Catholic Healthcare West, which operates one hospital in Santa Maria, has changed its name and some of its facilities’ affiliations with the Catholic Church as part of a governance restructure. One of the largest healthcare systems in the country, the not-for-profit organization will now operate under the name Dignity Health. According to a press release, […]
Local hospitals restructure their affiliation with the Catholic Church
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Guadalupe finds a silver lining in the RDA shutdown
While the fallout from the state’s decision to disband community redevelopment agencies continues to rage and animosity between state and local governments persists, the city of Guadalupe found a ray of hope in the middle of this chaotic storm. On Jan. 24, the Guadalupe City Council approved two resolutions that will make the city the […]
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Strange sentenced in vehicular manslaughter case
Lacey Strange, the 18-year-old daughter of a Lompoc police sergeant, was sentenced on Jan. 24 to 120 days confinement in connection with the death of a Lompoc woman last May. Appearing before Superior Court Judge Frank Ochoa in Santa Barbara, a tearful Strange apologized to the family of the victim, 56-year-old Rebecca Vegas, who was […]
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Questions linger in the killing of an on-duty SMPD officer by his colleague
As the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department continued its investigation into the shooting death of a Santa Maria police officer by a fellow officer, more details trickled out about the incident that made national headlines. Officer Albert Covarrubias Jr., a four-year veteran of the department under investigation for an alleged “inappropriate and explicit” sexual relationship […]
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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
What was your very first car?
Sherri Willebrand Retired educator “It was a 1935 Cadillac that my husband acquired in 1960. It was quite a conversation piece.” Jenny Martin student “A 2001 Ford Ranger truck that I got from my brother.” Vicki McPartland Musician “A 1969 ugly, olive-colored Dodge Challenger.” Miri Avisar Food Service “It was a beautiful green Peugeot and […]
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Help a local school and get the chance to make money off of cow poop
Orcutt Academy High School PTSA is offering one lucky winner the opportunity to pocket an extra $1,250: Cow Chip Bingo—and it’s not the Bingo your grandma plays on Wednesday night at Chumash Casino. People will have the chance to purchase Cow Chip Bingo plots prior to the event for $10 each. On Feb. 4 at […]
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What kids are reading
What better resolution to make in 2012 than to pry your youngsters away from the television and video games and place a book in their hands? There is nothing like settling into a quiet nook with a child and sharing a good read. Speaking of good reads, the 2012 American Library Association (ALA) awards were […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen
Jolly is the key word. Ninety party-goers had a jolly good time at the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society’s annual fund-raising dinner on the evening of Jan. 21 at the Radisson Hotel. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should have been there: Reason No. 10: You would have had the opportunity to hobnob with […]
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Fatima Cobarrubios needs your help
Four-year-old Fatima Cobarrubios, like most girls her age, is a big fan of Disney princesses. They adorn her hat, her shirt, and even her shoes. But when she shyly removes her hat to point at her favorite princess, Belle, her thinning hair is uncovered, a result of the chemotherapy she is undergoing to treat acute […]
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Nat Fast: A community leader and lover of “Discovery”
As a beloved community leader who embodies the spirit of the arts, no one has accomplished more to further arts education for Santa Maria Valley youth than Nat Fast. His personal dedication and unwavering support of the arts has inspired me, and so many others, to reach for our dreams and be a catalyst for […]
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Spotlight on: DenMat
Want to have a more attractive smile? Then you should pay attention to the products offered by this Santa Maria-based corporation. There are the Snap-on Smile® removable arches, custom fit LUMINEERS®, which are permanent veneers that will cover up crooked or discolored tooth imperfections. There is the LUMItray®, which will whiten your teeth in only […]