The Sun’s Feb. 2 cover story on SpaceX, “The X-Factor,” inaccurately reported figures related to the company’s rocket program. SpaceX claims it can build its Falcon 9 rockets for $54 million to $59.5 million. The company will also receive $396 million from NASA upon successful completion of its contract for three test-flights. News Briefs is […]
Correction
Posted inNews
Architectural firm assures SMBSB’s buildings are safe
A head architect for the Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD) presented, building by building, a report confirming the safety of the district’s buildings at a Board of Education meeting in January. The report was triggered, in great part, by a recent article published by investigative website CaliforniaWatch.org alleging there are “unresolved safety issues” at schools […]
Posted inNews
What’s up with Abel?
U.S. Rep. Lois Capps’ (D-Santa Barbara) campaign committee recently accused Republican Congressional candidate Abel Maldonado of inflating his fundraising totals. According to a recent press release from Capps’ campaign committee, Maldonado loaned $250,000 to his political campaign on Oct.1, 2011, only to immediately withdraw the loan the following day. Capp’s campaign consultant Bill Carrick said […]
Posted inNews
SmartMeter opt-out finalized
State regulators have approved an opt-out program for Pacific Gas & Electric customers who don’t want a new digital SmartMeter installed on their property and those who want their old analog meter back. On Feb. 1, 2012, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) finalized terms to modify PG&E’s SmartMeter Program to provide an opt-out option, […]
Posted inNews
On the hot seat
In his first public appearance since the shooting that claimed the life of traffic officer Albert Covarrubias Jr., Santa Maria Police Chief Danny Macagni spoke to City Council members about the incident, and announced the department had contracted with an independent body to perform an internal investigation into the matter.
Posted inNews
The X-Factor
Demolition is nearly finished, building materials are being trucked in, and workers have begun pouring the concrete for a foundation—literally and figuratively—for the future of space flight at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc. A handful of employees from Space Exploration Technologies, better known as SpaceX, are overseeing the work being done at the south […]
Posted inOpinion
If you had a spaceship, what would you do with it in space?
Bruce Rodriguez custodian “Take my grandkids for a ride.” Joan Soriano business owner “Turn it into a hotel.” Ralph Guillen student “Try to drink floating water.” Desiree Holden student “Go to Pluto.”
Posted inNews
Discover Santa Maria history
During February, the Discovery Museum is traveling back in time and studying local history. Every week, our free programs will focus on a special theme related to the history of Santa Maria. We will learn about the Chumash Indians, Spanish influence in our region, and the history of ranching and agriculture. We have lots of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Orcutt a la mode
A few of life’s little luxuries are actually doing well in this sluggish economy. Alcohol sales are up, same with nail polish, and Americans are still screaming for ice cream. “It’s definitely a comfort food,” said Greg Steinberger, owner of Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab in Arroyo Grande, and now Orcutt. “Ice cream has a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A little art, a little beer
Solvang Brewing Company will exhibit the works of artists in its exhibit space for members of the Artists Guild of the Santa Ynez Valley located at the brewery, 1547 Mission Drive, in Solvang. The show will feature the work of photographer Vicki Mitchell and painter Suzanne Huska. A reception for the artists will be held […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Brushes and palettes
The 11th annual Brush & Palette Art Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Foxenwood Tennis and Swim Club, 1087 Clubhouse Drive, in Orcutt. The event is free and there will be complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. The show will include more than 200 paintings from eight […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Experiment with photographs
Steven Boothe will demonstrate his process of creating mixed media photo collages at the free Feb. 10 meeting of the Los Padres Artist Guild at 6 p.m. at the Luis Oasis Senior Center, 204 Soares Ave., in Orcutt. Boothe uses simple digital and handmade filters on his camera phone to emphasize color and form. He […]