Local 10-year-old Destiny Cloud is a state finalist in the National American Miss California Pageant—a yearly competition for girls ages 4 to 18. Destiny will be participating in the Miss Pre-Teen division. Held at the Marriott Hotel in Santa Clara in late July, the California pageant is the precursor to a national pageant, which will […]
KRISTINA SEWELL
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Supervisors move forward with county homeless services merger
With the number of homeless people in Santa Barbara County steadily increasing, greater efforts are being made to aid this segment of the community. On May 15, the homeless issue came before the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors once again. Due to a sluggish economy, a weak job market, and the effects of California […]
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Foster a kitten, save a life
Spring is coming to an end and summer is around the corner. As the temperatures start to rise, so does the number of orphaned kittens arriving at Santa Barbara County Animal Services’ three shelters. Some of the kittens come to the shelter with their mothers, while others arrive so young the only way they can […]
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Allan Hancock College says goodbye to Ortiz
On May 8, members of the board of trustees of the Peralta Community College District announced current Allan Hancock College President Jose M. Ortiz will be the newly appointed chancellor of their district. As of July 2, Ortiz will take over for current chancellor Wise E. Allen to lead Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, […]
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Live well and eat right
The Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Department recently received grant money through the Marian Medical Foundation to offer Healthy for Life workshops to at-risk families and their children through the “Live Well, Buen Salud Santa Maria” program. Nonprofit organization People for Leisure and Youth (PLAY) and the department will share the $15,000 award. Parks and […]
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Spotlight on: Valley Brewers
Chris and Sandy Kelly, owners
Something new and original is brewing in Solvang, where residents Chris and Sandy Kelly are preparing to open their store, Valley Brewers. While the name would suggest the store is a new brewery, Chris and Sandy will be leaving that work to the customers. Chris and Sandy are members of the small Valley Brewers Club—a […]
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Camp 4 proposal has some valley locals up in arms
The recent housing project introduced by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians continues to stir up emotions over whether the project could be good or bad for Santa Barbara County. The tribe bought the agriculturally zoned parcel from Fess Parker in 2010. The proposal indicates that the tribe plans to build 143 additional homes […]
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Spotlight on: Ambrosia Restaurant
Otilia Narez, owner
Santa Maria is chock full of steakhouses and Mexican restaurants, but if you’re looking for homemade food with a touch of American comfort, check out Ambrosia Restaurant. Quaint with a quiet dining atmosphere and great for everyday dining and special events, Ambrosia has been in business for six years. The restaurant underwent a change of […]
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Strawberries are on top again
The Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commission recently released its annual crop report, detailing the production of fruit, vegetable, nut, nursery, and livestock crops throughout the county. According to the Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Guy Tingos, this report shows just how important agriculture is to the county. “Santa Barbara County is ranked 12th in the state of […]
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Meet a hometown hero
A Nipomo resident teaches kids that a disability doesn’t stop you from living a full life
Selyn Barrette doesn’t have any memories of her dad, Ken, walking; he became wheelchair-bound when Selyn was just 4 years old. Ken, formerly a contractor and currently a resident of Nipomo, was diagnosed with possible multiple sclerosis in 1991—but all of the tests came back negative. Further tests and research showed that during his time […]
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Deadly plant disease threatens local citrus economy
Local agriculturalists are continuing their search for the Asian citrus psyllid, an insect that can carry and transmit a disease fatal to citrus trees. According to a press release from the San Luis Obispo County Agriculture Department, scientists recently discovered the Huanglongbing Disease—also known as the Citrus Greening Disease—in a tree in Los Angeles County. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Ritualistic behavior
From washing bats to earthworm consumption, there’s a little superstition in every athlete
Before every Allan Hancock College baseball game, you’ll find shortstop Matt Foley deeply engrossed in his pre-game routine. First, he puts on his dusty Hancock baseball hat, faded and stained with the dirt and sweat of past games. Then, he puts on his right cleat before his left, and if he just so happens to […]