Whether you’re for or against oil operations in Santa Barbara County, you’re passionate about that position. But that decades-long debate turned up a notch at a recent Santa Barbara County Planning Commission meeting. “Coming to the Planning Commission hearings or Board [of Supervisors] hearings is a really important part of our public process,” Planning […]
Taylor O'Connor
Posted inNews
Guadalupe’s first cannabis dispensary, Root One, is open for business
By opening its doors in Guadalupe, Root One became the first cannabis dispensary to serve the Santa Maria Valley. “It’s been great to see this multiyear mission come to fruition and for us to be so welcomed by the community, which has been the best part so far,” said Austen Connella, the owner and CEO […]
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Home base: Local students could soon earn four-year degrees at Allan Hancock College—but the program awaits CSU approval
For the 12 years Kevin Walthers has been with Allan Hancock College, he has tried to work with the California State University System to make obtaining four-year degrees an opportunity for students on the Santa Maria campus. He’s so close to making that long-awaited dream a reality. Hancock recently received provisional approval from the California […]
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County and cities face health, safety concerns with unpermitted food vendors
Al pastor meat sitting in a 5 gallon, dirty plastic bucket on the side of the road. Beans, tamales, and/or fruit resting in coolers with no hint as to where the food’s been prepared. Grease from what’s been cooked dumped into gutters, storm drains, and transportation paths. These are some of the food health […]
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Santa Maria Joint Union school board candidates address school safety
In the face of student violence, discrimination allegations from students, leadership changes at Pioneer Valley High School, and behavioral issues, high school district board candidates Gabriel A. Morales and Alma Hernandez see communication from the district as a key component to addressing these issues. Morales and Hernandez are facing off in the Santa Maria Joint […]
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Solvang’s Wildwood housing proposal creates tension among neighbors
Several Solvang residents are ringing alarm bells about a housing development project that’s still behind the starting line. “This area is unique, it’s precious, it’s a place where people come because it’s so special,” Michelle Neels said. “If we start to allow development that hurts that feel, that charm, then we become Anytown, USA, and […]
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Buellton City Councilmember David Silva faces incumbent Dave King for mayor
Both Dave King and David Silva want to see the creation of more gathering spaces for activities, and they both believe that they can streamline that process if elected as Buellton mayor. Regional baseball parks on city-owned property by Riverview Park, the long-awaited bowling alley, reopening parts of the movie theater, renovating the high school […]
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Orcutt Union School District joined nationwide League of Innovative Schools to improve education opportunities
The jobs that exist now are not going to be the same in the future, Orcutt Union School District Superintendent Dr. Holly Edds said. “We’re always looking to the future and how we can improve our instruction here in the district because we do want to be responsive, we do want to have students ready […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Santa Barbara County received a state grant to explore ways to keep pet families together
With their unconditional loyalty, big eyes filled with nothing but love, and snuggles that bring endless comfort, pets can be the biggest support system for people going through tough times. But that support system can morph into the biggest barrier when trying to access services to improve their circumstances. “One of the things we talk […]
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Guadalupe Royal Theater project design changes spark residents’ frustration with city
Chasing deadlines and a need to cut costs continue to haunt the Royal Theater renovation project. Most recently, Guadalupe city staff submitted redesign changes for a grant it received through the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) before getting the City Council’s approval. “Staff had to submit documents to meet deadlines next week without council approval […]
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Pioneer Valley High School faculty rallies against principal’s administrative leave
Cries to keep Pioneer Valley High School Principal Shanda Herrera on staff echoed during an October school board meeting—continuing efforts to protect the principal who started earlier this year. “It’s spiteful and vindictive that we are back here again, and we need to stand up for people who work so incredibly hard for students in […]
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LEAP Santa Barbara hosts monthly diaper drives to help with child care costs
Families can spend up to $100 a month or more on diapers alone, and parents felt that cost pressurize during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lori Goodman said. “Having a baby is really expensive. I feel like it’s those first few years—child care is really expensive, diapers, all of those things you need with a baby,” said […]
