Who would have thought that it’d take nearly 20 years to get Santa Maria’s downtown vision on the runway? I’d say off the ground, but it’s still taxiing around the tarmac. On Oct. 3, the city’s Downtown Specific Plan rolled a little closer to takeoff position, thanks to a 3-1 vote from the City Council […]
Progress and serve
Posted inNews
The Santa Barbara County Office of Education receives a grant to help develop dual language immersion programs
Over the years, Santa Barbara County families have become more interested in enrolling their children into dual language immersion programs—where students split their day learning in two languages and eventually become bilingual, Dr. Carlos Pagán said. “It just opens the door for more jobs, for more communities, to explore, and to travel. Learning a second […]
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Political Watch: October 19, 2023
• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) announced that he helped secure up to $1.2 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub to produce and use renewable, clean hydrogen across California, according to an Oct. 13 statement from Padilla’s office. This investment is […]
Posted inNews
Contractors get 10 days to prepare Arroyo Grande Creek for winter
After Arroyo Grande Creek was deluged with debris during last winter’s rainstorms, contractors will have only 10 days to remove branches and other vegetation from the creek to prepare for this upcoming winter season. “The city’s goal is to get as much creek work done as we can now in order to prepare for what […]
Posted inNews
CASA serves more babies and infants in part to increased substance use
More than 90 children are waiting for an advocate to help them go through the court system due to reports of abuse or neglect, said Kim Davis, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Santa Barbara County. “We have one of the longest waiting lists we’ve had, and we’re working really hard to recruit […]
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Hancock and Cuesta colleges push for bachelor’s programs
A new era is close to becoming a reality for Allan Hancock and Cuesta community colleges. “[Traditionally] community colleges primarily serve to provide university transfer preparation, certificates, and degrees in career education programs,” said Dr. Jill Stearns, superintendent and president of Cuesta College. But according to Stearns, the Central Coast community colleges are planning to […]
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Santa Maria City Council green-lights Alvin Newton Apartments
The Santa Maria City Council took another step toward bringing the city’s Downtown Specific Plan to fruition by approving 82 new apartments on Main Street and Broadway during its Oct. 3 meeting. The council voted 3-1, with Councilmember Carlos Escobedo dissenting and Gloria Soto absent. “Over the years, the city entered in a [request for […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Fostered friendship
Learn more Visit sbhumane.org/foster to learn more about Santa Barbara Humane’s fostering opportunities, and countyofsb.org/1416/foster for Santa Barbara County’s fostering opportunities. Dori Villalon has fostered kittens, puppies, adult dogs, and other animals recovering from medical treatment or an injury to help get them ready for adoption while working with Santa Barbara Humane. “For me I […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Reptile rave
Weaving through the Madonna Expo Center demanded a level of caution over the weekend of Oct. 14, especially with a roughly 4-foot-long black-throated monitor lizard relaxing on the floor. I had to watch my step—that’s the effect of the annual San Luis Obispo Reptile Expo. Hatched in 2017 under the watchful eye and thorough networking […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Pets on deck: Check out some of the cutest faces on the Central Coast
In Sun‘ first ever Pet Issue photo contest, readers submitted more than 1,000 entries of their dogs, cats, chickens, horses, bunnies, and more. A panel of five judges narrowed the slate of images down to seven winners, who each get a gift certificate from issue sponsor Lemos Feed and Pet Supply, and 11 others that […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Flying Goat Cellars teams up with Grassy Bar Oyster Co. for Lompoc luncheon
Wine and dine Bubbles & Bivalves will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. RSVP by Friday, Oct. 20, to reserve oyster orders. A flight of five sparkling wines will be $35 or a flight of five pinots is $30. Plates of four fresh cocktail oysters are $10 each. For more […]
