Cover Story
Out of Iraq
On Dec. 18, 2011, the last convoy of U.S. troops left Iraq, ending a war that spanned almost nine years and two presidencies. President George W. Bush, with the approval of U.S. Congress, ordered troops to invade Iraq in 2003 to search for weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraq people from the oppressive…
The new year yields a new venue
The new year brings many changes, looked and unlooked for. One local business, Skip Gibson’s BBQ, has moved, something owner and proprietor Skip Gibson had been planning since he opened his restaurant. He also developed plans to offer an entertainment venue for the city of Santa Maria. “We always had the vision of becoming a…
New beers’ resolutions
Around this portion of year, people waste time blowing smoke up their own butts about New Year’s resolutions they will never complete. People join a new gym they will never go to. They tell their friends they are going to work out and lose weight, but then they will spend the next 365 days sucking…
Valley speaks
Barron Smith, a noted Civil War authority, will be the speaker at “The Valley Speaks” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14. in Shepard Hall of the Public Library. Many of Santa Maria’s earliest settlers came from the war-torn states after the conflict ended. Some of the artifacts collected from the estate of various members…
Get motivated
Authors Marty J. Reep and Isaiah Whittaker II, of Lompoc, announced the release of Believe. Do. And Follow Through!, a motivational book that challenges readers to think differently and live differently. The authors say it offers unique perspectives on solid principles that can help readers get where they want to be. Reep has more than…
Experience Twelfth Night
Lompoc Civic Theatre will present Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare’s comedy of love, deceit, and frivolity, in early January. This fully staged workshop production was rehearsed in a nine-day process. The story follows Viola, a stranded young lady who’s been separated from her brother at sea and takes on the appearance of a man. As she…
The demon within
Erin Kiniry, 25, thought she’d left her battle with anorexia 10 years behind her. In fact, she and her family were content to never think about how she was only 15 and the disease had taken control over her family’s lives. Then the Orcutt resident began to hear from others who were struggling to understand…
Twisted art
There’s treasure in the hills above Orcutt, but it takes a special eye to see it—an eye like Dale June’s. He sees treasure all around him, which inspires him to create intricate, detailed works of art, and still not everyone can see what he sees without taking time to reflect. [image-2] June does a lot…
What’s on Deck?
Thursday, Jan. 5 Boys’ Soccer Santa Ynez @ Morro Bay 3:30 p.m. Boys’ Wrestling Lompoc @ Santa Maria 6 p.m. Nipomo @ Morro Bay 6 p.m. Girls’ Soccer Morro Bay @ Santa Ynez 3:30 p.m. Girls’ Water Polo Pioneer Valley @ Righetti 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 Boys’ Basketball Santa Ynez @ Morro Bay…
On the roster
The Orcutt National Little League, for children ages 4 to 12, is holding regular registration until Jan. 7. Registrations will be held Jan. 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rabobank-Oak Knolls Branch at 1110 E. Clark Ave in Orcutt. The final regular registration date is Jan. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at…
Score with a soccer league
The Orcutt United Soccer League, for co-ed players ages 6 to 19, is currently holding registrations for the spring season. Sign-ups will be held on Jan. 11 and 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Jan 14 and 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Oasis Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave. in Orcutt. The…
Taylor Pruett
As Allan Hancock College’s men’s basketball team turns its attention toward the Western State Conference North league schedule, the Bulldogs’ big forward Taylor Pruett continues to turn heads. Coming off a championship win in the recent Holiday Classic tournament, which Hancock hosted, the 6-foot-8 sophomore took home the tourney’s co-MVP honors, averaging 16 points and…
Feeling blue
A racquetball game sounds like a space battle. Squeaks and chirps come from players’ shoes protesting quick footwork on a hard floor. The distinct “pong” of the blue rubber ball bouncing off the court’s walls and ceiling echoes like a shot fired from some futuristic weapon, one with lots of knobs and some concentric circles…
Dinner clubs
A couple of years ago, I started a “dinner club” with three girlfriends: We met at a different restaurant every month for camaraderie and cuisine. It was an enjoyable way to try a variety of dining establishments, stay in touch with pals, and support the local restaurant industry. I had heard of other such groups,…
We can longer support the freebies
Why are taxpayers forced by law, effective Jan. 1, to pay for the college education of children brought into this country illegally, or born to parents here illegally? Is it not enough we pay for educating them kindergarten through high school and give free lunches and breakfasts at the expense of American children’s education? Why…
Here’s how to hope for peace on Earth
A recent writer lamented being robbed of her liberty to celebrate Christmas by government, city, and private industries (“Let’s take back Christmas,” Dec. 22). Apparently because the schools close for “winter break” instead of “Christmas vacation,” she has been prevented from celebrating as she did in the good old days. Without a nativity scene on…
Homeowners need relief
I read the recent op-ed by Maria V. Eyles (“I’m dancing the foreclosure shuffle,” Nov. 17), which laid out, in excruciating detail, her incredibly difficult experience trying to obtain a mortgage modification. For the sake of our community, I wish it were a unique experience, but constituents call my offices on the Central Coast every…
The Queen of Water
Told from the protagonist’s point of view and based on a true story, this coming-of-age tale is hard to read at times and hard to believe at others. It gives the reader a look at the life and exploitation of a young girl in another country. At the age of 7, Virginia’s indigent Ecuadorian parents…
Science, science, and more science!
The Discovery Museum is calling all scientists and creative thinkers as we join together to have an explosive good time during the month of January! This month, the Discovery Museum will explore science and all of its wonders. Every week, our free programs will focus on a special theme related to science. We will learn…
Flex your muscles for the MDA
The local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is looking for people to walk, “scoot,” or roll for a good cause at its second annual 5K Central Coast Muscle Walk on Jan. 28 at Waller Park in Santa Maria. MDA officials expect more than 300 walkers and people using wheelchairs and scooters to participate…
Local early childhood development group gets Race to the Top money
First 5 Santa Barbara County recently got some exciting news: It’s going to be one of the 16 participants in California’s successful Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant application to the federal government. First 5 will act as lead organization of a regional leadership consortium tasked with developing an early care and education…
The Discovery Museum is turning 15!
In celebration of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum’s 15th anniversary, museum employees are holding an ongoing fundraiser to keep educational programs running smoothly and admission prices affordable. There will also be a special party on Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the museum, 705 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria to recognize past board…
Spotlight on: World Gym
Members of the former Santa Maria Athletic Club are going to notice some changes in the next few weeks, as the club recently partnered with a worldwide chain, World Gym. “It opens us up to all of their clubs for our members,” said manager Goreal Hudson. “If they ever travel, or anything of that nature,…
Fighting fire with fiery passion
On Dec. 20, the Santa Maria City Council welcomed a fresh face to the fire department when Dan Orr was sworn in as the new fire chief. Orr is taking over for Jeff Jones, who retired after seven years at the top. According to Orr, the city manager’s office selected him because of his experience…
CPUC denies PG&E’s Diablo funding application
An administrative law judge dismissed Pacific Gas & Electric’s application to use customer money nearly two years after the application was first filed in an effort to keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant operating for another 30 years. PG&E requested $80 million in ratepayer funding to pay for its federal license renewal for both…
Steve Pappas throws his hat in ring against Farr–again
A Los Olivos business owner has announced he’ll go up against Doreen Farr again for the 3rd District seat on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. Steve Pappas, 52, sent a press release on Dec. 28 stating that he’s in the running for the coveted “swing” seat in the upcoming November 2012 election. “I…
SLORTA selects a new executive director
The San Luis Obispo County intercommunity transit system, which stretches into Northern Santa Barbara County, has selected a new head administrator following the departure of the previous director in August. On Dec. 22, 2011, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Board of Directors announced its selection of Geoff Straw as new executive…
What are your hopes for 2012?
Skip Gibson Skip Gibson’s BBQ owner “I want to have a kid.” Sang Ko UPS Store owner “Less hope, more change.” Steve Orozco UPS Store associate “More jobs for a better life.” Michelle Baylon Coffee Time barista “To go to Disneyland every month, because I have a year pass.”
