Some clean, night air Oct 19, 2008
This was the fourth annual Free 4 the Weekend event hosted by Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley ... Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley looks to provide fun, sober and drug free. (Santa Maria Times)
SMBSD disaster drill set to go Oct. 29 Oct 18, 2008
All parents are invited to attend Homework Without Headaches, a parent education night presented by Dunlap School Principal Joe Dana and Kathleen Stevenson, a Dunlap parent and president of the Santa Maria Valley Council of Parent-Teacher Associations. The event takes place Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Joe Nightingale School at 255 Winter Road in Santa Maria. (Santa Maria Times)
4 compete for 3 seats on airport board Oct 15, 2008
He is a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Maria, the Santa Maria Contractors Association and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. Significant issues the board faces over the next four years, Engel said, include closure and re-location of the airport trailer park, a two-year runway lengthening project, development of the airport business and research park, and attracting more airlines to the airport. (Santa Maria Times)
Vine damage hit-and-miss from early frost Oct 14, 2008
Advertisement An unexpectedly early frost as the grape harvest heads into the final stretch has resulted in hit-and-miss damage, with vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley apparently suffering more than those in the Santa Maria Valley. Temperatures on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights dipped into the 40s in many places, 30s in a few and even as low as 26 in isolated areas of the Santa Ynez Valley, with the coldest readings occurring on different nights in different locations. (Santa Maria Times)
S.F.'s Urban Tavern comfortable, satisfying Oct 13, 2008
So is the more reasonably priced 2005 Clendenen Family Tocai Friulano ($40) from Santa Maria Valley. On the other hand, while a wine like the 2004 Andrew Will Sheridan Vineyard red blend from Yakima Valley is worth seeking out, it's $119 at Urban Tavern, but around $40 retail. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Santa Maria gets ready for ‘Peace Week' Oct 11, 2008
The Santa Maria Valley Restorative Justice Task Force will hold its fifth annual countywide symposium titled A Community Voice: Building for the Future from ... 3 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley, 901 N. Railroad Ave. The event will include children's games and activities, a classic car show, information booths, bounce houses, entertainment, books and other giveaways, face painting, a salsa-tasting contest and more ... Also on Saturday, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley is... (Santa Maria Times)
The Knights' Party Oct 11, 2008
On a chilly night in the Santa Maria Valley 55 degrees at kickoff, dropping down to 47 by the final horn it took St. Joseph the entire first quarter to get its offense warmed up. Once the Knights shook of the cold, they burned up the field for 443 yards of total offense. (Santa Maria Times)
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT - Davis feeling right at home with RHS Oct 5, 2008
Advertisement Righetti senior running back Javon Davis has moved to Idaho and then back to the Santa Maria Valley during his high school career. He returned to the Valley after two years in Boise, Idaho. (Santa Maria Times)
Quick, early rain arrives on Central Coast Oct 5, 2008
Participants in Saturday's Alzheimer's Memory Walk in Waller Park bring umbrellas to shield themselves from the light rain that hit the Santa Maria Valley that morning. Ian Gonzaga/Staff. (Santa Maria Times)
Rain doesn't dampen walk for Alzheimer's Oct 5, 2008
Santa Maria Valley Kiwanis members, above, approach the finish line during the Alzheimer's Memory Walk Saturday in Santa Maria. Ian Gonzaga/Staff. (Santa Maria Times)
Business Briefs for September 30, 2008 Oct 3, 2008
Longtime customers who have moved away from the Santa Maria Valley have tried the products in Texas, Illinois, Indiana and Florida and say it's like eating their favorite foods at the restaurant. Mosti said most mail-order steak businesses ship raw products, but BBQ2You foods are prepared the same as at the restaurant by the same cooks. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Glory days long gone for Raiders Oct 3, 2008
During baseball season, the Santa Maria Valley is mostly Dodgers country. During basketball season, it's Lakers country. (Santa Maria Times)
All rented out Sep 23, 2008
Evergreen Video owner Carol Boston, who has been in business in the Santa Maria Valley for 20 years, said she's not happy to see the Blockbuster stores go. It's been a tough retail year for the video business, she said. (Santa Maria Times)
Something fishy’s going on Sep 22, 2008
The free event was sponsored by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, and was co-hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Sportsmen s Association and Central Coast Salmon Enhancement Project. Above, parents and children fish on the banks at Jim May Park. (Santa Maria Times)
County Lines for September 17, 2008 Sep 17, 2008
The Santa Maria Valley Sportsmen's Association and Central Coast Salmon Enhancement are co-hosting the event. Questions may be directed to the Recreation and Parks Department at 925-0951, Ext. (Santa Maria Times)
Solvang council considering ‘social host’ law Sep 15, 2008
Organizations such as Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley have strongly supported such efforts. The penalty is either a fine of 1,000 or the requirement to take a class about alcohol and drug abuse involving minors. (Santa Maria Times)
Investigation nets one arrest, $2 million in meth Sep 12, 2008
The announcement Thursday came a day after a gang sweep in the Santa Maria Valley by a multi-agency, FBI-led task force resulted in 25 arrests including federal charges of sales of large quantities of methamphetamine for 17 of the suspects who are related to the Northwest gang. Several of the suspects potentially face life sentences or long terms in federal prison. (Santa Maria Times)
A Run in the Park Sep 12, 2008
The meet Thursday was originally to include all the Santa Maria Valley schools. However, Righetti has a two-year ban against scheduling St. Joseph because of a dispute stemming from St. Joseph's refusal to move to the PAC-7 League in football. (Santa Maria Times)
Gang sweep of SM Valley makes 25 arrests Sep 11, 2008
A multi-agency gang sweep in the Santa Maria Valley resulted in 25 arrests and should send a message to street gang members committing crimes that we ve had enough, authorities said Wednesday morning. The arrests marked the debut of an FBI-led task force working on the Central Coast in conjunction with local police officers, sheriff s deputies and prosecutors to target criminal activity connected to street gangs. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Drug charges may lead to long sentences for those caught in sweep Sep 11, 2008
Advertisement Authorities said the gang sweep by an FBI-led task force netted the following arrests in the Santa Maria Valley. Unless otherwise noted, they are Santa Maria residents. (Santa Maria Times)
Circus Vargas returns to the Central Coast Sep 10, 2008
Self-proclaimed as America's favorite circus, Circus Vargas returns to the Santa Maria Valley with its unique brand of family entertainment under the Big Top tent at the Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center from Friday through Monday. The opening night show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Hancock preschool opens doors at new site Sep 1, 2008
Makayla Brodgen, 3, and her mother Jennifer, left, try out the sandbox Thursday at the Parent-Child Workshop at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum ... The Parent-Child Workshop, a morning preschool program operated by Hancock College, has begun the new school year in a new home at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum. (Lompoc Record, CA)
‘Living history' series continues this month Sep 1, 2008
Advertisement In its continuing mission to preserve the valley's history, the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society is sponsoring its second Valley Speaks event Sept. 13 at the Santa Maria Inn. The next scheduled speaker in the series is Jim Glines, president of the Community Bank of Santa Maria, and a longtime resident of the valley. (Santa Maria Times)
Preschool starts at new site Aug 29, 2008
Makayla Brodgen, 3, and her mother Jennifer, left, try out the sandbox Thursday at the Parent-Child Workshop at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum ... Advertisement The Parent-Child Workshop, a morning preschool program operated by Allan Hancock College, has begun the new school year in a new home at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum. (Santa Maria Times)
Land may be transferred from SLO to SB County Aug 27, 2008
H.D. and Carol Perrett said they petitioned San Luis Obispo County to allow the transfer for a number of reasons, primarily to improve law enforcement and fire protection services to their Suey Ranch, which overlooks the Santa Maria Valley and the northeastern portion of Santa Maria city ... H.D. Perrett said the southern portion of his ranch, which is visible from the city neighborhoods below, has become a magnet for crime mostly theft and vandalism committed by Santa Maria Valley residents. (Santa Maria Times)
3 TurnKey figures plead not guilty Aug 26, 2008
From 2000 to 2005, Turnkey managed multiple construction projects for Santa Maria-Bonita, which operates elementary and middle schools in the Santa Maria Valley. During this time, the construction company signed 62 million in construction management contracts with the district for the completion of 16 major projects. (Santa Maria Times)
Thunder moves on after high-flying weekend Aug 25, 2008
Advertisement The Santa Maria Museum of Flight's annual air show ended Sunday, after warbirds took to the skies above the Santa Maria Valley. Thunder Over the Valley began Thursday with a museum open house. (Santa Maria Times)
Thunder rolls into SM Aug 23, 2008
Advertisement Warbirds thundered through the skies above the Santa Maria Valley on Friday, landing at the Santa Maria Public Airport for this weekend's air show. Thunder Over the Valley, put on by the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, will continue today and Sunday. (Santa Maria Times)
Women's league on the hunt for more voters Aug 23, 2008
Pachy Weed, second from left, and Barbara Anderson, second from right, of the Santa Maria Valley League of Women Voters answer questions Sunday at their booth during Family Day in Waller Park ... Advertisement Nearly nine decades after women received the right to vote, some in the Santa Maria Valley are doing their part to ensure everyone participates in the democratic process ... Members of the League of Women Voters of Santa Maria Valley are marking the 88th anniversary of the 19th Amendment... (Santa Maria Times)
Village Rotary to pursue projects with area clubs Aug 20, 2008
Kiwanis Club The members of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria Valley, which also serves Lompoc Valley, will hold its 9th annual evening of fine wine, dining, dancing and silent auction beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Cyprus Ridge Pavilion, 1050 Cyprus Ridge Parkway, Arroyo Grande. Executive chef Mike Foley has planned an exciting dinner paired with wines from the cellars of Kenneth Volk Vineyards. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Family fun fills Waller Park Aug 18, 2008
The annual summer event in Waller Park, organized by Santa Maria Valley YMCA, Friends of Waller Park and the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary, included activities and entertainment such as the Huck Finn Fishin' Derby, barbershop singers, dancers, food, carnival games, bounce houses and a climbing wall ... This year's event included Greening the Future, a joint venture involving Pacific Gas ric Co., YMCA and the Boys Club of Santa Maria Valley, was aimed at teaching the community about energy... (Santa Maria Times)
Family Day in the Park organizers look for larger turnout this year Aug 16, 2008
Between 5,000 and 6,000 people attended last year, said Betty Biedinger, events coordinator for the Santa Maria Valley YMCA. ... It is sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, Friends of Waller Park and the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary. (Santa Maria Times)
Local STAR scores rise in science, math Aug 15, 2008
Advertisement Santa Maria Valley students' performance on standardized tests in science improved dramatically from the previous year, according to the statewide Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) results released Thursday ... Orcutt also saw its most significant gain in science, and it had higher scores in every content area than any other district in the Santa Maria Valley. (Santa Maria Times)
SM Chamber lauds members for service Aug 14, 2008
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce handed out three awards Wednesday night during its 89th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge ... A service organization with hundreds of members in the Santa Maria Valley received the chamber's citizen of the year award ... For instance, the dealership has helped St. Joseph High School's fundraising efforts, and supported alcohol- and drug-free events held by Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley. (Santa Maria Times)
Boys & Girls Club of SM sponsors first alumni picnic Aug 11, 2008
Advertisement The Boys Club of Santa Maria Valley reached out to its alumni Sunday. The organization held its first-ever alumni picnic at Waller Park, which was filled with games, fun and, of course, barbecue. (Santa Maria Times)
Group aims to bring local history to life Aug 10, 2008
The Santa Maria Valley Historical Society launched a series titled The Valley Speaks, featuring speakers to talk of the colorful history of the Santa Maria Valley ... Weldon was the first of what the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society hopes will be many speakers who will bring Santa Maria s history to life for those new to town, too young to remember, or in the mood to reminisce. (Santa Maria Times)
Night flyers Aug 9, 2008
Advertisement Kids jump their skateboards off ramps at an all-night skate party at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA Friday night. August 9, 2008. (Santa Maria Times)
Business, chamber exec to be honored Aug 9, 2008
Bob Hatch, president and chief executive officer of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, will be honored with the Small Business Advocate of the Year Award. Textile Waste Solutions, which is headquartered in Santa Barbara but has a factory in Santa Maria, will receive the Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year Award. (Santa Maria Times)
State’s budget woes halt some schools’ maintenance Aug 7, 2008
Advertisement Two Santa Maria Valley school districts put off summer maintenance projects that they consider vital because the state budget crisis left them short of funds needed for completion. Along with every other California school district, Santa Maria-Bonita and Orcutt Unified school districts found their deferred maintenance budgets slashed in half because the state has decided to withhold its annual matching funds for routine projects such as re-roofing, painting and paving. (Santa Maria Times)
Alvarado tabbed new school chief Aug 6, 2008
Today is an exciting day for the entire Santa Maria Valley. We are truly blessed to have a candidate within the district that can take over (for Francis). (Santa Maria Times)
Hard work seems to cheer her up Aug 4, 2008
Crystal Moreno, Teen Court program manager, suggested that Bulgarelli volunteer to coach cheerleading at the Santa Maria Valley Boys Club on North Railroad Avenue in Santa Maria to fulfill the community service requirements that were part of her Teen Court consequences ... Anna Libbon, unit director for the Boys Club of Santa Maria Valley, said that after talking to her boss, he agreed to let Bulgarelli teach cheerleading at the club as long as the camp was supervised. (Santa Maria Times)
Packers split DH finale with SLO Blues Aug 3, 2008
Advertisement The score was not to his liking, but Santa Maria Valley Packers head coach Scott Nickason was quite upbeat after his team's final home game of their inaugural season ... Santa Maria Valley starting pitcher Mark Triolo earned the win, though he gave up all of the Blues' runs. (Santa Maria Times)
Kids have fun times at Boys & Girls Club Aug 1, 2008
That is what the sign inside the Boys Club of Santa Maria Valley proclaims, and that is exactly what this organization is. Advertisement. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Nipomo water conservation orders suspended Jul 31, 2008
The Nipomo Mesa Management Area Technical Group grew out of the recent judgment in the 10-year legal battle over rights to water in the Santa Maria Valley Groundwater Basin, which extends as far north as the Five Cities area. As part of the judgment, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Jack Komar ruled the basin should be divided into three management areas Santa Maria Valley, Nipomo Mesa and Northern Cities. (Santa Maria Times)
Summer on the courts Jul 30, 2008
Advertisement On this summer Tuesday night, the Magic and Trojans were hard at it in a game of basketball in the Boys Club of Santa Maria Valley gymnasium on Railroad Avenue in Santa Maria. This was a regular season boys Junior High School Basketball League finale, which the Trojans won 50-12. (Santa Maria Times)
State files complaint against Greka over oil spill Jul 23, 2008
The California Regional Water Quality Control Board accuses the company of violating a cleanup order issued in December 2006 for its fields in Casmalia, Cat Canyon, Santa Maria Valley and Zaca, said Assemblyman Pedro Nava, a Santa Barbara Democrat. Greka has had several onshore oil spills in which more than 500,000 gallons of crude oil have been spilled over eight years, Nava said. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Comments sought on Area 9A industrial plan Jul 22, 2008
An environmental impact report is being created as part of the development of a huge swath of industrial land between Black Road and A Street, north of Betteravia Road and south of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad called Area 9A, and officials are mapping out what needs to be studied in the process. A public scoping meeting for the draft EIR of the Area 9A Specific Plan is scheduled Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 110 E. Cook Street. (Santa Maria Times)
Mustangs top HGH in Fantasy game Jul 21, 2008
Wildcats manager Bruce Porter comes out to the mound to talk to relief pitcher Bryn Smith after Smith gave up three runs to Bob Stowasser s Team HGH during Saturday afternoon s Santa Maria Valley Packers Fantasy Baseball Game at Hancock College s John Osborne Field ... In all, 26 grown-up players took the field for the inaugural Santa Maria Valley Packers Fantasy Camp baseball game capping off the two-day fantasy baseball weekend with a seven-inning game. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Recreation advocate remembered for service Jul 19, 2008
Advertisement Santa Maria Valley broadcasting pioneer James M. Joe Hagerman, who also was a key figure in shaping the city s recreation and parks programs for nearly four decades, is being remembered for his extensive community involvement ... He also served as president of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Maria Valley Developers and was a life member of the local Elks Lodge. (Santa Maria Times)
SMHS library revamp delayed Jul 19, 2008
According to the Santa Maria Valley Contractors Association, the lowest bid came in at 3. 022 million. (Santa Maria Times)
Bent Axles start cruise into town Jul 18, 2008
Sunday will be the Poker Run starting at 9 a.m., when participants will drive to various locations around the Santa Maria Valley, drawing playing cards to win gifts. A barbecue also is planned at 11 a.m. at Pioneer Park. (Santa Maria Times)
SPORTSWIRE - West Coast Football Camps scheduled Jul 18, 2008
LODI The Santa Maria Valley Packers salvaged a split with the Lodi Grape Sox late Wednesday, winning the second game of a doubleheader 6-4 after losing the first one 1-0 in the ninth inning. Brian Oliver doubled home the first of Santa Maria's five runs in the second inning of the second game. (Santa Maria Times)
SPORTSWIRE - AHC to host Speed And Agility Clinic Jul 15, 2008
Grownups will be able to live out their baseball fantasies when the Santa Maria Valley Packers semi-pro baseball team holds a fantasy camp on John Osborne Field at Hancock College in Santa Maria this summer. The camp will be held on Friday, July 18, starting at 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 19 at 11 a.m. The camp is open to men and women 35 years and older. (Santa Maria Times)
Senate vote makes levee funding likely Jul 15, 2008
At the same time, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is remapping the Santa Maria Valley flood plain. Without levee certification, much of the city may be required to purchase flood insurance. (Santa Maria Times)
SPORTSWIRE - SM rolls over Tulare in State Tourney Jul 14, 2008
Five runs in their final two innings at the plate were more than enough for the Santa Maria Valley Packers on Sunday, leading to an 8-3 victory over the Novato Knicks at Hancock's John Osborne Field. Jonathan Ramirez had two hits, two RBIs and a run scored in the win for the Packers (24-14), while P.J. Ortega and Kevin Sandberg had two hits each for the win, with Ortega scoring twice. (Santa Maria Times)
Schock's Furniture closing after 20 years Jul 13, 2008
Schock said he came to the Santa Maria Valley with 9,000 and a small handful of woodworking tools when he decided to set up shop right where the plant still sits today. With no other source of income or additional credit to fall back on, Schock, with a new wife and a baby son, chose Santa Maria for his new enterprise, although their relatives all lived in the Pacific Northwest. (Santa Maria Times)
SPORTSWIRE - Grape Sox win Packers Invite title Jul 7, 2008
They then exploded for six runs in the seventh on five hits and pulled away to with the Inaugural Santa Maria Valley Packers Invitational 8-3 over the Clovis Outlaws on Sunday afternoon at John Osborne Field ... Santa Maria Valley will resume regular season play on the road Tuesday at 7:30 against the SLO Rattlers at SLO Stadium. (Santa Maria Times)
Sportswire - Packers earn bounce-back win vs. Clovis Jul 6, 2008
The Packers dropped the first two games of their own inaugural Santa Maria Valley Packers Invitational, despite their pitchers not giving up a single earned run. On Saturday, Sandberg and Wilson hit solo home runs in the second inning to break a scoring drought. (Santa Maria Times)
Pack sent packing in 12th inning vs. Seals Jul 4, 2008
Advertisement Santa Maria Valley Packers coach Scott Nickason didn't bother giving a post-game speech Thursday night ... The Packers look to do just that today when they face the Lodi Grape Sox on Day Two of their own Santa Maria Valley Packers Invitational a day after dropping a frustrating decision to the San Francisco Seals 5-4 in 12 innings. (Santa Maria Times)
Orcutt American routs Nipomo, stays alive Jul 3, 2008
He and Provost helped the Tigers win their league title and then take the Orcutt championship game in the Santa Maria Valley Elks Championship Series before losing to the Santa Maria Northside Yankees in the Valley championship game. Tunnell Park is Santa Maria Northside's home site, and the entire double elimination district tournament takes place there. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Packers take the bite out of Rattlers Jul 3, 2008
After opening with a win in Clovis on Wednesday, Santa Maria Valley played four game against the Yuba-Sutter Sox in Marysville, where they won one of four night games. We got out of our routine, Nickason continued. (Santa Maria Times)
Development now on City Council table Jun 30, 2008
Additionally, Rob Himoto, president of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad, noted that the curvature of the tracks in that area produce elevated train noise. The Santa Maria Valley Railroad's operations is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week operation, Himoto wrote in his opposition letter. (Santa Maria Times)
SPORTSWIRE - Packers lose to Gold Sox on road in 11th Jun 27, 2008
Advertisement MARYSVILLE The Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the 11th inning to beat the Santa Maria Valley Packers ... CLOVIS Blaine Wilson got the first of the Santa Maria Valley Packers' three hits Wednesday night. (Santa Maria Times)
VTC on the move Jun 23, 2008
VTC has been operating in the Santa Maria Valley since 1969 and serves as a vocational and life skills training center for community residents living with developmental and similar disabilities. Clients range in age from 18 all the way to 83, but the average client is in their 30s, officials said. (Santa Maria Times)
Arellanes School playground damaged in grass fire Jun 22, 2008
Advertisement A grass fire Saturday afternoon near Arellanes School in Tanglewood sent up smoke visible from around the Santa Maria Valley and charred some playground equipment. The fire, which started at 3:35 p.m. and burned around five acres before being contained, was mostly outside the school boundaries. (Santa Maria Times)
