Fears over potential terrorist acts during Michael Jackson’s trial on child molestation charges led the Santa Maria Police Department to enlist the aid of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an FBI report revealed. According to files on the pop star made public on Dec. 22, local police requested the FBI’s involvement in 2004, concerned the […]
Jackson trial terrorism concerns prompted Santa Maria police to seek federal help
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Hazmat incident proves to be a false alarm
As the Santa Maria Airport was being evacuated because of a possible bomb scare, more law enforcement officials responded to a potential hazardous material incident on Highway 135 near Lakeview Junior High School. On Dec. 23, members of the California Highway Patrol closed down Orcutt Road and one lane of Highway 135 to inspect a […]
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Good thing Santa didn’t go through airport security this year
The hustle and bustle of holiday travel came to a standstill on Dec. 23 after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials at the Santa Maria Public Airport reported to local law enforcement agencies a “suspicious item” in a suitcase, according to a press release from the city of Santa Maria. Members of the Santa Maria Police […]
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Local agent joins CornerStone
CornerStone Real Estate of Santa Maria recently announced the addition of Cynthia DePriest to its sales team. DePriest has more than 13 years of real estate experience and has earned numerous awards and accolades for her achievements. She previously worked at Century 21 Advantage, where she had been employed since 1996. DePriest has been a […]
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Lori family opens mortuary
The Lori family, owner and operator of mortuaries for 35 years, is bringing its experience to the Santa Maria area by opening up a new downtown location. The family plans to offer funerals, cremations, worldwide shipment, burial insurance, and monument sales. Plus, the mortuary’s doors are always open for inspection. The Lori Family Mortuary is […]
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Rice Ranch reorganizes
Rice Ranch Ventures Acquisition Fund announced that it’s purchased Lehman Brothers’ interest in Orcutt’s Rice Ranch, northern Santa Barbara County’s largest master planned community. As a result of financial backing from Rice Ranch Ventures and its managing development firm, Western Pacific Land Group, Rice Ranch has secured favorable long-term land development and construction financing for […]
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American Principle hires VP
American Principle Bank, a San Luis Obispo-based bank that serves residents of northern Santa Barbara County, announced the hiring of Mark A. Crawford as its new executive vice president and chief credit officer. Crawford boasts more than 25 years of experience in the financial industry, including employment in the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Clubs and Meetings
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC. of SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., in the Altrusa Theatre of the Santa […]
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Spiritual
BAHA’I interfaith worship services are the second Sunday of each month. Info: 489-4172. Children’s classes are the first Saturday of each month. Info: 937-9451. Study circles about The Life of the Spirit are ongoing in Santa Maria. For questions, dates, and times: 614-0963. Info: 937-9451. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH holds worship services Sundays with Holy Communion […]
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Farmers Market
SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and bee pollen, breads and pastries, plants and flower bouquets, fresh fruits and vegetables. ORCUTT Corner of Clark and Bradley, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh honey, flowers, and eggs, along with fresh fruits and […]
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Barbecues
ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include tri-tip, chicken, beef kabobs, chicken adobo, salad, rice, and bread. Meals cost $6. Info: 922-3422 or 922-3799. FILIPINO CATHOLIC SOCIETY, under the direction of St. Mary’s Church and St. […]
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Health
MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meeting the first Monday of each month this year from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Medical Center at 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria. Info: 739-3578. ONGOING SYCAMORE MINERAL SPRINGS HEALING ARTS INSTITUTE offers a range of classes including yoga and meditation, […]