Cover Story
Air Force blue is going green
Alternative energy is on everybody’s mind these days. California leaders have mandated that 33 percent of the state’s power come from renewable energy sources by 2020. Even the most ardent members of the “drill here, drill now!” crowd agree that diversifying our energy portfolio makes sense. When people start talking about the particulars of alternative…
Hancock’s Bow-WOW! orientation is something to bark about
Allan Hancock College is planning a big Bow-WOW! welcome for new and current students. Sponsored by the college’s Associated Student Body Government, Bow-WOW! events encourage students to learn about the college’s student services, organizations, and academic programs. Orientations will be held at the Santa Maria campus on Feb. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.…
It’s never too early to get ready for school
Santa Maria-Bonita School District officials are recommending parents get a head start on registering their children for kindergarten. Early registration for the district begins Feb. 17 and will be held at all district elementary schools every weekday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Parents are advised to register their child…
If money were not an issue, would you buy an electric car?
Kevin Young Student “I think I would. I prefer to draw sports cars to driving them.” Vincent Guzman Construction worker “No because nothing beats classic cars—gotta have the power.” Jazmine Thompson Actor “Yes, I would definitely do alternative energy but would not be an electric car.” Chris Bouget Student “Yes, but not for environmental issues,…
Political Watch 2.04
U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) has President Barack Obama’s back. After Obama’s first State of the Union address on Jan. 27, Capps released the following statement: “I share the President’s commitment to focus on creating jobs, helping small businesses, and cracking down on Wall Street’s irresponsible behavior. I also applaud the President’s call…
Community Notebook 2.04
MONDAY, FEB. 8 The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. TUESDAY, FEB. 9 The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s Board of…
PXP revisited
Almost exactly a year ago this week, the California State Lands Commission announced before a packed Santa Barbara hearing room that it would not approve the now infamous Tranquillon Ridge Oil and Gas Project. The product of an agreement between Texas-based Plains Exploration & Production Co. (PXP) and three Santa Barbara environmental groups, the project…
Arrested development
Nipomo’s Aaron Adams thought he’d found his dream home when he moved into Maria Vista Estates, an 84-acre hilltop development complete with dazzling views of the valley’s lush rolling hills. That was in July of 2007. Today, as he walks through his neighborhood of vacant million-dollar homes—the sidewalks cracked and yards overgrown with weeds—he wonders…
Viva la VITA
VITA has an offer for seniors who have a family income of less than $49,000: The group will prepare your taxes for free. The tax-preparation service will be offered in both English and Spanish. Call 211 to make an appointment for service, which will available through April 3. There are four VITA sites: one in…
Suspected cockfighting ring busted; 123 fighting cocks likely to be euthanized
Who says there’s nothing to do in unincorporated Arroyo Grande on a Sunday morning? Police raided an alleged cockfighting tournament south of Arroyo Grande on the Nipomo Mesa on Jan. 31, sending more than 300 participants fleeing into the adjoining countryside. San Luis Obispo sheriff deputies, Arroyo Grande police, and California Highway Patrol officers moved…
Correction
In the Sun’s Jan. 28 cover story, “Where have all the wood shops gone?” the number of students enrolled in career and technical classes in 2007 was misstated. Enrollment jumped from 9.6 million students in 1999 to 15.6 million students in 2007. News Briefs is compiled by Sun staffers from staff reporting and local and…
A local politician aims to reverse a Supreme Court campaign financing ruling
Assemblyman Pedro Nava is sounding the bugles against the U.S. Supreme Court. The Santa Barbara Democrat recently announced he’s planning to ask Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning the head court’s Jan. 21 decision to grant corporations the right to make campaign contributions through political action committees, or PACs. The 5-4 ruling in Citizens…
Santa Barbara County District Attorney retires due to health problems
After serving almost three years as Santa Barbara County’s district attorney, Christie Stanley is retiring. “Given the uncertainty of her health, Christie Stanley will formally retire within the next two weeks,” acting District Attorney Joshua Lynn announced in a press release on Jan. 25. The decision was set to be confirmed at the Santa Barbara…
Betteravia Center expansion gets county OK
Despite a worse-than-expected budget forecast, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Feb. 2 to move forward with a planned expansion of the Betteravia Administration Building. According to 5th District Supervisor Joe Centeno, “the climate is right” for the project because interest rates and bids for construction projects have never been lower.…
Almost, but not quite
On Jan. 31, the Missile Defense Agency conducted a flight test of its ground-based ballistic missile defense system. A target missile was launched at around 3:40 p.m. from the U.S. Army’s Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Approximately six minutes later, an interceptor missile was launched from Vandenberg…
Daytripper: La Purisima Mission
To escape the incessant buzz of technology and tumult of society, a trip to a place of solace is a good and necessary thing. Hey, not even Superman was capable of juggling journalism and crime fighting without retreating to his Fortress of Solitude. But where to go? If I could, I would buy my own…
A new way to picture it
Whether you’re an artist or just enjoy beautiful things, a few rules apply when it comes to art. First, the choice of frame can make or break an image. And second, art can’t be considered good, bad, or excellent if no one ever gets to see it. As a photographer and owner of Gold Coast…
The Scottish play comes to PCPA
PCPA Theaterfest will present the William Shakespeare play Macbeth in the Marian Theatre Feb. 18 through March 7. The tale of a Scottish heir’s fall from grace, through spellbound seduction and the unrestrained pursuit of power, Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most popular tragedies. The play follows Macbeth’s triumph, the bloody assassination that gains him…
Brush up for this one
Brush and Palette will host its 10th annual exhibit from noon to 4 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the Foxenwood Tennis and Swim Club, 1087 Clubhouse Drive. The eight artists involved will be giving demonstrations during the event. Brush and Palette is a professional art group formed 12 years ago to bring quality art to…
Beer pong is on
I love big events: the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, even Wimbledon. Really, I like any big sporting event where I get to eat potato chips and drink beer. I just enjoy the intensity of a championship bout regardless of what the sport is (I am secretly looking forward to watching curling in the Winter…
Surveying firm appoints board member
Penfield and Smith, a Santa Barbara-based surveying firm with a regional office in Santa Maria, announced the appointment of the firm’s Regional Survey Manager Jim Wilson to its Board of Directors. Wilson began his tenure with Penfield and Smith in 1989 and boasts nearly 30 years of experience in the surveying profession. He’ll retain his…
Hancock holds grant workshops
Graduation is months away for high school seniors, and the reality of college costs is setting in. Students and their parents can eliminate some stress by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and applying for Cal Grants and low-interest loans. To help with the application process, Hancock and Cuesta College’s Central…
BofA awards education grant
People’s Self Help Housing announced Bank of America has awarded the nonprofit $7,500 to provide financial education to tenants in rental developments in the Santa Maria area and San Luis Obispo County. PSHH currently manages more than 1,250 affordable rental units and 1,150 self-help home ownership residences in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura…
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 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
BRUSH AND PALETTE ART GROUP present their 10th annual art show and sale Feb. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Foxenwood Tennis Swim Club, 1087 Clubhouse Drive, Orcutt. Info: 937-8108. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents a historical photo essay of African Americans of the Central Coast through Feb. 24 at the…
Learning
PG&E presents a Central Coast Wave Connect Public Informational Meeting Feb. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Betteravia Government Center, Board Hearing Room, 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria. Info: 415-391-7900 or dlyons@kearnswest.com. ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources meet every…
Recreation
THE SIERRA CLUB Arguello group presents a “Superbowl Alternative Hike and Potluck” at Point Sal Road Feb. 7 meeting at the Orcutt CVS Drugs parking lot at 3 p.m. in Orcutt. Info: 937-6766. ONGOING A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE with four-on-four teams, no contact, is every Sunday at the beach in front…
Kids & Family
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT invites teens in grades 7 through 12 to attend “The Big Game – Superbowl Party” Feb. 7 from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, 600 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Cost is $3, $5 for accompanying parents. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 252. THE…
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
WORTH THE DRIVE CAL POLY presents a dance program with the Orchesis Dance Company’s 40th anniversary concert Continuum Feb. 4 through 6 at 8 p.m. at the Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, SLO. Cost is $13. Info: 753-2787 or pac.calpoly@gmail.com. THE SAN LUIS OBISPO LITTLE THEATRE presents a reader’s theatre: The Washing Place…
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
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CLARK CENTER ASSOCIATION presents The Shirelles in concert Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. Cost is $40 to $52. Info: 489-9444 or clarkcenter.org. THE CAL POLY MUSIC DEPARTMENT presents “A Night at the Mission” featuring performances by the…
Special Events
THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a flag ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Santa Maria Town Center Mall, Broadway and Main, Santa Maria. Info: 967-0105, Ext. 30 or lpcbsa.org. THE LESBIAN/GAY/BI/TRANSGENDERED SUMMIT OF THE CENTRAL COAST…
Decent people will change the station some day
As I sit and watch the images of the humanitarian horror unfold in Haiti, I am simply amazed at the response of the ugly voice emerging from the giant megaphone that is Rush Limbaugh. As the people of the globe literally rush to save the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of suffering humans from…
Resume drilling
There was a time when I would have agreed with many concerns about offshore oil drilling and collection, but that was long ago. The attacks of 9/11 require re-evaluating the subject. I once worked for commercial fishermen who had their gear run over by seismic survey boats, who could not fish due to displacement, and…
Arguments against a dispensary make no sense
I don’t understand the arguments against a local medical marijuana dispensary. Allow me to paraphrase what I hear: “It’s not that I deny medical marijuana’s validity; it’s that I don’t want it sold in my town,” or “I understand it’s real medicine but I think a storefront will breed crime.” How is that any different…
Breathing is not an option
Lately I’ve been reading comments by uninformed offroaders claiming that the particulate problem downwind of the off-highway vehicles is not caused by their activities on the dunes, but that it’s a natural occurrence of sand that would become airborne anyway, any time the wind blows. Apparently they are unaware of the biology of these dunes,…
Purple reign
They’re at it again. A year removed from an appearance in the California Interscholastic Federation’s Southern Section semifinals, Righetti High’s boys’ soccer team is keeping the ball rolling right into another playoff berth. Head coach John Pranjic, now in his second year, has yet to lose a Pac-7 league contest in his coaching career, a…
Alyssa Ray
Alyssa Ray is no stranger to the game of softball. She’s been playing since she was 5, and since then, she’s accumulated quite a few honors from the field. While attending Lompoc High School, Ray was appointed to All-League every year she played softball. After graduation, she began to play for Allan Hancock College and,…
Sign up for city T-ball
Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department is now registering children ages 5 to 7 for recreational T-ball. The cost is $30.50 for city residents and $38 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted at the Recreation and Parks administrative office at 615 McClelland St. until Feb. 4. Play begins March 6 at Robin Ventura Baseball Field.…
Try out for pro baseball
The Las Cruces Vaqueros, a new professional baseball team in the Continental Baseball League, will be holding a tryout camp for prospective players in Santa Maria. The camp will be held Feb. 6 at Elks Field, 622 S. McClelland. The cost is $50 per person and pre-registration is required. Bobby Brown, a former manager of…
A long way from trail mix
Have you ever dreamed of hiking an ancient path near the top of the world? And maybe fueling the journey with trailside feasts and wines to match? No longer a mere flight of fancy, this tantalizing notion is about to become reality for a few adventurous souls headed for Peru’s Inca Trail. In July, Firestone…
