The discovery of two citrus pests captured on sticky paper has prompted the state to call for mandated insecticide spraying of citrus trees near the Santa Maria Public Library. The insecticide treatment being used, however, has local beekeepers worried. The pest—the Asian citrus psyllid—could carry a disease known as citrus greening, which is deadly to […]
Camillia Lanham
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New medical building is just the beginning for CHC
Fresh strawberry-basil flavored water, a silent auction, and a shiny new 28,000-square-foot building greeted hundreds of supporters who attended the Nipomo Community Medical Center dedication ceremony on March 1. The ceremony kicked off a weekend of open house festivities at the newest addition to the family of more than 25 medical centers that make up […]
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Daytripper: Cruise up the coast
Stopping at new spots on a lazy drive makes life a little lighter
If you’re anything like me, an excuse to meander destination-less and drive around a new place is the perfect way to spend the day. It’s a good way to explore, and for me it’s the best way to drop the heaviness that sits between my shoulders after a week of work. I got the chance […]
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Cottage Hospital auxiliary offers scholarships
The Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Auxiliary is accepting applications for scholarships from students pursuing education in the health and medical fields. The Cottage Hospital Auxiliary awarded three $3,000 scholarships in 2012. Applications for 2013 will be accepted through March 13. “The Hospital Auxiliary raises every single cent for these scholarships through their incredible volunteer […]
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Spotlight on: Santa Maria Speedway
A Friday morning spent clearing out cement that had been night-dumped by a rogue motorist fell under Ruben Munoz’s new responsibilities as promoter for the Santa Maria Speedway. Ruben and his wife Katy took over operations and the lease from previous promoter Chris Kearns on Feb. 1. While the move may mean a new era […]
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Recycling center gets nod despite residents’ concerns
After an opposition force 200 people strong simmered down to a mere 45 minutes’ worth of speakers from the Westgate residential area, the Santa Maria City Council gave SA Recycling the go ahead at the tail end of a five-hour meeting on Feb. 19. The Westgate residents’ appeal to the planned development permit for an […]
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Santa Maria-Bonita staffers get a raise
Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s salaried employees are going to get a sweet bump on their next paychecks. That bump will come in the form of a 3 percent raise, which is retroactive as of July 2012, giving employees seven months of backdated pay to look forward to. The school board voted 5-0 in favor of […]
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New produce plant is all about economies of scale
Although it may sound like two companies combining their powers to become one entity, the 75,000-square-foot Fresh Venture Foods is just a packing plant, designed to bring the Santa Maria-based Gold Coast Packing and Babé Farms together in a partnership of economy and efficiency. Gold Coast is already settled into the new facility, as it […]
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Highway Patrol offers smart driving class
A viewing of Red Asphalt is enough to get any teenager to think hard about the responsibility he takes on when he puts his foot on the accelerator. It’s 15 minutes of unintended consequences drivers could face, and it will be shown at the next Santa Maria-based California Highway Patrol Start Smart Class for new […]
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County to host spelling bee
Santa Barbara County hosts its annual spelling bee on Feb. 27. Students will be competing, not vocally, but on paper. The written test will send first- and second-place winners to face-off in the state competition. The San Joaquin County Office of Education will host the state elementary bee on April 20 in Stockton, and the […]
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Spotlight on: All Star iTech
Revenue from gaming and computer repairs enables All Star iTech on South Broadway to give students computer time free of charge on any of the 45 custom-built machines in the building. Owner Jack Hira said the business acts like a nonprofit, but doesn’t have to drum up grants or donations because the revenue All Star […]
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Salvage facility faces opposition
SA Recycling’s development permit is held up by an appeal
Rusty old barbecues and flat-tired, coolant-leaking cars without the will to drive tend to sit around in yards. They can also be recycled—provided there’s a facility that can handle them. Plans to put an SA Recycling metal salvage facility in Santa Maria hit another snag after area residents recently appealed the development permit. The Santa […]
