On Dec. 1, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency and called lawmakers into a special budget session. Schwarzenegger warned that California was in danger of running out of daily operating funds within two months. The special session will force the new Legislature to immediately address the state’s $11.2 billion budget deficit. The governor’s declaration […]
Political Watch
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‘Stuff the Bus’ with Ralph Dunlap K-Kids
‘Stuff the Bus’ with Ralph Dunlap K-Kids Students in the K-Kids program at Ralph Dunlap School in Orcutt are asking members of the public to help them “Stuff the Bus” with new and slightly used donations on Dec. 17. Donations will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and then the “stuffed bus” will […]
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Olive Grove Charter School accepts applications for spring semester
Newly relocated Olive Grove Charter School is accepting applications for the spring 2009 semester through the month of December. Olive Grove is run by the Los Olivos School District but is located in Santa Maria at 2880 Santa Maria Way. The school offers a no-cost, independent home study curriculum, and designates parents as the primary […]
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St. Mary School to hold annual Our Lady of Guadalupe festivities
On Dec. 12, students at St. Mary of the Assumption School will be giving thanks over hot chocolate and other traditional Mexican foods at the school’s annual Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration. The school day starts at 6 a.m. with a special welcome featuring prayers and music, followed by a specially prepared breakfast and a […]
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Brooklyn’s Blood Drive needs donors
Ralph Dunlap Elementary School is looking for a few good blood donors to participate in “Brooklyn’s Blood Drive” on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orcutt school. Dunlap teacher Kelly Sanders is organizing the event in memory of her daughter, Brooklyn. Sanders gave birth to Brooklyn and her twin sister, Aubrey, […]
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Get on the pole
I many countries, it’s linked to stripping and erotic dancing. In the United Kingdom, it’s considered a sport. In Montreal, the world-renowned dance troupe Cirque du Soleil recently added it to its tantalizing lineup. Now pole dancing has made its way to Santa Maria. Here, it’s an exercise class at The Dance Studio. For […]
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Athlete of the Week
Nick Leyden has been playing football for Pioneer Valley since his freshman year, and everything points to him having a great college career, too. He’s already seen inquiries from Oregon and Fresno State and hopes to play “anywhere [he] can get a scholarship” The 17-year-old, 245-pound Leyden plays linebacker, along with tight end and “some […]
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Have happy holidays on the diamond
The Allan Hancock College coaching staff wants to help young baseball players improve their skills this winter. So does former major league pitcher Bryn Smith. And Santa Maria Valley Packers Head Coach Scott Nickason. And Tom Beyers, the current minor league manager with the Chicago Cubs. Oh, and assorted current Hancock players, too. They’re all […]
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CLUBS & MEETINGS
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC. of SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., in the Altrusa Theatre of the Santa […]
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SPIRITUAL
BAHA’I interfaith worship services are the second Sunday of each month. Info: 489-4172. Children’s classes are the first Saturday of each month. Info: 937-9451. Study circles about The Life of the Spirit are ongoing in Santa Maria. For questions, dates, and times: 614-0963. Info: 937-9451. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH holds worship services Sundays with Holy Communion […]
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FARMERS MARKETS
SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and bee pollen, breads and pastries, plants and flower bouquets, fresh fruits and vegetables. ORCUTT Corner of Clark and Bradley, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh honey, flowers, and eggs, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. […]
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BARBECUES
ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include tri-tip, chicken, beef kabobs, chicken adobo, salad, rice, and bread. Meals cost $6. Info: 922-3422 or 922-3799. FILIPINO CATHOLIC SOCIETY, under the direction of St. Mary’s Church and St. […]