Cover Story
The Live Oak way
Step back a few years to a time of peace, love, and music. Imagine a sun-soaked clearing and a stage filled with performers all day and night. Hundreds of people dance among shady oak trees, while children run about or get creative at art stations making tie-dyed shirts. The feeling is relaxed, there’s a sense…
Read our lips: No new taxes
Our elected state officials have no respect for us. We trusted them—we voted—yet, they seem only to seek personal gain and power. They screw up. Then, they come to us for bailouts again, and again, and again. Like little children, they run from responsibility. Are any of them mature? Dependable? This situation is sad. Our…
What are your summer plans?
Derek Hill Student “I’m going to be preparing here before I head off to college at Cal Poly.” Emma Plott Student “I’m going to be working a lot at TnT’s to pay for college this fall.” Luke Peterson Courtesy Clerk “I’m going to work and hang out with my girlfriend.” Emily Elkins Internet Junkie “I’m…
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 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 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 stroke screening sessions from 8 a.m. to noon June 4. A “Nutrition Education and Food Demonstration Summer’s Coming: Healthy Things to Eat” class is June 10 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Marian Medical Center. “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meets the first Monday of each month this…
Art
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION presents “Iron and Plastic: Alternative Photography” featuring the works of several artists, curated by John Hood June 8 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 SANTA MARIA PUBLIC…
Recreation
THE CITY OF LOMPOC PARKS, RECREATIONS, AND URBAN FORESTRY DEPARTMENT offers a “Cake Decorating-Beginning” class June 2 to 23 and 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 June 2 through…
Learning
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ANIMAL CARE FOUNDATION presents “Working Pets through Behavioral Issues” June 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Santa Maria Animal Center, 548 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria. Info: thurley200@att.net. WESTSIDE STUDIOS presents “Voice Acting for Characters—Summer Session” Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. starting June 6 and running for six…
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
BON ODORI DANCE LESSONS, in preparation for the Annual Obon Festival, are Wednesdays June 10 through July 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Cultural Center, 313 W. Tunnel St., Santa Maria. Info: Whitkawa96@comcast.net. ONGOING EVERYBODY CAN DANCE offers classes in ballet dance for ages 3 to adult. Call for schedules. Boys…
Stage
EVERY BODY CAN DANCE AND THE SANTA MARIA CIVIC BALLET presents a production of The Sleeping Beauty featuring guest director Alexei Badrak and guest dancers Alexander Smirnov and Sayat Asatryan June 6 at 7 p.m. and June 7 at 3 p.m. at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.…
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…
Special Events
THORSEN MOTORSPORTS and Santa Maria Harley Davidson presents a Bike Night BBQ and Blanket Drive in benefit of the United Way June 4 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Thorsen Motorsports and Santa Maria Harley, 2004 and 2002 Preisker Lane, Santa Maria. Info: 928-9411 or 928-3668. GUELAGUETZA is a celebration of Oaxacan culture featuring live…
Concerts
THE ST. PETERSBURG MEN’S ENSEMBLE performs its Russian sacred music and Russian folk songs June 4 at 7 p.m. at the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 877 Francine Lane, Santa Maria. Info: 543-2261 or ohowe@ytc.com. HOWLIN’ BYROON’S MUSIC EXCHANGE holds its grand opening celebration featuring live music starting at noon on June 7 at the…
ATV safety course
Youth ages 6 to 17 can receive free safety training for all-terrain vehicles during a half-day course at the Santa Maria Elks Training Range. The program, called RiderCourse, is a hands-on session from the ATV Safety Institute that includes a pre-ride inspection and teaches skills in starting and stopping, quick turning, hill riding, emergency stops,…
Bike Night raises money for United Way
Motorcycle enthusiasts can enjoy food, entertainment, bikes, and help the needy at the same time during this month’s Bike Night on June 4. The event features live music and a custom motorcycle show. A portion of the proceeds from the event’s tri-tip barbecue will be donated to the United Way and the organization will also…
Bull riding’s best storm Santa Maria
The Professional Bull Riders’ Association makes a stop in Santa Maria on June 4 to kick off the 66th annual Elks Lodge Rodeo, and some of the sport’s biggest names will participate. The rodeo is part of PBR’s U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. Challenger Tour and features such championship-caliber stars as Chad Denton, Cory Rasch, Cody…
Levi Garcia
With statewide recognition as 12th in the state for junior college golf, Levi Garcia is making quite a name for himself. Even after a difficult start to this season at Allan Hancock College, Levi has accomplished what he set out to do in the beginning of the season: go to state, compete, and walk away…
The Bleacher Bum Chronicles
I ’m not gonna lie, it’s a slow week for sports. With spring high school athletics winding down for summer break it appears this good ship has hit the doldrums, captain. But as the old Hegelian saying goes— (actually it was the president’s lackey Rahm Emanuel)—“You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.”…
Sure, corporations will take care of us
Play it again, Sam. You know the tune—it’s the one about “tax cuts.” Apparently, it’s the only song that you and Abel and the rest of the Republicans know. The State of California is breathing its last breath and the corporate vultures are circling overhead. This is what you wanted, right? “Starve the beast” and…
A message to Democrats in Sacramento
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has fought a valiant battle for the past seven years, but with a Democratic majority in the state government his efforts on behalf of taxpayers are sadly diluted. As long as the California voters continue to elect Democrats, the tax-and-spend Sacramento mentality will continue to the great detriment of the State of…
Don’t take his word for gospel
Dick Cheney is playing the no-lose blame game because there is no way to prove a negative. If there are no foreign terrorist attacks on the United States his status will be no worse than it is. If there is an attack, he will gain status with “I told you so.” It’s the same game…
A shower of flavors
Arriving on the cusp of the lazy days of summer, June reigns as the most popular month for weddings. Whether held in churches, on local beaches, or among the rows of leafy vineyards, these happy nuptials trigger a flurry of parties and showers, all requiring the careful preparation of an ample spread of delectable food.…
Santa Maria style blog-b-que
With the summer barbecue season just around the corner, the flavorful secrets of Santa Maria Style Barbecue are being shared for all to savor at a new blog: santamariavalleybbq.com. Created by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the blog has already been featured as a “best web find” on sunset.com, the website of Sunset…
Get wild up north
A few spots are available for a guided trip to see the spectacular scenery in Glacier National Park, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, along with the crew at the Wildling Art Museum in Los Olivos. The 10-day trip is scheduled for Aug. 24 to Sept. 2. Led by board president and artist Patti Jacquemain and…
Bugs, kids, and books
As you make your way into the children’s theater at the Santa Maria Public Library, a look outside might convince you you’re in another world: children at play with bugs of all sorts decorating the wall directly across from the theater. Artist Glenda Stevens’ newest mural for the library was made possible with a donation…
New perspectives
Artists are always looking for means of invention, exploring untapped frontiers in search of the original. Then again, sometimes what’s old is new again. In the latest exhibition at the Betteravia Gallery, photographers explore early, low-tech photographic methods to express themselves. The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission will present Iron and Plastic: Alternative Photography, curated…
Political Watch 6-4
• After testifying in May before the Citizens Compensation Commission, which voted to reduce California legislators’ salaries by 18 percent, Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria) immediately sent a letter to State Controller John Chiang asking that he be paid the new salary effective June 1. “Of all the cuts that are being discussed right now,…
Community Notebook 6-4
MONDAY, JUNE 8 • 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 9 • The Guadalupe City Council has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 918 Obispo…
Hobnobbing With Helen
Addamo Vineyard Texas Hold ’em Hold ’em or fold ’em? That was the big question at a Texas Hold ’em Poker Tournament held on May 23 at the Addamo Estates Vineyards Grand Ballroom. With its marble floors, sweeping staircases, and crystal chandelier, the Grand Ballroom is the most elegant of settings for any event, let…
Do good works
In recognition of National Public Works Week, Santa Barbara County Public Works Department will present an exhibit entitled “Revitalize, Reinvest, Renew,” in keeping with this year’s national theme of infrastructure renewal, revitalization, and reinvestment. Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1960, National Public Works Week calls attention…
Show us the money
Funding from the federal government’s economic stimulus plan is beginning to trickle in and Santa Maria residents will be some of the state’s biggest beneficiaries. Of the $46 million pegged for much-needed repairs to six miles of the city’s levee system, $41.6 million will be paid for by money granted from the American Recovery and…
The budget game
When California voters rejected all but one of the Legislature’s six budget-balancing propositions last month, the state’s teachers knew more cuts to education were inevitable. Not long after most of the propositions, including the three affecting education spending, failed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released his May revisions to the budget plan. According to the California Department…
Something to celebrate
Class has only been in session for a year at Orcutt Academy, but the charter school is already proving itself academically. According to a press release from the Orcutt Union School District, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently notified Orcutt Academy that it received the highest accreditation status possible for a first-year school. …
Local child-care providers ‘Spruce Up For Kids’
A total of 59 Santa Barbara County family child-care providers participated in the 9th annual Spruce Up For Kids Day on May 30. The child-care providers received small grants through the First 5 Santa Barbara County-funded Spruce Up For Kids Project to enhance the quality of their child-care programs. The participating child-care programs provided 30…
Getting to know you
Motionz owner George Majoue talks to a local eighth-grader during Orcutt Union School District’s community interview session on May 29. The interviews are developed and scheduled by the district’s junior high school English teachers to help the students feel more comfortable in a professional setting. The students are asked to present a portfolio chronicling their…
Local realtor wins award
Realtor Gary Gracia of Keller Williams Central Coast Realty was named the company’s Regional Impact Award recipient for 2008. The award is given to one realtor in the company’s California central and southern region. It recognizes the realty associate who made the most significant impact to the market through building profit share, recruiting top associates,…
New Lompoc coffee stop
Earth-friendly and health-conscious are the buzzwords for a new coffee and smoothie shop just opened in the lobby of Lompoc’s In-Shape City at 501 W. Central Avenue. “I Need Coffee” is the brainchild of a local couple, Lindsay Manzo and Joshua Cossman, who sought to open a business that would be accountable to both its…
The show must go on
During these turbulent financial times, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is in desperate need of sponsors in order to produce this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show. The show, which takes place at the Santa Maria Fairpark, will cost the city about $15,000. So far, Rabobank, the Santa Maria Times, People for Leisure…
Mayors Ball celebrates Motown
Put on your dancing shoes, kick up your heels, and enjoy 50 years of Motown sounds at the 3rd annual Mayors Ball on June 13. This year’s ball, a “Plain & Fancy” affair, takes place at the Santa Ynez Marriott in Buellton and honors all five North County mayors. The event raises money for the…
Correction
In its May 21 issue, the Sun incorrectly listed contact information for nonprofit Bringing Our Community Home. The correct contact information is bringsbcohome.org or 350-2075. News Briefs is compiled by Sun staffers from staff reporting and local and national media. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
Everything you wanted to know about integrated waste management and more
The draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Santa Maria Integrated Waste Management Facility Project is now available, according to an announcement from the city. The report can be reviewed at the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., on the second floor. A digital copy is available on the city’s website at ci.santa-maria.ca.us/207-01.shtml.…
City of Santa Maria seeks committee members
From now until July 2, the city of Santa Maria will be searching for representatives to serve on three local committees. Applications for the Block Grants Advisory Committee, Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, and the Library Board of Trustees will be accepted until 5 p.m. on the day of deadline. The city will appoint…
Local animal sanctuary seeking public’s help to save horses from slaughterhouse
Calling all horse-lovers—the Animali Farm, located on Tepusquet Road in Santa Maria, needs your help. The nonprofit animal sanctuary is looking for people willing to adopt nearly a dozen appaloosa horses. The sanctuary was recently contacted by an Alberta, Canada-based appaloosa and quarterhorse breeder who, because of medical problems, has decided to put her horses…
CA Supreme Court rejects challenges to Proposition 8, but validates existing same-sex marriages
The California Supreme Court, by a 6-1 vote, rejected a constitutional challenge to Proposition 8, the ballot initiative passed by voters last November, which stated, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” According to a press release from the Supreme Court website, the court also held that the…
Sea of black
Allan Hancock College students wait to receive their degrees during the commencement ceremony on May 29. The college awarded more than 1,000 degrees.
