By Dave Alley - email

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Caltrans has announced the public can review a Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study for a safety project to realign the existing compound curve on northbound U.S. Highway 101 with a single radius curve south of the rest areas in Gaviota.

The public may review the study beginning Wednesday, May 22 at the following locations:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Small Business Administration is taking steps to help veterans borrow money to start businesses.

According to the SBA in a release: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is announcing today the SBA Veteran Pledge Initiative, a commitment by its top national, regional and community lenders to collectively increase their lending activity to veterans by five percent per year for the next five years.

Oftentimes, veterans face challenges in raising capital or have trouble receiving a conventional loan. With the support of SBA's top 20 national lending partners, and approximately 100 additional regional and community lending partners across the United States, SBA expects to assist an additional 2,000 veterans obtain loans to start or expand small businesses by increasing lending by $475 million over the next five years.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - The Hospice of San Luis Obispo is offering several support options for those who are in need. According to the group, "Hospice of San Luis Obispo" offers support groups that meet to provide emotional support and education about grief and life threatening illnesses. Support group meetings are offered according to the needs of the community. Groups are offered without charge.

Pet Loss Support - Mondays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Group runs through July 1, 2013. No meeting on May 27, 2013.
Hospice of SLO County office 1304 Pacific St., SLO

General Grief - Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
New Life Church, 990 James Way, Pismo Beach

General Grief - Tuesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Hospice of SLO County Office, 1304 Pacific St., SLO

Bereaved Parents Support - Wednesdays, 9 a.m.