Editorial: Chamber chief ‘hatched’ Santa Maria recovery
Bob Hatch has the sort of practical wisdom that is very rare in today’s charged political environment. He has been increasingly frustrated at the no-growth politics of the county that seemed to stymie every effort to promote jobs and opportunity for the Santa Maria Valley.
Santa Maria chamber CEO Bob Hatch to retire
Bob Hatch is retiring after 20 years as president and CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the largest business group in North Santa Barbara County.
Developers back out of deal to buy Santa Maria parcels from Limoneira
Two housing developments in Santa Maria are back on the market after a potential buyer backed out of an $8.3 million deal with Limoneira Co.
Heritage Oaks to cut 60 jobs as Mission Community deal closes
With its $56 million acquisition of Mission Community Bancorp, Heritage Oaks will shutter branches along the Central Coast in coming months and lay off about 60 employees in several phases.
Crossroads Center developer sues Best Buy over growth plans
In a suit filed last month in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, developer Santa Maria Associates 101 is suing Best Buy Stores and asking a court to affirm its rights to develop new pads in the center, which is located at Highway 101 and East Betteravia Road.
Nipomo oil refinery fight bubbles over
A fight over expansion at an oil refinery near Nipomo has taken shape, with the source of new oil and a potential clash between federal and county regulation of railroads emerging as key issues.
