Spotlight

Paragon MMA and Fitness Academy (formerly West Coast Martial Arts) recently moved into its new home: a 7,300 square-foot facility at 4869 Bradley Road in Orcutt. The academy offers Brazilian jiu jitsu, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and conditioning classes, as well as a full cardio and weight area for adult members. Kids ages 3 to […]

On Dec. 16, Women’s Economic Ventures graduated a class of 82 Santa Barbara County residents, 17 of whom celebrated at a ceremony in Santa Maria. The class members were fresh from 14 weeks of lessons in finance, leadership skills, marketing, and more, courtesy of the organization’s Self-Employment Training program. The graduates are now poised to […]

The Santa Maria Chapter of California Women for Agriculture recently announced its 2009 officers: Kristy Farmer, president; Kari Campbell-Bohard, first vice president; Kerri Aller, second vice president; Donna France, third vice president; Joyce Chrisman, secretary; Nancy Machut, treasurer; and Patty Vasquez, vice treasurer. Lisa Bodrogi is the immediate past president. The officers will be installed […]

Jim Glines, CEO of Community Bank of Santa Maria, announced in late November the bank’s decision to pass on Treasury’s TARP Capital Purchase Plan—a.k.a. the “Bail Out” Plan—designed to encourage U.S. financial institutions to build capital.  According to a press release, however, Community Bank of Santa Maria is well capitalized and hasn’t seen a need […]

How about some custom signage? Maybe you’re hankering for a new table top? On Dec. 1, longtime Santa Ynez Valley residents Tom and Marie Freeman launched eWoodArt.com, which allows customers to create artisan-quality wine barrel carvings over the Internet. An online tool guides users through the steps to custom carve solid oak recycled wine barrel […]

Kali’s Kastle, which offers boutique clothing for girls infant to 14, has moved to a new location: 4869 S. Bradley Road in Orcutt. The new space offers an expanded party room and showcases the Kaity’s Kloset clothing line and Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottles. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. […]

One side is the Santa Maria Valley, complete with major roads and landmarks. On the other side is a list of the area’s top attractions, broken down into categories: wine and food, outdoor recreation, family-friendly experiences, and entertainment (shopping, theaters, and museums). And it’s free. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & […]

VTC Enterprises, a local vocational and life skills training center for community residents with developmental disabilities, is looking to move into a new home in the coming months. A big new home. An increasing caseload in the organization’s Quality Life Services Program and Santa Maria’s plans to extend McCoy Lane prompted VTC Enterprises to gear […]

If you drop by the Historic Santa Maria Inn to find Bethany Endy and her catering managing skills, she won’t be there. That’s because she’s now the special events coordinator for Santa Ynez Inn in Santa Ynez. Her new job will see her promoting, planning, and overseeing all special events—receptions, winemaker dinners, weddings, luncheons, meetings, […]

While nothing may compare with crunching through a field of fresh snow to choose your own Douglas fir, winning an already decorated tree and some gifts to go with it comes mighty close. Altrusa International of the Central Coast is descending on Santa Maria Town Center for its sixth annual Festival of Trees, the group’s […]

It’s not money, but it’s close. The Nipomo Swapmeet will be handing out Santa Swapmeet Bucks to kids at noon on Sundays until Dec. 21. Recipients can use the bucks just like cash at participating vendors throughout the meet. The Nipomo Swapmeet is located at 263 N. Frontage Road in Nipomo. The bucks will be […]

In a season of perceived economic uncertainty, there are people seeking to bring hope and stability through the staffing industry. Kim Mundell opened an Express Employment Professionals office at 222 W. Carmen Lane, suite 102, in Santa Maria on Nov. 3, and business is already brisk. “I have no doubts,” Mundell said. “This is a […]