Spotlight

The state of local and national economies and the role of energy policy in growth will be discussed during the Santa Barbara County Energy Coalition’s National Energy Day and 2011 Economic Conference on Oct. 12. Expert speakers will cover a wide range of topics—including solar, nuclear, wind, and wave power; oil; natural gas; energy efficiency; […]

To celebrate American Humane Association’s national Adopt-A-Dog month, the Milt Guggia Family of Restaurants is partnering with the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society to offer special discount cards on food all October long. For every dog adopted during the month, the Guggia Family will donate a $20 gift card, good at any of the 10 […]

Fall is here, but the remains of summer will hold center stage at the third annual Harvest Festival at Growing Grounds Farm on Oct. 16. Local artisans and musicians will be on hand to celebrate mental health, good work, and great food. Fresh organic produce, flower bouquets, and plants will be available for purchase at […]

Santa Maria’s Maya Restaurant has a new addition to its already extensive menu. Now, patrons older than 60 can alleviate some of the strain on their wallets with the restaurant’s new “Super Citizen Menu.” In lieu of senior discounts, manager Francisco Cadena III, a third-generation restaurateur, decided to offer the menu just for older folks. […]

Healthy Palate, an organic and gluten-free deli and smoothie shop, now has a new Santa Maria location. Owner Dr. Abiola Oladoke, a holistic health practitioner, prepares menu items with local and regional ingredients. Her shop specializes in real fruit smoothies, fresh juices, homemade soups, deli foods, gluten-free sandwiches, salads, and gluten-free pastries. But food isn’t […]

Arroyo Grande-based KK’s Gourmet Bundt Cakes may have opened its second location, in Santa Maria, back in April, but that doesn’t mean the celebration is over yet. KK’s will be holding a grand opening at the store on Oct. 1, with door prize drawings, giveaways, and free samples. The decadent family-run dessert shop specializes in […]

Union Bank of Lompoc will present a business symposium and business networking opportunity titled “Thinking Beyond Tomorrow” on Oct. 2. Ed Carcarey of Emerald Wave Media will be the guest speaker at the event. Admission is free, but reservations are required. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon in the Grossman Gallery of the […]

Landscape and yard maintenance businesses are invited to learn more about pollution prevention at a free workshop held by the city of Santa Maria’s Utilities Department on Sept. 29. The workshop will provide information regarding proper pesticide and fertilizer use and appropriate disposal methods of yard waste material as required by federal law and supported […]

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and in its honor, Panera Bread is raising money for breast cancer research by offering its Pink Ribbon Bagel. The Pink Ribbon Bagel is made with cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey, and brown sugar and is shaped in the form of a traditional breast cancer awareness […]

Each year, lives are lost and millions of dollars in repairs are incurred as a result of excavation crews inadvertently digging into pipelines. Avoiding those accidents will be the topic of the Pipeline Group’s annual “Public Education—Contractor Awareness Program” on Oct. 12 at the Historic Santa Maria Inn. A free, catered breakfast will be available […]

It will be a black-and-white affair at the fourth annual 2010 Northern Santa Barbara County Mayors’ Ball, held on Oct. 2 in Santa Maria. The theme for the evening is “All That Jazz,” and features a gourmet dinner, dancing to Beaujolais, and a silent and live auction. The event will serve as a fundraiser for […]

Verizon Wireless Inc. announced that the company recently added a new higher speed Internet service in the Santa Maria area.  On Aug. 30, the company added a new high-speed tier with 10- to 15-megabits-per-second downstream and 1 megabit-per-second upstream service. Prices for the high-speed tier range from $49.99 to $59.99 per month for residential customers. […]