Former Santa Maria City Councilmember Leo Trujillo, who was known for his fiscally conservative budgeting and active community involvement, died on Nov. 29 at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria. He was 76 years old. Trujillo was admitted to the hospital on Nov. 24 and underwent surgery for a ruptured aortic valve, the city announced […]
Santa Maria mourns former city councilman’s passing
The fair’s looking for exhibitors
It’s never too early to start preparing for the 2010 Santa Barbara County Fair. The Santa Maria Fairpark is already beginning to register independent livestock exhibitors for the event, held next year from July 14 to 18. Independent exhibitors aren’t affiliated with 4-H, Future Farmers of America, or the Grange Club. Exhibitors must be at […]
Play it loud
Calling all musicians! The Central Coast now has a unique place for kids and musicians of all ages and from all genres to practice their musical talents in a soundproof environment. Owner Brent Gorton has 30 years of playing experience and gives lessons in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. Equipment is available for rental, […]
Go Italian in Nipomo
Chef Miguel Zambrano invites Italian food lovers to tantalize their taste buds and enjoy great service at Tahlia’s, his new restaurant in Nipomo. Zambrano, formerly of Giuseppe’s in Pismo Beach, opened Tahlia’s to provide the authentic tastes and the quaint atmosphere of old-world Italy. Daily specials include fresh local seafood, pasta, and pizza. Located at […]
Caroling, caroling
Catch the spirit of the season with children singing Christmas carols at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 9. A group of 81 kindergarten through eighth-grade students from Orcutt Academy will perform at the event. A donation of $25 will help the chamber provide free lunches and gift bags […]
Local junior high school named AVID demonstration site
Judging by the high-pitched squeals and booming cheers coming from the Fesler Junior High School gym on Nov. 19, passersby might have guessed the students were watching a fierce athletic competition or maybe a Jonas Brothers concert. The source of the excitement, however, was something much more academic. During a celebratory assembly, a team of […]
Let’s play ball!
It’s only December, but registration is already ongoing for the 2010 Orcutt National Little League. Parents can sign up their children ages 5 to 12 at the May Grisham School multi-use room on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon, Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., and Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. […]
Yuletide on the links
Junior golfers will have an opportunity to compete for trophies in six different age divisions at the annual Kris Kringle Junior Golf Klassic on Dec. 23 at the Rancho Maria Golf Club. The event is open to golfers aged 17 and younger, and participants aren’t required to be a member of the Coastal Valley Junior […]
Adolfo Lopez
Santa Maria’s Adolfo Lopez had plenty to be thankful for after the city Parks and Recreation Department’s Turkey Trot Fun Run on Nov. 21. At 50 years old, Lopez schooled some much younger competitors, winning the adult division of the 2 1/2-mile event with a time of 13:41. “I was very pleased,” Lopez said. “I […]
Building a bike-friendly Santa Maria
Situated in the heart of one of America’s most beloved cycling destinations, Santa Maria is home to more than its share of biking enthusiasts. However, in those circles, the city doesn’t have a reputation for being accommodating to bicyclists—as opposed to nearby cities like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Local enthusiast Scott Clark owns […]
Get healthy, America, stop the war!
Health should not be a business for profit. Health should be a right. No person should suffer because the money one has does not allow the cure. All humans of the female persuasion should have the right of abortion. It is odd some politicians would take away this right but not want to support the […]
Santa Maria has changed, what a pity
The gang bangers in this town have been getting away with terrorizing our neighborhoods for too long, and it’s time for our local police department to adopt another tactic to help eradicate this public threat. Though I bought my home new nearly 25 years ago, the street I live on is now no longer safe. […]

