Cover Story
A matter of great import
What are you holding right now—besides this newspaper? A pen? A mug? Take a closer look at whatever you’ve wrapped your fingers around, and you might find these familiar words stamped into the bottom: Made in China. Sometimes those three little words—or variations on them—are a great thing: Cheap materials and cheap labor add up…
Arts Briefs
Art classes are set to begin The newly opened C Gallery, showing contemporary art in Los Alamos, is taking enrollment for art classes for adult women, taught by Connie Rohde-Stanchfield. The intimate beginning drawing and art-making class is limited to five women, and will begin by exploring art elements and principles of design through drawing.…
The color of Chile
There’s a timeless quality to good literature that allows it to cross borders and transcend boundaries. Chilean author Elisa Ferrada’s work creates such connections, possibly because the themes in her writing are based on basic human nature. Ferrada is renowned throughout Latin America, where she has published 11 books. As a poet, author, playwright, composer,…
The world outside
David Ryan Gallery is now showing new work by Russian Impressionist painter Kanya Bugreyev. Known for her images of flowers, still lifes, and outdoor landscapes, Bugreyev captures the moods and flavors of each scene. Bugreyev has studied with some of the top Impressionist painters in the United States, including Sergei Bonart. She’s also an art…
What is the best thing you’ve done with your time this summer?
May Silvio cashier “I enrolled for classes early.” Danielle Del Valle store manager “I went to a Queen Mary tattoo convention.” George Cann retired “We planted a little garden and played with our great-grandchildren.” Chris Wise manager “I’m going to a concert in San Francisco: Rock the Bells.”
Get a good Head Start
Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties are currently recruiting children ages 3 to 5 for the Head Start program, and children ages 0 to 3 for the Early Head Start program. The program provides hands-on learning and child care to families of various backgrounds. The Early Head Start program is a home-based program and…
Registration deadline for Allan Hancock College fast approaches
Students interested in attending college classes in the fall, listen up! Online registration for Allan Hancock College continues through Aug. 13, and in-person registration is scheduled for Aug. 18 and 19 at all college locations. Also this fall, Allan Hancock College will offer more than 200 Fast Track classes at the Santa Maria campus, and…
WEV isn’t just for businesswomen
Always dreamed about opening up your own business or being your own boss? Women’s Economic Ventures is starting self-employment training classes in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties in September. The classes are part of a 14-week, 56-hour program targeted at women (but also serving men) that provides guidance on how to start, operate, or expand…
Passing the torch
On Aug. 5, Santa Maria-Bonita School District employee and Santa Maria native Phillip L. Alvarado (left) was named superintendent-elect to replace current Santa Maria-Bonita School District Superintendent David Francis (right) upon his retirement in January 2009. A longtime educator and child advocate, Alvarado said a “child should never stop learning” and stressed the importance of…
Capital Pacific homes are on sale now in Vandenberg Village
A new phase of homes has been released at Providence Landing in the Vandenberg Village area. Capital Pacific homes has sold all but two of the new houses so far, according to a press release from the company. Patrice Weston, sales manager at Providence Landing, said in the release that homes are selling well. “We…
Odds are better than ever in St. Jude’s Dream Home raffle
Organizers of the Central Coast St. Jude Dream Home raffle report that fewer than 2,000 of the 10,000 available tickets have been sold, making the odds of winning better for everyone. They’ve even added another incentive. Now, a $100 raffle ticket buys a chance to win a $350,000 house being built by Flatley Homes at…
In-Shape Health takes over Club 24 in Santa Maria
Are you a Club 24 member? Not anymore. In-Shape Health Clubs has bought the Club 24 gym at 1318 S. Broadway in Santa Maria and will be converting it into an In-Shape gym instead. “We’re thrilled to come to Santa Maria and welcome this great club to the In-Shape family,” In-shape CEO Paul Rothbard said…
Ride in economical style
Driving long distances alone can be tedious—not to mention expensive. In August and September, commuters will have the chance to save hundreds of dollars, experience new transportation options, meet new people, and win prizes. How? By competing in the Traffic Solutions Commute Challenge. Commuters participating in the challenge form teams of five people. The more…
Santa Maria Council appoints committee members, opposes governor
The Santa Maria City Council had a busy evening at its Aug. 5 meeting. Council members voted on several key items, including the appointment of new members to the city’s block grant advisory committee and a resolution opposing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent budget proposal. The Santa Maria Block Grant Advisory Committee is responsible for assessing…
Lt. Mike Cordero makes a bid for City Council
After 36 years with the Santa Maria Police Department, Lt. Mike Cordero wants a change, and he definitely doesn’t want to retire. Instead, he’s throwing his hat in the ring for one of the two open spots on the Santa Maria City Council. “People have approached me for years about running for City Council,” Cordero…
Gone to pot
While searching for a lost hiker on July 27, a Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department helicopter crew spotted almost 4,000 marijuana plants growing in the hills above Highway 41 in San Luis Obispo County. Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives immediately began surveying the grow, where they observed four males in the act of tending and harvesting the…
Will Santa Maria smokers have to butt out of parks?
Smoking and the use of other tobacco products could be banned in local parks, pending decisions from the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Commission and the Santa Maria City Council. On Aug. 12, the commission will hold a public hearing on the ban during its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers…
Exploring Panama
You know the world is a small place when you can make a connection between the tropical rainforests of Panama and the dunes of the Central Coast, between the Panamanian golden frog and the California red-legged frog. How the two places relate is what Nipomo student Joshua Sanchez had the opportunity to discover recently. He…
New device is a real ‘lifesaver’
During December of last year, the Pismo Beach Police Department needed help locating a missing 73-year-old man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Officers contacted the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department, which, after reviewing some background information about the man and his lifestyle, recruited the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. Luckily, the man’s family had recently…
Let’s hear it for the boys
Most of the summer I have been a good boy, and I’ve spent a lot of time with my kids and my wife, whom I love. We frequented the beach, the lake, amusement parks, museums, and even the La Brea Tar Pits. Essentially, most of my summer was spent driving around looking for the cleanest…
Pallet to palate
Most Central Coast residents appreciate the bounty of fresh fruit, veggies, and meat that grows in our proverbial backyard. For foodies who’d like to learn more about these wonderful edibles, as well as those who simply want to celebrate the sheer abundance of choice, a group of area chefs and farmers has launched an innovative…
Civilize society: Overhaul taxes
John McCain, in one of his recent campaign speeches, claimed that, by the end of his presidency, he will have won the war in Iraq, balanced the budget, and brought Osama bin Laden to justice. All this will have been accomplished without raising taxes. First, what we’ve had in Iraq for the last five years…
Thanks from the Indians
As the Santa Maria Indians’ 65th season draws to a close, we would like to thank all of the Tribes’ supporters from around the county for your continued support. The Indians, as many know, are the longest-running semi-pro baseball team in California, and one of only two teams from the Golden State to win the…
Legalize – and tax – marijuana
The so-called “War on Drugs” in regards to marijuana has failed. We spend a fortune on trying to control it, while at the same time filling our overcrowded prisons with inmates. The only thing that has resulted from all this attempt at control has made growing it very lucrative—one plant is worth $4,000. Marijuana has…
Extend compassion to more than dogs and cats
As a veterinarian, I consider my role to be that of an advocate for all animals. As such, I was very disappointed by the article “Opposition groups say Proposition 2 is something to cluck about” (July 31). Proposition 2 is a very modest initiative to improve the welfare of those animals most of us would…
Small cars, big speed
On a normal day at the track, there might be 40 go-karts. Last weekend, at the Santa Maria Karting Association track, there were more than 300. It was the International Karting Federation Grand Nationals, held at the Santa Maria track for the third time, and the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber filled the air.…
Athlete of the Week
Dr. Brenda Forsythe and Kadence are quite a pair. She’s a 45-year-old veterinarian practicing in Orcutt, and he’s a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding who likes to jump. Together, they’re winners, and they’ve taken home countless blue ribbons throughout the years in hunting, jumping, and dressage competitions. They’ve even taken home a few division championships. “He’s…
Hancock adds two new coaches to the roster
Women’s volleyball and women’s soccer at Allan Hancock College are both set to get new coaches next season. Athletic Director Kim Ensing has recommended Julio Molina as the new volleyball coach and Rodrigo Garcia for women’s soccer. Molina has coached at the high school level for the past five years, most recently as the junior…
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 POWER OF LIVING ENERGY WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM features Robert Heiman, Dr. Erminia Guarneri, and Gary Schwartz, all speaking about wellness on Aug. 9 at the Biltmore Hotel, Santa Barbara. Info: 1-800-235-1217 or www.SAIOE.com. ONGOING ARTHRITIS FDN. is a low impact, sit-in-chair exercise program held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Valentine…
ART
THE LOS PADRES ARTIST GUILD holds its monthly meeting, featuring local artist Stephanie Krouse demonstrating pastel painting, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Luis Oasis Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave., Old Orcutt. Info: 934-5835 or lospadresartistguild.com. THE CYPRESS GALLERY currently features the exhibition Abstract Thoughtby Elizabeth Monks Hack through August at the gallery, 119…
LEARNING
CAMP OBAMA features volunteer information to help Barack Obama win the presidency Aug. 9 from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edwards Community Center, Sierra Vista Park, 809 Panther Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 722-4685. THE DANA ADOBE NIPOMO AMIGOS present the 2008 Summer Talks series featuring Joe Dana speaking about the life of Capt.…
RECREATION
CITY OF SANTA MARIA offers summer aquatic activities through Aug. 10 at Pioneer Valley High School. Weekend recreation swim will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and lap swim runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Dates and…
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 Academy offers classes in ballet, jazz, modern, and Spanish dance for ages 3 to adult. Call for schedules. 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: 349-9016…
STAGE
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The Imaginary Invalid Aug. 7 through 23 in the Marian Theatre, Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria. Info: pcpa.org. LOMPOC CIVIC THEATRE presents its production of Ruthless—The Musical Aug. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24, showing in Lompoc. Info: 735-ACT1. IMPROVISATIONAL HUMOR CLASS meets Mondays at…
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. to…
CONCERTS
WORTH THE DRIVE KIDZ BOP LIVE features kids singing current hits in a family oriented atmosphere Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. at the Madonna Inn and Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, SLO. Cost is $30. Info: vallitx.com or kidzbop.com. THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BAND performs a Twilight Concert on Aug. 7 and 14 at…
SPECIAL EVENTS
WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART presents a free film series featuring a screening of the films Mabel’s Dramatic Career and Sherlock Jr. Aug. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Mary Craig Auditorium, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Sunset Boulevard shows Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m. in…
