When the storm clouds that would become Hurricane Gustav began swirling over the Caribbean in late August, hundreds of state and federal officials, along with an army of trained volunteers, sprang into action against what would become the nation’s first big test since Hurricane Katrina devastated much of the Gulf Coast in 2005. But even […]
Weathering the storm
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Local community colleges receive a grant to improve employment programs
Allan Hancock and Cuesta colleges were recently awarded a grant that will support their efforts to meet regional employment needs by strengthening their Career and Technical Education programs. Funded by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Career Technical Education Initiative, the Community Collaborative Grant (SB 70/SB 1133), allows colleges to partner with businesses and industries to expand career […]
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Hancock’s migration special isn’t a typical lecture series
In honor of Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Mench? Tum’s visit to Alan Hancock College, scheduled for Oct. 23, the college’s Fall Faculty Lecture Series is focusing on themes of migration. Knowing that the phrase “lecture series” doesn’t exactly inspire people to get out on a Friday night, Hancock Language Arts Chair Kate Adams wanted […]
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The Preserve Solvang Initiative is here
Solvang wants to become a Preserve America Community, and the City Council is willing to work to make it happen. The council recently passed a resolution authorizing the mayor of Solvang and the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau to move forward with an application. The designation is a White House initiative developed with the Advisory […]
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Healthy Inspirations moves to a bigger location
After three years of growth, Healthy Inspirations of Nipomo is ready to move to a bigger location where there will be plenty of room for the cardio, strength, Pilates, kickboxing, and “Zumba” classes. Denise Farmer, owner of Healthy Inspirations, is so confident in her program, she’s offering a guaranteed weight loss of two or three […]
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Business Enriched Network hosts a local economist
Economist Kirk Lesh, with the UCSB Economic Forecast Project, will be the guest speaker at the Oct. 15 meeting of the Business Enriched Network at 8 a.m. at 411 E. Betteravia in Santa Maria. The Business Enriched Network aims to help its members meet and create relationships with other business leaders in the community who […]
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SLO resident wins St. Jude Dream Home giveaway
Marion Minor of San Luis Obispo is the grand prize winner of the Central Coast St. Jude Dream Home giveaway. His prize is a $350,000 house located in Santa Maria in the Celebration subdivision. The giveaway raised $616,700 for the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We are very appreciative of Flatley Homes, KCOY […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen
“I’m forever blowing bubbles” could have been the theme of the 10th annual “Discover Santa Maria Valley 2008” fundraiser. Opalescent spheres from a bubble-making machine floated upward and onward outside the children’s Discovery Museum on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 21. Such a pretty sight. This popular silent auction item was one of many interesting […]
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Get ready for a disaster
True to the Boy Scout motto of “be prepared,” Santa Marians will get a chance to attend an Emergency Preparedness Fair on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at 1219 Oak Knoll Road, Orcutt. Local Varsity Boy Scout Chris Peterson’s Eagle Project will bring […]
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Vote by mail: Everyone’s doing it
Santa Barbara County Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor Joe Holland announced on Oct. 6 that a record number of absentee ballots have been mailed out for the Nov. 4 Presidential General Election. More than 98,000 registered voters—more than half of the registered voters in Santa Barbara County—are now casting their ballots by mail. In a release […]
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County to collect household hazardous materials
Got some hazardous materials lying around the house? On Oct. 11 and 12, the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department will host collection events in New Cuyama and Santa Ynez for household hazardous waste, such as paint, motor oil, batteries, pesticides, cleaning supplies, and old electronic devices. The Cuyama event will take place on Oct. […]
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EPA takes over cleanup at Greka’s Gato Ponds lease
With winter rains approaching, it was time to take action, according to Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson Mary Simms. The federal agency has stepped in to complete the most crucial aspects of cleanup at Greka Oil and Gas, Inc.’s Gato Ponds lease, located at 6057 Palmer Road in Santa Maria. “This is the third time the […]