Spotlight

Volunteer assistants for people with Alzheimer’s will soon see some added relief thanks to the Central Coast Wine Classic Fund-A-Need Auction, which presented the Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association with a gift of $66,750.   The money will allow for the continuation of the group’s Respite Care program, which provides services for unpaid […]

The impact of the state’s decision to borrow city government money on civil services will be the topic of consideration at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Committee Luncheon set for Oct. 20.   The event’s guest speaker will be Santa Maria’s assistant city manager, Rick Haydon, who will discuss the possible […]

Businesses in Northern Santa Barbara County will benefit from local plastic manufacturer Lindamar Industries receipt of a certification allowing the company to produce and distribute high-quality packaging.   The International Organization for Standardization certification the company received took more than a year to accomplish. Lindamar, headquartered in Paso Robles, will now manufacture FDA-approved polyethylene bags […]

The Board of Directors of Community Partners in Caring announced that Karen O’Neil has been appointed as its newest board member.   O’Neil is a partner in the firm Twitchell and Rice, LLP, and serves as president of the Kiwanis Club of Orcutt. She’s also a member of the Altrusa International Foundation of Santa Maria, […]

Nonprofit managers, staffers, and volunteers are invited to learn ways to create a public policy that responds to clients and community needs at a workshop presented by the Alliance for Justice on Oct. 7.   Attorney-trainers from the organization will teach the difference between lobbying and advocacy, how to maximize 501(c)(3) lobbying, how to invite […]

The public is invited to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Business Committee’s luncheon on Oct. 5 to hear its featured speaker, Gonzalo Fernandez.   Now boasting 46 years in the banking industry, Fernandez first immigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1962 and worked his way up from a bank messenger […]

Community members and Allan Hancock College students can educate themselves about their employment options at the college’s annual Career Exploration Day on Oct. 2.   The free event will match future employees with employers and educators. Representatives from about 50 different companies—including employers from manufacturing, agriculture, law enforcement, and the medical field—will be on hand […]

National restaurant chain Wingstop is flying in to Santa Maria, opening its first location on the Central Coast. Represented by Michael Martz and Kristopher Roth of Hayes Commercial Group, Wingstop will move into its new space at 560 E. Betteravia Road.   Wingstop presents a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere with a focus on cooked-to-order chicken wings. […]

Now under new ownership, Premier Auto Body held its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 18 and is inviting customers to celebrate with a 10-percent discount on the total cost of car repairs.   The shop specializes in body and paint and frame alignments. Premier accepts all insurance claims—except for color matching—and provides free estimates […]

Homeowners who want to learn more about the foreclosure process are invited to attend a free foreclosure prevention workshop hosted by the Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporation on Sept. 30.   Participants will learn strategies to preserve home ownership and avoid foreclosure. Brian Kerrigan, a housing counselor, will facilitate. Kerrigan holds a degree in business administration/finance […]

Job seekers and workers looking to get promoted are invited to a free employment workshop on Sept. 18 and 19.   The event’s facilitator is Gregg Follett, career services consultant at Arbor Education and Training. Follett is a communication skills trainer with experience in sales and marketing and a reputation for coaching individuals to enhance […]

Established more than 80 years ago in Lompoc, Avenue Flower and Gift Shop now has a second home in Santa Maria’s Town Center Mall.   Featuring fresh flowers and bouquets, Avenue Flower creates custom floral designs and offers contemporary, traditional, dried, and silk arrangements, as well as gourmet gift baskets, greeting cards, and candles.   […]