Surprise!
May Grisham’s fate still up in the air?
Orcutt Union School District (OUSD) board member Rob Buchanan made a motion that caused an angry walkout at the Dec. 8 school board meeting: He suggested tabling the decision whether to redistribute May Grisham School students to other schools so Orcutt Academy can take over the facility. Buchanan said the matter was being moved to […]
Which New Year’s resolution are you most likely to make and break?
Jessica Rietzke manager “Saving money. Things always come up.” Amber Lynn student “Quitting soda. It’s not good for you, but I’ll drink it anyway.” Jessica Durst student “Losing weight. It’s easier than it sounds.” Jessica Delfin student “Saving money. I love music and spending money.”
Political Watch – 12.23
California Sen. Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) has hit the governmental ground running. The newly appointed chair of the Committee on Reform introduced the first elements of his 2011-12 legislative package earlier this month. His first bills as a state Senator include legislation limiting political campaign “robocalls”—automated pre-recorded messages used during election season. The bills […]
Community Notebook – 12.23
FRIDAY, DEC. 24 Have a merry Christmas! MONDAY, DEC. 27 • The South County Advisory Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Nipomo Community Services District Headquarters, 148 S. Wilson St., Nipomo.
Federal lawsuit settlement leads to Los Padres land protection
More than one million acres of undeveloped federal forestland will stay undeveloped, thanks to a long-awaited agreement between conservation groups and the U.S. Forest Service. Four national forests, including Los Padres, will be the beneficiaries of a settlement between the state of California, the Forest Service, environmental groups, and off-road vehicle users. The settlement concludes […]
She’s the boss
A month and a half into her job as Santa Barbara County’s CEO, Chandra Wallar already has her work cut out for her in managing the county’s massive budget gap. However, the financial distress hasn’t put a damper on the enthusiasm she’s brought to the office since taking over for the retired Mike Brown on […]
Baby new year
Santa Maria’s Jane Rooney knows the life-or-death impact of having a neonatal intensive care unit close to home. In 1982, Rooney and her newborn daughter Caitlin were rushed via ambulance to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Born four weeks early, Caitlin’s lungs wouldn’t inflate, and the closest unit—often referred to as a NICU—was more than […]
Names for Santa’s ‘Good List’
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department named its employee and firefighter of the year at the Fire Department’s Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 14. Sandra Viola was surprised by her employee of the year award. “I was helping check people in [to the party],” Viola said. “I didn’t expect it all.” She has been a […]
Traffic is flowing on Union Valley Parkway
It’s finally happened: The city of Santa Maria officially opened a portion of Union Valley Parkway on Dec. 16. The one-mile stretch includes a new three-way traffic signal at Highway 135 and Union Valley Parkway, connecting the highway to Blosser Road. Construction of Union Valley Parkway has been on the city’s to-do list for more […]