Cover Story
Offshore isn’t off limits any more
Almost 40 years to the day after an offshore drilling platform near Santa Barbara malfunctioned, pouring millions of gallons of crude oil into the ocean and polluting 35 miles of coastline, the state’s offshore oil reserves were nearly opened for business again. The Houston-based Plains Exploration and Production Company’s proposed foray into the Tranquillon Ridge…
If you had to pick a location for a couple hundred new homes to go in Santa Barbara County, where would you pick?
Marilyn Moll retired “Far away from Santa Maria. We’ve got too many already. Let South County and Santa Barbara have them.” Angelica Diaz preschool teacher “Around Santa Maria. Around here is all open land.” Maria Beas housekeeping “Here in town. We have such nice weather, not a lot of crime, and nice people.” Shirley Cantrell…
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…
Spirtual
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 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
SANSUM CLINIC presents its “Diabetes Essentials” class on Feb. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $8. “Weight Management Strategies” is Feb. 12, 19, and 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15, refunded if all three classes are completed. A “Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Nutrition” class is Feb. 19 from…
Art
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION presents “The Essential Worker,” featuring pictures by 10 area photographers, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 13 at the Betteravia Government Center, 511 E Lakeside, Santa Maria. Info: 568-3994. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the art exhibit, A Window into Argentine Palettes, featuring…
Learning
MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER presents a “Healthy for Life” Nutrition Workshop is Feb. 12, 19, 26, and March 5 at the Marian Medical Center, Room A, Santa Maria. Info: 739-3578. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents The Valley Speaks, a free monthly talk featuring Laura Dias and Normaa DeBernardo on Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. in…
Recreation
THE LUIS OASIS SENIOR CENTER holds floral design classes Feb. 12, 18, and 19 at 6 p.m. Painters and ceramics meet Feb. 13 at 9 a.m. “Faceting and Silversmithing” meets Feb. 13 and 16 at 1 p.m. A pancake breakfast is Feb. 14 from 8 to 10 a.m. A card-making class meets Feb. 17 at…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Wish Upon a Star Story Time” for ages 3 to 5 on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. through Feb. 26 at the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Reservations required. Info: 925-0994 or 925-4354. ONGOING LA LECHE LEAGUE SANTA MARIA offers…
Dance Lessons
ONGOING EVERYBODY CAN DANCE offers classes in ballet dance for ages 3 to adult. Call for schedules. Boys and men receive full scholarships. The studio is located at 800 S. Broadway. Info: 937-6753. THE DANCE STUDIO offers dance classes in Santa Maria and Nipomo in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Dance Team. Info:…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Feb. 12 through March 1 in the Marian Theatre, Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria. Info: pcpa.org. THE SANTA MARIA CIVIC THEATER presents its production of God’s Favorite by Neil Simon through Feb. 28 at the Civic Theater 1660 N McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 922-4442.…
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…
Concerts
THE DICK CLARK BIG BAND ORCHESTRA presents a Valentine’s Day Concert and Danceon Feb. 14 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Anderson Recreation Center, 125 W Walnut Ave., Lompoc. Cost is $5. Info: 733-2077. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART presents the Penderecki String Quartet in concert Feb. 12 at 7:30…
Special Events
THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY and the Mexican Ladies Social Club present the Annual Little Sister Contest Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the club, 901 North Railroad Ave., Santa Maria. Info: 922-7163 or bgcsmv.org. THE SANTA MARIA ANIMAL SHELTER holds a “Share the Love” adoption and fundraising event,…
Nestor Alvarez
It doesn’t matter where on the soccer field 17-year-old Nestor Alvarez plays: offense, defense, even goalkeeper. Alvarez is, according to Santa Maria High School soccer coach Al Garcia, “tearing it up.” “He’s our second-most productive offensive player, but he can play just about anywhere,” Garcia said. The coach recounted a recent match in which Alvarez…
The Elk’s Rodeo wants you ready to ride
Believe it or not: The Elk’s Rodeo is right around the corner, and organizers are looking for a few good flag carriers. Sponsor flags recognize official rodeo supporters, and someone’s got to carry them. On horseback. Tryouts are scheduled for 9 a.m. on March 14 at the Elk’s event center in Santa Maria. Contestants must…
State of success
Three years ago, Pioneer Valley High School didn’t have a girls’ wrestling team. If a girl wanted to wrestle, she had to compete with the boys. Last month, Coach Justin Magdaleno and the Pioneer Valley girls’ wrestling team won the state championship. Well, technically, they won the California Girls Invitational. Girls’ wrestling hasn’t been certified…
Learn more about your best health
The “Get to know vegetarianism” article in the Jan. 22 issue of the Sun was a good introduction to the “Healthy Lifestyle Education and Support Program” that we are conducting at the Hungry Palate Restaurant in Santa Maria every Sunday, 6 to 8 p.m. Best health comes from an optimal plant-based diet. We are covering…
Hold these athletes accountable
Barry Bonds is again in the news. All indications are that he will be found to have used steroids and then lied about it. My Olympic heroine, Marion Jones, did exactly this, resulting in the loss of all her medals and her going to jail for six months. I suggest baseball’s Barry Bonds be punished…
Meet our many universal entitlements
Our Democrat Congress and president have on their agenda universal health care for all. I commend them on this effort. It is a good start, but it does not go far enough. Consider, how often does one go to a medical doctor or a hospital? Does one go once a month? Once a week? Once…
Support the lesser of two evils
Christina Renfroe’s letter (“Every human life has value,” Jan. 22) is a fine example of the left-leaning media’s influence on people who do not take the time to research issues for themselves. A simple example of this misinformation is the fact that F-16s (even with Israeli modifications) are classified as fighters, not bombers as Ms.…
In-the-mood food
Holidays have long been associated with food and drink, necessities that transform into hedonistic pleasures at certain, festive times of the year. With Valentine’s Day looming, lovers everywhere are combing cookbooks and menus searching for just the right treats to set a romantic mood. For those who harbor a powerful sweet tooth, whipped cream, decadent…
Arts Briefs
Students meet Peter and the Wolf Fourth grade students will get an introduction to the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society with a free concert of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf played by the full orchestra. Led by maestro John Farrer, the concert will take place at 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 17 at Calvary…
You gotta have hearts
Happy Valentine’s Day! Who doesn’t want to hear those words, accompanied by a heart-shaped box of chocolate, a bouquet of flowers (preferably roses), and a card covered in hearts and flowers (preferably roses)? I know that men, in particular, go nuts this time of year, trying to figure out what the perfect Valentine’s Day gift…
Divine comedy comes to Santa Maria Civic Theatre
The work of beloved playwright Neil Simon returns to the Santa Maria Civic Theatre with God’s Favorite. Simon’s small-ensemble casts and intimate settings are perfectly suited to the civic theater stage, and SMCT’s list of past productions is full of them. Simon penned such hit Broadway comedies as Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple,…
‘Fighting back’ against drugs
A handful of local students, along with three representatives from Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, are currently participating in the five-day Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America conference in Washington, D.C. Alexis Zamora of Lakeview Junior High, Alison Lodes of Tommie Kunst Junior High, Cynthia Salazar of El Camino Junior High, Virginia Yanez of Fesler Junior…
Mothers For Peace accepts applications
San Luis Obispo County’s Mothers For Peace, a local nonprofit concerned with the dangers of nuclear power, is offering two annual scholarships to local students who are passionate about peace, social justice, or the environment. The first award is a $1,000 scholarship available to a college or university student with junior or senior standing.…
Learn about Chapman University
Chapman University will be holding two information sessions—Feb. 17 and 18—to educate potential students about the college’s various degrees and learning opportunities. The Feb. 17 session will discuss education programs only. The Feb. 18 meeting will discuss all undergraduate and graduate programs. Both sessions are free, and begin at 5 p.m. at the Santa Maria…
Find a new Bluetooth on the sidewalk
Lompoc Phone and Wireless is taking to the sidewalk with a celebration on Feb. 21. From noon to 2 p.m., guests can learn about the business, hear music from “The Beat” (95.7 FM), enjoy free food from Mi Amore Pizza, and enter a drawing to win a Bluetooth headset. The company will also handle refurbishing…
Feel the love from the Nipomo Swapmeet
Valentine’s Day may come and go in just a day, but the Nipomo Swapmeet is extending the love to Feb. 15, when kids can pick up Valentine’s Swapmeet Bucks starting at noon. Swapmeet Bucks can be used like cash with participating vendors. Pick them up at the Nipomo Swapmeet office at 263 N. Frontage Road…
Santa Maria Town Center tenants open for business
It happened just in time for Valentine’s Day. Gerald’s Chocolate Candies opened on Feb. 5 in the Santa Maria Town Center. Owner Gerald Reed makes fresh treats each day on the lower level of Center Court. Stop by for a sample. On Feb. 6, Semplice Italian Eatery began serving up pizzas in a variety of…
Need industrial supplies?
Mike McKibben with leasing firm McKibben Enterprises reported that industrial supplier Fastenal has opened its new industrial and construction supply store in Santa Maria at 2220 A St. The store is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offers local delivery, outside sales support, custom parts manufacturing, and other services. For…
Hobnobbing with Helen
The proposed Orcutt Aquacenter is making waves, and in the very nicest way. The Aquacenter held its 13th Annual Benefit Dinner on Jan. 24 at St. Joseph High School’s Hofschulte Gymnasium. “We raised $14,000,” reported a very pleased Terri Lee Coleman, director of development. More than 200 hundred-dollar tickets (two dinners per ticket) were sold,…
Political Watch
• Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) and U.S. Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) reintroduced the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act of 2009, intended to promote fair wages for American workers who support people with disabilities. The act would provide a voluntary option for states to receive more Medicaid funding to reimburse…
Community Notebook
TUESDAY, FEB. 17 • 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 bos-agenda.sbcgov.net. • The Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall,…
Head Start names administrator of the year
Guadalupe resident Maggie Espinoza took top honors from the California Head Start association at an awards dinner on Jan. 29, when she was named Administrator of the Year for 2008. Espinoza literally worked her way up from the bottom, joining Head Start back in 1974 as a bus driver. Now, she’s program manager for Children’s…
War of the roses
Frantic lovers on a last-minute hunt for flowers on Feb. 14 will find their task a bit more complicated this year. In time for Valentine’s Day, Santa Maria has enacted a 45-day moratorium on outdoor flower sales. That means no cardboard signs advertising cheap bouquets, no isolated sellers braving the drizzle to make a few…
February is ‘Spay and Neuter Month’
As part of national “Spay and Neuter Month,” the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, through a partnership with the Santa Barbara Humane Society, is reducing its fees for spay and neuter services throughout February. The reduced cost of spaying a dog is $60, and the cost for neutering a dog is $55. A surcharge of…
NASA officials celebrate Delta II launch
Launch officials have deemed the rescheduled launch of a Delta II rocket a success. The rocket took off from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Feb. 6. “It was 100 percent successful,” said Mike Rein, a media representative with United Launch Alliance. The rocket is carrying a polar-orbiting weather satellite for NASA and the National Oceanic…
Dance the ‘Havana Nights’ away with the Rise and Achieve Foundation
Still looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day? Grab your sweetheart or a group of friends and spend the evening dining and dancing at the Rise and Achieve Foundation’s inaugural event, “Havana Nights,” set for Feb. 14 at the Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria. Based in Santa Maria, the nonprofit is a mentoring organization…
Santa Maria asks employees to take some ‘voluntary time off’
The threat of increasingly difficult economic times has led Santa Maria city officials to implement a “voluntary time off” program through the end of this year. The City Council recently approved the program, which went into effect on Feb. 4, and is encouraging city employees to help balance the budget by taking time off without…
