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Allan Hancock College Trains Today's Workforce for Tomorrow's Jobs

Students eating their homework? That is what freshmen and sophomores at Allan Hancock College will be doing if they enroll in the community college’s culinology program. “Culinology blends culinary arts, nutrition and food science into one field,” says Ginger Lordus, family and consumer sciences program coordinator at Allan Hancock College. “With the explosion in food technology, careers in this new field are booming. Plus, consumers are demanding more gourmet foods these days, as well as... Read More »

Accessibility, Affordability Lure Newcomers

Some folks may still figure if you’re going to be in California you’re either in Northern California or Southern California – but Santa Maria is quickly proving that there's magic "in the middle." It’s affordable by California standards and accessible, and people are starting to notice. It’s almost exactly midway between Los Angeles and Monterey, with San Francisco a bit farther north; the resort towns of Santa Barbara and Solvang and Gilroy are a day-tripper’s dream. “You can go to the... Read More »

Marian Medical Center Grows to Meet Patient Needs

As the saying goes, you want to avoid hospitals – too many sick people there. Even so, Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria is good for what ails you. The Sisters of St. Francis founded Marian nearly 70 years ago and have pursued compassion since. Key values are dignity, collaboration, justice, stewardship and excellence. The sisters who originally brought the hospital to Santa Maria are still affiliated with the facility, though Catholic Healthcare West, the largest not-for-profit healthcare... Read More »