Technology lovers listen up! Allan Hancock College is inviting high school juniors, seniors, and incoming college students to participate in a free, four-day workshop called The Mechatronics Institute, to be held July 28 through 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college’s Lompoc Valley Center. Institute participants will be immersed in the world […]
Mechatronics Institute gears up for summer
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Chapman University will host summer info sessions
Interested in starting or finishing a college degree? Chapman University Advisors will be on hand at the university’s Santa Maria Valley campus, on July 15 and 16, to discuss the school’s history and academic programs, especially programs for adult learners. All sessions are free, and begin at 5 p.m. at the Santa Maria Valley campus, […]
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A Night for the Families
Imagine having a job that required attention 24 hours a day. Whether it’s 6 a.m. or 9 p.m., family caregivers for Marian Medical Center’s home care, hospice, and cancer patients are always on call. Fortunately, their numerous hours of care and patience haven’t been overlooked, and Marian Medical Center, along with Dream Dinners of Santa […]
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Clarification
Congressional candidate Matt Kokkonen offered a few clarifications in regard to the “Meet Matt Kokkonen” article in the Sun’s July 3 issue: “My reference to the fact that there is not a pipeline big enough to move all of the ANWR oil out over six months was a response to the criticism that ANWR oil […]
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County challenges residents to reduce water use by 20 gallons per day
With drought warnings and fires plaguing the state, right now seems like the perfect time to begin the “Santa Barbara Countywide 20-Gallon Challenge.” Beginning this month, the Santa Barbara County Water Agency is teaming up with cities and special districts throughout the county to challenge residents to reduce their normal water-use levels by 20 gallons […]
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Santa Maria City Council denies construction of affordable housing project
It was industrial versus residential property at the Santa Maria City Council meeting on July 1, when council members voted 4-1, with Councilwoman Hilda Zacarias dissenting, against the construction of an affordable housing project in a vacant, 2.3-acre lot near Bradley Court in Santa Maria. For two hours, the council reviewed a staff report on […]
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COLT to start Lompoc-Solvang bus route
Responding to residents’ requests for public transportation to work, school, and other activities, the Lompoc City Council approved on July 1 the establishment of a bus route between Lompoc and Solvang, with a stop in Buellton. Run by the City of Lompoc Transit (COLT) system, the 20-passenger bus could begin making trips between the two […]
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County continues fight against Gap Fire
After more than a week of battling flames, firefighting forces in Santa Barbara County are getting closer to smothering the Gap Fire, thanks, in part, to a recent change in weather conditions. Beginning July 6, lower temperatures and higher moisture levels helped firefighters keep the fire—which has already burned nearly 9,600 acres—from spreading. As a […]
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In case of future emergencies
On July 1, Santa Barbara County came one step closer to having a permanent Emergency Operations Center when the Board of Supervisors narrowly voted in favor of allowing staff to move forward with a plan to build emergency facilities outside of Santa Barbara. The decision—which could be postponed for financial reasons—comes at a pivotal time […]
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Santa Maria Women for Agriculture awards scholarships
The Santa Maria Chapter of California Women for Agriculture awarded $1,000 scholarships to six local students at a recent luncheon. This year’s recipients are Amy Guerra, Mark Powell, Amanda Rosa, Lisa Baray, Megan Brownell, and Ashli Middleton. California Women for Agriculture is dedicated to the survival of agriculture. Members serve as a non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-commercial […]
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Chamber of Commerce holds mixer with nonprofits
The next Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce mixer will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 17 at the Community Cornerstone Center for Nonprofits, 120 E. Jones St. According to a press release, the Chamber is celebrating the partnerships and friendships that have been established between local government, businesses, grantors and patrons. […]
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Schock’s Furniture Crafters, out of the wood business
After almost 20 years in Orcutt, Wil Schock, owner and furniture designer of Schock’s Furniture Crafters, is putting down his tools and walking away. “Even after 25 years of designing furniture every day, I still love this job. I’ve been artistic all my life, into music, restoring antique cars and motorcycles. But designing allowed me […]