The Orcutt Academy Robotics Team came away from the FIRST Robotics regional competition in Long Beach March 24 through 26 with two trophies, including the Rookie Inspiration Award and the Highest Rookie Seed Award. “We had people coming up to us saying, ‘There’s no way you’re a rookie team!’ That felt really great,” said Ty […]
Spartan Robotics starts with a bang
Posted inNews
A friendlier Neighborhood
It’s fairly common to see a professional sports team or a group of A-list celebrities being charitable. They have the money and resources to do so—but don’t most people? Everyday people can’t afford to write out a $5,000 check to their favorite charities, but they can do the little things to make their communities a […]
Posted inNews
Space Center relaunches
Though the California Space Authority recently broke off plans with the U.S. Air Force for a California Space Center, the nonprofit group may have already found love on the rebound in Lompoc. And both sides are hoping it’s a marriage made in heaven. On March 25, the CSA simultaneously announced it had scrapped negotiations with […]
Posted inNews
Census figures will reshuffle Santa Barbara County supervisor districts
Santa Barbara County supervisors will have their work cut out for them this summer when it comes time to redraw district boundaries, thanks to a population boom in the North County over the past decade. According to the U.S. Census, the county added nearly 25,000 new residents from 2000 to 2010. The city of Santa […]
Posted inNews
Defense attorney switches out in Dystiny Myers case
The defense attorney for the sole defendant facing a death sentence in the Dystiny Myers kidnapping and murder trial has been dismissed. On March 23, San Luis Obispo-based attorney Raymond Allen was told by Superior Court Judge Barry LaBarbera that he didn’t meet the requirements of the court to defend a murder defendant facing capital […]
Posted inNews
PG&E unveils a SmartMeter opt-out proposal
Pacific Gas & Electric customers concerned about the safety of the utility’s SmartMeters will be able to essentially turn off their new meter’s wireless component—but doing so will come at a price. Meeting a March 24 deadline set by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), PG&E filed its application to modify its controversial SmartMeter program, […]
Posted inNews
A long-missing Lompoc woman’s jawbone is found
The remains of a Lompoc woman missing for almost a decade have been found, police announced at a press conference on March 23. Lompoc Police Department officials informed members of the media that a local citizen recently discovered a human jawbone while hiking in a remote part of Santa Barbara County. That person turned the […]
Posted inOpinion
Are you fearful of radiation coming from Japan?
Julian Andrade student “Not really. The chances for high radiation are not very likely.” Nate Brookshire student “We got bigger things to worry about than radiation.” Robin Ponder student “I don’t think the levels will be high enough to be concerned about. Hawaii, being closer, would show symptoms before California.” [image-4] Zachariah Thomas student “No. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Brittany Bolusan and Genevieve Aguilar
Sometimes, two athletes are better than one, and that’s the case with Brittany Bolusan, 13, and Genevieve Aguilar, 15. The two gymnasts are part of the Vandenberg Jets gymnastics team, dedicating about 20 hours per week in the gym to practicing. They also act as junior coaches for the Jets’ Level 3 team—ages 5 through […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Roller derby returns to Fairpark
Cal Skate Roller Derby, one of Santa Maria’s newest roller derby teams, will be hosting its first-ever bout on April 2 at the Santa Maria Fairpark against the Sin Cal Derby Vixens. Doors open at 6 p.m. and wheels roll at 7. Pre-sale tickets cost $10 for adults 13 and up, $5 for children ages […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Get out for trout
Anglers of all ages are encouraged to enter the Cachuma Lake Nature Center’s 16th annual Trout Derby fundraiser on April 9 and 10. Cash prizes amounting to $5,000 and thousands of dollars in merchandise will be awarded in several different categories and age groups. Free arts and crafts activities will also be offered to children […]