Cover Story
Holy days
A group of men gathers to pray in a corner room of a second-story office building on East Plaza Drive in Santa Maria. On the street below and a few blocks over on Broadway, someone has hung Christmas decorations and twinkling lights, signifying the beginning of the Christmas holiday. But unlike many of their neighbors,…
What’s your favorite gift from Santa?
Raymond Jackie Mendoza Outreach Clinical employee “A trip to see my family a couple years ago in San Diego. I had a blast.” Blake Sheridan toy connoisseur “Tools for my train, and my Arctic Cat.” Natalie and Sadie Sainsbury Santa admirers “Our first doggie.” Justin Sabaso student “My Xbox 360, which came with Ultimate Alliance.”
Community Notebook 12-17
FRIDAY, DEC. 18 • 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 Conference…
Political Watch 12-17
California Assembly seat candidate Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) has added some more labor unions to his list of endorsements. On Dec. 8, Williams announced two chapters of the Laborers International Union of North America, representing more than 2,200 workers in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties, are now supporting his campaign. The LIUNA…
Hobnobbing with Helen
By noon on Sunday, Dec. 13, more than 400 people had lined up in front of the Altrusa Central Coast Festival of Trees site at 1447 S. Broadway in Santa Maria. They were waiting to get into the year’s hottest open-to-the-public raffle. About to be given to the holders of winning tickets were 49 spectacular…
Have no fear shopping for teens
Buying a gift for a teenager can be a difficult and overwhelming task simply because teens can be very opinionated and the market is saturated with, well, tons of holiday crap. If you’ve put off gift buying for a teen, hoping for a holiday epiphany, allow us to offer a few quick ideas. Go to…
Geek gift giving gets good
It can sometimes be daunting, shopping for a geek. You’re pretty sure sweaters and socks aren’t going to cut it, but at the same time, you’re not sure what to get them other than a gift certificate to the big store with the yellow letters. Plus, we geeks can be maddeningly unhelpful when it comes…
Christmas for baby
Buying for babies may seem like one of the easiest gift assignments. After all, they won’t express displeasure with the item, they won’t return or re-gift it, and the mere act of tearing into wrapping paper primes them for what’s inside. Baby gifts do, however, take some thought. There are concerns about age appropriateness, and…
Look for the inner-taxman
It’s been an ongoing battle ever since Roman times: hate for the taxman. However, VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, is trying to change the public’s perception of the taxman by ensuring all qualifying families file their tax returns and take advantage of special offers within taxes. The program isn’t run by robots, yet; it…
Delta II rocket launch declared successful
Vandenberg Air Force officials are celebrating a successful final launch of the year. On the morning of Dec. 14, mission planners launched a Delta II rocket from Space Launch Complex 2. The rocket is carrying NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) satellite. Now that it’s in orbit, the WISE satellite will scan the entire sky…
Local environmental group sues U.S. Forest Service over Tepusquet project
Los Padres ForestWatch, a local nonprofit conservation organization, has teamed up with the San Diego-based California Chaparral Institute to sue the U.S. Forest Service. The groups claim regulations approved by the service deny the public’s right to participate in land-use decisions impacting national forests. The suit alleges that on Aug. 10 of this year, the…
County moves to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries
Despite the Obama administration’s recent decision to halt raids of medicinal marijuana dispensaries operating legally under state laws, Santa Barbara County is one step closer to enacting a temporary ban on the controversial pot shops. On Dec. 8, the county’s Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to move forward with an ordinance putting a moratorium on…
Santa Barbara County ag commissioner retires
To celebrate his first day of retirement, former Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner Bill Gillette went golfing. “That was kind of weird to do in the middle of the day,” he later told the Sun. Gillette has worked for the county for 34 years, 16 of which were spent as the agricultural commissioner, the county’s…
Haircuts for the holidays
The clippers were flying on Dec. 15 at Trends Salon in Santa Maria, where a group of Arellanes Junior High girls, along with their mothers, sisters, and teachers, came together to donate their hair to Locks of Love. Santa Maria-Bonita School District officials estimated the final donation total at 37 feet of hair—all of which…
Diamonds are for-evah
Dazzled by diamonds? Gaga for gold? The grand opening of JB’S Jewelers is going on now at Town Center West. The shop specializes in custom-made jewelry. Owner Jose Barrientos has more than 30 years’ experience in the jewelry business, 20 of them local. The store offers diamond rings, wedding sets, and diamond earrings, and also…
Dirty car? Hand it to Mario
In these times of economic hardship and busy schedules, cars can easily be neglected. Nipomo’s new 100-percent hand car wash, La Placita Car Wash, has come up with a quick fix for dirty vehicles and an affordable way to avoid scratches and dings caused by automated car washes. For $7, Mario will give your car…
Let’s get physical (therapy)
Pilates Doctor Physical Therapy in Santa Maria has moved around the corner to a new, roomier location with easier access to parking. The service offers traditional and pilates-based physical therapy, as well as private and semi-private pilates training provided by Jackie Cabalka, doctor of physical therapy and Polestar-certified pilates practitioner. Pilates Doctor Physical Therapy is…
Census Bureau counts on locals
The U.S. Census Bureau is now hiring about 1,000 people in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties in preparation for the 2010 Census. The bureau is accepting applications for jobs in its Field Operations and Quality Assurance departments, whose duties include address canvassing and following up on those who haven’t responded to census mailings.…
Attend Saturday classes at Hancock
For the busy student constantly on the go, Allan Hancock College is offering 30 Saturday-only classes in the spring at its Santa Maria and Lompoc campuses. Some of the classes being offered in the spring include winemaking, art, business, drama, and CPR. Find a complete list of classes in the Allan Hancock College spring credit…
New First 5 website offers resources for parents, child-care professionals
First 5 Santa Barbara County has launched a newly redesigned website, first5santabarbaracounty.org, featuring pictures and personal stories told by local parents. The site also provides new child-care tools and resources for parents, educators, caregivers, and health-care professionals. “First 5 Santa Barbara County has spent months working hard to create a powerful new resource for parents,…
Blue Christmas?
Ah, the holiday season is here, filled with song, the hurry-scurry of gift buying and menu planning, family and friends gathering, the glow of expectation on little faces as they gaze at gifts piled under a tree or near a menorah. Holiday colors light up the street, store windows, and most living rooms—green and red,…
The Bleacher Bum decks the halls
Hey folks, it’s been a while since I rapped at ya’, and here we are at the end of another decade. Really? What happened to the last 10 years? It seems like only yesterday I was huddled in my underground bunker with my cans of creamed corn and Doritos, watching The Matrix and waiting for…
Make soccer a goal
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department invites men and women 18 and older to catch World Cup fever along with friends and co-workers in its inaugural 7-on-7 Adult Outdoor Soccer League. Recreational and competitive men’s, women’s, and co-ed divisions are available, and registration takes place through Jan. 7 at the Recreation and Parks Administration…
Get recreating in 2010
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department’s 2010 Winter and Spring Recreation Guide is now available to both residents and non-residents of the Santa Maria Valley. The guide was mailed to all residents of the Santa Maria Valley and is also available at the Recreation and Parks Administrative Office at 615 S. McClelland St. The…
Nick Sauer
Whether he’s knocking down the outside jumper or posting up defenders and battling for boards in the paint, Righetti High School center Nick Sauer is a force to be reckoned with. The 6-foot-6 senior is the Warriors’ not-so-secret weapon in 2010, as evidenced by his recent 20-point, 17-rebound performance in a 63-37 blowout win over…
Savory appetizers
In the heart of December, friends and families gather to enjoy long nights and laughter, despite the winter chill. They celebrate the season and welcome the new year, happily fueled by a variety of festive foods. Classic holiday appetizers include smoked and aged cheeses with crackers and bread, as well as pretzels, roasted nuts, and…
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 vegetables.…
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, 6:30 p.m., in the Altrusa Theatre of the Santa…
Spiritual
MT. ZION CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST presents its annual convocation featuring “Annual Men’s Day” with Bishop Dwight Amey on Dec. 11 at the church. The “Annual Choir Day” features live music Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the church. The “Annual Women’s Day” with Evangelist Gwen Amey is Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. at…
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 a “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meeting 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 meditation,…
Art
THE GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS AND EDUCATION CENTER presents the exhibition “Re-hacer/Des-echos 2009” featuring the work of Juan Manuel Perez Salazar through Dec. 17 at the Education Center, Guadalupe. Info: 343-2939 or artjmp@gmail.com. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the exhibit “Photographers Gone Wild, Capturing the Central Coast” featuring local photographers Mel Felix, Cathy Gregg, Lynda…
Learning
WORTH THE DRIVE THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR BALANCE AND HEALING offers free energy balancing sessions on Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sierra Vista Hospital in the auditorium, 1010 Murray Ave., SLO. Info: 438-4347 or globalalliance.ws. THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents a holiday ornament-making workshop on Dec. 19 from 10 a.m.…
Recreation
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents a Holiday Baseball Clinic Dec. 21 through 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find sign-up forms at Play It Again Sports on South Broadway in Santa Maria. Cost is $100, and $75 for each additional family member. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3904. THE SANTA MARIA INN holds Monday Night Football events…
Kids & Family
THE PISMO BEACH YOUTH THEATRE presents musical theater production classes for 4th through 8th graders for a production of Annie meeting Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. at Temple Beth El, 1501 E. Alvin, Santa Maria. Cost is $40 per month. Info: 471-4976 or pismobeachyouththeater.com. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks…
Dance Lessons
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH Recreation Division Community Development Department presents a “Hoop Dance Fusion!” class on Thursdays through Dec. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pismo Veteran’s Hall, Pismo Beach. Cost is $30 to $40 per month. A “Hoop Dance Fitness” class meets Saturdays from 2 to 3 p.m.…
Stage
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents the youth dancers and their production of The Nutcracker Dec. 19 and 20 at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. Cost is $14, $11 for the Ethel Pope Auditorium, $12 to $18 at the Clark Center. Info: 922-8313 or 489-9444 (Clark Center). PCPA…
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 PUBLIC LIBRARY presents a Holiday Song Fest with Craig Newton on Dec. 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 South McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994 or ci.santa-maria.ca.us/210.shtml. STILL EVOLVING performs in concert on Dec. 19 at 10 p.m. at 714 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Cost is…
Special Events
THE BOOK WORM presents an author signing event with “Uncle Bob” and his book, When I was a Little Boy, I Played in a Hayloft, on Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Book Worm, 230 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria. Info: tmihope.org. ORCUTT BREW COMPANY presents a “Beer Connoisseur’s Christmas Party,”…
Nouns on display
Franczeska Bobi Angel presents People, Places, and Things at Santa Maria Public Library’s Shepard Hall Gallery, 421 S. McClelland St., Jan. 4 through 29 during normal library hours. For more information, call 925-0994.
Book it to the shop
Pastor Bob Wedaa is releasing his second book illustrated by Chinese school children, When I was a Little Boy I Played in a Hayloft, and will hold a signing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the Bookworm, 230 Betteravia Road. For more information, visit tmihope.org. Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts…
Get ready to laugh
Bill Alarid will present Laughter Yoga Sessions at the Luis Oasis Senior Center beginning Jan. 8 in the Main Hall at 420 Soares Ave., Old Orcutt. To sign up, call 937-9750. For more information, call Alarid at 925-3216
Buy local, online
PSYCHOBUNNYGAL, Sarah Eckert, Santa Maria SUN How long have you been selling on Etsy? PSYCHOBUNNYGAL I have been on Etsy and selling since March of this year. I heard about this site from a graphics teacher of mine at Allan Hancock College, actually, Professor Kutz, who mentioned what it was. I was hooked. SUN When…
