The Santa Maria Fire Department was one of several local fire departments and emergency medical organizations to recently get a one-year grant through the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The city’s fire department was awarded almost $49,000. “The Santa Maria Fire Department has applied for and received several grants over the last few years, […]
Federal grant will fortify Santa Maria Fire Department’s ‘wildfire arsenal’
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UCSB Economic Forecast Project predicts few bright spots in 2009
California is entering its worst recession since the 1940s, according to a Jan. 15 report from the UC Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project. The recession’s impact on the state will be more severe than in other states because of its “well-publicized and very serious budget crisis,” Economic Forecast Project officials said. “California’s outlook is bleak,” […]
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U.S. Bankruptcy Court approves Gottschalks credit plan
Bankruptcy’s on the table, but stores should stay open: Gottschalks filed for reorganization under chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Jan. 14. On Jan. 16, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved a $125 million debtor-in-possession credit plan, which will allow the department-store chain to pay employees and suppliers and fund customer services, such as gift card […]
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PLAYing at Paul Nelson
Regional leaders for PG&E awarded a $50,000 grant to the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department’s nonprofit partner, People for Leisure And Youth (PLAY, Inc.). On Dec. 16 (from left to right), Mayor Larry Lavagnino and City Manager Tim Ness accepted the grant from PG&E representatives Tom Jones and Patricia Wilmore at a ceremony at […]
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Back to school, back to school
Most students in school districts in Northern Santa Barbara County have been back in classes for more than a week, and now—as of Jan. 21—the Santa Maria Bonita School District has followed suit. District information officer Maggie White said the district starts later than most for two reasons: “Partly, it’s a hold-over from when we […]
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Allan Hancock College is still registering students for online classes
Online registration for spring 2009 classes at Allan Hancock College has ended, but students interested in enrolling in online classes can still register via fax or mail. They can even show up in person. Late in-person registration will be held Jan. 26 to 29. Fax and mail registration for semester-length and Term 3 classes is […]
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Welcome a new bank vice president
Robert Bloch is the newly appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer for Community Bank of Santa Maria. Bloch counts more than 34 years of banking experience—26 as a chief financial officer—and is a certified public accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public […]
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Panera wants to treat you to breakfast
Free coffee. Yes, free coffee. And breakfast sandwiches. And parfait. Sample Panera Bread’s breakfast offerings on Jan. 28 at 540 E. Betteravia Road. The shop will offer light and dark roast coffees, three varieties of grilled ciabatta sandwiches, and a strawberry granola parfait. Panera Bread is also inviting customers to donate a dollar toward its […]
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The U.S. Census Bureau wants you
Stand up and be counted—and do some counting of your own while you’re at it. The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring. The Santa Maria Local Census Office was set to open on Jan. 21, and will employ around 1,500 locals at the peak of its efforts. The local office will serve as the hub for […]
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Learn more about property taxes
A lot of numbers can mean a lot of confusion. Take Proposition 8, Section 51 reductions that impact current property taxes: Need help untangling the details? Business Enriched Network is bringing in Joseph Holland from the Santa Barbara County Clerk, Recorder, and Assessors Office to help. He’ll speak about how the county assesses property taxes […]
Posted inOpinion
Get the ball rolling toward making a difference
It’s a new year, and people have precise expectations for themselves. Some want to improve on their health, and others want to improve their savings account—and nowadays, who can blame them? Those pursuits are great, but I think people should also look outward. Recently, I signed on as a volunteer with an organization that provides […]
Posted inOpinion
Hold the outgoing president accountable
As the Bush/Cheney administration is air lifted off the roof of the sinking White House, giving the thumbs-up sign, we all know better. We all see the results of eight disastrous years. Who will pay? Will it be only our military families, or people losing their homes, or prisoners who have no rights, or Americans […]