Cover Story
Left behind
A graduate of a local high school, “Rosa” is a full-time student at Allan Hancock College, boasting a grade point average that would make fellow students blush. She has high hopes for her academic future, planning to transfer to Cal Poly next semester. At 20, Rosa—whose name has been changed to protect her identity—is the…
Hoppin’ beer festivals
I confess. This wine enthusiast never much liked beer—until just last year, that is, when I sampled a splendid flight of craft ales, stouts, porters, and bocks from assorted microbreweries. I dare say that the experience was hop-alicious! And, apparently, I am not alone in my ignorance of the recent “good beer revolution.” “Women love…
What kind of business does this town need?
Chuck Armenta student “A Sonics.” [image-2] Esther Bautista stay-at-home mom “A Starbucks in the mall.” [image-3] Adam Verduzco retail “Bridal places.” [image-4] Daisy Corona student “A Pink Berry.”
Puppy love
A couple of months ago, my husband and I took our dog, Sadie, to the Laguna Lake dog park in San Luis Obispo. A woman we know from around town was there with her dog, and as we walked up to her, she smiled bemusedly and asked, “Why does your dog look like a deer?”…
Good Sam starts construction on a new permanent housing facility
Santa Maria’s Good Samaritan Shelter is one of the first homeless services agencies in the country to offer three stages of transitional housing, the nonprofit’s leaders announced at a groundbreaking ceremony on April 18. The shelter, in partnership with the county and city of Santa Maria, is building 16 units of permanent housing at its…
Spotlight on: Uncle Tom’s Salsa
The newest business venture in Los Olivos will soon have the town getting spiced up and saucy. (If your train of thought is somewhere around your taste buds, then you’re on the right track.) Full Steam Ahead is a tomato-less salsa crafted by Los Olivos native Thomas Palmer. Uncle Tom’s Salsa is a simple blend…
A carnival of concerts
No great celebration is complete until music is added to the mix. The Santa Maria Strawberry Festival, now in its 25th year, is celebrating the city’s beloved berry with carnival rides, entertainment, confectionary arts, demonstrations, and, of course, live music at the Santa Maria Fairpark in the middle of town. The Strawberry Festival has…
Timeless love
For all of its heart wrenching tragedy, its violence and hate, Romeo and Juliet has got to be the most deeply romantic story ever told. While the tale, in many forms, predates Shakespeare, it’s The Bard’s version that has become the most epic. Shakespeare penned the timeless story of two star-crossed lovers between 1594 and…
Money talks
Americans paid $1.46 billion for dreams of wining the Mega Lotto on March 30. Three lucky individuals did have the winning numbers, and will divide the $656 million. The dollar amount drew the nation’s attention. However, few of us noticed that Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, received a total compensation of $378 million last year (He…
Tips from a garage sale addict
OK, I admit I am a garage sale addict. But you must admit garage selling is the ultimate recycling: from your garage to mine. It’s also fun, and it’s like an intriguing treasure hunt! Here is the problem: Garage sale signs! If the signs are left up after the sale, it is confusing for us…
We don’t need a fourth South County supervisor
Of the three people running for the 4th District Santa Barbara County seat, Joni Gray, the incumbent, is the only qualified candidate in terms of leadership and the ability to bridge the often tumultuous relationship between North and South County. If you want a fourth South County supervisor, elect Joyce Howerton. If you look…
Bring your own big wheel
Based on the number of times the sun has risen and set during my lifetime and other technicalities of the Mayan calendar, rumor has it that I am no longer a child. I guess it is true. I do reside in the body of a man in his 30s, with skin aged by the sun…
Rock on a mission
Since rock‘n’roll first hit listeners’ ears, it’s been the vehicle for youth with a message. Whether a plea for peace or a cry for revolution, such music has long been an effective way to rally support for a cause. Outernational’s music is no different. “Our mission is to fill a void to fulfill a need…
The past and present are on display
The Town Center Gallery is featuring Central Coast artist Deborah L. Hildinger in its current show. Hildinger’s exhibit “Past and Present” showcases work in a variety of media dating from 1988 to the present. An artists’ reception will be held on Friday, April 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the gallery at 321 Town…
Arts grants available
Applications are being accepted for the Santa Maria Arts Council Lester B. Hayes Projects and Performance Grants to be presented at the Grants Showcase on May 21. The two $500 grants are intended to enhance arts in education. The grant is open to nonprofit groups or groups sponsored by nonprofit organizations. Last year’s grantees were…
Travel hither and yon
Artist Betsee Talavera takes audiences on a virtual trip with her latest show, “Hither and Yon,” running May 1 through 27 at the Cypress Gallery at 119 E. Cypress Ave., in Lompoc. The public is invited to a reception with the artist on Saturday afternoon May 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. Talavera takes viewers…
On the roster
• Splash and Dash: The third annual Splash and Dash fundraiser for the Allan Hancock College Athletics Department and Bulldog Rec-ing Club will be held on April 28. The events are a 5k run; a 2-mile walk; a 500-yard swim; or an “aquathon,” a combination of the swim and run. Registration begins at 8 a.m.…
Golf for the Titans
The Nipomo High School Booster Club will be raising money for school athletics at the annual Titan Classic Golf Tournament on May 12. The event starts at 11 a.m. at Monarch Dunes Golf Course in Nipomo. Various sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from $50 to $1,000. For more information, call the Nipomo High School office…
Last chance for community walk
The final walk in a series of six community walks hosted by the city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department takes place April 28 at the Santa Maria River Levee. The free walk, titled “Rollin’ on the River,” starts at 10 a.m. by the multi-purpose trail off North Preisker Lane. Upon completion of the…
‘Box Off’ to pack a punch
The Central Coast Boxing Club is holding its first-ever “Box Off” on April 28, showcasing both local and out-of-town amateur prospects. The action takes place inside the Santa Maria Athletic Club. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. Presale tickets are $7; adults pay $10 at the door, and…
The Bleacher Bum Chronicles Vol. XXV
Since the time of ancient Greece, and probably even before, people have revered exceptional athletes. The best and brightest in the sporting world have often been deified into larger-than-life characters for their physical abilities, which seem to transcend beyond us regular folks. Traditionally however, the personal side of most athletes has remained secondary to their…
Have fun this summer at Circle V Ranch
Nowadays there are summer camps of all different kinds for children focusing on everything from cooking to fashion design. Located across the street from Cachuma Lake, Circle V Ranch is offering a more traditional, but nonetheless exciting, summer camp experience for children ages 7 to 13. There will be a free open house tour and…
C&D Zodiac brings art to Fairlawn Elementary
Fairlawn Elementary School is looking much brighter and more inviting thanks to the addition of some murals painted by volunteers from C&D Zodiac Aerospace on April 19. More than 100 C&D Zodiac employees and volunteers personally created and painted outdoor and indoor murals for the school. The company also funded the project through its very…
Stopping the revolving door
County officials took “a good first step” in tackling the problem of recidivism among the area’s homeless and mentally ill population, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors announced at a meeting earlier this month. On April 17, the supervisors listened to a presentation comparing the costs of incarcerating homeless and/or mentally ill people and…
Meet a hometown hero
Selyn Barrette doesn’t have any memories of her dad, Ken, walking; he became wheelchair-bound when Selyn was just 4 years old. Ken, formerly a contractor and currently a resident of Nipomo, was diagnosed with possible multiple sclerosis in 1991—but all of the tests came back negative. Further tests and research showed that during his time…
Making taxes a little less painful
Wish you had some help doing taxes this year? The AARP Foundation recently reopened its year-round tax office in Santa Maria. Starting in late April, AARP volunteers will be available two days a month at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center in Santa Maria to help taxpayers file past years’ income tax returns free of cost.…
Correction
The Sun would like to correct some mistakes in its April 12 cover story, Far West: What’s next for Guadalupe? Former Guadalupe Mayor Sam Arca lost the 2004 election to current Mayor Lupe Alvarez; Virginia Ponce is a former city postmaster; and Oso Flaco Lake was voted one of the Top 10 Secret Coastal Escapes…
Orcutt district lays off eight classified employees
The Orcutt Union School District School Board approved layoffs for eight classified employees at its April 18 meeting, causing some parents present at the meeting to question district spending. Layoffs will be issued to six part-time physical education aides and two part-time bus attendants, who assist special needs students travelling to and from school. In…
Deadly plant disease threatens local citrus economy
Local agriculturalists are continuing their search for the Asian citrus psyllid, an insect that can carry and transmit a disease fatal to citrus trees. According to a press release from the San Luis Obispo County Agriculture Department, scientists recently discovered the Huanglongbing Disease—also known as the Citrus Greening Disease—in a tree in Los Angeles County.…
California Supreme Court stays the release of a sex offender into Santa Barbara County
Responding to an appeal by Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley, the California Supreme Court on April 23 issued a 60-day stay on the placement of a sexually violent predator in Santa Barbara County. Dudley said she immediately filed the appeal April 19 after the Third District Court of Appeals in Sacramento denied her…
