From dressing and eating assistance to working with kids with severe autism or helping people recover from injuries, occupational therapists help with the activities of daily living. “My mission is to get kids as functional as possible,” said occupational therapist Stephanie Foster. “I tend to see kids intensively for six months to a year, and […]
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Residents can now comment on a Central Coast economic strategy
Between now and mid-October, locals can give their two cents on a multi-year economic plan for the Central Coast designed to bring in and support a wide range of industries throughout the region. The plan was developed by the Regional Economic Action Coalition (REACH), a nonprofit organization with the goal of growing economic prosperity in […]
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National pet therapy nonprofit’s local chapter looks to grow membership to serve more Central Coast residents
From listening to kids read to visiting seniors in bed care, Kelli the liver-spotted Dalmatian has provided a lot of joy on the Central Coast. “She loves everybody. When we work with kids, she will lay down while the kids climb all over her,” said Toni Perez, Kelli’s owner and handler. “I adopted her when […]
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SYV Pride members reflect on their trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, for the European city’s Pride celebrations
Walking in Copenhagen’s Pride parade and attending its weeklong celebration felt surreal, said Santa Ynez Valley Pride President Lauren Lastra. “I think in many ways we’re still digesting the trip because there were so many takeaways, so many perspectives—life-changing moments that you still need to digest and be intentional and mindful for what that means […]
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The Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center celebrates 50 years of providing services to students, families, and the community
The Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center started in 1972 as Social Advocates for Youth in Santa Barbara, former Executive Director Judi Nishimori told the Sun. “It’s been such a long-standing program; it’s evolved into different areas and it’s changed over the years. … I began in 1978; this would be my 45th year […]
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Retired music teacher launches Young Voices of Santa Maria, a new children’s choir program
Eileen Boyd considered herself a singer from an early age and always dreamt of a professional career. The Sacramento native ended up studying music in college and then decided to get a teaching credential to support herself while chasing her dreams. “I ended up teaching for 40 years, and I kept my hand in the […]
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Santa Barbara and Ventura nonprofit SEEAG hosts annual Farm Day for residents to meet farmers in their backyard
Growing up on a dairy farm in upstate New York, Mary Maranville said she always felt a deep connection to farming and saw value in understanding where our food comes from. “When I moved to California 24 years ago, that connection continued and led me to want to educate students on where our food comes […]
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Solvang Senior Center offers new programs as its membership expands and construction for a new building begins
With more people filling up classes and its membership rates growing every month, the Solvang Senior Center added new programs and more opportunities for seniors to explore their community and make new friends. “It’s important for people to socialize, and that’s something we also offer: the chance to socialize while they are also keeping healthy, […]
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C.A.R.E.4Paws begins offering pet wellness clinics to Oceano in August
Three mobile clinics rolled into Oceano on Aug. 6, aiming to treat animals in the community at no cost to town residents in need. Although Santa Barbara-based C.A.R.E.4Paws charges for its services on a sliding scale and does comp services for those who can’t afford to pay anything, the nonprofit is now able to help […]
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Local Boys and Girls Clubs, Planet Fitness organize school supply drive in Santa Maria and Atascadero
Students from lower-income families are poised to receive much-needed school supplies through a debut partnership between the Central Coast chapters of Planet Fitness and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast. Theresa Cappelletty, Planet Fitness’ regional manager, told the Sun that the two groups came together to promote a judgment-free environment for kids. […]
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The Santa Barbara County APCD opens up new grant programs to help residents transition to equipment that relies on renewable energy
For 35 years, the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District has been helping residents and business owners replace old equipment with newer, more environmentally friendly versions through its Clean Air Grants. “It’s been interesting to see how the technology has evolved over time and how the options have grown for cleaner engines, and also […]
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Lompoc has a track and field that everyone in the community can use this summer
The revamped Lompoc Community Track and Field provides an outdoor exercise zone for people to work out and spend time with friends and family. “The idea was to create a safe space that was well lit when it was dark, that was free, that was accessible and centrally located in the heart of the community,” […]
