Once again, the time has come for Central Coast hosts to plan weekday meals and festive feasts in the name of seasonal fun. With the arrival of Thanksgiving Day—the official launch of the holidays—they dust off family recipes and break out their favorite cookbooks in a bid to create both traditional dishes and foods with […]
It’s not over after Thanksgiving dinner
Posted inNews
Allan Hancock College gears up for its spring semester
Allan Hancock College’s spring 2009 classes don’t start until the week of Jan. 26, but online registration (WebReg) starts Dec. 1 and continues through Dec. 23. WebReg will also be available after the holiday season, Jan. 2 to 14, and in-person registration is scheduled for Jan. 20 and 21. Registration fees for qualified low-income students […]
Posted inNews
Get an alternative education at Lompoc’s Mission Valley School
Located behind the Lompoc Unified School District offices, Mission Valley School offers alternative education opportunities to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, including hands-on field trips and workshops in math, science, and the arts. Formerly known as The Learning Center, Mission Valley School is a home- and independent-study program run through the Lompoc Unified School […]
Posted inNews
See the trees at Santa Maria Town Center
While nothing may compare with crunching through a field of fresh snow to choose your own Douglas fir, winning an already decorated tree and some gifts to go with it comes mighty close. Altrusa International of the Central Coast is descending on Santa Maria Town Center for its sixth annual Festival of Trees, the group’s […]
Posted inNews
Kids get more to spend at Nipomo Swapmeet
It’s not money, but it’s close. The Nipomo Swapmeet will be handing out Santa Swapmeet Bucks to kids at noon on Sundays until Dec. 21. Recipients can use the bucks just like cash at participating vendors throughout the meet. The Nipomo Swapmeet is located at 263 N. Frontage Road in Nipomo. The bucks will be […]
Posted inNews
Looking for work? Or the perfect employee?
In a season of perceived economic uncertainty, there are people seeking to bring hope and stability through the staffing industry. Kim Mundell opened an Express Employment Professionals office at 222 W. Carmen Lane, suite 102, in Santa Maria on Nov. 3, and business is already brisk. “I have no doubts,” Mundell said. “This is a […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch
State Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria) is in the process of forming legislation to negate the hefty pay raises recently awarded to a handful of California State University administrators. In an interview with the Sun, Maldonado said CSU Chancellor Charles Reed’s decision to approve salary increases of up to 19 percent—placing some salaries in the […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County raises awareness of HIV/AIDS
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has a number of events planned for Dec. 1 to inform locals about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in conjunction with World Aids Day. The county is emphasizing the presence of HIV and AIDS in the local community, according to Dan Reed, program administrator for HIV/AIDS programs in Santa Barbara […]
Posted inNews
Correction
The licensed marriage therapist interviewed for the Holiday Guide’s kissing story, “Only connect,” was misidentified. Her name is Jill Denton.
Posted inNews
Happy ‘paw-lidays,’ Santa Maria!
On Dec. 6., the cats and dogs at the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society will be wishing the community a happy “paw-liday” season during a free open house from noon to 4 p.m. at the Humane Society shelter, 751 Black Road, in Santa Maria. Guests at the “paw-liday” party will have the opportunity to visit […]
Posted inNews
CHP: Drive safely this holiday season
The California Highway Patrol is asking motorists to help make the state’s roads safer by planning ahead for all holiday travel. The Thanksgiving holiday driving period runs Nov. 26 to 30. During that time, the CHP will employ maximum enforcement, putting every available officer on the road, according to a press release from CHP officials. […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc businesses successfully prohibit sale of alcohol to minors
On Nov. 20, the Lompoc Police Department conducted a “Shoulder Tap” decoy operation at numerous liquor and convenience stores in Lompoc. During the four-hour operation, about 25 adults were asked by two minor decoys (16 and 18 years old) to buy beer for them. Only one of the adults purchased and provided alcohol to the […]