Fueled by deep passion rather than deep pockets, lifelong Santa Maria resident Sara Macdonald has devoted countless hours to volunteering and advocating for her local community. Macdonald currently serves in several volunteer roles, including president of the Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast regional representative for the California Poor People’s Campaign, and vice […]
Special Issues
Posted inSpecial Issues
Volunteers 2025
With 2025 just getting started, some people are choosing to do what they do best: volunteer. The work that volunteers do in their spare time accomplishes so much in the region, from dishing out food that serves houseless residents a meal to making sure students can cross the street safely before and after school, the […]
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Midwestern recipes transplants who miss their roots during the holiday season
I may have lived in the Western United States for the past eight years, but I am a Minnesotan first and foremost. I grew up battling bitter cold winters, praying for snow days, boating on the many lakes in the summer, wearing shorts when the weather creeped above 55 degrees, going to Perkins after high […]
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Odd international holiday traditions abound
Most of us likely have traditions we adhere to around the holidays. Decorate a Christmas tree, bake cookies (and leave some for Santa), hang stockings, drink eggnog, attend a parade, yada-yada-yada. You know the drill. You’re probably not surprised to learn that other cultures have their own holiday traditions, and sorry-not-sorry, but some of them […]
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From being an elf to cheering on racers, holiday-based volunteering opportunities are abundant on the Central Coast
For some, the holiday spirit revolves around giving back to their community. Luckily for those who carry these beliefs or for those who want to begin a new tradition, the Central Coast is offering some fun, festive volunteering opportunities this holiday season. Have you ever walked by Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo during the […]
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Holiday Guide 2024
All the events, comfort food, traditions, and volunteering opportunities to get you through the season
Don’t blink or the year might be over. Before that happens, you’ve got to revel in the spirit of the holiday season! And I don’t just mean when the big man in red comes to deliver all those things you want. Our annual Holiday Guide is here to help you really celebrate this season, with […]
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Santa Barbara County received a state grant to explore ways to keep pet families together
With their unconditional loyalty, big eyes filled with nothing but love, and snuggles that bring endless comfort, pets can be the biggest support system for people going through tough times. But that support system can morph into the biggest barrier when trying to access services to improve their circumstances. “One of the things we talk […]
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Aww factor: This issue features the Central Coast’s cutest pets and a little something extra
Brighten up your day by flipping through the winners of our second annual pet photo contest. Readers from across the Central Coast submitted more than 400 images of their cats, dogs, lizards, chickens, horses, bunnies, and even fish in this year’s competition. A panel of five judges narrowed them to the top three in each […]
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Menus – Fall/Winter 2024-25
The Central Coast Guide to All Things Food and Drink
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Best of NSBC 2024
You Voted for ’Em, and We’ve Got the Winners
Are you ready to catch all the top dogs and cool cats as they fly by into the winners’ circle? You better hold on, because there are a lot in Northern Santa Barbara County! With more than 160 restaurants, bars, businesses, and community members in this formation, we barely had room in this issue for […]
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Education Today 2024
Schools in need: School districts across North County ask voters to approve bond measures in November
School is about to be back in session for the 2024-25 school year, which means summer is almost over—sad. But it also means a new school year for all of those students, new learning, new friends, new experiences—rad! For this year’s annual Education Today issue, Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with school districts that are […]
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Bond, school bond
School districts countywide are asking voters to approve funds for campus upgrades, new schools and classrooms
Santa Maria-Bonita In the 2023-24 school year, Santa Maria-Bonita School District had more than 17,000 students enrolled in its 17 elementary schools, four junior high schools, and one combined elementary and junior high. By 2029-30, the district expects more than 18,000 enrolled students, not accounting for students who might come from housing projects currently in […]
