Five a.m. is a sucker punch to the gut. It’s cold and it’s ugly and it’s lonely. At the same time there’s a specialness to 5 a.m. And if you’re one of the people who start their day that early you wear that specialness like a tiara, setting you apart from everyone else because you […]
SHELLY CONE
Cal Poly awards Allan Hancock College staff member with Honored Alumni Award
Nohemy Ornelas, the associate superintendent and vice president of Student Services at Allan Hancock College, has received another major recognition for her commitment to helping students succeed. Ornelas will receive the Honored Alumni Award from the Alumni Association of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She is one of only seven Cal Poly alumni selected to […]
On the run: Orcutt mother and daughter prepare for Memphis marathon that supports St. Jude
There are a lot of reasons that compel someone to lace up a pair of running shoes and train to run a grueling 26.2 miles. For some it’s bragging rights. Others do it for the personal challenge and the camaraderie. And some do it for the race medal and T-shirt. An Orcutt mom and daughter […]
Spotlight shines on Pioneer Valley High School performing arts center
It was part of the original plans when the school was first built in 2004, and now Pioneer Valley High School’s performing arts center is finally becoming a reality. The 16,411-square-foot structure will seat nearly 300, and will include three classrooms in addition to the stage. The project is estimated to cost around $10 million […]
Leo Partida Ruiz
Leo Partida Ruiz’s high school football career all started with a cheesy, carb-loaded snack. The Pioneer Valley High School senior plays wide receiver and strong safety for his school’s football team. But three years ago he was a basketball player. “After one of my games the coaches saw me and said ‘You look good out […]
The trail less traveled: Santa Maria Valley Trail Runners group strives to get locals excited about trails and open space
The Santa Maria Valley Trail Runners started when a group of runners and open space enthusiasts sat around having breakfast after a run and discussing why Santa Maria didn’t have such a group. With the quick setup of a Facebook page, the group was instantly born. The group meets to run together at 6 p.m. […]
Homework help is available to Santa Maria students
Get the school year off to a bright start with the Santa Maria Public Library’s free Homework Help Program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. On Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m., a grand re-opening celebration was planned for the Homework Center to help kick off the new year of learning. Participants can meet […]
County reaches out to prospective foster parents
In an effort to raise awareness and support for the 425 foster youth in Santa Barbara County, Our County, Our Kids—a program of the Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services—is building its relationships with local schools, families, and youth. Program representatives believe that every child deserves someone cheering for them on the sideline and […]
Students connect with the play ‘In the Heights’
Santa Maria High School Chicano/Latino Studies students recently made a powerful connection with the Tony-award winning musical In the Heights at a recent PCPA performance in Santa Maria. The musical, which takes place in the largely Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City, is filled with Latino dreamers, nervously eyeing their futures from […]
Slam dunk: Cal Swoosh basketball program is fulfilling hoop dreams
While it may seem like playing a sport is a natural part of growing up, not every kid gets the opportunity. Sometimes it’s because the chosen sport isn’t well-established in the area, and sometimes it’s cost prohibitive to participate. To give as many girls who wanted to play basketball the chance to do that, Theresa […]
McDonald’s offers students free breakfasts
McDonald’s is offering a kick-start to the school year with a free breakfast. On Tuesday, Sept. 13, participating restaurants will offer free breakfast from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. At Central Coast restaurants, students can enjoy an Egg McMuffin breakfast sandwich, along with apple slices, and their choice of […]
Homework help is coming to the Lompoc Public Library
Kindergarten-through-12th-grade students are invited to come take part in Homework Club at the Lompoc Library starting Sept. 13. Homework Club will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Department. During Homework Club, volunteer tutors will be available to assist students with their homework. The club also welcomes […]

