First 5 Santa Barbara County recently got some exciting news: It’s going to be one of the 16 participants in California’s successful Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant application to the federal government. First 5 will act as lead organization of a regional leadership consortium tasked with developing an early care and education […]
Local early childhood development group gets Race to the Top money
Posted inNews
The Discovery Museum is turning 15!
In celebration of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum’s 15th anniversary, museum employees are holding an ongoing fundraiser to keep educational programs running smoothly and admission prices affordable. There will also be a special party on Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the museum, 705 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria to recognize past board […]
Posted inNews
Spotlight on: World Gym
Members of the former Santa Maria Athletic Club are going to notice some changes in the next few weeks, as the club recently partnered with a worldwide chain, World Gym. “It opens us up to all of their clubs for our members,” said manager Goreal Hudson. “If they ever travel, or anything of that nature, […]
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Fighting fire with fiery passion
On Dec. 20, the Santa Maria City Council welcomed a fresh face to the fire department when Dan Orr was sworn in as the new fire chief. Orr is taking over for Jeff Jones, who retired after seven years at the top. According to Orr, the city manager’s office selected him because of his experience […]
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CPUC denies PG&E’s Diablo funding application
An administrative law judge dismissed Pacific Gas & Electric’s application to use customer money nearly two years after the application was first filed in an effort to keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant operating for another 30 years. PG&E requested $80 million in ratepayer funding to pay for its federal license renewal for both […]
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Steve Pappas throws his hat in ring against Farr–again
A Los Olivos business owner has announced he’ll go up against Doreen Farr again for the 3rd District seat on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. Steve Pappas, 52, sent a press release on Dec. 28 stating that he’s in the running for the coveted “swing” seat in the upcoming November 2012 election. “I […]
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SLORTA selects a new executive director
The San Luis Obispo County intercommunity transit system, which stretches into Northern Santa Barbara County, has selected a new head administrator following the departure of the previous director in August. On Dec. 22, 2011, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Board of Directors announced its selection of Geoff Straw as new executive […]
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Out of Iraq
On Dec. 18, 2011, the last convoy of U.S. troops left Iraq, ending a war that spanned almost nine years and two presidencies. President George W. Bush, with the approval of U.S. Congress, ordered troops to invade Iraq in 2003 to search for weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraq people from the oppressive […]
Posted inOpinion
What are your hopes for 2012?
Skip Gibson Skip Gibson’s BBQ owner “I want to have a kid.” Sang Ko UPS Store owner “Less hope, more change.” Steve Orozco UPS Store associate “More jobs for a better life.” Michelle Baylon Coffee Time barista “To go to Disneyland every month, because I have a year pass.”
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
2011: The Year In Sports
It’s hard to believe another year has fallen off the calendar. Though it’s next to impossible to condense 365 days of thrills, chills, and spills into one page, here were some of the highlights of 2011: In February, behind the play of star forward Ali Langford, the Allan Hancock College men’s basketball team enjoyed its […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Spreading the creativity
This year was a year of firsts, finallys, and last-minute-saves in the local art world. Art aficionados were invited into the art world to take a closer look at how things are made. Some artists found the success they’ve been working toward, while others tapped into the creative process they didn’t know they possessed. Art […]
Posted inOpinion
Which do you like more, hot chocolate or hot cider?
Francesca Ardizzone teacher “Definitely hot chocolate, because who wouldn’t want to drink chocolate?” Jean Shinn retired “I like both. They both give you energy.” Beverly Irwin retired “I like hot cider, because I don’t like milk.” Victor Oneschuck alcohol and drug counselor “Hot chocolate, because it’s richer and more fattening.”