First 5 Santa Barbara County recently got some exciting news: It’s going to be one of the 16 participants in California’s successful Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant application to the federal government. First 5 will act as lead organization of a regional leadership consortium tasked with developing an early care and education […]
AMY ASMAN
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The Discovery Museum is turning 15!
In celebration of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum’s 15th anniversary, museum employees are holding an ongoing fundraiser to keep educational programs running smoothly and admission prices affordable. There will also be a special party on Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the museum, 705 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria to recognize past board […]
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Out of Iraq
American forces have pulled out of the war-torn country; local veterans talk about their experiences in combat and beyond
On Dec. 18, 2011, the last convoy of U.S. troops left Iraq, ending a war that spanned almost nine years and two presidencies. President George W. Bush, with the approval of U.S. Congress, ordered troops to invade Iraq in 2003 to search for weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraq people from the oppressive […]
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Another school year over
Let’s look back on what happened at schools in Northern Santa Barbara County in 2011. There were some highs—schools and organizations received some much-needed grants and supplies—and some lows, like budget cuts and layoffs. Still, teachers, parents, and administrators continued to fight the good fight of teaching children to be good future citizens […]
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Little church, big heart
Every Thursday morning, members of St. Peter’s come to their little gingerbread house-style Episcopal church on Lincoln and Cook streets in Santa Maria to set up a people’s food market. Hungry people line up in front of the multi-use room to get food, clothes, and other goods. On Dec. 22, in celebration of Christmas, people […]
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Crazy, stupid, wonderful year
Put your brain to the 2011 test
A lot happened this year. Yes, we at the Sun tend say that every 365 days, but this year really packed a punch. Everyone knows times have been hard, and the news reflects that: A handful of prominent city leaders, including a legendary actress, passed away. Two incredibly saddening murder trials either came to a […]
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There’s a new grant in town
Know any nonprofits that would like some free advertising? The Sun and Hutton Parker Foundation have partnered to create a media grant program to benefit Santa Barbara County nonprofits by providing newspaper ad inserts specific to the selected organizations. Each grant recipient will receive a professionally produced four-page, center-spread insert—two pages in full color, two […]
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Ringing in the holidays
A local Salvation Army employee attempts to break the world record for non-stop bell ringing
It’s a little after 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, and Lt. Matthew Jensen is standing outside the Foods Co. on Broadway, talking to someone on his cell phone. “The bell’s already driving me nuts. I’m going to be dreaming of it,” he tells the person on the other end of the line, who presumably […]
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Animal Services rescues 450 birds and other animals from Santa Barbara property
Employees of Santa Barbara County Animal Services seized nearly 450 animals from a rural property on West Camino Cielo Road in Santa Barbara on Dec. 10. Animal Services Director Jan Glick said the seizure began at 8 a.m. and finished more than 12 hours later. Authorities were alerted to the situation through an anonymous tip. […]
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Cuyama community honors its first fallen solider
Cuyama Valley residents are mourning the death of Sgt. Christopher Muniz, who died Dec. 11 in Afghanistan. Muniz is the town’s first causality from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 24-year-old was one of two soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in the Kunar province. The community […]
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Jump for joy!
Skydiving is the perfect gift for thrill seekers
Know any thrill seekers who are notoriously hard to shop for? There’s nothing like jumping out of a plane to put a smile on an adrenaline junkie’s face. Since Jan. 1, 2000, Skydive Santa Barbara has been offering tandem jumps and top-quality skydive training. “We’re the fastest growing skydive school in Santa Barbara County. We […]
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Need money for school?
The Allan Hancock College Financial Aid office distributed more than $11 million in student federal and state financial aid and scholarships during the 2010-11 academic year. Officials are encouraging current and future students to learn more about applying for their own financial aid. The application process is quick and easy, and those who qualify may […]
