Art galleries may be sparse around Santa Maria, but at least one nearby is managing to carve out a comfortable niche. Morley & Art Brut 117 at 117 E. Clark Ave. in Old Town Orcutt features local and California paintings handpicked by curator and owner John Morley. “I’m an entrepreneur of sorts,” Morley told the […]
SPENCER COLE
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Santa Barbara County election season comes into focus
The upcoming primary election on June 5 in Santa Barbara County is beginning to take shape. Incumbent Sheriff Bill Brown will face his own Lt. Brian Olmstead for county sheriff. Brown is a three-time incumbent. Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino is running unopposed in his district, and the same goes for 2nd District hopeful Gregg […]
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St. Joseph High School names Erinn Dougherty principal
A new principal will soon be walking the halls of St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria. The Department of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced the appointment of Erinn Dougherty to the position on March 3. Dougherty replaces Joanne Poloni, who is retiring following the conclusion of this school year. Poloni […]
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Team Starstruck
A group of Santa Maria cheerleaders took home a national title to close out February. Team Starstruck, a junior level cheerleading team based out of Santa Maria, placed first in their division at a national competition in Dallas, Texas, and also won a separate choreography award, according to coach Kali Williams. The Triple Threat Cheer […]
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County says it will remove material from Montecito mudflows for two to five years
Santa Barbara County will be removing debris from the Montecito mudflows for the next two to five years, according to a staff report presented at the Board of Supervisors’ regular meeting on March 13. Assistant county CEO Matthew Pontes told the supervisors that even though 30,000 cubic yards of material had been removed from roads […]
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Spotlight on: Kirkland’s
Michelle Graul, vice president of stores
Another major chain store opened up shop at Santa Maria’s Enos Ranch shopping center off Betteravia Road and Highway 101. On Feb. 20, Kirkland’s held a soft opening at its newest location (645 E. Betteravia Road), where it offered door prizes and raffle drawings for new furniture. “At Kirkland’s we bring together great style and […]
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County estimates Montecito mudflows, Thomas Fire costs at more than $46 million
The current estimated costs associated with January’s Montecito mudslides and December’s Thomas Fire for Santa Barbara County is $46 million and rising, according to county staff and emergency officials. Assistant County Executive Officer Jeff Frapwell gave the Board of Supervisors the updated figures at their last meeting on Feb. 27. He said the costs given […]
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Bail reform key topic in NAACP-chaired community forum
A small group of lawyers and community leaders gathered on Feb. 28 in Santa Maria to discuss the criminal justice system, with particular focus on state Senate Bill 10, the California Money Bail Reform Act. If passed, the legislation would effectively ensure individuals are not kept in jail because they cannot afford bail. Proponents argue […]
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Business as usual: Santa Barbara County supervisor candidates face little opposition for 2018 election
Change is coming to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. However, as the days until the June 5 primary slowly melt away, the painting emerging from below the surface is one richly layered in the region’s historical status quo. Indeed, as of March 6, neither 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino nor 2nd District hopeful […]
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Spotlight on: Firestone Walker Brewing Company Barrelworks
Jim Crooks, master blender
It all started five years ago, when Firestone Walker Brewing Company moved its wild-ale program from the main brewery in Paso Robles to a new location in Buellton. Headed by resident Master Blender Jim Crooks, the 14,000 square-foot warehouse attached to two tasting rooms along with a full-service brew pub at 620 McMurray Road off […]
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Lompoc accepts commercial cannabis license applications
Commercial cannabis license-use applications in Lompoc are available to the public starting March 1. The applications can be accessed at cityoflompoc.com/clerk/cannabis. More information about the application process, including fees and requirements, are also available on the city’s cannabis webpage. Additionally, the city will hold a public workshop on March 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. […]
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Fallen Vandenberg airman’s fundraiser surpasses $16,000
An online fundraiser benefiting the eight-months pregnant wife of a Vandenberg Air Force Base airman, who was killed by a bus on Highway 1 near the base on Feb. 19, has exceeded expectations. The original goal was $5,000 but the donations easily surpassed that number within a few days, topping $16,000 as of Feb. 27. […]