Spotlight

Valentine’s Day may come and go in just a day, but the Nipomo Swapmeet is extending the love to Feb. 15, when kids can pick up Valentine’s Swapmeet Bucks starting at noon. Swapmeet Bucks can be used like cash with participating vendors. Pick them up at the Nipomo Swapmeet office at 263 N. Frontage Road […]

It happened just in time for Valentine’s Day. Gerald’s Chocolate Candies opened on Feb. 5 in the Santa Maria Town Center. Owner Gerald Reed makes fresh treats each day on the lower level of Center Court. Stop by for a sample. On Feb. 6, Semplice Italian Eatery began serving up pizzas in a variety of […]

Mike McKibben with leasing firm McKibben Enterprises reported that industrial supplier Fastenal has opened its new industrial and construction supply store in Santa Maria at 2220 A St. The store is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offers local delivery, outside sales support, custom parts manufacturing, and other services. For […]

The short of it: Marian Medical Center is building a new hospital. The long of it: Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, co-chair of the Cornerstone Campaign for Marian Medical Center, will speak about the project at the Committee to Improve North County and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee’s upcoming monthly luncheon. A […]

It’s not an ideal situation, but foreclosure doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, mysterious experience for homeowners. Just ask Brian Kerrigan, housing counselor for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing. On Feb. 11, Kerrigan will lead a free Peoples’ Self-Help Housing seminar to warn attendees about predatory lending and present options when it comes to dealing with a […]

Capture the moment. Kevin Main Jewelry Design and Studio and Tom Meinhold Photography are offering a complimentary photo sitting with every purchase for the Valentine’s Day season. Until Feb. 14, customers who buy a Valentine’s Day gift will get an opportunity to return to the studio for a complimentary photo sitting with Tom Meinhold and […]

The California Coast Venture Forum recently announced the launch of its Clean Business Investment Summit, set for March 26 at UCSB’s Corwin Pavilion. “Clean tech,” green, socially responsible, and sustainable businesses will present their companies to investors at the event. The California Coast Venture Forum is looking for such enterprises—in renewable energy sources, agricultural technology, […]

Jim Glines, president and chief executive officer of Community Bank of Santa Maria, recently released the bank’s year-end earnings report. “Our financial numbers are a direct reflection of the community we service,” he said in a release to the media. “We hope the new year will bring an economic upswing that will undoubtedly strengthen the […]

Explore short sales in a local seminar Pat Haley, sales manager with Short Sale Realty, set up a seller seminar with the hopes of explaining how short sales are made, why they’re “better for sellers than a foreclosure,” and why buyers tend to get a better house in better condition than if they bought a […]

Robert Bloch is the newly appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer for Community Bank of Santa Maria. Bloch counts more than 34 years of banking experience—26 as a chief financial officer—and is a certified public accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public […]

Free coffee. Yes, free coffee. And breakfast sandwiches. And parfait. Sample Panera Bread’s breakfast offerings on Jan. 28 at 540 E. Betteravia Road. The shop will offer light and dark roast coffees, three varieties of grilled ciabatta sandwiches, and a strawberry granola parfait. Panera Bread is also inviting customers to donate a dollar toward its […]

Stand up and be counted—and do some counting of your own while you’re at it. The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring. The Santa Maria Local Census Office was set to open on Jan. 21, and will employ around 1,500 locals at the peak of its efforts. The local office will serve as the hub for […]