The state of local and national economies and the role of energy policy in growth will be discussed during the Santa Barbara County Energy Coalition’s National Energy Day and 2011 Economic Conference on Oct. 12. Expert speakers will cover a wide range of topics—including solar, nuclear, wind, and wave power; oil; natural gas; energy efficiency; […]
Conference covers economic future
Posted inNews
Restaurants reward dog adoptions
To celebrate American Humane Association’s national Adopt-A-Dog month, the Milt Guggia Family of Restaurants is partnering with the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society to offer special discount cards on food all October long. For every dog adopted during the month, the Guggia Family will donate a $20 gift card, good at any of the 10 […]
Posted inNews
Study sports management online
Liberty University, a private Christian college in Lynchburg, Va., is now offering an online master’s degree program in sports management, with a specialization in sports administration. The degree is designed to expand students’ understanding of the sport and recreation industry, while developing industry-specific management skills. Program courses will focus on specific management topics, including social […]
Posted inNews
An oil spill expert is coming to Solvang
Interested in learning more about the BP oil spill and how it was cleaned up? On Oct. 14, U.C. Santa Barbara researcher and Solvang resident Dr. Ira Leifer will discuss his experiences as NASA’s chief mission coordinating scientist for the airborne response to the massive spill in a free lecture at 7:30 p.m. at the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Sweet Adelines give students a hand up
Four college-bound seniors began their collegiate career with a little extra cash, thanks to scholarships provided by Tri City Sound. The Sweet Adelines International Chorus serving Lompoc and Santa Maria valleys awards scholarships each year to graduating students who participated in their high school vocal music program for at least two years and who plan […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The library needs artists!
Santa Maria Public Library’s Shepard Gallery has announced its 2011-2012 Gallery Exhibition Call for Artists. Artists can submit work to the Main Library Circulation Desk counter and lobby information desk at 421 S. McClelland St., or by e-mail to dhildinger@santa-maria.ca.us. The work will be juried by the library’s Art Advisory Committee and selected for exhibition […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Vanished appears
Writer John McReynolds wasn’t looking to uncover the reason nearly 100 Japanese families in Lompoc never returned to the community after having been sent to internment camps. He wasn’t even aware of the fact that of those interned families, only two returned to Lompoc. He didn’t know that what was once a vibrant Japanese community […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
All aboard!
A lone platform stands at the Surf Beach Train Station, where crashing waves often provide the only sound. It wasn’t always so lonely here. Lompoc once had two train stations, said Lompoc Museum’s Dee Frasher: “We bemoan the fact that both our beautiful stations were torn down. Now we just have the platform at […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Fall fun for a cause
All festivities on the Central Coast combine optimism, edible plenty, and a call to lend a hand to worthy causes. Area residents gathering to celebrate the joys of harvest are ready to have some fun, while helping to improve the lives of their neighbors. Among Santa Maria’s annual events is the Harvest Festival, slated for […]
Posted inOpinion
Bring back the rock
Dear sticky fingers, I am almost 85, have crippled arthritis hands, and have trouble controlling a paint brush. So I know your reason for taking my painted rock is not my artistic talent. It must have been on a dare or a prank, so will you please return my painted rock to the Hula Hut […]
Posted inOpinion
I’ve got some dune monitoring suggestions
As an avid user of the Oceano Dunes, it is amazing to hear how many people are concerned about windborne silica and other particulates that could be potentially harmful, and how they want to make major policy changes with minimal wind data. I just have one simple question: Where are all the wind stations on […]
Posted inOpinion
People who use parks should pay for the use
Proposition 21 asks us to approve an $18 increase to our vehicle license fees to preserve and improve state parks. State parks bring visions of open space, forests, streams, meadows, and beaches. The wording in Proposition 21 states that the revenue generated will be used for: (b) Wildlife conservation and protection of natural resources, including […]