Lexi Brown, a 12-year-old from Orcutt whose battle with cancer drew nationwide attention and support, died on May 4, according to a Facebook announcement by St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School. Brown was diagnosed with fibroblastic sarcoma nearly two years ago, after which she and her family waged a public and well-supported war against her […]
Orcutt seventh grader loses fight against cancer
Posted inNews
Retired Righetti teacher charged with embezzlement
Former Ernest Righetti High School teacher Clint Hinkle is facing felony charges of embezzlement for allegedly appropriating $1,544.84 worth of tools from Righetti. Hinkle pleaded not guilty to his charges at a hearing on May 6. Attorney Michael Scott, who is representing Hinkle in this case, said Hinkle ordered 20 tools for Righetti’s woodshop class […]
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Santa Maria woman denied Section 8 housing voucher because of DUI conviction
A woman who moved from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Santa Maria was denied a Section 8 affordable housing voucher because she failed to complete probation, according to court documents. In a writ of mandate filed in the Santa Maria Cook Division of Santa Barbara Superior Court on May 3, Suzie Kanakanui alleges that the Housing Authority […]
Posted inNews
Guadalupe City Administrator Andrew Carter to leave this summer
Andrew Carter, Guadalupe’s city administrator, is leaving the job. Carter, 59, told the Sun that he’ll tentatively depart on July 1, or when the city begins its budget cycle for the next fiscal year, although he could be there as long as Sept. 1. Hired in February 2013, Carter managed the city through its budget […]
Posted inNews
Santa Ynez Chumash slam Capps on marine sanctuary endorsement
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians isn’t happy with Rep. Lois Capps’ (D-Santa Barbara) endorsement of the Chumash Marine Sanctuary on May 2. Newly minted tribal chairman Kenneth Kahn blasted Capps in a letter sent to her on May 4. “The Santa Ynez Band of Indians recoil in disbelief about your public display of […]
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Finding a place called home: A revamped Santa Barbara County campaign aims for more placements of foster youth
Editors note: Dylan’s name has been changed to protect his privacy. Little black rain boots sit on the back patio of the home of Matt and Michael Pennon. Dylan, 3, flies across the room, slips his feet into them, and begins to stomp around the expansive yard. He explains that he helps collect chicken eggs […]
Posted inOpinion
What practical solutions help veterans?
Rick Hess U.S.M.C. “We’re never looking for handouts, but maybe a discount on vehicle registration or something.” Josh Mueller U.S. Army “Personally, I’d be looking for something to help my transition back into society. The programs that help the homeless vets need more recognition.” Michael Coleman U.S.M.C. “Don’t fake it—be genuine. If you really want […]
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The Sun takes two first place awards in Better Newspapers Contest
The Sun took home two first place awards for its community reporting in the California Newspaper Publishers Association’s 2015 Better Newspapers Contest. The awards were announced during a press summit in San Francisco April 30. Sun Editor Shelly Cone’s piece “Life on alert” (Oct. 14, 2015) won first place for Best Profile Feature. The story […]
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Political Watch 5/5/16
• A bill by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help disabled veterans who are transitioning from military service into a second, new career working in California’s public schools passed off the Senate floor April 28 on a bipartisan, 37-0 vote. The bill now heads to the State Assembly. Senate Bill 1180 will give disabled veterans […]
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Community Notebook 5/5/16 – 5/12/16
MONDAY, MAY 9 • The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. • The Solvang City Council has its regular meeting at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang. agendas are available at […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Last man standing
My first-born son has gone off to college to learn about the ways of the world, get an education, and accumulate student debt and parking tickets. That has left me at home with my wife, my daughter, and our ugly dog, Betty. Before my son left to go to college and before we rescued Betty, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Country Oaks Care Center raises residents’ quality of life with help from Music and Memory
Country Oaks Care Center Activities Director Randi Vargas has worked at the elder care facility for more than 15 years now, she told the Sun, and one of many things she’s noticed is the power of meaningful reconnections with memories, and the joy it brings to the residents there. As more and more residents, many […]
