Santa Barbara County received praise for taking a proactive approach to energy conservation at the 2010 Green Business Recognition Program on Feb. 5. Officials for the Southern California Gas Company handed the 2009 Energy Smart Award to 5th District Supervisor Joe Centeno and 2nd District Supervisor Janet Wolf during a presentation at the Santa Maria […]
Santa Barbara County gets recognition for taking ‘green’ steps
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First-ever lung cancer vaccine trial starts in Santa Barbara County
A group of cancer specialists with offices throughout Santa Barbara County is looking for patients to participate in a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of a new lung cancer vaccine. Lucanix isn’t a cure for lung cancer, but is a therapeutic vaccine that works with the immune system to target the disease and extend a […]
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Transitions Mental Health Association works to SLO the Stigma of mental illness
The lights go down in a hushed theater. A collage of Central Coast scenes flashes on a screen: foam-topped waves crashing against the beach at sunset, a rolling expanse of oak tree-studded hills. But this is not the beginning of Sideways or some other wine-infused Hollywood blockbuster. According to officials at Transitions Mental Health Association, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Art gets recognized
The Santa Maria Arts Council will award a total of $10,000 this year to encourage and support the valley’s brightest emerging artists in dance, drama, music, and visual arts. First place awards are $1,500 and second place awards are $1,000. Applicants must have two years of residency and art study in the Santa Maria area, […]
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Spend time with the Wolf
The Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra will introduce 900 third-grade students to a performance of Peter and the Wolf under the direction of Maestro John Farrer on Feb. 16 at Pacific Christian Center. Peter and the Wolf is a composition by Sergei Prokofiev written in 1936 after his return to the Soviet Union. Dian Borad-Mirken will […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Still rocking the soul
The sound is rhythmic yet smooth and immediately prompts dancers to slide across the room to the dance floor. Then Soulamente’s lead singer grabs the microphone and belts out a jazzy song with a voice that comes from a deep dark somewhere hidden in the singer’s petite frame. It’s unexpected and totally irresistible, but that’s […]
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Mousetrap catches local audiences
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the longest-running play in English-speaking theater. Its original London production got its start in 1952 and is still going today. But you don’t have to go all the way to England to unravel the secret of its success. You need look no further than Santa Maria Civic Theatre. Many of […]
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Love is in the air at Trilogy
Get in the mood for love and celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year with an evening of wine, roses, and general indulgence at Trilogy Central Coast’s Pre-Valentine’s Day Taste l’Amour on Feb. 11. Relax to the mellow sounds of Acoustico’s live music while perusing a variety of local vendors and artisans offering an eclectic selection […]
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Biodiesel buyers’ club hosts seminars
Central Coast residents interested in knowing more about biodiesel fuel are invited to attend a series of free seminars held by the Central Coast Biodiesel Buyers Club beginning Feb. 20. The club is a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of using bio-fuel. Margo Camilleri, chairman of the club formation […]
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Luncheon to discuss air quality
Recent developments in air quality management will be the topics of discussion at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Committee luncheon on Feb. 16. As the luncheon’s guest speaker, Santa Barbara County’s Director/Air Pollution Control Officer Terry Dressler will talk about new state and federal climate protection regulations, strategies for reducing exposure […]
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Need help getting cash for college?
Throughout the month of February, Cuesta College and Allan Hancock College will be hosting free Cash for College Night events to help college-bound students apply for financial aid. Financial experts will be available at all of the workshops to assist students in filling out Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Cal Grant forms. Assistance will also […]
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Santa Maria Valley YMCA now offers after-school child care
Beginning Feb. 15, the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, in partnership with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, will be offering after-school care for kindergarteners at Robert Bruce Elementary School. The YMCA Kinderbridge program runs from after morning kindergarten class until 6 p.m., and includes homework time, a healthy snack, structured outdoor activities, games, and arts and […]