Cover Story
Green day?
Will California go to pot? With the gray areas surrounding medical marijuana yet to be squared away nearly 15 years after voters approved Proposition 215, legalization of recreational use is on the table—a decision with potentially greater and even murkier ramifications. These facts are clear: If voters decide to pass the Regulate, Control, and Tax…
What movie are you most embarrassed of liking?
Tony and Kathy Tanore truck driver/school district employee “The Love Guru—there were some embarrassing things in it, but it was very funny.” Donald Weiting KCOY producer “The Notebook.” Chris Ruiz personal trainer “Return to Me.” Teri Huitron manager “Dude, Where’s My Car?”
Political Watch 08.05
On July 28, Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado led a delegation to Louisiana to help with recovery efforts related to the catastrophic BP oil spill. Maldonado, who’s also a member of the California State Lands Commission, met with Louisiana officials to discuss ways to better protect their respective coastlines. “California is a state that is experienced…
Community Notebook 08.05
TUESDAY, AUG. 10 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 511 E. Lakeside Parkway, suite 141, Santa Maria. Agendas are available at santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Guadalupe City Council has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in…
Society’s underdogs
Pit bulls have worked very hard to build a positive image. They were the loyal servants of great historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Helen Keller, and members of their breed looked after the Little Rascals. These days, however, that reputation has been decimated by trainers who encourage violent behavior through negligence and cruelty. As…
Dive chic
The August issue of Playboy listed the top 15 dive bars in the country. No. 6 on that list? Jasper’s in Lompoc. The little town best known for its historic flower industry is now standing proudly with the likes of New Orleans, Boston, New York, and San Francisco. The first time owner Mickey Sarkin heard…
The tanner’s dilemma
The price of beauty just went up: On July 1, lawmakers started turning up the heat on tanning salons throughout the United States by requiring them to charge customers an extra 10 percent tax to climb into their UV-powered booths. Congress slid the tax into the healthcare reform act at the 11th hour after surgeon-funded…
Supervisors to consider increased funding for county agricultural program
Recently kindled concern over Santa Barbara County’s agricultural future is expected to die down soon. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled at its Aug. 10 meeting to decide whether or not to grant the additional funding needed to maintain the University of California Cooperative Extension program (UCCE). During its June budget hearings, the board voted…
Tax lien? What tax lien?
As quickly as it popped up on the political radar, Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado’s tax problem has disappeared. The Maldonado family’s Santa Maria-based farming business, Agro-Jal Farming Enterprises, was recently saddled with an $111,146 tax lien after the Internal Revenue Service claimed company officials used a fleet of trucks for personal purposes. Maldonado, who is…
Local business owners file letter in opposition to Measure S
“We’re taxed enough already! Vote ‘NO’ on Measure S 2010.” That’s the opening line of a letter filed on July 28 by Gregory Gandrud, chairman of the Santa Barbara County Republican Party, and a handful of local business owners opposing the addition of a half-cent sales tax on to the November ballot. The Board of…
The public clamors over access to dunes committees
When it comes to the often contentious battle over off-roading at the Oceano Dunes, residents of the Nipomo Mesa and recreational riders rarely find common ground. On July 28, however, the two sides were able to agree on something: They want to be involved. At its July 28 meeting, the San Luis Obispo County Air…
New to the board
PCPA Theaterfest recently welcomed Robert Dickerson to its board of directors. Dickerson is president and CEO of Applied Imaginations, Inc., and has spent the last 25 years in business as an entrepreneur, having successfully founded, grown, and sold several businesses. An active community volunteer, Dickerson has been a member of the Santa Maria’s Community Development…
Help the theater
The Lompoc Civic Theatre needs adults and teens interested in volunteering. There are openings in acting, set building, costuming, props, stage managing, producing, directing, hospitality, publicity, ticket sales, and more, all awaiting volunteers. If you don’t have the time but still want to help, the theater is continuing its Summer Membership Drive. Meetings are held…
PCPA student gets a scholarship
The Santa Maria Women’s Network recently presented its community scholarships, including the first-ever award to a PCPA Conservatory student. Clare Lopez was among 26 applicants for the scholarship and was selected based on her hard work and enthusiasm in the conservatory, as well as having received her BA in music and theater arts from St.…
Gourd Diva tries something new
Lisa Toth is out of her gourd—at least for the moment. The artist otherwise known as the Gourd Diva has been dabbling with canvas for her latest show at Cypress Gallery in Lompoc. Her gourds will be on display as well, but at the moment, Toth is finding happiness spreading her brightly colored abstracts on…
Caffeinated and captured
Photographer Renee D. Miranda is always ready to snap a picture of that interesting character at a parade or a mysterious location that calls out to be captured. But her favorite subject is people—the more interesting, the better. “I like taking pictures of people who wear interesting clothes, have tattoos, or wear their hair in…
Steamatic owner wins award
Steamatic, Inc. announced that Darin Gossage, owner of Steamatic of the Central Coast, received the company’s Rising Star award during its recent Biannual International Convention. According to the company, Gossage received the award for expanding Steamatic’s marketing efforts, his reputation as an “up and comer,” and his continual advancement in the company. Steamatic offers cleaning…
Kumon comes to Orcutt
Kumon Math and Reading Centers, a year-round after-school academic enrichment program, announced the opening of a new location in Orcutt. Founded in Japan in 1958, the Kumon learning method employs an individualized approach, helping children develop a command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study…
Make wishes come true
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties Board is asking Santa Barbara County businesses to donate auction items for Wishnight 2011, an annual fundraising event. The organization’s Auction Task Group is putting together upscale packages with themes such as “I want to be a wine expert,” “I want to be pampered,” “I want to go on…
TMHA gets a $150,000 grant
Transitions-Mental Health Association, a nonprofit human services agency serving Northern Santa Barbara County, received a two-year grant of $150,000 from the Weingart Foundation. The funding will advance the organization’s programs for youth and adults by supporting general operating expenses, including paying for client wages and staff at Growing Grounds Farm, an employment program in Santa…
Ride the rollercoaster of love
Some say marriage is like a rollercoaster ride. Before you get on, you feel excitement and anticipation, but once you’re strapped in, you’re scared to death and thrilled all at the same time. Some people want the ride to last forever, while others become nauseous and lose their corn dog and cotton candy lunch. My…
Wanted: Host families for foreign exchange students
The new school year is about to start, and with it will come foreign high school students participating in semester- and year-long academic programs. But in order to study here, students need families with whom they can stay. Pacific Intercultural Exchange (P.I.E.) is currently making its final plea for host families on the Central Coast.…
Do your homework before donating money
Much has been written lately about what should be expected of our local humane society. However, no one has mentioned what should be expected of all nonprofit humane societies. Many elderly people, such as myself, will leave humane societies monies and/or property in our wills. However, most people automatically assume that all nonprofits are honest.…
Check out this hypocrisy in politics
In a letter in the Santa Maria Times, Steve McCoy (“Short memory for Democrats,” July 16) claims “one of the unsaid platforms of the Democratic Party is to avoid responsibility at all costs,” taxing the hardworking “to pay for many who don’t want to work all that hard.” I hear this a lot from those…
That ad misleads readers
I like your paper. I read it weekly. That’s why I’m so disappointed in the paid advertisement you recently ran across from your opinion page. Why? Because it is nothing more than Andy Caldwell bashing John Laird. He paid you to bash John Laird in what looks like an op-ed piece when, in truth, it…
We need John Laird, no bull!
Spike, the antithesis of a lap dog (in the July 22 issue), who is “no liberal or conservative leg-humper,” is indeed an extremely right-wing conservative leg-humper! The placement of the political ad, though it appears to be an editorial-type new column in the Sun, is in reality a strong partisan attack piece. The person who…
Jhordy Ramirez
Before coach David Ramirez found him, he had lost two fights. But now, after starting a strenuous twice-a-day training regimen, 15-year-old Jhordy Ramirez is on his way to the top. He’s already made progress after becoming a Coachella East Coast champion, claiming a national belt. In fact, he mopped up the competition: He knocked down…
A time to remember
The grainy asphalt of Telephone Road often sits beneath a bare, blue sky, its twists and turns surrounded by farmland and, farther off, rolling hills. It’s a tranquil setting, prized by cyclists—when there aren’t cars and semi-trucks blazing past. Eric Okerblom’s memorial stands as a reminder to both aspects of the road: its beauty and…
Bid on unique sports memorabilia at an annual Hancock auction
Sports fans will get a shot at taking home one-of-a-kind memorabilia while supporting Allan Hancock College during the ninth annual Joe White Memorial Dinner and Auction on Aug. 21. Items up for bid this year include a John Madden autographed football, a UCLA jersey signed by the late John Wooden, a Kobe Bryant All-Star Los…
Buttonwood serves up local delights
Here on the Central Coast, farms and backyard gardens produce tender edibles all year long. Our ocean waters yield fresh seafood, and area ranchers grow a variety of livestock, making it relatively easy to follow the lead of the locavore movement and “eat locally.” In a shining example of the movement’s best intentions, the folks…
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. ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS for men meets in San Luis Obispo and Grover Beach. Men interested in attending may contact representatives: 550-6718 or not_moses@fastmail.fm. ALL-AMERICAN QUILTERS’ GUILD meets…
Spiritual
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH is located at 1000 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. “Jazz Devine” presents a new jazz worship service on July 11 at 6 p.m. at the church. Info: 735-3769 or ghmoran@yahoo.com. 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:…
Farmer’s 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
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY holds a “Sign-up for Social Security Benefits” event on Aug. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the library’s Career Center, 4221 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117, or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION presents an “Exercise Program” for those fifty years and older Tuesdays and Thursdays from…
Art
THE SHEPARD HALL GALLERY presents the inaugural exhibit and awards for the National Arts Program for the City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley School Districts Employees and their Families Aug. 6 through 27 at the library’s Shepard Hall, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. An opening reception is Aug. 6 from 2:30 to…
Learning
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES presents Self Employment Training Classes Aug. 11 and 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Santa Maria; again on Aug. 5 and 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Buellton; and Aug. 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. and Aug. 20 from 1 to 2 p.m. in Spanish in Santa Maria. Info:…
Recreation
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department offers “Free Swim Days” Aug. 23 at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, 516 South McClelland, Santa Maria. An Adult Lap Swim is through Aug. 14 and a Recreation Swim is through Aug. 15 both at the Pioneer Valley High School, Santa Maria. THE DUNES CENTER presents…
Kids & Family
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA presents Teen Treks Summer Day Camp through Aug. 12, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, South McClelland Street, Santa Maria. Cost is $100 per week. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 157, or tboucher@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA offers Teen Xtreme Camp…
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. THE DANCE STUDIO offers dance classes in Santa Maria in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Dance Team. Info: 349-9016 or 931-0444. EVERYBODY CAN…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents Songs for A New World with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown Aug. 6 through 21 at the Marian Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Cost is $26.25 to $28.25. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. THE POETRY SOCIETY OF SANTA MARIA invites all to read poetry, sing songs, or just express themselves…
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
THE LOMPOC LIBRARY presents “Jazz at the Library Season Four” featuring Dawn Lambeth and the Reynolds Brothers Aug. 8 and the Central Coast Jazz Collective Aug. 15 all from noon to 1 p.m. at the library, 501 E. North Ave., Lompoc. Info: 875-8778. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART presents…
Special Events
THE ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY presents its 43rd annual Gem and Mineral Show Aug. 6, 7, and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 298 S. Thompson Ave., Nipomo. Info: 929-3788 or omsinc.org. MOROVINO WINERY presents a “First Friday” food and wine pairing event on Aug. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m.…
