The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce announced the upcoming release of its new ChamberCard program, providing member businesses with more free advertising and benefits at no extra cost. Cards will be appearing in an upcoming issue of the Chamber Challenge newsletter, along with a list of participants in the program. This initial run of […]
Chamber issues cards with benefits
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No butts about it
The sights and smells of smokers lighting up on state coastlines will soon be a thing of the past if a long-awaited ban wins final approval from state senators and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Senate Bill 4, also known as the No Smoking at State Parks and Beaches Act, is the latest in a slew of […]
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BofA donates bucks to Rescue Mission
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, sticking with the philanthropic character it’s known for, recently donated $2,500 to the Central Coast Rescue Mission. The grant will help fund the group’s efforts to provide food, shelter, hygiene, and clothing—which includes the bare necessities, such as socks, underwear, and T-shirts. “Every grant helps and is appreciated,” said […]
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Taxi company sues SLO County
Beach Cities Taxi is suing San Luis Obispo County for $500,000 in damages for canceling a permit that allows it to take customers to the San Luis Obispo County regional airport. The company alleges their permit was improperly terminated. The taxi company’s permit was pulled a year ago when, according to Richard Howell, general manager […]
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Government officials and environmentalists unveil an updated PXP plan
After months of stalled planning, the three environmental groups made infamous for penning a semi-private deal with a Texas-based oil company have revealed a newly revised agreement aimed at ending drilling off the Santa Barbara coastline. On April 7, Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) and 1st District County Supervisor Salud Carbajal joined representatives for the […]
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Republican Tom Watson aims to bump Congresswoman Lois Capps out of her 23rd District seat
When asked what sets him apart from the other Republican candidates running for the 23rd District Congressional seat, Tom Watson said: “I live in the district, for one. I think that’s going to be problematic for [rival Republican] John Davidson.” Davidson, for the record, lives in Thousand Oaks. “I think that’s something [incumbent Democrat Lois] […]
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What do you hate more than taxes?
Hector Ramirez student “Hypocrites, because at least taxes do something, but hypocrites just stab you in the back.” Mike Schmidt medical assistant “Long lines. I just hate waiting in lines.” Leah Payne barista “I can’t think of anything that I hate more than taxes since I’m poor, and they still take my money.” John Breidenstein […]
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Political Watch 4.8
U.S. Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) is encouraging her constituents to take full advantage of tax cuts created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Here are some of the new tax credits available: The Making Work Pay tax credit, a tax credit of $400 for an individual or $800 for married couples filing jointly […]
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Community Notebook 4.8
MONDAY, APRIL 12 • The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. TUESDAY, APRIL 13 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Off they went … one after the other … a convoy of electric golf carts at the Santa Maria Country Club, sailing by onlookers on the green and heading for the gorgeous golf course. The carts carried 124 golfers, from up and down the coast, who paid $225 each to play in […]
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Give up your blood
United Blood Services is calling for all rare blood types to donate in an effort to overcome the organization’s low surplus. The group needs primarily Type O-Negative and Type A-Negative, due to high demand. Type O-Negative is considered to be “universal” blood, but only about seven percent of the population pumps it through their veins. […]