Some cities on the Central Coast are cutting jobs to close budget gaps, but one is actually taking applications. The Santa Maria Fire Department is looking for 14 new employees. Officials say they are recruiting nine firefighters, one deputy chief, two fire prevention officers, and one office staff. They also add that they are expecting hundreds of applications for each opening. Funding for the new hires comes from voter-approved measure U, a one-quarter-cent sales tax increase to fund public safety services in the city.
