The wait always seems longer when it’s almost over—and the wait was on its way to excruciating as this paper hit its press deadline for the week. California spent more than 80 days without a state budget, and the mood in Santa Barbara County seemed to shift as the wait got longer. When Gov. Arnold […]
SARAH E. THIEN
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America’s Tire opens a Santa Maria location
The company that bills itself as the world’s largest independent tire and wheel retailer has opened a 5,000-square-foot facility in Santa Maria at 1266 S. Broadway. The Santa Maria store is operated by six employees and is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on […]
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Tri-County PODS celebrates its millionth delivery
PODS, Inc. just delivered its one millionth POD, and though the delivery wasn’t on the Central Coast, local franchise owner Steve Yapp is still celebrating. “As a PODS franchise owner, it is a thrill to be a part of the millionth PODS container delivery,” Yapp said in a release. “We want to take this opportunity […]
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Fashion N Formal presents new choices for prom night
Fashion N Formal owner Sandra Patton just got back from the Las Vegas Prom convention, and she’s excited about the new dresses she’ll have in stock for the 2009 prom season. Her Santa Maria shop at 2050 S. Broadway, suite B, also offers tuxedo rentals, bridesmaid dresses, and dresses for the mother of the bride. […]
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New car rental company offers fuel-efficient hybrids
Locals looking to get around in a hybrid car can now stop by the Santa Maria-based Zynk Rentals. The new company has a selection of hybrid vehicles available for business or leisure travel. It also offers VIP service and delivers the rental car right to the customer’s home or business and picks it up when […]
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There’s a new general manager in town
Kevin Harlan has been hired to helm KCOY and KKFX
A lot has changed at KCOY and KKFX in the last year. There are new owners, different anchors, and more than a few new employees. Despite all of the changes, however, the stations have been missing one thing: a boss. Not anymore. Kevin Harlan has been appointed the general manager of KCOY-CBS 12 and KKFX-FOX […]
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‘El Animal’ is poised to turn pro
Boxer Eric Serrano is ready to take his boxing skills to the next level
In person, Eric Serrano is polite and soft-spoken. He’s friendly, but shy. He’s the exact opposite of who he is in the ring. “He turns into a different person,” said Carlos Ruiz, Serrano’s coach. “He tears his opponents apart like an animal.” Serrano, 18, is now known in boxing circles as “El Animal.” He got […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Amgen California Coast Classic Bike Tour makes two local stops
About 240 cyclists began making their way through California on Sept. 20. Their ride, which will last until Sept. 27, includes local stops in Solvang and Santa Barbara. Don’t get these cyclists confused with the pros, though. The riders in the Amgen California Coast Classic Bike Tour are biking to raise money for the Arthritis […]
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Athlete of the Week
Since his freshman year, Josh Marzett, 16, has had his heart set on beating the Santa Maria High School record for yards run in a single game: 340. In the team’s recent game against Gonzales High School, Marzett got so close he could almost taste it. The junior running back ran for 220 yards on […]
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Murray & Murray Insurance is on the move
After 30 years at the same location on east Main Street, Murray & Murray Insurance Agency is packing up and moving to the new College Square complex at 550-D E. Betteravia in Santa Maria. The move is effective immediately and marks a big change for the company that’s met locals’ insurance needs since it opened […]
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California Women for Agriculture host casino night
The Santa Maria chapter of California Women for Agriculture (CWA) is hosting a casino night at the Santa Maria Country Club on Sept. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. to raise money for scholarships and activities. According to event chairwoman Lalena Cooper, casino night will be full of fun, spent playing blackjack, craps, bingo, and […]
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Legal Resource Center opens in Lompoc
The city of Lompoc now has its own Legal Resource Center, located inside the courthouse. The new self-help center will assist self-represented litigants in better understanding their legal rights, according to a press release from the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County. Legal Resource Centers in the county provide information on civil matters, such […]