The sand has the consistency of sugar—no pebbles, no tar. Deep like a mattress, it invites a hiker to rest. Nobody else is here, and there is no alien sound—no automobiles or ATVs, no drone of airplanes, no yapping dogs—only the trill of gulls and the surf, crashing, dominant, primal. Beyond the surf, two brown […]
News
Posted inNews
Dangerous heat
Record high temperatures drive cities and the state to educate people about the seriousness of heat-related illnesses
On July 11, family members and friends held a funeral service at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church in Orcutt, honoring the life of 64-year-old Jose Macarena Hernandez. Hernandez died during last month’s record-breaking heat wave while harvesting butternut squash on a farm in Santa Maria, United Farm Workers of America reported. His death—along with […]
Posted inNews
Where is the art?
Santa Maria has plenty of artists, but not many outlets where they can show their work
Plump strawberries, mouth-watering tri-tip, award-winning Pinot Noir—Santa Maria is known for many things. But stuff like public art and fine galleries? Probably not on the list. The city is surrounded by art-loving communities and breathtaking vistas that have long inspired artists, but it hasn’t fully developed a definitive artistic identity. Sure, there are plenty of […]
Posted inNews
College moves one step closer to becoming more affordable
The interest rate on federal student loans was reduced from 6.8 to 6 percent on July 1. The rate cut is the first of four scheduled cuts that will make need-based federal student loans more affordable for students and their families. The reductions are part of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, legislation passed […]
Posted inNews
Mechatronics Institute gears up for summer
Technology lovers listen up! Allan Hancock College is inviting high school juniors, seniors, and incoming college students to participate in a free, four-day workshop called The Mechatronics Institute, to be held July 28 through 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college’s Lompoc Valley Center. Institute participants will be immersed in the world […]
Posted inNews
Chapman University will host summer info sessions
Interested in starting or finishing a college degree? Chapman University Advisors will be on hand at the university’s Santa Maria Valley campus, on July 15 and 16, to discuss the school’s history and academic programs, especially programs for adult learners. All sessions are free, and begin at 5 p.m. at the Santa Maria Valley campus, […]
Posted inNews
A Night for the Families
Imagine having a job that required attention 24 hours a day. Whether it’s 6 a.m. or 9 p.m., family caregivers for Marian Medical Center’s home care, hospice, and cancer patients are always on call. Fortunately, their numerous hours of care and patience haven’t been overlooked, and Marian Medical Center, along with Dream Dinners of Santa […]
Posted inNews
Clarification
Congressional candidate Matt Kokkonen offered a few clarifications in regard to the “Meet Matt Kokkonen” article in the Sun’s July 3 issue: “My reference to the fact that there is not a pipeline big enough to move all of the ANWR oil out over six months was a response to the criticism that ANWR oil […]
Posted inNews
County challenges residents to reduce water use by 20 gallons per day
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
