The first time Joseph Rodriguez, 12, hit a home run, he got a piece of a low pitch and lobbed it out past center field. It was a bit of a surprise, he said, when that hit sailed out of the park. But the second time Rodriguez hit a homer, it was much more definite. […]
Music, Arts & Culture
Hancock softball team recognized for rising stars
An all-freshman team, led by coach Angeli Guerrero, has earned recognition from the Western State Conference. Guerrero was named Co-divisional Coach of the Year for her efforts with the team, leading them to a third-place finish with a record of 15-26. Three players were also named to the all-conference second team: first baseman Lily Ruiz […]
Two pools are ready for swimmers, just in time for summer
This summer, Santa Maria Valley residents have more pool choices than ever. Both the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center and the new Pioneer Valley High School pool will be open to the public and hosting special lessons and events. At Paul Nelson, the People for Leisure and Youth and the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department […]
Hanging it up
It was a sad day at the Town Center Gallery as artists filtered in and out of the space, taking their artwork down and packing boxes. On June 13, the walls were bare at the rent-free venue where local painters, sculptors, and other artisits have displayed their work for the last three years. A group […]
Battles of the heart
There’s hardly a war story out there that isn’t heart wrenching, that doesn’t touch the soul on some level. In that respect, Jos» Cruz González’s play, Heart’s Desire, is no different than any other tale of wartime strife—but just when you think you’ve seen it before, this play reaches out and hits you were it […]
Open box, then assemble
The paint on my rain gutters is peeling. The backyard gate won’t close. Two of the front window shutters need repairing. My house needs some tender loving care. The big question is this: Am I working diligently on household to-do items and keeping my wife, whom I love, happy? Nope. Instead, I’ve been in the […]

