HEALING MEDITATION CLASS focuses on spiritual and physical healing through Dec. 27 Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., 2880 Santa Maria Way, Suite A1, Santa Maria. $10, $30 per month. More info: 757-9802, radiantlotusbodywork@gmail.com.
OPTIMUM WELLNESS COOKING COURSE is an eight-week cooking course featuring foods that heal Mondays through March 7. Call for times, Healthy Palate, 2880 Santa Maria Way, Suite A1, Santa Maria. $200. More info: 757-9802, radiantlotusbodywork@gmail.com.
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents its “Bulldog Bow-WOW!” orientation event Feb. 3 in Lompoc from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. More info: 922-6966, Ext. 3229, ralarcio@hancockcollege.edu, hancockcollege.edu.
Worth The Drive
YOGA NIDRA CLASS teaches the deep state of relaxation and rejuvenation known as Yoga Nidra Jan. 20 through Dec. 29 Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., 2880 Santa Maria Way, Suite A1, Santa Maria. $10, $30 per month. More info: 757-9802, radiantlotusbodywork@gmail.com.
BEGINNING DRAWING WORKSHOP will teach students basic drawing skills with pen, ink, charcoal, and pencil through March 4 on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cuesta College, Highway 1, SLO. $110. More info: 546-3132, klinn@cuesta.edu, cuesta.edu.
WESTMONT COLLEGE opens sale for tickets to the Westmont President’s Breakfast with keynote speaker Condoleezza Rice March 4 from 7 to 9 a.m., Westmont College, 955 La Paz Road, Santa Barbara. $100. More info: scraig@westmont.edu, westmont.edu.
UCSB ARTS AND LECTURES presents Stanley Fish and Cary Nelson in the Arthur N. Rupe Great Debate “Academic Freedom in a Time of Crisis” Feb. 3 at 8 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara. More info: 893-3535, meghan.henry@sa.ucsb.edu, artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.
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.
BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY offers degree programs in business, arts, sciences, health, and education with classes starting at the end of August and October. Info: 928-3443 or brandman.edu/santamaria.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This article appears in Feb 3-10, 2011.