Cover Story
Gotta keep ’em separated
Prompted by half a year of steady gang-related violence on city streets, public support for a gang injunction in Santa Maria is gaining steam from a small but vocal group of residents. In recent weeks, a movement spearheaded by members of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps led to locals petitioning the City Council. They also…
What was the last book you read?
Jonas Tucker fry servant “American Gods. It’s pretty awesome; it’s a modern classic. The author is very descriptive and has great character development.” Matthew Mariscal student “Pride and Prejudice. It was complicated, but had a good message.” Annabel Suarez student “El Llano en Llamas [The Burning Plain and Other Stories]. It’s about the Mexican revolution…
Political Watch 12-10
On Dec. 5, the Save Darfur Coalition honored senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Russ Feingold (D-WI) as part of the internationally observed “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.” Each day between Nov. 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and Dec. 10 (International Human Rights Day), the campaign honors leaders in the…
Community Notebook 12-10
MONDAY, DEC. 14 • 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, DEC. 15 • The Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 918 Obispo…
A day that will live in remembrance
On Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day, 10 students from Crossroads Christian School read the names of 96 Santa Marians who had served overseas and made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and freedom. These same students have been committed to maintaining the memorial to Santa Maria’s fallen heroes for a year and a…
Need … water …
A project proposing that the Nipomo Community Services District buy water from Santa Maria and have it delivered via pipeline hit a slight snag at the Santa Maria City Council’s Dec. 1 meeting. The council members were set to discuss the Nipomo Waterline Intertie Project—and possibly approve a wholesale water agreement with the district—but instead…
Battle continues over Armijo case
Gil Armijo, former supervisorial aide to 5th District Supervisor Joe Centeno, has filed a motion to withdraw a no contest plea he made on Nov. 16 in connection with perjury charges stemming from a DUI hearing. On Dec. 2, Armijo filed the motion to withdraw and change his plea at the Santa Barbara County Superior…
A newly approved county energy program helps property owners, creates jobs
Santa Barbara County’s local government has become one of California’s first to officially implement legislation approved in July 2008 by the state Legislature to establish clean energy retrofitting incentives for property owners. At its Dec. 1 meeting, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to begin laying the groundwork for a municipal energy…
Supes tackle CEO Brown’s retirement and a medical marijuana ordinance
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors had a full slate of business for its Dec. 8 meeting, the final scheduled meeting of the year. The board approved the early retirement of the county’s chief executive officer, Michael Brown, who had served in the administrative position for 13 years. “I’ve been very fortunate in my…
Clubs and 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 Santa…
Farmers Market
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
SANSUM CLINIC presents a cholesterol management class Dec. 13 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. A diabetes essentials class is Dec. 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. Info: 737-8700. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meeting the first…
Art
THE GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS AND EDUCATION CENTER presents the exhibition “Re-hacer/Des-echos 2009” featuring the work of Juan Manuel Perez Salazar through Dec. 17 at the Education Center, Guadalupe. Info: 343-2939 or artjmp@gmail.com. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the exhibit “Photographers Gone Wild, Capturing the Central Coast” featuring local photographers Mel Felix, Cathy Gregg, Lynda…
Learning
ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources meet every first Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. for the public at the eastside branch of the Santa Barbara Public Library, 1100 E. Montecito St. Info: 879-1729. BUSINESS SKILLS OPEN LAB offers free…
Recreation
THE SANTA MARIA INN holds Monday Night Football events through Dec. 28 in the Olde English Tap Room at the Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 928-7777 or santamariainn.com. THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA holds registration for Adult Arena Soccer in several divisions with the deadline Jan. 14. Cost is $400 for…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM features bedtime with Santa on Dec. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., $5 per child for museum members only; and breakfast with Santa on Dec. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, 705 S. McClelland Ave., Santa Maria. Cost is $10 for an…
Dance Lessons
THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH, Recreation Division Community Development Department presents a “Hoop Dance Fusion” class through Dec. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall, Pismo Beach. Cost is $30. A “Hoop Dance Fitness Class” is through Dec. 19 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Spyglass Park, Pismo Beach. Cost…
Stage
SANTA MARIA CIVIC THEATRE presents its production of Wake Up, Darling, directed by Meg Smith Dec. 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. at the theater, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Cost is $14. Info: 922-4442 or smct.org. THE LOMPOC CIVIC THEATRE presents its holiday production of Fruit Cakes Dec. 11 and 12 at 7…
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 ADDAMO VINEYARD/TASTING ROOM: 400 E Clark Ave., suite E, Santa Maria, 937-6400. Live music Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. CLUB 805, AKA STINKY’S BAR & GRILL: 2430 South Broadway,…
Concerts
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “A Night of Holiday Strings,” featuring a string trio in concert on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, Shepard Hall, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117. THE TRI CITY SOUND CHORUS of the Sweet Adelines presents its 2009 annual Christmas…
Special Events
ANYONE WHO BRINGS A TOY worth at least $10 for Toys for Tots to the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium Dec. 10 to 12 from 1 to 7 p.m. will get a voucher for the Allan Hancock College three-day basketball tournament. Cost without toy is $15. Info: hancockcollege.edu. THE U.S. MARINE CORPS RESERVE TOYS FOR TOTS…
Be an honorary spaceman
The California Space Authority is looking for businesses and individuals to become members of the California Space Center’s “Launch Team” by contributing to the project by Dec. 31. A minimum donation of $10,000 for organizations, or $1,000 for individuals, will qualify the donor’s name for inclusion in a permanent exhibit celebrating the center’s supporters. Construction…
Women’s clothing store opens
There’s a new downtown destination for unique casual and formal women’s wear: the Ruby Red Fashion Boutique in Santa Maria. The boutique, which opened on Nov. 21, specializes in clothes, jewelry, wraps, and other accessories. Owner Sue Olivera and her staff are committed to giving customers personal service to help find exactly what they’re looking…
CoastHills CEO named League chairman
The California Credit Union League, a trade association for credit unions in the state, recently announced the appointment of Jeff York as its new chairman. Sworn in to his post at the organization’s annual meeting, York has served as president and CEO of Lompoc’s CoastHills Federal Credit Union since 2004, and has more than 25…
Pharmacy opens up shop
Hometown Pharmacy is now open in Santa Maria, promising fast, professional, and confidential prescription fillings and free medication delivery. Locally owned and operated by pharmacist and veteran Joseph Abraham, Hometown offers drive-thru service, online ordering, a full line of medical supplies and herbal medicine, snacks, and even ice cream. All types of insurance are accepted,…
Spring is already in the air at Hancock
Free spring schedules for Allan Hancock College are now available at all college locations, in the community, and online at hancockcollege.edu, Hancock officials announced earlier this month. Schedules can be found at the college’s Santa Maria and Lompoc campuses. In Nipomo, schedules are available at the public library, post office, and chamber of commerce; Nipomo…
Law enforcement students find Hancock class helpful
An experimental public safety course at Allan Hancock College is yielding positive results, according to members of its inaugural class. Launched in August 2009, the new Women in Public Safety Careers class is designed by the college’s law enforcement academy instructors to help people prepare physically and emotionally for law enforcement, fire, and emergency services…
Want approval? Cut our rates!
PG&E wants a license to extend their Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant for another 20 years. Since the basic plant is already there, paid for with ratepayers’ money, the extra 20 years of operation should be very profitable. Any approval should be conditional on a substantial rate cut for the public.
Santa Maria needs a gang injunction immediately
Santa Maria’s mayor and City Council members undoubtedly realize gang-related violence has increased dramatically over the past few years, yet they seem unwilling to come up with a solution. However, after hearing a number of brave citizens speak out about this subject at the last two City Council meetings, it seems they have the answer.…
Start working now for peace on Earth next year
The Santa Maria Police Department has received some much deserved criticism lately for its inability to stop gang-related crime. Each day I read about new acts of violence being committed against innocent citizens, and I’m outraged. While I know our peace officers have their hands full in combating crime, their efforts are not enough these…
An injunction is the only answer
During the last Santa Maria City Council meeting, several residents spoke about the need for a gang injunction. Amen! For many years, Santa Maria has been plagued by gang-related violence, with the last, most memorable, and spectacular demonstration having been made in the middle of the day just last month. Several gang members terrorized Santa…
Didn’t the politically correct ‘holidays’ die last year?
I see that Holiday Trees has once again returned to Skyway and Highway 135. But, to be fair, it appears the sign refers to the name of the company (Orcutt Holiday Trees). However, that sounds like an oxymoron to me to have a company called Holiday Trees selling Christmas trees. Don’t they understand that it’s…
Ashley Bonenfant
In certain situations, it’s OK to steal and shoot your way to the top. Ashley Bonenfant has found herself in such situations, so she’s been doing just that. A freshman on the Allan Hancock College’s women’s basketball team, Bonenfant stands at 5-foot-5—but her modest height doesn’t shadow her skill as a basketball player. She has…
Panthers on the prowl
It’s still early, but Pioneer Valley High School’s boys’ soccer team is already setting some lofty goals: an undefeated season, a league championship, and a berth in the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs. So far, so good. “Our expectation is to win the league,” third-year head coach Humberto Robles said through an inter-preter. “I think that…
Youth get baseball skills
Baseball players ages 6 through 18 are invited to sharpen their hitting, fielding, and pitching skills at Allan Hancock College’s annual Holiday Baseball Clinic, to be held from Dec. 21 to 23. Players will take lessons from the entire Allan Hancock College coaching staff, along with former major league pitcher Bryn Smith; Santa Maria Valley…
Everybody out of the pool
For budget reasons, the Lompoc Aquatic Center will be closed until Jan. 11. The timeframe includes four weeks of complete closure with furlough for employees, and two weeks set aside for staffers to provide maintenance on the building and pools. In the meantime, the Lompoc Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry Department will still accept registrations…
Don’t dodge this!
The Santa Maria Valley YMCA is set to host the inaugural “Duck and Run” co-ed dodgeball tournament on Dec. 12. Official dodgeball rules and regulations will be followed, but old-school playground fun is guaranteed. Teams can sign up at the YMCA front desk for $125, with proceeds going to benefit Righetti High School’s boys’ soccer…
Artists come together
Artists and people passionate about the arts are invited to get together to discuss and identify issues facing the arts in the Santa Maria Valley. A meeting will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 at Shepard Hall Gallery in the Santa Maria Public Library. Organizers hope to hear from a diverse…
Make a movie
Be part of a movie production. A locally based project is currently looking for crew members. Priority will be given to qualified Santa Barbara County residents. The project needs an assistant production coordinator, set dresser, prop assistant, interns, set costumer, costume assistant, key grip, best boy, key hair, key makeup, and loader and 1st and…
Visit the Discovery Museum
In response to turbulent economic times and out of sensitivity to budget cuts many families are making, the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is offering an end-of-year discount on an annual family membership. Through Dec. 31, families buying a museum membership for the first time can do so for $70. For more information, call 928-8414…
Hear sweet sounds
The Tri City Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines 2009 Annual Christmas Friends and Family Show will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Lutheran Church of Our Savior’s Stahnke Hall at 4725 S. Bradley Road. A free will offering basket will be available to collect funds for local high school music scholarships. For…
New grooves
It’s one of the biggest payoffs for a musician: seeing audience members having a good time and knowing it’s because of the music. In that respect, Santa Maria’s latest band has reaped many rewards in its short life. Steppin’ Out is a six-piece ensemble that’s been grooving the local dance scene with a mix of…
Buttbook
My entire family, my co-workers, and all of my friends are totally immersed in Facebook. They absolutely love it and use it all day long. They update their status on an hourly basis: “Jim is enjoying a nice cup of coffee.” “Andy is at the beach.” “Susan’s monthly friend has arrived.” People love to post…
Local dancers get cracking
For all the dreams of sugarplum fairies and the magic of Christmas floating around this time of year, there’s one story that has brought it all to life onstage for more than a century. The Nutcracker has remained a favorite—albeit elaborate—production for ballet troupes. Every year, little girls dream of dancing the principal roles, and…
They’ve been nice
Try as we might, there’s no denying it: Christmas looms, merry and bright, and we’ve got shopping to do. Fortunately, living in Santa Barbara County makes selecting gifts for wine and food lovers a fairly easy task, whether we’re wrapping up a special vintage or planning a wine country getaway. Universally welcome and always the…
