Cover Story
A New President Speaks
In D.C., many people anxiously started the day, greeted by cold weather and huge crowds with only the tops of people’s heads visible for what seemed like miles and miles ahead. As early as 3 a.m., I could see people begin to walk up toward the National Mall to line up for their place in…
Parents: Sign your children?
Allan Hancock College’s Parent Participation Program is accepting applications for 2009-2010 preschool enrollment through March 31. Children must be at least 3 years old by Aug. 1 to be enrolled. The program creates an environment based on the premise that learning is an active process for families, not just children. It aims to supports a…
What do you think Santa Maria could do to promote a healthier lifestyle?
Gari Valdez satellite operator “Expand the city bike trails.” Amber Summerville employment research “Cheaper gyms. A health food store. We don’t have a Trader Joe’s.” Nicole Applegate eligibility interviewer “More walking paths.” Danielle Applegate kids’ club attendant “Everyone should come workout at In-Shape!”
Community Notebook
MONDAY, JAN. 26 • The Nipomo Community Advisory Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Nipomo Community Services District Headquarters, 148 S. Wilson St., Nipomo. TUESDAY, JAN. 27 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s Board of Supervisors Hearing…
Political Watch
• On Jan. 14, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 289 to 139 to approve the reauthorization of the bipartisan State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization, H.R. 2. Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) released a statement commending the decision. “This bill goes a long way toward helping children grow up healthy and strong. As families…
Take the time to get tested
January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is reminding women about the important role of regular screening in detecting cervical cancer. According to the department, cervical cancer can be caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. The HPV virus is also responsible for…
Bikes and boxes
“You can do a lot on a bicycle,” Santa Maria resident James Stoughton said. He spoke with a clear intensity, shifting with ease from intricately detailed descriptions of threads-per-inch on screws and casters’ maximum weight capacity to accounts of how the Lord woke him up at 3 in the morning with the inspiration for his…
Get to know vegetarianism
Ever think about going vegetarian? Interested in the idea, but don’t feel ready to cut out meat just yet? Do you equate vegetarian fare with bunny food? Worried that all vegetarian dishes are going to taste like lettuce? The folks at the Society for Vegetarian Inclined People (SoVIP) and the Healthy Palate restaurant would like…
A nurse for all seasons
Dressed in powder-blue scrubs and green Crocs, Gina Parker looks and acts like the ideal registered nurse. She is friendly and sincere, confident and soothing. One would never guess she graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Registered Nursing Program a little more than a month ago. But Parker isn’t hiding her rookie status—she’s wearing it like…
Got yard waste?
Beginning next month, the city of Santa Maria will run a yard waste recycling pilot program. Three neighborhoods were selected for the test: the Hancock Park area, Driftwood Meadow and the Los Cabos/Toby Villas area, and the area bounded by Fesler Street, Benwiley Avenue, Alvin Avenue, and Dejoy Street. From Jan. 28 to 30,…
County Fire, Greka employees respond to another spill
On Jan. 19, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to a reported oil spill at Greka Oil and Gas Inc.’s Bradley Land Lease off of Telephone Road in Santa Maria. According to a press release from the fire department, the leak was caused by a faulty pipe fixture on one of the flow lines…
Santa Barbara County Fire Department will host wildfire safety forums
With flames from the Tea Fire still vivid in the public’s memories, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department will hold a series of wildfire safety town hall community meetings in February. On Feb. 9, the meeting runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Blochman School, 4949 Foxen Canyon Road, in Sisquoc. There’s also a meeting…
Federal grant will fortify Santa Maria Fire Department’s ‘wildfire arsenal’
The Santa Maria Fire Department was one of several local fire departments and emergency medical organizations to recently get a one-year grant through the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The city’s fire department was awarded almost $49,000. “The Santa Maria Fire Department has applied for and received several grants over the last few years,…
UCSB Economic Forecast Project predicts few bright spots in 2009
California is entering its worst recession since the 1940s, according to a Jan. 15 report from the UC Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project. The recession’s impact on the state will be more severe than in other states because of its “well-publicized and very serious budget crisis,” Economic Forecast Project officials said. “California’s outlook is bleak,”…
U.S. Bankruptcy Court approves Gottschalks credit plan
Bankruptcy’s on the table, but stores should stay open: Gottschalks filed for reorganization under chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Jan. 14. On Jan. 16, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved a $125 million debtor-in-possession credit plan, which will allow the department-store chain to pay employees and suppliers and fund customer services, such as gift card…
PLAYing at Paul Nelson
Regional leaders for PG&E awarded a $50,000 grant to the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department’s nonprofit partner, People for Leisure And Youth (PLAY, Inc.). On Dec. 16 (from left to right), Mayor Larry Lavagnino and City Manager Tim Ness accepted the grant from PG&E representatives Tom Jones and Patricia Wilmore at a ceremony at…
Back to school, back to school
Most students in school districts in Northern Santa Barbara County have been back in classes for more than a week, and now—as of Jan. 21—the Santa Maria Bonita School District has followed suit. District information officer Maggie White said the district starts later than most for two reasons: “Partly, it’s a hold-over from when we…
Allan Hancock College is still registering students for online classes
Online registration for spring 2009 classes at Allan Hancock College has ended, but students interested in enrolling in online classes can still register via fax or mail. They can even show up in person. Late in-person registration will be held Jan. 26 to 29. Fax and mail registration for semester-length and Term 3 classes is…
Welcome a new bank vice president
Robert Bloch is the newly appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer for Community Bank of Santa Maria. Bloch counts more than 34 years of banking experience—26 as a chief financial officer—and is a certified public accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public…
Panera wants to treat you to breakfast
Free coffee. Yes, free coffee. And breakfast sandwiches. And parfait. Sample Panera Bread’s breakfast offerings on Jan. 28 at 540 E. Betteravia Road. The shop will offer light and dark roast coffees, three varieties of grilled ciabatta sandwiches, and a strawberry granola parfait. Panera Bread is also inviting customers to donate a dollar toward its…
The U.S. Census Bureau wants you
Stand up and be counted—and do some counting of your own while you’re at it. The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring. The Santa Maria Local Census Office was set to open on Jan. 21, and will employ around 1,500 locals at the peak of its efforts. The local office will serve as the hub for…
Learn more about property taxes
A lot of numbers can mean a lot of confusion. Take Proposition 8, Section 51 reductions that impact current property taxes: Need help untangling the details? Business Enriched Network is bringing in Joseph Holland from the Santa Barbara County Clerk, Recorder, and Assessors Office to help. He’ll speak about how the county assesses property taxes…
Get the ball rolling toward making a difference
It’s a new year, and people have precise expectations for themselves. Some want to improve on their health, and others want to improve their savings account—and nowadays, who can blame them? Those pursuits are great, but I think people should also look outward. Recently, I signed on as a volunteer with an organization that provides…
Hold the outgoing president accountable
As the Bush/Cheney administration is air lifted off the roof of the sinking White House, giving the thumbs-up sign, we all know better. We all see the results of eight disastrous years. Who will pay? Will it be only our military families, or people losing their homes, or prisoners who have no rights, or Americans…
There’s always something to learn
Regarding Norman Mehl’s letter (“I stand by my original opinion,” Jan. 8) in rebuttal to a rebuttal of a letter from Norman: First of all, I appreciate your Armed Forces service in World War II. And also your service with the space program. Your comment about Obama was disturbing. Okay, so you are not a…
Every human life has value
U.S. complicity and support for the massacre of innocent civilians in Gaza by Israel must come to an end. U.S. taxpayers donate upwards of 3 billion bloodstained dollars yearly to supply Israel with the F-16 bombers and Apache attack helicopters that are currently being utilized to “teach Hamas a lesson” more for political gain that…
A Knight ranks in the nation’s top basketballers
Ane McPike, a forward and guard for St. Joseph High School, is one of the top prep standouts in the nation. That pronouncement comes from McDonald’s, which recently announced McPike’s nomination to the 2009 McDonald’s All American High School Girls Basketball Team. A news release reported that McPike ranks among the top 1,000 nominees, who…
Fitting in fitness
First, an admission: I don’t keep a regular fitness routine. I’ve tried everything: Jogging. Uh … Well, that’s about it. Jogging. Yeah, I’m not really the healthiest guy around. So whenever we have a Health and Fitness issue, I start feeling guilty. Guilty about my health. Guilty about my bad habits. Guilty about my questionable…
Athlete of the Week
Dave Bourbon never set out to be a world-champion arm wrestler. He and his wife were out one night in 1973 at the Black Eye Bar (now Rick’s) in Santa Maria when he was told to get weighed. “What for?” he remembers asking. The answer: There was going to be arm wrestling that night. Bourbon…
A year in the vineyard
Any winemaker worth his or her salt will readily admit that wine is not made, it’s grown in the vineyard. Dedicated viticulturists agree, and though they’re the ones who tirelessly feed, water, prune, and tie up the vines, they usually credit sun and soil with performing the alchemy that yields fat berries full of wondrous…
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…
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…
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
SMOKING CESSATION CLASSES are offered on Jan. 22, 26, and 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Santa Maria at 2801 Santa Maria Way, suite B; 425 W Central Ave., Lompoc; 2050 Viborg Road, Santa Ynez; 915 N Milpas St., Santa Barbara; and at Cottage Hospital at Pueblos and Bath streets, Santa Barbara. Info: 346-7275…
ART
MARILYN DOVER BENSON presents her art in a one-woman show through Jan. 31 at the Grossman Gallery, Lompoc. Info: 937-8108. 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…
LEARNING
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES holds free self-employment training orientations on Jan. 28 and Feb. 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Jan. 22 and 29 from noon to 1 p.m. in Santa Maria. Info: 965-6073 or wevonline.org. THE NORTH COUNTY RAPE CRISIS AND CHILD PROTECTION CENTER begins a new training program for volunteers interested in helping…
RECREATION
THE LUIS OASIS SENIOR CENTER offers “Pilates and Yoga for Older Adults” on Jan. 22 and 27 at 9 a.m. Floral design meets Jan. 22 and 28 at 6 p.m. Senior Exercise is Jan. 23, 26, and 28 at 8 a.m. Painters and Ceramics meets Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. Faceting and Silversmithing meets Jan.…
KIDS & FAMILY
THE LOMPOC PARKS, RECREATION & URBAN FORESTRY DEPARTMENT presents its annual Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance on Feb. 6, 7, and 8 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $16, $7 per additional family member. Deadline to register is Jan. 23. Info: 875-8097. THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION is seeking adult volunteer wish granters through January in preparation…
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
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CLARK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS presents the Peking Acrobats performing their ancient balancing act on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. Defending the Caveman comes to the Clark Center on Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. Cost is $30 to $40. Info:…
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 LOMPOC CONCERT ASSOCIATION presents Mediterranean guitarist Pavlo and his band on Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc. Cost is $25, $10 for students. Info: 735-1408 or lompocconcert.org. PCPA THEATERFEST presents “An Evening of Guitar,” featuring live classical, Spanish, and flamenco music on Jan. 24 at…
SPECIAL EVENTS
THE SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY presents “It’s Magic!”—a benefit banquet and auction for the society—on Jan. 24 starting at 6 p.m. at the Santa Maria County Club, 505 West Waller Lane, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0412. THE COTTONWOOD CANYON VINEYARD AND WINERY holds a wine club pick-up party featuring wine, food, and live music on Jan.…
Racing pedal to the porcelain
It was that time of year again: for me and three of my less-intelligent friends to compete in the 24 Hours of LeMons, an endurance car race held with $500 cars. Each junk car has its own theme. Sticking with our Central Coast roots, we bolted a surfboard to the roof of our junker. It…
Arts Briefs
Bring back some music of the ’60s The Arroyo Grande-based Studio of Performing Arts and Studio Players are seeking a few good women—and one man—for SUDS, a ’60s musical soap opera. Auditions are open for the parts of Cindy (a sweet, personable, possibly gawky girl who grows in confidence as the play concludes), Marge (a…
Lyrical life
Life-affirming moments come in various forms, from times of quiet reflection to exhilarating successes. For Damon Castillo of the Damon Castillo Band, such a moment came in the form of a brush with death that confirmed music was his destiny. After the band’s tour van flipped five times on the freeway en route to a…
Under the sea
I have a confession to make. I am completely enamored of a big ugly fish. I am fascinated by all things in the ocean world, but I absolutely adore the giant sunfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It has a face that both repels and attracts me, with those gigantic eyes and that puckered mouth.…
