State and federal officials announced on Dec. 18 that California homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered damages in the November wildfires—including the Tea Fire—only have one month left to apply for disaster assistance. According to a press release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Jan. 20 is the last day applications will be accepted […]
AMY ASMAN
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‘Tis the season for promotions at the Santa Maria Police Department
Three Santa Maria police officers received an early Christmas present from Chief Danny Macagni. On Dec. 20, he promoted Sgt. James Ginter, Cpl. Terry Flaa, and Officer Alfredo Ruiz to new ranks. Ginter, now a lieutenant, is a 12-year veteran of the Santa Maria Police Department. He was originally hired as a lateral officer from […]
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Boxer report confirms hard economic times for California
At a press conference on Dec. 17, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) released a report describing the impact of the nation’s recession on California’s counties and cities. The report—based on interviews Boxer and her staff conducted with officials in 20 cities and all 58 counties—documents the economic strains felt across the state. The detailed analysis […]
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Correction
The Sun’s Dec. 11 cover story, “They know the drill,” incorrectly reported the name of co-owner Linda Devey’s business. The business’ name is Valley Fencing Inc.
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It’s a miracle
This holiday season, one Orcutt couple gives thanks for their ‘miracle baby’
Morse went in for an 18-week sonogram last June, they were excited to learn the sex of their second child. “When we had [our first child] Emma, it was a lot of fun,” Hannah said. “The nurse announced, ‘Congratulations, it’s a girl!’ and showed us the feet and hands, and made a big deal out […]
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The Trujillo legacy
Santa Maria’s departing councilman reflects on his successful projects over the years�
Leo Trujillo is leaving the Santa Maria City Council this month, and one of his greatest legacies to the people of Santa Maria will be toilets. “I was instrumental in making sure we had permanent restrooms installed in all the city’s parks,” Trujillo said during an interview with the Sun. “We planned to do about […]
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Santa Maria Police Department continues to crack down on DUI offenders, unlicensed drivers
On Dec. 14, the Santa Maria Police Department’s Traffic Bureau conducted a DUI and driver’s license saturation patrol from noon to 10 p.m. in the Santa Maria area. A total of eight motor officers and 20 police officers joined the citywide effort. The officers made 327 traffic stops and issued 172 moving violation citations, conducted […]
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Give the gift of preparedness with the Red Cross
This year, frazzled shoppers searching for the “perfect” gift need look no farther than their local chapter of the American Red Cross. Chapter offices in both north and south Santa Barbara County are currently selling a variety of inexpensive First Aid and Emergency Preparedness Kits and other items good to have on hand during emergency […]
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Santa Barbara County continues Tea Fire relief efforts
It’s “all hands on deck” when it comes to carrying out response plans to help Santa Barbara County residents recover from the Tea Fire. Services and coordinated responses incorporate staffers from nearly every county department, including Public Works, Planning and Development, Sheriff’s, Fire, and Public Health, as well as the Office of Emergency Services and […]
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Santa Maria is looking for locals to fill government vacancies
The city of Santa Maria is seeking representatives to serve on several key governmental boards, commissions, and committees for 2009. The deadline to submit an application to fill one of the vacancies is Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. City groups with vacancies include the All-America City Committee, the Code Compliance Board, the Community Action Commission, […]
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There’s a new commander on base
On Dec. 9, Vandenberg Air Force Base held a change of command ceremony: Lt. Gen. Larry James took command of the 14th Air Force and the Joint Functional Component Command for Space. James formerly held the rank of major general. James formerly served as the 5th Air Force vice commander and 13th Air Force deputy […]
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Vandenberg missile launch is a success
A Missile Defense Agency interceptor missile successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Dec. 5. The launch was part of an exercise and flight test involving the interception of an intercontinental ballistic missile by a ground-based interceptor missile. The interceptor missile was designed to protect the United States against a limited long-range ballistic missile […]