THE SANTA MARIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY presents “The Valley Speaks” featuring Jim Zemaitis talking about his father, the founder of Overland Security, on April 10 at 11 a.m. at the Shepard Room of the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 934-3514 or 922-3130.
THE LOMPOC PUBLIC LIBRARY celebrates National Library Week with a program on the history of Rock and Roll by DJ Fred Friedman on April 12 at 7 p.m. in the Grossman Gallery, Lompoc Public Library, Lompoc. Info: 875-8789 or lomref@blackgold.org.
WORTH THE DRIVE
WESTMONT COLLEGE presents Mark Nelson, Kenneth Monroe, and Peggy Monroe, all discussing “The Morality of Organ Trafficking” on April 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara. Info: 565-6401 or Westmont.edu.
THE CONFLICT SOLUTIONS CENTER offers a “1 Hour Free Mediation Skills Workshop” open to the public on April 9 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Conflict Solutions Center, 120 E. Jones St., suite 133, Santa Maria. Info: 349-8943 or CSCSB.org.
THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents “A Digital and Film Landscape Photography Workshop” April 9 through 11 at the museum, 2928 San Marcos, Los Olivos. Cost is $395. Info: 688-1082 or wildlingmuseum.org.
THE EXPLORATION STATION presents a “Super Sitter” class taught by the American Red Cross on April 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Exploration Station in Arroyo Grande. Cost is $50. Info: 473-1421.
THE CHURCH OF EMPOWERMENT offers an “Empowerment Through Ritual and Ceremony” with spiritual leader and clan mother Hua Anwa April 10 through 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Church of Empowerment Classroom, Arroyo Grande. Info: 481-0892 or churchofempowerment.org.
UCSB ARTS AND LECTURES presents Fareed Zakaria and his lecture “The Next Security Crisis: Global Threats and U.S. Foreign Policy” on April 12 at 8 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre, State Street, Santa Barbara. Cost is $25, $10 students. Info: 893-3535 or artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.
PROJECT CLEAN WATER STAKEHOLDERS holds a meeting on April 15 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Lake Cachuma Recreation Hall off of Highway 154 between Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. Info: 568-3373 or sbprojectcleanwater.org.
EDEN AUTISM SERVICES and Innovative Learning present an autism conference, “Moving from Science and Research to Practice,” on April 15 from 7:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Way, Buellton. Cost is $100 by April 1, $120 after April 1. Info: 895-4535.
COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) holds spring training for new volunteers Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m. through April 26 at the Santa Maria Office, 120 E Jones St., suite 100, Santa Maria. Info: 739-9102, Ext. 2, or kim@sbcasa.org.
THE CITY OF LOMPOC Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry Department presents a dog obedience class through May 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Lutheran Section of River Park, Lompoc. Cost is $65, $78 for non-city residents. Info: 875-8100.
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 open the last Sunday of every month from noon to 4 p.m. 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 Apr 8-15, 2010.