Cover Story
Out of ammo
Ammunition suppliers and manufacturers seem to be running short on the bread-and-butter of their trade these days. If gun shops aren’t already completely out of stock, they’re hawking bullets for about $1.50 each, depending on the caliber. Customers at Range Master of Santa Maria have had reason to balk—or at least raise their eyebrows—at such…
How did you celebrate the beginning of summer?
Ashley Hylton mother/housewife “I went and played volleyball with my friends. … We suck.” Tyler Mugg student “I went to a mewithoutYou concert and met Aaron Weiss.” Tim Mugg driver “I went to a mewithoutYou concert as well.” Janelle Harter Crossroads Junior High School administrative assistant “I went to my Bible study group, and it…
Political Watch 6-25
• Need a loan for your small business? U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) recently announced that many local small business owners might be eligible for interest-free loans under a new program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) program allows small firms to take out loans of up to…
Community Notebook 6-25
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 • The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room, 123 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. The agenda is available at co.santa-barbara.ca.us. • The Santa Maria Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall,…
Allan Hancock College offers free food programs at campus children’s center
As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program, Allan Hancock College is now offering free meals to all children enrolled at the Santa Maria campus’ Children’s Center at 800 S. College Drive. Eligibility is determined by household income. To be eligible, families also mustn’t receive Food Stamps, or aid…
It’s orientation time
New Bulldogs—listen up: All students attending Allan Hancock College for the first time this fall are required to attend an orientation. The one-hour sessions are scheduled throughout the summer, with Mega Orientations scheduled for Aug. 6 in Santa Maria and Aug. 13 in Lompoc. Both sessions run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The orientations…
Local schools: Here come the funds
Not a moment too soon, the Santa Maria-Bonita School District has received a sizable portion of the funds promised it through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. School officials announced the news on June 15. The district will use almost $4.3 million to restore dozens of district programs, rehire 20 or so teachers, and hire…
New grant will help Spanish-speakers with mental illness
The Santa Maria Recovery Learning Community (formerly known as The Hub) will soon be able to provide mental health services to a broader demographic in the community, thanks to a grant of more than $8,000 from the city of Santa Maria’s Community Development Block Grant program. The grant will help fund the recovery support program…
Revised tow agreement halts plans for a municipal impound lot
As a result of a revised Tow Service Agreement (TSA) reached between the city and tow truck companies, plans for a city-owned-and-operated impound lot have been scrapped. The compromise came as a relief to tow yard owners and truck operators, who feared that the proposed project would have cost them 80 percent of their business.…
Grand jury report says SBCAG needs to take action
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) has received a failing grade, following a review by the 2008-09 Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury. According to a report released on June 11, SBCAG has shown in its reports and decisions “a lack of regional land use planning and coordination, a disproportionate emphasis on transportation,…
Santa Barbara County joins the fight to block state access to gas tax funds
The California Legislature’s pending decision to take cities’ and counties’ gas tax money statewide would have a “devastating impact” on the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department, according to department director Scott McGolpin. On June 23, McGolpin presented his findings before the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. The state, he said, is proposing to…
Bringing Our Community Home presents two-year progress report on its effort to end homelessness
It’s only been two years and already community members involved with Bring Our Community Home: The 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Santa Barbara County have managed to move hundreds of chronically homeless individuals and families off the streets and into permanent housing. During a press conference on June 17, Bringing Our Community Home…
Recycle your old electronics
As part of a public service campaign, Great American Self Storage of Santa Maria is collecting electronics to keep them out of landfills. So far this year, the company has collected and forwarded for recycling more than 8,450 pounds of computers, monitors, printers, and television sets. Santa Maria and Orcutt residents can drop off their…
Local mom launches website
Busy North County parents now have an online resource for planning activities and connecting with other parents, thanks to a new website launched by a local mother of seven. Michele Daniels started northsbcounty parent.com to help parents research schools, camps, and classes quickly and easily. It features coupons and discounts from local businesses, monthly contests,…
Foundation awards charity grants
The Santa Barbara Foundation’s Katherine Harvey Fellows recently awarded grants to two groups in the Santa Maria area. Good Samaritan Shelter, which provides emergency services to the homeless and people in recovery in Santa Maria Valley, received a $20,000 grant. Growing Grounds Farm Santa Maria, which combines horticultural therapy with vocational training to provide mentally…
Guadalupe restaurant earns accolades
Sunset Magazine named Guadalupe’s historic Far Western Tavern as one of the West’s “Top 10 Barbecue Joints” in its June 2009 issue. The restaurant is considered a landmark of the 150-year tradition of Santa Maria-style barbecue and has been owned by the Minetti-Righetti family since 1958. It specializes in dishes reflecting Swiss-Italian ranch heritage, including…
Matt Hartin
After a successful stint as the starting shortstop for St. Joseph High School, Matt Hartin ended his Knights’ career as a king. On June 3, coaches named Hartin the Los Padres League’s Most Valuable Player for the Spring 2009 season after the graduating senior hit .328 with 10 RBIs and a team-leading three homeruns. For…
Boater education classes go online
California residents now have an easier and more convenient way to obtain a state boater education card—from the comfort of home. Boaterexam.com is an interactive boating education course that covers all of the state’s exam requirements and is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.…
Hancock courses teach recreational management
The Central Coast is a haven for sports and other outdoor activities, and Allan Hancock College is offering classes for people interested in job opportunities in the fields of recreation and hospitality. The four recreation management classes are: introduction to recreation management; recreation leadership; recreation programming; and recreational sports programming. Several of the classes will…
Gentlemen’s (and ladies’) club
Truth be told, lawn bowling is tougher than it looks. Rolling a weighted ball of hard rubber across 80 feet of artificial turf and attempting to come within inches of a white marker may seem like child’s play, but it’s actually quite challenging—and addicting. “It’s an easy game to learn, but hard to master,” said…
Remember our common goal
I have the privilege to have a best friend who is Iranian. I have many times heard about the struggles that the people of Iran suffer through on a daily basis. It is no secret to us, what is going on in that country, especially after the events of the election. Last night, we were…
Maybe a voluntary wage decrease would help
The state of California budget is at least $21 billion in the red, according to our governor. Educators are being laid off or put on leave due to the budget shortfall. People are so unhappy in California that many are moving to other states. Industries are moving to states where taxation is less burdensome. Our…
How did we survive so long without the fearmongers?
Both the media and universities have discovered that the most profitable enterprise is to generate and perpetuate fear. The present big effort is to convince the public that people are responsible for weather change, and that sometime in the future we will suffer from oceans rising, famine, and a lot of problems and losses they…
Vandalism gives us all a bad name
I have to comment on the recent filth I saw after the wonderful event the beloved Santa Maria Elks hosted. It makes our community look awful, and it is the work of most likely one individual. It is the vandalism of private and public property. If someone is interested in getting their name out on…
Protect Californians: Stop the severe cuts
We all know the recession has hit California hard and our state budget is reeling. But it will only stunt California’s recovery to drain $24 billion from the state’s economy, as the governor’s latest budget proposes. What’s more, it will be harder for struggling Californians to get back on their feet because the cuts target…
Blooming fun
About a century ago, a group of dynamic ladies formed the Alpha Literary and Improvement Club of Lompoc, dedicated to the discussion of culture, literature, music, and history. In 1922, they staged their first flower show, an event that now lies at the heart of the Lompoc Valley Flower Festival. Slated for June 24 through…
Young performers get ready to sing
An Allan Hancock College graphic design student submitted the winning logo design in the collegiate division of the Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County logo contest. Roberta C. Gardner designed her winning submission under the instruction of Roger Kutz. Gardner, who also received a $300 scholarship for the win, worked with the…
Get groovy at the fair
Tickets for the Santa Barbara County Fair are now available. The 118th annual event with the theme “It’s a Groovy Time in 2009” will run July 15 though 19 at the Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg in Santa Maria. Pre-sale tickets are on sale until July 12 at Rabobank branches in Santa Maria, Orcutt, Guadalupe, and…
Hitting the highway
At any one time, approximately 4.5 million people drive up and down Highway 101, one of the last remaining and longest U.S. routes still active in the state. Most of those drivers are traveling to and from business. About 30 percent of them are searchers, roadtrippers seeking the Holy Grail of roadtrippery: the story to…
A Bee-utiful thing
A stuttering, pre-pubescent boy stands in front of the microphone. Nervously, he wipes the gleaming sweat from his brow and takes a gulp of air. “Mr. Coneybear, your word is ‘acouchi,’” barks the announcer. “Acouchi?” the boy snickers bashfully. “In a spelling bee?” The young speller pauses and, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye,…
Snore no more
My wife says when I sleep, I snore. Frankly, I’ve never heard it. And since I’ve never actually witnessed any proof about my snoring, I don’t believe her. For years now my wife has been complaining about my snoring keeping her awake. And for years I’ve essentially called her a liar. I don’t know why…
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
THE OLDE TOWN NIPOMO MARKETPLACE presents a barbecue featuring the Far Western Tavern, local produce and plants, and live music June 28 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Adobe Plaza, Old Town Nipomo. Info: chrysl28@yahoo.com. ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway…
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. A “Healthy for Life Nutrition Workshop” meets for classes July 7 and 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Marian Medical Center is located at 1400…
Art
THE CYPRESS GALLERY presents an art show featuring the works of Vicki and Gil Andersen in the Centeno gallery through June at the Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress, Lompoc. Info: 737-1129. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Stripe and Sparkie’s Nature Adventures,” a story-telling exhibit of paintings and photographs by Michael Corob and Jeanne Sparks…
Learning
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: 736-2341 or dri os@ci.lompoc.ca.us. LUCIA MAR ADULT EDUCATION offers a variety of classes through the summer. Registration and class info is available at lmusd.org or 474-3900. WORTH THE…
Recreation
LIFE TIME MARTIAL ARTS holds a belt rank testing on June 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Center Court of the Santa Maria Town Center, Santa Maria. Info: 928-5681. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT presents a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Las Flores Ranch Park on June…
Kids & Family
THE PISMO BEACH YOUTH THEATER presents a musical theater production class for kids, featuring a production of High School Musical, running June 30 through Aug. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the temple, 1501 E Alvin Ave., Santa Maria. Info: 471-4976 or pismobeachyouththeater.com. THE SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARK DEPARTMENT offers an “Intro at…
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
WONHEART STUDIOS presents “A Disney Show for Kids,” featuring Gale McNeeley on June 28 at 3 p.m. at 127 W. Boone St., Santa Maria. Info: 714-1025. PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee through July 11 in the Marian Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Cost is $29.25 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. to…
Concerts
THE SANTA MARIA TOWN CENTER MALL hosts a concert featuring the Candle Light Strings on June 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Center Court, Santa Maria Town Center, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0412 or georgem@impulse.net. THE LOMPOC MUSIC ASSOCIATION presents a concert featuring the Central Coast Choral Artists directed by David Hensley June 28…
Special Events
WINNERS OF OFF-LEASH FREEDOM (WOOF) presents WoofStock at Waller, featuring off-leash fun and vendors on June 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Waller Park, Santa Maria. Info: 878-4010. ST. ANDREWS METHODIST CHURCH presents a “gourmet” spaghetti dinner, featuring a silent auction, bake sale, raffles, and live music by Coastal Voices on June 27…
