On Oct. 14, the Santa Barbara County Firefighters Association (Local 2046) publicly endorsed Senior Deputy District Attorney John MacKinnon in his campaign for Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge. In a press release, association president Rob Heckman said, “… Local firefighters know first hand the need for a strong and competent Judge to serve on […]
Political Watch
Posted inNews
Hobnobbing with Helen
PCPA Foundation’s Puttin’ on the Ritz annual gala Despite the iffy economy, the PCPA Foundation raised a bunch of big bucks to help support the acting conservatory at its annual gala, Puttin’ on the Ritz. The Radisson Hotel was the scene of all the theatrical fun on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 11. More than […]
Posted inNews
YELL message, loud and clear: Educate yourself
The second annual Young Educated Latino Leaders (YELL) conference came to Allan Hancock’s Marian Theater on Oct. 18. The all-day event, which drew several hundred Latino students from the area, featured workshops on getting into college, skits showcasing life experiences, and motivational speakers. The message was simple: You can get ahead in life with an […]
Posted inNews
Lavigna offers its ‘best deal’ to potential homebuyers
According to Lavigna homebuilders, it’s a buyer’s market out there, and the company wants to make a deal. Courtney Seeble, vice president in project management at the Towbes Group, Inc., said in a release that the group is offering to buy down a buyer’s interest rate, pay for homeowner association dues for up to two […]
Posted inNews
H.O.T. Heroes make sustainability a priority
A H.O.T. Hero is a person or organization that’s made a difference through efforts in the area of housing, open space, and transportation. On Oct. 26, these heroes will be honored at the Fall Harvest Picnic at El Capitan Ranch. The event is hosted by the Santa Barbara County Action Network (SB CAN) and the […]
Posted inNews
Get your pet chipped!
On Oct. 25, the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society will host its monthly microchipping clinic from 10 a.m. to noon. The clinic is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, and both cats and dogs are welcome. The fee is $32 per microchip, per pet, and $27 if the owner is a Humane […]
Posted inNews
Los Padres National Forest participates in a national visitor survey
Officials at Los Padres National Forest recently signed up to participate in a one-year visitor survey called the National Visitor Use Monitoring program. Done in partnership with California State University, San Marcos, the survey will be conducted by interviewers stationed at pre-selected points in the forest. The survey began earlier this month and will last […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County completes hydromulching ahead of schedule
Aerial hydromulching for most of the foothill areas burned during the Gap Fire has been completed—ahead of schedule and on budget, Santa Barbara County Public Works Department officials announced on Oct. 17. On Oct. 7, the county began its portion of aerial hydromulching work for approximately 1,000 acres of land burned by the Gap Fire […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc residents question bringing ‘God’ to city hall
It’s been three weeks since the Lompoc City Council voted in favor of displaying the words “In God We Trust” in City Council chambers and the city hall lobby. Approved by a 4-1 vote, with councilmember Ann Ruhge dissenting, the decision sparked some controversy when it was announced on Oct. 7. And the decision is […]
Posted inNews
Three men race for a Santa Maria City Council seat
Two longtime members of the Santa Maria City Council —Leo Trujillo and Bob Orach—are up for election in November. They’ll be joined on the ballot by a newcomer, not to the city of Santa Maria, but to elected office: Santa Maria Police Lt. Mike Cordero. With two spots open and three men in the […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc faces a lot of choices for City Council
Come Nov. 4, Lompoc residents will have a long list of candidates to choose from to fill three spots on the Lompoc City Council. This year, longtime Mayor Dick DeWees is up for reelection and is being challenged by Dulcie Sinn and John Linn. Sinn worked for seven years as the city’s former Family Resource […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A dream come true
Community spirit runs deep among Santa Barbara County winemakers, a convivial bunch of science-minded artists who universally appreciate their lucky lifestyle. When asked, they rarely hesitate to lend a helping hand, whether the request involves equipment loans, technical advice, or donations to a worthy cause. This year, seven area winemakers have joined People Helping People, […]