Cover Story
Breaking the silence
Suicide is a complex issue. It’s also a subject many people don’t want to talk about because of its painful and taboo connotations. But according to many experts, it’s that very societal need to keep suicide—and the thoughts and feelings surrounding it—secret and shrouded in shame that partly drives people to the point of taking…
Wake up and watch
Santa Maria Civic Theatre presents its second show of the season—Wake Up, Darling, written by Alex Gottlieb and directed by Meg Smith—on Nov. 20, 21, 27, 28, and Dec. 4, 5, 11, and 12. All performances start at 8 p.m. The comedy concerns aspiring young actress Polly Emerson and her husband, Don, a successful…
Hear Peter and the Wolf
The Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra continues its mission of bringing quality music to students in the elementary schools in the Santa Maria Valley with its presentation of Peter and the Wolf, by Sergei Prokofiev, written in 1936 after his return to the Soviet Union. On Nov. 17, about 900 third-graders will gather at Pacific…
Quilting while she’s ahead
Patience paid off for local quilter Joan McBain. She spent six months making a jacket that she then entered into the “jacket, vest, and coat” section of the Pacific International Quilting Show in Santa Clara. McBain won $300 and took first place for the jacket, which represented her first time trying hand quilting and quilting…
Creating a new War
Allan Hancock College recently staged a series of events to honor the anniversary of the Great Depression. Several departments, students, groups, and staffers got involved. There was a soup line for soup and bread, a slideshow, and photographic and author presentations. In the science department, Mick Bondello could only think of Orson Welles’ radio…
Come to the table
There are three things an adult attending a holiday show on the Central Coast should know. The first of these is that the intended audience is likely families, meaning it’s child-friendly fare. Secondly, there is a reasonable chance the performance will have some religious display, reference, or overtone. The third point ties back to the…
What do you think of this hubbub over Obama’s health-care reform?
David Rude pianist “I think they’re rippin’ it up. They’re making it all politics, but it shouldn’t be.” Tim Favorite food service employee “I do not like how they will make it mandatory to have health care. They’ve made it too socialistic; it should be someone’s choice whether or not they want health care.” Rick…
Community Notebook 11-12
TUESDAY, NOV. 17 • The Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe. • The Santa Maria City Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. Agendas are available…
Political Watch 11-12
The Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley welcomes Marta Jorgensen to its monthly meeting, set for Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. at the International House of Pancakes, 202 Nicholson Ave., in Santa Maria. Jorgensen is a Democratic candidate for Congress in the California 24th District, which includes parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Jorgensen,…
Strike out teen crime
It’s not every day that you can bowl and support a worthwhile cause simultaneously. However, on Nov. 21, from 1 to 3 p.m., Teen Court will offer a chance for bowling aficionados and community supporters to play a game to raise funds for North County Teen Court. The bowling extravaganza will be held in…
Locals decry the affordable housing shortage
As the Santa Maria City Council prepares to consider an updated housing plan, local advocates and officials are concerned the city isn’t doing enough to provide its sizable low-income population with places to live. While city housing projections exceed state requirements in Santa Maria’s newly revised Draft Housing Element, the goals won’t make up…
Unemployed locals get some breathing room
On Nov. 6, Congress passed legislation extending unemployment benefits for 14 weeks. Those people living in states with unemployment higher than 8.5 percent (California’s rate as of September was 12.2 percent) will get an additional six weeks of benefits beyond that. Adriana Barbara, customer manager and the sole local face for the Employment Development…
Give the gift of life this holiday season
Want to help save a life? The city of Santa Maria will host its last 2009 blood drive on Nov. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. in the parking lot next to the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center along South McClelland. The city is asking members of the public to sign up and join city and…
Santa Maria buys new buses for SMAT
Santa Marians riding public transit will soon notice some new buses rolling around town. Earlier this month, Santa Maria city officials announced that the city has purchased three 2009 diesel buses for Santa Maria Area Transit. The 40-foot-long Gillig diesel buses will replace three older vehicles in the fleet. “This helps us keep…
PG&E conductor sparks fire outside Santa Maria
On Nov. 8, Pacific Gas & Electric equipment sparked a highway fire that scorched almost 85 acres of grass where Highway 166 and Twitchell Dam Road meet. A spliced connector on a conductor sparked, and wind was a factor, but no cost has been calculated, according to a release from CAL FIRE. Calls began…
California Democrats could oppose a state power initiative
A resolution may soon have state Democrats agreeing on energy consumers’ right to choose how they get their power and against a proposed constitutional amendment initiative critics say would make expanding public power in California nearly impossible. State Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) will present the resolution to the rules committee at the party’s…
Locals weigh in on a spay-and-neuter ordinance draft
During an emotionally charged hearing in Santa Maria on Nov. 10, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors listened to recommendations from the public and a county task force on a draft ordinance that would require pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered. A crowd of about 40 people, split roughly in…
Santa Barbara County, schools team up to protect students from swine flu
To address school absenteeism and the H1N1 virus (more often referred to as swine flu), the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is offering parents some health tips. According to a press release from the county, healthy children can attend school even if there’s a sick parent or sibling at home. However, at the…
Stop, collaborate, and listen
Nonprofit leaders will learn how to better navigate rough financial waters during the Nonprofit Support Center’s seventh annual Lompoc Collaboration Faire on Nov. 19. The theme of the event is “taking care during challenging times” and features networking sessions and guest speakers. Ron Gallo, CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation, will discuss new approaches…
Join Beauty Connection’s first-year festivities
To celebrate its one-year anniversary, staffers at Beauty Connection are holding a series of events to show their appreciation to the community and clients. The salon will hold a Ladies Night on Nov. 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. with Bare Escentuals’ representatives and wine tasting from Kenneth Volk Winery. On Nov. 13, from…
Grab a cup o’ Joe
Santa Maria’s longest-standing locally owned coffee shop, Coffee and Company, has changed ownership, just in time for its 24th birthday. First-time business owner Candice Merás took over from the shop’s previous owner, Veronica Castenallos, in October. Merás, a 24-year-old master barista, perfected her craft working coffee in Santa Maria since she was 20. …
Make your kid an honorary Bulldog
There are now openings for infants and children ages three months to five years old at Allan Hancock College’s Children’s Center Lab School. Located on Hancock’s Santa Maria campus, the school is designed to provide for children a diverse, nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and culturally inclusive environment, according to a press release from the college.…
This ancient plant is beating the ‘War on Drugs’
California seized 4.4 million marijuana plants this year—a new record. The street value of this “crop” is estimated at $17.8 billion. The time has come to legalize and tax its sale. Let’s face it, the so-called expensive “War on Drugs” has failed with this ancient plant grown since the start of civilization.
This isn’t what we want
My God, do we miss President George W. Bush. What we have now is not our kind of America. What we want is prosperity, not socialism!
The United States doesn’t have the best car
Going green with the wrong technology will always put you in the red. Look at green hybrid buses that will not haul the passengers up a hill purchased by federal and state money and administrated by people who have no glue. Members of the Mercedes Benz Club of America recently toured the Mercedes factory…
Here’s how to truly end terrorist threats
Lives and finances depend on President Obama’s careful analyses and procedures concerning the war in Afghanistan, and he must consider the will of the people. With so many demands on his time, thank goodness he is taking the necessary deliberations. Ever since we used our own weapons of massive destruction—the nuclear bombs ending the…
We will always remember this celebration
I was recently honored, yet humbled, by the effort put forth by our Santa Maria firefighters in recognizing my tenure as their fire chief, with a retirement celebration held on Oct. 16. My family and many friends—along with co-workers, community leaders, and several fire service colleagues—were treated to a first-class event that included the Central…
How much are we paying for people who don’t pay?
One thing that was conspicuously absent from the Nov. 5 cover article, “Underinsured and overstretched,” was the effect of the illegal aliens in this county on the hospital. I would assume that, considering all the pregnant illegals walking around the streets of Santa Maria, they are having their babies at Marian. How many actually pay…
Alumni get their game on at Santa Maria High
Santa Maria High School’s basketball stars past and present will be on hand for the school’s inaugural alumni basketball game at Wilson Gym on Nov. 20. The event is a doubleheader with the junior varsity team playing at 6 p.m. against a team of Santa Maria High staffers, including Terry Butler, a former Allan…
Trot those turkeys
Before you stuff yourself silly on Turkey Day, sweat off some calories at Lompoc Parks and Recreation’s three-mile Turkey Trot Fun Run, scheduled for Nov. 22 at River Park in Lompoc. Runners of all ages and ability levels are welcome to participate in the event, which will include nine different divisions. All participants will…
Net results
Winning isn’t everything in the Hartman household, but it sure doesn’t hurt. Home life has been downright harmonious lately for St. Joseph girls’ volleyball coach Tammy Hartman, with her squad capping off another successful season, and husband Mike leading the Knights’ football team to the top of the league standings. “When we’re not…
Kasey Ortiz
Orcutt Academy’s Kasey Ortiz has been playing tennis since she was old enough to walk, and it shows. The 14-year-old freshman ran the table in 2009, going 45-0 in singles play and catapulting the school’s junior varsity tennis team to a 16-1 record. Though she’s been playing longer than most of her peers…
Caffeine dreams
It’s common knowledge that caffeine fuels the newsgathering trade, but few journalists actually buy a coffee shop for ready access to their favorite brew. One young scribe, the Sun’s own calendar editor, has done just that, adding another job description to his crowded résumé. Joe Payne and his fiancée, Candice Merás, recently became the…
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…
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…
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…
Health
SANSUM CLINIC offers a “Diabetes Essentials” class on Nov. 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic and Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Cost is $10. Sansum Clinic is located at 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Info: 737-8700. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a “Managing Your…
Art
THE LOS PADRES ARTIST GUILD presents a demonstration of acrylic and mixed-media painting by artist Marylou Falstreau at the guild’s monthly meeting on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Luis Oasis Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave., Old Orcutt. Info: mfalstreau.com or 264-6722. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the mixed media drawings of…
Learning
THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Lompoc-Vandenberg branch invites the public to a panel discussion on “The Dangers of the Internet Age” on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Lompoc Library, 501 E. North Ave., Lompoc. Info: 733-4950. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA HUMANIST SOCIETY presents famous prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi speaking…
Recreation
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT invites runners of all ages for the 13th annual Turkey Trot Fun Run, set for Nov. 21 at the Hagerman Sports Complex, 3300 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 925-051, Ext. 260. THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA holds registration for Adult Arena Soccer in several divisions…
Kids & Family
THE DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY presents author and storyteller Matthew Gollub giving a free reading from one of his books on Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the museum, 705 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 928-8414 or smvdiscoverymuseum.org. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department presents an “Improv for Teens”…
Dance Lessons
DANCE WITH US offers dance classes Nov. 25 with beginning/intermediate East Coast swing at 6:30 p.m. and beginning salsa at 7:30 p.m. at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium, 224 South St., Lompoc. Cost is $10, $20 for three weeks. Info: DanceWithUs.biz. WORTH THE DRIVE THE CENTRAL COAST FOLLIES host dance lessons for those aged…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, based on the novel by C.S. Lewis, through Dec. 23 in the Marian Theatre, 800 S College, Santa Maria. Cost is $26.25 to $30. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE VALLEY COMMUNITY THEATRE presents its production of The Fantasticks…
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:…
Concerts
THE ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE CONCERT BAND presents its second “Pops” concert on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 2970 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria. Cost is $10, $5 for seniors and students. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3252. AMY OBENSKI performs in concert on Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. at South Side Coffee,…
Special Events
THE SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT presents the sixth annual “Celebration of Life” event honoring community members who have reached the age of 90 years or better Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Community Center, 313 West Tunnell St., Santa Maria. THE FRIENDS OF THE NIPOMO LIBRARY holds a fall…
Fee fi fo fum
I make just enough money to have about three cents left in my account on the last day of the month. My bank balance is a delicate thing that has to be handled with absolute care and precision. Even a minuscule error can be disastrous—not only disastrous to my finances, but, more importantly, disastrous to…
