The city of Santa Maria announced the appointment of Larry Appel as its new director of community development beginning June 8. Appel replaces Kirk Lindsay, who retired in December 2008 after seven years. He has served for the last two years as deputy director of planning services with El Dorado County Development Services Department. Appel […]
JEREMY THOMAS
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WEV celebrates its graduates
After 14 weeks of classes, Women’s Economic Ventures graduated 91 participants in its Self-Employment Training Course from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties on May 18. Of those graduates, 14 came from the group’s Spanish and English SET courses in Santa Maria. The graduates will go on to fulfill their dreams of owning their own businesses, […]
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Nipomo’s New Age
A new metaphysical and new age bookstore, Wisdom Island, has moved into Nipomo. The bookstore specializes in astrology software, fountains, feng shui elements, sacred statuary, incense, candles, tarot cards and oracles, jewelry, crystals, greeting cards, and more. Owners Kalua Kuhnle and Sampa Tacorda serve Hilo Hawaiian coffee and exotic teas and offer a relaxed atmosphere […]
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Parks and Rec summer swimming
Junior lifeguard classes for youth ages 9 to 14 years old will be held at the Paul Nelson and Pioneer Valley High School pools beginning in late June. Participants will learn rescue and stroke techniques, fitness skills, and teamwork. They must possess a Level 6 American Red Cross swim card or be able to swim […]
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Reuniting and it feels so good
Former Santa Maria swimmers, lifeguards, divers, aqua fins, and water polo players from the 1950s to the 1990s are invited to meet at a reunion held at Santa Maria High School on August 15. Past All-Americans, NCAA champions, and others coached by Phil Wall or Karl Bell will be on hand. A barbecue will be […]
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The human toll of recession
Therapists, doctors say economic climate causing physical, mental strain
Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past nine months, you know the economy is in dire straits and isn’t going to get better any time soon. The statistics don’t lie, but they also don’t tell the whole story. Lost among the facts and figures are the effects of the recession on mental […]
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Pioneer Valley hoops benefit
The gym at Pioneer Valley High School is the stage for the school’s inaugural benefit basketball game between students and officers from the Santa Maria Police Department on May 29. Seniors from the school’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will take part in the contest against the city’s finest and all proceeds will go to […]
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Thrice the excitement
Tri-athletes of all ages are welcomed to participate in the 3rd annual Lompoc Sprint Triathlon and Junior Triathlon July 18 at Lompoc Aquatic Center. Entrants ages 15 and up will compete in a 500-yard swim, 11-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile-run with first heats beginning at 8 a.m. The junior version consists of a 50-yard swim, […]
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Water polo peekends
Sundays mean fun days in the pool at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, where the One-Way Water Polo organization conducts water polo workouts. Experienced masters of the sport aged 18 and up can practice from noon to 1 p.m. Youth aged 7 and up can try their hand at the sport from 1 to 3 […]
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Plumbing company celebrates award
Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine recently recognized local father and son plumbers Juan and Eric Rodriguez for owning the nationwide publication’s May Truck of the Month. The award recognizes the plumbing profession’s most clean and organized service vehicles. The Rodriguez’s company, JES Plumbing, received a resolution of recognition for the award from the Santa Barbara County […]
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CASA appoints new program director
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Barbara County announced they’ve named Kim Davis as their new director of program services. Davis, who became a full-time staff member of CASA in 2008, will be responsible for overseeing and implementing all CASA program procedures, advocate trainings, and community volunteer outreach efforts. She will continue to work directly […]
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One big headache
Grand jury reports accounting failures at Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services could cost the county $34 million
It’s an accountant’s nightmare: A potential $34 million budget deficit faced by the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services Department will cost Santa Barbara County substantial funds and may result in further cuts to services, according to the county’s civil grand jury. On May 6, the jury issued a report revealing the results of its […]