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.”
What is the best thing you’ve done with your time this summer?
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 […]
Passing the torch
On Aug. 5, Santa Maria-Bonita School District employee and Santa Maria native Phillip L. Alvarado (left) was named superintendent-elect to replace current Santa Maria-Bonita School District Superintendent David Francis (right) upon his retirement in January 2009. A longtime educator and child advocate, Alvarado said a “child should never stop learning” and stressed the importance of […]
Capital Pacific homes are on sale now in Vandenberg Village
A new phase of homes has been released at Providence Landing in the Vandenberg Village area. Capital Pacific homes has sold all but two of the new houses so far, according to a press release from the company. Patrice Weston, sales manager at Providence Landing, said in the release that homes are selling well. “We […]
Odds are better than ever in St. Jude’s Dream Home raffle
Organizers of the Central Coast St. Jude Dream Home raffle report that fewer than 2,000 of the 10,000 available tickets have been sold, making the odds of winning better for everyone. They’ve even added another incentive. Now, a $100 raffle ticket buys a chance to win a $350,000 house being built by Flatley Homes at […]
In-Shape Health takes over Club 24 in Santa Maria
Are you a Club 24 member? Not anymore. In-Shape Health Clubs has bought the Club 24 gym at 1318 S. Broadway in Santa Maria and will be converting it into an In-Shape gym instead. “We’re thrilled to come to Santa Maria and welcome this great club to the In-Shape family,” In-shape CEO Paul Rothbard said […]
Ride in economical style
Driving long distances alone can be tedious—not to mention expensive. In August and September, commuters will have the chance to save hundreds of dollars, experience new transportation options, meet new people, and win prizes. How? By competing in the Traffic Solutions Commute Challenge. Commuters participating in the challenge form teams of five people. The more […]
Santa Maria Council appoints committee members, opposes governor
The Santa Maria City Council had a busy evening at its Aug. 5 meeting. Council members voted on several key items, including the appointment of new members to the city’s block grant advisory committee and a resolution opposing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent budget proposal. The Santa Maria Block Grant Advisory Committee is responsible for assessing […]
Lt. Mike Cordero makes a bid for City Council
After 36 years with the Santa Maria Police Department, Lt. Mike Cordero wants a change, and he definitely doesn’t want to retire. Instead, he’s throwing his hat in the ring for one of the two open spots on the Santa Maria City Council. “People have approached me for years about running for City Council,” Cordero […]

