The owner of a now-defunct Morro Bay-based marijuana dispensary was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison on June 11, despite mandatory minimum statutes that called for a penalty of five or more years. Arroyo Grande resident Charles Lynch was convicted last summer on five counts related to growing and distributing marijuana […]
Central Coast marijuana dispenser sentenced to federal prison
Santa Barbara County supervisors approve $780 million budget, but ask how long will it stand?
After a week of emotionally charged budget hearings, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved a $780 million budget on June 12. The board also approved eliminating 146 county staff positions. Faced with a looming, multi-million-dollar deficit, the board had advised county departments to make 10 percent cuts across the board, but ended up […]
Former Tunnel Elementary School principal pleads guilty to three felony sex charges
On June 11, Brookann Collier, the former principal of Tunnel Elementary School in Santa Maria, pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd acts and one of oral copulation with a minor. Collier originally pleaded not guilty in April to seven counts of sex with a minor, but changed her plea to reach a deal with […]
Kids’ store opens grandly
Your Kidz Kloset, a new store offering used children’s clothing, furniture, toys, and accessories, invites locals to a grand opening on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The celebration includes an all-day raffle and a chance for kids to make their own mark by placing painted handprints on the store’s back wall. Your […]
Women’s Fund announces grants
The Women’s Fund is meeting at the Santa Maria Inn on June 24 at 3 p.m. to announce the North County agencies that will receive $145,000 in grant money. Wrapping up its second year, the fund is made up of women who contribute $500 to become members, who then vote on where the collective money […]
Sisk’s Martial Arts celebrates a decade
Commemorating 10 years in Santa Maria, Sisk’s Life Time Martial Arts is giving away martial arts testing, free balloons for the kids, and T-shirts to the first 50 people who come in for a free introductory lesson. Sisk’s relocated to the Santa Maria Town Center from Western Village Shopping Center on June 1. Co-owner Paul […]
Trade show goes Hawaiian
To celebrate local business owners and employees getting acquainted with the community, booths and exhibitors at the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce’s 24th annual Business Trade Show will be decked out Hawaiian-style. The June 18 event is the largest trade show between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Businesses and nonprofits, large and small, will showcase […]
Allan Hancock College posts fall class schedule online
Allan Hancock College posts fall class schedule online Planning to go to college in the fall? The Allan Hancock College fall 2009 class schedule is now available online at hancockcollege.edu, according to an announcement from the college. Fall semester classes begin Aug. 24. Free hard copies are also available at all college sites and various […]
Community Action Commission offers free summer lunches to local children
Along with the summer season comes popsicles, watermelon, and barbecue. This summer, Santa Barbara County nonprofit Community Action Commission will take the food tradition one step further by offering free, nutritious meals to children and youth from low-income families. Community Action Commission—partnering with summer youth programs run by organizations such as the Boys and Girls […]
It’s in the family
Just west of Santa Maria, between the airport and golf course, a living tribute to one family’s history does a brisk trade in aromatic edibles. Aptly named and ideally located to serve both walk-ins and area office workers, Good Neighbor Bakery offers delectable dainties, as well as hearty fare for picnics and everyday lunches. Four […]
Bleeding, and coming, out
Lieutenant L.A. Franco flings open the door of an East L.A. apartment, moves determinedly past a table piled with crack cocaine, and ignores a hysterical addict in pursuit of her prey—a thug named Tunnel with an arrest warrant. Her 9-mm drawn, she swings her 5-foot-9 frame into the living room, and fires, splattering the right […]
Clubs & Meetings
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC. of SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., in the Altrusa Theatre of the Santa […]

