To improve services provided to students and parents, the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District has released two surveys evaluating the district’s resources. In each survey, the participant is asked to identify which school he or she attends (or which school the participant’s child attends), and answer a collection of questions relating to the […]
AMY ASMAN
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Local machinery company raffles off a tractor to raise money for future farmers
They think your tractor’s sexy—or at least they think it could be. Cal-Coast Machinery, in Santa Maria and Paso Robles, is partnering with Future Farmers of America (FFA) to host a fundraiser raffle ending in April. The grand prize: a 31-horsepower, four-wheel-drive John Deere 4310 compact utility tractor with a new Frontier RC2060 five-foot rotary […]
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To barricade or not to barricade?
A grassroots organization is suing Caltrans over the infamous Cold Spring Canyon Bridge suicide barrier project
Spanning 700 feet, standing 1,200 feet high, and sitting as green as the California oaks growing beneath it, the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge is an architectural sight to behold. It’s recognized as California’s longest steel arch bridge and is considered a Santa Barbara County and State Scenic Highway landmark. But along with these accolades comes […]
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Pros and cons
Law enforcement officials at the state and local level have conflicting views of new correctional legislation
“County jail forced to release inmates early.” That was the headline on a statement sent out by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department on Jan. 25. That same day, the jail released 71 inmates as a result of a newly enacted section of California Penal Code. Approved by the governor on Oct. 11, 2009, Senate […]
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First-ever lung cancer vaccine trial starts in Santa Barbara County
A group of cancer specialists with offices throughout Santa Barbara County is looking for patients to participate in a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of a new lung cancer vaccine. Lucanix isn’t a cure for lung cancer, but is a therapeutic vaccine that works with the immune system to target the disease and extend a […]
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Transitions Mental Health Association works to SLO the Stigma of mental illness
The lights go down in a hushed theater. A collage of Central Coast scenes flashes on a screen: foam-topped waves crashing against the beach at sunset, a rolling expanse of oak tree-studded hills. But this is not the beginning of Sideways or some other wine-infused Hollywood blockbuster. According to officials at Transitions Mental Health Association, […]
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Need help getting cash for college?
Throughout the month of February, Cuesta College and Allan Hancock College will be hosting free Cash for College Night events to help college-bound students apply for financial aid. Financial experts will be available at all of the workshops to assist students in filling out Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Cal Grant forms. Assistance will also […]
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Santa Maria Valley YMCA now offers after-school child care
Beginning Feb. 15, the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, in partnership with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, will be offering after-school care for kindergarteners at Robert Bruce Elementary School. The YMCA Kinderbridge program runs from after morning kindergarten class until 6 p.m., and includes homework time, a healthy snack, structured outdoor activities, games, and arts and […]
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Hancock’s Bow-WOW! orientation is something to bark about
Allan Hancock College is planning a big Bow-WOW! welcome for new and current students. Sponsored by the college’s Associated Student Body Government, Bow-WOW! events encourage students to learn about the college’s student services, organizations, and academic programs. Orientations will be held at the Santa Maria campus on Feb. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. […]
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It’s never too early to get ready for school
Santa Maria-Bonita School District officials are recommending parents get a head start on registering their children for kindergarten. Early registration for the district begins Feb. 17 and will be held at all district elementary schools every weekday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Parents are advised to register their child […]
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PXP revisited
Oil company, environmental groups taking another stab at the controversial oil-drilling project
Almost exactly a year ago this week, the California State Lands Commission announced before a packed Santa Barbara hearing room that it would not approve the now infamous Tranquillon Ridge Oil and Gas Project. The product of an agreement between Texas-based Plains Exploration & Production Co. (PXP) and three Santa Barbara environmental groups, the project […]
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A local politician aims to reverse a Supreme Court campaign financing ruling
Assemblyman Pedro Nava is sounding the bugles against the U.S. Supreme Court. The Santa Barbara Democrat recently announced he’s planning to ask Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning the head court’s Jan. 21 decision to grant corporations the right to make campaign contributions through political action committees, or PACs. The 5-4 ruling in Citizens […]
