Parvovirus reported in Santa Maria

Multiple cases of parvovirus—a virus that attacks the lining of dogs’ digestive systems and prevents nutrients from being absorbed—have been reported in Northern Santa Barbara County, according to an announcement from Santa Barbara County Animal Services. Parvovirus is an often-deadly disease that affects mainly puppies and other dogs that haven’t been vaccinated. Initial symptoms typically […]

Earlier this month, the Santa Maria Police Department reported two instances of apparent bank fraud committed against elderly residents. According to a press release from the police, an individual contacted the residents claiming to be a representative from their respective banks. During the call, the suspect was able to correctly identify each of the victims’ […]

From mid-March to mid-April, ConocoPhillips is shutting down sections of its Santa Maria energy facility to perform maintenance work—also known as a “turnaround,” the company announced in a recent release to the media. ConocoPhillips routinely inspects and performs maintenance procedures at the refinery. The shutdown and turnaround will allow company staffers to complete work that […]

On March 16, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) put 15 mine 
operators around the country, including Celite Corporation in Lompoc, on notice for “potential patterns” of health or safety standards violations under the Mine Act of 1977. 
 According to a press release from the Department of Labor, the […]

To help alleviate the stresses of tax season, multiple local agencies have partnered to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services to low-income people living in the Santa Maria area. Offered by Allan Hancock College and United Way of Santa Barbara County for the second year in a row, VITA is an IRS-sanctioned, free-of-charge program […]