Cover Story
Bleeding, and coming, out
Lieutenant L.A. Franco flings open the door of an East L.A. apartment, moves determinedly past a table piled with crack cocaine, and ignores a hysterical addict in pursuit of her prey—a thug named Tunnel with an arrest warrant. Her 9-mm drawn, she swings her 5-foot-9 frame into the living room, and fires, splattering the right…
What is the best advice your father ever gave you?
Donna Pigeon and Avery retired/part-time police dispatcher “To be the best I can be, and to follow my heart.” Cassie Starr student “To always try.” Jesse Starr Student “Don’t ever give up.” Brian Starr A father “To treat everyone with respect.”
Wine supports literacy
Buy wine and support the Central Coast Literacy Council. A wine auction to benefit the nonprofit will run from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 20 at 3940 Dominion Road in Santa Maria. The auction will include library wines from Cottonwood Canyon and McKeon-Phillips wineries. The event will include a six-course heavy appetizer menu prepared…
Raise your voice
Coastal Voices will hold a “gourmet” spaghetti dinner fundraiser on June 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 3945 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. Dinner will be by “Joy of Cooking,” with entertainment by Coastal Voices. There will also be special guests, a silent auction, a…
Take the tour
Join the members of the Los Padres Artist Guild for their seventh annual Studio and Garden Tour and Sale on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests will tour 10 of Santa Maria’s lush floral gardens, working studios, and spectacular yards with trees and ponds. Sixty guild artists will be at the studios,…
Insider information
Having lived in Lompoc for nearly 30 years, Gil and Vicki Andersen know a thing or two about the area. That retro storefront in Lompoc’s Old Towne? They know it. The way the light creates shadows at La Purisima Mission? They’ve seen it. And given that they’re artists, they don’t just look at things—they examine…
Go West
The empty storefront in the breezeway of Santa Maria’s Town Center West has potential. Lots of windows make for plenty of natural lighting. The white walls stand tall and barren, devoid of even a drop of color. It’s all a big blank. To the artists at the Town Center Gallery, no gallery space has ever…
Taylor Frias
As an outside midfielder for the Righetti High School soccer team, Taylor Frias’ forte was assisting on goals. Now he’s one step closer to reaching his own. In March, Frias signed a letter of intent to play for Division-II Colorado State-Pueblo after helping the Warriors to an unbeaten season in Pac-7 league play in 2008-09.…
Pilots take flight
On the site of what was once training grounds for World War II aviators, a new group of Pilots are flying under the radar into the summer baseball season. With local attention settling mostly on the cross-town Santa Maria Packers, the team is hoping to compete with the big boys in the California Collegiate League…
Learn Xtreme Basketball
The West Coast Xtreme Academy girls’ basketball camp has come and gone, but boys in third through eighth grades still have time to sign up for the academy’s clinic on June 29. Former St. Joseph girls’ basketball coach Ron Barba and current St. Joe’s boys coach Ed Torres are the academy directors and will provide…
Lompoc police host golf, basketball programs
Duffers and hoopsters of all skill levels are invited to participate in the Lompoc Police Department’s Police Activities League summer golf and basketball programs, which begin June 30. The golf program is split into beginner and advanced levels and runs until Aug. 19. Transportation to the courses may be provided if necessary. Beginner golf practices—for…
Jailbait or just a date?
Recently, the former principal of Tunnell Elementary School in Santa Maria, Brookann Collier, pleaded guilty to three felony charges arising from a sexual relationship she had with a teenage girl. She reached a plea bargain that will result in her serving one year in county jail, five years on probation, and the surrender of her…
Political Watch 6-18
• U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) recently launched a new “Economic Recovery” page on her website. The additional page explains the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and allows 23rd District residents to track incoming grant and project money online. According to a press release from Capps’ office, the Congresswoman’s staff members will continue to…
Hobnobbing with Helen
The Humane Society’s annual “big” fundraiser, “A Night Amongst the Vines,” could not have been better. Set in a dazzling, bucolic venue (the Addamo Vineyards), the “Night” featured great food, great wine, a great band, and great auction items, all at a great price: Tickets cost $100 per person and $80 for members of the…
The hospital of the future is on its way
A 20-foot steel beam soars through the air above Santa Maria’s Marian Medical Center, the summer sun reflecting off it like light off a mirror. Perched atop it are an evergreen tree and an American flag. There’s no need for psychoanalysis—this isn’t a dream loaded with strange symbolism, it’s the hospital’s official “topping off” ceremony…
In the line of fire
Starting this summer, fires burning in Santa Barbara County will face staunch opposition from a new county fire chief. At a special meeting on June 10, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors announced, after a nationwide search, that it has appointed Michael Dyer as fire chief, effective Aug. 3. “The Board of Supervisors had…
Give the gift of re-gifting
The Southern California Special Olympics Program is asking community members to donate unused gift cards to help with the financial cost of running its programs. The Special Olympics is a year-round program funded directly from the community’s pocket to help give people with disabilities a chance to show their stuff and compete against other athletes…
Union protests Betteravia Center expansion, layoffs
Shouting such slogans as “Services, not buildings!” about 50 members of the Service Employees International Union-Local 620 gathered June 10 at the Betteravia Government Center to protest Santa Barbara County’s plans for an expansion to the complex. According to union member Darryl Scheck, the union is “frustrated and dismayed” that the county has budgeted $36…
Central Coast marijuana dispenser sentenced to federal prison
The owner of a now-defunct Morro Bay-based marijuana dispensary was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison on June 11, despite mandatory minimum statutes that called for a penalty of five or more years. Arroyo Grande resident Charles Lynch was convicted last summer on five counts related to growing and distributing marijuana…
Santa Barbara County supervisors approve $780 million budget, but ask how long will it stand?
After a week of emotionally charged budget hearings, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved a $780 million budget on June 12. The board also approved eliminating 146 county staff positions. Faced with a looming, multi-million-dollar deficit, the board had advised county departments to make 10 percent cuts across the board, but ended up…
Former Tunnel Elementary School principal pleads guilty to three felony sex charges
On June 11, Brookann Collier, the former principal of Tunnel Elementary School in Santa Maria, pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd acts and one of oral copulation with a minor. Collier originally pleaded not guilty in April to seven counts of sex with a minor, but changed her plea to reach a deal with…
Kids’ store opens grandly
Your Kidz Kloset, a new store offering used children’s clothing, furniture, toys, and accessories, invites locals to a grand opening on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The celebration includes an all-day raffle and a chance for kids to make their own mark by placing painted handprints on the store’s back wall. Your…
Women’s Fund announces grants
The Women’s Fund is meeting at the Santa Maria Inn on June 24 at 3 p.m. to announce the North County agencies that will receive $145,000 in grant money. Wrapping up its second year, the fund is made up of women who contribute $500 to become members, who then vote on where the collective money…
Sisk’s Martial Arts celebrates a decade
Commemorating 10 years in Santa Maria, Sisk’s Life Time Martial Arts is giving away martial arts testing, free balloons for the kids, and T-shirts to the first 50 people who come in for a free introductory lesson. Sisk’s relocated to the Santa Maria Town Center from Western Village Shopping Center on June 1. Co-owner Paul…
Trade show goes Hawaiian
To celebrate local business owners and employees getting acquainted with the community, booths and exhibitors at the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce’s 24th annual Business Trade Show will be decked out Hawaiian-style. The June 18 event is the largest trade show between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Businesses and nonprofits, large and small, will showcase…
Allan Hancock College posts fall class schedule online
Allan Hancock College posts fall class schedule online Planning to go to college in the fall? The Allan Hancock College fall 2009 class schedule is now available online at hancockcollege.edu, according to an announcement from the college. Fall semester classes begin Aug. 24. Free hard copies are also available at all college sites and various…
Community Action Commission offers free summer lunches to local children
Along with the summer season comes popsicles, watermelon, and barbecue. This summer, Santa Barbara County nonprofit Community Action Commission will take the food tradition one step further by offering free, nutritious meals to children and youth from low-income families. Community Action Commission—partnering with summer youth programs run by organizations such as the Boys and Girls…
It’s in the family
Just west of Santa Maria, between the airport and golf course, a living tribute to one family’s history does a brisk trade in aromatic edibles. Aptly named and ideally located to serve both walk-ins and area office workers, Good Neighbor Bakery offers delectable dainties, as well as hearty fare for picnics and everyday lunches. Four…
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. A “Healthy for Life Nutrition Workshop” meets for classes…
Art
THE LOS PADRES ARTIST GUILD holds its seventh annual Studio and Garden Tour and Sale featuring 10 local gardens and artists on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Santa Maria. Cost is $10 for a guidebook that admits two people. Info: 934-3433 or lospadresartistguild.com. THE CYPRESS GALLERY presents an art show featuring…
Learning
THE LIGIA DANTES FOUNDATION presents “Revisiting Questions on Unconditional Love” with Ligia Dantes on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Nipomo. Info: 343-2582 or ligiadantesfoundation.org. THE LOMPOC POLICE DEPARTMENT offers a free women’s self defense class during two nights in June at the Lompoc Police Department, 107 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc. Info:…
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
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ANIMAL CARE presents Camp HOPE (Humane Outreach through Progressive Education) featuring a weeklong camp “Pets are People, Too” for kids ages 9 to 12 June 22 through 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Maria Animal Center, 548 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria. Info: 260-2386 or sbanimalcare.org. THE 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 29 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.…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee June 19 through July 11 in the Marian Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Cost is $29.25 to $33. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA presents its production of Gold Fever at the Rough and Ready by…
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
THE KOSSUTH HOUSE CONCERT SERIES features fiddle legend Darol Anger performing with several other musicians on June 20 starting at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Kossuth House, Santa Maria. Cost is $15. Info: stillevolvingmusic.com/houseconcert. THE LOMPOC POPS ORCHESTRA presents “An Evening of Fun and Fantasy” featuring guest vocalist Heidi Jacobs on…
Special Events
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE holds its 24th annual business trade show on June 18 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg, Santa Maria. Info: 925-2403, Ext. 816, or marcy@santamaria.com. THE COTTONWOOD CANYON WINERY presents a wine tasting event featuring live music on June 19 from 5:30…
