Jeff Hamsher and Marcus King, president and vice president of Allan Hancock College’s Associated Student Body Government, respectively, were getting ready to walk in the Santa Maria Parade of Lights when an e-mail came through announcing unbelievably good news: They had tickets to the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. In an interview with […]
Student government leaders head to Obama’s inauguration
Posted inOpinion
What was the most important news story of 2008?
Taylor Dacus student “The election—after eight years of Bush and Cheney, and this being the first African-American president.” David Estrada retired “Election of President-elect Obama. Look at the recession and especially the war in Iraq. President Bush hasn’t given much to people here.” Jerry Turley satellite tech “The failed economy. Work being sent out of […]
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Hancock will offer four-day computer courses this spring
Allan Hancock College is offering several four-day Fast Track computer training courses on the Santa Maria campus during the upcoming spring semester. The classes, scheduled to begin as early as Feb. 13, are structured to offer intensive, hands-on training. The cost for the one-unit Fast Track courses is $20, plus occasional minimal fees. Available Fast […]
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Dunlap students ‘Stuff the Bus’ and then some
On Dec. 17, students in Ralph Dunlap Elementary School’s K-Kids, a Kiwanis-sponsored group, stuffed not one, but two regular-sized school buses with holiday items for the Good Samaritan Shelter in Santa Maria. K-Kids and their families, local Kiwanis members, and other community members donated items such as toiletries, clothing, and toys. The students had originally […]
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A local leader takes a new nonprofit path
PathPoint, a nonprofit that gives work training and support services to people with disabilities, recently appointed Mary Hernandez as vice-president/director of North Santa Barbara County. The group’s employment, independent living, and community access services currently support 234 North County residents. For more information about PathPoint (formerly Work Training Programs), visit pathpoint.org. Executive Editor Ryan Miller […]
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Help nonprofits dig up funds in tough economic times
Learn how to take an active role in finding funds for local nonprofits with the Nonprofit Development Officer Certificate Program. A free information session is set for Jan. 14, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Nonprofit Support Center’s Santa Maria office, 120 E. Jones St. There’s also a session set for Jan. 20, 9 a.m. to […]
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Start a new business in 2009
Make a New Year’s resolution to open a new business. Women’s Economic Ventures will help you keep it with support from a Self-Employment Training program. The program runs for 56 hours, spread over 14 weeks, and teaches women and men (though the focus is on women) how to start, operate, or expand a business. By […]
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Political Watch
• On Dec. 29, the Solvang City Council chose a familiar face to fill a seat left open by Councilmember Jim Richardson who was elected mayor in November. Council members had discussed the possibility of holding a special election to fill the position, but ultimately appointed former mayor and city councilmember Ken Palmer to fill […]
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Community Notebook
TUESDAY, JAN. 6 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Agendas are available at bos-agenda.sbcgov.net. • The Santa Maria City Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City […]
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Santa Maria kicks off the New Year with service changes
As with other holiday traditions, there will be no trash or recycling collection service or street sweeping in Santa Maria on Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, the city announced. The Santa Maria Regional Landfill will also be closed for the holiday. For the holiday schedule only, city residential and commercial customers will receive service one […]
Posted inNews
Until next year, Christmas trees
Yes, the holidays are over. Santa Maria residents can put their Christmas trees on the curb for collection on regular residential collection days Jan. 5 through 9. Santa Barbara County residents who get service from Health Sanitation Services can also follow the same schedule for curbside tree collection. Christmas trees must sit on their curb […]
Posted inNews
Sea rescue attempt finds no victims
Santa Barbara County Fire Department officials had a busy holiday on Dec. 25 after bystanders at Goleta Beach reported a capsized boat floating about a quarter-mile offshore east of the Goleta pier. The county deployed an emergency response team made up of a water rescue team, three engine companies, and an air operations helicopter with […]