On April 10, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians issued a report citing the potential economic benefit of constructing homes on its rural Camp 4 property in the Santa Ynez Valley. Tribe officials say the project, which has received ample scrutiny from some valley residents, would create hundreds of jobs and infuse some life […]
KRISTINA SEWELL
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Athlete of the Week: Courtney Cuzick
When softball pitcher Courtney Cuzick steps onto the mound, you can tell she means business. A junior at Nipomo High School, Cuzick is the lead pitcher in the bullpen, with a 0.56 ERA (earned run average) and 178 strikeouts so far this season. Like every pitcher, Cuzick has a certain mindset when she gets into […]
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The Far West: What’s next for Guadalupe?
With Far Western Tavern relocating and funding a persistent problem, the Guadalupe City Council is making plans for the city’s future
When people hear about the city of Guadalupe, the first thing many of them think of is its iconic restaurant, the Far Western Tavern. The eatery is on the city’s main drag, Guadalupe Street, and serves as a regal reminder of the bygone days of cattle ranching and cowboys. With its rugged exterior, Old West […]
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Three teens sentenced to prison for stabbing
On March 28, 2011, a Lompoc High School student was attacked in one of the school bathrooms before leaving the campus. One year later, three teens connected to that attack have been sentenced to state prison. Saul Rivera, 17, was sentenced to seven years in prison and must serve 85 percent of the sentence before […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Athlete of the Week: Juan Robles
For Pioneer Valley varsity soccer coach Roberto Robles, it’s not just his son Juan’s athletic ability that makes him an Athlete of the Week—it’s his leadership abilities and dedication to the game. Juan, a junior forward (who can also play middle field), is having a stellar season so far. In the Panthers’ eight wins and […]
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Planning Commission postpones SA Recycling application–for now
Local grassroots organization Friends of Fesler achieved a small victory at the Santa Maria Planning Commission meeting on March 20 when the commissioners decided to postpone a decision—yet again—on development of a new SA Recycling facility. SA Recycling originally brought its application to the Planning Commission on Jan. 18, but the decision was postponed until […]
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Allan Hancock College will launch its first international student program this fall
Beginning in the fall, Danish students will travel to Solvang to learn about American hospitality, thanks to an agreement between Allan Hancock College and Copenhagen Hospitality College. The college’s leaders signed a contract on March 15 that will allow Danish students ages 18 to 25 to study culinary arts and tourism services stateside. Copenhagen Hospitality […]
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A titillating debate
Off-road enthusiasts and veterans cast their votes in a poll to name a Guadalupe parking lot
A Guadalupe parking lot has caused quite a stir of late, leaving city officials annoyed and bombarded with phone calls. The “parking lot,” as Guadalupe residents generically call it, sits across from the Far Western Tavern and is the venue for various community activities and events, such as the annual Salad Bowl, car shows, and […]
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Rice Ranch developers stave off foreclosure by negotiating with Wells Fargo
According to a public notice filed March 9, Rice Ranch Ventures LLC has until March 29 to negotiate loan terms with Wells Fargo Bank, or the housing project’s undeveloped land will be sold at public auction. In an interview with the Sun, developer John Scardino said he’s in negotiations with the bank to keep the […]
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Santa Barbara County Grand Jury reports on SMPD impound policies
On March 7, the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury reported that the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) maintains appropriate towing practices, despite the controversy it has attracted for its number of impounds. In July 2011, the jury received complaints from Santa Maria residents claiming that towing and impound practices were unfair and had become “a […]
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Orcutt man arrested on suspicion of drug dealing
On March 5, Santa Barbara County Sherriff’s Department officers arrested 59-year-old William Pearce Tyler on suspicion of selling methamphetamine from his motor home near Lakeview Junior High School in Orcutt. Tyler had been under investigation for three weeks before he was arrested. Undercover detectives reported they purchased methamphetamine from Tyler on two occasions while school […]
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Santa Maria City Council approves construction of a new police department building
With the recent turmoil at the Santa Maria Police Department, is now the ideal time to build a new police station? According to four out of five Santa Maria City Council members, there’s no time like the present. On March 6, council members voted to approve two contracts that would allow the construction process to […]