Bust out the tinsel and seasonal lawn ornaments-the city of Santa Maria is inviting locals to spread a little holiday cheer by participating in the 2008 Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights Decoration Celebration. The nomination period for this year’s event began Nov. 24 and will last until Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Judging will take […]
Santa Maria residents are ready to deck the town
Posted inNews
Santa Maria’s Christmas Parade of Lights will be a ‘Winter Wonderland’
Sparkling, seasonal lights and other decorations will be on display on Dec. 6 during the annual Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights. The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:20 p.m. on Broadway between Stowell Road and the Santa Maria Town Center. Presented by the Santa Maria and Nipomo Rotary clubs, the parade will feature […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria Police Department corporal shared his wisdom and skills with everyone
On Dec. 1, the Santa Maria Police Department announced the Nov. 27 passing of retired police corporal Mark Riddering. He was 53 years old. Riddering worked for the Santa Maria Police Department from 1989 to 1998. He retired after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, but continued to […]
Posted inNews
Big name, big heart
If you drop by the Addamo Wine Tasting Room and Bistro on East Clark in Old Orcutt at lunchtime, chances are you will see a tall, blond, young-looking woman in her late 30s. She will no doubt be swathed in a large, dark green apron. While she delivers water or buses tables in the two […]
Posted inNews
Community Corner
The winter months will be a little bit easier for people in need thanks to the Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis’ annual December Coat Drive. From Dec. 1 through 5, locals can donate coats to any Santa Maria, Orcutt, or Guadalupe RaboBank branch. There will be clearly marked drop boxes at each of the branches, and […]
Posted inNews
The Kastle has moved
Kali’s Kastle, which offers boutique clothing for girls infant to 14, has moved to a new location: 4869 S. Bradley Road in Orcutt. The new space offers an expanded party room and showcases the Kaity’s Kloset clothing line and Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottles. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. […]
Posted inNews
See the Santa Maria Valley through the eyes of a visitor
One side is the Santa Maria Valley, complete with major roads and landmarks. On the other side is a list of the area’s top attractions, broken down into categories: wine and food, outdoor recreation, family-friendly experiences, and entertainment (shopping, theaters, and museums). And it’s free. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & […]
Posted inNews
Vocational training center gets ready to move
VTC Enterprises, a local vocational and life skills training center for community residents with developmental disabilities, is looking to move into a new home in the coming months. A big new home. An increasing caseload in the organization’s Quality Life Services Program and Santa Maria’s plans to extend McCoy Lane prompted VTC Enterprises to gear […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria resident steps up with event coordination
If you drop by the Historic Santa Maria Inn to find Bethany Endy and her catering managing skills, she won’t be there. That’s because she’s now the special events coordinator for Santa Ynez Inn in Santa Ynez. Her new job will see her promoting, planning, and overseeing all special events—receptions, winemaker dinners, weddings, luncheons, meetings, […]
Posted inNews
Hobnobbing with Helen
Altrusa’s Holiday Extravaganza was a smash hit and a roaring success! This is no surprise to Santa Maria ladies who look forward to this colorful, exciting, and fun event every year. Tickets went on sale March 1, reported past president Diane Alleman-Stevens, and were sold out by April 1. Held Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Santa […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch
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 […]
Posted inNews
‘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 […]