Santa Maria Has Talent! Oh my, does it ever! If you have any doubt, you have only to attend Rotary South’s annual talent show, which is now firmly established in the local fundraising firmament. The third such talent show in the club’s history took place March 8, 9, and 10 at the Santa Maria Veteran’s […]
Hobnobbing with Helen
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Painting helps children develop skills
Let that inner painter shine this month at the Discovery Museum! As our programming focus in March is about music and art, exploring paint and painting is one of many ways to learn about art making. Whether your little one enjoys finger painting or brush painting, we would love to celebrate their artistic efforts through […]
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Fashion in Aktion
The Aktion Club of Santa Maria is holding its seventh annual Fashion in Aktion show on March 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. Models of all ages will strut their stuff, wearing outfits that come from Vocational Training Center (VTC) thrift shops. This sometimes-raucous event usually attracts about 400 attendees for an afternoon of entertainment, […]
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Spotlight on: Recovery Ranch
Recovery Ranch in Santa Ynez is a structured, sober-living house with a slogan: “We are clean and sober men who live as gentlemen.” The concept of being a gentleman is one of the keys to the success of the program, according to the ranch’s founders. Profanity is prohibited, good manners are stressed, and the men […]
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Gallegly’s legacy
Elton Gallegly is currently the longest-serving member in the U.S. House of Representatives. For nearly three decades, he’s had a direct role in our country’s government, shaping policy, meeting world leaders, and introducing countless legislation. Some constituents in the 24th Congressional District view him as a champion for national security; others view him as a […]
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Rice Ranch developers stave off foreclosure by negotiating with Wells Fargo
According to a public notice filed March 9, Rice Ranch Ventures LLC has until March 29 to negotiate loan terms with Wells Fargo Bank, or the housing project’s undeveloped land will be sold at public auction. In an interview with the Sun, developer John Scardino said he’s in negotiations with the bank to keep the […]
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Santa Barbara County Grand Jury reports on SMPD impound policies
On March 7, the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury reported that the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) maintains appropriate towing practices, despite the controversy it has attracted for its number of impounds. In July 2011, the jury received complaints from Santa Maria residents claiming that towing and impound practices were unfair and had become “a […]
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Union Bank to acquire parent company of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust
UnionBanCal Corporation—which owns Union Bank—announced it’s entered into an agreement to buy the Santa Barbara-based Pacific Capital Bancorp for a reported $1.5 billion. Pacific Capital operates Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, which runs 47 branches in California, including four in Northern Santa Barbara County—one each in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Los Olivos, and Solvang. Debbie Whiteley, […]
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After the smoke clears
On March 15, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire on East Foster Road in Santa Maria. Members of the first engine crew to arrive on the scene found a small single-story home engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly knocked out the fire. Two people were treated by firefighters for […]
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Alleged victim of slain officer files notice against Santa Maria
As reported online by the Sun on March 16, the Woodland Hills-based law offices of Goldberg and Gage sent a notice of governmental claim in mid-February to the city of Santa Maria on behalf of “Jane Doe,” identified in the notice as the “Explorer raped by Santa Maria Police Officer Albert Covarrubias, Jr.” Such a […]
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Missed the target
An early morning mist weaves in and out of the brush lining the trails at La Purisima. This time is a quiet time, broken only by the rustle of a small animal and the occasional footsteps of a passing walker or jogger. Peaceful hours like this make La Purisima Mission a favored location for people […]
Posted inOpinion
If we gave you $100 to spend in 10 seconds, what’s the first thing that comes to mind to spend it on?
Juan Esquivias certified nursing assistant student “Clothes.” Angel Nevarez certified nursing assistant student “Food!” Kimber Castaneda certified nursing assistant student “Baby stuff. Diapers.” Kyle Rantz student “Music equipment.”