The impact of the state’s decision to borrow city government money on civil services will be the topic of consideration at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Committee Luncheon set for Oct. 20. The event’s guest speaker will be Santa Maria’s assistant city manager, Rick Haydon, who will discuss the possible […]
Luncheon topic: budget cuts
Posted inNews
Santa Maria gets back to business
Santa Maria business owner Lester Dalisay is hoping for a merry Christmas. In fact, he’s counting on one to save his hobby shop on Main Street. Dalisay opened Big Boys Toys, a store specializing in remote-controlled cars and planes, after relocating in January. With the recession and online merchants teaming up to dwindle his profits […]
Posted inOpinion
If you could open a business tomorrow, what would it be?
Sandra Alvarez teeth whitening technician “A clothing store. I feel like the stores that we have here are just for girls. We need more stores for males to shop for besides Anchor Blue.” Jim Brenneman subcontractor administrator “Something like Camp ’N‘ Pack. I like the kind of material that they sell there. Also, I served […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch 10-8
California Assembly candidate Etta Waterfield has added another endorsement to her list. On Sept. 28, Atascadero’s former Mayor Pro Tem Roberta Fonzi announced her support of the Santa Maria Republican for the open 33rd District Assembly seat. “Etta Waterfield is exactly the type of legislator we need in Sacramento,” Fonzi said in a press release. […]
Posted inNews
Community Notebook 10-8
MONDAY, OCT. 12 • The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. TUESDAY, OCT. 13 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s […]
Posted inNews
Hobnobbing with Helen
Such a busy weekend it was! Santa Marians had a jam-packed social schedule on Sept. 26 and 27. The Santa Maria Valley Humane Society holds its annual autumn fundraising dinners at the very nicest places. This year, it was at Rancho Miranda, a property awash with gazebos, trellises, plants, greenery, and views. Jeanne Miranda […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
YMCA registers for basketball and soccer
The Santa Maria Valley YMCA is currently accepting registrations for rookie sports basketball and adult arena soccer. Designed for children aged 3 to 6, the rookie sports program encourages participants to learn at their own pace and develop confidence. Players of all levels are welcome to sign up before the Oct. 14 deadline. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Hancock honors troops at an upcoming game
For the seventh straight year, Allan Hancock College will salute the armed forces during the Bulldogs’ home game against Bakersfield on Oct. 10. The first 250 active-duty military members, veterans, and their families to pick up advance tickets will get free admission to the game and a tailgate-style tri-tip meal before it starts. The […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Follow the rules
“Emhasize the physicality.” That’s what Executive Editor Ryan Miller told me when I asked him if I could do a sports (and recreation!) story on lobster diving at Anacapa Island. Later, as I stood—red faced and swearing horribly—in the dive shop fitting room struggling to get into a wetsuit that, I’m sure, was […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Rob Goodenough
After suffering through a motorcycle accident and the grueling effects of long-distance running, Rob Goodenough turned his head toward the art of cycling. His doctor pointed out that cycling would be a great form of rehabilitation for his injured right knee. Since then, however, Goodenough has adopted cycling as a way of life—not just for […]
Posted inOpinion
The thin green dollar
Your cover story about game wardens (“For the love of nature,” Sept. 10) states there are too few of them, they are deputized federal agents, they start at $41,000 per year, they have trouble recruiting due to collegiate requirements, and they depend upon fine money to finance this incredibly important job that they do. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Superb squash
Wearing bright hues of yellow, green, or sun-struck orange, the gourds, pumpkins, and winter squash of autumn set the tone for the colorful season ahead. As sure as baseball comes to an end and leaves tumble to the ground, these rotund fruits—potent symbols of harvest bounty everywhere they grow—make their way into our soups, dinners, […]