Santa Maria

Man injured in bicycle, car collision

A 51-year-old bicyclist was injured when he slammed into a car that turned in front of him about 5 p.m. Saturday, Santa Maria police said.

Efren Cuevas, of Santa Maria, was eastbound in the 500 block of Hidden Pines Way when Courtney Crain, 22, of Santa Maria, turned her vehicle into the man's path as she entered a gated residential area, according to police.

The bicyclist fell to the ground after striking the side of Crain's 1994 Mazda 626 vehicle.

Cuevas was transported to Marian Medical Center for treatment of a broken wrist and a head injury, police said.

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Nipomo

Name of spilled substance released

The substance spilled Friday afternoon at a business in the 300 block of Cuyama Lane has been identified as calcium carbonate.

The spill was reported at 4:15 p.m., a hazardous materials team went to the scene, and emergency responders left by 7:45 p.m., according to Cal Fire officials.

A 5-gallon container of calcium carbonate powder spilled, and when mixed with water, formed a gas-like substance, reported Cal Fire.

An area 1,000 feet around the business was evacuated until the substance could be identified.

Calcium carbonate, which occurs in nature as chalk and limestone, often is used in the construction and agricultural industries.

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Santa Maria

Mall to celebrate Day of the Dead

The 14th Annual Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration will occur from Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 at the Santa Maria Town Center.

The exhibit, which is presented by the Mexican American Scholarship Cultural and Recreational Association, is inspired by a Mexican tradition where families visit the graves of deceased loved ones and build altars at home in their honor.

The public is invited to the free event located on the upper level in store space that most recently housed Steve and Barry's. Organizers encourage anyone who wants to honor a loved one to place a picture on the community altar.

- From staff reports