Cover Story
Sound off
On a recent weekday afternoon, the loudest sounds echoing across and around South Broadway in Orcutt were the repeated pneumatic blasts of a nail gun from a construction site. Engines rumbled as trucks roared along. The occasional small, droning plane motored overhead. Otherwise, there was silence, barely broken by twitters and chirps from small birds.…
What was the last concert you went to?
Ernesto Vela currier “Pepe Aguilar at the Hollywood Bowl. That was when we only had one kid.” Vince Brunello camp counselor “Del tha Funkee Homosapien at SLO Brew. I was front row.” Marissa Cisneros camp counselor “The Brandi concert. I was, like, 10 years old. It was my first and last concert.” Katherine McKeon lawyer…
Political Watch 8-6
• Etta Waterfield, Republican candidate for the 33rd California Assembly District, recently announced she has raised more than $160,000 for the first half of 2009. “Etta Waterfield has excited the business community, and they’re providing the backbone of her campaign’s finance team,” campaign strategist Tim Clark said in a press release. For the past six…
Community Notebook 8-6
MONDAY, AUG. 10 • The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. TUESDAY, AUG. 11 • The Guadalupe City Council has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 918…
Santa Maria Valley students shine
More than 200 local high school graduates have been named to Allan Hancock College’s dean’s honors list for the spring 2009 semester, according to a release from the college. A total of 613 students achieved status on the dean’s honors list, and more than a third of those students graduated from Righetti, Santa Maria,…
Blochman District opens new preschool, playground amid cuts
Parents in the Santa Maria and Orcutt areas will soon have a new option when it comes to preschool for their children. Blochman Union School District—which encompasses the unincorporated towns of Sisquoc, Garey, and Tepusquet—will host an open house event at its new preschool on Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Benjamin…
Marian employee marks a half-century of service
Evelyn Dias’ retirement reception at Marian Medical Center on July 31 wasn’t just another cake-and-soda send-off party. The event marked a milestone in Marian’s history as the spry, “ageless” 92-year-old became the facility’s first employee to reach 50 years of service. About 100 of Dias’ co-workers, friends, and family gathered at the hospital’s…
City governments will take a hit
On July 24, when state legislators ended months of partisan bickering and reached a new budget agreement, news reports showed images of lawmakers smiling, shaking hands and congratulating each other on a job well done. But for local governments all across the state, there was little cause for celebration. A provision included within…
Armijo objects
He might have resigned from his position with Santa Barbara County, but Gil Armijo, former executive staff assistant to Supervisor Joe Centeno (5th District), will still be interacting on a personal level with another county agency: the District Attorney’s office. In a recent interview with the Sun, Armijo said he plans to withdraw all…
Suspected murder-suicide investigation is ongoing
Lompoc Police officers are investigating the shooting deaths of two adults on Aug. 1. The bodies—which were discovered at a residence in the 500 block of North F St.—have been identified as Alberto and Maria Buenrostro. Officers responded to a call of suspicious circumstances at approximately 9:30 p.m. Investigators are awaiting the results…
City of Santa Maria seeks funding input from local nonprofits
Need funding? Santa Maria officials are asking qualified nonprofit organizations to recommend programs that should be considered for funding under the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. The program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Earlier this year, the…
Santa Barbara County sheriff denies leaking Michael Jackson information to TMZ
On July 27, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff, District Attorney, and County Counsel received letters from an attorney alleging the sheriff leaked seized information on the late pop star Michael Jackson to TMZ, a celebrity gossip website. Howard King, attorney for F. Marc Shaffel, said in the letter the sheriff inappropriately released a videotaped…
Fire season sparks stronger camping and fire restrictions in Los Padres National Forest
Facing the increasing possibility of a wildfire, Los Padres National Forest officials announced effective Aug. 5 that they’re enforcing additional fire restrictions. According to a press release, the restrictions will stay in effect until the end of fire season, when the forest receives at least two inches of rainfall. Recreational target shooting is prohibited…
Lompoc Mayor Dick DeWees remembered as a ‘friend to all’
During a somber press conference to announce the passing of popular Lompoc mayor Dick DeWees, city councilmembers and friends remembered DeWees for his love of the community and sense of humor. Lompoc City Administrator Laurel Barcelona called DeWees a “friend to all,” saying he was supportive of the council staff and did all he…
Nonprofit group talks funding
Are you the director of a nonprofit group wondering how to get your board members to raise money? A roundtable discussion organized by the Nonprofit Support Center will discuss that topic and more on Aug. 11. John Ciambrone, vice president at Netzel Grigsby Associates, Inc., will be the morning’s guest speaker. Ciambrone has more…
Salon marks five years
August marks five years of business for Joann’s Beauty Supply and Salon, which has been serving the needs of the community in their ethnic hair-care needs. To celebrate this month, customers will receive a free gift simply for coming in. Joann’s specializes in perms, relaxers, press and curls, colors, cuts, and maintenance for…
Trilogy is tops for retirees
In its latest issue, Where to Retire magazine recognized Nipomo’s upscale resort community Trilogy Central Coast by Shea Homes as one of the nation’s 100 best master-planned communities. Trilogy’s Monarch Club—which features an athletic club, gourmet bistro, day spa, and wine library—also won the Gold Nugget Grand Award at a recent Pacific Coast Builder’s…
Chamber dishes awards
Alex Posada of the city of Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department will be awarded the Grogan Award for Public Service at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 24th annual Installation and Awards dinner on Aug. 12. The black-tie optional affair will also honor Straw Hat Pizza owners Randy and Mary Wise for…
Ryan Delgado
In a season of ups and downs for the Santa Maria Packers, third baseman Ryan Delgado hit the top of the charts. The slugger finished the season as the California Collegiate League leader in homeruns (six) and slugging percentage (.527). His 36 RBIs were enough to land him second in the league. “I’ve…
YMCA wants rookie golfers
The Santa Maria Valley YMCA is now registering for its Rookie Sports Golf program. The classes are designed for boys and girls ages 3 to 6 and encourage children to learn at their own pace. Rookie Sports is offered Aug. 17 and 19 at a cost of $48 for YMCA members and $63 for…
Golf for a cause
ExxonMobil is taking 120 entries for an upcoming golf tournament to benefit the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way on Aug. 28. The tourney takes place at Solvang’s River Course at Alisal with the first of the four-person scrambles teeing off at 8:30 a.m. Players have until Aug. 21 to sign up. The…
Mitch Massey joins the KCOY team
KCOY CBS 12 announced that a familiar face to local sports fans, Mitch Massey, is joining Dave Alley on his high-school football show, The Friday Night Blitz. Massey spent 12 years as the sports director at KSBY before leaving for Spokane, Wash. He later made stops in Seattle, San Francisco, and ESPN. For…
Feeling the burn
Vandenberg Air Force Base firefighter Erin Butler ascends three flights of stairs in full gear, breathing apparatus and all. Sweating and straining, she carries one bundled 42-pound fire hose over her shoulder to the top of the five-story structure, and hoists another from the ground to the roof. She races down the stairs to…
Television indecision
My kids wish that I was involved in a terrible car accident and was killed. That way they could order cable television, and I wouldn’t be able to stop them. No, maybe they don’t actually wish that I was dead, but they would like it if my job moved me to Alaska for a year,…
Movie seeks crew
Producers Mark Johnson and Jenny Hinkey are seeking a crew for a low-budget feature project called Flying Lessons. The approximate start date is Aug. 24, and the shoot is expected to run 18 to 20 days. Filming will take place in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, and possibly downtown Santa Barbara. The production—starring Hal…
Make discoveries for free
The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is offering a free Community Day on Saturday, Aug. 8. This is the fifth annual community day the museum has hosted in the name and memory of R.H. Tesene—a community leader, historical figure in the development of Santa Maria, and a generous supporter of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery…
Sundays in the park with bands
The day before the work week starts, Sunday, is often reserved for relaxing, recouping, or otherwise taking it easy. Some Santa Maria residents, however, are taking it for what it is—a day in the sun—and are heading out to Rotary Centennial Park to enjoy great weather, family time, and some free live music by…
Think outside the canvas
There’s been something missing from the local art scene for years, and that lack has frustrated artists and art lovers alike. It’s venues. There pretty much aren’t any in the Santa Maria area. The situation has forced artists to get creative and find alternative ways to showcase their work. That photo in the…
Who will care for your pets when you can’t?
When I volunteered at the Orange County animal shelter, people often brought in a pet who had belonged to a deceased relative. It appeared that those who inherit the house, etc., also got the pets. The kill rate was very high at that time. I would try to encourage the person to make…
Expand your horizon with these wine stars
With its diverse climates and soil conditions, California offers a perfect home for more than 110 different kinds of wine grape varietals. From Albariño to Zinfandel, they thrive in coastal canyons and interior valleys, providing a heady selection for imbibers with adventurous palates. As American wine buyers expand their horizons, they begin to look…
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 “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 Maria. Info: 739-3578. ONGOING SYCAMORE MINERAL SPRINGS HEALING ARTS INSTITUTE offers a range of classes including yoga and…
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 MUSEUM presents the exhibit “A Sweet Pea Centennial: 100 Years of Growing Sweet Peas in Lompoc” in the Centeno…
Learning
THE SANTA MARIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY and the Santa Maria Public Library present “Preserving the Valley’s History” with guest speaker Dorothy Benford on Aug. 8 from 11 a.m. to noon in Shepard Hall at the Santa Maria Valley Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 934-3514 or shirley2@impulse.net. LUCIA MAR ADULT EDUCATION offers…
Recreation
THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH’s Recreation Division Community Development Department presents a “Super Gromet Camp” for kids ages 5 through 8 Aug. 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Cost is $65 per session. Moondoggies Summer Surf Camps, featuring a surf camp weekly, are Tuesday through Thursday, through Aug. 13 either 8 to 11 a.m. or…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARK DEPARTMENT offers an “Intro at the Skatepark” skateboarding class through Sept. 1 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for kids 6 to 8 years old, and 5 to 6:30 p.m. for kids 9 through 13 years old at the Fletcher Park Skate Park, Santa Maria. Cost is $32.50, $40 for…
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. COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE CLASSES by Jeannette and Henry are Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. for country two-step lessons and…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The Spitfire Grill Aug. 7 through 23 in the Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE PISMO BEACH YOUTH THEATER presents its production of High School Musical Jr. Aug. 7 at 7 p.m., Aug. 8 at 2 and…
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 CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department presents its sixth annual Summer Concert in the Park featuring Tony Ybarra and Sonido Moreno on Aug. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Rotary Centennial Park, 2625 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 260. THE LOMPOC PUBLIC LIBRARY presents Jazz at the…
Special Events
THE VALLEY OF THE FLOWERS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST features a First Friday Flick screening of Sicko on Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. at the church, 3354 Constellation Road, Lompoc. Info: 740-2988. THE ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY presents its 42nd annual Gem Show, featuring rocks, minerals, exhibits, demos, and equipment Aug. 7, 8, and 9…
