Cover Story
Be a flake
In this season of giving, the Santa Maria Sun wanted to tell its readers they’re a bunch of flakes. But we mean that in a good way. Really. Most Central Coast residents probably aren’t too familiar with snow, so allow us to explain how it works. It doesn’t just show up on the ground in…
Welcome cyclists from around the globe
The French are coming! And the Italians! And the Belgians, the Dutch, the Danes, and whatever you call people from Luxembourg. Amgen Tour of California officials recently released the 2009 team roster, made up of cycling groups from around Europe and the United States. The list includes Ag2r-La Mondiale (France), Astana (Luxembourg), Garmin-Slipstream (U.S.A.), Liquigas…
It’s not too early to start thinking softball
Though Curtis Dulay has been involved with Santa Maria Girls Softball Inc. for six years, this is his first year as president, and he’s not dawdling in his efforts to build up the program. The group has suffered in the past from a lack of awareness in terms of registration and preparation, he feels, so…
Athlete of the Week
Sure, everyone wants to win, but one of the true measures of athletes is how they carry themselves during the lows as well as the highs. Twenty-year-old Irene Maldonado’s optimism and team spirit during a rough season for Allan Hancock College’s women’s basketball team is quite telling. “She’s a great teammate, just gives and gives,…
Get home buyers back in the market
With our nation in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, Congress must be willing to take bold, decisive action to spur a housing and economic recovery. Unless we halt the slide in home prices, the nation’s housing and economic woes will grow even worse. This is why a robust housing component must be…
Stop state-mandated housing
No one wants state-mandated housing in their backyards, Montecito to Orcutt. The difference between the two areas is this: Montecito residents have money to keep this government-sponsored ghetto out of their neighborhoods. Some do not like this. In fact, Montecito did not tell the county or the state to put these houses in Orcutt or…
What will we do on first Fridays now?
As we begin the process of closing the David Ryan Gallery, we wish to thank the Santa Maria Sun for its coverage of the many events at our gallery over the past seven years. Our artists too are grateful for the positive exposure you have given them during this time. We especially want to thank…
David Ryan Gallery will be but a memory, though a fond one
It will soon be just a memory. And a very pleasant one, too. Ron and Terri Thatcher opened the David Ryan Gallery in Old Town Orcutt several years ago, redesigning a rather notorious building into a most appealing space for an art gallery. Who would ever have thought such a place of fine art would…
Don’t just read letters to the editor
Mr. David E. Basket of Santa Maria (“Eliminate cement from your life,” Dec. 18) proves the point, how cemented one gets to ascribe to others the point of view never made? Show, where, even once, the issue was to completely get rid of all cement? Please study—not just read—the letters published in our respected weekly,…
Grant ‘Bridges’ science gap between Hancock and four-year universities
Staffers at Allan Hancock College and Cal Poly recently partnered with an aim to increase the number of minority students who successfully transfer from the community college to biomedical and behavioral sciences programs at the four-year university and others like it. Funded by a “Bridges to the Baccalaureate” grant from the National Institutes of Health/National…
Political Watch
• Santa Barbara County officials recently released a statement reminding the public that county employees are taking a 64-hour pay cut as part of a furlough program approved by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in October. The furlough is meant to help balance the county’s budget and preserve key programs and services during…
‘Awesome Kids’ honored at luncheon
Winners of the 2008 Awesome Kids awards were honored at the annual KIDS Network Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 5 at the Santa Ynez Marriott in Buellton. The KIDS Network is a county-wide organization boasting members from public agencies, the court system, law enforcement agencies, education, community-based organizations, school-linked programs, and parent groups. “This year’s theme…
Have yourself a trashy little Christmas
Hold on to your holiday waste. There won’t be any garbage or recycling collection services or street sweeping on Dec. 25 in Santa Maria, because of the Christmas holiday. The Santa Maria Regional Landfill will also be closed for the day. Santa Maria’s residential and commercial customers will receive service one day later than their…
Deadline for federal fire aid is fast approaching
State and federal officials announced on Dec. 18 that California homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered damages in the November wildfires—including the Tea Fire—only have one month left to apply for disaster assistance. According to a press release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Jan. 20 is the last day applications will be accepted…
‘Tis the season for promotions at the Santa Maria Police Department
Three Santa Maria police officers received an early Christmas present from Chief Danny Macagni. On Dec. 20, he promoted Sgt. James Ginter, Cpl. Terry Flaa, and Officer Alfredo Ruiz to new ranks. Ginter, now a lieutenant, is a 12-year veteran of the Santa Maria Police Department. He was originally hired as a lateral officer from…
Boxer report confirms hard economic times for California
At a press conference on Dec. 17, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) released a report describing the impact of the nation’s recession on California’s counties and cities. The report—based on interviews Boxer and her staff conducted with officials in 20 cities and all 58 counties—documents the economic strains felt across the state. The detailed analysis…
Correction
The Sun’s Dec. 11 cover story, “They know the drill,” incorrectly reported the name of co-owner Linda Devey’s business. The business’ name is Valley Fencing Inc.
Mission Community Bank ventures into Santa Maria
On Dec. 16, Mission Community Bank opened its first branch location in Santa Barbara County. The new office is in Santa Maria at 1670 S. Broadway, and comes complete with a drive-up window and ATM. To celebrate its opening, the branch has a free checking offer and will hold a drawing for a $250 gas…
Local employers: Get a handle on downsizing
Downsizing may be necessary, but it isn’t easy. Get a hand in dealing with the issue during a Jan. 6 employer workshop titled “Managing a Downsized Organization.” Topics for discussion during the free, four-hour event include an employer’s role in managing the change, dealing with the “survivors,” maintaining productivity, alternatives to downsizing, and maintaining employee…
It’s a miracle
Morse went in for an 18-week sonogram last June, they were excited to learn the sex of their second child. “When we had [our first child] Emma, it was a lot of fun,” Hannah said. “The nurse announced, ‘Congratulations, it’s a girl!’ and showed us the feet and hands, and made a big deal out…
The season brings out sweet treats
RECIPE: Great-Aunt Susie’s Old Fashioned Prune Pie Place one 12-oz. package of pitted prunes and 1/4 cup each brandy and water in a pan and simmer until prunes plump. Remove prunes from liquid and let cool. Reserve liquid. Line a 9-inch pie pan with a regular pie crust. Cut up the cooled prunes and turn…
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 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
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, compassionate…
ART
DAVID RYAN GALLERY closes its doors at the end of December, and celebrates its seven years of offering fine art from all over the globe with most items 30 to 50 percent off. The gallery is located at 205 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. Info: 937-1058 or davidryangallery.com. MARILYN DOVER BENSON exhibits her paintings through December…
LEARNING
THE CENTRAL COAST COUNSELING CENTER presents “Mastering the Mysteries of Love, Part 1 and 2” ongoing through January at the counseling center, 2605 S. Miller St., suite 105, Santa Maria. Info: 934-5088. ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources meet every first Wednesday of…
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 St.…
KIDS & FAMILY
THE SANTA MARA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT offers a Winter Break Day Camp Program for kids who have passed kindergarten in weekly sessions through Jan. 16 at the Minami Community Center, 600 W Enos Drive, Santa Maria. Cost is $95 per week, $65 per week for part-time camp. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 260. THE SANTA MARIA…
STAGE
THE SKY WORLD POETRY SERIES presents featured poet Enedina Castaneda reading from her original works on Dec. 27 at 3 p.m. at Café Monet, 1555 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 268-9216 or tobola@verizon.net. IMPROVISATIONAL HUMOR CLASS meets Mondays at the Loading Dock, Old Orcutt, to teach theater games, comedy concepts, and Whose Line Is It…
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…
Special Events
MOTIONZ presents a New Year’s Eve laser tag event featuring unlimited pizza and soda on Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. in the upper level of the Santa Maria Town Center. Cost is $25. Info: 922-6922 or motionz.net. THE SANTA MARIA INN presents a New Year’s Eve party featuring food, a no-host bar,…
Take a tumble off the Christmas wagon
Our writers recently obtained exclusive interviews with holiday figures, including a ghost from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Santa Claus. We proceeded to ask the tough questions, receiving candid assessments of the health risks posed by Santa’s shaking belly and the ghost of Christmas present’s secret to staying current. SUN I’ve heard conflicting reports;…
Arts Briefs
PCPA plans two spring tours PCPA has announced its annual spring tours: one to London and one to New York City. The London trip runs April 12 to 20 and includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles; seven days and six nights in a first-class hotel with full English breakfast each day; and three theater productions,…
Mr. Clean
Sometimes I come home from work only to find that my wife is mad at me. No, I wasn’t out drinking with the boys, and I didn’t show up driving yet another rusty car. I just come home on a regular day at the regular time to find my wife regular mad at me. It…
Giving and getting thanks
Joe and Margie Talaugon love what they do for their community. And recently they discovered just how much they’re loved in return. Their tireless work to promote the arts gained them the 2008 Leadership in the Arts Award from the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission. “It was a surprise. A great honor. It’s really…
What’s your least favorite Christmas song?
Debi Rock unemployed “’Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.’ It’s just too silly. Sheila Glaser “I stay home” “I don’t have a favorite. I like them all.” Joey Buelna school-age program teacher “‘Silent Night.’ It sounds like the title to a horror movie.” Ravyn Scheibert youth program leader “‘Santa Baby.’ It sounds like a,…
