Spotlight

Thanks to an anonymous donor, Marian Regional Medical Center recently acquired new mammogram technologies to detect breast cancer at earlier stages.  The first is 3Dimensions Mammography System, available at Mission Hope Breast Imaging Center, takes high quality, clear images, from which radiologists can detect smaller cancers that would have slipped through the previous system, radiologist […]

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse was founded to help the Sheriff’s Office maintain efficiency, improve morale and effectiveness, and help come up with solutions to the issues surrounding law enforcement.  As board Chairman Richard Kline explained, the 501(c)3 nonprofit raises funds to supplement equipment and training for the office. Thus far, the posse […]

Carmen Ramirez was a trailblazer in the social justice realm of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. She was the first Latina woman to be elected to Oxnard’s City Council, and the first Latina woman to serve on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.  She also helped Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) […]

COVID-19 may have compelled Central Coast musician Pete Pidgeon to open a distance-learning music school, but the concept had been on his mind for years. “When I was living in Denver in 2015, I had the idea to start a music school online. The biggest complaint from people was if their child was taking a […]

Santa Barbara County is participating in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 100-day challenge to reduce homelessness as part of the state’s $2.5 million California Encampment Resolution grant to move people indoors and reduce fire danger and car accicents involving pedestrians.  Encampments along transit corridors are the county’s focus during the 100 days because of the dangers that […]

The Model A Ford—a vehicle built by the Detroit-based company from 1928 to 1931—brings together car lovers around the country and creates community through car clubs that recognize the vehicles’ uniqueness.  The Santa Maria chapter of the Model A Ford Club was founded in 2003 on the 100th anniversary of Ford Motor Companies, and the […]

Up to 40 percent of domestic violence victims report they’re unable to leave their abusers because they’re concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  “What we’ve learned is that pets are used as pawns in domestic violence situations where the abuser is using […]

Housing, food, child care, and energy bills often come before paying for doctor’s appointments in some low-income households, which can cause people to avoid primary, preventative care, leading to future emergency room visits—particularly in northern Santa Barbara County, according to Eryn Shugart.  Shugart is the executive director of Savie Health—a 501(c)3 nonprofit clinic based in […]

Mother-and-son duo Denise and Lucas Neumann traded Los Angeles city living for more open spaces to pursue Denise’s dreams of running a farm. During her time in the city, she became a master gardener and taught people how to make edible gardens in their backyards, but she wanted something more, Lucas said.  “We were always […]

For years, students at Orcutt Academy High School didn’t get to experience the echoing creaks of people clambering up and down the bleachers of their own gym for home games or rallies. Instead, they’d go to neighboring schools in the Orcutt Union School District for sports games, pep rallies, and gym class, said Superintendent Holly […]

Colleen Grant was driving through Lompoc one day when she heard a voice say on the radio, “No child deserves to sleep on the floor.” Although she doesn’t remember the ad’s original intent, she said the message resonated with her.  “I taught preschool for 30 years and worked firsthand with a lot of families in […]

Amanda Sillars worked in nursing homes, home health, and hospice care before finding an alternative path for senior care that she fell in love with, she said.  “Adult day health care is set up to support people so they can remain living in the community happily and as healthily as possible. The entire goal of […]