Starting July 1, Californians ages 18 and older, will be required to switch from using hand-held wireless phones to hands-free devices while driving a car. According to a press release from the California Highway Patrol, there are two acts going into affect in July. The first law prohibits all drivers from using handheld wireless phones […]
Deadline for hands-free cell phones approaches
Posted inNews
County supes put out fireworks’ fire
Waving sparklers and other non-explosive fireworks in honor of Independence Day is now a thing of the past in Santa Barbara County following the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors June 17 decision to ban all fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county. The board voted 4-1, with 3rd District Supervisor Brooks Firestone dissenting, to […]
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Delta II rocket carries ocean reading satellite to space
A satellite intended to collect information about the ocean’s topography successfully launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base Saturday. The Delta II rocket launched from Space Launch Complex-2 at 12:46 a.m. Saturday, carrying the OSTM/Jason-2 satellite into an 830-mile near-circular orbit. Col. Steve Tanous, 30th Space Wing commander, was the spacelift […]
Posted inOpinion
Plane, train, or automobile?
Melissa Enriquez housewife “Plane—I feel safer. They’re safer and faster.” [image-2] Kaylie Emry student “A car, because I’m afraid of heights, and [for the trains] I don’t like … going through the hills and tunnels and the cliff areas. I’m kind of claustrophobic.” [image-3] Karen Sandquist doctor “A train, because I wouldn’t have to focus […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
State parks are an endangered species
Each year, The National Trust for Historic Preservation comes out with a list of the most endangered historic places in the United States. Most years, this includes buildings, houses, and locations that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage. This year’s list includes among other things, an airplane hanger built in 1932, an old-fashioned […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
While some kids are swimming, others are shooting hoops
The West Coast Xtreme Basketball Academy has released its clinic schedule for the month of July. All clinics will be held in the St. Joseph High School gym and focus on ball handling, passing, shooting, and three-on-three play. The first clinic will be held July 6; with grades 3 to 6 reporting to the gym […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
One Way for kids and adults to play water polo in Santa Maria
With record heat on the Central Coast, there’s no better time to get into a new sport—if that sport involves lots of water, that is. Luckily One Way Water polo is offering the first two weeks of lessons free to anyone willing to try the sport. And by anyone, they mean anyone, cjildren and adults. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Athlete of the Week
Shea Herrera isn’t following in his brother’s footsteps; he’s following in his tracks instead. More specifically, the tracks left behind by the four tiny wheels on a skateboard. Shea is only 11, but he’s already got his first skateboarding contest behind him and he’s ready for the next one. His coach is his older brother […]
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How to become a professional wino
Get out the wine glasses. The decade-old wine program at Allan Hancock College is offering several new classes to students and members of the public interested in learning about making wine and growing grapes. An Introduction to Winemaking/Enology will be offered from 6 to 9:05 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Aug. 27 at the college’s Solvang […]
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AHC geology students tour American southwest
Earlier this month, a handful of Allan Hancock students embarked on a 15-day tour of the Colorado Plateau that included several national parks in Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Nevada. Led by Robert Meyer, a geology and physical science instructor at Allan Hancock College, and four other staff members, the students explored and studied sections of […]
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Santa Ynez has new summer savings certificates
Tourism is great for the local economy, but it can get expensive for the people doing the touring. To help out, the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association (SYVVA) has announced a first-ever 10 percent savings offer for mid-week summer visitors. “Gas prices and the economy can take a toll on vacation budgets,” SYVVA president Mike […]
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Marian Medical Center president earns Healthy Prestige award
Falling ill during the summer months can put a damper on vacation plans, but local healthcare managers are confident in their abilities to get people back under sunny skies. They have reason to be. After all, the president of Marian Medical Center and CHW Central Coast Service Area, Charles J. Cova, has become a Fellow […]