Ryan Newman ran his first triathlon on a whim. That’s right: on a whim. His cousin was in town for the Lompoc Sprint Triathlon in April 2007 and her friend couldn’t race, so they had an extra spot. Newman borrowed a bike and gave the race a shot. “The first one was brutal,” Newman said. […]
Music, Arts & Culture
Local company earns ‘Fit Friendly’ certification from the American Heart Association
With walking breaks, healthy snacks, and ping-pong play at work, it’s no wonder that Hardy Diagnostics has been certified as a “Fit Friendly Company” by the American Heart Association. According to a news release from Hardy Diagnostics, employees at the company have become healthier under the leadership of President Jay Hardy. Employees are encouraged to […]
Arts Briefs
Art classes are set to begin The newly opened C Gallery, showing contemporary art in Los Alamos, is taking enrollment for art classes for adult women, taught by Connie Rohde-Stanchfield. The intimate beginning drawing and art-making class is limited to five women, and will begin by exploring art elements and principles of design through drawing. […]
The color of Chile
There’s a timeless quality to good literature that allows it to cross borders and transcend boundaries. Chilean author Elisa Ferrada’s work creates such connections, possibly because the themes in her writing are based on basic human nature. Ferrada is renowned throughout Latin America, where she has published 11 books. As a poet, author, playwright, composer, […]
The world outside
David Ryan Gallery is now showing new work by Russian Impressionist painter Kanya Bugreyev. Known for her images of flowers, still lifes, and outdoor landscapes, Bugreyev captures the moods and flavors of each scene. Bugreyev has studied with some of the top Impressionist painters in the United States, including Sergei Bonart. She’s also an art […]
Let’s hear it for the boys
Most of the summer I have been a good boy, and I’ve spent a lot of time with my kids and my wife, whom I love. We frequented the beach, the lake, amusement parks, museums, and even the La Brea Tar Pits. Essentially, most of my summer was spent driving around looking for the cleanest […]
Small cars, big speed
On a normal day at the track, there might be 40 go-karts. Last weekend, at the Santa Maria Karting Association track, there were more than 300. It was the International Karting Federation Grand Nationals, held at the Santa Maria track for the third time, and the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber filled the air. […]
Athlete of the Week
Dr. Brenda Forsythe and Kadence are quite a pair. She’s a 45-year-old veterinarian practicing in Orcutt, and he’s a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding who likes to jump. Together, they’re winners, and they’ve taken home countless blue ribbons throughout the years in hunting, jumping, and dressage competitions. They’ve even taken home a few division championships. “He’s […]
Hancock adds two new coaches to the roster
Women’s volleyball and women’s soccer at Allan Hancock College are both set to get new coaches next season. Athletic Director Kim Ensing has recommended Julio Molina as the new volleyball coach and Rodrigo Garcia for women’s soccer. Molina has coached at the high school level for the past five years, most recently as the junior […]
SPIRITUAL
BAHA’I interfaith worship services are the second Sunday of each month. Info: 489-4172. Children’s classes are the first Saturday of each month. Info: 937-9451. Study circles about The Life of the Spirit are ongoing in Santa Maria. For questions, dates, and times: 614-0963. Info: 937-9451. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH holds worship services Sundays with Holy Communion […]
FARMERS MARKETS
SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and bee pollen, breads and pastries, plants and flower bouquets, fresh fruits and vegetables. ORCUTT Corner of Clark and Bradley, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh honey, flowers, and eggs, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. […]
BARBECUES
ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include tri-tip, chicken, beef kabobs, chicken adobo, salad, rice, and bread. Meals cost $6. Info: 922-3422 or 922-3799. FILIPINO CATHOLIC SOCIETY, under the direction of St. Mary’s Church and St. […]

