Cover Story
Locals see red over photo enforcement
Less than three years after Santa Maria’s red light photo enforcement program began, the cameras and strobe lights are gone from the intersections where they once perched. All that remains are the poles to which they were attached—for now. On Feb. 22, as workers removed video and photo equipment from two intersections, the city was…
How do you feel about red light cameras?
Jesie Uribe sales representative “They probably reduce red light runs and accidents. I’m sure, though, if they weren’t there people would always run red lights.” Rick Barretto painter “I think that it’s a beautiful thing for our safety, but it is nice to see them go.” Rachele Uribe preschool teacher assistant “I don’t like them…
Political Watch 3.04
The leader of a local grassroots group recently had her e-mail hacked and has since received calls from friends asking if she is in some financial trouble. In an e-mail to the media, Dianne Howes reported, “My e-mail address was stolen. Do not send money. I am fine!” Howes added that the technical glitch won’t…
Community Notebook 3.04
MONDAY, MARCH 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, MARCH 9 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s…
Breakfast club helps VTC
Vocational Training Center (VTC) Enterprises of Santa Maria is planning to build a new facility on its property off of A Street. The effort recently got a big financial boost from the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club. Rotary members presented a check for $25,000 to VTC representatives at a special event on Feb. 26. The…
A minus for the Plus program?
Before entering foster care at age 17, Tamera Richardson spent a large portion of her life—about 10 years—taking care of her mother and two younger siblings. Richardson struggled to ensure her siblings were clothed and fed; she cleaned the house, cooked, and made sure everyone got to school on time. The children eventually found their…
Kicking butts
Think that kid looking to buy a pack of cigarettes is just thinking of starting up a new habit? Think again—especially in light of recently released information from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. Underage decoys, working with the Sheriff’s Department, went into retail establishments throughout the county in an attempt to purchase tobacco…
Santa Maria’s Strawberry Queen contest is now open
Ever dreamed of being queen for a day? How about a whole year? Those are the questions being posed by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce as part of its quest for a 2010 Strawberry Queen. The contest is open to girls ages 5 to 18. To participate, each girl must sell as many…
Santa Maria Police Department investigates a bank fraud case
Locals be warned: The Santa Maria Police Department has received word of another bank scam. According to police reports, an elderly resident of the Santa Maria Valley recently got a phone call from a man claiming to be employed by the Bank of America security/fraud department. The caller is said to have sounded like an…
Armijo sentenced to 90 days in jail
An ongoing legal battle between Santa Barbara County and a former employee has finally come to an end—for now, at least. On March 1, former 5th District supervisorial aide Gilbert Armijo was sentenced to 90 days in county jail as part of a felony perjury case. The 58-year-old was arrested on suspicion of driving under…
Local man charged with grand theft, check forgery
Santa Maria’s John Thomas Glines appeared in Santa Barbara County Superior Court on March 1, pleading not guilty to charges he embezzled more than $300,000 from his former business associates. Glines, 41, was arraigned on six felony counts: four counts of grand theft and two counts of multiple check forgery. According to a formal complaint…
Poor air quality in Nipomo Mesa linked to off-road vehicles
It’s official: Off-road recreational vehicles are messing with the air quality of the Nipomo Mesa. That’s according to a scientific study by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution District, released Feb. 22. High levels of coarse airborne particles—small enough to breathe in—are the root cause of the problem, and they’re not necessarily vehicle exhaust…
Delta High School gets top honors from United Blood Services
United Blood Services has given its first-ever school club award to a group of students from Delta High School for organizing a blood drive earlier this year. The high school’s community service club was randomly selected to receive the $250 award based on nominations submitted by schools in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Barbara…
Community members will serve as principals for a day
Ever wonder as a child what it would be like to be principal for a day? On March 10, 40 local business and community leaders will make that daydream a reality at public and private school campuses throughout the Santa Maria Valley. The Principal For a Day event allows community members to spend the morning…
Publisher to address conference
The publisher of a prominent weekly business journal will discuss the future of industry and manufacture on the Central Coast at an upcoming Manufacturers Association meeting on March 23. Henry Dubroff, publisher of the Pacific Coast Business Times, will be the event’s keynote speaker. The meeting will be held at Hardy Diagnostics, located at 1430…
WEV receives $10,000 gift
Women’s Economic Ventures announced Rabobank North America has awarded the group a $10,000 gift to support its new Thrive-in-Five program. Rabobank North America Executive Vice President Donald Toussaint, Senior Vice President Fred Mendez, and Vice President Ida Pointer-Gomez presented the check to WEV’s founder, Marsha Bailey, at the group’s Santa Barbara offices. WEV offers business…
Red Cross names development director
The Santa Barbara County chapter of the American Red Cross recently welcomed Brad Vartan to the organization as the group’s new director of development. Vartan has previously held several fundraising and development positions, including associate vice president of development for the Museum of Latin American Art, major gifts account manager for United Way of Orange…
Conference talks cap and trade
The cap and trade bill, and the legislation’s demands on small businesses and industry, will be the topics of a conference hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce on March 16. Roy Perez, vice chairman of the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a small business advocate, will be the event’s featured speaker.…
How to make NASCAR interesting
Some people don’t see the attraction of watching a NASCAR race on television. I think the most common mistake people make the first time they tune into a NASCAR event is that they’re not drunk. You’re not supposed to drink and drive, but it’s a requirement to drink and watch other people drive on TV.…
Search for the Stars wants you
Auditions for the Clark Center Search for the Stars Competition will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on March 13 at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande. Twenty-five acts will be selected to compete in the semi-finals of the competition on April 18. Five local theater and music professionals—including Erik…
Drawing classes resume
Friday Nite Figure Drawing will resume at the C Gallery on March 5, running from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 466 Bell St. in Los Alamos. MFA artist Ken Doud will provide individual, personalized instruction where needed or requested. Settle in with some wine and get drawing. Enrollment is month by month and costs $200.…
Get your strings by candlelight
The Santa Maria Town Center mall will be host to the Candlelight Strings on March 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Macy’s Court Stage. Bette Byers founded the group, which offers a wide variety of music. Strolling musicians perform Gypsy music—with Iranian Jewish weddings as one of their specialties—and chamber ensembles present soloists,…
Colorful Sun
The Santa Maria Sun is a little more colorful these days thanks to artists at the Town Center Gallery, who have given three Sun newspaper racks the artistic touch. The freshly decorated racks join several that were painted last year by art students from Allan Hancock College and placed throughout the city. Hattie Stoddard, of…
Mazel tov!
Never ask drama class students about their favorite theater production. Weston Scott and Keihla Rivera of Righetti and Robert Rancano and Kirsten Appel of Pioneer Valley high schools recently sat outside the hall of Righetti’s drama room and demonstrated exactly why. “Fiddler on the Roof is in my top five,” Rivera said. “I thought Little…
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 Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. in the Shepard Hall…
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…
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…
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
SANSUM CLINIC offers a cholesterol management class on March 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. A “Diabetes Essentials” class is March 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. Sansum Clinic is located 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Info: 737-8700. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a…
Art
THE LOMPOC VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION presents local photographer Robert Hamilton’s exhibition “People, Places, and Pleasures” through March 28 at the Cypress Gallery, 119 East Cypress Ave., Lompoc. An opening reception is March 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the gallery. Info: 737-1129. COFFEE AND COMPANY presents the art of Terrence McConnell through March 31…
Learning
THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION holds a new wish granter training on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Santa Maria. Applications are available online at: tri-counties.wish.org. WORTH THE DRIVE CAL POLY presents, as part of its “Provocative Perspectives” series, professor Linda Vanasupa and her lecture “The Crumbling of our Scientific View of…
Recreation
WORTH THE DRIVE BALANCED LIVING AYURVEDA presents a daytime retreat featuring an Ayurveduc cleanse and Yin Yoga classes March 11 through 14 in Arroyo Grande. Cost is $175, which includes meals. Deadline to register is March 5. Info: 440-4561 or holly@balancedlivingayurveda.com. ONGOING A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE with four-on-four…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA offers rookie sports basketball for kids ages 3 to 5 on Wednesdays March 10 through April 7 at the YMCA, 3400 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Deadline to register is March 5. Cost is $63, $48 for members. Info: 937-8521. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department, offer an…
Dance Lessons
ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and Thursdays in Grover Beach. Info: 709-4686 or BlueMoonHaven.com. COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE CLASSES by Jeannette and Henry are Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. for country two-step lessons and from 8 to 9 p.m.…
Stage
CABRILLO HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS presents its production of Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m. on March 5 and at 2 p.m. on March 6 at Cabrillo High School, Lompoc. Cost is $15 at the door. Info: Fritsche.jennifer@lusd.org or cabrillohighschoolchoiranddrama.com. KITCHEN WITCHES is a comedic dinner theater production March 20, April 17, May 8, and May 29…
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 TOY ZOO AND ANYTHING EDUCATIONAL TOO presents a free kids concert featuring Nina Ryne on March 6 at 11 a.m. at the shop at 1930 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 352-0123 or mcanigiula@verizon.net. THE SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY presents the Candlelight Strings in concert on March 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the…
Special Events
SANTA MARIA ROTARY SOUTH holds its annual “Santa Maria Has Talent” competition, hosted by Roxanne Ventriglia, March 4, 5, and 6 at the Santa Maria Veteran’s Hall, Santa Maria. Info: 937-8910 or santmariatalent@live.com. ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents its International Film Series featuring a screening of A Man Without a Past on March 5 at 6:30…
Diablo is too much of a gamble
I attended one of the recent meetings held by the NRC regarding re-licensing the Diablo nuclear power plant. My question was concerning the fact that radioactive tritium has been found mysteriously leaking from nuclear plants and ending up in groundwater in nearby towns. I did not speak up as the subject was previously mentioned by…
This budget requires courageous board members
The county is facing a $40 million dollar deficit and the vast majority of it is due to personnel retirement and benefit costs. In the private world the fix would be easy: You pare back those benefits. The Board of Supervisors have now come to the long-feared day of reckoning and must stand up to…
There are too many people
Excellent pictures and coverage of the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge (“To barricade or not to barricade?” Feb. 18). Rather than wasting money trying to prevent folks from jumping off, select the best spot and put up a large sign: JUMP HERE. We have had 5 billion more people added to our fragile planet in just…
A barrier wouldn’t really impact the view
I think everyone, especially Mr. McGinnes, who opposes the suicide barrier, should be required to go on the search and recovery of the jumpers (“To barricade or not to barricade?” Feb. 18). I think their first experience with the body of the jumper would change their minds. If not the first, then the second and…
Christine Stanko
Thanks to a few bare-knuckle portrayals of roller derby skaters in popular culture, participants have been labeled with a cliché of being careless about whether they win or not and having needs like that of a rabid dog. That’s not what Ruff Rollerz jammer Christine “Ruby WreckHer” Stanko is like. In fact, the reality is…
Have Hart, will travel
Sure, I could have stayed home to watch the final night of the Olympics, but when it comes to revivals of old-time entertainment, I’ll always go with the Romans. Today’s gladiators, however, aren’t armed with Neptune’s trident, but with a steel chair. I kicked the night off by standing in line and reminiscing with someone…
Expo run raises money for obesity prevention
The producers of the SLO County Health and Fitness Expo’s 5k Run announced the donation of $1,000 to benefit the Community Health Centers’ Teen Obesity Prevention Program. Representatives of Simply Clear Marketing said the donation would provide 15 scholarships for needy students to participate in the program. Currently, 600 students in northern Santa Barbara and…
Hancock basketball players earn Conference honors
Though both Allan Hancock College basketball teams struggled in 2010, four players took home Western State Conference Honorable Mention honors. Conference officials selected freshmen Chrissy Bessermin and guard Ashley Bonenfant from the women’s team and picked sophomores Darion Capers and Sean Kelly to represent the men’s team. Bonenfant, a guard from Cabrillo High, averaged 13.7…
Spring eats
This year, Santa Barbara County’s restaurateurs prove that March needn’t be limited to a single celebration of all things green. In venturing beyond the corned beef and cabbage of St. Patrick’s Day, they promise to deliver a variety of edibles guaranteed to delight Scandinavians, sushi fans, beef-eaters, and foodies of all stripes. Beginning March 14,…
