Two SMJUHSD Board of Education Members Sworn in during School Board Meeting
Two SMJUHSD Board of Education members were sworn in during a school board meeting on December 17th. Alma Hernandez was provisionally appointed in September 2023, replacing Trustee Amy Lopez. Ms. Hernandez recently ran a campaign and won the seat. Her Trustee Area 3 term will expire in December 2028. Dr. Tammie Castillo-Shiffer, who ran unopposed, will replace Dr. Jack Garvin’s Trustee Area 1 seat. Dr. Garvin retired after 20 years as a Trustee. Dr. Castillo-Shiffer’s term will expire in December
Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights Contest Winners 2024
The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce the winners of the 28th Annual Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights Decorating Contest. This year, new community entries and past participants competed in five categories. Official judging was conducted by the Recreation and Parks Commission. The winners will be recognized at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 17th, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 110 East Cook Street. 2024
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Leadership Santa Maria Valley Youth & Education Day
“Messy Play” encouraged in Certified Outdoor Classrooms at two different facilities and a Community College program that boasts a nearly 100% transfer rate were just a couple of highlights at Leadership Santa Maria Valley’s most recent session as we gathered to learn more about Education and Youth Services. The day began with breakfast sponsored by Celeste Coelho-Hudson, and food provided by Panera Bread at the YMCA. Following breakfast, we enjoyed an in-depth tour of the YMCA Preschool where we
Dr. Jack Garvin Retires from SMJUHSD Board of Education After Two Decades
Dr. Jack Garvin, who served two decades on the SMJUHSD Board of Education, retired after the December 10th school board meeting. For almost 67 years, Dr. Garvin mentored, tutored, advised, and has remained faithful to numerous students, teachers, staff, board members and superintendents. He used both his common sense and his plain talk to make sure elected officials, as well as the public, knew the reality facing the SMJUHSD. His interest in becoming part of the SMJUHSD Board of Education began when he
Director of Community Development Appointed
City Manager David Rowlands is pleased to announce the appointment of Chenin Dow as the City’s new Director of Community Development, following a national recruitment. She has 15½ years of experience with the City of Lancaster. Her first day will be Monday, January 13th. “She brings a strong skill set to meet our needs, given our downtown redevelopment efforts and the City Council’s priority for a new approach to economic development,” Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu said. Mrs. Dow is the Assistant
The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for Santa Maria Valley, CA Businesses?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. Read more for details on how this may impact your business in the future. 1. Determine if
Give Input on Unmet Transit Needs
IT’S NOT TO LATE TO GIVE INPUT ON UNMET TRANSIT NEEDSThe public has until Friday, December 15, to give input on how bus systems, dial-a-ride, and paratransit services work for them as part of the annual unmet transit needs process. SBCAG will host the last countywide unmet transit needs listening session online and in-person next week from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on December 11. Four annual listening sessions have occurred over the last two months, organized by SBCAG and the Cities of Lompoc and Santa Maria.
Simple Cafe Second Location Grand Opening
SANTA MARIA, November 19, 2024 — Simple Cafe is excited to announce the grand opening of its second location at 1414 South Miller Street in Santa Maria. You are invited to the grand opening celebration on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Simple Cafe will serve its signature coffees, homemade pastries, bagels, and new breakfast and lunch menus. The new breakfast menu offers breakfast burritos, croissant sandwiches, bagel sandwiches, and yogurt parfaits. Handmade turkey and roast
First Annual Machado Plaza Holiday Market
The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department invites the community to the First Annual Machado Plaza Holiday Market, a festive celebration of the holiday season. This free community event blends holiday cheer, local craftsmanship, and family fun, creating a memorable experience for all ages. The event details are as follows: Date: Saturday, December 21st rain or shine Time: 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.Location: Machado Plaza, 224 West Chapel Street Activities include:Local vendors offering unique
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Interview with New City Manager of Santa Maria David Rowlands, Full Transcript
You've been city manager in Fillmore, California and also in Clayton, Ohio. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience and what led you to this position here in Santa Maria? Yeah, so I started my first city manager position in Clayton, Ohio, early 2000s; I was the very first city manager there. I took over that city there for close to 11 years. We had a lot of economic development there. We brought in Caterpillar Logistics Center; recruited them. I had to work with the state and federal
Chamber Welcomes New Members from September 2024
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of September! September 2024 New MembersDiversity Coalition San Luis Obispo CountyNow Realty Brokered by eXp Paul CookRed RobinSanta Maria Firefighters Local 2020U.S. Bank U.S. Bank Mortgage
Businesses of the Quarter - October 2024
The City of Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City through a Business of the Quarter Program. This program will, on four occasions this calendar year, recognize two local small businesses chosen by the Chamber. The criteria are: fewer than 20 employees; in operation for at least five years; physically located within the City Limits; and being a local Chamber of Commerce member in good standing. Not only does this give them
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Chamber Welcomes New Members from August 2024
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of August! August 2024 New MembersAdi Ringer PhotographyCen Cal Business Finance Group Glenn MorrisLincoln Group Inc. & Lincoln IndustrialReadyWork IncWicks Roofing and Solar
Santa Maria Valley Chamber and Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board Unveil New “Build Your Workforce” Program to Support Local Businesses and Job Seekers
[SANTA MARIA, CA. September 11, 2024] – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is proud to announce the launch of the “Build Your Workforce” program in collaboration with the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board. The program helps connect businesses with resources to funding and other resources available for hiring, upskilling and providing work experience for employees.Interested businesses may fill out the Business Service Interest Form. A member from the Workforce Development Board will then connect
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Chamber Welcomes New Members from July 2024
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of July! July 2024 New MembersBeso Cocina / 1920 SpeakeasyCapuno’s Lutong BahayOld Orcutt YarnerySanta Maria Tax and Bookkeeping ServiceSKYWAY NIGHTSVere Marketing Group
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Chamber Welcomes New Members from June 2024
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of June! June 2024 New MembersA Mi Manera Mexican Cuisine & MariscosCassia ApartmentsAmeriCorpsCity of Santa Maria Transit DivisionCentral Courier LLCTheodore Harmand AppraisalsWalkthrough ProductionsWater Fixers Plumbing & Filtration, Inc.
California Small Businesses Eligible for Paid Family Leave Grants - Online application is open
[SANTA MARIA, CA. July 1, 2024] -- Eligible small businesses across California can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. This initiative, funded by the California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, aims to support small businesses in managing the additional costs incurred when employees take leave.These grants are designed to help small businesses cover expenses such as cross-training existing
Chamber Welcomes New Members from May 2024
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of May! May 2024 New Members 1st Gen - GOC Insurance & Financial StrategiesBrightStar Care of Santa Barbara CountyCoast Valley CremationsDr. Leslie K. Empowered WellnessEl Sabor ProductsFellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) JET Art & GraphicsKaleidoscope CompassPhotobooth Parlor Co Semilla Finances Sweet Creations by IssaTeamLogic IT Santa Maria
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Chamber Welcomes New Members from April 2024
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of April! April 2024 New MembersElements Apartments LLCEl Pollo Loco unit 3882Goetz ManderleyInsight Agency GroupJamba - Santa MariaJamba - Arroyo GrandeJamba - Chorro, SLOJamba - Downtown SLOKerosky & Gallelli LLP - Santa RosaKerosky & Gallelli LLP - Paso RoblesSanta Maria Civic TheatreSimple CafeThe CollectiveThe Management Trust - Central Coast Division
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Chamber Welcomes New Members from March 2024
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of March! March 2024 New Members805 InvestigationsGold Star Event CenterGolden State Nonprofit SolutionsMaria Elena Lopez of Valley Hills RealtyMariscos La CoquetaMaya @ The CollectiveMONA Payment SolutionsPismo Beach HomesTaqueria La Coqueta
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Chamber Welcomes New Members from February 2024
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of February! February 2024 New MembersDan Williams Floor CoveringFull Draw Strategies, LLCHuckleberry's Breakfast and Lunch - AtascaderoHuckleberry's Breakfast and Lunch - Santa MariaIntegrity Restorations & Floor Covering Inc.ProTac SecurityRoot One - GuadalupeSLO CAL Roots - San Luis ObispoSLO CAL Roots - Grover BeachSpotless JanitorialSt. Peter's Episcopal Church/Iglesia Episcopal de San
Chamber Welcomes New Members from January 2024
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of January! January 2024 New MembersColors Lath and Plastering Inc.K-Rimes LLCLuisa's Tax-Pro and AccountingOrcutt Ice Cream Kitchen
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Chamber Welcomes New Members from December 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of December! December 2023 New Members Empower TCT Inc.
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Local Leaders Weigh In: AI in the Workplace
Each month, we’re asking our local leaders to weigh in on a timely topic. This month, we’re talking about AI in the workplace. We asked: AI services like Chat GPT are becoming more popular. As an employer, what do you feel some of the benefits and challenges will be as AI tools become more commonplace?” “As the leader of a High Technology company, the prospects for AI are very exciting. There is still a lot to learn about how it can be incorporated, I look forward to exploring how we can incorporate AI
