Santa Maria, look out—there’s going to be a monster of a ball coming up at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum on Oct. 29. The annual Batty Ball is an alternative to the usual practice of trick-or-treating, though kids can still dress up. This year’s event theme is “Under the Sea,” inspired by October being […]
HENRY HOUSTON
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Collian McHaney
The McHaneys’ garage is filled with trophies that belong to both of their sons, who earned the awards at motocross races. But the youngest son, Collian—12, but nearing 13—has earned most of them. Although he’s amassed quite the collection, which has extended itself into the house, it was his brother who brought him into the […]
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A home to call her own
On Oct. 10, during the KCOY 12 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway Special, two patients from St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Elizabeth Lobato and Brooke Renaud, drew tickets for prizes. The winning ticket had Jessica Soo’s name on it; she won a new house in Nipomo’s Trilogy Monarch Dunes Community. The house, priced at $640,000, was […]
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The pirates of Pioneer Valley
A marching band competes for the first time
Pioneer Valley came into being six years ago, as did its marching band. But the band wasn’t always bustling as it is today. In the beginning, there were just a few members squeaking out the theme from Pink Panther. And, a few years after that, the marching band’s field show consisted of the band members […]
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All in a year’s work
It’s already been a year since the inception of the Santa Barbara County Youth Corps; to celebrate, members are going to be throwing quite the anniversary party. The events will recognize the achievements of Youth Corps members at the organization’s three Santa Barbara County sites. “It’s an opportunity for the corps members to show what […]
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Locals want hate to stop
An alleged gay hate crime has community leaders calling for action
In the early morning hours of Sept. 16, so the reports say, 24-year-old Curtis Martin knocked on the window of the Denny’s Restaurant on East Main Street in Santa Maria to ask if he could use the bathroom. The restaurant was closed for maintenance, but a Denny’s employee reportedly came outside to talk to him. […]
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Penny Popp
Though Penny Popp, a nurse at Marian Medical Center’s rehab center, originally started participating in triathlons for herself, she’s noticed the effect the effort has had at her work. “It’s a good example for the patients who are in cardio rehab. It shows them that they aren’t the only ones who need to exercise,” she […]
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Mark Inguaggiato
It’s only been a year, but Mark Inguaggiato has already jumped from being ranked No. 74 all the way to No. 46 in the Southern California 4 Men’s Singles level. He’ll also have participated in 15 tennis tournaments at the end of the year—in a usual year, he only plays in 10. But even though […]
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Cleaning house for Mother Nature
The beaches of the Central Coast have had a successful cleaning session. This year’s Coastal Clean Up Day was held on Sept. 25 and had more than 1,073 volunteers at 28 cites along the Santa Barbara County coastline, according to event officials. More than 2,887 pounds of trash and 1,104 pounds of recyclables were retrieved […]
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Santa Maria youth centergets a technology upgrade
The Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center won the lottery on Sept. 27, so to speak, when the GTECH Corporation, a gaming technology company, decided to make the center the recipient of its 146th After School Advantage computer lab upgrade. Since 1999, GTECH Corporation has been providing nonprofit agencies with state-of-the art, Internet-ready computer centers. According […]
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Mortal Combat
A host of mixed martial arts fighters compete in Santa Maria to be the best on the Central Coast
Some people, like myself, tend to avoid physical conflict as much as they can. However, others thrive on the adrenaline rush that comes from the thrill of slamming their fists on their opponent. On Sept. 18, warriors like those came out to the National Guard Armory at the Santa Maria Fairpark to fight—and spectators packed […]
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Nonprofs: remember to file for funds this fall
It’s that time of the year again for nonprofit organizations in the Santa Maria Valley—time to file for the Altrusa International Foundation Fall grants. The deadline is Oct. 1. “Any nonprofit organization, like the Boys and Girls Club, should apply,” Santa Maria chapter president Diane Alleman-Stevens said. “It’s simple to apply. Just fill out […]