Cover Story
Out of service?
Donna Patché is 72 years old. In 1988, doctors diagnosed the Santa Maria resident with multiple sclerosis, a debilitating auto-immune disease that causes her constant physical pain. With no family to fall back on, she relies on the daily assistance of personal caregivers—whom she calls her “lifeblood”—to provide for her basic needs, such as helping…
The search for meaning
When Samuel Takembaiyee paints in his studio, he doesn’t use an easel. He sits on the floor, paint covering his hands, his clothes. It drips from a cloth nearby while he’s totally engrossed in the process of creation. “I sit on the ground, I want to be so connected to the painting,” Takembaiyee said.…
If you could create a holiday what would it be?
Andrea Serafin mom/student “Something to do with babies and children. Every day is baby day at our house. We’d spend time feeding the ducks. We’d just play and have fun.” Debra Follett (right) domestic goddess “I think Pet Day would be great. I’d take my dogs to the beach and let them go crazy.…
Political Watch 8-13
• On Aug. 5, Santa Maria City Councilwoman Hilda Zacarías—Democrat candidate for California’s 33rd Assembly District—reported raising $20,954 in campaign funds as of June 30. Zacarías has also received endorsements from current and former officials throughout the district, such as Santa Maria City Councilmember Mike Cordero, Morro Bay City Councilmember Noah Smukler, and former Lompoc…
Community Notebook 8-13
TUESDAY, AUG. 18 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Agendas are available at bos-agenda.sbcgov.net. • The Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City…
Hobnobbing with Helen
Success isn’t going to their heads. Even though they’ve raised about 93 percent of the $15 million they’ve targeted for their Cornerstone Campaign, the Marian Medical Center Foundation isn’t slacking off. The foundation held its big annual fundraiser, Waiters’ Night, on Aug. 1, at Tres Hermanas Vineyard and Winery on Foxen Canyon Road. …
From the battlefield to the classroom
Over the past decade, paying for college—and everything that comes with that education—has become a nearly astronomical undertaking. Qualifying members of the U.S. Armed Forces, however, will no longer have to worry about the financial burden associated with a diploma. Effective this month, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will provide money for a college…
Give blood, maybe get a car
United Blood Services of the Central Coast recently selected three local blood donors as finalists in the 2009 Jiffy Lube Drive to Save Lives Prius Giveaway. A total of 20 finalists will be chosen before Oct. 1. And one winner will become the proud owner of a new 2010 Toyota Prius at a special ceremony…
Water main construction causes traffic delays on Blosser Road, Highway 166
Drivers should expect detours and delays while motoring through the intersection of Blosser Road and Main Street (Highway 166), according to a press release from the city of Santa Maria. Construction crews are almost finished with the South Blosser Road water transmission main. Traffic near Main Street and Blosser Road will be routed around…
Former supervisorial aide Armijo’s hearing postponed
A hearing requested by Gil Armijo, former executive staff assistant to Supervisor Joe Centeno (5th District), to dismiss felony perjury charges associated with a DUI case has been continued to Aug. 14, according to court officials. Armijo was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in December 2007, and eventually reached a no-contest…
SEIU Local 620 asks Guadalupe city officials to share the financial burden of furloughs
On Aug. 7, members of SEIU Local 620 announced they would be going before the Guadalupe City Council on Aug. 11 to protest the city’s intent to lay off several employees to compensate for budget shortfalls. As of press time, SEIU Local 620 spokesman Bruce Corsaw said members offered to take 10 percent…
Officials work to contain La Brea Fire
Smoke and ash churned in the skies above Northern Santa Barbara County as the La Brea Fire continued to burn in a remote section of the Los Padres National Forest. As of press time, the fire, which started on Aug. 8, had burned more than 20,000 acres approximately 26 miles east of Santa Maria,…
Murder victim Frederick Holgate is remembered for his ‘goodness of heart’
At an Aug. 10 memorial service honoring 69-year-old Frederick Holgate, Rev. Riz Carrariza called on the Santa Maria faith community to help heal a family torn apart by what appears to be a senseless act of violence. “Only by faith will we be able to understand some of the circumstances that have brought us…
YMCA offers ‘Stepping Stones’ to a good education
Looking for a safe and educational place to send your preschooler? YMCA Stepping Stones Childcare, located in the Betteravia Government Center, and the YMCA Young Children’s Center, located at 3400 Skyway Drive, are now enrolling children ages 2 to 5 years old. The only prerequisite is potty training. Both programs are licensed and accredited…
Allan Hancock College gets recognition for awarding a high number of degrees to Hispanic students
In June, Community College Week magazine ranked Santa Maria’s Allan Hancock College 36th out of more than 50 community colleges for awarding the highest number of degrees to Hispanic students in 2008. The school has ranked among the top 50 in this category for the past seven years, according to a press release from the…
Fall into WEV’s business courses
Women interested in launching, growing, and sustaining a successful business can learn valuable tools and resources at the Women’s Economic Ventures’ fall continuum of programs. The group is currently registering participants for its intensive Self-Employment Training course, which will be held in Santa Maria beginning in September. The class runs for 14 consecutive…
Community Bank posts quarterly figures
Community Bank of Santa Maria released its earnings report for the second quarter of 2009, revealing the mixed-bag state of the local economy. Bank deposits increased 10 percent from June of 2008 to the quarter’s end this year, from $108.2 million to $119 million. The bank’s total assets tallied $135.2 million, up 5 percent…
Pharmacy marks one year
Agewell Pharmacy is celebrating its one-year anniversary. To mark the occasion, the pharmacy will offer 20 percent off vitamins for the entire month of September. Agewell provides patients with access to commercially unavailable dosage forms of medication to better suit individual preferences, needs, and lifestyles. Specializing in chronic pain management, migraines, and arthritis, the…
In support of the Veterans Administration
My recent letter to the editor (“Do veterans deserve socialist health care?” July 30) included such lines as “Let’s save our vets from big government and its socialized medical programs.” and “Patriots! Tell the Veterans’ Administration no more funding.” Those comments, as well as the entire letter, were written tongue-in-cheek and not intended to…
I’ve been well served by veteran health care
To your correspondent who decries our veterans’ health care system as socialized medicine (“Do veterans deserve socialist health care?” July 30), I can only say that as a military widow, I feel very well served by the present combination of Medicare and Tricare for Life for us older ones—“the best insurance in the country,” two…
You choose your health care, and I’ll choose mine
Somehow, I missed the outrageous letter from Jamie Ford of San Luis Obispo, titled “Do veterans deserve socialist health care?” when it first appeared in New Times and the Santa Maria Sun (July 30). While much in it is just cant and nonsense, certain points need a response. If he/she defines veterans health care…
Wrestling club is looking for sign-ups
The Guadalupe Wrestling Club will hold its annual sign-up and registration for the 2009-2010 wrestling season on Sept. 7. The advanced class sessions, for ages 5 to 17, will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The beginning course, for ages 5 to 14, will be held on Tuesdays and…
Club teams to compete in a wood bat tourney
The Santa Maria Baseball Club is hosting a Wood Bat Tournament on Aug. 22 and 23 at Elks Field, sponsored by the Pitchout and the Santa Maria Valley Sportsman’s Association. Six local baseball teams will participate: the High School Wahoos; the Santa Maria Baseball Club and other teams made up of players from Bakersfield…
Locals kart around history
Growing up, I had friends with go-karts that we would drive in their backyards. Twenty mph was so blazing fast, it seemed our hair was on fire. Today, at the Santa Maria Karting Association’s racetrack at the Santa Maria Public Airport, there’s no kart doing less than 50. Some of these guys hit 60,…
Elizabeth Pulido
Thirteen-year-old Elizabeth Pulido is new to Santa Maria, but no stranger to swimming. The eighth grader moved here from Bakersfield with her mother in January, and has been swimming for coach Mike Ashmore and the Santa Maria Swim Club ever since. Coach Ashmore doesn’t mince words about his swimmer: “She’s probably one of the…
Grab a spoon
August boils on, parching throats and inspiring those who harbor a sweet tooth to dip into a little creamy indulgence. If the craving hits and you’re on the Central Coast, you’re in luck, for in the heart of Lompoc you’ll find McConnell’s Ice Cream Café, where staffers dish up a dreamy selection of America’s favorite…
Farmers Markets
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…
Clubs
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, 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…
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 St.…
Health
MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meets the first Monday of each month this year from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Medical Center at 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria. Info: 739-3578. ONGOING SYCAMORE MINERAL SPRINGS HEALING ARTS INSTITUTE offers a range of classes including yoga and…
Art
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the art exhibit “FLOW,” featuring the paintings of Barbara Alloway, showing through Aug. 31 at the gallery, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117. THE LOMPOC MUSEUM presents the exhibit “A Sweet Pea Centennial: 100 Years of Growing Sweet Peas in Lompoc” in the Centeno…
Learning
THE LIGIA DANTES FOUNDATION presents a “Brain Fitness Revisited Seminar with Ms. Dantes” on Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Nipomo. Info: 343-2582. THE VALLEY OF THE FLOWERS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST presents a wellness program titled “You Can Balance Your Life” on Aug. 16 at 11:15 a.m. at 3354 Constellation…
Recreation
THE LOMPOC POLICE DEPARTMENT offers a summer golf program on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 19 at Ryon Park, at the Village Country Club, Lompoc. Info: 875-8155 or lompocpal.com. THE CITY OF LOMPOC PARKS, RECREATIONS, AND URBAN FORESTRY DEPARTMENT offers a “Yoga-Stretch and Strength” class meeting Tuesdays Sept. 8 to 29; and Thursdays through…
Kids & Family
THE DISCOVERY MUSEUM presents “Twilight Thursdays” on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring free programs: “Bollywood Craft and Dance” on Aug. 13 and “Smarty Crafts” on Aug. 20 at the museum, 705 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 928-8414 or smvdiscoverymuseum.org. THE CALIFORNIA STARS COAST announced softball league tryouts for 12U and 14U divisions…
Dance Lessons
THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH Recreation Division Community Development Department presents dance lessons in salsa and Latin American dance, ballroom dance, hula and ori, and tap dance are offered weekly through August at the Pismo and Shell Beach Veteran’s Halls. Cost is $5 to $10 per class, and $20 to $40 per month. Info: 773-7063…
Stage
THE NIPOMO RECREATION YOUTH THEATRE presents its production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Aug. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Nipomo High School’s Olympic Hall, Nipomo. Cost is $8, $5 for kids, $1 discount for those wearing Aladdin attire. Info: 929-1583. PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The Spitfire Grill through Aug.23 in…
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 CLUB 805, AKA STINKY’S BAR & GRILL: 2430 South Broadway, 614-9316. DJ Davey D Saturday nights. THE COACHMAN: 1531 S. Broadway, 922-5556. Thursday through Saturday: DJ from…
Concerts
THE LOMPOC PUBLIC LIBRARY presents Jazz at the Library on Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. featuring Clam Chowder at 501 E. North Ave., Lompoc. Info: 875-8788. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART presents the Music Academy of the West Concert Series featuring recitals ranging from Renaissance to contemporary on Aug.…
Special Events
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PARKS presents free outdoor movies featuring a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean at World’s End on Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Ryon Park in Lompoc. A screening of The Rocketeer is Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at Waller Park in Santa Maria. Info: 568-2461 or SBParks.org. THE LUIS OASIS…
Make art in Los Alamos
The C Gallery in Los Alamos is enrolling the next semester of art classes. The classes are Wednesday or Thursday mornings or Wednesday evenings for three hours, with a continental breakfast break for the morning sessions. The semester will explore “Beginning Drawing and Art Making” and is open to only five people per class.…
Celebrate Year of the Priests
St. Mary of the Assumption Church is celebrating the Year of the Priests by featuring a one-man play by Aldyth Morris, Damien, performed by Casey Groves. The show is also in honor of Fr. Damien De Veuster’s canonization in Rome, set for Oct. 11, 2009. Pope Benedict XVI called for the Year of the…
Something’s cooking
Starting over is a theme that resonates with everyone at one time or other. It’s an irresistible urge for some—to drop everything, release the past, and begin fresh. It could be a necessity, or, for others, a hopeless dream. At the intangible intersection of where hope both exists and is gone lies a town…
