Cover Story
Justice for all
In 2005, Santa Maria resident Melissa’s* daughter, Stephanie*, was a happy and healthy 16-year-old. She went to school, hung out with friends, and spent time with her family. “She was always a happy-go-lucky child. She was always very spirited,” Melissa said of her daughter. All of that began to change when a relative moved in,…
What movie do you think should have won the Academy Awards?
Marc Rubio food clerk “The Dark Knight, because I was impressed with Heath Ledger’s performance and the quality of the effects.” Allyssa Hendriksen waitress “Twilight was my favorite movie of the year. I liked the book series and the movie was FANTASTICALLY FABULOUS.” Twyla Whitmeyer courtesy clerk “My choice would have been Kung Fu Panda…
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…
Spirtual
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 vegetables.…
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
SANSUM CLINIC offers a cholesterol management class on March 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $8. A “Diabetes Essentials” class is March 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $8. The clinic is located at 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Info: 737-8700. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER presents…
Art
MARILYN DOVER BENSON presents a solo, two-day art show featuring her original paintings on March 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Foley Winery, 6121 E. Highway 246, Lompoc. Info: 937-8108 or donaldbenson@mac.com. THE LOMPOC PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM presents in its Grossman Gallery the Lompoc Unified School District Youth Art Month…
Learning
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ANIMAL CARE FOUNDATION presents a Free Community Education Speaker Series featuring “Disaster Preparedness and Your Companion Animals” on March 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Santa Maria Animal Center, 548 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria. Info: 260-2386. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER presents a “Healthy for Life” Nutrition Workshop is March…
Recreation
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 St. Joseph…
Kids & Family
WORTH THE DRIVE THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents its first Family Day as part of the Santa Ynez Valley Free Museum Day on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2928 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos. Info: 688-1082 or wildlingmuseum.org. THE EXPLORATION STATION presents a fun cooking class for kids ages 12 to…
Dance Lessons
ONGOING EVERYBODY CAN DANCE offers classes in ballet dance for ages 3 to adult. Call for schedules. Boys and men receive full scholarships. The studio is located at 800 S. Broadway. Info: 937-6753. THE DANCE STUDIO offers dance classes in Santa Maria and Nipomo in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Dance Team. Info:…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents “InterPlay: The Stage Between,” featuring readings of the plays Evie’s Waltz (March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., March 14 and 16 at 2 p.m.), and Iron Kisses (March 7 and 8 at 2 p.m., and March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.) at the Severson Theatre, Hancock College, 800 S. College…
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 9 p.m. to…
Concerts
THE NORTH COUNTY RAPE CRISIS AND CHILD PROTECTION CENTER and the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce sponsor a performance of The Great American Songbook by Maggie Worsdale on March 7 at 7 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 905 E. Ocean, Lompoc. Cost is $35. Info: 736-8535. THE ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE CONCERT…
Special Events
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents, as part of its international film series, three film screenings: March 6, 13, and 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the school’s Forum, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3209. THE LEGAL AID FOUNDATION presents the fifth annual Taste for Justice wine and food event on March 7 at the…
We all need to back Barack Obama
I find it fascinating that those who point out the obvious failures of George W. Bush are called traitors and those who want the new policies of President Barack Obama to fail are promoted as real Americans. Real Americans voted for the changes that President Obama is trying to implement and, true to form, the…
About President Obama’s address to the nation
I thought the speech by the president was great. Now if we could just get the media to get off the negative productivity and start talking about something positive. Maybe the people would have a different outlook on our economy. With all of the negative publications of the newspapers and the TV, this is counter…
They should all call him ‘Dad’
Recently an unmarried, unemployed mother of six gave birth to eight more babies. Facilitating this event was a fertility clinic doctor. He caused this pregnancy—he’s the “father.” He should pay for the raising of these babies.
Get rid of the American oligarchy
I often read letters that condemn socialism as some sort of evil force that will bring down our form of democracy. We are, in fact, a socialistic-democracy, and it isn’t dangerous or bad. Too often, though, it’s associated with communism and or dictatorships. Socialism as best defined is a system whereby all programs are state…
Get rid of the American oligarchy
I often read letters that condemn socialism as some sort of evil force that will bring down our form of democracy. We are, in fact, a socialistic-democracy, and it isn’t dangerous or bad. Too often, though, it’s associated with communism and or dictatorships. Socialism as best defined is a system whereby all programs are state…
Offshore drilling could save lives
Your article (“Offshore isn’t off limits anymore,” Feb. 12) outlines exactly what is wrong in this state. There are too many tree-hugging “environmentalists” that are unbelievably short-sighted and misinformed about offshore drilling, which holds up the process of tapping this vital resource. “Environmentalists” will always point to the Santa Barbara spill. However, that time period…
Erica Lethcoe
Erika Lethcoe is more than an average youngster. Since beginning gymnastics as a recreational sport only four months ago, she’s walked away with a stunning 10 medal awards for her hard work and dedication to the sport she’s grown to love. Lethcoe first began taking an interest in gymnastics when she was 5 years old.…
Hancock baseball ranks high
As players gear up for the regular season, the Allan Hancock College baseball team is being recognized among the state’s best by opposing coaches for the first time since 2003. Following a preseason that saw the team go 7-7 against some stiff competition, the Bulldogs were rewarded with the No. 20 spot in a poll…
Everybody in the pool
The Santa Maria High School swim team’s roster listed less than 30 kids at the end of 2007. Last year was Santa Maria High’s swimming coach Caren Ray’s first time back after an eight-year hiatus. She ended the season with 78 kids on the team. This year, Ray and her coaching staff—co-coach Jamie Mcgray and…
It’s easy being green
It’s coming up fast, that day when just about everyone is, wishes they were, or might as well be Irish. Love it or hate it, St. Patrick’s Day rolls around every year about this time, offering the perfect excuse for wine with dinner, happy toasts over shot glasses brimming with Irish whiskey, or gathering with…
Get money, create art
The Santa Maria Arts Council is seeking applicants for the 2009 individual grants in the arts competition in dance, drama, music, and visual arts. The council has presented more than $196,000 in grants to 306 locally trained emerging artists since 1972. In 2009, the council will present $10,000 in honor of Allan Hancock College Fine…
Who needs scenery?
PCPA Theaterfest will offer two productions in a stage-less play-reading format. InterPlay: The Stage Between gives audiences a chance to hear a play read aloud without the adornments of a full-fledged production. Evie’s Waltz features education and outreach director Leo Cortez as Clay, resident artist Kitty Balay Genge as Gloria, and second-year acting student Michelle…
Dial another day
My daughter has been literally hanging on my leg and begging me for a cell phone since the moment she popped out of the womb. Her first word wasn’t “mama” or “dada,” it was “Blackberry.” For years, I’ve continued to argue with her that there was no way she was getting a cell phone. She…
The writing on the wall
Until recently, the outer walls of the Allan Hancock College Atkinson Lifelong Learning Center were bare—a stark contrast to the colorful environment of learning, community, and creativity fostered by the program. Some of the center’s excitement began to spill outside those walls, however, drawing together a group of people and resources that would make it…
Walk amid the vines
The Central Coast landscape, with its vine-snaked hills, has inspired many local artists. The beauty of simply meandering through lush vineyard grounds awakens the senses for artists and non-artists alike. Though the landscape provides a jumping-off point for artist Marilyn Dover Benson, her flash of inspiration came in the form of a venue. Benson found…
Political Watch
Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) recently released the latest episode in his Treasures of the Central Coast television series. The 30-minute shows give an inside look at some of the area’s most celebrated landmarks, historical sites, institutions, and industries. In the March episode, viewers will get a behind-the-scenes tour of Allan Hancock College’s Santa…
Community Notebook 3-5
MONDAY, MARCH 9 • The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. TUESDAY, MARCH 10 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s Board…
Unsung heroes celebrate 50 years of giving back
United Way will commemorate its 50th year milestone at the Elks Lodge in Santa Maria on March 19, when past board presidents and campaign chairs will be honored. The dedicated volunteers have given their time, talent, and resources to meet the needs of local communities. All members, past or present, are invited to participate. United…
First 5 just says no to tooth decay
First 5 Commissions throughout Southern California are tackling the health care needs of low-income children one tooth at a time, according to a recent study. The First 5 Southern California Alliance for Learning and Results study found that funds disbursed by local First 5 commissions over the last several years have made quality oral health…
Turn groceries into funds for local schools
A tough economy might be forcing people to tighten their belts when it comes to making charitable donations, but local school officials said there are still ways to support education. One easy way to help support local schools is to save “Box Tops for Education” labels and Campbell’s soup can labels, Maggie White, a spokeswoman…
Forum tackles health care concerns
For many, a lost job also means lost health insurance coverage. Santa Maria Valley residents concerned with affordable health care plans are invited to attend a free forum to be held by the League of Women Voters on March 12. A panel of health care experts will be on hand to discuss available options and…
Local leaders become ‘principal for a day’
The Santa Maria Industry Education Council and Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the 18th annual “Principal For a Day” program that brings business and community leaders together with local educators. On March 11, participants will visit the campus of one of 37 schools taking part in the program this year and meet…
Be safe, get a pizza
If you order a pizza from Domino’s on March 6, don’t be alarmed if it’s already paid for. The pizza chain, the National Fire Protection Association, and local fire departments are working together to promote fire safety by awarding free pizza to customers in cities throughout Northern Santa Barbara County who currently have working smoke…
Have your taxes done for free
California State Controller John Chiang and Free Tax Preparation Services are partnering to offer free tax preparations at Allan Hancock College on March 21 for people making less than $45,000 a year. Eligible taxpayers who want to take advantage of the service will need to provide a valid photo ID, Social Security card, or Taxpayer…
Mr. Maldonado goes to Sacramento
Sen. Abel Maldonado doesn’t have many Republican friends in Sacramento right now. His vote ensured that the Senate would pass a controversial budget that also came with more than $12 billion in tax increases. That vote has won him praise—and the wrath of his own party. Maldonado, a moderate Republican representing the Central Coast, broke…
McCoy traffic median is up and running
After several months of community meetings and construction, Santa Maria has completed modifications to the traffic median on McCoy Lane. The changes—including a second left turn lane on McCoy turning onto northbound Broadway—are designed to allow better access into and out of the Kohl’s Shopping Center, city officials said in a recent press release. Other…
Santa Barbara County and Santa Maria receiving funds for preventing homelessness
Locals facing homelessness because of recent economic hardship are set to receive a boost from President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. On Feb. 25, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated more than $10 billion to HUD programs throughout the country. According to the HUD website, hud.gov, approximately…
Local organizations remind the public ‘Parents Are Teachers Too’
On March 7, experts in child development, education, health, and family dynamics will share their knowledge with hundreds of local parents at the 33rd Annual Parents Are Teachers Too Conference in Lompoc. “The main message of the conference is that parents are their child’s primary teacher, especially during the first five years, which are some…
Santa Barbara county supervisors flip on mandated affordable housing
After initially voting in January to reject an affordable housing mandate from the state, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1, with 4th District Supervisor Joni Gray dissenting, to reverse the decision during its Feb. 24 meeting. The board also selected two parcels in Orcutt—Key Site 3 along East Clark Avenue and Key…
Land Conservancy of SLO seeks volunteers to help restore land near Nipomo Creek
Beginning this month, several acres along Nipomo Creek will be getting a makeover from the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County as part of a native plant restoration project aiming to install more than 10,000 native shrubs and trees on the property over the next three years. In a recent interview with the Sun,…
