Sophomore Anakela Francisco, who plays women’s volleyball for Allan Hancock College, may not save lives, but every game she saves her team from their opponent’s ominous spikes. She’s ranked third in the Western State Conference—fourth in the state—with an impressive 268 digs. Despite her obvious talent, Francisco didn’t always have her eyes set on the […]
HENRY HOUSTON
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Buddhist Church celebrates longevity
On Oct. 17, the Buddhist Church will be celebrating its centennial anniversary in Guadalupe at 1070 Olivera, starting at 10 a.m. with a group picture in front of the church, followed by a centennial service 30 minutes later. Bishop Koshin Ogui, who is coming from the Bay Area, will head the special service. “There will […]
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Local Red Cross members deploy to Samoa
The Santa Barbara chapter of the Red Cross has deployed seven volunteers to help with the group’s tsunami relief effort in the American Samoan Islands. Before leaving, the volunteers attended a briefing at the county chapter headquarters in Santa Barbara. The volunteers will help to provide shelter for people who’ve been displaced, provide mental […]
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Grants fund new fire stations
The city of Santa Maria has successfully secured two grants totaling more than $4 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The money will go toward the construction of two new fire stations. “There were 8,000 applicants nationwide, and there were only seven grants awarded here […]
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Rob Goodenough
After suffering through a motorcycle accident and the grueling effects of long-distance running, Rob Goodenough turned his head toward the art of cycling. His doctor pointed out that cycling would be a great form of rehabilitation for his injured right knee. Since then, however, Goodenough has adopted cycling as a way of life—not just for […]
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October: It’s not just for the pumpkins
The new mayor of Lompoc, Michael Siminski, will sign a proclamation to declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the Lompoc City Council Meeting on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Domestic Violence Solutions Executive Director Richard Kravetz will be there. The month will honor people who have fallen to domestic violence, as well […]
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Allan Hancock College showcases career options
If you’re a tired, undirected student, or a member of the community looking for a replacement career, listen up: Allan Hancock College is hosting its Career Exploration Day on Oct. 2 at the Santa Maria campus in the Science Building Plaza behind the gym from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “We are seeing entry-level […]
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Rufino Serrano
Not even Sylvester Stallone could have imagined this story: A 19-year-old boxer can’t find fights as an amateur because of his physique, so he signs on to the pros after only 12 amateur bouts. Consider that most professionals have fought 50 or 60 fights in the amateur circuit. Who would play this star boxer? […]
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Waiting for a superman
With 35.5 million Americans suffering from hunger—33 percent of them children, and 125,000 of them local—we need a Superman. We can’t wait on him forever, though. So, in the meantime, Macy’s will come to the rescue by working to end domestic hunger. Macy’s, the mega-chain known for its Thanksgiving parade, will be partnering with […]
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Caitlyn Brown
Ever since Pioneer Valley’s inception, the athletic department has strived for excellence in all sports. Despite that effort, however, there’s one sport that’s had a bit of trouble in gaining a spot in CIF: tennis. But that’s about to change with help from sophomore Caitlyn Brown. “I feel great about Caitlyn Brown,” said tennis […]
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Help stuff the bus
What’s metal, painted black and yellow, rolls on wheels, and is coming to Santa Maria? If you haven’t heard, Gus the Bus will stop in the parking lot of Wal-Mart in Santa Maria (2220 South Bradley) on Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gus will be there as part of a […]
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There will be dunes
ConocoPhillips’ Santa Maria facility recently donated $30,000 to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center. The center provides in-class and after-school environmental science education focused on the delicate Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes ecosystem, which stretches from Pismo Beach to Point Sal. The center also offers after-school and summer programs to local youth through the Boys and Girls Club. […]
