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 […]
H.O.T. Heroes make sustainability a priority
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, […]
Posted inOpinion
Garbage in is garbage out
Shame on you! I cannot believe you actually printed that vulgar response in your question of the week about your favorite drink (“Streetwise” Oct. 2). A local paper, about local events, and local people. That is a poor representation of an “All America City.” I am too proud of our town to read that garbage. […]
Posted inOpinion
Thank you, Dick DeWees
During the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Lompoc Mayor Dick DeWees. In my position as 4th District Supervisor, I serve on numerous committees with Mayor DeWees. He brings a great sense of presence to any table or boardroom. He uses his considerable leadership skills to generate support and […]
Posted inOpinion
This is not a time for leadership change in Lompoc
There seems to be a lot of misinformation, half-truths, and negativity floating around in this election season. I’ve lived in the Lompoc Valley for the last 30 years, and it seems to me that we have fared pretty well over the last 10 years. We have much-needed new recreation facilities for our young people, such […]
Posted inOpinion
Jed Beebe is the only qualified choice
After reading some of the recent letters to the editor in support of John MacKinnon, I’ve realized some people are under the misconception that since he is a D.A., he will extend his prosecuting of cases, if elected, by “making people accountable from the bench.” You could not be further from the truth. The positions […]