Cover Story
State of the union
These guys are basically thugs. They’re borderline criminals.” “The stuff they’ve been doing is harassment.” “They would go to people’s homes after dark.” “What they’re doing is blackmail.” These were just a few of the opinions—those that were fit to print anyway—voiced by local business owners who’ve dealt with Camarillo-based Carpenters Local 150. Exactly what…
How do you feel about Daylight Saving Time?
Gerald Danilewicz musician “I hate it. I hate losing an hour of sleep. I wish it were summer all year long because I love those long days.” Kelsey Johnson student “I have work in the morning, so I don’t like waking up and it is still dark outside.” Murphey Loredo CNA “It’s O.K. I’m looking…
Political Watch 3.18
On March 9, the Lompoc Police Officers Association announced in a press release its endorsement of Joshua Lynn for Santa Barbara County District Attorney. The endorsement is based on a membership poll. Lynn is running against senior deputy district attorney Joyce Dudley to fill the position, which was vacated earlier this year by Christie Stanley…
Community Notebook 3.18
FRIDAY, MARCH 19 • The Santa Maria City/County Coalition for the Homeless has its regular meeting from 10 a.m. to noon at the Betteravia Government Center conference room, 511 East Lakeside Parkway. • The Lompoc City/County Coalition for the Homeless has its regular meeting from noon to 1 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors…
State Parks officials defend a costly dune buggy
At the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, where off-road enthusiasts are welcome and park authorities have arresting powers, there’s a high premium on specialty vehicles that can quickly, but safely, maneuver through sandy terrain. Enter the Funco “Big 5,” a custom dune buggy employed by California State Parks to keep up with even the…
Run to prevent disaster
The Santa Barbara County Chapter of the American Red Cross is asking the public for help in garnering funds by joining Plus3 Network, a social group that connects organizations and donors through personal fitness and donations. Now the general public will have another reason to keep their gym membership valid since those that record their…
Correction
In the Sun’s March 11 sports feature, “Training day,” Monte’ Nash’s coaching timeline at Righetti High School was misreported. Nash worked first as a strength and conditioning coach with Righetti’s football team in 2007, brought in by then-Warriors’ assistant coach J.T. Stone. Righetti head football coach Gary Wilson noticed a drop in the athletes’ 40-meter…
Hey, big spender!
Over the past decade, Pacific Gas and Electric Company spent more on political candidates, ballot measures, and lobbyists than Chevron Corporation, Philip Morris USA, or the Western States Petroleum Association, according to the Fair Political Practices Commission. In its report, “Big Money Talks,” the commission detailed the top 15 spenders in California between January 2000…
The state deems three Santa Maria-Bonita elementary schools ‘low performing’
Santa Maria-Bonita School District officials are looking for answers regarding the inclusion of three district campuses on a California Department of Education list of “low-performing” schools. According to Department of Education records, Adam, Alvin, and Oakley schools are three of the more than 180 California elementary schools in need of state intervention because of poor…
Lucia Mar Unified School District sends preliminary layoff notices to dozens of staff members
More than 70 Lucia Mar Unified School District employees are going to be seeing pink soon. On March 2, the district school board voted 6-1, with board member Georgie O’Connor dissenting, to issue pink slips to dozens of credentialed and classified employees, including 50 teachers. The district oversees most schools in southern San Luis Obispo…
See Hancock program in 3D
Want to learn about Allan Hancock College’s applied design and media program? A public service announcement (PSA) produced by the program’s students is airing through April 2 on KCOY TV channel 12. According to Hancock officials, the PSA is the result of a competition among student groups within the college’s intermediate motion graphics class. The…
County education grants help local schools fund special projects
The Santa Barbara County Office of Education recently awarded grants for classroom projects to a handful of Santa Maria-Bonita School District teachers, the district announced in its monthly newsletter. The grants, which range from $500 to $1,000, will help teachers develop philanthropic, research, and learning projects for their students. • At Ontiveros Elementary School, students…
Nominate a great farmer
The 37th District Agricultural Association is accepting nominations for people who’ve made important contributions to Santa Barbara County’s agricultural industry until April 16. The winners will be announced at the group’s Agricultural Recognition Awards at the opening day ceremony of the Santa Barbara County Fair, held on July 14. Categories include Agri-Business Person of the…
Wine competition expands
The Central Coast Wine Competition, an eight-year-old event showcasing some of the finest wines produced locally, has announced that it’s expanding its geographical growing area. The competition will now include all of the Central Coast American Viticultural Area, spanning from Santa Barbara County to the San Francisco Bay Area, and Ventura County. The AVA includes…
Easter Bunny visits the mall
Everybody’s favorite bunny is hopping by the Town Center mall to visit with children starting March 19. The Easter Bunny will make his appearance at a springtime garden on the mall’s lower level Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until April 3 (excluding a daily break from 3 to 3:30). Visits are…
No one is entitled to education
A sign promoting the March 4 National Day of Action to Defend Education contained two statements: Education is a Human Right; and Resist, Mobilize, and Transform. The first is false—education is not a human right. We are not born with it; we or our parents earn it! The second, a trio of commands, is contrary…
Study cowboy ethics and vaquero culture
Santa Barbara County, in its present boundary, is actually a parcel within a rich territory of history that has as a foundation the lifestyle of western ranching, sometimes called the ethics of the cowboy or the culture of the vaquero. On Saturday, March 6, two local documentary producers—Susan Jensen and Paul Singer of Santa Barbara—screened…
Supervisors must reduce dunes pollution
The San Luis Obispo Health Commission took a bold, heroic step at its March 8 meeting, regarding the APCD Phase 2 Study. It passed two motions to advise the Board of Supervisors to do everything possible to stop the health-threatening air pollution from the ODSVRA immediately, and to inform the public about the dangers. Among…
Too many Americans are ignorant and lazy
Regarding the American Party commentary (“Think of the country, not the party,” March 11): The Republican Party is closer to honoring our Constitution than the Democrat Party, though it can share plenty of the blame for the present grotesque situation. Voters must not tolerate candidates who, when questioned, mouth generalities and platitudes (e.g., Obama, though…
Meghan Zimmer
People seem to enjoy leaving an impression on their alma maters—witness the bounty of scratched names on the imitation pinewood desks. But that’s not how it is for San Diego State Freshman Meghan Zimmer who, just a few weeks ago, set a meet record at the Mountain West Conference Championships in the 500 free, which…
Flag days
Every Sunday, like he’s done for the past 10 years, Joe Richards transforms 1,800 square yards of prime beach real estate next to Pismo Beach’s Sand Castle Inn into a gridiron battle zone. Richards is founder and commissioner of the four-on-four California Flag Football League, an organization boasting players from all over the Central Coast.…
Low-speed autocross hits Lompoc
The Vapor Trail Vettes of Santa Maria are hosting a low-speed autocross at Allan Hancock College’s Lompoc campus on March 27. All makes and models of cars are welcome, but drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Registration and tech inspections will take place from 7:30 to 8:30…
Marian to hold annual golf tourney
Golf enthusiasts are invited to tee off in support of community health care for the 21st annual Leland “Butch” Simas and Felix Fly, M.D., Memorial Golf Tournament on March 29. Hosted by the Marian Medical Center Foundation, the tournament will be held at the Santa Maria Country Club. All proceeds will benefit Marian’s Cornerstone Campaign…
Amateur boxers fight at Minami
The Police Activities League will be hosting nine bouts of local amateur boxing on March 20 at the Minami Community Center, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets to the event cost $10 per person with all proceeds going to the local PAL program. The Minami Center is at 600 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria. For…
Simply tasteful
If digging into freshly made, gourmet goodies while lounging in the living room sounds too good to be true, prepare for a happy surprise. Thanks to Tastefully Simple, even busy moms and recipe-challenged bachelors can enjoy fine dining without ever leaving the comfort of home. For 15 years, consultants for Minnesota-based Tastefully Simple, a direct…
Clubs & Meetings
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC. OF SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Altrusa Theatre of the…
Spiritual
BAHA’I interfaith worship services are the second Sunday of each month. Info: 489-4172. Children’s classes are the first Saturday of each month. Info: 937-9451. Study circles about The Life of the Spirit are ongoing in Santa Maria. For questions, dates, and times: 614-0963. Info: 937-9451. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH holds worship services Sundays with Holy Communion…
Farmers Market
SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and bee pollen, breads and pastries, plants and flower bouquets, fresh fruits and vegetables. ORCUTT Corner of Clark and Bradley, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh honey, flowers, and eggs, along with fresh fruits and…
Barbecues
ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include tri-tip, chicken, beef kabobs, chicken adobo, salad, rice, and bread. Meals cost $6. Info: 922-3422 or 922-3799. FILIPINO CATHOLIC SOCIETY, under the direction of St. Mary’s Church and…
Health
SANSUM CLINIC offers a diabetes and pre-diabetes nutrition class March 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost is $10. Sansum Clinic is located 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Info: 737-8700. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meeting the first Monday of each month this year from 4 to 6…
Art
THE TOWN CENTER GALLERY presents pastel artist Martin Johnsen demonstrating his art on March 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 321 Santa Maria Town Center West, suite B-6, Santa Maria. The gallery currently features the exhibit “Beauty Is …” at 321 Town Center West, Santa Maria. Info: bangel4123@aol.com or 934-5152. ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents…
Learning
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL and the Allan Hancock College Early Childhood Studies Department are sponsoring a Child Abuse Prevention Academy on March 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Allan Hancock College Forum, Santa Maria. Info: 346-8356 or j.thomas@sbcsocialserv.org. THE LIGIA DANTES FOUNDATION presents “Understanding the Universe, Understanding Ourselves: A…
Recreation
WISDOM ISLAND presents “pSychic Saturday” March 20 and 27 with James M. Spaces from noon to 6 p.m. at Wisdom Island, 505 Orchard H, Nipomo. Info: 929-2074 or wisdomisland@gmail.com. ONGOING A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE with four-on-four teams, no contact, is every Sunday at the beach in front of the…
Kids & Family
ADVENTURES IN LEARNING PRESCHOOL hosts a free “Story and Sing-A-Long Hour” the first Monday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. at the preschool, 145 Verbena St., Nipomo. Info: 929-1889. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SAN LUIS OBISPO ART CENTER offers After School Kids Classes Mondays through Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m., at…
Dance Lessons
ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and Thursdays in Grover Beach. Info: 709-4686 or BlueMoonHaven.com. COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE CLASSES by Jeannette and Henry are Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. for country two-step lessons and from 8 to 9 p.m.…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its eighth year of “InterPlay: The Stage Between,” featuring a reading of Shipwrecked March 20 and 21 at 2 p.m. and a reading of Tender playing March 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. in the Severson Theatre, Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Cost is $16 for one reading, $12…
Night Life
The following venues offer either regularly scheduled live entertainment or DJ-hosted dance music. Most performances start after 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. IN THE AREA ADDAMO VINEYARD/TASTING ROOM: 400 E. Clark Ave., suite E, Santa Maria, 937-6400. Live music Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. CLUB 805, AKA STINKY’S BAR & GRILL: 2430 South Broadway,…
Concerts
THE SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY and the Santa Maria Town Center present “Jeweled Sky Music: Celtic Music with Jill Poulos” in concert on March 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Macy’s Court Stage, Santa Maria Town Center, Broadway and Main Street, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0412 or georgem@impulse.net. WORTH THE DRIVE THE…
Special Events
CAMP FIRE USA celebrates its 100th anniversary with a dinner/dance event on March 19 at the Edwards Barn in Nipomo. Info: 481-5618 or symccarthy2955@sbcglobal.net. PCPA THEATERFEST’S costume shop is holding a Spring Sale featuring a wide assortment of production costumes on March 19 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and March 20 from 9 a.m. to…
Math wars
When I come home from work each day, I walk right into the middle of a battlefield. On one side stands my son: tall, good-looking, 13 years old. When he’s not being sarcastic, he’s mumbling, rendering communication with him quite difficult. On the opposing side is my wife, whom I love: beautiful, loving, intelligent, has…
All can audition
The Temple of the People is holding auditions for “All Are Welcome Here,” a celebration of cultural and religious diversity, from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 28 at Hiawatha Lodge, 3065 Temple St., in Halcyon. Singers, dancers, and musicians are needed and must bring a prepared piece to the audition. The performance will be…
Painting in pastels
Pastel artist Martin Johnsen will give a free demonstration of pastel painting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on March 19 at 321 Santa Maria Town Center West, suite B-6. Johnsen has been involved in the local art scene since his days at Allan Hancock College—from a scenic artist at PCPA to picture framing, gallery directing,…
Vandenberg namesake profiled
The namesake of Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Maria hasn’t been forgotten. General Hoyt Sanford Vandenberg is just one of 524 military heroes profiled in a recently published book, In Their Honor: The Men Behind the Names of Our Military Installations. Vandenberg was also director of the Central Intelligence Agency, U.S. chief of military…
Elementary, dear readers
Farah Shaw finds it hard to resist a good mystery. And her favorite has always been that quintessential detective, Sherlock Holmes—so much so, she’s written a series based on the king of deduction. “I wanted to write a book that re-introduced this generation of readers to Sherlock Holmes,” she explained. “I wanted to write about…
Pi in your eye
Pi Day came and went. March 14 has become known as Pi Day for math enthusiasts because of its relation to the math constant of the same name, which is 3.14, the first three numbers you get by dividing the circumference of a circle by its diameter. If you think of our calendar as a…
