There’s that saying, “Nothing in life is ever free.” While this idea may seem obvious to a capitalist’s point of view, the nation’s economy gets a lot of flow from the free advice that’s offered by a nonprofit dedicated to helping first-time entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground. Formerly known as the Service Corps […]
DAVID MINSKY
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Former inmate at Santa Barbara County jail sues Corizon Health
A former inmate at the Santa Barbara County Jail who was incarcerated with a broken leg is suing the county and jail staff for alleged medical neglect. In a lawsuit filed on Oct. 29, Gaik Sokhikian says his repeated requests to jail staff to see a doctor were ignored and, as a result, he now […]
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Spotlight on: 4M Innovations
Mario Alonso, owner
Sometimes people go through mid-life career shifts and when that happens, it often requires a little creativity to keep the income flow going. That happened to Santa Maria resident Mario Alonso—a couple of times, actually. When Alonso came to New York City from Guatemala on a student visa in 1971, he studied computer programming. Then […]
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Free speech at issue in Orcutt rapper’s case
Even in a digital era where the Internet has arguably advanced the freedom of expression on a global scale, the boundaries of what is and isn’t acceptable aren’t always clear. Take Orcutt rapper Anthony Murillo, for example, who—after more than two years of appeals—may end up facing a criminal trial for a rap song he […]
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Betting with booze: Santa Ynez’s Chumash Casino will start selling alcohol on the gaming floor
No matter what they do, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians can’t seem to escape the ire of their critics. There’s the issue with Camp 4—the 1,400-acre piece of land that the tribe is trying to get placed in a federal trust, but faces opposition from county leaders who have qualms about land-use issues […]
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Solvang winemaker suspected of embezzlement and tax fraud
A Solvang winemaker and former manager for a downtown Santa Barbara winery is facing criminal charges following a joint investigation between state and county law enforcement. Santa Barbara County Public Information Officer Sgt. Riley Harwood said 41-year-old Christian Garvin was arrested on Nov. 5 following an investigation into the winemaker’s finances that began in 2013. […]
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Buellton to clarify law banning short-term rentals
Soon, it’ll be completely illegal to rent out your home to vacationers in Buellton. On Nov. 5, the city planning commission voted to send a recommendation to City Council that it ban short-term vacation rentals. The ban will affect San Francisco-based Airbnb and other short-term rental companies, banning them from operating in Buellton. According to […]
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Man accused of murder loses appeal
A man convicted in the gang stabbing death of Alberto Diaz Jr. near a Santa Maria hotel several years ago lost an appeal to overturn his convictions of second degree murder and dissuading a witness. In his appeal to California’s 2nd Appellate Court, Christopher Michael Brewer contended that the gang-affiliation questions asked of him during […]
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Spotlight on: Taylor Defense Firm
Scott Taylor, owner
You hear the term “veteran attorney” and what do you think? It actually carries two meanings. One image that comes to mind is that of a legal eagle with years of experience and vast knowledge of the system the saltiest of salts who’s represented many a client and won the hearts and minds of judges […]
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Blind pit bull found on Santa Maria park bench is adopted
A blind pit bull abandoned on a park bench in Santa Maria has found a new home. Poly, a 3-year old female red nose pit bull, was left in Santa Maria’s Armstrong Park on Oct. 14, according to Jennifer Wales, president and founder of Los Angels-based Foreverhome Pet Rescue. Santa Barbara County Animal Services took […]
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21-year-old man shot to death in Santa Maria
Detectives from Santa Maria Police Department are investigating a shooting on the evening of Oct. 30 that left one man dead. According to SMPD Sgt. Paul Van Meel, officers were dispatched to the area of Cook and Smith streets at approximately 7:39 p.m. for a report of a gunshot victim. When they arrived, they found […]
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Police investigate murder-suicide in Santa Ynez
The son and estranged wife of Santa Ynez resident Steve Pappas were found dead Oct. 31, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. According to Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kelly Hoover, sheriff’s deputies and the California Highway Patrol responded to a report of a solo traffic collision in the 1500 block of Refugio […]
