Cover Story
The man who whispers to teens
Imagine a family in crisis: The teenage son has become increasingly defiant since his parents’ divorce. Once a straight-A student, he’s started sneaking out at night to party with friends. When his mother confronts him about it, the son becomes irate and threatens her physically. At the end of her rope, the mother pleads with…
Do you feel it’s right that California is spending more on the prison system than on the education system?
Morgan Marcil student “It seems backwards, especially being a student with the tuition always increasing and classes being cancelled. California shouldn’t spend more money on people who have done wrong when they are people like me trying to become better citizens.” Nicole Kelly server “It is a good thing that we keep people from who…
Political Watch 3.11
U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) has endorsed Hilda Zacarias’s campaign for the open 33rd Assembly District seat being vacated by Sam Blakeslee. The Congresswoman’s office announced the endorsement in a press release on March 3. “I am pleased to offer Hilda my endorsement. Throughout her life, she has shown a commitment to improving her…
Community Notebook 3.11
TUESDAY, MARCH 16 • 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 santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City…
Hobnobbing with Helen
It was Dancing With the Stars, Santa Maria style. As soon as the band Unfinished Business unleashed its powerful sounds, the Radisson ballroom dance floor was immediately flooded with gyrating guests. The Orcutt Children’s Art Foundation (OCAF) Annual Gala (a $100-a-plate event) occurred Friday evening, Feb. 26, at the scene of all the fancy footwork.…
She walks with a purpose
When Jeana Moore’s granddaughter Jada Bascom was just five months old, doctors informed the little girl’s parents she’d need a bone marrow transplant to survive. Diagnosed with leukemia at birth, Jada had already required four chemotherapy treatments—and time was running out. After two months on the donor waiting list, doctors found her match on the…
They can, but can they?
On a cold, wet Wednesday, the Sun showed up at the gates of Vandenberg Air Force Base to talk to some folks who were protesting against nuclear arms, the weaponization of space, and, more recently, ID checks for protestors. There was just one slight problem: the people the Sun had shown up to interview were…
The hardest working cats in the biz
Live on a large, pastoral plot? Having a bit of a rodent infestation problem? Can’t afford to hire a professional to get rid of the little pests? Think of this as a letter of recommendation. Santa Barbara County Animal Services is looking for people to take in feral and semi-feral cats. These felines, which have…
Local dog wins best in breed at Westminster
When it comes to dog shows, he knows how to walk the line. Central Coast Brussels Griffon Champion Cashin’s Walk the Line—better known as Johnny—recently won Best in Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club 2010 Dog Show. According to his breeder and owner, Felicia Cashin of San Luis Obispo, Johnny “performed marvelously in the Toy…
Santa Maria Police Department invites public to monthly gang forum
Continuing its efforts to improve public safety, the Santa Maria Police Department will host another community gang forum on March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center in Santa Maria. To kick off the forum, the Santa Maria Police Department Gang Suppression Team will give a presentation on gangs and gang activity…
Let’s talk about pot
Guadalupe City Council members planned to hold a public meeting March 9 to discuss the possibility of placing a permanent ban on opening medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits. The council had yet to take a permanent stand against dispensaries that open up shop in their town. It did, however, place an almost one-year moratorium…
Local schools band together in defense of education funding
On March 4, students, teachers, and even some parents papered local streets and schools with flyers urging supporters to defend education funding from even more drastic cuts. Local members of the California Teachers Association held signs and passed out informational pamphlets to parents as they dropped their children off at several Santa Maria and Orcutt…
Santa Barbara Bank celebrates 50 years
Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, the largest regional community bank in Santa Barbara County, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Louis Lancaster, Reuben Irvin, and Ralph Raddue founded the bank in 1960. The trio established the first branch at 20 East Carrillo St. in Santa Barbara, which now serves as the bank’s main branch.…
Game over for MotionZ
After more than five years operating in Santa Maria’s Town Center mall, laser tag and family entertainment center MotionZ will close its doors for good on March 28. Mary Alice and George Majoue opened MotionZ in November 2004 to provide an environment for families and teens to enjoy themselves. The entertainment center had been slated…
Expand your psychic horizons
Enlightenment, a new spirituality shop in Santa Maria, will be celebrating its grand opening with courses in psychic development on March 20. The store will be offering half-off discounts of $150 for four classes. Attendees will learn how to attune their spirit through direct messages from loved ones and through enhanced psychic meditation and to…
Santa Maria Saints win one jazzy award
Sound the trumpets—or, rather, saxophones: Santa Maria High School advanced jazz ensemble won first place at the 27th annual Central Coast Jazz Festival, held on Feb. 27 at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. The Santa Maria Saints also won Best Saxophones, Best Trombones, Best Trumpets, and Best Rhythm Section; and Luke Rodriguez won Best…
Hancock instructor wins award for education excellence
For the second year in a row, an Allan Hancock College instructor has received the prestigious California Community College Association for Occupational Education Excellence in Teaching Award. This year, the honor went to Julie Kuras, the college’s nursing assistant programs coordinator and health sciences department chair. A nurse and educator for almost 30 years, Kuras…
Alex Grandy
Pioneer Valley wrestler Alex Grandy is ready for his close-up. By virtue of a fourth place finish in the state finals in Bakersfield on March 6, Grandy qualified for the prestigious National Wrestling Championships. The senior won five of seven matches at state, punching his ticket to Virginia Beach for March 25 to 28. “I…
Training day
You can tell which athletes are driven. They’re the ones out there on the field, day in and day out, even in the rain, getting every last ounce of effort from their bodies. More often these days, players who want to go the extra mile can turn to strength and conditioning coaches to get the…
Fish for trout in Cachuma
The Cachuma Lake Nature Center is getting ready for its big event of the year, the 15th annual Trout Derby on April 17 and 18. For those who want to fine tune their fishing skills, the center is holding an Adult Fishing Workshop on March 20 from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is…
Swim laps in Lompoc
If you love water and are looking for a relaxing and strengthening way to work out, the Lompoc Aquatic Center has lap swims available for a small fee. Enjoy the center’s indoor recreation and competition pools and relax after a stressful day at work. The program is geared toward adults; youth participation is allowed, but…
Try Tri-For-Fun
Always wanted to do a triathlon but don’t know where to start? The Santa Maria Valley YMCA is gearing up for its annual Tri-For-Fun triathlon on April 24. The event gives first timers a chance to complete their first triathlon and is a way to kick off the season for the experienced tri-athlete. The Tri-For-Fun…
Show Democrats the door in November
Obama and the Left are failing at every turn, yet they complain that Conservatives only criticize and never offer solutions. Interesting, considering they themselves are the undeniable masters of criticism and their only solutions involve unprecedented spending, massive deficits, ruinous debt, and higher taxes. Blinded by their ideology and hatred of all things Conservative, these…
Think of the country, not the party
Our governments are in dire need of rehabilitation: our dysfunctional state government and, in particular, our federal government. The U.S. Constitution, which is the blueprint for our form of government, is very good. The primary problem with the way our government functions is our elected officials, the so-called “politicians.” Instead of taking care of our…
Riverbench gets green recognition
Just in time for the season of emerald green hills, hats, and beer, a local organization has announced the winners of its coveted Green Business certification. An official nod to companies that serve as models of sustainability, this certification is available to offices, restaurants, hotels, and retailers. The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County,…
PCPA needs you
PCPA Theaterfest has launched the 2010 Scholarship Appeal campaign with the goal of raising $150,000 by June 30. PCPA hopes the money can help offset the $500,000 in scholarships it awards to promising young artists each year. This summer, nearly 200 gifted actors, designers, and technicians will descend on the Central Coast from points all…
Solvang preserves the country
The city of Solvang recently celebrated its official, federally recognized “Preserve America Community” designation from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The Solvang Convention and Visitors Bureau started the process to become a “Preserve America Community” nearly two years ago. A group of community organizations and their members, called Preserve Solvang Visionary Leaders, formed to…
In the PINK
The C Gallery in Los Alamos is calling for art/fashion submissions for the PINK show, opening April 17. Art submissions should relate to the idea or the color of pink. A painting, sculpture, designed garment, or collage may express “tickled pink,” but it doesn’t necessarily have to have the color pink in the work. Submissions…
Talent night
When it comes to talent, one thing is clear: American Idol missed some, because Santa Maria has plenty. It was all on display at the Santa Maria Veteran’s Hall on a recent weekend. The event, Santa Maria Has Talent, brought out dozens of dancers, singers, and comedians from all over the Central Coast—but only one…
Range of motion
For weeks, Allan Hancock College dance students have been breaking in their dance shoes and learning the limits of what the human body can do in preparation for the dance program’s Dance Spectrum, showing March 17 to 21 in the Marian Theater on campus. The show has students logging dozens of toe-tapping hours in addition…
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 Monday 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 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…
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 essentials class on March 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. A diabetes and pre-diabetes nutrition class is 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…
Art
THE LOMPOC MUSEUM presents the exhibit “Desperate Land,” featuring the photographs of Betsy Weiner March 14 through May 30 in the museum’s Centeno Gallery, 200 South H St., Lompoc. An opening reception is March 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Info: 736-3888 or lompocmuseum@verizon.net. THE LOMPOC VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION presents local photographer Robert Hamilton’s exhibition…
Learning
WORTH THE DRIVE THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, Santa Barbara Chapter, presents a volunteer orientation on March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara County Chapter Headquarters, 2707 State St., Santa Barbara. Info: 687-1331 or sbredcross.org. THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents its “Art on the Wild Side” craft classes for kids ages 6 to…
Recreation
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 Sandcastle Inn, Pismo Beach. Cost is $3 per player. Rain cancels. Registration: 489-1340. ARK TENNIS LESSONS for third through eighth graders are Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at…
Kids & Family
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department, offer an “Introduction to Theater” class for kids 7 to 12 years old is through March 15 on Mondays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, 600 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Cost is $43, $54.50 for non-residents. A “Fitness Training by Aztec”…
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 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and March 20 and 21 at 2 p.m. and a reading of Tender playing March 13 and 14 at 2 p.m. and March 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. in the Severson…
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…
Concerts
VIVA EL ARTE DE SANTA BARBARA presents Mariachi Reyne de Los Angeles in concert March 12 at 7 p.m. at Isla Vista School, March 13 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Theater Royal in Guadalupe, and March 14 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, SLO. Info: 343-2939 or facebook.com/vivaelarte.…
Special Events
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents a film screening of the documentary Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women on March 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. in the library’s Shepard Hall, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117, or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. THE SANTA MARIA FAIRPARK holds an electronic recycling event March…
