A collection of Santa Ynez-area special interest groups is continuing efforts to protest a land annexation proposed by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. On Aug. 26, members of Santa Ynez Valley Concerned Citizens, Women’s Environmental Watch, Preservation of Los Olivos, and Preservation of Santa Ynez will hold a town hall meeting called “Goodbye, […]
AMY ASMAN
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Pappas must pay Farr $700,000 in attorney fees
After more than 2 1/2 years of legal squabbling, a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge has decided Los Olivos business owner Steve Pappas must pay 3rd District Supervisor Doreen Farr’s $700,000 worth of legal fees. Pappas first took Farr, his opponent for the county’s swing seat, to court in 2008. The former Los Olivos […]
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Fire tax is on the burner
Legislators fine tune a bill that would implement a rural firefighting fee
A California bill that would impose an annual wildland firefighting fee on rural homeowners could end up backfiring on legislators, according to the state Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Earlier this month, the board—along with several other groups representing the interests of rural communities—expressed concerns over the effectiveness of ABx1 29. Authored by Assemblyman […]
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Experience the tastes of Mexico
People for Leisure and Youth, Inc. (P.L.A.Y., Inc.) and the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department will hold the annual Tastes of Mexico fundraiser on Sept. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Community Center, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria. The Righetti High School Marimba Band and Folklorico dancers, along with […]
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Spell your heart out
Attention Central Coast word enthusiasts: On Sept. 17, the Central Coast Literacy Council will present its annual fundraising spelling bee at 1 p.m. at the Santa Maria Town Center. The council is currently recruiting 40 teams of two people to compete in this year’s competition, as well as team sponsors and event volunteers. Proceeds from […]
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Hancock students have something to smile about
Allan Hancock College’s dental-assisting graduates now have an official place to practice. The Dental Board of California recently declared the college one of only three Registered Dental Assistant-practical exam sites in the state. According to a press release from the college, Hancock’s dental-assisting students have already proven they’re among the best in the state, with […]
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County supes move forward with plans to develop a sports complex at Waller Park
Santa Maria’s Waller Park could look very different after the next few years, thanks to a recent decision by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors to conceptually approve construction of a sports complex in the 163-acre county park. The board voted unanimously on Aug. 9 to allocate $125,000 for an environmental review of the […]
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Construction to begin on Hancock Children’s Center addition
Allan Hancock College officials, including Superintendent/President José Ortiz and members of the Board of Trustees, recently broke ground on the new $6.5 million Children’s Center expansion. The event kicked off the construction phase of the long-awaited development, which will allow all of the campus’ early childhood studies facilities to be located under one roof. The […]
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Calling all history buffs and theater fans!
The Santa Maria Valley Historical Society has announced it will hold the second annual PCPA/Santa Maria Valley Historical Society reception, silent auction, and theatrical performance on Aug. 20 at the Marian Theater on the Allan Hancock College campus in Santa Maria. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support the Historical Society’s efforts to keep history alive […]
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Raw food purveyors charged for selling unpasteurized milk and other products
Earlier this summer, three raw-food farmers were arrested and charged with a litany of felonies and misdemeanors for processing and selling unpasteurized milk and other products at farmers markets throughout Southern California, including Santa Barbara County. According to documents from the California Superior Court filed on behalf of the County of Los Angeles, Sharon Ann […]
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‘Hallowed ground’
Pentecostals make their yearly pilgrimage to Santa Maria
When asked to define the Pentecostal faith, many people would probably know just enough to say it’s a mystical religion that involves lots of singing, speaking in tongues, and sometimes even snakes. But to thousands of people across the United States and countless other countries, it’s much more. “We’re not a cult by any means,” […]
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Out with a bang
A reporter makes her final trip to the San Diego Comic Con
Dear Sun readers, After three years of traveling to San Diego to cover the international Comic Con, a Sun tradition, I’ve decided it’s time to hang up my geek girl cape/reporter hat and let someone else carry on the tradition. But have no fear; Staff Writer Jeremy Thomas said he’s willing to accept the mission. […]
