Cover Story
From thriving to surviving
Caleb Lopez is one of the lucky ones. With several big development projects on his plate and a steady flow of smaller, private jobs coming in, Lopez might be considered a rarity when it comes to being a contractor in today’s economy. Following the overall downturn of the nation’s economy and the collapse of…
Santa Barbara County continues Tea Fire relief efforts
It’s “all hands on deck” when it comes to carrying out response plans to help Santa Barbara County residents recover from the Tea Fire. Services and coordinated responses incorporate staffers from nearly every county department, including Public Works, Planning and Development, Sheriff’s, Fire, and Public Health, as well as the Office of Emergency Services and…
Santa Maria is looking for locals to fill government vacancies
The city of Santa Maria is seeking representatives to serve on several key governmental boards, commissions, and committees for 2009. The deadline to submit an application to fill one of the vacancies is Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. City groups with vacancies include the All-America City Committee, the Code Compliance Board, the Community Action Commission,…
There’s a new commander on base
On Dec. 9, Vandenberg Air Force Base held a change of command ceremony: Lt. Gen. Larry James took command of the 14th Air Force and the Joint Functional Component Command for Space. James formerly held the rank of major general. James formerly served as the 5th Air Force vice commander and 13th Air Force deputy…
Vandenberg missile launch is a success
A Missile Defense Agency interceptor missile successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Dec. 5. The launch was part of an exercise and flight test involving the interception of an intercontinental ballistic missile by a ground-based interceptor missile. The interceptor missile was designed to protect the United States against a limited long-range ballistic missile…
Oil spills again at Platform A
Cleanup crews are still responding to the 1,344-gallon oil spill that hit the water on Dec. 7 at Platform A, six miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. Platform A is also the site of the infamous 1969 spill that sparked the modern anti-oil drilling movement. As of Dec. 9, nearly all recoverable oil had…
Sugarplum Fairy to visit local cancer patients
Christmas is coming early to cancer patients on the Central Coast. On Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo will open up its dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker to cancer patients and their families. A total of 1,200 free tickets have been distributed throughout Catholic Healthcare West’s Central Coast Centers,…
Thank you, Dana Adobe supporters and volunteers
I wish to thank the many Central Coast residents who, over the past 40 years, helped save the historic Dana Adobe in Nipomo. Now major restoration has started, contractors are being hired, and Aaron Regez, Dana caretaker, and volunteers have started removing old cement and bricks. We need more healthy volunteers to assist in this…
Good work on getting different sides
I just wanted to thank you for the way you wrote your article, “Proposition 8 is still making waves” (Nov. 27). I voted yes on Proposition 8 and so many people have accused me of hating gay people and voting to make gays second-class citizens. My vote had nothing to do with looking down on…
Redefining words is double-plus ungood
Regarding “Proposition 8 is still making waves” (Nov. 27), the real issue here is that words do mean things. Gay and lesbian people already have the right to get married anywhere. A gay man can marry a lesbian woman or a straight woman, and a lesbian woman can marry a gay man or a straight…
History and another point of view
I have the opinion that Tom Knepher (“Let nurturing prevail,” Nov. 27) has the good of his country at heart in his hope for the future. Like most people who spend their youth in school and then teach in a profession that is highly repetitive, Berkeley professor George Lakoff can see only one approach to…
Which do you like better: guacamole or salsa?
Juan Garza unemployed “Salsa, because I love salsa and eat it with everything!” Leticia Garza housewife “Guacamole, because I love the taste of avocados.” Lauren Grayham retail “Guacamole, because it’s all about the avocados.” Sharron Fish shipping and receiving “Guacamole, because I’ve loved avocados since I moved to California from Michigan when I was 10.”
Athlete of the Week
As the weather turns cold and people begin avoiding the beach, Katie Draeger’s surf season is just getting started. For the last several years, from September through December, Draeger has competed in Western Surfing Association competitions. The Nipomo resident is already sponsored by Esteem Surf Company, and ranks in the top 10 for the Western…
Banquet honors the best Bulldogs
The annual Allan Hancock College football awards banquet saw six players named to the 2008 All-Northern National Conference team. First-team honors went to freshman Brennen Locker, sophomore Clayton Cullen, sophomore Dion Bryant, and sophomore Dorson Boyce. Freshmen Riley Gauld and Marquelo Suel were named second team all-conference at the Dec. 3 event at the Santa…
Hancock basketball partners with Toys-for-tots
The Allan Hancock College Bulldogs are teaming up with the Toys for Tots Foundation of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to celebrate the holiday season, which coincides with basketball season. At the annual Bulldog Classic women’s basketball tournament, set for Dec. 11 through 13, guests can get a three-day tournament pass by bringing…
Basketballers: Get to the clinic
Sure, you’ve got skills, but you could have mad skills. Dribble and shoot at the West Coast Xtreme Basketball Academy’s clinics, open to boys and girls in grades 3 through 8. The girls’ basketball clinic was held Dec. 6. The boys’ clinic starts at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13. Both clinics run for two hours,…
Cycle like you’re a pro
Can’t afford a trip to France? Never dated Sheryl Crow or Kate Hudson? Haven’t overcome a personal testicular cancer setback to become a successful professional athlete? There’s at least one way you can share something in common with cycling god Lance Armstrong: You can ride the Solvang route he’ll soon be pedaling as part of…
Fesler Junior High to honor first school principal with a special dedication
Students, teachers, and community members will gather on Dec. 11 at 9:15 a.m. at the Fesler Junior High School gymnasium to dedicate the basketball court to the school’s first principal, Quentin Sims. Sims’s name has also been stenciled in large letters on the gym floor near two of the entrances. Fesler Junior High School faculty…
Allan Hancock College’s MESA program demonstrates ‘Excelencia in Education’
Allan Hancock College’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program was recently recognized for its efforts to help Latino students succeed.Allan Hancock College’s MESA program demonstrates ‘Excelencia in Education’ Excelencia in Education—a national organization that identifies programs and departments that boost Latino enrollment, performance, and graduation rates—recently named MESA as a semifinalist winner for its ¡Examples…
Political Watch
• State Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) recently filed a statement of intent to run in the 2012 race for State Senate District 15. The seat is currently held by state Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria), whose term will end that year. Blakeslee was first elected to the State Assembly in 2004, a position…
Community Notebook
TUESDAY, DEC. 16 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 511 E. Lakeside Parkway, suite 141, Santa Maria. Agendas are available at bos-agenda.sbcgov.net. • The Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in…
Community Corner
The United Way held its inaugural drive-through Beans and Rice Food Drive on Dec. 9 and 10 to benefit the Salvation Army. With demand for food assistance rising faster than donated food supplies, the Food Drive helped bolster the Salvation Army’s depleted food supplies. Why rice and beans? According to the United Way, both rice…
Women for Agriculture gets new leaders
The Santa Maria Chapter of California Women for Agriculture recently announced its 2009 officers: Kristy Farmer, president; Kari Campbell-Bohard, first vice president; Kerri Aller, second vice president; Donna France, third vice president; Joyce Chrisman, secretary; Nancy Machut, treasurer; and Patty Vasquez, vice treasurer. Lisa Bodrogi is the immediate past president. The officers will be installed…
Community Bank of Santa Maria opts out of ‘bail out’
Jim Glines, CEO of Community Bank of Santa Maria, announced in late November the bank’s decision to pass on Treasury’s TARP Capital Purchase Plan—a.k.a. the “Bail Out” Plan—designed to encourage U.S. financial institutions to build capital. According to a press release, however, Community Bank of Santa Maria is well capitalized and hasn’t seen a need…
Need a decorative wall display?
How about some custom signage? Maybe you’re hankering for a new table top? On Dec. 1, longtime Santa Ynez Valley residents Tom and Marie Freeman launched eWoodArt.com, which allows customers to create artisan-quality wine barrel carvings over the Internet. An online tool guides users through the steps to custom carve solid oak recycled wine barrel…
Where have all the avocados gone?
Guacamole—and all things avocado—could soon be in high demand but hard to get, according to findings from the California Farm Bureau Federation and the California Avocado Commission. The groups reported that the 2009 avocado crop could be the industry’s lightest in 20 years. “You’d have to go back to the 1990s to see crop yields…
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 Santa…
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…
BARBECUES
A BENEFIT BARBECUE for Santa Maria-Bonita School District teacher Carla Mumaw and her daughter is Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tunnell School, 1248 E Dena Way, Santa Maria. Cost is $8 for tickets purchased at Tunnell School prior to event, $10 day of the event. Info: 361-7940. ONGOING …
HEALTH
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 St. Community Room, 280 E. New Love St. Info: 346-1981. SYCAMORE MINERAL SPRINGS HEALING ARTS INSTITUTE offers a range of classes including yoga and meditation, alternative and herbal medicine, aroma and color therapy,…
ART
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE’S Fine Arts Department presents Altered, an exhibit featuring found items made into art through Jan. 9 in the Shepard Gallery, Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. An opening reception is Dec. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Phase two of the Indomitable Spirits Project: Proud Flesh, an exhibit…
LEARNING
THE EXPLORATION STATION hosts a “Super Sitter Class” on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Exploration Station, Santa Maria. Cost is $50, $10 for babysitter kits. Info: 473-1421 or info@explorationstation.org. ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources…
RECREATION
ONGOING A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE with four-on-four teams, no contact, is every Sunday at the beach in front of the Sandcastle Inn, Pismo Beach. Cost is $3 per player. Rain cancels. Registration: 489-1340. ARK TENNIS LESSONS for third through eighth graders are Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at…
KIDS & FAMILY
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Gigglin’ Granny Preschool Story Time” for kids ages 3 to 5 on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. through Dec. 11 at the library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994 or 925-4354. THE DANA ADOBE NIPOMO AMIGOS presents its Las Posadas Pageant, featuring a…
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. THE DANCE STUDIO offers dance classes in Santa Maria and Nipomo in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Dance Team.…
STAGE
THE SANTA MARIA CIVIC THEATRE presents its production of A Christmas Cactus by Eliot Byerrum Dec. 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. at the Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 North McClelland, Santa Maria. Cost is $14. Info: 922-4442 or smct.org. PCPA THEATERFEST presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas through Dec. 21 in the Marian Theatre, Allan…
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.…
CONCERTS
THE TRI CITY SOUND CHORUS, of the Sweet Adelines International presents its annual Friends and Family Christmas Show Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in Stahnke Hall at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 4725 S Bradley Road, Orcutt. Info: 736-7572 or tricitysound.org. THE LOMPOC MUSIC ASSOCIATION presents a “Music Celebration of Christmas Concert in the Park,”…
SPECIAL EVENTS
THE KIWANIS CLUB OF ORCUTT hosts a benefit performance of the Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s A Christmas Cactus with a wine and Hors d’oeuvres reception at 6:30 p.m. with curtain at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the theatre, 1660 N McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 925-2611. ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL holds its third annual…
Out of context
Finding altered books at the library is usually a librarian’s nightmare, but the latest exhibition at the Shepard Hall Gallery in the Santa Maria Public Library features just that: altered books. What’s more, the librarian has even joined the exhibition. Altered is a mixed-media presentation featuring work by a diverse group of artists who focus…
Art Briefs
Spelling Bee will join PCPA’s lineup The secret is out. PCPA’s mystery show of its 45th anniversary season has been revealed. Due to contractual limitations, the conservatory couldn’t announce the title of this Tony-Award winning play until December. Now it can proclaim: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will play at PCPA June 19…
Lunch and loaves
Fresh, tasty bread ranks high among life’s most delightful staples, and Santa Maria residents now can choose from 16 different kinds of handcrafted loaves for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Since Nov. 10, when the Panera Bread bakery-café opened in the new College Square complex, the heavenly scents of flour and yeast meeting oven heat have…
Get Informed
To some locals, Don Tinsley is simply the owner of Old Orcutt Barbers. He’s a man who smiles quickly and snips even more quickly. Those who know him well, however, also know that he’s a spirited sort with a drive to accomplish his dreams. His aspirations have led him to become a business owner, raise…
