THE SANTA MARIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS OF 1978 holds its 30th reunion Aug. 23 from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Santa Maria Inn. Cost is $50. Info: 260-2253 or saraleemacdonald@verizon.net. WORTH THE DRIVE ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS holds its annual district convention, titled “Friendship and Fellowship,” on Aug. 22, 23, and 24 at the […]
SPECIAL EVENTS
Posted inOpinion
What’s your favorite sport to watch in the Summer Olympics?
Jim Perry retired/photographer “Baseball. Anything I can do with my grandson is interesting.” Omar Herrera student “Track, because it’s more of a single-person event.” Sarah Candey mother “Probably the swimming and the gymnastics are the most fun for us to watch.” Mike Doe mystery man “I like them all. I’m interested in all of the […]
Posted inNews
Parent-child workshop comes to the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
Pack up your bags and bring your crayons: Allan Hancock College’s parent-child workshop has moved to a new site. The program is now operating inside the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum. According to a press release from Allan Hancock College, applications are still available for the 2008-09 academic year. Enrollment is open to children who […]
Posted inNews
Eighth-graders will get a Warrior Welcome at Righetti
Local eighth-grade students better bring their Warrior appetites to the Eighth Grade Warrior Welcome at Righetti High School on Aug. 28. Members of the high school’s Future Farmers of America will prepare a Santa Maria-style barbecue, offering a sandwich and a drink for $5, followed by the welcome presentation at 5:30 p.m. in the gym. […]
Posted inNews
New Blackboard system helps Hancock students 24/7
A new around-the-clock, online academic system at Allan Hancock College means help is just a click away for thousands of local students. Whether they’re enrolled in traditional classroom-based classes or are learning online, Blackboard gives students access to class materials, including assignment lists, reading materials, forum sessions, and instructor contact information. Now, thanks to recent […]
Posted inNews
Local engineering company is full of ‘spirit’
Joseph Engineering, a company located in Santa Maria, has received the “Spirit of Small Business Award” from the Pacific Coast Business Times. “It is an honor to be recognized for our hard work,” Brian Joseph, owner of Joseph Engineering, said in a press release. “Receiving this award motivates us to continue to strive for excellence. […]
Posted inNews
Fresh faces appear on the Santa Ynez Visitors Association board
The results are in, and there are now three new members of the board of directors of the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association: Thomas O’Higgins, Bent Olsen, and Sherry Thore. O’Higgins is the owner of Wine Country Home in Los Olivos and a partner in Artiste Winery in Santa Ynez. He’s been a Valley resident […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch
• Hey Obamans, check it out! On Aug. 21, the Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley welcomes Obama District Campaign Coordinator Walter Heath, who will lead a discussion about the coordinated campaign for the Santa Maria Valley. Also, the draft of the local vision of the Democratic Platform will be presented. This work, recently crafted […]
Posted inNews
Celebrate the community’s big givers
The night was heavy and dark, but the 300 people attending the 89th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner at Elks Lodge No. 1538 could see nothing but the shining lights of the three award recipients on Aug. 13. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau—along with major sponsor BreitBurn Energy—ignited […]
Posted inNews
Correction
The Aug. 14 cover story, “You oughtta stay in pictures,” mistakenly reported some dollar amounts. Santa Barbara County Film Commissioner Geoff Alexander should have been quoted as saying that the movie industry is a $38 billion industry for the state and that companies filming car commercials usually spend $100,000 or more.
Posted inNews
Santa Maria battles congestion concerns at Kohl’s Shopping Center
Roadwork began Aug. 18 on the Kohl’s Shopping Center driveway intersection—a section of road that’s proved troublesome for Santa Maria drivers. Santa Maria city officials hired a contractor to improve vehicle access on McCoy Lane and modify roadway markings. The left turn access into and out of the commercial driveway to the Kohl’s Shopping Center […]
Posted inNews
Portions of Los Padres National Forest close due to fires
Several lightning-sparked fires in the area have caused the U.S. Forest Service to close a portion of the Los Padres National Forest in Northern Santa Barbara County. The “Lightning Complex Fires” started on Aug. 15 in a remote area of Los Padres National Forest, approximately 18 miles east of Santa Maria. As of press time, […]