Cover Story
Party people
The parties were colorful, the races were tight, and the candidates were, for the most part, composed. June 8, 2010, marked the potential for change in Northern Santa Barbara County, considering several key positions were up for grabs, including D.A., Assembly member, and a couple of county supervisor seats. While the results trickled in over…
What’s your fondest memory of summer?
Kim Sabedra registered nurse “Spending every summer with my grandma in Virginia from age 4 to 17. We would go to the beach, swim at the pool, and went to Washington, D.C. She was my mom for the summer.” Kelly McLoughlin youth minister “Going barefoot, staying up late, and playing outside longer because of the…
Discover the wild, wild west
In honor of Father’s Day and the recent Elks Rodeo, the Discovery Museum will be holding its first-ever Rodeo Roundup on June 13, from noon to 2 p.m. Kids who attend will have an opportunity to ride ponies from Happy Trails Pony Rides and watch two local youth roping champions: Nick, 14 years old, and…
They screamed for ice cream, but nobody was home
On June 2, Central Coast residents and business owners gathered outside Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab in the village of Arroyo Grande to show their support of owner Greg Steinberg in a counter-protest against a union’s ongoing “bannering” of the business. The group of more than 100 people then marched several blocks to stand outside…
Maldonado pushes for Proposition 14
After campaigning in Monterey and Santa Cruz for Proposition 14—a ballot measure that would create open primaries in California—newly minted Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado finished off his last-minute campaign trail on June 7 at the Swiss Chalet Restaurant in Santa Maria. Maldonado greeted the customers, who were all grins as they talked to the Santa…
Hancock’s Class of 2010 turns the tassel
After Allan Hancock College’s 89th commencement, it was neither the school’s president Jose M. Ortiz nor the keynote speaker, Henry A.J. Ramos, who had the final word on the occasion: It was the Allan Hancock College Concert Band, which, after the recession of the graduates, performed the Looney Tunes theme song “That’s All, Folks.” Graduates…
County officials crunch numbers and plan for funding cuts
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors spent much of the week of June 7 mulling over ways to close the county’s more than $40 million budget shortfall. The 2010-11 budget proposals presented by county employees included some drastically bleak money-saving measures, including a $14.8 million reduction in staff positions and benefits; using $29.5 million…
Representatives will face off in November
U.S. Representative for the 23rd District Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) will face Republican candidate Tom Watson and Libertarian Darrell N. Stafford in November. Capps and Stafford ran unopposed on their parties’ respective tickets. Watson took 38 percent of the vote on the Republican ballot, trailed by Clark Vandeventer who took approximately 21 percent and John…
Political Watch 06.10
The city of Santa Maria needs representatives to serve on the Block Grant Advisory Committee and Library Board of Trustees. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on July 2. There will be five people appointed to the Block Grants Advisory Committee for three-year terms. Members are responsible for conducting public workshops and hearings, reviewing…
Community Notebook 06.10
MONDAY, JUNE 14 • The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. TUESDAY, JUNE 15 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s…
Fathers behind bars are still fathers
Imagine you’re 5 years old, and one day your dad doesn’t come home from work. You ask your mom what’s going on and she says, “Daddy’s going to be gone for a while.” You wonder: Is he OK? What happened? Why did he leave me? This is a daily reality for thousands of California children…
Logan Kemp
Who needs snow to take on a downhill ski run? Certainly not Righetti High School junior Logan Kemp. The 17-year-old competed in the U.S. Open of Mountain Biking downhill championships on Memorial Day weekend in New Jersey, taking third place honors out of 71 competitors in his age division—the amateur junior men. After taking a…
Making baskets
If you want food or water—those necessities of life—you need something to carry them in. Typically, that something is a basket, even though examples these days tend to come in forms more modern than their woven counterparts from yesteryear. Kathy Badrak and Karen Osland of Lavenpine Consulting like those old forms. They like them so…
Wretched, wretched word count
Here are 55 words for New Times’ and the Sun’s annual 55 Fiction contest: Rule one: 55 words or less. Two: Contractions count as a single word. So go to town with the shouldn’ts, wouldn’ts, won’ts, and can’ts. Trois: Hyphenated words don’t count as a single word. Star-studded-sky? Three words. Shi: Standard acronyms are a…
Wherefore art thou, rodeo?
As the old adage goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. One needed only to view the fans braving the warm weather for the 67th installment of the Elks Rodeo as proof the sport is still alive and kicking in Santa Maria. Despite less media exposure and a grim economic climate,…
Be better at baseball
Summer youth baseball is here, and players ages 8 to 13 will have a chance to improve their skills at one of two clinics hosted by Allan Hancock College. The first clinic will be held June 14 to 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Allan Hancock College’s John Osborne Field. The second clinic…
Soccer and crumpets
Serious about soccer? The Orcutt United Soccer League is bringing coaches from the United Kingdom to teach youth the finer points of the sport at its weeklong U.K. International Soccer Camp, June 14 to 18. The camps include professional coaching with an age-appropriate curriculum tailored to all skill levels, personal evaluations, and a free camp…
Free mediation workshop
Want to learn how to peacefully resolve conflicts? Conflict Solutions Center/Community Mediation is hosting a free hour-long mediation skills workshop in Santa Maria on June 11. With more than 24 years of mediation experience, workshop trainer Kimberly Rosa has facilitated communication workshops and provided training to businesses, government, prisons, schools, and community groups. She’ll teach…
All your base are belong to us
Vandenberg Air Force Base has a tremendous economic impact on the Central Coast and is required to do business with local vendors whenever possible. That’s the topic of an upcoming joint meeting of the Santa Maria Manufacturers Association and the city’s Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee, set for June 22. The meeting’s featured speaker…
Manny’s happily returns
As the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.” Manny’s of Solvang, a family-run and family-friendly restaurant that recently closed down for remodeling, will reopen on the Fourth of July weekend. Owners Fernando and Jessie Tovalin are carrying on their father Manny’s vision of having a tasty, warm, and friendly restaurant in Solvang.…
Get your chi on
Need to improve your concentration and sense of personal peace? Allan Hancock College Community Education is offering a free summer tai chi and chi gung class that will meet every Wednesday, June 16 through Aug. 4, from 3 to 4:55 p.m. in the dance studio at the rear of the Lompoc Civic Auditorium, on Cypress…
Graduating from the workforce
On May 25, Allan Hancock College employees honored more than 20 of their peers who are set to retire this year at a special reception on the Santa Maria campus. According to college officials, this year’s retirees have contributed a total of 541 years of service to the college. The most senior retirees are electronics…
Pay attention to the breadwinners
The fundamental flaw in the Santa Barbara County budget crisis is that the Board of Supervisors has been in denial for the past three years. They ignore their money problems that, they, themselves, have caused by allowing out-of-control spending of the public money. The board will claim they have a balanced budget as they pop…
Environmentalists have oil on their hands, too
If you are an environmentalist, member of the Sierra Club, or liberal Democrat, you are partly responsible for the BP oil spill in the gulf. Had you allowed the oil companies to drill onshore in the lower 48 and offshore in shallow waters in California and Alaska, they would not have been forced to go…
Fewer beach campers would bring in more money
Off-roaders and campers on our beach and dunes do not bring to our community as much money as the off-road industry and state bureaucrats make us believe. Most tourists camping on the beach eat non-expensive food usually brought from home or bought at big local grocery stores that don’t need the off-roaders to make money…
Why inaction in the face of a threat?
Let’s see if I have this straight. Vehicle traffic in the Oceano Dunes has destroyed a natural crust that keeps tiny silica particles (10 micron and smaller) from blowing into inhabited areas in large quantities. When these particles are breathed in, they remain in the lungs and cause serious problems, some leading to death. The…
Another market would be great
As a new, yet still part time, resident of the beautiful Central Coast, I look forward to as many farmers’ markets as I can visit, mostly on the weekends. I look forward to Saturday’s experience in Arroyo Grande, but it would be wonderful to have the Spencer’s market location in Orcutt for delectable produce. It…
Central Coast food fun
A hearty appetite knows no season, but the long days of summer, laced with mouthwatering aromas from hundreds of busy barbecues, do tend to send tastebuds into overdrive. Fortunately, here in the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country, chefs and food purveyors offer plenty of creative options for locals looking to quiet those pesky…
Grab a chair – or create one
Los Alamos merchants are pulling out the chairs for the inaugural Chair Faire—which they hope will become an annual event—from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 31. The chairs will line the sidewalks of Los Alamos for display. Artisans and chair owners can show any type of chair, but artistically inclined folks are especially…
PCPA goes to the dogs
This summer, PCPA will unleash a tale that takes the term “animal lover” to a whole new level. Greg brings home a dog, bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her nametag, from the park and finds an escape from the frustrations of his job and the emotions that come with middle age. Sylvia (Stephanie Philo)…
Discovery Museum is looking for members
The Discovery Museum’s 2010 Summer Membership Drive is underway. So it can offer free memberships or program discounts to needy families, the museum needs to recruit 200 new members by June 30, which would help the museum offer memberships to 10 families facing difficult economic times. A family membership costs $85 and includes two adults…
The orderly
Sometimes I am completely retarded. I know, I know, that isn’t a very politically correct thing to say anymore. But when it comes to doing very simple tasks—for instance ordering something to eat at a restaurant—I fit the definition of being retarded quite well. Webster (the dictionary, not the African-American kid with all the personality…
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…
Farmer’s 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 St.…
Health
SANSUM CLINIC presents a “Weight Management Strategies” class June 10 and 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. A “Diabetes Essentials” class is June 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. A “Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Nutrition” class is June 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the clinic.…
Art
THE LOS PADRES ARTIST GUILD presents Arroyo Grande Artist Rosanne Seitz demonstrating her watercolor painting techniques at their monthly meeting June 11 at 7 p.m. at the Luis Oasis Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave., Old Orcutt. Info: 934-5835 or lospadresartistguild.com. THE LOMPOC MUSEUM presents “Scenic Treasures of the Central Coast” featureing works from the Lompoc…
Learning
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ACTION NETWORK presents “Moving Beyond Recycling—Are We Doing Enough?” on June 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lompoc Library, 501 East North Ave., Lompoc. Info: 563-0463 or joyce@sbcan.org. ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources meet every first…
Recreation
THE DUNES CENTER presents a “Moonlight Hike” on the dunes June 25, July 25, and Aug. 24 from 6:45 to 9 p.m. at Oso Flaco Lake, off of Highway 1 between Guadalupe and Nipomo. A “Guadalupe City Walk and Talk” is June 19 from 10 a.m. to noon meeting at the Dunes Center in Guadalupe.…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION offers 2010 Fall Registration for its soccer league June 12, 19, and 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $80 for the first player, $70 for the second, $60 for three or more players, and a $10 registration fee for all. Info: 925-3304 or santamariasoccer.com. ADVENTURES IN…
Dance Lessons
OBON DANCE PRACTICE, in preparation for the Obon Festival, is Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. starting June 16 and 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…
Stage
THE LOMPOC CIVIC THEATRE holds open auditions for The Artificial Jungle by Charles Ludlum June 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. at the Stone Pine Hall, 210 South H St., Lompoc. Info: 735-ACT1. THE POETRY SOCIETY OF SANTA MARIA invites all to read poetry, sing songs, or just express themselves every other Wednesday starting at…
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 Broadway,…
Concerts
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents a live music event with Laurie Jennings and Dana Keller June 10 at 7 p.m. in the Shepard Hall at the library, 421 S McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117. O’SULLIVAN’S PUB presents the Booker Tease with Craic Haus on June 12 from 8:30 p.m. to midnight…
Special Events
DANA ADOBE HERITAGE DAY is June 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Find live reenactments, hands-on activities for children, crafts, and folks from the 1800s. The theme is “Fiesta Californio: Trade Days on the Rancho.” The Dana Adobe is at 671 South Oakglen in Nipomo. Info: 929-5679 or danaadobe.org. CAMBRIA WINERY presents a Farmers’ Market featuring…
