Four new board members were elected at the most recent meeting of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens. The new members are Judith Dunn, Santa Maria; Janelle Parsons, Santa Barbara; Cheryl Kippen, Arroyo Grande; and John Alongi, San Luis Obispo. “Needs of senior citizens are increasing due to numerous factors, such as increasing numbers […]
SARAH E. THIEN
Senior living center waits and waits for budget to materialize
After 77 days in limbo, lawmakers in Sacramento stayed up until 2 a.m. the morning of Sept. 16 to complete and sign a proposed budget. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger threatened to veto it, and as of press time, a decision had not been made—though a veto seemed likely . This precarious state of events, however, was […]
Out of the office, into the ocean
There’s only one thing to do when you find yourself submerged in the Santa Barbara Bay: Try not to lose your $70 sunglasses. Then yell at the person who got you submerged in the first place. “Shelly Cone!” I gurgled, trying to get the water out of my nose. “What did you do?” Shelly, our […]
Sunset hike at the Dunes Center focuses on family recreation
The Dunes Center and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are co-hosting a one-mile round trip hike into the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on Sept. 27, starting at 5:30 p.m. Hikers will be taken into the refuge and up to a high vantage point to watch the sunset. They’ll return to the parking lot […]
Soccer season has been canceled for Hancock women’s team
It wasn’t for a lack of trying, but according to Allan Hancock College, there just wasn’t enough time for recruitment. The women’s soccer season has been canceled due to lack of participation. The announcement was made on Sept. 12, just a month after Rod Garcia was officially named head coach of the women’s team. Garcia […]
Athlete of the Week
Summer is over, and 9-year-old Austin Kranz is taking a break from golf. After six junior golf tournaments this summer, and five tournament wins, he’s been forced to slow down—“Because my teacher gives me homework every day and I have to do it,” he explained. That doesn’t mean he’s stopping for good. No, this golfer […]
Lompoc launches new marketing campaign to promote ‘Lompoc Wine Country’
Ever heard of Lompoc Wine Country? If the city of Lompoc’s new marketing campaign works, then the answer to that question will be yes. The city has partnered with the Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau and Film Commission to promote Lompoc Wine Country. The city’s website will be linked to and from the city […]
Panel brings nonprofits and philanthropists together
Attendees at the Nonprofit Support Center’s Funder Panel symposium on Sept. 25 will be able to talk directly to some of the voices of philanthropy on the Central Coast. Participants will be able to ask questions and address issues that directly impact their organizations. Members of local nonprofits will participate in discussions designed to provide […]
Schools are waiting on the budget, but doing okay
The budget for the state of California is usually enacted in the beginning of July. That was two months ago. Now, things are getting a little sticky for government agencies across the county, for agencies that are counting on that money. Imagine working hard and then not getting paid for two months in a row. […]
Ready to play? A new stadium is open for the season
Just one day before the grand opening of the new Santa Maria High School stadium, athletic director Ralph Baldiviez stood in the middle of the new field, recalling his own days of playing football for the Saints. “I wasn’t a starter,” he said, “but I worked hard.” Then he looked up and immediately saw the […]
Punt, pass, and kick past the competition
Instead of watching the NFL on TV, kids can get a chance to emulate their favorite players at the NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick Skills Competition put on by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. The free event will be held on Sept. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hagerman Sports Complex, […]
One Way Water Polo starts new practice times
Every Sunday through December, the pools at Paul Nelson Aquatic Center will be full of water polo players. To join them, just show up to one of their open swims. The players in the masters (18 years and older) division are in the pool from noon to 1 p.m., and kids of all ages swim […]

