Lompoc’s most unwanted

Kenneth Rasmuson was the first convicted child molester designated as  a “sexually violent predator” to be conditionally released into Santa Barbara County. On March 20, he moved onto a 21-acre property northeast of Lompoc.  Neighbors there say he isn’t welcome in their community, and county officials are up in arms over what to do with […]

On April 20, homelessness prevention will take center stage during a public workshop held by the city of Santa Maria, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St. During the workshop, the City Block Grants Advisory Committee will provide information—in English and Spanish—about the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing […]

For the third year in a row, Santa Barbara County’s agriculture industry has generated more than $1 billion, Agricultural Commissioner Bill Gillette announced on April 13. Agriculture continued to be the county’s major producing industry in 2008, grossing approximately $1.14 billion, according to a press release from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. This is an increase […]

A lack of immigration reform and its effect on the local economy will be the subject of an open public forum set for April 22 at the Santa Maria Public Library. The Immigration Committee of PUEBLO—People United for Economic Justice Building Leadership through Organizing—is putting the forum together. The organization supports the legalization of undocumented […]

There’s a new superintendent in town. On April 8, the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District board of trustees announced during its weekly meeting that Doug Kimberly will replace Jeff Hearn as superintendent. Hearn is set to retire in June. Kimberly is currently assistant superintendent of human resources for the Fullerton Joint Union High […]