Spotlight

The board of directors for Santa Lucia Bancorp, parent company of Atascadero-based Santa Lucia Bank, recently announced a 2 percent stock dividend for the company. The dividend will be issued on or about April 23 to shareholders of record as of March 31. In a press release, Santa Lucia Bancorp President and CEO John Hansen […]

Arrr, matey! Nipomo’s new age bookstore, Wisdom Island, is holding a treasure hunt on April 24. Bags of treasure will be handed out from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bounty will include incense, bookmarks, and coupons for psychic readings and massage sessions. Businesses in La Placita Shopping Center will be contributing vouchers for video […]

Monarch Wealth Strategies announced the firm’s Chair of the Board and Chief Financial Officer Vanessa Patterson has been awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation from Fiduciary360. Out of more than 268,000 financial advisors in the nation, fewer than 3,000 have the title of AIF. Patterson is one of only two people to obtain the designation […]

Central Coast Greenhouse Growers’ Association member nurseries throughout Nipomo and Arroyo Grande will open their doors to the general public for the organization’s ninth annual open house on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participating nurseries include Ball FloraPlant, Ball Tagawa Growers, Clearwater Nursery, Eufloria Flowers, Excel Floral, Greenheart Farms, Native Sons, Inc., […]

The owner of Santa Maria’s C.B. Hood Diamond Company, Charlie Hood, recently previewed the lines of more than 150 top manufacturers and jewelry designers at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s Spring Conference. Hood had the opportunity to select new items for the spring season from conference exhibitors, including some merchandise exclusive to Master IJO Jeweler members. […]

Santa Ynez Valley resident and Hollywood entertainment journalist Rona Barrett recently announced the launch of her new website, ronabarrett.com. In addition to her reporting and publishing career, Barrett is a businesswoman and advocate for seniors in need. Her new website provides insights on today’s Hollywood, issues, and politics, and allows Barrett’s fans to ask questions […]

These days, the cell phone is probably the most used digital device in people’s lives, storing a wealth of information about the user. Due to their popularity and functionalities, the devices have become resources for evidence in civil and criminal litigation. Mobile Phone Investigations, a new business in Santa Maria, can use forensic software tools […]

The 37th District Agricultural Association is accepting nominations for people who’ve made important contributions to Santa Barbara County’s agricultural industry until April 16. The winners will be announced at the group’s Agricultural Recognition Awards at the opening day ceremony of the Santa Barbara County Fair, held on July 14. Categories include Agri-Business Person of the […]

The Central Coast Wine Competition, an eight-year-old event showcasing some of the finest wines produced locally, has announced that it’s expanding its geographical growing area. The competition will now include all of the Central Coast American Viticultural Area, spanning from Santa Barbara County to the San Francisco Bay Area, and Ventura County. The AVA includes […]

Everybody’s favorite bunny is hopping by the Town Center mall to visit with children starting March 19. The Easter Bunny will make his appearance at a springtime garden on the mall’s lower level Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until April 3 (excluding a daily break from 3 to 3:30). Visits are […]

Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, the largest regional community bank in Santa Barbara County, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Louis Lancaster, Reuben Irvin, and Ralph Raddue founded the bank in 1960. The trio established the first branch at 20 East Carrillo St. in Santa Barbara, which now serves as the bank’s main branch. […]

After more than five years operating in Santa Maria’s Town Center mall, laser tag and family entertainment center MotionZ will close its doors for good on March 28. Mary Alice and George Majoue opened MotionZ in November 2004 to provide an environment for families and teens to enjoy themselves. The entertainment center had been slated […]