Spotlight

With unemployment rates at nine percent in Santa Barbara County, Rizzoli’s Automotive is inviting the community to help the hungry and homeless by contributing to the shop’s food-collection program. What started three years ago as an annual holiday food drive to benefit local food banks is now an all-year, all-out effort to help keep the […]

One-stop coffee shop Java Moto has moved to a new location in Santa Maria’s Town Center mall. Along with coffee and espresso, the shop sells breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads, and carries treats from Gina’s Piece of Cake, Edna’s Bakery, and Central City Market. The coffee shop’s new address is 144 Town Center East. For […]

Have fun in February and celebrate happiness in the heart with a special night of food and festivities at Cypress Ridge Pavilion on Feb. 20. The public is welcome to enjoy free music and entertainment, $4 specialty drinks, fish tacos, nachos, chicken skewers, and karaoke, all with no cover charge. The event runs from 6 […]

A national orthopedic publication recently named Dr. Alan Moelleken of the Santa Barbara-based Spine and Orthopedic Center as one of the country’s 50 best spine surgeons. Becker’s Orthopedic and Spine Review selected the surgeons based on achievements, leadership positions, reputation of their affiliations, education, and contributions to the advancement of spine treatment and surgery. Moelleken […]

Get in the mood for love and celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year with an evening of wine, roses, and general indulgence at Trilogy Central Coast’s Pre-Valentine’s Day Taste l’Amour on Feb. 11. Relax to the mellow sounds of Acoustico’s live music while perusing a variety of local vendors and artisans offering an eclectic selection […]

Central Coast residents interested in knowing more about biodiesel fuel are invited to attend a series of free seminars held by the Central Coast Biodiesel Buyers Club beginning Feb. 20. The club is a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of using bio-fuel. Margo Camilleri, chairman of the club formation […]

Recent developments in air quality management will be the topics of discussion at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Committee luncheon on Feb. 16. As the luncheon’s guest speaker, Santa Barbara County’s Director/Air Pollution Control Officer Terry Dressler will talk about new state and federal climate protection regulations, strategies for reducing exposure […]

Penfield and Smith, a Santa Barbara-based surveying firm with a regional office in Santa Maria, announced the appointment of the firm’s Regional Survey Manager Jim Wilson to its Board of Directors. Wilson began his tenure with Penfield and Smith in 1989 and boasts nearly 30 years of experience in the surveying profession. He’ll retain his […]

Graduation is months away for high school seniors, and the reality of college costs is setting in. Students and their parents can eliminate some stress by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and applying for Cal Grants and low-interest loans. To help with the application process, Hancock and Cuesta College’s Central […]

People’s Self Help Housing announced Bank of America has awarded the nonprofit $7,500 to provide financial education to tenants in rental developments in the Santa Maria area and San Luis Obispo County. PSHH currently manages more than 1,250 affordable rental units and 1,150 self-help home ownership residences in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura […]

The Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors announced the certification of Nathaniel Graessle, chief financial officer of Santa Maria-based Hardy Diagnostics, as a certified merger and acquisition advisor. Graessle joins a group of more than 300 experienced corporate financial advisors and corporate development executives to earn the CM&AA certification nationwide. Hardy Diagnostics is an FDA-licensed […]

Spend a day with everybody’s favorite Big Red Dog as Santa Maria’s Toy Zoo gets a visit from Clifford on Feb. 6. Clifford will be signing books, and children will have the opportunity to make a Clifford puppet, enter a coloring contest, and create Valentines for their friends. Clifford is scheduled to appear at 11 […]