After bleeding its reserve fund dry, San Luis Obispo County Public Works recently decided to impose higher sewage and water rates on hundreds of Nipomo residents. “We’re caught in a very difficult bit of public process here,” SLO Supervisor Bruce Gibson said as the board reticently approved the last of three proposed rate increases. “I […]
Like liquid gold
New Cuyama gets a new pool just in time for summer
About 50 New Cuyama kids got to take an inaugural plunge in the town’s public swimming pool after a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 28. Santa Barbara County supervisor Joe Centeno had the honor of snipping the red ribbon before officially declaring the Joseph Centeno Cuyama Pool and Aquatics Complex open for business. The Board […]
Tie personalities with summer fun
Stuck in a summer activities rut? Parents can now get suggestions on the best activities based on their children’s personalities using the new Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment on the Central Coast-based website Kidzmet.com. The short test helps parents understand how their child’s personality type impacts learning and play behaviors. For more information, visit kidzmet.com, or find […]
Teachers get a break
Local chiropractor Fred Carbone is giving thanks to local teachers by celebrating Teacher’s Month all June long at his practice, Aloha Family Chiropractic in Orcutt. Carbone would like to reward teachers for putting children first by offering them free health and wellness evaluations. The exams include complete consultation and examination, computerized spinal analysis, and any […]
Shop–in the name of scholarships!
Need an outfit or special gift for a birthday, wedding, or other special event? Ruby Red Fashion Boutique and the Santa Maria Women’s Network are teaming up for an “Afternoon of Fashion Shopping” on June 3. Drawings for prizes will take place at the event, and wine and light refreshments will be served. Ten percent […]
Accounting firm tabs Orcutt
McDermott and Apkarian, LLP, an accounting firm serving clients in Santa Barbara County since 1983, announced the opening of a new office in Orcutt to serve the needs of an expanding client base. Partners Patrick McDermott and Thomas Apkarian, Jr., have a combined total of 32 years of tax and accounting experience. Their firm offers […]
One less voice will chime in
I am 83 years old and have been quite sick for years, but always voted. Well, that has ended. I am tired of being rushed to the phone to hear a recording about who I should vote for and why, each time thinking one of my five children might be phoning me for a chat. […]
Unite to save beaches
O, come all ye faithful and righteous citizens of San Luis Obispo, you who are so upset by the smoke on sidewalks, the feeding of ducks, and past-bedtime partying: I beg you to rise and stand against the most repulsive polluter of them all, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreational Area (ODSVRA). Residents in the […]
Vote no on Proposition 16
Proposition 16 is total rubbish, a disgrace to the democratic process. PG&E is sponsoring the proposition to prevent municipalities from getting into the energy business to compete with the company. It would require a two-thirds vote by municipal residents to approve funding for local public power projects, which we all know would be the kiss […]
Vote for Patino, vote for experience
As a longtime activist in Santa Maria, I will be voting for Alice Patino for 5th District supervisor. She is the most sensible and the most responsible candidate for the 5th District. Alice’s character is above reproach. Her connection to the local community cannot be matched! Her countless hours of involvement on committees and commissions […]
Dear media: No more circuses
A cartoon on the opinion page of a recent edition of The Tribune said it all about the state of the news media these days: Against a backdrop of wars, fires, violence, meteor attacks, and all sorts of other disasters, the newscaster says, “But first the latest on Tiger.” The media focus so much attention […]
Athlete of the Week
Reilly McMahon, Righetti High School’s rising golf star, is one part lemonade, one part iced tea short of being on par with Arnold Palmer. Although McMahon is just finishing his sophomore year, he already can boast the history of a seasoned golfer. He’s played in numerous tournaments around the United States—from the deserts of Arizona […]

