There’s a new downtown destination for unique casual and formal women’s wear: the Ruby Red Fashion Boutique in Santa Maria. The boutique, which opened on Nov. 21, specializes in clothes, jewelry, wraps, and other accessories. Owner Sue Olivera and her staff are committed to giving customers personal service to help find exactly what they’re looking […]
Women’s clothing store opens
Posted inNews
CoastHills CEO named League chairman
The California Credit Union League, a trade association for credit unions in the state, recently announced the appointment of Jeff York as its new chairman. Sworn in to his post at the organization’s annual meeting, York has served as president and CEO of Lompoc’s CoastHills Federal Credit Union since 2004, and has more than 25 […]
Posted inNews
Pharmacy opens up shop
Hometown Pharmacy is now open in Santa Maria, promising fast, professional, and confidential prescription fillings and free medication delivery. Locally owned and operated by pharmacist and veteran Joseph Abraham, Hometown offers drive-thru service, online ordering, a full line of medical supplies and herbal medicine, snacks, and even ice cream. All types of insurance are accepted, […]
Posted inNews
Spring is already in the air at Hancock
Free spring schedules for Allan Hancock College are now available at all college locations, in the community, and online at hancockcollege.edu, Hancock officials announced earlier this month. Schedules can be found at the college’s Santa Maria and Lompoc campuses. In Nipomo, schedules are available at the public library, post office, and chamber of commerce; Nipomo […]
Posted inNews
Law enforcement students find Hancock class helpful
An experimental public safety course at Allan Hancock College is yielding positive results, according to members of its inaugural class. Launched in August 2009, the new Women in Public Safety Careers class is designed by the college’s law enforcement academy instructors to help people prepare physically and emotionally for law enforcement, fire, and emergency services […]
Posted inOpinion
Want approval? Cut our rates!
PG&E wants a license to extend their Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant for another 20 years. Since the basic plant is already there, paid for with ratepayers’ money, the extra 20 years of operation should be very profitable. Any approval should be conditional on a substantial rate cut for the public.
Posted inOpinion
Santa Maria needs a gang injunction immediately
Santa Maria’s mayor and City Council members undoubtedly realize gang-related violence has increased dramatically over the past few years, yet they seem unwilling to come up with a solution. However, after hearing a number of brave citizens speak out about this subject at the last two City Council meetings, it seems they have the answer. […]
Posted inOpinion
Start working now for peace on Earth next year
The Santa Maria Police Department has received some much deserved criticism lately for its inability to stop gang-related crime. Each day I read about new acts of violence being committed against innocent citizens, and I’m outraged. While I know our peace officers have their hands full in combating crime, their efforts are not enough these […]
Posted inOpinion
An injunction is the only answer
During the last Santa Maria City Council meeting, several residents spoke about the need for a gang injunction. Amen! For many years, Santa Maria has been plagued by gang-related violence, with the last, most memorable, and spectacular demonstration having been made in the middle of the day just last month. Several gang members terrorized Santa […]
Posted inOpinion
Didn’t the politically correct ‘holidays’ die last year?
I see that Holiday Trees has once again returned to Skyway and Highway 135. But, to be fair, it appears the sign refers to the name of the company (Orcutt Holiday Trees). However, that sounds like an oxymoron to me to have a company called Holiday Trees selling Christmas trees. Don’t they understand that it’s […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Ashley Bonenfant
In certain situations, it’s OK to steal and shoot your way to the top. Ashley Bonenfant has found herself in such situations, so she’s been doing just that. A freshman on the Allan Hancock College’s women’s basketball team, Bonenfant stands at 5-foot-5—but her modest height doesn’t shadow her skill as a basketball player. She has […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Panthers on the prowl
It’s still early, but Pioneer Valley High School’s boys’ soccer team is already setting some lofty goals: an undefeated season, a league championship, and a berth in the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs. So far, so good. “Our expectation is to win the league,” third-year head coach Humberto Robles said through an inter-preter. “I think that […]