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Why not expand Medicare?
Let’s have real health-care reform, and let’s use a popular, efficient, and successful program that has a track record: Medicare. Medicare is not padded, like private insurers, with profit, exorbitant executive salaries and perks, cost of advertising, and the payroll of staffs of actuaries, agents, salespeople, and lobbyists. Here’s the proposal: Expand Medicare in…
If you were writing an autobiography, what would be the title?
John Allen engineer “I never really thought of it. I guess, Too Much Work.” Robert Blotzer rock-n-roller “Wiggle It. It would be about when I was pulled over by the police, and when they gave me the ticket, I wiggled it in front of them.” Ashley Saint’Onge receptionist “AshleyLand, Inc. It was an idea that…
Don’t listen to the blood-sucking leeches
In writing this letter, I would hope to clear the minds of skeptics who fear a government-run, single-payer health-care system. I’ve used both private and government-run health care programs. In evaluating the two, I can only conclude that the private sector leaves much to be desired. While I was enrolled and covered under the…
Political Watch 8-27
• The California Department of Conservation recently released draft regulations to implement comprehensive oil spill prevention legislation penned by Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara). In a release to the media, Nava said he created Assembly Bill 1960 in response to the high number of spills at local oil drilling companies, namely Greka Oil and Gas,…
Community Notebook 8-27
TUESDAY, SEPT. 1 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Agendas are available at bos-agenda.sbcgov.net. • The Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office…
Hobnobbing with Helen
Combine a beautiful courtyard with a bountiful buffet, an enchanting PCPA musical, and enticing silent auction items and—voila!—you have a winner. Solvang’s lovely Theaterfest grounds were the site of the Santa Maria Youth and Family Center’s annual fundraising party on Aug. 9. The center has perfected the formula for success. They combine good…
Two arrested at base protest
A monk and a nun walk onto an Air Force base. No, seriously. In the early hours of Aug. 23, as protesters chanted “Stop the tests!” outside Vandenberg Air Force Base, Father Louis Vitale and Sister Megan Rice crossed the thick blue demarcation line onto base property. Neither of them had permission. The…
The lost art of reading
It once seemed, for many people, that nothing could beat the leisurely pleasure of perusing the morning paper, or the magical enjoyment of snuggling under the covers in preparation of a favorite bedtime story. But now—as technology and culture continue to evolve at a dizzying pace—it seems people are more likely to reach for…
Red Cross celebrates a generous donation
Supporters of the American Red Cross’ Santa Maria office congregated on Aug. 21 to celebrate a name change to honor philanthropists James and Jeannie Dodson, who, among others, helped the Santa Maria office transform from an empty warehouse on Skyway Drive to a thriving Red Cross center with state-of-the-art equipment. The Dodsons had become…
Come dancing
Top ballet professional Sayat Asatryan, former principal dancer with the Moscow Kremlin Ballet, will perform the roles of Nutcracker and Cavalier with the Santa Maria Civic Ballet and Everybody Can DANCE at 7 p.m. on Nov. 28 and 3 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks in…
Get Wildling in the sequoias
The Wildling Art Museum in Los Olivos is planning a four-day, three-night trip to Sequoia and King’s Canyon national parks. The trip, scheduled for Oct. 9 through 12, will be led by retiring Wildling Art Museum Director Penny Knowles and her husband Joseph. It’s designed to complement the educational experience provided by the museum’s fall…
Here’s the story
Chris Lambert likes a good story. Most songwriters do. When he figured out how to tell a story of his own, there was no stopping him. The Santa Maria musician started writing when he was 13 years old, but he was actually experimenting with writing on an acoustic guitar at the age of 9.…
Turn the page: another chapter
I first started to go to Phoenix Bookstore not by choice, but by force. It was my dad who began to make me sit through his scouring for books, and, like the good child I was, I would beg for mercy to leave. I pulled the “Dad, can we go now?” Or the “Dad, you…
Ronnie Souza
At age 68, the Santa Maria Speedway’s oldest living champion is still sitting in the driver’s seat. Ronnie Souza was a familiar face behind the wheel for fans at the Speedway’s first-ever go-kart racing event on Aug. 17. Taking to the venue’s new kart track against 40 other drivers—some half his age or younger—Souza…
The Bleacher Bum Chronicles, Vol. III
I have a confession to make. No, I’m not going to watch Chuck Liddell dance with the stars—but it’s equally embarrassing: I suffer from Seasonal Geek Obsession Disorder (SGOD), a condition generally marked by a dramatic increase in weekend television watching and box score analyzing, particularly on Sundays. I begin to notice the symptoms in…
Santa Maria wants you to recreate
The city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department sent out its 2009 Fall/Winter Recreation Guide, encouraging everyone in the Santa Maria Valley to get active. The guide features Los Flores Ranch Park and community programs, such as Adopt-A-Park and the Police Activities League. Sections include programs for active older adults, aquatics, adult arts,…
Lompoc police: Do I hear $10?
Need a bike but low on cash? Used bicycles—unclaimed from being previously lost or stolen—will be up for sale at bargain basement prices during the Lompoc Police Explorer Bicycle Auction on Sept. 19. Minimum bids start at just $7, which includes the fee for a bicycle license provided by the department. The auction will…
Support local recreation with ‘A Taste of Mexico’
The People for Leisure and Youth (P.L.A.Y.) encourages the public to sample Santa Maria’s finest Mexican cuisine, beverages, and entertainment while supporting local recreational programs at its upcoming fundraiser. The organization’s annual “Tastes of Mexico” event will take place on Sep. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Community Center. This…
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. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC. of SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., in the Altrusa Theatre of the…
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…
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…
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…
Health
MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a “Healthy Life Nutrition Series” on Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 2 through 23 in Santa Maria. A “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meets the first Monday of each month this year from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Medical Center at 1400 E. Church St., Santa…
Art
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the art exhibit “FLOW,” featuring the paintings of Barbara Alloway, showing through Aug. 31 at the gallery, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117. THE LOMPOC VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION presents the exhibition “For the Beauty of the Earth” Aug. 31 through Sept. 27 at the…
Learning
THE SANTA MARIA BUSINESS ENRICHED NETWORK group is hosting a business mixer on Aug. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Stinky’s Bar and Grill, Santa Maria. Info: benishere.com. THE SANTA BARBARA FAMILY CARE CENTER presents a “Promoting Infant Language and Development” session on Sept. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Santa…
Recreation
THE GUADALUPE DUNES CENTER presents the Dunes Center Education Station on Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at Oso Flaco Lake, off of Highway 1, three miles north of Guadalupe. Info: 343-2455, Ext. 201. THE CITY OF LOMPOC PARKS, RECREATIONS, AND URBAN FORESTRY DEPARTMENT offers a “Yoga-Stretch and Strength” class meeting Tuesdays Sept.…
Kids & Family
THE DISCOVERY MUSEUM presents “Twilight Thursdays” on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring free programs— “Exciting Recycling” on Aug. 27—at the museum, 705 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 928-8414 or smvdiscoverymuseum.org. THE SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARK DEPARTMENT offers an “Intro at the Skatepark” skateboarding class through Sept. 1 from 3:30 to 5…
Dance Lessons
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH Recreation Division Community Development Department presents dance lessons in salsa and Latin American dance, ballroom dance, hula and ori, and tap dance are offered weekly through August at the Pismo and Shell Beach Veteran’s Halls. Cost is $5 to $10 per class, and $20 to $40…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of Distracted by Lisa Loomer Aug. 28 through Sept. 20 at the Severson Theatre, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. Cost is $26.25 to $28.25. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SAN LUIS OBISPO LITTLE THEATRE presents its production of The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl…
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…
Concerts
THE SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY and Santa Maria Town Center East present musical entertainment by the Burnished Brass Quartet on Aug. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Santa Maria Town Center’s Center Court, Broadway and Main, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0412. WORTH THE DRIVE YOGA SOUP presents Ecstatic Kirtan with Guara Vani,…
Special Events
THE NIPOMO RECREATION ASSOCIATION presents the Nipomo Summer Jamboree featuring an 18-hole golf tournament, marathon, 5K race, tennis exhibition, crafts, displays, booths, youth activities, and live entertainment on Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Trilogy Central Coast and the Monarch Dunes at the Woodlands of Nipomo. Info: nipomojamboree.com or 929-5437. THE…
Feel at home
An oasis of high-test coffees and wholesome eats, Café Monet has been serving Santa Maria for nearly 20 years. Beloved for its relaxed atmosphere and affable staff, the café entered a fresh era when new owners took over in February 2009. Six months after buying Café Monet, Katie and Rick Renaud have proved their…
All drivers should be seriously insured
Today we were driving 50 on Orcutt Road in the country when a motorcyclist with a short-sleeved T zoomed past us at twice that speed. When he has an “accident,” who will pay the medical bills? The answer is we, the sane, responsible people. The Arroyo Grande council noted that when people riding the…
Don’t compromise on health care
I’m a disabled vet with a public health-care program, and I’m happy. My mother felt secure with Medicare and a supplemental insurance. Now, Congress wants to give all Americans an option to buy public insurance at a rate they can afford—creating competition with the for-profits, who have been declining care for decades and killing…
‘Satire’ wasn’t very funny
When I read Jamie Ford’s letter advocating the dismantling of the veterans’ health care system (“Do veterans deserve socialist health care?” July 30), it certainly sounded to me like a position of advocacy and not a satire (as stated in “In support of the Veterans Administration,” Aug. 13). Maybe he should do as a…
No socialism for American medical reform
We have the best medicine in the world because the American free-enterprise capitalist system developed it. Let’s not ruin it with socialism. Medicare is a good example of what not to do. It costs too much, seniors older than 75 like ourselves are forced to use it, we are forced to pay for it…
Get a GED to succeed
Beginning Sept. 1, Allan Hancock College is offering free General Education Development (GED) preparation classes to students who haven’t yet received their high school diplomas. GED classes help prepare students to take the GED exam and are self-paced, in a personalized learning environment. Counselors are available to help students develop an individual educational plan.…
Santa Maria now offers a Minami after-school program
Working parents have a new place to send their children after school: the Minami Community Center. Developed by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, the Minami After School Time program is open to children ages 6 to 12 and runs 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. during regular Santa Maria Bonita school days and noon…
Take a field trip to Los Flores Ranch Park
The city of Santa Maria is inviting local teachers and their students to explore Santa Maria’s newest outdoor classroom, Los Flores Ranch Park, this fall. The park offers views of the surrounding Central Coast hills, and the opportunity for students to learn about local wildlife and participate in a handful of recreational activities. Volunteer…
Go virtual with server technology
Santa Maria business owners in need of a server have a new option besides buying and configuring their own system. TekTegrity, Inc., an IT strategies and management company based in San Luis Obispo, has expanded to include hosted virtual servers. The company offers entry-level systems for small businesses and e-commerce, e-mail, and database servers…
Mingle with business leaders
The public is invited to a business mixer hosted by the Santa Maria Business Enriched Network group on Aug. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Stinky’s Bar and Grill. Mix and mingle over food and drinks and meet the business members of B.E.N., an organization of business leaders that helps its members grow…
Red Cross selects an emergency director
The Santa Barbara County Chapter of the American Red Cross recently announced Dr. Paul Myers as its new director of Emergency Services. Myers previously served on the chapter’s Board of Directors and as a disaster volunteer. He was actively involved in the Gap, Tea, and Jesusita fire responses and was director of the La…
Solar company expands
After 30 years in business, Central Coast-based Solarponics announced the opening of a new home office in Santa Ynez that will service Santa Maria, Orcutt, Lompoc, and the Santa Ynez Valley. The alternative-energy company hired Todd Burnett to offer solar electric engineering and servicing to the area. Burnett worked in the electrical industry before…
Slow for the cone zone
Some Santa Maria streets will be getting a sprucing up thanks to the city’s 2009 street overlay and reconstruction project, according to a press release from the city. CalPortland Construction of Santa Maria has been contracted by the city to overlay Cook Street with fresh asphalt from Pine Street to Railroad Avenue. The company…
Plans for massive greenhouse, packing facility in Santa Maria to move forward
Canadian-based greenhouse grower Windset Farms received final approval from the Santa Maria Planning Commission on Aug. 19 for a conditional use permit to build a 178-acre hydroponic farm and produce-packing facility the city. Plans for the $75-million project call for four greenhouses and a 140,000-square-foot produce processing and packing facility to be built in…
Lompoc City Council appoints new mayor, council member
After weeks of somber discussion and an atypical public vetting process, the Lompoc City Council voted 3-1 (with council member Cecilia Martner dissenting) to appoint councilman Mike Siminski as mayor. The longtime council member will serve the remaining term of Mayor Dick DeWees, who died unexpectedly on July 30. Immediately after selecting Siminski…
It’s a bird, it’s a plane … no, it’s really a plane!
An airplane making its way to the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport missed its destination by approximately two miles and made an emergency landing on southbound Highway 101 the morning of Aug. 24. According to a press release from the California Highway Patrol, pilot Kris Sean Michael of Temecula lost control of his plane after…
