Cover Story
Less is more
Each year, the Santa Maria Sun joins New Times in staging the celebration of brevity that is 55 Fiction. The papers’ founder, Steve Moss, invented the pointedly devilish contest years ago, inviting writers from around the Central Coast—and world!—to pen tidy little tales that wrap up in less than 56 words. Four staff judges rated…
What are your plans for the 4th of July?
Pat Sparrow minister “I am going to a local picnic and fireworks.” Alice McGonmigal Arroyo Grande Symphony and Santa Maria Philharmonic musician “I am a musician and will be participating in a musical ensemble playing marches and other songs for the flag.” Patti Bracamonte accounts payable “Going to Pismo Beach.” Nathan Lipscomb retired “We stay…
Political Watch 07.01
Get out the American flags and tea bags, Santa Maria Valley Republicans, Inc., and the Santa Barbara County Republican Central Committee are hosting a 4th of July Tea Party celebrating “One Nation Under God,” the organizations announced in a press release earlier this month. The party will be held on July 3 from noon to…
Community Notebook 07.01
TUESDAY, JULY 6 • 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…
Hobnobbing with Helen
Wow! I have never seen as many wine and beer vendors at one fundraiser as I did on Saturday afternoon, June 19, at St. Joseph’s seventh annual Knights, Wines, and Roses event. More than 30 wineries and breweries were on hand to pour their libations. I’m guessing that everyone had his or her choice of…
Local hospital talent offers ease of mind
With the recent addition of a new doctor for an Intensive Center and Critical Care Unit, and a nurse who has passed the Certified Breast Care Nurse examination, Central Coast hospitals are proving themselves to be a place of refuge for the ill. Dr. Robert Hinds will now be working at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital…
Not quite ‘safe and sane’
“John” leans toward the tube with a lighter. Flick, flick, flick. Nothing. “This is why we use punks,” he mutters under his breath. After the sixth or seventh try, the fuse lights and John comes sprinting back across the street with a maniacal grin on his face. With a not-so-muffled thump, the shell shoots upward.…
Heroes in the sky
Believe it or not: There are flying ambulances on the Central Coast. For the past eight years, California Shock/Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) has been operating an air ambulance service out of the Santa Maria Airport. The company uses fully equipped medical helicopters and one fixed-wing airplane to treat and transport critically ill, injured, and pediatric…
Correction
The Sun misspelled a Spanish word in the headline of its June 24 cover story, which should have read, “¿Cuanto cuesta?”
Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society bites back
On June 19, former volunteers of the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society held a protest rally in Buellton to voice their concerns with shelter staff, the shelter’s euthanization policy, the discontinuation of the dog volunteer program, and how the shelter’s run in general. In a statement detailing the shelter’s response, Laurie Owens, the president of…
Close, but no cigar
In the June 22 primary for the 15th District California Senate seat, San Luis Obispo Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee garnered the most votes in the district—which spans SLO, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Monterey, and Santa Cruz counties—but not enough to avoid an Aug. 17 runoff. With thousands of uncounted ballots and a paper-thin margin between Blakeslee…
Report: Pesticide drift recorded in Sisquoc exceeds regulatory standards
On June 22, Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) released results of an air-monitoring study performed by Sisquoc residents documenting high levels of pesticide drift during and after fumigation of strawberry crops. The report, titled Poison Gases in the Field, presented the findings of a study conducted in April 2008. Over 19 days, two Sisquoc…
Search for missing firefighter suspended
After five days of scouring the Santa Barbara County coastline, authorities have suspended the search for missing Vandenberg Air Force Base firefighter Sean Fleming. “Our condolences go out to Sean’s family and friends,” 30th Space Wing commander Col. Richard Boltz said in a press release on June 25. “Team Vandenberg will continue to support them…
Wine competition winners announced
The Central Coast Wine Competition announced the results of its 2010 vintners’ contest on June 17, with Santa Barbara County wineries taking home many of the top prizes. Local winning labels included Santa Maria’s Rancho Sisquoc for Best of Merlot and Best of Super Tuscan Red, Santa Ynez’s Quail Crossing for Best of Pinot Grigio,…
Health Club opens for business
Western Village Health Club, a 47,000-square-foot fitness center in Santa Maria, is now open to help residents get into summer beach shape. The new health club offers more than 150 pieces of cardio equipment, an indoor pool, steam rooms, a whirlpool, saunas, a women’s workout area, certified personal trainers, and a group exercise department. New…
Chiropractor thanks vets in July
Local chiropractor Fred Carbone would like to honor the sacrifices of Santa Maria-area veterans throughout July with an Independence Celebration at his practice, Aloha Family Chiropractic. All month long, Santa Maria vets and active duty personnel will qualify for a free health and wellness checkup. Carbone specializes in spinal correction and family wellness care and…
Women’s Network ropes in blue ribbon
Yeehaw! The Santa Maria Women’s Network took the bull by the horns and nabbed the top prize at the Chamber of Commerce’s “Big Corral Trade Show,” held at the Fairpark on June 17. Decked out in western wear, booth representatives greeted all comers with a cheery welcome by ringing a cowbell. The Network would like…
Learn online with Hancock College
Allan Hancock College is offering more than 180 online classes during its fall semester, the college recently announced. The classes are designed to offer students the flexibility of completing courses at their own pace at home or on campus computers. Both credit and Community Education/Spectrum courses are offered online. Some subjects for credit courses include…
Community Action Commission serves up free meals
Pull up a seat and tuck a napkin under your chin, the Community Action Commission Summer Food Service Program is providing free lunch—and in some cases breakfast—to children who qualify as low-income and who are attending summer youth programs in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Goleta, and Guadalupe. Participating children typically get free or reduced-cost lunches…
Sam Waterman
Anyone who’s said there’s no such thing as a smart jock has obviously never met Sam Waterman. The 8-year-old recently won the Super Bowl of Chess, a regional chess competition held each June on the Central Coast. Competing against other players up to age 14, Waterman won 11 of 12 games, stalemating one, and raking…
Have pizza with the Titans
Want to be a Titan? The Nipomo Titans Youth Football League will conduct a pizza social as part of its football player and cheerleader registration on July 10. Boys and girls ages 8 to 14 are invited, along with their parents, to enjoy free pizza and soda and find out more about joining the Titans…
Walk Guadalupe
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center announced the summer schedule for Guadalupe City Walk and Talk tours. Shirley Boydstun, a Guadalupe Historical Society member and Dunes Center docent, leads walking tours of the city, highlighting its cultural heritage and historical landmarks. The walks are free and will be held the third Saturday of every month, with the…
Crash here, crash often
Ready for a smashing good time? Destruction derby is coming to the Santa Barbara County Fair at the Santa Maria Fairpark on July 17. The event starts at 6 p.m. with preliminary heats, followed by consolation and powder-puff heats, and concluding with the main event heat. General admission is $10, or $15 for box seats,…
Excuse our dust
For once, it was good to get dirty. Nearly 100 BMX riders from all over the state converged at the Santa Maria BMX track on the June 26 weekend, catching air, riding roughshod over jumps, and hightailing it around dusty embankments. The racers were on hand for the track’s biggest event of the year: Santa…
Santa Maria leaders must not care anymore
San Luis Obispo just took a poll to find out how its residents feel about their city. Not surprisingly, 95 percent responded they were very happy where they live. And why shouldn’t they be? My husband and I have visited nearly every square mile of San Luis Obispo over the years and have found it…
We’re not ready for electric cars yet
It is clear that people who make statements like “[electrify] vehicles of all types” or “[create] livable communities where transit, walking, and biking are important” (“Kick the oil habit,” June 17) have no earthly idea what is going on beyond their front doorstep. One trip down any highway in California and you will see hundreds…
Won’t someone sidestep the spinmasters?
So I see this front page headline, “New Times investigates the economics of illegal immigration,” and on the sister publication’s cover of the same week, “Dollars and Deportations” (June 24). Hmmm, I thought, very interesting, maybe someone is going to shed some light on the situation, especially here in Santa Maria. Well, upon reading both…
Enjoy landscapes at Grossman Gallery
Grossman Gallery at the Lompoc Library will feature landscape artist Todd Anderson during July. A reception for the artist will take place on July 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. A plein air painter, Anderson has shown in galleries throughout the state. He’s a graduate of UCSB’s Art Studio Honors Program and has been painting…
Catch a free flick
The Wildling Art Museum will present its Free Friday Flick featuring Saving Luna at 7 p.m. on July 2 at the museum, 2928 San Marcos in Los Olivos. The movie documents a relationship that developed between a young killer whale and the inhabitants of a remote Canadian town. The ultimately tragic drama explores humanity’s stewardship…
Join the star search
The Clark Center Search for the Stars Competition is coming fast: Auditions will be held by appointment on Aug. 21 in the Studio Theatre of the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande. Twenty-two acts will compete in the semifinals to be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 18. The grand prize winner…
Motown comes to the Central Coast
It wasn’t just any night at O’Sullivan’s in Santa Maria; it was the owner’s birthday, so there was a light feeling among the pub crowd. With an Irish name like O’Sullivan’s, it was fitting that they would have a band on the stage performing in the Irish idiom, and it went over perfectly: People were…
Doggie treat
I have to admit I was a little skeptical about whether or not Sylvia would be any good. The Drama Desk Award-winning play puts an unusual twist on the ever-popular plot device of a love triangle between a man and the two women competing for his heart; this time, one of the women is a…
Doggie treat
I have to admit I was a little skeptical about whether or not Sylvia would be any good. The Drama Desk Award-winning play puts an unusual twist on the ever-popular plot device of a love triangle between a man and the two women competing for his heart; this time, one of the women is a…
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. ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS for men meets in San Luis Obispo and Grover Beach. Men interested in attending may contact representatives: 550-6718 or not_moses@fastmail.fm. ALL-AMERICAN QUILTERS’ GUILD meets…
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…
Health
THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION presents an “Exercise Program” for those fifty years and older Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. through Aug. 20 at the Pismo Beach Veterans Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach. Info: 773-7063 or tbeecher@pismobeach.org. THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR BALANCE AND HEALING offers free energy balancing sessions from 11 a.m. to…
Art
THE LOMPOC VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION presents a photography collection by Lynn Andrews titled “Italy, in a Dream” through July 26 at the Cypress Gallery, 119 East Cypress Ave., Lompoc. An opening reception is July 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the gallery. Info: 736-0489 or abkazoo@aol.com. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the “Farm…
Learning
A BEGINNING SEWING CLASS is taught by Linda Todd Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. through July 19. Cost is $40 for four two-hour classes. Info: 922-1784. WORTH THE DRIVE THE C GALLERY presents a prismacolor workshop by Teresa McLean July 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the…
Recreation
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department offers “Free Swim Days” July 25 and Aug. 23 at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, 516 South McClelland, Santa Maria. An Adult Lap Swim is through Aug. 14 and a Recreation Swim is through Aug. 15 both at the Pioneer Valley High School, Santa Maria. THE…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA offers Summer camps including “Itty Bitty” camps through July 2, Sports and Specialty camps through July 2, Teen Xtreme Camp through Aug. 13, Counselor in Training camp through Aug. 13, and Traditional camp through Aug. 13. The Santa Maria Valley YMCA is located at 3400 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Info:…
Dance Lessons
OBON DANCE PRACTICE in preparation for the Obon Festival is Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. ending with the festival July 25 at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 313 W. Tunnell, Santa Maria. ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of Sylvia directed by Patricia M. Troxel through July 3 at the Marian Theatre, Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. Cost is $26.25 through $30. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. THE POETRY SOCIETY OF SANTA MARIA invites all to read poetry, sing songs, or just express themselves every…
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…
Concerts
CELEBRATE RECOVERY presents a free concert by Grammy- and Dove-award-winning artist Brian Duncan on July 3 at 7 p.m. at the Church for Life, 3130 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 406-3293. WORTH THE DRIVE BLUEGRASS WEST presents a concert featuring Peter Feldman, Tom Lee, and David West—who make up Triple Play Bluegrass—on July…
Special Events
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Free Movie Nights @ the Library” featuring a screening of National Treasure July 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Shepard Hall, Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117 or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria@ca.us. LOMPOC’S ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS come to Lompoc High School’s…
Lift a glass to the flag–and more
Red, white, and rosé may not match the colors in Old Glory, but they come close to a patriotic standard for liquid refreshment. And as Independence Day nears, Santa Barbara County wineries stand ready to celebrate with time-honored traditions of fun, food, and flags a’wavin’. Actually, some robust reds, such as the Rideau Vineyard Petite…
