Little about swine flu is routine, particularly when it comes to vaccines. This year, unlike in previous flu seasons, people older than 65 will be turned away from vaccination clinics. Historically, elderly people have been encouraged to get vaccinated early in the flu season because they’re at greatest risk. This year, they’ll be told […]
Aaagh! Swine flu!
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District Attorney Christie Stanley endorses Josh Lynn as potential successor
After serving almost three years as Santa Barbara County’s District Attorney, Christie Stanley has announced she won’t be running for a second term. Instead, the county’s top attorney has endorsed Chief Trial Deputy Josh Lynn for the job. Lynn confirmed the endorsement in a recent interview with the Sun, explaining that Stanley, who is […]
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The future’s hazy for a proposed Orcutt marijuana dispensary
Citing confusion over the status of a lease agreement, Santa Barbara County’s Planning Commission postponed a Sept. 9 ruling on a permit for a proposed medicinal marijuana dispensary in unincorporated Orcutt. The commission will take up the issue again on Oct. 21. According to Planner Joyce Gerber, the delay will give the commission time […]
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Court injunction puts halt on adult daycare cap
Senior citizens attending adult day health-care facilities are going to be able to go back to their regular routines for the time being, according to a recent announcement from the California Department of Health Care Services. Earlier this year, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, in an attempt to cut state spending, proposed limiting Medi-Cal adult daycare […]
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Project Clean Waterways comes to the Santa Maria area
Get out the shovels and trash bags—it’s time for some fall cleaning. On Sept. 19, Central Coast residents and thousands of other Californians will have an opportunity to help clear trash and debris from beaches and inland waterways as part of the 25th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. The Santa Barbara County Public Works […]
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Fall into hoops
Ron Barba’s West Coast Xtreme Basketball Academy will hold a Skills and Drills basketball clinic for boys and girls in grades 3 through 6 on Sept. 17. The clinic, held at St. Joseph High School from 6 to 8 p.m., will teach offensive and defensive skills. The cost is $40 for each participant, and […]
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Dates set for ALS golf benefit
Straight Down’s Fall Classic is currently accepting requests for volunteer caddies to work the 13th annual golf tournament, set for Nov. 14 and 15 at the San Luis Obispo Country Club. For this year’s tourney, Straight Down, a golf apparel and accessory company, is teaming with the ALS Association to help provide assistance to […]
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It’s not too late to get your kicks
There’s still time for children aged 3 to 12 to register for the Central Coast’s only arena soccer league. The Santa Maria Valley YMCA has extended the deadline to register for its Youth Soccer program to Sept. 21. The cost for registration is $60 for YMCA members and $80 for participants. Financial assistance is […]
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Participation now has its price
For high schools in the Lompoc Unified School District dealing with the reality of 30-percent cuts to their athletic budgets, it’s come to this: Student-athletes at Lompoc and Cabrillo high schools are now being asked to contribute $100 to their schools in order to participate in sports, regardless of the type or number of sports […]
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Brandon Pita
It’s not just spinning wheels to call Brandon Pita the star of Santa Maria BMX—the 12-year-old has the hardware to prove it. On Aug. 31, Pita took home the 2009 12 Novice division championship from BMX’s premier event: the National Bicycle League Grand Nationals in Louisville, Kent. For Pita, who just started racing bicycle motocross […]
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Tutoring now offered at Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center
Need homework help? Local college students will be offering tutoring in several subjects for students in grades 7 through 12 at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center. Tutors are available Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Individual or study […]
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First 5 starting radio campaign on pregnancy health
Starting this month, expectant and new mothers can get some important information about pre- and postnatal health on local radio waves. First 5 Santa Barbara County, in partnership with Emerald Wave Media and local OBGYN Dr. Robert McGhie, is producing a series of radio spots educating mothers on subjects such as breastfeeding and postpartum […]