Girls—and the successes they’ve achieved over the last few decades—will be the topic of discussion on Jan. 10 at a program presented by the American Association of University Women. “Speaking of Girls” will include presentations from Karen Skole, regional vice president of Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast, and association member Barbara Johnston. […]
Community Corner
Posted inNews
Holy traffic median, Batman!
The Santa Maria Public Works Department will host a workshop to discuss the McCoy Lane traffic median project on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Santa Maria City Council Chambers, 110 E. Cook St. The City Council authorized the McCoy Lane median installation on a six-month trial basis and instructed staffers to monitor […]
Posted inNews
How can the bus better serve your needs?
On Jan. 15, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is inviting members of the public to speak out about what new bus routes or service schedules are needed in northern Santa Barbara County. The Unmet Transit Needs public hearing will begin at 10 a.m. at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc PD continues to crack down on drunk driving, unlicensed drivers
On Jan. 3, the Lompoc Police Department conducted a DUI and drivers license checkpoint in the 600 block of East Central Avenue. About 250 vehicles passed through the checkpoint. Officers stopped eight people driving without a valid license and two people driving on a suspended license. Seven people were evaluated on suspicion of driving […]
Posted inNews
Vandenberg deals with ‘suspicious package’ scare
On Dec. 30, Vandenberg Air Force Base officials reported stopping a man at the main entrance to the base because he was transporting what appeared to be suspicious packages in his vehicle. According to a press release from the base, the man refused to answer base officials’ questions about the contents of the packages. […]
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Caltrans will close northbound lanes on Highway 101
Caltrans will close northbound lanes on Highway 101 Drivers annoyed by alternating lane closures on southbound Highway 101 from the Route 135 Interchange to Santa Maria Way will be happy to know that they’ll reopen on Jan. 9. The closures last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The lane closures allow […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Play ball!
Report unfolded a major-league steroid scandal in national media, the Santa Maria Indians were reeling from the departure of head coach Scott Nickason and other key staffers with the team. The dearly departed didn’t stay gone for long, however. Nickason and crew quickly came together to head up the independent Packers, and both the Packers […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Calendar 1.1.09
SPECIAL EVENTS THE ELKS CLUB presents a firefighters’ appreciation night featuring a barbecue beef dinner on Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1309 N. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. Cost is $12. Info: 922-1538. SANTA BARBARA COUNTY picks up Christmas trees for recycling through Jan. 8 in North County, Jan. 5 through 9 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Openings and closings
It was a year of gains and losses, of firsts and 50ths. Galleries that have closed will be missed, but new ones promise to fill the void. PCPA entertained audiences with a world premiere, while Santa Maria Civic Theatre celebrated a half-decade of productions. This year’s happenings show that Santa Maria’s art scene is anything […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Eating and sipping through 2008
Another year rides the bullet train into history, leaving us with a blur of memories steeped in area wines and the fragrance of Santa Maria-style cookery. A look back reveals a landscape of pungent falafels, fresh sushi, cooking competitions, and mail-order barbecue. Personal chefs have gone organic, winemakers embraced unusual varietals, and new wineries continue […]
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A year of change
“Challenge and change” was the theme for Santa Barbara County in 2008. Firefighters, government officials, and local nonprofits worked together to confront two wildfires and their aftermath. A changing economy and political climate ushered in new leadership at both the county and city levels. County residents voiced their opinions-“both at the polls and on the […]
Posted inNews
Holiday season brings three spills for Greka, whose leaders cry foul at county officials
Greka President Andrew DeVegvar said the energy company has been the victim of a “political overreaction” in the final days of 2008. He made the statement at a Dec. 29 press conference, criticizing Santa Barbara County’s response to a series of recent accidents at the company’s Bell Lease facility in Santa Maria. Oil and produced […]