Cover Story
Let your geek flag fly
The highest-grossing movies of this summer have been comic-book adaptations. Think Hollywood invented Iron Man? Hellboy? Batman? The Hulk? Please. Tinsel Town writers have been mining the most hallowed trusts of geekdom for their latest blockbusters, and comic books aren’t the only film fodder. Audiences still want to believe in Fox Mulder and Dana Scully:…
Friday night’s alive at Costa de Oro Winery
Just when it seems there’s nothing new to do in town, along comes Costa de Oro Winery to liven things up. In a bid to infuse Santa Maria’s social life with a dose of good fun, Gary Burk, the winery’s co-owner and winemaker, has launched a series of events designed to get locals off the…
Who’s your least favorite superhero?
Vince LaRocco firefighter “I would say Batman. I never took to him.” Katherine Carbone office manager “Batman. He seems depressing.” RaeVen Washington-Richardson student “Batman’s sidekick, Robin. His clothes are not good.” David Post sales person “The Incredible Hulk. He doesn’t have a cool air.”
We could get a two-for-one change
When Barack Obama becomes president, wouldn’t it be great if he declares he is becoming a Muslim, thereby breaking two stupid prejudice barriers?
Make Santa Maria’s arts community more visible
I am a freelance writer who contributes to the Sun, but as a visual artist I want to say that I appreciated Shelly Cone’s piece (“Where is the art?”) in the July 17 issue. I particularly want to applaud Craig Shafer’s comment: “I don’t care if you’re blue collar, white collar, or blue blood, it’s…
The world needs a well-though-out energy plan
T. Boone Pickens’ investments to solve the oil crisis will do nothing to provide more, cheaper gasoline for the 200 million cars in the United States. Only more oil development will solve that problem. All power sources pollute in some way. Which pollutes the least and is the easiest to manage is the question and…
Sun freelancer was a delight on the diamond
My name is Jim “Woody” Roland, who John so kindly mentioned in his Fantasy Camp story (“It’s never too late to play ball,” July 24). Just wanted to say that John was a delight to spend time with over the weekend. His enthusiasm in participating and covering the game as a writer for the Sun…
Hobnobbing With Helen
This was not your ordinary afternoon ladies’ tea. This was a celebration of warm, loving hearts coming together to help. This was the culmination of a year’s hard work, getting the word out to North County women and educating them about philanthropy and the “power of the purse.” This was a tea for the Women’s…
Got camp?
Know any children who want to go to summer camp, but might not be able to afford it? Limited funding is still available for recreation “camperships” for the 2008 summer day camp program, according to a press release from the city of Santa Maria. There are only three weeks remaining in the summer camp program,…
Union Valley Parkway project ready for public review
On Aug. 12, a public hearing will be held in the Radisson Hotel’s Enterprise Ballroom from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to address the proposed Union Valley Parkway Extension/Interchange Project. The California Department of Trans-portation (Caltrans), along with the city of Santa Maria and Santa Barbara County, are proposing to extend Union Valley Parkway west from…
Santa Maria blood drive is coming up
They vant to drink your blood! Well, more like harvest it for medical use. The city is hosting its third blood drive this year from noon to 5 p.m. on Aug. 7, in the parking lot between the lawn bowling green and Paul Nelson Aquatic Center along South McClelland Street in Santa Maria. The public…
Opposition groups say Proposition 2 is something to cluck about
Come November, farm animals will be front and center on the ballot. Proposition 2, also known as the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, would outlaw veal cages, pig gestation crates, and battery cages used to hold egg-laying hens throughout California. If passed, all farms would have to be cage-free by 2015, and violators would…
Groups seek to limit methyl bromide exposure
Methyl bromide. It’s a chemical that residents of the Santa Maria Valley have heard a lot about, especially if they pay attention to the news. Most recently, it’s being tossed around in discussions about combating the “charcoal rot” fungus in local strawberry fields. The pesticide-that-could is back in the news—and has been back in court—since…
Athlete of the Week
After scoring his team’s only goal in the Santa Maria All Stars vs. Chivas USA exhibition game, Andy Contreras has been receiving a lot of attention. For a kid who hopes to play professional soccer someday, that’s a good thing. “He got a lot of compliments from the Chivas’ head coach,” said coach Al Garcia.…
BMX finally rides into Santa Maria
Break out some gloves, a helmet, and that small-ish bike stashed away in the corner of the garage: It’s BMX time. The sport, which can best be described as a group of bike riders rolling over hills and berms at incredible speeds, has found its way to Santa Maria—and it’s just in time for a…
Local Paint Horse wins World Championships
Santa Ynez resident—and horse—Iron Star Man recently captured two World Championship titles at the 2008 World Championship Paint Horse Show in Fort Worth, Texas. Iron Star Man, a 5-year-old stallion owned by Gayle Benton, won the Junior Hunter Hack, shown by Karen Wildes, and the Junior Working Hunter, shown by Ryan Painter. In the Hunter…
California Stars Coast softball hosts open tryouts
Grab your bat and glove and head out to the California Stars Coast Girls Fast Pitch Softball Association tryouts—if you’re a girl interested in playing softball. Tryouts for the 2008-2009 season will be held Aug. 16 at the Colony Softball Fields, 5599 Traffic Way in Atascadero. Girls 14 and younger, and 16 and younger, start…
PCPA celebrates its 45th season
PCPA has announced its 2008-2009 season line-up, which will include five hit musicals, as well as a favorite Shakespeare comedy. The 45th anniversary season will kick off with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas playing in Santa Maria’s Marian Theatre Nov. 6 through Dec. 21. The play is about a pair of showbiz buddies putting on a…
Lasting memories
In the rolling hills of Orcutt, just off of Telephone Road, stands a spacious, 10-acre parcel of modest beauty. Christened Rancho Miranda, the locale sprawls out on the hillside dotted with various trees, benches, and cozy nooks. It doesn’t take an event planner to see that this spot is ideal for a shindig. In fact,…
Open for interpretation
Some visitors might view the art at the C Gallery in Los Alamos as odd, as avant-garde, as fanciful. And some might not. Whatever guests think of the contemporary art gallery’s offerings, it’s okay with owners Connie Rohde-Stanchfield and Nina Rohde Brown—as long as the guests are actually thinking about them. That’s exactly what the…
Local high school students receive academic honors from Allan Hancock College
More than 550 Allan Hancock College students were recently added to the college’s Dean’s Honors List and Special Honors List for the spring 2008 semester. The lists recognize students’ academic achievement at the college. For each semester, students named to the Dean’s Honors List must complete at least 12 units with a 3.5 or better…
Packed with care
El Montecito Presbyterian Church saw a lot of sorting and stuffing on July 19. Specifically, volunteers sorted and stuffed 900 backpacks to be distributed to students all over the coast, from Carpentaria to Guadalupe. Four Montecito churches worked together to provide the backpacks filled with school supplies for People’s Self-Help Housing students. Members of the…
MotionZ is back in business
There’s good news for MotionZ, the beleaguered laser tag and arcade destination. It’s back in business and staying in the Santa Maria Town Center. According to a news release from MotionZ owner George Majoue, the owner and mall manager of Santa Maria Town Center East were touring several units in the mall and were impressed…
Commute challenge: Drive less and win prizes
It’s back: the Traffic Solutions Commute Challenge. The annual competition has returned with more prizes for participating teams. Here’s how it works: Teams of five people resolve to drive alone less and keep track of how often they succeed. At the end of the competition, the team with the highest number of sustainable transportation days…
Santa Barbara Bank and Trust holds white elephant sale
One person’s unwanted possession is another’s treasure. In the spirit of a white elephant gift exchange, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust employees have brought some of their possessions to local branches. In a slight twist, the items aren’t gifts, they’re for sale. The white elephant sale is part of Santa Barbara Bank and Trust’s annual…
CLUBS & MEETINGS
ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL INC. of SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m., in the downstairs conference room at United Way, 1660 S. Broadway. Info: 352-0026 or 937-4071. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL INC. OF THE CENTRAL COAST meets at noon the second and fourth Monday of every month at…
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
ONGOING ARTHRITIS FDN. is a low impact, sit-in-chair exercise program held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Valentine St. Community Room, 280 E. New Love St. Info: 346-1981. SYCAMORE MINERAL SPRINGS HEALING ARTS INSTITUTE offers a range of classes including yoga and meditation, alternative and herbal medicine, aroma and color therapy, compassionate…
ART
THE CYPRESS GALLERY currently features the exhibition Abstract Thoughtby Elizabeth Monks Hack through August at the gallery, 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc. An opening reception is Aug. 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the gallery. Info: 737-1129. ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents an exhibit, Framing of Light, featuring the photography of Cathy L. Gregg, through…
LEARNING
FIGHTING BACK SANTA MARIA VALLEY offers an “Effective Parenting” lesson by Carrick Adam, M.D., MSF, on Aug. 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Marian Medical Center, 1400 East Church St., Santa Maria. Info: 346-1774. WORTH THE DRIVE FREE ART INSTRUCTION classes presented by the Cuesta College Emeritus Program are for adults older…
RECREATION
LA PURISIMA MISSION presents Purisima’s People Day featuring live demonstrations Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the La Purisima Mission, Lompoc. Info: 733-3713. CITY OF SANTA MARIA offers summer aquatic activities through Aug. 10 at Pioneer Valley High School. Weekend recreation swim will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and…
KIDS & FAMILY
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY offers its summer reading program “Catch the Reading Bug” through Aug. 1 at the library, 420 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA presents Camp Wheez, free for kids suffering from asthma, Aug. 4 through 8 at the Orcutt Presbyterian Church. Info: californialung.org or (213) 384-5864, Ext.…
DANCE LESSONS
THE EVERYBODY CAN DANCE BALLET ACADEMY presents a five-week intensive dance teaching session featuring Jordi Ribera and Aubrey Walker for ages 11 through 21 through Aug. 1 at the studio, 800 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 937-6753. ONGOING EVERYBODY CAN DANCE Academy offers classes in ballet, jazz, modern, and Spanish dance for ages 3…
STAGE
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The Imaginary Invalid Aug. 7 through 23 in the Marian Theatre, Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria. Info: www.pcpa.org. IMPROVISATIONAL HUMOR CLASS meets Mondays at the Santa Maria Town Center mall’s second-floor community room to teach theater games, comedy concepts, and Whose Line Is It Anyway?-style games from 5:30 to…
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.…
CONCERTS
THE KOSSUTH HOUSE CONCERT SERIES presents “An Evening With Seth Horan” featuring special guest Ed Sheets Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. at the Kossuth House, 1265 Mira Flores Drive, Santa Maria. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Info: 264-3170 or chuck@cfsprod.com. THE LOMPOC PUBLIC LIBRARY presents a free live jazz concert series…
SPECIAL EVENTS
THE SANTA MARIA FOURSQUARE CHURCH hosts a live satellite message from author Beth Moore Aug. 1 and 2 at the church. Cost is $25. Info: 922-8445. THE 15TH ANNUAL FOP BENEFIT AUCTION is hosted by the Kiwanis Club and sponsored by Hyundai of Santa Maria to benefit FOP research Aug. 3 at the Santa Maria…
