THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY hosts a writing workshop by Sherry Shahan focusing on molding short and simple stories for publication in the children’s magazine market on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shepard Hall, 421 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117, or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us.
UNITY CHAPEL OF LIGHT presents the lecture “Yes, You Can Change the World” with Aman Motwane on Jan. 24 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the chapel at 1165 Stubblefield Road, Santa Maria. Info: 937-3025.
WORTH THE DRIVE
UCSB ARTS AND LECTURES presents P.W. Singer delivering the lecture “Wired for War—The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century” on Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the UCSB Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara. Cost is $10, free for students. Info: 893-3535 or artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.
THE COLLABORATION TEAM presents a lunch seminar featuring guest speaker Gerry Frigon giving an overview of the current economic climate on Jan. 22 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Collaboration Training Center, 3196 S. Higuera, suite D, SLO. Info: 541-9040.
THE C GALLERY presents a rug-hooking workshop with artist Suzanne Sattler on Jan. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the gallery in Los Alamos. Info: 344-3807 or connie@thecgallery.com.
UCSB ARTS AND LECTURES presents an evening with T.C. Boyle, author of Wild Child and The Women, on Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Victoria Hall Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Cost is $10, $8 for students. Info: 893-3535 or artsnadlectures.ucsb.edu.
CAL POLY presents former Sunset Magazine publisher and U.S. Ambassador Bill Lane speaking about “Going West Again … and Again” on Jan. 26 from 11:10 a.m. to noon in the right wing of the Chumash Auditorium, Cal Poly, SLO. Info: 756-7446 or tlvassey@calpoly.edu.
DR. TROY SMITH, D.C. presents the free lecture “Be Your Own Biggest Winner: Tips for a Slim, Fit, and Healthy You” on Jan. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach; Jan. 28 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Oceano Community Center, 1425 19th St., Oceano. Info: 489-3714, Ext. 23, or dr.troysmith@gmail.com.
WESTMONT COLLEGE hosts Margaret M. Poloma and her lecture “Integrating Science and Spirit: A Sociological Journey” on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Hieronymus Lounge, 955 La Paz Road, Santa Barbara. Info: 565-6051 or westmont.edu.
CAL POLY presents founder of Futuros Educational Services delivering the lecture “Information for Empowerment: Best Practices for Serving Undocumented Students” on Jan. 28 at 8 a.m. at the Vista Grande Café in the Sage Restaurant, Cal Poly, SLO. Info: 756-1521 or lcofer@calpoly.edu.
PROJECT CLEAN WATER holds its next stakeholders meeting on Jan. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lake Cachuma Recreation Hall off of Highway 154 between Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. Info: 568-3373 or jhufsch@cosbpw.net.
THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents an “Art on the Wild Side” class on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon at the museum, 2928 San Marcos, Los Olivos. Cost is $5. A “Birds of the Santa Ynez Valley Region” birding course is offered Mondays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. through Feb. 15 at the Wildling Art Museum. Cost is $100, $75 for members. Info: 688-1082 or wildlingmuseum.org.
THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH RECREATION DIVISION presents a beginning drawing class Wednesdays through March 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall, Pismo Beach. Cost is $92 per session. A watercolor class is through Feb. 25 on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Shell Beach Veteran’s Hall, Shell Beach. Cost is $80. Info: 773-7063 or pismobeach.org.
ONGOING
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources meet every first Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. for the public at the eastside branch of the Santa Barbara Public Library, 1100 E. Montecito St. Info: 879-1729.
BUSINESS SKILLS OPEN LAB offers free computer classes for all levels, including classes in MS Word 2002, Power Point, Internet Explorer 6, and more. Offered by Allan Hancock College Noncredit Education and Community Programs. Santa Maria. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3209.
NINA TOASTMASTERS CLUB 80 meets noon to 1:15 p.m. on Thursdays in the Merrill Gardens activities theater, 1350 N. Suey Road, Santa Maria. Info: 925-2403, Ext. 814. Info: nina80.wordpress.com.
NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB shows that the fear of public speaking is easily fixed while having fun. For gentle, caring, and constructive help, drop in every Thursday from noon until 1:15 p.m. Info: 478-3071.
RANCHO DE GUADALUPE HISTORICAL MUSEUM features displays of memorabilia and photographs from the early days of Guadalupe. The museum is located at 1005 Guadalupe St. and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment. The historical jail is open the last Sunday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Polaroid “jailbird” pictures are available for $2. The jail is at 4555 Ninth St. Info: 343-5901.
GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER features information and exhibits on the history of Guadalupe and surrounding areas. It also features information about cultural awareness and the diverse community groups. The center offers arts, presentations, and educational classes. It is located at 1065 Guadalupe St. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 343-2939.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING FOR BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED is offered by the Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Department Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 E Park Ave., Santa Maria. Cost is $57.25, $46 for city residents. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 260.
GENSPAN A.P.P.L.E. PROGRAM (Adults Providing Positive Learning Experiences) seeks volunteers to work with Santa Maria Valley area school children. Volunteers assist as mentors in classrooms and help students with reading, writing, and more. No special skills are required. Info: 614-4968.
SENIOR CONNECTION is an information, referral, and assistance program of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens. New classes are forming for people interested in volunteering to help senior citizens in the community. Info: 928-2552 or 1-800-510-2020.
THE PACIFIC PRIDE CENTER is seeking volunteers to help locals and their families affected by HIV/AIDS. Help is needed in the Necessities of Life Food Pantry, office support, community events, and more. Volunteers can also help in LGBT youth programs, support groups, and speaker panels. Info: 349-9947, Ext. 103.
SANTA MARIA INCLUSIVE LEARNERS (SMILe) meets every Monday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to discuss academic enrichment, and engage in social interaction and fun. All home educators and alternative learners welcome. Info: 938-1307.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS offers free disaster services classes to the public. Info: 928-0778.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM, 705 S. McClelland, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Admission is $8 per person; kids younger than 2 get in free. Info: 928-8414.
COMMUNITY CPR AND FIRST AID classes are offered by Fast Action Safety Training. Classes can be taught in schools, churches, businesses, or community centers. Classes are also offered in pet first aid and workplace safety. Spanish courses also available. Info: 929-0921.
RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (R.S.V.P.) knows of a vast number of volunteer opportunities and can match just about any skill or interest you have with a community need. Info: RSVP, 922-9931.
SANTA MARIA CITY HALL TOURS are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, hosted by city staff. Call to book a tour: 925-0951, Ext. 200.
COELHO ACADEMY OF MUSIC offers a variety of music lessons including keyboard, drums, guitar, and vocal. “Worship training center” and “rock school” available. The academy is located at 325 E. Betteravia Road, Suite B-4. For scheduling, additional fees, and other information, call 925-0464.
LEARN ENGLISH with free classes at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus, Building W, Room 11, 800 S. College Dr., Monday through Thursday from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3299.
LOMPOC CITIZENS’ POLICE ACADEMY is a nonacademic informational course hosted by the Lompoc Police Department, conducted every Thursday over a 15-week period. Class size is limited to 25 students. Participants must be at least 14 years of age, have no felony arrest history, and not have been arrested for any charge within the past three years. All applicants will be screened prior to admission into the class. Pick up an application in the lobby of the Lompoc Police Department or call 736-2341.
NEW LIFE DIVORCE CARE MINISTRY offers video seminars on divorce care. Info: 937-0077. Or to find a nearby group, call 489-3254, Ext. 10.
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE conducts free tours on the base every second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. through the public affairs office. Tours last about two hours and include a visit to the Heritage Center for a look at how the base evolved, plus space and missile artifacts. Make a tour reservation three weeks in advance by calling 606-3595.
BUELLTON SENIOR CENTER serves the Santa Ynez Valley with one-to-one computer tutoring for seniors age 55 and older. Learn at your own pace. Specialized equipment is available for low-vision and physically impaired seniors. Info: 688-4571.
GENSPAN FOUNDATION is seeking volunteers for its “Story Catchers” program. Training is free. Info: 614-4968.
VOICE-OVER WORKSHOP teaches the basics of copy interpretation, microphone technique, taking direction, and understanding the audition process. Class meets for four weeks in Oceano. Info: 489-9326.
This article appears in Jan 21-28, 2010.