Cover Story
Political hopefuls enter the Internet
Political hopefuls have always seized technological advances to get an edge in their campaigns. JFK did it with television. More recently, President Barrack Obama’s team executed a social media strategy largely credited with bringing mass voter attention to his message of hope and change. Considering the results—Obama is in the White House, after all—it’s no…
What should Santa Maria do to curb the graffiti problem?
Greg Watson student “They should put security cameras all over the town.” Steele Asing student “A neighborhood watch kind of thing for all over. But, then again, some graffiti is art.” Chris Parisi student “We should chop off those who break the law’s hands when they are caught, because they can’t graffiti again without hands.”…
Political Watch 2.25
Cast your vote: Members of the Santa Maria Valley Democratic Club and Young Democrats of America will be holding a door-to-door voter registration drive in Santa Maria on March 7 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 720-0851. Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Cyber Security Enhancement…
Community Notebook 2.25
TUESDAY, MARCH 2 • 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 board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District…
Hobnobbing with Helen
There was a ton of Valentine’s Day events around town—so many options for celebrating Cupid. One such event, which benefited the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, was held on Feb. 13, at Marvin and Paulette Teixeira’s Tres Hermanas Winery barn on Foxen Canyon Road. The barn is a spacious affair with interesting wrought-iron chandeliers and…
Rehabilitation stations
As in many counties in California, jail overcrowding has been a substantial public safety concern for several decades in Santa Barbara County. Since 1986, the county has been under court order to limit jail populations and the impacts of overcrowding. A major solution to this problem—a North County jail facility—is currently in the works. And…
Be aware
When the earth stopped shaking after the 2003 San Simeon earthquake and the smoke cleared from the 2004 Gaviota fires, emergency officials and local radio stations learned an important lesson about their disaster response plans: There was room for improvement. After the San Simeon quake, radio stations in Santa Maria that would normally have gotten…
Seeing is believing
Dr. Rupert Chowins is director of Optometric Services. Pacific Eye’s Eric White is a high-level surgical-technician. Together, they’re traveling to Guatemala. Their time spent south, however, won’t be much of a vacation. Based on Chowins’s previous experience—he’s been to Guatemala four times in the past two years—he thinks they’ll be aiding about 1,000 patients and…
Correction
In the Sun’s Feb. 18 cover story, “Bridging the controversy,” the number of suicides from the bridge was misreported. A total of 52 people have jumped to their deaths at the bridge, including eight in 2009. News Briefs is compiled by Sun staffers from staff reporting and local and national media. Information should be sent…
The results are welcomed but not surprising, according to Santa Barbara County officials.
Scott McCann, the county’s director of health education, said he came to a similar conclusion while compiling a community health status report for the Public Health Department. That study focused more on premature death, risk factors, and prevention, but also considered disease prevalence, physical activity levels, poverty levels, and other important factors. McCann said Santa…
Gallup poll lists Santa Maria and Santa Barbara residents as having healthy lifestyles
Emotionally stable? Physically fit? Happy at work? A new poll released by Gallup suggests people living in Santa Barbara County are more likely to answer “yes” to all those questions than people living in most other areas across the nation. The Gallup-Healthways Life Evaluation Index poll has ranked the Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Goleta area No. 6…
French Hospital tops the local list for patient satisfaction
From San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria, there’s one major hospital patients seem to like most, according to data from the California HealthCare Foundation. As of Feb. 25, the data—which can be found online at calhospitalcompare.org—indicates French Hospital in San Luis Obispo ranks the highest in “overall patient experience,” with an approval rating of 74…
Tepusquet bridge is ready for dedication
The wait is nearly over for residents of the Sisquoc and Tepusquet communities eager for an easier commute across the Sisquoc River—and wine-lovers looking for more convenient access to local wineries. The two-lane Tepusquet Road Bridge, which began construction in April 2009, will be dedicated at a ceremony on Feb. 27. The bridge permanently replaces…
Builders Association hands out awards
Home Builders Association Central Coast, a trade group representing industry professionals in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, recently held its annual Leadership Installation and Awards Banquet at Arroyo Grande’s Monarch Club at Trilogy. Among those recognized were Shea Homes’ Barry Cunningham for Builder of the Year; Paul Rodriquez of Hayward Lumber Company as…
Zen Dental is here
Zen Dental Group is currently celebrating its grand opening in Santa Maria. Trained to provide individualized treatment through communication with their patients, UCLA graduates Dr. Yat Tang and Dr. Carmen Ha offer comprehensive restorative and aesthetic dentistry. Zen Dental’s team of specialists employs state-of-the-art technology and the latest in digital x-ray, intra-oral photography, and energy…
Wisdom Island hosts events
Nipomo’s new age bookstore, Wisdom Island, has more in store beginning Feb. 27, when customers can see what the future holds and learn more about raw foods. First, from noon to 4 p.m., Wisdom Island welcomes medium and channeler James Milanesa for pSychic Saturdays. Customers will be able to purchase readings at $35 for a…
Mall welcomes Central City Market
The rejuvenation of Santa Maria’s Town Center mall took another step forward with the recent opening of Central City Market. Featuring gourmet home-cooked style cuisine, fine deli selections, and domestic and imported beer and wine, the restaurant serves a casual lunch and an upscale dinner service. Dinner reservations are accepted from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.…
Get a taste of justice
Santa Maria’s business people stand behind their community in countless ways, putting good intentions into everyday practice. They give of their time, offer their services, and donate items to auctions to raise funds for worthy causes. On March 6, Santa Marians are invited to join them in supporting one such cause at the sixth annual…
Raytheon pledges financial support to Santa Barbara County engineering academy
An engineering academy in Goleta has received a donation of $175,000, payable over five years, from Raytheon Corporation, to help pay for the construction of a new engineering facility. Raytheon representatives presented an oversized check to Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy officials during a special ceremony on Feb. 15 at Dos Pueblos High School. According to…
Lompoc to hold babysitting course
Calling all potential babysitters: On Feb. 27, the Lompoc Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry Department will offer an American Red Cross-certified Babysitting Training Course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Anderson Recreation Center, 125 W. Walnut Ave., in Lompoc. Enrollees will learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies and how to identify…
Service, disconnected
Long ago and far away overseas, while serving in the Army in the early 1960s, I witnessed something in the name of “military justice” that angered me and turned my stomach. It still does. I served in Asmara, Eritrea, on an Army Security Agency post called Kagnew Station and was an Army broadcaster with the…
Aly Beebe
St. Joseph’s Lady Knights are mounting another playoff charge, and once again, Aly Beebe is the center of attention. The 6-foot-4 sophomore led a balanced assault in a 94-14 drubbing of Malibu in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division 4A playoffs on Feb. 20. In just about a half of playing time,…
YMCA registers for winter sports
The Santa Maria Valley YMCA is now registering for Rookie Sports basketball and progressive swim lessons. Rookie Sports basketball is offered to children ages 3 to 6. Games will be held Wednesdays from March 10 to April 7. The registration deadline is March 5, and the cost is $48 for YMCA members and $63 for…
Red and blue support Special Olympics
“Protect and serve” will take on a whole new meaning as local and military law enforcement officers prepare to volunteer their time as waiters at Red Lobster’s “Cops and Lobsters” event on Feb. 26 and 27. The event is a fundraiser for local Special Olympics athletes and part of the nationwide Law Enforcement Torch Run…
Apply for Bull Canyon Run
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is now accepting applications for runners looking to participate in the 2010 Bull Canyon Run, to be held May 8. More than 1,000 runners and walkers are expected for the 12th running of the event, which will kick off at 8 a.m. with a 5K and 10K run…
Ruff and tumble
While military vehicles parked outside alert visitors to the National Guard Armory’s intended purpose, a different sort of army prepares for battle inside. Eager for battle, they circle a smooth, concrete track—on roller skates. The sights and sounds of flat-track roller derby arrived at the Santa Maria Fairpark for the first time in February, in…
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 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 a free stress management class in four parts on March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the clinic. A cholesterol management class is March 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. Sansum Clinic is located 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Info: 737-8700. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers…
Art
COFFEE AND COMPANY presents the art of Terrence McConnell March 1 through 31 in the coffee shop’s Lucman Gallery, 245 Town Center West, Santa Maria. An opening reception is March 1 from noon to 4 p.m. at Coffee and Company. Info: 928-6492. ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents its annual Fine Arts Student Art Show through March…
Learning
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents a Cash for College Night offering free FAFSA assistance to high school seniors at Righetti High School in Orcutt on Feb. 25. Info: 546-3108. THE CITY OF LOMPOC Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry Department presents a “Super Sitter” class by the American Red Cross on Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to…
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. Info: pismobeach.org or 773-7063. ONGOING A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE with four-on-four teams, no contact, is every…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION presents its Spring 2010 Soccer walk-in registration Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Adam School Snack Bar, Santa Maria. Info: 868-7455 or brendag021@hotmail.com. BETHANY CHURCH presents a Winter Art Festival for kids featuring instruction in mosaics, drawing, painting, and ceramic jewelry on Feb. 27 from…
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. for…
Stage
CABRILLO HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS presents its production of Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 and 27 and March 5 and at 2 p.m. on March 6 at Cabrillo High School, Lompoc. Cost is $15 at the door. Info: Fritsche.jennifer@lusd.org or cabrillohighschoolchoiranddrama.com. KITCHEN WITCHES is a comedic dinner theater production Feb. 27, March 20,…
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 LOMPOC MUSIC ASSOCIATION presents its second concert of the season featuring baritone Efrain Martinez with pianist Ruth Lee on Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at the Valley of the Flower United Church of Christ, 3346 Constellation Road, Vandenberg Village. Cost is $15, $6 for students. Info: v.dew@verizon.net. WORTH THE DRIVE UCSB ARTS AND LECTURES…
Special Events
CROSSROADS CHRISTIAN JUNIOR HIGH invites the public to attend its annual Open House and Science Fair on Feb. 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 1550 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 922-0237 or ccjh.org. RED LOBSTER and local law enforcement officers team up to bring you Cops and Lobsters, featuring officer wait staff with…
Iron on!
Collette Christel will give a talk and presentation on iron prints at the Lompoc Valley Art Association’s monthly meeting and art program at 6:30 p.m. on March 2 at the Alpha Clubhouse, 704 E. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. Iron print methods began in the early 19th century and are achieved by hand-coating light sensitive solutions on…
Get ready to compete
Looking to show off some skill? The Santa Barbara County Fair is the place to do just that. Whether it’s a recipe for apple pie, a beautiful painting, or a well-fitted steer, the Santa Barbara County Fair is accepting entries for competitive exhibits. All exhibitors must enter online at santamariafairpark.com. This year’s Santa Barbara County…
A local rocky mountain high
For some songwriters, it takes a period of solitude in a remote mountain cabin and a bout of self-reflection to carve out a collection of worthy songs. One needs to look no further than Bon Iver’s heartbreaking beautiful debut For Emma, Forever Ago for a more-than-worthy testament to such an approach. For others, though, a…
The wyrd and the dead
The basic outline for the plot to William Shakespeare’s Macbeth can be explained in a children’s book. If you give the Thane of Glamis (Macbeth, the title character) the title Thane of Cawdor, he’s going to want to be king. And if he manages to become king, through foul and treacherous murder, he will be…
