Starting Sept. 21, the California Legislature and dozens of zoos, aquariums, and other organizations from Monterey to Melbourne, honored one of the Golden State’s biggest celebrities: the southern sea otter. Last month, the state Legislature, led by Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria), approved an initiative officially declaring the last week in September to be Sea […]
Otters are making waves
Posted inNews
There’s a new general manager in town
A lot has changed at KCOY and KKFX in the last year. There are new owners, different anchors, and more than a few new employees. Despite all of the changes, however, the stations have been missing one thing: a boss. Not anymore. Kevin Harlan has been appointed the general manager of KCOY-CBS 12 and KKFX-FOX […]
Posted inNews
First 5 Santa Barbara County will host an annual Champions for Young Children Conference
On Oct. 1, First 5 Santa Barbara County will welcome two of the nation’s leading child development experts to its annual Champions for Young Children Conference in Buellton. The daylong conference is designed to provide Santa Barbara County parents, teachers, and childcare professionals with the latest information to support the healthy development of young children. […]
Posted inNews
Migration will take center stage at a Hancock lecture series
Teachers, public officials, students, and community members will discuss all things migration at Allan Hancock College’s fall 2008 Faculty Lecture Series, to be held every Friday at 6:30 p.m. through Oct. 24 on the Santa Maria campus. The series begins on Sept. 26 with Migration Stories, featuring a faculty panel that will discuss personal stories […]
Posted inOpinion
Write Now!
We want to know what you think about everything. Send your 250-word letter to Sun Letters, 3130 Skyway Drive, Suite 603, Santa Maria, CA 93455. You can also fax it (347-9889) or e-mail it (mail@santamariasun.com). All letters must include a name, address, and phone number for verification purposes, and may be edited for space or […]
Posted inOpinion
Ethics and experimentation
Professor (Dr.) Patrick Lin, an “ethicist,” uses the terms “science” and “technology” in his lengthy, meandering narrative instigated by, as he puts it, “world’s largest particle accelerator” (“Armageddon it,” Sept. 18). He never defines what he means by these terms and lets the readers conjure the meaning. Yes, there may be a feeling as to […]
Posted inOpinion
Can you spare any change?
The costly bailouts keep us in a collapse mode. What citizens want is not monster expensive mansions, but small sustainable inexpensive homes with solar panels and photovoltaics on the roof and a clothesline in the backyard. Change is needed, not bailouts.
Posted inOpinion
At least we admit our problems
A recent front page story in both the Lompoc Record and the Santa Maria Times reported the tragic loss of funds experienced by the Lompoc Valley Festival Association due to embezzlement. Recently, I attended an event in Orcutt, where two prominent citizens of Santa Maria said to me, “My, you certainly seem to have a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
‘El Animal’ is poised to turn pro
In person, Eric Serrano is polite and soft-spoken. He’s friendly, but shy. He’s the exact opposite of who he is in the ring. “He turns into a different person,” said Carlos Ruiz, Serrano’s coach. “He tears his opponents apart like an animal.” Serrano, 18, is now known in boxing circles as “El Animal.” He got […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Amgen California Coast Classic Bike Tour makes two local stops
About 240 cyclists began making their way through California on Sept. 20. Their ride, which will last until Sept. 27, includes local stops in Solvang and Santa Barbara. Don’t get these cyclists confused with the pros, though. The riders in the Amgen California Coast Classic Bike Tour are biking to raise money for the Arthritis […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Athlete of the Week
Since his freshman year, Josh Marzett, 16, has had his heart set on beating the Santa Maria High School record for yards run in a single game: 340. In the team’s recent game against Gonzales High School, Marzett got so close he could almost taste it. The junior running back ran for 220 yards on […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
CLUBS & MEETINGS
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL INC. of SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m., in the downstairs conference room at United […]