The article in the Sun, titled “Orcutt has eyes,” (Feb. 11) points at some growing pains for this community of 40,000 people. Crime is growing as the town grows but police protection is not. What to do? The article discusses a long-standing issue of Orcutt’s relation to the city of Santa Maria and the county. […]
Orcutt should explore incorporation
Posted inOpinion
Hidden film set is a piece of Americana
By now, many locals have heard the legend of the larger-than-life movie set that Cecil B. DeMille built (and subsequently abandoned) in 1923 to film one of the first epic films ever created. There are many fascinating aspects of the DeMille movie set story, including what occurred during the post-filming years and how it brings […]
Posted inNews
Neonics, ag’s fallen hero: Neonicotinoid insecticides once saved the day, but now they’re under fire for potential adverse effects
Neonicotinoids have two stories to tell. In the first, they’re the good guys. While acres of citrus trees across the nation are withering and dying from an incurable insect-carried disease, neonic insecticides are growers’ best shot at containing the damage. In the second story, they’re villains. U.S. honeybees have exhibited declining health in recent years, […]
Posted inNews
Jimenez Elementary language program going strong
Miles Restrepo was intensely focused on coloring a picture, so when I interrupted him with a question about how he likes his kindergarten class, he wasn’t exactly thrilled. “I love it so much,” he said. “The end.” He returned to his coloring for a moment until I tacked on another question: Why does he love […]
Posted inOpinion
What’s your dream wedding location?
Consuelo Leon mom “Somewhere foreign. Not here. Where the water is clear, with some kind of cliff.” Stephanie Leon mom “The Grand Canyon.” Loan Bayer physical therapist “I like weddings at churches, with all your family and friends there.” Dean Bayer retired farmer-rancher “On a beach down in Mexico.”
Posted inFood & Drink
Major league: Producing Dodgers wine, Santa Maria’s Qupe shows its true blue colors
Imagine a baseball-loving boy moving to Southern California just in time for the legendary 1965 season when the Los Angeles Dodgers earned the National League pennant and went on to win a world championship. It was there, sitting at Dodger Stadium during that magical season, watching the likes of Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, and Maury […]
Posted inNews
Guadalupe school starts a newspaper
The power of the press is alive and well at Mary Buren Elementary School in Guadalupe. The school newspaper, which has a circulation of about 1,000, was released in December to the delight of students, staff, and teachers. It features sections including school society, academics, reading corner, special features, sports, opinions, and dedications. The 20-member […]
Posted inNews
Hancock College offers nonprofit management
Allan Hancock College is offering a class to help nonprofit professionals hone their skill. Nonprofit Management II is a class that offers an in-depth focus on management and leadership skills that are fundamental to the nonprofit and human services sectors. Topics include dealing with financial uncertainty, the art of making high-quality group decisions, fostering effective […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria students visit Washington, D.C.
Nearly two-dozen Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) students spent a week exploring the foundations of democracy in Washington, D.C. The civics education program called Close Up Washington D.C. is paid for with Close Up Fellowships, fundraising activities, the Migrant Program, and the students’ own contributions. The young scholars—many of whom are from […]
Posted inNews
Spotlight on: Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Maria Valley
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Maria Valley turns 50 years old this month, just in time for a birthday present from Ross Stores Inc. Ross has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for the month of February, giving Santa Maria’s Ross customers the opportunity to donate to their local Boys […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch 2/18/2016
• This week, Rep Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) applauded the LED technology innovation taking place on the Central Coast while speaking at an Energy and Commerce subcommittee markup on H.R. 4444, the EPS Improvement Act of 2016. During her remarks, Rep. Capps highlighted both the research taking place at UCSB as well as the innovation […]
Posted inNews
Community Notebook 2/18/16 – 2/25/16
TUESDAY, FEB. 23 • The Guadalupe City Council has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe. • The Lompoc Unified School District has its board meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Education Center Board Room, 1301 N. A St., Lompoc. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24 • […]
