Los Padres ForestWatch, a local nonprofit conservation organization, has teamed up with the San Diego-based California Chaparral Institute to sue the U.S. Forest Service. The groups claim regulations approved by the service deny the public’s right to participate in land-use decisions impacting national forests. The suit alleges that on Aug. 10 of this year, the […]
Local environmental group sues U.S. Forest Service over Tepusquet project
Posted inNews
County moves to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries
Despite the Obama administration’s recent decision to halt raids of medicinal marijuana dispensaries operating legally under state laws, Santa Barbara County is one step closer to enacting a temporary ban on the controversial pot shops. On Dec. 8, the county’s Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to move forward with an ordinance putting a moratorium on […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County ag commissioner retires
To celebrate his first day of retirement, former Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner Bill Gillette went golfing. “That was kind of weird to do in the middle of the day,” he later told the Sun. Gillette has worked for the county for 34 years, 16 of which were spent as the agricultural commissioner, the county’s […]
Posted inNews
Haircuts for the holidays
The clippers were flying on Dec. 15 at Trends Salon in Santa Maria, where a group of Arellanes Junior High girls, along with their mothers, sisters, and teachers, came together to donate their hair to Locks of Love. Santa Maria-Bonita School District officials estimated the final donation total at 37 feet of hair—all of which […]
Posted inNews
Diamonds are for-evah
Dazzled by diamonds? Gaga for gold? The grand opening of JB’S Jewelers is going on now at Town Center West. The shop specializes in custom-made jewelry. Owner Jose Barrientos has more than 30 years’ experience in the jewelry business, 20 of them local. The store offers diamond rings, wedding sets, and diamond earrings, and also […]
Posted inNews
Dirty car? Hand it to Mario
In these times of economic hardship and busy schedules, cars can easily be neglected. Nipomo’s new 100-percent hand car wash, La Placita Car Wash, has come up with a quick fix for dirty vehicles and an affordable way to avoid scratches and dings caused by automated car washes. For $7, Mario will give your car […]
Posted inNews
Let’s get physical (therapy)
Pilates Doctor Physical Therapy in Santa Maria has moved around the corner to a new, roomier location with easier access to parking. The service offers traditional and pilates-based physical therapy, as well as private and semi-private pilates training provided by Jackie Cabalka, doctor of physical therapy and Polestar-certified pilates practitioner. Pilates Doctor Physical Therapy is […]
Posted inNews
Census Bureau counts on locals
The U.S. Census Bureau is now hiring about 1,000 people in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties in preparation for the 2010 Census. The bureau is accepting applications for jobs in its Field Operations and Quality Assurance departments, whose duties include address canvassing and following up on those who haven’t responded to census mailings. […]
Posted inNews
Attend Saturday classes at Hancock
For the busy student constantly on the go, Allan Hancock College is offering 30 Saturday-only classes in the spring at its Santa Maria and Lompoc campuses. Some of the classes being offered in the spring include winemaking, art, business, drama, and CPR. Find a complete list of classes in the Allan Hancock College spring credit […]
Posted inNews
New First 5 website offers resources for parents, child-care professionals
First 5 Santa Barbara County has launched a newly redesigned website, first5santabarbaracounty.org, featuring pictures and personal stories told by local parents. The site also provides new child-care tools and resources for parents, educators, caregivers, and health-care professionals. “First 5 Santa Barbara County has spent months working hard to create a powerful new resource for parents, […]
Posted inOpinion
Blue Christmas?
Ah, the holiday season is here, filled with song, the hurry-scurry of gift buying and menu planning, family and friends gathering, the glow of expectation on little faces as they gaze at gifts piled under a tree or near a menorah. Holiday colors light up the street, store windows, and most living rooms—green and red, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Bleacher Bum decks the halls
Hey folks, it’s been a while since I rapped at ya’, and here we are at the end of another decade. Really? What happened to the last 10 years? It seems like only yesterday I was huddled in my underground bunker with my cans of creamed corn and Doritos, watching The Matrix and waiting for […]