Santa Maria Fave 5's: Special Events in and around Santa Maria!
Fave Five of the Week!March 24 Guadalupe Social Club: One Year Anniversary Party Join us to celebrate 1 year in business! We will be having music, games, Crave mini doughnut truck, Fuse and Floral permanent jewelry, a farmers market with over 10 vendors hosted by Harvestly, and of course wine, beer & food specials.Learn MoreMarch 22 - 25 Santa Maria Fairpark: Paranormal Cirque Under this Clown Castle, the black and red big top tent, Acrobats of the Air, Illusionists, freaks, mysterious creatures and all
CalChamber Sponsors Bill to Protect Small Businesses
Makes Family Leave Mediation Program Permanent Legislation sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce to ease the regulatory burden on small businesses is moving in the California Assembly. AB 2011 (Bauer-Kahan; D-Orinda) makes permanent the Civil Rights Department small employer family leave mediation program, benefitting both workers and small employers. Read Full Article Here
Hardy Diagnostics Hosts Santa Maria High School for Business Tour
Santa Maria High School Future Business Leaders of America members currently enrolled in Financial Accounting, Professional Business Communication, AHC Intro to Entrepreneurship and Marketing, toured Santa Maria’s Hardy Diagnostics on Friday, March 8. The “Business Tour” and a “Speaker Series” are coordinated by Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Strategic Initiatives Manager Yuliana Nelson. Since 2019, this ongoing partnership with the FBLA has provided over 15 speakers, community service
Swim Lesson Registration and Skill Assessments
Swim Lesson Registration and Skill Assessments The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to inform the community about the open registration for evening swim lessons, beginning on Monday, March 25th at 8:00 a.m. Not sure which class level suits your child best? Take advantage of the free drop-in skill assessments on Sunday, March 24th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Valley High School Pool, 675 Panther Drive. No registration is necessary. Swim instructors will evaluate
Assembly Bill 1288 Goes into Effect on April 1, 2024
Per Assembly Bill 1288, the fast food minimum wage takes effect April 1, 2024, which means:The minimum wage for covered “fast food restaurant employees” increases to $20/hour beginning April 1, 2024.Also beginning April 1, employers covered by the fast food minimum wage must post the supplemental fast food minimum wage notice (available from CalChamber in English, Spanish and Simplified Chinese).The Labor Commissioner’s FAQs identify who is covered under the law, along with additional criteria and
French Hospital Medical Center Foundation Celebration of Caring
French Hospital Medical Center Foundation Celebration of Caring Raises $283,000 for Patient Programs and ServicesThe French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) Foundation is pleased to announce that the 16th annual Celebration of Caring event raised more than $283,000 to support patient programs and services at FHMC. The event took place February 24, 2024 at ACI Jet in San Luis Obispo and was attended by more than 280 guests. At the event, Debbie Wacker and her late husband Bob Wacker were honored with the
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five Special Events in and around Santa Maria!
Here are some upcoming special events in Santa Maria.March 22 - 25 Santa Maria Fairpark: Paranormal Cirque Under this Clown Castle, the black and red big top tent, Acrobats of the Air, Illusionists, freaks, mysterious creatures and all the elements that make one think of a “normal” Circus but that of normal has very little! A truly Paranormal experience!Read MoreMarch 24 Guadalupe Social Club: One Year Anniversary Party Join us to celebrate 1 year in business! We will be having music, games, Crave mini
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Advocacy News & Updates for March 2024
Business & Government Roundtable Kicks Off 2024 with Legislative Update from CalChamberThe Santa Maria Valley Chamber re-launched their Business & Government Roundtable programming in late February. Thank you to our presenter Nick Ortiz, VP of Small Business Advocacy for CalChamber, who provided an update on state legislation and the importance of the business voice in advocacy efforts. You can download a copy of Nick’s presentation slides at this link. You can read more about the results of CalChamber’s
City of Santa Maria Police Department: Online Crime Reporting
Online Crime Reporting To improve customer service, the City is offering Santa Marians a new online option to report non-emergency crimes within the City Limits. The system allows users to submit a report immediately, provides a tracking number, and allows a copy of the police report to be printed for free. This service is available in both English and Spanish. This online system should improve the timely delivery of select non-emergency services. It is not, however, meant to take the place of
City of Santa Maria: Promoting Fix a Leak Week
Promoting Fix a Leak Week The City of Santa Maria Utilities Department is joining the Environmental Protection Agency and other local water purveyors to promote “Fix a Leak Week” from Monday, March 18th through Sunday, March 24th. Throughout the week, Santa Maria water customers may receive complimentary leak detection dye tablets used to help detect leaks inside the home (while supplies last). To obtain these, visit the Utilities Department at 2065 East Main Street or the Finance Department/Utility
City of Santa Maria: Kitchen Pail Distribution Event
Kitchen Pail Distribution Event The City of Santa Maria Utilities Department is offering indoor residential kitchen pails for Santa Maria customers at a distribution event on Saturday, March 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in front of Trader Joe’s, 1303 South Bradley Road. The kitchen pail is a convenient way to collect food waste before depositing it in the outdoor organics container. This event is being held for the City’s solid waste customers who may be unable to visit the Department during
Chamber Opposes SB 1116 (Portantino)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has signed a letter Opposing SB 1116 (Portantino) on Unemployment Insurance: Trade Disputes - eligibility for benefits. This Bill has been labeled a JOB KILLER by Cal Chamber because it would effectively require employers to subsidize striking workers, even if that employer is not presently (or has never) experienced any strikes. By forcing employers to pay unemployment insurance (UI) payments to striking workers, SB 1116 would also raise unemployment insurance taxes on
Santa Maria Valley Chamber is Hiring: President/CEO
Organization Profile: The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization and catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. The organization houses the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, the Santa Maria Valley Economic Development Commission, the Santa Maria Valley Visitors Bureau, the Santa Maria Valley Tourism Marketing District (BID) and the Santa Maria Community Foundation 501(c) (3), in helping the Santa Maria Valley,
Uplift Central Coast awarded $14 million to accelerate local economic and workforce projects across six counties
Announcement of award of $14 million in funding from the State of California Regional Investment Initiative. Central Coast coalition granted funding from the California Jobs First Regional Investment InitiativeSan Luis Obispo County– 13 March 2024 – Uplift Central Coast Coalition (Uplift) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded $14 million from the California Regional Investment Initiative of the California Jobs First program (formerly known as the Community Economic Resilience Fund or CERF). Launched
Communications Coordinator Job Opening
The Communications Coordinator at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber supports Chamber programs and its membership through the management of various social media, website, print and other communication channels. Additionally, this individual manages the graphic design of all Chamber materials and maintains the Chamber’s media relationships. Examples of the projects and tasks included in the work plan for this position include: Member & Public Relations Use Chamber communication channels (social media, text,
Santa Barbara County Unemployment & Labor Market Data - January 2024
The following data is provided by the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board:
Bilingual Business Outreach & Support Specialist Job Opening
Position DescriptionThe Bilingual Business Outreach & Support Specialist for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber plays a key role in business outreach and business support services for local businesses in the Santa Maria Valley. This full time position will work will work with the Chamber leadership team to develop and implement strategies to deepen the Chamber’s relationships with small businesses in our community, with a particular emphasis on businesses with Hispanic ownership, or those who primarily serve
Paul Nelson Aquatic Center Temporary Closure
The City of Santa Maria Paul Nelson Aquatic Center will be temporarily closed from Tuesday, March 19th through Sunday, March 24th to install significant operating system improvements for a more energy efficient swimming pool. This temporary closure and improvements are part of the Recreation and Parks Department’s ongoing commitment to providing quality facilities for the community to enjoy. The operating system improvements include the installation of a Variable Frequency Drive and new pump system which
Blosser Road Pavement Repairs
Blosser Road Pavement Repairs Drivers are advised that temporary delays will occur for several weeks on Blosser Road due to the City of Santa Maria’s Pavement Repairs Project. The repairs are set to begin Tuesday, March 12th on Blosser Road, starting at Donovan Road and continuing south. Work will continue through the end of May (weather permitting). It is recommended to use alternate routes when possible if travelling between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Blosser Road. The project will include
Los Flores Ranch Park Temporary Road Detour
Los Flores Ranch Park Temporary Road Detour Los Flores Ranch Park access is currently being detoured due to the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department’s temporary road closure of Dominion Road, for repairs to a culvert failure/sinkhole. The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department announced this week, “Recent winter storms have closed a stretch of Dominion Road from Palmer Road to Clark Avenue,” and “Until May, this path will not be passable for even emergency vehicles.” There is increased
Women’s Healthcare Presentation at the Library
Women’s Healthcare Presentation at the Library The City of Santa Maria Public Library in partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Santa Maria Branch will host a free presentation on women’s health care on Saturday, March 9th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Library’s Shepard Hall. The Library is located at 421 South McClelland Street. This event will feature two physicians from the Marian Hospital Residency Program who will speak about the family medicine and OB/GYN programs.
Conservatorship or Power of Attorney? It depends...
Conservatorship or Power of Attorney? The Answer is: It Depends By Victor Herrera, JD A number of high-profile celebrities have recently sought a conservatorship for a family member including Jay Leno, for his wife Mavis, and Cher for her son, Elijah Blue Allman, claiming they are unable to adequately manage their affairs or make proper medical decisions. Football star, Michael Oher, whose life story inspired the movie The Blind Side, last year successfully sought legal relief from a conservatorship
2024 Permits to Sell Safe and Sane Fireworks
2024 Permits to Sell Safe and Sane Fireworks The Santa Maria Fire Department is accepting applications for permits to sell Safe and Sane Fireworks at booths for the 2024 Fireworks Season. Applications will be accepted from non-profit organizations that have their principal and primary meeting place in the City of Santa Maria (and including the township of Orcutt), are established for a minimum of two years, and have a minimum membership of 15. The application is available on the City
Free Family Kite Festival- Updated 3/1/2024
Free Family Kite Festival In partnership with the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and the People for Leisure and Youth, Inc. (PLAY), the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum will host its annual Family Kite Festival from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7th at Rotary Centennial Park located at 2625 South College Drive in Santa Maria. The Kite Festival will feature professional kite-flying demonstrations, contests, food, vendors, and music. Kite Ambassadors from the American
New episode of “Santa Maria Today”
New episode of “Santa Maria Today” Watch the newest video episode of “Santa Maria Today” in English or Spanish to learn how and where the City of Santa Maria is serving the community. The new episode features :An update on the pavement management program from the Department of Public Works,A feature on the City Rangers program from the Recreation and Parks Department,A public service announcement from the City Manager’s Office about the availability of live Closed Captioning (subtitles) in English and
Nuevo episodio de “Santa Maria Hoy”
Nuevo episodio de “Santa Maria Hoy” Mire el episodio de video más reciente de “Santa Maria Hoy” en inglés o español para saber cómo y dónde la ciudad de Santa María está sirviendo a la comunidad. El nuevo episodio presenta:Una actualización sobre el programa de gestión de pavientos del Departamento de Obras Públicas.Una mirada al programa de Guardabosques de la Ciudad del Departamento de Parques y Recreación.Un anuncio de servicio público de la Oficina del Administrador de la Ciudad sobre la
Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board Recognized as the Business Champion of the Year for 2023 by Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board Recognized as the Business Champion of the Year for 2023 by Downtown Santa Barbara February 28, the organization Downtown Santa Barbara, awarded the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board its Business Champion of the Year Award for 2023. This is awarded every year to an individual or organization that goes over and above supporting local businesses in the downtown Santa Barbara district. The organization acknowledged the work WDB staff did during
Youth Leadership Conference 2024
FLA is excited to announce we are currently accepting Eighth graders and high school students to our Youth Leadership Conference (YLC)!Future Leaders of America is having their annual Youth Leadership Conference, which is happening from July 8- 13th at Camp El Chorro in San Luis Obispo. This is an in-person overnight camp where high school students from all throughout California's Central Coast get to learn about public speaking, college, assertiveness, networking, self-esteem, art, culture, and so much
Mock Interviews with High School Students
Partners in Education host Mock interviews with volunteers for high school students. Volunteers will help students practice their interview skills. For many of our high school students, this will be their very first interview experience— our goal is for them to leave the experience feeling encouraged and even more confident about their abilities. Learn More at: https://partners.sbceo.org/ About Partners in EducationA nonprofit organization that provides career coaching & internships, online safety
CFF Mobile Hub
Celebrate the Computers For Families New Mobile Hub!CFF provides assistance and Tech support to families in Santa Barbara County. The new branded will allow CFF to reach even MORE families and to partner with other local agencies more easily. Learn More At: https://partners.sbceo.org/About Partners in Education A nonprofit organization that provides career coaching & internships, online safety workshops, & free devices across Santa Barbara County.
Leap Day babies delivered at Dignity Health hospitals on Thursday
Seven Leap Day babies delivered at Dignity Health hospitals Newborns will have to wait until 2028 to see their birthdays on the calendar CENTRAL COAST, February 29, 2024 – Thursday was a special day at Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC) in Santa Maria and French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) in San Luis Obispo as families and labor and delivery staff celebrated the arrival of newborns on Leap Day. Four “leaplings” were delivered at Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria as of 4 p.m.
Craft Workshops at the Library- March 2024
Craft Workshops at the Library The City of Santa Maria Public Library presents free craft workshops for adults during the month of March in the Library’s Learning Loft. The Library is located at 421 South McClelland Street. Craft programs are free, and all materials will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Patrons interested in these workshops may register by visiting the Library’s online events calendar at www.cityofsantamaria.org/library or by calling (805) 925-0994 extension
Tech Help at the Santa Maria Public Library- March 2024
Tech Help at the Santa Maria Public Library The City of Santa Maria Public Library will offer numerous one-on-one Tech Help sessions in March. Each appointment provides 25-minutes for instruction on topics such as setting up new devices, installing apps, privacy best practices, and enjoying Library e-resources at home.Tech Help appointments are available by appointment only by calling the Library at (805) 925-0994 extension 8562. The program will not include assistance with hardware repairs, virus
Top Litigator Joins Carmel & Naccasha, LLP
Top Litigator Joins Carmel & Naccasha, LLP Emilie de la Motte, a versatile litigator who helps clients solve their most complex and difficult legal matters, has joined Carmel & Naccasha, LLP as a Partner with San Luis Obispo’s largest law firm. de la Motte’s diverse expertise includes product liability, construction defect, insurance defense, business litigation, employment law, premise liability, municipal law, and toxic tort. She has extensive experience representing clients in both the public
Genealogy Workshop at the Library- March 2024
Genealogy Workshop at the Library The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to present a genealogy workshop on Saturday, March 2nd, at 10:30 a.m. in the Library’s Learning Loft. The Library is located at 421 South McClelland Street. In this hands-on workshop, Library staff will demonstrate Ancestry.com, an online service for family history research. Patrons are invited to bring the names of ancestors to research. Laptop computers will be available to use for research. Patrons interested in
Free Family Kite Festival
Free Family Kite Festival The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum will host the annual Family Kite Festival from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7th at Rotary Centennial Park located at 2625 South College Drive in Santa Maria. Central Coast residents of all ages will send hundreds of colorful kites soaring into the sky during this free community event. The Kite Festival will feature professional kite-flying demonstrations, contests, food,
Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library Presents $21,450 Check to the Santa Maria Library
Friends of the Santa Maria Public LibraryPresents $21,450 Check to the Santa Maria Library The Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library (FSMPL) formed their non-profit in support of reading and the Santa Maria Library over 40 years ago. Through its fundraising events and requests for grants in support of the Library they were able to meet the Library’s “wish list” in full this year.The Library Director, Dawn Jackson, was very appreciative of FSMPL for all the support they provided to the Library and its
Kiwanis St. Patrick's Day Event: Purchase Tickets Today!
St. Patrick's Day Dance Party & Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser Dinner on Sunday, March 17, 2024JOIN the Santa Maria Mussell Senior Club and the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria Valleyat the Elwin Mussell Senior Center 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria!Mussell Senior Club hosts a FREE dance party (1:30 - 4:00 pm). Dress in green and enjoy some Irish fun with "Riptide", a 17-piece band featuring some of the finest musicians & vocalists on the Central Coast playing big band standards, latin, foxtrots, and more. For
Kiwanis Basketball Spectacular Fundraiser
March 23, 2024 Kiwanis Central Coast All-Star Basketball Spectacular Allan Hancock College 5 PM: Ladies' Game7 PM: Men's Game Top High School Senior Men and Women basketball players from San Luis Obispo County will play Northern Santa Barbara County! This Kiwanis fundraiser supports youth sports in Santa Maria and scholarships for local high school graduates and Allan Hancock community college transfer students.Door Admission: $10 Adults; $5 Student/ChildInformation: 805-264-1523
Live Simultaneous Closed Captioning of City Public Meetings
Live Simultaneous Closed Captioning of City Public Meetings To improve accessibility and transparency, the City of Santa Maria now offers live closed captioning (subtitles) in English or Spanish during its government meeting broadcasts. The dual language captioning gives viewers, including the hearing impaired, a valuable resource to watch and understand what is happening with their local government. The live closed captioning is for live and replays of City Council and Planning Commission meetings on
Subtítulos simultáneos en vivo de reuniones públicas de la Ciudad
Subtítulos simultáneos en vivo de reuniones públicas de la Ciudad Para mejorar la accesibilidad y la transparencia, la Ciudad de Santa María ahora ofrece subtítulos en vivo en inglés o español durante las transmisiones de sus reuniones gubernamentales. Los subtítulos en dos idiomas brindan a los espectadores, incluidas las personas con discapacidad auditiva, un recurso valioso para observar y comprender lo que está sucediendo con su gobierno local. Los subtítulos en vivo son para transmisiones en vivo y
City Hall Relandscaping
City Hall Relandscaping Landscaping renovations are taking place around Santa Maria City Hall over the next few months, to comply with mandatory State water restrictions. Phase one began this week along the Broadway frontage (State Highway 135) with removal of concrete walkways, turf grass, two magnolia trees, and signage. The new design includes new signage, a public event space, waterwise plant material and revised electrical work. The work is being done by the City’s Recreation and Parks Department
Poetry for Self-Care Workshop at the Santa Maria Public Library
Poetry for Self-Care Workshop at the Santa Maria Public Library The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to present an enlightening recreational opportunity for adults on Sunday, February 18th at 2:00 p.m. in the Learning Loft. The Library is located at 421 South McClelland Street. The monthly program, “Poetry for Self-Care Workshop” features guest poetry facilitator Dot Winslow. Workshop participants will be introduced to a new poem each month and explore their reaction with a focus on
Stop the Bleed Presentation at the Library
Stop the Bleed Presentation at the Library The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to partner with Safety Consulting Services, LLC, to offer a free “Stop the Bleed” presentation on Saturday, February 24th at 10:00 a.m. in Shepard Hall. The Library is located at 421 South McClelland Street. In this hands-on class, retired firefighter and certified Emergency Medical Technician Scott Hunter will teach participants to “Stop the Bleed” by learning how to become “Immediate Responders.” Spanish
Pawsitive News: Helpful Resources for Pet Owners (February 2024)
Noticias Pawsitivas: Recursos Utiles Para Duenos de Mascotas (febrero 2024)
Marian Regional Medical Center and French Hospital Medical Center Celebrate Valentine's Day Babies
Be mine: 5 ‘Bundles of Love’ delivered at Dignity Health hospitals on special day Arrival of Valentine’s Day babies celebrated at Marian and French hospitals CENTRAL COAST, February 15, 2024 – It was an adorable day at Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC) and French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) as families, nurses and doctors celebrated the arrival of five newborn bundles of love on Valentine’s Day. Love was in the air as two babies were delivered at Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC) in Santa
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Receives Regional Recognition for Teacher Tours Program
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Receives Regional Recognition for Teacher Tours Program Teacher Tours Program awarded “Outstanding Chamber Program” Recognition at Western Association of Chamber Executives’ (W.A.C.E) 2024 Annual Conference The Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s Teacher Tours Program has been recognized as an “Outstanding Chamber Program” by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) at their Annual Conference earlier this month. The program was selected through an application
Take the Santa Barbara Business Survey Today!
Dear Valued Business Community of Santa Barbara County, The Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board launched a survey as part of our ongoing efforts to foster a robust and dynamic workforce!Survey Link: https://bwresearch.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_51EVBKWghuHiXIyWhy Your Participation Matters The success is directly dependent on your valuable input. By understanding your experiences and challenges, we can tailor our strategies and services to better support not only your business but the
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2024- Government Day
On February 2, 2024, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class had the opportunity to dive in and learn about the different Government Sectors represented locally as well as explore new sectors and how they pertain to government. The day started off with a visit to the Government Center where we were greeted by the Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino as well as Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson. Both Supervisors explained their roles and responsibilities and provided a better understanding of
Two-year Labor Agreement
Two-year Labor Agreement Interim City Manager Alex Posada today announced a two-year labor agreement by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 620, which represents 313 general employees of the City. The agreement won approval of SEIU members who cast ballots on Friday. “The City Council and I value our employees, whose contributions are critical to providing a variety of public services,” Mr. Posada said. “We are pleased to have negotiated this wage and benefit agreement, which will be
Dignity Health Named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2024 for Diversity
Dignity Health Named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2024 for Diversity This award recognizes Dignity Health’s impact and commitment to creating a diverse healthcare workforce that reflects the distinct communities we serve. Central Coast, February 5, 2024 — Dignity Health announced today that it has been recognized for the second consecutive year as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This survey of over 220,000+ individuals
Building a Local Talent Pipeline: Chamber Sees Collaboration & Expansion in Workforce Development Pr
Building a Local Talent Pipeline: Chamber Sees Collaboration & Expansion in Workforce Development Programming Over the past year, the Chamber has expanded its Workforce Development programs and partnerships initiatives. “Ensuring businesses can count on a pipeline of workers trained for local jobs & careers” is one of the organization’s strategic priorities, and we continue to work on expanding our educational partnerships and developing a strong regional talent pipeline to meet business and
Genealogy Workshop at the Library- January 2024
Genealogy Workshop at the Library The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to present a genealogy workshop on Tuesday, January 30th at 5:15 p.m. in the Library’s Learning Loft. The Library is located at 421 South McClelland Street. In this hands-on workshop, Library staff will demonstrate Ancestry.com for family history research. Patrons are invited to bring the names of ancestors to research. Laptop computers will be available. Patrons interested in participating in the workshop may register by
Pawsitive News: Helpful Resources for Pet Owners (January 2024)
Noticias Pawsitivas: Recursos Utiles Para Duenos de Mascotas (enero 2024)
First Decorative Crosswalk for Santa Maria
First Decorative Crosswalk for Santa Maria The first decorative crosswalk in downtown Santa Maria is anticipated to be installed this spring in a City-led project. The crosswalk will focus on the four-way intersection at Cook and South McClelland Streets. This is another step forward in continuing to enhance traffic safety while creating a more visually pleasing environment for the City. The design is inspired by the decorative tiles on the City Hall tower. Rather than painting on the asphalt, the
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.
Be a part of the Chamber’s Expanded Business & Government Roundtable
Hello Chamber Members, Operating a business anywhere is challenging. Labor, supply chains, cost of capital, and many other factors impact the ability of all businesses to grow. Additionally, legislative and regulatory action have very real and lasting impacts (positive or negative) on our local economy. The Chamber helps local businesses address these challenges by serving as the collective voice in legislative and regulatory discussions. We seek to be a trusted source of information to help
The Corporate Transparency Act: What is it and who will it affect?
The Corporate Transparency Act: What is it and who will it affect? By Stephanie Barclay, JD On January 1, 2024, a new reporting requirement went into effect, pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) that requires millions of small businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Every small business entity needs to know about this new reporting requirement as non-compliance can result in
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Library The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to welcome the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Santa Maria-Lompoc Branch as they present a Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, January 14th from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. in Lavagnino Plaza. This remarkable program will feature “Drum Major Instinct” a presentation by Dr. Darren McDuffie, Superintendent of the Santa Maria-Bonita School District,
City Offers Complimentary Showerhead Exchange- Spring 2024
City Offers Complimentary Showerhead Exchange The City of Santa Maria Utilities Department is offering free showerheads for Santa Maria water customers (verification required) throughout the month of January. Qualifying customers can receive up to two new low-flow rated Watersense® showerheads, in exchange for old showerheads, in addition to one water conservation kit per household (while supplies last). To participate, customers can bring up to two old showerheads to the Utilities Department
Leadership Santa Maria Class of 2024- Youth & Education Topic Day
On December 1st 2023, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class visited local institutions and non-profits that support Santa Maria families through various programs. The main focus was youth and education opportunities. The Santa Maria Valley education system offers numerous tools and options to adapt to individuals’ needs and challenges. St Louis de Monfort School is a private school located in Orcutt that stayed open during COVID in 2020— a rare benefit during those challenging times. The school
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
Road Work in December 2023
Road Work in December Drivers are advised that temporary delays will occur during the daytime now through December (weather permitting) due to the City’s Pavement Repairs Project on West Betteravia Road and East Main Street. Additionally, re-striping work will be occurring on East Betteravia Road and the roundabouts on Southside Parkway during nighttime hours. It is recommended to use alternate routes when possible if travelling between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on West Betteravia Road or East
Adding Your Child to Title on Your House is Rarely, If Ever, A Good Idea
Adding Your Child to Title on Your House is Rarely, If Ever, A Good IdeaBy Stephanie Barclay, JD When you add your child to title to your home, you are essentially making them a co-owner of the property. This appeals to people because preparing a quitclaim deed is an easier, less expensive way to avoid probate compared with creating a revocable living trust. While the front-end costs are less expensive, the future costs are usually substantially higher and the risks, almost certainly, outweigh the
Winners of Lights, Sights, & Holiday Nights Decorating Contest
Winners of Lights, Sights, & Holiday Nights Decorating ContestThe City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Commission recently hosted the 25th Annual Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights Holiday Decoration Contest. The Decoration Contest continues to encourage friendly competition to beautify local neighborhoods, businesses, and community during the holidays. A map (page 2), video on the City’s YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/FTX0EWgoLoY, and social media post, showcase award recipients for the
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2024 – Arts and Recreation Day
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2024 – Arts and Recreation Day On sunny day in November, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2024 gathered at Shepard Hall in the Santa Maria Public Library, welcomed by the pleasant melody of live Paraguayan folk harp played by LSMV Alumni Lizzie Romero-Prokopiev, ready to explore the wide range of Arts and Recreation in the city. During a walking tour through the two levels of the library, Librarian Selena Fierro showed the group various art installations
November Featured Business of the Month
The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. This program gives recognition to businesses who have been in the community for a significant amount of time, and/or providing unique or significant contributions to our community. Not only does this give valuable exposure to these local businesses, it also reminds our community of the unique, diverse and long-standing
Chamber Welcomes New Members from October 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of October! October 2023 New MembersBody Shop PlusCuyama Buckhorn LLCGrizzly Construction & Remodeling Inc.Grocery Outlet of Lompoc Grocery Outet of Santa MariaHolliday Rock Co. Top Down JanitorialVilla Maria Post Acute
“State of the City 2023” video on cable, online
“State of the City 2023” video on cable, online Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino’s “State of the City 2023” address of October 25th is available for viewing anytime on multiple platforms and with closed captioning in English and Spanish. Watch and learn about new housing and downtown revitalization, efforts to expand the City’s boundaries, new parks, declining crime rates, challenges, and so much more. The 47-minute video plays every day at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the City of Santa Maria’s government
Marian Regional Medical Center Earns an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group
Marian Regional Medical Center Earns an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group New Grade for Fall 2023 is a national recognition for patient safety SANTA MARIA, CA – November 6, 2023 – Dignity Health’s Marian Regional Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national
A.T. Still University Board of Trustees appoints officers, elects new trustees
A.T. Still University Board of Trustees appoints officers, elects new trusteesA.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) Board of Trustees appointed officers and elected new members at its quarterly meeting July 21, 2023. The following trustees were elected as officers: Chair Herb B. Kuhn, of Lohman, Missouri; Vice Chair Isaac R. Navarro, DMD, MPH, ’08, of Visalia, California; and Secretary Michelle L. Mayo, PhD, of Marina, California. Newly elected trustees are John R. Thurman Jr., DO, ’12, of
Dignity Health Central Coast Nurses Celebrate 3 Milestones in Nursing at a Special Celebration
Dignity Health Central Coast Nurses Celebrate 3 Milestones in Nursing at a Special Celebration SANTA MARIA, CA – November 3, 2023 – Dignity Health Central Coast, which includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH), French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) and Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC) held a special ceremony that honored graduates of the RN Residency and RN Fellowship programs. It also commemorated the 10-year anniversary of those programs. In addition, the RN Residency and RN Fellowship
October Featured Businesses of the Month
Featured Businesses of the Month The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. This program gives recognition to businesses who have been in the community for a significant amount of time, and/or providing unique or significant contributions to our community. Not only does this give valuable exposure to these local businesses, it also reminds our community of the
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2024- Agriculture Day
The Leadership Santa Maria Valley class embarked on an informative and insightful day, visiting key players in the agriculture and food production industry in the central coast region. The day included visits to Plantel Nurseries, Argo-Jal Strawberry Fields, Bonipak Cooler, and concluded with a visit to RiverBench Winery. Our day commenced at Plantel Nurseries, where we had the privilege of meeting Scott Nicholson. He guided us through the nursery, providing an in-depth look at the early stages of
Chamber Welcomes New Members from September 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of September! September 2023 New MembersCentral West ProduceDewlson Family FarmJulio's Auto InsuranceFull Circle Photo
Chamber Welcomes New Members from August 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of August! August 2023 New MembersBranch Street Deli and PizzeriaChic InteriorsGehssa Hope MarketingJB's JewelersMexiForno
Griffin Plumbing Reaches Momentous Milestone, Celebrates 20 Years of Exceptional Service to the Central Coast
"If We Do The Right Thing By People, Good Things Happen!" FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SANTA MARIA, CA — Sept 7, 2023 Griffin Plumbing Inc., a staple of the Santa Maria local business community, is delighted—and humbled—to announce the celebration of their 20th anniversary of providing top-quality plumbing services to the local community. Since its inception in 2003, Griffin Plumbing has worked hard to build a well-deserved reputation for its steadfast commitment to superlative customer service. A lot has
Community Leadership & Local Businesses to be celebrated at Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala
PRESS RELEASE Contact: Isabel Guerrero FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (805) 925-2403 x 853 August 21, 2023 isabel@santamaria.com Community Leadership & Local Businesses to be celebrated at Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala The Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s 2023 Annual Awards Gala will celebrate community excellence and honor the individuals, organizations and businesses who
Serve Santa Maria is Saturday, August 26
Saturday, August 26 Meet at Home Depot North Parking Lot from 8:30 - 9:00 Home Depot is blessing the bed effort with SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE in a BIG WAY! They have donated all the lumber for the beds, a couple of saws and a generator! Way to go HOME DEPOT! Gather, Register and enjoy coffee from Dutch Bros, orange juice and sweet treats from the Golden Donut in Orcutt Pick up a FREE Thrivent LIVE GENEROUSLY T-Shirt. Sign up for helping with Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed
Mobile Farmworker Resource Center at the Library
Mobile Farmworker Resource Center at the Library The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to partner with the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board Mobile Farmworker Resource Center – Proyecto Campesino, on Saturday, August 26th in Lavagnino Plaza. The mobile Farmworker Resource Center (FWRC) will be onsite from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Lavagnino Plaza in front of the Library at 421 South McClelland Street. This free event will serve as a one-stop shop providing information and assistance
Centro de Recursos para Trabajadores Agrícolas en la Biblioteca de Santa Maria
Centro de Recursos para Trabajadores Agrícolas en la Biblioteca de Santa Maria La Biblioteca Pública de la Ciudad de Santa Maria se complacida en asociarse con el Centro Móvil de Recursos Para Trabajadores Agrícolas de la Junta de Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral del condado de Santa Barbara—Proyecto Campesino el sábado, 26 de agosto, en la Plaza Lavagnino. El Centro Móvil de Recursos Para Trabajadores Agrícolas estará enfrente la biblioteca de las 12:00 p.m. hasta las 5:00 p.m. en La Plaza Lavagnino, en
Chamber Welcomes New Members from July 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of July! July 2023 New MembersAll Dry San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara CountyAngels Foster CareDeep Clean CrewEconAllianceFlowForeFront PowerGuadalupe Social ClubSanta Maria Valley Small Engine Repair
Chamber Welcomes New Members from June 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of June! June 2023 New MembersMiranda EntertainmentLark + Sparrow LLCCoastal Connection Tours & ChartersGriffin PlumbingRP3 Productions LLCGuaranteed Rate805 Law GroupCalifornia Hot DogsTwitchell & Rice, LLPTachi Palace Hotel & CasinoAflac Central Coast Office
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of July 13 - July 23
Fave Five | July 13 - July 23 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Barbara County FairJuly 12 - 16 Santa Maria Fairpark 937 S. Thornburg Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States There are plenty of carnival rides, animals, petting zoos, pony rides and of course, lots of fantastic fair food
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of July 6 - July 16
Fave Five | July 6 - July 16 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Rancho Sisquoc: Sisquoc SaturdayJuly 8 @ 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Rancho Sisquoc 6600 Foxen Canyon Rd. Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Join Ranch Sisquoc for their July Sisquoc Saturday! There will be live music by Will Breman
Cottage Health Welcomes Andrew Brown as New Vice President of Advancement
July 5, 2023 Cottage Health Welcomes Andrew Brown as New Vice President of Advancement SANTA BARBARA – Following a national search, Cottage Health has appointed Andrew Brown as the new Vice President of Advancement. In this role, Mr. Brown will lead fund development operations and work closely with the foundations providing critical fundraising support for Cottage Health. Mr. Brown brings more than 20 years of experience in advancement leadership. Most recently, Mr. Brown served as Vice President of
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of June 29 - July 9
Fave Five | June 29 - July 9 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Star Spangled JamboreeJuly 4 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Abel Maldonado Community Center 600 S. McClelland St. Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Get ready to groove with Rock Odyssey, enjoy delicious food from a variety of food
Chamber Welcomes New Board Leadership for 23-24 Fiscal Year
July marks the beginning of a new fiscal year, and the Chamber is excited to welcome new leadership to the Board of Directors to help guide the organization’s work in serving the Santa Maria Valley community. “The Santa Maria Valley Chamber brings our businesses together and helps solve the challenges our community is facing,” explained incoming Board Chair Paul Cook. “I’m looking forward to serving as Board Chair for an organization that plays such a vital role in our community.” Cook, who is the
Leadership Santa Maria Valley- Leadership Topic Day
The Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2023 recently participated in their final monthly seminar or “Topic Day.” Serving as an opportunity to reflect on their journey and to think what class participants will do differently moving forward, the June topic day was centered around community leadership. To begin the day, class member Olivia Bernal (People’s Self-Help Housing Center) spoke to the class about her leadership journey and the personal hardships she has overcome to become the leader she is
Chamber Welcomes New Members from May 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of May! Member NameOmni Design, Inc. Quest National Security - Santa MariaQuest National Security - San Luis ObispoBridge of Hope Home Care Services Dana Reserve, LLCCreative Flooring
Local Leaders Weigh In: Leadership Santa Maria Valley
Each month, we’re asking our local leaders to weigh in on a timely topic. This month, we’re talking to our graduates from the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2023. As the program concluded, we asked participants to reflect on their greatest lessons learned, most enjoyable moments experienced through LSMV, and plans for the future.Here's what they shared: “Going through the LSMV program was a very subversive experience. Learning about major aspects of what makes Santa Maria Valley function and
Small Businesses May Apply Now to COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program
Small Businesses May Apply Now to COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant ProgramBy CalChamber -June 9, 2023Eligible California small businesses may apply now for a state program that awards funds for costs incurred from the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave. Under the California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program, eligible businesses may be awarded between $5,000–$50,000. Funds are limited and will be awarded based on eligibility and availability of
SMRT Ride Guide: Effective July 2023
SMRT Ride Guide: Effective July 2023Route schedules can be picked up at the Transit Center, on the buses and outlets. If you have any questions call SMRT Dispatch at (805) 928-5624.
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of June 8 - June 18
Fave Five | June 8 - June 18 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. West Coast College & University Wine FestivalJune 10 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Allan Hancock College 800 S. College Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455 United States The inaugural West Coast College & University Wine Festival will provide an
LSMV Topic Day Highlights Agriculture in Our Community
The Santa Maria Valley Leadership Class of 2023 conducted their Agriculture Day on May 5th, 2023. The day was spent visiting local farms, making butter, listening to how Agriculture awareness is being brought to our community, and having the opportunity to learn about Allan Hancock College Viniculture program. The day was highlighted by learning about a local company that is a major player in the world of berries. Driscoll’s berries (located off Stowell in Santa Maria) controlled 1/3 of the $6 billion
Connection Feature: Building the Next Leaders of the Santa Maria Valley
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber recognizes the great importance of workforce development in our efforts of continuing to promote the development and success of the Santa Maria Valley. Over the last few years, the Chamber has implemented several programs and initiatives to support our local students and professionals as they grow and learn. Junior CEO provides local youth with an opportunity to build entrepreneurship skills and launch their own business. The Junior CEO program is a six-week
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of May 25 - June 4
Fave Five | May 25 - June 4 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ NationalsMay 26 - 28 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Santa Maria Fairpark 937 S. Thornburg Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Don’t Miss The West Coast Kustoms 2023 Cruisin’ Nationals! The event starts on Friday
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of May 18 - May 28
Fave Five | May 18 - May 28 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Riverbench: 50th Anniversary Open HouseMay 20 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Riverbench Vineyard & Winery 6020 Foxen Canyon Rd. Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Riverbench vineyard. The Riverbench team
Chamber Welcomes New Members from April 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of April! Member Name805Concerts LLCBetter Business Bureau of the Tri-CountiesCasa Comal Cocina Tradicional MexicanaConnect Auto CRES Training, Inc. EP Safety Plus, LLCeXp RealtyFeed My Seoul LLCFriends of the Santa Maria Valley RailroadInsperity Santa Maria Public MarketSavinas Home-Made Tamales Co LLCVolt Workforce SolutionsWINGS Preschool
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of April 27 - May 7
Fave Five | April 27 - May 7 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Strawberry FestivalApril 28 - 30 @ 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm Santa Maria Fairpark 937 S. Thornburg Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States The Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival is a celebration of our county’s number one
Local Leaders Weigh In: Santa Maria Valley Development
Each month, we’re asking our local leaders to weigh in on a timely topic. This month, we’re talking about the development of the Santa Maria Valley. We asked: “Santa Maria and the surrounding areas are planning for where and how anticipated growth would happen. We also need to think about how to make the community attractive to businesses and families. What do you think the Santa Maria Valley needs to be the community of choice for business and residents?” "Personally I think we need more areas where
Leadership Santa Maria Valley- Sustainability and Natural Resources Topic Day
On Friday, April 14, 2023, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley class of 2023 embarked on another Topic Day, this time, centered around Sustainability and Natural Resources. Starting off the day, the class met excited to travel to their first stop, Engel & Gray (E&G), where they were able to tour the facilities and learn about some of the composting efforts taking place right here in Santa Maria. Among many topics, the class learned about recycling efforts, agricultural waste, and even the process for
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of April 20 - April 30
Fave Five | April 20 - April 30 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Rancho Sisquoc: Sisquoc SaturdayApril 22@ 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Rancho Sisquoc 6600 Foxen Canyon Rd. Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States It is the 1st Sisquoc Saturday of 2023! There will be live music by, Bradley Tyson & “Moms
Chamber Welcomes New Members from March 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of March! March 2023 New MembersArtemis Artworks Santa Barbara Home Power Program American Riveria BankCard My Yard Santa MariaAltrusa Int' Foundation of Golden Valley, Inc. First StudentAdobeGina's Piece of Cake - OrcuttMichelle G. Cothran, Trusted REALTOR at PB & Associates
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of April 13 - April 23
Fave Five | April 13 - April 23 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum Free Family Kite FestivalApril 15 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Rotary Centennial Park 2625 S. College Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Kite flying stunts, lessons, contests, games and
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of April 6 - April 16
Fave Five | April 6 - April 16 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Downtown Fridays 2023April 7 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Town Center West Corner of Main St. & Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Downtown Fridays are Back! This year is filled with many new vendors, new
Elected Officials Provide Array of Business Resources to Local Community
Elected officials are often known for their work in advocacy and public policy. What many may not be aware of is the array of free business resources available through public offices at the local, county and state level. We had a chance to talk with some of our local elected officials on the resources and assistance they provide the business community. Senator Monique Limón’s office provides direct assistance and in-person support for businesses Senator Monique Limón’s office says they are always there
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Topic Day Showcases the Heart behind Local Healthcare
Healthcare is an industry with a lot of heart. That was the takeaway form the recent Leadership Santa Maria Valley’s Health & Human Services Topic Day, where the class learned about the wide range of healthcare & mental health services available in the Santa Maria Valley.The class first visited Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHC). Timothy Mossholder from Santa Maria Foursquare Church started the day with a leadership presentation centered around advancing in leadership through capacity and
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
Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of March 23 - April 2
Fave Five | March 23 - April 2 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Presqu’ile: Happy Hour Music Series – Will BremanMarch 24 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Presqu'ile 5391 Presquile Drive Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Nothing says Friday Night Happy Hour like lounging in our tasting room and
Chamber Welcomes New Members from February 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of February! Awakening GiantzBec Health ChickCharles Motley Empowered by NEXA Mortgage, LLC Human Interest MD3 Investments Nena's Kitchen New Hope Harvesting, LLCPlanes of Fame Air Museum SGT DGE Snap It 360Sonam Narayan, Realtor - eXp Realty
Leadership Santa Maria Valley- Business & Economics Topic Day
Leadership Santa Maria Valley- Business & Economics Topic DayBy: Wendy Robles-Garcia, Accounting Manager, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) had the opportunity to learn how business and economics impact the community. In order to make this day happen the planning committee included,Shelby McLean,David Hernandez,Olivia Bernal, Wendy Robles, along with advisors Edgar Gascon, Steven Funkhouser, and JD Scroggin. They organized a day filled with multiple business tours and
Welcome New Members of February 2023
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of January! 101 Pension SolutionsAmeriprise FinancialAtrévete Al Cambio Integral Wellness Center Barbara Wilson, Art and Photography BK's Bookkeeping LLC Coastal Home Living Guild Mortgage -Orcutt Inspirations Event & Floral Design Managed Career Solutions, SPC / America's Job Center of California -Santa MariaMichael J. Scott Law Office Popolo Catering Sabores Inc.UberfleetsVanessa
Santa Maria Valley Next March 2022: Food Service & Hospitality and Information and Computer Technologies
Santa Maria Valley Next highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. This month, we are highlighting youth excelling in the Food Service & Hospitality and Information and Communication Technologies pathways.Pathway Description: Food Service & Hospitality PathwayAt Pioneer Valley we offer two levels of culinary arts where a variety of cooking and baking techniques are mastered. Within our program
eCommerce as an SEO Strategy
If you have spent any time on Amazon you are already familiar with verbose descriptions of each item for sale, product reviews from verified purchases, and the ability to search by product name, product description and category. These elements are some of the secret sauce that has made Amazon so successful. They provide their shoppers plenty of information to make a confident purchase decision and at the same time this data is structured in a way that Google can gobble the information up. Google is not a
SEO you shouldn’t trust
SEO advice and services have been offered since Search Engines started crawling the internet. I still see Marketing Agencies offering SEO services that employ tricks that lost relevance almost 2 decades ago. These SEOs offering low-cost SEO are selling nothing but Snake Oil. My hope is to educate you on what to look for so you can protect yourself. Think of your SEO Agency like a personal trainer, a trainer thinks about everything at every level, not just the machines you use in your workout, but also
Featured Business of the Month: The Okonite Company
The Okonite Company was our featured manufacturing business for January 2022! Here’s some additional information about the business.Provide a brief description of the business: The Okonite Company was founded in 1878 making it one of the original insulators of electrical wire and cable in the United States. Okonite serves a multitude of industry markets including Electric Utility, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Military bases, Railroad, and Transit.When was the business formed? The Okonite Company was founded in
Featured Business of the Month: Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria
Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria was our featured women-owned business for January 2022! Here’s some additional information about the business.Provide a brief description of the business: Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria is an italian restaurant, we make most of our food from scratch. We have Pasta's, Sandwiches, Pizza , Salads and Gyro'sWhen was the business formed?1999 in San Luis ObispoHow has the business grown?With the help from the community and the great food and service we provide.Current number of
Featured Business of the Month: Mob Armor
Mob Armor was our featured manufacturing business for December 2021! Here’s some additional information about the business.When was the business formed? 2014How has the business grown? Started in SLO then moved to Santa Maria in 2015. Santa Maria was welcoming. Thanks to warehouse space, fiber internet and manufacturing atmosphere/pro manufacturing attitude.Current number of employees: 22Describe how your business has innovated their product/service: We started with rugged Smartphone mounts which then
Featured Business of the Month: The VegBoss, LLC
The VegBoss, LLC was our featured women-owned business for December 2021! Here’s some additional information about the business.When was the business formed? 2018How has the business grown? By expanding our product offerings, reaching out to new growers in both North and South America and continuing to provide best in class service.Current number of employees: 6Describe how your business has innovated their product/service: We have a few proprietary packs of cauliflower and broccoli that has helped us
Santa Maria Valley Next November 2021: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Santa Maria Valley Next highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. This month, we are highlighting four local high schoolers excelling in the Agriculture & Natural Resources career pathways.Eric Ceja12th Grade, Santa Maria High SchoolEric Ceja, a 12th grader from Santa Maria High School is our Santa Maria Valley Chamber CTE Student of the Month in the Agricultural Science Pathway. He was nominated by
Santa Maria Next October 2021: Business & Finance and Information & Computer Technologies
Santa Maria Valley Next highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. This month, we are highlighting youth excelling in the Business & Finance and Information & Computer Technologies pathways. Business & Finance Pathway Description: Persons trained in fields such as business management, international trade, and various financial services specialties (e.g., accounting, banking, and investing) will
Chamber Launches ''Santa Maria Next'' Program to Highlight Local Students Excelling in Career Pathways
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has partnered with the Santa Barbara County Education Office on "Santa Maria Next", a program that highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. "As a champion for a strong local community, we know that local workforce development is a critical part of a vibrant community," explained Glenn Morris, President/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. "Santa Maria Next gives us