With drought warnings and fires plaguing the state, right now seems like the perfect time to begin the “Santa Barbara Countywide 20-Gallon Challenge.” Beginning this month, the Santa Barbara County Water Agency is teaming up with cities and special districts throughout the county to challenge residents to reduce their normal water-use levels by 20 gallons […]
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Santa Maria City Council denies construction of affordable housing project
It was industrial versus residential property at the Santa Maria City Council meeting on July 1, when council members voted 4-1, with Councilwoman Hilda Zacarias dissenting, against the construction of an affordable housing project in a vacant, 2.3-acre lot near Bradley Court in Santa Maria. For two hours, the council reviewed a staff report on […]
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COLT to start Lompoc-Solvang bus route
Responding to residents’ requests for public transportation to work, school, and other activities, the Lompoc City Council approved on July 1 the establishment of a bus route between Lompoc and Solvang, with a stop in Buellton. Run by the City of Lompoc Transit (COLT) system, the 20-passenger bus could begin making trips between the two […]
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County continues fight against Gap Fire
After more than a week of battling flames, firefighting forces in Santa Barbara County are getting closer to smothering the Gap Fire, thanks, in part, to a recent change in weather conditions. Beginning July 6, lower temperatures and higher moisture levels helped firefighters keep the fire—which has already burned nearly 9,600 acres—from spreading. As a […]
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In case of future emergencies
Santa Barbara County supervisors allow Emergency Operations Center project to move forward
On July 1, Santa Barbara County came one step closer to having a permanent Emergency Operations Center when the Board of Supervisors narrowly voted in favor of allowing staff to move forward with a plan to build emergency facilities outside of Santa Barbara. The decision—which could be postponed for financial reasons—comes at a pivotal time […]
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Santa Maria Women for Agriculture awards scholarships
The Santa Maria Chapter of California Women for Agriculture awarded $1,000 scholarships to six local students at a recent luncheon. This year’s recipients are Amy Guerra, Mark Powell, Amanda Rosa, Lisa Baray, Megan Brownell, and Ashli Middleton. California Women for Agriculture is dedicated to the survival of agriculture. Members serve as a non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-commercial […]
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Chamber of Commerce holds mixer with nonprofits
The next Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce mixer will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 17 at the Community Cornerstone Center for Nonprofits, 120 E. Jones St. According to a press release, the Chamber is celebrating the partnerships and friendships that have been established between local government, businesses, grantors and patrons. […]
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Schock’s Furniture Crafters, out of the wood business
After almost 20 years in Orcutt, Wil Schock, owner and furniture designer of Schock’s Furniture Crafters, is putting down his tools and walking away. “Even after 25 years of designing furniture every day, I still love this job. I’ve been artistic all my life, into music, restoring antique cars and motorcycles. But designing allowed me […]
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Want a car with that house?
Home sellers are seeing hope on the horizon, and are using sometimes unusual deals to sell new houses in a growing buyers’ market
Do you want a house? Then do it. Go buy a house. If you have any money at all—some savings, lotto winnings, an inheritance—then put down this paper and go get yourself a new dwelling. There may be some extras in it for you if you do. Michael Crews Development, a company in Escondido, made […]
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Learn from home with Allan Hancock College
Enrollment in the Allan Hancock College’s distance learning classes (classes taught online and outside of the classroom) has increased dramatically over the last several years, from 500 students in 1996 to 2,800 students in 2008, according to a press release from college staff. This fall, the college plans to offer 190 distance learning classes, including […]
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Need cash for college?
Last year, a large portion of Allan Hancock College students received more than $4 million in grants, scholarships, and loans last year, with students receiving up to $8,000, helping them make their dreams of a college education come true. “I encourage every student to apply for financial aid,” financial aid specialist Nohemy Ornelas said […]
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Gifts Gone Gourmet online store opens showroom in Santa Maria
Based in Santa Maria, but with most business done over the Internet, Gifts Gone Gourmet is a local online success story. The shop carries gourmet foods, specialty foods, wine, and gift baskets. Though online shopping is easy and fast, locals who want to see in person what Gifts Gone Gourmet has to offer can visit […]
