The Lompoc Chamber of Commerce, an organization with 450 members, is on the hunt for a new executive director. Whoever lands the seat will be responsible for the complete operation of the Chamber and the Chamber’s Foundation, new sales and retention of memberships, implementing fundraising activities to support the Chamber, and participating in community events […]
Lompoc Chamber needs an executive director
Posted inNews
Testa’s open for private parties
Testa’s Bistro & Catering, an Italian restaurant and bar in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley, is now an exclusive private party and event location. With a full bar and the ability to accommodate from 12 to 55 guests, Testa’s is available for private party rental seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, or […]
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Show your guests what’s up
Company coming in from out of town for a visit? Santa Maria Valley attractions await their exploration in the “Guest Survival Kit,” the centerpiece of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau’s new “Company’s Coming” campaign. The complimentary kits come in specially marked bags and contain Santa Maria Valley promotional […]
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Going with the plan
The dust has finally settled for Los Alamos: The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Los Alamos Community Plan on Feb. 15. “We believe that this plan is a roadmap for years to come,” Los Alamos Planning Advisory Committee chairman Chris Wrather said during the hearing’s public comment period. The board added […]
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Is driving while old a crime?
As the baby boomer generation hits senior status, a growing number of their family members will be faced with the question: When is it time to take away the car keys? Senior drivers are the fastest-growing demographic on the road, and as a group, they’ve recently come under intense scrutiny. On Feb. 13, an 83-year-old […]
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Maldonado eyes a congressional seat
Former Santa Maria mayor and California Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado appears ready for the next step in his political career, forming a campaign committee to make a congressional run in 2012. The Federal Elections Commission on Feb. 18 confirmed Maldonado filed the necessary paperwork to open an exploratory committee, which can begin collecting campaign funds. […]
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Citing efficiency, Supervisor Gray closes her Orcutt office
Joni Gray, Santa Barbara County 4th District supervisor and board chair, closed her district office in Orcutt on Feb. 25, and relocated to a “more efficient” space in the Betteravia Government Center in Santa Maria. Her other district office in the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building will remain open. Gray told the Sun she decided to […]
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Santa Maria braces for federal grant cuts
Santa Maria city officials expressed “grave concern” about a budget proposal that would gut funding from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program by more than 60 percent. President Barack Obama’s budget proposal for 2011-12 includes a 7.5 percent cut to the CDBG program, representing $300 million of the $4 billion federal program. However, […]
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Lane Tanner Pinot Noir — a 30-year history
Lane Tanner was only the second woman winemaker in Santa Barbara County in a commercial facility when she started working in Santa Ynez Valley in 1981 at Firestone Vineyards. For the past 30 years, the distinctive Tanner has been an icon in Santa Barbara County wine country. And she succeeded despite the fact that she […]
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Pensions for plebeians
Amortization schedules. Defined contribution plans. Actuarial tables. Unless you’ve got a degree in economics, the words alone are enough to make the head spin. Unfortunately, these terms and others are likely to come up a lot in the near future, as pensions for public employees continue to be the hot button issue at the county […]
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From Europe, with larvae
Forget the light brown apple moth; there’s a new bug pestering the state. In September 2009, the European grapevine moth was discovered for the first time in California in the Napa Valley. Native to southern Italy, the fluttering winemaker’s nightmare produces larvae that feed on grape bud clusters and flowers. The damage opens the fruit […]
Posted inOpinion
What was your favorite film in the past year?
Valli Keller web designer “Hereafter. I liked the layering of information that Clint Eastwood gave it.” Linda Walker retired “Inception. I paid to see it twice. ” Richard and Jackie Fisher construction “Alice in Wonderland. Johnny Depp plays his roles so well. We enjoyed it in 3D.” Patricia Garcia Student “Just Go With It. It […]
