Cover Story
Shutter speed
I’ve driven past the Santa Maria Speedway countless times since I moved to San Luis Obispo County back in 1989. I’ve heard the noise of the cars at my girlfriend’s house (six or so miles away from the track) on Saturday nights in Santa Maria. I’ve had a few invites to go to the races,…
Sharing the gift of relaxation
After going on a personal retreat to learn about the healing powers of relaxation and meditation, a local business owner has returned to the Central Coast to share her knowledge with her neighbors. Starting Sept. 9, massage therapist Diane Shabazian will be leading relaxation retreats for men and women through Allan Hancock College. Shabazian also…
What song or type of music makes you want to change the radio station?
Shannon Fortner photo lab specialist “The Macarena—because it gets people to act crazy but I like it at the same time.” Gio Shovic software analyst “Rap—though some of it is all right. I’m kind of stuck with what I grew up with, like the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, even the ’90s.” June Romero childcare giver “Hard…
Political Watch 08.12
Responding to people attempting to reverse Proposition 14 through litigation, Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado released a statement on July 30 that said: “Voters have spoken loud and clear, and the people looking to nullify the initiative are choosing to continue the dysfunction, the unacceptable late budgets, and the continuous infighting. It is unbelievable that party…
Community Notebook 08.12
TUESDAY, AUG. 17 • The Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe. • The Santa Maria City Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. Agendas are…
Hobnobbing With Helen
Cynics of the world, beware! There are good folks on this planet. Some of the very best people are CASA volunteers, who find room in their hearts for children in the foster care system—kids who might move from foster home to foster home, who might come from severely dysfunctional families, who might experience many changes in…
The Girl Scouts, they are a’changing
There’s more to Girl Scouts than just delicious cookies—a $700-million market—and they hope the public will know this after they finish launching a nationwide re-branding campaign called What Did You Do Today. Part of the transformation will be appealing more to the Hispanic population, one of the fastest growing demographics, by advertisements in Spanish language…
Meet the new brew crew in town
What’ll ya have: Davy Brown Ale, Wrangler Wheat, Paradise Pilsner, or Hoppy Poppy IPA? These are just a few of the new, locally made beers to tickle the taste buds of Central Coast residents come September, courtesy of the Figueroa Mounting Brewing Company. In a recent interview with the Sun, brewery co-owner and Buellton native…
Privacy or policing?
A new ordinance recently passed by the Santa Maria City Council has stirred some not-so-good feelings among the city’s business owners. On Aug. 3, the City Council voted 3-2 to approve a “good neighbor” ordinance aimed at making it easier for law enforcement to issue public disturbance citations to businesses and groups that hold large…
Whooping cough continues to bedevil SLO County
Whooping cough is still slowly spreading in San Luis Obispo County, according to figures just released by the county health agency. As of Aug. 4, San Luis Obispo County’s whooping cough count has reached 276 confirmed, probable, and suspected cases. Eleven of those cases involve infants younger than 1 year old, two of whom were…
Let the campaigning begin
On Aug. 5, Santa Maria business owner and philanthropist Jack Boysen officially announced his candidacy for a seat on the Santa Maria City Council at a press conference at the Betteravia Government Center in Santa Maria. Boysen was introduced to a crowd of more than a dozen supporters by 5th District Santa Barbara County Supervisor…
Sen. Dianne Feinstein asks EPA to review approval of controversial pesticide
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein is joining the battle against methyl iodide by asking federal regulators to reconsider approval of the chemical intended for use as a strawberry pesticide. On Aug. 5, Feinstein sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), expressing concern over scientific data linking methyl iodide exposure to miscarriages and cancer.…
Santa Barbara County dedicates bike path in memory of fallen teen
Family, friends, and local officials gathered at the newly christened Eric P. Okerblom Bike Path in Orcutt Aug. 6 to remember Eric Okerblom—who died last year while riding his bike on Telephone Road—and reminisce about the extraordinary traits he possessed. To honor Eric, the county also installed a plaque on the path. The plaque, which…
Feeling spooky?
The 2010 Lompoc Haunted House is currently in its planning stages. Organizers need lots of “monsters” willing to jump out and scare visitors for its Insane Asylum theme. They also need set builders and designers, as well as a costume and make-up team. The house will be set up at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium, 217…
Put art in the park
Art in the Parks is set to open on Oct. 7, and the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, the County Park Foundation, and the County Art in Public Places Committee are looking for artists who celebrate the outdoors. The call is open to all California residents. Work will show at Channing Peake Gallery in Santa…
The winners are …
Every rock star has to get a start somewhere, whether it’s a coffee shop, a dive bar, or a backyard party. So will you see the next Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, or Sean Kingston at this year’s New Times Music Awards? Maybe not, but then again, you just might. Either way, judging by last year’s…
Sitcom world, good talent
PCPA promises one thing with its genre-bending production of Songs for a New World: a new and provocative universe, with virgin territory to explore. Or, at least, the play’s creator, Jason Robert Brown, made this promise implicitly when he titled his 1995 production. But Brown fails to deliver on this promise, and even with the…
Plan highlights space industry
Continuing and expanding the state’s space industry is the primary focus of the California Space Enterprise Strategic Plan 2010-2012, announced July 29 by the California Space Authority. The plan was developed in collaboration with 200 senior-level and executive space industry stakeholders, representing about 100 industrial, governmental, academic, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state. It addresses…
Ag women host fundraiser
The Santa Maria chapter of California Women for Agriculture, an organization dedicated to the survival of the agricultural industry, is holding its annual Casino Night on Sept. 18. The event is the group’s main fundraiser of the year and includes a Santa Maria-style barbecue, wine tasting, gaming, and a silent and live auction. The cost…
These are the salad days
Celebrate all that goes into your salad and the people who get produce to your plate at the inaugural Salad Bowl Festival on Sept. 12 in Guadalupe. The event kicks off with a half marathon and 5k run/walk, with registration beginning at 6:45 a.m. The celebration continues throughout the day with arts and crafts, family-…
Wingstop lands in Santa Maria
Award-winning restaurant chain Wingstop is bringing its chicken wings to Santa Maria. With more than 600 locations nationwide, Wingstop features fresh, cooked-to-order wings and boneless chicken strips in unique flavors such as hickory smoked BBQ, lemon pepper, and garlic parmesan. Side dishes include fresh-cut seasoned fries, bourbon baked beans, and homemade potato salad. Open from…
Chris Mallory
Baseball coaches on the Central Coast see many good players; however, few leave as strong an impression as Chris Mallory has. Mallory, a second baseman for the Santa Maria Packers, was recently given the California Collegiate League Player of the Year Award, beating out three other candidates in a close vote by league coaches. Mallory,…
P.A.L. baseball takes tournament
The Santa Maria Police Activities League (P.A.L.) kicked off its fall 18-U baseball league in fine fashion, winning the Mountain Baseball Tournament in Tehachapi on Aug. 1. Righetti High School’s Nick Bischoff pitched a complete game against the Tehachapi Trojans in the championship, recording a 7-3 win. The team was propelled into the finals thanks…
City holds youth tennis tourney
There’s still time to sign the kids up for the city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department’s Novice Tennis Tournament on Aug. 21 at Minami Community Center. Boys and girls ages 7 to 14 are welcome to compete. The cost is $14 and includes a program T-shirt. Registrations will be accepted until Aug. 13…
Sport of Kings
Today’s gonna be a big day,” says a parking attendant as I pull into the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “Zenyatta’s racing. There’s not going to be a seat left in the house.” “Who’s Zenyatta?” I ask, exposing my ignorance. She raises an eyebrow, collecting my $8. “She’s never lost: 17-and-0. And today she’s racing against…
Otters don’t need the ‘help’ they’ve been getting
Just like clockwork, every year is a crisis for sea otters, and this year is no different. Why? Crisis is good for business. Last week’s crisis was the lack of taxpayer funding to pay for more research. This week’s crisis is a three-year average decline in the spring population survey. Oh my! The truth is…
Tap into churches for taxes
Churches should pay taxes. As a tax-paying, responsible citizen, I was opposed to Proposition 8. I made up 10 crude signs against this proposition, which I put up around Nipomo Mesa. These were countered by 100 fancy “YES on Prop. 8” signs financed by a powerful distant organization: the Mormon Church. Why do we permit…
Help continue to improve Orcutt
The Old Town Orcutt Revitalization Association (OTORA), by working with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Supervisor Joni Gray, and Santa Barbara County Public Works, was able to help acquire more than $300,000 in federal stimulus monies to build our “model intersection” at Clark Avenue and Gray Street in Old Town Orcutt. The project…
Yeah, we kind of like him, too
Each time I pick up the Santa Maria Sun, I am delighted to see the ongoing versatility displayed by your Editorial Intern Henry Houston. The subject matter of his Community Corner is as varied as his Athlete of the Week. It was interesting to read about lawn bowling several weeks ago. To my surprise, after…
Allow me to do the job you didn’t
Wow. Four full columns on the state Senate candidates. (“Here we go again,” July 22). Looks impressively in-depth. But it breaks down like this: one full column on two third-party candidates who got single-digit vote totals in the primary; one and a half columns on how much the election is costing; and a column and…
Clubs & Meetings
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS for men meets in San Luis Obispo and Grover Beach. Men interested in attending may contact representatives: 550-6718 or not_moses@fastmail.fm. ALL-AMERICAN QUILTERS’ GUILD meets…
Spiritual
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH is located at 1000 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. “Jazz Devine” presents a new jazz worship service on July 11 at 6 p.m. at the church. Info: 735-3769 or ghmoran@yahoo.com. 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:…
Farmer’s 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…
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…
Health
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY holds a “Sign-up for Social Security Benefits” event on Aug. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the library’s Career Center, 4221 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117, or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION presents an “Exercise Program” for those fifty years and older Tuesdays and Thursdays from…
Art
THE SHEPARD HALL GALLERY presents the inaugural exhibit and awards for the National Arts Program for the City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley School Districts Employees and their Families through Aug. 27 at the library’s Shepard Hall, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117, or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. THE CYPRESS GALLERY presents…
Learning
THE SANTA MARIA COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) hold a training series for those interested in advocating for children Aug. 18, 25, Sept. 1, 8, and 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at CASA Santa Maria, 120 East Jones St., Santa Maria. Info: 845-8364, Ext. 24# or summers@sbcasa.org. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES presents Self Employment Training…
Recreation
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department offers “Free Swim Days” Aug. 23 at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, 516 South McClelland, Santa Maria. An Adult Lap Swim is through Aug. 14 and a Recreation Swim is through Aug. 15 both at the Pioneer Valley High School, Santa Maria. THE DUNES CENTER presents…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA offers Teen Xtreme Camp through Aug. 13, Counselor in Training camp through Aug. 13, and Traditional camp through Aug. 13. The Santa Maria Valley YMCA is located at 3400 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 937-8521. THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB of Santa Maria Valley presents “Super Summer Fun!” Monday through…
Dance Lessons
ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and Thursdays in Grover Beach. Info: 709-4686 or BlueMoonHaven.com. THE DANCE STUDIO offers dance classes in Santa Maria in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Dance Team. Info: 349-9016 or 931-0444. EVERYBODY CAN…
Stage
THE LOMPOC CIVIC THEATRE presents its production of Artificial Jungle by Charles Ludlam Aug. 13 through 15, 20 through 22, and 27 through 29 at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium, 217 South L St., Lompoc. Info: 735-2281. THE POETRY SOCIETY OF SANTA MARIA invites…
Night Life
The following venues offer either regularly scheduled live entertainment or DJ-hosted dance music. Most performances start after 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. IN THE AREA ADDAMO VINEYARD/TASTING ROOM: 400 E. Clark Ave., suite E, Santa Maria, 937-6400. Live music Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. CLUB 805, AKA STINKY’S BAR & GRILL: 2430 South…
Concerts
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA presents “Concerts in the Park” from 1 to 3 p.m. featuring the Steppin’ Out Band in concert Aug. 15, Soulamente Aug. 22, and The Kicks Aug. 29, all at the Rotary Centennial Park, 2625 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 260. THE LOMPOC LIBRARY presents “Jazz at the…
Special Events
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Thursday Nite Movie Nite: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” on Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. in the library’s Shepard Hall, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117, or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. STUFF THE BUS organized by the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way celebrates its third…
Yay for Chardonnay
Most wineries proudly display a bottle or two draped with medals trumpeting wins at a wine competition. Ribbons of gold, blue, and Cabernet purple bedeck tasting bars, along with the occasional wine goblet-topped trophy. Wine competitions take place year round, in all kinds of venues. They may be sponsored by magazines, staged for charity, or…
