Cover Story
The short and the short of it
Each year, hundreds of writers from around the Central Coast, state, country, and world roll up their sleeves and start writing. They click on keyboards. They scratch pens on paper. They hammer away at typewriters. Then, they submit their tiny literary endeavors to the annual 55 Fiction contest, started years ago by founder Steve Moss…
Should Neverland be made into a museum like Graceland?
Nolan Kruse student “Yeah, because Elvis was the King of Rock and Michael Jackson was the King of Pop.” Dillian F. maintenance and construction worker “No, it should be made into an amusement park because it already has most of the attractions and MJ would have wanted it that way.” Shaun Neer unemployed “No. Don’t…
Political Watch 7-2
• In an effort to improve children’s access to quality primary health services, Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-California), along with Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-California), and Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Michigan), introduced the School-Based Health Clinic Establishment Act of 2009. If passed, the legislation would provide primary health care services to medically…
Community Notebook 7-2
TUESDAY, JULY 7 • 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 bos-agenda.sbcgov.net. • The Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office…
Hobnobbing with Helen
The Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County, a collaborative female philanthropy group, held its second annual Presentation Reception from 3 to 5 p.m. on June 25 at the Santa Maria Inn. This was North County Movers and Shakers Central. About 70 community leaders and dynamos filled the Garden Room and enjoyed a lovely spread…
Santa Barbara supervisors go solar
Santa Barbara County residents will have an easier time harnessing the power of the sun thanks to new initiatives from the county Board of Supervisors. The board recently voted 5-0 to direct staffers to work on an Energy Efficiency Improvement Financing Program and to streamline the permitting process for residents who want to install rooftop…
Marian exceeds patients’ expectations
In a surprise win, Marian Medical Center was recently named an Exceeding Patient Expectations Award winner by Avatar International Inc., a leading healthcare research and consulting company. “We weren’t really expecting to win,” Marian Medical Center communication’s specialist Jessa Squellati said. “So that makes it even more exciting.” Avatar International’s Exceeding Patient Expectations Award is…
Helping hand
Mirroring a parable straight out of the Good Book, the Santa Barbara Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to Santa Maria’s Good Samaritan Services Inc. The money, Good Samaritan Executive Director Sylvia Barnard said, could not have come at a more crucial time. For more than two decades, Good Samaritan has helped shelter, feed, and…
Bookworms, beware
Don’t think what you read is your own private business, because it’s not: The FBI, without any judicial review, can take your library records and gag librarians from revealing their visit. At least the Black Gold Cooperative Library System—the consortium of public book lenders throughout San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties—gives patrons fair…
Local nonprofit offers bill-paying assistance
Need help paying your bills? On July 16 and 30, the Community Action Commission’s Santa Maria office will hold a special event for qualified low-income families living in Santa Maria and the surrounding areas. People who meet income requirements might be able to receive a free utility payment. The Community Action Commission’s Energy Services Program…
Minuteman III soars without a hitch
On June 29, Vandenberg Air Force Base successfully launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch was an operational test to verify the weapon system’s reliability and accuracy, according an announcement from the base. The missile carried three unarmed re-entry vehicles more than 4,000 miles at speeds in excess of 24,000 mph to…
City of Santa Maria opens valley’s first regional open space park
Northern Santa Barbara County residents, grab your hiking boots and pack a picnic lunch: You now have access to Los Flores Ranch Park, an almost 2,000-acre open space area where you can hike, bike, or ride horseback. The park—a rolling expanse of golden hills peppered with oak trees—is located at 6271 Dominion Road, about eight…
Learn from afar through classes at Allan Hancock College
Want to go to college but can’t make it to campus? This fall, Allan Hancock College will offer 178 distance learning classes, all taught over the Internet, or using video, DVD, or live video streaming. Enrollment in the college’s distance learning classes has increased dramatically over the last several years, according to a press release…
Local Women for Agriculture chapter supports future aggies
The Santa Maria chapter of California Women for Agriculture celebrated agriculture in education on June 24 during its annual scholarship banquet. This year, the chapter awarded scholarships totaling $7,500 to eight students, all of whom are bound for or studying at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Scholarships are bestowed on students with ag-based career…
Old Town gets older
Orcutt’s first ever antique and collectibles show will take place July 18 in the Old Town Market parking lot from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free to attend and is being sponsored by a dozen local antique dealers who’ll be on hand to show off their furniture, linens, glassware, jewelry and fine…
WEV secures a $25K grant
On June 10, Women’s Economic Ventures announced that the group has received a $25,000 grant from the Citi Foundation. The group said the funds would go toward supporting WEV’s Small Business Loan Fund, which provides loans to pre-bankable micro-enterprises. Citi and the Citi Foundation have supported Women’s Economic Ventures since 2002 through corporate sponsorship and…
It’s burger time
Burger lovers burnt out on Mickey D’s have a reason to visit the Santa Maria Town Center: Deckers Burgers, recently opened upstairs near Macy’s, is a throwback to pre-corporate restaurants. Its signature burger features fresh ground beef served on a crisp Kaiser bun with premium cheese and a special creamy “Deckers’ Sauce.” With the help…
Businesses get fair employment advice
Business owners are invited to attend a July 14 meeting by the Human Resources Association of the Central Coast to learn more about how the Department of Fair Housing and Employment investigates complaints. In honor of the Fair Employment and Housing Act’s 50th anniversary, Mary Bonilla will speak on the department’s complaint process, what…
Cor blimy! I’m married to a Brit!
The Fourth of July has special significance at my house. That’s because I am married to an English gentleman who, although he arrived in the United States in the 1960s and became a naturalized citizen, continues to live the lifestyle of a true Brit. While I run about draping the porch in American flags, he…
Tennis tourney comes to Santa Maria Country Club
More than 100 of the best young tennis players from all over the state will head to Santa Maria Country Club to take part in the 23rd annual Grand Prix Junior Tournament July 4 to 6. Boys and girls ages 10 to 18 will vie for $5,000 cash and trophies during the weekend event, which…
Test your might at Tri-the-Bull
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department invites athletes and community members of all fitness levels to test their endurance at the inaugural “Tri-the Bull” Triathlon on Aug. 8. The event consists of a quarter-mile swim, 10-mile bike ride, and a three-mile run. The cost to enter is $40 per person or $105 for a…
Vendetta Pro Wrestling makes a sizzling debut
Independent wrestling slams into Santa Maria with Vendetta Pro Wrestling’s debut show, Summer Sizzle, at Edwards Community Center, 809 Panther Drive, on July 11. The main event of the night features former World Wrestling Entertainment star U-Gene taking on former Playgirl model and Chippendale dancer “Sexy” Sean Casey. In the other featured match, former WWE…
The Bleacher Bum Chronicles, Vol. 2
Summer is officially here—the beaches are packed with tourists and college kids on break, the weather is heating up like a secret Argentinean tryst, and the Boys of Summer are back in full swing. I’m talkin’ baseball. Not Willie, Mickey, and the Duke exactly, but Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Barring any unforeseen…
Ginger
Some athletes strive for glory. Others perform for the pride. Ginger does it all for the doggie biscuits. The 12-year-old silky terrier, also known as “Sparkie,” took home the blue ribbon in the Best Tricks event at Waller Park’s 17th annual Woofstock on June 27. Her routine included lying down, crawling, standing, and jumping into…
Once upon a time in Santa Maria …
The Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s 2009 Summer Fairy Tales productions are The Wizard of Oz and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, directed by Johannes S. Beals. The performances are free and intended by the Civic Theatre to introduce theater to children, creating a life-long love of live theater. Performances will be on July 11,…
Do your civic duty on stage
Santa Maria Civic Theatre will soon be holding auditions for the first play of its 2009-2010 season: the wild farce Love, Sex, and the I.R.S., written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, and directed by Johannes S. Beal. Auditions will be held on July 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. at 1660 N. McClelland…
Gallery seeks volunteers
The Town Center Gallery has announced its grand opening reception, set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 17 at the gallery’s new location, 321 Town Center West B-6. Regular gallery hours will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The gallery is seeking volunteers…
Speaking Greek
His music has given gravity to daytime dramas, triumph to Olympic athletes, and joy to Miss Universe pageant contestants. On July 10, Chris Spheeris’ music will give money to animals, when he comes to Roblar Winery as part of a benefit for the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society. Spheeris combines influences from classic composers like…
Abstract thoughts
A walk through the C Gallery in Los Alamos these days is a journey through twisted metal and glass. It’s a study of sharp edges, steely reflections, and cold, hard lines—but it also demonstrates great fragility, warm color, and, at times, a delicacy as fine as lace. The gallery’s latest exhibition, Abstract Journey, is an…
Clubs & 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…
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 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 vegetables.…
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
MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meets the first Monday of each month this year from 4 to 6 p.m. at the hospital. A “Healthy for Life Nutrition Workshop” meets for classes July 7 and 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A “Managing Your Stress” class is July 8…
Art
THE TOWN CENTER GALLERY opens again, featuring art created by locals at the gallery’s new location, Town Center West B-6 in Santa Maria. An opening reception and grand opening party is July 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery. Info: 349-7303 or bangel4123@aol.com. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents The World of Aquamedia…
Learning
LUCIA MAR ADULT EDUCATION offers a variety of classes through the summer. Registration and class info is available at lmusd.org or 474-3900. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA CONTEMPORARY ARTS FORUM presents a forum lounge event, “An Evening with Marnie Weber,” on July 2 at 7 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, 653…
Recreation
THE LOMPOC POLICE DEPARTMENT offers a basketball camp Tuesdays and Wednesdays through July 29 at the Lompoc Boys and Girls Club, 1025 Ocean, Lompoc. Info: 875-8152 or 875-8158. A summer golf program is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 19 at Ryon Park, at the Village Country Club, Lompoc. Info: 875-8155 or lompocpal.com. THE CITY…
Kids & Family
THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH presents a Vacation Bible School titled “Rome!” for kids in grades one through six July 6 through 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the church, 925 North F St., Lompoc. Info: 736-1271. THE PISMO BEACH YOUTH THEATER presents a musical theater production class for kids, featuring a production of…
Dance Lessons
THE EVERYBODY CAN DANCE BALLET STUDIO presents Summer Dance, featuring jazz, modern, character, ballet, and pointe classes for ages 8 through 14 through July 10 for Session II, and Session III Aug. 10 through 28, all from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Everybody Can Dance studio, 800 S. Broadway, Santa…
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 CLUB 805, AKA STINKY’S BAR & GRILL: 2430 South Broadway, 614-9316. DJ Davey D Saturday nights. THE COACHMAN: 1531 S. Broadway, 922-5556. Thursday through Saturday: DJ from 9 p.m. to…
Concerts
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CENTRAL COAST CYCLING CLASSIC presents Concerts in the Plaza, featuring Gruvething and Tres Gatos on July 3, starting at 4:30 p.m. in Mission Plaza in downtown SLO. Info: downtownslo.com. MERRELL FANKHAUSER presents a live concert featuring the Tiki Lounge Dancers on July 3 at 8 p.m. at the Grange Hall, 2880…
Special Events
4TH OF JULY SPECTACULAR begins when the gates at Lompoc High School’s Huyck Stadium open at 6 p.m. to reveal food and entertainment on July 4. A fireworks show begins at dusk. Tickets cost $4 pre-sale, or $6 at the gate. Children’s admission is $2 pre-sale, or $4 at the gate. Info: 875-8100. FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR…
Patriotic bounty
Every year, we celebrate our nation’s birthday with hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecued tri-tip, and potatoes prepared a half-dozen different ways. This Fourth of July, daring foodies might want to shake up the old-school menu a bit by including a array of red, white, and—yes—blue foods. With banners flying, bunting flapping, and all the hues of…
