Cover Story
¿Cuanto questa?
You’d have to have been living under a rock—or without a television, computer, or some other news-gathering apparatus—over the past year to have missed the hailstorm of political rhetoric regarding the costs of illegal immigration to California’s and the nation’s economies. For those of you hermit types, here’s just a snippet of the news bites…
What was your worst summer vacation?
Lauren Wise hairstylist “At the beach: I got sunburned and all of my family got a heat rash.” Kimberly Phillips hairstylist “Once I went camping and I had to walk back barefoot in my bathing suit, and it was over 100 degrees.” Jeff Thomas construction “Once I stayed at home with my family, and I…
Political Watch 06.24
On June 18, the California State Board of Equalization—the government board responsible for enforcing fair tax administration—released its annual report for 2008-09 announcing $48.4 billion in revenue collected. Also according to the report, in 2008-09 board programs collected approximately $4.7 billion less than the previous fiscal year, a decrease of 8.9 percent. Revenues collected by…
Community Notebook 06.24
MONDAY, JUNE 28 • The South County Advisory Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Nipomo Community Services District Headquarters, 148 S. Wilson St., Nipomo. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30 • The City of Santa Maria Families for the First Decade Project, a group of individuals and agencies who organize programs for the…
A better alternative?
It’s called methyl iodide, and critics say the chemical is even more toxic to humans than methyl bromide, the controversial pesticide it’s intended to replace. But barring any last minute surprises, the state’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) will soon approve its use as a fumigant on strawberries throughout California.On April 30, the DPR proposed…
A tale of two volunteers
Some people held signs, some held their pets, some held both. Some were dressed as pets holding signs, one was locked in a cage next to a sign that read: “Walk me, don’t cage me.” Cars honked, people cheered—quite a bit of commotion for a Saturday morning in Buellton. A protest rally against the Santa…
Local union ramps up community service efforts
Every once in a while, the local Carpenter’s Union likes to help those who are in need. It’s done without the cameras of a television show, but the passion for assisting those in dire situations is unmatched by such television shows. And this passion for helping is apparent in the motive for Carpenter’s Union 1800’s…
Montebello bill sails through Assembly
The California Assembly on June 3 unanimously passed a bill authored by Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee that aims to kickstart an assessment of an underwater threat: the oil tanker Montebello, which sits less than seven miles off the coast of Cambria, just south of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and 900 feet below the ocean…
Measure for measure
Frustrated by the ongoing funding cuts made to his department, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown is proposing the Board of Supervisors approve a half-cent sales tax for the Nov. 2 ballot. If approved by voters, the revenue raised would go toward constructing a North County jail and other public safety costs. Brown was scheduled…
Dudley takes over the reins as new county DA
A contentious Santa Barbara County District Attorney race culminated in an exultant swearing-in ceremony for Joyce Dudley at the June 22 Board of Supervisors meeting in Santa Barbara. Flanked by her husband John, mother Norma and two of her sons, Dudley took the oath of office from county Superior Court Judge Frank Ochoa, who introduced…
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…
Health
THE PISMO BEACH MEDICAL CENTER presents an “Open House” event June 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2 James Way, Pismo Beach. Info: 614-9799. 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,…
Art
THE LOMPOC VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION presents the art of Richard Axline through June 27 at the Cypress Gallery, 119 East Cypress Ave., Lompoc. Info: 736-0489 or abkazoo@aol.com. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the mixed media art of Juan Manuel Perez Salazar through June 30 in the Shepard Hall Gallery at the library, 421 S…
Learning
A BEGINNING SEWING CLASS is taught by Linda Todd Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. starting June 28 and running through July 19. Cost is $40 for four two-hour classes. Info: 922-1784. WORTH THE DRIVE THE C GALLERY presents “‘Running with Sticks’: Encouraging Risk in Figure Art”, a three-day workshop with Joanne Beaule…
Recreation
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department offers “Free Swim Days” June 27, July 25, and Aug. 23 at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, 516 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. An Adult Lap Swim is through Aug. 14, a Recreation Swim through Aug. 15, and Junior Lifeguard Classes begin June 28 all at the…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION offers 2010 Fall Registration for its soccer league June 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. THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA…
Dance Lessons
OBON DANCE PRACTICE in preparation for the Obon Festival is Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 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 Lompoc and…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of Sylvia directed by Patricia M. Troxel June 24 through July 3 at the Marian Theatre, Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. Cost is $26.25 through $30. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. THE POETRY SOCIETY OF SANTA MARIA invites all to read poetry, sing songs, or just express…
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
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA presents its annual “Concerts in the Park” featuring a live performance by the Solomon Creek Band June 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Preisker Park, 330 Hidden Pines Way, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 157, or ci.santa-maria.ca.us/3087.shtml. THE LOMPOC MUSIC ASSOCIATION presents the Central Coast Choral Artists performing their…
Special Events
COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN CARING present the 10th annual Clergy Waiters’ Night titled “The Big Musical” June 26 starting at 5 p.m. Community Partners in Caring, 111 N. Vine St., Santa Maria. Cost is $60. Info: 925-8000 or ashley@partnerinscaring.org. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Free Movie Nights @ the Library” featuring a screening of…
On the west side
Tickets are now available for PCPA’s production of West Side Story, the Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents story about Maria and Tony, a Romeo-and-Juliet-styled couple fighting for their love in the face of racism and rival gangs. West Side Story features guest artists Mindy Lym and Zachary Ford as Maria and Tony, George…
Kid drama
For children who want to hone their acting chops over the summer, Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department and the Discovery Museum have announced the first ever “Discovery Drama Camp” for kids ages 6 to 12. From July 5 to 22, kids who are registered will learn theater technique, choreography, singing, and performance skills under…
Lovely lupines
Sometimes volunteer work can be dirty. Then again, sometimes it’s a walk in the park, as in the case of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, where it’s actually a walk in a state park. Home to an abundance of unique plants—many that grow only in the dunes—and unique vistas, the dunes host a fragile ecosystem. That’s where…
Chill out
Ask any kid what he likes best about summer and he will inevitably mention something having to do with water. Whether it’s going to the beach, the pool, or simply running through the sprinklers, it’s a kid’s favorite way to cool off—second to the ice cream parlor. To kick off summer this year, we packed…
Derby drama
Summertime is upon us, which means one thing at my house: All American Soap Box Derby. This is the time of year when I spend every waking moment in the garage trying not to puncture my own hand with a nail gun as I attempt to build the world’s fastest gravity-powered racecar. Wait, I meant…
Dunes Center needs summer volunteers
The Guadalupe Dunes Center is currently looking for high school Counselors in Training (CITs) for Fun in the Sun, a summer enrichment program for middle school students from sixth through ninth grades. The position involves helping the site coordinator and program leaders with instruction and providing logistical support when needed. To qualify, applicants must be…
McCune Foundation announces grants
The McCune Foundation, a grassroots organization dedicated to building social capital, announced the contribution of nearly $350,000 for community organizing and social justice initiatives in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The organization made 17 grants this year including grants in the Santa Maria area to Conflict Solutions Center, Cuyama Christian Academy, Future Leaders of America,…
WEV recognizes program graduates
Following 14 weeks of training, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recognized 94 graduates of the group’s Self-Employment Training and Business Plan during a ceremony at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara. Of those, 20 hailed from Santa Maria and the Northern Santa Barbara County area. During the ceremony, Citi Foundation also presented a check for…
Bank changes name, adds Santa Maria branch
San Luis Obispo-based American Principle Bank recently announced a name change to American Perspective Bank and the opening of a new branch office in Santa Maria. The change was completed June 10. American Perspective hasn’t made any changes to infrastructure or personnel and will continue to use the same phone numbers and mailing addresses. No…
Time to register for fall classes
The Allan Hancock College fall 2010 Schedule at a Glance is now available online at hancockcollege.edu, and copies were recently mailed to all district residences, the college recently announced in a press release. Free copies are also available at all Hancock sites and many community locations, including most libraries, post offices, and chambers of commerce.…
Get stepping stones to a good education
The Santa Maria Valley YMCA’s Stepping Stones Center now has openings for infants ages six weeks to 18 months. The child-care center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers a child-to-staff ratio of three to one. Teachers are CPR and first aid-certified and the center is licensed and accredited…
Finally, success at the Capitol!
Talk of California’s budget problems and educational cuts was put on hold June 17 so elected officials could join Comcast representatives in recognizing winners of the company’s Leaders and Achievers Scholarship on the steps of the California Capitol. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell spoke about the importance of education and helped Comcast distribute…
James Brooks
James Brooks has traveled quite a long way to play baseball—all the way from the sunny land of Australia. Brooks started playing baseball at 17, but he had been playing softball since he was around 5 because his brother and sister were playing. “[Softball and baseball] are minority sports in Australia,” said Brooks, who has…
Summer soccer camp wants you!
It’s poised to be a World Cup summer, and Catalyst Soccer and Cal Poly, SLO Mustang Soccer are combining their efforts to help inspire youth soccer players in Orcutt and Santa Maria. Two week-long soccer camps will be held locally, directed by the coaches and players of the Cal Poly men’s and women’s soccer programs…
Packers hold a Texas Hold ‘Em tourney
If you know when to hold ’em, and when to fold ’em, the Santa Maria Valley Packers want you to join ’em for a poker fundraising event on June 26. Organizers will be giving away a 50-inch plasma TV and a poker bracelet to the night’s big winner. Other prizes include a 42-inch TV, a…
An incredible ‘journey’
On June 16, a group of 25 spandex-clad cyclists rode into the parking lot of the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, welcomed by members and athletes of the Northern Santa Barbara chapter of the Special Olympics. The “friendship visit” by the riders was the latest stop on their 4,000-mile “Journey of Hope,” a cross-country trek that…
Do do that vuvu that you do so well
When I first heard it, I thought a swarm of bees had moved in. “Call a bee-keeper,” I yelled to my husband. “We’ve been invaded by bees.” “That’s not bees, Love! That’s vuvuzelas!” he chuckled. Vuvu-wah? “They’re plastic horns the supporters are blowing at the Cup games,” he continued nonchalantly. Oh, God. The World Cup…
Manny’s is the name
The buzz builds as locals count the days until the grand re-opening of Manny’s, a beloved purveyor of fine Mexican food in the Santa Ynez Valley. Much to the delight of friends and fans, the Tovalin family is back in the culinary game. On Thursday, July 1, the new Manny’s opens its doors in Denmarket…
