On Jan. 17, the City Council will decide whether to declare a State of Fiscal Emergency and place an Essential City Services ballot measure before the voters this June. While many of our neighboring communities have multiple local funding mechanisms, this will be the first time we have placed such a measure before our voters. […]
Help Santa Maria protect and maintain essential services
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The Crowfield Curse, by Pat Walsh
This wintry tale is set at Crowfield Abbey in 1347, when a young William Paynel—orphaned by a fire that mysteriously didn’t harm him and now working for the few monks who toil in the cold halls—stumbles into an unexpected world of supernatural creatures. First, he frees a “hob” from a hunter’s trap, after which he […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen
Bloom where you are planted. That’s a familiar theme often used by folksy-homesy artist Mary Englebreit. The saying certainly applies to Santa Maria’s Shirley Contreras, a well-known-about-town pillar of the Santa Maria Historical Society. She moved here from Boston in October 1991. “Since I didn’t know anyone here, I started volunteering at the [historical] museum […]
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Get money for college
According to Allan Hancock College officials, local high school seniors and their parents can eliminate some stress—and possibly lessen the financial burden of paying for college—by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applying for a Cal Grant. The FAFSA application might provide an opportunity for low-interest loans, and Cal Grants offer […]
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Never stop learning
Lucia Mar Unified School District Adult Education’s class schedule for spring and summer 2012 is now available. The Adult Education program offers vocational classes for people interested in becoming pharmacy technicians or clinical medical assistants. There are also “just for fun” classes focusing on subjects such as glass fusion, Millefiori jewelry making, watercolor, laptop proficiency, […]
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The Glendon Association launches a new webinar series
Want to learn how to become a better parent or child-care provider? The Glendon Association and PsychAlive are launching their 2012 webinar series with classes from parenting expert Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of The Whole Brain Child with Dr. Dan Siegel. Participants will learn new strategies to nurture the developing minds of their children, […]
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Care for Paws
Dreams really do come true. Just ask Isabella Gullö, co-founder and president of C.A.R.E.4Paws, whose organization was recently awarded four major grants totaling $66,000. “This money will allow us to do much, much more for the local animal population in 2012, and we will be able to expand our outreach into the community immensely,” Gullö […]
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All down the line
It’s a sunny and clear Christmas afternoon in downtown San Luis Obispo and the streets are mostly empty, save for a few revelers hopping from one pub to another. The most happening spot in town appears to be the Amtrak station, where about 70 people walk by with bags slung over their shoulders. Young families […]
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The great outdoors
When you were a kid, did you spend lots of time outside climbing trees or exploring a nearby field or creek? If you answered yes, you’re officially old. Countless health and childhood education advocacy groups—including the Outdoor Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—are reporting that children are spending considerably less time […]
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Spotlight on: Wacky Party Pics Photo Booth
Just hearing the name of this new business makes you want to smile for the camera. Wacky Party Pics Photo Booth, which has been operating since November 2011, can be hired for birthdays, weddings, graduations, corporate events, quinceañeras, school fairs, holiday parties, baptisms, proms, or most other special occasions. After the celebration is over, guests […]
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Correction
Some of the photos in the Sun’s Dec. 29 Eats column were incorrectly credited and captioned. The Lucas & Lewellen photo was courtesy of Lucas & Lewellen, and the Riverbench Winery photo was taken by Brianna Owens Photography. The picture with the two champagne flutes was of Riverbench’s 2009 Cork Jumper Blanc de Blancs. News […]
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Caltrans starts construction of La Purisima roundabout
Despite receiving some forceful resistance from local officials, the Department of Transportation has started construction on a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Highway 246 and La Purisima Road. Drivers can expect delays in that area Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 3:30 p.m., Caltrans representatives said in a press release on Jan. 4. […]