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In 2010, Central Coast foodies can easily turn over a fresh oven mitt and learn some nifty culinary tricks in the process. By putting in just a few hours a week, aspiring chefs and domestic kitchen jockeys alike will not only discover a world of recipes and techniques, but also build a solid foundation for…
I scream, you scream
If you recently passed by Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab in Arroyo Grande, you might wonder why protesters were handing out flyers depicting a sniveling cartoon rat gnawing on a shredded American flag. Or you might wonder what the labor dispute is about. On Dec. 28, you would have been more confused when new protesters…
New botanical garden blooms at Allan Hancock College
Students at Allan Hancock College now have a special outdoor laboratory they can use for both learning and leisure. A group of staff members, faculty, and volunteers recently finished planting more than 50 varieties of shrubs, flowers, and succulents in a new botanical garden on the college’s Santa Maria campus. Located behind the science building,…
Out of all the celebrity deaths, who will you miss the most?
Miguel Socias server “Michael Jackson. I used to like him, but after he started to fade away, I stopped listening to him. When he died, though, it was a sad day for musicians everywhere. Joe Ballantyne architect “River Phoenix. He was so young, and had so much talent—a waste of talent.” Allyssa Hendrickson student “Heath…
Political Watch 12.31
Hilda Zacarías, Democratic candidate for the 33rd District Assembly seat, has been endorsed by California List, a political network that works to elect more Democratic women to state government. Founded in 2002 by Bettina Duval and other politically active women, California List currently has more than 1,500 Californians as members. The organization seeks to strengthen…
Community Notebook 12.31
FRIDAY, JAN. 1 • Happy New Year! TUESDAY, JAN. 5 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Agendas are available at santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular…
Hobnobbing With Helen
The All America City has an all-American heart. This is a lesson that wasn’t learned, but relearned in 2009 as Santa Marians dug deep into their recession-hit wallets and managed to find almost as much cash this past year as they did the previous year for nonprofits and charitable causes. PCPA was perhaps the most…
Humanity’s appetite
Roll over Martha Stewart, there’s a new cookbook in town, and the Santa Maria Valley isn’t big enough for the both of you. Habitat for Humanity has compiled, published, and is selling cookbooks to raise funds to build homes in the area. The recipe book offers something for everyone at $9.95 before tax. Pay $12.95…
Jackson trial terrorism concerns prompted Santa Maria police to seek federal help
Fears over potential terrorist acts during Michael Jackson’s trial on child molestation charges led the Santa Maria Police Department to enlist the aid of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an FBI report revealed. According to files on the pop star made public on Dec. 22, local police requested the FBI’s involvement in 2004, concerned the…
Hazmat incident proves to be a false alarm
As the Santa Maria Airport was being evacuated because of a possible bomb scare, more law enforcement officials responded to a potential hazardous material incident on Highway 135 near Lakeview Junior High School. On Dec. 23, members of the California Highway Patrol closed down Orcutt Road and one lane of Highway 135 to inspect a…
Good thing Santa didn’t go through airport security this year
The hustle and bustle of holiday travel came to a standstill on Dec. 23 after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials at the Santa Maria Public Airport reported to local law enforcement agencies a “suspicious item” in a suitcase, according to a press release from the city of Santa Maria. Members of the Santa Maria Police…
Local agent joins CornerStone
CornerStone Real Estate of Santa Maria recently announced the addition of Cynthia DePriest to its sales team. DePriest has more than 13 years of real estate experience and has earned numerous awards and accolades for her achievements. She previously worked at Century 21 Advantage, where she had been employed since 1996. DePriest has been a…
Lori family opens mortuary
The Lori family, owner and operator of mortuaries for 35 years, is bringing its experience to the Santa Maria area by opening up a new downtown location. The family plans to offer funerals, cremations, worldwide shipment, burial insurance, and monument sales. Plus, the mortuary’s doors are always open for inspection. The Lori Family Mortuary is…
Rice Ranch reorganizes
Rice Ranch Ventures Acquisition Fund announced that it’s purchased Lehman Brothers’ interest in Orcutt’s Rice Ranch, northern Santa Barbara County’s largest master planned community. As a result of financial backing from Rice Ranch Ventures and its managing development firm, Western Pacific Land Group, Rice Ranch has secured favorable long-term land development and construction financing for…
American Principle hires VP
American Principle Bank, a San Luis Obispo-based bank that serves residents of northern Santa Barbara County, announced the hiring of Mark A. Crawford as its new executive vice president and chief credit officer. Crawford boasts more than 25 years of experience in the financial industry, including employment in the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal…
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…
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…
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
MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meeting the first Monday of each month this year from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Medical Center at 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria. Info: 739-3578. ONGOING SYCAMORE MINERAL SPRINGS HEALING ARTS INSTITUTE offers a range of classes including yoga and meditation,…
Art
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the exhibit “Photographers Gone Wild, Capturing the Central Coast” featuring local photographers Mel Felix, Cathy Gregg, Lynda Schiff, and Jeanne Sparks through Dec. 31 at the Santa Maria Public Library, Shepard Hall 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. People, Places, and Things—the art of Franczeska Bobi Angel shows in…
Learning
THE SOUTH VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH offers “Financial Peace University” with Dave Ramsey for 13 weeks starting Jan. 3 at 6 p.m., 1054 East Clark Ave., Santa Maria. Info: 922-1990 or scottseyer@yahoo.com. WORTH THE DRIVE WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES holds orientations for its upcoming “Self-Employment Training” classes starting Jan. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. in Santa…
Recreation
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT holds open registrations for a 7 on 7 adult outdoor soccer league through Jan. 7 at the Parks and Recreation office, Santa Maria. Cost is $252 per team of city residents, and $315 for a non-resident team. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 260. THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA…
Kids & Family
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH Recreation Division Community Development Department presents a “(Salsa) Latin American Dance” class is Mondays from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. through December at the Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall. Cost is $10 per class. A “Ballroom Dance” class is Mondays from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. through December at the…
Dance Lessons
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH Recreation Division Community Development Department presents a “(Salsa) Latin American Dance” class is Mondays from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. through December at the Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall. Cost is $10 per class. A “Ballroom Dance” class is Mondays from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. through December at the…
Stage
WORTH THE DRIVE CAL POLY presents a “New Year’s Eve Comedy Bash” starring Judy Tenuta on Dec.31 starting at 8 p.m. in the Cohan Center, Cal Poly, SLO. Info: 756-2787 or calpolyarts.org. THE GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA presents its Holiday Extravaganza production featuring Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Little Red Riding Hood, and a holiday vaudeville…
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,…
Special Events
THE HISTORIC SANTA MARIA INN presents a New Year’s Eve party featuring live music, dancing, food, a no-host bar, and a Champagne toast on Dec. 31 starting at 8 p.m. at the Historic Santa Maria Inn, Broadway, Santa Maria. Cost is $139 per couple. Info: 928-7777. THE FRIENDS OF THE SANTA MARIA LIBRARY holds a…
