PROJECT CLEAN WATER holds a stakeholders meeting open to the public July 24 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 511 E. Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria. Info: 568-3546 or fcrease@cosbpw.net.
THE DANA ADOBE NIPOMO AMIGOS presents, as part of its summer talks, author Maury Hoag speaking about shipwrecks of the Pacific on July 26 at 1 p.m. at the Historic Dana Adobe, 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo. Info: 929-5679.
THE SANTA MARIA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM presents, along with the La Purisima Audubon and Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory, “Birding in the Estuary” July 27 at 2 p.m. at the museum, 412 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 928-4311.
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES offers a free one-hour orientation for the organization’s Self Employment Training Class July 30 from 6 to 7 p.m. Info: 965-6073, Ext. 100, or www.wevonline.org.
WORTH THE DRIVE
THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents a spotlight talk by artist Ann Hefferman as part of the museum’s current exhibit, “Endangered Species: Flora and Fauna in Peril,” July 26 at 11:30 a.m. at the Wildling Art Museum, 2329 Jonata St., Los Olivos. Info: 688-8315.
BUDDY MONDLOCK presents a songwriting workshop July 26 from noon to 2 p.m. in Grover Beach. Cost is $30. Info: www.buddymondlock.com, 204-6821, or steve@stevekey.com.
THE EL CAMINO ART ASSOCIATION holds its monthly meeting, featuring speakers from Land Conservancy, on July 28 at 10 a.m. at the Octagon Barn, South Higuera St., SLO. Info: 489-6597.
FREE ART INSTRUCTION classes presented by the Cuesta College Emeritus Program are for adults older than 50 Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Aug. 7 at the Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. Info: 546-3121.
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.
SMALL BUSINESS START-UP WORKSHOP features successful business speakers and how-to information on starting a business every second Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Santa Maria Town Center mall. Reservations: 925-2403, Ext. 812.
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.
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 p.m. at Bakers Square, 1841 S Broadway. Santa Maria. Info: 886-6343.
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 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.
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM is at 705 S. McClelland St. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org.
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 Rd., 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 Jul 24-31, 2008.