Orcutt Academy’s Kasey Ortiz has been playing tennis since she was old enough to walk, and it shows. The 14-year-old freshman ran the table in 2009, going 45-0 in singles play and catapulting the school’s junior varsity tennis team to a 16-1 record. Though she’s been playing longer than most of her peers […]
JEREMY THOMAS
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Underinsured and overstretched
Locals talk about patients who fall through the cracks when it comes to covering payments
The face of health care is changing. As Congress readies for a historic vote on a universal health-care bill, many in the health-care system are wondering how a government-run public option would impact their services and those patients currently with little or no health insurance. The repercussions of such a plan might be felt […]
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Marian nurses to stage single-day strike?
The union representing the state’s RNs seeks better protection against H1N1 virus, higher wages
Barring a last-minute resolution of a labor dispute between the state’s nurses union and Catholic Healthcare West, Marian Medical Center nurses could walk out on Oct. 30, joining ranks for the union’s one-day strike. Talks between the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee and CHW on a new four-year contract are hinging on nurses’ […]
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Students get down to business
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is looking for business owners to sponsor students for their Take a Future Business Leader to Lunch event, to be held on Nov. 10. During the event, members of the Future Business Leaders of America from the Santa Maria and Orcutt Union High School districts will have […]
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Certifiably solar
North County residents interested in converting their homes to solar have a newly certified installer available locally to serve their energy needs. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners recently certified Gary Gordon, owner of Santa Ynez Valley Solar, into its program. Certification holders must meet experience and educational prerequisites, pass a comprehensive […]
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Take a taste test
Tastefully Simple, an award-winning direct sales company specializing in easy-to-prepare foods, recently welcomed Santa Maria resident Jessica Elledge as an independent consultant. Elledge will offer the company’s gourmet foods at home taste-testing parties, where guests get product samples, recipes, and serving suggestions. Tastefully Simple is based in Alexandria, Minn., and was inducted into […]
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Talk about carriers
Cell phone and service store Total Wireless is now under new ownership—and adding more carriers to its lineup. Joining the T-Mobile service already offered, Sprint and Boost mobile services will now be available to Total Wireless customers. Owner Maggie Stukas, who took over on Oct. 1, invites the public to visit the store and […]
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Pool party
St. Joe’s water polo team soaks up newfound success in its second year
Last year, the St. Joseph High School boys’ water polo team won a single game. This time around, the Knights are doing more than just keeping their heads above water—they’re challenging for the Los Padres League title. “This year has been amazing,” said head coach John Walker. “Last year, we were teaching them […]
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Federal contracting made easy
Female small-business owners can learn how to take advantage of federal contracting opportunities thanks to a new online U.S. Small Business Administration training course. The free tutorial, Winning Federal Contracts: A Guide for Women Entrepreneurs, is part of a government-wide initiative to promote opportunities for women-owned businesses in the area of government contracting. It’s designed […]
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Learn about neuromuscular dentistry
Suffering from chronic headaches? Dizziness? Clicking jaws? They could all be signs and symptoms of a neuromuscular imbalance. Dentist John Orchard is launching a campaign to bring awareness to neuromuscular dentistry and the health benefits it can bring to sufferers of a poor bite. He encourages the public to visit his practice and learn […]
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School supplier moves
School supply store Anything Educational is moving to 1930 S. Broadway from 1545 Stowell Center Plaza, where it’s been located for the past nine years. The shop specializes in wholesale school supplies, office supplies, and stationery. Owner Marc Canigiula has made life easier on teachers and parents since he opened it, donating thousands of […]
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Fitness club opens in Nipomo
Offering an alternative to traditional fitness centers, national chain Snap Fitness will be celebrating its grand opening in Nipomo on Oct. 24. Visitors will be treated to free gifts and food, and the event promises fun for kids as well, with a bounce house and other activities. The club will also hold a drawing […]
