Cover Story
Seeds of hope
It was easy to be overwhelmed. The ocean of color stretched literally to the horizon: purples, whites, reds, yellows, pinks—some in solid swaths, others jumbled together in a firework display. People came from all over the world to see the flower fields of Lompoc. Today, people still come, but they have to search a bit…
What do you think should be done about the Gulf oil spill?
Eric and Kristine Vogel boilermaker/administration “It should be cleaned up. We’ve got to cap it.” Diane Abbott Realtor “They should have input from the best scientists and the best of everyone who would like to help.” Pamela Alfaro owner, Pamela’s Embroidery Service “I wish that they would go there right now and dig another well…
Political Watch 07.15
Hilda Zacarías, the sole Democratic candidate for the 33rd State Assembly District seat, recently announced that she’s received endorsements from four former San Luis Obispo County supervisors: Shirley Bianchi, David Blakely, Evelyn Delaney, and Bud Laurent. “I am humbled by the growing momentum for our campaign to change Sacramento,” Zacarías said in a release to…
Community Notebook 07.15
FRIDAY, JULY 16 • The Santa Maria City/County Coalition for the Homeless has its regular meeting from 10 a.m. to noon at the Betteravia Government Center conference room, 511 East Lakeside Parkway. • The Lompoc City/County Coalition for the Homeless has its regular meeting from noon to 1 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors…
Hobnobbing with Helen
It was the night of “The Big Musical!” Big musical sounds certainly came from the Maestro Brass, a group of five retired teachers, under the direction of Gary Thompson. They entertained at Community Partners in Caring’s (CPC) 10th annual Clergy Waiters night at the Radisson Hotel on Saturday evening, June 26. More big sounds came…
Money to make the county greener
The Santa Barbara County energy conservation program, emPowerSBC, recently received a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The program aims to provide low-interest loans to homeowners trying to make their homes more environmentally friendly and finances related projects—think installing solar panels or new insulation. It also encourages people to make their homes…
California Space Center is go for launch
It’s hard to picture, but in less than a decade, an abandoned mobile-home park on Vandenberg Air Force Base property will transform into a massive visitors’ complex, celebrating the state’s space enterprise. The California Space Center, a 71-acre project conceived by the Santa Maria-based nonprofit California Space Authority, is now blasting headlong toward reality after…
Agribusiness as usual?
Few, if any, people left the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors June budget hearings with smiles on their faces. While the supervisors did scrape together about $5 million to pad the county’s strategic reserve, they still had to make more than $15 million in cuts to balance the 2010-11 budget. Since then, confusion over…
Let the campaigning begin
Ever thought of becoming a public servant? The Santa Maria City Clerk’s office is busy preparing for the Nov. 2 general election, through which voters will elect two members of the City Council. People interested in running for office must be at least 18 years old and a registered voter in the city of Santa…
Multi-agency drug ring investigation ends with arrests
After four months of stake outs and information gathering, a team of local and federal law enforcement officials broke up what it calls a “sophisticated drug trafficking ring” that spanned three counties. On July 2, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit—with help from the Santa Maria Police Department, San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department, and…
Methyl iodide generates buzz at the state level
California officials have received a record number of public comments regarding the use of methyl iodide, a controversial pesticide that could be used by the state’s strawberry and flower growers. In a recent interview with the Sun, Department of Pesticide Regulation spokesperson Lea Brooks said her office is in the midst of reviewing more than…
Close call
On July 11, while driving to back up another officer chasing a burglary suspect, a Santa Maria Police Department officer crashed his cruiser into a tree in a center median near the 100 Block of North Broadway. The officer was transported via ambulance to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara with serious injuries. As of press…
Local school district mourns one leader, searches for another
The Santa Maria-Bonita School District is now accepting applications from the public to fill the Board of Education seat formerly held by Ken Milo, a longtime district advocate who died in June. Milo had two years left of his four-year board term when he passed away. Applications for the position must be submitted to the…
Foodbank tour featured at meeting
The Santa Maria Manufacturers Association, a group promoting local industry and economic development, will hold its next monthly meeting at the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County on July 27. Foodbank Executive Director Erik Talkin and Director of Operations Kathy Hayes will be the featured speakers at the event, which includes a factory tour. The meeting…
Can you hear me now?
Santa Maria-area Verizon Wireless customers may be noticing an improvement in service thanks to a new cell site the company recently activated near Pioneer Valley High School and Marian Medical Center. According to Verizon, the added capacity means the network can carry more calls, e-mails, and text and picture messages, and offer its customers more…
Nominate an Impact player
From now until July 30, the Central Coast Community Impact Awards Selection Committee will be taking nominations for its third annual awards competition. Nonprofit radio stations K-LIFE 89.3 FM and 890 AM established the awards to honor individuals and organizations who advance the quality of life on the Central Coast. Awards will be handed out…
Santa Maria storage complex sells
Barker Pacific Group, a Los Angeles-based real estate developer, recently announced the acquisition of A-American Self Storage in Santa Maria for $4.5 million. The developer bought the property from A-American/Santa Maria Storage Partners through its affiliate Union Development Company. The site, located at 401 Farnel Road, boasts 849 storage units and 99 RV-parking spaces on…
Hancock gets thumbs up from an accreditation team
Allan Hancock College officials received word from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges earlier this month: Reaffirmation of the school’s accreditation was approved. Every six years, California community colleges undergo a self-study and accreditation reaffirmation process that includes a visit from a team of peer evaluators on behalf of the association’s Accrediting Commission for…
Kids discover the importance of safety
Beginning Aug. 2, the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum will be host to a weeklong program called Safety Town, aiming to teach children ages 4 to 6 commonsense safety tips, ranging from learning not to touch the stove to how to recognize a police officer. Members of the police and fire departments, as well as…
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
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH is located at 1000 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. “Jazz Devine” presents a new jazz worship service on July 11 at 6 p.m. at the church. Info: 735-3769 or ghmoran@yahoo.com. 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:…
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…
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
SANSUM CLINIC presents “Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Nutrition” class July 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. The clinic is located at 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Info: 737-8700. THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION presents an “Exercise Program” for those fifty years and older Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. through…
Art
JILL TARGER displays her artwork at the Santa Barbara County Fair through July 18 at the Santa Maria Fairpark, Thornburg, Santa Maria. Info: 937-3290. 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. Info: 736-0489…
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 paper making workshop July 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. and July 17 in the morning 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
MAD SCIENCE SUMMER CAMPS happen at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, 705 S. McClelland in Santa Maria, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Join “Crazy Chemworks Camp” July 19 through 23, “NASA” again July 26 through 30, and “Chemworks” again Aug. 2 through 6. Only 25 students, ages 6 through 12,…
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 West Side Story, directed and choreographed by Michael Jenkinson, through July 25 at Marian Theatre at Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, in 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…
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
CAFE NOIR presents Bryant Chappell in concert on July 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Café Noir, 1555 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 361-0402. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART presents a Free Summer Concert Series featuring ensembles from the Music Academy of the West July 15, 22, 29,…
Special Events
A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIXER is hosted by Santa Maria Phone and Wireless on July 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the store, 700 E. Main St., Santa Maria. Info: 346-8900 or info@phoneandwireless.com. THE BENT AXLES present the 30th annual Bent Axle Car Show featuring more than 200 cars on July 17 from 9…
Music to your ears
The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society announced its 10th anniversary season, offering four concerts with highly regarded music director John Farrer, who brings to the stage internationally recognized virtuoso soloists. The season opens on Sept. 25 with guest soloist Bonnie Bogle Farrer performing Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor. In November, the orchestra will…
Solve a mystery
Celebrate the release of Sherlock Academy Book 2: Watson’s Case, by F.C. Shaw, with a book signing event and mystery activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 31 at Toy Zoo. A Santa Maria resident, Shaw is also a teacher at local schools. Enjoy thumbprint bookmarks, decoder rings, a scavenger hunt, prizes, and…
Summertime fair fun
Brandi and Greg Glenn—owners of Sandscapes, a company that creates sand sculptures—make their living shaping the tiny grains. But it was that very medium that shaped their lives first. Brandi was 19 and managing a store in Santa Monica when she met Greg. He was creating a sand sculpture in front of her store; she…
Roll over, Shakespeare
When Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, and Stephen Sondheim met up, they wanted to see if they could bring their “acts together and do a work on the popular stage,” as choreographer Robbins said. The end result was a Broadway masterpiece, an American Romeo and Juliet, a great American Opera. Today, more than 50…
Hannah Diaz
Sure, there’s no “I” in team, but every tribe must have a chief. For the Indians II, Santa Maria’s 12 and Under Girls’ All-Star softball team, it’s starting pitcher Hannah Diaz, a fixture of the team’s run to the Amateur Softball Association’s Nationals tournament. The Indians’ No. 1 hurler, Diaz has played softball since the…
The Bleacher Bum Chronicles VI
Recession? What recession? July 4 may have been Independence Day in America, but the real independence day for professional basketball players came on July 8, the first day NBA free agents could sign new contracts. And man, did they get paid. Carlos Boozer bid adios to Utah for (my kind of town) Chicago, reportedly raking…
Santa Maria Girls softball team needs donations
The Santa Maria Girls All-Stars 12U Indians II team is representing Santa Maria in the Amateur Softball Association Nationals tournament in New Mexico on Aug. 2 and needs the community’s help to get there. The team estimates each of its 13 players needs to raise at least $1,000 to cover traveling, uniforms, and hotel and…
Sharpen skills with summer soccer
The World Cup may be over, but Catalyst Soccer and Cal Poly Mustang Soccer are celebrating the international competition all summer long with weeklong children’s soccer camps in Orcutt and Santa Maria. The camps are directed by coaches and players of the nationally recognized Cal Poly Mustang Men’s and Women’s Soccer Programs and are divided…
Thanks, but still, what does illegal immigration cost?
Thank you for a somewhat balanced, lighthearted approach to what is a very difficult issue (“¿Cuanto cuesta?” June 24). Most articles I read take one side and ignore all the issues on the opposite side. The last six months or so I have been trying to become more informed regarding this issue. One thing I…
Cars don’t fit in the dune view
During my first week here in California, I have been taken by its striking beauty. I had no doubt it would live up to its majestic reputation, but I had no idea that the mountains, always looming in sight, would provide such a spiritual, if you will, backdrop. We made our way up through southern…
Obama hates how great America is
America’s economy is under siege by unemployment, housing, Afghanistan, illegal immigration, and a $13 trillion debt, and all Obama does is spend money, spew rhetoric, blame Bush, sue BP, and start a civil war in Arizona. His ratings are plunging, 62 percent of the people think the country’s going the wrong direction, and even his…
Our pesticide methodology stands
I read with interest your article on the pesticide drift study in Sisquoc (“A better alternative?” June 24)—in particular, the quote from Lea Brooks at the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) calling into question the validity of the sampling methods used: “When [DPR] and Air Resources Board conduct monitoring, we follow U.S. EPA protocols,” she…
Don’t bash immigrants
Regarding your story “¿Cuanto cuesta?” (June 24): I wonder how many of your readers will consider the root cause of illegal immigration: the failure of source countries to provide their citizens with education, job opportunities, social services, and civil rights. We demonize poor people who risk their lives and leave their families for an insecure…
Sip at the symposium
Often taking a back seat to flirty Pinot Noirs and roguish Rhone varieties, Chardonnay nevertheless persists as a worthy partner for food and fun. Golden, gorgeous, and capable of displaying tremendous stylistic differences, it remains one of the world’s most popular wines. Santa Barbara County vintners, in concert with the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country…
