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, […]
Union Bank to acquire parent company of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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.”
Posted inNews
Alleged victim of slain officer files notice with Santa Maria
In late February, the Woodland Hills-based law offices of Goldberg and Gage sent a notice of governmental claim 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 notice is usually the first […]
Posted inOpinion
What was your New Year’s resolution, and how has it been holding up so far?
Nadine Salutan hostess “Stop gossiping; I’ve only been doing a little since.” Mary Sivongsa student “To stop eating fast food; I’ve been trying, but it’s kind of hard when you work at In-n-Out.” Carl Lozano hip-hop beat conductor “It was to finish all my projects that I’ve been working on. I’m taking my time on […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Athlete of the Week: Ryan McNeil
Here’s a tip: If you see our Athlete of the Week, Ryan McNeil, anywhere around town, get his autograph. Quick. There are three main things to look for when trying to spot the high school baseball prodigy. First is his height; he stands about 6-foot-4, making him hard to miss. Also, look for a swarm […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
On the roster
Vendetta Pro Wrestling: Local pro wrestling returns to Lakeview Junior High School for “Shamrock Slam 2012” on March 17. The card features championship matches, “Lucha Libre” style wrestling, and Tag Team and Tri-Force championships. Doors open at 6, and the action starts at 7 p.m. Presale tickets are $15 for ringside and $10 for general […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
West Coast Xtreme wants you!
California West Coast Xtreme Basketball Academy is partnering up with Central Coast Elite Performance Training and looking for third- through eighth-grade boys and girls. Teams are being formed to compete in leagues and tournaments and help players learn basketball fundamentals and develop their skills. Prospective athletes should bring their own basketball and water to free […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Go fish at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake will be host to two fishing events to kick off spring. First is the Adult Fishing Workshop on March 17 from 8:45 a.m. to noon, teaching adults basic fishing skills. The registration fee is $10 and limited to the first 40 adults. All equipment will be provided. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Casting a wide net
The South Coast Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which limit fishing in coastal zones from Point Conception south, are drawing mixed reactions from people who protect the ocean—and people who depend on it for their livelihood. After several delays, the four MPAs off Santa Barbara County took effect on Jan. 1, closing off about 15 percent […]