After a nine-month search, the Santa Maria Public Airport finally hired a new general manager. Chris Hastert, the former deputy director of two Ventura County airports, began on Oct. 14. As general manager, Hastert is responsible for managing hundreds of commercial leases, private and county hangar license agreements, and the future development of several airport […]
Santa Maria Public Airport hires new general manager
Posted inNews
Peace by peace
Community members from all walks of life came together to enjoy food, music, and religious reflection in honor of Santa Maria’s 12th annual Peace Week, Oct. 13 through 18. Hosted by the People for Nonviolence Committee of Marian Medical Center, Peace Week offers a series of free public events aimed at bringing the communities of […]
Posted inOpinion
What’s the worst bicycle accident you’ve been in?
Brenda Lee mother “Ran into the back of a car and hit my ‘personal area.’ What’s worse, I hit the same car in the same spot two weeks later.” Lewis Height retired from Shell Oil “Never had a bike. I grew up during the Depression.” Mary Height retiree “I fell off my granddaughter’s bike and […]
Posted inNews
County Public Works prepares for an emergency
There’s no such thing as being too prepared, and county officials have taken that sentiment to heart recently. Officials launched a mutual aid agreement between county public works departments, while at the same time treating land scorched by the Gap Fire to prevent flooding and mudslides. The two projects are happening simultaneously, and both are […]
Posted inNews
Roll with it
Who was the first in your circle to take the plunge and buy a computer? Or a cell phone or an iPod or ; (drumroll) ; who was first to park the car and bicycle to work? Was it goofy Uncle Jimmy, who used to ramble on about health and flax seed tea? Or was […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Ty-D-Bol Man on wheels
It’s all Michael Phelps’ fault. While watching hours and hours of the Olympics, waiting to see if he won 175 gold medals in one event, I was subjected to repeat commercials of RV sales and motorhome dealership closeouts. They said that there has never been a better time than right now to buy an RV. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Arts Briefs
Stinn and Shinn take their show on the road Two local artists are packing their works and heading south. Gerry Stinn and Bill Shinn will have a reception, demonstration, and book signing at the Santa Barbara Art Museum Store. The Stinn and Shinn Trunk Show will take place on Oct. 25 at the store. In […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A dash of the surreal
Splash a Disney cartoon character with bright paint, then slowly melt it on a barbecue while listening to one of the trippier Beatles’ albums. Your end result may begin to approach something born from the brain of Brent Parker. The jack-of-all-visual-artsy-trades, Sun freelancer, and former Santa Maria Arts Council grant recipient is currently showing his […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Sweet serenade
The Allan Hancock College Singers have been on a high note lately. From an upcoming concert in which they’ll be collaborating with the San Luis Obispo Chamber Orchestra, to an invitation to perform at the annual Hearst Castle Holiday Gala, the choir has found that it’s inspired others to sing—sing its praises. Dr. Ann Lucas, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Authentic guys prepare food
Gentlemen, fire up your ovens, grills, and breadmakers! Tie on those manly aprons and head for the kitchen—it’s time once again to brandish your giant spoons at Real Men Cook, the Arts Outreach annual fundraiser and lively showcase for brawny local talent. This year’s event, slated for Oct. 25 at Flag Is Up Farms, marks […]
Posted inOpinion
John MacKinnon will bring change, here and now
As Election Day nears, we may all agree great leadership is needed now more than ever before. The call for change rings louder and louder in my ears as each presidential candidate exclaims he’s the “one change” that will address the challenging problems we face. As I see it, a “change” we need to make […]
Posted inOpinion
Jed Beebe is qualified, committed, and a beautiful musician
Jed Beebe is running for judge of the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County. Over the last 10 years, I’ve worked with him and known him personally, as a friend and a neighbor. If elected, Jed will be a remarkable judge. With more than 30 years of legal experience, including the last 18 years as […]