Cover Story
Wonder women
Women dressed in dark uniforms—each adorned with a unique patch and insignia—stand around the room. They have belts fastened around their hips, all bearing staples of law enforcement gadgetry: guns, handcuffs, and walkie-talkies. Each of these women is ready, at a moment’s notice, to respond to emergency situations specific to their agency. That might mean…
What woman has made the biggest impact on your life?
Matt Olney security worker “My mother. She was an incredible role model and taught me how to be a better person. My wife’s pretty close, though.” Maria Tachiquin nurse “Mother Teresa. I was reading about how she was willing to give everything she had without asking for anything in return. Nursing is like that. You…
Political Watch 6-11
• In a joint Legislative session on June 2, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged California’s lawmakers to swiftly take action to stave off the state’s $24.3 billion deficit. In his speech, Schwarzenegger addressed voters and their decision to reject five of the six propositions on the May 19 ballot. The voters’ message was clear, he said:…
Growing Grounds gets some green
Expect to see something new sprouting at Growing Grounds Farm in Santa Maria. The farm recently received a $25,000 grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation’s Katherine Harvey Fellows program, according to an announcement from Transitions Mental Health Association, which runs the farm. The farm is a nonprofit facet of Transitions Mental Health and provides horticultural…
His hat’s in the ring
Flanked by family members, Steve Lavagnino, brother of Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino, announced his intention to run for supervisor of Santa Barbara County’s 5th District on June 9. The election to decide the seat, currently held by the retiring Joe Centeno, will take place in June 2010. A self-described fiscal conservative, Lavagnino said he…
Security tightens at small airports
Two Department of Homeland Security regulations aimed at securing small airports from inside terrorist threats have caused a stir among private pilots who will be forced to submit to heightened checks security measures in order to maintain unescorted access to their planes. The first regulation, Security Directive 8F, went effect on June 1. It requires…
No changes planned for license checks
Denying a civil rights group’s claims that drivers’ license and sobriety checkpoints target Latino members of the community and hurt downtown businesses, Santa Maria officials said the police operations would continue unchanged. Latino rights group PUEBLO presented eight recommendations to City Council members at a public forum on April 22, proposing changes to the city’s…
Enjoy the cat days of summer
If you’ve ever thought about adopting a cat, now is the time to do it. June is Adopt a Cat Month in Santa Barbara County and to celebrate Animal Services is hosting a month of feline-focused events. For the month of June, all adoptions for cats older than six months will be discounted from $55…
Governor pressures state lawmakers for a budget vote
For officials working to solve California’s $24 billion budget deficit, Judgment Day has come. At a joint session of the State Legislature on June 2 in Sacramento, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger put the pressure on lawmakers to vote on proposed cuts to the revised budget before the state runs out of money. “California’s day of reckoning…
Locals honor a fallen Vandenberg Navy commander
Hundreds of people gathered for memorial services on June 2 at Camp San Luis Obispo to honor Los Osos resident and Navy Commander Duane Wolfe. Wolfe, a husband and father of three, was killed by a roadside bomb near Fallujah in Iraq on May 25. According to a press release from Vandenberg Air Force Base,…
Santa Maria high school district heads back to the budget-cutting drawing board
On June 8, amid a sea of somber faces, the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District School Board of Trustees discussed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s May revision to the state budget and its impacts on the district. The district is facing more than $3 million in cuts for 2009-10, following the governor’s call to increase…
Corey Dotzler
School’s out for summer, but former Allan Hancock College catcher Corey Dotzler is as busy as ever. Within two weeks of graduating from Hancock, Dotzler found out he’d been awarded a baseball scholarship to Cal Poly, SLO, and began playing for the semipro Santa Maria Packers. He was immediately a hit with his new team,…
Hancock College hosts summer baseball clinics
Baseball players from 8 to 18 will have a chance to brush up on their diamond skills during two summer clinics hosted by the Allan Hancock College baseball team. The first clinic, for players ages 8 to 13, will take place June 22 through 25 and June 29 through July 2 from 10 a.m. to…
Orcutt girls’ softball All-Stars win tournament
The Orcutt Youth Softball Association’s 12-and-under girls’ All-Stars took first place in the Amateur Softball Association’s Mid State Madness tournament held in Paso Robles on May 31. The Renegades beat Santa Maria and the Coast Riptide before taking down the Paso Poison 11-3 in the championship game. The team is currently in its summer tournament…
Hancock College shifts to four-day workweek this summer
Faced with unprecedented statewide budget cuts, the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees has instituted a summertime four-day workweek to save on utility costs, according to a recent announcement from the college. The four-day schedule, which started on June 1, will run for 11 weeks. The college and all its centers will be closed June…
May Grisham gets extra green for going green
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) recently awarded May Grisham Elementary School in Orcutt $2,500 in Bright Ideas grants for a project designed to reduce the school’s energy consumption by 20 percent during the next school year. May Grisham is one of 23 schools being recognized this spring by PG&E with such grants, according to…
Krider fashion
I didn’t make it to Milan this year to see the latest in spring fashion. In fact, I didn’t even make it to the mall to see what’s in style. Of course, I’m pretty sure I know what the “it” thing is this season: layers. A little hint here: It’s always layers. Every year, layers…
Monarch Wealth appoints two execs
Financial planning firm Monarch Wealth Services announced it’s named a new president and chair of the board. Aaron Clark co-founded the firm in 2008 and is now its president and chief executive officer. The firm’s new chair of the board and chief financial officer is Vanessa Patterson, a trustee for the Santa Barbara County Retirement…
Foreclosure series to air
Homeowners worried about their current mortgages, facing foreclosure, or just interested in learning more about available options can watch videos of foreclosure prevention workshops on Santa Maria Community Television. The 30-minute programs were recorded at workshops presented in February at the Santa Maria Public Library and sponsored by the City of Santa Maria and the…
Marian awards tower contract
Marian Medical Center awarded San Luis Obispo-based Thoma Electric an electrical contract for a new 220,000-square-foot patient tower expansion. The four-story tower—expected to take 34 months to build—will eventually house 188 beds, a birthing center, a critical-care unit, a neonatal intensive care unit, radiology department, a cafeteria, and a chapel. The contract is the largest…
Rabobank creates local advisory council
Rabobank Regional President Steven Harding has organized an advisory council made up of 11 local business and civic leaders to guide the bank’s activities in northern Santa Barbara County. Bank board member Carrol Pruett will chair the council. Other members include Marian Medical Center Chief Financial Officer Sue Anderson, Maguire Investments President and Chairman of…
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. An “Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery” class is June 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Medical Center. The Marian Medical Center is located at 1400 E.…
ART
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION presents “Iron and Plastic: Alternative Photography” featuring the works of several artists, curated by John Hood through Sept. 18 at the Betteravia Government Center, 511 E. Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria. An opening reception is June 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. Info: 568-3994 THE LOMPOC MUSEUM presents the exhibit…
LEARNING
ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH presents an introductory class on the Bible with Reverend Canon Deborah Dunn on Tuesdays through June 16 at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 402 South Lincoln St., Santa Maria. Info: 922-3575 or stpetersparish@verizon.net. THE LOMPOC POLICE DEPARTMENT offers a free women’s self defense class during…
RECREATION
THE CITY OF LOMPOC PARKS, RECREATIONS, AND URBAN FORESTRY DEPARTMENT offers a “Cake Decorating-Beginning” class July 14 to Aug. 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Kitchen at the Anderson Recreation Center. Cost is $36, $43 for non-city residents. A “Yoga-Stretch and Strength” class meets Tuesdays July 7 through 21, Aug. 4 to 11,…
KIDS & FAMILY
THE SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARK DEPARTMENT offers an “Intro at the Skatepark” skateboarding class through July 14 or July 21 through Sept. 1 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for kids 6 to 8 years old, and 5 to 6:30 p.m. for kids 9 through 13 years old at the Fletcher Park Skate Park, Santa…
DANCE LESSONS
THE EVERYBODY CAN DANCE BALLET STUDIO presents Summer Dance, featuring jazz, modern, character, ballet, and pointe classes for ages 8 through 14 June 15 to 26 for Session I. Session II runs June 29 through July 10, and Session III is Aug. 10 through 28, all from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday…
STAGE
WORTH THE DRIVE THE STUDIO FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS presents its production of Let’s Go to the Movies by the Studio Players June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 at the Black Box Theater, 116 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande. Cost is $15. Info: 473-0377 or thestudioofperformingarts.com. PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of Les…
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 ASS HIGH AS THE SKY PRODUCTIONS presents a “Bustin’ Out Showcase Underground Movement: ‘Skool’s Out fo Summer’” featuring headliner 2nd II None on June 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the SLO Library, 995 Palm St., SLO. Cost is $20, $15 presale. Info: 238-2299 or myspace.com/asshighasthesky.com. THE SANTA BARBARA BLUES SOCIETY presents a…
SPECIAL EVENTS
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES celebrates “Adopt-A-Cat Month” through June with $10 microchipping. The Lompoc and Santa Maria Shelters host a “Cat and a Hat” event featuring a free hat and microchip with each cat adoption June 14 from noon to 4 p.m. The Lompoc Shelter is located at 1501 West Central. The Santa Maria…
Goal-oriented girls
It’s a perfect sunny and clear Saturday, and on the soccer field at Allan Hancock College, a group of teenage girls is getting their kicks in. They’re auditioning for the premier under-18 girls’ soccer club in the region: the Katana, which is looking to reload by recruiting the top high school talent available on the…
What’s next: space?
Will God or evolution finally decide that this human experiment has failed? Our oceans have whirlpools the size of Texas filled with human debris. Our lakes, rivers, and oceans are contaminated with pesticides and other pollutants associated with storm runoff. We are cutting down tropical forests the size of Manhattan each and every day. We…
Is GITMO looking good around now?
Two U.S. female correspondents, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, were captured by the North Korean regime while doing research on women’s rights along their border with China, both sentenced to 12 years of hard labor in one of their infamous gulag work camps for trumped up “hostilities.” I imagine they would prefer being incarcerated in…
Our budget needs imagination, not scare tactics
There are trial balloons being sent out from the state capitol daily. And the news organizations take each and every one of these lead balloons as the next change in our horrible budget problem. The latest is the closing of our state parks, including our Central Coast treasures. Let me state one thing: The media…
President Obama should fully examine Middle East issues
President Obama’s speech in Cairo was very eloquently presented. It is a known fact that today there is no peace in the Middle East. But I did not read of the president indicating his knowledge of how Israel, in compliance with the United States, evicted its own citizens from the Gaza strip and how instead…
Art students get recognized
Two student artists got a little help from the Town Center Art Gallery in their pursuit of the arts. Michelle Kohler of Grover Beach and Kimberly Saylor of Guadalupe received $250 apiece as part of the Town Center Gallery’s art scholarship program. The gallery gives out three scholarships each year: two to Hancock students and…
Solvang jazzes things up
Since its inception in 2007, the Solvang Jazz Festival has grown to include world-class stars and bright new talent—and has expanded the musical education opportunities it offers. Stix Hooper—drummer, composer, vocalist, and president of the nonprofit Universal Guild for Jazz and Progressive Music that puts on the Solvang Jazz Festival—announced this year’s lineup, which includes…
Celebrate a sweet history
Long before it became the City of Arts and Flowers, Lompoc was simply the City of Flowers. The moniker was an obvious one, given the fields in bloom and the many seed manufacturing companies that dotted the area. Lompoc resident Bess Christensen recalled first coming to Lompoc in 1964 and getting a tour of the…
It’s tea time!
There’s no other way to describe artist Bill Shinn’s ceramics studio: It looks like the aftermath of the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Shinn isn’t slighted by that description. “Someone else said that, and I kinda like it,” he said. Since this story is about a little teapot, the description is even more fitting. Tucked in…
Get a taste of summer
Ahhh, summer, a heady season on the wine trail, where warm weather and long days make exploring Santa Barbara County’s wine country simply irresistible. Along with lovely scenery and exceptional wines, local producers offer a lineup of tastings and special events guaranteed to put a little extra “joy” in “enjoy.” At ampelos cellars, the proprietors…
