Cover Story
Book battles
Books loom large over Sheila Butterworth as she shifts a volume here and there in her store. The shelves at the Bookworm are wall to wall, floor to ceiling, making her seem even more petite than she is—but she has complete control over her towering inventory. Ask her for a specific book—say, something fondly remembered…
Do you think Christmas starts earlier every year?
Doug Burden retired “Yeah, usually. It’s because it’s getting too commercial. I saw someone put up their Christmas lights up already; the holiday is getting to be too commercial for me.” Lily Barajas educator “Yes, I saw Christmas stuff out before Halloween.” Chad Roger student “Yeah, just because stores want to guilt us into getting…
Political Watch 12.03
Local environmental education could get a boost now that the House Natural Resources Committee has voted to pass legislation to formalize and expand the Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program and National Literacy Grant Program. Introduced by Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara), the Ocean, Coastal, and Watershed Education Act is designed to improve ocean,…
Community Notebook 12.03
TUESDAY, DEC. 8 • 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 santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Guadalupe City Council has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in…
Hobnobbing With Helen
Sometime after 7 p.m., one Saturday a year, the Elks Lodge on Bradley Road is filled with giddy, excited screams as 57 raffle winners of gift-laden, decorated trees are announced. The winners scream. Their friends scream. People who don’t even know them scream. What a hoot! The event this year was the 19th annual Holiday…
If Abel goes, who will take his place?
The Central Coast is on track to have one of its own in statewide office. On Nov. 23, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger named state senator and former Santa Maria mayor Abel Maldonado as lieutenant governor. As of press time, his confirmation by the Legislature was still pending. “I’m honored to take on the position of lieutenant…
Drawing the lines
A little more than a year ago, California voters narrowly approved Proposition 11, also known as the Voters FIRST Act, which changes the way the state’s legislative and Board of Equalization districts are drawn. Up until now, the state’s Senate and Assembly members have been responsible for drawing their own districts—a fact many people frowned…
Let your light shine at Marian Medical Center
For many people, the holidays are a time to gather with friends and family. Some they see every day, and others are seen on a rare basis. However, for some, loved ones have passed on. Marian Hospice will be holding an annual remembrance event, Light Up a Life, on Dec. 3 in front of Marian…
Former county employee pleads no contest to perjury charge
Gil Armijo, a former aide to 5th District Supervisor Joe Centeno, was scheduled to go to trial earlier this month over a felony charge stemming from a DUI case. On Nov. 16, however, the 58-year-old Santa Maria resident pleaded no contest to the single count of perjury. According to court documents, Armijo is scheduled to…
Santa Barbara County supervisors approve controversial spay/neuter ordinance
After months of deliberation and several lengthy public comment periods, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1-1 at its Dec. 1 meeting to approve an ordinance that will require pet owners living in unincorporated parts of the county to spay and neuter their dogs and cats. The ordinance is expected to take effect…
Santa Maria mourns former city councilman’s passing
Former Santa Maria City Councilmember Leo Trujillo, who was known for his fiscally conservative budgeting and active community involvement, died on Nov. 29 at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria. He was 76 years old. Trujillo was admitted to the hospital on Nov. 24 and underwent surgery for a ruptured aortic valve, the city announced…
The fair’s looking for exhibitors
It’s never too early to start preparing for the 2010 Santa Barbara County Fair. The Santa Maria Fairpark is already beginning to register independent livestock exhibitors for the event, held next year from July 14 to 18. Independent exhibitors aren’t affiliated with 4-H, Future Farmers of America, or the Grange Club. Exhibitors must be at…
Play it loud
Calling all musicians! The Central Coast now has a unique place for kids and musicians of all ages and from all genres to practice their musical talents in a soundproof environment. Owner Brent Gorton has 30 years of playing experience and gives lessons in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. Equipment is available for rental,…
Go Italian in Nipomo
Chef Miguel Zambrano invites Italian food lovers to tantalize their taste buds and enjoy great service at Tahlia’s, his new restaurant in Nipomo. Zambrano, formerly of Giuseppe’s in Pismo Beach, opened Tahlia’s to provide the authentic tastes and the quaint atmosphere of old-world Italy. Daily specials include fresh local seafood, pasta, and pizza. Located at…
Caroling, caroling
Catch the spirit of the season with children singing Christmas carols at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 9. A group of 81 kindergarten through eighth-grade students from Orcutt Academy will perform at the event. A donation of $25 will help the chamber provide free lunches and gift bags…
Local junior high school named AVID demonstration site
Judging by the high-pitched squeals and booming cheers coming from the Fesler Junior High School gym on Nov. 19, passersby might have guessed the students were watching a fierce athletic competition or maybe a Jonas Brothers concert. The source of the excitement, however, was something much more academic. During a celebratory assembly, a team of…
Let’s play ball!
It’s only December, but registration is already ongoing for the 2010 Orcutt National Little League. Parents can sign up their children ages 5 to 12 at the May Grisham School multi-use room on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon, Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., and Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.…
Yuletide on the links
Junior golfers will have an opportunity to compete for trophies in six different age divisions at the annual Kris Kringle Junior Golf Klassic on Dec. 23 at the Rancho Maria Golf Club. The event is open to golfers aged 17 and younger, and participants aren’t required to be a member of the Coastal Valley Junior…
Adolfo Lopez
Santa Maria’s Adolfo Lopez had plenty to be thankful for after the city Parks and Recreation Department’s Turkey Trot Fun Run on Nov. 21. At 50 years old, Lopez schooled some much younger competitors, winning the adult division of the 2 1/2-mile event with a time of 13:41. “I was very pleased,” Lopez said. “I…
Building a bike-friendly Santa Maria
Situated in the heart of one of America’s most beloved cycling destinations, Santa Maria is home to more than its share of biking enthusiasts. However, in those circles, the city doesn’t have a reputation for being accommodating to bicyclists—as opposed to nearby cities like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Local enthusiast Scott Clark owns…
Get healthy, America, stop the war!
Health should not be a business for profit. Health should be a right. No person should suffer because the money one has does not allow the cure. All humans of the female persuasion should have the right of abortion. It is odd some politicians would take away this right but not want to support the…
Santa Maria has changed, what a pity
The gang bangers in this town have been getting away with terrorizing our neighborhoods for too long, and it’s time for our local police department to adopt another tactic to help eradicate this public threat. Though I bought my home new nearly 25 years ago, the street I live on is now no longer safe.…
Remember all of the fallen
The American military men and women who were killed at Fort Hood were given an appropriate national memorial service. One could not miss the event because it was widely covered in the media. One could not avoid feeling sad and deeply moved. As I observed the extended news coverage of the Texas tragedy and memorial,…
Don’t be discriminatory
Focus needs to be on health care and the millions of Americans who need real reform. Leave abortion where it ought to be: a private decision between a woman and her doctor. Conservatives shouldn’t be hijacking health care to legislate on reproductive rights. The amendment would be a major shift in U.S. policy. It doesn’t…
Thanks for the arty idea
I just wanted to say that I love the “arty” newspaper racks that have been appearing all over town! They are eye-catching and beautiful, a great way for artists to show off their work, and a super recycling idea! I think you should have them all painted … in due time, of course. Having…
Let’s get an injunction in here
During a recent Santa Maria City Council meeting, several members from the public came out to speak about the need for a gang injunction. I couldn’t agree more. Since the California State Supreme Court upheld the use of gang injunctions in 1997, many cities have adopted this powerful tool. So, what exactly is a gang…
Protesting idiots deserve to have their butts kicked
Your article in the Nov. 26 issue of the Sun, titled “Activists claim harassment,” shows just once again just how biased and bigoted the Sun is against the military and American defense. At the age of 75, I am one of many who stand on the “other side of the gate,” the Right Side, and…
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…
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…
Farmer’s 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…
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 on Dec. 13 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. A “How to Get the Most Out of Medicare” class is Dec. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the clinic. Free. A diabetes essentials class is Dec. 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m.…
Art
THE LOMPOC PHOTOGRAPHERS GUILD presents its show “2009 Retrospective” through Dec. 30 at the Grossman Gallery, 501 E North Ave., Lompoc. An opening reception is Dec. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the gallery. Info: 735-4342 or sherriechavezphotography@comcast.net. ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents its annual winter pottery sale Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4…
Learning
HOSPICE PARTNERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST offers a “Living with Grief and Loss During the Holidays” workshop on Dec. 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hospice Partners of the Central Coast Santa Maria office, 2353 S. Broadway, suite B, Santa Maria. Info: 782-8608 or hospicepartners.org. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES presents an orientation for a…
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 PISMO BEACH YOUTH THEATRE presents musical theater production classes for 4th through 8th graders for a production of Annie meeting Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. through December at Temple Beth El, 1501 E. Alvin, Santa Maria. Cost is $40 per month. Info: 471-4976 or pismobeachyouththeater.com. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks…
Dance Lessons
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CENTRAL COAST FOLLIES host dance lessons for those aged 55 to 70 with Jason Sumabat on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Dec. 13 at the Dellos Dance Studio, 1030 Huston, Grover Beach. Info: 474-1525 or dixiep@sbcglobal.net. THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH Recreation Division Community Development Department presents a…
Stage
THE NIPOMO HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA DEPARTMENT presents its production of the Broadway hit Anything Goes on Dec. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. Cost is $15, $10 for students and seniors. Info: 489-9444. SANTA MARIA…
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 HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM presents a Winter Concert featuring performances by the Saints Band and the school’s Jazz Ensemble on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Ethel Pope Auditorium on South Broadway in Santa Maria. Cost is $3. Info: 925-2567. COASTAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL presents a Christmas musical on Dec. 3 at…
Special Events
THRESHOLD MINISTRIES presents the sixth annual Christmas Mission Market, raising money for missions across the world on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Orcutt Presbyterian Church, 993 Patterson Road, Santa Maria. Info: 938-5882. SANTA MARIA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY presents a Wine Christmas passport weekend featuring access to 11 local wineries Dec. 5…
Artists come together
A group of artists and people concerned with the arts in Santa Maria Valley have started meeting to determine how to address the city’s arts-related needs. The goal is to discern the core issues affecting the arts in the Santa Maria Valley. The public is invited to participate in the collaborative to brainstorm ideas from…
Leapin’ lizards!
Pismo Beach Youth Theater (PBYT) will stage its production of Annie Junior Dec. 11 to 13. The musical is based on Harold Gray’s comic strip and features music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. The production will be directed by Olivia Domingues-Miller and Kelli Howard. The play will…
Images near and far
It’s not hard to find inspiration when you’re a photographer living on the Central Coast. There are places where the light dances on still water, where the ocean churns up twisted pieces of driftwood, where hills seem to move with the wave of hundreds of tiny flowers. It doesn’t take much to find quaint farm…
Art reclaimed
It’s art. It’s trash. The difference may be subjective, but then, sometimes art really is trash—at least in a sense. It takes a dedicated heart to recycle items that would ordinarily go in the garbage, but it takes an inspired heart to take those same items and turn them into a bit of thought-provoking visual…
Entrees and extras
Chill winds and short days make this the perfect season for visiting with friends over fabulous dishes of soul-warming food. To encourage diners to sample the fare at area restaurants, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau has launched Dine Out: Santa Maria Style, a two-week bonanza of gustatory delights.…
