April Chavez

2 weeks ago | santamariatimes.com | April Chavez

Hundreds of friends and family gathered to celebrate the 2025 graduating class of Delta High School on a sunny afternoon Wednesday. With burgundy caps and gowns rippling in the breeze, nearly 200 of the approximately 300 graduates walked proudly across the field at Righetti High School, cheered on by loved ones and teachers. Despite a late start, the energy was high as students waved excitedly to their families, posed for last-minute photos, and laughed as they found their seats for the ceremony.

2 weeks ago | santamariatimes.com | April Chavez

Firefighters responded early Wednesday morning to a second carport fire in Santa Maria in as many weeks, the latest in a series of suspicious fires that have prompted an investigation into possible arson. According to Santa Maria Fire Marshal Jim Austin, crews were dispatched at 6:35 a.m. to the fire behind an apartment complex at 211 West Lolita Ln., where they found two fully involved vehicles ablaze in a carport located in the alley.

2 weeks ago | santamariatimes.com | April Chavez

Dr. Jack Garvin, a dedicated educator and longtime public servant in Santa Maria, died Sunday at the age of 90. Garvin, who retired from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education in 2022 after two decades of service, was described as leaving a lasting impact on the region through his work in education, civic development, small business, and community programs. His death marks the passing of a man whose son, Jack Garvin Jr., described as a “tireless kind of dude ...

2 weeks ago | santamariatimes.com | April Chavez

As the Santa Barbara County Fair approaches next month, a local nonprofit is working hard behind the scenes to make sure young livestock exhibitors don’t walk away empty-handed — and that thousands of pounds of high-quality protein make their way to those who need it most. The 37th District Buyers Coalition, a volunteer-run nonprofit, is leading efforts to raise funds for livestock purchases at the fair.

2 weeks ago | santamariatimes.com | April Chavez

A creative summer awaits Santa Maria’s youth as Youth ARTS Alive returns for its eighth year, offering five weeks of free performing and visual arts classes for children and teens ages 8 to 18. Running from June 16 to July 18, the program will be hosted at three locations across the city: the Minami Community Center (600 West Enos Dr.), Newlove Community Building (1619 South Thornburg St.), and Grogan Community Center (1155 W. Rancho Verde).