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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
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Voters Reject Prop 32 to Raise Minimum Wage
For the first time, a plurality of California voters have rejected a statewide minimum wage increase, reflecting heightened concerns about the affordability of everyday life. Proposition 32 would have raised California’s minimum wage to $18 an hour effective in 2025 for employers of more than 25 people and effective in 2026 for others. The California Secretary of State finalized the count on Prop. 32 yesterday, tallying 50.8% of voters in opposition and 49.2% in support. Prop 32’s defeat sends a clear
The Perils of DIY Legal Services
Balancing your business’ budget or maintaining personal solvency is no small task. In an era where every dollar counts, we see why many individuals and small businesses are tempted to turn to "Do It Yourself" (DIY) online legal services. While doing so may be appropriate in certain circumstances, we urge you to do so with great caution. DIY services offered by companies like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and LawDepot, to name just a few, provide a range of legal documents like contracts, wills, trusts,
Town Center East Parking Structure to be Repaired
As part of Santa Maria’s downtown revitalization, the City will repair its Town Center East Parking Structure. The City is seeking bid quotes from engineering firms that specialize in multi-level parking facilities. The project will repair and seal cracks, and other methods to prevent water intrusion. This is designed to bring the nearly 50-year-old concrete facility up to its original standards. The three-level, 1,800-space structure is at the Santa Maria Town Center (the mall) bordering East Cook
Revised Draft of the Residential Objective Design Standards
The Community Development Department is preparing the Draft Objective Design Standards. These standards will apply to all types of residential housing projects and shall serve to enhance Santa Maria’s unique character and sense of place, respect neighborhood compatibility and privacy, and ensure high-quality residential design, while at the same time provide consistency and clarity to residential project review and permitting. More information is available on the City’s Objective Design Standard Webpage.We
City of Santa Maria Hosts Listening Session for Urban Forest Master Plan
The City of Santa Maria’s Recreation & Parks Department invites community members to attend a public listening session on the proposed Urban Forest Master Plan on Wednesday, November 20th, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center, located at 510 East Park Avenue. This session provides an open forum for community input, helping shape a comprehensive vision for Santa Maria’s urban forest. The Urban Forest Master Plan aims to outline strategies to preserve and expand tree canopy coverage on
Lights, Sights, & Holiday Nights Decorating Contest 2024
The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and the Recreation and Parks Commission invite community members and businesses to bring festive spirit by decorating their homes, lawns, and storefronts for the holiday season. This annual tradition of the Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights contest spreads cheer and gives community members a chance to showcase their creativity and holiday spirit. Awards will be given in the following categories: Best Use of LightsBest Lawn DisplayBest Holiday
SMHS Alpine Club's Day of Community Service
The SMHS Alpine Club recently provided a day of community service for the City of Santa Maria and then enjoyed an outdoor movie night with a film that highlighted scenic beauty, perseverance, dedication, and teamwork. The club helped to maintain and repair trails at Los Flores Ranch on November 8. Twenty-six club members, accompanied by club co-advisors Amy Hennings and Oscar Velasco and teacher Omar Gonzalez, participated in the volunteer workday. Los Flores Ranch is a 1,778-acre open space with over 20
Battle of the Badges Benefit Softball Tournament
The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, in partnership with PLAY, Inc., invites the community to the 4th Annual Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament. This action-packed event will take place on Saturday, November 9th, at the Hagerman Sports Complex, located at 3300 Skyway Drive. This family-friendly tournament will feature employees from local law enforcement agencies and fire departments competing head-to-head on the softball field. The competing teams will not only vie for the
Pacific Conservatory Theatre Production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
This holiday season, PCPA brings the beloved Disney classic Beauty and the Beast to the Marian Theatre stage from November 7 through December 22, 2024. Experience the enchanting tale of love, transformation, and the triumph of inner beauty in this heartwarming musical that has delighted audiences for years. Be our guest, Come and be swept away by the magic of Beauty and the Beast this holiday season! About Beauty and the Beast In Disney's enchanting “tale as old as time,” Belle, a young woman trapped in
Santa Barbara County Career Pathways
Santa Barbara County Career Pathways Did you know Santa Barbara County high schools offer robust Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways aligned with students' interests, career goals, and the needs of local businesses like yours? CTE pathways cover a wide range of industries, including: Agriculture, Education, Health, Construction/Building Trades, Manufacturing, Engineering, Hospitality/Tourism, Business/Finance, Energy/Environment/Utilities and more! Upon graduation, students are ready to take
Grasp Your Business Potential with Dynamic Knowledge Management Strategies
In a world where information is the new currency, unlocking its potential can spell the difference between business success and obsolescence. The competitive edge lies in harnessing a robust knowledge management system that does more than just store data—it actively empowers your workforce, streamlines operations, and fuels innovation. Imagine a business environment where every piece of wisdom is not only preserved but also accessible at the click of a button, driving unparalleled efficiency. This article
Main Street Classic
Crosstown rivals from Pioneer Valley and Santa Maria High Schools will settle the unofficial ownership of Main Street with events on Wednesday and on the football field Friday night, November 1. At high noon on (October 3Oth) - players, coaches, athletic directors and a few administrators from the Saints and Panthers met for a friendly lunch and some easy-going conversation during the “Main Street Classic” at Cool Hand Luke’s restaurant. “This year will be another interesting game as both
Santa Maria Riverbed Encampments Cleanup a Success
Significant progress was achieved to resolve homelessness encampments in the Santa Maria Riverbed during a multi-month collaborative project that recently concluded, providing approximately 100 people with case management and housing options, in addition to removing about 150 tons of debris. The operations took place starting in July and covered three phases. Unhoused individuals were contacted by experienced homeless service providers. They were offered humane and effective options to obtain food, health
''Flip the Switch'' on New Field Lights
The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce the official lighting ceremony at Crossroads Basin field, celebrating the activation of new field lights that will significantly expand field availability for local sports teams and organizations. The “Flip the Switch” event will take place on Wednesday, October 30ᵗʰ at 6:15 p.m. at 2231 South College Drive. The new lighting installations at both Crossroads Basin and Adam Basin fields extend field usability from fall through
Veterans' Memorial Park Reopens with Community-Chosen Features
The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce the re-opening of Veterans' Memorial Park, following extensive renovations made possible through a grant from the California State Parks and Recreation Division's Proposition 68 funding. These improvements were shaped by community input and are designed to enhance the park experience for visitors of all ages. Even more enhancements are on the way. A rededication ceremony is scheduled for spring of 2025. The revitalized park now
Shared Energy Future Scholarship
The Shared Energy Future Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarships awarding $20,000 for STEM education and trade schools. High school seniors or those in first-year apprenticeships can apply for one of (10) $1,500 STEM scholarships or (5) $1,000 trade school scholarships. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT. SEFF’s STEM scholarships aim to empower students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, fostering innovation and
2024 Tri-County Chamber Alliance Scorecard
Click here to see the full 2024 Tri-County Alliance Scorecard.
ZIP Books Program Returns to Public Library
The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to announce the return of the Zip Books Program. The Zip Book Program allows patrons to request a book, large print book, or an audiobook that is not available at the Library or branches and have it delivered to their home, free of charge. Patrons return the book to the Library when they have finished and may then select another Zip Book. A total of two Zip Books are allowed out at one time. Books may be returned to any of the Santa Maria area libraries.
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Chamber Invites Community to State of the City Address
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Announces State of the City Address[SANTA MARIA, CA. October 22, 2024] – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber invites the Santa Maria community to attend the upcoming State of the City Address on Nov. 14 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel Santa Maria, located at 3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455. This annual event offers residents the opportunity to hear directly from local government officials about the current state and future plans for our city.Mayor Alice Patino
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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Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 2499 (SCHIAVO)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has joined California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to OPPOSE AB 2499 (Schiavo). AB 2499 expands leave mandates for small businesses, which have already been subject to nine new leave laws in just the last four years. AB 2499 is duplicative and unnecessary as it expands an uncapped leave mandate to cover scenarios addressed under existing leave laws, or where there is no urgency. California currently has robust protections for employees who are victims of
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 2374 (HANEY)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce joins forces with California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to respectfully OPPOSE AB 2374 (Haney). AB 2374transforms the Displaced Janitor Opportunity Act into a joint liability statute under which any size company in California becomes liable for the failure of a contractor to comply with the Act and is now responsible for new notice and scheduling obligations for workers who are not its employees. The Act already provides robust, job retention
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 1345 (SMALLWOOD-CUEVAS)
The Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce joins California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to respectfully OPPOSE SB 1345 (Smallwood-Cuevas) as a JOB KILLER. The California Fair Chance Act strikes a careful balance between removing barriers to the workforce for workers with a conviction history and the need to consider that history for certain job positions. SB 1345 would eliminate employers’ ability to run a background check or consider conviction history unless they meet one of the narrow
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 1434 (DURAZO)
The California Chamber of Commerce OPPOSE your SB 1434 (Durazo)The California Chamber of Commerce and the undersigned respectfully OPPOSE your SB 1434 (Durazo), as introduced February 16, 2024, as a JOB KILLER because it would be a massive increase in unemployment insurance taxes for every single employer in California. In brief, SB 1434is a vast re-working of California’s unemployment insurance (UI) system, including the following elements: - Historic increase of traditional UI taxes for employers via
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 1299 (CORTESE)
SB 1299 (CORTESE) FARMWORKERS: BENEFITS OPPOSE – AS AMENDED MARCH 21, 2024The California Chamber of Commerce and the organizations listed respectfully OPPOSE SB 1299 (Cortese).We are unaware of data to support the presumption proposed by SB 1299. Further, the presumption would apply even in situations where any link between the employer’s conduct and a heat related illness or injury is tangential, at best, and appears to mandate that WCAB evaluate employer compliance with regulations created by a
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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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Chamber Welcomes New Members from November 2023
Cassandra Rhoades-Realtor® - The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of November! November 2023 New Members Cassandra Rhoades-Realtor® - BHGRE Haven Properties Children's Creative Project - Santa Barbara County Education Office Coastal Housing Partnership Orcutt Direct Care Partners in Education - Santa Barbara County Education Office Rick's Car Care Senior Care Authority Starving Artist Picture Framing Co Tito's
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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
