On Aug. 13, the Orcutt Trail Commission and Santa Maria Valley Open Space will host a free picnic barbecue at Rice Ranch Park in Orcutt. The event will feature docent-led hikes and an introduction to the trail system at the park; docent hikes begin at 4 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend for an […]
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Olympic Clinic
The City of Pismo Beach Recreation Division has partnered with the Dream in Gold to bring legendary Olympic Gold-Medalist Misty May-Treanor to the Central Coast. The city will be holding one-day clinics on Saturday, Aug. 10, and Sunday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the beach volleyball courts. Located at the end […]
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Lompoc officials talk potential water rate increases
Water and motorsports make a bit of an odd couple, but that’s what’s on the agenda at the Lompoc City Council meeting on Aug. 6. There will be two public hearings at the meeting: One will focus on whether the city should apply for state grants for a motorsports park and create a memorandum of […]
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The finish line draws closer
Lompoc Valley Motorsports Park is now closer to completion with the allocation of some much-appreciated grants. On July 5, the project was given a push forward when approved for $1 million in grant money from the state’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. “The nearly million-dollar grant provides critical funding for development,” said Lompoc Economic Development […]
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Emission regulations classes offered in Lompoc
During the month of August, Allan Hancock College is offering two free courses at the college’s Lompoc Valley center. The college and the Central California Environmental Training Center are offering the classes in collaboration with the California Air Resources Board. Fundamentals of Enforcement, or “Smoke School,” is a three-day course that provides a basic overview […]
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Fighting back for literacy
The United Way Power Reading program strikes again with an awards ceremony on Aug. 2 that will reward Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley students who made strides in the literacy program this summer. The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department partnered with the United Way and Fighting Back Santa Maria to meet the […]
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Algebra Academy boosts student math skills
A partnership between Cal Poly and Santa Maria High School boosted the math skills of 20 students from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District during a weeklong algebra camp that ended on July 26. Students from Santa Maria and Pioneer Valley high schools participated. They were given mind-teasing math problems and guided to […]
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Spotlight on: Omakase
Omakase Japanese Restaurant opened its doors on June 29 and has thrived since then. Owners Eric Huynh and Sid Patel have collaborated and meshed their strengths to create a balance of fine food and hospitality. The decor in the Old Orcutt restaurant reveals a trendy and city-like look while incorporating the rustic and inviting feeling […]
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Political Watch 8/1/13
A recent California field poll released by the Field Research Corporation revealed President Barack Obama’s job performance rating among state voters has taken a 10-point drop since the Field Poll’s last measure in February 2013. Then, 62 percent of the state’s voters approved of the job he was doing. Now, the president’s approval rating stands […]
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Community Notebook 8/1-8/8
TUESDAY, AUG. 6 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Agendas are available at santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office […]
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Community Corner: Speak easy, Kiwanis
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria was established in 1923 with the intention of offering a helping hand to the community. Members are responsible for a variety of clubs, fundraising, and events that fund projects for youth in the area—working with the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club, and beginning the SMOOTH transportation system, to […]
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Mesa residents voice concern about a proposed refinery rail expansion
Exploding railroad cars and what public coastal access really means were chief issues brought up at a July 29 scoping meeting that covered a proposed rail line expansion for the Phillips 66 oil refinery on the Nipomo Mesa. Bill Henry, a project consultant brought in by San Luis Obispo County to help specifically with the […]