Allan Hancock College is planning a big Bow-WOW! welcome for new and current students. Sponsored by the college’s Associated Student Body Government, Bow-WOW! events encourage students to learn about the college’s student services, organizations, and academic programs. Orientations will be held at the Santa Maria campus on Feb. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. […]
Hancock’s Bow-WOW! orientation is something to bark about
It’s never too early to get ready for school
Santa Maria-Bonita School District officials are recommending parents get a head start on registering their children for kindergarten. Early registration for the district begins Feb. 17 and will be held at all district elementary schools every weekday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Parents are advised to register their child […]
If money were not an issue, would you buy an electric car?
Kevin Young Student “I think I would. I prefer to draw sports cars to driving them.” Vincent Guzman Construction worker “No because nothing beats classic cars—gotta have the power.” Jazmine Thompson Actor “Yes, I would definitely do alternative energy but would not be an electric car.” Chris Bouget Student “Yes, but not for environmental issues, […]
Political Watch 2.04
U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) has President Barack Obama’s back. After Obama’s first State of the Union address on Jan. 27, Capps released the following statement: “I share the President’s commitment to focus on creating jobs, helping small businesses, and cracking down on Wall Street’s irresponsible behavior. I also applaud the President’s call […]
Community Notebook 2.04
MONDAY, FEB. 8 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, FEB. 9 The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s Board of […]
PXP revisited
Almost exactly a year ago this week, the California State Lands Commission announced before a packed Santa Barbara hearing room that it would not approve the now infamous Tranquillon Ridge Oil and Gas Project. The product of an agreement between Texas-based Plains Exploration & Production Co. (PXP) and three Santa Barbara environmental groups, the project […]
Arrested development
Nipomo’s Aaron Adams thought he’d found his dream home when he moved into Maria Vista Estates, an 84-acre hilltop development complete with dazzling views of the valley’s lush rolling hills. That was in July of 2007. Today, as he walks through his neighborhood of vacant million-dollar homes—the sidewalks cracked and yards overgrown with weeds—he wonders […]
Viva la VITA
VITA has an offer for seniors who have a family income of less than $49,000: The group will prepare your taxes for free. The tax-preparation service will be offered in both English and Spanish. Call 211 to make an appointment for service, which will available through April 3. There are four VITA sites: one in […]
Suspected cockfighting ring busted; 123 fighting cocks likely to be euthanized
Who says there’s nothing to do in unincorporated Arroyo Grande on a Sunday morning? Police raided an alleged cockfighting tournament south of Arroyo Grande on the Nipomo Mesa on Jan. 31, sending more than 300 participants fleeing into the adjoining countryside. San Luis Obispo sheriff deputies, Arroyo Grande police, and California Highway Patrol officers moved […]
Correction
In the Sun’s Jan. 28 cover story, “Where have all the wood shops gone?” the number of students enrolled in career and technical classes in 2007 was misstated. Enrollment jumped from 9.6 million students in 1999 to 15.6 million students in 2007. News Briefs is compiled by Sun staffers from staff reporting and local and […]
A local politician aims to reverse a Supreme Court campaign financing ruling
Assemblyman Pedro Nava is sounding the bugles against the U.S. Supreme Court. The Santa Barbara Democrat recently announced he’s planning to ask Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning the head court’s Jan. 21 decision to grant corporations the right to make campaign contributions through political action committees, or PACs. The 5-4 ruling in Citizens […]
Santa Barbara County District Attorney retires due to health problems
After serving almost three years as Santa Barbara County’s district attorney, Christie Stanley is retiring. “Given the uncertainty of her health, Christie Stanley will formally retire within the next two weeks,” acting District Attorney Joshua Lynn announced in a press release on Jan. 25. The decision was set to be confirmed at the Santa Barbara […]

