Cover Story
You oughta stay in pictures
Movie production has always meant big money: money for the actors, money for the moviemakers, money for pretty much anyone who touches the camera, script, costumes, or equipment. What isn’t as obvious is that the industry also spreads the wealth. Production creates jobs. In other words, it opens doors for taxpayers and consumers to dole…
CLUBS & MEETINGS
ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL INC. of SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m., in the downstairs conference room at United Way, 1660 S. Broadway. Info: 352-0026 or 937-4071. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL INC. OF THE CENTRAL COAST meets at noon the second and fourth Monday of every month at…
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.…
HEALTH
THE FIBRYOMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP features Shoosh Crotzer, author of “Yoga for Fibryomyalgia,” speaking about and conducting yoga at the group’s monthly meeting on Aug. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Arroyo Grande Hospital Anex, 345 Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande. Info: 602-2153. ONGOING ARTHRITIS FDN. is a low impact, sit-in-chair exercise program held…
ART
THE CYPRESS GALLERY currently features the exhibition Abstract Thought by Elizabeth Monks Hack through August at the gallery, 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc. Info: 737-1129. ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents an exhibit, Framing of Light, featuring the photography of Cathy L. Gregg, through Sept. 5 in the Allan Hancock Student Center Art Gallery, building G, Santa…
LEARNING
THE LIGIA DANTES FOUNDATION presents a “Harmonious Living” class with Ligia Dantes Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Nipomo. Info: 343-2582 or ligiadantesfoundation.org. THE SANTA MARIA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM presents “Rare Fruiting Plants to Grow on the Central Coast” with teacher Jack Swords on Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Natural…
RECREATION
LA PURISIMA MISSION presents its Mission Life Day, featuring live presentations of mission life and culture Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the La Purisima Mission, Lompoc. Info: 733-3713. WORTH THE DRIVE THE PISMO NATURE CENTER presents an “Oceano Lagoon” hike Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. at the nature center, Oceano…
KIDS & FAMILY
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT presents its Teen Treks Camps Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Aug. 15 at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, Santa Maria. Cost is $90. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 252 or jdavie@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA presents its Summer Camp starting every…
DANCE LESSONS
ONGOING EVERYBODY CAN DANCE offers classes in ballet dance for ages 3 to adult. Call for schedules. Boys and men receive full scholarships. The studio is located at 800 S. Broadway. Info: 937-6753. THE DANCE STUDIO offers dance classes in Santa Maria and Nipomo in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Dance Team. Info:…
STAGE
LOMPOC CIVIC THEATRE presents its production of Ruthless—The Musical Aug. 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24, showing in Lompoc. Info: 735-ACT1. PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The Imaginary Invalid through Aug. 23 in the Marian Theatre, Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria. Info: pcpa.org. IMPROVISATIONAL HUMOR CLASS meets Mondays at the Santa Maria Town…
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 CLUB 805, AKA STINKY’S BAR & GRILL: 2430 South Broadway, 614-9316. DJ Davey D Saturday nights. THE COACHMAN: 1531 S Broadway, 922-5556. Thursday through Saturday: DJ from 9 p.m.…
CONCERTS
WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART presents the Music Academy of the West Concert Series Thursdays at 2 p.m. through Aug. 14 in the Mary Craig Auditorium, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Info: 884-6430 or kcarl@sbma.net. THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BAND performs a Twilight Concert on…
SPECIAL EVENTS
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER presents the 2008 Farmworker Health Fair, featuring health screenings, vaccinations, food, music, dance, drawings, and information, on Aug. 14 from 3 to 8 p.m. on Newlove Street, between Lincoln and Thornburg, Santa Maria. Info: 458-4247. THE CENTRAL COAST WINE GROWERS ASSOCIATION presents its annual “Under the Summer Stars” dinner, dance, and live…
Waiting for crush
Sliding down the slippery slope toward harvest, winemakers and growers on the Central Coast spend hours each day contemplating their ripening grapes. Despite a rough spring fraught with both high heat and a cold snap, the 2008 vintage promises a deliciously juicy—if somewhat diminished—yield. Among the locals patrolling their vineyards on a daily basis are…
What is the worst gift you’ve ever been given?
Brandon Carroll intern “A fruitcake.” Bill Spriggs vendor “I’ve always had good gifts. Every gift I’ve gotten came from the heart, and that’s all that matters to me.” Tasia Bech camp counselor “On Valentine’s Day, I got a teddy bear from a gas station. It smelled and was dusty.” Tina Vincent camp counselor “Probably money,…
Are you ready to go back to school?
It’s that time again! Local elementary, middle, and high school students are packing their backpacks and heading back to school. The Santa Maria-Bonita School District opens first on Aug. 18, followed by the Orcutt Union School District (seventh graders start on Aug. 19, other students start Aug. 20), and the Guadalupe Union School District and…
They’ve gone union
On Aug. 13, at a conference in the Windy City, the Santa Maria Elementary Education Association announced its affiliation with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). The affiliation, organization members said, will encourage greater cooperation to meet the needs of working teachers, students, and their families. The agreement brings together…
Political Watch
• Lompoc resident Robert Cuthbert, who’s running as a 33rd State Assembly candidate, recently released a statement in response to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decision to make statewide job and pay cuts until the state’s budget impasse is resolved: “The governor’s following through with his threat to eliminate 10,000 temporary and part-time workers, and to pay…
Girl Scouts go for the gold
Superheroes save planets, soar through the sky, fight evil, and still manage to lead pseudo-normal lives. With a lot of the public’s attention now focusing on heroes of the big screen, it’s time to remember the role models that exist in our own community. That’s where the Girl Scouts of Troop 50778 shine. This year,…
Hobnobbing with Helen
Roy Allen is Alzheimer’s man in Santa Maria. This effusive, personable fellow is determined to get out the message on the diseases that rob millions of people of years of life: Alzheimer’s and dementia. These disorders of the brain tax and wear out caretakers as well. For the first time in four years, the local…
Santa Maria DMV halts Saturday service due to state budget cuts
As of Aug. 16, 53 Department of Motor Vehicles offices—including the Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara offices—will suspend service on Saturdays because of the delayed state budget and staffing restraints. For more information and service updates, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.
Farmworker deaths prompt fines, more investigations
After a three-month-long investigation, the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health has issued six citations and $262,700 worth of fines against Merced Farm Labor Contractor, the Atwater-based employer of a 17-year-old farm worker who died of heat stroke in May. The fines are the largest assessed to an agricultural firm…
Santa Maria will get ‘specific’ about goals for downtown
Want to make an impact on community development in the downtown Santa Maria area? Staff members from the Santa Maria Community Development Department are holding an Aug. 14 meeting to update the public about the city’s Downtown Specific Plan. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Minami Community Center, 600 W.…
Plan your detours: Multiple road construction projects are slated for August
Remember to drive extra safely around Santa Maria for the next few weeks—there are three big road construction projects in the works. The city’s annual street maintenance chip seal program, which began Aug. 11 and is scheduled to last for four weeks, will treat approximately 100 street segments and cost about $800,000. Chip sealing involves…
Santa Barbara County receives an award from a technology company
Santa Barbara County was recognized on Aug. 6 for its use of the geographic information system (GIS), by the company that makes it, ESRI. The award was presented at the 28th Annual ESRI International User Conference in San Diego. GIS combines computer hardware, software, and data to create a tool for analyzing and displaying geographic…
Director of utilities is key speaker at business luncheon
Rick Sweet, director of utilities for the city of Santa Maria, will be the featured speaker at the Business Development Luncheon on Aug. 19. Sweet has worked for the city for 21 years, starting as an assistant civil engineer, then becoming Santa Maria’s city engineer, director of public works, and finally director of utilities. Sweet…
Find a piece of Southern Italy in Orcutt
The Trattoria Uliveto, a new restaurant in Orcutt, is set to open its doors for the first time on Aug. 22. Owners Jim Spallino and Alfonso Curti, formally of Grappolo in Santa Ynez, have created a menu emphasizing the simple tastes of an Italian kitchen, from a salad of arugula and parmesan to a spinach…
New superintendent is ready to start the school year
Phil Alvarado can trace his career in education back to one single moment. It was 1973, and Alvarado was leaving after his last day as an instructional aide at Oakley Elementary in Santa Maria. It was to be his last day as an educator—he was on his way to the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara…
Trial by peers
The door opens, and the judge, draped in legal-grade black, enters the room. A bailiff gruffly commands everyone present to “please rise,” and proceeds to swear in the jury members. Silence settles on the courtroom as a fresh-faced youth and his mother are ushered in and seated at the defendant’s table. The trial is about…
Arts Briefs
Sorpresa! comes to Comcast Santa Maria households can say 8hola! to a new 24-hour kids’ programming station for Hispanic children. 8Sorpresa! is America’s fastest-growing Spanish-language children’s network, and will be introduced on Comcast’s Hispanic digital tier. 8Sorpresa! is a 24/7 children’s cable network televised exclusively in Spanish. The network is geared toward reaching the young…
Spirited saint
In a time of plague, war, famine, and greed, a young girl stood up for her convictions and followed a path of unselfish servitude to those in need. Her actions in the 14th century made her revered today. Her service to the church made her a saint. Now, St. Catherine of Siena’s story lives on…
Get a heavy dose of the tonic of laughter
Anyone incapable of appreciating the absurd would do well to stay clear of PCPA’s adaptation of MoliÀre’s The Imaginary Invalid. From the basic plot premise—a family’s antics to prevent the hypochondriac patriarch from forcibly marrying his daughter to the son of a doctor—to the characters themselves, the tale is incredulous and very, very funny, particularly…
Arnold is holding us hostage
The legislators gridlock has created a complete mess. Hospitals, nursing homes, and community health clinics are no long being paid. Schools are trying to plan a new school year without knowing how many staff they will be able to keep. This is irresponsible. It has to stop. State workers making $6.55 an hour are not…
Enough with change!
Some politicians are now calling for change—this might even sound good to young people who have no memory of the past. I remember when gas was 25 cents a gallon. My first house cost $29,000, and a loaf of bread was 20 cents. I remember when jobs were easy to get because things were still…
Obama is practical; Republicans are out of touch
There was a time when the Republican Party believed in realistic goals and personal responsibility. Under the failed policies of the Bush Administration, this is no longer the case. They embrace the word “conservative” while ignoring the root of that word: “conserve.” The last eight years have been all about excess: excess military spending, excess…
Here’s my political tally sheet
As an Independent trying to stay on top of the platforms of politics, I am dismayed by the lack of knowledge of the Democratic opinions. I don’t care for Bush, but understand his problems. Obama, like the Clintons, will promise you anything that will win your vote, even though he has no experience in anything.…
Get the word out: Iran is dangerous
Please make it known that Iran is an imminent threat to the whole world. Iran is defiant and will not stop its nuclear ambitions. It is important for the American and world public to understand the issues and the threat that Iran poses to the world’s peace and stability.
Smoking doesn’t belong near children
I applaud the Parks and Recreation Commission considering banning tobacco products in our parks. Parks are frequented by families, especially those with small children. Children are influenced in various ways by secondhand smoke. Not only is the smoke an issue, there are cigarette butts which are also a nuisance. Most of our parks are also…
Proposition 49 works
Six years ago, California voters passed Proposition 49, which created thousands of new after-school programs, invested in public safety, and guaranteed that funding would not be subject to political whims. However, the State Legislature is now attempting to repeal Proposition 49, through another ballot initiative. At risk are more than 3,800 after-school programs that keep…
All Olympics, all the time
Michael Phelps is cool and all, but Jason Lezak is my new hero. By the time you read this, you’ll have heard all about him. (If you follow the news at all, that is.) The 32-year-old veteran swimmer had the race of his life the night of Aug. 10—otherwise known as the morning of Aug.…
Athlete of the Week
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.…
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…
