California State Parks selected the Lompoc College Park Renovation project as one of 112 park grant projects it will be funding statewide. The proposed College Park design features a completely redone skate park, a playground and game area, basketball courts, a picnic area, landscaping, lighting for extended use, and security cameras, Lompoc Recreation Manager Mario […]
Taylor O'Connor
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Santa Maria City Council approves transit service improvements
Beginning in January 2022, Santa Maria public transportation users will see 25 new bus stops, 45-minute frequencies, consistent schedules, and easier bus transfers, Santa Maria Regional Transit Manager Gamaliel Anguiano said. Although the pandemic challenged the public transportation system, Anguiano said it also presented an opportunity to fix the system through service changes—which the Santa […]
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Santa Barbara County officials collaborate on a strategic plan for greater internet service across communities
Some of the only ways to communicate during the pandemic were through cellphones or online, but not everyone in Santa Barbara County has access to cell coverage and internet service. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash experienced a double whammy with poor cell service and no internet access, said Sam Cohen, government and legal specialist […]
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Redistricting commission selects final preferred map
The Santa Barbara County Independent Redistricting Commission drew a final county map during its Dec. 4 meeting. This meeting marks the end point of a year-long journey to redraw Santa Barbara County district lines that align with the 2020 Census Data as well as highlight communities of interest, such as renters and the Latino voter […]
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New Cuyama Greenway focuses on climate change mitigation
State grant funding brought more than 170 trees to New Cuyama’s Richardson Park in a project that aims to help residents beat the summer heat and offset the effects of climate change in the rural community southeast of Santa Maria. Residents and county delegates will celebrate the opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the New […]
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Orcutt artist Minnie Anderson displays work in the Santa Maria Public Library
Framed pencil drawings of pets, grandchildren with grandparents, kids playing in baseball games, and Monterey homes stretch across the walls of the Santa Maria Public Library’s Shepard Hall; children’s eyes glint with life-like joy, and pets’ personalities shine through the sketched faces. Minnie Anderson, an Orcutt-based artist, gazes at each of her pieces in the […]
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Teachers union concerned about Santa Maria-Bonita superintendent search
Santa Maria-Bonita School District Superintendent Luke Ontiveros is retiring at the end of December, and the district plans to have his replacement hired for the 2022-23 academic school year. The school board approved a consulting firm’s timeline for the search and hiring process at a recent board meeting, including collecting input through a public survey […]
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Santa Barbara County Independent Redistricting Commission narrows down redistricting to five maps
After hearing public comment from more than 150 people both online and in person, the Santa Barbara County Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission selected five maps—408B, 801C, 818, 821B, and 822—at its Nov. 22 meeting to move forward in the redistricting process. Daniel Phillips from the National Demographics Corporation began the meeting by breaking down the […]
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Buellton’s annual Winter Fest opens the holiday season
Holiday activities will extend from morning to night for Buellton residents and visitors during the town’s annual Winter Fest celebration, said Kathy Vreeland, executive director of Buellton’s Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a fun community activity and just a way to gather,” Vreeland said. “Last year was tricky [since] we were heading into another shutdown, but […]
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Santa Barbara County set to open North County jail in December
After a five-year delay, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Northern Branch Jail in Santa Maria on Nov. 18, with many county agencies and community members attending. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown spoke at the event, highlighting that the jail will bring enhanced safety and convenience for […]
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Supervisors approve regional dispatch center, despite sheriff opposition
Fire chiefs from across Santa Barbara County attended the Nov. 16 Board of Supervisors meeting in support of the regional dispatch center presented by county Fire Chief Mark Hartwig. “The story that I will talk about here this morning is more about cooperation, partnership, and regionalization as it is about dispatch,” Hartwig said. “This is […]
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Lompoc Parks and Recreation Department hosts annual Turkey Trot for the first time in two years
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to devour delicious turkeys, homemade stuffing, and creamy pies. It’s a time when you unbutton your jeans to fit more food and indulge in the cheat day of a lifetime. But for some people, it’s an opportunity to get a run in and stay active before that traditional feast of […]
