This plant needs to be decriminalized, and then it needs to be regulated just like alcohol. As it is now, it is all just “hidden,” which has had horrible consequences. The latest being the death of a beautiful person who was in the business of growing it, Ben Terra. He, unfortunately, had to choose a […]
Cannabis should be legal
Posted inOpinion
Stormwater runoff is potentially dangerous
The Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services Division reminds residents about health issues associated with stormwater runoff. Stormwater is untreated rainwater that flows through the drain system into creeks, the ocean, and other waterways. Studies indicate that contact with stormwater may increase the risk for certain types of illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills, ear […]
Posted inOpinion
A can-do spirit
As 2016 gets moving, here is a tip for parents to consider as they start off a new year: Turn the page on contentious encounters they may have had with their children since the beginning of the school year. One frequent source of conflict between parents and children is homework. If children faced challenges with […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria Police Department investigating Dec. 26 double homicide
The Santa Maria Police Department is investigating a double shooting on the evening of Dec. 26 that left two people dead. According to SMPD Sgt. Jesus Valle, officers were dispatched to the area of Jewel and Via Rubio streets to investigate a report of gunshots at 7 p.m. When they arrived, the officers found two […]
Posted inOpinion
What New Year’s resolution do you vow to keep in 2016?
Doug Jenzen executive director, Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center “I vow to continue doing great things for the community.” Mollee Barse student, Righetti High School “To not overthink things as much—to be confident in the decisions I make and not let people get in the way of the path that I have chosen.” Regina Venegas caregiver “To […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
2015 Sports highlights
This year there was a lot for athletes to feel proud about. Santa Maria got one more way to get fit with the addition of The Pad climbing gym this summer. Veterans from various branches of the military banded together to play ball while youth rugby got a boost on the Central Coast with a […]
Posted inNews
County issues warning about norovirus
If you frequently wash your hands and avoid constantly touching your face, then you have a good chance of not contracting norovirus. Earlier this month, officials from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department said that cases of norovirus—the gastronintestinal virus that makes you vomit and gives you diarrhea for up to three days in […]
Posted inNews
New laws affect hoverboards, vaccinations, and more
While most of the state is recovering from holiday festivities, a new slew of laws will take effect. Some of those laws affect work and school environments, and others regulate how residents recreate. Here are just a few of the new laws that take effect Jan. 1. SB 491: One new law, SB 491, among […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria man arrested in connection with Camarillo stabbing
On Dec. 14, police said they arrested a Santa Maria man in connection to a stabbing in Camarillo. According to Camarillo Police Department Deputy Mario Molina, police responded to a call of a stabbing victim in the area of Las Posas Road and Daily Drive. Deputies from Ventura County Sheriff’s Office found a man who […]
Posted inNews
City government, community groups unite to address gang violence
A coalition of concerned citizens, law enforcement, government officials, educators, support organizations, and faith community leaders have organized the group One Community Action in an effort to address and reduce gang violence in Santa Maria following a year of increased homicides and gang-related violence. The latest meeting on Dec. 17 included a talk by a […]
Posted inNews
County reports child deaths are on the rise
Child deaths in the county are on the rise, according to a recent report issued by the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. In the report, which was published on Dec. 23, data analyzed by the Santa Barbara County Child Death Review Team (CDRT) shows that child deaths increased at a steady rate in the […]
Posted inNews
Moving forward, looking back: The Sun takes a look at a year of triumph, controversy, and debate
It was a wild ride, but 2015 is almost over. A lot happened in the past 12 months, which may explain why the year went by so fast. We’re all one year closer to death, but so much more experienced at the same time. So from the future, we take a look back at the […]