Julian Carlson-Kanach student “I would probably run for school board, because a lot of schools in this district don’t have enough electives, and I want a good education with more options.” Mateo Ramirez student “I would like to run for school board, too, because we do need more activities in the schools.” Brady Smith student […]
What public office would you run for and why?
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
We were there
Rarely does it happen that you’re in the right place when something happens. I mean something big, something fun, and something that makes a fantastic cocktail party story. It’s never like, “I was having a drink at the bar, and in walks Bill Murray and he bought everyone a round of drinks.” That just doesn’t […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Great American Melodrama wags its tail with ‘A Dog’s Life’
A dog can be anyone’s best friend, not just man’s. They befriend men and women, children, other dogs, and sometimes even cats. The incredible mindset and temperament of the canine is the subject of A Dog’s Life, currently showing at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano, which explores the subject with wit, humor, music, and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Authentic Cuban, rain or shine: Cubanissimo food truck hits the ground rolling in Santa Maria
At 12:41 p.m. on a recent Friday, I stood behind waiting customers at the Cubanissimo food truck. I propped up an umbrella with freezing fingers and fumbled with my armful of notebook, pen, recorder, and camera. The truck, whose paint job sported a tangle of cheery colors, stood bright against the solid gray sky. Rainwater […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Trevor Garcia
Pitching a perfect game or no-hitter in baseball is the dream outcome for most pitchers, but the feat is so hard to pull off that very few pitchers actually get to live the result. Santa Maria High School sophomore Trevor Garcia, however, is lucky enough to have thrown a no-hitter not just once—but twice. Garcia […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Hancock women’s aquatic programs provide opportunity for junior college students
Mike Ashmore knows a thing or two about competitive swimming in Santa Maria. From serving as coach and general manager of the Santa Maria Swim Club since 1999, Ashmore repeatedly noticed a glaring opportunity gap for young swimmers in Santa Maria when the important transition from high school to college came around. “At the club, […]
Posted inOpinion
Hartmann is a local asset
This note is in support of the candidacy for election of Joan Hartmann as a supervisor for the county of Santa Barbara. I believe and value her honest integrity and her good and likable character. I have had the pleasure of knowing her for several years and have found her bright and cheerful, polite and […]
Posted inOpinion
Porter needs to get the facts straight
I’d like to correct an error that was made at the 3rd District candidate forum, March 9. Bruce Porter said the Goleta Union School District is in financial trouble because of revenues lost when the platforms shut down after the Refugio oil spill. This does not fit the published facts. The 2015-2016 Goleta Union School […]
Posted inOpinion
Teacher shortage a concern to all
From New York to California, and seemingly everywhere in between, the bad news proliferates: We’re falling short of teachers. In California, the situation has been described as “horrific” and “dire.” A new report, Addressing California’s Emerging Teacher Shortage, analyzes the sources and solutions to this major challenge. The problem is clearly based on supply and […]
Posted inOpinion
Keep your eyes open
Is it over yet? Can I open my eyes? Oh wait, it hasn’t even started yet, has it? You know what I’m talking about because you’re thinking the same thing. Election season. It seems like it’s been going on forever. And yet, as good citizens we have to remain awake and attentive through it all—and […]
Posted inNews
Spotlight on: C.A.R.E.4Paws
C.A.R.E.4Paws has had a presence in Santa Barbara and Lompoc and has watched its efforts to control the pet population make a difference. So naturally representatives of the nonprofit wanted to expand its reach. This month they’ll start offering free and low-cost services in Guadalupe. On March 19, C.A.R.E.4Paws will host a clinic at the […]
Posted inNews
Reading and team building showcased at Battle of the Books
Students from 12 Santa Maria-Bonita School District elementary schools participated in the district’s Battle of the Books event on Friday, March 11, at the district office. More than 100 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students tested their knowledge of 30 books on a required reading list. This year’s reading list included classics like The Black Stallion […]