scooters to participate […]
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