THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ANIMAL CARE FOUNDATION presents “Working Pets through Behavioral Issues” June 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Santa Maria Animal Center, 548 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria. Info: thurley200@att.net.
WESTSIDE STUDIOS presents “Voice Acting for Characters—Summer Session” Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. starting June 6 and running for six weeks at the studio in Oceano. Cost is $245. Info: 489-9326.
THE SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS CLUB presents “Leading Effective Meetings and Using Parliamentary Procedure” June 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the community room of Prudential California Realty, 204 East Enos, Santa Maria. Cost is $5. Info: 264-6722.
ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH presents an introductory class on the Bible with Reverend Canon Deborah Dunn on Tuesdays through June 16 at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 402 South Lincoln St., Santa Maria. Info: 922-3575 or stpetersparish@verizon.net.
THE LOMPOC POLICE DEPARTMENT offers a free women’s self defense class during two nights in June at the Lompoc Police Department, 107 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc. Info: 736-2341 or dri os@ci.lompoc.ca.us.
LUCIA MAR ADULT EDUCATION offers a variety of classes through the summer. Registration and class info is available at lmusd.org or 474-3900.
WORTH THE DRIVE
THE SANTA BARBARA CONTEMPORARY ARTS FORUM presents a Forum Lounge event featuring Miwa Metrayek speaking about “New Works” June 4 at 7 p.m. at the Contemporary Arts Forum, 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara. Info: 966-5373, Ext. 104.
THE SANTA YNEZ HISTORICAL SOCIETY presents “The Future of Water in the West” featuring geologist James Lawrence Powell speaking and signing his new book June 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. Info: 693-5683 or syvnature.org.
THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents “Conjuring up the Microcosm” and a “Scanning Electron Microscope Workshop/Demonstration” June 6 from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. at the museum, 2928 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos. Cost is $45, $35 for members. Info: 688-1082 or wildlingmuseum.org.
THE EXPLORATION STATION offers “Italia: Italy Class” open to all ages Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Exploration Station, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach. Cost is $15 for registration. Info: 473-1421 or explorationstation.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.
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 Jun 4-11, 2009.