Literacy took center stage in Guadalupe on Friday night, March 11, at Mary Buren Elementary School, when more than 30 parents, who call themselves THRIVE Community Changers, put on the fourth annual Literacy Theatre. The event, which is designed to increase opportunities through literacy, featured a theatrical play, storytelling, free books, and other positive messages. […]
Literacy is the focus in Guadalupe
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Saints Jazz Ensemble hits high note
Hitting a solid groove that would’ve made Duke Ellington himself smile, the Santa Maria High School Jazz Ensemble clinched first place, its second consecutive triumph, at the Jazz in Paradise II Competition in Goleta. The Saints’ saxophone section also was chosen in the Outstanding category and Francisco Chicas won an Outstanding Soloist award during the […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen
Right on the heels of the Oscars came another highly anticipated awards program. The Women’s Network of Santa Maria Valley has made its mark with its annual Women of Excellence Awards. Santa Maria had long been remiss in recognizing the talents and contributions of the women of the community, and the Women’s Network has done […]
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Central coast ag sector aims to thrive in dry spell
Climate change looms over California agriculture, threatening increased invasive pest problems, fewer winter chill hours, more saltwater intrusion, and weaker flood resistance. On the Central Coast, drought and temperature increase have become the most prevalent dangers to the area’s typically rich farmland. Studies show projected climate-related declines in California crop yields, pressuring growers to adapt. […]
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Santa Maria summer parks program shortens hours, expands outreach
Plans are falling into place for a new kids’ summer program from Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department, which will replace the city’s usual summer day camp. Recreation Division Manager Teresa Reyburn said the new program, called Safe and Strong All Summer Long, will provide free childcare for kids aged 6 through 12 at city […]
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Snowy plover nesting season faces threat from beach traffic, drought
March kicks off nesting season for the endangered western snowy plover, a shore bird whose beach nesting habitats are protected along the West Coast. For many Santa Barbara County beaches, the season signifies closures or restrictions until the end of September as part of a program to protect nesting snowy plovers from foot traffic. Surf, […]
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Seven detained at Vandenberg missile protest
View a slideshow of the Mar. 6 protest at Vandenberg. Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) security detained seven people after they refused an order to leave base property on March 6. They were a part of a larger group of roughly 30 people who gathered at the base that afternoon to protest the military’s use […]
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What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Matt Grieger correctional officer “Rooney’s.” Jennie Robertson analyst “I’m going to go with the Vineyard House in Santa Ynez.” Yvette Andrade academic support specialist “I’ve recently gone to Moxie Café. It was pretty awesome.” Gary and Ruthcel Walker retired, mom “Custom House in Avila. We like it there.”
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Movement of Light: Local entrepreneurs, performers, and artists trick out flow arts and festival installations with LEDs
Rainbow ribbons danced effortlessly around her, as if in sync with her hypnotic gyrations. Fractal, multicolor patterns trailed like glowing gossamer from the plastic hula hoop that spun around her hips, legs, and arms, illuminating her body in the low evening light. Even though this was happening at an outdoor electronic dance music festival, this […]
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Antioch to offer Master of Fine Arts program
Antioch University Santa Barbara (AUSB), a private, nonprofit undergraduate and graduate institution, will begin its inaugural Master of Fine Arts in Writing and Contemporary Media (MFA) academic program this winter. The MFA program is one of the only programs of its kind in the West. The low-residency, semester-based program has a multi-genre approach to professional […]
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Santa Maria Valley community participates in Principal for a Day
Nearly 40 Santa Maria Valley business and community leaders had the opportunity to be a principal for a day at public and private school campuses on Wednesday, March 9, as the Santa Maria Valley Industry Education Council and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors & Convention Bureau co-sponsored the Principal for a […]
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Schools recognize Spread the Word to End the Word day
National Spread the Word to End the Word day took place Wednesday, March 2. Schools and communities across the country took part in the ongoing campaign to practice respect and join together to stop the use of the word “retard(ed),” or as the Special Olympics refers to it, the “R-word.” More than 500,000 people have […]