Cover Story
For whom the bell tolled
May Grisham sits in Old Orcutt, surrounded by rustic foliage and a neighborhood that calls to mind an episode of Leave it to Beaver. You half expect to see Wally tossing around a football in the street. It also sits next to the Orcutt Union School District (OUSD) office, Orcutt Junior High School, and a…
How are your New Year’s resolutions going?
Victor Rasgado retail “Going great. My resolution was to live every day to the fullest.” Britanni Meza barista “I was going to start doing PT for the military, but there isn’t any PT going on.” Luis Garcia student “Good. I wanted to finish painting my car, buy a new car, and go back and visit…
Tarnished by light
Think about this for a second,” venerable photographer Santi Visalli told me. “You see an image, and your eye will tell your brain to tell your finger to click. And it is maybe a millionth of a second that passes, but there is a lapse of time. You have to be so sharp, so ahead…
Political Watch – 1.6.11
On Dec. 28, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors decided to extend the county’s state of emergency, which was first declared on Dec. 21 because of storm damage and flooding. A state of emergency gives local governmental agencies more flexibility when dealing with disasters and brings in funding more quickly. South San Luis…
Community Notebook – 1.6.11
MONDAY, JAN. 10 • 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, JAN. 11 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s…
Get to know the new laws
Hey, you dope-smoking hipster wannabe anarchists, I’ve got some good news for you. Starting this year in California, when you get caught smoking an ounce or less of Mary Jane, the penalty is a mere ticket. It’s an expensive ticket at $100, but still: no court appearances, no arrest, and nothing on your record. Undoubtedly,…
The community focuses on the future
Santa Maria Valley Future Search is back on the radar. Technically, it never really disappeared—it’s just ready to step back into the spotlight. Last February, approximately 100 Santa Marians gathered at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for a three-day conference addressing youth violence in the area. Based on an internationally recognized model, Future Search…
Cash crops
Transitions-Mental Health Association (T-MHA) recently received a $20,000 grant from the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation. The grant will be used to finance the Growing Grounds Farm in Santa Maria and pay wages for workers, grow crops, and distribute seeds and herb plants to low-income neighborhoods. “We are doing this to teach people how to grow…
A tale of two fire departments continues
The Lompoc City Council has decided to reinitiate talks with Santa Barbara County officials regarding a long-discussed possible merger with the county’s fire department. An October 2010 report estimated initial costs to the city at approximately $3.8 million for the first year of service, according to Lompoc Finance Director Brad Wilkie. The agreement would last…
Pesticide’s opponents file lawsuit challenging state’s approval
On Jan. 3, a coalition of environmental and farmworker groups announced it filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, accusing regulators of illegally fast-tracking approval of the controversial fumigant methyl iodide. Environmental law firm Earthjustice and California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) filed the suit in Alameda County Superior Court on Dec. 30.…
Santa Maria loses a pillar
Harrell Fletcher, a longtime public servant who held seats on bodies ranging from Santa Maria’s fledgling Code Compliance Board up to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, died the evening of Jan. 3. The 91-year-old passed peacefully from pneumonia complications at Marian Medical Center, according to a press release from the city of Santa…
Recent storms swamp Oceano
Seasonal flooding is nothing new in Oceano. This past December’s record-breaking rainfall, however, caused some serious damage. On top of the severe storms and flooding, the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District’s treatment plant was overwhelmed, sending hundreds of thousands of gallons—maybe as much as a million gallons—of sewage into the surrounding area. San…
Krider is in the (out) house
Like it or not, if you’re a mom, it is your automatically assigned duty to become the household doctor when anyone in the house gets sick. When the car breaks down, call Dad. When a kid projectile vomits, that’s Mom’s problem. In most cases, moms aren’t actual doctors, and therefore they have never received any…
Vandenberg hosts luncheon
The state of Vandenberg Air Force Base will be the topic of a joint luncheon by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 14. The event’s guest speaker will be Col. Richard Boltz, commander of the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg. Boltz will provide a review of…
CBSM awarded four-star rating
Community Bank of Santa Maria received four stars in the most recent Star Ratings report issued by BauerFinancial, Inc., an independent firm that reports on the financial condition of the nation’s bank and credit unions. Bauer categorized CBSM as “excellent” using the company’s five-star rating system. It was the highest rating of any bank based…
American Perspective goes mobile
American Perspective Bank in Santa Maria is now offering a mobile banking service, allowing customers to check their balances, transfer funds, and view recent transactions using their smartphones. Bank customers can enroll in the program through the bank’s online system, and must activate the system by signing a form in the branch office. Once enrolled,…
Grant goes to Growing Grounds
The Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation awarded Transitions-Mental Health Association with a $20,000 grant to help support Growing Grounds Farm in Santa Maria. The Foundation has funded the Farm each year since 2007. The grant will go toward growing food, paying worker’s wages, and distributing vegetable seedlings and herb plants to low-income neighborhoods. Transitions-Mental Health Association…
Learn online
Want to go to college but don’t have time to commute or sit in classrooms? According to Allan Hancock College officials, the school’s online classes “offer flexibility in scheduling to accommodate work, family, and/or transportation constraints.” Hancock offers weekend and Fast Track classes that last eight weeks or as short as one or two days,…
Driveways are dangerous
According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, a driveway is one of the most dangerous spots in the neighborhood. Thousands of children nationwide are injured or killed by driveway accidents, especially during hectic times and other family gatherings. “Driveway accidents happen [nationally] about 2,000 times per year. And children die as a result of…
If you have a pet, make time to care for it
I wish to thank all the people who phoned me regarding the two dogs who were orphaned when their owner was killed on Highway 154. Due to their concern, I want them to know that these two precious dogs have been placed in exceptional homes. If only all dogs could be so fortunate. Pets need…
What’s next, Cash for Geezers?
On my drive home yesterday, an advertisement over my car radio told me how much the Cancer Society needed old cars donated to help them fight cancer. Then I remembered watching the Youtube video where cars were turned in for the government program called “Cash for Clunkers.” They took in cars, some better than mine,…
On steak and parking
Congratulations to the Far Western. It will be convenient to have a great steak house of this caliber in Old Orcutt. I do plan to patronize it when it opens; it’s in walking distance. Parking will not be a problem for me. However, parking is a concern that needs to be addressed now. Greed for…
Be thankful for government regulations
I frequently travel the breadth of Santa Barbara County on highway 166, from the Santa Maria Valley to the Cuyama Valley, and I am always struck by the immense diversity of this road trip and the beauty that makes our county what it is, a wonderful place to live, from the rolling, sometimes green or…
Brianna Alvarez
January is a cold month. It’s not quite summertime yet. Heck, it’s not even spring. But softball season doesn’t end for Brianna Alvarez. The local eighth grader plays year round—or at least stays sharp year round. “For softball, I practice every Sunday for two hours, and we have batting once a week,” she said. “I’ve…
The Bleacher Bum Chronicles, Vol. X
The end for “The Iceman” finally came on a winter’s eve in Las Vegas. After months of rumors and speculation, and just days after celebrating his 41st birthday, Chuck Liddell officially pronounced his professional mixed martial arts career over at a press conference for Ultimate Fighting Championship 125 on Dec. 29. Since he’s recently engaged,…
Lakeview ladies take crown
Lakeview Junior High School’s eighth grade girls’ basketball team took home first place honors in Valley Christian Academy’s 2010 Holiday Basketball Tournament, held Dec. 27 through 29. The girls defeated Saint Mary’s and VCA’s eighth grade teams, before topping West Coast X-treme’s seventh and eighth grade team in the championship game. Sports Shorts is compiled…
Soccer stars start here
Are you goal oriented? The Santa Maria Valley YMCA is currently registering youth and adults for arena soccer, welcoming all levels of competitors. The deadline to register in the men’s, women’s, or co-ed adult leagues is Jan. 14. Youth must register by Jan. 26. Financial assistance is available. For more information, call the Y at…
Hear the valley
Dr. Dennis Shepard will be the featured speaker as part of The Valley Speaks series in Santa Maria. Shepard was born and raised in Oregon before settling in Santa Maria and becoming known locally for his altruism and ophthalmology practice. His background is legendary, having once served with the famed Dr. Tom Dooley in evacuating…
From technical to abstract
[image-2] Doyle Burkey has always had an eye for details, which served him well during his time as a technical illustrator. He spent 35 years in the aerospace industry performing work to specifications, but the job never entirely satisfied him. Burkey knew that one day he’d explore his more creative side, a side not dictated…
The year in eats
As 2010 drifts away on a tide of rain, a recap of yesterday’s news evokes tasty memories of a year-gone-by. Here in the Eats column, we’ve learned cooking skills, explored farm-fresh ingredients, and sampled the fare at local eateries. We’ve dabbled in wine and art, planned wine country excursions, and kept up with the latest…
CLUBS & MEETINGS
@font-face { font-family: “Arial”; }@font-face { font-family: “Geneva”; }@font-face { font-family: “Lucida Grande”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanDLigCon”; }@font-face { font-family: “ZapfDingbatsITC”; }@font-face { font-family: “Times-Roman”; }@font-face { font-family: “SimSun”; }@font-face { font-family: “Mangal”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in…
Spiritual
@font-face { font-family: “Arial”; }@font-face { font-family: “Geneva”; }@font-face { font-family: “Lucida Grande”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanDLigCon”; }@font-face { font-family: “ZapfDingbatsITC”; }@font-face { font-family: “Times-Roman”; }@font-face { font-family: “SimSun”; }@font-face { font-family: “Mangal”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in…
Farmers Markets
@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } 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…
Barbecues
@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } 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,…
Health
@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION offers Mental Health First Aid Training Jan. 10, 13, and 14 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Mental Health Association, 617 Garden St., Santa Barbara.…
Art
@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } COFFEE AND COMPANY The art of children in the Santa Maria Valley Boys and Girls Club program shows for the month of January., Coffee…
Learning
@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES offers orientations for its Self-Employment Training classes Jan. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m., Jan. 14, 19, and 20 from noon to 1 p.m. More…
Recreation
@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } MEGA HOLIDAY ICE SKATING features a real outdoor ice rink with skates to rent, music, and holiday ambiance through Jan. 9 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Santa Maria…
Kids & Family
@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-Regu”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } THE COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION and the Boys and Girls Club present a healthy snack program for kids from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. through June…
Dance Lessons
ADULT TAP DANCE classes taught by Jason Sumabat are Sundays beginning Jan. 9from 2 to 3 p.m., Dellos Dance Studio, 1229 Grande Ave., Arroyo Grande. $15 per class, $50 per month. More info: maryfahey@att.net. ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and…
Stage
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents actor Duffy Hudson and his one-man show as Edgar Allan Poe in The Shadow of the Raven Jan. 13 at 7 p.m., Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. More info: 925-0994, Ext. 117, dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us, ci.santa-maria.ca.us. Worth The Drive MURDER IN MIND PRODUCTIONS presents its interactive…
Night Life
@font-face { font-family: “Arial”; }@font-face { font-family: “Geneva”; }@font-face { font-family: “Lucida Grande”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanDLigCon”; }@font-face { font-family: “ZapfDingbatsITC”; }@font-face { font-family: “Times-Roman”; }@font-face { font-family: “SimSun”; }@font-face { font-family: “Mangal”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacExte”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal,…
Concerts
@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } VIVA EL ARTE DE SANTA BARBARA presents the 11-member Mariachi Mujer 2000 performing in concert Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio…
Special Events
@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } THE LOMPOC MUSEUM is raffling off a custom vintage style quilt in benefit of the museum’s Stone Pine Hall Building Fund with tickets on…
