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Trying to beat the heat
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Reasons for optimism
SM chamber helping small businesses despite loss of big tourism events By JORGE MERCADO NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
Like every city in Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria has had a tough go of it this year due to the novel coronavirus. Normal big time summer events like the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, the Santa Barbara County Fair and the West Coast Kustoms Car Show bring in a ton of tourism, and in turn money, to the city every year. Though these events have been canceled, the city remains optimistic about the future of its local economy. “What gives me hope is we haven’t seen mass closures yet. We have seen one or two close their doors but it hasn’t been anywhere near the level that I think everybody was afraid of three
or four months ago,” Glenn D. Morris, president and CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, told the News-Press. “That doesn’t mean it’s not coming, but that’s where we have to step in and tell businesses that if they are struggling, reach out to us now before it’s too late.” Mr. Morris has been a part of the chamber since 2014 and has focused on economic development for the majority of his career. As a result, Mr. Morris knows the bind businesses are in, but he also knows the commerce is doing everything it can to help them out. “We really do everything we can to connect them to local resources to help them… The challenge there is that I think so many of our businesses are just putting their head down, trying to get through Please see chamber on A7
RAFAEL MALDONADO / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS
Beachgoers try to beat the heat on Friday afternoon at East Beach, some of them finding shade under awnings.
Locals and tourists alike take to the Santa Barbara waterfront during heatwave By JOSH GREGA NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
The South Coast heat wave continues. After a picturesque Friday afternoon along Santa Barbara’s waterfront saw dozens flock to the beach, the hot conditions will continue today. Today’s high in the city is 94 degrees, which follows a day in the upper 80s on Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Oxnard. In efforts to cope with the heat, plenty of people took advantage of the hot weather to spend the afternoon at East Beach. Though it’s expected to be even hotter today, several individuals who spoke to the News-Press on Friday said they’ll likely be at the beach again today rather than indoors by an air conditioner. Some at East Beach were out-oftowners who came to Santa Barbara Please see HEAT on A8
NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO
A total of $19 million has been devoted to install access for inspection of the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge on State Route 154 as part of the more than $1.6 billion allocated by the California Transportation Commission for transportation projects.
$1.6B allocated for transportation projects By MITCHELL WHITE NEWS-PRESS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
A group of beachgoers at East Beach on Friday afternoon try to beat the heat by taking a swim in the 64 degree ocean water.
Groups of locals and tourists enjoyed a day at the beach during the first day of the heatwave.
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Millions of dollars have been devoted to local roadway projects as part of the more than $1.6 billion recently allocated by the California Transportation Commission for transportation projects. The CTC announced the allocation Thursday, which will include $1.3 billion dedicated to State Highway Operation and Protection Program projects, which is Caltrans “fix-it-first” program aimed at preserving the condition of the state highway system, according to officials. A total of $42 million will be allocated to rehabilitate Highway 101 near Summerland from north of the Padaro Lane overcrossing to north of Sheffield Avenue. The project will replace pavement and guardrails, widen the highway shoulders and upgrade drainage systems. Some $19 million has been tabbed for the 101 overcrossing at the interchange with State Route
135 in Los Alamos, which will address the deteriorated bridge deck. An additional $19 million will be used to install access for inspection of the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge on State Route 154. The project will include painting the bridge to prevent further erosion, as well as a protective coating to the steel. “Our maintenance and construction crews remain hard at work improving California’s transportation infrastructure,” Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin said in a statement. “This investment allows the department to continue making critical repairs and upgrades while also serving as an economic driver by helping create thousands of new jobs.” The CTC also approved more than $118 million in funds to rail and mass transit projects, including freight, intercity rail and bus services. The allocation will expand access to public transportation and is aimed Please see caltrans on A7
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