Cover Story
Where have all the wood shops gone?
Built in the early 1970s, Santa Maria High School’s auto shop serves as a classroom, a storage facility, and a mechanic’s workroom. Fluorescent lights flicker overhead as students gaze intently at a projector screen hanging on the back wall. There’s the distinctly pungent scent of motor oil and grease in the air. A silent army…
State Farm recognizes Pioneer Valley High School’s efforts to close the academic achievement gap
Pioneer Valley High School recently got a financial boost from State Farm Insurance through the agency’s State Farm es Para Mí program. The panthers were selected, along with 71 other schools and nonprofits nationwide, to receive a $1,000 educational grant. According to information from State Farm’s website, the agency gives grants based on how groups…
What’s your fondest memory of shop class?
Jonathan Zaragoza student “I don’t really have one—I just remember screwing up a lot. I did make a wooden key, though.” Bubby Baby barber “I remember breaking down an engine and putting it back piece by piece.” Robert Mabry machine technician instructor “I remember once I was teaching a class, and one of the students…
Political Watch 1.28
Out with the old, in with the new—so the adage goes. At its monthly luncheon meeting on Feb. 5, the Santa Maria Chapter of California Congress of Republicans will present its new officers, including Loretta Thomas, president; Dr. Michael Moats, vice president; Audrey Mussell, recording secretary; Jim Neuschwander, treasurer; Barbara Ubben, corresponding secretary; and Mary…
Community Notebook 1.28
TUESDAY, FEB. 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 Office…
Hobnobbing with Helen
Bravo!” Santa Maria Philharmonic Society executive director George Majoue shouted con brio (that’s music speak for “with vigor”). It was at the end of world-class concert pianist Kirill Gliadkovsky’s program Saturday evening, Jan. 22, at the Santa Maria Country Club. Bravo indeed, George! The Philharmonic Society proved once more that Santa Maria is no slouch…
Hancock employees wait for the ax to fall
Bruce Gourley has worn many hats in his nearly 30 years at Allan Hancock College, both as an associate faculty member and in his current role as coordinator of the school’s multimedia services. Now, Gourley is one of 10 non-teaching staff members at the college hoping to hold onto their jobs as the school struggles…
Let it bleed
For those frugal types noticing Valentine’s Day’s approach, here’s a chance to get your loved one some chocolate: United Blood Services is offering, in return for giving blood, a four-ounce box of See’s chocolate. The group has asked the public to make a resolution to give blood at least three times in 2010. For business…
Help the city of Santa Maria design the perfect park
Ever wonder what it’d be like to help design a city park? The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department recently announced that it’s submitting a grant request to the state of California to fund extensive renovation at Oakley Park, a four-acre park located at 1300 Western Ave. If the grant is approved, city officials might…
South County Advisory Council just says no to Nipomo pot dispensary
Plans to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Nipomo hit a snag on Jan. 25 when members of the South County Advisory Council unanimously decided they wouldn’t recommend the project’s approval to officials in the San Luis Obispo County Planning and Building Department. The project applicant, Robert D. Brody of Los Angeles, is seeking a…
Arnie pushes PXP to generate revenue for state parks
Based on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget, if you’re against new offshore oil, you’re probably against state parks, too. Schwarzenegger, a staunch proponent of Plains Exploration and Production Company’s (PXP) offshore oil proposal, tied millions in state parks funds to the project. The governor’s 2010-11 proposed budget would cut $140 million of general fund money…
Incarceration doesn’t prevent crime
What is California’s most important resource? Human beings, of course. Yet each year, the revolving door of the criminal justice system sends thousands of nonviolent young men and women to prison, principally based on the continuing inane belief that we are making our streets “safer” and that we can lower our crime rates through incarceration.…
Check out the South County class warfare
While the gentrified, upper-middle-class residents of San Luis Obispo are arranging to ban loud parties and smoking on the sidewalks, and those of Pismo Beach have already banned smoking on its beach, the residents of Oceano Beach are forced to tolerate the hideous noise and ghastly pollution brought on by the Off Road “Recreational” State…
Off-roading opponents are reaching with this one
Regarding Nell Langford’s letter on the particulates at the Oceano Dunes OHV Park (“Stand against health-threatening particulates,” Jan. 21): Come on, Nell, you’re certainly reaching on this one. Do you mean the exhaust from the off-road vehicles, or do you mean the sand that is kicked up out there? Regarding the pollutants coming from the…
Merger group certifies Hardy CFO
The Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors announced the certification of Nathaniel Graessle, chief financial officer of Santa Maria-based Hardy Diagnostics, as a certified merger and acquisition advisor. Graessle joins a group of more than 300 experienced corporate financial advisors and corporate development executives to earn the CM&AA certification nationwide. Hardy Diagnostics is an FDA-licensed…
Dog days come to Toy Zoo
Spend a day with everybody’s favorite Big Red Dog as Santa Maria’s Toy Zoo gets a visit from Clifford on Feb. 6. Clifford will be signing books, and children will have the opportunity to make a Clifford puppet, enter a coloring contest, and create Valentines for their friends. Clifford is scheduled to appear at 11…
Lompoc’s Hughes dives into AmEx ad
The owner of Lompoc’s Skydive Santa Barbara is one of several small business owners being featured in American Express OPEN’s new TV ads: “How Can I Get Paid Faster?” David Hughes, a 22-year skydiving veteran and former British skydiving champion, has operated Skydive Santa Barbara for 15 years. The center offers an 18,000-foot tandem jump…
VITA program offers free tax preparation
If you or your family earned less than $49,000 last year and you’re puzzled by the tax law, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program can help with free tax preparation beginning Jan. 30. Sponsored by Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, VITA assists low- to moderate-income families and individuals in claiming special credits like the…
Tapestries aren’t just for museums anymore
The art of weaving tapestries is making its way straight from the Middle Ages to Allan Hancock College. The college’s Community Education Department is now offering two sessions of Beginning Tapestry Weaving, to be held on Saturdays Jan. 30 through Feb. 27 and April 10 to May 1, for a fee of $65. Enrollees will…
Sara Epps
Much like Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, the St. Joseph girls’ soccer team prides itself on the motto, “All for one and one for all.” However, as the Knights look to stay perfect in league play, one prolific scorer stands head and shoulders above the rest of her teammates: junior forward Sara Epps. Epps leads the…
School of hard knocks
At almost any hour of the day, seven days a week, Santa Maria’s Infinite Boxing Gym is awash with the hiss of pounding gloves, throbbing workout music, and the syncopated whip-cracking of jump ropes. The gym’s owner, Julio Avila, always knew the city he grew up in was a hotbed for boxing, but the extent…
Breakfast with Xtreme Basketball
West Coast Xtreme Basketball Academy will be holding a breakfast fundraiser on Feb. 6 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. For $7, attendees will receive a hearty old-fashioned breakfast including pancakes, eggs, sausage links, and a drink. Proceeds will go toward purchasing basketball supplies for players and coaches in the Academy. The event takes place at…
Teens: Catch the Super Bowl in style
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department invites teens to watch the Super Bowl on a 72-inch big screen and more at the Big Game Super Bowl party on Feb. 7. Teens from seventh through 12th grade will be able to witness the NFL’s two best teams battle for supremacy and enjoy a day full…
Clubs and 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 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
SANSUM CLINIC offers a cholesterol management class Feb. 2 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Sansum Clinic, 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Cost is $10. Info: 737-8700. 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…
Art
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the exhibit “People, Places, and Things” featuring the art of Franceska Bobi Angel through Jan. 29 at the Santa Maria Public Library, Shepard Hall, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. The Shephard Hall presents a historical photo essay of African Americans of the Central Coast Feb. 1 through 24…
Learning
ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources meet every first Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. for the public at the eastside branch of the Santa Barbara Public Library, 1100 E. Montecito St. Info: 879-1729. BUSINESS SKILLS OPEN LAB offers free…
Recreation
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 of the Sandcastle Inn, Pismo Beach. Cost is $3 per player. Rain cancels. Registration: 489-1340. ARK TENNIS LESSONS for third through eighth graders are Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at St.…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM teams up with the American Red Cross to teach kids how to be “Masters of Disaster” Jan. 30 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the museum, 705 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 928-8414. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department presents an “Introduction to Theater” class for…
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 WESTMONT presents “PlayBeckett,” featuring six short plays by Samuel Beckett on Jan. 28 and 29 at 7 and 9 p.m. in the Westmont Theatre, Santa Barbara. Cost is $7 and $10, $5 and $7 for students and seniors. The Westmont student ensemble presents its production of Godspell Jan. 29 and 30 at…
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 UCSB MULTICULTURAL CENTER presents an “Evening of Gypsy Music with the Fishtank Ensemble” on Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. at the MultiCultural Center, UCSB, Santa Barbara. Cost is $15, $5 for students. Info: 893-8411 or mcc.sa.ucsb.edu. CAL POLY presents the Pacific Repertory Opera and a best of the best concert on…
Special Events
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE hosts a blood drive with the city and United Blood Services on Jan. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. at the parking lot between lawn bowling and the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center along South McClelland in Santa Maria. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 372. SCOUTING FOR FOOD—including Girl Scouts, Brownies, Boy Scouts, and Cub…
Spend Valentine’s Day in Wine Country
Hearts and flowers dance on the airwaves, and the staffers at Santa Barbara County’s wineries aim to celebrate the season of love in style. They know that when carefully paired, romance and fine wine work powerful alchemy, and they hope to share that magic with anyone who is, was, or wants to be targeted by…
Celebrate African American heritage
A historical photo essay of African Americans on the Central Coast will be on display throughout February at the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St. The exhibit will focus on Central Coast residents of African American heritage from 1884 through the 1970s. The exhibit is a part of the library’s celebration of African…
Time to talk
Authors Sandy Nathan and Barbra Minar will be at The C Gallery at 3 p.m. on Feb. 6 for an authors’ talk revolving around the question “How do we get what we want?” The talk is in conjunction with the current C Gallery show Women of Spirit, featuring paintings by Karen Canton and sculptures by…
Set in stone
Almost exactly 25 years to the week before his death, Michael Jackson pressed his hand and feet into concrete in what was meant to become part of the Las Vegas Walk of Fame Project. There was nothing exceptional about a celebrity leaving such imprints. It happens all the time. What’s interesting to some, however, is…
Success is in the cards
What can be cooler than being able to call yourself a comic book illustrator? Telling people your dad is one. “My daughter thinks it’s cool. She tells everyone, ‘My dad draws Star Wars,’” said comic book illustrator and Orcutt resident Lance Sawyer. “I’m lucky—my kid’s first word was ‘Batman.’” Sawyer has wanted to make a…
