Cover Story
Welcome the new ducks
It was a long, miserable, and drawn-out election season. Local mayors and other officials have mostly been sworn in. Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian has stepped up from his San Luis Obispo County supervisor seat. The state and national changes, however, are yet to come. Liberals and progressives are glad the horror of the national election results…
May Grisham’s fate still up in the air?
Orcutt Union School District (OUSD) board member Rob Buchanan made a motion that caused an angry walkout at the Dec. 8 school board meeting: He suggested tabling the decision whether to redistribute May Grisham School students to other schools so Orcutt Academy can take over the facility. Buchanan said the matter was being moved to…
Which elected official do you believe is on Santa’s naughty list?
Michael Bryan manager “Governor Jerry Brown. He’s going to take the economy further into the toilet.” August Bryan student “Barack Obama. Because he’s not following through with his agenda.” Joshua Brown military technician “Barack Obama. He hasn’t made the change needed to be made.” Cathy Daniels retired “Barack Obama. He has misled the American people.”
Political Watch – 12.16
The supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge Suicide Barrier Project on State Route 154 is available for public viewing, Caltrans announced earlier this month. Caltrans completed the supplemental report after a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge ruled that the organization violated the California Environmental Quality Act by not…
Community Notebook – 12.16
TUESDAY, DEC. 21 • The Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe. • The Santa Maria City Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. Agendas are…
Hobnobbing with Helen
The logistics involved in pulling this off were amazing,” Lynn Fernbaugh said with a warm and gracious laugh. “We have detailed plans and schedules, telling each of us what to do at exactly what time.” The “we” she was talking about? Herself and husband Richard, Robert and Sandra Dickerson, and Jim and Kelly O’Neill. The…
Doing their part
The holidays, while fun and festive, can be a very tough time of year, especially in a sluggish economy. Money might be tight, but that only increases need in the community. Despite the economic hardships, however, Santa Maria city employees were able to raise more than $23,000 for the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way—a…
Where’s the word from local workers?
I was disappointed to see the lack of balance in Dec. 9’s “Chemical warfare” story regarding the approval of methyl iodide. I had hoped the article would quote actual workers or farmers here in Santa Maria Valley rather than known opponents of pesticides as a whole, whose opinions are nothing if not predictable. These comments…
Bonita gets ugly
The Santa Maria-Bonita School District Board of Education has experienced a leadership shakeup—or at least a reshuffle. District Superintendent Phil Alvarado started the Dec. 8 school board meeting by swearing in incumbent Bruno Brunello and newcomer Will Smith, who beat out longtime board member Jody Oliver in the November election. That victory, however, is receiving…
County supervisors tighten laws for tobacco retailers
Watch your pack, Santa Barbara County. New restrictions on where tobacco-selling stores can be located, and the stiffening of penalties against stores that sell to minors, went into effect on Dec. 9. The new ordinance comes after the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on Nov. 9 to amend tobacco control sections of…
He’s baaaack!
Thought you’d seen the last of former Santa Barbara County Executive Officer Mike Brown? Well, think again. Brown, who served as the county’s top employee for 14 years—until retiring in October—will now be on the payroll of the Agriculture, Business, and Labor Educational Coalition of San Luis Obispo County (COLAB of SLO). In a recent…
Thanks, Orcutt, for the successful parade!
Yesterday, Dec. 11, the 49th annual Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade went off (almost) flawlessly. The weather certainly cooperated, but more than anything else our town showed once again how very much it embraces the principles of community. We had wonderful support from the citizens who attended the event in droves and from the merchants…
Let’s tackle the taboo
Thank you for having the courage to talk openly about child abuse and neglect in our community “(Talk about what’s too terrible to talk about,” Dec. 2). The circumstances surrounding the death of this young boy are certainly heartbreaking, and as a community, we need to respond—not only by scrutinizing the court proceedings and asking…
Comcast expands digital offerings
Cable television provider Comcast is switching over more channels to digital signals in Northern Santa Barbara County, requiring some customers to add new equipment. Expanded-basic cable subscribers in Santa Maria, Orcutt, Lompoc, and the Santa Ynez Valley who don’t have set-top cable boxes will need to add digital boxes by mid-February. Comcast will provide those…
Insurance broker joins HUB
Santa Maria and Paso Robles-based insurance brokerage firm Byars Thompson Buchanan Insurance and Financial Services recently joined the HUB International Team of insurance agencies. HUB International is the 10th-largest insurance broker in North America. Byars Thompson Buchanan formed in 2001 and brokers employee benefit and insurance programs for people and businesses throughout the Central Coast.…
Legal Aid director honored
Santa Barbara Women Lawyers announced the group would award Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County’s Executive Director Ellen Goodstein with the 2010 Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award on Dec. 11. The honor recognizes outstanding legal professionals who are dedicated to the success of women, mentor colleagues and other women, personify professional excellence,…
Far Western heads south
After more than 50 years in Guadalupe, the Minetti family, owners of the award-winning Far Western Tavern, will be moving the restaurant to a new location in Old Town Orcutt in late 2011. The new location at 300 Clark Ave., like the current restaurant, will feature separate downstairs bar and dining areas, along with an…
Need an academic boost?
Thanks to a new five-year grant from the federal government, Allan Hancock College will now be able to offer its students more on-campus support services. The College Achievement Now (CAN) program—commonly referred to as the TRIO grant—provides academic assistance to low-income and first-generation students, students with limited English proficiency, and disabled students. “This program has…
Making an impact
The wellbeing of children—and what locals are doing to ensure it —was the focus of the Santa Barbara County 2010 Youth Impact Awards on Dec. 9 at the Abel Maldonado Community Center in Santa Maria. Each year, Kids Network, a countywide organization of child safety agencies, recognizes individuals in the community who have gone out…
Elijah Harper
First-degree black belt Elijah Harper, 8, is past the “wax-on, wax-off” stage of his martial arts career. With only two and a half years under his belt at the Life Time Martial Arts dojo, he’s already stood out as a “natural born leader.” “He helps us out on Saturdays in ‘cubs’ and family classes as…
The Bleacher Bum’s 2010 Holiday Gift Guide
Warm up that hot-buttered rum, break out the Bing Crosby records, and get ready to max out your MasterCard; it’s time again for the gift guide that makes all other gift guides about as relevant as the Democrats in a lame duck session of Congress. Meant for white elephants or office Secret Santas, these tacky…
City’s Winter Rec guide now available
Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department recently mailed out the Winter/Spring 2011 Recreation Guide, offering a diverse range of courses for city’s residents and non-residents alike. The Recreation Guide includes programs for active older adults, aquatics, adult arts, Special Olympics, dance classes, exercise and fitness, special interests and hobbies, youth programs, and youth, teen, and…
Olympic hopeful Prenot shines at Swimming Nationals
Santa Maria Swim Club phenom Josh Prenot kept his 2012 Olympic hopes alive at the Short Course USA Swimming Nationals on Dec. 4, winning the 18-and-under National Championship in the 200-yard butterfly event. Prenot’s time of 1:46.17 placed him sixth overall in a field including college, Olympic, and professional athletes. Prenot also placed fifth in…
Dreaming of a wine Christmas
Revelers move trees into their homes, plan gala parties, and prepare to lift their glasses high in praise of festive feasts. ’Tis the season for getting together, and thoughtful hosts are busy searching for just the right wine to complement their holiday fare. When carefully chosen, wines enhance each dish without swamping delicate flavors or…
Clubs & Meetings
@font-face { font-family: “Arial”; }@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “Geneva”; }@font-face { font-family: “Lucida Grande”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanDLigCon”; }@font-face { font-family: “Times-Roman”; }@font-face { font-family: “SimSun”; }@font-face { font-family: “Mangal”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in…
Farmers Markets
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacExte”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and…
Barbecues
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and…
Health
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } ONGOING THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR BALANCE AND HEALING offers free energy balancing sessions from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every third Saturday…
Art
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } THE LOMPOC MUSEUM presents “All Aboard: America’s Romance with Railroading,” featuring historic photographs, railroad memorabilia, vintage model train cars and structures, and…
Learning
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources meet every first Wednesday…
Kids & Family
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } THE COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION and the Boys and Girls Club present a healthy snack program for kids from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.…
Recreation
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } MEGA HOLIDAY ICE SKATING features a real outdoor ice rink with skates to rent, music, and holiday ambiance through Jan. 9 10…
Dance Lessons
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and Thursdays…
Stage
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of Peter Pan through Dec. 23 , Marian Theatre, Allan Hancock College, 800…
Night Life
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacExte”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } The following venues offer either regularly scheduled live entertainment or DJ-hosted dance music. Most performances start after 6…
Concerts
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } GINA ALSTON will be performing a concert of “Christmas Music” Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m., Java…
Special Events
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FOODBANK presents it annual Holiday Food Drive through Dec. 31. The Santa Maria warehouse…
Discovery Museum offers drama camp
The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum announced a series of Drama Workshops for kids during winter school break. Three one-week workshops run Dec. 27 through mid-January for kids ages 5 to 7 and 8 to 12. Each week will focus on writing, producing, and performing a version of an updated classic fairytale and will offer…
Gallery announces featured artist
Janice Howard is the featured artist at the Town Center Gallery for December and January. A reception will be held Dec. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the gallery. Howard has recently relocated to Santa Maria. She enjoys painting large birds, California landscapes, seascapes, florals, and missions. Her preferred media are watercolors, acrylics, and…
Go under
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but those words may not necessarily tell the whole story. There are often layers that need to be peeled back—and even then, there are often more questions underneath. Search for answers yourself at the latest C Gallery exhibition Underskin/Understand. The show offers a contemplative look at what’s…
Road to Bethlehem
In July, when most people were thinking about vacations, sunshine, and barbecues, a core group of volunteers at First Baptist Church was thinking about Christmas. Their many months of work will culminate in a presentation of a living nativity featuring more than 200 actors and nearly 100 animals. “Last year was the inaugural event, and…
