Cover Story
Boom or bust?
Santa Maria Energy spokesman Bob Poole and production manager Kevin Yung stand side by side on a grassy hillside overlooking the Orcutt Oil Field, admiring the view. The vista before them reveals a land of many uses; traditional “grasshopper” pumps and steam injection wellheads coexist alongside vineyards, herds of cattle, and neighboring oil company Pacific…
Gustos de Mexico
Between all the restaurantes, taquerias, carnicerias, and mercados in Santa Maria, Mexican is by far the most popular type of food in town, with more than 50 establishments to choose from. For the last nine years, the folks at People For Leisure And Youth, Inc. (P.L.A.Y.) have selected their favorite Mexican restaurants and caterers in…
Plants for health
With the recent release of movies like Forks Over Knives and books like The China Study, the spotlight has been on the health benefits of eating a plant-based diet, but Santa Maria resident Bill Kleinbauer believed early on that the food he ate could make a difference in his health. About 10 years ago Kleinbauer…
Philharmonic in the house
The first Philharmonic Rendezvous Series concert will be held at 3 p.m. on Aug. 26 at the Bartlesons’ Ranch, 2080 Los Berros Road, in Nipomo. Presented quarterly, these house concerts bring classical music home. House “salon” concerts began centuries ago in living rooms, parlors, and drawing rooms surrounded by family and friends. In addition to…
A bigger Part as The Whole
The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission presents Figure Fragments: The Part as The Whole, an exhibition of diverse artworks by regional artists curated by artist Priscilla Bender-Shore, continuing through Jan. 18, 2013 at the Channing Peake Gallery, 105 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara. The opening reception will be Sept. 6 from 5 to 8…
School daze
I used to love shopping for school. The first day of school wasn’t until the day after Labor Day. The final warm days of summer brought the promise of autumn, with warm colors in hues of red, brown, gold, and forest green. I remember my favorite green and red plaid book bag with its leather…
Meet the masters
Very few people truly deserve the title of virtuoso—one who has mastered, and shows an almost superhuman ability with, their instrument. Even fewer people find like-minded instrumentalists with whom to share their genius ideas. The Central Coast is lucky enough to have Calmenco!, a quartet of virtuosi that celebrates the unbridled beauty of the guitar.…
For the kids
On a beautiful sunny day, it’s hard to beat a day in the park. It’s even better when there’s a celebration going on. That’s why hundreds of people headed to Waller Park on Aug. 19 for the YMCA’s Family Day in the Park marked by community, cars, and music. Hosted by the Santa Maria Breakfast…
On the roster
• 12th annual Jane Merlo Memorial Golf tournament: This fundraising tournament providing scholarships for youth in golf will be held at the Rancho Maria Golf Club in Santa Maria on Aug. 25. The event is a nine-hole scramble, starting with a check-in at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.,…
Don’t call it ping-pong
Did table tennis capture your eye during the Olympics? The city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department announced it has launched a new table tennis class for beginning and experienced players. The class will be offered informally on a drop-in basis where members can play from 2 to 5 p.m. each Sunday, and 7…
Santa Maria holds eighth community walk
The city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting the eighth community walk of the series on Aug. 26, encouraging individuals and families to take up a daily walking regimen for health and well being. Participants will meet from 11 a.m. to noon at Rotary Centennial Park, 2625 S. College Drive. The…
The Bleacher Bum Chronicles Vol. XXIX
It figures. Just as I’m about to get comfortably couch-locked into another marathon of ESPN’s 30 for 30 on Netflix, I turn around, and the fall sports season is upon us. If you’re like me, that can only mean one thing: football. (No offense to the other autumnal sports.) Here on the Central Coast, all…
Athlete of the Week: Elizabeth Hawes
Triathlons. They’re the ultimate physical test of fitness, endurance, and determination. Consisting of cycling, swimming, and running portions, the sport is growing by leaps and bounds every day, with thousands of races held across the world each year. The reasons people sign up for triathlons are varied: some want to prove they can, others thrive…
Read all about it
Righetti High School teacher Robert Garcia has all the makings of an old-school newspaper editor: He doesn’t like whining. He’s a newshound who only wants relevant information printed in his magazine, and he forbids editorializing of any kind. “We’re not going to have any bad poetry in our magazine. No ‘Judy left Billy and now…
Hobnobbing with Helen
A speakeasy in Santa Maria? Yes! There was a speakeasy with red velvet curtains, seductive low lights bathed in beaded crystals, and gaming tables with baccarat and blackjack. Gents wore fedoras, tuxes, and suspenders. Ladies (we don’t think they were “ladies of the night,” but really, who knows?) sashayed around in fringed gowns and feather…
Tesene’s Treasure
Community Day is not only the date when the Discovery Museum opens its doors to the public free of charge; it’s also the faithful and ongoing celebration of the late R.H. Tesene, a man of many joyful qualities, his giving heart being the most obvious to the Museum and the many who loved him. Our…
See food grow
Want to get a first-hand look at local agriculture production? The Santa Barbara County Ag Futures Alliance is once again hosting a bus tour of local farming and food systems operations in Northern Santa Barbara County. The Sept. 15 tour will focus on farming operations in the Lompoc Valley, one of the most fertile farming…
Spotlight on: Sassy and Classy Bridal Boutique
One of the most monumental milestones in a woman’s life is her wedding day; it’s a time for her to stand out as she celebrates her love for that special someone. Finding the perfect wedding dress is a key ingredient for a happy bride, and business owner Cleo Estrada has the knowledge and passion to…
Bless you
A blessing for same-sex unions has members of the national Episcopal Church jumping feet first into the debate on gay marriage. The blessing will only be binding in states where same-sex marriage is already legal, but it has nonetheless captured the attention of people across the country. With same-sex marriage already legal in six states,…
Energy independence
We all want it, but from whom or what are we seeking freedom? Is it the Middle Eastern oil Sheiks who have us enslaved? Not so much. Is it the petrochemical industry whose money and power now control all facets of American life: Maybe so. Or, is GREED our real Slave Master? Current estimates of…
Obamacare cares
Your payroll deductions for Medicare are NOT more because of “Obamacare” unless you are part of the 3 percent making over $200,000 for an individual or $250,000 for a couple. They are LESS because of the stimulus. You just get more for your Medicare dollar. Medicare services are NOT cut by “Obamacare;” they are expanded…
Support the Dana Adobe
Gary J. Freiberg has an excellent letter dealing with the Dana Adobe in Nipomo—compliments on printing it. Dana Adobe has a $2.3 million grant to complete restoration of the site. Everyone I know is in favor of this restoration. I do not understand why one person, Fred Collins, is not in favor. I suggest that…
What’s a mandated reporter?
Editor’s note: This is an op-ed piece sent to us by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office in response to charges made against former St. Joseph High School principal Joseph Myers and dean of students John Walker. Our office recently filed criminal charges against two school administrators who we alleged failed to fulfill their…
Corrections
• The photos of a steak going from the grill to the plate in the Sun’s 12th annual Best Of Northern Santa Barbara County Readers Poll issue were credited to the wrong restaurant. The steak was prepared by The Swiss Restaurant and Bar. • The information for the Hancock College Children’s Center, which appeared in…
Law enforcement needs help finding a car crash victim
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department deputies are asking the public to help them locate a 55-year-old man who went missing after getting into a car accident. On Aug. 18, CHP and Sheriff’s Department personnel responded to a report that a silver 2003 Mercedes-Benz SUV crashed into a tree in the 2500 block of Alisal Road,…
Scott named North County’s chief deputy DA
In the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Santa Maria office, Kelly Scott is in the process of settling in as the North County’s new chief deputy district attorney, replacing the retiring Jerry Lulejian. Santa Barbara County DA Joyce Dudley announced Scott’s appointment on Aug. 17. Scott will handle cases dealing with real estate fraud, consumer…
Solvang pursues 2013 Amgen Tour cycling stage
After passing on this year’s event, Solvang will attempt to bring the Amgen Tour of California back for a fifth time in 2013, applying as a host city prior to the Aug. 17 deadline. The Solvang city council voted 4-0 on Aug. 13 to submit the proposal, which is open-ended and includes applications for an…
Combined task force destroys large-scale pot grows in Los Padres National Forest
Over several days earlier this month, a consortium of law enforcement agencies destroyed several large marijuana grow operations in the Los Padres National Forest, eradicating more than 11,000 plants valued at $30 million. Most notably, investigators destroyed a grow southwest of Cuyama, yielding about 10,500 plants. Another near East Camino Cielo Road contained more than…
