Less than three years after Santa Maria’s red light photo enforcement program began, the cameras and strobe lights are gone from the intersections where they once perched. All that remains are the poles to which they were attached—for now. On Feb. 22, as workers removed video and photo equipment from two intersections, the city was […]
JEREMY THOMAS
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Tepusquet bridge is ready for dedication
The wait is nearly over for residents of the Sisquoc and Tepusquet communities eager for an easier commute across the Sisquoc River—and wine-lovers looking for more convenient access to local wineries. The two-lane Tepusquet Road Bridge, which began construction in April 2009, will be dedicated at a ceremony on Feb. 27. The bridge permanently replaces […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Red and blue support Special Olympics
“Protect and serve” will take on a whole new meaning as local and military law enforcement officers prepare to volunteer their time as waiters at Red Lobster’s “Cops and Lobsters” event on Feb. 26 and 27. The event is a fundraiser for local Special Olympics athletes and part of the nationwide Law Enforcement Torch Run […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Apply for Bull Canyon Run
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is now accepting applications for runners looking to participate in the 2010 Bull Canyon Run, to be held May 8. More than 1,000 runners and walkers are expected for the 12th running of the event, which will kick off at 8 a.m. with a 5K and 10K run […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Ruff and tumble
Santa Maria’s new roller derby team skates and shakes up competition in a league of their own
While military vehicles parked outside alert visitors to the National Guard Armory’s intended purpose, a different sort of army prepares for battle inside. Eager for battle, they circle a smooth, concrete track—on roller skates. The sights and sounds of flat-track roller derby arrived at the Santa Maria Fairpark for the first time in February, in […]
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State Assembly says ‘no’ to Maldonado, but the contentious nomination process is far from over
Much to the chagrin of many state legislators, the politically divisive battle over the nomination of Sen. Abel Maldonado to the state’s lieutenant governorship could be waged in Sacramento for the next three months. Backing off threats to seek a court decision supporting his choice, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Feb. 12 he would resubmit Maldonado’s […]
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Rizzoli’s takes food donations
With unemployment rates at nine percent in Santa Barbara County, Rizzoli’s Automotive is inviting the community to help the hungry and homeless by contributing to the shop’s food-collection program. What started three years ago as an annual holiday food drive to benefit local food banks is now an all-year, all-out effort to help keep the […]
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Java Moto motors to the mall
One-stop coffee shop Java Moto has moved to a new location in Santa Maria’s Town Center mall. Along with coffee and espresso, the shop sells breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads, and carries treats from Gina’s Piece of Cake, Edna’s Bakery, and Central City Market. The coffee shop’s new address is 144 Town Center East. For […]
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Pavilion hosts February festivities
Have fun in February and celebrate happiness in the heart with a special night of food and festivities at Cypress Ridge Pavilion on Feb. 20. The public is welcome to enjoy free music and entertainment, $4 specialty drinks, fish tacos, nachos, chicken skewers, and karaoke, all with no cover charge. The event runs from 6 […]
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Spine specialist wins national award
A national orthopedic publication recently named Dr. Alan Moelleken of the Santa Barbara-based Spine and Orthopedic Center as one of the country’s 50 best spine surgeons. Becker’s Orthopedic and Spine Review selected the surgeons based on achievements, leadership positions, reputation of their affiliations, education, and contributions to the advancement of spine treatment and surgery. Moelleken […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Running with the big dogs
Building on last season’s playoff appearance, Hancock baseball aims to take its place among conference elite in 2010
The scent of freshly cut grass and the thwack of baseballs hitting mitts has returned to John Osborne Field, heralding spring’s imminent arrival. On a recent afternoon, Allan Hancock College head coach Chris Stevens watched his team practice. So far, though it’s still early, Stevens likes what he sees. “They play hard together. They’re a […]
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H2-uh-oh
Golden State Water’s proposed rate adjustment would raise Orcutt-area water bills 28 percent by 2012
If Golden State Water Company’s proposed rate increase is approved as written, about 13,000 customers in Orcutt and nearby communities will pay almost 30 percent more on their water bills beginning in 2011. The company filed the rate application with the California Public Utilities Commission on Jan. 13. It would raise prices 25.2 percent in […]
