Kevin Willis clerk “They should stay out of politics and stick to whatever their business is—unless they have a background in economics.” Martin Johnsen picture framer “Bill Maher. He seems to be honest and straightforward.” Bill Psomls retired “Bill Maher. He’s knowledgeable and knows more about politics than politicians.” Stephanie Palomarez artist “Oprah, although she […]
What celebrity would you like to see enter politics?
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Don’t feed the writer
I lost three pounds in a week, and it’s all thanks to not eating. By Day 5 on the Master Cleanse—a diet that encourages its victims not only to not eat, but also to jet-blast the digestive tract with turbo-charged laxatives—I was passing out at work, having nightmares about food, and worried that I was […]
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On a rescue mission
The new year is here, and everyone seems to be in the spirit of newness: new resolutions, new goals, new beginnings. The idea of a fresh start is a welcome one for those struggling through hard times in a hard land. The need for food, clothing, and shelter seems to be ever increasing. Sitting at […]
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The tough questions
By now, it’s a story we all know, but wished we didn’t: On Jan. 8, 22-year-old Jared Lee Laughner walked into a Tucson, Ariz., grocery store and opened fire on people attending a political meet-and-greet with U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Loughner managed to kill six people, and injure several others including Giffords, before some bystanders […]
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Luncheon lauds Santa Maria’s finest
It’s time once again for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce to honor the city’s men and women behind the badge at the 16th annual Police Awards Luncheon on Feb. 9. The Chamber will name the Santa Maria Police Department’s Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Distinguished Citizen, and Distinguished Team Award […]
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Game on at Leisure Time
Gamers, dust off those decks, because Leisure Time Games in the Town Center mall is slated to host a series of special events through February. The store will hold a Magic the Gathering: Mirrodin Besieged prerelease tournament on Jan. 29, starting at 11 a.m., and a Mirrodin Besieged Release Party on Feb. 5 at 11 […]
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Learn to improve your credit
In school, you were graded on your report card. These days, you’re graded on your FICO scores. Find out how to improve your credit at Keller Williams Coastal Valley and OiC Credit’s free seminar “Learning to Play the Credit Game and Win” on Jan. 22. The seminar is for all ages: students with no credit, […]
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Women’s Network seeks nominations
Know a woman who’s made a difference? The Santa Maria Women’s Network is asking for nominations for the group’s Women of Excellence Award, recognizing women in the Santa Maria Valley who’ve contributed to public life and the community. Categories include “Women Taking Creative Risks,” “Women of Spirit,” “Women Helping Women,” and “Lifetime Achievement.” A panel […]
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Lunching with the law
On Feb. 9, at the Santa Maria Elk’s Lodge, the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce will hold its 16th annual Police Awards Luncheon. The event is to be held at noon. For $17, one can purchase a lunch and attend the event, but there is also the choice of sponsoring an officer, which will pay […]
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Senate bills seek to address special elections
Just as newly elected Gov. Jerry Brown announced his intention to hold another special election this summer, new legislation is being introduced to address some of the fiscal concerns of a ballot-weary electorate. Last summer’s two special elections to fill the seat vacated by former State Sen. Abel Maldonado cost Santa Barbara County $438,000, according […]
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Guadalupe Dunes are back open … for now
In a surprising turn of events, officials reopened the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park on Jan. 14 after county engineers deemed the park’s main access road “passable.” Santa Barbara County transportation crews concluded the road, closed due to flooding and erosion, could be reopened safely as long as the river wasn’t flowing. Traffic was narrowed […]
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Santa Barbara Collective owner and 14 others arrested in pot sting
A few of the charges filed against 15 Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo County residents arrested during a recent mobile medical marijuana dispensary sting didn’t stick in the courtroom earlier this month. However, it’s still isn’t clear why the charges were dropped. In the final days of 2010, roughly 50 agents from SLO County’s […]