Spotlight

It’s never too early to start preparing for the 2010 Santa Barbara County Fair. The Santa Maria Fairpark is already beginning to register independent livestock exhibitors for the event, held next year from July 14 to 18. Independent exhibitors aren’t affiliated with 4-H, Future Farmers of America, or the Grange Club. Exhibitors must be at […]

Calling all musicians! The Central Coast now has a unique place for kids and musicians of all ages and from all genres to practice their musical talents in a soundproof environment. Owner Brent Gorton has 30 years of playing experience and gives lessons in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. Equipment is available for rental, […]

Chef Miguel Zambrano invites Italian food lovers to tantalize their taste buds and enjoy great service at Tahlia’s, his new restaurant in Nipomo. Zambrano, formerly of Giuseppe’s in Pismo Beach, opened Tahlia’s to provide the authentic tastes and the quaint atmosphere of old-world Italy. Daily specials include fresh local seafood, pasta, and pizza. Located at […]

Catch the spirit of the season with children singing Christmas carols at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 9. A group of 81 kindergarten through eighth-grade students from Orcutt Academy will perform at the event. A donation of $25 will help the chamber provide free lunches and gift bags […]

Comcast customers in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Orcutt can now surf the web faster than ever as the cable and Internet provider announced it’s upgrading from broadband to wideband. As part of the deployment, Comcast is launching two premium speed tiers to its residential and business class customers. The residential tiers include Extreme 50, offering […]

Motionz owners Mary and George Majoue recently celebrated the laser tag arena’s five-year anniversary at Town Center Mall. Since opening Motionz on Nov. 12 of 2004, the Majoues have developed a loyal staff of associates, who are put through an intensive selection process before being hired. Motionz is located on the second floor of the […]

Nonprofit housing organization Habitat for Humanity has collected the best recipes from its members and friends in the North County community, compiling them into a cookbook. Boasting 200 recipes—including appetizers, main dishes, and desserts—the cookbook is available at the Habitat Office and ReStore at 2053-B Preisker Lane in Santa Maria. It costs $9.95 including tax, […]

Swiss seed company Syngenta recently announced the acquisition of Santa Maria-based Pybas Vegetable Seed Co., Inc. Syngenta will expand in the North American lettuce market and broaden its lettuce development portfolio in Europe and Asia, according to the company’s website. Pybas Seeds, at 2330 A St., unit B, in Santa Maria, is an organic breeder […]

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Santa Maria residents have a new toy store in town to help fill children’s stockings and wish lists.   Toy Zoo (& Anything Educational Too) is now open next to Michael’s crafts at 1930 S. Broadway. Locally owned by Marc Canigiula, who also owns Anything Educational, the […]

The Nipomo Chamber of Commerce is getting into the spirit of the season with its annual Holiday Craft and Gift Boutique, taking place on Nov. 21.   The boutique brings together more than 40 vendors in the home-based arts and crafts communities of Nipomo, Santa Maria, and the Five Cities.   The big jolly man […]

This year, the Santa Maria-based Diani family of companies is celebrating its 60th anniversary in the commercial, industrial, military, and public works construction business.   The company is a full-service, fully integrated construction, maintenance, and service contractor, specializing in general building, pre-engineered metal buildings, design services, and environmental restoration.   Founded by the late A.J. […]

Want your dog or cat to look its best for those holiday family photos? Michael’s Big Dog Pet Grooming is now open in Arroyo Grande.   Owners Michael Menzie and Jainine Anderson welcome all pets to their salon, located next to J.J.’s Market at 2790 Halcyon Road, suite F.   For more information, call 474-4401. […]