Kathryn Leedom
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Olympics got locals up and moving

Riding high off of the 2008 Summer Games, swimmers and gymnasts are getting a major boost
by Kathryn Leedom

Whether or not the Summer Olympics increased interest in local athletics isn’t really a question for Mike Ashmore, head coach of the Santa Maria Swim Club. “The phone has been going nuts!” he said. “Ability isn’t going to be affected by the Olympics, but there is definitely an increase in interest.” With highly publicized swimmers […]

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Celebrate the community’s big givers

by Kathryn Leedom

The night was heavy and dark, but the 300 people attending the 89th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner at Elks Lodge No. 1538 could see nothing but the shining lights of the three award recipients on Aug. 13. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau—along with major sponsor BreitBurn Energy—ignited […]

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Girl Scouts go for the gold

by Kathryn Leedom

Superheroes save planets, soar through the sky, fight evil, and still manage to lead pseudo-normal lives. With a lot of the public’s attention now focusing on heroes of the big screen, it’s time to remember the role models that exist in our own community. That’s where the Girl Scouts of Troop 50778 shine. This year, […]

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Ride in economical style

by Kathryn Leedom

Driving long distances alone can be tedious—not to mention expensive. In August and September, commuters will have the chance to save hundreds of dollars, experience new transportation options, meet new people, and win prizes. How? By competing in the Traffic Solutions Commute Challenge. Commuters participating in the challenge form teams of five people. The more […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Athlete of the Week

by Kathryn Leedom

Whether he’s hitting the ball or pitching it, Zach Kennedy knows baseball. He plays both first base and pitcher for the Northside All-Stars. This is a big accomplishment for Kennedy, who originally got started in the sport by playing T-ball in Texas. “It’s exciting and fun,” he said of why he chooses to play. “I […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Athlete of the Week

by Kathryn Leedom

Rachael Wahl approached her first time at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Omaha, Neb., feeling only a bit tense. With 10,000 people in the stands gazing at her, it would be hard for this member of the Santa Maria Swim Club to rid herself of the butterflies in her stomach. Fortunately, this swimmer wanted […]

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A Night for the Families

by Kathryn Leedom

Imagine having a job that required attention 24 hours a day. Whether it’s 6 a.m. or 9 p.m., family caregivers for Marian Medical Center’s home care, hospice, and cancer patients are always on call. Fortunately, their numerous hours of care and patience haven’t been overlooked, and Marian Medical Center, along with Dream Dinners of Santa […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Athlete of the Week

by Kathryn Leedom

Multitalented must be an adjective Heidi Lethcoe hears attributed to her quite often. Playing a varied mix of shortstop, second base, and catcher for the Orcutt All Stars, this 12-year-old doesn’t shy away from stretching her abilities to cover the whole field. After all, softball is in her blood. “My dad coaches,” she said, and […]

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Helping the Red Cross Help You

by Kathryn Leedom

Emergencies don’t often happen when expected. The unforeseen is usually what contributes to panic and disorder during a crisis. This is when the American Red Cross Preparedness and Response Center in Santa Maria would step in. That is, if it existed. In order to help residents of northern Santa Barbara County more efficiently the Red […]

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