Cover Story
A return to the Montebello
One by one they grinned, backslapped, and handshook their way past each other into the small conference room. Here—attended by his earnest aides—was Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, the lawmaker who had gathered the group together. Already at the table, fiddling with the projector, was the oil-spill expert with the sardonic sense of humor (his screen-saver image…
What’s the most cliché Valentine’s Day present, ever?
Shelley Doty homemaker “Red roses, because everyone does it, and they jack the prices up—it’s not fair.” Leticia Ericson data manager “I can’t think of one, because my husband doesn’t get me one.” [image-3] Luis Garcia student “Chocolates. They’re a last-minute thing for people that forget that it’s Valentine’s Day.” [image-4] Tatum Nissen student “Chocolates.…
Political Watch 2.11
According to recent campaign reports filed with the state of California, Das Williams, candidate for the 35th District Assembly seat, has raised more funds than any another Democratic assembly candidate in California. The Santa Barbara City Council member announced in a Feb. 2 press release that his campaign officially raised more than $330,000 as of…
Community Notebook 2.11
TUESDAY, FEB. 16 • 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 Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall,…
Hobnobbing With Helen
It was a roaring success. The Santa Maria Women’s Network’s first-ever micro-trade show attracted about 40 vendors and between 200 and 300 attendees. Held in the Santa Maria Inn’s large Santa Maria room on Feb. 3, between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., the trade show was abuzz with excitement over products and services and connections…
Pros and cons
“County jail forced to release inmates early.” That was the headline on a statement sent out by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department on Jan. 25. That same day, the jail released 71 inmates as a result of a newly enacted section of California Penal Code. Approved by the governor on Oct. 11, 2009, Senate…
H2-uh-oh
If Golden State Water Company’s proposed rate increase is approved as written, about 13,000 customers in Orcutt and nearby communities will pay almost 30 percent more on their water bills beginning in 2011. The company filed the rate application with the California Public Utilities Commission on Jan. 13. It would raise prices 25.2 percent in…
Let my furry friends go
This Valentine’s Day has many romantics wondering what to get their loved one, and what impression the gift will leave. What better impression and gift than the warmth of an animal freed from the jaws of loneliness—which will surely demonstrate responsibility to a significant other—during the Share the Love Adoption Event, set for Feb. 13…
Assembly Democrats rally to block Maldonado from lieutenant governor position
On Feb. 8, several members of the California State Assembly held a press conference in Sacramento asking their colleagues to vote against confirming Sen. Abel Maldonado as lieutenant governor. Leading the charge to block Maldonado’s confirmation is Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara). “While we respect Mr. Maldonado’s personal story, it is important that the Assembly…
Santa Barbara County gets recognition for taking ‘green’ steps
Santa Barbara County received praise for taking a proactive approach to energy conservation at the 2010 Green Business Recognition Program on Feb. 5. Officials for the Southern California Gas Company handed the 2009 Energy Smart Award to 5th District Supervisor Joe Centeno and 2nd District Supervisor Janet Wolf during a presentation at the Santa Maria…
First-ever lung cancer vaccine trial starts in Santa Barbara County
A group of cancer specialists with offices throughout Santa Barbara County is looking for patients to participate in a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of a new lung cancer vaccine. Lucanix isn’t a cure for lung cancer, but is a therapeutic vaccine that works with the immune system to target the disease and extend a…
Transitions Mental Health Association works to SLO the Stigma of mental illness
The lights go down in a hushed theater. A collage of Central Coast scenes flashes on a screen: foam-topped waves crashing against the beach at sunset, a rolling expanse of oak tree-studded hills. But this is not the beginning of Sideways or some other wine-infused Hollywood blockbuster. According to officials at Transitions Mental Health Association,…
Art gets recognized
The Santa Maria Arts Council will award a total of $10,000 this year to encourage and support the valley’s brightest emerging artists in dance, drama, music, and visual arts. First place awards are $1,500 and second place awards are $1,000. Applicants must have two years of residency and art study in the Santa Maria area,…
Spend time with the Wolf
The Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra will introduce 900 third-grade students to a performance of Peter and the Wolf under the direction of Maestro John Farrer on Feb. 16 at Pacific Christian Center. Peter and the Wolf is a composition by Sergei Prokofiev written in 1936 after his return to the Soviet Union. Dian Borad-Mirken will…
Still rocking the soul
The sound is rhythmic yet smooth and immediately prompts dancers to slide across the room to the dance floor. Then Soulamente’s lead singer grabs the microphone and belts out a jazzy song with a voice that comes from a deep dark somewhere hidden in the singer’s petite frame. It’s unexpected and totally irresistible, but that’s…
Mousetrap catches local audiences
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the longest-running play in English-speaking theater. Its original London production got its start in 1952 and is still going today. But you don’t have to go all the way to England to unravel the secret of its success. You need look no further than Santa Maria Civic Theatre. Many of…
Love is in the air at Trilogy
Get in the mood for love and celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year with an evening of wine, roses, and general indulgence at Trilogy Central Coast’s Pre-Valentine’s Day Taste l’Amour on Feb. 11. Relax to the mellow sounds of Acoustico’s live music while perusing a variety of local vendors and artisans offering an eclectic selection…
Biodiesel buyers’ club hosts seminars
Central Coast residents interested in knowing more about biodiesel fuel are invited to attend a series of free seminars held by the Central Coast Biodiesel Buyers Club beginning Feb. 20. The club is a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of using bio-fuel. Margo Camilleri, chairman of the club formation…
Luncheon to discuss air quality
Recent developments in air quality management will be the topics of discussion at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Committee luncheon on Feb. 16. As the luncheon’s guest speaker, Santa Barbara County’s Director/Air Pollution Control Officer Terry Dressler will talk about new state and federal climate protection regulations, strategies for reducing exposure…
Need help getting cash for college?
Throughout the month of February, Cuesta College and Allan Hancock College will be hosting free Cash for College Night events to help college-bound students apply for financial aid. Financial experts will be available at all of the workshops to assist students in filling out Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Cal Grant forms. Assistance will also…
Santa Maria Valley YMCA now offers after-school child care
Beginning Feb. 15, the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, in partnership with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, will be offering after-school care for kindergarteners at Robert Bruce Elementary School. The YMCA Kinderbridge program runs from after morning kindergarten class until 6 p.m., and includes homework time, a healthy snack, structured outdoor activities, games, and arts and…
Californians support offshore drilling–and more
The misguided liberal religious cult of environmentalists in California and their political supporters—like Lois Capps, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, Pedro Nava, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, et al—do not speak for everyone in California. The majority of Californians support offshore drilling for oil. We also support such drilling in the Florida Everglades, the Gulf of Mexico, ANWR,…
Stop bickering and get the point on marriage
I am tired of hearing how gay marriage threatens family life (studies show only a third of families live the two-parent mom/dad model anymore), or how it has “always been this way” (read your damn Bible and early history, already). I am equally tired of seeing LGBT groups fruitlessly bang their heads against a wall…
Nipomo: Worry about gangs, not medicine
The Nipomo City Council should be more worried about gangs from L.A. that have invaded than someone from L.A who wants to bring relief to the infirm through a pot dispensary. Living on the Central Coast for the last 30 years has shown me Santa Maria and Nipomo are crime magnets, period—marijuana dispensary or not.
What if we took an interest in our own communities?
The devastation in Haiti is horrific. Our country and many other nations have come to the rescue. My only question is who is coming to the rescue for our local poverty-stricken areas of Oceano, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and other communities? We have corporate jets from our area sending nurses and supplies to areas…
Don’t drill, conserve
Stop the presses: Oil has been leaking out of fissures in the ocean floor (“Resume drilling,” Feb. 4) for thousands of years! The drill-baby-drill fan club loves to cite the stats for oil seeps (250 barrels a day in the Santa Barbara Channel! An Exxon Valdez every six months in the Gulf of Mexico!), based,…
Anthony and Josh Rodriguez
Brothers Anthony (right) and Josh Rodriguez (left) of Righetti High brought the results of their homework to the school’s gym for the Pac-7 league wrestling finals on Feb. 6. Anthony, a junior, captured the league title in the 125-pound weight class while sophomore Josh won the 103-pound crown and was named the league’s Lower Weight…
Bleacher Bum Chronicles Vol. V
Can’t you smell it? Love is in the air. No, I’m not talking about a certain holiday that makes single people like myself wretch at the mere thought of it. I’m referring of course to the 21st time the countries of the world drop their nuclear saber-rattling, join hands, and sing “Kumbaya” for two weeks…
Hancock baseball swings into 2010
Allan Hancock College baseball is back, and with a core group of returning players and a new crop of talented freshmen, the Bulldogs are looking to build off last season’s playoff appearance. The team entered the season ranked 17th in the California Coaches Association’s preseason poll and welcomes back 12 sophomores, including first-team Western State…
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 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…
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…
Art
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents its annual Fine Arts Student Art Show through March 3 featuring art of various media at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery on campus, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. An opening reception is Feb. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the gallery. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3252. THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ARTS…
Learning
THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE holds a meeting featuring guest speaker Terry Dressler on Feb. 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Santa Maria Fairpark Satellite Waging Center, Santa Maria. Cost is $12 for lunch. Info: 925-2403, Ext. 824. THE SANTA MARIA ARTS COUNCIL presents application and informational meetings for its 2010 Individual Grants in the Arts…
Recreation
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH’s Recreation Division Community Development Department presents tennis lessons for those 8 and older through Feb. 25 at Ryon Park, Lompoc. Cost is $50, $60 for non-city residents. The YMCA’s “Bitty Sports Program”, a parent-child sports program is Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Magic and Mayhem” with magician Shawn McMaster Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, Shephard Hall, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. A “Bedtime Story Time” event for ages 3 to 5 is Feb. 18 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public…
DANCE LESSONS
ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and Thursdays in Grover Beach. Info: 709-4686 or BlueMoonHaven.com. COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE CLASSES by Jeannette and Henry are Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. for country two-step lessons and from 8 to 9 p.m.…
Stage
THE POETRY SOCIETY OF SANTA MARIA meets, reads, and exchanges work and meets with musicians and other artists on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at Coffee and Company, 245 Town Center West, Santa Maria. Info: 928-6492. PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of Macbeth by William Shakespeare Feb. 18 through March 7 at the Marian Theatre,…
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…
Concerts
THE SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY presents a performance of Peter and the Wolf for third graders on Feb. 16 at Pacific Christian Center, Santa Maria Way and Bradley, Orcutt. Info: 925-0412 or santamariaphilharmonic.org. WORTH THE DRIVE CAL POLY presents the Evergreen High School Choir in concert on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at…
Special Events
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents its “Bulldog Bow-WOW!” orientation event from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the Lompoc Valley Center, Lompoc. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3229. TRILOGY CENTRAL COAST presents a Pre-Valentine’s Day Taste l’Amour event, featuring gourmet food, wine, and music by Acoustico on Feb. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at…
Valentine wine
Lasting longer than 24 hours and spilling beyond the confines of any Hallmark holiday, the desire to celebrate hearts, flowers, fun, and affection runs deep. For social types and good friends, as well as lovers and newlyweds, the urge to sip wine or share a singular meal can strike at any time. How about dinner…
