Jeremiah Carroll barista “Absolutely. There will be more people in Orcutt, and it would stimulate the economy. Plus, I like apricots.” Steve Tummolo management “Yes, because Tuesdays and Wednesdays are inconvenient for the working public.” Carl Nietman retired sheriff “Yes, because it would bring the people of Orcutt closer together and create a ‘homey’ feeling. […]
Should Orcutt hold a Farmer’s Market on Saturdays?
Jury duties
“Water, water, everywhere, and all the boards did shrink; water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” So goes the infamous line from English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The words could also be applied to recent goings-on within the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, according to findings in a […]
Political Watch 05.20
The California Chapter of Republicans for Environmental Protection (Cal REP) has endorsed seven GOP candidates running for state office, including Mike Stoker (35th Assembly District). “Cal REP is proud to endorse these candidates based on their positions on issues that are important to our organization. We considered their views and leadership on, and contributions to, […]
Community Notebook 05.20
FRIDAY, MAY 21 • The Santa Maria City/County Coalition for the Homeless has its regular meeting from 10 a.m. to noon at the Betteravia Government Center conference room, 511 East Lakeside Parkway. • The Lompoc City/County Coalition for the Homeless has its regular meeting from noon to 1 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors […]
Learn about the hidden disease
Huntington’s Disease is one of the most common hereditary diseases, with about 150,000 Americans at risk of inheriting it. In order to educate the masses, Huntington’s Disease Society of America will be holding an educational symposium in Santa Maria at the Radisson Hotel on May 26, 6 to 8:30 p.m. The Huntington’s symposium will focus […]
Growers face obstacles to starting Orcutt Farmers’ Market
For 30 years, Francisco Velasquez has grown strawberries and vegetables on the family farm in Santa Maria bearing his name. To pay the bills, he depends regularly on farmers’ markets in San Luis Obispo County, plying his wares in Avila Beach and San Miguel. “I don’t sell thousands of slats of strawberries,” he said. “I’m […]
What a difference a year makes
Last year, people marched down Broadway in Santa Maria to protest a record number of proposed teacher layoffs at local schools. This year, no permanent teachers are facing layoffs. In 2009, the Lucia Del Mar school district sent out pink slips to 229 teachers. This year it sent out 50. So why the pink slip […]
Goleta Beach re-opens after a sewage spill
Sunbathers can bask and surfers can ride once more now that county health officials have reopened portions of Goleta Beach. On May 13, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a “beach closed” notice in response to a spill of approximately 800 gallons of untreated sewage at the west end of the Goleta Beach […]
Election’s a-comin’
The June 22 special election continues to loom over election officials. Though a lawsuit may put a temporary halt on the expedited election schedule, the candidates are gearing up to make a run at the 15th District Senate seat. Four candidates have officially declared their intention to run: San Luis Obispo Republican Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, […]
Huseth leaves the helm at Santa Maria High School
After three years spent leading students and staff at Santa Maria High School, principal Craig Huseth has announced it’s time to “pass the reigns to someone else” come June. “It’s something I’ve gone back and forth with for a while,” Huseth told the Sun in a recent interview. “We’ve done so well in the […]
Cotton blaze marks the beginning of the 2010 fire season
Firefighters are close to extinguishing a wildfire that started burning on May 15 five miles west of New Cuyama along Highway 166. Bureau of Land Management officials reported the Cotton Fire at 100 percent containment as of press time. More than 300 fire personnel from as far away as San Diego have been working around […]

