Cover Story
Land lovers
At the headwaters of the Santa Maria River lies a vast oak-studded ranch, the quintessence of the Central Coast’s characteristic rural landscape. Here in the fresh air of the Avenales Ranch, the gentle mooing of cows and calves is likely to be punctuated by the otherworldly bugling of tule elk or the high-pitched yowl of…
What’s the last thing you ordered online?
Leo Flores donation attendant “Nothing. I don’t like computers, because too much weird stuff happens on those things.” Liz Galvez homemaker “Clothes for my kids from Old Navy. There’s better sales online.” Jose Galvan VTC Enterprises “A PlayStation 3 Skate 2 video game for my son’s birthday.” Jasmine Pearson student “Pokemon FireRed version for my…
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 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 “Weight Management Strategies” class on Feb. 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15, refunded if all three classes are completed. The clinic is located at 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Info: 737-8700. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER presents a “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meeting the first Monday of…
Art
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents a student art show, showing through Feb. 27 in the Ann Foxworthy Gallery, Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3252. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the art exhibit, A Window into Argentine Palettes, featuring the works of 11 Argentine artists through Feb. 27 at the…
Learning
MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER presents a “Healthy for Life” Nutrition Workshop is Feb. 26 and March 5 at the Marian Medical Center, Room A, Santa Maria. Info: 739-3578. THE PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP OF SANTA MARIA meets at 1 p.m. on Feb. 26 at Grace Baptist Church, 605 E. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria. Info: 937-7776 or 925-0266.…
Recreation
THE LUIS OASIS SENIOR CENTER holds floral design classes Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. Painters and ceramists meet Feb. 27 at 9 a.m. A free presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association is Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. A free presentation by Home Instead is an hour later at 11 a.m. A faceting and silversmithing class is…
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. The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company presents Robin Hood for kids ages…
Dance Lessons
WORTH THE DRIVE SLO SWING DANCING offers swing lessons on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. for beginners, followed by a dance at 8 p.m. at the Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., SLO. Cost is $5. Info: sloswing.com or 543-0639. ONGOING EVERYBODY CAN DANCE offers classes in ballet dance for ages 3 to adult. Call for…
Stage
SKY WORLD POETRY SERIES presents featured poet for the month David Strumsky reading his works on Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. followed by an open mic at Café Monet, 1555 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 268-9216 or tobola@verizon.net. THE SANTA MARIA CIVIC THEATER presents its production of God’s Favorite by Neil Simon through Feb. 28…
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
WORTH THE DRIVE AZZ HIGH AS THE SKY PROMOTIONS presents a “Black History Month 2009” Finale Variety Show featuring local business, organizations, and music from Bay Area hip-hop artists and locals on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. on Garden Street as part of the SLO’s Farmers’ Market. Info: 238-2299. SCHOOLHOUSE MUSIC EVENINGS present soprano Iris…
Special Events
COPS AND LOBSTERS raises money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics at Red Lobster in Santa Maria on Feb. 26 and 27. Local officers will act as celebrity hosts and waiters during lunch (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and dinner (4 to 9 p.m.). Info: 925-5800 (Red Lobster) or 928-3781, Ext. 747…
Circuit and Island come to local students
PCPA Theaterfest Education and Outreach Tour is reaching out once again. This year, the tour includes two originally adapted theater pieces designed to travel to schools from Ventura to Paso Robles. PCPA Education and Outreach Director Leo Cortez wrote the adaptation for Island of the Blue Dolphins, based on the book that’s been part of…
Chumash Casino Resort is a little bit country
Brooks and Dunn, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, and other country musicians have appeared at the casino. Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White, Rodney Carrington, and other comedians have performed there, too. With its who’s-who list of stars who’ve graced the stage, Chumash Casino Resort has been nominated…
Hop in this Deathtrap
Santa Maria Civic Theatre continues its 50th season with Deathtrap, written by Ira Levin and directed by Bob Larsen. Auditions for the comedy/thriller are set for 7 p.m. on Feb. 24 and 25 at the theater at 1660 N. McClelland. For more information, call 922-4442 or visit smct.org.
See these walls
Prior to the unveiling of the Lompoc Photographers Guild’s first exhibition, pictures covered in brown paper hung on the walls of the Southside Coffee Company in Lompoc. Suspense built. The obscured works were marked simply “Lompoc Photography Guild.” Growing curiosity ultimately prompted dozens of curious patrons to show up for the unveiling. “We were amazed…
Question what you see
Sometimes a place to show art is as important as the use of a particular medium or style used to create a piece. Without an appropriate venue, after all, art has a difficult time finding an audience. The Betteravia Gallery is different than most show spaces. It’s tucked between the county clerk recorder-assessor’s office and…
Essential for all
March is Arts Education Month, which makes it fitting to point out that when school budgets get cut to the bone, as they are in this current budget crisis, art and music education are always among the first casualties. Because this crisis is unprecedented, so is the depth of the cuts being made. It’s clear…
Find local edible treasures
Interested in eating locally grown food and supporting area growers? Keen to help heal the environment by cutting the number of miles your comestibles travel from farm to table? These goals, coupled with the tasty benefits of dining on super fresh ingredients, are yours for the asking in this land of fertile fields and industrious…
Hit the links with your PAL
The Lompoc Valley Police Activities League (PAL) joined up with Village Country Club to offer a free program for young golfers in Lompoc Valley. The course starts in March, is open to 10- to 17-year-olds, and covers everything about the game, from etiquette to putting, at Village Country Club Golf Course. Transportation will be provided.…
Jacob Cano
Jacob Cano is quite the triple threat: The 16-year-old junior plays baseball, basketball, and football for St. Joseph High School. Cano led the Knights in three-pointers, including a spectacular mid-court score at the buzzer last week against Santa Maria. He’s also the Knights’ leading scorer, averaging 15 points a game, according to Coach Ed Torres.…
Legends of the fall
The Cessna’s engine is a faint drone in the distance. The plane itself is a tiny speck against the blue sky. Then, so small you’d miss them if you weren’t looking for them, two black flecks separate from the plane. They’re people, falling at 120 miles per hour. A minute later, and colorful canopies slowly…
Community Notebook 2-26
TUESDAY, MARCH 3 • 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 Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office…
Hobnobbing with Helen
Valentine’s Day in Santa Maria was oh-so-social! The town was awash with festive and romantic dinners and dances on Feb. 14. I looked for Cupid at the Good Samaritan Shelter’s annual fundraising dinner, “Hearts for the Homeless,” held at the Santa Maria Country Club. More than 125 people bought $125 tickets ($214 per couple) to…
Calling all Panther parents!
On Feb. 26, Pioneer Valley High School will host “Parent-Teacher Night” from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school’s gym. During the event, parents will receive their children’s progress reports. Attendance profiles will be available upon request. Teachers will also be on hand to answer questions about course curriculum. For more information, call the school…
Local high school grads achieve at Hancock
College students who graduated from high schools in the Santa Maria Valley area showed up in record numbers on the Allan Hancock College Dean’s Honors List and Special Honors List for the fall 2008 semester, the college announced recently. More than 600 Allan Hancock College students were named to the lists, which recognize students’ academic…
Allan Hancock College Foundation elects new officials
Earlier this month, the Allan Hancock College Foundation renewed terms for four of its directors, elected two new directors, and elected new officers for 2009. The college announced in a recent press release that members returning for additional terms are Bob Rhodus, Ernest De Gasparis, Joannie Jamieson, and Mario Juarez. The 2009 officers are Joannie…
Isn’t it grand to be a year old?
The Central Coast Women’s Network is celebrating its first anniversary with a business expo and grand reception on March 20. Attendees will participate in educational breakout sessions, hear motivational keynote speaker Starr Hall (founder of 2 Point Media), and see businesses showcasing their products and services at an expo from noon to 4 p.m. Learn…
Recession? What recession?
Take a long, hard look at today’s economic climate, and then mark your calendars for an upcoming chance to join an effort to “not participate in the recession.” Local businesses are banding together to offer a one-day intensive “marketing bootcamp,” set for May 16 at the Embassy Suites in San Luis Obispo. The conference—scheduled to…
Don’t let this one get away
Been There, Caught That has grown. The fishing supply shop that sells everything from rods and reels to boat accessories, camping gear, and water toys recently expanded into a neighboring office. Now, shoppers can wander through more than 2,800 square feet of lures and lines. “We wanted to make this the greatest tackle shop possible,…
Tee up to fight cancer
Cancer patients currently undergoing treatment—or who’ve already been through it—are invited to join Marian Medical Center and Monarch Dunes Golf Club’s Swing Thru Cancer support program. The program is open to caregivers, family members of patients, and people dealing with cancer or life after cancer. It aims to get them involved in outdoor activities and…
Gone silent
On Jan. 29, I received an e-mail notification from YouTube—that ubiquitous video-sharing website—informing me the sound had been disabled on a video I’d posted there. The bit of Internet in question was a souped-up slideshow of photos taken on a trip to Disneyland with friends, synched to the song “Your Imagination” by former Beach Boy…
DUI checkpoint results in arrests, vehicle impoundments
The Santa Maria Police Department had a busy night on Feb. 20. The department conducted a DUI and drivers license checkpoint in the 1900 block of South Broadway that resulted in several arrests and vehicle impoundments. According to a report from the police, three drivers were evaluated for driving under the influence, one driver was…
Nipomo agencies put a stop to illegal dumping
The Nipomo Community Services District (NCSD) and the local branch of the California Conservation Corps recently worked together to clear an accumulation of illegally dumped appliances, computers, car parts, a travel trailer, trash, and debris from an access road in Nipomo. To help prevent trash from building up there again, locked barricades have been placed…
Officials secure funds to repair Santa Maria River Levee
Local officials visited Washington, D.C., two weeks ago to secure federal funding for the Santa Maria River Levee, and the trip paid off. On Feb. 23, U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) announced that she helped secure almost $6.7 million in federal funding for repairs to the Santa Maria River Levee in the 2009 Omnibus…
NASA satellite launched from Vandenberg fails to reach orbit
Officials for Vandenberg Air Force Base and NASA said they experienced “an anomaly” on Feb. 24 when a NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellites failed to reach orbit. Launch officials suspect the satellite likely crashed in the ocean off the coast of Antarctica. The Taurus XL rocket carrying the satellite launched successfully from Vandenberg Air Force…
Local blood banks need more donations
Recent trends in donations have local United Blood Services officials concerned about the health of the local blood supply. Fallout from a down economy—such as layoffs and a cloudy business climate—have forced several businesses to cancel or postpone scheduling blood drives for the month of March. “Based on trends for scheduled drives in March and…
