My older sister and I are both soon-to-be college graduates, and in our family, that means one thing: my parents grabbing onto any last excuse to make frequent and impromptu family trips. It’s their way of dealing with the fact that all four of us will soon be working a full-time schedule. It’s gotten to […]
ANDREA KANG
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
TIANNA PASKO
Tianna Pasko, 18, and her mother, Alicia Pasko, started off as a team of two: one diver and one coach. Together, they established the swim and dive team at Orcutt Academy High School. Since then, Tianna has set personal and school records and secured her place to continue diving in college. In 2011, during Tianna’s […]
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Give a dollar, get so much more
Last year, the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County’s annual Hunger Awareness Day brought in around $120,000, not quite meeting the campaign goal of raising $150,000. This year, results are bound to be different in a good way. On June 7, the Food Bank will administer 26 sites throughout the community, compared to […]
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Biz Spotlight on Deck 2 Batting Cages
Los Angeles native Darrell Skaggs’ son might be a professional baseball player, but it’s the business owner’s love for the game that inspired him to open a batting cage and training facility in Santa Maria. On Deck 2 Batting Cages had a soft opening in mid-May at the Santa Maria Town Center, and will have […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Athlete of the Week
Jacob Carey
Jacob Carey is swiftly running to the finish line of his high school years, but not before leaving his mark with the fastest mile time Santa Ynez High School has witnessed. The 6-foot-tall track and field/cross-country athlete is currently competing in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs, and is looking forward to heading off to […]
Posted inNews
Each drop is priceless
Santa Maria is ahead of the curve when it comes to water conservation
It’s the time of year when rain is rare, and your water bill is higher than usual. Sprinklers are being put to use, and long showers are being taken after that nice soak in the sun at the beach. According to epa.gov, the average American family of four is using 400 gallons of water per […]
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It’s party time
To celebrate those who helped keep the community safe throughout the year, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Santa Maria Police Department are teaming up to host the annual police awards luncheon. The event will honor police officers, support staff, and outstanding citizens, and take place at the Elks Lodge at noon on […]
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Spotlight on: Halsell Builders
James and Joe Halsell, owners
It’s been a whirlwind of a journey to weather the storm of an economic downturn. While many contractors must suffer from layoffs and lack of clientele, James and Joe Halsell of Halsell Builders have managed to keep their family business alive and kicking. Halsell Builders is a full-service design and build company with a background […]
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Celebrate Mom
at the Orcutt Public Library
It’s hard to imagine what would warm a mother’s heart more than seeing her children busily crafting at the community library. On May 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Altrusa of the Central Coast—a community service organization supporting literacy, youth, and volunteerism—will be host to a Mother’s Day event with its sponsored youth volunteer […]
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Spotlight on: Vibrant Radiant Health
Cynthia Howard, owner
The West Coast calls for happier people, with its sunny weather, beaches, and an overall more relaxed vibe. Cynthia Howard, a stress coach of more than 20 years, discovered this after moving her motivational and coaching business, Vibrant Radiant Health, from Maryland to Santa Barbara County just last year. “I actually think people are happier […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Athlete of the Week: Nick Balderama
Santa Maria High School golf player Nick Balderama has been leading his team this season, consistently making the lowest score in almost every tournament and placing in the top 10 in the Los Padres League. According to Jay Cheney, the Saints’ golf coach of two years, Balderama is one of three returning golfers this […]
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Locals can seek compensation from a Massachusetts program
It’s the only thing anyone’s been able to talk about for the past couple of weeks, it seems, and it’s hard to imagine how closely the Boston Marathon bombing has impacted members of our community. Santa Barbara County residents who were near or emotionally impacted by the explosions should seek help from the Massachusetts Victim […]
