With 2025 just getting started, some people are choosing to do what they do best: volunteer. The work that volunteers do in their spare time accomplishes so much in the region, from dishing out food that serves houseless residents a meal to making sure students can cross the street safely before and after school, the range of ways to give back is limitless. For one lifetime Santa Maria resident, volunteering is a way of life. Staff Writer Emma Montalbano speaks with her and CenCal Health about the work she does to advocate on others’ behalf. At the Dana Adobe, volunteers keep the past alive. Staff Writer Samantha Herrera from the Sun’s sister paper covers what’s new at the nearly 190-year-old Nipomo adobe and what’s needed.
—Camillia Lanham
Lifelong Santa Maria resident advocates for community needs through volunteering
The Dana Adobe needs volunteers to help preserve the history of the 130-acre property
This article appears in Jan 9-19, 2025.