Spotlight

For the second straight year, the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) selected Local Copies Etc., a locally owned and operated copy and print center, for its Best of Santa Maria Award in the Art Copy category. The USCA “Best of Local Business”award program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies […]

Need summer reading material? Altrusa International of the Central Coast is inviting children and adults to pick out free books at the Festival of Books on Aug. 22. The mall’s One Dollar Book Store donated 400 books and magazines for the event, and books will be available for all levels of readers. Special bookmarks and […]

For the sixth year in a row, the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is offering free admission as part of its annual “Community Day” on Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event honors the birthday of R.H. Tesene, a generous supporter of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, and includes complimentary birthday […]

The parent company of Heritage Oaks Bank, which has three locations in Santa Maria, reported a net loss of $5.8 million for the second quarter of 2010. The figure compares to a net income of $500,000 the company made in the second quarter of 2009. Heritage Oaks Bancorp, headquartered in Paso Robles, had reported a […]

Community Bank of Santa Maria released its second-quarter earnings report, showing a year-to-date net loss of $519,052 as of June 30. The figure compares to a net loss of $393,722 the bank posted at the same time last year. The report also revealed the bank had increased deposits, assets, and net loans from 2009. As […]

Continuing and expanding the state’s space industry is the primary focus of the California Space Enterprise Strategic Plan 2010-2012, announced July 29 by the California Space Authority. The plan was developed in collaboration with 200 senior-level and executive space industry stakeholders, representing about 100 industrial, governmental, academic, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state. It addresses […]

The Santa Maria chapter of California Women for Agriculture, an organization dedicated to the survival of the agricultural industry, is holding its annual Casino Night on Sept. 18. The event is the group’s main fundraiser of the year and includes a Santa Maria-style barbecue, wine tasting, gaming, and a silent and live auction. The cost […]

Celebrate all that goes into your salad and the people who get produce to your plate at the inaugural Salad Bowl Festival on Sept. 12 in Guadalupe. The event kicks off with a half marathon and 5k run/walk, with registration beginning at 6:45 a.m. The celebration continues throughout the day with arts and crafts, family- […]

Award-winning restaurant chain Wingstop is bringing its chicken wings to Santa Maria. With more than 600 locations nationwide, Wingstop features fresh, cooked-to-order wings and boneless chicken strips in unique flavors such as hickory smoked BBQ, lemon pepper, and garlic parmesan. Side dishes include fresh-cut seasoned fries, bourbon baked beans, and homemade potato salad. Open from […]

Steamatic, Inc. announced that Darin Gossage, owner of Steamatic of the Central Coast, received the company’s Rising Star award during its recent Biannual International Convention. According to the company, Gossage received the award for expanding Steamatic’s marketing efforts, his reputation as an “up and comer,” and his continual advancement in the company. Steamatic offers cleaning […]

Kumon Math and Reading Centers, a year-round after-school academic enrichment program, announced the opening of a new location in Orcutt. Founded in Japan in 1958, the Kumon learning method employs an individualized approach, helping children develop a command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study […]

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties Board is asking Santa Barbara County businesses to donate auction items for Wishnight 2011, an annual fundraising event. The organization’s Auction Task Group is putting together upscale packages with themes such as “I want to be a wine expert,” “I want to be pampered,” “I want to go on […]