JEREMY THOMAS, Author at Santa Maria Sun

Progress reports are out for area schools

Local high schools show improvement, but elementary schools are mixed in the state index

by JEREMY THOMAS September 22, 2009August 17, 2023

Santa Maria’s high schools showed steady gains in language and math proficiency over the past year, while its elementary schools experienced more varied results, according to data released by the California Department of Education on Sept. 16. The state’s Growth Academic Performance Index charted performance from 2008 based on annual assessment tests: the Standardized […]

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Explore jobs at Hancock fair

by JEREMY THOMAS September 22, 2009August 17, 2023

Community members and Allan Hancock College students can educate themselves about their employment options at the college’s annual Career Exploration Day on Oct. 2. The free event will match future employees with employers and educators. Representatives from about 50 different companies—including employers from manufacturing, agriculture, law enforcement, and the medical field—will be on hand […]

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The wing’s the thing

by JEREMY THOMAS September 22, 2009August 17, 2023

National restaurant chain Wingstop is flying in to Santa Maria, opening its first location on the Central Coast. Represented by Michael Martz and Kristopher Roth of Hayes Commercial Group, Wingstop will move into its new space at 560 E. Betteravia Road. Wingstop presents a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere with a focus on cooked-to-order chicken wings. […]

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It’s Premier’s re-premiere

by JEREMY THOMAS September 22, 2009August 17, 2023

Now under new ownership, Premier Auto Body held its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 18 and is inviting customers to celebrate with a 10-percent discount on the total cost of car repairs. The shop specializes in body and paint and frame alignments. Premier accepts all insurance claims—except for color matching—and provides free estimates […]

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Learn tips to keep your home

by JEREMY THOMAS September 22, 2009August 17, 2023

Homeowners who want to learn more about the foreclosure process are invited to attend a free foreclosure prevention workshop hosted by the Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporation on Sept. 30. Participants will learn strategies to preserve home ownership and avoid foreclosure. Brian Kerrigan, a housing counselor, will facilitate. Kerrigan holds a degree in business administration/finance […]

Music, Arts & Culture

Off track gets back on track

The Santa Maria Fairpark bets satellite wagering will survive threats from recession and online gambling

by JEREMY THOMAS September 22, 2009August 17, 2023

Scanning the Daily Racing Form, Leann Berning scribbled notes, handicapping the day’s thoroughbred races before an array of televisions at the Santa Maria Fairpark’s Horseman’s Club. A professor at Cal Poly in SLO, Berning takes a scientific approach to predicting race results, based on jockey reputation, speed ratings, and running styles. “I’ve always […]

Music, Arts & Culture

Dribble it, pass it

by JEREMY THOMAS September 22, 2009August 17, 2023

Young hoopsters in first through sixth grades are invited to register for the fall Boys and Girls Club’s Youth Basketball League. Walk-in registrations will be held at the club, located at 901 N. Railroad Ave., on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $50 and includes a […]

Music, Arts & Culture

Varsity teams to battle … over burgers

by JEREMY THOMAS September 22, 2009August 17, 2023

There’s a showdown brewing for Santa Maria’s high school varsity football teams—not on the field, but in the Town Center mall. In honor of homecoming weekend, Deckers Burgers is hosting its inaugural Deckers Burger Bowl on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. The all-you-can eat competition will feature players from Righetti, Pioneer Valley, St. Joseph, […]

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The future’s hazy for a proposed Orcutt marijuana dispensary

by JEREMY THOMAS September 15, 2009August 17, 2023

Citing confusion over the status of a lease agreement, Santa Barbara County’s Planning Commission postponed a Sept. 9 ruling on a permit for a proposed medicinal marijuana dispensary in unincorporated Orcutt. The commission will take up the issue again on Oct. 21. According to Planner Joyce Gerber, the delay will give the commission time […]

Music, Arts & Culture

Fall into hoops

by JEREMY THOMAS September 15, 2009August 17, 2023

Ron Barba’s West Coast Xtreme Basketball Academy will hold a Skills and Drills basketball clinic for boys and girls in grades 3 through 6 on Sept. 17. The clinic, held at St. Joseph High School from 6 to 8 p.m., will teach offensive and defensive skills. The cost is $40 for each participant, and […]

Music, Arts & Culture

Dates set for ALS golf benefit

by JEREMY THOMAS September 15, 2009August 17, 2023

Straight Down’s Fall Classic is currently accepting requests for volunteer caddies to work the 13th annual golf tournament, set for Nov. 14 and 15 at the San Luis Obispo Country Club. For this year’s tourney, Straight Down, a golf apparel and accessory company, is teaming with the ALS Association to help provide assistance to […]

Music, Arts & Culture

It’s not too late to get your kicks

by JEREMY THOMAS September 15, 2009August 17, 2023

There’s still time for children aged 3 to 12 to register for the Central Coast’s only arena soccer league. The Santa Maria Valley YMCA has extended the deadline to register for its Youth Soccer program to Sept. 21. The cost for registration is $60 for YMCA members and $80 for participants. Financial assistance is […]