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 […]
County challenges residents to reduce water use by 20 gallons per day
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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. […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
Want a car with that house?
Do you want a house? Then do it. Go buy a house. If you have any money at all—some savings, lotto winnings, an inheritance—then put down this paper and go get yourself a new dwelling. There may be some extras in it for you if you do. Michael Crews Development, a company in Escondido, made […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
CLUBS & MEETINGS
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 Way, 1660 S. Broadway. Info: 352-0026 or 937-4071. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL INC. OF THE CENTRAL COAST meets at noon the second and fourth Monday of every month at […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
SPIRITUAL
BAHA’I interfaith worship services are the second Sunday of each month. Info: 489-4172. Children’s classes are the first Saturday of each month. Info: 937-9451. Study circles about The Life of the Spirit are ongoing in Santa Maria. For questions, dates, and times: 614-0963. Info: 937-9451. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH holds worship services Sundays with Holy Communion […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
FARMERS’ MARKETS
SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and bee pollen, breads and pastries, plants and flower bouquets, fresh fruits and vegetables. ORCUTT Corner of Clark and Bradley, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh honey, flowers, and eggs, along with fresh fruits and […]