FRIDAY, NOV. 20 • The Santa Maria City/County Coalition for the Homeless has its regular meeting from 10 a.m. to noon at the Betteravia Government Center conference room, 511 East Lakeside Parkway. • The Lompoc City/County Coalition for the Homeless has its regular meeting from noon to 1 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors […]
Community Notebook 11-19
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Hobnobbing with Helen
Trattoria Uliveto’s back room is full of twinkling lights and—if the Orcutt Aquacenter board is meeting there—warm fuzzy feelings. At their Nov. 5 meeting, the board elected Paul Lee president. He is director of recreational sports at the UCSB Recreation Center and succeeds Tammy Rabska, who had fond parting words for the group. […]
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Come to the table
Thanksgiving is a time for people to come together, share a meal, and express their gratitude. But giving thanks can sometimes prove difficult, especially for those who are hungry or homeless. Once again, two local organizations—the Central Coast Rescue Mission and San Luis Obispo’s K-Love affiliate, KLVH 88.5 FM—are teaming up to spread the […]
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Where have all the foreclosures gone?
In the midst of the sub-prime mortgage mess, it shouldn’t be a problem finding foreclosed properties to buy—not necessarily on the cheap (this is California, after all) but at least readily available, right? Not really. There are plenty of foreclosed properties out there at the moment (the technical term is REO, or “real […]
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Be a Christmas miracle
As the leaves fall from the trees, children are preparing to leave the classroom for Thanksgiving break, and most are bracing themselves for the coveted Macy’s parade. Toys for Tots has distributed its donation bins so that people struggling financially will have a Christmas that many Americans take for granted. Last year, the […]
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North County is showing signs of economic recovery
Though it might not look like it at first glance, the recession is over in Northern Santa Barbara County. At least that’s the diagnosis from a prominent economic forecaster, who spoke before community leaders at the Economic Conference and Business Outlook for 2010 on Nov. 17. According to Mark Schniepp, principal for the […]
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Santa Maria’s annual switch to groundwater is extended for repairs
The annual shutdown of the coastal branch of the State Water Project has been extended through Nov. 23 for routine repairs and maintenance, meaning Santa Marians will be drinking water from city wells for just a little bit longer. “A portion of the canal was inspected, and they found damage to a portion of […]
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Santa Maria city employees agree to a voluntary pay cut
Santa Maria city employees have voluntarily accepted 4 to 5 percent reductions in wages and benefits for the 2010 calendar year, according to an announcement from the city. The plan is expected to save the city approximately $600,000 through June 30, 2010—the end of the current fiscal year—and about $1.2 million throughout the 2010 […]
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Local university offers a $500 transfer scholarship
Brandman University, a fully accredited university within the Chapman University System, is offering new transfer students a $500 scholarship toward earning their bachelor’s degree. Formerly Chapman University College, Brandman University focuses on meeting the needs of working students, and offers more than 200 educational programs. The scholarship is only open to new Brandman […]
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Toys, toys, toys!
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Santa Maria residents have a new toy store in town to help fill children’s stockings and wish lists. Toy Zoo (& Anything Educational Too) is now open next to Michael’s crafts at 1930 S. Broadway. Locally owned by Marc Canigiula, who also owns Anything Educational, the […]
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Shop for holiday crafts
The Nipomo Chamber of Commerce is getting into the spirit of the season with its annual Holiday Craft and Gift Boutique, taking place on Nov. 21. The boutique brings together more than 40 vendors in the home-based arts and crafts communities of Nipomo, Santa Maria, and the Five Cities. The big jolly man […]
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Celebrate 60 years of Diani
This year, the Santa Maria-based Diani family of companies is celebrating its 60th anniversary in the commercial, industrial, military, and public works construction business. The company is a full-service, fully integrated construction, maintenance, and service contractor, specializing in general building, pre-engineered metal buildings, design services, and environmental restoration. Founded by the late A.J. […]