Six years ago, California voters passed Proposition 49, which created thousands of new after-school programs, invested in public safety, and guaranteed that funding would not be subject to political whims. However, the State Legislature is now attempting to repeal Proposition 49, through another ballot initiative. At risk are more than 3,800 after-school programs that keep […]
Proposition 49 works
All Olympics, all the time
Michael Phelps is cool and all, but Jason Lezak is my new hero. By the time you read this, you’ll have heard all about him. (If you follow the news at all, that is.) The 32-year-old veteran swimmer had the race of his life the night of Aug. 10—otherwise known as the morning of Aug. […]
Athlete of the Week
Ryan Newman ran his first triathlon on a whim. That’s right: on a whim. His cousin was in town for the Lompoc Sprint Triathlon in April 2007 and her friend couldn’t race, so they had an extra spot. Newman borrowed a bike and gave the race a shot. “The first one was brutal,” Newman said. […]
Local company earns ‘Fit Friendly’ certification from the American Heart Association
With walking breaks, healthy snacks, and ping-pong play at work, it’s no wonder that Hardy Diagnostics has been certified as a “Fit Friendly Company” by the American Heart Association. According to a news release from Hardy Diagnostics, employees at the company have become healthier under the leadership of President Jay Hardy. Employees are encouraged to […]
Arts Briefs
Art classes are set to begin The newly opened C Gallery, showing contemporary art in Los Alamos, is taking enrollment for art classes for adult women, taught by Connie Rohde-Stanchfield. The intimate beginning drawing and art-making class is limited to five women, and will begin by exploring art elements and principles of design through drawing. […]
The color of Chile
There’s a timeless quality to good literature that allows it to cross borders and transcend boundaries. Chilean author Elisa Ferrada’s work creates such connections, possibly because the themes in her writing are based on basic human nature. Ferrada is renowned throughout Latin America, where she has published 11 books. As a poet, author, playwright, composer, […]
The world outside
David Ryan Gallery is now showing new work by Russian Impressionist painter Kanya Bugreyev. Known for her images of flowers, still lifes, and outdoor landscapes, Bugreyev captures the moods and flavors of each scene. Bugreyev has studied with some of the top Impressionist painters in the United States, including Sergei Bonart. She’s also an art […]
What is the best thing you’ve done with your time this summer?
May Silvio cashier “I enrolled for classes early.” Danielle Del Valle store manager “I went to a Queen Mary tattoo convention.” George Cann retired “We planted a little garden and played with our great-grandchildren.” Chris Wise manager “I’m going to a concert in San Francisco: Rock the Bells.”
A matter of great import
What are you holding right now—besides this newspaper? A pen? A mug? Take a closer look at whatever you’ve wrapped your fingers around, and you might find these familiar words stamped into the bottom: Made in China. Sometimes those three little words—or variations on them—are a great thing: Cheap materials and cheap labor add up […]
Get a good Head Start
Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties are currently recruiting children ages 3 to 5 for the Head Start program, and children ages 0 to 3 for the Early Head Start program. The program provides hands-on learning and child care to families of various backgrounds. The Early Head Start program is a home-based program and […]
Registration deadline for Allan Hancock College fast approaches
Students interested in attending college classes in the fall, listen up! Online registration for Allan Hancock College continues through Aug. 13, and in-person registration is scheduled for Aug. 18 and 19 at all college locations. Also this fall, Allan Hancock College will offer more than 200 Fast Track classes at the Santa Maria campus, and […]
WEV isn’t just for businesswomen
Always dreamed about opening up your own business or being your own boss? Women’s Economic Ventures is starting self-employment training classes in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties in September. The classes are part of a 14-week, 56-hour program targeted at women (but also serving men) that provides guidance on how to start, operate, or expand […]

