Community Bank of Santa Maria received four stars in the most recent Star Ratings report issued by BauerFinancial, Inc., an independent firm that reports on the financial condition of the nation’s bank and credit unions. Bauer categorized CBSM as “excellent” using the company’s five-star rating system. It was the highest rating of any bank based […]
CBSM awarded four-star rating
Posted inNews
American Perspective goes mobile
American Perspective Bank in Santa Maria is now offering a mobile banking service, allowing customers to check their balances, transfer funds, and view recent transactions using their smartphones. Bank customers can enroll in the program through the bank’s online system, and must activate the system by signing a form in the branch office. Once enrolled, […]
Posted inNews
Grant goes to Growing Grounds
The Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation awarded Transitions-Mental Health Association with a $20,000 grant to help support Growing Grounds Farm in Santa Maria. The Foundation has funded the Farm each year since 2007. The grant will go toward growing food, paying worker’s wages, and distributing vegetable seedlings and herb plants to low-income neighborhoods. Transitions-Mental Health Association […]
Posted inNews
Learn online
Want to go to college but don’t have time to commute or sit in classrooms? According to Allan Hancock College officials, the school’s online classes “offer flexibility in scheduling to accommodate work, family, and/or transportation constraints.” Hancock offers weekend and Fast Track classes that last eight weeks or as short as one or two days, […]
Posted inNews
Driveways are dangerous
According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, a driveway is one of the most dangerous spots in the neighborhood. Thousands of children nationwide are injured or killed by driveway accidents, especially during hectic times and other family gatherings. “Driveway accidents happen [nationally] about 2,000 times per year. And children die as a result of […]
Posted inOpinion
If you have a pet, make time to care for it
I wish to thank all the people who phoned me regarding the two dogs who were orphaned when their owner was killed on Highway 154. Due to their concern, I want them to know that these two precious dogs have been placed in exceptional homes. If only all dogs could be so fortunate. Pets need […]
Posted inOpinion
What’s next, Cash for Geezers?
On my drive home yesterday, an advertisement over my car radio told me how much the Cancer Society needed old cars donated to help them fight cancer. Then I remembered watching the Youtube video where cars were turned in for the government program called “Cash for Clunkers.” They took in cars, some better than mine, […]
Posted inOpinion
On steak and parking
Congratulations to the Far Western. It will be convenient to have a great steak house of this caliber in Old Orcutt. I do plan to patronize it when it opens; it’s in walking distance. Parking will not be a problem for me. However, parking is a concern that needs to be addressed now. Greed for […]
Posted inOpinion
Be thankful for government regulations
I frequently travel the breadth of Santa Barbara County on highway 166, from the Santa Maria Valley to the Cuyama Valley, and I am always struck by the immense diversity of this road trip and the beauty that makes our county what it is, a wonderful place to live, from the rolling, sometimes green or […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Brianna Alvarez
January is a cold month. It’s not quite summertime yet. Heck, it’s not even spring. But softball season doesn’t end for Brianna Alvarez. The local eighth grader plays year round—or at least stays sharp year round. “For softball, I practice every Sunday for two hours, and we have batting once a week,” she said. “I’ve […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Bleacher Bum Chronicles, Vol. X
The end for “The Iceman” finally came on a winter’s eve in Las Vegas. After months of rumors and speculation, and just days after celebrating his 41st birthday, Chuck Liddell officially pronounced his professional mixed martial arts career over at a press conference for Ultimate Fighting Championship 125 on Dec. 29. Since he’s recently engaged, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lakeview ladies take crown
Lakeview Junior High School’s eighth grade girls’ basketball team took home first place honors in Valley Christian Academy’s 2010 Holiday Basketball Tournament, held Dec. 27 through 29. The girls defeated Saint Mary’s and VCA’s eighth grade teams, before topping West Coast X-treme’s seventh and eighth grade team in the championship game. Sports Shorts is compiled […]