The Allan Hancock College spring 2010 credit schedule is now available online at hancockcollege.edu. According to a press release from the college, there are nearly 1,200 classes being offered, many of which begin the week of Feb. 1. The spring schedule contains a complete list of semester-length and Fast Track/Term classes, along with more than […]
AMY ASMAN
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Come to the table
Nonprofit workers say annual free holiday meals are needed now more than ever
Thanksgiving is a time for people to come together, share a meal, and express their gratitude. But giving thanks can sometimes prove difficult, especially for those who are hungry or homeless. Once again, two local organizations—the Central Coast Rescue Mission and San Luis Obispo’s K-Love affiliate, KLVH 88.5 FM—are teaming up to spread the […]
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Santa Maria’s annual switch to groundwater is extended for repairs
The annual shutdown of the coastal branch of the State Water Project has been extended through Nov. 23 for routine repairs and maintenance, meaning Santa Marians will be drinking water from city wells for just a little bit longer. “A portion of the canal was inspected, and they found damage to a portion of […]
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Santa Maria city employees agree to a voluntary pay cut
Santa Maria city employees have voluntarily accepted 4 to 5 percent reductions in wages and benefits for the 2010 calendar year, according to an announcement from the city. The plan is expected to save the city approximately $600,000 through June 30, 2010—the end of the current fiscal year—and about $1.2 million throughout the 2010 […]
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Local university offers a $500 transfer scholarship
Brandman University, a fully accredited university within the Chapman University System, is offering new transfer students a $500 scholarship toward earning their bachelor’s degree. Formerly Chapman University College, Brandman University focuses on meeting the needs of working students, and offers more than 200 educational programs. The scholarship is only open to new Brandman […]
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Santa Maria buys new buses for SMAT
Santa Marians riding public transit will soon notice some new buses rolling around town. Earlier this month, Santa Maria city officials announced that the city has purchased three 2009 diesel buses for Santa Maria Area Transit. The 40-foot-long Gillig diesel buses will replace three older vehicles in the fleet. “This helps us keep […]
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Santa Barbara County, schools team up to protect students from swine flu
To address school absenteeism and the H1N1 virus (more often referred to as swine flu), the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is offering parents some health tips. According to a press release from the county, healthy children can attend school even if there’s a sick parent or sibling at home. However, at the […]
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Breaking the silence
Recent spikes in suicide rates among minorities emphasize the importance of suicide outreach and education
Suicide is a complex issue. It’s also a subject many people don’t want to talk about because of its painful and taboo connotations. But according to many experts, it’s that very societal need to keep suicide—and the thoughts and feelings surrounding it—secret and shrouded in shame that partly drives people to the point of taking […]
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Kokkonen to race again
Matt Kokkonen puts his hat into the political ring, this time for the 33rd District Assembly seat
When he was 16 years old, Matt Kokkonen emigrated from Finland to the United States. Kokkonen said he knew he wanted to live in America shortly after his father died. “I dragged my mother down to the U.S. Embassy at Helsinki and went [abroad] by myself,” Kokkonen recalled in a recent interview with the […]
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Book teaches people what to do If Love Hurts
Santa Barbara County nonprofit Domestic Violence Solutions recently published the book, If Love Hurts, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Written mostly by survivors of abuse living in Santa Barbara County, the book is a collection of stories designed to tell the truth about the effects of physical and emotional violence on children, […]
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Hancock development workshop is open to all local contractors
On Nov. 6, Allan Hancock College will be hosting a free contracting workshop where participants can learn more about the upcoming capital improvement projects being developed as part of the college’s facilities master plan. This includes the Student Services Center set to break ground early next year. Sponsored by the college and the Santa […]
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Waterfield leaves Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce to focus on Assembly race
After almost six years of service, Etta Waterfield is stepping down as head of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee to focus on her campaign for the 33rd District Assembly seat. Her last day at the chamber was Oct. 30. “The reason I am stepping down from this wonderful organization […]
