Cover Story
Welcome to Nerd-dom
It’s 7:30 a.m. I’m zooming down the freeway, Glee soundtrack blaring, toward Geek Mecca—a.k.a. the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con International—and already I’m getting a preview of the bountiful treasures to come: To my left looms a giant billboard of femme fatal Angelina Jolie, whose new movie Salt premiered the night before in theaters. Coming up…
What’s your kryptonite?
Jennifer Olmsted on maternity leave “Since I’m nine months pregnant, my belly has been my kryptonite for the past four months.” Kevin Hunt clerk “Soda, because I can’t stop drinking it.” Randall Simpson II delivery driver “My son, Randall III.” Gary Shaw tax preparer “Work, when I’d rather ride my bike or play my harmonica.”
Political Watch 07.29
Vendors doing business with the state of California—but who haven’t been paid yet because of the lack of a state budget—can now request an extension to file sales, use tax returns, and make tax payments, the California State Board of Equalization announced earlier this month. Businesses must make an extension request in writing and mail…
Community Notebook 07.29
TUESDAY, AUG. 3 • 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
Such excitement! The long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony for the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society’s new, $3 million animal care facility occurred on Thursday morning, July 22, on Stowell Road. Humane Society board president Bo Cudd shouted “Yes!” and gave an emphatic thumb’s up to the onlooking crowd after she, Pam Goble (Humane Society board secretary), and…
D.A.R.E. to be Lazarus?
In Santa Maria, sixth graders usually don’t get much of a graduation ceremony to celebrate their move into the world of junior high school—a crueler place where there isn’t a playground. There’s long been one event, however, that many children looked forward to: their D.A.R.E. graduation at the Elk’s Lodge. The anti-drug program D.A.R.E., which…
Never, Neverland?
Forget Big Sur—how does Neverland Valley Ranch State Park sound? The fairytale-like former estate of deceased pop star Michael Jackson could join the long list of state-maintained wonders if a proposal now in the hands of a state legislator takes flight. Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles), who’s considering presenting it in Sacramento, said the idea…
Two years of achievement
It’s hard to find a job these days. Add a disability to that challenge, and the search for work can be even more difficult. The Achievement House of Santa Maria is celebrating its two-year anniversary of providing training and employment opportunities to disabled locals. Over the past two years, the Achievement House has grown substantially.…
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. 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:…
Farmer’s 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
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
COFFEE AND COMPANY features the art of Andrew Garcia through July at the coffee shop’s Lucman Gallery, 245 Town Center West, Santa Maria. Info: 928-6492. UNITY CHURCH AND PATHWAYS TO SPIRIT CHURCH present a “Creative Street Faire” featuring artisans showcasing their creations on Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Unity Church,…
Learning
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES presents Self Employment Training Classes Aug. 3 from noon to 1 p.m., and Aug. 11 and 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Santa Maria; again on Aug. 5 and 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Buellton; and Aug. 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. and Aug. 20 from 1 to…
Recreation
GROWING GROUNDS FARM hosts a SLO County Community Gardeners meeting and seed exchange on July 29 at 4:30 p.m. at Growing Grounds Farm, Santa Maria. Info: 934-2182. THE DUNES CENTER presents a “Lupine Seed Collection at Oso Flaco” on July 31 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Oso Flaco Lake, off of Highway 1,…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM offers “Safety Town” for ages 4 to 6 Aug. 2 through 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the museum, 705 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Cost is $80, $70 for museum members. Info: smvdiscoverymuseum.org or 928-8414. MAD SCIENCE SUMMER CAMPS happen at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, 705…
Dance Lessons
ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and Thursdays in Grover Beach. Info: 709-4686 or BlueMoonHaven.com. THE DANCE STUDIO offers dance classes in Santa Maria in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Dance Team. Info: 349-9016 or 931-0444. EVERYBODY CAN…
Stage
OVER THE RAINBOW is a tribute to Yip Harburg by Gale McNeeley and Betty Faas on July 31 at 7 p.m. at Cafe Noir, 1555 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Cost is $10. Info: 406-4997. THE POETRY SOCIETY OF SANTA MARIA invites all to read poetry, sing songs, or just express themselves every other Wednesday starting…
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
OSULLIVAN’S PUNK ROCK BBQ features the 1st Line, The Mighty Fine, Stab Your Back, Cova, Manny Diaz, Walter, and more performing in concert on July 31 at 3 p.m. at Osullivan’s Pub, Main Street, Santa Maria. Info: unadommer@hotmail.com. THE LOMPOC LIBRARY presents “Jazz at the Library Season Four” featuring the Mud Skippers Aug. 1, Dawn…
Special Events
TEMPLE BETH EL presents a movie night of Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco on July 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 2502 E. Alvin Ave., Santa Maria. Cost is $5. Info: TBE1Cassel@gmail.com. THE CHARDONNAY SYMPOSIUM celebrates Chardonnay with a full day of events on July 31 featuring shuttle service between several winery events ending with…
Art wins at the library
The Santa Maria Public Library will host an artist’s reception and award ceremony for participants in the National Arts Program (NAP) at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 6 in the Shepard Hall Gallery. Mayor Larry Lavagnino will be speaking and giving out the ribbons to the award winners. NAP Program Coordinator Robyn Raskin and City Librarian…
PCPA helps Historical Society recover lost funds
Funding for the Santa Maria Historical Society was dramatically impacted by the city’s budget cuts, and the organization is now reaching out to the community for support. The Historical Society is teaming up with PCPA Theaterfest to hold an inaugural “Reception, Silent Auction, and PCPA Performance” on Aug. 14. The reception starts at 12:30 p.m.…
Enjoy opera at Temple Beth El
Beautiful music, love, jealousy, slavery, freedom—all those themes appear in Verdi’s Nabucco, which Temple Beth El of Santa Maria screens at its first Opera Movie Night at 7:30 p.m. on July 31. Nabucco is based on the story of the Babylonian exile retold with Verdi’s operatic embellishments. The production, featuring baritone Samuel Ramey and conductor…
Have a seat
Whether you have an antique chair you’re willing to part with for charity or you just want to clean out the garage, your chairs are welcome at the Los Alamos Chair Faire. “People ask me, ‘Should I bring out one or all six?’” said Chair Faire organizer Connie Rohde of C Gallery. “I say bring…
The sky and everything in it
There was once a day—when I was much, much younger and Lasik eye surgery hadn’t yet been invented—that I was nearly legally blind. But since I was a teen and looking good was way more important than, well, looking clearly at anything, I refused to wear glasses or contacts. Walking around in this constant state…
‘Flight of the Valkyries,’ Santa Maria style
Members of a U.S. Marines squadron staged a mock air assault at the Santa Maria Public Airport on July 27 to simulate the combat tactics that have earned them multiple awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 hails from Camp Pendleton and is being deployed soon on its eighth tour…
Congress moves to restore unemployment benefits
After more than a month without federal assistance, the almost 20,000 unemployed residents in Santa Barbara County and 13,700 unemployed residents of San Luis Obispo County can expect to qualify for extended unemployment insurance payments. On July 20, U.S. Senate Democrats mustered the 60 votes they needed to end debate on the bill, which includes…
Vandenberg welcomes a new squadron
Officials at Vandenberg Air Force Base will hold a July 30 dedication ceremony in Lompoc for the new Ellison Onizuka Satellite Operations Facility—now home of the 21st Space Operations Squadron. The squadron, along with base operations for Onizuka Air Force Station, was recently transferred to Vandenberg, following the Sunnyvale-based station’s closure. According to a press…
Laetitia project’s road to development gets even longer
A proposal to transform land currently occupied by Laetitia Vineyard and Winery into an agricultural cluster subdivision project has hit another snag in the development process. The most recent problem: Is there enough water for the facilities? If approved, the Laetitia project would include 102 residential lots, a sewage treatment plant, and a dude ranch,…
Future Bulldogs: Get to know Hancock College
All students going to Allan Hancock College for the first time this fall are required to attend an orientation, college officials announced earlier this month. Hancock’s “Mega” orientations will be held Aug. 10 at the Santa Maria campus and Aug. 11 at the Lompoc Valley Center. Smaller one-hour events are scheduled several times through Sept.…
Be a P.A.L. to local teens
The Police Activities League (P.A.L.) is looking for adults to make a difference in the lives of Santa Maria’s teens. P.A.L. is in the recruitment phase of its new mentoring program, which provides recreation and leisure programs taught by local law enforcement officers and volunteers to the community’s youth. Program mentors are required to spend…
Rape crisis center seeks volunteers
The North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing sexual assault and child abuse, is looking for volunteers to begin hotline training at its Santa Maria and Lompoc locations. Training consists of a wide spectrum of information, from legal prosecution and child abuse, to helping clients deal with depression…
Summit addresses clean business
Business owners throughout Santa Barbara County are invited to attend the California Coast Venture Forum’s 12th annual Clean Business Investment Summit on Aug. 13, focusing on the expanding field of entrepreneurship. The summit’s purpose is to allow clean tech, green, socially responsible, and sustainable enterprises to present their companies to investors looking for viable, ethical…
Fair draws fewer, sells more
The 2010 Santa Barbara County Fair saw fewer people come through the turnstiles, posting a five percent decrease in attendance from last year’s record numbers, Santa Maria Fairpark officials said. During its five-day run, 126,173 fairgoers experienced “Summertime Fun” at the fair, slightly down from the all-time high of 133,190 attendees in 2009. In a…
Abigail Salazar
As the leadoff batter and first baseman for the Orcutt Youth Softball Association’s 8U All-Stars, Abigail Salazar lit the spark under the Sparks. With her bat and hustle, Salazar helped lead her team to a 9-8-1 record. The Sparks won the Nipomo tournament in June, going 3-0, and followed it up two weeks later by…
Give it a Tri
Triathletes of all ages are welcome to put their best to the test at the City of Lompoc Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry Department’s fourth annual Lompoc Sprint Triathlon on Aug. 14. The competition consists of a 500-yard swim, 11-mile bike ride, and 3.1-mile run, and begins with the first wave of swimmers at 8…
Youth football camp takes registrations
Youth ages 8 to 14 are invited to sign up for Big Picture Athletics’ Youth Football Camp, held from Aug. 5 to 7 at St. Joseph High School. Big Picture Athletics director J.T. Stone is conducting the camp, which focuses on footwork, agility, and competition and is designed to teach and apply fundamentals in a…
Have fun with man’s best friend
The dog days of summer are here, and the Santa Maria Kennel Club is hosting its sixth annual Dog Agility Trial on Aug. 7 and 8 at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge. Dogs and handlers will have to negotiate an obstacle course of jumps, weave poles, tunnels, A-frames, teeter-totters, dog walks, and a pause table…
To arrow is human
We’ve all seen Robin Hood split the arrow, but how many people have actually done that in real life? Thom Chamberlain has. Seven times. Thom and his wife, Lori, run TLC Archery in Buellton. At their shop and target range, experienced archers and first-timers alike come to learn about one of the world’s oldest martial…
Coming to your census
Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled … .” Chapter 2, verses 1 through 5 of the Gospel according to Luke historically document one of the earliest known censuses. But it was not the first. There are ancient Egyptian population records…
Rare finds
Since horse-and-buggy days, folks in the relatively isolated Santa Ynez Valley have looked out for one another, sharing tools, helping to build neighbors’ barns, and tending those who were ill. That collective spirit hasn’t changed, and the Valley continues to thrive as a cooperative community ready to rally behind those in need. Located in Los…
